Conform Research Articles

Retaining teachers and trainers in vocational education and training (VET): motivating career-changers to remain as VET educators

ABSTRACT Recruiting and retaining vocational education and training (VET) educators is an increasing challenge in countries across the world. So understanding their transition and retention is vital to the development of a sustainable workforce. This paper draws on interviews with senior administrators of Australian training providers and survey data from practising VET teachers and trainers to identify factors that most influenced these educators to remain in what was, for most of them, a second or later career. The research found that the major influences on retention of new educators in VET were partly extrinsic, including employment conditions, lifestyle balance and support for professional development, and partly intrinsic, including a supportive culture and job satisfaction through enjoyment of teaching and giving back to industry. The findings provide training providers with a clear indication of what encourages educators to make a long-term commitment to VET teaching and what motivates them to perform at their best once they have made the transition.

Modelling of chromatographic and electrophoretic behaviour of imidazoline and alpha adrenergic receptors ligands under different acid-base conditions

Background and Purpose: The ligands of the imidazoline and α-adrenergic receptors are mainly imidazoline and guanidine derivatives, known as centrally-acting antihypertensives and compounds with potential use in various neurological disorders. The extent of their ionisation has a major influence on their behaviour in the different analytical systems. The main objective of this work was to compare the mechanism of chromatographic retention and electrophoretic mobility under acidic, neutral and basic conditions. Experimental Approach: Multiple Linear Regression and Partial Least Squares Regression were applied for the QSRR (quantitative structure-retention relationship) and QSMR (quantitative structure-mobility relationship) modelling and to select the most important molecular parameters describing the chromatographic and electrophoretic behaviour of the investigated compounds. Key Results: The most important molecular descriptors, such as the chemical composition of the compounds, lipophilicity, polarizability and molecular branching, in the selected QSRR models showed that an important insight into the retention behaviour can be derived from the 0D-, 1D- and 2D-descriptors. The electrophoretic mobility could be explained by 2D- and 3D-descriptors, which provide information on the molecular mass, size and complexity, as well as on the influence of charge transfer and electronic properties on the migration behaviour. Conclusion: All created QSRR/QSMR models met the stringent validation criteria and showed high potential in describing the chromatographic and electrophoretic behaviour of investigated compounds.

Effect of crude glycerol, 2,3-butanediol, and acetoin initial concentrations on Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048 growth in batch runs

The 2,3-butanediol (BD) and acetoin production from several carbon sources and microorganisms has been extensively studied, mainly due to the possibility of replacing petroleum derivatives by the diol. Crude glycerol is highlighted among the substrates that can be used to produce 2,3-BD. However, this carbon source contains impurities that can affect microbial metabolism. Furthermore, there are scarce studies about the inhibitory effect of fermentation products, such as 2,3-BD and acetoin, on the process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of crude glycerol, 2,3-BD and acetoin initial concentrations on Enterobacter aerogenes growth and metabolism. For this purpose, batch runs were performed using crude glycerol concentrations varying from 20 to 80 g.L-1. To evaluate the inhibitory effect of 2,3-BD plus acetoin, batch runs were performed using product addition from 0 to 40 g.L-1. During batch runs performed using increasing crude glycerol concentrations, the values of maximum specific growth rates were decreasing, evidencing the metabolism inhibition possibly due to the osmotic pressure and substrate composition. In all batch runs, acetic and lactic acids, and ethanol were identified as co-products. In the case of fermentation products, the 2,3-BD plus acetoin initial concentration of 20 g.L-1 was found inhibitory to E. aerogenes growth by a reduction of 45% in maximum specific growth rate. The data also proved the major influence of 2,3-BD rather than acetoin on the overall rate of fermentation, since acetoin concentrations of up to 3.5 g.L-1 did not influence the E. aerogenes growth. Furthermore, the strain ability to adapt to the 2,3-BD and acetoin initial concentrations was demonstrated, opening possibilities for new processes strategies.

