scholarly journals A Method for Examining the Equating of Psychometric Scales and Tests: An Application Using Dementia Screening Test Batteries

2018 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-209
Author(s):  
N. Maritza Dowling ◽  
Tenko Raykov ◽  
George A. Marcoulides
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Research ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Screening Test ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Necessary Condition ◽  
Measuring Instruments ◽  
Psychometric Scales ◽  
Latent Constructs ◽  
Dementia Screening ◽  
Wide Range

Equating of psychometric scales and tests is frequently required and conducted in educational, behavioral, and clinical research. Construct comparability or equivalence between measuring instruments is a necessary condition for making decisions about linking and equating resulting scores. This article is concerned with a widely applicable method for examining if two scales or tests cannot be equated. A latent variable modeling method is discussed that can be used to evaluate whether the tests or parts thereof measure latent constructs that are distinct from each other. The approach can be routinely used before an equating procedure is undertaken, in order to assess whether equating could be meaningfully carried out to begin with. The procedure is readily applicable in empirical research using popular software. The method is illustrated with data from dementia screening test batteries administered as part of two studies designed to evaluate a wide range of biomarkers throughout the process of normal aging to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

scholarly journals What empirical research has been undertaken on the ethics of clinical research in India? A systematic scoping review and narrative synthesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. e004729
Author(s):  
Sangeetha Paramasivan ◽  
Philippa Davies ◽  
Alison Richards ◽  
Julia Wade ◽  
Leila Rooshenas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Informed Consent ◽  
Clinical Research ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Narrative Synthesis ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Evidence Map ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Wide Range

IntroductionThe post-2005 rise in clinical trials and clinical research conducted in India was accompanied by frequent reports of unethical practices, leading to a series of regulatory changes. We conducted a systematic scoping review to obtain an overview of empirical research pertaining to the ethics of clinical trials/research in India.MethodsOur search strategy combined terms related to ethics/bioethics, informed consent, clinical trials/research and India, across nine databases, up to November 2019. Peer-reviewed research exploring ethical aspects of clinical trials/research in India with any stakeholder groups was included. We developed an evidence map, undertook a narrative synthesis and identified research gaps. A consultation exercise with stakeholders in India helped contextualise the review and identify additional research priorities.ResultsTitles/Abstracts of 9699 articles were screened, full text of 282 obtained and 80 were included. Research on the ethics of clinical trials/research covered a wide range of topics, often conducted with little to no funding. Studies predominantly examined what lay (patients/public) and professional participants (eg, healthcare staff/students/faculty) know about topics such as research ethics or understand from the information given to obtain their consent for research participation. Easily accessible groups, namely ethics committee members and healthcare students were frequently researched. Research gaps included developing a better understanding of the recruitment-informed consent process, including the doctor-patient interaction, in multiple contexts and exploring issues of equity and justice in clinical trials/research.ConclusionThe review demonstrates that while a wide range of topics have been studied in India, the focus is largely on assessing knowledge levels across different population groups. This is a useful starting point, but fundamental questions remain unanswered about informed consent processes and broader issues of inequity that pervade the clinical trials/research landscape. A priority-setting exercise and appropriate funding mechanisms to support researchers in India would help improve the clinical trials/research ecosystem.

On the Pitfalls of Estimating and Using Standardized Reliability Coefficients

2020 ◽  
pp. 001316442093734
Author(s):  
Tenko Raykov ◽  
George A. Marcoulides
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Research ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Reliability Coefficient ◽  
Latent Variable Modeling ◽  
Measuring Instruments ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Scale Reliability ◽  
Reliability Coefficients

The population discrepancy between unstandardized and standardized reliability of homogeneous multicomponent measuring instruments is examined. Within a latent variable modeling framework, it is shown that the standardized reliability coefficient for unidimensional scales can be markedly higher than the corresponding unstandardized reliability coefficient, or alternatively substantially lower than the latter. Based on these findings, it is recommended that scholars avoid estimating, reporting, interpreting, or using standardized scale reliability coefficients in empirical research, unless they have strong reasons to consider standardizing the original components of utilized scales.

