Research training is important for workforce development in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The STEM higher education literature has identified various components critical to the success of research training programs such as research mentoring and training. Less work has been conducted on other research training activities such as conference participation even though it is an interactive activity that can allow students to develop science self-efficacy and science identity. Yet, the costs associated with conference attendance may be a barrier for students, especially those who already have financial concerns about funding their education. This paper evaluates how conference participation (i.e., conference attendance and/or presentation) contributes to students' development of research self-efficacy and science identity within a STEM research training program at California State University Long Beach (CSULB) called the Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) Scholars program. Data were collected from students enrolled in the departments engaged in health-related research across four colleges (natural sciences, engineering, health and human services and liberal arts) at CSULB. This study used propensity score matching and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to predict research self-efficacy and science identity from exposure to the BUILD intervention and conference participation. Results indicate that both participation in the BUILD Scholars program and conferences have a strong positive association with research self-efficacy and science identity. Overall, the results of this study present a strong case for including conference attendance and presentations as a part of any STEM education research training program.
Cannulation of a patient’s vascular access is a daily requisite procedure for initiating hemodialysis for those with End-Stage-Kidney Disease. Skills training and assessment for hemodialysis cannulation needs attention; currently, trainees lack effective teaching tools and practice on patients—leading to stress for the cannulator and potentially multiple attempts with pain and infiltration (extravasation of blood into soft tissue) for the patient. We created a cannulation simulator (CanSim) with the goal of measuring cannulation skill and tested the hypothesis that the simulator’s process metrics are able to predict cannulation outcomes on the simulator. Data collected on CanSim from a recent study with improved simulation technology was compared with a previous dataset collected on an earlier prototype. Multiple sensors were used to measure different aspects of cannulation behavior and outcome on the simulator. The infiltration rate on the improved system was less than half that of the previous prototype (20% v 53%). Additionally, only one trial included an extra attempt (1.4%) in the new group, with 15% requiring more than one attempt on the older simulator. Analysis of performance metrics revealed key predictors of successful cannulation, specifically shallower insertion angles. These results could inform design of objective, reproducible cannulation training for providers in a safe, simulated environment.
Engaging students in research is a high impact practice known to increase underrepresented students' persistence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields and improve their graduation rates. For broad impact, research infusion can be implemented through careful redesign of courses or through the adoption of research modules to supplement class instruction and existing student training programs. In this paper, we present data on a program for the design and implementation of research-infused curricula in major courses across a variety of STEM and related disciplines. Specifically, the Research Across the Curriculum program's goal was to have faculty engage in a redesign of a class to exemplify how specific disciplines engage in research. Fourteen courses were included in the present analysis, and the redesigned components were implemented in the form of interactive activities for in-person or online learning. Overall, the redesigned courses had a large impact on student's perceptions of gains in research skills. Students reported moderate to good gains in understanding the relevance of research in their discipline and skills important to research like problem solving, understanding research papers, and interpreting research results. The modality of the course (online vs. face-to-face) had little impact. Thus, research-focused activities intentionally embedded in courses strengthen the research foundation of students and should be encouraged as a high-impact practice.
The number of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees awarded to underrepresented students has increased over the past two decades, but these graduates still represent a small percentage of STEM career professionals (Fry et al., 2021) and faculty members (Bennett et al., 2020). For diversifying faculty, Bennet et al. identified a barrier to be the lack of programs to support underrepresented groups at the postdoctoral and early career stages. The Pre-Professor Program (PREPP) was designed to support advanced doctoral students’ and postdoctoral scholars’ transition to faculty positions by engaging them in a semester-long virtual program within the California State University (CSU) system, which consists of 23 campuses across the state of California. PREPP Fellows receive individual mentorship from an experienced PREPP Mentor who engages them during weekly meetings to explore 15 topics and a few dozen activities related to teaching, service, and research at comprehensive and ethnically diverse institutions, as well as the process for applying for tenure track positions at such institutions. PREPP Mentors also discuss tenure and promotion processes and coordinate various campus and departmental activities to introduce PREPP Fellows to campus resources and learn perspectives of faculty life within their discipline. Initially designed as a local, in-person program, PREPP morphed into an online, virtual training program that allowed the program to grow and be implemented throughout the entire CSU system. The flexibility provided by the virtual platform enabled PREPP participants to be effectively immersed in learning about faculty life at a CSU campus without requiring them to be in the local area. This paper describes PREPP and how it can be used as a model to provide a pathway for highly competitive and diverse applicants to faculty positions.