Assessment of cortical evoked potential (P300) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) in post-COVID-19 patients

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on many aspects of human health. There has been a major influence on cognitive capacities, including memory, attention, and cognitive skills for planning, organizing, and solving problems. Furthermore, it appears that the effects of COVID-19 may also impact the auditory system.ObjectiveTo determine the effect of SARS-CoV-2 virus on both hearing and cognitive.Patients and methodsEighty participants, ranging in age from 20 to 59, will be evaluated for their auditory and cognitive abilities using the following methods: ABR using a click stimulus presented at 90 dBnHL at a rate of 21.1 c/s, followed by a rate of 71.1 c/s; cortical auditory evoked potential (P300) using a tone burst stimulus (50 ms) that will produce an oddball paradigm; measurements of the waveforms’ amplitude and latency will be made.ResultsABR recording for both ears showed significant difference between cases and controls as regarding absolute latencies of wave I, III, V, wave V (high rate), amplitude (low and high rates), amplitude ratio, and interaural latency differences (III, I-III, I-V), while P300 outcomes showed a statistically significant difference between cases and controls regarding P300 latency (p <  0.05), while for amplitude, a highly significant difference was found.ConclusionCOVID-19 can harm both the inner ear and the auditory pathway, and it has long-lasting effects on the auditory system and on cognitive processing and attention.

Uncovering the link between inflammatory rheumatic diseases and male reproductive health: a perspective on male infertility and sexual dysfunction.

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) refer to a range of persistent disorders that have a major influence on several physiological systems. Although there is much evidence connecting IRDs to sexual dysfunction and fertility problems, research specifically focusing on male infertility in relation to these diseases is sparse. This review addresses the complicated connection between IRDs and male infertility, emphasising the physiological, psychological, and pharmacological aspects that influence reproductive health outcomes in men with rheumatic conditions. We explore the effects of IRDs and their treatments on many facets of male reproductive well-being, encompassing sexual functionality, semen characteristics, and hormonal balance. Additionally, we present a comprehensive analysis of the present knowledge on the impact of several categories of anti-rheumatic drugs on male reproductive function. Although there is an increasing awareness of the need of addressing reproductive concerns in individuals IRDs, there is a noticeable lack of research especially dedicated to male infertility. Moving forward, more comprehensive research is needed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and mechanisms driving reproductive difficulties in males with IRDs. We can better assist the reproductive health requirements of male IRD patients by expanding our understanding of male infertility in the setting of rheumatic disorders and implementing holistic methods to care.

Expression and function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in specific neuronal populations: focus on striatal and prefrontal circuits.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely expressed in the central nervous system and play an important role in the control of neural functions including neuronal activity, transmitter release and synaptic plasticity. Although the common subtypes of nAChRs are abundantly expressed throughout the brain, their expression in different brain regions and by individual neuronal types is not homogeneous or incidental. In recent years, several studies have emerged showing that particular subtypes of nAChRs are expressed by specific neuronal populations in which they have major influence on the activity of local circuits and behavior. It has been demonstrated that even nAChRs expressed by relatively rare neuronal types can induce significant changes in behavior and contribute to pathological processes. Depending on the identity and connectivity of the particular nAChRs-expressing neuronal populations, the activation of nAChRs can have distinct or even opposing effects on local neuronal signaling. In this review, we will summarize the available literature describing the expression of individual nicotinic subunits by different neuronal types in two crucial brain regions, the striatum and the prefrontal cortex. The review will also briefly discuss nicotinic expression in non-neuronal, glial cells, as they cannot be ignored as potential targets of nAChRs-modulating drugs. The final section will discuss options that could allow us to target nAChRs in a neuronal-type-specific manner, not only in the experimental field, but also eventually in clinical practice.

Experience and Perspective: Population Administration Services in Delta City

Policy implementation is an important indicator that has a major influence on the success of policies related to public issues. This study aims to analyze and explain the implementation of population administration service policies in Sidoarjo Regency. The basic concept used is Edwards III's policy implementation theory. This qualitative research uses a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis used interactive Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. The research results show that population administration service policies in Sidoarjo Regency have demonstrated adequate quality, but still require innovation and development to increase reliability, speed and management innovation. In Tulangan District, there are obstacles in communication due to the lack of service flow boards and inconsistencies in service times. Meanwhile in Porong District, population administration requirements are good with competent officers, clear service flow boards, and high consistency of service times. Human resources in Porong District are considered good and fast, while in Tulangan District they are quite good. Regarding disposition, both sub-districts provide services according to the needs of their residents. However, regarding the bureaucratic structure, Tulangan District has good SOPs, while Porong District experiences problems in the unclear distribution of the main tasks and functions of village officials.

