Extensión del empleo del criterio de expertos. Validez, consistencia y fiabilidad de los resultados científicos

El criterio (juicio o consulta) de expertos, en las últimas décadas, ha sido ampliamente utilizado en las investigaciones cualitativas, puede decirse que para muchos investigadores constituye la "regla de oro" para validar sus hallazgos. El propósito del artículo consistió en proponer un procedimiento para el procesamiento estadístico de los datos cuando se emplea una extensión del método convencional del criterio de expertos, para establecer la validez, consistencia y fiabilidad en los hallazgos científicos. El mismo fue aplicado en la toma de decisiones de una de las tres dimensiones de la variable de los componentes del ejercicio problémico interdisciplinario del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. En el proceso investigativo se utilizaron métodos empíricos como la revisión de documentos, la encuesta y el criterio de expertos. Los tests estadísticos aplicados arrojaron significación estadística (P < 0.05 hasta P < 0.001) entre las comparaciones y/o asociaciones realizadas. Los hallazgos encontrados demostraron, al aplicar el procedimiento, una aproximación hacia la validez, consistencia y fiabilidad de los resultados científicos.

O julgamento de especialistas (julgamento ou consulta) tem sido, nas últimas décadas, amplamente utilizado em pesquisas qualitativas, indiscutivelmente o "padrão ouro" para muitos pesquisadores validarem suas descobertas. O objetivo do artigo foi propor um procedimento para o processamento estatístico de dados ao usar uma extensão do método convencional de julgamento de especialistas para estabelecer validade, consistência e confiabilidade em descobertas científicas. Ele foi aplicado na tomada de decisão de uma das três dimensões dos componentes variáveis do exercício interdisciplinar de solução de problemas do processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Métodos empíricos, como análise de documentos, pesquisa e julgamento de especialistas, foram usados no processo de pesquisa. Os testes estatísticos aplicados mostraram significância estatística (P < 0,05 a P < 0,001) entre as comparações e/ou associações feitas. Os resultados demonstraram, ao aplicar o procedimento, uma abordagem voltada para a validade, a consistência e a confiabilidade dos resultados científicos.

In recent decades, expert judgment has been widely used in qualitative research, and it can be said that for many researchers it constitutes the "golden rule" for validating their findings. The purpose of the article was to propose a procedure for the statistical processing of data when an extension of the conventional method of expert judgment is used to establish the validity, consistency and reliability of scientific findings. It was applied in the decision making of one of the three dimensions of the variable of the components of the interdisciplinary problem-solving exercise of the teaching-learning process. Empirical methods such as document review, survey and expert judgment were used in the research process. The statistical tests applied showed statistical significance (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) among the comparisons and/or associations made. The findings found demonstrated, when applying the procedure, an approach towards the validity, consistency and reliability of the scientific results.

La prueba de figuras enmascaradas en la versión SaWa sobre figuras Gottschaldt ­presentación e indicadores psicométricos / The Embedded Figures Test in the SaWa Version on Gottschaldt Figures ­Presentation and Psychometric Indicators­ / O teste de figuras mascaradas na versão SaWa em figuras de Gottschaldt ­Apresentação e indicadores psicométricos­

El artículo presenta la versión de la prueba EfT desarrollada por Sawa sobre las figuras Gottschaldt, como indicador de la capacidad de reestructuración perceptual y del estilo cognitivo en la dimensión de independencia- dependencia de campo. Se examina la consistencia interna del instrumento, su validez estructural y de constructo a partir de los datos recogidos en cuatro diferentes estudios en los que ha sido aplicado (n = 6.530). Los resultados indican altos niveles de consistencia interna y adecuados niveles de validez estructural del instrumento. La validez de constructo se determina mediante el examen de los comportamientos de la prueba frente al sexo y el grado/edad. Los resultados demuestran que el instrumento se comporta de acuerdo con lo esperado en el constructo. Por último, se presentan los baremos del instrumento

This paper presents the version of the Embedded Figures Test (EfT) that Sawa developed using Gottschaldt's figures. The test indicates the perceptual restructur- ing ability and the field dependence-independence dimension of cognitive style. The instrument's internal consistency and its structural and construct validity are examined using data collected in four previous studies in which the test was administered (n = 6.530). Results show high levels of internal consistency and adequate levels of structural validity. The construct validity was determined by examining the instrument's behavior regarding sex and grade/age. Results indicate that the test behaves as expected considering the construct. Finally, the instrument's norms are presented

O artigo apresenta a versão do teste EfT, desenvol- vida por Sawa sobre as figuras de Gottchaldt, como indicador da capacidade de reestruturação perceptiva e, do estilo cognitivo na dimensão independência- -dependência do campo. A consistência interna do instrumento, sua validade estrutural e sua validade de construto são examinadas a partir dos dados co- letados em quatro diferentes estudos em que o teste foi aplicado (n = 6.530). Os resultados indicam altos níveis de consistência interna e níveis adequados de validade estrutural do instrumento. A validade de cons- truto é determinada examinando os comportamentos de teste em relação ao gênero e nível de escolaridade/ idade. Os resultados indicam que o instrumento se comporta conforme o esperado no construto. Por fim, são apresentadas as escalas do instrumento.

Effects of Satir model group intervention on coping style, self-consistency and congruence and subjective well-being among re-employment nurses / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of Satir model group intervention on stress coping style, self-consistency and congruence and subjective well-being of re-employment nurses, in order to provide evidence for nursing managers to take targeted intervention measures.Methods:This was a quasi-experimental study. Convenience sampling was used to select 63 re-employment nurses from Shandong Provincial Third Hospital in 2021 as the research objects. The re-employment nurses were divided into control group (32 cases) and observation group (31 cases) by random number table method. The control group received humanistic care including heart-to-heart talk, group discussion and psychological lecture, and the observation group received Satir model group intervention for 6 weeks. Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, Self Consistency and Congruence Scale and General Well-Being Scale were used to evaluate the intervention effect before intervention, immediately after intervention, 3 months after intervention, and 6 months after intervention.Results:There was no significant difference in coping style, self-consistency and congruence and subjective well-being between the two groups before intervention ( P>0.05). The positive coping scores of the observation group immediately after intervention, 3 months after intervention and 6 months after intervention were (28.94 ± 2.99), (28.71 ± 4.70) and (29.16 ± 3.23) points, significantly higher than the control group (23.38 ± 5.50), (24.72 ± 5.91), (24.65 ± 5.65) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=4.96, 2.96, 3.87, all P<0.01); the total self-consistency and congruence scores were (94.52 ± 14.00), (99.87 ± 16.82), (91.84 ± 10.36) points, significantly lower than the control group (105.72 ± 10.75), (114.23 ± 20.10), (107.41 ± 13.39) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=-3.57, -3.07, -5.15, all P<0.01); the total subjective well-being scores were (84.97 ± 7.37), (84.58 ± 10.33), (91.84 ± 7.01) points, which were higher than the control group (75.69 ± 7.94), (77.28 ± 8.27), (77.00 ± 8.48) points, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=4.80, 3.69, 7.56, all P<0.01). Conclusions:Satir model group intervention can improve the coping style, enhance the level of self-consistency and congruence and subjective well-being among re-employment nurses.

Study on essential medicine system from the perspective of coordinated with centralized volume-based procurement policy / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To provide a reference for further improvement of the essential medicine system. METHODS Statistical analysis method and comparative analysis method were used to explain the necessity of coordination between the two systems from the direct correlation and indirect impact of centralized volume-based procurement on the essential medicine system at the present stage. The relevant suggestions were put forward for the development of the essential medicine system in the new era from the perspective of improving institutional synergy. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS There was a direct correlation between the policy of centralized procurement and the essential medicine system in terms of policy objectives and medicines selection. However， it also indirectly affects the use of essential medicines in medical institutions through production and supply， coincidence degree between the essential medicine list and the selected variety， and the consistency evaluation of generic drugs. It is suggested that in the selection of essential medicine list in the future， priority should be given to the selection of varieties through centralized procurement， and improve the drug supply guarantee capacity under the dual policy linkage； at the same time， incentive assessments for the allocation and use of essential medicines by various entities should be further strengthened to promote the further improvement and development of the essential medicine system.

