Hybrid Teaching Reform of Veterinary Microbiology Based on the Combination of Virtual Simulation and Problem-Based Learning

The Veterinary Microbiology course is centered around the diagnosis and testing of pathogenic microorganisms,with the core value of“moral education and character development.”It reconstructs multidimensional teaching resources by integrating disciplinary achievements with clinical cases and implements a hybrid teaching approach combining virtual simulation and problem-based learning(PBL)through the“three stages+four models+three reflections”framework.Dual-qualification teachers employ various teaching methods,create a“six-in-one”model for ideological and political education,and conduct formative assessments based on the principles of diversified objectives and process emphasis.The hybrid teaching reform addresses issues such as fragmented knowledge,insufficient class hours,weak animal disease diagnostic abilities among students,limited application and expansion of knowledge points,and students’lack of proactive critical thinking skills.The application of hybrid teaching has shown significant advantages and effectiveness,providing a reference for teaching reform in similar microbiology courses.

The problem-based learning integrated with simulation to improve nursing students’ self-efficacy

Introduction: The purposes of this study were to describe the simulation integrated with problem-based learning (SIM-PBL) module to educate the nursing process for clients with hypertension and to evaluate its effectiveness on nursing students’ self-efficacy (SE). Methods: This study was a one group pre- and post-test design. Twenty five students received a 5-hour SIM-PBL program focused on nursing care of clients with hypertension. A newly developed self-report questionnaire was used to assess SE in four areas of the nursing process with a scale of 0 (not at all confident) to 10 (totally confident). The four areas were subjective data assessment, physical examination, prioritizing nursing care and health promotion advices. Results: At baseline, students’ SE ranged from 5.5 ± 1.4 (prioritizing nursing care) to 7.6 ± 1.4 (subjective data assessment). After SIM-PBL education, all areas of nursing process presented statistically significant improvements of SE. The improvements were most noticeable in prioritizing nursing care. Conclusion: The SIM-PBL module was effective in improving the students’ self-efficacy in the nursing process for patients with hypertension. Further studies are recommended in developing SIM-PBL modules for diverse nursing topics and evaluating their effectiveness in various aspects of students’ competency.

Machine learning-enhanced Monte Carlo and subset simulations for advanced risk assessment in transportation infrastructure

The maintenance of safety and dependability in rail and road embankments is of utmost importance in order to facilitate the smooth operation of transportation networks.This study introduces a comprehensive methodology for soil slope stability evaluation,employing Monte Carlo Simulation(MCS)and Subset Simulation(SS)with the"UPSS 3.0 Add-in"in MS-Excel.Focused on an 11.693-meter embankment with a soil slope(inclination ratio of 2H:1V),the investigation considers earthquake coefficients(kh)and pore water pressure ratios(ru)following Indian zoning requirements.The chance of slope failure showed a considerable increase as the Coefficient of Variation(COV),seismic coefficients(kh),and pore water pressure ratios(ru)experienced an escalation.The SS approach showed exceptional efficacy in calculating odds of failure that are notably low.Within computational modeling,the study optimized the worst-case scenario using ANFIS-GA,ANFIS-GWO,ANFIS-PSO,and ANFIS-BBO models.The ANFIS-PSO model exhibits exceptional accuracy(training R2=0.9011,RMSE=0.0549;testing R2=0.8968,RMSE=0.0615),emerging as the most promising.This study highlights the significance of conducting thorough risk assessments and offers practical insights into evaluating and improving the stability of soil slopes in transportation infrastructure.These findings contribute to the enhancement of safety and reliability in real-world situations.

