Potential Sources Of Error Research Articles

Reliability and validity of the adapted Finnish version of the early onset scoliosis questionnaire (EOSQ-24)

BackgroundEOSQ-24 is a disease specific patient-reported outcome score used to assess the quality of life in patients with early-onset scoliosis. The aim of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the English version of the EOSQ-24 to Finnish language and to assess the reliability and validity of the translation.MethodsCross-cultural adaptation and cross-cultural validation were performed to the Finnish translation of the EOSQ-24. Patients and/or their caretakers were then recruited to assess the psychometric properties of the translation. We assessed the internal consistency, test–retest reliability, floor and ceiling effects, and discriminative abilities. One-hundred-and-three patients filled the questionnaire.ResultsEOSQ-24 was successfully translated into Finnish. The translation showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach alpha 0.94), satisfactory item-total correlations ranging from 0.6 to 0.9, and moderate to strong inter item correlations. Test–retest reliability ranged from 0.7 to 0.96 indicating good to excellent agreement. Patients with neuromuscular and syndromic scoliosis reported lower EOSQ-24 scores when compared to patients’ idiopathic and congenital scoliosis. There was a significant negative correlation between major curve and EOSQ-24 scores in patients with idiopathic early onset scoliosis.ConclusionThe internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the measure were found to be satisfactory. A marked ceiling effect was observed, indicating a potential source of error.

State-to-state study of non-equilibrium recombination of oxygen and nitrogen molecules.

Rapidly cooled mixtures are of interest for several applications, including hypersonic flows due to the presence of strong cooling temperature gradients in regions such as hypersonic boundary layers and expanding nozzles. There have been very few studies of rapidly cooled mixtures using the high-fidelity rovibrational databases afforded by abinitio potential energy surfaces. This work makes use of existing rovibrational state-specific databases to study rapidly cooled mixtures. In particular, we seek to understand the importance of thermal non-equilibrium in recombining mixtures using both rovibrational and vibrational state-to-state methods for oxygen and nitrogen molecules. We find that although there is significant non-equilibrium during recombination, it is well captured by the vibrational state-specific approach. Finally, we compare the global recombination rate computed based on the state-specific recombination rate coefficients and the global recombination rate computed based on the time local dissociation rate coefficient, which is reversed using the principle of detailed balance. The local dissociation rate coefficient is computed by weighting the state-specific dissociation rate coefficients with the state-specific distribution of energy states. We find a large difference between these rates, highlighting a potential source of errors in hypersonic flow predictions.

Estimating 3D kinematics and kinetics from virtual inertial sensor data through musculoskeletal movement simulations.

Portable measurement systems using inertial sensors enable motion capture outside the lab, facilitating longitudinal and large-scale studies in natural environments. However, estimating 3D kinematics and kinetics from inertial data for a comprehensive biomechanical movement analysis is still challenging. Machine learning models or stepwise approaches performing Kalman filtering, inverse kinematics, and inverse dynamics can lead to inconsistencies between kinematics and kinetics. We investigated the reconstruction of 3D kinematics and kinetics of arbitrary running motions from inertial sensor data using optimal control simulations of full-body musculoskeletal models. To evaluate the feasibility of the proposed method, we used marker tracking simulations created from optical motion capture data as a reference and for computing virtual inertial data such that the desired solution was known exactly. We generated the inertial tracking simulations by formulating optimal control problems that tracked virtual acceleration and angular velocity while minimizing effort without requiring a task constraint or an initial state. To evaluate the proposed approach, we reconstructed three trials each of straight running, curved running, and a v-cut of 10 participants. We compared the estimated inertial signals and biomechanical variables of the marker and inertial tracking simulations. The inertial data was tracked closely, resulting in low mean root mean squared deviations for pelvis translation (≤20.2mm), angles (≤1.8 deg), ground reaction forces (≤1.1 BW%), joint moments (≤0.1 BWBH%), and muscle forces (≤5.4 BW%) and high mean coefficients of multiple correlation for all biomechanical variables . Accordingly, our results showed that optimal control simulations tracking 3D inertial data could reconstruct the kinematics and kinetics of individual trials of all running motions. The simulations led to mutually and dynamically consistent kinematics and kinetics, which allows researching causal chains, for example, to analyze anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention. Our work proved the feasibility of the approach using virtual inertial data. When using the approach in the future with measured data, the sensor location and alignment on the segment must be estimated, and soft-tissue artifacts are potential error sources. Nevertheless, we demonstrated that optimal control simulation tracking inertial data is highly promising for estimating 3D kinematics and kinetics for a comprehensive biomechanical analysis.

Research on the phase error of a Sagnac interferometer induced by modulation of a multifunctional integrated optical modulator.

High-precision IFOG requires an optical sensitivity of up to 10-8 rads-1 for interferometers; noise and error are two of the main reasons limiting its accuracy improvement. Any potential source of the signal error is worth being studied. This article introduces work on the modulation signal error caused by the mechanical vibration energy loss of MIOC crystals. This article theoretically derives and simulates the frequency spectrum of an energy loss from the perspective of electromechanical coupling and verifies it through experiments. This article also verifies the influence of MIOC mechanical loss on the output of a Sagnac interferometer through experiments. This study is an indispensable part of the bottleneck for improving the accuracy of ultrahigh-precision closed-loop IFOG and has potential engineering application value.

Pulmonary Sclerosing Pneumocytoma - A Comprehensive Exploration of Clinical, Radiological, and Surgical Dimensions By IJISRT

Objectives: The study findings have important Clinical implications, especially in the preoperative evaluation of Lung Nodules and aid in the radiological diagnosis based on CT features. Pulmonary Sclerosing pneumocytoma is a Benign, rare tumor of the lung that represents a diagnostic challenge due to the Non-specific CT findings. The Aim of this study was to present a 10-year experience with sclerosing pneumocytoma of a large center of CHINA for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases, and to emphasize differential diagnostic dilemmas as a potential source of errors.  Material and Methods: This represents a retrospective study of 31 patients diagnosed and treated with sclerosing pneumocytoma in the 10-year period. The study analyzed various Variables, including Gender, Age, Smoking history, Reason for CT, Nodule location, Nodule shape, Clinical symptoms, Calcifications, and Surgical Resections.  Results: Sclerosing pneumocytoma was more frequently diagnosed in females (93.5%). The patients ranged in age from 28 to 68. Most of the patients (77.4%) were asymptomatic. 30 patients had no history of smoking (96.8%). Mean Nodule size was 14.4mm. Most nodules have Round, oval and smooth margin, with majority of Nodules have location in the lower lobes of both lungs. Most nodules were peripherally situated (54.83%). VATS with lobectomy performed in 25 (80.64%) patients while VATS with wedge resection performed in 6(19.64%) patients, without post-surgical complications and Normal follow up.

Techniques for Measuring the Fluctuation of Residual Lower Limb Volume in Clinical Practices: A Systematic Review of the Past Four Decades

Increased pressure and shear stress distributions at the limb–socket interface are hypothesised to result from changes in the residual limb shape and volume, which can cause socket fit difficulties. Accurate residual limb volume measurements may aid clinicians in developing strategies to accommodate volume fluctuations. This review primarily aims to analyse the techniques available for measuring the residual lower limb volume that may be used in clinical settings, as documented in the works published over the previous four decades. A comprehensive search of articles in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified 904 articles, and further analysis resulted in only 39 articles being chosen to be analysed. Based on the findings, there are nine techniques available to measure the residual limb volume: water displacement, anthropometric measurement, contact probes, optical scanning, spiral X-ray computed tomography (SXCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, laser scanning, and bioimpedance. Considering the variety of techniques for determining residual limb volume, it is critical to choose the ones that best suit clinicians’ objectives, and each technique has potential sources of error that should be avoided by taking precautionary action. A comprehensive study of the measurement techniques is needed since researchers have developed and extensively utilised many new measuring devices, especially handheld 3D laser scanners.

Parameter sensitivity analysis of a sea ice melt pond parametrisation and its emulation using neural networks

Accurate simulation of sea ice is critical for predictions of future Arctic sea ice loss, looming climate change impacts, and more. A key feature in Arctic sea ice is the formation of melt ponds. Each year melt ponds develop on the surface of the ice and primarily via affecting the albedo, they have an enormous effect on the energy budget and climate of the Arctic. As melt ponds are subgrid scale and their evolution occurs due to a number of competing, poorly understood factors, their representation in models is parametrised.Sobol sensitivity analysis, a form of variance based global sensitivity analysis is performed on an advanced melt pond parametrisation (MPP), in Icepack, a state-of-the-art thermodynamic column sea ice model. Results show that the model is very sensitive to changing its uncertain MPP parameter values, and that these have varying influences over model predictions both spatially and temporally. Such extreme sensitivity to parameters makes MPPs a potential source of prediction error in sea-ice models, given that the (often many) parameters in MPPs are usually poorly known.Machine learning (ML) techniques have shown great potential in learning and replacing subgrid scale processes in models. Given the complexity of melt pond physics and the need for accurate parameter values in MPPs, we propose an alternative data-driven MPPs that would prioritise the accuracy of albedo predictions. In particular, we constructed MPPs based either on linear regression or on nonlinear neural networks, and investigate if they could substitute the original physics-based MPP in Icepack.Our results shown that linear regression are insufficient as emulators, whilst neural networks can learn and emulate the MPP in Icepack very reliably. Icepack with the MPPs based on neural networks only slightly deviates from the original Icepack and overall offers the same long term model behaviour.We then searched for the smallest possible emulator that achieves good performance by performing features selection based on mutual information. Results indicates that a smaller model, based only on a portion of the full set of input variables needed by the physical MPP, is also sufficient to approximate and replace the physical MPP. This smaller emulators are not only computationally faster but also easier to interpret on a physical ground.Several and diverse challenges still exist, yet this study is an encouraging first step, prior to using real data, towards the adoption of data-driven MPPs in sea-ice models.

Accuracy Analysis of 3D Bone Fracture Models: Effects of Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging and Image Segmentation

The introduction of three-dimensional (3D) printed anatomical models has garnered interest in pre-operative planning, especially in orthopedic and trauma surgery. Identifying potential error sources and quantifying their effect on the model dimensional accuracy are crucial for the applicability and reliability of such models. In this study, twenty radii were extracted from anatomic forearm specimens and subjected to osteotomy to simulate a defined fracture of the distal radius (Colles’ fracture). Various factors, including two different computed tomography (CT) technologies (energy-integrating detector (EID) and photon-counting detector (PCD)), four different CT scanners, two scan protocols (i.e., routine and high dosage), two different scan orientations, as well as two segmentation algorithms were considered to determine their effect on 3D model accuracy. Ground truth was established using 3D reconstructions of surface scans of the physical specimens. Results indicated that all investigated variables significantly impacted the 3D model accuracy (p < 0.001). However, the mean absolute deviation fell within the range of 0.03 ± 0.20 to 0.32 ± 0.23 mm, well below the 0.5 mm threshold necessary for pre-operative planning. Intra- and inter-operator variability demonstrated fair to excellent agreement for 3D model accuracy, with an intra-class correlation (ICC) of 0.43 to 0.92. This systematic investigation displayed dimensional deviations in the magnitude of sub-voxel imaging resolution for all variables. Major pitfalls included missed or overestimated bone regions during the segmentation process, necessitating additional manual editing of 3D models. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that 3D bone fracture models can be obtained with clinical routine scanners and scan protocols, utilizing a simple global segmentation threshold, thereby providing an accurate and reliable tool for pre-operative planning.

Mapping the tRNA modification landscape of Bartonella henselae Houston I and Bartonella quintana Toulouse.

Transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications play a crucial role in maintaining translational fidelity and efficiency, and they may function as regulatory elements in stress response and virulence. Despite their pivotal roles, a comprehensive mapping of tRNA modifications and their associated synthesis genes is still limited, with a predominant focus on free-living bacteria. In this study, we employed a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating comparative genomics, mass spectrometry, and next-generation sequencing, to predict the set of tRNA modification genes responsible for tRNA maturation in two intracellular pathogens-Bartonella henselae Houston I and Bartonella quintana Toulouse, which are causative agents of cat-scratch disease and trench fever, respectively. This analysis presented challenges, particularly because of host RNA contamination, which served as a potential source of error. However, our approach predicted 26 genes responsible for synthesizing 23 distinct tRNA modifications in B. henselae and 22 genes associated with 23 modifications in B. quintana. Notably, akin to other intracellular and symbiotic bacteria, both Bartonella species have undergone substantial reductions in tRNA modification genes, mostly by simplifying the hypermodifications present at positions 34 and 37. Bartonella quintana exhibited the additional loss of four modifications and these were linked to examples of gene decay, providing snapshots of reductive evolution.

Tissue mimicking materials and finger phantom design for pulse oximetry.

Pulse oximetry represents a ubiquitous clinical application of optics in modern medicine. Recent studies have raised concerns regarding the potential impact of confounders, such as variable skin pigmentation and perfusion, on blood oxygen saturation measurement accuracy in pulse oximeters. Tissue-mimicking phantom testing offers a low-cost, well-controlled solution for characterizing device performance and studying potential error sources, which may thus reduce the need for costly in vivo trials. The purpose of this study was to develop realistic phantom-based test methods for pulse oximetry. Material optical and mechanical properties were reviewed, selected, and tuned for optimal biological relevance, e.g., oxygenated tissue absorption and scattering, strength, elasticity, hardness, and other parameters representing the human finger's geometry and composition, such as blood vessel size and distribution, and perfusion. Relevant anatomical and physiological properties are summarized and implemented toward the creation of a preliminary finger phantom. To create a preliminary finger phantom, we synthesized a high-compliance silicone matrix with scatterers for embedding flexible tubing and investigated the addition of these scatterers to novel 3D printing resins for optical property control without altering mechanical stability, streamlining the production of phantoms with biologically relevant characteristics. Phantom utility was demonstrated by applying dynamic, pressure waveforms to produce tube volume change and resultant photoplethysmography (PPG) signals. 3D printed phantoms achieved more biologically relevant conditions compared to molded phantoms. These preliminary results indicate that the phantoms show strong potential to be developed into tools for evaluating pulse oximetry performance. Gaps, recommendations, and strategies are presented for continued phantom development.

Performance of CT in the locoregional staging of colon cancer: detailed radiology-pathology correlation with special emphasis on tumor deposits, extramural venous invasion and T staging.

To investigate the performance of computed tomography (CT) in the local staging of colon cancer in different segments, with emphasis on parameters that have been found to be significant for rectal cancer, namely, extramural venous invasion (EMVI) and tumor deposits (TDs). CT and pathology data from 137 patients were independently reviewed by radiology and pathology teams. The performance of CT in categorizing a given patient into good, versus poor prognostic groups was assessed for each segment, as well as the presence of lymph nodes (LNs), TDs and EMVIs. Discordant cases were re-evaluated to determine potential sources of error. Elastic stain was applied for EMVI discordance. The T staging accuracy was 80.2%. For T stage stratification, CT performed slightly better in the left colon, and the lowest accuracy was in the transverse colon. Under-staging was more common (in 12.4%), and most of the mis-staged cases were in sigmoid colon. According to the first comprehensive correlative analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT for detecting TDs were found to be 57.9%, 92.4%, 87.6%, respectively. These figures were 44.7%, 72.7%, and 63.5% for LN, and 58.5%, 82.1% and 73% for EMVI. The detection rate was better for multifocal EMVI. The detection rate was also comparable (although substantially underestimated) for LNs, with the half of the LNs missed by CT being < 5mm. Four patients that were classified as TD by CT, disclosed to be LNs by pathology. Correlative analysis led to refinement of the pathology criteria, with subsequent modifications of the initial reports in 13 (9.5%) patients. Overall, CT performed well in the evaluation of colon cancer, as did TD and EMVI. It is advisable to include these parameters in CT-based staging. Radiologists should be aware of the pitfalls that occur more commonly in different segments.

A “step” in the right direction: Quantifying error in twinning analysis due to EBSD scan resolution

Accurate evaluation of deformation twinning statistics is key when performing research on the twinning behavior of magnesium alloys or other HCP materials, and typically utilizes electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). However, many modern studies that perform EBSD for twinning analysis do not have a consistent step size used during EBSD data collection between studies, or do not report their step size at all. In this work, the effect of step size on the resultant twinning statistics calculated from the EBSD data was determined by comparing multiple scans of the same region with varying step size. Increasing the step size during data collection was found to increase the error of all considered twinning statistics, indicating a potential source of unquantified error in other studies. Additionally, a method for improving the accuracy from scans with coarse step sizes was considered and found to reduce error in most cases.

Numerical predictions of underwater radiated noise from a non-cavitating model-scale propeller

Propeller-induced acoustic noise from marine vessels is the largest source of anthropogenic underwater radiated noise (URN) and a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Under typical operation, cavitation dominates the URN emissions. Cavitation, which is a pressure-driven phase-change process that results in the violent formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in the wake of the propeller, is often unavoidable during realistic, full-scale operating conditions. However, at a model scale, inducing cavitation requires a depressurized flow facility that makes acoustic measurements difficult due to confinement effects. Numerical simulation is, therefore, appealing as a tool for predicting URN, but the simulation of the cavitation phenomenon and the associated acoustics involves considerable uncertainty and a range of potential sources of error. In propeller operation, cavitation frequently occurs in the core of the vortices shed from the tips of propeller blades. In the present work, we developed a delayed detached-eddy simulation (DDES) of a model-scale ship with the focus on predicting fluctuating pressure due to shed vorticity. The solution is compared to hydrophone measurements from non-cavitating tow-tank experiments. Finally, we numerically introduce cavitation at model scale in the numerical solution and examine its effects.

Randomized controlled trials reporting patient-reported outcomes with no significant differences between study groups are potentially susceptible to unjustified conclusions—a systematic review

ObjectivesCeiling effect may lead to misleading conclusions when using patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) scores as an outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential source of ceiling effect–related errors in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting no differences in PROM scores between study groups. Study Design and SettingA systematic review of RCTs published in the top 10 orthopedic journals according to their impact factors was conducted, focusing on studies that reported no significant differences in outcomes between two study groups. All studies published during 2012–2022 that reported no differences in PROM outcomes and used parametric statistical approach were included. The aim was to investigate the potential source of ceiling effect–related errors—that is, when the ceiling effect suppresses the possible difference between the groups. The proportions of patients exceeding the PROM scales were simulated using the observed dispersion parameters based on the assumed normal distribution, and the differences in the proportions between the study groups were subsequently analyzed. ResultsAfter an initial screening of 2343 studies, 190 studies were included. The central 95% theoretical distribution of the scores exceeded the PROM scales in 140 (74%) of these studies. In 33 (17%) studies, the simulated patient proportions exceeding the scales indicated potential differences between the compared groups. ConclusionIt is common to have a mismatch between the chosen PROM instrument and the population being studied increasing the risk of an unjustified “no difference” conclusion due to a ceiling effect. Thus, a considerable ceiling effect should be considered a potential source of error.

Determination of the Convergence of Intra-Laboratory Measurements of Dust Content on a Construction Site

Introduction. Intra-laboratory comparison tests play an important role in ensuring the quality and reliability of research outcomes in laboratories. These tests allow researchers to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of the methods they use in their work, as well as to identify potential sources of error and inconsistency. The results of these tests are shared with experts to confirm competence within the accreditation. Typically, comparison tests are carried out in laboratory conditions in a familiar and calm environment for the testers. However, when laboratories conduct research as part of a special assessment of working conditions (SAWC) they are required to conduct on-site comparisons at real-world facilities, where customers may unwittingly disrupt the process and directly affecting the quality of the measurements. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of on-site intra-laboratory comparison tests using the example of determining the dust content in a bricklayer's work environment on a construction site, and to determine the minimum number of measurements necessary and sufficient for this purpose.Materials and Methods. To determine the dustiness of the bricklayer's workplace, a weighing method was used. This involved collecting dust on filters and then weighing them to determine the concentration. The quality assessment of intra-laboratory tests was conducted in accordance with GOST R ISO 5725-1-2002 "Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results. Part 1. General principles and definitions".Results. At the bricklayer's workplace, a 1.6-fold excess of the one-time maximum permissible dust concentration was detected. The average dust concentration at the workplace under study was: Kp2 = 9.57 ± 0.81 mg/m3, the convergence of the results obtained was r = 8.68 %, the relative error δ = 8.50 %. It was revealed that the maximum allowable difference between the results of the two tests was 0.84 mg/m3. The difference in direct measurements of the mass of the two samples should be no more than 0.1 mg.Discussion and Conclusion. The results obtained demonstrated the possibility of conducting a minimum number of measurements that, under reproducible conditions, are considered satisfactory and could be provided to experts for confirming the competence of the laboratory. As part of a special assessment of working conditions, employees of the object under study are recommended to use personal respiratory protection equipment that offers protection against highly dispersed dust particles.

Comparison of Two Aerodynamic Models for Projectile Trajectory Simulation

The accuracy of aerodynamically controlled guided projectile simulations is largely determined by the aerodynamic model employed in flight simulations which impacts vehicle interaction with the surrounding air. In this work, the performance of projectile path following with two distinct aerodynamic models is examined for their possible influence on trajectory following accuracy. The study incorporates the path following guidance algorithm, which enables the object to navigate along a predefined path. The simulation mathematical model is developed in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. In addition, by integrating the path-following algorithm with the two aerodynamic models, the dynamic behaviour of the aerodynamically controlled projectile can be compared. This allows for a more comprehensive analysis of the trajectory and the effects of each model on the desired flight path. Further research can explore the differences between the two models in greater detail and quantify their impact on unmanned projectile trajectory predictions, in addition to further exploring the specific characteristics and limitations of each model. This will involve analysing their assumptions, computational methods, and inputs to identify potential sources of error or uncertainty in the simulations. Moreover, these results have important implications for the design of aerodynamically controlled projectiles as well as a deeper understanding of aerodynamic mathematical modelling in flight simulation.

Combustion of iron particles in solid propellants at elevated pressure

Metal fuels, such as aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe), can be added to composite solid propellants to improve their performance, such as specific impulse, density, and burning rate. In comparison to aluminum, iron can theoretically provide improved density specific impulse and higher flame temperatures; reduce condensed combustion product (CCP) concentration and the associated two-phase flow losses; and eliminate hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the exhaust products. A fundamental and quantitative understanding of metal particle aggregation and agglomeration processes in solid propellants is required to understand the underlying combustion mechanisms in these systems. In the current study, composite strand and laminate AP/HTPB/AP propellant samples loaded with Fe microparticles (∼45 μm in diameter) were burned at elevated pressures in an optically accessible strand bomb. Combustion processes were monitored with transient pressure diagnostics and a high-speed camera fitted with a high-magnification lens system (3.83 μm/pixel resolution) for the laminate propellant experiments. An automated image processing algorithm was developed to measure burning rates and ejected particle/agglomerate sizes and velocities. Time-resolved statistical distributions of both particle size and velocity are presented at elevated pressure for multiple laminate propellant experiments with a high degree of repeatability and low measurement error estimated as < ±5% and < ±1.5% for particle size and velocity, respectively. The incorporation of iron microparticles into the composite strand propellants yielded over a 20% increase in the global burning rate over the range of pressures evaluated (3.45–13.8 MPa). Similarly, the addition of iron to the fuel lamina in laminate propellant samples led to an approximately 30% increase in the global burning rate at the evaluated pressure (3.45 MPa). Additive particles were observed to eject near the oxidizer/fuel interface, or to melt, aggregate, coalesce, and agglomerate on the fuel lamina surface prior to ejection. Particle velocities are controlled by a balance of gravitational forces, drag forces imparted by expanding combustion product gases, and particle inertia. The observed combustion enhancements are attributed to the combined effects of catalytic mechanisms, increased radiation heat transfer, and local energy release from reacting iron particles. In addition, discussions on the image processing methods developed in the current study, corresponding potential sources of error, and prospective areas of improvement are provided. The experimental approach developed enables high-speed and high-magnification visualization of propellant combustion at high pressures and can be utilized to better understand the fundamental combustion behavior of energetic systems.

Using Voice-to-Voice Machine Translation to Overcome Language Barriers in Clinical Communication: An Exploratory Study

BackgroundMachine translation (MT) apps are used informally by healthcare professionals in many settings, especially where interpreters are not readily available. As MT becomes more accurate and accessible, it may be tempting to use MT more widely. Institutions and healthcare professionals need guidance on when and how these applications might be used safely and how to manage potential risks to communication.ObjectivesExplore factors that may hinder or facilitate communication when using voice-to-voice MT.DesignHealth professionals volunteered to use a voice-to-voice MT app in routine encounters with their patients. Both health professionals and patients provided brief feedback on the experience, and a subset of consultations were observed.ParticipantsDoctors, nurses, and allied health professionals working in the Primary Care Division of the Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland.Main MeasuresAchievement of consultation goals; understanding and satisfaction; willingness to use MT again; difficulties encountered; factors affecting communication when using MT.Key ResultsFourteen health professionals conducted 60 consultations in 18 languages, using one of two voice-to-voice MT apps. Fifteen consultations were observed.Professionals achieved their consultation goals in 82.7% of consultations but were satisfied with MT communication in only 53.8%. Reasons for dissatisfaction included lack of practice with the app and difficulty understanding patients. Eighty-six percent of patients thought MT-facilitated communication was easy, and most participants were willing to use MT in the future (73% professionals, 84% patients). Experiences were more positive with European languages. Several conditions and speech practices were identified that appear to affect communication when using MT.ConclusionWhile professional interpreters remain the gold standard for overcoming language barriers, voice-to-voice MT may be acceptable in some clinical situations. Healthcare institutions and professionals must be attentive to potential sources of MT errors and ensure the conditions necessary for safe and effective communication. More research in natural settings is needed to inform guidelines and training on using MT in clinical communication.

Thermodynamic solubility measurement without chemical analysis

In this work, the optical imaging based single particle analysis (SPA) and the gold standard shake-flask (SF) solubility methods are compared. We show that to analyze pharmaceutical compounds spanning 7 log units in solubility and a diverse chemical space with limited resources, several analytical techniques are required (HPLC-UV, LC-MS, refractometry and UV–Vis spectrometry), whereas solely the SPA method is able to analyze all the same compounds. SPA experiments take only minutes, while for SF, it may take days to reach thermodynamic equilibration. This decreases the time span needed for the solubility experiment from initial preparations to obtaining the result from roughly three days to less than three hours. The optimal particle size for SPA ranges from approximately one to hundreds of microns. Challenges include measuring large particles, very fast dissolving compounds and handling small sample sizes. Inherent exclusion of density from the SPA measurement is a potential source of error for compounds with very low or high density values. The average relative difference of 37 % between the two methods is very good in the realm of solubility, where 400 % interlaboratory reproducibility can be expected.

Media Forensic Considerations of the Usage of Artificial Intelligence Using the Example of DeepFake Detection.

In recent discussions in the European Parliament, the need for regulations for so-called high-risk artificial intelligence (AI) systems was identified, which are currently codified in the upcoming EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) and approved by the European Parliament. The AIA is the first document to be turned into European Law. This initiative focuses on turning AI systems in decision support systems (human-in-the-loop and human-in-command), where the human operator remains in control of the system. While this supposedly solves accountability issues, it includes, on one hand, the necessary human-computer interaction as a potential new source of errors; on the other hand, it is potentially a very effective approach for decision interpretation and verification. This paper discusses the necessary requirements for high-risk AI systems once the AIA comes into force. Particular attention is paid to the opportunities and limitations that result from the decision support system and increasing the explainability of the system. This is illustrated using the example of the media forensic task of DeepFake detection.