Subjective Assessment Methods Research Articles

Relationship between subjective masticatory performance assessed by food acceptance questionnaire and comprehensively assessed oral function in older outpatients at a dental hospital in Japan: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundWith the global rise in the aging population, the relationship between oral function and risk of long-term care is attracting attention. One method for subjective assessment of masticatory function is the use of a food acceptance questionnaire. Although it is hypothesized that objective oral functions such as tongue pressure and swallowing function are associated with subjective masticatory performance, this relationship has yet to be investigated. The aim of this study is to elucidate the association between overall oral function and subjective masticatory performance using a food questionnaire.MethodsPatients aged ≥ 65 years were recruited from an outpatient dental clinic at Tokyo Medical and Dental University. Subjective masticatory performance was assessed using the food acceptance score as described in a previous study. Seven oral function parameters defined by the Japanese Society of Gerodontology, were measured. Age, sex, number of functional teeth, geriatric depression, cognitive function, and oral health-related quality of life were assessed. Variables for which normality was rejected were transformed into tertile values. Multiple regression analysis was conducted with the food acceptance score as the objective variable, and each oral function parameter and other items as explanatory variables.ResultsThis study included 201 participants (87 males and 114 females). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the number of functional teeth, geriatric depression, oral health-related quality of life, objective masticatory performance, tongue pressure, and swallowing function were substantially associated with the food acceptance scores.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that subjective masticatory performance was independently associated with tongue pressure, objective masticatory performance, swallowing function, number of functional teeth, geriatric depression, and oral health-related quality of life.

Evaluating the Impact of an Educational Intervention Using Project-Based Learning on Postpandemic Recovery in Rural Colombia

This study evaluates the impact of a Project-Based Learning (PBL) intervention on postpandemic educational recovery in rural Colombia, focusing on student competencies in mathematics, language, science, and 21st-century skills. Conducted in rural schools, the intervention aimed to address significant learning gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing teacher training and direct student support. A pretest–posttest single-group design was used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention, with standardized tests measuring academic competencies and an analytical rubric evaluating 21st-century skills. The results indicate significant improvements in math, language, and science test scores, with notable gains in problem-solving, collaborative work, communication, and critical thinking. However, a decline in creativity scores highlights the need for a stronger emphasis on fostering creativity within the PBL framework. Gender differences were observed, with female students generally outperforming males, suggesting the need for tailored instructional approaches. This study’s limitations, including the absence of a control group, nonrandom sampling, and the use of subjective assessment methods, are acknowledged, with recommendations for future research to address these issues. Despite these limitations, the findings underscore the potential of PBL to enhance student learning outcomes in rural settings, offering valuable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to support educational recovery and development in similar contexts. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of PBL and to refine the intervention for broader implementation.

Evaluating Inter- and Intraobserver Agreement on Pectus Carinatum Severity and Treatment Outcomes: A Comparison of Subjective and Objective Assessment Methods.

Background Visual examination is crucial for assessing pectus carinatum (PC) severity and treatment results. This cross-sectional study evaluates the inter- and intraobserver agreement of PC deformities before and after treatment. Methods Observers examined medical photographs of patients before and after treatment. Primary outcome was inter- and intraobserver agreement on esthetic results after treatment. Secondary outcomes included inter- and intraobserver agreement on severity and symmetry before treatment, differences in esthetic results after Ravitch surgery and dynamic compression bracing (DCS-bracing), and the impact of scars, age and treatment duration on esthetic results. Results Medical photographs of 201 patients (aged 4-18) were evaluated by five surgeons and five peers. Surgeons and peers demonstrated inadequate (κ<.61) interobserver agreement on esthetic results (κ=.26, κ=.22), severity of PC (κ=.43, κ=.38) and symmetry (κ=.37, surgeons only). Agreement between surgeons and peers on esthetic results (κ=.37) and severity before treatment (κ=.54) was similarly inadequate. Surgeons and peers demonstrated inadequate intraobserver agreement on esthetic results (κ=.49, κ=.34), severity of PC (κ=.54, κ=.48) and symmetry (κ=.60, surgeons only). Deformities treated with Ravitch surgery were perceived as more severe but yielded better results. Peers, unlike surgeons, viewed scars as negatively impacting results. No relationship was found between results after treatment and treatment duration (p=.682, p=.062) or age ( p=.205, p=.527). Conclusions Subjective assessment of PC severity and esthetic results is inconsistent. 3D-scanning could help standardize treatment completion and aid patients and surgeons in determining treatment completion. The psychosocial effects of scars should be addressed when discussing treatment options.