Recent advances in protein conformation sampling by combining machine learning with molecular simulation

The rapid advancement and broad application of machine learning(ML)have driven a groundbreaking revolution in computational biology.One of the most cutting-edge and important applications of ML is its integration with molecular simulations to improve the sampling efficiency of the vast conformational space of large biomolecules.This review focuses on recent studies that utilize ML-based techniques in the exploration of protein conformational landscape.We first highlight the recent development of ML-aided enhanced sampling methods,including heuristic algorithms and neural networks that are designed to refine the selection of reaction coordinates for the construction of bias potential,or facilitate the exploration of the unsampled region of the energy landscape.Further,we review the development of autoencoder based methods that combine molecular simulations and deep learning to expand the search for protein conformations.Lastly,we discuss the cutting-edge methodologies for the one-shot generation of protein conformations with precise Boltzmann weights.Collectively,this review demonstrates the promising potential of machine learning in revolutionizing our insight into the complex conformational ensembles of proteins.

A Fast Federated Learning-based Crypto-aggregation Scheme and Its Simulation Analysis

To solve the problem of increased computation and communication costs caused by using homomorphic encryption(HE) to protect all gradients in traditional cryptographic aggregation(cryptoaggregation) schemes,a fast crypto-aggregation scheme called RandomCrypt was proposed.RandomCrypt performed clipping and quantization to fix the range of gradient values and then added two types of noise on the gradient for encryption and differential privacy(DP) protection.It conducted HE on noise keys to revise the precision loss caused by DP protection.RandomCrypt was implemented based on a FATE framework,and a hacking simulation experiment was conducted.The results show that the proposed scheme can effectively hinder inference attacks while ensuring training accuracy.It only requires 45%~51% communication cost and 5%~23% computation cost compared with traditional schemes.

Effects of Health Education with Problem-Based Learning Approaches on the Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Coping Skills of Women with High-Risk Pregnancies in Plateau Areas

Objective: Given the unique cultural background, way of life, and physical environment of the Tibetan Plateau, this study aims to investigate the effects of health education using problem-based learning (PBL) approaches on the knowledge, attitude, practice, and coping skills of women with high-risk pregnancies in this region. Methods: 76 high-risk pregnancy cases were enrolled at Tibet’s Linzhi People’s Hospital between September 2023 and April 2024. 30 patients admitted between September 2023 and December 2023 were selected as the control group and were performed with regular patient education. 46 patients admitted between January 2024 and April 2024 were selected as the observation group and were performed regular patient education with problem-based learning approaches. Two groups’ performance on their health knowledge, attitude, practice and coping skills before and after interventions were evaluated, and patient satisfaction were measured at the end of the study. Results: There was no statistical significance (P P P Conclusions: Health education with problem-based learning approaches is worth promoting as it can help high-risk pregnant women in plateau areas develop better health knowledge, attitude and practice and healthier coping skills. Also, it can improve patient sanctification.

The Application of“Problem-Based Learning+Flipped Classroom”Teaching Model in Bilingual Education

This study focuses on the application of the“PBL(problem-based learning)+Flipped Classroom”teaching model in bilingual education,aiming to explore its potential to enhance the quality and effectiveness of bilingual teaching.PBL emphasizes learning through the resolution of real-world problems,while the Flipped Classroom advocates that students acquire basic knowledge through self-study before class,dedicating class time to in-depth discussions and practical activities.The integration of these two teaching models in bilingual education aims to stimulate students’interest in learning,improve their autonomous learning abilities,enhance critical thinking,and foster cross-cultural communication skills.Through literature review,case analysis,and empirical research,this study first examines the current applications and challenges of PBL and the Flipped Classroom in bilingual education.Subsequently,it elaborates on the specific implementation steps of the“PBL+Flipped Classroom”teaching model in bilingual education,including problem design,preview material provision,cooperative learning,classroom activities,and language support.A comparative experiment is then conducted to analyze the impact of this teaching model on students’learning motivation,academic performance,and cross-cultural communication skills.The results indicate that the“PBL+Flipped Classroom”teaching model significantly improves students’learning motivation and participation,enhances academic performance,and effectively boosts their cross-cultural communication skills.Furthermore,this model aids in cultivating students’autonomous learning abilities and critical thinking,providing an innovative and effective approach to bilingual education.This study offers new ideas and insights for the field of bilingual education,which is of great significance for promoting the innovation and development of bilingual teaching models.

