Reliability Aspects Research Articles

A cultural adaptation and validation study of the Intentional Nonadherence Scale (INAS) among people with type 2 diabetes in Singapore

AimsTo examine the psychometric properties of the Intentional Non-adherence Scale (INAS) among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (PwT2D) in Singapore. MethodsThis study consisted of Phase 1: translation and adaptation of the questionnaire into local Mandarin and English and Phase 2: a longitudinal validation study at the outpatient clinics of a hospital in Singapore. In Phase 1, cognitive interviews were conducted with 20 PwT2D and healthcare providers to examine the content validity of the INAS. In Phase 2, 290 PwT2D were recruited. Fifty-three of them were involved in test-retest reliability analysis, while 185 were followed-up in 3–6 months to assess the predictive validity of the INAS. The INAS was also evaluated for its structural validity, construct validity and internal reliability. ResultsExploratory factor analysis revealed four factors, namely “Resisting illness and medication”, “Sensitivity to medication”, “Testing treatment” and “Inconvenience”. All INAS factors showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84–0.94) and moderate test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.50–0.62). Construct validity of the INAS was demonstrated in its relationship with medication adherence, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), beliefs about medications, illness perception and mood. Quantile and linear regression for medication adherence and HbA1c in 3–6 months did not show statistical associations with the INAS after adjusting for potential confounders. ConclusionsOur study supports the reliability and most aspects of validity of the INAS, which revealed new factors that may affect medication adherence and HbA1c. In clinical settings, healthcare providers may consider using this questionnaire to evaluate potential intentional nonadherence.

Analisis Pola Kemitraan Petani Tebu (Saccharum officinarum Linn) di PT. PG Rajawali II Unit PG Subang

PG Rajawali II unit of PG Subang made a partnership program as a solution to the company's crisis as well as a form of integrated agriculture implementation. After approximately 5 years of running the partnership program, there are still things that are felt to be lacking from this partnership program, such as capital, facilities and infrastructure, guarantee of selling prices for partner farmers, and lack of attention from the factory that is evenly distributed to all partner farmers. This study aims to see the results related to the PG Subang partnership program in the context of partnership patterns and farmer satisfaction. This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach and is supported by descriptive qualitative data. The researcher assigned 80 partner farmers as respondents using simple random sampling, a measurement tool using a Likert scale. Overall, PG Subang's partnership program is in the good category. The partnership pattern used by PG Subang is the Plasma Core partnership pattern, in this case PG Subang moves as the core and partner farmers as plasma. With an importance value of 4.89, there are aspects of reliability and responsiveness that show that farmers are very concerned about the stability and availability of support from the program. However, there is still concern about the PG's response. Subang in responding to complaints and solving problems in the field.

Accuracy Standards of Wearable Technologies for Assessment of Soccer Kicking: Protocol for a Systematic Literature Review.

Wearable technology is widely applied in performance monitoring, an integral part of sports and exercise sciences. The kick movement in soccer exemplifies a sports technique that could benefit from appropriate biomechanics assessment methodologies. However, the accuracy of wearables in quantifying soccer kick mechanics, particularly under field conditions, remains unclear. This study aims to present a protocol for a systematic review to discuss the measurement properties (validity, reliability, and/or accuracy aspects) of wearable technology systems explicitly used to measure ball-kicking features in soccer. This review protocol was preregistered in the Open Science Framework. A total of 2 authors will perform searches in major electronic databases using specific keyword combinations in PubMed, Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Web of Science, ProQuest, IEEE Xplore, EBSCOHost, and Scopus. Following a specific population, intervention, comparison, outcome framework (population: soccer players and/or collected human data in a football-related environment; intervention: at least 1 wearable used; comparator: criterion measures, repeated testing sessions and/or actual values; outcome: ball kicking data), studies will be screened based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using the "consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments" checklist (in studies concerning validity or reliability) or the "quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies" tool (in studies concerning accuracy). Data extraction will be conducted to determine the level of evidence according to the "best evidence synthesis method," and an evidence gap map will be constructed. The Cohen κ coefficient will be used to estimate the interevaluator agreement. This ongoing systematic review has completed database searches and is currently in the screening phase. Depending on the number and consistency of studies, results may be presented by meta-analysis or qualitative synthesis, with subgroup analyses considering factors such as gender, age, and playing level. The final results are expected by July 2024, with manuscript submission anticipated by November 2024. Our study will provide a comprehensive summary of the highest level of evidence available on the use of wearables for the assessment of soccer kick mechanics, providing practical guidance for athletes and sports sciences professionals regarding the validity and reliability aspects of using wearable technology to measure ball-kicking features in soccer. OSF registries https://osf.io/zm3j6. DERR1-10.2196/57433.

