Stereoscopic Visual Perceptual Learning in Seniors

Background: We showed that seniors can improve their stereoscopic ability (stereoacuity) and corresponding reaction time with repetitive training and, furthermore, that these improvements through training are still present even after a longer period of time without training. Methods: Eleven seniors (average age: 85.90 years) trained twice a week for six weeks with dynamic stereoscopic perception training using a vision training apparatus (c-Digital Vision Trainer®). Stereoscopic training was performed in 12 training session (n = 3072) of visual tasks. The task was to identify and select one of four figures (stereoscopic stimuli) that was of a different disparity using a controller. The tests included a dynamic training (showing rotating balls) and a static test (showing plates without movement). Before and after training, the stereoacuity and the corresponding reaction times were identified with the static stereotest in order to determine the individual training success. The changes in respect to reaction time of stereoscopic stimuli with decreasing disparity were calculated. Results: After 6 weeks of training, reaction time improved in the median from 936 arcsec to 511 arcsec. Stereoscopic vision improved from 138 arcsec to 69 arcsec, which is an improvement of two levels of difficulty. After 6 months without training, the improvement, achieved by training, remained stable. Conclusions: In older people, visual training leads to a significant, long-lasting improvement in stereoscopic vision and the corresponding reaction time in seniors. This indicates cortical plasticity even in old age.

119 The Potential of Low-fidelity Arthroscopic Simulation Training in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery: A Systematic Review of Experimental Studies

Aim In an era of budget tightening and work-hour guideline reductions that have significantly reduced surgical exposure, low-fidelity arthroscopic simulators have an essential role to play in surgical training. The COVID-19 pandemic has only further amplified the need for alternative training models, as 91% of orthopaedic trainees have had elective procedures cancelled. The purpose of this systematic review is to synopsise the limited literature regarding the effectiveness of low-fidelity training models in the instruction of novices, and to formulate recommendations for future studies. Method The Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were electronically searched. Studies from any year that described the use of orthopaedic, low-fidelity arthroscopic training models in novice populations were included. Questionnaires, case studies and review studies were excluded. Risk of bias assessments were also conducted for all studies. Results 16 studies were identified. Using the PRISMA algorithm, 6 studies were deemed relevant. A cross-study comparison revealed low-fidelity arthroscopic simulators reduced time to completion outcomes (P < 0.05), increased ASSET scores (P < 0.01) and confirmed face validity and transfer of skills (cadaver, live patients). Conclusions Low-fidelity simulator training significantly improves the arthroscopic performance of novices, without the high setup costs and practical constraints of high-fidelity equivalents. Low-fidelity arthroscopic simulators remain a promising training apparatus in an era of reduced surgical exposure (COVID-19). We have identified the need for consistent outcome measures with greater sample sizes across future studies. We recommend the use of standardised pre-intervention teaching (e.g., ABOS curriculum) and further transference, construct, and face validity evaluations to support future result interpretations.

Method for Teaching Life-Saving Combat First-Aid Skills With live–actor Patients Using a Wearable Training Apparatus

ABSTRACT Introduction Training combat personnel in combat first-aid skills has faced many challenges over time, such as the need to combine tactics with medicine and to overcome combat personnel’s lack of medical background knowledge. Therefore, many simulation methods are currently being developed, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. In this study, a combined simulation method involving live–actor patients using a wearable training apparatus was developed, and the effects of this method were observed. Materials and Methods Focusing on the major causes of preventable deaths among victims killed in action, wearable training apparatuses simulating massive hemorrhage, airway obstruction, and tension pneumothorax were designed and produced. Methods of simulating these three injury types using live–actor patients with these training apparatuses were developed, and medical teachers evaluated the simulation effects. The live–actor patients were incorporated into a tactical scenario to train and test nonmedical and medical students in year 3, respectively. High-fidelity simulator-based training and traditional training without simulation served as the control. A post-training survey using a 7-point Likert scale evaluated the trainees’ feelings toward these training approaches. Results Three types of training apparatuses were developed to simulate three life-threatening injuries, and the simulation effects of the live–actor patients using these apparatuses were highly recognized by medical teachers. Both live–actor patients and high-fidelity simulator-based training improved performance significantly more than traditional training. However, the improvement due to training with live–actor patients was greater than that due to high-fidelity simulator-based training for nonmedical students, whereas there was no difference between these two simulation methods for medical students. A post-training survey revealed that all the trainees were confident in practicing first-aid skills after training, and they all agreed that live–actor patients could combine tactical situations with first aid better than high-fidelity simulators. The nonmedical students strongly agreed that live–actor patients were more helpful in the training of injury evaluation than high-fidelity simulators. Conclusions The method using wearable training apparatus-based live–actor patients was satisfying and effective for teaching life-saving combat first-aid skills, especially for nonmedical students.

