Evaluation Of Practices Research Articles

Evaluation of Agroforestry Practices in Deoghar District, Jharkhand, India

Evaluation of Agroforestry Practices in Deoghar District, Jharkhand, India

Investigating current clinical practice in assessment and diagnosis of voice disorders: A cross-sectional multidisciplinary global web survey.

Published best-practice guidelines and standardized protocols for voice assessment recommend multidisciplinary evaluation utilizing a comprehensive range of clinical measures. Previous studies report variations in assessment practices when compared with these guidelines. To provide an up-to-date evaluation of current global multidisciplinary practice patterns and the opinions of otolaryngologist, ear, nose and throat (ENT) and speech-language pathology (SLP) clinicians on initial assessment and differential diagnosis of adults with voice disorders (VDs). ENTs and SLPs worldwide who had worked with VDs within the last 10 years completed an anonymous online survey. Themes explored demographic information about the clinical practice, information about diagnostic assessment pathways, clinical assessments routinely used for initial voice evaluation and clinician perceived value of clinical assessments important for diagnosis. Patterns in the clinical practice of 88 SLPs and 21 ENTs from 18 countries with 1 to more than 25 years' experience were analysed. Clinicians provided services across a range of locations, and a range of assessment pathways was available for initial evaluation. Case history, laryngoscopy and auditory-perceptual measures were the most frequently selected assessments. Most clinicians favoured formal assessment measures for auditory-perceptual evaluation. Clinicians placed equal weighting on ENT and SLP assessment to aid diagnosis for muscle tension VDs and functional neurological voice disorders (FVDs). Practice patterns for initial diagnostic voice assessment are largely consistent with the currently published guidelines. Decisions for the selection of assessment tools vary according to VD classification, and assessment decisions appear to be guided by case history. Clinicians are not always following established protocols for obtaining reliable standardized measures. Further research is needed to understand the barriers to adhering to standardized protocols and to develop evidence for the use of case history in the process of VD diagnosis. What is already known on the subject Best-practice guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary and multidimensional assessment of adults with vocal symptoms. Prior uni-disciplinary survey studies have reported a divergence in clinical practice with the recommended guidelines. No previous studies have examined otolaryngologists and SLPs concurrently to investigate the multidisciplinary approach clinicians' use in a diagnostic voice assessment. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This study highlights new insights into multidisciplinary voice evaluation practice patterns with an emphasis on diagnostic assessment from a global perspective. The findings build on prior research exploring clinical assessment pathways, service utilization and clinicians' preferences when selecting clinical tools to inform a differential diagnosis. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? This paper provides insights to inform future service and resource planning to ensure the delivery of evidenced-based diagnostic assessment pathways. This study also makes recommendations for areas of future research to understand barriers to clinicians following recommended best-practice guidelines.

Evaluations in science communication. Current state and future directions

Evaluations are becoming more important in science communication. But both science communication practitioners and researchers are not sufficiently utilizing the potential of evaluations yet. In this essay, we first define four requirements for rigorous evaluations of science communication activities and projects. To substantiate our argument, we take stock of the scientific literature, uncover deficiencies in current evaluation practices and identify potential causes. We conclude with laying out how different actors in the field — including science communication practitioners, professional associations, scientific institutions and funding bodies as well as researchers — can contribute to advancing evaluation practices in science communication as well as research on it.

Evaluation of Indigenous Cultural Practices that Affect Resistance of the Family Unit in Sub-Saharan Africa

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of indigenous cultural practices on the resilience of families in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to analyzing the degradation of these behaviors and the increase in single parenthood in the region, the objective was to investigate how these cultural traditions contribute to families’ capacity to cope with and recover from hardship. This study offers practical suggestions for incorporating indigenous values into contemporary family assistance programs. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, this study used semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations with a sample of 120 single parents from four local governments in Nigeria to obtain data. The reoccurring themes identified through thematic analysis include the degradation of traditional values, the transition towards single parenthood, and the socio-economic elements that influence family constructions in contemporary African societies. The present study enhances academic research by emphasizing the pivotal significance of indigenous cultural practices in promoting resilience. This study provides valuable perspectives on the integration of ancient communal support networks and values into modern interventions designed to enhance family resilience. Furthermore, the research underscores the significance of safeguarding these cultural traditions in response to modernization and socio-economic transformations, hence broadening the discussion on cultural conservation and adjustment in African communities. Keywords: Indigenous Traditions, Cultural practices, Family Resilience, Societal Problems

Evaluation of Hand Hygiene Beliefs and Practices Among Healthcare Workers in a Training and Research Hospital