Using Google Trends Data to Study High-Frequency Search Terms: Evidence for a Reliability-Frequency Continuum

Google Trends (GT) data are increasingly used in the social sciences and adjacent fields. However, previous research on the quality of GT data has raised concerns regarding their reliability. In the present study, we investigated whether reliability differs between low- and high-frequency search terms. In other words, we explored the existence of a reliability-frequency continuum in GT data. Our study adds to previous research by investigating a more comprehensive set of search terms and different aspects of reliability (e.g., differences in relative search volume distributions, correctly identified maxima). For this purpose, we collected samples of GT data for ten high- and two low-frequency search terms. We obtained one real-time sample and 62 non–realtime samples per search term (30 non–realtime samples for low-frequency search terms). Data collection was restricted to search data for Germany. Our data support the existence of a reliability-frequency continuum—low-frequency search terms are subject to greater reliability issues compared to high-frequency search terms. Based on our findings, we have derived practical recommendations for the use of GT data and have outlined future research opportunities.

Impact of neutron radiation induced defects on the surge current robustness of silicon carbide P‐intrinsic‐N diodes

AbstractSurge current (SC) capability is one of the main aspects of reliability for silicon carbide (SiC) power devices. In this work, the influences of neutron radiation‐induced defects on the SC capability and reliability of SiC P‐intrinsic‐N (PiN) diodes were comprehensively investigated. It was found that the surge capability of the diodes can be deteriorated even under the slightly enhanced formation of carbon‐vacancy‐related Z1/2 and EH6/7 defects introduced by neutron irradiation. Surprisingly, it was found that the forward voltage (VF) decreases with the increased SC and the stress cycles in the irradiated diodes, which is usually found to increase under the SC tests and attributed to the bipolar degradation (BPD). By using technology computer‐aided design simulation and deep‐level transient spectroscopy characterization, it was found that the significant self‐heating during surge stress leads to the annealing effect on the Z1/2 defects through the promoted recombination with the nearest and second neighbor carbon interstitials injected by irradiation, which thus plays a dominant role in the decrease of VF over the BPD.

DEVELOPMENT OF WATER QUALITY MONITORING SYSTEM IN SHRIMP PONDS BASED ON INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT)

This type of research is research and development (R&D) which uses the waterfall development model. The aim of this research is to produce a water quality monitoring system in shrimp ponds based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and to find out the results of testing the development of the system using the ISO 25010 standard. This development involves the application of ESP32, Relay, Toa Siren, DS18b20 Temperature Sensor, pH Sensor Module 4502C, Water Salinity and Turbidity Sensor which allows users to get real-time pond water quality monitoring information via the Telegram application. The test results for the reliability aspect have met the fault tolerance sub-characteristic standards because the percentage of measurement error obtained for the temperature sensor was 0.10%, pH 0.54%, salinity 1.19%, and turbidity 1.00%, still within the permitted tolerance limits. Functionality suitability testing shows that this tool obtains a percentage of 100%, indicating that the system is suitable for use. This tool also meets the portability aspect because it can be used on various devices with different operating systems. Apart from that, the usability evaluation results from user responses are in the very good category with an average of >4.2.

