Electro-Mechanical Design Engineering: A Progress Report and Future Directions for Mechatronics Education

2002 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuf Altintas ◽  
Elizabeth A. Croft
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Cooperative Education ◽  
Computer Control ◽  
Design Engineering ◽  
Graduate Courses ◽  
Industrial Training ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Control Units ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The University

The Electro-Mechanical Design Engineering programme has been in place as a five-year combined interdisciplinary programme in mechanical and electronics engineering at the University of British Columbia since 1994. The students take almost all mechanical and most of the core electronics engineering courses during the first four years. They spend at least two four-month-long summer terms in industry as cooperative education students, where they receive training in practical design, drafting, manufacturing and instrumentation. The fifth year is dedicated to the complete design and manufacturing of a computer controlled machine in industry. Teams of students design the complete mechanical system with actuators, sensors and computer control units under the joint supervision of a faculty member and a qualified engineer designated by the sponsoring company. Upon the completion and testing of the full electro-mechanical machine and four graduate courses, the students receive a Bachelor and Master of Engineering in Electro-Mechanical Engineering. The Electro-Mechanical students receive academic and industrial training in mechanical, electronics and software engineering, and are in high demand in industry and academia upon graduation. The present status and future of this programme, including the proposed expansion of the programme to the M.A.Sc. Degree (currently under faculty review), is discussed.

Using Team-Based Learning to Improve Learning and the Student Experience in a Mechanical Design Course

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M. Ostafichuk ◽  
H. F. Machiel Van der Loos ◽  
James Sibley
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Mechanical Design ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Teaching Evaluations ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Team Based Learning ◽  
Mechanical Components ◽  
Multiple Choice Exam ◽  
Course Format ◽  
The University

In 2008, a design course on mechanical components (MECH 325) at the University of British Columbia was converted from a conventional lecture-based format to a team-based learning (TBL) format. The MECH 325 course is content-rich and covers the characteristics, uses, selection, and sizing of common mechanical components (including gears, flexible drives, bearings, and so on). With the shift in course format to TBL, student performance on exams as well as responses to teaching evaluations and course surveys all indicate an improvement in the students’ perception of the course and student learning. Specifically, performance on multiple choice exam questions from different years (remaining similar in both style and difficulty) increased by 17%. Likewise, on official University teaching evaluations over a five-year period, students rated the TBL version of the course as having a reduced workload, seeming less advanced, seeming more relevant, and being more interesting. On informal course surveys, 76% of students on average indicated they felt the various elements of TBL were effective towards the course aims. Finally, from instructor observations, the shift to TBL has resulted in increased student engagement and collaboration, and an increased emphasis on higher-level learning, such as application, synthesis, and judgment.

Mohs' Micrographic Surgery in Canada: Current Pattern of Practice

1997 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-142
Author(s):  
Daniel Berg ◽  
J. Alastair Carruthers ◽  
Laurence M. Warshawski
Keyword(s):  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Mohs Micrographic Surgery ◽  
Micrographic Surgery ◽  
Current Pattern ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Secondary Intention ◽  
Skin Cancers ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The University ◽  
Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers

Background: Nonmelanoma skin cancers are the commonest human malignancies. Mohs' micrographic surgery is an important treatment for difficult nonmelanoma skin cancers. Little data exist on the use of this technique in Canada. Objective: Our study was to document the modern practice pattern of Mohs' micrographic surgery, with an evaluation of the types of tumours treated and the disposition of patients following tumour excision. Methods: Data were collected prospectively on 410 patients who received Mohs' micrographie surgery for 464 skin cancers at the University of British Columbia. Results: Eighty-one percent of defects were dealt with immediately by the micrographie surgeon with local flaps, skin grafts, primary closure, or healing by secondary intention. Nineteen percent were referred out for repair. Almost all cases referred out had pre-arrangements for repair within 24 hours. Conclusions: In a modern micrographie surgery unit, most patients are managed as outpatients in one setting, and delayed reconstructions are uncommon. Using a multidisciplinary approach, patients requiring referral are usually repaired within 24 hours by a consultant surgeon who is already aware of the patient.

scholarly journals Senior medical students’ awareness of radiation risks from common diagnostic imaging examinations

