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Introduction: This research aimed to examine predictors of discrepancies between actual and ideal body images, specifically body fat and muscularity discrepancies, in kinesiology students. Methods: Volunteer participants (N = 174, men = 112, women = 62) filled out the sex-specific Somatomorphic Matrices (NSM-M and SM-F) as well as The Positive and Negative Perfectionism Scale (PNPS), Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSE), and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) using paper and pencil tools. Results: The median and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to determine sex differences, and regression analyses were used to determine the contribution of sex, perfectionism, self-esteem, and eating attitudes in explaining the variances in body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction. The results showed no sex differences in body fat discrepancy, while men showed more discrepancy between actual and ideal muscularity than women. In regression analyses, sex was the only significant predictor of muscularity discrepancy, while disordered eating attitudes were a positive, and positive perfectionism was a negative predictor of body fat discrepancy. Discussion: This study showed that while muscularity dissatisfaction is linked to the male sex, body fat dissatisfaction is not related to sex but to psychological variables of disordered eating attitudes and positive perfectionism in a population of youths that may be above average when it comes to physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To better understand parents' beliefs about causation in cerebral palsy (CP) and the emotions related to those beliefs. Method: We surveyed 226 parents of children with CP aged 1 to 18 years, recruited from the Victorian Cerebral Palsy Register, to evaluate their beliefs about the causes of CP, including genetic causes, causes specific to their own child, and their attitudes and emotions in relation to these. Results: Although 92% of participants reported that understanding the causes of their child's CP was important, uncertainty about the cause was expressed by 13%. The most frequently endorsed causal factors, in general and in their own child respectively, were intrapartum hypoxia (81%, 36%) or brain damage (69%, 22%), brain damage during pregnancy (73%, 28%), and preterm birth (66%, 28%). Genetic causes were deemed relevant by 13% of participants and hospital or professional error by 16%. Parents shared related feelings of anger (59%), sadness (80%), guilt (61%), and confusion (53%); parental anger was more likely when their child's CP was attributed to intrapartum events. Interpretation: Substantial parental interest in understanding the causes of CP, together with uncertainty about the causes, parents' causal attributions, and significant emotional sequelae, highlight a strong need for provision of information and support for families of children recently diagnosed with CP. What this paper adds: Understanding the causes of their child's cerebral palsy (CP) was important to parents.Parents most often endorsed intrapartum factors as a cause of CP.Parents reported experiencing strong emotions about the causes of their child's CP. What this paper adds: Understanding the causes of their child's cerebral palsy (CP) was important to parents.Parents most often endorsed intrapartum factors as a cause of CP.Parents reported experiencing strong emotions about the causes of their child's CP. This original article is commented on by Vasyutin on page 148 of this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract:Introduction: The EFPA Questionnaire on Test Attitudes of Psychologists (EQTAP) is periodically employed to gather the opinions of European psychologists. A decade after the prior study, Poland and other EFPA member states participated in a follow-up investigation. This paper presents the results of the 2020 Polish edition of the survey involving 650 psychologists. It also provides a comparison with the findings from the 2009 EQTAP survey. Methods: Using exploratory factor analysis, we delved into the EQTAP questionnaire's psychometric properties to evaluate the suitability of its thematic scales. Additionally, we undertook a detailed analysis, both at the single-item and scale level. Results: The results suggest a five-scale solution, which is consistent with other international studies (Evers et al., 2012, 2017). Reliability coefficients for the questionnaire scales range between 0.40 and 0.87, strongly correlating with scale length. Conclusion: The article concludes with a discussion of the Polish psychological testing culture, which has remained relatively unchanged from 2009 to 2020, signaling a stabilization (despite changes in the behavioral patterns in the testing context related to technology). In the last section, we include a list of Polish psychologists' most favored psychometric tests over the last decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The introduction and wide application of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has triggered further evolution of routines in the practice of prenatal diagnosis. 'Routinization' of prenatal diagnosis however has been associated with hampered informed choice and eugenic attitudes or outcomes. It is viewed, at least in some countries, with great suspicion in both bioethics and public discourse. However, it is a heterogeneous phenomenon that needs to be scrutinized in the wider context of social practices of reproductive genetics. In different countries with their different regulatory frameworks, different patterns of routines emerge that have different ethical implications. This paper discusses an ethics of routines informed by the perspectives of organizational sociology and psychology, where a routine is defined as a repetitive, recognizable pattern of interdependent organizational actions that is carried out by multiple performers. We favour a process approach that debunks the view – which gives way to most of the concerns – that routines are always blindly performed. If this is so, routines are therefore not necessarily incompatible with responsible decision-making. Free and informed decision-making can, as we argue, be a key criterion for the ethical evaluation of testing routines. If free and informed decision-making by each pregnant woman is the objective, routines in prenatal testing may not be ethically problematic, but rather are defensible and helpful. We compare recent experiences of NIPT routines in the context of prenatal screening programmes in Germany, Israel and the Netherlands. Notable variation can be observed between these three countries (i) in the levels of routinization around NIPT, (ii) in the scope of routinization, and (iii) in public attitudes toward routinized prenatal testing. Conclusion: An ethics of routines in the field of prenatal diagnostics should incorporate and work with the necessary distinctions between levels and forms of routines, in order to develop sound criteria for their evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agility of satellites equipped with large and flexible structures, such as solar panels or antennas, poses a significant challenge due to the influence of elastic dynamics on attitude motion. This results in reduced pointing accuracy and dimensional stability of the payload. To address this issue, an Active Collocated Attitude Control (ACAC) system has been developed, utilizing actuators for both the elastic dynamics (distributed piezoelectric devices) and attitude control (ON-OFF thrusters). In the initial phase of the project, the algorithm underwent extensive verification using a high-fidelity numerical model of a spacecraft with two very-low frequency flexible solar panels and a payload consisting of two long booms and a transversal antenna's reflector. The paper focuses on the second phase of the project, which revolves around the experimental verification of the control architecture concept. To achieve this, a scaling procedure employing the dynamic analogy approach was implemented to determine the design parameters of a free-floating platform equipped with elastic appendages. This ensured that the resulting elastic multibody system displayed similar dynamic behavior to the full-scale satellite. Based on the scaling parameters, a test rig was manufactured, and actuators and sensors were optimally positioned. The performance of the ACAC system was then compared to that of traditional benchmark controllers. The results show that the ACAC system demonstrates superior capabilities in performing fast slew maneuvers without developing unstable interactions with the elastic dynamics. • Agile maneuvers of large satellites could excite rigid-flexible interactions. • A robust control of attitude and elastic dynamics is implemented to improve agility. • Performance obtained with numerical models is verified with scaled-down test-rig. • Simplified dynamic equations are developed to determine scaling conditions. • Experimental results of the robust control are consistent with simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When facing socially sensitive issues, people do not often express their real attitudes because of social pressure. The model of dual attitudes is one of the theories that try to explain the phenomenon. According to the theory, the classification of separation patterns between the two attitudes: suppression, independence, motivated override, and automatic override. Recent studies have presented these types of separations in two attitudes indirectly, but direct experimental evidence still is demanded