Fast Prediction of Femoral Biomechanics Using Supervised Machine Learning and Statistical Shape Modeling

Finite element (FE) analysis is an important computational tool in biomechanics. However, its adoption into clinical practice has been hampered by its computational complexity and required high technical competences for clinicians. In this paper we propose a supervised learning approach to predict the outcome of the FE analysis. We demonstrate our approach on clinical CT and X-ray femur images for FE predictions ( FEP), with features extracted, respectively, from a statistical shape model and from 2D-based morphometric and density information. Using leave-one-out experiments and sensitivity analysis, comprising a database of 89 clinical cases, our method is capable of predicting the distribution of stress values for a walking loading condition with an average correlation coefficient of 0.984 and 0.976, for CT and X-ray images, respectively. These findings suggest that supervised learning approaches have the potential to leverage the clinical integration of mechanical simulations for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

A review of the published literature on interventions to increase compliance with follow-up outpatient medical appointments in primary care practice

Effective strategies for patient follow-up compliance in family practice are essential for the prevention and early detection of disease with the consequences of decreasing morbidity and mortality. With effective appointment reminder systems in place, physicians can better manage the overall health of their patients by providing preventive care as well. This literature review examines intervention strategies used by the authors, the compliance rate of appointment adherence using these techniques, as well as theories relating to study outcomes. The findings of this study may be used as an educational tool by practices to suggest which intervention strategies might be the most effective for their clinic.^

Effect of educational leaflets and questions on knowledge of contraception in women taking the combined contraceptive pill: randomised controlled trial

Objective: To assess whether provision of educational leaflets or questions on contraception improves knowledge of contraception in women taking the combined contraceptive pill.

Expediting the transfer of evidence into practice: building clinical partnerships*

A librarian/clinician partnership was fostered in one hospital through the formation of the Evidence-based Practice Committee, with an ulterior goal of facilitating the transfer of evidence into practice. The paper will describe barriers to evidence-based practice and outline the committee's strategies for overcoming these barriers, including the development and promotion of a Web-based guide to evidence-based practice specifically designed for clinicians (health professionals). Educational strategies for use of the Web-based guide will also be addressed. Advantages of this partnership are that the skills of librarians in meeting the needs of clinicians are maximized. The evidence-based practice skills of clinicians are honed and librarians make a valuable contribution to the knowledgebase of the clinical staff. The knowledge acquired through the partnership by both clinicians and librarians will increase the sophistication of the dialogue between the two groups and in turn will expedite the transfer of evidence into practice.

Everything in di Dark Muss Come to Light: A Postcolonial Investigation of the Practice of Extra Lessons at the Secondary Level in Jamaica's Education System

Despite the vast research examining the evolution of Caribbean education systems, little is chronologically tied to the postcolonial theoretical perspectives of specific island-state systems, such as the Jamaican education system and its relationship with the underground shadow education system. This dissertation study sought to address the gaps in the literature by critically positioning postcolonial theories in education to examine the macro- and micro-level impacts of extra lessons on secondary education in Jamaica. The following postcolonial theoretical (PCT) tenets in education were contextualized from a review of the literature: (a) PCT in education uses colonial discourse analysis to critically deconstruct and decolonize imperialistic and colonial representations of knowledge throughout history; (b) PCT in education uses an anti-colonial discursive framework to re-position indigenous knowledge in schools, colleges, and universities to challenge hegemonic knowledge; (c) PCT in education involves the "unlearning" of dominant, normative ideologies, the use of self-reflexivity, and deconstruction; and (d) PCT in education calls for critical pedagogical approaches that reject the banking concept of education and introduces inclusive pedagogy to facilitate "the passage from naïve to critical transitivity" (Freire, 1973, p. 32). Specifically, using a transformative mixed-methods design, grounded and informed by a postcolonial theoretical lens, I quantitatively uncovered and then qualitatively highlighted how if at all extra lessons can improve educational outcomes for students at the secondary level in Jamaica. Accordingly, the quantitative data was used to test the hypotheses that the practice of extra lessons in schools is related to student academic achievement and the practice of critical-inclusive pedagogy in extra lessons is related to academic achievement. The two-level hierarchical linear model analysis revealed that hours spent in extra lessons, average household monthly income, and critical-inclusive pedagogical tents were the best predictors for academic achievement. Alternatively, the holistic multi-case study explored how extra-lessons produces increased academic achievement. The data revealed new ways of knowledge construction and critical pedagogical approaches to galvanize systemic change in secondary education. Furthermore, the data showed that extra lessons can improve educational outcomes for students at the secondary level if the conditions for learning are met. This study sets the stage for new forms of knowledge construction and implications for policy change.

