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Introduction. The paper reveals the specifics of implementing the service and tourism programs in educational institutions of the Republic of Korea. The emphasis is laid on the adjustment of the programs in the process of their implementation, their main shortcomings and ways to eliminate them. Analysis makes it possible to comprehend the analogous processes in Russian education, to identify similar and different features, to understand the Russian educational context, and also to globally assess the level of training in Russia. Methods and materials. Analysis of legislative acts, curricula and programs of universities that implement hospitality and tourism programs, as well as reports on research conducted in this area, made it possible to identify the main trends in the design of the programs, and problems of their implementation, as well as make some recommendations for their elimination. Results. The paper presents examines the experience of implementing the tourism and service training programs in terms of providing a wide range of knowledge and practical skills. The main problems in the implementation of the programs were identified. These are insufficient collaboration between tourism/hospitality businesses and educational institutions, difficulties in finding partners in companies, insufficient coverage of the real state of affairs in the service and tourism industry in the educational process, a discrepancy between students’ expectations from work in the tourism and hospitality industry with the real situation. The research indicates the ways of solving some problems and makes recommendations for their elimination. It is emphasized that the current curricula and programs are not invariable and can be altered according to changing working conditions. Conclusion. Setting the objectives to improve the quality of tourism and hospitality training programs should take into account the experience of some advanced foreign countries in the educational process, which is in a state of searching for ways of improvement. Thus, the study and adaptation of the world experience will contribute to the development of the most effective training patterns in Russian educational institutions with a focus on the country-specific professional training of specialists in the regions of Russia. Keywords: service and tourism education in the Republic of Korea, professional educational programs, curricula, professional skills, practice-oriented training

Background Established features of classical infratentorial superficial siderosis (iSS) include hearing loss, impaired balance, myelopathy and, less commonly, cognitive compromise. Olfactory function may be affected but dedicated studies are lacking. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in iSS and correlate it with auditory and cognitive functions. Methods Ten participants with iSS completed the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). The scores were compared with population norms; regression analysis was performed to evaluate associations between the scores and hearing thresholds (3-frequency average, 3FA) or the number of cognitive domains impaired. Imaging was reviewed for haemosiderin distribution and to exclude other causes of olfactory and hearing dysfunction. Results Eight of ten participants were male; the mean (standard deviation, SD) age was 52.5 (14.5) years. Olfactory hypofunction was identified in all participants and in six (60%) was moderate or completely absent. The mean UPSIT score of 25.5 (7.8) was significantly worse than population norms (difference in means − 10.0; 95% CI − 15.6 to − 4.4). Linear regression identified an association between UPSIT and hearing thresholds (R = 0.75; p = 0.013). The score decreases by 0.157 units (95% CI − 0.31 to − 0.002; p = 0.048) per unit increase in 3FA, after adjusting for hearing loss risk factors. There was no statistically significant association between UPSIT and cognitive function (R = 0.383; p = 0.397). Conclusion We report a high prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in iSS, the severity of which correlated with hearing loss. Olfaction appears to be a core feature of the iSS clinical syndrome that should be assessed routinely.

To evaluate the outcomes of pre-stented (PS) versus non-pre-stented (NPS) patients who have undergone retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal calculi with subgroup analysis of Asian and non-Asian cohorts.Protocol is registered in PROSPERO, CRD42021261123. Eligible studies identified from four electronic databases. Meta-analysis was done to enumerate the outcomes of RIRS in between PS and NPS. Secondary sub-analysis was done to look for differences in outcomes in Asian and non-Asian cohorts.Fourteen studies involving 3831 patients (4 prospective, 10 retrospective studies) were included. PS patients experienced higher success rates of ureteral access sheath (UAS) insertion than NPS (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.13, p 0.00001). PS patients had lower risk of ureteral injuries from UAS placement (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.96, p = 0.03). No significant differences in intra- and postoperative complications between two groups were found. Stone-free rate (SFR) outcomes for residual fragment (RF) cut-off of 1 mm and 4 mm favoured the PS patients (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.17, p = 0.002 for 4 mm, RR1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.19, p = 0.02 for 1 mm). In the subgroup analysis, PS Asian patients had similar SFR as NPS patients for SFR( 4 mm) but non-Asian population showed better outcomes in the PS patients for SFR( 4 mm) (RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.13-1.52, p = 0.0005).This meta-analysis suggests that pre-stenting results in a higher success for UAS placement, minimising intraoperative ureteric injury, with higher overall SFR for any RF cut-off in PS cohorts. In non-Asian cohort, significant differences occurred at SFR 4 mm but not for SFR 1 mm. No difference was seen in our Asian cohort for any SFR cut-off in both PS and NPS patients.

