Comprehensive Measures Research Articles

Measuring the construct of public sector creativity: Development of a validated scale

AbstractPublic sector creativity—public servants coming up with novel and useful ideas—is the origin of solutions and innovations central to public sector organizations' ability to optimally serve society's interests. Despite its relevance and argued limitations, an adequate scale and framework to assess public servants' creativity remained absent. Using three quantitative (n = 2434/n = 1157/n = 621) and two qualitative datasets, this state‐of‐the‐art preregistered study provides a novel, valid, reliable, comprehensive but succinct multidimensional measurement tool allowing detailed assessment of states and changes of public servants' creativity by academics and practitioners. To aid academics and practitioners' understanding of the scale and public sector creativity, it also provides a supplementary theoretical framework in line with the data structure of the scale that compresses and structures extant theory on creativity while emphasizing what is indicated as important in the public sector. The findings shed light on the nature of public sector creativity as an aggregate and multidimensional construct.

Sheltered from the heat? How tents and shade covers may unintentionally increase air temperature exposures to unsheltered communities

ObjectiveHeat vulnerability and homelessness are central public health concerns in cities globally, and public health implementation should address these two challenges in tandem to minimize preventable heat-related morbidity and mortality. Populations facing unsheltered homelessness use tents (or similar shelters) with shading features to minimize sun and heat exposure. This study evaluates the efficacy of different tent cover (shading) materials and how they moderate the in-tent air temperature (Tair) exposures of tent users during extreme summer conditions. Study designWithin-tent Tair monitoring using Kestrel Drop devices occurred across three full typical summer days in Phoenix, Arizona in July 2022. MethodsIn-tent Tair were statistically compared between six small side-by-side identical tents with different cover materials (control (no cover), mylar, white bedsheet, tarp, sunbrella fabric, aluminum foil), as well as with ambient Tair. ResultsUsing any tent resulted in higher daytime in-tent Tair than ambient Tair. Further, compared to a control tent, the Tair within tents shaded with sunbrella, tarp, and white bedsheet had significantly higher Tair at all times (2.36 °C, 2.46 °C, and 1.11 °C higher Tair, respectively), controlling for Tair and day/night. ConclusionAdding cover materials over tents may increase heat risk to an already vulnerable population at certain times of the day. Higher in-tent Tair is attributable to the reduced ability for heat and vapor to escape, largely due to reduced ventilation (mixing). Local authorities and welfare associations should reconsider using unventilated tents for shading and promote more widespread, ventilated tents and shade to ensure that prevention efforts do not further marginalize the most vulnerable. Future work should incorporate more comprehensive measurements of solar radiation to quantify overall heat stress for exposure reduction techniques.

Dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease among childhood cancer survivors: a St. Jude Lifetime Cohort report.

Childhood cancer survivors have increased risk of dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated cardiovascular risks of specific lipid abnormalities among childhood cancer survivors. Comprehensive lipid panel measurements were obtained from 4115 5-year survivors, with 3406 (mean age at evaluation = 35.2 years, SD = 10.4 years) not having previous dyslipidemia diagnosis, as well as 624 age, sex, and race and ethnicity matched community controls. Previously undiagnosed dyslipidemia with abnormal low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (>160 mg/dL), non-high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (>190 mg/dL), HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL for men, <50 mg/dL for women), and triglycerides (>150 mg/dL) were identified in 4%, 6%, 30%, and 17%, respectively. Survivors without previous dyslipidemia diagnosis had higher LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol than community controls. Cranial radiotherapy (relative risk [RR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6 to 3.0 for non-HDL cholesterol) and total body irradiation for hematopoietic cell transplantation (RR = 6.7, 95% CI = 3.5 to 13.0 for non-HDL cholesterol; RR = 9.9, 95% CI = 6.0 to 16.3 for triglycerides) were associated with greater risk of dyslipidemia. Diagnoses of low HDL cholesterol (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.8 to 4.7) and elevated triglycerides (HR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.9 to 5.1) were associated with increased risk for myocardial infarction, and diagnoses of high LDL cholesterol (HR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.3 to 3.7), high non-HDL cholesterol (HR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.3 to 3.7), low HDL cholesterol (HR = 3.9, 95% CI = 2.8 to 5.4), and elevated triglycerides (HR = 3.8, 95% CI = 2.7 to 5.5) were associated with increased risk for cardiomyopathy. Previously undiagnosed dyslipidemia among childhood cancer survivors was associated with increased risk for myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathy. Comprehensive dyslipidemia evaluation and treatment are needed to reduce cardiovascular morbidity in this population.