Assessment of Surface Quality during EDM of AISI 4147 with Copper Tool

This experimental assessment is performed to estimate the impact of EDM parameters on surface quality while machining AISI 4147 with a copper tool. The need of the present-day is to achieve good surface quality. Here, an investigation was performed to depict surface quality characteristics with respect to machine variables. The machined specimens were examined under white light interferometry (WLI) for the crests and troughs developed post-machining. The range of average surface finish was found to be between 5.32 to 7.67 µm. The test of model highlighted that the relation linking the EDM variables and surface roughness could be modelled using quadratic equations. As per the SMSS and lack of fit tests, a quadratic model is suggested for the roughness trend obtained. The analysis apprised that duration (p-value = 0.0006) major influence on the surface quality produced while the depth of machining (p-value = 0.9251). At all levels of on time, the surface roughness initially increases and then tends to decrease on increasing peak current. At all current levels, the surface roughness is almost constant with the machining depth; as suggested by ANOVA, it is the least influencing factor. At all levels of duration, the surface roughness is almost constant with depth of machining, and as suggested by ANOVA, it is the least influential factor. Model surface plots are curved representing the presence of quadratic terms in the model. Model validation for surface finish showed that the residual error was lower than 1.48%, proving the adequacy of the model.

Clinical Longevity of Obturators in Patients with Jaw Defects: a Retrospective Cohort Study.

The primary objective of the present retrospective clinical study was to determine the survival time of obturators while analyzing possible influencing factors. This retrospective clinical cohort study analyzed the influence of various clinical factors on the survival probability of obturators and their follow-up outcomes using Kaplan‒Meier analysis. A total of 76 patients with 115 obturators were included in the study (47 men and 29 women, mean age 58.1 ± 18.1years). The mean observation time was 3.0 ± 4.5years (maximum 26.3years). A total of 40.9% (47) of all obturators observed had to be replaced. The survival rate after 5years was 79.5% for telescopic-crown-retained tooth-supported obturators, 86.9% for telescopic-crown-retained implant-supported obturators, 58.8% for removable full denture obturators, 22.1% for clasp-retained obturators and 0.0% for splints. The type of attachment, attendance at a regular follow-up and defect cause significantly influenced the survival of the obturators (p < .05). The findings obtained in this study support the recommendation of using implant-supported obturators. Telescopic-crown attachments, either tooth- or implant-supported, seem to be favorable in terms of survival time. Attendance at a strict follow-up program seems to have a major influence on the longevity of the obturators. The use of implant-supported obturators to cover permanent oral and maxillofacial defects is highly recommended. Additionally, the use of telescopic-crown attachments seems to be favorable in terms of survival time. Clasp-retained obturators and surgical splints should be used primarily for temporary restorations due to their shorter survival times.

Sensory and physical-chemical analyzes of a gluten-free salt snack: development of a product based on oat flour enriched with chickpeas and carrots

Snacks are practical, quick-to-eat foods that are often included in snacks and small meals and have a major influence on the general population's diet. However, they are not recognized as healthy foods due to their low nutritional properties, excess fat, high calorie content and because they exclude people with celiac disease. This highlights the need to develop projects aimed at producing snacks with superior sensory and palatable characteristics. To meet this demand, a product was developed with the addition of chickpeas, carrots and oat flour, replacing the wheat flour commonly used in existing formulations. This was developed by making a vegetable paste and molding a dough compatible with the typical shapes of these foods. The results of the water activity, humidity and pH analyses showed levels very close to those of snacks sold on supermarket shelves, but the concentration of protein in the product was a major highlight (over 20%), demonstrating that a tasty, convenient product with a long shelf life can have high nutritional values. In the sensory analysis, the product stood out in terms of crunchiness, with the sum of the concepts “I loved it” and “I liked it” being 89.8%, and taste with 87.7%.

