Effect Size Index Research Articles

An Examination of Measurement Procedures and Characteristics of Baseline Outcome Data in Single-Case Research

There has been growing interest in using statistical methods to analyze data and estimate effect size indices from studies that use single-case designs (SCDs), as a complement to traditional visual inspection methods. The validity of a statistical method rests on whether its assumptions are plausible representations of the process by which the data were collected, yet there is evidence that some assumptions-particularly regarding normality of error distributions-may be inappropriate for single-case data. To develop more appropriate modeling assumptions and statistical methods, researchers must attend to the features of real SCD data. In this study, we examine several features of SCDs with behavioral outcome measures in order to inform development of statistical methods. Drawing on a corpus of over 300 studies, including approximately 1,800 cases, from seven systematic reviews that cover a range of interventions and outcome constructs, we report the distribution of study designs, distribution of outcome measurement procedures, and features of baseline outcome data distributions for the most common types of measurements used in single-case research. We discuss implications for the development of more realistic assumptions regarding outcome distributions in SCD studies, as well as the design of Monte Carlo simulation studies evaluating the performance of statistical analysis techniques for SCD data.

Evaluating the Possibility of Establishing Knowledge Management in State Welfare Organization of Iran

Today, knowledge is seen as the only assuring source of a competitive constant merit for organizations. Organizations have realized that their knowledge of methods for accomplishing tasks and of providing services is an important asset to be managed like their other valuable assets. Before exercising knowledge management, vast studies on the field seem necessary. In doing so, this research has been done with the purpose of evaluating the possibility of establishing the knowledge management in State Welfare Organization of Iran (SWOI). Methodology: For this study, descriptive research method was used for gathering data. In doing so, 208 managers and experts from SWOI were selected using stratified random sampling method; and, they answered 80 question questionnaires. Its Content Validity has been approved by the experts. Results: The Reliability (Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha) of all the factors was more than 0.7 which is in an acceptable limit. After performing Shapiro and Wilk test and after being sure that data are normally distributed, results from data analysis using One Sample t Test showed that from 7 factors of Bukowitz and Williams knowledge management model, conditions of 6 factors (finding, use, learning, evaluation, development /maintenance, and the removal of the knowledge) of the research hypotheses are not acceptable and only knowledge sharing and exchanging calculated average, 3.18, is above the average line. Moreover, there is no significant difference, (p>0.05), observed among subjectsʼ averages based on cognitive factors of sex, position, etc. But there is a significant difference, (P<0.05), in education level variable in indices of knowledge finding, knowledge learning, and removal of knowledge. Effect size index, too, shows that the biggest difference is related to subscale of removal of knowledge. Conclusion: Finally, we can evaluate conditions of processes necessary for establishing knowledge management in Iran as not acceptable which makes it as a necessity for those in charge to pay attention to it. At the end of the research, applied suggestions are provided too.

FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT AND DYNAMIC BALANCE DISPARITIES AMONG VARYING SKILL LEVELS IN GOLFERS

Sports medicine professionals have instituted easy to use on field screening tests to determine physical readiness and identify athletes who may have increased injury risk. Currently there is little research on fundamental movement and dynamic balance abilities in golfers. To examine differences in fundamental movement patterns and dynamic balance in varying competition levels in golfers. Cross-sectional Cohort. The Functional Movement ScreenTM (FMS), and Y-Balance Test Upper Quarter and Lower Quarter (YBT-LQ/UQ) were performed on middle school (MS), high school (HS), college (COL), and professional (PRO) golfers. The FMSTM was assessed for individual tests and composite score. The YBT-LQ/UQ reaches were averaged normalized to limb length. Statistical analysis was completed with a series of Kruskall-Wallis tests with Dunn's post hoc for the FMS™ and YBT-LQ/UQ asymmetries, and a series of ANOVAs, with Tukey's post hoc for the YBT-LQ/UQ reaches (p<0.05). Effect Size Indices (ESI) were also calculated to determine clinical relevance. A total of 53 MS, 129 HS, 207 COL, and 29 PRO golfers were included in this study. Significant differences were observed between COL and HS in two FMS™ tests (push up; p=0.001), active straight leg raise; p=0.0019). PRO golfers YBT-LQ posteromedial reaches were greater than MS (p=0.0127, ESI = 4.3552). PRO YBT-UQ medial reaches were greater than COL (p<0.0001, ESI = 0.8915), HS (p<0.0001, ESI = 1.2640) and MS (p<0.001, ESI = 1.4218). PRO inferolateral (IL) and superoloateral (SL) reaches were greater [IL: COL (p=0.0427, ESI = 0.4413), HS (p=0.0002, ESI = 0.5851)], [SL: COL (p=0.0005, ESI = 0.5990), HS (p=0.0004, ESI = 0.6068)]. YBT-UQ composite scores were greater for PRO compared to COL (p<0.0001, ESI = 0.7657), HS (p<0.0001, ESI = 0.8161) and MS (p<0.0001, ESI = 1.085). Differences were observed in golfer's fundamental movement patterns in relationship to competition level. These data can be utilized to design personalized training programs that focus to improve movement quality. 2b.

Characteristics of nursing interventions that improve the quality of life of people with chronic diseases. A systematic review with meta-analysis.

PurposeThe objective of this systematic review was to determine the characteristics of the interventions conducted by nurses that attempt to improve the health related quality of life (HRQoL) of people over 18 years of age with chronic diseases.MethodsThis systematic review with meta-analysis summarizes 24 studies, conducted in 10 countries, that evaluated HRQoL through the Short-Form Health Survey (SF). Five databases were accessed to find the available studies from December 31st, 2000 to May 22sd, 2017. Selected studies were coded according to the characteristics of the sample and the intervention. A model of random effects was adopted for the overall estimation and to explain the heterogeneity.ResultsTwenty-four studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis providing a sample of 4324 chronic patients aged 63.4 years. Among the 8 subscales and two summary measures that comprise the SF-36, only an overall significant effect size (ES) index was found in the Mental Health Component summary score (ES = 0.14; 95% CI:0.03 − 0.26; I2 = 44.6, p = 0.042) and the Mental Health subscale. This improvement on HRQoL was associated to interventions on “Case Management” and “Treatments and Procedures”, which were based on a theory, were of shorter duration, and had a follow-up period.ConclusionsInterventions targeting people with chronic diseases resulted in a slight increase in the HRQoL that was not always significant, which suggests that there is a need for their continuous improvement.

Differences in PlayerLoad and pitch type in collegiate baseball players

ABSTRACT PlayerLoad is derived from a tri-axial accelerometer device and is a measure of an athlete’s external training load. Tri-axial accelerometers (Optimeye S5, Catapult Sports, Melbourne, Australia) were worn by 25 collegiate pitchers during a pitching session. Pitches included fastballs, curve balls, sliders, and changeups. Peak and sum PlayerLoad were calculated for fastballs, curve balls, sliders, and changeups. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests (p < 0.01) and effect size indexes (ESI). Peak and sum PlayerLoad were higher for fastballs compared to changeups (N = 20; ESIpeak = 0.47, p= 0.001 and ESISum = 0.13, p = 0.001, respectively). Peak and sum PlayerLoad were not different comparing fastball to curveball (N = 12; ESIpeak = 0.24, p = 0.050 and ESISum<0.01, p = 0.106) and fastball to slider (N = 12; ESIpeak = 0.32, p = 0.088 and ESISum = 0.02, p = 0.221). Fastball velocity (37.1 ± 2.1 m/s) differed from the changeup (33.8 ± 1.9 m/s; p < 0.001), curveball (32.2 ± 1.2; p < 0.001), and slider (33.8 ± 1.3 m/s; p < 0.001). Pitching workload may differ based on pitch type. Pitch counts may not capture true player fatigue due to variability in stresses resulting from different pitch types.

