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At least 991 records · Page 55Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

Validation of Align Technology's Treat III digital model superimposition tool and its case application.

OBJECTIVE: An assessment of the efficacy and accuracy of three-dimensional computer-based predictive orthodontic systems requires that new methods of treatment analysis be developed and validated. DESIGN: Invisalign is a digitally fabricated, removable orthodontic appliance that has been commercially available since 1999. It is made up of two main components: 1) computerized graphical images of a patient's teeth moving through a series of stages from initial to final position; 2) pressure formed clear plastic appliances made from stereolithography models of the images in the first component. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: The manufacturer of Invisalign (Align Technology, Inc.) has created a software tool that can be used to superimpose digital models to evaluate treatment outcomes in three dimensions. Using this software, research was conducted to determine if a single operator could repeatedly superimpose two identical digital models using 12 selected points from the palatal rugae over 10 trials. The tool was then applied to one subject's orthodontic treatment. EXPERIMENT VARIABLES: The output from this tool includes rotations, translations and morphological changes. For this study, translations and rotations were chosen. RESULTS: The results showed that the digital superimposition was reproducible, and that after multiple trials, the superimposition error decreased. The average error in x, y, z, Rx, Ry and Rz after 10 trials was determined to approach approximately 0.2 mm in translation and less than 1 degree in rotation, with a standard deviation of 0.15 mm and 0.7 mm, respectively. The treatment outcome from a single Invisalign-treated bicuspid extraction case was also evaluated tooth-by-tooth in x, y, z, Rx, Ry and Rz dimensions. CONCLUSION: Using the palate, as a stable reference seemed to work well and the evaluation of the single case showed that many, but not all, of the planned movements occurred.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Tool use affects perceived distance, but only when you intend to use it.

Recent research demonstrates neurologic and behavioral differences in people's responses to the space that is within and beyond reach. The present studies demonstrated a perceptual difference as well. Reachability was manipulated by having participants reach with and without a tool. Across 2 conditions, in which participants either held a tool or not, targets were presented at the same distances. Perceived distances to targets within reach holding the tool were compressed compared with targets that were beyond reach without it. These results suggest that reachability serves as a metric for perception. The 3rd experiment found that reachability only influenced perceived distance when the perceiver intended to reach. These experiments suggest that the authors perceive the environment in terms of our intentions and abilities to act within it.

Attention↗

PubMed1992

Object manipulation and the use of tools by infant baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis).

Infant baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis) in a captive peer group used objects as containers, drinking utensils, and sponges in the context of play. The baboons later used paper, browse, and other materials as tools to extract sweet liquids from apparatus designed to accommodate sponging and probing behavior. The results of this study demonstrate flexible combinatorial manipulation and spontaneous use of tools by infant baboons. These data are consistent with hypotheses that (a) an evolutionary history of omnivorous extractive foraging is associated with the use of tools and (b) free play in an object-enriched captive environment may facilitate combinatorial manipulation in nonhuman primates.

Aging↗

PubMed2004

Chosen striking location and the user-tool-environment system.

Controlling a hand-held tool requires that the tool user bring the tool into contact with an environmental surface in a task-appropriate manner. This, in turn, requires applying muscular forces so as to overcome how the object resists being moved about its various axes. Perceived properties of hand-held objects tend to be constrained by inertial variables that describe such resistance to movement. In 3 experiments, the authors investigated whether participants choose different striking locations on striking implements when using that implement under different constraints. The results suggest that the constraints of the striking task and the grasp position on the striking implement together contribute to the chosen striking location. Furthermore, such choices are constrained by inertial variables that reflect combinations of these constraints.

Environment↗

PubMed1997

2.5-million-year-old stone tools from Gona, Ethiopia.

The Oldowan Stone tool industry was named for 1.8-million-year-old (Myr) artefacts found near the bottom of Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. Subsequent archaeological research in the Omo (Ethiopia) and Turkana (Kenya) also yielded stone tools dated to 2.3 Myr. Palaeoanthropological investigations in the Hadar region of the Awash Valley of Ethiopia, revealed Oldowan assemblages in the adjacent Gona River drainage. We conducted field work in the Gona study area of Ethiopia between 1992 and 1994 which resulted in additional archaeological discoveries as well as radioisotopic age control and a magnetic polarity stratigraphy of the Gona sequence. These occurrences are now securely dated between 2.6-2.5 Myr. The stone tools are thus the oldest known artefacts from anywhere in the world. The artefacts show surprisingly sophisticated control of stone fracture mechanics, equivalent to much younger Oldowan assemblages of Early Pleistocene age. This indicates an unexpectedly long period of technological stasis in the Oldowan.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Behavioural ecology: tool manufacture by naive juvenile crows.

New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) are the most prolific avian tool-users. Regional variation in the shape of their tools may be the result of cumulative cultural evolution--a phenomenon considered to be a hallmark of human culture. Here we show that hand-raised juvenile New Caledonian crows spontaneously manufacture and use tools, without any contact with adults of their species or any prior demonstration by humans. Our finding is a crucial step towards producing informed models of cultural transmission in this species, and in animals in general.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Assessing computational tools for the discovery of transcription factor binding sites.

The prediction of regulatory elements is a problem where computational methods offer great hope. Over the past few years, numerous tools have become available for this task. The purpose of the current assessment is twofold: to provide some guidance to users regarding the accuracy of currently available tools in various settings, and to provide a benchmark of data sets for assessing future tools.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PubMed2003

A new web-based data mining tool for the identification of candidate genes for human genetic disorders.

To identify the gene underlying a human genetic disorder can be difficult and time-consuming. Typically, positional data delimit a chromosomal region that contains between 20 and 200 genes. The choice then lies between sequencing large numbers of genes, or setting priorities by combining positional data with available expression and phenotype data, contained in different internet databases. This process of examining positional candidates for possible functional clues may be performed in many different ways, depending on the investigator's knowledge and experience. Here, we report on a new tool called the GeneSeeker, which gathers and combines positional data and expression/phenotypic data in an automated way from nine different web-based databases. This results in a quick overview of interesting candidate genes in the region of interest. The GeneSeeker system is built in a modular fashion allowing for easy addition or removal of databases if required. Databases are searched directly through the web, which obviates the need for data warehousing. In order to evaluate the GeneSeeker tool, we analysed syndromes with known genesis. For each of 10 syndromes the GeneSeeker programme generated a shortlist that contained a significantly reduced number of candidate genes from the critical region, yet still contained the causative gene. On average, a list of 163 genes based on position alone was reduced to a more manageable list of 22 genes based on position and expression or phenotype information. We are currently expanding the tool by adding other databases. The GeneSeeker is available via the web-interface (http://www.cmbi.kun.nl/GeneSeeker/).

Computational Biology↗

PubMed2002

The use of the simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) as a diagnostic tool to study the prevalence of erectile dysfunction.

The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in a non-selected population using the abridged 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) as a diagnostic tool. In a non-institutionalized population and during a free screening program for prostate cancer (Prostate Cancer Awareness Week of Santa Casa Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil), from 26 to 30 July 1998, all men who were attending were invited to complete a sexual activity questionnaire (the abridged 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function-IIEF-5) as a diagnostic tool for ED. The possible scores for the IIEF-5 range from 5 to 25, and ED was classified into five categories based on the scores: severe (5-7), moderate (8-11), mild to moderate (12-16), mild (17-21), and no ED (22-25). Of the 1071 men who participated in the program, 965 (90.1%) were included in this study. Of the responding men 850 were Caucasian (88%) and 115 were black (12%). The mean age of the men was 60.7 y, ranging from 40 to 90 y old. In this sample the prevalence of all degrees of ED was estimated as 53.9%. In this group of men, the degree of ED was mild in 21.5%, mild to moderate in 14.1%, moderate in 6.3%, and severe in 11.9%. According to age the rates of ED were: 40-49 (36.4%); 50-59 (42.5%); 60-69 (58.1%); 70-79 (79.4%), and over 80 y (100%) showed ED (P<0.05). The Pearson coefficients between the variables age and IIEF-5 showed a statistically significant inverse (negative) relation (r=-0.3449; P<0.05). ED is highly prevalent in men over 40 and this condition showed a clear relationship to aging, as demonstrated in other studies published. The simplified IIEF-5, as a diagnostic tool, showed to be an easy method, which can be used to evaluate this condition in studies with a great number of men.

Age Distribution↗

PubMed1999

Two tools for well-being: health systems and communities.

Medical systems are tools of limited power to improve health status in modern societies. The associational tools of local communities are now the most important health-giving resources. Health professionals must learn the nature of these tools and understand their relation to and support of them.

Community Health Planning↗

PubMed1993

Development and testing of the autobiographical memory coding tool.

Development and testing of the autobiographical memory coding tool (AMCT) is detailed. The tool uses quantitative content analysis procedures to code interpretations of autobiographical memories as validating or lamenting. Development of a system of measuring autobiographical memories from transcribed reminiscence interviews involved defining the units of analysis, defining the categories and themes, constructing a codebook, assessing content validity, assessing reliability and making revisions. Thirty-nine transcripts of reminiscence interviews were used for tool development and testing. The AMCT contains a series of step-by-step guidelines for conducting the analysis and includes an autobiographical memory thematic dictionary and descriptions of range and variations in each theme to assist with coding data. Intercoder reliability estimates were 0.93, 0.93 and 0.95. Test-retest reliability was 1.00.

Abstracting and Indexing↗

PubMed1993

Theory to practice: developing a Rogerian-based assessment tool.

Nursing models are invaluable in the direction they provide for nursing practice, education and research. The growth and development of the nursing profession is enhanced when its practice is guided by nursing theory. Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings is appealing to nursing because of its open-systems perspective and focus on holistic and individualistic care. Rogers' model is utilized to develop a nursing assessment tool that may be used in a variety of situations. The Rogerian-based assessment tool is used to gather data from a postpartum mother experiencing the challenges of her first newborn. Problems incurred while developing and utilizing the tool are discussed. Rogers' model is shown to be practical and effective in this case study.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Development and testing of the ethical reasoning tool (ERT): an instrument to measure the ethical reasoning of nurses.

Ascertaining the thinking of professionals as they are confronted with ethical practice issues is a prerequisite to understanding ethical decision making. Before researchers or educators can examine the effectiveness of various approaches to ethics teaching and learning, there is a need for reliable and valid tools to assess practitioners' cognition. A potential problem with the few measuring instruments currently available is the fact that they ask subjects to rank order existing lists of issues. This says little about an individuals' own thinking about ethical issues and may prompt thinking or responses which would not otherwise have occurred. This paper reports the results of a study to test the psychometric properties of a new instrument, the Ethical Reasoning Tool (ERT) that measures ethical reasoning of nurses. The ERT demonstrates a promising way to reveal unprompted ethical thinking about a practice dilemma, thereby clarifying 'real' versus 'assumed' professional reasoning. The tool allows nurse educators to identify areas of student learning/reasoning deficiency that can be addressed by educational interventions. The ERT also allows nurse educators to evaluate the effectiveness of nursing ethics study units in a trustworthy way.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

The team survey: a tool for health care team development.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to validate a psychometric tool, the team survey, in a health care setting with a range of teams from a Large National Health Service (NHS) Trust. BACKGROUND: The team survey was developed by Millward and Ramsay (1998) to measure the team dimensions identified in the cognitive-motivational model of team effectiveness (Millward & Purvis 1998). The team dimensions are team potency, team identification, Shared Mental Models and team meta-cognitions. DESIGN AND METHODS: The psychometric properties of the tool as a reliable and valid predictor of team effectiveness was assessed by way of a survey of 10 teams (comprising 124 members in all) located on different premises, within a large NHS Trust. Team size ranged between 5 and 19 members, with average team size being 10 members. Two independent ratings of 'effectiveness' were made for each team. Factor and multiple regression analyses were employed to identify the most powerful predictors of health care team effectiveness from a cognitive and motivational perspective. RESULTS: The results suggest that the team survey is psychometrically robust within a health care setting. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the tool has a potentially key role in informing and evaluating team development initiatives in support of the work of practice development nurses and nursing team leaders.

Cognition↗

PubMed2001

Screening swallowing function of patients with acute stroke. Part two: Detailed evaluation of the tool used by nurses.

Stroke is a common problem and a major consumer of health and social care budgets in the UK. Dysphagia is a frequent accompaniment and its management has the potential to exert significant influence within the rehabilitation process. This study explores in detail the performance of a screening tool (based on the Standardized Swallowing Assessment) used by nurses. Based on 68 complete screening episodes by independently competent nurses, with the effects of chance removed, the tool demonstrated good agreement with summative clinical judgement of swallow function (kappa = 0.88). The accuracy of results supported the full training and education programme for nurses. Not all components of the tool were required; analyses suggested elimination of three variables but further exploration is warranted. As a component of evidence-based guidelines for nutritional support in acute stroke, the screening initiative contributed to improved patient outcomes.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2003

The evolution of clinical audit as a tool for quality improvement.

Clinical auditing practices are recognized universally as a useful tool in evaluating and improving the quality of care provided by a health service. External auditing is a regular activity for mental health services in Australia but internal auditing activities are conducted at the discretion of each service. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of 6 years of internal auditing activities in a mental health service. A review of the scope, audit tools, purpose, sampling and design of the internal audits and identification of the recommendations from six consecutive annual audit reports was completed. Audit recommendations were examined, as well as levels of implementation and reasons for success or failure. Fifty-seven recommendations were identified, with 35% without action, 28% implemented and 33.3% still pending or in progress. The recommendations were more likely to be implemented if they relied on activity, planning and action across a selection of service areas rather than being restricted to individual departments within a service, if they did not involve non-mental health service departments and if they were not reliant on attitudinal change. Tools used, scope and reporting formats have become more sophisticated as part of the evolutionary nature of the auditing process. Internal auditing in the Barwon Health Mental Health Service has been effective in producing change in the quality of care across the organization. A number of evolutionary changes in the audit process have improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the audit.

Australia↗

PubMed2001

Reliability of a nutrition screening tool for use in elderly day hospitals.

BACKGROUND: There are a plethora of nutrition screening tools (NSTs) in use in a variety of clinical settings that are either unvalidated and/ or not client specific. There is a need for an NST for all elderly patients attending community day hospitals. At present such a validated tool is unavailable. AIMS: To assess the reliability and reproducibility of a developed NST; and to identify elderly patients attending day hospitals who have, or are at risk of, poor nutritional status. METHODS: Three day hospitals were selected and 70 admissions were prospectively assessed by Nursing staff and independently by a State Registered Dietitian (SRD) The patients' nutritional status was anthropometrically assessed using the NST. RESULTS: The level of agreement between the nurse and the dietitian for each of the levels of the NST and the overall score was either 'good agreement' or 'very good agreement' as defined by Cohen's Kappa. Spearman's Rank Correlation between objective markers of assessment and the Nurse or Dietitian score from the NST were all statistically significant (P = 0.42). As an identifier of risk, the NST has low levels of sensitivity, but high levels of specificity. CONCLUSION: The Ayrshire NST is a reliable and valid tool which can be used by qualified Nursing staff to assist in screening elderly patients at high risk of poor nutritional status.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Molecular tools for the diagnosis of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis.

In the past years, the diagnostic tools applied to identify alveolar (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) in human patients have not only increased in number but also substantially improved in quality. The identification and characterization of species-specific parasite proteins/antigens allowed to generate subsequently recombinant or synthetic polypeptide antigens, as well as corresponding monoclonal antibodies. Some of these new tools have already demonstrated operating characteristics superior to conventional tests used for the immunodiagnosis of CE and AE, and thus may be suggested for routine laboratory application. Powerful molecular techniques, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have been developed and adapted to advance laboratory diagnosis of AE and CE. Detecting minute amounts of parasite DNA and mRNA, not only to identify but also to characterize the biological status of parasite material, thus becomes a complementary method to synergize immunodiagnostic techniques. This review focuses on recent developments of molecular tools, discussing their potential use as a primary or a supporting diagnostic element. We also outline some future developments to be undertaken in the field of molecular diagnosis, linked to clinical and laboratory problems.

Animals↗