High quality, well-validated antibodies are needed to mitigate irreproducibility and clarify conflicting data in science. We describe an epitope-directed monoclonal antibody (mAb) production method that addresses issues of antibody quality, validation and utility. The workflow is illustrated by generating mAbs against multiple in silico-predicted epitopes on human ankyrin repeat domain 1 (hANKRD1) in a single hybridoma production cycle. Antigenic peptides (13-24 residues long) presented as three-copy inserts on the surface exposed loop of a thioredoxin carrier produced high affinity mAbs that are reactive to native and denatured hANKRD1. ELISA assay miniaturization afforded by novel DEXT microplates allowed rapid hybridoma screening with concomitant epitope identification. Antibodies against spatially distant sites on hANKRD1 facilitated validation schemes applicable to two-site ELISA, western blotting and immunocytochemistry. The use of short antigenic peptides of known sequence facilitated direct epitope mapping crucial for antibody characterization. This robust method motivates its ready adoption for other protein targets.

The purpose of this study is to identify parameters that affect the rate of sound transmission loss. Mathematical model of sound transmission loss (STL) is developed for laminated glass and maximize the STL of laminated glass by using response surface methodology (RSM). The main objective of this study is to determine the type of material and number of interlayers for laminated glass on the STL performance. The two-load transfer function method (TFM) coupled with LMS Test Lab Acoustic software to determine the STL. The analysis was made by observing the performance of STL with respect to different materials used, such as glass and Perspex. Besides that, number of interlayers for laminated glass also had been studied for the performance of STL. Next, the RSM will be applied to develop mathematical modelling of STL for laminated glass. Optimization on the variable of laminated glass also has been conducted to obtain optimum variable of laminated glass in order to deliver optimum STL performance.

The main objective of this study is to maximize the rate of sound absorption by applying the parameters of micro-perforated plate (MPP) such as the holes diameter, holes spacing, thickness of MPP, and air cavity depth of MPP. In this study, an optimization algorithm – Firefly algorithm is adopted to determine an optimum set of four parameters for MPP. There are four pieces of MPP with different holes of diameter and spacing was used as specimens. The two-microphone impedance tube method was used to measure sound absorption coefficient (SAC) of MPP sound absorber according to ASTM E1050-12 standard. From the experiments, MPP C (hole diameter = 0.5 mm, hole spacing = 7 mm) for both air cavity depth (30 & 60 mm) score the highest SAC which is 1.00 while MPP B (hole diameter = 0.9 mm, hole spacing = 5 mm) obtain the lowest SAC for air cavity of 30 and 60 mm, which are 0.62 and 0.54 respectively. Then, the firefly algorithm is applied to obtain the optimal solution the set of parameters for MPP sound absorber to reduce the noise level. Hence, it is concluded that by increasing the air cavity depth, holes spacing, and decreasing holes diameter size can increase the rate of sound absorption for MPP. The optimal set of parameters obtained from this study for MPP sound absorber for air cavity, hole diameter and holes spacing are 30, 0.71 mm and 0.5 respectively.

Renewable energy generation is given a priority in sustainable development worldwide to decrease the dependency of fossil fuel-based power generation. Wind energy is one of the fast-developing sources of clean energy in the last decades due to the speedy development of wind turbines’ capacity and the possibility of installing them at offshore sites. Malaysia has set-up a promising plan for renewable energy development to reduce GHG emissions by 45% by the year 2030. To date, Malaysia is depending on conventional methods for power generation such as natural gas coal and hydro. This paper discusses the future of wind power in Malaysia in terms of defining the most suitable places and their energy density and the techno-economical aspect of wind energy. It was found that Terengganu, Borneo, and Sabah are the most suitable places with an average annual wind power density greater than 500 kWh/m2.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most prevalent cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death, and its incidence is increasing. The majority of HCC cases are associated with chronic viral hepatitis. With over 170 million individuals chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide, HCV is currently a serious global health concern, leading to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and HCC, thereby causing significant morbidity and mortality. With the incidence of HCV infection increasing, the problem of HCV-associated HCC is expected to worsen as well, with the majority of HCCs developing in the setting of cirrhosis. Thus, it is imperative to provide antiviral therapy to infected individuals prior to the development of established cirrhosis in order to reduce the risk of subsequent HCC. Indeed, the successful eradication of HCV is associated with clinical and histological improvement as well as a greatly reduced risk of subsequent HCC development. Even after the development of cirrhosis, successful viral clearance is still associated with reduced HCC risk. Current standard of care antiviral treatment consists of pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin, but viral clearance rates are suboptimal with this regimen, especially in difficult to treat cohorts. However, there is a myriad of different classes of HCV-specific direct-acting antiviral agents currently in development, which can be used in combination with one another or with standard of care treatment to improve HCV cure rates. Preventative and therapeutic vaccines against HCV remain an area of ongoing research with good progress towards developing an effective vaccine in the future.

Introduction: sedentary behaviour among older inpatients is associated with increased risk of functional decline, institutionalisation and death. Studies have shown that exercise and mobility interventions can reduce the risks of some of these adverse effects. However, most studies use paid staff to deliver such interventions. We explored the feasibility and acceptability of training volunteers to promote increased physical activity among older inpatients. Methods: this pre-post mixed methods study was conducted on acute medical wards for older people. Eligible patients were aged ≥70 years, mobile prior to admission and able to provide written consent. Physical activity levels were measured using two accelerometers: the ankle-worn StepWatch Activity Monitor and wrist-worn GENEActiv. Volunteers were trained and supported by therapists to deliver individual twice-daily activity sessions, which consisted of walking, chair, and/or bed exercises. Six nurses, seven therapists, six volunteers and six patients were interviewed to determine their views of the intervention. Results: 50 participants pre-intervention (mean age 87 years, SD 4.6) had a median daily step count of 626 (IQR 298–1468) and mean daily acceleration of 9.1 milligravity (SD 3.3) ( Conclusions: findings from this study demonstrate the sedentary behaviour of older medical inpatients. Trained volunteers can safely deliver mobility and exercise interventions for older inpatients. A controlled trial is required to determine the impact of trained volunteers on patient outcomes.

Introduction Mindfulness-based training has shown potential in reducing anxious and ruminative thoughts before sleep, and improving sleep quality. However, traditional 8-week programs have limited acceptability and uptake. In this study, we aimed to test the effects of a short introductory mindfulness training course on pre-sleep arousal and sleep quality. Methods Enrollees in a 4-week Mindfulness Foundation Course were invited to participate in the study and were allocated to one of two groups: intervention (N = 57) and waitlist control (N = 39). 101 participants enrolled in the experiment and 96 completed the protocol (mean(sd) age = 49.5(1.5), 56 female). Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) and the pre-sleep arousal scale (PSAS), and were monitored by actigraphy for a week at baseline and post-intervention. To test the effect of the intervention, outcome variables were subjected to repeated-measures ANCOVA with group as a between-subject variable, and age, gender, and years of education as covariates using intent-to-treat analysis. Results PSQI scores improved across both groups (treatment: t56=4.25, p Conclusion The study suggests that a 4-week introductory mindfulness course has moderate effects on reducing cognitive arousal prior to sleep, and that these effects are correlated with improvements in subjective sleep quality. Support This study was funded from a STaR investigator grant (NMRC/STaR/0015/2013) and the National Research Foundation (Singapore) Science of Learning Grant (NRF2016-SOL002-001).

Power tool produced vibration when human use it for the activities of construction, repairing or finishing. Long-term mechanical vibration exposure of power tools causes worker's fingers to feel prickle and numbness, which lead to the phenomenon of hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Thus, the vibration of power tool was studied and analysed in this study. First, the results of vibration level of pistol-grip corded drill were collected by using vibrometer, respectively to x, y and z-axis direction. Furthermore, to study the effect of mass on the vibration level, the vibrations results have been collected when mass attached to power tool are 1 kg and 2 kg respectively. To predict the vibration amplitudes, neural network was used to build the model from the collected experimental data and generated the required prediction results. MATLAB software has been used to analyse measurement results and predict new vibration results. Simulated vibration results have lower acceleration compared with measured vibration results, especially at the peak of vibration amplitude. The neural network model was developed in this study can be considered as reliable and applied in the design of mechanical and electrical component of power tool to reduce the vibration generated during its operating.

In this work, we investigate an fabricating route of solution-processed thin-film transistors (TFTs). The high-k dielectric layers of aluminum oxide (AlO) were optimized through hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). With Zn incorporation in tin oxide (SnO) semiconductor layer, the ZnSnO TFT with a field effect mobility of 4.3 cm2·V−1·s−1, a threshold voltage of 2 V, a subthreshold swing of 0.16 V/dec and an on/off ratio of 106.

