Evaluation Process Research Articles

The NEW Soul Study: Implementation and Evaluation Impact From the Secular Trend of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In process evaluation research, secular trends refer to external factors unrelated to an intervention that impact implementation. The COVID-19 pandemic was a secular trend that affected the implementation of the Nutritious Eating with Soul (NEW Soul) study. This paper describes steps taken in modifying intervention delivery due to the secular trend of the pandemic. This paper also addresses process evaluation measures of dose delivered, dose received, and satisfaction. This study is a longitudinal study. The study took place in Columbia, SC, from 2018 to 2021. African American adults between 18 and 65years old. The NEW Soul study, a dietary lifestyle intervention, lasted 24months. Process evaluation variables of dose delivered, dose received, and satisfaction. The study team shifted intervention delivery and maintained the timeline of classes for participants and intervention activities. Dose delivered was higher in-person (7.0 out of 8) compared to online (6.4 out of 8; t =-3.92, P =.002). Attendance was higher in-person compared to online (t =2.80, P =.006). Overall, satisfaction of the intervention was favorable in-person and online. Helpfulness of nutrition information in the class was rated lower online compared to in-person (t =2.05, P =.04). Even though the study team successfully shifted intervention delivery online, dose delivered was higher in-person. Evaluations of classes remained high across cohorts and for in-person and online classes. Future lifestyle interventions working with African American adults requires consistent flexibility in intervention delivery.

Unlocking the Anion Effect on Steerable Production of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural.

Homogeneous metal salt catalysts play a pivotal role in industrial production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Herein, we first proposed the anion effect on steerable production of HMF using metal salts with different anions as catalyst in a biphasic system of tetrahydrofuran (THF)/NaCl aqueous solution (NaCl aq). Notably, the anions affected the catalytic activity of the metal salts, leading to an order of magnitude difference in the HMF yields, i.e., AlBr3 (74.0 mol %)>AlCl3 (60.8 mol %)>Al2(SO4)3 (35.2 mol %)>Al(NO3)3 (14.9 mol %). The anion effect on steerable production of HMF could be attributed to the proximity effect and electron tension. Anions form close-range interactions with glucose molecules by proximity effect to promote electron transfer, facilitating the isomerization of glucose to fructose. Besides, anions induce a reduction of the electron cloud density of glucose carbon atoms, generating electron tension that rapidly transforms glucose from the ground state to the transition state, thereby increasing the HMF yield. Based on the revelation of anions effect and evaluation of techno-economic process, we expect to provides theoretical guidance for high-throughput screening of metal salt catalysts in industrial biorefinery.

Deep learning-based automatic contour quality assurance for auto-segmented abdominal MR-Linac contours

Objective.Deep-learning auto-segmentation (DLAS) aims to streamline contouring in clinical settings. Nevertheless, achieving clinical acceptance of DLAS remains a hurdle in abdominal MRI, hindering the implementation of efficient clinical workflows for MR-guided online adaptive radiotherapy (MRgOART). Integrating automated contour quality assurance (ACQA) with automatic contour correction (ACC) techniques could optimize the performance of ACC by concentrating on inaccurate contours. Furthermore, ACQA can facilitate the contour selection process from various DLAS tools and/or deformable contour propagation from a prior treatment session. Here, we present the performance of novel DL-based 3D ACQA models for evaluating DLAS contours acquired during MRgOART.Approach.The ACQA model, based on a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN), was trained using pancreas and duodenum contours obtained from a research DLAS tool on abdominal MRIs acquired from a 1.5 T MR-Linac. The training dataset contained abdominal MR images, DL contours, and their corresponding quality ratings, from 103 datasets. The quality of DLAS contours was determined using an in-house contour classification tool, which categorizes contours as acceptable or edit-required based on the expected editing effort. The performance of the 3D ACQA model was evaluated using an independent dataset of 34 abdominal MRIs, utilizing confusion matrices for true and predicted classes.Main results.The ACQA predicted 'acceptable' and 'edit-required' contours at 72.2% (91/126) and 83.6% (726/868) accuracy for pancreas, and at 71.2% (79/111) and 89.6% (772/862) for duodenum contours, respectively. The model successfully identified false positive (extra) and false negative (missing) DLAS contours at 93.75% (15/16) and %99.7 (438/439) accuracy for pancreas, and at 95% (57/60) and 98.9% (91/99) for duodenum, respectively.Significance.We developed 3D-ACQA models capable of quickly evaluating the quality of DLAS pancreas and duodenum contours on abdominal MRI. These models can be integrated into clinical workflow, facilitating efficient and consistent contour evaluation process in MRgOART for abdominal malignancies.

Development, Implementation, and Formative Evaluation of a Social Needs Screening Tool.

We aim to develop and formatively evaluate a brief social needs screening tool that adheres to Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) clinical service standards for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) agencies and is acceptable and feasible for use by staff during a clinical encounter. Through a multi-stage literature and expert review process, we developed an evidence-informed, two-page social needs screening tool, scoring form, and implementation guide. We piloted this tool at three SRH agencies in Massachusetts and recruited staff to provide quantitative and qualitative feedback through post-pilot test self-reported surveys and semi-structured interviews. Participants (n = 13) felt the social needs screening tool was easy to integrate into their clinical workflow and were comfortable using it with patients. All participants reported feeling comfortable administering the tool, scoring it, and referring patients to appropriate resources, if applicable. Most reported they would like to continue using the tool after the pilot implementation period, either with or without modifications. Our multi-stage tool development and formative evaluation process involving literature review, expert review, and pilot-testing in clinical settings enabled our team to create a brief, evidence-informed social needs screening tool that is acceptable to staff and feasible for use during a short clinic visit at SRH agencies in Massachusetts. Staff felt that there is value in using this tool, are comfortable using it, and are able to integrate it into their existing clinical workflows.

A comparative analysis of the evaluation system for comprehensive reform of agricultural water prices in China

Water is a fundamental natural resource that affects human and social development, and also plays an important role in modern agricultural production and food security. In China, agricultural water consumption accounts for the majority of the total water consumption. For a long time, China has not fully implemented water pricing and payment for agricultural water, and the lower agricultural water cost have led to the waste of water resource and the rapid conversion of agricultural water to other industries. In order to avoid agricultural water waste and achieve the goal of agricultural sustainable development, the Chinese government has launched a comprehensive reform of agricultural water prices nationwide since 2016. According to the plan, nowadays, the reform will faces overall evaluation and acceptance in 2024 and 2025. However, there is a lack of a relatively unified and flexible nationwide evaluation index system and acceptance measures. In this study, a comparative research of the evaluation system for comprehensive reform of agricultural water prices was developed. Based on existing evaluation and acceptance measures issued by four typical provincial regions, this study compared and analyzed the compliance and similarities and differences of these acceptance measures with national reform policies and requirements. From the aspects of evaluation procedure and index system, a systematic comparative analysis was conducted on the integrity and differences in the four regions. At the same time, suggestions were given for policy-making of national evaluation process and standard. The comparative analysis results showed that the evaluation indices in the four provincial regions have met all the key points of national reform policies and have a complete system, but there were significant differences in the structure of the evaluation index system in different provincial regions. It is recommended to establish a simple, relatively unified and practical national evaluation and acceptance system as soon as possible. In addition, evaluation criteria for individual specific indices should be determined by region based on the differences in economic capacity and agricultural water conservancy facilities conditions.

Test-retest reliability and construct validity of Inosen’s Silat Momentum Test

Problem Statements: The kick in Pencak Silat has a magnitude called momentum, which requires a tool capable of measuring several variables based on the International System of Units (SI) in real-time. Nowadays, there are affordable and reliable sensor technologies to meet these needs. Purpose: The research aimed to design a test instrument that utilizes sensor technology to measure kick momentum in the sparring category of Pencak Silat following the applicable SI, and to test its reliability and validity. The resulting instrument is named Inosen’s Silat Momentum Test. Approach: This study followed Johnson and Nelson’s seven-test construction process. Twenty-four Pencak Silat athletes, consisting of 12 elite and 12 non-elite participants, were involved in the evaluation process. The test’s reliability was assessed by examining the correlation between the test and retest results. The construct validity test was conducted by comparing the results of the front kick tests of elite and non-elite Pencak Silat athletes. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation and independent t-tests using Minitab 21.4.1 software. Results: The results of the test and retest indicate a very high correlation (r = 0.923), demonstrating the consistent ability of Inosen’s Silat Momentum Test to measure kick momentum. The study found a statistically significant difference in the Inosen’s Silat Momentum Test scores (p < 0.05) between the elite fighter group (average score of 463.3 kg.m/s) and the non-elite fighter group (average score of 375 kg.m/s). The results indicate that Inosen’s Silat Momentum Test is an effective instrument for differentiating kick momentum based on fighter performance. Conclusions: Based on the findings, it is inferred that Inosen’s Silat Momentum Test is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring Pencak Silat kick momentum according to SI standards. Keywords: biomechanics, kick momentum, pencak silat, performance test, sensor technology.

