Consistency Coefficient Research Articles

Development of a Novel Gluten-Free Cookie Premix Enriched with Natural Flours Using an Extreme Vertices Design: Physical, Sensory, Rheological, and Antioxidant Characteristics

This work aimed to develop novel alternative gluten-free premixes for use in the production of cookies by optimizing the formulation of three different starches (corn, potato, and tapioca starch) in a rice/corn formula and then enriching the optimized formula with various natural flours (acorn, soy, chestnut, chickpea, millet, and quinoa). An extreme vertices mixture design was used to optimize the mixing sub-part consisting of 30% (w/w) of starches. The enriched gluten-free cookies were characterized by physical, rheological, antioxidant, color, and sensory properties. An optimum was obtained by mixing 18.5084 g of corn starch, 6 g of potato starch, and 5.4916 g of tapioca starch. The enrichment results indicated that soy-enriched gluten-free cookies have a high specific volume (2.428 cm3/g) with the highest spread ratio (12.25) compared to other cookies. The rheological properties of enriched gluten-free doughs indicated a higher value of the consistency coefficient (K) of soy-enriched gluten-free cookies. The antioxidant characteristics were enhanced by replacing corn with several types of flours, with higher TPC for acorn (2.83 mg GAE/g dw) and soy-enriched cookies (2.49 mg GAE/g dw) with better antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, and RED). The tasters gave all the cookies favorable ratings for overall acceptability. With an average rating of 7.09, cookies enhanced with chickpea flour have a high acceptability compared to the other cookies. Considering all the tested parameters, PCA analysis clustered millet, corn, quinoa, and chestnut gluten-free enriched cookies into the same group. However, acorn and soy cookies were placed in a separate group, and chickpea-enriched cookies were classified separately.

Evaluation of Hazelnut Cake Flour for Use as a Milk Powder Replacer in Ice Cream

Hazelnut oil cake, a by-product in the cold-pressing of hazelnut oil, is a rich in valuable nutrients, which makes it a promising option for supplementation or as a raw material in the development of functional products. The aim of this work was to study the influence of partial or complete replacing of skim milk powder (SMP) with hazelnut press cake flour (HPCF) in varying ratios (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) on the physicochemical properties and sensory attributes of milk ice cream. The replacement modified the chemical composition of the ice cream mixture, resulting in a reduction (p < 0.05) of milk solids non-fat (MSNF), protein, and carbohydrates content, while simultaneously elevating the hazelnut content, and total fat content. This modification influenced the rheological characteristics of the ice cream mixtures, leading to an increase in the consistency coefficient from 1.32 to 7.66 Pa sn. Furthermore, a decline in overrun values (from 26.99% to 15.85%), an increase in hardness (from 6881.71 to 23,829.30 g), retarded melting properties, and variations in colour attributes were observed with higher concentrations of HPCF. In the sensory evaluation test, it was found that consumer acceptance was enhanced for the samples with partial substitution of SMP when compared to standard milk ice cream. The findings suggest that a replacement of milk powder with hazelnut cake by up to 75% is achievable, in order to obtain functional ice cream with adequate physicochemical and sensorial qualities.

Development and validation of a questionnaire on radiation protection knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Moroccan dentists.

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of dentists' radiation protection knowledge, attitudes, and practices (DRP-KAPs) questionnaire. This study was conducted using a stepwise approach. In the first step, items were generated to determine the relevant content and domains after a thorough literature review. In the second step, the content validity of the questionnaire was assessed by seven experts using face and content validity. The content validity index for relevance and clarity (I-CVI, S-CVI/Av, and S-CVI/UA) and the content validity ratio (CVR) were performed. Then, the questionnaire was pre-tested with 10 dentists for face validation. In the third step, reliability was assessed using internal consistency (Kuder-Richardson-20 (KR-20) and Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest (Kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) methods by filling out the questionnaire by 100 dentists practicing in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, in Morocco. The finalized DRP-KAPs questionnaire contains 41 items covering knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs). The I-CVIs, S-CVI/UA and S-CVI/AV and CVR values of the 41 items were ≥0.86 for each item, ≥0.82, ≥0.97, and ≥0.71, respectively. With regard to internal consistency reliability, the KR-20 coefficients for the knowledge and practice domains were 0.70 and 0.68, respectively, and the Cronbach alpha for the attitude domain was 0.73. The DRP-KAPs questionnaire has good reliability with the ICC coefficients for attitude items ranging from 0.57 to 0.95 and Kappa coefficients for knowledge and practice items ranging from 0.64 to 1 and 0.77 to 1, respectively. The developed DRP-KAPs questionnaire was found to be a noteworthy tool for assessing radiation protection among dentists, with acceptable internal consistency, good ICC and Kappa coefficients, and good content validity indices.

Validation of the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index in the Arab context: Results and implications of a Moroccan study

The Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index (Gold-MSI) is an extensively used self-report measure of musical skills and behaviours; however, to-date, no validated Arabic translation of the Gold MCI exists. This study reports on the Gold-MSI validation in the Moroccan setting. Our sample consisted of Moroccan adults (n = 660). Psychometric properties revealed good internal consistency (coefficient α = 0.93, the McDonald’s ω = 0.93, and Guttman’s Lambda = 0.95); and revealed a good fit: CFI = 0.83, RMSEA = 0.067, and SRMR = 0.068. The Arabic version of Gold-MSI appears a reliable and valid measure of musical skills and behaviours in the Moroccan setting.

Effects of fluid properties on coarse particles transport in vertical pipe

The mineral resources in deep-seabed are attracting extensive attention. A numerical simulation of particle transport in a vertical pipe for a deep-sea mining system is conducted using the CFD-DEM method. The effects of fluid density, fluid viscosity and rheological parameters of non-Newtonian fluids on the liquid-solid flow behavior in a vertical pipe are investigated. For Newtonian fluids, increasing the density or viscosity enhances the particles' performance in following the fluid and reduces the slip velocity, but also increases the pressure drop. The efficient lifting of particles can be facilitated by adjusting fluid density and viscosity, while considering factors such as energy consumption. For non-Newtonian fluids, an increase in either the flow behavior index n or the consistency coefficient k results in an increase in the fluid's apparent viscosity. This leads to an increase in the particle suspension capacity and local particle velocity, along with a decrease in local particle concentration.

Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of the Scale of the Assessment of Self-Care Behaviors With Arteriovenous Fistula in Patients on Hemodialysis.

Background and Purpose: This methodological study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the scale for evaluating self-care behaviors with arteriovenous fistula. Methods: This cross-sectional study with a methodological design was planned and conducted in 2022. The Scale of the Assessment of Self-Care Behaviors with Arteriovenous Fistula was translated into Persian. Subsequently, the validity (content and construct) and reliability of this scale were assessed. Results: The exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure for the scale, accounting for 60.71% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that all goodness-of-fit indices supported the model fit (χ2/df = 1.925, Goodness-of-Fit Index = .903, Normed Fit Index = 0.933, Incremental Fit Index = 0.950, Comparative of Fit Index = .950, and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = .047). Furthermore, this study found that both factors demonstrated satisfactory levels of convergent and divergent validity (construct reliability = .934 and .885 for factors 1 and 2, respectively). After careful evaluation, all coefficients of internal consistency were deemed acceptable (α = .872 and McDonald's omega = 0.879). Conclusions: These significant findings provide compelling evidence that this scale can effectively assess patients' self-care behaviors and facilitate the provision of necessary training in this domain.

