Performance-based Assessment Research Articles

Analysis of the relationship between emotional quotient and physical activities on fundamental motor skills of elementary school

The significance of emotional quotients (EQ) and physical activities in developing fundamental motor skills in elementary school students was the primary reason for this study. This study analyzes the relationship between EQ and physical activities with fundamental motor skills among elementary school students aged 7-9. The research method employed observational analytics with a cross-sectional approach. The study population consisted of students from Kurma Islamic Elementary School in Salatiga, with a sample of 80 students aged 7-9. Data were collected through questionnaires (EQ), PAQ-C, and performance-based motor skills assessment rubric. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation and linear regression tests. The results showed a significant relationship between EQ and fundamental motor skills. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between physical activities and fundamental motor skills. Regression analysis indicated that EQ and physical activities significantly influenced fundamental motor skills simultaneously. This study reveals that both EQ and physical activities significantly impact fundamental motor skills in elementary school students. The implications of the findings underscore the significance of integrating holistic education programs, incorporating EQ development, and promoting physical activity to support overall motor development and well-being in children.

UTILIZATION OF PERFORMANCE-BASED ASSESSMENT IN MATHEMATICS: BASIS FOR NUMERACY REMEDIATION PROGRAM FOR GRADE FOUR LEARNERS

This study aimed at determining the utilization of performance-based assessment as the basis in developing the numeracy intervention program for grade four learners. This study employed the non-experimental descriptive-correlation research design in investigating the research problem. It is descriptive because the data are presented in quantitative descriptions on the “Utilization of Performance-based Assessment in Mathematics: Basis for Numeracy Remediation Program for Grade Four Learners. According to Good (2005), this method of research shows merely description of tasks presenting the conditions regarding the nature of the group of persons or class of events that involved procedure of analysis, classification, and measurement. It involves varied information regarding the current or present condition (Deauna, 2005). This study was conducted in all public elementary schools in Binugao district, Davao City. The respondents of this study were the 5 grade four teachers to assess the 250 grade four learner in the research locale who were the subjects of this study and whose numeracy was assessed using performance-based assessment. Moreover, simple random sampling procedure was used considering the enormous number of the grade four learners in the district while at the same time simple sampling procedure was used in determining the number of teacher who will participate in the study. This study revealed that teachers most of the time used performance-based assessment in assessing learning outcomes in mathematics of the grade four learners. This also means that teachers are confident in using performance-based assessment as it monitors academic progress of the child in mathematics subject. KEYWORDS: utilization of performance-based assessment, mathematics, basis for numeracy remediation program, grade four learners

Efficient beam-based model for reinforced concrete walls considering shear-flexure interaction

This paper presents an efficient beam-based modelling scheme for the seismic analysis of reinforced concrete structural walls. The model combines a force-based beam element with a fibre section for flexural response and a zero-length element for shear response. The fibre-based element simulates the nonlinear flexural behaviour through uniaxial material laws that account for concrete cracking, concrete crushing, and yielding and rupture of reinforcing bars. The zero-length element represents the shear behaviour with a trilinear lateral force-displacement curve representing, in a phenomenological way, nonlinear deformations caused by diagonal cracking. The reduction of shear resistance caused by inelastic flexural deformations is accounted for in the model to reproduce failures due to shear-flexure interaction. The model has been validated using data from 52 tests on wall specimens exhibiting flexure, shear and mixed shear-flexure modes from experimental campaigns reported in the literature, showing good accuracy in predicting the effective stiffness, maximum strength and displacement capacities obtained in the tests. Model results for ultimate displacement capacity correlate better with experimental results than simplified code-oriented expressions in performance-based evaluation standards and recommendations. Considering its balanced accuracy and computational efficiency, it is concluded that the proposed modelling scheme can effectively be used for performance-based seismic design and assessment of RC wall buildings.

Development and Validation of Performance-Based Assessment of Daily Living Tasks in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

To establish the reliability and validity of five performance-based activities of daily living task tests (ADLTT), to correlate structure to function, to evaluate the impact of visual impairment (VI) on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and to develop new outcome measures. A multidisciplinary team developed five ADLTTs: (1) reading test (RT); (2) facial expression (FE) recognition; (3) item search (IS) task; (4) money counting (MC) task; and (5) making a drink (MD), tested with binocular and monocular vision. ADLTTs were tested for known-group (i.e., difference between AMD group and controls) and convergent (i.e., correlation to other measures of visual function), validity metrics, and test-retest reliability in 36 patients with VI (visual acuity (logMAR VA > 0.4) in at least one eye caused by AMD versus 36 healthy controls without VI. Compared to controls, AMD patients had a slower reading speed (-77.41 words/min; P < 0.001); took longer to complete MC using monocular worse eye and binocular vision (15.13 seconds and 4.06 seconds longer compared to controls, respectively; P < 0.001); and MD using monocular worse eye vision (9.37 sec; P = 0.033), demonstrating known-group validity. Only RT and MC demonstrated convergent validity, showing correlations with VA, contrast sensitivity, and microperimetry testing. Moderate to good test-retest reliability was observed for MC and MD (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.55 and 0.77; P < 0.001) using monocular worse eye vision. Real-world ADL functioning associated with VI-related AMD can be assessed with our validated ADLTTs, particularly MC and MD. This study validates visual function outcome measures that are developed for use in future clinical practice and clinical trials.

Performance-based assessment of the novel prefabricated CFST bridge pier by numerical approach

This study aims to profoundly investigate the seismic performance and application prospect of the typical continuous beam bridge with the novel prefabricated concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) piers, with advantages in simple on-site assembly, convenient transportation of prefabricated components, good seismic performance, and low construction cost. According to two prototype continuous beam bridges respectively equipped with low and tall typical reinforced concrete (RC) piers, 7 bridge cases with prefabricated CFST piers featuring various configurations of the tie beams are designed. Three-dimensional numerical models of these bridge cases are established and verified with the previous experimental studies, and numerical simulations of all the bridge cases are conducted to assess and compare the seismic responses and fragility curves. The results show that the bridges with prefabricated CFST piers exhibit a reduction in top pier transversal displacement and maximum curvature along the pier height, which are 43 % and 138 % lower than those of the prototype RC piers, respectively. Besides, the bridges with prefabricated CFST piers generally present lower probabilities of being damaged compared to those of the prototype bridges with RC piers.

Amyloid and tau burden relate to longitudinal changes in the performance of complex everyday activities among cognitively unimpaired older adults: results from the performance-based Harvard Automated Phone Task.

Changes in everyday functioning constitute a clinically meaningful outcome, even in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Performance-based assessments of everyday functioning might help uncover these early changes. We aimed to investigate how changes over time in everyday functioning relate to tau and amyloid in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Seventy-six cognitively unimpaired participants (72 ± 6 years old, 61% female) completed multiple Harvard Automated Phone Task (APT) assessments over 2.0 ± 0.9 years. The Harvard APT consists of three tasks, performed through an automated phone system, in which participants refill a prescription (APT-Script), select a new primary care physician (APT-PCP), and transfer money to pay a bill (APT-Bank). Participants underwent Pittsburgh compound-B and flortaucipir positron emission tomography scans at baseline. We computed distribution volume ratios for a cortical amyloid aggregate and standardized uptake volume ratios for medial temporal and neocortical tau regions. In separate linear mixed models, baseline amyloid by time and tau by time interactions were used to predict longitudinal changes in performance on the Harvard APT tasks. Three-way amyloid by tau by time interactions were also investigated. Lastly, we examined associations between tau and change in Harvard APT scores in exploratory voxel-wise whole-brain analyses. All models were adjusted for age, sex, and education. Amyloid [unstandardized partial regression coefficient estimate (β) = -0.007, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = (-0.013, -0.001)], and medial temporal tau [β = -0.013, 95% CI = (-0.022, -0.004)] were associated with change over time in years on APT-PCP only, i.e., higher baseline amyloid and higher baseline tau were associated with steeper rate of decline of APT-PCP. Voxel-wise analyses showed widespread associations between tau and change in APT-PCP scores over time. Even among cognitively unimpaired older adults, changes over time in the performance of cognitively complex everyday activities relate to cortical amyloid and widespread cerebral tau burden at baseline. These findings support the link between Alzheimer's disease pathology and function and highlight the importance of measuring everyday functioning in preclinical disease stages.

Constant-strength inelastic displacement ratio spectra for assessment of superstructures in seismically isolated buildings

A reliable estimation of maximum displacement demands of seismically isolated inelastic superstructures is crucial for assessment of base-isolated buildings under beyond-design earthquakes. Constant-strength inelastic displacement ratio, CR, spectra, as applied in the performance-based seismic assessment procedure, can be used to estimate the inelastic displacement demands of structures. Currently, a suitable analytical expression of CR is lacking for base-isolated structures considering the influencing parameters comprehensively. This paper seeks to fill this gap. The constant-strength spectra are computed from nonlinear dynamic analyses of simplified two-degree-of-freedom models considering the inelastic behavior of the superstructure and isolator system, using a set of earthquake ground motions recorded on stiff soil sites. The effects of strength reduction factor of superstructure, superstructure elastic period, secondary stiffness ratio of superstructure, mass ratio, isolation period, normalized strength of isolation system and superstructure viscous damping on the mean and dispersion of CR are investigated. In particular, the effects of variations in earthquake intensity and isolator strength on CR are taken into account by the normalized strength of isolation system. Besides, limiting values of CR as the superstructure elastic period tends to zero or infinity are discussed and verified using the statistical values of CR. Finally, based on the trends of CR with respect to the design parameters of the superstructure and isolation system, and the boundary conditions to the CR formula, an analytical estimating equation with reasonable accuracy is developed to approximate the mean constant-strength inelastic displacement ratios during seismic assessment of base-isolated building structures built on stiff soil sites.

Performance-based fire assessment of a fully automated multi-storey steel parking structure: A computational approach

Conducting a structural fire analysis for automated steel parking structures present a complex challenge due to the vulnerability of steel structures to high-temperature exposure, the unpredictability of fire source locations, and the enhanced thermal loading due to high concentration of vehicles in a compact area. This study conducted a performance-based assessment (PBA) of a fully automated multi-storey steel parking structure under various fire scenarios. The assessment employed Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS) to simulate the fire behavior in different scenarios and record the temperature developments within the structure. OpenSees was utilized to perform the subsequent thermo-mechanical analysis and obtain the fire responses of the parking structure. The fire analyses demonstrated that the ignition location and ventilation conditions within the structure considerably affects fire propagation and structural responses. Fire cases initiated on the first floor led to a slightly higher drift ratio than those initiated on the 9th floor. The PBA based on strain and drift ratio led to different results. Cases 1, 2, 4, and 6 maintained life safety based on drift ratios, and strain results indicated a collapse prevention level. For centrally located fire cases, the drift ratios were at collapse prevention level while based on strain values, the elements already exceeded the collapse prevention limit. Under all fire cases, the ultimate performance level of the structure has exceeded the collapse prevention level. The findings highlight the necessity of employing fire safety measures in multi-storey parking structures and enhancing their fire resilience.

The Power of Faculty Development: The Impact on Teaching a Procedural Skill Framework.

Teaching outpatient procedures is a skill often overlooked in faculty development. This oversight may lead to faculty employing a haphazard approach. Competency in procedural skills is inherent, and acquiring proficiency in procedural skills is necessary across all medical specialties, with some centers moving towarda blended simulation-based approach rather than the traditional Halstedian "see one, do one, teach one" mantra. While both formats have their pros and cons, they share the unifying concept of performance-based assessments and a standardized method for teaching procedures, which has typically been lacking a formal framework. This study aimed to implement and evaluate the impact of teaching an educational technique in a multidisciplinary faculty education workshop about the Sawyer framework for psychomotor skill acquisition. An interactive 90-minute workshop through the Uniformed Services University Faculty Development Program was developed and presented from February 2021 to October 2023 at multiple military treatment facilities. Participants enrolled in the workshop either by online registration or by walking in on the day of the workshop. A postworkshop survey was collected voluntarily. Through the survey, participants self-evaluated their current teaching strategy and made changes to their future strategy based on the framework they learned during the workshop. This was a mixed methods approachwith quantitative survey data that were analyzed using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) and qualitative data through thematic analysis using a constructivist inductive approach. There were 52 sessions with a total of 570 participants across 22 unique specialties. The response rate was 50%. Before the workshop, 22% of responding participants had no teaching strategy, and 49% had a partial but not explicit strategy for teaching. After the workshop, 89% of respondents answered that they would either implement a new or modify an existing strategy. Ninety-three percent of respondents reported that the Sawyer method was applicable to their future teaching. The overall themes from participants were that this procedural framework allowed for personal improvement in clear communication, individualized learner-centered teaching, and improved intentionality of teaching procedures. Almost two-thirds of the faculty did not have a formal teaching method before this course, which is consistent with current data. Implementing a standardized framework for teaching procedures through faculty development workshops for multidisciplinary medical faculty educators can improve the educational quality of procedural skills.

초등학생용 수행형 디지털 리터러시 온라인 평가도구 개발

Objectives The purpose of this study is to develop a performance-based online assessment tool to measure the level of digital literacy of primary school students. Methods To achieve this, test items were developed based on several scenarios that reflected the context of schools, families, and communities that primary school students encounter in their daily lives, and an online as-sessment system was developed in the form of several sub-tasks being connected to perform one integrated task. The developed assessment tool consisted of 4 test modules and a total of 28 sub-task items. A preliminary test was conducted on 462 primary school students to verify the reliability and validity of the developed online as-sessment system. Results As a result of analyzing the preliminary test results, the test reliability was found to be good. As a result of correlation analysis with the multiple-choice assessment tool, it was found to be distinguished from the exist-ing tool as a performance-based assessment tool. In addition, as a result of item analysis, the overall discrim-ination and difficulty level was found to be at an appropriate level except for a few items. Conclusions This study is significant in that it developed a performance-based online assessment tool beyond self-reporting or knowledge-based multiple-choice assessment, and provided primary data for future research on measuring students’ digital literacy level using a performance-based online assessment tool based on the pre-liminary test results.

#2528 Comparing patient-reported and performance-based physical function assessments in hemodialysis: insights from the CONVINCE trial

Abstract Background and Aims Physical function is a crucial outcome in nephrology. In alignment with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Initiative, physical function is characterized as the ability to execute activities involving physical actions, ranging from self-care to more complex activities, such as social activities. This definition of physical function spans various domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Health, and Disability (ICF). The assessment of physical function commonly employs two distinct approaches, patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and observed performance outcomes (PerfO). PRO and PerfO assessments have distinct advantages and limitations and were found to correlate only moderately, adding complexity to cross-instrument outcome comparisons and interpretation. Despite this, there is limited understanding of the factors contributing to the discordance between PRO and PerfO assessments in patients with kidney disease. In this study, we applied a previously established common T-score metric for patient-reported and performance-based physical function to compare patterns of associations with potential laboratory-based, psychosocial, sociodemographic, and health-related determinants in hemodialysis patients. Method Cross-sectional data from the baseline assessment of the CONVINCE trial (N = 1,132), a multinational randomized controlled trial comparing high-dose hemodiafiltration with high-flux hemodialysis, were analysed. To investigate the relationships between potential determinants and performance-based versus patient-reported physical function, we performed multiple linear regression analysis. Dependent variables were standardized T-scores derived from the PROMIS physical function short-form 4a (PRO) and the Physical Performance Test (PerfO). Both measures assess a generic concept of physical function. We compared the effect sizes of each potential determinant in the multiple regression model using partial f2 values, with thresholds of 0.02, 0.15, and 0.35 denoting small, medium, and large effects. Results Both, PerfO and PRO exhibited significant associations with a laboratory marker-based indicator of muscle mass (simplified creatinine index), albeit with relatively small effects (partial f² of 0.04 and 0.05, respectively). None of the other laboratory measures investigated in this study showed any relevant associations with physical functioning. Age demonstrated a negative association with physical function, with a larger effect size observed for performance-based (partial f² = 0.11) compared to patient-reported physical function (partial f² = 0.04). In contrast to performance-based physical function, patient-reported physical function displayed a stronger association with self-reported health domains, particularly pain interference and fatigue. Exploring the differences between patient-reported and performance-based T-scores at the individual level, we found that younger age and more cognitive/emotional fatigue were associated with lower patient-reported compared to performance-based physical function (small effect sizes). Conclusion PRO and PerfO assessments of physical function in hemodialysis patients had similar associations with the simplified creatinine index, suggesting comparable links to objective physical impairment. However, PRO-based physical function exhibited a notably stronger association with other patient-reported variables, suggesting that patient-reported constructs of physical function might represent more than just capability, but ‘capability free from symptomatic constraints’. This distinction should be taken into account when directly comparing or aggregating PRO and PerfO scores. A noteworthy aspect of our study is the utilization of a common T-score metric for both PRO and PerfO measures. This method enhances interpretability of results and facilitates comparisons across diverse assessment types, thereby offering valuable insights into the determinants of physical function in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY VALIDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL WORKERS (leveraging international experience for Ukraine)

The exchange of knowledge and experiences between nations has become imperative for sustainable development and progress today. Ukraine nowadays seeks to enhance the validation process for professional competencies of educational workers. Drawing upon the practical experiences of countries like China, various European nations, the United States, can offer invaluable insights and strategies to optimise Ukraine's educational system. The article aims to present the experience of different countries that by adopting it for education workers` professional competency validation equips Ukraine with a comprehensive toolkit to address the challenges. In particular, the validation of PR China`s (known for its emphasis on rigorous educational standards and competency validation processes), EU`s (diverse educational systems of UR countries offer a rich tapestry of approaches to competency validation), US (accreditation processes and performance-based assessments), Baltic Countries (progressive education policies and commitment to quality assurance) experience, can not only enhances the quality and innovation within Ukraine's educational system but also positions Ukrainian professionals on the global stage. The article as well pays attention not only to benefits that this or that abroad professional validation systems adoption can give Ukraine nowadays, but also makes prognoses as to its practical possibility and possible difficulties.

Ideational Slippage in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Preliminary Study.

Ideational slippage-characterized by incorrect word usage and strained logic during dialogue-is common in aging and, at greater frequency, is an indicator of pre-clinical cognitive decline. Performance-based assessment of ideational slippage may be useful in the study of cognitive aging and Alzheimer's-disease-related pathology. In this preliminary study, we examine the association between corpus callosum volume and a performance-based assessment of ideational slippage in middle-aged and older adults (age 61-79 years). Ideational slippage was indexed from cognitive special scores using the Rorschach Inkblot Method (RIM), which are validated indices of deviant verbalization and logical inaccuracy (Sum6, WSum6). Among middle-aged and older adults, smaller splenium volume was associated with greater ideational slippage (ηp2 = 0.48), independent of processing speed and fluid intelligence. The observed negative associations are consistent with visuospatial perception and cognitive functions of the splenium. The effect was strongest with the splenium, and volumes of the genu and total white matter had small effects that were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Results are discussed with future application of RIM special scores for the assessment of pre-clinical cognitive decline and, based on observed effect sizes, power analyses are reported to inform future study planning.

Impact of Handedness on Driver’s Situation Awareness When Driving under Unfamiliar Traffic Regulations

Situation awareness (SA) describes an individual’s understanding of their surroundings and actions in the near future based on the individual’s comprehension and understanding of the surrounding inputs. SA measurements can be applied to improve system performance or human effectiveness in many fields of study, including driving. However, in some scenarios drivers might need to drive in unfamiliar traffic regulations (UFTRs), where the traffic rules and vehicle configurations are a bit different from what the drivers are used to under familiar traffic regulations. Such driving conditions require drivers to adapt their attention, knowledge, and reactions to safely reach the destination. This ability is influenced by the degree of handedness. In such tasks, mixed-/left-handed people show better performance than strong right-handed people. This paper aims to explore the influence of the degree of handedness on SA when driving under UFTRs. We analyzed the SA of two groups of drivers: strong right-handed drivers and mixed-/left-handed drivers. Both groups were not familiar with driving in keep-left traffic regulations. Using a driving simulator, all participants drove in a simulated keep-left traffic system. The participants’ SA was measured using a subjective assessment, named the Participant Situation Awareness Questionnaire PSAQ, and performance-based assessment. The results of the study indicate that mixed-/left-handed participants had significantly higher SA than strong right-handed participants when measured by performance-based assessment. Also, in the subjective assessment, mixed-/left-handed participants had significantly higher PSAQ performance scores than strong right-handed participants. The findings of this study suggest that advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which show improvement in road safety, should adapt the system functionality based on the driver’s degree of handedness when driving under UFTRs.

Performance of Medication Tasks: Relationship Among Patient-Reported Outcomes, Performance-Based Assessments, and Objective Assessments.

Occupational therapy practitioners use standardized assessments to guide their clinical decision-making, but it is unclear how well performance on standardized assessments translates to performance at home. To understand the concurrent and predictive validity of patient-reported outcomes and performance-based assessments for monitoring performance at home within the context of medication management and adherence. Exploratory study. Participants completed standardized assessments in a lab or at home, which were followed by home-based electronic monitoring of medication adherence. Sixty community-dwelling adults with hypertension or stroke who independently took antihypertensive medications. Participants completed the Hill-Bone Medication Adherence Scale, the Hill-Bone Medication Adherence Reasons Scale, the Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills Medication Management subtask, and the Executive Function Performance Test-Enhanced Medication Management subtest. Then, they used an electronic pill cap to monitor medication adherence at home for 1 month. Patient-reported outcomes and performance-based assessments in the context of medication management and adherence demonstrated poor concurrent and predictive validity to medication adherence at home. There is a gap between what people think they will do, what they can do on a standardized assessment, and what they actually do at home. Future research is needed to strengthen concurrent and predictive validity to clinically meaningful outcomes. Plain-Language Summary: Occupational therapy practitioners should use caution when using standardized assessments to try to predict client performance at home. They should also continue to use a battery of assessments, clinical reasoning, and client preferences to guide their decision-making for monitoring performance at home within the context of medication management and adherence.

Performance-Based Assessment in Assessing the Students’ Evaluating Skill: How is the implementation in English Learning?

Performance-based assessment (PBA) enables teachers to determine learners’ genuine language competency and promote critical thinking skills. The students applied their knowledge in practical ways during the teaching and learning process. Evaluating skill is one of the higher-order thinking abilities (HOTS) every individual should strive to master. Some research have indicated that this competence is under-evaluated. This study intends to elucidate the utilization of Performance-Based Assessment for evaluating students' skills in learning English. A qualitative research design was used to recruit an English teacher who met the study requirements and was teaching ninth-grade students at SMPN 2 Semarang. Information was collected through classroom observation, document analysis, and interviews. The study revealed that the teacher utilized probing questions in process-oriented assessment while applying performance-based assessment to evaluate students' skills in evaluating English acquisition. Challenging questions were asked during the learning activities to challenge students to think critically about their answers. The teacher led the pupils in a thorough discussion of the learning materials. The assessment questions were primarily open-ended WH questions designed to engage higher-order thinking skills

Unveiling Fall Triggers in Older Adults: A Machine Learning Graphical Model Analysis.

While existing research has identified diverse fall risk factors in adults aged 60 and older across various areas, comprehensively examining the interrelationships between all factors can enhance our knowledge of complex mechanisms and ultimately prevent falls. This study employs a novel approach-a mixed undirected graphical model (MUGM)-to unravel the interplay between sociodemographics, mental well-being, body composition, self-assessed and performance-based fall risk assessments, and physical activity patterns. Using a parameterized joint probability density, MUGMs specify the higher-order dependence structure and reveals the underlying graphical structure of heterogeneous variables. The MUGM consisting of mixed types of variables (continuous and categorical) has versatile applications that provide innovative and practical insights, as it is equipped to transcend the limitations of traditional correlation analysis and uncover sophisticated interactions within a high-dimensional data set. Our study included 120 elders from central Florida whose 37 fall risk factors were analyzed using an MUGM. Among the identified features, 34 exhibited pairwise relationships, while COVID-19-related factors and housing composition remained conditionally independent from all others. The results from our study serve as a foundational exploration, and future research investigating the longitudinal aspects of these features plays a pivotal role in enhancing our knowledge of the dynamics contributing to fall prevention in this population.