An automated homecage system for multiwhisker detection and discrimination learning in mice

Automated, homecage behavioral training for rodents has many advantages: it is low stress, requires little interaction with the experimenter, and can be easily manipulated to adapt to different experimental conditions. We have developed an inexpensive, Arduino-based, homecage training apparatus for sensory association training in freely-moving mice using multiwhisker air current stimulation coupled to a water reward. Animals learn this task readily, within 1–2 days of training, and performance progressively improves with training. We examined the parameters that regulate task acquisition using different stimulus intensities, directions, and reward valence. Learning was assessed by comparing anticipatory licking for the stimulus compared to the no-stimulus (blank) trials. At high stimulus intensities (>9 psi), animals showed markedly less participation in the task. Conversely, very weak air current intensities (1–2 psi) were not sufficient to generate rapid learning behavior. At intermediate stimulus intensities (5–6 psi), a majority of mice learned that the multiwhisker stimulus predicted the water reward after 24–48 hrs of training. Both exposure to isoflurane and lack of whiskers decreased animals’ ability to learn the task. Following training at an intermediate stimulus intensity, mice were able to transfer learning behavior when exposed to a lower stimulus intensity, an indicator of perceptual learning. Mice learned to discriminate between two directions of stimulation rapidly and accurately, even when the angular distance between the stimuli was <15 degrees. Switching the reward to a more desirable reward, aspartame, had little effect on learning trajectory. Our results show that a tactile association task in an automated homecage environment can be monitored by anticipatory licking to reveal rapid and progressive behavioral change. These Arduino-based, automated mouse cages enable high-throughput training that facilitate analysis of large numbers of genetically modified mice with targeted manipulations of neural activity.

Skeletal muscle status, autonomic balance and short-term results of cardiac surgery

Purpose — To study the association between the status of lower extremities’ skeletal muscles and autonomic balance with the short-term results of cardiac surgery patients. Methods — 64 patients (57 men, median age 63 years) who underwent non-urgent cardiac surgery at the Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases clinic from March 2015 to March 2016 were included in the study. Patients with exacerbation of underlying disease were excluded from the study. Additionally, muscle status of the patients was assessed using static-dynamic tests on a multifunctional training apparatus, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) state was evaluated using the ORTOexpert program during an active orthostatic test. 9 patients developed complications in the postoperative period; groups with the postoperative complications present and absent were compared according to the studied preoperative indicators. Results — The following indicators were revealed more often prior to the surgery in the group with the postoperative complications: cardiac arrhythmias (p=0.023), aortic valve regurgitation (p=0.002), left ventricle aneurysm (p=0.007), carotid stenosis (p=0.036), decreased muscle strength of the upper and lower extremities (p=0.047 and p=0.046), sympathetic activation (LF/HF ratio p=0.028), and ANS stress in response to the test. Conclusion — Low status of skeletal muscles (upper and lower extremities) and ANS sympathetic activation and the overstrain of its adaptive mechanisms were associated with development of postoperative complications after cardiac surgery, along with severity of the underlying cardiac pathology, risk and duration of the surgery.

