External Construct Research Articles

Naming, labelling and the cultural construction of the identity of persons with albinism in East, Central, and West Africa

ABSTRACT Names and labels attributed to persons with albinism (PWA) in East, Central, and West Africa, reflect deeply rooted cultural beliefs, superstitions, and etiological and historical narratives. In these regions, the identity of the black PWA differs by his/her black/white duality – Black but not black, white but not White. Using Labelling and Symbolic Interactionism frameworks, we address three questions: (i) How are PWA named and labelled across East, Central, and West Africa? (ii) How can we categorise the predominant names and labels? (iii) How do these names and labels reflect socio-cultural conceptions, affect behaviour towards PWA, and contribute to the external construction of the identity of PWA? Principal categories emerge: supernatural affiliation, pigmentation, association with economic capital, vegetal and earth affiliations, zoosemic metaphors, and ambiguous/undetermined labels. These categories reflect cultural sentiments ranging from adulation to ostracisation, influencing social behaviour and identity construction. While some cultures regard PWA as celestial entities, others link them to curses or tragedy. Labels that commodify PWA render them targets for exploitation and violence, while vegetal, zoosemic, and ambiguous terminology contribute to alienation and identity crisis. This research demonstrates how cultural constructs of identity through language reinforce stigma and prejudice against PWA, worsening their social marginalisation.

CRUD-RAG: A Comprehensive Chinese Benchmark for Retrieval-Augmented Generation of Large Language Models

Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) is a technique that enhances the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) by incorporating external knowledge sources. This method addresses common LLM limitations, including outdated information and the tendency to produce inaccurate “hallucinated” content. However, evaluating RAG systems is a challenge. Most benchmarks focus primarily on question answering applications, neglecting other potential scenarios where RAG could be beneficial. Accordingly, in the experiments, these benchmarks often assess only the LLM components of the RAG pipeline or the retriever in knowledge-intensive scenarios, overlooking the impact of external knowledge base construction and the retrieval component on the entire RAG pipeline in non-knowledge-intensive scenarios. To address these issues, this paper constructs a large-scale and more comprehensive benchmark, and evaluates all the components of RAG systems in various RAG application scenarios. Specifically, we refer to the CRUD actions that describe interactions between users and knowledge bases, and also categorize the range of RAG applications into four distinct types–Create, Read, Update, and Delete (CRUD). “Create” refers to scenarios requiring the generation of original, varied content. “Read” involves responding to intricate questions in knowledge-intensive situations. “Update” focuses on revising and rectifying inaccuracies or inconsistencies in pre-existing texts. “Delete” pertains to the task of summarizing extensive texts into more concise forms. For each of these CRUD categories, we have developed different datasets to evaluate the performance of RAG systems. We also analyze the effects of various components of the RAG system, such as the retriever, context length, knowledge base construction, and LLM. Finally, we provide useful insights for optimizing the RAG technology for different scenarios 1 .

Contrasts in the Spanish and Korean external possession constructions

Contrasts in the Spanish and Korean external possession constructions

Cross-cultural adaptation and primary approbation of the Russian version of Posttraumatic Growth and Depreciation Inventory — Expanded version

Numerous studies suggest that caring for someone with a chronic disease is often associated with the various negative consequences for the patient’s informal caregivers. At the same time, positive changes caused by the stress influence of patient’s disease can be also noted. For example, the so-called posttraumatic growth. Currently, there is a lack of assessment tools in domestic psychology, that allow to investigate the relation between constructive (developmental) and destructive aspects of the relative’s mental response in a situation of chronic illness of a loved one.The aim of this work was to carry out cross-cultural adaptation and primary approbation of the Posttraumatic Growth and Depreciation Inventory — Expanded version (PTGDI-X). Primary approbation was performed on a focus group of relatives of patients with cerebral pathology (n = 61, mean age 51,2 [SD = 15,3] years). Convergent and discriminant validity of the PTGDI-X assessed using World Assumption Scale (WAS), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), Level of Relatives’ Emotional Burnout Questionnaire (LREB). In addition, a specially adapted for the research Burden questionnaire was used.The analysis revealed good psychometric characteristics of the PTGDI-X Russian version in terms of: internal subscales consistency (Cronbach’s α coefficients varied from 0,73 to 0,86), internal and external construct validity

A new neuropsychological tool for simultaneous reading and executive functions assessment: initial psychometric properties.

