Suitable Assessment Methods Research Articles

THE OPINION OF CLASS TEACHERS ON THE MOST APPROPRIATE METHODS OF ASSESSING PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Assessment is vital in education, allowing teachers to evaluate students' achievements and promote their development. In physical education (PE), assessment measures motor skills and emphasizes physical activity's importance for health and well-being. In Slovenia, PE has traditionally been an assessed subject, with this study focusing on classroom teachers' opinions about the most suitable assessment methods in elementary schools. Data were collected from 68 classroom teachers via an online survey between November 2021 and January 2022. Teachers shared their preferences for PE assessment methods using a five-point Likert scale. The majority (61.8%) preferred verbal grading (e.g., "very successful"), 20.6% preferred descriptive grading, and 17.6% chose numerical grading (1–5). Compared to past studies, preferences for descriptive assessment have declined, while verbal assessment has gained popularity. Numerical grading remains less favored. Interestingly, verbal grading, preferred by most teachers, is not currently used in Slovenia due to the nine-year elementary school system. This reveals a significant gap between teachers’ preferences and legally mandated assessment methods. The study highlights a concerning lack of understanding among teachers about the characteristics and purposes of different assessment methods, as well as insufficient familiarity with the Rules for the assessment and grading of knowledge and the progression of pupils in elementary school. It emphasizes the need for additional support and training for teachers in assessing PE. While classroom teachers possess the skills to manage all subjects, this does not ensure their confidence or competence in delivering high-quality lessons in specialized areas like physical education.

Evaluation of undergraduate medical programs in Algeria.

Introduction. The overhaul of the first cycle of medical graduation studies in Algeria began in 2018. The programs of this overhaul provided for, in addition to curricular changes, content, teaching, and assessment methods. Our aim is to evaluate the new curriculum for the first cycle of medical studies at the Faculty of Medicine of Batna 2 University in Algeria. Materials and methods. This was a quantitative study. The evaluation protocol of the Conférence internationale des Doyens et des Facultés de Médecine d'Expression Française (CIDMEF) was contextualized for the process of evaluating undergraduate medical curricula. This study involved both students and teachers. The evaluation covered organization, content, timetable, objectives, teaching methods, and assessment methods. The questionnaires were prepared using Google Forms and distributed online. The variables were scored using a Lickert scale from 1 to 5. Anonymity was respected. Results. Out of 1893 students enrolled in the first, second, and third years of medicine, 878 completed the questionnaires, with a participation rate of 46.38%. The general objectives of the programs were achieved with mean scores of 2.40 ±0.054 for the students and 3.81 ±0.148 for the teachers. The timetable for most subjects was respected. Lecturing proved to be the dominant method of theoretical teaching, to the benefit of active contextual learning (distance learning, work placements, simulation, etc.), which remained underdeveloped. MCQs were considered to be the most suitable assessment method for students (3.52 ±0.067) and even less so for teachers (2.82 ±0.242). Conclusion. Evaluation of the undergraduate medical curriculum has revealed positive elements that need to be consolidated and weaknesses that need to be remedied.

Efficient evaluation of near-singular integrals of the eXtended Isogeometric Boundary Element Method for three-dimensional fracture mechanics

The Boundary Element Method (BEM) has proven to be a suitable method for the numerical assessment of numerous engineering problems in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms. In particular, BEM robustly handles discontinuities in the mechanical response present in fracture mechanics applications. Additionally, its boundary-only nature simplifies the re-meshing process during crack growth modelling. Furthermore, coupling BEM with isogeometric analysis (IgA) is straightforward, as both strategies rely on boundary representation, enabling the direct use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) geometry as the mesh for the method. IgA basis functions can accurately represent complex surfaces such as spheres and toroids. In this context, the Isogeometric Boundary Element Method (IGABEM) emerges as a reliable tool for solving engineering problems, combining the advantages of BEM with the improved geometric accuracy provided by IgA. In addition, a relevant approach in fracture mechanics is using enrichment functions that incorporate known solution fields, addressing response aspects that standard isogeometric basis functions cannot capture. Combining the enrichment strategy with IGABEM leads to the eXtended IGABEM (XIGABEM) method. Specifically, enriching functions that account for the square-root inverse behaviour on crack surfaces promotes several improvements, such as improved convergence rate and removal of a non-physical jump displacement in the crack front. Another advantage is the direct extraction of Stress Intensity Factors (SIF) as system variables, eliminating the need for costly extraction techniques in three-dimensional problems. However, near-singular integrals appear after the Singularity Subtraction Technique (SST) of the enriching terms in 3D XIGABEM. This study proposes using the hyperbolic sine transformation for the near singular surface integrals that arise from the SST to evaluate them efficiently. Numerical applications demonstrate a reduction in the required integration points for these integrals compared to traditional methods. Therefore, this advancement in the XIGABEM framework reduces the computational cost of this strategy while maintaining accuracy.

The Identification of Land Use Conflicts and Policy Implications for Donghai County Based on the “Production–Living–Ecological” Functions

The rapid development of urbanization has continuously encroached on people’s living space and ecological space, leading to an imbalance in territorial spatial functions. Identifying potential land use conflicts and optimizing land use structure are conducive to carrying out territorial spatial planning rationally. In this paper, we adopt the suitability assessment method to evaluate the suitability of land for production, living, and ecological functions and then use the land use conflict identification matrix to identify land use conflicts in Donghai County and make relevant suggestions according to the intensity of land use conflicts. The results of this study show the following: (1) the areas of suitable land use zones, strong conflict zones, medium conflict zones, and weak conflict zones in Donghai County are, respectively, 58.83%, 10.62%, 26.31%, and 4.24%. (2) The spatial distribution differences in the different conflict zones could determine the pertinence of conflict mitigation and spatial planning. In the process of the urbanization of Donghai County, ecological environmental protection is still the top priority. (3) It is necessary to economically and intensively use construction land, improving its fine management level. Land use efficiency should be maximized, and the spatial distribution of national territory should be reasonably optimized while strengthening the guiding role of planning. This study addresses land conflicts from the perspective of spatial planning rather than economic behavior. It also provides significant insight into land use layout at the county level, which is exactly what China is exploring in the new era.

First validation of the method Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure in coal mining area using a long-term field revegetation experiment as testbed

First validation of the method Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure in coal mining area using a long-term field revegetation experiment as testbed

How to make virtual field guides, and use them to bridge field- and classroom teaching

At the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), fieldwork is an important part of all courses, but the transition from theory in the classroom to the arctic reality is a challenge. Other common challenges with course-related fieldwork are insufficient preparation, no possibilities to revisit a location to repeat difficult issues or resolve misunderstandings, and lack of suitable assessment methods of field-related learning outcomes. To narrow the gap between theory and practice and improve the alignment between field-related learning outcomes, activities, and assessment, we created a set of virtual field guides (VFG) from different locations in Svalbard based on 360-Degrees photographs collected during summer 2019. The VFGs were intended for use in combination with fieldwork in terrestrial biology courses the following years. Due to COVID-19, all courses were cancelled in 2020, and UNIS had reduced activity in 2021. The VFGs were therefore tested and evaluated by former students that had visited the locations the VFGs represented, but had not used VFGs as an integrated tool to prepare their field course. Evaluation data were collected through an anonymous survey. Eight of 16 students responded. We also collected experiences from arranging a post-fieldwork learning activity (16 students) that required knowledge of “reading landscapes,” a typical field skill. The current feedback indicates that VFGs provide students with a more realistic picture of what awaits them in the field, and aid preparing, planning, and recapitulation activities of fieldwork, but cannot substitute for fieldwork. However, VFGs can be used to practice and assess certain field-related skills. The learning potential in fieldwork is huge, but rarely fully utilized. We provide a “how to” guide for making VFGs, and argue that these rather simple digital tools improve field learning and better utilization of investments in field activities.

Evaluating the Efficacy of the Male Annihilation Technique in Managing Oriental Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Populations through Microscopic Assessment of Female Spermathecae.

The male annihilation technique (MAT) plays a crucial role in the pest management program of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). However, a suitable method for real-time and accurate assessment of MAT's control efficiency has not been established. Laboratory investigations found that motile sperms can be observed clearly under the microscope when the spermathecae dissected from mated females were torn, and no sperms were found in the spermathecae of virgin females. Furthermore, it was confirmed that sperms can be preserved in the spermathecae for more than 50 days once females have mated. Laboratory results also indicated that proportion of mated females decreased from 100% to 2% when the sex ratio (♀:♂) was increased from 1:1 to 100:1. Further observation revealed that there were no significant differences in the superficial area of the ovary or spermatheca between mated females and virgin females. Field investigations revealed that the proportion of mated females (PMF) could reach 81.2% in abandoned mango orchards, whereas the PMF was less than 36.4% in mango orchards where MAT was applied. This indicates that the PMF of the field population can be determined by examining the presence of sperms in the spermathecae. Therefore, we suggest that this method can be used to monitor the control efficiency when MAT is used in the field.

Pattern of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Head and Neck Swelling in Patients Attending a Tertiary Health Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Fine needle aspiration cytology is a simple, rapid, cost-effective method in diagnosis of head and neck swelling with minimal risk of complications. Head and neck swellings include a broad spectrum of diseases with different management for each. Fine needle aspiration cytology is a suitable and useful method for assessment of these swelling. This study was done with the objective to study the frequency and distribution of various head and neck lesions detected by fine needle aspiration cytology. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pathology in a tertiary care center from February 1 to July 31, 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: IRC-PA-191/2078-79). All the patients presenting with head and neck swelling during the study period were included in this study. Total sampling was done. Fine needle aspiration was done and cytological diagnosis was made. Descriptive analysis was done where frequency and percentage were calculated. Out of 112 cases included in the study, 43 (38.40%) were of lymph nodes, 36 (32.14%) of thyroid, 22 (19.64%) of skin and soft tissue and 11 (9.82%) of salivary glands. Among the lymph nodes cases, there were 11 (25.57%) metastases. In thyroid lesions, beingn lesions were seen in 24 (66.68%). This study found that lymph nodes were the most common site for head and neck swellings, frequently involving metastatic lesions.

Stabilization of lead (Pb)- and arsenic (As)-contaminated soil using pen shells (Atrina pectinata).

Pen shells (PS), a type of shellfish, are abundantly consumed, and their inedible shell residues are often discarded near the coast without consideration of reutilization. This study sought to investigate the use of natural pen shells (NPS) and calcined pen shells (CPS) to stabilize Pb and As-contaminated soil. During the investigation, NPS and CPS were applied to the contaminated soil in amounts ranging from 1 to 10 wt% and cured for 28days. After the curing process, the mineral phase was examined through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) analysis. The XRD and SEM-EDX results revealed the presence of riversideite and ettringite, which contribute to Pb and As stabilization in the CPS-treated soil. The leachability of Pb and As in the treated soil was further examined with three types of chemical extraction methods. Extraction results using 0.1M HCl displayed a notable pH fluctuation in the extractant due to the residual amendments (NPS and CPS). The fluctuation resulted in a strong correlation of leached Pb and As with the pH of the extractant, which might hinder an accurate assessment of stabilization. In order to minimize the effect of pH, an EDTA-NH4OAc extraction was employed, suggesting its potential as a suitable assessment method. EDTA-NH4OAc extraction showed a higher effectiveness of CPS than NPS at 10 wt% of input amounts. In the SBET extraction, that uses a strongly acidic solution, a higher As leachability was observed by increasing the addition of CPS, which implied a CPS-related chemical fixation mechanism. The comparison of various extraction methods showed a higher CPS effectiveness as compared to NPS. However, it was recommended that CPS-treated soil required caution in strongly acidic conditions, especially for arsenic. This study explores the applicability of PS, which has not been investigated as an amendment for Pb and As-contaminated soil previously. Furthermore, this study revealed that utilization of various extraction methods is beneficial for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the role of CaCO3-based amendment in Pb and As-contaminated soil.

Critical review of common approaches to evaluate fin condition of farmed fish

Fin condition is one of the most frequently used welfare parameters for farmed fish. However, several methods for actually evaluating and calculating fin conditions have been used in the past. What we would expect from a suitable welfare assessment method is a high reliability (i.e., correlation with other welfare factors) and a low variability between different fish sizes allowing to use the method in a fish farm more easily. For the present study, farm data from 6 different fish farms in Switzerland have been collected for more than 19 months and different methods for calculating the fin conditions have been used and compared. The selected fish farms raised 3 different fish species, so that also species-specific differences in fin characteristics could be evaluated. The results indicate that the area index (AI) method is the most promising assessment method for the investigated fish. Further fish farms and fish species should be included in similar investigations in the future to confirm the relevance of these results.

NON-INVASIVE CENTRAL BLOOD PRESSURE AND INTRACRANIAL WAVEFORM ASSESSMENT IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Objective: Hypertension (HT) remains as the leading cause of death around the globe and brain diseases, such as cognitive decline. The association between HT and cerebrovascular diseases is strong, mainly with stroke and cognitive impairment, but the mechanistic bases remain to be established. The objective of this study is to observe central blood pressure, arterial stiffness and intracranial pressure in long-term chronic hypertensive patients. Design and method: Patients above 18 years were assessed from November 2022 to August 2023 with non-invasive central blood pressure and intracranial pressure waveform measurements in a cross-sectional analysis. Peripheral and central blood pressure parameters were obtained using a validated oscillometric device (Mobil-O-Graph). Non-invasive intracranial pressure measurement was performed with the validated Brain4Care (B4C) sensor. Using the B4C non-invasive evaluation, the cut-off point identified to define ICHT by the P2/P1 ratio was > 1.2, and the cut-off for time to peak (TTP) was > 0.25 seconds. To compare P2/P1 and TTP values between the categories of quantitative variables, the chi-square test was used; the Mann Whitney or ANOVA tests were used for bivariate analyses; and for correlations, the Spearman test was used. It was adopted as significant at p < 0,05. Results: Non-invasive central blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and intracranial pressure waveform assessment were performed in 145 patients with essential long-term hypertension over a period of ten months. The median age was 69.0 (61.8 – 75.7) years, 77.9% were female, and the median BMI was 29.0 (25.4 – 33.1) kg/m2. The average time since the hypertension diagnosis was 20.0 years. The median value of P2/P1 ratio for all cohort was 1.4 (1.2 – 1.5) and TTP 0.24 (0.21 – 0.29) seconds. A bivariate analysis was performed considering ICHT or not and the parameters of central BP and PWV assessments, with findings of higher central SBP, central DBP, and peripheral DBP among patients with ICHT by the parameter of P2/P1. Conclusions: Central systolic blood pressure levels are more linked to intracranial hypertension, while diastolic blood pressure values are similar, raising questions about the most suitable blood pressure assessment method for brain disorders.

Predict student learning styles and suitable assessment methods using click stream

Predict student learning styles and suitable assessment methods using click stream

Development of Quantitative Comparative Approaches to Support Complex Generic Drug Development.

On October 27-28, 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Research on Complex Generics (CRCG) hosted a virtual public workshop titled "Best Practices for Utilizing Modeling Approaches to Support Generic Product Development." This report summarizes the presentations and panel discussions for a session titled "Development of Quantitative Comparative Approaches to Support Complex Generic Drug Development." This session featured speakers and panelists from both the generic industry and the FDA who described applications of advanced quantitative approaches for generic drug development and regulatory assessment within three main topics of interest: (1) API sameness assessment for complex generics, (2) particle size distribution assessment, and (3) dissolution profile similarity comparison. The key takeaways were that the analysis of complex data poses significant challenges to the application of conventional statistical bioequivalence methods, and there are various opportunities for using data analytics approaches for developing and applying suitable equivalence assessment method.

Suitability assessment method for safe robot tooling design in Human-Robot Collaborative applications

Suitability assessment method for safe robot tooling design in Human-Robot Collaborative applications

Surface Electromyography in the Field of Human Factors and Ergonomic Muscle Fatigue: A Narrative Review

Recently Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) and Fatigue are taking on an important role especially in the progressive increase and tightening of the human-machine interface. Many ergonomists are currently using surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals techniques to investigate and assess muscle fatigue. Therefore, this paper provides a narrative review of current research on sEMG techniques in the field of human factors and ergonomic muscle fatigue.Evaluate and summarize studies related to the use of sEMG in human factors and ergonomics to probe muscle fatigue.Selected articles included publications in journals, books, and conference proceedings between 2012 and 2022 and assessed muscle activity in research using surface EMG techniques, intervention studies in real human subjects, quantitative research methods and evaluation tools, and authoritative study design.The final review included 32 articles and found that surface EMG studies in the field of human factors and ergonomic muscle fatigue mainly included risk assessment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout design assessment, usability assessment, and exoskeleton optimization assessment. Moreover, the current EMG experiments have significant variability in ideal and realistic conditions, and the lack of standardization of data and methods, which limits the development and application of EMG signals in human factors and ergonomic studies.The findings of this study can help ergonomists to understand the current research progress of sEMG techniques in this field in order to better select suitable, reliable, and accurate methods for human factors and ergonomic muscle fatigue assessment.

Multistate transition and coupled solid–liquid modeling of motion process of long-runout landslide

Multistate transition and coupled solid–liquid modeling of motion process of long-runout landslide

Literature Review Hydration Assessment Methods in the Elderly Population: Advantages and Disadvantages

