Author Correction: Effects of process factors on performances of liquid membrane-based transfer of indole-3-acetic acid

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

The BIM-Based Building Permit Process: Factors Affecting Adoption

Public organizations responsible for building permits are increasingly considering the potential applications of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in their workflows, but BIM adoption still remains a complex challenge. This research aims to investigate the factors affecting BIM adoption for building permits through a case study of a public organization currently developing and piloting a BIM-based building permit process. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interview data revealed ten factors that influence BIM adoption for building permits: complexity (in both development and use) of a BIM-based building permit system; relative advantages/disadvantages of BIM for building permits; the existing building permit system; management support for a BIM-based building permit process; organizational culture; BIM awareness; training and learning; available expertise for a BIM-based building permit process; external pressure; and legal context. The findings are important for public authorities’ understanding of both the enablers and challenges of the BIM-based building permit process, and have practical implications for professionals in public authorities in particular, and also the Architecture Engineering Construction/Facilities Management (AEC/FM) industry in general, to guide their steps towards adopting BIM. This research also highlights the potential benefits of BIM adoption for the building permit process.

Experimental investigations and multi criteria optimization during machining of A356/WC MMCs using EDM

In the current paper, the authors are intended to manufacture the aluminum based metal matrix composite (MMC) employing the stir casting process. Further, the fabricated composite sample is investigated for machining characteristics during the die sink electrical discharge machining process (EDM). EDM is most commonly employed to satisfy the special needs of industry such as developing deep holes and complex contours from high strength materials such as composites, alloys, smart materials, and functionally graded materials. In the current study A356 and 4%, tungsten carbide (WC) powder are considered as matrix and strengthening materials respectively to fabricate the MMCs. During the machining activity, the input factors like discharge current (Ip), Voltage (Vg), Pulse On-Time (Ton), and flushing pressure (P) are optimized for achieving optimum surface roughness (SR), Tool Wear Rate (TWR) and Material Removal Rate (MRR). To estimate the ideal set of process factors grey regression analysis (GRA) is used. From the results, it was observed that the GRA is found to perform better than the RSM.

An Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Aluminium 6061 Alloy Reinforced with Boron Carbide and Silicon Carbide

Aluminium alloys are widely utilised in the aerospace and automobile industries due to their low density and strong mechanical qualities, as well as their superior corrosion and wear resistance and low thermal coefficient of expansion as compared to traditional metals and alloys. These material’s superior mechanical qualities and inexpensive production costs make them an appealing alternative for a wide range of scientific and technical applications. In this study, we strive to present a literature review on the overall performance of reinforced composites created by the stir casting method, as well as the effect of process factors on the properties of Aluminium-based MMC. The literature review framework in this paper provides a clear overview that the process parameters play important role for optimum properties of Aluminium based Metal Matrix Composites. As reinforcing elements in Metal Matrix Composites, Boron Carbide and Silicon Carbide play an important role. The MMCs were successfully produced using the liquid metallurgy process. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the morphology and microstructure of Al-B4C and Al-SiC composites. The addition of 2, 4 and 6 wt% B4C and SiC particles increased several mechanical parameters such as ultimate tensile strength and hardness. It was also discovered that the mechanical behaviour of B4C particulates AMC is superior to that of SiC particulates AMC. Keywords: Aluminum, Metal matrix composite, SiC, B4C, Tensile test, Hardness test and SEM Analysis.

Malnutrition–Sarcopenia Syndrome and Self-Management Behaviors in Continuing-Care Retirement Community Residents

Malnutrition–sarcopenia syndrome (MSS) might put older adults at higher risk for disability, frailty, and mortality. This study examined the prevalence and association of the self-management-process factors (i.e., self-efficacy and aging expectations) and behaviors (protein and caloric intake and sedentary and physical-activity behaviors) to MSS among older adults living in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Using a cross-sectional correlational design, data of 96 CCRC residents (82.4 ± 7.4 years) were analyzed. Muscle mass, strength, function, nutritional status, sedentary time, physical activity levels, protein and caloric intake, self-efficacy for physical activity, aging expectations, and physical and mental health-related quality of life were measured. Results show that 36 (37.5%) had sarcopenia, 21 (21.9%) had malnutrition risk, 13 (13.4%) had malnutrition, and 12 (12.5%) had MSS. We also found that high time spent in sedentary behaviors (OR = 1.041; 95% CI: 1.011–1.071) was associated with higher odds of having MSS and high expectations regarding aging (OR = 0.896; 95% CI: 0.806–0.997) was associated with less likelihood of having MSS. Findings suggest that CCRC residents should be screened for MSS. Self-management interventions that consider the self-management-process factors are needed to prevent MSS and mitigate its negative outcomes among CRCC residents.

RESEARCH OF GENERAL HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY ACCORDING TO OPTIMAL PARAMETERS AS A COMPONENT OF COMPLEX DEVELOPMENT OF EFCE AND CFE-UA ASSOCIATIONS

The analysis of the prospects for the development of hydrogen energy in the EU and Ukraine is carried out. The possibilities of implementing projects and technologies for the production of green hydrogen for industrial use are considered. The conditions for the implementation of the project for the creation of a research and development center for hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cell technology are presented. A review of publications devoted to the process of obtaining hydrogen from water has been completed. The main factors influencing the course of reactions in the production of hydrogen from water using alloys are considered. Recommended alloys for producing hydrogen at autonomous facilities. The components of the research algorithm are given taking into account the system of process factors based on the analysis of literature data on the technology of hydrogen production by the electrolysis of water. The general principles of calculating gas generators have been established, which should be based on the basic principles of the thermodynamics of heterogeneous processes: classical thermodynamics of multiphase and heterogeneous systems.

Development and Evaluation of Lyophilized Methotrexate Nanosuspension using Quality by Design Approach

With the application of the quality by design (QbD) approach, a high-pressure homogenizer (HPH) methodology was employed to develop methotrexate nanosuspension (MTX-NS) to boost bioavailability. The Ishikawa diagram was used to analyze potential risk factors in formulation development. To screen and study the impact of various formulation and process factors on the critical quality attributes (CQA), the Placket–Burman design and central composite design were utilized. The number of HPH cycles, poloxamer 188 concentration, and tween 80 concentration were shown to be significant parameters (P<0.05), that were further optimized using Central Composite Design. The zeta potential of optimized lyophilized MTX-NS was determined to be –11.6 ± 7.52 mV and the average particle size was 260 ± 0.25 nm. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments revealed a greater than 80% inhibition, with apoptotic cells shrinking, fragmentation, and cell death. Furthermore, the Cmax and AUC0-t were increased by 2.53 and 8.83 folds, respectively. The relative bioavailability of MTX-NS was found to be 8.83 times higher than that of MTX-aqueous dispersion. As a result, the QbD method resulted in the development of a lyophilized MTX-NS with process understanding and control based on quality risk management.

Prevailing Status of Educational Process Factors in Junior High Schools in the Central Region of Ghana

Globally, there is the quest to improve quality education as highlighted by the Sustainable Development Goal 4. One of the quintessential factors that could facilitate the attainment of this global goal is effective and adequate educational process factors. The study specifically sought to assess the state of educational process factors such as teacher use of instructional time, level of parental and community involvement, type of leadership, curriculum coverage among the urban, rural, public, and private junior high schools in the Central Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was used to carry out the study. Through stratified sampling technique, 1260 respondents comprising 126 head teachers, and 378 junior high school teachers were engaged in the study. Two sets of questionnaires were designed for the headteachers and teachers. Data gathered were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations as well as chi-square test of association and independent samples t-test. It was found that educational process factors were generally better in urban schools as well as private schools. For rural schools and public schools, the educational process factors were poor, particularly, the percentage of syllabus coverage was low for English, Mathematics, and Integrated Science. It was concluded that deficit in educational process factors posed threat to the quality of education. It was suggested that the Ministry of Education, together with teachers should strive to enhance process variables in schools.

Factors Influencing the Post-Release Movements of Translocated Fishers: Implications for Translocation Success

Long distance, post-release movements of translocated wildlife can be a key factor limiting translocation success. Yet, for many species, we have little or no understanding of factors that influence post-release movements. Translocations have been important for recovering fisher Pekania pennanti populations across the southern portion of their North American range. However, little is known about the post-release movements of translocated fishers and how these movements may be influenced by demographic or translocation-process factors. To restore fishers in Washington State, we moved 90 fishers from central British Columbia and released them at nine sites in the Olympic Fisher Recovery Area on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington from 2008 to 2010. We evaluated post-release movements of 48 fishers to determine both the distance and duration of movements prior to home range establishment. Fishers moved extensively following their release. Multi-model selection indicated a high level of support for the hypothesis that post-release movements differed by fisher sex and age; whereas, year of release had no apparent effect on movements, and release date had only a marginal influence on male movements. Mean distance (± 95% CI) from a release site to a home range was greater for adult males (62.0 ± 19.6 km) than for juvenile males (31.4 ± 16.0 km), adult females (30.9 ± 21.1 km), and juvenile females (29.0 ± 13.5 km). Mean number of days from release until home range establishment was similar for the sexes, however the variance in movement duration was greater for females. Twenty-six of 27 females established home ranges over an 11-month period (December-October), while 19 of 21 males did so within a 4-month period (April-July). Mean home range sizes differed between males (128.3 ± 21.1 km2) and females (63.5 ± 9.0 km2) and were among the largest reported for the species. A greater proportion of females (18 of 27; 67%) than males (8 of 21; 38%) established home ranges within or partially within the recovery area. Six females left a previously established home range during the breeding season, presumably to find breeding males. Given the large distances that fishers can move following release, translocation success could be furthered by releasing individuals at fewer sites in the interior of large reintroduction areas to facilitate greater exposure to a recovery area and greater opportunity to interact with conspecifics and potential mates.

Service Process Factors Affecting Patients’ and Clinicians’ Experiences on Rapid Teleconsultation Implementation in Out-patient Neurology Services during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

BackgroundPrior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the adoption of teleconsultation for outpatient neurology services was limited. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many outpatient neurology services have rapidly switched to teleconsultation worldwide. However, it remains unclear how this change has impacted patients' and clinicians' perceptions of service quality. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify process factors that influence patients' and clinicians' experiences of outpatient teleconsultation services during COVID-19.MethodsArksey and O’Malley scoping review framework was used to search PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycInfo for original peer-reviewed research studies that examined the experiences of synchronous teleconsultation between a clinician and patient in a home-setting since the World Health organization announced the COVID-19 global pandemic. The service quality model SERVQUAL was used to conduct a deductive thematic analysis to identify the key factors that impacted the patients’ and clinicians’’ perception of teleconsultation services. Results A total of nineteen studies published between January 1, 2020, and April 17, 2021, were identified. The most common service process factors affecting the patients' and clinicians' experiences of teleconsultation were technical issues, addressing logistical needs, communication, ability to perform clinical activities, appropriate triage, and administrative support. Conclusions Our findings identified six key service process factors affecting the patients' and clinicians' teleconsultation experiences in outpatient neurology services. The need for a new triage system and standardizing administrative virtual care workflow are identified as important steps to improve patients and clinicians’ teleconsultation experiences compared to pre-COVID. More research is needed to assess outpatient neurology teleconsultation service quality from patients' and clinicians' perspectives.