Internal Evaluation Research Articles

Pursuing the impossible (?) dream: Incorporating attitudes into practice-ready travel demand forecasting models

Despite the fact that our existing models are not up to the job of predicting travel behavior in today’s rapidly changing landscape, and despite considerable evidence that attitudes help us explain behavior more completely and more meaningfully, attitudes are nowhere to be found in practice-oriented travel demand forecasting models. Two main objections have been raised to their inclusion: they are too cumbersome to measure, and difficult-if-not-impossible to forecast. This paper reports on the considerable progress that has been made toward overcoming the first objection, through the use of machine learning methods to train a prediction function on smaller-scale research-oriented survey datasets, and then applying that function to impute attitudes into large-scale household travel survey datasets. Internal evaluations show that we can estimate attitudinal factor scores with moderate fidelity when using socioeconomic/demographic, land use, and targeted marketing variables, and with high fidelity when using just a few attitudinal marker variables. External evaluations demonstrate that the imputed attitudes lead to improved behavioral insight and predictive ability for forecasting-oriented models. With respect to the second objection I have only sketched some ideas for moving forward, but there are clearly some practical steps that could be taken at very little marginal cost, such as including as few as 10 attitudinal marker statements in future household travel surveys.

The Concept of Innate Sexual Priors in the Brain: A Theory on Why We Are Attracted to What We Are Attracted to

AbstractSexuality is an integral part of human nature, yet we know little about its origins and underlying mechanisms. Understanding how the brain processes sexual stimuli is crucial for advancing our knowledge of the origins of sexuality and its variations. Only if a stimulus was internally evaluated as ‘attractive’ the information can progress to evoke sexual desire or arousal. Importantly, such evaluation processes require an internal reference against which external information is compared. These processes, however, remain largely unexplored, and hence we still do not understand why we are attracted to what we are attracted to. By synthesizing the existing literature and integrating existing models, this narrative review proposes a novel neuroscientific framework on sexuality, addressing key theoretical gaps. As a result, the concept of sexual priors in the brain is introduced. Within this framework, sexual priors refer to mental ‘images’ representing a collection of internally stored information of what we regard as sexually attractive. Such mental representations act as reference in early internal evaluation processes of sexual stimuli. It is suggested that sexual priors are (partly) innate and sex-specific, contributing to heterosexuality. Evolutionary aspects that could explain the development of these priors are discussed. Furthermore, the framework provides possible explanations for variations in sexual orientation through potential cross-sex shifts in sexual prior content. The refinement of sexual prior content over time may explain the diversity of sexual interests and attraction patterns among humans. Moreover, the concept can be applied to a variety of psychiatric conditions related to atypical and maladaptive sexual behaviors. A proposition is put forward regarding brain areas and networks that may be involved in the formation of sexual priors, serving as potential targets for future research. In summary, by integrating sexual priors into models of sexual stimuli processing, this article fills theoretical gaps while inspiring further research. This work aims to enhance understanding of sexuality, which ultimately could increase social awareness, foster tolerance, and promote psychological well-being.

A Tale of an Airlines Company: Towards A Model of Strategy Formulation Through the Lenses of Sustainable Development Goal

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to explore a few insights into the national airlines of Bangladesh (called Biman) and how they can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Further, the paper evaluates the available strategies using IEF, EFE, SWOT, IE & QSPM matrices/techniques as proposed by David & David (2017). Theoretical Framework: IFE (Internal Factor Evaluation) & EFE (External Factor Evaluation (e.g. input stage), SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threats) & IE (Internal and External) matrix (e.g. matching stage), and finally QSPM (Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix) (e.g. decision-making stage) are used for strategy formulation. Method: This study applies a mixed-method approach. Face-to-face interviews with the passengers of London-Dhaka-London are conducted, and additionally, the content analysis of relevant newspapers and journal articles is carried out. Results and Discussion: QSPM finds, that market development (priority-1), offensive strategy (priority-2), and product development (priority-3) are the appropriate strategies for the airline.It would be not easy to generalize the results as the study is based on one public airline company in a particular country (Bangladesh). Research Implications: This study has both theoretical and practical implications. The study demonstrates how to formulate plans using a quantitative method. The result of this study might be beneficial to Bangladesh's Civil Aviation Authority. The recommendations of this study may help generate profits in Biman. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the strategy literature. Strategy development processes for any business, including aviation, may be eye-opening.

Deep learning-based Covid-19 diagnosis: a thorough assessment with a focus on generalization capabilities

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly spurred the development of deep learning (DL) models for the pathology automatic diagnosis based on CT scan images. However, the assumption about the generalization of the proposed models remains to be assessed and shown for concrete clinical use. In this work, we have investigated the real value of widely used public datasets for the elaboration of DL models that are dedicated to automatic diagnosis of Covid-19 using CT scans. We have collected various international public datasets from 13 countries. Different Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have been trained and their performances carefully assessed. Two evaluations have been conducted: (1) an internal evaluation following a cross-validation procedure, and (2) an external evaluation on real patients coming from new and different sources. The objective is to assess the generalization capabilities considering real-world conditions: different acquisition conditions, devices and configurations. Three families from the most effective CNN models have been selected (ResNet, DenseNet and EfficientNet). These have been fine-tuned, evaluated and used within a training methodology based on transfer learning. The most effective models have been further customized in order to create new models that are dedicated to the task at hand. These models have significantly improved the diagnosis performance.

Establishing the Institute of Independent Evaluation of Higher Education in the Russian Federation

The paper presents the results of the search, systematization and analysis of independent higher education evaluation systems that have been developed in the country in the recent decade. The research has been carried out using standardised evaluation mechanisms that adhere to the criteria of mass scale, openness, and stability. The analysis of the independent evaluation of higher education’s present situation revealed certain inconsistencies between the legislative and regulatory framework and real practice. It should be emphasised that, while different processes have now been developed for this type of evaluation, they still require enhancement. The assessment mechanisms themselves need to undergo an external, independent evaluation to ensure their reliability, integrity, and trustworthy evidence. It has been indicated that independent evaluation procedures have jointly developed into a system: the institution of independent evaluation. This system is characterised by integrity, orderliness, and definite linkages. One may consider the aggregating technology of the aforementioned evalu-ations to be the synergistic outcome of the system’s establishment. In order to achieve a synergistic effect on the evaluation of all higher education institutions and educational programmes in the country, the authors suggest a method for aggregating the outcomes of the described evaluation procedures. The obtained research outcomes prove their applicability to the internal and external evaluation of a higher education institution’s performance and to the strategic planning of the development of both the institution and the higher education system.

Chronic Subdural Hematomas—A Retrospective Analysis of the Internal Architecture and Evaluation of Risk Factors for Recurrences After Surgical Therapy

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is increasingly common due to the aging population and widespread use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. The objective of this study is to examine the internal composition of CSDH and explore potential risk factors associated with its recurrence. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 189 patients who underwent surgery in our department between 2014 and 2018. Recorded data included demographics, clinical information, details of surgical interventions, computer tomography (CT) scans, neurological assessments, and follow-up data. The outcome was evaluated clinically and through CT follow-up conducted 4–12 weeks post-surgery. CT scans measured various parameters, including hematoma thickness, hyperdense regions, chronic components, and membrane presence. Results: Patients after the evacuation of CSDH were significantly more common males (66.1%, p > 0.001) had a significantly higher BMI (p < 0.001, 61.6%), arterial hypertension (p < 0.001, 68.3%), and the intake of anticoagulant therapy (p < 0.001, 58%). The recurrence rate was 18.6% after 4 weeks and 2.1% after 8–12 weeks. After uni- and multivariable analysis, the initial hemispheric type (p = 0.019, HR: 3.191; p = 0.012, HR: 3.810) and the increasing preoperative midline shift in CT (p = 0.028, HR: 1.114; p = 0.041, HR: 1.107) were found as independent predictors for recurrence. Overall, outcomes were favorable with a modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 0–2 at discharge (72%), after 4 (89.7%) and 12 (87%) weeks. Conclusion: According to our data, increasing midline shift before surgery and initial hemispheric type of hematoma were independent predictors of recurrence. Most patients achieved an excellent outcome with a low-risk profile.

