Discrimination Parameters Research Articles

Development of a Chinese version of the Stress Adaption Scale and the assessment of its reliability and validity among Chinese patients with multimorbidity.

To develop a Chinese version of the Stress Adaption Scale (SAS) and to assess its reliability and validity among Chinese patients with multimorbidity. The Brislin model was used to translate, synthesize, back-translate, and cross culturally adapt the SAS. A total of 323 multimorbidity patients selected by convenience sampling method from four hospitals in Zhejiang province. The critical ratio method, total question correlation method, and graded response model (item characteristic curve and item discrimination) were used for item analysis. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and split-half reliability were used for the reliability analysis. Content validity analysis, structural validity analysis, and criterion association validity analysis were performed by expert scoring method, confirmatory factor analysis, and Pearson correlation coefficient method, respectively. The Chinese version of the SAS contained 2 dimensions of resilience and thriving, with a total of 10 items. In the item analysis, the critical ratio method showed that the critical ratio of all items was greater than 3.0 (P<0.001); the correlation coefficient method showed that the Pearson correlation coefficients for all items exceeded 0.4 (P<0.01). The graded response model showed that items of the revised scale exhibited distinct item characteristic curves and all items had discrimination parameters exceeding 1.0. In the reliability analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the revised Chinese version of the SAS scale was 0.849, and the split-half reliability was 0.873. In the validity analysis, the item-level content validity index and scale-level content validity index both exceeded 0.80. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the revised two-factor model showed satisfactory fit indices (χ2/df=3.115, RMSEA=0.081, RMR=0.046, GFI=0.937, AGFI=0.898, CFI=0.936, TLI=0.915). In the criterion-related validity analysis, the Chinese version of the SAS score was negatively correlated with the Perceived Stress Scale and the Treatment Burden Questionnaire, with correlation coefficients of －0.592 and －0.482, respectively (both P<0.01). The Chinese version of the SAS has good reliability and validity, which can be used to evaluate the stress adaption capacity among multimorbidity patients in China, and provides a reference for developing individualized health management measures.

Deepfake: Creation and Detection using Deep Learning

Abstract: The aim of this study is to develop customizedphoto-realistic talking head models, which refers to the creation of systems capable of generating believable video sequences that mimic the speech expressions and facial movements of a specific person. The authors propose a system that can produce talking head models using just a few photographs, a technique known as "few-shot learning," and with minimal training time. This system is capable of generating a plausible outcome using just one photograph, and additional photographs enhance the level of personalization. The authors present a system that can perform few-shot learning by conducting meta-learning on a vast collection of videos, which allows it to address the neural talking head models of new and unseen individuals as adversarial training problems with high-capacity generators and discriminators. The system can personalize both the generator and the discriminator's parameters based on each person, enabling training to be performed quickly with only a few images, despite the need to fine-tune millions of parameters.

Dinlediğini Anlama Testinin Türk Kültürüne Uyarlanması

Introduction: Listening, the first language skill developed by many children, serves as the basis of subsequent language skills. In addition, listening comprehension skills affect reading success in many different groups such as typically developing readers, children with learning disabilities and children with specific language disorders. The purpose of this research is to adapt the listening comprehension measurement tool to Turkish culture. Method: The purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the measurement tool within the framework of item response theory (IRT) through two-parameter logistic model (2PLM). Among model assumptions, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for unidimensionality Q3 statistics and item characteristic curv for the monotonic increase assumption showing the response probabilities conditional to the ability continuum were examined, respectively. The results for the assumptions were satisfactory. Then, general model-data fit, item-based model-data fit, discrimination parameters, difficulty parameters and information functions were examined with factor loadings. Findings: The results showed that item parameters were in the expected ranges in practical applications, and test information function peaked at lower ability level similar to the original measurement tool. Examining factor loadings, it was shown that they were higher than generally acceptable limit except for 23rd item. When contribution of this item to the model was tested statistically, it was concluded that it would be appropriate to include it in the measurement tool to keep the other items of associated with story block. Moreover, marginal reliability coefficient shows that the measurement results were highly reliable. Discussion: It was concluded that sufficient evidence of validity and reliability was obtained for one-dimensional structure of 36-item form of the measurement tool.

