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Background To well control the pandemic of COVID-19, herd immunity should be achieved. However, people, especially those with better physical conditions (e.g., young adults), may not accept COVID-19 vaccines. Understanding university students' willingness or reluctance to uptake COVID-19 vaccination is important. Aim This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the DrVac-COVID19S, an instrument that helps assess motivations/drivers of COVID-19 vaccination uptake among university students. Research design and methods Using convenience sampling and cross-sectional design, university students (930 from Taiwan [38.0% males] and 1,244 from Ghana [63.3% males]) completed the DrVac-COVID19S using an online survey (Taiwanese students) or paper-and-pen method (Ghanaian students). Rasch analysis was used to examine the psychometric properties of the DrVac-COVID19S. Results All 12 items in the DrVac-COVID19S had a satisfactory fit in the Rasch models (infit MnSq=0.74 to 1.49; outfit MnSq=0.72 to 1.42). Moreover, the seven-point Likert scale used in the DrVac-COVID19S demonstrated monotonically increasing in their difficulties, which indicated the ordered category. Additionally, no differential item functioning was displayed in the DrVacCOVID-19S across Taiwanese and Ghanaian students. Conclusions The DrVacCOVID-19S has good psychometric features to help healthcare providers assess individuals' (especially university students) motivations or drivers to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

The present study aimed to adapt the Gay Community Stress Scale (GCSS) into the traditional Chinese version for measuring gay community stress experienced. Additionally, we examined its psychometric propensities among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Taiwan. In total, 736 GBM participated in this study and completed the 35-item traditional Chinese version of the GCSS (29 items from the original GCSS and six items from the results of the focus group interviews among GBM in Taiwan); the Measure of Internalized Sexual Stigma for Lesbians and Gay Men (MISS-LG); the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Exploratory factor analysis results suggest a five-factor structure (i.e., Sex, Status, Competition, Exclusion, and Externals) for the 32-item traditional Chinese version of the GCSS among Taiwanese GBM; three items were deleted due to low factor loadings (i.e.

Yu-Ching Lin,1,2,&ast; Chung-Ying Lin,3– 6,&ast; Chia-Wei Fan,7 Chieh-Hsiu Liu,8 Daniel Kwasi Ahorsu,9 Duan-Rung Chen,10 Hui-Ching Weng,3,11 Mark D Griffiths12 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 2Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 3Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 4Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 5Biostatistics Consulting Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 6Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 7Department of Occupational Therapy, AdventHealth University, Orlando, FL, USA; 8Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 9Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong; 10Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; 11Institute of Gerontology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 12International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Hui-Ching Weng, Institute of Allied Health Sciences and Institute of Gerontology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, East District, Tainan City, 70101, Taiwan, Tel +886-6-2353535 ext. 5986, Fax +886-6-3028175, Email hc6127@mail.ncku.edu.twPurpose: The present study compared two nationally representative cohort datasets concerning Taiwan residents’ healthy behaviors, subjective health outcomes, generalized trust, and accessibility to health promotion resources.Patients and Methods: The Taiwan Social Change Survey (TSCS) was conducted in two waves ten years apart: 2011 cohort (n = 1021; 48.4% males) and 2021 cohort (n = 1425; 47.4%) cohorts. Descriptive statistics were calculated to compare the two TSCS datasets. Then, multiple regression models were constructed with health outcome as the dependent variable, and demographics and other key components as independent variables.Results: The 2011 TSCS cohort showed higher prevalence for cigarette smoking (30.8% vs 25.2%; p=0.002), alcohol drinking (52.5% vs 24.3%; p< 0.001), exercise habits (52.7% vs 48.0%; p=0.02), and better fruit and vegetable accessibility (Mean=3.91 vs 3.82; p=0.04). The 2021 TSCS cohort reported higher body mass index (Mean=24.20 vs 23.63; p< 0.001), less residency in urban areas (22.4% vs 31.1%; p< 0.001), better jogging accessibility (4.14 vs 4.05; p=0.006), higher generalized trust (2.26 vs 2.17; p=0.001), and greater internet usage (3.43 vs 2.89; p< 0.001). The regression model showed that exercise habits (standardized coefficient=0.20 and 0.10; p< 0.001) and generalized trust (standardized coefficient=0.11 and 0.11; p=0.004 and < 0.001) were consistently associated with health outcomes in both cohorts. Additionally, internet use (standardized coefficient=− 0.07; p=0.026) and alcohol drinking behaviors (standardized coefficient=− 0.07; p=0.0022) were negatively associated with health outcomes in the 2021 cohort.Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the trends and changes over 10 years regarding multiple health-related components among Taiwan residents. The study’s findings provide insight into education promotion programs to reduce unhealthy behaviors as well as enhancing generalized trust building and developing healthy behaviors for Taiwan residents.Keywords: health behavior, health promotion, COVID-19, Taiwan, trust

Self-stigma is prevalent in individuals with psychiatric disorders and can profoundly affect people. A unified assessment with sound psychometric properties is needed for evaluating self-stigma across psychiatric conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Self-Stigma Scale-Short version (SSS-S) using Rasch modeling. Six-hundred and twelve participants with substance use disorders (n = 319), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (n = 100), and schizophrenia (n = 193) completed the SSS-S. Rasch results confirmed the unidimensionality of the nine items of the SSS-S. The four-point Likert scale of the SSS-S reflected monotonical increases along the self-stigma continuum. No ceiling or floor effects were detected. Among the three subdomains of the SSS-S, cognitive items appeared to be the most robustly endorsed, and behavioral items were the least endorsed. Two items in the SSS-S displayed differential item functioning across the three diagnoses. Additionally, SSS-S scores showed weak to moderate correlation with depression, anxiety, and stress scale scores. The SSS-S had overall satisfactory psychometric properties. Healthcare professionals may use this assessment to assess self-stigma in multiple psychiatric groups, and information gained may facilitate improved care.

The UCLA Loneliness Scale, with different short versions, is widely used to assess levels of loneliness. However, whether the scale is valid in assessing loneliness among sexual-minority men is unknown. Additionally, it is unclear whether the 8-item and 3-item short versions are comparable to the full 20-item version. The present study compared the validity of the three versions of the UCLA Loneliness Scale (i.e., 20-item, 8-item, and 3-item versions) among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan. The participants comprised 400 gay and bisexual men in Taiwan who completed a cross-sectional online survey, which included the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate factorial validity. Convergent validity was examined between the three versions of the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the CES-D and STAI. Known-group validity was investigated with participants’ sexual orientation and educational levels. The unidimensional construct was supported in all three versions of the UCLA Loneliness Scale tested in the present study. Convergent validity was supported as the level of loneliness was correlated with the level of depression and anxiety for all three versions. There were no significant differences between gay and bisexual men, although significant differences were found across different educational levels. The study confirmed that all three versions of the UCLA Loneliness Scale were comparable with satisfactory reliability and validity in Taiwanese sexual-minority men.

Importance: Few studies have examined differences in clients’ and therapists’ perspectives on therapeutic communication; this article contributes to the knowledge base. Objective: To examine clients’ and therapists’ real-time perceptions of therapeutic communication. Design: Observational, quantitative, cross-sectional study. Setting: Inpatient and outpatient units of a large urban teaching hospital. Participants: Clients (n = 110) and rehabilitation therapists (n = 38; occupational, physical, and speech). Outcomes and Measures: Demographic characteristics, Clinical Assessment of Modes (CAM). Results: Clients perceived that therapists communicated by instructing more, and therapists reported empathizing more. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings suggest that clients and therapists may perceive therapeutic communication differently. What This Article Adds: This article supports therapists’ use of the CAM to examine multiple perspectives on their communication mode use, as described in the Intentional Relationship Model.

