Subjective Assessment Research Articles

Validation of the Russian version of the pelvic pain and urgency/frequency patient symptom scale (C.L. Parsons, 2000) for patients with chronic recurrent uncomplicated cystitis

BACKGROUND: Questionnaires allow to objectify and quantify the disease severity, especially at the patient’s initial visit, its impact on the patients’ quality of life, as well as the dynamics of symptoms during treatment. AIM: To validate the Russian version of the Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Patient Symptom Scale (PUF scale; C.L. Parsons, 2000) for patients with chronic recurrent uncomplicated cystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Russian version of the PUF Scale was suggested to two respondent groups aged 19 to 53 years: relatively healthy volunteers, 15 women who did not complains of urinary disorders or pain/discomfort in the bladder, and 14 patients with verified diagnosis of chronic recurrent uncomplicated cystitis. RESULTS: The resulting data demonstrate the validity of the proposed Russian version of the PUF Scale. Statistically significant differences were noted in the answers to most of the questionnaire issues between two respondent groups: conditionally healthy volunteers and patients with chronic recurrent uncomplicated cystitis. A high level of internal consistency of the questionnaire was found. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient in the main group was 0.888, in the control group — 0.819. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings proved that the Russian version of the Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Patient Symptom Scale (C.L. Parsons, 2000) is a valid tool for subjective assessment of the severity of chronic recurrent uncomplicated cystitis symptoms.

Changes in choroidal thickness and lamina cribrosa position in subjects with overdipper pattern of arterial pressure.

The purpose is to analyze the changes produced in subjects with an overdipper pattern of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring with the aim of understanding the pathophysiology of normal tension glaucoma. A cross sectional study was performed in patients exhibiting overdipper and non-overdipper blood pressure patterns, respectively. Different optic parameters were assessed including the analysis of ganglion cell layer (GCL), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), as well as changes produced in choroidal thickness (CT) and lamina cribrosa (LC) position at two different periods of the day (early morning and evening). A total of 80 eyes (42 overdipper and 38 non-overdipper) were analyzed. A shortening of the distance at the beginning and end of the LC was objectified in the overdipper subjects (p < 0.003) as well as a statistically significant shift of the LC between morning and evening measurements in the overdipper subjects (p < 0.023). In addition, a significant thickening was found in 13 measurements of the horizontal and vertical plane CT (p < 0.029) of the overdipper subjects and a thickening of the CT in both groups in the morning. No significant differences in pRNFL, BMO-MRW and GCL measures were objectified. Morning assessment in overdipper subjects showed a deeper LC and a LC shift in comparison to evening values. In addition, an increase in CT was found in these subjects. Altogether, these findings could illustrate an etiopathogenic mechanism of the damage produced in normal tension glaucoma associated to the overdipper pattern.

Interconnection between adolescents' and family members' sleep.

Deficient sleep has been linked to a broad range of physical, cognitive and mental health impacts, in particular during adolescence. It is thus essential to understand its underlying mechanisms, including family factors. The goal of our study was to assess through combined subjective and objective assessments, how family members' daily variations in sleep are interconnected, between parents and siblings of adolescents. A total of 111 participants within 30 families were included, of whom 30 adolescents (14.5 years +/- 2.1 years, 46.7% boys), 30 siblings (12.8 years + /- 3.8, 40% boys), 30 mothers (43.5 years +/- 5.5) and 21 fathers (47.5 years +/- 7.6). Sleep was objectively assessed using parallel actigraphy recordings during a single week for all family members. Adolescents' daily variation in sleep duration and timing displayed many concordances with their siblings' and their mothers' sleep, but not with their fathers' sleep. Adolescents whose parents did not set limits on sleep time or screen use went to bed over an hour later (p < 0.001) and slept over 30 min less on school nights. Our study demonstrates the important role of family sleep on adolescent sleep, through rule-setting and congruence between each family members sleep, in particular regarding sleep duration and timing.

Summative Assessment of Islamic Education Subject in Merdeka Curriculum

Summative Assessment of Islamic Education Subject in Merdeka Curriculum

Myoneurectomy for Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia: Long-Term Outcomes, Complications, and Recurrence.

