Faces of Pain during Dental Procedures: Reliability of Scoring Facial Expressions in Print Art

Background: Observational tools have been developed to assess pain in cognitively impaired individuals. It is not known, however, whether these tools are universal enough so that even pain depicted in print art can be assessed reliably. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the reliability in scoring facial expressions of pain in dental print art from the 17th, 18th, and 19th century, using a Short Form of the 15-item Pain Assessment in Impaired Cognition (PAIC15-SF) tool. Methods: Seventeen prints of patients undergoing dental procedures were scored twice by two inexperienced observers and an expert and once by a Gold Standard observer. Results: All observers achieved high intra-observer reliability for all four items of the category “facial expressions” and for three items of the category “body movements” (ICC: 0.748–0.991). The remaining two items of the category “body movements”, viz., “rubbing” and “restlessness”, were excluded from further research because it was not possible to calculate a reliable ICC. Overall, the intra-observer reliability of the expert was higher than that of the inexperienced observers. The inter-observer reliability scores varied from poor to excellent (ICC: 0.000–0.970). In comparison to the Gold Standard, the inter-observer reliability of the expert was higher than that of the inexperienced observers. Conclusion: The PAIC15-SF tool is universal enough even to allow reliable assessment of facial expressions of pain depicted in dental print art.

Predicting Camera Color Quality

Color quality can be measured two ways. The first is target based where color-difference statistics are reported comparing image data with measurement-based colorimetric data. The second is based on measuring the camera sensor’s spectral sensitivities and calculating their similarity to a standard observer, for example, μ-factor. A computational experiment was performed where synthetic images of a variety of targets were rendered for four camera systems having μ-factors of 0.79, 0.88, 0.94, and 0.99. Each camera was profiled using the same target. Although profile color accuracy was acceptable for all the cameras, this did not predict the color accuracy for independent targets. μ-factor was a better predictor of color quality and its use is recommended when evaluating cameras for cultural heritage applications

Comparison of simulation observer tools on engagement and maximising learning: a pilot study

Objectives This pilot study examined if the Clinical Reasoning Observer Worksheet (CROW) compared to a standard observer worksheet used during simulation, would enhance nursing students active learning behaviours and perceptions of clinical reasoning ability. Methods This pilot study was undertaken to test the design and processes for a future larger study and reports on preliminary evidence of efficacy of recruitment procedures and instrumentation in addition to student’s learning outcomes. Results There was little overall difference in outcomes between groups who used either simulation observer worksheet. Overall, participants who used either worksheet perceived their ability to apply clinical reasoning to an episode of patient care increased. Conclusions Modifications were identified as necessary for a larger study including changes to instrumentation, method of survey delivery and training of simulation facilitators. A more definitive evaluation will be achievable with a larger group of students in a main study with the suggested modifications.

Methods for improving the accuracy of CIE tristimulus values of object color by calculation Part II: Improvement on measurement wavelength ranges

The previous paper (part I) analyzed test errors of the spectrophotometer and their reasons, then systematically investigated the algorithms to reduce measuring bandpass error and intervals error. This paper (part II) focuses on the influence of measurement wavelength ranges and their truncation errors, and some algorithms to overcome the truncation errors. CIE recommends that tristimulus values are calculated over a range of 360–830 nm. However, most spectrophotometers do not meet it. The reduction of measurement range will result in a measurement range error or a truncation error. In this study, five ranges commonly employed in practice are selected for investigating the truncation errors, and three extrapolation methods are used to extend the data to compensate for the measurement range loss. Results are obtained by employing 1301 Munsell color chips under illuminant D65 and CIE 1964 standard observer. For the standard 1-nm intervals, the narrower the range, the larger the truncation error. For the usual-measured 10-nm intervals, bandpass error and intervals error should be handled at the same time, 380–780 nm Table LWL gives the highest accurate outcomes, which even improve the accuracy of the range 360–750 nm to an acceptable level. Whereas, ranges of 360–700 nm and 400–700 nm still need extrapolation to reduce their truncation errors even with Table LWL. Three extrapolation methods of nearest, linear and second-order all reduce the truncation error, but for different ranges, algorithms and illuminants, the optimal method of extrapolation varies.

Development of a Facial Expression Scale Using Farrowing as a Model of Pain in Sows

Changes in facial expression have been shown to be a useful tool to assess pain severity in humans and animals, but facial scales have not yet been developed for all species. A facial expression scale in sows was developed using farrowing as a pain model. Five potential facial zones were identified: (i) Tension above eyes, (ii) Snout angle, (iii) Neck tension, (iv) Temporal tension and ear position (v), and Cheek tension. Facial zones were examined through 263 images of a total of 21 sows at farrowing, characterizing moments of non-pain (19 days post-farrowing; score 0), moderate pain (time interval between the delivery of two consecutive piglets; score 1) and severe pain (during active piglet delivery; score 2). Images were evaluated by a “Silver Standard” observer with experience in sows’ facial expressions, and by a group of eight animal welfare scientists, without experience in it, but who received a one-hour training session on how to assess pain in sows’ faces. Intra- and inter-observer reliability of the facial expression ranged from moderate to very good for all facial expression zones, with Tension above eyes, Snout angle, and Neck tension showing the highest reliability. In conclusion, monitoring facial expressions seems to be a useful tool to assess pain caused by farrowing.

Observer Design for Estimation of Nonobservable States in Buildings

Efficient temperature control requires more than air temperature measurements. Relevant variables, such as wall, ceiling, and other construction temperature evolution are usually unmeasured. Estimation of such quantities is often difficult because they are not observable with respect to available data. Their availability however would allow efficient control design. In this paper, we propose a method for designing state observers that efficiently estimate not only observable but also nonobservable (but detectable) state variables. Our method uses contraction semigroup, to obtain observer with a monotonic error reduction. Proposed approach gives twice as fast estimation as pure simulation and avoids transitional error standard observer would have. Problem of state estimation in building control applications is an important one. Attractiveness of obtaining values of physically unmeasurable variables is easily visible, as it would allow more efficient methods of temperature control. In this paper, authors discuss the problem of such estimation using a lumped capacitance model. This type of model is usually only detectable but not observable. Methods of observer tuning for such systems are not discussed properly in the literature and require special consideration. In this paper, three approaches for estimation are compared: pure model, eigenvalue shifting, and contraction semigroup observer. Results are illustrated with numerical experiments.

Color Sensor Accuracy Index Utilizing Metamer Mismatch Radii

A novel method is described for evaluating the colorimetric accuracy of digital color cameras based on a new measure of the metamer mismatch body (MMB) that is induced by the change from the camera as an ‘observer’ to the human standard observer. In comparison to the majority of existing methods for evaluating colorimetric accuracy, the advantage of using the MMB is that it is based on the theory of metamer mismatching and, therefore, shows how much color error can arise in principle. A new measure of colorimetric accuracy based on the shape of the camera-induced MMB is proposed and tested. MMB shape is measured in terms of the moments of inertia of the MMB treated as a mass of uniform density. Since colorimetric accuracy is independent of any linear transformation of the sensor space, the MMB measure needs to be as well. Normalization by the moments of inertia of the object color solid is introduced to provide this independence.

Akurasi Waktu Jam Masjid di Kota Lhokseumawe

Accuracy of time is very closely related to Islamic law, a lot of worship related to time, such as prayer times, breaking fast and ruling. Without a standard time accuracy, worship can not be done perfectly. The clock is a marker of time that makes it easy for Muslims to carry out worship and social activities. Until now there has been no clock that can survive accuracy with a long time, meaning that all clocks must be calibrated within a certain time span. The time standard for clock calibration is the Atomic Clock time that is on the GPS or on the link ntp.bmkg.go.id controlled by Badan Meteorologi Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BMKG). This study tries to find the accuracy of mosque hours and the type of clock used in mosques in Lhokseumawe City by using the method of observation and documentation of 20 mosques selected as samples in the study. The results of observation and documentation show that all mosques (100%) in Kota Lhokseumawe have used the clock as a timemarker, 12 mosques, or 60% of the mosque has been using a digital clock with accuracy of 50% in accordance with the standard and 35% analog clock in accordance with a clock standard observer BMKG.

Avoiding skull radiographs in infants with suspected inflicted injury who also undergo head CT: “a no-brainer?”

Objectives To assess whether head CT with 3D reconstruction can replace skull radiographs (SXR) in the imaging investigation of suspected physical abuse (SPA)/abusive head trauma (AHT). Methods PACS was interrogated for antemortem skeletal surveys performed for SPA, patients younger than 2 years, SXR and CT performed within 4 days of each other. Paired SXR and CT were independently reviewed. One reviewer analysed CT without and (3 months later) with 3D reconstructions. SXR and CT expert consensus review formed the gold standard. Observer reliability was calculated. Results A total of 104 SXR/CT examination pairs were identified, mean age 6.75 months (range 4 days to 2 years); 21 (20%) had skull fractures; two fractures on CT were missed on SXR. There were no fractures on SXR that were not seen on CT. For SXR and CT, respectively: PPV reviewer 1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 48–82% and 85–100%; reviewer 2, 67–98% and 82–100%; and NPV reviewer 1, 95%, CI 88–98% and 96–100%; reviewer 2, 88–97% and 88–98%. Inter- and intra-observer reliability were respectively the following: SXR, excellent (kappa = 0.831) and good (kappa = 0.694); CT, excellent (kappa = 0.831) and perfect (kappa = 1). All results were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions CT has greater diagnostic accuracy than SXR in detecting skull fractures which is increased on concurrent review of 3D reconstructions and should be performed in every case of SPA/AHT. SXR does not add further diagnostic information and can be omitted from the skeletal survey when CT with 3D reconstruction is going to be, or has been, performed. Key Points • Head CT with 3D reconstruction is more sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of skull fractures. • Skull radiographs can be safely omitted from the initial skeletal survey performed for suspected physical abuse when head CT with 3D reconstruction is going to be, or has been, performed.