Importance of experience in transoesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of vegetation size in patients with infective endocarditis: a reliability study.

Aims: Vegetation size assessed by transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is a decisive metric in guiding surgical intervention and prognosis in patients with definite infective endocarditis (IE). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of echocardiographic experience on the reliability and reproducibility of TOE measurements of vegetations in patients with IE. Methods and results: Twenty-nine raters from a cardiac department at a tertiary centre were divided into three groups according to echocardiographic experience: experts, cardiologists, and novices. All raters were instructed to measure the maximum length of vegetations in 20 different TOE exams. Interrater agreement was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Bland-Altmann plots. Reliability was assessed by minimal detectable change (MDC). All measurements were compared with the measured size agreed on by the multi-disciplinary IE team.There was an overall significant interrater variance between the three groups (P < 0.001). The variance was 10.1, 14.8, and 21.7 for the experts, cardiologists, and novices, respectively. ICC was excellent for experts (96.3%) and cardiologists (93.7%) and good for novices (84.6%). The three groups tended to measure smaller than the endocarditis team. MDC was 2.6 mm for experts, 3.3 mm for cardiologists, and 3.6 mm for novices. Conclusion: The study showed good to excellent intraclass correlation but high dispersion in all groups. Variance decreased with higher experience. Our findings support current recommendations that complicated cases should be cared for by the multi-disciplinary endocarditis team and underline the importance of echocardiographic expertise when evaluating and measuring vegetations in patients with IE.

Validation of the Spanish Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form in adolescents with suicide attempts.

Background: Child maltreatment is associated with a higher probability of mental disorders and suicidal behavior in adolescence. Therefore, accurate psychometric instruments are essential to assess this. Objective: To validate the Spanish version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) in adolescents with suicide attempts. Methods: Multisite cohort study of 208 adolescents with suicide attempts using data from the following scales: Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and CTQ-SF. Statistical analysis: CTQ-SF scores analyzed by descriptive statistics. Internal consistency: McDonald's omega and Cronbach's alpha. Concurrent validity with PHQ-9 and C-SSRS scores: Spearman correlation coefficient. Structural validity: Confirmatory factor analysis. Results: Floor and ceiling effects: Physical abuse and neglect as well as sexual abuse demonstrated high floor effects (50.0, 35.1, and 61.1% of adolescents, respectively). No ceiling effects were found. The CTQ-SF had excellent internal consistency (McDonald's omega = 0.94), as did the majority of its subscales (Cronbach's alpha 0.925-0.831) except for physical neglect (0.624). Its concurrent validity was modest, and the emotional neglect subscale had the lowest Spearman correlation coefficients (0.067-0.244). Confirmatory factor analysis: Compared with alternative factor structures, the original CTQ-SF model (correlated 5-factor) exhibited a better fit [S-B χ 2 = 676.653, p < 0; RMSEA (90% CI = 0.076-0.097) = 0.087; SRMR = 0.078; CFI = 0.980; TLI = 0.978]. Conclusion: The Spanish CTQ-SF is a reliable, valid instrument for assessing traumatic experiences in adolescents at high risk of suicide. It appears appropriate for use in routine clinical practice to monitor maltreatment in this group.

Reliability of the evidence to guide decision-making in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease with acupuncture: protocol for an overview of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: Growing numbers of randomized clinical trials-based systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). An overview of SRs/MAs will be conducted with the aim of systematically compiling, evaluating, and synthesizing the evidence regarding acupuncture for GERD. METHODS: SRs/MAs of acupuncture on GERD will be searched in eight databases. Two independent reviewers will conduct the literature search, data extraction, and review quality assessment. Utilizing the AMSTAR-2 tool, PRISMA checklists, and GRADE system, respectively, the methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality will be evaluated. In relation to the subject and the overview's objects, the results will be given. This study will aid in identifying gaps between evidence and its clinical application and serve as a roadmap for further high-quality research. DISCUSSION: The results of the overview will aid in closing the gap between clinical evidence and its use in clinical practice. This study will identify significant faults in the use of evidence, point out areas where methodology needs to be improved, and provide guidance for future high-quality research. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022371850. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval is not necessary because no personal information about individuals is collected. A peer-reviewed journal or pertinent conferences will publish the results, whichever comes first.

Exploring the applicability of a multifactor mindfulness scale in the Chinese college context.

The development of a precise and comprehensive mindfulness measurement tool is a compelling area of research due to its lack at present. This study examines the utility of a multifactor mindfulness scale, particularly the Chinese version of the Comprehensive Inventory of Mindfulness Experiences (CHIME), among Chinese college students. Prior to formal testing, 410 subjects completed the CHIME-37, providing feedback for refinement. During formal assessment, 1,785 subjects participated, with 490 students retested after 2 months. The validity of the CHIME-37 was evaluated using various scales, including subjective well-being, psychological well-being, peace of mind, self-reflection, insight, emotion regulation, depression-anxiety-stress, and sickness questionnaire. In exploratory factor analysis of Sample 1 (n = 838), CHIME revealed 8 factors, explaining 70.696% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis in Sample 2 (n = 947) confirmed the 8-factor model's validity. Internal consistency coefficients ranged from 0.848 to 0.914, with test-retest reliabilities ranging from 0.746 to 0.885, and split-half reliabilities ranging from 0.795 to 0.898. Total and dimension scores correlated positively with subjective well-being, psychological well-being, emotion stability, and cognitive reappraisal (p < 0.01) but negatively with physical and mental illnesses, depression-anxiety-stress, and expressive inhibition (p < 0.01). The revised CHIME demonstrates robust reliability and validity, establishing it as a suitable tool for measuring the mindfulness levels of Chinese college students.

A study on the development of happiness scale for Chinese young children.

This study was conducted to develop an assessment tool for measuring happiness among Chinese preschoolers, and to verify the reliability and validity of this tool. A total of 269 preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years from kindergartens and childcare centers in Hangzhou, China, were surveyed. The Preschooler Happiness Scale, constructed through literature review and interviews with preschoolers, underwent expert content validity verification and pilot testing to refine items. The validity and reliability of the scale were verified in this study, resulting in the development of the final Preschooler Happiness Scale comprising 6 sub-factors and 25 items. The reliability verification revealed a high overall reliability of 0.91 for the Preschooler Happiness Scale, confirming its trustworthiness as a tool. The academic significance of the findings and the practical utility of the Preschooler Happiness Scale in early childhood education settings in China were discussed based on the results of this study.

Effect of solder void on mechanical and thermal properties of flip-chip light-emitting diode: Statistical analysis based on finite element modeling.

With the increasing demand for highly efficient lighting in the automotive industry, flip-chip light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have become widely used for both interior and exterior lighting. Solder, serving as a crucial interconnecting material, often develops voids during the reflow process, compromising the integrity and reliability of the connections. Thus, understanding the impact of these voids on the mechanical and thermal properties of the product is vital for improving reliability accuracy. This work employs computational methods alongside experimental approaches to address the challenges of replicating solder voids and controlling the solder void fraction. A comprehensive study investigates the effects of solder voids on shearing properties and thermal conductance. Random voids were introduced into the solder pads of an LED assembly within a finite element model (FEM), leading to predictions of maximum shear stress and LED junction temperature. The findings correlate well with the experimental data, validating the FEM's applicability. Furthermore, a statistical analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between solder void fraction, position, and size, aiming to provide objective guidelines for analyzing soldered assembly tomography in reliability assessments.

Weibull analysis of ceramics and related materials: A review.

It has been realized throughout the years that an ideal combination of high toughness, hardness and strength is required in many engineering applications that need load-bearing capabilities. Ceramics and related materials have significant constraints for structural and particular non-structural applications due to their low toughness and limited strength while having substantially superior hardness than typical metallic materials. For example, hydroxyapatite (HAp) has gained attention for applications in orthopaedic implants, dental materials, drug delivery, etc. Researchers have continued to strive to produce HAp materials with reliable properties within the acceptable Weibull modulus (m) for load bearing. The Weibull analysis (WA) is a statistical analysis adopted widely in reliability applications to detect failure periods. Researchers have confirmed it to be an effective technique to get results on the reliability of materials at a moderately low rate with assured reliability of the material or component. This review summarizes the WA and the steps in the Weibull method for its reliability analysis to predict the failure rate of ceramics like HAp and other related materials. Also, the applications of WA for these materials were reviewed. From the review, it was discovered that Weibull distribution is proven to confer to the feeblest-link concept. For brittle materials, it was revealed that the Weibull Modulus ranges from 2 to 40, and environment, production processes, and comparative factors are well-thought-out contributing factors for reliability. In addition, the confidence interval can be up to 95 %. The frequently used technique for reliability valuation is to syndicate the Weibull statistics. Also, a very narrow distribution is desirable to offer the expected likelihood. Furthermore, when paired with trials, Monte Carlo simulations prove to be a very helpful tool for forecasting the dependability of different estimate techniques and their optimization. Finally, if the equivalent m is anticipated to be high, it signifies that the material has a high degree of homogeneity of properties and high reliability. WA can find application in predicting the dependability and lifetime of materials, making it widely utilized in engineering and other disciplines. It is especially useful for analysing data in which the likelihood of failure per unit of time varies over time.

