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Collection Methodology (collection + methodology)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	60%

Selected Abstracts

The validation of self-reported smoking status by analysing cotinine levels in stimulated and unstimulated saliva, serum and urine

ORAL DISEASES, Issue 5 2004
V Binnie
Objectives:, Cotinine, a nicotine metabolite, can be used to measure exposure to tobacco smoke. The aim of this study was to compare cotinine levels in different biological fluids collected from both smokers and non-smokers and to relate the findings to self-reported smoking status. Data were also collected concerning the acceptability of the differing methods of sample collection. Material and method:, Patients recruited to the study were asked to provide samples of urine, blood and saliva (both stimulated and unstimulated). Data collected from patients by questionnaire included information on smoking behaviour such as daily number of cigarettes and environmental exposure to smoke. After the sample collection, patients were asked to rate the acceptability of each sampling method. Samples were analysed using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits. Results:, In total, 80 patients participated, with 49 being smokers and 31 being non-smokers. There was clear differentiation between smokers and non-smokers (P < 0.001) for all the different samples in terms of cotinine. A significant relationship was seen between cotinine and daily number of cigarettes for both salivas and urine (all P < 0.001) but not for serum. Participants found serum and urine collection methodologies ,very acceptable' (67 and 66%, respectively) whereas 9% found collection of stimulated saliva ,not at all acceptable'. Conclusion:, Cotinine, whatever the collection method and analysed by EIA kits, shows good differentiation between smokers and non-smokers. Salivary samples have the advantage of being non-invasive, although collection methodology is important, as cotinine levels may vary. [source]

Legal and technical defensibility of data and the Triad approach

REMEDIATION, Issue 2 2005
Robert Howe
The Triad approach was developed primarily to limit decision uncertainty during cleanups at hazardous waste sites. The fundamental principles of the Triad approach include development of a site characterization model and use of emerging technologies, which can provide data at a higher density than could be affordably collected using traditional data collection methodologies, to refine the model in essentially real time. New data formats are used collaboratively with data in traditional formats to iteratively pin down the relative concentration, nature, and extent of contaminants, thus minimizing decision uncertainties. This article examines the potential admissibility as evidence in legal proceedings of data collected by technologies designed to improve the density of information that are commonly used during the course of Triad-type projects. The article explains that such criteria may vary depending on the purpose for which the evidence is to be used (e.g., as direct evidence to prove site conditions or as support for the testimony of an expert witness) and the court in which the legal proceeding would take place (e.g., federal court or state court). Admissibility in federal courts of data both as direct evidence and as support for expert witness testimony is covered. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]

Variability and minimum detectable change for walking energy efficiency variables in children with cerebral palsy

DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 8 2009
SUSAN SIENKO THOMAS MA
For individuals with neuromuscular disorders, the assessment of walking energy efficiency is useful as a clinical outcome measure. Issues surrounding data collection methodology, normalization of the data, and variability and clinical utility of energy efficiency data preclude universal application. This study examined the variability and the clinical utility of velocity, energy efficiency index (EEI), gross cost, and net nondimensional cost (NNcost) in children and adolescents with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to III. The energy efficiency of walking was evaluated in 23 children and adolescents (12 males, 11 females, mean age 11y 3mo [SD 3y 5mo]; range 7,17y). Day-to-day variability was similar for all energy efficiency variables, with no significant differences in magnitude of variability between GMFCS levels. Correlations between EEI and gross cost and EEI and NNcost were fairly good (r=0.65, p<0.001, and r=0.74, p<0.001 respectively). However, only gross cost and NNcost discriminated between GMFCS levels in children with CP. Gross cost required the greatest amount of change to be considered clinically significant, whereas NNcost and EEI required a similar amount of change. For cohorts of children with CP who are evaluated over time, NNcost is the best normalization method as it reduces the variability between participants of different ages, height, and weight while evaluating only the amount of energy used to ambulate. [source]

The validation of self-reported smoking status by analysing cotinine levels in stimulated and unstimulated saliva, serum and urine

Librarians's reflective practice in electronic reserves: An exploration of sources of copyright knowledge and professional development

PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2007
Jomkwan Polparsi
he research question of this study was what formal and informal sources librarians use in dealing with electronic reserves and in developing their copyright knowledge. The exploration of the sources of copyright knowledge was expected to drive issues and challenges in library practice to emerge, and to influence the design of further in-depth study. The study employs a qualitative, naturalistic data collection methodology and an inductive data analysis methodology. The study applies Schon's reflection theory as a sensitizing theoretical framework to help understand the processes of librarians' decision about electronic reserves. To date, three librarians have been interviewed. In interviews, librarians thought aloud critical incidents of electronic reserves requests and the sources of copyright knowledge they use. Qualitative analysis was carried out through in-depth analysis of interview transcripts and follow-up interviews for clarification and confirmations of the findings. The analysis aimed at formal and informal sources that librarians use and on evidence of reflection-on-action. The findings point to both formal and informal sources, and suggest that the sources represent social and institutional cues that undermine practice and decision making. Issues emerged are that librarians and stakeholders debate over copyright fair use guidelines and standards in electronic reserves, and over different meanings of fair use. To better understand library practice, it is important to explore social and institutional cues embedded in the real world. [source]