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Purpose: This study describes the prevalence of fertility preservation (FP) knowledge, discussions, and engagement in a heterogeneous sample of Canadians diagnosed with cancer in young adulthood an...

According to the integrative framework for studying people, personality manifests and develops along three separate, but related, levels: the actor (e.g. traits), agent (e.g. goals), and author (i.e. narratives). Although these levels are thought to be conceptually interrelated, few studies have empirically examined such interrelations. To address this gap, the present study tested how traits, goals, and narratives are longitudinally related to each other and whether master motives (getting along and getting ahead) serve as helpful tools to structure these interrelations. Applying a developmental approach, we further explored these interrelations against the background of age-related effects. A sample of 141 participants (14–68 years, M = 35.40 years) completed self-reports on traits and goals at the beginning and end of a 2-year study. In between these measurements, participants took part in a life story interview that assessed narratives. We applied multilevel analyses and found that traits, goals, and narratives were meaningfully related to each other. Interactions with age occurred in less than 20% of the cases, emerged among the majority of variables (except for agreeableness and openness), were most pronounced for narratives and were mainly found among young and middle-aged participants. The findings are discussed in view of master motives.

An artificial neural network (ANN) implementation for the estimation of masonry compressive strength is presented. A heterogeneous sample is considered, including brick or stone elements, with cementitious or non-cementitious mortar. A multi-layer network was designed with sigmoidal neurons trained using a back-propagation algorithm. An object-oriented Java software program was developed in order to perform the training and the testing processes of the network, using real test data. The mean sum of square errors (SSE) was used as a global performance indicator of the network. The results obtained using the ANN were numerically compared with both real test data and with the results of empirical formulations. The comparisons showed that the ANN approach produced lower SSE than the considered formulations, with good performance on both heterogeneous masonry samples and different masonry systems. The presented approach could be particularly useful when little information is available, avoiding the need for invasive on-site tests and performing only laboratory tests on the brick (or stone) and the mortar. The ANN was able to predict the compressive masonry strength with a very small error, despite the heterogeneity of the considered sample.

O presente artigo recorre ao conceito de fantasia inconsciente como instrumento de análise de um conjunto heterogéneo de filmes de ficção científica, desde a space opera ao filme sobre viagens no tempo, que marcaram este género cinematográfico, desde a década de 50 do século passado à atualidade. Através de uma revisão da literatura, do tipo narrativo ou não sistemático, procurou-se identificar e explorar as protofantasias subjacentes à trama dramática de obras fílmicas de referência, nomeadamente as fantasias de sedução, castração e da cena primitiva. O cinema de ficção científica parece facultar uma espécie de mitologia arquetípica contemporânea, com os seus próprios deuses e heróis, em conexão com as fantasias originárias dramatizadas, cuja apropriação idiossincrática é transversal a povos e culturas diferentes.

Our primary goal was to quantify associations between ultrasonographic (US) measurements of talar cartilage apparent thickness and magnetic resonance (MR)-based measures of talar cartilage volume in a heterogeneous sample of those with and without chronic ankle instability. Cartilage volume from MR and normalized cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness from a transverse US image of the talar cartilage were calculated after 30 min of unloading. Overall talar and region of interest-specific morphology measures (i.e., volume, normalized CSA, thickness) were submitted for statistical analysis. Overall US-normalized CSA positively associated with the overall talar MR volume (r = 0.641, p0.001). Medial (r = 0.673, p0.001) and lateral US-normalized CSA (r = 0.584, p = 0.001) positively associated with MR volume in the anteromedial and anterolateral MR region of interest, respectively. No differences in US-based normalized CSA, thickness (p0.481) or MR-based volume (p0.287) were noted between the groups. US appears to be a clinically accessible and cost-effective method for evaluating average ankle cartilage apparent thickness.

In this investigation, the Generalized Approach, attainMent, Maintenance, and Avoidance (GAMMA) Motivation Scale was developed and validated. This scale measures approach and avoidance motivation in any domain of goal pursuit, thus overcoming the limitations of past domain-specific measures. Perhaps more importantly, it can distinguish maintenance from attainment forms of approach motivation. It was initially developed in a large sample reporting on a relatively heterogeneous sample of goals. Its factor structure was refined and confirmed in three samples reporting on healthy-eating, social-relationship, and academic-achievement goals, respectively. It is internally-consistent and its relationships with measures of domain-specific motivation, BIS/BAS, affective traits, motivational constructs from other theories, and successful goal pursuit all support its construct validity across domains. We therefore suggest that the GAMMA Motivation Scale is a useful tool for understanding and researching approach, avoidance, and maintenance motivation.

