Development Of Scale Research Articles

Package adventure tourism motivation: scale development and validation

ABSTRACT Adventure tourism has become a prominent segment within the tourism industry, fuelled by the increasing popularity of packaged adventure holidays. Despite the rise of package adventure tourism, there remains a gap in understanding what motivates tourists to choose a package adventure holiday. This study focused on package tourists visiting wildlife national park for diverse adventure activities. Using the scale development approach, the study began with the generation of initial items through literature review and written interview of 40 participants. Subsequently item refinement was achieved through exploratory factor analysis of data from 244 package tourist, followed by scale validation using confirmatory factor analysis on the remaining item with data from 341 package tourist. As a result, nine dimensions of package adventure tourist motivations were developed. These motivational dimensions include predetermined price, social interaction, safety, novelty, convenience, escape, culture, natural attractions, and excitement. This multidimensional scale will help comprehend the motivation of package adventure tourists and illuminate the nature of their preferences and choices.

Measuring Quality of Life in Deprescribing Trials: A Scoping Review.

Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome to capture in clinical trials evaluating deprescribing interventions. We aimed to conduct a scoping review to examine how QoL has been measured in deprescribing trials among older people and identify potentially relevant QoL scales, to better inform QoL measurement in future deprescribing trials. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, Epistemonikos, ClinicalTrials.gov, and reference lists of eligible studies (from inception to October 2023). We included randomized and non-randomized comparative studies with a control group that evaluated deprescribing and polypharmacy reduction interventions in people ≥ 65 years of age and measured QoL as an outcome. We also included studies describing the development and validation of QoL scales related to deprescribing, polypharmacy, or medication burden in adults ≥ 18 years of age. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, then full texts. Two independent reviewers extracted data from 25% of eligible studies in order to verify agreement, then a single reviewer extracted data from the remaining studies, which a second reviewer cross-checked. We critically appraised scales based on the COSMIN checklist. We retrieved 7290 articles, of which 52 were eligible for inclusion, including 44 deprescribing trials and eight scale development studies. From these studies, we found 21 scales that have been used in the context of deprescribing/polypharmacy (12 generic scales used in clinical trials and nine medication-specific scales). Variations of the generic EQ-5D were the most used scales. The measurement properties of scales for capturing changes in QoL from deprescribing were uncertain. Medication-specific QoL scales have not been employed in deprescribing clinical trials and thus, their performance in this context is also not clear. Several existing QoL scales have been applied to the context of deprescribing/polypharmacy clinical trials, and new scales specific to the problem have been proposed. If deprescribing does impact QoL, our findings suggest it is uncertain whether existing QoL scales can practically and reliably capture such a change or whether any scale is best. However, this review compares various aspects of the scales that researchers and clinicians can consider in decisions about measuring QoL in deprescribing trials, and in planning future research. Open Science Framework: osf.io/aez6w.

Development and Validation of the Online Sexual Objectification Experiences Scale Among College Women

Development and Validation of the Online Sexual Objectification Experiences Scale Among College Women

Needle and bud scale development in Picea abies

Needle and bud scale development in Picea abies

Development of Social Stigma Scale in Indian Context

Development of Social Stigma Scale in Indian Context

The development and cross-cultural validation of a Student Online Learning Experience Scale

ABSTRACT A growing body of research has explored the effects of Covid-19-induced online learning on students’ experiences. However, there is a lack of validated tools that measure the perceived online learning experiences of domestic and international students in various national and cultural contexts. To address this gap, this article aims to develop the Student Online Learning Experience Scale (SOLE-S). We conceptualised four potential dimensions of students’ perceptions of their online learning experiences: online interactions with students, teachers, university, and technology (i.e. students’ capacity to participate in online learning). Confirmatory factor analysis determined three distinct factors: online interactions with students, the university (including teachers), and technology. Based on multiple validation studies reported in this article, the 10-item SOLE-S demonstrated sound internal consistency, discriminant validity, and convergent validity. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis on data from domestic and international students transitioning from conventional classroom learning to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, France, Poland, and the UK showed a stable factor structure across different cultural contexts. Bivariate and point-biserial correlation analyses revealed that the SOLE-S is associated with students’ adjustment, performance, satisfaction, and loyalty to the university. This tool will assist higher education institutions in monitoring students’ online learning experiences and developing relevant support structures to enhance their academic experience and well-being during the pandemic and post-pandemic online learning.

Development and initial validation of Personality Disorder Syndrome scales for the MMPI-3.

The purpose of the present study was to revise and update the MMPI-2-RF personality disorder (PD) syndrome scales for the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3). Study 1 describes the development of the MMPI-3 PD syndrome scales in three separate samples of community participants (n = 1,591), university students (n = 1,660), and outpatient mental health patients (n = 1,537). The authors independently evaluated each of the 72 new MMPI-3 items and rated them for appropriateness for scale inclusion and used various statistical procedures for final item selection. Ultimately, all 10 scales were revised, with nine incorporating items that were new to the MMPI-3. In Study 2, we subsequently validated the new MMPI-3 PD Syndrome scales against measures of traditional PD measures, trait measures of the Alternative Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition-5 model of personality disorders (AMPD) and the five-factor model (FFM) of personality, and specific criterion measures of externalizing, psychopathy, narcissism, emotional dysregulation, and self-harm, in two samples of university students (ns = 489 and 645). With some exceptions, the results were generally supportive of the convergent and discriminant validities of the MMPI-3 PD Syndrome scales. The Histrionic PD scale in particular was associated with questionable results and diverged most strongly from the theoretical construct it was originally meant to reflect. Further continuous validation of the scales is needed, especially in clinical samples, but the findings to date are promising. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Scale Development and Validation for Green Supply Chain Practices Impact on the Organized Retail Performance Evaluation in India: The ORGRSCALE

Scale Development and Validation for Green Supply Chain Practices Impact on the Organized Retail Performance Evaluation in India: The ORGRSCALE

Development of the Imagination-Creativity Process Scale in Design

In this study, the undergraduate students’ Imagination–Creativity Process Scale (ICPS) in design was developed with reference to the Imagination–Creativity Process in design (Wang & Ho, 2021), and the scale reliability and validity were tested. Two samples of undergraduate students participated in test development, one for item revision and the other for validation. Sample 1 and 2 consisted of 285 and 488 students, respectively. Five to ten items were created for each scale dimension, resulting in a total of 31 items scored using a five-point Likert scale. A multidimensional Rasch partial-credit model was employed to verify the content and structural validity, generalizability, substantive validity, interpretive validity, and external validity of the scale. 30 items were retained for the final version of ICPS in design. The person separation reliabilities were .84, .83, .86, and .83, respectively for the four dimensions of the scale: (1) ideation and analysis, (2) generation and revision, (3) implementation and evaluation, and (4) communication and optimization. The results indicated that the ICPS had good model–data fit and was suitable for measuring undergraduate students’ Imagination–Creativity Process in design. Recommendations for future studies were proposed regarding the development and application of the ICPS in design.

Impact of maternal education on the development of severe acute malnourished children

Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a grave form of undernutrition that has been recognized as a medical and social disorder. Various factors contribute to the development of SAM, but the impact of maternal education on the nutritional status and development of the child is of paramount importance since focused interventions in this aspect can yield promising results. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to assess the impact of maternal education on the development of children with SAM. Materials and Methods: A total of 125 SAM children in the age group 12–30 months were enrolled in this prospective observational study from among those admitted to the nutritional rehabilitation center of a tertiary care center in central India. The developmental status of SAM children was assessed using the Developmental Assessment Scale of Indian Infants. The association of maternal education with the development of SAM children was analyzed. Results: Overall developmental delay was observed in 44.8% of SAM children, whereas motor and mental development delay was noted in 45.6% and 44% of SAM children. The maternal education level was significantly associated with the overall development of the SAM child. (P=0.043 for motor development, P=0.017 for mental development, P=0.023 for motor developmental delay). Conclusion: Maternal education plays a key role in improving the developmental status of SAM children, who are more prone to developmental delays across various domains. Efforts toward enhancing maternal education, especially knowledge regarding child nutrition and development, can reduce the incidence and improve the management of SAM in children.

Exploring Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents with Disabilities: A Bibliometric Review of Current Status, Guidelines, Perceived Barriers, and Facilitators and Future Directions

Background: Physical activity contributes to both physiological and psychosocial benefits for children and adolescents with disabilities. However, the prevalence of physical inactivity is notably higher among disabled young people compared to their healthy peers. Despite this, there is a lack of constructed knowledge structure, evolutionary path, research hotspots, and frontiers in studies related to physical activity in young people with disabilities.Methods: The literature related to the research of physical activity in children and adolescents with disabilities was retrieved from the core collection of the Web of Science. The annual publication numbers and the timing, frequency, and centrality of the co-occurrence network with respect to journals, countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords were analyzed. Additionally, clustering analysis and burst analysis were performed on the references and keywords. All analyses were conducted using CiteSpace. Results: A total of 1308 related articles were included. The knowledge structure of research on the physical activity of disabled children and adolescents, including annual publication numbers, influencing journals, countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords along with their respective collaborative networks, has been constructed. Furthermore, the research foundation, current hot topics, and research frontiers have been identified by analyzing references and keywords. Conclusions: Current research hotspots include interventions, therapies, and programs aimed at enhancing specific skills, as well as addressing the satisfaction of competence to improve motivation and the effectiveness of physical activity. There is also a focus on the development of scales for quantitative studies. Future directions may be toward personalized interventions or programs to enhance physical activity levels among youth with disabilities.

A Determination Method for the Biomass Lower-Calorific-Value-Based Blending Ratio in Co-Firing Power Plants

The accurate measurement of the biomass lower-calorific-value-based blending ratio (BLBR) is the premise and key to scale development of the power generation technology from co-firing of biomass and coal. However, existing determination methods of BLBR are less accurate, which has impeded the scale utilization of the co-firing technology of biomass and coal. To accurately determine the BLBR, this research proposed a flue gas sampling system suitable for determining BLBR through 14C quantitative analysis and established a medium-scale experimental platform for BLBR determination. In addition, predictive models for the lower calorific values of coal and biomass fuels were built and the BLBR calculation model for co-firing power plants was deduced. Furthermore, experimental verification of the BLBR determination was also conducted. The results show that the lower calorific values of coal and biomass fuels are highly linearly positively correlated with the carbon content. The relative errors of the established prediction models for lower calorific values of biomass and coal are separately lower than 5% and 8%. The results indicate that the proposed BLBR determination method is accurate.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Family Willingness for Caregiving Scale.

Family members and close friends of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) often experience stress and a sense of helplessness. Participating in the care of their loved one may improve their adaptation to the ICU environment and better prepare them for caregiving after discharge. The primary aim of this study was to develop the Family Willingness for Caregiving Scale (FWCS) and test its psychometric properties. The secondary aim was to examine relationships between family members' demographic characteristics and caregiving willingness. The process of scale development followed DeVellis's 8-step method, and the scale was tested in 3 phases. The first 2 phases examined content validity and face validity, respectively. In phase 3, the FWCS was administered to a sample of family members currently visiting an ICU patient. Content validity and face validity were confirmed. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was acceptable, and exploratory factor analysis revealed a 1-factor structure comprising both physical and emotional/supportive care tasks. Caregiving willingness differed significantly by sex, with women reporting greater willingness than men reported. Further testing of the FWCS is needed. After refinement, the FWCS could be used to evaluate factors contributing to caregiving willingness of family members of ICU patients and advance the science related to family engagement in the ICU. Additionally, it could be used as a practical tool to suggest family caregiving activities in the ICU.

Development and Testing of the Relational and Structural Components of Innovativeness Across Academia and Practice for Healthcare Progress Scale.

Using data from 5 academic-practice sites across the United States, researchers developed and validated a scale to measure conditions that enable healthcare innovations. Academic-practice partnerships are a catalyst for innovation and healthcare development. However, limited theoretically grounded evidence exists to provide strategic direction for healthcare innovation across practice and academia. Phase 1 of the analytical strategy involved scale development using 16 subject matter experts. Phase 2 involved pilot testing the scale. The final Innovativeness Across Academia and Practice for Healthcare Progress Scale (IA-APHPS) consisted of 7 domains: 3 relational domains, 2 structural domains, and 2 impact domains. The confirmatory factor analysis model fits well with a comparative fit index of 0.92 and a root-mean-square error of approximation of 0.06 (n = 477). As the 1st validated scale of healthcare innovation, the IA-APHPS allows nurses to use a diagnostic tool to facilitate innovative processes and outputs across academic-practice partnerships.

The molecular basis of scale development highlighted by a single-cell atlas of Bicyclus anynana butterfly pupal forewings

Butterfly wings display a diversity of cell types, including large polyploid scale cells, yet the molecular basis of such diversity is poorly understood. To explore scale cell diversity at a transcriptomic level, we employ single-cell RNA sequencing of ∼5,200 large cells (>6μm) from 22.5- to 25-h male pupal forewings of the butterfly Bicyclus anynana. Using unsupervised clustering, followed by in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and CRISPR-Cas9 editing of candidate genes, we annotate various cell types on the wing. We identify genes marking non-innervated scale cells, pheromone-producing glandular cells, and innervated sensory cell types. We show that senseless, a zinc-finger transcription factor, and HR38, a hormone receptor, determine the identity, size, and color of different scale cell types and are important regulators of scale cell differentiation. This dataset and the identification of various wing cell-type markers provide a foundation to compare and explore scale cell-type diversification across arthropod species.

Study protocol for measuring stigmatization in persistent tic disorders: development and validation of the Tourette discrimination-stigmatization scale

IntroductionPersistent Tic Disorders such as Tourette Syndrome are common neurodevelopmental disorders that are highly stigmatized. Many individuals with Persistent Tic Disorders experience peer rejection, loneliness, and self-stigma. Experiencing stigmatization during childhood can influence the persistence of moderate-to-severe tics later in life. Additionally, these factors have been associated with increased suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and psychiatric symptom severity. There is a need for interventions to reduce stigma and stigmatization in Persistent Tic Disorders. Before developing cost-effective interventions to mitigate stigma’s profound downstream health impacts, a reliable measure of stigmatization must be created. The overarching goal of this research is to develop and validate the Tourette Discrimination-Stigmatization (TD-STIGMA) Scale.MethodsThis paper presents the study protocol for developing and validating the TD-STIGMA Scale. The study is designed as a mixed methods study to develop the TD-STIGMA scale and evaluate its psychometric properties. The study uses a phased approach: (1) collection of narrative and thematic content data through in-depth qualitative interviews of stakeholders, (2) development of a novel TD-STIGMA self-report scale using the Delphi Method based on these results, and (3) completion of analyses to determine the scale’s psychometric properties (confirmatory factor analysis, convergent, known-group, criterion validity, and test–retest reliability).DiscussionThis project will result in a personalized approach to stigma measurement about youth and young adults with Persistent Tic Disorders, which to date does not exist. There are several limitations. Comorbidities or spiritual or cultural beliefs may affect perceptions of stigma and are not directly assessed in this study. We will utilize institutional resources for community outreach to purposefully sample underrepresented minorities who may be at disproportionate risk of adverse outcomes. However, this may not be fully representative of the generalized tic population. The study team will be purposeful in maintaining participant engagement for study retention. Lastly, participants from a tertiary referral center may not fully represent the generalized tic community. However, we hope our broad recruitment strategy and virtual study visits will facilitate a diverse and inclusive sampling of the patient population.

Development of Maternal Adaptation Scale for the Primipara Women

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a maternal adaptation scale for primipara in Korea.Method: The theoretical framework of this study was developed based on Roy adaptation model, a literature review, and in-depth interviews with primipara who gave birth within 6 months. Data were collected using a selfreport questionnaire at obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatric hospitals. A total of 321 primiparas who had given birth within 6 months were included in this study.Results: An exploratory factor analysis demonstrated that the maternal adaptation scale for primipara consisted of 6 factors reflected in a total of 28 questions. A criterion validity assessment confirmed that a significant correlation was present between the developed scale and Lederman tool measuring maternal adaptation (r=0.54, p<0.001). The known-group validity was also established demonstrating that the normal group had higher scores of maternal adaptation than those of the depressed group (F=44.53, p<0.001). Cronbach α for the total scale was 0.87 and the subscales ranged from 0.73 to 0.84, establishing the scale's reliability.Conclusion: The study concluded that this newly developed scale of maternal adaptation is a reliable and valid instrument through empirical data verification. Therefore, the scale is recommended for active use in evaluating the level of maternal adaptation of new mothers within clinical settings, and future studies investigating the phenomenon.

Measuring an audit quality climate among employees

The International Standard on Quality Management requires, among other things, that audit firm leadership promotes a quality‐oriented culture in firms. We add a novel contribution to the audit quality literature by developing an instrument to measure the audit quality climate in audit firms. Our data consisted of perceptions of non‐executive employees at large South African audit firms and the Auditor‐General of South Africa. Instrument development followed a rigorous scale development process, beginning with the adaptation of a widely used organizational climate measure to explore audit quality at employee level. Exploratory factor analysis determined six audit quality climate dimensions. Confirmatory factor analysis provided evidence of construct validity. The six dimensions of our audit quality climate measurement instrument fit into the three types of culture currently identified in audit firms. The findings of our study are a starting point to develop an acceptable audit quality climate scale for employees in audit firms.

Understanding psychological outcomes following exposure to potentially morally injurious events in animal care: development of the Moral Distress-Posttraumatic Growth Scale for Veterinary Professionals.

To generate a taxonomy of potentially morally injurious events (PMIE) encountered in veterinary care and develop an instrument to measure moral distress and posttraumatic growth following exposure to PMIE in the veterinary population. Development and preliminary evaluation of the Moral Distress-Posttraumatic Growth Scale for Veterinary Professionals (MD-PTG-VP) employed data from veterinary professionals (veterinarians, veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians) from Australia and New Zealand across three phases: (1) item generation, (2) content validation, and (3) construct validation. In Phase 1 respondents (n = 46) were asked whether they had experienced any of six PMIE and to identify any PMIE not listed that they had experienced. In Phase 2 a different group of respondents (n = 11) assessed a list of 10 PMIE for relevance, clarity and appropriateness. In Phase 3 the final instrument was tested with a third group of respondents (n = 104) who also completed the Short Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Interview (SPRINT), a measure of posttraumatic stress, and the Stress-Related Growth Scale-Short Form (SRGS-SF) a measure of perceived posttraumatic growth. Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated between respondent scores on each of the MD-PTG-VP subscales, the SPRINT, and the SRGS-SF to assess construct validity. A 10-item taxonomy of PMIE encountered in veterinary care was generated in Phase 1. Items were deemed relevant, clear and appropriate by veterinary professionals in Phase 2. These were included in the developed instrument which measures frequency and impact of exposure to 10 PMIE, yielding three subscale scores (exposure frequency, moral distress, and posttraumatic growth). Assessment of construct validity by measuring correlation with SPRINT and SRGS-SF indicated satisfactory validity. The MD-PTG-VP provides an informative tool that can be employed to examine professionals' mental health and wellbeing following exposure to PMIE frequently encountered in animal care. Further evaluation is required to ascertain population norms and confirm score cut-offs that reflect clinical presentation. Once fully validated this instrument may be useful to quantify the frequency and intensity of positive and negative aspects of PMIE exposure on veterinary professionals so that accurate population comparisons can be made and changes measured over time.

Evolution of Complexity of Palliative Care Needs and Patient Profiles According to the PALCOM Scale (Part Two): Pooled Analysis of the Cohorts for the Development and Validation of the PALCOM Scale in Advanced Cancer Patients

Introduction: Identifying the complexity of palliative care needs is a key aspect of referral to specialized multidisciplinary early palliative care (EPC) teams. The PALCOM scale is an instrument consisting of five multidimensional assessment domains developed in 2018 and validated in 2023 to identify the level of complexity in patients with advanced cancer. (1) Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the degree of instability (likelihood of level change or death), health resource consumption and the survival of patients according to the level of palliative complexity assigned at the baseline visit during a 6-month follow-up. (2) Method: An observational, prospective, multicenter study was conducted using pooled data from the development and validation cohort of the PALCOM scale. The main outcome variables were as follows: (a) instability ratio (IR), defined as the probability of level change or death; (b) emergency department visits; (c) days of hospitalization; (d) hospital death; (e) survival. All the variables were analyzed monthly according to the level of complexity assigned at the baseline visit. (3) Results: A total of 607 patients with advanced cancer were enrolled. According to the PALCOM scale, 20% of patients were classified as low complexity, 50% as medium and 30% as high complexity. The overall IR was 45% in the low complexity group, 68% in the medium complexity group and 78% in the high complexity group (p < 0.001). No significant differences in mean monthly emergency department visits (0.2 visits/ patient/month) were observed between the different levels of complexity. The mean number of days spent in hospital per month was 1.5 in the low complexity group, 1.8 in the medium complexity group and 3.2 in the high complexity group (p < 0.001). The likelihood of in-hospital death was significantly higher in the high complexity group (29%) compared to the medium (16%) and low (8%) complexity groups (p < 0.001). Six-month survival was significantly lower in the high complexity group (24%) compared to the medium (37%) and low (57%) complexity groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the PALCOM scale, more complex cases are associated with greater instability and use of hospital resources and lower survival. The data also confirm that the PALCOM scale is a consistent and useful tool for describing complexity profiles, targeting referrals to the EPC and managing the intensity of shared care.