Alternative Instruments Research Articles

The Role of Sharia-Compliant Financial Institutions in Promoting Economic Stability: Insights from Recent Scholarly Contributions

This research examines the role of Islamic financial institutions in promoting economic stability through a literature study of recent scholarly contributions. Islamic financial institutions are seen as alternative financial instruments that operate under Islamic principles, which prohibit usury, excessive speculation, and non-transparent activities. This research aims to understand the mechanisms used by Islamic financial institutions in creating economic stability and evaluate the latest empirical evidence supporting such contributions. The research method used is a literature study with a qualitative approach, where various journals and research reports on Islamic finance, economic stability, and monetary policy are reviewed and analysed. The results show that Islamic financial institutions play an important role in economic stability through asset-based financing, portfolio diversification, as well as the application of risk management in accordance with Islamic principles. This research contributes to providing policy makers, academics, and financial practitioners with a deeper understanding of the potential of Islamic financial institutions as instruments that can strengthen economic stability.

Analysis of Zakat as an Alternative Fiscal Instrument in Supporting Economic Development in Indonesia

This study explores the potential of zakat as an alternative fiscal instrument in supporting economic development in Indonesia. Zakat, a mandatory charitable contribution in Islam, has the ability to address poverty, reduce income inequality, and contribute to economic growth. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 80 respondents, including zakat payers, recipients, and administrators, through a Likert-scale survey. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 to evaluate the impact of zakat distribution efficiency and utilization on poverty reduction and economic development. The results demonstrate that both zakat distribution efficiency and utilization significantly contribute to poverty reduction and economic development, supporting the hypothesis that zakat can play a crucial role as a fiscal tool. The study's findings suggest that improving zakat management practices and aligning zakat utilization with long-term development goals could enhance its impact on Indonesia's economic growth.

Fragmentation of international trade: interim results, challenges and policy issues

The article analyzes key issues related to the fragmentation of international trade at the current stage of global economic development. The impact of economic globalization on disruptions in modern international exchange is discussed, including in the chronological context of the formation of the modern structure of international trade. The main channels of trade fragmentation are identified, including the ambiguous dynamics of cross-border direct investment, the aggressiveness of export control measures taken by key countries, as well as stresses observed in the global payment system. A separate aspect of the study was the analysis of national security considerations dictating the use of various subsidies, which is an additional determinant of the fragmentation of international trade. It is proven that fragmentation has led to uncertainty and increased volatility in global raw materials markets, and has strengthened the speculative and "financialized" nature of their development. In general, international trade under the influence of fragmentation should become more adaptive, and it is necessary to continue developing multilateral cooperation, but it should take place in a fundamentally different format and with the help of alternative instruments aimed at developing new trade models.

경합에서 보조수단과 상호의존적 선호

In a contest, participants invest resources to compete for rewards. During this process, each participant may be concerned not only with their own payoffs but also with the payoffs of their competitors. In other words, in a contested situation, each participants can exhibit interdependent preferences. Existing literature has primarily focused on how interdependent preferences change based on resource allocation. First, this study summarizes the relationship between resource allocation and changes in interdependent preferences as derived from the existing literature. A common assumption in the literature is that the resources required for contests are unique, and that the contest is conducted solely through the allocation of these resources. This study examines whether the input of resources necessary for contests can take various forms and whether the allocation of these diverse resources, using alternative instruments, can lead to changes in interdependent preferences. The study demonstrates that, even when considering various resource allocations, participants' pure self-interest remains unchanged.

A-133 Trusted Test Goes Awry: Investigating Dilution Aberrations for Total Bilirubin