Reliability of selected components of the PZL M28 Bryza aircraft

The increasing number of flight operations, and the resulting increased likelihood of adverse situations, intensifies the need for research into aspects of aircraft reliability. This article is devoted to the reliability of selected assemblies of the PZL M28 Bryza aircraft, widely used in military and civil aviation. The article presents the research object, the PZL M28 Bryza aircraft, and the research methodology to assess the reliability of its key assemblies. The research focuses on analyzing the failure rate of such assemblies as the propulsion system, airframe, radioelectronic devices and on-board systems, using in-service data. The results provide a better understanding of the critical aspects affecting the reliability of the PZL M28 Bryza aircraft, which is important for improving the safety and efficiency of flight operations conducted.

An improved simulation based method for selection of cell in cellular network

This work discusses a novel approach to a simulation-based cell selection that does not depend on static counts of cells or simplified models used in the cell selection process. The proposed method of cell selection uses advanced simulation to analyse the actual conditions and dynamically select the optimal cell to better suit the real conditions of the network and preference of the client. This research makes important theoretical and practical contributions that increase any simulation’s performance and reliability aspects. The simulations conducted in the study demonstrate several major advantages. The method results in substantially lower call drops and higher throughputs of data. The outcome of the study is an adaptive and inherently interactive method that can be used in a plurality of networking circumstances, from 4 to 5G networks. The work more than adequately addresses the issue of cell selection and connecting, and improves the reliability and efficiency of any network that uses this method. This product can be easily implemented and can be used by network developers to ameliorate their networks’ performance. The work’s main theoretical contribution is the fact that optimal methods are made that undoubtedly make a simulation a more efficient phenomenon and that the components would interact more effectively together.

A Systematic Review of Questionnaire Measuring eHealth Literacy

Purpose: This review aims to summarize the characteristics of currently used questionnaires measuring eHealth literacy and assess the quality of their psychometric properties in self-reported assessments within community settings. Methods: The systematic analysis was conducted using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist to evaluate the methodological quality of studies on measurement properties. Results: A total of 21 studies, including 19 questionnaires, were reviewed. The findings indicated that the quality of psychometric assessments for eHealth literacy was generally rated as 'good,' with most studies addressing multiple aspects of reliability and validity. Internal reliability, content validity, hypothesis testing, and responsiveness were particularly well-supported, each receiving over 10 sufficient ratings. However, there was limited evidence regarding measurement errors, test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and analyses of floor and ceiling effects. Conclusion: This study contributes to the enhancement of eHealth literacy measurement tool selection and improves the reporting of their validity and reliability, thereby increasing the credibility of future research.

Vulnerability-based seismic resilience and post-earthquake recovery assessment for substation systems

The function of substation systems is significantly influenced by earthquakes. To assess the seismic resistance of substation systems and improve post-earthquake recovery efficiency, this study constructs a multi-module framework for seismic vulnerability assessment of substations. Based on the equipment functional status analysis module, a functional network model was established considering the structural function and electrical load of substation systems. The system functional state matrix was obtained through Monte Carlo simulation, and the seismic vulnerability was assessed from the aspects of electrical transmission reliability and the importance of power users. Subsequently, a substation functional index was established based on seismic vulnerability parameters. Post-earthquake functional recovery strategy analysis frameworks were constructed to quantitatively evaluate the recovery process. A stepped functional time-varying function was proposed through iterative analysis, thereby converting the probability parameters of functional status into seismic resilience deterministic indices. Through seismic resilience analysis of a typical 220 kV step-down substation, seismic vulnerability curves for both electrical transmission and power users were obtained. Furthermore, the seismic sensitive intervals of the substation and key equipment for post-earthquake recovery were clarified. Notably, the seismic resilience level and optimal recovery strategy of the typical 220 kV step-down substation were determined.

ANALISIS TINGKAT KEPUASAN MASYARAKAT TERHADAP PELAYANAN PADA KANTOR IMIGRASI KELAS I KHUSUS TPI NGURAH RAI

This research was conducted to analyze the level of public satisfaction with services at the TPI Ngurah Rai Special Class I Immigration Office, which was motivated by the high number of complaints and requests for information as well as the lowest rating from Google reviews among other immigration offices in Bali. The results of previous research show varying results regarding the influence of tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy aspects on community satisfaction. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of service quality using ServQual (tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy) on community satisfaction at the TPI Ngurah Rai Special Class I Immigration Office partially and simultaneously. This research uses descriptive quantitative methods. The total sample was 100 respondents with sampling using the accidental sampling method. The data analysis technique uses multiple linear regression analysis with hypothesis testing using the t test and F test. The results simultaneously show that the variables tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy have a significant effect on community satisfaction. Partial results show that the tangible and assurance variables do not have a significant effect on community satisfaction, the empathy variable has a negative but not significant effect on community satisfaction, and the reliability and responsiveness variables have a significant influence on community satisfaction. The determination test showed that 62.9% of the variation in community satisfaction variables could be influenced by tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy variables.

A Statistical Framework for a New two-parameter Unit Bilal Distribution with Application to Model Asymmetric Data

In the realm of statistical mechanics, unit models are commonly employed to elucidate tangible numerical values that fall within the range of 0 to 1, encompassing entities like proportions, percentages, and probabilities. Unit models are frequently created by adapting an existing model originally defined in a broader domain, while others are explicitly formulated independently. This study aims to develop a novel unit interval lifespan model with a small number of parameters that is capable of describing more complex failure patterns, such as growing and bathtub-shaped failure rates. The unit Bilal (UB) model, based on the inverse-exponential technique and the Bilal model, is explained in this research study. Different statistical features and aspects of reliability are investigated. The results have both theoretical and practical implications. We derive explicit expressions for primary functions from the UB distribution from a theoretical perspective. To evaluate parameter, estimate approaches, we demonstrate various numerical and graphical simulation findings. The applicability of the model to real-world data is also discussed.

Virtual Assistant for Local Government Units Using BERT-Based Natural Language Processing

Local Government Units (LGUs) play a critical role in public service delivery, yet they often encounter challenges such as limited resources, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and high volumes of citizen inquiries. To address these issues, this paper proposes the development of a virtual assistant powered by Natural Language Processing (NLP), specifically utilizing the Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) model. This assistant is designed to automate the handling of common citizen inquiries, thereby enhancing the efficiency of service delivery. The virtual assistant was implemented as a web application using the Django framework, with an evaluation based on ISO 9126 standards, including aspects of functionality, reliability, usability, and efficiency. The findings demonstrate that the BERT-based NLP system significantly improves the responsiveness and accuracy of LGU services, leading to enhanced citizen satisfaction and more streamlined public service operations. The model achieved an Exact Match score of 48.0 and an F1 score of 68.01, indicating its effectiveness in accurately understanding and responding to citizen queries. Additionally, the system scored highly in usability, efficiency, maintainability, and portability, confirming its ease of use and operational effectiveness. These results give rather strong evidence that the use of the NLP-driven virtual assistant can be beneficial for increasing the citizen satisfaction and improving the effectiveness of the public service delivery.

Growth Mindset Scale: Aspects of reliability and validity of a new 8-item scale assessing growth mindset

In this article, the psychometric properties of a new scale aimed at quantifying Growth Mindset are explored. Growth Mindset Scale is a quantitative measure which is context independent and simple to administer.Growth Mindset Scale was tested on 723 participants between 16 and 85 years of age (mean age = 28.56, SD = 12.14), which allowed for the exploration of feasibility, internal consistency, and construct validity.The results indicate that the growth mindset scale is applicable for the age studied (16–85). All individual item scores showed a positive correlation with the total score and ranged between 0.45 and 0.63. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.83 for the standardized items. Pearson's correlation coefficient between the total score of the Growth Mindset Scale and the total score of Theories of intelligence scale was r = 0.168 (p < 0.001).These encouraging results assure additional improvement of the growth mindset scale, involving normalization based on a larger, representative sample.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Arabic Language Summative Tests in Senior High Schools: A Comprehensive Analysis

