Standard Requirements Research Articles

Evaluating the fire resistance potential of functionally graded ultra-high performance concrete

Relevant standards stipulating the concrete surface temperature less than 380 °C and the defects of UHPC prone to fire spalling both limit the direct application of UHPC in specific tunnel fire prevention occasions. In view of this, a two-layered functionally graded ultra-high performance concrete (FGUHPC) was proposed in this paper, where lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) serves as the fire-resistant layer and UHPC functions as the structural load-bearing layer. The results showed that LWAC can control its backfire surface temperature to meet the standard requirements under a thickness of 40 mm, and the residual mechanical properties of UHPC before 400 °C were comparable to those at ambient temperature. The straight shear test was adopted to evaluate the FGUHPC interfacial bond strength. The results showed that the interfacial strength of FGUHPC reaches 3.05 MPa at ambient temperature, which is close to or even slightly higher than that of homogenous LWAC. When FGUHPC was treated at 1200 °C for 2h, FGUHPC can still maintains its integrity with its interfacial strength 120.0 % higher than that of LWAC. Compared to the homogenous UHPC member, FGUHPC composed of 40 mm LWAC and 120 mm UHPC effectively avoided explosive spalling, and maintained the interface temperature at around 200 °C. After static loading failure of the post-fire FGUHPC member, the two layers of concrete still remained bonded without delamination, and the loss in load-bearing capacity was less than 20 %. Finally, the design method of FGUHPC members under elevated temperature was discussed.

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ТА АНАЛІЗ МЕТОДІВ ВІЗУАЛІЗАЦІЇ ОСВІТНІХ ПРОГРАМ ТА НАВЧАЛЬНИХ ПЛАНІВ У ВИЩИХ ОСВІТНІХ ЗАКЛАДАХ

The task of the research is to identify the most promising visualization methods that can help students and teachers to increase their understanding of the structure and content of educational programs, improve the planning of the educational process, as well as facilitate the adaptation of programs to the changing requirements of educational standards and the needs of the labor market. The purpose of the study is to analyze the existing methods of visualization of educational programs at the university to identify their effectiveness, areas of application and contribution to improving the quality of the educational process. The research method is an analysis with sequential identification of the most influential features of the studied methods on the final result of data presentation.Data visualization is indispensable for research, analysis and presentation of data, thanks to benefits such as improved audience understanding, effective communication and facilitation of teamwork, identification of patterns and anomalies in the presented material, stronger decision support, accessibility and iterative analysis of the presented material Since the success of becoming a specialist in any field is related to the orientation of students in existing educational programs for different levels of training. In the course of the research, examples of the use of methods of visualization of educational programs in scientific research were analyzed. Since visualization methods can play a key role at all stages of the life cycle of an educational program, from design and development to its direct use, the researched visualization methods allow structuring educational programs, graphically displaying the development of an educational program over time, visually displaying how educational modules and courses are related with educational standards and goals, provide a variety of reports and analytics, identify gaps and identify areas for improvement, integrate external educational resources and materials, organize real-time collaboration, adapt the interface and data presentation to the specific needs of students, teachers and other stakeholders . The result of the research, based on the conducted analysis, are the proposed recommendations for the selection and integration of visualization methods into the educational programs of higher educational institutions.

Effects of low energy diets supplemented with emulsifier on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding an emulsifier to energy-deficient diets on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. A total of 540 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 4 pens and 15 broiler chickens/pen for 6 wk. Nine treatments consisted of 3 inclusion rates of emulsifier (0, 250, and 500 mg kg-1) and the standard, moderate, and low energy concentrations [45 and 90, 60 and 105, and 75 and 120 kcal apparent metabolizable energy (AME)/kg less for the moderate- and low-energy concentrations than the standard energy requirements during the starter (d 0 to 10), grower (d 10 to 24), and finisher (d 24 to 42) phases, respectively]. The average daily weight gain (ADWG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were recorded in the starter, grower, finisher, and total rearing (d 0 to 42) phases and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. The AME, digestibility of crude protein (CP), lipid, and organic matter (OM) of experimental diets, were determined from d 5 to 10 and from d 35 to 40. Broiler chickens fed moderate- or low-energy diets containing emulsifier showed greater ADWG and LBW, than those fed the standard diets along with lower FCR, compared to the same diets without emulsifier (P < 0.05). Live body weight increased, while both ADFI and FCR decreased linearly and quadratically with an increase in emulsifier inclusion rate in the diets (P < 0.05). Broiler chickens fed moderate-energy diets with 500 mg emulsifier /kg or low-energy diets containing 250 mg emulsifier /kg had greater villus height compared to those fed other diets (P < 0.05). The addition of emulsifiers to diets led to a linear increase in villus height, epithelium height, and the villus height to crypt depth ratio (P < 0.05). In moderate- and low-energy diets, the inclusion of emulsifiers resulted in greater AME and digestibility of lipid and OM (P < 0.05). The AME and digestibility of lipid and OM increased linearly and quadratically with an increase in emulsifier inclusion rate in the diets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of emulsifier at a rate at least 250 mg kg-1 to moderate- or low-energy diets during the starter, growth, and finisher phases can enhance broiler chicken performance by improving the histological characteristics of small intestine and enhancing lipid digestibility.

