Range Of Correlation Values Research Articles

Spatiotemporal Rainfall Analysis of El Nino, Neutral and La Nina Years Across Belg and Kiremt Seasons Over Oromia Region Ethiopia

ENSO is the primary natural hazard that contributes to food insecurity and poverty. It has been influencing countries’ climatic regimes for decades, bringing frequent floods and droughts. There is limited knowledge on El Niño and La Niña occurrences that affect agricultural activities in the Oromia Region and occur during the Belg and Kiremt seasons when rainfall is distributed. Evaluating the spatiotemporal rainfall performance of ENSO years spanning Belg and Kiremt seasons rainfall distribution over the research area is the primary goal. For the study’s spatial and temporal analyses, satellite rainfall data from 1981 to 2021 was obtained from CHG-UCSB and https://earlywarning.usgs.gov/fews/ewx_lite/index.html, respectively. The study’s findings demonstrated a substantial association between the Belg and Kiremt seasons spanning El Niño and La Niña periods, with a range of correlation values indicating a weak, moderate, and strong relationship. Because of the spatial and temporal dynamics of this study area, ENSO phases indicate that exceptionally dry years are probably linked to El Niño occurrences in the region, whereas extraordinarily rainy years are likely linked to La Niña events. Seasonal rainfall performance and rainfall variability are impacted by ENSO events and other regional systems, with both positive and negative effects observed throughout the research area. In addition to examining the ENSO (Neutral, El Niño, and La Niña) that have a major impact on the seasonal rainfall performances in the Oromia region, this study also looked at the water availability, yield production, pastoralist and agro-pastoralist activities, and water availability. In summary, the results of this research can help us better understand the mechanisms underlying regional ENSO events and their causes, which will be especially useful when future climate conditions change.

Optimal designs using generalized estimating equations in cluster randomized crossover and stepped wedge trials.

Cluster randomized crossover and stepped wedge cluster randomized trials are two types of longitudinal cluster randomized trials that leverage both the within- and between-cluster comparisons to estimate the treatment effect and are increasingly used in healthcare delivery and implementation science research. While the variance expressions of estimated treatment effect have been previously developed from the method of generalized estimating equations for analyzing cluster randomized crossover trials and stepped wedge cluster randomized trials, little guidance has been provided for optimal designs to ensure maximum efficiency. Here, an optimal design refers to the combination of optimal cluster-period size and optimal number of clusters that provide the smallest variance of the treatment effect estimator or maximum efficiency under a fixed total budget. In this work, we develop optimal designs for multiple-period cluster randomized crossover trials and stepped wedge cluster randomized trials with continuous outcomes, including both closed-cohort and repeated cross-sectional sampling schemes. Local optimal design algorithms are proposed when the correlation parameters in the working correlation structure are known. MaxiMin optimal design algorithms are proposed when the exact values are unavailable, but investigators may specify a range of correlation values. The closed-form formulae of local optimal design and MaxiMin optimal design are derived for multiple-period cluster randomized crossover trials, where the cluster-period size and number of clusters are decimal. The decimal estimates from closed-form formulae can then be used to investigate the performances of integer estimates from local optimal design and MaxiMin optimal design algorithms. One unique contribution from this work, compared to the previous optimal design research, is that we adopt constrained optimization techniques to obtain integer estimates under the MaxiMin optimal design. To assist practical implementation, we also develop four SAS macros to find local optimal designs and MaxiMin optimal designs.

Benchmarking of a multi-biomarker low-volume panel for Alzheimer's Disease and related dementia research.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) biomarker measurement is key to aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. In the research setting, participant recruitment and retention and optimization of sample use, is one of the main challenges that observational studies face. Thus, obtaining accurate established biomarker measurements for stratification and maximizing use of the precious samples is key. Accurate technologies are currently available for established biomarkers, mainly immunoassays and immunoprecipitation liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (IP-MS), and some of them are already being used in clinical settings. Although some immunoassays- and IP-MS based platforms provide multiplexing for several different coding proteins there is not a current platform that can measure all the stablished and emerging biomarkers in one run. The NUcleic acid Linked Immuno-Sandwich Assay (NULISA™) is a mid-throughput platform with antibody-based measurements with a sequencing output that requires 15μL of sample volume to measure more than 100 analytes, including those typically assayed for AD. Here we benchmarked and compared the AD-relevant biomarkers including in the NULISA against validated assays, in both CSF and plasma. Overall, we have found that CSF measures of Aß42/40, NfL, GFAP, and p-tau217 are highly correlated and have similar predictive performance when measured by immunoassay, mass-spectrometry or NULISA. In plasma, p-tau217 shows a performance similar to that reported with other technologies when predicting amyloidosis. Other established and exploratory biomarkers (total tau, p-tau181, NRGN, YKL40, sTREM2, VILIP1 among other) show a wide range of correlation values depending on the fluid and the platform. Our results indicate that the multiplexed immunoassay platform produces reliable results for established biomarkers in CSF that are useful in research settings, with the advantage of measuring additional novel biomarkers using minimal sample volume.

The Effect Of Baby Massage Combination Using Lavender Oil And Baby Sleep Music (Lullaby) On The Sleep Quality Of Babies Aged 6-12 Mounths In The Working Area Pmb Supianah Malang City

Sleep is a factor that affects the development of infants. Babies need optimal sleep time to produce developmental hormones. Poor sleep quality in infants has a negative impact such as babies becoming easily emotional, concentration and body immunity decreases. One of the therapies to improve sleep quality is to provide external stimulus in the form of baby massage therapy using lavender oil and baby sleep music (lullaby). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a combination of baby massage using lavender oil and baby sleep music (Lullaby) on the sleep quality of infants aged 6-12 months in the working area of PMB Supianah, Malang. This study uses a quantitative research design and the research approach used is an experimental approach. The sample in this study was a portion of infants aged 6-10 months at PMB Supianah, S.Tr.Keb., Bd, Malang, with a total of 30 respondents. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling. The analysis used is paired samples t test. The research results obtained from 30 respondents most of the respondents (infants) experienced mild sleep problems, namely 25 infants (83.3%). Whereas at the time of the posttest, it was found that most of the babies did not experience problems in their sleep, namely as many as 25 babies (83.3%). Based on statistical analysis of paired samples t test , it was obtained that the value of p = 0.000 <0.05, then H0 was rejected and H1 was accepted, which means that it can be concluded that there is a combined effect of baby massage using lavender oil and baby sleep music (lullaby) on the sleep quality of infants aged 6-12 months in the working area. PMB Supianah City of Malang. With a correlation coefficient value of 0.80, which means the level of the relationship is in the strong relationship category, where the range of correlation values between 0.60-0.799 is included in the strong relationship category. The combination of baby massage using Lavender Oil and Baby Sleep Music (Lullaby) is effective in improving the sleep quality of babies aged 6-12 months. Keywords: Baby Massage, Lavender Oil, Baby Sleep Music, Sleep Quality

Peran Learning Agility untuk Meningkatkan Perilaku Kolaborasi Pegawai Generasi Milenial di Pemerintahan Kota Padang

An employee nowadays is required to be able to adapt quickly to every job given, and to be able to learn from existing experience in order to compete with other workers. This research aims to determine the role of learning agility in improving the collaborative behavior of millennial generation employees in the Padang City Government. The independent variable in this research is learning agility and the dependent variable is collaboration behavior. The measuring instruments used in this research are the Learning Agility scale and the collaboration behavior scale. The sampling technique in this research is purposive sampling, namely sampling using certain considerations according to the desired criteria to determine the number of samples to be studied. The sample for this research was 266 employees in the Padang City Government. Validity and reliability testing in this research used the Cronbach Alpha technique. The results of the validity coefficient on the learning agility scale with corrected item-total correlation values ​​range from 0.316 up to 0.646, while the reliability coefficient is 0.831. The results of the validity coefficient on the Collaboration Behavior scale with corrected item-total correlation values ​​range from 0.302 up to 0.749, while the reliability coefficient is 0.853. Based on data analysis, the calculated t value of 17.309 is greater than the t table, which is 1.660. So it can be seen that the significance value is 0.001 < 0.05, which means the hypothesis is accepted. This illustrates that learning agility has a significant effect on collaborative behavior. So it can be explained that H1 states that learning agility has a positive effect on collaborative behavior. The effective contribution of the learning agility variable to collaboration behaviour variable is 53%.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Rett syndrome motor evaluation scale (RESMES): Spanish version

ObjectiveTo develop a Spanish version of the Rett Syndrome Motor Evaluation Scale (RESMES) for the locomotor function of Rett Syndrome (RTT) using a transcultural methodology. MethodsThe RESMES was cross-culturally adaptated and validated in the Spanish language (RESMES-sp). This study was divided into two well-differentiated phases: 1) a cross-cultural translation and adaptation; 2) psychometric characteristics analysis of the RESMES-sp (reliability, test-retest, construct validity, criteria validity, error measurements). For criteria validity, PAINAD questionnaire, the scoliosis values and PedsQL™, were used. ResultsA total of 63 girls and women diagnosed with RTT participated in this validation study. The total value of the RESMES-sp correlates significantly with all its dimensions, with the correlation value oscillating between 0.645 and 0.939. The correlation value with PAINAD ranges between 0.439 and 0.805; the scoliosis values ranges between 0.245 and 0.564; with PedsQOL™ questionnaire, the correlation values range between 0.273 and 0.663 for the PedsQL™ dimensions, and between 0.447 and 0.648 for the total value of PedsQOL™ questionnaire. The reliability values of Crombach's alpha ranged between 0.897 and 0.998 for the intra-observer analyses and between 0.904 and 0.998 for the inter-observer reliability. The SEM showed a value of 2,829, while the MDC90 showed a value of 6601. The Exploratory Factor Analysis showed 6 factors and values of variance of 86.163%. ConclusionsThe Spanish version of the RESMES is a reliable and valid tool for the functional assessment and follow-up of patients with RTT.

Cultural adaptation, Reliability and Validity of the Turkish version of the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13)

The aim is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Vulnerable Elders Survey. This study is a methodological study. The survey was applied to 242 patients aging 74 or more. To collect data, the socio-demographic form, the Vulnerable Elder Survey, the Katz Activity of Daily Life and the Lawton&Brody Instrumental Activity of Daily Life surveys were used. The research data were collected with a socio-demographic and clinical properties of the elderly patients and with the Vulnerable Elders Survey-Turkish Version (VES-13Tr). For the analysis of the data, Kendall's coefficient of concordance, factor analysis, Cronbach alpha coefficient, Pearson correlation analysis and student t test were used. For the language validity of the scale, the translation-retranslation method was used. As for the content validity, the field experts reached consensus (Kendall’s = 0.435, p > 0.05). Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) coefficient that applied to the scale has found to be 0.898 and the Barlet test result has been found highly significant (x2 = 1589.773, p = 0.000). For VES-13Tr, the total-item test correlation values range from 0.33 to 0.72 and the Cronbach's alpha value has been calculated as 0.85. Considering the results of the survey, it was found out that the adapted version of the VES-13 could be valid and reliable tool and that the VES-13 could be used for the evaluation of geriatric assessment.

Dinamika razvoja erozionih procesa na traktorskim putevima – vlakama različitog uzdužnog nagiba

The paper investigates the phenomenon of soil erosion on skid roads/trails. The aim was to discover how and to what extent different longitudinal slopes can influence the occurrence of erosion processes. For this purpose, a total of nine experimental plots were set up at three different sites. The length of the plots was 110 m, and at all localities, the research was carried out on different longitudinal slopes (up to 10%, 10 - 20% and over 20%) over the observed period of approximately two and a half years. The research focused on determining the volume of material removed and the dynamics of the development of erosion processes observed in phases (shifts) between recordings. Forests are the most effective natural factor in protecting land from erosion, and if they are managed on the principles of sustainable management, the so-called "normal" erosion usually occurs. However, as it is necessary to build a relatively dense network of skid roads/trails for different phases of management, it makes them susceptible to more intensive erosion processes. If we take into account that they were built with very low criteria (technical elements) and without the existence of facilities that would ensure the drainage of surface and rainwater, and can be built with a large longitudinal slope, it creates optimal preconditions for the development of intensive erosion process. The conducted research has obtained results that clearly show that erosion processes occur frequently, of varying intensity depending on the factors that prevail for a given locality. The value of the volume of the removed material ranges from 1.278 m3, ie 0.0116 m3/m to 5.313 m3, or 0.0483 m3/m. The obtained minimum value of the volume of the removed material can be related to the strong water permeability of the parent substrate (limestone), which affects the reduction of surface runoff, as well as shallow soils that are formed on it. When it comes to the maximum value of the volume of removed material, which is 5.333 m3 or 0.0483 m3/m, it can be related to the continuous occurrence of surface runoff that causes surface sapping and removal of material from the skid roads/trails. The performed statistical analyzes (through a linear model) indicate different correlations of investigated influencing factors (volume of transported material and length of skid roads/trails on different longitudinal slopes). The obtained correlation values range from r = 0,29 (weak correlation) to r = 0,79 (very strong correlation).

Students’ Metacognitive Awareness and Its Impact on Writing Skill

One of the factors that can affect the ability to write explanatory text is metacognitive awareness. By using the descriptive method, the students' level of metacognitive awareness was explained, and by using the correlational method the effect of metacognitive awareness towards explanatory text writing ability was explained. The results showed that as many as 25 students had a high level of awareness while 38 others had a moderate level of awareness. The relationship between metacognitive awareness variables and the ability to write explanatory text is significant and very strong seen from the range of correlation values, namely 0.812. Metacognitive awareness affects the ability to write explanatory text by 66% and the remaining 44% is influenced by other factors. This shows that metacognitive awareness has an important role in writing. Students must always increase their metacognitive awareness. Efforts that can be made to raise students' metacognitive awareness are that lecturers carry out writing learning with a cognitive process approach to increase metacognitive knowledge and apply metacognitive strategies so that students have metacognitive skills to complete writing assignments.

Least Conservative Critical Boundaries of Multiple Hypothesis Testing in a Range of Correlation Values

Under suitable assumptions we prove that there does not exist a perfect exact multiple test procedure that would apply simultaneously to any positive correlation coefficient even with a known distribution of test statistics. This nonexistence theorem holds for all simple tests under normal distribution, and holds for all tests under Ferguson’s distribution. Given the nonexistence of a perfect exact test, we provide least conservative tests using three parametric models. The average conservativeness of these tests can be reduced to as low as 1/8 of that of the widely used Simes test assuming normal distribution. Power analysis indicates that the newly proposed tests are useful in practice.

Muscle Synergy Assessment During Single-Leg Stance.

In the study of muscle synergies during the maintenance of single-leg stance there are several methodological issues that must be taken into account before muscle synergy extraction. In particular, it is important to distinguish between epochs of surface electromyography (sEMG) signals corresponding to "well-balanced" and "unbalanced" single-leg stance, since different motor control strategies could be used to maintain balance. The aim of this work is to present and define a robust procedure to distinguish between "well-balanced" and "unbalanced" single-leg stance to be chosen as input for the algorithm used to extract muscle synergies. Our results demonstrate that the proposed approach for the selection of sEMG epochs relative to "well-balanced" and "unbalanced" single-leg stance is robust with respect to the selection of the segmentation threshold, revealing a high consistency in the number of muscle synergies and high similarity among the weight vectors (correlation values range from 0.75 to 0.97). Moreover, differences in terms of average recruitment levels and balance control strategies were detected, suggesting a slightly different modular organization between "well-balanced" and "unbalanced" single-leg stance. In conclusion, this approach can be successfully used as a pre-processing step before muscle synergy extraction, allowing for a better assessment of motor control strategies during the single-leg stance task.

Does body mass restrict call peak frequency in echolocating bats?