Developing an instrument to measure nurses' attitudes towards nursing students during clinical practice: A quantitative study

BackgroundSince nursing students' interactions with nurses in the clinical practice process play an important role in nursing education and practice, it is a necessity to evaluate nurses' attitudes towards students. AimTo develop a valid and reliable measurement tool to determine the attitudes of nurses' towards nursing students in the clinical practice process. DesignThis study used a quantitative cross-sectional design. SettingsThe study was conducted in a public hospital in Turkey between February and April 2024. ParticipantsThe sample of the study consisted of 364 nurses. MethodsThrough literature review and qualitative data analysis, 40 items were identified for the item pool of the scale and these items were presented to 22 experts. After the content validity, the draft scale consisting of 32 items was used as a data collection tool. Lawshe's Content Validity Ratio, Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin Coefficient, Bartlett's test, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Principal Component Analysis, Varimax Factor Rotation Method, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Cronbach's Alpha Internal Consistency Coefficient, Spearman Correlation Coefficient and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests were used to analyze the data. ResultsAs a result of the exploratory factor analysis, it was determined that there were twenty-two items and five sub-dimensions in the scale. The Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient was 0.770 for the clinical experience and ethics sub-dimension, 0.811 for the collaboration sub-dimension, 0.792 for the desire to learn sub-dimension, 0.765 for the continuous development sub-dimension, 0.736 for the communication skills sub-dimension and 0.903 for the total scale. As a result of the test-retest reliability analysis, it was determined that all items and factor scores showed significant relationships between the two applications (p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe scale was found to be a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used to determine the attitudes of nurses' towards nursing students in the clinical practice process.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the dysfunctional voiding score symptoms (DVSS-Sp) questionnaire in a pediatric chilean sample

BackgroundThe Dysfunctional Voiding Score Symptoms (DVSS) questionnaire is commonly used to evaluate dysfunctional voiding and incontinence (DVI). ObjectivesTo translate and culturally adapt the DVSS questionnaire into Spanish (DVSS-Sp) in pediatric population and to assess its psychometric properties. MethodsThe process of translation and cultural validation were done. To obtain evidence of validity and reliability, we evaluated the fit of different factor models and calculated internal consistency coefficients. Also, the diagnostic capacity of the DVSS-Sp scale was assessed through a logistic regression analysis and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Accordingly, a total sample of 248 participants was recruited (204 with a diagnosis of DVIs and 44 with no medical problems). ResultsThe cross-cultural adaptation showed an adequate correspondence with the original version. The DVSS-Sp was configured with 2 factors: Overactive Bladder (OB) symptoms (items 1, 2, 6, and 7) and Dysfunctional Elimination (DE) symptoms (items 3, 4, 8, and 9), showing excellent goodness-of-fit indices. The relationship between the factors OB and DE was low. The reliability of the OB factor was α = 0.68, ω = 0.71, and the DE factor was α = 0.56, ω = 0.57. A logistic regression analysis suggests a good diagnostic capacity of the DVSS-Sp scale. Additionally, ROC analysis showed a cut-off score of 3.5 on the DVSS-Sp scale, where the specificity was 0.907, and the sensitivity was 0.636. ConclusionThe results of this study support the use of the DVSS-Sp for assessing DVIs in Spanish-speaking children.

무용창작 수업에서 대학생의 경험에 대한 개방성 창의적, 프로세스 참여 내재적 동기 및 창의적 수행 간의 관계

Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the latent factor structure of the Creative Process Engagement Scale (Zhang &amp; Bartol, 2010a) and the Creative Performance Scale (Mutonyi &amp; Slatten, 2020) adapted for college dance students (Study 1), and to examine the effects of openness to experience on college students' creative performance through creative process engagement and intrinsic motivation (Study 2). Methods Study 1 was conducted on 127 undergraduate dance majors (17 males, 110 females) to test the validity and reliability of two scales. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and re-liability analysis. Study 2 was conducted on 428 dance majors (54 males, 374 females, mean age= 20.08±1.62) to examine the mediating effects of creative process engagement and intrinsic motivation on the relationship be-tween openness to experience and creative performance. The data were analyzed using confirmatory factor anal-ysis, internal consistency, and regression analysis. Results In Study 1, the latent factor structure of the Creative Process Engagement Scale and Creative Performance Scale fit a two-factor structure. The internal consistency coefficient (ɑ) was .927 for the creative process engage-ment scale and .838 for the creative performance scale. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure for the creative process engagement scale and a single-factor and two-factor structure for the creative performance scale. Regression analysis showed that openness to experience has an indirect effect on creative performance through idea generation and intrinsic motivation. Conclusions Findings suggest that fostering college students' engagement in the creative process, intrinsic moti-vation, and creative performance in dance composition classes requires the promotion of cognitive styles that are open to experience.

