Assessment Practices Research Articles

Diffuse correlation tomography: a technique to characterize tissue blood flow abnormalities in benign and malignant breast lesions

Accurate assessment and quantification of neoangiogenesis associated with breast cancer could be potentially used to improve the sensitivity and specificity of non-invasive diagnosis, as well as predict outcomes and monitor treatment effects. In this study, we adapted an emerging technology, namely diffuse correlation tomography (DCT), to image microvascular blood flow in breast tissues and evaluate the potential for discriminating between benign and malignant lesions. A custom-made DCT system was designed for breast blood flow imaging, with both the source-detector array and reconstruction algorithm optimized to ensure precise imaging of breast blood flow. The global features and local features of three-dimensional blood flow images were extracted from the relative blood flow index (rBFI), which was obtained from most of the breasts targeted to the lesion. A total of 37 women with 19 benign and 18 malignant lesions were included in the study. Significant differences between malignant and benign groups were found in 12 image features. Moreover, when selecting the lesion mean relative blood flow index (MrBFI) as a single indicator, the malignant and benign tumors were discriminated with an accuracy of 89.2%. The blood flow features were found to successfully identify malignant and benign tumors, suggesting that DCT, as an alternate functional imaging modality, has the potential to be translated into clinical practice for diagnosis and assessment of breast cancers. There is potential to reduce the need for biopsy of benign lesions by improving the specificity of diagnostic imaging, as well as monitoring response to breast cancer treatment.

Comparative Assessment of Environmental Disclosure Practices: A Case Study of Two Leading Oil Companies in India

This study conducts a comparative analysis of the environmental disclosure practices of two leading oil companies in India: OIL and Petronet LNG. By evaluating their sustainability reports and publicly available environmental information, the research assesses key performance areas such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water management, waste treatment, and biodiversity conservation. The analysis reveals that both companies exhibit similar environmental disclosure practices, with strengths in energy and emissions management but significant gaps in compliance, biodiversity, and grievance mechanisms. A statistical t-test shows no significant difference between the environmental performance of the two companies, indicating comparable transparency levels. The study highlights the need for both organizations to improve their environmental reporting and align more closely with global sustainability standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Recommendations include enhancing biodiversity conservation efforts, strengthening supplier environmental assessments, and improving compliance with environmental regulations. Keywords: Environmental disclosure, Oil industry, Sustainability reporting, Comparative analysis, India, Greenhouse gas emissions, Energy management, Water usage, Biodiversity, Compliance, Corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Comparison of Diffusion-weighted MRI using Singe-Shot Echo-planar Imaging (SS-EPI) and Split Acquisition of Fast Spin Echo Signal (SPLICE) Imaging, a non-EPI technique, in Tumors of the Head and Neck.

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using single-shot echo planar imaging (DW-EPI) is susceptible to distortions around air-filled cavities and dental fillings, typical for the head and neck area. Non-EPI, Split acquisition of fast spin echo signals for diffusion imaging (DWSPLICE) could reduce these distortions and enhance image quality, thereby potentially improving recurrence assessment in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck region. This study evaluated whether DW-SPLICE is a viable alternative to DW-EPI through quantitative and qualitative analyses. The DW-SPLICE sequence was incorporated into the standard 3.0T head and neck MRI protocol with DW-EPI. Retrospective analysis was conducted on two subgroups: firstly benign or malignant lesions, and secondly post-treatment SCC recurrence. In both subgroups Image quality and distortion were scored by two independent radiologists, blinded for DW-technique, and evaluated using mixed-effect linear models. Lesion apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were assessed with inter-class correlation (ICC) and Bland-Altman analyses. DWI's delineation geometric similarity to T1-weighted post-contrast (T1Wc) MRI was evaluated using the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) before and after registration. Recurrence in post-treatment SCC scans was evaluated by the same two radiologists blinded for DW-technique. Recurrence detection rates were then compared between DW-SPLICE and DW-EPI using mixed logistic regression at six months and at one-year post-scan follow-up data. From August 2020 to January 2022, 55 benign or malignant lesion scans (55 patients) and 74 post-treatment SCC scans (66 patients) were analyzed. DW-SPLICE scored better on image quality and showed less overall distortion than DW-EPI (0.04<p<0.001). There was high ADC measurement reliability (ICC=0.93, p<0.001), though a proportional bias was also observed (β=0.11, p=0.03), indicating the bias increases as ADC values rise. DWSPLICE exhibited greater geometric similarity to T1Wc before registration (DSC 0.63 vs 0.47, p<0.001) and outperformed DW-EPI by more accurately identifying recurrences after one year (OR=0.96, p=0.05) but not after six months (OR=0.72, p=0.13). DW-SPLICE surpasses DW-EPI on image distortion and quality and improves diagnostic reliability for detecting recurrent or residual SCC on 3T MRI of the HN. Consistent use of one method for follow-up is advised, as ADC values are not completely interchangeable. Integrating DW-SPLICE can significantly improve tumor assessments in clinical practice. ANTs = Advanced Normalization Tools; DSC = Dice Similarity Coefficient; DW-EPI = Diffusion-weighted single-shot echo planar imaging; DW-MS-EPI = Diffusion-weighted multi-shot echo planar imaging; DW-SPLICE = Diffusion-weighted split acquisition of fast spin echo signals for diffusion imaging; DW-TSE = Diffusion-weighted Turbo Spin Echo; ICC = Intraclass Correlation Coefficient; ROC = Receiver Operating Characteristic; SCC = Squamous cell carcinoma; T1WIc = T1 weighted imaging with gadolinium contrast.

Research on risk detection and management based on machine learning

With the rapid advancement in financial risk management, machine learning techniques are playing an increasingly crucial role in credit assessment and risk detection. They provide financial institutions with more scientific and precise platforms and methodologies for risk management. This paper explores various traditional machine learning methods in risk assessment, introduces the XGBoost ensemble learning method, and integrates traditional machine learning with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks to enhance the generalization capability of risk control and credit assessment models. This approach offers new perspectives and improvement directions for risk assessment standards and practices in the financial industry, affirming the potential application of machine learning technologies in future risk management.The results show that the random forest and decision tree have excellent accuracy and recall rates for distinguishing fraudulent transactions. After the introduction of LSTM neural networks, the accuracy and recall rates of fraudulent transaction recognition models reach around 99%, indicating that these models have good adaptability for fraud risk recognition.

Constructing assessment practices for knowledge building in science

Constructing assessment practices for knowledge building in science

AI-assisted marking: Functionality and limitations of ChatGPT in written assessment evaluation

Generative artificial intelligence technologies, such as ChatGPT, bring an unprecedented change in education by leveraging the power of natural language processing and machine learning. Employing ChatGPT to assist with marking written assessment presents multiple advantages including scalability, improved consistency, eliminating biases associated with human subjectivity. This work aimed to evaluate the usefulness, reliability and accuracy of ChatGPT in marking written assessments of varied types and to identify its limitations and challenges. ChatGPT was instructed using a set of prompts to mark the assessment based on a rubric. ChatGPT was able to evaluate and assess both coding and reflective assessments and to distinguish between assignments of different quality, demonstrating high consistency and accuracy for higher quality assessments, comparable to a human marking. ChatGPT was also able to generate textual detailed justifications based on the rubric and assessment task description. There was a significant difference in the outcomes generated by different prompts. These preliminary findings suggest that utilising ChatGPT as a marking assistant can increase written assessment marking efficiency, reduce cost and potentially decrease the unfairness and bias by providing a moderating perspective. Implications for practice or policy: Assessment designers could reconsider the design, purpose and objectives of written assessments and leverage ChatGPT effectively for teaching and learning. Assessors might consider adapting the technology as a grading aid, to support a human-in-the-loop grading process, providing additional resources and time, moderating and refining individual feedback, to increase consistency and quality. Curriculum and programme leaders could develop guidelines around the ethical use of generative AI-assisted assessment practice, monitor and regulate the ongoing evaluation and refinement.

How to make sense of generative AI as a science communication researcher? A conceptual framework in the context of critical engagement with scientific information

A guiding theory for a continuous and cohesive discussion regarding generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in science communication is still unavailable. Here, we propose a framework for characterizing, evaluating, and comparing AI-based information technologies in the context of critical engagement with scientific information in online environments. Hierarchically constructed, the framework observes technological properties, user experience, content presentation, and the context in which the technology is being used. Understandable and applicable for non-experts in AI systems, the framework affords a holistic yet practical assessment of various AI-based information technologies, providing both a reflection aid and a conceptual baseline for scholarly references.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of Anganwadi Teachers and Asha Workers with Regard to Nutrition Education Intervention

Nutrition is one of the important aspects that deals with good health and wellbeing of people. Nutrition education helps to resolve the nutrition problems by imparting nutrition education and bring desirable changes in terms of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP). The existing study was conducted to know the knowledge, attitude, and practices of AWW and ASHA’s with regard to nutrition education for pregnant women and lactating mother. Data was gathered using pre-tested questionnaires with a sample size of 90 respondents chosen from three mandals (area) in the Guntur district. Random sampling procedure was used for selection of the respondents. The results of the study found that Anganwadi teachers and ASHA Workers had low to medium level of knowledge, poor attitude and poor practices during baseline test. After implementing intervention programme to the Anganwadi teachers and ASHA Workers for a period of one month a significant improvement in the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices was observed during Endline test (t=10.5; t=10.3). The above findings can be used to plan a digital material on nutrition education interventions which aiming at bringing change in the behavior of the respondents i.e., KAP and it can be used as ready reckoners during sudden epidemics.

Post-16 students’ experience of practical science during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on students’ self-efficacy in practical work

This paper presents the findings from a detailed study investigating UK undergraduate students’ experience of practical science in their post-16 studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also examines their perceived confidence and preparedness in relation to areas of practical science skills at the start of their undergraduate courses. The study employed an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. Findings from student focus groups held at the end of their post-16 studies were used to support the development of a comprehensive skills audit and quantitative survey for incoming undergraduate students. Survey data were collected in September and October 2021 from 275 students commencing Biosciences, Chemistry, Physics and Natural Science degrees at two universities in England. The research is important because although almost all students had the opportunity to undertake practical work as part of their post-16 studies during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was considerable variation in students’ experiences. The data indicate that COVID-19-related closures of post-16 education establishments, ongoing social distancing requirements and the consequent removal of the assessment criteria for students to have ‘routinely and consistently’ undertaken each of the practical assessment requirements had implications for the development of students’ self-efficacy in relation to practical science. The research presents important considerations which are relevant for educators supporting students’ transition from post-16 to Higher Education and have the potential to impact on incoming students over many years to come.

A NOVEL WAY TO CLASSIFY THE SLAKE DURABILITY INDEX OF ROCKS

Slaking, the disintegration of rocks upon exposure to moisture and air, poses significant challenges in engineering applications, such as in slope stability and embankment design. This study improves the slake durability index test by introducing several enhancements to better reflect the field conditions of rocks. A new test methodology is developed which includes a revised slake durability classification table, a novel Discard Method for calculating weight retention in the test drum, and an updated classification chart. The improved methodology considers parameters such as porosity and strength, evaluated through index, Schmidt hammer rebound and point load tests. The new classification table categorizes rocks into durability classes according to the field observations and laboratory test results. The Discard Method improves accuracy by eliminating broken pieces from the durability calculation, addressing the limitations in the suggested method. A Configured Discard Method equation further defines the durability estimation by combining porosity, strength and slake durability data. Field investigations and laboratory tests conducted with various rock types demonstrate that the new classification system provides more accurate and practical assessments of rock durability. This study highlights the importance of effective porosity and strength impact which enhance the reliability of slake durability evaluations, offering a revised classification framework that simplifies field assessments while maintaining the accuracy. Future research should focus on developing these methods and expanding their applicability to diverse geological contexts by including more material to test.