Abstract Echolocation is the ability of some animals to orient themselves through sound emission and interpretation of the echoes. This is bats’ main sense for orientation and recognising biotopes that provide food, water, and roosts. It is widely accepted that echolocation call frequency is related to body mass, and this relationship has been described as the ‘allometric hypothesis’, which proposes a negative correlation between these variables. There is evidence that, in many cases, the allometric hypothesis does not apply. Additionally, studies supporting this hypothesis were done at the family level, resulting in a broad range of correlation values with r ranging from −0.36 to −0.76, and only insectivorous bats were included. Due to the notable exceptions and the lack of a quantitative synthesis of this hypothesis including all echolocating bats, we evaluated the allometric hypothesis of echolocation calls for this group. Using a meta‐analysis and phylogenetic generalised least‐squares techniques, we evaluated the relationship between echolocation call peak frequency and the body mass of bats. We found a negative relationship between body mass and echolocation call peak frequency for the 85 bat species that were included in our analysis (r = −0.3, p = 0.005). The relationship was consistent when we analysed the data at the insectivorous guild level, and in bats belonging to the families Vespertilionidae, Rhinolophidae, Emballonuridae, and the genus Myotis. However, the wide range of r values suggests that the strength of the relationship between peak frequency and body mass varies within the order Chiroptera. Our results support the allometric hypothesis of sound production in echolocating bats. However, the low coefficient we found suggests that factors other than body mass may influence the peak frequency of echolocation calls produced by bats.

Graph theory analysis of cortical thickness networks in adolescents with d-transposition of the great arteries.

ObjectiveAdolescents with d‐transposition of the great arteries (d‐TGA) who had the arterial switch operation in infancy have been found to have structural brain differences compared to healthy controls. We used cortical thickness measurements obtained from structural brain MRI to determine group differences in global brain organization using a graph theoretical approach.MethodsNinety‐two d‐TGA subjects and 49 controls were scanned using one of two identical 1.5‐Tesla MRI systems. Mean cortical thickness was obtained from 34 regions per hemisphere using Freesurfer. A linear model was used for each brain region to adjust for subject age, sex, and scanning location. Structural connectivity for each group was inferred based on the presence of high inter‐regional correlations of the linear model residuals, and binary connectivity matrices were created by thresholding over a range of correlation values for each group. Graph theory analysis was performed using packages in R. Permutation tests were performed to determine significance of between‐group differences in global network measures.ResultsWithin‐group connectivity patterns were qualitatively different between groups. At lower network densities, controls had significantly more long‐range connections. The location and number of hub regions differed between groups: controls had a greater number of hubs at most network densities. The control network had a significant rightward asymmetry compared to the d‐TGA group at all network densities.ConclusionsUsing graph theory analysis of cortical thickness correlations, we found differences in brain structural network organization among d‐TGA adolescents compared to controls. These may be related to the white matter and gray matter differences previously found in this cohort, and in turn may be related to the cognitive deficits this cohort presents.

Variability in Larch (Larix Decidua Mill.) Tree-Ring Growth Response to Climate in the Polish Carpathian Mountains

The climate–growth relationship of larch (Larix decidua Mill.) in the Polish Carpathian Mountains was studied. We explored the spatial variability of the common signal observed in larch tree-ring growth, distinguished regions with uniform tree-ring growth patterns (dendrochronological signal), and determined the climatic factors that are particularly important for the growth of larch in this area. Uniformity in the growth reaction across the analyzed area was found in the positive response to May temperatures (significant correlation values range from 0.21 to 0.48); this indicates that the warm beginning of the growing season is important for larch growth across the study area. The signal variability from west to east found in the principal components analysis (PCA) results and differences in climate response between analyzed sites suggest their relation to increasing influence of the continental climate to the east. However, the observed relationship is not stable and does not occur systematically. Although the climate–growth response of larch at lower elevations is highly variable, a positive influence of July precipitation and a negative influence of April precipitation, and previous May and July temperature can be observed. The growth of larch from the highest study sites (Tatra Mountains, above 950 m a.s.l.) is related to temperature. This is manifested by a strong positive correlation with temperature during late spring, early summer, and the end of the previous growing season, and a negative or no response to late spring/summer precipitation. No relation between the observed correlations and slope aspect was found.

