Accreditation Testing Research Articles

National Education Policy, 2020 and Appointment of Teachers through UGCNET-the Policy Paradox

In a recent notification in July (UGC, 5th July ) 2023, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has once again acknowledged the vitality of the National Eligibility Test (NET), State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) and State Eligibility Test (SET) as minimum criteria for appointment of teachers in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) whereas Ph.D. will remain an optional criterion. This notification once again revived the debates of NET or an accredited test (SLET/SET) and/or Ph.D. and embarked scholars to read the underlying causes of such frequently changing policies of UGC and overall ramifications of these on recruitment in the HEIs. In the context of implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, role of the HEIs for ensuring quality education has focused [1]. However, how these can be achieved through a dichotomous policy of NET/SLET/SET or PhD in the matters of selection of teachers. When many universities and colleges are run with inadequate teachers, in what ways they can fulfil the goal of NEP, 2020? How NET or an accredited test can be an important criterion for strengthening research programmers in HEIs? This paper critically evaluates these issues and presents the prolong issue of teachers’ recruitment and role of HEIs in India for quality education through teachers in the context of NEP. It brings light to how contradictory policies are embedded and in operational in the form of UGC-NET and other similar tests for limiting HEIs despite implementation of NEP, 2020.

Research and Strategies of English Prepositions—Take the Practice of Level 2 Translation in the 2023 China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters as an Example

Research and Strategies of English Prepositions—Take the Practice of Level 2 Translation in the 2023 China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters as an Example

RETRACTED: An assessment of photovoltaic module degradation for life expectancy: A comprehensive review

Determining the life expectancy of a photovoltaic (PV) system involves many factors, including the assessment of photovoltaic module degradation. Degradation of PV modules is a normal process that develops over time as a result of a number of factors, including UV radiation exposure, thermal cycling, and weathering. The degradation rate, which is the percentage decline in module efficiency per year, is an often-used indicator for evaluating PV module deterioration. Depending on the type of module (crystalline silicon (c-Si), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) and the environment, degradation rates can vary greatly, although studies have indicated that most modules degrade at a rate of 0.5% to 1% per year. Additionally, the review focuses on developing PV technologies, like dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), organic PVs (OPVs), and metal halideperovskite (MHP) solar cells, where relevant long-term degradation strategies have not yet entirely developed and the majority principles are not completely understood owing to their lower to medium technological maturity levels. Nonetheless, a thorough overview of the established stability issues related to every new photovoltaic technology is provided. There are a number of techniques that can be employed, including visual inspection, electrical performance testing, and infrared imaging, to evaluate the degradation of a PV module. Through the use of accelerated stress testing (AST), photovoltaic (PV) modules can be subjected to the consequences of years of operation in a fraction of the time. The goal of AST is to assess how well PV modules hold up over the long term in situations like high temperatures, humidity, and UV exposure. A PV module is put through a series of environmental circumstances that are more demanding than ordinary working conditions in order to perform an accelerated stress test on it. To calculate the module's rate of deterioration over time, data from an accelerated stress test can be used. This data is crucial for estimating the module's long-term performance and dependability as well as formulating plans to increase the lifespan of PV systems. Manufacturers, researchers, and designers of PV systems might benefit from using AST to assess the performance of PV modules in challenging environments and make sure they adhere to industry standards for toughness and dependability. Therefore, in this study, degradation factors, along with other parameters like the accelerated-stress tests linked to PV module degradation, to predict the life expectancy of various PV system especially matured PV systems, has been examined. This paper concludes by reviewing the lessons learnt from established photovoltaic technologies and discussing potential applications for these insights in the research and development of forthcoming technologies. Specifically, industry-standard accreditation tests must ultimately be passed by any developing PV technology, and advanced c-Si-based module warranties may be prolonged beyond the 25-year limit.

Hernia Basecamp-A Free to Use, Online Hernia Learning Platform. Analysis of Its Use Since Launch in June 2021.

Introduction: Hernia Basecamp is an online learning platform hosted within the WebSurg website. One of the drivers of its development was to cover the syllabus of the UEMS AWS examination, but it is a learning resource in its own right. There are currently 205 video lectures, with a number of them selected to create 10 modules of 3h each with UEMS CME accreditation. The aim of this study was to review the Hernia Basecamp usage since launch in June 2021. Methods: The Hernia Basecamp WebSurg platform was interrogated using Matomo Analytics in January 2023 (19month period since launch). Data on the number of visits, pages looked at and time spent on the platform per visit, along with the number of CME modules taken and passed were collected. Results: Users from 146 countries visited the Hernia Basecamp site 17,171 times (6,586 times, 38.4% in first 9months). The top 5 countries by visitors were the United Kingdom, Mexico, Spain, United States and Germany (accounting for 29.4% of the visits). The average time spent per visit was 11min 37s (range: 47s-49min 4s), and the number of pages/videos viewed per visit was 8.1 (range: 2-21). The number of UEMS CME modules taken was 675, and 326 (48%) of these tests were passed. Conclusion: In the first 19months from launch, Hernia Basecamp provided over 3,000h of hernia education. The UEMS approved CME accreditation tests were commonly used.

On-line Interpreter Accreditation Tests for the Bodies and Institutions of the European Union

Multilingualism being one of the core values of the European Union, EU bodies and institutions rely heavily on the work of interpreters. To select the best candidates, the three biggest institutions organize a common accreditation test for the auxiliary conference interpreters they intend to work with. This paper aims to examine why such an accreditation test is needed by giving an overview of the necessary skills and competences of a professional conference interpreter and by explaining the sub-tasks to be completed during the examinations. Then it presents how new technologies were gradually integrated in the testing methods in an attempt to cut travel costs and to simplify the organization of the accreditation tests. Finally, the most recent, fully online testing procedure will be presented, with an analysis of the possible advantages and drawbacks of a remote exam setting, especially in the context of the lessons learnt about remote interpreting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A novel sleep aid device to reduce sleep latency using air-CO2 mixed gas.

Sleep is an indispensable component of human life. However, in modern times, the number of people suffering from sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep deprivation, has increased significantly. Therefore, to alleviate the discomfort to the patient due to lack of sleep, sleeping pills and various sleep aids are being introduced and used. However, sleeping drugs are prescribed only to a limited extent due to the side effects posed by them and resistance to such drugs developed by patients in the long term, and the majority of sleep aids are scientifically groundless products. This study aimed to develop a device that induced sleep by spraying a mixed gas of carbon dioxide and air to create an environment that could induce sleep, similar to the inside of a sealed vehicle, to control oxygen saturation in the body. Based on the stipulated safety standards and the human tidal volume, the target concentration of carbon dioxide was determined to be of three types: 15,000, 20,000, and 25,000 ppm. After analyzing diverse structures for safely mixing gases, the most appropriate shape, the reserve tank, was selected as the best suited structure. Various variables, such as spraying angle and distance, flow rate, atmospheric temperature, and nozzle length, were comprehensively measured and tested. Furthermore based on this aspect, diffusion simulation of carbon dioxide concentration and actual experiments were conducted. To secure the stability and reliability of the developed product, an accredited test was performed to investigate the error rate of carbon dioxide concentration. Furthermore, clinical trials comprising polysomnography and questionnaires confirmed the effectiveness of the developed product not only in reducing sleep latency but also in enhancing the overall sleep quality. When the developed device was put to use in reality, sleep latency was decreased by 29.01%, on average, for those with a sleep latency of 5 min or more, compared to when the device was not in use. Moreover, the total sleep time was increased by 29.19 min, WASO was decreased by 13.17%, and sleep efficiency was increased by 5.48%. We also affirmed that the ODI and 90% ODI did not decrease when the device was used. Although different questions may be raised about the safety of using a gas such as carbon dioxide (CO2), the result that tODI was not reduced shows that sleep aids using CO2 mixtures do not adversely affect human health. The results of this study suggest a new method that can be used to treat sleep disorders including insomnia.