An Investigation of the Schommers’ Epistemological Beliefs Model in Terms of Gender and Academic Success: A Meta-Analysis

It was determined that epistemological beliefs showed a significant difference by gender in some studies conducted in Turkey using Schommers’ Epistemological Beliefs Model while there was no significant difference in some other studies. Similarly, in some studies, epistemological beliefs showed a significant difference by academic success; however, some studies did not show a significant difference. For this reason, the aim of this research is to determine whether epistemological beliefs show a significant difference by gender and also to find out the relationship between epistemological beliefs and academic success through meta-analysis. Therefore, it is expected that this study will help overcome this conflict in the field. For this purpose, 37 studies that were carried out in Turkey between the years 2005-2017 and meet the criteria for inclusion were analyzed by meta-analysis method. 36 studies were included to determine whether epistemological beliefs differ significantly by gender and 7 studies were used to determine the relationship of epistemological beliefs to academic success. Cohen's d was employed as the effect size index to examine epistemological beliefs by gender and Pearson’s r was used to reveal relationship of epistemological beliefs with the academic success. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine the relationship of the epistemological belief sub-factors with the academic success and also whether there was a significant difference according to gender. The effect sizes calculated for gender and success were combined according to the random effects model since the studies were collected from the literature. As a result of the combination, the overall effect size ( d =-0.052) calculated for gender was “weak” in favor of men; however, it showed a significant effect ( p .05). In subgroup analysis, the effect size on the relationship between the epistemological beliefs and success was found not to be significant ( p >.05). As a result of the heterogeneity test ( Q > χ2 , p .05).

Responsiveness of the PROMIS and its Concurrent Validity with Other Region- and Condition-specific PROMs in Patients Undergoing Carpal Tunnel Release.

The Patient-reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) continues to be an important universal patient-reported outcomes measure (PROM) in orthopaedic surgery. However, there is concern about the performance of the PROMIS as a general health questionnaire in hand surgery compared with the performance of region- and condition-specific PROMs such as the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), respectively. To ensure that PROMIS domains capture patient-reported outcomes to the same degree as region- and condition-specific PROMs do, comparing PROM performance is necessary. (1) Which PROMs demonstrate high responsiveness among patients undergoing carpal tunnel release (CTR)? (2) Which of the PROMIS domains (Physical Function [PF], Upper Extremity [UE], and Pain Interference [PI]) demonstrate concurrent validity with the HHQ and BCTQ domains? In this prospective study, between November 2014 and October 2016, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome visiting a single surgeon who elected to undergo CTR completed the BCTQ, MHQ, and PROMIS UE, PF, and PI domains at each visit. A total of 101 patients agreed to participate. Of these, 31 patients (31%) did not return for a followup visit at least 6 weeks after CTR and were excluded, leaving a final sample of 70 patients (69%). We compared the PROMIS against region- and condition-specific PROMs in terms of responsiveness and concurrent validity. Responsiveness was determined using Cohen's d or the effect-size index (ESI). The larger the absolute value of the ESI, the greater the effect size. Using the ESI allows surgeons to better quantify the impact of CTR, with a medium ESI (that is, 0.5) representing a visible clinical change to a careful observer. Concurrent validity was determined using Spearman's correlation coefficient with correlation strengths categorized as excellent (> 0.7), excellent-good (0.61-0.70), good (0.4-0.6), and poor (< 0.4). Significance was set a priori at p < 0.05. Among PROMIS domains, the PI demonstrated the best responsiveness (ESI = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.39-1.08), followed by the UE (ESI = -0.66; 95% CI, -1.00 to -0.31). For the MHQ, the Satisfaction domain had the largest effect size (ESI = -1.48; 95% CI, -1.85 to -1.09), while for the BCTQ, the Symptom Severity domain had the best responsiveness (ESI = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.14-1.91). The PROMIS UE and PI domains demonstrated excellent-good to excellent correlations to the total MHQ and BCTQ-Functional Status scores (preoperative UE to MHQ: ρ = 0.68; PI to MHQ: ρ = 0.74; UE to BCTQ-Functional Status: ρ = 0.74; PI to BCTQ-Functional Status: ρ = 0.67; all p < 0.001), while the PROMIS PF demonstrated poor correlations with the same domains (preoperative PF to MHQ; ρ = 0.33; UE to BCTQ-Functional Status: ρ = 0.39; both p < 0.01). The PROMIS UE and PI domains demonstrated slightly worse responsiveness than the MHQ and BCTQ domains that was nonetheless acceptable. The PROMIS PF domain was unresponsive. All three PROMIS domains correlated with the MHQ and BCTQ, but the PROMIS UE and PI domains had notably stronger correlations to the MHQ and BCTQ domains than the PF domain did. We feel that the PROMIS UE and PI can be used to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing CTR, while also providing more robust insight into overall health status because they are general PROMs. However, we do not recommend the PROMIS PF for evaluating patients undergoing CTR. Level II, diagnostic study.