The Lau decision and the San Diego National Origin Desegregation Assistance Center

ABSTRACT This article documents the San Diego National Origin Desegregation Assistance Center (NODAC), one of the nine national centers established by the U.S. Office of Education to provide technical assistance to school districts cited under Section 601 of Title VI, from the Office for Civil Rights, to meet the Lau compliance requirement based on the Lau v. Nichols Supreme Court decision (Title VI. 42 U. S. C). Additionally, it provides insights into the ideological and political challenges and triumphs of implementing federal mandates for educational equity. The focus of this article is on the San Diego NODAC which provided technical assistance to the Southern California area consisting of 10 counties with the highest concentration of national origin students in the nation. This evaluation case study documents the work, process, and impact, of the San Diego NODAC and reflects on the enforcement of the Lau Task Force Remedies under the Region IX U.S. Office of Civil Rights, the process used by the NODAC, and the organizational receptivity and perceptions of school districts personnel responsible for coordinating compliance at or beyond minimal compliance. This article concludes with an evaluation process using lessons learned by the NODAC based on more than a decade of work and advocacy for students’ equal access to opportunity, quality bilingual education, and democratic schooling.

Effectiveness of a Bullying Intervention (Be-Prox) in Norwegian Early Childhood and Education Care Centers: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

A new and growing body of research has studied bullying among children in early childhood education and care centers (ECECs). The Bernese Program (Be-Prox) is designed to systematically prevent and handle bullying between children in Swiss ECECs. However, the effectiveness of the Be-Prox intervention has not yet been explored in a Norwegian ECEC setting. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Be-Prox in preventing and handling bullying among peers in Norwegian ECECs. ECECs from 2 Norwegian municipalities were invited to participate in a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of the Be-Prox intervention on peer bullying in Norwegian ECECs. After baseline measures were taken, project ECECs were randomized to either an intervention or a control arm. The Be-Prox intervention was introduced to ECECs in the intervention arm through 6 modules over a 9-month period immediately after the randomization. ECECs in the control arm participated in the data collection and were offered the Be-Prox intervention the following year. The primary outcome of the effect evaluation is the mean sum of negative behavior between peers after the Be-Prox training is completed in the intervention arm. Secondary outcomes include child bystander behavior, teacher self-efficacy, and ECEC's authoritative climate. An extensive implementation and process evaluation, as well as cost-effectiveness analyses, will be conducted alongside the RCT. Baseline data collection was conducted in September 2023, and the postintervention data collection started in May 2024. At baseline, we collected data on 708 children and 413 personnel from 38 project ECECs in the 2 Norwegian municipalities. The results from the study will be available in late 2024 at the earliest. The proposed project includes a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of Be-Prox in Norwegian ECECs directly targeting the prevention and handling of bullying, including implementation and cost-effectiveness evaluations. The results from the project have the potential to fill in identified knowledge gaps in the understanding of negative behavior and bullying between peers in ECECs, and how these may be prevented. If proven efficient, our ambition is to offer Be-Prox to Norwegian ECECs as an evidence-based practice to prevent and handle bullying among preschool children. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06040437; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06040437. DERR1-10.2196/60626.

Program evaluation and healthcare process improvement focused on complex wheelchair procurement

ABSTRACT The operations of a specialty wheelchair (WC) seating center can influence the evaluation to delivery timeframe in days for a complex rehab technology (CRT) WC. Operations at one facility improved due to departmental process improvement (PI) project with evaluation of the delivery workflow and implementation of changes. A retrospective chart audit gathered baseline data on the evaluation to delivery timeframe in days of a CRT WC for 50 individuals prior to PI changes. Standard departmental workflow collected 745 individuals’ post-PI changes. The interventions took place from March 25, 2017, to April 5, 2018, and included defining and educating stakeholders on their roles and expectations, revisions of the electronic medical record, weekly and quarterly meetings with supplier leadership, paperwork completion goals, and follow-up paperwork centralization. Mean pre- and post-intervention evaluation to delivery timeframes in days was significantly different (162.2 versus 127.4 days, p < 0.0001). Overall, a reduction in the mean evaluation to delivery timeframe in days of CRT WC by 21.5% or 34.8 days occurred. Systematic change takes time as well as the commitment of all key players. PI changes resulted in evaluation to delivery timeframe reduction for patients to receive their CRT WCs.