Abstract Background A patient with acute decompensated cirrhosis was hospitalized due to lightheadedness and jaundice, undergoing evaluation for a liver transplant. The attending physician brought to the laboratory’s attention a perplexing pattern in the patient's total bilirubin results. Initially, the patient displayed a consistent trend of elevated total bilirubin levels above the upper limit of linearity, ULOL (> 30 mg/dL), which then plummeted to under the limit of quantification (< 0.1 mg/dL) before surging back to > 30 mg/dL. Methods The total bilirubin in heparinized plasma was measured on the AU5800 by Beckman Coulter. Samples > ULOL are diluted automatically 1:3 utilizing the instrument’s on-board dilution feature. The final test results are reported automatically to an electronic medical record. Following the reported incident, an investigation and troubleshooting plan was developed, encompassing the following steps: Repeat patient testing with total bilirubin concentration > 30 mg/dL and <0.1 mg/dL; Rule out the previously reported potential interferences, including Immunoglobin M and acetaminophen; Conduct a 90-day quality control (QC) review; Perform split test analysis on two instruments within the laboratory and at a reference laboratory; Conduct patient chart reviews to identify discrepancies based on previously reported values; Complete a root cause analysis and develop corrective/preventive action plan. Results Patient sample < 0.1 mg/dL was tested on an alternative instrument, resulting > 30 mg/dL. Patient with normal IgM of 161 mg/dL didn’t reveal any other potential drug interferences in chart review. The 3-month QC review found consistent with peer performance. Split comparison of 6 patients revealed discrepancies for samples > 30 mg/dL on one of the two instrument units. When total bilirubin > 30 mg/dL, the malfunctioning unit erroneously reported values < 0.1 mg/dL after dilution. Review of 34 patient charts showed the impact dates were spanned for 39 days. Since the on-board dilution feature is utilized by 10 other analytes, 892 diluted samples were analyzed for discrepancies. 36 discrepant results were identified among 4 affected assays including total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, creatine kinase, and alanine aminotransferase. These results were corrected, and providers were notified. Conclusions The root cause was traced to a malfunction in one instrument unit, despite no malfunction flags. The laboratory QC concentrations fell within the analytical measurement range, missing the dilution issue during the daily QCs. During an extensive repair period, the on-board dilution was disabled on the affected unit and samples were re-routed to alternative instrument for testing. Policy changes and operator training were initiated for a new result verification process, impacting the laboratory productivity. Autoverification of diluted sample results was disabled for all chemistry analyzers. The vendor identified the issue as sample transfer unit crane misalignment in the up/down direction. It is worth noting that proficiency testing or QCs often do not extend beyond the analytical measurement ranges, leading to undetected incidents. Additional quality measures like periodic patient chart reviews, patient sample comparisons, and other quality assurance tools can aid in on-going dilution performance verification. Open communication between the physicians and laboratories is crucial for prompt issue identification and resolution.

Финансовые аспекты поддержки развития субъектов малого бизнеса в целях инновационного развития экономики

The development of the business sector is a significant factor in a stable and developing economy. This statement is based on the opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses to create new jobs, optimal management of financial resources in the current macroeconomic circumstances. In turn, a stable source of budget revenues is formed for the state through taxes and fees. The conducted studies of statistical data on the financial and economic activities of small businesses for the period from 2017 to 2013 revealed an increase in the total turnover (revenue) by 28.57 %. The study of the financial and economic activities of this sector of the economy in the regional aspect by the constituent entities of the Russian Federation revealed a significant increase in entrepreneurial activity, primarily in the Volga Federal District. The turnover (revenue) indicator increased by 2.29 billion rubles, reaching a significant volume of 6.0 billion rubles as of January 1, 2024. The main sources of financing for small businesses are their own funds, as well as borrowed (credit) resources. An important aspect of the state policy to support the financing of small businesses is the development of alternative instruments: crowdfunding platforms, venture investment, regional events to evaluate start-ups, etc. This approach is largely aimed at expanding financing, through which it is possible to more actively develop the activities of small businesses for the purpose of innovative development of the economy

Poe-life: emphatic technology in sanative writing application as a way of assisting underachieving students

ABSTRACT Performance issues can lead to frustration and feelings of helplessness. When designed emphatically, technology can understand emotionally-born human communicators in channeling worries. Poe-Life, a poetry writing application, uses emphatic technology to offer an alternative instrument for creative writing. Non-regular students, those with GPA under 2.0 and study time over 4 years, can benefit from this application. The study aims to prove how creative poetry writing helps non-regular students deal with performance issues and how emphatically technologized writing application enhances writing process. Three non-regular Binus English Department students' poems were chosen, i.e. Try (by RYP), someday (RIM), and Broken Heart (ZMT) to reveal students' implicit oppressions. The study found that sanative poetry writing helps non-regular students express their performance problems through metaphors. Students' problems stem from lack of self-confidence, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Poe-Life app is preferred due to its friendly, emphatic features and word assistance. Emphatic technology can enhance creative writing process.