Do Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Scales Demonstrate Responsiveness as Well as Disease-Specific Scales in Patients Undergoing Knee Arthroscopy?

Background: The Patient Reported Outcomes Information System (PROMIS) is an efficient metric able to detect changes in global health. Purpose: To assess the responsiveness, convergent validity, and clinically important difference (CID) of PROMIS compared with disease-specific scales after knee arthroscopy. Study Design: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A prospective institutional review board–approved study collected PROMIS Physical Function (PF), PROMIS Pain Interference (PI), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) results in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. The change from preoperative to longest follow-up was used in analyses performed to determine responsiveness, convergent validity, and minimal and moderate CID using the IKDC scale as the anchor. Results: Of the 100 patients enrolled, 76 were included. Values of the effect size index (ESI) ranged from near 0 to 1.69 across time points and were comparable across scales. Correlations of the change in KOOS and PROMIS with IKDC ranged from r values of 0.61 to 0.79. The minimal CID for KOOS varied from 12.5 to 17.5. PROMIS PF and PI minimal CID were 3.3 and −3.2. KOOS moderate CID varied from 14.3 to 18.8. PROMIS PF and PI moderate CID were 5.0 and −5.8. Conclusion: The PROMIS PF and PI showed similar responsiveness and CID compared with disease-specific scales in patients after knee arthroscopy. PROMIS PI, PROMIS PF, and KOOS correlations with IKDC demonstrate that these scales are measuring a similar construct. The ESIs of PROMIS PF and PI were similar to those of KOOS and IKDC, suggesting similar responsiveness at 6 months or longer (ESI >1.0). Minimum and moderate CID values calculated for PROMIS PF and PI using IKDC as an anchor were sufficiently low to suggest clinical usefulness. Clinical Relevance: PROMIS PF and PI can be accurately used to determine improvement or lack thereof with clinically important changes after knee arthroscopy.

Procedural sensitivities of effect sizes for single-case designs with directly observed behavioral outcome measures.

A wide variety of effect size indices have been proposed for quantifying the magnitude of treatment effects in single-case designs. Commonly used measures include parametric indices such as the standardized mean difference as well as nonoverlap measures such as the percentage of nonoverlapping data, improvement rate difference, and nonoverlap of all pairs. Currently, little is known about the properties of these indices when applied to behavioral data collected by systematic direct observation, even though systematic direct observation is the most common method for outcome measurement in single-case research. This study uses Monte Carlo simulation to investigate the properties of several widely used single-case effect size measures when applied to systematic direct observation data. Results indicate that the magnitude of the nonoverlap measures and of the standardized mean difference can be strongly influenced by procedural details of the study's design, which is a significant limitation to using these indices as effect sizes for meta-analysis of single-case designs. A less widely used parametric index, the log response ratio, has the advantage of being insensitive to sample size and observation session length, although its magnitude is influenced by the use of partial interval recording. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

The “Dunkelfeld“ Project for Self-Identified Pedophiles: A Reappraisal of its Effectiveness