To evaluate the long-term results of endoscopic myoneurectomy (EMN) of the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle for the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD), with an emphasis on vocal outcomes, adverse effects, and recurrence. A total of 48 patients underwent up to three EMNs of the TA muscle and were followed for at least 18 months to evaluate the efficacy, based on patient and examiner assessments, and safety of the procedure(s). Vocal outcomes were evaluated through the use of the 30-item Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30) questionnaire and subjective (patient-reported) assessment. In this group, 38 patients (79.2%) were considered successful. The median VHI-30 score at baseline was 97, decreasing to 26 after treatment, and the median subjective postprocedural improvement was 88.5%. The most common adverse effects were granulomas (in 18 cases), glottic insufficiency (in two), and dyspnea (in one). Although up to three procedures can be needed to achieve a high success rate, EMN of the TA muscle can provide excellent benefits in terms of vocal function with a low rate of complications. 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

A call for objectivity: Radiologists' proposed wishlist for response evaluation in solid tumors (RECIST 1.1).

The Response Evaluation in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 provides key guidance for performing imaging response assessment and defines image-based outcome metrics in oncology clinical trials, including progression free survival. In this framework, tumors identified on imaging are designated as either target lesions, non-target disease or new lesions and a structured categorical response is assigned at each imaging time point. While RECIST provides definitions for these categories, it specifically and objectively defines only the target disease. Predefined thresholds of size change provide unbiased metrics for determining objective response and disease progression of the target lesions. However, worsening of non-target disease or emergence of new lesions is given the same importance in determining disease progression despite these being qualitatively assessed and less rigorously defined. The subjective assessment of non-target and new disease contributes to reader variability, which can impact the quality of image interpretation and even the determination of progression free survival. The RECIST Working Group has made significant efforts in developing RECIST 1.1 beyond its initial publication, particularly in its application to targeted agents and immunotherapy. A review of the literature highlights that the Working Group has occasionally employed or adopted objective measures for assessing non-target and new lesions in their evaluation of RECIST-based outcome measures. Perhaps a prospective evaluation of these more objective definitions for non-target and new lesions within the framework of RECIST 1.1 might improve reader interpretation. Ideally, these changes could also better align with clinically meaningful outcome measures of patient survival or quality of life.

Evaluating Inter- and Intraobserver Agreement on Pectus Carinatum Severity and Treatment Outcomes: A Comparison of Subjective and Objective Assessment Methods.

Background Visual examination is crucial for assessing pectus carinatum (PC) severity and treatment results. This cross-sectional study evaluates the inter- and intraobserver agreement of PC deformities before and after treatment. Methods Observers examined medical photographs of patients before and after treatment. Primary outcome was inter- and intraobserver agreement on esthetic results after treatment. Secondary outcomes included inter- and intraobserver agreement on severity and symmetry before treatment, differences in esthetic results after Ravitch surgery and dynamic compression bracing (DCS-bracing), and the impact of scars, age and treatment duration on esthetic results. Results Medical photographs of 201 patients (aged 4-18) were evaluated by five surgeons and five peers. Surgeons and peers demonstrated inadequate (κ<.61) interobserver agreement on esthetic results (κ=.26, κ=.22), severity of PC (κ=.43, κ=.38) and symmetry (κ=.37, surgeons only). Agreement between surgeons and peers on esthetic results (κ=.37) and severity before treatment (κ=.54) was similarly inadequate. Surgeons and peers demonstrated inadequate intraobserver agreement on esthetic results (κ=.49, κ=.34), severity of PC (κ=.54, κ=.48) and symmetry (κ=.60, surgeons only). Deformities treated with Ravitch surgery were perceived as more severe but yielded better results. Peers, unlike surgeons, viewed scars as negatively impacting results. No relationship was found between results after treatment and treatment duration (p=.682, p=.062) or age ( p=.205, p=.527). Conclusions Subjective assessment of PC severity and esthetic results is inconsistent. 3D-scanning could help standardize treatment completion and aid patients and surgeons in determining treatment completion. The psychosocial effects of scars should be addressed when discussing treatment options.

Pengembangan Asesmen Pembelajaran Berbasis Game pada Mata Pelajaran IPA Kelas VII SMP

This study aims to develop a game-based learning assessment in science subjects in grade VII junior high school that is valid and practical. This type of research is Research and Development (R&amp;D). The model used in this development research is a 4D model. The 4D model contains 4 (four) stages of development, including define, design, develop, and disseminate. The research data was obtained through questionnaires and validation sheets, then analyzed in a quantitative descriptive manner. The development process of this game-based learning assessment product has involved a validation stage by material and media experts. A science teacher in grade VII of SMP Negeri 5 Linggo Sari Baganti acted as a material expert, while two lecturers from the Department of Curriculum and Educational Technology of Padang State University acted as media experts. The validation results show that this product is considered very valid, both in terms of material content and design. Furthermore, the trial on 18 grade VII students also produced very positive data, with an average score of 4.71 for the practicality category. Based on these results, it can be concluded that this game-based learning assessment product has gone through a good development stage and is ready to be implemented in the learning process

A subjective and objective fusion visual fatigue assessment system for different hardware and software parameters in SSVEP-based BCI applications.

With the development of brain-computer interface industry, large amounts of related applications have entered people's vision. BCI applications based on steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) are widely used because they do not require pre-training and have high information transmission rates. However, in the actual use of SSVEP stimulus paradigm, the subjects will produce visual fatigue with the use, and fatigue will affect the transmission efficiency. In this experiment, an experimental environment consisting of two paradigm stimulus frequencies (7.5Hz, 15Hz), three resolutions (800 × 600, 1280 × 720, 1920 × 1080) and three refresh rates (120Hz, 240Hz, 360Hz) is set up. The Likert scale is used to collect subjective fatigue and preference scores, and the EEG acquisition system and eye tracker are used to collect objective data. Using the proposed information entropy-CRITIC algorithm to combine subjective and objective indicators, a fatigue assessment system (display screen fitness-DSF) is innovated to score different experimental environments. The higher the DSF score, the better the visual experience. The results show that when using the 7.5Hz SSVEP paradigm, the combination of 360Hz and 1920 × 1080 can bring the best visual experience. When using the 15Hz SSVEP paradigm, the combination of 240Hz and 1280 × 720 is the best. DSF provides powerful help for hardware and software selection guidance and vision protection when using SSVEP-based BCI applications.

Features of the clinical and functional state of the nose in patients with chronic polypous rhinosinusitis and impaired sense of smell

Introduction. According to EPOS 2020, сhronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polypsis detected in 2–4.3% of the population, in Russia about 1.5 million people suffer from polyposis. In clinical practice, attention is most often paid to indicators of respiratory function. At the same time, the assessment of olfactory impairment characteristic of CRSwNP is carried out only by answering one of the 22 questions of the SNOT-22 questionnaire, and indicators of olfactory function are rarely taken into account when evaluating the results of objective research methods.Aim. To study the features of the clinical and functional state of the nose in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and impaired sense of smell.Materials and methods. 50 patients with сhronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polypsis were examined. The study included an assessment of the sense of smell using Sniffin Stiks test-12, a study of respiratory function, performing a video endoscopy of the nose, computed tomography of the nose and paranasal sinuses. A comprehensive assessment of the condition was carried out using the SNOT-22 questionnaire.Results. The subjective assessment of the sense of smell by patients with CRSwNP does not always coincide with the results of identification tests. The results of the SNOT-22 questionnaire often depend on the degree of olfactory impairment. Patients with CRSwNP and anosmia are more likely to complain of postnasal congestion, thick nasal discharge and cough than patients with hyposmia, which is consistent with objective research methods.Conclusions. In patients with Ghronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polypsis and varying degrees of olfactory impairment, heterogeneity of the clinical and functional state of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses was noted. When interpreting the results of the SNOT-22 questionnaire, it is advisable to use factor analysis, taking into account the patient’s complaints. To plan individual management of patients with CRSwNP, a comprehensive assessment of the sense of smell is necessary, including identification tests, as well as an additional assessment of the results of computed tomography of the nose and paranasal sinuses and a video endoscopic picture of the nose according to generally recognized scales.

Quantitative assessment of CO2 leakage risk in geologic carbon storage management

AbstractLarge‐scale geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) is indispensable for mitigating climate change but faces significant challenges, especially in the accurate quantitative assessment of leakage risks to ensure long‐term security. Given these circumstances, this paper proposes an innovative approach for quantitatively assessing CO2 leakage risk to address the previous limitations of limited accuracy and insufficient data. We construct a fault tree and transform it into a Bayesian network–directed acyclic graph, and then use judgment sets along with fuzzy set theory to obtain prior probabilities of root nodes. The feature, event, and process method was utilized to identify key components and subsequently determine the conditional probability table (CPT) of the leaf node. The subjective experience assessments from experts are defuzzified to obtain the CPTs of intermediate nodes. The obtained basic probability parameters are input into the directed acyclic graph to complete the model construction. After calculating the leakage probability using this model, it is combined with the severity of impacts to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. Furthermore, critical CO2 risk sources can be determined through posterior probability calculations when intermediate nodes are designated as deterministic risk events. The gradual implementation process of the proposed model is demonstrated via a typical case study. The results indicate an overall CO2 leakage probability of 29%, with probabilities of leakage along faults/fractures, caprock, and well identified as 32%, 28%, and 19%, respectively. The project is categorized as a medium‐low risk level. When leakage is confirmed, tectonic movement, thickness, and delamination at interface connections/the presence of cracks are the critical risk sources, and measures to mitigate key risks are outlined. The identified key risk factors conform to empirical evidence and previous research, validating the accuracy of the model. This study is instrumental in CO2 geological storage risk assessment and scalable development program design. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Modelling construction performance variability for probabilistic time estimation of tunnelling projects

ABSTRACT Budget overrun and schedule delay of infrastructure projects result in the mismanagement of huge amounts of resources. Studies show that accounting for uncertainties in time and cost estimation of such projects can help the decision-makers in better understanding the involved risks. Several probabilistic models have been developed during the last two decades to facilitate such estimations. A common aspect of all these models is the subjective assessment of unit activities' duration, which affects the accuracy of the estimated time and cost significantly. Despite this, the mechanism governing the variability of unit activities' duration has seldom been studied. Thus this paper focuses on addressing this gap by using a unique set of data from a tunnel project. The variability in unit activities' duration (construction performance variability) is governed by three main components: typical performance variability, minor machinery delays and minor performance delays. Using these components, a novel method for modelling construction performance variability in probabilistic time estimation of tunnelling projects is proposed. The application of the proposed method is demonstrated through a case example with a discussion on its important aspects, advantages and limitations. The findings of this paper offer a resource to improve the accuracy of time estimation for tunnelling projects.

Digital Competence Among Older Adults: Is Self-Assessment Reliable?

Digital technology holds promise for addressing age-related challenges such as diminished physical and cognitive abilities, chronic conditions, and shifts in social connections. Individual proficiency in computer and internet skills influences technology adoption, correlated with advanced usage, positive attitudes, and self-efficacy. Despite extensive research on digital competence among younger demographics, there is a noticeable gap in inclusive design and research for older adults, with existing assessments often overlooking user ability diversity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of self-assessment as a method for measuring digital skills among older adults by comparing self-reported competence with objective assessments using the digital foundation skills framework. Abetween-subjects design was used to explore the reliability of self-assessment in evaluating digital skills among older adults, comparing self-assessed and objective assessments using the digital foundation skills framework. This framework encompasses six domains and provides statements and practical examples for self-assessment and objective evaluation of digital competence. Data were collected from 51 Romanian adults over the age of 60 using an online survey for the subjective assessment and laboratory testing for the objective assessment. Significant disparities were found between self-assessed and actual performance in three domains: digital foundation skills, communicating, and problem-solving. However, older adults accurately assessed their performance in handling information and content, transacting, and being safe and legal online. Given the lack of a consistent pattern of overestimation or underestimation, objective assessment is recommended for precise digital competence evaluation.

Impact of Consumer Wearables Data on Pediatric Surgery Clinicians' Management: Multi-Institutional Scenario-Based Usability Study.

