Objective Measurement Methods Research Articles

A simple method for dimensional measurement of ring-shaped objects using image processing technique

A simple method for dimensional measurement of ring-shaped objects using image processing technique

Effectiveness of removable appliances with temperature sensors in orthodontic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Patient compliance during orthodontic treatment is one of the factors that most affects success in the final result. The use of removable appliances is frequent at an early age and the monitoring of its use is essential to assess the collaboration of the patient. The aim of this study was to establish the effectiveness of microsensors included in removable appliances during orthodontic treatment or in the retention phase to enable a reliable and individualized follow-up of the patient. The article search was carried out in various electronic databases and journals without any language restrictions. Studies using microsensors into removable appliances were selected with the key selection criterion of a minimum follow-up of 4 weeks. The quality of the studies included was evaluated using the Cochrane scale for the randomized controlled trials and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for control-case, cohort, and transversal studies. The mean of the differences with a 95% confidence interval was expressed for the continuous data. Twenty-nine full-text articles were analysed and included in the qualitative synthesis. In general, the mean daily wear time of removable appliances measured objectively was less than the time that the professional had predetermined. The use of microsensors as an objective measurement method enhances communication and boosts confidence in the orthodontist-patient relationship. More random clinical studies with temperature sensors are needed to establish to what extent they influence the orthodontic outcome. PROSPERO (CRD42019120525).

Objective and Subjective Comparisons of Split Thickness Skin Graft and Full Thickness Skin Graft for Radial Forearm Flap Donor Sites Using a New Measuring Method.

A split thickness skin graft (STSG) or a full thickness skin graft (FTSG) are commonly used for donor site closure after raising a radial forearm flap. The aesthetic outcome of the donor site is frequently not satisfying for the patient. This study evaluated the aesthetic outcome of the donor site of a radial forearm flap covered with an STSG or FTSG using an objective measurement method. The forearms of 30 patients (15 FTSG, 15 STSG) were scanned with an optical three-dimensional scanner. The surface of the forearm at the skin transplant was cut out and filled by an automatic hole-filling algorithm. The mean surface deviation between the original and the filled forearm was acquired. This method was validated with a control group of 15 volunteers. A questionnaire investigating aesthetical and healing satisfaction, postoperative pain and scarring was filled in by the patients. The mean surface difference in the STSG group was 0.9907 ± 0.3120 and 0.6177 ± 0.2245 mm in the FTSG group. The difference in the surface deviation between STSG and FTSG groups was significant (P = 0.0009). Correlations between the surface deviation and the subjective aesthetical satisfaction of the patient were not significant. In the questionnaires no significant differences between STSG and FTSG group were measured. Both FTSGs and STSGs resulted in good aesthetical outcomes after closure of a radial forearm flap donor site. Scanning the radial forearm flap donor site with an optical three-dimensional scanner supplied an objective, fast, and reliable measuring method of aesthetical outcomes.

Urban collective garden participation and health: a systematic literature review of potential benefits for free-living adults.

Collective gardens are increasingly considered a tool to promote health and well-being. In this systematic review, we critically appraise quantitative studies exploring the potential health benefits of urban collective garden participation. Articles published between January 2000 and August 2020 were used. All original research studies reportingat least 1 health outcomes associated with urban collective gardening in free-living adults from Western and other high-income countries were included. Of 1261 articles identified, 15 were included in the systematic review. Methodological quality was assessed by applying the criteria of the Quantitative Study Quality Assessment Tool. A wide range of health indicators was used. Collective gardening was associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption than was nongardening. Mixed results were found for physical activity and physiological health. A positive association was found in most studies with mental health and social health. However, the vast majority of included studies were cross-sectional and presented selection bias (n = 13 of 15 for both) and very few used objective measurement methods (n = 3 of 15). Longitudinal studies allowing the exploration of causal relationships are needed before the health benefits of collective garden participation suggested by existing studies can be confirmed.