IntroductionThe “Dunkelfeld” project offers pharmacologic treatment and psychotherapy to self-referred pedophilic patients in an anonymous way. AimTo provide a re-assessment focusing on the crucial time × group interaction (ie, the treatment effect). MethodsA recent study reported on the effectiveness of the “Dunkelfeld” program based on intermediate data of a treatment group (TG; n = 53) and a waiting-list control group (CG; n = 22). With psychological indicators, it was concluded that the therapy program changed dynamic risk factors that are associated with sexually offending against children. Although based on an independent groups pre-post design, the original report includes within-group pre- and post-comparisons only, as well as between-group comparisons at the pre- and post-treatment stages. In the current study, an effect size index was computed that compares the change occurring in both groups (TG and CG) with each other (Morris d). Moreover, 95% CI of d were calculated. Main Outcome MeasuresThe analyses were limited to 12 dynamic risk factors pertaining to emotional dysfunction, offense-supportive attitudes, sexual dysregulation, impression management, and 2 types of delinquent behavior, including recent behavior related to sexual offenses against children and recent use of child sexual abuse images. ResultsAll 14 indicators showed weak treatment effects at most, with a median d of 0.30. None of the effect sizes was statistically significant (ie, in every case the 95% CI included 0). Further methodologic concerns include a familywise error rate close to 1 and too little statistical power to identify potential effects. Clinical ImplicationsAs far as dynamic risk factors are concerned, the data do not show that treatment within the “Dunkelfeld” program leads to any reduction of the proneness to commit sexual offenses against children. Strengths & LimitationsThe current study adds crucial information lacking in the original analysis. Because the re-appraisal has the same limited statistical power as the original study, the current results are tentative in the sense that the possibility of the program being effective cannot be ruled out. A further limitation is that not all of the dynamic risk factors chosen as indicators of possible treatment success have been established as relevant for sexual (re-)offending in prior empirical studies. ConclusionsThe outcome emphasizes the notion that independent groups pretest-posttest designs should be analyzed based on the treatment × time interaction.Mokros A, Banse R. The “Dunkelfeld” Project for Self-Identified Pedophiles: A Reappraisal of its Effectiveness. J Sex Med 2019;16:609–613.

Psychological treatment for family members of children with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analytical study examined the effects of psychological treatments applied to family members of children and adolescents with cancer, as well as the characteristics of the studies that can be associated with their effects. Four databases were searched between January 1980 and January 2017; the references of the located studies were reviewed, and emails were sent to experts in this topic. Forty articles fulfilled the selection criteria. The standardized mean pretest-posttest (or pretest-follow-up) change was used as the effect-size index for the treatment and control groups. The 40 articles included 40 treatment groups and 21 control groups. When treatment and control pretest-posttest mean effects were compared, psychological interventions revealed positive, statistically significant results for anxiety (dadj =0.339) and problem-solving skills (dadj =0.385) and, to a lesser extent, for posttraumatic stress (dadj =0.224). No statistically significant differences were found for mood (dadj =0.147), acute stress (dadj =-0.010), coping skills (dadj =0.123), social support (dadj =0.245), or quality of life (dadj =0.538). Positive effects of mild to moderate magnitude were found in the posttests for some outcome measures. Behavioral interventions seem to be the most promising. Interventions achieved the best results when they were long in duration and low in intensity and when they were applied to family members with young children who were undergoing medical treatment. At follow-up, the intervention benefits were diminished. The application of psychological interventions is recommended to mitigate the negative psychological repercussions in this population.

Assessing the Transfer of Nursing Competencies: Analysis of the effects of intermediate care training in a hospital setting

This research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of a training course in a hospital setting, using indicators of effect size and heterogeneity index. The evaluation focused on a training course in intermediate care for nurses. The course lasted 23 days and included clinical teaching at the patient’s bedside. The competencies were measured at the beginning and end of the training course, using an observation grid based on five domains: Clinical Expert, Communicator, Collaborator, Leader and Learner-Trainer. Cohen’s and Glass’s estimators demonstrated significant effects of training on the five domains while the heterogeneity index showed a reduction in behavioural disparities within the nursing group at the end of the training course. The discussion addresses issues relating to the boundaries used to interpret effect sizes.

Gli indici di effect size nella ricerca educativa. Analisi comparativa e significatività pratica

Effect sizes are statistical indexes used to quantify the difference between two groups, typically adopted in educational research to measure the efficacy of an intervention. Their use in research reports is recommended by the most important international research association in the field of psychology and education, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Educational Research Association (AERA). In this work, through a comparative analysis, after a brief description of the most widely used effect size indexes in educational research, authors provide practical indications about their use, and their interpretation. With this purpose in mind, a comparative analysis among Glass’ Δ, Cohen’s d and Hedeges’ g has been carried out, so that to observe their «behavior» in relation to different conditions of study design and to know which one is better to use in those conditions.

Basketball Players' Dynamic Performance Across Competition Levels.

