Individual Scale Research Articles

Local intraspecific aggregation in phytoplankton model communities: spatial scales of occurrence and implications for coexistence.

The coexistence of multiple phytoplankton species despite their reliance on similar resources is often explained with mean-field models assuming mixed populations. In reality, observations of phytoplankton indicate spatial aggregation at all scales, including at the scale of a few individuals. Local spatial aggregation can hinder competitive exclusion since individuals then interact mostly with other individuals of their own species, rather than competitors from different species. To evaluate how microscale spatial aggregation might explain phytoplankton diversity maintenance, an individual-based, multispecies representation of cells in a hydrodynamic environment is required. We formulate a three-dimensional and multispecies individual-based model of phytoplankton population dynamics at the Kolmogorov scale. The model is studied through both simulations and the derivation of spatial moment equations, in connection with point process theory. The spatial moment equations show a good match between theory and simulations. We parameterized the model based on phytoplankters' ecological and physical characteristics, for both large and small phytoplankton. Defining a zone of potential interactions as the overlap between nutrient depletion volumes, we show that local species composition-within the range of possible interactions-depends on the size class of phytoplankton. In small phytoplankton, individuals remain in mostly monospecific clusters. Spatial structure therefore favours intra- over inter-specific interactions for small phytoplankton, contributing to coexistence. Large phytoplankton cell neighbourhoods appear more mixed. Although some small-scale self-organizing spatial structure remains and could influence coexistence mechanisms, other factors may need to be explored to explain diversity maintenance in large phytoplankton.

Assessing Electronic Health Literacy in Individuals With the Post-COVID-19 Condition Using the German Revised eHealth Literacy Scale: Validation Study.

The eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) is a widely used instrument for measuring eHealth literacy (eHL). However, little is known so far about whether the instrument is valid for the assessment of eHL in persons who are affected by the post-COVID-19 condition. This is particularly important as people with the post-COVID-19 condition are frequently affected by false information from the internet. The objective of our study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the German Revised eHealth Literacy Scale (GR-eHEALS) in individuals with the post-COVID-19 condition. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2022. The self-assessment survey consisted of the GR-eHEALS, health status- and internet use-related variables, sociodemographic data, and (post)-COVID-19-related medical data. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlational analyses, and tests of measurement invariance were deployed. In total, 330 participants were included in the statistical analyses. CFA revealed that the 2-factor model reached an excellent model fit (comparative fit index=1.00, Tucker-Lewis index=0.99, root mean square error of approximation=0.036, standardized root mean square residual=0.038). Convergent validity was confirmed by significant positive correlations between eHL and knowledge of internet-based health promotion programs, experience in using these programs, and the duration of private internet use. In addition, a significantly negative relationship of eHL with internet anxiety supported convergent validity. Further, significant relationships of eHL with mental health status and internal health locus of control confirmed the criterion validity of the instrument. However, relationships of eHL with physical health status and quality of life could not be confirmed. The 2-factor model was fully measurement invariant regarding gender. Regarding age and educational level, partial measurement invariance was confirmed. The subscales as well as the overall GR-eHEALS reached good-to-excellent reliability (Cronbach α≥.86). The GR-eHEALS is a reliable and largely valid instrument for assessing eHL in individuals with the post-COVID-19 condition. Measurement invariance regarding gender was fully confirmed and allows the interpretation of group differences. Regarding age and educational level, group differences should be interpreted with caution. Given the high likelihood that individuals with the post-COVID-19 condition will be confronted with misinformation on the Internet, eHL is a core competency that is highly relevant in this context, in both research and clinical practice. Therefore, future research should also explore alternative instruments to capture eHL to overcome shortcomings in the validity of the GR-eHEALS.

Proposing Thematic Mapping for Integrated Risk Communication: A study of British & Japanese perspectives in flood-prone communities

Modern flood risk communication continues to lack the input of different stakeholder levels and as a result, there has been an insufficiency to construct communication that is inclusive of all stakeholders. There is also still an absence of consideration of context-specific information that helps to shape the communication crafting process. This study sought to establish the above through the creation of a thematic map (a visual display based on themes), merging top-down and bottom-up approaches to create a clearer picture of important factors for risk communication within the specific contexts being observed. The research team conducted 16 semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 4 different types of stakeholders at 2 rural sites in the UK and 2 rural sites in Japan. The results outlined five key themes that underpin integrated risk communication, establishing the thematic map – Individual Circumstances, Community Structure, Impact Scale, Response Capacity, and Social Barriers. These findings are important in beginning to help conceptualise how current DRR efforts can be enhanced and in presenting an integrated approach to risk communication that helps to reduce unnecessary complexity and inaccessibility. However, further replications of the study are needed at other sites across the world to test the robustness and adaptability of this kind of modelling.

An Updated Simplified Severity Scale for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Incorporating Reticular Pseudodrusen: Age-Related Eye Disease Study Report Number 42

PurposeTo update the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Simplified Severity Scale for risk of late age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including incorporation of reticular pseudodrusen (RPD), and to perform external validation on the AREDS2. DesignPost hoc analysis of two clinical trial cohorts: AREDS and AREDS2. ParticipantsParticipants with no late AMD in either eye at baseline in AREDS (n=2719) and AREDS2 (n=1472). MethodsFive-year rates of progression to late AMD were calculated according to levels 0-4 on the Simplified Severity Scale, following two updates: (i) non-central GA considered part of the outcome rather than a risk feature, and (ii) scale separation according to RPD status (determined by validated deep learning grading of color fundus photographs).Main outcome measures:Five-year rate of progression to late AMD (defined as neovascular AMD or any GA). ResultsIn the AREDS, following the first scale update, the five-year rates of progression to late AMD for levels 0-4 were 0.3%, 4.5%, 12.9%, 32.2%, and 55.6%, respectively. Following both updates, the proportion progressing to late AMD by five years was 8.4% in participants without RPD and 40.6% in those with RPD. As the final Simplified Severity Scale, the five-year progression rates for levels 0-4, respectively, were 0.3%, 4.3%, 11.6%, 26.7%, and 50.0%, for participants without RPD at baseline, and 2.8%, 8.0%, 29.0%, 58.7%, and 72.2%, for participants with RPD at baseline. In external validation on the AREDS2, for levels 2-4, the progression rates were similar, at 15.0%, 27.7%, and 45.7% (RPD absent) and 26.2%, 46.0%, and 73.0% (RPD present), respectively. ConclusionsThe AREDS AMD Simplified Severity Scale has been modernized with two important updates. The new scale for individuals without RPD has five-year progression rates of ∼0.5%, 4%, 12%, ∼25%, and 50%, such that the rates on the original scale remain accurate. The new scale for individuals with RPD has five-year progression rates of 3%, 8%, ∼30%, ∼60%, and ∼70%, i.e., approximately double for most levels. This scale fits updated definitions of late AMD, has increased prognostic accuracy, appears generalizable to similar populations, but remains simple for broad risk categorization.

The safety and use of perioperative dexamethasone in the perioperative management of primary sporadic supratentorial meningiomas.

Despite the lack of prospective evidence for the perioperative use of dexamethasone in meningioma surgery, its use is well established in the daily routine of several centers. The present study evaluates the effect of dexamethasone on postoperative complications, peritumoral T2/FLAIR hyperintensity, and progression-free survival in patients with supratentorial meningiomas undergoing resection. A total of 148 patients who underwent resection of a primary sporadic supratentorial meningioma at the authors' institution between 2018 and 2020 were included in this retrospective cohort. Safety criteria were side effects of dexamethasone (e.g. hyperglycemia), surgical morbidities, length of stay, and mortality. The individual Karnofsky Performance Scales (KPS) were evaluated regarding the individual development and the delta of KPS at 3- and 12-months compared to baseline KPS was calculated. Longitudinal assessment of the peritumoral T2-/FLAIR hyperintensity changes was performed. The use of both pre- and postoperative dexamethasone did not influence the incidence rates of wound infections, infarctions, postoperative seizures, pulmonary embolism, postoperative hemorrhage, mortality, length of stay, new-onset hyperglycemia and new neurological deficits. Perioperative Dexamethasone use was associated with an improved Karnofsky performance development at 3- (delta of KPS 3.3 vs. -1.9, p=0.001) and 12-months (delta of KPS 3.8 vs. -1.1, p=0.008) compared to the preoperative Karnofsky performance status. Multivariable analysis revealed that perioperative dexamethasone use enhances the KPS improvement (OR: 3.65, 95% CI: 1.01-13.18, p=0.048). Persistent peritumoral T2/FLAIR hyperintensity changes were observed in 35 cases of 70 patients with available follow-up images and a baseline edema (50.0%). Perioperative dexamethasone use enhanced the reduction of the preoperative peritumoral T2-/FLAIR hyperintensity changes (mean reduction of maximum diameter: 1.8 cm vs. 1.1 cm, p=0.023). Perioperative dexamethasone use was independently associated with a lower risk for persistent peritumoral T2-/FLAIR hyperintensity changes (OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 1.05-13.54, p=0.042) The perioperative use of dexamethasone did not influence the progression-free survival time in Simpson grade I or II resected WHO grade 1 meningiomas (log-rank test: p=0.27). Perioperative dexamethasone use seems to be safe in surgery for primary supratentorial meningiomas. Dexamethasone use might enhance the functionality by reducing postoperative peritumoral T2-/FLAIR hyperintensities. These findings highlight the need for prospective data.

Unraveling the core symptoms of mental health in senior grade three students- a network analysis.

Adolescence is not only an important transitional period of many developmental challenges, but also a high risk period for mental health problems. Psychotherapy is recommended for mental health problems in adolescents, but its effectiveness is not always satisfactory. One possible contributing factor may be the lack of clarity surrounding core symptoms. In this study, we investigated the mental health status of senior grade three students, a group of adolescents facing college entrance exams, by the Middle School Student Mental Health Test (MHT) and analyzed the core symptoms by network analysis. This study was conducted through an online survey platform (www.xiaodongai.com) from 15 February 2023 to 28 March 2024. The subjects scanned a QR code with their mobile phone to receive the questionnaire. The mean age of these 625 students were 18.11 ± 2.90 years. There are 238 male participants and 387 female participants. 107 individuals scored above 56 (107/461, 23.2%), with individual scale scores over 8 up to over 60% of participating students. Notably, the top three prominent symptoms were "academic anxiety", "allergic tendency" and "somatic symptoms". However, upon conducting network analysis, it became evident that three strongest edges in this network were "somatic symptoms" and "impulsive tendency", "academic anxiety" and "social anxiety" as well as "social anxiety" and "Loneliness tendency". "somatic symptoms", "social anxiety" and "self-blame tendency" exerted the highest expected influence. This suggests that, statistically speaking, these three symptoms exhibited the strongest interconnections within the network. Cross-sectional analysis; Bias in self-reported variables. These findings can deepen the knowledge of mental health among senior grade three students and provide some implications (i.e., targeting symptoms having highest expected influence) for clinical prevention and intervention to address the mental health needs of this particular group.

Carbon budget at the individual-tree scale: dominant Eucalyptus trees partition less carbon belowground.

Large trees in plantations generally produce more wood per unit of resource use than small trees. Two processes may account for this pattern: greater photosynthetic resource use efficiency or greater partitioning of carbon to wood production. We estimated gross primary production (GPP) at the individual scale by combining transpiration with photosynthetic water-use efficiency of Eucalyptus trees. Aboveground production fluxes were estimated using allometric equations and modeled respiration; total belowground carbon fluxes (TBCF) were estimated by subtracting aboveground fluxes from GPP. Partitioning was estimated by dividing component fluxes by GPP. Dominant trees produced almost three times as much wood as suppressed trees. They used 25 ± 10% (mean ± SD) of their photosynthates for wood production, whereas suppressed trees only used 12 ± 2%. By contrast, dominant trees used 27 ± 19% of their photosynthate belowground, whereas suppressed trees used 58 ± 5%. Intermediate trees lay between these extremes. Photosynthetic water-use efficiency of dominant trees was c. 13% greater than the efficiency of suppressed trees. Suppressed trees used more than twice as much of their photosynthate belowground and less than half as much aboveground compared with dominant trees. Differences in carbon partitioning were much greater than differences in GPP or photosynthetic water-use efficiency.

