Specific Plan Research Articles

Examining the role played by resources, goals and orientations in primary teachers’ decision- making for problem-solving lesson plans

The decisions that teachers make in transforming the curriculum into specific lesson plans determine the real enactment or otherwise of curricular ideals. These decisions are shaped by the resources available and by each teacher’s goals and orientations. This exploratory study employs Schoenfeld’s decision-making model to examine how resources, goals and orientations influence lesson planning for mathematics problem solving, for different profiles of primary teachers in Chile. To this purpose, a survey was conducted among 40 teachers of varying degrees of ability and experience: some were beginning teachers, others were experienced but had no further training in teaching problem solving and a third group was composed of experienced teachers with specific training in this question. Interviews with two teachers from each profile revealed important differences between the three groups. Beginning teachers relied more heavily on official resources such as the official curriculum and standard textbooks, aligning themselves with school requirements. Experienced teachers with problem solving training demonstrated a strong inclination towards teaching through a problem solving approach. While beginning teachers acknowledged the importance of promoting problem solving strategies, they did not usually adapt problems to the mathematical content or to the age/competence of their students. Interestingly, all three groups under-utilised sections of curricular resources that emphasise the present curricular focus on problem solving. Finally, the study found that experience alone is not enough to develop a problem solving approach and that focused professional development programmes are needed to equip teachers with the necessary skills. In addition, a diagnostic teaching approach should be incorporated into initial teacher training.

The Impact of Molecular and Genetic Analysis on the Treatment of Patients with Atypical Meningiomas.

Meningiomas represent approximately 40% of all primary tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) and, based on the latest World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, are classified into three grades and fifteen subtypes. The optimal treatment comprises gross total tumor resection. The WHO grade and the extent of tumor resection assessed by the Simpson grading system are the most important predictors of recurrence. Atypical meningiomas, a grade 2 meningioma, which represent almost a fifth of all meningiomas, have a recurrence rate of around 50%. Currently, different histopathologic, cytogenetic, and molecular genetic alterations have been associated with different meningioma phenotypes; however, the data are insufficient to enable the development of specific treatment plans. The optimal treatment, in terms of adjuvant radiotherapy and postoperative systemic therapy in atypical meningiomas, remains controversial, with inconclusive evidence in the literature and existing studies. We review the recent literature to identify studies investigating relevant atypical meningioma biomarkers and their clinical application and effects on treatment options.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Bulgaria in the New Millennium: Identification of Directions for Improvement in Management and Outcomes Reporting

Background: In the last two decades, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and advances in molecular diagnostics have revolutionized management and long-term clinical outcomes in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Real-world data from different countries allow for the identification of country-specific issues in the clinical management and development of specific plans for improvement. Here, we aimed to analyze the trend in overall survival in Bulgarian CML patients since 2000. Methods: We retrieved publicly available Bulgarian CML data from several sources such as the Bulgarian National Cancer Registry, Bulgarian National Statistical Institute, and National Health Insurance Fund since 2000. We used the retrieved data of a total of 1513 Bulgarian CML patients to describe the trends in overall survival (OS), conditional overall survival, life expectancy, and life years lost over five time periods. We also described the trends in healthcare expenditures for TKIs and CML patients’ coverage with TKIs since 2014. Results: In both uni- and multivariate models, we found a constant increase in OS over the three 5-year periods until 2014. The period 2015–2019 was not associated with an additional increase in OS. Identical dynamics in the improvement in life expectancy (LE) and in life years lost (LYLs) was observed. Additionally, conditional 5-year survival did not improve during 2015–2019 in comparison to 2010–2014. Population-level data did not show consistent changes in the documented number of deaths due to CML since 2013. The period after 2013 is marked by a constant increase in the annual expenditures for TKIs, reaching to about 2.0 EUR/capita. The number of patients who received at least one TKI also increased during that period. Conclusions: After the initial significant improvement in the clinical outcomes for Bulgarian CML patients until 2014, subsequent periods did not bring further benefit in spite of the improved coverage with second- and third-line TKIs. Multiple factors may contribute to these suboptimal outcomes. Therefore, one can propose several additional measures at the country level, which could lead to additional improvement in the OS of Bulgarian CML patients.

