Influence of clinical and gait analysis experience on reliability of observational gait analysis (Edinburgh Gait Score Reliability)

AbstractObjectivesTreatment complexity of cerebral palsy (CP) patients imposes outcome evaluation studies, which may include objective technical analysis and more subjective functional evaluation. The Edinburgh Gait Score (EGS) was proposed as an additive or alternative when complex instrumented three-dimensional gait analysis is not available. Our purposes were to apply a translated EGS to standard video recordings of independent walking spastic diplegic CP patients, to evaluate its intraobserver and interobserver reliability with respect to gait analysis familiar and not familiar observers.MethodsTen standard video recordings acquired during routine clinical gait analysis were examined by eight observers gait analysis interpretation experienced or not, out of various specialities, two times with a two weeks interval. Kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated.ResultsBetter reliability was observed for foot and knee scores than in proximal segments with significant differences between stance and swing phase. Significantly better results in gait analysis trained observers underlines the importance to either be used to clinical gait analysis interpretation, or to benefit of video analysis training before observational scoring.ConclusionVisual evaluation may be used for outcome studies to explore clinical changes in CP patients over time and may be associated to other validated evaluation tools

Imaging Flaws under Insulation Using a Squid Magnetometer

Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices (SQUID) are the most sensitive instruments known for the measurement of magnetic fields. An all niobium two-hole homemade SQUID can easily achieve sensitivities of 10-4 Ф0/√Hz (Ф0 = 2.07 × 10-15 Wb). Our complete system has a sensitivity of 50 × 10-15 Tesla √Hz, and more sophisticated systems can reach sensitivities one order of magnitude higher. Due to its high sensitivity, and to the advent of high temperature superconductivity, SQUID systems presents new opportunities for its use in nondestructive evaluation of electrically conducting and ferromagnetic structures, mainly when the area to be inspected is difficult to be reached

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Flexibility: Building an Integrative Conceptual Model Through Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis

The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to establish the current themes on the topic of manufacturing and supply chain flexibility (MSCF), assess their level of maturity in relation to each other, identify the emerging ones and reflect on how they can inform each other, and second, to develop a conceptual model of MSCF that links different themes connect and highlight future research opportunities. The study builds on a sample of 222 articles published from 1996 to 2018 in international, peer-reviewed journals. The analysis of the sample involves two complementary approaches: the co-word technique to identify the thematic clusters as well as their relative standing and a critical reflection on the papers to explain the intellectual content of these thematic clusters. The results of the co-word analysis show that MSCF is a dynamic topic with a rich and complex structure that comprises five thematic clusters. The value chain, capability and volatility clusters showed research topics that were taking a central role in the discussion on MSCF but were not mature yet. The SC purchasing practices and SC planning clusters involved work that was more focused and could be considered more mature. These clusters were then integrated in a framework that built on the competence–capability perspective and identified the major structural and infrastructural elements of MSCF as well as its antecedents and consequences. This paper proposes an integrative framework helping managers keep track the various decisions they need to make to increase flexibility from the viewpoint of the entire value chain

A methodology for constructing collective causal maps

This article develops a new approach for constructing causal maps called the Collective Causal Mapping Methodology (CCMM). This methodology collects information asynchronously from a group of dispersed and diverse subject-matter experts via Web technologies. Through three rounds of data collection, analysis, mapping, and interpretation, CCMM constructs a parsimonious collective causal map. The article illustrates the CCMM by constructing a causal map as a teaching tool for the field of operations management. Causal maps are an essential tool for managers who seek to improve complex systems in the areas of quality, strategy, and information systems. These causal maps are known by many names, including Ishikawa (fishbone) diagrams, cause-and-effect diagrams, impact wheels, issue trees, strategy maps, and risk-assessment mapping tools. Causal maps can be used by managers to focus attention on the root causes of a problem, find critical control points, guide risk management and risk mitigation efforts, formulate and communicate strategy, and teach the fundamental causal relationships in a complex system. Only two basic methods for creating causal maps are available to managers today-brainstorming and interviews. However, these methods are limited, particularly when the subject-matter experts cannot easily meet in the same place at the same time. Managers working with complex systems across large, geographically dispersed organizations can employ the CCMM presented here to efficiently and effectively construct causal maps to facilitate improving their systems

Imaging Flaws under Insulation Using a Squid Magnetometer

Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices (SQUID) are the most sensitive instruments known for the measurement of magnetic fields. An all niobium two-hole homemade SQUID can easily achieve sensitivities of 10-4 Ф0/√Hz (Ф0 = 2.07 × 10-15 Wb). Our complete system has a sensitivity of 50 × 10-15 Tesla √Hz, and more sophisticated systems can reach sensitivities one order of magnitude higher. Due to its high sensitivity, and to the advent of high temperature superconductivity, SQUID systems presents new opportunities for its use in nondestructive evaluation of electrically conducting and ferromagnetic structures, mainly when the area to be inspected is difficult to be reached.</p