Firefighters often work under dangerous and harmful conditions, which could cause unexpected accidents, injuries, and deaths. There were 19,200 injuries that occurred on the fireground in the United States in the year 2021, and more than 10% of these injuries were caused by burns and thermal stress [1]. The current NFPA 1971 (Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting) requests that firefighters’ turnout gear textiles meet the minimum requirement of a thermal protective performance (TPP) rating of 35, equating to 17.5 seconds until second-degree burns occur in a flashover situation [2]. Notably, exposure to a high-temperature environment could be much longer than a few seconds when firefighters conduct rescue tasks at a fire scene. Hence, research is needed to explore novel turnout gear technology that can significantly enhance thermal protection for firefighters. Phase change materials (PCMs) can absorb large amounts of latent heat while maintaining a constant melting temperature. We use this phenomenon to incorporate PCM into turnout gear to enhance the TPP. Numerical simulations were performed in this work which can guide future experimental design and testing to save time and effort. Currently, a three-dimensional (3D) turnout gear-equipped human thermal model is unavailable. Therefore, this work is the first 3D numerical study to explore (1) the thermal protection improvements of firefighters’ turnout gear by using PCM segments under flashover/explosive and hazardous conditions, and (2) the minimum amount of PCM required to enhance the thermal protection without significantly increasing the weight of firefighters’ turnout gear. Methods3D heat transfer simulations were performed through COMSOL Multiphysics (COMSOL, Inc., Burlington, MA 01803, USA). To maintain firefighters’ activities and movements in the fire scene, PCM was broken down into several segments to cover the main body but avoid joints. The blood circulation effect in the body was considered as a bioheat source in the model. The equivalent heat capacity method was used to simulate the phase-changing process. The heat flux applied at the outer surface of turnout gear (mimicking combined radiant and convective heat sources at the fire scene) was 83 kW/m2 for flashover/explosive conditions and 8.3 kW/m2 for typical hazardous conditions according to the current NFPA 1971 standard [2,3]. Various PCM segment thicknesses were studied to determine the minimum amount of PCM required to achieve sufficient thermal protection.ResultsThis study found that the 3.0-mm-thick PCM segments with a melting temperature of 60°C can extend the time for the skin surface to reach second-degree burn injury (60°C [3]) by 18 seconds and 52 seconds under flashover/explosive and hazardous conditions, respectively. Moreover, thinner PCM segments, i.e., 1.0-3.0 mm thickness, could also remarkably mitigate the temperature increase on the skin surface while reducing the added weight of turnout gear.ConclusionThe PCM segments could increase the time for the skin surface to reach second-degree burn injury by around 2.0 times compared to conventional firefighters’ turnout gear with no PCM. The 3D modeling results can be used to develop a next-generation firefighter turnout gear technology. DisclaimerThe findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). References[1] Campbell, R., Hall, S., United States firefighter injuries in 2021, NFPA Res. December 2022. [2] NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2018.[3] Coletta, G.C., Arons, I.J., Ashley, L.E., Drennan, A.P., 1976. The Development of Criteria for Firefighters' Gloves Volume II: Glove Criteria and Test Methods, Contract No. CDC-99-74-59, February 1976.