Evaluation of the accuracy indicators in determination of the coating thickness by crater grinding method

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (7) ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
K. V. Gogolinsky ◽  
A. E. Ivkin ◽  
V. V. Alekhnovich ◽  
A. Yu. Vasiliev ◽  
A. E. Tyurnina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coating Thickness ◽  
Functional Dependence ◽  
Measurement Procedure ◽  
Metrological Certification ◽  
Measuring Instruments ◽  
Properties Of Coatings ◽  
Special Equipment ◽  
Grinding Method ◽  
Accuracy Of Measurements ◽  
Wide Range

Thickness is one of the key indicators characterizing the quality and functional properties of coatings. Various indirect methods (electromagnetic, radiation, optical) most often used in practice to measure thickness are based on the functional dependence of a particular physical parameter of the system «base – coating» on the coating thickness. The sensitivity of these procedures to the certain properties of coatings imposes the main restriction to the accuracy of measurements. Therefore, the development and implementation of the approaches based on direct measurements of geometric parameters of the coating appears expedient. These methods often belong to the class of «destructive» and, in addition to measuring instruments, require the use of special equipment. To ensure the uniformity of measurements in the laboratory or technological control, these methods are isolated as a separate procedure (method) and must undergo metrological certification in accordance with GOST R 8.563–2009. We present implementation, metrological certification and practical application of the method for measuring thickness of coatings by crater-grinding method. The principles of technical implementation of test equipment, measurement procedure and calculation formulas are described. The results of evaluating the accuracy indicators of the proposed procedure by calculation and experimental methods are presented. In both cases, the relative error did not exceed 6%. The applicability of the developed technique is shown for a wide range of coating materials (from soft metals to superhard ceramics) of different thickness (with from units to hundreds of micrometers). Apart from the goals of process control and outgoing inspection, the method can be recommended as a reference measurement procedure for calibration of measures and adjusting samples for various types of thickness gauges.

The Japanese version of the Rapid Dementia Screening Test is effective compared to the clock-drawing test for detecting patients with mild Alzheimer's disease

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 233-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasushi Moriyama ◽  
Aihide Yoshino ◽  
Kaori Yamanaka ◽  
Motoichiro Kato ◽  
Taro Muramatsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Screening Test ◽  
Japanese Version ◽  
Clock Drawing Test ◽  
Clock Drawing ◽  
Dementia Screening ◽  
Drawing Test

Adopting SCAMPER`S Strategies to Incorporate the Sustainability Concepts Within Architectural Design Process

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhan Ali ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Divergent Thinking ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Necessary Condition ◽  
Existing Building ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Aesthetic

Thinking creatively, is a necessary condition of the Design process to transform ideas into novel solutions and break barriers to creativity. Although, there are many techniques and ways to stimulate creative thinking for designers, however, this research paper adopts SCAMPER; which is acronym of: Substitute- Combine-Adapt- Modify or Magnify-Put to another use-Eliminate-Reverse or Rearrange- to integrate the sustainability concepts within architectural design process. Many creative artifacts have been designed consciously or unconsciously adopting SCAMPER strategies such as rehabilitation and reuse projects to improve the functional performance or the aesthetic sense of an existing building for the better. SCAMPER is recognized as a divergent thinking tool are used during the initial ideation stage, aims to leave the usual way of thinking to generate a wide range of new ideas that will lead to new insights, original ideas, and creative solutions to problems. The research focuses on applying this method in the architectural design, which is rarely researched, through reviewing seven examples that have been designed consciously or unconsciously adopting SCAMPER mnemonic techniques. The paper aims to establish a starting point for further research to deepen it and study its potentials in solving architectural design problems.

scholarly journals MODERN CONDITION AND DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES OF THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN UKRAINE

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olena Komchatnykh ◽  
Svitlana Petrovska ◽  
Nataliia Redko
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Necessary Condition ◽  
Transport Services ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Effective Development ◽  
Modern Condition

The article considers modern condition and development perspectives of transport at whole and the transport infrastructure of Ukraine. The basis of the country transport complex makes up its infrastructure, it joins manufacturing, users, suppliers and partners. Developed infrastructure affects not only effective and timely delivery of the products, but provides for decreased transport expenses. The beneficial geographical position of Ukraine, crossing the main transit ways between Europe and Asia, presence of active Black Sea ports, developed network of railroads, car roads and pipelines throughout the latitudinal and meridian directions create all predispositions for the transport branch development. The studies of the Ukrainian transport infrastructure and transport condition during last years evidence about non-stable dynamics, which is mainly related to economical and geopolitical crisis in the country as well as the COVID 19 consequences. Analysis of the freight transport by transport kinds shows increased volumes of car transport with decreased railway transport. The rise of the car transport share is connected to its advantages: mobility, possibility of delivery exactly to the destination, high speed of delivery, flexibility of the route choice, wide range of the shipment as well as provision of logistic services by cars. Exacerbation in the East has considerably decreased number of contracts between Ukrainian shipping companies and international partners related to the international transportation. First of all, the situation provides for decreased transportation volumes on the territory of Ukraine. The level of transport services to economic system and population of Ukraine is significantly lower than that one in the developed countries of the world. According to the car road characteristics, Ukraine has long been behind not only the countries of Western Europe, but many post-Soviet countries. A necessary condition of the effective development and managing crisis in the transport branch, particularly that caused by the COVID 19 pandemics, is development and modernizing transport infrastructure of Ukraine according to the modern technological requirements. This will provide for uniform development of all regions of Ukraine, improved population life quality, development of trade and tourism as well as creation of new economic opportunities by attracting foreign investment.

