Subjective Performance Measures Research Articles

Efficient Estimation of the Binaural Masking Level Difference Using a Technique Based on Manual Audiometry.

The Masking Level Difference (MLD) has been used for decades to evaluate the binaural listening advantage. Although originally measured using Bekesy audiometry, the most common clinical use of the MLD is the CD-based Wilson 500-Hz technique with interleaved N0S0 and N0Sπ components. Here, we propose an alternative technique based on manual audiometry as a faster way of measuring the MLD. The article describes the advantages to this administration technique and evaluates if it is a viable alternative for the Wilson technique. Data were retrospectively analyzed on 264 service members (SMs). All SMs completed both the Wilson and Manual MLDs. Descriptive and correlational statistics were applied to evaluate the comparisons between the two techniques and highlight the differences. Equivalence measures were also completed to compare the tests using a standardized cutoff score. Analyses were also made to compare both techniques to subjective and objective measures of hearing performance. Moderate to high positive correlations were determined between Wilson and Manual measures of each threshold (N0Sπ and N0S0). Although the Manual and Wilson MLD techniques produced significantly different thresholds, simple linear transformations can be used to obtain approximately equivalent scores on the two tests, and agreement was high for using these transformed scores to identify individuals with substantial MLD deficits. Both techniques had moderate test-retest reliability. The Manual MLD and components had stronger correlations to the subjective and objective hearing measures than the Wilson. The Manual technique is a faster method for obtaining MLD scores that is just as reliable as the CD-based Wilson test. With the significant reduction in assessment time and comparable results, the Manual MLD is a viable alternative for direct use in the clinic.

The efficacy of cognitive remediation in children and adolescents: results from a new meta-analysis.

AbstractThis presentation will share data from a new meta-analysis of RCT studies using cognitive remediation to treat children and adolescents with ADHD. For this matter, 25 studies were accessed, and results will focus on outcomes immediately after the end of the program and in follow-up. Outcomes include subjective measures of functioning (through validated scales), neuropsychological measurements and academic performance. Comparisons regarding length of training, intensity, concomitant use of pharmacological treatments will also be provided. These findings will build on previous meta-analysis on the issue that were performed in the past.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Association Between USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge Scores and Residency Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

With the change in Step 1 score reporting, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) may become a pivotal factor in resident selection. This systematic review and meta-analysis seeks to synthesize existing observational studies that assess the relationship between Step 2 CK scores and measures of resident performance. The authors searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases using terms related to Step 2 CK in 2021. Two researchers identified studies investigating the association between Step 2 CK and measures of resident performance and included studies if they contained a bivariate analysis examining Step 2 CK scores' association with an outcome of interest: in-training examination (ITE) scores, board certification examination (BCE) scores, select Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competency assessments, overall resident performance evaluations, or other subjective measures of performance. For outcomes that were investigated by 3 or more studies, pooled effect sizes were estimated with random-effects models. Among 1,355 potential studies, 68 met inclusion criteria and 43 were able to be pooled. There was a moderate positive correlation between Step 2 CK and ITE scores (0.52, 95% CI 0.45-0.59, P < .01). There was a moderate positive correlation between Step 2 CK and ITE scores for both nonsurgical (0.59, 95% CI 0.51-0.66, P < .01) and surgical specialties (0.41, 95% CI 0.33-0.48, P < .01). There was a very weak positive correlation between Step 2 CK scores and subjective measures of resident performance (0.19, 95% CI 0.13-0.25, P < .01). This study found Step 2 CK scores have a statistically significant moderate positive association with future examination scores and a statistically significant weak positive correlation with subjective measures of resident performance. These findings are increasingly relevant as Step 2 CK scores will likely become more important in resident selection.

THE DICHOTOMIZATION OF OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE OUTCOME MEASURES OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN AN ONLINE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Purpose – Various recent studies are perplexed with the situation if subjective measures such as perceptions of learning reflect knowledge gains and whether they can be used as a surrogate for evidence of actual learning in an online learning environment. Due to a rising trend in current research studies interpreting perceptions of learning compared to actual learning as a measure of success, this study investigates the dichotomous measures of objective and subjective measures of academic performance in an online learning environment with selected predicted variables. This is followed by an investigation on the effect of online learning on students’ academic performance prior to and during the Covid environment. Methodology – This cross-sectional study employed a correlation design for the purpose of data collection among 382 university students. The dependent variable of study comprised objective measures of CGPA scores while the subjective measures was based on a composite score from perceived items in a questionnaire. The predictive independent variables included, i) satisfaction towards online learning, ii) online learning self-efficacy, iii) social interactive engagement in online learning, and iv) online learning environment. Findings – The findings showed an extremely weak and nonsignificant relationship between actual academic performance (GPA) and perceived academic performance in an online learning environment. A statistically significant increase was notable in students’ academic performance through GPA scores before and during Covid-19 academic semester and this increase was prevalent among low and intermediate achievers. Apart from environment, all other predictors were significant predictors of perceived academic performance. Engagement was a predictor for the subjective measure of CGPA scores. Significance – Subjective measures data should not be considered as knowledge gain, and it should be used cautiously as a surrogate for evidence of actual learning. Educational research studies should be designed using more objective measures of learning rather than subjective measures in isolation as dependent variable. This should be seen as a caveat by policymakers in decision-making to practise consciousness in terms of judgemental modes employed in measurement and to exercise caution in collecting, analysing, and interpreting subjective data.

Evaluating the relationship between neurological function, neuromuscular fatigue, and subjective performance measures in professional rugby union players.

Managing the health and wellbeing of full-time professional athletes is a multifaceted task. In elite high-performance environments, medical staff and strength training coaches attempt to identify improved methods to monitor player health. Monitoring player health could indicate potential injury risk and assist in adjustments to training and workload management. Measuring fatigue is a notable component of monitoring player readiness before and after training sessions, and after competitive fixtures. In the present study, a novel method of gathering non-invasive player data was investigated by utilizing the Omegawave (OW) to monitor direct current (DC) potential brainwave activity. This method allowed for non-invasive data gathering to assess recovery, player readiness and indicators of workload that may affect optimal performance. DC potential is based on recording low electrical frequencies (>0.5 Hz) that is derived from (1) Stabilization point of DC potential (mV), (2) Stabilization time (1.0-7.0) and (3) Curve shape (1.0-7.0). These measures evaluate the athlete's internal stress, readiness to perform, and neurological function through DC potential brain wave activity and heart rate variability (HRV) assessments. The primary aim of this case series was to compare the efficacy of objective DC potential brainwave activity measurements (neurological function) with neuromuscular fatigue data using reactive strength index modified (RSImod) and profile of mood states (POMS) questionnaires to assess a player's state of readiness to train. The participants in this study were eleven male senior professional rugby union players with a mean stature (±SD) of 185.2 ± 8.6 cm, mass of 101.1 ± 12.9 kg, and age of 27.1 ± 2.1 years. All players were tested 3 days per week over a 6-week mid-season period. Results from this case study suggest that DC potentials could be used as an objective measure to indicate player readiness and managing individual player workload. The final analyses identified a weak negative correlation (r = -0.17) between the RSImod data and the DC potential data was observed. DC potential brainwave activity data could be used in conjunction with subjective measures such as POMS, RSImod and reported injury status to adjust player daily activity.

Personal comfort systems and cognitive performance: Effects on subjective measures, cognitive performance, and heart rate measures

Personal comfort systems (PCS) that warm or cool local body parts promise individual thermal comfort, energy saving and (metabolic) health in non-neutral thermal environments. However, research on work performance while using a PCS is scarce. We previously tested a PCS that warms the extremities and cools the head and reported that the PCS improved thermal comfort during a ramp of 17-23˚C but did not at a stable temperature of 25˚C. In the current study, its effects on cognitive performance, subjective measures and task-induced heart rate measures are investigated. Eighteen participants completed two randomized, eight-hour-long dynamic office scenarios: one is PCS scenario and another one is without PCS scenario. The results show warming the extremities slightly slowed reaction time for a simple task at 19˚C (p < 0.05) whereas it exerted no effect on complex task performance in 17-21˚C. At 25˚C however, cooling the head improved complex task performance (p = 0.053), which derived from participants’ effort increase, whereas it did not affect simple task performance. These findings suggest that the PCS’ effects on cognitive performance depended on the task type. Cooling the head, independent from its influence on thermal comfort, plays a significant role in complex cognitive performance in slightly warm conditions.

Perceived effects of cannabis: Generalizability of changes in driving performance

Objective The objective of this analysis was to determine the generalizability of the relationship between different samples of a driver’s perceived state after cannabis use and related performance while operating a motor vehicle. Methods Data were collected from 52 subjects in a study examining the effects of cannabis on driving performance. Data were analyzed using the SAS GLM Select procedure, using stepwise selection, with subjective effects, dosing condition (placebo vs. 6.18% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]), and driving context as independent measures. Correlation matrices of measures of driving performance against subjective responses and dosing condition used Pearson’s and Spearman’s test statistics, respectively. Results were compared to a prior study from a sample of 10 subjects. Results Subjective perceptions of acute cannabis impairment remain significant predictors of driving performance and explain individual variability in driving performance degradation as well as the data, beyond that which can be explained by acute use of cannabis alone. However, the significant subjective predictors of driving performance differ between the current and prior studies. To better understand these differences, correlations between subjective effects and performance measures were evaluated, which revealed that most correlations matched directionally (e.g., an increase in “good drug effect” was correlated with an increase in standard deviation of lane position [SDLP]). When there was a mismatch, 1 or more correlations were insignificant. Dosing condition and “stoned” were perfectly consistent; “high” and “sedated” contained 1 mismatch; and “anxious,” “good drug effect” and “restless” contained 3 or more mismatches. Conclusions The results indicate that across both studies, differences in the perceived effects of cannabis are reflected in changes in both lateral and longitudinal control beyond the acute effects of cannabis, which may help explain individual variability in response to acute intoxication. However, the generalizability of these findings is lacking, as shown by inconsistencies in when and where subjective effects were significant. Other factors such as frequency of use, usage type, the evolving profile of a cannabis user, as well as other individual differences should be considered to explain this additional variability.

Development and validity of the subjective training quality scale

ABSTRACT This study aimed to define, develop, and validate a subjective scale of training quality. Two related studies were used to 1) define training quality and 2) develop and validate a subjective scale. Part One: a purposive sample of 15 sub-elite (i.e. national) and elite (i.e. international) swimmers participated in one, 20-30-min semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis of interview responses established three constructs to define training quality. These were the physical, technical, and mental aspects of training. Part Two: development of the Subjective Training Quality (STQ) scale based on the three constructs identified in Part One. 252 sub-elite and elite athletes, across eight sports completed the STQ scale. Cronbach’s alpha (α) assessed internal consistency, histogram plot analysis assessed face validity, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) compared physical, technical, and mental constructs with training quality. Root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and standardised root mean square residual (SRMR) evaluated CFA quality of fit. Physical, technical, and mental constructs demonstrated a high “acceptable” level of internal consistency (α = 0.85) and excellent face validity. Comparatively, the CFA quality of fit was “excellent” (RMSEA = <0.01 “good”, SRMR = 0.00 “perfect”). The STQ scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency and face validity, establishing capacity to monitor training quality. The STQ scale could be used in conjunction with traditional training monitoring tools to provide additional insight into athlete’s training quality. Further investigation is required to determine how the STQ scale may interact with subjective and objective training performance measures, and how it could be incorporated into daily training monitoring. Highlights Athletes perceive the subjective training quality (STQ) scale adequately represents the physical, technical, and mental constructs of training quality. Excellent internal consistency and confirmatory factor analysis fit demonstrates the STQ scale is an effective tool to monitor training quality. With additional validation, the STQ scale could be used in conjunction with traditional load monitoring tools to provide greater insight to an athlete’s training response, and subsequently inform training prescription.

Impact of the Step 1 Scoring Change on the Upcoming Application Cycle.

The recent transition of United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 to a pass–fail system was intended to promote student wellness. However, some have raised concerns for increased emphasis on subjective measures of performance.1 Among plastic surgery residency program directors (PDs), perceptions of the change have largely been negative.2 While long-term effects have been considered, in the immediate future, a mixture of students with numeric and passing scores will create a challenge for programs comparing applicants. In total, 40% of PDs (n = 36) completed a survey about anticipated short-term effects of the scoring change. Respondants compared the use of Step 1 in applicant evaluation in the upcoming application cycle (2022–2023) with the most recent cycle (2021–2022). (See Table, Supplemental Digital Content 1, which displays the survey questions, https://links.lww.com/PRSGO/C107.) As anticipated, numeric Step 1 scores will continue to factor into evaluations in the short term, but Step 2 scores will be of increased importance. In the next cycle, more programs will give Step 2 greater or equal weight than Step 1 (19% and 53%, respectively, up from 11% and 44%) and fewer will give Step 1 greater weight than Step 2 (28% down from 44%). Notably, a minority of PDs (11%) stated that they will no longer consider numeric Step 1 scores (Table 1). Table 1. - Relative Importance of Step 1 and Step 2 in Upcoming Application Cycles Current Application Cycle (n = 36) Upcoming Application Cycles (n = 32*) Relative weight of Step 1 and Step 2 for determining interview invitations Step 1 > Step 2 16 (44%) 9 (28%) Step 2 > Step 1 4 (11%) 6 (19%) Equally weighted 16 (44%) 17 (53%) Cutoff score for Step 1 No cutoff score 18 (50%) 17 (53%) 221–230 3 (8%) 2 (6%) 231–240 6 (17%) 4 (13%) 241–250 9 (25%) 7 (22%) >250 0 (0%) 2 (6%) Cutoff score for Step 2† No cutoff score 28 (78%) 14 (45%) 221–230 1 (3%) 7 (23%) 231–240 2 (6%) 7 (23%) 241–250 4 (11%) 2 (6%) >250 1 (3%) 1 (3%) *Four PDs responded that they will no longer consider numeric Step 1 scores in evaluating applicants.†One PD did not give a cutoff score range for Step 2 in upcoming application cycles (n = 31). In the next application cycle, twice as many of the programs surveyed will institute Step 2 cutoff scores. In the most recent cycle, 22% of PDs endorsed using a Step 2 cutoff score, while 55% anticipate having a cutoff in the next cycle. The majority of anticipated cutoff scores for Step 2 were between 221–230 (23%) and 231–240 (23%) (Table 1). Historically, mean Step 2 scores have been higher than mean Step 1 scores (eg, 256 versus 249 for matched plastic surgery applicants in 2020).3 Identical Step 2 cutoffs may in practice be more inclusive than prior Step 1 cutoffs. Similar to previous reports, letters of recommendation and previous knowledge of the applicant were ranked as the most important factors for applicant evaluation. (See Table, Supplemental Digital Content 2, which displays rankings of factors, https://links.lww.com/PRSGO/C108.)4,5 Half of PDs (53%) stated that research would carry greater weight in the next cycle (Table 2). When presented with hypothetical scenarios, a strong Step 1 score remained beneficial to applicants, whereas a low Step 1 score may not be detrimental in many cases. While 69% of PDs answered that an applicant with a high Step 1 score would be at an advantage over an applicant with a pass, only 47% of PDs stated that an applicant with a low Step 1 score would be at a disadvantage compared to a pass (Table 2). Table 2. - Hypothetical Scenarios for Applicant Evaluation and Relative Importance of Research Question PD Response (%) Do you anticipate that research experiences like research fellowships will carry more significant weight than in the past? 19 (53) With comparable Step 2 scores, will an applicant with a low Step 1 score be at a disadvantage relative to an applicant with a pass for a Step 1 score? 17 (47) With comparable Step 2 scores, will an applicant with a high Step 1 score be at an advantage relative to an applicant with a pass for a Step 1 score? 25 (69) This study suggested a gradual shift in emphasis from Step 1 to Step 2, although some programs may immediately stop considering Step 1. Importantly, over half of PDs would not view a low Step 1 score negatively. For these programs, a low Step 1 score may be considered similar to a pass. Those who performed strongly on Step 1 will benefit in most cases from having taken the examination before the switch. Disclosure The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article.

Effects of Rhythmic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Alpha-Band on Visual Perception Depend on Deviation From Alpha-Peak Frequency: Faster Relative Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Alpha-Pace Improves Performance.

Alpha-band oscillatory activity over occipito-parietal areas is involved in shaping perceptual and cognitive processes, with a growing body of electroencephalographic (EEG) evidence indicating that pre-stimulus alpha-band amplitude relates to the subjective perceptual experience, but not to objective measures of visual task performance (discrimination accuracy). The primary aim of the present transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study was to investigate whether causality can be established for this relationship, using rhythmic (alpha-band) TMS entrainment protocols. It was anticipated that pre-stimulus 10 Hz-TMS would induce changes in subjective awareness ratings but not accuracy, in the visual hemifield contralateral to TMS. To test this, we administered 10 Hz-TMS over the right intraparietal sulcus prior to visual stimulus presentation in 17 participants, while measuring their objective performance and subjective awareness in a visual discrimination task. Arrhythmic and 10 Hz sham-TMS served as control conditions (within-participant design). Resting EEG was used to record individual alpha frequency (IAF). A study conducted in parallel to ours with a similar design but reported after we completed data collection informed further, secondary analyses for a causal relationship between pre-stimulus alpha-frequency and discrimination accuracy. This was explored through a regression analysis between rhythmic-TMS alpha-pace relative to IAF and performance measures. Our results revealed that contrary to our primary expectation, pre-stimulus 10 Hz-TMS did not affect subjective measures of performance, nor accuracy, relative to control-TMS. This null result is in accord with a recent finding showing that for influencing subjective measures of performance, alpha-TMS needs to be applied post-stimulus. In addition, our secondary analysis showed that IAF was positively correlated with task accuracy across participants, and that 10 Hz-TMS effects on accuracy—but not awareness ratings—depended on IAF: The slower (or faster) the IAF, relative to the fixed 10 Hz TMS frequency, the stronger the TMS-induced performance improvement (or worsening), indicating that 10 Hz-TMS produced a gain (or a loss) in individual performance, directly depending on TMS-pace relative to IAF. In support of recent reports, this is evidence for alpha-frequency playing a causal role in perceptual sensitivity likely through regulating the speed of sensory sampling.

Revisiting the Self-Confidence and Sport Performance Relationship: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Self-confidence is a common research topic, and most applied textbooks include interventions designed to enhance athlete confidence. Our purpose was to quantify the self-confidence and sport performance literature using meta-analytic techniques. We also examined potential risk of bias indicators, and the moderation effects of study quality, sport characteristics, timing of confidence measurement, and individual differences among participants. Following a review of two past meta-analyses, a systematic search of APA PsycArticles, ERIC, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsychINFO, and SPORTDiscus within the EBSCOhost platform, and some hand searching, 41 articles published between 1986 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria. Collectively, the included studies investigated 3711 athletes from 15 countries across 24 sports. The overall random effects estimate of the relationship (expressed as r) between self-confidence and performance was 0.25 (95% CI 0.19, 0.30), with little evidence of publication bias. The summed total risk of the individual study bias score did not moderate the confidence–performance relationship, whereas significant moderator effects emerged for individual sports (0.29) compared with team sports (0.14), objective (0.29) compared to subjective (0.14) performance measures, and 100% male (0.35) compared to 100% female (0.07) samples. In conclusion, the confidence–performance relationship is small in magnitude, nearly free of bias, and moderated by sport type, performance objectivity, and athlete sex.

Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia on subjective and objective measures of sleep and cognition

Study objectivesTo assess the effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (CBTi) on subjective and objective measures of sleep, sleep-state misperception and cognitive performance. MethodsWe performed a randomized-controlled trial with a treatment group and a wait-list control group to assess changes in insomnia symptoms after CBTi (8 weekly group sessions/3 months) in 62 participants with chronic insomnia. To this end, we conducted a multimodal investigation of sleep and cognition including subjective measures of sleep difficulties (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]; sleep diaries) and cognitive functioning (Sahlgrenska Academy Self-reported Cognitive Impairment Questionnaire), objective assessments of sleep (polysomnography recording), cognition (attention and working memory tasks), and sleep-state misperception measures, collected at baseline and at 3-months post-randomization. We also assessed ISI one year after CBTi. Our main analysis investigated changes in sleep and cognition after 3 months (treatment versus wait-list). ResultsWhile insomnia severity decreased and self-reported sleep satisfaction improved after CBTi, we did not find any significant change in objective and subjective sleep measures (e.g., latency, duration). Degree of discrepancy between subjective and objective sleep (i.e., sleep misperception) in sleep latency and sleep duration decreased after CBTi suggesting a better perception of sleep after CBTi. In contrast, both objective and subjective cognitive functioning did not improve after CBTi. ConclusionsWe showed that group-CBTi has a beneficial effect on variables pertaining to the subjective perception of sleep, which is a central feature of insomnia. However, we observed no effect of CBTi on measures of cognitive functioning.

Assessing individual contributions to software engineering projects: a replication study

ABSTRACT Background and Context Assessing team members’ indivdiual contributions to software development projects poses a key problem for computing instructors. While instructors typically rely on subjective assessments, objective assessments could provide a more robust picture. To explore this possibility, In a 2020 paper, Buffardi presented a correlational analysis of objective metrics and subjective metrics in an advanced software engineering project course (n= 41 students and 10 teams), finding only two significant correlations. Objective To explore the robustness of Buffardi’s findings and gain further insight, we conducted a larger scale replication of the Buffardi study (n = 118 students and 25 teams) in three courses at three institutions. Method We collected the same data as in the Buffardi study and computed the same measures from those data. We replicated Buffardi’s exploratory, correlational and regression analyses of objective and subjective measures. Findings While replicating four of Buffardi’s five significant correlational findings and partially replicating the findings of Buffardi’s regression analyses, our results go beyond those of Buffardi by identifying eight additional significant correlations. Implications In contrast to Buffardi’s study, our larger scale study suggests that subjective and objective measures of individual performance in team software development projects can be fruitfully combined to provide consistent and complementary assessments of individual performance.

Surgical Simulation Training for Medical Students: Strategies and Implications in Botswana.

The role of simulation in teaching technical skills to medical students is not yet well defined. Strategies for its use may be especially relevant where teachers, time, and resources are limited, especially in low-middle-income countries. Sixty-seven third-year and 67 fifth-year medical students at the University of Botswana were taught surgical skills by a trained peer medical student, a medical officer with no specialty training or a staff surgeon. Pre- and post-intervention performance of two basic tasks (simple interrupted suture (SIS) and laparoscopic peg transfer (LPT)) and one complex task (laparoscopic intracorporeal suture (LIS)) were assessed. Subjective measures of self-perceived performance, preparedness for internship, and interest in surgery were also measured. The simulation program decreased the time to complete the two basic tasks and improved the objective score for the complex task. Performance of the basic skills improved regardless of the seniority of the instructor while performance of the advanced skill improved more when taught by a staff surgeon. All students had similar improvements in their self-reported confidence to perform the skills, preparedness to assist in an operation and preparedness for internship, regardless of the seniority of their instructor. Students taught by a staff surgeon felt better prepared to assist in laparoscopic procedures. Simulation-based teaching of defined surgical skills can be effectively conducted by peers and near-peers. The implications are widespread and may be most relevant where time and resources are limited, and where experienced teachers are scarce.

Evaluation of an Ecological Interface Design–Driven Augmentative and Alternative Communication Interface

This study evaluated the change in usability, mental workload and information transfer rate associated with an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interface designed through ecological interface design (EID). The design and development process is detailed in Shea et al. (2021) . Digital AAC interfaces are considered high-tech interventions for individuals who experience complex communication needs (e.g., from etiologies such as cerebral palsy) and enable users to select language options from a visual display. Interface usability, mental workload and information transfer rate collectively influence users’ communication. Ten AAC-naïve participants engaged in three semi–scripted conversations (verbal, AAC-mediated commercial interface, and EID interfaces) with an actor. Augmentative and alternative communication interfaces were accessed through a single switch pathway. Information transfer rate, error rate, heart rate variability and subjective workload performance measures were recorded for every trial. During AAC-mediated trials, interface interactions were also documented. The EID AAC interface presented improved communication in 5 out of 7 performance measures ( p &lt; .05). The EID AAC interface was associated with a significantly higher information transfer rate, lower error rate, less time elapsed between switch activations, less switch activation per word communicated and lower subjective workload. The application of EID to an AAC interface can lead to a significantly improved communication experience.

The interplay between objective and subjective measures of salesperson performance: towards an integrated approach

The frameworks to measure salesperson performance have not advanced in parallel with the degree of transformation of professional selling. To address this issue, research in organizational performance advocates for the use of more comprehensive and integrated measurement frameworks, incorporating both objective and subjective measures. However, in sales research, this integrated approach is rare, with most studies using either objective or subjective measurement. Thus, in this article, we explore the combined use of objective and subjective measures of salesperson performance. We conduct a systematic review of sales performance and then investigate empirically, through a survey of 207 salespeople and 39 interviews with sales leaders, the specific role played by subjective measures of individual sales performance. A key finding of the study is the widespread use of diverse measures of performance in practice and the limited measurement approaches used in sales research. We contribute by articulating the differences in the conceptualization and operationalization of salesperson performance between industry practice and scholarly research. We propose a set of principles for selecting measures of performance in sales and present a framework that extends current conceptualizations of effectiveness and efficiency by incorporating a third dimension, competency, that also needs to be measured.

