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Fulltext Reliability Study of Solder Paste Alloy for the Improvement of Solder Joint at Surface Mount Fine-Pitch Components

Rahman MNA, Zubir NSM, Leuveano RAC, Ghani JA, Mahmood WMFW

Materials (Basel), 2014 Dec 02;7(12):7706-7721.
PMID: 28788270 DOI: 10.3390/ma7127706

The significant increase in metal costs has forced the electronics industry to provide new materials and methods to reduce costs, while maintaining customers' high-quality expectations. This paper considers the problem of most electronic industries in reducing costly materials, by introducing a solder paste with alloy composition tin 98.3%, silver 0.3%, and copper 0.7%, used for the construction of the surface mount fine-pitch component on a Printing Wiring Board (PWB). The reliability of the solder joint between electronic components and PWB is evaluated through the dynamic characteristic test, thermal shock test, and Taguchi method after the printing process. After experimenting with the dynamic characteristic test and thermal shock test with 20 boards, the solder paste was still able to provide a high-quality solder joint. In particular, the Taguchi method is used to determine the optimal control parameters and noise factors of the Solder Printer (SP) machine, that affects solder volume and solder height. The control parameters include table separation distance, squeegee speed, squeegee pressure, and table speed of the SP machine. The result shows that the most significant parameter for the solder volume is squeegee pressure (2.0 mm), and the solder height is the table speed of the SP machine (2.5 mm/s).

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Fulltext Towards Efficient Wireless Body Area Network Using Two-Way Relay Cooperation

Waheed M, Ahmad R, Ahmed W, Drieberg M, Alam MM

Sensors (Basel), 2018 Feb 13;18(2).
PMID: 29438278 DOI: 10.3390/s18020565

The fabrication of lightweight, ultra-thin, low power and intelligent body-borne sensors leads to novel advances in wireless body area networks (WBANs). Depending on the placement of the nodes, it is characterized as in/on body WBAN; thus, the channel is largely affected by body posture, clothing, muscle movement, body temperature and climatic conditions. The energy resources are limited and it is not feasible to replace the sensor's battery frequently. In order to keep the sensor in working condition, the channel resources should be reserved. The lifetime of the sensor is very crucial and it highly depends on transmission among sensor nodes and energy consumption. The reliability and energy efficiency in WBAN applications play a vital role. In this paper, the analytical expressions for energy efficiency (EE) and packet error rate (PER) are formulated for two-way relay cooperative communication. The results depict better reliability and efficiency compared to direct and one-way relay communication. The effective performance range of direct vs. cooperative communication is separated by a threshold distance. Based on EE calculations, an optimal packet size is observed that provides maximum efficiency over a certain link length. A smart and energy efficient system is articulated that utilizes all three communication modes, namely direct, one-way relay and two-way relay, as the direct link performs better for a certain range, but the cooperative communication gives better results for increased distance in terms of EE. The efficacy of the proposed hybrid scheme is also demonstrated over a practical quasi-static channel. Furthermore, link length extension and diversity is achieved by joint network-channel (JNC) coding the cooperative link.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Fulltext Decision making procedure based on Jaccard similarity measure with z-numbers

Mohamad, D., Ibrahim, S.Z.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2017;25(2):561-574.
MyJurnal

Fuzzy set with similarity measure approaches are known to be effective in handling imprecise and
subjective information to solve decision making problems. Many methods have been introduced based on these two concepts. However, most methods do not take into account the reliability factor of the imprecise information in the evaluation process. In 2010, Zadeh coined the idea of Z-number that has the ability to consider the reliability factor or the level of confidence of human’s information expression. Since then, some decision-making methods have included this concept. In this paper, we present a new fuzzy decision making procedure by integrating the Jaccard similarity measure with Z-number to solve a multi criteria decision making problem. The conversion method of the Z-number based linguistic value to trapezoidal fuzzy numbers is used and the Jaccard similarity measure of the expected intervals of trapezoidal fuzzy numbers is applied to obtain the final decision. The feasibility of the methodology is demonstrated by investigating the preference factors that could influence customers to buy their preferred choice of car. The proposed methodology is applicable to solving decision making with a fuzzy environment to achieve a reliable and optimal decision.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Fulltext Game Theory-Based Cooperation for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks: Taxonomy, Review, Research Challenges and Directions

