A Critical Review of the Literature and Practice of Competency Modelling

Competency models are commonly practiced today in many organizations as they lead to significant human resource development that provides organizations with a competitive edge. Because of their immense importance, measurement and modelling of competencies has become an important research field. However, despite the extensive research, there are large research gaps regarding the empirical knowledge and applicability of competency models. This article presents a critical review of competency modelling literature and practice from the major perspectives (including applied, academic, and professional) in an attempt to shed additional light on the advantages and practices of competency modelling, as well as outlining current challenges in such a vibrant domain. The intention, in this article, was to build a coherent argument with an objective of illustrating the effective use, as well as deficiencies in this domain based on aggregated experiences of many authors across many years and settings. The author explicitly acknowledges that the approach for this critical review has many limitations, since it is experience-based rather than empirically based. Yet, it is believed that this article may provide a framework that can lead to a solid investigation of competency modelling with more rigor than they have been afforded to date.     Keywords: Competency Modelling, Behavioural Paradigm, Job Analysis, Performance, NViv

NonCommutative Rings and their Applications, IV ABSTRACTS Checkable Codes from Group Algebras to Group Rings

Abstract A code over a group ring is defined to be a submodule of that group ring. For a code C over a group ring RG, C is said to be checkable if there is v ∈ RG such that C = {x ∈ RG : xv = 0}. In [1], Jitman et al. introduced the notion of code-checkable group ring. We say that a group ring RG is code-checkable if every ideal in RG is a checkable code. In their paper, Jitman et al. gave a necessary and sufficient condition for the group ring FG, when F is a finite field and G is a finite abelian group, to be codecheckable. In this paper, we generalize this result for RG, when R is a finite commutative semisimple ring and G is any finite group. Our main result states that: Given a finite commutative semisimple ring R and a finite group G, the group ring RG is code-checkable if and only if G is π -by-cyclic π; where π is the set of noninvertible primes in R

Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Papillary Carcinoma

Thyroglossal duct cysts are usually located in the midline of the neck. The coexistence of carcinomas in thyroglossal duct cysts is extremely rare, with most being papillary carcinomas. Usually, the diagnosis is only made postoperatively after excision of the cyst. Although the Sistrunk procedure is often regarded as adequate, controversies exist concerning the need for thyroidectomy depending on histopathological findings. We report the case of a 31-year-old man diagnosed with papillary carcinoma within a thyroglossal duct cyst, who underwent total thyroidectomy as has been recommended for differentiated papillary cancer

Experimental modelling of evaporation and boiling processes in a two-phase thermosyphon

A model of a closed two-phase thermosyphon was developed to study thermo-physical processes in a thermosyphon thermal condition systems of energy-saturated equipment. This model differs from the known by reasoned choice of thermocouples installation providing sealing the device during operation. In addition, the program VI (Virtual Instrument) was created in graphical environment Labview for registration of the temperatures and pressure in the thermosyphon

Dispersion of vapor from LNG spills: simulation in a meteorological wind tunnel

CER76-77RNM-JEC-DEN-MM57.Under contract to R & D Associates, Marina del Ray (C.A.).Includes bibliographical references (page 35).May 1977

