CFI Values Research Articles

Measuring Psychological Strains: A Psychometric Study to Develop a Shortened Version of the Psychological Strain Scales

The Psychological Strain Scale (PSS) has been widely used in various populations to assess the risks of suicidality and mental disorders. The current study aims to shorten the original 40-item scale and test its psychometric properties. Data were derived from three samples in China: (1) undergraduate students (n = 10,742), (2) non-medical office employees (n = 1044), and (3) hospital workers (n = 949). A questionnaire was administered to the samples at about the same time of the year 2017. Data were randomly divided into Sub-study 1 (70% of the sample) and Sub-study 2 (30% of the sample). In Sub-study 1, principal component analyses were run and five items with the highest factor loadings within each subscale were retained, resulting in a 20-item PSS scale. Cronbach’s α estimates were above 0.70. In Sub-study 2, confirmatory factor analyses for the three samples revealed RMSEA values below 0.10, PNFI values below 0.50 for all samples, and CFI, TLI and NFI values above 0.90 for the student and non-medical office employee samples, but the hospital worker sample had a TLI of 0.88. The PSS-20 and its subscales were significantly associated with past-year suicidal ideation. The PSS-20 has acceptable psychometric properties but requires further testing in university students and hospital workers.

Integrated Learning Models for Micro-Teaching Course

The progressive world of education needs to be accelerated by fulfilling the competencies of prospective teachers who are also progressive through a series of performance tasks that are relevant to learning needs in the 21st century. This research used Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) to innovate an integrated learning model for a micro-teaching course. A needs analysis was conducted on 75 students, two lecturers, and 30 teachers to assess actual performance, confirm desired performance, and identify causes of performance gaps. Researchers then designed performance tasks and validated them by 10 raters, tested them on 337 students to test the outer and inner models, and tested them on 30 students, 28 lecturers, and 49 teachers to test differences. Test content validity using the Aiken-V formula and test inter-rater reliability using ICC. Meanwhile, testing the validity and reliability of the construct uses outer and inner model analysis (CB-SEM), and the difference test uses ANOVA. The content validity results prove that all task performance meets the Aiken parameters (0.75-1.00), the interrater reliability value is 0.573, and the Cronbach alpha value is 0.931. Testing the outer model proves that the loading factor task performance value ranges from 0.709-0.874, the Cronbach alpha value ranges from 0.768-0.880, the composite reliability value ranges from 0.768-0.879, the AVE value ranges from 0.580-0.649, and the discriminant validity value ranges from 0.761-0.806. The inner model test proves that the Chi-Square/df value = 2.254, RMSEA value = 0.061, SRMR value = 0.036, NFI value = 0.910, TLI value = 0.936, and CFI value = 0.948. Meanwhile, the results of the ANOVA test confirm that the Sig value = 0.098, so it can be concluded that there are no significant differences between the three sample groups regarding the model innovation results. Thus, the 25-task performance in the integrated learning model has a significant psychometric function relative to the actual situation, so it becomes one of the references that lecturers can use to improve the competency of prospective teachers in micro-teaching courses (not limited to teaching skills, analytical thinking skills, academic integrity, and transformational leadership). Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-06-020 Full Text: PDF

Validation and invariance testing of the English Short Physical activity enjoyment scale.