Personal determinants of extreme phenomena mental positioning

Relevance.The relevance of the study is justified by the demand to identify personal determinants of individual perception of extreme manifestations in order to improve the efficiency of response.The objectiveis to establish the determining parameters based on a set of psychological characteristics, reflecting the subject’s mental positioning in the security setting of what they consider major extreme phenomena.Methods.The respondents included 112 students aged 19 to 21 years studying in Moscow and regional universities. Research methods included associative experiment, individual scaling, and HEXACO-PI-R-60 questionnaire testing. Empirical data was processed by calculation of mean values, percentage distribution, ranking, as well as methods of correlation, factor and regression analysis, and the Pearson’s chi-squared test.Results and analysis.From the individual perspective, extreme scenarios are associated with specific phenomena that differ in stereotyping and objectivity (danger, threat, risk/riskiness, complexity, fear, strangeness, extreme, catastrophe, extreme, horror/ awful, threshold, implausibility, maximalism / maximality, ingenuity, extraordinary, murder, excessive demand, fire, flood, cold, accident, snowfall, heat). Considering the differences in the assessments on danger/safety scale, the structure of extreme phenomena includes such components as “catastrophe”, “emergency”, “threat”, and “risk”. The respondents’ mind positions the structural components of extreme scenarios by the degree of danger/safety, thus producing the following sequence: disaster – threat – emergency – risk, ranging them from “highly dangerous and unsafe” to “safe”. Individual characteristics of high reliability level contribute differently to individual assessment of the structural components constituting extreme phenomena in terms of the degree of danger/safety. Regression models were used to analyze the students’ danger/safety assessment of the structural components based on particular personality traits. The result showed that emotions, awareness, and preparedness to acquire experience contributed most significantly to the assessment of extreme phenomena in terms of danger/safety.Conclusion.It is well known, that emotions play a key role in an individual’s ability to assess the level of danger/safety with regard to various extreme phenomena. This evidence makes it a critical imperative to develop individual emotional self-regulation abilities. In particular, nurturing the necessary ability in the promising representatives of extreme professions requires specific focus.

Effects of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials on Microorganisms and Soil Microbial Communities.

The past decades have witnessed intensive research on the biological effects of graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) and the application of GBNs in different fields. The published literature shows that GBNs exhibit inhibitory effects on almost all microorganisms under pure culture conditions, and that this inhibitory effect is influenced by the microbial species, the GBN's physicochemical properties, the GBN's concentration, treatment time, and experimental surroundings. In addition, microorganisms exist in the soil in the form of microbial communities. Considering the complex interactions between different soil components, different microbial communities, and GBNs in the soil environment, the effects of GBNs on soil microbial communities are undoubtedly intertwined. Since bacteria and fungi are major players in terrestrial biogeochemistry, this review focuses on the antibacterial and antifungal performance of GBNs, their antimicrobial mechanisms and influencing factors, as well as the impact of this effect on soil microbial communities. This review will provide a better understanding of the effects of GBNs on microorganisms at both the individual and population scales, thus providing an ecologically safe reference for the release of GBNs to different soil environments.

Food security and dietary diversity patterns amongst female handloom workers: a cross sectional study from Kerala, India

IntroductionThe onset of COVID-19 in December 2019 bought the entire world to a standstill and had a major impact on the social and economic sectors in India. One of the most affected groups in this pandemic has been the female handloom workers.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess food security and dietary diversity amongst female handloom workers in Kerala.MethodsAfter obtaining informed consent, data was collected from 140 respondents working in handloom cooperative societies across Ernakulum, Kerala. Data regarding the food security and dietary diversity status of female handloom workers were collected using the validated Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and the Individual Dietary Diversity Scale respectively. Descriptive statistics was used to calculate the mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage while the independent t-test and Chi-Square test were used to compare means and examine the relationship between continuous and categorical variables respectively.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was reported to be 53.69 ± 8.39. Majority of the respondents (91.4%) had co-morbidities with the most prevalent one being occupational hazards (45.7%). 96.4% and 53.5% of respondents were found to be food insecure and have poor dietary diversity respectively. In unadjusted analyses, statistical relationships were found between several variables and food security status, like milk and milk products (p = 0.045), flesh meats (p = 0.007), and history of disease and limited variety of foods due to lack of resources (p = 0.003). A strong relationship was also established between receiving extra rations through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana and food security status (p = 0.002).ConclusionThe results revealed the bleak state of nutrition in the community. Further research into their nutritional knowledge, attitudes and practices needs to be carried out to recognize efficient variables for comparison from an Indian context.