Recently, multilabel classification is of increasing interest in machine learning and artificial intelligence. However, the distances of samples in most Relief methods easily result in heterogeneous or similar samples abnormal when the distances are very large. Besides, the classification margin as a neighborhood radius for some reduction algorithms may be meaningless when the margin is too large. To overcome these drawbacks, this paper presents a multilabel feature selection method using the improved Relief and minimum redundancy maximum relevance (MRMR) based on neighborhood rough sets. First, the number of heterogeneous and similar samples is introduced to improve the label weighting method which can eliminate the influence of the large distances of samples. By combining with the new label weighting, the distances between the sample and its nearest-neighbor heterogeneous sample and between the sample and its nearest-neighbor similar sample are presented to develop a new feature weighting method. Second, the number of heterogeneous and similar samples continues to be used to improve the classification margin, thereby constraining the neighborhood radius, based on which the neighborhood approximation accuracy is constructed to effectively measure the uncertainty of samples in the boundary region and the completeness of knowledge. Third, by integrating with the new neighborhood approximation accuracy, two types of mutual information between features and labels and among features are proposed, and then the mutual information-based MRMR model is investigated to evaluate the significance of features. Finally, a multilabel feature selection algorithm is designed for improving the classification performance of multilabel data. Experimental results on thirteen public datasets illustrate the effectiveness of our developed algorithm that can select the significant features and achieve great performance for multilabel datasets.

Research on temporary agency work emphasizes that temporary agency workers (TAWs), particularly those in low-skilled jobs associated with precariousness and low social prestige, are likely to be exposed to poor treatment, as well as stigmatization. On the contrary, stigmatization of TAWs in high-skilled jobs has not been treated in much detail in previous studies. Literature provides an incomplete picture of stigmatization within the broader field of temporary employment regarding the focus on low-skilled jobs. Hence, the present qualitative study is based on data from interviews of a heterogeneous sample of TAWs employed in low- and high-skilled jobs in Germany. By using and modifying Boyce and colleagues’ (2007) model of stigmatization, the study shows that stigmatizing treatment towards TAWs occurs across all skill levels, although the intensity and form of those experiences, as well as coping strategies, differ. Thereby, this study contributes to a more differentiated and skill level-specific understanding of how TAWs perceive and cope with stigmatization linked to their employment status. It also provides an important opportunity to advance Boyce and colleagues’ (2007) complex model of TAW stigmatization with empirical underpinnings.

Objetivo Investigar de manera retrospectiva a 5 anos el porcentaje de mortalidad en los pacientes operados de amputacion mayor por pie diabetico e identificar los factores de riesgo asociados que aumentan la mortalidad en la poblacion mexicana. Metodo Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes sometidos a amputacion mayor por pie diabetico del 1 de enero al 31 de diciembre de 2009 en un hospital de segundo nivel. Resultados Se incluyeron en el protocolo de estudio 37 pacientes que cumplian los criterios de inclusion, y se encontro que 10 (27.03%) continuaban con vida y 27 (72.97%) habian fallecido. Los pacientes a quienes se realizo una amputacion y tenian tres o mas enfermedades concomitantes mostraron un riesgo 1.6 veces mas alto de morir (p = 0.018). Cuanto mayor era la glucemia previa al momento de la amputacion, mayor fue la probabilidad de muerte a 5 anos (p = 0.015). Conclusiones En Mexico hacen falta estudios con seguimiento prospectivo, de caracter multicentrico, con una muestra heterogenea, que permitan tener un panorama nacional. Objective To investigate retrospectively at 5 years the mortality rate in postoperative patients of major amputation secondary to diabetic foot and to identify the associated risk factors that increase mortality in the Mexican population. Method Retrospective study that included patients who underwent major amputation secondary to diabetic foot from January 1 to December 31, 2009 in a second-level hospital. Results 37 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study protocol, finding that 10 patients (27.03%) were still alive and 27 patients (72.97%) had died. Observing In patients who undergo an amputation and have three or more comorbidities, they have a 1.6 times higher risk of dying (p = 0.018) and that the higher the glycemia prior to the amputation, the greater the probability of dying at 5 years (p = 0.015). Conclusions Studies are needed in Mexico with prospective follow-up, multicenter in nature, with a heterogeneous sample, which allows us to have a National panorama.