Enjoyment is recognized as a determinant of physical activity habits. The enjoyment of engaging in physical activity can be measured with the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Later versions of this scale have been shortened to capture the component of subjective feeling, which has been validated using German-speaking samples. The aim of this study was to examine internal consistency, factorial validity, criterion-related validity, test-retest reliability, and measurement invariance (across gender and languages) in an English-speaking population. Data on physical activity enjoyment and self-reported physical activity were collected through an online survey with a test-retest design (n = 276,189 female, M = 42.55, SD = 16.81 years) conducted from September 2023 to December 2023. In addition, a German-speaking sample (n = 1017, 497 female, M = 29.77, SD = 13.54 years) was analyzed to assess measurement invariance with respect to language. McDonald's omega at time 1 was ω = 0.95. The confirmatory factor analysis supports the assumption of the unidimensional structure of PACES-S (χ2 = 19.8, df = 2, p < 0.05; CFI = 0.984; RMSEA = 0.180, 90% CI [0.113-0.256]), as the model fit can be estimated as good in view of the CFI value, while the sensitivity of the χ2 test is very high and the RMSEA may underestimate the model fit. Although the RMSEA value is higher than the conventional threshold, the small number of degrees of freedom may have a significant impact on this indicator. The criterion-related validity for light physical activity was r(107) = 0.26 (p < 0.05). The retest reliability was r(199) = 0.69 (p < 0.05). Further, the results supported measurement invariance across gender and partial measurement invariance across languages. Overall, the English PACES-S demonstrated good psychometric properties specifically for light intensity of physical activity, and can serve as an economical instrument to assess physical activity enjoyment.

Work stress and professional quality of life among Chinese nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: the chain mediating role of self-compassion and benefit finding

BackgroundSince the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), front-line nurses have faced not only daily work stress but also a high risk of infection and excessive workload, leading to unsatisfactory professional quality of life (ProQOL). This study aimed to explore whether self-compassion (SC) and benefit finding (BF) play a chain mediating role between work stress and ProQOL among Chinese nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsFrom March to April 2022, a sample of 13,936 Chinese nurses was recruited through snowball sampling. Demographic information, work stress, SC, BF, and ProQOL were assessed. The SPSS 25.0 software and Amos 24.0 software were used for statistical analysis. The bootstrap method was employed to construct and examine the chain mediating structural equation model.ResultsThe ProQOL level of Chinese nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic was moderate. The overall fit indices for the compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout (BO), and secondary traumatic stress (STS) models were satisfactory (χ²/df = 2.486, 3.256, 2.553, RMSEA = 0.011, 0.014, 0.011, the GFI, AGFI, NFI, and CFI values were all above 0.90). Work stress had direct effects on CS, BO, and STS (β=–0.171, 0.334, 0.222, P < 0.001), and also indirectly affected these outcomes through SC (point estimate=–0.010, 0.021, 0.024, P < 0.001), BF (point estimate=–0.033, 0.015, − 0.011, P < 0.001), as well as their chain mediating effect (point estimate=–0.015, 0.006, − 0.005, P < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study suggests that SC and BF partially mediated the association between work stress and ProQOL in Chinese nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Training on SC and BF may be crucial components of interventions aimed at improving ProQOL.

Make Some Noise: Generating Data from Imperfect Factor Models

Researchers simulating covariance structure models sometimes add model error to their data to produce model misfit. Presently, the most popular methods for generating error-perturbed data are those by Tucker, Koopman, and Linn (TKL), Cudeck and Browne (CB), and Wu and Browne (WB). Although all of these methods include parameters that control the degree of model misfit, none can generate data that reproduce multiple fit indices. To address this issue, we describe a multiple-target TKL method that can generate error-perturbed data that will reproduce target RMSEA and CFI values either individually or together. To evaluate this method, we simulated error-perturbed correlation matrices for an array of factor analysis models using the multiple-target TKL method, the CB method, and the WB method. Our results indicated that the multiple-target TKL method produced solutions with RMSEA and CFI values that were closer to their target values than those of the alternative methods. Thus, the multiple-target TKL method should be a useful tool for researchers who wish to generate error-perturbed correlation matrices with a known degree of model error. All functions that are described in this work are available in the fungible R library. Additional materials (e.g., R code, supplemental results) are available at https://osf.io/vxr8d/.