OC-083 THE REACH OF THE HERNIA BASECAMP LEARNING PLATFORM SINCE ITS LAUNCH JUNE 2021

Abstract Aim Hernia Basecamp is an online learning platform hosted within the WebSurg website. One of the drivers of its development was to cover the syllabus of the UEMS AWS examination, but it is a learning resource in its own right. There are currently 205 video lectures, with a number of them selected to create 10 modules of 3 hours each with UEMS CME accreditation. The aim of this study was to review the Hernia Basecamp usage since launch in June 2021. Methods The Hernia Basecamp WebSurg platform was interrogated using Matomo Analytics in January 2023 (19 month period since launch). Data on the number of visits, pages looked at and time spent on the platform per visit, along with the number of CME modules taken and passed were collected. Results Users from 146 countries visited the Hernia Basecamp site 17,171 times (6586 times, 38.4% in first 9 months). The top 5 countries by visitors were the UK, Mexico, Spain, USA and Germany (accounting for 29.4% of the visits). The average time spent per visit was 11 min 37 sec (range: 47 sec to 49 min 4 sec), and the number of pages/videos viewed per visit was 8.1 (range: 2–21). The number of UEMS CME modules taken was 675, and 326 (48%) of these tests were passed. Conclusions In the first 19 months from launch, Hernia Basecamp provided over 3,000 hours of hernia education to users around the world. The UEMS approved CME accreditation tests were commonly used.

OC-098 HERNIA BASECAMP ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORM: AN ANALYSIS OF THE UEMS CME approved module test results

Abstract Aim Hernia Basecamp is an online learning platform hosted within the WebSurg website with 205 video lectures. A number of these lectures are selected to create 10 modules of 3 hours each with UEMS CME accreditation. The aim of this study was to review the CME module test results since launch in June 2021. Methods Hernia Basecamp was interrogated in January 2023. Data on the number of CME module tests taken, the pass rate and the country of the examinee were collected. Results The numbers of tests taken, the number of passes, and the pass rate per module as well as the totals is shown in the table. The UK, Switzerland and Germany were the top 3 countries representing 36% of the modules passed. Conclusions The UEMS approved CME accreditation tests generally had a high pass rate. BUT, detailed knowledge of the basics of groin hernia AND published guidelines was poor as reflected in the lower pass rates.

Quantitative analysis of phthalates using a pyrolyzer gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method.

A pyrolyzer gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method eliminates toxic solvents that burden our environment and can address the crucial problem of the solvent extraction GC/MS method. The purpose of this study is to establish an efficient quantitative analysis method for 10 phthalates that are regulated by the several governments. A change of concentrations over time for phthalates and internal standards was measured to verify the feasibility of using an auto sampler that facilitates analyzing multiple samples. Both standards maintained constant concentrations over the appropriate time for analysis. A certified reference material under the auspices of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science was used to verify the calibration curve obtained by the pyrolyzer GC/MS method, and a deviation was considered similar to the solvent extraction GC/MS method. Then, the limit of detection and limit of quantitation values were confirmed for various consumer products. To verify the reliability of the method, a comparative test with several accredited testing institutes was conducted, and the results were within the standard deviations of the results provided by the institutes. These results indicate that the pyrolyzer GC/MS method can be used in not only screening but also in accurate quantitative analysis.

The Grammatical and Semantic Functions of “with” Structure in Chinese-English Translation

This paper, taking system-functional linguistics as the theoretical guidance, aims to analyze the grammatical and semantic function of the preposition “with” and its relevant structures in Chinese-English translation based on a small corpus established from the authentic materials of the official version of the China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters in the past ten years. The conclusion is that the grammatical and semantic functions of “with” structure in translation examination are: to simplify sentence patterns, to supplement the previous and subsequent information, to reestablish the characteristics of the English language.

Evidence of chromosomal damage in scleroderma

Evidence of chromosomal damage in scleroderma

Assessment of the drinking water quality for planning endogenic prevention of dental caries

Relevance. Dental caries is a leading dental disease in children. Aim – to study the quality of drinking water in Smolensk and its region to provide evidence for implementing dental caries preventive measures in children.Materials and methods. We took tap water samples from ten water intake points in seven districts of Smolensk and six Smolensk regions. An accredited testing laboratory of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Smolensk Region carried out water chemical analysis. The study analyzed standard parameters of drinking water quality: pH 6.5-8.5, fluoride content 0.60-1.2 mg/l; water hardness 7.0-9.0 (Sanitary Regulations and Standards 2.1.4.1116-02). The parameter was considered normal if its 95% confidence interval was within the reference range.Results. In Smolensk, the hydrogen ion concentration in centralized drinking water supply systems is within normal limits and amounts to 7.39 (95% CI: 7.32-7.46; р < 0,05) pH units. The mean fluoride concentration in the Smolensk water is 0.19 (95% CI: 0.14-0.23; р < 0,05) mg/l, which is below the normal range. In most Smolensk districts, water hardness is within normal limits, 8.21 mmol/l (95% CI: 7.03-9.39; р < 0,05). However, the upper limit of the confidence interval of 9.39 mg/l and the maximum of 12.0 mg/l exceed the normal range. In the Smolensk region cities, the hydrogen ion concentration is 7.2 (95% CI: 7.02-7.38; р < 0,05) pH units in the centralized drinking water supply. The fluoride concentration in the Smolensk region water is 0.45 mg/l (95% CI: 0.23-0.68; р < 0,05), which demonstrates the fluoride deficiency in water. In the Smolensk region cities, mean water hardness is 6.66 mmol/l (95% CI: 6.00-7.03; р < 0,05), which is below the normal values. However, the CI upper limit of 7.03 mmol/l and the maximum of 7.05 mmol/l are within normal limits.Conclusions. The water of the centralized drinking water supply system in Smolensk and the Smolensk region is low in fluorides. Urgent community and individual preventive measures should be taken to expose children to fluoride.

Lead-free tin perovskite solar cells

Summary The development of efficient and stable lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is crucial for addressing the concern of environmental pollution from the toxic element lead. In recent years, tin PSCs have emerged as a promising candidate for high-performance, eco-friendly photovoltaic technology with a high certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of more than 11%, indicating a great potential for future applications. Here, we review the recent efficiency progress of tin PSCs based on the equivalent circuit model of solar cells. We then discuss approaches toward efficiency improvement from the device viewpoint, such as optimizing the band gap, increasing the light-harvesting efficiency and carrier diffusion length, surface passivation, and regulating the interface energy-level alignment. Finally, we point out the possibility of reaching 20% PCE for tin PSCs and issues regarding enlarging the cell size and realizing scalable production in the future. We expect that these perspectives will be helpful for accelerating the commercialization of tin PSCs.

Challenge of integrated low-cost emission monitoring system into a digital information system

The emission from industry has become a significant problem in Indonesia. Usually, the enterprise uses an accredited testing laboratory to conduct emission tests to report its process’s environmental performance. In contrast, this testing was accurate, but it cannot visualize whole time emission from one method. This year, the Covid-19 pandemic also gained some difficulties in environmental evaluation in the industry, including emission performance evaluation. Some big companies may have expensive continuous emission monitoring that can substitute manual laboratory testing. Some other, the small and medium scale industry did not have this system. There is a possible development of an integrated low-cost emission monitoring system in the small-medium scale industry. The low-cost gas sensor rapidly develops and gets more accurate. An engineering scenario of integrating low-cost emission monitoring systems into digital information systems could be developed under some challenges, instrumentation, calibration, and regulative support. By applying this scenario, periodical emission concentration can be evaluated periodically to support air quality management policy.

Virtual reality as a tech tool for students studying Russian in China

The article analyses the experience of implementing virtual reality (VR) in foreign language teaching, particularly teaching the Russian language in Chinese universities. Basing on different approaches and the results of applying VR in practical classes at the Russian Language Faculty of Sichuan University, the research on the effectiveness of VR technologies has been done in terms of stimulating Russian language learners motivation, enhancing their knowledge, strengthening their language capability, developing basic oral Russian, as well as improving the quality of teaching Russian in a non-native environment. The research subject is determined by the transformation of the educational process among students with a relatively good language capability. The novelty and actuality of the topic are due to the following factors. Firstly, it is modelling situations with real-world samples when the organizer of educational process makes it immersive by using computer and recordings. Secondly, auto-reading module can be used. Thirdly, the system can check the consistency between the original text and the one recognized by voice recognition module. The author reviews indicators of the experiment, aimed at assessing teaching results and summarizing the changes in knowledge acquiring with using VR technologies at the Russian Language Faculty of Sichuan University. According to the results of the survey, the author studies the pros and cons of the changes brought by VR and concludes the opinions of the tested students and teachers participating in the experiment. The results of the experiment illustrate changing roles of teachers and students. To be specific, the teacher is no longer a simple organizer, but a supervisor, assistant and consultant, playing a supporting role. Students gradually master the functions of training systems. It stimulates them to work independently under VR. This has been proved by the students results in the semester exam and the state accreditation test of translators. Besides, the statistical data are presented on the differences between the traditional model of language teaching and the one under VR.