Rationale and design of Healthy Kids Beyond the Bell: a 2x2 full factorial study evaluating the impact of summer and after-school programming on children’s body mass index and health behaviors

BackgroundThe Structured Days Hypothesis posits that structure protects children against obesogenic behaviors (e.g., physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary intake) and, ultimately, prevents the occurrence of excessive weight gain. The hours following school (i.e., 3–6 pm school days) and summer vacation are two “windows of vulnerability” when children may experience less structure. Programs that provide a healthy structured environment and may prevent BMI gain exist for both time periods (i.e., after-school programs and summer day camps). Unfortunately, these programs are cost prohibitive for children from low-income families to attend. This study will test the impact of providing vouchers to access existing, community-operated after-school and summer programs on BMI z-score, body composition, and obesogenic behaviors (i.e., physical activity, screen use, diet, and sleep) of children (5–12 years) from schools that primarily serve families with low income.MethodsThe study will employ a 2x2 factorial design. Participants (N = 480) attending 4 elementary schools in one school district will be randomly assigned to a no treatment control, after-school program voucher only, summer day camp voucher only, or after-school and summer day camp vouchers. Vouchers will cover the full cost of attending a pre-existing community-based after-school or summer camp program. The primary outcome (BMI z-score) will be measured at baseline (before end of school year, ~ May), 3-month follow-up (after summer, ~ August), and 12-month follow-up (end the following school year, ~ May). Secondary outcomes include body composition (i.e., whole-body fat mass, fat free mass, and percent body fat) and obesogenic behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sedentary time, sleep, screen-time, and diet). The study will also employ a rigorous process evaluation which will consider after-school and summer camp program attendance and content. Analyses will examine differences between the four groups in BMI z-score, body composition, and obesogenic behaviors. Incremental cost effectiveness ratios will determine the cost effectiveness of the intervention.DiscussionThe current study will provide critical information for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers seeking to combat the childhood obesity epidemic in children from families with low-income during the school year and summer.Trial registrationNCT05880901. Registered 27 May 2023.

A novel multi-criteria decision making method to evaluate green innovation ecosystem resilience

Green innovation ecosystem resilience evaluation is crucial for ensuring sustainable development in dynamic environments. By comprehensively assessing resilience, it helps identify risks and facilitate effective responses, thus promoting sustainable development. To effectively evaluate the resilience of green innovation ecosystems, this paper proposes a model based on the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method, designed to support decision-makers (DMs) in resilience evaluation. In this model, we improve the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) method by introducing Spearman's correlation coefficient to more accurately determine the objective weights of various indicators based on their interrelationships. Furthermore, we propose an Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Hybrid Average Aggregation (IVIFHAA) operator, which considers both the subjective and objective weight order for aggregating expert evaluation results. Additionally, a scoring function is introduced to generate ranked evaluation results. We also establish a resilience evaluation criteria system covering interconnectivity, sustainability, and diversity within green innovation ecosystems to assist DMs in resilience evaluation. Finally, to validate this method, we apply it to assess the resilience of regional green innovation ecosystems and compare it with other methods. The results demonstrate that the improved operator effectively reduces information loss and improves evaluation efficiency, while the improved CRITIC method handles outliers during the evaluation process.

Strategies for effective high pressure germination or inactivation of Bacillus spores involving nisin.

Extremely resistant spore-forming bacteria are widely distributed in nature. They infiltrate the food chain and processing environments, posing risks of spoilage and food safety. Traditional heat-intensive inactivation methods often negatively affect the product quality. HP germination-inactivation offers a potential solution for better preserving sensitive ingredients while inactivating spores. However, the presence of ungerminated (superdormant) spores hampers the strategy's success and safety. Knowledge of strategies to overcome resistance to HP germination is vital to progress mild spore control technologies. Our study contributes to the evaluation and development of mild preservation processes by evaluating strategies to enhance the HP germination-inactivation efficacy. Mild preservation processes can fulfill the consumers' demand for safe and minimally processed food.

