Teachers’ Perspectives on Teacher Training for Better Implementation of GIS in the Geography Classroom. GI_Forum|GI_Forum 2015 – Geospatial Minds for Society|

The perspective of German geography teachers was examined regarding their view on what university teacher training has to provide in order to improve the implementation of GIS in the classroom. This was based on the finding that there is only low implementation of GIS in geography classrooms at German schools, despite teachers seeing enormous potential in GIS usage in general. The results show that one of the eight main criteria that is important for the implementation of GIS from teachers’ perspectives on the integration of GIS in teacher training is especially challenging in the university context; however, concrete measures for the design of university and practical courses in teacher training can be derived easily

Clinical and Radiological Outcome of a new Total Cervical Disc Replacement Design

Study Design: Non-randomized prospective and single center clinical trial of the ProDisc Vivo prosthesis. Objective: Investigate the clinical and radiological results of a refined cTDR - the ProDisc Vivo - with two years of follow up (FU). The incidence of implant-related complications was recorded as a secondary outcome variable. Summary of Background Data: Previous generations of the ProDisc artificial cervical disc replacement generate high primary stability due to keel-based designs with opening of the anterior cortex during the implantation and subsequent high rates of heterotopic ossifications. Methods: Clinical outcome scores included the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), arm and neck pain self-assessment questionnaires. The radiological outcome included the range of motion (ROM) and the occurrence of heterotopic ossifications. The incidence of implant-related complications with new implant design was recorded as a secondary outcome variable. Results: A total of 55 patients received a single level treatment with the ProDisc Vivo cTDR between C3/4 and C6/7, with a follow up rate of 78%. The clinical outcome scores improved in all parameters significantly (p = 0.0001) (NDI: 68.3 → 17.4; VAS arm: 6.3 → 1.4; VAS neck: 4.9 → 1.6). The ROM of the index-segment didn't show a significant change (p = 0.26) (7.9° → 9.2°). Heterotopic ossifications at the index segment was found as grade 0 in 58%, grade 1 in 22%, grade 2 in 10%, grade 3 (with functional impairment of the prosthesis) in 7% and grade 4 in 3% of the cases. We observed three implant-related complications (5.5%), with two implant dislocations anteriorly and one low-grade infect. Conclusion: cTDR with ProDisc Vivo demonstrated a significant and sustained improvement of all clinical outcome parameters. A less-invasive implantation mechanism with lower primary stability of the cTDR might be a reason for a higher dislocation rate compared to the keel-based previous generation ProDisc C.ISSN:0362-2436ISSN:1528-115

Workflows for Data Mining in Integrated multi-modal Data of Intracranial Aneurysms using KNIME

Risselada R, Friedrich CM, Ebeling C, et al. Workflows for Data Mining in Integrated multi-modal Data of Intracranial Aneurysms using KNIME. In: Book of Abstracts of the R User Conference (useR!). Rennes, France; 2009: 165

Computer-assisted simulated workplace-based assessment in surgery: application of the universal framework of intraoperative performance within a mixed-reality simulation

Objectives Workplace-based assessment (WBA) is a key requirement of competency-based medical education in postgraduate surgical education. Although simulated workplace-based assessment (SWBA) has been proposed to complement WBA, it is insufficiently adopted in surgical education. In particular, approaches to criterion-referenced and automated assessment of intraoperative surgical competency in contextualized SWBA settings are missing.Main objectives were (1) application of the universal framework of intraoperative performance and exemplary adaptation to spine surgery (vertebroplasty); (2) development of computer-assisted assessment based on criterion-referenced metrics; and (3) implementation in contextualized, team-based operating room (OR) simulation, and evaluation of validity.Design Multistage development and assessment study: (1) expert-based definition of performance indicators based on framework’s performance domains; (2) development of respective assessment metrics based on preoperative planning and intraoperative performance data; (3) implementation in mixed-reality OR simulation and assessment of surgeons operating in a confederate team. Statistical analyses included internal consistency and interdomain associations, correlations with experience, and technical and non-technical performances.Setting Surgical simulation center. Full surgical team set-up within mixed-reality OR simulation.Participants Eleven surgeons were recruited from two teaching hospitals. Eligibility criteria included surgical specialists in orthopedic, trauma, or neurosurgery with prior VP or kyphoplasty experience.Main outcome measures Computer-assisted assessment of surgeons’ intraoperative performance.Results Performance scores were associated with surgeons’ experience, observational assessment (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill) scores and overall pass/fail ratings. Results provide strong evidence for validity of our computer-assisted SWBA approach. Diverse indicators of surgeons’ technical and non-technical performances could be quantified and captured.Conclusions This study is the first to investigate computer-assisted assessment based on a competency framework in authentic, contextualized team-based OR simulation. Our approach discriminates surgical competency across the domains of intraoperative performance. It advances previous automated assessment based on the use of current surgical simulators in decontextualized settings. Our findings inform future use of computer-assisted multidomain competency assessments of surgeons using SWBA approaches

Essential Step-by-Step Techniques for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery

The ultimate resource for learning and mastering minimally invasive spine surgery techniques An estimated 1.5 million instrumented spinal procedures are performed every year in the US. The majority of decompressions and about 50% of fusion procedures can be performed completely or partially using minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) techniques. The full potential of MISS techniques has yet to be realized. Essential Step-by-Step Techniques for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery by internationally renowned MISS neurosurgeon Roger Härtl, spine-neurosurgeon Rodrigo Navarro-Ramirez, and an impressive group of global multidisciplinary contributors is the most comprehensive and detailed textbook written to date on this topic. The foundation of the book is built on six interacting principles critical to surgical success, and MISS in particular: Target, Technology, Technique, Teaching and Training, Testing, and Talent. The text starts with an opening chapter on the definition of MISS and introduction of these principles. Fifty-six subsequent chapters provide a comprehensive discussion on how to utilize an MISS approach for a full spectrum of spinal pathologies using nuanced variations specific to the operating surgeon. To ensure readers are well versed in all aspects of MISS, these chapters include painstaking details on indications, contraindications, pathoanatomy, operating room set-up, step-by-step techniques, and postoperative management. Key Highlights Contributions from master spine surgeons across the world provide a balanced global perspective on mastering and incorporating diverse techniques into practice Invaluable clinical pearls including tips/tricks and complication avoidance High-quality images, figures, anatomic drawings, and imaging studies illustrate relevant anatomic approaches and corridors and delineate why anatomic masteryis critical to MISS Twenty-five videos enhance the ability to learn and implement MISS approaches This is a must-have resource for practicing spine surgeons interested in MISS who wish to learn the latest techniques from master surgeons and achieve optimal patient outcomes. The text and videos also provide a robust training tool for senior-level orthopaedic and neurosurgery residents and spine fellows