Analysis of the Role of Problem-Based Independent Learning Model in Teaching Cerebral Ischemic Stroke First Aid in Emergency Medicine

Objective:To analyze the effect of using a problem-based(PBL)independent learning model in teaching cerebral ischemic stroke(CIS)first aid in emergency medicine.Methods:90 interns in the emergency department of our hospital from May 2022 to May 2023 were selected for the study.They were divided into Group A(45,conventional teaching method)and Group B(45 cases,PBL independent learning model)by randomized numerical table method to compare the effects of the two groups.Results:The teaching effect indicators and student satisfaction scores in Group B were higher than those in Group A(P<0.05).Conclusion:The use of the PBL independent learning model in the teaching of CIS first aid can significantly improve the teaching effect and student satisfaction.

Reinforcement Learning-Based Simulation of Seal EngravingRobot in the Context of Artificial Intelligence

The rapid development of robotics technology has made people’s lives and work more convenient and efficient.Theresearch and simulation of robots combined with reinforcement learning intelligent algorithms have become a hotspot in variousfields of robot applications.In view of this,this study is based on deep reinforcement learning convolutional neural networks,combined with point cloud models,proximal strategy optimization algorithms,and flexible action evaluation algorithms.A sealcutting robot based on deep reinforcement learning has been proposed.The final results show that the descent speed of the sealcutting robot with the root mean square difference as the performance standard is about 1%faster than the flexible actionevaluation algorithm.About 2%is faster than the proximal strategy optimization algorithm.It is about 4%faster than the deepdeterministic strategy gradient algorithm.This indicates that the research model has certain advantages in terms of actualaccuracy after cutting.The fluctuation of this model is about 10%smaller than the evaluation of flexible actions and about 60%smaller than the gradient of deep deterministic strategies.Therefore,the research model has the highest overall stability withoutfalling into local optima.In addition,compared to the near-end strategy optimization algorithm,it falls into local optima,resultingin a low coincidence degree of about 17%.The deep deterministic strategy gradient algorithm has a large fluctuation amplitudeduring the seal cutting process,and the overall curve is relatively slow,with a final overlap of about 70%.The overlap degree offlexible action evaluation is slightly higher by about 83%.The maximum stability of the model’s overlap is best around 90%.Through experiments,it can be found that the seal cutting robot proposed in the study based on deep reinforcement learningmaintains certain advantages in performance indicators in various types of tests.

Results of the virtual simulation teaching method on autonomous learning competencies of undergraduate nursing students

Background:With the continuous development of information technology,most universities use mobile teaching platforms for classroom teaching.With the help of the national virtual simulation experimental teaching project sharing platform,students can enhance self-directed learning through the virtual simulation operations of the project.Purpose:To explore the application of virtual simulation experiment in teaching the fundamentals of nursing practice based on the Platform of the National Virtual Simulation Experiment Teaching Project during the COVID-19 pandemic analyze the impact of this teaching method on the autonomous learning ability of undergraduate nursing students.Methods:Convenience sampling was used to select 121 nursing undergraduates from Y University’s School of Nursing;the online teaching of fundamentals of nursing practice was conducted to the students.After taking the course,questionnaires were distributed to the undergraduate nursing students to collect their perceptions regarding the use of the virtual simulation experiment platform and autonomous learning competencies.Results:Most students expressed their preference for the virtual simulation teaching platform,and their satisfaction with the project evaluation was high 83.05%.They hoped to promote the application in future experimental teaching.Undergraduate nursing students believed that the virtual simulation teaching platform was conducive to cultivating clinical thinking ability,could stimulate learning interest,enhanced autonomous learning competencies.Conclusion:During the pandemic,the virtual simulation teaching platform for a lecture on in nursing education has achieved good results in both the aspects of teaching and student learning.Teachers efficiently used their training time and reduced their teaching burden.Moreover,the laboratory cost was also reduced.For undergraduate nursing students,the system was conducive to cultivating clinical thinking ability,stimulating their interest in learning,enhancing their learning and comprehension abilities and learning initiative.

