Reliable Measurement Research Articles

Predicción de lectura en instrumento patrón para una empresa de metrología a través de un dashboard empleando algoritmos de regresión

Nowadays, metrology has employed advanced techniques such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things and data analysis, all with the aim of accurately and precisely measuring different physical magnitudes. All this is known today as metrology 4.0, which has as its main objective to ensure the reliability and accuracy of measurements in fields such as industry. In this context, a web application is proposed for a company dedicated to the calibration of instruments, in which regression algorithms are applied for prediction in their calibration instruments. This will not only provide better quality and more reliable results to customers, but will also optimize the company's processes and improve the efficiency of decision making related to instrument calibration. It is expected that, through the use of regression algorithms, the company will predict when the standard instrument will give bad readings. This will make it possible to send the instrument for calibration in advance, avoiding errors and guaranteeing measurement accuracy. Although concrete results are not yet available, a significant improvement in the accuracy and reliability of predictions is anticipated, as well as in the company's operational efficiency.

2D Echocardiographic aortic root dimensions and longitudinal analysis with artificial intelligence using an open dataset from a UK-wide collaborative

Abstract Background Surveillance of aortic dimensions requires reproducible measurements, and knowledge of the rate of progression in those with dilatation. Purpose To develop an open machine-learning method for measuring the aortic root and proximal ascending aorta on echocardiograms, validate it through a multi-expert panel from the Unity UK Echocardiography AI Collaborative, and applying the AI to derive the rate of progression in historical databases. Methods The neural network was trained on 1478 parasternal long-axis images. Each image was labelled with key points for the aortic annulus, sinus and sinotubular junction, and proximal ascending aorta dimensions. Labels accommodated inner-to-inner and leading-to-leading conventions. For validation, the end-diastolic and mid-systolic images were identified (accommodating different guidelines recommendations) from 100 studies, and 10 expert echocardiographers made the aortic measurements. The consensus of experts defined the reference standard, and the variation between individual experts defined the acceptable variation for the AI. The AI was then applied to 724 echocardiograms of 102 patients under surveillance spanning 12 years (ranging from 4 to 17 scans per patient) without intervention. Training data labels and networks are made freely available on our project website. Results The median absolute deviations between the AI and the expert consensus ranged from 0.06cm to 0.17cm across the 16 measurements. For the individual expert opinions this was from 0.08cm to 0.19cm. For 7/16 measurements, there was no statistically significant difference between the AI deviation and the individual-expert deviation. The AI’s confidence level was a useful indicator of the reliability of the AI measure. For the top 9 deciles of AI confidence level, the AI measurements had significantly smaller deviations than the individual experts. The rates of progression averaged across the three aortic measurements was 2.0 mm/decade (95% CI 1.0 to 3.0; p =0.007). Conclusion Expert consensus can be used to both define the reference standard and also the range of acceptable deviation from consensus. Overall, the AI performs similarly to experts and more importantly, provides an automated estimate of confidence. The validated AI is consistent over time, and when applied retrospectively to patients with dilated aortic roots, found the rate of progression was more rapid than in previously reported healthy patients. This approach could be applied generally in developing medical AI to not only make reproducible measurements but to automate large scale longitudinal studies with little input, and ultimately serves as a useful research and clinical tool.Figure: AI(red) vs Expert (blue)Table: AIDeviations from Consensus

Novel analysis of alignment error on spherical Fizeau interferometer and uncertainty evaluation of sphericity calibration system based on random ball test

