Evaluation Approach Research Articles

Ripples of change: transforming lives and communities through sport in Colombia

The Colombianitos Foundation (CF) is a pioneering youth development organization that utilizes football as a pedagogical instrument to promote life skills, civic values, and social inclusion in vulnerable communities across Colombia. This study aims to challenge the foundational assumption that sport can catalyze positive change and impart civic values, by investigating the perceived change and efficacy of the CFs Goals for a Better Life program on positive youth development in Colombia. Employing a qualitative research methodology, 28 in-depth interviews with administrators and coaches were conducted, followed by a content analysis to identify thematic patterns. The findings reveal CF's transformative capacity in cultivating human capital, social and societal capital, and distinct programmatic characteristics. CF's interventions foster significant behavioral changes, such as improved conflict resolution and non-violent communication, while promoting essential life skills and social cohesion. Moreover, the study illustrates CF's role in generating a ripple effect, wherein the benefits extend beyond individual participants to their families and the broader community. CF challenges entrenched gender norms through its mixed-gender team structure, aligning with SDG 5, and demonstrates a commitment to fostering peaceful, inclusive societies in line with SDG 16. By grounding its approach in evidence-based evaluation and leveraging strategic partnerships, CF exemplifies a sustainable model of sport-for-development. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of sport's potential to drive long-term social transformation, offering empirical insights for future research and intervention design in post-conflict and marginalized settings.

Setting the game plan: an international Delphi study on evaluating a population-wide youth sports financial incentive

BackgroundChildren and adolescents’ physical inactivity is a global problem. Financial incentives are increasingly utilised to support children’s participation in sport, with programs introduced in multiple jurisdictions globally, however few programs have comprehensive evaluations. This study used a Delphi methodology to develop evaluation recommendations for an existing population-wide financial incentive program based in South Australia.MethodsA three-round Delphi study was conducted from October 2022 to April 2023. A diverse range of stakeholders including end-users, government representatives, academics/researchers, and Non-Government Organisation representatives participated in the Delphi panel. Round 1 focussed on the perceived importance of various evaluation components, including reach, process, and effectiveness. Round 2 focussed on identifying evaluation approaches and tools, while Round 3 determined methodological priorities and timeframes. A consensus level of ≥ 70% was set a priori (rating 6 or 7 on 7-point scale). Round 3 results were used to formulate evaluation recommendations.ResultsSixty-seven stakeholders agreed to participate, with an average response rate of 76% (87%; 73% and 67% for each round, respectively). All evaluation components gained consensus in Round 1. In Round 2, consensus was gained on 14 evaluation measures, including measuring the cost of sport, awareness of the program amongst eligible families, and reasons for non-participation, with evaluation methods generated for each measure. Round 3 results determined participants’ preferred methods of evaluation and informed the development of evaluation recommendations. Recommended evaluation methods included mixed method approaches for provider and user process evaluations and measuring program awareness using an epidemiological survey.ConclusionThis Delphi study sought the views and opinions from diverse stakeholders to create evaluation recommendations for a population-wide sports voucher program. Results suggested that a comprehensive evaluation strategy is needed to understand the reach, effectiveness, and impact of the program. Additionally, there was a consensus on reallocating program funds for this evaluation.

Protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of preventive interventions versus any control intervention for parents with a mental disorder on offspring outcomes

BackgroundOffspring of parents with a mental disorder are at high risk of a range of adverse outcomes, highlighting the need for preventive interventions. However, a comprehensive overview of the beneficial and harmful effects of preventive interventions for parents with mental disorders on offspring outcomes are uncertain. The main objective of this systematic review will be to assess the effects of preventive interventions versus any control intervention for parents with a mental disorder on offspring outcomes.Methods/designWe will conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis and report it as recommended by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), bias will be assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool-version 2 (ROB2), an eight-step procedure will be used to assess if the thresholds for clinical significance are crossed, trial sequential analysis will be conducted to control for random errors, and the certainty of the evidence will be assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. To identify relevant trials, we will search for published trials in several electronic databases from their inception to the present. We will also search for unpublished trials and grey literature. Two review authors will independently screen the articles, extract data, and perform a risk of bias assessment. We will include any published or unpublished randomized clinical trial comparing a psychological preventive intervention versus any control intervention for parents with any mental disorder. The primary outcomes will be quality of life and incidence of a mental disorder. Secondary outcomes will include internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, serious adverse events, out-of-home placement, and absence from school or daycare. Exploratory outcomes include trauma, socioemotional development, and language development. All outcomes will be assessed in offsping only.DiscussionThere is an urgent need for a comprehensive, updated systematic review of the beneficial and harmful effects of preventive interventions for children of parents with a mental disorder. The findings of this systematic review are expected to provide evidence-based information for policymakers, clinicians, and researchers to help them make informed decisions about the most effective interventions and guide future research for this highly prevalent population.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42023463421.