Evaluation of Hand Hygiene Beliefs and Practices Among Healthcare Workers in a Training and Research Hospital

Recommended practice for measurement and evaluation of oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysis

AbstractThe Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a pivotal technology driving next‐generation sustainable energy conversion and storage devices. Establishing a robust analytical methodology is paramount to fostering innovation in this field. This review offers a comprehensive discussion on measurement and interpretation, advocating for standardized protocols and best practices to mitigate the myriad factors that complicate analysis. The initial focus is directed toward substrate electrodes and gas bubbles, both significant contributors to reduced reliability and reproducibility. Subsequently, the review focuses on intrinsic activity assessment, identification of electrochemical active sites, and the disentanglement of competing process contributions. These careful methodologies ensure the systematic delivery of insights crucial for assessing OER performance. In conclusion, the review highlights the critical role played by precise measurement techniques and unbiased activity comparison methodologies in propelling advancements in OER catalyst development.image

Evaluation of circular economy practices for management of the reverse chain of electronic waste in Brazil

Evaluation of circular economy practices for management of the reverse chain of electronic waste in Brazil

Pierre Fauchard (1678-1761): Pioneering Dental Surgeon of the Enlightenment Age.

Pierre Fauchard, widely referred to as the "Father of Modern Dentistry," fundamentally transformed the field with his seminal 1728 publication, Le Chirurgien Dentiste, ou Traité des Dents.Born circa 1677 in Brittany, France, Fauchard's early exposure to severe dental conditions during his naval service catalyzed his pursuit of advancements in dental science. Upon transitioning from naval service to establish a practice in Angers, and subsequently gaining acclaim in Paris, Fauchard systematically documented and organized dental practices, encompassing oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics, thereby laying the foundational framework for contemporary dental practices. Fauchard's innovations included the use of materials such as lead, tin, and gold for dental fillingsand the introduction of early orthodontic techniques, notably the Bandeau.His treatise also emphasized the importance of preventive care and oral hygiene, which provided a basis for modern dental hygiene protocols. Additionally, Fauchard's critical evaluation of fraudulent practices and his inclusion of numerous clinical case studies in his treatise bridged theoretical knowledge with practical application, significantly impacting dental education and professional standards. Fauchard's influence extends beyond national boundaries, profoundly shaping global dental practices and educational frameworks. The Pierre Fauchard Academy, established in 1936, continues to uphold his principles, underscoring the enduring relevance of his contributions. Fauchard's work remains a cornerstone of modern dentistry, reflecting his profound and lasting impact on the discipline.

A Review and Analysis of Evaluation Practices in VIS Domain Applications.

This paper presents a review and analysis of evaluation practices within the visualization and visual analytics (VIS) domain, with a focus on domain application work accepted at the IEEE VIS conference from 2018 to 2022. Through the analysis of 140 pertinent papers, we establish a detailed classification principle for evaluation practices, using the Who, When, What, and How indicators. This principle covers facets such as analysis methods, targets, scenarios, participant expertise, and stages of occurrence. By systematically categorizing the application domains presented in these works, we apply our established classification principle to discern and categorize the evaluation practices within them, identifying the prevailing characteristics and trends. The paper explores the variety of evaluation methods employed across different application domains and observes the distinctions in their usage. In conclusion, we provide insights and highlight concerns for conducting evaluations in upcoming domain application research. Our findings are intended to inform and guide subsequent studies in a similar context. All information about the reviewed papers, the coding results, and the detailed data analysis process can be accessed at https://github.com/narrating-complexity/vis_evaluation_analysis.

115 Confidence intervals for validation statistics with data truncation in genomic prediction

Abstract Validation by data truncation is a common practice in genetic evaluations because of the interest in predicting the genetic merit of a set of young selection candidates. Two of the most used validation methods in genetic evaluations are predictivity (correlation between pre-adjusted phenotypes and EBV) divided by the square root of the heritability) and the linear regression (LR) method. Both methods compare predictions with the whole and partial datasets obtained by removing the information related to a set of validation individuals. Confidence intervals (CI) for predictivity and the LR method can be obtained by k-fold validation or bootstrapping. Analytical or frequentist CI are unavailable for predictivity and the LR method and would be beneficial to avoid running several validations. The analytical CI can also help test the quality of bootstrap intervals. This study aimed to derive analytical CI for predictivity, and statistics included in the LR method (bias, dispersion, ratio of accuracies, and reliability). The CI for the bias, dispersion, and reliability depends on the (co)variances of the EBV across the individuals in the validation set. The CI for the ratio of accuracies and predictivity were obtained through the Fisher transformation. We showed the adequacy of the analytical CI using simulation. The analytical CI were closer to the simulated ones. Bootstrap CI tend to be narrower than the simulated ones. Estimating the sampling variation of predictivity and the statistics in the LR method without replication or bootstrap is possible for any dataset with the method proposed in this study. All the formulas derived in this study were implemented in a new program belonging to the BLUPF90 suite called Validationf90.