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e31-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Scali ◽  
John Mayo ◽  
Savvas Nicolaou ◽  
Michael Kozoriz ◽  
Silvia Chang
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Diagnostic Imaging ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Radiation Hazards ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Effects Of Radiation ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The University

Background: Senior medical students represent future physicians who commonly refer patients for diagnostic imaging studies that may involve ionizing radiation. The radiology curriculum at the University of British Columbia provides students with broad-based knowledge about common imaging examinations. The purpose of this study was to investigate students’ awareness of radiation exposures and risks.Methods: An anonymous multiple-choice cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed to final year medical students to assess knowledge of radiation from common diagnostic examinations and radiation-related risks following completion of the longitudinal radiology curriculum, carried out over the four years of medical training.Results: Sixty-three of 192 eligible students participated (33% response rate). The majority felt that knowledge of radiation doses of common imaging examinations is somewhat or very important; however, only 12% (N = 8) routinely discuss radiation-related risks with patients. While all respondents recognized children as most sensitive to the effects of radiation, only 24% (N = 15) correctly identified gonads as the most radiation-sensitive tissue. Almost all respondents recognized ultrasound and MRI as radiation free modalities. Respondents who correctly identified the relative dose of common imaging examinations in chest x-ray equivalents varied from 3-77% (N = 2 – 49); the remaining responses were largely underestimates. Finally, 44% (N = 28) correctly identified the excess risk of a fatal cancer from an abdominal CT in an adult, while the remainder underestimated this risk.Conclusion: Medical students acknowledge the importance of radiation-related issues to patient care. While almost all students are familiar with radiation-free modalities, many are not familiar with, and commonly underestimate, the relative doses and risks of common imaging studies. This may expose patients to increasing imaging investigations and exposure to radiation hazards.

The new CM-Series TEMs: integration of a five-axis motorized, fully computer-controlled goniometer

1993 ◽  
Vol 51 ◽  
pp. 258-259
Author(s):  
Marc J.C. de Jong ◽  
P. Emile S.J. Asselbergs ◽  
Max T. Otten
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Computer Control ◽  
Objective Lens ◽  
Access Port ◽  
Vibration Stability ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Computer Controlled ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Five Axis ◽  
Five Axes

A new step forward in Transmission Electron Microscopy has been made with the introduction of the CompuStage on the CM-series TEMs: CM120, CM200, CM200 FEG and CM300. This new goniometer has motorization on five axes (X, Y, Z, α, β), all under full computer control by a dedicated microprocessor that is in communication with the main CM processor. Positions on all five axes are read out directly - not via a system counting motor revolutions - thereby providing a high degree of accuracy. The CompuStage enters the octagonal block around the specimen through a single port, allowing the specimen stage to float freely in the vacuum between the objective-lens pole pieces, thereby improving vibration stability and freeing up one access port. Improvements in the mechanical design ensure higher stability with regard to vibration and drift. During stage movement the holder O-ring no longer slides, providing higher drift stability and positioning accuracy as well as better vacuum.

Interactive Computer-Video Modules for Health Sciences Education

1989 ◽  
Vol 28 (04) ◽  
pp. 360-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. McArthur ◽  
J. Bolles ◽  
J. Fine ◽  
P. Kidd ◽  
M. Bessis
Keyword(s):  
Medical Informatics ◽  
Computer Control ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Knowledge Structures ◽  
Image Recording ◽  
Central Computer ◽  
Key Word ◽  
The University ◽  
Development Group ◽  
Basic Medical

Abstract:Advances in electronic image recording and computer technologyhave resulted in a remarkable increase in the power and flexibility of interactive computer-video teaching systems. The University of Washington Health Science Videodisc Development Group first demonstrated a laser videodisc controlled by a remote central computer in 1980. Even this rudimentary unit highlighted basic medical informatics principles including: rapid accessibility; a “generic” or multi-purposed format; ease of computer control; and large collections of valid, rigorously reviewed images. Advances in medical informatics have led to the development of the following previously undescribed series of teaching units:1. The hypertext programs Hypercard, Linkway, and Guide have been used with videodiscs to develop easy-to-use instructional and reference materials. These materials demonstrate the ease with which a computer-naive instructor may develop new programs and the advantage that the intuitive nature of these programs brings to student users.2. Patient simulations using single and double screens plus pre-defined knowledge structures;3. Interactive single topic tutorials using preset knowledge structures;4. A key-word-based disc searching system;5. Electronic video microscopy;6. A series of programs developed independently by health science faculty who have purchased multi-purpose videodiscs that demonstrate the flexibility of the multi-purpose or “generic”: collection concept.