Muhammed D, Anisi MH, Zareei M, Vargas-Rosales C, Khan A

Sensors (Basel), 2018 Feb 01;18(2).
PMID: 29389874 DOI: 10.3390/s18020425

Exploring and monitoring the underwater world using underwater sensors is drawing a lot of attention these days. In this field cooperation between acoustic sensor nodes has been a critical problem due to the challenging features such as acoustic channel failure (sound signal), long propagation delay of acoustic signal, limited bandwidth and loss of connectivity. There are several proposed methods to improve cooperation between the nodes by incorporating information/game theory in the node's cooperation. However, there is a need to classify the existing works and demonstrate their performance in addressing the cooperation issue. In this paper, we have conducted a review to investigate various factors affecting cooperation in underwater acoustic sensor networks. We study various cooperation techniques used for underwater acoustic sensor networks from different perspectives, with a concentration on communication reliability, energy consumption, and security and present a taxonomy for underwater cooperation. Moreover, we further review how the game theory can be applied to make the nodes cooperate with each other. We further analyze different cooperative game methods, where their performance on different metrics is compared. Finally, open issues and future research direction in underwater acoustic sensor networks are highlighted.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Fulltext Risk stratification and assessment framework for international travel and border measures amidst the COVID-19 pandemic - A Malaysian perspective

Omar K, Baha Raja D, Abdul Taib NA, Rajaram N, Ahmed J, Arvinder-Singh HS, et al.

Travel Med Infect Dis, 2022;47:102318.
PMID: 35342008 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102318

BACKGROUND: Guided by the best practices adapted from national and international bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the UK Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC), this paper aims to develop and provide an empirical risk stratification and assessment framework for advancing the safe resumption of global travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHOD: Variables included in our model are categorized into four pillars: (i) incidence of cases, (ii) reliability of case data, (iii) vaccination, and (iv) variant surveillance. These measures are combined based on weights that reflect their corresponding importance in risk assessment within the context of the pandemic to calculate the risk score for each country. As a validation step, the outcome of the risk stratification from our model is compared against four countries.
RESULTS: Our model is found to have good agreement with these benchmarked risk designations for 27 out of the top 30 countries with the strongest travel ties to Malaysia (90%). Each factor within this model signifies its importance and can be adapted by governing bodies to address the changing needs of border control policies for the recommencement of international travel.
CONCLUSION: In practice, the proposed model provides a turnkey solution for nations to manage transmission risk by enabling stakeholders to make informed, evidence-based decisions to minimize fluctuations of imported cases and serves as a structure to support the improvement, planning, and activation of public health control measures.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Variables influencing the device-dependent approaches in digitally analysing jaw movement-a systematic review

Farook TH, Rashid F, Alam MK, Dudley J

Clin Oral Investig, 2023 Feb;27(2):489-504.
PMID: 36577849 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-022-04835-w

BACKGROUND: To explore the digitisation of jaw movement trajectories through devices and discuss the physiological factors and device-dependent variables with their subsequent effects on the jaw movement analyses.
METHODS: Based on predefined eligibility criteria, the search was conducted following PRISMA-P 2015 guidelines on MEDLINE, EBSCO Host, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases in 2022 by 2 reviewers. Articles then underwent Cochrane GRADE approach and JBI critical appraisal for certainty of evidence and bias evaluation.
RESULTS: Thirty articles were included following eligibility screening. Both in vitro experiments (20%) and in vivo (80%) devices ranging from electronic axiography, electromyography, optoelectronic and ultrasonic, oral or extra-oral tracking, photogrammetry, sirognathography, digital pressure sensors, electrognathography, and computerised medical-image tracing were documented. 53.53% of the studies were rated below "moderate" certainty of evidence. Critical appraisal showed 80% case-control investigations failed to address confounding variables while 90% of the included non-randomised experimental studies failed to establish control reference.
CONCLUSION: Mandibular and condylar growth, kinematic dysfunction of the neuromuscular system, shortened dental arches, previous orthodontic treatment, variations in habitual head posture, temporomandibular joint disorders, fricative phonetics, and to a limited extent parafunctional habits and unbalanced occlusal contact were identified confounding variables that shaped jaw movement trajectories but were not highly dependent on age, gender, or diet. Realistic variations in device accuracy were found between 50 and 330 µm across the digital systems with very low interrater reliability for motion tracing from photographs. Forensic and in vitro simulation devices could not accurately recreate variations in jaw motion and muscle contractions.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Fulltext Modeling the adoption of medical wearable devices among the senior adults: Using hybrid SEM-neural network approach

Xinyan Z, Mamun AA, Ali MH, Siyu L, Yang Q, Hayat N

Front Public Health, 2022;10:1016065.
PMID: 36388276 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1016065

The world is witnessing an increasing number of senior adult residents who experience health issues. Healthcare innovation facilitates monitoring the health conditions of senior adults and reducing the burden on healthcare institutions. The study explored the effect of health improvement expectancy, effort expectancy, price value, perceived vulnerability, health consciousness, and perceived reliability on the intention and adoption of medical wearable devices (MWD) among senior adults in China. Furthermore, a cross-sectional design was adopted, while quantitative data was collected from 304 senior adults through an online survey. A hybrid approach of partial least square structural equational modeling and artificial neural network-based analysis technique was adopted. The findings demonstrated that health improvement expectancy, perceived vulnerability, price value, and perceived reliability significantly affected the intention to adopt MWDs. Moreover, the intention to adopt MWDs significantly positively affected the actual adoption of MWDs among senior adults. Although the moderating effect of the pre-existing conditions and income between the intention to use MWDs and actual adoption of MWDs was positive, it was not statistically significant. The artificial neural network analysis has proven that perceived reliability, price value, and vulnerability are the most critical factors contributing to the intention to use MWDs. The current study offered valuable insights into the factors affecting the intention and adoption of MWDs among senior adults. Following that, theoretical and practical contributions were documented to improve the ease of use and price value for the prospective users of MWDs. The correct healthcare policies could curtail the influx of senior adults into the hospital and empower these adults to track and manage their health issues at home.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Electrokinetic Extraction of Doxorubicin from Biological Fluids by Polymer Inclusion Membrane Sampling Probe

Tey HY, Breadmore MC, See HH

Anal Chem, 2023 Jan 31;95(4):2134-2139.
PMID: 36649064 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02937

A polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) based sampling probe was developed for electrokinetic extraction of drugs from biological fluids. The probe was fabricated by dip-coating a nonconductive glass capillary tube in a homogeneous PIM solution for three cycles. The PIM solution comprised cellulose triacetate (CTA), 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide [EMIM][NTf2] in a ratio of 5:4:2. The developed probe electrokinetically extracted doxorubicin from human plasma, human serum, and dried blood spot (DBS). The practicability and reliability of the electrokinetic extraction were evaluated by LC-MS/MS to quantify the desorption of extracted doxorubicin. Under the optimized conditions, a quantification limit of 0.2-2 ng/mL was achieved for the three biological samples. The probe was further integrated into a portable battery-powered device for safe low-voltage (36 V) electrokinetic extraction. The developed technique is envisioned to provide a more efficient analytical workflow in the laboratory.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
A deep neural network-based approach for prediction of mutagenicity of compounds

Kumar R, Khan FU, Sharma A, Siddiqui MH, Aziz IB, Kamal MA, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Sep;28(34):47641-47650.
PMID: 33895950 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14028-9

We are exposed to various chemical compounds present in the environment, cosmetics, and drugs almost every day. Mutagenicity is a valuable property that plays a significant role in establishing a chemical compound's safety. Exposure and handling of mutagenic chemicals in the environment pose a high health risk; therefore, identification and screening of these chemicals are essential. Considering the time constraints and the pressure to avoid laboratory animals' use, the shift to alternative methodologies that can establish a rapid and cost-effective detection without undue over-conservation seems critical. In this regard, computational detection and identification of the mutagens in environmental samples like drugs, pesticides, dyes, reagents, wastewater, cosmetics, and other substances is vital. From the last two decades, there have been numerous efforts to develop the prediction models for mutagenicity, and by far, machine learning methods have demonstrated some noteworthy performance and reliability. However, the accuracy of such prediction models has always been one of the major concerns for the researchers working in this area. The mutagenicity prediction models were developed using deep neural network (DNN), support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, and random forest. The developed classifiers were based on 3039 compounds and validated on 1014 compounds; each of them encoded with 1597 molecular feature vectors. DNN-based prediction model yielded highest prediction accuracy of 92.95% and 83.81% with the training and test data, respectively. The area under the receiver's operating curve and precision-recall curve values were found to be 0.894 and 0.838, respectively. The DNN-based classifier not only fits the data with better performance as compared to traditional machine learning algorithms, viz., support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, and random forest (with and without feature reduction) but also yields better performance metrics. In current work, we propose a DNN-based model to predict mutagenicity of compounds.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Fulltext The development and initial validation of the Russian version of the BASIS-24

Madden LM, Farnum SO, Bromberg DJ, Barry DT, Mazhnaya A, Fomenko T, et al.

Addict Sci Clin Pract, 2022 Nov 26;17(1):65.
PMID: 36435811 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00343-0

BACKGROUND: Efficient and linguistically appropriate instruments are needed to assess response to addiction treatment, including severity of addiction/mental health status. This is critical for Russian-speaking persons in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) where Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) remain underscaled to address expanding and intertwined opioid, HIV, HCV and tuberculosis epidemics. We developed and conducted a pilot validation of a Russian version of the 24-item Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale (BASIS-24), an addiction/mental health severity instrument with six subscales, previously validated in English.
METHODS: Using the Mapi approach, we reviewed, translated, and back-translated the content to Russian, pilot-tested the Russian-version (BASIS-24-R) among new MOUD patients in Ukraine (N = 283). For a subset of patients (n = 44), test-rest was performed 48 h after admission to reassess reliability of BASIS-24-R. Exploratory principal component analysis (PCA) assessed underlying structure of BASIS-24-R.
RESULTS: Cronbach alpha coefficients for overall BASIS-24-R and 5 subscales exceeded 0.65; coefficient for Relationship subscale was 0.42. The Pearson correlation coefficients for overall score and all subscales on the BASIS-24-R exceeded 0.8. Each item loaded onto factors that corresponded with English BASIS-24 subscales ≥ 0.4 in PCA.
CONCLUSION: Initial version of BASIS-24-R appears statistically valid in Russian. Use of the BASIS-24-R has potential to guide MOUD treatment delivery in the EECA region and help to align addiction treatment with HIV prevention goals in a region where HIV is concentrated in people who inject opioids and where healthcare professionals have not traditionally perceived MOUD as effective treatment, particularly for those with mental health co-morbidities.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
The Pictorial Fit-Frail Scale-Malay version (PFFS-M): reliability and validity testing in Malaysian primary care

Ahip SS, Ghazali SS, Theou O, Samad AA, Lukas S, Mustapha UK, et al.

Fam Pract, 2023 Mar 28;40(2):290-299.
PMID: 35950311 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmac089

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the reliability and convergent validity of the PFFS-Malay version (PFFS-M) among patients (with varying educational levels), caregivers, and health care professionals (HCPs). PFFS-M cutoffs for frailty severity were developed.
METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study from 4 primary care clinics where 240 patients aged >60 years and their caregivers were enrolled. Patients were assigned to a nurse or a health care assistant (HCA) for 2 separate PFFS-M assessments administered by HCPs of the same profession, as well as by a doctor during the first visit (inter-rater reliability). Patients were also administered the Self-Assessed Report of Personal Capacity & Healthy Ageing (SEARCH) tool, a 40-item frailty index, by a research officer. The correlation between patients' PFFS-M scores and SEARCH tool scores determined convergent validity. Patients returned 1 week later for PFFS-M reassessment by the same HCPs (test-retest reliability). Caregivers completed the PFFS-M for the patient at both clinic visits. Classification cut-points for the PFFS-M were derived against frailty categories defined through the SEARCH tool.
RESULTS: The inter-rater (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.92 [95% CI, 0.90-0.93)] and test-retest (ICC = 0.94 [95% CI, 0.92-0.95]) reliability between all raters was excellent, including by patients' education levels. The convergent validity was moderate (r = 0.637, p < 0.001), including for varying educational background. PFFS-M categories were identified as: 0-3, no frailty; 4-5, at risk of frailty; 6-8, mild frailty; 9-12, moderate frailty; and >13, severe frailty.
CONCLUSION: PFFS-M is a reliable and valid tool with frailty severity scores now established for use of this tool in primary care clinics.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Fulltext The challenges of research data management in cardiovascular science: a DGK and DZHK position paper-executive summary

Steffens S, Schröder K, Krüger M, Maack C, Streckfuss-Bömeke K, Backs J, et al.

Clin Res Cardiol, 2024 May;113(5):672-679.
PMID: 37847314 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-023-02303-3

The sharing and documentation of cardiovascular research data are essential for efficient use and reuse of data, thereby aiding scientific transparency, accelerating the progress of cardiovascular research and healthcare, and contributing to the reproducibility of research results. However, challenges remain. This position paper, written on behalf of and approved by the German Cardiac Society and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, summarizes our current understanding of the challenges in cardiovascular research data management (RDM). These challenges include lack of time, awareness, incentives, and funding for implementing effective RDM; lack of standardization in RDM processes; a need to better identify meaningful and actionable data among the increasing volume and complexity of data being acquired; and a lack of understanding of the legal aspects of data sharing. While several tools exist to increase the degree to which data are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR), more work is needed to lower the threshold for effective RDM not just in cardiovascular research but in all biomedical research, with data sharing and reuse being factored in at every stage of the scientific process. A culture of open science with FAIR research data should be fostered through education and training of early-career and established research professionals. Ultimately, FAIR RDM requires permanent, long-term effort at all levels. If outcomes can be shown to be superior and to promote better (and better value) science, modern RDM will make a positive difference to cardiovascular science and practice. The full position paper is available in the supplementary materials.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
LC-MS-MS method for mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in hair and its application in authentic hair samples of suspected kratom abusers

Rhee J, Shin I, Kim J, Lee J, Cho B, Kim J, et al.

J Anal Toxicol, 2024 Jul 13;48(6):429-438.
PMID: 38780234 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkae041

Kratom is a natural psychoactive product known primarily in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, etc. It is also known as krathom, kakuam, ithang, thom (Thailand), biak-biak, ketum (Malaysia) and mambog (Philippines) and is sometimes used as an opium substitute. It is stimulant at doses of 1-5 g, analgesic at doses of 5-15 g and euphoric and sedative at doses of >15 g. Mitragynine is the most abundant indole compound in kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and is metabolized in humans to 7-hydroxymitragynine, the more active metabolite. Adverse effects include seizures, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, restlessness, tremors, hallucinations and death. There are few studies on the analytical method for the detection of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in hair. Therefore, this study proposes a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method for the analysis of kratom in hair. Hair samples were first weighed to ∼10 mg and washed with methanol. Then the washed hair samples were cut into pieces and incubated in methanol with stirring and heating (16 h/38℃). Extracts were then analyzed by LC-MS-MS. This method was validated by determining the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification, linearity, intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision, recovery and matrix effects. The intra- and inter-day precision (CV%) and accuracy (bias%) were within ±20%, which was considered acceptable. Using this newly developed LC-MS-MS method, the simultaneous detection of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in six authentic hair samples was achieved to provide the direct evidence of kratom use in the past. Mitragynine concentrations ranged from 16.0 to 2,067 pg/mg (mean 905.3 pg/mg), and 7-hydroxymitragynine concentrations ranged from 0.34 to 15 pg/mg (mean 7.4 pg/mg) in six authentic hair samples from kratom abusers. This may be due to the higher sensitivity of the LOD in this study, with values of 0.05 pg/mg for mitragynine and 0.2 pg/mg for 7-hydroxymitragynine in hair.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Fulltext De novo transcriptional analysis of the response to starvation stress in the white ridgetail prawn, Exopalaemon carinicauda

Liu X, Gao J, Zhang P, Shi T, Yan B, Azra MN, et al.

Genomics, 2023 Nov;115(6):110746.
PMID: 37977333 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110746

To study the mechanism of the biomolecular response in Exopalaemon carinicauda to starvation stress, we subjected muscle tissue RNA samples from four stress points, including 0 d(control group), 10 d, 20 d, and 30 d, to starvation stress on white ridgetail prawn with a body weight of 1.41 + 0.42 g, aquaculture water temperature of 23-25 °C, salinity of 26, dissolved oxygen ≥5 mg/L, and pH 8-8.5, Then performed de novo transcriptome assembly and gene expression analysis using BGISEQ-500 with a tag-based digital gene expression (DGE) system. By de novo assembling at the four times, we obtained 28,167, 21,115, 24,497, and 27,080 reads, respectively. The results showed that the stress at 10 d led to no significant difference in the expressed genes, while the stress at 20 d and 30 d showed a significant increase (or decrease) in the expression of 97 (276) and 143 (410) genes, respectively, which were involved in 8 different metabolic pathways. In addition, we detected 2647 unigene transcription factors. Eleven upregulated and sixteen downregulated genes from the different starvation stress groups were choose to verify the reliability of the transcriptome data, and the results showed that the expression trends of these genes were consistent with the results shown by the transcriptome. The analysis of the experimental data and our discussion of the response mechanism of white ridgetail prawn under starvation stress provides a foundation for further screening of the key genes of starvation stress and may help to elucidate their functions.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Technical-economic framework for designing of water pumping system based on photovoltaic clean energy with water storage for drinking application

Naderipour A, Nowdeh SA, Babanezhad M, Najmi ES, Kamyab H, Abdul-Malek Z

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Jun;30(28):71754-71765.
PMID: 34499303 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16342-8

In this paper, the technical-economic framework for designing of water pumping system based on photovoltaic clean energy with water tank storage is presented to supply drinking water of customers for remote areas. The objective function is to minimize the net present cost (NPC) (as economic index) including initial investment costs, maintenance, and replacement costs, and reliability constraint is defined as customer's water not supplied probability (CWNSP) as technical index. A meta-heuristic intelligent water drops algorithm (IWDA) is proposed to optimize the solar water pumping system considering NPC and CWNSP with high accuracy and speed of optimization in achieving the global solution. The simulation results show that the proposed method is capable of responding to customer's water demand by optimally sizing components and water storage tank based on IWDA which is inspired based on flowing the water drops in rivers by achieving the lowest cost with optimal reliability. The NPC of the system with CWNSP equal to 3.17 % is obtained 0.24 M$ for 6-m-high water extraction. The results showed that with increasing the water extraction height, the NPC increased, and the reliability also weakened. Moreover, the superiority of the IWDA is confirmed compared with particle swarm optimization (PSO) in designing a water pumping system with the lowest NPC.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Improving a Leadership Scale: Applying Rasch Analysis to Student Pharmacists' Attitudes and Beliefs About Leadership

Lee JK, Collins B, Pepper E, Alvarez NA, Warholak T

Am J Pharm Educ, 2023 Jun;87(6):100063.
PMID: 37316138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100063

OBJECTIVE: Leadership development is necessary for student pharmacists to become pharmacist leaders, but no readily usable standard measurement of student attitudes toward and beliefs about leadership exists. To assess the reliability and validity evidence for using the Leadership Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (LABS-III), originally developed and validated in Malaysia, for use with student pharmacists in the United States.
METHODS: The 2-unit leadership course was piloted among second- and third-year students in a public college of pharmacy with a 4-year doctor of pharmacy curriculum. The participating students completed the LABS-III during the first and last classes as part of a quality improvement measure for course enhancement. Rasch analysis was then used to assess the reliability and validity evidence for the LABS-III.
RESULTS: A total of 24 students participated in the pilot course. The pre and postcourse surveys had 100% and 92% response rates, respectively. After Rasch analysis model fit was achieved, the item separation for the 14 nonextreme items was 2.19 with an item reliability of 0.83. The person separation index was 2.16 with a person reliability of 0.82.
CONCLUSION: The Rasch analysis revealed that the number of LABS-III items should be decreased and that the 3-point response scale should be used to improve functionality and use in classroom settings for PharmD students in the United States. Further research is needed to augment the reliability and validity evidence of the modified instrument for use at other United States colleges of pharmacy.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
The role of shear viscosity as a biomarker for improving chronic kidney disease detection using shear wave elastography: A computational study using a validated finite element model

Lim WTH, Ooi EH, Foo JJ, Ng KH, Wong JHD, Leong SS

Ultrasonics, 2023 Aug;133:107046.
PMID: 37247461 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2023.107046

The application of ultrasound shear wave elastography for detecting chronic kidney disease, namely renal fibrosis, has been widely studied. A good correlation between tissue Young's modulus and the degree of renal impairment has been established. However, the current limitation of this imaging modality pertains to the linear elastic assumption used in quantifying the stiffness of renal tissue in commercial shear wave elastography systems. As such, when underlying medical conditions such as acquired cystic kidney disease, which may potentially influence the viscous component of renal tissue, is present concurrently with renal fibrosis, the accuracy of the imaging modality in detecting chronic kidney disease may be affected. The findings in this study demonstrate that quantifying the stiffness of linear viscoelastic tissue using an approach similar to those implemented in commercial shear wave elastography systems led to percentage errors as high as 87%. The findings presented indicate that use of shear viscosity to detect changes in renal impairment led to a reduction in percentage error to values as low as 0.3%. For cases in which renal tissue was affected by multiple medical conditions, shear viscosity was found to be a good indicator in gauging the reliability of the Young's modulus (quantified through a shear wave dispersion analysis) in detecting chronic kidney disease. The findings show that percentage error in stiffness quantification can be reduced to as low as 0.6%. The present study demonstrates the potential use of renal shear viscosity as a biomarker to improve the detection of chronic kidney disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Development and validation of ELISA for screening of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) habitual users using urinary AZ122 biomarker

Jasim RK, Singh D, Gam LH

Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 2023 Apr;70(2):707-715.
PMID: 35931067 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2392

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth) has been used traditionally in Southeast Asia for its therapeutic properties. The major alkaloid of kratom, mitragynine, binds to opioid receptors to give opioid-like effects that causes addiction. In our previous study, we have identified AZ122 as a unique biomarker in habitual or regular kratom users through analysis of their urinary protein profiles. We aimed to develop and validate a screening method by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of kratom habitual users. An ELISA approach was applied for the development of a screening method using urinary AZ122 as biomarker. Method validation was carried out using three quality control materials at different concentration of AZ122. The data was analyzed statistically using SPSS (Version 25). The ELISA was presented with Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.9993. The repeatability and reproducibility were presented at CV <7%, while the accuracy ranged from 78 to 96% at various AZ112 concentrations. Upon testing on 176 male respondents (n = 88 regular kratom users and n = 88 healthy controls), the specificity and sensitivity of the assay were both 100%. The ELISA has been validated and can be potentially used as a reliable screening test for detection of kratom habitual users.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Fulltext Measurement properties of cervical joint position error in people with and without chronic neck pain

AlDahas A, Devecchi V, Deane JA, Falla D

PLoS One, 2023;18(10):e0292798.
PMID: 37824590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292798

BACKGROUND: People with chronic neck pain (CNP) often present with impaired neck proprioception. The most widely used clinical test for assessing neck proprioception is cervical joint position sense which measures joint position error (JPE). This clinical test is typically performed using a laser pointer to examine the accuracy of returning to a neutral head position (NHP) or target head position (THP) following active neck movements. The aim of this study was to determine the measurement properties of JPE using a laser pointer when tested in people with and without CNP under a variety of different testing conditions (i.e., different movement directions, sitting versus standing, NHP versus THP).
METHODS: Forty-three participants (23 asymptomatic and 20 with CNP) underwent neck proprioception testing, returning to a NHP and THP in both sitting and standing positions (six trials for each test). A laser pointer was secured on the participant's forehead and inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors were placed beneath the laser pointer and at the level of the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. Both the absolute and the constant JPE were assessed.
FINDINGS: For the asymptomatic participants, good reliability (ICC: 0.79) was found only for right rotation of the THP task in sitting. In standing, good reliability (ICC: 0.77) was only found in flexion for the THP task. In standing, good reliability (ICC: 0.77) was only found for right rotation of the THP for the absolute JPE and left rotation (ICC: 0.85) for the constant error of the NHP task. In those with CNP, when tested in sitting, good reliability was found for flexion (ICC: 0.8) for the absolute JPE and good reliability (ICC range: 0.8-0.84) was found for flexion, extension, and right rotation for the constant JPE. In standing, good reliability (ICC range: 0.81-0.88) was found for flexion, and rotation for the absolute JPE. The constant JPE showed good reliability (ICC: 0.85) for right rotation and excellent reliability (ICC: 0.93) for flexion. Validity was weak to strong (r range: 0.26-0.83) and moderate to very strong (r range: 0.47-0.93) for absolute and constant error respectively, when tested in sitting. In standing, the validity was weak to very strong (0.38-0.96) for the absolute JPE and moderate to very strong (r range: 0.54-0.92) for the constant JPE.
CONCLUSION: The reliability of the measure of JPE when tested in sitting and standing in both groups showed good reliability, but not for all movements. The results of the current study also showed that the laser pointer correlated well with the Noraxon IMUs, but not for all movements. The results of the current study support the use of the JPE using a laser pointer in clinical and research settings.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results
Fulltext Earthquake-Induced Building-Damage Mapping Using Explainable AI (XAI)

Matin SS, Pradhan B

Sensors (Basel), 2021 Jun 30;21(13).
PMID: 34209169 DOI: 10.3390/s21134489

Building-damage mapping using remote sensing images plays a critical role in providing quick and accurate information for the first responders after major earthquakes. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in generating post-earthquake building-damage maps automatically using different artificial intelligence (AI)-based frameworks. These frameworks in this domain are promising, yet not reliable for several reasons, including but not limited to the site-specific design of the methods, the lack of transparency in the AI-model, the lack of quality in the labelled image, and the use of irrelevant descriptor features in building the AI-model. Using explainable AI (XAI) can lead us to gain insight into identifying these limitations and therefore, to modify the training dataset and the model accordingly. This paper proposes the use of SHAP (Shapley additive explanation) to interpret the outputs of a multilayer perceptron (MLP)-a machine learning model-and analyse the impact of each feature descriptor included in the model for building-damage assessment to examine the reliability of the model. In this study, a post-event satellite image from the 2018 Palu earthquake was used. The results show that MLP can classify the collapsed and non-collapsed buildings with an overall accuracy of 84% after removing the redundant features. Further, spectral features are found to be more important than texture features in distinguishing the collapsed and non-collapsed buildings. Finally, we argue that constructing an explainable model would help to understand the model's decision to classify the buildings as collapsed and non-collapsed and open avenues to build a transferable AI model.

Matched MeSH terms: Reproducibility of Results

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