Good Measure Research Articles

PROPOSAL OF RATIOMETRIC INDEX FOR THE DIFFERENTIATION OF CELL PAINTED SUBORGANELLES USING DEEP CNN-BASED SEMANTIC SEGMENTATION

Cell painting technique provides large amount of potential information for applications such as drug discovery, bioactivity prediction and cytotoxicity assessment. However, its utility is restricted due to the requirement of advanced, costly and specific instrumentation protocols. Therefore, creating cell painted images using simple microscopic data can provide a better alternative for these applications. This study investigates the applicability of deep network-based semantic segmentation to generate cell painted images of nuclei, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and cytoplasm from a composite image. For this, 3456 composite images from a public dataset of Broad Bioimage Benchmark collection are considered. The corresponding ground truth images for nuclei, ER and cytoplasm are generated using Otsu’s thresholding technique and used as labeled dataset. Semantic segmentation network is applied to these data and optimized using stochastic gradient descent with momentum algorithm at a learning rate of 0.01. The segmentation performance of the trained network is evaluated using accuracy, loss, mean Boundary [Formula: see text] (BF) score, Dice Index, Jaccard Index and structural similarity index. Gradient weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) is employed to visualize significant image regions identified by the model. Further, a cellular index is proposed as a geometrical measure which is capable of differentiating the segmented cell organelles. The trained model yields 96.52% accuracy with a loss of 0.07 for 50 epochs. Dice Index of 0.93, 0.76 and 0.75 is achieved for nuclei, ER and cytoplasm respectively. It is observed that nuclei to cytoplasm provides comparatively higher percentage change (74.56%) in the ratiometric index than nuclei to ER and ER to cytoplasm. The achieved results demonstrate that the proposed study can predict the cell painted organelles from a composite image with good performance measures. This study could be employed for generating cell painted organelles from raw microscopy images without using specific fluorescent labeling.

Clinical Assessment of Judgment in Adults and the Elderly: Development and Validation of the Three Domains of Judgment Test-Clinical Version (3DJT-CV).

(1) Background: This article discusses the first two phases of development and validation of the Three Domains of Judgment Test (3DJT). This computer-based tool, co-constructed with users and capable of being administered remotely, aims to assess the three main domains of judgment (practical, moral, and social) and learn from the psychometric weaknesses of tests currently used in clinical practice. (2) Method: First, we presented the 3DJT to experts in cognition, who evaluated the tool as a whole as well as the content validity, relevance, and acceptability of 72 scenarios. Second, an improved version was administered to 70 subjects without cognitive impairment to select scenarios with the best psychometric properties in order to build a future clinically short version of the test. (3) Results: Fifty-six scenarios were retained following expert evaluation. Results support the idea that the improved version has good internal consistency, and the concurrent validity primer shows that 3DJT is a good measure of judgment. Furthermore, the improved version was found to have a significant number of scenarios with good psychometric properties to prepare a clinical version of the test. (4) Conclusion: The 3DJT is an interesting alternative tool for assessing judgment. However, more studies are needed for its implementation in a clinical context.

Up and down-conversion photoluminescence energy demonstration of Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped double perovskites microcrystals

Recently, lanthanide-doped fluorescence materials with perovskite structures have attracted great attention due to their abundant 4f energy levels, of which up- and down-conversion photoluminescence (PL) usually can be achieved by energy-level transition of single or multiple rare-earth ions (REI). Here, we synthesized for the first time a series of holmium (Ho) and ytterbium (Yb) co-doped Cs2Ag0.4Na0.6In0.9Bi0.1Cl6 (CANIBC) microcrystals (MCs) by hydrothermal method and realized the synergistic effect of efficient dual-mode PL of host and REI. The CANIBC MCs show yellow-white light emission stimulated by a 405 nm laser, of which the down-conversion (DC) PL is superimposed by the self-trapped excitons (STEs) emission of [AgCl6]5- octahedral and the energy level leap emission of REI. While the green emission of Ho3+ can be observed on the up-conversion (UC) PL stimulated by a 980 nm laser. We systematically analyzed the effect of CANIBC MCs in the dual-mode PL by time-resolved spectroscopy and found the existence of energy transfer between the STEs to REI in the DC PL process. Whereas in UC PL there is only energy transfer between REI. The variable-temperature dual-mode PL, reflects good temperature measurement performance. Simultaneously, it is effectively processed into a powder and mixed with 415 nm chips to create warm white light-emitting diodes with a CIE of (0.34, 0.36).

Continuous fetal cerebral blood flow monitoring during labor: A feasibility study

BackgroundCurrent methods for fetal surveillance during labor have significant limitations. Since continuous fetal cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) monitoring during labor may add valuable information about fetal well-being, we developed a new ultrasound system called VisiBeam. VisiBeam consists of a flat probe (diameter 11 mm) with a cylindric plane wave beam, a vacuum attachment (diameter 40 mm), a scanner, and a display. AimsTo assess the feasibility of VisiBeam for continuous fetal CBFV monitoring during labor, and to study changes in CBFV during uterine contractions. Study designDescriptive observational study. SubjectsTwenty-five healthy women in labor with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation at term. A transducer was placed over a fontanelle and attached to the fetal head with vacuum suction. Outcome measuresAchievement of continuous good quality fetal CBFV measures, such as peak systolic velocity, time averaged maximum velocity and end diastolic velocity. Trend plots of velocity measures display changes in CBFV between and during uterine contractions. ResultsGood quality recordings during and between contractions were achieved in 16/25 fetuses. In twelve fetuses, CBFV measures were stable during uterine contractions. Four fetuses showed patterns of reduced CBFV velocity measures during contractions. ConclusionsContinuous fetal CBFV monitoring by VisiBeam was feasible in 64 % of the subjects during labor. The system displayed variations of fetal CBFV not available by today's monitoring techniques and motivates for further studies. However, improvement of the probe attachment is required to ensure good quality signal in a higher proportion of fetuses during labor.

Thermal camera based on frequency upconversion and its noise-equivalent temperature difference characterization

We present a scheme for estimating the noise-equivalent temperature difference (NETD) of frequency upconversion detectors (UCDs) that detect mid-infrared (MIR) light. In particular, we investigate the frequency upconversion of a periodically poled crystal based on lithium niobate, where an MIR conversion bandwidth of 220 nm can be achieved in a single-poled period by a special design. Experimentally, for an MIR radiating target at a temperature of 95°C, the NETD of the device was estimated to be 56 mK with an exposure time of 1 s. Meanwhile, a direct measurement of the NETD was performed utilizing conventional methods, which resulted in 48 mK. We also compared the NETD of our UCD with commercially available direct MIR detectors. We show that the limiting factor for further NETD reduction of our device is not primarily from the upconversion process and camera noise but from the limitations of the heat source and laser performance. Our detectors have good temperature measurement performance and can be used for a variety of applications involving temperature object identification and material structure detection.

The Lifesaving Power of Flowers: Experiments Anyone Can Do

Biomaterials are materials made to be put inside human bodies. To make sure that these materials are safe for our bodies, they are first tested on animals. Reducing the number of animals used in research is an important goal, however, and scientists have been searching for other ways to test biomaterials in living organisms. In this article, we describe an experiment for measuring the properties of biomaterials using flowers. Such flower models can provide a good measure of how compatible a potential biomaterial is with the human body. Most importantly, these models are child-friendly and a great way for children to learn more about the fascinating world of biomaterials.

Why are University Teachers in Northeastern China Lost? An Analysis based on the Survey of Teachers’ Intention to Leave

Abstract In recent years, universities in northeastern China have been losing teachers. This paper uses the survey results of university teachers in Northeastern China to analyze the factors that cause the loss of teachers in universities in Northeastern China. Based on the findings of this study, the factors that affect the flow tendency of teachers at worklife include promotion and development, university management, working conditions, salary and interpersonal relationship, of which promotion and development has the greatest impact. The factors that affect the flow tendency of teachers in the external environment include family responsibility, organizational prestige, conditions for talent acquisition and urban living environment, of which organizational prestige has the greatest impact. To alleviate the loss of teachers in universities from northeastern China, universities can improve the promotion and development channels of teachers, perfect their working conditions and management level, raise the basic salary standard of teachers and establish a remuneration system for distribution according to performance. For good measure, they can also stabilize the current teachers while attracting more outstanding talents by exploiting the advantages of location, making more efforts to build high-level disciplines, and offering more favorable conditions for talent introduction.

Heuristic computing with sequential quadratic programming for solving a nonlinear hepatitis B virus model

This current study presents a nonlinear system of the hepatitis B virus infection by using the strength of artificial neural network (ANN) together with the competences of global and local search efficiencies of genetic algorithm (GA) and sequential quadratic programming scheme (SQPS), i.e., ANN-GA-SQPS. An error function is designed to use the mathematical form of the hepatitis B virus differential model and its initial conditions. The optimization of the error function is performed by using the hybridization efficiency of the GA-SQPS for the hepatitis B virus infection disease model. For the competence of ANN-GA-SQPS, the matching of obtained and the Adams numerical solutions has been observed. The absolute error is found in good measures for solving a nonlinear hepatitis B virus infection disease model. Moreover, statistical measures using different indices for 50 independent executions and 30 variables have been performed to check constancy, reliability, and effectiveness of the ANN-GA-SQPS.

Tamizaje de riesgos en salud mental: estructura factorial por características sociodemográficas durante la COVID-19

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with mental health symptoms. Objective: to screen mental health symptoms by validating the factor structure of the screening test related to sociodemographic variables during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: we worked with 36,811 Mexican (M = 34 years; SD = 11.68), 61.8% (22,743) women, 15.3% (5,643) losing loved ones, 12.7% (4,683) having a COVID-19 condition, and 8.22% (3,027) sought remote psychological care. We required participants to answer the Posttraumatic Stress Checklist (PCL-C), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), Goldberg’s Generalized Anxiety Questionnaire, Health Anxiety, and Somatization tests in a WebApp. Results: the Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated good factor structures and measurement invariances of the scales because of participants´ sociodemographic characteristics and their structural equation model. Discussion: therefore, Women showed re-experimentation, numbing, anxiety, and somatization symptoms. Grieving or suffering a COVID-19 condition associated with generalized anxiety. People seeking psychological care reported somatization symptoms. Also, avoidance predicted symptoms of re-experimentation, and re-experimentation predicted health anxiety. Health anxiety predicted somatization, depression, and generalized anxiety, denoted by hyperarousal symptoms. Depression predicted numbing and hyperarousal symptoms. Conclusions: there are mental health risks in women, people with loved-one losses, those with a COVID-19 condition, or people seeking psychological care. Future research will show how early interventions interrupt mental health risks associated with the pandemic.

Agreement between self-reported illicit drug use and biological samples: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Studies often rely on self-report and biological testing methods for measuring illicit drug use, yet evidence for their agreement is limited to specific populations and self-report instruments. We aimed to examine comprehensively the evidence for agreement between self-reported and biologically measured illicit drug use across all major illicit drug classes, biological indicators, populations, and settings. We systematically searched peer-reviewed databases (Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO) and grey literature. Included studies reported 2x2 table counts or agreement estimates comparing self-reported and biologically measured use published up to March 2022. With biological results considered the reference standard and use of random effect regression models, we evaluated pooled estimates for overall agreement (primary outcome), sensitivity, specificity, false omission rates (proportion reporting no use that test positive) and false discovery rates (proportion reporting use that test negative) by drug class, potential consequences attached to self-report (i.e., work, legal or treatment impacts), and timeframe of use. Heterogeneity was assessed by inspecting forest plots. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020182499. From 7,924 studies, we extracted data from 207 eligible studies. Overall agreement ranged from good to excellent (>0.79). False omission rates were generally low while false discovery rates varied by setting. Specificity was generally high but sensitivity varied by drug, sample type, and setting. Self-report in clinical trials and situations of no consequences was generally reliable. For urine, recent (i.e., past 1-4 days) self-report produced lower sensitivity and false discovery rates than past month. Agreement was higher in studies that informed participants biological testing would occur (diagnostic odds ratio: 2.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-6.9). The main source of bias was biological assessments (51% studies). While there are limitations associated with self-report and biological testing to measure illicit drug use, overall agreement between the two methods is high, suggesting both provide good measures of illicit drug use. Recommended methods of biological testing are more likely to provide reliable measures of recent use if there are problems with self-disclosure. The Australian Government.