Assessing reliability and validity of food safety culture assessment tools.

Since its recognition as a plausible direction to assure food safety, food safety culture research has evolved with several commercial and scientific assessment tools developed to evaluate the food safety culture in food businesses. However, existing research does not specify the validity and reliability checks required to demonstrate rigor in the tool development process and there is no unified methodology to confirm robustness of the tools to ensure trustworthiness and usefulness of findings and inferences generated. The purpose of the study was to develop a method to evaluate food safety culture assessment tools and to assess the reliability and validity of existing food safety culture assessment tools using the developed method. Eleven elements were found to be key in validating food safety culture assessment tools. Of the eight tools assessed, only one tool (CT2) was validated on each of the elements. The depth of validation strategies differed for each tool. Three out of the five commercial tools published peer reviewed publications that demonstrated the validation checks that were done. Face validation, and pilot testing were evident and appeared to be done the most. Whilst content, ecological, and cultural validity were the least validated for scientific tools, factor analysis and reliability checks were the least evaluated for commercial tools. None of the tools were assessed for postdictive validity, concurrent validity and the correlation coefficient relating to construct validity. Having an established science-based approach is key as it provides a way to determine the trustworthiness of established assessment tools against accepted methods.

Confirmation of the Unidimensionality of the Satisfaction and Recovery Index Among Those With Various Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Background A semistructured patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) wherein patients rate the importance of structured items and the magnitude of the psychometric properties to be investigated (e.g., disability and satisfaction) facilitates patient engagement in their treatment and patient-centered clinical practice. The Satisfaction and Recovery Index (SRI) is one such semistructured PROM that was originally developed to measure recovery from a whiplash injury. Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated a one-factor structure among ambulatory community-dwelling people with traumatic musculoskeletal injuries. However, a confirmatory factor analysis has not been conducted among patients with various musculoskeletal disorders, and the internal structure of the SRI has not been established yet. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the internal structure of the SRI among patients with diverse musculoskeletal disorders. Methodology An anonymous survey was performed for patients who were referred for physical therapy for musculoskeletal disorders at a local orthopedic clinic. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted. The goodness-of-fit criteria were as follows: chi-square/degree of freedom < 3, goodness-of-fit index > 0.90, adjusted goodness-of-fit index > 0.95, and root mean square error of approximation < 0.08. Results Data from 217 participants were analyzed. All goodness-of-fit criteria were satisfied. Conclusion This study confirmed the acceptable internal structure of the SRI among patients with diverse musculoskeletal disorders.

Measuring mental wellbeing in clinical and non-clinical adolescents using the COMPAS-W Wellbeing Scale.

