Two reviewers (GH and EK) separately assessed each study based on validity (eg, face, content, construct and criterion), reliability (eg, internal consistency, stability and equivalence), responsiveness, user-centeredness, sample size and feasibility.
Included studies were assessed for quality based on study methodology, validity of dietary assessment, success of follow-up, standardized assessment of CVD, ischemic heart disease, or myocardial infarction endpoints and appropriateness of statistical adjustment.
The EPDS has adequate reliability and validity based on studies conducted worldwide, and the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the EPDS was verified by Okano et al.; a cut-off point of 8/9 showed a sensitivity of 75%% and specificity of 93%% [ 20].
Based on a previous validity study [ 29], Sicilian Region's HDRs were retained of good quality and suitable for this study.
The cut-off of the K6 for determining psychological distress was over 5, based on a previously validity study of a Japanese version of the K6 with 100% sensitivity, 68.7% of specificity based on the Youden index which provided the same optimal cut-off point for the scale [ 15].
Based on simulation studies, the performance and validity of the proposed algorithm at different operating conditions have been presented and its accuracy and response time have been compared with the Liangs' approach.
Note that while the derivation of the empirical rules proposed in [46, 47] are based on simulation studies, this paper investigates the validity of the properties through experiments using a physical underwater snake robot [24].
For the test of known-groups validity, it was hypothesized – based on previous studies [ 21, 22] – that the symptom distress as measured using the K-DSC-R would be higher for patients in the more-depressed groups.
Based on earlier studies and assessment of the validity and reliability of the outcome measures, the patient's evaluation of improvement will be registered on a 6-point Likert scale (much worse - worse - a little worse - some improvement - much improvement - completely recovered) [ 11].
Methodological quality was assessed independently by SW and VE based on a validity of the study methods (design, sampling frame, sample size, outcome measures, measurement and response rate), interpretation of the results and applicability of the findings [ 19], a score of 6 or greater was rated by the reviewers as high quality.