Employees spend approximately 2 h per day engaging in cyberloafing (i.e., using the internet at work for nonwork purposes) behaviors, costing organizations almost $85 billion dollars per year. As a result, cyberloafing is often considered a counterproductive type of withdrawal behavior. However, recent research suggests that cyberloafing may have some unexpected positive workplace outcomes. Therefore, we argue that the role of workplace cyberloafing is more complex than previously assumed and posit that cyberloafing may provide employees with a way to cope with workplace stress such as exposure to workplace aggression. To examine this proposition, we used a heterogeneous sample of 258 employees to test whether cyberloafing buffers the detrimental effects of workplace aggression exposure on two outcome variables: employees’ turnover intentions and job satisfaction. Overall, results supported the notion that employees use cyberloafing as a workplace coping mechanism, which runs counter to the majority of research that conceptualizes cyberloafing as a counterproductive workplace behavior. These findings suggest that managers may consider allowing some degree of cyberloafing so that employees can better cope with work stress. Moreover, managers should directly target stressful workplace conditions (e.g., aggression) that serve as the impetus for cyberloafing behaviors.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of both value congruence between employees and supervisors as well as the important role of employee voice for optimal outcomes in organizations. Design/methodology/approach A heterogeneous sample of 495 working adults across business sectors completed instruments on value fit, voice, citizenship behaviors, commitment and psychological well-being. Findings Results suggest when employees experience value fit with their immediate supervisor, they express voice in organizations. Employee voice partially mediated the effects of value congruence on citizenship behaviors, commitment and psychological well-being. Originality/value While it is common for employees and supervisors to share and observe personal values at work, few studies have considered the effects of alignment between these values. Further, this is one of the very few studies that have considered the employee consequences of this value congruence.

Action research is a methodology seldom used within both body image and mixed methods research. The current study is an application of action research to a 6-week mixed methods assessment of a positive body image program. Eighteen participants (14 women, 4 men) completed questionnaires pre–post intervention and at a 6-week follow-up. Sixteen participants completed individual interviews. Using mixed methods, participants’ positive body image was found to significantly improve and be sustained 6-weeks later. A multidimensional mixed methods research finding was an increase in participants’ positive body image and decrease in negative body image. This article highlights the versatility of mixed methods as it integrated well with an action research approach and fueled the interpretation of findings in a heterogeneous sample.

Decision makers often face incentives to increase risk‐taking on behalf of others through bonus contracts and relative performance contracts. We conduct an experimental study of risk‐taking on behalf of others using a large heterogeneous sample and find that people respond to such incentives without much apparent concern for stakeholders. Responses are heterogeneous and mitigated by personality traits. The findings suggest that lack of concern for others’ risk exposure hardly requires “financial psychopaths” in order to flourish, but is diminished by social concerns.

Previous studies have shown that personality types may lead to different health status. The current study aims to refine a previous typological profile of strength using a heterogeneous sample (N = 5776) and clarify further the associations between strength profiles and mental wellbeing (e.g., flourishing), mental illbeing (e.g., depression, anxiety, and stress), strength knowledge, and strength use. Latent profile analysis was implemented to distinguish subgroups on the basis of the three-dimensional inventory of character strengths (e.g., self-control, inquisitiveness, and caring). Results refined previous findings and indicated three specific profiles, namely, Strength, Common, and Risk Groups. The Strength Group scored relatively high on self-control and inquisitiveness but low on caring; the Common Group scored relatively high on caring; and the Risk Group had relatively high scores on self-control. As expected, the Strength Group had the highest strength knowledge and strength use, whereas the Risk Group had the least strength knowledge and strength use. The three proposed profiles have significant differences of anxiety, stress, and flourishing; however, the difference of depression between the Strength and Risk Groups was insignificant compared with the Common Group. This study can be helpful in refining strength typologies for future effective strength-based interventions.