Implications of gene tree heterogeneity on downstream phylogenetic analyses: A case study employing the Fair Proportion index.

Many questions in evolutionary biology require the specification of a phylogeny for downstream phylogenetic analyses. However, with the increasingly widespread availability of genomic data, phylogenetic studies are often confronted with conflicting signal in the form of genomic heterogeneity and incongruence between gene trees and the species tree. This raises the question of determining what data and phylogeny should be used in downstream analyses, and to what extent the choice of phylogeny (e.g., gene trees versus species trees) impacts the analyses and their outcomes. In this paper, we study this question in the realm of phylogenetic diversity indices, which provide ways to prioritize species for conservation based on their relative evolutionary isolation on a phylogeny, and are thus one example of downstream phylogenetic analyses. We use the Fair Proportion (FP) index, also known as the evolutionary distinctiveness score, and explore the variability in species rankings based on gene trees as compared to the species tree for several empirical data sets. Our results indicate that prioritization rankings among species vary greatly depending on the underlying phylogeny, suggesting that the choice of phylogeny is a major influence in assessing phylogenetic diversity in a conservation setting. While we use phylogenetic diversity conservation as an example, we suspect that other types of downstream phylogenetic analyses such as ancestral state reconstruction are similarly affected by genomic heterogeneity and incongruence. Our aim is thus to raise awareness of this issue and inspire new research on which evolutionary information (species trees, gene trees, or a combination of both) should form the basis for analyses in these settings.

Cyberbullying: Legal and Ethical Implications, Challenges and Opportunities for Policy Development

Cyberbullying has grown to be a serious social problem that needs to be addressed. The increased frequency of cyberbullying has had a major negative influence on students’ psychological well-being and social relationships. Because of the nature of cyberbullying and the difficulties in identifying criminals owing to the anonymity surrounding the internet and online space, the legal system is still quite restricted. However, via a variety of disciplinary measures, schools play a crucial role in reducing the impacts of cyberbullying. The research examines the legal and ethical implications of cyberbullying, alongside the opportunities and challenges entailed in the development of new policies. . The research reveals that the anonymity of cyberbullying creates jurisdictional issues and invasion of privacy, making it challenging to offer victims with sufficient protection. Policy creation against cyberbullying brings a variety of opportunities such as technological innovation in the form of digital citizenship, increased awareness and prevention programs. Cyberbullying has serious ethical and legal implications, but it also necessitates awareness campaigns to lessen its effects. Therefore, in order to build a secure online environment, government entities, educational institutions, and other stakeholders must work together to ensure a safe online environment.

Lived experiences of COVID-19 patients admitted in isolation wards of healthcare centers in Peshawar, Pakistan: A phenomenological perspective

The emergence of COVID-19 caused a significant global threat, affecting populations worldwide. Its impact extended beyond just physical health, as it inflicted severe damage and challenges to individuals' well-being, leading to a deterioration in mental health. The lived experiences of patients hold a paramount position to explore and understand their perception of care which can ultimately strengthen the health system's delivery domain. This study explores the lived experiences of patients in the isolation ward, their recovery, and the quality of care being provided in the hospital and its effects on their mental health. Study designA phenomenological qualitative study using in-depth interviews. MethodsWe conducted 11 in-depth interviews of COVID-19 patients admitted to the isolation ward of the public hospitals of Peshawar, Pakistan. Participants who stayed for a minimum of 10 days in an isolation ward were included in this study. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo 12 software and generated five themes through inductive analysis. ResultsFive themes emerged from the participants' lived experiences: Heading towards the hospital, Health Care Quality, Impact on Mental Health, Recovering from COVID-19 and Back on one's feet. These included all the positive and negative lived experiences. Socio-environmental factors along with their experiences of the disease itself and with the healthcare providers guided their reaction which was important conciliators in their experiences during the pandemic. ConclusionBased on the findings, the environment of isolation had a major influence on the mental well-being of the individuals involved. Considering the important role of the ward environment in shaping patient experiences and outcomes prompts a reevaluation of healthcare practices and policies. By addressing these factors healthcare systems can strive for greater effectiveness, resilience, and compassion in managing the pandemic's impact on patient care.