Introduction: Adolescence is a key period of vulnerability for poor mental health as the brain is still developing and may be more sensitive to the negative impacts of stress and adversity. Unfortunately, few measures comprehensively assess wellbeing in adolescents. Methods: The 26-item COMPAS-W Wellbeing Scale for adults was validated in a sample of 1,078 adolescents aged 13-17 years old (51.67% male, 79.13% non-clinical vs 20.87% psychiatric or developmental clinical cases). The six COMPAS-W sub-scales and total scale were examined in this sample using second-order confirmatory factor analysis, and psychometric testing. Results: The 23-item COMPAS-W demonstrated the best fit for this sample according to goodness-of-fit indices (χ 2 (220, 1078) = 1439.395, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.893, TLI = 0.877, RMSEA = 0.070, SRMR = 0.095). Internal reliability for the confirmed 23-item COMPAS-W model was run for the total scale (α = 0.912) and sub-scales (Composure, α = 0.735; Own-worth, α = 0.601; Mastery, α = 0.757; Positivity, α = 0.721; Achievement, α = 0.827; and Satisfaction, α = 0.867). Test-retest reliability over 6 weeks was also good for the total scale at r = 0.845 and the sub-scales: Composure (r = 0.754), Own-worth (r = 0.743), Mastery (r = 0.715), Positivity (r = 0.750), Achievement (r = 0.750), and Satisfaction (r = 0.812). Compared with non-clinical participants' wellbeing (M = 90.375, SE = 0.400), those with clinical diagnoses reported lower wellbeing, both for those with developmental diagnoses (M = 85.088, SE = 1.188), or psychiatric diagnoses (M = 78.189, SE = 1.758), or combined developmental and psychiatric diagnoses (M = 77.079, SE = 2.116). Yet, when wellbeing category scores were considered by diagnosis group, both non-clinical and clinical groups demonstrated incidence across all three categories of languishing, moderate and flourishing wellbeing, in support of the dual-continua model of mental health. On average, younger adolescents' (13-14 years) wellbeing did not differ from older adolescents' (15-17 years) wellbeing; however, for sex, males scored 1.731 points significantly higher in wellbeing compared with females (p = 0.028); and American participants scored 3.042 points significantly higher in wellbeing compared with Australian participants (p < 0.001). Discussion: In conclusion, the 23-item COMPAS-W is a reliable measure of wellbeing for adolescents, both for those with and without developmental and psychiatric diagnoses.

Cross-cultural adaptation of National Early Warning Score 2 to Angolan Portuguese.

Objective: To make a cross-cultural adaptation of the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS 2) from English to Angolan Portuguese. Methods: A methodological research of cross-cultural adaptation was conducted, involving sequential stages of forward translation, translation synthesis, back-translation, and the application of the Delphi Panel methodology for analyzing semantic, idiomatic, experiential, and conceptual equivalence between the translated and the original versions. This process culminated in the development of a pre-final version, which subsequently underwent testing in a cohort of nurses (n = 37). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was calculated to assess inter-rater reliability of ratings. Cronbach's alpha was used for evaluating the internal consistency and reliability within the items of the NEWS 2 score. Results: The cross-cultural adaptation process allowed us to prepare the final version of this tool. The data collected during the testing phase facilitated the examination of inter-rater reliability of ratings and the internal consistency and reliability within the items of the NEWS2 score. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient observed at this step was 0.992. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.993. Conclusion: The cross-cultural adaptation of the NEWS 2 scoring system to Angolan Portuguese was successful, providing healthcare professionals in Angola with the means to effectively use the tool.

Reliability of a short diet and vitamin supplement questionnaire for retrospective collection of maternal nutrient intake.

Background: Gestational nutrition can protect against adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Objectives: We developed a short tool for collecting maternal nutritional intake during pregnancy to facilitate research in this area and compared its retrospective use to prospectively-collected food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). Methods: Maternal nutritional intake was retrospectively assessed using three versions (full interview, full self-administered online, and shortened interview) of the Early Life Exposure Assessment Tool (ELEAT) among participants of the MARBLES pregnancy cohort study of younger siblings of autistic children. Retrospective responses were compared with responses to supplement questions and the validated 2005 Block FFQ prospectively collected in MARBLES during pregnancies 2-7 years prior. ELEAT nutrient values were calculated using reported food intake frequencies and nutrient values from the USDA nutrient database. Correlations between retrospectively- and prospectively-reported intake were evaluated using Kappa coefficients, Youden's J, and Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficients (rs). Results: MARBLES FFQ dietary intakes were compared among 54 women who completed the ELEAT full form including 12 online, and among 23 who completed the ELEAT short form. Correlations across most foods were fair to moderate. Most ELEAT quantified nutrient values were moderately correlated (rs = 0.3-0.6) with those on the Block FFQ. Supplement questions in both MARBLES and the ELEAT were completed by 114 women. Kappas were moderate for whether or not supplements were taken, but modest for timing. Correlations varied by version and child diagnosis or concerns, and were higher when mothers completed the ELEAT when their child was 4 years old or younger. Conclusions: With recall up to several years, ELEAT dietary and supplement module responses were modestly to moderately reliable and produced nutrient values moderately correlated with prospectively-collected measures. The ELEAT dietary and vitamin supplements modules can be used to rank participants in terms of intake of several nutrients relevant for neurodevelopment.