Can an inexperienced observer accurately plot disc contours using Heidelberg retinal Tomograph?

ObjectiveTo examine the reliability of inexperienced observers in plotting optic disc contours on Heidelberg retinal tomography images before and after training. DesignObservational study. ParticipantsOne hundred eyes that were randomly selected from the Singapore Indian Eye Study. MethodsBoth eyes of subjects were imaged with Heidelberg Retina Tomograph 3 (HRT-3; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Optic disc contours were plotted on the same images by 2 new observers on 2 separate occasions, before and after 2-hour standardized training on the skills and tools available to accurately identify and delineate optic disc contours. These plottings were compared with an experienced, trained glaucoma expert (gold standard). Agreement and variability were analyzed by interclass correlation tests and Bland–Altman plots. ResultsA total of 182 images (18 excluded because of poor quality) from 89 Indian subjects were included. The mean age was 53.27 ± 7.25 years and 54.8% were male. There was moderate-to-high agreement between pretraining (both new observers) and experienced observer’s results (interclass correlation values range, 0.76–0.99). The interclass correlation improved for all the HRT-3 parameters after the 2 new observers were adequately trained. Comparing the interclass correlation values before and after training, the differences for mean retinal nerve fibre layer thickness for Observer 1 and all the HRT-3 parameters for Observer 2 were statistically significant. ConclusionsThis study shows that it is easy to train a new inexperienced observer to plot optic disc contours on HRT images, which translates into improved and acceptable interobserver variability and agreement.

Phased-array vector velocity estimation using transverse oscillations

A method for estimating the 2-D vector velocity of blood using a phased-array transducer is presented. The approach is based on the transverse oscillation (TO) method. The purposes of this work are to expand the TO method to a phased-array geometry and to broaden the potential clinical applicability of the method. A phased-array transducer has a smaller footprint and a larger field of view than a linear array, and is therefore more suited for, e.g., cardiac imaging. The method relies on suitable TO fields, and a beamforming strategy employing diverging TO beams is proposed. The implementation of the TO method using a phased-array transducer for vector velocity estimation is evaluated through simulation and flow-rig measurements are acquired using an experimental scanner. The vast number of calculations needed to perform flow simulations makes the optimization of the TO fields a cumbersome process. Therefore, three performance metrics are proposed. They are calculated based on the complex TO spectrum of the combined TO fields. It is hypothesized that the performance metrics are related to the performance of the velocity estimates. The simulations show that the squared correlation values range from 0.79 to 0.92, indicating a correlation between the performance metrics of the TO spectrum and the velocity estimates. Because these performance metrics are much more readily computed, the TO fields can be optimized faster for improved velocity estimation of both simulations and measurements. For simulations of a parabolic flow at a depth of 10 cm, a relative (to the peak velocity) bias and standard deviation of 4% and 8%, respectively, are obtained. Overall, the simulations show that the TO method implemented on a phased-array transducer is robust with relative standard deviations around 10% in most cases. The flow-rig measurements show similar results. At a depth of 9.5 cm using 32 emissions per estimate, the relative standard deviation is 9% and the relative bias is -9%. At the center of the vessel, the velocity magnitude is estimated to be 0.25 ± 0.023 m/s, compared with an expected peak velocity magnitude of 0.25 m/s, and the beam-to-flow angle is calculated to be 89.3° ± 0.77°, compared with an expected angle value between 89° and 90°. For steering angles up to ±20° degrees, the relative standard deviation is less than 20%. The results also show that a 64-element transducer implementation is feasible, but with a poorer performance compared with a 128-element transducer. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the TO method is suitable for use in conjunction with a phased-array transducer, and that 2-D vector velocity estimation is possible down to a depth of 15 cm.