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Relative Mastery Scale (RMS). Valid and reliable client-centered instruments support practice in value-based health care and community-based settings. Participants were 368 community-dwelling adults aged 18 to 95 years. Researchers conducted validity and reliability examinations of the RMS using classical test theory and Rasch measurement model. A partial credit model allowed exploration of individual scale properties. Spearman’s correlation coefficients between items were statistically significant at the .01 level. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .94 showing strong internal consistency. In exploratory factor analysis, Factor 1 accounted for 71% of variance with an eigenvalue of 4.26. In Rasch analysis, the 5-point rating scale demonstrated adequate functioning, confirmed unidimensionality, and person/item separation. The RMS instrument demonstrates sound psychometric characteristics. A valid and reliable measure of internal occupational adaptation supports application to monitor progress of internal occupational adaptation across a variety of individuals.

Objective: The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is one of the most robust models in explaining health-related behavior. In this study, we tested the extended TPB to predict university students’ intentions to uptake COVID-19 vaccination.\ud \ud Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was developed to investigate students’ intention to uptake the COVID-19 vaccine based on the components of the TPB (i.e., attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) and extended components (i.e., knowledge about COVID-19, risk perception of COVID-19, and past influenza vaccination behavior). Non-probability sampling was used to collect data from 3145 students from 43 universities in mainland China in January 2021. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the proposed model. Enrolled students were relatively young (mean age = 20.80 years; SD = 2.09), half of them are female (50.2%), and most of them were studying in undergraduate programs (n = 3026; 96.2%).\ud \ud Results: The results showed that students’ knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccine and risk perception of COVID-19 positively influenced their attitude toward the uptake of a COVID-19 vaccine. Also, students’ attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination uptake and their past influenza vaccination uptake behaviors were positively associated with the intention to uptake COVID-19 vaccination. Subjective norm and perceived behavioral control were not significant predictors for the intention to uptake COVID-19 vaccination (R2 = 0.49).\ud \ud Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that the extended TPB appears to be an efficient model with the focus on attitude, knowledge, risk perception, and past influenza vaccination uptake behaviors in explaining students’ intention for COVID-19 vaccination.

Background: The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) is a widely used conceptual practice model in Finland. Therefore, Finnish translations of valid and reliable MOHO assessments are needed.Objective: ...

To increase accessibility to genetics services for low-urgency patients seeking Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) carrier screening, we designed an interactive computer (IC) module that provides pre-test genetics education and allows genetics professionals to order the test without meeting the patients beforehand. We compared this module with in-person genetic counseling (GC) using a randomized trial. AJ individuals were randomized to undergo genetics education via the IC module (n = 26) or GC (n = 28). We compared post-interventional genetics knowledge, perceived genetic risk, and anxiety between the two groups, after accounting for pre-interventional scores, using ANCOVA. Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test was used to compare post-interventional satisfaction. Post-interventional genetics knowledge, risk perception, or anxiety were not significantly different between the two groups after accounting for baseline scores (p = 0.50-0.54), although the data are inconclusive regarding the module's non-inferiority at a 5% margin. Post-intervention satisfaction scores were generally higher in the GC group than the IC module group. Our IC module has the potential to improve access to clinical genetics services for patients and staff, but it is not suitable for all AJ patients and cannot completely replace the benefits of in-person consultations.

Research suggested combining modern test theory with classical test theory to achieve comprehensive evaluation of an assessment tool. However, the Norwegian Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self questionnaire has not yet been examined by the modern test theory.This study aims to examine psychometric properties of the Norwegian Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self questionnaire by using Rasch analysis.One hundred and eleven occupational therapy students from two universities in Norway completed the questionnaire across four time points. Rasch analysis was used to examine the appropriateness of the rating scales, unidimensionality, person response validity, item/person separation, and the Wright map.The ten-point rating scale did not fully maximise the measurement potentials. Unidimensionality was confirmed except for two items. Person response validity needs further investigation. Excellent person/item separation and Wright map were found.This study supports the psychometric properties of the Norwegian Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self questionnaire in assessing self-efficacy in therapeutic encounters. Further research is needed to address the misfit items and the rating scale issue.Rasch analysis showed that the Norwegian Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self questionnaire is promising to be used as a reliable and valid tool.