Identifying vulnerable mother-infant dyads: a psychometric evaluation of two observational coding systems using varying interaction periods.

Introduction: Clinical services require feasible assessments of parent-infant interaction in order to identify dyads requiring parenting intervention. We assessed the reliability and predictive validity of two observational tools and tested whether briefer forms could be identified which retain acceptable psychometric properties over short observation periods. Methods: A stratified high-risk community sample of 250 mother-infant dyads from The Wirral Child Health and Development Study completed 7-min play-based interaction at 6-8 months. Film-footage was independently coded by two trained raters using PIIOS and NICHD-SECCYD systems. Incremental predictive validity was assessed from 3, 5 and 7 min observation to attachment outcomes (Strange Situation; 14 months) and infant mental health (BITSEA; 14 and 30 months). Results: Excellent inter-rater reliability was evident at code and subscale level for each tool and observation period. Stability of within-rater agreement was optimal after 5 min observation. ROC analysis confirmed predictive (discriminant) validity (AUCs >0.70) to top decile age 2 mental health outcomes for PIIOS total score and a brief 3-item composite from NICHD-SECCYD (sensitivity, intrusiveness, positive regard; NICHD-3), but not to attachment outcomes. Logistic regression showed dyads rated at-risk for externalizing problems using NICHD-3 were also at significantly higher risk for insecurity at 14 months (OR = 2.7, p = 0.004). Conclusion: PIIOS total and NICHD-3 ratings from 5 min observation are both reliable and valid tools for use in clinical practice. Findings suggest NICHD-3 may have greater utility due to its comparative brevity to train and code, with suitability for use over a broader developmental time frame (3-24 months).

Comparison of psychometric properties of the dual-task timed up-and-go test (cognitive) and the 3-m walk backward test in community-dwelling stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for practical, easy-to-use and accurately assessing balance tools in stroke patients. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the psychometric properties of the dual-task Timed Up-and-Go test (cognitive) (DTUG) and the 3-m walk backward test (3MBWT) in stroke patients. METHODS: This study evaluated the practicality, validity, and reliability of the DTUG and the 3MBWT. The test-retest method was used for reliability. The Modified Four Square Step Test (MFSST), the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were administered for concurrent validity. A cutoff value was calculated to discriminate between fallers and non-fallers. RESULTS: The mean practicality times of the tests were 63.58 ± 47.32 sec for DTUG and 37.42 ± 24.036 sec for 3MBWT. Intraclass correlation coefficient of the DTUG and 3MBWT were 0.977, 0.964, respectively which showed excellent test - retest reliability. The DTUG demonstrated strong/very strong correlations with the MFSST (r = 0.724, p < 0.001), TUG (r = 0.909, p < 0.001), and BBS (r = -0.740, p < 0.001). The 3MBWT showed strong correlations with the MFSST (r = 0.835, p < 0.001), the TUG (r = 0.799, p < 0.001), and the BBS (r = -0.740, p < 0.001). The cutoff point was 36.945 s for DTUG and 14.605 s for 3MBWT. CONCLUSIONS: The 3MBWT was a more practical test than the DTUG; however, the DTUG was more discriminative than the 3MBWT in identifying fallers after stroke. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05211349. URL: https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S000BRKZ&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0005GRO&ts=2&cx=z21bhg.

Japanese translation and validation of the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale version 2.

