scholarly journals Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of brain's activation area measurement on imagej: An easy and low‐cost method for cognitive and neurophysiological studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (S12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Sobral Monteiro‐Junior ◽  
Iaggo Raphael David Santos ◽  
Frederico Sander Machado ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Area Measurement ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Activation Area ◽  
Neurophysiological Studies

A simple and low-cost method for leaf area measurement of detached leaves

1997 ◽  
Vol 33 (01) ◽  
pp. 65-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T. Korva ◽  
G. A. Forbes
Keyword(s):  
Solanum Tuberosum ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Electronic Equipment ◽  
New Method ◽  
Area Measurement ◽  
Water Spray ◽  
Spray Method ◽  
Detached Leaves ◽  
Highly Correlated

A technique for leaf area measurement utilizing water spray as an inexpensive substitute for electronic equipment was developed and tested with leaves of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). The leaf areas measured by the spray method were highly correlated with those measured by an electronic area meter. Measurements of leaf area obtained by the spray method were significantly more highly correlated with those obtained by the area meter than were the measurements of dry weights. The main advantages of the new method are precision, accuracy and immediate results at a low cost.

Intra- and inter-rater reliability in the cross-sectional area of feline lumbar epaxial musculature evaluated via abdominal CT scan

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 721-728
Author(s):  
Laura H Rayhel ◽  
Jessica M Quimby ◽  
Eric M Green ◽  
Valerie J Parker ◽  
Shasha Bai
Keyword(s):  
Ct Scan ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Ct Images ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Area Measurement ◽  
Thoracic Vertebrae ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Epaxial Muscle

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of epaxial muscle cross-sectional area measurement on feline CT images and to determine the relationship between normalized epaxial muscle area (EMA) and subjective muscle condition score (MCS). Methods Feline transverse CT images including the junction of the 13th thoracic vertebrae/13th rib head were retrospectively reviewed. Right and left epaxial muscle circumference and vertebral body height were measured and an average normalized EMA (ratio of epaxial area:vertebral height) was calculated for each image. Measurements were performed by three individuals blinded to the clinical data and were repeated 1 month later. Intra- and inter-rater reliability of EMA was assessed with concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and Bland–Altman analysis was performed to assess bias and limits of agreement (LoA) between and within observers at different time points. In cats for which MCS data were available, EMA was compared between differing MCSs via the Kruskal–Wallis test, with Bonferroni-corrected Wilcoxon rank-sum post-hoc analysis. Results In total, 101 CT scans met the inclusion criteria for reliability analysis, 29 of which had muscle condition information available for analysis. Intra-rater EMA CCC ranged from 0.84 to 0.99 with minimal bias (range –0.16 to 0.08) and narrow LoA. Inter-rater EMA CCC ranged from 0.87 to 0.94, bias was larger (range –0.46 to 0.66) and LoA were wider when assessed between observers. Median EMA was significantly lower in cats with severe muscle atrophy (2.76, range 1.28–3.96) than in all other MCS groups ( P <0.0001 for all comparisons). Conclusions and relevance Measurement of EMA on CT showed strong intra-rater reliability, and median EMA measurements were significantly lower in cats with severe muscle wasting, as assessed on physical examination. Further studies correlating EMA to lean muscle mass in cats are needed to determine whether this method may be useful to quantify muscle mass in patients undergoing a CT scan.

scholarly journals Intra- and inter-rater reliability of joint range of motion tests using tape measure, digital inclinometer and inertial motion capturing

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243646
Author(s):  
Laura Fraeulin ◽  
Fabian Holzgreve ◽  
Mark Brinkbäumer ◽  
Anna Dziuba ◽  
David Friebe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Inertial Motion ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Joint Range Of Motion ◽  
Tape Measure ◽  
Digital Inclinometer ◽  
The Right ◽  
Joint Range

Background In clinical practice range of motion (RoM) is usually assessed with low-cost devices such as a tape measure (TM) or a digital inclinometer (DI). However, the intra- and inter-rater reliability of typical RoM tests differ, which impairs the evaluation of therapy progress. More objective and reliable kinematic data can be obtained with the inertial motion capture system (IMC) by Xsens. The aim of this study was to obtain the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the TM, DI and IMC methods in five RoM tests: modified Thomas test (DI), shoulder test modified after Janda (DI), retroflexion of the trunk modified after Janda (DI), lateral inclination (TM) and fingertip-to-floor test (TM). Methods Two raters executed the RoM tests (TM or DI) in a randomized order on 22 healthy individuals while, simultaneously, the IMC data (Xsens MVN) was collected. After 15 warm-up repetitions, each rater recorded five measurements. Findings Intra-rater reliabilities were (almost) perfect for tests in all three devices (ICCs 0.886–0.996). Inter-rater reliability was substantial to (almost) perfect in the DI (ICCs 0.71–0.87) and the IMC methods (ICCs 0.61–0.993) and (almost) perfect in the TM methods (ICCs 0.923–0.961). The measurement error (ME) for the tests measured in degree (°) was 0.9–3.3° for the DI methods and 0.5–1.2° for the IMC approaches. In the tests measured in centimeters the ME was 0.5–1.3cm for the TM methods and 0.6–2.7cm for the IMC methods. Pearson correlations between the results of the DI or the TM respectively with the IMC results were significant in all tests except for the shoulder test on the right body side (r = 0.41–0.81). Interpretation Measurement repetitions of either one or multiple trained raters can be considered reliable in all three devices.

A Low-Cost Harvest Area Measurement System Based on Ultrasonic and Hall-Effect Sensors

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 317-323
Author(s):  
Wenqian Huang ◽  
Liping Chen ◽  
Jishuai Ge ◽  
Chi Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Hall Effect ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Area Measurement ◽  
Hall Effect Sensors

scholarly journals Internal and inter-rater reliability of the ASQ-3 in Mexican preschoolers

Salud Mental ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-72
Author(s):  
Silvia Ortiz-León ◽  
◽  
Armida Granados-Rojas ◽  
Josefa Cavazos-Olivo ◽  
Leonardo De Benito-Avendaño ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Child Development ◽  
Early Childhood Development ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Childhood Development ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Ages And Stages Questionnaire

Introduction. Monitoring child development includes the promotion of development in the healthy child and the detection of delays and early indicators of disorders that begin in the first five years of life through easy-to-use, easy to mark, and low-cost screening tests. Objective. To evaluate the internal reliability and inter-rater reliability of the ASQ-3 in Mexican preschool children. Method. The ASQ-3 was applied to parents and/or teachers of 33 - 60 month old children who attended the Centros de Desarrollo Infantil (Child Development Centers-CENDIS) in the public and private sectors of Mexico City. Results. A total of n = 1052 questionnaires were obtained, grouped into six age groups (33, 36, 42, 48, 54, and 60 months of age) according to the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 (ASQ-3). The levels of reliability of the ASQ-3 for each of the age groups were acceptable, with a range of α = .77 to α = .88. Regarding inter-rater reliability (parents vs. teachers), moderate correlation levels were observed. Discussion and conclusion. The results obtained suggest that this is a screening instrument that reliably evaluates the five areas of development that make up the ASQ-3 in pre-school children. This represents an opportunity to continue studying the psychometric characteristics of validity of this instrument in representative samples of Mexican children to optimize the process of early childhood development monitoring.

scholarly journals Instrumental validity and intra/inter-rater reliability of a novel low-cost digital pressure algometer

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e10162
Author(s):  
Daniel Jerez-Mayorga ◽  
Carolina Fernanda dos Anjos ◽  
Maria de Cássia Macedo ◽  
Ilha Gonçalves Fernandes ◽  
Esteban Aedo-Muñoz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Standard Error ◽  
Pain Threshold ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pressure Pain Threshold ◽  
Force Platform ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Pressure Pain ◽  
Pressure Algometer ◽  
Standard Error Of Measurement ◽  
Error Of Measurement

Background Pain assessment is a key measure that accompanies treatments in a wide range of clinical settings. A low-cost valid and reliable pressure algometer would allow objective assessment of pressure pain to assist a variety of health professionals. However, the pressure algometer is often expensive, which limits its daily use in both clinical and research settings. Objectives This study aimed to assess the instrumental validity, and the intra- and inter-rater reliability of an inexpensive digital adapted pressure algometer. Methods A single rater applied 60 random compressions on a force platform. The pressure pain thresholds of 20 volunteers were collected twice (3 days apart) by two raters. The main outcome measurements were as follows: the maximal peak force (in kPa) and the pressure pain threshold (adapted pressure algometer vs. force platform). Cronbach’s α test was used to assess internal consistency. The standard error of measurement provided estimates of measurement error, and the measurement bias was estimated with the Bland–Altman method, with lower and upper limits of agreement. Results No differences were observed when comparing the compression results (P = 0.51). The validity and internal intra-rater consistencies ranged from 0.84 to 0.99, and the standard error of measurement from 0.005 to 0.04 kPa. Very strong (r = 0.73–0.74) to near-perfect (r = 0.99) correlations were found, with a low risk of bias for all measurements. The results demonstrated the validity and intra-rater reliability of the digitally adapted pressure algometer. Inter-rater reliability results were moderate (r = 0.55–0.60; Cronbach’s α = 0.71–0.75). Conclusion The adapted pressure algometer provide valid and reliable measurements of pressure pain threshold. The results support more widespread use of the pressure pain threshold method among clinicians.

