Validity of Two Wheelchair-Mounted Devices for Estimating Wheelchair Speed and Distance Traveled

This study evaluated the validity of two wheelchair-mounted devices—the Cateye® and Wheeler—for monitoring wheelchair speed and distance traveled. Speed estimates were validated against a calibrated treadmill at speeds from 1.5 to 10 km/hr. Twenty-five wheelchair users completed a course of known distance comprising a sequence of everyday wheelchair activities. Speed estimate validity was very good (mean absolute percentage error ≤ 5%) for the Wheeleri at all speeds and for the Cateye at speeds >3 km/hr but not speeds <3 km/hr (mean absolute percentage error > 20%). Wheeleri distance estimates were good (mean absolute percentage error < 10%) for linear pushing activities and general maneuvering but poor for confined-space maneuvering. Cateye estimates were good for continuous linear propulsion but poor for discontinuous pushing and maneuvering (both general and confined space). Both devices provided valid estimates of speed and distance for typical wheelchair-based exercise activities. However, the Wheeleri provided more accurate estimates of speed and distance during typical everyday wheelchair activities.

Validating fatty acid intake as estimated by an FFQ: how does the 24 h recall perform as reference method compared with the duplicate portion?

ObjectiveTo compare the performance of the commonly used 24 h recall (24hR) with the more distinct duplicate portion (DP) as reference method for validation of fatty acid intake estimated with an FFQ.DesignIntakes of SFA, MUFA, n-3 fatty acids and linoleic acid (LA) were estimated by chemical analysis of two DP and by on average five 24hR and two FFQ. Plasma n-3 fatty acids and LA were used to objectively compare ranking of individuals based on DP and 24hR. Multivariate measurement error models were used to estimate validity coefficients and attenuation factors for the FFQ with the DP and 24hR as reference methods.SettingWageningen, the Netherlands.SubjectsNinety-two men and 106 women (aged 20–70 years).ResultsValidity coefficients for the fatty acid estimates by the FFQ tended to be lower when using the DP as reference method compared with the 24hR. Attenuation factors for the FFQ tended to be slightly higher based on the DP than those based on the 24hR as reference method. Furthermore, when using plasma fatty acids as reference, the DP showed comparable to slightly better ranking of participants according to their intake of n-3 fatty acids (0·33) and n-3:LA (0·34) than the 24hR (0·22 and 0·24, respectively).ConclusionsThe 24hR gives only slightly different results compared with the distinctive but less feasible DP, therefore use of the 24hR seems appropriate as the reference method for FFQ validation of fatty acid intake.

The Emotional Reactions to Challenging Behavior Scale-Korean (ERCBS-K): Modification and Validation

The purpose of this study was to explore the original version of Mitchell and Hastings’s (1998) Emotional Reaction to Challenging Behavior Scale (ERCBS) and estimate validity and reliability of a revised version containing 29 items. The Emotional Reaction to Challenging Behavior Scale–Korean (ERCBS-K) was studied using 445 in-service physical educators (228 females; 217 males). Data were collected using onsite administration as well as mail survey administration procedures. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses results supported a five-factor, 28-item scale (ERCBS-K). Acceptable internal consistency coefficients were found for each of the subscales of the ERCBS-K (Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.71 to 0 .87).

Transthoracic ultrasonography in diagnosis and treatment of acute pleural empyema

The aim of this study was to estimate validity of transthoracic ultrasonography in diagnosis and evaluation of the results of initial surgical therapy of acute pleural empyema. The study included 49 patients with II stage acute pleural empyema. Initial surgical tretament was indicated according to CT and transthoracic ultrasonography findings. Evaluation of initial therapy results has been made by transthoracic ultrasonography (TUS).Clinical significance of standard x-ray, CT and TUS in different stages of diagnostic and therapeutic procedure has been analyzed. Chest drainage was initial treatment in 10 (20.4%) patients, thoracentesis in 39 (79.6%). Complete cure with this two methods was achieved in 22 (44.9%) patients. In 27 (55.1%) patients initial treatment failed. TUS was sufficient for adequate estimate of initial treatment results in 41 (83.6%). Additional CT was indicated in 8 (16.3%) patients. Transthoracic ultrasonography has important role in choice of initial surgical therapy of acute pleural empyema. If initial estimate of therapy results is made by TUS, CT is rarely necessary.

Logical versus Empirical Estimates of Readability and Human Interest of General Psychology Textbooks

As a contribution to the text selection task, 61 books were examined by the Flesch formulae and by student ratings to estimate validity and reliability.