in social attitude research. The present research tries to give such direct evidence and accordingly designs two studies to identify the four kinds of separations above. In the first study, we examine the relationship of the independent and repressed between implicit attitudes and explicit attitudes with cognitive fatigues. In the second study, we consider the rest two types, the motivated and automatic overridden. This paper proposes an experimental design to test attitude duality and explore the deep psychological mechanisms of how cognitive resources and levels of social pressures affect people's social attitudes and behaviors, which can explain the phenomena associated with attitude dissociation, and the analysis of experimental results suggests that dual attitude theory is better than other models to explain this effect in simple and clarity way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals' attitudes toward computer-based testing (CBT) can either increase or decrease their test anxiety level. As a result, they may be highly resistant to change or they may have different types of behavior. It is, therefore, pertinent to investigate individual students' attitudes toward computers before administering CBT. This study investigated the effectiveness of CBT when compared to traditional paper-based testing (PBT) in terms of reducing test anxiety among Saudi learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). The participants were forty undergraduate male students enrolled in a first-year preparatory EFL course at a Saudi university. The students were divided into two groups, a CBT group and a PBT group, and took the same assessment in the two test formats. The participants completed two questionnaires to examine their anxiety levels before and during each test, and to collect information regarding their prior experience with and attitudes toward either testing format. An analysis of variance comparison was used to compare anxiety levels between the CBT and PBT groups. The findings showed that students had a neutral attitude toward both types of tests. Furthermore, the students' attitudes did not have a significant impact on anxiety levels for either testing format. Rather, anxiety levels experienced in both testing formats were significantly correlated with each other and the attitude factor. Further research is required to delineate factors that may contribute to test anxiety as well as provide further insight into the under-represented student subgroup that participated in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the competition between enterprises intensifies, employees have witnessed a decline of psychological health year by year and severe anxiety and depression. To ensure the normal work of employees, it is important to implement psychological occupational therapy intervention (POTI). The previous studies on corporate occupational values focus on the behavioral variables and attitude variables related to occupations. The research paradigm does not suit a specific group of employees. Therefore, this paper explores the individual differences in POTI guided by the realization of occupational values. For a specific group of employees, the correlations of the psychological problems with job attitude, job involvement, and psychological health level were reasoned logically, a theoretical model was established, and the full-model map was plotted to illustrate the influence of the realization of occupational values over POTI. Then, the evaluation data on the psychological intervention effect of 2,800 employees were explored based on multikernel learning, and an individual difference prediction model was constructed through multikernel learning. Finally, the predicted results of different groups of employees were compared, revealing the effectiveness of our algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A computerized adaptive testing (CAT) solution for tests with multidimensional pairwise-comparison (MPC) items, aiming to measure career interest, value, and personality, is rare. This paper proposes new item selection and exposure control methods for CAT with dichotomous and polytomous MPC items and present simulation study results. The results show that the procedures are effective in selecting items and controlling within-person statement exposure with no loss of efficiency. Implications are discussed in two applications of the proposed CAT procedures: a work attitude test with dichotomous MPC items and a career interest assessment with polytomous MPC items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accident rate in the Italian mechanical sector is still too high, and evidence-based interventions to improve safety performance are essential. To better address this, our study contributes to the understanding of how to promote safety compliance through safe behaviours by using a sample of Italian mechanical workers (n = 109). Before and after scheduled safety training, intervention data on organizational factors, as well as on individual factors affecting safety-related behaviours, were collected. Particularly, data were collected using multiple sources, including self-perception questionnaires (to measure the safety climate among the management and colleagues and the safety attitude), paper and pencil tests (to measure safety knowledge), and observations by personnel with experience in observation tasks (to measure safety behaviours objectively). A model class of competing general linear models was built to determine which of the models was best suited for predicting safety-related behaviours. The results showed that both knowledge and the management's safety climate effectively promoted safety compliance. Crucial implications for the effectiveness of active teaching methods, along with the need for continuous training and the prominent role of the management team members in giving, through their actions, further relevance to the need to respect rules and procedures, were revealed. Finally, practical implications for researchers, corporate decision makers, government agencies, and international bodies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Humility as an important factor for leaders was identified by Collins (2001) and his colleagues in an extensive research project about the leadership qualities of the leaders of companies that transitioned from "good" to "great." This paper is an empirical study of six factors closely associated with humility and leadership and the purpose of this paper is to identify how Chinese business students and Chinese employees perceive the importance of six factors associated with humility as enlightened leadership. Design/methodology/approach: This paper summarizes recent research about humility and leadership and suggests seven hypotheses about the importance of six factors associated with humility as enlightened leadership. Findings: This study confirms that Chinese respondents affirmed the value of all six factors and identified the statistical significance of three of the factors studied. Research limitations/implications: A limitation of this study is that it is exploratory in nature and contained many factors that made conducting factor analysis indeterminable. The practical implications of this study are that it provides confirming information about understanding the value system and priorities of Chinese employees and future workers when multi-national companies interact with Chinese partners. Originality/value: This study provides valuable information about the six factors associated with humility as enlightened leadership. This study is the first of its kind that empirically tests Chinese attitudes associated with humility and leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental verification of numerical models is a key aspect in all scientific and technological disciplines, yet space systems can be particularly hard to test on ground: in fact, a terrestrial mock-up replicating the orbital dynamics should be in a microgravity environment. One of the most common approaches to (at least partially) realize this condition, consists in free-floating systems, in which the friction between an experimental platform and the working surface is almost completely removed. The vertical axis is still subject to gravity, and only 3° of freedom (two horizontal translations and one rotation about the vertical axis) are available to replicate the orbital behavior. Our research group had been developing since 2012 a free-floating platform named PINOCCHIO (Platform Integrating Navigation and Orbital Control Capabilities Hosting Intelligent Onboard). The need to investigate with higher accuracy the attitude control problem for flexible satellites called for the design, realization and characterization of a new platform with enhanced performance. This paper describes the main components of the system, including the pressure air system, the navigation and communication system, the Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) architecture and relevant hardware. The attention is specifically on the characterization of the subsystems' performance. The physical (mass, moment of inertia), control (thrusters' torque and force) and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) characteristics are experimentally measured with the associated uncertainty level. The accuracy of the external metrology system in static and dynamic conditions is also characterized, obtaining a 100 μm-level resolution for external measurement of rigid and elastic displacements; this information is fundamental for performing tests of fine pointing control algorithms for flexible and agile satellites. The