Standard Assessment Criteria Research Articles

Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of classroom teaching quality of college teachers

At present, some classroom teaching evaluation methods are actually difficult to reasonably and fairly evaluate teachers’ true teaching level and classroom teaching quality. There are many shortcomings and drawbacks. In order to overcome the shortcomings of traditional teaching evaluation and enhance the evaluation effect, this paper combines the current advanced management methods with the merits of traditional evaluation methods, and applies the fuzzy evaluation method to combine qualitative assessment and quantitative assessment. First of all, establish a scientific and reasonable classroom teaching quality assessment index system, determine the standard assessment criteria, and then select and use the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model to evaluate the classroom teaching quality, thus establishing a complete and effective teaching quality evaluation system.

VISCERAL MOBILIZATION AS MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR LOW BACK PAIN - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

OBJECTIVE This systematic review is to evaluate the impact of visceral mobilization or manipulation in improving low back pain via standard protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature was searched electronically on various databases such as PEDro, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, BioMed Central, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Science Direct considering duration of 2011 to 2019. Randomized Controlled Trials investigating effectiveness of visceral manipulation or mobilization, either, in the comparison with different modalities or with sham/placebo were included. Data was extracted and studies were reviewed on standardized qualitative assessment criteria. Cochrane guidelines were followed to find out the risk of bias among the included studies. RESULTS All the studies provided moderate to high quality evidence in favor of visceral mobilization or manipulation being effective on low back pain in terms of risk of bias and quality assessment with significant results (p-value <0.05). CONCLUSION The available studies provided the significant and strong effectiveness of visceral manipulation and mobilization. However, scarcity of literature in domain raises an inevitable need for further studies to be conducted in future.

Effective virtual patient simulators for medical communication training: A systematic review.

Despite the growing use of virtual patients (VPs) in medical education, few studies have explored the features and effectiveness of VP-based medical communication skills training. We undertook a systematic review to summarise the design and evaluation of VP-based medical communication skills training systems in order to identify features of successful cases. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched four databases for studies published between 2006 and 2018. Using a refined classification scheme, we extracted data on instructional design (scenario and instructional intervention), technological design (modality and interaction), and evaluation (user experience, learning effectiveness and evaluator). We assessed the quality of studies using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) and the QualSyst standard assessment criteria. A total of 14 studies were included for review. Of these, 85.7% (n=12) were quantitative and 71.4% (n=10) involved undergraduate students. The most common VP training scenario was history taking followed by the delivery of bad news. Diverse instructional interventions, including tutorials, learning activities, and feedback, were embedded in the VPs. The first-person perspective animated within-screen size VP was a popular technological feature. Most evaluations concerned the reality of simulation (for user experience) and skill in expressing empathy (as a learning outcome). Of the eight comparative studies, half reported significant attitude or skill improvements in the VP group. The distinct features of VPs shown to be effective were well-designed instructional interventions (eg, a pre-activity with a protocol-informed tutorial), and post-activity (eg, debrief or reflection), scaffolding and human feedback, but not system feedback. Evidence-based VP training can enable students to gain communication skills in a safe and affordable learning environment. Elaborate technology alone cannot guarantee effective learning, but evidence-based instructional interventions can facilitate its optimal use and bring about better learning outcomes.

Health care professionals' motivation, their behaviors, and the quality of hospital care: A mixed-methods systematic review.

Health care professionals' work motivation is assumed to be crucial for the quality of hospital care, but it is unclear which type of motivation ought to be stimulated to improve quality. Motivation and similar concepts are aligned along a motivational continuum that ranges from (intrinsic) autonomous motivation to (extrinsic) controlled motivation to provide a framework for this mixed-methods systematic review. This mixed-methods systematic review aims to link various types of health care professionals' motivation directly and through their work-related behaviors to quality of care. Six databases were searched from January 1990 to August 2016. Qualitative and quantitative studies were included if they reported on work motivation in relationship to work behavior and/or quality, and study participants were health care professionals working in hospitals in high-income countries. Study bias was evaluated using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields. The review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42016043284). A total of 84 out of 6,525 unique records met the inclusion criteria. Results show that health care professionals' autonomous motivation improves their quality perceptions and work-related behaviors. Controlled motivation inhibits voicing behavior, but when balanced with autonomous motivation, it stimulates core task and proactive behavior. Proactivity is associated with increased quality of care perceptions. To improve quality of care, policy makers and managers need to support health care professionals' autonomous motivation and recognize and facilitate proactivity as an essential part of health care professionals' jobs. Incentive-based quality improvements need to be complemented with aspects that stimulate autonomous motivation.

How do companies certified to ISO 50001 and ISO 14001 perform in LEED and BREEAM assessments?

Energy and environmental standards, like ISO 50001 and ISO 14001, have a significant influence on the sustainable performance of companies worldwide, while international sustainable building rating systems are often the chosen method to quantify and benchmark performance. This research aims to comprehensively evaluate and assess the performance of these standards in relation to both the LEED and BREEAM assessments. Based on a clearly defined methodology, each standard topic and assessment criteria are comprehensively evaluated and discussed in detail. The main outcome of this research is that through a combination of these standards, a minimum of a LEED Gold or a very good, four-star BREEAM certification is achievable. Furthermore, the highest potential areas for improvement in companies with mature standards are highlighted as well as recommendations for companies with less mature standards and projects in the design and planning phase.

Dendritic Cells in Anticancer Vaccination: Rationale for Ex Vivo Loading or In Vivo Targeting.

Dendritic cells (DCs) have shown great potential as a component or target in the landscape of cancer immunotherapy. Different in vivo and ex vivo strategies of DC vaccine generation with different outcomes have been proposed. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated their efficacy and safety in cancer patients. However, there is no consensus regarding which DC-based vaccine generation method is preferable. A problem of result comparison between trials in which different DC-loading or -targeting approaches have been applied remains. The employment of different DC generation and maturation methods, antigens and administration routes from trial to trial also limits the objective comparison of DC vaccines. In the present review, we discuss different methods of DC vaccine generation. We conclude that standardized trial designs, treatment settings and outcome assessment criteria will help to determine which DC vaccine generation approach should be applied in certain cancer cases. This will result in a reduction in alternatives in the selection of preferable DC-based vaccine tactics in patient. Moreover, it has become clear that the application of a DC vaccine alone is not sufficient and combination immunotherapy with recent advances, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, should be employed to achieve a better clinical response and outcome.

The Impact of Mass Gatherings on Emergency Department Patient Presentations with Communicable Diseases Related to Syndromic Indicators: An Integrative Review.

Mass-gathering events (MGEs) are commonly associated with a higher than average rate of morbidity. Spectators, workers, and the substantial number of MGE attendees can increase the spread of communicable diseases. During an MGE, emergency departments (EDs) play an important role in offering health care services to both residents of the local community and event attendees. Syndromic indicators (SIs) are widely used in an ED surveillance system for early detection of communicable diseases. This literature review aimed to develop an understanding of the effect of MGEs on ED patient presentations with communicable diseases and their corresponding SIs. An integrative literature review methodology was used. Online databases were searched to retrieve relevant academic articles that focused on MGEs, EDs, and SIs. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to screen articles. The Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research (QualSyst) assessment tool was used to assess the quality of included papers. Eleven papers were included in this review; all discussed the impact of an MGE on patient presentations with communicable diseases at EDs/hospitals. Most included studies used the raw number of patients who presented or were admitted to EDs/hospitals to determine impact. Further, the majority of studies focused on either respiratory infections (n = 4) or gastrointestinal infections (n = 2); two articles reported on both. Eight articles mentioned SIs; however, such information was limited. The quality of evidence (using QualSyst) ranged from 50% to 90%. Limited research exists on the impact of MGEs on ED presentations with communicable diseases and related SIs. Recommendations for future MGE studies include assessing differences in ED presentations with communicable diseases regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes before, during, and after the event. This would benefit health care workers and researchers by offering more comprehensive knowledge for application into practice.

Prevalence and determinants of antenatal common mental disorders among women in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To review the available evidence about the prevalence and determinants of antenatal common mental disorders (antenatal CMDs) among women in India. We searched Ovid Medline, Embase and Psyinfo systematically from date of inception to Oct. 31, 2019 for publications in English language on the prevalence of antenatal CMDs and their determinants among women in India. All study designs were included. Quality was assessed with Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers. We performed a meta-analysis using a random effects model. Twenty-seven studies involving 7780 women were analysed. There was a high degree of heterogeneity ((I2= 97.53%). Publication bias [Egger bias = 0.65 (95% CI: 0.36; .94)] was evident. The overall pooled estimate of the prevalence of antenatal CMDs was 21.87% (95% CI: 17.46; 26.29). Significant risk factors reported in the 18 studies which examined them were negative reaction of husband or in-laws to the dowry, difficult relationship with husband/in-laws, lack of support or experiencing violence perpetrated by an intimate partner and preference for or feeling pressured to have a male child. Protective factors were having more education and being employed, having a supportive husband and opportunities for recreation during pregnancy. Antenatal CMDs are highly prevalent among women in India. There is an urgent need for locally developed policies and programmes for mental health promotion during pregnancy, preventive and early intervention for antenatal CMDs among women to be integrated into maternity care in India.

PENILAIAN KONDISI DEGRADASI TANAH DI SPK SAWANGAN KOTA DEPOK

The establishment of Sawangan district, Depok municipality as an urban service sub-centres (SPK) has encouraged urbanization to the zoning. The population increase and the demand for land for the conversion is a consequence. Land-use change has become an environmental issue in the SPK Sawangan, specifically soil degradation. The objectives of this study were to assess the condition of soil degradation based on the criteria for evaluating the parameters of soil physical properties in the SPK Sawangan. Observation method on the soil physical properties were carried out at five sample plots. The assessment technique referred to standard assessment criteria for controlling soil degradation for biomass production. The results showed that the parameters that affect soil degradation are acidity (T1,T3, T5), soil bulk density (T4), permeability: fast (T2,T3) and slow (T4). Overall conclusions, soil degradation at the SPK Sawangan zoning shows the condition of low damage. The policy implications are that stakeholders need to carry out technical management of land, especially on land that has the limiting parameter value that exceeds or is outside the critical threshold value.

Perancangan Sistem Basis Data Offline Dokumen Akreditasi Program Studi

Accreditation is a government assessment for a Higher Education. Based on the regulation of the minister of education and culture of the Republic of Indonesia number 87 of 2014 article 6, the validity period of the accreditation status and ranking of accredited study programs and tertiary institutions is 5 (five) years. During this time, the institution must prepare the documents used for accreditation. In 2019, the government has implemented changes to the standard accreditation assessment criteria of an institution, the evaluation of accreditation documents refers to several documents, one of them is Study Program Performance Sheet (LKPS) which is recapitulated in an excel. This research focuses on data integration at LKPS. In the LKPS excel data there is a relationship between the data with one another. One of the data that has a relationship is data related to lecturers with tridharma activities. Given that the application of this new rule began in 2019, this research focuses on designing the concept offline, namely Database integration made using Microsoft Access. LKPS analysis results have determined that there are 30 tables of which there are 22 integrated tables and 8 tables that do not have integration.

A Mobile-Based Screening System for Data Analyses of Early Dementia Traits Detection

Existing early detection methods that deal with the pre-diagnosis of dementia have been criticised as not being comprehensive as they do not measure certain cognitive functioning domains besides being inaccessible. A more realistic approach is to develop a comprehensive outcome that includes cognitive functioning of dementia, as this will offer a robust and unbiased outcome for an individual. In this research, a mobile screening application for dementia traits called DementiaTest is proposed, which adopts the gold standard assessment criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). DementiaTest is implemented and tested on the Android and IOS stores. More importantly, it collects data from cases and controls using an easy, interactive, and accessible platform. It provides patients and their family with quick pre-diagnostic reports using certain cognitive functioning indicators; these can be utilized by general practitioners (GPs) for referrals for further assessment in cases of positive outcomes. The data gathered using the new application can be analysed using Artificial Intelligence methods to evaluate the performance of the screening to pinpoint early signs of the dementia.

Factors Associated with General Sexual Functioning and Sexual Satisfaction among People Living with HIV: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Sexual difficulties, experienced by half of the people living with HIV (PLWH), not only affect quality of life but have been associated with lower adherence to antiretroviral medication. This systematic review synthesizes studies published since 1997 which used statistical methods to investigate factors associated with general sexual functioning or sexual satisfaction of PLWH. We searched Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Cinahl and Scopus with terms: HIV AND sexual dysfunction AND factors. Of 5552 records, 26 studies met selection criteria. Twenty-one studies on general sexual function, and five studies on sexual satisfaction. Two researchers separately extracted data and applied standardized quality assessment criteria. (Registration: CRD42018094146.) Regarding general sexual dysfunction, older age, general physical health, depression, body image and psychological distress were the most relevant factors. There was inconsistent evidence for: CD4, viral load, HIV symptom severity, HIV disease progression and time since diagnosis. From limited available evidence on sexual satisfaction, age, unemployment, and psychosocial factors were significant. Overall, anxiety and relational factors were under-researched, treatment center studies were over-represented and non-validated measurement of outcomes was common. Future research is required to build theoretical models of sexual well-being specific to PLWH to guide effective research and intervention to promote sexual quality of life of PLWH.

The frequency of low-risk morbilliform drug eruptions observed in patients treated with different classes of antibiotics.

Antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide but can lead to numerous cutaneous adverse events. Cutaneous adverse drug reactions can range from a common and low-risk morbilliform eruption to severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) such as toxic epidermal necrolysis. In the hospital setting, patients often start a myriad of new drugs and may be on multiple antibiotics when the dermatologist is consulted. With the current lack of commercially available testing for delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions, etiologic confirmation is challenging. While the Naranjo and other standardized assessment criteria are available, complete scoring is often impossible in hospitalized patients. Further, multiple drugs may have been initiated at the same time point. Therefore, the prevalence of antibiotic-associated drug eruptions often is required to facilitate causality assessments. This review summarizes the prevalence of morbilliform eruptions for the most frequently prescribed antibiotics based upon systematic reviews, retrospective, and prospective analyses, with case series and reports providing other salient details.

The Risk Factors Related to Voice Disorder in Teachers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Identifying the risk factors of teachers’ voice disorders is very important for preventing voice disorders and the recurrence of them. This meta-study identified risk factors associated with teachers’ voice disorders through systematic review and meta-analysis and provided basic data for preventing them. Materials and Methods: This study collected literature on the risk factors of teachers’ voice disorders using six databases (i.e., CINAHL, EBSCO, PUBMED, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Springer Link). Search was limited to studies published between 1 January 2000 and 15 October 2018, and a total of 16 publications were selected for the analysis of this study. The quality of selected literature was assessed using the “Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields”. The effect size was analyzed by odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Results: The results of the quality assessment ranged from 20 to 24 points with six strong studies and ten good studies. The meta-analysis showed that gender, upper airway problems, caffeine consumption, speaking loudly, number of classes per week, and resignation experience due to voice problems were the major risk factors of teachers’ voice disorders. On the other hand, age, number of children, drinking, physical activity, smoking, water intake, singing habits, duration of teaching, perception of noise inside the school, number of classes per day, noise assessment inside the classroom, and perception of technology and instruments inside the workplace were not significantly related to voice disorders. Conclusions: Longitudinal studies should be conducted in the future to confirm causality between voice disorders and risk factors based on the results of this study.

PROBING BREAST CANCER THERAPEUTIC RESPONSES BY DNA CONTENT PROFILING

Background. Discrepancies in the interpretation of breast cancer therapeutic responses still exist mainly because of lack of standardized assessment criteria and methods. Objective. DNA content profiling of cells in the affected (cancerous) tissue before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was applied to facilitate interpretation of therapeutic responses. Methods. Both diagnostic biopsy and operation materials representing the tissue of primary tumors surgically removed after NAC were subjected to DNA image cytometry. Polyploidy and aneuploidy in DNA histograms were evaluated with a prognostic Auer typing. Stemline DNA index (DI) values and percentages of cells that polyploidize (>4.5C) were also determined. Immunofluorescence staining was applied to evaluate proliferation (Ki-67), invasiveness (CD44), and self-renewal factors characteristic for stem cells (SOX2 and NANOG). Results. DNA content profiles of 12 breast cancer cases, of which 7 were triple-negative, revealed the features of tumor non-responsiveness to NAC in 7 cases, of which 5 were triple-negative. Among non-responsive cases there were 3 cases that showed enhanced polyploidization, suggesting the negative NAC effect. Near-triploid (DI=1.26-1.74) triple-negative cases were determined as most resistant to NAC. Cycling near-triploid cells may contribute to the excessive numbers of >4.5C cells. Polyploid cells were positive for Ki-67, CD44, SOX2, and NANOG. Conclusions. DNA content profiling data provide additional helpful information for interpreting therapeutic responses in NAC-treated breast cancers. Polyploid tumor cells possessing stem cell features can be induced by NAC. Because NAC effects in some cases may be unfavorable, the use of the further treatment strategy should be carefully considered.

Abstract 3143: Predicting treatment response using patient derived organotypic cancer spheroids

Abstract Background: There are limited clinical tools for predicting the effectiveness of cancer therapies. We aim to prospectively predict patient treatment response using patient-derived organotypic cancer spheroids (PDOCS) as an in vitro model which recapitulates the genetic characteristics and 3D organization of the patient’s tumor. Using optical metabolic imaging (OMI) to analyze single cells, we can determine heterogeneous subpopulations in response to drug treatment. Further clinical validation of these techniques and analysis methods are needed before clinical translation. Methods: Tissue biopsies and gross tissue resections were acquired through the University of Wisconsin Precision Medicine Molecular Tumor Board (IRB#UW15068) and UWCCC TSB Biobank. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) from the biopsies was performed to determine molecular profiling. In alignment with the patient’s treatment course, PDOCS were treated with physiologic doses of chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Treatment response was evaluated by measuring change in diameter in conjunction with optical metabolic imaging (OMI) using a multiphoton microscope to measure the fluorescence and redox ratio of NAD(P)H and FAD as an indication of cellular metabolism. Diameter changes between control and treatment groups were compared using Glass’s delta; resistance to therapy was indicated by a Glass’s delta score of below 1.5. The optical redox ratios determined by OMI were compared using Glass’s delta, and resistance was indicated below 0.5. Clinical response was measured using RECIST v1.1 standard response assessment criteria. Results: PDOCS were successfully isolated from colorectal (CRC), lung, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), ovarian, and breast cancers. These biopsies were all obtained in the treatment refractory setting. PDOCS were generated for seven patients and treated with the same pharmacologic treatment as the patient from which the PDOCS were generated. Multiple treatments were able to be tested both in vitro and clinically for a subset of patients. Treatments included: 5-fluouracil, oxaliplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, olaparib, panitumumab, osimertinib, fulvestrant, and palbociclib. In this cohort, two treatments resulted in stable disease and seven treatments resulted in disease progression. Change in spheroid diameter correlated with clinical treatment outcomes with an effect size (Glass’s delta) threshold of 1.5. OMI predicted response for all patients imaged with an effect size threshold of 0.5 which correlated with the size change analyses. Treatment heterogeneity of OMI was observed in many of the samples. Conclusions: In this largely prospective cohort of patients across disease types, changes in PDOCS size and OMI indices predict treatment benefit for individual patients. Studies on a larger scale are needed to further validate these findings. Citation Format: Carley M. Sprackling, Jeremy D. Kratz, Peter F. Favreau, Mohammad R. Karim, Christopher P. Babiarz, Cheri A. Pasch, Amani A. Gillette, Linda Clipson, Kristina A. Matkowskyj, Jens C. Eichoff, Kayla K. Lemmon, Hannah K. Houtler, Mark E. Burkard, Devon Miller, Melissa C. Skala, Dustin A. Deming. Predicting treatment response using patient derived organotypic cancer spheroids [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3143.

English

The assessment of degradation status of wetland soils under five different land use types (LUTs) in Ogun state, Nigeria were studied. The laboratory study was conducted to determine the physical, chemical and biological properties of these wetlands and the results obtained were compared with the food and agriculture organization (FAO) standard indicators and criteria for land degradation assessment. The textural composition of the soil ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Total porosity was generally low with the mean value of 40.5%. The pH ranged from moderately acidic to slightly alkaline with fallow soil having the highest value. Available phosphorus was low across the LUTs. Total nitrogen was predominantly low in most of the cultivated soils to moderate in the fallow soils. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) was low, while the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) was high (>5) in all the LUTs. The organic matter ranged from low to moderate indicating low nutrients status of the soil. The soils were classified and placed in the order Alfisols. The degradation results showed that most of the cultivated wetlands were highly degraded compared to the reference (fallow) soils which were slightly degraded. It is opined that soil conservation practices like the use of inorganic fertilizers, organic manure, and composts should be intensified in these fragile low fertile wetlands. Also, there should be a periodic monitoring of the fertility status of the wetlands from the time it is first open for cultivation to subsequent uses. Key words: Conservation, deforestation, environment, soil management, vegetation.

Instruments to Measure Outcomes in Pediatric Palliative Care: A Systematic Review.

Pediatric palliative care (PPC) is intended to promote children's quality of life by using a family-centered approach. However, the measurement of this multidimensional outcome remains challenging. To review the instruments used to assess the impact of PPC interventions. Five databases (Embase, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, PsychInfo, Medline) were searched. Inclusion criteria were as follows: definition of PPC used; patients aged 0 to 18 years; diseases listed in the directory of life-limiting diseases; results based on empirical data; and combined descriptions of a PPC intervention, its outcomes, and a measurement instrument. Full-text articles were assessed and data were extracted by 2 independent researchers, and each discrepancy was resolved through consensus. The quality of the studies was assessed by using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers From a Variety of Fields checklist. Nineteen of 2150 articles met the eligibility criteria. Researchers in 15 used quantitative methods, and 9 were of moderate quality. Multidimensional outcomes included health-related quality of life, spiritual well-being, satisfaction with care and/or communication, perceived social support, and family involvement in treatment or place-of-care preferences. PPC interventions ranged from home-based to hospital and respite care. Only 15 instruments (of 23 reported) revealed some psychometric properties, and only 5 included patient-reported (child) outcome measures. We had no access to the developmental process of the instruments used to present the underlying concepts that were underpinning the constructs. Data on the psychometric properties of instruments used to assess the impact of PPC interventions were scarce. Children are not systematically involved in reporting outcomes.

Grading fatty liver and detecting liver pathological features - Is there consensus between sonographers and radiologists?

Introduction Hepatic steatosis is the leading cause of chronic liver disease. Reliable detection and staging of liver disease is important to facilitate diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interobserver agreement between trainee sonographers, qualified sonographers and radiologists in grading non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and detecting common liver pathological features in B-mode images. Methods 150 B-mode liver ultrasound images from 50 adult patients referred for an abdominal ultrasound were obtained retrospectively from a PACS system. The images were independently graded for the severity of hepatic steatosis (normal, mild, moderate or severe) and the detection of incidental 0findings, focal fatty sparing, liver surface irregularity and rounded liver edge (present or absent) by 17 qualified, six trainee sonographers and six radiologists. Fleiss’ kappa statistics were used to calculate interobserver agreement among participants in grading common liver pathological features. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to calculate the level of absolute agreement among participants in grading NAFLD. Results The interobserver agreement rates among trainee sonographers for the detection of incidental findings, focal fatty sparing, liver surface irregularity and rounded liver edge were: κ = 0.243, 0.486, 0.155 and 0.079 respectively. Among qualified sonographers, the agreement rates were: κ = 0.323, 0.428, 0.167 and 0.152 respectively. Among radiologists, the agreement rates were: κ = 0.156, 0.266, 0.015 and 0.154 respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient average scores among trainee sonographers, qualified sonographers, all the sonographers combined and radiologists were: 0.927, 0.978, 0.985 and 0.954 respectively. Conclusion Visual assessment of common liver pathology in B-mode imaging has low interobserver agreement among sonographers and radiologists, but excellent inter-rater reliability in grading NAFLD. The low agreement levels are likely caused by a lack of standardised assessment criteria. The development of a standardised criteria for staging NAFLD and common liver pathological features are recommended.

Land and nutrition data in the Land Portal and the Global Nutrition Report: a gap exploration report

GODAN Action supports data users, producers and intermediaries to effectively engage with open data and maximise its potential for impact in the agriculture and nutrition sectors. In particular, we work to strengthen capacity, to promote common standards and best practice, and to improve how we measure impact. This gap analysis report is the third in a series which has examined gaps in data standards. The first version of the report examined gaps in agriculture and food data (Pesce, Kayumbi, Tennison, Mey, and Zervas: 2016). A second version (Pesce, Tennison, Dodds and Zervas: 2017) examined the situation in the area of data standards for weather data (and closely related geospatial data), and particularly focused on weather data for use in farm management services. This third version focuses on data standardisation gaps in specific use cases of aggregation of land data and nutrition data around indicators: the Land Portal and the Global Nutrition Report. The report starts with a review of the relevant types of data for these use cases, then illustrates similarities between the two projects and similar standardisation gaps, and then moves to more specific challenges for the two individual projects. The Land Portal (LP) gathers information from a broad range of land-related data and information providers. It is organised and visualised in ways that are intuitive and usable for researchers, private sector actors and policy makers at global and local levels. The information provided can strengthen research, advocacy, and policy making efforts by enabling a better understanding of land governance issues affecting various countries and regions. The Global Nutrition Report (GNR) is a comprehensive narrative on global and country-level nutrition. GNR produces the Report annually and aggregates a wealth of nutrition and nutrition-related data from a wide range of sources. This data underpins the report itself as well as being used to produce a range of supplementary materials, including country, regional, and sub-regional profiles and data visualisation tools. The main conclusions drawn from the report are that The two use cases present many similarities. They both aggregate data from secondary sources, already partly normalised by global agencies; they both aggregate data around specific indicators; they aggregate from datasets with a similar structure (indicator, country, year, value). The identified gaps in data standardisation are very similar. The names of countries and regions in data sources are not standardised or they are standardised according to different conventions; the names of the variables do not follow any convention; indicators are represented by strings and may change over the years (both their names and the measurement methods). With reference to our data standard assessment criteria, the few standards used by the data sources (country naming conventions, value ranges, units of measurement) in both cases are not open and not very usable. The situation is different when it comes to the way the two projects re-publish the data: the GNR normalises values around some conventions, while the LP re-publishes everything according to Linked Data principles, and uses published vocabularies.