Performance Assessment Tool Research Articles

Social investments: Performance assessment tools

Subject. This article analyzes the impact of social factors on the sustainable development of the region. Objectives. The article aims to analyze the relationship between social factors and economic indicators. Methods. For the study, we used the resource-based approach. Results. The article presents a regression economic and mathematical model based on the net present value as an efficiency criterion. The model helps determine the payback period of budget investments. Conclusions. The developed methodology can be used to design regional socio-economic development programmes, as well as to assess the feasibility of investment support for certain sectors of the economy.

Strategic Manufacturing Network Performance Assessment Tool

Abstract The long-term configuration of the production network includes the allocation of products and processes. Numerous, sometimes conflicting objectives are pursued, such as market access, economies of scale and risk mitigation. However, in order to systematically configure the network, it is necessary to strategically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the sites. This article presents a fuzzy inference-based approach for the holistic evaluation of the production networks. The tool was applied in two practical case studies. The results and implications are also presented.

Competitive Season-Long Changes in Countermovement Vertical Jump Force-Time Metrics in Female Volleyball Players.

Cabarkapa, DV, Cabarkapa, D, Philipp, NM, and Fry, AC. Competitive season-long changes in countermovement vertical jump force-time metrics in female volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): e72-e77, 2024-Although force plates remain one of the most widely used tools for neuromuscular performance assessment in applied sports-specific settings, there is still a lack of scientific literature focused on studying changes in countermovement vertical jump (CVJ) performance in team sports such as volleyball, especially within the female athlete population. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine season-long neuromuscular performance changes in volleyball players. Eighteen National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division-I collegiate female athletes performed 3 maximal-effort CVJs while standing on a uniaxial force plate system sampling at 1,000 Hz at 5 different testing timepoints throughout a competitive season span (∼11 weeks). The testing sessions were separated 2-3 weeks apart and performed at the approximately same time of the day (12:00 hours). Repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed that both concentric and eccentric force-time metrics remain relatively unchanged throughout a regular season span (e.g., concentric peak force and power, eccentric impulse and duration). However, the eccentric metrics such as peak and mean power and peak velocity displayed a slight improvement after a brief tapering period purposely implemented before the post-season competition to optimize the athlete's recovery (∼15, 18, and 14% increase, respectively). In addition, the outcome metrics such as vertical jump height and reactive strength index-modified did not display notable fluctuations across the competitive season span. These findings can help coaches, sports scientists, and strength and conditioning practitioners to obtain a deeper insight into collegiate female athletes' force-time characteristics that may aid with developing adequate training regimens targeted toward optimizing on-court performance.

A psychometric evaluation of inter-professional education competency tool in nursing and medicine students

IntroductionCollaboration between nurses and doctors is necessary for offering care to patients. Using team performance assessment tools and surveying them can be effective in promoting inter-professional collaboration, and the lack of a credible tool to assess inter-professional collaboration competency between the two groups is a major challenge in the healthcare sector. The present study aimed to translate and conduct a psychometric investigation on the inter-professional education collaboration (IPEC) tool for the students of medicine and nursing.MethodsThe present study was a cross-sectional one conducted as a psychometric investigation of the IPEC tool at the Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2022. The initial tool contained 42 items developed according to a 5-point Likert scale, which was translated into Persian with the consent of the original researcher. The validity index and the content validity ratio were investigated by a panel of 11 specialists in medical and clinical education, and its construct validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. Also, the second population of the study included medical and nursing students of Iran University of Medical Sciences and simple random sampling method. Moreover, the reliability of the instrument was investigated using internal consistency, Cronbach’s Alpha, and test–retest methods.ResultsBased on the indicators calculated to perform a psychometric investigation over the above tool, it had acceptable reliability and validity according to the specialists. The tool evaluates inter-professional collaboration competency between the students of medicine and nursing across four areas (values and ethics, roles and responsibilities, inter-professional communication, and team-based care and teamwork). Moreover, Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for the tool was determined at 0.84.ConclusionThe results of the study showed that the above tool could evaluate inter-professional competency as a valid and reliable questionnaire, and its results could be utilized in planning and education.