The development of reading and complex executive functions is fundamental for achieving social, academic, and professional success. So far, there is no single neuropsychological instrument that comprehensively assesses the domains of inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and reading comprehension. To assess executive functions related to reading, the "Assessment of Reading and Executive Functions" (AREF) was developed. In this study, we show initial evidence of validity and reliability for four subtests - Graphophonological-Semantic Flexibility, Inhibitory Control, Flexibility, and Working Memory. A total of 93 students from 4th to 9th grade, aged 8-14, in public (n = 61) and private (n = 32) schools were evaluated. Tasks from the AREF instrument, as well as measures of reading comprehension, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and intelligence, were administered. Correlations between AREF scores and the other measures were performed to assess external construct validity. Performance differences between school groups on AREF subtests were analyzed using ANOVA, t-test, and Mann-Whitney tests, and the internal consistency of the instrument's tasks was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The scores of the AREF subtests demonstrated significant positive correlations with reading measures (ranging from 0.339 to 0.367) and executive functions (ranging from 0.209 to 0.396). Significant differences were found in the performance of some AREF tasks when comparing individuals from public and private schools, as well as between 4th and 5th graders compared to students in higher grades. The internal consistency of the tasks was low for Graphophonological-Semantic Flexibility (Cronbach's α = 0.566), moderate for Inhibitory Control and Flexibility (Cronbach's α = 0.768), and high for Working Memory (Cronbach's α = 0.881). The results provide initial evidence of construct validity and reliability for the AREF subtests. It is expected that this new neuropsychological test will contribute to the assessment of reading skills and executive functions, assisting in guiding clinical and educational interventions for individuals with and without neurodevelopmental disorders.

Revisiting the English Short Measure for Adult Playfulness (SMAP): An Investigation of Reliability, Validity, and Cross-Cultural Comparisons

Adult playfulness describes the personality of the quick initiation and strong intensity of enjoyable experiences coupled with the frequency of engaging in playful behaviors. In addition to examining the reliability and validity of the Short Measure for Adult Playfulness (SMAP), we compared the psychometric properties of the SMAP across (a) 4- and 7-point answer formats; (b) German and English language versions; and (c) gender. The SMAP and criterion validity measures were distributed across three independent samples from Canada (N total = 1,177) and a German sample (N = 660). Results supported a unidimensional solution with strong factor loadings for all items (>.50 across all samples) and high test-retest reliability (r = .67, BF10>100). In item response theory analyses, high discrimination parameters were found across the latent continuum. Although both the four-point and seven-point Likert scale versions showed robust item properties, the seven-point Likert scale version yielded more precise measurement of higher playfulness (θ > 1.50). No significant differential item functioning was located across gender or language. Finally, results supported external construct validity via associations with broad personality traits, humor, and orientations to happiness. The present investigation provides support for the reliability and validity of the English SMAP for concise adult playfulness measurement.

Moderating role of big data usage in intellectual capital and innovation performance: evidence from Turkish banking sector

PurposeIn this study, the moderator effect of the use of big data by Turkish banks on the innovation performance of the intellectual capital components, human capital, structural capital, and relational capital is discussed.Design/methodology/approachIn the research, 618 survey data applied to bank employees and weighted according to population in seven regions were used. The data were analyzed through the structural equation model.FindingsAccording to the empirical results, intellectual capital components and big data usage explain 65% of the variance in innovation performance. It has been determined that the other two components of intellectual capital, except structural capital, have a statistically significant effect on innovation performance. According to the Standardized Regression Weights, one unit change in human capital affects innovation performance by 0.162, and one unit change in relational capital affects innovation performance by 0.244. In addition, a one-unit change in big data usage affects innovation performance by 0.480. It has been understood that the use of big data significantly affects the innovation performance of banks with a rate of 0.480.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this study is important, it could have been done with senior managers instead of being based on a survey. Instead of a survey, it could have been done with a data set taken from banks' balance sheets and tables. Additionally, the use of big data has been considered as a moderator but can be reconsidered as a mediator or external construct. Moreover, this study was conducted on a sample of participants working in the developing Turkish commercial banking sector. Therefore, the results of the study can be done in different countries and at different development levels.Originality/valueThe study is one of the first studies to examine the moderating effect of intellectual capital by considering its subcomponents in a developing country. In addition, it is thought that the results will contribute to managers, policy makers and researchers who want to increase competition and market share in the sector, as well as filling the gap in the literature.

