A Method Comparison Study between Open Source and Industrial Weather Stations

Open-source devices are widespread and have been available to everyone over the past decade. The low cost of such devices boosts the creation of instruments for various applications such as smart farming, environmental monitoring, animal behavior monitoring, human health monitoring, etc. This research aims to use statistical methods to assess agreement and similarity in order to compare an open-source weather station that was constructed and programmed from scratch with an industrial weather station. The experiment took place in the experimental Greenhouses of the University of Thessaly, Velestino, Greece, for 7 consecutive days. The topology of the experiment consisted of 30 open-source weather stations and three industrials, creating three clusters with a ratio of 10 open-source to 1 industrial. The results revealed low to high agreement across the measurement range, with high variability, possibly due to factors that were not considered in the statistical model.

MRI-Derived Fetal Weight Estimation in the Midpregnancy Fetus: A Method Comparison Study

<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of this study was to compare the standard ultrasound (US) estimated fetal weight (EFW) and MRI volume-derived methods for the midtrimester fetus. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Twenty-five paired US and MRI scans had the EFW calculated (gestational age [GA] range = 20–26 weeks). The intra- and interobserver variability of each method was assessed (2 operators/modality). A small sub-analysis was performed on 5 fetuses who were delivered preterm (mean GA 29 ⁺³ weeks) and compared to the actual birthweight. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Two MRI volumetry EFW formulae under-measured compared to US by −10.9% and −14.5% in the midpregnancy fetus (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001) but had excellent intra- and interobserver agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.998 and 0.993). In the preterm fetus, the mean relative difference (MRD) between the MRI volume-derived EFW (MRI-EFW) and actual expected birthweight (at the scan GA) was −13.7% (−159.0 g, 95% CI: −341.7 to 23.7 g) and −17.1% (−204.6 g, 95% CI: −380.4 to −28.8 g), for the 2 MRI formulae. The MRD was smaller for US at 5.3% (69.8 g, 95% CI: −34.3 to 173.9). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> MRI-EFW results should be interpreted with caution in midpregnancy. Despite excellent observer agreement with MRI volumetry, refinement of the EFW formula is needed in the second trimester, for the small and for the GA and preterm fetus to compensate for lower fetal densities.

Parents’ concerns and beliefs about temperature measurement in children: a qualitative study

Background Nearly 40% of parents with children aged 6 to 17 months consult a healthcare professional when their child has a high temperature. Clinical guidelines recommend temperature measurement in these children, but little is known about parents’ experiences of and beliefs about temperature measurement. This study aimed to explore parents’ concerns and beliefs about temperature measurement in children. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted from May 2017 to June 2018 with 21 parents of children aged 4 months to 5.5 years, who were purposively sampled from the METRIC study (a method comparison study comparing non-contact infrared thermometers to axillary and tympanic thermometers in acutely ill children). Data analysis followed a thematic approach. Results Parents described the importance of being able to detect fever, in particular high fevers, and how this then influenced their actions. The concept of “accuracy” was valued by parents but the aspects of performance which were felt to reflect accuracy varied. Parents used numerical values of temperature in four main ways: determining precision of the thermometer on repeat measures, detecting a “bad” fever, as an indication to administer antipyretics, or monitoring response to treatment. Family and social networks, the internet, and medical professionals and resources, were all key sources of advice for parents regarding fever, and guiding thermometer choice. Conclusions Temperature measurement in children has diagnostic value but can either empower, or cause anxiety and practical challenges for parents. This represents an opportunity for both improved communication between parents and healthcare professionals, and technological development, to support parents to manage febrile illness with greater confidence in the home.