Firefighters face a multitude of hazards in their line of duty, with overexertion being the foremost cause of injuries or fatalities, as referenced in studies [1, 2]. This high risk is often amplified by the physical demands of their role, further exacerbated by the burden of carrying heavy SCBA. The objective of this research is to examine how the weight of SCBA affects the musculoskeletal joint movements of firefighters. There is an urgent requirement for precise measurement and analysis of firefighters' movements to understand the impact of SCBA weight on both performance and injury risk. Traditional motion capture techniques, which are primarily optical-based or inertia-based, have their limitations, such as marker obstructions due to clothing or lower accuracy and drift issues. To overcome these obstacles, this study introduces a groundbreaking hybrid motion capture technique, combining the advantages of both existing methods. This new method is expected to offer a detailed and accurate evaluation of how SCBA weight influences the kinematics of firefighters.MethodsIn this study, six professional firefighters (average age: 34.2±5.2 years) were involved in performing four simulated tasks: stair climbing, searching, hose advance, and overhaul, under three different SCBA weight scenarios: only gear, gear with a standard 45-minute SCBA, and gear with an SCBA plus an additional 10 lbs (SCBA-10). Data collection included optical markers on key equipment like helmets, boots, and gloves, 17 IMUs, EMG, pressure insoles, and a metabolic mask. A novel hybrid inverse kinematics method, blending IMU data with optical markers, was utilized to minimize drift errors and precisely reconstruct joint movements. Joint angle data, particularly for hose advance and overhaul, were segmented and normalized for comprehensive statistical analysis. Preliminary Results and DiscussionInitial analysis of data from two human subjects showed that heavier SCBA weights led to increased hip joint movement during stair climbing, with a noticeable 10% increase in hip angle range under the heaviest SCBA condition (SCBA-10). In hose advance tasks, firefighters showed less lumbar extension with SCBA, indicating a preference for using arm movements over the back and torso to maneuver the hose. Traditional inverse kinematics with only markers showed significant errors in joint angles, especially in pelvic tilt and hip flexion, which were effectively corrected with the new hybrid method. This innovative approach allows for a more precise evaluation of the effects of SCBA weight on firefighter kinematics and musculoskeletal load. Additional data is expected soon, which will provide a greater understanding of the effects of SCBA. While our current analysis is based on a small sample, we expect that expanding the study to more participants will reveal further kinematic changes due to loading.Preliminary Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this research represents the first endeavor to precisely record the movement of firefighters engaged in activities while fully equipped with gear and SCBA using both inertia and optical motion capture systems. Our initial findings validate this method and suggest its potential to refine SCBA weight standards based on scientific evidence. We noted that SCBA's weight substantially modifies the movement patterns of firefighters, possibly increasing musculoskeletal strain. This research paves the way for future dynamic analyses and contributes significantly to understanding how SCBA weight impacts musculoskeletal health, ultimately provide the possibility of recommending SCBA weight limits for injury prevention.DisclaimerThe findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).References[1]M. M. Alemi, J. Geissinger, A. A. Simon, S. E. Chang, and A. T. Asbeck, "A passive exoskeleton reduces peak and mean EMG during symmetric and asymmetric lifting," Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, vol. 47, pp. 25-34, 2019.[2]M. J. Karter, "Patterns of firefighter fireground injuries," National Fire Protection Association, 2014.[3]S. Wang, C. Feng, X. Chen, M. Shan, and W. Niu, "A biomechanical evaluation of firefighters’ musculoskeletal loads when carrying self-contained breathing apparatus in walking and running," Journal of Safety Research, 2023.
This study focuses on understanding the influence of cognitive biases in the intra-operative decision-making process within cardiac surgery teams, recognizing the complexity and high-stakes nature of such environments. We aimed to investigate the perceived prevalence and impact of cognitive biases among cardiac surgery teams, and how these biases may affect intraoperative decisions and patient safety and outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, combining quantitative ratings across 32 different cognitive biases (0 to 100 visual analogue scale), regarding their "likelihood of occurring" and "potential for patient harm" during the intraoperative phase of cardiac surgery. Based on these ratings, we collected qualitative insights on the most-rated cognitive biases from semi-structured interviews with surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and perfusionists who work in a cardiac operating room. A total of 16 participants, including cardiac surgery researchers and clinicians, took part in the study. We found a significant presence of cognitive biases, particularly confirmation bias and overconfidence, which influenced decision-making processes and had the potential for patient harm. Of 32 cognitive biases, 6 were rated above the 75th percentile for both criteria (potential for patient harm, likelihood of occurring). Our preliminary findings provide a first step toward a deeper understanding of the complex cognitive mechanisms that underlie clinical reasoning and decision-making in the operating room. Future studies should further explore this topic, especially the relationship between the occurrence of intraoperative cognitive biases and postoperative surgical outcomes. Additionally, the impact of metacognition strategies (e.g. debiasing training) on reducing the impact of cognitive bias and improving intraoperative performance should also be investigated.