PENYUSUNAN STRATEGI UNTUK MENINGKATKAN BRAND AWARENESS PADA PT PRIORITAS INTI SEJAHTERA MENGGUNAKAN ANALISIS SWOT

Seeks to improve brand recognition among the company's B2B partners to support future market expansion. This qualitative descriptive research, conducted from February to June 2024, comprises 89 pages, excluding appendices. Utilizing the 7P Marketing Mix framework, the research assesses the company’s internal and external environments, resulting in Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) and External Factor Evaluation (EFE) scores of 5.53403537 and 6.2229091116, respectively. The analysis positions the company in Quadrant 1, indicative of a Growth Oriented Strategy. This strategy recommends an assertive implementation of the 7P Marketing Mix components. The SO strategy harnesses strengths and opportunities, the ST strategy employs strengths to counter threats, the WO strategy exploits opportunities to address weaknesses, and the WT strategy aims to mitigate weaknesses and avert threats. The findings indicate that PT Prioritas Inti Sejahtera’s brand awareness is relatively low, attributed to its recent market entry. This is evidenced by the lower number of application downloads and active users compared to competitors. Therefore, a Growth Oriented Strategy is proposed to increase brand awareness.

Comprehensive Analysis and Verification of the Prognostic Significance of Cuproptosis-Related Genes in Colon Adenocarcinoma.

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a frequently occurring and lethal cancer. Cuproptosis is an emerging type of cell death, and the underlying pathways involved in this process in COAD remain poorly understood. Transcriptomic and clinical data for COAD patients were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. We investigated alterations in DNA and chromatin of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in COAD. In order to identify predictive differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and various molecular subtypes, we used consensus cluster analysis. Through univariate, multivariate, and Lasso Cox regression analyses, four CRGs were identified. A risk prognostic model for cuproptosis characteristics was constructed based on four CRGs. This study also examined the association between the risk score and the tumor microenvironment (TME), the immune landscape, and drug sensitivity. We distinguished two unique molecular subtypes using consensus clustering analysis. We discovered that the clinical characteristics, prognosis, and TME cell infiltration characteristics of patients with multilayer CRG subtypes were all connected. The internal and external evaluations of the predicted accuracy of the prognostic model built using data derived from a cuproptosis risk score were completed at the same time. A nomogram and a clinical pathological analysis make it more useful in the field of medicine. A significant rise in immunosuppressive cells was observed in the high cuproptosis risk score group, with a correlation identified between the cuproptosis risk score and immune cell infiltration. Despite generally poor prognoses, the patients with a high cuproptosis risk but low tumor mutation burden (TMB), cancer stem cell (CSC) index, or microsatellite instability (MSI) may still benefit from immunotherapy. Furthermore, the cuproptosis risk score positively correlated with immune checkpoint gene expression. Analyzing the potential sensitivity to medications could aid in the development of clinical chemotherapy regimens and decision-making. CRGs are the subject of our in-depth study, which exposed an array of regulatory mechanisms impacting TME. In addition, we performed additional data mining into clinical features, prognosis effectiveness, and possible treatment medications. COAD's molecular pathways will be better understood, leading to more precise treatment options.

