Reliable Tool For Evaluation Research Articles

The Turkish Version of the Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment: Validity and Reliability in Chronic Stroke Survivors.

Evaluation of sensory functions in chronic stroke survivors is essential to plan and implement effective treatment and rehabilitation. To investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment (rNSA-T) in chronic stroke survivors. We applied the World Health Organization's translation protocols to develop the rNAS-T. We then tested its validity and reliability in 85 chronic stroke survivors using criterion validity and consistency for demographic variables, as well as test-retest and inter-rater reliability analyses. The criterion validity of the rNSA-T was supported by significant correlation between participants' scores on the rNSA-T, the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Katz-AD) (r = 0.430-0.674, P < 0.05), and the Rivermead Motor Assessment (RMA) (r = 0.528-0.773, P < 0.05). rNSA-T results remained consistent across variables of sex and side affected by stroke (P > 0.05). The test-retest reliability of the rNSA-T was excellent in all subdimensions (ICC = 0.865-1.000), as was the inter-rater reliability (κ = 0.875-1.000). The rNSA-T is a valid and reliable tool for evaluation of sensory functions in chronic stroke survivors.

Estimation of Damaged Regions by the Bark Beetle in a Mexican Forest Using UAV Images and Deep Learning

Sustainable forestry for the management of forest resources is more important today than ever before because keeping forests healthy has an impact on human health. Recent advances in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), computer vision, and Deep Learning (DL) models make remote sensing for Forest Insect Pest and Disease (FIPD) possible. In this work, a UAV-based remote sensing process, computer vision, and a Deep Learning framework are used to automatically and efficiently detect and map areas damaged by bark beetles in a Mexican forest located in the Hidalgo State. First, the image dataset of the region of interest (ROI) is acquired by a UAV open hardware platform. To determine healthy trees, we use the tree crown detection prebuilt Deepforest model, and the trees diseased by pests are recognized using YOLOv5. To map the area of the damaged region, we propose a method based on morphological image operations. The system generates a comprehensive report detailing the location of affected zones, the total area of the damaged regions, GPS co-ordinates, and both healthy and damaged tree locations. The overall accuracy rates were 88% and 90%, respectively. The results obtained from a total area of 8.2743 ha revealed that 16.8% of the surface was affected and, of the 455 trees evaluated, 34.95% were damaged. These findings provide evidence of a fast and reliable tool for the early evaluation of bark beetle impact, which could be expanded to other tree and insect species.

Availability Evaluation of Cross Project Software Based on GAKT and Supervised Learning in Personalized Innovation Education for College Students

The availability evaluation of cross project software is crucial for personalized innovation education and learning of college students. Ensuring the stability and efficiency of educational resources and tools is the key to improving learning outcomes. This study proposes an evaluation model that integrates MeanShift clustering method and K-nearest neighbor algorithm. The approach enhanced the feature selection of the model and improved the model by combining attention mechanism. The experimental results showed that the proposed model performed well in multiple aspects. In addition to exhibiting superior convergence performance, the proposed model also demonstrated a significant advantage over naive Bayesian and gradient enhanced decision tree models in terms of delay performance. The optimal delay was 2.47s, and the data volume was as low as 14.12MB. Moreover, its accuracy reached 94.11%, which was 6.61% and 19.11% higher than naive Bayesian and gradient enhanced decision trees, respectively. This model was of practical significance for optimizing the software tools for personalized and innovative education and learning of college students. The MeanShift K-nearest neighbor model can provide educational institutions with a more reliable and efficient evaluation tool. The proposed model can better adapt to and meet the personalized learning needs of students, while also reducing potential learning interruptions caused by software unavailability. In addition, the efficient data processing and accuracy performance of the model means that high-quality availability assessments can also be achieved in resource constrained environments.

Simplified magnetic resonance index of activity score versus simple endoscopic score in Crohn's disease: prospective study