The Impact of Immersive 360-Degree Video Learning on Enhancing Oral Communication Skills

This study investigates the pivotal role of immersive 360-degree video and its perceived advantages on the enhancement of oral communication skills within the framework of the ELC650 course, 'English for Professional Interaction'. The research involved twenty-four students enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Language (Arabic Communication Professionals) (Hons) program. The distribution of questionnaires immediately after the students watched the video aimed to assess the role of immersive 360-degree video and its perceived advantages of this technology in preparing students for conducting assessments within a meeting discussion. Employing a cross-sectional design, the study collects both closed-ended and open-ended responses through the distributed questionnaires. The latter serves as a crucial means of triangulating the data, offering real-time insights into the students' understanding of professional interaction and assessment practices using 360-degree video. The study's findings on the use of 360-degree video in education can inform government decisions and contribute to achieving SDG 4, which aims to improve the quality of education. It is important for government and learning institutions to recognize and embrace the role of 360-degree video in enhancing learning quality, specifically in fostering communication skills within the area of professional interaction in English. Other than that, this study holds implications for refining curriculum design, shaping instructional strategies, and optimizing the integration of innovative technologies in language education, particularly for students specializing in Arabic communication.

Bridging the procedures skill gap from medical school to residency: a simulation-based mastery learning curriculum.

The transition from medical student to intern is a recognized educational gap. To help address this, the Association of American Medical Colleges developed the Core Entrustable Professional Activities for entering residency. As these metrics outline expectations for all graduating students regardless of specialty, the described procedural expectations are appropriately basic. However, in procedure-heavy specialties such as emergency medicine, the ability to perform advanced procedures continues to contribute to the disconnect between undergraduate and graduate medical education. To prepare our graduating students for their internship in emergency medicine, we developed a simulation-based mastery learning curriculum housed within a specialty-specific program. Our overall goal was to develop the students' procedural competency for central venous catheter placement and endotracheal intubation before graduation from medical school. Twenty-five students participated in a simulation-based mastery learning procedures curriculum for ultrasound-guided internal jugular central venous catheter placement and endotracheal intubation. Students underwent baseline assessment, deliberate practice, and post-test assessments. Both the baseline and post-test assessments used the same internally developed checklists with pre-established minimum passing scores. Despite completing an emergency medicine rotation and a critical care rotation, none of the students met the competency standard during their baseline assessments. All twenty-five students demonstrated competency on both procedures by the end of the curriculum. A second post-test was required to demonstrate achievement of the central venous catheter and endotracheal intubation minimum passing scores by 16% and 28% of students, respectively. Students demonstrated procedural competency for central venous catheter placement and endotracheal intubation by engaging in simulation-based mastery learning procedures curriculum as they completed their medical school training. With three instructional hours, students were able to achieve basic procedural competence for two common, high-risk procedures they will need to perform during emergency medicine residency training.

Relationship between Theoretical Knowledge and Application Abilities of Science Teachers in Assessment Practices at School Level

The objective was to test the hypothesis that there is no relationship between theoretical knowledge and its practical application in assessment practices used by science teachers in the classroom and in general at the school level. The nature of the study was quantitative with descriptive correlational and linear regression design. The sample was randomly taken for the survey questionnaire from the Principals of high and higher secondary schools in two districts of Pakistan. The result revealed that there is a strong positive relationship between theoretical knowledge and its practical application in assessment used by science teachers at the secondary level. The regression analysis also showed that the theoretical understanding of assessment has a strong impact on the hands-on practices of the assessment. It was recommended that the science teachers' training focus on both theoretical concepts and learning along with the practical application of the assessment practices for effective and quality instructions or pedagogy.

Value-Focused Assessment of Container on Barge Freight Transportation Readiness

Container on Barge (COB) is a freight transport mode that utilizes barges to transport shipping containers. This mode has been relatively slow to develop in the United States compared to Europe and Asia. This research contributes a comprehensive and practical readiness assessment scorecard based on value-focused thinking for inland waterway ports to evaluate the feasibility of COB development. Based on a comprehensive literature review, the Container on Barge Readiness Assessment Scorecard covers important attributes and provides constructed measurements to assess COB port readiness. Applicability of the scorecard is demonstrated on nine global ports, and implications for engineering managers are presented.

Professional qualifications and working competence of Vietnamese civil servants

The local authorities are divided into different levels in each country, of which the authorities at the lowest level are often called the grassroots authorities or defined in Vietnam as commune-level authorities. At the grassroots level, civil servants keep the role as direct implementers of state management tasks in localities and directly resolve people's requests. Therefore, the public duty performance results of civil servants are not only meaningful to the civil servants themselves in the sense that their professional qualifications and duty performance competence are clearly demonstrated, but also confirm their state agencies’ efficiency and reputation. In this study, the theoretical framework on the influence of professional qualifications and duty performance competence on civil servants’ duty performance results has been developed; Practical assessment of professional qualifications, duty performance competence and duty performance results of local commune-level civil servants in Vietnam are carried out through a survey of the opinions of 300 managers at commune-level authorities in 5 major provinces representing 3 regions of Vietnam: Thai Nguyen province, Thai Binh province (Northern region), Quang Ngai province (Central region), Tien Giang province, Hau Giang province (Southern region). Results from the survey show that duty performance competence of commune-level civil servants are not highly appreciated by their managers, even though they meet requirements of professional qualifications in terms of rank and position standards regulated by laws. The findings suggest policy adjustments to promote civil servants’ professional qualifications in practice so that Vietnamese local civil servants are capable of meeting the requirements of serving the people.

Effects of adverse childhood experiences on observed parenting and children's behavior problems among Jewish and Arab Muslim families in Israel.

Research points to the substantial impact of parents' exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on parents and their children. However, most studies have been conducted in North America, and research on ACEs effects on observed parenting or on intergenerational transmission of ACE effects is limited. We therefore studied families from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds in Israel and examined whether mothers' ACEs hampered maternal sensitivity and the quality of the home environment and whether mothers' psychological distress mediated these links. We also explored whether mothers' ACEs predicted children's behavior problems indirectly through maternal psychological distress and whether maternal sensitivity and the home environment attenuated this mediating path. Participants were 232 mothers (Mchild age = 18.40 months, SD = 1.76; 63.36% non-ultra-Orthodox Jewish, 17.24% ultra-Orthodox Jewish, 19.40% Arab Muslim). Results showed mothers' ACEs were directly associated with decreased maternal sensitivity. Mothers' ACEs were indirectly associated with more behavior problems in children through mothers' higher psychological distress, and maternal sensitivity moderated this indirect link; it was significant only for mothers who showed lower sensitivity. Findings emphasize the significant role ACEs play in early mother-child relationships. The importance of including ACE assessment in research and practice with families of infants and toddlers is discussed.

Assessment of Practices on Purchase of Packaged Foods and Utilization Patterns of Food Labels among Adults in Puducherry

Abstract Background: There is an increase in the manufacture and consumption of prepackaged foods as a result of widespread urbanization, long working time, and adaption to a sedentary lifestyle. The majority of these prepackaged foods contain food labels. Food labeling is a community-based strategy that informs customers about a food’s nutritional composition, empowering them to choose healthier foods. To assess the practices on the purchase of packaged foods and utilization patterns of food labels among adults in Puducherry. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey in the field practice area of a private medical college at Puducherry was carried out for two months including adults residing for &gt; 6 months in selected villages/wards. A sample size of 460 with a multistage sampling technique was considered. Data collection using a semi-structured questionnaire incorporated into Epi-collect software and was analyzed using SPSS16. Ethical clearance was obtained from Institutional Ethical Committee. Written informed consent was sought from participants. Results: Around 271 (58.91%) and 189 (41.08%) respondents were residing in urban and rural regions, respectively. Purchase of packages was seen in 297 (64.57%) people. Only one-fourth of the subjects had the practice of reading the food labels, with urban residents having a better practice when compared with rural population (P value &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The study reveals a low level of utilization pattern of food labels among consumers of packaged food products. The findings of this study would be helpful for concerned authorities in creating and improving awareness among consumers and ensuring that their usability is improved.

Shaping the assessors of tomorrow: How practicum experiences develop assessment literacy in secondary education pre-service teachers

This study analyzes the impact of the supervised practicum on the assessment conceptions and practices of pre-service secondary education teachers, using the theoretical rationale of assessment literacy. We conducted a qualitative study with eighteen pre-service physical education teachers in Spain. The results revealed the difficulties and the variety of experiences the participants encountered during the practicum in relation to assessment. Student accountability and improving learning and teaching were the most common assessment conceptions, although the assessment tasks designed by the participants were not entirely formative. In general, the practicum experience reaffirmed their previous ideas on formative assessment.

A Twin Transition in Regulatory Toxicology-moving towards Chemicals 2.0 and phasing out animal testing.

The European regulatory framework on chemicals is at a crossroads. There are calls for the framework to be more effective, by better protecting people and the environment. There is also room for it to be more efficient and cost-effective, by harmonising assessment practices across sectors and avoiding the need for unnecessary testing. At the same time, there is a political commitment to phase out animal testing in chemical safety assessments. In this commentary, we argue that these needs are not at odds with other. On the contrary, the roadmap to phase out animal testing could also be the transition pathway to a more efficient, effective and sustainable regulatory ecosystem. Central to our proposal is a framework based on biological reasoning in which biological questions can be answered by a choice of methods, with non-animal methods progressively becoming the only choice. Within this framework, a tiered approach to testing and assessment allows for greater efficiency and effectiveness, while also introducing considerations of proportionality and cost-effectiveness. Testing strategies, and their component methods, should be developed in tandem and judged in terms of their outcomes, the protection levels they inform, rather than their ability to predict the outputs of animal tests.

Enhancing Integration of Technology in Authentic Assessment for Education: A Structured Review

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the seamless integration of technology into authentic assessment practices has become a transformative force, reshaping how students are both evaluated and engaged. Authentic assessment, characterized by its emphasis on the real-world application of knowledge and skills, has gained prominence for its ability to gauge students' comprehension and foster deeper learning experiences. As technology continues to infiltrate the educational field, a pressing need arises to assess the effectiveness of these digital tools in promoting genuine understanding and critical thinking among students. This structured review of the PRISMA approach was applied to find the primary data based on keywords such as Technology, Science, and Authentic Assessment. Based on advanced searching on SCOPUS and Web of Science, we found (n=55). Expert scholar decided to develop 3 themes, which are (1) Online Assessment and Technology- Enhanced Learning, (2) Educational Practices and Student Engagement, and (3) Assessment and Curriculum Development. The findings underscore technology's immense potential in elevating authentic assessments for students, offering new avenues for engagement and skill development. It is evident that when wielded thoughtfully and integrated into pedagogy, technology can empower young learners to explore, inquire, and excel in the fascinating world of education. This study not only bridges existing gaps in the literature but also serves as a valuable resource for educators and policymakers alike, providing insights into harnessing technology's power to enhance authentic assessment practices and, consequently, the overall educational experience.