University students' readiness for the national workforce : a study of vocational identity and career decision-making

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of vocational identity and career decision status of students at the Hashemite University which was assumed to be an indication of their readiness for the national workforce in Jordan. A total of 641 students participated in the study by completing the ‘Vocational Identity Scale’ (VIS) and the ‘Career Decision Scale’ (CDS) selected for the study. The results indicated that students have a high sense of vocational identity and greater career decidedness as represented by their overall mean values. Furthermore, there were no significant differences among university students in perceiving the VIS and CDS that are attributed to their gender and academic standing. However, differences on the VIS and CDS were found that are attributed to type of faculty. The study concludes by offering a number of theoretical and practical implications for the field of career and vocational development.peer-reviewe

Machine learning for prediction models to mitigate the voltage deviation in photovoltaic-rich distributed network

The voltage deviation is one of the most crucial power quality issues that occur in electrical power systems. Renewable energy plays a vital role in electrical distribution networks due to the high economic returns. However, the presence of photovoltaic systems changes the nature of the energy flow in the grid and causes many problems such as voltage deviation. In this work, several predictive models are examined for voltage regulation in the Jordanian Sabha distribution network equipped with photovoltaic farms. The augmented grey wolf optimizer is used to train the different predictive models. To evaluate the performance of models, a value of one for regression factor and a low value for root mean square error, mean square error, and mean absolute error are used as standards. In addition, a comparison between nineteen predictive models has been made. The results have proved the capability of linear regression and the gaussian process to restore the bus voltages in the distribution network accurately and quickly and to solve the shortening in the voltage dynamic response caused by the iterative nature of the heuristic algorithm. 

The shading quality of tree species and their influence on the microclimate of the immediate surroundings in urban environments

The purpose of this paper was to assess the quality and impact of the shading offered by two types of shading trees Samanea saman (rain tree) and Searsia Pendulina (Wit Karee) of the environmental variables Dry Bulb Temperature (TBS) and Radiant Thermal Load (CTR) by selected species trees and increasing their relative air humidity (RH) on the climatic conditions of the University of Baghdad, and Baghdad Park in An Nasiriyah, Iraq. Data related to the variables described were collected by means of two sets of thermometers placed: the one in tree shade (5 m) and the second in trunk (full sun) at 10 m, from June to August 2020, for each single tree, for 3 days each hour from 10:00 am to 14:00 pm. The calculation of the percentage of the Relatively Variated Values, at 5 m and 10 m, with respect to the values obtained at 5 m for quantification of shading contribution to the attenuation and augmentation of environmental variables took place. The data were analysed by testing the following hypotheses: I TBS shade attenuation > TBS attenuation at 10 m (ii) shade CTR attenuation > CTR attenuation at 10 m and (iii) shade RH increased > RH increase at 10 m. Increased shade of TBS at 10 m. The results show the good impact on TBS and CTR mitigation and RH increases. Searsia Pendulina was the most prominent species that exhibited a general TBS attenuation range from 5% to 10%, rain tree and Karee in the UR variable with increments over 30% and Karee in the CTR shadow rates with attenuations in the order of 15%. The comparison of results in this sector with the criterion of comfort has proved the impact on improving the microclimate of the local environment of the researched arboreal species

REST API auto generation: a model-based approach

t. Most of software products, especially mobile applications (apps) rely on a back-end web services to communicate with a shared data repository. Statistics have demonstrated exponential demand on web services, mainly REST, due to the continuous adoption of IoT (Internet of Things) and Cloud Computing. However, the development of back-end REST web services is not a trivial task, and can be intimidating even for seasoned developers. Despite the fact that there are several studies that focus on automatic generation of REST APIs, we argue that those approaches violate the rules of code flexibility and are not appropriate for novice developers. In this study, we present an approach and a framework, named RAAG (REST Api Auto-Generation), that aims to improve productivity by simplifying the development of REST web services. Our RAAG framework abstracts layers, where code generation has been avoided due its limitations. A preliminary evaluation shows that RAAG can significantly improves development productivity and is easy to operate even by novice developers

