Technical Content Research Articles

Creating an earthquake scenario in China: A case study in Weinan City, Shaanxi province

In efforts to address government-identified gaps between top-down policies and local-level preparedness approaches, a team from China, the UK and the US undertook a transdisciplinary, participatory project to develop an earthquake scenario for two administrative districts of Weinan, Shaanxi province, located east of Xi'an. We designed the scenario study and communication materials, a first of their kind in China, to help local agencies describe and communicate earthquake risk to local decision-makers and the public. Weinan was destroyed by the 1556 M8¼ Huaxian earthquake, China's deadliest so far, and damaged by the 1568 M~7 Shaanxi Gaoling earthquake (also known as the M6¾ Northeast Xi'an earthquake). We chose a repeat of this 1568 event, because earthquakes of the size of the 1556 Huaxian event are extremely rare in the Weihe basin (and similar tectonic environments worldwide). We modelled the ground motion of the 1568 event, prepared a loss estimate, conducted field charrettes comprising field work and local consultations, and carried out disaster issue-focused social surveys to understand Weinan's main earthquake risk problems. We used a storytelling approach to create two science-based narratives, in Chinese and English, of the scenario earthquake's aftermath. One is a short graphic novel with earthquake mitigation and preparedness tips for the general public; the other is a narrative story with technical content and recommendations for relevant local agencies. The narratives can help people visualize the estimated losses and impacts, and provide mitigation and preparedness recommendations that, if implemented, will help reduce earthquake damage and consequences.

Perspectives on a mobile application that maps assistive technology resources in Africa.

BackgroundAccess to assistive technology (AT) is poor in African countries because of a lack of knowledge, resources, services and products. A mobile application (app), the AT-Info-Map, was developed to map AT availability in southern Africa.ObjectivesThis article aimed to describe users’ and suppliers’ perceptions of the AT-Info-Map app.MethodQualitative data were collected in Zambia, Botswana, Malawi and Lesotho, through nine focus group discussions with 72 participants. Participants included AT users, AT suppliers and representatives of disability organisations. Data were thematically analysed.ResultsTwo broad themes, that is, usefulness of the AT-Info-Map application and technical issues and content, emerged from the data analysis. Subthemes under usefulness focused on the importance of using current technology, convenience of the app, the need for accuracy, responsiveness of supplier to user’s needs, influence on AT market and how the app creates an opportunity for networking. Challenges to download and navigate the app, the need for training in its use, exclusion of those not literate in English and those with visual impairments were subthemes under technical issues and content.ConclusionThe app was perceived as an important step to increase access to AT for persons with disabilities in less resourced settings. The challenges that emerged from the data analysis have led to the development of a web-based system that will complement or replace the app and improve AT information provision. However, the information provided by the app and website is still only a partial solution to improve AT access in Southern Africa.

Cooperative Thinking: Analyzing a new framework for software engineering education

Computational Thinking (CT) and Agile Values (AV) focus respectively on the individual capability to think algorithmically, and on the principles of collaborative software development. Although these two dimensions of software engineering education complement each other, very few studies explored their interaction. In this paper we use an exploratory Structural Equation Modeling technique to introduce and analyze Cooperative Thinking (CooT), a model of team-based computational problem solving. We ground our model on the existing literature and validate it through Partial Least Square modeling. Cooperative Thinking is new competence which aim is to support cooperative problem solving of technical contents suitable to deal with complex software engineering problems. This article suggests to tackle the CooT construct as an education goal, to train students of software development to improve both their individual and teaming performances.

