Reliability Test Research Articles

Response to the Letter to the Editor: Reliability of Visual Field Testing in a Telehealth Setting Using a Head-Mounted Device: A Pilot Study.

Response to the Letter to the Editor: Reliability of Visual Field Testing in a Telehealth Setting Using a Head-Mounted Device: A Pilot Study.

"Letter to the Editor: Reliability of Visual Field Testing in a Telehealth Setting Using a Head-Mounted Device: A Pilot Study".

"Letter to the Editor: Reliability of Visual Field Testing in a Telehealth Setting Using a Head-Mounted Device: A Pilot Study".

Timed up and go demonstrates strong interrater agreement and criterion validity as a functional test in geriatric dogs.

To measure interobserver agreement for 4 functional tasks and their summed geriatric functional score (GFS) and correlate tasks and GFS with client-specific outcome measurements (CSOMs): Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) pain severity, CBPI pain interference, and Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs. 89 geriatric dogs were recruited between April and September 2023 from staff, friends, and clients of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine with a median age of 11.0 years and weight of 26.4 kg. Dogs underwent 4 sequential functional tests: timed up and go (TUG), cavallettis, figure 8s, and down to stands. Two observers independently scored each dog. The GFS was calculated based on the summed scores of the individual tests. Additional information collected included signalment, weight, measurements reflecting the comorbidities of aging (body condition score and muscle condition score), and CSOMs. Strong interrater agreement was found for all functional tests. The TUG in seconds (sTUG) and figure 8s demonstrated significant (P < .05) moderate to strong correlations to all CSOMs. The GFS showed similar significant correlations with all CSOMs except CBPI pain severity; however, when correlating individual tests to CSOMs, only figure 8s and TUG were significantly contributing to GFS results. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis defined highly functional dogs as those completing the sTUG in under 3.83 seconds. The sTUG represented the best test for geriatric function given it was objective, reliable, correlated well to CSOMs, and could help identify highly functioning dogs. The sTUG appears to be the first practical and reliable functional test of canine geriatric mobility.

Step Test Evaluation of Performance on Stairs (STEPS): Assessing Stair Function in Older Adults.

Stair negotiation is crucial for functional independence and is a leading cause of fall-related injuries in older adults. The Step Test Evaluation of Performance on Stairs (STEPS) is a quick and easily administered outcome measure for assessing stair negotiation. This study investigated the reliability and concurrent content validity of the STEPS test to determine its usefulness in older adults. Eighty-two community-dwelling older adults (mean age 81.2years, 51 females) were assessed on the STEPS test, Timed Up and Go (TUG), 5-times sit to stand (5XSTS), stair self-efficacy (SSE) questionnaire, and time to ascend and descend stairs. Participants repeated the STEPS test 7 to 14days later for intrarater reliability by the same rater. Spearman rank and intraclass correlations were used to determine the association of measures and intrarater reliability. The mean STEPS score was 15.6 (SD=3.7) out of 20. The STEPS total score demonstrated excellent intra- and interrater reliability. It had moderate to good and significant correlations with TUG, 5XSTS, SSE, and time to ascend and descend measures. Faster performance on the 5XSTS, TUG, and time to ascend and descend correlated with better performance on the STEPS test, indicating validity for assessing balance and mobility during stair negotiation in older adults. Lower SSE correlated with lower observer ratings of performance on stairs (STEPS scores), indicating agreement between participant reports of self-efficacy and observer ratings of performance. Step Test Evaluation of Performance on Stairs items that demonstrated the most frequent loss of points were balance (use of handrail), step continuity, foot placement, and self-propulsion (ascent only). Assessment of older adults' safety and performance on stairs is vital given the increased difficulty of stair navigation and the high risk for injurious falls in this population. This study demonstrates that the STEPS test is a reliable and valid outcome measure for assessing stair performance in older adults.

Forensic Accounting and Corporate Fraud in Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

This study examined forensic accounting and corporate fraud in Nigerian deposit money banks. The components of the study state that ten employees were randomly selected from ten banks, which represented all of the Deposit Money Banks in Ekiti State, Nigeria. As a result, a purposive sample technique was used to select the Head of Operations, Fund Transfer Officer, Resident Internal Control Officials, and Cash Officials. A self-structured questionnaire used to collect the required data from the respondents underwent a validity and reliability test. Using Cronbach Alpha, the study's dependability coefficient was 0.782, which was considered high. The collected data was examined using multiple regression. In deposit money banks, it was discovered that forensic observation, 0.339 (p=0.041&lt;0.05), 0.530 (p=0.001&lt;0.05), and 0.341 (p=0.013&lt;0.05) respectively, benefited from forensic interview, forensic interrogation, and forensic observation. Furthermore, a positive and significant effect on fraud detection and prevention in deposit money institutions was observed for forensic review, forensic inspection, and forensic documentation, to the tune of 0.291 (p=0.036&lt;0.05), 0.603 (p=0.000&lt;0.05), and 0.611 (p=0.00&lt;0.05), respectively. In terms of fraud detection and prevention, it has been shown that forensic litigation and investigation play a significant role in corporate fraud. Therefore, it was suggested that deposit money institutions use trained forensic accountants who are skilled in implementing the appropriate deterrent measures in order to stop fraud before it starts. This type of research could be expanded to include additional businesses from various industries.

Reliability of the rapid antigen test for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in Tunisia

Background: Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The rapid antigen test was developed for testing infection, and it was necessary to assess its performance before widespread use in Tunisia. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a rapid antigen test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs in Tunisia. Methods: Nasopharyngeal samples were taken from COVID-19 suspected cases between October and December 2020 and tested using the Standard Q COVID-19 Ag test (SD-Biosensor, Republic of Korea) and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Overall, 4539 patients were tested. Of the total study population (N = 4539), 82.5% of positive samples remained positive with the rapid antigen test, while 20.2% (470/2321) of samples that were negative with rapid antigen test were confirmed positive with RT-PCR, giving a negative predictive value of 79.8% for the rapid antigen test. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of the rapid antigen test were 70.2% and 65.8%, respectively. These results improved to 96.4% and 92.8%, respectively, when considering the cycle threshold value by RT-PCR below 25. Conclusion: Although the rapid antigen test was less sensitive than RT-PCR, its ability to rapidly detect individuals with high viral loads makes it suitable for use during an epidemic.

Targeted nanoparticles for imaging and therapy of endometriosis.

In this brief review, we discuss our efforts to validate nanoplatforms for imaging and treatment of endometriosis. We specifically highlight our use of nonhuman primates and primate tissues in this effort. Endometriosis is a painful disorder of women and nonhuman primates (NHPs) where endometrium-like tissue exists outside of the uterus. There are no reliable, specific, and noninvasive diagnostic tests for endometriosis. Laparoscopic imaging remains the gold standard for identifying small endometriotic lesions in both women and monkeys. Visualizing and surgically removing microscopic lesions remains a clinical challenge. To address this challenge, we have created nanoparticle reagents that, when administered intravenously, enter endometriotic lesions both passively and by targeting endometriotic cells. The particles can carry payloads, including near-infrared fluorescent dyes and magnetic nanoparticles. These agents can be used for imaging and thermal ablation of diseased tissues. We evaluated this approach on macaque endometriotic cells, human and macaque endometrium engrafted into immunodeficient mice, in endometrium subcutaneously autografted in macaques, and in rhesus monkeys with spontaneous endometriosis. Employing these models, we report that nanoplatform-based reagents can improve imaging and provide thermal ablation of endometriotic tissues.

Integrating online learning into service quality assessment in higher-education its influence on student satisfaction

PurposeOnline learning gained ground during the pandemic and has continued to be used in the post-Covid era. Items related to online learning should be included in service quality assessment. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of service quality, which includes the online learning dimension, on student satisfaction in higher-education in a blended learning environment.Design/methodology/approachA total of 452 valid questionnaires were collected from business undergraduate students enrolled in public universities in Greece. A modified version of HEdPERF is used to evaluate service quality. Due to the extensive use of online learning, an additional dimension was added to the HEdPERF scale which focuses on online education, a field that has not yet been widely examined. Structural equation modeling is used to examine the relationships between service quality, and student satisfaction.FindingsThe research findings verify the six-structure scale of the HEdPERF instrument (non-academic aspects, academic aspects, reputation, access and programs issues and online learning), providing satisfactory results in terms of reliability and validity tests. Service quality dimensions such as academic aspects, access, program issues and online learning are the influential dimensions of student satisfaction in a blended learning context.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has expanded traditional service quality instruments to include the dimension of service quality of online learning.

The Influence of Compensation, Leadership Style, and Work Environment on Turnover Intention Employees

Compensation, leadership style, and work environment are very important for a company to level up turnover intention not high. This research aims to determine the influence of compensation, leadership style, and work environment on turnover intention employee at the Al Kausar Boarding School Sukabumi Foundation. The population in this study were all employees of the Al Kausar Boarding School Sukabumi Foundation, totaling 140 employees. A sample of 104 employees was taken using a probability sampling approach, with a simple random sampling technique. The analytical tool used is multiple linear regression analysis which has previously been tested for validity, reliability and classical assumption tests. The test results show that compensation, leadership style, and work environment have a simultaneous influence on turnover intention. Compensation, leadership style, and work environment have a partially negative and significant influence turnover intention. Increasing compensation, leadership styles and work environments will have an impact on decreasing levels turnover intention.

The Influence of Discounts and Free Delivery Cost on Purchasing Decisions for Miliki Hijab Products in E- Commerce Shopee in East Java

The aim of this research is to determine the effect of discounts and free delivery cost on purchasing decisions for hijab products on Shopee e- commerce in East Java. The population in this study is consumers who own hijabs in East Java who have made purchases through the Shopee application. The sample in this study was 90 respondents. taken using a purposive sampling technique, namely sampling based on criteria. The sample consisted of respondents who had purchased hijab products in East Java via the Shopee application. The data used in this research are primary and secondary data. The analysis technique used in this research is (PLS) with validity testing, reliability testing and hypothesis testing. The results of this research prove that: (1) Discounts have a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions. (2) Free Delivery Cost has a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions.

ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES ON AGENTS OF LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES: EMPIRICAL STUDY OF RUPANDEHI DISTRICT

The motive of this research paper is to evaluate the level of satisfaction of individual agents with regard to Training and Development practices of Life Insurance companies. This is a Descriptive research based on responses 51 insurance agents. Their opinion was gathered through structured questionnaire using Purposive Sampling Method from companies of Life Insurance Corporation of Rupandehi District. After testing normality of data several inferential statistics namely Reliability test was used. To determine the relationship between the demographic factors and life insurance demand one way ANOVA and independent T-test have been conducted. Multiple Regression have been applied to test the impact of independent variable over dependent variable. The study concludes that there is no significant impact of demographic variable over the employee satisfaction of Insurance agent. The level of the satisfaction of agents with Training and Development practices of corporation is highly co-related with the status of agents. Higher status of agents is comparatively highly satisfied with regard to all the factors like Training need analysis, Training Design and Implementation and Training Evaluation. The agents who are engaged for full time in agency business are comparatively higher satisfied with all the factors. Further, there is no significant difference in their opinion in district wise with regard to satisfaction level. Key words: Agents, Satisfaction, Training and Development practices, Engagement, etc.

ConsensusPrime—A Bioinformatic Pipeline for Efficient Consensus Primer Design—Detection of Various Resistance and Virulence Factors in MRSA—A Case Study

Background: The effectiveness and reliability of diagnostic tests that detect DNA sequences largely hinge on the quality of the used primers and probes. This importance is especially evident when considering the specific sample being analyzed, as it affects the molecular background and potential for cross-reactivity, ultimately determining the test’s performance. Methods: Predicting primers based on the consensus sequence of the target has multiple advantages, including high specificity, diagnostic reliability, broad applicability, and long-term validity. Automated curation of the input sequences ensures high-quality primers and probes. Results: Here, we present a use case for developing a set of consensus primers and probes to identify antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in Staphylococcus (S.) aureus using the ConsensusPrime pipeline. Extensive qPCR experiments with several S. aureus strains confirm the exceptional quality of the primers designed using the pipeline. Conclusions: By improving the quality of the input sequences and using the consensus sequence as a basis, the ConsensusPrime pipeline pipeline ensures high-quality primers and probes, which should be the basis of molecular assays.

Impact of E-leadership on organizational citizenship behaviour of faculty members in higher education: information and communication technology as a mediator

Several leadership studies have linked e-leadership behaviours to individual, team, and organizational outcomes, but the magnitude of the link across settings and levels of analysis is still unclear. This association may be affected by various causes and mechanisms. Therefore, additional research is needed to determine how e-leadership behaviours are more effective. This study explored how e-leadership affects faculty members’ organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB). Information and communication technology (ICT) was proposed as a developmental mechanism to mediate the link between e-leadership and OCB. This study used quantitative methods. Researchers obtain data using basic random sampling. Google Forms were used to distribute the questionnaires. The proposed model was evaluated with 355 respondents from 11 Palestinian universities. This study employed the structural equation model partial least squares (SEM-PLS) technique utilizing SmartPLS 4 software. This study used validity, reliability, and hypothesis tests. This study has one second-order construct and all reflective variables. Thus, the three latent variables affect the indicators. The results showed that e-leadership is linked to high faculty OCB and that ICT usage mediates this relationship. Additionally, this study examined the theoretical and practical consequences, limitations, and future research areas and suggestions.

Solder joint reliability performance study and shear characterization of low-Ag SAC lead-free solders for handheld application

As handheld electronic products move toward smaller and thinner form factor, the demand of high reliability under stringent field usage also increasing. Drop test, based on the JEDEC JESD22-B111A, accompanied with temperature cycling (TC) test, based on JEDEC JESD22-A104F, are two of the most critical board-level reliability tests for handheld makers. In terms of solder joint reliability (SJR), total 7 candidates of LF35-liked lead-free solder alloys are investigated for its drop performance, and TC reliability evaluation. Among 7 solders, leg 4 and 5 exhibit both decent drop and TC behavior, which are likely owing to the silver (Ag) precipitation hardening and bismuth (Bi) solid solution hardening effect respectively. In addition, the shearing mechanical characterization of 7 solder alloys are being studied. Shear strength of leg 4 and 5 shows higher strength value than others. In terms of failure analysis under drop test, three main fracture modes are observed, including via cracking at PCB side, solder/intermetallic compound (IMC) cracking at package side, and Cu trace broken at package side. Furthermore, in terms of failure modes of TC test, solder/IMC cracking at package side are the main fracture modes. In summary, this study provides an overall reliability performance mapping for 7 solders, and list out a table comprising of shear strength, void% analysis, TC reliability, and drop reliability performance for each LF35 solders which lays out potential future solder alloy to meet higher handheld phone drop reliability margin.

Psychometric Analyses of a Food Literacy Behaviors Questionnaire for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The purpose of the study was to develop and validate a food literacy instrument specific to individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Twelve T2DM-specific, food literacy-related statements underwent content validity and face validity testing, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted (phase 1). The 6 statements remaining after EFA testing were added to an existing food literacy questionnaire called the Eating and Food Literacy Behaviors Questionnaire (EFLBQ). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) examined the EFLBQ plus the T2DM-specific statements, and the instrument was called the Eating and Food Literacy Questionnaire for Diabetics (EFLBQ-D; phase 2). Both EFA and CFA were administered by third-party provider Centiment via Qualtrics to adults with T2DM residing in the 13 United States Department of Agriculture Southern region states. Reliability was assessed via point estimate reliability testing. The EFA items clustered into 2 factors each with 3 statements: (1) carbohydrate counting and nutrition label reading and (2) healthy food preparation methods. The CFA indicated that the EFLBQ-D had good fit and that the factors had good reliability. The EFLBQ's integrity was maintained with its items loading on the respective constructs. The EFLBQ-D appears to be a valid, reliable instrument for use by researchers and professionals to better understand food behaviors and food literacy skills of those with T2DM. This is an important tool to help individualize medical nutrition therapy, improving patient care in this population.

Design and Validation of a Computational Thinking Test for Children in the First Grades of Elementary Education

Computational thinking (CT) has garnered significant interest in both computer science and education sciences as it delineates a set of skills that emerge during the problem-solving process. Consequently, numerous assessment instruments aimed at measuring CT have been developed in the recent years. However, a scarce part of the existing CT measurement instruments has been dedicated to early school ages, and few have undergone rigorous validation or reliability testing. Therefore, this work introduces a new instrument for measuring CT in the early grades of elementary education: the Computational Thinking Test for Children (CTTC). To this end, in this work, we provide the design and validation of the CTTC, which is constructed around spatial, sequential, and logical thinking and encompasses abstraction, decomposition, pattern recognition, and coding items organized in five question blocks. The validation and standardization process employs the Kuder–Richardson statistic (KR-20) and expert judgment using V-Aiken for consistency. Additionally, item difficulty indices were utilized to gauge the difficulty level of each question in the CTTC. The study concludes that the CTTC demonstrates consistency and suitability for children in the first cycle of primary education (encompassing the first to third grades).

Evaluation of the reliability and validity of the upright head roll test for lateral semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

The upright head roll test (UHRT) is a recently introduced diagnostic maneuver for lateral semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (LSC-BPPV). This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the UHRT. Two separate studies were conducted. Study 1 analyzed 827 results of videonystagmography (VNG) to assess UHRT reliability, and Study 2 analyzed 130 LSC-BPPV cases to evaluate UHRT validity. The inter-test reliability between UHRT and the supine head roll test (SHRT) showed substantial agreement (Cohen's kappa = 0.753) in direction-changing positional nystagmus (DCPN) and almost perfect agreement (Cohen's kappa = 0.836) in distinguishing the direction of DCPN. The validity assessment of UHRT showed high accuracy in diagnosing LSC-BPPV (80.0%) and in differentiating the variant types (74.6%). UHRT was highly accurate in diagnosing the canalolithiasis type in LSC-BPPV patients (Cohen's kappa = 0.835); however, it showed only moderate accuracy in diagnosing the cupulolithiasis type (Cohen's kappa = 0.415). The intensity of nystagmus in UHRT was relatively weaker than that in SHRT (P < 0.05). UHRT is a reliable test for diagnosing LSC-BPPV and distinguishing subtypes. However, UHRT has a limitation in discriminating the affected side owing to a weaker intensity of nystagmus than SHRT.

Factors related ART adherence and quality of life in PLHIV: Mediating role of positive self-care management and brain gym

&lt;b&gt;Objectives: &lt;/b&gt;To&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;investigate the factors affecting adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the quality of life in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with a focus on evaluating the mediating roles of positive self-care management (PSCM) and brain gym.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; This is a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. The data collected from June to August 2023. There are 262 respondents selected through convenience sampling. We used various research instruments, including questionnaires, which have undergone validity and reliability testing. The data were analyzed using the SEM-PLS analysis method.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results: &lt;/b&gt;Our data analysis shows that condition factors, physical and social environmental factors, and individual and family factors affect HIV individuals’ PSCM and brain gym combination, ART adherence, and quality of life. Findings show that condition-specific factors indirectly affect antiretroviral drug adherence. This impact is mediated by PSCM and brain gym.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/b&gt;Specific condition variables, namely&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt; &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;complexity of the disease, barriers, and stability of conditions indirectly influence ART adherence, mediated through the combined influence of PSCM and brain gym. This finding suggests that to enhance adherence and the quality of life among PLHIV, it is important to adopt an approach that encompasses a range of internal and external individual factors.&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;

Comparative Performance of COVID-19 Test Methods in Healthcare Workers during the Omicron Wave

The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique requirements for accessible, reliable testing, and many testing platforms and sampling techniques have been developed over the course of the pandemic. Not all test methods have been systematically compared to each other or a common gold standard, and the performance of tests developed in the early epidemic have not been consistently re-evaluated in the context of new variants. We conducted a repeated measures study with adult healthcare workers presenting for SARS-CoV-2 testing. Participants were tested using seven testing modalities. Test sensitivity was compared using any positive PCR test as the gold standard. A total of 325 individuals participated in the study. PCR tests were the most sensitive (saliva PCR 0.957 ± 0.048, nasopharyngeal PCR 0.877 ± 0.075, oropharyngeal PCR 0.849 ± 0.082). Standard nasal rapid antigen tests were less sensitive but roughly equivalent (BinaxNOW 0.613 ± 0.110, iHealth 0.627 ± 0.109). Oropharyngeal rapid antigen tests were the least sensitive (BinaxNOW 0.400 ± 0.111, iHealth brands 0.311 ± 0.105). PCR remains the most sensitive testing modality for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and saliva PCR is significantly more sensitive than oropharyngeal PCR and equivalent to nasopharyngeal PCR. Nasal AgRDTs are less sensitive than PCR but have benefits in convenience and accessibility. Saliva-based PCR testing is a viable alternative to traditional swab-based PCR testing for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Development of PBL-Based GLOWASEA (Global Warming on the Sea) Educational Media to Train Critical Thinking Skills on the Topic of Global Warming

The low critical thinking skills of Indonesian students in the 21st century indicate the necessity of training these skills to prepare for a future replete with challenges. Teachers need to innovate learning materials that foster critical thinking skills. This study aims to develop a PBL-based GLOWASEA Edukit media product that is valid, effective, and practical for enhancing students’ critical thinking skills. This developmental research was conducted following the ADDIE model, which comprises five stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Qualitative data were obtained through comments and suggestions for improvement in questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were obtained from the scores on the validation test, practicality test, questions’ validity and reliability test, and pretest and post-test score data. Data were analyzed using percentage analysis and qualitative description. Successively, the results of media and material validation and practicality were 82.61%, 91.17%, and 90.62%. The effectiveness of Edukit media is calculated using the N-Gain formula, resulting in an average score of 0.33, which meets moderate criteria. It can be concluded that the GLOWASEA Edukit media produced is valid, effective, and practical for training students’ critical thinking skills.