Research on Preparation Process and Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing Granules and Its Consistency with Traditional Decoction： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine dispensing granules（TCMDGs）is the new type of decoction pieces with the development of modernization of TCM， which has received mixed opinions since its practical application. In 2021， the national departments issued Announcement on Ending the Pilot Work of TCMDGs， marking the end of the 28-year pilot work of TCMDGs， and eligible TCM enterprises can produce TCMDGs after filing. However， this does not mean that the preparation process， quality standard and efficacy research of TCMDGs have been developed and matured， on the contrary， there are still some problems that need to be solved and gradually improved. For example， in the production process， there are problems such as unclear， unified and non-standardized preparation parameters. In terms of quality control， there are some problems such as lack of producing area regulation， variety selection and processing specification. In terms of consistency evaluation with traditional decoction， there are problems such as unclear relationship between the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of the two. Therefore， in view of some prominent problems of TCMDGs at present， this paper takes the published literature as the main data source and combines the specific requirements of the code or technical standards such as the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia， Publicity of the Unified Standard on the Varieties of TCMDGs， Quality Control and Standard Formulation Technical Requirements of TCMDGs. The production process of TCMDGs， the origin and variety of raw materials， the processing of decoction pieces， the quality control standard and the consistency evaluation of formula granules and traditional decoction were sorted out and visualized by literature mining， data analysis and list comparison. Based on the analysis results， the following suggestions were made. In terms of preparation process， the completeness and standardization of process parameters should be strengthened. In terms of quality evaluation， attention should be paid to the relationship between the authenticity， variety， processing and quality of medicinal materials. In the consistency evaluation of formula granules and traditional decoction， the deep difference and mechanism between TCMDGs and traditional decoction were discussed by combining structural Chinese medicine， quality marker（Q-Marker） theory and physicochemical characterization， so as to provide reference for the application and development of TCMDGs.

Establishment and Application of Rapid Screening Method for Influenza Virus Neuraminidase Inhibitors Sourced from Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Fluorescence Detection / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo establish a rapid screening method for influenza virus neuraminidase（NA） inhibitors sourced from Chinese medicines based on fluorescence detection. MethodThe method was constructed based on the principle that after the reaction of the test sample and a certain amount of NA， the activity of some NA will be inhibited by the test sample， and the NA that is still active after the addition of the substrate can generate fluorescence at a specific wavelength when combined with the fluorescent substrate， and the inhibition rate of the test sample on NA was calculated according to the measured fluorescence intensity， so as to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory activity of the test sample on NA. A total of 49 high-purity chemical components from 12 Chinese medicines were used to evaluate the in vitro anti-NA activity by the established method. The theoretical calculated values of binding energy and inhibition constant after docking between the NA protein receptor and the test sample were used to prove the accuracy of the experimental results. The established method was applied to detect the in vitro NA inhibitory activity of different batches of Banlangen granules and Kangbingdu granules， so as to evaluate the quality consistency among different batches of samples. ResultThe methodological examination results showed that the method had good accuracy and repeatability. The screening results of 49 components showed that 22 of them had strong in vitro inhibitory activity against NA than peramivir ［half inhibitory concentration（IC50） was 131.2 μmol·L-1］， such as schaftoside， isoorientin， chebulinic acid， menthone and isoschaftoside. The inhibitory activity of the remaining 27 components was weaker than that of peramivir. The molecular docking results showed that the theoretical calculation results of binding energies and inhibition constants of most compounds were basically consistent with the experimental results. The test results of the inhibitory activity of 12 batches of Banlangen granules on NA showed that the quality consistency among samples A1， A2， B2， C1， C2， E2 and F2 was good. The analysis results of the inhibitory activity of 9 batches of Kangbingdu granules produced by the same manufacturer on NA showed that the inhibitory rates of samples K1 to K9 were 37.68%， 36.18%， 31.37%， 33.98%， 40.36%， 33.76%， 40.69%， 41.08%， 40.06% when the concentration of 0.02 g·mL-1， and the average inhibitory rate was 37.24%. ConclusionIn this paper， we successfully established an analytical method that can be used to rapidly evaluate whether Chinese medicines （derived from chemical components of traditional Chinese medicine or proprietary Chinese medicines） have in vitro anti-NA activity， which can be a powerful supplement to the existing screening methods for influenza virus NA inhibitors. And this method was used to screen 22 compounds from 12 Chinese medicines with good in vitro inhibitory activity against NA， which can provide candidate compounds for the development of anti-influenza small molecule drugs.

Effectiveness validation of a novel comprehensive classification for intertrochanteric fractures / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To validate the effectiveness of a novel comprehensive classification for intertrochanteric fracture (ITF).@*METHODS@#The study included 616 patients with ITF, including 279 males (45.29%) and 337 females (54.71%); the age ranged from 23 to 100 years, with an average of 72.5 years. Two orthopaedic residents (observers Ⅰ and Ⅱ) and two senior orthopaedic surgeons (observers Ⅲ and Ⅳ) were selected to classify the CT imaging data of 616 patients in a random order by using the AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification of 1996/2007 edition, the AO/OTA classification of 2018 edition, and the novel comprehensive classification method at an interval of 1 month. Kappa consistency test was used to evaluate the intra-observer and inter-observer consistency of the three ITF classification systems.@*RESULTS@#The inter-observer consistency of the three classification systems evaluated by 4 observers twice showed that the 3 classification systems had strong inter-observer consistency. Among them, the κ value of the novel comprehensive classification was higher than that of the AO/OTA classification of 1996/2007 edition and 2018 edition, and the experience of observers had a certain impact on the classification results, and the inter-observer consistency of orthopaedic residents was slightly better than that of senior orthopaedic surgeons. The intra-observer consistency of two evaluations of three classification systems by 4 observers showed that the consistency of the novel comprehensive classification was better for the other 3 observers, except that the consistency of observer Ⅳ in the AO/OTA classification of 2018 version was slightly higher than that of the novel comprehensive classification. The results showed that the novel comprehensive classification has higher repeatability, and the intra-observer consistency of senior orthopaedic surgeons was better than that of orthopaedic residents.@*CONCLUSION@#The novel comprehensive classification system has good intra- and inter-observer consistency, and has high validity in the classification of CT images of ITF patients; the experience of observers has a certain impact on the results of the three classification systems, and those with more experiences have higher intra-observer consistency.

