Task Group Research Articles

Developing an Application for Document Analysis with Latent Dirichlet Allocation: A Case Study in Integrated Quality Assurance System

Background As part of the transition of every higher education institution into an intelligent campus here in the Philippines, the Commission of Higher Education has launched a program for the development of smart campuses for state universities and colleges to improve operational efficiency in the country. With regards to the commitment of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges to improve the accreditation operation and to resolve the evident problems in the accreditation process, the researchers propose this study as part of an Integrated Quality Assurance System that aims to develop an intelligent model that will be used in categorizing and automating tagging of archived documents used during accreditation. Methods As a guide in modeling the study, the researchers use an agile method as it promotes flexibility, speed, and, most importantly, continuous improvement in developing, testing, documenting, and even after delivery of the software. This method helped the researchers design the prototype with the implementation of the said model to aid the file searching process and label tagging. Moreover, a computational analysis is also included to understand the result from the devised model further. Results As a result, from the processed sample corpus, the document labels are faculty, activities, library, research, and materials. The labels generated are based on the total relative frequencies, which are 0.009884, 0.008825, 0.007413, 0.007413, and 0.006354, respectively, that have been computed between the ratio of how many times the term was used in the document and the total word count of the whole document. Conclusions The devised model and prototype support the organization in file storing and categorization of accreditation documents. Through this, retrieving and classifying the data is easier, which is the main problem for the task group. Further, other clustering, modeling, and text classification patterns can be integrated into the prototype.

AAPM WGPE report 394: Simulated error training for the physics plan and chart review.

Simulated error training is a method to practice error detection in situations where the occurrence of error is low. Such is the case for the physics plan and chart review where a physicist may check several plans before encountering a significant problem. By simulating potentially hazardous errors, physicists can become familiar with how they manifest and learn from mistakes made during a simulated plan review. The purpose of this project was to develop a series of training datasets that allows medical physicists and trainees to practice plan and chart reviews in a way that is familiar and accessible, and to provide exposure to the various failure modes (FMs) encountered in clinical scenarios. A series of training datasets have been developed that include a variety of embedded errors based on the risk-assessment performed by American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group 275 for the physics plan and chart review. The training datasets comprise documentation, screen shots, and digital content derived from common treatment planning and radiation oncology information systems and are available via the Cloud-based platform ProKnow. Overall, 20 datasets have been created incorporating various software systems (Mosaiq, ARIA, Eclipse, RayStation, Pinnacle) and delivery techniques. A total of 110 errors representing 50 different FMs were embedded with the 20 datasets. The project was piloted at the 2021 AAPM Annual Meeting in a workshop where participants had the opportunity to review cases and answer survey questions related to errors they detected and their perception of the project's efficacy. In general, attendees detected higher-priority FMs at a higher rate, though no correlation was found between detection rate and the detectability of the FMs. Familiarity with a given system appeared to play a role in detecting errors, specifically when related to missing information at different locations within a given software system. Overall, 96% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the ProKnow portal and training datasets were effective as a training tool, and 75% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they planned to use the tool at their local institution. The datasets and digital platform provide a standardized and accessible tool for training, performance assessment, and continuing education regarding the physics plan and chart review. Work is ongoing to expand the project to include more modalities, radiation oncology treatment planning and information systems, and FMs based on emerging techniques such as auto-contouring and auto-planning.

Dynamics of Information Flow and Task Allocation of Social Insect Colonies: Impacts of Spatial Interactions and Task Switching.

Models of social interaction dynamics have been powerful tools for understanding the efficiency of information spread and the robustness of task allocation in social insect colonies. How workers spatially distribute within the colony, or spatial heterogeneity degree (SHD), plays a vital role in contact dynamics, influencing information spread and task allocation. We used agent-based models to explore factors affecting spatial heterogeneity and information flow, including the number of task groups, variation in spatial arrangements, and levels of task switching, to study: (1) the impact of multiple task groups on SHD, contact dynamics, and information spread, and (2) the impact of task switching on SHD and contact dynamics. Both models show a strong linear relationship between the dynamics of SHD and contact dynamics, which exists for different initial conditions. The multiple-task-group model without task switching reveals the impacts of the number and spatial arrangements of task locations on information transmission. The task-switching model allows task-switching with a probability through contact between individuals. The model indicates that the task-switching mechanism enables a dynamical state of task-related spatial fidelity at the individual level. This spatial fidelity can assist the colony in redistributing their workforce, with consequent effects on the dynamics of spatial heterogeneity degree. The spatial fidelity of a task group is the proportion of workers who perform that task and have preferential walking styles toward their task location. Our analysis shows that the task switching rate between two tasks is an exponentially decreasing function of the spatial fidelity and contact rate. Higher spatial fidelity leads to more agents aggregating to task location, reducing contact between groups, thus making task switching more difficult. Our results provide important insights into the mechanisms that generate spatial heterogeneity and deepen our understanding of how spatial heterogeneity impacts task allocation, social interaction, and information spread.

The Relationship Between Different Levels of Autonomy, Inhibition Dimensions and Working Memory in People with Down Syndrome

ABSTRACT Inhibition and Working Memory (WM) are crucial predictors of everyday life autonomies in people with Down Syndrome (DS). We aimed to investigate the possible relationship between different levels of autonomy, inhibitory sub-components and WM in people with DS. Twenty-two adolescents and adults with DS were enrolled in the study and were assessed with tasks tapping on response inhibition, interference suppression and WM. With a questionnaire on levels of autonomy, educators evaluated the sample with DS. Considering levels of autonomy, we divided participants into two groups: one with lower levels of autonomy and one with medium-to-high levels of autonomy. Results showed differences between the two groups in WM tasks and both inhibitory dimensions. More specifically, interference suppression seems to have a major role in the acquisition of important, more structured aspects of autonomy such as shopping, behaviour on the road, communication and reading-writing skills. On the other hand, response inhibition seems to be linked to crucial aspects of learning, such as reading and writing and handling a telephone. The results are discussed in terms of possible implementation in training in clinical and educational settings.

Ability of Adjusting Grip Strength From Childhood to Adulthood

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the ability to adjust grip strength by comparing the characteristics of force generation and relaxation from childhood to adulthood. Method: This study included 225 participants aged 6, 11, 17, and 19–23 years (adults) who performed isometric hand-grip force as follows: maximum, half generation, and half relaxation. The force was recorded, and relative values and errors were calculated for half tasks. Results: The maximum task values increased with age, but there was no significant age difference between 17-year-olds and adults. The difference between sexes was significant; males were stronger than females in both 17-year-olds and adults. Both sexes in all age groups had greater errors in half relaxation than in half generation tasks. Females had negatively greater constant error than males in half tasks. The errors of 6-year-olds were greater than the other age groups in half tasks. Conclusion: There is a developmental trend for producing maximal strength that is similar across sexes until adolescence when males are stronger and females plateau. The ability of force relaxation was more difficult to accurately control than force generation for all age groups and was adult-like by middle childhood.

Adult brain tumour research in 2024: Status, challenges and recommendations.

In 2015, a groundswell of brain tumour patient, carer and charity activism compelled the UK Minister for Life Sciences to form a brain tumour research task and finish group. This resulted, in 2018, with the UK government pledging £20m of funding, to be paralleled with £25m from Cancer Research UK, specifically for neuro-oncology research over the subsequent 5 years. Herein, we review if and how the adult brain tumour research landscape in the United Kingdom has changed over that time and what challenges and bottlenecks remain. We have identified seven universal brain tumour research priorities and three cross-cutting themes, which span the research spectrum from bench to bedside and back again. We discuss the status, challenges and recommendations for each one, specific to the United Kingdom.

Validation and Efficiency Evaluation of Automated Quality Assurance Software SunCHECK™ Machine for Mechanical and Dosimetric Quality Assurance.

Recent decades have witnessed transformative advances in radiation physics and computer technology, revolutionizing the precision of radiation therapy. The adoption of intricate treatment techniques such as three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, volumetric-modulated arc therapy, and image-guided radiotherapy necessitates robust quality assurance (QA) programs. This study introduces the SunCHECK™ Machine (SCM), a web-based QA platform, presenting early results from its integration into a comprehensive QA program. linear accelerators (LINAC) demand QA programs to uphold machine characteristics within accepted tolerances. The increasing treatment complexity underscores the need for streamlined procedures. The selection of QA tools is vital, requiring efficiency, accuracy, and alignment with clinic needs, as per recommendations such as the AAPM task group 142 report. The materials and methods section details SCM implementation in various QA aspects, encompassing daily QA (DQA), imaging QA with Catphan, conventional output assessment with a water phantom, and LINAC isocenter verification through the Winston-Lutz test. Challenges in QA processes, such as manual data transcription and limited device integration, are highlighted. Early results demonstrate SCM's significant reduction in QA time, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Its automation eliminates interobserver variation and human errors, contributing to time savings and near-immediate result publication. SCM's role in consolidating and storing DQA data within a single platform is emphasized, offering potential in resource optimization, especially in resource-limited settings. In conclusion, SCM shows promise for efficient and accurate mechanical and dosimetric QA in radiation therapy. The study underscores SCM's potential to address contemporary QA challenges, contributing to improved resource utilization without compromising quality and safety standards.

1072 SIJ Fusion Device Testing

INTRODUCTION: Screw use for SIJ fixation began in the 1980s with the FDA first classifying SIJ fusion devices in 2002. For 40 years, no standardized test method existed. Various methodologies (for bone screw, intramedullary nail, or spinal fusion implants) were modified to accommodate the design and function of sacroiliac devices including ASTM F543’s torsion, pullout, and insertion tests, ASTM F1264’s three- or four-point bending tests, and ASTM F2193’s cantilever bending tests. For many years, SIJ fusion screw indications were limited to fixation of pelvic bones for sacroiliac joint disruptions and degenerative sacroiliitis. While the FDA typically accepted performance testing according to combinations of the aforementioned tests, the specific test expectations have been relatively undefined with inconsistent testing batteries from submission to submission. METHODS: Collaboration among testing experts, manufacturers, and FDA regulators within ASTM’s Spinal Devices sub-committee resulted in the development and publication of ASTM F3574 (Standard Test Methods for Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Devices) based on physiologic loading conditions in the joint as documented in published studies. These tests included: For SI Screws: • Static/dynamic cantilever bending •Static torsion •Driving torque •Pullout For SI Posterior Spacers: •Static/dynamic shear •Static/dynamic torsion. RESULTS: The medical device industry now has access to standardized test methods for SI devices while the FDA or other regulators now have device specific test methods to recommend for pre-clinical testing. CONCLUSIONS: Many new standards drag through years of development and refinement within sub-committees, but ASTM F3574 developed quickly due to efforts of the Spinal sub-committee task group to meet the needs for SI fusion devices.

An Interview with Dr. Stanley White, One of NASA's First Flight Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: In the early days of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), medicine in support of the astronauts was led by military experts from the U.S. Air Force as well as experts from the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. In the early years, a physician with expertise in aerospace medicine was assigned to the Space Task Group and then to NASA. One of these individuals was Dr. Stanley White, a U.S. Air Force physician. To capture more of the early space medicine pioneers, a contract was established between the National Library of Medicine and the principal investigator at the University of Cincinnati to conduct a series of interviews with these early pioneers. An interview with Dr. White took place in his home while he was in hospice care. This audiotaped interview and other written and oral histories within NASA archives and the literature were reviewed to support this work. A series of questions were prepared for the interaction with Dr. White. These questions provided further clarification on his background and contribution. Responses to questions elicited open-ended discussion. The conversation provided a historical summary of Dr. White's contribution to NASA as one of its first flight surgeons.Doarn CR. An interview with Dr. Stanley White, one of NASA's first flight surgeons. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(4):223-225.

Performance Evaluation of Deformable Image Registration Systems - SmartAdapt® and Velocity™.

To commission and validate commercial deformable image registration (DIR) systems (SmartAdapt® and Velocity™) using task group 132 (TG-132) digital phantom datasets. Additionally, the study compares and verifies the DIR algorithms of the two systems. TG-132 digital phantoms were obtained from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine website and imported into SmartAdapt® and Velocity™ systems for commissioning and validation. The registration results were compared with known shifts using rigid registrations and deformable registrations. Virtual head and neck phantoms obtained online (DIR Evaluation Project) and some selected clinical data sets from the department were imported into the two DIR systems. For both of these datasets, DIR was carried out between the source and target images, and the contours were then propagated from the source to the target image data set. The dice similarity coefficient (DSC), mean distance to agreement (MDA), and Jacobian determinant measures were utilised to evaluate the registration results. The recommended criteria for commissioning and validation of DIR system from TG-132 was error <0.5*voxel dimension (vd). Translation only registration: Both systems met TG-132 recommendations except computed tomography (CT)-positron emission tomography registration in both systems (Velocity ~1.1*vd, SmartAdapt ~1.6*vd). Translational and rotational registration: Both systems failed the criteria for all modalities (For velocity, error ranged from 0.6*vd [CT-CT registration] to 3.4*vd [CT-cone-beam CT (CBCT) registration]. For SmartAdapt® the range was 0.6*vd [CT-CBCT] to 3.6*vd [CT-CT]). Mean ± standard deviation for DSC, MDA and Jacobian metrics were used to compare the DIR results between SmartAdapt® and Velocity™. The DIR algorithms of SmartAdapt® and Velocity™ were commissioned and their deformation results were compared. Both systems can be used for clinical purpose. While there were only minimal differences between the two systems, Velocity™ provided lower values for parotids, bladder, rectum, and prostate (soft tissue) compared to SmartAdapt. However, for mandible, spinal cord, and femoral heads (rigid structures), both systems showed nearly identical results.

Assessing Heterogeneity Effects on Points A, B, and Organs at Risk Doses in High-dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer - A Comparison of 192Ir and 60Co Sources Using Monte Carlo N-Particle 5.

The present article deals with investigating the effects of tissue heterogeneity consideration on the dose distribution of 192Ir and 60Co sources in high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT). A Monte Carlo N-Particle 5 (MCNP5) code was developed for the simulation of the dose distribution in homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms for cervical cancer patients. The phantoms represented water-equivalent and human body-equivalent tissues. Treatment data for a patient undergoing HDR-BT with a 192Ir source were used as a reference for validation, and for 60Co, AAPM Task Group 43 methodology was also applied. The dose values were calculated for both source types in the phantoms. The results showed a good agreement between the calculated dose in the homogeneous phantom and the real patient's treatment data, with a relative difference of less than 5% for both sources. However, when comparing the absorbed doses at critical points such as Point A right, Point A left, Point B right, Point B left, bladder International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurement (ICRU) point, and recto-vaginal ICRU point, the study revealed significant percentage differences (approximately 5.85% to 12.02%) between the homogeneous and heterogeneous setups for both 192Ir and 60Co sources. The analysis of dose-volume histograms (DVH) indicated that organs at risk, notably the rectum and bladder, still received doses within recommended limits. The study concludes that 60Co and 192Ir sources can be effectively used in HDR-BT, provided that careful consideration is given to tissue heterogeneity effects during treatment planning to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.

The Adoption of AISC 360 for Offshore Structural Design Practices

The offshore design standards for U.S. practices refer to AISC specifications when designing structural components with nontubular shapes. The widely used API RP-2A WSD standard (API, 2014) asks designers to use the 1989 AISC Specification. The newly published API RP-2A LRFD and RP-2TOP ask designers to use the 2010 AISC Specification. Although the 2010 AISC Specification has been partially adopted by API, the current offshore practice is still primarily dominated by the 1989 AISC Specification. The key issue hampering the offshore community’s full adoption of the 2010 AISC Specification is the relative ease of accounting for second-order effects in the 1989 AISC Specification. In 2019, API formed a Task Group dedicated to studying this issue, with the main findings summarized in this paper. By illustrating the key code check process in two examples with an easy-to-understand format, this paper aims to assist offshore structural engineers to better understand the latest AISC specification. The authors also hope that this paper will serve as a communication path between the offshore structural community and AISC for current and future standards’ adoption and harmonization.

Sentence processing in monolinguals and trilinguals

ABSTRACT Extensive research exists on language processing in both monolinguals and bilinguals. Yet, whether the trends observed in these groups also apply to trilinguals remains to be determined. A deeper understanding of sentence processing in trilinguals could shed light on the theoretical foundations of multilingualism. This study compared conflict sentence processing in monolinguals and trilinguals during a conflict resolution task. Eighteen participants from both monolingual and trilingual groups undertook semantic acceptability and syntactic judgment tasks. Both behavioral (reaction time and accuracy) and electrophysiological (latency and amplitude) responses were recorded. The behavioral analysis showed no significant differences in accuracy between the groups for either task. However, monolinguals demonstrated shorter reaction times for both tasks. Electrophysiological data suggested variations between trilinguals and monolinguals based on the task type. Trilinguals had shorter latency times for the syntactic judgment task and higher amplitude responses for the semantic acceptability task. These findings indicate distinct sentence processing methods between monolinguals and trilinguals, as evidenced by the electrophysiological results. The growing body of research on trilingualism suggests that acquiring additional languages influences cognitive and linguistic processes.

Graph neural networks in vision-language image understanding: a survey

Abstract2D image understanding is a complex problem within computer vision, but it holds the key to providing human-level scene comprehension. It goes further than identifying the objects in an image, and instead, it attempts to understand the scene. Solutions to this problem form the underpinning of a range of tasks, including image captioning, visual question answering (VQA), and image retrieval. Graphs provide a natural way to represent the relational arrangement between objects in an image, and thus, in recent years graph neural networks (GNNs) have become a standard component of many 2D image understanding pipelines, becoming a core architectural component, especially in the VQA group of tasks. In this survey, we review this rapidly evolving field and we provide a taxonomy of graph types used in 2D image understanding approaches, a comprehensive list of the GNN models used in this domain, and a roadmap of future potential developments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive survey that covers image captioning, visual question answering, and image retrieval techniques that focus on using GNNs as the main part of their architecture.

Urdu Receptive Language Scale (URLS): Modification & development of protocol for administration in Urdu.

To conduct pretesting of Urdu Receptive Language Scale (URLS) for scale modification and development of protocol for administration on children. This exploratory research was conducted from December 2021 to June 2022 in Lahore, Pakistan. Objective was achieved by pretesting in three steps including literature review, expert review and pilot testing on infants, toddlers and children aged 0-6 years utilizing purposive sampling technique. For expert review five experts' speech language pathologists with minimum five years of experience and for pilot study 48 normal developing children age range birth to six years were recruited. The analysis was done using content validity ratio, content validity index and Cronbach alpha. Protocol for administration of test items and stimulus with minimum three correct responses among four children's responses were finalized. Of the 59 items, 57 with CVR = 0.99 were retained. Item number 3 (age 6-11 months) and item 5 (age 3.6-3.11 years) were eliminated as CVR was <0.99. CVI was one for retained items indicating acceptable validity. Cronbach's alpha was 0.95 indicating high level of internal consistency for the scale. Task groups of protocol of administration directions included: Selection of scale items, testing environment, seating arrangements, rapport building and involving the caregiver, handling the scale material and scoring the task responses. The modified 57 items has high validity and internal consistency with suitable protocol of administration. It is linguistically appropriate for the application on larger scale with children of different cultural backgrounds in Pakistan.

Commissioning and dosimetric verification of volumetric modulated arc therapy for multiple modalities using electronic portal imaging device-based 3D dosimetry system: a novel approach.

The purpose of this study was to validate an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) based 3-dimensional (3D) dosimetry system for the commissioning of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) delivery for flattening filter (FF) and flattening filter free (FFF) modalities based on test suites developed according to American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 119 (AAPM TG 119) and pre-treatment patient specific quality assurance (PSQA).With ionisation chamber, multiple-point measurement in various planes becomes extremely difficult and time-consuming, necessitating repeated exposure of the plan. The average agreement between measured and planned doses for TG plans is recommended to be within 3%, and both the ionisation chamber and PerFRACTION™ measurement were well within this prescribed limit. Both point dose differences with the planned dose and gamma passing rates are comparable with TG reported multi-institution results. From our study, we found that no significant differences were found between FF and FFF beams for measurements using PerFRACTION™ and ion chamber. Overall, PerFRACTION™ produces acceptable results to be used for commissioning and validating VMAT and for performing PSQA. The findings support the feasibility of integrating PerFRACTION™ into routine quality assurance procedures for VMAT delivery. Further multi-institutional studies are recommended to establish global baseline values and enhance the understanding of PerFRACTION™'s capabilities in diverse clinical settings.

Automated Test for Monthly Quality Assurance of Optical Surface Imaging Dynamic Localization Accuracy.

