Five-year Program Research Articles

Background and activities of the Arctic Challenge for Sustainability (ArCS) project

This research note describes how the Japanese five-year Arctic research program “Arctic Challenge for Sustainability (ArCS)” was implemented, focusing on its activities that supported the research, with a brief introduction of the background of Japan’s Arctic research. There were two shifts in the style of Japan’s Arctic research during the last 10–15 years: from small research projects by individual scientists to a large national program, and from a purely scientific program to a comprehensive Arctic research program. Governmental policy played a crucial role in these shifts. As a national program, ArCS was required to expand Japanese Arctic research capabilities, and to deliver research results to multiple stakeholders. It was to meet these requirements that several supporting activities were included in addition to the research itself: establishing research and observation platforms, sending young researchers to overseas institutions, sending experts to the Arctic Council working groups, and enhancing outreach activities targeting both the general public in Japan and the international Arctic research community. Objectives, design, and outcomes of these supporting activities are described respectively.

THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF INDONESIAN NAVAL HUMAN RESOURCES UNIT USING SWOT ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIVE STRUCTURAL MODELLING

ABSTRACT
 Lapetal is an organization within the Indonesian Navy that is tasked with carrying out Navy recruitment. With the increasing number of duties and responsibilities of Lapetal and seeing the current condition of Lapetal, it is necessary to make efforts to develop Lapetal in the future. The purpose of this research is to identify the factors that influence in determining the Lapetal development strategy, determine the alternative strategy for Lapetal development, and produce a roadmap of the selected alternative strategies for Lapetal development. This study uses an integrated SWOT analysis and Interpretative Structural Modeling. SWOT analysis is used to formulate and provide alternatives in Lapetal development strategies. ISM is used to determine the priority order of the selected strategy which is then applied in making the roadmap. Based on the results of the SWOT matrix analysis, the SO Strategy consists of 6 (six) strategic steps, the ST Strategy consists of 5 (five) strategic steps, the WO Strategy consists of 8 (eight) strategic steps and the WT strategy consists of 4 (four) strategic steps. Based on weighting using the EFAS and IFAS matrices, the chosen strategy is the WO Strategy, so that the WO strategy becomes the first alternative. Based on the results of the classification of elements in the WO strategy, there are 4 (four) levels of hierarchical structure. In this hierarchical structure, it can be seen that the (WO5) and (WO6) sub-strategies are at level IV. Then the sub strategies (WO3) and (WO4) are at level III. At level II it consists of 3 (three) sub strategies, namely (WO1), (WO2), and (WO7). At level I, it is the sub strategy (WO8). The output of the SWOT and ISM analysis process in determining the Lapetal development strategy is a map or roadmap implemented in a strategic plan which is divided into five-year programs.
 Keywords: Lapetal, Development Strategy, SWOT, ISM, Road map

Construir a profissão na formação de professores de Educação Física: processos, desafios e dinâmicas entre a escola e a universidade

Abstract Teacher education, as an historical social practice, has undergone multiple transformations, namely the adaptation to the Bologna process. In Portugal, the most visible change in teacher education programs was the fragmentation of five-year integrated program into two disconnected cycles, with the compacting of pedagogical, didactic, and early field experiences. Looking to go beyond a critical reflection, we intended to present arguments about how teacher education programs can be drawn for the challenges that Physical Education will be called upon to answer. The arguments are based on the knowledge and experience from research projects in the scope of the school placement in Physical Education, which aimed to embed initial teacher education in a collaborative dynamic between the university and the school, and contribute to the construction of the professional identities of learners and mentors.