Reading Instruction for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comparing Observations of Instruction to Student Reading Profiles

AbstractDespite a marked increase in the volume of research investigating issues about reading interventions for students with ASD (e.g., Bailey and Arciuli, Rev J Autism Dev Disord 7(2):127–150, 2020; Chiang and Lin, Focus Autism Other Dev Disab 22(4):259–267, 2007), very few studies have examined the current reading practices experienced by children with ASD in the schools. This mixed-method study reports on the observed reading instruction and reading performance of students (N = 39) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in grades 4–8 (ages 9–14 years.) across two separate geographic regions of the USA. Data collection included systematic observations of tier 1 and tier 2/3 reading instruction. Students were also assessed with standardized measures of word recognition, language, and reading comprehension. The purpose of this investigation was to contribute to the limited corpus of observation research on reading instruction for students with ASD within the context of describing student performance on battery of standardized measures. A total of 168 lesson sessions totaling 7497 min of observed class time were completed and the battery of measures were administered to students. Results of the observations indicated that 44–48% of instructional time across different tiers of instruction were dedicated to comprehension monitoring consisting of answering teacher directed questions. Minimal amounts of time were dedicated to word recognition instruction. According to findings from the assessment battery, approximately 46% of students had below average scores on word recognition and reading comprehension measures. Study findings suggest a mismatch between student needs and the manner in which they were addressed.

Product Innovation Among Furniture Firms: The Case of the Private Economy Area

Objective: The objective of this article is to analyze product innovation among furniture firms in the private economy area of Vietnam. Method: We designed a questionnaire related to product innovation among furniture firms in the private economy area. We determined the observed variables (scales) of product innovation among furniture firms based on previous studies and expert interview results. We use both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including descriptive statistics, reliability analysis through the Cronbach alpha coefficient, EFA analysis, the independent T test, and ANOVA analysis. Results: Four attributes of product innovation among furniture firms in the private economy area were quite high. All the attributes of the variables are statistically significant. There is no statistically significant difference in product innovation among furniture firms in the private economy area between these different genders and career seniorities. Conclusions: This research broadens the understanding of the importance of product innovation in the productivity and competitiveness of the furniture firms in the private economy area studied. This research has expanded product innovation among furniture firms in the private economy as an activity with profound business performance impacts. This study can be a basis for other research works and policy design oriented to achieve a comprehensive measurement of business performance and make business strategy in the firm.

The Role of Savoring in Young Adult Cannabis Use and Associated Consequences: A Replication Study

ABSTRACT Young adults exhibit high rates of cannabis use and are at heightened risk of experiencing negative cannabis-associated consequences. The purpose of the present study was to replicate and extend to prior work on savoring, the ability to experience positive experiences/emotions, and cannabis use frequency on cannabis-associated consequences. Young adults (18–25 years old, N = 122, 36.1% women) who reported weekly cannabis use completed self-report surveys. Savoring was significantly associated with cannabis use frequency (r = .28, p < .01) and cannabis-associated consequences (r = -.20, p < .05). Cannabis use frequency was significantly and negatively associated with cannabis-associated consequences (r = -.24, p < .01). However, the interaction between cannabis use frequency and savoring on cannabis-associated consequences was not significant (b = 0.0004, p = .91, 95% CI [−0.007, 0.008]). When the interaction was removed, neither cannabis use frequency (b = -0.14, p = .08, CI [−0.29, −0.02]) nor savoring (b = -0.05, p = .16, CI [−0.13, 0.02]) were associated with cannabis-associated consequences. Results did not replicate previous findings regarding the moderating role of savoring in the relationship between cannabis use frequency and cannabis-associated consequences. Future research may explore why findings did not replicate by using more fine-grained assessment methods and comprehensive measures of cannabis use.

Metamaterial integrated highly efficient wireless power transfer system for implantable medical devices

In this article, a novel and highly efficient metamaterial (MTM) integrated approach is presented for the development of a wireless power transfer system (WPT) specifically tailored for implantable medical devices. The system is designed by using a biocompatible implantable ring slot antenna constructed on a flexible dielectric, functioning as a receiving (Rx) antenna. Additionally, a conventional patch antenna is modelled for the use in free space, serving as an external transmitting (Tx) element. By exploiting the unique characteristics of MTMs, the power transfer efficiency (PTE) of the introduced system is effectively improved. To ensure the system’s performance stability in real-time application scenario, the effects of misalignment (lateral and angular) and the flexibility of the implantable antenna are meticulously performed. The prototypes of the Tx, Rx, and MTM structures are fabricated, and comprehensive measurements are performed in human-equivalent tissue models, such as skin-mimicking gel and minced pork. Both the simulated and measured results established the proposed methodology, showcasing marked improvements in PTE due to the use of MTMs. The efficiency of the pioneering MTM-integrated WPT system increases from 0.19% to 3.07% in skin-mimicking gel and from 0.24% to 3.26% in minced pork, respectively. This study highlights the potential of MTM-integrated WPT systems in advancing the field of implantable medical devices and expanding their practical applicability.

ON RADON ACTIVITY OF TECTONIC FAULTS IN THE AREA OF SITING THE SINOP NPP IN THE REPUBLIC OF TŰRKIYE

Problem statement. The paper provides an additional expanded justification for applying an innovative methodology in the area of the future Sinop NPP, planned to be deployed in the Republic of Tűrkiye, to identify the activity rate of tectonic faults in soil foundation based on comprehensive radon measurements using the PSACEA universal estimation scale. The purpose of the article. Current radon activity assessment of existing tectonic faults in Earth’s crust based on archival measurements of soil radon carried out earlier in Sinop Province. Conclusions and results. Current analysis of radon measurement results obtained previously by the track method made it possible to further assess the radon activity rate of tectonic faults existing in the area of the future nuclear power plant. The proposed methodology to assess radon activity of tectonic faults in Earth’s crust involves increasing safety during the construction and operation of the future nuclear power plant. The regulation on using this methodology as part of the subsurface monitoring at the Sinop NPP can be enshrined in job descriptions. This methodology can also be used as part of the seismic monitoring of other sites at the nuclear power plant, especially those located in high seismic risk zones.

Evaluation of patient-reported outcome measures in burn-specific tools: A systematic review

IntroductionPatient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are now well-established tools to evaluate the quality of patient-centred care. Due to the multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary nature of the practice of burn care, as well as the range of significant potential sequelae, PROM’s should form a fundamental component of burn quality improvement programs. We aim to 1. Explore biological, psychological, and social considerations that are currently listed in burn-specific PROM tools, as well as their efficacy, 2. Evaluate biological, psychological, and social factors that are considered in new burn-specific PROM tools or those under development, and 3. Identify any opportunities with respect to burn-specific PROM tools, in order to inform future investigation in this area. MethodsA search was performed of MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library databases. Two independent reviewers screened article titles/abstracts and then the full texts using Covidence. All studies were graded independently according to the Quality Rating Scheme for Studies and Other Evidences. ResultsThe initial search yielded 552 references. Based on ab initio inclusion and exclusion criteria, 133 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility, and 21 articles were ultimately included in the systematic review. Due to study heterogeneity, a qualitative synthesis was conducted. Existing burn-specific PROMs covered a range of biological, psychological, and social factors affecting adult and paediatric patients with burn injury, but several studies required additional PROMs for a thorough evaluation. Burn-specific PROM tools under development are poised to fill this deficit. ConclusionMajor burn injuries are a unique form of trauma, requiring coordinated management that considers numerous factors not relevant to other patient populations. Further research is necessary to validate existing burn-specific PROM tools and to develop more comprehensive burn-specific PROM measures that more comprehensively incorporate the bio-psycho-social model of health.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm or low birth weight infants with germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage: a meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to identify the near- and long-term neurodevelopmental prognoses of preterm or low birth weight (LBW) infants with different severities of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Four databases were searched for observational studies that were qualified using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. 37 studies involving 32,370 children were included. Compared to children without IVH, children with mild IVH had higher incidences of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), cerebral palsy (CP), motor/cognitive delay, hearing impairment and visual impairment, as well as lower scores of the mental development index (MDI) and psychomotor development (PDI). Moreover, compared to mild IVH, severe IVH increased susceptibilities of children to NDI, motor delay, CP, hearing impairment and visual impairment, with worse performances in MDI, PDI, motor score and IQ. Mild IVH was not associated with seizures or epilepsy. Adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes positively associated with the occurrence and severity of IVH in preterm or LBW infants, providing evidence for counseling and further decisions regarding early therapeutic interventions. Adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes later in life were closely associated with the occurrence and severity of IVH in preterm or LBW infants. Our results highlight the importance to make prediction of the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born preterm or LBW with a history of IVH, which will guide affected parents when their children need clinical interventions to reach the full potential. We emphasize the importance of identifying specific developmental delays that may exist in children with IVH, providing detailed information for the development of comprehensive intervention measures.

Psychometric Properties of Psychosexual Functioning Survey Among Autistic and Non-autistic Adults: Adapting the Self-Report Teen Transition Inventory to the U.S. Context.

Psychosexual functioning is an important aspect of human development and relationships. A previous study investigated psychosexual functioning of autistic adolescents using the Teen Transition Inventory (TTI), but there is a lack of comprehensive measurement of psychosexual functioning among autistic and non-autistic (NA) adults. To address this gap, the current study adapted the self-report TTI to the Psychosexual Functioning Survey (PSFS) and presented it to 131 autistic (n = 59) and NA adults (n = 72) in the U.S. Comparisons of psychometric properties between the original TTI and the PSFS are shared; the developmental relevancy among some items was changed, and the alphas indicated a difference in the content of certain scales. Differences emerged between autistic and NA adults in both the intra- and interpersonal domains of psychosexual functioning, but not in sexual and intimate behaviors. The findings suggest the persistence of differences from adolescence to adulthood between autistic and NA people and highlight the importance of understanding the unique experiences of adults in psychosexual functioning relative to diagnostic status.

Influenza vaccination rates among healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating influencing factors.

Healthcare workers risk of exposure to the influenza virus in their work, is a high-risk group for flu infections. Thus WHO recommends prioritizing flu vaccination for them-an approach adopted by >40 countries and/or regions worldwide. Cross-sectional studies on influenza vaccination rates among healthcare workers were collected from PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, and CBM databases from inception to February 26, 2023. Influenza vaccination rates and relevant data for multiple logistic regression analysis, such as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), were extracted. A total of 92 studies comprising 125 vaccination data points from 26 countries were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that the overall vaccination rate among healthcare workers was 41.7%. Further analysis indicated that the vaccination rate was 46.9% or 35.6% in low income or high income countries. Vaccination rates in the Americas, the Middle East, Oceania, Europe, Asia, and Africa were 67.1, 51.3, 48.7, 42.5, 28.5, and 6.5%, respectively. Influencing factors were age, length of service, education, department, occupation, awareness of the risk of influenza, and/or vaccines. The global influenza vaccination rate among healthcare workers is low, and comprehensive measures are needed to promote influenza vaccination among this population. www.inplysy.com, identifier: 202350051.

Doctors' pay in the United Kingdom: evaluating the broader impacts of change.

The United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) faces a mounting workforce crisis, with compensation being a focal point of discontent. This editorial explores the real-term erosion of doctors' salaries in the UK, using the Retail Price Index as a more comprehensive measure of inflation. Comparisons with international standards reveal significant disparities, contributing to the emigration of medical talent. The NHS's increased reliance on agency locum doctors poses financial strain and affects continuity of patient care. Economic considerations debunk common counterarguments against pay restoration, emphasising the broader implications for healthcare delivery and societal well-being. The editorial concludes by advocating for policy measures to address this pay disparity as both an economic imperative and a strategic necessity to sustain the NHS.

PUBLIC SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN PAMPANGA

The study examines public sexual harassment in the Pampanga public transportation system and its connection to Feminist Theory. It reveals that young adults, particularly females aged 18-25, are most vulnerable to harassment, possibly influenced by socio-cultural factors. Education levels do not significantly affect the risk of harassment, but middle-class families have a higher risk. Unmarried individuals are at a higher risk. The study also reveals that harassment is prevalent in crowded vehicles and has profound psychological consequences. Low reporting rates highlight the need for increased awareness and improved reporting mechanisms. The research also suggests a multi-faceted approach, incorporating safety strategies to mitigate risks and encourage reporting. It refutes the significance of demographic factors in determining harassment experiences or reporting behaviors, highlighting the need for comprehensive measures to safeguard individuals. KEYWORDS: Sexual Harassment, Public Transportation, Non-Reporting

Dynamics of Formal and Informal Institutions on Environmental Quality in Pakistan

Environment and economic growth have been interlinked with each other since the beginning of mankind. The institutions (formal and informal) play an important role in the determination of the relationship between income and the environment. Many indicators measure the environment, i.e., air, land, water, and emissions. There is a need to develop a comprehensive measure of environmental quality, measuring all dimensions. The study aimed to develop a multidimensional and comprehensive measure of environmental quality and to analyze the role of formal and informal institutions on the environment and economic growth. Furthermore, the policy measures are suggested based on the results of the study. The environmental policies are better reinforced through good governance and improved institutional quality. To achieve these objectives, secondary data has been used from different international agencies of developed and developing countries with a special focus on Pakistan. The long-run and short-run relationships have been identified by using co-integration analysis and causality analysis. The results of the empirical analysis show that Institutional quality exerts a positive impact on economic growth. Further, Economic growth follows a decreasing trend in CO2 emissions, which validates the existence of EKC theory. The study also found that better institutions/policies cause higher income and improved environment in the long run, although it hampers growth in the short run. The study considers the vital roles of economic growth, institutional quality, and public awareness for a sustainable environment. To facilitate sustainable development in Pakistan, policymakers should be encouraged to prioritize policy design and implementation.

Understanding interfacial conductance in non-stoichimetric Ca x Ta y O3−δ /SrTiO3

In search of novel conducting oxide heterointerfaces, we previously uncovered an distinctive quasi two-dimensional electron gas (q-2DEG) type behaviour in non-stoichimetric CaxTayO3-δ/SrTiO3 heterostructure. However, the underlying mechanism remained enigmatic. In this study, we delve into the intricate interplay of growth conditions, stoichiometry, and transport properties of these heterostructures. Using (Ca0.5TaO3)2 Target and the pulsed laser deposition technique, we grow the epitaxial thin films while systematically varying growth parameters, inculding laser energy density, oxygen pressures, and post-deposition annealing. Structural analysis unveiled a notable presence of oxygen vacancies in the as-grown films, while annealed samples exhibited an oxygen surplus. Building upon these findings, our comprehensive charge transport measurements revealed that while oxygen vacancies do contribute to conductivity, the polar catastrophe model takes precedence as the primary source of interfacial conductance in these heterostructures. This study provides valueable insights into the behavior of these innovative heterostructures, paving the way for future advancements in the field.

Tuning rules of filtered PID/PIDD2 controller for integrating processes with measurement noise

PID controllers are widely used in industrial processes. However, it is well-known that the derivative action is susceptible to measurement noise, so most of the practical PID controllers are of PI-type. To improve the control performance and lessen the impact of measurement noise on actuators, tuning formulas under arbitrary comprehensive robustness measures are proposed to meet more control needs, the filtered PID/PIDD2 (PID plus second derivative) is used under the promise of acceptable performance of robustness and disturbance rejection. Many chemical production processes can be approximated to the common model with integrators, to improve the chemical production process efficiency, tuning rules of filtered PID/PIDD2 controllers are proposed for different integrating processes in terms of relative order to make better trade-offs. Simulation results show that the proposed tuning formula can reduce the impact of noise and achieve proper compromising among robustness, disturbance rejection and measurement noise.

A combined study of gamma spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy reveals persistent anthropogenic radioactive pollution on Deception Island, Antarctica

A comprehensive measurement of the concentrations of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in soil, water, and air was carried out during the austral summer Antarctic campaign 2018–2019 in different locations around the Spanish Research Station “Gabriel de Castilla” (Deception Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica). Limited information is available on radionuclide contamination in the Antarctic region. This study was conducted to evaluate Deception Island’s capacity to remove and self-clean its environment. For this reason, samples from soil, water, and air were collected and analysed by gamma spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The obtained results revealed significant levels of 210Pb and anthropogenic 137Cs, in soil samples close to old human settlements and facilities. In terms of water samples, although more renovation was expected than Antarctic soil, human impact was confirmed again since significant levels of both anthropogenic radionuclides, 137Cs and 60Co, are still detectable in old hunting areas. Air quality studies are not totally conclusive because the obtained results are significantly higher than those previously reported, a fact that potentially points to resuspension processes.

65 Verbal and Visual-Spatial Abilities Differ by Ethnicity in a Referred Pediatric Sample

Objective:To compare performances of matched groups derived from caregiver-reported ethnicity on measures of verbal comprehension and visual-spatial abilities, and to identify factors potentially related to differences.Participants and Methods:Participants included 159 English speaking children from 615 years of age who were referred for neuropsychological evaluation at a clinic in the southwestern region of the United States. Participants were matched across four groups based on caregiver-reported ethnicity, including American Indian (n = 41), Hispanic (n= 41), White (n = 41), and Other (i.e., Black, Asian; n = 36) categories. Propensity score matching was used to derive samples, with participants matched on age, caregiver-reported sex assigned at birth, and the full-scale intelligence quotient on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V).Results:Using a dependent variable derived from subtracting the WISC-V Verbal Comprehension Index from the Visual-Spatial Index, significant differences across groups were found via a factorial analysis of variance model (p = .02, eta squared = .06). Achieved power was .82. Post-hoc analysis indicated significantly greater differences between verbal comprehension and visual-spatial abilities amongst participants of American Indian (mean difference = -6.61 standard score points) and Hispanic (mean difference = -6.66 standard score points) ethnicity relative to participants of White ethnicity (mean difference = 2.17 standard score points; p &lt; .01). Differences did not relate to participant age or assigned sex.Conclusions:Greater differences between visual and verbal intellectual abilities were found amongst Hispanic and American Indian participants relative to White participants. Hispanic and American children tended to perform higher on visual spatial rather than verbal tasks, while the pattern was reversed for White children. Findings are congruent with previous research conducted using older versions of the WISC and continue to highlight potential issues related to the external validity of this measure in certain populations. This study contributes to the existing literature by replicating previous findings with the most recent iteration of the WISC in a referred sample. Current results continue to suggest that the WISC-V Verbal Comprehension Index may function more as a measure of English language ability rather than verbal intellectual ability. Given these findings, it is important that weaknesses in verbal comprehension amongst children of Hispanic or American Indian ethnicity be interpreted in this context when identified in clinical and research settings. Discrepancies between ethnic groups may relate broadly to cultural and systemic factors (e.g., differing patient/examiner characteristics, inequalities in access to education/intervention and healthcare, bilingualism/exposure to the English language).

The Influence of Passage Cohesion on Cloze Test Item Difficulty

The role of context in cloze tests has long been seen as both a benefit as well as a complication in their usefulness as a measure of second language comprehension (Brown, 2013). Passage cohesion, in particular, would seem to have a relevant and important effect on the degree to which cloze items function and the interpretability of performances (Brown, 1983; Dastjerdi &amp; Talebinezhad, 2006; Oller &amp; Jonz, 1994). With recent evidence showing that cloze items can require examinees to access information at both the sentence and passage level (Trace, 2020), it’s worthwhile to now look back and examine the relationship between aspects of passage cohesion—referential cohesion, semantic overlap, and incidence of conjunctives—and item difficulty by classification. The current study draws upon a large pool of cloze test passages and items (k = 377) originally used by Brown (1993) along with automated text analysis of cohesion (Coh-Metrix, McNamara et al., 2014) to examine the impact of passage cohesion on item function. Correlations, factor analysis, and linear regression point to clear though minimal differences for both sentential and intersentential items as they relate to aspects of passage cohesion, the results of which may inform future test design and interpretation of cloze performance.