When the computer scientist seeks to model natural phenomena, he or she may select from two paths. Modeling may be by representation or by realization. This distinction is clarified by means of a simple physical example: an adiabatic pressure vessel. A representational model will in no way involve the operation of such a vessel even as a real gas law is observed (like van der Waals’ gas law), w...

OBJECTIVE To identify patient-specific self-assessment instruments, which measure physical function in patients with musculoskeletal disorders and to evaluate the descriptive properties and the psychometric qualities of these instruments. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING After a systematic search, included instruments were evaluated psychometrically by the checklist "quality criteria for measurement ...

OBJECTIVE The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) has been recognized not only as a useful assessment tool but also as a valuable method of promoting student learning. Student self-assessment is also seen as a means of helping students recognize their strengths and weaknesses, understand the relevance of core learning objectives and to take more responsibility for each stage of the...

BACKGROUND There is very little information available on self-perceived competence levels of junior medical doctors with regard to definitions by the National Core Curriculum (NCC) for Undergraduate Medical Education. AIMS This study aims to determine the perceived level of competence of residents during undergraduate medical education within the context of the NCC. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive...

Individuals consume alcohol for a variety of reasons (motives), and these reasons may be differentially associated with the types of drinking outcomes that result. The present study examined whether specific affect-relevant motivations for alcohol use (i.e., coping, enhancement) are associated with distinct types of consequences, and whether such associations occur directly, or only as a functi...