Mental well-being in Sri Lankan medical students: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Preventing burnout and promoting positive mental health among medical students is important. Relevant research is lacking on positive mental health in medical students, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Sri Lankan students enrolled in a five-year medical program. Measures included the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, Kessler 10 Psychological Distress Scale, and Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. We investigated relationships between year in program, mental health indicators, and academic performance. Three hundred twenty-seven students participated (35% response rate). Most students had moderate positive mental health (64.8%) and severe psychological distress (40.4%). Final year students reported more psychological distress and burnout than first year students. Female students had higher burnout scores than males. In multivariable models, fourth and fifth year students evidenced lower positive mental health than first year students. Mental health indicators were unassociated with academic performance. Overall, distress rates were higher than those reported among students in other countries. Higher burnout and distress may be driven by increased responsibilities in the final clinical years of training. Bolstering positive mental health through positive emotions, meaning, and social connection may minimize burnout and distress, although extracurricular activities require time. Interventions to reduce medical student distress in Sri Lanka are needed.

Profesjonskunnskap: fag, forskning og praksiserfaring

Rammeplan for 5-årig lærerutdanning i praktiske og estetiske fag ble vedtatt juni 2020. For design, kunst og håndverk innebærer dette at 3-årig faglærerutdanning med master opphører. Lærerutdanningen skal være både forskningsbasert og vektlegge erfaringsbasert kunnskap. Eksempelvis utvides omfanget av undervisningspraksis. Endringen er utgangspunktet for denne artikkelen. Artikkelen tar opp det særegne ved profesjonskunnskap og divergensen mellom profesjonskunnskap og tradisjonelle vitenskapsfag. Divergensen drøftes på bakgrunn av en rapport fra 1974. Rapporten tar opp målsetting, organisering og studieinnhold for kommende hovedfag ved pedagogiske høgskoler, iverksatt fra 1976. Rapporten beskriver hvordan profesjonens særpreg skal gi retning til studiet. En liste over 10 ulike former for hovedfagsarbeid presenteres. Både eget kunstnerisk arbeid og læremiddelproduksjon ansees som relevante former for et hovedfagsarbeid. Denne artikkelen nærleser rapporten fra 1974 og argumenter for at drøftinger som føres der kan bidra til relevante diskusjoner, også ved innføringen av 5-årig lærerutdanning.

UPAYA KEPALA DAERAH DALAM PERCEPATAN PEMBANGUNAN PENDIDIKAN DI PROVINSI JAMBI

This study aims to examine the accountability of regional heads in accelerating educational development in Jambi Province. The question in this study is why the accountability of regional heads has not been able to accelerate education development in Jambi Province. This study uses a qualitative research approach that is descriptive analytical. The data was collected by means of observation, interview and documentation techniques. Determination of research subjects using purposive sampling technique. Data analysis techniques with data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions and verification. Reliability with extension techniques, participation, accuracy of observations and triangulation of data. The results of this study indicate that the efforts of regional heads to accelerate education development in Jambi Province are carried out in the form of a five-year education program or master plan, then strengthening education human resources through a number of training, upgrading, activation of professional work groups and provision of facilities and infrastructure according to existing programs. . Efforts to overcome the accountability of regional heads in accelerating education development in Jambi Province are carried out by; a) open to receiving suggestions, opinions and criticism related to education. b) improve work information systems. c) increasing the work of educators and educational personnel. Increase motivation and supervision of the work of subordinates, and e) increase the learning achievement of students.

Principals' role in capacity development of post level one teachers for school leadership

This study was undertaken to explore the role of principals in the capacity development of post level one teachers for school leadership positions. The success of a school and its attendant learner achievement depends largely on good school leadership. Thus, it is highly unlikely that poor or ineffective school leadership will lead to successful schools. This study argues that it is the responsibility of principals to ensure that ample opportunities exist for leadership development of post level one teachers. A qualitative research approach was selected to investigate the role principals play in building leadership capacity in post level one teachers. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with ten (10) participants at two (2) schools: one (1) principal and four (4) post level one teachers per school. The findings indicated that in both schools there was leadership capacity development taking place, but notably in different forms. It became clear that only some teachers in the participating schools were receiving adequate or effective leadership capacity development. A significant finding of this study is that principals play a fundamental role in the creation of subcommittees to enhance leadership capacity for post level one teachers. The study highlights the need that sub-committees be given sufficient authority and power to make decisions that benefit both the development of teacher leadership as well as improve teaching and learning in schools. Lastly, the study recommends that a five-year leadership capacity building program, as an internal in-service program, be introduced for all post level one teachers in schools to aid leadership capacity development.

