Leaving STEM: An Examination of the STEM to Non-STEM Major Change and How the STEM Curriculum Relates to Academic Achievement in Non-STEM Fields

The lack of student persistence in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields has been widely researched in recent years. Due to the high attrition rates in STEM fields and the shortage of STEM workers in the United States, research on STEM attrition has focused on identifying factors that cause STEM attrition and ways to increase STEM persistence. While these studies are helpful to understand STEM attrition, researchers have ignored what happens to the students who fail to persist in the STEM fields. Instead of focusing on the causes of STEM attrition, this study focused on the STEM to non-STEM major change by examining how STEM course enrollment and STEM course performance relates to various forms of academic achievement (first year retention, graduation, time to degree, cumulative GPA). The analytical sample for this study was drawn from the 2004/2009 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:04/09) and the associated 2009 Postsecondary Education Transcript Study (PETS:09) datasets with the final sample used for analysis representing students who initially enrolled in a STEM bachelor’s degree program and changed to a non-STEM field or left the institution entirely. As such, the results were reflective of this group of students, and not all students in college in general. Results of the study revealed three general findings about the relationship between STEM course enrollment and STEM course academic performance and academic achievement. First, STEM credits attempted is negatively associated with first year retention. Each unit increase in STEM credits attempted reduced the odds of persistence past the first year. Secondly, performance in college level math, introductory laboratory science and STEM courses plays an important role in determining students’ level of academic achievement in non-STEM fields. Lastly, females reach higher levels of academic achievement after leaving the STEM fields when compared to males

From treatment to social reintegration: : principles of medical and psychological support of veterans (on example of the Russian-Ukrainian war)

Introduction: Analyzing numerical data from different countries around the world that have experience of participating in wars and resolving their consequences, it is important to consider the wide range of war effects on all spheres of society. This influence is discussed in the context of economic, political, state-building, demographic, and other spheres. Special attention is given to analyzing the consequences of this impact on individuals returning from war. These consequences are diverse and include physical and psychological problems, job loss, social exclusion, and other challenges that require an integrated approach to effectively address them. Purpose: To analyze the main principles of medical and psychological rehabilitation of combat veterans, having conducted a comprehensive analysis of their links and constituent elements, and to consider possible ways of their implementation. Methodology: We conducted a systematic search in the main electronic medical databases such as: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar until January 2024. We used theoretical methods such as systematic, bibliosemantic and retrospective, comparative analysis and generalization of the publication data of the conducted studies that considered links, components, principles and possible ways of their implementation in the field of medical and psychological rehabilitation of combat veterans. Relevant studies were identified by key words: war or combat veterans, rehabilitation, reintegration, psychoeducation, hub. Results: The research revealed complex challenges in the system of medical and psychological rehabilitation of military veterans, including post-traumatic stress disorder, physical injuries, social isolation and limited resources. The analysis identified key principles important to the planning and implementation of rehabilitation programs, including individualization, comprehensiveness, accessibility, and integration. The results highlighted the importance of a systems approach and collaboration between various parties concerned for the effective implementation of the veterans’ rehabilitation system. The study suggests specific ways of the identified principles implementation. Understanding the modality of the medical and psychological rehabilitation system is a key aspect in improving the quality of rehabilitation and providing adequate support to veterans. In order to achieve these goals, a hierarchy of therapeutic goals was created determining the modalities of the medical and psychological rehabilitation system. Conclusion: Effective medical and psychological rehabilitation for combat veterans should be based on the systematic organization of care, recognizing the importance of each component in ensuring coordination, efficiency and quality of services. Establishing clear therapeutic goals forms the basis for comprehensive psychological support, contributing to veterans’ self-esteem, mental health, and social integration, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life

Radiographic evaluation of calcaneal fractures: To measure or not to measure

Objective: The aim of this study was to correlate the functional outcome after treatment for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture with plain radiography. Design: The design was a prognostic study of a retrospective cohort with concurrent follow-up. Patients: A total of 33 patients with a unilateral calcaneal fracture and a minimum follow-up of 13 months participated. Patients filled in three disease-specific questionnaires, graded their satisfaction and the indication for an arthrodesis was noted. Standardised radiographs were made of the previously injured side and the normal (control) side. Different angles and distances were measured on these radiographs and compared with values described in the literature. The differences in values in angles and distances between the injured and uninjured (control) foot were correlated with the outcome of the questionnaires, and the indication for an arthrodesis. Results: None of the angles correlated with the disease-specific outcome scores. Of the angles only the tibiotalar angle correlated with the VAS (r=0.35, p=0.045) and only the absolute foot height correlated with the indication for an arthrodesis (odds=0.70, CI=0.50-0.99). Conclusion: In this study the radiographic evaluation correlated poorly with the final outcome. Measurements on plain radiographs seem not to be useful in determining outcome after intra-articular calcaneal fractures

The sinus tarsi approach in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: a systematic review

Purpose: Although open reduction and internal fixation is currently considered the gold standard in surgical treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures, various different approaches exist including the limited lateral approach. The aim of this systematic review was to combine the results of studies using the sinus tarsi approach, which is the most frequently applied limited lateral approach. Method: A literature search in the electronic databases of the Cochrane Library and Pubmed Medline, between January 1st 2000 to December 1st 2010, was conducted to identify studies in which the sinus tarsi approach or a modified sinus tarsi approach was utilized for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Coleman methodology score. Results: A total of eight case series reporting on 256 patients with 271 calcaneal fractures was identified. Overall good to excellent outcome was reached in three-quarters of all patients. An average complication rate of minor wound complications of 4.1% was reported and major wound complications in 0.7%. The need for a secondary subtalar arthrodesis occurred at an average rate of 4.3%. The average Coleman methodology score was 56.8 (range 39-72) points. Conclusion: The results, i.e. functional outcome and complication rates, of the sinus tarsi approach compare similarly or favourably to the extended lateral approach. Therefore, in the process of tailoring the best treatment modality to the right patient and the right fracture type, the sinus tarsi approach might be a valuable asset

Closed Rupture of the Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon in a Long Distance Runner: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

A unique case report of rupture of the flexor hallucis longus tendon at the great toe metatarsal head level is reported in a well-trained marathon runner. The literature regarding interruptions of the flexor hallucis longus tendon is reviewed. There is an identifiable trend: Closed ruptures of the tendons when repaired, do not permit pull-through of the tendon, whereas open lacerations have some potential to restore this function.</jats:p

Fracture of the Calcaneus: An Unusual Fracture Pattern with Subtalar Joint Interposition of the Flexor Hallucis Longus. A Report of Two Cases

Two closed calcaneal fractures with interposition of the flexor hallucis longus tendon in the subtalar joint are reported. The radiographic findings of dissociation of the superior medial fragment of the posterior facet from the sustentaculum talus are presented. The rationale for surgical treatment is discussed.</jats:p

Calcaneal Fractures: Three-dimensional Treatment

A series of 22 calcaneal fractures operated over 4 yr is presented. Radiographic evaluation of these fractures using axial, lateral, anteroposterior, and oblique medial projection (Broden's view) with varying tube angulation toward the head and computerized axial tomography in two planes, coronal and transverse, were done. This repeatedly demonstrated intra-articular splitting fractures along the axis of the os calcis through the posterior facet, extending to the calcaneocuboid joint. These fractures were surgically reduced as described by McReynolds with sequential medial and lateral approaches. Intraoperative X-rays demonstrate the three-dimensional nature of this injury. Bohler's angle may be reconstituted with apparent reduction of the posterior facet when projected laterally; however, Broden's and axial views show persistent widening and split of the posterior facet.The 22 patients have been followed from 12 to 46 mo. All have heels of normal width and wear standard shoes. The first two cases, done only medially, have less than anatomic reconstruction of the subtalar joint. Functional results have been encouraging. Of six active duty members so treated, three returned to full duty, a second who was medically retired as a result of other injuries had minimal heel problems, and fifth had a contralateral open pilon fracture which hampers him, and the sixth patient is now 4 mo postbilateral calcaneal fractures with return to duty anticipated. Most of the 22 have some decrease in subtalar motion without apparent gait abnormality. No cases of medial or lateral impingement or tendinitis are present.Fractures of the calcaneus are amendable to open reduction and internal fixation. Sequential medial and anterolateral exposure allow anatomic reconstruction in three dimensions, avoiding pitfalls of two-dimensional analysis and treatment.</jats:p