Introduction and validation of the open symptom framework: a public domain modular framework for patient-reported measurement of symptoms related to cancer and its treatment

PurposeWe provide an initial description and validation of some public domain patient-reported outcome (PRO) items to assess cancer symptom burden to address immediate barriers to symptom assessment use in clinical practice and facilitate future research.MethodsWe created the Open Symptom Framework (OSF), a flexible tool for clinical cancer-related symptom assessment. The items comprise six components: recall period, concept, symptom, qualifier(s), a definition, and a 5-point Likert-type response. We recruited patients receiving cancer therapy in the United States and United Kingdom. We assessed external construct validity by comparing OSF scores to the PRO-CTCAE measure and assessed reliability, scalability, dimensionality, and item ordering within a non-parametric item response theory framework. We tested differential item functioning for country, age, gender, and level of education.ResultsWe developed a framework alongside clinical and psychometric experts and debrieifed with 10 patients. For validation, we recruited 331patients. All items correlated with the PRO-CTCAE equivalents (r = 0.55–0.96, all p < 0.01). Mokken analysis confirmed the scalability and unidimensionality of all symptom scales with multiple items at the scale (Ho = 0.61–0.75) and item level (Hi = 0.60–0.76). Items are interpreted consistently between demographic groups (Crit = 0 for all groups).ConclusionThe public domain OSF has excellent psychometric properties including face, content, and criterion validity and can facilitate the development of flexible, robust measurements to fulfil stakeholder need. The OSF was designed specifically to support clinical assessment but will function well for research. Further work is planned to increase the number of symptoms and number of questions per symptom within the framework.

Internal Psychometric Validation of an International Burden of Illness Survey for Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease.

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a rare, chronic, debilitating lymphoproliferative disorder where the mainstay of treatment is symptom management. Our recent international patient survey showed that patients with iMCD have a high symptom burden that has a significant negative patient-reported impact on several aspects of daily life. As part of our ongoing work towards the development of an iMCD symptom burden scale, assessing the survey's psychometric properties is a critical step in understanding its adequacy, relevance, and usefulness. As iMCD is a rare disease, there are challenges to conducting such psychometric analyses which we describe. As part of the exploratory psychometric analysis, three a priori hypothesis sets (HS) were generated by interviewing an iMCD-experienced clinician, a patient, and a caregiver to explore the iMCD patient survey's internal construct validity, given no gold standard iMCD measure exists for external construct validation. HS-1hypothesized that a convergent or discriminant relationship exists with the patients' self-assessment of symptom effect on daily life between two potentially related or unrelated symptoms, respectively. HS-2hypothesized that having a greater number of symptoms has a positive convergent relationship with the patients' assessment of symptoms' effect on daily life. Finally, HS-3hypothesized that patients receiving treatment versus no treatment was associated with patients reporting less effect of symptom burden on their daily life. Spearman's rank absolute correlation strength (ACS) was used for HS-1 and HS-2 (convergent relationship, ACS ≥ 0.3 and pvalue < 0.05; divergent relationship, ACS < 0.3), and Cohen's d to quantify standardized absolute effect sizes (AES) for HS-3 (AES ≥ 0.5 and pvalue < 0.05). Our analyses partially supported HS-1. None of the three positive convergent relationships were supported. Of the six discriminant relationships, only dizziness with impaired cognitive function and tiredness with dizziness were supported. HS-2 analyses showed there was convergent validity between the number of symptoms and their effect on aspects of daily life. HS-3 analyses did not provide evidence to support the hypothesis. These internal psychometric construct analyses provide initial support for the bespoke iMCD patient survey and will guide additional work towards the development of the first iMCD-specific symptom burden scale.