Background: The elderly population is vulnerable to hydration problems, which can have adverse effects on their health. Accurate and reliable hydration assessment methods are crucial for effective detection, monitoring, and management of hydration status in the elderly. However, there is currently no consensus on the optimal method. Objectives: This literature aims to analyze the hydration assessment methods used in the elderly population and evaluate their strengths and limitations. Methods: This study gathered data from relevant literature and research articles obtained from journals in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Articles were searched using keywords such as Hydration Assessment, Hydration Markers, and (elderly OR older). Data sources included publications from official websites and research journals. The literature review process involved selecting the review topic, searching for relevant articles, and analyzing and synthesizing the available literature. Discussion: Several hydration assessment methods in the elderly include biochemical parameters, clinical signs and symptoms, bioimpedance analysis (BIA), and ultrasonography. However, no single method can provide a comprehensive picture of dehydration status in the elderly. Conclusions: When selecting an appropriate assessment method, factors such as assessment goals, strengths, limitations, sensitivity, specificity, cost, equipment availability, ease of use, and time required need to be considered. By considering these factors, researchers can choose the most suitable hydration assessment method for the elderly population, thereby obtaining accurate and relevant information for proper management and care.

Research on a Multi-Species Combined Habitat Suitability Assessment Method for Various Fish Species

To reveal the evolution of habitat distribution for multiple fish species in the lower reaches of the Gongzui Hydropower Station, this study conducted a catch survey to determine the target species of the reach. Based on their suitability curves, a combined suitability assessment model for multiple fish species was constructed. The reliability of the model was verified by combining acoustic observations of flow fields and fish distribution in specific flow conditions. A two-dimensional hydrodynamic model was coupled to quantitatively analyze the distribution characteristics of fish habitat patches under different flow conditions. The results indicate that the correlation coefficient between the multi-species comprehensive suitability index and the number of fish is 0.676, which indicates that the model can better evaluate the distribution of multiple fish habitats in the study river reach; the weighted usable area (WUA) decreased as the discharge increased; from low flow condition (<800 m3/s) to high flow condition (>2000 m3/s), the patch area of suitable habitat decreased from 11,424 m2 to 1268 m2, and the connectivity between patches also showed a downward trend; and the habitat shifted to the near-shore area of the downstream wider and shallower section, which was highly correlated with the migration process of low-depth and low-velocity areas. The model proposed in this study can establish a rapid response between the suitable habitat distribution of multiple fish species and discharge conditions, which can provide a research method for quantitative evaluation of multi-species habitats in river, and make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of riverine fisheries resources and river water ecology.

A protocol of Chinese expert consensuses for the management of health risk in the general public.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Robust evidence has demonstrated that modifiable lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity are the primary causes of NCDs. Although a series of guidelines for the management of NCDs have been published in China, these guidelines mainly focus on clinical practice targeting clinicians rather than the general population, and the evidence for NCD prevention based on modifiable lifestyle factors has been disorganized. Therefore, comprehensive and evidence-based guidance for the risk management of major NCDs for the general Chinese population is urgently needed. To achieve this overarching aim, we plan to develop a series of expert consensuses covering 15 major NCDs on health risk management for the general Chinese population. The objectives of these consensuses are (1) to identify and recommend suitable risk assessment methods for the Chinese population; and (2) to make recommendations for the prevention of major NCDs by integrating the current best evidence and experts' opinions. For each expert consensus, we will establish a consensus working group comprising 40-50 members. Consensus questions will be formulated by integrating literature reviews, expert opinions, and an online survey. Systematic reviews will be considered as the primary evidence sources. We will conduct new systematic reviews if there are no eligible systematic reviews, the methodological quality is low, or the existing systematic reviews have been published for more than 3 years. We will evaluate the quality of evidence and make recommendations according to the GRADE approach. The consensuses will be reported according to the Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT).

Multi-Level Numerical Modelling and Analysis of Tile Vaults

The complex structural behaviour of masonry, with its brittle response in tension, frictional response in shear, and anisotropy, makes it challenging to model accurately. Tile vaults, with their unique features such as different binders and bricks placed flat, have distinctive structural performance, and determining the most suitable assessment method is still a subject of debate in both academic and professional circles. This paper presents a study on the structural analysis of tile vaults, aiming at evaluating different numerical approaches for this type of structure. The examination of these approaches and their effectiveness in capturing the structural behaviour of tile vaults intends to offer valuable insights to researchers and professionals in this field. Experimental research was initially carried out in order to provide data for the calibration of the structural models. Two full-scale vaults were tested. Furthermore, several material characterization tests were also performed. The numerical assessment was carried out through limit analysis and non-linear static analysis with numerical models based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). Two FEM models were prepared using different modelling approaches for masonry, namely the macro-modelling and the simplified micro-modelling approaches. The results of the limit analysis presented a load capacity significantly lower than the ultimate load obtained from the experimental tests. The calibrated FEM models presented good results in comparison to the experimental results, namely in terms of damage pattern and load capacity.