Validation of computer vision-based ergonomic risk assessment tools for real manufacturing environments

This study contributes to understanding semi-automated ergonomic risk assessments in industrial manufacturing environments, proposing a practical tool for enhancing worker safety and operational efficiency. In the Industry 5.0 era, the human-centric approach in manufacturing is crucial, especially considering the aging workforce and the dynamic nature of the entire modern industrial sector, today integrating digital technology, automation, and sustainable practices to enhance productivity and environmental responsibility. This approach aims to adapt work conditions to individual capabilities, addressing the high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The traditional, subjective methods of ergonomic assessment are inadequate for dynamic settings, highlighting the need for affordable, automatic tools for continuous monitoring of workers’ postures to evaluate ergonomic risks effectively during tasks. To enable this perspective, 2D RGB Motion Capture (MoCap) systems based on computer vision currently seem the technologies of choice, given their low intrusiveness, cost, and implementation effort. However, the reliability and applicability of these systems in the dynamic and varied manufacturing environment remain uncertain. This research benchmarks various literature proposed MoCap tools and examines the viability of MoCap systems for ergonomic risk assessments in Industry 5.0 by exploiting one of the benchmarked semi-automated, low-cost and non-intrusive 2D RGB MoCap system, capable of continuously monitoring and analysing workers’ postures. By conducting experiments across varied manufacturing environments, this research evaluates the system’s effectiveness in assessing ergonomic risks and its adaptability to different production lines. Results reveal that the accuracy of risk assessments varies by specific environmental conditions and workstation setups. Although these systems are not yet optimized for expert-level risk certification, they offer significant potential for enhancing workplace safety and efficiency by providing continuous posture monitoring. Future improvements could explore advanced computational techniques like machine learning to refine ergonomic assessments further.

Holographic Communication: A Study of the Quality of Holographic Copies Perception

Relevance. Holography is becoming one of the most promising areas of visualization of three-dimensional objects, which justifies the emergence of a certain scientific interest in this area of research. There is a general global trend of intensifying the work of specialists on the problem of using holographic technologies in various areas of human activity. Trends in the implementation of holographic services and holographic communication today already require a revision of the principles of planning, designing and building existing communication networks, as well as approaches to the implementation of sixth-generation networks 6G, which are based on the integration of various technologies and communication networks into a single network. A separate issue is the assessment of the quality of service and the quality of perception of holographic services by both objective and subjective assessment methods. There are practically no criteria for assessing the quality of a holographic image, including scales and methods for subjective assessment of the quality of holographic services. Moreover, the properties of the holographic flow are poorly understood, and even less so its influence on communication networks and requirements for network parameters, which makes the tasks of studying traffic characteristics and assessing the quality of service of holographic services very relevant.The aim of the work is to evaluate the quality of perception of holographic conference calls using a subjective evaluation method on a model network. The work uses methods of subjective assessment of the quality of perception. The materials presented in the article reflect the results of the authors' experimental research work on studying the problem of the quality of perception of holographic copies. A description of the developed scheme of a full-scale experiment is given.Results. The data obtained as a result of the work of an expert group on assessing the quality of perception are presented. The subjective assessment of the quality of perception of a holographic image begins to deteriorate with 8 connections and becomes unsatisfactory with 12 connections, which must be taken into account when planning experimental studies of work on assessing the quality of perception. Novelty. For the first time, an assessment of the quality of perception of the provision of a holographic conferencing service was carried out using a subjective assessment method. Theoretical significance. The influence of increasing the number of holographic traffic flows on the quality of perception of the received content is analyzed. Practical significance. Expanding the possibilities for assessing the degree of user satisfaction with holographic services.

Employing the Artificial Intelligence Object Detection Tool YOLOv8 for Real-Time Pain Detection: A Feasibility Study.

Effective pain management is crucial for patient care, impacting comfort, recovery, and overall well-being. Traditional subjective pain assessment methods can be challenging, particularly in specific patient populations. This research explores an alternative approach using computer vision (CV) to detect pain through facial expressions. The study implements the YOLOv8 real-time object detection model to analyze facial expressions indicative of pain. Given four pain datasets, a dataset of pain-expressing faces was compiled, and each image was carefully labeled based on the presence of pain-associated Action Units (AUs). The labeling distinguished between two classes: pain and no pain. The pain category included specific AUs (AU4, AU6, AU7, AU9, AU10, and AU43) following the Prkachin and Solomon Pain Intensity (PSPI) scoring method. Images showing these AUs with a PSPI score above 2 were labeled as expressing pain. The manual labeling process utilized an open-source tool, makesense.ai, to ensure precise annotation. The dataset was then split into training and testing subsets, each containing a mix of pain and no-pain images. The YOLOv8 model underwent iterative training over 10 epochs. The model's performance was validated using precision, recall, and mean Average Precision (mAP) metrics, and F1 score. When considering all classes collectively, our model attained a mAP of 0.893 at a threshold of 0.5. The precision for "pain" and "nopain" detection was 0.868 and 0.919, respectively. F1 scores for the classes "pain", "nopain", and "all classes" reached a peak value of 0.80. Finally, the model was tested on the Delaware dataset and in a real-world scenario. Despite limitations, this study highlights the promise of using real-time computer vision models for pain detection, with potential applications in clinical settings. Future research will focus on evaluating the model's generalizability across diverse clinical scenarios and its integration into clinical workflows to improve patient care.

Assessment of the degree of inflammatory reaction in uveitis: diagnostic capabilities of clinical methods

Inflammatory diseases of the uvea demonstrate a high incidence and a significant prevalence among people of working age. Uveitis complications often lead to blindness and low vision in patients of various age groups. Diagnostics and monitoring the efficacy of uveitis therapy requires the use of quantitative criteria to assess the degree of inflammatory reaction. The aim of this review is to analyze the informative value and accuracy of various clinical methods for subjective and objective assessment of the inflammatory reaction in the anterior and posterior segments of the eye in uveitis. To assess the inflammatory reaction in uveitis in everyday clinical practice, biomicroscopy is most often used, which is characterized by subjectivity associated with the level of qualification of the ophthalmologist. Other clinical methods, such as fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography-angiography, have high sensitivity and informative value along with independence from the subjective impression of the examiner. However, the first of them is invasive, and the second is still not available to a wide range of practicing ophthalmologists today, especially in the “angio” mode. Laser flare photometry is of special importance in the diagnosis of uveitis. It is both a non-invasive and sensitive method that makes it possible to obtain quantitative indicators characterizing the activity of uveal inflammation. The prospects for the application and development of this method are important both for clinical practice and for research purposes.

A comparison of subjective and objective caries risk assessment methods

Background: Dental caries is a serious public health problem significantly affecting oral health. Though there have been many advancements in treating dental caries, complete prevention of dental caries is still beyond reach. Several risk factors are associated with caries formation and progression. Previous studies have been conducted on dental caries and the efficiency of diagnosis using subjective and objective methodologies. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the contradictions in results of subjective and objective interpretations. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in the clinical setting of rural areas near Chengalpattu. Using convenience sampling, 285 samples were collected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria within the age range of 7–20 years. The subjects were selected from the Outpatient Department of Karpaga Vinayaka Institute of Dental Sciences. American Dental Association (ADA) questionnaires were used for subjective caries risk assessment (CRA), unstimulated salivary samples were collected to measure salivary pH for objective CRA, and DMFT (decayed, missing, filled tooth) and def indices were measured for reference. After data collection, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Chi-square and Pearson correlation tests were performed to find the statistical differences, and a correlation was found between subjective and objective assessment results. Results: In this study, the correlation between objective risk assessment based on salivary pH and actual caries status was slightly better (r=0.159) than other risk assessment methods (r=0.050). Moreover, a negative correlation was found between subjective and objective CRA (r=- 0.062). Conclusion: The study findings show a negative correlation between subjective and objective assessment. Objective CRA using salivary pH was positively correlated with actual caries status.

Remote expert viewing, laboratory tests or objective metrics: which one(s) to trust?

We present a study on the validity of quality assessment in the context of the development of visual media coding schemes. The work is motivated by the need for reliable means for decision-taking in standardization efforts of MPEG and JVET, i.e., the adoption or rejection of coding tools during the development process of the coding standard. The study includes results considering three means: objective quality metrics, remote expert viewing, which is a method designed in the context of MPEG standardization, and formal laboratory visual evaluation. The focus of this work is on the comparison of pairs of coded video sequences, e.g., a proposed change and an anchor scheme at a given rate point. An aggregation of performance measurements across multiple rate points, such as the Bjøntegaard Delta rate, is out of the scope of this paper. The paper details the test setup for the subjective assessment methods and the objective quality metrics under consideration. The results of the three approaches are reviewed, analyzed, and compared with respect to their suitability for the decision-taking task. The study indicates that, subject to the chosen test content and test protocols, the results of remote expert viewing using a forced-choice scale can be considered more discriminatory than the results of naïve viewers in the laboratory tests. The results further that, in general, the well-established quality metrics, such as PSNR, SSIM, or MS-SSIM, exhibit a high rate of correct decision-making when their results are compared with both types of viewing tests. Among the learning-based metrics, VMAF and AVQT appear to be most robust. For the development process of a coding standard, the selection of the most suitable means must be guided by the context, where a small number of carefully selected objective metrics, in combination with viewing tests for unclear cases, appears recommendable.

The Prevalence of Dysphagia in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: There is still disagreement about the prevalence and incidence of dysphagia in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Since the prevalence of dysphagia has been reported very differently in the related literature, it is imperative to estimate pooled prevalence in PD patients. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of dysphagia in PD overall and separately for each assessment method (subjective and objective). Methods: These databases were searched: ScopusPubMed Web of Science ,and Google Scholar, January 1990 to October 2021. A random-effects model was used to pool the prevalence rates reported in the included studies by the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA( software .All designs of the studies were included. Results :Thirty-nine articles entered the current meta-analysis. The global estimation of the overall prevalence of dysphagia in PD patients was 50.4% )95%CI:42.2-58.6) in all the 39 studies, which proved statistically heterogeneous (p&lt;0.001). Moreover, the pooled prevalence by the subjective (30 studies) and objective (19 studies) methods of assessment were estimated to be 39.5 and 68.8%, respectively. There was also a significant relationship between the prevalence of dysphagia and age of Parkinson’s patients )r=0.44, p=0.011) and also between the prevalence of dysphagia and the duration of PD (r=0.55, p=0.006). Conclusion: Based on the results, one in two patients with PD has dysphagia. This is proven that dysphagia is common in PD. The prevalence of objective dysphagia and subjective dysphasia were very different. It suggests that all Parkinson’s patients should be evaluated for swallowing disorders regularly with objective tools.

Fingermark quality: A survey of examiners and researchers

The primary aim of fingermark research is to advance the quantity and quality of fingermarks detected using novel techniques or improvements on existing methods. Subsequently, there is a need to evaluate these methods to determine the quality of the developed mark, which is mostly done by the use of a numerical scale with descriptors to assist in the evaluation. However, this evaluation is often complicated due to a wide range of variables that impact the way quality assessment is performed. This is particularly true when considering it is currently unknown what assessment parameters are required to encompass the overall definition of quality. Likewise, the definition of fingermark quality is not universally agreed upon, which leads to significant subjective interpretation when a researcher chooses a scale. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to fingermark quality in order to generate a deeper understanding of current approaches and definitions. A survey was created through a dataset that consisted of over 500 fingermarks detected in controlled laboratory conditions with a range of techniques. The images selected for the survey were based upon representing a full range of quality, each with a varying range of attributes. The survey looked at different parameters and descriptions used in current assessment protocols, asked participants to grade marks based on chosen parameters, and investigated current chosen methods by researchers in fingermark definition. The survey relied upon the participation of both examiners and researchers in fingermark detection. The results indicate that quality assessment methods implemented by researchers are not utilising all parameters that fingermark researchers and examiners deem important. This is especially true for contrast and background development, considered as two of the top parameters by examiners and researchers, which are not regularly used in most quality scale assessment methods. The survey ultimately demonstrated that the current subjective quality assessment methods were not always suitable and highlighted more appropriate parameters and descriptors that should be considered when assessing the quality of a fingermark.