BackgroundTo evaluate the correlation between simplified MR index of activity (sMaRIA) score and simple endoscopic score (SES-CD) in Crohn's disease activity assessment. A prospective study was done on established Crohn's disease patients referred to our institution. Magnetic resonance enterography and colonoscopy were performed as an activity assessment protocol searching for activity signs through calculation of sMaRIA score and SES-CD score and correlation between them. One hundred patients were enrolled in the study in period from July 2021 to July 2022. Patients with isolated upper gastrointestinal Crohn's disease (n = 4) or performed surgery before completion of activity assessment protocol (n = 9) or dropout (n = 18) were excluded. Patients with any age group, with ileal or colonic or ileo-colonic Crohn's disease and completed the protocol were eligible for the study (n = 69).ResultsSixty-nine patients with 345 bowel segments (five segments for each patient: ileum, right colon, transverse colon, left colon/sigmoid and rectum) were completely evaluated: 33 males and 36 females with mean age 29.16 ± 11.37 years. sMaRIA and SES-CD scores were calculated for each patient (global), and each bowel segment showed 97.50% sensitivity and 79.31% specificity at the level of global scores as well as significant positive correlation between the two scores at patient level/overall segments (rs = 0.816, p < 0.001), at ileal segments (rs = 0.704, p < 0.001) and colonic segments (right colon rs = 0.661, p ≤ 0.001, transverse colon rs = 0.586, p ≤ 0.001, left colon rs = 0.731, p < 0.001 and rectum rs = 0.786, p < 0.001). There were good inter-rater agreement between the two radiologists for the three parameters (wall thickness > 3 mm, mural edema and fat stranding) and moderate for mucosal ulcer detection with k value 0.666, 0.712, 0.712 and 0.565, respectively.ConclusionssMaRIA score is considered to be a reliable tool for Crohn's disease activity evaluation as compared to SES-CD.

Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Vestibular Migraine Patient Assessment Tool and Handicap Inventory.

There are insufficient tools to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular migraine. Hence, the aim of this study was to perform the Turkish adaptation of the Vestibular Migraine Patient Assessment Tool and Handicap Inventory (VM-PATHI). After the language and content validity was completed, a pilot study was conducted. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to test construct validity, and as a result of the validity analyses, Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient and test-retest analyses were conducted for reliability. In the study, in which 289 participants were evaluated, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficient was calculated as 0.903. The percentage of variance explained by the EFA was 67.246% and the range of factor load change was 0.433-0.828. The scale structure was tested with CFA and the model was confirmed with adequate goodness of fit index values. The Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient of the scale was 0.931. The VM-PATHI is a valid and reliable tool for the subjective evaluation of vestibular migraine in Türkiye.

델파이 기법을 활용한 강의평가 문항 개발 연구: K 대학의 강의평가 사례를 중심으로

Objectives The purpose of this research is to analyze references and previous researches related to lecture evaluation system, and to develop survey items for lecture evaluation system of K universities. Methods To achieve this purpose, the expert panel of professors among K university was formed, and conducted Delphi method from July 1 to December 29, 2023 to develop a measurement tool. Results Through two rounds of item validity verification by three experts, a total of 10 items were extracted. The research findings extracted four items in lecture planning and operation, including class planning, adherence to class time, interaction, and flexibility of the class; three items in lecture content and methods, including the delivery of lecture content, effectiveness of teaching methods, and appropriateness of learning materials; two items in evaluation, including the fairness of evaluation methods and post-evaluation guidance; and one item in lecture satisfaction. Conclusions The result of this research can provides verificated lecture evaluation tools, and suggests that universities should develop validated and reliable evaluation tools for various educational programs including lectures to offer customized curriculum to students.

Transcultural Validation of the Five-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire for Indonesian Populations.

Purpose Indonesian dry eye (DE) disease (DED) prevalence data remainscarce, and Indonesian validations of the five-item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) are unavailable. We aimed to translate and validate an Indonesian language adaptation of the DEQ-5 (INDO-DEQ-5) for local populations. Methods Our observational study involved linguistic validation of the translation, reliability testing, dataset screening, and data collection through ophthalmic examinations and interviews. Outpatient adults with dry eye symptoms and formal DED diagnoses were included. Data were captured at patients' enrolment, at their self-administered INDO-DEQ-5, and at ophthalmic examinations. This data was statistically analyzed for agreement, test-retest reliability, and by a receiver operator characteristic (ROC)curve for dry eye sensitivity and specificity. Results Tear breakup time (TBUT) was the most frequently used clinical diagnostic parameter, with 96.8% of DED patientshaving abnormal TBUT. We captured 87.23% of all true DE cases, while the ROC and area under the ROC curve analyses found similar sensitivity between the INDO-DEQ-5 and the composite clinical diagnosis of DE, and TBUT was equivalent to the INDO-DEQ-5 in clinical diagnoses. The level of reliability of the INDO-DEQ-5 was moderate, and subscales were moderate or substantial. Conclusion The prediction of DE withTBUT was similar to predictions using the composite definition of clinical DE diagnosis, while the INDO-DEQ-5 diagnostic accuracy was similar to that ofTBUT or a composite clinical diagnosis. Thus, the INDO-DEQ-5 is a reliable tool for the clinical evaluation and diagnosis of DE in Indonesian populations and will enable clinicians to rapidly collect accurate data to improve therapeutic management.