proposed characterization methodology and associated results could be of interest for university and industry laboratories intended to develop new free-floating platforms. • The characterization procedure of a free-floating platforms is reported. • A stepwise procedure requires to first characterize the supplied thrust accurately. • Inertia properties can be next determined. • Accurate optical navigation is presented and characterized. • Performance of the platform for flexible satellite attitude test is introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposed and verified an optimal estimation method of satellite attitude deviation in orbit based on the frequency domain features of microwave remote sensing data from the Gaofen-3B (GF-3B) satellite. The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging results of the Amazon forest's strip pattern were obtained at different imaging incident angles of the GF-3B satellite. Then, the inversions of the Doppler center deviation of the SAR signal obtained the corresponding beam pointing errors at different imaging incident angles. Next, a three-degree-of-freedom nonlinear least square fitting model was established between the Doppler center deviation of the SAR signal and satellite attitude deviation. Combined with the measured SAR signals, satellite attitude deviations in different dimensions (pitch, yaw, and roll) were separated and estimated. On this basis, the GF-3B satellite proceeded with an on-orbit attitude correction test. The maximum Doppler center deviation at all imaging incident angles decreased from 400Hz to 46Hz, and the residual beam pointing errors were less than 0.01°. The proposed optimal estimation method can guarantee the on-orbit attitude deviation suppression and image quality improvement of the SAR satellites. • An optimal attitude deviations estimation method of SAR satellites is proposed based on the echo frequency domain features. • The fitting model of attitude deviations is established by combining microwave remote sensing imagery and orbit dynamics. • The proposed method has been used for the GF-3B satellite and verified by in-orbit imaging experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines staff impressions of and insights regarding programming at a forensic mental health facility in the Southeastern United States. The facility studied for this research provides services for adult males who are incompetent to proceed to trial or not guilty by reason of insanity. The facility underwent an overhaul of services, transitioning from a voluntary referral-based activity program to a compulsory, structured activity program. This transition offered a unique opportunity to explore staff perceptions of the differences between the two programs. This paper describes the results from a series of focused interviews conducted with employees. The following themes were identified as key issues across staff interviews: (a) value of therapeutic activities, (b) accessibility, (c) choice, (d) participation, and (e) structure. These frontline perspectives offer valuable insights into programming issues for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Many studies have shown that training in smoking cessation care (SCC) is important for increasing the number and quality of delivered interventions by health professionals, and various training methods are available. The study aimed to identify the relationship between receiving training on SCC and the frequency of providing outpatient-based SCC among pulmonologists who were members of the Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS). METHODS For this cross-sectional study, a self-administered online questionnaire-based survey was conducted on a group of active pulmonologists who were members of the TTS, between April and October 2019. The survey included questions about demographics, smoking status, participation in SCC training, and providing outpatient-based SCC. RESULTS A total of 199 (53%) pulmonologists were actively taking part in outpatient-based SCC. Compared to those that were not providing outpatient-based SCC, median age, median time since graduation, and the number of non-academics, non-current smokers and recipients of smoking cessation care training were significantly higher in the group providing outpatient-based SCC (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.002, p=0.001, respectively). It was observed that having SCC training increased more than 6-fold the likelihood of providing outpatient-based SCC (AOR=6.45; 95% CI: 3.96--10.49; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The most crucial obstacle in providing smoking cessation is healthcare workers not providing smoking cessation to smokers. It is worthwhile to devote more tasks and resources to training physicians on smoking cessation care since this may increase their effective involvement in tobacco cessation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problem of attitude test of special aircraft in flight, the combined test technology of geomagnetic sensor and angular velocity sensor is studied. The mathematical model of special aircraft roll attitude test based on combined measurement is established. The error models of special aircraft roll angle based on yaw angle input and pitch angle input are derived, respectively, and based on the actual flight trajectory data of aircraft, the mathematical model of special aircraft roll attitude test is established The simulation results show that the roll angle error input by yaw angle is between -0.4° and 0.9°, while the roll angle error input by pitch angle is between -0.4° and 1.2°, which shows that the calculation accuracy of roll angle input by yaw angle is higher, and the existence of magnetic measurement blind area is verified. In this paper, the method of judging the blind area of geomagnetic survey and the algorithm model of eliminating the influence of blind area are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Guidelines on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reassessment intervals are unclear, potentially leading to detrimental practice variation: too frequent can result in overtreatment and greater strain on the healthcare system; too infrequent could result in the neglect of high risk patients who require medication. This study aimed to understand the different factors that general practitioners (GPs) consider when deciding on the reassessment interval for patients previously assessed for primary CVD risk. Methods: This paper combines quantitative and qualitative data regarding reassessment intervals from two separate studies of CVD risk management. Experimental study: 144 Australian GPs viewed a random selection of hypothetical cases via a paper-based questionnaire, in which blood pressure, cholesterol and 5-year absolute risk (AR) were systematically varied to appear lower or higher. GPs were asked how they would manage each case, including an open-ended response for when they would reassess the patient. Interview study: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 25 Australian GPs, recruited separately from the GPs in the experimental study. Transcribed audio-recordings were thematically coded, using the Framework Analysis method. Results: Experiment: GPs stated that they would reassess the majority of patients across all absolute risk categories in 6 months or less (low AR = 52 % [CI95% =47-57 %], moderate AR = 82 % [CI95% = 76-86 %], high AR = 87 % [CI95% = 82-90 %], total = 71 % [CI95% = 67-75 %]), with 48 % (CI95% = 43-53 %) of patients reassessed in under 3 months. The majority (75 % [CI95% = 70-79 %]) of patients with low-moderate AR (≤15 %) and an elevated risk factor would be reassessed in under 6 months. Interviews: GPs identified different functions for reassessment and risk factor monitoring, which affected recommended intervals. These included perceived psychosocial benefits to patients, preparing the patient for medication, and identifying barriers to lifestyle change and medication adherence. Reassessment and monitoring intervals were driven by patient motivation to change lifestyle, patient demand, individual risk factors, and GP attitudes. Conclusions: There is substantial variation in reassessment intervals for patients with the same risk profile. This suggests that GPs are not following reassessment recommendations in the Australian guidelines. The use of shorter intervals for low-moderate AR contradicts research on optimal monitoring intervals, and may result in unnecessary costs and over-treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to assess the potentials and the limits of the cognitive interview to pretest attitude questions. The paper begins with a preface describing what cognitive interview is and what are its theoretical roots. Then we take part in the debate on the cognitive interview and we discuss the strengths and weakness of its strategies. Lastly, we present the design and the findings of a methodological research on the effectiveness of the two strategies typical of the cognitive interview -- the think-aloud and the verbal probing -- in order to pretest attitude questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of standardized measurement tools globally to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of expecting women toward prenatal screening. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify reasons women pursue or decline prenatal screening and compare the strengths and limitations of available measurement tools used to assess pregnant women's perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes toward prenatal screening. This review followed the five-step York methodology by Arksey and O'Malley and incorporated recommendations from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis checklist for the extraction, analysis, and presentation of results. The five steps consisted of: (1) identification of the research questions; (2) searching for relevant studies; (3) selection of studies relevant to the research questions; (4) data charting; and (5) collation, summarization, and reporting of results. Four online databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were selected after the librarian's development of a detailed search strategy. The Rayyan platform was used between June 2023 and August 2023 to epitomize the articles produced from our search. A total of 68 eligible studies were included in the analysis. The top five major reasons for declining prenatal screening uptake included (1) being unsure of the risk of prenatal screening and harm to the baby or miscarriage (n = 15), (2) not considering action such as termination of pregnancy for prenatal screening to be considered as necessary (n = 14), (3) high cost (n = 12), (4) lack of knowledge about testing procedures and being anxious about the test (n = 10), and (5) being worried about probability of false negative or false positive results (n = 6). Only 32 studies utilized scientifically validated instruments. Difficulties in capturing representative, adequately sized samples inclusive of diverse ethnicities and demographics were pervasive. Findings highlight the need for rigorous validation of research measurement methodologies to ensure the accuracy and applicability of resulting data regarding the assessment of prenatal screening perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes across diverse female populations. Registration: N/A. Plain Language Summary: Measurement tools used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pregnant women toward prenatal screening The following systematic review provides a comprehensive summary and quality evaluation of measurement tools used globally to assess the role of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pregnant women in seeking prenatal tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depressive symptoms often occur in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and exacerbate the pathogenesis of AD. However, the neural circuit mechanisms underlying the AD-associated depression remain unclear. The serotonergic system plays crucial roles in both AD and depression. Methods: We used a combination of in vivo trans-synaptic circuit-dissecting anatomical approaches, chemogenetic manipulations, optogenetic manipulations, pharmacological methods, behavioral testing, and electrophysiological recording to investigate dorsal raphe nucleus serotonergic circuit in AD-associated depression in AD mouse model. Results: We found that the activity of dorsal raphe nucleus serotonin neurons (DRN5-HT) and their projections to the dorsal hippocampal CA1 (dCA1) terminals (DRN5-HT-dCA1CaMKII) both decreased in brains of early 5×FAD mice. Chemogenetic or optogenetic activation of the DRN5-HT-dCA1CaMKII neural circuit attenuated the depressive symptoms and cognitive impairments in 5×FAD mice through serotonin receptor 1B (5-HT1BR) and 4 (5-HT4R). Pharmacological activation of 5-HT1BR or 5-HT4R attenuated the depressive symptoms and cognitive impairments in 5×FAD mice by regulating the DRN5-HT-dCA1CaMKII neural circuit to improve synaptic plasticity. Conclusions: These findings provide a new mechanistic connection between depression and AD and provide potential pharmaceutical prevention targets for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Attitude system of quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (QUAV) with disturbance and gyroscopic effect is developed. • Transient chaos in the disturbed QUAV system is found and analyzed via multi-parameter bifurcation diagrams. • Existence of chaos for angular velocity of QUAV is verified analytically and experimentally. • QUAV Chaos is suppressed by the designed back-stepping sliding mode controller, and stability is proved and verified. The disturbance influences the dynamic characteristics of the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (QUAV), especially the stability. With the disturbance, the study of characteristics and controller design is challenging. In this paper, an attitude system of a QUAV with disturbance and gyroscopic effect is developed. The disturbed QUAV attitude system dynamics influenced by the rotor speeds are analyzed via multi-parameter bifurcation diagrams. The chaotic parameter area in which the QUAV is in an abnormal vibration state is plotted, guiding the design of the fuselage structure and controller of the QUAV. The transient chaos characterizing chaos within a long period but eventually becoming periodic is found in the system. The chaotic phenomenon of the angular velocity trajectory of the QUAV is verified by obtaining the positive Lyapunov exponent using the experimental data. A back-stepping sliding mode controller is designed, and the stability of the closed system is proved via the Lyapunov method. Numerical simulations verify the effectiveness of controlling the QUAV. The designed controller is effective for suppressing chaos. The stability of the back-stepping sliding mode controller is superior to that of the PID controller is verified via numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: It is expected that the competencies of nursing students will be increased with the public health nursing lesson. A scale is needed to evaluate the realization of this expectation. Such a scale can be a guide for nurse educators in teaching nursing students the theory and practices of Public Health Nursing, and in identifying attitudes that may hinder or encourage positive attitudes. Aims: To develop a valid and reliable scale that can measure the attitudes of undergraduate nursing students towards the theory and practice of Public Health Nursing lesson. Methods: The research was conducted in a methodological design with 304 students studying at Gaziantep University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, between March and November 2017. Data were collected with the Public Health Nursing Lesson Attitude Scale, developed in line with the information form and literature. IBM SPSS 22 and AMOS 24 programs were used to evaluate the data. Results: To determine the validity of the scale; content validity and structure validity (explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis) were made. The content validity was found to be 0.93. In order to make the structure validity, in the explanatory factor analysis; "Kaiser Meyer Olkin" and "Barlett Tests"(0.902, p=0.000), eigenvalue (13,026-14.629), total variance explanation (17.416-2.923%). In the confirmatory factor analysis, most of the compliance indexes of the scale were found in the acceptable/perfect harmony range. To determine the reliability of the scale; cronbach alpha (0.94), item-total score correlations (0.42-0.69) were studied. Conclusion: It was found that the developed scale was statistically valid and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Very few of the primary care doctors currently working in China's community health centers have a college degree (issued by 5-year medical schools). How to attract college graduates to community services in the future, therefore, has major policy relevance in the government's ongoing efforts to reform community health care and fill in the long-absent role of general physicians in China. This paper examined medical school students' attitudes towards working in communities and the factors that may affect their career choices in primary care to inform policy on this subject. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was designed upon the issuance of community health reform policy in 2006 by the Chinese government The survey was conducted among 2714 medical students from three medical schools in . representative regions in China. Binomial and multinomial regression analyses were carried out using a collection of plausible predictors such as place of rearing, income, etc. to assess their willingness to work in communities. Results: Of the 2402 valid responses, besides 5.7 % objection to working in communities, 19.1 % expressed definite willingness. However, the majority (41.5 %) of students only consider community job as a temporary transition, in addition to 33.7 % using it as their backup option. The survey analyses found that medical students who are more likely to be willing to work in communities tend to come from rural backgrounds, have more exposure to community health reform, and possess certain personally held value and fit. Conclusion: To attract more graduates from 5-year medical schools to work in communities, a targeted recruiting approach or admission policy stands a better chance of success. The findings on the influencing factors of medical students' career choice can help inform policymakers, medical educators, and community health managers to improve the willingness of swing students to enter primary care to strengthen basic health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of active learning techniques applied in Vocational English Course on students' achievement and attitude. In the research, quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test control group model was used. The participants included the students majoring Tourism Management at a state university in Turkey and taking Vocational English Course in fall semester in 2017-2018 academic year. In the experimental group, instruction was carried out using active learning techniques, while in the control group, instruction was conducted in conventional lecture method. The techniques used in the study were writing poetry, concept mapping, simulation, role-play, writing e-mails, script writing and drama. Vocational English Course Achievement Test and Attitude Scale towards Vocational English Course were used to collect data. The findings of the study revealed that active learning techniques were more effective in acquiring the objectives of Vocational English Course with a large effect size. Similarly, the findings of study reflected that active learning techniques made a significant difference on students' attitudes towards Vocational English Course with a large effect size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined factors affecting fishers' interest in participating in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing at Elmina fishing community in the Central Region of Ghana. The study additionally inquired of respondents if they would be willing to submit to an HIV test and, if so, if they knew where to go for the test. The study also looked at the barriers that prevented fishers from getting tested for HIV. A cross‐sectional convergent parallel mixed‐method design was used to examine 385 fishers who were at least 18 years old and engaged in any form of fishing activity. Only about 9% of respondents reported having ever tested for HIV. Although the overall testing rate was low, the results indicate a higher testing rate in females than among males. Multivariate analysis shows that sex, age and type of fishing occupation are significant predictors of willingness to test for HIV among the study participants. Even though many people in the study location may know where to get tested for HIV, they are unwilling to do so. Many residents of the research area may be aware of where to get tested for HIV, but they are unwilling to go. This suggests a lack of enthusiasm due to misunderstandings and misconceptions about what HIV testing uptake entails. Additionally, stigmatization is a significant barrier to the acceptance of HIV testing in the study area and needs to be reduced by increased education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the mediating effect of attitudes towards dementia on the relationship between dementia knowledge and behaviors towards persons with dementia.Participants and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 313 adults (age ≤ 20 years). Participants were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling from medical clinics, community centers, and supermarkets located in the Wanhua District of Taipei City. Data were collected with the following self-report questionnaires: a demographic survey, validated instruments for dementia knowledge and attitudes towards dementia (assessed using the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and the Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire, respectively), and a researcher-developed survey on unfriendly behaviors towards persons with dementia.Results: Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analysis indicated that higher scores for dementia knowledge and more positive attitudes about dementia were significantly associated with lower levels of unfriendly behaviors towards persons living with dementia. Mediation analysis using a robust bootstrap test with 5000 samples indicated that attitudes toward dementia had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between dementia knowledge and unfriendly behaviors.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that increasing public awareness and knowledge about dementia could help the general population develop better attitudes towards dementia, which could subsequently help improve behaviors towards persons living with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Taiwan has been increasing, and genetic testing for ASD has been available and provided to parents of children diagnosed with ASD in Taiwan. However, there is still limited understanding of Taiwanese parents' knowledge of and attitudes toward such testing. Therefore, the present study addressed this gap by assessing the attitudes toward as well as actual and perceived knowledge of ASD genetic testing among Taiwanese parents of children diagnosed with ASD. A sample of 443 parents of children with ASD recruited from 236 public schools in Taiwan completed a paper-and-pencil survey. Although parents generally held favorable attitudes toward ASD genetic testing, they had deficient knowledge of such test (with only a 31.4% average correct rate on the actual knowledge scale). Tailored health education materials should be developed to improve the knowledge of ASD genetic testing among parents with affected children in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the barriers to and facilitators of cancer screening programs among Indigenous populations remains limited. In the spirit of mutual respect, this co-led, collaborative project was carried out between the Métis Nation of Alberta and Screening Programs from Alberta Health Services (AHS). This scoping review assessed the cancer screening literature for available questionnaires and then identified themes and suitable questions for a Métis-specific cancer screening questionnaire. Literature searches on cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening programs and related concepts were conducted in electronic databases, including the Native Health Database, MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO, PubMed, PubMed Central, CINAHL, MEDLINE (Ebsco), Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Web of Science. Grey literature was collected from AHS Insite, Open Archives Initiative repository, American Society of Clinical Oncology, European Society of Medical Oncology, Google, and Google Scholar. 135 articles were screened based on the eligibility criteria with 114 articles selected, including 14 Indigenous-specific ones. Knowledge, attitude, belief, behaviour, barrier, and facilitator themes emerged from the review, but no Métis-specific cancer screening instruments were found. Thus, one was developed using existing cancer screening instruments, with additional questions created by the project team. A survey of the Métis population in Alberta will use this questionnaire and provide data to address the burden of cancer among Métis people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder that affects attitudes toward the body. However, whether this condition also affects body schema and perceptual body image remains unclear. Previous questionnaire-based studies found dissatisfaction with one's body in patients with BPD. In addition to attitudinal body image, our study investigates whether body schema and perceptual body image are disturbed in patients with BPD. Method: Our study included 31 patients diagnosed with BPD (25 women) and 30 healthy individuals (19 women) (Mage = 29 for both groups). The SCID-5-PD interview was used to determine personality disorder. Attitudinal body image was measured using the Body Attitude Test (BAT) factors. Body schema and perceptual body image were measured by two conditions of a body representation task, the body portraying method (BPM). Results: BPD patients achieved higher scores in all three BAT factors and were more susceptible to misinformation in both conditions of BPM. Based on the results, BPD patients appear to have more negative attitudes toward their bodies and worse perceptual body image and body schema. Conclusion: The novel finding of our study is that, besides the previously found attitudinal dissatisfaction with the body, individuals with BPD also show disturbances at the levels of body schema and perceptual body image. Our findings concerning disturbances in body schema and perceptual body need further research into their etiological factors and provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of BPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy for a woman is a period of transformation of her personal, professional, sexual, gender, bodily and other identities. The state of bearing a child is a crisis stage in the formation of a woman’s personality. In wartime this crisis may intensify, which requires scientifically based research in the context of women’s reproductive health and the demographic policy of Ukraine. The objective: to study the image of the future child in women in the III trimester of pregnancy during martial law in relation to women’s reproductive health. Materials and methods. 180 pregnant women, most of whom were aged 24–29 years and were officially married and had no children, were examined using a questionnaire, a color test of attitudes by O. M. Atkind and the method of semantic differential by C. Osgood. 90 women who were registered in Vinnytsia and Vinnytsia region at the time of the survey took part in the study, and 90 women – in city of Zaporizhzhia and Zaporizhzhia region. To determine the relationship between women’s perceptions of themselves, the child, and the husband, Pearson’s r correlation coefficients were calculated in the statistical program IBM SPSS Statistics - Early Access, and the Kruskel–Wallis H test was also used. Results. Research conducted among women living in Vinnytsia and Vinnytsia region established that the attitude of pregnant women to themselves affects the attitude to the child (p=0.772), to the pregnancy (p=0.162), to the family (p=0.599) and to the child’s father (p=0.923). A statistically significant relationship was found between the pregnant woman’s attitude towards herself and her children (p=0.001), as well as between her attitude towards herself and motherhood (p=0.022). That is, the type of emotional attitude of a pregnant woman to herself affects the type of attitude towards children and motherhood. By having a positive attitude towards themselves, women have a positive attitude towards children and towards motherhood. Also, with the help of the Kruskel–Wallis H test, the trend of the influence of the attitude towards the child depending on the age of the woman was revealed (XI=7.424; df=3; p=0.060), the trend of the influence of the level of education of the pregnant woman on her perception of pregnancy (XI 10.373; df=5; p =0.065). The correlation between the categories “I am a child” is r=0.676; between “father-child” categories - r=0.528; between “I am the father of the child” - r=0.439. At df=30, these indicators are significant. It should be noted that among the three indicators, the highest level of significance was found between the categories “I am a child”. A comparative analysis of the obtained data between groups of women from the Vinnytsia and Zaporizhzhia regions as research participants from regions of Ukraine with different levels of security, that is, with active hostilities and relatively calm regions, shows specific differences, the description of which is given in the text of this article. Conclusions. The results obtained in this study among women from two regions of Ukraine (Vinnytsia and the region and Zaporizhzhia and the region) prove that the identified peculiarities of the attitude of women in the III trimester of pregnancy can be determined by their place of residence during wartime. The importance of forming a positive attitude towards the child in pregnant women in the III trimester of pregnancy in wartime conditions and the need to develop appropriate programs of medical, social and psychological assistance have been proven. The obtained results confirm the need to provide complex medical and psychological assistance to pregnant women in wartime in order to strengthen women’s reproductive health. This assistance should be targeted according to the region of residence of the women, which, as the results of the study showed, determines the characteristics of the attitude of pregnant women to the child (a sample of pregnant women from Vinnytsia and Zaporizhzhia regions, respectively). At the individual level the help should be directed at a woman’s values, motivations and beliefs about the value of her own life and the life of her future child. Emotional support should include encouraging pregnant women to openly express their feelings through verbal and non-verbal means, teaching them to accept help from others, and self-help to ensure emotional well-being. The psychophysical level of care involves teaching expectant mothers to regulate their functional and mental state using such methods as autogenic training, art therapy, and body-oriented therapy in stressful situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, play a central role in supporting parents during their stay in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Fathers often have their own support needs; however, studies have shown that these needs are rarely met to the same degree as those of the mothers. We developed a "father-friendly NICU" with the aim of providing good-quality care to the entire family. To evaluate the impact of this concept, we adopted a quasi-experimental design; using the Nurse Parent Support Tool (NPST), we investigated the differences in the fathers' (n = 497) and mothers' (n = 562) perception of the nursing support received on admission and discharge between before and after the intervention. In the historical control and intervention groups, the fathers' median NPST scores at admission were 4.3 (range, 1.9–5.0) and 4.0 (range, 2.5–4.8), respectively (p < 0.0001); at discharge, these scores were 4.3 (range, 1.6–5.0) and 4.4 (range, 2.3–5.0), respectively (difference not significant). In the historical control and intervention groups, the mothers median NPST scores at admission were 4.5 (range, 1.9–5.0) and 4.1 (range, 1.0–4.8), respectively (p < 0.001); at discharge, these scores were 4.4 (range, 2.7–5.0) and 4.4 (range, 2.6–5), respectively (difference not significant). The parental perception of support did not increase after the intervention; however, the parents reported a high level of staff support both before and after the intervention. Further studies should focus on parental support needs during the different phases of hospitalization (i.e., admission, stabilization, and discharge). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attitudes play a central role in intimate partner violence against women and are related to its origin, to the responses of women who suffer violence, and to the settings where it occurs. In fact, these attitudes are recognized as one of the risk factors linked to violent perpetration and to public, professional, and victim responses to this type of violence. However, even though available research generally shows a broad rejection of this violence, it remains a serious social and health problem that has reached epidemic proportions. This suggests that the information available about these attitudes (obtained through explicit and direct measures, i.e., self-reports) may be distorted or influenced by factors such as social desirability. In this context, the overall objective of our research project is to provide multi-method measures (explicit and implicit) of attitudes toward intimate partner violence against women, and the main goal of this paper is to propose an instrument for the implicit measurement of these attitudes. In this regard, the Implicit Association Test (IAT) is the most common procedure used, providing a superior predictive validity compared to explicit measures for socially sensitive topics. We will present an exploratory study that describes its adaptation for our purposes, and the development of the Gender Violence - Implicit Association Test (GV-IAT) to use among Spanish-speaking populations, and discuss the strengths and limitations of this proposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an appointed-time guaranteed adaptive fault-tolerant attitude tracking for quadrotors with aperiodic data updating is concerned, where inertial moment variation, extraneous disturbance and unknown actuator faults are simultaneously involved. An adaptive parameter estimation law is updated to identify the partial effectiveness loss of actuation and alleviate the estimation burden of suggested observer. Then through filtering manipulations upon aperiodic system states, a novel event-triggered unknown system dynamics estimator (ETUSDE) is developed to learn the remaining uncertainties with exponential error decaying and decreased updating cost, where an event-triggering criterion is incorporated to schedule the transmission instants for control behavior and angular rate, and the explicit formulation between estimation error upper boundary and design coefficients is derived. An appointed-time prescribed performance control (APPC) is introduced to allow for pregiven attitude behaviors. By fusion of adaptive law, ETUSDE and APPC, an adaptive event-triggered attitude control policy is synthesized that delivers appointed-time convergence, accurate steady response and decreased sampling burden. Meanwhile, Lyapunov analysis shows that all the error variables contained in the closed-loop system are ultimately uniformly bounded. Eventually, experiments on a quadrotor attitude test rig are conducted to confirm the superiorities of suggested control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The Health Workforce Australia Clinical Supervision Support Program Discussion Paper (2010) highlighted the education deficits of health professionals responsible for the clinical supervision of students. This research aimed to develop, implement and evaluate a new education program for nurses to assist in the development of knowledge and attitude to supervise students whilst on clinical practicum. Design The impact of the ACS program was determined using a descriptive methodology involving the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data using a triangulation approach. This included the use of surveys, online reflections and interviews. Settings The ACS program was presented in both the metropolitan and regional areas of Western Australia. Subjects Participants (n=199) were from both the public and private health care sector working in a variety of nursing specialties within both the inpatient and community setting. Results Analysis of the data determined that participants improved their knowledge and attitude towards students and clinical supervision. Conclusions The ACS was confirmed as a strategy for providing effective education for nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the effects of a STEM-based course design on students' attitudes toward STEM and a science course. STEM activities were prepared per learning outcomes relating to the "illumination and sound technologies" learning domain in the Grade 4 science course. The study was carried out based on an experiment and control group quasi-experimental design. The study was carried out at a state school in Mersin in 2021. The experimental group of the study consisted of 32 and the control group consisted of 32 Grade 4 students. STEM-based activities were performed in the experimental group. However, non-STEM activities were performed based on usual experimental setups in the control group. At the end of the study, the experimental and control group students' attitudes toward STEM and science course were examined to determine whether there were statistically significant