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) recently published the report of Task Group (TG) 302, which provides recommendations on acceptance, commissioning, and ongoing routine quality assurance (QA) for surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) systems. One of the recommended monthly QA tests is a dynamic localization accuracy test. This work aimed to develop an automated procedure for monthly SGRT dynamic localization QA. An anthropomorphic head phantom was rigidly attached to the 6-dof couch of a TrueBeam linac. TrueBeam Developer Mode was used to take an MV image of the phantom at the starting position, then automatically drive the couch through a series of translations and rotations, taking an MV image after each translation. The Identify SGRT system monitored the motion of the phantom surface from the starting position. Translations assessed on MV images were compared to translations reported in trajectory log files and Identify log files. Rotations were compared between trajectory log files and Identify log files. Three experiments were conducted. None of the translations or rotations from any experiment exceeded the tolerance values for stereotactic ablative body radiation therapy (SABR) recommended by AAPM TG-142. Maximum deviations from the expected translation values from MV imaging, trajectory log files, and Identify log files were -0.94mm, -0.11mm, and -0.78mm, respectively. Maximum deviations from the expected rotation values from trajectory log files and Identify log files were 0.01 and -0.2 degrees, respectively. The proposed method is a simple automated way to complete monthly dynamic localization QA of SGRT systems.

Task Specialization and Group Study on Students’ Achievement and Attitude in Physics

This study investigates the impact of cooperative learning strategies, particularly task specialization and group study, on student achievement and attitude in Physics among Grade 12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students. Motivated by diffusion of responsibility, the research employed a One-Shot Pre-test Post-Test Research Design over three weeks. Students were divided into groups and assigned roles as managers, investigators, or recorder-reporters. The effectiveness of these roles was evaluated using the Student Physics Test and the Physics Attitude Inventory. Results indicated a significant improvement in student achievement (t-test = 14.65) but no substantial change in attitudes towards Physics (t-test = -0.47), suggesting pre-existing favorable attitudes in STEM students. The study concludes that while task specialization and group study effectively enhance achievement by reducing the diffusion of responsibility and promoting active participation, they do not significantly alter students’ attitudes toward Physics. The findings recommend implementing these strategies across various subjects and educational strands to increase student achievement. Further research is suggested to explore the broader implications of these strategies on student attitudes, validate results over extended periods, and examine the effects of varying roles and group cooperation. Keywords: action research, cooperative learning, task specialization and group study, achievement, attitude, Sto. Nino National High School, Iriga City, Philippines

The Practice of Forensic Structural Engineering in IABSE's Member Countries

The IABSE Task Group 5.1 on Forensic Structural Engineering aims to examine and to mitigate structural failures by sharing knowledge of technical, human and organizational causes of failure, in addition to methods and techniques in forensic investigation processes. Forensic engineering expertise has yet to be recognized worldwide as a specific domain of civil engineering practice, and this paper amends previously published technical reports in 2012, 2014 and 2015 by former IABSE Working Group 8 following a new survey carried out in 2020–2022. This new survey has been developed with the lessons learnt from the previous survey in 2013–2014, including the validation of the results obtained by eliminating potential subjectivity in the former assessment. This survey also includes further understanding of the institutional and national regulatory framework. The survey was completed by 22 IABSE member countries whose responses were provided by national experts on forensic structural engineering. This paper will allow the reader to familiarize him/herself with the state of the art in forensic structural engineering practice across 22 countries, allowing a national-level diagnosis. The survey will also help to identify the main challenges within each country related to forensic engineering. Furthermore, recommended steps, as suggested by the national experts, for the awareness and/or development of good industry practice within forensic structural engineering are highlighted in this paper. Online supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/10168664.2024.2307411.

The effect of task-supported and task-based teaching on the use of Russian verbs of motion

The goal of this investigation is to determine to what extent task-supported (TS) and task-based (TB) language teaching approaches are effective for learning Russian verbs of motion. To this aim, an experimental study was carried out under real classroom conditions as a part of Russian language courses at the University of ***. Participants were organised into two groups that received a TS and a TB treatment, respectively. The implementation of the didactic strategies subsumed in the design of the TB treatment by means of a Learning Management System (Moodle), the benefits and key features of which facilitate task-based instruction, are analysed. The study follows the pre-test, post-test and delayed post-test design. In the light of the results obtained, it is safe to say that the two approaches are beneficial for learning verbs of motion since both groups showed a significant improvement in all the measured aspects, that is, the correct use of verbs both in the oral and written production and in the grammar tests (fill in the blanks, multiple choice and grammaticality judgement tests). Nevertheless, the TB group performed significantly better than the TS group in the oral tasks, and in most delayed post-tests