Testicular Involvement is a Hallmark of Apo A-I Leu75Pro Mutation Amyloidosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (12) ◽  
pp. e4758-e4766
Author(s):  
Andrea Delbarba ◽  
Paolo Facondo ◽  
Simona Fisogni ◽  
Claudia Izzi ◽  
Filippo Maffezzoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Organ Damage ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Reproductive Hormone ◽  
Testicular Dysfunction ◽  
Amyloid Deposits ◽  
Scrotal Ultrasound ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The University ◽  
Male Subjects

Abstract Context Apo A-I Leu75Pro is a rare hereditary form of amyloidosis that mainly involves the kidney, the liver, and the testis. Objective To define the characteristics of organ damage and testis impairment in the largest cohort collected to date of men with Apo A-I Leu75Pro amyloidosis. Design, Setting, and Patients Retrospective study from a prospectively collected database of 129 male subjects >18 years with Apo A-I Leu75Pro amyloidosis from a reference center at the University Hospital of Brescia, Italy. Main outcome measures We evaluated liver and renal function, scrotal ultrasound, reproductive hormone levels, testis biopsy, hypogonadal symptoms, and fertility. Results Progressive involvement of testis, kidney, and liver was observed in 96/129 (74.4%) cases. Testis impairment was found in 88/129 patients (68.2%), liver in 59 (45.7%) and renal in 50 (38.8%). Testis damage was often the first manifestation of the disease and the only dysfunction in 30% of younger patients (<38 years). Testicular involvement was characterized mainly by primary (73/88 patients, 83.0%) and subclinical (8/88, 9.1%) hypogonadism. Almost all (85/88, 96.6%) also had high follicle-stimulating hormone, suggesting a primary global damage of endocrine and spermatogenic functions, and 30% of them did not conceive. Macroorchidism was found in 53/88 (60.2%) patients, especially in men <54 years (30/33, 90.9%). Apo A-I amyloid deposits were found in Sertoli cells, germinal epithelium, and vessel walls. Conclusion In men with Apo A-I Leu75Pro amyloidosis, testicular involvement is the hallmark of the disease, characterized by global primary testicular dysfunction and macroorchidism due to amyloid deposits.

scholarly journals Evaluation and Lessons Learned from a Campus as a Living Lab Program to Promote Sustainable Practices

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1739
Author(s):  
Paul Save ◽  
Belgin Terim Cavka ◽  
Thomas Froese
Keyword(s):  
Learning Curve ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Sustainable Practices ◽  
Business Process Models ◽  
District Energy ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Living Lab ◽  
The University

Any group that creates challenging goals also requires a strategy to achieve them and a process to review and improve this strategy over time. The University of British Columbia (UBC) set ambitious campus sustainability goals, including a reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions to 33% below the 2007 level by 2015, and 100% by 2050 (UBC, 2006). The University pursued these goals through a number of specific projects (such as major district energy upgrade and a bioenergy facility) and, more generally, through a “Campus as a Living Lab” (CLL) initiative to marry industry, campus operations, and research to drive innovative solutions. The CLL program has achieved significant successes while also demonstrating many opportunities for improvements and lessons learned. The aim of this study was to examine the UBC CLL program, to identify and formalize its operations, to extract key transferable characteristics, and to propose replicable processes that other universities and municipalities can follow to expand their sustainable practices in similar ways. There was a learning curve with implementing a CLL program at UBC; thus, the goal of this study was to potentially shorten this learning curve for others. The research involved an ethnographic approach in which researchers participated in the CLL process, conducted qualitative analysis, and captured the processes through a series of business process models. The research findings are shared in two parts: 1. generalized lessons learned through key transferrable characteristics; 2. a series of generic organizational charts and business process models (BPMs) culminated with learned strategies through defined processes that illustrate what was required to create a CLL program at UBC. A generalized future improvement plan for UBC CLL programs is defined, generic BPMs about CLL projects are evaluated, and the level of engagement of multiple stakeholders through phases of project life cycle given in the conclusion for future use of other Living Lab organizations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document