Development of a brief core set for knee dysfunction based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: assessing construct validity and measurement potential

BackgroundThe comprehensive core set for knee dysfunction was developed to classify the functioning of people with any knee dysfunction. To be used as a clinical instrument to measure the functioning of people with knee dysfunction, the construct validity of the core set still needs to be assessed. The purpose of this study was to analyze the construct validity of the comprehensive core set for knee dysfunction as an instrument to measure functioning.MethodsA cross-sectional study with 200 participants with knee dysfunction with or without clinical diagnosis of knee pathology, with or without complaint of pain, with or without instability, and/or with or without knee movement restriction of any type. Participants were assessed using the comprehensive core set for knee dysfunction with 25 categories, the subjective form from the International Knee Documentation Committee scale, and measures of self-perceived general health and functioning. The construct validity of the core set was assessed by Rasch analysis, and the external construct validity was assessed by correlation between the score of the brief core set for knee dysfunction with the subjective form from the International Knee Documentation Committee scale, and scores of self-perception of health and functioning.ResultsTwelve categories were consistent with a unidimensional construct, with no difference in the response pattern for age, sex, educational level, and time of complaint. These categories were included in the brief core set for knee dysfunction. The mean score of the brief core set was 37 ± 21 points, a value classified as moderate impairment regarding functioning. Correlations with the subjective form from the International Knee Documentation Committee scale and scores of self-perception were adequate (p < 0.01; r > 0.5).ConclusionThe brief core set for knee dysfunction, a set with 12 categories, can be used as a clinical instrument to measure and score the functioning of people with knee dysfunction, aged between 18 and 89 years, with adequate construct validity.

Measurement properties of the Inclusion Body Myositis Functional Rating Scale

ObjectivesTo evaluate the validity, reliability, responsiveness and meaningful change threshold of the Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) Functional Rating Scale (FRS).MethodsData from a large 20-month multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in...

Management of Unstable Pediatric Distal Radius Fractures With a 2-Pin External Fixator and a Short Arm Cast: Technique and Case Series

Introduction: Pediatric distal radius fractures that are unacceptably aligned and undergo closed reduction are often redisplaced when immobilized in a cast alone without additional fixation. Percutaneous pinning, plate and screw fixation, and 4-pin wrist joint and physis-spanning external fixation constructs have previously been described to achieve and maintain reduction. Technique and Results: We successfully treated and followed 12 consecutive pediatric patients presenting with malaligned, nonphyseal distal radius fractures that were reduced and held with a 2-pin external fixation construct that did not extend distal to the physis, supplemented by a short arm cast. No complications were encountered in this series of patients. Conclusion: Two-pin external fixation is an alternative solution for completely displaced or markedly angulated pediatric distal radius fractures.

The External Construction of the Socialist Cultural Discourse System with Chinese Characteristics under the Threshold of Harmonizing Heterogenesis Translatology—Take the Cultural View of Harmonizing Heterogenesis Translatology as an Example

This paper, based on the theory of Harmonizing Heterogenesis Translatology, explores the expression of the Chinese socialist cultural discourse system in external construction. By analyzing the practice of Harmonizing Heterogenesis Translatology in international cultural exchanges and its contribution to the enhancement of cultural soft power, it reveals the external perspective of the Chinese socialist cultural discourse system. The study found that the application of Harmonizing Heterogenesis Translatology in international communication can effectively disseminate China's cultural values, enhance China's cultural soft power, and contribute to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. Therefore, this research is of great theoretical and practical significance for strengthening the external dissemination of the Chinese socialist cultural discourse system and promoting the enhancement of cultural soft power.

Psychometric properties of the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short Form (OHQ-SF) in a Greek student sample

BackgroundThe purpose of the current study was to adapt and explore the psychometric properties of the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short Form (OHQ-SF) in a Greek student sample.AimThis quantitative cross-sectional study was applied in order to translate and validate the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short Form (OHQ-SF) into Greek and to assess the psychometric properties.MethodThe English version of OHQ-SF was translated into Greek using the forward and backward translation. The sample was consisted of 88 adult students from the Public Educational Training Institution in Thessaloniki. Two self-report measures the Greek version of OHQ-SF and the Greek version of the Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R—to check the construct validity) were completed twice, for test and retest assessment, in full anonymity and confidentiality.Statistical analysisThe psychometric properties of OHQ-SF/GR, namely the internal–external reliability and construct validity, were assessed, and the expected unidimensional structure was tested with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).Results and discussionThe Greek version of OHQ-SF (OHQ-SF/GR), for both test and retest, has adequate internal reliability, satisfactory structural validity, and adequate construct validity. The CFA indicated the unidimensional structure of the OHQ-SF/GR, and the fit indexes displayed good fit with the data. One item was removed due to poor correlation with the latent factor of happiness. The current study reveals that the final seven-item OHQ-SF/GR has very satisfactory psychometric properties being useful instrument to measure happiness levels in Greek adult students and is a valid tool that can be utilised in research field.