Creative Commons License: Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License. Occupational therapy students need to develop self-efficacy for therapeutic use of self in practice. This longitudinal study examined Norwegian occupational therapy students’ self-efficacy for therapeutic use of self over a 16-month period and investigated predictors of their end-point self-efficacy. One hundred and eleven students from two universities completed a self-efficacy questionnaire related to the use of self after a workshop, and at 3-month, 10-month, and 16-month follow-up. The students’ self-efficacy development was analyzed with linear mixed effect models, while factors associated with self-efficacy were investigated with linear regressions. The students from both universities showed a linear increase in self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use (p < 0.001), recognizing clients’ interpersonal characteristics (p < 0.001), and managing interpersonal events (p < 0.001). However, for the students from University 1 the largest increase occurred in an early phase, whereas for the students from University 2 the largest increase occurred in a late phase. Only baseline scores were associated with the end-point measure at 16-month follow-up. The study indicates that students’ self-efficacy for therapeutic use of self increased during the follow-up period and adds to the knowledge about occupational therapy students’ self-efficacy development related to understanding and managing client-therapist interactions.

A healthy lifestyle with sufficient physical activity (PA) can contribute to weight management. Yet, many people do not maintain a healthy lifestyle. To explain PA, we propose a model that incorporates the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with weight-related self-stigma. We recruited 325 young adults to complete questionnaires regarding their physical activities, weight-related self-stigma, and TPB factors. We used structural equation modeling to examine the model fit and the path invariance across weight groups. The model showed excellent model fit, but path invariance was not supported. Weight-related self-stigma significantly explained the perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and engagement of PA. People without overweight and people with overweight have different considerations for PA. Weight-related self-stigma is important for PA as well. To promote a healthy lifestyle, healthcare providers should provide different suggestions or interventions that suit their patients&rsquo, weight-related concerns.

Background: Supporting clients' motivation to engage in occupations is essential to occupational therapy practice. The Volitional Questionnaire Finnish version (VQ-FI) can be used to evaluate volitional behaviors of clients with limited ability to communicate.Objective: The many-facet Rasch model was used to evaluate the reliability and validity of the VQ-FI using the FACETS and WINSTEPS software.Methods and materials: Forty-two therapists received an in-person training on the VQ-FI and completed 226 independent ratings of clients. The VQ-FI was evaluated in its rating scale functioning, unidimensionality, person validity, rater severity, item targeting, and item/person separation.Results: The four-point rating scale demonstrated adequate functioning; the 'passive' rating category was rarely adopted. The VQ-FI showed unidimensionality, with all 14 items fitting the Rasch model. No evidence for ceiling or floor effects, and the assessment demonstrated appropriate item and person separation. The VQ-FI reliably separated participants to three levels of ability.Conclusions: The study provides preliminary evidence for the reliability and validity of the VQ-FI.Significance: The VQ-FI is an observational measure that can be used to evaluate clients' volitional behaviors. The VQ-FI offers practitioners and researchers a valid approach to evaluate volition that is theoretically grounded in the Model of Human Occupation.

Date Presented 04/12/21 We examined the psychometric properties of the Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self questionnaire by Rasch analysis. The questionnaire was completed by 111 students across four time points. Unidimensionality was confirmed for all three parts of the questionnaire. The rating scales and person response validity need further investigation; excellent internal consistency and person-item separation was found. The study supports the psychometric properties of the questionnaire. Primary Author and Speaker: Chia-Wei Fan Contributing Authors: Kathy Dahl, Marc Corbiere

Introduction In occupational therapy, there has been an increased interest in patients’ occupational participation within forensic settings. This retrospective study involved a longitudinal analysis of occupational participation within six forensic hospitals in England. The aim was to contribute to the understanding of forensic patients’ occupational participation over a two-year period. Methods The Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST) was rated by 78 occupational therapists on 489 patients in low and medium secure units who were receiving occupational therapy over two years. The many-faceted Rasch Model was used to convert their MOHOST scores at each time point into interval scales. Regression analysis was used to examine changes in occupational participation over time. Results Patients’ overall occupational participation improved over time. Specifically, participation improved in five of the six MOHOST subdomains, which included their motivation for occupation, pattern of occupation, communication/interaction skills, process skills, and environment. Patients did not demonstrate significant change in their motor skills, which varied as expected. In addition, patients in low secure units had better occupational participation than those in medium secure settings. Conclusion Our findings indicated improvements in the patients’ occupational participation over the 2-year period. Further investigations are needed to understand factors contributing to change.

Date Presented 03/28/20 We examined the psychometric properties of the Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self questionnaire by Rasch analysis. The questionnaire was completed by 111 students across four time points. Unidimensionality was confirmed for all three parts of the questionnaire. The rating scales and person response validity need further investigation; excellent internal consistency and person/item separation was found. The study supports the psychometric properties of the questionnaire. Primary Author and Speaker: Chia-Wei Fan Contributing Authors: Farzaneh Yazdani, Tove Carstensen, Tore Bonsaksen

Importance: According to the Intentional Relationship Model, six therapeutic modes characterize client–therapist interactions in occupational therapy: advocating, collaborating, empathizing, encouraging, instructing, and problem solving. However, whether these modes hold across cultural contexts is not clear. Objective: To compare therapeutic mode use in occupational therapy interactions in the United States and Singapore. Design: Cross-sectional observational study; questionnaires were collected and compared from two convenience samples of occupational therapists from the United States and Singapore, and results were analyzed using t tests and general linear modeling. Setting: Large tertiary hospitals. Participants: Occupational therapists were recruited if they had at least 6 mo experience in their clinical specialty. Adult client participants were recruited if they had or planned to have at least three occupational therapy sessions. Outcomes and Measures: The therapist version of the Clinical Assessment of Modes (CAM–T) was used to assess occupational therapists’ therapeutic mode use in interactions with specific clients. Results: A total of 74 U.S. and 39 Singaporean client–therapist interactions were assessed. U.S. therapists were more likely to use the upper end of the response scale; after we corrected for this, the pattern of mode use was similar in both cultural contexts, with instructing mode used the most. In absolute terms, U.S. therapists used the instructing mode more frequently than Singaporean therapists. Conclusion and Relevance: Further research should be done to examine the sociocultural factors that affect responses on the CAM–T and mode use. What This Article Adds: This study is the first to compare therapeutic mode use in different cultural settings. With the globalization of occupational therapy practice, it is important to consider the generalizability of occupational therapy concepts across cultures.

Date Presented 04/06/19 OTs who worked at forensic settings in England were expected to use the MOHO-based forensic care pathway to guide their interventions. As part of their standard procedures, therapists administered the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST) and the Health of Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) to represent clients’ participation and their health conditions. The study built up a picture for forensic patients with assessments that were already being used regularly in practice. Primary Author and Speaker: Chia-Wei Fan

The Work Environment Impact Scale (WEIS) is an assessment that focuses on the fit between a person and his or her work environment. It is based on Kielhofner’s Model of Human Occupation and designed to gather information on how clients experience their work environment. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the WEIS assessment instrument. In total, 95 ratings on the 17-item WEIS were obtained from a sample of clients with experience of sick leave due to different medical conditions. Rasch analysis was used to analyze the data. Overall, the WEIS items together cohered to form a single construct of increasingly challenging work environmental factors. The hierarchical ordering of the items along the continuum followed a logical and expected pattern, and the participants were validly measured by the scale. The three occupational therapists serving as raters validly used the scale, but demonstrated a relatively high rater separation index, indicating differences in rater severity. The findings provide evidence that the Swedish version of the WEIS is a psychometrically sound assessment across diagnoses and occupations, which can provide valuable information about experiences of work environment challenges.