A gait signal acquisition and parameter characterization method based on foot pressure detection combined with Azure Kinect system / 生物医学工程学杂志

The gait acquisition system can be used for gait analysis. The traditional wearable gait acquisition system will lead to large errors in gait parameters due to different wearing positions of sensors. The gait acquisition system based on marker method is expensive and needs to be used by combining with the force measurement system under the guidance of rehabilitation doctors. Due to the complex operation, it is inconvenient for clinical application. In this paper, a gait signal acquisition system that combines foot pressure detection and Azure Kinect system is designed. Fifteen subjects are organized to participate in gait test, and relevant data are collected. The calculation method of gait spatiotemporal parameters and joint angle parameters is proposed, and the consistency analysis and error analysis of the gait parameters of proposed system and camera marking method are carried out. The results show that the parameters obtained by the two systems have good consistency (Pearson correlation coefficient r ≥ 0.9, P < 0.05) and have small error (root mean square error of gait parameters is less than 0.1, root mean square error of joint angle parameters is less than 6). In conclusion, the gait acquisition system and its parameter extraction method proposed in this paper can provide reliable data acquisition results as a theoretical basis for gait feature analysis in clinical medicine.

The performance of digital chest radiographs in the detection and diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and the consistency among readers / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the detection and diagnostic efficacy of chest radiographs for ≤30 mm pulmonary nodules and the factors affecting them, and to compare the level of consistency among readers. Methods: A total of 43 patients with asymptomatic pulmonary nodules who consulted in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2012 to 2014 and had chest CT and X-ray chest radiographs during the same period were retrospectively selected, and one nodule ≤30 mm was visible on chest CT images in the whole group (total 43 nodules in the whole group). One senior radiologist with more than 20 years of experience in imaging diagnosis reviewed CT images and recording the size, morphology, location, and density of nodules was selected retrospectively. Six radiologists with different levels of experience (2 residents, 2 attending physicians and 2 associate chief physicians independently reviewed the chest images and recorded the time of review, nodule detection, and diagnostic opinion. The CT imaging characteristics of detected and undetected nodules on X images were compared, and the factors affecting the detection of nodules on X-ray images were analyzed. Detection sensitivity and diagnosis accuracy rate of 6 radiologists were calculated, and the level of consistency among them was compared to analyze the influence of radiologists' seniority and reading time on the diagnosis results. Results: The number of nodules detected by all 6 radiologists was 17, with a sensitivity of detection of 39.5%(17/43). The number of nodules detected by ≥5, ≥4, ≥3, ≥2, and ≥1 physicians was 20, 21, 23, 25, and 28 nodules, respectively, with detection sensitivities of 46.5%, 48.8%, 53.5%, 58.1%, and 65.1%, respectively. Reasons for false-negative result of detection on X-ray images included the size, location, density, and morphology of the nodule. The sensitivity of detecting ≤30 mm, ≤20 mm, ≤15 mm, and ≤10 mm nodules was 46.5%-58.1%, 45.9%-54.1%, 36.0%-44.0%, and 36.4% for the 6 radiologists, respectively; the diagnosis accuracy rate was 19.0%-85.0%, 16.7%-6.5%, 18.2%-80.0%, and 0%-75.0%, respectively. The consistency of nodule detection among 6 doctors was good (Kappa value: 0.629-0.907) and the consistency of diagnostic results among them was moderate or poor (Kappa value: 0.350-0.653). The higher the radiologist's seniority, the shorter the time required to read the images. The reading time and the seniority of the radiologists had no significant influence on the detection and diagnosis results (P>0.05). Conclusions: The ability of radiographs to detect lung nodules ≤30 mm is limited, and the ability to determine the nature of the nodules is not sufficient, and the increase in reading time and seniority of the radiologists will not improve the diagnostic accuracy. X-ray film exam alone is not suitable for lung cancer diagnosis.

Incidence of intestinal constipation during the COVID-19 pandemic period in medical students from a private institution in São Paulo, SP

Introduction: Chronic intestinal constipation (CIC) presents an incidence of 2.6 to 30.7% in the overall population and due to the social reality imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, some behavior changes in the Brazilian population occurred that might or not be associated with alterations of CIC prevalence. Objective: To assess CIC incidence in medical students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil in a private higher educational institution in the city of São Paulo, state of São Paulo. Methods: Clinic data were collected through Google Forms software from the same students seeking to analyze the variables before (year of 2019) and during the coronavirus pandemic. The data were: age, sex, body mass index, constipation referred in a subjective way and confirmed through the ROME III criteria, feces consistency and anxiety and/or depression during the pandemic. Results: A total of 126 medical students from a private higher education institution from São Paulo, SP were included. The average age was 22.9 years old, 70.6% were female and the average BMI was 23.3 kg/m2. Regarding the ROME III criteria, 32.5% presented >2 in 2019 and 42.1% during the pandemic. Concerning the feces consistency, 31.75 and 35.71% presented dry Bristol 1 feces or in both periods, respectively. Conclusion: It was observed an increase in the prevalence of chronic intestinal constipation in medical students from a private higher education institution from São Paulo, state of São Paulo, during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as dryness in the feces. (AU)

Screening of quantitative preparation quality markers of Zhibao Sanbian Wan / 药学学报

On the basis of the qualitative preparation quality markers of Zhibao Sanbian Wan (ZBSBW), we screened out the quantitative markers and evaluated the content consistency of ZBSBW. A method capable of simultaneously determining 34 compounds in ZBSBW was established based on HPLC-MS/MS, and 16 batches of ZBSBW were simultaneously analyzed by this method. Furthermore, we explored a general strategy for analyzing the component migration in preparation, plasma, brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid. The methodological investigation was confirmed by linear range, recovery (85.10%-105.07%), precision (RSD: 1.37%-4.58%), stability, and repeatability (3.00%-12.45%), the established method was suitable for the detection and quantification of the compounds in ZBSBW. The contents of compounds in ZBSBW were all lower than 1 mg·g-1, and the contents and daily dose of nystose were the highest, followed by echinacoside, paeoniflorin, osthole and paeonol. The results of systematic clustering showed that the contents were consistent for ordinary preparations of ZBSBW. The principal component analysis showed that the components of berberine, ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rg1, pinoresinol diglucoside and tenuifolin had large variation, which contributed significantly to the grouping. The contents of echinacoside, verbascoside, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, β-ecdysterone, osthole, alisol B 23-acetate, liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid were stable from batch to batch. The animal experiment results showed that osthole, paeonol and liquiritin in ZBSBW could be absorbed into the blood and enter the brain tissue by passing through the blood-brain barrier. All animal studies were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (No. 2020B071). The above compounds contributed the quantitative preparation quality markers of ZBSBW. In conclusion, the HPLC-MS/MS method established in this study was sensitive, accurate and rapid, and could be used for simultaneous quantification of 34 compounds and content consistency evaluation of multiple batches of preparations in ZBSBW. The result provided a methodological basis for the screening of quantitative preparation quality markers and material basis research of ZBSBW.

Policy evaluation of human organ transplantation based on policy modeling consistency index model / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the policy of human organ transplantation in China, aiming to provide theoretical basis for further optimizing the policy of human organ transplantation. Methods Based on text mining and statistical analysis, seven normative policies of human organ transplantation formulated by national government from 2000 to 2022 were quantitatively evaluated by constructing policy modeling consistency (PMC) with 10 first-level variables and 35 second-level variables. Results Among the seven policies, six were graded as excellent policies and one as perfect policy, with an average PMC index of 8.476. Except X8 policy audience, the scores of other second-level variables of P5 were higher than or equal to the mean. The scores of all second-level variables of P1 were lower than or equal to the mean. P1 and P5 significantly differed in X3 policy timeliness, X4 policy norms and X6 policy tools. P5 was more specific and relatively comprehensive in these aspects, and its score was significantly higher than that of P1. Conclusions Human organ transplantation policies in China are generally excellent, scientific and rational. Health administrative departments at all levels should pay attention to the grasp of policy timeliness, the combination of policy tools, and fully mobilize the initiative and enthusiasm of all policy audience to participate in organ transplantation management when formulating organ transplantation policies.

Psychological and behavioral characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder using Psycho-educational Profile (Third Edition) / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore psychological and behavioral characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using Psycho-educational Profile (Third Edition) (PEP3). MethodsFrom October, 2021 to October, 2022, 192 children with ASD without intervention in the Binzhou Medical University Hospital were selected as observation group, and 96 healthy children who visited at the same time were selected as control group. They were assessed with PEP3. ResultsThe development of receptive language significantly delayed behind expressive language (t = 5.383, P < 0.001) in the observation group. The cognitive, expressive language, receptive language, fine motor, gross motor, imitation and personal self-care correlated with age (r = 0.540 to 0.795, P < 0.001). The Cronbach's α of PEP3 for the observation group was 0.810 to 0.947. The original score of each subtest of PEP3 was less in the observation group than in the control group (|t| > 4.267, P < 0.001). ConclusionThe development of receptive language retards behind the expressive language in children with ASD. Cognitive and motor functions develop with age, while the correlation between maladaptive behavior and age is weak. PEP3 is reliable in internal consistency, and valid in discrimination.

Acoustic analysis of an articulation assessment and training system / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To compare the differences in important parameters between the articulation assessment and training system of intelligently extracted speech with those from the Praat acoustic software and those manually extracted.Methods:The speech of thirty-two normal subjects was captured using the intelligent articulation assessment and training system and using Praat acoustic software. The former analyzed the mean fundamental frequencies (mF0s), the first formant peaks (F1s) and the second formant peak (F2s) of the sustained vowels /a/, /i/ and /u/. The speech parameters collected by the traditional Praat software were extracted and analyzed by professionals. The two tools′ consistency in terms of these important acoustic parameters was analyzed.Results:The results with all 32 subjects when retested returned ICC values above 0.9 with all three vowels with the exception of mF0 for /u/ (ICC=0.75), indicating excellent retest reliability for the articulation assessment and training system. The ICC values also indicated excellent consistency between the two kinds of software in analyzing mF0, F1 and F2 of the three vowels. The mF0, F1, F2, FCR, VAI, tongue spacing, VSA, and mandibular spacing of all three vowels were mostly distributed within the 95% confidence interval of the data points in Bland-Altman plots, indicating the high accuracy of both acoustic analysis systems in speech measurement. The mean fundamental frequency values of the male long vowels /a/, /i/ and /u/ were all significantly lower than for the female long versions.Conclusions:The retest reliability of the articulation assessment and training system was good, and the results of the articulation check in the natural state were in good consistency compared to the Praat check and were interchangeable in the articulation check.

COVID Stress Scales (CSS): evidências psicométricas no contexto brasileiro / COVID Stress Scales (CSS): Psychometric Evidence in the Brazilian Context

Objetivo. Adaptar a COVID Stress Scales (CSS), reunindo evidências psicométricas, e verificar o padrão de relação com ansiedade frente a COVID-19. Método. Foram realizados dois estudos com participantes de diferentes estados brasileiros. No primeiro (n = 423) a análise fatorial exploratória sugeriu uma estrutura pentafatorial. No segundo (n = 300) executou-se uma análise fatorial confirmatória testando modelo pentafatorial. Resultado. Reuniram-se evidências de validade convergente e discriminante. A correlação de Pearson (r) que evidenciou relações positivas e estatisticamente significativas entre ansiedade e o estresse frente a COVID, indicando validade baseada em medida externa. Ademais, constatou-se consistência interna satisfatória em ambos os estudos. Conclui-se que o CSS é válida e fidedigna, podendo auxiliar na avaliação de indivíduos com estresse ocasionado pela pandemia da COVID e seus correlatos.

Objective. Adapt the COVID Stress Scales (CSS), gathering psychometric evidence, and to verify the pattern of relationship with anxiety compared to COVID-19. Method. Two studies were carried out with participants from different Brazilian states. In the first (n = 423) the exploratory factor analysis suggested a pentafactorial structure. In the second (n = 300), a confirmatory factor analysis was performed, testing a pentafactorial model. Evidence of convergent and discriminant validity was gathered. Pearson's correlation (r) was performed, which showed positive and statistically significant relationships between anxiety and stress in the face of COVID, indicating validity based on external measure. Results. Satisfactory internal consistency was found in both studies. It is concluded that the CSS is valid and reliable and can assist in the assessment of individuals with stress caused by the COVID pandemic and its correlated factors.

Confiabilidad de una escala de valoración de resúmenes para congresos

Introducción: En 2013, desarrollamos una escala, para evaluar resúmenes de congresos de la Sociedad de Cirujanos de Chile (SOCICH). Objetivo: Determinar consistencia interna y confiabilidad interobservador de una escala para evaluar resúmenes de congresos. Material y Método: Estudio de confiabilidad. Doce cirujanos fueron capacitados de forma virtual durante 8 horas, para aplicar la escala. Una vez finalizado el entrenamiento, se les envió un cuestionario para evaluar contenidos de la capacitación, y varios resúmenescasos para ser evaluados con la escala antes señalada. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva, luego se estimó el grado de acuerdo entre observadores para cada ítem de la escala. Posteriormente, se evaluó el coeficiente de correlación (CCI), utilizando un modelo de dos factores mixtos en el que los efectos de los evaluadores son aleatorios y los ítems fijos; utilizando una definición de acuerdo absoluto. Además, se evaluó la consistencia interna de los ítems utilizando alfa de Cronbach, considerando intérvalos de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: Luego de analizar las mediciones de los 9 ítems por los 12 observadores, se verificó que el CCI fue de 0,871; con un IC 95% de 0,700; 0,965. El valor de la consistencia interna fue de 0,7 considerando los 9 ítems, no se recomienda eliminar ningún ítem. Conclusión: La escala tiene buena confiabilidad interobservador y los ítems son consistentes entre sí; por lo que puede ser considerada como un instrumento confiable para la valoración de resúmenes de congresos.

Background: In 2013, we developed a scale to evaluate the abstracts of the congresses of the Society of Surgeons of Chile (SOCICH). Objective: To determine internal consistency and interobserver reliability of a scale to evaluate conference abstracts. Material and Methods: Reliability study. Twelve surgeons were trained virtually for 8 hours, to apply the scale. Once the training was finished, they were sent a questionnaire to evaluate the contents of the training, and several summaries-cases to be evaluated with the aforementioned scale. Descriptive statistics were applied, then the degree of agreement between observers was estimated for each item of the scale. Subsequently, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was evaluated, using a mixed two-factor model where the effects of the evaluators are random and the items are fixed, using a definition of absolute agreement. In addition, the internal consistency of the items was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, considering 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: After analyzing the measurements of the 9 items by the 12 observers, it was verified that the ICC was 0.871; with a 95% CI of 0.700; 0.965. The internal consistency value was 0.7 considering the 9 items, it is not recommended to delete any item. Conclusions: The scale has good internal consistency and interobserver reliability. Therefore, it can be considered as reliable instrument to be used in the evaluation of abstracts for congresses.

Propriedades psicométricas da escala de Civic Engagement de Doolitle e Faul (2013) numa amostra portuguesa / Psychometric properties of the Doolitle and Faul Civic Engagement scale (2013) in a Portuguese sample / Propriedades psicométricas de la escala de Civic Engagement de Doolitle y Faul (2013) en una muestra portuguesa

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar as propriedades psicométricas da escala de Engagement Cívico (Doolitle, & Faul, 2013) numa amostra portuguesa. Foi aplicado um processo de tradução-retrotradução dos itens do questionário, cujas caraterísticas psicométricas foram analisadas através de uma amostra de 539 participantes. Os dados foram submetidos a uma análise fatorial confirmatória, análise fatorial confirmatória multigrupo, análise de itens e análise de confiabilidade. Os resultados confirmaram a estrutura original, bifatorial, atitudes cívicas e comportamentos cívicos. As propriedades psicométricas da versão em Português da escala de Engagement Cívico são adequadas, o que permite a utilização deste questionário na população Portuguesa. Pesquisas futuras devem investigar a estabilidade temporal.(AU)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Civic Engagement Scale (Doolittle & Faul, 2013) in a Portuguese sample. A translation-back translation process of the items was carried out, with the psychometric characteristics analyzed using a sample of 539 participants. The data were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis, multi-group confirmatory factorial analysis, item analysis and reliability analysis. The results confirmed the bifactor structure, civic attitudes and civic behaviors. The psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Civic Engagement scale were adequate, which allows the use of this questionnaire in the Portuguese population. Future studies should analyze the temporal stability.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la Civic Engagement (Doolitle, & Faul, 2013) en una muestra portuguesa. Se aplicó un proceso de retrotraducción de los ítems del cuestionario, cuyas características psicométricas se analizaron a través de una muestra de 539 participantes. Los datos fueron sometidos a un análisis factorial confirmatorio, análisis factorial confirmatorio multigrupo, análisis de ítems y análisis de confiabilidad. Los resultados confirmaron la estructura bifactorial original, actitudes cívicas y comportamientos cívicos. Las propiedades psicométricas de la versión portuguesa del Civic Engagement son adecuados, lo que permite el uso de este cuestionario en la población portuguesa. Futuras investigaciones deben explorar la estabilidad temporal.(AU)

An R Function for Cronbach’s Alpha Analysis: A Case-Based Approach

Cronbach’s alpha is a very commonly used method in biomedical research. Cronbach’s alpha Indicates the extent to which the items in your questionnaire are related to each other, a useful coefficient for assessing the internal consistency of the items. Although this method is commonly used in medical research, the statistical software packages do not have the direct menu-driven operation for Cronbach’s alpha. Hence this paper intends to provide an R function (Cronbach. Alpha) for Cronbach’s alpha analysis.

Equivalencia translingüística y consistencia interna del Rapid Estimate Adult Literacy in Dentistry 99 (REALD-99) en población mexicana / Transliguistic Equivalence and Internal Consistency of the Rapid Estimate Adult Literacy in Dentistry 99 (REALD-99) applied to Mexican Population

Objetivo: Determinar la equivalencia lingüística al español y la consistencia interna del Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry 99 (REALD-99) en población mexicana. Métodos: la equivalencia del REALD-99 se hizo mediante la metodología traducción-retraducción por expertos en la traducción de la lengua inglesa y se validó su contenido por parte de cinco odontólogos generales. El instrumento se aplicó a una muestra de 995 personas de 15 a 54 años que solicitaron atención odontológica por primera vez. La participación de los individuos fue voluntaria y el consentimiento se hizo por escrito. Se analizaron variables epidemiológicas y se determinó la consistencia interna del instrumento con la prueba del Alfa de Cronbach. Resultados: se identificaron dos palabras con traducción idéntica y tres sin aplicación en el contexto odontológico local. La edad promedio de los participantes fue de 30 años (DE ±11); el 62 % fueron mujeres. La aplicación del instrumento tuvo un promedio de 87 aciertos (DE ±9.2) con un tiempo promedio de aplicación de 2.24 minutos. El alfa de Cronbach fue de 0.91 con las 99 palabras. Conclusiones: el instrumento es intercambiable y equivalente con una consistencia interna similar al obtenido en otros países; sin embargo, los resultados son una aproximación a la habilidad de lectura, pues no garantiza la comprensión, conocimiento y la operatividad de todas las palabras; además, no explica las complejas habilidades involucradas en la alfabetización en salud.

Objective: To determine the linguistic equivalence in the Spanish language and the internal consistency of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry 99 (REALD-99) applied to a sample group of Mexican people. Method: The equivalence of the REALD-99 was performed by expert translators of the English language by means of translation-retranslation; its content was validated by fve bachelors of dentistry. The instrument was applied to a sample group of 995 people between 15 and 54 years old who requested dental care for the frst time. The people participated voluntarily, and their consent was given in writing. Epidemiological variables were analyzed, and the internal consistency of the instrument was determined with the Cronbach's Alpha test. Results: Two words with identical translation and three without application in the local dental context were identifed. The average age of the participants was 30 years old (SD ±11); 62% were women. The application of the instrument was 87 correct answers (SD ±9.2) on average and the application time was a median of 2.24 minutes. Cronbach's alpha was 0.91 with the 99 words. Conclusions: The instrument is interchangeable and equivalent with an internal consistency similar to that obtained in other countries. However, the results are an approximation to the reading ability and do not guarantee the knowledge, comprehension, or operability of related vocabulary and neither they explain the complex skills involved in health literacy.

Development of age appropriate vision function questionnaire for children with visual impairment (CHVI-VFQ)

Purpose: To develop a new age?appropriate visual function questionnaire for visually impaired children. Methods: The study was conducted in north India in 20,955 (97.3%) children ?15 years who underwent visual acuity examination. Of these 20,955 children, a total of 722 children were referred with unaided visual acuity less than 6/12 in any eye. Among these referred children, parents in the age group of 5–9 years and children between 10 and 15 years underwent interviews using LV Prasad Functional Visual Questionnaire?20 (LVP FVQ 20) and Indian Visual Functioning Questionnaire?33 (IND VFQ?33). Following this, multiple steps were undertaken that involved expert opinion for the removal of items on basis of zero variance and factor analysis along with calculation of Cronbach’s alpha. Results: A Cronbach’ alpha of 0.834 was calculated for the younger age group and 0.931 for the higher age group of children. Conclusion: A new robust age?appropriate questionnaire was developed and it was observed that there was a significant change in median score (that was derived for various domains after calculating the median for the items in various domains asked pre? and post?intervention in the form of glasses or surgery) for quality of visual function in the visually impaired children. A significant change in functional vision of visually impaired children (P < 0.005) was observed in both age groups