GPR Imagery-Based Internal Defect Evaluation System for Railroad Tunnel Lining Using Real-Time Instance Segmentation

GPR Imagery-Based Internal Defect Evaluation System for Railroad Tunnel Lining Using Real-Time Instance Segmentation

An Analysis of Alternative Strategy Model for Agroindustry Business Development of Crystal Guava in Malang Raya

PT. Kreasi Tani Bumiaji is agroindustry company located in Banaran, Bumiaji Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City, East Java. This company focuses on processing agricultural products in the form of crystal guava and becomes a superior local product. This study aimed at analyzing alternative strategy of agroindustry business development of crystal guava as a product in PT. Kreasi Tani Bumiaji. Descriptive-quantitative method was used to collect the primary data from interviews and questionnaire items. Eight participants from the company were selected by using purposive sampling technique. The secondary data were obtained from academic articles. The data were analyzed by using SWOT analysis, Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix, External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix, Internal-External (IE) Matrix, and QSPM. The results of analysis showed that main internal factor is diversification of processed products with the score 0.277. Meanwhile, external factor is internship collaboration with the score 0.418. The position of company in IE matrix lies on the fifth cell which showed that stable growth with coordinate scores 2.930; 2.594. According to 15 alternative strategies identified using SWOT analysis, prioritized strategy based on QSPM analysis refers to business partnership with investors for the development of production facilities, business concept, and marketing with the highest score 7.23.

The Strategy of Agroindustry Development of Teng-Teng Apel (A Case Study on Hilwa Nusantara Shop in Batu City)

This study is conducted by purpose of identifying company environment and analyzing the strategy for agroindustry development of Teng-Teng Apel (cake made from apple fruit) in Hilwa Nusantara Shop in Batu City. The methods of data analysis used in this study are internal and external company analysis, Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix, External Factor Evaluation (EFE), SWOT analysis, and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) analysis. The results of the study have showed that SWOT analysis indicates IFAS score 2.84 and EFAS value 2.94. Moreover, agroindustry position of Teng-Teng Apel of Hilwa Nusantara Shop is at Quadrant One (I). Based on company position, there are three alternative strategies, 1. To increase production capacity and quality using technology, 2. To extend market in developing sales volume, and 3. To maintain relationship and trust with raw material suppliers. First becomes first priority for Hilwa Nusantara with TAS value 5.49.

Analisis SWOT Pentingnya Fasilitas Dan Layanan Lembaga Keuangan Bank Konvensional Di Kecamatan Singojuruh

One sector that can realize regional economic development includes the presence of financial institutions which are often considered the heart and driving force of a country's economy. This can be seen in the lack of banking financial institutions in the Singojuruh District area until now, so that it has an impact on regional income such as handling tax payments, salaries, pensions or other financial transactions related to bank financial institutions carried out in other areas close to Singojuruh District, Banyuwangi Regency. This type of research is descriptive qualitative. The type of method used in this research is field methods (field research). In this study, the data that has been collected is analyzed using the Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) and (EFE) Matrix. For identification in this research, the SWOT matrix is ​​used internally and externally. The conclusion is to expand a representative banking network, take advantage of regional, land and educational advantages with the availability of mobile banking services, optimize the performance of human resources to speed up the process of banking product services and information and expand the reach of banking services or units.

Surface Strain Measurement for Non-Intrusive Internal Pressure Evaluation of a Cannon

Abstract Recent cutting-edge designs for gun barrels, projectiles, and propellants require testing, such as measuring the internal pressure during firing. However, there are concerns with the current drilling method to mount pressure transducers near the breech and chamber of the gun barrel where pressure is highest. To address this challenge, the team hereby presents an alternative, nonintrusive strain measurement method. This method focuses on determining the feasibility and accuracy of relating tangential strain along the sidewall of a gun barrel to the drastic internal pressure rise created during combustion. A transient structural, numerical model of a 155 mm gun barrel was created using ansys. The pressure was derived using the outline in Interior Ballistics of High Velocity Guns, version 2, and the model was validated using published experimental tangential strain testing data from a gun of the same caliber. The model was then used to demonstrate the ideal location for strain measurement along the sidewall of the chamber. Furthermore, three different pressure ranges were simulated in the model. The behavior of the tangential strain in each case indicates a similar trend to the internal pressure rise and oscillation due to a dominant frequency of the barrel. A method to predict internal pressure from external tangential strain was developed. The internal pressure predicted is within 4% of the pressure applied in the model. In the sensitivity study, the thickness and elastic modulus of the gun barrel were found to be the primary factors affecting tangential strain. Overall, this work helps to understand tangential strain behavior on the sidewall of a large-caliber gun barrel and lays the ground for an accurate prediction of internal pressure from external tangential strain.