Proteomics analysis of milk fat globule membrane enriched materials derived from by-products during different stages of milk-fat processing

By-products produced during milk-fat processing contain abundant milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and are usually considered as sources of MFGM proteins. However, the technological conditions during cream processing affect the composition/profile of the MFGM proteins and change the functional properties of MFGM proteins. In this paper, the simulative process of industrial manufacture of cream, butter and anhydrous milk fat was done in the lab, five kinds of by-products were collected from different stages (different technical treatments or different fat content) to isolate MFGM enriched material. Proteomics analysis of MFGM enriched materials was performed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). 357, 429, 323, 578 and 332 proteins were identified in five groups of by-products. Several major MFGM proteins were detected in all samples with the high relative abundance. Samples obtained after phase inversion showed higher protein number and higher concentration of major MFGM proteins compared with centrifuged skimmed milk. Both the number and the concentration in samples collected after phase inversion increased with fat content of cream. GO analysis revealed GTPase activity was the specific molecular function of MFGM proteins in butter serum (BS-1). The MFGM protein profiles also provided novel insights into the individual MFGM product which was rich in certain membrane proteins. Butter serum was the best source for isolating complete MFGM proteins product. This work will facilitate the development of deep processing market for dairy by-products, and provide theoretical reference for the production of MFGM protein products.

A Study on Real Estate Transactions and Blockchain

2018년의 블록체인 열풍은 해를 넘기고 계속되고 있다. 블록체인에 대한 환상은 과도하게 부풀려졌으며, 이러한 환상이 지나고 구체적인 기술로 현실화될 단계에 접어들고 있다. Blockchain은 독창적인 파괴와 생산성 향상으로 경제와 사회에 새로운 생명을 불어 넣을 혁신적인 기술이다. 다양한 영역에서 분산형 시스템을 사용함으로써 시간과 비용을 절약할 수 있고 작업 절차도 획기적으로 바꿀 수도 있다. 정부는 전자정부 지원사업이라는 미명하에 예산을 지원하여 블록체인사업을 지원 하고 있다. 이에 블록체인의 기술을 명확히 이해하지 못한 상태에서 외국의 제도를 무분별하게 모방하여 도입하려는 경향도 나타나고 있다. 시범사업으로 추진하는 블록체인을 활용한 부동산종합공부사업도 그 내용을 보면 아직 기술적 제도적 뒷받침 없이 홍보에만 매진하는 상황으로 보일 수 있다. 이를 추진하는 국토부에서는 구체적인 기술적 내용을 공개하지 않고 있어 공개적 합의라는 블록체인의 정신을 살리지 못하고 있다. 스웨덴의 부동산 등기시스템을 무분별하게 답습하려는 입장만 표명할 뿐이다. 향후 블록체인에 대한 기술적, 사업적, 법적 평가를 신중히 고려하여 현실적이고 보다 내실 있는 방향으로 구축하여야 할 것이다.In 2018, Blockchain were blowing in the wind, and this storm continues over the years. The fantasy of the blockchain is over-inflated, and this fantasy is going through a phase of realization with concrete technology. Blockchain is an innovative technology that will breathe new life into the economy and society with creative destruction and boost productivity. It not only saves time and money by distributing de-centralization systems in a variety of areas, but it can also dramatically change working procedures. The government supports the block-chain business by supporting the budget under the name of e-government support project. Therefore, there is a tendency to imitate foreign systems in an indiscriminate way without clearly understanding the technology of the block chain. As for the real estate comprehensive study project using the blockchain that is promoted as a pilot project, it can be seen that the situation is still focused on PR without technical institutional support. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which does not disclose specific technical content, does not make use of the spirit of the block chain of public consensus. The government expresses that its willingness is following the Sweden real estate registration system indiscriminately. In the future, the technical, business, and legal evaluation of the blockchain should be carefully considered and realistic and more robust.

Exploring the Link between Television Program Pacing and Aggression among Iranian Students

This study designed to examine the relationship between television program pacing and aggressive behavior among primary school students in Iran. The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase consisted of a survey with 424 primary school students (aged 7-12 years) in the five provinces of Iran which were selected through a multi-stage random sampling of Iran. This survey investigated whether exposure to television program was related to children's use of media that explored using Buss – Perry standard questionnaire. The results revealed that 23% and 49% of the students displayed high and moderate aggression level respectively. A total of 22 programs were selected as the most favorite children’s TV programs which were assigned to a technical content analysis known as pacing in the second phase of study. The findings of the study showed that the highest pacing index was attributed to Pokemon (67.08), while Fetileh ranked as the lowest pacing index program (23.86). The results also revealed that TV program pacing scores were significantly and positively associated with aggression level of primary school children (p<0.05). The results of this study suggested the need for further attention on children’s television program production to protect them from antisocial behaviors.

An Evaluation of a Key Innovation: Mobile Learning

Abstract This paper examines the impact of m-learning as an innovative tool that is still in its infancy in many countries, but that can significantly contribute to effective teaching and learning in the context of the digital age. Based on the theoretical principles of learning, the uses of m-learning are reviewed. To provide complete insights into its potential adoption in higher education institutions in countries such as Mauritius and Nigeria, the various emerging issues such as technical issues, usability issues, content security and copyright issues as well as issues relating to privacy and cyber bullying are discussed. The paper suggests some of the future trends in the adoption of m-learning, but it concluded that it may not be successful due to other challenges that are typical to many countries in Africa. African countries are faced with context-bound and technological constraints that are hindering the leaners of higher education institutions to benefit from the learning advantages that they may get to improve their learning and for the countries to give more access to higher education through the use of open education that may be technologically enhanced.

Construction Thinking of Concrete Pouring Technology in Building Construction

The rapid development of the construction field in the new era has had a positive impact on the effective construction of construction projects. In practice, in order to increase the technical content of construction, optimize its structural performance, and extend the service life of buildings, it is necessary to consider the application of concrete pouring technology, effectively carry out research work in this area, thereby reducing the incidence of structural problems in construction. Based on this, this paper will systematically expound the application of concrete pouring technology in building construction.

Comprehensive Assessment Method for Sustainable Urban Development (CAMSUD) - A New Multi-Criteria System for Planning, Evaluation and Decision-Making

This paper reports on the newly developed multi-criteria urban sustainability system CAMSUD (version 1.0) including the theoretical and analytical process underlying its development. CAMSUD stands for Comprehensive Assessment Method for Sustainable Urban Development. First, an extensive comparative analysis of five well-known urban rating systems is reported: CASBEE-UD, LEED-ND, BREEAM Communities, DGNB-NSQ and Green Star Communities. These rating systems are selected based on their widespread use, their numerous parallels in content, but also contrasting features, which give clear evidence on consensual and non-consensual items related to sustainability understanding and implementation. The analysis items revolved around their development drive, conceptualization, domain of applicability, technical content, practicality, measurability, and certification. Hence, this comparison identified the convergences and divergences of these systems and their potential for further optimization in view of highlighted strengths and weaknesses. Based on that analysis, the second part of the paper depicts the first version (1.0) of CAMSUD, including:1.the prevailing key concepts in its development as well as its 40 compliance criteria structured in eight thematic categories;2.the logic chain of criteria interactions and their effects on an appropriate measuring and scoring.3.the linkage between CAMSUD and the German sustainability-related legislation (laws, acts, standards and guidelines) as proof of compliance, and4.the comparative analysis of a database consisting of 160 sustainable urban projects using CAMSUD 1.0 in order i) to illustrate the handling of urban sustainability in practice and ii) to demonstrate its practical usability and to assess the current version for possible optimization.The motivation for and the outcome of CAMSUD is also to serve as a theoretical basis for a computational decision-making tool to be developed (ECAMSUD), which peculiarity is to manage topic, scale and time relatedcriteria interactions responsible in probable redundancy or failure in scoring. By this means, CAMSUD strives to offer an alternative for a transparent and traceable framework for self-critical analysis and compromise finding when handling complex and cross-disciplinary urban development processes.

Cloud computing: Bridging the link between industry and the classroom

With the rapid expansion of cloud computing usage and applications, the need to prepare graduates with high caliber cloud computing skills is becoming a necessity. This paper discusses the challenges of teaching cloud computing, and how to overcome these to equip the graduates with modern industry-standard skills. The paper reports on the experience of achieving this goal by employing the cultural–historical activity learning theory in teaching this course. This was achieved by introducing a variety of activities in the course such as: up-to-date technical content, a hands-on projects, technical presentations, and a certification program. The paper assesses the success of the experience by analyzing the feedback of the students twice; at the end of the course, and several years afterward when they have enrolled in the job market. The results clearly show the importance of having practical and hands-on courses that would keep students engaged, at the same time it is preparing them for the job market. The results also showed that the students appreciation for the course have increased after they have started working. Specifically, two-thirds of the students believe that the course was helpful in getting their current job.

The effect of computerized decision support systems on cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundCardiovascular risk management (CVRM) is notoriously difficult because of multi-morbidity and the different phenotypes and severities of cardiovascular disease. Computerized decision support systems (CDSS) enable the clinician to integrate the latest scientific evidence and patient information into tailored strategies. The effect on cardiovascular risk factor management is yet to be confirmed.MethodsWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of CDSS on CVRM, defined as the change in absolute values and attainment of treatment goals of systolic blood pressure (SBP), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and HbA1c. Also, CDSS characteristics related to more effective CVRM were identified. Eligible articles were methodologically appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We calculated mean differences, relative risks, and if appropriate (I2 < 70%), pooled the results using a random-effects model.ResultsOf the 14,335 studies identified, 22 were included. Four studies reported on SBP, 3 on LDL-c, 10 on CVRM in patients with type II diabetes and 5 on guideline adherence. The CDSSs varied considerably in technical performance and content. Heterogeneity of results was such that quantitative pooling was often not appropriate. Among CVRM patients, the results tended towards a beneficial effect of CDSS, but only LDL-c target attainment in diabetes patients reached statistical significance. Prompting, integration into the electronical health record, patient empowerment, and medication support were related to more effective CVRM.ConclusionWe did not find a clear clinical benefit from CDSS in cardiovascular risk factor levels and target attainment. Some features of CDSS seem more promising than others. However, the variability in CDSS characteristics and heterogeneity of the results – emphasizing the immaturity of this research area - limit stronger conclusions. Clinical relevance of CDSS in CVRM might additionally be sought in the improvement of shared decision making and patient empowerment.

Indian Language Content and Publishing Today

The demand for online content in Indian languages (IL) is growing faster than for that in English. The proliferation of cheap smartphones with Indic keyboards and high-speed connectivity is feeding this trend. Moreover, there is increasing formal and informal collaboration between English and IL publishers to make educational and literary content available in regional languages. This currently is not financially viable or scalable and follows the logic of the print (rather than digital) economy. The government is focused on online content delivery as part of a larger Digital India programme. In the absence of IL content in the higher education arena, it must work with private players to develop quality technical and scientific content. Indian-language publishers need to be included in this process via training and incentives, since they have regional networks for effective outreach with this content. The biggest role of the government, however, is in the arena of regulation with the updating and implementation of intellectual property (IP) and copyright laws that need to extend to digital content; as well as in creating an environment where quality educational content is incentivized.

Opinion piece: Journalism training at university

Professor John Biggs, elsewhere in this JALT, expresses alarm at the gaudy ubiquity of university education, noting a consequent decline in the craft schools of old. As he puts it: We have wound down vocational and technical education and broadened university courses to take in some of the technical content previously taught in technical colleges. A massive mistake, leaving us with … overcrowded and downgraded universities. I can assert – on the basis of 25 years as a university teacher and another quarter of a century in mainstream journalism – that his argument makes considerable sense. In semi-retirement (and working part-time as a newspaper sub-editor), I am able to reflect with some authority on what universities can achieve and what they are less equipped so to do when it comes to the craft of journalism. ‘Craft’ is the term, I feel, that best describes it, for it cannot truly claim to be a profession as its practitioners do not require any specified qualification or formal registration.