Spatiotemporal Forecasting of Opioid-Related Fatal Overdoses: Towards Best Practices for Modeling and Evaluation.

To inform public health interventions, researchers have developed models to forecast opioid-related overdose mortality. These efforts often have limited overlap in the models and datasets employed, presenting challenges to assessing progress in this field. Furthermore, common error-based performance metrics, such as root mean squared error (RMSE), cannot directly assess a key modeling purpose: the identification of priority areas for interventions. We recommend a new intervention-aware performance metric, Percentage of Best Possible Reach (%BPR). We compare metrics for many published models across two distinct geographic settings, Cook County, Illinois and Massachusetts, assuming the budget to intervene in 100 census tracts out of 1000s in each setting. The top-performing models based on RMSE recommend areas that do not always reach the most possible overdose events. In Massachusetts, the top models preferred by %BPR could have reached 18 additional fatal overdoses per year in 2020-2021 compared to models favored by RMSE. In Cook County, the different metrics select similar top-performing models, yet other models with similar RMSE can have significant variation in %BPR. We further find that simple models often perform as well as recently published ones. We release open code and data for others to build upon.

A - 35 Effects of Childhood Trauma Exposure on Psychological Symptom Endorsement among Adult ADHD Referrals

Abstract Objective Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to have childhood trauma exposure. Trauma exposure evaluations are not always standard practice for adult ADHD evaluations, but personality inventories like the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) are more commonly used to differentiate neurodevelopmental symptoms from psychiatric disorders. This study assessed the impact of childhood trauma exposure on MMPI-2-RF profiles among adults referred for ADHD evaluation. Method Cross-sectional data from 222 patients referred for neuropsychological evaluation for attention concerns and administered the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Checklist and MMPI-2RF were examined. Patients were racially diverse with a Mage 29.15 (SD = 7.63) and Meducation 16.15 years (SD = 2.13). Patients were divided into low (0–3 ACEs) and high (>3 ACEs) ACE groups. ACEs groups’ MMPI-2RF Restructured Clinical (RC) scale scores were compared via multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) for the overall sample and subsample of those who ultimately received an ADHD diagnosis. Results The sample had 52% low ACEs/48% high ACEs, and 65% ADHD diagnosis/35% non-ADHD diagnosis. Overall, there was a significant multivariate effect (Wilks Λ =0.812; F(9,212) = 5.45, p < 0.001; np2 = 0.188); those with high ACE scores had significantly higher RC1, RC4, RC6, RC7, and RC8 scores. Significant MANOVA effects remained when the sample with subdivided. Across ADHD and non-ADHD subgroups, significantly higher RC4 and RC6 scores were consistent. Conclusions Exposure to childhood trauma had a significant impact on the MMPI-2-RF profile of adults being evaluated for ADHD. Screening for trauma exposure should be incorporated into standard neuropsychological batteries to inform the interpretation of personality inventories used to differentiate psychopathology.

Critical Steps for Determining Capacity to Refuse Emergency Medical Services Transport: A Modified Delphi Study

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES Emergency physicians without specialized Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training are often required to provide online medical oversight. One common ethical question faced by these physicians is the assessment for decision-making capacity in a patient who does not accept EMS transport to the hospital. We sought expert consensus for a standardized set of guiding questions and recommendations to ensure a rigorous and feasible capacity assessment. METHODS A modified Delphi method approach was used to achieve group consensus among expert individuals. Nineteen physician experts were recruited from across the country, representing populations totaling over 22 million and a variety of urban, suburban, and rural practice environments. Experts completed a Round 1 survey that included 19 questions surrounding best practices for capacity evaluation among patients refusing transport. The threshold for consensus was predefined as 80% agreement. Participants gathered virtually meeting where the results from the first round were shared with the group. Discussion generated new items and refined the language of existing items. Following the virtual meeting, a Round 2 survey was conducted, and voted on by the panel for the items that did not meet consensus in Round 1. RESULTS After the first round, 15 of 19 items reached consensus. Three of the items that met consensus were universally noted to require language modification for clarification. A large portion of the discussion involved the proper method of integrating patient concerns around ambulance transport (e.g., cost of transport, financial concerns, social barriers) into the capacity assessment and whether alternate care options should be discussed. After the second round of voting, one additional item was reversed to meet consensus, resulting in a total of 16 items. CONCLUSIONS A consensus expert panel was able to agree upon 16 standardized steps to guide best practices and assist emergency physicians in real-time evaluation of patients that refuse EMS transport.