Circular dichroism simulations of chiral buckybowls by means curvature analyses

A detailed understanding and interpretation of chiral properties of molecular systems, especially in condensed phase, often requires computational models that allow their structural and electronic features to be connected to the observed experimental spectra. The present paper is focused on modelling the circular dichroism spectra of chiral buckybowls, combining topological aspects and the density functional theory. For the first time Ball Pivoting Algorithm was proposed to hook up the chemical topology to the DFT through the surface reconstruction. Particularly, the gaussian curvature of a constructed probe set of corannulene and sumanene derivatives was used as discriminant parameter to benchmark a list of 10 functionals (B3LYP, B97D, M06-2X, HSEH1PBE, wB97XD, CAM-B3LYP, LC-wPBE, TPSSTPSS, mPW1PW91 and APFD). The latter provide to be noticeably accurate to reproduce the curvature effect of the considered molecules. A TD-DFT/BOMD mixed approach provided a comprehensive overview of the spectral chiral pattern prediction trends when multiple DFT functionals are scanned. The preliminary topological analysis efforts were then recompensed with the very precise computed CD spectra, again APFD confirmed as the leader functional, this time for TD-DFT vertical transition calculations. Therefore, we strongly recommend the use of the of dispersion embedded APFD functional coupled with the 6–311++G(2d,2p) basis set for the computation of the functionalized chiral buckybowls ECD spectra.© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Can EAT-10 Become EAT-5? Improving Measurement Efficiency of Dysphagia with Item Response Theory.

To assess: (1) the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) with item response theory (IRT) to determine which individual items provide the most information, (2) the extent to which dysphagia is measured with subsets of items while maintaining precise score estimates, and (3) if 5-item scales have the differing discriminatory ability, as compared to the parent 10-item instrument. Prospectively collected data from 2,339 patients who completed the EAT-10 questionnaire during evaluation at a tertiary care otolaryngology clinic were utilized. IRT analyses provided discrimination and location parameters associated with individual questions. Residual item correlations were also assessed for redundant information. Based on these results, three 5-item subsets were further evaluated using item information function curves. Areas under receiver-operator characteristic curves (ROC-AUC) were also calculated to evaluate the discriminatory ability for dysphagia-related clinical diagnoses. Item discrimination parameter estimates ranged from 1.71 to 5.46, with higher values indicating more information. Residual item correlations were determined within item pairs, and location parameters were calculated. Based on these data, in combination with clinical utility, three 5-item subsets were proposed and assessed. ROC-AUC analyses demonstrated no significant difference between the EAT-5-Alpha subset and the original 10-item instrument for discriminating dysphagia as a primary diagnosis (0.88, 0.88). The EAT-5-Clinical subset outperformed the original 10 instruments in ROC-AUC for aspiration. The EAT-5-Range subset was significantly associated with problems with thin liquids. IRT analyses distinguished three proposed 5-item subsets of the EAT-10 instrument, supporting shorter survey options, while still reflecting the impact of dysphagia without significant loss of discrimination. 3 (Diagnostic testing with consistently applied reference standards, partial blinding). Laryngoscope, 133:3327-3333, 2023.

Comparing ultrasonographically assessed carotid and abdominal aorta plaques in cardiovascular disease risk estimation