The educational model (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) proposes among its activities the development of the skills that students must acquire from initial levels. This article consists of the fact that this pedagogical construct can determine, through interdisci- plinary collaborative projects, professional skills for the development of I + D + i activities for the estimation of the electric demand in marginal rural and urban areas of the Guayaquil canton. The model promotes some learning strategies in the students of the basic level of Industrial Engineering at the University of Guayaquil from the emotional, experiential and collaborative point of view in non-formal envi- ronments. To assess the model, a mixed type of research was carried out that took a heterogeneous sample of 83 volunteer subjects, all of them aged between 18 and 25 years. An ad hoc questionnaire of learning strategies was used in which each learning cycle selected an item mode admitted a triple response. The first one refers to the skills offered by the (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) model perceived from the student’s own personal experience. The second dimension referred to the motivational learning strategies and finally, the degree of acceptance of the didactic model. The application of this model demonstrates the development of the effective dimension of technology to work collaboratively and the acceptance of the construct. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as a means for training university students in I + D + i El modelo educativo STEM (Ciencia, Tecnologia, Ingenieria y Matematicas) propone entre sus actividades el desarrollo de las habilidades que debe adquirir los estudiantes desde niveles iniciales. Este articulo consiste en que este constructo pedagogico puede determinar, a traves de proyectos colaborativos interdisciplinarios, habilidades profesionales para el desarrollo de actividades I + D + i para la estimacion de la demanda electrica en zonas rurales y urbanas marginales del canton Guayaquil . El modelo promueve algunas estrategias de aprendizaje en los estudiantes del nivel basico de la Ingenieria Industrial de la Universidad de Guayaquil desde el punto de vista emocional, experiencial y colaborativo en ambientes no formales. Para la valoracion del modelo, se realizo una investigacion de tipo mixta que tomo una muestra heterogenea de 83 sujetos voluntarios, todos ellos con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 25 anos. Se utilizo un cuestionario ad hoc de estrategias de aprendizaje en el que cada ciclo de aprendizaje seleccionaba un modo de item admitia una triple respuesta. La primera se refiere a las habilidades que ofrece el modelo STEM percibida desde la propia experiencia personal del estudiante. La segunda dimension hizo referencia a las estrategias de aprendizaje motivacional y por ultimo, el grado de aceptacion del modelo didactico. La aplicacion de este modelo demuestra el desarrollo de la dimension efectiva de la tecnologia para trabajar colaborativamente y la aceptacion del constructo. STEM como medio para la capacitacion de estudiantes universitarios en actividades I + D + i.

In this paper we present a lightweight psychometric tool that we developed and published online to involve medical practitioners and specialists in the impact assessment of some general negative effects of medical Artificial Intelligence on their practice and profession. This tool can be adopted in, and possibly adapted to, different settings, to perform more focused AI impact assessment within specific medical settings. We applied the tool to a large and heterogeneous sample of medical doctors (N=121) and we discuss the main findings from this user study.

Background Examine whether the use of different ages has an impact on the valuation of EQ-5D-Y health states for a hypothetical child or adolescent. Methods A survey was administered during regular classes among a convenience sample of university students in the Netherlands. Respondents first valued 6 EQ-5D-Y health states (2 mild, 2 moderate, 2 severe) describing a hypothetical child/adolescent of a certain age on a visual analogue scale (VAS). After 1 h respondents valued the same six health states again but this time the age of the child was different. Age differed between 4, 10 and 16 year old. Results Number of respondents was 311. No significant differences in valuation of the six health states were found between the age of 10 and 16. One moderate health state was valued significantly better for a 4-year old compared to a 10 and a 16 year old. The same applied for one severe health state that was valued higher for a 4-year old compared to a 16-year old. Conclusion Our study shows that, except for one moderate and one severe health state, other EQ-5D-Y health states were not valued significantly different when description of age differed. It is possible that problems in specific health domains are considered more severe for older children/adolescents compared to younger children who might still be dependent on their caregivers. Future research should examine whether our findings are also present in a broader set of EQ-5D-Y health states, with a choice-based method like TTO or DCE, and a more heterogeneous sample.

Socioemotional competence and peers’ social experiences have a mutually affecting relationship. Exploring students’ reasons for disliking a classmate within the classroom context has theoretical importance for peer interaction literature and practical importance for assisting teachers in building positive social environments. The goal of the study was to evaluate a system of categorization of reasons for disliking a classmate. For that, and in line with grounded theory, an enlarged heterogeneous sample of fourth and sixth grade Spanish and Portuguese students was used. Data collection was done through a sociometric task followed by a semi-structured interview (Spanish students) or by completing a questionnaire (Portuguese students). 1596 reasons provided by the Spanish students and 638 provide by the Portuguese students were analysed following the grounded theory procedure. Results showed that students tended to mention the same type of reasons; differences within groups relate to reasons’ salience. Implications are drawn for teaching practice and for exploring the effect of culture and school organization on students’ appreciation of each other.

Single-cell sequencing assay for transposase-accessible chromatin (scATAC-seq) is the state-of-the-art technology for analyzing genome-wide regulatory landscapes in single cells. Single-cell ATAC-seq data are sparse and noisy, and analyzing such data is challenging. Existing computational methods cannot accurately reconstruct activities of individual cis-regulatory elements (CREs) in individual cells or rare cell subpopulations. We present a new statistical framework, SCATE, that adaptively integrates information from co-activated CREs, similar cells, and publicly available regulome data to substantially increase the accuracy for estimating activities of individual CREs. We demonstrate that SCATE can be used to better reconstruct the regulatory landscape of a heterogeneous sample.