The Psychosocial Impact of COVID-19 on an Adult Indian Population.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was a pandemic with many physical, psychological, and socioeconomic effects. COVID-19 caused a global increase in anxiety and depression because of its novelty, high infectivity, varied presentation, and unpredictable mortality. In the face of collapsing healthcare facilities, monetary setbacks, and loneliness because of lockdowns, people were anxious, and this was compounded by media sensationalism. We aimed to study the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on the adult Indian population. An online survey using SurveyMonkey was floated through WhatsApp messages in April 2020, using the 'chain-referral sampling' method. Responses from individuals >18 years were included, and questions included age, sex, occupation, demographics, and socioeconomic conditions. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scales. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS software, and predictors of anxiety and depression were assessed. A total of 2640 responses from individuals between 18 years and81 years were analyzed, of which 39% were from females and 85% from those <50 years of age. There were students (15.6%), teachers (10.7%), healthcare workers (16.8%), homemakers (9%), and daily wage laborers (4.1%), among others. Nearly 80% lived in cities, 55% had salaried jobs, 37% were working from home, 22% were temporarily unemployed, 10% were feeling work stress, 11% had increased alcohol intake, and 7.5% saw an increase in domestic violence. The income of 50% was adversely affected. Nearly 50% of our respondents had some symptoms of anxiety, and 23% had significant anxiety (GAD ≥5). The presence of anxiety was significantly higher in females, younger adults, city dwellers, healthcare workers, unemployed people, individuals living away from home, those without fixed salaries,those with work stress, and in people whose incomes had been adversely affected by the pandemic. On logistic regression analysis, female sex, younger age, unemployment, lack of salaried jobs, work stress, being a healthcare worker, and media reports were independent predictors of anxiety. About 60% of our respondents had some symptoms of depression, with 26% having significant depression (PHQ-9 ≥5). The presence of depression was significantly higher in females, younger adults, city dwellers, unemployed people, individuals living away from home without fixed salaries, andpeople with work stress. On logistic regression analysis, younger age, female sex, unemployment, lack of salaried jobs, work stress, and media reports were independent predictors of depression. Among our respondents, 70% used the time during the lockdown to study, 77% caught up with their families, and 56% reconnected with hobbies. Nearly 88% of our respondents had adjusted to their changing circumstances, helped by their religious beliefs and faith, the support of family and friends, good government measures, and the assurance of healthcare. Significant anxiety and depression were seen in 23% and 26% of respondents, respectively. Being a healthcare worker was an independent predictor of anxiety. Female sex, younger age, unemployment, work stress, and sensational media reports were independent predictors of both anxiety and depression.