The Effect of Quantitative Feed Restriction on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

This research investigates the impact of varied levels of feeding and controlled feed restrictions on the growth parameters, and feed efficiency of broiler chickens. The study focuses on weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed consumption. A total of twenty-five (25) broiler chicks were grouped into 5 groups. Group 1 (Control) had ad libitum feeding , and Groups 2-5 had 95% , 90%, 85% , and 80% of ad libitum feeding respectively for four weeks. Results indicate that the group 2, with 95% of ad libitum feeding, exhibited the highest weight gain, less feed conversion ratio (FCR), and higher feed consumption. Result indicates that other groups subjected to feed restriction including the control group, displayed improved FCR values, suggesting enhanced nutrient utilization for growth, less weight, and less feed consumption. The study recommends the adoption of balanced feed restriction strategies for optimizing broiler production, emphasizing the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation of feeding practices for sustainable and economically efficient outcomes. Keywords: Feed restriction, Growth performance, Broiler chickens, Feed efficiency

Evaluation of Sugar Factory Privatization Practices in Turkey: The Case of Kayseri Sugar Factory- Turhal

Evaluation of Sugar Factory Privatization Practices in Turkey: The Case of Kayseri Sugar Factory- Turhal

Questionnaire survey of healthcare professionals on taxane-induced nail change in Japan.

Taxanes are widely used chemotherapeutic agents that frequently cause nail changes and have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Despite the prevalence of taxane-induced nail toxicity, limited data are available regarding evidence-based management strategies for the prevention or treatment of taxane-induced nail changes. Therefore, we aimed to gain insights into the prevention, treatment, and evaluation of nail changes in patients with cancer in Japan by conducting a questionnaire survey of physicians, pharmacists, and nurses involved in oncology treatment. The questions addressed prophylactic methods, evaluation practices, and treatment approaches for various nail disorders. The questionnaires were distributed on March 1, 2022, with a response deadline of December 1, 2022. Of the 120 questionnaires distributed, 88 (73.3%) were returned, and all of them were analyzed. The respondents included 69 physicians (32 oncologists, 26 breast surgeons, 6 dermatologists, 3 obstetricians/gynecologists, 1 gastroenterological surgeon, and 1 urologist), 9 pharmacists, and 10 nurses. Prophylactic measures included moisturizing (58.0%), protection (42.0%), cooling therapy (37.5%), and cleanliness (33.0%). Approximately 70% of the respondents used the Common Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), while approximately 30% did not use a specific evaluation method. Opinions regarding treatment with antimicrobial or corticosteroid ointments varied; however, all severe cases were referred by dermatologists. Our survey revealed that the management of chemotherapy-induced nail changes varies in clinical practice in Japan. These findings emphasize the need for standardized management strategies and further research.

Revolutionizing Neonatal Care: A Comprehensive Review of Intact Cord Resuscitation in Newborns.

Neonatal resuscitation is a critical procedure aimed at ensuring the successful transition of newborns from intrauterine to extrauterine life. Traditionally, this involves immediate clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord, but recent advances have introduced intact cord resuscitation (ICR) as an alternative approach. This review aims to comprehensively analyze ICR, exploring its evolution, scientific basis, and clinical evidence. It seeks to evaluate the benefits and challenges associated with ICR and assess its impact on neonatal outcomes compared to traditional practices. A thorough review of the literature was conducted, including historical perspectives on neonatal resuscitation, the physiological rationale behind ICR, and critical clinical studies and trials. Current guidelines and recommendations were also examined, along with technological advancements and practical implementation issues. Evidence indicates that ICR offers significant benefits, including improved blood volume, better cardiovascular stability, and reduced risk of anemia in newborns. Comparative studies suggest that ICR can enhance neonatal outcomes and support a smoother transition to extrauterine life. Despite these benefits, challenges related to implementation and adherence to new practices persist. ICR represents a promising advancement in neonatal care, potentially improving newborns' health outcomes. Continued research and refinement of guidelines are necessary to fully integrate ICR into standard practice and address existing implementation challenges. This review highlights the need for ongoing evaluation and adaptation of resuscitation practices to optimize neonatal health and care.