A New Approach on the Determination of the Spatial Criteria and Parameters Affecting Walking Comfort: Selçuk University Example

Physical inactivity and the diseases such as obesity are the results of increasing environmental pollution caused by developing technology, are shown as the main problems reducing the quality of life today. Succeed in the studies conducted on the topic of active transportation is directly related to the mentioned problems, which is very important in terms of reducing the negative effects. Although different methods are used in the relevant literature, a significant number of parameters are commonly evaluated in many studies. It is seen that these parameters are used in different study areas and there are inconsistencies between the results. Some control studies are needed to reveal the factors that cause inconsistent results. At this point, instead of using a standard set of parameters in various study areas, it would be useful to create a new set of specific parameters based on the characteristics of the related study area. This study aims to determine the spatial parameters affecting walking comfort in a specific study area (Selcuk University) together with the significance levels and to develop a new approach that can be adapted to different study areas based on this example area. In the study, both objective and subjective measurement methods were used to evaluate the potential inconsistency between the obtained results. In 17 of 30 parameters evaluated within the scope of the study, the coefficient determined by the users was higher than that of the experts. Based on the data that more than half of the variables according to users are more important than those indicated by the experts, it was concluded that the standards and criteria were not fully accepted by the users.

Physical activity levels in women with stage II or higher breast cancer: Association, difference and agreement between self-report and objective measurement methods

To help women with breast cancer (BC) be sufficiently active, accurate assessment of physical activity (PA) is important. This study compared self-reported and objectively-assessed PA in women with stage II+ BC. Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) was assessed objectively using accelerometery (Actigraph® GT3X+) and using self-report (Active Australia Survey) and reported in weekly metabolic equivalent minutes (MET.min/wk). Associations, difference and agreement between methods were evaluated using Spearman's correlation, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Bland-Altman analyses, respectively. Women were also categorised as being insufficiently (≤ 450 MET.min/wk) or sufficiently active (> 450 MET.min/wk) and compared using Cohen's Kappa. Participants ( n = 50) were 51 ± 9 years, with a mean body mass index of 29 ± 6 kg/m 2 . Self-reported and objectively-assessed MVPA were moderately correlated (r = 0.46, P < 0.01). Median MVPA was similar across methods (self-reported: median = 1085.1 [Interquartile range, IQR = 1032.2] MET.min/wk; objectively-assessed: median = 888.4 [IQR = 1218.5] MET.min/wk; P = 0.74), with wide limits of agreement (±2588.6 MET.min/wk). Self-reported MVPA using the Active Australia survey is comparable with objective assessments. For most who self-reported PA levels consistent with national guidelines, their objectively-assessed PA confirmed this to be true. Self-report methods can be used to identify women who need encouragement to stay active versus those who need targeted advice. Pour aider les femmes atteintes d’un cancer du sein (CS) à être suffisamment actives, une évaluation précise de l’activité physique (AP) est importante. Cette étude a pour objectif de comparer l’AP auto-déclarée et objectivement évaluée chez les femmes au stade II + CS. L’AP d’intensité modérée à vigoureuse (APMV) a été évaluée objectivement par accélérométrie (Actigraph® GT3X+) et par auto-déclaration (Active Australia Survey), et rapportée en minutes équivalentes métaboliques hebdomadaires (MET.min/semaine). Les associations, les différences et la concordance entre les méthodes ont été respectivement évaluées à l’aide de la corrélation de Spearman, du test du rang de Wilcoxon et des analyses de Bland-Altman. Les femmes ont également été classées comme étant insuffisamment (< 450 MET.min/semaine) ou suffisamment actives (> 450 MET.min/semaine) et comparées en utilisant le Kappa de Cohen. Les participantes ( n = 50 ; 51 ± 9 ans; indice de masse corporelle: 29 ± 6 kg/m 2 ) ont rapporté des APMV auto-déclarées et objectivement évaluées modérément corrélées ( r = 0,46, p < 0,01). L’APMV médiane était similaire d’une méthode à l’autre (auto-déclarée: médiane = 1085,1 [intervalle interquartile, IQR = 1032,2] MET.min/semaine; évaluée objectivement : médiane = 888,4 [IQR = 1218,5] MET.min/semaine; p = 0,74), avec de larges limites d’accord (±2588,6 MET.min/semaine). L’APMV auto-déclarée à l’aide de l’enquête Active Australia est comparable aux évaluations objectives. Pour la plupart des personnes ayant déclaré des niveaux d’AP conformes aux directives nationales, leur AP objectivement évaluée a confirmé que c’était le cas. Les méthodes d’auto-évaluation peuvent être utilisées pour identifier les femmes qui auraient besoin d’encouragements afin de rester physiquement actives par rapport à celles qui auraient besoin de conseils ciblés.

The validity of an objective measurement method using the Leap Motion Controller for fingers wrist, and forearm ranges of motion

The present study aimed to validate the Leap Motion Controller (LMC)-based Fizyosoft® HandROM System developed by our team to evaluate range of motion (ROM) for fingers, wrist, and forearm in a new clinical setting. Thirty-five healthy individuals participated in the study (all right-handed, 20–30 years old). The LMC-based Fizyosoft® HandROM System is a licensed software ROM-measurement developed by our team. Pronation/supination, wrist flexion/extension, ulnar/radial deviation and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) flexion/extension of all fingers were measured with both the Fizyosoft® HandROM System and a universal goniometer. No significant differences were found between the two measurement methods for almost all mean ROMs except for ulnar and radial deviation (p > 0.05). Highly significant correlations were found between all ROMs of the forearm, wrist, and thumb (p < 0.01). MCP flexion showed significant correlation only in the index finger (r = 0.516, p = 0.003) and little finger (r = 0.517, p = 0.004). Besides, for both measures, the intraclass correlations were good to excellent on all ROMs of the forearm, wrist, and fingers except for MCP of the middle and ring fingers (0.68−0.88). The present study results indicated that the LMC-based Fizyosoft® HandROM System could sensitively track changes in the active motion of the thumb, wrist, and forearm. It is a viable alternative for assessing ROMs of the forearm, wrist, and thumb in patient follow-up.

A Review of Contemporary Techniques for Measuring Ergonomic Wear Comfort of Protective and Sport Clothing

Abstract Protective and sport clothing is governed by protection requirements, performance, and comfort of the user. The comfort and impact performance of protective and sport clothing are typically subjectively measured, and this is a multifactorial and dynamic process. The aim of this review paper is to review the contemporary methodologies and approaches for measuring ergonomic wear comfort, including objective and subjective techniques. Special emphasis is given to the discussion of different methods, such as objective techniques, subjective techniques, and a combination of techniques, as well as a new biomechanical approach called modeling of skin. Literature indicates that there are four main techniques to measure wear comfort: subjective evaluation, objective measurements, a combination of subjective and objective techniques, and computer modeling of human–textile interaction. In objective measurement methods, the repeatability of results is excellent, and quantified results are obtained, but in some cases, such quantified results are quite different from the real perception of human comfort. Studies indicate that subjective analysis of comfort is less reliable than objective analysis because human subjects vary among themselves. Therefore, it can be concluded that a combination of objective and subjective measuring techniques could be the valid approach to model the comfort of textile materials.

المشکلات الإدارية والتعليمية التي تواجه المعلمات في مراکز الرعاية النهارية بمدينة الرياض

هدفت الدراسة إلى التعرف على المشکلات الإدارية والتعليمية التي تواجه المعلمات في مراکز الرعاية النهارية بمدينة الرياض، مع تقديم المقترحات التي تسهم في تقليل هذه المشکلات من وجهة نظر المعلمات. واستخدمت الباحثة المنهج الوصفي المسحي، والاستبانة کأداة للدراسة، وتألف مجتمع الدراسة من جميع معلمات التربية الخاصة في مراکز الرعاية النهارية بمدينة الرياض وعددهن 842 معلمة، وتألفت عينة الدراسة من 270 معلمة. وقد أسفرت الدراسة عن عدد من النتائج، من أبرزها ما يلي: أولا: أن عينة الدراسة موافقات بدرجة عالية على المشکلات الإدارية التي تواجههن في مراکز الرعاية النهارية وذلک بمتوسط حسابي(3.81) وانحراف معياري(0.970)، ومن أبرزها الآتي: 1- لا يتناسب الراتب مع الجهود المبذولة من قبل المعلمات. 2- تدني الحوافز المادية والمعنوية المقدمة للمعلمات من قبل إدارة المرکز. 3- عدم وجود آلية واضحة لاستقبال شکاوى المعلمات ومقترحاتهن. ثانيا: أن عينة الدراسة موافقات بدرجة عالية على المشکلات التعليمية التي تواجههن في مراکز الرعاية النهارية وذلک بمتوسط حسابي(3.79) وانحراف معياري(0.876)، ومن أبرزها الآتي: 1- وجود مشکلات سلوکية مصاحبة للإعاقة لدى الطلاب. 2- التشخيص غير الدقيق للطلاب 3- ضعف المهارات اللغوية لدى الطلاب. ثالثا: أن عينة الدراسة موافقات بدرجة عالية جدا على المقترحات التي تسهم في تقليل المشکلات الإدارية والتعليمية التي تواجههن في مراکز الرعاية النهارية وذلک بمتوسط حسابي (4.23) وانحراف معياري (1.08)، ومن أبرزها الآتي: 1- توفير الخدمات المساندة الضرورية للطلاب. 2- زيادة رواتب المعلمات بما يتناسب مع الجهد المبذول. 3- الاعتماد على أساليب القياس والتقييم الدقيقة والموضوعية في تشخيص الطلاب. وفي ضوء نتائج الدراسة توصلت الباحثة إلى التوصيات التالية: 1- توجيه إدارات المراکز بالحرص على توفير مختلف الخدمات المساندة الضرورية لذوي الإعاقة. 2- الاعتماد على أساليب القياس والتقييم الدقيقة والموضوعية في تشخيص الطلاب. 3- توعية إدارات المراکز إلى ضرورة زيادة المخصصات المالية اللازمة لتوفير الإمکانات المادية. The study aimed to identify the administrative and educational problems facing teachers in day care centers in Riyadh, while making proposals that contribute to reducing these problems from the teachers ’point of view. The researcher used the descriptive survey approach and the questionnaire as a study tool. The study community consisted of all the special education teachers in day care centers in Riyadh, who numbered 842, and the study sample consisted of 270 female teachers. The study resulted in a number of results, the most prominent of which are the following: First: The study sample has high agreement on the administrative problems they face in day care centers, with an average (3.81) and a standard deviation (0.970), the most prominent of which are the following: 1- The salary is not commensurate with the efforts made by the teachers. 2- The low material and moral incentives provided to female teachers by the center's administration. 3-The lack of a clear mechanism to receive teachers ’complaints and suggestions. Second: The study sample has high agreement on the educational problems they face in day care centers with an arithmetic mean (3.79) and a standard deviation (0.876), the most prominent of which are the following: 1- The presence of behavioral problems associated with disability among students. 2- Inaccurate diagnosis of students 3- Poor language skills of students. Third: The study sample has very high agreement on the proposals that contribute to reducing the administrative and educational problems they face in day care centers, with an average (4.23) and a standard deviation (1.08), and the most prominent of which are the following: 1- Providing the necessary support services for students. 2- Increasing the salaries of teachers in proportion to the exerted effort. 3- Reliance on accurate and objective methods of measurement and evaluation in diagnosing students. In light of the results of the study, the researcher concluded the following recommendations: 1- Directing the centers' departments to ensure the provision of various necessary support services for people with disabilities. 2- Relying on accurate and objective methods of measurement and evaluation in diagnosing students. 3- Educating the centers' departments on the necessity of increasing the financial allocations necessary to provide the material capabilities.

Тестування як один із методів педагогічного вимірювання

The article updates information about testing as one of the objective methods of pedagogical measurement. The author analyzes different views of foreign and domestic researchers on the concept of "testing". It was found that it is considered as a method, tool, measuring instrument, task, set of questions, set of test tasks, concluded under certain rules, and which differs from the examination work in terms of involving measurement. The article reveals basic requirements for structuring the test, as well as for tasks in test form. The author concludes that all tasks in test form may be divided in two types: open and closed, which in turn have certain modifications; the features of each type of test tasks are described in detail, their advantages and disadvantages are indicated. The article analyzes the quality criteria of the test, namely: its validity, reliability, representativeness, efficiency, or processability, cost-effectiveness, and complexity of tasks. In addition, the article highlights the advantages and disadvantages of testing comparing with other methods of monitoring the results of educational and cognitive activities of students. It is concluded that the use of testing as an objective method of measuring knowledge, skills and abilities is expedient. It is noted that in order to prevent subjectivism in evaluation of the results of educational and cognitive activities of students, special measurement scales should be used, namely: normative, ordinal and rating; features of application of each of these scales are being considered.

Test-retest reliability of the virtual reality sickness evaluation using electroencephalography (EEG)

No reliable quantitative and objective measurement method for virtual reality (VR) sickness has been firmly established to date. Electroencephalography (EEG) may be a strong candidate to evaluate VR sickness objectively. However, no test-retest evaluation has been made for VR sickness using EEG. To recruit VR sickness-sensitive participants, we tested 858 participants (age = 20′s–50′s) using the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSSQ). Among them, we recruited 21 males (average age = 25.0) who obtained the 75th percentile of scores on the MSSQ (32.9 ± 5.7). VR sickness was evaluated twice (one week apart) using EEG with VR video content designed to cause VR sickness. A Simulation Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) was also used to evaluate VR sickness. In terms of the reliability of EEG, ICC and Cronbach’s alpha analyses showed that three waves (delta, theta, and alpha) were consistent in two areas (frontal and central). A significant difference in EEG was also found repeatedly between the baseline and VR sickness (delta, theta, and alpha) in two areas (frontal and central). We evaluated EEG for its reliability and found specific waves and areas that showed good consistency and significant changes associated with VR sickness. These findings may support further research of VR sickness evaluation.

Trends in the improvement of methods and equipment for the assessment of flax raw material (review)

The article provides the results of the analysis of methods and instrument equipment for the assessment of quality parameters of retted flax straw and flax fiber. The traditional methods and equipment are presented. The devices developed for flax fiber quality testing used in the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus and Ukraine are described. Methods, equipment and modern technologies used to determine the quality of flax fiber in European countries, Canada and the United States are provided. The role of modern developments to improve the efficiency of flax production is noted. Promising methods and devices for determining the main quality indicators are identified. The use of the method of automated forecasting of technological value of fiber flax stalks makes it possible to conduct a comprehensive quality assessment based on morphological and anatomical analysis. Modern capabilities of electronic scanning microscopy provide the control of the chemical composition and structural elements of flax stems at various stages of growth and development, as well as during maceration. The use of infrared spectrometry provides high accuracy in determining humidity, strength, fiber content, and long fiber yield.However, along with high-precision equipment, there is the need for equipment and devices that allow determining the main technological indicators in the field with minimal labor, time and money costs. Research in this direction was previously carried out at the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Bast Crops Processing and in Kostroma State Technological University. However, the developments of the scientists were not tested in the production process and were not mass-produced. High speed and objective measurement methods will provide the accurate indicators during the process of maceration and primary processing of retted straw that will increase the technological value and competitiveness of flax fiber.

The Effect of a Physiotherapy Intervention on Thoracolumbar Posture in Horses.

Simple SummaryAltered spinal posture in a horse often relates to an underlying musculoskeletal condition that results in a negative effect on performance and welfare. Equine physiotherapy aims to adapt a horse’s posture by prescribing strengthening exercises to improve spinal range of movement and facilitate contraction of specific muscles. The aim of this study was to test the reliability of an outcome measure to objectively measure thoracolumbar posture before and after physiotherapy exercises over a specific time-period. The adapted flexicurve ruler (aFCR) had excellent intra-rater reliability compared to a standard flexicurve ruler. There were significant increases in thoracolumbar flexion after physiotherapy intervention at the specific time periods, of thirty minutes and one hour, however no significant changes at twenty-four hours. The physiotherapy intervention tested was shown to produce a short-term postural change, and over time may allow a long-term postural change with frequent practice. Outcome measures are valuable within veterinary physiotherapy to support clinical reasoning and the aFCR is shown to measure thoracolumbar posture pre and post-physiotherapy. Creating a postural change in horses can aid in a rehabilitation programme with veterinary physiotherapy, aiming to relieve pain and stiffness. Dynamic mobilisation exercises (DME) are often used as part of a physiotherapy rehabilitation programme. Whilst immediate kinematic effects have been measured, the change in posture is anecdotally reported to have a longer duration. This study aimed to test the reliability of a simple objective measurement method, suitable for use in clinical practice, and to objectively measure equine thoracolumbar posture, before and after DME. A single investigator took triplicate measurements of the sagittal thoracolumbar shape using a flexicurve ruler (FCR) then triplicate measurements of the thoracolumbar shape using an adapted FCR (aFCR) in 37 horses. Subsequently, the thoracolumbar shape of 12 horses was measured using the aFCR before random allocation into two groups. Six horses acted as a control group and six horses underwent a series of DME, which included cervical flexion and lateral flexion baited stretches. Measurements were repeated prior to DME, at thirty minutes, one hour and at twenty-four hours after DME to assess thoracolumbar posture. The aFCR ruler had excellent intra-rater reliability compared to a standard FCR (aFCR: p = 0.146; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.971; FCR: p = 0.0001; ICC 0.979). Significant increases in flexion occurred in the thoracolumbar region at 30 min (p = 0.027) and one hour (p = 0.046) after DME, but not at 24 h (p > 0.05) with no significant differences in the control group (p > 0.05) between baseline and subsequent times. The results suggest DME create a short-term postural change, determined by using an aFCR, which supports their use as part of a veterinary physiotherapy rehabilitation programme.

Pupillary effects in habitual cannabis consumers quantified with pupillography

Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA) and drugs (DUID) is considered an elevated risk for traffic safety. When assessing a driver's fitness to drive, standardized and objective measurement methods are still required, in order to clarify the question whether an individual is under the influence of substances acting on the central nervous system (CNS). We exposed healthy test subjects (n=41) as well as persons who were under the influence of cannabis after repeated inhalation to multiple light stimuli using infrared technology and measured the pupillary light reflex (PLR).Toxicological tests of blood samples taken from every subject followed. The aims of this study were to assess the differences in pupillography response between cannabis consumers after a washout period and no cannabis consumers as well as the dose related effects on pupillography parameters of cannabis in cannabis consumers. All four pupillary parameters changed according to a weakened pupil function after acute administration of cannabis in all test subjects. Furthermore, it could be observed that habitual cannabis consumers showed an altered pupillary function just before the first dose was taken, suggesting that the long-term effects and addiction also have to be taken into account, when effects of the CNS are discussed. The results of the present study show that almost all pupil parameters could be reliable indicators for the detection of subjects under the acute effect of cannabis.

Edograms: recording the microstructure of meal intake in humans-a window on appetite mechanisms.

Early attempts at the objective measurement of food intake in humans followed many heuristic pioneer studies in laboratory animals, which revealed how homeostatic and hedonic factors interact to shape the daily eating patterns. Early studies in humans examined the characteristics of intake responses at discrete ingestive events. Described for the first time in 1969, the edogram consisted of a parallel recording of chewing and swallowing responses during standardized lunches, allowing parameters of the "microstructure of meals" to be quantified under varying conditions of deprivation or sensory stimulation, in parallel with overall meal size, meal duration, and eating rate. Edographic studies showed consistent changes in the microstructure of meals in response to palatability level (increased eating rate, decreased chewing time and number of chews per food unit, shorter intrameal pauses, and increased prandial drinking under improved palatability). Longer premeal deprivation affected the eating responses at the beginning of meals (decreased chewing time and number of chews per food unit) but not at the end. Eating rate decelerated during the course of meals in normal-weight participants but not in participants with obesity. These observations largely agreed with contemporary works using other objective measurement methods. They were confirmed and expanded in later studies, notably in the investigation of satiation mechanisms affecting weight control. Importantly, research has demonstrated that the parameters of the microstructure of meals not only reflect the influence of stimulatory/inhibitory factors but can, per se, exert a causal role in satiation and satiety. The early edographic recording instruments were improved over the years and taken out of laboratory settings in order to address the measurement of spontaneous intake responses in free-living individuals. Much remains to be done to make these instruments entirely reliable under the immense variety of situations where food consumption occurs.

Advancing Digital Workflows for Refractive Error Measurements.

Advancements in clinical measurement of refractive errors should lead to faster and more reliable measurements of such errors. The study investigated different aspects of advancements and the agreement of the spherocylindrical prescriptions obtained with an objective method of measurement (“Aberrometry” (AR)) and two methods of subjective refinements (“Wavefront Refraction” (WR) and “Standard Refraction” (StdR)). One hundred adults aged 20–78 years participated in the course of the study. Bland–Altman analysis of the right eye measurement of the spherocylindrical refractive error (M) identified mean differences (±95% limits of agreement) between the different types of measurements of +0.36 D (±0.76 D) for WR vs. AR (t-test: p < 0.001), +0.35 D (± 0.84 D) for StdR vs. AR (t-test: p < 0.001), and 0.0 D (± 0.65 D) for StdR vs. WR (t-test: p < 0.001). Monocular visual acuity was 0.0 logMAR in 96% of the tested eyes, when refractive errors were corrected with measurements from AR, indicating that only small differences between the different types of prescriptions are present.

A demand forecasting model based on the improved Bass model for fast fashion clothing

PurposeThis paper examines the problem of lack of historical data and inadequate consideration of factors influencing demand in the forecasting of demand for fast fashion clothing and proposes an improved Bass model for the forecasting of such a demand and the demand for new clothing products.Design/methodology/approachFrom the perspective of how to solve the lack of data and improve the precision of the clothing demand forecast, this paper studies the measurement of clothing similarity and the addition of demand impact factors. Using the fuzzy clustering–rough set method, the degree of resemblance of clothing is determined, which provides a basis for the scientific utilisation of historical data of similar clothing to forecast the demand for new clothing. Besides, combining the influence of consumer preferences and seasonality on demand forecasting, an improved Bass model for a fast fashion clothing demand forecast is proposed. Finally, with a forecasting example of demand for clothing, this study also tests the validity of the method.FindingsThe objective measurement method of clothing similarity in this paper solves the problem of the difficult forecasting of demand for fast fashion clothing due to a lack of sales data at the preliminary stage of the clothing launch. The improved Bass model combines, comprehensively, consumer preferences and seasonality and enhances the forecast precision of demand for fast fashion clothing.Originality/valueThe paper puts forward a scientific, quantitative method for the forecasting of new clothing products using historical sales data of similar clothing, thus solving the problem of lack of sales data of the fashion.

Comparison of subjectively and objectively assessed sleep problems in breast cancer patients starting neoadjuvant chemotherapy

PurposeTo characterize sleep problems and to compare subjective and objective assessments in breast cancer patients starting neoadjuvant chemotherapy.MethodsSleep characteristics of 54 breast cancer patients starting neoadjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed. Subjective sleep characteristics were assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and objective sleep measurements with an accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT) worn on the wrist for 7 consecutive days.ResultsAccording to the common PSQI cut-off of 8, 10 (18.87%) of the patients were poor sleepers. ActiGraph measures did not mirror this classification as values for poor, and good sleepers did not differ significantly. Overall, Bland-Altman plots illustrated higher ActiGraph values for sleep efficiency and effective sleep time and lower values for sleep latency, compared with PSQI. For total sleep time, less disagreement between both measures was observed. Actigraphy was limited in precise identification of sleep begin and sleep latency but provided supplementary information about number and minutes of awakenings during the night.ConclusionSubjective and objective measurement methods differed substantially in various parameters, with limitations in both methods. A combination of both methods might be most promising.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov: NCT02999074

Towards a conceptualization of a social efficiency notion in management sciences

Motivation: In the past, economic efficiency was a key criterion for assessing different types of activities undertaken by various organizations. It has been noticed that acquiring economic efficiency cannot be the only goal, and efficiency notion has many meanings. Processes and projects should be economically effective, at the same time being harmful to different social interests. There are difficulties in understanding and conceptualization of social efficiency notion in management sciences research, and, in particular, in the area of project management. Aim: This research aims to contribute to filling the gap concerning a conceptualization of a social efficiency notion in management sciences, with particular emphasis on the field of project management. Results: Achieving paper goal may simplify communication in the scientific community using the social efficiency concept, exchange of scientific information, further work related to operationalization of this concept and development methods for its measurement. Further work on social efficiency evaluation methods may facilitate considerations regarding the transition from the social efficiency notion phase to the concept phase and the idea of using social points for estimating obtained social effects. This opens the way for the development of more objective measurement principles and methods that do not require monetization of social impact, which is now commonly used e.g. in models like Social Return on Investment.

Soft tissue augmentation around dental implants with connective tissue graft (CTG) and xenogenic collagen matrix (XCM). 1-year randomized control trail

BackgroundThe anatomy of soft tissues around dental implants is extremely important to prevent inflammatory periimplant diseases and ensure healthy, stable and long-term survival of a dental implant. Various methods and materials for increasing the physiological thickness of tissues have been described including connective tissue graft (CTG) and xenogenic collagen matrix (XCM). While assessing various materials it is necessary to establish objective measurement method to determine the minimum amount of tissue thickness to maintain a stable level of bone around the implant. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of soft tissues in the implant area on the marginal bone level in the implant area and to define of the critical gingival thickness to minimize marginal bone level (MBL) loss. Methods75 bone level implants (Conelog® Camlog, Switzerland) were inserted in the aesthetic area. Thickening of soft tissues was performed using CTG and XCM. 12 months after the loading with final restoration, the thickness of soft tissues in the implant area was examined with ultrasound USG device (Pirop®, Echoson, Poland), and each implant was subjected to RVG examination, where MBL loss was determined. ResultsA tendency to occur less MBL loss was found when thicker gingiva was present. The higher soft tissue thickness was, the lower MBL loss has occurred. A critical value for tissue thickness was determined as TKT ≤ 2.88. ConclusionsIn case of thin biotype soft tissue augmentation is required when value of tissue thickness in ultrasound measure is less than 2.88 mm.