INVESTIGATION OF THE CHARACTER VALUE TOLERANCE IN MULTICULTURAL LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY SCHOLL

Instilling the character values of tolerance in multicultural learning is a process of integrating attitudes of mutual respect and acceptance of differences in culture, religion, ethnicity, and other backgrounds in education. Therefore, this study aims to determine the validity of the instrument for instilling the character values of tolerance in multicultural learning. Data were obtained through the PISA database, 2018 edition, with code numbers SC017 and SC061. Data were analyzed with the help of the JASP (Jeffrey's Amazing Statistics Program) application with the CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analysis) analysis method. This study used primary data with 335 respondents from schools in Indonesia. The indicators used to measure the character value instillation instrument are the curriculum and multicultural learning. The CFI value = 0.999, NFI = 0.985, IFI = 0.999, and RNI = 0.999 have also been in accordance with the criteria applied to obtain the fit model. Thus, the character value instillation instruments whose validity was tested is included as fit. The implications of this study indicate that valid and fit assessment instruments can be applied in Indonesian schools to instill tolerance values through a multicultural curriculum. This helps policymakers and educators develop more inclusive and tolerant education programs, supporting harmonious living in diverse societies.

Development and validation of pedagogical leadership scale

PurposePedagogical leadership (PL) has been regarded as the best leadership style in the education sector. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a pedagogical leadership scale (PLS).Design/methodology/approachTwo distinct approaches (inductive and deductive) were utilized. First, a review of the literature was conducted, and then qualitative data were collected through interviews, and their responses were categorized into 40 items. These items were thematized using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) by involving 300 participants. To examine the fitness of the scale, the researchers conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with 470 participants.FindingsEFA discovered a total variance of 64.766% for four factors. In CFA, RMSEA, NFI, RFI, NNFI, CFI, GFI and AGFI values were accepted. The highest correlation was found among constructs of PL. Path analysis revealed PL affected social, professional, intellectual and academic capitals. The correlations between the PLS and psychological empowerment demonstrated the theoretically predicted relationships with these variables. Thus, with the initial evidence of a valid and reliable PLS, a pool of 32 items under 4 factors (social, academic, professional and intellectual capital) were developed.Originality/valueDespite the management of childhood education requiring the practice of PL, it is underexplored in childhood schools, particularly to our knowledge, no studies have been conducted to develop and confirm the PLS in Ethiopia.

The Validity and Reliability of Turkish Version of Obsessive Compulsive Eating Scale in University Students

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish Obsessive Compulsive Eating Scale in young adults. Materials and Method: The sample of the study consisted of 265 undergraduate students (170 female, 95 male) with an age between 18-30 years studying at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University. The research data were collected with a questionnaire consisting of 5 sections. The questionnaire included questions assessing the socio-demographic data and eating habits of university students, obsessive-compulsive eating behavior scale, yale food addiction scale and Eating Attitude Test-26. Results: The mean age of the participants was 20.83 ± 1.96 years and the scale was found to have a 3-factor structure. The first factor was defined as Thought Suppression and Control; the second factor as Effort and Performance; and the third factor as Imagination. Items 4 and 6 of the scale were removed.. The χ^2/sd value of the scale was 2.258, NFI value was 0.919, CFI value was 0.953, AGFI value was 0.903 and RMSEA value was 0.069 (0.052-0.086) at 90% confidence interval. The ICC value was found to be 0.87. The cronbach-α coefficient for the total OCES scale was 0.886. Statistically significant correlations were found between total OCES and symptom count and EAT-26 scores (r=0.206 and r=0.197, respectively) Conclusion: Obsessive-compulsive eating scale is a valid and reliable scale in university students. In order to better understand the relationship between obsessive-compulsive eating behavior and eating habits, studies should be conducted in different age groups in the community.

SOURCE RISK ASSESSMENT FOR HEAVY METALS IN SOIL ON THE SITE OF A HYDROCARBON POWER PLANT

The present study aims to assess the soil quality on a hydrocarbon power plant site in Arad, Romania. It investigates the evolution of heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr) to establish source-related risks. For this purpose, the Global Pollution Index (GPI) was used, calculated for soil sampling points in the licensed area, and the database of monitored indicators was processed. Sampling was carried out annually between 2011 and 2020. An Individual Pollution Index (IPi) was calculated for each heavy metal and reference value, taking into account the Geochemical Background Level (Bi) specific to Romania. The correlation between these indices and the degree of pollution for each soil sample monitored was carried out to the legal provisions. Heavy metal concentrations (Cs, i) were evaluated in relation to the national legislation for less sensitive land use. Finally, the GPI was determined, and based on these values, the overall soil pollution status was assessed. Based on the determined CFi values and the corresponding Toxicity Factors (Ti) of heavy metals, the environmental impact was assessed by environmental risk analysis using the Risk Indices (ERi and R.I.) method. All the analyzed indicators were within the legal limits during the studied period, except Cd, where the alert threshold was exceeded in 2019 and 2020.

Psychometry of Physician Teaching Motivation Questionnaire at Iran University of Medical Sciences

Background: The development of societies relies on the type and manner of activities performed at universities. Professors play a pivotal role in the development of universities and societies. Assessment of professors’ motivation and behavior and factors affecting them can improve the educational system and increase its performance. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Physician Teaching Motivation Questionnaire (PTMQ) from the viewpoint of clinical professors at Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS). Methods: This is an instrument psychometric study in which the questionnaire’s validity was determined through the face and content validity and its construct validity through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was determined through the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient and consistency between agreers. The data were analyzed in SPSS 23 and LISREL 8.8. Results: The results showed that all 18 items had acceptable content validity (0.68-0.97). The Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.81 and 0.86, respectively. The number of items remained unchanged at 18 according to exploratory factor analysis which classified them into six categories (intrinsic motivation, identified motivation, introjected motivation, career motivation, external motivation, and teaching assistant motivation) and explained 54% of the total variance of the mentioned variables. Also, the value of CFI was equal to 0.93 and the value of Cohen’s kappa was between 0.77 and 0.84. Conclusion: The Persian version of PTMQ is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used for research, educational, and practical purposes to evaluate the teaching motivation of clinical professors in other groups.

Evaluating the Malay version of NIOSH WellBQ: A study on reliability and construct validity for enhanced workplace well-being assessment

This study aimed to validate the Worker Well-Being Questionnaire, originally developed by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, in the Malay language. The translation process involved an initial independent translation by a professional translator, followed by a comparison of translations to synthesize a unified version, which was subsequently back-translated. The back-translations were then reviewed by an expert committee to create a finalized questionnaire version. The results of this validation study indicate a high level of satisfaction, demonstrating an excellent fit with confirmatory factor analysis (CFI and TLI values ranging from 0.96 to 0.99) and a low root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA values ranging from 0.03 to 0.07). Moreover, the questionnaire exhibits sound internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values exceeding 0.7, and the factor structures align with theoretical expectations. In conclusion, the Malay version of the questionnaire faithfully reproduces the original instrument, enabling a robust and efficient assessment of workers’ well.

Pharmacist's knowledge and attitude towards self-medication practices: a cross-sectional study for the development and validation of questionnaire.

Pharmacists play an essential role in self-medication by providing guidance and counselling services to consumers; hence, it is necessary to assess pharmacists' awareness and attitude towards self-medication to promote responsible self-medication practices. To develop a valid and reliable instrument to assess the knowledge and attitude of pharmacists towards self-medication practices and their role in promoting responsible self-medication. A questionnaire was developed in English after a relevant literature review, which was further administered to a sample of 105 community pharmacists. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using the Karl-Pearson correlation and Cronbach alpha statistics. Content validity was evaluated by subject experts. The dimensional structure of items was assessed through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The final questionnaire comprises 27 items for knowledge and attitude with a Karl-Pearson correlation value of 0.896 and Cronbach alpha value of 0.814 (24 items), indicating good internal consistency and reproducibility. Factor analysis identified five factors: namely, (i) attitude towards providing guidance and advice to consumers to promote responsible SMP, (ii) attitude towards shared responsibility for promoting rational medicine supply and use, (iii) knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of SMP, (iv) knowledge of the definition of self-medication, (v) attitude towards professional competency of a pharmacist as a healthcare provider. CFA results demonstrate good model fit with the value of Chi-square (184.56), CFI (0.937), RMSEA (0.054), and SRMR (0.075). Model validity measures ensure satisfactory validity and reliability. The findings demonstrate a valid and reliable measure for assessing the knowledge and attitude of pharmacists towards self-medication.

The mediating role of mothers’ conflict resolution skills in the relationship between mothers’ communication skills and behavioral problems of children aged 3–6 years

Although studies have revealed the importance and effect of mothers' communication levels on behavioral problems seen in children, the role of the other key variable in this relationship has not been adequately examined. This study aims to test a theoretical model developed based on the relevant literature to evaluate the mediating role of the mother's conflict resolution skills in the relationship between the behavioral problems of children aged 3–6 years and the mother's communication skills. The study was prepared based on the correlational survey model. Its sample consists of 410 mothers who have children in the age group of 3–6 years and live within the borders of Northern Cyprus. The mothers included in the sample were contacted using a stratified sampling method. The personal information form, Communication Skills Scale-Adult Form, Conflict Resolution Scale, and Social Competence and Behavior Assessment Scale were used to collect the data. Statistical data were analyzed using the SPSS 24.0 and Amos 21.0 software. The statistical analysis of the research data indicates that the fit indices, except for RMSEA, demonstrate that the χ2/df value has an acceptable fit and the GFI, NFI, and CFI values fall within the fit limits. According to the research findings, mothers' tendencies in conflict resolution significantly predict children's social competence and behaviors. Furthermore, the study reveals that mothers' communication skills do not significantly predict children's social competence and behaviors. As a result, it is determined that mothers' conflict resolution tendencies mediate the relationship between their communication skills and children's social competence and behaviors. In light of these findings, several recommendations are proposed for future research and practical applications.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the long-term quality of life questionnaire.

The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish Long-Term Quality of Life (LTQL) questionnaire. The LTQL was initially translated into Spanish and cross-culturally adapted based on established guidelines. The Spanish LTQL was administered to patients with breast cancer who had completed their initial treatment 5 years earlier, along with other self-report measures: Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors (QLACS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and EORT-QLQ-BR23. Reliability was evaluated using internal consistency and test-retest. Convergent and known-groups validity were examined. Structural validity as determined by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch analyses was used to assess the unidimensionality and item-functioning of the LTQL domains. Cronbach's alpha were above 0.7 in all domains. Test-retest coefficients were between 0.72 to 0.96 for LTQL domains. LTQL total score was correlated with others total scores of other measures: QLACS (r=-0.39), HADS depression (r=-0.57), HADS anxiety (-0.45) and EORTC-QLQ-BR23 (r=-0.50). CFA provided satisfactory fit indices, with RMSEA value of 0.077 and TLI and CFI values of 0.901 and 0.909, respectively. All factor loadings were higher than 0.40 and statistically significant (P<0.001). Rasch analysis showed that Somatic Concerns domain had 4 misfitting items, and Philosophical/Spiritual View of Life and social Support domains only 1 misfit item. However, unidimensionality was supported for the four domains. The findings support the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of LTQL questionnaire to be used in long-term cancer female survivors.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF COVID-19 BRIEF ANXIETY SCALE IN OMAN

Introduction: The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased levels of anxiety and stress. A recent study reported that 99% of its sample experienced anxiety, stress, stigma, and concerns about potential social isolation. Aims: This study aims to address the lack of a specific COVID-19 anxiety scale in Oman. Methods: The online scale was distributed via Google Form to 431 students, representing 3% of the total student population at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). The students were enrolled in different colleges of Sultan Qaboos University. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a unidimensional factorial structure consisting of four items. Item loadings ranged from 0.617 (item 4) to 0.847 (item 3). Results: The results indicated that the validity fit indices were excellent. The RMSEA and SRMR values were greater than 0.05 indicating a perfect fit. The X2/DF value was 0.854, with a p-value of less than 0.653, while the GFI, AGFI, IFI, NFI, TLI, CFI, RMR, and RMSEA values were 0.999, 0.995, 1.003, 0.998, 0.959, 1.00, 0.015, 0.000, respectively (90% CI [0.000; 0.074]). The COBAS-4 showed convergent validity through its significant association with similar scales. Discriminant validity was established via its insignificant correlation to distinct constructs. McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha showed adequate reliability at 0.810 each. The results of multiple group CFA indicated configural, metric, and scalar invariance between male and female students (ΔCFI ≤ 0.01, ΔRMSEA ≤ 0.015). No significant differences were found between the two sexes. The scale was calibrated using the Rasch rating scale, which provided robust results. The Mantel-Haenszel test showed no differential item functioning (DIF) across sexes. Conclusion: The COBAS-4 is a valid, reliable, simple, and easy-to administer self-report instrument for assessing COVID-19-related anxiety.

Validation of the PL-C Quest in China: understanding the pictorial physical literacy self-report scale.

The notion of physical literacy is gaining interest from several countries as a potential mechanism for understanding the development of the physical self. This research endeavor represents an inaugural attempt to translate the Australian Physical Literacy Questionnaire for Children (PL-C Quest) into Chinese to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the PL-C Quest to assess physical literacy among children in mainland China. The Beaton translation paradigm was used to carry out language translation, back-translation, cultural adaptation, and presurveys. Data were collected from 642 children aged 6-12 years, with a mean age of 9.71 years (SD 1.816), to test the reliability of the Chinese version of the PL-C Quest. The PL-C Quest items translated well (6.187 ~ 15.499) and correlated well (0.441 ~ 0.622). The Chinese version of the PL-C Quest had good reliability, with retest reliability values ranging from 0.91 to 0.74, Cronbach's alpha from 0.65 to 0.894, and McDonald's ω from the Spearman-Brown Coefficient was 0.84. The validity results are acceptable because the CFI, IFI, and TLI values are above 0.8 and close to 0.9, but the model fit's chi-square degrees-of-freedom ratio of 2.299, the RMSEA of 0.05, which was less than 0.08. After translation and cultural adaptation, the Chinese version of the PL-C Quest is a reliable measurement tool and can be used in the Chinese region.

Psychometric properties of the long and short forms of the AQ aggression questionnaire in a sample of Spanish inmates.

The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (AQ; Buss & Perry, 1992) is a broad measurement tool used with the general public in Spain. There is some debate regarding the interpretation of AQ scores and the usefulness of a shorter version. The aim is to study and compare the psychometric properties of the long and short version of the AQ and check the reliability of the short version in a sample of male prisoners. The sample was composed of 236 incarcerated males (mean age of 40.4 years of age) from Ocaña 1 prison center who volunteered to participate in the study. The sample was selected by using the tiered random sampling technique based on the internal inmate number. A random list of possible substitutes was also included in the event of refusal to be interviewed, with replacement being discontinued in the event of two consecutive refusals. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional design. The short version of the scale demonstrated better adjustment than the long version, as indicated by the larger CFI and smaller WRMR values. The number of prison sentences was positively associated with physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility. The coefficients were slightly higher for the short version of the scale than the long one. The short version of the AQ is a valid instrument for measuring aggressiveness in prison contexts in relation to the long version, and correlates with subscales of aggression more strongly than the long one.

Nutrients and Heavy Metal Contents on Surface of Agricultural Soils in the Flood-plains of Taft River Basin Impacted by Bagacay Mines, Philippines

The accumulation of heavy metals above permissible limits due to mining activities has created toxicity problems in soil. This study characterized the concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals of surface soils in the floodplains along the Taft River basin affected by the post-operation of Bagacay Mines. Surface soil samples were collected in the different agricultural areas of the floodplains along the Taft River basin. Soil samples were processed and analyzed for nutrients and heavy metal contents such as pH and EC (electrical conductivity), organic matter (OM), total N, available P and exchangeable K, and titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), molybdenum (Mo), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), respectively. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo), the contamination factor (Cfi), and the pollution load index (PLi) were used to evaluate the degree of heavy metal contamination in soils. Results showed that the soils were acidic (ave.: 5.13) and saline (ave.: 962.5 dS m–1) with moderate OM (ave.: 9.24%), high exchangeable K (ave.: 69.82 mg kg–1), and low total N (ave.: 0.56%) and available P levels (ave.: 6.99 mg kg–1). The soil was found to be moderately to highly contaminated with heavy metals. As per Igeo, soils were moderately to highly contaminated by heavy metals, with decreasing order as Ti &gt; Cr &gt; Mn &gt; Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Ni &gt; As &gt; Pb &gt; Mo &gt; Cd. On the other hand, the Cfi values showed moderate to high contamination of Cu &gt; Cr &gt; Pb &gt; As &gt; Zn &gt; Ni &gt; Mn &gt; Ti &gt; Mo &gt; Cd. The PLi revealed deterioration and high pollution in agricultural soils. This study recommends implementing suitable rehabilitation strategies for the contaminated soils to facilitate proper utilization for crop production.

General Attitude Scale for Social Media Influencers

This study aims to develop and validate a scale measuring consumers’ attitudes towards social media influencers (SMIs). In this sense, the study population consisted of social media users who followed at least one social media influencer. The survey method was used as the data collection tool in the study. While creating the scale items, relevant literature as well as expressions and some sentences obtained from short interviews with consumers who use social media and follow at least one social media influencer were used. As part of the research, 821 surveys were accepted as valid and evaluated. After pretesting studies on a group of 258 people, the scale was retested with a new sample of 821 people. The skewness and kurtosis values were between +1.96 and -1.96. The sample had a normal distribution. The EFA analysis revealed that the scale item distribution was compatible with the pretest analysis. Although no random distribution was found with parallel analysis, Kaiser–Guttman analysis was also performed to control the distribution of random scales into their subdimensions. The EFA results showed that the developed scale provided appropriate values. KMO=0.896, Bartlett’s sphericity test=0.000, Bartlett’s&lt;0.05, Cronbach’s alpha=0.889, AVE=0.585, and CR=0.934. As a result of CFA, the values for the goodness of fit were found to be appropriate (x2 (df)=3.144; p=0.000, RMSEA=0.051; CFI=0.994; GFI=0.990; SRMR=0.014; AVE=0.580; CR=0.933), and it was observed that there were no items below the factor value of 0.50. As a result of the invariance analysis, it was understood that the developed scale had invariance properties and was suitable for use with a large audience, as the ∆CFI value was less than 0.01 between both samples. The General Attitudes Scale towards social media influencers has a single factor and consists of six items. The factor loading values of the scale items ranged between 0.53 and 0.90. In this research, it was determined that social media influencers had a significant impact on the participants. The general attitudes of the participants as part of the study had a significant effect on their social media influencers.

Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance of the Positive Youth Development Scale - Turkish Version.

In this study, we translated to Turkish and evaluated the validity, reliability, and measurement invariance for respondent sex, grade level and analysis programs the Short Form and Very Short Form of the Positive Youth Development Scale (Turkish version). We had 435 youth, aged 11-17years, complete the Short (34 items) and Very Short (17 items) Forms of the instrument. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that both forms had a 5-factor structure, and validity testing showed good criterion-related correlation validity between this tool and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The Short Form had adequate reliability coefficients, but the Very Short Form lacked sufficient reliability for some dimensions. Test-retest correlations were satisfactory for both forms. While the Short and Very Short Forms showed measurement invariance across gender and grade level, CFI, NNFI (TLI), and IFI values diverged between LISREL and AMOS analysis programs. In summary, our data suggest that the Short Form is a reliable measure of positive youth development, while the Very Short Form may not be as reliable due to insufficient confidence values.