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A challenge for professional psychology programs is the assessment of students' professional competence. Despite its potential, objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) has not gained widespread use in the psychological field. However, at Umeå University and Örebro University in Sweden, the OSCE has been introduced at the Clinical psychology programs to assess professional competence. The aim of this study was to explore students' perceptions of whether and how, preparing for and performing the OSCE benefits their professional learning and prepares them for clinical practice. A web-based questionnaire was administered to 88 psychology students who completed the OSCE and field training. Most of the students perceived the OSCE as a valuable experience that benefits their learning. The OSCE prepared them for clinical practice through practical hands-on training, and by providing essential experience in client interaction, increasing students' confidence in the role as a psychologist. Students also reported that feedback from the OSCE was crucial for their ongoing learning, but that the authenticity of the examination can be improved. Based on these findings, recommendations for future OSCEs in professional psychology include appropriate preparations, providing constructive feedback as well as striving for high authenticity in the tasks of the OSCE stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of early studies and methods of land degradation assessment demonstrated that the existing assessment procedure does not reflect the real situation. The existing methods do not consider ecological aspects as loss of social-recreational and protective-restoration functions. The existing methods of assessing damage from the mining and processing enterprise require improvement with mandatory consideration of the environmental component. The object of the study is the land in mining and industrial regions, where minerals are extracted underground and industrial masses are formed on the surface. The main types of land use have been systematized, which makes it possible to apply an estimated aggregate approach. The loss of a number of functions of economic turnover is a classification sign of land degradation assessment. A three-criteria approach to the assessment of land degradation is proposed. This approach considers the impact of loss of social-recreational functions, loss of protective and restorative functions, and the impact of the main mining type of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Science & Technology & Economy is the property of Grain Science & Technology & Economy Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Sociology of Education is the property of Journal of Sociology of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Due to the current shortage of accountants and the various pipeline initiatives taking place, our research aims to address the instructor's role in the accounting classroom. We survey students on their perceptions regarding teaching and assessment methods used in university accounting courses. Results for both in person and online courses suggest students prefer instruction that involves instructor demonstration of exercises and real-world examples, while relying on the instructor's personal experiences with accounting. We offer valuable perspectives to educators aiming to improve both the caliber of accounting education and the student learning experience to help combat the drastic shortage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the contemporary educational landscape, the outcome-based education (OBE) philosophy has emerged as a pivotal approach, emphasizing the achievement of specific outcomes in the learning process. This study delves into the intricate relationship between physical education assessment methodologies for university students under the OBE framework and their subsequent social adaptability. This study used a sample of 100 physical education elective students from Qilu Normal University. It employed experimental and questionnaire methods to measure the effects of OBEdriven physical education assessment. Preliminary findings suggest a positive correlation between holistic assessment techniques, which consider physical prowess and cognitive understanding, and enhanced social adaptability among students. This adaptability was measured in teamwork, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication. The study underscores the potential of the OBE philosophy in reshaping physical education curricula, making it more aligned with the broader objective of holistic student development. Further research is recommended to explore the longterm impacts of such assessment methods on students’ post-university life and career trajectories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While taste and smell perception have been thoroughly investigated, our understanding of oral somatosensory perception remains limited. Further, assessing and measuring individual differences in oral somatosensory perception pose notable challenges. This review aimed to evaluate the existing methods to assess oral somatosensory perception by examining and comparing the strengths and limitations of each method. The review highlighted the lack of standardized assessment methods and the various procedures within each method. Tactile sensitivity can be assessed using several methods, but each method measures different tactile dimensions. Further investigations are needed to confirm its correlation with texture sensitivity. In addition, measuring a single textural attribute may not provide an overall representation of texture sensitivity. Thermal sensitivity can be evaluated using thermal‐change detection or temperature discrimination tests. The chemesthetic sensitivity tests involve either localized or whole‐mouth stimulation tests. The choice of an appropriate method for assessing oral somatosensory sensitivity depends on several factors, including the specific research objectives and the target population. Each method has its unique intended purpose, strengths, and limitations, so no universally superior approach exists. To overcome some of the limitations associated with certain methods, the review offers alternative or complementary approaches that could be considered. Researchers can enhance the comprehensive assessment of oral somatosensory sensitivity by carefully selecting and potentially combining methods. In addition, a standardized protocol remains necessary for each method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study aims to examine foundation year Master of Social Work (MSW) students' experiences with the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) using a holistic framework. Study participants included 64 MSW students who completed a 15-minute virtual OSCE with standardized patients and expert observers followed by a five minute debrief. In-depth student narratives about the experience were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Key themes emerged highlighting the value of practicing clinical skills, receiving immediate constructive feedback and honing skills in managing nervousness and developing confidence. Study implications include the critical need for MSW students as developing clinicians to rehearse clinical skills and receive feedback and the benefits of using the OSCE to expand field- and classroom-based learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientia Paedagogica Experimentalis is the property of ICIWO and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Assessments of ecosystem functioning are a fundamental ecological challenge and an essential foundation for