Energy efficiency analysis of applying phase change materials and thermal insulation layers in a building

Nowadays, there is a continuous increase in global energy demand, due to population growth and economic activities. One of the crucial concerns is that buildings contribute to almost 40% of the world's energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Enhancing the building envelope by integrating thermal insulation layers (TILs), phase change materials (PCMs), or a combination of both is a promising method to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the peak energy loads in buildings. The current research utilizes simulations to reduce the heat transfer of external wall construction, with a focus on three distinct strategies. The first strategy focuses on the effect of various materials and the arrangement of TILs, while the second strategy analyzes the consequences of different materials and the positioning of PCMs. The third strategy explores the synergistic effects of integrating TILs with PCMs to enhance the thermal efficiency of the standard residential building models, following the recommendations outlined in the NIST Technical Note 1765. The strategies were tested by evaluating the heating and cooling energy loads of a building in Kansas City throughout the year. The results show that the maximum thermal energy savings that may be achieved by applying the first, second, and third strategies in the building of external walls are 16.4%, 33.02%, and 37.88%, respectively. The corresponding cooling energy savings for the three strategies are as follows: 9.64%, 55.48%, and 26.749%.

THE MANCHESTER PATTERN KNEE-SPANNING EXTERNAL FIXATOR: A MECHANICAL COMPARISON WITH TRADITIONAL EXTERNAL FIXATOR CONSTRUCTS

IntroductionKnee dislocations, vascular injuries and floating knee injuries can be initially managed by a external fixator. Fixator design constructs include the AO pattern and the Diamond pattern. However, these traditional constructs do not adhere to basic principles of external fixation. The Manchester pattern knee-spanning external fixator is a new construct pattern, which uses beam loading and multiplanar fixation. There is no data on any construct pattern. This study compares the stability of these designs.Materials &amp; MethodsHoffman III (Stryker, USA) external fixation constructs were applied to articulated models of the lower limb, spanning the knee with a diamond pattern and a Manchester pattern. The stiffness was loaded both statically and cyclically with a Bose 3510 Electroforce mechanical testing jig (TA Instruments). A ramp to load test was performed initially and cyclical loading for measurement of stiffness over the test period. The results were analysed with a paired t-test and ANOVA.ResultsThe mean stiffness with the diamond pattern fixator was significantly less stiff than the Manchester pattern fixator – by a factor of 3 (40N/mm vs 115N/mm). Displacement increased in all patterns over simulated loading equating to six weeks. The diamond pattern demonstrated a 50%% increase in displacement over time. The Manchester pattern demonstrated only 20% increase in displacement over time. These are all statistically significant (p&lt;0.01)ConclusionsThe aim of an external fixator in knee dislocations and vascular injuries is to provide stability, prevent displacement and protect repairs. Vascular injuries often require fixation for several weeks to protect a repair. The Manchester pattern, applying the principles of external fixation, provides a stiffer construct and also confers greater stability over the time a fixator may be required. We commend this more informed design for the management of knee dislocations and vascular injuries.

Impact of Safety Management Practices on Safety Performance in Workplace Environment: A Case Study in Iraqi Electricity Production Industry

Organizations are becoming more aware of the need to ensure a safe working environment for their staff. Technological advancements and industrial growth have enhanced efficiency, however, they present new challenges and risks for employees. Accidents remain a concern despite International Labor Organization (ILO) guidelines, governmental bodies, and industry institutions promoting workplace safety. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the determinants of workplace safety performance, particularly in the electrical power industry. This study formulates a theoretical model to assess the predictors of safety practices of managers and staff in the Iraqi electricity sector, extending the safety climate model with four external constructs and a moderating variable. Data were collected from 374 participants using an online questionnaire and the PLS-SEM method for analysis. The factor loadings exceeded the recommended value of 0.7 and internal consistencies were greater than the threshold value of 0.8. The findings showed that the safety performance in the Iraqi electric power sector is influenced by safety communication, safety policy, safety control, prevention planning, and safety commitment. Safety commitment is affected by safety policy, prevention planning, control, and communication, while safety training and safety control were found to be insignificant. Furthermore, safety communication had the most significant effect. The results of this study provide some theoretical and practical implications for employees' safety performance toward their overall safety in the electric power industry.