Assessment of sleep quality in patients with orofacial pain and headache complaints: A polysomnographic study.

Sleep is a physiological function essential for survival, recovery, tissue repair, memory consolidation, and brain function. Pain is also an indispensable aspect of human life. The coexistence of sleep disorders and pain is often described in the literature, yet it is critical to define sleep not only subjectively but also using objective instrumental methods, such as polysomnography, that provide data on sleep quality. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between orofacial pain (OFP), headache (HA) and sleep quality using subjective and objective sleep quality assessment methods. Additionally, we aimed to explore whether poor sleep quality was related to OFP and HA alone or was influenced by the coexistence of psycho-emotional factors such as depression, anxiety and stress. A single-night video-polysomnography was performed on patients from the Outpatient Clinic for Temporomandibular Disorders at Wroclaw Medical University, Poland, who had been diagnosed with OFP and HA. Additionally, questionnaires were employed to assess sleep quality, pain, HA, and the psycho-emotional state. There was no statistically significant relationship between the severity of OFP and HA and polysomnographic sleep quality parameters. On the other hand, the quality of sleep as determined by questionnaire studies correlated markedly with the severity of experienced pain. The severity of pain was found to be significantly correlated with depression, anxiety and perceived stress scores. The psycho-emotional aspects are of critical importance in the perception of OFP and HA. They can be associated with worsened subjective sleep quality, insomnia or daytime sleepiness. Therefore, the treatment of such patients must be preceded by a comprehensive assessment of their psychoemotional state, as anxiety, stress and depression can significantly influence the course of the disease and the response to treatment procedures.

Quantitative Assessment of True Vocal Fold Movement by the Lateral-Approach Laryngeal Ultrasonography: A Pilot Study

Background/ObjectivesUltrasonography is a new method for subjective and qualitative assessment of true vocal fold movement, and true vocal fold visualization with the lateral approach could be better than that with the anterior approach. Our aim was to explore the feasibility of the lateral-approach ultrasonography in objective and quantitative assessment of true vocal fold movement. MethodsThe lateral-approach laryngeal ultrasonography was performed during calm breathing and breath-holding in young healthy adult volunteers. The morphology and anatomical position of false vocal fold, true vocal fold and arytenoid cartilage were observed and measured through the ultrasonic self-contained measurement function. All parameters, including the distance from false vocal fold to thyroid cartilage lamina, true vocal fold length, and the distance from true vocal fold to thyroid cartilage lamina, were obtained at the end of the calm inspiratory and breath-holding phases. Data were analyzed using a t test (P <0.05). ResultsForty healthy adult volunteers (age 20-34 years, Body Mass Index 19.5-23.8 kg/m2, 20 males and 20 females) with satisfactory ultrasonic images were included in the study. There were no significant differences in all laryngeal parameters between the left and right sides in either phase (P > 0.05). From the end of the calm inspiratory phase to the breath-holding phase, changes in all laryngeal parameters were significantly different (P < 0.05), regardless of gender. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the lateral-approach laryngeal ultrasonography seemed feasible to quantify and objectively assess true vocal fold movement, utilizing differences between laryngeal parameters before and after true vocal fold movement.

Review of Image Quality Assessment Methods for Compressed Images.

The compression of images for efficient storage and transmission is crucial in handling large data volumes. Lossy image compression reduces storage needs but introduces perceptible distortions affected by content, compression levels, and display environments. Each compression method generates specific visual anomalies like blocking, blurring, or color shifts. Standardizing efficient lossy compression necessitates evaluating perceptual quality. Objective measurements offer speed and cost efficiency, while subjective assessments, despite their cost and time implications, remain the gold standard. This paper delves into essential research queries to achieve visually lossless images. The paper describes the influence of compression on image quality, appropriate objective image quality metrics (IQMs), and the effectiveness of subjective assessment methods. It also provides an overview of the existing literature, surveys, and subjective and objective image quality assessment (IQA) methods. Our aim is to offer insights, identify challenges in existing methodologies, and assist researchers in selecting the most effective assessment approach for their needs.

Statistical Testing on Basic Science Practical on Students’ Performance in Ilorin-East LGA, Kwara State

It is urgent to address a systematic and objective approach to evaluating students’ practical skills. Exceptionally, current subjective assessment methods for students’ practical performance are to be provided with a more objective evaluation. Hence the study investigated the statistical testing on Basic Science practical on students’ academic performance in students in Ilorin East, Kwara State, Nigeria. The study was a descriptive research survey type. 120 students were sampled in secondary schools in Ilorin East LGA using a purposive sampling technique. The researchers designed a questionnaire was used to accumulate information from respondents. Data collected were analyzed using percentage, mean, frequency count, independent t-test, and ANOVA at 0.05 alpha significance level. The findings revealed that Basic Science practical has a great influence on school students' academic performance and also on the level of understanding and retention capabilities of students but there was no significant influence on students’ academic performance based on gender as well as class size. Also, student’s academic performance in Basic Science was not significantly influenced by gender or class size partially. It is recommended that all Basic Science teachers should engage students more in practical activities than the theory aspect to facilitate better understanding among the students.

Experiencing loneliness in adolescence depending on interpersonal relationships

Introduction. Experiencing loneliness in terms of its influence on personal development of an individual gains particular relevance in adolescence, since it contributes to the evolvement of the awareness of personal responsibility for own life. The purpose of this research is to study the peculiar features of interpersonal relationships, needs for positive emotional contacts and experiencing loneliness in adolescence. Materials and methods. The sample consisted of 30 boys and 30 girls (n = 60 people) aged 15–17 years (M = 16.6), students of secondary school No. 6 in the city of Khabarovsk, Khabarovsk Territory. Techniques: Differential Questionnaire of Loneliness (short version; E.N. Osin, D.A. Leontyev); Method of Subjective Assessment of Interpersonal Relationships (S. V. Dukhnovsky); Diagnostics of Affiliation Motives (A. Mehrabian, modified by M.Sh. Magomed-Eminov). Results. The paper revealed the relationship between the indicators of subjective assessment of interpersonal relationships and general level of loneliness: tension (r = 0.41; p ≤ 0.01); alienation (r = 0.492; p ≤ 0.01); proneness to conflict (r = 0.274; p ≤ 0.05); aggression (r = 0.316; p ≤ 0.05) and general assessment of interpersonal relationships (r = 0.42; p ≤ 0.01). The paper also identified the correlation of indicators of subjective assessment of interpersonal relationships and positive use of solitude: tension (r = 0.273; p ≤ 0.05); alienation (r = 0.27; p ≤ 0.05); proneness to conflict (r = 0.288; p ≤ 0.05); as well as indicators of affiliation motives and dependence on communication (τ = 0.265; p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion. It was found that indicators of tension, alienation, conflict, aggression and general subjective assessment of interpersonal relationships are related to the indicators of the general level of experience of loneliness. The paper proved the dependence of indicators of tension, alienation, proneness to conflict and general subjective assessment of interpersonal relationships with indicators of positive use of the solitude resource. The obtained data will be useful for further scientific endeavors.

Effects of neighborhood built environment on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review

