Practical Experience Research Articles

Pollution Reduction Methods for an Emergency Diesel Generator Fitted Onboard a Large Container Vessel

Abstract The current study is focused on the analysis of methods and means for reducing marine engine exhaust and greenhouse gases (GHGs). The research method consists in identifying equipments that have been applied in the case of small four-stroke marine engines used as emergency generators on board large ships, specifically the Cummins Qsb6.7-G16 model. The results, which were demonstrated by practical experiences of the different possible configurations for the engine studied showed high potential for reducing emissions, but the most suitable alternative is the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).

Case Report: Cross-reaction of phencyclidine in immunochromatographic tests for rapid drug detection using in silico analysis for investigation

Phencyclidine (PCP) is a dissociative drug previously used as an anesthetic agent but caused hallucinations due to its neurotoxic effects. A 49-year-old male farmer attempted suicide at home due to a massive intake of prescription drugs. Toxicological analysis was performed with an immunochromatography test and detected PCP (an uncommon drug in Brazil). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and in silico models were employed to elucidate this case. Despite the presence of midazolam, fentanyl and lidocaine in urine and serum samples by LC-MS/MS, these drugs and respective metabolites were not able to promote a cross-reaction with PCP as demonstrated by in silico models as well as our practical experience. In fact, doxepin, trimipramine and promethazine and their respective metabolites showed a high correlation interaction in the binding site of 2PCP, especially promethazine. Predicted results obtained on docking show a high correlation interaction between PCP and promethazine, indicating a possible cross-reaction in the immunochromatography test.

Neonatal Orthoptic Screening Battery (NOSB): Four-decade Experience of Orthoptic Best Practice

The present study describes the neonatal orthoptic screening battery (NOSB), a comprehensive orthoptic screening, based on four decades of application, aimed at early identification of signs and symptoms of ocular pathology or functional disorders. The NOSB allows for verifying the integrity of ocular components and early detection of functional alterations in ocular movements that could lead to the development of amblyopia or strabismus. The NOSB is the result of 45 years of screening activity in a primary health center assured by the National Health System in the city of Ragusa – Italy. It aims to examine and assess the neonate within the first 3 days of extrauterine life to identify visual system issues as early as possible. The NOSB may be conducted by Orthoptists, healthcare professionals specializing in neonatal and pediatric visual prevention. The Neonatal Orthoptic Screening battery (NOSB) here reported is proposed as a standard suitable for widespread adoption to be considered a "Best Practice".

Sharing Perioperative Nursing Expertise Through Publication: A Guide for the Novice Author.

Perioperative nurses can share their expertise by writing for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Writing can help perioperative nurses grow their professional careers and advance the science of the perioperative nursing specialty. Despite the value and importance of publishing, perioperative nurses may lack confidence and fear rejection and negative feedback; increasing their knowledge and understanding of the authoring and publishing processes can assuage these fears. This education article describes concepts associated with scholarly publishing for authors and offers strategies to encourage perioperative nurses to share their practice experiences or research via peer-reviewed journals. Key steps associated with the writing and publication process are described. The article also explains the editorial and peer-review processes and provides supportive strategies for authors when a manuscript is not accepted initially.

Gamification in Supply Chain Management (SCM) education: a practical experience with the Beer Game

Effective supply chain management is crucial for organizational success, requiring a practical and profound understanding of essential concepts to optimize operations, gain a competitive advantage, ensure customer satisfaction, mitigate risks, and enable the adoption of innovations that enhance performance. The innovative teaching and learning approach known as gamification, exemplified by the Beer Game, prepares students to face real challenges by simulating a beer supply chain, highlighting its complexity and the "Bullwhip Effect" concept. The practical experience helps students identify the consequences of their decisions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, coordination, and strategic decision-making. This study aimed to provide 38 students in Technology in Logistics and Bachelor of Administration courses with practical experience in managing a supply chain with variable demand through the Beer Game. The intervention combined theory and practice, using the Beer Game as a simulation tool. Results revealed imbalances in orders and difficulties in decision-making, especially concerning unfulfilled orders. Previously reviewed research has confirmed the effectiveness of the Beer Game as a teaching tool for supply chain management. The evaluation by participating students showed that the game had a significant impact on the development of logical reasoning and the assimilation of concepts, although 25-30% of students faced difficulties in understanding certain game concepts. It is suggested that future Beer Game sessions should include strategies to mitigate the "Bullwhip Effect" and deepen the analysis of decision-making behavior in the supply chain, preparing university students for future challenges in their careers.

Social and Professional Adaptation of Students in the Educational Environment of the University in the Last Third of the 20th Century: Experience of Organization and Interpretation

The relevance of the problems of the presented research is connected with the understanding and evaluation of some forms of organization of social and professional adaptation of first-year students and their integration into the educational environment of the university, established and implemented in the practice of domestic universities in the last third of the 20th century, their influence on personal, social and professional development of future teachers. The purpose of the article is to reflect on the experience of adaptation and integration of first-year students into the educational environment of the university, which has developed in the activities of historical and pedagogical faculties that operated in the USSR from 1966 to 1996. The reflection of such experience is focused on the search for productive ideas that allow students to adapt to the norms and values of the educational environment in the modern practice of professional psychological and pedagogical education, form sustainable motives for self-development, self-education, and intensively prepare for professional activities in the Russian education system. The leading methodological ideas in the analysis of the experience of adaptation and integration of students into the educational environment of the university are the principles of objectivity, consistency, historicism, reliance on the results of practical activities, on expert judgments and assessments of direct participants and organizers of this work in the last third of the 20th century. For these purposes, the method of monographic description of the practical experience of the activities of the installation camp of the historical and pedagogical faculty of the Kursk State Pedagogical Institute, conversations with teachers and students, participant observation, study of scientific texts, press materials and Internet resources was used. Research results. The study made it possible to reveal the place and role of installation camps in ensuring the adaptation and integration of first-year students into the educational environment of the university, to substantiate the main functions of the camp in the general logic of the personal, social and professional development of future teachers, to characterize some effective types and forms of work, their practical effectiveness. In particular, the essence and content of the adaptive, integration, value-orientation functions of the camp of first-year students are revealed; presents the types and forms of work on the socio-moral, personal and professional development of first-year students; the role of senior students in organizing the life of future teachers in the educational environment of the university is characterized. Conclusion. The materials of the article can be used by heads of humanitarian faculties, teachers of psychological and pedagogical disciplines, specialists in the field of history of higher professional pedagogical education.

Faith and Works … Or Works and Faith? A Performative Faith in Samoan Churches

Christianity is the main religion in the Pacific Islands, and what is unique about Christianity in the Pacific is that religion cannot be separated from everyday life experiences. This is because the worship and veneration of a divine source is the foundation of Pacific cultures and worldviews. In the Samoan context, faith in the Christian God is not only a rational activity but a concrete, practical experience embracing the physical and emotional manifestation of one’s faith in God. This essay is a contextual theology paper examining the significance of applying authentic expressions of the gospel from a Samoan cultural worldview while acknowledging Christian traditions passed down by Western missionaries of the 19th century. Faith in God, without good works, is impossible in the Samoan context. This is because service to God and one another is imperative to social cohesion and prosperity. The physical manifestation of one’s faith through active, committed service to the church ministry is a sign of good faith, evident through excessive monetary offerings, responsibility for fulfilling specific roles in the ministry and a commitment to all church programs. The Samoan cultural nuance of community and service helps form an authentic expression of Samoan Christian identity.

AI-Driven Digital Storytelling: A Strategy for Creating English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Materials

This study aimed to explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and digital storytelling in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education among pre-service teachers. Conducted with third-year college students enrolled in a teacher training program, the study focuses on three main objectives: assessing the participants' prior knowledge of AI tools for EFL material creation, examining their attitudes towards the use of AI in language education, and evaluating the impact of collaborative digital storytelling projects on their perspectives towards integrating AI tools in educational settings. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study engaged a convenience sample of 115 pre-service teachers, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research instruments such as a pre-post-test based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and class discussion. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative insights were derived through QDA Miner to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the participants' experiences and viewpoints. The findings reveal a notable gap in the pre-service teachers' prior knowledge of AI tools designed for educational purposes, indicating a limited exposure to or engagement with such technologies in their training. Despite this low level of familiarity, the study uncovers a predominantly positive attitude towards the adoption and integration of AI tools in language education. This positive disposition suggests an openness among future educators to explore and incorporate innovative technologies that can enhance teaching and learning experiences in EFL contexts. The research highlights how the practical experience of creating collaborative digital storytelling narratives using AI tools can positively influence pre-service teachers' attitudes towards technology integration. This shift in perspective underscores the potential of hands-on, project-based learning experiences to enrich teacher training programs by fostering a more receptive and adaptive mindset towards the use of emerging technologies in educational settings. The study underscores the importance of integrating AI and digital storytelling into teacher education curricula to better prepare pre-service teachers for the evolving demands of the digital age, advocating for a more informed, and innovative approach to EFL material development and teaching strategies.

Practical Curriculum Development in TVET: Integrating Taylorism and Connectivism for Operational Skill Enhancement

With the continuous development of the global economy and the adjustment of industrial structure, there is a growing demand for high-quality skilled talents with practical operational skills. This study aims to explore how to integrate Taylorism and Connectivism in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to enhance the effectiveness of operational skill cultivation. In the first phase of the research, we focused on the operational skill of escalator troubleshooting, gaining in-depth insights into the current situation in this field. Subsequently, we proposed and implemented an innovative curriculum development framework (BTCC), which fully utilizes the practical orientation of Taylorism and the interactive learning philosophy of Connectivism. This framework focuses on developing a course to enhance the operational skills of escalator troubleshooting. Finally, validated in an actual TVET environment, the research results, referred to as the Innovative Practical Course (ETSC), show that the new course significantly improves students’ proficiency in escalator troubleshooting skills and promotes active learning and collaboration in practice. This study provides practical and adaptable escalator troubleshooting course development experience for vocational colleges, offering a feasible approach to address the challenges in cultivating related operational skills.

Quality control of gastric resection range in laparoscopic locally advanced gastric cancer

After nearly 30 years of exploration and practice, minimally invasive surgical techniques represented by laparoscopic technology have become an important means for the surgical treatment of gastric cancer. In China, laparoscopic radical resection for locally advanced gastric cancer has been extensively carried out. However, there are still controversies regarding the gastric resection range and methods for advanced gastric cancer. By reviewing relevant domestic and foreign guideline documents and combining team practice experience, this article elaborates on the key points of quality control of laparoscopic gastric resection range for locally advanced gastric cancer from aspects such as tumor localization and gastric resection range for upper, middle and lower gastric tumors. It aims to provide reference for carrying out and promoting laparoscopic radical gastrectomy more safely.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ РОЗВИТКУ САМООЦІНКИ У ПІДЛІТКОВОМУ ВІЦІ

The article argues the relevance of the self-esteem problem in adolescence, which is extremely important during their period of maturation, self-definition, evaluation of their abilities, basic values, and the search for ways to fulfill their dreams and satisfy needs. In scientific literature, there is no unequivocal interpretation of the essence of this phenomenon, as some researchers emphasize the need to create conditions for the development of necessary practical experience in positive self-assessment. Others focus on enhancing self-expression and self-disclosure, while others emphasize raising demands on adolescents to develop the ability to overcome difficulties in achieving success. The article emphasizes the necessity of considering the peculiarities of adolescence, the processes of self-identification, evaluation of one's actions, and the construction of perspectives, which are particularly challenging at this age. Unresolved aspects of the identified problem are highlighted, including the study of the level of formation of key competencies crucial for the formation of a positive attitude towards deep self-discovery, serving as a stimulus for self-development and self-improvement. Experimental findings establish that the individual's attitude towards oneself and the development of self-esteem are influenced by the attitudes of those around them. The research identified a range of problems in adolescents that require targeted systematic work, such as the inability to conduct a deep analysis of their achievements and failures, the inability to determine ways and options to overcome purely educational or life difficulties, the inability to appreciate the advice and remarks of more experienced individuals, insufficiently formed orientation towards the future, inadequate evaluation of others' attitudes towards oneself, and the inability to maintain the desired social status, as well as the inability to terminate unwanted relationships. The most essential competencies are highlighted, and the conclusion is drawn that they should be systematically developed, considering three basic factors: the experience of success and failure, the experience of others, and deep internal motivation. Keywords: self-esteem, adolescence, adolescent as an individual, attitude towards oneself, personality as the subject of own life, self-image, inner position.

Enhancing Performance of Health Assistants through Technical and Vocational Education and Training for Better Healthcare Access

This is a review article exploring critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs in advancing capacities of health assistants and consequently strengthening healthcare access to the rural population in Nepal. The review was planned in the wake of the existing literatures on the study area that lacks a comprehensive examination to explores the role of health assistants in Nepal's healthcare delivery and assess the importance of TVET on their performance. A methodical literature search was conducted using various electronic databases like Google scholar and PubMed applying specific keywords, such as “Health Assistant", "Health Care Access", "Technical Education", "Vocational Education and Training”. It encompassed the studies published in the English language without limiting publication date, while the involved two authors independently evaluated the published articles' eligibility. These authors also carried out data extraction, culminating in a narrative summary of the findings. Of the total 37 literatures, most of them reported health assistant trained through TVET, play a vital role in improvement of healthcare access, thereby addressing the challenges. They bridge gaps in medical access, provide essential care, and promote community well-being, particularly in the underserved areas. TVET programs enhance skills through practical experiences and comprehensive training, resulting into significant improvement in healthcare access, especially in rural regions. Integrating innovative teaching methods and collaborations further enhances health assistant preparedness. Challenges, such as funding limitations and rural-urban divides persist, but opportunities exist in e-learning initiatives, partnerships, and professional development to improve health assistant education. Improving healthcare in Nepal by inculcating better skills to health assistants can address many healthcare problems.

Integrating artificial intelligence into the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine industry: a review.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the practical experience and summary of the Chinese nation for thousands of years. It shows great potential in treating various chronic diseases, complex diseases and major infectious diseases, and has gradually attracted the attention of people all over the world. However, due to the complexity of prescription and action mechanism of TCM, the development of TCM industry is still in a relatively conservative stage. With the rise of artificial intelligence technology in various fields, many scholars began to apply artificial intelligence technology to traditional Chinese medicine industry and made remarkable progress. This paper comprehensively summarizes the important role of artificial intelligence in the development of traditional Chinese medicine industry from various aspects, including new drug discovery, data mining, quality standardization and industry technology of traditional Chinese medicine. The limitations of artificial intelligence in these applications are also emphasized, including the lack of pharmacological research, database quality problems and the challenges brought by human-computer interaction. Nevertheless, the development of artificial intelligence has brought new opportunities and innovations to the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. Integrating artificial intelligence technology into the comprehensive application of Chinese medicine industry is expected to overcome the major problems faced by traditional Chinese medicine industry and further promote the modernization of the whole traditional Chinese medicine industry.

Correlation Analysis of Self-Concept and Interpersonal Communication Among Generation Z Nursing Students at Pre-Professional Nursing Practice

Background: Interaction between people is facilitated by communication. The self concept might take on a positive or negative form. Gen Z is unique among current generations. Not just for the social structure they have come up in, but also for their spending habits, which differ from other generations. Objective: to investigate the possible relationship between generation Z nursing students' interpersonal communication skills and their self concept. Methods: A cross-sectional approach to correlation analysis was used in the research technique. The instruments were questionnaires and observations. The research sample consisted of 70 seventh semester preprofessional nursing students from Banjarmasin, selected using a total sampling technique. The Spearmen Rank Correlation test was utilized in this investigation. Results: indicated that 95.7% of students exhibited a good self concept, whereas 78.6% of students had intermediate levels of interpersonal communication abilities. The statistical test results showed a significant link (p < 0.05) between nursing students' self concept and their interpersonal communication skills. Conclusion: Students have a positive self concept, but clinical practice experience and social media influence their interpersonal communication skills. Suggestion: It is necessary to develop a program to improve both the positive nursing student’s self concept and teaching learning methods suitable for Z generation nurses to their communication abilities.

Strategies used by midwives to enhance knowledge and skill development in midwifery students: an appreciative inquiry study

BackgroundMidwifery practice experience for midwifery students is an important component of education to enhance knowledge and skill development. Practicing midwives provide student support in the clinical setting, there is minimal literature relating to strategies midwives use to support students.ObjectiveTo explore midwifery student experiences of the strategies used by midwives to facilitate knowledge and skill development in the clinical practice setting.MethodsQualitative approach based on Appreciative Inquiry. The setting is one University in Australia. Participants, thirteen Graduate Diploma in Midwifery students. Individual interviews followed by thematic analysis.ResultsData analysis identified six themes, Willingness to share knowledge and develop skills; The positive use of questioning; Moderating support; Teaching through the woman; Learning through problematisation and Providing constructive affirmation.ConclusionsMidwives incorporated varied strategies to support student development in the clinical setting. For an equitable clinical experience, all midwives need support to develop skills and confidence in facilitating student learning.

