No description available.

No description available.

Background: Muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length describe the architecture of a muscle. These properties can be observed alongside subcutaneous fat thickness using ultrasonography; however, measurement is sensitive to the angle of the transducer against the skin. Typically, the transducer is held perpendicular to skin for imaging. Nonetheless, a convenient, reliable method to ensure transducer angle consistency has not been reported. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of transducer angle on muscle architecture and subcutaneous fat measurements of quadriceps muscles (vastus lateralis and rectus femoris) in healthy young adults. A secondary objective was to determine intra- and inter-rater reliability. Methods: Thirty men and women were recruited (25±2.5 years; BMI: 22.6±3.0 kg/m2). Ultrasound images were acquired from two muscles. An image was taken at an estimated perpendicular angle to the skin. Then, using a 3D-printed device with a protractor that attached to the ultrasound transducer, images were taken at measured angles 5-10˚ medial and lateral to perpendicular. Agreement and error were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard error measurements (SEMs). Results: Good to excellent agreement was demonstrated for muscle and fat thicknesses regardless of transducer angle (ICC >0.66). Intra-rater reliability was excellent for all outcomes within both muscles (ICC >0.89). Inter-rater reliability for the rectus femoris was good to excellent for all transducer angles except for measurements of fascicle lengths at 85° (ICC: 0.33–0.99). Inter-rater reliability improved >20% for the vastus lateralis with the device. Conclusion: Measurements of muscle pennation angle and fascicle lengths, but not muscle or subcutaneous fat thicknesses, were sensitive to transducer angle. Reliability of pennation angle and fascicle lengths improved with the use of our device. Using our device, reliable muscle architecture measures can be made for the rectus femoris and the vastus lateralis in healthy young adults. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / The arrangement of small muscle components, known as fascicles, can be observed in humans using ultrasound imaging. These fascicle arrangements can be measured to improve understanding of muscle function and disease processes. A potential problem of viewing muscle with ultrasound is that the angle of the probe head against the skin can alter the appearance of the muscle fascicles. The goal of this research was to improve current methods of ultrasound imaging of two thigh muscles. We have created a novel 3D-printed device to attach to the existing ultrasound probe. This 3D-printed device stabilizes the ultrasound probe head; and accurately determines the angles between the ultrasound probe head and the surface of the skin. In this study, the use of this device improved reliability of our ultrasound images by >20%. Future use of this device may improve measurements of muscle fascicles acquired with ultrasound imaging.

This project investigates the extent to which EFL teachers’ assessment practices of two students’ written texts differ in a Swedish upper-secondary school. It also seeks to understand the factors influencing the teachers regarding inter-rater reliability in their assessment and marking process. The results show inconsistencies in the summative grades given by the raters; these inconsistencies include what the raters deem important in the rubric; however, the actual assessment process was very similar for different raters. Based on the themes found in the content analysis regarding what perceived factors affected the raters, the results showed that peer-assessment, assessment training, context, and time were of importance to the raters. Emerging themes indicate that the interpretation of rubrics, which should actually matter the most when it comes to assessment, causes inconsistencies in summative marking, regardless of the use of the same rubrics, criteria and instructions by the raters. The results suggest a need for peer-assessment as a tool in the assessment and marking of students’ texts to ensure inter-rater reliability, which would mean that more time needs to be allocated to grading.

No description available.

Cette thèse porte sur l’évaluation du leadership par une approche multi-évaluateurs (dite à 360 degrés). Tout d'abord les différents modèles du leadership, allant d'une conception unitaire, à une conception interractionniste puis à une définition en termes d'effet, sont détaillés. Puis en étudiant la question de la mesure, on met en évidence qu'avec la popularité croissante de leurs modèles, certains outils d'évaluation sont devenus des questionnaires psychométriques à part entière. Pourtant, du fait des limites de l’auto-évaluation, une nouvelle approche du leadership à vu le jour: l'évaluation à 360°. Elle évalue les qualités d'un manager en interrogeant les personnes travaillant avec lui (subordonnés, collègues, supérieurs...) et en comparant leurs évaluations avec la propre évaluation du manager. Un des points central de notre recherche a été d’étudier les apports et les limites de cette méthode. Tout d'abord on a vérifié dans quelle mesure les caractéristiques souvent utilisées pour expliquer la variabilité entre les catégories d'observateurs permettaient réellement de comprendre les écarts observés. Ces analyses ont montré que malgré des résultats significatifs, ces variables n’expliquent que très partiellement la variance existante. De par ces conclusions l’accent a été mis, non plus sur les différences inter-groupes, mais sur l'accord et le désaccord au sein des groupes d'observateurs. Enfin, la dernière partie revient aux bases méthodologiques et théoriques de la mesure en cherchant à proposer un modèle psychométriques qui conviendrait aux résultats de questionnaires à 360°, permettant de donner un cadre conceptuel au recours à des évaluateurs multiples. / This thesis is centered on leadership assessment through multi-rater evaluation, commonly known as 360 degrees assessment. First, leadership models were presented, and then, we discussed the measurement aspects of leadership, wherein we observed that some tools became full fledged psychometric assessments owning to the growing popularity of their underlying theory. Nevertheless, the concerns over the inherent limitations of self-report measures continued to be a major challenge in leadership assessment. This led to a new assessment approach called 360 degrees in which the characteristics of leaders are assessed by people working with them (subordinates, colleagues, superiors...) and compared with the leaders' self-appraisals. The focal point of this thesis was to study the advantages as well as the limitations of this approach. The study started with examining how well the variables which are supposed to explain the inter-rater variability were actually helpful in understanding the observed variance among observers. Those analysis yielded significant results despite the fact that those variables could explain only a very limited amount of variance. Following these observations, the study switched its focus from inter-group differences to intra-group / inter-rater agreement and disagreement. Finally, the last part of this thesis gets back to methodological and theoretical basics of measurement theory and proposes a psychometric model that would suit the 360 degrees assessments followed by a conceptual framework for the studies using multi-rater techniques.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of SBAR-cued web-based communication skills training and address study participants' perceptions of the training. Specific Aims: Evaluate the usefulness and accuracy of participants to answer prompts of SBAR-cued communication responses. Describe individuals' perspectives of the acceptability of using SBAR patient-HCP communication simulation to better prepare for ED visits during a SCC. Framework: This study was guided by The Theory of Self-Care Management for Sickle Cell Disease (SCMSCD). Design: A secondary analysis was conducted using a qualitative descriptive approach. Inter-rater reliability (IRR) of qualitative data was used to evaluate the usefulness and accuracy of participants to answer prompts of SBAR-cued communication responses. Content analysis was also utilized to describe individuals' perspectives of the acceptability of using SBAR patient-HCP communication simulation to better prepare for ED visits during a SCC. Results: IRR between raters ranged from 64%-94% with predominant themes of (1) Patient-Provider Communication and Interaction, (2) Patients want to be Heard and Believed, (3) Accuracy of the ED Experience and Incorporating the Uniqueness of each Patient and (4) Overall Usefulness of the Video Trainer emerging. Conclusions: This secondary analysis supported how SBAR can be effectively used to assist patients in a SCC to communicate with their HCP. Participants' responses indicated the training module facilitated communication between patients and HCPs.

No description available.

No description available.

<p>Introduction</p> <p>The most common complication following invasive cardiac procedures is the development of vascular access site (VAS) bruising. The extent and impact of VAS bruising is poorly understood and minimally reported in the literature. Research into this common post-procedure complication is hindered by the lack of a reliable bruise measurement tool, and the concept that VAS bruising is a minor complication. This mixed methods study examined the inter-rater reliability of two methods to measure VAS bruise size. The embedded qualitative descriptive study explored patient perceptions of VAS bruising.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Participants having femoral or radial artery puncture for invasive cardiac procedures were included in this study. Participants reporting VAS bruising completed self measurement of bruise size using two methods, linear measurement and planimetry. The principal investigator and research assistant completed bruise measurements at the same time, and were blinded to participant and each others’ measurements. Following bruise measurement, the principal investigator conducted semi-structured interviews on a convenience sample of participants; including both sexes, a range of ages, and bruise sizes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Measurements were completed on 40 participants with VAS bruises. Analysis of inter-rater reliability was done using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), two-way random effects model. The inter-rater reliability for both linear measurement and planimetry between all three measurers was high (.929; .914 respectively). Analysis of participant narratives uncovered three major themes concerns, impact and mediating factors, with several sub-themes.</p> <p>The findings of this study support the reliability of patient VAS bruise measurement using linear measurement and planimetry. The goals and available resources for VAS research may determine the choice of measurement approach. Qualitative descriptive results indicate that patients have concerns related to VAS bruising and that this bruising may impact activities of daily living. Future research examining VAS complications should include evaluation of VAS bruising as significant patient outcome.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)