bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards blended learning: Stakeholders’ perspectives on a project-based integrated curriculum in ICT engineering education
Authors: Mielikäinen Maisa 
Published: February 2021

It is increasingly vital, in the current era of ever-expanding remote work and learning, to develop blended methods for engineering education. This research aims to develop a blended, project-based information and communication technology (ICT) education model, conceptualizing a digital ecosystem based on stakeholders’ experiences and expectations. The article describes the first phase of the first cycle of the design-based research, analysis and exploration. Semi-structured interviews and online surveys were used to gather stakeholders’ – i.e. students’ (N = 27), instructors’ (N = 15) and industry representatives’ (N = 3) – thoughts and expectations about the current holistic integrated and project-based curriculum, on which little academic literature exists. The article gathers design principles for a broader intervention through which ICT education is transferred into blended learning. Study participants included third-year ICT engineering education students and instructors at the Lapland University of Applied Sciences, along with local industry representatives. The vast majority of the students described the integrated curriculum and project-based learning approach as a motivating pedagogical model. The participation of industry representatives was perceived as motivational to students. Working-life cooperation with companies should thus be encouraged and further developed in higher education curricula. The students’ positive attitudes towards integrated project-based learning may inspire higher education institutions to apply this framework.
Using a dual antibody point-of-care test with visual and digital reads to diagnose syphilis among people living with HIV in Botswana
Authors: Maan Irfaan , Lawrence David S , Tlhako Nametso , Ramontshonyana Kehumile , Mussa Aamirah , Wynn Adriane , Marks Michael , Ramogola-Masire Doreen , Morroni Chelsea 
Published: February 2021

Syphilis data from low- and middle-income countries are lacking due to limited testing. Point-of-care tests (POCTs) have been promoted to expand testing but previously only included treponemal tests, which cannot distinguish active from past infection. We aimed to assess the feasibility of using a combined treponemal and non-treponemal POCT in HIV clinic patients in Gaborone, Botswana, and estimate syphilis prevalence in our clinic sample using this approach. We recruited 390 non-pregnant patients. Participants underwent a combined treponemal and non-treponemal POCT (Dual Path Platform (DPP®) Syphilis Screen and Confirm Assay (Chembio Diagnostic Systems)) on finger-prick blood sample and a questionnaire. Median age 45 years, 30% men, median CD4 count 565 cells/μL, and 91% had an HIV viral load <400 copies/mL. Five participants had active syphilis (1.3%, 95% CI 0.5–3.0%) and 64 had previous syphilis (16.4%, 95% CI 13.0–20.4%) using the DPP POCT. There was a reasonable level of agreement between digital and visual reading of the POCT (kappa statistic of 0.81); however, visual reading missed three active infections (60%). The level of active syphilis was similar to local antenatal data. The DPP POCT led to five participants with active syphilis being diagnosed and starting same-day treatment. The digital reader should be used.
Higher Education, Vocational Training and Performance of Firms
Authors: Sangita Seema 
Published: February 2021

This article contributes to the debate on the efficacy of traditional forms of education versus vocational training. The effects of technical education (leading to an engineering degree or diploma) and vocational training in engineering on the performance of Indian firms are analysed using regression models based on the Cobb–Douglas production function, enhanced to incorporate education and training. Instrumental variable approach is used to establish the direction of causality. It is found that that when a larger share of workers in a particular sector has a college or university-level technical education or vocational education in technical fields, there is a positive impact on firm performance in those sectors. Further, higher education in a general field seems to consistently benefit the organised manufacturing sector, while some levels of school education appear to benefit the unorganised sectors. JEL codes: I-23; L-60; M-53
Vocational Education and Training in India: Prospects and Challenges from an Outside Perspective
Authors: Pilz Matthias , Regel Julia 
Published: February 2021

With high economic growing rates and an evident shortage of skilled workers, the modernisation of formal vocational education and training (VET) in India increasingly came into focus. Skill development has been on top of the agenda of the Indian government for more than a decade, resulting in state policies and related schemes to upgrade and develop a system struggling with quantitative and qualitative issues. This article gives an overview of the main pillars of the Indian VET system and addresses policies and initiatives to restructure and upgrade formal VET in India. Finally, the main challenges as well as potential for a further development of the sector are highlighted from different systemic perspectives. JEL Codes: I 210, I 280
Are Secondary Schools Imparting Digital Skills? An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Bhandari Bornali , Jain Charu , Sahu Ajaya K. 
Published: February 2021

The aim of this article was to analyse the employability of currently enrolled secondary education (classes 9–12) students aged 14–21, specifically their functional digital skills. Digital skills are increasingly being recognised as a key foundational skill that also enhances employability. Gaining digital skills at the secondary education is important because it is one of the foundational skills that help prepare students transition to work and prepares them for life. There were three major objectives in this article: (a) to examine the trends and transitions in the acquisition of functional digital skills of currently enrolled secondary school Indian students according to their socio-economic and demographic profiles; (b) empirically investigate the factors influencing the acquisition of functional digital skills in urban areas and (c) examine whether the policy of providing schools with computers has had any discernible impact on the acquisition of functional digital skills of these students. Using the National Statistical Office 2017–2018 data on expenditure on education, we found that at the national level only 42% of the enrolled secondary school students had the ability to operate a computer and 46% had the ability to browse Internet in 2017–2018. The attainment of functional digital skills differed across rural and urban regions. The individual characteristics, socio-economic profile of households and school-related indicators were factors that explained the likelihood of students’ being equipped with functional digital skills. A key result was that students who had digital devices at home were more likely to have functional digital skills. The government had introduced computers in secondary schools in 2004 in India. We found evidence of a positive association between the provision of functional computers at secondary schools and attainment of digital skills, even for students from households with no computers at home. A key policy recommendation is that providing computers at schools can help overcome barriers to access to digital devices at home and improve the attainment of digital skills. JEL Codes: I2, O15, O3
Views of Registered Dietitians Compared to Speech-Language Pathologists on Artificial Nutrition and Hydration at the End of Life
Authors: Bigford Molly K , Heuberger Roschelle , Raymond Erica , Shayna Viki , Paauw James 
Published: February 2021

Objective: To analyze and compare the knowledge and opinions of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) about artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) in a terminal illness. Beliefs of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) were also considered and compared against RDN data. Methods: This is a descriptive analysis utilizing survey responses from RDNs and SLPs regarding ANH in a case study patient with advanced dementia. Results: There was a strong belief among RDNs that ANH at end of life (EOL) would improve nutritional status, although a correlation was found between those in favor of ANH and believing it was ethical to withhold ANH at EOL (R2 = 0.109, p = 0.002). Responses indicated that SLPs need more education regarding ANH techniques, while RDNs felt ANH would improve aspiration risk. Place of employment, religion and age of respondents were also found to impact beliefs. Conclusion: Clinicians, specifically RDNs, working with patients at EOL need more evidenced-based education on the risks and benefits of ANH. Decisions regarding care of patients at EOL should be void of clinicians’ personal bias which may affect ethical treatment in the clinical setting. Further controlled trials must be performed before claims can be made regarding ANH at EOL.
Evaluation of the Clinical Effectiveness of Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) Using Grayson Method Versus Computer-Aided Design NAM (CAD/NAM) in Infants With Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: El-Ashmawi Noha A. , Fayed Mona M. Salah , El-Beialy Amr , Attia Khaled H. 
Published: February 2021

Objective: The aim is to compare between the clinical effectiveness of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) versus the computer-aided design NAM (CAD/NAM) in patients with bilateral clefts. Design: The trial is a randomized comparative trial with 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants: Thirty infants with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate were recruited. Interventions: Patients were randomized between NAM and CAD/NAM groups. The treatment steps described by Grayson were followed for the NAM group. In the CAD/NAM group, digitized maxillary models were made to create series of modified virtual models which were used to fabricate the molding plates using 3-dimensional printing technology. The nasal stents were then added to the plates following Grayson method. The study lasted for 4 months. Main Outcomes: The primary outcome was to evaluate the changes in the intersegment cleft gap. Secondary outcomes included the analysis of the maxillary arch in transverse, anteroposterior, and vertical dimensions as well as the premaxillary deviation and rotation. Chair side time was assessed for both methods. Results: Both modalities decreased the intersegment cleft gap. The CAD/NAM plates caused more reduction in the total arch length by 1.99 mm (−3.79 to 0.19, P = .03) as compared to the NAM treatment. No differences were found between groups in the transverse and vertical maxillary arch changes. Conclusions: Both interventions were effective in narrowing the cleft gap. Similar maxillary changes were found in both groups. The CAD/NAM modality required less chair side time compared to the NAM treatment.
Dental, Occlusal, and Craniofacial Features of Children With Microcephaly Due to Congenital Zika Infection: 3 Cases Report From Valle del Cauca, Cali—Colombia—2020
Authors: Aragón Natalia , Díaz Catalina , Contreras Adolfo 
Published: February 2021

Objective: Describes dental, occlusal, and craniofacial characteristics of 3 children aged 3 to 4 years with microcephaly due to congenital Zika infection in Cali Valle del Cauca, 2020. Design: Three children case report with congenital Zika virus microcephaly. Setting: Institutional Patients: Three children with maternal viral infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction during first trimester of pregnancy were included and were born from 2016 to 2017. Interventions: Oral and mouth functional examination was performed including soft tissue examination; lingual and labial frenulum; evaluation of swallowing and chewing; craniofacial analysis; dimension of dental arch; intercanine and intermolar distance, palate form; relationship and growth of maxilla, mandible, and facial dental midline using plaster models; and complementary image analysis. Main Outcome Measures: Child and mother sociodemographic features, craniofacial measurements; dental and oral features; maxillary and mandibular measures; and speech, swallowing, and chewing disorders. Results: Small head circumference at birth and at the time of clinical evaluation was compared to normal children of approximately their age. Upper third of the face was short, and presence of hypertonic masticatory muscles with hypotonic swallowing muscles, dysphagia, dyslalia, bruxism, lip incompetence, tongue interposition, and hypersalivation and epilepsy were the main medical problem. They have complete primary dentition with normal dental morphology, tooth eruption altered, dental caries, and dental malocclusion was identified. Conclusion: There are no changes in the dental formula and dental morphology in the deciduous dentition. They present severe chewing and speaking limitation, facial disproportion, and occlusal problems that warrant dental and medical attention.
High- Versus Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronic Acid for the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Triple-Blind Randomized Comparative Trial
Authors: Mohebbi Rezvaneh , Rezasoltani Zahra , Mir Mahshad , Mohebbi Maryam , Vatandoost Sima , Esmaily Hadi 
Published: February 2021

Background Shoulder pain most commonly originates from the tendon structures of the rotator cuff. Objective We compared the clinical effects of high- versus low-molecular-weight (LMW) hyaluronic acid for the management of rotator cuff tendinopathy. Methods We carried out a parallel, triple-blind, randomized comparative trial at a teaching hospital. In total, 56 patients aged 16 to 70 years with rotator cuff tendinopathy were randomly allocated to 2 groups. We administered a single shoulder injection of either 1 mL of 1% high- (>2000 kDa) or 1 mL of 1% LMW hyaluronate (500-700 kDa) to the corresponding groups. The primary outcome was the intensity of shoulder pain. The secondary outcomes were range of motion and disability of the shoulder, and quality of life. We performed the measurements at baseline and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks postintervention. The pain measurements were repeated at the sixth month postintervention. Results Comparisons of baseline versus 3 months showed that both interventions were beneficial in the management of the tendinopathy (all P values <0.05). However, between-group analyses did not indicate any clinically significant difference between the 2 medications. The pain, induration ( P = 0.007), and inflammation at the site of the injection were less prominent for LMW hyaluronate. Conclusion and Relevance Both medications are effective for the treatment of tendinopathy. The benefits last at least for 3 months, and pain alleviation lasts partially for 6 months. The shoulder injection of LMW hyaluronate is more tolerable to the patient. Therefore, we recommend LMW hyaluronate as the first choice for the management of rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Comparison of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Debridement With Extracellular Matrix Augmentation and Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation for Medium-Size Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Authors: Hansen Oliver B. , Eble Stephanie K. , Patel Karan , Cabe Taylor N. , Sofka Carolyn , Deland Jonathan T. , Drakos Mark C. 
Published: February 2021

Background: Historically, microfracture has been used to treat small talar osteochondral lesions with good results, whereas osteochondral autologous transplantation (OAT) has proven effective for the treatment of larger lesions. It is not clear which method is more effective for medium-sized lesions around the critical size of 150 mm2, above which microfracture outcomes tend to be poor. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential advantages of OAT augmented with a combination of extracellular matrix and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (ECM-BMAC) compared to debridement with ECM-BMAC (DEB) in the treatment of medium-sized osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). Methods: Clinical and radiographic data were collected retrospectively for patients treated by a single fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were scored using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Tissue (MOCART) system and were evaluated for the presence of cysts and edema. Fifty-two patients met inclusion criteria, with 25 who received an OAT procedure. Age, body mass index, lesion size, lesion location, and follow-up time were similar between groups. Average MRI follow-up times were 16.7 months for the OAT group and 20.3 months for the DEB group ( P = .38). Results: Patients treated with OAT had significantly higher average total MOCART scores (69 vs 55, P = .04) and significantly lower rates of cyst (14% vs 55%, P < .01), edema (59% vs 90%, P = .04), revision surgery (0% vs 19%, P = .05), and therapeutic injection for pain (4% vs 30%, P = .02) compared to patients treated with DEB. No significant differences were detected in patient-reported outcome scores between groups. Conclusion: The native hyaline cartilage introduced by OAT appears to result in higher-quality repair tissue when compared to DEB, as evidenced by OAT patients’ higher MOCART scores and lower rates of cyst and edema. There was no difference in clinical outcome scores, though OAT patients did not require revision surgery or therapeutic injection for pain as frequently as DEB patients. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Anatomic Repair vs Closed Reduction of the Syndesmosis
Authors: Del Balso Christopher , Hamam Al-Walid , Chohan Moaz Bin Yunus , Tieszer Christina , Lawendy Abdel-Rahman , Sanders David William 
Published: February 2021

Background: The goal of the study was to compare radiographic and functional outcomes between conventional closed syndesmotic reduction and screw fixation with open reduction, direct repair of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AiTFL) and screw fixation. We hypothesized that open reduction with restoration of the AiTFL would provide an improved reduction with better radiographic and functional outcomes. Methods: Fifty consecutive patients with OTA 44-C ankle fractures were enrolled. Treatment was nonrandomized and based on surgeon preference. Patients were treated with either open reduction, suture-anchor AiTFL repair, and screw fixation (ART group), or conventional closed reduction of the syndesmosis followed by screw fixation (CR group). The primary outcome measure was anteroposterior (AP) displacement of the fibula on CT scan at 3 months postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures included the Maryland Foot Score, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle Hindfoot Score, and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Results: Mean AP difference between injured and noninjured ankles was decreased in the ART group compared with the CR group (0.7 ± 0.3 mm vs 1.5 ± 0.3 mm, P = .008). No differences were observed between groups in overall scores for secondary outcome measures. The ART group displayed a significant difference in Maryland Foot Shoe subscore at 12 months (ART = 9.5 vs CR = 8.3, P = .03) and FAOS Quality of Life subscore at 12 months (64.1 compared to 38.3, P = .04). Conclusion: Open anatomic syndesmotic repair resulted in improved radiographic outcomes compared with closed reduction. Cosmesis was worse at 6 weeks compared to the CR group; however, quality of life and shoewear were improved in the ART group at 1 year postoperatively. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.
Assessing Psychosocial and Personal Factors in Industrial Work: Issues and Challenges for the Occupational Ergonomics Practitioner and Researcher
Authors: (Bob) Fox Robert R. , Smith Missie , Bao Stephen , Barim Menekse , Gallagher Sean , Harris-Adamson Carisa , (Jack) Lu Ming-Lun , Nigam Jeannie 
Published: February 2021

The occupational ergonomics practitioner has traditionally focused on physical aspects and risk factors of industrial jobs (e.g., forces exerted, moments and loading on the joints, low back compressive force, upper extremity repetitive motion, etc.). However, some studies have shown that physical risk factors may only account for about 37% of low back pain (Punnett et al., 2005). Psychosocial factors continue to be identified as an important element in the incidence of many occupationally-related musculoskeletal disorders. Some researchers have included assessments of psychosocial and personal/individual factors to biomechanical assessments in studies of occupational injury risks (e.g., Marras et al., 2000, Ferguson et al., 2012). Others (e.g., Barim et al., 2019) have examined incorporating personal/individual factors into risk assessment methods to give a more complete picture of injury risk that an individual or a subgroup of workers (e.g., gender, age, prior injury) may face on jobs. This discussion panel will explore the research in the fields of psychosocial and personal risk factors and their relevance to the assessment of injury risk. This session is relevant for the practitioners who must understand, interpret and apply the results of research to real-world problems.