Psychometric evaluation of the Geneva Sentimentality Scale in Chinese college students.

The Geneva Sentimentality Scale (GSS) measures the experience of being moved and its effects on behavior. Despite the prevalence of this emotional response, it has not been extensively studied in China. This study aims to adapt and revise the GSS for Chinese college students to assess its cross-cultural consistency. A sample of 1328 students aged 18-24 years participated in the study, with 127 randomly selected for retesting after an 8-week interval. Exploratory factor analysis reveals that the Chinese version of the GSS includes three factors (emotional labels, tears of joy, and warm feelings in the chest), with a total of nine items. The internal consistency coefficients for the three factors and the overall scale are high, and the total score remains stable over time. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) shows that the three-factor model has a good fit. Multigroup CFA indicates measurement invariance across genders. The results also demonstrate good discriminant and convergent validity for the scale. Overall, the GSS is a reliable and flexible tool for assessing the emotion of being moved among Chinese college students.

Psychometric Properties of Turkish Versions of the Non-Attachment Scale Short Form

This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Non-Attachment Scale Short Form in a Turkish sample. With the participation of 244 adults over 18 years of age, the Short Form of the Nonattachment Scale, the Resilience Scale and the Ontological Addiction Scale were used as data collection tools. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficient were used for the reliability of the Non-Attachment Scale Short Form. According to the results of the analyses, the internal consistency coefficient and McDonald's value were found to be .77 and .78, respectively. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to test the construct validity of the scale. The results of the analyses showed that the model fit and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) values were at an acceptable level. Item factor loadings ranged between .40 and .67 and the scale was found to have a single factor structure. The statistically significant difference between the 27% lower and upper groups among the participants showed that the item discrimination index of the scale was at a good level. According to the correlation findings conducted to test the criterion validity of the scale, non-attachment was found to have positive significant relationships with resilience (r = .60) and negative significant relationships with ontological dependence (r = -.39). As a result, adaptation of the Short Form of the Non-Attachment Scale can be said to be a valid and reliable measurement tool.

Investigation of Higher Education Students' Computational Thinking Skill Levels

Computational thinking skill is a skill that has its origins in ancient times but has gained importance today. The competences provided to individuals by computational thinking skills are also of great importance for the education system. Therefore, it is important for students to acquire and develop these skills in order to adapt to the requirements of the modern world. Based on this, in this study, the level of information processing thinking skills of higher education students was examined and the level of this skill was investigated in line with different variables. 'Computational Thinking' scale was used as a data collection tool in the study. Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient of the scale. 96 was calculated as. Demographic characteristics such as gender, department, class and education level were taken into consideration. Quantitative research method was used in the study. The research was conducted with 298 participants studying in higher education. In the analysis of the data, independent t-test and ANOVA analyses were applied to determine the score differences between the groups. As a result of the study, higher education students were found to have high levels of computational thinking skills. Gender was found to be effective on computational thinking skills. As the level of education increased, it was determined that computational thinking skills increased. It was seen that the education given in different departments had an effect on computational thinking skills. Finally, it was found that there were significant changes in students' computational thinking skills as their grade level increased.

Effect of glyceryl monopalmitate on the gelatinization, rheological and retrogradation properties of Japonica rice starch.