The National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) has developed a high-precision sphericity calibration system utilizing a Fizeau interferometer and conducted a thorough evaluation of the system's measurement uncertainty. Generally, there are two principal sources of uncertainty in the measurement outcomes when utilizing a spherical Fizeau interferometer. First, the accuracy of the system is significantly influenced by the prior knowledge of the reference sphere surface's absolute profile. To address this, the study established a straightforward yet effective calibration system for the reference sphere surface using a random ball test method. Second, the system's precision is affected by misalignment aberration, which occurs when there is any lateral or longitudinal displacement of the test sphere from the confocal position relative to the reference sphere. This misalignment can introduce both high-order shape errors (misalignment aberrations) and low-order shape errors (alignment errors). Through analytical consideration of an observation coordinate system on the camera plane, this study delves into misalignment aberrations, suggesting that the impact of misalignment should be determined experimentally for each reference sphere unit due to potential imperfections that may be revealed by misalignment. Furthermore, the study proposes that uncertainties related to misalignment aberrations are theoretically confirmed to be smaller than previous studies by conducting an in-depth uncertainty analysis of the misalignment, with a focus on the observation coordinate system on the camera plane. Notably, the research demonstrates that a measurement uncertainty level of λ/100 is achievable, maintaining a broader tolerance for misalignment than previously reported studies. The uncertainty of calibration of the reference sphere unit's absolute profile was 4.2 nm and the uncertainty of sample measurement was determined to be 4.6 nm with misalignment tolerance of ±λ/10. This advancement marks a stride toward improving the accuracy and reliability of sphericity measurements, offering potential for widespread application in precision engineering and metrology.

Psychometric Assessment of the Temporal Bisection Task with Discrete and Continuous Response Formats

Abstract The temporal bisection task has long been used to study time perception as well as measure individual differences in time perception ability. The task involves training participants on short and long reference durations before presenting intermediate durations and asking participants to classify them as ‘short’ or ‘long’. However, there is little information about how well the bisection task measures individual differences in timing ability. To bridge this gap, we assessed the psychometric properties of measures obtained from a classic temporal bisection task: Weber ratio and percent correct. Because measures with binary responses tend to require many trials to reach adequate reliability, we also assessed the psychometric properties of a modified bisection task which used a continuous response format. In this task, participants represented intermediate durations on a visual analogue scale. Estimation error was used as the outcome measure. Participants (n = 46) completed the classic and modified bisection tasks twice across two sessions approximately one week apart. The modified bisection task had excellent internal consistency and test–retest reliability, while the classic task had fair to good internal consistency and good test–retest reliability. Overall, estimation error had the highest reliability, followed by percent correct, and then Weber ratio. In terms of validity, there was excellent convergent validity between the classic and modified bisection tasks. As an exploratory analysis, we assessed how the number of trials affected the reliability of each outcome measure across the two tasks. Based on this, we make recommendations on how to optimize reliability for both tasks in future research.

Adverse Childhood Experiences in Parental History and how they Relate to Subsequent Observed Parent–Child Interaction: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in parental history have been associated with higher self-reported rates of negative parenting behaviors and lower self-reported rates of positive parenting behaviors. Further research is needed to explore the association between parental ACEs and the observed parent–child interaction quality. Parent–child interactions are a potential pathway behind the continuity of ACEs across generations. Objective This review aimed to expand on existing literature by synthesizing evidence on the associations between parental ACEs and parent–child interactions, assessed through videotaped observations, the gold standard for interaction assessment. Methods A systematic literature search conducted in October 2022 in Medline, EMBASE, and PsycInfo identified twenty-four articles. The studies assessed parental childhood adversity and the quality of parent–child interaction across high- and low-risk samples. Results In 79% of studies, higher rates of childhood adversity were related to lower quality of observed parent–child interaction. Childhood abuse and neglect were linked to fewer positive and more negative parenting behaviors. Among household challenges, only witnessing family violence negatively impacted interaction quality. In 58% of studies, ACEs directly influenced interaction, while in 21% this effect was mediated by other factors. This pattern held across different sample types. Conclusions The evidence suggesting a relationship between parental ACEs and lower quality of parent–child interaction is robust, given the reliability and validity of observational measures. Considering the influence of the quality of parent–child interaction on a child’s development, interventions and prevention programs focusing on parent–child interaction should consider screening for parental ACEs.

Reliability of 24-hours measurement of physical activity, sleep and sedentary time in adult patients with asthma using a triaxial accelerometer

Physical activity (PA), sleep and sedentary time (SST) are important outcomes to monitor and to improve as part of patients’ asthma management. This study aimed to assess the number of measurement days needed to reliably measure PA and SST. Secondly, the influence of external factors on the reliability of measuring PA and SST was studied. Adult patients with stable asthma were asked to wear a triaxial accelerometer for at least four days, with at least 22.5 hours of wear time per day. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) between different number of measurement days were used to determine reliability. Values ≥0.75 indicated good reliability. Data from 452 patients were analyzed (63% women; age: 49 ± 16 years; FEV1: 87 ± 17% predicted). PA could reliably be measured with four valid measurement days, (ICC 0.761). For SST, three days were needed (ICC 0.778). In summer and autumn three days were needed to reliably measure PA, in winter four, in spring six. For SST, five days were needed in spring for good reliability, and two in all other seasons. Based on data from four valid days, PA and SST can reliably be measured with an accelerometer in patients with asthma. Seasonal influences are present, especially during spring. When measuring for four days, using only weekdays or three weekdays and one weekend day is recommended. The degree of asthma control, dyspnea or spirometric values did not influence the reliability.

Contribution of body adiposity index and conicity index in prediction of metabolic syndrome risk and components

Background and aimsBody adiposity index (BAI) and conicity index have been known as useful measures in predicting cardio-metabolic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive potential of BAI and conicity index for the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in comparison with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist-hip ratio (WHR). MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 174 adults (87 with MetS and 87 healthy individuals) were recruited from a medical weight loss center. Anthropometric parameters, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SDP and DBP), lipid profile, and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were measured. ResultsAll anthropometric parameters were significantly higher in subjects with MetS than in healthy subjects. Both in MetS and healthy subjects, females had significantly higher BAI and BMI than males. In the fully adjusted model, the odds of MetS increased for each unit increase in BAI by 27 % (p = 0.001), in BMI by 33 % (p = 0.001), in WC by 13 % (p < 0.001), and in HC by 9 % (p = 0.005). ROC curve analysis showed that all the anthropometric parameters displayed clinical importance in predicting MetS, but WHR had the largest area under the curve (AUC) in total, male, and female patients. In participants with MetS, the conicity index was negatively correlated with FBS; BAI was positively associated with HDL level. ConclusionAll studied anthropometric parameters had acceptable accuracy for predicting MetS. Traditional parameters, particularly the WHR, exhibited a higher predictive power concerning MetS. The results underscore the reliability of conventional anthropometric measures in clinical and epidemiological settings.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Derived Psoas Muscle Area and Survival in Patients Treated Invasively for Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Psoas muscle parameters estimated from computed tomography images, as surrogates for sarcopenia, have been found to be associated with post-interventional outcomes after a wide range of cardiovascular procedures. The pre-interventional assessment in patients undergoing invasive treatment for peripheral arterial disease is increasingly often carried out with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and we therefore sought to investigate the predictive potential of MRI-derived psoas muscle area in this cohort. A total of 899 patients with available sufficient quality pre-interventional MRI conducted within 6 months prior to treatment undergoing open, endovascular, or hybrid revascularization procedures for claudication and/or limb-threatening ischemia at Tampere University hospital between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively studied in this single-center cohort study. The follow-up lasted until 17 June 2021. Psoas muscle areas were measured from the magnetic resonance images at the L4 level, and the reliability of muscle parameter measurements was tested with intraclass correlation coefficient analysis. The average psoas muscle area values (mean of left and right psoas surface areas) were z-scored and analyzed separately for men and women. The median follow-up time was 5.9 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 2.7-7.8), and the overall mortality count was 259 (28.8%) (29.5% n = 168/569 for men and 27.6% n = 91/330 for women). The intraclass correlation coefficient analysis showed excellent interrater reliability for psoas muscle measurements. The muscle surface areas were larger in men (mean = 7.58 cm2) compared to women (mean = 5.27 cm2) (p < 0.001). Higher psoas muscle area was associated with better survival in women (p = 0.003, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.6-0.9 per 1 SD), whereas in men, an independent association of the muscle parameter with mortality was not found. MRI-derived psoas muscle area may be a prognostic factor for clinical use.

