Using a computer scoring system to correlate stress response and indicators in the Draw-a-Person-in-the-Rain Test

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ziyang Li ◽  
Guorui Liu ◽  
Yige Liu ◽  
Zhiqiang Ma
Keyword(s):  
Stress Response ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Average Distance ◽  
Stress Reaction ◽  
Stress Indicators ◽  
Computer Scoring ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Length And Area ◽  
Test Stress

We designed a computer scoring system to examine the correlation between the Draw-a-Person-in-the-Rain (DAPR) Test stress indicators and the Stress Reaction Questionnaire. Participants were 155 undergraduate college students in China. We extracted and calculated the following stress indicators as depicted in the DAPR artworks: number of raindrops, average distance between raindrops, average raindrop length, and area covered by raindrops. Results demonstrate that the level of stress response had significant positive correlations with the number of raindrops, the average distance between raindrops, and the area covered by raindrops. There was no significant correlation between stress response and the average raindrop length. Satisfactory positive correlations between the DAPR stress indicators and stress response indicate that the software scoring system of DAPR is objective and accurate. The use of software in assessing DAPR artworks may solve the problem of interrater reliability and may improve the scientificity of this technique.

The Depravity Standard for Violent Crimes

2021 ◽  
pp. 0306624X2110589
Author(s):  
Michael Welner ◽  
Kate Y. O’Malley ◽  
James Gonidakis ◽  
Samantha Blair
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Violent Crime ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Violent Crimes ◽  
Early Release ◽  
Detailed Case ◽  
Case Files

In violent crime cases, aggravating factors in United States criminal codes, such as “heinous,” “atrocious,” or “depraved,” are used to distinguish elements of the crime warranting more severe sentencing. These aggravating terms are vaguely defined and applied arbitrarily in violent cases. This paper details the development of a 25 item Depravity Standard to operationalize an evidence-based approach to distinguishing the worst of violent crimes. The items were applied to 393 detailed case files drawn from several American jurisdictions to develop and refine the item definitions, determine interrater reliability, and mine for the frequency of each item’s occurrence. This information was combined with 1,590 participant responses ranking the relative depravity of each item to develop a straightforward scoring system for measuring depravity in violent cases. The Depravity Standard guide can seamlessly be applied to identify the worst violent crimes, and provide support for those cases that may deserve leniency or early-release.

scholarly journals CORRELATION BETWEEN LEVEL OF SOLUBLE FAS AND DEGREE OF SEPSIS SEVERITY BASED ON APACHE II SCORE

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 231
Author(s):  
Pauline Hadisiswoyo ◽  
Endang Retnowati ◽  
Erwin Astha Triyono
Keyword(s):  
Prediction Model ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Apache Ii ◽  
Apache Ii Score ◽  
Sepsis Severity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chronic Health ◽  
Soluble Fas ◽  
Positive Correlations

A widely used scoring system to assess the severity of sepsis is Acute Physiology, Age, and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scoring system, however there are some disadvantages in using this. Other parameters are needed to predict severity and outcome of sepsis. Proinflammatory cytokines and Fas receptors are increased in sepsis and their concentration elevations are correlated with disease severity. An increase of soluble Fas level will follow increasing Fas receptors. This study aimed to prove any correlation between the level of soluble Fas and degree of sepsis severity based on APACHE II score. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in January-June 2015 on 30 septic patients. APACHE II scores were calculated from the patients’physiological data, age, and chronic health problem status. Levels of soluble Fas were measured using the ELISA method (Human FAS/ CD95 (Factor-Related Apoptosis) ELISA Kit, Elabscience Biotechnology). Levels of soluble Fas ranged between 1,049-2,783 pg/mL (1,855.7 ± 477.27 pg/mL). APACHE II scores varied between 4-29 (17.2 ± 5.82). Significant positive correlations between levels of soluble Fas and APACHE II score (r=0.347, p=0.03) were found. A prediction model of soluble Fas levels based on APACHE II score was made. Linear regression analysis produced a prediction model of soluble Fas levels based on APACHE II score, in which soluble Fas level= 1,365.8 + 28.485 x APACHE II score.  

Interrater reliability of Engel, International League Against Epilepsy, and McHugh seizure outcome classifications following vagus nerve stimulator implantation

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Will P. Rodgers ◽  
Andrew J. Durnford ◽  
Fenella J. Kirkham ◽  
Andrea Whitney ◽  
Mark A. Mullee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Seizure Outcome ◽  
Nerve Stimulator ◽  
International League Against Epilepsy ◽  
Vagus Nerve Stimulator ◽  
Κ Statistic ◽  
International League

Object Interrater reliability as measured by the kappa (κ) statistic is a widely used and valuable tool to measure the robustness of a scoring system. Seizure frequency reduction is a central outcome measure following vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). A specific VNS scoring system has been proposed by McHugh, but its interrater reliability has not been tested. The authors assessed its interrater reliability and compared it with that of the Engel and International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) systems. Methods Using the Engel, ILAE, and McHugh scoring systems, 3 observers independently rated the medical records of children who had undergone vagus nerve stimulator implantation between January 2001 and April 2011 at the Southampton University Hospital. The interrater agreements were then calculated using the κ statistic. Results Interrater reliability for the McHugh scale (κ0.693) was very good and was superior to those of the Engel (κ0.464) and ILAE (κ0.491) systems for assessing outcome in patients undergoing VNS. Conclusions The authors recommend considering the McHugh scoring system when assessing outcomes following VNS.

scholarly journals A Biology Core Concept Instrument (BCCI) to Teach and Assess Student Conceptual Understanding

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. ar46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tawnya L. Cary ◽  
Caroline J. Wienhold ◽  
Janet Branchaw
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Conceptual Understanding ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Student Understanding ◽  
First Year ◽  
Core Concept ◽  
Biological Phenomenon ◽  
Biological Phenomena ◽  
Core Concepts

Instruments for teaching and assessing student understanding of the five core concepts in biology from Vision and Change are needed. We developed four Biology Core ­Concept Instruments (BCCIs) that teach and assess students’ ability to describe a concept in their own words, identify concepts represented in biological phenomena, and make connections between concepts. The BCCI includes a narrative, followed by a series of 10 true-false/identify (TF/I) and three open-ended questions. The TF/I questions are aligned with Cary and Branchaw’s Conceptual Elements Framework and were iteratively developed with feedback from biology experts and student performance and feedback obtained during think-aloud interviews. A component scoring system was developed to discriminate between a student’s ability to apply and identify each core concept from his or her ability to make connections between concepts. We field-tested the BCCIs ( n = 152–191) with students in a first-year course focused on learning the five core concepts in biology and collected evidence of interrater reliability (α = 0.70) and item validity. With component scoring, we identified examples in which students were able to identify concepts singularly, but not make connections between concepts, or were better able to apply concepts to one biological phenomenon than another. Identifying these nuanced differences in learning can guide instruction to improve students’ conceptual understanding.

Stress Management through Yoga

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Serber
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Stress Response ◽  
Stress Reaction ◽  
The Body ◽  
Common Element ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Yoga Practice ◽  
Common Condition ◽  
Physical Threat ◽  
Physical Functions

Stress is a common condition, a response to a physical threat or psychological distress, that generates a host of chemical and hormonal reactions in the body. In essence,the body prepares to fight or flee, pumping more blood to the heart and muscles and shutting down all nonessential functions. As a temporary state, this reaction serves the body well to defend itself. When the stress reaction is prolonged, however, the normal physical functions that have in response either been exaggerated or shut down become dysfunctional. Many have noted the benefits of exercise in diminishing the stress response,and a host of studies points to these benefits. Yoga, too,has been recommended and studied in relationship to sffess, although the studies are less scientifically replicable. Nonetheless, several researchers claim highly beneficial results from Yoga practice in alleviating stress and its effects. The practices recommended range from intense to moderate to relaxed asana sequences, along with pranayama and meditation. In all these approaches to dealing with stress, one common element stands out:The process is as important as the activity undertaken. Because it fosters self-awareness, Yoga is a promising approach for dealing with the stress response.

scholarly journals Promoting Effects of Computer Scoring on English Learning of College Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (07) ◽  
pp. 98
Author(s):  
Siwei Liu
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Formative Assessment ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Structural Learning ◽  
Promoting Effect ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Computer Scoring ◽  
Research Findings

In the age of economic globalization, it is important for college students to master such an international language as English. The computer scoring is an effective tool to enhance their ability of English learning. Drawing on theories of formative assessment and structural learning, this paper mainly verifies the promoting effect of computer scoring on English learning among college students. The data were collected through a questionnaire survey, and a case study was carried out on a scoring website for English writing. The results show that: formative assessment and structural learning lay the theoretical basis for computer scoring; college students generally recognize that computer scoring system greatly enhances their ability and enthusiasm of English learning; the target computer scoring system (www.pigai.org) facilitates autonomous learning under teacher supervision, with the functions on student and teacher interfaces. The research findings greatly promote the development of computer scoring and English learning among college students.

Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS)

PM&R ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan T. Finnoff ◽  
Valerie J. Peterson ◽  
John H. Hollman ◽  
Jay Smith
Keyword(s):  
Scoring System ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Balance Error Scoring System ◽  
Balance Error

scholarly journals Development and Testing of a Novel Measure to Assess Fidelity of Implementation: Example of the Mini-AFTERc Intervention

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Georgia Brandt ◽  
Calum Thomas McHale ◽  
Gerald Michael Humphris
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Content Validity ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Fidelity Of Implementation ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Rating Criteria

BackgroundFidelity of implementation (FOI) reflects whether an intervention was implemented in clinical practice according to the originally developed manual and is a key aspect in understanding intervention effectiveness. To illustrate this process of developing a fidelity measure, this study uses the Mini-AFTERc, a brief psychological intervention aimed at managing breast cancer patients’ fear of cancer recurrence, as an example.ObjectivesTo illustrate the development of an FOI measure through (1) applying this process to the Mini-AFTERc intervention, by including the design of a scoring system and rating criteria; (2) content validating the FOI measure using thematic framework analysis as a qualitative approach; (3) testing consistency of the FOI measure using interrater reliability.MethodsThe FOI measure was developed, its scoring system modified and the rating criteria defined. Thematic framework analysis was conducted to content validate the FOI measure using nine intervention discussions between four specialist cancer nurses and four breast cancer patients, and one simulated breast cancer patient. Intraclass-correlation was conducted to assess interrater reliability.ResultsThe qualitative findings suggested that the Mini-AFTERc FOI measure has content validity as it was able to measure all five components of the Mini-AFTERc intervention. The interrater reliability suggested a moderate to excellent degree of reliability among three raters, rICC = 0.84, 95% CI [0.51, 0.96].ConclusionThe study has illustrated the steps that an FOI measure can be developed through a systematic approach applied to the Mini-AFTERc intervention. The FOI measure was found to have content validity and was consistently applied, independently, by three researchers familiar with the Mini-AFTERc intervention. Future studies should determine whether similar levels of interrater reliability can be obtained by distributing written and/or video instructions to researchers who are unfamiliar with the FOI measure, using a larger sample. Employing developed and validated FOI measures such as the one presented for the Mini-AFTERc would facilitate implementation of interventions in the FCR field in clinical practice as intended.Clinical Trial Registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03763825.

scholarly journals Effect of Sex and Breed on HSPA1A, Blood Stress Indicators and Meat Quality of Lambs

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1514
Author(s):  
Thuthuzelwa Stempa ◽  
Graeme Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Stress Response ◽  
Heat Shock ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Heat Shock Protein 70 ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Quality Attributes ◽  
Stress Indicators ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Physiological Stress Response

The objective of this study was to examine sex and breed effects on heat shock protein 70 (HSPA1A), blood stress indicators and meat quality attributes of lambs. A hundred male and female lambs from the Dorper (n = 50) and Merino (n = 50) breeds were used in this study. Breed and sex had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the levels of plasma HSPA1A and lactate; where the Merino lambs had higher levels than Dorper. The female lambs had higher levels of plasma HSPA1A than male lambs. Significant sex and breed interactions (p < 0.05) on the levels of plasma HSPA1A were seen. Females had higher (p < 0.05) pHu than males. Dorper lambs had higher (p < 0.05) pH45, meat lightness, thawing loss and tougher meat the Merino breed. Significant correlations were found amongst plasma stress indicators and meat quality attributes. The results indicate that female lambs were more stressed by the pre-slaughter period than males, while the Merino had a higher physiological stress response compared to the Dorper. However, the Dorper breed produced tougher meat.

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