High-quality Instruments Research Articles

Developing a composite outcome tool to measure response to treatment in ANCA-associated vasculitis: A mixed methods study from OMERACT 2020

ObjectiveThe Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Vasculitis Working Group aims to develop composite response criteria for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV). MethodsThe project follows the OMERACT approach for composite measures: (i) choose relevant domains; (ii) define high-quality instruments; (iii) decide on a scoring system approach; (iv) put through the OMERACT Filter 2.1 for validation. ResultsA systematic literature review of outcome measures used in clinical trials in AAV and an international Delphi exercise among patients with AAV and clinician-investigators with expertise in AAV have been completed to inform the candidate domains/instruments for the composite response criteria, which are the first two steps in the OMERACT approach for developing composite measures. Results of the systematic literature review and Delphi were presented at the OMERACT 2020 virtual workshop, and feedback was received on the next steps of the project, including the development of a scoring system approach. ConclusionThe ultimate goal of this project is to develop validated composite response criteria for use in clinical trials of AAV.

Item Response Theory for Psychometric Properties of the SNOT-22 (22-Item Sinonasal Outcome Test).

The SNOT-22 (22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test) is a high-quality outcome measure that assesses chronic rhinosinusitis-specific quality of life. The aim of this study was to gain greater insight into the information provided by the SNOT-22 by determining its item-based psychometric properties. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary care academic centers. This study used a previously described data set of the SNOT-22 completed by 800 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Item response theory graded response models were used to determine parameters reflecting item discrimination, difficulty, and information provided by each item toward the SNOT-22 subdomain to which it belonged. The unconstrained graded response model fitted the SNOT-22 data best. Item discrimination parameters and total information provided showed the greatest variability within the nasal subdomain, and the item related to sense of smell/taste demonstrated the lowest discrimination and provided the least amount of information overall. The dizziness item provided disparately lower total information and discrimination in the otologic/facial pain subdomain. Items in the sleep and emotional subdomains generally provided high discrimination. While items in the nasal, sleep, and otologic/facial pain subdomains spanned all levels of difficulty, emotional subdomain items covered higher levels of difficulty, indicating greater information provided at higher levels of disease severity. The item-specific psychometric properties of the SNOT-22 support it as a high-quality instrument. Our results suggest the need and possibility for revision of the smell/taste dysfunction item, for example its wording, to improve its ability to discriminate among the different levels of disease burden.

Instruments to assess upper‐limb function in children and adolescents with neuromuscular diseases: a systematic review

To synthesize clinical and scientific evidence regarding the instruments available to assess upper-limb function in paediatric patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD). This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines (Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews no. CRD42020140343). Two independent reviewers searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, Embase, and Scopus databases. Inclusion criteria were cross-sectional or longitudinal studies or randomized controlled trials that used scales or questionnaires to assess upper-limb function in paediatric patients with NMDs. The COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist and criteria for good measurement properties were applied to assess the methodological quality of the instruments. In total, 34 articles and 12 instruments were included. The Brooke Upper Extremity (n=16) and Performance of Upper Limb (PUL) (n=12) instruments were the most used tools. The PUL and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) Upper Limb patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) tested more measurement properties and provided higher methodological quality scores for patients with DMD. Likewise, the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) was the most suitable instrument for patients with spinal muscular atrophy. No instrument has been devised to assess upper-limb function in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and no other disease-specific instruments were found. The PUL, DMD Upper Limb PROM, and RULM are the most suitable instruments to assess upper-limb function in the two most prevalent paediatric NMDs. The identified gaps and methodological flaws of the available instruments indicate a need to develop high-quality instruments to assess other types of paediatric NMDs. What this paper adds The most suitable observer-rater instrument to assess upper-limb function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the Performance of Upper Limb. The most suitable observer-rater instrument to assess upper-limb function in spinal muscular atrophy is the Revised Upper Limb Module. The DMD Upper Limb patient-reported outcome measure is recommended to assess the upper-limb performance of patients with DMD. Literature gaps and methodological flaws indicate the need to develop high-quality instruments to assess other types of paediatric neuromuscular disease.

Nine years of SMOS sea surface salinity global maps at the Barcelona Expert Center

Abstract. After more than 10 years in orbit, the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) European mission is still a unique, high-quality instrument for providing soil moisture over land and sea surface salinity (SSS) over the oceans. At the Barcelona Expert Center (BEC), a new reprocessing of 9 years (2011–2019) of global SMOS SSS maps has been generated. This work presents the algorithms used in the generation of BEC global SMOS SSS product v2.0, as well as an extensive quality assessment. Three SMOS SSS fields are distributed: a high-resolution level-3 product (with DOI https://doi.org/10.20350/digitalCSIC/12601, Olmedo et al., 2020a) consisting of binned SSS in 9 d maps at 0.25∘×0.25∘; low-resolution level-3 SSS computed from the binned salinity by applying a smoothing spatial window of 50 km radius; and level-4 SSS (with DOI https://doi.org/10.20350/digitalCSIC/12600, Olmedo et al., 2020b) consisting of daily 0.05∘×0.05∘ maps that are computed by multifractal fusion with sea surface temperature maps. For the validation of BEC SSS products, we have applied a battery of tests aimed at the assessment of quality of the products both in value and in structure. First, we have compared BEC SSS products with near-to-surface salinity measurements provided by Argo floats. Secondly, we have assessed the geophysical consistency of the products characterized by singularity analysis, and the effective spatial resolutions are also estimated by means of power density spectra and singularity density spectra. Finally, we have calculated full maps of SSS errors by using correlated triple collocation. We have compared the performance of the BEC SMOS product with other satellite SSS and reanalysis products. The main outcomes of this quality assessment are as follows. (i) The bias between BEC SMOS and Argo salinity is lower than 0.02 psu at a global scale, while the standard deviation of their difference is lower than 0.34 and 0.27 psu for the high- and low-resolution level-3 fields (respectively) and 0.24 psu for the level-4 salinity. (ii) The effective spatial resolution is around 40 km for all SSS products and regions. (iii) The results from triple collocation show the BEC SMOS level-4 product as the product with the lowest estimated salinity error in most of the global ocean and the BEC SMOS high-resolution level-3 as the one with the lowest estimated salinity error in regions strongly affected by rainfall and continental freshwater discharge.

Instruments for assessing organisational capacity for use of evidence in health sector policy making: a systematic scoping review

Background Assessing individual and organisational capacity for evidence use is essential for developing evidence-based strategies. Aims and objectives This study aimed to assess the psychometric and practical properties of existing tools to assess the capacity to use evidence at the individual and organisational levels of health policy and identify the best instruments. Methods A systematic review of the databases of ISI Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and PubMed was conducted up to 6 June 2018. Search engines, websites of key organisations, and the reference lists of selected articles were also used to find relevant studies. The search strategy for each database was written individually. Psychometric properties were assessed using the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (SEPT) and pragmatic properties were assessed using the protocol proposed by Lewis et al (2018). Simple statistics were used to describe the psychometric and pragmatic properties of the identified instruments. Results Overall, 16 instruments were identified. SEER had the highest validity score. Reliability was estimated for 38% of the instruments. Responsiveness was assessed in only 19% of the studies. The results showed that internal consistency was reported for 40% of the articles using statistical analysis. Pragmatic properties of the studied instruments were verified; 75% usefulness, 56% actionability, 50% sensitive to change and 56% user-friendly, 19% compatible, 38% feasibility. Discussion and conclusions There are few instruments with strong psychometric evidence, and without high-quality instruments, it would be difficult to determine the factors that affect implementation. Therefore, special attention is needed for the systematic development of instruments and their reporting standards.

Measuring classroom climate: Validation of the CCQ-P for primary, middle school and high school levels, on the Romanian population

Several high-quality instruments are used for investigations on classroom climate. Out of these, none is valid on all three educational pre-tertiary levels (primary, middle school and high school). This situation limits our understanding about classroom climate along different educational levels. We collected responses on a large Romanian student sample (1003 students, 49.3 % boys), and we investigated the internal validity of the Classroom Climate Questionnaire – Primary (CCQ-P, Aldridge & Galos, 2018) using confirmatory factor analyses and measurement invariance analyses. The original model obtained a good fit and partially maintained structure across the three educational levels. Thus, this study opens the door for the investigation of this questionnaire for the three pre-university levels in other national contexts. This could impact how we look at the transition of students between levels and it could offer new input about the practical actions related to this process.

Estimation of fatigue life using low cost pneumatic setup and Arduino based data acquisition (DAQ)

With increase in number of Students opting of Masters in Engineering, the demand for High quality and Precise Instruments has risen by many folds. The Students in countries like India, strive to get access to components and Hardwares to validate and obtain definitive results to pursue their Research within Student level, irrespective of whether the Grade/Level is Bachelors/Masters. When we talk about assessment of Fatigue Life of a job, the conventional setup of Repeatedly Twisting and Releasing comes into our mind wherein Twisting /Shear Stress is repeatedly introduced and released. However, when Metal Plates are required to be tested, bending stresses are to be introduced. The objective of is paper, aims around development of Low cost setup for estimation of Fatigue life of Samples, constrained to bending stress, using Pneumatic setup as stress producing actuator and Arduino setup combined with Strain gauges as low cost data acquisition (DAQ) tool. The data from the DAQ is logged through LABVIEW, for obtaining SN Curve and further analysis.

Acoustic Emission and K-S Metric Entropy as Methods for Determining Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials.

Due to the unique properties of polymer composites, these materials are used in many industries, including shipbuilding (hulls of boats, yachts, motorboats, cutters, ship and cooling doors, pontoons and floats, torpedo tubes and missiles, protective shields, antenna masts, radar shields, and antennas, etc.). Modern measurement methods and tools allow to determine the properties of the composite material, already during its design. The article presents the use of the method of acoustic emission and Kolmogorov-Sinai (K-S) metric entropy to determine the mechanical properties of composites. The tested materials were polyester-glass laminate without additives and with a 10% content of polyester-glass waste. The changes taking place in the composite material during loading were visualized using a piezoelectric sensor used in the acoustic emission method. Thanks to the analysis of the RMS parameter (root mean square of the acoustic emission signal), it is possible to determine the range of stresses at which significant changes occur in the material in terms of its use as a construction material. In the K-S entropy method, an important measuring tool is the extensometer, namely the displacement sensor built into it. The results obtained during the static tensile test with the use of an extensometer allow them to be used to calculate the K-S metric entropy. Many materials, including composite materials, do not have a yield point. In principle, there are no methods for determining the transition of a material from elastic to plastic phase. The authors showed that, with the use of a modern testing machine and very high-quality instrumentation to record measurement data using the Kolmogorov-Sinai (K-S) metric entropy method and the acoustic emission (AE) method, it is possible to determine the material transition from elastic to plastic phase. Determining the yield strength of composite materials is extremely important information when designing a structure.

Retrieving monthly and interannual total-scale pH (pH<sub>T</sub>) on the East China Sea shelf using an artificial neural network: ANN-pH<sub>T</sub>-v1

Abstract. While our understanding of pH dynamics has strongly progressed for open-ocean regions, for marginal seas such as the East China Sea (ECS) shelf progress has been constrained by limited observations and complex interactions between biological, physical and chemical processes. Seawater pH is a very valuable oceanographic variable but not always measured using high-quality instrumentation and according to standard practices. In order to predict total-scale pH (pHT) and enhance our understanding of the seasonal variability of pHT on the ECS shelf, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed using 11 cruise datasets from 2013 to 2017 with coincident observations of pHT, temperature (T), salinity (S), dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate (N), phosphate (P) and silicate (Si) together with sampling position and time. The reliability of the ANN model was evaluated using independent observations from three cruises in 2018, and it showed a root mean square error accuracy of 0.04. The ANN model responded to T and DO errors in a positive way and S errors in a negative way, and the ANN model was most sensitive to S errors, followed by DO and T errors. Monthly water column pHT for the period 2000–2016 was retrieved using T, S, DO, N, P and Si from the Changjiang biology Finite-Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM). The agreement is good here in winter, while the reduced performance in summer can be attributed in large part to limitations of the Changjiang biology FVCOM in simulating summertime input variables.

Coronary Anastomosis Simulation: Directed Interventions to Optimize Success

The role of simulation-based training in coronary artery bypass grafting remains undefined. Barriers to simulator use include clinical and personal obligations, insufficient materials, and lack of mentorship. The purpose of this study was to implement a longitudinal, residency-wide coronary anastomosis simulation curriculum. A prospective observational study was conducted from 2018 to 2019 at a single academic center. All residents of the Thoracic Surgery training program participated. Each participant was provided a low-fidelity coronary anastomosis simulator, high-quality instruments, and faculty mentor. Formal assessments were held quarterly, and residents were encouraged to practice alone and with their mentor. Baseline and follow-up metrics were compared with simple descriptive statistics. Seventeen residents and 12 faculty participated in the study. Residents demonstrated increased use of the simulator, with 21% participating in independent practice at baseline and 82% in the fourth quarter (P= .02). The median score on the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association Vessel Anastomosis Assessment improved from 42 out of 65 at baseline to 54 out of 65 in the fourth quarter (P= .04), and mean anastomosis time was reduced by 5 minutes 6 seconds (P= .02). Over 12 months, junior residents demonstrated a mean reduction in anastomosis time of 6 minutes 36 seconds, and senior residents decreased anastomosis time by 3 minutes 6 seconds (P= .02). Providing residents with a low-fidelity coronary anastomosis trainer with high-quality instruments and a faculty mentor improved rates of independent practice, Thoracic Surgery Directors Association assessment scores, and anastomosis time. Our next step is validating the coronary simulator curriculum by measuring improvement of resident performance in the operating room.

The Development of an Instrument for Longitudinal Learning Diagnosis of Rational Number Operations Based on Parallel Tests.

The precondition of the measurement of longitudinal learning is a high-quality instrument for longitudinal learning diagnosis. This study developed an instrument for longitudinal learning diagnosis of rational number operations. In order to provide a reference for practitioners to develop the instrument for longitudinal learning diagnosis, the development process was presented step by step. The development process contains three main phases, the Q-matrix construction and item development, the preliminary/pilot test for item quality monitoring, and the formal test for test quality control. The results of this study indicate that (a) both the overall quality of the tests and the quality of each item are good enough and that (b) the three tests meet the requirements of parallel tests, which can be used as an instrument for longitudinal learning diagnosis to track students’ learning.

In situ sounding of radiative flux profiles through the Arctic lower troposphere

In situ profiles and fixed-altitude time series of all four components of net radiation were obtained at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard (78.9° N, 11.9° E), in the period May 04–21, 2015. Measurements were performed using adapted high-quality instrumentation classified as “secondary standard” carried by a tethered balloon system. Balloon-lifted measurements of albedo under clear-sky conditions demonstrate the local dependence on altitude and on the surface inhomogeneity of this parameter over coastal terrain of Ny-Ålesund. Depending on the surface composition within the sensor’s footprint near the coastline, the albedo over predominantly snow-covered surfaces was found to decrease to 0.548 and 0.452 at 494 m and 881 m altitude compared with 0.731 and 0.788 measured with near-surface references, respectively. Albedo profiles show an all-sky maximum at 150 m above surface level due to local surface inhomogeneity, and an averaged vertical change rate of − 0.040/100 up to 750 m aboveground level (clear sky) and − 0.034/100 m (overcast). Profiling of arctic low-level clouds reveals distinct vertical gradients in all radiative fluxes but longwave upward at the cloud top. Observed radiative cooling at the top of a partly dissolving stratus cloud with heating rates of − 40.4 to − 62.1 Kd−1 in subsequent observations is exemplified.

Material characterization and functional implications of a Claude Laurent glass flute

The Claude Laurent glass flutes (1805–1844) are singular elements that contributed to the transformation of musical instruments through the introduction of new styles and technologies. These flutes combine improved technical capabilities with aesthetic criteria, making them high-quality instruments and appreciated objects of art. Through the analysis of an 1823 flute, the present study is focused on the determination of their material characteristics and the relationship of these materials with the flute's structure and constructive process. The composition of the glass and metallic parts has been determined by XRF after establishing a specific calibration for each material and energy range. A potash-lime-silica glass, which shows similar composition to some previously analysed flutes conserved at the Library of Congress in Washington, was used for the glass parts of the flute. Composition of the metallic parts of a Laurent flute is presented for the first time. Regarding the larger parts, four different composition groups can be distinguished. The composition established can yield information about the constructive process and can be related to the function of each group. For example, a silver-copper alloy serving aesthetic reasons was used for all visible metallic parts, while hidden parts that demand higher mechanical resistance were made with bronze. Regarding the flute's smaller metallic parts, which consist of the keys and key levers and some mechanical pieces, such as screws or springs, the materials detected include a silver-copper alloy and steel.

