The Effects of a Functional Three-dimensional (3D) Printed Knee Joint Simulator in Improving Anatomical Spatial Knowledge

In recent decades, three-dimensional (3D) printing as an emerging technology, has been utilized for imparting human anatomy knowledge. However, most 3D printed models are rigid anatomical replicas that are unable to represent dynamic spatial relationships between different anatomical structures. In this study, the data obtained from a computed tomography (CT) scan of a normal knee joint were used to design and fabricate a functional knee joint simulator for anatomical education. Utility of the 3D printed simulator was evaluated in comparison with traditional didactic learning in first-year medical students (n = 35), so as to understand how the functional 3D simulator could assist in their learning of human anatomy. The outcome measure was a quiz comprising 11 multiple choice questions based on locking and unlocking of the knee joint. Students in the simulation group (mean score = 85.03%, ±SD 10.13%) performed significantly better than those in the didactic learning group, P < 0.05 (mean score = 70.71%, ±SD 15.13%), which was substantiated by large effect size, as shown by a Cohen’s d value of 1.14. In terms of learning outcome, female students who used 3D printed simulators as learning aids achieved greater improvement in their quiz scores as compared to male students in the same group. However, after correcting for the modality of instruction, the sex of the students did not have a significant influence on the learning outcome. This randomized study has demonstrated that the 3D printed simulator is beneficial for anatomical education and can help in enriching students’ learning experience.     

Microscopy Images as Interactive Tools in Cell Modeling and Cell Biology Education

The advent of genomics, proteomics, and microarray technology has brought much excitement to science, both in teaching and in learning. The public is eager to know about the processes of life. In the present context of the explosive growth of scientific information, a major challenge of modern cell biology is to popularize basic concepts of structures and functions of living cells, to introduce people to the scientific method, to stimulate inquiry, and to analyze and synthesize concepts and paradigms. In this essay we present our experience in mixing science and education in Brazil. For two decades we have developed activities for the science education of teachers and undergraduate students, using microscopy images generated by our work as cell biologists. We describe open-air outreach education activities, games, cell modeling, and other practical and innovative activities presented in public squares and favelas. Especially in developing countries, science education is important, since it may lead to an improvement in quality of life while advancing understanding of traditional scientific ideas. We show that teaching and research can be mutually beneficial rather than competing pursuits in advancing these goals.     

Risk factors and context of men who physically abuse in Bogotá, Colombia

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for physical abuse caused by male perpetrators, as well as to describe the context of abuse and the role of the female partner in these cases in Bogotá, Colombia. METHODS: Information from in-depth interviews of males reported to authorities for physical child abuse and their female partners (n = 45) was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed and compared to to males and their female partners from the same neighborhood living with a child of the same gender and age (+/-3 years) as the abused child (n = 44). RESULTS: Situations of abuse occurred more often on a weekday, in the afternoon or early evening hours, with the mother present, exceptionally involved substance abuse, and tended to be repetitive. Male subjects' lower level of education, stepfather status, perceived stress, substance abuse and mental illness, lack of social support, history of childhood physical abuse, negative perceptions, attributions and unrealistic expectations of the child's behavior were associated with abuse. Cases' female partners were more likely to have a lower occupational level, a higher frequency of dependent personality, a history of childhood physical and sexual abuse and be herself physically and emotionally abused by her spouse. At least three scenarios for abuse emerged from the analyses: "explosive" men, "abusive disciplinarians," and "children out of parental control." CONCLUSIONS: Most of the findings are consistent with existing research despite the different social and cultural context. The different scenarios suggest the need to tailor preventive and rehabilitative interventions for abusers.     

Les représentations graphiques dans la résolution de problèmes: Une expérience d'entraînement d'étudiants dans un club mathématique

Resumé Cet article voudrait aborder un thème précis: l'emploi des représentations graphiques dans les comportements de recherche de problèmes de type Olympiades. Pour ce faire, nous utiliserons deux voies complémentaires: l'étude des copies des participants aux Olympiades Mathématiques Espagnoles (OME) et l'observation des membres d'un Club mathématique constitué dans le but de développer notre recherche. L'analyse des copies des OME a montré l'importance du choix et de l'interprétation de la première repésentation graphique dessinée, pour la réussite ou l'échec de la résolution d'un problème posé, c'est pourquoi nous avons essayé d'apprendre aux participants du Club mathématique à réfléchir aux stratégies de résolution et à réagir de manière critique contre les réflexes dûs aux conditionnements scolaires.

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Graphic representations in problem solving: a training program for students on a Mathematical Club

The article looks at the use of graphic representation in problem-solving tasks of the type set in the Olympiads from two different points of view. Firstly, an analysis of the answer sheets of participants in the Spanish Mathematical Olympiads (OME), and secondly the observation of the members of a Mathematics Club brought together to help with the investigation. The analysis of a sample of answer sheets shows that the choice and interpretation of the first graphic representation drawn in the problem-solving process plays a decisive role in the discovery of the solution. As a result, a training programme has been established for the members of the Mathematics Club to help them consider the strategies used in problem-solving tasks and to help them approach these tasks in a more critical manner than is expected in a normal school environment.

     

The Social Ecology of Adolescent Alcohol Misuse

A conceptual framework based on social ecology, social learning, and social control theories guided identification of social contexts, contextual attributes, and joint effects that contribute to development of adolescent alcohol misuse. Modeling of alcohol use, suggested by social learning theory, and indicators of the social bond, suggested by social control theory, were examined in the family, peer, school, and neighborhood contexts. Interactions between alcohol modeling and social bond indicators were tested within and between contexts. Data were from a longitudinal study of 6,544 students, 1,663 of their parents, and the U.S. Census. All contexts were uniquely implicated in development of alcohol misuse from ages 11 through 17 years, and most alcohol modeling effects were contingent on attributes of social bonds.