On-line Diagnostic Tests Research Articles

Statistical Implicative Analysis of Students’ Algebra Performance

The data mining method of Statistical Implicative Analysis is used to reveal details of the inner structure of algebraic competence as seen in data collected from beginning algebra students as part of the development of the SMART online diagnostic tests. The implicative analysis of the data shows the logical relation between algebraic sub-competencies. This paper reports item level analysis, comparing different cut-off levels for implication intensity, and a follow-up analysis of scales constructed from the clusters revealed. Finally in a novel application of statistical implicative analysis, the paper identifies pairs of scales that together imply an outcome, but do not do so separately. This allows the identification of abilities that are necessary foundations for other parts of algebraic proficiency.

O-202 Online fertility workup with video consultation for infertile patients; a randomized controlled trial

Study questionIs an online consultation for fertility work-up as effective as regular consultation in terms of patient centeredness and shared decision making?Summary answerThis study shows no significant differences in level of patient-centeredness and shared decision making for an online fertility work-up compared to a regular appointment.What is known alreadyCouples who suffer from involuntarily childlessness can experience a high psychological burden and treatment for their infertility has a high impact on their daily life. Most optimally, patients receive personalized information and undergo diagnostic testing for fertility work-up, with as little as possible interference in their personal life. Two recent studies already evaluated the use of video-consulting to further modernize current fertility care, with positive results. However, more well-designed research is needed to expand and carefully evaluate the idea of an online fertility work-up for patients with an unfulfilled child wish.Study design, size, durationThis is a single-center non-blinded randomized controlled trial of 84 heterosexual patient couples. Patients were followed up from the start of the fertility work-up until three months after completion of the work-up.After the work-up, a questionnaire was send through an online research program consisting of a modified version of the Patient-Centered Questionnaire-Infertility (PCQ-I) to measure patient-centeredness and the CollaboRATE questionnaire to evaluate the level of shared decision making.Participants/materials, setting, methodsThe study population consisted of infertile couples, who were referred to a fertility clinic for the first time. Couples were randomized between a regular fertility work-up, consisting of two face-to-face appointments of in total 45 minutes, and an online fertility work-up. The latter consisted of online recommendations and diagnostic tests, based on patient specific characteristics from an anamnesis questionnaire, followed by a 30 minute video consultation with a fertilitydoctor to discuss results and treatment advice.Main results and the role of chanceOf the 84 included patients, 75 questionnaires were returned for this abstract (89%). The mean score on the total PCQ-I was 2.66 (SD 0.20), on a scale of 0-3, for the online fertility work-up versus 2.57 (SD 0.29) for the control group. This was not statistically significant (p = 0.147). Also the different subscales of the PCQ-I did not show statistically differences between the two groups, but there was a positive trend for the online fertility work-up on the subscale ‘Information and Communication’ (2.85 (SD 0.21) vs 2.72 (SD 0.31); p = 0.055).On the CollaboRATE questionnaire, no significant differences in experienced level of shared decision making were found between the two groups (means between 7.52 – 7.91 on a ten point Likert scale).During seven video consultations (17%) some technical difficulties were experienced, for example the video worked but there was no sound. For 62% of the couples in the intervention group the time for preparation for the online fertility workup was less than five minutes, while the majority of the patients in the control group (52%) spend at least 60-90 minutes on their appointment in the fertility clinic.Limitations, reasons for cautionThis study was performed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when patients were more used to online meetings. The preferences of patient post pandemic might be different. At this point we have not yet evaluated whether online fertility consultation leads to different conclusions and treatment advices than regular fertility care.Wider implications of the findingsIn our study online fertility work-up with video consultation is perceived as good as a regular work-up, therefore future patients should be offered a choice between the two methods. Considering the rapid development of online technology, online fertilitycare may develop further. It is important that developments undergo thorough scientific evaluation.Trial registration numberNL8554

Integrating Online Diagnostic Tests in a First Year Engineering Class

The narrative permeating higher education institutions globally is the assimilation of advancing information and communications technology into mainstream Mathematics Education. In this paper we report on a mixed mode case study which explored possible mathematical gaps that created barrier/s when engineering students (n=162) worked with the online diagnostic tests. These engineering students were provided with online tasks on the learner management system (LMS) on factorization, fractions and logarithms. The study was carried out at a University of Technology in South Africa. The data collected from the LMS and written responses of students to quizzes were analysed. Findings emanating from the data analysis indicated that 1) all diagnostic tests logged positive increase in group averages, 2) greater repetition by students invoked better procedural proficiency and 3) better understanding of the basic mathematics leads to greater success in higher mathematics.

General practitioners attitude towards the use of eHealth and online testing in primary care

AimAs people live longer and multimorbidity is common, the workload for general practitioners (GPs) is increasing. eHealth services, like online diagnostic testing, might help to increase efficiency in work processes and decrease the workload. This qualitative study aimed to examine GPs attitude towards and adoption of eHealth in general and online diagnostic testing in specific. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted in 2019 with ten Dutch GPs about eHealth adoption and, specifically, online diagnostic testing. Thematic analysis using Atlas.Ti was done. ResultsAll GPs used eHealth services in their practice, and the majority stated that eHealth made their work more efficient and run more smoothly. eHealth use by their patients was low though and two main barriers were identified by GPs. First, people with a low SES are not frequently using the services and second, the online security measures are often user-unfriendly affecting the number of logins. Seven GPs had positive experiences with online self-testing while three accepted the shift but preferred to deliver the care themselves. Online self-testing for chronic care patients was identified as an interesting future direction by GPs, offering merit and opportunities for both patients and GPs. ConclusionsGPs had positive experiences with eHealth and acknowledged that it can result in an efficient workflow. Usage by patients is, however, relatively low and it will be important for future studies to identify ways to increase usage by addressing existing barriers to use. Exploring the potential of online diagnostic testing for chronic care patients might help to make care delivery future proof.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ONLINE THREE-TIER DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO ASSESS PRE-UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF CELLULAR RESPIRATION

This research reports the development of an online three-tier diagnostic instrument for pre-university students related to cellular respiration. To date, only few studies have been conducted to identify students’ alternative conception in the topic of cellular respiration. One of the contributing factors is due to lack of instrument developed to measure these alternative conceptions. Three-tier tests are used as assessment tools for lecturers to determine students’ alternative conceptions related to cellular respiration and their knowledge and understanding about the concepts. The research incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methods. The instrument was developed in five phases: (1) construction of items, (2) pilot study, (3) validation of instrument, (4) transforming the instrument into an online assessment tool, and (5) the administration of the Online Diagnostic Tool (ODiT). The Cellular Respiration ODiT consists of three tiers: answer and reasoning tiers to measure “content knowledge” and “explanatory knowledge” respectively, and a third tier that measures the level of confidence of pre-university students. Analysis of the students’ responses demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity of the instrument. The research also shows that both students and lecturers benefit when online diagnostic tests are implemented appropriately. Key words: biology alternative conception, online diagnostic tool, three-tier diagnostic test.

Short communication: Protease activity measurement in milk as a diagnostic test for clinical mastitis in dairy cows

Due to the increasing use of automated milking systems, automated detection of clinical mastitis is becoming more important. Various in- or on-line diagnostic tests are in use, but generally suffer from false mastitis alerts. In this study, we explored a new diagnostic approach based on measurement of protease activity using fluorogenic protease substrates, which can be performed on site, at high speed, and at low costs. Samples from cows with clinical mastitis submitted for bacteriological culture at the University Farm Animal Practice were collected during several months and kept at −20°C until protease activity measurement. A reference set of milk samples from clinically healthy cows were collected on 9 different farms and were tested for protease activity directly and after freezing at −20°C to allow for comparison with the samples from clinical cases. The protease activity in mastitic milk samples was significantly higher than in samples from healthy animals. Based on 71 clinical mastitis samples and 180 milk samples from clinically healthy quarters, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was estimated to be between 0.88 and 0.90, and at a threshold of 38 fluorescence per minute the test had a specificity of 0.99 at a sensitivity of 0.58. Protease activity measured in fresh milk from clinically healthy cows was significantly associated with somatic cell count and parity, but not with electrical conductivity, whereas protease activity in milk that had been frozen was statistically significantly associated with all 3 parameters. This study indicates that protease activity measurement as a stand-alone test can be used for detecting mastitis samples, using milk samples that have been frozen. Because protease activity acts in part on a different biological mechanism than somatic cell count or electrical conductivity, this test may increase the accuracy of mastitis diagnosis in combination with currently available in- or on-line tests in automated milking systems.

Increasing the impact of mathematics support on aiding student transition in higher education

The ever growing gap between secondary and university level mathematics is a major concern to higher education institutions. The increase in diversity of students’ background in mathematics, with entry qualifications ranging from the more traditional A-level programmes to BTEC or international qualifications is compounded where institutions attempt to widen participation. For example, work-based learners may have been out of education for prolonged periods, and consequently, are often unprepared for the marked shift in levels, and catering for all abilities is difficult in the normal lecture, tutorial format. Lack of sufficient mathematical knowledge not only affects students’ achievement on courses but also leads to disengagement and higher drop-out rates during the first two years of study. Many universities now offer a maths support service in an attempt to overcome these issues, but their success is varied. This paper presents a novel approach to maths support designed and adopted by the University of Lincoln, School of Engineering, to bridge this transition gap for students, offer continued support through assessment for learning (AFL) and Individual Learning Plans (ILP’s), and ultimately increase student achievement, engagement and retention. The paper then extends this proven approach and discusses recently implemented enhancements through the use of on-line diagnostic testing and a ‘student expert’ system to harness mathematical knowledge held by those gifted and talented students (often overlooked by higher education institutions) and to promote peer-to-peer mentoring. The paper shows that with the proven system in place, there is a marked increase in student retention compared with national benchmark data, and an increase in student engagement and achievement measured through student feedback and assessments. Although the on-line enhancements are in the early stages of implementation it is expected, based on these results, that further improvements will be shown.

Identification of Insomnia in a Sleep Center Population Using Electronic Health Data Sources and the Insomnia Severity Index

To assess the validity and efficacy of using electronic health data to identify a physician diagnosis of insomnia in a population of patients referred for testing at a tertiary sleep center. Retrospective cohort study in a tertiary sleep center in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Cohort consisted of 1,207 patients referred for sleep diagnostic testing and/or assessment by a sleep physician. Two sleep physicians independently assigned each patient a primary sleep diagnosis. Univariate logistic regression was used to identify variables that were predictive for insomnia from online questionnaire and diagnostic testing data. Diagnostic algorithms derived from these predictors and from the Insomnia Severity Index were evaluated against physician diagnosis as a reference standard. The combination of self-reported sleep latency > 20 minutes, total sleep time < 6.5 hours per night, the inability to fall asleep after waking, BMI < 27 kg/m(2), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score < 9 had very high specificity (99.3%) for diagnosing insomnia; however, sensitivity was poor (11.8%). Other algorithms derived from these data had either high sensitivity or high specificity. No combination of variables yielded simultaneous high sensitivity and specificity. Likewise, the Insomnia Severity Index can be highly sensitive or highly specific at identifying insomnia, but not both. Diagnostic algorithms derived from electronic data can provide high specificity or high sensitivity for identifying insomnia.

Assessment of Insulation Condition in Gas Turbine Generator Stator Windings

The results of off-line and on-line diagnostic tests performed on the stator winding of an air-cooled gas turbine(G/T) generator are reported in this paper. Off-line diagnostic tests included measurements of the ac current, dissipation factor(tan), and partial discharge(PD). Six epoxy-mica capacitors were installed in the three phases of G/T generator for performing on-line diagnostic testing with the turbine generator analyzer(TGA). The TGA showed that the normalized quantity number(NQN) and the PD magnitude() were high in phase A of the stator winding. Internal discharges were generated in phases B and C, and slot discharge occurred in phase A. According to the trend analyses of the NQN and values available for insulation condition assessment for G/T generator stator windings, it was concluded that phases B and C were in good condition, whereas phase A has been significantly deteriorated.

Diagnostic online assessment of basic IT skills in 1st‐year undergraduates in the Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford

AbstractAttitude, experience and competence (broadly covered by the European Computer Driving Licence syllabus) in information technology (IT) were assessed in 846 1st‐year Medical Sciences Division undergraduates (2003–06) at the start of their first term. Online assessments delivered during induction workshops were presented as an opportunity for self‐evaluation and to provide performance‐related recommendations for training. Results were consistent over 4 years. There was no difference in attitude between years or programme of study and the majority selected ‘competent to use a range of applications’. Nor were there any differences in competence between all students in any year; however, male Medical Science students performed significantly better than females (2006). Students with a recognised IT qualification also did significantly better than those without. There was a discrepancy between measured skill and individual self‐evaluation of competence; in particular, weaker students overestimated their competence. In all years, some students showed a fundamental lack of understanding of basic IT skills. Introducing online diagnostic testing raised the profile of the importance of IT skills to both academic staff and students.

ARX and AFMM model-based on-line real-time data base diagnosis of sudden fault in AHU of VAV system

On-line diagnostic testing in automated processes requires practical fault detection and diagnosis techniques. The paper presents a model based methodology for sudden online fault detection in one of the most widely used Variable Air Volume (VAV) HVAC Systems in Commercial and Institutional Buildings. Two models, Auto Regressive Exogenous (ARX) and Adaptive Forgetting Through Multiple Models (AFMM), are trained and validated on data obtained from a real building. The models are trained using normal real time operational data and validated on data obtained by inducing a fault artificially in the damper control sub-system under normal operating conditions. It may be concluded on the basis of results obtained that the variation of parameters rather than the difference between the predicted and actual output is more prominent and reflective of the sudden fault in the system. The AFMM can detect any change in the system, i.e., when a fault was implemented and when the fault was rectified. However, it requires a long window length and, therefore, may not detect faults of low magnitude. The ARX model, on the other hand, can be used with very short window length and is more robust.

The role of Learning Support in the development and implementation of a key skills programme and an intranet to support it

The Effective Learning Programme (ELP) and the intranet to support it have been in development since 1993. Key to these developments have been the Department of Learning Support (LS) and the Learning Development Unit (LDU). LS consists of library, media, languages and academic computing, and the LDU is a central unit that works with schools and departments to develop initiatives in teaching and learning. LS's role in ELP included the development of IT skills materials; online diagnostic testing and profiling tools; and the intranet that supports ELP. This paper outlines the development phases of ELP and highlights the key role of LS.

028 Knowledge-based coordination of qualitative on-line diagnostic tests

028 Knowledge-based coordination of qualitative on-line diagnostic tests

Knowledge-based Coordination of Qualitative Online Diagnostic Tests

It is shown, how active diagnostic tests and their coordination can be integrated within an existing prototype of a knowledge-based extension of a process management system. A generic coordination unit loads the specific tests from a library. Once loaded, a test activates, adapts, interprets the data and unloads itself. The structure of all the tests is the same, while the tests can be quantitative or qualitative. On the example of blocked dampers in a heating and ventilating plant, three qualitative diagnostic tests are described in order to illustrate how qualitative knowledge can be used to detect and diagnose faults. The explicit representation of the assumptions and constraints upon which a test is based, allows to make tests during special operation phases that seldom appear, but that are very instructive.