Bullock, GS, Arnold, TW, Plisky, PJ, and Butler, RJ. Basketball players' dynamic performance across competition levels. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3537-3542, 2018-Dynamic balance is an integral component in screening lower extremity injury risk. Previous research has identified the need to create sport- and competition level-specific dynamic balance injury cut points. The purpose of this study was to determine if dynamic balance differences exist, using the Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-LQ), across varying competition levels (middle school, high school, college, and professional), in basketball players. Subjects were participating at the middle school (MS; n = 88), high school (HS; n = 105), college (COL; n = 46), and professional levels (PRO; n = 41). Statistical analysis was completed with a series of analysis of variance tests. Tukey post hoc tests were used to identify specific group-to-group differences if statistical significance (p ≤ 0.05) was observed. Effect size indices (ESI) were also calculated to provide an estimate of the clinical relevance. In the anterior reach, HS basketball players performed statistically better than the MS and COL (p < 0.01, ESI = 0.58) athletes, and all these groups performed better than the PRO basketball players (p < 0.01, ESI = 1.72). For the posteromedial, posterolateral reach directions and the composite score, the HS, COL, and PRO basketball players were not significantly different from each other; however, the HS group did reach further than the MS group (p < 0.01-0.02, ESI = 0.40-0.55). The PRO basketball players exhibited a lower asymmetrical total score compared with MS, HS, and COL players (p < 0.01-0.02, ESI = 0.52-0.68). Different competition levels displayed varying dynamic balance strategies. Creating basketball competition levels normative values for dynamic balance could help define injury risk cut points.

A comprehensive method of single-case data analysis: Interrupted Time-Series Simulation (ITSSIM).

Single-case experimental methods are used across a range of educational and psychological research. Single-case data are analyzed with a variety of methods, but no statistic has demonstrated clear superiority over other methods. The time-series nature of single-case designs requires special consideration for baseline trend and autocorrelation when estimating intervention effect size. However, standard correction methods are limited because they assume precise statistical estimation of trend and autocorrelation. Unlike standard correction methods, Monte Carlo simulation methods can address the poor precision of single-case effect size indices. This paper presents the rationale for a new simulation method, Interrupted Time-Series Simulation (ITSSIM). A small field test was also conducted, and ITSSIM performed similarly to sophisticated multilevel methods for single-case research. ITSSIM is accessible as a free software application that requires no prior knowledge of statistical computing or syntax. ITSSIM may be used to estimate the effect size of a single interrupted time-series (AB design), and multiple ITSSIM effect size estimates may be combined via meta-analysis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

308. Evaluation of the stability and discriminative power of PET radiomic features in phantom studies

Purpose PET radiomics is a promising and emerging field with large potential for tumor phenotype characterization. Radiomic Metrics (RM) analysis, nonetheless, is not yet standardized and the impact of the whole processing chain on RM hast not yet been clearly understood. In this work we characterized the impact of the following major issues on RM: (i) four different discretization methods, (ii) acquisition duration, (iii) reconstruction algorithm and iv) image filtering. The influence of the region volume and Standardized-Uptake-Value (SUV) on the RM was also measured. Methods and materials The CGITA software v1.4 was used to estimate 42 RM, from an uniform phantom and a purpose built “heterogeneous” one. Statistical effect size indicators were used to determine for each RM: (i) the impact of each nuisance factor, and (ii) the discriminating power. Results The discretization procedure performed at the beginning of RM quantification is critical with respect to the dependency of RM values on lesion volume and SUV. The method based on relative range had overall better proprieties than those based on bins of fixed width in units of SUV. Based on the robustness with respect to all factors, we categorized RM based on the influence of the imaging workflow and on the ability to better discriminate heterogeneous PET patterns. The families of RM less robust resulted to be the Gray Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM) and the Neighborhood gray tone difference matrix (NGTD) ones while the Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) group as well as the SUV first order RM were the most suitable. Conclusion From the experiments performed in this work, processing pipeline recommendations were provided, together with a list of 20 sufficiently robust and discriminative RMs for PET radiomic analysis. This work was supported by AIRC IG18965.

Comparison of visual analysis, non-overlap methods, and effect sizes in the evaluation of parent implemented functional assessment based interventions

We used an existing body of research (i.e., parent implemented functional-assessment based interventions) to examine visual analysis features and processes and evaluate the reliability of two frequently used non-overlap indices (NAP & Tau-U) and a novel effect size index—the between-case standardized mean difference (BC-SMD). Results indicated that visual analysis terms and procedures were inconsistently used across studies. Further, there was limited agreement between the non-overlap indices and independent visual analysis. Results regarding the BC-SMD were inconclusive given only 5 of the 15 studies were eligible for analyses for different dependent variables. Our results suggest that visual analysis standards are needed by which single case researchers analyze and report their results. Further, additional research is needed refining SCR effect sizes, which can be used to describe the magnitude of change within and across SCR studies with functional relations.

استراتیجیة مقترحة فی ضوء نظریة فیجوتسکی لتنمیة عمق المعرفة الریاضیة ومسؤولیة تعلم الریاضیات لدى تلامیذ المرحلة الإعدادیة

هدفت الدراسة الحالية إلى بناء إستراتيجية وفق نظرة فيجوتسکي، والتحقق من أثر تلک الإستراتيجية في تنمية مستويات عمق المعرفة الرياضية، وتنمية مهارات مسؤولية تعلم الرياضيات لدى تلاميذ المرحلة الإعدادية، ولتحقيق هذا الهدف تم بناء وحدة المساحات المقررة على تلاميذ الصف الثاني الإعدادي وفق الاستراتيجية المقترحة ، کما تم بناء أداتي القياس وهما : اختبار عمق المعرفة الرياضية، واختبار مسؤولية تعلم الرياضيات، وتم التأکد من تحقق المؤشرات العلمية للصدق والثبات، وتم تطبيق أداتي القياس قبليا على مجموعتي الدراسة : المجموعة التجريبية والمجموعة الضابطة، وتم إعادة تطبيقهما بعديا عقب انتهاء مجموعتي الدراسة من دراسة الوحدة، ومن أبرز النتائج التي توصلت لها الدراسة: تم التحقق من فاعلية الإستراتيجية المقترحة بالدراسة الحالية في تنمية مستويات عمق المعرفة الرياضية ، حيث تم ثبوت صحة الفرض الأول للدراسة وتبين أنه يوجد فرق ذو دلالة إحصائية عند مستوى دلالة (0.01) بين متوسط درجات المجموعة التجريبية التي درست وفق الإستراتيجة المقترحة ومتوسط درجات المجموعة الضابطة التي درست وفق الطريقة المعتادة في التطبيق البعدي لاختبار عمق المعرفة الرياضية على المستويات (استدعاء المعرفة الرياضية/استيعاب المعرفة الرياضية/ تطبيق المعرفة الرياضية/ التفکير الاستراتيجي في المعرفة الرياضية /والمستويات ککل) لصالح درجات المجموعة التجريبية، کما تم حساب حجم التأثير بدلالة (ŋ 2) لقيم (ت) الدالة بين التطبيق القبلي والتطبيق البعدي لاختبار عمق المعرفة الرياضية وکانت مؤشرات حجم التأثير من النوع الکبير لکل مستوى على حدة والمستويات ککل. تم التحقق من فاعلية الإستراتيجية المقترحة بالدراسة الحالية في تنمية مهارات مسؤولية تعلم الرياضيات ، حيث تم ثبوت صحة الفرض الثاني للدراسة وتبين أنه يوجد فرق ذو دلالة إحصائية عند مستوى دلالة (0.01) بين متوسط درجات المجموعة التجريبية التي درست وفق الإستراتيجة المقترحة ومتوسط درجات المجموعة الضابطة التي درست وفق الطريقة المعتادة في التطبيق البعدي لاختبار مسؤولية تعلم الرياضيات على المهارات (التخطيط/ ضبط الأداء/ التواصل / اتخاذ القرار/ التقويم / والمهارات ککل) سواء على البعد الشخصي أو الاجتماعي لصالح درجات المجموعة التجريبية، کما تم حساب حجم التأثير بدلالة (ŋ 2) لقيم (ت) الدالة بين التطبيق القبلي والتطبيق البعدي لاختبار مسؤولية تعلم الرياضيات وکانت مؤشرات حجم التأثير من النوع الکبير لکل مهارة على حدة والمهارات ککل. The objective of this study is to build a strategy based on Vygotsky's view and to verify the impact of this strategy in developing the levels of the depth of mathematical knowledge and to develop the skills of responsibility for learning mathematics in the students of the preparatory stage. The two measurement tools were constructed: testing the depth of mathematical knowledge, testing the responsibility of learning mathematics, and ascertaining that the scientific indicators of truth and consistency were verified. The measurement tools were applied before the study groups: the experimental group and the control group, And their re-application after the end of the two groups of study of the unit, and the most prominent results of the study: The effectiveness of the proposed strategy in the current study was verified in the development of the levels of depth of mathematical knowledge. The first hypothesis of the study was proved and found that there is a statistically significant difference at the level of (0.01) between the mean of the experimental group studied according to the proposed strategy and average scores The control group studied according to the usual method of post-application to test the depth of mathematical knowledge at the levels (calling mathematical knowledge / understanding mathematical knowledge / application of mathematical knowledge / strategic thinking in mathematical knowledge / levels as a whole) in favor of group scores (Ŋ 2) for the value of the function values ​​between the pre-application and the post-application to test the depth of the mathematical knowledge. The effect size indicators were of the large type for each level and the levels as a whole. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy in the current study was verified in the development of the skills of the responsibility for learning mathematics. The second hypothesis of the study was proven and found that there is a statistically significant difference at the level of (0.01) between the mean of the experimental group studied according to the proposed strategy and average scores The control group, which was studied according to the usual method of post-implementation, to test the responsibility of learning mathematics on skills (planning / performance control / communication / decision making / assessment / skills as a whole) on the personal or social dimension in favor of experimental group scores. In terms of thier (ŋ 2) values ​​(t) function between the pre application and post application to test the responsibility of learning mathematics and indicators was the size of the effect of the large type on each skill alone and skills as a whole.

