Using scaffolding to formalize digital coach support for low-literate learners

In this study, we attempt to specify the cognitive support behavior of a previously designed embodied conversational agent coach that provides learning support to low-literates. Three knowledge gaps are identified in the existing work: an incomplete specification of the behaviors that make up ‘support,’ an incomplete specification of how this...

A digital coach that provides affective and social learning support to low-literate learners

In this study, we investigate if a digital coach for low-literate learners that provides cognitive learning support based on scaffolding can be improved by adding affective learning support based on motivational interviewing, and social learning support based on small talk. Several knowledge gaps are identified: motivational interviewing and...

Biological and Tribological Assessment of Poly(Ethylene Oxide Terephthalate)/Poly(Butylene Terephthalate), Polycaprolactone, and Poly (L\DL) Lactic Acid Plotted Scaffolds for Skeletal Tissue Regeneration

Additive manufactured scaffolds are fabricated from three commonly used biomaterials, polycaprolactone (PCL), poly (L\DL) lactic acid (P(L\DL)LA), and poly(ethylene oxide terephthalate)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PEOT/PBT). Scaffolds are compared biologically and tribologically. Cell-seeded PEOT/PBT scaffolds cultured in osteogenic and...

Designing on-demand education for simultaneous development of domain-specific and self-directed learning skills

On-demand education enables individual learners to choose their learning pathways according to their own learning needs. They must use self-directed learning (SDL) skills involving self-assessment and task selection to determine appropriate pathways for learning. Learners who lack these skills must develop them because SDL skills are...

Gamification for low-literates: Findings on motivation, user experience, and study design

This study investigated the effects of the gamification elements of scaffolding, score and hints on the user enjoyment and motivation of people of low literacy. In a four-condition within-subjects experiment, participants per-formed mental spatial ability tests with the aforementioned elements. Quantitative results were inconclusive, but post...

Intermittent straining accelerates the development of tissue properties in engineered heart valve tissue

Tissue-engineered heart valves lack sufficient amounts of functionally organized structures and consequently do not meet in vivo mechanical demands. To optimize tissue architecture and hence improve mechanical properties, various in vitro mechanical conditioning protocols have been proposed, of which intermittent straining is most promising in...

Tailoring fiber diameter in electrospun poly(ε-Caprolactone) scaffolds for optimal cellular infiltration in cardiovascular tissue engineering

Despite the attractive features of nanofibrous scaffolds for cell attachment in tissue-engineering (TE) applications, impeded cell ingrowth has been reported in electrospun scaffolds. Previous findings have shown that the scaffold can function as a sieve, keeping cells on the scaffold surface, and that cell migration into the scaffold does not...

Adipose stem cells for intervertebral disc regeneration: Current status and concepts for the future: Tissue Engineering Review Series

Introduction Degenerative disc disease and emerging biological treatment approaches Stem cell sources Integration of ASC-based regenerative medicine and surgery In vitro studies Animal models Cells in disc regeneration in vivo In vivo studies Perspective Conclusions Abstract New regenerative treatment strategies are being developed for...

Ethnic differences in disability risk between Dutch and Turkish scaffolders

The number of native Dutch and Turkish workers receiving a permanent disability pension in the Netherlands is still rising. To assess ethnic differences in disability risk between Dutch and Turkish scaffolders, a retrospective study was conducted within a large scaffolding company. Medical files for the period 1981-2000 were used to gather...

A participatory ergonomics approach to redesign work of scaffolders

A step-by-step approach to better work, aimed at reducing physical workload among scaffolders, is evaluated. The approach is based on a strong commitment of the management in the enterprise. Workers participated as direct as possible. Information on branch level of Arbouw showed the need for improvement. In a department of a middle sized...

A participatory ergonomic approch to the redesign of scaffolders work