ecosystem‐based management. Species trophic position (TP) is essential to characterize food web architecture. However, despite the intuitive nature of the concept, empirically estimating TP is a challenging task due to the complexity of trophic interaction networks. Various methods are proposed to assess TPs, including using different sources of organic matter at the base of the food web (the 'baseline'). However, it is often not clear which methodological approach and which baseline choices are the most reliable. Using an ecosystem‐wide assessment of a tropical reef (Marquesas Islands, with available data for 70 coral reef invertebrate and fish species), we tested whether different commonly used TP estimation methods yield similar results and, if not, whether it is possible to identify the most reliable method. We found significant differences in TP estimates of up to 1.7 TPs for the same species, depending on the method and the baseline used. When using bulk stable isotope data, the choice of the baseline significantly impacted TP values. Indeed, while nitrogen stable isotope (δ15N) values of macroalgae led to consistent TP estimates, those using phytoplankton generated unrealistically low TP estimates. The use of a conventional enrichment factor (i.e. 3.4‰) or a 'variable' enrichment factor (i.e. according to feeding guilds) also produced clear discrepancies between TP estimates. TPs obtained with δ15N values of source amino acids (compound‐specific isotope analysis) were close to those assessed with macroalgae. An opposite seasonal pattern was found, with significantly lower TPs in winter than in summer for most species, with particularly pronounced differences for lower TP species. We use the observed differences to discuss possible drivers of the diverging TP estimates and the potential ecological implications. Based on a case study from a remote coral reef ecosystem in the Pacific Ocean, this work analyses how several potential sources of organic matter (i.e. 'baselines') and calculation methods strongly affect assessments of trophic positions. We also demonstrated that seasonal temporality and feeding guild are important parameters to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The variety of robotic surgery systems, training modalities, and assessment tools within robotic surgery training is extensive. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively overview different training modalities and assessment methods for teaching and assessing surgical skills in robotic surgery, with a specific focus on comparing objective and subjective assessment methods. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The electronic databases Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched from inception until February 1, 2022. Included studies consisted of robotic-assisted surgery training (e.g., box training, virtual reality training, cadaver training and animal tissue training) with an assessment method (objective or subjective), such as assessment forms, virtual reality scores, peer-to-peer feedback or time recording. Results: The search identified 1591 studies. After abstract screening and full-texts examination, 209 studies were identified that focused on robotic surgery training and included an assessment tool. The majority of the studies utilized the da Vinci Surgical System, with dry lab training being the most common approach, followed by the da Vinci Surgical Skills Simulator. The most frequently used assessment methods included simulator scoring system (e.g., dVSS score), and assessment forms (e.g., GEARS and OSATS). Conclusion: This systematic review provides an overview of training modalities and assessment methods in robotic-assisted surgery. Dry lab training on the da Vinci Surgical System and training on the da Vinci Skills Simulator are the predominant approaches. However, focused training on tissue handling, manipulation, and force interaction is lacking, despite the absence of haptic feedback. Future research should focus on developing universal objective assessment and feedback methods to address these limitations as the field continues to evolve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Little is known about students' engagement in school writing tasks and the methods that should be used by the researchers to assess this engagement. This exploratory study examines the relationship between the engagement reported by elementary school students (N = 136) in a handwriting and keyboarding activity (Likert scale questionnaire) and their actual behaviors in such situations. An observational checklist was created to capture engagement behaviors in these writing contexts. Correlational analyses showed that, overall, self-reported engagement scores were positively correlated with the frequency of the behaviors observed in both contexts. The discussion focuses on the relevance of observational checklists and questionnaires for capturing students' engagement in writing tasks, and opens to the conceptual links between engagement and motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding self-concept in individuals with intellectual disabilities is crucial for tailored support and interventions. The research question driving this study is: What factors influence the self-concept of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and how is it assessed? Methods: Employing a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, studies from 1993 to 2024, which used diverse assessment tools such as the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Acceptance, Myself as a Learner Scale, and other self-report questionnaires, were analysed. Results: Factors influencing self-concept include diagnosis, age, gender, perception of control, school placement, and socioeconomic status. Internal factors like perception of control and external factors like societal attitudes interact to shape self-concept trajectories. Assessments reveal nuanced dimensions of self-perception, facilitating targeted interventions. Conclusions: Assessing self-concept among individuals with intellectual disabilities requires diverse evaluation methods. Insights gained inform tailored interventions to enhance well-being. Further research is needed to validate assessment tools across diverse populations. Recognizing the interplay of internal beliefs, external perceptions, and societal structures is crucial for empowering individuals to embrace their unique identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of cannabis use in the United Kingdom might be underestimated using the Crime Survey of England and Wales. The current study examined whether responding to questions about their cannabis use as part of a crime survey would be less likely to report that they use cannabis compared to those responding to the same questions that are part of a survey about health. Methods: Participants were randomized to be told that the items about cannabis use came from a crime survey versus from a health survey. In addition, the sample was recruited using a representative online sampling method and compared to published rates of self-reported cannabis use collected as part of the Crime Survey for England and Wales. Results: There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the proportion endorsing cannabis use between those told the items came from a crime survey versus a health survey. However, self-reported rates of cannabis use collected as part of the online panel (51.3% ever use; 11.9% past year; age range 18–64 years) appeared higher than those reported based on results from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (37.2% ever and 5.8% past year; age range 18–59 years). Conclusion: The current study did not find evidence that manipulating whether participants were told that the items asking about cannabis use came from a survey asking about criminal activity versus one about health had an impact on self-reported cannabis use. However, as prevalence estimates generated by the Crime Survey of England and Wales do appear to be an underestimate of actual levels of cannabis use in the United Kingdom, further research is merited on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level of difficulty of mathematical test items is a critical aspect for evaluating test quality and educational outcomes. Accurately predicting item difficulty during test creation is thus significantly important for producing effective test papers. This study used more than ten years of content and score data from China's Henan Provincial College Entrance Examination in Mathematics as an evaluation criterion for test difficulty, and all data were obtained from the Henan Provincial Department of Education. Based on the framework established by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for test item assessment methodology, this paper proposes a new framework containing eight features considering the uniqueness of mathematics. Next, this paper proposes an XGBoost-based SHAP model for analyzing the difficulty of mathematics tests. By coupling the XGBoost method with the SHAP method, the model not only evaluates the difficulty of mathematics tests but also analyzes the contribution of specific features to item difficulty, thereby increasing transparency and mitigating the "black box" nature of machine learning models. The model has a high prediction accuracy of 0.99 for the training set and 0.806 for the test set. With the model, we found that parameter-level features and reasoning-level features are significant factors influencing the difficulty of subjective items in the exam. In addition, we divided senior secondary mathematics knowledge into nine units based on Chinese curriculum standards and found significant differences in the distribution of the eight features across these different knowledge units, which can help teachers place different emphasis on different units during the teaching process. In summary, our proposed approach significantly improves the accuracy of item difficulty prediction, which is crucial for intelligent educational applications such as knowledge tracking, automatic test item generation, and intelligent paper generation. These results provide tools that are better aligned with and responsive to students' learning needs, thus effectively informing educational practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1990s, an international consensus has been emerging with respect to the methods used to identify and assess geosites. These conventional methodologies generally differentiate between the intrinsic or scientific-natural dimension and the social dimension in the potential value of the geological elements. The aim of this article is to analyse the possible existence of other concepts that may underlie these criteria and that could be operating as evaluation parameters even though they are not explicitly and formally described as such in the published studies. An exhaustive analysis of articles on geosite inventories published in Science Citation Index journals in the last 15 years revealed a systematic reference to conceptions of magnitude (in the sense of degree of development and physical prominence) in geosite descriptions around the world, and in particular with respect to sites of geomorphological interest. To contrast this indication, we subjected the geosites inventory of Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain) to a Magnitude Rule hypothesis. This inventory is part of the Spanish Geosites Inventory (IELIG, for its initials in Spanish), which was carried out using conventional assessment procedures. Applying this rule, according to which each geosite is the most prominent example of its typology within the reference geological domain, we obtained an almost complete match. That is, geomorphological sites that were selected, a priori, according to intrinsic and social dimension were also (or one could even say 'actually') selected, implicitly, on the predominant basis of magnitude. This paper discusses why and how the magnitude parameter may be playing a key role as a subliminal non-explicit driver in the evaluation of geosite relevance, and how this finding may open new perspectives and bring methodological advantages in the inventory of geological heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its widespread availability and inexpensive cost of energy conversion, solar power has become a popular option among renewable energy sources. Among the most complete methods of utilizing copious solar energy is the use of photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, one major obstacle to obtaining the optimal performance of PV technology is the need to maintain ideal operating temperature. Maintaining constant surface temperatures is critical to PV systems' efficacy. This review looks at the latest developments in PV cooling technologies, including passive, active, and combined cooling methods, and methods for their assessment. As advances in research and innovation progress within this domain, it will be crucial to tackle hurdles like affordability, maintenance demands, and performance in extreme conditions, to enhance the efficiency and widespread use of PV cooling methods. In essence, PV cooling stands as a vital element in the ongoing shift towards sustainable and renewable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a well-known issue that the 2050 target of carbon emissions neutrality will be reached only with the co-operation of all the interested sectors, and the construction sector could be one of the main contributors to this change. With the built environment globally responsible for about 40% of annual global energy-related CO2 emissions, the construction sector offers an important opportunity to drive transformative change and presents the most challenging mitigation potential among all industrial sectors, which also brings opportunities for adopting sustainability practices and increasing resilience. This paper presents a systematic literature review of those two pivotal concepts to reach the decarbonization goal: sustainability and resilience. Starting from an extensive literature review (2536 scientific documents) based on the PRISMA statement, the definitions and assessment methodologies of those concepts for the construction sector have been studied. The methodological approach followed for their analysis has been conducted on a first selection of 42 documents, further reduced to 12 by using clear inclusion criteria to identify the integrated assessment procedures. The main goal of this study is to clarify the correlation between sustainability and resilience concepts for constructions and their integrated assessment, in line with the latest regulations and market needs. The results show that, currently, sustainability and resilience are mainly evaluated in a distinct way to obtain building energy performance certificates, as well as to quantify the building market value and its complementary contribution to the 'energy efficiency first' principle and energy-saving targets towards the emergent issue of climate change. Few works focus on the integrated assessment of both concepts considering the construction industries' point of view about materials and/or systems for buildings. The novelty of this study is the critical review of the current sustainability and resilience integrated assessment methods used for the construction value chain, declined for four main target groups. Researchers, policymakers, industries, and professionals could gain dedicated insights and practical suggestions to put in practice the elements of circular economy, ecological innovation, and cleaner production, which are essential in order to drive the decarbonization of the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the perceptions of K-12 science teachers regarding the implications of ChatGPT on school assessments and the quality of students' education. A questionnaire was administered to K-12 science teachers from public and private schools across the five regions of Brazil: North, Northeast, South, Southeast, and Midwest. More than 400 teachers responded to the questionnaire. The conclusions regarding the opinions of the teachers who responded to the questionnaire were based on the Likert-type scale. The investigation covered various aspects, including the types and frequency of assessment methods used with their students. Additionally, the research delved into their opinions on whether ChatGPT would impact the quality of education and assessment methods, as well as their views on whether ChatGPT use should be deemed plagiarism or a similar infraction. The potential benefits of its use, as well as the challenges arising from it, are discussed in the context of the evolution of teaching and learning. As one of the results, it was found that among K-12 science teachers, there remains some skepticism regarding whether ChatGPT will enhance the quality of students' education and whether its use constitutes plagiarism or a similar infraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the work is to substantiate theoretical provisions and practical recommendations for improving the management of innovative activities of pharmaceutical companies (PC) for the implementation of strategic tasks regarding innovative development and increasing competitiveness. Materials and methods. To achieve the goal of the study, scientific sources on innovation management and intellectual property management and the peculiarities of the organization of innovation processes in pharmacy were analyzed. When conducting research, methods of information search, systematization, comparison, and generalization were used, as well as the method of expert evaluations, taxonomic analysis, and a graphic method to increase the clarity of the presentation of the material. The results. The main directions and features of innovative activity in pharmacy have been studied. A generalized algorithm for managing innovative activities in pharmaceutical companies is given. The relevance of evaluating and managing the innovative potential of PC to achieve a synergistic effect from the use of resources involved in innovative activities is substantiated. A structural model of the innovative potential of PC is proposed, which considers the peculiarities of the flow of innovative processes in pharmacy, related to the development and introduction of new pharmaceuticals to the market. A methodical toolkit for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the innovative potential of PC has been defined. To improve the management of the PC's innovative activity, a methodology for determining the range of management decisions is proposed based on the results obtained in the framework of creating a report on the patent landscape. Conclusions. In order to achieve the provision of effective and safe domestic drugs to the population of Ukraine, it is necessary to intensify research in the direction of the formation of an effective system of management of the innovative activity of pharmaceutical companies (PC), focused on their gradual transition to an innovative development model. The conducted analysis showed that despite a sufficiently large number of publications devoted to the problems of innovation management, issues related to the problem of forming an effective system of managing the innovative activity of PCs, as well as choosing an effective toolkit for evaluating and managing their innovative potential, taking into account the specifics of the flow of innovative processes in pharmacy, remain insufficiently disclosed and require further research. The proposed structural model of the innovative potential of the FC, a justified methodological toolkit for its assessment, as well as the construction of a cognitive map to determine the most appropriate key components and directions for further improvement and development of the innovative potential will contribute to increasing the efficiency of the innovative activities of enterprises and the implementation of the goals of the innovation strategy. The developed algorithm of preventive management of innovative activity of the PC, aimed at improving the quality of decisions made on innovation management thanks to the use of patent landscape tools, will also contribute to the faster entry into the market of domestically produced innovative medicinal products [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the work is to substantiate theoretical provisions and practical recommendations for improving the management of innovative activities of pharmaceutical companies (PC) for the implementation of strategic tasks regarding innovative development and increasing competitiveness. Materials and methods. To achieve the goal of the study, scientific sources on innovation management and intellectual property management and the peculiarities of the organization of innovation processes in pharmacy were analyzed. When conducting research, methods of information search, systematization, comparison, and generalization were used, as well as the method of expert evaluations, taxonomic analysis, and a graphic method to increase the clarity of the presentation of the material. The results. The main directions and features of innovative activity in pharmacy have been studied. A generalized algorithm for managing innovative activities in pharmaceutical companies is given. The relevance of evaluating and managing the innovative potential of PC to achieve a synergistic effect from the use of resources involved in innovative activities is substantiated. A structural model of the innovative potential of PC is proposed, which considers the peculiarities of the flow of innovative processes in pharmacy, related to the development and introduction of new pharmaceuticals to the market. A methodical toolkit for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the innovative potential of PC has been defined. To improve the management of the PC's innovative activity, a methodology for determining the range of management decisions is proposed based on the results obtained in the framework of creating a report on the patent landscape. Conclusions. In order to achieve the provision of effective and safe domestic drugs to the population of Ukraine, it is necessary to intensify research in the direction of the formation of an effective system of management of the innovative activity of pharmaceutical companies (PC), focused on their gradual transition to an innovative development model. The conducted analysis showed that despite a sufficiently large number of publications devoted to the problems of innovation management, issues related to the problem of forming an effective system of managing the innovative activity of PCs, as well as choosing an effective toolkit for evaluating and managing their innovative potential, taking into account the specifics of the flow of innovative processes in pharmacy, remain insufficiently disclosed and require further research. The proposed structural model of the innovative potential of the FC, a justified methodological toolkit for its assessment, as well as the construction of a cognitive map to determine the most appropriate key components and directions for further improvement and development of the innovative potential will contribute to increasing the efficiency of the innovative activities of enterprises and the implementation of the goals of the innovation strategy. The developed algorithm of preventive management of innovative activity of the PC, aimed at improving the quality of decisions made on innovation management thanks to the use of patent landscape tools, will also contribute to the faster entry into the market of domestically produced innovative medicinal products [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) affects over half of people with stroke. It is unclear which methods are accurate in assessing presence and type of UI to inform clinical management. Diagnosis of UI based on inaccurate methods may lead to unnecessary interventions. The aims of this systematic review were to identify, for adults with stroke, clinically accurate methods to determine the presence of UI and type of UI. Method: We searched seven electronic databases and additional conference proceedings. To be included, studies had to be primary research comparing two or more methods, or use a reference test. Results: We identified 3846 studies with eight eligible for inclusion. We identified 11 assessment methods within the eight studies. Only five studies had sufficient comparator data for synthesis. Due to heterogeneity of data, results on the following methods were narratively synthesized: Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (CLSS), clinical history and physical examination, Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index, International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICiQ‐SF) and urodynamic studies (UDS). Most studies were small and of low to medium quality. All reported differences in sensitivity, and none compared the same assessment methods. Conclusion: Current evidence is insufficient to support recommendations on the most accurate UI assessment for adults with stroke. Further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of information systems and appropriate software at enterprises is considered, by means of various assessment methods. The benefits of information systems for manufacturing enterprises are outlined. Economic methods and indices are discussed. Criteria for assessing the effectiveness of software packages are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture and the entire food production system play a critical role in sustaining the human species. However, as we strive to secure our means of subsistence, our extensive use of land and water has led to the depletion of the environment and biodiversity. This raises the pressing question of whether we can sufficiently produce food to support a growing population while simultaneously mitigating the inevitable environmental impacts. This article presents a comprehensive review of the significant effects of agriculture on the environment including contributions to greenhouse emissions, land use and land-use change, and forests, impact on biodiversity, impact on water quality and quantity, and the impact of pesticide use. The article also offers a list of approaches used to measure and evaluate the impact of agriculture. The primary aim of this article is to comprehensively review the latest insights in the field and to stimulate further research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Valori e Valutazioni is the property of Societa Italiana di Estimo e Valutazione (SIEV) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Entrepreneurship education research has a strong "output" focus on impact studies but pays much less attention to the "inside" or process perspective of the way entrepreneurship education occurs. In particular, the scattered previous entrepreneurship curriculum research has not managed to provide a current and comprehensive overview of the curricular elements that constitute entrepreneurship education. To overcome this shortcoming, we aim to identify the teaching objectives, teaching contents, teaching methods, and assessment methods discussed in entrepreneurship curriculum research. To this end, we conducted a systematic literature review on the four entrepreneurship curriculum dimensions and collected all mentioned curriculum items. We used a two-stage coding procedure to find the genuinely entrepreneurship-specific items. Among numerous items (also from business management and other subjects), we found 26 objectives, 34 contents, 11 teaching methods, and 7 assessment methods that were entrepreneurship-specific. Most of these items were addressed by only a few scholarly papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coronavirus disease (COVID)-related educational emergency is believed to have changed some of the aspects of the educational landscape. Sudden changes to traditional structures that are schools are undoubtedly an interesting issue to explore: complex phenomena such as assessment methods are highly related to many different factors such as normative base, the use of technological tools, etc. This article reports on the reorganization of assessment methods in the context of a rapid and forced transition to remote teaching mode, based on the results of a survey of Italian teachers. Findings indicate that pandemic-related educational emergency and the push toward the use of tools in teaching and learning practices, and the corresponding relaxation of certain established frames of operation, have created grounds for alternative forms of assessment. Results show that when entertaining different options and enjoying some level of autonomy, teachers can explore alternative forms of assessment. Assessment methods also change according to school subjects; while assessment changes are discipline specific, there is a clear trend toward product-based assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to reflect on the training of teachers in Italian lower and upper secondary schools by presenting the training activities carried out by the Pegaso Telematic University in the provision of the training course foreseen by Ministerial Decree 180/2022. The first training activities focused on the training of the course tutors, while the second focused on the feedback given to the teachers who followed the course, following the development of the competence assessment. The aim of this paper is to reflect on the replicability of the training actions presented and the lines of research that open up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discharge of low-temperature water from the middle and lower layers of thermally stratified dam reservoirs leads to thermal pollution and adversely affects fish production and reproduction in downstream rivers. Selective water withdrawal using stoplog gates is an effective approach to address this issue. However, comprehensively and effectively evaluating the effects of stratified withdrawal and optimizing the scheduling of stoplog gates to provide better ecological services to downstream habitats pose significant challenges for reservoir managers. In this study, an equivalent elevation method (EEM) was developed based on in situ observation data of water temperature. The EEM calculates the equivalent withdrawal elevation (EWE) in the far dam area corresponding to the discharge-water temperature (DWT), facilitating the evaluation of stoplog-gate effects. EEM was applied to a thermally stratified dam reservoir in southwestern China (Guangzhao reservoir, GZ). The results showed a significant positive correlation (r > 0.7, p < 0.05) between DWT and the vertical-water-temperature structure in the far dam area. The average EWEs for the 5-layer, 4-layer, and 3-layer stoplog gates in GZ were 697.2 m, 690.8 m, and 689.9 m, respectively. Utilizing the EEM findings, a scheduling operation scheme was proposed to improve DWT while reducing the number of stoplog-gate operations, thereby increasing their efficiency and saving the cost of invested labor and time. This method provides a reference for reservoir managers in optimizing stoplog-gate-scheduling strategies to mitigate potential risks to aquatic ecosystems caused by abnormal water temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offsetting schemes to compensate biodiversity loss resulting from land-use change (e.g., urbanization, infrastructure expansion) suffer limitations, related notably to the requirement for ecological equivalence between losses and gains, which cover ecological, spatial, temporal, and uncertainty considerations. Such limitations impair the effectiveness of biodiversity offsets. Biodiversity offsetting is nevertheless adopted by an ever-increasing number of countries. We analyze how Peru and France approach biodiversity offsetting and whether and how they address all or some of these limitations, which could serve to inform other countries adopting such mechanism. We show that, although both countries apply similar principles, their no net loss (NNL) objective differs (NNL of biodiversity and ecosystem functionality in Peru vs NNL of biodiversity in France) with consequences on the ecological equivalence approaches adopted. In Peru, the imposed assessment method is habitat-based and adapted to specific ecosystems. By contrast, there is no mandatory assessment methods in France and, with the exception of wetlands, the focus is strongly on protected species, and on species functional traits rather than ecosystems in their entirety. The Peruvian method does not systematically integrate the landscape context and temporal losses are not accounted for, whereas uncertainty could be considered as indirectly taken into account. In France, landscape connectivity is not necessarily included in assessment methods, although it can be taken into account in practice. Furthermore, although weighting assessment methods may address temporal losses and uncertainty, their variety prevents a comparison of outcomes. Additional elements would warrant further analysis (e.g., monitoring and compliance). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the assessment methods and factors influencing the assessment practices of Senior High School (SHS) Teachers in three selected public secondary schools in Goa District, Division of Camarines Sur, Philippines. A descriptive survey method was employed. A total enumeration of forty-five teachers teaching Senior High School subjects were the participants of this study. The survey questionnaire was administered on-site to gather data from the participants. Frequency count, Percentage distribution, and Ranking order were used to analyze and interpret the collected data. The findings revealed that teachers generally utilized quizzes, practical exams or performance exams, oral exams, checklists, rating scales, and rubrics as their assessment methods to assess students' performance during the teaching and learning process. This finding indicated that teachers employed different assessment methods to assess and evaluate the student's learning. Moreover, several factors that influence the assessment practices of teachers were identified. It is therefore recommended that teachers should always utilize and improve their assessment methods or practices suited to the needs of the students and to properly measure student's learning outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ukraine, the issue of assessing losses as a result of military aggression became relevant in 2014 after the annexation of part of the country's territory by the Russian Federation. Until 2022, Ukraine's state structures developed several regulatory documents regulating these issues. However, the problems of methodology and techniques for assessing damage and losses as a result of military actions in Ukraine have again come into the focus of academics and expert practitioners after the full-scale and extremely destructive aggression that began on February 24, 2022. It became clear that it would be impossible to assess the volume and variety of damage and losses caused to Ukraine based on previous approaches and methods. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the need and ways of developing the methodology for assessing damage and losses of enterprises as a result of the war, to determine the possibilities of mutual enrichment of the methodology of expert and accounting evaluation for their combined application when calculating losses from military actions in Ukraine. The work reveals the economic and regulatory essence of the approaches to assessing the damage and losses of enterprises from the war applied in Ukraine: the World Bank's rapid assessment methodology; methods of property-by-object assessment of the State Property Fund of Ukraine; methodology based on the accounting assessment methodology of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. The authors critically analysed their potential and opportunities to achieve the goals set by the Ukrainian authorities for conducting a mass and operational assessment of economic losses from the war and ensuring a transparent and fair compensation policy. The main criteria for evaluating efficiency when choosing and using one or another approach for assessing enterprises' losses from the war were determined. The essence of the assessment methodology was revealed, and the methodological features of expert and accounting approaches to determining the damage and losses of enterprises from the war were defined. Reasoned possibility of mutual enrichment of the methodological bases of expert and accounting assessment through reciprocal borrowing of methods, procedures, techniques and methods. The practicality of both individual and combined application of expert and accounting approaches to assessing damage and losses to achieve the goals set by the Government of Ukraine has been proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-mining landscapes undergo thorough structural changes. Hereby, striking transitions take place concerning open spaces in particular. For the Rhineland Mining Area, the project DAZWISCHEN, with five thematic fields of action, in its first phase intends to capture the status quo of the region. Spatial talents and spatial barriers are identified as a result. Considering open space, we present a multi-method approach integrating basic land use data, ecosystem services, and combined indices. We disclose a bipartition of the region with two relatively homogenous areas regarding the assessment of the landscape or open spaces and their functionality. However, we also detect highly functional patches in 'weaker' surroundings, making their preservation and protection particularly important. Our results hail from a wide array of analyses using the available data as effectively as possible. Thus, we can provide information for politicians, practitioners, and scientists doing research in similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the increasing demand for more sustainable products across many industries, eco-labels are a useful tool for communicating the sustainability-related performance of a product to the eco-conscious consumer. However, the abundance of different eco-labels and a lack of harmonization concerning their assessment methods can hamper their effectiveness. To address these shortcomings, this paper considers the methods employed by eco-labels in the textile and clothing industry to assess the sustainability-based performance of products. Using a sample of 10 eco-labels from the Ecolabel Index, a new framework for classifying eco-labels based on their assessment methods is developed. The framework includes two categories of label assignments ((i) binary and (ii) different levels of performance) and six types of assessment methods. These types are characterized according to the decision support features employed by the labels, such as lists of mandatory criteria, minimum (average) scores, percentage scores, and the weighting of sub-categories. The proposed framework shows the benefits of cascading decision science notions in the eco-labeling domain. It provides a harmonized vocabulary of components (i.e., a roadmap) to perform a consistent and traceable advancement of eco-labels. Consequently, it can be expanded at present to allow for the classification of other eco-labels in the textile and clothing industry and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of National Education / Millî Eğitim Dergisi is the property of Milli Egitim Bakanligi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Highlights: A comprehensive discussion of the recent advances in zinc–bromine rechargeable batteries with flow or non-flow electrolytes is presented. The fundamental electrochemical aspects including the key challenges and promising solutions in both zinc and bromine half-cells are reviewed. The key performance metrics of ZBRBs and assessment methods using various ex situ and in situ/operando techniques are also discussed. Zinc–bromine rechargeable batteries (ZBRBs) are one of the most powerful candidates for next-generation energy storage due to their potentially lower material cost, deep discharge capability, non-flammable electrolytes, relatively long lifetime and good reversibility. However, many opportunities remain to improve the efficiency and stability of these batteries for long-life operation. Here, we discuss the device configurations, working mechanisms and performance evaluation of ZBRBs. Both non-flow (static) and flow-type cells are highlighted in detail in this review. The fundamental electrochemical aspects, including the key challenges and promising solutions, are discussed, with particular attention paid to zinc and bromine half-cells, as their performance plays a critical role in determining the electrochemical performance of the battery system. The following sections examine the key performance metrics of ZBRBs and assessment methods using various ex situ and in situ/operando techniques. The review concludes with insights into future developments and prospects for high-performance ZBRBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates instructors' experiences at Agusan del Sur College concerning Flexible Learning in the New Normal. The study adopts a mixed-method approach integrating quantitative and qualitative components. Participants are 30 fulltime instructors across nine departments. The findings reveal that instructors need more training and technical competencies to conduct online courses, affecting the effectiveness of hybrid classes. Technical problems, including slow internet connections and unannounced power interruptions, despite these challenges, instructors value the flexibility inherent in Flexible Learning, spanning modalities, assessment methods, and instructional delivery, promoting greater student responsibility and time management, ultimately enhancing engagement and attentiveness. Moreover, smartphones and mobile applications serve as prevalent educational tools and eLearning resources, and there remains a preference for face-to-face classes over online learning. The study also underscores the positive impact of Flexible Learning, encompassing synchronous and asynchronous platforms, in enhancing digital and technological competencies, with 45.4% of students and 48.8% of instructors reporting its benefits. Additionally, instructors with 0-5 years of teaching experience exhibit excellent proficiency in Flexible Learning modalities and assessment methods. In conclusion, this research suggests that Flexible Learning could constitute a sustainable mode of delivery in higher education institutions, contingent on instructors receiving adequate training and support to navigate the challenges the New Normal poses effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands are often referred to as the Earth's kidneys. However, wetlands worldwide are still negatively affected due to a lack of comprehensive understanding of wetland landscape ecological health (WLEH). Based on this background, we analyzed and compared the conceptual definitions, research progress, contents (in terms of structural, functional, and process health), and methods (indicator species approach, ecological integrity assessment, conceptual model evaluation including the vigor–organization–resilience (VOR), pressure–state–response (PSR), and ecological feature–function–socioeconomic (EFFS) models, and water–gas CO2 calculation) over the past 20 years (2000–2022). Moreover, the concept definition and research progress of ecosystem health (EH) and landscape ecological health (LEH) and WLEH research outlook were analyzed. In this study, it was shown that WLEH could be considered a LEH subset, while the LEH is a specific EH perspective. These three concepts share a common focus on ecosystem conditions, functions, and services while considering ecological processes and habitat characteristics. However, they differ in the scope and specific types of ecosystems considered. This review may provide references for ecological conservation and restoration of artificial and restored wetland landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new algorithm is proposed for determining the internal losses in machine production. Formulas for assessing the category of internal losses are presented. For the example of crankshaft production, a classification is developed for internal losses due to defects. An approach to the selection of monitoring instruments for determination and subsequent analysis of defect types is established. A new type of checklist for recording inconsistences and losses due to defects is developed. Final assessment of the internal losses is based on qualitative and cost criteria, using the Pareto diagram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shear failures are one of the most brittle modes of response in rein-forced concrete columns subjected to earthquake-induced lateral drifts, notably if the failure occurs before the flexural strength is reached. Columns exhibiting this failure mode are termed shear-critical and are associated with the loss of the column s axial load-carrying capacity. Using a database of tests on 38 large-sized rectangular and square columns that exhibited this mode of failure, this paper reviews 10 methods published in the literature and compares their predictive capabilities. This paper shows significant differences between the methods, with the methods in Pan and Li (2013) and ASCE/SEI41-13 being assessed as the most accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child well-being is regarded as an important part of early childhood education but little is known about the meaning of well-being and how it is operationalised in a curriculum context. The paper examines how practitioners in Wales assess the well-being of 3- to 7-year-olds. The case study involves two schools and the paper discusses findings from six focus groups and fourteen interviews. Practitioners are uncertain about how to assess child well-being and therefore draw upon what they do in other subject areas and use criterion-referenced assessment. Practitioners also report various difficulties in assessing well-being which suggests that placing well-being in curriculum policy is problematic. Findings indicate that well-being is understood as an abstract concept where practitioners attempt to transform it into a concrete form in order to assess it. Questions linking to rationale, concept, enactment and assessment need to be discussed when considering well-being as a subject area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to examine whether a preference for specific assessment methods in higher education is associated with personality and character strengths. Two-hundred and seventy Portuguese students completed a survey of character strengths, a Big Five personality test and their preference for each of six higher education assessment methods. Participants most favoured continuous assessment and multiple choice over viva voce and dissertations. Regression analysis showed that demographic factors, character strengths and personality accounted for 3–7% of the variance in the preferred examination method. Findings partially replicate previous investigations. Limitations and further research options are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the common physical materials in Chinese archaeological excavations, ancient bronzes are an essential basis for studying the development of Chinese bronze culture, which is of great significance for exploring the development law of ancient human civilization and reconstructing ancient human society. As China's infrastructure advances, the number of bronzes unearthed by archaeological excavations continues to increase. However, environmental damage to artefacts is very complex, whether the buried environment of the artefacts or the above-ground environment when the artefacts are unearthed, leading to different health problems for the excavated bronzes. A scientific assessment of these bronzes needs to be carried out prior to extraction to inform staff how they should be extracted, moved, and transported and how they should be restored afterwards. In response to the above problems, this paper takes excavated bronzes from archaeological sites as the research object and, by analysing and studying the relevant industry standards and the disease characteristics of bronzes, establishes a three-tier indicator framework for assessing the health of bronzes in a layer-by-layer refinement and proposes quantitative indicators with typical correlations. Through extensive research and testing, we screened out efficient, non-destructive, convenient and reliable assessment and testing methods and assessment models that combine subjective and objective aspects suitable for archaeological sites. On this basis, the paper achieves a scientific and practical assessment of the health status of bronzes excavated from archaeological sites. After repeated experiments, a set of comprehensive methods for quickly and conveniently assessing the health status of excavated bronzes was proposed for the first time and successfully applied to the archaeological excavation site of Sanxingdui site in Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the safety of oil and gas pipelines has become a primary concern for the pipeline industry. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the vulnerability concepts that may be used to measure the safety status of pipeline systems. The origins of the vulnerability concepts are identified, the development and evolution of the vulnerability concepts are described, and the main connotations of the four levels of vulnerability concepts applied in different fields at this stage are summarized. Qualitative and quantitative methods of vulnerability assessment are comprehensively investigated, and the advantages and disadvantages, scope of application and key issues faced are compared and summarized. The research and analysis show that the vulnerability assessment of oil and gas pipelines is at a preliminary stage, and there is an urgent demand to establish a unified vulnerability concept and assessment system for oil and gas pipeline systems. The current qualitative or semi-quantitative assessment of pipeline vulnerability research lacks reasonable and scientific standards and bases for the classification of indicators and the determination of indicator scores, and it needs to focus on the establishment and improvement of quantitative assessment models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social work educators are compelled to use reliable and valid methods to assess student learning outcomes. This study adapted a clinical simulation by integrating traditional role-play of case scenarios and elements of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination, which is often used to assess students' practice skills. Master of Social Work (MSW) students' engagement skills were assessed at the end of the first semester of their foundation year using the clinical simulation. Participants were first-year MSW students from two theory and practice courses. The study demonstrated the value of using a clinical simulation in practice courses to assess engagement skills. Correlations of self, peer, and instructor performance scores were compared and interrater reliability was assessed. Peers rated their classmates' performance the highest, and some peer ratings were negatively correlated with instructor ratings. There was higher correspondence in self- and instructor ratings in some skills and poor correspondence in others. Peers tended to rate their classmates' performance as showing intermediate proficiency, while self- and instructor ratings of engagement skills indicated basic proficiency. Overall, there was poor interrater reliability. Challenges relating to the implementation of a clinical simulation and its implications for social work education are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to significant requirement of energy, water, material, and other resources, the manufacturing industries significantly impact environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability (triple bottom-line). In response, today's research is focused on finding solution towards sustainable manufacturing. In this regard, sustainability assessment is an essential strategy. In the past, a variety of tools was developed to evaluate the environmental dimension. Because of this fact, previous review studies were grounded mostly on tools for green manufacturing. Unlike previous review articles, this study was aimed to review and analyze the emerging sustainability assessment methodologies (published from 2010 to 2020) for manufacturing while considering the triple bottom-line concept of sustainability. In this way, the paper presents a decade review on this topic, starting from 2010 as the guidelines for the social dimension became available in 2009. This paper has analyzed various methods and explored recent progress patterns. First, this study critically reviewed the methods and then analyzed their different integrating tools, sustainability dimensions, nature of indicators, difficulty levels, assessment boundaries, etc. The review showed that life cycle assessment and analytic hierarchy process–based approaches were most commonly used as integrating tools. Comparatively, still, environmental dimension was more commonly considered than economic and social dimensions by most of the reviewed methods. From indicators' viewpoint, most of the studied tools were based on limited number of indicators, having no relative weights and validation from the experts. To overcome these challenges, future research directions were outlined to make these methods more inclusive and reliable. Along with putting more focus on economic and social dimensions, there is a need to employ weighted, validated, and applicable indicators in sustainability assessment methods for manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]