Assessment Purposes Research Articles

Can AI provide useful holistic essay scoring?

Researchers have sought for decades to automate holistic essay scoring. Over the years, these programs have improved significantly. However, accuracy requires significant amounts of training on human-scored texts—reducing the expediency and usefulness of such programs for routine uses by teachers across the nation on non-standardized prompts. This study analyzes the output of multiple versions of ChatGPT scoring of secondary student essays from three extant corpora and compares it to quality human ratings. We find that the current iteration of ChatGPT scoring is not statistically significantly different from human scoring; substantial agreement with humans is achievable and may be sufficient for low-stakes, formative assessment purposes. However, as large language models evolve additional research will be needed to continue to assess their aptitude for this task as well as determine whether their proximity to human scoring can be improved through prompting or training.

A needs assessment for enhancing workplace-based assessment: a grounded theory study

ObjectivesWorkplace-based assessment (WBA) has been vigorously criticized for not fulfilling its educational purpose by medical educators. A comprehensive exploration of stakeholders’ needs regarding WBA is essential to optimize its implementation in clinical practice.MethodThree homogeneous focus groups were conducted with three groups of stakeholders: General Practitioner (GP) trainees, GP trainers, and GP tutors. Due to COVID-19 measures, we opted for an online asynchronous form to enable participation. An constructivist grounded theory approach was used to employ this study and allow the identification of stakeholders’ needs for using WBA.ResultsThree core needs for WBA were identified in the analysis. Within GP Training, stakeholders found WBA essential, primarily, for establishing learning goals, secondarily, for assessment purposes, and, lastly, for providing or receiving feedback.ConclusionAll stakeholders perceive WBA as valuable when it fosters learning. The identified needs were notably influenced by agency, trust, availability, and mutual understanding. These were facilitating factors influencing needs for WBA. Embracing these insights can significantly illuminate the landscape of workplace learning culture for clinical educators and guide a successful implementation of WBA.

Effectiveness of an Aerosol Inhalation Monitor in an Ambulatory Primary Care Pharmacy Clinic.

Background: Poor inhaler technique can worsen respiratory disease. An Aerosol Inhalation Monitor (AIM) may provide insight into a patient's capability of utilizing inhaled medications. Objective: The purpose of this quality assessment was to determine if the addition of the Vitalograph AIM device by ambulatory care pharmacists within an outpatient primary care clinic improves patient's disease control through changes in pharmacotherapy. Methods: This was a retrospective, longitudinal, quality assessment review. Pharmacists met with patients for initial and follow-up appointments. A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Assessment Test (CAT) or Asthma Control Test (ACT) and AIM assessment were performed and pharmacotherapy was subsequently adjusted. The primary endpoint was the change in initial to last recorded ACT and CAT score and was analyzed by Wilcoxon sign-rank test. Results: Twenty asthma and 17 COPD patients were included; 13 asthma and 13 COPD patients were included in the primary and secondary endpoint analysis. Initial median (interquartile range [IQR]) ACT score was 17 (14-23), first follow-up was 20 (18-24), and last recorded score was 22 (18-23). Initial median (IQR) CAT score was 17 (12-22), first follow-up score was 14 (6-20), and last recorded score was 11 (6-19). There was no statistical difference between initial CAT or ACT to first follow-up or last recorded CAT or ACT. Most patients continued their current inhaler regimen. Conclusions: This review demonstrates the positive effect pharmacists can have on respiratory disease management. The improvement in ACT and CAT scores suggests a positive, clinically significant outcome. Future research should evaluate pharmacist's effect on asthma and COPD readmission rates.

Urban environmental monitoring and health risk assessment introducing a fuzzy intelligent computing model.

To enhance the precision of evaluating the impact of urban environments on resident health, this study introduces a novel fuzzy intelligent computing model designed to address health risk concerns using multi-media environmental monitoring data. Three cities were selected for the study: Beijing (B City), Kunming (K City), and Wuxi (W City), representing high, low, and moderate pollution levels, respectively. The study employs a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) as the chosen fuzzy intelligent computing model, synthesizing multi-media environmental monitoring data for the purpose of urban health risk assessment. (1) The model reliably estimates health risks across diverse cities and environmental conditions. (2) There is a positive correlation between PM2.5 concentrations and health risks, though the impact of noise levels varies by city. In cities B, K, and W, the respective correlation coefficients are 0.65, 0.55, and 0.7. (3) The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values for cities B, K, and W, are 0.0132, 0.0125, and 0.0118, respectively, indicating that the model has high accuracy. The R2 values for the three cities are 0.8963, 0.9127, and 0.9254, respectively, demonstrating the model's high explanatory power. The residual values for the three cities are 0.0087, 0.0075, and 0.0069, respectively, indicating small residuals and demonstrating robustness and adaptability. (4) The model's p-values for the Indoor Air Quality Index (IAQI), Thermal Comfort Index (TCI), and Noise Pollution Index (NPI) all satisfy p < 0.05 for the three cities, affirming the model's credibility in estimating health risks under varied urban environments. These results showcase the model's ability to adapt to diverse geographical conditions and aid in the accurate assessment of existing risks in urban settings. This study significantly advances environmental health risk assessment by integrating multidimensional data, enhancing the formulation of comprehensive environmental protection and health management strategies, and providing scientific support for sustainable urban planning.

Cyber Bullying: Safeguarding Kids from Internet Harassment

As parents, we all want to protect our children from the dangers of online pornography, cyberbullying, and predators. Various current methods focus on limited information gathered from the child's interactions online. Some use a blacklist of prohibited URLs to block access to certain websites, while others analyze the multimedia exchanged between the child and others. However, these approaches may not be foolproof as new URLs can evade the blacklist and individual images, videos, and text may appear harmless when considered on their own. Our proposal suggests a flexible framework that examines material at the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) level, or user interface, in its completed state. Despite hardware restrictions, Children's Agents for Secure and Privacy Enhanced Reaction (CASPER) seeks to analyze audio signals and screen captures in real-time to make judgments based on all available information. Through the use of deep learning methods for text, audio, and picture processing, CASPER categorizes visual content as either pornographic or neutral. Text can be classified as cyberbullying, neutral, or objectionable. We have created a custom dataset with a variety of offensive material for training and assessment purposes. When it comes to text classification, CASPER has demonstrated an average accuracy of 88% and score of 0.85, while its accuracy for pornographic classification is 95%.

Wildland fire fuels database for Corsican - Mediterranean Forest stand types

Wildfires represent a major concern for the forests in the Mediterranean basin regions since global climate change enhances the frequency and the severity of this natural ecological disturbance agent. Wildfire models (fire spread or fire behavior models) can be of valuable help for fire risk assessment as well as for planning mitigation actions which mainly concern forest management. These models need generalized vegetation (fuel) data sets at the scales which are significant for fire/forest management. However, despite of the efforts to develop methods for generating global fuel data sets, there is a lack of fine resolution regional scale fuel data sets for the Mediterranean basin. The aim of this work is to build a fuel data set based on existing data sources for fire/forest management, risk assessment and decision-support purposes. Thus, this paper presents a database (building methods and data) of wildland fuels for Mediterranean basin vegetation stands types and in particular for those in Corsica, which gathers together most common input parameters needed by wildfire’s models at several vegetation scales (i.e., stand, elements, particles). Moreover, an example is provided where simulations are run with a specific wildfire model by using the fuel input data extracted from the database. Fuel attributes have been defined to be meaningful at regional/landscape scales and are representative of stand-level characteristics. National (French) Forest Inventory (NFI) data have been mainly used for determining the fuel attributes for forest stand types. The harmonization of European NFIs generates a reliable data source available to extend and generalize the methodology presented herein to other regions or countries.

Effect of a juggling-based physical activity on postural stability, reaction time, and attention focus in older adults: a randomized crossover study

BackgroundIn the aging society, more attention is paid to the promotion of forms of physical activity that can improve postural stability and cognitive functioning. In this context, the importance of combined exercises, requiring simultaneous physical and cognitive involvement, is emphasized. Juggling seems to be a form of activity that is both cognitively and physically demanding. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of additional juggling exercise on postural stability and cognitive abilities in healthy, physically active older adults.MethodsTwenty-six healthy and physically active older adults (70.08±4.40 years old) were included in a randomized crossover study. The addition of juggling three times a week during four weeks was the main intervention (one period), while the control phase included four weeks with no addition of juggling (second period). Measurements of postural stability and cognitive abilities were performed before and after each period. For the purpose of postural stability assessment, a velocity of center of pressure with root mean square, area 95 percentile, medio-lateral and anterior-posterior range of motion were measured. Center of pressure signals were obtained using an AccuGait™ System force plate in three conditions: free standing, dual-task and limits of stability. The Vienna Test System was used for the assessment of selected cognitive abilities. A battery of reaction time tests and Cognitrone test were used for this purpose.ResultsA significant interaction effect of intervention and time was observed in the postural stability dual-task condition in the root mean square of the center of pressure velocity in the advantage of the juggling period (medio-lateral: F=14.83, p<.01, ƞp2=.37; anterior-posterior: F=26.30, p<.01, ƞp2=.51). Additionally, moderate effect sizes were observed in the velocity of the center of pressure and variability of simple reaction time measurements, but without statistical significance.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that the implementation of juggling activity in everyday life may have positive effects on cognitive abilities and postural stability in healthy, physically active older adults, but the true effect may be low to moderate.Trial registrationThe study was registered retrospectively (30.10.2023) at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06108713).

Direct comparison of mass cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Single-cell methods offer a high-resolution approach for characterizing cell populations. Many studies rely on single-cell transcriptomics to draw conclusions regarding cell state and behavior, with the underlying assumption that transcriptomic readouts largely parallel their protein counterparts and subsequent activity. However, the relationship between transcriptomic and proteomic measurements is imprecise, and thus datasets that probe the extent of their concordance will be useful to refine such conclusions. Additionally, novel single-cell analysis tools often lack appropriate gold standard datasets for the purposes of assessment. Integrative (combining the two data modalities) and predictive (using one modality to improve results from the other) approaches in particular, would benefit from transcriptomic and proteomic data from the same sample of cells. For these reasons, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing, mass cytometry, and flow cytometry on a split-sample of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We directly compare the proportions of specific cell types resolved by each technique, and further describe the extent to which protein and mRNA measurements correlate within distinct cell types.

Evaluation of dissipation kinetic models to describe trifluralin degradation in soil and assessing the uncertainty of the half-life estimate

In Australia, trifluralin is one of the commonly used herbicides to manage annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds. However, it may have some ecosystem impacts such as high toxicity to terrestrial and aquatic life, so it is vital to monitor the degradation of trifluralin for a considerable period for environmental safety. For risk assessment purposes, it is necessary to estimate the half-life of trifluralin, which is often evaluated using derived mathematical dissipation models. In the literature, bi-exponential (BEXP) and gamma models were suggested for modelling the dissipation of trifluralin in soil. Both models provide the half-life estimate without discussing the uncertainty of the estimate, which is a shortcoming in the literature. In this paper, we used simulation to illustrate the importance of estimate's uncertainty (standard error) and demonstrated a method to compute the standard error for the half-life estimate mathematically for kinetic dissipation models. Later, we evaluated the performance of the two suggested models using statistical indices. The computation of the half-life and the standard error of the half-life estimate were discussed. This allows us to describe the inference of the half-life parameter and determine whether the half-life estimates are significantly different against the co-variate (moisture) levels. We demonstrated the method to calculate the standard error of the half-life of trifluralin, which allows us to determine the statistical difference between the estimates. In this study, we found that the half-life of trifluralin in soil tends to increase with increasing moisture levels, and the half-life of trifluralin in soil with 100% moisture level is significantly greater than 40% and 70% moisture levels. Our findings suggest that soil moisture levels should be carefully considered before trifluralin application to minimize the non-target environmental damage.

Embedding Assessment Literacy Can Enhance Graduate Attribute Development in a Biomedical Sciences Curriculum

This paper describes the successful implementation of an assessment literacy strategy within a Biomedical Sciences degree. Teaching was aligned with an assessment literacy framework and aimed to prepare undergraduates for a literature comprehension assessment. Students were introduced to the assessment purpose and an adapted Miller’s pyramid model illustrated how the assessment contributed to competency development during their degree. Students read primary research papers and answered questions relating to the publications. They were then introduced to the processes of assessment and collaboratively graded answers of different standards. Finally, student and faculty grades were compared, differences considered, and key characteristics of answers discussed. Most students reported that they understood more about assessment standards than prior to the intervention [139/159 (87.4%)] and felt it had helped prepare them for their exam [138/159 (86.8%)]. The majority also reported they had increased confidence in evaluating data [118/159 (74%)], communicating their reasoning [113/159 (71%)] and considering what a reader needs to know [127/159 (79.9%)]. Students were asked to state the most important thing they had learned from the assessment literacy teaching. Notably, no responses referred to domain-specific knowledge. 129 free text responses were mapped to the University of Edinburgh graduate attribute framework. 93 (72%) statements mapped to the graduate attribute category “Research and Enquiry,” 66 (51.16%) mapped to “Communication” and 21 (16.27%) mapped to “Personal and Intellectual Autonomy.” To explore any longer-term impact of the assessment literacy teaching, a focus group was held with students from the same cohort, 2 years after the original intervention. Themes from this part of the study included that teaching had provided insights into standards and expectations for the assessment and the benefits of domain specific knowledge. A variety of aspects related to graduate attributes were also identified. Here, assessment literacy as a vehicle for graduate attribute development was an unexpected outcome. We propose that by explicitly engaging students with purpose, process, standards, and expectations, assessment literacy strategies may be used to successfully raise awareness of developmental progression, and enhance skills, aptitudes, and dispositions beneficial to Biomedical Sciences academic achievement and life after university.

Basin scale variability of Ostreopsis spp. blooms provides evidence of effectiveness of an integrated sampling approach

Ostreopsis spp. blooms have been occurring in the last two decades in the Mediterranean Sea in association with a variety of biotic and abiotic substrata (macroalgae, seagrasses, benthic invertebrates, sand, pebbles and rocks). Cells proliferate attached to the surfaces through mucilaginous trichocysts, which lump together microalgal cells, and can also be found in the plankton and on floating aggregates: such tychoplanktonic behavior makes the quantitative assessment of blooms more difficult than planktonic or benthic ones. Different techniques have been so far applied for quantifying cell abundances of benthic microalgae for research, monitoring and risk assessment purposes. In this context, the Benthic Dinoflagellates Integrator (BEDI), a non-destructive quantification method for benthic dinoflagellate abundances, was developed and tested within the EU ENPI-CBCMED project M3-HABs. This device allows mechanical detachment of cells without collecting the benthic substrate, providing an integrated assessment of both epiphytic and planktonic cells, i.e. of the number of cells potentially made available in the water volume from “resuspension” which could have harmful effects on other organisms (including humans).The present study confirms the effectiveness of the BEDI sampling device across different environments across the Mediterranean Sea and constitutes the first large-scale study of Ostreopsis spp. blooms magnitude in function of different macro- and meso‑habitat features across the basin.

Swedish school based speech-language pathologists’ perception of language assessment tools and practices

This qualitative study was aimed at increasing the knowledge about Swedish school based SLPs’ perception of language assessment tools and practices. Purposes of language assessments within a school context, experience of existing tools and an assessment’s optimal content was targeted. 19 school based SLPs were interviewed in focus groups and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Opinions that existing tools are partly functional emerged from the results, but also experiences of limitations and demands on flexibility. Furthermore, the combination of multiple assessment forms and deliveries and collaboration with other professions in school was perceived as essential. The results have increased our knowledge of how Swedish school based SLPs perceive language assessments and their opinions on how assessments need to be designed. The present study contributes to the growing body of research that shed light on the importance of combining different assessment forms to reach a functional focus.

Spatial Resolution as a Factor for Efficient UAV-Based Weed Mapping—A Soybean Field Case Study

The influence of spatial resolution on classification accuracy strongly depends on the research object. With regard to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based weed mapping, contradictory results on the influence of spatial resolution have been attained so far. Thus, this study evaluates the effect of spatial resolution on the classification accuracy of weeds in a soybean field located in Belm, Lower Saxony, Germany. RGB imagery of four spatial resolutions (0.27, 0.55, 1.10, and 2.19 cm ground sampling distance) corresponding to flight altitudes of 10, 20, 40, and 80 m were assessed. Multinomial logistic regression was used to classify the study area, using both pixel- and object-based approaches. Additionally, the flight and processing times were monitored. For the purpose of an accuracy assessment, the producer’s, user’s, and overall accuracies as well as the F1 scores were computed and analyzed for statistical significance. Furthermore, McNemar’s test was conducted to ascertain whether statistically significant differences existed between the classifications. A linear relationship between resolution and accuracy was found, with a diminishing accuracy as the resolution decreased. Pixel-based classification outperformed object-based classification across all the resolutions examined, with statistical significance (p &lt; 0.05) for 10 and 20 m. The overall accuracies of the pixel-based approach ranged from 80 to 93 percent, while the accuracies of the object-based approach ranged from 75 to 87 percent. The most substantial drops in the weed-detection accuracy with regard to altitude occurred between 20 and 40 m for the pixel-based approach and between 10 and 20 m for the object-based approach. While the decline in accuracy was roughly linear as the flight altitude increased, the decrease in the total time required was exponential, providing guidance for the planning of future UAV-based weed-mapping missions.

Toxicological inhalation studies in rats to substantiate grouping of zinc oxide nanoforms

BackgroundSignificant variations exist in the forms of ZnO, making it impossible to test all forms in in vivo inhalation studies. Hence, grouping and read-across is a common approach under REACH to evaluate the toxicological profile of familiar substances. The objective of this paper is to investigate the potential role of dissolution, size, or coating in grouping ZnO (nano)forms for the purpose of hazard assessment. We performed a 90-day inhalation study (OECD test guideline no. (TG) 413) in rats combined with a reproduction/developmental (neuro)toxicity screening test (TG 421/424/426) with coated and uncoated ZnO nanoforms in comparison with microscale ZnO particles and soluble zinc sulfate. In addition, genotoxicity in the nasal cavity, lungs, liver, and bone marrow was examined via comet assay (TG 489) after 14-day inhalation exposure.ResultsZnO nanoparticles caused local toxicity in the respiratory tract. Systemic effects that were not related to the local irritation were not observed. There was no indication of impaired fertility, developmental toxicity, or developmental neurotoxicity. No indication for genotoxicity of any of the test substances was observed. Local effects were similar across the different ZnO test substances and were reversible after the end of the exposure.ConclusionWith exception of local toxicity, this study could not confirm the occasional findings in some of the previous studies regarding the above-mentioned toxicological endpoints. The two representative ZnO nanoforms and the microscale particles showed similar local effects. The ZnO nanoforms most likely exhibit their effects by zinc ions as no particles could be detected after the end of the exposure, and exposure to rapidly soluble zinc sulfate had similar effects. Obviously, material differences between the ZnO particles do not substantially alter their toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. The grouping of ZnO nanoforms into a set of similar nanoforms is justified by these observations.

Effects of Speech Characteristics on Electroglottographic and Instrumental Acoustic Voice Analysis Metrics in Women With Structural Dysphonia Before and After Treatment.

Literature suggests a dependency of the acoustic metrics, smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPS) and harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR), on human voice loudness and fundamental frequency (F0). Even though this has been explained with different oscillatory patterns of the vocal folds, so far, it has not been specifically investigated. In the present work, the influence of three elicitation levels, calibrated sound pressure level (SPL), F0 and vowel on the electroglottographic (EGG) and time-differentiated EGG (dEGG) metrics hybrid open quotient (OQ), dEGG OQ and peak dEGG, as well as on the acoustic metrics CPPS and HNR, was examined, and their suitability for voice assessment was evaluated. In a retrospective study, 29 women with a mean age of 25 years (± 8.9, range: 18-53) diagnosed with structural vocal fold pathologies were examined before and after voice therapy or phonosurgery. Both acoustic and EGG signals were recorded simultaneously during the phonation of the sustained vowels /ɑ/, /i/, and /u/ at three elicited levels of loudness (soft/comfortable/loud) and unconstrained F0 conditions. A linear mixed-model analysis showed a significant effect of elicitation effort levels on peak dEGG, HNR, and CPPS (all p < .01). Calibrated SPL significantly influenced HNR and CPPS (both p < .01). Furthermore, F0 had a significant effect on peak dEGG and CPPS (p < .0001). All metrics showed significant changes with regard to vowel (all p < .05). However, the treatment had no effect on the examined metrics, regardless of the treatment type (surgery vs. voice therapy). The value of the investigated metrics for voice assessment purposes when sampled without sufficient control of SPL and F0 is limited, in that they are significantly influenced by the phonatory context, be it speech or elicited sustained vowels. Future studies should explore the diagnostic value of new data collation approaches such as voice mapping, which take SPL and F0 effects into account.

SHARP (SHort Answer, Rationale Provision): A New Item Format to Assess Clinical Reasoning.

Many non-workplace-based assessments do not provide good evidence of a learner's problem representation or ability to provide a rationale for a clinical decision they have made. Exceptions include assessment formats that require resource-intensive administration and scoring. This article reports on research efforts toward building a scalable non-workplace-based assessment format that was specifically developed to capture evidence of a learner's ability to justify a clinical decision. The authors developed a 2-step item format called SHARP (SHort Answer, Rationale Provision), referring to the 2 tasks that comprise the item. In collaboration with physician-educators, the authors integrated short-answer questions into a patient medical record-based item starting in October 2021 and arrived at an innovative item format in December 2021. In this format, a test-taker interprets patient medical record data to make a clinical decision, types in their response, and pinpoints medical record details that justify their answers. In January 2022, a total of 177 fourth-year medical students, representing 20 U.S. medical schools, completed 35 SHARP items in a proof-of-concept study. Primary outcomes were item timing, difficulty, reliability, and scoring ease. There was substantial variability in item difficulty, with the average item answered correctly by 44% of students (range, 4%-76%). The estimated reliability (Cronbach α ) of the set of SHARP items was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.80). Item scoring is fully automated, minimizing resource requirements. A larger study is planned to gather additional validity evidence about the item format. This study will allow comparisons between performance on SHARP items and other examinations, examination of group differences in performance, and possible use cases for formative assessment. Cognitive interviews are also planned to better understand the thought processes of medical students as they work through the SHARP items.