Instrumentation Considerations for Calcified Thyroid Cartilage during Chondrolaryngoplasty

ObjectiveChondrolaryngoplasty, also known as thyroid cartilage reduction, alleviates gender dysphoria by reducing the thyroid cartilage to conform to a patient's gender identity. Reduction of the thyroid cartilage prominence (“Adam's apple”) is often performed with a scalpel, but in cases of cartilage calcification, rongeurs or drills are utilized. This study aims to characterize the success rate with scalpel‐only excision and relate this to patient age and operative time.MethodsBilling records were screened for chondrolaryngoplasties performed between 2020 and 2023 by a single surgeon. Patient demographics, operative notes, and operation duration were recorded. Type of instrumentation was categorized as scalpel only, rongeur, or drill. All cases began with attempted scalpel excision of cartilage and were transitioned to rongeur or drill if there was calcification that prevented sharp excision. Descriptive statistics were used to describe patient and surgical factors.Results52 individuals underwent chondrolaryngoplasty: 30 cases (57.7%) had soft cartilage requiring only a blade, 22 (42.3%) required use of either drill or rongeur. The average age of these groups was 25.7 (SE 1.8) and 41.3 years (SE 2.2), respectively; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Cases requiring a drill or rongeur lasted on average 78.5 min (SE 2.3), whereas those using only a blade were shorter at 66.8 min (SE 2.7); this difference was significant (p = 0.0017).ConclusionCartilage calcification should be expected in a significant number of chondrolaryngoplasties, and surgeons should be prepared for this scenario. The need for alternative instrumentation is higher in older individuals and may extend procedural time.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 2024

Перспективы рынка киберстрахования США под влиянием новых вызовов

The article delves into the analysis of current trends in the cyber risk insurance market in the United States, which is both the driving force of the global insurance industry and a major victim of cyber attacks. The work highlights the key factors that define the current cyber insurance market landscape and influence the increasing frequency and severity of cyber attacks. Legislative initiatives to curb the activities of attackers and create an effective infrastructure to combat ransomware developers are examined, which in turn determine insurers' underwriting policies when assessing cyber risks. The research emphasizes the growth of alternative risk transfer mechanisms and instruments, as well as the increasing restrictions on underwriting risks of a systemic nature against the backdrop of escalating cyber threats. The article presents an assessment of the current state and outlines the prospects for the development of the US cyber insurance market with a focus on improving modeling mechanisms and attracting highly specialized personnel.

Implementation of Gold Bullion Funding as Alternative Instruments to Overcome the Problem of Currency Fluctuation

Infrastructure development has an important contribution in improving the national economy and realizing people's welfare. However, there are still problems in the implementation, namely the government's limited ability to fund infrastructure development projects. For this reason, the government has actually attempted to create a mechanism in the form of Public Private Partnership (PPP) by emphasizing risk sharing between the government and the private sector. However, this effort did not run smoothly because there were other risks, one of which was related to project financing which was at risk of currency value fluctuations. This situation shows that there is a need for a solution to optimize project financing in Indonesia through the Gold Bullion Funding (GBF) mechanism. The research method used is normative legal research by utilizing a qualitative method in analyzing data or secondary data through searching regulations and literature related to the object of the problem. Based on the research results, the author initiated the GBF mechanism to answer problems related to the implementation of project finance in PPPs. Regarding its implementation, the GBF mechanism will refer to the OJK regulation regarding the implementation of bullion business activities in order to optimize the government's role in forming the bullion ecosystem in Indonesia. With this mechanism, problems related to currency fluctuations in project finance in Indonesia can be resolved so that development can be realized that is effective, efficient and provides benefits to society.

Feeling good means doing good: body appreciation as a predictor of physical activity, fitness, and motivation

The study aimed to investigate the influence of body appreciation on physical activity motivation, physical activity level, and physical fitness among 423 randomly selected state university students. The Body Appreciation Scale-2 was used to quantify body appreciation. For measuring physical activity level, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was utilized. The Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation was also used to quantify physical activity motivation. Various field tests, such as a 3-minute Step test, a 1-minute Push-up test, a Plank test, a Wall sit test, and a Sit and Reach test, were used to assess physical fitness. The questionnaire, scale, and field tests were completed and performed by the participants. The data gathered were analyzed using multiple linear regression with SPSS Version 29. Body appreciation was found to be a predictor of physical activity and leisure motivation for males, females, and all participants. It also predicted the physical activity levels of males, females, and all participants. However, its influence on physical fitness was only found in male participants. Future studies should measure variables using alternative instruments, such as a varied scale for body appreciation, real-time physical activity tracking through wearables and fitness apps, and additional physical fitness components to better assess the influence of body appreciation on physical fitness.