BackgroundIn the background of an aging population, the risk of cognitive impairment in the older population is prominent. Exposure to complex neighborhood built environments may be beneficial to the cognitive health of older adults, and the purpose of this study was to systematically review the scientific evidence on the effects of neighborhood built environments on cognitive function in older adults.MethodsKeywords and references were searched in Web of Science, Pubmed, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE. Studies examining the relationship between the built environment and cognitive function in older adults were included. The neighborhood built environment as an independent variable was classified according to seven aspects: density, design, diversity, destination accessibility, public transportation distance, blue/green space, and built environment quality. The cognitive function as the dependent variable was classified according to overall cognitive function, domain-specific cognitive function, and incidence of dementia. The quality of the included literature was assessed using the National Institutes of Health's Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Study Quality Assessment Tool.ResultsA total of 56 studies were included that met the inclusion criteria, including 31 cross-sectional studies, 23 longitudinal studies, 1 cross-sectional study design combined with a case-control design, and 1 longitudinal study design combined with a case-control design. Most of the studies reviewed indicate that the built environment factors that were positively associated with cognitive function in older adults were population density, street connectivity, walkability, number of public transportation stops around the residence, land use mix, neighborhood resources, green space, and quality of the neighborhood built environment. Built environment factors that were negatively associated with cognitive function in older adults were street integration, distance from residence to main road. The relationship between residential density, destination accessibility, and blue space with cognitive function in older adults needs to be further explored.ConclusionPreliminary evidence suggests an association between the neighborhood built environment and cognitive function in older adults. The causal relationship between the built environment and cognitive function can be further explored in the future using standardized and combined subjective and objective assessment methods, and longitudinal or quasi-experimental study designs. For public health interventions on the cognitive health of older adults, it is recommended that relevant authorities include the neighborhood built environment in their intervention programs.

Case Study of Customer Satisfaction In A State-Owned Construction Companies

Customer satisfaction has been recognised by researchers as one of the main factors for the success of project. Customer satisfaction to build a loyal relationship between users and service providers is an interesting challenge. This study aims to provide information from literature regarding the on factors that affect customer satisfaction, and to determine the assessment of customer satisfaction with the performance of PT PP Persero Tbk, especially in the building division. The study from 28 literatures show that the quality of work and a professional team are the factors that most affect customer satisfaction. The results of the customer satisfaction assessment (CSS) of PT PP Persero Tbk state that the quality of human resources and interpersonal communication with customers is the most valued by customers in assessing project performance. These result prove that a professional team consisting of quality human resources is important in providing customer satisfaction. This research only focuses on subjective assessment methods applied to construction management to obtain customer satisfaction.

Physical fitness and motor ability parameters as predictors for skateboarding performance: A logistic regression modelling analysis.

The identification and prediction of athletic talent are pivotal in the development of successful sporting careers. Traditional subjective assessment methods have proven unreliable due to their inherent subjectivity, prompting the rise of data-driven techniques favoured for their objectivity. This evolution in statistical analysis facilitates the extraction of pertinent athlete information, enabling the recognition of their potential for excellence in their respective sporting careers. In the current study, we applied a logistic regression-based machine learning pipeline (LR) to identify potential skateboarding athletes from a combination of fitness and motor skills performance variables. Forty-five skateboarders recruited from a variety of skateboarding parks were evaluated on various skateboarding tricks while their fitness and motor skills abilities that consist of stork stance test, dynamic balance, sit ups, plank test, standing broad jump, as well as vertical jump, were evaluated. The performances of the skateboarders were clustered and the LR model was developed to classify the classes of the skateboarders. The cluster analysis identified two groups of skateboarders: high and low potential skateboarders. The LR model achieved 90% of mean accuracy specifying excellent prediction of the skateboarder classes. Further sensitivity analysis revealed that static and dynamic balance, lower body strength, and endurance were the most important factors that contributed to the model's performance. These factors are therefore essential for successful performance in skateboarding. The application of machine learning in talent prediction can greatly assist coaches and other relevant stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding athlete performance.

Nursing interventions for dyspnoea management among inpatients with cancer in palliative care.

Dyspnoea, a commonly reported symptom among patients with cancer, necessitates the need for appropriate non-pharmacological interventions for its management and suitable assessment scales. To explore the nursing interventions and assessment scales for managing dyspnoea in patients with cancer receiving palliative care. Systematic review. Five databases (CINAHL Complete, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched, and seven studies were identified. Only studies that comprised randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised controlled trials or quasi-experimental settings were included. Nursing interventions, that support a patient's physical breathing and mental functioning, are effective in managing dyspnoea. It is crucial to use both subjective and physical assessment methods to accurately measure the outcomes of these interventions. These interventions have been proven to be effective, with outcomes centred on changes in physiological measurements and patients' subjective expressions.