Test Response Research Articles

Brief Report: a Cross-Sectional Comparison of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test with a Single Question to Assess Alcohol Use in Fishing Communities of Uganda

AbstractRapid assessment for alcohol use in clinical practice and research is key to improved health and study participation. We assessed the correlation between Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score and responses from a single question on frequency of alcohol use among people living in fishing communities of Uganda. Four hundred nineteen participants screened for a simulated vaccine efficacy trial completed the AUDIT and single question. Spearman’s correlation coefficients compared the two tools. There was significant correlation between the AUDIT score and the single question (rho = 0.824, P < 0.001). The single question can be used as an alternative to the full AUDIT during screening.

Pain Is Modulated Differently Between Females with and without Patellofemoral Pain: Factors Related to Sensitization.

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) has poor long-term recovery outcomes. Central sensitization describes central nervous system changes altering pain modulation, which can complicate recovery (poorer prognosis, worse function). Signs of central sensitization include amplified pain facilitation, pain hypersensitivity, and impaired pain inhibition, which can be measured with temporal summation of pain (TSP), pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM), respectively. Sex differences exist for these test responses, but female-only PFP investigations of sensitization are uncommon. Understanding pain modulation in females with PFP could improve treatment protocols. To determine whether females with PFP exhibit signs of central sensitization (greater TSP, lower PPTs, reduced CPM) compared to pain-free females. Cross-sectional Setting: Laboratory Patients or Other Participants: Thirty-three females [(20 PFP, 13 pain-free); Age: PFP 29.2 ± 7 years, pain-free 28 ± 7 years; Height: PFP 166.7 ± 5.9cm, pain-free 166 ± 9.5cm, Mass: PFP 66.7 ± 9.6kg, pain-free 69.3 ± 7.5kg). TSP was assessed with ten punctate stimuli applied to the knee and calculated by the difference in pain intensity between beginning and end responses. PPTs were tested at four sites [3 for local hypersensitivity (knee), 1 for widespread hypersensitivity (hand)]. CPM was conducted by comparing PPTs during two conditions (baseline, ice immersion). CPM response was defined as the percent difference between conditions. Between-group differences in TSP response were analyzed with a Welch's test. Separate Welch's tests analyzed group comparisons of PPTs and CPM responses at four sites. Females with PFP exhibited greater TSP response (P=0.019) and lower CPM response at patella center (P=0.010) and hand sites (P=0.007) than pain-free females. PPT group differences were not observed at any site (P>0.0125). Females with PFP modulate pain differently than pain-free females. Clinicians should recognize signs of central sensitization and their potential impact on treatment options.

Rubber concrete reinforced with macro fibers recycled from waste GFRP composites: Mechanical properties and environmental impact analysis

With the rapid growth of the automotive industry, a huge amount of tires have been produced, which inevitably led to the accumulation of scrap tires. A typical disposal routine is using scrap tires as a partial substitute for fine aggregate in concrete, producing so-called rubber concrete. However, the detrimental effects of rubber particles on concrete properties have been identified, which, to some content, hinders their broader application. The discrete fiber addition is shown to be effective in minimizing this detrimental effect, and this paper has therefore attempted to introduce macro fiber produced from waste glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) into the rubber concrete system. Three series of specimens for compression, splitting, and flexural testing were tested. The test variables include concrete type (i.e., normal concrete, rubber concrete, and modified rubber concrete); and macro fiber content (i.e., 0–2 %). In addition, the inverse analysis is performed to transform the flexural test response into the tensile constitutive law of the fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC). The test results revealed macro fibers have little effect on the compressive strength of normal concrete and rubber concrete and a detrimental effect on that of modified rubber concrete. Incorporated fibers notably improve the splitting and flexural performance of normal concrete and rubber concrete. In addition, the cost and environmental impact analysis revealed that the addition of recycling products increases the concrete cost and results in a maximum reduction of carbon emissions by 17.3 % and embodied energy emissions by 80 %.

Diagnostic accuracy of a modularized, virtual-reality-based automated pupillometer for detection of relative afferent pupillary defect in unilateral optic neuropathies.

To describe the construction and diagnostic accuracy of a modularized, virtual reality (VR)-based, pupillometer for detecting relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) in unilateral optic neuropathies, vis-à-vis, clinical grading by experienced neuro-ophthalmologists. Protocols for the swinging flashlight test and pupillary light response analysis used in a previous stand-alone pupillometer was integrated into the hardware of a Pico Neo 2 Eye® VR headset with built-in eye tracker. Each eye of 77 cases (mean ± 1SD age: 39.1 ± 14.9yrs) and 77 age-similar controls were stimulated independently thrice for 1sec at 125lux light intensity, followed by 3sec of darkness. RAPD was quantified as the ratio of the direct reflex of the stronger to the weaker eye. Device performance was evaluated using standard ROC analysis. The median (25th - 75th quartiles) pupil constriction of the affected eye of cases was 38% (17 - 23%) smaller than their fellow eye (p<0.001), compared to an interocular difference of +/-6% (3 - 15%) in controls. The sensitivity of RAPD detection was 78.5% for the entire dataset and it improved to 85.1% when the physiological asymmetries in the bilateral pupillary miosis were accounted for. Specificity and the area under ROC curve remained between 81 - 96.3% across all analyses. RAPD may be successfully quantified in unilateral neuro-ophthalmic pathology using a VR-technology-based modularized pupillometer. Such an objective estimation of RAPD provides immunity against biases and variability in the clinical grading, overall enhancing its value for clinical decision making.

Knowledge of development during pregnancy and the transition to parenthood: Psychometric properties of the Domains of Development Instrument

Researchers and practitioners need robust measurement tools for evaluating knowledge of child development to better support parents and their children during pregnancy and the transition to parenthood. We addressed this need by evaluating the psychometric properties of the Domains of Development Instrument (DoDI) for measuring knowledge of developmental milestones from birth to 3 years. We evaluated four types of validity evidence for the DoDI: test content, response processes, internal structure, and relations to other variables. We convened an expert panel to evaluate test content and conducted cognitive interviews with mothers to evaluate response processes. We also collected responses from a sample of 418 English-speaking pregnant women to evaluate internal structure and relations to other variables. We observed content validity and response process validity, as well as the predicted internal structure, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and convergent validity. We conclude with recommendations for future research with the DoDI.

Artificial sandstone preparation method

This paper addresses the challenges faced in the CO2 sequestration research project in Kazakhstan due to the limited availability and substandard quality of core samples. It underscores the necessity for using sandstone analogs to ensure reliable and consistent test outcomes, especially in measuring the rock's deformation and failure strength. The paper details the efforts made to create synthetic sandstone samples that closely resemble the original reservoir sandstones in particle size, cement content, mineral composition, and porosity. The study found that metakaolin forms a weak cement bond and that kaolin fully converts to metakaolin at 500°C, but not at 200°C. Additionally, the shear strength of sandstone samples depends on the particle size, mineralogy, and clay content. Furthermore, it explores the triaxial test responses of both the reservoir sand and the synthetic sandstone samples.

Lessons Learned from the Launch and Implementation of the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Program in New York City: a Qualitative Study.

On June 1, 2020, NYC Health + Hospitals, in partnership with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, other city agencies, and a large network of community partners, launched the New York City Test & Trace (T2) COVID-19 response program to identify and isolate cases, reduce transmission through contact tracing, and provide support to residents during isolation or quarantine periods. In this paper, we describe lessons learned with respect to planning and implementation of case notification and contact tracing. Our findings are based on extensive document review and analysis of 74 key informant interviews with T2 leadership and frontline staff, cases, and contacts conducted between January and September 2022. Interviews elicited respondent background, history of program development, program leadership and structure, goals of the program, program evolution, staffing, data systems, elements of community engagement, trust with community, program reach, timeliness, equity, general barriers and challenges, general facilitators and best practices, and recommendations/improvement for the program. Facilitators and barriers revealed in the interviews primarily revolved around hiring and managing staff, data and technology, and quality of interactions with the public. Based on these facilitators and barriers, we identify suggestions to support effective planning and response for future case notification and contact tracing programs, including recommendations for planning during latent periods, case management and data systems, and processes for outreach to cases and contacts.

Peanut allergen characterization and allergenicity throughout development.

Peanut allergy (PA) in children is a major concern. There is a need for better biological material for both diagnosis and oral immunotherapy (OIT) treatments. The unique state of seeds at early reproductive stages may affect the allergenicity of storage proteins, and impact clinical diagnostic and OIT protocols. The objective of this study was to evaluate the major allergen content in sequential seed developmental stages and monitor allergenicity via specific IgE binding quantification and skin prick testing. Seeds were collected from peanut plants and sorted into five developmental stages: initial (S1), developing (S2), full-size without coloration (S3), full-size with coloration (S4), and fully mature (S5) seeds. Samples were characterized by RNA-Seq, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. Lyophilized, ground preparations were used for evaluation of skin test responses in sixty challenge-proven PA children. Gene expression, protein content, and specific IgE binding of allergenic proteins increased throughout seed maturation and development. An expression bias towards the less allergenic A-genome copy of the major allergen Ara h 2 was found in earlier stages, especially in stage S2. Immunohistochemical staining showed that Ara h 2 is more dispersed in the cell and less accumulated within organized bodies at stage S2 versus stage S4. Significant differences were found in mean wheal responses between the commercial peanut extract (equivalent to stage S5) and stages S1 and S2, but not with stage S4, upon skin prick testing in subjects with PA. The observed decrease in peanut-specific IgE binding of immature peanut seeds may be a result not only of decreased amounts of allergenic proteins, but also of profound changes in seed composition and conformation. This may be significant for developing a safer and more effective peanut OIT protocol.

Development of metacognitive monitoring and control skills in elementary school: a latent profile approach

AbstractThis study aims to understand individual differences between children in metacognitive monitoring and control processes and the developmental trajectories of metacognition over one year. Three indicators of procedural metacognition were used: monitoring accuracy (discrimination of confidence judgments between correct and incorrect test responses), effective restudy selections, and accuracy of response maintenance/withdrawal decisions. These indicators were measured for two tasks (text comprehension and Kanji memory) at two measurement points one year apart. Participants were 151 second graders (M age 7.61 years) and 176 fourth graders (M age 9.62 years). With latent profile analyses, distinct metacognition profiles were found for both grade levels at both measurement points. Children showed heterogeneity in the proficiency of metacognition but also in the extent to which metacognitive skills were generalizable across the two tasks. For second-grade children, being low at metacognition at the first measurement point was not associated with extra risks for low metacognition one year later. However, for fourth graders, children with low metacognitive skills appeared likely to stay low in metacognition over time and particularly showed ineffective restudy decisions. This indicates that they seemed at risk for a longer-term metacognitive deficiency. Findings may improve understanding of the heterogeneity of metacognition and support distinguishing typical from at-risk metacognitive development.

The Responsiveness of Exercise Tests in COPD: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by reduced exercise tolerance and improving physical performance is an important therapeutic goal. A variety of exercise tests are commonly used to assess exercise tolerance, including laboratory and field-based tests. The responsiveness of these tests to common COPD interventions is yet to be compared, but may inform test selection in clinical and research settings. Research QuestionWhat exercise test possesses the greatest sensitivity to change pre- to post-intervention in patients with COPD? Study Design and Methods154 patients with symptomatic COPD were recruited and randomised (2:1:1) to six weeks of long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), or usual care (UC). Pre- and post-intervention, participants performed a ramp-incremental and constant work rate cycle ergometer exercise test (ICET and CWRCT), incremental and endurance shuttle walk test (ISWT and ESWT), six-minute walk test (6MWT), and a four metre gait speed test (4MGS). Results103 participants (67 ± 8 y; 75 [73%] males; FEV1: 50.6 ± 16.8 % predicted) completed the study. Significant improvements in the ICET, CWRCT, ISWT, ESWT, and 6MWT were observed following PR (p<0.05), with the greatest improvements seen in the constant work rate protocols (% change: CWRCT: 42%; ESWT: 41%). InterpretationThe ESWT and CWRCT appeared to be the most responsive exercise test protocols to LAMA and PR. The magnitude of change was much greater after a programme of rehabilitation compared to bronchodilator therapy.

Circumventing construct-irrelevant variance in international assessments using cognitive diagnostic modeling: A curriculum-sensitive measure

International large-scale assessments such as TIMSS administer achievement tests that are based on an analysis of national curricula to compare student achievement across countries. The organizations that coordinate these studies use Rasch or more generalized item response theory (IRT) models in which all test items are assumed to measure a single latent ability. The test responses are then used to estimate this ability, and the ability scores are used to compare countries.A central but yet-to-be-contested assumption of this approach is that the achievement tests measure an unobserved unidimensional continuous variable that is comparable across countries. One threat to this assumption is the fact that countries and even regions or school tracks within countries have different curricula. When seeking to fairly compare countries, it seems legitimate to account for the fact that applicable curricula differ and that some students may not have been taught the full test content yet. When seeking to fairly compare countries, it seems imperative to account for the fact that national curricula differ and that some countries may not have taught the full test content yet. Nevertheless, existing IRT-based rankings ignore such differences.The present study proposes a direct method to deal with differing curricula and create a fair ranking of educational quality between countries. The new method compares countries solely on test content that has already been taught; it uses information on whether students have mastered skills taught in class or not and does not consider contents that have not been taught yet. Mastery is assessed via the deterministic-input, noisy, “and” gate (DINA) model, an interpretable and tractable cognitive diagnostic model. To illustrate the new method, we use data from TIMSS 1995 and compare it to the IRT-based scores published in the international study report. We find a mismatch between the TIMSS test contents and national curricula in all countries. At the same time, we observe a high correlation between the scores based on the new method and the conventional IRT scores. This finding underscores the robustness of the performance measures reported in TIMSS despite existing differences across national curricula.

Manifestation of ocular tuberculosis in a north Indian tertiary care centre: Case series

Ocular tuberculosis acts as a challenge throughout the world, and its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment are a topic for debate. The present case series represents retrospective study focusing on the variable clinical presentations, the diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of ocular tuberculosis. We report 12 patients of ocular tuberculosis with variable presentations. : Retrospective analysis of records of patients diagnosed with ocular tuberculosis from August 2022 till March 2023 was done. Diagnosis of ocular tuberculosis was based on detailed ocular and systemic examination including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Slit lamp examination, fundus examination, OCT. The patients presenting with features suggestive of ocular tuberculosis were further investigated with complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Monteaux test, Chest X-ray, Cartridge Based Nuclear Amplification Test (CBNAAT) and rheumatological work up. Out of 12 of ocular tuberculosis patients, 4 were diagnosed with active retinal vasculitis, 3with choroiditis, 3 had panuveitis, and remaining 2 patients had unilateral nodular episcleritis. The diagnosis was based on compatible clinical picture, highly positive Tuberculin skin test and dramatic response to anti-tuberculous drugs. All 12 cases were strongly Mantaux test positive (2 developed injection site ulceration). All cases were started on ATT immediately with pulmonologist consultation and showed clinical improvement after 1 month. Ocular tuberculosis can have myriad presentations. Positive Mantaux test plays an important role in supporting diagnosis of ocular tuberculosis.

Translating Test Responses to Images for Test-termination Prediction via Multiple Machine Learning Strategies

Failure diagnosis is a software-based, data-driven procedure. Collecting an excessive amount of fail data not only increases the overall test cost but can also potentially reduce diagnostic resolution. Thus, test-termination prediction is proposed to dynamically determine the appropriate failing test pattern to terminate testing, producing an amount of test data that is sufficient for an accurate diagnosis analysis. In this work, we describe a set of novel methods utilizing advanced machine learning techniques for efficient test-termination prediction. To implement this approach, we first generate images representing failing test responses from failure-log files. These images are then used to train a multi-layer convolutional neural network (CNN) incorporating a residual block. The trained CNN model leverages the images and known diagnostic results to determine the optimal test-termination strategy within the testing process, ensuring efficient and high-quality diagnosis. In addition to the integration of test response-to-image translation, our approach harnesses two cutting-edge learning strategies to enhance fail data and boost performance in subsequent tasks. The first strategy is transfer learning, which utilizes sample-label information from one circuit to guide the decision of whether to continue or stop testing for another circuit lacking labels. The second strategy involves the use of a generative deep model to generate fail data in the form of synthetic images. This technique increases the modeling effectiveness by expanding the volume of training samples. Experimental results conducted on actual failing chips and standard benchmarks validate that our proposed method surpasses existing approaches. Our method creates opportunities to harness the power of recent advances in machine learning for improving test and diagnosis efficiency.

Card Media Development Truth or Dare for Class IV Science and Technology Subjects at UPT SDN 023 Pandau Jaya

This research aims to develop Truth or Dare card learning media and assess its feasibility as well as the response of IV students at UPT SDN 023 Pandau Jaya to science learning. Research and development uses the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) model. The data collection instruments used are: Interviews, validation sheets, and questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers and students. The validation results obtained were 87.5% from material experts, 100% from media experts, and 94% from language experts. Based on limited test responses students produced an average of 91.6%. The practicality assessed by the class teacher resulted in an average score of 94% which is included in the "Very Practical" category group. Validation results from language experts, media experts and material experts show that Truth or Dare cards are a "Very Appropriate" learning media. The student response survey revealed that students were interested in Truth or Dare cards as a learning medium.

The Influence of Comic Media in Learning Dudaya Arts for Students at SMA Negeri 1 Soromandi

This research is experimental research, with the aim of designing comic arts and culture media, knowing the influence of comic media in learning arts and culture among students at SMA Negeri 1 Soromandi and students' responses to comic media. The population in this study was class X students of SMA Negeri 1 Soromandi for the 2024/2025 academic year and the research sample was class Samples were taken using purposive sampling technique. Data on students' concept mastery was obtained using a concept mastery test and student response data was collected using a questionnaire. Student concept mastery data was analyzed using the t-test and student response data was analyzed using five scale absolute norms. In this research, 3 series of Arts and Culture comics have been produced. The results of the analysis show that there is a difference in learning arts and culture through comic media for experimental class and control class students at a significance level of 5% with a value of t'= 3.026 and this value is not in the interval - 2.02, &lt;t' &lt;2.02. This means that comic media in arts and culture learning has an influence on improving the learning of class X students at SMA Negeri 1 Soromandi. while the analysis and questionnaire showed that students responded positively to learning arts and culture using comic media with a percentage of 53.84%

The triggers of situational syncope do not influence the head-up tilt test response and prognosis.

The study evaluated the positivity rate, haemodynamic responses, and prognosis in terms of syncopal recurrence among patients with situational syncope (SS) stratified according to the underlying situational triggers. We retrospectively evaluated all consecutive patients with SS who underwent nitroglycerine (NTG)-potentiated head-up tilt test (HUTT) at Syncope Unit of the University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli'-Monaldi Hospital from 1 March 2017 to 1 May 2023. All patients were followed for at least one year. The study population was divided according to the underlying triggers (micturition, swallow, defaecation, cough/sneeze, post-exercise). Two hundred thirty-six SS patients (mean age 50 ± 19.3 years; male 63.1%) were enrolled; among them, the situational trigger was micturition in 109 patients (46.2%); swallow in 32 (13.6%) patients; defaecation in 35 (14.8%) patients; post-exercise in 41 (17.4%) patients; and cough/sneeze in 17 (7.2%) patients. There were no significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics and HUTT responses between different situational triggers. The Kaplan-Meier analysis did not show a statistically different rate of syncope recurrence across patients stratified by baseline situational triggers (log-rank P = 0.21). Situational syncope appears to be a homogenous syndrome, and different triggers do not impact the HUTT response or syncope recurrence at 1 year.

Supply Chain System Optimization Model for Logistics Enterprises in the Internet of Things Era Based on Improved ECC Algorithm

In this article, a new method to optimize the supply chain system (SCS) of logistics companies in the era of Internet of Things (IoT) using an improved elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) algorithm was put forward.The focus of this research was to address the challenges faced by logistics organizations in adapting to the complexity of modern supply chains and meeting the growing demands of customers. The research aimed to improve the efficiency, security and reliability of supply chain management systems by utilizing advances in ECC algorithms.By conducting comprehensive performance tests of the proposed system, including interface testing, joggle testing, and system response time analysis, the study demonstrated the superiority of the system over traditional systems. The research findings indicated that the system based on the improved ECC algorithm outperformed traditional systems in terms of interface effectiveness, usability, and system response time. The improved ECC algorithm enhanced the security of the encryption process, making it more resistant to unauthorized access, and improved the system’s overall data processing load capacity. Additionally, the system demonstrated superior performance in managing logistics data and information, facilitating better decision-making and efficiency in logistics operations. Overall, this research contributes to the advancement of supply chain management in the IoT era by providing a practical and efficient solution for logistics enterprises to optimize their supply chain systems. The innovative application of the improved ECC algorithm offers a secure, reliable, and efficient approach to managing logistics operations, addressing the challenges posed by the complexities of modern supply chains.

Impacts of Acute Psychological Stress on the Emotions of Individuals with Early Life Stress.

The study aimed to evaluate negative and positive emotional responses to acute psychological stress in individuals with early life stress (ELS). One hundred sixty-one participants from the Birmingham community in Alabama completed the study and were stratified into 2 groups based on measurements of ELS using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and a confirmatory clinical interview. Acute psychological stress, that is, the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), was administered, and emotional responses were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale. Comparisons utilized chi-square for categorical variables and t-test for continuous variables. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to compare the 2 groups after controlling for confounding variables. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate predictive power of variables for emotional responses to the TSST. Participants with ELS experienced less pleasantness at the baseline (P = .02), and 1 minute (P = .04), but not 90 minutes time points compared to the non-ELS group. Participants in the ELS group also reported higher anxiety at baseline (P = .003), and 90 minutes (P = .04) post-TSST. Data analysis showed the effect of time on emotional responses during the TSST. Different emotional responses, including pleasantness, anxiety, fatigue, and vigor, were able to be predicted by ELS severity. Our data demonstrates that individuals with ELS presented different positive and negative emotional responses when exposed to acute psychological stress. Our findings may be useful for clinicians who work with individuals with ELS. Our findings also highlight the importance of recognizing emotional responses and of building up resilience in response to acute stress.

Effects of combined intense pulsed light and cyclosporine 0.05% eyedrops in ocular surface matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels in patients with moderate-to-severe MGD.

To investigate the changes in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and tear matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels in patients with moderate-to-severe MGD after combined treatment with intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and cyclosporine 0.05%. Thirty-six patients concurrently treated with IPL and cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic drops were retrospectively enrolled. Tear break up time (TBUT), corneal and conjunctival staining scores, Schirmer test, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire responses were recorded. Meibum quality, consistency, and eyelid margin telangiectasia were evaluated. MMP-9 levels were examined by the positivity and signal intensity of red lines (scored 0-4). IPL was performed four times with a vascular filter at 2-week intervals, followed by a 1-month follow-up after treatment cessation. Immediately after each IPL treatment, gentle meibomian gland expression was performed in both the upper and lower eyelids using meibomian gland expressor forceps. TBUT (1.88 ± 1.02s to 3.12 ± 1.08s, p < 0.001), corneal and conjunctival staining (6.19 ± 2.11 to 3.12 ± 1.89, p < 0.001), Oxford staining grade (2.66 ± 0.89 to 1.35 ± 0.76, p < 0.001), and OSDI (52.97 ± 21.86 to 36.36 ± 22.45, p < 0.001) scores significantly improved after the combined treatment. Meibum quality, consistency and lid margin telangiectasia showed significant post-treatment improvement in both the upper and lower eyelids. MMP-9 positivity showed a significant decrease (97-69%, p = 0.026) with a reduction in signal intensity (2.72 ± 0.87 to 2.09 ± 0.95, p = 0.011). The combination of IPL therapy and 0.05% cyclosporine eye drops effectively treats moderate-to-severe MGD by reducing symptoms and signs of MGD and by decreasing ocular surface MMP-9-associated inflammation.

Application of the outlier detection method for web-based blood glucose level monitoring system

Recent advancements in biosensors have empowered individuals with diabetes to autonomously monitor their blood glucose levels through continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors. Nevertheless, the data collected from these sensors may occasionally include outliers due to the inherent imperfections of the sensor devices. Consequently, the identification of these outliers is critical to determine whether blood glucose levels deviate significantly from the norm, necessitating further action. This study employs an outlier detection approach based on the 3-sigma method and the interquartile range (IQR), along with the application of the Winsorizing technique to correct the identified outliers. Additionally, a web-based system for visualizing blood glucose levels is developed, utilizing both outlier detection methods. In order to assess the system's performance, two types of testing are conducted: black box testing and load testing. The results of black box testing indicate that all test scenarios operate as anticipated. As for the load testing response times, it is observed that the 3-sigma visualization page loads an average of 606.75 milliseconds faster compared to the IQR visualization page. This study's outcomes are expected to enhance data quality, enhance the precision of analyses, and facilitate more informed decision-making by identifying and addressing extreme data points.