The development of a model for monitoring the quality of online psychological and educational services by using automated analysis of user reviews

Introduction. Digitalization of education and healthcare is an inevitable response to the demands of society. However, it is associated with the emergence of many risks, and the need for regulation and evaluation of new online practices is becoming increasingly important. Questions about the quality of online services are becoming more and more significant, as well as the search for new methods to monitor large amounts of publicly available data about online interactions with helping professionals. The purpose of this study is to develop a model for monitoring psychological and educational online services through automated analysis of user reviews and feedback. Materials and methods. The sample for the study consisted of a variety of reviews about online psychological and educational services. A total of 24,351 reviews of psychologists' work and 6,812 reviews of tutors' work were uploaded. These reviews were ranked in order to identify levels of user satisfaction. We used the following methods to collect and analyze the data: 1) Automated data parsing to extract relevant feedback using the GraphQL API; 2) The TF-IDF (term frequency-inverse document frequency) method to identify the most important linguistic markers in the reviews; 3) The LDA (latent Dirichlet allocation) method for thematic modeling of the reviews. The results of the study. An empirical study of online reviews of psychological and educational services in accordance with this model revealed their thematic structure in four main areas: assessment of interaction (19.8%), assessment of results (26%), organization of professional interaction (20.4%), and assessment of professional skills relevant to clients (29.1%).The main characteristics that users perceive in psychological online services are: the importance of comfortable communication (21.9%), inclusiveness (13.9%), and specialist experience (5.9%). Additionally, the ability to structure a request is also significant (19.8%). The result of evaluating the psychologist's work can be seen in user reviews. Some of the most common responses include: understanding the problem (18.5%), seeing the issue from a different perspective (6.7%), and feeling better (11.3%). Assessments of the quality of online education services include accessibility and clarity of presentation (29.5%), as well as confidence and flexibility in communication (6.1%). Additionally, finding a common language with students is also important (6.2%). Conclusion. The analysis of user feedback on educational and psychological online services can help to understand the directions for the development of work by helping specialists, create a system for monitoring non-specialized assistance, describe criteria for the training and retraining of specialists, and create educational programs for developing digital competence among psychologists and educators.

Students’ Perceptions of Food Handling and Hygiene at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) Cafeteria

This study explores students’ perceptions on food handlers and hygienic practices at a food premise located in Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM). The significance of upholding stringent food-safety and hygiene protocols cannot be overstressed, as it directly affects the health and well-being of the individuals who partake in food consumption from such facilities. Nonetheless, the perceptions and understanding of the students regarding food-handling practices and hygienic controls at the cafeteria are crucial factors that influence their level of trust in the safety of the food provided. In order to obtain thorough data, a quantitative survey has been employed. A standardised questionnaire has been administered to a randomised sample of the UPNM students to gather their impressions regarding the competence of food handlers, adherence to hygiene protocols, and general satisfaction with the food-safety practices at the cafeteria. Preliminary findings indicate that most students are concerned about food-safety and hygiene practices at the cafeteria. While the overall perceptions of the food-handlers’ competency is positive, areas for improvement have been identified, including the use of proper hand-washing techniques, food-storage and handling procedures, and personal protective equipment. Furthermore, the students have also desired greater transparency and communication regarding food-safety measures, as well as regular training sessions for the food handlers to enhance their knowledge and abilities. Besides, the significance of continuous monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of the food-safety practices to ensure the confidence and well-being of the students should also be emphasised. This study’s findings are useful to the cafeteria management to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted interventions to meet the expectations and requirements of the students regarding food safety and hygiene.

Toward a systemic approach to evaluating evaluation capacity development

AbstractIn this article, we contribute to evaluation capacity development (ECD) research and practice by demonstrating how a systems‐based evaluation approach can be applied to a complex ECD initiative. Since 2013, the German evaluation institute, DEval, has implemented an ECD program focused on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This is a diverse, emergent program developed using a bottom‐up approach. DEval takes a facilitating rather than managerial role, supporting ECD among a range of stakeholders. The article discusses several issues related to evaluating this complex ECD program. The evaluation viewed the program as a system comprising two sub‐systems: one focused on improving the knowledge and skills of evaluators and stakeholders (capacity), and the other focused on fostering an enabling evaluation environment (capability). It drew on an evaluation tradition primarily focused on the consequences of evaluations. A focus on the consequences of evaluations is essentially one step beyond evaluation use (an instrumental orientation) toward usefulness (a value‐based orientation). The evaluation adopted a systemic approach to define the core boundaries of evaluation focus, acknowledging that various stakeholders perceive the evaluation differently based on their interests or stake. By aligning the evaluation with these perspectives, it could focus on what matters most to different stakeholder groups. Four key perspectives or framings were identified: the program itself, the transferability of the LAC lessons to ECD in other parts of the world, collaborations with global agencies undertaking ECD at a global level, and institutional practices within DEval.