Recently, Pd surface finishes over Cu substrates have been widely used in microelectronic packaging to prevent pad oxidation before soldering and to improve the bondability with Cu wires. The interfacial reactions between these newly developed Pd-based substrates and Pb-free solders, particularly Sn-based solders, are of practical importance. To completely understand interfacial reactions and phase transformation phenomena, phase equilibrium information on solders, intermetallics, and substrate materials are required. In this study, the phase equilibria of the Cu-Pd-Sn ternary system at 200°C was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and electron backscatter diffraction. Particular emphasis was placed on the Sn-rich corner of the isothermal section. To analyze the experimental results, a thermodynamic assessment was performed using the computer coupling of phase diagrams and thermochemistry method.

OBJECTIVE. This study applied Rasch analysis to test four versions of the Clinical Assessment of Modes (CAM), an assessment based on Taylor’s Intentional Relationship Model: CAM–P, which assesses clients’ pretreatment preferences; CAM–E, clients’ treatment experience; CAM–T, therapists’ self-reported perspective; and CAM–O, an observer rating scale. METHOD. The CAM–P was administered to 63 inpatients. The CAM–E was administered to 110 inpatients and outpatients. Trained raters rated therapists’ modes with 59 inpatients and outpatients on the CAM–O. The CAM–T was administered to 38 therapists. Analyses of reliability and validity were conducted. RESULTS. The CAM demonstrated adequate construct validity. All versions showed acceptable internal consistency and unidimensionality within each of the subscales. Disorder between the 5 points on the ordinal rating scale was found for the client measures (CAM–P, CAM–E) and was resolved by modifying the ratings to encompass a 4-point scale. CONCLUSION. The four CAM versions are reliable and valid measures of therapeutic communication in rehabilitation.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays an important role in an organism's ability to respond to pathogens. Immunogenetic diversity is advantageous as it permits the recognition of more external antigens. For this reason, MHC and immune gene variation are considered a barometer for the genetic health of wild populations. Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) were previously shown to have little variation at the MHC Class II Oram-DRB locus, which was attributed to population bottlenecks during the last glacial maximum (LGM). In this paper, we extended the analysis of immunogenetic variability in mountain goats to 5 genes representing the 3 classes of MHC gene (Class I OLA, Class II DRA and DRB, and Class III TNF-α) and the natural resistance-associated macrophage protein. We sequenced approximately 3000 bp from 31 individuals sampled across the range of mountain goats and found very low levels of diversity (1-3 polymorphic sites per gene) with the exception of the Class I Oram-OLA gene. Oram-OLA was nearly 30 times more diverse than the other immune genes and appears to represent a source of increased immunogenetic diversity. This diversity may be attributed to multiple loci, mediated by pathogen exposure, or potentially influenced by social factors. The distribution of SNPs was not associated with refugial history, suggesting that the current distribution of immunogenetic diversity was present prior to the LGM. These data suggest that although they have low levels of diversity at the 4 of 5 immune loci, mountain goats may be better equipped for future climate oscillations and pathogen exposure than previously thought.

Introduction: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool, using both item response theory and classical test theory. Method: One hundred and one people with mental health problems, aged 18–65 years, were recruited. The Chinese version of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool, the National Taiwan University Hospital Symptom Checklist, the Volitional Questionnaire, the Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills, and the Mini Mental State Examination were administered. Rasch analysis and correlational analysis were used to examine the construct, convergent, divergent validity and known group validity. Results: Rasch analysis confirmed that there were six subscales within the Chinese version of Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool. The Volitional Questionnaire strongly correlated with the volition subscale (r = 0.583). The Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills strongly correlated with the communication and interaction subscale (r = 0.815). The Mini Mental State Examination was moderately correlated with the process subscale (ρ = 0.334) and the symptomatology was not associated with any of the subscales as expected. There were significant differences on selected subscale scores across four known groups of participants. Conclusion: The Chinese version of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool was valid when applied to people with mental health problems.

Date Presented 4/20/2018 The Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST) and the Clinical Assessment of Modes were used to evaluate clients’ participation and paired therapists’ use of mode. Correlation analyses were conducted. The results show that the empathizing mode was significantly correlated to five subdomains of the MOHOST. Primary Author and Speaker: Chia-Wei Fan Additional Authors and Speakers: Renee Taylor

Date Presented 4/9/2016 Clients expected therapists to show more of the instructing mode, such as educating them and structuring the treatment process. However, therapists focused more on empathizing with clients’ emotions. Primary Author and Speaker: Chia-Wei Fan Additional Author and Speaker: Renee Taylor

Date Presented 4/9/2016 Rasch analysis confirmed that the item set in six modes met the criteria of unidimensionality. Both the client and therapist versions exhibited satisfactory construct validity and internal consistency. Primary Author and Speaker: Chia Wei-Fan Additional Author and Speaker: Renee Taylor

This study examined the validity and reliability of the Assessment of Work Performance (AWP) using Rasch analysis. The AWP was administered to 365 clients with a variety of work-related problems. Rasch analysis and principal component analysis were used to examine the appropriateness of the rating scales and unidimensionality of AWP items. The person-response validity, internal consistency, targeting appropriateness, and differential item function were also analyzed. The Rasch analysis confirmed the 4-point rating scale, and the item set met the criteria of unidimensionality. The AWP exhibited satisfactory person-response validity and internal consistency. Among the three subdomains, the targeting of item-difficulty was sufficient in the motor skills and process skills subdomains. Differential item functioning was found across gender and diagnoses. This study presented evidence to support that the AWP functioned as a reliable and valid assessment in assessing work performance. [OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health 2013;33(3):125-133.].

Background/Purpose The Purdue pegboard test is widely used in measuring the hand dexterity of patients with schizophrenia. In patients with schizophrenia, the test–retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of this test remain largely unknown, limiting the interpretability of this popular measure. The purpose of this study was to estimate the test–retest reliability and the MDC of the Purdue pegboard test for patients with schizophrenia. Methods A total of 147 patients with schizophrenia participated in this study. The participants were administrated the five subtests of the Purdue pegboard test, three trials in a row at both of the two sessions 1 week apart. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to examine the test–retest reliability and the MDC was calculated on the basis of standard error of measurement. Results The test–retest reliabilities of the five subtests were moderate to good (ICC = 0.73–0.88). The MDC (MDC%) was 3.0 (22.9%) for the dominant hand subtest, 3.1 (26.1%) for the nondominant hand subtest, 3.0 (31.7%) for the both hands subtest, 6.1 (17.7%) for the dominant + nondominant + both hands subtest, and 8.5 (35.3%) for the assembly subtest. Conclusion Our results reveal that the Purdue pegboard test has moderate-to-good test–retest reliability but substantial random measurement error. These findings should enable clinicians and researchers to monitor and interpret the changes in the hand dexterity of patients with schizophrenia more accurately and confidently.

It has long been held that the cold-blooded vertebrates lack mammalian-like germinal centers, though they do have affinity maturation and the immunoglobulin mutator activation-induced cytidine deaminase or AID. Using AID as a marker of sites of somatic hypermutation, we have identified discrete cell clusters of up to several thousand cells, in the spleen and kidney of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), which may be primordial germinal centers. In situ hybridization revealed that AID expressing cells are interspersed or surrounded by a population of pigmented CSF1-R expressing cells called melano-macrophages. Significantly, melano-macrophages or associated reticular cells have been previously noted for their ability to retain soluble antigen on or near their surface for several weeks following vaccination. Laser capture microdissection and RT-PCR were used to establish that these cell clusters also contained cells expressing Ig heavy chain transcripts as well as transcripts of TcRbeta and the putative CD4 homologue of fish. These observations, coupled with past work showing that mutations develop in B-cell lineages in fishes, allow us to develop a model for how affinity maturation may have evolved in early gnathostome vertebrates.