Gaussian process regression for three-dimensional soil mapping over multiple spatial supports

This study investigates the complexity of spatial soil modelling, particularly focusing on the challenge of variable vertical support in traditional soil data collection. Traditional soil sampling, described in terms of horizons, often fails to accurately pinpoint the specific depths for specific soil properties. This gap is significant, as depth-specific data is crucial for a thorough understanding of soil formation processes and for assessing potential environmental impacts. In digital soil mapping (DSM), the prevalent reliance on standardised depth intervals and mass-preserving spline functions for data resampling results in a modelling approach that tends to disregard depth-related details, thereby introducing potential uncertainties.To address these limitations, this work explores how effectively Gaussian process regression (GPR) can model soil in 3D. This technique comprises two key components: a mean function and a semivariogram-like kernel. Unlike conventional methods that make a single prediction, GPR provides detailed probability distributions. This capability allows for the quantification of prediction uncertainty at various points, offering insights for decision-making and risk assessment purposes. Moreover, GPR has the capability to make volume or block estimates and assess associated uncertainties. Enabling volume-based predictions enriches the range of strategies available for land management.In this research, we employ GPR as a novel 3D soil modelling technique and compare its performance with traditional spline-based methods. The comparison is conducted through a case study on a farm in northern New South Wales, Australia, focusing on the 3D mapping of soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC). Our results demonstrate the ability of GPR to estimate soil properties across various volumes, utilising data from multiple vertical supports, thereby offering a more versatile approach for soil modelling in diverse spatial contexts.

Student Assessment in Formal Education: Nepali Community School Teachers’ Perspectives

The present secondary level English curriculum of Grade 9 and 10 in Nepal has made the provision of 25 marks internal assessment system as part of summative evaluation. In this context, this study examines the existing internal assessment practices adopted by the English language teachers in the Secondary Education Examination of the community schools in Nepal. Employing the qualitative phenomenological research design, five secondary level English language teachers were selected purposively as research participants. Semi-structured interviews and participant observation were used as tools for collecting data. The data were analyzed inductively as content analysis using the internal assessment criteria of participation, listening, speaking, and score from terminal examinations as determined by the curriculum as part of summative evaluation. The result was interpreted through the perspective of Vygotsky’s (1978) zone of proximal development and the theory of scaffolding in relation to the assessment for learning, assessment as learning, and assessment of learning. The prominence of assessment of learning as the dominant practice has resulted in the marginalization of the other two purposes of assessment. The findings of the study highlight the need for a more balanced approach that encompasses assessment for learning and assessment as learning, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic evaluation of students’ progress and development.

Decision Making on Introducing of Blockchain Technology in Croatian Public Administration

Blockchain technology has many features enabling great potential to transform every aspect of life. In this paper, we consider application of Blockchain in public administration sector. We utilize the Value Measuring Methodology (VMM) for the purpose of the profitability assessment of introducing Blockchain into the public administration. This process is conducted by multi criteria decision making with a group of experts. Results of cost-effectiveness analysis and AHP analysis, which are part of VNM, indicated direct user value as the largest benefit, followed by operational value for the State. Potential risks are identified along with the costs summarizing an analysis.

A Calculation Method for Reliability Index of a Deep–Bedded Karst Tunnel Construction with Cavity Located Ahead of Tunnel Working Face

For the purpose of reliability quantitative assessment of the surrounding rock of the deeply embedded karst tunnel and the geological body around the cavern in the case of the cavern in the forepart of the tunnel face, on the basis of the upper bound limit analysis method, the energy dissipation theory, as well as the reliability theory, the dimensionless performance function of each damage area of the deeply buried karst tunnels could be established in the case of the cavern in the front of the tunnel face. Subsequently, the probability of failure and the reliability index of each damage region of the deep–bedded karst tunnel in the case of the cavern in the front of this tunnel face should be calculated through the Monte Carlo simulation sampling approach. The investigation has demonstrated that the larger the cohesion of the geotechnical body and the larger the internal friction angle within the geotechnical body, the larger the reliability indexes of the geotechnical bodies around the tunnel. The larger the diameter of the cavern and the larger the tunnel burial depth, the greater the probability of failure in the left part of the geotechnical body around this cavern, and the smaller the reliability indexes of these damage areas.