BACKGROUND: Disability in ambulation has a critical impact on activities of daily living in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) is a self-reported instrument developed to assess the impact of MS on walking. The scale's 12 items assess various aspects of walking-related tasks during the past 2 weeks. MSWS-12 has been used in multiple clinical studies and translated into several languages. In the present study, we translated the MSWS-12 into Japanese and evaluated its psychometric properties in a cross-sectional study. METHODS: The original English MSWS-12 version 2 (v2) was translated into Japanese through a standard procedure. Sixty consecutive Japanese MS patients completed the newly prepared Japanese MSWS-12v2 questionnaire and repeated the test 14 days later. Physical disability was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Timed 25-foot Walk (T25FW), and 9-hole Peg Test (9HPT). Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Processing Speed Test (PST). Fatigue and health-related quality of life were assessed using the Japanese versions of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Functional Assessment of MS (FAMS). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 42.5 years, with median disease duration of 10 years, and median EDSS of 2.0 (range 0, 6.5). Forty-seven patients (78.3 %) had relapsing-remitting, 9 (15.0 %) had secondary-progressive, and 4 (6.7 %) had primary-progressive phenotypes. The median score of the MSWS-12v2 was 5.95 (interquartile range 0, 50.6). Twenty-seven patients (45 %) scored the lowest possible score (0 points), while one (1.7 %) scored the highest possible score (100 points). Cronbach's alpha was 0.98 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.97, 0.98), and the test-retest intraclass correlation was 0.95 (95%CI 0.94, 0.96). MSWS-12v2 score was strongly correlated with EDSS (Spearman's ρ = 0.73 [95%CI 0.58, 0.83]), T25FW (ρ = 0.70 [95%CI 0.55, 0.81]), and total FAMS score (ρ = -0.80 [95%CI -0.88, -0.69]), and moderately correlated with 9HPT (ρ = 0.65 [95%CI 0.47, 0.77] for the dominant hand; ρ = 0.62 [95%CI 0.43, 0.75] for the non-dominant hand), PST (ρ = -0.65 [95%CI -0.78, -0.47]), and FSS (ρ = 0.68 [95%CI 0.52, 0.80]). Among the subcomponents of FAMS, the mobility subcomponent showed the most robust correlation with MSWS-12v2 score (ρ = -0.91 [95%CI -0.94, -0.81]). In patients with minimal or no objective disability (EDSS < 3.0, n = 40), only the mobility subcomponent of FAMS was strongly correlated with MSWS-12v2 score (ρ = -0.76 [95% CI -0.87, -0.58]). In contrast, correlations of MSWS-12v2 score with EDSS and T25FW were weak in this subgroup (ρ = 0.28 [95%CI -0.03, 0.55] for EDSS; ρ = 0.25 [95%CI -0.06, 0.52] for T25FW). Response patterns for the single items showed that 32.5 % of the patients with EDSS below 3.0 reported having problems with balance, followed by climbing stairs and standing while doing things (both 25 %). CONCLUSION: The Japanese version of the MSWS-12v2 developed in this study is reliable, valid, and helpful for screening walking disability in Japanese MS patients, including those with minimal objective disability.

Consistency between the ACGIH TLV for hand activity and proposed action levels for wrist velocity and forearm muscular load based on objective measurements: an example from the assembly industry.

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the consistency between results of the American Conference for Governmental Occupational Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) for hand activity and proposed action levels of objective measurements in risk assessments of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Methods. Wrist velocities and forearm muscular load were measured for 11 assemblers during one working day. Simultaneously, each assembler's hand activity level (HAL) during three sub-cycles was rated twice on two separate occasions by two experts, using a HAL scale. Arm/hand exertion was also rated by the assemblers themselves using a Borg scale. In total, 66 sub-cycles were assessed and assigned to three exposure categories: A) below ACGIH action limit (AL) (green); B) between AL and TLV (yellow); and C) above TLV (red). The median wrist velocity and the 90th percentile of forearm muscular load obtained from the objective measurements corresponding to the sub-cycles were calculated and assigned to two exposure categories: A) below or C) above the proposed action level. Results. The agreement between ACGIH TLV for hand activity and the proposed action level for wrist velocity was 87%. Conclusions. The proposed action level for wrist velocity is highly consistent with the TLV. Additional studies are needed to confirm the results.

Reliability and validity of estimated angles information assessed using inertial measurement unit-based motion sensors.

BACKGROUND: Inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based motion sensors are affordable, and their use is appropriate for rehabilitation. However, regarding the accuracy of estimated angle information obtained from this sensor, it is reported that it is likely affected by velocity. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the reliability and validity of the angle information obtained using IMU-based sensors compared with a three-dimensional (3D) motion analyzer. METHODS: The Euler angle obtained using the 3D motion analyzer and the angle obtained using the IMU-based sensor (IMU angle) were compared. Reliability was assessed by comparing the Bland-Altman analysis, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) (1,1), and cross-correlation function. The root mean square (RMS) error, ICC (2,1), and cross-correlation function were used to compare data on the Euler and IMU angles to evaluate the validity. RESULTS: Regarding reliability, the Bland-Atman analysis indicated no fixed or proportional bias in the angle measurements. The measurement errors ranged from 0.2° to 3.2°. In the validity, the RMS error ranged from 0.3° to 2.2°. The ICCs (2,1) were 0.9. The cross-correlation functions were >0.9, which indicated a high degree of agreement. CONCLUSION: The IMU-based sensor had a high reliability and validity. The IMU angle may be used in rehabilitation.

