Comparison of the kinematics, repeatability, and reproducibility of five different multi-segment foot models

Background Multi-segment foot models (MFMs) for assessing three-dimensional segmental foot motions are calculated via various analytical methods. Although validation studies have already been conducted, we cannot compare their results because the experimental environments in previous studies were different from each other. This study aims to compare the kinematics, repeatability, and reproducibility of five MFMs in the same experimental conditions. Methods Eleven healthy males with a mean age of 26.5 years participated in this study. We created a merged 29-marker set including five MFMs: Oxford (OFM), modified Rizzoli (mRFM), DuPont (DFM), Milwaukee (MiFM), and modified Shriners Hospital for Children Greenville (mSHCG). Two operators applied the merged model to participants twice, and then we analysed two relative angles of three segments: shank-hindfoot (HF) and hindfoot-forefoot (FF). Coefficients of multiple correlation (CMC) and mean standard errors were used to assess repeatability and reproducibility, and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) of the t-value was employed to compare kinematics. Results HF varus/valgus of the MiFM and mSHCG models, which rotated the segment according to radiographic or goniometric measurements during the reference frame construction, were significantly more repeatable and reproducible, compared to other models. They showed significantly more dorsiflexed HF and plantarflexed FF due to their static offset angles. DFM and mSHCG showed a greater range of motion (ROM), and some models had significantly different FF points of peak angle. Conclusions Under the same conditions, rotating the segment according to the appropriate offset angle obtained from radiographic or goniometric measurement increased reliability, but all MFMs had clinically acceptable reliability compared to previous studies. Moreover, in some models, especially HF varus/valgus, there were differences in ROM and points of peak angle even with no statistical difference in SPM curves. Therefore, based on the results of this study, clinicians and researchers involved in the evaluation of foot and ankle dysfunction need an understanding of the specific features of each MFM to make accurate decisions.

Establishing and Testing a Quantitative Measure for Evolving Third Place Characteristics

Third places offer and promote social experiences beneficial for building interpersonal relationships. This study has two goals: 1) establish a scale that tests if an environment is characteristic of third place characteristics and 2) use this scale with four virtual environments (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter) to test the proficiency of third place characteristics as representative of virtual third places. A research-informed scale was created and tested with a sample of 354 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis verified a nine-factor solution, with each subscale reporting acceptable reliability (range: .89 to .96). This scale was tested with 140 participants to verify if certain social media qualified as third places. MANOVAs revealed that Facebook adheres most closely to the majority of third place characteristics, followed by Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter respectively. The proposed scale can be used with other virtual environments to measure if they qualify as third places.

Knowledge Management of Work Stress in Mexican Manufacturing Environments

This chapter presents a knowledge management perspective to propose a pair of structural models to determine the relationship between burnout syndrome (BS) and body mass index (BMI) among high and middle managers of Mexican maquiladoras. In developing countries like Mexico there are opportunities to expand burnout study on diversity of contexts and occupations. The Maslach burnout general inventory questionnaire (MB-GI) was used, and sociodemographic data were collected as well as the weight and size of respondents. Instrument shows an acceptable reliability index. Structural equation models are used to determine relationship among variables. From a sample of 361 people, using segmentations of BMI, two segments are distinguished: normal weight and overweight. Model using normal weight participants shows more explanatory qualities about the relationship among burnout dimensions than the one using overweight participants. One can conclude that more factors and variables are needed to explain overweight Mexican managers.

Reliability of Equilibrium Gasification Models for Selected Biomass Types and Compositions: An Overview

In this paper, the authors present an overview of biomass gasification modeling approaches with the aim of evaluating their effectiveness as a modeling tool for the design and optimization of polygeneration plants based on biomass gasification. In fact, the necessity to build plant operating maps for efficiency optimization requires a significant number of simulations, and non-stoichiometry equilibrium models may allow fast computations thanks to their relative simplicity. The main objective consists of the assessment of thermodynamic equilibrium models performance as a function of biomass type and composition to better understand in which conditions of practical interest such models can be applied with acceptable reliability. To this aim, the authors developed two equilibrium models using both a commercial software (referred as Aspen model) and a simulation tool implemented in a non-commercial script (referred as analytical model). To assess their advantages and disadvantages, the two models were applied to the gasification simulation of different biomasses, employing experimental data available from the scientific literature. The obtained results highlighted strengths and limitations of using equilibrium models as a function of biomass type and composition. For example, they showed that the analytical model predicted syngas composition with better accuracy for biomass types characterized by a low ash content, whereas the Aspen model appeared to fairly predict the syngas composition at different conditions of ER; however, its accuracy might be reduced if the properties of the treated biomass changed.

THE CONCEPT OF EVALUATION OF MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE RELIABILITY FACTORS OF STATE AVIATION HELICOPTERS

The aim of the study is to develop and determine the maximum acceptable reliability factor of state aviation helicopters based on statistics on malfunctions that occur during the operation of the aviation materiel, taking into account the recommendations of ICAO. The paper defines the general criteria for calculating the limit values of reliability (operational reliability and flight safety). For their implementation it is necessary: to carry out constant monitoring of flight safety and the general reasons which cause emergence of malfunctions of helicopters, their systems and subsystems; to use the proposed combined model on the principle of "traffic light" to determine the level of flight safety indicators at their standard deviation when justifying decisions on the forecast for future periods of operation and establishing certain values of forecast indicators of the "upper control limit" of operational Based on the adopted conceptual approach to determining the dynamics of change in failure rates, quantitative criteria are developed. Proposals to determine the indicators of the technical condition during the military operation of the aircraft will maintain high combat readiness of state aviation at a given level, predict the need for maintenance and repair and predict the timing and direction of modernization of aircraft.

Differential Cutaneous Thermal Sensitivity in Humans: Method of Limit vs. Method of Sensation Magnitude

Introduction: The method of limits (MLI) and method of level (MLE) are commonly employed for the quantitative assessment of cutaneous thermal sensitivity. Thermal sensation and thermal comfort are closely related and thermal sensations evoked from the peripheral thermoreceptors play an important role in thermoregulatory response to maintain normal body temperature. The purpose of this study was to compare the regional distribution of cutaneous warm and cold sensitivity between MLI and the method of sensation magnitude (MSM). Method: Twenty healthy men completed MLI and MSM to compare the regional distribution of cutaneous warm and cold sensitivity in the thermal neutral condition. The subjects rested on a bed in a supine position for 20 min. Next, the cutaneous thermal sensitivity of ten body sites was assessed by the means of MLI and MSM for both warmth and cold stimuli. Results: The absolute mean heat flux in MLI and thermal sensation magnitude in MSM showed significantly greater sensitivity to cold than to warm stimulation (p < 0.01), together with a similar pattern of regional differences across ten body sites. Both sensory modalities indicated acceptable reliability (SRD%: 6.29–8.66) and excellent reproducibility (ICC: 0.826–0.906; p < 0.01). However, the Z-sore distribution in MSM was much narrower than in MLI, which may limit the test sensitivity for the detection of sensory disorders and/or comparison between individuals. Conclusion: The present results showed that both MLI and MSM are effective means for evaluating regional cutaneous thermal sensitivity to innocuous warm and cold stimulations to a strong degree of reliability and reproducibility.

Development and Validation of the Multidimensional Procrastination Scale in Chinese

Procrastination is a complicated phenomenon with many thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that may characterize different subgroups of procrastinators. Such phenomenon has not been well studied in an integrated theoretical framework. This study aims to establish a theory about the behavioral, cognitive, and affective aspects of procrastination and to develop and validate an operational instrument. In Study 1, we conducted qualitative research based on grounded theories and generated seven initial categories with 22 themes associated with the components in procrastination. In Study 2, we developed an instrument, the Multidimensional Procrastination Scale (MPS), and established a five-dimension structure for the MPS using explanatory factor analysis (EFA; N = 435) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; N = 387). In Study 3, we established construct validity and predictive validity for the MPS by building a nomological framework and predicting behavioral procrastination, respectively. The theoretical framework of procrastination included maladaptive (i.e., impulsive and unorganized, hesitation, lack of incentives, avoidance) and adaptive (i.e., arousal and rationalization) components. The MPS demonstrated acceptable reliability, factorial validity, construct validity, and predictive validity. The findings of this study have implications for further studies on the typology of procrastination and the development of tailored interventions to alleviate maladaptive aspects of procrastination.

Factors Influencing the Acceptance and Adoption of Online Learning in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Educational systems worldwide have been forced into shifting to online learning during COVID-19 pandemic. This decision faced diverse challenges, especially in underdeveloped countries that still use traditional teaching methods, with minimal or no integrated technology, and no guidance in the literature. This study explores factors, challenges, and adaptation initiatives that might underlie the success and failure of abrupt shifting and accepting online learning systems. To explore the acceptance of online learning under these extreme circumstances, the reactions of Kuwait educational institutions to COVID-19 were collected and analyzed. A framework was utilized, and a questionnaire developed to enable quantitative analysis of these data. In total, 4,024 responses were gathered from instructors and students with acceptable reliability. Findings from the statistical analysis unveiled specific acceptance facts relevant to the crisis within its environment. This study establishes the utility of this framework for researchers to synthesize users’ acceptance of online learning systems.

The Influence of Maximal Strength and Knee Angle on the Reliability of Peak Force in the Isometric Squat

This study aimed to investigate the test-retest reliability of peak force in the isometric squat across the strength spectrum using coefficient of variation (CV) and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). On two separate days, 59 healthy men (mean (SD) age 23.0 (4.1) years; height 1.79 (0.7) m; body mass 84.0 (15.2) kg) performed three maximal effort isometric squats in two positions (at a 120° and a 90° knee angle). Acceptable reliability was observed at both the 120° (CV = 7.5 (6.7), ICC = 0.960 [0.933, 0.977]) and 90° positions (CV = 9.2 (8.8), ICC = 0.920 [0.865, 0.953]). There was no relationship between peak force in the isometric squat and the test-retest reliability at either the 120° (r = 0.052, p = 0.327) or 90° (r = 0.014, p = 0.613) positions. A subgroup of subjects (n = 17) also completed the isometric squat test at a 65° knee angle. Acceptable reliability was observed in this position (CV = 9.6 (9.3), ICC = 0.916 [0.766, 0.970]) and reliability was comparable to the 120° and 90° positions. Therefore, we deem isometric squat peak force output to be a valid and reliable measure across the strength spectrum and in different isometric squat positions.

California Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Evaluations in the Field: Static-99R and Diagnostic Field Reliability

Tests and diagnoses used in sexually violent predator (SVP) evaluations must be reliable, as reliability is foundational to validity. The current study contained a stratified sample of evaluations of 395 individuals referred as potential SVPs between 2012 and 2017. Each individual was initially evaluated by at least two experts. The sample included three groups: individuals not meeting SVP criteria ( N = 200, or 400 evaluations), individuals meeting SVP criteria ( N = 95, with 190 evaluations), and individuals where evaluators disagreed ( N = 100, with 200 evaluations). The sample also included 200 subsequent independent evaluations on these “disagree” cases. Static-99R score intraclass coefficient (ICC) interrater reliability was good to excellent within each group and overall. Evaluators scored the Static-99R within one point of each other 87% of the time. Cohen’s kappa diagnostic agreement for Pedophilic Disorder was substantial. ASPD and substance abuse kappa were in the “fair” range, while OSPD diagnoses in the positive group were at the “moderate” level of agreement. Ethnic differences in diagnoses were consistent with other studies, with equivalent Static-99R ICC values across ethnic groups. There were no significant differences between state civil servants versus contracted experts in Static-99R ratings or final determinations. The results suggest that Static-99R scores have acceptable reliability in these evaluations, and Pedophilic Disorder (the most common paraphilic disorder in our study) and OSPD can be reliably diagnosed. We discuss limitations of the study, as well as the need for care in high-stakes evaluations given the imperfect reliability of psychological measurements.