The aims of this study is to describe the validity, reliability, difficulty level, differentiation power and effectiveness of the Examination of Arabic language Sumative Test Items for Class X Students of Al-Mumtaz IT Senior High School. This research uses a quantitative approach. The data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics 23. The subjects of this study were class X students totaling 29 students. The results of the analysis of 30 multiple choice questions showed that from the validity aspect it was found that 67% were valid and 33% were invalid. From the reliability aspect, it was found that the reliability level of the items was high, namely the r coefficient of 0.864. From the aspect of difficulty level, it was found that about 63% of the items were easy, about 37% of the items were moderate. From the aspect of distinguishing power, it was found that about 60% of the items were good, about 27% of the items were not good, about 13% of the items were quite good. And from the aspect of eliminators it was found that about 56% were accepted, about 26% were rejected and about 17% were revised.

(Invited) Ferroelectric Nonvolatile Capacitive Synapse for Charge Domain Compute-in-Memory

The rise of Artificial Intelligence has led to an increased demand for computing hardware which can handle data intensive tasks in an energy efficient manner. Compute-in-memory architecture which combines information processing and data storage at the same location and specializes in Multiply-and-Accumulate (MAC) operation has emerged as an attractive candidate to meet this demand. Non-volatile capacitive (nvCAP) devices are investigated to realize the synaptic devices to enable CIM in charge-domain-computing. Charge-domain-CIM works as follows: The synaptic weights of a neural network are stored as the capacitance state of the nvCAP device in a crossbar array. The input of the neural network is applied as voltages to the crossbar array, and the resulting charges are summed up as the MAC operation. The nvCAP synaptic devices also provides benefits over traditional resistive synapses such as: only static power consumption, negligible sneaky current, suppressed read-disturb due to small-signal-read out. Recently, the Ferroelectric Field Effect Transistor (FeFET) has been demonstrated to operate in nvCAP mode, with S-D terminal of the FET shorted and Body-Floating. Here, the Field Effect Transistor part exhibits a gate voltage-dependent capacitance behavior, where the high capacitance originates from the transistor gate area, while the low capacitance originates from the overlap region between the gate oxide and source-drain region of FET. The ferroelectric layer part introduces a lateral shift in the C-V curve of FET, leading to either a high (CON) or low capacitance (COFF) state at 0V that can be tuned by an applied electric field. The CON/COFF ratio of the device can be designed as-per the application by increasing the channel area and reducing the overlap length. For a robust and consistent performance in CIM, reliability aspects of ferroelectric nvCAP are investigated. The FeFET in nvCAP mode demonstrates an initial endurance of 106 Program-Erase cycles while maintaining the ON/OFF >5. It is found that a CV sweep performed on the device help recover the performance. By performing repeated endurance-recovery operation, a recovered endurance of 108 cycles is achieved. The nvCAP device demonstrates memory retention of at least 1 day @85C for all fresh, fatigued and recovered states of the device. The nvCAP device also shows multi-level-cell capabilities for atleast 4 levels by changing the Program voltages. Figure 1

