Designing educational simulation for impact test machine

We report the simulation models for enhancing the metacognitive skills. Mechanical Engineering students of Babylon Institute in Iraq are chosen for case study. The design of model and Impact Test Simulations (ITS) for Metallurgy subject is addressed. The simulation software developed using Microsoft Studio 2010 includes tutorials to explain all necessary theoretical background and formulas. Step-by-step computerized procedures and numerical examples are rendered in a simple user-friendly, visual and interactive environment to enhance metacognitive skills and students' learning. Before starting the design process, objectives and the salient features of simulation are clearly identified. Subsequently, real laboratory experiments are conducted for collecting data and coding them in computer language. Despite the existence of numerous module embedded graphical simulation, the developed software package is expected to provide valuable tool for both students and instructors. Furthermore, the same package in the form of a bi-product can also be used as a "research tool" together with the application for engineering education

Developing Educational Simulation for Rockwell Hardness Test Machine

The purpose of this paper is to analyze, develop, design, implement, and evaluate the engineering simulation model in metallurgy subject [Rockwell hardness test simulation (RHTS)], according to analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate (ADDIE) model and the Mechanical Engineering students of Babylon Institute in Iraq are chosen for case study. This paper presents the various steps involved in the simulation procedures. The detail simulation development process and its significant characteristics are highlighted. The flowchart of the model is rendered, displaying the different components used to develop the simulation algorithm using Microsoft Studio 2010 computer programming language. The advantages and limitations of the simulation model are identified by interviewing experts. The findings resulted from the simulated model reveal that the learners can learn easily and effectively. The developed software package is expected to provide valuable tool for both students and instructors. Furthermore, the same package in the form of a bi-product can also be used as a “research tool” together with the application for engineering education

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Vickers Test Simulation to Improve Metacognitive Skills

AbstractImproving the metacognitive skills via celebrated Vickers Test Simulation (VTS) is an outstanding issue in science and engineering education. The quest for achieving accurate model in designing educational curricula and methods for solving engineering problems metacognitively is ever-growing. Enhancing the problem solving efficiency through planning, analyses, design and implementation mediated by metacognition is a challenging task. We designed, developed and evaluated engineering simulation using VTS to identify the effectiveness of metacognitive skills on mechanical engineering students (metallurgy) of Iraq as test sample. The influences of VTS on metacognitive acquisition skills through self-planning, self-monitoring, self-modification and self-evaluation are determined. The performance of the proposed model is simulated via Microsoft studio 2010 and the data are analyzed by SPSS. The validity and reliability of the test questions are determined from the values of Answer time, Coefficients of Reliability, Discrimination, Difficulty and Correlation. The calculated value of T is found to be 7.822 for self-planning, 7.864 for self-monitoring with significance ∼0.01. Results reveal that VTS has considerable impact on metacognitive skills acquisition.Our systematic methodmay constitute a basis for students and learners in solving analytical and technical problems in a competent manner to enhance their metacognitive skills