Case Report: Dichorionic twins pregnancy with placenta abruption

Pregnancies involving dichorionic twins have been recognized for their distinct difficulties and complications. The care and outcomes of such pregnancies are further complicated by placental abruption, an uncommon but significant obstetric event. We describe a case of placental abruption in a dichorionic twin pregnancy, including the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the mother and fetus. Pregnancies with two separate chorions, or dichorionic pregnancies, are a special type of multiple gestation. Early separation of the placenta from the uterine wall is a potentially fatal event that can have a major influence on the health of both the mother and fetus. It is a key complication of placental abruption. We describe a 32-year-old primigravida who complained of sudden onset abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding at 28 weeks of gestation. She had dichorionic twin pregnancy after 10 weeks of gestation, as determined by ultrasonography. The patient remained stable, and repeated ultrasounds verified that there was no further placental separation. The patient underwent an elective caesarean section at 35 weeks of gestation because of a higher risk of recurrent abruption. Two healthy newborns were delivered, and their weights were consistent with their gestational age.

High Consistency Silicone Rubber Foams

Silicone elastomers are high-performance plastics. In the extrusion process, only high-consistency silicone rubbers were used. In order to reduce the cost and weight, silicone rubbers can be foamed during processing. In this study, high-consistency silicone rubber is processed with different physical and chemical blowing agents. The resulting reaction kinetics, as well as the mechanical and morphological properties, had been investigated and compared with each other. This showed that the chemical blowing agent significantly influenced the crosslinking reaction compared to the microspheres and the water/silica mixture tested, but it also achieved the lowest density compared to the physical blowing agents. When evaluating the foam morphology, it became clear that the largest number of pores was achieved with the microspheres and the largest pores when using the water/silica mixture. Furthermore, it has been shown that the different mechanisms of action of the blowing agents have a major influence on the mechanical properties, such as the micro shore hardness and the foam morphology.

Understanding continuous use intention of technology among higher education teachers in emerging economy: evidence from integrated TAM, TPACK, and UTAUT model

ABSTRACT This paper presents a new model of integrated technology continuance model (ITCM) to explain teachers’ Continuous Use Intention (CUI) of technology in the higher education institutions (HEIs). Drawing constructs from prominent technology adoption models like TAM, UTAUT, and incorporating the theory of TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge), the new research model is developed and tested. An online survey was carried out to gather data from 573 teachers teaching in the HEIs of an emerging economy using purposive sampling method. Data collected was evaluated utilizing the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Analysis establishes applicability of ITCM model in predicting CUI of technology among teachers, with an explanatory power of 60.4%. The study also highlights the positive influence of facilitating conditions and management support on TPACK which has a favorable impact on self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use. Additionally, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, self-efficacy, and social influence has a major influence on the CUI of technology among teachers in HEIs. The study provides insights into factors influencing the integration of technological innovations in a teachers’ pedagogy and the classroom settings to achieve some key tasks of sustainable development goal 4 (SDG4). Future research directions and study implications have been proposed considering the research findings.

The relationship between CO2 emissions and macroeconomics indicators in low and high-income countries: using artificial intelligence

AbstractThis paper aims to unravel the driving forces behind carbon dioxide emissions in low- and high-income countries by applying gradient boosting and random forest algorithms. The study reveals that gradient boosting demonstrates superior accuracy over random forests in low-income countries, whereas the opposite pattern is observed in high-income countries. Additionally, the study demonstrates that, according to the gradient boosting algorithm-based feature selection, the major influencers of carbon dioxide emissions in low-income countries are the agriculture sector (49.9%), the industry sector (17%), the services sector (10.4%), population size (9.8%), gross domestic product growth (7%), and foreign direct investment inflow (5.3%). Furthermore, random forest algorithm-based feature selection reveals that, in high-income countries, the key drivers of carbon dioxide emissions are the services sector (30.8%), the agriculture sector (27.1%), the industry sector (21.5%), population size (19%), foreign direct investment inflow (1.2% - A different working methodology than low-income countries), and gross domestic product growth (0.4%). Moreover, the study corroborates that low carbon dioxide emissions in low-income countries correlate positively with industrial sector growth, foreign direct investment inflow, gross domestic product, and population size but negatively correlate with the agricultural and service sectors. In the case of high-income countries, carbon dioxide emissions positively correlate with foreign direct investment inflow, industrial and agricultural sector growth, and gross domestic product while exhibiting a negative correlation with population size and service sector growth.

