Using Ari Kara Osteological Data To Evaluate An Assumpti on oF Fur Trade Archaeology

Abstract

Osteological data from the Arikara-affiliated Mobridge site in South Dakota are used to test an hypothesis frequently expressed in archaeology that the relative quantity of recovered Euro-American goods can be used to infer a site? s relative age. Crania from the Mobridge site are examined for intra-site differences and thecompared with crania from four other sites. Our analysis suggests that the dating assumption may have validity for some archaeological sites, particularly those associated with the Arikara, and may even be valid on the intra-site level as demonstrated by our analysis of the Mobridge data     

An Archaeological and Ethnohistorical Investigation of Selected Areas in Kootenai National Forest,Northwestern Montana

Abstract

During a preliminary archaeological survey of selected areas in Kootenai National Forest, located in northwestern Montana, ten archaeological sites were recorded. The majority of these sites were located on the terraces of the Kootenai River. These sites vary from surface and buried occupations, to numerous buried firehearth sites, a rockpile site and a vision quest site. Data from this survey were utilized in conjunction with ethnohistorical data to determine significant aboriginal use of river bank areas in extreme northwestern Montana.     

Assessing Internet Survey Data Collection Methods with Ethnic Nurse Shift Workers

An increasing number of ethnic minorities are expected to enter the United States workforce based on projected demographic changes. This includes American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) nurses. Sociocultural influences on sleep disturbances, sleepiness, and other aspects related to shift-work tolerance are of unrecognized importance. More minority nurses are needed to provide culturally congruent care; however, AI/AN nurses represent less than 1% of nurses located throughout the American workforce. This article aims to verify the feasibility of Internet data collection (Web-based survey) methods and instrument stability as the first part of a two-phase study comparing individual differences and shift-work-related sleep disturbances between AI/AN and White non-Hispanic (WNH) nurses. In the first phase, an Internet survey was used to reach a cross-section of AI/AN and WNH nurses. The on-line survey was composed of accepted shift-work-related instruments. Items estimating sleep disturbances, sociocultural choices, time awareness, polychronicity, morningness/eveningness, ethnic identity, and demographic questions were asked. The survey was linked to a series of Web pages describing the study purpose, inclusion and exclusion criteria, consent form, Web survey, and the second phase of the study in which subjects were invited to participate in actigraphy measurements. The survey was pilot-tested for error codes, item confusion, length, and completion time. Forced-answer questions were added asking ethnicity, age group, license type, state where licensed, and legal name on nursing license before accessing the survey. Data were saved periodically, cued by the word “continue.” The database was located on a secure server and password protected. Nurses were recruited using published articles and printed advertisements, hospital e-mail systems, national nursing organization Web sites (minoritynurse.com; NANAINA.org), nursing Web site discussion groups, snow-balling, and word of mouth. The site was accessed 656 times with the Internet survey being completed by 138 WNH and 56 AI/AN nurses meeting the inclusion criteria. Except for the polychronicity measure (PAI3), instruments measuring time awareness, chronotype, and situational sleepiness achieved acceptable reliability coefficients with Internet data collection. Using pull-down menus would improve questions asking specific times. Internet data collection with different ethnic groups is possible; however, accessing the target population may be difficult. Despite extensive recruitment efforts, few AI/AN nurses participated. Computer literacy and failing to relate to the study's purpose may have limited the interest of the AI/AN nurses. It is possible to recruit nurse shift workers and collect individual difference and sleep disturbance data through the Internet; however, the researcher must remain vigilant throughout the process.     

Desarrollo y validación de un instrumento observacional para la evaluación del bienestar en personas con demencia desde la perspectiva de la atención centrada en la persona: Listado de Indicadores de Bienestar

IntroductionWithin the context of Person Centred Care, the present paper shows the creation and validation process of an observational tool for the assessment of the wellbeing of people with dementia, from a perspective that seeks to highlight the effects that the physical and social environment have on the person, and how these are reflected in the well-being.MethodsThe List of Wellbeing Indicators (LIBE) was created following an inductive iterative process with professionals from different disciplines, until the validated version was reached. It was then validated in two successive studies with a sample of 79 people with dementia. Discrimination capacity of the scale indicators, internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and convergent and divergent validity were determined.ResultsAn internal consistency of Cronbach́s alpha 0.81 was obtained. The inter-rater reliability, analysing intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) within the 3 raters, was significant for all the indicators in the tool, with scores between 0.59-1.00. Convergent validity was studied comparing scores in each LIBE indicator with scores in each QUALID indicator, and some significant associations were found between response categories in both tools. For the discriminant validity, the scores obtained in each LIBE indicator were compared with the scores in each PAINAD-Sp item, and no significant associations were found.ConclusionLIBE offers an observational measure of behaviours that can be considered well-being indicators in people with dementia living in residential care. LIBE is a valid and reliable tool that offers a different perspective of measuring a construct that has been infrequently explored in dementia population. Is also an easy to apply tool, with different uses (clinical, intervention, research), and applicable for professionals of several disciplines.     

Validation of the New Lucerne ICF Based Multidisciplinary Observation Scale (LIMOS) for Stroke Patients

BackgroundValid and multidisciplinary assessment of a stroke patient''s ability to perform activities of daily living is very important to define individual goals and to plan targeted rehabilitation. Until today, there is no observation scale that relies on International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate the reliability and validity of a new multidisciplinary observation scale for stroke patients, shortly called LIMOS, which is based on ICF.MethodsIn a first phase, LIMOS was defined, using a Delphi approach, by an expert panel and a pilot testing was conducted in a small group of stroke patients (n =10) to investigate feasibility and practicability. In a second phase, LIMOS was assessed for its reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability) and validity in a large cohort of stroke patients (n = 102). For convergent validity, the correlation between total scores of the LIMOS and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was assessed.ResultsLIMOS consisted of seven ICF chapters incorporating 45 domains. A high internal consistency (=0.98) of LIMOS was found. Furthermore, good test-retest reliability at item and subscale level was found. Principal component analysis revealed that among the seven ICF chapters, four components could be found: (1) interpersonal activities, mobility and self-care, (2) communication, (3) knowledge and general tasks, and (4) domestic life. Significant associations were found between LIMOS and the FIM indicating good convergent validity.ConclusionsThe new LIMOS is a reliable and valid observation scale for stroke patients based on ICF, which can be used by a multidisciplinary team working in a neurorehabilitation setting.     

Psychometric Properties of the Autoquestionnaire Qualité De Vie Enfant Imagé (AUQEI) Applied to Children with Cerebral Palsy

BackgroundQuality of life (QL) assessments of children with incapacitating diseases, such as cerebral palsy (CP), have often been conducted with the help of the representatives of a child, making QL assessment more subjective. TheAutoquestionnaireQualité de Vie Enfant Imagé (AUQEI) is a QL assessment designed for children to self-report—it uses images to facilitate the reporting process.Objectiveevaluate the psychometric properties of AUQEI when responses are given by children with CP.FindingsChildren aged 4 to 12 years (45 with CP and 45 healthy children) gave responses to the questionnaire. The data quality, reliability and validity were assessed. The data loss rate ranged from 8.8% to 46.7%, and was highest for the “autonomy” factor. No floor or ceiling effect was detected. The success rate for reliability of the internal consistency of the items was less than 80% for the “autonomy” factor. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.71 for the instrument and less than 0.5 for the factors. All the factors had a success rate of greater than 80% for the discriminating validity of the items. The factors did not have correlations between each other, thus indicating adequate discriminating validity. Convergent validity was tested and a significant correlation was demonstrated only between the AUQEI “functioning” factor and the Child Health Questionnaire—50-Item (CHQ-PF50) physical summary score (r = 0.31, p = 0.042). The AUQEI scores did not have correlations with the gross motor function scores (p>0.05) as expected for divergent validity. Regarding construct validity, the total AUQEI score obtained by the CP group was lower (median: 47.3) than that of the healthy group (median: 51.0) (p<0.01).ConclusionThe AUQEI was shown to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing children with CP when the total score was used. Convergent validity should continue to be tested in future studies.     

Evaluating a sensitive issue: reliability of a clinical evaluation for allodynia severity

Abstract

Purpose/Aim: Allodynia is a common feature of neuropathic pain with few validated clinical evaluation options. We identified a need to estimate the measurement properties of the standardised evaluation procedure for static mechanical allodynia severity popularised by the somatosensory rehabilitation of pain method, known as the rainbow pain scale. This study (www.clinicaltrials.gov. NCT02070367) undertook preliminary investigation of the inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the rainbow pain scale.

Methods: Persons with pain in one upper extremity after Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, a peripheral nerve injury or a recent hand fracture were recruited for assessment of static mechanical allodynia threshold using calibrated monofilaments by two raters at baseline, and repeated assessment one week later.

Results: Single measures estimates suggested inter-rater reliability was substantial for the rainbow pain scale [intra-class correlation coefficient?=?0.78 (n?=?31), p?<?0.001]. Test-retest reliability was also excellent at with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.87 [n?=?28, p?<?0.001]. However, confidence intervals suggest the true values could be more moderate, with lower bounds of the 95% confidence interval at 0.60 and 0.74, respectively.