External Fixator Stabilization Following Open Reduction and Combined Pelvic and Proximal Femur Osteotomy in Developmental Dysplasia Hip: A Surgical Note

Introduction: Maintenance of hip joint reduction after combined pelvic and femoral osteotomy in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children using a hip-spica cast has the potential to cause numerous cast-related complications. We proposed a modification of the surgical technique where the hip reduction is maintained with an external fixator to avoid cast-related complications. Methodology: The surgical technique involved the placement of Scahnz pins along the iliac crest or lateral aspects of the ilium, in the supra-acetabular region below the pelvic osteotomy site, and the proximal femur. The pins were connected and stabilized with tubular/solid rods. Six children with 10 dysplastic hips [4 bilateral and 2 unilateral, International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IDHI) grade IV] were operated on with pelvic and femoral osteotomies and external fixator construct. The fixators were removed after 8 weeks and the children were followed up at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Results: The average age of the children was 6.5 years (range: 4 to 11 y). After an average follow-up of 10 months, the hips were reduced with IDHI grade of I in 7 hips and IDHI grade of II in 3 hips. There were no wound complications. Superficial pin tract infections were seen in all patients but responded to topical antibiotic application. There was no unplanned visit by the parents and no one complained of perineal hygiene issues. Conclusion: The external fixator construct maintains the hip reduction in DDH and allows the osteotomy sites to heal without any wound-related complications.

Clinical virtual simulation: predictors of user acceptance in nursing education

BackgroundUsing virtual patients integrated in simulators expands students’ training opportunities in healthcare. However, little is known about the usability perceived by students and the factors/determinants that predict the acceptance and use of clinical virtual simulation in nursing education.ObjectivesTo identify the factors/determinants that predict the acceptance and use of clinical virtual simulation in learning in nursing education.MethodsObservational, cross-sectional, analytical study of the use of clinical virtual simulation in nursing to answer the research question: What factors/determinants predict the acceptance and use of a clinical virtual simulator in nursing education? We used a non-probabilistic sampling, more specifically a convenience sample of nursing degree students. The data were collected through a questionnaire adapted from the Technology Acceptance Model 3. In technology and education, the Technology Acceptance Model is a theoretical model that predicts the acceptance of the use of technology by users.ResultsThe sample comprised 619 nursing students, who revealed mean values of perceived usefulness (M = 5.34; SD = 1.19), ease of use (M = 4.74; SD = 1.07), and intention to use the CVS (M = 5.21; SD = 1.18), in a Likert scale of seven points (1—the worst and 7 the best possible opinion).This study validated the use of Technology Acceptance Model 3 adapted and tested the related hypotheses, showing that the model explains 62% of perceived utility, 32% of ease of use, and 54% of intention to use the clinical virtual simulation in nursing by nursing students. The adequacy of the model was tested by analysis of the direct effects of the relationships between the internal constructs (PU-BI, β = 0.11, p = 0.012; PEOU-BI, β = -0.11, p = 0.002) and the direct relations between some of the constructs internal to the Technology Acceptance Model 3 and the external determinants Relevance for learning and Enjoyability.In the proposed model, the external constructs that best predicted perceived usefulness, ease of use, and behaviour intention to use the clinical virtual simulation in nursing were Relevance for learning and Enjoyability.ConclusionsThese study results allowed us to identify relevance for learning and enjoyability as the main factors/determinants that predict the acceptance and use of clinical virtual simulation in learning in nursing.

Effect of OHS Criteria on Selection of Concrete Additives in Mine Ore Construction Works

Construction, mining or tunneling projects in Türkiye are defined as workplaces in the very dangerous class due to their physical power needs. For this reason, metal ore mining, mining supporting service activities, sewage, external construction, special construction activities, construction and landscaping activities are the sectors where occupational accidents are most common. While determining the necessary materials or work equipment during the planning phase of the works in these sectors, making decisions by evaluating the effect of "occupational health and safety" will contribute to the reduction of accidents. This research consists of two parts. In the first part, accident frequency rates were calculated by using data related to metal ore mining, mining supporting service activities, sewerage, external structure, special construction activities, building and landscaping projects between 2012 and 2019. Thus, the relationship between occupational accidents experienced as of the adoption of the Occupational Health and Safety Law has been determined. In the second part, it is tried to gain a different perspective by adding occupational health and safety factor to the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which is one of the multi-criteria decision-making methods. As a result of the research, it has been determined that "occupational health and safety" criteria are given priority according to cost and engineering advantages in alternative product/material comparisons in mines or construction works.