Levels of Nursing Ethics Knowledge among Students without Clinical Experience

Nursing ethics plays a crucial role in shaping the nursing profession, and a thorough understanding of ethical values serves as the foundation for delivering quality healthcare services. Objective: To describe the level of nursing ethics knowledge among nursing students who do not yet have clinical practice experience in hospitals. Method: This research employed a quantitative descriptive research design. Data analysis utilized a descriptive statistical approach, presenting frequency data and percentage levels of knowledge. The population in the study consists of all first-semester nursing students who have yet to undergo clinical practice. The sampling technique employed is purposive sampling. The research sample comprised 82 students lacking clinical practice experience. The questionnaire assessing nursing ethics knowledge underwent validity testing, obtaining a value of 1 > 0.355 and reliability testing with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.961 > 0.60. The questionnaire consisted of 29 items. Results: The findings of this study indicate percentage categories for the level of nursing ethics knowledge among students as follows: (21%) abysmal, (28%) poor, (20%) fair, (18%) good, and (16%) very good. Conclusions: Innovative learning strategies, practical experiences, and in-depth curriculum studies in the field of professional ethics in nursing are important to help address the limitations of nursing ethics knowledge.

Organizational aspects of nutritional support for patients in a multidisciplinary emergency hospital

Nutritional support, which is a process of substrate provision with all the nutrients necessary for life for various categories of patients who do not have the opportunity for proper natural nutrition, is a mandatory basic component of their intensive treatment. The practical implementation of nutritional support has two aspects: clinical and organizational. Currently, all components of the clinical aspect are well developed and tested and there are no reasons not to use them in everyday clinical practice. The least resolved and worked out in the majority of our medical institutions remains the organizational aspect, which often does not allow for the proper realization of this type of medical treatment. The article contains the main organizational options for decision the existing problem and many years of practical experience in implementing nutritional support in a multidisciplinary emergency hospital.

Innovative Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages for Economics Students

This article explores the intersection of foreign language acquisition and economics education, highlighting innovative teaching methods designed to benefit economics students. It discusses the increasingly vital role of multilingual proficiency in the global economy and addresses the limitations of traditional language teaching methodologies in meeting the specific needs of students pursuing economics. The article outlines several forward-thinking approaches, including Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), Project-Based Learning (PBL), professional language exchange programs, gamification, technology-enhanced learning, and the flipped classroom model. These methods aim not only to enhance foreign language proficiency but also to deepen students' understanding of economic concepts in a global context. By integrating content knowledge with language learning, these approaches offer a more engaging, relevant, and practical educational experience, preparing students for the complexities of the global economy

Utilizing gamification to promote pro-sustainable behavior among information technology students

AbstractHigher education institutions (HEIs) have made substantial strides towards incorporating sustainability into their curricula. However, the methodology of education for sustainable development (ESD) needs to be more performance-oriented and grounded in practical experience in order to foster behavioral changes towards environmental protection. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a gamification-driven strategy in encouraging students of information technology (IT) to adopt sustainable practices. The data was gathered from the digital records and survey responses of 75 information technology (IT) students as a component of their English language course. The results of the study suggested that the gamified method successfully encouraged students to adopt sustainable practices in their personal lives and future workplaces. The students' viewpoints regarding the accountability of individual employers and citizens for the well-being of our planet underwent a substantial transformation in support of sustainable development. The method described is applicable to various academic fields, including the humanities, sciences, medical studies, and others.

Domestic imperative of the Philippines’ South China Sea policy: personality-driven policymaking and constant shifts between China and the United States

This article aims to explain the oscillations of the Philippines’ South China Sea policy vis-à-vis China between accommodation and confrontation from 1991 to 2022. It argues that the Philippines’ personality-driven foreign policymaking was conducive to dramatic shifts in position on the South China Sea issue. The presidential system of government and patronage politics in the Philippines give the presidential inner circles considerable leeway to shape and reshape the country’s foreign policy. Despite being constrained by domestic socio-political conditions at a given time as well as the political and security thinking embedded in its domestic politics, individual Philippine presidents and/or the presidential circles managed the South China Sea issue vis-à-vis China and the United States in particular ways according to their different sets of personal beliefs, professional expertise, and practical experience. This explains why the power transitions in the Philippines often caused major shifts in its management of the South China Sea disputes over time.