Instrument For Future Studies Research Articles

Conceptualizing Group Dynamics From Our Clients' Perspective: Development of the Conceptualization of Group Dynamics Inventory

There is a clear call in group counseling practice and training for evidence-based practice (ACA, 2005; ASGW, 2008; CACREP, 2009). At the same time, group counselors also are asked to keep clients' experience at the center of their work (ASGW, 2012). This article outlines the authors' effort to develop and study an instrument designed to measure group counselors' conceptualization skill using group members' subjective perceptions as a foundation. Descriptions of the instrument's internal reliability, construct validity, and generalizability will be presented, as well as suggestions for conducting research on this instrument in future studies.

Use of a triple-sensor fusion system for on-the-go measurement of soil compaction

A general approach to mapping the within-field spatial variation in soil compaction is to measure a soil strength index such as penetrometer resistance (PR) using an on-the-go mechanical sensor. In general, these types of measurements depend on a number of soil properties, such as dry bulk density (ρd), organic matter (OM) content, water content (θ) and clay content (CC), and thus only provide a composite soil parameter that is somewhat inadequate for characterising the soil compaction status. In this study, a novel sensor fusion is proposed that combines a single-probe horizontal penetrometer, a dielectric-type soil water content sensor and a γ-ray sensor (the Mole) for simultaneous measurement of PR, volumetric water content (θv) and CC, respectively. In order to examine the applicability of the system for on-the-go measurement of soil compaction in terms of ρd, experiments were conducted in two fields with CC of 148–313gkg−1. At 48 selected locations along transects where on-the-go measurements with the triple-sensor system were performed, core samples for determination of CC, OM, θv and ρd were taken within the working depth of the horizontal penetrometer. A four-parameter statistical model was developed for ρd as a function of PR, θv and CC based on the soil core (for ρd, θv and CC) and sensor measurements (only for PR) with R2=0.71 and RMSE=0.06Mgm−3. The model was employed to predict the spatial variations in ρd over one of the fields (for which a yield map was available) using the continuous sensor system data. Interpolated maps of crop yield, PR, θv, CC and ρd showed some similar local patterns at field scale. The sensor fusion system developed here can be a useful instrument for future studies on soil compaction, especially within the context of precision agriculture. Further evaluation of the sensor system over a wider range of soil texture and water content could provide an extensive data base for developing a general pedotransfer function for ρd as a function of sensor-based readily-measurable soil attributes.

Improvement and field testing of a combined horizontal penetrometer for on-the-go measurement of soil water content and mechanical resistance

Soil water content has a significant effect on penetrometer resistance, so simultaneous on-the-go measurement of both these parameters can provide useful information on within-field spatial variations in soil compaction. In this study we improved and refined the electronic circuitry and mechanical construction of an existing sensor and evaluated it as a combined horizontal penetrometer in the field. This paper concentrates on its ability to determine soil water content (volumetric basis) in the field. Stationary calibration was first performed in the laboratory on remoulded loam soil (gleyic Cambisol) at gravimetric water content 0–0.28gg−1 and wet bulk density 1.4–1.8gcm−3. A quadratic relationship was found between sensor output and volumetric water content. Simulations of the sensor fringe field using a finite element model showed that at a dielectric constant of 5 (dry soil) the zone of influence of the sensor (i.e. the distance from the centre of the sensor) was approximately 70mm, whilst at a dielectric constant of 30 (an estimate of wet soil) it was 40mm. The dielectric sensor was then implemented together with a load cell on a tine for field measurement of water content and penetrometer resistance, and a series of transect measurements were conducted to assess its accuracy over a range of natural soil water contents in the field. Within the volumetric water content range 0.30–0.40cm3cm−3, a linear relationship fitted the sensor output versus water content data, which was in close agreement with the laboratory calibration. Additional studies on the effect of travelling speed on dielectric sensor performance showed no clear trends, but further investigations are needed. A significant negative correlation was observed between penetrometer resistance and water content. The developed combined horizontal penetrometer can be a promising useful instrument for future studies in soil compaction and precision agriculture.

Mental health promotion policies in Europe

There is little evidence that systematic mental health promotion (MHP) policies exist in the countries of the European Union (EU). In order to explore this, a sample of public health stakeholders in ten European regions was selected. Each region was asked to complete a postal questionnaire about structural indicators of those environmental factors that might have an impact on mental health; stakeholders were also provided with information on MHP concepts and strategies. Subsequently the regions were visited, and stakeholders were interviewed on their MHP policies using an open-ended questionnaire. It was found that there were no existing procedures or plans that could support the hope that systematic MHP policies would be developed in the next years in the EU. Only three of the ten regions had started to develop such policies. An 8-item questionnaire on the framework and process of MHP policy development was developed and used in the present study. This questionnaire may be auseful instrument in future studies on structural indicators of mental health.