Conclusions: This pilot study has generated preliminary support for the inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the rainbow pain scale. Future studies should seek to increase confidence in estimates of reliability, and estimate validity and responsiveness to change in persons with somatosensory disorders.     

Psychometric Properties of Translation of the Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ11-14) in Telugu Speaking Indian Children

Oral health related quality of life research among children in India is still nascent and no measures have been validated to date. Although CPQ_11-14 has been previously used in studies from the Indian sub-continent, the instrument has never been tested for cross-cultural adaptability. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of CPQ_11-14 in Telugu speaking Indian school children. Primary school children of Medak district, Telangana State, India, were recruited by a multi-stage probability sampling method. The translated questionnaire was initially pilot tested on a small subset of children (n = 40). Children with informed consent from parents (N = 1342) were then provided with questionnaires containing the Telugu translation of CPQ_11-14, followed by a clinical examination conducted by a single examiner, using Basic WHO survey methods for dental caries, malocclusion, and Dean’s Fluorosis index. Children (n = 161) in randomly chosen schools were re-administered the same questionnaire after a two week interval to test reliability of CPQ_11-14 on repeated administrations. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability as determined by Cronbach’s alpha and Intra-class correlation coefficient for overall CPQ_11-14 scale were 0.925 and 0.923, respectively. CPQ_11-14 discriminated between the categories of fluorosis and malocclusion while its discriminant validity with respect to dental caries was limited. CPQ_11-14 also demonstrated good construct validity with both overall CPQ_11-14 and its subscales having significant positive correlation with global ratings of oral health and overall wellbeing, even after adjusting for confounding variables. CPQ_11-14 had a correlation of 0.405 with self-evaluated oral health and 0.407 with self-evaluated impact of oral health on overall wellbeing. In conclusion, Telugu translation of CPQ_11-14 demonstrated good internal consistency and excellent reliability on repeated administrations after two weeks. It also exhibited good discriminant and construct validity.     

A Predictive Model for Site Location in the Alberta Foothills

Abstract

In response to imminent annexation, 44 km2of the lower Simons Valley was subjected to foot survey. The resulting data were used to develop a predictive model for foothills site location, using physiographic zones as the independent variable. Statistical testing shows that the size of the site is related to the physiographic zone it occupies. For habitation sites, it is hypothesized that this variation in size and placement reflects summer and winter occupations, with large summer-winter sites located on low river terraces and congregating in the southern (sheltered) portion of the survey area, while smaller summer sites are spread throughout the survey area. Although no significant relationship was discovered between site type, site size, and the distance of the site from permanent water, the density of the total number of sites was related to this variable.     

An inter-laboratory validation of methods of lipid peroxidation measurement in UVA-treated human plasma samples

Abstract

Lipid peroxidation products like malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal and F₂-isoprostanes are widely used as markers of oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. This study reports the results of a multi-laboratory validation study by COST Action B35 to assess inter-laboratory and intra-laboratory variation in the measurement of lipid peroxidation. Human plasma samples were exposed to UVA irradiation at different doses (0, 15 J, 20 J), encoded and shipped to 15 laboratories, where analyses of malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal and isoprostanes were conducted. The results demonstrate a low within-day-variation and a good correlation of results observed on two different days. However, high coefficients of variation were observed between the laboratories. Malondialdehyde determined by HPLC was found to be the most sensitive and reproducible lipid peroxidation product in plasma upon UVA treatment. It is concluded that measurement of malondialdehyde by HPLC has good analytical validity for inter-laboratory studies on lipid peroxidation in human EDTA-plasma samples, although it is acknowledged that this may not translate to biological validity.     

Basic Scale on Insomnia complaints and Quality of Sleep (BaSIQS): Reliability,initial validity and normative scores in higher education students

Based on successive samples totaling more than 5000 higher education students, we scrutinized the reliability, structure, initial validity and normative scores of a brief self-report seven-item scale to screen for the continuum of nighttime insomnia complaints/perceived sleep quality, used by our team for more than a decade, henceforth labeled the Basic Scale on Insomnia complaints and Quality of Sleep (BaSIQS). In study/sample 1 (n?=?1654), the items were developed based on part of a larger survey on higher education sleep–wake patterns. The test–retest study was conducted in an independent small group (n?=?33) with a 2–8 week gap. In study/sample 2 (n?=?360), focused mainly on validity, the BaSIQS was completed together with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). In study 3, a large recent sample of students from universities all over the country (n?=?2995) answered the BaSIQS items, based on which normative scores were determined, and an additional question on perceived sleep problems in order to further analyze the scale’s validity. Regarding reliability, Cronbach alpha coefficients were systematically higher than 0.7, and the test–retest correlation coefficient was greater than 0.8. Structure analyses revealed consistently satisfactory two-factor and single-factor solutions. Concerning validity analyses, BaSIQS scores were significantly correlated with PSQI component scores and overall score (r?=?0.652 corresponding to a large association); mean scores were significantly higher in those students classifying themselves as having sleep problems (p?<?0.0001, d?=?0.99 corresponding to a large effect size). In conclusion, the BaSIQS is very easy to administer, and appears to be a reliable and valid scale in higher education students. It might be a convenient short tool in research and applied settings to rapidly assess sleep quality or screen for insomnia complaints, and it may be easily used in other populations with minor adaptations.     

Validation of the Chinese Version of the Quality of Nursing Work Life Scale

Quality of Nursing Work Life (QNWL) serves as a predictor of a nurse’s intent to leave and hospital nurse turnover. However, QNWL measurement tools that have been validated for use in China are lacking. The present study evaluated the construct validity of the QNWL scale in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted conveniently from June 2012 to January 2013 at five hospitals in Guangzhou, which employ 1938 nurses. The participants were asked to complete the QNWL scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF). A total of 1922 nurses provided the final data used for analyses. Sixty-five nurses from the first investigated division were re-measured two weeks later to assess the test-retest reliability of the scale. The internal consistency reliability of the QNWL scale was assessed using Cronbach’s α. Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Criterion-relation validity was assessed using the correlation of the total scores of the QNWL and the WHOQOL-BREF. Construct validity was assessed with the following indices: χ² statistics and degrees of freedom; relative mean square error of approximation (RMSEA); the Akaike information criterion (AIC); the consistent Akaike information criterion (CAIC); the goodness-of-fit index (GFI); the adjusted goodness of fit index; and the comparative fit index (CFI). The findings demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.912) and test-retest reliability (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.74) for the QNWL scale. The chi-square test (χ² = 13879.60, df [degree of freedom] = 813 P = 0.0001) was significant. The RMSEA value was 0.091, and AIC = 1806.00, CAIC = 7730.69, CFI = 0.93, and GFI = 0.74. The correlation coefficient between the QNWL total scores and the WHOQOL-BREF total scores was 0.605 (p<0.01). The QNWL scale was reliable and valid in Chinese-speaking nurses and could be used as a clinical and research instrument for measuring work-related factors among nurses in China.     

The Reliability of a Survey Question on Television Viewing and Associations With Health Risk Factors in US Adults

Research into the accuracy of self‐reported measures used to quantify physical inactivity has been limited. The purposes of the current report were to examine the reliability of a survey question assessing time spent watching television and to describe associations between television watching and physical activity and health risk factors. Data from this cross‐sectional investigation were obtained from a study designed to evaluate a physical activity module for potential use in the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Participants were 93 men and women (aged 45.9 (15.4) years) who answered the question pertaining to television watching during an initial visit and three follow‐up visits to the study center. Intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs) between administrations of the survey question were used to assess test‐retest reliability. Spearman rank order correlation coefficients were used to examine the associations of television viewing with physical activity and health risk factors. The test‐retest reliability of the television‐watching question suggested moderate agreement (ICCs of 0.42 and 0.55 over a 3‐week and 1‐week period, respectively). After adjustment for age and sex, reported television‐watching hours were positively associated with BMI (P = 0.0002), percentage fat (P = 0.0001), and light‐intensity physical activity (P = 0.006) and negatively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (P = 0.004) and moderate‐intensity and hard‐intensity physical activity (P = 0.03 and P = 0.003, respectively). Increased time spent in sedentary behaviors has been identified as a major modifiable risk factor in the development of chronic diseases and conditions. The single‐item survey question evaluated in this study was shown to be a reliable measure of television watching and was associated with physical activity and health risk factor outcomes.     

Reliability of a modified motor unit number index (MUNIX) technique

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to examine the relative and absolute between-day reliability of the motor unit number index (MUNIX).MethodsYoung, healthy adults (n = 19) attended two testing sessions separated by 4-weeks where their maximal pinch-grip strength, MUNIX, and motor unit size index (MUSIX) were assessed in the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV) and limits of agreement (LOA).ResultsNo mean differences were observed for MUNIX or MUSIX. The CV for the MUNIX and MUSIX measures were between 13.5% and 17.5%. The ICC for both measures were moderate to moderately-high (0.73–0.76), The LOA for both indicated a homoscedastic relationship.DiscussionOur findings indicate moderate to moderately-high reliability for both MUNIX and MUSIX. Future work is needed to ensure both measures are reliable in other muscles and cohorts, and further investigations are required to examine the validity of MUNIX.     

The validity and reliability of an integrated approach for quantifying match physical-tactical performance

This study aimed to: (1) develop an integrated approach to quantifying match physical-tactical performance and (2) comprehensively examine the validity and reliability of this novel approach. Both UEFA qualified coaches and performance analysts (n = 30) participated to verify the scientific robustness of this new method. The percentage of correct responses were used to verify the validity of the integrated approach and the minimum acceptable agreement was set at 80%. Two well-trained groups of observers analysed a randomly selected English Premier League match for inter- and intra-observer reliability using the kappa statistic. A high degree of validity was demonstrated as the mean percentage of correct responses by all participants, accounting for 91.8 ± 4.3% for all, 92.2 ± 4.7% for out-of-possession, and 91.6 ± 5.7% for in-possession physical-tactical variables. Inter- and intra-observer reliability were found to be strong (κ = 0.81) to almost perfect (κ = 0.94), respectively. Additional analyses demonstrated that there was a nearly perfect correlation between data derived from the novel filter used for the present study to capture high-intensity running and those obtained from the filter of the commercial data provider (r = 0.99; P < 0.01). The data demonstrates that the integrated approach is valid and reliable regarding the quantification of physical-tactical performances. Therefore, it is now possible to unveil unique high-intensity profiles of elite players related to key tactical actions. This may help coaches and practitioners better understand the physical-tactical performances of players, as well as effectively translate physical metrics into training.     

Facility-Based Delivery during the Ebola Virus Disease Epidemic in Rural Liberia: Analysis from a Cross-Sectional,Population-Based Household Survey

BackgroundThe Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic has threatened access to basic health services through facility closures, resource diversion, and decreased demand due to community fear and distrust. While modeling studies have attempted to estimate the impact of these disruptions, no studies have yet utilized population-based survey data.ConclusionsWe detected a 30% decreased odds of FBD after the start of EVD in a rural Liberian county with relatively few cases. Because health facilities never closed in Rivercess County, this estimate may under-approximate the effect seen in the most heavily affected areas. These are the first population-based survey data to show collateral disruptions to facility-based delivery caused by the West African EVD epidemic, and they reinforce the need to consider the full spectrum of implications caused by public health emergencies.     

Reliability of high-density surface electromyography for assessing characteristics of the thoracic erector spinae during static and dynamic tasks

PurposeTo establish intra- and inter-session reliability of high-density surface electromyography (HDEMG)-derived parameters from the thoracic erector spinae (ES) during static and dynamic goal-directed voluntary movements of the trunk, and during functional reaching tasks.MethodsTwenty participants performed: 1) static trunk extension, 2) dynamic trunk forward and lateral flexion, and 3) multidirectional functional reaching tasks on two occasions separated by 7.5 ± 1.2 days. Muscle activity was recorded bilaterally from the thoracic ES. Root mean square (RMS), coordinates of the barycentre, mean frequency (MNF), and entropy were derived from the HDEMG signals. Reliability was determined with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation, and standard error of measurement.ResultsGood-to-excellent intra-session reliability was found for all parameters and tasks (ICC: 0.79-0.99), whereas inter-session reliability varied across tasks. Static tasks demonstrated higher reliability in most parameters compared to functional and dynamic tasks. Absolute RMS and MNF showed the highest overall reliability across tasks (ICC: 0.66-0.98), while reliability of the barycentre was influenced by the direction of the movements.ConclusionRMS and MNF derived from HDEMG show consistent inter-session reliability in goal-directed voluntary movements of the trunk and reaching tasks, whereas the measures of the barycentre and entropy demonstrate task-dependent reliability.     

Development and Validation of the Chinese Version of the Multicultural Quality of Life Index (MQLI-Ch)

This study documents the validation study of the Multicultural Quality of Life Index, Chinese version (MQLI-Ch). This self-rated instrument is composed of ten items that correspond to multiple dimensions of the concept of quality of life. Each item is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, according to the subject’s culture-informed understanding of the concept. The MQLI-Ch was tested on 144 Chinese subjects (124 psychiatric patients and 20 professionals). It was found to be quite efficient (about 3 min to be completed) and easy to use. A Cronbach’s α of 0.94 demonstrated its internal consistency. The factor analysis of the ten items yielded one single factor, which accounted for 65.19% of the variance. The test–retest reliability correlation coefficient was 0.80. Its discriminant validity was documented by a highly significant difference (P < 0.001) between the mean scores of the two samples with presumed differences in quality of life. Thus, the MQLI-Ch showed high feasibility, internal structure, reliability and discriminant validity.