Personality disorders in individuals with functional seizures: a systematic review.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPEROFILES/509286_STRATEGY_20240203.pdf, identifier CRD42024509286.

Research on multi-beam survey line system based on dynamic programming algorithm

This paper establishes a calculation model for the coverage width and overlap rate of a multi-beam survey line system [1], and optimizes the multi-beam bathymetric survey plan for marine areas. Through the dynamic programming algorithm, a reasonable survey line plan is designed based on the actual marine area depth. The research content includes: Model Establishment: Construct a calculation model for coverage width and overlap rate, determining the coverage width and overlap rate at each position. Three-Dimensional Space Model: Using the survey vessel as the origin and combining marine area information, solve for the coverage width at different angles. Shortest Survey Line Plan: Using the dynamic programming algorithm, determine the shortest survey line plan, with the dynamic transfer equation determined by the overlap rate index. The total length of the survey line in this plan is calculated to be 114,824 meters. Specific Survey Line Plan Design: Using sea depth data and cubic spline interpolation to complete the discrete point plane, construct approximate width and slope. Under the condition of relaxing the overlap rate to 5%-30%, the shortest survey line length is obtained as 398,059 meters, with a missing survey area ratio of 0%, and the total length of parts with an overlap rate exceeding 20% is 25,759 meters, accounting for 6.4%. This study provides theoretical basis and calculation methods for optimizing multi-beam bathymetric survey plans.

고등학교 교과 간 통합수업의 설계와 실행방안

This study proposes a way to add depth and interest in learning classical novels. It is an integrated class between subjects through combination with the contents of the 'ethics and thought' subject. In order to pursue an in-depth understanding of classical novels using the socio-cultural and ideological context of literary works, an integrated class of 'literature' and 'ethics and thought' subjects, which are optional courses for high school, was designed. To this end, the analysis, design, and development stages were discussed by referring to the ADDIE model widely used in teaching and learning design. In the analysis and design stage, the achievement criteria of the curriculum that can realize the goals of this study were selected, and the learning goals and learning contents were sequenced. In the development stage, based on the contents of the previous stage, a plan for producing teaching and learning materials that can be practically used and a course plan that will be the basis for class implementation was presented. In the future era, integration will be more important than the segmentation of knowledge. In order to improve learners' practical thinking skills, develop solutions to various complex problems in the real world, and promote critical creative thinking, integration between subjects should be discussed much more actively than now. The integrated class of the two subjects proposed in this study is expected to develop various core competencies and thinking skills of learners. The significance of this study is that it proposed specific implementation plans in high school education, where discussions on inter-subject integration are not active.

Assessment of smallholder rice farmers' adaptation strategies to climate change in Kebbi state, Nigeria

The future of food production in Nigeria where smallholding agriculture is prevalent is threatened by climate change. Despite the threats, Nigeria has no specific plan or policy to combat it. Therefore, understanding how smallholder farmers adjust to the changing climate and the factors that influence their adaptation choices will facilitate developing a policy to tackle climate change. This study therefore evaluates climate change adaptation techniques among smallholder rice farmers in Kebbi state, Nigeria. The study employs a simple random sampling technique to select 345 respondents. The data was analysed using multivariate probit and ordered probit regression.The findings revealed that marital status, literacy, farm size, farming experience, major occupation, extension visits, amount of credit, and access to climate information influenced adaptation strategy choice. Furthermore, marital status, literacy, household size, farm size, extension visits, and access to climate information are crucial drivers of adoption intensity. This study concludes that smallholder rice farmers in the study area adopt several practices to cope with climate change, however, farmers’ intensity of adoption is low. This study recommends that stakeholders in the food systems in the study area should consider literacy, farm size, extension service, credits, and climate information in designing viable policies toward combating the vagaries of climate.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPROACH IN HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Objective: This study investigates the terms project, project management, and project management cycle, focusing on the project management approach in healthcare services. It aims to emphasize the importance and necessity of project management in healthcare, contributing to the development of a project management culture within the healthcare sector. Theoretical Framework: Projects are generally a set of activities or efforts planned and implemented to achieve a specific goal or objective. Businesses often need to operate within a specific project or plan to reach their goals. The same applies to healthcare services. Today, it is crucial for healthcare institutions to achieve their strategic objectives by utilizing their limited resources most effectively. Therefore, healthcare institutions must continuously strive to manage their resources in alignment with their strategic goals. By adopting an effective resource management strategy, healthcare institutions can enhance the quality of patient care, patient satisfaction, operational efficiency, and cost optimization. Project management consists of specific phases: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure. Each phase is essential for the project's successful progress. Project management is a vital management system in healthcare institutions that reduces uncertainties and ensures the successful completion of projects. Planning and monitoring all phases of projects from start to finish allow for early detection and correction of errors and problems. Method: This study on project management in healthcare services uses document analysis as a qualitative data analysis method. It compiles and evaluates existing knowledge and data on project management in healthcare services. Research Implications: The results and recommendations of this study can increase awareness of project management in healthcare services and help manage practices in this field more effectively.

Multi-manned disassembly line balancing problems for retired power batteries based on hyper-heuristic reinforcement

Considering the complexity and uncertainty of retired power batteries, worker disassembly can reduce the cost and increase the flexibility of the disassembly process. To address the problem of considerable waste products, we investigate a multi-manned disassembly line balancing problem with different work modes (MWM-DLBP). In addition, we explore the impact of variability in penalizing factors (earliness and tardiness) on costs when products of different scales need to be disassembled. Given the NP-hard of the problem and unpredictable situations, we propose a reinforcement learning-based Hyper-Heuristics (RLHHs) algorithm to solve the practical issues. A Markov model is constructed to generate a sequence of low-level metaheuristic algorithms, and a multi-armed bandit (MAB) method is designed to tune different critical parameters intelligently. The superiority of RLHHs is verified by comparing the optimization results with other algorithms. Further, results reveal that the new disassembly scheme can save an average cost of 9.81% compared to the original system design. Finally, we provide manufacturers with the specific workforce planning and working mode for disassembly tasks under different scenarios.

Validation of the Chinese orthostatic discriminant and Severity Scale (ODSS) for detection of orthostatic intolerance syndrome

BackgroundOrthostatic intolerance (OI) is the inability to tolerate orthostatic stress during any postural change. The etiology of OI varies, and methods to obtain a specific diagnosis and plan appropriate treatment are important. The tools available within the Chinese context to swiftly identify orthostatic intolerance syndrome (OIS) are currently limited. MethodsPatients with OI symptoms were included in this study and categorized into two groups based on the results of the supine-to-stand test. Those with abnormal test results were assigned to the OIS group, while those with normal test results were placed in the non-OIS group. We evaluated the internal consistency and predictive value of the Chinese Orthostatic Discriminant and Severity Scale (ODSS) by comparing patients’ scores with their physiological measurements collected during orthostatic stress tests and the results of other available questionnaires, including the orthostatic Symptom Questionnaire and Orthostatic Grading Scale (OGS). ResultsPatients with OIS scored significantly higher on all three questionnaires and showed significant differences in autonomic responses during orthostatic stress tests compared with non-OIS patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the orthostatic score from the ODSS had moderate predictive value for the supine test (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.754). Further subgroup analysis revealed that the orthostatic score from the ODSS had uniquely high specificity and sensitivity for identifying patients with orthostatic hypotension with abnormal cerebral blood flow (OH–U, AUC = 0.919). ConclusionsWe conclude that the Chinese version of the ODSS has sufficient reliability and validity to distinguish patients with OIS and could possibly be used as a diagnostic tool for OH–U patients. Thus, the Chinese ODSS offers a beneficial screening tool for quickly assessing whether patients have OIS that requires further clinical assessment.