Enhancing Transportation Literacy Through English Language Acquisition

This research investigates the impact of English language acquisition on transportation literacy among transportation management students. Through qualitative analysis of interviews and document analysis, the study explores how proficiency in English influences students' comprehension of key transportation concepts. The findings reveal that English language proficiency significantly enhances students' understanding of complex transportation topics, such as logistics, safety regulations, and multimodal transportation systems. Integrating effective language learning strategies, such as real-world scenarios and interactive activities, into transportation management courses can bridge the gap between language proficiency and transportation literacy. Additionally, innovative assessment methods, such as performance-based assessments, offer a more comprehensive approach to evaluating students' language proficiency and its application in transportation contexts. The study recommends ongoing professional development for educators, collaboration with industry partners, and the promotion of multilingualism to enhance transportation literacy among students. By adopting these recommendations, educational institutions can ensure that transportation management students are equipped with the necessary language skills to succeed in an increasingly globalised and diverse transportation industry.

Poststroke Communication Ability Predicts Patient-Informant Discrepancies in Reported Activities and Participation.

Participation in life situations has been identified by people with aphasia (PWA) as an ultimate outcome of rehabilitation and is often measured with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) or informant-reported measures. It is known that PWA and informants do not always produce similar scores on measures of activities and participation. However, systematic differences between PWA and informants and the causes of these differences are not well understood. Here, we investigated these differences as a function of language impairment, perceived level of activity and participation success, and depressive symptoms. Participants were 29 PWA-informant dyads who completed a performance-based language assessment and three measures related to different aspects of activities and participation. Outcome variables were PWA-informant difference scores in the activities and participation measures. PWA ratings of activities and participation were not statistically significantly associated with performance-based language severity. Hierarchical regression models with both language impairment and informant-reported scores as predictor variables explained 53%-71% of the variance in PWA-informant difference scores (all p < .05). In particular, mild communication challenges were associated with the PWA reporting significantly worse participation than the informant perceived. In contrast, more severe communication challenges were associated with the PWA reporting significantly better participation than the informant perceived. These findings highlight the importance of measuring participation by PROM. The PWA's experience of participation is not related to their level of language impairment and is predictably different from their care partners' perspective. As others have also reported, "mild" aphasia is not so mild to the PWA. Similarly, "severe" may not be so severe to the PWA. Further research is needed to connect these findings with counseling and caregiver education. Research on response processes (e.g., response shift) is also warranted.

Friction stir welded joints in aluminum highway bridge decks: a quality control framework

Friction stir welding (FSW) has shown considerable promise for highway aluminum bridge deck fabrication but lacks specific quality control guidelines for fit-up defects. This study conducts a performance-based (PB) quality control assessment of butt-lap FSW joints for highway bridge decks. Five FSW conditions were simulated, including a standard control welding condition, fit-up defects (gaps and tool offset), and a welding tool’s rotational direction inversion from the standard condition. A rigorous prequalification process established acceptable tolerance levels for fit-up defects: a 3 mm positive offset, a 1.5 mm negative offset, and a 1.5 mm gap. Subsequently, specimens from real aluminium deck extrusions, incorporating the various welding conditions were subjected to fatigue testing. Results showed that the fatigue strength and failure mode were primarily influenced by the weld root microstructure. The FSW tool’s rotational direction significantly influenced fatigue strength due to its impact on the nucleation of the hooking defect in the weld root area, while the impact of fit-up defects on fatigue strength was comparatively lesser. Furthermore, finite element analysis examined the impact of the geometrical features of the root microstructure and the direction of the initial crack propagation on the stress intensity factor range. These findings have practical implications for setting tolerance levels for fit-up defects in aluminum butt-lap FSW joints and optimizing of the quality and fatigue strength of butt-lap FSW joints.