Role of FNAC in Breast Lump and its Histopathological Correlation

Introduction: Breast malignancy is one of the common causes of morbidity and mortality among females. Screening of breast lumps by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is included in triple approach and is easy to perform. Accuracy of diagnosis can be further enhanced by histopathological confirmation. Aims: The role of FNAC in diagnosis of breast lumps and to determine its diagnostic accuracy. Methods: This was a hospital based prospective study conducted over the period of one year (from March 2023 to February 2024) in department of Pathology, Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur, Nepal. Patients who presented with breast lump underwent FNAC with biopsy for histopathological study was included in the study. Cytological opinion was categorized according to International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System for Reporting Breast Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytopathology criteria reporting system. Histological correlation was carried out in patients who went surgical excision or biopsy of the lesion. Results: Most common diagnosis on cytology was fibroadenoma. According to International Academy of Cytology Yokohama reporting system C2 (benign) was most common reported category (19 cases). On histopathological study, 19 cases were benign and 13 cases were malignant with most common benign lesion being fibroadenoma and all malignant cases were Invasive ductal carcinoma. All cases diagnosed as malignant on cytology were concordant on histopathology. Three benign, one atypical and one suspicious on cytology were malignant on histopathological study. The sensitivity and specificity of FNAC was 84.2% and 69.2% respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of FNAC was 59.4%. Conclusion: Breast FNAC is a rapid and reliable tool for evaluation and have high sensitivity and specificity.

ESG Performance and its Impact of on Corporate Performance: Take China Everbright Bank as an Example

This paper has investigated China Everbright Bank (CEB)’s performance on ESG and analyzed the impact of ESG performance on CEB’s financial outcome. During the reported period, CEB has been performing well on ESG, especially on social perspective. From environmental perspective, CEB took proactive steps to mitigate its negative environmental impact. This included reducing emission by strictly conduct regulation within the company, assessing environmental risks associated with key industries and clients and setting rules on energy conservation. The bank also prioritized compliance with environmental standards, pollution control, and ecological protection in its credit approval processes. From social perspective, CEB has been actively promoting democracy and equality in employment by combating various discrimination, and continuously ensuring employee welfare besides wages, such as health care and skill training. Regarding governance, CEB has adopted strict supervision on its supply chain, strengthening the management of the procurement process by establishing an intelligent procurement platform. It has also emphasized supplier risk management. Considering the financial metrics of CEB in last years, the study suggests that the long-term profitability, operational capacity and growth potential of CEB have been positively affected, while the market value and the solvency are not. The paper concludes that ESG criteria can be considered as a reliable tool in business evaluation of potential and sustainability, therefore incorporated into business operation and investment.

The Czech version of the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practice (TEIP) scale: validation and psychometric analysis of the instrument with primary school teachers

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to conduct a detailed psychometric analysis of the Czech version of the internationally used Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices Scale (TEIP) questionnaire. Using a sample of 1434 teachers (Nwomen 88%) from 140 primary schools in the Czech Republic, a confirmatory factor analysis was used to confirm the hierarchical structure of the questionnaire with three correlated dimensions representing the general higher-order factor of the TEIP. The 6-item subscales Efficacy in using inclusive instructions, Efficacy in managing behaviour and Efficacy in collaboration (ω ≥ 0.8) and the overall 18-item TEIP (ω ≥ 0.9) all showed acceptable reliability. Convergent, discriminant, concurrent, and criterion validity of the TEIP were confirmed. Full strict invariance of the measurements was achieved for the comparison groups of teachers in terms of their age. Overall, perceived self-efficacy was found to be relatively high in relation to the implementation of inclusive practices, with teachers holding special education qualifications scoring higher on the TEIP scale compared to those without such qualifications (d Cohen = 0.5). The TEIP was shown to work well in the Czech sociocultural environment and is a reliable tool for (international) comparison and evaluation of teacher self-efficacy regarding teaching in inclusive classrooms.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Solid Renal Lesions.

