ABSTRACT
Purpose>The present paper is an attempt to study Education 4.0 supported by Industry 4.0 tools and techniques. The main purpose of the study is to examine the acceptance and use of one of the internet of things (IoT)-based learning management systems, i.e. videoconferencing application (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, GoToMeeting, WebEx), by academicians of higher education using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model.Design/methodology/approach>The study comprises 218 responses of academicians associated with higher education in the Sultanate of Oman. Descriptive and factor analysis of the collected data are employed using SPSS-26. Further, using Amos-21, the fit and validity indices of the measurement model are computed. Various relationships of the UTAUT structural model along with moderation effects of gender and nationality are tested.Findings>The results suggest that performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence significantly predict behavioral intention. In turn, behavioral intention and facilitating conditions also significantly predict the use behavior of academicians for videoconferencing in higher education. Finally, gender moderates two out of four UTAUT relations, but nationality does not moderate any of these relations.Originality/value>A lot of prior studies investigate several models to use technology-enabled pedagogy from educators' or students' perspectives. There are very limited studies that examine IoT-based learning tools within the UTAUT environment. Additionally, no study is available that considers UTAUT relations for the use of videoconferencing in higher education. Also, in the present study, one more moderator, i.e. nationality, is tested.
ABSTRACT
Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health measures to encourage social distancing have been implemented, including cancellation of outdoor activities, organized sports, and schools/colleges. Neglected hindfoot fractures have emerged as a consequence with increased frequency. Similarly, complex ankle and pilon fractures that require staged management, prolonged hospital stay, and soft-tissue care have emerged as a potential concern as prolonged exposure to healthcare setting adds to risk of acquiring as well as transmitting COVID-19 infection. The authors present their experience with expanding these indications for hindfoot arthrodesis as they encounter a greater number of neglected ankle and hindfoot trauma. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of collected data from the trauma unit of our hospital. Inclusion criteria included all trauma classified by the AO/OTA as occurring at locations 43, and who underwent subtalar and ankle arthrodesis. This included distal tibia, malleolar, talus, and calcaneus fractures. These patients were followed up to at least 6 months till complete fracture union. Results: A total of 18 patients underwent arthrodesis of either the ankle or subtalar joint between March and October 2020. Mean age of patients undergoing arthrodesis of the hindfoot was 69.2 years (43-84 years). Indications for the procedure included Displaced and comminuted intra-articular distal tibia fractures in elderly (6 patients), Malunited ankle fractures (2 patients), Neglected Ankle fractures managed conservatively (3 patients), Calcaneus fractures (5 patients), and neglected Talus body fracture (2 patients). All patients were followed up to at least 6 months and everyone went onto successful painless union between 3 and 6 months of the arthrodesis procedure without any significant complications. Conclusion: In summary, COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in paradigm of trauma management and foot and ankle management is no different than other musculoskeletal trauma systems. The authors propose an expansion of indications for hindfoot arthrodesis in managing complex hindfoot trauma in pandemic situation.
ABSTRACT
<h4>Background</h4> During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health measures to encourage social distancing have been implemented, including cancellation of outdoor activities, organized sports, and schools/colleges. Neglected hindfoot fractures have emerged as a consequence with increased frequency. Similarly, complex ankle and pilon fractures that require staged management, prolonged hospital stay, and soft-tissue care have emerged as a potential concern as prolonged exposure to healthcare setting adds to risk of acquiring as well as transmitting COVID-19 infection. The authors present their experience with expanding these indications for hindfoot arthrodesis as they encounter a greater number of neglected ankle and hindfoot trauma. <h4>Methods</h4> This was a retrospective observational study of collected data from the trauma unit of our hospital. Inclusion criteria included all trauma classified by the AO/OTA as occurring at locations 43, and who underwent subtalar and ankle arthrodesis. This included distal tibia, malleolar, talus, and calcaneus fractures. These patients were followed up to at least 6 months till complete fracture union. <h4>Results</h4> A total of 18 patients underwent arthrodesis of either the ankle or subtalar joint between March and October 2020. Mean age of patients undergoing arthrodesis of the hindfoot was 69.2 years (43–84 years). Indications for the procedure included Displaced and comminuted intra-articular distal tibia fractures in elderly (6 patients), Malunited ankle fractures (2 patients), Neglected Ankle fractures managed conservatively (3 patients), Calcaneus fractures (5 patients), and neglected Talus body fracture (2 patients). All patients were followed up to at least 6 months and everyone went onto successful painless union between 3 and 6 months of the arthrodesis procedure without any significant complications. <h4>Conclusion</h4> In summary, COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in paradigm of trauma management and foot and ankle management is no different than other musculoskeletal trauma systems. The authors propose an expansion of indications for hindfoot arthrodesis in managing complex hindfoot trauma in pandemic situation.