The relationship between occupational therapists’ organizational commitment, perceived organizational support, and entrepreneurial orientations

Introduction: Entrepreneurial orientation is a critical factor in the success of an organization and encourages higher performance. Individual entrepreneurial orientation can be influenced by organizational commitment and perceived organizational support. The study aimed to examine the relationship between occupational therapists’ organizational commitment, perceived organizational support levels, and their individual entrepreneurial orientation. Method: Using an online form, a cross-sectional survey study was conducted with 88 occupational therapists aged between 22 and 28. Occupational therapists completed a socio-demographic information form, the Organizational Commitment Scale, the Perceived Organizational Support Scale, and the Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Results: Significant positive correlations were found between occupational therapists’ individual entrepreneurial orientations and organizational commitment ( p = 0.015; r = 0.260) and perceived organizational support ( p = 0.045; r = 0.214). Conclusion: This study indicates that occupational therapists’ individual entrepreneurial orientation increases when their levels of organizational commitment and perceived organizational support increase. Therefore, organizations should strive to maintain high levels of organizational commitment and the support provided by the organization to enhance the entrepreneurial orientation of occupational therapists, which is important for their creativity and innovation.

A state-of-the-art review of studies on urban green infrastructure for thermal resilient communities

Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) plays a critical role in creating Thermal Resilient Communities (TRCs) by mitigating the adverse climate change impacts and enhancing thermal resilience. In this paper, we consider a range of UGI types, from street trees, urban parks, green spaces, and building-integrated UGI components, such as green roofs and green walls. It is intended that the thermal/aerodynamic effects of UGI be analyzed and the influence of UGI at three spatial scales within urban communities be provided; more specifically: microclimate scale, building scale, and individual scale. The study discusses the findings of 218 papers published since 2010 to elaborate on recent progress in this field. This review delves into three fundamental aspects related to UGI: a) the underlying mechanisms allowing UGI to affect the environment and human health, b) the modeling efforts undertaken to simulate these effects, and c) measurement studies providing empirical data and verifying the models. Additionally, the effects of UGI across the three scales and related aspects are discussed, and the importance of integrative mechanisms and coupled modeling approaches is emphasized. Key methodologies for integrating microclimate and building simulations are summarized, highlighting the data exchange protocols and software tools. In contrast to previous reviews, this study has analyzed major measurement studies, categorizing them into full-scale and sub-scale studies. As a conclusion, several potential directions for future research are identified, including advanced physical and data driven UGI models, enhanced coupled simulations for indoor-outdoor interactions, establishment of measurement datasets for benchmarking both UGI modeling and coupled simulations.

Optimized Stokes imaging for highly resolved optical speckle fields, Part III: topological analysis of polarimetric state distributions with optimized data representations

In this last article of a three-paper series focusing on Stokes polarimetry of optical speckle fields resolved at the individual speckle grain scale, experimental results are provided on test samples of varying nature and polarization properties, and are analyzed extensively. For this purpose, a review of the classical ways of displaying Stokes polarimetric information is provided. Then, some original alternative graphical representations are introduced that ensure optimal readability and interpretability of the Stokes imaging data in the context of speckle field polarimetry, and it is shown how they can be adapted to various observation scales. Finally, these tools are implemented in order to provide a topological analysis of the distribution of the states of polarization across a speckle pattern, and in the vicinity of polarimetric singularities of the field.

Optimized Stokes imaging for highly resolved optical speckle fields, Part I: optimized experimental setup

In this first article of a three-part series focusing on the Stokes polarimetry of optical speckle fields resolved at the individual speckle grain scale, a review of the state-of-the-art techniques for such experimental investigations is provided. An optimized experimental setup is then extensively described, which allows polarimetric Stokes measurements on such complex interference patterns to be carried out at each location of the speckle field without disturbing the wavefront. Specific calibration procedures are also described to provide an estimation of the reliable polarimetric properties of light across a resolved speckle field.

Optimized Stokes imaging for highly resolved optical speckle fields, Part II: optimal acquisition and estimation strategies

In this second paper of a three-paper series focusing on Stokes polarimetry of optical speckle fields resolved at the individual speckle grain scale, a theoretical study based on numerical simulations is presented in order to establish the optimum sensing, estimation, and processing strategies that guarantee the best precision, accuracy, and robustness for Stokes polarimetry in this specific context. In particular, it is demonstrated that the so-called state of polarization analysis by full projection on the Poincaré space (SOPAFP) approach can be optimized in order to ensure best estimation performance. These numerical simulations also make it possible to establish that the SOPAFP approach provides better results in terms of robustness to residual experimental imperfections of the setup when compared to classical Stokes polarimetry approaches.