Guidance of instructions for compiling expert consensus on clinical practice of Chinese patent medicine of China Association of Chinese Medicine

The expert consensus on clinical practice of Chinese patent medicines shall be regarded as the same with clinical practice guidelines,which shall be concise,readable and applicable. Therefore,a formal expert consensus is unable to contain the whole compilation process and the content of its important process documents. It is necessary to write instructions for continuation,expansion and publicity. In 2018 Standardization Department of China Association of Chinese Medicine invited methodologists with the background of evidence-based medicine drafted a series of standards for expert consensus on clinical practice of Chinese patent medicines,including the guidance for compilation the instructions. It will be useful for readers of expert consensus to understand the work behind the compilation,so as to make the compilation process more transparent and standardized. We proposed nine requirements for compilation the instructions,namely content and requirements,work overview,main technical content,compilation process,process and basis for handling major disagreements,expert consensus implementation requirements and measure suggestions,other issues need to be explained,appendix and format for instructions.

Horizontal Well Frac-Driven Interactions: Types, Consequences, and Damage Mitigation

Management Interactions between fractures in adjacent horizontal wells and development of methods for mitigating their costly negative effects has become the focus of much discussion and debate within the fracturing community. The impetus for this attention has been the impact of these interactions on productivity and mechanical integrity of these wells. Faced with these challenges, a group of 15 subject-matter experts representing different parts of the fracturing community held a 2-day meeting in December 2018 for a very open and confidential discussion of the technical foundation of the various aspects of the subject: what are the root causes of these interactions, their types, consequences, industry experience with various mitigating actions, and what has worked and what has not. At the conclusion of the meeting, the group decided to prepare a report of its deliberations and make it available as a service to the industry. Soon after the start of the discussions, the group recognized the multiplicity of terms used for each of the various aspects of the subject. Furthermore, these terms were viewed to be vague and without a descriptive technical foundation. Having been developed during the early days of discovery of these events, they generically identified them as problems with minimum regard to the technical roots of their occurrence, variations in their types, or cause-and-effect relationships that may exist between the type of events and their impact on well productivity or mechanical integrity. Development of proper technically-based terms and their definitions were the first outcome of the group’s deliberations. The terms defined below are reflective of the relevant applicable technologies and are intended to be descriptive of the physical events that occur during these events that control their behavior. It is the group’s hope that use of these terms will increase clarity and accuracy to the extensive technical content currently devoted to this subject. To start with, the term “frac-driven interaction (FDI)” was recommended for defining the broader overall subject. This term is offered as replacement for “frac hit,” “frac bashing,” “frac intersection,” etc., all of which have a negative connotation. It was argued that a neutral term is more suited for describing these events, since all FDIs do not harm adjacent passive wells. Some of them can in fact provide valuable information about engineering characteristics of the created fractures and detecting their existence and identifying their type can serve a useful purpose by offering the information needed for the next generation of fracturing treatments. Additionally, the term “frac hit” projects an unnecessarily negative impression to the public, environmental groups, and state and federal regulating agencies. The definitions offered to identify the status of wells and fracturing are listed below. Active well. The well where fracturing (or refracturing) operations are currently taking place. Passive wells. Wells offset to the active well. These wells may be shut in and their pressure monitored for diagnostic purposes. In practice, these wells are often already fractured.

Corrosion behavior of a precipitation hardened Ni–Cr–Co–Mo alloy under partial slagging coal gasification conditions

Abstract A mechanistic exposure experiment was performed on the commercially available precipitation hardened VDM® alloy C–263 (Nicrofer® 5120 CoTi) Ni-Cr-Co-Mo alloy samples (21 wt.-% Cr, 21 wt.-% Co, 6.1 wt.-% Mo, 2.4 wt.-% Ti, 0.7 wt.-% Fe, 0.6 wt.-% Al, 0.6 wt.-% Mn, 0.4 wt.-% Si, 0.2 wt.-% Cu, 0.08 wt.-% C and bal. Ni) at coal gasification pilot plant facilities affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Engineering in Yongin, South Korea. Thermodynamic Ellingham–Pourbaix stability diagrams were constructed to provide insight into the mechanism of the observed corrosion behavior prevailing in the piping materials between the particulate removal unit and water scrubber of the coal gasification pilot plant. The thermodynamic inference on the corrosion mechanism was supplemented with the morphological, compositional and microstructural analyses of the exposed samples using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses performed on the external and cross–sectional surfaces of the recovered corrosion test samples to comprehensively examine the corrosion scale. Corrosion products with conspicuous spallation were observed after 139 h exposure to the corrosive environment (60 vol.-% CO, 28.4 vol.-%H2, 2.5 vol.-% CO2, 0.8 vol.-% CH4, 600 ppm H2S, and 110 ppm carbonyl sulfide under 2.005 MPa and 170 °C). Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy positively identified formation of rather extensively peeled–off oxides as corrosion scales on the post–exposure alloy samples, which were attributed to the combined effects of evaporation of hydrated Fe, Al, and Cr chlorides and their subsequent transformation into thin (spalled) oxides. This article contains technical contents on the effects of Cr, Mo, Fe, and Al on the observed corrosion behavior which supplement and cast engineering insight into the previously published MP 2-2018 article on corrosion behavior of Ni-Cr-Mo-Fe alloy in a similar environment.

Methods for conceptual and preliminary seismic design of buildings with steel structure

Throughout the last two decades, seismic design standards evolved to ever more comprehensive and detailed prescriptions, stressing out the need for design methods that deal with earthquake effects not as actions, but as a design philosophy. The Eurocode 8 adoption as national law throughout the European Union countries and informally in many parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America is the pretext for the current study. It aims to provide some guidance to the seismic design of steel structures as well as to the Eurocode 8 implementation by the designers.Some lines on the preliminary design of structural systems were written based on several real cases of structures designed taking into account the seismic action. Such a content is, usually, relevant in any design guide, given its value in enhancing the design technical and economical content. However, it is now of utter significance at the current context as an essential tool to facilitate the safety checking of several code requirements.Some of the Eurocode 8 prescriptions are then decoded, explained and justified based on the supportive bibliography. The information is subsequently ordered as a design guide, where some procedures are proposed to cope with the code interrelated prescriptions and one structural solution is proposed in order to overcome a design challenge while complying with the code.One last but not less relevant addressed issue is the fact that some Eurocode 8 prescriptions may be reviewed, in the eyes of a designer, given its practical outcome. Such issues are identified, explained and some slight code adjustments are suggested.

Homo Islamicus dan Imperfect State : Konsep Manusia dan Al-Madinah Al-Fadilah menurut Al-Farabi

Purpose: This article discusses about the other side of al-Farabi, an Islamic economic thinker. With the aim that an open paradigm of thinking new in seeing al-Farabi, not only political experts and famous philosophers, but also as a reliable Islamic economic thinker.Design/Method/Approach: This article uses library-based qualitative research (qualitative research) with a qualitative descriptive approach and technical descriptive analysis and content analysis.Finding: This study was able to identify that al-Farabi was truly an Islamic economic thinker. Al-Farabi's Islamic economic thinking can be seen in his works such as the Book of Ara 'Ahl al-Madinah al-Fadilah, Kitab al-Siyasat al-Madaniyah and the Tahsil al-Sa'adah Book. Al-Farabi was one of the economic thinkers who emphasized his economic thinking on the concept of man as homo Islamicus who had an advantage in the field of reason compared to other beings (al-hayawan al-nathiq) where one of his goals was to become a perfect society (al- kalimah) and happy by doing noble actions, virtues and virtues. However, in its journey, the existence of the community formed a state that was in the form of a main state (al-Madinah al-Fadilah), a foolish state (al-madinah al-Jahilah), a fasiq state (al-madinah al-Fasiqah), a perverse country (al -madinah al-Dhallah), and a changing state (al-madinah al-Mutabaddilah). The ideal country that can manifest human happiness is the main country (al-Madinah al-Fadilah).Originality/Novelty: This research contributes to filling the 'emptiness' of Islamic economic theory, which comes from Al-Farabi's thoughts and works. This study did not become a 'copy' which informed the other side of Al-Farabi as a philosopher. But he also offers economic thinking, especially in relation to the human concept and welfare state.