Medical students attitudes towards patients with disability: a scale validation study

BackgroundDisparities in health outcomes among persons with disabilities (PWD) are influenced by preventable factors including negative attitudes and discriminatory practices of healthcare professionals and the limited training of medical students in working with PWD.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to validate the “Medical Students’ Attitudes Towards Patients with Disabilities” (MSA-PWD) scale among Lebanese medical students and identify associated factors.MethodA scale validation study was conducted as part of the standard internal evaluation process at the medical school, using a cross-sectional design based on a qualitative content validity process, involving students from years 1 to 4. The study included questions from previous tools, and others encouraging students to reflect on their encounters with PWD and share their insights. Statistical procedures were applied to assess the reliability and validity of the tool, including construct validity, convergent validity, known-group validity, and trend analysis.ResultsAfter a careful selection of the related items, the MSA-PWD scale demonstrated high construct validity and internal consistency, along with good convergent validity and known-group validity. Factor 1 of the scale was able to differentiate between different enrollment years of medical students, correlating with the self-assessment tool for confidence in dealing with PWD and clinical experience scenarios.ConclusionThe “Medical Students’ Attitudes Towards Patients with Disabilities” scale validated in this study is a comprehensive instrument that can distinguish between different medical school enrollment classes. The newly developed scale was valid, and reliable.

The position of diplomacy in Iranian sports

Sports diplomacy is a pervasive phenomenon that at the diplomatic level is one of the most important components of communication between countries and nations, and therefore it is important to know what is the position of Iran, as a powerful country in the field of diplomacy in this area. The purpose of this study was to investigate the position of diplomacy in Iranian sports. The research method was descriptive-analytical and applied in terms of purpose. The statistical population of the study was all political-sports managers and experts in the field of sports diplomacy who were selected by purposive and accessible sampling. The data collection method included library studies, semi-structured interviews with experts and finally the Delphi method in three stages. In order to identify the strategic position, the Internal Factor Evaluation Matrix (IFE) and the External Factor Evaluation Matrix (EFE) were used. The results showed that the position of Iranian sports diplomacy is in the position of WO (conservative strategy). In this regard, it is concluded that high-level officials and policymakers in the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant institutions should focus their plans on addressing weaknesses and taking advantage of existing opportunities.

Internal evaluation of medical programs is more than housework: A scoping review.

The aim of this scoping review was to explore current program evaluation practices across various medical schools. We conducted searches in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier) and ERIC (ed.gov) for original research and review articles related to medical education evaluation with key words evaluation, program, medical education, pre-registration, framework, curriculum, outcomes, evaluation, quality. We followed Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) process for scoping reviews. Thirty-two articles were included. Studies were primarily concerned with either proving (n = 21) or improving efficacy of their programs (n = 11). No studies aimed at comparing programs. Nine were literature reviews. Others aimed to develop a new evaluation model (n = 7) or apply (n = 12) or validate (n = 4) an existing model (or part thereof). Twenty-two studies explicitly identified an evaluation model they had used or would recommend. Most frequently used models for evaluation were: Context-Input-Process-Product, Kirkpatrick, World Federation Medical Education, and the Standards by Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation. Overall, evaluations were learner-focused and accreditation driven with a minority considering the broader influences of program success. Program evaluation is fundamental to driving the quality of education delivered to produce workforce-ready healthcare professionals. The focus of current evaluations is on student experience and content delivery with a significant gap in the existing literature on evaluation related to staff, learner/staff well-being, equity, diversity, and meta evaluation.