Racial and ethnic disparities in pelvic floor disorder awareness

Objectives: Pelvic floor disorders (PFD) affect the quality of life for many women and can be a significant cause of distress. With the United States’ aging population, PFD are becoming increasingly prevalent. Previous population based studies identified both differences in prevalence and baseline knowledge of PFD by race and ethnicity. These prior studies assessing PFD knowledge were limited to single geographical areas or institutions. We aim to conduct a multicenter study across the United States to better understand the baseline knowledge and perceptions of PFD and its variance across different races and ethnicities. Our goal is to provide data that will help deliver culturally competent information to patients. Materials and Methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study involving six sites. Upon initial presentation to a urogynecology clinic, patients were evaluated with the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire along with additional questions aimed to assess differences in PFD descriptive language, barriers to care, and attitude towards PFD. Surveys were distributed at participating institutions from October 2019 to February 2021. Statistical analyses were performed with Fisher\u27s exact test and Chi-square test, using p \u3c0.05 for statistical significance. Results: A total of 287 women completed the survey, with 27 excluded due to omission of race and or ethnicity responses. Respondents identified their ethnicity as Hispanic (21.8%) and race as White (70.5%), African American (AA) (19.2%), and Other Women of Color (OWOC) (10.3%). Overall, the mean percent correct for the urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) sub-scores were 61.2 ± 28.2 and 60.5 ± 28.2, respectively. AA and OWOC had lower scores compared to White respondents in both UI (AA 60.7 ± 30.1; OWOC 46.8 ± 31.2; W 63.5 ± 26.5; p = 0.018) and POP (AA 55.5 ±30.1; OWOC 48.9 ± 31.0; W 64 ± 26.2; p = 0.011). Hispanic women scored lower in both UI (43.9 ± 29.8 vs 66.5 ± 25.3, p \u3c0.001) and POP (46.2 ± 28.4 vs 66.5 ± 25.3, p\u3c0.001) when compared to non-Hispanic respondents. AA and OWOC had decreased knowledge of POP language compared to White respondents (32.3 ± 30.8 % correct vs 35.4 ± 33.6 % correct vs 50.4 ± 32.9 % correct, p \u3c0.001). This was similar for Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic respondents (33.3 ± 31.2 % correct vs 40.1 ± 32.5 % correct, p\u3c0.001). Responses to UI and POP misconception questions were not different by race or ethnicity. Conclusion: This is the first multicenter, cross-sectional survey of a diverse patient population assessing knowledge and perception of PFD. We observed differences between baseline knowledge and language proficiency of PFD amongst AA, White, and OWOC, as well as between Hispanic and non-Hispanic women. This suggests the presence of racial disparities in women pursuing urogynecologic care and highlights the importance of delivering culturally sensitive information to educate women of diverse backgrounds

Relevance of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, HSD17B13, and GCKR Variants to MASLD Severity in an Egyptian Population

\ua9 2024 by the authors.Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a frequent clinical condition globally. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with NAFLD have been proposed in the literature and based on bioinformatic screening. The association between NAFLD and genetic variants in Egyptians is still unclear. Hence, we sought to investigate the association of some genetic variants with NAFLD in Egyptians. Egyptians have been categorized into either the MASLD group (n = 205) or the healthy control group (n = 187). The severity of hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis was assessed by a Fibroscan device. TaqMan-based genotyping assays were employed to explore the association of selected SNPs with MASLD. PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G variant is associated with the presence of MASLD with liver fibrosis, the severity of both hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis, increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure and increased alanine aminotransferase (all p < 0.05), while the TM6SF2 rs58542926 C>T, HSD17B13 rs9992651 G>A, and GCKR rs1260326 T>C variants were not (all p > 0.05). The TM6SF2 rs58542926 T allele is associated with increased fasting blood glucose and a decreased waist circumference. The GCKR rs1260326 C allele is associated with decreased aspartate transaminase and diastolic blood pressure (all p < 0.05). Only after adjusting for the risk factors (age, sex, BMI, WC, HDL, TG, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension) F2 liver fibrosis score is negatively correlated with the HSD17B13 rs9992651 GA genotype. This study offers evidence for the association of the PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G variant with MASLD among Egyptians and for the association of the PNPLA3 rs738409 G allele, the TM6SF2 rs58542926 T allele, and the GCKR rs1260326 C allele with some parameters of cardiometabolic criteria

The ameliorative potential of Hyphaene thebaica on streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. The aim of the current study is to investigate the possible beneficial effects of Hyphaene thebaica in DN. Materials and methods: For this, 50 male albino rats were divided into five groups: group I — represented the control group; group II — received Hyp­haene thebaica extracts of 150 mg/kg BW by oral gavage for 6 weeks; group III — received single intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg BW) to induce type-2 diabetes mellitus; group IV (protective) — diabetic rats recei­ved Hyphaene thebaica extract (150 mg/kg BW) orally for 6 weeks; group V (curative) — received Hyphaene thebaica extract (150 mg/kg BW) orally after the diagnosis of DN. Results: In the DN protected group, blood glucose, urea, and creatinine decreased significantly, while insulin and C-peptide increased significantly. Moreover, cystatin C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin decreased. Collagen fibre deposition is increased with an apparent thickening of the parietal layer of Bowman’s capsules and the basal lamina of convoluted tubules, as well as increase of the immune-reaction of caspase-3 and desmin. The introduction of Hyphaene thebaica led to greater amelioration in the biochemical markers, apoptotic alterations, and podocyte injuries of the protected group than in the curative group. Conclusions: Hyphaene thebaica may be advised as a good choice that can delay diabetic renal complications