Analysis of the Application of Responsibility Accounting as a Cost Center Performance Assessment Tool at the Sintesa Peninsula Manado Hotel

Responsibility accounting is a system that recognizes various centers of responsibility throughout an organization by assigning certain income and costs to the center that has the responsibility in question. This research aims to find out how responsibility accounting is implemented in assessing the performance of cost centers at the Sintesa Peninsula Manado Hotel. A qualitative strategy combined with techniques from descriptive analysis was used to perform this study. Interviews and documentation are the methods of data gathering employed in this study. The research's findings demonstrate that although this hotel has adopted responsibility accounting, it is not operating at its best. This is evident from the organizational structure, budget planning, classification of account codes, and accountability reporting. However, the classification of controllable costs and uncontrollable costs has not yet been carried out. The performance of the cost center at the Sintesa Peninsula Manado Hotel is considered quite good because it has worked in the planning process and controlled the costs incurred

An action research to introduce direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) as clinical skill performance assessment tool during medical internship in the department of surgery, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia, 2023

An action research to introduce direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) as clinical skill performance assessment tool during medical internship in the department of surgery, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia, 2023

УПРАВЛІННЯ РЕЗУЛЬТАТИВНІСТЮ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА

In the conditions of uncertain environment, performance management is the important component of the management system that determines the competitiveness of the enterprise and its ability to withstand risks and crises. In this regard, identification of performance and selection of optimal methodological tools for analytical assessment of performance and its management is the urgent task. The article reveals the essence, origin, distinction and interrelation between the concepts of «result» and «effect», «efficiency» and «effectiveness». It is argued that the effectiveness of activity characterises the level of achievement of its goals, while efficiency is the means, methods, ways that are used to achieve these goals. The authors focus attention on the target orientation of the category of «effectiveness of activity» and the expediency of its consideration as a generalising characteristic of various positive effects obtained in connection with the productive usage of resources based on the full realisation of the existing capabilities and development potential of the particular enterprise. The factors of influence on performance are outlined. The meaning of the concept «management of enterprise performance» is revealed and the necessity of permanent performance management is substantiated. Based on generalisation, traditional and modern approaches to performance management are allocated through the usage of logical-deductive and empirical-deductive groups of evaluation indicator systems. The advantages and disadvantages of applying different approaches in modern conditions are determined. The expediency of applying the BPM performance management system for national enterprises operating in the uncertain environment due to the martial law in the country is argued. The practical significance of the study is to substantiate the feasibility of continuous monitoring and management of enterprise performance by means of BPM (Business Performance Management) in combination with the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) methodology as the effective technology for correlating performance indicators in accordance with organisational goals and changes in the environment.

Экономическая природа и содержание конкурентоспособности региона: нарративный подход

Regional competitiveness remains a debated issue. This problem requires a solution, as competitiveness is now seen not only as an indicator of achievement, but also as a tool for performance assessment of regional authorities. Additionally, a correct understanding of the essence of this phenomenon helps define objectives and tools of regional policy and management. The article aims to reveal the true nature of regional competitiveness as a form of competitiveness and describe its specific characteristics. The content analysis of relevant foreign and Russian publications shows that the stated problem cannot be solved by existing methods. Therefore, it is necessary to apply a fundamentally different approach that looks at the problem from the standpoint of struggle for economic benefits. A system-reproductive method of analysis demonstrated that, by its nature, competitiveness is the ability of economic entities to redistribute economic value in their favour. Regional competitiveness is interpreted as a form of competitiveness, occurring when regions acquire economic subjectivity. Such subjectivity is characterised by the presence of separate material interests, authority and regulatory powers resulting from the transformation of regions into elements of the productive forces of society. This creates competition between regions for investment resources necessary to achieve regional goals. Regional competitiveness is defined as the ability of a region to redistribute investment flows in its favour by creating an attractive environment and incentives for their application. The given interpretation, which adequately describes the nature of regional competitiveness, has a number of advantages, such as syntheticity, sustainability, flexibility and operability.