The Decent Work Questionnaire: adaptation and validation of the Spanish version

ObjetivoA crescente atenção à ética empresarial, integridade e respeito aos direitos humanos no trabalho tem sido um tema cada vez mais relevante. O trabalho digno é um conceito importante que representa a promoção dos direitos humanos no trabalho e nas empresas, assim como o trabalho realizante e produtivo mantido com o diálogo social. O presente estudo apresenta a adaptação e validação da versão em espanhol do Questionário de Trabalho Digno (QTD), permitindo a avaliação do trabalho digno em espanhol. Inicialmente desenvolvido e validado para países de língua portuguesa, a versão italiana do QTD também foi recentemente adaptada e validada.Desenho/metodologia/abordagemA escala de 31 itens foi aplicada a uma amostra de 1528 trabalhadores espanhóis altamente qualificados. A análise factorial confirmatória (AFC) foi realizada. A validade convergente e discriminante foi testada, examinando as ligações do QTD às medidas de Engajamento no Trabalho e Burnout.ResultadosAFC confirmou o modelo original de ordem superior com 7 fatores, com um ajuste de modelo muito bom e boa consistência interna de confiabilidade (α = 0,94). Também testamos sua validade convergente e discriminante. Ambas foram suportadas.Originalidade/valorNossos resultados confirmaram a versão em espanhol do QTD como uma ferramenta de medição multidimensional confiável e válida. Também reforçaram a ideia deste instrumento ser uma boa medida transcultural do trabalho digno.

Assessing Foods and Nutrition Competencies in Youth

ObjectiveTo develop a comprehensive assessment of foods and nutrition competencies with robust psychometric properties for the 4-H Foods and Nutrition Project. DesignThe Assessment of Foods and Nutrition Competencies in Adolescents was developed through a systematic measurement development process by a group of researchers, practitioners, and program alumni familiar with the theory of change and implementation procedures of the 4-H Foods and Nutrition Project. SettingRecruitment was conducted through the 4-H Online membership management program for 4-H members throughout Texas to complete online survey questions. ParticipantsFour hundred twenty-four Texas 4-H members in grades 6–12. Variables MeasuredSurvey items addressing 6 specific foods and nutrition competencies dimensions. AnalysisA series of reliability and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to assess the psychometric qualities of Assessment of Foods and Nutrition Competencies in Adolescents. ResultsAssessment of Foods and Nutrition Competencies in Adolescents was found to possess good factor structure, reliability, validity, and measurement invariance. Program participants showed an advantage over nonparticipants in most core foods and nutrition competencies concerning positive behavioral changes. Conclusions and ImplicationsAssessment of Foods and Nutrition Competencies in Adolescents comprehensively captures the core competencies promoted by the 4-H Foods and Nutrition Project and possesses the psychometric qualities critical for program evaluation. A more diversity-focused outreach effort is needed for inclusive youth programs like the 4-H Foods and Nutrition Project to benefit the general youth population.

An adjusted coefficient of determination (R2 ) for generalized linear mixed models in one go.

The coefficient of determination (R2 ) is a common measure of goodness of fit for linear models. Various proposals have been made for extension of this measure to generalized linear and mixed models. When the model has random effects or correlated residual effects, the observed responses are correlated. This paper proposes a new coefficient of determination for this setting that accounts for any such correlation. A key advantage of the proposed method is that it only requires the fit of the model under consideration, with no need to also fit a null model. Also, the approach entails a bias correction in the estimator assessing the variance explained by fixed effects. Three examples are used to illustrate new measure. A simulation shows that the proposed estimator of the new coefficient of determination has only minimal bias.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the measurement properties of concerns-about-falling instruments in older people and people at increased risk of falls.

The 16-item Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) is widely used to assess concerns-about-falling. Variants include 7-item Short FES-I, 30-item Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale (Icon FES) and 10-item short Icon FES. No comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis has been conducted to synthesise evidence regarding the measurement properties of these tools. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the measurement properties of four FES-I variants. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched systematically and articles were assessed for eligibility independently. The methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed using COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist. The quality of measurement properties was assessed using COSMIN criteria for good measurement properties. Where possible, meta-analysis was conducted; otherwise, narrative synthesis was performed. Overall certainty of evidence was rated using a modified Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system approach. The review included 58 studies investigating measurement properties of the four instruments. There was high-quality evidence to support internal consistency, reliability and construct validity of all instruments. Moderate- to high-certainty evidence suggests one-factor structure of FES-I with two underlying dimensions, one-factor structure of Short FES-I and two-factor structure of Icon FES. There was high-certainty evidence to support the responsiveness of FES-I, with further research needed for the other instruments. There is evidence for excellent measurement properties of all four instruments. We recommend the use of these tools with healthy older people and people at a greater risk of falls due to conditions that might affect mobility and balance.

Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA) Report for New Product

Abstract: The HARA study is distinguishing the hazards related to process, equipment and working methods and evaluating the probability of taking control measures to protect the workers and company assets. In this project, analysis details hazards and operation failure modes to affect the production and legal requirements. Such as the Atmospheric gas monitoring equipment needs to be installed around the machines to detect LEL and TVOC compounds to eliminate environmental concerns and workers’ health. The overall purpose of the study is to identify the hazards and risks, then remove/minimize the hazards by providing recommendation control measures. And create a danger-free zone workplace. In this paper I have used quantitative and quantitative methods used to find the Operation failures and Possible Hazards. I have analyzed and exam pined the work/process locations have more hazards to make work more difficult even though good housekeeping and preventive measures.

Hazard and Operability Study of Rotary Drum Dryer in Hazardous Waste Management Industry

Abstract: The HAZOP study is distinguishing the Hazards related to process, equipment and working methods and evaluate the probability take control measures to protect the workers and company asset. in this project analysand details hazards and Operation failure modes to affect the production and legal requirements. Such as The Atmospheric gas monitoring equipment needs to be installed around the machines to detected LEL and TVOC compounds to eliminate environment concern and Worker’s health. the overall purpose of the study to identify the hazards and risks, then remove/minimize the hazards by providing recommendation control measures. And Create danger free zone workplace. In this paper I have used quantitative and quantitative methods used to find the Operation failures and Possible Hazards. I have analyzed and exam pined the work/process locations is has more hazards to work more difficult even though in good housekeeping and preventive measure.

OzDES Reverberation Mapping Programme: Mg ii lags and R−L relation

ABSTRACT The correlation between the broad line region radius and continuum luminosity (R–L relation) of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is critical for single-epoch mass estimates of supermassive black holes (SMBHs). At z ∼ 1–2, where AGN activity peaks, the R–L relation is constrained by the reverberation mapping (RM) lags of the Mg ii line. We present 25 Mg ii lags from the Australian Dark Energy Survey RM project based on 6 yr of monitoring. We define quantitative criteria to select good lag measurements and verify their reliability with simulations based on both the damped random walk stochastic model and the rescaled, resampled versions of the observed light curves of local, well-measured AGN. Our sample significantly increases the number of Mg ii lags and extends the R–L relation to higher redshifts and luminosities. The relative iron line strength $\mathcal {R}_{\rm Fe}$ has little impact on the R–L relation. The best-fitting Mg iiR–L relation has a slope α = 0.39 ± 0.08 with an intrinsic scatter $\sigma _{\rm rl} = 0.15^{+0.03}_{-0.02}$ . The slope is consistent with previous measurements and shallower than the H β R–L relation. The intrinsic scatter of the new R–L relation is substantially smaller than previous studies and comparable to the intrinsic scatter of the H β R–L relation. Our new R–L relation will enable more precise single-epoch mass estimates and SMBH demographic studies at cosmic noon.

Simultaneous application of soot and temperature measurements in a pressurized turbulent flame by laser-induced incandescence and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering for particle sizing

Simultaneous application of multi-channel laser-induced incandescence (LII) and shifted vibrational coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (SV-CARS) to study sooting flames is demonstrated for the first time. The potential of this diagnostics combination is evaluated on the basis of characterization of soot particles and correlation of soot presence with temperature. For that purpose, a sooting swirl flame operated at three bars has been employed with ethylene as fuel. The novel combination of CARS and time-resolved LII (TiRe LII) enables the estimation of particle size and correlation of this quantity with local gas temperature; simultaneously acquired 2D LII images provide information on the soot distribution in the ambience of the measurement volume which is used by CARS and TiRe LII. Even if the used LII model is approximative in some respect, the detected LII decay times indicate very small particle size throughout the flame relative to an atmospheric laminar diffusion flame which was used for comparison. In most instances, soot presence relates to local gas temperatures in a range between 1600 and 2400 K. Rare soot events at cooler temperatures occur near the nozzle exit and are attributed to transported soot. Comparison of the peak soot temperatures during the LII process shows a significant decrease in the turbulent pressurized flame relative to the laminar atmospheric reference flame. This is attributed to a less-efficient LII heat-up process at turbulent pressurized conditions due to beam steering. The background blackbody temperature, which can be derived by evaluating the signal captured in the different color channels of the LII system towards the end of the LII process, has been identified to be mostly controlled by hotter soot filaments between the laser plane and the detector. Thus, the LII signal tail is not a good measure of the local gas temperature in the measurement volume for this type of configuration.

Development and Validation of a Brief Version of the Vanderbilt Fatigue Scale for Adults: The VFS-A-10.

Listening-related fatigue can be a significant problem for adults who struggle to hear and understand, particularly adults with hearing loss. However, valid, sensitive, and clinically useful measures for listening-related fatigue do not currently exist. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a brief clinical tool for measuring listening-related fatigue in adults. The clinical scale was derived from the 40-item version of the Vanderbilt Fatigue Scale for Adults (VFS-A-40), an existing, reliable, and valid research tool for measuring listening-related fatigue. The study consisted of two phases. Phase 1 ( N = 580) and Phase 2 ( N = 607) participants consisted of convenience samples of adults recruited via online advertisements, clinical records review, and a pool of prior research participants. In Phase 1, results from item response theory (IRT) analyses of VFS-A-40 items were used to identify high-quality items for the brief (10-item) clinical scale: the VFS-A-10. In Phase 2, the characteristics and quality of the VFS-A-10 were evaluated in a separate sample of respondents. Dimensionality was evaluated using exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) and item quality and characteristics were evaluated using IRT. VFS-A-10 reliability and validity were assessed in multiple ways. IRT reliability analysis was used to examine VFS-A-10 measurement fidelity. In addition, test-retest reliability was assessed in a subset of Phase 2 participants ( n = 145) who completed the VFS-A-10 a second time approximately one month after their initial measure (range 5 to 90 days). IRT differential item functioning (DIF) was used to assess item bias across different age, gender, and hearing loss subgroups. Convergent construct validity was evaluated by comparing VFS-A-10 responses to two other generic fatigue scales and a measure of hearing disability. Known-groups validity was assessed by comparing VFS-A-10 scores between adults with and without self-reported hearing loss. EFA suggested a unidimensional structure for the VFS-A-10. IRT analyses confirmed all test items were high quality. IRT reliability analysis revealed good measurement fidelity over a wide range of fatigue severities. Test-retest reliability was excellent ( rs = 0.88, collapsed across participants). IRT DIF analyses confirmed the VFS-A-10 provided a valid measure of listening-related fatigue regardless of respondent age, gender, or hearing status. An examination of associations between VFS-A-10 scores and generic fatigue/vigor measures revealed only weak-to-moderate correlations (Spearman's correlation coefficient, rs = -0.36 to 0.57). Stronger associations were seen between VFS-A-10 scores and a measure of perceived hearing difficulties ( rs = 0.79 to 0.81) providing evidence of convergent construct validity. In addition, the VFS-A-10 was more sensitive to fatigue associated with self-reported hearing difficulties than generic measures. It was also more sensitive than generic measures to variations in fatigue as a function of degree of hearing impairment. These findings suggest that the VFS-A-10 is a reliable, valid, and sensitive tool for measuring listening-related fatigue in adults. Its brevity, high sensitivity, and good reliability make it appropriate for clinical use. The scale will be useful for identifying those most affected by listening-related fatigue and for assessing benefits of interventions designed to reduce its negative effects.