BackgroundIndividual risk estimation is an essential part of cardiovascular (CV) disease prevention. Several imaging parameters have been studied for this purpose. Based on mounting evidence, international guidelines recommend the ultrasound assessment of carotid artery plaques to refine individual risk estimation. Previous studies have not compared carotid artery and abdominal aorta plaques in CV risk estimation. Our aim was to explore this matter in a prospective study setting.MethodsParticipants were part of the Oulu Project Elucidating Risk of Atherosclerosis (OPERA) project. All participants (n = 1007, 50% males, aged 51.3 ± 6.0 years) were clinically examined in the beginning of 1990’s and followed until the end 2014 for fatal and non-fatal CV events.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 22.5 (17.5–23.2) years, 246 (24%) participants suffered a CV event and 79 (32%) of those CV events were fatal. When compared to those without plaques, both carotid (hazard ratio, HR 2.854 [95% confidence interval, CI, 2.188–3.721, p < 0.001) and abdominal aorta plaques (HR 2.534 [1.503–4.274], p < 0.001) were major risk factors for CV events as an aggregate endpoint. These associations remained even after adjusting the multivariable models with age, sex, systolic blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, LDL cholesterol, and with previous CV events (coronary artery disease and stroke/transient ischemic attack). However, only carotid plaques were significant risk factors for fatal CV events: multivariable adjusted HR 2.563 (1.452–4.524), p = 0.001. Furthermore, reclassification and discrimination parameters were improved only when carotid plaques were added to a baseline risk model. Adding abdominal aorta plaques to the baseline risk model improved C-statistic from 0.718 (0.684–0.751) to 0.721 (0.688–0.754) whereas carotid plaques improved it to 0.743 (0.710–0.776).ConclusionsBoth carotid and abdominal aorta plaques are significant risk factors for CV events, but only carotid plaques provide prognostic information beyond traditional CV risk factors on fatal CV events. If one ultrasound parameter for plaque detection and CV risk estimation had to be chosen, carotid plaques may be preferred over abdominal aorta.

Diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging for predicting tumor consistency and gross total resection in patients with pituitary adenomas: a preliminary study.

To evaluate the ability of diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging (DR-CSI) to predict the consistency and extent of resection (EOR) of pituitary adenomas (PAs). Forty-four patients with PAs were prospectively enrolled. Tumor consistency was evaluated at surgery as either soft or hard, followed by histological assessment. In vivo DR-CSI was performed and spectra were segmented following to a peak-based strategy into four compartments, designated A (low ADC), B (mediate ADC, short T2), C (mediate ADC, long T2), and D (high ADC). The corresponding volume fractions ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) along with the ADC and T2 values were calculated and assessed using univariable analysis for discrimination between hard and soft PAs. Predictors of EOR > 95% were analyzed using logistic regression model and receiver-operating-characteristic analysis. Tumor consistency was classified as soft (n = 28) or hard (n = 16). Hard PAs presented higher [Formula: see text] (p = 0.001) and lower [Formula: see text] (p = 0.013) than soft PAs, while no significant difference was found in other parameters. [Formula: see text] significantly correlated with the level of collagen content (r = 0.448, p = 0.002). Knosp grade (odds ratio [OR], 0.299; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.124-0.716; p = 0.007) and [Formula: see text] (OR, 0.834, per 1% increase; 95% CI, 0.731-0.951; p = 0.007) were independently associated with EOR > 95%. A prediction model based on these variables yielded an AUC of 0.934 (sensitivity, 90.9%; specificity, 90.9%), outperforming the Knosp grade alone (AUC, 0.785; p < 0.05). DR-CSI may serve as a promising tool to predict the consistency and EOR of PAs. DR-CSI provides an imaging dimension for characterizing tissue microstructure of PAs and may serve as a promising tool to predict the tumor consistency and extent of resection in patients with PAs. • DR-CSI provides an imaging dimension for characterizing tissue microstructure of PAs by visualizing the volume fraction and corresponding spatial distribution of four compartments ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). • [Formula: see text] correlated with the level of collagen content and may be the best DR-CSI parameter for discrimination between hard and soft PAs. • The combination of Knosp grade and [Formula: see text] achieved an AUC of 0.934 for predicting the total or near-total resection, outperforming the Knosp grade alone (AUC, 0.785).

Psychometric properties of the Bern illegitimate tasks scale using classical test and item response theories

Combining a classical test theory and an item response theory (IRT), this study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Bern Illegitimate Tasks Scale (BITS) by measuring two conceptually separate dimensions capturing unnecessary tasks (perceived by employees as pointless) and unreasonable tasks (perceived as unfairly or inappropriately assigned). Data collected among Polish employees in two samples (N = 965 and N = 803) were analysed. Results from the classical test theory (parallel analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses) indicated two correlated factors with four items each, confirming the theory of illegitimate tasks. This study is the first to report item and scale functioning using IRT analysis of each of the two dimensions of BITS. All items on each dimension had acceptable discrimination and difficulty parameters. Moreover, items had measurement invariance between men and women. All levels of unnecessary and unreasonable tasks were reliably captured by BITS items. Convergent and discriminant validities of both dimensions of BITS were confirmed in relation to work overload, work performance and occupational wellbeing. We conclude that BITS, in the case of the Polish version, is psychometrically suitable to use with the working population.