Starch-based food is easy to retrograde during cold storage after gelatinization, which leads to quality fission and a relatively short shelf life. Some lipids can effectively enhance the storage stability of starch gels by the formation of starch-lipid complexes. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of glyceryl monopalmitate (GMP) on gelatinization, rheological and retrogradation properties of Japonica rice starch (JS) at different conditions and to analyze the correlation between the physical-chemical properties and structural characteristics of the JS-GMP complex. The addition of GMP to JS could retard the process of starch gelatinization through forming JS-GMP complexes. The resulting JS-GMP pastes were typical pseudoplastic fluids with shear thinning, and their solid-like properties were prominent (tan δ < 1). In addition, the retrogradation of JS-GMP complex was more inhibited during storage at -18 than at 4 °C. The added amount of GMP was negatively and highly associated with the minimum viscosity, consistency coefficient, hardness and elasticity, whereas it was positively and highly correlated with the breakdown value, fluid characteristic index and relative crystallinity. The relative crystallinity of JS was affected by GMP in an approximate dose-dependent manner. The addition of GMP can influence the gelatinization properties, rheological properties and retrogradation characteristics of JS, and the formation of JS-GMP complex could improve the quality and storage stability of starch gel, which provides ideas for the quality control of starch-based food. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Correlation models for next-generation amplitude and cumulative intensity measures using artificial neural networks

Various next-generation intensity measures (IMs) have emerged in recent years. For instance, filtered incremental velocity, FIV3, was shown to be efficient in predicting the collapse of structures, or average spectral acceleration, Saavg, shown to be well-correlated with a wide range of response, from initiation of structural damage yielding to structural collapse. Different ground motion models (GMMs) are available to predict the probabilistic distribution of these IMs, given a set of seismological parameters. Nonetheless, a few key correlation models are still missing in the literature, which are elemental for a more holistic approach to ground motion record selection. These models are vital when performing seismic hazard analysis and ground motion record selection using state-of-the-art approaches like the conditional spectrum or generalized conditional intensity measure (GCIM) methods. This study uses a single machine-learning-based generalized ground motion model (GGMM) to estimate all the IMs. The model is based on the Next-Generation Attenuation (NGA)-West2 database and was utilized to quantify the correlations between the residuals. Correlations were calculated for intra- and inter-event residuals, but only those for total residuals are presented here, given their utility. Since the calculation of residuals comes from the same GMM and the same database of ground motions, this produces more consistent correlation coefficients between all IMs. To facilitate the usage of these correlation coefficients, predictive models of the empirical data were developed using machine-learning-based techniques, namely artificial neural networks (ANNs). It was found that FIV3 is strongly correlated with Sa(~1 s) and itself across all periods and has a weak negative correlation with duration at short periods and near-zero correlation for longer periods. Also, a stronger negative correlation between Sa and significant duration was found, compared with other prominent existing models. Direct correlation models between Sa and Saavg are also proposed.

Turkish adaptation of the fear of cancer scale: validity, measurement invariance and reliability study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Turkish cultural and psychometric properties of the cancer fear scale developed by Feng et al. This methodological study was conducted between January and April 2024 with students from a university in eastern Turkey. Data were collected from two different sample groups (sample 1:350, sample 2:245). Personal information form and cancer fear scale were used. In the adaptation process of the scale, language validity, content validity, construct validity, and reliability were examined. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance and convergent-divergent validity were used to determine construct validity. Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficient, test-retest and corrected item-total correlation were used for reliability. According to the results of exploratory factor analysis, it was determined that the fear of cancer scale had a two-factor structure with factor loadings between 0.58 and 0.70. As a result of the confirmatory factor analysis performed on the two-factor structure of the fear of cancer scale, it was determined that the model goodness-of-fit indices were acceptable and had an excellent fit. It has been determined that measurement invariance findings across genders support configural, metric and scalar invariance. The Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficient of the fear of cancer scale was 0.93, and the corrected item total correlation values were between 0.45 and 0.73. The Turkish version of the fear of cancer scale was found to be a valid and reliable measurement tool.