Leveraging Xenobiotic-Responsive Cancer Stemness in Cell Line-Based Tumoroids for Evaluating Chemoresistance: A Proof-of-Concept Study on Environmental Susceptibility

Emerging evidence suggests that cancer stemness plays a crucial role in tumor progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Upon exposure to internal or external stress, ribosomes stand sentinel and facilitate diverse biological processes, including oncological responses. In the present study, ribosome-inactivating stress (RIS) was evaluated for its modulation of cancer cell stemness as a pivotal factor of tumor cell reprogramming. Based on the concept of stress-responsive cancer cell stemness, we addressed human intestinal cancer cell line-based off-the-shelf spheroid cultures. Intestinal cancer cell line-based spheroids exhibited heightened levels of CD44+CD133+ cancer stemness, which was improved by chemical-induced RIS. Further evaluations revealed the potential of these stress-imprinted spheroids as a platform for chemoresistance screening. Compared to adherent cells, stemness-improved spheroid cultures displayed reduced apoptosis in response to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a frontline chemotherapeutic agent against colorectal cancer. Moreover, serial subcultures with repeated RIS exposure maintained and even enhanced cancer stemness and chemoresistance patterns. In particular, isolated CD44+CD133+ cancer stem cells exhibited higher chemoresistance compared to unsorted cells. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying RIS-induced stemness, RNA-seq analysis identified Wnt signaling pathways and stemness-associated signals as notable features in spheroids exposed to RIS. Loss-of-function studies targeting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a negative regulator of Wnt signaling, revealed that CTGF-deficient spheroids exhibited improved cancer stemness and resistance to 5-FU, with RIS further enhancing these effects. In conclusion, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates the feasibility of leveraging stress-responsive cancer stemness for the development of spheroid-based platforms for chemoresistance evaluation and elucidation of pathophysiological processes of colorectal tumorigenesis under environmental stress.

Evaluation of High-Pressure Processing (HPP) for the Stabilization of Prickly Pear Puree through the Assessment of Its Microbiological, Enzymatic, and Nutritional Features

Evaluation of High-Pressure Processing (HPP) for the Stabilization of Prickly Pear Puree through the Assessment of Its Microbiological, Enzymatic, and Nutritional Features

Measurement of development level of digital transformation of banks in Northwest China

Abstract. In the current era, the digital economy has become an important opportunity for commercial banks. In order to keep up with the pace of The Times, build a solid foundation of science and technology finance, and promote the economic development of the Northwest region, this paper adopts the analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to explore the influential factors of the digital transformation of banks in the Northwest region. The analysis shows that net capital, operating income and loan-to-deposit ratio have the greatest impact on the digital transformation of banks. In terms of digital transformation of banks in Northwest China, Shaanxi Province and Gansu Province have a better development level, Qinghai Province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region are relatively average, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Province is relatively backward. Based on this, the paper puts forward suggestions to improve the level of capital management, optimize the structure of deposits and loans, and promote income diversification.

Exploring the Practical Teaching Mode of Language Laboratory based on Artificial Intelligence

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, its application in the field of education is becoming more and more extensive, especially in the teaching mode of language laboratory, AI technology shows great potential and innovation space. The purpose of this paper is to explore the practical teaching mode of language lab based on artificial intelligence, and to reveal its advantages and challenges in language learning by analysing the current status of the application of AI technology in teaching. This study aims to explore the in-depth analysis of the research on the practical teaching mode of language labs based on artificial intelligence. Firstly, it introduces the problems of language labs and analyses the limitations and problems of traditional labs. Secondly, the language laboratory solution measures are elaborated in detail to construct the practical teaching mode of language laboratory based on artificial intelligence. Then, the practical teaching mode of language laboratory based on artificial intelligence is explored. Finally, the application value of the language laboratory of artificial intelligence in the aspects of linguistic research and teaching practicability is discussed. As an innovative application of educational technology, the language laboratory of artificial intelligence has a positive role in promoting the transformation of the modern language teaching mode, and provides new perspectives and methods for foreign language teaching. This paper focuses on the design and construction of the practical language teaching mode of artificial intelligence. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, its application in the field of education has become increasingly widespread. In language teaching, the construction of an AI-based practical teaching model can help to improve teaching efficiency and quality and stimulate students’ interest in learning. This paper elaborates the design principles, construction elements, implementation process and effect evaluation of this teaching mode from various aspects.

