Validity Of Consensus Research Articles

A computer tool for Aiken's coefficients calculation: Applications in clinical and research settings

AbstractRationaleIn clinical and research settings, the validity and reliability of measurement instruments are crucial for reliable results. Current methods for computing validation metrics like Aiken's coefficients are often complex and error‐prone, highlighting the need for a standardized computational tool to simplify and enhance this process.Aims and ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to develop AikenCalc, a tool created to automate the calculation of Aiken coefficients. This tool provides a quantitative method for examining the validity and reliability of consensus among expert judges.MethodAikenCalc was developed with Shiny app, an R library that allows an easy‐to‐use interface and improved computational efficiency. It was validated using a convergence method by comparing the manual calculations with those obtained using AikenCalc. Additionally, to examine usability and interface, six experts evaluated their experience using AikenCalc and provided improvement feedback.ResultsAikenCalc demonstrated good convergent validity, closely aligning with the results obtained manually, and the six experts gave favorable ratings regarding the usability and interface of AikenCalc. Finally, it was shown that AikenCalc significantly reduced the time required for calculations, thanks to its user‐friendly interface.ConclusionAikenCalc represents a significant improvement in the validation of measurement instruments by automating and simplifying the calculation of Aiken's coefficients through a Shiny web application. Additionally, it fills a knowledge gap, as there is currently no similar calculator available in the field of research.

Composite Consensus: An Applied Theoretical Study

The research addressed studying the issue of complex consensus among fundamentalists and jurists, identifying the definition of this fundamentalist term linguistically and terminologically, and related terms or similar models. This was followed by a study of the validity of the complex consensus and an explanation of its relationship to some fundamentalist issues, such as the issue of fabrication and others, which the fundamentalists stipulated about its link to the complex consensus. Then, the research revealed some jurisprudential effects and applications on the problematic consensus. This is done by combining the methods of description and induction through observation, as some fundamentalists have stated in reasoning by complex consensus or some of its forms in jurisprudential applications. The research presented an introduction of several sections, the necessary requirements for each topic, a conclusion that included the most important results and recommendations, and an index of sources and references.

Fiscal reaction functions for the advanced economies revisited

We revisit the relationship between the primary balances/GDP and debt/GDP ratios (fiscal reaction function, FRF), in the advanced economies, showing that using adequate tests and estimators leads to question the validity of the current consensus. Using data for 1961–2019, we find that long-run FRFs exist only in a small number of advanced economies (Belgium, Germany, Greece, Norway, Portugal and Sweden), with polynomial effects with fiscal fatigue only in Germany. These results warn against the widespread practice of estimating homogeneous polynomial panel FRFs. Limiting the sample to 1961–2007, thus excluding the 2008 crisis and its aftermath, FRFs hold also in Canada, Ireland, Italy (polynomial), Spain and USA, though not in Germany, and the coefficients are generally larger. Particularly, after 2008 European Union countries appear somehow to have been more likely to implement FRFs.

Comparing the first and the second waves of COVID-19 in Italy: differences in epidemiological features and CT findings using a semi-quantitative score

PurposeCT findings of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were analyzed during both the first and the second waves of the pandemic, in order to detect any significant differences between the two groups.MethodsIn this observational, retrospective, monocentric study, all hospitalized patients who underwent CT for suspected COVID-19 pneumonia from February 27 to March 27, 2020 (first wave) and from October 26 to November 24, 2020 (second wave) were enrolled. Epidemiological data, radiological pattern according to the RSNA consensus statement and visual score extension using a semi-quantitative score were compared.ResultsTwo hundred and eleven patients (mean age, 64.52 years ± 15.14, 144 males) were evaluated during the first wave while 455 patients (mean age, 68.26 years ± 16.34, 283 males) were studied during the second wave. The same prevalence of patterns was documented in both the first and the second waves (p = 0.916), with non-typical patterns always more frequently observed in elderly patients, especially the “indeterminate” pattern. Compared to those infected during the first wave, the patients of the second wave were older (64.52 vs.68.26, p = 0.005) and presented a slightly higher mean semi-quantitative score (9.0 ± 2.88 vs. 8.4 ± 3.06, p = 0.042). Age and semi-quantitative score showed a positive correlation (r = 0.15, p = 0.001).ConclusionsThere was no difference regarding CT pattern prevalence between the first and the second waves, confirming both the validity of the RSNA consensus and the most frequent radiological COVID-19 features. Non-typical COVID-19 features were more frequently observed in older patients, thus should not be underestimated in the elderly population.

Is apathy a true trans-diagnostic construct? preliminary findings of the european study on apathy in schizophrenia

Apathy is a quantitive reduction of goal-directed activity either in behavioural, cognitive, emotional or social dimension in comparison to the person’s previous level of functioning in these areas. Apathy is prevalent across many neurodegenerative, neurological, and psychiatric disorders. It represents the most common behavioural and psychological symptom in people with Alzheimer’s Disease and is often observed in Parkinson’s disease, vascular dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease, frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, major depression, and schizophrenia. However, the definition and terminology employed to refer to apathy can vary in the context of different conditions and specialities and the diagnostic criteria have evolved. Additionally, the term apathy is employed to describe both a symptom and a syndrome. Indeed, little progress has been achieved in assessing the validity of the same construct across different disorders (eg. neurodegenerative disorders, schizophrenia or affective disorders). In 2018, a new version of the diagnostic criteria for apathy (DCA) in neuropsychiatric disorders was published. The validity of this new consensus has yet to be assessed among all relevant populations, including schizophrenia. Six European centres (Naples, Geneve, Nice, Rennes, Barcelona, Cambridge) aimed to test the prevalence of apathy, measured with the 2018 DCA, in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. As a second aim, we focused on the relationship between DCA and other measures of apathy and negative symptoms in schizophrenia (BNSS and PANSS). In this talk, we will compare the preliminary findings of this pan-European study in schizophrenia patients with previous studies on neurodegenerative disorders.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Concurrent and Predictive Validity of AND-ASPEN Malnutrition Consensus Is Satisfactory in Hospitalized Patients: A Longitudinal Study.

Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) is the reference method to identify hospital malnutrition. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (AND-ASPEN) proposed a more objective consensus, but studies regarding its validity are still scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the concurrent and predictive validity of the AND-ASPEN Consensus. Prospective cohort conducted with hospitalized adult and elderly patients. At admission, general data were collected and patients were evaluated by SGA and AND-ASPEN with and without handgrip strength (HGS) for nutrition diagnoses. Patients were followed up for collection of outcomes-length of hospital stay (LOS), in-hospital death, readmission, and mortality within 6 months after being discharged. Concurrent and predictive validity were tested. Six hundred patients (55.7 ± 14.8 years, 51.3% males) were evaluated. The median of LOS was 10.0 (5.018.0) days and in-hospital mortality was 2.7%. SGA identified 34.0% and AND-ASPEN 34.6% of patients as malnourished. AND-ASPEN had substantial agreement with SGA (κ = 0.690) and satisfactory accuracy (AUC = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.810.88). Malnutrition defined by AND-ASPEN predicted about 1.4 times higher risk of prolonged LOS (95% CI, 1.2-1.6) and hospital readmission (95% CI, 1.2-1.8), besides 5.0 times higher risk of hospital death (95% CI, 1.3-18.8) and 6 months' death (95% CI, 2.6-9.9), in an adjusted analysis. The validity of AND-ASPEN without HGS was also satisfactory. AND-ASPEN can be used for malnutrition diagnoses, even without HGS because it has satisfactory concurrent and predictive validity.

The Refutation of the Concept of Unanimity in the Arabic Grammar: A Genuine Study on the Refutation of Abu-Hayyan's on Ibn Malik's Unanimity

This research lies within the framework of theoretical grammar as it examines a fundamental intellectually theoretical issue; that is, the refutation of the narrative of consensus. Therefore, it explores the concept of consensus and its refutation, the invariability of consensus towards refutation, and the validity of consensus in the theoretical grammar framework. Moreover, it studies variations in terms of concept and differences in applications. Then, it illustrates some theoretical bases of the grammarians' procedures for the evidence of consensus. Later, it demonstrates some applications on refutation as in ibn Hayyān,s tracing of Ibn Mālik and his refutation of consensus in a number of issues narrated by Ibn Mālik, and examines these issues and shows the extent to which refutation has occurred. Grammarians have varied in defining the concept of consensus as a result of variations and differences in opinions in two cases; first, location of denial: on rules or on interpretations, or on both; second, determining the time of consensus. As a result of the differences of opinions, some narratives have vanished and others remained.

Comparison of revised EWGSOP criteria and four other diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling elderly residents.

To compare the prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia defined by the revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria with the initial European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP1) criteria, the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS), the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS), and the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) Sarcopenia Project criteria among Chinese community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional study. Two community health centers in Urumqi, China. A total of 483 participants aged 60years and older from the community. Anthropometry, skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, 4-m walking speed, and biochemical markers. Questionnaire collected information included demographics, lifestyle, and quality of life. The prevalence of EWGSOP2-defined sarcopenia (men: 6.5%; women: 3.3%) was lower than that defined by the EWGSOP1 (men: 22.3%; women 11.7%), AWGS (men: 10.9%; women: 8.0%), and IWGS (men: 24.5%; women: 11.0%) criteria, but higher than FNIH criteria (men: 6.0%; women: 1.7%). The positive percent agreement was lower (men: 15.6%-63.6%; women: 15.2%-40.0%), while negative percent agreement was higher (men: 96.4%-100.0%; women: 97.3%-99.6%). Sex (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.12-0.81), education level (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29-0.83), and body mass index (BMI, OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.62-0.86) were associated with sarcopenia defined by the EWGSOP2 criteria. No consistent pattern of risk factors associated with sarcopenia in EWGSOP2 and four other diagnostic criteria was present. The EWGSOP2 criteria did not agree with the EWGSOP1, AWGS, IWGA, and FNIH criteria defining sarcopenia. Risk factors associated with the EWGSOP2-defined sarcopenia have no consistent patterns with the EWGSOP1, AWGS, IWGA, and FNIH criteria. Therefore, the validity of the EWGSOP2 consensus needs to be confirmed in further prospective studies.

Kryteria oceny ekspertyzy psychologiczno-psychiatrycznej w kanonicznym procesie małżeńskim z tytułu niezdolności psychicznej

Opinia biegłego jest środkiem dowodowym niezwykle istotnym, szczególnie w tych rodzajach spraw, które dotyczą sfery psychicznej człowieka. Biegły, dzięki swojej kompetencji, jest w stanie określić nie tylko istnienie jakiejś choroby psychicznej czy też zaburzenia osobowości w danym podmiocie, ale również nakreślić dynamikę zachodzących procesów psychicznych oraz ich nasilenie. W kontekście prowadzonej sprawy o stwierdzenie nieważności małżeństwa jest to bardzo istotne, gdyż tylko poważna anomalia psychiczna, istniejąca w podmiocie zawierającym małżeństwo, ma ewentualny destrukcyjny wpływ na ważność konsensu, czyniąc osobę niezdolną do jego wyrażenia.Jest rzeczą oczywistą, że ekspertyza nie jest wyrokiem w sprawie i nie ona decyduje o stwierdzeniu nieważności zawartego małżeństwa. Do sędziego przynależy jej krytyczna ocena oraz określenie wartości dowodowej. Funkcja biegłego ma jedynie pomóc sędziemu w dotarciu do prawdy procesowej, a sędzia wydaje wyrok na podstawie całości materiału dowodowego, w tym opinii przedstawionej przez biegłego. Fundamentalną pozostaje zasada wolnej interpretacji ze strony sędziego, która pozostawia mu dominującą rolę w ocenie wartości, jaką opinia biegłego może mieć w tworzeniu pewności moralnej koniecznej do wydania sprawiedliwego wyroku. Choć sędzia nie musi kierować się wnioskami eksperckimi, to jednak ze względu na istotną ich wartość w rozpatrywaniu spraw z tytułu niezdolności psychicznej, byłoby to niewskazane, o ile opinia ta posiada odpowiednie podstawy faktyczne i merytoryczno-argumentacyjne oraz nie pozostaje w sprzeczności z chrześcijańską wizją osoby i małżeństwa.

Inhomogeneity-induced cosmic acceleration in a dust universe

It is the common consensus that the expansion of a universe always slows down if the gravity provided by the energy sources therein is attractive and accordingly one needs to invoke dark energy as a source of anti-gravity for understanding the cosmic acceleration. To examine this point we find counterexamples for a spherically symmetric dust fluid described by the Lemaître–Tolman–Bondi solution without singularity. Thus, the validity of this naive consensus is indeed doubtful and the effects of inhomogeneities should be restudied. These counter-intuitive examples open a new perspective on the understanding of the evolution of our universe.

Median-Unbiased Estimation in Df-Gls Regressions and the Ppp Puzzle

Using median-unbiased estimation, recent research has questioned the validity of Rogoff's remarkable consensus of 3-5 year half-lives of deviations from PPP. These half-life estimates, however, are based on estimates from regressions where the resulting unit root test has low power. We extend median-unbiased estimation to the DF-GLS regression of Elliott, Rothenberg, and Stock (1996). We find that median-unbiased estimation based on this regression has the potential to tighten confidence intervals for half-lives. Using long horizon real exchange rate data, we find that the typical lower bound of the confidence intervals for median-unbiased half-lives is just under 3 years. Thus, while previous confidence intervals for half-lives are consistent with virtually anything, our tighter confidence intervals now rule out economic models with nominal rigidities as candidates for explaining the observed behavior of real exchange rates. Therefore, while we obtain more information using efficient unit root tests on longer term data, this information moves us away from solving the PPP puzzle.

Cultural Criticism in Wole Soyinka's Death and the King's Horseman

ACADEMIC COMMENTARY ON THE NIGERIAN DRAMATIST and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka reveals a level of consensus with regard to the personal mythology he has developed for his artistic purposes. Returning to his native Yoruba cosmology and the rituals that derive from it, Soyinka elicits from ritual a drama of archetypes, developing in the process a vision of history, society, and tragic drama. A range of critical work has shown this vision to be based on a sociocultural passion, even as the playwright's oeuvre constitutes an attempt to work through the passion by means of art.' This understanding of Soyinka gives a sociological accent to his mythopoeic vision and aesthetic; that is, his refashioning of the traditional Yoruba worldview emerges as, on the one hand, a theory of historical being and the often brutal adventure of the social and, on the other, of art as witness to both. If there is one work that concisely bears out the validity of this critical consensus, it would be Death and the King's Horseman.2 But even as this play has emerged as a magnum opus of sorts, it has also been the site of an instructive controversy in African literary criticism. For if Soyinka elevates his mythopoeic vision to the status of a theory of being as well as the organizing principle of his craft, his choice has generated some ideological contestation. In the mid-seventies, he was taken to task by a generation of influential Marxist critics who attacked him for being romantic in his attitude to, and use of, Yoruba mythology. There are always lessons to be drawn from critical debates, and the one surrounding Horseman is no exception. From a metacritical perspective, there is a certain logic to the political heat the play draws (and drew). Indeed, this logic is so comprehensive that it transcends the specific context of African literary criticism and becomes intertextually relevant to theories of postcoloniality in current Anglo-American literary theory and cultural criticism. If one looks closely at the reasons Soyinka's work was a problem for Africanist-marxist criticism in the seventies, it is possible to draw analogies between the debates as they were conducted then and some of the issues at the heart of the Anglo-American discursive formation that has come to be known as postcolonial cultural studies. However, an in-depth exploration of such analogies is beyond the scope of this paper; principally, what I wish to do here is to examine Horseman in order to tease out the theoretical relevance it might be said to have for contemporary

The Emperor Unclothed

Abstract Decision-making within any organization is difficult. In pastoral organizations it involves leadership strengths and weaknesses as well as congregational wants and needs. Standing between them are parish councils and advisory boards of different kinds which serve to bridge the two. Often, these groups become attuned to working together and making decisions together. They try to achieve consensus among themselves as well as among the parish or church as a whole. Groupthink cautions us to question the absolute validity of consensus in pastoral decision-making. It directs us towards recognizing the importance of disagreement within the group and to seriously consider alternatives, and to view these alternatives as catalysts for personal and organizational spiritual development.