Contribution of Green Supply Chain Management Practices towards a Sustainable Development—Applied Study in the Food Industry in Lebanon

This paper explores the effect of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices on the dimensions of Sustainable Development (SD) in the context of the Lebanese food industry. It aimed to examine to what extent GSCM practices and SD schemes are perceived in the food industry. As there is a growing concern and raising awareness of traceability among consumers in the food supply, researches can have a contribution to develop sustainability in food industry. As such, six GSCM practices, namely Eco-design (ED), Internal Environmental Management (IEM), Investment Recovery (IR), Green Purchasing (GP), Environmental Cooperation (EC) and Reverse Logistics (RL) were employed. These six GSCM variables were used to analyze structural relationships with the three dimensions of the SD, that is to say economic, environmental and social performances. The proposed model was tested using a questionnaire based survey via two modes of face to face and emails using a plant survey, senior managers of 88 food companies in Lebanon. The data were analyzed in SPSS and AMOS statistical programs. An Exploratory (Unrestricted) Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory (Restricted) Factor Analysis (CFA) and multiple regressions were applied. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealed that the GSCM practices IR, GP, ED and IEM had significant relationships with one or more of the SD dimensions.On the basis of the findings, implications that may ameliorate the effect of GSCM practices on the SD dimensions can be taken into consideration. For instance, the enhance of the environmental cooperation with the suppliers and customers, improving the image of the company in the mind of their customers, reinforcing the commitment of GSCM from managers, utilization of cleaner technology, activation of internal performance evaluation system, enhancing the labor conditions and performing special training for workers on environmental issues.

Pandemic-induced online internships as situated, bounded, inclusive learning: a Philippine mixed methods study

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic rattled educational institutions to implement an online internship arrangement with their industry partners. Journalism felt the same experience, at least in the Philippines where the government had mandated online learning given full school closures for 566 schooldays. This mixed methods study documented the case of a Philippine journalism school, its interns and its news media industry partners on how two rounds of online internship arrangements happened. The study integrated quantitative results from an internship evaluation sheet (N = 129) with qualitative findings from key informant interviews (N = 11) with journalist-mentors and from interns' reflection papers (N = 110). The situated learning and boundary theories, plus the inclusive education concept, provided the theoretical lenses for this paper. It was found that the pandemic-tailored online internship became an inclusive education setup that had normalized telework as the situated, bounded learning milieu of the interns. Should future natural and man-made disruptions come, journalism schools can resurface the lessons of conducting crisis-tailored online internships to reduce worrisome negative outcomes that a pandemic like COVID-19 wrought.

Proposing New Standard and ANFIS Calculation Approaches for Precast Concrete Connections with Steel Tube Elements: Lessons from Experimental Studies

The importance of establishing a proper method for calculating newly studied structural elements and primarily translating the results of experimental and numerical analyses into practical standards poses a significant challenge for structural researchers. In this study, which focuses on the importance of previously studied connections for the precast industry as a case study, two approaches are proposed for calculating the capacity of elements connected by rectangular steel tubes. The first approach involves a step-by-step calculation for analyzing the forces and capacities of different steel tube or concrete section parts under bending and shear, aiming to establish a standard calculation approach. Despite its complexity, the standard calculation approach has proven its accuracy by successfully solving examples with features similar to those of the experimental tests describing the process. The second approach relies on a look-up table generated from experimental data, developing an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for interpreting the data. ANFIS not only facilitates the evaluation of the capacity of non-experimentally tested elements but also resembles the calculation process. Evaluating ANFIS’s performance concerning the original results underscores its remarkable capacity to analyze experimental data. With a maximum calculation error of only 13% when compared to the experimental tests, ANFIS demonstrates considerable accuracy and user-friendliness. Following the initial internal force evaluations, the proposed standard calculation method requires eight specific control inputs, and comparing these inputs with experimental tests further confirms the effectiveness and safety of this approach for connection design.

Retraction Note: Determination of the Plasma Internal Inductance and Evaluation of its Effects on Plasma Horizontal Displacement in IR-T1 Tokamak

Retraction Note: Determination of the Plasma Internal Inductance and Evaluation of its Effects on Plasma Horizontal Displacement in IR-T1 Tokamak