ASSESSMENT SYSTEM FOR ARABIC LANGUAGE LEARNING WITHIN THE INDEPENDENT CURRICULUM

The Arabic Language Learning Assessment System explores a range of evaluative approaches aimed at measuring student progress in Arabic language acquisition. This study delves into various assessment methods and strategies for evaluating communicative competencies, reading, writing, and other linguistic skills pertinent to Arabic. It also highlights the significance of adopting diverse and contextually appropriate assessment techniques. Moreover, the study discusses how an effective assessment framework can enhance students' comprehension and proficiency in Arabic. Findings indicate that the Independent Learning Curriculum significantly contributes to the educational process, with an emphasis on student engagement through both summative and formative assessments. It is recommended that educational institutions innovate by improving learning facilities, particularly through enhanced technological support, such as the integration of projectors in the learning environment. This study underscores the necessity for continuous development in educational tools and strategies to better support Arabic language learning.

Exploration of the “Three Transformations, Four Integrations, Five Expansions” Hybrid Teaching Path in Curriculum and Teaching Innovation Reform: A Case Study of the “Design Drawing A” Course

Using the “Design Drawing A” course as a case study, this paper addresses key challenges encountered in the learning process by adopting a “student-centered” approach rooted in outcome-based education. The course team proposes a blended teaching model defined by “three transformations, four integrations, and five expansions,” which places students at the core of the learning experience. Through a comprehensive restructuring of the curriculum and innovative teaching methods, elements of civic education—including national identity, rule of law, scientific inquiry, and philosophical reasoning—are effectively integrated into the classroom. This model broadens the teaching process across multiple dimensions and refines the evaluation approach to be both multi-dimensional and dynamic. As a result, the course’s blended teaching approach yields significant, innovative outcomes.

Management excellence practices in small- and medium-sized industries: proposition of an evaluation approach and application in an emerging country

PurposeThis paper proposes an evaluation approach for analyzing excellence management practices at a regional level based on experts’ assessment.Design/methodology/approachUsing the National Quality Foundation’s Management Excellence Model (MEG), 19 management excellence practices were identified and tailored for small- and medium-sized industries (SMIs). Data were collected through a survey with 25 experts who assessed these practices in the context of Brazilian manufacturing SMIs. The analysis utilized Fuzzy TOPSIS Class (FTC), and a sensitivity analysis was also conducted.FindingsThe proposed evaluation approach integrates a reference model for management excellence (MEG), an analysis method incorporating uncertainty (FTC), and results that enable decision-makers to make well-informed choices. Of the 19 practices assessed, 15 were classified as “unacceptable,” while four were rated as “regular,” and none as “expected.” Key challenges relate to practices in information security, knowledge, innovation and change management.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s primary limitation is the use of non-probabilistic sampling and its focus on the Brazilian context. However, the extensive knowledge and experience of the experts in manufacturing SMIs and the need for studies addressing specific regional contexts should be noted.Practical implicationsThe findings reveal a significant gap between ideal management practices and the actual state of SMIs, especially in emerging markets.Originality/valueThis research introduces a novel approach that combines a reference model tailored for SMIs with a multicriteria decision-making method, offering valuable insights for decision-makers and guiding future research.

A hybrid linear Diophantine fuzzy group decision approach for enterprise digital transformation maturity evaluation

PurposeThe main goal of this paper is to present a synthetic multiple criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) methodology for assessing the enterprise digital maturity with linear Diophantine fuzzy (LDF) setting.Design/methodology/approachThis paper utilizes the presented LDF generalized Dombi operator to aggregate assessment information of experts. The developed combined weight model through merging the rank sum (RS) model and symmetry point of criterion (SPC) method is used to ascertain the comprehensive importance of criterion. The evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) approach based upon regret theory (RT) is presented to achieve the sorting of candidate enterprises.FindingsFirstly, the proposed method has strong stability. Secondly, the proposed method takes into consideration the psychological behavior of experts during the decision-making process which further enhances the rationality of the decision results. Finally, the proposed method integrates expert and criterion weight determination models which provides a practical evaluation framework for assessing the digital maturity of enterprises. The research outcomes confirm that the proposed approach fails to resolve the decision problems with unknown weight information flexibly, but also reflect the psychological behavior of expert in decision process. The presented weight approach also provides a rational algorithm to ascertain the weight more accurate.Originality/valueA composite LDF group decision-making approach is presented by aggregating the proposed generalized Dombi operator, combined weight model and the EDAS model, which make the outcome more reasonable. Sensitivity analysis and comparison study are conducted to reflect the superiority of the proposed approach.

Enhanced diagnostic approach for multiple damage detection and severity evaluation through EMI-based sensing and artificial neural network model

Enhanced diagnostic approach for multiple damage detection and severity evaluation through EMI-based sensing and artificial neural network model

Real-World Efficacy of Explainable Artificial Intelligence using the SAGE Framework and Scenario-Based Design

ABSTRACT This paper demonstrates a design and evaluation approach for delivering real world efficacy of an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) model. The first of its kind, it leverages three distinct but complementary frameworks to support a user-centric and context-sensitive, post-hoc explanation for fraud detection. Using the principles of scenario-based design, it amalgamates two independent real-world sources to establish a realistic card fraud prediction scenario. The SAGE (Settings, Audience, Goals and Ethics) framework is then used to identify key context-sensitive criteria for model selection and refinement. The application of SAGE reveals gaps in the current XAI model design and provides opportunities for further model development. The paper then employs a functionally-grounded evaluation method to assess its effectiveness. The resulting explanation represents real-world requirements more accurately than established models.

Evaluating the flexibility supply and demand reliability of hydro–wind–PV–battery complementary systems under different consumption modes

Evaluating the flexibility supply and demand reliability offers a new approach for configuring the capacity of hydro–wind–PV (HWP) or hydro–wind–PV–battery (HWPB) complementary systems. However, traditional flexibility evaluations ignore the operational characteristics of the complementary systems, and tend to underestimate the wind and PV flexibility demand in the case of cross-regional power delivery. To this end, we propose an approach for evaluating the flexibility supply and demand reliability in HWP/HWPB complementary systems under different consumption modes (i.e., external delivery consumption and local consumption). First, a novel flexibility demand optimization model is established by redefining the flexibility demand based on the day-ahead scheduling process of the system. The flexibility supply guaranteed rate of HWP/HWPB complementary systems is then calculated using a statistical model. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified under different wind and PV capacity configuration schemes, and the optimal capacity ratios of wind and PV are determined under different consumption modes. Results using a clean energy base in the upper Yellow River basin indicate that: (1) Stronger peak-shaving performance of the system produces higher wind and PV flexibility demand. On average, the flexibility demand under external delivery consumption is 33.7 % higher than that under local consumption. (2) Improving the system's flexibility can effectively enhance the flexibility supply guaranteed rate when the original guaranteed rate is less than 95 %. If the flexibility supply guaranteed rate is greater than 95 %, further increasing the flexibility of the system has little effect. (3) For the clean energy base in the upper Yellow River basin, appropriately increasing the proportion of wind power in the current system is beneficial for the operation of complementary systems. Generally, the proposed flexibility evaluation approach provides effective guidance for the planning and management of watershed-type HWP/HWPB complementary energy bases.

Skin sensitisation elicitation: Evaluation of the general threshold and considerations for use.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an immune response to chemical haptens, involving induction and elicitation phases. Quantitative risk assessment (QRA) reviewing the skin sensitisation potential for all ingredients and using chemical-specific induction thresholds for skin allergens remains the current best approach for the safety evaluation of consumer products. However, elicitation thresholds have utility in secondary protection for pre-sensitised consumers. The objectives were to (1) review the current elicitation threshold database, (2) evaluate whether predicted relationships between chemical induction and elicitation potencies enable elicitation threshold prediction and (3) discuss elicitation threshold utility as a secondary method of consumer protection. In total, 28 publications (with 39 elicitation datasets) were included in non-linear regression analysis to derive elicitation thresholds for 22 allergens, including fragrances, preservatives and metals. The median elicitation threshold (ED10) for the expanded database was 0.95 μg/cm2, which supports previously published general elicitation thresholds. The derived ED10 for each chemical had only weak to moderate correlation with corresponding induction thresholds, thus limiting suitability as the predictive model. Assessment of current EU fragrance allergen labelling and sensitiser labelling under the globally harmonised system in the context of general and chemical-specific elicitation thresholds shows that current practices are health protective.