How many will it take?

N/A

State Investment and Empowerment of Local Communities, An Approach to Sustainable Rural Development (Experience of Kashan Rural Area in Central Iran)

Empowerment approach is considered as one of the efficient approaches in rural development activities in Iran through the rural planning system within the framework of five-year programs with government investment in order to achieve sustainable rural development. In this study, it was investigated the role of government investments in empowering villagers, How its effectiveness in the rural area of Kashan was studied. Descriptive-analytical research method and sample population were selected using three-dimensional matrix method of government investment, village location and rural population of 12 villages and 316 rural households. To explain the relationships between independent and dependent variables, Pearson correlation in appropriate statistical environments and for modeling effects, the structural equation model (SEM) in AMOS software was used. Findings indicate a strong, positive and direct relationship between the two variables of investment and rural empowerment (P = 0.000). As the amount of investment increases, the empowerment of the villagers increases. The structural equation model showed that government investment with a factor load of 0.072 has an effect on rural empowerment (RMSEA = 0.036). Following these results in achieving sustainable rural development, the empowerment approach should be considered as a goal and not as a tool. In the experience of government investment in the rural area of Kashan in Central Iran, the investment process was relatively effective and in the future the investment process and implementation of rural projects in general and in arid and semi-arid areas in particular, empowerment and institutionalization approach in Villages are essential.

First Cosmology Results using Supernovae Ia from the Dark Energy Survey: Survey Overview, Performance, and Supernova Spectroscopy

Abstract We present details on the observing strategy, data-processing techniques, and spectroscopic targeting algorithms for the first three years of operation for the Dark Energy Survey Supernova Program (DES-SN). This five-year program using the Dark Energy Camera mounted on the 4 m Blanco telescope in Chile was designed to discover and follow supernovae (SNe) Ia over a wide redshift range (0.05 < z < 1.2) to measure the equation-of-state parameter of dark energy. We describe the SN program in full: strategy, observations, data reduction, spectroscopic follow-up observations, and classification. From three seasons of data, we have discovered 12,015 likely SNe, 308 of which have been spectroscopically confirmed, including 251 SNe Ia over a redshift range of 0.017 < z < 0.85. We determine the effective spectroscopic selection function for our sample and use it to investigate the redshift-dependent bias on the distance moduli of SNe Ia we have classified. The data presented here are used for the first cosmology analysis by DES-SN (“DES-SN3YR”), the results of which are given in Dark Energy Survey Collaboration et al. The 489 spectra that are used to define the DES-SN3YR sample are publicly available at https://des.ncsa.illinois.edu/releases/sn.

What affects medical students’ applications to five-year FRCPC emergency medicine programs?

Purpose: To compare the impact of institutional and epidemiologic factors on differences in application trends of Canadian medical graduates (CMGs) from different medical schools to FRCPC emergency medicine (EM) residency programs.
 Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Data from 2013-2018 were obtained from the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) database and standardized questionnaires sent to Canadian medical schools.
 Results: CaRMS data were available for all schools and survey data was available for 76% schools. Five schools yielded significantly higher rates of applications to FRCPC-EM programs (8.8-13.1%, p<0.05), and 5 schools had significantly lower rates compared to the national mean (2.9-5.1%, p<0.05). Increased exposure to EM (a core rotation and/or elective rotation in EM in the third year of medical school at home-school) yielded 28-55% higher application rates (p<0.001). The presence of an FRCPC-EM residency program at the applicant's home school, and a home school program with 5 or more CMG residency positions at a CMG’s increased the application rates by 39 and 17%, respectively (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: These data demonstrate a significant difference in application rates of CMGs graduating from Canadian medical schools and certain factors may affect application rates. This information could be used by medical schools to modify curricula, increase exposure to EM, and contribute towards addressing the forecasted national shortage of EM physicians.

