Bonus Points Research Articles

Study on Ethnic Minority College Entrance Examination Extra Points Policies under the Perspective of Educational Equity

Taking Mianning County of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province as an example, this paper analyzes the implementation of the ethnic minority college entrance examination bonus points policy and its impact on local education from the perspective of educational equity. Through the study of the policy background, implementation process and effect evaluation, the positive effects of the policy in promoting education equity and improving the education level of ethnic minorities are discussed, and the problems and deficiencies in the implementation of the policy are also pointed out. This paper aims to provide references and suggestions for the further improvement of the bonus points policy of the college entrance examination for ethnic minorities in China.

Multi-dimensional early warning of the entire supply chain of power materials based on RFID technology

Early warning system needs to process a large amount of real-time data, and carry out in-depth analysis and mining of these data to identify potential risks and hidden dangers. However, existing data processing and analysis capabilities may not be able to meet this demand. To this end, a multi-dimensional early warning of the entire supply chain of power materials based on RFID technology is designed. According to the real-time failure probability of power materials, the probability of early warning accidents is calculated and classified, and the risk is graded based on these probabilities. Through the methods of bonus points, deduction points and grade evaluation, the risk early warning indicators of different stages in the whole supply chain of power materials were quantified. The objective and rationality of risk assessment can be ensured by means of comprehensive weight. A multi-dimensional early warning system based on RFID technology is established, combining multiple linear regression model and particle swarm optimization algorithm to determine the time window of multi-dimensional early warning, and carry out dynamic monitoring and early warning of supply chain. The experimental results show that the early warning effect of the design method can reach 95% and the highest early warning effect can reach 98% at 10 seconds. The average warning error is only 2.91%, and the average warning time is only 1.34 seconds, which is more accurate in identifying the number of first-level risks, second-level risks and third-level risks.

Evaluating the clinical benefit of pembrolizumab as a first-line agent in advanced solid tumors: A comprehensive review.

The study evaluates the first-line application of pembrolizumab in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (mNSCLC), head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC), gastric cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. Utilizing the European Society for Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology Value Framework (ASCO-VF), the analysis incorporates data from pivotal KEYNOTE trials. The study systematically assessed the clinical benefit of pembrolizumab in advanced solid malignancies through nine randomized controlled trials, one of which comprised two experimental arms. Data extraction from primary sources was conducted from PubMed, ASCO, and ESMO publications. Utilizing ESMO-MCBS and ASCO-VF forms, the evaluation focused on clinical benefit, toxicity, and bonus points, with discrepancies resolved through consensus discussions. Nine first-line indications for pembrolizumab received Food and Drug Administration approval for metastatic solid tumors between 2018 and 2023. Notable distinctions in ESMO-MCBS grades revealed seven trials with substantial clinical benefit (grades 5 to 4) and three with moderate to negligible benefit (grades 3 to 1). Bonus points, primarily based on the tail of the curve, were allocated to three trials for overall survival, one for progression-free survival, and one for a significant improvement in quality of life. Our evaluation of pembrolizumab across diverse cancers, especially in mNSCLC and HNSCC, revealed varied outcomes and challenges in clinical benefit interpretation. The assessment of clinical benefit, incorporating quantitative and qualitative endpoints, underscores the need to consider survivorship outcomes and patient perspectives for a comprehensive understanding.

<span>Factors influences scientific research activities of engineering students at An Giang University</span>

Scientific research helps enable students to access theoretical and practical knowledge in depth. However, stimulating student participation in scientific research is challenging for universities and colleges nationwide. This study was conducted on 224 students majoring in engineering at An Giang University to investigate the factors influencing student involvement in scientific research. The survey results showed that from 2018 to 2020, there were no student scientific research projects, while in 2021 there were 02 and in 2022 only 01. Among the 7 surveyed influencing factors, personal interest was the highest, accounting for 36.61%. Regarding the 4 levels of satisfaction surveyed, the majority of students were satisfied with their supervising professors, accounting for 38.83%. For accessing scientific research, understanding of scientific research accounted for only 8.93%. Therefore, we propose several solutions such as increasing bonus points for academic achievements, allocating more funding support, organizing research groups, and promoting scientific conferences within the university to enhance student participation in scientific research.

Class modality transition during COVID-19 pandemic: implications for unforeseen events

PurposeThis study aims to examine student perceptions regarding the mid-semester transition from face-to-face to online delivery in an accounting course during spring 2020.Design/methodology/approachDue to the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous universities and colleges worldwide transitioned from face-to-face instruction to online delivery during spring 2020. We find some evidence in line with prior literature that COVID-19 affected student learning experience from various aspects.FindingsThanks in part to effective teaching techniques implemented by the instructor during the transition, including online lecture videos recorded by the instructor, online class materials, early posting of answer keys, frequent communication through emails and bonus points for watching lecture videos, students still perceived their learning outcomes positively in general.Originality/valueThese teaching techniques can be used to enhance student learning experience and satisfaction during class modality transitions in unforeseen circumstances, for both hybrid and online business courses.

Follow Father or Mother? Understanding the Monoethnic Identification of Biethnic Children in China

Abstract In China, children’s ethnicity is often decided by their parents at the time of birth or during childhood; individuals are only allowed to be identified by a single ethnicity. Ethnic identification is therefore a contested issue shaped by the intra-family power structures that determine which parent’s ethnic heritage will be passed down. In this paper, we use China’s 2005 and 2015 inter-census surveys to examine the factors impacting the ethnic identification of children in interethnic families. We find the likelihood that children are identified with their fathers’ ethnicity decreased between 2005 and 2015. Relative to children with a minority mother and a Han father, those with a Han mother and a minority father, and those with parents from different minority groups have higher odds of following their father’s ethnicity. Being a girl, being older, having more educated parents, having urban or migrant status, and living in prefectures with a higher concentration of ethnic minorities all tend to lower the odds of identifying with the father. Moreover, stratified models demonstrate that in families where the father is the only minority parent, Islamic heritage positively predicts boys’ adoption of fathers’ ethnicity, but negatively predicts girls’ adoption. Eligibility for bonus points on the college entrance exam is negatively associated with the odds of following father when the mother is the only minority parent, but the association turns positive when the father is the only minority parent. The results illustrate the nuanced social processes involved in the social construction of ethnic identification.

The Latest Researches of Kharkov University on the Evolution of Population Behavior Scenarios

The results of research on the evolution of population behavior scenarios at the Department of Artificial Intelligence at Kharkov University are considered. The competition between different behavioral scenarios and population agents during the strategies evolution with memory is discussed. The strategies interact with each other in an iterative prisoner's dilemma, earning bonus points according to a payoff matrix. Research focuses on three collective characteristics, such as memory, level of aggressiveness (proportion of non-cooperation), and complexity of strategy (variety of behaviors). Different evolutionary scenarios arise when using different selection rules for strategies intended for removal in subsequent stages of evolution. PACS: 02.50.Le, 05.10.−a, 87.23.Kg, 89.75.Fb.

Optimized Design of Scoring Criteria for Large-Scale Innovation Competitions

The reasonable and reliable evaluation score calculation scheme wins the top priority in large-scale innovation-competitions currently. Due to the disparity among individual experts, and the existing standard score calculation model merely based on the experts' own circumstance, it cannot fully reflect the comprehensive level of players, resulting in a certain degree of error in the evaluation results. From the perspective of individual and decision-making of a group, this paper improves existing models and introduces the concept of modified scores. To verify the feasibility of the model, four schemes were designed based on the analysis of data distribution. Consistency and difference factors were applied to compare. Come to a conclusion: scheme adopted the new standard score calculation model ranked the top, indicating that the new calculation model is more reliable. Next, considering that the volatile correction factor affected by data, there is a possibility of some poor actual results with high correction scores. To rectify this case, a power exponent is added to the correction factor and a sign function is adopted to specify the positive or negative of correction scores. To verify the feasibility of the model, four sets of controlled experiments were designed with the introduction of two factors: power exponent and reconsideration bonus, as well as the ranking consistency test based on the condition that the award order of the expert agreement was consistent. In the end, it was found that the scheme that introduced both power exponent and reconsideration bonus points had a sorting consistency rate of 74%, which increased by 30% compared to the original model, indicating the rationality of the modification. The expert evaluation standard score calculation model established in this paper comprehensively considers individual and group decision-making, and provides reasonable correction for the differential scoring between experts. At the same time, this scheme provides a reference basis for further optimizing large-scale innovation competition plans in the future.