High-performance speed control for three-phase induction motor based on reverse direction algorithm and artificial neural network

This research proposes two approaches for determining the required frequency and modulation index for a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) system in a variable frequency drive (VFD) to control the speed of the three-phase induction motor. The first approach which is the reverse direction algorithm (RDA), uses a set of equations to calculate the necessary frequency and voltage for maintaining a constant motor speed under varying load conditions. The second one involves training a neural network (NN) on data collected by the RDA, which can then be used to continuously adjust the motor speed in real time to adapt to changing load torque requirements. Simulation and laboratory models for the three-phase induction motor are built and the proposed RDA-NN controller is examined. Results have proved that the proposed controller is effective in providing a stable and responsive motor speed control system

Blockchain-Based Solution for COVID-19 Digital Medical Passports and Immunity Certificates

COVID-19 has emerged as a highly contagious disease which has caused a devastating impact across the world with a very large number of infections and deaths. Timely and accurate testing is paramount to an effective response to this pandemic as it helps identify infections and therefore mitigate (isolate/cure) them. In this paper, we investigate this challenge and contribute by presenting a blockchain-based solution that incorporates self-sovereign identity, re-encryption proxies, and decentralized storage, such as the interplanetary file systems (IPFS). Our solution implements digital medical passports (DMP) and immunity certificates for COVID-19 test-takers. We present smart contracts based on the Ethereum blockchain written and tested successfully to maintain a digital medical identity for test-takers that help in a prompt trusted response directly by the relevant medical authorities. We reduce the response time of the medical facilities, alleviate the spread of false information by using immutable trusted blockchain, and curb the spread of the disease through DMP. We present a detailed description of the system design, development, and evaluation (cost and security analysis) for the proposed solution. Since our code leverages the use of the on-chain events, the cost of our design is almost negligible. We have made our smart contract codes publicly available on Github

A Blockchain-Based Approach for Drug Traceability in Healthcare Supply Chain

Healthcare supply chains are complex structures spanning across multiple organizational and geographical boundaries, providing critical backbone to services vital for everyday life. The inherent complexity of such systems can introduce impurities including inaccurate information, lack of transparency and limited data provenance. Counterfeit drugs is one consequence of such limitations within existing supply chains which not only has serious adverse impact on human health but also causes severe economic loss to the healthcare industry. Consequently, existing studies have emphasized the need for a robust, end-to-end track and trace system for pharmaceutical supply chains. Therein, an end-to-end product tracking system across the pharmaceutical supply chain is paramount to ensuring product safety and eliminating counterfeits. Most existing track and trace systems are centralized leading to data privacy, transparency and authenticity issues in healthcare supply chains. In this article, we present an Ethereum blockchain-based approach leveraging smart contracts and decentralized off-chain storage for efficient product traceability in the healthcare supply chain. The smart contract guarantees data provenance, eliminates the need for intermediaries and provides a secure, immutable history of transactions to all stakeholders. We present the system architecture and detailed algorithms that govern the working principles of our proposed solution. We perform testing and validation, and present cost and security analysis of the system to evaluate its effectiveness to enhance traceability within pharmaceutical supply chains

The O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status and clinical outcomes of Ewing sarcoma patients treated with irinotecan and temozolomide

Background: There remains an unmet need to identify molecular biomarkers in Ewing sarcoma (ES). We sought to assess the influence of the O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation on response and progression-free survival (PFS) following initiation of irinotecan and temozolomide (IT), PFS following initiation of vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide (VDC-IE), and overall survival (OS).   Materials and methods: Data of advanced ES patients, treated with IT were retrospectively collected. Patients were required to have progression after prior VDC-IE. MGMT promoter methylation was assessed on non-decalcified Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue using methylation sensitive restriction enzyme-quantitative PCR (MSRE-qPCR). Survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: A total of 20 ES patients underwent MGMT promoter methylation testing, and were eligible for analysis. Five patients (25%) had methylated MGMT, whereas the remaining (15; 75%) had unmethylated promoter. Five (25%) had objective response to IT, with no observed difference by promoter methylation (p = 0.76). Median PFS from initiation of IT for methylated vs. unmethylated MGMT patients was 4.9 and 1.2 months, respectively, p = 0.69. Median PFS from date of initiation of VDC-IE was significantly superior in the methylated group; 27.8 vs. 8.6 months, p = 0.034. Median OS was superior but not statistically significant in the methylated group. Conclusion: MGMT- promoter methylation did not correlate with clinical activity or outcomes following the IT regimen for advanced ES. However, methylated MGMT predicted significantly superior PFS following initiation of the standard VDC-IE protocol