Selective-Integrative Technology for the Separation of Colostrum Into Components and the Possibilities of Obtaining Protein Substances From Different Sources

Background. Obtaining biologically active natural compounds involved in the regulation of metabolism is an important goal in biotechnology. Colostrum is a unique natural source of various biologically active compounds. However, the extremely high natural variability of colostrum composition does not meet the existing requirements for standardization in pharmaceutical preparations. Objective. To develop a method for separating colostrum into its basic components (lipids, casein, and protein fractions), thereby reducing the variability of whole colostrum composition, obtaining several target products, and demonstrating the possibility of acquiring new protein substances from different sources. Methods. Colostrum separation was carried out through centrifugation and membrane filtration. Plant proteins (sunflower) and milk proteins were used to obtain protein substances from different sources. The composition of proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids was determined using mass spectrometry, centrifugation, and membrane filtration. Results. The proposed method for obtaining basic substances from colostrum significantly reduced the vari­ability in composition compared to whole colostrum. The efficiency of protein sedimentation in concentrated protein solutions by centrifugation and ultrafiltration was shown to depend on protein concentration. Additionally, the formation of non-specific protein aggregates in the centrifugal field allowed the extraction of protein substances from various natural sources, which is relevant for functional nutrition. Conclusions. The proposed selective-integrative technology for obtaining different substances from colostrum significantly reduces the high variability of whole colostrum composition. It increases the efficiency of component separation into lipid, casein fractions, low molecular weight protein fractions, and ultrafiltrate, while also enabling the acquisition of protein substances from diverse sources.

Falling Detection of Toddlers Based on Improved YOLOv8 Models.

If toddlers are not promptly checked and rescued after falling from relatively high locations at homes, they are at risk of severe health complications. We present a toddler target extraction method and real-time falling alarm. The procedure is executed in two stages: In stage I, a GELAN-integrated YOLOv8 model is used to extract the body features. Based on this, a head capture technique is developed to obtain the head features. In stage II, the "safe zone" is calculated through Generalized Hough Transform (GHT). The spatial location is compared to the preceding stage's two centers of mass points, K for the toddler's body and H for the head. Position status detection is performed on the extracted data. We gathered 230 RGB-captured daily videos of toddlers aged 13 to 30 months playing and experiencing upside-down falls. We split 500 video clips (×30 FPS) from 200 videos into 8:2 training and validation sets. A test set of 100 clips (×30 FPS) was cut from another 30 videos. The experimental results suggested that the framework has higher precision and recall in detection, as well as improved mean average precision and F1 scores compared to YOLOv3, v5, v6, and v8. It meets the standard FPS requirement for surveillance cameras and has an accuracy of 96.33 percent.

Temperature Analysis of Single busbar With Variation of Total Harmonic Distortion in Current

Typically, busbars are used to transmit and distribute currents in a bus duct system. The alarming use of nonlinear loads in the industrial sector or at residentials, such as arc welding, computers, ballast lighting, variable speed drives, and so on, has resulted in the generation of harmonics in current distortion, which are uncontrolled and thus increase heat generation within the system. The research conducted in this paper focuses on the prediction of the heat distribution as well as the analysis on operating temperature of a single busbar with compliance to the British National and International Standard (BS 159: 2014) using the Finite Element Method (FEM) in COMSOL Multiphysics software. The copper busbar dimension used for this research was 20mm x 6mm x 300mm, and the fundamental Root Mean Square (RMS) current was 419.1 A. The size of this busbars can withstand the maximum current of 430 A at a maximum operating temperature of 90°C, which complies with the standard requirement. The fundamental current is injected with variation of total harmonic distortion in current up to 55% with an interval of 5%. According to the findings, the operating temperature increases in direct proportion to the increase in total harmonic distortion with the current injections. With the presence of 55% of total harmonics in the current, the current was increased up to 57.73 A from the fundamental current, while the operating temperature was increased up to 140C from the fundamental temperature. The total harmonics in current produced by the nonlinear loads could affect the operating temperature of the busbars, and this continuous operation of current flow will affect the busbars' lifespan due to the occurrence of overheating.

