The Impact of Work-Based Learning on Graduates Job Performance: Insights from School-in-Factory (SiF) Project

The School-in-Factory (SiF) is a pilot project for implementing dual technical and vocational education and training in Thailand by using a Work-based Learning approach with the combination of learning and working in the real process of work through the collaboration between the private company and educational institute. This study aims to evaluate the output and outcome of the SiF project by analyzing the program completion rate and the impact of the SiF project on the graduates\u27 job performance in the labour market. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative data is collected from official project records. The qualitative data is collected by using an open-ended. It is found that 85% of the learners from the year 2017-2020 successfully completed the SiF program (100 out of 117 learners). The impact of the SiF program has mostly contributed to the development of subject-oriented competence, that is technical knowledge and skills of the learners. The graduates reported that the SiF program has a positive impact on their performance where knowledge of the work process, ability to adapt to the workplace, and valuable work experience gained during training are the most valued impact. Moreover, from the perspective of the employers, the employees who graduated from the SiF program have shown their competencies in technical proficiency and job professional behaviour, constructive communication and expression, teamwork, job- related problem-solving skills. The results of the study stressed the importance of work-based learning where training at the company and learning at the classroom are combined, like the SiF program, to support learner competency development. The SiF program has shown a strong collaboration with the private company partner in implementing work-based learning in Thailand. Further studies should be conducted to find out the financial benefits of the project.

Age-related structural-mechanical property changes in human peroneus longus muscle

Background: Functional impairment of the muscle-tendon unit is one of the most remarkable effects of aging. The function of the peroneus longus muscle is to stabilise the foot and ankle joint. A deterioration of the structural and mechanical properties of this muscle can potentially lead to foot problems in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the effects of age on structural, histological, and mechanical features in peroneus longus muscle samples taken from embalmed cadavers of two different age groups; young adult (30–60 years) and old adult (over 60 years). Materials and methods: The mechanical property was analysed through the results of cross-sectional area, tensile, tensile stress, and modulus of elasticity. The arran- gement of the collagen in the perimysium and tendon was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Fatty infiltration within the musculotendinous junction was evaluated by Masson’ trichrome stained muscle sections.  Results: This study thus provides evidence that there are indeed age-induced mechanical property changes in the peroneus longus muscle, which include reductions in the tensile force, tensile stress, and modulus of elasticity, and is related to the malformation of collagen fibrils and the massive fat accumulation in the musculotendinous junction.  Conclusions: These alterations may further result in a reduction of muscle strength and quality in an older person.

Malaria: the importance of phytochemicals as sources of alternative medicines

Malaria is a zoonotic disease caused by parasites from the Plasmodium genus. This parasite is transmitted to humans when bitten by female Anopheles mosquitos. Five species of Plasmodium are known to infect humans: P. malariae, P. ovale, P. knowlesi, P. falciparum, and P. vivax. Of these, P. falciparum is associated with the highest probability of severe infection. This parasite's lifecycle involves a sexual stage and an asexual stage. The first takes place in the mosquito and the second in humans. The diagnosis of malaria can be done by microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests or molecular methods, the latter being the most accurate. As for the treatment of this disease, artemisinin, chloroquine, primaquine, and tafenoquine are the principal components used in today's available treatments. Vaccination is also an important factor in the fight against malaria, and, presently, there are two available vaccines, RTS, S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M. Several phytochemicals effective against malaria are also found in plant species used in traditional medicine. Examples are Azadirachta indica, Gossypium barbadense, Toddalia asiatica, Alstonia scholaris, Carica papaya, Andrographis paniculata, and Strychnos ligustrina. Furthermore, compounds from three wild nutmeg species have also been proven effective against P. falciparum. The medicinal properties of phytochemicals like alkaloids, phenolic compounds and terpenes have even allowed the investigation of drug-resistant malaria strains. When it comes to preventing malaria transmission, insecticide treated nests and indoor residual spraying have been proven to reduce transmission rates. For pregnant women, intermittent preventive treatment of malaria is also recommended. The need for the development of innovative treatment and prevention strategies is urgent due to the emergence of resistant strains. Hence, we present an overview of the available treatment and prevention strategies currently approved and employed while focusing on the potential of phytochemicals as targets for further studies that can lead to the development of new medicines.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Efficacy of the Strengths-Based Resilience Intervention among Thai First-Year Nursing Students: A Mixed-Methods Study

"Backgrounds: The prevalence of mental health problems among college students was rising even before the COVID-19 epidemic. The university-age population was affected by the epidemic, and studies have shown that this group is more vulnerable to COVID-related stress, anxiety, and depression. The adjustment to college is difficult during the pandemic, leading to high-stress levels and other mental health problems. Strengthening oneself and developing resilience can improve one's mental health and prevent adverse health effects. Objective: This research aimed to evaluate the Strengths-Based Resilience Intervention, focused on leveraging personal strengths to improve first-year nursing students' access to resources that affect their perceived stress, resilience, emotional self-awareness, and belonging. Design: A 5-week strengths-based resilience program was implemented with Thai first-year nursing students who experienced the challenges of college transition. A mixed-method, intervention-control group study was used to examine the efficiency of the intervention. A pre-post survey was used to compare the effect of the pre and post-participant responses on stress, resilience, emotional awareness, and belonging among first-year nursing students. The data was collected using the Perceived Stress Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, Emotional Self-Awareness Scale, and Perceived Cohesion Questionnaire. In-class reflective writings and final presentations were used to analyze the participant's qualitative responses to the program. Results: The post-intervention comparison between the intervention and control groups highlighted significant improvements in resilience, emotional self-awareness, and belonging within the intervention group. Notably, the outcomes did not differ significantly between participants with and without Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Qualitatively, four key themes emerged from participants' reflections on the program: “Focus on strength not weakness,” “Sharing, listening, and learning from each other,” “Understand yourself and understand others,” and “Transformational learning.” Discussion: The study's findings emphasize the critical role of strength-based interventions in enhancing resilience among nursing students, particularly within the high-stress contexts of their academic and clinical training. These interventions not only assist in stress management but also contribute to nursing students' overall well-being and academic success."Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)2025-05-1

Exercise program using a foam-bead bag improves balance abilities and strength of lower extremities in older adults

Exercise program using a foam-bead bag improves balance abilities and strength of lower extremities in older adult

Data for: Accuracy of Modified 30-Second Chair-Stand Test (30s-CST) with Visual and Somatosensory Perturbations for Predicting Future Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Accuracy of Modified 30-Second Chair-Stand Test (30s-CST) with Visual and Somatosensory Perturbations for Predicting Future Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adult

A Custom-made Visual Feedback Device

Custom-made Visual Feedback Device on Balance and Functional Lower-Extremity Strengt

Data for: Accuracy of Modified 30-Second Chair-Stand Test (30s-CST) with Visual and Somatosensory Perturbations for Predicting Future Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Accuracy of Modified 30-Second Chair-Stand Test (30s-CST) with Visual and Somatosensory Perturbations for Predicting Future Falls in Community-Dwelling Older AdultsTHIS DATASET IS ARCHIVED AT DANS/EASY, BUT NOT ACCESSIBLE HERE. TO VIEW A LIST OF FILES AND ACCESS THE FILES IN THIS DATASET CLICK ON THE DOI-LINK ABOV

Characteristics of participants in the intervention and control groups.

Characteristics of participants in the intervention and control groups.</p