Validity and reliability of the Yonsei lifestyle profile-active, balance, connection, diversity.

INTRODUCTION: Lifestyle, defined as a way of living resulting from an individual's deliberate choices, is a crucial factor in improving and maintaining health. Consequently, the measurement and analysis of lifestyle are of significant importance. This study aims to validate the validity and reliability of the Yonsei Lifestyle Profile-Active, Balance, Connection, Diversity (YLP-ABCD) in measuring health-related lifestyles. METHODS: Data were collected from 300 participants aged 55 and older using the YLP-ABCD. To analyse the validity and reliability of the YLP-ABCD, analysed using frequency, descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, and Rasch model analysis. RESULTS: The results indicate that the YLP-ABCD, which consists of 35 items, demonstrates unidimensionality and local independence. The Rasch model confirmed the suitability of the 5-point Likert scale for the factors, excluding subfactors Balanced and Unbalanced. The item fit criteria (0.5 < MNSQ < 1.5) were met for all items. The distribution of the respondents' abilities suggests the need for additional items to measure their ability levels. Both the item and respondent separation indices and their reliabilities were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the utility of the YLP-ABCD as a valuable tool for measuring and understanding the multifaceted diversity of lifestyles. Therefore, by utilising YLP-ABCD to quantitatively measure health lifestyles, we anticipate contributing to improvements in human health and quality of life.

Reliability and changes in knee cartilage T2 relaxation time from 6 to 24 months after anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the reliability of cartilage T2 relaxation time measurements and to identify focal changes in T2 relaxation on the affected knee from 6 to 24 months after anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Data from 41 patients who received anatomic ACLR were analyzed. A bilateral 3.0-T MRI was acquired 6 and 24 months after ACLR. T2 relaxation time was measured in subregions of the femoral condyle and the tibial plateau. The root-mean-square coefficient of variation (RMSCV) was calculated to evaluate the reliability of T2 relaxation time in the contralateral knee. Subregion changes in the affected knee T2 relaxation time were identified using the contralateral knee as a reference. The superficial and full thickness layers of the central and inner regions showed good reliability. Conversely, the outer regions on the femoral side and regions in the deep layers showed poor reliability. T2 relaxation time increased in only 3 regions on the affected knee when controlling for changes in the contralateral knee, while changes in T2 relaxation time were identified in 14 regions when not using the contralateral knee as a reference. In conclusion, evaluation of cartilage degeneration by T2 relaxation time after ACLR is most reliable for central and inner cartilage regions. Cartilage degeneration occurs in the central and outer regions of the lateral femoral condyle from 6 to 24 months after anatomic ACLR.

Psychometric properties of the Perth emotional labour scale: Preliminary support for a new measure with theoretical implications.

Emotional labour is the process by which people regulate emotions congruently with occupational requirements. Research consistently links emotional labour to greater levels of burnout. However, we argue this literature is potentially confounded by measurement error. We sought to validate an English adaptation of a recent emotional labour measure that addresses measurement error concerns in an under-researched sample at risk of burnout-psychologists providing psychotherapy. We termed this measure the Perth Emotional Labour Scale (PELS) which is based upon Andela and colleagues' (2015) original measure. Additionally, we explored what factors of emotional labour contributed most to burnout in this group. We recruited 418 psychologists (81.58% female, 17.46% male, 0.96% non-binary) across Australia (N = 362, 86.60%) and New Zealand (N = 56, 13.40%). Factor analyses and correlational analyses examined the PELS' reliability and validity. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis explored whether each component of emotional labour contributed unique variance to emotional exhaustion (EE). Preliminary support for the PELS' psychometric properties was found and emotional dissonance was found to be the only emotional labour factor that uniquely contributed to EE. We demonstrate preliminary psychometric support for the PELS but recommend further development and argue our findings have unique implications for research and practice.