espanolEste articulo estudia el papel de las caracteristicas sociodemograficas y las preferencias sociales sobre el comportamiento generoso. Utilizando una muestra (n=792) heterogenea representativa de la ciudad de Granada y el juego del dictador se investiga que mecanismos trabajan sobre la decision de donar dinero a otras personas anonimas y sobre la decision de cuanto donar. Nuestros resultados indican que los determinantes que animan a participar (donar) son diferentes de los que llevan a aumentar la participacion (donar mas). Estos resultados pueden ser de gran interes para las organizaciones y actividades que se nutren de la participacion voluntaria de terceros. EnglishThis paper studies the role of individuals’ sociodemographic characteristics and social preferences on generous behaviour. Using a heterogeneous sample (n=792), representative of Granada city and the dictator game, we investigate the mechanisms underlying the decision to donate money to other anonymous people and the decision of how much to donate. Our results indicate that the determinants that encourage an individual to participate (i.e. donate) and to increase participation (donate more) are different. These results may be of great interest for organizations and activities that need the voluntary participation of third parties.

The current study examined associations between rumination and executive function difficulties in preadolescent youth, using predictions outlined in the attentional scope and multiple systems models of rumination. This study aimed to (a) extend current conceptual models of rumination to youth, (b) clarify disparate model predictions regarding working memory updating (“updating”), inhibition, and shifting abilities, and (c) examine differential neurocognitive predictions between two forms of rumination, sadness and anger. One hundred and fifty-nine youths oversampled for ADHD and other forms of child psychopathology associated with executive dysfunction (aged 8–13; 53.5% male; 59.1% Caucasian) completed a battery of assessments, including self-report measures of rumination and computerized neurocognitive tasks. Multiple regression analyses were conducted assessing relations between rumination and each executive function, controlling for both sadness and anger rumination to assess their unique associations. Sadness rumination was associated with poorer updating (β = −0.18, p = 0.046) and shifting abilities (β = 0.20, p = 0.03) but not inhibition (β = −0.04, p = 0.62), offering partial support to the attentional scope and multiple systems models. In contrast, anger rumination was associated with better updating abilities (β = 0.20, p = 0.03) but not shifting (β = −0.15, p = 0.11) or inhibition (β = 0.08, p = 0.35). Together, these results suggest (a) developmental differences in the neurocognitive correlates associated with rumination risk in youth compared to findings from the adult literature, and (b) that the executive function correlates of children’s responses to negative emotions are affect-specific, such that sadness rumination is associated with difficulties replacing negative thoughts and shifting between mental sets, while anger rumination is associated with a better ability to maintain negative thoughts.

Background/Objectives Several studies have addressed the validity of ultrasound (US) for body composition assessment, but few have evaluated its reliability. This study aimed to determine the reliability of percent body fat (%BF) estimates using A-mode US in a heterogeneous sample. Subjects/Methods A group of 144 healthy adults (81 men and 63 women), 30.4 (10.1) years (mean (SD)), BMI 24.6 (4.7) kg/m2, completed 6 consecutive measurements of the subcutaneous fat layer thickness at 8 anatomical sites. The measurements were done, alternatively, by two testers, using a BodyMetrix™ instrument. To compute %BF, 4 formulas from the BodyView™ software were applied: 7-sites Jackson and Pollock, 3-sites Jackson and Pollock, 3-sites Pollock, and 1-point biceps. Results The formula with the most anatomic sites provided the best reliability quantified by the following measures: intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.979 for Tester 1 (T1) and 0.985 for T2, technical error of measurement (TEM) = 1.07% BF for T1 and 0.89% BF for T2, and minimal detectable change (MDC) = 2.95% BF for T1, and 2.47% BF for T2. The intertester bias was −0.5% BF, whereas the intertester ICC was 0.972. The intertester MDC was 3.43% BF for the entire sample, 3.24% BF for men, and 3.65% BF for women. Conclusions A-mode US is highly reliable for %BF assessments, but it is more precise for men than for women. Examiner performance is a source of variability that needs to be mitigated to further improve the precision of this technique.

Background: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa consistently fails to deliver timely reperfusion to these patients, possibly due to under-developed coronary care networks (CCN). Objectives: To determine the current perceived state of CCNs, to determine the barriers to optimising CCNs and to suggest facilitators to optimising CCNs within the South African context. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, by performing two structured in-depth and two focus group inter- views (n=4 and 5, respectively), inviting a purposely heterogeneous sample of 11 paramedics (n=4), doctors (n=5), and nurses (n=2) working within different settings in South African CCNs. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to content analysis. Results: Participants described an under-resourced, unprioritised and fragmented CCN with significant variation in perfor- mance. Barriers to CCN optimisation resided in recognition and diagnosis of STEMI, transport and treatment decisions, and delays. Participants suggested that thrombolysing all STEMI patients could facilitate earlier reperfusion and that pre-hospital thrombolysis should be considered. Participants highlighted the need for regionalised STEMI guidelines, and the need for fur- ther research. Conclusion: Numerous barriers were highlighted. Healthcare policy-makers should prioritise the development of CCNs that is underpinned by evidence and that is contextualised to each specific region within the South African health care system. Keywords: Health care system; emergency care; cardiovascular disease.