The availability of imaging methods has enabled increased detection of kidney lesions, which are a common clinical problem. It is estimated that more than half of patients over the age of 50 have at least one undetermined mass in the kidney. The appropriate characterization and diagnosis of lesions imaged in the kidney allows for proper therapeutic management. Previously, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used in their extended diagnosis. However, the limitations of these techniques, such as radiation exposure, renal toxicity, and allergies to contrast agents, must be considered. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is increasingly being used as an examination to resolve interpretive doubts that arise with other diagnostic methods. Indeed, it can be considered both as a problem-solving technique for diagnosing and distinguishing lesions and as a technique used for observation in preservative treatment. Evaluation of the enhancement curve over time on CEUS examination can help to differentiate malignant renal cell carcinoma (RCC) subtypes that should be resected from benign lesions, such as oncocytoma or angiomyolipoma (AML), in which surgery can be avoided. It allows for distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors, renal and pseudotumors, and solid and cystic tumors. Therefore, with recent advances in ultrasound technology, CEUS has emerged as a fast, reliable, and cost-effective imaging tool in the preoperative evaluation and diagnosis of solid renal masses.

Assessing joint health in haemophilia patients: The combined value of physical examination and ultrasound imaging.

Early diagnosis of joint damage is pivotal in haemophilia to prevent the occurrence and progression of haemophilic arthropathy thus providing optimal personalised management. The haemophilia joint health score version 2.1 (HJHS) is based on a physical examination of the mainly affected joints. Musculoskeletal ultrasound has demonstrated the capability to detect early changes in terms of synovitis and osteochondral damage. The haemophilia early detection with ultrasound (HEAD-US) score has been proposed as a simple and reliable evaluation tool. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the HJHS and the HEAD-US scores performed by two independent operators (physical therapist and musculoskeletal ultrasound expert) for the evaluation of the joint health status of patients with haemophilia. Consecutive adult patients independent of the severity degree were included. Elbows, knees and ankles were evaluated by a physical therapist by HJHS and by a musculoskeletal ultrasound expert following the HEAD-US protocol. We observed a good positive correlation between HJHS and HEAD-US (Spearman's rho 0.72). The main discrepancy in conceptually similar domains was found between the HJHS swelling and the HEAD-US synovitis (rho 0.17), as ultrasound was able to detect even mild synovitis when HJHS swelling was scored 0 in up to 40% of cases. The HJHS and HEAD-US correlate well even when performed by two independent operators. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is particularly useful for the early detection of synovitis. The routine assessment of both scores helps clinicians define the stage and extension of joint involvement and set up a personalised treatment.

Automated 3D Perioral Landmark Detection Using High-Resolution Network: Artificial Intelligence-based Anthropometric Analysis.

Three-dimensional facial stereophotogrammetry, a convenient, noninvasive and highly reliable evaluation tool, has in recent years shown great potential in plastic surgery for preoperative planning and evaluating treatment efficacy. However, it requires manual identification of facial landmarks by trained evaluators to obtain anthropometric data, which takes much time and effort. Automatic 3D facial landmark localization has the potential to facilitate fast data acquisition and eliminate evaluator error. The aim of this work was to describe a novel deep-learning method based on dimension transformation and key-point detection for automated 3D perioral landmark annotation. After transforming a 3D facial model into 2D images, High-Resolution Network is implemented for key-point detection. The 2D coordinates of key points are then mapped back to the 3D model using mathematical methods to obtain the 3D landmark coordinates. This program was trained with 120 facial models and validated in 50 facial models. Our approach achieved a satisfactory mean [standard deviation] accuracy of 1.30 [0.68] mm error in landmark detection with a mean processing time of 5.2 [0.21] seconds per model. Subsequent analysis based on these landmarks showed mean errors of 0.87 [1.02] mm for linear measurements and 5.62° [6.61°] for angular measurements. This automated 3D perioral landmarking method could serve as an effective tool that enables fast and accurate anthropometric analysis of lip morphology for plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures.

A two-dimensional semi-analytic thermal model for global temperature distribution predicting and hot spot monitoring in interior permanent magnet synchronous motor

A two-dimensional semi-analytical thermal model (SATM) is presented, aiming to quickly and accurately achieve global temperature distribution predicting and hot spot monitoring for interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM). Thereby, it provides a reliable analysis tool for thermal behavior evaluation and prevents undesired consequences induced by excessive temperature rise, which is of great worth and significance in promoting the flourishing of IPMSM. SATM combines the analytical method, lumped parameter thermal network, and finite element analysis to obtain an analytical solution for thermal behavior through mathematical derivation by considering the complicated configuration, heat source distribution, heat dissipation condition, and material thermal dependence. Through SATM, it is possible to observe the global temperature distribution as well as the location and size of hot spots in each element. The temperature distribution gradient on the static is more pronounced than that on the dynamic; secondly, the area with the most severe heating is mainly found on the winding; furthermore, the hot spot on the winding is mainly located a little bit inside the center. Moreover, the thermal behavior of IPMSM at rated load is investigated by numerical analysis and experiments. A comprehensive comparison with SATM is done. The computational deviations between SATM and numerical analysis regarding the hot spot, minimum, and average temperatures on each element are all within 4.06 %. However, SATM consumes only 20.92 % of the time and 68.29 % of the storage of the numerical analysis. The measured data also fully prove the reliability and validity of the comparison. It is certain that SATM can well break through the limitation of the existing non-numerical technique to quickly and accurately achieve global temperature distribution predicting and hot spot monitoring of IPMSM. It provides researchers and engineers engaged in thermal behavior evaluation with good analysis means, design guidance, and optimization direction.

Validity and Reliability of Dynamic and Functional Balance Tests in People Aged 19-54: A Systematic Review.

A systematic literature search conducted in August 2019 yielded nine articles meeting predefined selection criteria. Inclusion criteria required studies featuring healthy adult participants aged 19-54, published in English, and focusing on dynamic and functional balance testing. Exclusion criteria excluded studies involving participants with chronic diseases or musculoskeletal disorders, systematic reviews, professional athletes, and those lacking specific participant age information. The quality of the studies was evaluated using a modified PEDro scale. This review analyzed ten distinct postural balance tests. The Star Excursion Balance Test and Y-Balance Test exhibited moderate to high reliability, establishing them as dependable measures of dynamic balance. The Nintendo Wii Balance Board, Clever Balance Board, and Posturomed device also displayed excellent reliability for assessing dynamic postural balance. Comparing one-arm and two-arm functional reach tests, the one-arm reach test emerged as a more suitable option for evaluating dynamic balance among young adults. Moreover, an investigation comparing three dynamic balance tests (one-leg jump landing, Posturomed device, and stimulated forward fall) revealed a low correlation among these tests, indicating a measurement of different balance constructs. In conclusion, the Y-Balance Test stands out as the most practical dynamic balance assessment for clinical use, characterized by a standardized protocol, good repeatability, affordability, and ease of application. The Nintendo Wii Balance Board also presents itself as a cost-effective and reliable tool for dynamic balance evaluation in clinical settings. It is crucial to recognize that these tests appraise discrete postural skills, preventing direct comparisons between test outcomes. This review equips healthcare professionals with valuable insights into optimal balance assessment methods for the healthy, 19 to 54 aged population. Level 3.

Quebec French Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Singing Voice Handicap Index-10 Questionnaire for Singers with Dysphonia

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESISDysphonia is a common voice disorder that can significantly impact a person’s life; it requires a collaborative evaluation by both speech-language pathologists and otolaryngologists that takes the patient’s perspective into account. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Singing Voice Handicap Index questionnaire (SVHI-10), a reliable patient-reported outcome evaluation tool for dysphonia, for the Quebec French population. The result is the Singing Voice Handicap Index-10-QC (SVHI-10-QC). STUDY DESIGNThis study was a prospective translation and validation process. METHODSThe translation process complied with international recommendations and followed a standard forward-backward translation procedure and cognitive debriefing with ten singers. The Quebec French version was administered to two study samples: 30 vocal professionals with no dysphonia and 53 vocal professionals with dysphonia as one of their primary complaints. The SVHI-10-QC was assessed for construct validity, internal consistency, discriminatory capacity, and test-retest reliability. RESULTSThe SVHI-10-QC is valid, reliable, and ready for use with singer-patients suffering from dysphonia. CONCLUSIONSThe SVHI-10-QC is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the impact of dysphonia on French Quebec singers’ quality of life.

고교학점제를 고려한 학생부종합전형 평가 루브릭 개발 및 내용타당도 검증

The purpose of this study is to develop an evaluation rubric of admission officer system considering&#x0D; the high school credit system. Interviews with stakeholders, including high school teachers, admission&#x0D; officers, and evaluation experts, were conducted to derive evaluative elements that accurately reflect the&#x0D; High School Credit System and students' educational experiences. The outcome is a rubric with four&#x0D; dimensions: Career Exploration, Exploratory activity and level, Basic learning ability, and Sense of&#x0D; Paricipation and responsibility, each evaluated across three levels and within a nine-point scale. These&#x0D; dimensions are designed to assess various aspects such as students' career exploration, in-class inquiry&#x0D; activities, academic achievements, and individual talents, as evidenced in their school records. Then,&#x0D; this study verified the content validity of the evaluation rubric with content experts, aiming to present&#x0D; a more reliable evaluation tool. This rubric is anticipated to significantly enhance the objectivity and&#x0D; validity in the University Admission Officer System, while also serving as a guiding framework for&#x0D; students, teachers, and parents to understand and improve educational outcomes.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Student Evaluation of Online Teaching Effectiveness (SEOTE) questionnaire Among Medical Sciences’ Students

Background: Due to the increasing number of online educations, traditional methods for evaluation of different on-line education methods are not suitable and there is a need for a valid and reliable tool in this field. This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the Student Evaluation of Online Teaching Effectiveness (SEOTE) questionnaire among Medical Sciences’ students in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: Using convenience sampling method, the present study included 230 students of Medical Sciences (e.g., mean age of 21.96 ±3.47 years) in Tabriz, Iran. The SEOTE questionnaire was used to collect the data. Forward–backward translation, construct validity and content validity were utilized to check the validity of the questionnaire. In addition, temporal stability was calculated using the test-retest method and Internal Consistency Coefficient (ICC). Results: It was confirmed that the SEOTE has appropriate content validity using the content validity index (CVI) of 0.80 and content validity ratio CVR of 0.70. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified the following two factors for domain identification of “communication” and “learning”. A Cronbach’s alpha of 0.97 was obtained for the questionnaire’s reliability, and ICC was used to confirm the temporal stability of the questionnaire (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.966-0.977). Conclusion: This study confirms that the Persian version of SEOTE questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for evaluation of on-line teaching among Medical Sciences’ students.

Investigation of a perturbation-based model updating approach for structural health and event monitoring

With the intention to detect structural events, for example, occurrence of damage and assessing their severity under service, structural health and event monitoring proved itself as a reliable evaluation tool. While many algorithmic approaches exist, model-based monitoring offers the prominent advantage to enable extensive analysis of damage states based on a structural digital twin. In order to accurately replicate the dynamical behaviour of a real-world structure, inherent physical properties, for example, mass, stiffness and structural damping, of the digital twin might be corrected from nominal values. This can be achieved by numerical model updating procedures. In this study, the application of a model updating approach is presented to eliminate modal discrepancies. Based on the perturbated modal dynamic residual, an updating equation is formulated. Stiffness and mass correction terms with preserved orthogonality and symmetry conditions are determined by the method of least squares. A case study using computationally generated modal data is conducted, evaluating the numerical updating performance in terms of correction accuracy and reproduction of modal parameters. Finally, the transient structural response to an impulse excitation is compared between updated and reference model. The gathered results prove the method’s suitability as accurate and robust updating procedure, fostering its application in model-based monitoring frameworks.

Development and validation of the PERCEPT-PREVENT tool to determine risk perception and attitudes towards digestive cancer screening.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is recommended worldwide, while gastric cancer (GC) screening may also be defendable in some settings. However, adherence rates and factors influencing participation are not well characterized. This study aimed to validate a tool to determine risk perception of CRC and GC and also of endoscopy-related complications. A questionnaire in CRC risk perception based on the Health Belief Model was used. Forward/backward translation (English-Portuguese) and cultural adaptation were performed. After revision by a panel of experts, the questionnaire was adapted to target GC risk perception and perceptions towards endoscopy-related complications. The final version of the questionnaire (PERCEPT-PREVENT tool) was applied to 44 individuals, through telephonic interview, at enrolment and at intervals ≤3 weeks. Test-retest reliability and agreement were assessed. Almost perfect reliability between test and retest was obtained for CRC symptom knowledge score (ICC = 0.88), risk factor knowledge score (ICC = 0.89), and perceived severity (ICC = 0.84). At least moderate agreement between test and retest was obtained for GC symptom knowledge score (ICC = 0.94), risk factor knowledge score (ICC = 0.92), and perceived severity (ICC = 0.58). Test-retest reliability was assessed for barrier domains [faecal occult blood test ICC = 0.63; colonoscopy ICC = 0.79; upper GI endoscopy (UGIE) ICC = 0.83]. A total of 91% and 98% of participants gave the same answer in the test and retest for preferred method of CRC screening and intention to undergo UGIE for GC screening combined with a screening colonoscopy, respectively. PERCEPT-PREVENT is a valid and reliable tool for CRC and GC risk perception evaluation.