At present, parents lack objective methods to evaluate their child's postoperative recovery following discharge from the hospital. As a result, clinicians are dependent upon a parent's subjective assessment of the child's health status and the child's ability to communicate their symptoms. This subjective nature of home monitoring contributes to unnecessary emergency department (ED) use as well as delays in treatment. However, the integration of data remotely collected using a consumer wearable device has the potential to provide clinicians with objective metrics for postoperative patients to facilitate informed longitudinal, remote assessment. This multi-institutional study aimed to evaluate the impact of adding actual and simulated objective recovery data that were collected remotely using a consumer wearable device to simulated postoperative telephone encounters on clinicians' management. In total, 3 simulated telephone scenarios of patients after an appendectomy were presented to clinicians at 5 children's hospitals. Each scenario was then supplemented with wearable data concerning or reassuring against a postoperative complication. Clinicians rated their likelihood of ED referral before and after the addition of wearable data to evaluate if it changed their recommendation. Clinicians reported confidence in their decision-making. In total, 34 clinicians participated. Compared with the scenario alone, the addition of reassuring wearable data resulted in a decreased likelihood of ED referral for all 3 scenarios (P<.01). When presented with concerning wearable data, there was an increased likelihood of ED referral for 1 of 3 scenarios (P=.72, P=.17, and P<.001). At the institutional level, there was no difference between the 5 institutions in how the wearable data changed the likelihood of ED referral for all 3 scenarios. With the addition of wearable data, 76% (19/25) to 88% (21/24 and 22/25) of clinicians reported increased confidence in their recommendations. The addition of wearable data to simulated telephone scenarios for postdischarge patients who underwent pediatric surgery impacted clinicians' remote patient management at 5 pediatric institutions and increased clinician confidence. Wearable devices are capable of providing real-time measures of recovery, which can be used as a postoperative monitoring tool to reduce delays in care and avoidable health care use.

Cell-Free Fat Extract with Anti-melanogenic Property Improves the Appearance of Infraorbital Dark Circles: A Preliminary Clinical Study.

The formation of infraorbital dark circles involves various factors including hyperpigmentation, skin aging and laxity. This study is to investigate whether cell-free fat extract (CEFFE) inhibits melanin synthesis and improves the appearance of infraorbital dark circles. Imaging systems analysed the melanin content in three groups of zebrafish embryos treated with 0 (CTRL), 100, and 200μg/mL of CEFFE. Eleven patients with infraorbital dark circles were enrolled and received intradermal injections of autologous CEFFE. Clinical trial assessments included subjective assessments (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale and Likert satisfaction scale) and objective assessments (standard two-dimensional photographs, VISIA® photographs, and infraorbital skin colour measurement). In the experiment of zebrafish embryos, the melanin content of CEFFE treatment was significantly reduced. In clinical trial, 72.73% of patients considered CEFFE treatment for infraorbital dark circles to be effective, and more than half of the patients were satisfied with the treatment. In the evaluation of skin colour at the inner, middle, and outer edges of the infraorbital dark circles, there was a gradual improvement in infraorbital skin colour after each treatment and at the 3-month follow-up, with a statistically significant improvement in skin colour on the outer edge of the infraorbital dark circles (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, we observed a reduction in periocular wrinkles, with a significant difference at the 3-month follow-up (p < 0.05). The events observed included bruising, erythema, and oedema, which resolved spontaneously. Our study demonstrated that CEFFE inhibits melanogenesis and is a safe and effective treatment for infraorbital dark circles. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

NIMG-23. A NOVEL APPROACH TO PERFUSION MRI STUDIES IN BRAIN TUMOR PATIENTS USING ENDOGENOUS DEOXYHEMOGLOBIN AS A CONTRAST AGENT: A PROOF-OF-CONCEPT STUDY

Abstract BACKGROUND Assessment of resting perfusion in brain tumors is clinically relevant and relies on dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging using gadolinium contrast. Preliminary studies have introduced the use of controlled hemoglobin desaturation by means of a transient hypoxic stimulus during echo-planar imaging(EPI) as a surrogate for gadolinium for resting perfusion assessment in healthy subjects. In this proof of concept study, we investigated whether this approach is feasible in brain tumors and warrant further validation. METHODS A computer controlled gas blender was used to induce transient and standardized hypoxic stimulus in isocapnic conditions during EPI acquisition in a heterogenous cohort of tumor patients. The induced blood-oxygen-level-dependent(BOLD) signal changes determined by transit of a bolus of deoxygenated blood in the brain vasculature were used as a surrogate of gadolinium to calculate cerebral blood volume(CBV), cerebral blood flow(CBF) and mean transit time(MTT) using a global arterial input functions obtained through the BOLD signal measured over the middle cerebral artery as previously described by Poublanc et al. Perfusion parameters were calculated in the whole-brain voxel-by-voxel and in automatically segmented region of interest(ROI) using SPM, AFNI, Verbena softwares and MATLAB in-house written scripts. RESULTS Nine patients were included. MTT, rCBV, rCBF were calculated voxel-per-voxel. Obtained maps were overlayed on the co-registered T1 MRI scans and compared to T1CE and FLAIR to identify perfusion patterns in tumor ROIs (contrast enhancement, edema, necrosis). The deoxy-hemoglobin BOLD MRI perfusion were compared to clinical DSC-MRI when available and showed high qualitative agreement. CONCLUSION Transient and precise hemoglobin desaturation by controlled hypoxic gas modulation is safe and repeatable in brain tumor patients. The induced BOLD signal change allows measurement of resting perfusion, which qualitatively closely mimic gadolinium perfusion in different brain tumors. Deoxyhemoglobin-based perfusion warrant further quantitative validation against gadolinium in a larger cohort of heterogenous tumor patients.

QOL-25. DIGITAL PHENOTYPING OF PERIOPERATIVE MOBILITY METRICS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING SURGICAL RESECTION OF SKULL BASE TUMORS

Abstract Current methods to assess quality of life and recovery after surgery for skull base tumors are limited and often biased by subjective patient-reported assessments, while objective, in-situ assessments are lacking. Smartphone-based digital phenotyping has been increasingly studied across pathologies, utilizing built-in technologies to measure behavioral patterns pertaining to sleep, physical mobility, social interactions, and cognitive functioning, among others. Here, we report our initial experience with smartphone-based digital phenotyping in patients who underwent resection of skull base lesions. Patients seen at our multi-disciplinary skull base center were enrolled under an institutional board-approved protocol and installed the Beiwe application, which passively collected GPS data 20 days pre- and up to 140 days post-surgery. Variables measured included time spent at home, number of separate significant places visited outside home, daily walking time, and daily number of steps taken. 26 patients were enrolled, comprised of 14 pituitary adenomas, 8 meningiomas, and 4 vestibular schwannomas. All patients demonstrated increased time spent at home, fewer number of significant locations visited, decreased walking time, and decreased total steps in the immediate post-operative period. For pituitaries, mean return to baseline for these variables was 25.7, 24.3, 80.2, and 88.9 days, respectively. For meningiomas, return to baseline was 56.5, 214.4, 45.0, and 45.6 days, respectively. For vestibular schwannomas, return to baseline was 219, 39.9, 35.1, and 36.4 days, respectively. This study demonstrates initial efficacy of digital phenotyping for a cohort of patients undergoing surgical resection of skull base lesions, based on passively collected smartphone GPS data during the peri-operative period. This is part of a larger, ongoing study enrolling surgical patients as well as non-operative controls for comparison. Such peri-operative mobility metrics may potentially be refined to predict postoperative outcomes following surgery such as improvement of neurological symptoms, postoperative CSF leak, infection, dysnatremia, and hospital length of stay.

Responding to Generative AI

There are few technologies which have such great a potential impact on the design and delivery of tertiary education, as found with Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI). Student’s deep learning and the integrity of student assessment in particular is impacted by this emerging technology. This presentation will report on a three-cycle action research project to redesign assessments for effective learning in an Australian university Health Science (HS) faculty. Cycle 1 reviewed assessments using an innovative appraisal tool for assessments which was designed by the presenting HS academics that aligned recent Gen-AI and academic integrity guidelines from Australian institutions (Lodge et al., 2023a; Monash University, 2023; Flinders University, 2023; TEQSA, 2022; Torrens University n.d.). The tool was reviewed and improved for use in Cycle 2, which involved reviewing the remaining 16 HS subjects and designing a team-based strategy for implementing assessment reform. Cycle 3 involves implementing identified strategies for redesigning assessments across all HS subjects. We will report on the action-research methods used, including the development and use of the assessment appraisal tool, as well as the Cycle 3 early findings from the HS subjects assessment review. Results from the subsequent strategic assessment design will be presented using example assessment improvements based on the study findings. The findings highlight the need for a unified approach to assessment reform, and the potential benefits of systematic, team-based approaches to address emerging technologies. Action-research methodologies such as this one, employed with subject coordinators' involvement and training in evaluation, encourages pro-active subject quality improvement as well as scholarly thinking among university academics. This approach may be relevant to all academics interested in actively creating assessment reform amid the transformative education environment precipitated by the use of Gen-AI.

The Impact of Information Technology On Data-Driven Decision Making In Human Resource Management

In the contemporary landscape of human resource management (HRM), the integration of information technology (IT) has revolutionized data-driven decision-making processes. This shift is characterized by the increased reliance on data analytics, cloud computing, and advanced software applications that enable HR professionals to harness vast amounts of data effectively. As organizations strive for agility and competitiveness, the role of IT in HRM has become pivotal, influencing various aspects such as recruitment, performance management, employee engagement, and talent development. The first major impact of IT on data-driven decision-making in HRM is the enhancement of recruitment processes. Traditional hiring methods often relied on subjective assessments and limited candidate data. However, IT solutions, such as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and AI-driven recruitment tools, have enabled HR managers to analyze candidates’ qualifications, experiences, and fit with organizational culture based on data-driven metrics. This not only improves the quality of hires but also reduces time-to-fill positions and enhances overall recruitment efficiency. Performance management has evolved significantly due to the integration of IT. Performance appraisal systems now utilize real-time data analytics to track employee performance against key performance indicators (KPIs). This allows HR managers to make informed decisions about promotions, training needs, and workforce planning. The implementation of continuous feedback mechanisms, facilitated by IT platforms, fosters a culture of transparency and engagement, enabling employees to take ownership of their development. IT has transformed employee engagement strategies through the use of data analytics. Organizations now leverage employee surveys and feedback tools that provide insights into employee satisfaction and engagement levels. By analyzing this data, HR professionals can identify trends, address concerns proactively, and implement targeted initiatives that enhance workplace culture and retention rates. Such data-driven approaches ensure that decisions are aligned with employee needs and organizational objectives. The role of IT in talent development cannot be overstated. Learning Management Systems (LMS) and data analytics tools provide HR managers with the capability to assess skill gaps and monitor training effectiveness. By analyzing learning outcomes and employee progress, organizations can tailor development programs that align with both individual career paths and organizational goals. This strategic alignment is crucial for fostering a skilled workforce capable of meeting future challenges. Despite these benefits, the reliance on IT in HRM also poses challenges, particularly regarding data privacy and security. As organizations collect and analyze large volumes of employee data, they must navigate complex regulations and ethical considerations to protect sensitive information. This underscores the need for robust data governance frameworks that ensure compliance while fostering a culture of trust within the organization. In conclusion, the impact of information technology on data-driven decision-making in human resource management is profound. By leveraging data analytics and advanced IT tools, organizations can enhance their recruitment processes, improve performance management, boost employee engagement, and foster talent development.It is essential for HR professionals to address the challenges of data privacy and security to maximize the benefits of IT in HRM. As technology continues to evolve, the synergy between IT and HRM will play a critical role in shaping the future of work.

An IoT-Based Framework for Automated Assessing and Reporting of Light Sensitivities in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Identification of light sensitivities, manifesting either as hyper-sensitive (over-stimulating) or hypo-sensitive (under-stimulating) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is crucial for the development of personalized sensory environments and therapeutic strategies. Traditional methods for identifying light sensitivities often depend on subjective assessments and manual video coding methods, which are time-consuming, and very keen observations are required to capture the diverse sensory responses of children with ASD. This can lead to challenges for clinical practitioners in addressing individual sensory needs effectively. The primary objective of this work is to develop an automated system using Internet of Things (IoT), computer vision, and data mining techniques for assessing visual sensitivities specifically associated with light (color and illumination). For this purpose, an Internet of Things (IoT)-based light sensitivities assessing system (IoT-LSAS) was designed and developed using a visual stimulating device, a bubble tube (BT). The IoT-LSAS integrates various electronic modules for (i) generating colored visual stimuli with different illumination levels and (ii) capturing images to identify children’s emotional responses during sensory stimulation sessions. The system is designed to operate in two different modes: a child control mode (CCM) and a system control mode (SCM). Each mode uses a distinct approach for assessing light sensitivities, where CCM uses a preference-based approach, and SCM uses an emotional response tracking approach. The system was tested on a sample of 20 children with ASD, and the results showed that the IoT-LSAS effectively identified light sensitivities, with a 95% agreement rate in the CCM and a 90% agreement rate in the SCM when compared to the practitioner’s assessment report. These findings suggest that the IoT-LSAS can be used as an alternative to traditional assessment methods for diagnosing light sensitivities in children with ASD, significantly reducing the practitioner’s time required for diagnosis.