In this work, the Ni/AlO x /Pt RRAM device was fabricated with solution-processed AlO x thin film at different annealing temperatures (150/200/250/300/350°C). The supreme electrical performance and stable operation of device has been achieved demonstrating resistive switching characteristics at 250°C, including SET operation voltage lower than 1.5 V, narrowest resistance distribution, retention time longer than 104 s and endurance over 102 cycles. The results reveal the effect of dielectric fabrication temperatures for RRAM device and demonstrate the prospect of solution-processed methodology.

In this study, we describe how to obtain high-quality Al 2 O 3 dielectric thin films and their implementation in In 2 O 3 thin film transistors by combining plasma treatment and combustion process at low temperatures (250 °C). The single layer Al 2 O 3 dielectric formed by this technique exhibited a higher areal capacitance and a lower leakage level compared with those of conventional solution-processed Al 2 O 3 . The resulting TFTs presented a superior electrical performance at a low operating voltage of 2 V, with a positive threshold voltage of 0.39 V, a subthreshold swing of 0.V/decade, an On/Off ratio of 1.8×104, and a superior mobility of 136 cm2 V−1 s−1.

One year of calcium supplementation in older women led to modest reductions in total osteocalcin and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), with no changes in muscle or fat mass, or glycated haemoglobin. Future studies should explore whether treatments with more profound effects of suppressing ucOC may lead to impaired glycaemic control.Total osteocalcin (TOC) is a marker of bone turnover, while its undercarboxylated form has beneficial effects on glucose metabolism in mice. This post hoc analysis of a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined whether 1 year of calcium supplementation affected circulating TOC, undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) or glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in 1368 older community-dwelling women (mean age 75.2 ± 2.7 years).Women enrolled in the Calcium Intake Fracture Outcome Study trial (1998-2003) were supplemented with 1.2 g/d of elemental calcium (in the form of calcium carbonate) or placebo. Circulating TOC, ucOC and HbA1c was measured at 1 year (1999).After 1 year of calcium supplementation, TOC and ucOC levels were 17% and 22% lower compared with placebo (mean 22.7 ± 9.1 vs. 27.3 ± 10.9 μg/L and 11.1 ± 4.9 vs. 13.0 ± 5.7 μg/L, both P 0.001). Carboxylated osteocalcin/ucOC was 6% lower after calcium supplementation (P 0.05). Despite this, no differences in HbA1c were observed (calcium, 5.2 ± 0.6 vs. placebo, 5.3 ± 0.8%; P = 0.08). Calcium supplementation did not affect BMI, whole body lean or fat mass. In exploratory analyses, total calcium (dietary and supplemental) was inversely related to TOC and ucOC, indicating calcium intake is an important dietary determinant of osteocalcin levels.One year of calcium supplementation in older women led to modest reductions in TOC and ucOC, with no changes in muscle or fat mass, or HbA1c. Future studies should explore whether treatments with more profound effects of suppressing ucOC may lead to impaired glycaemic control.

In this work, we investigate an eco-friendly route of fabricating solution-processed thin-film transistors (TFTs). With Li incorporation in the indium oxide (InO) semiconductor layer, the annealing temperature can be lowered to 200°C. The combination with a solution processed high-k aluminum oxide (A1O) dielectric layer, produces a TFT field effect mobility with average value of 20.5 cm2·V−1·s−1 from 30 samples, which is a promising result for future applications.

In this study, we develop a simple and eco-friendly aqueous route for the fabrication of sodium (Na) doped ZnO/AlO x thin-film transistors (TFTs). To prepare Na doped ZnO and AlO x thin films, ammonia water and deionized water were used as the precursor solvents. The A1O x thin film annealed at 300°C showed an areal-capacitance of 129 nf/cm2 at 1 kHz. On the basis of its implementation as the gate oxide, fully solution-processed Na doped ZnO TFTs were fabricated and the electrical characteristics were systematically studied. The fully solution processed Na doped ZnO/ A1O x TFTs exhibited a high field effect mobility of 21 cm2 V−1 s−1, a subthreshold swing of 0.58 V/decade, a threshold voltage of 0.8 V, and an on/off current ratio of 2×104.

In this work, the Al/GO/Si/Al RRAM device was fabricated with solution-processed graphene oxide (GO) thin film at low temperature (50 □). A superior electrical performance and stable operation of the device has been achieved showing typical bipolar resistive switching characteristics with operation voltage lower than 3 V, retention property sustained over 104 s and endurance over 102 cycles. The results suggest that the solution-processed GO thin films exhibit great potential for use in the flexible device.