RESULTS: Three oleogel systems exhibited a solid-like behavior, with the formation of crystalline forms dominated by β and β'. Among them, PS-COO exhibited enhanced capability with respect to immobilizing liquid oils, resulting in solidification with high oil-binding capacity, moderate hardness and good elasticity. By contrast, MG-COO demonstrated inferior stability compared to PS-COO and EC-COO. Furthermore, MG-COO and PS-COO demonstrated antioxidant properties against CO oxidation, whereas EC-COO exhibited the opposite effect. PS-COO and EC-COO exhibited superior thermodynamic behavior compared to MG-COO.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey of the tutors who had used the instrument was conducted to determine whether the assessment instrument or form was user-friendly. The 4 competencies assessed, using a 5-point rating scale, were (1) participation and communication skills, (2) cooperation or team-building skills, (3) comprehension or reasoning skills and (4) knowledge or information-gathering skills. Tutors were given a set of criteria guidelines for scoring the students' performance in these 4 competencies. Tutors were not attached to a particular PBL group, but took turns to facilitate different groups on different case or problem discussions. Assessment scores for one cohort of undergraduate medical students in their respective PBL groups in Year I (2003/2004) and Year II (2004/2005) were analysed. The consistency of scores was analysed using intraclass correlation.

RESULTS: The majority of the tutors surveyed expressed no difficulty in using the instrument and agreed that it helped them assess the students fairly. Analysis of the scores obtained for the above cohort indicated that the different raters were relatively consistent in their assessment of student performance, despite a small number consistently showing either "strict" or "indiscriminate" rating practice.