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Drawing upon leadership theory, we explored the relationship between leadership styles, learning orientation, and firm performance. We also tested the moderating role of organization culture between learning orientation and firm performance. To achieve the objectives, we shared a questionnaire with four Chinese industries: textile, manufacturing, finance, and telecommunications. As a result, 362 responses were received and analyzed using SPSS 25 and IBM AMOS 24. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for the construct's reliability and validity before actually employing structural equation modeling (SEM) for modeled relationships. The results demonstrate that leadership style has considerably favorable effects on firm performance. Similarly, leadership style substantially influences learning orientation. Findings also reveal that learning orientation positively affects firm performance. Consequently, learning orientation positively mediates the relationship between leadership style and firm performance. Our study also found a significant positive moderating effect of organizational culture on learning orientation and firm performance. The results of our study offer practical implications for stakeholders, policymakers, and managers, giving them an overview of how and when choosing a leader with a particular style can impact their learning orientation and improve their performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose:. The quality of life of patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis is influenced by physical, psychological, and social factors. Accurate assessment of these dimensions using standardized tools is of great importance. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the 12-item Quality of Life Questionnaire in patients undergoing hemodialysis in the Iranian population. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2023, 411 hemodialysis patients in Mazandaran were selected through convenience sampling. After translating the Short Form-12 Quality of Life Questionnaire, its psychometric properties were assessed through exploratory factor analysis, network analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis, along with construct validity (convergent and divergent validity). Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients. Results: The results of the exploratory factor analysis indicated that two factors—physical health status and mental health status—accounted for 44.55% of the variance in the quality of life among hemodialysis patients. Furthermore, confirmatory factor analysis showed that the hypothesized model had a good fit (CFI= 0.930, IFI= 0.931, RFI= 0.936, TLI= 0.954). The extracted mental health factor in men demonstrated convergent validity (AVE above 0.5), and both factors exhibited appropriate divergent validity. Ultimately, the internal consistency of the Quality of Life Questionnaire was found to be within an acceptable range (greater than 0.7). Conclusion: The psychometric analysis of the Quality of Life Questionnaire indicates that patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis perceive their quality of life through two primary dimensions: physical and mental health status. This study confirmed the psychometric properties (validity and reliability) and the appropriate factor structure of the Persian version of the Quality of Life Questionnaire for patients undergoing hemodialysis. Healthcare providers can use this tool in various studies to assess and improve the quality of life of hemodialysis patients The use of this questionnaire allows researchers and healthcare professionals to more accurately and comprehensively evaluate the different aspects of quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Employing this tool can enhance treatment processes and improve patient satisfaction, serving as a valuable instrument for future research. This study emphasizes the importance of using valid and reliable tools to assess quality of life and recommends that nurses and other healthcare professionals integrate the Persian version of the 12-item Quality of Life Questionnaire into their treatment and research programs to help improve the quality of life of hemodialysis patients and achieve better treatment outcomes. Future studies are recommended to investigate the impact of factors such as nutrition, social support, and rehabilitation programs on the quality of life of hemodialysis patients. Additionally, utilizing this questionnaire in different populations and therapeutic contexts can contribute to the generalizability of the findings and offer a more effective tool for quality of life assessments. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that the 12-item Quality of Life Questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the quality of life in hemodialysis patients, making it valuable for both research and clinical programs. Using this tool can help improve patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes while providing essential data for clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Türkiye frequently faces natural disasters, especially earthquakes. That's why this study aimed to translate and validate the Disasters Nursing Readiness Evaluation Index (DNREI) for Nurses in Türkiye was developed by Maeda, et al. in 2018 to Turkish. Methods: This was cross-sectional and methodological research. The index used in this study was 37 items and 6 sub-dimensions. There search was conducted with 362 nurses selected through snow balling sampling. Disasters Nursing Readiness Evaluation Index-TR was applied to determine the validity and reliability using the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha analysis and the Split-Half Method were used to determine internal consistency. Dependent samples t-test to compare the test-retest scores for time invariance; and intra-class correlation coefficient. Results: The content validity of the Turkish version of the index is between 0.87 and 1.00. The content validity index score was found to be 0.92. The Split-Half method was applied to analyze reliability and there liability coefficients were found to be 0.83 and 0.85. As a result of the confirmatory factor analysis of the DNERI-TR, it was found that the 6-factor structure of the scale was valid and the goodness of fit tests was appropriate. Conclusion: The "Disasters Nursing Readiness Evaluation Index-TR" was found to have a high level of reliability and validity for nurses in Türkiye to evaluate the disaster readiness of nurses and to develop a disaster education model for life-long learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terms helicopter and overprotective parenting (HP, OP) have been used interchangeably, but there could be unexamined differences, including differences in correlations with other aspects of parenting and social-contextual conditions. In this study, we explored the factor structure of two commonly used measures of HP and OP in a sample of 701 Australian parents of adolescents (aged 16 – 19 years) and compared the correlations of the emergent factors with measures of parenting behaviors, mental health, and parenting pressures. Two factors were found that differentiated 13 items that referred to generally controlling and demanding OP behaviors (Demanding OP) from 8 items that referred to parenting under conditions of child difficulty suggesting a response to the child needs (Responsive OP). Before adjustment (i.e., zero-order correlations), but especially after adjusting for scores on the other factor (i.e., partial correlations), Demanding OP was associated with less positive (e.g., autonomy support) and more negative (e.g., control) parenting behaviors, as well as higher scores on parent anxiety, child anxiety and antisocial behavior, parental burnout, social comparison to parents on social media, and job/financial pressures. After adjustment for Demanding OP, Responsive OP aligned with positive parenting and more enjoyment of parenting, but was not associated with burnout or parent anxiety, and had little association with child mental health. Yet, Responsive OP was associated with more pressure to be an ideal parent. Both Demanding and Responsive OP were associated with more overvaluation of the child. Highlights: Two factors emerged from an exploratory factor analysis of measures of helicopter parenting (HP) and overprotective parenting (OP). Demanding OP had high loadings for items referring to parental overinvolvement or autonomy restriction in general. Responsive OP had high loadings for items that referred to parenting in response to child distress or difficulty. Demanding OP and Responsive OP correlated positively with each other, but correlated differently to measures of parenting and parent and child mental health. The findings suggest Demanding OP is a more negative feature of parenting than Responsive OP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are multiple psychological symptoms in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology, which seriously affect health-related quality of life and even cause patients to stop treatment. Aim: This study aimed to identify psychological symptom clusters and their influencing factors in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to November 2023 at the reproductive centers of Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics and Symptom Checklist-90 were collected. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify psychological symptom clusters. Univariate logistic regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to explore influencing factors. Results: A total of 213 patients were recruited. The study found that the included participants scored higher on all SCL scales than the general Chinese females. The three most common were trouble remembering things (81.7%), feeling easily annoyed or irritated (81.2%), and feeling low in energy or slowed down (70.9%). Six symptom clusters were identified: paranoid ideation, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, interpersonal sensitivity, somatization, and sleep disorders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that duration of infertility treatment (> 12 months) was identified as a risk factor for sleep disorder cluster (OR=2.833, 95% CI:1.355~5.922), adverse pregnancy history was identified as a risk factor for paranoid ideation cluster (OR=2.961,95% CI:1.406~6.253), depression cluster (OR=2.404,95% CI:1.240~4.660), and obsessive-compulsive cluster (OR=1.810, 95% CI:1.016~3.233), financial burden during treatment was identified as risk factors for all symptom clusters[(OR=5.869, 95% CI:1.717~20.057),(OR=6.490,95% CI:2.210~19.063),(OR=3.034,95% CI:1.560~5.898),(OR=7.078,95% CI:2.420~20.698),(OR=4.532,95% CI:1.845~10.397),(OR=2.151,95% CI:1.129~4.098)]. Conclusion: Women undergoing ART experience various psychological symptoms that are interrelated and exist in the form of symptom clusters. More attention should be paid to the psychological status of patients with longer duration of infertility treatment, adverse pregnancy history, and financial burden during treatment. This study guides the development of targeted and effective psychological interventions to facilitate symptom management in women undergoing ART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational health and safety (OHS) policies in healthcare institutions must be well managed, because healthcare practice involves many physical, biological, ergonomic, chemical, and psychosocial hazards that can affect the health of healthcare workers. In addition, their work performance may be affected by the so-called organisational myopia. In this context, the aim of our study was to determine how organisational myopia affects OHS practices in healthcare institutions and whether it increases the risk of occupational accidents. The study population consisted of a convenience sample of 420 healthcare professionals working throughout Turkey who completed a questionnaire addressing these three domains: organisational myopia, OHS practices, and risk of occupational accidents. Their responses were analysed with exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and Spearman's correlation to assess the adequacy of measurement tools and identify relationships between variables, followed by mediation analysis. We found that OHS practices mitigate organisational myopia and the risk of occupational accidents. We also found no significant effect of organisational myopia on the risk of occupational accidents. Our findings underscore the importance of OHS practices in healthcare institutions and that organisational myopia should be evaluated in special contexts such as working time, experience, or routinisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents exercise personal agency as they plan their life, set goals, make decisions, and perform various actions that define their life course. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a scale measuring the personal agency of adolescents in a collectivist culture, namely, India. Moreover, we integrated key concepts from the existing literature and considered the sociocultural experiences. The newly constructed scale's psychometric properties were tested on two samples of adolescents aged between 14 and 17 from rural and urban areas. The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) conducted on sample 1 (N = 571) demonstrated that the proposed six-factor model of the Personal Agency in Adolescence Scale (PAAS) was relevant to measure adolescent personal agency. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) performed on sample 2 (N = 499) showed that the six-factor model had good construct validity and that the 23-item scale could adequately measure the construct. The results also supported the internal consistency and reliability of the scale. Further, the scale's concurrent validity with other agency scales was established. Bivariate analysis showed moderate and positive correlations with other related scales. PAAS was also moderately correlated with adolescents' self-esteem and psychological well-being. The findings show that PAAS is a valid and reliable scale that can be employed to assess adolescents' agency. This tool can be used by those in education, counselling, and research to measure the adolescents' exercise of personal agency and its relations to other psychological constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to reveal the importance of border tourism and border tourism destination attributes that create revisit intention of tourists in Van that attracts considerable number of tourists every year from Iran. The study was empirically structured, and primary data was collected through a questionnaire derived from the literature. The survey was implemented on tourists at hotels, airports, and customs. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews between March and November 2017–2018. Out of distributed 400 questionnaires' 370 of them returned and the response rate is 92.5% and 309 of them were found statistically usable. A combination of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, correlation, and multiple regression modeling were tested with the usage of version 20 of SPSS. Destination attributes (as seven dimensions were considered as independent variables while satisfaction and revisits intention as dependent. Some significant results were reached while some were insignificant. As findings in this study, 3 considerable and conspicuous implications that; (1) there had been positive and strong relationships between the characteristics of the border tourism destination and satisfaction and revisit intentions of the tourists, (2) five of the destination features had been influential on to revisits intention, (four of them are positive), and (3) the "cultural affinity" that it is the most influential factor on to revisits intention in a border tourism destination have been found. The originality of this study that it is being one of the first study in Turkey that few studies are available in border tourism context. The findings, also, offer important implications for managers of a border tourism destination to consider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current quantitative study, we explored the perceived contribution of residential care (PCRC) to multiple life domains and the factors associated with these perceptions from three main stages in Israelis' care leavers' lives: precare, in care, and postcare. Drawing on a representative sample of 2,295 care leavers' retrospective reports, integrated with their longitudinal administrative records, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis and identified two constructs pertaining to participants' PCRC. The first focused on contribution to personal development, and the second on contribution to achieving tangible and intangible life outcomes. In-care experiences of peer and staff support were strong predictors of both perceived personal development and life outcomes. Only a few precare factors and none of the postcare factors were predictive of PCRC. Specifically, PCRC was lower among men compared with women. Additionally, compared to Israeli-born participants, PCRC to personal development was lower among Ethiopian immigrants but higher in the life outcomes domain. PCRC was also higher in both domains among participants whose parents had a criminal conviction. In the Discussion section, we highlight the importance of understanding care leavers' perceptions in relation to different life course stages. Implications for policy and practice in care and postcare are discussed. Public Policy Relevance Statement: Israeli young adults who were in their adolescence in educational residential care hold positive views regarding the impact of their care experiences on their personal development and various life outcomes. Peer relations and staff support emerged as strong predictors of perceived residential care contribution. Residential care could be a suitable out-of-home placement alternative that promotes youths' well-being in their young adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attachment concept has been extensively explored since John Bowlby's substantial work on infant and caregiver relationships. It refers to a lasting psychological bond between human beings that begins right from infancy, where the child is believed to possess an innate connectedness towards the parent or primary caregiver. Though there exists a number of attachment scales that are meant to analyze the bond between the child and the parent, an attachment scale culturally and contextually relevant for Indian children needs to be developed. The present study aims to develop and validate a new attachment scale for children with separate sections related to mother attachment and father attachment. The steps involved in the development of the scale include item generation, content validation, reliability analysis, and construct validation. The initial item pool consisted of 218 items with two sections, one for mother attachment scale and another for father attachment scale, containing 109 items each and tapping four attachment patterns. After necessary modifications, a 5-point Likert scale was administered to a sample of 320 children (156 male & 164 female) aged between 10 and 14 years. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified a two-factor structure for each section of the scale, i.e., the mother and father attachment scales. Factors jointly accounted for 59.77% variance for the mother attachment scale and 67.60% variance for the father attachment scale. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the model as a good fit. The Cronbach's alpha of the 21-item mother attachment scale was 0.90, and 0.91 and 0.98 for Secure and Insecure scales, respectively. The Cronbach's alpha of the 35-item father attachment scale was found to be 0.80, and 0.97 and 0.98 for Secure and Insecure scales, respectively. Apart from high internal consistency, the scale demonstrated good construct validity, viz., convergent and discriminant validity. This way, an Attachment Scale for Children (ASC) has been developed with good psychometric qualities for identifying children's attachment patterns towards their mother and father. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Today, the use of digital media is already present at an early stage in the lives of children. Even preschool children can already develop increased digital media use (IDMU). Empirical findings indicate associations of IDMU with several problems in psychosocial development. Therefore, it seems important to identify IDMU early, but there are very few specific approaches for preschool children. The aim of the present survey was to evaluate a newly developed brief screening instrument (based on DSM-5 criteria) named the IDMUQ (an abbreviation for "Increased Digital Media Use Questionnaire"). Methods: We investigated two samples, consisting of 341 parents and of 809 parents, with the IDMUQ, the Short CIUS, and the Parenting Stress Index. Data on screen time and sociodemographic aspects were also collected. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) as well as reliability and correlation analyses. Results: The findings of both the EFA and the CFA support a one-dimensional structure for the IDMUQ. The reliability coefficients (Cronbach's alpha values) were 0.74 and 0.86. We observed first indications of criterion validity for the IDMUQ as well as correlations between parenting stress and IDMU. Conclusions: The results indicate that the IDMUQ, with its four items, is a promising screening tool to measure IDMU in preschool children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess and identify the risks for poor quality of life among female Saudi contraceptive users by administering an online questionnaire. The validity of the Arabic version of the Spanish Society of Contraception Quality of Life (SEC-QOL) questionnaire was assessed by incorporating the relevant items into an exploratory factor analysis and a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. p < 0.05 was statistically significant. Questionnaires completed by 652 eligible women were analyzed. The most common contraception method was oral pills (51.5% of respondents). Analysis of the internal consistency of the questionnaire revealed that overall reliability was >0.7, which is considered adequate (Cronbach's alpha = 0.845). Analysis of risk factors associated with higher overall SEC-QOL scores (worse overall quality of life) revealed several statistically significant variables. A "not good" relationship with their husbands, "heavy" menstrual flow, and premenstrual breast symptoms (breast pain, hypersensitivity, and increased size) were identified as risk factors for poor quality of life due to their association with the highest scores (poor quality of life). The Arabic version of the modified SEC-QOL is a valid and reliable tool to measure the quality of life of Saudi contraceptive users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of psychopathy is conceptualized differently in various models and no consensus has yet been reached. This study aimed to further clarify psychopathy's content and structure by validating the German Comprehensive Assessment of Psychopathic Personality—Self-Report (CAPP-SR). For this purpose, we used a sample of n = 458 participants. The CAPP's six factors were replicated in an exploratory factor analysis. Further confirmatory analysis revealed recommendations for optimizing the CAPP. Thus, both an optimized version and the original CAPP-SR were examined. The construct validity of both versions was then examined using a different self-rating instrument for psychopathy, the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure. The implications of the findings and further research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, interest in healthy living has been increasing as people's lifespans have lengthened, owing to interest in health and the development of the medical industry. The need for research on healthy lifestyles aided by sports activities for older adults is greater than before. This study aimed to compare and analyze constraints on participation in leisure sports and participation price sensitivity based on age groups in a super-aging society. From 22 May to 10 July 2024, in three community and sports centers, Korean adults over the age of 20 who regularly participated in leisure sports voluntarily responded to a questionnaire. Based on a quantitative research design using a survey with a convenience sampling technique, 305 collected survey responses were analyzed for validity, reliability, and exploratory factor analysis through SPSS 28. Additionally, one-way multivariate analysis of variance and the price sensitivity meter technique allowed us to analyze the differences in leisure participation constraints and price sensitivity among the groups. No statistically significant group differences were found in the health and social factors of leisure sports participation constraints. However, statistically significant differences were found for the cost and time factors. Finally, the price sensitivity meter technique found differences in price sensitivity in participating in leisure sports among the three age groups. This scientific analysis, aiming to expand older adults' participation in leisure sports, provides objective data for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this study are to investigate college students' attitudes toward ChatGPT and to understand whether gender makes any difference in their attitudes. We developed the ChatGPT attitude scale (CAS) and administrated it to a sample of 516 Taiwan college students. Through an exploratory factor analysis, the 5-T (Tool, Tutor, Talk, Trend, and Threat) model of CAS was extracted and validated via confirmatory factor analysis. The CAS exhibited good reliability and validity and can be used to explain ChatGPT attitudes. According to our findings, university students consider ChatGPT an important "Tool" in their daily life. Additionally, ChatGPT plays a significant "Tutor" role, assisting with language translation and knowledge learning. Besides its utilitarian functions, ChatGPT also serves as a "Talk" feature, offering interactive chat and emotional support. Currently, students also acknowledge ChatGPT as an important "Trend" of the times, but they are also deeply concerned about the potential "Threat" of content falsification and job displacement brought on by ChatGPT. In terms of gender differences, compared to females, males scored higher than females in the total scale and in the Tool, Tutor, and Trend subscales. However, there was no significant difference between males and females in the Talk and Threat subscales. This gender difference result differs from previous research on robots or social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term "lovebirds" is often used to describe the loving behaviors and interactions between two romantic partners, but what specific processes distinguish these flourishing lovebird relationships from other committed but "numbed" relationships? The present study aimed to address this knowledge gap through the development and preliminary validation of the Lovebird Scale. The Lovebird Scale describes the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and habits that constitute and maintain relationship flourishing, which in turn could promote aspects of individual flourishing such as positive affect. We conducted three studies using data collected from 996 English-speaking U.S. adults (64.2% Female, M = 39.2 years old) who reported being in a romantic relationship for at least six months (M = 11.2 years). In Study 1, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis to determine the underlying factor structure. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analyses revealed a three-factor model nested within a higher-order factor representing lovebird relationships. In Study 3, we cross-validated the higher-order structure, examined the construct validity of the scale, and explored associations between the Lovebird Scale and affective state. Finally, we discuss how the Lovebird Scale contributes to the growing field of positive relationship science as well as conceptual and clinical implications of the scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the positive effects of listening to music on mental health and well-being have been extensively studied, the effects of enjoying playing musical instruments have rarely been examined. Many tools have been developed to measure music listening; however, tools to measure the enjoyment of playing instruments have not yet been developed. This study aimed to develop and validate a tool to measure such enjoyment and to examine its relationship with subjective well-being and happiness. Primary information about the aforementioned enjoyment were collected from fourteen Chinese laypersons, five music graduates, and five music teachers using open-ended questions. Item and exploratory factor analyses were conducted using data from 361 Chinese adults, and the reliability and validity of the scale and the relationships between the variables were analyzed using data from 277 Chinese adults. The results revealed that the three-factor model for the enjoyment of playing instruments demonstrated excellent model fit, and satisfactory internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and criterion-related validity were demonstrated for the learning/social bonds, achievement/pride, and cognitive refreshment/stimulation subscales. All subscales of enjoyment were positively correlated with subjective well-being and happiness. This study highlights the usefulness of the Enjoyment of Playing Instruments Scale (EPIS) as a measure for research, educational, and clinical use, providing a rationale for using instrument playing as a therapeutic approach to promote subjective well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In unrestricted or exploratory factor analysis (EFA), there is a wide range of recommendations about the size samples should be to attain correct and stable solutions. In general, however, these recommendations are either rules of thumb or based on simulation results. As it is hard to establish the extent to which a particular data set suits the conditions used in a simulation study, the advice produced by simulation studies is not direct enough to be of practical use. Instead of trying to provide general and complex recommendations, in this article, we propose to estimate the sample size that is needed to analyze a data set at hand. The estimation takes into account the specified EFA model. The proposal is based on an intensive simulation process in which the sample correlation matrix is used as a basis for generating data sets from a pseudo-population in which the parent correlation holds exactly, and the criterion for determining the size required is a threshold that quantifies the closeness between the pseudo-population and the sample reproduced correlation matrices. The simulation results suggest that the proposal works well and that the determinants identified agree with those in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Today's problems of cities make it necessary to pay attention to the idea of healthy cities more than in the past. A requirement to have a healthy city is to identify health indicators in different dimensions. The study of these indicators requires accurate and reliable measurement tools. In this regard, the study was conducted with the aim of designing and psychometrically and using the questionnaire of the indicators of Healthy city. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in the first stage on 300 adults aged 20 and over in Isfahan city and in the second stage on 150 people in 1402. The initial questionnaire of healthy city indicators was designed with 107 items based on the opinions of professors and experts in the fields of urban planning, urban engineering, environmental health, psychology, health and social welfare, health policy, health in disasters. In different stages of psychometrics, face validity, content validity (CVR, CVI), criteria (divergent and convergent), exploratory factor analysis and reliability were measured using Cronbach's alpha method. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, Student's t-test and analysis of variance were used to report the data in the software (version 26, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Results: In the phase of determining quantitative face and content validity (CVR greater than 0.51 and CVI greater than 0.79 was acceptable), 52 items out of 107 items of the questionnaire were removed. All the remaining 55 items had a significant correlation with the total score of the questionnaire in the internal consistency measurement stage. In the Varimax exploratory factor analysis stage, 5 factors had an eigenvalue greater than one and were named as follows: "welfare, support and social participation" by explaining 53.99% of the variance; "Public, health and sanitary services"; "Cultural, educational and residential accesses"; "Emergency, health and social management"; and "fitness and urban beauty". Convergent and divergent validity was confirmed due to the stronger correlation between each item's score with its respective dimension score (P<0.0001), and lower correlation with other dimensions. Reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the entire questionnaire at 0.959 and for the questionnaire scales in the range of 0.934 to 0.784. According to the findings of the application stage, no statistically significant difference was observed between the average score of the indicators of Healthy city by sex, education level, and employment status of the citizens. Conclusion: The psychometrics of the questionnaire of the indicators of Healthy city indicated that the evaluations carried out in different stages were approved, as a result, the questionnaire has sufficient validity and reliability and usability. The results of this study can be used by policy makers and agents of the urban area and benefit from the benefits of planning related to measuring and using the tools of all citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase in digitalization in various industries across the globe including the events sector, resulting in a shift in attention toward virtual exhibitions. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to assess the prospects and potential of virtual exhibitions from the exhibitors' perspective. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 151 exhibitors attending the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo held in Zimbabwe. Data was analyzed using frequency distribution, One-Way ANOVA and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The major findings show that there is more preference for physical exhibitions, although there is recognition that virtual events can add value to the exhibition industry. However, considering that the respondents regard physical exhibitions as important and at the same time highlight the potential of virtual exhibitions, hybrid exhibitions become a viable option in the face of threats from future disruptions emanating from pandemics and natural disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to develop a valid and reliable measurement tool to determine the motivation of middle school students towards grammar. The study group consists of a total of 500 7th-grade students, including 264 girls and 236 boys, studying in various middle schools in the city center of Kars. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was initially conducted on the data collected to determine the factorial structure and validity study of the scale. As a result of the factor analysis, it was observed that the scale has a twofactor structure. Therefore, the scale data were limited to two factors and analyzed using the principal components method. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) statistic value of the scale was found to be 0.919, and the Bartlett's Test of Sphericity statistic value was χ2=6310.22; df=1081, p=0.000, indicating that it was significant and suitable for factor analysis. Item-total test correlations were calculated as evidence of item validity. It was determined that the item-test correlations ranged from 0.308 to 0.710. The Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient calculated to determine the reliability of the scale was found to be 0.948 for the total scale. The internal consistency coefficient of the high motivation factor of the scale was found to be 0.946, and the internal consistency coefficient of the low motivation factor was found to be 0.874, indicating high internal consistency. In light of these findings, it was concluded that the grammar motivation scale is valid and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is requiring people to shift toward more sustainable lifestyles. Although the contribution of behavioral sciences in sustainability domains is growing, validated instruments to measure biospheric values are still few, especially in Italian. The present study aims to test the psychometric properties of the GREEN scale in Italian, by adopting the best practices suggested by the contemporary view of validity. Data was retrieved from a representative sample of 1,002 Italian individuals, split into two subgroups. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the original factorial structure of the scale and the measurement invariance showed that this structure is equivalent across genders. Furthermore, convergent, discriminant, and criterion-related validity evidence demonstrated that the measure is associated with universalism, connectedness to nature, and daily pro-environmental behaviors, respectively. Collected evidence suggests that the GREEN scale is a valid and reliable measure for biospheric values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the validity of a new measure of positive mental health literacy (MHL) is explored in a sample of adolescents: the Positive Mental Health Literacy questionnaire (PosMHLit). The instrument development combined three stages: literature review; conceptual validation by a panel of experts (focusgroup and single analysis); a psychometric study. A sample of 539 adolescents was collected and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with parallel analysis (PA) were conducted. A unidimensional solution with 23 items emerged from EFA. A confirmatory factor analysis corroborated the 1-factor solution, with 19 items. PosMHLit has good internal consistency and construct validity, because it was correlated in the expected directions with MHL, mental well-being, and psychopathology. Girls reported higher PosMHLit than boys. Flourishers and nonflourishers did not differ in terms of PosMHLit. The PosMHLit appears valid and reliable and can be used with adolescents to measure positive MHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solo masturbation is prevalent across adulthood. However, there are conflicting findings regarding how masturbation is associated with well-being. Understanding individuals' motives for masturbating might help disentangle these conflicting findings; yet, existing measures are suboptimal for assessing motives for solo masturbation. In this study, 2960 adults (18-84 years old, Mage = 32.62, SDage = 11.36, 60.2% men, 36.8% women) who had engaged in solo masturbation within the past year responded to items, written based on existing literature, reflecting a wide range of motives for masturbating. Exploratory factor analysis revealed eight factors that warranted retention (Fantasy, Pleasure/Arousal, Compulsion, Improvement, Sexual Dissatisfaction, Coping, Efficiency, and Avoidance of Risky Sex), and this structure was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. Measurement invariance was established across men and women, and individuals in and not in a sexually active romantic relationship. The resultant measure comprises 24 items assessing eight distinct motives. Fit indices and scale reliabilities suggest this new measure of masturbation motives is psychometrically sound. Correlations with related constructs (e.g., sex drive, dissatisfaction with partnered sex, religiosity, depression, anxiety, and attitudes toward masturbation) provide preliminary evidence of validity. Suggestions for future investigations and further development of this new measure are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the potential discrimination faced by individuals in polyamorous relationships, understanding attitudes toward polyamory in society is crucial. To this end, instruments to measure attitudes toward polyamory with adequate psychometric properties are necessary. The aim of this study was to adapt the Attitudes Toward Polyamory Scale (ATP) to the Spanish context and analyze its psychometric properties in a sample of young adults. The sample comprised 1,162 individuals aged 18 to 35 years. Participants responded to sociodemographic questions and completed the Revised Sexual Opinion Survey (SOS) and the ATP. The findings indicate: (1) adequate reliability coefficients, (2) good fit statistics for the one-factor confirmatory model that verify results of exploratory factor analysis, (3) that homosexual and bisexual people have more favorable attitudes toward polyamory than heterosexual, (4) positive correlations between ATP scores, SOS scores, and political orientation (individuals with higher levels of erotophilia and a more left-leaning political orientation tend to hold more favorable attitudes toward polyamory), and (5) association between ATP scores and religion, with non-religious individuals showing