Areas Of Weakness Research Articles

Assessing Oral Communication Skills of Students in Business Administration Department

This research article presents an assessment of the oral communication skills of students in the Business Administration Department. A questionnaire was used to measure 95 students' self-perceived ability in oral communication for various activities. The study aimed to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses in students' oral communication skills and highlight potential areas for improvement. The findings revealed that students rated themselves low in the category of "Providing training through discussions, workshops," suggesting a need for focused attention in this particular skill area. These results have implications for curriculum development and instructional strategies, emphasizing the importance of incorporating targeted training methods to enhance students' oral communication skills in the Business Administration program

Distribution, evolution and structural properties of Wushenqi paleo-uplift in Ordos Basin, NW China

This paper depicts the distribution of the Wushenqi paleo-uplift in the Ordos Basin by using the latest drilling and seismic data, and analyzes the tectonic evolution of the paleo-uplift with the support of Bischke curve and balanced section. The compressional Wushenqi paleo-uplift which developed in the Early Caledonian orogeny (Huaiyuan orogeny) is approximately a ellipse extending in S-N direction. Its long axis is about 194 km and short axis is about 55–94 km in nearly W-E direction. The denudation thickness and area of the Cambrian in the core are 170–196 m and 11 298 kmbrespectively. It was mainly formed during the Huaiyuan orogeny according to the chronostratigraphic framework. It was in the embryonic stage in the Middle–Late Cambrian, denuded after developed obviously at the end of Late Cambrian. The paleo-uplift of the 3rd member of the Ordovician Majiagou Formation was reactivated and reduced in area. In the sedimentary period of the Ma4 Member–pre-Carboniferous, the paleo-uplift experienced non-uniform uplift and denudation. It entered the stable period of burial and preservation in the Carboniferous and later period. The Wushenqi paleo-uplift was formed on the weak area of the basement and tectonic belts, into an compressional structure with irregular morphology, under the control of the non-coaxial compression in the south and north and the stress transmitted by the uplift in the basin. The Wushenqi paleo-uplift has a controlling effect on the sedimentary reservoirs and hydrocarbon accumulation.

Exploring the micromorphological characteristics of adult lower cervical vertebrae based on micro-computed tomography

We will use micro-computed tomography to scan 31 sets of the adult lower cervical vertebrae (155 vertebrae) to observe the morphological characteristics and direction of trabeculae in the lower cervical vertebrae by outlining and reconstructing the regions of interest and to calculate the variation laws of the microstructure in the regions of interest to reveal their structural characteristics and weak areas. As a result, the images showed that the trabeculae in the lower cervical pedicle near the medial and lateral cortices were relatively dense, and their bone plates were lamellar. There were cavities between the superior and inferior articular processes where the ossification centers had not been absorbed after ossified. The lamellar trabeculae in the vertebral plates near the cortical bones were only 1–2 layers, extended and transformed into rod-shaped trabeculae in a radial shape toward the medullary space. The lamellar trabeculae of the vertebral plate extend over the spinous process near the cortical bone. The statistical results of the trabeculae's morphological parameters showed significant differences in bone volume fraction values among the four parts (P < 0.05). There were substantial differences in BS/BV, except for no differences between the pedicle and the vertebral plate (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in trabecular pattern factor values between the articular process, the spinous process, and the vertebral plate (P < 0.05) and a significant difference between the pedicle, the spinous process, and the vertebral plate (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in trabecular bone thickness and trabecular space values among the four parts (P < 0.05). The anatomical microstructural perspective confirms that the optimal choice is internal fixation via the pedicle. If using pedicle screws, the nail tract needs to be placed into the spinous process to increase its holding power and resistance to extraction.

Finite element analysis of low-profile reconstruction plates for atrophic mandibles: a comparison of novel 3D grid and conventional plate designs.

This study aimed to compare the reconstruction with type 2.4 and three-dimensional (3D) grid plates relating the areas of weakness to anatomical regions of force incidence in atrophic mandibles with and without segmentation using finite element analysis (FEA). Strength and force quality in the mandible were also determined. The atrophic mandible models with and without segmentation were divided into four groups, and the behavior of each plate was analyzed using finite element analysis. In the atrophic mandible without segmentation using the type 2.4 reconstruction plate, the highest stress concentration in the plate was observed in the posterior region of the mandibular body and in the grid type 3D reconstruction plate was observed in the mandibular angle. In the segmented atrophic mandible with the 2.4 reconstruction plate, higher stress concentration was observed in the mandibular segment defect. Analysis of the 3D grid-like reconstruction plate revealed that the geometry of the plate conferred greater stiffness to the assembly, as the most significant stress concentration was observed at the mandibular angle. The width of the plate design may influence the strength, not the thickness.

Interplay of shell evolution and oxidation depth on the ignition and combustion behavior of aluminum nanoparticles

Shell morphology and oxidation depth can significantly affect the combustion effectiveness of aluminum nanoparticles (ANPs). This study presents an approach to dynamically detect and reconstruct irregular ANP surfaces using the Alpha Shape algorithm. We also introduce a visualization technique to observe nanoscale density, per-atom stress, charge, and temperature distribution of ANPs. Our findings reveal a striking phenomenon where a transitory cavity forms in the particle center during ignition, playing a significant role in the overall ignition and combustion process of ANPs. The reaction rate is found to be closely associated with the formation and collapse of the cavity, with over half of the energy being released in this process. Furthermore, the study highlights the impact of oxidation depth on ANP combustion behavior. In cases of mild oxidation, a breach in the weak area of the shell leads to the leakage of aluminum atoms from the core and the eventual shell collapse. The duration of physiochemical stages during ignition and combustion varies with oxidation depth but generally conforms to established principles. This study is expected to offer valuable insight into the interplay between shell morphology and oxidation depth on the ignition and combustion behavior of ANPs for researchers and engineers in the field of material science and combustion technology.

Prospective analysis of grip strength and load distribution after surgical treatment of common diseases of the hand with novel's manugraphy® system.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, A1 annular pulley stenosis and Dupuytren's contracture are among the most common conditions of the hand. In this study, we investigated the impact of surgical procedure on hand grip strength and high-resolution spatial load distribution in individuals suffering from those diseases over a follow-up period of one year. In this prospective study, data of 9 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, 12 patients with A1 annular pulley stenosis and 7 patients with Dupuytren's contracture were evaluated. Only patients with unilateral disease were included providing the contralateral hand as an intra-individual control. Grip strength was measured with cylindrical instruments in two different sizes with respect to the hand size of the patients. Maximum and average values of grip strength as well as spatial load distribution in each finger, thenar, hypothenar and palm were analyzed. Data of the affected patients were collected preoperatively and 6weeks, 6months and 1year postoperatively. Grip strength and spatial load distribution were compared preoperatively to postoperatively. In addition, DASH score, Levine score, 2-point discrimination and degree of flexion contracture were assessed. The patients with A1 annular pulley stenosis showed a significant increase in grip strength 6months and one year postoperatively. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren's contracture showed no significant difference in grip strength over the course of time. An increase in the percentual grip strength of the thenar in patients with carpal tunnel disease and within the affected finger in A1 annular pulley stenosis was observed over the course of time. The DASH score was significantly lower in all patient cohorts one year postoperatively. Surgical procedure in carpal tunnel syndrome, A1 annular ligament stenosis and Dupuytren's contracture improves the functionality of the hand in everyday life. Some areas of the hand seem to compensate other weaker areas in grip strength.