Innovating the bank-firm relationship: a spherical fuzzy approach to SME funding

PurposeInnovation in financing processes, enabled by the advent of new technologies, has supported the development of alternative finance funding tools. In this context, the study analyses the growing importance of alternative finance instruments (such as equity crowdfunding, peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, venture capital, and others) in addressing the small and medioum enterprises' (SMEs) financing needs beyond traditional bank and market-based funding channels. By providing more flexible terms and faster approval times, these instruments are gradually reshaping the traditional bank-firm relationship.Design/methodology/approachTo comprehensively understand this innovation shift in funding processes, the study employs a novel approach that merges three MCDA methods: Spherical Fuzzy Entropy, ARAS and TOPSIS. These methodologies allow for handling ambiguity and subjectivity in financial decision-making processes, examining the effects of multiple criteria, including interest rate, flexibility, accessibility, support, riskiness, and approval time, on the appeal of various financial alternatives.FindingsThe study’s results have significant theoretical and practical implications, supporting SMEs in carefully evaluate financing alternatives and enables banks to better identify the main “competitors” according to the “financial need” of the firm. Moreover, the rise of alternative finance, notably P2P lending, indicates a shift towards more efficient capital access, suggesting banks must innovate their funding channels to remain competitive, especially in offering flexible solutions for restructuring and high-risk scenarios.Practical implicationsThe study advises top management that SMEs prefer traditional loans for their reliability and accessibility, necessitating banks to enhance transparency, innovate, and adopt digital solutions to meet evolving financing needs and improve customer satisfaction.Originality/valueThe study introduces a novel integration of Spherical Fuzzy TOPSIS, Entropy, and ARAS methodologies to face the complexities of financial decision-making for SME financing, addressing ambiguity and multiple criteria like interest rates, flexibility, and riskiness. It emphasizes the importance of traditional loans, the rising significance of alternative financing such as P2P lending, and the necessity for banks to innovate, thereby enriching the literature on bank-firm relationships and SME funding strategies.

Evaluating the effectiveness of color changing adhesives versus ultraviolet absorbent dye additive adhesives in the removal of adhesive remnants after orthodontic debonding

The fixed orthodontic treatment initiates with bonding and ends up with debonding of brackets which alters the enamel surface. The adhesive remnants present on the enamel surface after debonding are removed with the help of various aids but alters the enamel surface to an extent and there is no alternative material or instrument for removing the adhesives. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of color changing orthodontic bonding adhesives versus ultraviolet absorbent dye additive orthodontic bonding adhesives in the removal of adhesive remnants after orthodontic debonding.: 40 extracted human premolars were procured and metal brackets were bonded to the buccal surface with Group 1 – Enlight, Group 2 – Grengloo, Group 3 - Brace Paste & Group 4 – Enlight + UV dye additive. Debonding of brackets were done in INSTRON and evaluated for ARI score in stereo microscope and photo micrographs were taken to analyze the surface area in ImageJ software with conventional and UV light source. Then the adhesive remnants were removed with tungsten carbide bur at low speed with appropriate illumination and the enamel surface is assessed under scanning electron microscope for EDI score. This study resulted with time taken for the removal of adhesive remnants between the 4 groups and indicates statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Group 3 (Brace Paste) possesses the less time taken for the removal of adhesive remnants between the other three groups and shear bond strength reveals a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the three adhesive groups. This current study concluded that the color changing adhesives with the fluorescence property were significantly different when compared with other adhesives due to the reduction in time taken for the removal of adhesive remnants from the enamel surface with minimal damage. Additionally the introduction of a UV dye additive for the visual distinction between the enamel structure and adhesive remnant also proves to be a valuable aid in the assessment of adhesive remnant index and removal.

The Carrier Proteome Should Be Reassessed for Each Mass Analyzer Architecture.

