Comparison between online and traditional teaching-learning among non-clinical medical students

Background: Medical institutes remained on complete shut down during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic while Information Technology (IT) bridged the teaching learning between the students and teachers. The study objectives were to determine the opportunities and obstacles of teaching learning process and overall effectiveness of online classes over traditional classes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2020 to December 2020 between students and teachers of Khulna city Medical College, Khulna, Bangladesh. An online questionnaire was developed using google form containing four sections about different aspects of IT and teaching learning process. Results: Around 87% (160 vs 48) students and teachers responded to the questionnaire. The most preferred online teaching learning platform for students and teachers was zoom (84.4% vs 83.4%) and the favored devices were smart phone (96.2% vs 87.5%) followed by laptop computer (90.6% vs 83.3%). The majority felt connected to each other (82.5% vs 62.5%) and could work faster and effectively (75% vs 66.7%). Conversely, students (65.6%) felt online learning was more enjoyable than teachers (29.2%), where significant difference was found; (p= 0.006). Poor network (98.1% vs 79.1%) and affordability of mobile data (81.2% vs 66.7%) were the two main barriers among them. On-line teaching-learning neither increased student- teacher interaction (51.9% vs 66.7%), nor had better scope of asking question (52.5% vs 70.8%) and there was less scope of explaining details (52.5% vs 66.7%). Oral assessment was the most preferable (89.4% vs 83.3%), but the practical assessment (78.1% vs 83.3%) was the least preferable method for assessing students’ knowledge and skill online. Overall effectiveness of online classes over traditional classes was scored around 50% (±10%) by students and teachers (58.1% vs 62.5%). Conclusion: Despite having barriers like poor network, data affordability and limited computer and net usability, online classes played a pivotal role to continue the academic activities in a medical college during Corona pandemic. BIRDEM Med J 2022; 12(1): 45-50

Numerical approaches for the rapid analysis of prophylactic efficacy against HIV with arbitrary drug-dosing schemes

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an important pillar to prevent HIV transmission. Because of experimental and clinical shortcomings, mathematical models that integrate pharmacological, viral- and host factors are frequently used to quantify clinical efficacy of PrEP. Stochastic simulations of these models provides sample statistics from which the clinical efficacy is approximated. However, many stochastic simulations are needed to reduce the associated sampling error. To remedy the shortcomings of stochastic simulation, we developed a numerical method that allows predicting the efficacy of arbitrary prophylactic regimen directly from a viral dynamics model, without sampling. We apply the method to various hypothetical dolutegravir (DTG) prophylaxis scenarios. The approach is verified against state-of-the-art stochastic simulation. While the method is more accurate than stochastic simulation, it is superior in terms of computational performance. For example, a continuous 6-month prophylactic profile is computed within a few seconds on a laptop computer. The method’s computational performance, therefore, substantially expands the horizon of feasible analysis in the context of PrEP, and possibly other applications.

A Mini-Survey and Feasibility Study of Deep-Learning-Based Human Activity Recognition from Slight Feature Signals Obtained Using Privacy-Aware Environmental Sensors

Numerous methods and applications have been proposed in human activity recognition (HAR). This paper presents a mini-survey of recent HAR studies and our originally developed benchmark datasets of two types using environmental sensors. For the first dataset, we specifically examine human pose estimation and slight motion recognition related to activities of daily living (ADL). Our proposed method employs OpenPose. It describes feature vectors without effects of objects or scene features, but with a convolutional neural network (CNN) with the VGG-16 backbone, which recognizes behavior patterns after classifying the obtained images into learning and verification subsets. The first dataset comprises time-series panoramic images obtained using a fisheye lens monocular camera with a wide field of view. We attempted to recognize five behavior patterns: eating, reading, operating a smartphone, operating a laptop computer, and sitting. Even when using panoramic images including distortions, results demonstrate the capability of recognizing properties and characteristics of slight motions and pose-based behavioral patterns. The second dataset was obtained using five environmental sensors: a thermopile sensor, a CO2 sensor, and air pressure, humidity, and temperature sensors. Our proposed sensor system obviates the need for constraint; it also preserves each subject’s privacy. Using a long short-term memory (LSTM) network combined with CNN, which is a deep-learning model dealing with time-series features, we recognized eight behavior patterns: eating, operating a laptop computer, operating a smartphone, playing a game, reading, exiting, taking a nap, and sitting. The recognition accuracy for the second dataset was lower than for the first dataset consisting of images, but we demonstrated recognition of behavior patterns from time-series of weak sensor signals. The recognition results for the first dataset, after accuracy evaluation, can be reused for automatically annotated labels applied to the second dataset. Our proposed method actualizes semi-automatic annotation, false recognized category detection, and sensor calibration. Feasibility study results show the new possibility of HAR used for ADL based on unique sensors of two types.