Investigation of nursing students’ knowledge of and attitudes about problem-based learning

Purpose:To investigate nursing students’knowledge of and attitudes about problem-based learning(PBL).Methods:A total of 1200 students were surveyed at eight nursing colleges in Hunan Province.Results:In all,1037 valid questionnaires were returned,for an effective return rate of 86.4%.Some 54.4%of the students learned that PBL was a pedagogical method from teachers,and 27.8%of the students had participated in PBL courses.Almost all of students(97.6%)were interested in PBL,and 66.7%of survey participants believed that students who were not good at solving problems would have difficulty in PBL courses.Conclusion:Nursing educators should guide students to adapt to new learning approaches,and encourage students to participate in the teaching reform to promote students’autonomous learning ability,innovation ability,and comprehensive ability.

Integrating a flipped classroom and problem-based learning into ophthalmology education

Background: Ophthalmology is an important medical science subject, but it is given with insufficient attention in undergraduate medical education. Flipped classroom(FC) and problem-based learning(PBL) are well-known education methods that can be integrated into ophthalmology education to improve students' competence level and promote active learning. Methods: We used a mixed teaching methodology that integrated a FC and PBL into a 1-week ophthalmology clerkship for 72 fourth-year medical students. The course includes two major sessions: FC session and PBL session, relying on clinical and real-patient cases. Written examinations were set up to assess students' academic performance and questionnaires were designed to evaluate their perceptions. Results: The post-course examination results were higher than the pre-course results, and many students gained ophthalmic knowledge and learning skills to varying levels. Comparison of pre-and post-course questionnaires indicated that interests in ophthalmology increased and more students expressed desires to be eye doctors. Most students were satisfied with the new method, while some suggested the process should be slower and the communication with their teacher needed to strengthen.Conclusions: FC and PBL are complementary methodologies. Utilizing the mixed teaching meth of FC and PBL was successful in enhancing academic performance, student satisfactions and promoting active learning.

Exploring the Application Effect of Flipped Classroom Combined with Problem-Based Learning Teaching Method in Clinical Skills Teaching of Standardized Training for Resident Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Objective: To explore the application effect of flipped classroom combined with problem-based learning teaching method in clinical skills teaching of standardized training for resident doctors of traditional Chinese Medicine. Methods: The study used the experimental control method. The study lasted from September to November 2022. The subjects of this study were 49 students of standardized training for resident doctors of traditional Chinese Medicine from grades 2020, 2021 and 2022 of Dazhou integrated TCM & Western Medicine Hospital. They were randomly divided into experiment group (25) and control group (24). The experiment group adopted flipped classroom combined with problem-based learning teaching method, and the control group adopted traditional teaching method. The teaching content was 4 basic clinical skill projects, including four diagnoses of traditional Chinese Medicine, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, dressing change procedure, acupuncture and massage. The evaluation method was carried out by comparing the students’ performance and a self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate the students’ evaluation of the teaching method. Results: The test scores of total scores in the experimental group (90.12 ± 5.89) were all higher than those in the control group (81.47 ± 7.96) (t = 4.53, P P Conclusions: The teaching process of the flipped classroom combined with problem-based learning teaching method is conducive to improving the efficiency of classroom teaching, cultivating students’ self-learning ability, and enhancing students’ willingness to learn.

