Abstract: Provided are methods of making a learning application by providing a content database comprising reusable digital objects, wherein at least a portion of the objects are deposited to the content database by a registered contributor and the portion is identified as contributed by said registered contributor. A user is registered to provide the user access to the content database, wherein the user withdraws at least a portion of the objects from the database deposited by the registered contributor. The withdrawn object is formed into the learning application and a compensation value for the registered contributor who contributed the withdrawn object is calculated. In this manner, ongoing sustainable development of the content database is encouraged, including deposit of learning objects and development of instructional objects that can then be accessed by others in developing individually-tailored learning applications.

Abstract: Provided are methods of making a learning application by providing a content database comprising reusable digital objects, wherein at least a portion of the objects are deposited to the content database by a registered contributor and the portion is identified as contributed by said registered contributor. A user is registered to provide the user access to the content database, wherein the user withdraws at least a portion of the objects from the database deposited by the registered contributor. The withdrawn object is formed into the learning application and a compensation value for the registered contributor who contributed the withdrawn object is calculated. In this manner, ongoing sustainable development of the content database is encouraged, including deposit of learning objects and development of instructional objects that can then be accessed by others in developing individually-tailored learning applications.

Abstract: A surgical tool holder that includes a base portion, an incremental retraction portion, and an attachment portion. The base portion is configured for releasably mounting to a first surgical tool support in a fixed association. The incremental retraction portion includes a drawing mechanism configured for operably engaging and incrementally drawing a surgical retractor under tension to a selected position and holding the surgical retractor in the selected position, and a crank member configured to operate the drawing mechanism. The attachment portion includes a post configured for rotatably mounting a yoke of a second surgical tool support, and a securing member operably associated with the post for releasably fixing the second surgical tool support thereto.

Abstract: A surgical tool holder that includes a base portion, an incremental retraction portion, and an attachment portion. The base portion is configured for releasably mounting to a first surgical tool support in a fixed association. The incremental retraction portion includes a drawing mechanism configured for operably engaging and incrementally drawing a surgical retractor under tension to a selected position and holding the surgical retractor in the selected position, and a crank member configured to operate the drawing mechanism. The attachment portion includes a post configured for rotatably mounting a yoke of a second surgical tool support, and a securing member operably associated with the post for releasably fixing the second surgical tool support thereto.