Development and Validation of the Defending Behavior Scale of Cyberbullying for Adolescents.

In the context of cyberbullying, bystanders engage in a diverse array of defending behaviors, employing a range of strategies tailored to the specific forms of bullying they encounter. These defending behaviors have been demonstrated to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of cyberbullying on victims. This study involved the development of the defending behavior scale of cyberbullying for adolescents and a subsequent assessment of the scale's reliability and validity. Firstly, the structure of defending behavior was explored based on the results of in-depth interviews and previous studies in the literature. The defending behavior scale of cyberbullying for adolescents was then developed, and 550 middle school students were selected for item analysis and exploratory factor analysis. Secondly, 526 middle school students were selected for a series of reliability and validity analyses, including tests of convergent validity, discriminant validity, and structural validity, to assess the reliability and validity of the scale. The final version of the scale comprises 24 items distributed across four dimensions: emotional support, reporting authority, aggressive defending, and problem-solving. The four factors collectively account for 66.26% of the total variance. The internal consistency coefficient α of the scale was 0.92, with the internal consistency coefficients α of the dimensions being 0.88, 0.92, 0.92, 0.92, and 0.87, respectively. The scale demonstrated good convergent validity, discriminant validity, structural validity, and criterion validity. Finally, the scale has measurement equivalence across genders. The defending behavior scale of cyberbullying for adolescents was demonstrated to possess good reliability and validity, to meet the requirements of psychometrics, and to be suitable for use in measuring defending behavior in adolescent cyberbullying.

Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Vestibular Migraine Patient Assessment Tool and Handicap Inventory.

There are insufficient tools to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular migraine. Hence, the aim of this study was to perform the Turkish adaptation of the Vestibular Migraine Patient Assessment Tool and Handicap Inventory (VM-PATHI). After the language and content validity was completed, a pilot study was conducted. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to test construct validity, and as a result of the validity analyses, Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient and test-retest analyses were conducted for reliability. In the study, in which 289 participants were evaluated, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficient was calculated as 0.903. The percentage of variance explained by the EFA was 67.246% and the range of factor load change was 0.433-0.828. The scale structure was tested with CFA and the model was confirmed with adequate goodness of fit index values. The Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient of the scale was 0.931. The VM-PATHI is a valid and reliable tool for the subjective evaluation of vestibular migraine in Türkiye.

Development, validity and reliability of the “Multiple sclerosis stigma scale”

BackgroundStigma in multiple sclerosis (MS) refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that patients may encounter as a result of their diagnosis. Patients who hold stigmatizing beliefs are more prone to experiencing anxiety and depression, social isolation, and poor treatment adherence. To mitigate the adverse effects of stigma, it is crucial to assess stigmatizing beliefs; however, there is currently no specific stigma scale available for MS. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop and validate “Multiple Sclerosis Stigma Scale (MSSS)”. MethodsThis methodological study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, the concept of stigma in MS was defined. In the second phase, an item pool was generated based on the findings from the first phase. In the third phase, psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated, including face and content validity, construct validity, convergent validity and reliability. ResultsAfter evaluating the validity (face, content, and construct validity) and reliability, the initial item pool of 276 items was reduced to 12 items. Factor analysis revealed two factors: discrimination and disclosure. The developed questionnaire had excellent reliability, with an internal consistency coefficient of 0.88 and a stability coefficient of 0.87. ConclusionThe 12-item MSSS is valid and reliable for assessing the level of stigma in Turkish people with MS.

Cardiometabolic Morbidity (Obesity and Hypertension) in PTSD: A Preliminary Investigation of the Validity of Two Structures of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised.