scholarly journals KIMEHS—Proposal of an Index for Qualitative Evaluation of Children’s Menus—A Pilot Study

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1618
Author(s):  
Ada Rocha ◽  
Claudia Viegas
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Objective Measure ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Food Pattern ◽  
A Value ◽  
Adequate Food ◽  
Side Dishes ◽  
Key Aspects

Considering the importance of the food environments for health promotion, and the lack of simple, easy to use, low-cost measures of the quality of meals, the authors developed a qualitative menu index (KIMEHS—Kids’ Menu Healthy Score), tailored to children’s menu evaluation. Development of the tool was based on the Mediterranean food pattern. It includes 18 components, divided into seven main groups that reflect key aspects of menu quality, including protein source, side dishes, vegetables, dessert and beverages, and also allergens and nutritional information. The index was analysed for content and construct validity, as well as inter-rater reliability, and was applied to a sample of menus from restaurants in shopping centres in the Lisbon region. Possible index point ranges from −17 to 17, with a higher score indicating greater compliance with the recommendations. A value of 5.5 is obtained if all KIMEHS items are available, considering healthy and non-healthy options. The inter-rater reliability was assessed and values above 0.80 were obtained for Alpha Cronbach, as well as agreement % rate >75%. Agreement percentage is above 75% for all the components. Evaluated restaurants scored from −14 to 7, with an average KIMEHS of −6.15. Only four restaurants scored positive values, ranging from 0.25 to 7. KIMEHS was considered to be an adequate index to evaluate children’s menus, from the menu information displayed on restaurant websites and/or on restaurant displays or table menus. It is a simple, low-cost tool that may be used as a reference for health professionals as an objective measure to evaluate the food environment. Stakeholders could also be involved in their own assessment to help educate consumers about healthy food choices, strengthening the efforts to promote an adequate food pattern and health, contributing to the fight against obesity.

scholarly journals Persistent fontanelles in Chihuahuas and inter- and intra-rater reliability of fontanelle area measurement in computed tomography images

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Mariam Kiviranta ◽  
Clare Rusbridge ◽  
Anu K. Lappalainen ◽  
Jouni J.T. Junnila ◽  
Tarja S. Jokinen
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Area Measurement ◽  
Cranial Bone ◽  
Congenital Defects ◽  
Cranial Sutures ◽  
Predisposing Factor ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Computed Tomography Images ◽  
Delayed Closure ◽  
Closed Polygon

Abstract Background: The Chihuahua dog breed is known for frequent occurrence of a bregmatic fontanelle on the dorsal skull. A common conception is that this skull defect is clinically irrelevant in Chihuahuas. No studies, however, describe the prevalence of this malformation, whether it is accompanied by fontanelles at other locations on the skull or how to assess the severity of these lesions. Our primary aim was, by using computed tomography imaging, to describe the presence, number, and location of persistent fontanelles (PF) at cranial sutures on dorsal, lateral and caudal cranial surfaces in Chihuahuas. The secondary aim was to develop a method to measure the fontanelle area in computed tomography images by using the closed polygon tool of Osirix Medical Imaging Software. Results: Of the 50 dogs evaluated, 46 (92%) had either one or several PFs. The mean ± SD number of affected cranial sutures per dog was 2.4 ± 2.3 (range 0-10), and mean ± SD number of PFs was 2.8 ± 3.0 (range 0-13). Of the 46 dogs with affected sutures, 7 (15%) had no PF at a location typical for a bregmatic fontanelle. The inter-rater reliability of the fontanelle area measurement was almost “perfect”, and intra-rater reliability reached “excellent” agreement. Conclusions: PFs are almost ubiquitous in the examined group of Chihuahuas. They are located at dorsal, lateral, and caudal surfaces of the cranium, and hence are not all recognized reliably by palpation in adult dogs. Though the pathogenesis of the PFs described here is unknown, bone-deficient lesions may occur due to congenital defects in cranial bone ossification, delayed closure of cranial sutures, or bone resorption, as is observable in children with craniosynostosis (premature cranial suture closure). Because the imaging findings described in the Chihuahuas of this study are similar to findings among children with craniosynostosis/premature cranial base synchondrosis closure, this growth disorder may be a predisposing factor for the PFs described here. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the pathogenesis and clinical relevance of these lesions. Due to high inter- and intra-rater reliability of the method of fontanelle area measurement it may be useful in future studies.

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