Capacity Estimation of Irrigation Tanks Through Remote Sensing From UAV Platform

Tanks are one of the main sources for the irrigation in the country. Out of average net irrigated area of 62 Mha in India during 2001–2015, 3% of area is irrigated through tanks, as against 15% in the 1950s. The deterioration of tanks was a matter of concern for most of the states in South India. Government of Telangana launched five-year long programme called 'Mission Kakatiya' in 2014 to harness the benefits of tank irrigation by increasing command area and water supply available for irrigation. In order to assess volume of water stored in a tank, the information on water level and corresponding water spread area is essential through elevation-area-capacity (EAC) curve. However, such information is not available for most of the irrigation tanks in the country. Generation of terrain information of tank storage area using remote sensing technology is one of the options available today. Stereo images from space borne and aerial platforms are not sufficient enough for generating terrain information for very shallow water bodies like irrigation tanks. In this study, an alternative approach is proposed to use images acquired from unmanned aerial vehicle platform instead of stereo images from other sources/platforms for generating EAC curve. UAV is flown when the tanks are almost dry, for generation of very high resolution digital terrain model. This can be used to establish EAC curve. This EAC curve in combination with the near real-time water spread area obtained from satellite remote sensing can be used to estimate the volume of water available in a tank. In order to assess the feasibility, a drone survey was carried out over Teegalanarayana Cheruvu, a small tank near Godumakunta village of Keesara Mandal in the outskirts of Hyderabad city, Telangana. Images collected were processed to generate digital terrain model and this was used to derive the EAC curve for the tank. Using satellite-based water spread area from LISS-IV sensor along with EAC curve, the volume of water stored was estimated as 60,812 m3, 88,830 m3 and 22,160 m3 as on November 30, 2016, November 1, 2017, and March 25, 2018, respectively. The study proves that this approach is cost-effective, feasible and less time-consuming.

Editorial introductions

Editorial introductions

Abstract 2023: Advancing diversity of the current cancer research workforce: Employing a new pathway to improve recruitment of minorities from underserved populations

Abstract Introduction: To address the paucity of workforce diversity in cancer research and the slow recruitment of underrepresented minority (URM) populations in clinical trials, we developed an education program - Student-centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC), to prepare URMs as clinical research professionals (CRPs). Procedures: To target cultural/racial incongruence between patient and physician/researcher requires increased diversity in the clinical cancer workforce. SPARCC is a five-year NCI R25 program to recruit URM undergraduate students to become CRPs and/or seek advanced degrees in cancer research. CRP jobs are readily available with several avenues for professional growth. These positions also provide excellent interim employment and financial resources for those exploring advanced science careers. Over eight weeks, the first cohort of SPARCC Scholars participated in 84 workshop learning experiences, ten different practicum rotations and a culminating research project. Mixed methods evaluated the components of SPARCC. Collected data informed programmatic modifications for subsequent cohorts. Summary: Within 16 weeks of announcement, 39 completed applications were received, 62% (24/39) identified as URM and 77% (30/39) were females. Most were pursuing biomedical science majors (30/39) with interest to seek careers in healthcare (34/39). The first cohort of ten scholars began in June 2019. Scholars globally evaluated each workshop on average of 9.1(10=excellent), Of the 433 workshop evaluations scholars completed, 92% (400/433) of sessions were rated ‘outstanding' or ‘very good' in “advancing understanding of the topic area, a chief request included more interactive elements, especially if sessions were solely lecture-based. Upon completion of the practicum rotations, scholars were evaluated by preceptors on average of 9.2(10 = excellent). Participants identified the benefit of learning from various professionals and specialties they did not know existed. Other programmatic modifications include: increased time between workshop sessions to allow for deeper comprehension of content, inclusion of a financial literacy session, and increased protected time to conduct and formalize research projects. All scholars identified a strong sense of belonging at the large academic medical institution, which is frequently cited as a barrier for URM. Upon SPARCC's conclusion, all scholars reported interest in seeking careers in research and/or medicine. Of the 10 graduates, 2 are applying to medical school, 2 obtained employment as CRPs immediately after SPARCC and both are planning to pursue advanced research degrees, 5 are currently completing their final year of under-grad, and 1 is currently working in a research laboratory. Conclusion: Participation in SPARCC provided access to a professional network for 2 URM participants to quickly attain permanent employment in clinical trials research and be prepared for advanced education applications. Citation Format: Kristina Kaljo, Robert Treat, Janet S. Rader. Advancing diversity of the current cancer research workforce: Employing a new pathway to improve recruitment of minorities from underserved populations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 2023.