A cost effectiveness analysis of salt reduction policies to reduce coronary heart disease in four Eastern Mediterranean countries.

BACKGROUND: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is rising in middle income countries. Population based strategies to reduce specific CHD risk factors have an important role to play in reducing overall CHD mortality. Reducing dietary salt consumption is a potentially cost-effective way to reduce CHD events. This paper presents an economic evaluation of population based salt reduction policies in Tunisia, Syria, Palestine and Turkey. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Three policies to reduce dietary salt intake were evaluated: a health promotion campaign, labelling of food packaging and mandatory reformulation of salt content in processed food. These were evaluated separately and in combination. Estimates of the effectiveness of salt reduction on blood pressure were based on a literature review. The reduction in mortality was estimated using the IMPACT CHD model specific to that country. Cumulative population health effects were quantified as life years gained (LYG) over a 10 year time frame. The costs of each policy were estimated using evidence from comparable policies and expert opinion including public sector costs and costs to the food industry. Health care costs associated with CHDs were estimated using standardized unit costs. The total cost of implementing each policy was compared against the current baseline (no policy). All costs were calculated using 2010 PPP exchange rates. In all four countries most policies were cost saving compared with the baseline. The combination of all three policies (reducing salt consumption by 30%) resulted in estimated cost savings of $235,000,000 and 6455 LYG in Tunisia;$39,000,000 and 31674 LYG in Syria; $6,000,000 and 2682 LYG in Palestine and$1,3000,000,000 and 378439 LYG in Turkey. CONCLUSION: Decreasing dietary salt intake will reduce coronary heart disease deaths in the four countries. A comprehensive strategy of health education and food industry actions to label and reduce salt content would save both money and lives