That instrument is lousy! In search of agreement when using instrumental variables estimation in substance use research

The primary statistical challenge that must be addressed when using cross-sectional data to estimate the consequences of consuming addictive substances is the likely endogeneity of substance use. While economists are in agreement on the need to consider potential endogeneity bias and the value of instrumental variables estimation, the selection of credible instruments is a topic of heated debate in the field. Rather than attempt to resolve this debate, our paper highlights the diversity of judgments about what constitutes appropriate instruments for substance use based on a comprehensive review of the economics literature since 1990. We then offer recommendations related to the selection of reliable instruments in future studies.

Effects of preoperative neuromuscular electrical stimulation on quadriceps strength and functional recovery in total knee arthroplasty. A pilot study

BackgroundSupervised preoperative muscle strengthening programmes (prehabilitation) can improve recovery after total joint arthroplasty but are considered resource intensive. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been shown to improve quadriceps femoris muscle (QFM) strength and clinical function in subjects with knee osteoarthritis (OA) however it has not been previously investigated as a prehabilitation modality.MethodsThis pilot study assessed the compliance of a home-based, NMES prehabilitation programme in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We evaluated its effect on preoperative and postoperative isometric quadriceps femoris muscle (QFM) strength, QFM cross-sectional area (CSA) and clinical function (subjective and objective). Seventeen subjects were recruited with 14 completing the study (NMES group n = 9; Control group n = 5).ResultsOverall compliance with the programme was excellent (99%). Preoperative QFM strength increased by 28% (p > 0.05) with associated gains in walk, stair-climb and chair-rise times (p < 0.05). Early postoperative strength loss (approximately 50%) was similar in both groups. Only the NMES group demonstrated significant strength (53.3%, p = 0.011) and functional recovery (p < 0.05) from 6 to 12 weeks post-TKA. QFM CSA decreased by 4% in the NMES group compared to a reduction of 12% in the control group (P > 0.05) at 12 weeks postoperatively compared to baseline. There were only limited associations found between objective and subjective functional outcome instruments.ConclusionsThis pilot study has shown that preoperative NMES may improve recovery of quadriceps muscle strength and expedite a return to normal activities in patients undergoing TKA for OA. Recommendations for appropriate outcome instruments in future studies of prehabilitation in TKA have been provided.

Comparison of two pupillometers in determining pupil size for refractive surgery

To compare a handheld and a digital pupillometer in determining pupil size in a population of refractive surgery candidates (group 1) and after implantation of an Artisan phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) for correction of myopia (group 2). Pupil size was measured with the Colvard and Procyon pupillometers in 121 eyes in group 1 and 83 eyes in group 2. Pupil sizes measured with the Colvard device were compared with the scotopic, mesopic-low and mesopic-high measurements taken with the Procyon pupillometer in both groups. Analysis of comparison between pupil measurements was performed according to methods described by Bland and Altman. The mean Colvard scotopic pupil diameter, scotopic, mesopic-low and mesopic-high Procyon pupil diameters were 5.86 +/- 0.81 mm, 6.42 +/- 0.88 mm, 5.55 +/- 0.95 mm and 4.21 +/- 0.73 mm in group 1 and 5.32 +/- 0.67 mm, 6.14 +/- 0.81 mm, 5.33 +/- 0.78 mm and 4.02 +/- 0.55 mm in group 2, respectively. The Colvard diameter compared most favourably with the Procyon mesopic-low diameter (group 2; p = 0.78). Measurements of pupil diameter with the Colvard pupillometer correlated best with measurements taken by the Procyon pupillometer under standardized mesopic-low light conditions. We believe that digital binocular infrared pupillometry is advantageous for obtaining standardized measurements of pupil size.

Measuring reversal learning: Introducing the Variable Iowa Gambling Task in a study of young and old normals

We developed a modification of the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) to test whether it is primarily a measure of reversal learning. Named the Variable IGT (VIGT), the design involves a contingency reversal midway through the task. Two versions of the task enabled us to study the effect of a stronger prepotent response on the ability to identify and adapt to contingency reversal. A significant reversal delay was observed among normal young players with a more dominating reward response. Although transitory, this delay is comparable to the characteristic behavioural impairment observed in patients with damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VM), addicts, psychopaths and individuals with other self-destructive disorders: They persist in a previously rewarding behaviour despite long-term heavy costs.We also conducted the VIGT in a sample of healthy elderly adults. Results from this sample do not support VM-like or risk-aversive theories of ageing but are inconclusive regarding the frontal ageing hypothesis. Overall, our findings indicate that the VIGT is a sensitive and versatile measure of reversal learning and will serve as a useful instrument in future studies of affective decision making, addiction, and other self-destructive behaviour.