Problem-Based Learning of Drug Use and Abuse during COVID-19 Contingency

Introduction: Nursing students’ experiences during the pandemic provoked social isolation, the way to learn and every context increasing their stress and anxiety leading to drug use and abuse, among others. Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogic strategy to strengthen significant learning;then the objective was to establish PBL influence in nursing students’ experiences on drug use and abuse during COVID-19 contingency. Methods: Qualitative, phenomenological and descriptive paradigm, 12 female and male nursing students aged 20 - 24 years old from the 5th and 6th semesters participated. Information collection was through semi-structured interview and a deep one in four cases. A guide of questions about: How the pandemic impacted your life? How did you face it? And what did you learn during this process? Those questions were used. Qualitative data analysis was based on De Souza Minayo, and signed informed consent was obtained from participants. Results: Students’ experiences allowed four categories to emerge, with six sub-categories. Category I. Students’ experiences on drug use and abuse facing the sanitary contingency;Category II. Students’ skills development to identify a problem and design of appropriate solutions;Category III. Developing skills to favor interpersonal relationships;Category IV. Influence of PBL in nursing students’ experiences on drug use and abuse during the COVID-19 contingency. Conclusion: PBL favored analysis and thoughts in nursing students’ experiences on drug use and abuse during the COVID-19 contingency, they worked collaboratively, developed resilience to daily life situations, and implemented stress coping strategies with their significant learning, which diminished their risk behavior.

The effects of the application of WeChat as a platform combined with problem-based learning in nursing teaching in China:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Recently,WeChat application has been widely applied in the field of nursing education in China.Among them,WeChat as a platform combined with problem-based learning(PBL)teaching method is a commonly used method in nursing teaching,however,no unanimous consensus on the effectiveness of the application of nursing teaching.Purpose:The purpose of this meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of WeChat as a platform combined with PBL teaching method in nursing teaching for Chinese nursing students from four aspects:nursing students'performance,ability,learning interest and teaching satisfaction.Methods:The following English and Chinese databases were searched for relevant articles:PubMed,Embase,Cochrane library,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),WanFang Database,VIP Database and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database(CBM).The search timeframe was set fromthe establishment of these databaseto August 2021.Two reviewers separately screened records,abstracted data,and assessed risk of bias in trials included.Review Manager Software 5.3 was used to analyze data.Results:A total of 11 randomized controlled trials(RCTs)were included.The results of this meta-analysis showed that WeChat combined with PBL teaching method can significantly improve theory examination(SMD=2.50,95%CI:1.69 to 3.30,P<0.001),operation skill(SMD=2.32,95%CI:1.47 to 3.18,P<0.001),comprehensive ability(SMD=3.18,95%CI:1.59 to 4.76,P<0.001),and learning interest(SMD=3.08,95%CI:1.44 to 4.72,P<0.001)in Chinese nursing students,and increase nursing students on teachers'teaching satisfaction(SMD=2.64,95%CI:0.39 to 4.89,P<0.001).Conclusion:WeChat combined with PBL teaching method can significantly enhance Chinese nursing students'knowledge mastery and application,improve their comprehensive ability and learning interest,and improve classroom teaching effect.College nursing educators should consider adopting WeChat combined with PBL teaching method in nursing education to fully demonstrate its application value.

Simulation of Bleeding Airways in Cadavers: New Models for Experiential Learning

Background: Healthcare education models have recently shifted from the traditional reliance on the apprenticeship model, where trainees learn on real patients in actual clinical settings, to one based on simulation models. Education in airway management is a fundamental component of anesthetic training programs, and airway modification to simulate difficult airways increases the fidelity of airway management training. Objective: The study goal was to determine the feasibility of simulating difficult airways such as mandibular fracture and post-tonsillectomy bleed in cadaver models by surgical modification for the use in enhanced experiential learning of difficult airway management. Methods: Two cadaver heads were modified surgically to simulate a mandibular fracture and post-tonsillectomy bleed. Workshop facilitators conducted directed one-to-one learning and provided feedback to participants. A paper-based feedback was obtained from the participants on their confidence level, and the realism, attractiveness, beneficial levels, and difficulty levels of the simulation models used. Results: The modified cadavers were reliable in simulating difficult airways. The majority of participants (83.3% for fractured mandible and 87.1% for post-tonsillectomy bleed) reported an increase in confidence level for management of the difficult airway after the experience with the modified cadavers, and found both models realistic, attractive, and beneficial for difficult airway training. Conclusions: Surgical modifications of cadavers to simulate difficult airways such as fractured mandible and post-tonsillectomy bleed may be incorporated into advanced airway management courses to enhance experiential learning.

Active learning accelerated Monte-Carlo simulation based on the modified K-nearest neighbors algorithm and its application to reliability estimations

This paper proposes an active learning accelerated Monte-Carlo simulation method based on the modified K-nearest neighbors algorithm.The core idea of the proposed method is to judge whether or not the output of a random input point can be postulated through a classifier implemented through the modified K-nearest neighbors algorithm.Compared to other active learning methods resorting to experimental designs,the proposed method is characterized by employing Monte-Carlo simulation for sampling inputs and saving a large portion of the actual evaluations of outputs through an accurate classification,which is applicable for most structural reliability estimation problems.Moreover,the validity,efficiency,and accuracy of the proposed method are demonstrated numerically.In addition,the optimal value of K that maximizes the computational efficiency is studied.Finally,the proposed method is applied to the reliability estimation of the carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composite specimens subjected to random displacements,which further validates its practicability.

Assessment of the Benefits of Targeted Interventions for Pandemic Control in China Based on Machine Learning Method and Web Service for COVID-19 Policy Simulation

Taking the Chinese city of Xiamen as an example,simulation and quantitative analysis were performed on the transmissions of the Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19)and the influence of intervention combinations to assist policymakers in the preparation of targeted response measures.A machine learning model was built to estimate the effectiveness of interventions and simulate transmission in different scenarios.The comparison was conducted between simulated and real cases in Xiamen.A web interface with adjustable parameters,including choice of intervention measures,intervention weights,vaccination,and viral variants,was designed for users to run the simulation.The total case number was set as the outcome.The cumulative number was 4,614,641 without restrictions and 78 under the strictest intervention set.Simulation with the parameters closest to the real situation of the Xiamen outbreak was performed to verify the accuracy and reliability of the model.The simulation model generated a duration of 52 days before the daily cases dropped to zero and the final cumulative case number of 200,which were 25 more days and 36 fewer cases than the real situation,respectively.Targeted interventions could benefit the prevention and control of COVID-19 outbreak while safeguarding public health and mitigating impacts on people’s livelihood.

The Use of PBL （Problem-Based Learning） in Improving the Student Performance in Navigation 3 （Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation）

This quasi-experimental study aimed at looking into the effectiveness of PBL （problem-based learning） in improving the performance in Navigation 3 （terrestrial and coastal navigation） of BSMT （Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation） second year students at JBLFMU-Arevalo during the first semester of school year 2016-2017. The respondents of this research were the two sections comparable with each other who was enrolled in the subject Navigation 3. There were 60 student respondents composed of 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. A validated three item teacher-made problem solving test with 10 points for each correct answer was used as an instrument. The dependent variable was the scores in Navigation 3 and independent variable was the PBL approach. The statistical tools used were mean, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney test, and Wilcoxon-Signed ranks test set at 0.05 level of significance. The effect size was computed to determine the effectiveness of the PBL approach in terms of students＇ performance in Navigation 3. Results showed that in the pretest, though the experimental group had a higher mean than the control group, the Mann-Whitney test showed that the mean scores of the two groups were comparable because the significant value was greater than 0.05. When the treatment was introduced, findings showed that there were significant differences in the Navigation 3 performance in the pretest and posttest of experimental and control groups as well as in the posttests of both groups. It could be inferred that the better performance of the experimental group could be attributed to the intervention where the students were actively involved in the learning process.

Proposing Effective Problem-Based Learning(PBL)Problems by Reimplementing Open-Source Projects

Recently,Problem-Based Learning(PBL)has been regarded as a possible way towards effective educational changes in Chinese universities.However,problems have been exposed in the adoption of PBL,such as choosing effective PBL problems.The purpose of this paper is to provide a possible solution to the formulation of PBL problems for computer science courses,which is to reimplement open-source projects(ROSP).A case is demonstrated by showing how ROSP was adopted in a practical intercourse-level PBL course module.This paper contributes to a new PBL problem formulation method for promoting PBL in a practical way for Chinese universities.