Burden of disease scenarios for 204 countries and territories, 2022–2050: a forecasting analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: Future trends in disease burden and drivers of health are of great interest to policy makers and the public at large. This information can be used for policy and long-term health investment, planning, and prioritisation. We have expanded and improved upon previous forecasts produced as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) and provide a reference forecast (the most likely future), and alternative scenarios assessing disease burden trajectories if selected sets of risk factors were eliminated from current levels by 2050. Methods: Using forecasts of major drivers of health such as the Socio-demographic Index (SDI; a composite measure of lag-distributed income per capita, mean years of education, and total fertility under 25 years of age) and the full set of risk factor exposures captured by GBD, we provide cause-specific forecasts of mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) by age and sex from 2022 to 2050 for 204 countries and territories, 21 GBD regions, seven super-regions, and the world. All analyses were done at the cause-specific level so that only risk factors deemed causal by the GBD comparative risk assessment influenced future trajectories of mortality for each disease. Cause-specific mortality was modelled using mixed-effects models with SDI and time as the main covariates, and the combined impact of causal risk factors as an offset in the model. At the all-cause mortality level, we captured unexplained variation by modelling residuals with an autoregressive integrated moving average model with drift attenuation. These all-cause forecasts constrained the cause-specific forecasts at successively deeper levels of the GBD cause hierarchy using cascading mortality models, thus ensuring a robust estimate of cause-specific mortality. For non-fatal measures (eg, low back pain), incidence and prevalence were forecasted from mixed-effects models with SDI as the main covariate, and YLDs were computed from the resulting prevalence forecasts and average disability weights from GBD. Alternative future scenarios were constructed by replacing appropriate reference trajectories for risk factors with hypothetical trajectories of gradual elimination of risk factor exposure from current levels to 2050. The scenarios were constructed from various sets of risk factors: environmental risks (Safer Environment scenario), risks associated with communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases (CMNNs; Improved Childhood Nutrition and Vaccination scenario), risks associated with major non-communicable diseases (NCDs; Improved Behavioural and Metabolic Risks scenario), and the combined effects of these three scenarios. Using the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways climate scenarios SSP2-4.5 as reference and SSP1-1.9 as an optimistic alternative in the Safer Environment scenario, we accounted for climate change impact on health by using the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change temperature forecasts and published trajectories of ambient air pollution for the same two scenarios. Life expectancy and healthy life expectancy were computed using standard methods. The forecasting framework includes computing the age-sex-specific future population for each location and separately for each scenario. 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for each individual future estimate were derived from the 2·5th and 97·5th percentiles of distributions generated from propagating 500 draws through the multistage computational pipeline. Findings: In the reference scenario forecast, global and super-regional life expectancy increased from 2022 to 2050, but improvement was at a slower pace than in the three decades preceding the COVID-19 pandemic (beginning in 2020). Gains in future life expectancy were forecasted to be greatest in super-regions with comparatively low life expectancies (such as sub-Saharan Africa) compared with super-regions with higher life expectancies (such as the high-income super-region), leading to a trend towards convergence in life expectancy across locations between now and 2050. At the super-region level, forecasted healthy life expectancy patterns were similar to those of life expectancies. Forecasts for the reference scenario found that health will improve in the coming decades, with all-cause age-standardised DALY rates decreasing in every GBD super-region. The total DALY burden measured in counts, however, will increase in every super-region, largely a function of population ageing and growth. We also forecasted that both DALY counts and age-standardised DALY rates will continue to shift from CMNNs to NCDs, with the most pronounced shifts occurring in sub-Saharan Africa (60·1% [95% UI 56·8–63·1] of DALYs were from CMNNs in 2022 compared with 35·8% [31·0–45·0] in 2050) and south Asia (31·7% [29·2–34·1] to 15·5% [13·7–17·5]). This shift is reflected in the leading global causes of DALYs, with the top four causes in 2050 being ischaemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, compared with 2022, with ischaemic heart disease, neonatal disorders, stroke, and lower respiratory infections at the top. The global proportion of DALYs due to YLDs likewise increased from 33·8% (27·4–40·3) to 41·1% (33·9–48·1) from 2022 to 2050, demonstrating an important shift in overall disease burden towards morbidity and away from premature death. The largest shift of this kind was forecasted for sub-Saharan Africa, from 20·1% (15·6–25·3) of DALYs due to YLDs in 2022 to 35·6% (26·5–43·0) in 2050. In the assessment of alternative future scenarios, the combined effects of the scenarios (Safer Environment, Improved Childhood Nutrition and Vaccination, and Improved Behavioural and Metabolic Risks scenarios) demonstrated an important decrease in the global burden of DALYs in 2050 of 15·4% (13·5–17·5) compared with the reference scenario, with decreases across super-regions ranging from 10·4% (9·7–11·3) in the high-income super-region to 23·9% (20·7–27·3) in north Africa and the Middle East. The Safer Environment scenario had its largest decrease in sub-Saharan Africa (5·2% [3·5–6·8]), the Improved Behavioural and Metabolic Risks scenario in north Africa and the Middle East (23·2% [20·2–26·5]), and the Improved Nutrition and Vaccination scenario in sub-Saharan Africa (2·0% [–0·6 to 3·6]). Interpretation: Globally, life expectancy and age-standardised disease burden were forecasted to improve between 2022 and 2050, with the majority of the burden continuing to shift from CMNNs to NCDs. That said, continued progress on reducing the CMNN disease burden will be dependent on maintaining investment in and policy emphasis on CMNN disease prevention and treatment. Mostly due to growth and ageing of populations, the number of deaths and DALYs due to all causes combined will generally increase. By constructing alternative future scenarios wherein certain risk exposures are eliminated by 2050, we have shown that opportunities exist to substantially improve health outcomes in the future through concerted efforts to prevent exposure to well established risk factors and to expand access to key health interventions. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation