Quartile Deviation Research Articles

A Novel Class of Ratio Estimators Incorporating Auxiliary Variables in Simple Random Sampling for Estimating Population Mean: An Application to Real-Life Data

This paper presents a novel class of ratio estimators using non-conventional measures as auxiliary information to estimate the population mean of the study variable under simple random sampling without replacement. Three special cases are discussed, utilizing the coefficient of variation, median, and quartile deviation as auxiliary variables. The bias and mean square error (MSE) of the proposed estimators are derived up to the first order of approximation. Furthermore, theoretical conditions are established to compare the proposed class with existing estimators, supported by real-life data. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed class of estimators is more efficient than traditional and other ratio-type estimators.

Longevity of Polish top-class athletes compared to other social elites and well-known people in the years 2001-2021.

The aim of this work is to initiate or revive a scientific discussion on the impact of professional life on the parameters of human lifespan. Presented analysis is based on 8578 Polish elite or well-known person who died in 2001-2021. The results of the conducted analysis indicate that in the case of men the highest values of the median age at death were characteristic of freelancers (median [Me] ± quartile deviation [QD] 85.5±8.5 years), followed by scientists and academic teachers of the biological and medical specialty (Me±QD 84.0±7.5 years) and officers of power structures (Me±QD 83.5±8.5 years). Subsequently, the highest value of the median age at death was recorded for social activists (Me±QD 83.0±9.5 years), clergy (Me±QD 82.0±7.5 years) and scientists and academic teachers of specialties other than biological and medical (Me±QD 82.0±8.0 years). Significantly, at the very end of this list are athletes (Me±QD 77.0±9.0 years). Nevertheless, the results of the analysis confirm that professional athletes are characterized by higher median age at death compared to the general population. Analysis made only within athletes group demonstrated that the parameters of lifespan of athletes of endurance disciplines (Me±QD 78.0±8.0 years) are the most favorable compared to athletes of other disciplines, in particular in compare to team sports athletes (Me±QD 75.0±10.0 years) or combat sports athletes (Me±QD 75.0±7.1 years). What is new and innovative in this paper is comparing the lifespan characteristics of athletes in comparison to widely represented group of other professions with higher socio-economic status. Unexpectedly, the lifespan of athletes occurred to be lower than for fast all other analyzed occupational groups, except mainly of entertainment musicians. Finally, the results presented in this paper emphasize the need to analyze the lifespan characteristics of athletes in a broader scope than only in relation to the general population. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2024;37(3):335-50.

Web-based application of descriptive statistics for data dispersion analysis to support statistic learning

Statistics is a branch of science that studies ways of collecting, processing, presenting, analyzing, interpreting and drawing conclusions from data. Descriptive Statistics is a part of statistics that carries out the tasks of collecting data, classifying, processing and presenting quantitative data. Statistics has a very important and necessary role in various areas of life, so that statistics courses are taught in almost all departments, both exact and non-exact, at various educational institutions. A common problem found in studying statistics courses is that students in non-exact majors are less interested in courses involving numerical data processing, so that learning outcomes for this course are generally relatively low. With advances in information technology, several statistical applications have been developed, but these applications directly present the final results of data processing without displaying the steps to obtain the final results. This is inadequate from a learning perspective, because students do not get a clear picture of the steps for solving problems based on statistics. This research uses the method waterfall [8] [9] or linear sequential, namely a sequential and systematic software development method consist of : Analysis, Design, Coding and Testing. The result of making this application is an analysis of data dispersion measures consisting of Range, Inter Quartile Range, Quartile Deviation, Average Deviation, Standard Deviation, Variance, Coefficient Variation and Coefficient Quartile. This application will show in detail the steps to solve the problem according to theory, formulas and calculation steps to get the final result. These results will make it easier for students to understand and it is hoped that this course will be presented more interestingly and ultimately increase learning outcomes.

Research Priorities in the Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy Among Diploma Therapists: An International Delphi Study.

Introduction Mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) is the most researched approach in musculoskeletal physical therapy and involves classifying patients into sub-groups based on their response to loading strategies. MDT diploma therapists (Dip-MDTs) fully recognize the value of MDT in musculoskeletal physical therapy. MDT is updating its system based on the latest research, but the system has not yet been fully established. Therefore, more research is required to increase the comprehensibility of the system. Thus, we aimed to identify future research priorities of MDT. Methods We conducted a modified Delphi study with three rounds. The Research Advisory Committee(RAC) members (n=7) of the McKenzie Institute International were invited to participate in the initial idea generation round. In the subsequent two consensus rounds, Dip-MDTs (n=299) were asked to indicate their level of agreement with the results of the idea generation round using a five-point Likert scale.The criteria for consensus weremean score ≥4.0, coefficient of variation ≤30%, percent agreement ≥75%, and quartile deviation ≤1. A post-hoc analysis of the consensus was conducted when the number of participants from a certain country exceeded one-third of the total number of participants. Results The participation rates for each round were 57.1%, 52.2%, and 49.8%. The USA accounted for 43.6% and 44.3% of all participants at the two consensus rounds, respectively. Finally, nine items reached consensus in the second consensus round. After the post-hoc analysis, eight items reached consensus: (1) cost-effectiveness, (2) cervical and thoracic spine, (3) extremity classifications, (4) filtered randomized controlled trials (RCTs), (5) spinal source classification, (6) centralization and directional preferences, (7) predictive factors for recurrence, and (8) patient education. Conclusion In this study, we identified the research priorities of MDT that would enhance the completion of the MDT system.

Technical risk model of machine learning based software project development - A multinational empirical study using modified Delphi-AHP method

ContextThe development of machine learning (ML) based software projects has increased significantly over the past decade, introducing new technical risks that rarely or never appear in traditional software development projects. ObjectiveThis research aims to identify and prioritize the technical risk factors that may lead to the failure of ML-based software development projects. MethodFirst, a literature review was conducted to compile a preliminary list of technical risk factors for ML-based software project development. Then, two rounds of the modified Delphi process were conducted with 17 ML experts to review and verify the completeness and appropriateness of the preliminary technical risk factors. A hierarchy of five technical risk categories with 22 technical risk factors was concluded for the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Then, three rounds of online AHP questionnaires were administered. The consistency ratio (CR) was used to check the respondents’ answers, and the quartile deviation (QD) was applied to assess the consensus on all 96 questions. Finally, we prioritized the technical risk categories and associated technical risk factors. ResultsWe found that "data availability and quality" ranked as the top technical risk category in terms of severity, probability, and impact rankings of the five technical risk categories. Furthermore, all four technical risk factors within this category also occupied the top four positions of impact ranking. ConclusionThe research results highlight the crucial role of the four data availability and quality risk factors for the failure of ML-based software project development. The proposed technical risk model of ML-based software project development with the identified severity and probability priorities may provide practitioners and research community with a clear overview, highlighting areas demanding priority attention to effectively mitigate project failure risks. These findings have broader implications for improving the success rates of ML-based software projects across various domains.

Reversal of Rocuronium-Induced Muscle Relaxation with Sugammadex Enhances Oxygen Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle.

We measured changes in blood flow and oxygenation in the brachioradialis muscle using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during reversal of rocuronium-induced muscle relaxation with administration of sugammadex in patients (n=25) under general anaesthesia, to investigate whether reversal of muscle relaxant-induced muscle relaxation increases oxygen metabolism in skeletal muscle under general anaesthesia. NIRS measurements, including oxy-haemoglobin (Hb), deoxyHb, total Hb concentration, tissue oxygen index, and various cardiopulmonary parameters, were recorded at four timepoints: T0 (baseline), 3 min before sugammadex administration; T1, immediately before sugammadex administration; T2, at complete recovery of muscle contractility; and T3, 3 min after T2. All measured values at each timepoint were compared using multiple comparison tests. The median values (quartile deviation; QD) (μmol/L) of oxyHb and deoxyHb at T0, T1, T2, and T3 were 0, -0.01 (0.14), -1.15 (0.54), and -1.52 (0.54), and 0, 0.11 (0.06), 0.86 (0.5), and 1.36 (0.61), respectively. The levels of oxyHb were significantly lower and those of deoxyHb were significantly higher at T2 and T3 when compared to those at T1, respectively (P<0.01). There were no significant changes in other measurements. These results suggest that reversal of rocuronium-induced muscle relaxation by sugammadex slightly increases oxygen metabolism in the brachioradialis muscle. This study might support the clinical finding that administration of neuromuscular blockers decreases whole body oxygen consumption in patients receiving mechanical ventilation under general anaesthesia.

Changes in Blood Volume and Oxygenation in Lower Limb Tissue in Patients Maintaining the Lithotomy Position Under General Anaesthesia.

To investigate the effect of the lithotomy position on lower limb circulation under general anaesthesia, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to measure changes in blood volume and oxygenation in thigh tissue in patients (n=35) under general anaesthesia in the lithotomy position. The NIRS measurement items, including total haemoglobin concentration (total-Hb), tissue haemoglobin index (nTHI), and tissue oxygenation index (TOI) in the thigh, were recorded for 60min, while the patients were in the lithotomy position. The correlation between changes in each measurement item and patient characteristics, elevation of the lower extremities, and cardiorespiratory indices were evaluated. Data obtained from 24 patients were analysed. The median values (quartile deviation) of changes in total-Hb, nTHI, and TOI during the 60-min period from baseline were+3.09 (1.99) μmol/L, +0.08 (0.03) a.u., and +2.25 (1.75) %, respectively, all of which were significantly increased (p<0.05). Regression analysis showed that no factor was significantly associated with the increase in any measurement item. The present results suggest that circulation in thigh tissue tends to shift towards hyperaemia during 60 min of general anaesthesia in the lithotomy position, regardless of patient background factors or changes in cardiorespiratory conditions.

P211: Quality of Life and participation in society of elderly people with aphasia

Objective:Aphasia is a communication disorder associated with impairments in spoken language, understanding, reading and writing that impacts upon daily activities, participation in society and the quality of life (QoL), and it is common in elderly patients in the context of vascular diseases. We aimed to investigate participation in society and the environmental factors and health-related QoL of elderly people with aphasia.Methods:People with aphasia whose age was above 65 were included in this study. QoL was assessed by the Japanese version of the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39 (SAQOL-39) and Life stage Aphasia Quality Of Life scale-11 (LAQOL-11), and the participation in society and the environmental factors as barriers was assessed by the Japanese version of the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) and the Japanese version 2 of the Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (CHIEF), respectively. We explored predictors such as aphasia severity, communication impairment, cognitive functions, motor paralysis, activities of daily living (ADL).Results:We included 58 individuals (43 men; mean age 73.2 [SD 5.7] years) with aphasia after the mean 48 (SD 64.9) months of onset (of stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, brain tumor, traumatic brain injury). The median of the total score of SAQOL-39 and LAQOL-11 was 3.91 (Quartile Deviation 0.47) out of 5 and 85.0 (QD 12.5) out of 110. The QoL was not associated with aphasia severity assessed by the Standard Language Test of Aphasia (SLTA) which is the most frequently used comprehensive aphasia rating scale in Japan, but poor QoL was significantly associated (Spearman correlations) with increased severity of communication impairment assessed by Communication ADL Test (P = 0.01). Moreover, increased QoL was significantly associated with increased participation in society (P = 0.03) and decreased environmental factors (P = 0.01).Conclusion:Poor communication ADL may have a negative effect on QoL in elderly people with aphasia. Also, we show that QoL is associated with participation in society. For patients with aphasia after retirement, specific rehabilitation of communication ADL might be beneficial and should be explored in future studies.

Impacts of sample ratio and size on the performance of random forest model to predict the potential distribution of snail habitats.

Few studies have considered the impacts of sample size and sample ratio of presence and absence points on the results of random forest (RF) testing. We applied this technique for the prediction of the spatial distribution of snail habitats based on a total of 15,000 sample points (5,000 presence samples and 10,000 control points). RF models were built using seven different sample ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1) and the optimal ratio was identified via the Area Under the Curve (AUC) statistic. The impact of sample size was compared by RF models under the optimal ratio and the optimal sample size. When the sample size was small, the sampling ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 were significantly better than the sample ratios of 4:1 and 3:1 at all four levels of sample sizes (p<0.01) and there was no significant difference among the ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 (p>0.05). The sample ratio of 1:2 appeared to be optimal for a relatively large sample size with the lowest quartile deviation. In addition, increasing the sample size produced a higher AUC and a smaller slope and the most suitable sample size found in this study was 2400 (AUC=0.96). This study provides a feasible idea to select an appropriate sample size and sample ratio for ecological niche modelling (ENM) and also provides a scientific basis for the selection of samples to accurately identify and predict snail habitat distributions.

The benefits of measuring the size and number of lipoprotein particles for cardiovascular risk prediction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveCardiovascular risk (CVR) is conventionally calculated by measuring the total cholesterol content of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the CVR associated with LDL and HDL particle size and number as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Material and methodsA literature search was performed using the electronic databases MEDLINE and Scopus. All cohort and case–control studies published before January 1, 2019 that met the following inclusion criteria were included: HDL-P, LDL-P, HDL-Z and/or LDL-Z measured by NMR spectroscopy; cardiovascular event as an outcome variable; risk of cardiovascular events expressed as odds ratios or hazard ratios; only adult patients. A meta-analysis was performed for each exposure variable (4 for LDL and 5 for HDL) and for each exposure measure (highest versus lowest quartile and 1-standard deviation increment). ResultsThis review included 24 studies. Number of LDL particles was directly associated with CVR: risk increased by 28% with each standard deviation increment. LDL particle size was inversely and significantly associated with CVR: each standard deviation increment corresponded to an 8% risk reduction. CVR increased by 12% with each standard deviation increase in number of small LDL particles. HD, particle number and size were inversely associated with CVR. ConclusionLarger particle size provided greater protection, although this relationship was inconsistent between studies. Larger number of LDL particles and smaller LDL particle size are associated with increased CVR. Risk decreases with increasing number and size of HDL particles.

Participatory prioritisation of interventions to improve primary school food environments in Gauteng, South Africa

BackgroundIn South Africa, overweight and obesity affect 17% of children aged 15–18. School food environments play a vital role in children’s health, influencing dietary behaviours and resulting in high obesity rates. Interventions targeting schools can contribute to obesity prevention if evidence-based and context-specific. Evidence suggests that current government strategies are inadequate to ensure healthy school food environments. The aim of this study was to identify priority interventions to improve school food environments in urban South Africa using the Behaviour Change Wheel model.MethodsA three-phased iterative study design was implemented. First, we identified contextual drivers of unhealthy school food environments through a secondary framework analysis of 26 interviews with primary school staff. Transcripts were deductively coded in MAXQDA software using the Behaviour Change Wheel and the Theoretical Domains Framework. Second, to identify evidence-based interventions, we utilised the NOURISHING framework and matched interventions to identified drivers. Third, interventions were prioritised using a Delphi survey administered to stakeholders (n = 38). Consensus for priority interventions was defined as an intervention identified as being 'somewhat' or ‘very' important and feasible with a high level of agreement (quartile deviation ≤ 0.5).ResultsWe identified 31 unique contextual drivers that school staff perceived to limit or facilitate a healthy school food environment. Intervention mapping yielded 21 interventions to improve school food environments; seven were considered important and feasible. Of these, the top priority interventions were to: 1) “regulate what kinds of foods can be sold at schools”, 2) “train school staff through workshops and discussions to improve school food environment”, and affix 3) “compulsory, child-friendly warning labels on unhealthy foods”.ConclusionPrioritising evidence-based, feasible and important interventions underpinned by behaviour change theories is an important step towards enhanced policy making and resource allocation to tackle South Africa’s childhood obesity epidemic effectively.

Integrated immediate postmortem and acute bereavement care: Competency-based entrustable professional activities for nursing

BackgroundIntegrated immediate postmortem and acute bereavement care alleviates emotional distress due to losing a loved one; however, the provision of effective nursing care remains insufficient. Therefore, preparing nursing students with such skills is essential in end-of-life care education, and entrustable professional activities (EPAs) offer potential to address this gap. ObjectivesTo establish EPAs concerning immediate postmortem and acute bereavement care with a seven-category description for EPAs, milestones, and assessment tools. DesignWe used a modified Delphi method and four-step consensus-building approach to i) identifying the list of possible EPA items related to immediate postmortem and acute bereavement care based on a literature review and clinical experiences, ii) select an expert panel, iii) pool, review, and revise the EPAs, and iv) validate EPA quality using the Queen's EPA Quality rubric. Data analysis was performed via modes and quartile deviations. ResultsThe following four major EPA components were identified: i) cultural and religious ritual assessment; ii) death preparation; iii) postmortem care; and iv) acute bereavement care. Three essential competencies were identified as highly correlated: general clinical skills, communication and teamwork capabilities, and caring. Consensus was achieved after three survey rounds. A 100 % questionnaire response rate was obtained. In the third round, all items received 4 or 5 points from >95 % of the panel members and were found to meet the quartile deviation cutoff score of <0.6, indicating that a high consensus level was established. The average Queen's EPA Quality rubric score was 62.5, with an average item score of 4.46, which was higher than the cut-off score of 4.07. Three major parts of EPAs were developed: task descriptions, milestones, and the assessment tool. ConclusionThe development of EPAs assessments concerning immediate postmortem and acute bereavement care may guide nursing curricula planning to bridge the gap between competencies and clinical practice.

The System Architecture of Intelligent Student Relationship Management Based on Cognitive Technology with Conversational Agent for Enhancing Student’s Loyalty in Higher Education

This paper presents the conceptual framework, value chain model and the system architecture of intelligent student relationship management based on cognitive technology with conversational agent for enhancing student&amp;rsquo;s loyalty in higher education. The purposes were to synthesize the conceptual framework and apply it to develop the value chain model and the system architecture of intelligent student relationship management based on cognitive technology with conversational agent for enhancing student&amp;rsquo;s loyalty in higher education and assess the developed value chain model and system architecture. The questionnaire was employed as the instrument to assess and certify the value chain model and the system architecture by the experts. The 5 point-Likert scale was used to identify the level of agreement of the value chain model and system architecture certification assessment. The instrument was verified by five experts using content validity index (CVI). After that, the value chain model and the system architecture were verified based on the consensus assessments of seventeen experts using mean, standard deviation (S.D.), median, interquartile range and quartile deviation. The results revealed that the experts had a consensus on the value chain model developed based on the conceptual framework (Mean = 4.89, S.D. = 0.27, Median = 5, Interquartile Range: I.R. = 0.00, Quartile Deviation: Q.D. = 0.00). They also had a consensus to approve the system architecture developed based on the value chain model (Mean = 4.70, S.D. = 0.55, Median = 5, Interquartile Range: I.R. = 1.00, Quartile Deviation: Q.D. = 0.50).

Identifying priority interventions using the Behaviour Change Wheel to improve public primary school food environments in urban South Africa

BackgroundIn South Africa, overweight and obesity affects 13% of children and 17% of adolescents. School food environments play a vital role in dietary behaviours and resulting obesity rates. Interventions targeting schools can be effective if evidence-based and context relevant. There are substantial gaps in policy and implementation of government strategies to promote healthy nutrition environments. The aim of this study was to identify priority interventions to improve school food environments in urban South Africa using the Behaviour Change Wheel model. MethodsA multiphased secondary analysis of individual interviews with 25 primary school staff was undertaken. First, we identified risk factors influencing school food environments using MAXQDA software; then deductively coded these using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behaviour model, which informs the Behaviour Change Wheel framework. To identify evidence-based interventions, we used the NOURISHING framework and matched interventions to risk factors. Last, interventions were prioritised through a Delphi survey, administered to stakeholders (n=38) representing health, education, food service, and not-for-profit sectors. Consensus for priority interventions was defined as an intervention being either somewhat or very important and feasible, with high level of agreement (quartile deviation ≤0·5). FindingsWe identified 21 interventions to improve school food environments. Of these, seven were endorsed as important and feasible to enable school stakeholders’, policy makers’, and children's capability, motivation, and opportunity of having healthier foods within schools. Prioritised interventions targeted a range of protective and risk factors, including issues of affordability and availability of unhealthy foods within school premises. As such, top priority interventions included (1) regulations on what kinds of foods can be sold at schools; (2) compulsory, child-friendly warning labels on unhealthy foods; and (3) training of school staff through workshops and discussions to improve school nutrition environment. InterpretationThis is the first study to use the Behaviour Change Wheel and stakeholder engagement to identify intervention priorities to improve food environments in South African schools. Prioritisation of evidence-based, feasible, and important interventions that are underpinned by behaviour change theories is an important step towards enhanced policy making and resource allocation to effectively tackle South Africa's childhood obesity epidemic. FundingThis research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR; grant number 16/137/34) using UK Aid from the UK Government to support global health research. AE, PK, TR-P, SG, and KJH are supported by the SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science–PRICELESS SA (grant number 23108).

Long-term results of kidney transplantation in patients with familial mediterranean fever.

Long-term kidney transplantation (KT) results in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)-related amyloidosis are not well studied. This study reviewed the long-term survival outcomes of FMF patients who underwent KT. We compared the outcomes of 31 patients who underwent (KT) for biopsy-proven amyloidosis secondary to FMF with 31 control patients (five with diabetes mellitus and 26 with nondiabetic kidney disease) undergoing KT between 1994 and 2021 at Başkent University Hospital. All data were recorded retrospectively from patients' files. THE MEDIAN AGE (QUARTILE DEVIATION: QD) at the time of KT in the FMF and control group were 31 (6.7) and 33 (11), respectively. The median follow-up period (QD) after KT was 108 (57) months in the FMF and 132 (72) months in the control group. In the FMF group, graft and patient survivals were 71% and 84% at 5 years and 45% and 48% at 10 years, respectively. In the control group, graft and patient survivals were 79% and 100% at 5 years and 63% and 71% at 10 years, respectively. Patient survival in the FMF group at 5 years was significantly lower than in the control group (p=.045). There was no statistically significant difference between the FMF and control groups in terms of graft and patient survival, and serum creatinine levels at 10 years. All patients were given triple immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. Three patients received anakinra and one received canakinumab in addition to colchicine treatment. One FMF patient also underwent heart transplantation due to AA amyloidosis. Of the FMF patients, 11 died during follow-up. We have found that the long-term outcome of KT in patients with FMF amyloidosis is numerically worse but not statistically different from the control group. However, short- and long-term complications still need to be resolved.

An efficient class of regression estimators using conventional measures

The study suggests a class of regression type estimators for estimating the population mean when there exist either a positive or negative correlation between a study and auxiliary variable. The auxiliary attributes have been used in the form of the standard deviation, coefficient of kurtosis, mean deviation, quartile deviation, median and 10th decile. The bias and mean squared error has studied up to the first order of approximation. A comparison is made both theoretically and numerically with some existing regression estimators. It is observed that the suggested class of estimators provides more reliable and efficient results than others.

Prioridades de políticas de salud. Encuentro SESPAS en la XXXIII Escuela de Salud Pública de Menorca

ObjectiveIn September 2022, the Sociedad Española de Salud Pública y Administración Sanitaria (SESPAS) brought together a panel of experts with the aim of defining and prioritizing health policy proposals, from the perspective of the Spanish State as a whole, to adapt the National Health System (NHS) to current risks and to contemporary/present-day society. MethodExpert meeting structured using a mix of procedures adapted from brainstorming, nominal group and Rand consensus method techniques. Relevance and feasibility of proposals identified were assessed individually by each panelist. Proposals were then ordered thematically and ranked according to the median and quartile deviation of relevance scores. ResultsPanelists identified and prioritized several proposals in different areas: governance and funding of the NHS, reform of the portfolio of services and benefits and of the NHS human resources, public health and health policy, actions against inequality and poverty, and healthcare delivery reform, including socio-sanitary, primary and end-of-life care. ConclusionsThe results of the meeting show the urgent need to address in-depth changes in many state-wide health policies, including a major reconfiguration of governance, public health, and health care structures. They also point out potential areas of improvement, constituting a tentative guide of prioritized issues to be addressed.

The benefits of measuring the size and number of lipoprotein particles for cardiovascular risk prediction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveCardiovascular risk (CVR) is conventionally calculated by measuring the total cholesterol content of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the CVR associated with LDL and HDL particle size and number as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Material and methodsA literature search was performed using the electronic databases MEDLINE and Scopus. All cohort and case–control studies published before January 1, 2019 that met the following inclusion criteria were included: HDL-P, LDL-P, HDL-Z and/or LDL-Z measured by NMR spectroscopy; cardiovascular event as an outcome variable; risk of cardiovascular events expressed as odds ratios or hazard ratios; only adult patients. A meta-analysis was performed for each exposure variable (4 for LDL and 5 for HDL) and for each exposure measure (highest versus lowest quartile and 1-standard deviation increment). ResultsThis review included 24 studies. Number of LDL particles was directly associated with CVR: risk increased by 28% with each standard deviation increment. LDL particle size was inversely and significantly associated with CVR: each standard deviation increment corresponded to an 8% risk reduction. CVR increased by 12% with each standard deviation increase in number of small LDL particles. HD, particle number and size were inversely associated with CVR. ConclusionLarger particle size provided greater protection, although this relationship was inconsistent between studies. Larger number of LDL particles and smaller LDL particle size are associated with increased CVR. Risk decreases with increasing number and size of HDL particles.

Validation of response processes in medical assessment using an explanatory item response model

Response process validation is a crucial source of test validity. The expected cognitive load scale was created based on the reflection of the mental effort by which borderline students solve an item defined by experts. The stem length affects the students' extraneous cognitive load. The purposes of this study were to develop an exam for medical students and corroborate the response process validity by analyzing the correlation between the expected cognitive load, stem length, and the difficulty. This was a correlational study. Five medical teachers as the experts and 183 third-year medical students were enrolled from the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand. The instruments used were a medical physiology exam and a three-level expected cognitive load evaluation form judged by medical teachers. Data were analyzed using an explanatory item response model. The test consists of 20 items and 21 possible scores. The median score was 8, with a quartile deviation of 1.5. Nine items had long stems (more than two lines). Sixteen items were judged as high (level 2 or 3) expected cognitive load. When adding the expected cognitive load in a Rasch model, the expected cognitive load significantly correlated with item difficulty. In the Rasch model that included both the expected cognitive load and stem length, a long stem had a greater effect on item difficulty than low expected cognitive load. However, the Rasch model showed the best fit. The long stem had a stronger correlation with test difficulty than expected cognitive load, which indirectly implied response process validity. We suggest incorporating stem length and expected cognitive load to create an appropriate distribution of the difficulty of the entire test.

Effects of Variations in the Chemical Composition of Individual Rice Grains on the Eating Quality of Hybrid Indica Rice Based on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

The chemical composition of individual hybrid rice (F2) varieties varies owing to genetic differences between parental lines, and the effects of these differences on eating quality are unclear. In this study, based on a self-developed near-infrared spectroscopy platform, we explored these effects among a set of 143 hybrid indica rice varieties with different eating qualities. The single-grain amylose content (SGAC) and single-grain protein content (SGPC) models were established with coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.9064 and 0.8847, respectively, and the dispersion indicators (standard deviation, variance, extreme deviation, quartile deviation, and coefficient of variation) were proposed to analyze the variations in the SGAC and SGPC based on the predicted results. Our correlation analysis found that the higher the variation in the SGAC and SGPC, the lower the eating quality of the hybrid indica rice. Moreover, the addition of the dispersion indicators of the SGAC and SGPC improved the R2 of the eating quality model constructed using the composition-related physicochemical indicators (amylose content, protein content, alkali-spreading value, and gel consistency) from 0.657 to 0.850. Therefore, this new method proved to be useful for identifying high-eating-quality hybrid indica rice based on single near-infrared spectroscopy prior to processing and cooking.