Development of a frailty index from the Dutch public health monitor 2016 and investigation of its psychometric properties: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundFrailty in older adults is an increasing challenge for individuals, health care organizations and public health, both globally and in The Netherlands. To focus on frailty prevention from a public health perspective, understanding of frailty status is needed. To enable measurement of frailty within a health survey that currently does not contain an established frailty instrument, we aimed to construct a frailty index (FI) and investigate its psychometric properties.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the Dutch Public Health Monitor (DPHM), including respondents aged ≥ 65 years (n = 233,498). Forty-two health deficits were selected based on literature, previously constructed FIs, face validity and standard criteria for FI construction. Deficits were first explored by calculating Cronbach’s alpha, point-polyserial correlations, and factor loadings. Thereafter, we used the Graded Response Model (GRM) to assess item difficulty, item discrimination, and category thresholds.ResultsCronbach’s alpha for the 42 items was 0.91. Thirty-seven deficits showed strong psychometric properties: they scored above the cutoff values for point-polyserial correlations (0.3) or factor loadings (0.4) and had moderate to very high discrimination parameters (≥ 0.65). These deficits were retained in the scale. Retaining the deficits with favorable measurement properties and removing the remaining deficits resulted in the FI-HM37.ConclusionThe FI-HM37 was developed, an FI with 37 deficits indicative of frailty, both statistically and conceptually. Our results indicate that health monitors can be used to measure frailty, even though they were not directly designed to do so. The GRM is a suitable approach for deficit selection, resulting in a psychometrically strong scale, that facilitates assessment of frailty levels using the DPHM.

A New Questionnaire to Assess Respiratory Symptoms (The Respiratory Symptom Experience Scale): Quantitative Psychometric Assessment and Validation Study.

Smokers often experience respiratory symptoms (eg, morning cough), and those who stop smoking, including those who do so by switching completely to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), may experience reductions in symptoms. Existing respiratory symptom questionnaires may not be suitable for studying these changes, as they are intended for patient populations, such as those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to develop a respiratory symptom questionnaire appropriate for current smokers and for assessing changes when smokers stop smoking. The Respiratory Symptom Experience Scale (RSES)was derived from existing instruments and subject matter expert input and refined through cognitive debriefing interviews (n=49). Next, for purposes of the quantitative psychometric evaluation, the RSES was administered to smokers (n=202), former smokers (no tobacco use in >6 months; n=200), and switchers (n=208, smokers who switched to ENDS for >6 months), all of whom had smoked for at least 10 years (mean age 33 years). Participants, who averaged 62 (SD 12) years of age, included 28% (173/610) with respiratory allergy symptoms and 17% (104/610) with COPD. Test-retest reliability was assessed by repeat assessment after 1 week in 128 participants. A generalized partial credit model confirmed that the response options were ordered, and a parallel analysis using principal components confirmed that the scale was unidimensional. With allowance for 2 sets of correlated errors between pairs of items, a 1-factor graded response model fit the data. Discrimination parameters were approximately 1 or greater for all items. Scale reliability was 0.80 or higher across a broad range of severity (standardized scores -0.40 to 3.00). Test-retest reliability (absolute intraclass correlation) was good, at 0.89. RSES convergent validity was supported by substantial differences (Cohen d=0.74) between those with and without a diagnosis of respiratory disease (averaging 0.57 points, indicating that differences of this size or smaller represent meaningful differences). RSES scores also strongly differentiated those with and without COPD (d=1.52). Smokers' RSES scores were significantly higher than former smokers' scores (P<.001). Switchers' RSES scores were significantly lower than smokers' scores (P<.001) and no different from former smokers' scores (P=.34). The RSES fills an important gap in the existing toolkit of respiratory symptom questionnaires; it is a reliable and valid tool to assess respiratory symptoms in adult current and former smokers, including those who have switched to noncombusted nicotine products. This suggests that the scale is sensitive to respiratory symptoms that develop in smokers and to their remission when smokers quit or switch to noncombusted nicotine products intended to reduce the harm of smoking. The findings also suggest that switching from cigarettes to ENDS may improve respiratory health.

222Rn calibration procedure for water analyses by liquid scintillation counting

PurposeAmong the several methods to measure 222Rn in water, the liquid scintillation counting (LSC) technique is one of the most sensitive and widely used when analysing non-saline waters by liquid extraction, providing excellent accuracy, precision and low-level detection limits. When using the liquid scintillation counter Tri-Carb 3170 TR/SL (Perkin-Elmer) it is not possible to make an automatic determination of the alpha/beta discrimination parameter, being necessary to evaluate the pulse decay discriminator (PDD) value manually to the 222Rn determination. In this work, we describe the steps to perform the calibration of that type of equipment.MethodsThe method consists in the preparation of standard samples from a 226Ra certified standard solution and the adjustment of the PDD value by hand until the percentage of alpha events reaches a plateau of a near-constant fraction of total events. The process consists in taking several measures between PDD 80 and 200 with 15 min counting time each. Within the plateau, the alpha/beta ratio was used to determine the plateau final range as well as the optimum PDD value. After that, the calibration standards and blanks were measured and the region of interest (ROI) was established by finding the maximum value for the figure of merit (FOM) in the upper and lower limits.ResultsThe optimal PDD value of 148 was established by the alpha/beta ratio, and after that, it was possible to measure 226Ra standards to perform the calibration. An efficiency of (9.758±0.035) × 10–1 was obtained. In routine measurements, a detection limit of about 0.50 Bq L–1 is achieved for a 120 min counting time. To evaluate the uncertainty budget, the uncertainties of the net count rate, the efficiency, the sample amount and the decay correction factor were considered.ConclusionsA method was developed for the calibration of LSC Tri-Carb 3170 TR/SL with the optimization of the PDD using a 226Ra standard solution. The acquisition to obtain the plot of the variation of the events fraction in each window (alpha and beta) in function of PDD allowed to evaluate a plateau where the fraction of events was at a minimum. Afterwards, it was possible to measure the set of 226Ra standards after the equilibrium with 222Rn and determine the efficiency for 222Rn with a detection limit of about 0.50 Bq L–1 in routine analyses.

Item Response Theory and Modeling with Stata

ABSTRACT This software review discusses the capabilities of Stata to conduct item response theory modeling. The commands needed for fitting the popular one-, two-, and three-parameter logistic models are initially discussed. The procedure for testing the discrimination parameter equality in the one-parameter model is then outlined. The commands for fitting several polytomous models are subsequently indicated, as are those facilitating model comparison. Scoring of individual units of analysis with Stata’s item response theory module is next discussed, and various graphical features of this module are pointed out. The review concludes with an illustration example of using Stata for item response modeling on an empirical data set.

Item Response Theory Modeling of the Verb Naming Test.

Item response theory (IRT) is a modern psychometric framework with several advantageous properties as compared with classical test theory. IRT has been successfully used to model performance on anomia tests in individuals with aphasia; however, all efforts to date have focused on noun production accuracy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the Verb Naming Test (VNT), a prominent test of action naming, can be successfully modeled under IRT and evaluate its reliability. We used responses on the VNT from 107 individuals with chronic aphasia from AphasiaBank. Unidimensionality and local independence, two assumptions prerequisite to IRT modeling, were evaluated using factor analysis and Yen's Q 3 statistic (Yen, 1984), respectively. The assumption of equal discrimination among test items was evaluated statistically via nested model comparisons and practically by using correlations of resulting IRT-derived scores. Finally, internal consistency, marginal and empirical reliability, and conditional reliability were evaluated. The VNT was found to be sufficiently unidimensional with the majority of item pairs demonstrating adequate local independence. An IRT model in which item discriminations are constrained to be equal demonstrated fit equivalent to a model in which unique discrimination parameters were estimated for each item. All forms of reliability were strong across the majority of IRT ability estimates. Modeling the VNT using IRT is feasible, yielding ability estimates that are both informative and reliable. Future efforts are needed to quantify the validity of the VNT under IRT and determine the extent to which it measures the same construct as other anomia tests. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22329235.

Psychometric properties of the generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) in a sample of workers.

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the GAD-7 by obtaining evidence of internal structure (dimensionality, precision and differential functioning of items) and association with external variables. A total of 2,219 protocols from three different studies conducted with Puerto Rican employees that administered the GAD-7 were selected for the current study. Item response theory modeling was used to assess internal structure, and linear association with external variables. The items were adapted to a graduated response model, with high similarity in the discrimination and location parameters, as well as in the precision at the level of the items and in the total score. No violation of local independence and differential item functioning was detected. The association with convergent (work-related rumination) and divergent (work engagement, sex, and age) variables were theoretically consistent. The GAD-7 is a psychometrically robust tool for detecting individual variability in symptoms of anxiety in workers.

Selecting the number of clusters, clustering models, and algorithms. A unifying approach based on the quadratic discriminant score

Cluster analysis requires fixing the number of clusters and often many hyper-parameters. In practice, one produces several partitions, and a final one is chosen based on validation or selection criteria. There exist an abundance of validation methods that, implicitly or explicitly, assume a certain clustering notion. In this paper, we focus on groups that can be well separated by quadratic or linear boundaries. The reference cluster concept is defined through the quadratic discriminant function and parameters describing clusters’ size, center and scatter. We develop two cluster-quality criteria that are consistent with groups generated from a class of elliptic–symmetric distributions. Using the bootstrap resampling of the proposed criteria, we propose a selection rule that allows choosing among many clustering solutions, eventually obtained from different methods. Extensive experimental analysis shows that the proposed methodology achieves a better overall performance compared to established alternatives from the literature.

Gender Effects in Actuarial Risk Assessment: An Item Response Theory Psychometric Study of the LS/CMI

Actuarial tools play an important role in correctional and risk management systems as they are widely used to assess potential recidivism. In psychometric studies of the predictive value of these tools, it is, rightly or wrongly, common to find all items and all components being given the same weight such that they contribute equally to the case management of individuals and to the determination of criminal recidivism risk. Item Response Theory (IRT) allows for psychometric analysis permitting to evaluate the quality of the items in actuarial tools, such as the LS/CMI. As such, IRT methods can improve our understanding of an instrument’s psychometric properties well beyond what is already known from traditional approaches. This paper draws on IRT to explore the predictive evidence for the LS/CMI across inmates’ reported gender. The sample consisted of male (n = 1200) and female (n = 1148) inmates serving a custodial sentence. The analyses suggest that the predictive evidence for the LS/CMI is strongly related to the discrimination parameter of the items and varies considerably by gender. In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of criminal recidivism as a function of gender and questions the interpretation of the total score (from the section General Risk/Need Factors) generated by the LS/CMI.

Short form development of the Chinese work readiness scale for graduate nurse: An optimal test assembly approach.

To develop and psychometrically test shortened 37-item Chinese Work Readiness Scale for Graduate Nurse without compromising its reliability and validity. Two cross-sectional studies. Data were obtained from two cross-sectional online surveys on the same target group of newly graduated nurses in China. The two periods of data collection were from June to August 2018 and from June and July 2021, with 1348 respondents completing the 37-item Chinese Work Readiness Scale for Graduate Nurse. The optimal test assembly procedure based on a generalized partial credit model was adopted to shorten the scale. The mean age of the 1348 nurses was 22.3 years (standard deviation=1.5), with 1257 (93.2%) being female. The category characteristic curve showed that a 5-point Likert scale was adequate in lieu of the original 10-point Likert scale. The optimal test assembly procedure identified a 17-item version that maintained at least 0.9 correlation with the full scale, a Cronbach's alpha of at least 0.9, and at least 70% of the test information retained. Its discrimination parameters ranged from 1.68 to 2.84, whereas the difficulty parameters were monotonic and ranged from -4.50 to 1.56. When retaining only 50% of test information, a 9-item version was obtained. Its discrimination parameters ranged from 1.84 to 4.55, and difficulty parameters ranged from -3.37 to 1.15. The Cronbach's alphas for the 17-item and 9-item versions were 0.97 and 0.95 respectively. Both the 17-item and 9-item versions are appropriate for assessing registered nurses' work readiness, with the 9-item version demanding more subjects to compensate for the reduced information. Optimal test assembly approach is appropriate in shortening self-reported scales in the nursing field, while retaining satisfactory levels of reliability, validity, test information and conceptual adequacy. This study involved graduate nurses who provided responses to the test scale and experts who contributed to the content validation.

Point cloud simplification for the boundary preservation based on extracted four features

This paper proposes a simplification algorithm based on four feature parameters, aiming at solving the problem that the edge features cannot be retained due to the incompletely extracted sharp features during point cloud simplification. Firstly, K neighborhood searching is carried out for point cloud, and K neighborhood points are quickly found by a dynamic grid method. Then, four features including: the curvature of the point, the average of the normal angle of a point from a neighborhood point, the average distance between the point and the neighborhood point and the distance between the point and the center of gravity of the neighborhood point, are calculated according to the K neighborhood of the data point. The four parameters are used to define the feature discrimination parameters and feature thresholds, to compare the size and extract the feature points; finally, the non-feature points are reduced twice by the method of the bounding box, and the reduced point cloud and feature points are spliced to achieve the purpose of simplification. The experimental results show that the distance between the point and the center of gravity of the neighborhood has a great influence on the simplified model boundary, which effectively guarantees the accuracy of the simplified model.

Nanoscale flow-induced nonlinear vibration of multilayer graphene based-resonators: Slip and transition flow regimes

This paper presents a nanoscale fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model for flow-induced nonlinear vibration of multilayer graphene based-resonators in the slip and transition regimes. Based on the multibeam interlayer shear model with von Kármán geometric nonlinearity and nonlocal modified couple stress theory, the size-dependent equations of motion are obtained for beam resonators laminated of NG-graphene layer and (NG−1) interlayer crosslinks. The small-scale effect on effective viscosity and slip boundary conditions of nanoscale flow is formulated by introducing the average velocity correction factor. For unbounded and bounded (by a rigid wall) nanoflows, the closed-form expressions of velocity correction factor in terms of Knudsen number, as a dimensionless discriminant parameter, are developed to correct the pressure distribution predicted by the potential theory. The present FSI model considers the size effects through the length scale parameter for microstructure local rotation, the nonlocal parameter for long-range interatomic interactions, and Knudsen number for slip condition of nanoscale flow. The Galerkin's method in conjunction with the multiple-scale perturbation technique is used to obtain closed-form solutions of frequency ratio and time-history response. The natural frequencies of cantilever multilayer graphene nanostrips are validated with the ones existing in the literature. Parametric studies are carried out to investigate the influences of small-scale, number of layers, interlayer shear modulus, and fluid characteristics on the linear and nonlinear natural frequencies. Findings show that the critical upstream speed for dynamic instability of the coupled system can change considerably by taking into account the size effects of nanoflow and nanostructures. Therefore, the classical FSI model is inadequate for analyzing nanoscale flow-induced vibration of nanoresonators. Also, it is seen that the effect of geometric nonlinearity becomes very significant for multilayer graphene beams with small interlayer shear modulus.

The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5: A Systematic Review of Existing Psychometric Evidence.

The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a widely used self-rated measure of DSM-5 PTSD symptoms. The goal of this systematic review was to synthesize research on the psychometric properties of the PCL-5 to guide clinical and research applications. We focused on reliability, validity, factor structure, optimal cutoff scores, and sensitivity to clinical change indices. A systematic review of the literature following PRISMA guidelines was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PTSDpubs with search terms capturing selected psychometric indices of the PCL-5. The inclusion criteria were: peer-reviewed publication in English; primary focus on the PCL-5 psychometrics; empirical study; and study with adult samples. The search yielded 265 studies; 56 papers (amounting to 64 studies) met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Findings generally indicated evidence for: acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability; construct validity; a 7-factor Hybrid Model; recommended cutoff scores between 31-33; and ability to index sensitivity to clinical change. To further advance knowledge and applications of the PCL-5, we need more research on abbreviated versions of the PCL-5, bifactor modeling as applied to the PCL-5, as well as on PCL-5 item difficulty estimates, discrimination parameters, and clinical change score estimates.