The use of mobile health apps has been on the rise, as they allow people to get their health information more conveniently. Many people are using their mobile health apps to track their health status (KC et al., 2021), but there are known issues with people being unable to use their health apps effectively due to poor design. According to Wildebos et al. (2019), if users are continuously failing to get the information they need, they could develop feelings of insecurity and stop using the app. To mitigate these negative interface design impacts, Universal Design Principles (Story, 1998) and Gestalt's Principle of Perceptual Grouping (Smith-Gratto & Fisher, 1999) could be used to improve the interfaces. In the present study, we evaluated several interfaces of pedometer apps that varied in terms of flexibility (low and high) and three levels of simplicity (simple, intermediate, and complex). Ninety six participants were recruited from MTurk. The participants responded to questions on a survey that require them to extract information from a pedometer interface. After answering the comprehension questions for the specific interface, participants were asked to indicate their perceived ease of use (Brooke, 1996) and the likelihood of utilizing the pedometer app (Pasha & Indrawati, 2020). We found that participants had higher accuracy scores with the interface that was intermediate in terms of simplicity, but they preferred the simple or complex interface design. Results of this study suggest that users may not prefer designs that lead to better task performance and designers will need to balance features that enhance performance versus those that users find to be more attractive or desirable for continued use.
Engaging students in research is a high-impact practice shown to increase graduation outcomes and sustain their pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, research opportunities for students early in their undergraduate studies are not widely available at most colleges or for most students. To overcome this barrier, we developed three online resources designed to introduce students to what research is and direct them on how to get started with the search for research opportunities. These resources consist of (a) two introductory videos to inspire students to learn more about research, (b) online modules on the topics of getting started with research, transferable research skills, and publications and presentations, and (c) a searchable faculty research mentor directory. We found these online resources to be an effective ways to reach and engage a large number of undergraduate students who are accustomed to obtaining information on the web. These online resources can also serve as useful supplemental resources for advising staff and faculty who wish to introduce students to research.
The objective of the informed consent (IC) process is to inform potential participants about the purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits associated with clinical research and medical procedures. Traditional paper consent processes are generally long and confusing, especially in busy settings for research such as the emergency department (ED). We describe how we used a tablet-based digital IC process to recruit (N=1,002) older adults for an elder mistreatment study in the ED. Methods: The Virtual Multimedia Interactive Informed Consent (VIC) consent tool was previously developed and tested in an AHRQ-funded R21 study and was found to be usable, acceptable, and it enhanced participants’ comprehension and satisfaction when compared to a traditional paper-based IC process (Abujarad et al., 2021a). VIC was developed using a user-centered design (UCD) approach, incorporating digital coaching, multimedia features such as animated videos to explain research procedures, automated text-to-speech audio, and automated teach-back to emphasize key concepts. The VIC digital consent tool was used to recruit patients for an NIA-funded R01 study evaluating the feasibility of the VOICES Elder Mistreatment Intervention, a self-administered digital health intervention to increase identification of elder mistreatment in ED settings. Due to the complexities of elder mistreatment identification, we recognized the need for an IC process that ensures participant privacy, autonomy, and comprehension, with particular focus on the risks and benefits of recognizing and disclosing mistreatment. A total of 1,002 participants ages 60 and older were consented and enrolled during their visit in the ED. Results: A total of 1,204 of eligible participants agreed to participate in the study and started the consent, of whom 1,012 (84%) participants completed the consent process and enrolled in the VOICES study. Of the 192 (16%) participants who were not enrolled in the study: 158 (13%) did not complete the IC process for varying reasons, the most common reason being due to pain, and 34 (3%) completed the IC fully and chose not to participate in VOICES study. Of the consented participants, 99% fully completed the VOICES study and filled all surveys. Consented participants included older adults from 60 to 102 years old with a mean age of 73.5. Most participants were female, white, and high school educated or higher.Discussion: We believe that the use of digital IC process benefitted the participants who were able to complete the IC process on their own and with minimal help from the study coordinators. We received a high study completion rate among consented participants, and we believe that emphasizing key concepts and using multimedia to explain the more complicated research topics helped better educate potential participants to make a true informed decision about their participation in the VOICES study. It is likely that research participants who have a better understanding of the nature of the study are more likely to finish study procedures, increasing study retention. For the patients who did not complete the IC, they associated that to their chief complaint and medical reasons related to the nature of their visit to the ED. More research is needed to compare traditional and digital consent processes to better evaluate the effectiveness of digital consent.
This study examined the goodness-of-fit of using a sigmoid function to characterize time-series angular displacement trajectories during two-handed anterior lifting. Twenty-six participants performed two-handed anterior lifting with a low (4.5 kg) vs. high (22.7 kg) load at floor vs. knee lifting height. A sigmoid function with three parameters was fit to the torso-thigh included angle, knee flexion-extension (F-E), and ankle F-E angles in the sagittal plane obtained from body-worn inertial sensors. Mean ± SD RMSE between measured vs. fitted trajectories were 3.6 ± 2.9°, 3.9 ± 4.2°, and 2.7 ± 2.8° for the torso-thigh included angle, knee F-E, and ankle F-E angles, respectively. Findings suggest that the sigmoid function adequately describes the trajectory shape of two-handed lifting kinematics. Functional representations facilitate data aggregation and feature extraction in large time-series datasets encountered in inertial-based motion analysis and machine learning applications.
Firefighters are required to use a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for respiratory protection when engaged in a variety of firefighting duties. While the SCBA provides crucial respiratory support and protection, it is also cumbersome and heavy. Questions have arisen to address the current weight limitation listed in 42 CFR Part 84, which mandates the maximum weight of 16 kg (35.2 lbs) for an SCBA system. The objective of the overarching study is to inform a maximum comfortable SCBA weight by developing static and dynamic biomechanical models and collecting physiological burden and postural stability data to evaluate stressors for firefighting tasks. This paper presents data from the static models. Eight representative firefighting tasks (stair climb, hose carry, weighted carry, rope pull, dummy drag, hammer slam, overhaul, and hose advance) were used in the biomechanical models. Maximum comfortable SCBA weights were calculated based on three biomechanical models (abdominal extension/tension, lateral extension/tension, and abdominal rotation). This study found that the maximum comfortable weight for an SCBA was 39 lbs for the static postures of interest. Further studies with human subjects to investigate the SCBA weight limit by using physiological burden and dynamic models are underway and will provide crucial data to inform updates to the current weight limits for SCBAs allowing more features and extended durations of these devices without compromising user safety, performance, or comfort.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates older adults aged 60+ will double by 2050 with 80% living in low to moderate income countries. As remote research studies supported by digital devices increase separation between researchers and participants, it is important to maintain participant trust. Research participants have expressed an interest in accessing both group and individual level results, which are not readily available. To bridge this gap, we engaged residents of a local continuing care senior housing community (CCSHC) to co-design documents used to convey information about study results. The process informed the refinement of informational materials for communicating scientific research that the CCSHC community considers accessible and meaningful.
Firefighting is an injury prone occupation. The self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) included as part of a firefighter ensemble contributes to these injuries by affecting a firefighter’s balance. The objective of this study was to establish a method to determine the maximum allowable weight that would prevent firefighter injury by using a 3-Dimensional Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP). Four representative firefighting tasks (stair climb, hose carry, weighted carry, and rope pull) were used to perform the simulation. A representation of a 50th percentile male firefighter was used in 100 simulated trials. Based on a biomechanical model, 3DSSPP calculated lower back (L4/L5) compression forces and the results were compared to the NIOSH guidelines. The maximum safe weight of an SCBA ranged from 35 to 75 lbs. for the tasks examined. Policymakers may use this study’s methods and findings to inform evaluation methods and performance requirements that will drive SCBA design improvements, ultimately reducing the risk of injury among firefighters.
Doctor-patient communication is a crucial element in effective medical care, and the striking health disparities evident in patients with Type II Diabetes may in part be caused by physicians' difficulties in establishing effective communication with patients who differ from them racially, culturally, and economically. REPEAT (Realizing Enhanced Patient Encounters through Aiding and Training) is a digital tutor developed to help solve this problem. REPEAT teaches and coaches learners to improve their general and disparities-focused clinical communication skills using simulated encounters with computer-generated Synthetic Standardized Patients (SSPs) and augments experiential learning in virtual encounters by applying customized, context-sensitive, learner-focused scaffolding. REPEAT authoring tools enable rapid development of learning content, allowing economical transferability to other domains. Key human factors challenges and their design solution in REPEAT are discussed.
We examined the effects of sleep quality on next day driving outcomes in a 3.5-month naturalistic driving study of 67 OSA and 47 matched control drivers. Sleep quality measures included total sleep time and sleep fragmentation from actigraphy. The driving outcomes included average speed, lateral control, longitudinal control, distraction, attention to driving- and non-driving related tasks. Sleep quality affected next day's driving performance differently for OSA and control drivers. Better sleep quality was associated with better lateral and longitudinal control during highway driving for control drivers. The reverse was true for OSA drivers. Similar effects were also seen in terms of distractions and attention to the driving task. These effects suggest improved sleep leads to greater risky driving and 'activation' among OSA drivers. Collectively, the findings suggest investment in long-term monitoring of sleep quality in commercial vehicle drivers both with and without sleep disorders may help manage safety risks.