The influence of multi-layered varnishes on moisture protection and vibrational properties of violin wood

Violin varnishes are known to affect both moisture absorption and vibrational properties of violin wood. However, traditional multi-layered varnish systems suffer from substantial wear as a result of intensive use, which calls for deeper understanding of the specific impact of individual layers. Using sophisticated in-situ neutron imaging and vibrational modal analysis, we show how wood sorption and vibrational behavior of tonewood depend on the build-up of the varnish system. The results demonstrate the protective effect of complete coatings and emphasize that strongly worn regions cannot accomplish the function as an effective moisture barrier, which might pose a risk for frequently played or aged string instruments. Furthermore, the build-up of the varnish system affects the vibrational properties of the tonewood, influencing its final sound quality. This delicate interplay should be considered both for the handling of antique and aged violins and for the production of modern high-quality instruments.

Performance properties of health-related measurement instruments in whiplash: systematic review protocol

BackgroundWhiplash is a common traumatic cervical injury which is most often a consequence of rear-end motor vehicle accidents. It has been estimated that up to 50% of the whiplash patients suffer from chronic symptoms, resulting in extensive individual and societal burden. Several measurement instruments are used for initial assessment of whiplash and evaluation of response to treatment. However, a comprehensive assessment of the performance of these measures is lacking. Furthermore, there is no consensus on the most relevant outcome domains and their corresponding measurement instruments of choice. This systematic review aims to identify, describe, and critically appraise the performance properties of health-related measurement instruments in whiplash population.MethodsThe following literature databases will be searched from their date of establishment: PubMed, Embase®, MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, and HAPI. All original articles evaluating the reliability, validity, responsiveness, and feasibility of health-related measurement instruments in whiplash will be included, without additional restriction on their intended use, source of data, and structure. Risk of bias will be assessed using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. Findings of the studies will be judged against the criteria for good measurement properties, and results from all studies will be qualitatively summarized to generate an overall quality of findings. Overall quality of evidence will be determined using a modified GRADE approach, which will be used in conjunction with the overall quality of results for generation of recommendations. Two reviewers will perform all steps of the review independently. Discrepancies will be discussed between the reviewers, and in case of remaining disagreement, the senior reviewer will make the final decision.DiscussionThis systematic review will summarize the body of literature on health-related measurement instruments in whiplash, aiming to facilitate the selection of high-quality measurement instrument for researchers and physicians. Findings of this study will guide the ongoing efforts for development of a core outcome set.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO reference number CRD42018070901

Introduction of Directly Observed Procedural Skills (DOPS) as a Part of Competency-Based Medical Education in Otorhinolaryngology

The Directly Observed Procedural/Practical Skill (DOPS) is a relatively new but reliable tool for formative assessment. The lack of desired awareness regarding DOPS among the Otorhinolayngologists of India made us to conduct this study.The aim of the study was introduction of DOPS in Oto-rhino-laryngology Department. The objectives of the study were:(1) To prepare lists of Oto-rhino-laryngology procedures for DOPS, (2) To conduct Orientation program of DOPS for the participants, (3) To prepare a structured list of items for the rating scale, (4) To facilitate and conduct DOPS encounters of different Oto-rhino-laryngology procedures. The study was conducted in a tertiary care medical college hospital from April 2018 to August 2018. Thirty-three trainees and 5 trainers participated. The 421 DOPS encounters involved 41 Oto-rhino-laryngology procedures. For checking the association between average time and clinical settings and Oto-rhino-laryngology procedures and DOPS encounters, the nonparametric test χ2 test was employed. Male trainees (63.63%) outnumbered female trainees. Mostly trainees (91%) were aged 22-25years. Approximately half (49%) of the Oto-rhino-laryngology procedures (20/41) and 9/10th (86.22%) of DOPS encounters (363/421) were conducted in OPD. The average time taken to complete the E.N.T. procedures and DOPS encounters was 15min or less in the majority (91% and 98%) of the Oto-rhino-laryngology procedures (38/41) and DOPS encounters (414/421). DOPS was introduced as a learning tool in the Oto-rhino-laryngology Department of our medical college. For assessing the "competency level" of trainees for E.N.T. procedures, DOPS is a high quality instrument as it tests the candidate at the "does" level.