A clever utilization of classic proteomics reagents now allows the effective amplification of the peptide sequencing potential in shotgun proteomics. The application of this method has helped usher in the exciting new field of single cell proteomics. While it was easy to first think that this approach was finally the answer for the polymerase chain reaction in protein chemistry, limitations were carefully described by the authors and others. A study by Cheung et al. systematically identified the consequences of higher concentration carrier proteomes and defined the "carrier proteome limit" [Cheung et al. Nat. Methods 2021, 18, 76]. While this work has been replicated by others, every analysis published to date has used a variation of the same mass analyzer. When the same analysis is performed on alternative instruments, these limits appear to be very different and can be attributed to defined characteristics of each mass analyzer. Specifically, in mass analyzers with a higher relative intrascan linear dynamic range, increased carrier channels appear less detrimental to quantitative accuracy. As such, we may be limiting the power of isobaric peptide signal "amplification" by restricting ourselves to traditional mass analyzer options for shotgun proteomics.

The interconnectedness and spillover effects among economic uncertainty, energy-related risks and sovereign risk in BRICS economies

ABSTRACT Emerging economies experiencing energy-intensive growth face increased energy price volatility, which could fuel macroeconomic instability with possible implications on their debt repayment capacity. This study implements a quantile vector autoregressive model on a dataset collected between April 2011 and July 2024 to examine the interplay among economic uncertainty, energy-related risks and sovereign risk in BRICS economies. The empirical results show these risk factors exhibit strong interconnectedness under low- and high-risk profiles. Under a low-risk profile, energy risks are transmitters in all countries except Russia and India. Sovereign risk receives shocks in Brazil, India and South Africa but transmits shocks in Russia and China, whereas economic risk is a shock transmitter in South Africa and India and plays the receiver role in Brazil, Russia and China. In high-risk conditions, economic risk is a shock transmitter in Russia and India but receives shocks in Brazil, China, and South Africa; Sovereign risk receives shocks in all countries except China while energy risk is a transmitter across countries except Russia. Therefore, the dynamics of the studied risks are driven by individual country heterogeneities including risk profile, economic structure, market conditions and energy trade status. Policymakers should combine energy, economic and debt management policies to promote economic stability and build crisis resilience. In conclusion, debt management and investment in renewable energy are alternative policy instruments to promote creditworthiness in emerging countries.

Effect of fuel prices on sailing speeds in short-sea shipping

ABSTRACT In this paper, we estimate fuel price elasticities of sailing speed for general cargo vessels using data covering the Baltic Sea and Norwegian coastal areas during the years 2007–2018. To disentangle the correlation between fuel prices and freight rates arising from changes in global demand, we instrument fuel prices on price changes triggered by supply shocks. The shocks are derived from the structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model proposed by Kilian (2009). In a sensitivity analysis, we use unanticipated oil supply shocks derived from oil supply outages as an alternative instrument for fuel prices. We find that disregarding the correlation between fuel prices and freight rates yields biased parameter estimates, which can partly explain the mixed results in the previous literature. Our preferred estimate for the fuel price elasticity of speed is −0.08.

Do current energy policies in Germany promote the use of biomass in areas where it is particularly beneficial to the system? Analysing short- and long-term energy scenarios

BackgroundPolicymakers are tasked with both driving the rapid expansion of renewable energy technologies and, additionally channelling the limited national potential of biomass into areas where it can provide the greatest benefit to the energy system. But do current policy instruments promote the use of biomass in these areas? As biomass is limited, its use must be sustainable without leading to further biodiversity loss or depleting forest or soil resources. In this study, short-term energy scenarios are generated using the BenOpt model, which take into account both current and alternative policy instruments under limited biomass utilisation. The results are compared with long-term, cost-optimal energy scenarios for the use of biomass.ResultsThe analysis reveals that the instrument of a GHG quota does not promote the use of biofuels in hard-to-electrify areas of the transport sector, where they should be cost-optimally allocated according to long-term energy scenarios. Biofuels are promoted for use in passenger road transport and not in the shipping or aviation sector. In contrast, alternative policy scenarios indicate that the sole instrument of a high CO2 price is more conducive to direct electrification and could displace more fossil fuels by 2030 than the GHG quota alone. This instrument also promotes the optimal use of biogas plants in the power sector in accordance with long-term cost-optimal developments.ConclusionsThe instrument of a GHG quota might lead to counterproductive developments in passenger road transport, but it also helps to ramp up the biofuel capacities required in shipping and aviation in the long term. However, it does not provide the necessary incentives for the ramp-up of battery electric vehicles, which would be the cost optimal solution in passenger road transport according to the long-term scenarios. Even though alternative policy scenarios show that the sole instrument of a high CO2-price is more conducive to direct electrification, a high CO2 price alone is not enough (e.g. in the heat sector) to promote the efficient use of biomass instead of simply covering the base load demand.