more favorable attitudes toward polyamory than Catholics. In conclusion, the ATP demonstrates adequate psychometric properties in Spanish young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current understandings of similarity with media characters often focus on visible attributes including gender and race, yet overlook deep-level characteristics such as personality, attitudes, and experiences. In the present research, we address this limitation and develop and validate the Character Recognizability Scale (CRS), which captures different ways in which audiences can recognize themselves in characters. Based on a previous interview study, we formulated 26 scale items. Subsequently, we conducted two studies. In Study 1, we used a sample of 219 university students in the Netherlands to conduct an exploratory factor analysis. We determined the reliability, as well as criterion and convergent validity of the entire scale and the retained factors. In Study 2, we used a sample of 247 respondents in the United States to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis and replicate the results of the reliability and validity analyses. Based on Study 1, we kept 20 items. In both studies, the overall CRS scale as well as its subscales for Personality Recognizability (CRS-p), Attitudinal Recognizability (CRS-a), and Experiential Recognizability (CRS-e) showed a good internal consistency. They also showed criterion validity through an association with perceived similarity. Finally, the CRS and its subscales correlated positively with media engagement and exposure measures, thus demonstrating convergent validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation with sensor arrays, the background noise is usually modeled to be uncorrelated uniform white noise, such that the related algorithms can be greatly simplified by making use of the property of the noise covariance matrix being a diagonal matrix with identical diagonal entries. However, this model can be easily violated by the nonuniformity of sensor noise and the presence of outliers that may arise from unexpected impulsive noise. To tackle this problem, we first introduce an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) model for DOA estimation in nonuniform noise. Then, to deal with the outliers, a generalized extreme Studentized deviate (ESD) test is applied for outlier detection and trimming. Based on the trimmed data matrix, a modified EFA model, which belongs to weighted least-squares (WLS) fitting problems, is presented. Furthermore, a monotonic convergent iterative reweighted least-squares (IRLS) algorithm, called the iterative majorization approach, is introduced to solve the WLS problem. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm offers improved robustness against nonuniform noise and observation outliers over traditional algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to translate and validate the "Music-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire" into Spanish (sMuRQoL) and assess its convergent validity and discriminative capacity by comparing its scores with the outcomes of the musical perception test Meludia. Methods: The sMuRQoL was completed by 129 patients: 55 cochlear implant (CI) users and 74 normal hearing (NH) individuals. Conducted in this study were an exploratory factor analysis, an evaluation of internal consistency, an assessment of score stability through test–retest reliability, a comparison of sMuRQoL scores between CI users and NH individuals and an examination of potential evidence of convergent validity and discriminative capacity of sMuRQoL in relation to other tools. This involved the comparison of the questionnaire scores with the Meludia outcomes. Results: The sMuRQoL demonstrated a two-dimensional structure. All the dimensions displayed high internal consistency (α = 0.879–0.945) and score stability (ICC = 0.890–0.942). There were significant differences in the Frequency test between NH and CI users (d = 1.19–1.45). There's evidence of convergent validity between the scores of the Frequency test and the results of Meludia (r = 0.242–0.645). Additionally, the Frequency test demonstrate a good discriminative capacity to identify patients with poorer musical perception. Conclusions: The sMuRQoL is a reliable questionnaire, with adequate evidence of validity based on internal structure. This study provides an accessible, cost-effective, and quick-to-administer instrument in Spanish, optimizing available healthcare resources and bringing us closer to the patient needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Meteoropathy Scale (METEO-Q) for the Turkish population. Furthermore, it aims to suppress some limitations of the original study by examining construct validity and test-retest reliability, and associations between certain variables. A total of 603 participants (M=34,92, SD=13,57) were recruited. METEO-Q, Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), and sociodemographic form were utilized to collect data. To test the construct validity, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were carried out. The exploratory factor analysis result pointed out the presence of a two-factor structure. Two-factor structure exhibited a reasonable model fit in the confirmatory factor analysis. The two factors (meteorosensitivity and meteoropathy), structured checklist and, total score of METEO-Q indicated good reliability (α = .86, .88, .95, .93, respectively). Test-retest reliability scores demonstrated good reliability. The METEO-Q score was positively associated with SPAQ, gender, self-mutilation, and suicidal behaviors. In conclusion, the Turkish version of METEO-Q provides a valid and reliable measurement tool for the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM) is used to assess interpersonal sensitivity. This study explored the factor structure, internal consistency, and criterion validity of the Italian version of the IPSM (IPSM-It) in non-clinical emerging adults. 374 participants aged between 18 and 31 years (64.4% female; M = 21.96, SD = 2.91) were included in the study. They completed the IPSM, the Beck Depression Inventory-I, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-II, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the original structure of the measure did not fit the data well. An exploratory factor analysis was also conducted and the results supported a 27-item version of the IPSM and a three-factor structure (Interpersonal Worry and Dependency, Low Self- Esteem, and Unassertive Interpersonal Behavior). The IPSM-It showed good internal consistency and criterion validity. The IPSM-It appeared to be a reliable and valid measure for assessing IPS in Italian culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study fills a significant research gap in Malaysian government-led homeownership and affordability. Centered on crucial market attributes influencing these initiatives, insights from low-income groups were obtained. The primary aim of this study was to assess the importance of various market attributes on government homeownership initiatives in Malaysia. The data were collected from low-income groups using a structured questionnaire, providing valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by this demographic. A Relative Importance Index (RII) was employed to analyze the data, revealing that Financial Market Factors, Household Financial Capacity, Housing Affordability and Accessibility, and Government Housing Policies were the market attributes of the highest importance in shaping government homeownership efforts. The results of the exploratory factor analysis demonstrated that the Financial Market Factor was the most influential component, as indicated by its mean rank. This study sought to incorporate the valuable perspectives of respondents regarding integrating future value into financing models. Respondents' opinions reflected a significant level of support for such innovative approaches. This study examines the crucial market attributes influencing government homeownership initiatives in Malaysia. The findings underline the potential of incorporating future value into financing models to enhance housing affordability for low-income groups and promote broader homeownership objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was to evaluate measurement properties of the Chinese version of the Brief Inventory of Perceived Stress (BIPS-C) and confirm possible solutions for measuring the constructs underlying perceived stress. Methods: A total of 1356 community residents enrolled and were randomly split into two halves. The first half was used to explore the underlying constructs of the BIPS-C by exploratory graph analysis (EGA) and the second half was used to compare and confirm the constructs by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: The EGA identified a one-factor model of the BIPS-C with an accuracy of 99.3%. One-factor, three-factor, second-order, and bifactor models were compared by CFAs. The bifactor model with one general and three specific factors was found to be the most adequate [comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.990; Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.979; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.058] and was superior to the other models. The related bifactor indices showed a stronger existence of the general factor. The bifactor model of the BIPS-C also showed adequate internal consistency with McDonald's omega and omega subscales ranging from moderate to strong (0.677–0.869). Conclusion: The BIPS-C demonstrates sufficient measurement properties for assessing general perceived stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SZ) share traits, especially in social skills and negative symptoms, and to a lesser degree positive symptoms. Differential diagnosis can be challenging and discerning expressive and experiential negative symptoms may provide knowledge with potential diagnostic and functional relevance that can guide treatment. Two exploratory factor analyses (EFA) were conducted to reveal the underlying dimensions of negative and positive symptoms using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms & Negative Symptoms (SAPS/SANS) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G). Three factors emerged from the negative symptom EFA (70.5 % variance): NF1) Expressive Negative; NF2) Experiential Negative; and NF3) Preoccupation, Absorption & Expressive Affective Flattening. Three positive factors emerged (68.6 % variance): PF1) Hallucinations-Delusions; PF2) Grandiosity; and PF3) Thought Disorder-ADOS positive Symptoms. SZ showed higher PF1 scores, and ASD had higher PF3 scores. No differences between groups were observed in the negative factors. Across groups, all negative factors were inversely associated with quality of life. Only NF1 and NF2 and PF1 were detrimentally related to social functioning. A discriminant function analysis using all factors classified correctly 84.4 % of participants, with PF1, NF1 followed by NF2 being the best predictors of diagnosis. Expressive negative followed by Experiential negative symptoms are of diagnostic value independent of and beyond SZ-related positive symptoms and are related with detrimental functioning. Findings confirm the need to distinctively target negative symptoms, and specific SZ-related and ASD-related positive symptoms, and especially the use of several assessment tools for diagnostic classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is used to thoroughly assess and identify complex healthcare problems among older adults. However, administration of CGA is time-consuming and labor intensive. A simple screening tool with the mnemonic "FIND-NEEDS" was developed to quickly identify common geriatric conditions. The present study was to evaluate the clinimetric properties of the FIND-NEEDS. Methods: The participants comprised first-visiting older adults aged 65 years and above (and who were able to communicate by themselves or with the help of a caregiver) who were assessed (October to December, 2021) using the FIND-NEEDS and CGA at geriatric outpatient clinics of a tertiary, referred medical center. The FIND-NEEDS was examined for its criterion-related validity and compared with the CGA results. Two types of scoring (summed score and binary score) of FIND-NEEDS and CGA were analyzed using Spearman correlation, sensitivity and specificity, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: The mean age of the 114 outpatients was 78.3 ± 7.6 years, and 79 (69.3%) were female. The internal consistency was excellent when using all FIND-NEEDS items, and was acceptable when using domain scores. Exploratory factor analysis showed that most of the FIND-NEEDS domain scores had factor loadings higher than 0.3. Intercorrelations of binary scores between domains of FIND-NEEDS and CGA showed most domains were moderately correlated. The overall correlation of summed scores between FIND-NEEDS and CGA was high. The FIND-NEEDS summed score was moderately correlated with CGA score (r = 0.494; p < 0.001), and the binary score showed excellent correlation (r = 0.944; p < 0.001). When using the CGA score as the gold standard, the FIND-NEEDS showed excellent AUC (0.950), sensitivity (1.00), and specificity (0.90). Discussion/Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the FIND-NEEDS had acceptable clinimetric properties to screen for geriatric problems among older adults. Further in-depth assessment and care plan can then be conducted afterwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research intended to adapt and validate the self-report job precariousness scale for the Brazilian gig work context and to investigate the association of the dimensions of job precariousness with gig workers' subjective experiences and work outcomes. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on a sample of 504 Brazilian gig workers. In addition, zero-order correlations were performed on a sample of 304 Brazilian gig workers for criterion validity analysis. Results supported a four-factor structure and the bi-factor model, reinforcing the assumption that the job precarious scale is a multidimensional measure with a hierarchical structure. Reliability analysis (Alpha coefficient and bifactor indices) indicates that the scale presented adequate internal consistency for all four dimensions and the full scale. Results regarding criterion validity demonstrate that job precariousness is negatively linked to well-being and positively associated with ill-being; in addition, the dimensions of job precariousness and remuneration have significative associations with all variables of work outcome investigated. This study introduces the Brazilian version of the self-report job precariousness scale with robust psychometric qualities to assess workers' perception of precarious working conditions in the Brazilian gig work context. In addition, it broadens the scope of research on precarious working conditions and their impact on psychological experiences and work outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After a prolonged period of using the cortico-centric models of brain function, scientists developed a parallel perspective with an emphasis on all neural structures of the brain. Therefore, the present study aims to create a valid and reliable assessment based on the parallel perspective of brain function. First, a basic assessment was made. Then, a sample size of 183 participants was recruited from graduates and undergraduates at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad over a 2-year period (2020 and 2021). The measures were the Neural Circuits Questionnaire (NCQ) and the Demographic Data Questionnaire. Data analyses were performed by using exploratory factor analysis. Using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, cutting points for the quality index of the questionnaire were calculated. The results showed that the questionnaire has a three-factor structure and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.617. Based on the ROC curve, the valid range for the quality index is 10.5–15.5. The cerebro-cerebellar index is higher for Ph.D. students than for students with lower degrees (F = 8.60, p = 0.001). In conclusion, it appears that the Neural Circuits Questionnaire is a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess cognitive function following the parallel perspective of brain function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there are no existing measures to screen for or diagnose Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SPCD). We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the Social Communication Disorder Screener (SCDS), a 14-item, parent-report measure based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for SPCD. This EFA examined the internal consistency and factor structure of the SCDS for a sample of 500 parents of children, ages 5–18 years, representative of the U.S. census. Results yielded a correlated three-factor solution with good internal consistency reliability. Findings supported the presence of three subscale as well as the derivation of a total composite score reflecting overall verbal and non-verbal communication and limitations across contexts. Clinical and research implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of questionnaires specifically designed to assess social isolation in adolescents. We developed and validated a self‐report measure of social isolation in adolescents, the Social Isolation Questionnaire (QIS). A literature review on social isolation and mental health in adolescents indicated 20 questions to form QIS. Two cross‐sectional surveys with 48 and 1135 adolescents, respectively, evaluated the reproducibility and validity of QIS. The Bland–Altman plot did not indicate a systematic difference between measurements 15 days apart. Bartlett's sphericity test verified a correlation between the questions and the Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin test showed good adequacy (.896) to the factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis suggested the exclusion of three questions (loading factors <0.3), and eigenvalues (4.9–0.8) indicated that the questionnaire should be composed of three factors (dimensions). The Cronbach's alpha indicated high internal consistency of the 17 questions (0.850 overall; Dimensions: 0.815 'feeling of loneliness'; 0.760 'friendship'; and, 0.680 'Family support'). The QIS score ranged from 0 to 131 (maximum social isolation score). The correlation between QIS and depressive symptoms (r =.543) indicated the construct validity of QIS. We evaluated QIS in the Portuguese version, thus translation and cultural adaptation are necessary to evaluate the questionnaire in other settings. We constructed and validated the QIS questionnaire, a self‐administered questionnaire to assess social isolation in adolescents, composed of three dimensions; feelings of loneliness, friendship and family support. The QIS questionnaire seems a very promising tool to support practitioners and researchers in assessing social isolation among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify and describe in-session interaction patterns between psychoanalytic therapists and adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder, comparing good and poor outcome cases. Method: Audio recordings for 100 psychotherapy sessions from 10 Short-Term Psychoanalytic Psychotherapies were analysed using the Adolescent Psychotherapy Q-Set (APQ). The cases and sessions were evenly divided into two groups (poor outcome and good outcome, 5 patients and 50 sessions per group). Interaction patterns were analysed with an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), while group differences were assessed through t-tests. Results: The EFA revealed three factors: (1) "Open, engaged young person working collaboratively with a therapist to make sense of their experiences", (2) "Directive therapist with a young person fluctuating in emotional state and unwilling to explore", (3) "Young person expressing anger and irritation and challenging the therapist". Factor 1 was significantly more prominent in the good outcome cases, while factor 3, on the contrary, was more significantly related to the poor outcome cases. Factor 2 was equally present in both groups. Conclusion: Besides reinforcing to researchers and clinicians the association between a collaborative psychotherapy process with good outcomes, our findings also provide empirical data regarding the role of anger in adolescent depression and the psychotherapy process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine psychometric properties of the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) in people with gout. We conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and tested internal consistency (ordinal and Cronbach's alpha coefficients) and agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient (2,1)) in ARMS scores across three timepoints (baseline, 6, and 12 months) in 487 people with gout. The Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman's rank, Kendall's tau-b correlations, and logistic regression were used to examine the criterion-related validity of the ARMS and factors associated with the ARMS. EFA suggested a one-factor structure, explaining 43.2% of total variance. High internal consistency (ordinal alpha = 0.902 at baseline) and moderate agreement in ARMS scores over time (ICCs > 0.5; p < 0.001) were observed. Lower ARMS scores (indicating better adherence) predicted achieving target serum urate (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83–0.95; p < 0.001), but not urate-lowering therapy (ULT) adherence (Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) ≥ 80%) (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.81–1.05; p = 0.261). Negative correlations between ARMS and PDC were not statistically significant (Kendall's tau-b, r = − 0.126, p = 0.078; Spearman's rho = − 0.173, p < 0.073). Differences in median ARMS scores (IQR) of 16 (14–20), 13 (12–15), and 17.5 (15–21) in three groups of participants who reported (1) not taking ULT, (2) taking ULT and adherent, and (3) taking ULT but not adherent, respectively, were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Age was the only patient factor independently associated with optimal adherence (ARMS score = 12) (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.50–2.43; p < 0.001). The ARMS is a reliable and valid measure of medication adherence behaviours in people with gout, justifying its use in gout medication adherence research. Key Points • Valid, practical, and efficient methods of measuring adherence to medications are needed in people with gout. • Commonly used medication adherence questionnaires have limited validity or have not been validated in people with gout. • The Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) has been proven valid and practical in many chronic illnesses but has not been validated in people with gout. • We showed the ARMS is valid and reliable for use in people with gout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The Weight Loss Readiness Test (WLRT) was developed to encourage consideration of factors influencing readiness to engage in weight loss. The WLRT is used clinically, most notably to assess motivation before initiating Navy weight management programs, yet little is known about its psychometric properties. Materials and Methods This study examined the reliability, convergent and predictive validity, and factor structure of the WLRT in a sample of active duty service members enrolling in a Navy-based weight management program (N  = 178, identified as female = 61%, mean age = 29.7 years, mean baseline body mass index = 33.1 kg/m2). All procedures were approved by the respective Institutional Review Boards and research committees. Results Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 5-factor structure explaining 52% of the variance that best fit the data with low to moderate correlations between factors: (1) Motivation, (2) Exercise-Related Confidence, (3) Non-Exercise Confidence, (4) Cues, and (5) Anticipated Satisfaction. Internal reliability of subscales was acceptable to good (α  = 0.755-0.903). Generally, convergent validity was found between the identified subscales and other measures of motivation, confidence, and disinhibited eating in expected directions. No relationships were found between the subscales and predictive validity outcomes (weight change, program attendance). Conclusions Results indicate adequate structural and convergent validity in the WLRT, but that weight loss readiness, as measured by the WLRT, does not provide predictive validity regarding weight loss or attendance outcomes in this sample. Nonetheless, this measure offers clinical utility in fostering thoughtful conversations about weight loss. The WLRT uniquely focuses on long-term maintenance of behavior change and differentiates between exercise-related and non-exercise confidence. Future studies should further probe the utility of this measure in other populations and the contexts in which it is being used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective patient-reported outcome measure for scars is needed to assess scar treatments and thus improve scar management. The recently developed SCAR-Q questionnaire for all scar types, which consists of the Appearance, Symptom, and Psychosocial impact scales, has been developed with patients' input. The aim of this study was to translate the SCAR-Q into Finnish and to assess its psychometric properties in burn patients. The translation protocol followed the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research guidelines. Participants for the psychometric validation of the Finnish SCAR-Q were adults with deep second or third degree burns treated with skin grafting in the Helsinki Burn Centre between 2006 and 2017. Internal consistency was assessed by using Crohnbach's alpha and reliability by using ICC, SEM, R values, and Mann-Whitney U-test. The internal structure of each SCAR-Q subscale was investigated by using exploratory factor analysis. 190 burn patients participated in the psychometric validation of the Finnish SCAR-Q. 135 (71.1 %) of the participants were male. Ceiling effect was present in all subscales. Internal consistency was excellent with all subscales, Crohnbach's alpha 0.97, 0.91, and 0.94. Reliability was good in all subscales, ICC 0.84, 0.88, and 0.91. The parallel analysis suggested inclusion of one factor into factor analysis for the Appearance scale and the Psychosocial impact scale, whereas two factors for the Symptom scale. The Finnish version of the SCAR-Q is equivalent with the original scale, showed excellent internal consistency, factor analysis confirmed it for the Appearance and Psychosocial impact scale, and demonstrated good reliability with all subscales when used in assessing burn scars. • Scar assessment scale is important in estimating results of scar treatments. • The SCAR-Q is a patient-reported outcome measure for all scar types. • SCAR-Q was translated into Finnish and psychometrically validated with burn scars. • The Finnish translation of the SCAR-Q is equivalent to the original scale. • The Finnish version of SCAR-Q is valid for burn scars enabling its use in burn care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Diabetes has become a global epidemic, necessitating effective self-management strategies. This is particularly crucial for parents of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, as they must make numerous daily decisions and perform complex care activities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive diabetes self-management scale specifically for parents of children with type 1 diabetes. This scale aims to holistically address behaviors impacting diabetes self-management and to evaluate its psychometric properties. Materials and methods: A methodological, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 190 parents of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The scale items were reviewed by five experts to ensure they adequately covered the parents' evaluation of their children's diabetes self-management. Following this, a Turkish language expert assessed the draft scale for language accuracy, comprehensibility, and grammar. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (numbers and percentages), Cronbach's α reliability coefficient, factor analysis, and correlation analysis. Results: The Cronbach's alpha for the overall scale was 0.893, and the Cronbach's alpha for the subscales was between 0.757 and 0.845. The item-total score correlations ranged between 0.408 and 0.660 (p <.05). The exploratory factor analysis showed that the scale explained 61.427% of the total variance, and the factor loadings of items ranged from 0.574 to 0.859. The confirmatory factor analysis also showed that the factor loadings of the scale items ranged from 0.574 to 0.859. Conclusion: The validity and reliability analyses revealed that the scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool for the Turkish culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study conducted in the Netherlands that examines the relationship between probation officer procedural justice, low self-control, and recidivism. The study found that both procedural justice and low self-control are significantly associated with recidivism. However, there is no interaction between self-control and procedural justice, indicating that the impact of perceived fairness on recidivism does not vary based on self-control levels. The findings suggest that procedural justice can improve outcomes for individuals on probation, even among those at higher risk. The study collected data through interviews with individuals in pre-trial detention and post-release interviews, and the results showed that 28% of respondents were reconvicted. The study used linear probability models to analyze the data and found that higher levels of procedural justice experienced with probation officers were associated with a lower probability of recidivism, while low self-control was positively related to recidivism. These findings have implications for probation policies and highlight the importance of probation officers engaging in procedurally just practices to reduce recidivism rates. Further research is needed to explore these relationships in different contexts and populations. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: The objective of this study was to translate and validate the Revised Impact of Miscarriage Scale (RIMS) into Kirundi for use among women and men in Burundi. Additionally, the study aimed to compare the experience and personal meaning of miscarriage between women and men. Methods: This is a cross‐sectional multicentered study. The RIMS was translated into Kirundi. Cronbach coefficient alpha and its internal consistency were measured for both genders. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to determine the underlying factors and the shared variance. Both women and men completed the RIMS questionnaire, while women completed sociodemographic, reproductive and mental health questions. Results: In all, 79 couples completed the RIMS. The original factor structure was retained after the EFA, with 68% of the shared variance explained in the three‐factor solution with 16 questions. Isolation/guilt, Loss of baby, and Devastating event. The internal consistency for women and men combined was α = 0.928. Although women scored higher on the factors of Isolation/guilt and Loss of baby, there were no significant differences in the Devastating event factor between women and men. Couples scores were positively correlated. Women who had experienced a previous miscarriage were more significantly impacted by all three factors compared to women experiencing their first miscarriage. Conclusions: The Kirundi translation of the RIMS retained the original factor structure and demonstrated excellent internal consistency α = 0.928 in women and men combined. The RIMS could be a tool for caregivers to identify individuals who require additional support after a miscarriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our well-being can improve when people heed evidence rather than simply follow familiar or charismatic advisors who neglect evidence. We developed the Reasoning through Evidence versus Advice (EvA) scale to measure individual differences in reasoning through evidence like science and statistics versus following advisors such as politicians and celebrities. No existing scales directly measure these tendencies; moreover, it was theoretically unknown whether they reflect a single dimension (from evidence- to advice-based) or distinct tendencies to value or distrust each. Our scale validation process included qualitative interviews and four studies that involved 1583 respondents (753 college graduates, 830 non-college graduates) in which we conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and tests of convergent validity, discriminant validity, and measurement invariance by gender and education. This process yielded a 16-item EvA scale with four dimensions: Pro-evidence, Anti-evidence, Pro-advice, and Anti-advice. In assessing criterion validity, these tendencies identified individual differences in important, real-world attitudes and behaviors, including susceptibility to health misinformation, adherence to CDC guidelines on social distancing, confidence in the COVID vaccine, science curiosity, and religiosity. The EvA scale extends our understanding of individual differences in reasoning tendencies that shape critical attitudes, decisions, and behaviors and can help promote informed decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building information modeling (BIM) enables substantial improvement in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. As a leading actor in the AEC industry, policymakers have the means to develop appropriate strategies for addressing the factor affecting BIM implementation. However, the lack of empirical investigation on the relationships between factors to implementing BIM and government strategies prevents the strategies from being effective. This study aimed to establish relationships between critical factors and government strategies for implementing BIM using Syria as a case study. A systematic literature review and semistructured interviews with AEC professionals yielded 27 factors and 12 government strategies for implementing BIM. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a chi-squared test, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and partial least-squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The EFA classified the factors into four underlying constructs (technology, project environment, governmental and organizational, and people) and government strategies into two underlying constructs (soft and hard strategies). The structural equation model revealed that soft strategies positively affect technology, project environment, and people. Moreover, hard strategies positively affect technology. These findings provide new insights into the body of knowledge on optimal government strategies for implementing BIM in low-income economies. Policymakers can use the findings of this study to prioritize efforts and resources when promoting BIM implementation in the local AEC industry. Practical Applications: This study aimed to establish relationships between critical factors and government strategies for implementing building information modeling (BIM). The findings illustrate that soft strategies positively and substantially affect technology, project environment, and people. Furthermore, hard strategies positively and substantially affect technology. With these findings, policymakers and project stakeholders can make informed decisions on government strategy selection to address the critical factors. At the early stage, executing appropriate strategies saves resources and contributes to implementing BIM successfully. This study provides empirical evidence of the relationships between the critical factors and government strategies for implementing BIM. It provides major areas policymakers can commit resources to enhance and eventually help diffuse BIM across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. It also helps embrace advances in BIM, including digital twins, and improve industry efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China faces serious health problem and health inequality, it needs to be noticed that knowing the distribution and shortage of health capital is necessary to provide targeted strategies for investing health. However, currently existed generic measuring instruments for health capital were developed in Western countries or decades ago, there lacks suitable measuring items that adapt to Chinese contemporary socio-culture and economy, as well as the characteristics of workforce. This study aims to develop one measuring instrument of health capital to adapt China's special social-culture and economic status, as well as the characteristics of workforce. We develop a set of multi-dimensional measuring scale of health capital and collect the qualitative data through semi-structured interviews conducted in-person or online platform, we get 200 valid samples through the first round of trial survey, and 1795 valid samples from the second round of formal survey. By using reliability and validity test and both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis check, we get 21 items with four factor structures, named by physical, mental, social adaptation and moral health, to form the measuring instrument of health capital. Health capital index of workforce in China is 66.04, and the highest sub-index is moral health (85.43), followed by physical health (61.14), social adaptation (52.31) and mental health (33.20). Further analysis show that eastern China and the marginal areas in city agglomeration get better health capital index. The health capital index of Chinese workforce located in the range of "medium", and the sub-themes of mental health and social adaptation get a poor performance. These findings indicated that strengthening the mental health and social adaptation is the key way to decline the regional gap of health capital in the future. Target policy of providing healthcare facilities of mental health and continue skill training system is necessary to improve workforce' health capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration presents challenges to receiving communities, as it tests their ability to respond to unexpected expenditures and social stresses. Evaluating the local impact of rapid and substantial migration flows is difficult due to the absence of a validated instrument for assessing community support for migration. Our study adapted and validated a Support for Migration Assessment survey (SMA) based on Social Exchange Theory (SET). The validation of the SMA contributes in two significant ways. First, it establishes an instrument that enables the assessment of support for migration (SFM) by considering community-level factors: trust in institutions (TII), overall community satisfaction (OCS), and perceived negative impact on infrastructure (INF). Second, the SMA extends SET to the context of migration to assess support by a receiving community. We recruited 333 survey participants between January and July 2022 using proportional stratified random sampling to measure locals' perceptions toward the Venezuelan migrant population in Barranquilla, Colombia. The internal consistency of the factors was calculated with Cronbach's alpha (α) and omega coefficient (ω), resulting in α = 0.88, ω = 0.89 for TII; α = 0.90, ω = 0.92 for OCS; α = 0.87, ω = 0.88 for INF; and α = 0.84, ω = 0.86 for SFM. After conducting exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, construct validity was confirmed based on the model's goodness of fit (CFI = 0.939, TLI = 0.935, RMSEA = 0.062, SRMR = 0.076). The adapted survey demonstrates adequacy in assessing perceived community support for migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence is a sensitive period of social-emotional growth, when new abilities for abstract thinking also emerge. Especially among youth from under-resourced communities, how do adolescents' proclivities to engage in abstract meaning-making about the social world manifest, alongside more concrete interpretations? How is meaning-making associated with other aspects of social and cognitive functioning? We interviewed 65 adolescents (aged 14–18) from low-SES urban neighborhoods about compelling mini-documentaries depicting teenagers. We also measured real-world social-emotional functioning and a range of cognitive capacities. Qualitative analyses, followed by exploratory factor analysis, revealed that, when reacting to the stories, every participant invoked: (1) concrete meaning-making, involving context-dependent reactive, or contagious feelings and advice giving; and (2) abstract meaning-making, involving perspectives, values, reflections, and curiosities that transcend the story context. Quantified concrete and abstract meaning-making scores were normally distributed, uncorrelated and unrelated to SES. Even controlling for IQ and demographic variables, concrete meaning-making predicted youths' reporting more satisfying relationships and desired daily affective experiences, while abstract meaning-making was associated with greater working memory, executive functioning, long-term memory, social reasoning, and creativity. Findings tie theoretical dimensions of adolescent development to modern youth's concrete and abstract construals and demonstrate that these construals may be associated with different developmental affordances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]