Rooftop pools - a problem from an acoustic point of view: how to identify and solve it

There is no standard with specific methods for acoustic testing of rooftop swimming pools in Brazil. On the other hand, although the compatible requirement for impact noise from rooftop leisure environments is not the type of noise generated by swimming pools, it is a current requirement in the Brazilian performance standard. To study the subject, evaluate possible solutions and improve the state of the art, this article brings measurement results for impact noise in the same situation without and with the application of an acoustic solution. The study also presents sound pressure level and vibration measurements in an environment below a swimming pool after the application of the acoustic solution. Vibrations were measured as well in the pool structure and in the slab below, making it possible to identify the vibrational behavior of the pool. Measurements of impact noise took place in a situation where the pool is three floors above the last residential unit to verify the influence of technical slabs. With the measured values in the three situations, it was possible to identify the frequency range for which acoustic solutions should be designed for this type of source and to monitor the effectiveness of different solutions.

Формирование оценочных значений, связанных с обесценением внеоборотных активов

The purpose of the study is to analyze the theoretical and practical aspects of the formation of accounting estimates related to the impairment of non-current assets. The author considers the features of impairment test for fixed assets and intangible assets, considering the requirements of federal and international standards. Based on the systematization of discounted cash flow calculation practices, a formula for determining the value in use as one of the possible values of the recoverable amount and a formula for the present value of cash flows, considering improvements in the accounting regulation system, are proposed. The practical significance of the research is the development of specific methodological recommendations for the calculation of individual articles and components of the value in use.

Gap analysis and harmonization of International Standards for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships

Abstract This paper addresses the challenges and solutions associated with the implementation of autonomous ships, focusing on the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). With the goal of adopting a mandatory goal-based MASS Code by 2030, this study examines the interoperability and standardization requirements necessary for the effective global operation of autonomous ships. The paper analyses the MASS Code in relation to existing international standards, identifies gaps, and proposes standards works to accommodate the emerging technologies. Additionally, it investigate on the application of Autonomous Navigation Systems (ANS) and introduces the concepts of Shore ANS and Shore Bridge to enhance remote control capabilities. The analysis emphasizes the need for comprehensive standardization to ensure the safe and efficient operation of autonomous ships in diverse maritime environments.

Design and Test of Potato Seedling Killing and Residual Film Recycling Integrated Machine

Plastic film mulching technology can effectively enhance crop yield and quality, and the use of mulch has been increasing in recent years; however, the problem of mulch residue is worsening due to the large amount of recycling work and slow natural degradation. In this study, a potato seedling killing and residual film recycling machine is designed to provide good working conditions for potato harvesters before harvesting in response to the problems of difficult separation of film tangles, the low net rate of recycling due to the mixing of residual film with soil, and the high soil content in residual film recycling operations in northwest China. The machine is based on the potato monoculture and double row planting mode in Gansu area. This paper puts forward the overall design scheme and carries out the theoretical analysis and parameter determination of the key components, such as the seedling killing device, the film surface cleaning device, the film unloading device, and so on. Using EDEM software to carry out the virtual simulation test and Design-Expert13 to analyze the test results, we determined the optimal working scheme for the machine, with a forward speed of 0.8 m/s, a film gap of 125 mm, and a spiral stirrer speed of 600 r/min. Based on a field test for verification, the test results show that the machine’s residual film recovery rate was 83.3%, the impurity rate was 3.8%, and the rate of injury to the potatoes was 1.4%. The machine meets the requirements of national and industry standards, and it can simultaneously realize straw crushing, film surface cleaning, residual film recycling, and hydraulic film unloading operations, with better operating results and while reaching the expected results. It can also provide a reference for the design and testing of a seeding and residual film recycling machine.