The Effect of Different Point Systems on European League Positions

The introduction of three points for a win in European football during the 1980s and 90s was intended to promote a more attacking style of play and thus more goal scoring and entertainment for viewers. However, subsequent studies showed that the change did not have the desired effect and led to unexpected outcomes such as a rise in foul play, as measured by the number of red cards. In this paper, we investigate the outcome of assigning points in alternate ways. We consider several modifications of both the current system (with 3 points awarded for a win and 1 point for a draw) and the original system (with 2 points awarded for a win and 1 point for a draw), including the effect of awarding bonus points for large margin victories and a deduction of points for large margin defeats. Combinations of these modifications led to 175 different systems being analyzed. Based on data from the top five European leagues, we conclude that solely modifying the point system does not have a significant impact on the standings, with the average change in the ordinal rankings ranging from 0.44 to 0.95 placings per season, and that the final ranking of the teams at the end of the season is largely independent of the point system and based on the relative playing strength of the teams. However, a much greater variation is seen once bonus and penalty points are added for large margin victories and defeats.

About the methods of the students competences analysis in distance and blended learning

The rapid development of distance and blended learning formats poses a serious problem for instructors to objectively and reliably assess students’ knowledge. Modern learning management systems often do not provide comprehensive information about the quality of learning in a convenient form for the teacher. A brief review of the leading distance learning systems used in universities of the Russian Federation allows us to make sure of this. The capabilities of popular learning management systems, their advantages and disadvantages in processing information about students’ progress are analyzed. According to the results of the analysis, the necessity of further custom data processing becomes obvious.The methodology of evaluating the quality of students’ knowledge is shown in the example of an own development — the Abins.NET learning management system created at Perm National Research Polytechnic University. The necessity of using a minimum of two independent criteria for evaluating the quality of learning by conducting a correlation analysis between the grade, work time, and bonus points is confirmed.The comparison of bonus points accrual methods in own-developed learning management system, iSpring, and WebTutor was carried out and the conclusion was made about the necessity of automated bonus management (accrual, write-off) according to the criteria that are predetermined by the developer. The conclusions and suggestions on the selection of significant criteria and their calculation when working with any learning management system to assess the success of university students’ learning are formulated.

Examining the Effectiveness of Technology Skill Integration in the Curriculum for Enhancing Corporate Readiness: A Randomized Control Trial Study at HBCU"

As the higher education landscape evolves, universities continuously seek innovative methods to enrich student learning experiences and equip them with valuable skills for their future careers. However, the effectiveness of such integration demands rigorous evaluation and validation. Educators and researchers are turning to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a robust methodological approach borrowed from clinical trials and social sciences, to address this need. This research study aims to assess the impact of adding a skill-driven certification program (MS-Excel) to a Historical Black College and University (HBCU) course curriculum using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. The study involves two groups of students, each subjected to different incentive methods. Group A is required to complete the certification as part of their coursework, while Group B is offered bonus points contingent upon successfully obtaining the certification. Rigorous statistical methodologies, such as descriptive and inferential statistics, were used to depict the research outcome thoroughly. To conclude, ANOVA, ANCOVA, and Chi-Square methods are used. The finding from the study showed that the treatment group showed a better result with the intervention than the control group.

52 Developing and Calibrating a Sex-Specific Psychiatric Screener within the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale

Objective:Pre- and post-morbid mental health conditions can prolong recovery from concussion and are generally detrimental to athletic performance and quality of life. If psychiatric conditions can be identified in athletes at the time of baseline testing, psychological/psychiatric intervention can be implemented to prevent these complications. Given the time constraints on neuropsychological baseline testing, it is important to have time-efficient screening measures. As such, the purpose of this study was to develop and calibrate a psychiatric screening measure within the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) from the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), which is commonly administered to athletes at baseline, thereby “killing two birds with one stone”: (1) screening for psychiatric conditions and (2) obtaining a baseline measurement of concussion-like symptoms.Participants and Methods:Participants were 278 undergraduate students from a Canadian university with a mean age of 21.87 years (SD=4.87, range=18 to 52) and a sex composition of 64% females (n=179, Age: M=21.29 years-old, SD=4.34, range: 18 to 52) and 36% males (n=179, Age: M=22.93 years-old, SD=5.57, range: 18 to 50). Participants were a convenience sample collected via online survey platform in exchange for bonus points toward courses through a participant pool system between January and July 2021. The psychiatric screener consisted of the affective subscale from the PCSS (irritability, sadness, feeling more emotional, nervousness) and the criterion measure was the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-42). Statistical analyses were conducted in R v.4.3 and included confirmatory factor analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Although a balance was sought between sensitivity and specificity, the former was prioritized given that this is intended as a screening measure. Males and females were analyzed separately as females tend to report more symptoms than males. Mild, moderate, and severe elevations were predicted for depression, anxiety, and stress, based on standard DASS cutoffs.Results:The CFA analyses revealed good fit for both the PCSS (CFI=.992; TLI=.991; RMSEA=.053; SRMR=.066) and DASS (CFI=.995; TLI=.995; RMSEA=.053; SRMR=.065) models. Cutoffs of >3, >4, and >8 (SENS= .77-.80, SPEC= .52-.83) optimally classified males as having mild, moderate, and severe depression, respectively; and cutoffs of >8, >8, and >9 (SENS= .79-.83, SPEC= .63-.67) optimally classified females as having mild, moderate, and severe depression, respectively. A cutoff of >2 (SENS= .78-.81, SPEC= .35-.39) optimally classified males as having both mild and moderate anxiety (insufficient n in severe group); and >7, >8, and >9 (SENS= .80-.85, SPEC= .63-.68) optimally classified females as having mild, moderate, and severe anxiety. Cutoffs of >5and >8(SENS= .80-.86, SPEC= .70-.85) were optimal for detecting mild and moderate stress in males (insufficient n in severe group); and >8, >8, and >9 (SENS= .80.89, SPEC= .60-.75) were optimal in females.Conclusions:The affective subscale within the PCSS operates well as a psychiatric screening measure. In general, females had higher cutoffs and the cutoffs for mild and moderate levels of the conditions tended to be similar. Males were less onsistent, with cutoffs varying widely depending on the construct and severity.

Chinese university students' preferences for physical activity incentive programs: a discrete choice experiment.

This study aims to explore and compare Chinese university students' preferences for various physical activity motivation programs. A cross-sectional study was conducted in China from February 25 to March 25, 2022. Participants anonymously completed an online questionnaire based on a DCE. A total of 1,358 university students participated in the survey. The conditional logit model (CLM), willingness to accept (WTA), and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to assess college students' preferences for different attributes and levels of physical activity incentive programs. Respondents identified the number of bonus, exercise time, and academic rewards as the three most significant attributes of the athletic incentive program. The importance of each attribute varied based on individual characteristics such as gender and BMI. In CLM, college students displayed a preference for a "¥4" bonus amount (OR: 2.04, 95% CI 1.95-2.13), "20 min" of exercise time (OR: 1.85, 95% CI 1.79-1.92), and "bonus points for comprehensive test scores" as academic rewards (OR: 1.33, 95% CI 1.28-1.37). According to the WTA results, college students were willing to accept the highest cost to obtain academic rewards tied to composite test scores. The number of bonus, exercise time, and academic rewards emerge as the three most crucial attributes of physical activity incentive programs. Furthermore, college students with different characteristics exhibit heterogeneity in their preferences for such programs. These findings can guide the development of programs and policies aimed at motivating college students to engage in physical activities.

The Enigma of Heart-kidney Transplantation.

The Enigma of Heart-kidney Transplantation.

Factorial Validity of the German KABC-II at Ages 7 to 12 in a Clinical Sample: Four Factors Fit Better than Five.

Multidimensional intelligence test batteries such as the KABC-II are widely used in clinical practice. Although validity evidence should be provided for all intended uses of a test, data on the factorial validity of the KABC-II mostly relies on the standardization samples and raises some concerns about the adequacy of the factor structure. Confirmatory factor analyses of the KABC-II core subtests were conducted in a sample of 627 children who had been assessed in German Centers for Social Pediatrics. The standard structure of the KABC-II was superior to unidimensional models but, as in previous research, evidenced cross-loadings and a high correlation between Planning/Gf and Simultaneous/Gv. Pattern Reasoning was more closely related to Simultaneous/Gv than to Planning/Gf. A four-factorial structure combining subtests from Planning/Gf and Simultaneous/Gv to form a common factor emerged as a better representation of the data. Story Completion showed a secondary loading on Knowledge/Gc. On average, most subtest variance was accounted for by the general factor. Models with bonus points for fast responses generally fitted worse than those without. Clinicians should be aware that Planning/Gf and Simultaneous/Gv measure both visual and fluid abilities. Scales of the KABC-II should not be interpreted as dimensions independent of the general factor.

“I realized that I can express myself”: Motivational Drives behind Freshmen Attendance in Lectures

This paper reports the findings of a research study conducted to understand the main motivational drives behind attendance in lectures and whether the drives differ based on the attendance rate. The study particularly seeks to gain insight into the attendance reasons reported by freshmen students for a mass course offered in a higher education context. The participants of the study consisted of 158 freshmen students studying at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in İstanbul, Türkiye. The research design collected qualitative data through semi-structured interviews and quantitative data through statistical data that describes the students’ attendance rates. The analysis of the data showed that the students were primarily motivated by the lecturer’s style. According to the students, their lecturer’s way of teaching, attitude towards the students and providing room for self-expression play major role for their motivation to attend the lectures. The secondary motivation for freshmen was found as the syllabus with an interesting content, suggested readings and bonus points. Additionally, some of the students stated that they attended the lectures only because the attendance is compulsory. Regarding the change of motivational drives based on the attendance rates, the data revealed that compulsory attendance do not have an impact on the attendance of students with very high attendance rates. In the paper, the results are discussed based on the relevant literature and the implications for increasing motivation in higher education contexts are provided.

Improving the Health Literacy of Patients: A Qualitative Survey of Student Pharmacists.

Background Patients interacting with the multiple moving parts of the healthcare system may not fully understand all the information provided to them. They find themselves misinformed or unaware of certain facts pertaining to their health. Community pharmacists, who are readily accessible, are occupationally situated in such a way that makes them the most ideal candidates to impact and improve patients' health literacy. Aims and objectives The aim of this research is to identify and examine how pharmacists can aid their patients and help them towardadequate health literacy. Methods First-year pharmacy candidates enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at Temple University School of Pharmacy were given an optional, essay-based assignment titled, "How can pharmacists improve the health literacy of the patients they serve?" Students were given one week to respond to the prompt, and those who completed the assignment were awarded bonus points toward the final examination. Of the 145 students given the potential to complete the assignment, only 100 students participated in the assignment. These essays were subsequently read, categorized, and analyzed. Results The essays were categorized into six main perspectives: educating patients, using simple language, providing resources, creating a trusting patient-pharmacist relationship, sending medication reminders, and providing translation services. More than 30% of the student responses emphasized that educating patients about their medication side effects and disease states will help them better understand their medical needs. About another 30% of the students suggested that using simple, everyday language and providing translators, when necessary, will help patients deal with their health problems. The remaining suggested either creating a safe relationship with patients, providing reliable resources such as pamphlets and visual aids, or sending patient-specific reminders. Conclusion Although these suggestions are not new to the world of pharmacy and have been around before, the difficulty lies in practical application in a world that seems busier now than ever before. However, within the six student perspective response categories, most can be incorporated into one patient interaction. By creating a trusting relationship with the patient and counseling them while using simple language and translators, if necessary, teaching them about their medications, and providing the necessary outside resources, pharmacists can improve the health literacy of their patients.

Measuring competitive balance in sports leagues that award bonus points, with an application to rugby union

We examine within-season competitive balance measurement in sports leagues where points allocated in each match depend on bonus points awarded as well as the win/draw/loss outcome, as in rugby union. The bilateral nature of matches imposes constraints on the range of competitive balance measures, as teams cannot win matches in which they do not play. Application of normalized competitive balance indices requires knowing the maximum value the index can attain, representing the most unequal distribution of points among teams. However, evaluation of the points distribution consistent with maximum imbalance is non-trivial when the total points allocated are not known in advance, as when bonus points are awarded. We theoretically derive the corresponding perfectly unbalanced distribution of points, characterized as a ‘Double Cascade distribution’, and provide an Excel tool to obtain it for different parameter values. We apply our results to examine variation in within-season competitive balance in the Six Nations Championship in rugby. The degree of competitive balance, as measured by a normalized concentration index, has improved since the award of bonus points in 2017, primarily because the index's maximum value increases with bonus points. However, with limited available data on the bonus-points regime, it is not possible to establish or reject a causal link, due to induced behavioural changes by teams, between the raw concentration index and bonus points. A relatively high level of imbalance still exists compared to other sports leagues, which will be an important consideration in evaluating future developments of the competition.

Comparison of body composition components and anaerobic performance parameters of elite male motorcycle speedway riders between pre- and post-competitive season.

The purpose of this study was to compare body composition components and anaerobic capacity indices in elite motorcycle speedway riders before and after the competitive season. This study included 12 volunteer male motorcycle speedway riders from the highest speedway league in Poland (PGE Speedway Ekstraliga) (age: 22.7 ± 6.0years, body height: 171.3 ± 4.0cm, body weight: 62.5 ± 3.1kg). Before and after the competitive season, an assessment of body composition and Wingate test (WAnT) on a cycle ergometer with analysis of acute cardiorespiratory and biochemical responses was conducted. Sport level for all riders was defined by the number of heats won (WS), the total number of points scored in all heats including bonus points (PTS + B), and the percentage of heats won (%W). The motorcycle speedway riders participated in an average of 75.3 ± 15.0 total heats (HS) and obtained PTS + B equal 136.8 ± 48.2. The anaerobic performance, body composition, cardiorespiratory and biochemical responses did not changed after the competitive season. The significant statistical correlations were noted between the differences in the Fatigue Index during WAnT and total number of heats (r = -0.61) and with PTS + B (r = -0.58). Positively correlations were observed also between HS and differences: fat mass (FM) (r = 0.60) and percentage of fat mass (r = 0.61) (all p < 0.05). These findings reveal that the HS during the competitive season is related to the stabilization of anaerobic capacity in the WAnT. The HS is positively correlated with an increase in fat mass, and additional fat mass can adversely affect athletic performance in speedway.

PRÁTICA SISTEMÁTICA DE HABILIDADES NO EXERCÍCIO DE SOLO FEMININO

ABSTRACT Introduction Ground exercise is a high-level event of Chinese women's gymnastics. Maintaining the dominant strength of women's floor exercise in China has become one of the issues that coaches, athletes and gymnastics researchers should actively discuss. A research analysis on athletes’ competition in the National Games can better reflect and illustrate the fundamental level of athletes and their overall developmental status. Objective To verify the relationship between women's floor exercise skills and competition performance. Methods The analysis and study of 65 female athletes participating in floor exercises at the National Games was carried out. In this paper, the on-the-spot statistical method is used to perform statistics on the skills and the athletes’ completion in the four games. Movement training and choreography experts were consulted. Results The performance of women's floor drills in the National Games was discussed from three aspects: the difficulty and arrangement of movements, the initial score and bonus points, and the completion of movements. Conclusion Most athletes can adapt to the changes in the new rules and master many complex movements. This also gets them a higher score. However, the choreography of the athletes’ complete movements is relatively simple and lacks features. Strength training in the lower limbs should be the key to improving the athletes’ ability in floor exercise. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.