Implementation of biogas-based energy security program and evaluation of its sustainability in Kediri Village, Pringsewu District, Lampung Province

The Biogas-based energy security program in Kediri Village, Pringsewu District, Lampung Province, aims to provide awareness and knowledge to villagers about the potential of cow dung to be made into biogas and promote awareness of good environment quality. An evaluation of the sustainability of the program in the community was conducted. The methods that were used in this program are (1) socialization to provide awareness of good environment quality and energy security, (2) digester construction and stove and biogas lamp installation, which was carried out by the community together with certified trainers, (3) creation of a master design of the digester layout to ensure the maximum utilization of the digesters, and (4) evaluation to determine opportunities for program sustainability. Results show that the Biogas-based Energy Security Program has succeeded in making the community aware of and accept and apply the technology of processing cow manure into biogas. Biogas has met 100% of the fuel needs for cooking and electricity of biogas-fed houses. The environment quality has also improved, as shown by clean cages and home environments, and methane emissions have reduced. Over the five-year program, 11 out of 20 planned digesters have been built. The program's future sustainability can be continued by the community, provided that alternative sources of funds that can be pursued by the community are available.

Impact of the Fogarty Training Program on Trainee and Institutional Research Capacity Building at a Government Medical College in India.

Background:Strengthening health research is essential to inform public health policies. However, few research training programs have systematically measured their impact on capacity building and most evaluations have been limited to reporting of individual trainee metrics. Hence, we conducted an evaluation of the impact of a five-year training program focused on building both trainee and institutional research capacity at a public medical college in India.Methods:Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to assess the individual and institutional research capacity building of a five-year HIV-TB research training program at Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College in Pune, India, supported by the US National Institutes of Health, Fogarty International Center. In addition to documentation of the number of trainee research projects initiated, the number of research papers produced by the Fogarty Scholars (FSs) available on PubMed was calculated. The institutional impact of this program was assessed by documentation of research training activities conducted by the FSs, as well as by surveys and in-depth interviews conducted at the beginning and end of the program.Results:Twenty-one mid-level BJGMC faculty were provided training in HIV-TB research competencies. Between 1 April 2014 and 1 April 2019, 13 of these FSs designed and implemented new IRB-approved research studies and contributed to 49 PubMed listed research papers, including 11 first-authored manuscripts. FSs also conducted 36 journal club discussions, mentored 58 student research projects and conducted 5 institutional research method workshops. Pre- and-post-program surveys and in-depth interviews documented a perceived increase in institutional research capacity, particularly in TB research (epidemiology, clinical research, laboratory research). The impact of the Fogarty Training Program on institutional scientific output was perceived to be marginally improved.Conclusion:The Fogarty Training Program had a significant impact on building individual research capacity. To sustain this impact beyond the five years of Fogarty support, additional governmental and institutional resources, the establishment of dedicated space for faculty research and protected faculty time for research are needed. These findings can inform the design and implementation of future health research capacity building initiatives.

Abstract D039: Student-centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC): A new program to increase underrepresented minorities in clinical cancer research careers

Abstract An eight-week intensive pipeline training program was designed to recruit and prepare underrepresented minority undergraduate students to pursue careers as clinical research professionals and obtain advanced degrees in cancer research to improve diversity and culturally responsive care in clinical cancer research. Cancer clinical trials are imperative to advance therapies and improve patient survival rates, yet barriers exist preventing underrepresented minorities (URM) from participating. There is a need to foster a diverse healthcare workforce who mirror the larger population, yet national statistics report sluggish growth in the recruitment of underrepresented minorities (URM) to scientific occupations. Student-centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC) is a newly funded five-year National Cancer Institute R25 education program recruiting URM, to become clinical research professionals (CRPs) or seek advanced degrees in clinical cancer research. The eight-week program immerses students in hands-on experiences framed by the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trials Competency Domains. Grounded in theory of experiential learning and culturally responsive teaching, 35 faculty and CRPs taught and served as student champions, spanning pediatric oncology, oncology pharmacy, surgical oncology, gynecologic oncology, genetics, palliative care and medical oncology. Scholars experienced first-hand the methods in which complex trials provide innovative precision cancer treatments. Scholars completed a ‘Wicked Problems’ research project on cancer health disparities. Analysis of SPARCC evaluation data and one-on-one exit interviews utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods. Of 39 applications received, 62% (24/39) identified as URM and 77% (30/39) were females. All applicants were enrolled in undergraduate programs or recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Most were pursuing biomedical science majors (30/39) with interest to seek careers in healthcare (34/39). In June 2019, ten scholars were accepted (9 females, 1 male), 90% of the matriculating cohort identified as URM. Over 84 different workshops were facilitated, and Scholars participated in three, two-week practicum rotations. Workshop sessions were evaluated by students using free text, 5-point Likert scale questions rating efficacy, satisfaction, and skills of the facilitator and an overall ten-point rating. Wicked Problems projects focused on: stigma of prostate health among African American males, cervical cancer screening among Latinas, impact of food insecurities on cancer treatment, skin cancer prevention among African Americans, and improving enrollment of URMs in clinical trials. Evaluation data is forthcoming. SPARCC has paved the way as an innovative and pedagogically sound education training program for URM. By curating an experience integrating research methods, cancer epidemiology, and health disparities, Scholars have a passion for clinical cancer research. Citation Format: Kristina Kaljo, Robert Treat, Janet Rader. Student-centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC): A new program to increase underrepresented minorities in clinical cancer research careers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr D039.

Midterm Evaluation of Malaysia’s National Salt Reduction Strategy – Lessons Learned on Adapting Salt Reduction ‘Best Buys’ to the Local Context

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the implementation progress and contextual influences of Malaysia's five-year national salt reduction program at midpoint, with a view to generating lessons on adapting the World Health Organization's salt reduction ‘best buys’ to suit the local context. Methods The Malaysian Government's multi-faceted strategy includes three of four salt-related ‘best buys’; reduce salt intake through 1) behavior change communication, 2) reformulation of food products to contain less salt and 3) implementation of front-of-pack labeling, as well as a strategy to monitor population salt intake and sodium levels in foods. Based on the UK Medical Research Council's guidance on process evaluation, routinely-collected administrative data, 12 semi-structured interviews and public information were used and synthesized in NVivo to evaluate the reach, dose, adoption, fidelity and contextual influences of implementation. This was supplemented with data from three focus groups (43 participants) conducted using the nominal group technique to understand the priority barriers and facilitators of lowering salt intake in Malaysia. Results In the first 3 years, there was high progress in accurately monitoring population salt intake and developing culturally-specific education resources. However, a major barrier to implementing the other interventions was the absence of mandatory sodium content declaration on packaged foods. A lack of packaged foods with sodium content labeling hindered the program implementers' ability to identify and engage high-salt food producers in reformulation, identify low-salt foods eligible for the Healthy Choice Logo front-of-pack label, educate consumers to identify high or lower-salt foods and monitor the sodium content of packaged foods. This aligns with the perceived challenges of reducing salt consumption in Malaysia being poor consumer knowledge and attitudes around salt reduction, and the absence of low-salt alternatives. Conclusions Countries without mandatory sodium or salt labeling on packaged foods should prioritize this regulation to enable effective implementation of the salt reduction ‘best buys’. Interim process evaluations are useful for identifying necessary intervention adaptations. Funding Sources The World Health Organization.

Learning from experience – a probe into the off-campus internships under the five-year cosmetology technical and vocational education program

PurposeThis paper aims to probe into the implementation of internship courses under the five-year cosmetology program in Taiwan from the perspective of Dewey's philosophies in hopes that the analysis can serve as reference for schools in planning their internship courses in the future.Design/methodology/approachThis paper probes into the off-campus internship courses under Taiwan's five-year junior college education program by applying Dewey's empirical philosophy.FindingsThe study aims to understand the learning experience acquired by students from learning by doing internship courses as reference for future internship design. The current internship courses comprise the follows: summer, during the semester and for a full academic year. The experience of summer internship is career exploration, the experience for semester internship is career experience and the experience from academic-year internship is career choice. The internship strategies are designed according to the three different internship approaches, so that the internship courses can implement the educational effect of “learning from experience”.Practical implicationsTo minimize the discrepancy between the cosmetology program under the five-year junior college education and the employment market, credit-based off-campus internship courses are arranged for students' final years at school.Social implicationsThrough on-site trainings, students accumulate work experience and explore into a related career field. The accumulation of experience and gaining of insights mirror the philosophy of learning by doing, which involves students' reflective thinking.Originality/valueIt is hoped that the analysis can serve as reference for internship courses planning in the future.

Assessing the potential of enhanced primary clarification to manage fats, oils and grease (FOG) at wastewater treatment works

Daily, sewage treatment works (STWs) receive large volumes of fats, oils and greases (FOG), by-products of food preparation. To increase FOG removal at STW, conventional primary sedimentation tanks (PSTs) can be enhanced using chemical coagulant or through dissolved air flotation (DAF) techniques. This work aimed to assess the potential benefits of enhanced primary treatment for FOG removal through an energy and costs analysis. To achieve this, a five-year sampling programme was conducted monthly at 15 STWs measuring FOG concentrations in crude and settled sewage (i.e. after primary treatment). In addition, two DAF pilot systems were trialled for four months and their performance, in terms of FOG removal, was assessed and compared to that of a control primary clarifier. Across the 15 STWs, influent FOG concentrations were found at 57 ± 11 mg.L−1. Chemical coagulants dosed prior to PSTs increased FOG removal rates on average to 71% whilst traditional sedimentation only achieved 50% removal. Effluent FOG concentrations were found between 12–22 mg.L−1 and 19–36 mg.L−1 respectively. By contrast, DAF achieved FOG effluent concentrations on average at 10 ± 4 mg.L−1 corresponding to 74% removal from a relatively low influent concentration of 40 ± 30 mg.L−1. Thus, enhanced primary treatments have the potential to reduce organic load to secondary treatment and increase energy generation through anaerobic digestion. The overall net energy balance was estimated at 2269 MWh.year−1 for the DAF compared to 3445 MWh.year−1 for the chemically-enhanced PST making it a less financially attractive alternative. Yet, in the case where the works require upgrading to accommodate flow or load increases, DAF appeared as a sensible option over sedimentation offering significantly lower capital costs and footprint. In relation to FOG management, upgrading all STWs is not realistic and will require understanding where the benefits would be the highest.