IMPLEMENTING FRAMEWORK OF CEFR FOR TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN NON-ENGLISH STUDY PROGRAM

The assumption that English lessons are difficult makes some students feel reluctant to improve their English skills. This learning difficulty has an impact on the decline in academic achievement of students who are running this education. For this reason, the author felt the need to conduct a study on how effective the CEFR with an action-oriented approach is used in teaching English. This research was conducted by determining the students' actual level of English proficiency, setting achievable learning goals, and assisting students in more purposeful learning. The CEFR is a frame of reference used to measure a person's language ability, including English. This study is quantitative research. To measure the effectiveness of the study, pre and post-test assessments were used. The value of the pre and post-test assessment is the research data. The instrument used to collect data was the assessment of the English for Communication course. The respondents of this study were 63 students of Informatics Engineering and Information Systems 1st semester, Institut Bisnis dan Informatika 1957. The average score of students before and after the provision of CEFR material is different or there is an effect of increasing student scores from 55 to 72. It is very important to adjust the CEFR to the context and needs of students because the CEFR is a framework and not a curriculum. The findings of this study imply the following, namely recognizing the proficiency level of the learners: This study can reveal the proficiency level of English learners which can help align the curriculum with the CEFR levels. Determining areas of strength and weakness. Furthermore, this information can help design courses and select materials and activities that suit the needs of students and their proficiency levels. Lecturers can create instruments for assessment and evaluation using the CEFR framework.

Genomics and inclusion of Indigenous peoples in high income countries

Genomics research related to Indigenous people has been at worst exploitative and at best, retrospectively on a journey to improve effective engagement of Indigenous individuals and communities. Genomics can positively impact all stages of clinical management, and to improve genomic effectiveness researchers aggregate genomic data from diverse global sub-populations, such as shared ancestry groupings, as people within these groupings will have a greater proportion of shared DNA traits. While genomics is already being used worldwide to improve lives, its utility and effectiveness has not been maximized for individuals with Indigenous ancestry. Several large datasets of human genetic variation have been made publicly available, of which the most widely used is the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD), but none of these databases currently contain any population-specific data for Indigenous populations. There are many reasons why Indigenous people have been largely left out of genomics research and, because of this, miss out on the benefits offered. It is also clear that if research is to be effective, it needs to be done ‘with’ and not ‘on’ Indigenous communities. This systematic review of the literature regarding Indigenous peoples (in high income countries) and genomics aims to review the existing literature and identify areas of strength and weakness in study design and conduct, focusing on the effectiveness of Indigenous community engagement.

Magneto-structural characterization of different kinds of magnetic nanoparticles

Using well-established measurement techniques like transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), small and wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS), susceptometry, and magnetorelaxometry, the distribution of the physical and magnetic size (magnetic moments) and magnetic anisotropy of a variety of structurally different magnetic nanoparticle samples (MNPs) is analyzed and compared. A term which accounts for the presence of weak magnetic areas (WMAs) within the MNPs was introduced to the widespread analysis model for M(H) data, enabling a consistent interpretation of the data in most of the systems. A comparison of the size distributions as obtained for the physical and the magnetic diameter suggests a multidomain structure for three single core systems under investigation, in all probability evoked by the presence of a wustite phase, as identified by WAXS.Analyzing the relationship d < dm < dc between the average single core diameter d, the effective magnetic (domain) size dm and the cluster diameter dc quantitatively, two qualitatively different magnetic structures in multicore MNP (MCMNP) systems were identified: (i) The magnetic moments of single cores within the MCMNP of fluidMAG tend to build flux closure structures, driven by dipole–dipole interaction. (ii) The magnetic behavior of Resovist® was attributed to the presence of domain sizes of about 12 nm within MCMNP, exceeding the single core diameters of 5 nm. Thereby, WAXS revealed a bimodal crystallite size distribution suggesting a crystallite merging process within the MCMNP. The value of the effective magnetic moment of these MCMNP could be explained within the presented “random moment cluster model” (RMCM).We conclude that the combination of physical and magnetic structure parameters obtained from complementary measurement methods allows a reliable assessment of the magnetic structure of single and multicore MNPs.

Creation of a Didactic Clinical Pharmacology Lecture Series for Internal Medicine Residents.