The non-cognitive challenge to a liberal egalitarian education

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Morton
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Political Institutions ◽  
Equal Opportunity ◽  
Political Liberalism ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Primary Goods ◽  
Cognitive Challenge ◽  
Conception Of The Good

Political liberalism, conceived of as a response to the diversity of conceptions of the good in multicultural societies, aims to put forward a proposal for how to organize political institutions that is acceptable to a wide range of citizens. It does so by remaining neutral between reasonable conceptions of the good while giving all citizens a fair opportunity to access the offices and positions which enable them to pursue their own conception of the good. Public educational institutions are at the center of the state’s attempt to foster both of these commitments. I argue that recent empirical research on the role that non-cognitive dispositions (such as assertiveness) play in enabling students to have access to two important primary goods – opportunities for higher education and desirable jobs – creates a distinctive challenge for a liberal egalitarian education in remaining neutral with respect to conceptions of the good while promoting equal opportunity.

P4-244: Validation of the philadelphia cognitive exam (P-Cog): A rapid, tablet computer-based dementia screening test.

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (7S_Part_19) ◽  
pp. P874-P874
Author(s):  
David C. Weisman ◽  
John Khoury ◽  
Kandan Kulandaivel ◽  
Deepa Amberker ◽  
Patrick Sleiman
Keyword(s):  
Screening Test ◽  
Tablet Computer ◽  
Dementia Screening ◽  
Computer Based

Gene therapy promises accurate, targeted administration and overcoming drug resistance in diverse cancer cells

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moataz Dowaidar
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Nucleic Acids ◽  
Clinical Research ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cationic Lipids ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Genetic Components ◽  
Wide Range

Nucleic acid-based therapeutics such as siRNA and miRNA employ the silencing capabilities of the RNAi mechanism to affect the expression of one gene or several genes in target cells. Nucleic acid-based therapies enable accurate, targeted administration and overcoming drug resistance in diverse cancer cells. Several studies have shown that they can be utilized alongside pharmacological therapy to increase the efficacy of existing therapies. In addition, nucleic acid-based therapies have the potential to widen the spectrum of druggable targets for a range of diseases and emerge as a novel therapeutic technique for treating a number of diseases that are today untreatable. Nucleic acids are dependent on their effective distribution to target cells, which need correct complexation and encapsulation in a delivery mechanism. Although nucleic acids exist in a variety of forms and sizes, their physical and chemical commonality allow them to be loaded into a wide range of delivery vehicles. The primary biomaterials used to encapsulate genetic components were cationic lipids and polymers. Furthermore, the experiments focused particularly on effective transfection in target cells.Recent breakthroughs in NP-based RNA therapeutics have spurred a flood of clinical research, facing many challenges. In vivo, pharmacokinetics of different RNA-based medications must be researched to establish the viability and therapeutic potential of nucleic acid-based therapeutics. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently authorized many NP-based gene therapy. In 2019, Novartis authorized Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi) to treat spinal muscle atrophy. The first clinical research employing siRNA began in 2004 and is considered a milestone in nucleic acid-based drug development. Thirty clinical investigations have subsequently been completed. In 2018, the US FDA cleared Onpattro (Patisiran, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals) for the treatment of polyneuropathy caused by transthyretin amyloidosis.Several new generations of nucleic acid compositions employing polymer nanoparticles or liposomes are presently undergoing clinical testing. If allowed, the debut of nucleic acid-based treatments would represent a watershed event in immunotherapy. Advances in the design and development of biocompatible nanomaterials would allow us to overcome the above-mentioned problems and so show the potential to deliver nucleic acids in the treatment of a number of illnesses.

Bamberg Dementia Screening Test

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Trapp ◽  
Bruno Weisenberger ◽  
Denise Düclos ◽  
Stefan Lautenbacher ◽  
Nicholas Mitznegg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Screening Test ◽  
Dementia Screening
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