Df Ratio Research Articles

Klotho protein: a new insight into the pathogenesis of essential hypertension

BackgroundEssential hypertension is a most prevalent global health concern. Despite extensive research, the exact mechanisms contributing to essential hypertension remain unclear. Several factors contribute to the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Klotho, a membrane-bound and soluble protein, has been found to modulate hypertension through physiological processes like vascular function and sodium balance. This study aimed to determine the association of klotho protein with essential hypertension.MethodsThe study included 164 hypertensive cases and 164 normotensive controls, after imposing certain inclusion and exclusion criteria with written consent from all subjects. Subject’s details were obtained using structured proforma to account for potential confounding variables. To estimate klotho protein activity using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 2 mL blood was collected in a plain vial. All data were tested at a 5% significance level.ResultsThe analysis revealed a significant decrease in klotho protein levels in cases compared to controls (1.52 ± 0.87 vs. 2.45 ± 0.90, P < 0.001), suggesting an inverse relationship of klotho protein with risk of essential hypertension. All indices in the structural equation model have suggested that the final model fitted the data reasonably (chi-square to df ratio, 1.153; goodness of fit index, 0.990; adjusted goodness of fit index, 0.945; normed fit index, 0.936; standardized root mean square residual, 0.953; root mean square error of approximation, 0.031). Also, klotho was negatively associated with blood pressure. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for klotho and blood pressure was 0.765 (95% confidence interval, 0.716–0.815; P < 0.001).ConclusionsKlotho levels were significantly reduced in essential hypertension cases compared to controls, Also, klotho had a negative direct association with essential hypertension indicating a potential role for klotho as a prognostic and predictive marker for essential hypertension. This suggests that klotho may have a role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Understanding klotho’s role in essential hypertension may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for this disease.Graphical

Assessment of the Psychometric Properties of the Mask Usability Scale: A Measure of the Perceived Usability of N95 Respirators Among Healthcare Students and Staff.

To test the reliability and construct validity of the Mask Usability Scale in healthcare students and staff. A methodological study involving repeated measures. The study included two batches of participants: (1) 283 university nursing students and (2) 1753 participants composed of students (61%) and clinical staff (39%). All participants underwent N95 respirator fit tests and user seal checks. They also responded to the Mask Usability Scale, which comprises 11 items evaluated using Likert scales. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation test. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The factor structure was initially identified through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), laying the groundwork for the model. This approach was followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to ensure the model fits with the standardised solution. Excluding items 9, 10 and 11, the study showed satisfactory internal consistency, evidenced by a Cronbach's alpha of 0.842 for the eight-item scale from the combined samples. Factors, such as 'Heat', 'Breathability', 'Tightness' and 'Ease in talking' showed moderate to strong correlations. The test-retest reliability in the batch one sample was acceptable with ICCs ranging between 0.69 and 0.71 for different models. The EFA and fit indices supported a two-factor structure. The first factor 'Comfort and Usage' included 'Heat', 'Breathability', 'Tightness', 'Ease in talking' and 'Prolonged use', which were keys for the usability of N95 respirators. The second factor 'Suitability' encompassed 'Itchy', 'Easily displaced' and 'Ear soreness'. The variance explained by the first and second factors was 49% and 12%, respectively, with a strong inter-factor correlation. The CFA results were satisfactory with fit metrics (NFI = 0.967, IFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.952, CFI = 0.969, RMSEA = 0.078 with 90% CI [0.069, 0.086] and p < 0.001) and a chi-squared to df ratio of 13.58. The eight-item mask usability scale exhibited satisfactory internal consistency and construct validity in both healthcare student and staff samples. The primary concern in the purchase policy of N95 respirators for clinical use is to strike the right balance between usability and fit rate (passing % of fit testing). Our study solidified the concept of quantifying the usability of respirators. With that mask usabilityscale measurement, a provision of benchmark and reference for the design and selection of respirators would be possible. This validated scale has significant implications for senior management in clinical settings and respirator manufacturers regarding the N95 respirator purchase policy and design. The results indicatedthe psychometric propertiesof mask usability scale in measuring the usability of N95 respirators. This scale is particularly valuable for assessing the perceptions of healthcare students and staff of factors, namely, 'Heat', 'Breathability', 'Tightness', 'Ease in talking', 'Prolonged use', 'Itchy', 'Easily displaced' and 'Ear soreness' concerning the use of N95 respirators. We adhered to EQUATOR guidelines following the STROBE statement. No patient or public contribution. ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN40115047.

Cross-validation of the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy second edition (CAPL-2) for Spanish children

Background/objectiveThis study aimed to explore physical literacy (PL) using the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy, second edition (CAPL-2), adapt it to the Spanish context and provide evidence of its validity...

Modeling Dimensionality of Bilingual Kindergarteners' Language Knowledge in Spanish and English.

This study used structural equation modeling to investigate the dimensionality of language in Spanish-English bilingual kindergartners. Five theoretical models were compared, including (a) a unidimensional model; (b) a two-dimensional model by language (Spanish, English); (c) a three-dimensional model by domain of language (phonology, semantics, morphosyntax); (d) a second-order model organized first by language (Spanish, English), with each language dimension comprising three domain-specific dimensions (phonology, semantics, morphosyntax); and (e) a six-dimensional model with freely covarying language-specific domains. Participants included 238 Spanish-English bilingual kindergartens, as identified by parent report of current language exposure and direct language measures. All participants completed a battery of phonology, semantics, and morphosyntactic test items in English and in Spanish. The six-dimensional covarying model constrained by domain and language provided the best fit for the data, with six separate factors for phonology, morphosyntax, and semantics in English and Spanish. The excellent model fit is supported by findings of a χ2 to df (degrees of freedom) ratio < 2 with no significance, comparative fit index > .95, standardized root-mean-square residual < .08, and root-mean-square error of approximation values ≤ .05. Results support emergent theories of bilingual language development. Application of the results to the evaluation and intervention of oral language abilities in bilingual children entering the formal education setting are considered. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25843846.

Analysis of the Influence of Peripheral Light Shelves on Building Lighting

Due to the design problems in modern architecture, it often appears that although the sunlight of the building is sufficient, the lighting quality of the building interior is not good. Due to the reasons of lighting, shading and interior layout, the phenomenon of glare and uneven distribution of light often occurs in buildings. Therefore, it is recommended to use light shelves to reduce problems such as glare and improve the indoor light environment comfort. The effects of six different widths and five different heights of peripheral light shelves on DF, UDI, GA and Uniformity Ratio of Daylighting are analyzed. The results show that the width and height of light shelves have no improvement effect on DF. The height of the light shelves has an improvement effect on indoor UDI, but the width does not; The width and height of light shelves can improve GA and Uniformity Ratio of Daylighting.

Effect of Leadership Styles on Gen-Z Work Performance: An Empirical Analysis

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between leadership styles and Gen-Z workforce performance. A disproportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select respondents from private secondary schools in Ogun State, Nigeria. Given a sampling frame of 1300 Gen-Z employees, this study adopted Cochran (1977) sample size method to analyse 279 usable questionnaires. The proposed structural model was assessed through established GOF indices. While specified hypotheses were tested using SEM. Findings show that confirmatory factor analysis reduced the measurement model to 20 items. In addition, the structural model showed GOF indices of χ² / df ratio (438.572 / 166) = 2.642, RMSEA (0.053), TLI (0.901), and CFI (0.907). SEM hypotheses testing revealed that transformational leadership styles do not only have positive path estimates, but also established practical and statistically significant relationship with Gen-Z workforce performance. Contrary to previous research, laissez-faire leadership style was found to be positive and significant with Gen-Z performance. Perhaps, due to the autonomy it accorded Gen-Z cohort to handle tasks without interference. This style makes Gen-Z feel respected and empowered. However, transactional leadership style reported a different outcome. Transactional leadership style was found to be positive, but its path estimate was not practical and statistically significant (β = 0.07, p = 0.120) with Gen-Z work performance. Hence two out of three specified hypotheses were accepted. This paper has it contributions. By implication, its outcome addressed some equivocal issues in leadership literature. Theoretically, it extends body of knowledge on empirical linkage between leadership styles and the digital natives (Gen-Z). Also, the paper impliedly suggests to CEOs / HR / management experts on formulating and implementing policies that will motivate, inspire, and retain Gen-Z in their organisations. Practically, the established relationship between laissez-faire leadership style and Gen-Z cohort suggests that Gen-Z can practically come on board with their ideas and work as ally with their leaders towards achieving the overall organizational goals. There are limitations which may have biased the outcome of this study. Hence, potential areas for further studies have been highlighted.

Optic Disc Hypoplasia Assessment in PAX6 -Related Aniridia.

This study aims to characterize optic disc hypoplasia in congenital aniridia using ultra-wide-field imaging (UWFI) and nonmydriatic retinal photography (NMRP). We also investigated the relation between optic disc hypoplasia and foveal hypoplasia. This is a retrospective case series of patients diagnosed with PAX6 -related aniridia in a National Referral Center, who underwent UWFI, NMRP, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) . The disc diameter (DD) and the disc-to-fovea distance (DF) were measured. The DD:DF ratio was used to assess the relative size of the optic disc. The analyses were carried with respect to paired age- and sex-matched healthy controls. SD-OCT was used for foveal hypoplasia grading (from 1 to 4) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) analysis. Mean manual DD:DF ratio was 0.33 (95% CI: 0.31-0.35) in aniridia patients versus 0.37 (95% CI: 0.36-0.39) in control patients (n = 20, P = 0.005) measured on NMRP and 0.32 (95% CI: 0.30-0.35) in aniridia patients versus 0.37 (95% CI: 0.37-0.39) in control patients (n = 26, P < 0.0001) when assessed on UWFI. Mean semiautomated DD:DF ratio measured on UWFI in aniridia patients was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.29-0.33) versus 0.37 (95% CI: 0.36-0.38) in control patients ( P < 0.0001). Also, a negative correlation was found significant between the grade of foveal hypoplasia and the mean semiautomated DD:DF ratio (r = -0.52, 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.15, P = 0.0067). Finally, a significant negative correlation was found between the peripapillary temporal RNFL thickness and the grade of foveal hypoplasia ( P = 0.0034). The DD:DF ratio is significantly reduced in PAX6 -related aniridia patients and correlates with the severity of foveal hypoplasia. This ratio is a valuable tool for optic disc hypoplasia assessment in congenital aniridia, especially when provided semiautomatically by UWFI.

German Version of the Mobile Agnew Relationship Measure: Translation and Validation Study.

The mobile Agnew Relationship Measure (mARM) is a self-report questionnaire for the evaluation of digital mental health interventions and their interactions with users. With the global increase in digital mental health intervention research, translated measures are required to conduct research with local populations. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the original English version of the mARM into a German version (mARM-G). A total of 2 native German speakers who spoke English as their second language conducted forward translation of the original items. This version was then back translated by 2 native German speakers with a fluent knowledge of English. An independent bilingual reviewer then compared these drafts and created a final German version. The mARM-G was validated by 15 experts in the field of mobile app development and 15 nonexperts for content validity and face validity; 144 participants were recruited to conduct reliability testing as well as confirmatory factor analysis. The content validity index of the mARM-G was 0.90 (expert ratings) and 0.79 (nonexperts). The face validity index was 0.89 (experts) and 0.86 (nonexperts). Internal consistency for the entire scale was Cronbach α=.91. Confirmatory factor analysis results were as follows: the chi-square statistic to df ratio was 1.66. Comparative Fit Index was 0.87 and the Tucker-Lewis Index was 0.86. The root mean square error of approximation was 0.07. The mARM-G is a valid and reliable tool that can be used for future studies in German-speaking countries.

Sustainable diets among youth: Validity and reliability of a questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, practices, and willingness to change.

In light of the global commitment to promoting sustainable dietary choices and the pivotal role of young adults in the adoption of these choices, it is paramount to understand their perspectives of healthy and sustainable diets. The present study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of a questionnaire examining the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and willingness to change regarding sustainable diets among young adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Male and female students attending University of Sharjah, UAE (n = 436), completed an online questionnaire consisting of four sections: knowledge, attitudes, practices, and willingness to change with regard to sustainable diets. Of the participants, 106 completed the questionnaire a second time, 1 month later. Factor analysis (FA) (both exploratory and confirmatory), Cronbach-α, interitem correlations, and intra class correlation (ICC) coefficients were used in the data analysis. Exploratory FA revealed four factors corresponding to the components of the questionnaire. Results of the confirmatory FA indicated a good fit: the χ2 df ratio was < 5 (2.3), root mean squared error of approximation was < 0.08 (0.048) and the comparative fit index was above 0.9 (0.901). Cronbach α and interitem correlations were: knowledge: 0.57 and 0.21; attitude: 0.70 and 0.28; practices: 0.76 and 0.39; willingness to change: 0.69 and 0.27. The ICC coefficients, assessing the reliability of the questionnaire, ranged between 0.48 and 0.92 for the various items. The developed questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool that could be used to identify the gaps and opportunities for the development of evidence-based interventions aiming to enhance the uptake of sustainable diets among young adults.

The innovation capability model in higher education: A structural equation modelling approach

Innovation is the driving force of the knowledge-based economy. The maintenance and sustainability of this innovation depend on the ability to innovate. The present study was a combination design with a structural equation model approach. First, using a qualitative method, an operational definition of innovation capability and its initial framework in Iranian universities of medical sciences were presented by 10 experts. The scale development was performed through a literature review, a qualitative approach, and interviews with an expert panel. Then, the psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated via cross-sectional studies. Scale correlation, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were performed using Amos software version 23. Qualitative data analysis led to the extraction of eight main themes which comprised the initial format of the study model. Quantitative phase findings and calculations of the fit indices of the measurement model showed that the model was suitable. Notably, the goodness fitness index (RMSEA), CFI index, and Chi-2/df ratio were 0.065, 0.917, 2.063, respectively. It is strongly recommended that this model is used for the development of Iranian universities of medical sciences.

Vestibular activities and participation measure: Turkish validity and reliability.

International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) has an important role in rehabilitation in terms of assessments. In the field of vestibular rehabilitation, Vestibular Activities of Participation (VAP) measure is the first assessment developed in a perspective of ICF. It was aimed to adapt cross-culturally and analyze psychometric properties of VAP into Turkish Language. The VAP was translated into Turkish language by the authors and back translated by a blind native English speaker. The final version was applied to 310 participants. Internal consistency was analyzed with Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability analyzed with Intraclass Correlation coefficient (ICC). Validity of the scale investigated with Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor analysis (EFA and CFA). Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was found 0.94, and the reliability of the subscales ranged from 0.75 to 0.95; ICC was found 0.94. VAP resulted 8-factor structure and explained 88%of the total variance. In CFA (χ2) / df ratio shows good agreement with 2.472 and the goodness of fit indices of TLI (0.814), CFI (0.893) and RMSEA (0.075) showed acceptable fit. This study showed that VAP-Turkish version is valid and reliable in Turkish speaking populations, and might be used to determine impact of vestibular disorders on activities and participation.

Development and preliminary mix design of ultra-high-performance concrete based on geopolymer

This study reports a preliminary mix design of the geopolymer-based ultra-high-performance concrete (G-UHPC) developed using the alkaline activated alumino-silicate source materials. A combination of the sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) solution and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was used as the alkaline activator, and the alumino-silicate source materials included the granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), fly ash and silica fume. The effect of the sodium silicate modulus, fly ash, GGBFS, Si/Al ratio, Ca/(Si + Al) ratio and steel fiber on the flowability of the fresh mixture and mechanical behavior of G-UHPC was comprehensively investigated via a series of flowability, compression and flexure tests. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were conducted to reveal the performance enhancement mechanism based on the reaction products and micromorphology. It was observed that an increase in the sodium silicate modulus, GGBFS and Si/Al ratio negatively impacted the flowability of the fresh G-UHPC mixture, whereas a significantly positive effect on the flowability was observed on incorporating the fly ash. Overall, the compressive and flexural strength of G-UHPC exhibited an increasing trend, followed by a decline, on increasing the sodium silicate modulus, fly ash, GGBFS and Ca/(Si + Al) fractions. The compressive and flexural strength demonstrated an identical trend on increasing the Si/Al fraction at a CaO fraction of 0.1 or 0.2. On the other hand, an increment in the Si/Al fraction exhibited a negative impact on the compressive and flexural strength as the CaO fraction increased to 0.3. The steel fiber dosage negatively affected the flowability, whereas an increase in the steel fiber dosage enhanced the compressive and flexural strength. Further, the flowability and flexural strength could be effectively estimated from the length (Lf) -to-dimeter (Df) ratio (Lf / Df), whereas 1/(LfDf)could be used to estimate the compressive strength. The XRD and SEM analyses revealed the fundamental contribution of the mentioned factors on the reaction products and micromorphology of G-UHPCs. Eventually, suggestions have been made for the effective preliminary mix design of G-UHPC for the civil engineers.

Systemic inequities and depressive symptomology in Hispanic mothers: A path analysis model.

Hispanic mothers are one of the largest groups to give birth. They also experience high rates of morbidity and mortality; however, there is limited data related to their health inequities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate systemic inequities associated with discrimination using the Reproductive Justice Framework to observe factors that influenced depressive symptomology in Hispanic women. A path analysis was conducted to evaluate systemic inequities that influenced postpartum depression using the public database, Listening to Mothers III (LMIII). The sub-sample consisted of n=406 Hispanic mothers. Data was initially collected between the years 2011 and 2013. Hispanic mothers were more likely to experience occurrences of perceived discrimination while seeking perinatal healthcare. These occurrences of discrimination led to lower trust in their healthcare providers, lower satisfaction with care, more instances of unwanted medical procedures, the need to feel to hold back comments about their health which ultimately resulted in higher rates of self-reported postpartum depression. The model fit indices supported the model's plausibility (χ2 /df ratio=3.16, Comparative Fit Index=0.91, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation=0.06). This data supported our hypothesis that the pathway of discriminatory barriers Hispanic mothers experience during pregnancy influence postpartum depression.

Experimental study on thermal stratification characteristics in tunnel fires under the effect of canyon cross wind

In order to investigate the thermal stratification characteristics induced by pool fire and canyon cross wind, a set of tests were carried out in a 1:20 model tunnel. Experimental parameters were the canyon wind speed, longitudinal fire location and fire size. Results show that the dimensionless smoke layer thickness h∗ (the ratio of smoke layer thickness to hydraulic diameter) downstream the fire generally increases with increasing canyon wind speed until reaching the maximum value, and h∗ of a smaller-scale fire is slightly greater than that of a larger-scale fire at most canyon wind speeds. However, h∗ value upstream the fire is almost between 0.2 and 0.3 (h∗ = 0 is not considered). The smoke stratification downstream the fire gradually worsens with increasing canyon wind speed and decreasing distance between the fire source and the upstream portal Df in the cases of 0.194 ≤ Df∗ < 1 (Df∗ represents the ratio of Df to the tunnel length), while the smoke stratification upstream the fire is always obvious unless there is no smoke. As Df increases, the critical Froude number for judging the smoke stratification status decreases first for 0 ≤ Df∗ < 0.028 and then increases for 0.028 ≤ Df∗ < 0.306, and tends to be a constant value for 0.306 ≤ Df∗ < 1.

Growth characteristics and saponin content of mountain-cultivated ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) according to seed-sowing method suitable for cultivation under forest

Mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) is a very important health functional material in Korea and the USA. In this study, the growth and saponin of MCG change according to the sowing method were investigated. Six methods of sowing according to the natural cultivation method that grows in the Sancheong mountain ginseng farm were investigated. Germination rate and budding rate were different according to the sowing method. The growth characteristics of the MCG were also different in the sowing method. Among the six sowing methods, the length of leaves was the widest in BFS. The width of the leaves was wide in DFS and DS. The weight of the shoot was the heaviest in BFS, and the DF was the lightest. Root diameter was highest in BFS and DFS covering both fallen leaves and soil. Total fresh weight was the highest at 4.03 g in BFS, followed by DFS. The S/R ratio of DF was lower than that of the other methods. This suggests that the S/R ratio is lowered because the growth of the ground part is worse. The treatment group with the highest crude saponin content was BF and the lowest treatment group was BS. Shoot and root growth tended to increase with growing period, saponin content increased slightly within 1–3 years, but decreased slightly after that. In particular, the ratio of PD/PT, which has a great influence on the efficacy of ginseng, was also different according to the sowing method. The seed sowing method identified in this study will greatly contribute to the improvement of the survival rate decrease over the cultivation period, and it will also contribute to the production of high-quality MCG.

Enhancing Service Personnel�s Emotional Labour Techniques: An Empirical Case for Spiritual Intelligence

The paper aims to examine the relationship between emotional labour (EL) techniques of surface acting (SA) and deep acting (DA) with spiritual intelligence (SQ). Building on Multiple Intelligence Theory (MI), 373 service personnel, mainly teachers, were drawn through a list-based simple random sampling, from 30 secondary schools around Peninsular Malaysia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses, and the proposed model was assessed through renowned model fit indices. Findings revealed that SQ buffers EL costs, as both SA and DA routine became positively related to SQ. Proposed model had reasonable fit indices with ?� / df� ratio (1002.288 / 336) = 2.983, RMSEA (0.078) and CFI (0.931). Providing empirical support to the hypotheses that EL performance tends resonate well with spiritual intelligent service personnel. The adequacy of this paper�s findings is vital as it cut across all Faiths. Practically, it tends to stimulate service personnel towards a higher degree of self-awareness and imbue them with the capacity to be flexible, face and transcend pain and suffering. Socially, it sustains a friendly and cordial interpersonal relationship with others (customers). Policy wise, it informs organizations to re-align HR strategies to capture �Type B� personalities. Theoretically, it stirs more research on SQ as it affects service personnel�s organizational behaviours. The paper is cross-sectional and limited to one group of service personnel (teachers). Future study may consider other groups to ascertain the generalisability of these findings. While augmenting body of knowledge on organizational behaviour, the study is pioneered as the first to propose SQ to buffer EL costs, in order to enhance SA and DA techniques.

Development of a Hookah Smoking Obscenity Measurement Scale for Adolescents.

BackgroundThe worldwide trend of hookah use among adolescents is increasing, and literature shows a relationship between obscenity and adolescents’ tendency toward hookah smoking. As there is a lack of appropriate instruments to measure the obscenity of hookah smoking, in the present study, we aimed to develop an instrument to measure hookah smoking obscenity among adolescents.MethodsIn this methodological study, a sequential exploratory design was used to conduct the study from February 2017 to July 2018 on adolescents in Tabriz, Iran. In the qualitative phase, we conducted semi-structured individual interviews (with 18 students) and a focus group discussion (FGD) (with 13 students) to explain the concept of obscenity and develop the items of hookah smoking obscenity scale (HSOS). We then examined the psychometric properties of the HSOS based on face, content, construct and predictive validities as well as internal consistency and repeatability.FindingsThe HSOS was developed with 21 items based on the results of qualitative data analysis. Applying confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the χ2/degree of freedom (df) ratio was found to be 3.792 for the four-factor structure of the questionnaire and the fit indices of this structural model were satisfactory. The values of Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the constructs in the HSOS ranged 0.81-0.93 and 0.79-0.92, respectively.ConclusionWe found the HSOS with a good level of fit indices, validity, and reliability. The HSOS may be applied by school healthcare providers and health practitioners to find valid and reliable data on the obscenity of hookah smoking when developing hookah smoking prevention/cessation interventions among adolescents.

Sustaining Teachers’ Organizational Commitment: A Glimpse on Spiritual Intelligence Paradigm

This paper examined the relationship between spiritual intelligence (SQ) and organizational commitment (OC) among employees. Consistent with Multiple Intelligence Theory (MI), 510 teachers were drawn through a list-based simple random sampling technique in the Peninsular areas of Malaysia. Hypothesis was tested with structural equation modeling (SEM) and the structural model was assessed through renowned GOF indices. Findings revealed that SQ relates significantly positive with OC, such that spiritually intelligent employees are more obliged towards workplace activities. GOF indices showed χ² / df ratio (997.341 / 547) = 1.823, RMSEA (0.057), and CFI (0.903), providing empirical support for the hypothesized structural model. The study outcomes are promising. Theoretically, it contributes to organizational behavior research regarding the influence of spiritual resources and virtues on employees’ behavior. The study has implications for HR policies such as compensation and motivation. Spiritual intelligence aids employees to see beyond the material aspects of the workplace. Hence, they are better inspired when HR managers augment HR policies with SQ components. Practically, employees are more productive, creative, and resourceful when performing organizational activities. Therefore, the study provides indication on how employees can consider work-related activities as a quest worth achieving. Within this process, lies the opportunity to experience spiritual consciousness which stimulates their personal growth and development. The study is limited in a number of ways. It is cross-sectional, purely quantitative, and has its social-demographic factors controlled.

Turkish adaptation and implementation of the modified infection control questionnaire in intraoral digital imaging.

There are very few studies evaluating the knowledge of dentists about infection precautions in oral radiology. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the modified form of a developed questionnaire and to apply this questionnaire to Turkish dentists. The questionnaire was applied to a sample of 250 dentists for the scale development [200 for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and 50 for control] and 173 dentists for the implementation of the scale. The scale was applied to 200 dentists and construct validity was examined with CFA. For model fit; chi square to df ratio, RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation), TLI (Tucker-Lewis Index), CFI (Comparative Fit Index), GFI (goodness of fit index), AGFI (adjusted goodness of fit index) and NFI (normed fit index) were obtained. Also, reliability analysis was applied and itemtotal correlations and Cronbach's alpha values were given. Adapted scale scores using a different sample of 173 dentists were compared according to demographic characteristics. CFA showed good fit statistics (X2/df=1.511, RMSEA=0.057, TLI=0.942, CFI=0.953, GFI=0.926, AGFI=0.900, NFI=0.928) for the scale. Item-total correlations were over 0.30 and Cronbach's alpha was calculated as 0.877. In addition, experienced dentists had higher scores in the dimension of personal hygiene (p<0.05). The Turkish version of the modified infection control questionnaire in oral radiology showed adequate psychometric properties. This indicated that it could be a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of infection control in oral radiology among Turkish dentists.

P893 Left ventricular flow energetics predicts worsening heart failure in dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Blood flows through healthy hearts form optimal flow structures; they store flow kinetic energy (KE) that can be used for ejection. In contrast, in failing hearts, intracardiac flows become disorganized so that they may be energetically inefficient. However, it remained unknown whether left ventricular (LV) flow energetics prognosticates in heart failure. Methods This study included 61 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The temporal change in KE during early diastole (ED), atrial contraction (AC) and isovolumic contraction (IVC) was measured using Vector Flow Mapping particle tracking (Hitachi, figure top). LV inflow (total flow) were divided, based on whether they were ejected (direct flow, DF) or stayed in LV (retained flow, RF) in the following systole. KE of DF can be made use of for ejection, whereas KE of RF is supposed to be wasted. Diastolic function was graded, according to current EACVI/ASE guidelines. The patients were followed up for three years. Primary endpoint was hospitalization for worsening heart failure (WHF). Results 12 patients had hospitalizations for WHF in the follow-up period. KE of total flow did not show any significant difference through the cardiac cycle between patients with and without WHF. KE of DF was slightly, but not significantly, smaller (ED: p = 0.252, AC: p = 0.119, IVC: p = 0.122), and KE of RF was slightly, but not significantly, larger (ED: p = 0.971, AC: p = 0.085, IVC: p = 0.134) in patients with WHF than those without events. The ratio of DF and RF (DF/RF ratio) showed significant differences between these two groups, especially from AC through IVC (figure, bottom-left). Cox proportional hazard analyses demonstrated that DF/RF ratio during IVC showed a significant correlation with clinical outcomes (p = 0.033, hazard ratio = 0.067). It remained significant even after adjusted for diastolic function grade (p = 0.046, hazard ratio = 0.074). Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed the above results (figure, bottom-right). Conclusion: Efficiency of KE recruitment for LV ejection during IVC is associated with clinical outcomes in DCM. Abstract P893 Figure. LISA