Further analysis of the reliability of the posterior tangent lateral lumbar radiographic mensuration procedure: concurrent validity of computer-aided X-ray digitization

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability of a specific method of radiographic analysis of the geometric configuration of the lumbopelvic spine in the sagittal plane, and to investigate the concurrent validity of a computer-aided digitization procedure designed to replace the more tedious and time-consuming manual measurement process. DESIGN: A blind, repeated-measures design was used. The results of radiographic measures derived through the traditional manual marking method were compared with measures derived by computer-aided digitization of lateral lumbopelvic radiographs. SETTING: Private chiropractic clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients, paired sample t tests and intraclass correlation co-efficients (ICC) were used to examine intraexaminer reliability, and repeated measures of analysis of variance were used to examine interexaminer reliability for relative rotation angles for T12-L1, L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1, overall lordosis measurement [absolute rotation angle (ARA)] from L1-L5 and Cobb angle of overall lordosis measured from the inferior surface of T12 to the superior surface of S1, Ferguson's sacral base angle to horizontal, angle of pelvic tilt (arcuate angle) to horizontal and anteroposterior thoracic translation (Sz) in millimeters. RESULTS: ICC estimates for intraexaminer reliability were in the range of 0.96-0.98 for the L1-L5 ARA, a range of 0.87-0.99 for the arcuate angle measurement, 0.83-0.94 for the Ferguson's angle measurement, 0.88-0.95 for the Cobb angle measurement from the inferior surface of T12 compared with the superior surface of S1 and 0.98-1.00 for the translation measurement of the lower thoracic spine to S1 (Sz). The intersegmental measurement's (T12-L1, L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1) correlations ranged from a low of 0.55 to a high of 0.97. Examination of these findings suggests that the reliability for the three doctors is acceptable with only the T12-L1 intersegmental measure falling below 0.70 for the least experienced examiner. Average ICC of interexaminer reliability for manual and computer-aided digitizing examiners were the following: 0.96 for the L1-L5 ARA; 0.84 for the arcuate angle measurement; 0.82 for the Ferguson's angle measurement; 0.88 for the Cobb angle measurement; 1.00 for the Sz translation measurement; and values of 0.65, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75, 0.89 and 0.81 for relative rotation angle measurements T12-L1, L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1, respectively. CONCLUSION: The data tend to support the reliability of this method of radiographic analysis of the geometric configuration of the lumbopelvic spine as viewed on lateral lumbopelvic radiographs. The additional data presented here tend to support the concurrent validity of the computer-aided digitization method of analysis inasmuch as the measures determined by the digitizing examiners are essentially identical to those determined by the manual method plus or minus the average standard error of measure of each value.     

Assessing creativity with divergent thinking tasks: Exploring the reliability and validity of new subjective scoring methods.

Divergent thinking is central to the study of individual differences in creativity, but the traditional scoring systems (assigning points for infrequent responses and summing the points) face well-known problems. After critically reviewing past scoring methods, this article describes a new approach to assessing divergent thinking and appraises its reliability and validity. In our new Top 2 scoring method, participants complete a divergent thinking task and then circle the 2 responses that they think are their most creative responses. Raters then evaluate the responses on a 5-point scale. Regarding reliability, a generalizability analysis showed that subjective ratings of unusual-uses tasks and instances tasks yield dependable scores with only 2 or 3 raters. Regarding validity, a latent-variable study (n=226) predicted divergent thinking from the Big Five factors and their higher-order traits (Plasticity and Stability). Over half of the variance in divergent thinking could be explained by dimensions of personality. The article presents instructions for measuring divergent thinking with the new method. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ankle fracture classification: a comparison of reliability of three X-ray views versus two

Our hypothesis was that malleolar ankle fractures could be classified with two radiographic views as reliably as with three views. Four different observers independently evaluated 99 sets of ankle radiographs. The examiners classified the ankle fractures by using both the Lauge-Hansen and Danis-Weber systems. The interobserver and intraobserver variations were analyzed by kappa statistics. With regard to intraexaminer reliability, the examiners demonstrated excellent accord in classifying the fractures in the Danis-Weber system with either three views or two views. The kappa values were comparable. In the Lauge-Hansen system, three examiners demonstrated excellent accord and one examiner demonstrated good accord in classifying the fractures. Similar kappa values were generated when examiners classified fractures with either three views or two views. With regard to interexaminer reliability, good to excellent accord was demonstrated overall among the four examiners when they used the Danis-Weber system with either three views or two views. The examiners were in good agreement when they used the Lauge-Hansen system. Similar kappa values were generated whether the examiners used three views or two views. Three radiographic views are usually ordered for evaluation of an acute ankle injury. Previous studies have shown that only two views are needed for diagnosis of a malleolar ankle fracture. This study demonstrates that malleolar ankle fractures can be classified with two views, lateral or mortise, with a reliability as good as that achieved with three views. The best agreement is achieved with lateral and mortise views.     

A further evaluation of the Aggression Questionnaire: issues of validity and reliability

An analysis of the four scales from Buss and Perry's (1992, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 63, 452-459) Aggression Questionnaire was conducted. Examined was the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, the influence of social desirability, and the interrelationships with other measures of aggression. The results suggest that the four scales of The Aggression Questionnaire have moderate to high internal consistencies and are stable over seven months of testing. Social desirability was found to have a moderately high negative relationship with the aggression scales suggesting that social desirability may influence responses provided on The Aggression Questionnaire. In addition, the four aggression scales were found to be positively related to other measures of aggression including scales assessing affect instability and aggressive attitudes, as well as scales designed for clinical use, suggesting some degree of construct validity.     

Student evaluation of courses: determining the reliability and validity of three survey instruments

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of three instruments designed for student evaluation of courses: the Course, Library, and Computer (CLC); the Clinical (CLIN); and the Nursing Skills Lab (NSL) evaluation tools. Using data from 294 anonymous associate degree nursing students, internal consistency and reliability were demonstrated by the high alpha coefficients ranging from .85 to .94. An exploratory principal component analysis, with the varimax rotation, provided an estimate of construct validity.     

On the methods and theory of reliability

This paper reviews the most frequently used and misused reliability measures appearing in the mental health literature. We illustrate the various types of data sets on which reliability is assessed (i.e., two raters, more than two raters, and varying numbers of raters with dichotomous, polychotomous, and quantitative data). Reliability statistics appropriate for each data format are presented, and their pros and cons illustrated. Inadequancies of some methods are highlighted. The meaning of different levels of reliability obtained with various statistics is discussed. This critique is intended for the reading professional and the investigator who has an occasional need for reliability assessment. Statistical expertise is not required and theoretical material is referenced for the interested reader. Necessary formulas for computations are presented in the appendices. A summary table of some suitable reliability measures is presented.     

Faking and the validity of conscientiousness: A Monte Carlo investigation.

The article reports the findings from a Monte Carlo investigation examining the impact of faking on the criterion-related validity of Conscientiousness for predicting supervisory ratings of job performance. Based on a review of faking literature, 6 parameters were manipulated in order to model 4,500 distinct faking conditions (5 [magnitude] × 5 [proportion] × 4 [variability] × 3 [faking-Conscientiousness relationship] × 3 [faking-performance relationship] × 5 [selection ratio]). Overall, the results indicated that validity change is significantly affected by all 6 faking parameters, with the relationship between faking and performance, the proportion of fakers in the sample, and the magnitude of faking having the strongest effect on validity change. Additionally, the association between several of the parameters and changes in criterion-related validity was conditional on the faking-performance relationship. The results are discussed in terms of their practical and theoretical implications for using personality testing for employee selection. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Ostomy Adjustment Scale: Further evidence of reliability and validity.

Administered M. E. Olbrisch's (see record 1985-21769-001) 34-item ostomy adjustment scale (OAS) to 164 volunteers (aged 18–75 yrs) who underwent ostomy surgery. 30 Ss also completed the 17-item short version of the OAS. Support for the 34-item scale's test–retest and internal consistency reliability and construct validity was demonstrated. Internal consistency reliability of the short form was disappointing. Ostomy adjustment was significantly related to quality of life and negatively related to depression. Four clear factors, corresponding to 3 of Olbrisch's factors emerged: normal functioning, functional limitations, negative affect, and positive affect. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Long-term reliability and predictive validity of the Teller Acuity Card procedure

A diuretic hormone (DH) of unusual structure was isolated from extracts of heads of Tenebrio molitor. The hormone is a 47 amino acid peptide, Mr = 5,029.9, with the sequence AGALGESGASLSIVNSLDVLRNRLLLEIARKKAKEGANRNRQILLSL. This peptide increases cyclic AMP production in Malpighian tubules of T. molitor. We recently identified a smaller DH from T. molitor with 37 amino acids; these peptides have only 15 identical amino acids when aligned to maximize similarity to other members of the insect DH family. This family has sequence similarity to the corticotropin-releasing factor superfamily of vertebrate peptides.     

Studies in the reliability and validity of the critical incident technique.

The critical incident technique was applied in analyzing the job of store managers in a Swedish grocery company. About 1800 incidents were collected, mainly by interviews and questionnaires. Several reliability and validity aspects of the method were studied. When ? of the incidents had been classified, 95% of the subcategories had appeared. The structure of the material was not influenced by the methods of collecting or by the interviewers. A repetition of the categorizing procedure was used to determine the stability of the subcategories. It was found that literature used in the training of personnel did not provide any additional, relevant information. Ratings of the subcategories support the assumption that the method covered the essential points in the job. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Anatomical study of the cutaneous perforator arteries and vascularisation of the biceps femoris muscle

We present an anatomical study that describes the distribution of the cutaneous perforators (CP) of both heads of the biceps femoris muscle.

Material and methods

In this study, we dissected 18 legs from nine cadavers. The study was centered on the biceps femoris muscle and musculocutaneous perforator arteries from both muscular heads. Only perforator arteries with comitant vein diameters of over 0.5 mm were selected. The vascular origin and length were also studied. In all cases, measurements were taken from the bicondyle line.

Results

The measurements taken from the muscle bellies of the biceps gave the following results; for the long head 33.91 cm as medium length (SD=2.70) and for the short head 23.85 cm as medium length (SD=2.96).The total number of perforator arteries obtained from the two muscle bellies was 139, with the greatest percentage located in the lower half of the thigh. The majority follow an intramuscular route (80.48%) and less frequently they are septals (19.52%).The lengths of perforator arteries from its origin in the axial vessel of the muscle to the subcutaneous fat were, for the short head 5.01±1.33 (3.0–10.0), whereas the same measurement, in the long head was 4.54±1.36 (2.5–9.0).The principal vascular origin of the perforator arteries was the popliteal artery in both muscle bellies, whilst the second arterial vessel in importance was the first and second profunda perforator artery.

Conclusion

From the results obtained in our work, we can deduce that it is always possible to locate perforator arteries in both muscle bellies; most frequently they have intramuscular distribution and are located in the proximity of the vascular septum. Their most common origins are the popliteal artery and first and second profunda perforator artery. Finally, it is possible to design pedicle and free flaps, with less morbidity and more versatility than musculocutaneous flaps.     

自然金的富集方法及它与金合金的成色分析

本文概述了自然金的分离富集方法，论述了自然金及金合金中成色测定的意义，探讨和推荐了它们的成色测定和计算方法。     

Trichinella pseudospiralis: X-ray analysis of the infected muscle cells and the muscle larva compartments after exponential growth of the larva in situ

The significance, development, and different forms of educational plans and the special role of mentors and case managers in youth care in the Netherlands are presented.     

Learning to predict human error: issues of acceptability, reliability and validity

Human Error Identification (HEI) techniques have been used to predict human error in high risk environments for the past two decades. Despite the lack of supportive evidence for their efficacy, their popularity remains unabated. The application of these approaches is ever-increasing, to include product assessment. The authors feel that it is necessary to prove that the predictions are both reliable and valid before the approaches can be recommended with any confidence. This paper provides evidence to suggest that human error identification techniques in general, and SHERPA in particular, may be acquired with relative ease and can provide reasonable error predictions.     

Relevance of rater-ratee acquaintance in the validity and reliability of ratings.

69 unacquainted undergraduates worked in 3-man groups under relevant (mathematical tasks) and irrelevant (socializing) acquaintance conditions. The Ss rated one another on scales that defined several cognitive skills. They were also rated on these same scales by Os, dependent on visual information, and unacquainted with Ss or the nature of the tasks being performed. As hypothesized, Ss under the relevant acquaintance condition achieved consistently good validity for all 3 cognitive areas with the best validity for ratings of math ability. Validity under the irrelevant acquaintance condition was nil on all scales. Os achieved significant validity (at lower levels than Ss) for ratings under the relevant acquaintance condition. Levels of inter- and intrarater reliability were not associated with levels of validity under the various rating conditions. (16 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Depression in children and adolescents: A comparative analysis of the utility and construct validity of two assessment measures.

The utility and construct validity of the Children's Depression Inventory and the youth version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale were examined. No significant grade, sex or race effects were obtained for either measure. Examination of convergent and discriminate validity for these measures revealed high correspondence with self-report measures of related constructs. Children's self-reports corresponded poorly with ratings by teachers or parents. Finally, the utility of recommended cutoff scores for identifying extreme groups of depressed children and adolescents was evaluated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)