Parametric modeling of green hydrogen production in solar PV-CSP hybrid plants: A techno-economic evaluation approach

This study conducts a unique parametric study to comprehensively assess the integration of Photovoltaics (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) for sustained electrolyzer load. An optimal design of the hybrid system is performed, and an economic model for hydrogen production is developed that considers six key parameters: Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of PV, LCOE of CSP, electrolyzer cost, electrolyzer efficiency, electrolyzer stack lifetime hours, and the interest rate. A detailed parametric study for the electrolyzer model involved a dataset of 246,961 unique parameter combinations. The results reveal that the LCOE of CSP and electrolyzer costs are the most influential factors, with proportions of 51.6 % and 21.4 %, respectively. The LCOE's potential 24 % reduction in the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) is the major contributor to the 50 % decrease in CSP costs.”. The study highlights a consistent gradient in LCOH reduction as the electrolyzer cost with the LCOE of CSP decreases. This trend could lead to a remarkable decrease in LCOH to 1.5 $/kg at certain conditions, underscoring the significance of optimizing CSP costs and electrolyzer efficiency for efficient green hydrogen production.

Ketamine Versus Etomidate for Rapid Sequence Intubation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

To compare the safety and efficacy of ketamine and etomidate as induction agents to facilitate emergent endotracheal intubation. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Clinical Trials Register, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to April 3, 2024. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared ketamine to etomidate to facilitate emergent endotracheal intubation in adults. Reviewers screened abstracts, full texts, and extracted data independently and in duplicate. We pooled data using a random-effects model, assessed risk of bias using the modified Cochrane tool and certainty of evidence using the Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. We pre-registered the protocol on PROSPERO (CRD42023472450). We included seven RCTs (n = 2384 patients). Based on pooled analysis, compared with etomidate, ketamine probably increases hemodynamic instability in the peri-intubation period (relative risk [RR], 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07-1.57; moderate certainty) but probably decreases the need for initiation of continuous infusion vasopressors (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.57-1.00; moderate certainty) and results in less adrenal suppression (RR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.45-0.66; moderate certainty). Ketamine probably has no effect on successful intubation on the first attempt (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.97-1.05; moderate certainty) or organ dysfunction measured as the maximum Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score during the first 3 days in ICU (mean difference, 0.55 SOFA points lower; 95% CI, 1.12 lower to 0.03 higher; moderate certainty) and may have no effect on mortality (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.83-1.21; low certainty) when compared with etomidate. Compared with etomidate, ketamine probably results in more hemodynamic instability during the peri-intubation period and appears to have no effect on successful intubation on the first attempt or mortality. However, ketamine results in decreased need for the initiation of vasopressor use and decreases adrenal suppression compared with etomidate.

A step-by-step definition of a reference architecture for cyber ranges

Being on the advent of Industry 5.0, organizations have been progressively incorporating information technology into their formerly air-gapped operational technology architectures. This coalescence has nevertheless amplified the attack surface, ringing the bells of preparedness. In this direction, Cyber Ranges (CRs) have cropped up as a valuable and attractive solution, providing a diverse perspective on reinforcing the overall cybersecurity stance. However, there exists a significant literature gap in attempts to define a complete approach for CR design, development, evaluation, and operation as per the up-to-date guidelines. To address this shortcoming, this work introduces the first to our knowledge overarching, fine-grained reference architecture for CR. This is done by adopting a three-step, systematic methodology. First, we scrutinize contemporary guidelines to extract an abstract architectural model that structurally entrenches the foundations of CR reference architecture. Then, we percolate and pinpoint common functionalities and capabilities of existing CRs, towards delineating the functional and informational aspects of the reference architecture. Finally, we devise an evaluation formula that approximates the conformance of a CR with the state-of-the-art. Through the latter step, we impart a unified means of identifying the most appropriate components to implement the structural, functional, and informational aspects of a CR. Overall, this work can be seen as an attempt towards CR unification and standardization, therefore it is anticipated to serve as a basis and point of reference for multiple stakeholders at varying levels.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Oral Health of Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can be extremely traumatic, and their impact on health throughout the life course has been a public policy issue all around the world. Oral health conditions significantly influence quality of life, but its relationship with ACEs among children and adolescents is not well defined. This systematic review investigated the association between ACEs and oral health outcomes in children and adolescents. The search was conducted across six databases and the gray literature, with no restrictions. It included studies evaluating the association between ACEs and oral health outcomes (oral health condition, utilization of dental services, oral hygiene habits, or oral health related to quality of life) in individuals aged 0 to 19. Data of included studies were extracted and methodological quality was assessed. Meta-analysis was used for quantitative synthesis, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach assessed evidence certainty. From the 12 included studies, 11 had a cross-sectional design, and 1 was a cohort study. Seventeen types of ACEs were investigated, including neglect; violence between parents or caregivers; alcohol and substance abuse; and peer, community, and collective violence. The methodological quality compliance ranged between 38% and 100%. The meta-analysis revealed associations between ACEs and lower use of dental services, toothache, gingival bleeding, and dental cavities. Cumulative exposure to more than three ACEs was associated with poorer oral health. The certainty of the evidence varied from low to very low. These results highlight that children and adolescents with ACEs are more likely to present higher oral health problems, including decreased use of dental services.