Objective: A number of studies have already grouped cyclists according to different aspects of their mobility behavior. This could be used e.g., to improve the bicycle infrastructure planning, to detect critical spots and, to reduce obstacles for cycling. This wide, preexisting, range of cyclist typologies usually concentrates on one or two influence factors and differs, content-wise, in both factors used, as well as, methodically. Based on existing cyclist typologies we extracted all possible influence factors to integrate them in one single questionnaire. The objective of this study, using an empirical, based approach, is to compare this typology of cyclists with existing ones, integrating all known influence factors of recent studies. Methods: To address these issues, we conducted a Germany-wide online survey on cycling behavior, covering all relevant aspects we derived from both literature and especially, former cyclist typology studies including: social factors; the impact of environmental, individual; and route factors; as well as motives. The main goal was to identify distinct types of cyclists, and describe them as detailed as possible. The heterogeneous sample included a total of 10,294 responses. Results: Using factor and cluster analyses, a multidimensional typology with four groups of cyclists was derived which were interpreted as: ambitious, functional, pragmatic, and passionate cyclists. In addition, socio-economic factors, cyclist’s motivation, and crash history were analyzed. Conclusion: The results produced by grouping different characteristics of cyclists can lead to policy recommendations or communal bicycle traffic planning. Policy planners can estimate reactions of the different types on interventions and adjust their decisions which can serve to support already passionate cyclists or, encourage normally under-represented infrequent cyclists to cycle more. The extent of perceived safety plays here an important role in the classification, e.g., the handling of high-risk areas for crashes.

International audience; BACKGROUND: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group (QLG) has developed computerised adaptive tests (CATs) for the 14 functional and symptom domains of the EORTC QLQ-C30 quality of life questionnaire. This is expected to optimise measurement precision, relevance to patients and flexibility. Here, we present the first international validation of the EORTC CAT Core.METHODS: A heterogeneous sample of 699 cancer patients scheduled for chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy was recruited across seven European countries. The EORTC CAT Core and all QLQ-C30 items were administered to participants before and after initiating treatment. Correlations between CAT and QLQ-C30 scores and floor/ceiling effects were calculated. Using several grouping variables, relative validity (cross-sectional known groups difference), responsiveness (changes over time) and relative sample size requirements of the CAT compared to the QLQ-C30 were estimated.RESULTS: Correlations of the CAT and QLQ-C30 ranged from 0.81 to 0.93 across domains. The mean relative reduction in floor and ceiling effects using the CAT was 42% (range 3-99%). Analyses of known groups validity and responsiveness indicated that, across domains, mean sample size requirements for the CAT were 72% and 70%, respectively, of those using the QLQ-C30.CONCLUSIONS: The EORTC CAT Core measures the same domains as the QLQ-C30 with reduced floor/ceiling effects. The CAT generally facilitated the use of smaller samples (about 30% smaller on average) without loss of power compared to the QLQ-C30. Based on this study, the EORTC QLG will release the EORTC CAT Core for general use.

espanolEl cuestionario OLC (Organizational Learning Culture) se desarrollo en la Universidad de Coimbra (Portugal) para medir la cultura de aprendizaje organizacional. El objetivo del presente estudio fue validar el cuestionario OLC en organizaciones ecuatorianas, para su aplicacion en investigaciones sobre cultura de aprendizaje. Para ello, se utilizo la primera version del cuestionario de 30 preguntas y se aplico a una muestra heterogenea de 193 trabajadores de varias organizaciones (ratio 6:1). El cuestionario OLC se sometio a una validacion de contenido, asi como a un analisis factorial exploratorio (15 items, 2 factores, varianza=58,6%) y un analisis confirmatorio con buenas medidas de ajuste (PCFI=.824; RMSEA=.049; CFI=.972). Para evaluar la fiabilidad del instrumento se utilizo el alfa de Cronbach (ɑadaptacion externa=.889 y ɑintegracion interna=.873). Estos resultados demuestran que el cuestionario OLC Ecuador es valido para el contexto analizado. EnglishThe Organizational Learning Culture Questionnaire (OCL) was developed at the University of Coimbra (Portugal) to measure the culture in organizational environments. The goal of this study is to validate the OLC questionnaire in Ecuadorian organizations, for its application in researches about learning culture. Thus, the first version of the 30-question questionnaire was used and applied to a heterogeneous sample of 193 workers from various organizations (6: 1 ratio). The OLC questionnaire was subject to content validation, making an exploratory factor analysis (15 items, 2 factors, variance=58.6%) and a confirmatory analysis with good adjustment measures (PCFI=.824; RMSEA= 049; CFI=.972). To assess the reliability of the instrument, Cronbach's alpha was used (ɑexternal adaptation=.889 y ɑinternal integration=.873). These results demonstrate that the OLC Ecuador questionnaire is valid for the analyzed context.