The Empowerment of Micro, Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Bussiness Through Productive Zakat as an Effort to Alleviate Poverty and Unemployment in Indonesia

Indonesia become a country with the largest Muslim population in the world in 2022. This is in line with the number of MSMEs in Indonesia. MSMEs have a major role in economic growth and reducing poverty in Indonesia. So MSMEs become the biggest contribution to poverty alleviation and employment in Indonesia. Therefore productive zakat is an appropriate, alternative and profitable instrument for developing MSMEs as well as breaking the cycle of poverty and unemployment in Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to determine the potential of productive zakat in empowering MSMEs businesses to alleviate poverty and unemployment in Indonesia. This research is a descriptive qualitative research by describing that zakat productive MSME businesses are able to alleviate poverty and absorb labor. The data sources used are primary data and secondary data. The data collection technique used is library research (library research), namely collecting or compiling data by using written materials regarding productive zakat and MSMEs. The results of this reserch is show that the presence of productive zakat is able to overcome the constraints on the lack of capital faced by MSMEs. This is supported by the large number of Muslim communities in Indonesia. MSMEs empowerment is carried out by providing assistance and coaching to help people with low education in developing their knowledge and skills. Then, it is hoped that it can help alleviate poverty and absorb labor so that it can increase economic growth in Indonesia.

Biomechanical analysis of adjacent segments after correction surgery for adult idiopathic scoliosis: a finite element analysis

The biomechanical aspects of adjacent segment degeneration after Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis (AdIS) corrective surgery involving postoperative changes in motion and stress of adjacent segments have yet to be investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of corrective surgery on adjacent segments in adult idiopathic scoliosis by finite element analysis. Based on computed tomography data of the consecutive spine from T1–S1 of a 28-year-old male patient with adult idiopathic scoliosis, a three-dimensional finite element model was established to simulate the biomechanics. Two posterior long-segment fixation and fusion operations were designed: Strategy A, pedicle screws implanted in all segments of both sides, and Strategy B, alternate screws instrumentation on both sides. The range of motion (ROM), Maximum von Mises stress value of intervertebral disc (IVD), and Maximum von Mises stress of the facet joint (FJ) at the fixation adjacent segment were calculated and compared with data of the preoperative AdIS model. Corrective surgery decreased the IVD on the adjacent segments, increased the FJ on the adjacent segments, and decreased the ROM of the adjacent segments. A greater decrease of Maximum von Mises stress was observed on the distal adjacent segment compared with the proximal adjacent segment. The decrease of Maximum von Mises stress and increment of Maximum von Mises stress on adjacent FJ in strategy B was greater than that in strategy A. Under the six operation modes, the change of the Maximum von Mises stress on the adjacent IVD and FJ was significant. The decrease in ROM in the proximal adjacent segment was greater than that of the distal adjacent segment, and the decrease of ROM in strategy A was greater than that in strategy B. This study clarified the biomechanical characteristics of adjacent segments after AdIS corrective surgery, and further biomechanical analysis of two different posterior pedicle screw placement schemes by finite element method. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of adjacent segment degeneration after corrective surgery for AdIS.

Accuracy of a portable lower-limb muscle strength measuring device with a training function.

[Purpose] Quadriceps muscle strength is essential for daily living activities. Therefore, we developed a compact and simple lower limb muscle strength measuring device (LocomoScan [LCS]). This study aimed to compare LCS with other instruments to analyze its simplicity, reproducibility, and accuracy. [Participants and Methods] One hundred and four healthy university students (56 males and 48 females) were included in the study. The knee extension force was measured using LCS, and the knee extension torque was measured using other devices (Cybex). In addition, lower leg muscle mass was measured using a body composition meter. The reproducibility of LCS and the correlation between the knee extension torque and lower leg muscle mass were evaluated. [Results] The measurement reproducibility of LCS was significantly higher. The knee extension force confirmed the proportional relative reliability of Cybex with knee extension torque. A relationship between knee extension force and lower limb muscle mass was also observed, indicating that muscle mass cannot be estimated as muscle strength. [Conclusion] The high reproducibility of the knee extension force measurement using LCS demonstrates its potential as a portable alternative instrument for muscle strength measurement in clinical practice. Therefore, LCS device is a simple and effective tool for assessing muscle strength.