Looking inside for good practice in Deaf bilingual education: a participatory SWOT analysis

Presentation to the Disability Studies Conference, Lancaster University, September 7-9, 2010.

Singularidades da intervenção psicológica nos cuidados paliativos

Relatório de Prática Clínica apresentado à Escola Superior de Saúde Dr. Lopes Dias do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Cuidados Paliativos, realizada sob a orientação científica da Diretora da ESALD Doutora Ana Paula Gonçalves Antunes Sapeta, do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco, e orientação científica do Assistente Convidado pela Escola Superior de Saúde Dr. Lopes Dias, Mestre Eduardo Manuel Neves Oliveira Carqueja.

A importância da continuidade educativa e da articulação entre a educação pré-escolar o 1º ciclo do ensino básico

O presente relatório reflete o trabalho desenvolvido na Prática e Intervenção Supervisionada do Mestrado em Educação Pré-Escolar e apresenta a descrição, reflexão e a análise do percurso vivenciado no Jardim de Infância de Avis. “A Importância da Continuidade Educativa e da Articulação entre a Educação Pré-Escolar e o 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico” é o título do relatório, no qual pretendemos investigar, refletir discursos e práticas de continuidade educativa e articulação entre a Educação Pré-Escolar e o 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico num Agrupamento de Escolas. O percurso foi vivido através da investigação-ação, tentando conhecer opiniões e expectativas e, baseada no conhecimento obtido, planear e desenvolver atividades que envolvessem as crianças num processo de continuidade preparando-se para a transição para o 1.º ciclo do Ensino Básico.

Educar para a cidadania através de práticas de igualdade de género na educação pré-escolar

O presente relatório desenvolveu-se sob um trajeto de investigação-ação e consiste na descrição e reflexão de todo percurso traçado e experienciado numa sala de Jardim de Infância da rede pública da cidade de Portalegre, no âmbito do mestrado em Educação Pré-Escolar. A opção temática incidiu na Igualdade de Género, cujo interesse e curiosidade surgiram após observadas as atitudes e os comportamentos de género por parte das crianças da sala do jardim de infância. Fomentar nas crianças a igualdade de género e a mudança das representações, atitudes e comportamentos que, de alguma forma, se revelem estereotipados em função do género, implica o desenvolvimento de várias atividades com as crianças, a partir do conhecimento do grupo em articulação com o conhecimento das conceções das/os encarregados de educação e das educadoras de infância. No âmbito da metodologia utilizada, investigação-ação, o percurso vivido caracterizou-se por momentos de discussão onde valorizámos a intervenção, a pesquisa e a inovação. Alguns procedimentos serviram para a construção de saberes, incrementando o desenvolvimento profissional e pessoal, conducentes a uma ação educativa de qualidade.

Elementary School Recognition Program : programs for the improvement of practice.

Mode of access: Internet.

Educational research bulletin : organ of the College of Education

Published by: Bureau of Educational Research and Service, 1957-1961

Individual differences as affected by practice /

Also published as thesis, 1922.

Postoperative Analgesia Following Sciatic Nerve Blockade Administered by Nurse Anesthetists Supervised by Regional Anesthesia Faculty in an Academic Hospital

Introduction: Assessment of expertise in regional anesthesia techniques is traditionally based upon quota fulfillment of procedures during training. Validation of practitioner proficiency in performing procedures in surgical specialties has moved from simple measurement of technical skills to evaluation of global patient outcomes. Complete absence of pain as a result of nerve blockade is the most important clinical endpoint but patient, technical and procedural factors influence results. The purpose of this study was to measure the postoperative pain scores and associated analgesic medication requirements for patients administered sciatic nerve blockade by nurse anesthetists and determine patient or procedural factors that influenced this outcome. Methods: Either nerve stimulator or ultrasound guided sciatic nerve blockade was administered by nurse anesthetists under the supervision of regional anesthesia faculty. Patient demographic data that was collected included gender, body mass index, surgical procedure, and pre-existing chronic pain with associated opioid use. Patient self-reported pain scores and opioid analgesic dosages in the preoperative, intraoperative, immediate postoperative and 24 hour post procedure intervals were recorded. Results: 22 nurse anesthetists administered sciatic nerve blockade to 48 patients during a 36 month interval. Transition from a nerve stimulator to ultrasound guided sciatic nerve block technique resulted in lower mean pain scores. Patients reporting chronic opioid use were observed to have elevated perioperative opioid analgesic requirements and pain scores compared to opioid naïve patients. Conclusion: Effective analgesia is a prime measure for assessing expertise in regional anesthesia and continuous evaluation of this outcome in everyday practice is proposed.