This paper aims to explore the local innovation system's network structure in mature industries and in an emerging economy, by taking empirical evidence from the transport and logistics innovation system in the Campania region (South of Italy). The social network analysis conducted on R&D alliances among a heterogeneous sample of organisations revealed that the Campania LIS in transport and logistics is characterised by a closed network, where brokering positions are mostly undertaken by academic institutions, which is in line with the studies arguing that a closure structure better sustains the conduct of innovation activities.

The prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in the pediatric population is unknown. We sought to establish standardized overall as well as gender-, age-, and race-specific prevalence estimates of HS among children and adolescents in the United States. We performed a cross-sectional analysis in a heterogeneous sample of 55 million patients across all census regions. We identified 1,240 patients with HS in whom the ratio of girls to boys was 3.8:1. Almost all (96.8%) patients with HS were ≥10 years of age. Overall, HS prevalence was 0.028%, or 28.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 26.5-29.7) per 100,000 children and adolescents. Standardized prevalence was higher in girls (44.6 [95% CI 41.8-47.5] per 100,000), in patients aged 15-17 years (113.7 [95% CI 106.4-121.4] per 100,000), and among African Americans (78.7 [95% CI 71.0-86.9] per 100,000). Highest prevalence of HS was observed among female adolescents aged 15-17 years who were African Americans (525.1 [95% CI 459.4-597.5] per 100,000) and biracial (253.2 [95% CI 121.4-465.6] per 100,000). Patients with HS who went undiagnosed were not captured, and as such prevalence estimates may be underestimated. HS appears to be a postpubertal disease that disproportionately afflicts girls and African Americans in the pediatric population.

Objective The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale is a semistructured, interview-based assessment tool, which is increasingly being used for clinical and research purposes across the globe, despite its limited psychometric evaluation outside of English-speaking populations. The aim of this study was to linguistically adapt the measure and investigate reliability, validity, and factor structure of the Turkish version of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale in a heterogeneous sample of psychiatric and nonpsychiatric outpatient adolescents. Method The study included four clinical groups: two psychiatric, nonsuicidal outpatient groups (depression group (N = 50) and nondepression group (N = 50)), suicidal group (N = 43), and nonpsychiatric general practitioners’ group (N = 70). All participants were interviewed with the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale and suicidality module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for children and adolescents. They also completed the Suicide Probability Scale, Child Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and their parents filled in the Child Behavior Checklist. Results The scale was found to be a solidly reliable measure with good internal consistency and agreement among interviewers. It correlated in the expected direction with self- and parent-report measures of associated constructs (e.g., depression) as well as suicidality. Consistent with the developers’ intent of theoretical subscales, a three-factor solution (i.e., the severity of suicidal ideation, the intensity of suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior) fit the data well, and it fit the data significantly better than the alternative models. Last, the Turkish Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale successfully discriminated the adolescents with a recent history of suicide attempts from other clinical groups. Conclusion The Turkish version of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale is a reliable and valid instrument to assess suicide risk among adolescents.

The study aims to investigate the influence of the supervisory styles on supervision outcome among undergraduate counsellor trainees. Empirical gap and methodological gap are delivered through this study by considering Malaysian context as the background of the study and taking undergraduate population with heterogeneous sample involved. System Approach to Supervision (SAS) Model serves as the basis to carry out the study. This study is quantitative in nature with correlational research design to study both the influence and relationship between supervisory styles and supervision outcome (counsellor trainees’ satisfaction). The pilot study involved 30 students from the Bachelor of Counselling (Honors) program at UNIMAS who are undergoing their practicum training. Stratified random sampling technique is utilized to select the respondents. The Supervisory Style Inventory (SSI) instrument measures three subscales (attractive, interpersonally-sensitive and task-oriented style). The three subscales have reported high reliability analysis. The result showed that SSI has a high reliability analysis ranging from α = 0.868 to α = 0.924. The reliability values of the three subscales are reported respectively as follows: (i)attractive at α = 0.92; (ii) interpersonally-sensitive α = 0.87; and (iii) task-oriented α = 0.92. The SSI instrument is reliable for measuring the supervisory styles of supervisors towards supervisees. Implications of the findings for counsellors, supervisors, trainee counsellors and area for future research are discussed with regard to attractive, interpersonally-sensitive and task-oriented. Keywords: Reliability; supervisory styles inventory; trainee counsellors; preliminary study