Cerebrospinal fluid monoamine metabolite concentrations in depressive disorder: A meta-analysis of historic evidence

Altered monoaminergic functions have been implicated in the pathophysiology of depressive disorder. However, previously reported cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) monoamine metabolite concentrations in major depression have been inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis of historic evidence to determine whether CSF monoamine metabolite levels were different between patients with depression and normal controls, and could be used as depression biomarkers. Relevant studies that investigated CSF 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) levels in patients with depression and normal controls were identified in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Embase databases through September 5, 2017, using a synonymous search for depression, CSF, normal, control, and each monoamine metabolite name, and in the reference lists of the acquired articles. Obtained records were individually scrutinized for eligibility. Our search strategy identified 26 studies, including our own. We employed random effects modeling and adopted “Hedges's g” as an index of effect size. In the meta-analyses, no significant difference was observed in CSF 5-HIAA or MHPG levels between patients with depressive disorder and controls. In contrast, CSF HVA was significantly decreased in patients with depression (Hedges's g = −0.30, P = 0.0000025), and these results remained significant after patients with bipolar disorder were excluded (Hedges's g = −0.37, P = 0.000061). In the meta-regression, sex was significantly associated with the Hedges's g of CSF HVA (Q = 4.41, P = 0.036). This meta-analysis revealed that only CSF HVA, and not 5-HIAA or MHPG, levels were decreased in depressive disorder. The reduction in the CSF HVA concentration in patients with depression may guide future studies on depression and serve as a useful biomarker of depressive disorder.

The use of nonparametric effect sizes in single study musculoskeletal physiotherapy research: A practical primer

There is a strong push for the inclusion of effect size indexes alongside the reporting of statistical analysis in academic journals. Nonparametric methods of analysis have generally been developed less than their parametric counterparts have, and are also generally less well known. Too often researchers use parametric statistics where nonparametric measures would be more appropriate. This holds true for nonparametric measures of effect size, where even when researchers use nonparametric statistics, some use parametric effect size measures to interpret the result. This paper attempts to provide a practical overview and illustration of the correct usage and interpretation of effect size measures for nonparametric statistics for single study designs using real-world physiotherapy data in the worked examples. This primer covers a range of different formulae based on categorical measures of effect size, as well as between- and within-group designs using ranked data. While this primer does use examples focusing on physiotherapy research, the applications of the information can be used in any field of research.