An exploration of Italian laypeople’s belief in how human memory works

ABSTRACT We present the first study to measure the beliefs held by Italian laypeople about how human memory works, using a newly developed tool: the Italian Memory Belief Questionnaire (IMBQ). Research conducted in other countries has demonstrated that beliefs about memory vary widely between different professional and non-professional groups, indicating that limitations exist regarding the dissemination of empirically researched scientific knowledge. To ascertain what Italian people understand about memory-related topics, including eyewitness testimony, repression of traumatic memories and factors influencing memory recall, 301 native Italian participants completed the IMBQ in Study 1. In Study 2, 346 additional participants completed the IMBQ, alongside various additional measures, to examine the construct validity of our new instrument and investigate socio-demographic predictors of memory beliefs. Exploratory factor analysis in Study 1 identified three distinct belief factors that were present in the dataset: eyewitness and memory reliability, trauma and remembering and aspects that improve remembering. Study 2 partially confirmed this factor structure and found IMBQ scores to correlate with existing memory belief questionnaires. Correlations were also found between the IMBQ subscales and measures of fantasy proneness, but not dissociation. In both studies, many Italian laypeople strongly endorsed the notion that controversial topics (i.e., repression) are possible. Contrastingly, Italian laypeople do appear to understand the conceivable inaccuracies of memory in eyewitness settings. Sex, age and education were shown to predict beliefs about memory. Findings are discussed in relation to the importance of addressing misinformation about memory, especially in clinical and forensic settings.

Comparison of the Usability and Reliability of Answers to Clinical Questions: AI-Generated ChatGPT versus a Human-Authored Resource.

Our aim was to compare the usability and reliability of answers to clinical questions posed of Chat-Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) compared to those of a human-authored Web source (www.Pearls4Peers.com) in response to "real-world" clinical questions raised during the care of patients. Two domains of clinical information quality were studied: usability, based on organization/readability, relevance, and usefulness, and reliability, based on clarity, accuracy, and thoroughness. The top 36 most viewed real-world questions from a human-authored Web site (www.Pearls4Peers.com [P4P]) were posed to ChatGPT 3.5. Anonymized answers by ChatGPT and P4P (without literature citations) were separately assessed for usability by 18 practicing physicians ("clinician users") in triplicate and for reliability by 21 expert providers ("content experts") on a Likert scale ("definitely yes," "generally yes," or "no") in duplicate or triplicate. Participants also directly compared the usability and reliability of paired answers. The usability and reliability of ChatGPT answers varied widely depending on the question posed. ChatGPT answers were not considered useful or accurate in 13.9% and 13.1% of cases, respectively. In within-individual rankings for usability, ChatGPT was inferior to P4P in organization/readability, relevance, and usefulness in 29.6%, 28.3%, and 29.6% of cases, respectively, and for reliability, inferior to P4P in clarity, accuracy, and thoroughness in 38.1%, 34.5%, and 31% of cases, respectively. The quality of ChatGPT responses to real-world clinical questions varied widely, with nearly one-third or more answers considered inferior to a human-authored source in several aspects of usability and reliability. Caution is advised when using ChatGPT in clinical decision making.

Satisfaction of Undergraduate Nursing Students STIKes Dharma Husada About Blended Learning Methods

Blended learning model is a learning model that combines face-to-face and online learning. The application of blended learning in various universities has varying levels of student satisfaction so that evaluating the application of the learning model must be done to suit the needs of students and the applicable learning curriculum. This study aims to analyze the satisfaction of undergraduate nursing students in the blended learning method at STIKes Dharma Husada. This type of research uses an exploratory descriptive method. The population in this study were all undergraduate nursing students at level 3 and 4 of the 2022/2023 Academic Year; with purposive sampling technique, a sample of 150 respondents was obtained. The instrument used was a questionnaire to analyze the level of satisfaction of undergraduate nursing students in the blended learning method at STIKes Dharma Husada which refers to Parasuraman. Univariate analysis in the form of frequency distribution was used to identify the description of student satisfaction. The results showed that undergraduate nursing students at level 3 and 4 at STIKes Dharma Husada (73.33%) were in the satisfied category. Judging from the aspects of Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance, and Empathy are in the satisfied category. While in the aspect of Physical Form (Tangibles) is in the dissatisfied category. Statement items in the dissatisfied category include learning media in the form of visual learning materials (pictures or videos), and online practices. Study program managers can facilitate learning media for each nursing station with additional interesting and attractive visual material with a more applicable model.

Selected Reliability Aspects Related to the Power Supply of Security Systems

Selected Reliability Aspects Related to the Power Supply of Security Systems