An automated homecage system for multiwhisker detection and discrimination learning in mice

Automated, homecage behavioral training for rodents has many advantages: it is low stress, requires little interaction with the experimenter, and can be easily manipulated to adapt to different experimental condition. We have developed an inexpensive, Arduino-based, homecage training apparatus for sensory association training in freely-moving mice using multiwhisker air current stimulation coupled to a water reward. Animals learn this task readily, within 1-2 days of training, and performance progressively improves with training. We examined the parameters that regulate task acquisition using different stimulus intensities, directions, and reward valence. Learning was assessed by comparing anticipatory licking for the stimulus compared to the no-stimulus (blank) trials. At high stimulus intensities (>9 psi), animals showed markedly less participation in the task. Conversely, very weak air current intensities (1-2 psi) were not sufficient to generate rapid learning behavior. At intermediate stimulus intensities (5-6 psi), a majority of mice learned that the multiwhisker stimulus predicted the water reward after 24-48 hrs of training. Both exposure to isoflurane and lack of whiskers decreased animals’ ability to learn the task. Perceptual learning was assessed and following training at an intermediate stimulus intensity, perception was likely heightened as mice were able to transfer learning behavior when exposed to the lower stimulus intensity. Mice learned to discriminate between two directions of stimulation rapidly and accurately, even when the angular distance between the stimuli was <15 degrees. Switching the reward to a more desirable reward, aspartame, had little effect on learning trajectory. Our results show that a tactile association task in an automated homecage environment can be monitored by anticipatory licking to reveal rapid and progressive behavioral change. These Arduino-based, automated mouse cages enable high-throughput training that facilitate analysis of large numbers of genetically modified mice with targeted manipulations of neural activity.

A platform for semiautomated voluntary training of common marmosets for behavioral neuroscience

Generally behavioral neuroscience studies of the common marmoset employ adaptations of well-established training methods used with macaque monkeys. However, in many cases these approaches do not readily generalize to marmosets indicating a need for alternatives. Here we present the development of one such alternate: a platform for semiautomated, voluntary in-home cage behavioral training that allows for the study of naturalistic behaviors. We describe the design and production of a modular behavioral training apparatus using CAD software and digital fabrication. We demonstrate that this apparatus permits voluntary behavioral training and data collection throughout the marmoset’s waking hours with little experimenter intervention. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of this apparatus to reconstruct the kinematics of the marmoset’s upper limb movement during natural foraging behavior. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The study of marmosets in neuroscience has grown rapidly and presents unique challenges. We address those challenges with an innovative platform for semiautomated, voluntary training that allows marmosets to train throughout their waking hours with minimal experimenter intervention. We describe the use of this platform to capture upper limb kinematics during foraging and to expand the opportunities for behavioral training beyond the limits of traditional training sessions. This flexible platform can easily incorporate other tasks.

Assessing Horizontal Force Production in Resisted Sprinting: Computation and Practical Interpretation

The assessment of horizontal force during overground sprinting is increasingly prevalent in practice and research, stemming from advances in technology and access to simplified yet valid field methods. As researchers search out optimal means of targeting the development of horizontal force, there is considerable interest in the effectiveness of external resistance. Increasing attention in research provides more information surrounding the biomechanics of sprinting in general and insight into the potential methods of developing determinant capacities. However, there is a general lack of consensus on the assessment and computation of horizontal force under resistance, which has resulted in a confusing narrative surrounding the practical applicability of loading parameters for performance enhancement. As such, the aim of this commentary was twofold: to provide a clear narrative of the assessment and computation of horizontal force in resisted sprinting and to clarify and discuss the impact of methodological approaches to subsequent training implementation. Horizontal force computation during resisted sleds, a common sprint-training apparatus in the field, is used as a test case to illustrate the risks associated with substandard methodological practices and improperly accounting for the effects of friction. A practical and operational synthesis is provided to help guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate resistance methods. Finally, an outline of future challenges is presented to aid the development of these approaches.

PENDIDIKAN DAN PELATIHAN SEBAGAI SARANA PENINGKATAN KOMPETENSI GURU DI SMP NEGERI 02 LINGGANG BIGUNG

This article aim is to describe and analyze invrove teacher Competence Through Education and Training Apparatus . Research focus as: Education and training in Public Administration, Education and training in technical and managerial education and training field. Sources of data taken from the informant and key informants. As the informant was a civil servant, and as a key informant was Head of Department. Analysis of the data used in the study was developed as an interactive model. The object of the research findings Increased competence of personnel resources committed In Secondary Schools 02 Linggang Bigung West Kutai.Keyword : Competence Teacher, Education and Training