Application of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) for a case study and scenario assessment of flood risk in the White Volta Basin of the Upper East Region, Ghana

In recent years, Ghana, particularly the inhabitants of the Upper East Region, has experienced profound impact of flooding, largely attributable to the complex interplay of climatic factors. This research embarks on a comprehensive assessment of flood risk zones nestled within the White Volta Basin, situated in the Upper East Region. The study employs advanced cartographic methodologies and uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in conjunction with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to systematically categorize areas susceptible to inundation. Leveraging geospatial datasets acquired from satellites such as Landsat and Sentinel. Topographic, slope, and Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) maps have been constructed. The empirical findings underscore the susceptibility of specific regions, including the Talensi District, territories within Bawku West, and some segments of the Bolgatanga Municipal area, to escalated flood risk. Additionally, the research underscores the high vulnerability of communities such as Nunku, Tolla, Zaare, Pwalugu, Balungu, Winkongo, Biung, and Tongo to the negative impact of inundation. Significantly, the study unveils a pivotal factor in the perpetuation of flood devastation—namely, the role of water discharge. This intrinsic linkage between discharge rates and flood occurrences underscores the pressing need to address this critical component in mitigation strategies to reduce adverse impacts on the basin’s resident communities. The insights derived from the study offer some level of hope for residents, providing essential knowledge concerning flood-prone areas and optimal timing for agricultural activities to safeguard their cherished livelihoods.

The impact of pilot policies for low carbon city construction on the development of urban circular economy multiple time-point difference-in-differences model

IntroductionAs a means of environmental regulation, the low-carbon city pilot policy aims to address climate change and alleviate environmental resource pressures in economic development. The development of low-carbon cities often requires changes to the existing industrial and energy structures, which will have a significant impact on the regional economy.MethodsThe study is based on panel data from 273 prefecture level cities in China from 2012 to 2022, and uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Entropy Comprehensive Evaluation Method to construct an evaluation index system for urban circular benefits. Finally, the multiple time point differences model and mediation effect model were used to evaluate the impact and influencing factors of policies on urban economy.ResultsThe results indicate that at the 1% level, the explanatory variable coefficient significantly improves the level of urban circular economy development after adding control variables. The construction of low-carbon pilot cities has improved the performance of circular economy development by about 6.42%. The mediating effect of industrial structure rationalization is significantly positive at the 1% significance level, indicating that the construction of low-carbon pilot cities has greatly promoted the coordinated development of industrial relations within China’s low-carbon development regions.DiscussionIt can be seen that the low-carbon city pilot policy has a significant promoting effect on China’s economic development and the development of urban circular economy. Therefore, it is recommended to further expand the pilot scope of low-carbon cities and fully leverage their promoting role.

Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) in Empowering Vocational English Teaching Evaluation Systems

The integration of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) into vocational English teaching has the potential to revolutionize the evaluation process, making it more efficient, personalized, and insightful. This paper explores the current landscape of AIGC in education, with a focus on its application in vocational English teaching evaluation systems. Through a systematic literature review, we analyze how AIGC can enhance existing evaluation frameworks, the challenges it poses, and the future direction of its integration into educational practices.

CascAGS: Comparative Analysis of SNP Calling Methods for Human Genome Data in the Absence of Gold Standard.

The development of third-generation sequencing has accelerated the boom of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling methods, but evaluating accuracy remains challenging owing to the absence of the SNP gold standard. The definitions for without-gold-standard and performance metrics and their estimation are urgently needed. Additionally, the possible correlations between different SNP loci should also be further explored. To address these challenges, we first introduced the concept of a gold standard and imperfect gold standard under the consistency framework and gave the corresponding definitions of sensitivity and specificity. A latent class model (LCM) was established to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of callers. Furthermore, we incorporated different dependency structures into LCM to investigate their impact on sensitivity and specificity. The performance of LCM was illustrated by comparing the accuracy of BCFtools, DeepVariant, FreeBayes, and GATK on various datasets. Through estimations across multiple datasets, the results indicate that LCM is well-suitable for evaluating callers without the SNP gold standard, and accurate inclusion of the dependency between variations is crucial for better performance ranking. DeepVariant has a higher sum of sensitivity and specificity than other callers, followed by GATK and BCFtools. FreeBayes has low sensitivity but high specificity. Notably, appropriate sequencing coverage is another important factor for precise callers' evaluation. Most importantly, a web interface for assessing and comparing different callers was developed to simplify the evaluation process.