Nanoporous Au/Ag Catalyzed Benzylic sp3C−H Oxidation of 9H‐Fluorene Derivatives and Similar Molecules with TBHP

AbstractNanoporous gold (npAu) was tested as a catalyst for oxidations of various benzylic sp3‐carbon positions in 9H‐fluorene derivatives and similar hydrocarbons using tertbutyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidant. The silver content in the npAu catalyst had a major influence on the overall conversion: Lower silver amounts (0.53 mol%) led to higher conversions, whereas higher amounts of silver increasingly resulted in the disproportionation of TBHP as a competing reaction. Because residual silver from the bulk alloy was oxidized by TBHP and leached into the solution during the reaction, the Ag content diminished over time. Therefore, the recycling of the catalyst had a positive effect on the conversion after each use. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, the formation of radicals from TBHP by npAu was evidenced indicating a radical‐based reaction mechanism which was further elucidated by NMR spectroscopic and GC‐MS (trace) product analysis. Subsequent oxidations of benzylic sp3‐carbon positions gave good to excellent conversions and chemoselectivities featuring npAu as a suitable catalyst for such reactions.

Single Crystal and Pentatwinned Gold Nanorods Result in Chiral Nanocrystals with Reverse Handedness.

Handedness is an essential attribute of chiral nanocrystals, having a major influence on their properties. During chemical growth, the handedness of nanocrystals is usually tuned by selecting the corresponding enantiomer of chiral molecules involved in asymmetric growth, often known as chiral inducers. We report that, even using the same chiral inducer enantiomer, the handedness of chiral gold nanocrystals can be reversed by using Au nanorod seeds with either single crystalline or pentatwinned structure. This effect holds for chiral growth induced both by amino acids (e.g. cystine) and by chiral micelles (comprising cetyltrimethylammonium chloride and1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2-diamine). Although it was challenging to discern the morphological handedness forL-cystine-directed particles, even using electron tomography, both cases showed circular dichroism bands of opposite sign, with nearly mirrored chiroptical signatures for chiral micelle-directed growth, along with quasi-helical wrinkles of inverted handedness. These results expand the chiral growth toolbox with an effectthat might be exploited to yield a host of interesting morphologies with tunable optical properties.

Performance Evaluation and Analysis of Urban-Suburban 5G Cellular Networks

5G is the fifth-generation technology standard for the new generation of cellular networks. Combining 5G and millimeter waves (mmWave) gives tremendous capacity and even lower latency, allowing you to fully enjoy the 5G experience. 5G is the successor to the fourth generation (4G) which provides high-speed networks to support traffic capacity, higher throughput, and network efficiency as well as supporting massive applications, especially internet-of-things (IoT) and machine-to-machine areas. Therefore, performance evaluation and analysis of such systems is a critical research task that needs to be conducted by researchers. In this paper, a new model structure of an urban-suburban environment in a 5G network formed of seven cells with a central urban cell (Hot spot) surrounded by six suburban cells is introduced. With the proposed model, the end-user can have continuous connectivity under different propagation environments. Based on the suggested model, the related capacity bounds are derived and the performance of 5G network is studied via a simulation considering different parameters that affect the performance such as the non-orthogonality factor, the load concentration in both urban and suburban areas, the height of the mobile, the height of the base station, the radius, and the distance between base stations. Blocking probability and bandwidth utilization are the main two performance measures that are studied, however, the effect of the above parameters on the system capacity is also introduced. The provided numerical results that are based on a network-level call admission control algorithm reveal the fact that the investigated parameters have a major influence on the network performance. Therefore, the outcome of this research can be a very useful tool to be considered by mobile operators in the network planning of 5G.