Diagnosis of Taenia solium infections based on “mail order” RNA-sequencing of single tapeworm egg isolates from stool samples

Combined community health programs aiming at health education, preventive anti-parasitic chemotherapy, and vaccination of pigs have proven their potential to regionally reduce and even eliminate Taenia solium infections that are associated with a high risk of neurological disease through ingestion of T. solium eggs. Yet it remains challenging to target T. solium endemic regions precisely or to make exact diagnoses in individual patients. One major reason is that the widely available stool microscopy may identify Taenia ssp. eggs in stool samples as such, but fails to distinguish between invasive (T. solium) and less invasive Taenia (T. saginata, T. asiatica, and T. hydatigena) species. The identification of Taenia ssp. eggs in routine stool samples often prompts a time-consuming and frequently unsuccessful epidemiologic workup in remote villages far away from a diagnostic laboratory. Here we present “mail order” single egg RNA-sequencing, a new method allowing the identification of the exact Taenia ssp. based on a few eggs found in routine diagnostic stool samples. We provide first T. solium transcriptome data, which show extremely high mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transcript counts that can be used for subspecies classification. “Mail order” RNA-sequencing can be administered by health personnel equipped with basic laboratory tools such as a microscope, a Bunsen burner, and access to an international post office for shipment of samples to a next generation sequencing facility. Our suggested workflow combines traditional stool microscopy, RNA-extraction from single Taenia eggs with mitochondrial RNA-sequencing, followed by bioinformatic processing with a basic laptop computer. The workflow could help to better target preventive healthcare measures and improve diagnostic specificity in individual patients based on incidental findings of Taenia ssp. eggs in diagnostic laboratories with limited resources.

A study on assessment of effects of electronic gadgets on mental and physical health among medical students in Central India

Background: Human race has witnessed enormous technological advancements especially in last few decades. Electronic gadgets are part of everyday lives of all individuals in all age groups. On one side they make our lives easier and convenient and on the other side their excessive usage is harmful. These gadgets effect physical as well as mental health. Present study was conducted to see the effects of electronic gadgets on physical and mental health of medical students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among MBBS students of Central India. Students who were present on the time of data collection were included in the study. For the study, data collection tool was a pre-designed, semi structured questionnaire, collected data was compiled in excel sheet and relevant analysis was done.Results: About 70% have habit of waking up between 6 to 8 AM. 95.5% of subjects were using smartphones, 61.5% of subjects using laptop/computer. 58% were spending time with gadgets less than 4 hours while 6.5% were spending more than 10 hours. We found out that 54% had ophthalmic health effects and 46.5% participants accepted feeling anxious, irritated or restless without their gadgets. The study revealed health problems of participants as headache (30%), migraine (1%), depression (7%) and other problems like backache, weakness, joint pain and others.Conclusions: The current and exiting data so far suggest that gadget have definite risk and adverse effects on the health of the general population.

The Role of Intersectionality in Access to Technology Among Older Adults

In the era of COVID-19, technology has become a primary means of connecting with the world while maintaining physical distance, which is crucial for older adults who are at disproportionately high risk of infection and death. Throughout the pandemic, there has been increased emphasis on using telehealth to access medical and mental health care, and technology (e.g., apps, social media, video calls) for social interactions/communication to mitigate loneliness/isolation. Thus, COVID-19 has increased the need for older adults to access technology, and widened disparities experienced by those with limited access. This study used data from the 2018 National Health and Aging Trends Study, an annual longitudinal panel survey of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65+ in the U.S, to explore the association between the interaction of race/ethnicity and sex, and access to both a working cell phone and laptop/computer. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted. The sample (N=2,442) was 83.7% white, 8.5% Black, and 7.8% Hispanic. After accounting for other explanatory variables, logistic regression analysis indicated significantly higher odds of not having both a working cell phone or computer/laptop among White women (OR=1.518, CI=.1.510-1.527), Black men (OR=.1.741, CI= 1.720-1.763), Black women (OR=2.567, CI= 2.545-2.589), Hispanic men (OR=1.036, CI=1.022-1.050), and Hispanic women (OR=2.265, CI=.2.243-2.287) compared to White men. Overall, Hispanic and Black women were the least likely to have access to technology compared to other groups. Addressing technological equity remains a need. Future research should consider how the provision of devices along with technological literary programs can improve well-being among BIPOC women.

Ridon Vehicle: Drive-by-Wire System for Scaled Vehicle Platform and Its Application on Behavior Cloning

For autonomous driving research, using a scaled vehicle platform is a viable alternative compared to a full-scale vehicle. However, using embedded solutions such as small robotic platforms with differential driving or radio-controlled (RC) car-based platforms can be limiting on, for example, sensor package restrictions or computing challenges. Furthermore, for a given controller, specialized expertise and abilities are necessary. To address such problems, this paper proposes a feasible solution, the Ridon vehicle, which is a spacious ride-on automobile with high-driving electric power and a custom-designed drive-by-wire system powered by a full-scale machine-learning-ready computer. The major objective of this paper is to provide a thorough and appropriate method for constructing a cost-effective platform with a drive-by-wire system and sensor packages so that machine-learning-based algorithms can be tested and deployed on a scaled vehicle. The proposed platform employs a modular and hierarchical software architecture, with microcontroller programs handling the low-level motor controls and a graphics processing unit (GPU)-powered laptop computer processing the higher and more sophisticated algorithms. The Ridon vehicle platform is validated by employing it in a deep-learning-based behavioral cloning study. The suggested platform’s affordability and adaptability would benefit broader research and the education community.