Team Leaders' Motivational Behavior and Its Influence Upon Team Performance

The aim of the study that is described in this article was to determine the relationship between team leaders' motivational behavior and the performance of their team members. Moreover, the differences between the team leaders' self-assessments of their motivational behavior and their team members' perceptions have been studied. The study has been performed among 27 team leaders and the team members they are supervising in a South African multinational that produces tank containers. In the study each team is represented by 5 members, so the total sample consists of 135 team members. It appears that we have succeeded in developing a reliable measurement instrument for measuring degrees of motivational behavior shown by team leaders. Both for the team leaders' self-ratings and for the team members' ratings, the scales appear to be homogeneous. The instrument may be useful as a means for finding out where motivational behavior is already shown in organizations and where it has to be improved. It can also be used as a research instrument in future studies of the phenomenon. Moreover, the relationship between the team leaders' motivational behavior and the performance of the team members are dealt with. Besides, differences between the self-ratings and team members' ratings are discussed. Finally, some major implications of the outcomes and recommendations are given.

An empirically validated quality management measurement instrument

PurposeTo develop a quality management (QM) measurement instrument that has sound psychometric properties and recognizes a key feature of the field, i.e. QM is currently characterized by three competing approaches: standards‐based; prize‐criteria; and, elemental implementation approaches.Design/methodology/approachThe three disparate approaches were analyzed to identify sets of key constructs and associated items. The assembled instrument was empirically validated through a survey of 418 Australian manufacturing organizations. A full set of reliability and validity tests were performed. Wherever applicable, confirmatory approach using structural equation modeling was used.FindingsThe results of psychometric tests suggest that the constructs of the three approaches have good empirical support. In the manner in which the instrument is presented, it is possible to separately measure constructs related to each of the three approaches.Research limitations/implicationsThe measurement instrument has been validated with manufacturing organizations from Australia. It is applicability to other industry sectors or country contexts needs to be verified.Practical implicationsPractitioners and consultants can use the measurement instrument for conducting QM benchmarking exercises within and across organizations. Researchers can use the instrument in future studies for, inter alia, theory development in the area.Originality/valueThe measurement instrument overcomes the shortcomings of the existing instruments by explicitly including all three practical approaches to quality management. Also, a rigorous psychometric validation process is adopted that provides credible outcomes.

The Scientific Misconduct Questionnaire—Revised (SMQ-R): Validation and Psychometric Testing

Purpose: The overall purposes of this article are to report the development of a survey instrument, Scientific Misconduct Questionnaire-Revised (SMQ-R) that elicits the perceptions of research coordinators managing clinical trials about the various aspects of scientific misconduct and to present the psychometric analyses for the SMQ-R. Methods: A panel of five researchers and research coordinators reviewed the original SMQ (Rankin and Esteeves, 1997) and suggested an additional 42 items based on the review of the literature and their own experiences in research. The SMQ-Revised (SMQ-R) consists of 68 closed-choice items in six sections and one section with 12 open-ended questions. The SMQ-R was sent to 5302 persons who were members of the Association for Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or subscribers to Research Practitioner, published by the Center for Clinical Research Practice (CCRP). Findings: Internal consistency of subscales was assessed with Cronbach's alpha and ranged from .83 to .84. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test construct validity of the instrument subscales. The factor structure was assessed with the principal factors method, using the squared multiple correlations as initial communality estimates followed by varimax (orthogonal) or biquartimax (oblique) rotations. Analyses revealed five distinct factors among three subscales. Construct validity for the SMQ-R was also assessed by testing hypothesized relationships using the known groups approach. Conclusion: The current effort demonstrated the usefulness of the SMQ-R in obtaining information from a national sample of experienced research coordinators about their perceptions of the prevalence of different types of scientific misconduct and of factors that influence the occurrence of misconduct. The psychometric evaluation of the SMQ-R suggests good internal consistency for most subscales and suggests adequate construct validity of the instrument as a whole. The analyses also suggest that further refinement of the instrument for future studies is warranted.

STRUCTURE OF A COGNITIVE ABILITY BATTERY AMONG HIV+ INTRAVENOUS DRUG USERS EVALUATED IN A STUDY OF MEDICATION ADHERENCE

Several cognitive domains are important determinants of medication adherence in individuals treated for HIV infection. This study investigated via confirmatory factor analysis the structure of cognitive abilities in a group of HIV+ intravenous drug users administered a battery of neuropsychological measures. It also investigated the relation of dimensions of cognition to demographic, mood, and immune system status measures. The hypothesized model of cognitive abilities fit the data well. Path analyses showed that demographic variables, mood, and measures of immune status were related to cognitive ability dimensions. This model may be useful in guiding selection of assessment instruments in future studies.