Assessing Heterogeneity in Governance Outcome: Evidence from Local Government Institutional Capacity Self-Assessment (LISA) in Nepal

Local Government Institutional Capacity Self-Assessment (LISA) is a tool for local governments to evaluate their own performance in Nepal. A key strength of LISA is its self-evaluation approach, which assesses local government workflows and achievements to identify the strengths and weaknesses for improving governance and development delivery. It facilitates the critical analysis of periodic plans, financial management, and governance delivery while promoting the development of quantifiable indicators and enhancing local government capacity on a larger scale. It covers ten dimensions for the evaluation such as Governance Approach, Organization and Administration, Annual Budgeting and Planning Management, Financial Management, Public Service Delivery, Judicial Proceedings, Physical Infrastructure, Social Inclusion, Environment Protection and Disaster Management, and Collaboration and Coordination. Each dimension includes a set of major indicators and sub-indicators, with a total of 100 indicators cumulatively across all dimensions. It broadly encompasses accomplishments and evaluation methods through three distinct approaches: Totalitarian Approach, Procedural Order, and Quantitative Results. This study of evaluation approaches, multi-dimensional scope and LISA scores of 749 local governments (published by the ministry after Quality Assurance) for the Fiscal Year 2022/23 by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) divulges the heterogeneity in local governance. The study results reveal that, through the three evaluation approaches, the ten categorized dimensions each contribute differently to governance outcomes. These variations highlight how each dimension's unique impact can influence overall performance. The direction and strength of their relationships can predict how changes in one area might impact another. The newly institutionalized governance framework, along with its assessment technique, serves as a valuable tool for promoting balanced regional development and improving local governance. By maintaining institutional bricolage, addressing the exit-voice dichotomy, and facilitating yardstick competition, this evaluation process effectively integrates diverse local needs and promotes the whole of the government. Thus, moving beyond a blanket approach, governing policies in Nepal must adopt targeted and tailored strategies that account for the diverse realities and heterogeneity in local governance outcomes.

The psychometric properties of instruments measuring ethical sensitivity in nursing: a systematic review.

Recognizing and appropriately responding to ethical considerations is a crucial element of ethical nursing practice. To mitigate instances of ethical incongruity in healthcare and to promote nurses' comprehension of their professional ethical responsibilities, it is imperative for researchers to accurately evaluate ethical sensitivity. Conducting a systematic review of the available instruments would enable practitioners to determine the most suitable instrument for implementation in the field of nursing. This review aims to systematically assess the measurement properties of instruments used to measure ethical sensitivity in nursing. A systematic literature search was conducted in July 2022 in the following electronic databases: Scopus, CINAHL, APAPsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed. Two reviewers independently screened and assessed the studies in accordance with the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. The updated criteria for good measurement properties are used to rate the result of measurement properties, and the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to grade the quality of the summarized evidence. This review encompasses a total of 29 studies that describe 11 different instruments. Neither cross-cultural validity nor responsiveness was examined in any of the included studies. Whereas the majority of the instruments were conducted with at least some type of validity assessment, nearly all of the reliability results rated were indeterminate. Two instruments were recommended, the Ethical Sensitivity Questionnaire for Nursing Students (ESQ-NS) and the Ethical Awareness Scale for nurses in intensive care units. It is recommended that new self-administration instruments for special nursing settings be developed in accordance with the item response theory (IRT)/Rasch model. The selection of ethical sensitivity measurement instruments in nursing, and further research on the development, psychometric, and cross-cultural adaptation of these instruments, could be conducted in accordance with the findings and suggestions of this systematic review. • This review was conducted to assess 11 instruments that were used to measure ethical sensitivity in nursing in 29 studies. • The Ethical Sensitivity Questionnaire for Nursing Students (ESQ-NS) and the Ethical Awareness Scale for nurses in intensive care units can be recommended, but further reliability and cross-cultural validity testing are needed. • The IRT/Rasch model is also recommended to measure ethical sensitivity in nursing. • The potential limitation of utilizing the COSMIN checklist for assessing methodological quality is worth considering. • Test-retest was considered inappropriate; thus, the reliability testing of ethical sensitivity measurement instruments still needs to be explored.