INOVASI PEMBELAJARAN SEKOLAH SEBAGAI UPAYA MENGURANGI LEARNING LOSS SELAMA PANDEMI

The implementation of educational policies that previously used to be face-to-face between teachers and students became online or online using a laptop/computer/gadjet device and a zoom application, which resulted in a significant change in the way of learning. Schools in remote villages or mountains which of course still have limited internet access/reach can be one of the reasons for the lack of smooth online learning, besides the ability to capture, concentrate or focus students is very different when getting material online or online offline or face-to face. direct. The purpose of the campus teaching activities of Universitas Brawijaya is to provide alternative solutions to online learning problems using counseling, training and direct practice of making animated videos. Campus teaching activities succeeded in providing learning motivation for elementary school students to have dreams of reaching higher education levels, being able to provide insight into the spirit of nationalism loving the homeland from an early age, being able to provide insight into the importance of saving for the future and being able to provide an understanding of nutritious food needed for daily needs. intelligence development. In addition, this activity succeeded in providing insight and knowledge to teachers, especially in the use of Google Classroom and animated videos. These two basic skills can help the online learning process and reduce the potential for learning loss during a pandemic. The synergy of the role of the government, universities and school partners is needed to succeed in the mandate of the law in the intellectual life of the nation. Pemberlakuan kebijakan pendidikan yang sebelumnya tatap muka antara guru dengan siswa menjadi daring atau online dengan menggunakan perangkat labtop/komputer/gadjet dan aplikasi zoom memberikan perubahan cara belajar yang signifikan. Sekolah di pelosok desa atau pegunungan yang tentu masih memiliki keterbatasan akses/jangkauan internet bisa menjadi salah satu alasan kurang lancarnya pembelajaran online, selain itu kemampuan daya tangkap, konsentrasi atau fokus siswa sangat berbeda ketika mendapatkan materi secara daring atau online dengan luring atau tatap muka secara langsung. Tujuan kegiatan kampus mengajar Universitas Brawijaya memberikan alternatif solusi permasalahan pembelajaran daring dengan metode penyuluhan, pelatihan dan praktik langsung membuat video animasi. Kegiatan kampus mengajar berhasil memberikan motivasi belajar siswa sekolah dasar untuk memiliki mimpi sampai jenjang pendidikan perguruan tinggi, mampu memberikan wawasan semangat nasionalisme cinta tanah air sejak usia dini, mampu memberikan wawasan pentingnya menabung untuk masa depan serta mampu memberikan pemahaman tentang makanan bergizi yang dibutuhkan untuk kebutuhan perkembangan kecerdasan. Selain itu kegiatan ini berhasil memberikan wawasan dan keilmuan kepada bapak ibu guru khususnya dalam pemanfaatan googleclassroom dan video animasi. Kedua kemampuan dasar ini bisa membantu proses pembelajaran daring atau online dan mengurangi potensi learning loss selama pandemi. Sinergitas peran pemerintah, perguruan tinggi dan mitra sekolah sangat diperlukan untuk mensukseskan amanat undang – undang dalam mencerdaskan kehidupan bangsa.

Virtual look around: comparing presence, cybersickness and usability for virtual tours across different devices

Virtual Reality has become readily available in the last few years through different devices, from desktop computers to head­-mounted displays (HMD). Also, virtual tours became popular with 360º panoramic photographs and video clips on online social media, so people could visit remote locations without being exposed to crowded transportation or long travels. Also, virtual tours demonstrate considerable potential as a form of escapism and even for remote teaching. Since we lack studies that evaluate the User Experience (UX) in virtual tours on different devices, this article aims to compare aspects of the User Experience (regarding sense of presence, cybersickness, and usability) in a virtual tour website developed in WebXR across different devices. To achieve our objective, we developed a virtual tour based on 360º pictures using WebXR API and React 360 framework and conducted an experiment with 41 undergraduate students using four different devices: a laptop computer, a smartphone, a Google Cardboard headset, and a Samsung Gear VR HMD. We evaluated users’ perceptions by adapting and translating the Suitability Evaluation Questionnaire (SEQ) and users’ performance by measuring the time to fulfill a set of tasks. The main findings from this study include that (i) the overall self-­reported experience using Google Cardboard is worse than using other devices, (ii) the users’ performance is quite similar between the platforms, (iii) there is evidence of unexpected cybersickness symptoms in tests with the smartphone, and (iv) the development of a plausible hypothesis concerning low usability having an effect upon the sense of presence. Additional contributions of our research are the adaptation, translation into Portuguese, psychometric analysis, and revised scoring procedures of the SEQ.