Current trends in teaching technical English at tertiary schools

Today, there is an urgent need to review the existing methods of teaching technical English at tertiary schools and develop the new methods with the aim of students’ intercultural foreign language training and promoting their competitiveness on the European and world labour markets. Information technologies (IT) have become one of the most demanded modern technical majors, that is why 177 tertiary schools in Ukraine carry out training of engineers specialising in IT. On the basis of the analysis conducted by the author, several crucial problems of intercultural foreign language teaching for occupational purposes have been singled out. First and foremost, foreign language teaching conditions at Ukrainian universities along with the existing models of the educational process organisation do not allow students of tertiary schools to master foreign languages for occupational purposes properly, and as a consequence, they do not obtain the required by the national curriculum B2 level as Bachelors and C1 level as Masters. The present system of teaching technical English at Ukrainian tertiary schools should be reformed in the long run. Secondly, IT-engineers lack professional communicative competence enhancement after foreign language university course completion. As a result, it is necessary to alter, on the one hand, technical English teaching content with the view to include socio-cultural and psychological aspects into it. And on the other hand, the existing teaching methods and techniques should be improved, namely the experiential types of educational activities that simulate real situations of every day professional communication of IT-engineers in English should be introduced.

Tumor sequencing with germline genetic testing: Identification of patients with hereditary cancer and precision treatment eligibility.

1580 Background: Cancer is a fundamentally genetic disease, as such, somatic and germline mutation analysis is used in the comprehensive assessment of patients with cancer. Studies report that approximately 10% of patient’s tumors have clinically significant variants known to predispose to hereditary cancer, with medical implications for both patients and family members. We retrospectively reviewed a series of patients where providers suspected a somatic variant also existed in the germline and followed up with clinical germline genetic testing. We report the rate of concordance between germline and somatic results and their clinical impact. Methods: Our study used de-identified data from 1043 consecutive patients who underwent somatic genetic testing followed by germline testing with NGS-based hereditary cancer gene panels. Results: Somatic results most frequently prompting germline testing included variants in BRCA2 (290), BRCA1 (174), TP53 (158), ATM (70), MLH1 (65), APC (65), PMS2 (61), MSH6 (58), PTEN (54) and CDH1 (42). In 364/1043 cases (35%) the variant was detected as likely pathogenic or pathogenic (LP/P) in the germline. Genes confirmed as germline variants in 60-100% of cases included: FANCA, AXIN2, RAD50, MUTYH, BLM, PALB2, CHEK2, FANCD2, MITF, SDHB. Variants in: FH, BRCA2, RET, ATM, SDHA, BRIP1, MSH2, BRCA1, BAP1, EGFR and RAD51D confirmed in the germline in 25-60%. Variants were rarely germline for TP53 (3%), APC (3%), PTEN (2%) and none in CDKN2A, NF1 and STK11. In 24 (2%) cases a LP/P germline variant was detected but not reported in the tumor. Conclusions: Approximately ⅓ of patients suspected to have hereditary risk after tumor testing had LP/P germline variants. Notably, some genes had a high probability of variants occurring in the germline, while others were primarily seen in tumors. Interestingly, 6% of the germline variants were not included on the somatic report due to technical and gene content differences in either assays or due to differences of clinical classification between somatic and germline testing. Adding germline results to somatic testing may inform options for precision treatment, prevention, or early detection of, secondary malignancies and guide genetic counseling of family members.