Evaluation Framework of Large Language Models in Medical Documentation: Development and Usability Study.

The advancement of large language models (LLMs) offers significant opportunities for health care, particularly in the generation of medical documentation. However, challenges related to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of LLM outputs, coupled with the absence of established quality standards, have raised concerns about their clinical application. This study aimed to develop and validate an evaluation framework for assessing the accuracy and clinical applicability of LLM-generated emergency department (ED) records, aiming to enhance artificial intelligence integration in health care documentation. We organized the Healthcare Prompt-a-thon, a competitive event designed to explore the capabilities of LLMs in generating accurate medical records. The event involved 52 participants who generated 33 initial ED records using HyperCLOVA X, a Korean-specialized LLM. We applied a dual evaluation approach. First, clinical evaluation: 4 medical professionals evaluated the records using a 5-point Likert scale across 5 criteria-appropriateness, accuracy, structure/format, conciseness, and clinical validity. Second, quantitative evaluation: We developed a framework to categorize and count errors in the LLM outputs, identifying 7 key error types. Statistical methods, including Pearson correlation and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), were used to assess consistency and agreement among evaluators. The clinical evaluation demonstrated strong interrater reliability, with ICC values ranging from 0.653 to 0.887 (P<.001), and a test-retest reliability Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.776 (P<.001). Quantitative analysis revealed that invalid generation errors were the most common, constituting 35.38% of total errors, while structural malformation errors had the most significant negative impact on the clinical evaluation score (Pearson r=-0.654; P<.001). A strong negative correlation was found between the number of quantitative errors and clinical evaluation scores (Pearson r=-0.633; P<.001), indicating that higher error rates corresponded to lower clinical acceptability. Our research provides robust support for the reliability and clinical acceptability of the proposed evaluation framework. It underscores the framework's potential to mitigate clinical burdens and foster the responsible integration of artificial intelligence technologies in health care, suggesting a promising direction for future research and practical applications in the field.

Simplifying the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid for enhanced accessibility.

Ensuring animal welfare is essential for both the well-being of zoo animals and the effective management of zoological facilities. This study introduces the Simplified Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (S-AWAG), a streamlined adaptation of the original AWAG framework that integrates the Five Domains Model with an observation-based approach. Designed for non-expert users, S-AWAG focuses on easily observable welfare indicators-such as health and environmental conditions-making it particularly suitable for small, private zoos, including petting zoos, roadside zoos, indoor zoos, and animal cafés. We conducted welfare assessments on 304 animals from 11 species across nine zoos in South Korea. The results revealed significant differences in welfare standards between accredited and non-accredited zoos, with accredited facilities consistently demonstrating better welfare conditions (p < 0.05). The tool exhibited high inter-rater reliability (IRR = 0.839), confirming its consistency across assessors with varying levels of expertise and ensuring reliable and accurate results. Pearson correlation analysis identified strong positive associations between health and environmental factors, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the tool's evaluation approach. With its user-friendly, efficient, and adaptable design, S-AWAG has the potential to improve animal welfare standards not only in South Korea but also globally, particularly in smaller, resource-constrained facilities.

Radiological Approach to Assessment of Lower-Limb Alignment-Coronal and Transverse Plane Analysis.

Lower-limb alignment deformities constitute a significant clinical concern, as they can lead to serious complications, including progressive degenerative diseases and disabilities. Rotational deformities may give rise to conditions such as joint arthrosis, patellar instability, and the degeneration of the patellofemoral cartilage. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of lower-limb alignment is essential for the effective patient management, preoperative planning, and successful correction of these deformities. The primary assessment method employs full-length standing radiographs in the anteroposterior (AP) projection, which facilitates accurate measurements of the anatomical and mechanical axes of the lower limb, including angles and deviations. The outcomes of this analysis are vital for the meticulous planning of osteotomy and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In addition, computed tomography (CT) provides a specialized approach for the precise evaluation of femoral and tibial rotation. In this area, there are potential opportunities for the implementation of AI-based automated measurement systems.