The h-faulty-block connectivity of k-ary n-cubes

Abstract The connectivity of a network is an important indicator for assessing its reliability and fault tolerability. However, currently various kinds of connectivity do not well reflect the network’s fault tolerance when facing certain attacks such as Botnet attacks, DDoS attacks, and Local Area Network Denial attacks. Therefore, Lin et al. (A novel measurement for network reliability. IEEE Trans Comput 2021; 70: 17191731.) proposed a new measurement for network reliability. This measurement method can resist the block attack by taking into account of the dispersity of the remaining nodes. Let $G$ be a network, $C \subset V(G)$, and $G[C]$ be a connected subgraph. Then $C$ is called an $h$-faulty-block of $G$ if $G-C$ is disconnected, and every component of $G-C$ has at least $h+1$ nodes. The minimum cardinality over all $h$-faulty-block of $G$ is called $h$-faulty-block connectivity, denoted by $FB_{k_{h}}(G)$. In this paper, we determine $FB_{k_{h}}(Q_{n}^{k})$ for $k$-ary $n$-cube $Q_{n}^{k}$ ($k\geq 3$), a classic interconnection network. We prove that $FB_{k_{0}}(Q_{n}^{3})=3n-1$, $FB_{k_{1}}(Q_{n}^{3})=5n-4$, and $FB_{k_{2}}(Q_{n}^{3})=7n-9$ for $n\geq 3$. Also, we show that $FB_{k_{0}}(Q_{n}^{k})=4n-1$ for $k\geq 4$ and $n\geq 2$, $FB_{k_{1}}(Q_{n}^{4})=6n-4$ for $n\geq 3$, $FB_{k_{1}}(Q_{n}^{k})=6n-3$ for $k\geq 5$ and $n\geq 3$, $FB_{k_{2}}(Q_{n}^{4})=8n-7$ for $n\geq 4$, $FB_{k_{2}}(Q_{n}^{5})=8n-6$ for $n\geq 4$, and $FB_{k_{2}}(Q_{n}^{k})=8n-5$ for $k\geq 6$ and $n\geq 5$.

The good, the bad and the ugly: What do we really do when we identify the best and the worst organisations?

Identifying high and poorly performing organisations is common practice in healthcare. Often this is done within a frequentist inferential framework where statistical techniques are used that acknowledge that observed performance...

Measuring Exercise Self-Efficacy After Stroke: Validity and Reliability of Current Measures.

Many physically capable stroke survivors are insufficiently active, with low self-efficacy considered an important contributor. However, validity and reliability of self-efficacy measures in stroke survivors have not been established. This research aims to evaluate the test-retest reliability and construct validity of 3 self-efficacy measures: Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEE), Spinal Cord Injury Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (SCI-ESES), and Participation Strategies Self-Efficacy Scale (PS-SES). A repeated measures study with community-dwelling, independently mobile adult stroke survivors (n=51, mean age 74years, 45% female, median 22months poststroke) was completed. Test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analyses. Construct validity was assessed using 8 pre-determined hypotheses concerning physical activity level (subjective and objective), comorbidities, work and volunteering, and measures of function. Retest reliability was established for the SEE (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC=0.77) and PS-SES (ICC=0.78) but not for the SCI-ESES (ICC=0.68). Bland-Altman analysis showed participants consistently scored higher on the second test for all measures. The SEE achieved construct validity by meeting 75% of hypotheses, whereas the PS-SES and SCI-ESES did not. Self-efficacy was positively related to steps/day, functional capacity, self-reported activity levels, and work or volunteering participation. The SEE was found to be the most appropriate tool to measure exercise self-efficacy in independently mobile chronic stroke survivors in terms of retest reliability and validity. N/A. for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 "Espernberger-JNPT-Video-Abstract," available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A489).

Mapping the reliability multiverse of contextual cuing.

Cronbach (1957) famously noted the divergence between the experimental and psychometric traditions in psychology and called for a unification, but many domains of cognitive experimental psychology continue to pay minimal heed to basic psychometric principles. The present article considers the lack of attention devoted to the reliability of measures extracted in a popular visual search task for studying putatively unconscious mental processes, contextual cuing, and the inferential fallacies that this neglect can cause. Two experiments (total N = 200) demonstrated that the reliability of contextual cuing and awareness measures can be increased by three manipulations designed to increase between-participant variability in search performance. At the same time, the data were subjected to a multiverse analysis, which found that specific data preprocessing pipelines result in more reliable estimates. Nevertheless, the reliability estimates remained too low for drawing firm conclusions from standard statistical techniques. Interpreting results from analyses based on individual differences, such as the typical low correlations between implicit and explicit measures, will be challenging so long as the underlying measures have poor reliability. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A (sub)field guide to quality control in hippocampal subfield segmentation on high-resolution T2-weighted MRI.

Inquiries into properties of brain structure and function have progressed due to developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To sustain progress in investigating and quantifying neuroanatomical details in vivo, the reliability and validity of brain measurements are paramount. Quality control (QC) is a set of procedures for mitigating errors and ensuring the validity and reliability of brain measurements. Despite its importance, there is little guidance on best QC practices and reporting procedures. The study of hippocampal subfields in vivo is a critical case for QC because of their small size, inter-dependent boundary definitions, and common artifacts in the MRI data used for subfield measurements. We addressed this gap by surveying the broader scientific community studying hippocampal subfields on their views and approaches to QC. We received responses from 37 investigators spanning 10 countries, covering different career stages, and studying both healthy and pathological development and aging. In this sample, 81% of researchers considered QC to be very important or important, and 19% viewed it as fairly important. Despite this, only 46% of researchers reported on their QC processes in prior publications. In many instances, lack of reporting appeared due to ambiguous guidance on relevant details and guidance for reporting, rather than absence of QC. Here, we provide recommendations for correcting errors to maximize reliability and minimize bias. We also summarize threats to segmentation accuracy, review common QC methods, and make recommendations for best practices and reporting in publications. Implementing the recommended QC practices will collectively improve inferences to the larger population, as well as have implications for clinical practice and public health.

Reduction in Optical Feedback Noise of Atomic Force Microscopy by High-Frequency Current Modulation

Introduction: With the advancement of technology, nanotechnology has emerged as a prominent research field. The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) serves as a vital tool in nanoscience and technology, playing an indispensable role across various domains. Method: However, in the AFM photoelectric sensing system, the optical feedback noise from the beam deflection method can lead to inaccuracies in signal identification and analysis, impacting the accuracy and reliability of AFM measurements. To mitigate this interference, this study proposes a highfrequency current superposition system aimed at reducing optical feedback noise. By superimposing high-frequency currents, the semiconductor laser transitions from a single-mode to a multi-mode operational state, thereby altering its mode of operation and consequently reducing optical feedback noise during sensing. Initially, mathematical modeling and simulation analysis were conducted on the high-frequency current superposition noise reduction system to examine the impact of high-frequency current on the intensity noise of the semiconductor laser. Subsequently, the design of the high-frequency current superposition noise reduction system was outlined, encompassing the development of a constant current drive circuit, a voltage-controlled oscillator circuit, and a biasing circuit. Finally, the high-frequency current superposition noise reduction system underwent testing. Results: During the high-frequency current superposition noise reduction test, the system's Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) increased from 15.57 dB to 17.81 dB, and the system's noise peak-to-peak value decreased from 8 mV to 6 mV. Analysis of the superposition frequency and noise reduction effect determined the optimal superposition frequency of the AFM photoelectric sensor system to be 400 MHz. Characterization experiments of the high-frequency superposition noise reduction system compared the clarity of Escherichia coli images before and after noise reduction. Conclusion: The aforementioned experimental results demonstrated that high-frequency current superposition is an effective noise reduction method capable of mitigating optical noise in the AFM photoelectric sensing system.

행동기준 평정척도(BARS)를 적용한 대학생 핵심역량 측정도구 개발 및 타당화 연구: D대학의 의사소통역량을 중심으로

Objectives This study attempted to develop the core competency’s measurement tool and secure its validity by focusing on the D University’s communication capabilities and applying the behaviorally anchored rating scale based on experiences or behaviors closely related to students’ university education and life. Methods This study applied appropriate research methods according to a six-step’s systematic research procedure, including core competency analysis and competency modeling, analysis of behavioral characteristics of excellent students through FGI for professors and BEI for students, development of core competency’s measurement tool through expert council, validation through expert delphi survey, pilot test and analysis, and finalizations stage of system, definition, and measurement tool. Results The research results are as follows. First, the core competency’s system and definition with a high consistent were derived through a systematic competency modeling process. Second, the behavioral characteristics of hyperformers(high-performing students) were analyzed through interview with professors and students and reflected in the behaviorally anchored rating scale. Third, the core competency’s measurement tool(draft) with a high consistent were confirmed. Fourth, a core competency measurement tool(revised version) was tentatively derived by verifying its validity through two expert delphi surveys. Fifth, a pilot test was conducted to improve effectiveness of the core competency’s measurement tool, and reliability and validity were secured. Sixth, the finalizations stage was completed, and the system, definition, and measurement tool of core competencies were confirmed. Conclusions By developing a core competency’s measurement tool based on the behaviorally anchored rating scale focusing on D University’s communication capabilities and then revealing the process of securing reliability and validity, It could play a significant role in suggesting alternative methods to objectively measure the core competencies of each university.

Test-Retest Reliability of Dynamic Subjective Visual Vertical and Visual Dependency in Older Adults Using Virtual Reality Methods.

The perception of verticality is formed through the integration of multisensory gravitational information, including somatosensory, visual, and vestibular inputs. Older adults exhibit visual dependency (VD) as they rely more on visual information to compensate for reduced somatosensory and vertical perception. Increased VD is associated with falls, and the dynamic subjective visual vertical (SVV) is used to assess VD. However, the measurement reliability of dynamic SVV and VD using virtual reality (VR), which has garnered considerable attention in recent years, remains unclear. Therefore, our purpose in this study was to assess the test-retest reliability of dynamic SVVs and VDs using a VR method. We evaluated static and dynamic SVV of 40 older adults using a smartphone-based VR system (SVR-SVV). Dynamic SVV consisted of numerous spheres on the background rotating clockwise (CW-SVV) or counterclockwise (CCW-SVV). Each SVV measurement consisted of one set of 10 trials. VD was calculated as the mean value of dynamic SVV minus the mean values of static SVV. A re-test was conducted after one week. Reliability was analyzed using Bland-Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 2, k) for each SVV measure. We observed no systematic bias in any of the SVV values, which were 0.1° (SD = 2.8°), 13.3° (SD = 8.3°), -12.8° (SD = 6.9°), and 15.7° (SD = 8.1°) for static SVV, CW-SVV, CCW-SVV, and VD, respectively. Test-retest reliability was good for static SVV (ICC = .817, p < .001), CW-SVV (ICC = .896, p < .001) and excellent for CCW-SVV (ICC = .914, p < .001), VD (ICC = .937, p < .001). The dynamic SVV and VD measurements using SVR-SVV demonstrated good test-retest reliability. Moreover, the SVR-SVV is more portable than conventional methods, making it highly useful in clinical practice.

Blood Pressure on Ambulatory Monitoring and Risk for Cardiovascular Disease and All-cause Mortality: Ecological Validity or Measurement Reliability?

The association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is stronger for mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) estimated using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) versus office measurements. Determining whether this is due to ABPM providing more measurement reliability or greater ecological validity can inform its use. We estimated the association of mean SBP based on 2 office measurements and 2, 5, 10, and 20 measurements on ABPM with incident CVD in the Jackson Heart Study (n=773). Hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD were estimated per standard deviation higher mean SBP. CVD events were defined by incident fatal or non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or fatal coronary heart disease. There were 80 CVD events over a median 15 years. The adjusted HRs for incident CVD were 1.03 (95%CI: 0.90-1.19) for mean office SBP and 1.30 (95%CI: 1.12-1.50), 1.34 (95%CI: 1.15-1.56), 1.36 (95%CI: 1.17-1.59), and 1.38 (95%CI: 1.17-1.63) for mean SBP using the first 2, 5, 10 and 20 ABPM readings. The difference in the HRs for incident CVD ranged from 0.26 (95%CI: 0.07-0.46) to 0.35 (95%CI: 0.15-0.54) when comparing mean office SBP versus 2, 5, 10, or 20 sequential ABPM readings. The association with incident CVD was also stronger for mean SBP based on 2, 5, 10, and 20 randomly-selected ABPM readings versus 2 office readings. Mean SBP based on two ABPM readings versus two office measurements had a stronger association with CVD events. The increase in the strength of the association with more ABPM readings was small.

