Assessment Practices Research Articles

THE FAMILY HOUSEHOLD AS A SUBJECT OF INSURANCE PROTECTION

The reflections undertaken in this study focus on the subjective aspect of the insurance system. Primarily, it concerns explanations regarding the conditions of households' subjectivity in utilizing insurance protection, especially private insurance protection. The discussion emphasizes that the issue of household subjectivity in the insurance system, despite the care for legislative correctness in the social insurance system and the apparent adherence to statutory principles of analysing client needs and requirements by private insurance companies, is generally seen vaguely and uncritically, both in theoretical considerations and in practical insurance assessments. These accusations can be reduced to the superficial description and explanation of the social security system's structure and the insufficient explanation of the fundamental principles of offering and using private insurance protection.

Assessment of Clinician-Reported Outcome Measures for Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Clinician-reported outcome measures (ClinROMs) are an important part of disease assessment in daily practice and clinical trials. There is a broad disagreement on the most appropriate ClinROM for a comprehensive assessment of alopecia areata (AA) severity. This paper aims to identify the currently available ClinROMs for AA through a systematic literature search, address their practical strengths and weaknesses, and identify the road ahead for future research. A search was conducted of the published, peer-reviewed literature via PubMed (Medline) and EMBASE (via Ovid) databases. Articles published in English within the last 23 years (post-2000) that objectively measured AA severity were included. We did not select scoring systems that were solely based on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The literature search identified 1376 articles, of which 27 were chosen for full-text review. Based on our eligibility criteria, fourteen articles were identified, describing sixteen different ClinROMs. Five ClinROMs solely measured scalp hair loss (SALT, SALTⅡ, ALODEX, pSALT, and AA-IGA). Three trichoscopy-based ClinROMs assessed disease activity (AAPI, AAPS, and Coudability hair score). Six ClinROMs exclusively assessed non-scalp areas (BETA, BELA, ALBAS, ClinRO for Eyelash, Eyebrow, and Nail assessment). Two ClinROMs assessed both the scalp and beyond-scalp areas (AASI and AASc). The practical strengths and weaknesses of each assessment tool were described. Various practical limitations associated with established tools have impeded their universal implementation in routine clinical practice. There is a significant need for a holistic clinical severity scoring system to capture all the key severity identifiers beyond the involvement of the scalp.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices toward malaria in the Lunglei district, Mizoram, North-East India

BackgroundThe western districts of Mizoram (Lunglei, Mamit, and Lawngtlai) are malaria hotspots. Understanding the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the tribal communities in Mizoram’s western districts will aid the development of specific interventions.MethodsAn explanatory sequential mixed-method study was conducted from April to November 2023 in the Lunglei district. In a community-based cross-sectional survey of 353 participants, the knowledge, attitude, practices, and care-seeking behaviour toward malaria were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 29 software; univariate variables were presented in percentage, and bivariate and multivariate variables were analysed using the chi-square test and logistic regression, respectively. This was followed by in-depth telephonic interviews of twelve participants, and the data was analysed using NVivo.ResultsOut of the 353 respondents, 77.9%, 82.7%, 55.5%, and 63.2% of the participants had good knowledge, attitude, practices, and care-seeking behaviour, respectively. The in-depth qualitative interviews highlighted the villagers’ good knowledge of the various aspects of malaria transmission, treatment, and prevention practices (indoor residual spraying and use of insecticide-treated nets).ConclusionHigh disease endemicity, awareness programmes and vector control interventions might be contributing to the overall good knowledge, attitude, and practices toward malaria among the villagers. In addition to vector control measures, active parasite surveillance is key to malaria control in this region.

Assessment of Nutritional Practices of Mountain Runners before and during Competitions

Mountain running, distinct from traditional road running, involves natural trails with significant elevation changes. This study aims to analyze dietary and supplementation practices among advanced and elite Polish mountain runners. Conducted from May to October 2023, this study included 36 participants (13 women, 23 men) aged 21–43 years. A custom questionnaire assessed nutrition two days before and during a competition, focusing on macronutrient intake, hydration, and supplementation. Statistical analyses were performed to compare advanced and elite athletes. Participants consumed an average of 3164.14 kcal two days before and 3176.97 kcal the day before the competition. Carbohydrate intake averaged 7.69 g/kg two days before and 7.64 g/kg the day before the race, potentially insufficient for optimal glycogen stores. Protein intake was adequate, averaging 1.63 g/kg two days before and 1.73 g/kg the day before the race. Fluid intake averaged 2811.25 mL two days before and 2891.80 mL the day before the race. During races, carbohydrate intake averaged 58.56 g/h, with variations based on race duration. Most participants used isotonic drinks and water for hydration. Mountain runners generally adhere to proper nutrition guidelines, with adequate protein and fluid intake. However, their carbohydrate intake may be insufficient for longer races. Higher carbohydrate intake during exercise could provide additional benefits.

Preparing Teachers for Linguistically Diverse Classrooms—A Systematic Review on Interventions and Intersectional Perspectives

Teachers need to be well-equipped to work with diverse groups of students from various linguistic backgrounds. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review analyzed international empirical research on interventions aiming at preparing secondary pre-service teachers for teaching linguistically diverse students. The dataset includes papers from 2012 to 2022 retrieved through the electronic databases ERIC, Education Source, and Scopus. The goal of this review was twofold, namely (1) to investigate how interventions contribute to the development of strategies and skills for teaching linguistically diverse students and (2) to analyze which of the identified interventions considered aspects of intersectionality and, more specifically, in what sense. Multiple intervention strategies, such as assessment tools, self-inquiry, or practice experiences, were found. Regarding the targeted skills of pre-service teachers, this review identified the emerging themes of Methods and Instruction, Critical and Reflective Thinking, as well as Linguistic Awareness. While the term intersectionality was hardly used explicitly, several studies implicitly addressed intersectional matters. Single-issue approaches, which considered multiple diversity referents in an additive rather than an interconnected way, occurred most frequently. This review underlines the need for interventions in teacher education that are based on a broader understanding of linguistic diversity and emphasizes the importance of employing critical and intersectional perspectives.

“How long is life worth living for the horse?” A focus group study on how Austrian equine stakeholders assess quality of life for chronically ill or old horses

BackgroundQuality of life (QoL) provides a comprehensive concept underpinning veterinary decision-making that encompasses factors beyond physical health. It becomes particularly pertinent when seeking responsible choices for chronically ill or old horses that emphasise their well-being and a good QoL over the extension of life. How different stakeholders use the concept of QoL is highly relevant when considering the complexity of these decisions in real-life situations.MethodsSeven focus group discussions (N = 39) were conducted to gain insights into how stakeholders assess and use equine QoL in veterinary care decisions for chronically ill and/or old horses. The discussions included horse owners (n = 17), equine veterinarians (n = 7), veterinary officers (n = 6), farriers (n = 4), and horse caregivers (n = 5). The combination of deductive and inductive qualitative content analysis of the group discussions focused on identifying both similarities and differences in the views of these groups regarding QoL for old and/or chronically ill horses.ResultsFindings show agreement about two issues: the importance of the individuality of the horse for assessing QoL and the relevance of QoL in making decisions about veterinary interventions. We identified differences between the groups with respect to three issues: the time required to assess QoL, stakeholders’ contributions to QoL assessments, and challenges resulting from those contributions. While owners and caregivers of horses emphasised their knowledge of a horse and the relevance of the time they spend with their horse, the veterinarians in the study focused on the differences between their own QoL assessments and those of horse owners. In response to challenges regarding QoL assessments and decision-making, stakeholders described different strategies such as drawing comparisons to human experiences.ConclusionsDifferences between stakeholders regarding equine QoL assessments contribute to challenges when making decisions about the care of chronically ill or old horses. The results of this study suggest that individual and collaborative reflection about a horse’s QoL should be encouraged, for example by developing practicable QoL assessment tools that support relevant stakeholders in this process.

Fixing disconnects: Exploring the emergence of principled adaptations in a competency-based curriculum.

Competency-based medical education (CBME) promises to improve medical education through curricular reforms to support learner development. This intention may be at risk in the case of a Canadian approach to CBME called Competence by Design (CBD), since there have been negative impacts on residents. According to Joseph Schwab, teachers, learners and milieu must be included in the process of curriculum-making to prevent misalignments between intended values and practice. This study considered what can be learned from the process of designing, enacting and adapting CBD to better support learners. This qualitative study explored the making of CBD through the perspectives of implementation leads (N = 18) at national, institutional and programme levels. A sociomaterial orientation to agency in curriculum-making guided the inductive approach to interviewing and analysis in phase one. A deductive analysis in phase two applied Schwab's theory to further understand sources of misalignments and the purpose of adaptive responses. Misalignments occurred when the needs of teachers, learners and milieu were initially underestimated in the process of curriculum-making, disconnecting assessment practices from experiences of teaching, learning and entrustment. While technical and structural issues posed significant constraints on agency, some implementation leads were able to make changes to the curriculum or context to fix the disconnects. We identified six purposes for principled adaptations to align with CBME values of responsive teaching, individualised learning and meaningful entrustment. Collectively, the adaptations we characterise demonstrate constructive alignment, a foundational principle of CBME in which assessment and teaching work together to support learning. This study proposes a model for making context-shaped, values-based adaptations to CBME to achieve its promise.

Whose responsibility? Saudi university EMI content teachers’ language-related assessment practices and beliefs

Compared to the other English medium instruction (EMI) issues, assessment has received very scant research attention. A complex issue in EMI assessment relates to the role of English in measuring learning outcomes, and whether or not language should be assessed along with technical content. Combining questionnaire and semi-structured interviewed data, this study explored the English-related assessment practices and beliefs of native-Arabic and non-native-Arabic faculty members teaching EMI scientific majors at eight Saudi universities. Two hundred and forty-nine faculty members completed the questionnaire, whereas 20 faculty members were interviewed. The results showed that the content teachers do not give much weight to language quality when evaluating students’ written or oral performance. Compared to native-Arabic peers, the non-native-Arabic teachers, who intuitively have little or no translanguaging in their instruction, were found to pay slightly more attention to evaluating students’ English and to considering it in assessing students’ academic performance. Meanwhile, the interviews revealed that the teachers’ negative language-related assessment attitude has been shaped by the view that they are non-responsible for correcting students’ English, and by the too many language errors noted in students’ performance. Finally, the teachers’ highly-rated language assessment self-efficacy beliefs did not match their actual assessment practices.

Measuring attitude change in nursing students after completion of a First Nations peoples’ health unit: Embedding a validated tool in learning and assessment practices

The health inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, rooted in the historical and ongoing negative impacts of colonisation and disrupted traditional lifestyles, sees higher rates of illness and hospitalisations, increased morbidity and higher premature death rates than other Australians. Nurses represent the majority of Australia’s health workforce and nursing students must have knowledge to provide culturally safe care to Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing unit was developed and introduced into an undergraduate nursing curriculum. This project aimed to determine the effectiveness of the unit content in changing the attitude of nursing students towards care of First Nations peoples. A quasi-experimental design was used and included all undergraduate nursing students commencing this unit in 2020 at one university in Western Australia. Students completed a validated questionnaire prior to engaging with unit learning materials and again at completion of the unit. Complete paired data was available for 339 participants. Results demonstrated statistically significant change in attitude following completion of the unit. Embedding targeted education concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health and wellbeing positively influences attitudes in caring for this population of patients.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practice Regarding Disposal of Unused and Expired Drugs in Medical Professionals in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Eastern India: A Cross- Sectional, Questionnaire-based Study