Early life socioeconomic differences in associations between childhood sleep and academic performance

Poor sleep can negatively impact children's academic performance. However, it is unknown whether early-life socioeconomic status (SES) moderates later sleep and academics. We tested associations between actigraphy-based sleep duration and midpoint time, and parent-reported sleep problems with objective and subjective measures of academic performance. We also examined whether relations varied by early and concurrent SES. Children (n = 707; 52% female; Mage = 8.44 years; 28.7% Hispanic/Latino; 29.7% at/below poverty line) were assessed at 12 months for SES and eight years for SES, sleep, and academics. There were no main effects of sleep on academics. More sleep problems predicted lower Applied Problems performance for low SES children (b = −0.73, p < .05) and better performance for high SES children (b = 0.69, p < .05). For high SES children, greater sleep problems (b = −0.11, p < .05) and longer sleep duration (b = −0.11, p < .05) predicted lower academic achievement. However, most associations were consistent across SES, illustrating the complex interplay between sleep, academic outcomes, and SES.

Quality Management of Prehospital Pediatric Respiratory Distress and Airway Programs: An NAEMSP Position Statement and Resource Document

The unique challenges of pediatric respiratory and airway emergencies require the development and maintenance of a prehospital quality management program that includes pediatric-focused medical oversight and clinical care expertise, data collection, operational considerations, focused education, and clinician competency evaluation. NAEMSP recommends: Medical director oversight must include a focus on pediatric airway and respiratory management and integrate pediatric-specific elements in guideline development, competency assessment, and skills maintenance efforts. EMS agencies are encouraged to collaborate with medical professionals who have expertise in pediatric emergency care to provide support for quality management initiatives in pediatric respiratory distress and airway management. EMS agencies should define quality indicators for pediatric-specific elements in respiratory distress and airway management and benchmark performance based on regional and national standards. EMS agencies should implement both quantitative (objective) and qualitative (subjective) measures of performance to assess competency in pediatric respiratory distress and airway management. EMS agencies choosing to incorporate pediatric endotracheal intubation or supraglottic airway insertion must use pediatric-specific quality management benchmarks and perform focused review of advanced airway management.

Machine Learning Approaches to Understanding and Predicting Patterns of Adherence

In cognitive training of older adults, adherence is a major challenge, but appropriate just-in-time adaptive interventions can improve adherence. To understand adherence patterns and predictors of adherence lapses, we aggregated data from two previous trials (N > 230) involving home-based cognitive interventions. This dataset, detailing 40,000 intervention interactions, contains information about intervention engagement and measures of objective and subjective cognitive performance, demographics, technology proficiency, and attitudes. Exploratory analyses were conducted to understand patterns and predictors of faltering adherence, using classification models, together with feature selection to remove redundant variables. Adherence behaviors in a week were predictive of quitting the following week. Game parameters such as the time of play were weak indicators of future playing patterns, whereas game success was a strong predictor of adherence. These and other useful observations will be incorporated in the design and development of the smart reminder system to be deployed in the APPT project.

Impact of taxane-based chemotherapy among older women with breast cancer on cognition and quality of life: a longitudinal pooled analysis.

Older cancer patients are susceptible to long-term effects of chemotherapy, including cancer-related cognitive decline and impairments to quality of life. Taxane-based chemotherapies are associated with physical declines among older women and may negatively impact cognitive performance. We sought to examine whether changes in objective and subjective measures of cognitive performance and well-being differ among older breast cancer survivors as a function of taxane-based chemotherapy treatment regimens. Individual-level data were pooled and harmonized from two large prospective studies of older (greater than 60years) breast cancer survivors. Assessments were conducted prior to systemic therapy and up to 36 months after. Cognitive performance was assessed with objective (working memory, processing speed, and executive functions) and subjective tests and physical, emotional, and functional well-being were also assessed. One hundred and sixty-seven (M age = 67.3years) women with 116 receiving chemotherapy with taxanes and 51 without taxanes contributed data. Declines in subjective cognition for both groups were significant between pre-treatment and 12-month follow-up. Significant improvements were seen on a measure of objective cognition (working memory) from 12 to 36 months. Measures of well-being improved from prior to systemic therapy to 12 months. Longitudinal changes across all measures did not vary as a function of receipt of taxane-based treatment. Older women who received treatment with taxanes did not have greater declines in cognitive performance or well-being than women receiving other chemotherapy regimens. Despite older cancer survivors being at greater risk for negative outcomes, treatment with taxane-based chemotherapies does not appear to exacerbate these health consequences.