Teledermatology: an evidence map of systematic reviews

BackgroundAlthough the number of teledermatology studies is increasing, not all variables have been researched in equal depth, so there remains a lack of robust evidence for some teledermatology initiatives. This review describes the landscape of teledermatology research and identifies knowledge gaps and research needs. This evidence map can be used to inform clinicians about the current knowledge about teledermatology and guide researchers for future studies.MethodsOur evidence map was conducted according to the Campbell Collaboration checklist for evidence and gap maps. Eight databases were searched (CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, and OpenGray), and only included systematic reviews of teledermatology involving humans published in English; while excluding non-systematic reviews (i.e., abstracts, conference proceedings, editorials, commentaries, or letters). From 909 records, 14 systematic reviews published between 2004 and 2022 were included. Our analysis focused on the systematic reviews’ characteristics, dermatological conditions studied, rate of overlap and quality assessment of primary studies reviewed, and main findings reported.ResultsTeledermatology was reportedly comparable with clinic dermatology and generally accepted by patients as a mode of care delivery for dermatological conditions. However, there are concerns about privacy, communication, completeness of information transmitted, familiarity with the technology, and technical problems. Healthcare professionals were generally satisfied with teledermatology but found telemedicine consultations longer than face-to-face consultations, and less confident in asynchronous teledermatology than conventional consultations. Teledermatology was reportedly more cost-effective than clinic dermatology; especially considering the distance traveled by patients, referral volume to teledermatology, and clinic dermatology costs. Although patients and providers are satisfied with teledermatology, face-to-face dermatology has higher diagnostic and management accuracy. Teledermatology was also used for training medical professionals. Regarding the validity and reliability of teledermatology outcome measures, no significant discussions were found.ConclusionsCOVID-19 spotlighted telemedicine in clinical care, and we must ensure telemedicine continually improves with robust research. Further research is necessary for establishing a standardized outcome set, enhancing accuracy, concordance, cost-effectiveness, and safety, comparing teledermatology with non-dermatologist care, examining its effectiveness in non-Western low and middle-income countries, and incorporating patient involvement for improved study design.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.researchregistry.com/ (Unique Identifying Number: reviewregistry878).

Emergency Detection in Smart Homes Using Inactivity Score for Handling Uncertain Sensor Data

In an aging society, the need for efficient emergency detection systems in smart homes is becoming increasingly important. For elderly people living alone, technical solutions for detecting emergencies are essential to receiving help quickly when needed. Numerous solutions already exist based on wearable or ambient sensors. However, existing methods for emergency detection typically assume that sensor data are error-free and contain no false positives, which cannot always be guaranteed in practice. Therefore, we present a novel method for detecting emergencies in private households that detects unusually long inactivity periods and can process erroneous or uncertain activity information. We introduce the Inactivity Score, which provides a probabilistic weighting of inactivity periods based on the reliability of sensor measurements. By analyzing historical Inactivity Scores, anomalies that potentially represent an emergency can be identified. The proposed method is compared with four related approaches on seven different datasets. Our method surpasses existing approaches when considering the number of false positives and the mean time to detect emergencies. It achieves an average detection time of approximately 05:23:28 h with only 0.09 false alarms per day under noise-free conditions. Moreover, unlike related approaches, the proposed method remains effective with noisy data.

Accurate Technique for the Calibration of High-Voltage Capacitance and Dissipation Factor Bridges up to 1 kHz

This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for the precise calibration of high-voltage capacitance and dissipation factor (DF) bridges. The technique involves meticulous adjustments using a digital high-precision phase and ratio-measuring system to determine correction factors for DF and capacitance measurements. Unlike other methods that are limited to a narrow range, this approach allows calibration across the entire operational working spectrum of any bridge. While the method has been developed up to 1 kHz, its adaptability for future requirements is facilitated by the developed software. This method has been carried out by calibrating a highly accurate bridge for a capacitor ratio of up to 100, with DFs ranging from −0.01 to 0.01 and currents ranging from 0.1 mA to 1 A. Linear correction factors are established, with their accuracies being rigorously quantified. This methodology achieves expanded uncertainties as low as 3.5 µF/F (3.5 ppm) for capacitance and 2.2 × 10−⁶ for DFs, significantly enhancing measurement reliability across diverse high-voltage capacitor applications.