The present studies investigated the out-group homogeneity effect in 5- and 8-year-old Israeli and German children (n = 150) and adults (n = 96). Participants were asked to infer whether a given property (either biological or psychological) was true of an entire group-either the participants' in-group ("Jews" or "Germans") or their out-group ("Arabs" or "Turks"). To that end, participants had to select either a homogenous or a heterogeneous sample of group members. It was found that across ages and countries, participants selected heterogeneous samples less often when inferring the biological properties of out-compared to in-group members. No effect was found regarding psychological properties. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the origins of intergroup bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To develop contact time (ConT) and withers height-normalized relative ConT (ConT*) for force platform gait analysis of dogs. ANIMALS 29 healthy client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Height at the most dorsal aspect of the shoulders (withers) was measured with a framing square. Dogs were trotted across a force platform at their preferred velocity with controlled acceleration (± 0.5 m/s2). Ranges of ConT and ConT* centered on the population mean ConT were created. Variance effects on ground reaction forces (GRFs) for 4 thoracic limb and 4 pelvic limb ConT and associated ConT* ranges were examined. Efficiency of trial capture and effects of velocity ranges on GRF variance were determined. RESULTS Individual dogs had the greatest effect on GRF variance for thoracic and pelvic limbs. Narrow ConT and ConT* ranges had few significant effects on GRFs but were inefficient at capturing trials. The ConT ranges of 0.22 to 0.29 seconds and 0.19 to 0.25 seconds for thoracic and pelvic limbs, respectively, provided the most efficient rates of trial capture with the fewest significant effects on GRFs. Compared with ConT and ConT* ranges, relative velocity ranges had higher efficiency and smaller GRF variance effects. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Dogs of various morphologies have differing limb velocities. Use of ConT as a surrogate for limb velocity may improve GRF data quality. We identified ConT and ConT* ranges associated with low GRF variance. However, relative velocity ranges captured data more efficiently. Efficient capture of data may help avoid worsening of lameness during gait analysis of dogs.

Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measured by transocular ultrasound is a marker of real-time intracranial pressure (ICP). The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between optic nerve sheath (ONS) dilation after a Valsalva maneuver and a prior history of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in a heterogeneous sample of participants. Participants were excluded if they had had a recent brain injury, were symptomatic from a prior brain injury, had a history consistent with severe TBI and/or had undergone intracranial surgery. Ninety-five participants with and without a history of mTBI were included in the study. Transocular ultrasound of the ONS was performed before and after a Valsalva maneuver. Differences in the ONSD before and after a Valsalva maneuver were analyzed and correlated to the participants' history of mTBI. Baseline ONSD measurements between groups were not statistically significant. Following Valsalva, participants with a history of mTBI had a statistically significant increase in the ONSD compared with participants with no history of mTBI. This significant difference persisted after controlling for age, race, and sex. This study demonstrated an association between a prior history of mTBI and dilation of the ONS after Valsalva maneuver in a sample of asymptomatic participants, which was not seen in participants without a history of mTBI.

For many workers, leisure is a highly valued part of life. Yet, workers' leisure experiences have largely been overlooked in the career development and work-life literatures. This paper addresses the question of when workers' leisure experiences—and compatibility between work and leisure roles—are important for workers' overall subjective well-being (SWB). We draw on Super's life-span, life-space theory of career development to posit that the subjective quality of workers' leisure experiences—and lack of conflict between work and leisure roles—is important for SWB, especially when leisure roles are highly salient relative to other roles. In three studies, we develop and validate scales to measure the subjective quality of leisure (i.e., leisure affect and leisure satisfaction) and test our hypotheses using a heterogeneous sample of working adults. Results provide evidence for the reliability and validity of our new measures and suggest that the subjective quality of workers' leisure experiences influence workers' overall SWB beyond the effects of the subjective quality of job and family experiences—often regardless of levels of relative leisure role salience. However, work-leisure conflict does not appear to substantially influence overall SWB beyond the effects of work-family conflict, even when relative leisure role salience is high. We discuss implications for the career development and work-life literatures.