Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatic detection of plagiarized spoken responses during standardized testing of language proficiency. A first spoken response to a speaking task that elicits spontaneous speech and a second spoken response to a source-based speaking task that is assumed to be non-plagiarized are digitally recorded. A first and second sets of speaking proficiency features are calculated for the first and the second spoken response, respectively. The first spoken response is classifying as plagiarized or non-plagiarized based on the comparison between the first and the second set of speaking proficiency features. Corresponding apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for knowledge assessment and encouraging learning via the administration, scoring, remediation, and reiteration of a confidence-based assessment (CBA) test. The CBA test comprises a plurality of multiple choice questions directed to categorical topics, and two-dimensional answers by which a subject indicates both their answer and level of confidence category of their answer. The answers include a plurality of full-confidence choices consisting of single-choice answers (A), (B) or (C), a plurality of partial-confidence choices consisting of sets of multiple single-choice answers (A or B), (B or C), (A or C), and an unsure answer. Scoring entails giving maximum points for correct full-confidence answers, partial points for correct partial-confidence answers, no score for not knowing, and a maximum penalty for wrong answers in any category. The answers are compiled and displayed as a knowledge profile to the subject that separates answers into quadrants of doubt, misinformation, unknown and mastery.

Abstract: A method and system for knowledge assessment and learning for assessing the true knowledge of a human subject. The invention incorporates non-one dimensional testing techniques to obtain the subject's knowledge and confidence level associated with the knowledge. The invention produces an assessment or test prolific, which includes formative and summative evaluation. The profile is correlated to database of learning materials and presented to the subject for review and/or reeducation of the substantive response thereby ensuring the subject's acquisition of the true knowledge or accurate information. The invention accommodates various test queries without regard to the specific nature of the subject matter on which the test subject is queried. The present invention is adaptable for use in a microprocessor-based stand alone computers, as well as for individual use or distributed in a client-server environment of a communication network.

Abstract: A pipe hanger for suspending a pipe from a support structure at a variety of angles includes a stem and a flexible hook attached to the stem. The stem has at least one groove suitable for accepting a staple for hanging the pipe hanger from the support structure. The grooves may be polygonal, allowing the pipe hanger to be suspended at a variety of angles. The hook has a curved portion to accept a pipe in a snap-fit position. The stem may be shortened to a suitable length by severing the stem at any one of the grooves.