One of the noted areas of weakness for internal medicine residents is pharmacology. However, there is little data documenting the creation and effect of a comprehensive pharmacology didactic program.Our goal was to create a two-year clinical pharmacology didactic program focused on areas of stated weakness and to evaluate this program for an increase in knowledge and prescribing confidence of the participants. From August 2020 to June 2022, a two-year pharmacology program was developed, which included 20 didactic lectures on a variety of topics. Pre- and post-tests were given for 15 of the lectures, and four surveys were given, two during each year of the program. Four questions on each survey were the same and asked about confidence in choosing an appropriate medication based on current guidelines, patient-specific factors, primary literature, and pharmacokinetics. Over the two years, participation in the pharmacology sessions ranged from 17 to 29 residents (65-74% of the residency class). The average pre- and post-test scores increased by an average of 25.1%, which was a statistically significant increase (p<0.001, 95% CI [17.5, 32.8]). A Kruskal-Wallis H test showed a statistically significant difference in resident-reported confidence adjusting medications based on primary literature between the different survey groups, χ2 = 9.871, p = 0.02. A two-year, didactic pharmacology program improved the knowledge of resident participants and confidence in their ability to choose an appropriate medication based on primary literature.

Prospects and Challenges of Urban Pond Ecology: A Review

Increase in human population has led to intense pressure on bionetworks that provides various services vital for living organisms survival. This steered to the increase in interest in exploring the panorama and encounters of pond ecology for policy implementation, sustainable utilization that will guarantee sustainable management. This paper review the basic concepts of pond ecosystem, ecosystem service, challenges and prospects of the pond ecosystem. Relevant materials were collected, reviewed and synthesis with a view to understand the level of contribution, area of weakness therefore, the study could contributes in the area. Fish production, irrigation, groundwater storage and discharge, reduction of flash flood and aesthetic were identified as part of ecosystem services rendered by the urban pond. Garden production, research and aesthetic are some of the prospect while, waste disposing site, eutrophication, pollution are considered as some of the challenges confronting pond ecosystem.

Exploring the Multifaceted Roles of Non-Native English-Speaking Teachers (NNEST) in Enhancing participants' Speaking Proficiency

&lt;p class="abstrak"&gt;This study explores the roles of Non-Native English Speaking Teachers (NNESTs) in facilitating the improvement of participants' English speaking skills. The research was prompted by the challenge faced by a NNESTs from Indonesia, who relocated to Kyrgyzstan to teach English as a second language. The teacher lacked cultural knowledge to support his participants' language learning. To address this, the study employed a descriptive qualitative research design and utilized interviews as the primary data collection method to investigate how NNESTs support the development of their participants' English speaking ability. The analysis employed a Miles and Huberman data analysis to identify patterns and themes in the data. The findings reveal that NNESTs design instructional approaches that foster an environment conducive to speaking practice and enable participants to engage in conversation without fear of criticism. Additionally, the teachers provide personalized feedback to help participants identify their areas of weakness. Creating an engaging learning environment encourages participants to use English more frequently.&lt;/p&gt;

Numerical simulation of a dry joint masonry arch in the Volubilis site (Morocco)

The archaeological site of Volubilis is one of the world heritages recognized by UNESCO. It is located in Morocco. It contains several historical monuments. Most of these monuments are composed of masonry arches that give them a particular aesthetic. This makes their conservation essential to ensure their durability. These masonry arches are composed of dry-jointed stone blocks with an irregular geometry that makes understanding their mechanical behavior a complex task. With the aim of reinforcing the masonry structures in the Volubilis site, composed of masonry arches, a mechanical behavior study of these structures is necessary to detect their areas of weakness, modes of failure, distribution of stresses as well as their bearing capacity. In this regard, it is necessary to develop a numerical tool to analyze the mechanical behavior of these arches in the face of the stresses that affect their structures. To do this, a masonry arch is numerically simulated using the finite element software ANSYS and integrating two models implemented in this software. A “ Concrete ” model based on the William-Warnke criterion is used to simulate the failure modes by cracking in the three spatial directions. The interfaces between the stone blocks were modeled using the Cohesive Zone Model to predict the failure and damage modes at these interfaces and, more precisely, their separations in the normal and tangential directions. The physical and mechanical properties of the stone block were determined from the experimental tests, while the other properties were estimated from a literature review. The results obtained in this study show the stress distribution and the mode of failure of this arch. The failure is presented as three hinges that develop as the load is applied. These results obtained numerically in this study show good agreement with those obtained experimentally, which are presented in the literature.

