Blended-Learning arrangements for higher education in the changing knowledge society

This paper presents an advanced – international – blended learning arrangement. It has been developed, implemented and reviewed regularly in the last 4 years at the authors’ institution. Instead of referring solely to traditional classroom teaching, we use and continually refine this arrangement in our every-day formal teaching and learning processes at Technische Universitaet Dresden. By this we take into regard the changes induced by the Bologna Roadmap and try better to support its “new” didactical objectives: more interactive and interdisciplinary modules with focus upon the (practical) integration of professional and methodical responsibility, decision-making and soft skills

Virtual Collaborative Learning: Auf der Suche nach den Digital Natives

Dieser Beitrag untersucht die These über die Existenz von Digital Natives. Die Vertreter dieser These postulieren, dass Studenten und Schüler durch den frühen Kontakt mit Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien hinsichtlich ihres Lern-, Arbeits- und Kommunikationsverhaltens wesentlich verändert wurden. Um diese Aussage zu bewerten, werden Erfahrungen mit Virtual Collaborative Learning Veranstaltungen herangezogen. Die aktuellste durchgeführte Veranstaltung wird als Fallstudie vorgestellt und analysiert

Untersuchung der Wirksamkeit einer Lernhandlung in einem Blended-Learning-Arrangement in der universitären Ausbildung

1 Unterstützung der Lernhandlung zur Förderung der beruflichen Handlungskompetenz in der universitären Ausbildung Ein Großteil der Hochschulabsolventen ist nach Beendigung des Studiums in Unternehmen tätig. Diese fordern von den Absolventen neben fachlichen Kompetenzen vor allem Methoden- und Sozialkompetenz. Fachspezifische Kompetenzen bilden gemeinsam mit Methoden- und Sozialkompetenzen die Grundlage für die Berufsfähigkeit im Sinne beruflicher Handlungskompetenz der Absolventen. In einer Studie des Institutes der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln aus dem Jahre 2010 gaben rund zwei Drittel der befagten Unternehmen an, dass sie es im Bereich der Fach- und Methodenkompetenzen für sehr wichtig halten, dass die Absolventen in der Lage sind, sich in neue Fachgebiete selbstständig einzuarbeiten und vorhandenes Wissen auf neue Probleme anwenden zu können. Das Vorhandensein speziellen Fachwissens spielt hingegen für die Arbeitgeber eher eine untergeordnete Rolle (Konegen- Grenier, Placke & Stangl, 2011, S. 86 ff.). In einer repräsentativen Befragung unter Studierenden im Jahre 2010 gaben ca. 25 Prozent der Befragten an bisher nicht oder eher nicht gefördert worden zu sein (Heine, Woisch & Ortenburger, 2011, S. 31). Einen entscheidenden Einfluss auf die Kompetenzförderung hat die Lernhandlung. In Anlehnung an Richter (2001, S. 46) werden Lernhandlungen in diesem Aufsatz als zielgerichtete Handlungen angesehen, welche sich auf die bewusste und reflektierte Weiterentwicklung der eigenen Handlungskompetenz (Berufsbefähigung) beziehen. Die Lernhandlung zeichnet sich durch die Merkmale des handlungsorientierten Lernens aus. Handlungsorientiertes Lernen ist gekennzeichnet durch Selbststeuerung, Wahl von Handlungsalternativen und Vollständigkeit, im Sinne von Zielbildung, Planung, Durchführung und Kontrolle. Es ist auf Lernzuwachs und Wissenserwerb ausgerichtet und erfolgt bewusst und reflexiv (Richter, 2001, S. 47). [...

European language equality

This deep dive on data, knowledge graphs (KGs) and language resources (LRs) is the final of the four technology deep dives, as data as well as related models are the basis for technologies and solutions in the area of Language Technology (LT) for European digital language equality (DLE). This chapter focuses on the data and LRs required to achieve full DLE in Europe by 2030. The main components identified – data, KGs, LRs – are explained, and used to analyse the state-of-the-art as well as identify gaps. All of these components need to be tackled in the future, for the widest range of languages possible, from official EU languages to dialects to non- EU languages used in Europe. For all these languages, efficient data collection and sustainable data provision to be facilitated with fair conditions and costs. Specific technologies, methodologies and tools have been identified to enable the implementation of the vision of DLE by 2030. In addition, data-related business models and data-governance models are discussed, as they are considered a prerequisite for a working data economy that stimulates a vibrant LT landscape that can bring about European DLE.peer-reviewe

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Ecological and Cultural Understanding as a Basis for Management of a Globally Significant Island Landscape

Islands provide the opportunity to explore management regimes and research issues related to the isolation, uniqueness, and integrity of ecological systems. K’gari (Fraser Island) is an Australian World Heritage property listed based on its outstanding natural value, specifically, the unique wilderness characteristics and the diversity of ecosystem types. Our goal was to draw on an understanding of the natural and cultural environment of K’gari as a foundation on which to build a management model that includes First Nations Peoples in future management and research. Our research involved an analysis of papers in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, original reports, letters, and other manuscripts now housed in the K’gari Fraser Island Research Archive. The objectives of the research were: (1) to review key historical events that form the cultural, social, and environmental narrative; (2) review the major natural features of the island and threats; (3) identify the gaps in research; (4) analyse the management and conservation challenges associated with tourism, biosecurity threats, vegetation management practices, and climate change and discuss whether the requirements for sustaining island ecological integrity can be met in the future; and (5) identify commonalities and general management principles that may apply globally to other island systems and other World Heritage sites listed on the basis of their unique natural and cultural features. We found that the characteristics that contribute to island uniqueness are also constraints for research funding and publication; however, they are important themes that warrant more investment. Our review suggests that K’gari is a contested space between tourist visitation and associated environmental impacts, with an island that has rich First Nations history, extraordinary ecological diversity, and breathtaking aesthetic beauty. This juxtaposition is reflected in disparate views of custodianship and use, and the management strategies are needed to achieve multiple objectives in an environmentally sustainable way whilst creating cultural equity in modern times. We offer a foundation on which to build a co-management model that includes First Nations Peoples in governance, management, research, and monitoring

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries