Combined Assessment Approach Research Articles

Power Generation Systems Assessment: A New Approach

Power generation systems have become useful for grid base and off grid electric power generation. Hence, its performance has become critical for sustainable growth and development. Performance evaluation of power generation systems has always been carried out using the independent assessment approach (IAA) whose models are: the reliability, availability, emission characteristics, energy and exergy efficiency. The IAA approach only assesses the system performance in part without recur to other indexes, hence, limiting a holistic view of the true plant state. In this paper, the development of a new performance index using the combined assessment approach (CAA) is explored. This approach (CAA) seeks to combine two relatable traditional measures for the assessment of power generation system. The model combines exergy efficiency and reliability measures for analysis. First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) gas turbine power plant was used to test the model. The plant reliability and availability were evaluated along with its thermal efficiency using the exergy model. The analysis of plant thermal efficiency was carried out using the steady state model. Results of the traditional indexes of the plant were compared with the proposed (Bassy-II index) index. It was seen that the new index provided a new assessment criteria. The exergy efficiency, reliability and availability measures indicated a fairly rated plant state. However, the new index defined a new plant state which is unique and represents the true status of the system in whole. Hence, the proposed index (Bassy-II index) is recommended for use in the holistic assessment of power generation systems.

Pharmacological Interventions in Paraphilic Disorders: Systematic Review and Insights.

(1) Background: Paraphilic disorders, marked by intense sexual fantasies and behaviors, present formidable challenges. This review addresses concerns fueled by scandals and child abuse. Emphasizing paraphilias' complexity, it systematically reviews the pharmacotherapy literature, aiming to enhance understanding and guide future research. (2) Methods: A comprehensive search from 1990 to 2023 across major databases identified 28 relevant English-language studies. Inclusion criteria focused on adult pharmacotherapy for paraphilias, and results were evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. (3) Results: Synthesizing data from selected studies, diverse treatments such as SSRIs and antiandrogens were analyzed, revealing variable effectiveness and side effect profiles. Poor quality of the current literature has been reported. (4) Conclusions: Highlighting the pivotal role of the serotonergic system, this review underscores the efficacy of SSRIs and androgen deprivation therapy. GnRH analog-associated side effects and the importance of a combined assessment approach are discussed. Critical insights contribute to understanding and ethical considerations in paraphilic disorders.

Can ChatGPT effectively complement teacher assessment of undergraduate students’ academic writing?

The integration of ChatGPT as a supplementary tool for writing instruction has gained traction. However, uncertainties persist regarding how ChatGPT complements teacher assessment and the overall effectiveness of this combined approach. To address this, we conducted a mixed-methods investigation involving 46 undergraduate students from a research university in southern China, engaging them in a Chinese academic writing task. The intraclass correlation coefficient results revealed ChatGPT’s efficiency in scoring students’ writing, showing moderate to good consistency with teacher evaluations. A paired sample t-test unveiled significant differences in feedback quantity and types between ChatGPT and teacher assessments. Drawing from both interview data and quantitative findings, the study uncovers three ways in which ChatGPT complements teacher assessment, benefiting students with various writing proficiency levels: (1) fostering deeper comprehension of teacher assessments among students, (2) encouraging students to make judgments regarding feedback, and (3) promoting independent thinking about revisions. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the role of ChatGPT within the context of a combined assessment approach. It underscores that certain inherent weaknesses in ChatGPT’s functioning can paradoxically lead to favorable outcomes. By shedding light on the synergy between ChatGPT and teacher assessments, this research seeks to inform and enhance writing instruction in higher education.

Why do mothers stay? Challenging attitudes in decision making about children at risk because of domestic violence

BackgroundThis article reports findings from research commenced in 2019. Stage one assessed the attitudes and beliefs of child protection practitioners towards domestic violence. Stage two considered the impact of combining Structured Decision Making (SDM - the standard assessment approach) with Response Based Practice (RBP - a contemporary approach to understanding violence), on child protection decisions. ObjectiveTo improve the child protection response to children who experience domestic violence. This article reports on stage three; considering the impact of practitioner attitudes and beliefs on child protection decisions and whether the combined assessment approach (SDM + RBP) moderated the impact of practitioner attitudes and beliefs. Participants and setting1041 child protection practitioners participated in the research while attending one of 17 practice conferences across New South Wales, Australia. MethodsAn innovative video vignette experiment with a between-subjects design was used, relying on professional actors to play the roles of practitioner and mother of the children reported. Participants watched a video interview of a safety assessment and completed a survey. ResultsPractitioner attitudes and beliefs were not significantly correlated with assessments about the children's safety; but attitudes did impact decisions about the likelihood of the children being brought into care. Attitudes and beliefs moderated the impact of misinformed attitudes, to some extent. ConclusionsThe research confirms the value of the combined SDM + RBP approach to guide practitioners to a more holistic understanding of domestic violence. It also confirms that assessment approaches are only ever as good as the beliefs and attitudes of the people who apply them.

The Development and Evaluation of a Combined Infection-Rheumatology Assessment Service in Response to the Chikungunya Fever Epidemic.

The chikungunya virus is an arthritogenic alphavirus. Acute infection may be followed by persistent arthralgia, often causing significant functional impairment. The 2014-2015 chikungunya fever (CHIKF) epidemic resulted in a marked increase in cases presenting to rheumatology and tropical diseases services. A combined multidisciplinary rheumatology-tropical diseases service for assessment, management, and follow-up of patients with proven CHIKF and persistent (≥ 4 weeks) arthralgia was proposed and rapidly developed at The Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London. Rapid set up of a multidisciplinary clinic in response to the epidemic was achieved. Of a total of 54 patients, 21 (38.9%) patients with CHIKF developed persistent arthralgia and were reviewed by the multidisciplinary service. A combined assessment approach enabled comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment of CHIKF, assessment of joint pathology through ultrasound, and appropriate follow-up. A combined rheumatology-tropical diseases service was successfully used to identify and assess CHIKF-associated morbidity. Future outbreaks may be approached by establishing tailored multidisciplinary clinics.

Developing Manageable Individualised Formative Assessment of Translator Trainees Through Rubrics

For some time now I have implemented a manageable combined assessment approach emphasising competence and decision-making (Way 2008, 2009). To do this, we must be able to monitor trainees’ planning, monitoring, regulating, evaluating, recognition of flawed and successful processes and task variables during their assignments. The question is: How can translator trainers assess such a vast range of complex processes? One possible solution is through rubrics for each trainee project management role and for the final translation. In this proposal we attempt to counterbalance the multiple demands of trainee assessment, whilst also addressing the time constraints on trainers and the opinions of trainees. In our paper we will present the rationale for the rubrics (after the pilot trial February-June 2020), one rubric example, an example of the Support Sheets for trainees and the outline for a platform which, once constructed, will only require periodical updating by trainers.

Exploring the effectiveness of drainage water management on water budgets and nitrate loss using three evaluation approaches

Subsurface (tile) drainage is a necessary practice for economic crop production in humid, poorly drained regions of the world. Drainage water management (DWM), also known as controlled drainage, is among the suite of practices designed to mitigate water quality issues associated with subsurface drainage. Studies evaluating DWM generally include field experiments or simulation models to estimate water quality impacts. Combining field studies with model simulations can provide a more comprehensive assessment. Furthermore, using multiple approaches can provide a range of effectiveness rather than a single estimate, which can help define the uncertainty associated with DWM effectiveness. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the variability in estimated DWM effectiveness using 10 years of measured data and a calibrated hydrologic model. The study field, located in central Ohio, was under a free drainage (FD) mode from 2005 through 2008, and under DWM from 2009 through 2014. We used three approaches to compare discharge and nitrate concentrations and loads: before-and-after, paired-field, and DRAINMOD-NII simulated scenarios. Based on the three evaluation approaches, DWM increased surface runoff by 50% (∼13 mm), reduced annual drainage discharge between 8 and 23% (∼19 to 69 mm), annual mean NO3-N concentrations between −1 and 2.5%, and NO3-N loads between 9 and 25% (∼2.8 to 10.3 kg ha−1 yr−1). DWM also reduced the frequency of drainage discharge, and increased magnitudes of surface runoff, evapotranspiration, and seepage losses. The true magnitude of DWM effectiveness remains somewhat uncertain, especially in fields prone to seepage and runoff losses. However, using a combined assessment approach can help address the uncertainty associated with estimated DWM effectiveness at watershed and regional scales.

A combined assessment of the energy, economic and environmental issues associated with on-farm manure composting processes: Two case studies in South of Italy

Livestock effluents “surplus” is a very sensitive issue for farmers who have several difficulties to manage them and ensure their safe disposal. In this regard, composting is a very strategic way to break down environmental impacts associated with manure management.This study was aimed at assessing the production sustainability of one ton of compost from dairy cattle/buffalo manure in two on-farm facilities operating in Southern Italy and using different bulking agents (wood chip from Short Rotation Forestry, straw and pruning residues). A combined assessment approach was used in 2013 to investigate all the aspects of the composting processes studied, to identify strengths and weaknesses and then optimize the operative steps. Particularly, Life Cycle Assessment, Energy Analysis and Life Cycle Costing were used to calculate environmental impacts, the involved energy and the cost of the production of 1 ton of compost, respectively, and to compare the various composting scenarios.Regardless of the type of composting scenarios, one ton of on-farm compost caused essentially ecotoxicity potential and abiotic depletion and its cost ranged from 10 to 31 euro. Compost production required from 233 to 756 MJ of energy. Particularly, the lesser impacts and the lesser energy and cost requirements occurred when maize straw or pruning residues were used as bulking agents. The proposed study, which linked together the three above mentioned methodologies, is unusual within the available literature on dairy cattle/buffalo manure composting. This combined approach allowed to define a complete landscape of sustainable possibilities in managing organic residues (especially manure) at the farm level giving useful information to promote the diffusion of these low technology composting processes and the agronomic use of compost thus obtained. All this to ensure sustainable resource use alleviating stress on the environment as claimed by the Europe’s Bioeconomy Strategy.

Hemodynamic assessment with interventional support should be routine for primary electrophysiology procedures after atrial switch procedure.

We sought to review our current philosophy that all primary invasive electrophysiologic (EP) studies in patients with atrial switch procedures (ASPs) should undergo hemodynamic evaluation and have interventional expertise available. Patients who have undergone an ASP for dextro-transposition of the great arteries have a high incidence of both hemodynamic and EP sequelae. We present our data to support the combined assessment approach for these patients. Hemodynamic evaluation and interventions performed concurrently during a primary invasive EP procedure in patients with ASP were reviewed. A total of 18 patients underwent concurrent EP invasive procedure and cardiac catheterization. The median age was 31 (14-43 years) with the majority being male (67%). Patients underwent a total of 30 concurrent primary invasive EP procedure and cardiac catheterization; 14 (47%) of the catheterization procedure were interventional. Some of the catheterization procedures required more than one intervention with total of 19 separate interventions. There were nine (47%) unexpected interventions. The majority of patients (n = 14, 77.8%) had one or more abnormal hemodynamic finding including baffle obstruction (n = 13, 72%), elevated filling pressures (n = 3, 17%), and secondary pulmonary hypertension (n = 3, 17%). Non-EP-related interventional procedures included systemic or pulmonary venous baffle stenting for significant obstruction (n = 7). EP-related interventions included transbaffle puncture for ablation of left-sided reentry circuits (n = 5), closure of previously undiagnosed baffle leaks prior to pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement to prevent paradoxical embolism (n = 3), superior baffle stenting to facilitate pacemaker/ICD lead placement (n = 2), and retrieval of retained transvenous pacemaker/ICD lead (n = 2). Due to the frequency of abnormal hemodynamics or interventional needs, strong consideration for routine concurrent hemodynamic assessment and availability of interventional expertise is warranted during primary invasive EP procedures in patients post ASP.

Preterm infants’ orally directed behaviors and behavioral state responses to the integrated H-HOPE intervention

Preterm infants are challenged by immature infant behavioral organization which may negatively influence their ability to oral feed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the integrated H-HOPE (Hospital to Home: Optimizing the Infant's Environment) intervention would improve infant behavioral organization by increasing the frequency of orally directed behaviors and the proportion of time spent in an alert behavioral state when offered prior to oral feeding. Mother–infant dyads (n=198) were randomly assigned to the H-HOPE intervention or the Attention Control groups. Infants were born at 29–34 weeks gestation and were clinically stable. Mothers had at least two social environmental risk factors such as minority status or less than high school education. H-HOPE is an integrated intervention that included (1) twice-daily infant directed stimulation using the ATVV intervention (auditory, tactile, visual, and vestibular stimuli) and (2) maternal participatory guidance sessions by a nurse-community advocate team. Orally directed behaviors and behavioral states were assessed weekly prior to feeding during hospitalization when infants were able to feed orally. There were no differences between the groups at baseline (Day 0, prior to the initiation of the integrated H-HOPE intervention). We observed a pattern of increased frequency of orally directed behaviors in the H-HOPE intervention group when compared to the Attention Control group, however, the proportion of time spent in an alert behavioral state remained stable in both groups over the course of the study. On Day 7, the H-HOPE intervention group exhibited a significantly higher mean frequency of orally directed behaviors than the Attention Control group (12.6 vs. 7.1 pre-intervention, 51.8 vs. 33.2 during intervention, 4.3 vs. 3.2 immediately after intervention, and 8.9 vs. 5.3 immediately prior to feeding). On Day 7, the H-HOPE intervention group exhibited a significantly higher proportion of time spent in an alert behavioral state only during intervention (0.26 vs. 0.11) and immediately after intervention (0.28 vs. 0.06). These findings are suggestive that the integrated H-HOPE intervention facilitated infant behavioral organization for clinically stable infants born between 29 and 34 weeks gestation. The orally directed behaviors appear to be an important indicator of the infant's preparation for feeding, and when used in conjunction with assessment of behavioral states, are especially valuable to the clinician. Use of this combined assessment approach in practice would strengthen clinician assessment for initiation of (beginning the first oral feeding) and daily preparation for oral feeding in preterm infants.

Brief Report: Barriers to Treatment Adherence in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

To examine perceived barriers to medication adherence in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment and their relationship with adherence using a combined forced choice and semi-structured interview assessment approach. Sixteen adolescents with IBD and their parents participated in an open-ended interview regarding adherence barriers and completed quantitative measures of adherence, barriers to treatment, and disease severity. The most commonly identified barriers to adherence were forgetting, interference with other activities, difficulty swallowing pills, and not being at home. Number of reported barriers was positively correlated with objective nonadherence for 6-MP/azathioprine. Nonadherence frequency was 42% for 6-MP/azathoprine and 50% for 5-ASA medications. Using a combined assessment approach, patients and parents reported several barriers to treatment adherence that are appropriate for clinical intervention. This is critical given the significant medication nonadherence observed in this sample and the relationship between total number of barriers and disease management problems.

Influence of Assessment Methods on Reports of Gender Differences in AMI Symptoms

The purpose of this secondary analysis was to compare gender differences in retrospective reports of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) symptoms resulting from two different assessment methods: the open-ended inquiry and the combined assessment approach. Women reported more atypical symptoms in their responses to the open-ended inquiry and a greater number of typical, atypical, and total symptoms in the combined assessment approach in which the open-ended inquiry was followed by a series of closed-ended questions. Women reported more jaw/neck pain, dyspnea, and palpitations in response to the open-ended inquiry. In the combined assessment, men reported more chest pain/discomfort than women, whereas women were more likely to report jaw/neck pain, dyspnea, back pain, fatigue, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and palpitations. The data suggest that careful attention to the type of questions used to assess AMI symptoms could lead to more definitive conclusions regarding gender differences in AMI symptoms.

Inland fisheries of the Mayan Zone in Quintana Roo, Mexico: Using a combined approach to fishery assessment for data-sparse fisheries

In Southern Mexico and Central America, inland fisheries form part of the livelihood portfolio of an as-yet unknown number of rural communities. This paper reports on the first comprehensive study of such fisheries located in common property lands ( ejidos) of the Mayan Zone in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Given the “data-sparse” nature of these fisheries, with a lack of data available on their current status and on participation levels, a fishery assessment approach was used which included methods from both the natural and social sciences, with a focus on survey methods applied to fishery users, water, fish and creel surveys. Moreover, local knowledge of community residents complemented scientific knowledge in a substantial part of the research. The results, from 48 fishing sites (four with sub-saline waters, the remainder freshwater) indicated (1) a resource base of multi-specific nature with a total of 18 bony fish species in the study area, (2) artisanal (small-scale) fisheries, with very basic technology (notably hand-lines) utilized primarily through barefoot fishing along the shores, or with the aid of rafts and canoes, (3) seasonal fishing, primarily during the dry season (February to May), due to greater accessibility of the sites in those periods, but also related to the end of work on major local livelihoods, (4) both indigenous (Mayan) and non-indigenous fishers, of ages ranging from teenage to senior adults, for most of whom the major occupation was slash-and-burn agriculture, and (5) a mainly male-oriented fishery, but with some women involved in five out of nine ejidos studied. While the key motivation of fishers was subsistence, the study found, for the first time in this form of fishery, that recreation was also a significant goal of many participants. In terms of methodology, the study demonstrated the importance of cross-validating the accuracy of information from informants interviewed in the type of social surveys used here. This combined assessment approach proved effective in providing new information on these previously under-studied fisheries, and may be useful in similar data-sparse situations elsewhere.