Assessment of Typical Meteorological Year Data in Photovoltaic Geographical Information System 5.2, Based on Reanalysis and Ground Station Data from 147 European Weather Stations

The Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS) is a web application that provides free access to solar radiation and temperature data, typical meteorological year (TMY) data, and to photovoltaic performance assessment tools for any place in most parts of the world. The PVGIS was originally developed over 20 years ago, and since then, it has been under continuous development. At present, there are two versions of the PVGIS online—the older version 5.1 and the newest version 5.2. PVGIS 5.2 includes substantial improvements compared to the previous version, e.g., the update of the underlying data sets both in terms of quality, resolution, and geographical coverage and the extension of the time period used. This paper focuses on comparing the TMYs (and more specifically the TMY time series of air temperature), coming from both PVGIS 5.1 and 5.2, with the TMY produced on the basis of ground station meteorological data and with the ground station data itself. The results show that whereas overall the errors and biases for most locations are within the expected range (mean stationRMSE 4.27), these differences increase in places with complicated topography, e.g., in the Alps (maximum stationRMSE 9.50).

Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) for High-Stakes Assessment of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists (CRNAs)

BackgroundCertified registered nurse anesthesiologists (CRNAs) undergoing high stakes assessment must demonstrate competency. Written competency is the current method of high-stakes assessment, and this paper uses Miller's Pyramid of competency to explore use of the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for high-stakes assessment. MethodsThe modified Delphi method was used with 10 experts to design and execute an anaphylaxis OSCE simulation scenario of 3 proficiency levels. OSCE performance assessment tools included a checklist and global rating scale (O-GRS). A system usability survey was used to assess OSCE utility. ResultsThe overall system usability survey score was below our goal of 75. Assessment tool results did not demonstrate high correlation among panelists, although mean scores for each performance showed statistically significant differences in scores (p < .001). ConclusionOur paper showed the process of OSCE design, execution, and utility. Although results did not allow us to strongly recommend use of OSCEs for high-stakes assessment of CRNAs, we are encouraged that our results will provide direction for future papers related to this topic.

Association of Physical Activity and Exercise with Physical Performance and Muscle Mass in Older Adults: Results from the Longevity Check-Up (Lookup) 7+ Project.

Regular engagement in physical activity (PA) or physical exercise (PE) is effective at improving physical performance and body composition in older adults. Less is known about the benefits that may be obtained through combining PA with PE and whether the effects of activity habits differ between men and women. This study cross-sectionally investigated the association of PA and/or PE with physical performance and anthropometric measures in a large and relatively unselected sample of older adults enrolled in the Longevity Check-up (Lookup) 7+ project. Participants were individuals 65 years and older living in the community who were recruited in unconventional settings across Italy. Adherence to PA or PE was operationalized as involvement in light walking or various types of exercise, respectively, at least twice weekly for a minimum of 30 min per session throughout the last 12 months. Physical performance measures included handgrip strength and five-time sit-to-stand (5STS) tests. Lower-limb muscle power and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) were estimated through validated equations. We analyzed data of 4119 participants, of whom 2222 (53.4%) were women. The mean age was 72.8 ± 5.8 years in men and 72.1 ± 5.4 years in women. Regular engagement in PA + PE was reported by 139 (7.3%) men and 100 (4.5%) women. Results indicated that regular walking activity and/or PE were significantly associated with better physical performance and greater ASM with sex-specific patterns. Associations were also influenced by the type of activity, physical performance assessment tool, and anthropometric parameters. Men engaged in PA + PE performed better on the 5STS test and had greater handgrip strength, ASM, and relative and specific muscle power than those practicing either PA or PE. In women, the combination of PA and PE was associated with greater handgrip strength. The findings of this study indicate that older adults regularly practicing PA + PE had better physical performance than those who only engaged in either modality. In men, the combination of PA and PE was also associated with greater ASM.

Performance Appraisal Model of Integrated School Principals in Disruptive Era:

This study aimed to develop an integrated principal performance appraisal model in the disruption era to evaluate the junior high school principal’s performance in Surabaya. The study used a research and development research design with a qualitative research approach. There were two stages undertaken namely the research stage aimed at exploring potentials and problems and analyzing the needs required in developing the appraisal model and the development stage aimed at developing a complete appraisal model along with a performance assessment tool and a performance e-report card. The performance appraisal model was developed following Sugiyono Model Level 1’s developmental research. The results of the development were in the form of a prototype model for evaluating the performance of school principals in the form of dimensions of performance targets and work behavior. The dimensions of the performance targets included the dimensions of Principal Leadership, Principal Technology Leadership, Implementation of Main Tasks, School Achievement, Personal Achievement, Civil Servant Discipline. The validation results of the performance target and work behavior instruments were valid, reliable, and very good. The developed prototype model was carried out in a limited trial on school principals, supervisors, and education experts. The result of the feasibility test for the entire principal performance appraisal prototype model was categorized very feasible and could be used to assess the performance of school principals.

Mid-Activity and At-Home Wearable Bioimpedance Elucidates an Interpretable Digital Biomarker of Muscle Fatigue.

Muscle health and decreased muscle performance (fatigue) quantification has proven to be an invaluable tool for both athletic performance assessment and injury prevention. However, existing methods estimating muscle fatigue are infeasible for everyday use. Wearable technologies are feasible for everyday use and can enable discovery of digital biomarkers of muscle fatigue. Unfortunately, the current state-of-the-art wearable systems for muscle fatigue tracking suffer from either low specificity or poor usability. We propose using dual-frequency bioimpedance analysis (DFBIA) to non-invasively assess intramuscular fluid dynamics and thereby muscle fatigue. A wearable DFBIA system was developed to measure leg muscle fatigue of 11 individuals during a 13-day protocol consisting of exercise and unsupervised at-home portions. We derived a digital biomarker of muscle fatigue, fatigue score, from the DFBIA signals that was able to estimate the percent reduction in muscle force during exercise with repeated-measures Pearson's r = 0.90 and mean absolute error (MAE) of 3.6%. This fatigue score also estimated delayed onset muscle soreness with repeated-measures Pearson's r = 0.83 and MAE = 0.83. Using at-home data, DFBIA was strongly associated with absolute muscle force of participants (n = 198, p < 0.001). These results demonstrate the utility of wearable DFBIA for non-invasively estimating muscle force and pain through the changes in intramuscular fluid dynamics. The presented approach may inform development of future wearable systems for quantifying muscle health and provide a novel framework for athletic performance optimization and injury prevention.

Improving the Gradation of Aggregate used in Asphalt Mixtures Using Bailey Method

The bailey method of gradation analysis it is one of the techniques used in pavement engineering for evaluating and designing asphalt mixtures based on the particle size distribution. This paper presents a comprehensive review of research conducted on the Bailey technique, focusing on its application and impact in the field of pavement engineering. The review encompasses studies that have investigated the effectiveness of the Bailey technique as a mix design tool, a quality control tool, and a performance assessment tool. Researchers have explored its ability to optimize asphalt mixtures for desired performance characteristics, such as rutting resistance, stability, and durability. They have also examined its effectiveness in ensuring consistency and conformity to specified requirements during asphalt production. Furthermore, the review highlights the correlation between the Bailey technique's gradation data and various performance properties of asphalt mixtures. Researchers have investigated the relationship between particle size distribution and properties like rutting resistance, moisture susceptibility, drainage, and particle packing. These studies have provided valuable insights into the influence of gradation on the performance of asphalt pavements.

A Statistical Analysis of Energy Consumption Survey of Public Buildings in a Hot Summer and Cold Winter Coastal Zone of China

Public buildings consume the largest proportion of total energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in the building sector of China. Enhancing building energy efficiency becomes a necessary way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy waste. In this study, 10-year real data from 2000 buildings covering five different types of public buildings in a hot summer and cold winter zone in eastern coastal China were investigated to analyze energy-saving potential (ESP) and the impacts of various influencing factors on building energy performance. The concept of energy consumption limit (ECL) was proposed and used for identifying high energy-consuming buildings and the calculation of ESP. Hotels, shopping malls, and office buildings were the top three types of buildings with high ESP. ESP for the high energy-consuming buildings based on the benchmark limits was more than 18%, and that for three-star hotels and shopping malls was 51%. In addition, a correlation analysis between energy consumption and influencing factors was carried out, which laid the foundation for the development of building energy performance assessment and diagnosis tools.

A computerized assessment tool for the upper extremities motor performance in individuals with Parkinson's disease

ObjectiveComputerized assessment of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients' motor performance can pave the way to subject-specific design of the rehabilitative interventions. The objective is to propose a computerized assessment tool for upper extremities motor performance in PD. It is based on kinematic indices and a virtual reality exergaming system. The reliability, construct and discriminative validity of the proposed tool were investigated. MethodsA set of virtual tasks was designed and integrated to the therapeutic programs of the participants including uni/bimanual, in-phase/anti-phase hand movements on the less/more affected sides. 33 persons with PD participated in a test re-test study to determine the reliability, discriminative validity on the medication states, and validity of the kinematic indices. Clinical assessments, including Box and Block Test, 9-Hole Peg Test, Movement Disorders Society motor section of the Unified PD Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS III), were performed for validity assessment. ResultsTask type has a significant impact on the validity of the indices. Reaching tasks were shown to be superior. Besides, it was demonstrated that a minimum of 3 repeats is needed for reliable results in the proposed setting. Jerk indices, curvature, and spectral speed metrics lack either reliability or validity. Temporal speed metrics have superior reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ICC ≥ 0.9) and validity (Pearson ≥ 0.6) in reaching tasks. ConclusionTemporal speed metrics and point reaching virtual tasks were shown to have high potentials for objective assessment of upper extremity (UE) motor performance in PD in the context of a virtual reality exergaming rehab program.

Explainable semi-supervised AI for green performance evaluation of airport buildings

Despite the global sustainability trend, airport buildings have received limited attention regarding their environmental impact within the built environment and aviation sectors. With less than 1% of green building certifications worldwide, there is a lack of essential green performance assessment tools, including frameworks, primary datasets, and models that require less human supervision. Previous research has addressed these issues by proposing frameworks, primary datasets, and a supervised method that leverages Classification and Regression Trees. However, these methods still rely on human effort to fix credit scores and assign category weights, necessitating significant supervision from human experts. This study presents a green performance evaluation model for airport buildings using an explainable semi-supervised AI approach to reduce human dependency during the inference of green scores. Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Clustering algorithms (agglomerative and divisive) are employed to construct the models. The dataset's dimensionality is reduced based on metrics such as scatter coefficient, Psi Index, variation, and permutation. The cluster numbers are determined using elbow point and silhouette coefficient values, resulting in cluster initializations between 6 and 12. Performance measures, including the rand index, mean absolute error, precision, recall, F1-measure, and accuracy, are evaluated for the models. The AHC and DHC models exhibit a maximum accuracy of 74%, albeit with different cluster numbers. Consequently, models are developed with suitable cluster numbers to derive green rules with improved predictive accuracy. Each agglomerative and divisive hierarchical clustering model yields 12 practical green rules that can assist airport operators and facility managers in enhancing the green performance of their airport buildings. These explainable green rules serve as guidelines to improve airport facilities. Additionally, a web-based green rating tool is developed to demonstrate the proof-of-concept, utilizing the green rules extracted from the agglomerative model.

48 The collaboration of oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists and Public Health Nurses in comprehensive geriatric assessments in patients undergoing Cancer treatment

Abstract Background Cancer is a widespread health issue, with the number of people &amp;gt;70 diagnosed in 2020, reaching 7.2 million (37% of all cases) worldwide. This is expected to double by 2040. Valid and reliable tools to assess older patients undergoing cancer therapy are necessary to reduce toxicities, decrease delays, and better guide dose modifications. There are performance assessment tools used in oncology, however, they are subjective and have limited use for toxicity risk stratification. Currently, patients do not routinely have a frailty assessment in the oncology setting. Public Health Nurses (PHN) often know these individuals before commencing treatment, they may have a therapeutic relationship with the patient and family, and are in a prime position to perform a frailty assessment which can detect vulnerabilities and age related issues associated with mortality. Moreover, collaboration between Acute services and primary care may enhance CGA’s and improve patient care. Methods Two case studies are examined, where collaboration of Acute services and Primary care improved patient outcomes and quality of life. Results Case study 1: PHN identified early toxicities of treatment, Rockwood Scale used, Liaised with acute oncology CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) and dose of treatment modified, resulting in completion of treatment and avoidance of unnecessary hospital admissions. Case study 2: CNS contacted PHN as concerned about patient on treatment, G8 frailty score: 7 (very vulnerable). PHN supported a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). On discussion with Oncology team, treatment modified, and supports such as OT, Dietician and Physiotherapy were added. Conclusion Recommendations for practice include a role for combined Geriatric Oncology services, and also the use of in depth assessment tools in older patients to prevent treatment related toxicity. Collaboration of acute oncology and primary care teams may help identify earlier the need for CGA and enhance integration of care pathways.

Developing a tool to assess the performance of educational built environments for students with multiple sclerosis

ABSTRACT Statistics indicate that cases of multiple sclerosis (MS), which can cause mobility and sensory disabilities, are increasing worldwide. While design criteria for educational built environments that meet MS students’ needs have been researched, the creation of holistic design guidelines (DG-MS) has rarely been investigated. This study uses holistic DG-MS to create an educational building performance assessment tool (MS-BPAT) to evaluate the suitability of educational built environments for meeting MS students’ needs. A multimethodological approach is used in which academic and medical experts evaluate the MS-BPAT for its importance, affiliation, and clarity. The MS-BPAT is then tested by assessing two high school buildings in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results indicate that the MS-BPAT tool can accurately assess the fulfillment of MS-DG design criteria in educational built environments and detect the design barriers. The MS-BPAT’s validity as an assessment tool is confirmed by comparing its results with field visits, interviews, and student satisfaction. The MS-BPAT is then finalized, and recommendations are made for improving educational built environment performance to meet the needs of students with MS.

The domino effect: the impact of gender on operative self-efficacy.

Studies suggest that there are key differences in operative experience based on a trainee's gender. A large-scale self-efficacy (SE) survey, distributed to general surgery residents after the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination in 2020, found that female gender was associated with decreased SE in graduating PGY5 residents for all 4 laparoscopic procedures included on the survey (cholecystectomy, appendectomy, right hemicolectomy, and diagnostic laparoscopy). We sought to determine whether these differences were reflected at the case level when considering operative performance and supervision using an operative assessment tool (SIMPL OR). Supervision and performance data reported through the SIMPL OR platform for the same 4 laparoscopic procedures included in the SE survey were aggregated for residents who were PGY5s in 2020. Independent t-tests and multiple linear regression were used to determine the relationship between trainee gender and supervision/performance ratings. For laparoscopic cases in aggregate (n = 2708), male residents rated their performance higher than females (3.57 vs. 3.26, p < 0.001, 1 = critical deficiency, 5 = exceptional performance) and reported less supervision (3.15 vs. 2.85, p < 0.001, 1 = show and tell, 4 = supervision only); similar findings were seen when looking at attending reports of resident supervision and performance. A multiple linear regression model showed that attending gender did not significantly predict resident-reported supervision or performance levels, while case complexity and trainee gender significantly affected both supervision and performance (p < 0.001). Female residents perceive themselves to be less self-efficacious at core laparoscopic procedures compared to their male colleagues. Comparison to more case-specific data confirm that female residents receive more supervision and lower performance ratings. This may create a domino effect in which female residents receive less operative independence, preventing the opportunity to establish SE. Further research should identify opportunities to break this cycle and consider gender identity beyond the male/female construct.