Binaural Beats and Music: A Preliminary Case Report

We recruited subjects who reported feeling stressed and needing a break and were seeking an opportunity to experience relaxation. Inaudible binaural beats (BB) were used to measure the ability of BB to induce relaxation. Measurements included EEG, Menlascan (cardiovascular and ANS) (Menla Technologies, Independence, Missouri), and GDV (Gas Discharge Visualization/Kirlian Photography) (Korotkov et al., 2020). Further, a Big Five Character Assessment was administered, and individual Brief Mood Introspection Scales (BMIS) were collected for each condition. Subjects experienced an improvement in brain function, microcirculation or cardiovascular score, bioenergy, and a calmer brain after adding binaural beats to brown noise or to music plus brown noise, although the Menlascan scores and Big Five character assessment results were less conclusive. BB seems to have profound effects on the physiology of subjects, and since the beats were not audible, these effects could not be attributed to the placebo effect. These results are encouraging in terms of developing musical products incorporating BB to affect human neural rhythms and corollary states of consciousness and warrant further research with more subjects and different frequencies of BB and different music tracks.

Validity and reliability of the Sitting Assessment Scale in cerebral palsy.

The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Sitting Assessment Scale (SAS) in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). The study included 34 individuals with a diagnosis of spastic CP. Individuals were evaluated with the Gross Motor Function Classification System and the Manual Ability Classification System. SAS and Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) were applied to the participants. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to determine the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the scale scored by three different physiotherapists at two different time intervals. Internal consistency was calculated with Cronbach's ⍺ coefficient. The fit between SAS and TCMS for criterion-dependent validity was evaluated using Pearson Correlation Analysis. According to the GMFCS level, 79.41% of the children were mildly (Level I-II), 14.71% were moderately affected (level III), and 5.88% were severely affected (level IV). Intra > observer and interobserver reliability values of SAS were extremely high (ICCinterrater > 0.923, ICCintrarater > 0.930). It was observed that the internal consistency of SAS had high values (Cronbach ⍺test > 0.822, Cronbach ⍺retest > 0.804). For the criterion-dependent reliability; positive medium correlations found between SAS with Total TCMS Static Sitting Balance (r = 0.579, p < 0.001), with TCMS Selective Movement Control (r = 0.597, p < 0.001), with TCMS Dynamic Reaching (r = 0.609, p < 0.001), and with TCMS Total (r = 0.619, p < 0.001). SAS was found to have high validity and reliability in children with CP. In addition, the test-retest reliability of the scale was also high. SAS is a practical tool that can be used to assess sitting balance in children with CP.

Brazilian Version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale for Individuals with Severe Obesity.

Adapting and validating the Portuguese version of Br-YFAS 2.0-Obes to allow it to be used by the Brazilian candidates for bariatric surgery. This study included 329 individuals with body mass indexes (BMI) ≥ 30kg/m2, candidates for bariatric surgery at a reference hospital in Brazil. They were given a questionnaire that identified sociodemographic data, and the YFAS 2.0 scale, Portuguese version (BR-YFAS2.0-Obes), was applied to assess their food dependence levels. The Food Craving Questionnaire - Trait: The FCQ-T-reduced was subsequently used for a correlation analysis. The patients' average BMI was 41.6 ± 8.8kg/m2. Br-YFAS2.0-Obes presented an average of 4.9 ± 3.1 for the FA diagnostic criteria. The resulting values of the Comparative Fit Index, Tucker Lewis Index, and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual were 0.990, 0.986, and 0.074, respectively. The internal consistency analysis of the 11 domains presented a Kuder-Richardson α of 0.82. The convergent validity, obtained through an analysis of the Pearson correlation coefficient, was r = 0.43 (p < 0.001). It was found that an increase in the number of Br-YFAS 2.0-Obes symptoms is associated with an increase in the FCQ-T-r mean. Much like the YFAS 2.0 in other languages, the BR-YFAS 2.0-Obes presented adequate convergent validity, reliability, and one-factor structure results, which makes it suitable for Brazilian candidates for bariatric surgery or any individual who is within BMI > = 30kg/m2.

Abstract LB372: Examining medical mistrust and access to cancer preventive care in a diverse sample

Abstract Background: Medical mistrust has been linked to lower health care utilization, satisfaction and preventive actions among underserved populations. Further exploration of medical mistrust within these groups is needed to inform research and clinical approaches to improve trust and health equity. This study examined the relationship between medical mistrust and access to cancer preventive care among Black, American Indian (AI) and White participants in Virginia. Methods: A convenience sample (N=1,288) designed to oversample underrepresented communities in Virginia completed surveys assessing medical mistrust, access to medical care and colorectal cancer screening. Measures included the medical mistrust index, visiting a doctor in the last year (yes/no), ever having a colonoscopy (yes/no), perceived health status, race, age, sex, education, marital status, insurance coverage and rurality. Bivariate tests evaluated significant (p&amp;lt;.05) associations between outcomes of having a doctor visit in the last year and colonoscopy screening with medical mistrust, health status, and sociodemographics; significant findings were included in logistic regression models. Differences among endorsements of individual mistrust scale items by race was also assessed. Results: Sample was μ age=45 (SD=18), 47% female, 40% Black, 36% White, 14% AI, 45% had ≤ high school diploma/GED, 63% married, majority resided in metro areas (91%) and were medically insured (85%). Among the sample 80% had visited doctor in the last year and 63% of those eligible had a colonoscopy. Medical mistrust was significantly higher among Black and AI participants compared to White. In overall and stratified logistic regression models medical mistrust was not associated with visiting a doctor in the last year or obtaining a colonoscopy. 5 of 7 items of the medical mistrust index were endorsed more often among Black and AI participants compared to White. These included feeling that medical institutions deceive people (Black: r=0.07, p&amp;lt;0.01; AI: r=0.07, p=0.01; White: r=-0.11, p&amp;lt;0.01), cover-up mistakes (Black: r=0.11, p&amp;lt;0.01; AI: r=0.96, p=0.04; White: r=-0.13, p&amp;lt;0.01), conduct harmful experiments (Black: r=0.07, p&amp;lt;0.02; White: r=-0.10, p&amp;lt;0.01), lack competency (AI: r=0.07, p=0.01; White: r=-0.08, p&amp;lt;0.01), and make mistakes often (AI: r=0.10, p&amp;lt;0.01; White: r=-0.09, p&amp;lt;0.01). Conclusions: Medical mistrust was significantly higher among Black and AI participants compared to White but this was not associated with accessing medical care. Given differential endorsement of items dealing with medical errors and their concealment, these results suggest a need to investigate patient experiences after care is initiated to understand what factors may contribute to medical mistrust and care outcomes long term. Citation Format: Jackie Knigh Wilt, Maria D. Thomson. Examining medical mistrust and access to cancer preventive care in a diverse sample [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB372.

Teachers’ Indıvıdual Cultural Values and the Relatıonshıp Between Psychologıcal Resılıence and Perceptıons of Alıenatıon

Schools are social structures and educational organizations are open and social systems. Determining the perception of cultural values, psychological resilience levels and alienation perceptions of administrators and teachers working in schools can provide information to practitioners and those concerned and offer clues for taking necessary measures. Determining the relationship and interaction level between these three qualities can contribute to the generation of realistic solutions. In this context, the purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between school administrators’ and teachers’ perceptions of individual cultural values and psychological resilience and their perceptions of alienation. Relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was used in the study. The study was conducted with school principals, assistant principals and teachers working in Istanbul in the 2021–2022 academic year. Data were collected from 411 teachers randomly selected by clusterstratified sampling. “Individual Cultural Values Scale” translated into Turkish by Saylık (2019), “Psychological Resilience Scale” developed by Arslan (2015) and the “Alienation Scale” translated into Turkish by Güğerçin and Aksay (2017) were used as data collection tools. According to the results of the analysis, it was determined that although the perceptions of psychological resilience of administrators and teachers were at a very high level, they also experienced a high level of alienation. Perceptions of individual cultural values are at a medium level in the power distance sub-dimension, at a medium level in the masculinity, femininity and collectivism sub-dimensions, and at a high level in other sub-dimensions. While there is a low level relationship between all sub-dimensions of individual cultural values perceptions of administrators and teachers and psychological resilience perceptions in general and their sub-dimensions, there is no significant relationship between alienation perceptions and cultural values except for the sub-dimension of long term reach.