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or specific PTSD symptoms may evoke maladaptive behaviors (e.g., compulsive buying, disordered eating, and an unhealthy lifestyle), resulting in adverse cardiometabolic events (e.g., hypertension and obesity), which may implicate the treatment of this complex condition. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD have lately expanded beyond the three common symptoms (intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal). Including additional symptoms such as emotional numbing, sleep disturbance, and irritability strengthens the representation of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), suggesting that models with four, five, or six dimensions better capture its structure compared to the original three-dimensional model. Methods: Using a convenience sample of 58 Russian dental healthcare workers (HCWs: mean age = 44.1 ± 12.2 years, 82.8% females), this instrumental study examined the convergent, concurrent, and criterion validity of two IES-R structures: IES-R3 and IES-R6. Results: Exploratory factor analysis uncovered five factors, which explained 76.0% of the variance in the IES-R. Subscales of the IES-R3 and the IES-R6 expressed good internal consistency (coefficient alpha range = 0.69-0.88), high convergent validity (item total correlations r range = 0.39-0.81, and correlations with the IES-R's total score r range = 0.62-0.92), excellent concurrent validity through strong correlations with the PTSD Symptom Scale-Self Report (PSS-SR: r range = 0.42-0.69), while their criterion validity was indicated by moderate-to-low correlations with high body mass index (BMI: r range = 0.12-0.39) and the diagnosis of hypertension (r range = 0.12-0.30). In the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, all IES-R models were perfectly associated with the PSS-SR (all areas under the curve (AUCs) > 0.9, p values < 0.001). The IES-R, both hyperarousal subscales, and the IES-R3 intrusion subscale were significantly associated with high BMI. Both avoidance subscales and the IES-R3 intrusion subscale, not the IES-R, were significantly associated with hypertension. In the two-step cluster analysis, five sets of all trauma variables (IES-R3/IES-R6, PSS-SR) classified the participants into two clusters according to their BMI (normal weight/low BMI vs. overweight/obese). Meanwhile, only the IES-R, PSS-SR, and IES-R3 dimensions successfully classified participants as having either normal blood pressure or hypertension. Participants in the overweight/obese and hypertensive clusters displayed considerably higher levels of most trauma symptoms. Input variables with the highest predictor importance in the cluster analysis were those variables expressing significant associations in correlations and ROC analyses. However, neither IES-R3 nor IES-R6 contributed to BMI or hypertension either directly or indirectly in the path analysis. Meanwhile, age significantly predicted both health conditions and current smoking. Irritability and numbing were the only IES-R dimensions that significantly contributed to current smoking. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for assessing the way through which various PTSD symptoms may implicate cardiometabolic dysfunctions and their risk factors (e.g., smoking and the intake of unhealthy foods) as well as the application of targeted dietary and exercise interventions to lower physical morbidity in PTSD patients. However, the internal and external validity of our tests may be questionable due to the low power of our sample size. Replicating the study in larger samples, which comprise different physical and mental conditions from heterogenous cultural contexts, is pivotal to validate the results (e.g., in specific groups, such as those with confirmed traumatic exposure and comorbid mood dysfunction).

Sustainability Communication in Higher Education Institutions: Scale Development and Validation Study

This article aims to develop and validate the Sustainability Communication Scale in higher education institutions. An eight-step process proposed by DeVellis (2022) was applied to develop the scale, which consists of 32 items capable of measuring the level of sustainability communication in Turkish universities. A total of 1291 participants, comprising 109 academics and 1182 students, participated in the study. Expert opinion analysis, KMO and Barlett tests, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability, and partial correlation analyses were all used to check the scale's validity and reliability. According to the results of the exploratory factor analysis using the principal components method, the scale consists of 4 factors: environmental sustainability communication, social sustainability communication, economic sustainability communication, and sustainability of communication. The general structure and measurement of the scale have been validated by confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency coefficient found using Cronbach's alpha was .769; internal consistency coefficients found using composite reliability were .875(F1), .888 (F2), .866(F3), .882(F4). The findings indicate that the scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool.