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Abstract: As the industrial systems are growing complex these-days and data related to the system performance are recorded/collected from various resources under various practical constraints. If the collected data are used as such in the analysis, then they have high range of uncertainties occurred in the analysis and hence performance of the system cannot be done up to desired levels. Thus the main objective of the present work is to remove the uncertainties in the data up to a desired degree of accuracy by utilizing the uncertain, vague and limited data. For analysis of this, an artificial bee colony based Lambda–Tau (ABCBLT) methodology has been used in which expression of the reliability parameters are computed by using Lambda–Tau methodology and their membership functions are formulated by solving a nonlinear optimization problem with artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm. A time varying failure rate has been used in the analysis instead of constant failure rate. A new RAM-Index has been proposed for ranking the systems’ components based on its performance. The technique has been demonstrated through a case study of press unit of a paper industry, situated in Northern part of India, producing 200tons of paper per day. The results computed by the proposed approach are compared with the Lambda–Tau methodology and concluded that they have a reduced region of prediction in comparison of existing technique region, i.e. uncertainties involved in the analysis are reduced. Thus, it may be a more useful analysis tool to assess the current system conditions and involved uncertainties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Self-report survey-based data collection is increasingly carried out using the Internet, as opposed to the traditional paper-and-pencil method. However, previous research on the equivalence of these methods has yielded inconsistent findings. This may be due to methodological and statistical issues present in much of the literature, such as nonequivalent samples in different conditions due to recruitment, participant self-selection to conditions, and data collection procedures, as well as incomplete or inappropriate statistical procedures for examining equivalence. We conducted 2 studies examining the equivalence of paper-and-pencil and Internet data collection that accounted for these issues. In both studies, we used measures of personality, social desirability, and computer self-efficacy, and, in Study 2, we used personal growth initiative to assess quantitative equivalence (i.e., mean equivalence), qualitative equivalence (i.e., internal consistency and intercorrelations), and auxiliary equivalence (i.e., response rates, missing data, completion time, and comfort completing questionnaires using paper-and-pencil and the Internet). Study 1 investigated the effects of completing surveys via paper-and-pencil or the Internet in both traditional (i.e., lab) and natural (i.e., take-home) settings. Results indicated equivalence across conditions, except for auxiliary equivalence aspects of missing data and completion time. Study 2 examined mailed paper-and-pencil and Internet surveys without contact between experimenter and participants. Results indicated equivalence between conditions, except for auxiliary equivalence aspects of response rate for providing an address and completion time. Overall, the findings show that paper-and-pencil and Internet data collection methods are generally equivalent, particularly for quantitative and qualitative equivalence, with nonequivalence only for some aspects of auxiliary equivalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares cost, completion times, and percent completion of electronic tablet (n = 244) to paper-based (n = 398) questionnaires administered to participants of scenic raft trips on the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park. We hypothesized e-tablet questionnaires would (1) cost less (2) be completed faster and (3) be completely filled more frequently than paper-based questionnaires. Our survey resulted in a greater per unit cost of e-tablet compared to paper-based questionnaires ($4.17 and $1.80, respectively). Although e-tablets were completed faster (230 [±66] s) than paper questionnaires (235 [±57] s), the difference was not significant (t(641) = 1.97, p = 0.39). E-tablets were filled completely more frequently than paper questionnaires (80% vs. 51%, respectively; χ2 = 3.84, p < 0.01). We suggest that for multi-year projects with a sample size target of ≥100, and length ≥ 5 pages, e-tablets are more cost effective and efficient than paper-based surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the response to the European Securities and Markets Authority's (ESMA) Consultation Paper on the draft technical standards on disclosure requirements, operational standards and access conditions under the Securitisation Regulation (ESMA33-128-107).1 The Consultation Paper was published on 19th December, 2017, on ESMA's homepage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-023-01833-8.Correction: BMC Med Res Methodol 23, 10 (2023)https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-023-01833-8Following publication of the original article [[1]], the authors reported an error in the Fig. 4: the colours in the pie charts in Fig. 4 do not all correspond with the legend. See the Fig. 4 corrected.Graph: Fig. 4 Breakdown of total costs across the surveysThe original article [[1]] has been updated.By Siân Harrison; Fiona Alderdice and Maria A. QuigleyReported by Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

This article focuses on the professional writing of women in the transformation phase around 1800. Referring specifically to the woman of letters Helmina von Chézy (1783-1856) and her family, which participated in the literary market over four generations, it asks how authors could use paper(s) as assets or resources. It is shown that writersʼ papers were collected and kept as material evidence of life, that they could be an indicator of financial status and provide insight into financial practices, and that they were used particularly to position oneself (as a writer) and to relate to others. Within changing personal and historical contexts, the writing work of family members was based ultimately, in varying forms and shapes, on the logics of their social relations, lived as well as negotiated and recorded on paper. Thus, the papers used and inscribed in the family can be conceptualized as a multi-perspective kaleidoscope, offering new views on central aspects and mechanisms of writerly economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before organizing mixed-mode data collection for the self-administered questionnaire of the Belgian Health Interview Survey, measurement effects between the paper-and-pencil and the web-based questionnaire were evaluated. A two-period cross-over study was organized with a sample of 149 employees of two Belgian research institutes (age range 22–62 years, 72% female). Measurement agreement was assessed for a diverse range of health indicators related to general health, mental and psychosocial health, health behaviors and prevention with kappa coefficients and intraclass correlation (ICC). The quality of the data collected by both modes was evaluated by quantifying the missing, ‘don’t know’ and inconsistent values and data entry mistakes. Good to very good agreement was found for all categorical indicators with kappa coefficients superior to 0.60, except for two mental and psychosocial health indicators namely the presence of a sleeping disorder and of a depressive disorder (kappa≥0.50). For the continuous indicators high to acceptable agreement was observed with ICC superior to 0.70. Inconsistent answers and data-entry mistakes were only occurring in the paper-and-pencil mode. There were no less missing values in the web-based mode compared to the paper-and-pencil mode. The study supports the idea that web-based modes provide, in general, equal responses to paper-and-pencil modes. However, health indicators based upon factual and objective items tend to have higher measurement agreement than indicators requiring an assessment of personal subjective feelings. A web-based mode greatly facilitates the data-entry process and guides the completing of a questionnaire. However, item non-response was not positively affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In medical and clinical education, creating critical thinking and promoting clinical reasoning abilities are the highest aims and results of education. The main aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of digital case scenarios versus print/paper case scenarios on clinical reasoning in problem-based learning (PBL). If a study used the multimedia scenario case interventions, video case scenarios and online-guided scenarios as digital case PBL, we would consider it eligible. Methods: The study was a systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive search for all randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses for digital case scenarios versus paper case scenarios in PBL were conducted using Medline (Ovid), Scopus, ISI Web of Science and CINAHL. Google Scholar was used to follow the bibliographies of the related papers to create an exhaustive data set. Search results were limited to the years 2003-2013. Results: Our searches yielded 65 hits. After initial screenings of the titles and abstracts, we assessed the full texts of studies. Five eligible studies with 222 students were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that both of the digital and paper-based scenarios have similar impacts on clinical reasoning. But the review of papers showed that 73% of students are more satisfied with digital scenarios in comparison with paper-based scenarios and found that digital scenarios are 90% more time saving than paper-based scenarios. Conclusion: According to the results of meta-analysis, efficacy of digital-based scenarios is similar to the efficacy of paper-based scenarios while simultaneously creating more satisfaction and saving the time of students and teachers; therefore, it is suggested that electronic PBL be used rather than paper-based in all levels of medical education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work is presented and described an optical system specifically designed and implemented to be applied for the study of the ink–paper interaction at the paper surface, considering the two main directions of the paper sheet (machine and cross directions). This work is particularly concerned with the system description, complete characterization, test, and its usage under real conditions. Concerning the system characterization, the main parameters were addressed and set having in mind its optimization. Relatively to the test of the system, several measurements using specific object samples with known dimensions were carried out to evaluate the accuracy of the obtained results. In terms of its usage under real conditions, an experiment was carried out using a commercial ink and common copy paper to dynamically collect data of its interaction. The collected data, after processing, enabled the determination of the main results of the analyzed ink–paper interaction, which allowed to reach the following conclusions; (1) the implemented system offers two different analysis approaches (qualitative and quantitative), both showing to be in agreement; and (2) the system also shows to be important to identify variations of the ink–paper interaction, manifested in the machine and cross directions of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using digital data collection devices in the field is now commonplace among many faculty and students. However, there is less attention to how the use of GPS units, tablets and devices transforms or alters our understanding of the field itself. Does the embrace of the digital simply replace paper, or does it fundamentally transform our ways of knowing? What do we gain and what do we lose as we move from paper to digital in the acts of doing fieldwork? What are the limits of technology in the field and after the field? In this paper, I wrestle with these questions through my own fieldwork experiences through two story-telling narratives. In the first, I discuss the process of documenting pastoralists' cattle movement through GPS units, while in the second I relay the process of using tourists as volunteer citizen scientists for wildlife monitoring efforts. Through these examples, I demonstrate a number of key lessons for fieldwork with digital devices and call for a more thorough understanding of the dialectics between devices and users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collection and use of data on climate change and its impacts are crucial for effective climate adaptation and climate risk management. The revolution in internet access, technology and costs has led to a shift from using traditional paper‐based data collection to the use of Mobile Data Collection using Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) such as smartphones and tablets. In this paper, we report our experiences using both approaches for a household and business survey during a climate adaptation study in two Nigerian cities—Makurdi and Calabar. The focus of this paper is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of using traditional paper‐based data collection and PDAs as data collection tools for climate change study in African societies. In Calabar, data were collected using paper questionnaires, while in Makurdi the questionnaires were developed on Open Data Kit (ODK) and administered using PDAs. Results show that data collection using PDA was faster, cheaper, more accurate and resulted in fewer omissions than paper‐based data collection. There was a time saving of four (4) minutes per questionnaire and a 24% cost saving when using PDA. PDA provides additional benefits where platforms can collect images, videos and coordinates. This significantly improved the credibility of the data collection process and provided further data that allowed for the mapping of environmental phenomena by linking survey research with geo‐referenced data in a geographic information systems platform to provide spatial representations of social and environmental system convergence. PDA offers a tool for collecting data that will make necessary socio‐environmental data available in a faster, reliable and cheaper manner; future research can build on this study by discovering other possible but less highlighted benefits of PDA. Although, with great benefits, there are lessons to be learnt and issues to consider when deploying PDA in large‐scale household surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Paper food and gastrointestinal ( GI) symptom journals are used to help irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) patients determine potential trigger foods. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and clinical utility of such journals as a data collection tool. A secondary aim was to explore a method for analyzing journal data to describe patterns of diet and symptoms. Methods Participants (N=17) were asked to log three sets of 3-day food and symptom journals over a 15-day period. Feasibility was evaluated by journal completion rates, symptom logging compliance, and logging fatigability. The feasibility, usability, and clinical utility of journaling were also assessed by a customized evaluation and exit interview. For each journal, regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between key meal nutrients and subsequent symptoms. Key Results Most participants were young (mean age 35±12) Caucasian (N=13) women (N=14). Journal completion rates were 100% for all participants with no logging fatigability. Over half perceived paper journaling of food and symptoms as feasible, usable, and clinically useful. Thirteen participants demonstrated a strong association with at least one symptom and meal nutrient. Patterns of associations differed among participants. Conclusions and Inferences Paper journaling of food and GI symptoms for 9 days over a 15-day period appeared to be a feasible and usable data collection tool for IBS patients. Over half perceived journaling as at least somewhat clinically useful. Findings from this study support the anecdote that food trigger(s) and associated symptom(s) vary for each individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this qualitative study, based on the Survey Method, was to introduce a new technique to collect data on educational practices. For this purpose, a sample practice was designed to implement with a volunteer study group comprising 36 editors in a publishing company. The task details of the sample practice were determined via DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) method in order to analyze the tasks and the job description of editors in a publishing company. In that way, thirteen tasks were determined for the participant editors. During the implementation phase of the new technique called "Storage Technique", a sheet of colorful paper was delivered to each participant, they were invited to think and write down whatever came uppermost as a task of an editor, and to fold the paper. The papers folded were put in to a fishbowl. After all participants put their folded papers in the bowl, they were invited to pick a paper in the color other than theirs, and to write the task written in that paper if it was different from their own. The process was repeated for three rounds, and consequently, three different task descriptions were obtained from each participant editor. Finally, 7 out of 36 participants were interviewed to get their viewpoints about the technique administered in the process. For the analysis of the data, the descriptive analysis was utilized. The result of the study revealed that the Storage Technique could be applied effectively for the collection of the data in the fields of Education and Teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on a paper-and-pencil alternative called Quest-Sort to the card-sorting approach in gathering Q data. It provides information on Quest-Sort which represents a composite of a card slot and questionnaire, reducing administration costs in space and time requirements. It compares Quest-Sort with the traditional card-sorting approach and explores the results of two experimental validation studies.

Global science is set to experience different times in the 2020s. China surpasses the USA in terms of the number of scientific papers in 2020 in most scientific databases. This scenario is expected to have implications not only in East Asia but also beyond the region. Against this backdrop, this paper investigates the scientific influence of the US-China competition on six major Muslim-majority science systems. Multiple data sources are used to collect data for the bibliometric analyses, which include the trend analysis of collaboration patterns, discipline-based collaborations, authorship patterns for responsibility in collaborations, and citation premium of collaborations with the USA versus China. All the analyses consistently demonstrate that the USA is losing its scientific influence on the selected Muslim-majority science systems to China. Analysis results indicate an astonishing increase in collaborations with China-based scientists in the last decade. Half of the selected Muslim-majority science systems collaborate more with China-based scientists, whereas the other half collaborate more with the USA in 2021, indicating a fifty-fifty split. The collaborations with China-based authors garner higher citation premiums for the selected Muslim-majority science systems than the collaborations with the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Electronic data collection (EDC) has become a suitable alternative to paper based data collection (PBDC) in biomedical research even in resource poor settings. During a survey in Nepal, data were collected using both systems and data entry errors compared between both methods. Collected data were checked for completeness, values outside of realistic ranges, internal logic and date variables for reasonable time frames. Variables were grouped into 5 categories and the number of discordant entries were compared between both systems, overall and per variable category. Results: Data from 52 variables collected from 358 participants were available. Discrepancies between both data sets were found in 12.6% of all entries (2352/18,616). Differences between data points were identified in 18.0% (643/3580) of continuous variables, 15.8% of time variables (113/716), 13.0% of date variables (140/1074), 12.0% of text variables (86/716), and 10.9% of categorical variables (1370/12,530). Overall 64% (1499/2352) of all discrepancies were due to data omissions, 76.6% (1148/1499) of missing entries were among categorical data. Omissions in PBDC (n = 1002) were twice as frequent as in EDC (n = 497, p < 0.001). Data omissions, specifically among categorical variables were identified as the greatest source of error. If designed accordingly, EDC can address this short fall effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study tests the effects of data collection modes on patient responses associated with the multi-item measures such as Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS®), and single-item measures such as Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE), and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) measures. Methods: Adult cancer patients were recruited from five cancer centers and administered measures of anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, pain intensity, pain interference, ability to participate in social roles and activities, global mental and physical health, and physical function. Patients were randomized to complete the measures on paper (595), interactive voice response (IVR, 596) system, or tablet computer (589). We evaluated differential item functioning (DIF) by method of data collection using the R software package, lordif. For constructs that showed no DIF, we concluded equivalence across modes if the equivalence margin, defined as ± 0.20 × pooled SD, completely surrounds 95% confidence intervals (CI's) for difference in mean score. If the 95% CI fell totally outside the equivalence margin, we concluded systematic score difference by modes. If the 95% CI partly overlaps the equivalence margin, we concluded neither equivalence nor difference. Results: For all constructs, no DIF of any kind was found for the three modes. The scores on paper and tablet were more comparable than between IVR and other modes but none of the 95% CI's were completely outside the equivalence margins, in which we established neither equivalence nor difference. Percentages of missing values were comparable for paper and tablet modes. Percentages of missing values were higher for IVR (2.3% to 6.5% depending on measures) compared to paper and tablet modes (0.7% to 3.3% depending on measures and modes), which was attributed to random technical difficulties experienced in some centers. Conclusion: Across all mode comparisons, there were some measures with CI's not completely contained within the margin of small effect. Two visual modes agreed more than visual-auditory pairs. IVR may induce differences in scores unrelated to constructs being measured in comparison with paper and tablet. The users of the surveys should consider using IVR only when paper and computer administration is not feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a product purity study of recycled Li-ion batteries with a focus on hydrometallurgical recycling processes. Firstly, a brief description of the current recycling status was presented based on the research data. Moreover, this work presented the influence of impurities such as Cu, Fe and Mg on recovered cathode materials performance. The impact of the impurities was described depending on their form (metallic or ionic) and concentration. This work also reviewed hydrometallurgical recycling processes depending on the recovered material, obtained purity and recovery methods. This purity data were obtained from both research and battery industry actors. Finally, the purity study was completed by collecting data regarding commercial battery-grade chemical compounds and active lithium cathode materials, including required purity levels and allowed impurity limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper presents TimelinePTC, a web-based tool developed to improve the collection and analysis of Pathways to Care (PTC) data in first episode psychosis (FEP) research. Accurately measuring the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is essential for effective FEP treatment, requiring detailed understanding of the patient's journey to care. However, traditional PTC data collection methods, mainly manual and paper-based, are time-consuming and often fail to capture the full complexity of care pathways. TimelinePTC addresses these limitations by providing a digital platform for collaborative, real-time data entry and visualization, thereby enhancing data accuracy and collection efficiency. Initially created for the Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP) program in New Haven, Connecticut, its design allows for straightforward adaptation to other healthcare contexts, facilitated by its open-source codebase. The tool significantly simplifies the data collection process, making it more efficient and user-friendly. It automates the conversion of collected data into a format ready for analysis, reducing manual transcription errors and saving time. By enabling more detailed and consistent data collection, TimelinePTC has the potential to improve healthcare access research, supporting the development of targeted interventions to reduce DUP and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Internet data collection is becoming increasingly popular in all research fields dealing with human perceptions, behaviors and opinions. Advantages of internet data collection, when compared to the traditional paper-and-pencil format, include reduced costs, automatic database creation, and the absence of researcher-related bias effects, such as availability and complete anonymity. However, the validity and reliability of internet gathered data must be established, in comparison to the usual paper-and-pencil accepted formats, before an inferential analysis can be done. In this study, we compared questionnaire data gathered from the internet with that from the traditional paper-and-pencil in a sample of college students. The questionnaires used were the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Student Survey (MBI-SS), the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OBI-SS) and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI-SS). Data was gathered through a within-subject cross randomized and counterbalanced design, on both internet and paper-and-pencil formats. The results showed no interference in the application order, and a good reliability for both formats. However, concordance between answers was generally higher in the paper-and-pencil format than on the internet. The factorial structure was invariant in the three burnout inventories. Data gathered in this study supports the Internet as a convenient, user-friendly, comfortable and secure data gathering method which does not affect the accepted factorial structures existent in the paper format of the three burnout inventories used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With teams growing in all areas of scientiic and scholarly research, we explore the relationship between team structure and the character of knowledge they produce. Drawing on 89,575 self-reports of team member research activity underlying scientiic publications, we show how individual activities cohere into broad roles of 1) leadership through the direction and presentation of research and 2) support through data collection, analysis, and discussion.he hidden hierarchy of a scientiic team is characterized by its lead (or L) ratio of members playing leadership roles to total team size.he L ratio is validated through correlation with imputed contributions to the speciic paper and to science as a whole, which we use to efectively extrapolate the L ratio for 16,397,750 papers where roles are not explicit. We ind that, relative to lat, egalitarian teams, tall, hierarchical teams produce less novelty and more often develop existing ideas, increase productivity for those on top and decrease it for those beneath, and increase shortterm citations but decrease long-term inluence.hese efects hold within person--the same person on the same-sized team produces science much more likely to disruptively innovate if they work on a lat, high-L-ratio team.hese results suggest the critical role lat teams play for sustainable scientiic advance and the training and advancement of scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Without a robust evidence base to support recommendations for medical services at mass gatherings (MGs), levels of care will continue to vary and preventable morbidity and mortality will exist. Accordingly, researchers and clinicians publish case reports and case series to capture and explain some of the health interventions, health outcomes, and host community impacts of MGs. Streamlining and standardizing post-event reporting for MG medical services and associated health outcomes could improve inter-event comparability, thereby supporting and promoting growth of the evidence base for this discipline. The present paper is focused on theory building, proposing a set of domains for data that may support increasingly comprehensive, yet lean, reporting on the health outcomes of MGs. This paper is paired with another presenting a proposal for a post-event reporting template.Methods: The conceptual categories of data presented are based on a textual analysis of 54 published post-event medical case reports and a comparison of the features of published data models for MG health outcomes.Findings: A comparison of existing data models illustrates that none of the models are explicitly informed by a conceptual lens. Based on an analysis of the literature reviewed, four data domains emerged. These included: (i) the Event Domain, (ii) the Hazard and Risk Domain, (iii) the Capacity Domain, and (iv) the Clinical Domain. These domains mapped to 16 sub-domains.Discussion: Data modelling for the health outcomes related to MGs is currently in its infancy. The proposed illustration is a set of operationally relevant data domains that apply equally to small, medium, and large-sized events. Further development of these domains could move the MG community forward and shift post-event health outcomes reporting in the direction of increasing consistency and comprehensiveness.Conclusion: Currently, data collection and analysis related to understanding health outcomes arising from MGs is not informed by robust conceptual models. This paper is part of a series of nested papers focused on the future state of post-event medical reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares the quality of responses to eight matrix questions (36 variables) included in a survey administered on paper and by computer in two equivalent samples. Three criteria have considerated: 1) the average of non-response questions for each mode; 2) the repetition (or not) of the same response in different question items (differentiation); and, 3) the choice of extreme and middle response alternatives on the scale (easy responses). The paper questionnaires provided a greater number of non-response questions, with no change in non-response rates when taking into account scale range: 4, 5, 10 and 11 categories. The electronic questionnaire showed slightly greater differentiation and fewer extreme responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares the quality of responses to eight matrix questions (36 variables) included in a survey administered on paper and by computer in two equivalent samples. Three criteria have considerated: 1) the average of non-response questions for each mode; 2) the repetition (or not) of the same response in different question items (differentiation); and, 3) the choice of extreme and middle response alternatives on the scale (easy responses). The paper questionnaires provided a greater number of non-response questions, with no change in non-response rates when taking into account scale range: 4, 5, 10 and 11 categories. The electronic questionnaire showed slightly greater differentiation and fewer extreme responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanide contamination in water and wastewater is ubiquitous, particularly in gold mining industries, where cyanide is commonly used to extract gold. It is constantly being monitored by collecting samples which are analyzed in the laboratory using traditional cyanide analysis, which requires complicated instrumentation, skilled analysts, and expensive equipment. Using the gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-decorated paper-based sensor employing Whatman Filter Paper (WFP) as a substrate, an automated process for cyanide monitoring with the aid of an assembled and improvised remotely controlled miniature boat was developed. The technology is equipped with a filtration system with automated water sample collection and preparation with an automatic paper sensor dispenser. Images of the collected wastewater samples are taken at different time intervals and are analyzed on their respective color spaces based on 8 mathematical models, each predicting the cyanide level of the water sample. The predictions are compared to the actual Ion- Selective Electrode (ISE) measurement, and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values were calculated. The predictions at 165s using the Hue, Saturation, Value (HSV) color space exhibited the highest R2 of 0.85 and the lowest RMSE of 3.80 parts per million (ppm) with an average error of 3.40ppm. The predictions are sent to a database using Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The results suggest that the CYANanobot technology facilitates fast analysis time, circumvents the frequent instrument calibration, reduces operating costs, minimizes exposure to toxic cyanide-containing samples, and reduces person-to-person interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background For disease surveillance, manual data collection using paper-based questionnaires can be time consuming and prone to errors. We introduced smartphone data collection to replace paperbased data collection for an influenza sentinel surveillance system in four hospitals in Kenya. We compared the quality, cost and timeliness of data collection between the smartphone data collection system and the paper-based system. Methods Since 2006, the Kenya Ministry of Health (MoH) with technical support from the Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KEMRI/CDC) conducted hospital-based sentinel surveillance for influenza in Kenya. In May 2011, the MOH replaced paper-based collection with an electronic data collection system using Field Adapted Survey Toolkit (FAST) on HTC Touch Pro2 smartphones at four sentinel sites. We compared 880 paper-based questionnaires dated Jan 2010-Jun 2011 and 880 smartphone questionnaires dated May 2011-Jun 2012 from the four surveillance sites. For each site, we compared the quality, cost and timeliness of each data collection system. Results Incomplete records were more likely seen in data collected using pen-and-paper compared to data collected using smartphones (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 7, 95% CI: 4.4-10.3). Errors and inconsistent answers were also more likely to be seen in data collected using penand-paper compared to data collected using smartphones (aIRR: 25, 95% CI: 12.5-51.8). Smartphone data was uploaded into the database in a median time of 7 days while paperbased data took a median of 21 days to be entered (p < 0.01). It cost USD 1,501 (9.4%) more to establish the smartphone data collection system ($17,500) than the pen-and-paper system (USD $15,999). During two years, however, the smartphone data collection system was $3,801 (7%) less expensive to operate ($50,200) when compared to pen-and-paper system ($54,001). Conclusions Compared to paper-based data collection, an electronic data collection system produced fewer incomplete data, fewer errors and inconsistent responses and delivered data faster. Although start-up costs were higher, the overall costs of establishing and running the electronic data collection system were lower compared to paper-based data collection system. Electronic data collection using smartphones has potential to improve timeliness, data integrity and reduce costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dataset includes data from the two studies reported in our 'Terror Management in a Multicultural Society' paper. The data was collected at the psychology lab at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 2013/2014 among Dutch-speaking student samples. The dataset consists of the measures described in the paper. The data can be used for replication purposes, meta-analyses, and exploratory analyses, as well as cross-cultural comparisons of mortality salience effects. The authors also welcome collaborative research based on re-analyses of the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile phone–assisted personal interviewing (MPAPI) is becoming a more widely used technique to collect survey data. Not having a hard copy paper document to return to when cleaning data raises the question of how data error rates compare with traditional paper surveys and at what cost. One hundred health research interviewers trained to use traditional pen-and-paper (PAP) survey methodology were recruited and randomly assigned to either a PAP or an MPAPI group. After receiving training on the survey instrument, each of the 100 interviewers conducted interviews with the same five interviewees, for a total of 500 interviews. Costs associated with the two survey methods were calculated. Very low error rates were achieved in both PAP and MPAPI, with a total of 381 data errors identified in 21,500 survey items. Findings suggest that experienced, well-trained interviewers using a short, well-constructed survey can produce very low error rates, independent of survey mode and that the benefits of MPAPI would be magnified as the size and complexity of the study increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Low cost disposable working electrodes are specifically desired for practical applications of electrochemical detection considering maturity of electrochemical stations and data collection protocols. In this paper double-sided conductive adhesive carbon tape with nanostructure was applied to fabricate disposable working electrodes. Being supported by indium tin oxide glass, the prepared carbon tape electrodes were coated with bismuth film for stripping analysis of heavy metal ions. By integrating the bismuth modified electrodes with paper-based analytical devices, we were able to differentiate Zn, Cd and Pb ions with the sample volume of around 15μL. After the optimization of parameters, including modification of bismuth film and the area of the electrodes, etc., Pb ions could be measured in the linear range from 10 to 500μg/L with the detection limit of 2μg/L. Our experimental results revealed that the disposable modified electrodes could be used to quantify migrated lead from toys with the results agreed well with that using atomic absorption spectrometry. Although bismuth modification and stripping analysis could be influenced by the low conductivity of the carbon tape, the low cost disposable carbon tape electrodes take the advantages of large-scaled produced double-sided carbon tape, including its reproducible nanostructure and scaled-up fabrication process. In addition, the preparation of disposable electrodes avoids time-consuming pretreatment and experienced operation. This study implied that the carbon tape might be an alternative candidate for practical applications of electrochemical detection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Rapid advances in mobile technologies and applications and the continued growth in digital network coverage have the potential to transform data collection in low- and middle-income countries. A common perception is that digital data collection (DDC) is faster and quickly adaptable.Objective: The objective of this study was to test whether DDC is faster and more adaptable in a roadside environment. We conducted a reliability study comparing digital versus paper data collection in 3 cities in Ghana, Vietnam, and Indonesia observing road safety risk factors in real time.Methods: Roadside observation of helmet use among motorcycle passengers, seat belt use among 4-wheeler passengers, and speeding was conducted in Accra, Ghana; Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam; and Bandung, Indonesia. Two independent data collection teams were deployed to the same sites on the same dates and times, one using a paper-based data collection tool and the other using a digital tool. All research assistants were trained on paper-based data collection and DDC. A head-to-head analysis was conducted to compare the volume of observations, as well as the prevalence of each risk factor. Correlations (r) for continuous variables and kappa for categorical variables are reported with their level of statistical significance.Results: In Accra, there were 119 observation periods (90-min each) identical by date, time, and location during the helmet and seat belt use risk factor data collection and 118 identical periods observing speeding prevalence. In Bandung, there were 150 observation periods common to digital and paper data collection methods, whereas in HCMC, there were 77 matching observation periods for helmet use, 82 for seat belt use, and 84 for speeding. Data collectors using paper tools were more productive than their DDC counterparts during the study. The highest mean volume per session was recorded for speeding, with Bandung recording over 1000 vehicles on paper (paper: mean 1092 [SD 435]; digital: mean 807 [SD 261]); whereas the lowest volume per session was from HCMC for seat belts (paper: mean 52 [SD 28]; digital: mean 62 [SD 30]). Accra and Bandung showed good-to-high correlation for all 3 risk factors (r=0.52 to 0.96), with higher reliability in speeding and helmet use over seat belt use; HCMC showed high reliability for speeding (r=0.99) but lower reliability for helmet and seat belt use (r=0.08 to 0.32). The reported prevalence of risk factors was comparable in all cities regardless of the data collection method.Conclusions: DDC was convenient and reliable during roadside observational data collection. There was some site-related variability in implementing DDC methods, and generally the productivity was higher using the more familiar paper-based method. Even with low correlations between digital and paper data collection methods, the overall reported population prevalence was similar for all risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To give an overview of the multicenter Prostate Cancer Outcomes (PCO) study, involving paper-based and web-based collection of patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) in patients undergoing local treatment for prostate cancer in certified centers in Germany. The PCO study is part of the larger Movember-funded TrueNTH Global Registry. The article reports on the study's design and provides a brief progress report after the first 2 years of data collection. Methods: Prostate cancer centers (PCCs) certified according to German Cancer Society requirements were invited to participate in collecting patient-reported information on symptoms and function before and at least once (at 12 months) after treatment. The data were matched with disease and treatment information. This report describes progress in patient inclusion, response rate, and variations between centers relative to online/paper use, and also data quality, including recruitment variations relative to treatment in the first participating PCCs. Results: PCC participation increased over time; 44 centers had transferred data for 3094 patients at the time of this report. Patient recruitment varied widely across centers. Recruitment was highest among patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. The completeness of the data was good, except for comorbidity information. Conclusions: The PCO study benefits from a quality improvement system first established over 10 years ago, requiring collection and harmonization of a predefined clinical dataset across centers. Nevertheless, establishing a PROM routine requires substantial effort on the part of providers and constant monitoring in order to achieve high-quality data. The findings reported here may be useful for guiding implementation in similar initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article discusses how one might assess the quality of quantitative research with reference to a randomized controlled trial. Topics include how blinding is helpful in preventing changes in the behaviors of the research team or the participant, be these conscious or subconscious, and various stages of the research process during which bias might occur and use these to explain what a researcher might consider when designing a study.

This paper analyses the quality of information collected by a self-administered survey responded to by a general population, who were offered the possibility of answering using the post or Internet. The analysis will be focused on the use of three grid questions with using rating scales with 6, 6 and 8 items, respectively. There was a polar point labelled scale (0–10) with verbal labels only at the endpoints. The postal survey showed greater acquiescence, a greater choice of extreme response categories and ‘easy’ answers, and a greater number of incomplete questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was an attempt to determine whether rates of probability discounting would vary as a function of the type of data-collection method, mode of task administration, type of data analysis, and/or type of outcome being discounted. Some of the 650 participants completed the task using the fill-in-the-blank method (FITB) while others completed it using a version of the multiple-choice (MC) method. Some participants completed the task in paper-pencil format and others did so online. All participants discounted seven different outcomes, and the data were analyzed using a hyperbolic equation and a hyperbolic-like equation, and by calculating the area under the discounting curve. Steeper rates of probability discounting were observed for the FITB than the MC method and for participants who completed the task online than in paper-pencil format. The different methods of analyzing the data sometimes led to different conclusions. Lastly, different rates of probability discounting were observed across the different outcomes being discounting. Implications and recommendations for researchers who study probability discounting are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Electronic Case Report Forms (eCRFs) are increasingly chosen by investigators and sponsors of clinical research instead of the traditional pen-and-paper data collection (pCRFs). Previous studies suggested that eCRFs avoided mistakes, shortened the duration of clinical studies and reduced data collection costs. Methods Our objectives were to describe and contrast both objective and subjective efficiency of pCRF and eCRF use in clinical studies. A total of 27 studies (11 eCRF, 16 pCRF) sponsored by the Paris hospital consortium, conducted and completed between 2001 and 2011 were included. Questionnaires were emailed to investigators of those studies, as well as clinical research associates and data managers working in Paris hospitals, soliciting their level of satisfaction and preferences for eCRFs and pCRFs. Mean costs and timeframes were compared using bootstrap methods, linear and logistic regression. Results The total cost per patient was 374 € ±351 with eCEFs vs. 1,135 € ± ±351 with eCEFs between the opening of the first center and the database lock was 31.7 months Q1 = 24.6; Q3 = 42.8 using eCRFs, vs. 39.8 months Q1 = 31.7; Q3 = 52.2 with pCRFs (p = 0.11). Electronic CRFs were globally preferred by all (31/72 vs. 15/72 for paper) for easier monitoring and improved data quality. Conclusions This study found that eCRFs and pCRFs are used in studies with different patient numbers, center numbers and risk. The first ones are more advantageous in large, low-risk studies and gain support from a majority of stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial interaction models with spatial origin-destination (OD) filters are powerful tools to characterize trip flows in space, which is a classic and important problem in regional science. To the authors' knowledge, existing studies adopting OD filters mostly specify the spatial dependence as an autoregressive process, which may not be the full picture of spatial effects. To examine the problem, this paper proposes the hypotheses that 1) spatial OD dependences can take place in both the spatial autoregressive term and the spatial error term in a spatial interaction model. 2) Estimating a spatial autoregressive model with spatial autoregressive disturbances (SARAR) model with OD filters would disentangle where the spatial dependence exists and by how much. 3) The marginal effects obtained from SARAR models would be preferred to analysts when SARAR models outperform spatial autoregressive (SAR) models and spatial error models (SEM) from the statistical point of view. To assess these hypotheses, this paper specifies, estimates, and applies SARAR models with OD filters to investigate trip distributions. By comparing against alternative models, this paper investigates the estimation results in SAR, SEM and SARAR models using an empirical data collected from Hangzhou, China. The contribution of this paper is to be the first in developing an SARAR model with OD filters for trip distribution analyses and examining its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]