요양보호사의 근무환경이 직무만족에 미치는 영향

Objectives The purpose of this study is to analyze the mediating effect of job enthusiasm in the relationship between the work environment and job satisfaction of the nursing care workers who work in long-term care homes for the elderly. Methods This study conducted a survey on 330 caregivers working at long-term care facilities for the elderly in Yeongdong-gun, and analyzed the collected questionnaire data using SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 24.0 statistical programs. Results First, out of the working environment factors of nursing care workers at long-term care homes, all of them, namely the human environment, physical environment, reward systems, and job expertise factors, had a significant and positive impact on job enthusiasm. Second, of the work environment factors of the nursing care workers of long-term care homes, the physical environment and reward system factors had a significant and positive impact on job satisfaction. Third, the job enthusiasm of the nursing care workers at long-term care homes turned out to have a similarly significant and positive impact on job satisfaction. Fourth, in the relationship between work environment factors of nursing care workers at long-term care homes, such as the human environment, physical environment, reward system, job expertise, and job satisfaction, it was shown that, upon all of these factors, job enthusiasm had a significant mediating effect. Fifth, with regard to the groups where the work experience was less than five years and those of five years or longer, the difference between these two groups was confirmed in the paths of [reward system→job enthusiasm], [reward system→job satisfaction], [job enthusiasm→job satisfaction]. Conclusions This study is significant in that it identified the working environment of nursing care workers and sought specific action plans to increase job satisfaction by increasing job enthusiasm.

Generating 3D images of VMAT plans for predictive models and activation maps associated with plan deliverability.

Intensity modulation with dynamic multi-leaf collimator (MLC) and monitor unit (MU) changes across control points (CPs) characterizes volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). The increased uncertainty in plan deliverability required patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA), which remained inefficient upon Quality Assurance (QA) failure. To prevent waste before QA, plan complexity metrics (PCMs) and machine learning models with the metrics were generated, which were lack of providing CP-specific information upon QA failures. By generating 3D images from digital imaging and comminications in medicine in radiation therapy (DICOM RT) plan, we proposed a predictive model that can estimate the deliverability of VMAT plans and visualize CP-specific regions associated with plan deliverability. The patient cohort consisted of 259 and 190 cases for left- and right-breast VMAT treatments, which were split into 235 and 166 cases for training and 24 cases from each treatment for testing the networks. Three-channel 3D images generated from DICOM RT plans were fed into a DenseNet-based deep learning network. To reflect VMAT plan complexity as an image, the first two channels described MLC and MU variations between two consecutive CPs, while the last channel assigned the beam field size. The network output was defined as binary classified PSQA results, indicating deliverability. The predictive performance was assessed by accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and area under the curve (AUC). The gradient-weighted class activation map (Grad-CAM) highlighted the regions of CPs in VMAT plans associated with deliverability, compared against PCMs by Spearman correlation. The DenseNet-based predictive model yielded AUCs of 92.2% and 93.8%, F1-scores of 97.0% and 93.8% and accuracies of 95.8% and 91.7% for the left- and right-breast VMAT cases. Additionally, the specificity of 87.5% for both cases indicated that the predictive model accurately detected QA failing cases. The activation maps significantly differentiated QA failing-labeled from passing-labeled classes for the non-deliverable cases. The PCM with the highest correlation to the Grad-CAM varied from patient cases, implying that plan deliverability would be considered patient-specific. This work demonstrated that the deep learning-based network based on visualization of dynamic VMAT plan information successfully predicted plan deliverability, which also provided control-point specific planning parameter information associated with plan deliverability in a patient-specific manner.

Research on Career Planning and Employment Guidance for College Students

With the rapid development of globalization and information technology, the labor market has undergone profound changes, and the importance of career planning is becoming more and more prominent. As a new force in the future workplace, college students need to master the theoretical basis and methods of career planning in advance to ensure a smooth transition to the professional role. This paper aims to systematically explore the theory and practice of career planning and employment guidance, through the detailed analysis of the definition of career planning and its importance in personal and social and economic development, put forward the specific planning and guidance strategy for college students, help them in the unity of personal goals and career ideal.

Socioeconomic Dimensions of Artistic and Culture Labor: Insights from the Spanish Context

This study examines the socioeconomic status of professionals in the artist’s labor market by comparing two different data sources that reveal the persistent coexistence of two generally segregated economic sectors: the formal and the informal. The methodology adopts a dual approach, combining cumulative distribution functions and statistical inference via a logistic ordinal model. Key findings indicate that younger artists are less likely to have high earnings, while earnings tend to increase with age, and women are more likely to have lower earnings than men. There are also notable differences between the two data sources in the impact of education on earnings, although education contributes to higher earnings in both samples. These findings provide a foundation for discussing the potential impact of existing measures and those yet to be implemented in the context of the Statute of the Artist in Spain, which is committed to the specific reform plan for the culture and arts sector to promote equity, sustainability, and inclusion within this sector.

Application of the “Plan-Do-Check-Action” plan in improving the pass rate of the “National Medical Licensing Examination”

BackgroundThe National Medical Licensing Examination (NMLE) is the only objective, standardized metric to evaluate whether a medical student possessing the professional knowledge and skills necessary to work as a physician. However, the overall pass rate of NMLE in our hospital in 2021 was much lower than that of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, which was required to be further improved.MethodsTo find the reasons for the unsatisfactory performance in 2021, the quality improvement team (QIT) organized regular face-to-face meetings for in-depth discussion and questionnaire, and analyzed the data by “Plato analysis” and “Brainstorming method”. After finding out the reasons, the “Plan-Do-Check-Action” (PDCA) cycle was continued to identify and solve problems, which included the formulation and implementation of specific training plans by creating the “Gantt charts”, the check of effects, and continuous improvements from 2021 to 2022. Detailed information about the performance of students in 2021 and 2022, and the attendance, assessment, evaluation and suggestions from our hospital were provided by the relevant departments, and the pass rate-associated data was collected online.ResultsAfter the PDCA plan, the pass rate of NMLE in our hospital increased by 10.89% from 80.15% in 2021 to 91.04% in 2022 (P = 0.0109), with the pass rate of skill examination from 95.59% in 2021 to 99.25% in 2022 (P = 0.0581) and theoretical examination from 84.5% in 2021 to 93.13% in 2022 (P = 0.027). Additionally, the mean scores of all examinees increased with the theoretical examination score increasing from 377.0 ± 98.76 in 2021 to 407.6 ± 71.94 in 2022 (P = 0.004).ConclusionsOur results showed a success application of the PDCA plan in our hospital which improved the pass rate of the NMLE in 2022, and the PDCA plan may provide a practical framework for future medical education and further improve the pass rate of NMLE in the next year.

Automating computational design with generative AI

AbstractAI image generators based on diffusion models have recently garnered attention for their capability to create images from simple text prompts. However, for practical use in civil engineering they need to be able to create specific construction plans for given constraints. This paper investigates the potential of current AI generators in addressing such challenges, specifically for the creation of simple floor plans. We explain how the underlying diffusion‐models work and propose novel refinement approaches to improve semantic encoding and generation quality. In several experiments we show that we can improve validity of generated floor plans from 6% to 90%. Based on these results we derive future research challenges considering building information modeling. With this we provide: (i) evaluation of current generative AIs; (ii) propose improved refinement approaches; (iii) evaluate them on various examples; (iv) derive future directions for diffusion models in civil engineering.

The Evolving Technological Framework and Emerging Trends in Electrical Intelligence within Nuclear Power Facilities

This paper thoroughly explores the feasibility of integrating a variety of intelligent electrical equipment and smart maintenance technologies within nuclear power plants to enhance the currently limited level of intelligence of these systems and better support operational and maintenance tasks. Initially, this paper outlines the demands and challenges of intelligent electrical systems in nuclear power plants, highlighting the current state of development of intelligent electrical systems, including new applications of artificial intelligence and big data technologies in power grid companies, such as intelligent defect recognition through image recognition, intelligence-assisted inspections, and intelligent production commands. This paper then provides a detailed introduction to the architecture of intelligent electrical equipment, encompassing the smart electrical equipment layer, the smart control system layer, and the cloud platform layer. It discusses the intelligentization of medium- and low-voltage electrical equipment, such as smart circuit breakers, smart switchgear, and low-voltage distribution systems, emphasizing the importance of intelligentization in improving the safety, reliability, and maintenance efficiency of medium- and low-voltage distribution equipment in nuclear power plants. Furthermore, this paper addresses issues in the intelligentization of nuclear power plant electrical systems, such as information silos, the inefficiency of traditional manual inspection processes, and the lack of comprehensive intelligent design and evaluation standards, proposing corresponding solutions. Additionally, this paper presents the trends in intelligent operation and maintenance technology and applications, including primary and secondary fusion technology, intelligent patrol system architecture, intelligent inspection based on non-destructive testing, and a comprehensive solution based on inspection robots. The application of these technologies aids in achieving automated inspection, real-time monitoring, and the intelligent diagnosis of electrical equipment in nuclear power plants. Finally, this paper proposes basic principles for the development of intelligent electrical systems in nuclear power plants, including intelligent architecture, the evolutionary path, and phased goals and key technologies. It emphasizes the gradual transition from automation to digitization and then to intelligentization and presents a specific implementation plan for the intelligentization of the electrical systems in nuclear power plants. This paper concludes with a summary of short-term and long-term goals for improving the performance of nuclear power plant electrical systems through intelligent technologies and prospects for the application of intelligent technologies in the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants in the future.

Multidimensional energy poverty in Colombia: A department-level review from 2018 to 2022

This article aims to measure energy poverty in Colombia in its thirty-two departments and its capital city from 2018 to 2022, using a composite approach. To achieve this, a Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI) was designed, according to the methodology proposed by Nussbaumer et al. (2012; 2013) [1,2]. Twenty-eight variables were used, which were distributed across seven dimensions, and recorded by the National Quality of Life Survey (ECV, Spanish acronym), administered by the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) of Colombia. In addition, a nested weighting method was used to assign weights within the index. Subjective weights were given to the dimensions, and an entropy method was used for each of the component variables. The results show that energy poverty has an increasing trend in Colombia throughout the period, especially in the municipal capitals. There are significant differences between urban and rural areas in all territories, and the departments located in the most remote areas of the country have a higher energy poverty. This is consistent with the low population density, as well as with off-grid areas. The results obtained will allow decision makers to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the management and effects of the specific public policy programs and plans that have been implemented in the different territories of the country.

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Climate Crisis: Net-Zero Villages

To respond to the climate crisis, we are responding globally by setting the goal of Net Zero. These response strategies are being divided into mitigation and adaptation, but most studies emphasize the mitigation aspect, and research on this is the main focus. However, to respond to the climate crisis, adaptation aspects must also be considered, which may most closely affect changes and transitions in human life. Net Zero Villages is an implementation strategy to respond to the climate crisis and can be used in all aspects of mitigation and adaptation. In this study, Net Zero Villages Model was presented to help assess specific planning factors for Net Zero at the village level.

Local Perception of Traditional and Avocado Crops as Ecosystem Services in the Mariposa Monarch Biosphere Reserve

The concept of ecosystem services (ES) refers to the goods and services that ecosystems produce for the benefit of people, serving as generators of well‑being. Three dimensions are recognized that promote the presence of these services: the material, the relational,and the subjective. These dimensions are highly influenced by the lifeworld, which has been crucial for documenting processes of environmental degradation. In this sense, it is important for geography to determine the connections between the socialtypifications of meaning and the spatiotemporal rhythms of action, contributing to the discovery of underlying structures of intentionality. One of the main challenges in the management of ES is their interdependence, as their relationships are often nonlinear,and there is a preference for the immediate provision of one service over others, resulting in trade‑offs characterized by the reduction of productive capacity in favor of another. This study analyzed, through semi‑structured surveys applied in the field, face to face, the perception that people living in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve have regarding traditional and avocado crops, the latter characterized by promoting compensations through land use change from native forests to large monoculture areas in the State of Michoacán, which is rapidly expanding in the lower zone of the RBMM. The results show that perceptions and feelings associated with these services contrast with each other, daily life activities, means of family livelihood, and proximity to the core and buffer zone are determining factors in the perception of these ES. The results of this work, based on the geography of perception, can be useful as guiding threads for the development of effective, specific, and inclusive management and conservation plans based on the feelings, knowledge, and needs of people who are recognized as actors favoring ecosystem conservation or the creation of externalities.