differences. As part of this study, student opinions on STEM were examined. A STEM attitude test and open-ended opinion form were used as data collection tools. Normality tests were conducted, and the homogeneity of variances was examined. Dependent and independent t-tests were conducted in quantitative data analysis and content analysis in the qualitative data analysis. The results suggested that STEM-based course design significantly increased students' STEM attitudes and their attitudes toward science course more than the attitudes of students not exposed to STEM-based course design. In addition, students considered STEM practices fun and informative. Accordingly preparing STEMbased course design for science course has been suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study intended to examine the impact of an activity-based intervention on the attitude and awareness of adolescents towards sustainability and its dimensions using a quasi-experimental research design. A cluster sample of 99 participants, experimental and control groups comprising of 50 and 49 school students, was selected for the present study. The investigators constructed and standardized an activity-based module for conducting the intervention, awareness test and attitude scale for sustainability. The module was used to teach the treatment group regarding concepts related to sustainability. However, the lecture method was used to teach the control group. Both groups were taught for a duration of four weeks. The results of the analysis of covariance revealed a positive and significant impact of the activity-based module for sustainable development on the awareness and attitude of school students towards sustainability and its dimensions. Implications of these results are discussed with regard to curricular and pedagogical concerns at the school level in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop and test gender attitude measures conducted with a school-based sample of adolescents aged 14–17 years in India. We test a measure with survey items and vignettes to capture gender-based value and stereotypes, an Implicit Association Test (IAT) capturing gender-based value, and an IAT capturing gender stereotype. All demonstrate good internal reliability, and both IATs are significantly associated with our survey measure suggesting criterion validity, though not confirming it due to the lack of a gold standard measure on gender attitudes. Finally, construct validity is indicated from the measures' positive significant associations with higher girls' mobility and education. The gender-related IAT tools developed are consistent and valid, and modestly correlated with gender-related behavior outcomes such as mobility and school enrolment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The 26-item Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) is a commonly used tool to assess eating disorder risk. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the EAT-26 with a combined sample: (1) of adults with overweight and obesity enrolled in a behavioral weight loss program and (2) general adult sample (n = 469; age = 36.17 ± 17.83 years; female = 72.5%; white = 66.3%; obese BMI category = 58%). Methods: Rasch modeling was used to assess model-data fit, create an item-person map to evaluate relative distribution items and persons, item difficulty, and person's eating disorder (ED) risk level of the EAT-26. Differential item functioning (DIF) and rating scale functioning of the EAT-26 were also evaluated using Rasch analysis. Results: A total of 7 misfit items were removed from the final analysis due to unacceptable Infit and Outfit mean square residual values. The item-person map showed that the items were biased toward participants with moderate to high levels of ED risk and did not cover those who had low risk for having an ED (< − 1 logits). The DIF analyses results showed that none of the items functioned differently across sex, but 5 items were flagged based on obesity status. The six-category Likert-type rating scale did not function well indicating a different response format may be needed. Conclusion: Several concerns were identified with the psychometric evaluation of the EAT-26 that may question its utility in assessing ED risk in individuals at low risk for ED, within samples of people who have overweight and obesity seeking weight loss treatment. Plain English Summary: The 26-item Eating Attitudes Test is a self-rated measure of eating attitudes that measures symptoms and concerns of eating disorders (ED). Very little is known about how this instrument performs differently based on individual factors like body mass index (BMI) and sex (male/female). We used an advanced measurement theory (i.e., Rasch analysis) to determine if the EAT-26 is an adequate measure to detect disordered eating in men and women of different BMIs. Results indicated that the EAT-26 was biased toward participants with moderate to high levels of disordered eating risk and did not adequately detect individuals at low risk for disordered eating. The EAT-26 did not function differently based on sex (male/female). However, five questions did function differently based on obesity status (those without obesity/ those with obesity). Finally, we observed the six-category rating scale did not function appropriately and that a new response format may be warranted. In sum, there were several issues (e.g., poor rating scale and different item functioning) with the EAT-26 and future work should develop screening tools that detect low risk of disordered eating as well as function well in adults with overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metacognition of needing to control thoughts has been implicated in eating disorders (EDs)—specifically, in association with the drive for thinness and over-control. To date, it has yet to be investigated longitudinally in ED outpatients undergoing CBT-based treatment. The current study aims to examine whether endorsing a need to control thoughts undergoes modifications during CBT-based treatment for EDs and whether its modification correlates with treatment response in terms of reduced ED symptomatology. Seventy female ED outpatients (34 with AN, 29 with BN, 7 with OSFED) were assessed at baseline and at the end of treatment with the Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Post-treatment, significant reductions were observed in MCQ-need to control thoughts. Using hierarchical linear regression analyses such decreases significantly explained the variance in observed reductions in EAT-oral control and to a lesser extent, reductions in EAT-bulimia and food preoccupation and EAT-dieting. These results underscore the importance of metacognitive change in EDs and the potential utility of CBT-based treatment in its modification. Improving ED outcomes may warrant broadening the therapeutic target of over-control and a sense of loss of control beyond dysfunctional eating behaviors to include maladaptive metacognitions that concern the need to control thoughts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Medical tourism is developing more rapidly, particularly in developing countries, as a tool to enhance economic growth and achieve a competitive position. The present study aims to investigate and identify contributory factors to the competitiveness of Iran’s medical tourism using importance-performance analysis. Methods: This is an applied study with a descriptive nature conducted using field studies and surveys. A conceptual model was adopted and contributory factors were extracted from previous studies. A questionnaire was designed based on extracted factors and opinions of experts who are specialists in the field of medical tourism. The statistical population consisted of tourism experts, health experts, physicians, and medical staff working in hospitals with international units. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: The results showed that “medical services” were more important than the two components “special factors of tourism” and “characteristics of medical tourism destinations”. It was also revealed that the current situation of “medical tourism destination characteristics” is unfavorable compared to the other two components. Conclusion: This study provided an insight into the importance and quality of performance of the factors affecting the competitiveness of medical tourism, which can be beneficial for managers and planners in Iran and other medical tourism destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To validate an Arabic version of the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) and identify factors (such as depression, stress, anxiety and body dissatisfaction) that might be associated with disordered eating among a sample of the Lebanese population.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: All Lebanese governorates.Participants: A total of 811 participants randomly selected participated in this 5-month study (January-May 2018).Results: The EAT-26 scale items converged over a solution of six factors that had an eigenvalue over 1, explaining a total of 60·07 % of the variance (Cronbach's α = 0·895). The prevalence of disordered eating attitudes was 23·8 %. Higher EAT-26 scores (disordered eating attitudes) were significantly associated with higher depression (β = 0·325), higher emotional eating (β = 0·083), daily weighing (β = 3·430), higher physical activity (β = 0·05), starving to reduce weight (β = 4·94) and feeling pressure from TV/magazine to lose weight (β = 3·95).Conclusions: The Arabic version of EAT-26 can be a useful instrument for screening and assessing disordered eating attitudes in clinical practice and research. Some factors seem to be associated with more disordered eating attitudes among participants for whom psychological counseling may be needed. Yet, our findings are considered preliminary, and further studies are warranted to confirm them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Screening for eating disorders via reliable instruments is of high importance for clinical and preventive purposes. Examining the psychometric properties of tools in societies with differing dynamics can help with their external validity. This research specifically aimed at standardization and validation of the eating attitude test (EAT-16) in Iran. Methods: The Persian version of the EAT-16 was produced through forward translation, reconciliation, and back translation. The current research design was descriptive cross-sectional (factor analysis). A total of 302 nonclinical students were selected through the convenience sampling method and completed a set of questionnaires. The questionnaires included, the EAT-16, eating beliefs questionnaire-18 (EBQ-18), difficulties in emotion regulation scale-16 (DERS-16), weight efficacy lifestyle questionnaire-short form, self-esteem scale, and self-compassion scale short-form. The construct validity of the EAT-16 was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and divergent and convergent validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability (2 weeks' interval) were used to evaluate the reliability. Data analysis was conducted using LISREL (version 8.8) and SSPS (version 22) software. Results: EAT-16 and subscales were found to be valid and reliable, with good internal consistency and good, test-retest reliability in a non-clinical sample. In terms of convergent validity, EAT-16 and subscales showed a positive correlation with the selfreport measures of EBQ-18 and DERS-16. EAT-16 and subscales showed a negative correlation with self-compassion, self-esteem and eating self-efficacy., Therefore, it demonstrated divergent validity with these constructs. The results of this study support the EAT-16 four-factor model. Conclusions: The EAT-16 showed good validity and reliability and could be useful in assessing eating disorders in Iranian populations. The EAT-16 is an efficient instrument that is suitable for screening purposes in the nonclinical samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the meaning of identity in action regulation. A strengths-based action model, Identity Behavior Theory (IBT), is concerned with the role that identity plays in the prediction of behavioral enaction, and implications for education, science, and clinical practice. With this respect the article explores and discusses how enacted behavior, including intention and action, depends on level of subscription to identity as well as on resilience and attitudes that are related to such a behavior. The article also illustrates fields of application of IBT, use of IBT with underrepresented and marginalized groups, and as an instrument for assessing and testing possible effects of resilience, attitudes, and identity on the enacted behavior. IBT is now used to examine behavior in a variety of educational contexts in the United States, and more studies are needed to satisfactorily validate application of the model empirically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the attitudes of nurses and physicians toward neonatal palliative care and identify the barriers to and facilitators of neonatal palliative care, with the goal of improving palliative care for infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the NICUs of seven general hospitals with 112 nurses and 52 physicians participating. Data were collected using the Neonatal Palliative Care Attitude Scale questionnaire. Results: Only 12.5% of nurses and 11.5% of physicians reported that they had sufficient education in neonatal palliative care. In contrast, 89.3% of the nurses and 84.6% of the physicians reported that they needed further education. The common facilitators for both nurses and physicians were: 1) agreement by all members of the department regarding the provision of palliative care and 2) informing parents about palliative care options. The common barriers for both nurses and physicians were: 1) policies or guidelines supporting palliative care were not available, 2) counseling was not available, 3) technological imperatives, and 4) parental demands for continuing life support. Insufficient resources, staff, and time were also identified as barriers for nurses, whereas these were not identified as barriers for physicians. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop hospital or national guidelines and educational programs on neonatal palliative care, and it is equally necessary to spread social awareness of the importance of neonatal palliative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a review of existing self-report measures for assessing views on ageing. It provides an overview of instruments, for which basic psychometric properties are available and describes them according to the purposes for which they are suitable. Literature search resulted in the inclusion of 89 instruments which were categorised along eight dimensions. The majority of measures focus on explicit cognitions about people's own age and ageing or other (older) people. A substantial amount of tools account for the multidimensionality and multidirectionality of views on ageing, i.e. the idea that ageing is accompanied by both gains and losses in several different domains. To some extent, measures reflect that ageing is a long-term process and that views on ageing are malleable, rather than just stable traits. Cluster analysis revealed heterogeneity in instruments regarding the dimensions of Ecosystem, Balance, Stability, Dynamics, and Complexity. It becomes apparent, however, that approaches to measure views on ageing should be extended to more specifically target the implicit level as well as affective, physiological, and behavioural manifestations. Additionally, means for capturing views on ageing on the societal level and tools with a distinct time reference are needed. This is particularly important when one wants to account for the lifelong dynamics of views on ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research shows that there is a correlation between attitudes and academic achievement. In this article, we analyze for the first time the impact of interactive groups (IG) and dialogic literary gatherings (DLG) on the attitudes that students show towards learning. A quantitative approach has been performed using attitude tests validated by previous research. The data suggest that in both cases, the participants show positive attitudes. The social context has an important influence on students' attitudes. The items with higher correlations include group work, mutual support, and distributed cognition. In the case of IGs, group work is much more appreciated, while in the case of DLGs, self-image and self-confidence are the two most clearly valued attitudes. The positive impact of IGs and DLGs on students' attitudes may have potential for teachers in transforming their practices and decision-making within the classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this research is to identify the attitudes of nurses in Turkey to LGBT individuals and the demographical factors that influence these attitudes. Design: This research is descriptive and relational. Method: This study was conducted between 25 November 2013 and 15 March 2014. The sample of the research consisted of 192 nurses who worked in a university hospital and volunteered to participate in the study. The Individual Identification Form and Homophobic Attitudes Scale were used to collect the study data. Results: The homophobic attitudes of the nurses who did not have a homosexual acquaintance were found to be higher than those of the nurses who had homosexual acquaintances. It was found that the marital status of nurses affected their homophobic attitudes. It was found that the nurses who said they fulfilled all the requirements of their religion had a higher homophobia score and that the religious characteristics of the nurses influenced their homophobic attitudes. Conclusion: Considering the factors influencing the nurses' homophobic attitudes towards LGBT individuals, strategies should be developed against these attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extant literature has focused either on personal variables or on situational factors to explain pro-environmental behavior despite several calls to integrate both. The present research addresses this integration call by testing the interaction between environmental attitudes and situational prompts on pro-environmental behavior. Three experimental studies manipulate the presence/absence of pro-environmental prompts, measure environmental attitudes, and investigate the effect of both variables on behavior. Study 1 showed a simple effect: participants with higher levels of pro-environmental attitudes (compared to those with lower levels) performed more energy saving behavior in the presence of prompts. However, in the absence of prompt, none of the participants performed the behavior, which prevented us from statistically testing the interaction. Studies 2 and 3 were conducted with a similar design: main effects of attitude and prompts were obtained, but the interaction was not found. A Bayesian analysis of the data suggested more evidence toward the null hypothesis of no interaction between environmental attitudes and situational prompts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]