Study protocol: developing, disseminating, and implementing a core outcome set for selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic twin pregnancies

BackgroundSelective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic twin pregnancies is associated with an increased risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity and represents a clinical dilemma. Interventions include expectant management with early preterm delivery if there are signs of fetal compromise, selective termination of the compromised twin, fetoscopic laser coagulation of the communicating placental vessels or termination of the whole pregnancy. Previous studies evaluating interventions have reported many different outcomes and outcome measures. Such variation makes comparing, contrasting, and combining results challenging, limiting ongoing research on this uncommon condition to inform clinical practice. We aim to produce, disseminate, and implement a core outcome set for selective fetal growth restriction research in monochorionic twin pregnancies.MethodsAn international steering group, including professionals, researchers, and lay experts, has been established to oversee the development of this core outcome set. The methods have been guided by the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative Handbook.Potential core outcomes will be developed by undertaking a systematic review of studies evaluating interventions for selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic twin pregnancies. Potential core outcomes will be entered into a three-round Delphi survey and key stakeholders including clinical professionals, researchers, and lay experts will be invited to participate. Repeated reflection and rescoring of individual outcomes should encourage group and individual stakeholder convergence towards consensus outcomes which will be entered into a modified Nominal Group Technique to finalize the core outcome set. Once core outcomes have been agreed, we will establish standardized definitions and recommend high-quality measurement instruments for each outcome.DiscussionThe development, dissemination, and implementation of a core outcome set for selective fetal growth restriction should ensure that future research protocols select, collect, and report outcomes and outcome measures in a standardized manner. Data synthesis will be possible on a broad level and rigorous implementation should advance the quality of research studies and their effective use in order to guide clinical practice, improve patient care, maternal, short-term perinatal outcomes, and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.Trial registrationCore Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) registration number: 998.International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration number: CRD42018092697. 18th April 2018.

Psychometric properties and feasibility of use of dementia specific quality of life instruments for use in care settings: a systematic review.

Over 400,000 people live in care home settings in the UK. One way of understanding and improving the quality of care provided is by measuring and understanding the quality of life (QoL) of those living in care homes. This review aimed to identify and examine the psychometric properties including feasibility of use of dementia-specific QoL measures developed or validated for use in care settings. Systematic review. Instruments were identified using four electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL) and lateral search techniques. Searches were conducted in January 2017. Studies which reported on the development and/or validation of dementia specific QoL instruments for use in care settings written in English were eligible for inclusion. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the COSMIN checklist. Feasibility was assessed using a checklist developed specifically for the review. Six hundred and sixteen articles were identified in the initial search. After de-duplication, screening and further lateral searches were performed, 25 studies reporting on 9 dementia-specific QoL instruments for use in care home settings were included in the review. Limited evidence was available on the psychometric properties of many instruments identified. Higher-quality instruments were not easily accessible or had low feasibility of use. Few high-quality instruments of QoL validated for use in care home settings are readily or freely available. This review highlights the need to develop a well-validated measure of QoL for use within care homes that is also feasible and accessible.

ABE-Stat, a Fully Open-Source and Versatile Wireless Potentiostat Project Including Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Exciting discoveries in material science and molecular interactions are resulting in many promising electrochemical biosensor technologies. Compact, high-quality instrumentation is critical to adaptation of these new technologies especially for distributed applications in the agriculture and food industries. To this end, we have developed ABE-Stat, a fully open-source, battery-powered potentiostat project including a wireless Android interface. ABE-Stat is capable of conducting routine electrochemical analyses including cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), high impedance potentiometric measurements, and can connect directly to the internet through WiFi or indirectly through the Android interface. Importantly it is the first fully open-source potentiostat capable of evaluating electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) across a wide frequency spectrum (0.1 Hz to 100 kHz) with user selectable amplitude and bias. Current noise was observed to be over an order of magnitude larger than the nominal resolution of the embedded 24-bit analog to digital converter (ADC), but were largely consistent with the actual ADC specifications. In this manuscript we share detailed documentation for ABE-Stat including hardware design and source code, and evaluation of the performance of all avaiable analyses. We also suggest design improvements that could improve the noise performance of ABE-Stat and consistency of EIS measurements across the spectrum.

Plasma Glow Discharge as a Tool for the Dissection and Coagulation of Biological Tissues

We present here the results of studies of the mechanism of plasma formation and the kinetics of plasma glow discharge required for making electrosurgical instruments with controllable plasma temperature. Numerical data on the energy parameters of the high-frequency current required for stable heating of the plasma glow discharge at atmospheric pressure are presented. Scientifically based technical solutions for creating prototype high-quality electrosurgical instruments with controlled-temperature low-temperature plasma glow discharge are described. The value of using a single technical platform based on a modular design for the main functional elements of high-frequency electrosurgical instruments with biological tissue dissection and coagulation modes based on temperature-controllable plasma glow discharge is assessed.