Background: Despite the effect of drugs on human body getting wide attention worldwide the effect of disposed drugs on the environment is largely neglected. Since the doctors working in a teaching hospital are the major stakeholder in ensuring proper and safe disposal of drugs their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding drug disposal was assessed in this study.Methods: A pre-validated questionnaire was given to the doctors working in a tertiary care teaching hospital through Google form from 1st June,2023 to 31st July 2023. Their responses were recorded in a Microsoft excel form and analyzed. Results: It was observed that while buying medicines 87.5% of physicians check the date of expiry but only 78.9% do that while receiving physician’s sample from the medical representatives. Among the participants in this study 97.2% declared that medicines remain unused in their homes. In case of unused drugs, 45.8% donate them to patients or hospitals, and 29.2% throw them away with household garbage whereas in case of expired medicines majority (56.9%) throw them away. Among the participants 38.9% had never instructed their patients about the proper disposal methods. Conclusion: To ensure proper drug disposal programs should be initiated to increase awareness about the danger of improper drug disposal not only in general population but in medical community also.

Quackery: A Major Persisting Issue in the Dental Profession of Nepal

Background: Quackery in the dental profession is a significant and persistent issue in Nepal, particularly in urban areas like Hetauda city. This practice involves the provision of dental services by individuals lacking formal education, training, or licensing, posing serious risks to patient health and safety. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of quackery in Hetauda city, Nepal, and its implications for dental care quality and patient safety. It also seeks to understand the reasons behind patients’ continued use of unlicensed dental practitioners and to provide recommendations for addressing this issue. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 dental clinics across Hetauda city. Data collection included structured interviews with licensed dental practitioners, patient surveys, and observational assessments of clinic operations and infection control practices. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data from interviews were thematically analyzed. Results: The study found that 28% of the surveyed clinics employed unlicensed practitioners. Clinics with quacks exhibited significantly lower standards of care, including inadequate infection control and improper procedures. Only 30% of patients were aware of their dental care providers' qualifications, with many opting for quacks due to affordability and accessibility. A higher incidence of complications and adverse outcomes were reported among patients treated by unlicensed practitioners. Qualitative findings highlighted patient trust in quacks, frustrations of licensed practitioners, and regulatory gaps. Conclusion: Quackery remains a major issue in the dental profession in Hetauda city, Nepal. Addressing this problem requires a multifaceted approach, including improved regulation, increased public awareness, and stringent enforcement of licensing standards. Ensuring that all dental practitioners are properly qualified and licensed is essential for protecting patient safety and maintaining the credibility of the dental profession in Nepal.

Climate change considerations in environmental impacts assessment (EIA) practices: learning from climate sensitive projects in Rufiji Basin Tanzania

Abstract The assessment of climate change mitigation and adaptation in environmental impact assessment practices has been mostly inconsistently addressed. Studies that use data validation from experts and relevant authorities to address the socio-political context that influence the process have been inadequate. This study aimed to bridge the gap by examining the extent to which climate change mitigation and adaptation in environmental impact assessment practices in Tanzania have been considered and the broader social-political context that influence the process. A mixed research design employing sequential methods was adopted. Both primary and secondary data was used. Primary data was obtained from 22 environmental experts through a close-ended questionnaire and interview with 6 key informants, while secondary data was obtained from 19 environmental impact assessment reports issued between January 2020 and January 2022. Purposive sampling was used to select key informants and simple random sampling was used to select environmental experts and environmental impact assessment reports. Content analysis was employed to assess qualitative text data to generate descriptive information. SPSS enabled the processing and analysis of quantitative data through frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that 23.3% and 10.5% of reviewed reports considered climate change mitigation, and adaptation respectively, reflecting that the degree of consideration was low and was mainly limited to mitigation. A close link between the environmental impact assessment legal frameworks and the environmental impact assessment practices was observed and it was recommended for a review of basic frameworks to mandate and include details on climate change mitigation and adaptation assessment in environmental impacts assessment practices. The study recommends building capacity of experts and authority, preparing clear climate change assessment guidelines, and availing reliable climate data at the local level to facilitate modelling.

A Practical Security Assessment Methodology for Power System Operations Considering Uncertainty

A Practical Security Assessment Methodology for Power System Operations Considering Uncertainty

Navigating formative assessment as professional development in digital contexts: insights from teachers’ experiences

ABSTRACT As digital technology transforms education, investigating shifts in teachers’ formative assessment practices within digital contexts becomes essential. This study explores upper secondary school teachers’ experiences in an 18-month professional development intervention focused on formative assessment in digital contexts. Data from a baseline survey (n = 26) and reflection logs (n = 12) were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Teachers exhibited a preference to provide digital feedback for student learning but expressed uncertainty about its effectiveness. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes: the importance of a shared language for formative assessment; challenges tied to real-time distance learning; the paradoxical nature of digital feedback in fostering dialogue; and strategies for seeking and improving digital feedback. The professional development intervention enhanced teachers’ understanding of formative assessment, including its timing and impact on student learning. The study contributes to the discourse on digital formative assessment, offering insights for educational practices and research.

Translanguaged practice in listening assessment: L1 vs. L2 responses in recall tasks

ABSTRACT Listening recall tasks, where test takers write L2 responses based on audio content, often inadvertently measure L2 writing skills, potentially compromising the accuracy of listening assessment. To address this concern, the present study draws inspiration from translanguaging, and employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the potential of using L1 responses into recall tasks to mitigate the impact of L2 writing proficiency on task outcomes, thus enhancing task validity. Specifically, a listening recall task requiring L1 responses was developed and administered to 102 L2 learners in low and intermediate English proficiency. Their performance on this task was compared to a control task that required L2 responses. Follow-up interviews were also conducted. The results indicated that allowing L1 responses in the recall task led to better performance for intermediate-level L2 learners, enhanced representation of the listening construct, and garnered participants’ preference as a listening assessment approach. This suggests that utilising L1 responses has the potential to improve the construct and face validity of recall tasks, addressing the initial validity concern. Consequently, this investigation contributes to the refinement of listening task development and advocates for the application of translanguaged practices in language assessment, advancing the broader concept of translanguaging in language education.

Genetic Counselors' attitudes & perceptions regarding suicide risk assessment and identification in practice.

While the heritability of suicidal tendencies is debated, receipt of various genetic diagnoses has shown an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior while simultaneously conferring risk to mental health concerns that may further increase this risk. However, the role of genetic counselors (GCs) in assessing and addressing suicide risk remains underutilized. A 15-item recruitment survey was distributed via the National Society of Genetic Counselors Student Research Survey Listserv, and interested individuals could opt to be contacted for an interview after completion. The data analysis included 107 survey responses and 15 semi-structured interviews, which were conducted to explore whether GCs feel that formal suicide risk assessment (SRA) falls within their scope of practice and the frequency with which it is employed during counseling sessions. Additionally, the study examined GCs' experiences, comfort levels, and training in assessing for suicide risk. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and independently coded by two researchers. The coding scheme was systematically constructed, integrating both deductive and inductive coding methods to inform the authors' interpretive description of SRA in the clinic, with four major themes identified by content analysis. Most respondents reported that they had worried about a patient harming themselves or having suicidal thoughts. Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed that SRA is within a GC's scope of practice. Lack of training emerged as the primary barrier to assessing suicide risk and conducting risk assessments. Other barriers included low self-efficacy, societal stigma, and personal discomfort, while access to social workers, natural inclination, and standardized screening tools served as facilitators. Despite encountering patients at risk of self-harm and suicide, most GCs do not utilize SRA tools. Furthermore, GCs expressed a strong desire for additional training to enhance their skills in identifying and managing at-risk patients. A multifocal approach to suicide risk reduction and education is required.

Advancing the Local Pulse Wave Velocity Measurement-Wave Confluence Decomposition Using a Double Gaussian Propagation Model.