English

Globally, the devastation that befalls women diagnosed of breast cancer remains inestimable. Early detection remains a major effective approach that should be employed to combat the disease. The issue of concern, however, is whether women in the rural underserved areas are aware of these early detection methods. This study was designed to assess rural women’s awareness and knowledge of breast cancer and their screening practices. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing self developed structured questionnaire. Reliability of the instrument was determined and alpha correlation values range between 0.81 and 0.95 for the different components of the questionnaire. Data was processed using descriptive analysis and associations tested with Chi-square at 5% level of significance. The results of the findings showed that 52.7% of the women had adequate knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and symptoms. Regarding the women’s awareness about breast cancer screening methods, 52.8 and 51.7% of women have heard about Breast Self-Examination (BSE) and Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) respectively. However, few numbers of respondents (3.9%) were aware about mammography and these are people who did it for the purpose of diagnosing breast problem. Majority of the women (72.8%) did not practice BSE which is the most readily available screening method. Considering the lack of sophisticated diagnostic technology such as mammography for breast screening in the rural areas, BSE provided a unique opportunity for the women to be breast aware and to identify breast problems which may constitute danger to their health in the future. Health care professionals, most especially those at the primary health care level, should enhance the women’s skills to use this simple procedure effectively to promote their health.   Key words: Community health nurses, breast awareness, breast examination, knowledge, practice.

Rankings of information and library science journals by JIF and by h-type indices

In this paper we compute journal rankings in the Information and Library Science JCR category according to the JIF and according to several h-type indices. Even though the correlations between all the ranked lists are very high, there are considerable individual differences between the rankings as can be seen by visual inspection, showing that the correlation measure is not sensitive enough. Thus we also compute other measures, Spearman's footrule and the M-measure that are more sensitive to the differences between the rankings in the sense that the range of values is larger than the range of correlation values when comparing the JIF ranking to the rankings induced by the h-type indices.

Correlations Between the Same Motor Cortex Cells and Arm Muscles During a Trained Task, Free Behavior, and Natural Sleep in the Macaque Monkey

Traditionally, the neural control of movement has been studied by recording cell activity in restrained animals performing repetitive, highly trained tasks within a restricted workspace. However, the degree to which results obtained under these conditions are valid during natural, unconstrained behavior remains unknown. Using an autonomous, implantable recording system, we examined the relationships between the firing of motor cortex cells and forearm muscle activity in primates under three behavioral conditions: performance of a conventional torque-tracking task, unrestrained behavior, and natural sleep. We found strong correlations over long periods of daytime activity, suggesting a consistent relationship between cortex and muscles across the repertoire of awake behavior. The range of correlation values was comparable during task performance, but many individual cells exhibited significant differences across conditions. During the night, phases of sleep were associated with a cyclical pattern of cell and muscle activity. Across the population, the strength of cell-muscle correlations was related to preferred direction for daytime but not nighttime activity. The relationship of cells to behavior remained consistent over periods of several weeks. These findings extend the interpretation of results obtained under constrained conditions and are relevant to the development of neural prostheses for restoring natural movements to patients with motor deficits.

Knowledge base evaluation of medicine residents on the gastroenterology service: Implications for competency assessments by faculty

Background & Aims: Clinician educators are asked to provide both formative and summative evaluations on the medical knowledge of residents. This study evaluated the accuracy of these evaluations and the perception of residents regarding the ability of faculty to assess medical knowledge. Methods: Gastroenterology knowledge ratings provided by 15 faculty gastroenterologists on 49 internal medicine residents during a required gastroenterology rotation were correlated with performance on the gastroenterology subsection of the In-Training Examination for Internal Medicine. Residents also were surveyed regarding their perception of the ability of faculty to judge their knowledge of medical gastroenterology. Results: The mean correlation (Kendall's tau b) of faculty ratings with performance on the ITE was 0.30 ( P < 0.01). The range of correlation values for individual faculty (−0.39 to 0.80) indicated that some faculty were able to assess the medical knowledge of residents better than others. Residents, as well as the faculty themselves, perceived that faculty were able to rate their medical knowledge relatively well. Conclusions: The ability of faculty gastroenterologists to judge the knowledge of gastroenterology in their resident trainees was quite limited. Residents, as well as faculty, inaccurately perceive the ability of gastroenterologists to render professional judgments on their knowledge base as good. An end-of-rotation written examination would appear to be required to provide an accurate assessment of the medical knowledge of residents. CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY 2003;1:64-68