Research on Calibration device of gas leakage alarm system and uncertainty analysis

Abstract This paper studies the calibration device and method of the gas leakage alarm system, and evaluates the uncertainty of the measurement results. Firstly, it analyzes the important components, parameters, and working principles of the gas leakage alarm system. Then, it designs a set of inhalation-type gas leakage alarm system calibration devices to test the indication error, repeatability, and response time of the alarm system, and evaluates the uncertainty of the calibration device. The study concludes that the relative expanded measurement uncertainty of the device calibrating the alarm system is 2.6%, which meets the accuracy requirements of national standards for calibration devices. The main factors affecting the measurement results are the resolution and repeatability of the alarm system being tested. By improving the performance of the alarm system sensor, the measurement results of the alarm system can be made closer to the true value, reducing misjudgment and improving the accuracy of the system. And during calibration, the measurement capability of the device can be enhanced by using higher grade gas standard substances.

Evaluation of Commercially Available Plant-based Food Serving Disposable Crockery for Quality Standards

Biomass-based disposable crockery products are in high demand as an alternative to the plastic-based products considering negative effects of plastic-based products on environment. Biomass-based cutleries are being made from locally available different sources such as leaves, sheaths, straws and other plant fibres. A study was conducted to assess the quality of the biomass-based utensil product and provide the standard technical requirements of selected biomass-based disposable products. The plant-based utensils made from corn starch, sugarcane bagasse, areca, paper and Sal (Shorea robusta) leaves were selected for this study. The available standard methods such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) were adapted, with suitable modifications wherever required, for conducting the experiment. The test included measurement of dimensional specifications, grammage, moisture content, temperature resistance test, load bearing test, high heat performance test, drop test, tensile test and three point bending rig test. The plant-based utensils were classified as very strong, strong and weak based on the strength characteristics test. The utensils made from sugarcane bagasse fall in all three categories (very strong, strong and weak), whereas areca-based lies between very strong and strong while corn starch- based fall between strong and weak category. Overall, the results showed a lot of variation in strength characteristics of biomass-based disposable crockery products. The data of this study can serve as a valuable information for manufacturers and suppliers of plant-based utensils to ensure and improve product quality while maintaining the technical standards.

Growth and Laying Performance of Local Guinea Fowl on Different Dietary Protein and Energy Levels

Constraints to Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) production include poor growth and low laying performance. However, the lack of standard nutritional requirements significantly hinders commercial indigenous Guinea fowl production in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the proper levels of crude protein (14, 16, and 18%) and metabolizable energy (2.65, 2.75, and 2.85 Mcal/kg) in the diets of native Guinea fowl in Nigeria. The dietary protein (PL) and energy (EL) levels for the fowl were evaluated in a completely randomized 3 (PL) × 3 (EL) factorial design with three replicates of 10 birds each. Thus, 270 birds with 20 weeks of age were allocated randomly to nine dietary treatments (18P:2.65E, 18P:2.75E, 18P:2.85E, 16P:2.65E, 16P:2.75E, 16P:2.85E, 14P:2.65E, 14P:2.75E and 14P:2.85E). The PL × EL interaction affected Guinea fowl's DFI, DWG, and WWG (p&amp;lt;0.05), while WFI and FCR remained unaffected. The 16:2.85E diet increased the DFI of the birds compared to other diets (p˂0.05). The DFI of the 18:2.65, 18:2.75, and 16:2.75E Guinea fowls was higher than those of 18:2.85E, 14:2.65E, 14:2.75E, and 14:2.85 birds (p˂0.05). The DWG of fowls improved by the 16:2.85E diet compared to other diets, except for the 18P:2.65E and 16P:2.75E diets (p˂0.05). The interaction had a significant impact on the EN, EYH, and EM of the Guinea fowl egg while FCR remained unaffected. The 18P:2.85E diet improved the EN and EM of the birds compared to other diets (p˂0.05), The 18P:2.85E also improved the FCR for laying except for 14P:2.85E and 18P:2.75E. The 18P:2.85E diet influenced the YW of the birds compared to other diets (p˂0.05), whereas the EW of fowls improved by the 16:2.85E diet compared to other diets except for the 16P:2.65E diet (p˂0.05). In conclusion, feeding guinea fowls with a diet comprising 18% protein and 2.85 Mcal/kg metabolizable energy significantly improved egg production and quality.

Magnetically Induced Displacement Force Test Method for Ultralight Implants Based on Counterweight Correction Method

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) F2052-21 (Chinese corresponding standard titled as YY/T 0987.2) introduces a test method to measure the magnetically induced displacement force on medical devices in the magnetic resonance environment. This method has been widely accepted and utilized globally, which is intended for implantable medical devices that can be suspended from a string. The angular deflection of the string from the vertical is measured and thereby measuring out the magnitude of the magnetically induced deflection force relative to gravity. When applying this method on ultralight implants, it is practically almost impossible to use a suspension string that weighs less than 1% of the mass of the implant. That study proposes a method for measuring the magnetically induced displacement force on ultralight implants based on counterweight correction by using a string and clamp that exceed 1% of the weight of the implant. And then to measure the deflection angle according to the standard requirement, following that to correct the deflection angle by using the proportion of the mass of the implant under test to the total mass of the tested object, to obtain the measurement result. That study also provides theoretical calculations and experimental verification to the counterweight correction method, the results prove that the proposed method can effectively measure the magnetically induced displacement force on ultralight implants.

PREDICTION OF STRENGTH DEPENDING ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION IN THE 40КХНМ ALLOY

Introduction. The study is devoted to the analysis of the influence of the chemical composition of the 40КХНМ alloy on its hardness. The relevance of the work lies in the fact that mechanical tests require significant material and time costs. For the operational assessment of metal quality criteria, it is proposed to apply mathematical modeling in the work. Materials and methods. A study of the effect of the chemical composition on the hardness of the 40KHNM alloy, which meets the requirements of the state standard 51397, was carried out. The results of the experiment. In the course of research, it was found that changes in the chemical composition of the 40КХНМ alloy significantly affect its mechanical properties, including hardness and resistance to shock loads. An increase in the content of carbon, molybdenum and chromium in the alloy leads to an increase in its hardness. This is with the formation of stronger carbide and molybdenum phases in the structure of the alloy, which leads to an improvement in its mechanical properties. Increased hardness makes the alloy more resistant to wear and increases its durability in operating conditions. An increase in the nickel content in the alloy leads to an increase in its resistance to shock loads. This is caused by an increase in plasticity and impact toughness of the alloy with an increased nickel content. Higher resistance to shock loads makes the alloy suitable for use in conditions that require high resistance to shocks, for example, in the production of machine parts and equipment. A mathematical model of the dependence of the strength of the alloy on the percentage content of the components of the chemical composition was built, which allows to control the indicators of the strength of the alloy in the process of its manufacture. Conclusions. The research results confirm that changes in the chemical composition of the 40КХНМ alloy have a significant impact on its mechanical properties. As a result of the experiments, it was established that the chemical composition of the metal significantly affects the hardness of the material. By changing the composition of the metal, it was possible to achieve a significant increase in hardness to levels that meet the requirements of quality standards. These results are an important step in optimizing the production processes and improving the properties of the final products from the 40КХНМ alloy.

SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF FUTURE SPECIALISTS OF THE ENGINEERING TROOPS

The specifics of the educational process of military educational institutions (combination of military and civilian specialties in one educational program; the need to acquire a volume of knowledge that enables a graduate to solve military-professional tasks without experience of performing official duties) necessitates changes to the military-professional training of cadets, in particular, future specialists of engineering troops. The main purpose of article is to outline the basic system characteristics of the professional training of future engineering troops. During the work on the article, the following methods were used: theoretical analysis of scientific literature on the research problem for the selection and understanding of didactic material; critical analysis of concepts, theories and methods in order to determine ways to solve the problem under study. The generated changes should be implemented systematically and cover the entire process of military professional training of military engineers; to take into account the key requirements for the training of future specialists of the engineering troops (correspondence of the content of the engineering training to the nature of the service and combat activities of the troops and the tasks being performed, to the features of the areas of future actions; the study of scientific achievements, the experience of engineering support for the operations of the troops during martial law in various conditions and their introduction into the practice of engineering training; effective use and development of educational material base). The system characteristics of the training of future specialists of engineering troops are, in particular, compliance by military educational institutions and special training centers with a set of requirements of educational and professional standards. These standards reflect the vision of the state, society and the Ministry of Defense of the integral personality of future specialists of engineering troops. The system levers of improving the military professional training of military engineers include the improvement of the quality of military training of mobilized and servicemen, as a certain balanced compliance with the needs of the state, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), the higher military school. Realization of the potential of information technologies is an important factor in the innovation of training of military engineers. The use of information technologies usually involves a change in the actual logic of the educational (training) process, the vector of which is already directed not from theory to practice, but from gaining new experience to its theoretical awareness. At the same time, increasing the efficiency of training military specialists is made possible by intensifying the process of understanding, assimilation, and creative application of knowledge when solving practical tasks. Intensification of the process of professional training of future specialists of the engineering forces in the conditions of an electronic informational educational environment is implemented by: ensuring the necessary access to sources of information that expands the boundaries of the worldview of listeners and cadets; creation of conditions and opportunities for quick and effective search, processing, analysis, and saving of the necessary information.

SOCIAL SUPPORT IN HOSPITAL ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN: POTENTIALS AND CHALLENGES

To establish criteria for evaluating the contribution of architecture and design in promoting social support within healthcare facilities, this study used a hospital as a case study. These criteria were based on publications from the Ministry of Health and environmental certification standards. Five key social support indicators were identified: waiting areas, accommodations for companions, interview rooms, internal social spaces, and external gardens or areas for social interaction. The case study revealed that 30% of the indicators were fully met, 20% were partially met, 20% were deemed not applicable, and 30% were not met. The study also highlighted the need to improve standardization requirements.

Geological evaluation of black shale as a suitable Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) to optimize the use of clinker in cement production

Faced with challenges like resource depletion and climate change, the cement industry needs sustainable solutions. This study explores the potential of geologically-delinaeated black shale from Apersua, Ghana, as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) to reduce reliance on traditional methods. The researchers analysed the shale's chemical composition and mineralogy, then created laboratory cement formulations with varying black shale content. These were compared to standard formulations without shale. The results show cement with black shale has comparable compressive strength, meeting standard requirements. Even a formulation with only black shale (excluding limestone, a common ingredient) passed strength tests. Overall, the black shale demonstrated good potential as a SCM based on strength, chemical makeup, setting time, and its possible contribution to durability. This research suggests that black shales from Apersua are worth exploring further as a sustainable and potentially cost-effective alternative in cement production.

Using Spectral Flow Cytometry for CAR T-Cell Clinical Trials: Game Changing Technologies Enabling Novel Therapies

Monitoring chimeric antigen redirected (CAR) T-cells post-infusion in clinical trials is a specialized application of flow cytometry. Unlike the CAR T-cell monitoring for individual patients conducted in clinical laboratories, the data generated during a clinical trial will be used not only to monitor the therapeutic response of a single patient, but determine the success of the therapy itself, or even of an entire class of therapeutic compounds. The data, typically acquired at multiple testing laboratories, will be compiled into a single database. The data may also be used for mathematical modeling of cellular kinetics or to identify predictive biomarkers. With the expanded context of use, a robust, standardized assay is mandatory in order to generate a valuable and reliable data set. Hence, the requirements for assay validation, traceable calibration, technology transfer, cross-instrument standardization and regulatory compliance are high.

Evaluation of Self-Directed Learning Readiness Among Medical Students in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates.

Self-directed learning (SDL) has become an essential learning principle in medical curricula and a requirement of the professional accreditation standards. It has been advocated that SDL is an effective learning strategy for medical students to develop competence in knowledge acquisition and in promoting life-long learning. Although it has been presumed that problem-based learning (PBL) improves the learner's SDL readiness (SDLR), its effects arestill debatable. This study aimed to investigate the readiness for self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) among undergraduate medical students in problem-based learning (PBL) and non-PBL programs, examining the influence of gender, academic performance, and program year level. This cross-sectional study used a validated instrument, the SDLR instrument (SDLRI), to assess self-directed learning readiness. It consists of 20 items classified into the following four domains: learning motivation (six items), planning and implementation (six items), self-monitoring (four items), and interpersonal communication (four items) based upon a five-point Likert scale. Additionally, demographic data like academic year level, gender, and the student's final grade from the previous semester were collected. Questionnaires were administered to students in their first, third, and fifth (final) academic year across three different medical colleges in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). One of these colleges adopts a hybrid problem-based learning (PBL) approach, while the other two follow non-PBL programs. A total of 386 responses were collected, with 200 students (51.8%) from the hybrid PBL program and 186 students (48.2%) from the non-PBL programs. The overall mean SDLR score was 59.0±18.2. In both programs, the high-achieving students scored SDLR of 64.7±18.0 (n=112), which was statistically significantly higher than the eight medium- and low-achieving students, 57.8±17.2 (n=224). However, the overall SDLR score showed no significant difference in gender or between PBL and non-PBL programs. Although the SDLR increased as PBL students advanced in the program, it decreased in the non-PBL curricula. However, this difference was not statistically significant. The high-achieving students displayed a higher level of SDLR than 10 of the medium- or low-achieving students, regardless of the educational program. This highlights the essential effect of the intrinsic factor for undertaking SDL and implies that students should initiate the process. Moreover, enhancing personal development and SDL educational practices might be effective in improving SDLR if partly implemented in medical programs.