Optimal Allocation of COVID-19 Test Kits Among Accredited Testing Centers in the Philippines.

Testing is crucial for early detection, isolation, and treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-infected individuals. However, in resource-constrained countries such as the Philippines, test kits have limited availability. As of 11 April 2020, there are 11 testing centers in the country that have been accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct testing. In this paper, we use nonlinear programming (NLP) to determine the optimal percentage allocation of COVID-19 test kits among accredited testing centers in the Philippines that gives an equitable chance to all infected individuals to be tested. Heterogeneity in testing accessibility, population density of municipalities, and the capacity of testing facilities are included in the model. Our results show that the range of optimal allocation per testing center are as follows: Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (4.17–6.34%), San Lazaro Hospital (14.65–24.03%), University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (16.25–44.80%), Lung Center of the Philippines (15.8–26.40%), Baguio General Hospital Medical Center (0.58–0.76%), The Medical City, Pasig City (5.96–25.51%), St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City (1.09–6.70%), Bicol Public Health Laboratory (0.06–0.08%), Western Visayas Medical Center (0.71–4.52%), Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (1.02–2.61%), and Southern Philippines Medical Center (≈ 0.01%). Our results can serve as a guide to the authorities in distributing the COVID-19 test kits. These can also be used for proposing additional testing centers and utilizing the available test kits properly and equitably, which helps in “flattening” the epidemic curve.

통역사 인증시험 시 텍스트 분석의 중요성 - 호주 나티 순차통역 시험을 중심으로 -

통역사 인증시험 시 텍스트 분석의 중요성 - 호주 나티 순차통역 시험을 중심으로 -

국내 태양광발전시스템 적합성 평가를 위한 기술기준

Currently, KS certification system for new and renewable energy facilities in Korea is operated at the level of issuing KS certification mark through factory audit and performance audit by individual product unit. Therefore, the technical standards and performance evaluation when constructing the system by organically integrating each subsystem such as PV inverter, photovoltaic module, photovoltaic junction box, and monitoring device. In this regard, it is not currently reflected in the KS certification system for new and renewable energy facilities in Korea. In addition, domestic photovoltaic power generation system construction is being supplied to public institutions and government offices through the Public Procurement Service’s excellent product system. Only the GS-certified product registered in the copyright and technology development successful product of R&D business is applied, but the performance evaluation of the technical standard of each system unit is not made. As a result, most of the domestic photovoltaic power generation system builders are evaluated for the performance of the photovoltaic power generation system by issuing a report through their own test evaluation by a domestic accredited testing institute for the purpose of registering the successful product development of the R&D business of the excellent product system. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a specification related to system diagnosis evaluation through status information in case of interoperation and abnormality between subsystems.

THE RESULTS ANALYSIS OF AIR QUALITY MONITORING IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TRSTENIK

Economic and social development of cities, as well as the development of transport, yield great benefits to the inhabitants, but also have rather negative impact on the environment. The paper analyzes the results of environmental monitoring of air quality in the municipality of Trstenik for 2017, based on the assessment report done by the Public Health Institute Kruševac (an accredited testing laboratory of the municipal administration of Trstenik). Sampling was performed at a measuring site in Trstenik over a 24-hour period. Afterwards, an analysis of the obtained measurement results was carried out, followed by a conclusion on air pollution values, and a proposal for improvement measures.

수열원 열펌프시스템용 적산열량계의 냉방, 난방 성능특성에 관한 연구

In this study, the cooling and heating amount, temperature, flow rate of turbine type heat meter for water source heat-pump system were experimentally investigated at the standard operating conditions. The obtained cooling and heating capacity from the heat meter were deviated within 5.0%, 3.8% comparing with the precise values calculated from an accredited test facility. Even though the accumulated cooling and heating amount values of the heat meter had a small difference comparing with the precise values, the temperatures of heat meter showed greatly different values comparing with the precise temperature. Therefore, it is highly recommended to develop the heat meter which is appropriate for the water source heat pump systems.