Validity Of Method Research Articles

Criterion validity and accuracy of actigraph and Xiaomi Smart Band to count steps after stroke

Purpose Finding valid and accurate methods to count steps is important after a stroke. To determine the criterion validity and accuracy of the Actigraph and Xiaomi Smart Band to count steps in individuals after stroke. To explore the influence of walking speed on the accuracy of these activity monitors. Method Individuals after stroke performed the 2-min Walk Test while wearing the ActiGraph and Xiaomi Smart Band. The 2-min Walk Test was recorded, and the observed step count was compared with the estimated step count of both activity monitors. Results Fifty individuals after stroke were included. The ActiGraph had a low correlation (rho 0.41) between observed and estimated step count and a high percentage absolute error (39%). The Xiaomi Smart Band had a high correlation (rho 0.83) and a moderate percentage absolute error (12%). At high walking speeds, the Xiaomi Smart Band had a low percentage absolute error (3%) and at slow walking speeds had 18% a moderate percentage absolute error. Conclusion The Xiaomi Smart Band has good criterion validity and moderate-to-high accuracy counting steps after stroke. It is a low-cost activity monitor that is a viable alternative to the more expensive activity monitors used in research. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The ActiGraph has low criterion validity and accuracy at counting steps after stroke. The Xiaomi Smart Band has good criterion validity and accuracy at counting steps after a stroke. The Xiaomi Smart Band is a low-cost activity monitor that is a viable alternative to the more expensive activity monitors used in research.

Structure‐Based Computational Approach in Search of the Potent Molecules Targeting Phosphoglycerate Dehydrogenase (PHGDH) Enzyme for Cancer Treatment

AbstractThis work aims to target phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), a promising druggable target, that is overexpressed in various types of cancer. A structure‐based approach was employed to identify novel inhibitors against the enzyme. A common five‐feature pharmacophore model (RRHDA) was constructed using the active site co‐crystalized ligands. These chemical features were responsible for showing inhibition. The generated models were subsequently subjected to the validation method using a test set, receiver‐operator characteristic analysis, enrichment factor, and Güner–Henry studies. The validated models were subjected to the screening of a dataset of natural compounds. The screened unique natural compounds (1795) were further selected for the interaction analysis and study of ligand binding affinity considering the effect of the hydrogen bonding and desolvation and hydrophobic interactions contribution to the binding. The natural compounds which exhibited good ligand binding efficiency were selected and further subjected to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic study. The natural compounds which exhibited good ligand binding efficiency were selected and further subjected to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic study. The finalized complexes were selected for the simulation studies and MM/PBSA‐based binding free energy calculations. This study expands the possibilities for the development of shortlisted molecules as novel anti‐cancer compounds.

Psychometric evaluation of a COVID-19 health literacy scale applying Rasch analysis

Abstract Background Assessing health literacy in times of the COVID-19 pandemic is vital, since health literacy has been highlighted as a personal resource for managing health information. The HLS-Covid-Q22 questionnaire was developed to measure self-reported COVID-19 health literacy in adults. It has been used and validated, mainly using confirmatory factor analysis, in some studies with different target groups. However, several comprehensive validation studies are needed to ensure the feasibility of a novel measurement tool. In the current study, Rasch analysis has been chosen, as this analysis transforms the categorical responses of the items of the HLS-Covid-Q22 into linear measures. Methods The psychometric properties of the HLS-Covid-Q22 were evaluated in a sample of 2187 German adults applying Rasch analysis. The data is from the German COVID-HL school survey that was generated by employing an online survey in school principals during the third infection wave from March to April 2021 in four federal states. Applying the Partial Credit Model for polytomous data, the responses to the HLS-Covid-Q22 items were transformed into linear measures, unidimensionality was tested and several indices to assess the quality of the measurement tool were computed. Results Unidimensionality of the questionnaire could be confirmed. The rating scale steps worked as intended. Participants used every rating category. Item fit could be verified. High reliability indices were found with a person separation index of 3.41, person reliability of .92, item separation of 20.08 as well as item reliability of 1.0. Conclusions The HLS-Covid-Q22 appeared to be a reliable and valid questionnaire which has not been validated by applying Rasch analysis before. Even though Rasch analysis is already a well-established validation method in other disciplines, it should be used to evaluate other health literacy questionnaires more often to gain comprehensive insights into the intended functioning of measurement tools. Key messages • The HLS-Covid-Q22 questionnaire appears to be a valid and reliable measurement tool. • Rasch analysis is an appropriate method to evaluate the psychometric properties of likert-type rating-scale questionnaires.

Integrating Machine Learning for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: A Focus on Bananas and Arecanut in the Context of India’s Economic Growth

AbstractAgriculture is one of the sectors that has an important impact, taking into account the problem of sufficient food supply on a global level. The process of predicting the yield of crops is among the most challenging undertakings in the agricultural industry. Agriculture is the main source of income for most developing nations. The purpose of the study is to investigate the significant role that agriculture plays in boosting India's economic growth. Additionally, the research considers the challenges posed by a growing population and a changing environment in terms of agricultural production and food security. The research focuses on analysing the complex characteristics of the agricultural industry, with a particular emphasis on the nutritional importance of tropical fruits, notably bananas and arecanut. These fruits are well-known for their vital nutrients and their role in ensuring world food security. This study acknowledges the importance of sustainable agriculture practices and incorporates sophisticated machine learning algorithms as dynamic tools to forecast crop yields and enhance decision-making processes throughout the crop development cycle. The main aim of this study is to create strong machine learning models and statistical techniques that can accurately predict crop yield by combining a variety of environmental parameters, then assess which models outperform each other. Assist yield projections may provide governments and policymakers with valuable information to make well-informed choices about food security, import–export policies, and resource allocation. It facilitates national- and regional-level food supply planning. The validation method utilises important metrics like R square (R2), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). This present research adds to the continuing discussion on using creative methods to promote sustainable agricultural growth and ensure food security.

A novel hybrid method with convergence analysis for approximation of HTLV-I dynamics model

This paper presents a novel numerical approach for approximating the solution of the model describing the infection of CD4+T\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$CD4^+T$$\\end{document}-cells by the human T-cell lymphotropic virus I (HTLV-I).The proposed method utilizes the operational matrix along with spectral method to convert the fractional model into a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. The Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm efficiently solves these equations. The study includes theoretical convergence analysis and error bounds to establish the validity of the proposed method. Through several test problems, we demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the approach. We compare its performance and reliability to other existing methods in the literature. The results indicate that the proposed method is a reliable and efficient approach for solving the model.

Factor structure and validation of the electronic form of the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire in patients with COVID-19

Background and Objectives: Background and Aim: Validity Scale Validation can help identify coronavirus disease patients; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the validation of the electronic form of the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire in patients with COVID-19. Methods: This study is instrumental psychometrics that the statistical population includes all patients in 19 cases in Tehran. The number of samples was determined based on psychometric criteria to be 100 for the predictive validity section and 251 for the convergence validity section. Samples were selected by cluster sampling. Research data were collected electronically through two questionnaires of happiness (Oxford) and happiness of positive psychological characteristics by sending the questionnaire link to the participants' mobile phones. To evaluate the validity of the scale, content validity, convergence, and factor analysis methods were used. The reliability of the scale was assessed by internal consistency methods and class reliability. Results: The results of exploratory factor analysis showed that the researcher-made questionnaire consists of three factors and has good validity and reliability. The second-order confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed the three-factor model. This questionnaire was administered along with the short form of the Oxford Happiness Scale, which had 13 items of good reliability and validity. Conclusion: The Oxford Happiness Scale in COVID-19 patients can be used to assess happiness in COVID-19 patients.

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Using a Matrix Corrected Fundamental Parameters Algorithm vs. Acid Digestion with ICP-AES: A Comparison of Two Methods for Soil Elemental Analysis

ABSTRACT Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (ED-XRF) is evaluated as an alternative to conventional acid-mediated soil digestion methods for analysis of aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), silicon (Si), strontium (Sr), titanium (Ti), and zirconium (Zr). The Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory (KSSL) currently uses microwave-assisted digestion with inductively coupled plasma – atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) to measure the 12 elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Si, Sr, Ti, Zr). The equipment needed to conduct the digestion method is expensive, the materials are hazardous, and the method is laborious. The Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory (KSSL) has observed variable elemental recoveries for certain elements. The objective of the study was to evaluate an ED-XRF method as an alternative to the KSSL digestion method. The literature offers few examples of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method development and validation. The candidate ED-XRF method offered a more efficient, less expensive, and less hazardous approach for measuring the 12 elements. Relative to the digestion method, the candidate ED-XRF method showed improved precision and accuracy for specific elements.

Design of active disturbance rejection controller for the system with unknown model using Laguerre functions

This paper concentrates on the design problem of linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) for uncertain systems, whose order and parameters are unknown. In general, LADRC has diversified structural forms due to different order and parameters selection. To clarify the prerequisites for constructing the LADRC strategy, a Laguerre-based LADRC (LLADRC) method is proposed, which provides controller design guidance for systems with unknown models by capturing the impulse response. Then, intensive attention is focused on establishing internal stability conditions of the feedback system and parameter tuning rules of the prescribed controller. To gain a better understanding, the internal correlation between LLADRC and standard LADRC of the same order is analyzed. It is shown that observer and controller gains of the standard LADRC can be tuned via a workable LLADRC to achieve better control performance. Finally, a numerical example and an application design of DC motor speed control are studied, both of which demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed method.

A novel method for the simultaneous determination of flavonoids in Pteridium aquilinum via SPE combined with UPLC-DAD via QAMS

A novel analytical method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (UPLC-DAD), solid-phase extraction (SPE), and quantitative analysis of multiple components by single marker (QAMS) was developed for the first simultaneous determination of 8 flavonoids in Pteridium aquilinum. The combination of QAMS and SPE demonstrated the convenient and economic advantages of the QAMS method while also exhibiting straightforward and cost-efficient advantages in terms of both the time and solvent usage of the SPE. The contents of the 8 flavonoids in P. aquilinum ranged from 0.59 to 697.08 μg/g. There were no substantial differences in the quantification when comparing the QAMS method and the external standard method (ESM). The standard deviations (SDs, %) obtained by QAMS and ESM were all less than 5 %. SPE increased the concentration of flavonoids by 4.18–18.9 times. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) were in the ranges of 0.01–0.15 and 0.06–0.33 ng/g, respectively. Method validation revealed the linearity of the calibration curves (R2 ≥ 0.9989), with recoveries between 97.02 % and 105 %, and the relative standard deviations (RSD) were all lower than 5 %. In addition, rhoifolin (4), apigenin (6), and amentoflavone (8) were first reported in P. aquilinum. The results suggested that this method was simple, reliable, and feasible for determining the flavonoids in P. aquilinum samples and could be further applied to various foods and herbal medicine samples.

Reevaluating Google’s Reinforcement Learning for IC Macro Placement

Meta-analysis discusses the reproduction and evaluation of results in a 2021 paper about using RL to design silicon chips, as well as the validity of methods, results, and claims.

Simultaneous quantification of chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol in Urceola rosea leaves by CE and HPLC techniques: method validation and comparative study

Two analytical methods, CE and HPLC, were developed, validated, and compared for simultaneously determining chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol in Urceola rosea leaves collected from twelve different sources of Thailand. The determination was accomplished by CE on the uncoated fused silica capillary tube and by HPLC on the ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column. Chlorogenic acid was found to have the highest average amount in U. rosea leaves, followed by kaempferol and quercetin, respectively. Compared to CE, HPLC is considered to provide higher sensitivity and robustness as indicated by lower LOD and LOQ values as well as % RSD of robustness for all analytes. Overall, the present study first demonstrated that both methods were selective, sensitive, and robust, allowing reliable simultaneous quantification of three major bioactive compounds in U. rosea leaves, which could be beneficially applied for quality control assessment of this plant material, particularly those cultivated in Thailand.

New Methods for Functional Validation of Exterior Lighting

New Methods for Functional Validation of Exterior Lighting

Numerical solution of nonlinear partial differential equations using shifted Legendre collocation method

In life important applications are modeled mathematically by nonlinear partial differential equations. Primarily, the objective is to transform such equations into a system of algebraic equations to get their solutions. The Legendre collocation method is demonstrated by the differentiation operational matrix via shifted Legendre polynomials in such a transformation. The validity and effectiveness of the prospective method are manifested by illustrative examples, an error analysis, residual analysis, and comparison with others.

Study the variation of the pitching frequency of sounding rockets

Sounding rockets typically feature an axially symmetric design and are launched vertically to facilitate research and high-altitude atmospheric data collection. Manufacturing errors can cause axial asymmetry, leading to undesirable rocket trajectory dispersion. Sounding rockets are often designed to spin around their axis to mitigate these effects. However, axial spinning motion can resonate with short-period oscillations, creating large normal loads that may damage the rocket’s structures. This paper focuses on analyzing the variations in the pitching frequency, which may help predict the roll resonance phenomenon. In this study, the authors constructed a six-degree-of-freedom dynamic model for a sounding rocket, considering all aerodynamic problems and the variation of inertial characteristics. To determine the pitching frequency, an impulse is applied to the rocket to generate short-period oscillation. The Fourier transform is then used to analyze and obtain the frequency of the rocket while oscillating in space. The results demonstrate agreement with the theoretical model, thereby substantiating the validity of the current method. The findings of this research provide valuable recommendations for the design and manufacturing process of sounding rockets, which may help mitigate the adverse effects of motion resonance during flight.

Treatment of inelastic material models within a dynamic ALE formulation for structures subjected to moving loads

AbstractThis article showcases the development of a dynamic Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) formulation to account for inelastic material models within a finite element framework. Such a formulation is commonly utilized in research domains like fluid mechanics, fluid‐structure interaction, quasi static remeshing techniques, and quasi static load movement. The work at hand describes the application of the ALE formulation to efficiently analyse structures subjected to moving loads in the field of transient inelastic solid mechanics. In particular, structures such as pavements, gantry crane girders etc., which are subjected to moving loads, can be numerically simulated, and their transient response in the relevant region around the load can be obtained without relying on moving loads. The focus of this article is to facilitate the treatment of history variables stemming from inelastic material models. Of particular interest is the advection procedure required to transport the history variables through the mesh, as the material appears to flow through it. The mathematical framework necessary to treat this advection process is described in detail, considering a nonlinear viscoelastic material model on a neo‐Hookean base at finite deformations. Then, four methods for numerically achieving the advection are implemented within a transient finite element ALE formulation. These methods are compared against each other, and additionally with the conventional Lagrangian method for validation. The results demonstrate satisfactory agreement with conventional simulation methods, while offering a significant improvement in terms of computation speed. With the work at hand, the dynamic response of inelastic materials subjected to moving loads can be numerically simulated in a computationally efficient manner.

PHSOR12 Presentation Time: 9:55 AM: A Novel Method for Validation of MR/TRUS Deformable Registration for Real-Time Needle Guidance in Gynecological HDR Brachytherapy

PHSOR12 Presentation Time: 9:55 AM: A Novel Method for Validation of MR/TRUS Deformable Registration for Real-Time Needle Guidance in Gynecological HDR Brachytherapy

Concept and development of a telemedical supervision system for anesthesiology in operating rooms using the interoperable communication standard ISO/IEEE 11073 SDC.

Discussion of a telemedical supervision system for anesthesiology in the operating room using the interoperable communication protocol SDC. Validation of a first conceptual demonstrator and highlight of strengths and weaknesses. The system includes relevant medical devices, a central anesthesia workstation (AN-WS), and a remote supervision workstation (SV-WS) and the concept uses the interoperability standard ISO/IEEE 11073 SDC. The validation method involves a human patient simulator, and the system is tested in an intervention study with 16 resident anesthetists supervised by a senior anesthetist. This study presents a novel tele-supervision system that enables remote patient monitoring and communication between anesthesia providers and supervisors. It is composed of connected medical devices via SDC, a central AN-WS and a mobile remote SV-WS. The system is designed to handle multiple ORs and route the data to a single SV-WS. It enables audio/video connections and text chatting between the workstations and offers the supervisor to switch between cameras in the OR. Through a validation study the feasibility and usefulness of the system was assessed. Validation results highlighted, that such system might not replace physically present supervisors but is able to provide supervision for scenarios where supervision is currently not available or only under adverse circumstances.

Method Validation for the Determination of Ciprofloxacin in Lucilia sericata Larvae via Capillary Electrophoresis Combined With Mass Spectrometry.

Substances derived from insects can serve therapeutic functions due to their diverse biological properties. This article focuses on the species Lucilia sericata and the benefits of larval therapy in patients who, due to hospitalization, have developed pressure ulcers and other difficult-to-heal wounds. Larval therapy, also known as maggot debridement therapy, employs sterile fly larvae to treat chronic, non-healing wounds by enzymatically degrading necrotic tissue and decreasing bacterial colonization. The larvae are applied to the wound for a period of 48-72h, during which they effectively clean the wound and stimulate tissue regeneration. This therapeutic approach is particularly efficacious for recalcitrant wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores, which have not responded to conventional treatments. Larvae may also constitute an alternative material in entomotoxicological studies to detect substances ingested at not only toxic but also therapeutic doses. The present work describes a method for assaying ciprofloxacin in L. sericata larvae using capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry. The developed method features high sensitivity with a limit of quantification of 100±0.018ng/mL, as well as accuracy and precision estimated within 87%-103% and 1%-4%, respectively. An application of a simple and fast precipitation of proteins procedure for sample cleaning resulted in a highly satisfactory recovery of the analyte (90%-104%). The method was linear in a range of 100-1000ng/mL with a determination coefficient higher than 0.9973. The method was used to determine ciprofloxacin in larval homogenate after antibiotic administration to the patient at a dose of 500mg twice daily per os during application of the larvae dressing. Ciprofloxacin was shown to distribute from the patient's circulation to the larvae at a concentration of 150ng/mL (750ng/g).

A comparative invitro study of distinct and novel stent geometries on mechanical performances of poly-L-lactic acid cardiovascular stents.

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is one of the representative polymeric materials serving as bioresorbable stents (BRS) for cardiovascular disease due to its proper biodegradation, high biocompatibility, and adequate mechanical properties among polymer candidates for BRS. However, PLLA BRS as cardiovascular stents also have limitations because their mechanical properties including low radial strength and high elastic recoil are inferior to those of metallic-based BRS stents. In the study, we developed and manufactured distinct and novel types of stent geometries for investigating mechanical properties of thin-walled PLLA BRS (110 μm) for cardiovascular applications. Five key mechanical tests, including radial strength, crimping profile, flexibility, elastic recoil, and foreshortening were performed through a comprehensive analysis. In addition, we applied the finite element method for further validation and insight of mechanical behaviors of the PLLA BRS. Results revealed that Model 2 had advantages in high flexibility as well as radial strengths, which would be a proper option for complex and acutely curved lesions. Model 3 would be an optimum selection for stent placement in mild target site due to its strength in minimum elastic recoil. Even though Model 4 showed the highest radial strength, finite element simulation showed that the geometry caused higher maximum stress than that of Model 2 and Model 3 during the crimping process. Model 1 showed the most vulnerable geometry among the tested models in both invitro and finite element analysis. Such data may suggest potential guidance in regard to understanding the mechanical behaviors of PLLA BRS as not only applicable cardiovascular but also peripheral and intracranial stents.

Least Squares Approximation Method for Estimation of Volterra Fractional Integro-differential equation using Hermite Polynomial as the basis functions

This research work utilizes the least squares approximation method to estimate approximate solutions for fractional-order integro-differential equations, with Hermite polynomials as basis functions. The process begins by assuming an approximate solution of degree N, which is then substituted into the fractional-order integro-differential equation under investigation. After evaluating the integral, the equation is rearranged to isolate one side, allowing the application of the least squares method. Three examples were solved using this approach. In Example 1, the numerical results for α=0.9 and α=0.8 were compared to the exact solution for α=1. In Examples 2 and 3, the results for α=1.9 and α=1.8 were compared to the exact solution for α=2. These comparisons showed favorable alignment with the exact solutions. The numerical results and graphical illustrations demonstrate the validity, competence, and accuracy of the proposed method.