Simulation-based Fatigue Life Analysis of Polyimide Film in Afterburner Fuel Distributor

Aiming at the problem of premature failure of organic material polyimide film in the afterburner fuel distributor of a turbofan engine, the material parameters of polyimide film and the temperature and the fluctuation amplitude of the film during use were obtained based on previous investigation. The finite element simulation model of polyimide film was established in ANSYS software to study the Mises stress distribution and weak area distribution of the film when the film fails in the form of fracture. Based on the fatigue life calculation theory of probabilistic fracture mechanics, the fatigue life cycle times and their variation rules of the film under different reliability were obtained. The results show that there is stress concentration in the film, and the stress con-centration and weak area of the film occur at the outer edge of the film clamping. The fatigue life cycle times of the film under different reliability are calculated, and the fatigue life cycle times decrease with the increase of reliability.

Assessment of educational environment of midwifery students in Auxillary Nurse and Midwifery Institutes, Tamil Nadu – A descriptive study

Introduction: Tamil Nadu has a well-established public health-care delivery system with the Auxiliary Nurse and Midwifery (ANM) or Village Health Nurses. They learn and qualify for their job from ANM institutes and become the key field level functionary who interacts directly with the community. Their ability to provide quality community care is largely determined by the quality of ANM education they receive during their training. Hence, this study aimed to assess the perception of these students to facilitate a conducive educational environment. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out among 244 ANM students from across 10 randomly selected government ANM schools in Tamil Nadu. A self-administered Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire was used for assessment. The data was analyzed using EpiData. Results: Among the 244 students enrolled in the study, the mean (standard deviation) global DREEM score was 167.39 (±18.06). Student's academic perception was the highest (91%), followed by student's perception of atmosphere (84.2%), learning (84%), and teachers (83.5%), and the least average score was from student's social self-perception (74%). Conclusion: The study showed the nursing students' view on their academic learning environment as “more positive than negative,” Centers were also considered excellent, and this assessment would provide an useful guide into the areas that students felt “good” about, which should be reinforced and the weaker areas that need to be strengthened for better services.

The Impact of a Hands-On Interventional Radiology Training Course on Radiology Resident's Training: A Single Academic Institution Experience

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of an instructional hands-on training course that introduces radiology residents to the essential tools and skills needed to perform basic interventional radiology (IR) procedures. Materials and Methods This study was performed over a single academic year at a single academic institution. A precourse survey was sent to all radiology residents to identify areas of weakness and potential opportunities for improvement. In view of the responses, a hands-on training course was designed to cover the basics of vascular and soft-tissue access, catheters, wires, embolics, and closure devices. The training was provided in a one-to-one setting by a single IR attending over a period of 45 minutes and was concluded with hands-on training on an ultrasound (US) vascular access phantom whenever possible. An anonymous postcourse survey was then distributed and the results were analyzed. Results The average reported comfort level with basic IR concepts prior to course attendance was 1.7 on a 5-point scale (1 = not comfortable, 5 = very comfortable). This increased to an average of 4 following the course. Ninety-three percent of residents reported they have more confidence getting into the IR suite and assisting in IR procedures following the course. Residents who had an opportunity to train on the US vascular access phantom gave an average response of 4.6 out of 5 to a question of how helpful the experience was in improving their US hand skills (1 = not helpful, 5 = extremely helpful). One hundred percent of responders reported that the course successfully met its goal. Finally, the overall responses were unanimously in favor of continuing the hands-on training course. Conclusion A personalized, cost-effective, hands-on training course can improve the IR training experience of radiology residents, especially in the early training phase. This model is of particular value for smaller to medium-sized academic institutions with limited financial and educational resources.

Intrasacral meningoceles: Clinical presentation, surgical management, and postoperative outcome: The Giannina Gaslini Hospital's experience

IntroductionIntrasacral meningoceles are cysts associated with herniating arachnoid with no nerve root within due to an area of weakness of the dura mater. They are thought to be congenital, but they are usually not symptomatic until adulthood. Surgical treatment is generally indicated in the presence of symptoms. MethodsWe selected cases belonging to the IB category of Nabors et al.’s classification who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2021 at Giannina Gaslini Hospital. Exclusion criteria were prior history of trauma, infections, or operations. Patients’ clinical details, associated conditions, surgical techniques, peri- and postoperative complications, and outcomes were collected retrospectively from clinical charts. We compared our series to literature: keywords “intrasacral meningocele” were used on the search engine MEDLINE – Pubmed. ResultsWe identified 23 cases: 5 of the 14 symptomatic patients had a complete resolution, and 5 had a substantial clinical improvement after surgery. Cyst recurrence and major postoperative complication occurred in none. Among 59 articles considered for evaluation, 50 were excluded and remaining 9 articles underwent full-text analysis. Discussion and conclusionThe pathogenesis of instrasacral meningoceles is still not completely understood and the spectrum of symptoms is wide. A posterior surgical approach with sacral laminectomy is preferred, although in selected cases it is possible to perform a supplemental anterior approach (sometimes endoscopic). In our surgical series, the largest one published in the literature, a good clinical outcome was achieved in most patients with no cyst's recurrence, pointing out the importance of surgical interruption of communication between cyst and subdural space.

Integrating Psychiatric Services in the Emergency Room to Improve Patient Care by Using Quality Improvement Methods.

Prolonged length of stay in emergency departments (EDs) for patients with a psychiatric chief complaint is a widespread problem. Prolonged stays can lead to adverse outcomes and poor quality of care. We sought to improve quality of care for patients in the medical ED who needed psychiatric care. To identify the areas of weakness, we queried the ED staff via an online survey about the perception of the challenges working with our Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), which is located adjacent to and works closely with the medical ED providing psychiatric consultation. We identified several action steps and used the Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology for implementation. We reported a reduction in time to complete consultations and improved communication between CPEP and the medical ED staff.

UNLEASHING THE POWER OF INNOVATION: THE TRANSFORMATIVE ROLE OF SMES IN EU

This article explores the significant efforts made by the European Union (EU) to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a range of initiatives, policies, and programs, such as Horizon 2020 and COSME. These endeavors have provided dedicated funding and resources to facilitate research, development, and innovation within SMEs. Recognizing the significant role played by SMEs and innovation in driving economic growth, job creation, and competitiveness, the EU has prioritized targeted support and the establishment of an enabling business environment to unlock the full potential of SMEs as engines of innovation. Furthermore, the EU actively assesses SME innovation levels to identify areas of strength, weakness, and improvement. These concerted efforts demonstrate the EU's commitment to cultivating a culture of innovation and providing comprehensive support to SMEs in their entrepreneurial pursuits. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to the overall innovation landscape in Europe, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity.

PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS ABOUT TEACHING AND LEARNING ANATOMY AT KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Background: A sound knowledge of human anatomy is essential for the training of new doctors for their clinical practices. However, majority of the newly graduated medical doctors feel as their knowledge of anatomy to be inadequate for their clinical practices. Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate the perception of students regarding teaching and learning anatomy which may help to determine the areas of strength and weakness of teaching methodology. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study which consisted of medical students of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences. A Google Form Questionnaire was developed and distributed to the students for obtaining their perceptions about teaching and learning anatomy. The students’ perceptions were collected on Likert scale questionnaire. Results: The PowerPoint presentation was the most favourable tool for theory classes whereas cadaveric dissection was the most important tool for practical classes. Practical class was the most favourable method to understand anatomy clearly. MCQ was the best mode to evaluate knowledge and concept of anatomy for theory assessment whereas for practical assessment, gross anatomy spotter was the best mode to assess knowledge, skill and concept of anatomy. Conclusions: The tools and methods used for teaching and learning anatomy were satisfied as suggested by majority of the students. The students also suggested that cadaveric dissection to be increased for better understanding of anatomy.