Background Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a marker of arterial stiffness and local measurements could facilitate its widescale clinical use. However, confluence of incident and early reflected waves leads to biased spatiotemporal PWV estimates. Objective We introduce the Double Gaussian Propagation Model (DGPM) to measure local PWV in consideration of wave confluence (PWV[Formula: see text]) and compare it against conventional spatiotemporal PWV (PWV[Formula: see text]), with Bramwell-Hill PWV (PWV[Formula: see text]) and blood pressure (BP) as reference measures. Methods Ten subjects ranging from normotension to hypertension were repeatedly measured at rest and with induced PWV changes. Carotid distension waveforms over a 19 mm wide segment were acquired from ultrasonography, simultaneously with noninvasive continuous BP. Per cardiac cycle, the 8-parameter DGPM (amplitude, centroid, width, and velocity, respectively of forward and backward propagating wave) was fitted to the distension waveforms' systolic foot and dicrotic notch complexes. Corresponding PWV[Formula: see text] was computed from linear fittings of respective feature timings and distances. Regression analyses were conducted with PWV[Formula: see text] and PWV[Formula: see text] as predictors, and various PWV and BP measures as response variables. Results Whereas PWV[Formula: see text] correlations were insignificant, PWV[Formula: see text] estimated the reference PWV[Formula: see text] with a significant reduction in errors (P < 0.001), explained up to 65% PWV[Formula: see text] variability at rest, demonstrated higher intra-method consistency and correlated significantly with all BP measures (P < 0.001). Conclusion The proposed DGPM measures local carotid PWV in consideration of wave confluence, showing significant correlations with Bramwell-Hill PWV and BP at two distinct waveform complexes. Thereby PWV[Formula: see text] outperforms the conventional PWV[Formula: see text] in all investigated respects, potentially enabling PWV assessment in routine clinical practice.

Awareness and practices of Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) working with chronic cough in India: a call for action.

A cough persisting beyond eight weeks is referred as chronic cough (CC) and is a common symptom of many respiratory conditions and non-respiratory conditions. The role of a speech language pathologist (SLP) in CC is emerging and this study aimed to profile the awareness and practice patterns of SLPs practicing in India. Cross-sectional study. An online survey was used to profile the assessment, treatment and counselling practices in CC among SLPs working in India. It sought to identify the awareness levels among SLPs regarding their role and availability of behavioural interventions for CC. Only SLPs who dealt with CC could complete the entire survey while other SLPs, filled regarding awareness and availability of behavioural interventions. 127 eligible responses obtained from SLPs working across clinical settings in India were analysed. 75.59% (n=96) of them had not seen patients with CC in their career. 47.24% (n=60) of them were aware that behavioural interventions were available for CC. Thirty-one SLPs completed the entire survey and their practice patterns indicated that few clinicians used cough-specific protocols while largely relying on voice and swallowing related assessment and treatment for CC. This survey the lack of awareness of SLPs' role in CC and that their practices are dominated by existing procedures for voice and swallowing disorders. Increasing the awareness of SLP's role in CC may increase the caseload of patients referred and expand the SLP's scope of practice. Development of guidelines in CC practice and inclusion in coursework/curriculum are future considerations.

A simple and efficient supramolecular solvent based liquid phase microextraction method for the preconcentration of nickel from dandelion tea samples before FAAS quantification, and the practicality and greenness assessment of developed method

A sensitive, accurate and practical analytical method (supramolecular solvent based liquid phase microextraction – flame atomic absorption spectrometry (SUPRAS-LPME-FAAS) was developed for the determination of nickel in dandelion tea samples. All influential parameters of SUPRAS-LPME were optimized to attain low detection/quantification limits using a univariate optimization approach. Under the optimum SUPRAS-LPME-FAAS conditions, dynamic range, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 25.86–497.64 µg/kg, 8.20 µg/kg and 27.35 µg/kg, respectively. The detection power of FAAS system was augmented as 28-fold with the help of SUPRAS-LPME method. Recovery experiments were performed for the evaluation of the accuracy and the applicability of the SUPRAS-LPME-FAAS method and percent recovery results for the spiked dandelion tea samples were calculated between 86.0 – 131.8 % via matrix matching calibration strategy. Additionally, the practicality and greenness evaluations for the SUPRAS-LPME-FAAS method were carried out using BAGI and AGREEprep software, respectively.

Current Practice of Somatosensory Impairment

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional survey was to determine occupational and physical therapists' current practice of assessment and intervention related to somatosensory impairment across the United States. Primary Author and Speaker: Demma Franklin Additional Authors and Speakers: Krystal Robinson-Bert, Allison Dickes Contributing Authors: Senna Larson, Rebecca Puleo, Morgan Hissong