Practical Instrument Research Articles

The validity of simplifying gaming simulations

Simplifications of the real world affect the validity and reliability of gaming simulations. This challenges the application of gaming simulations as an instrument for experiential learning, reflective practices and data collection. This study investigates the effects of simplification on extracting tacit knowledge from human behavior by answering the research question: Can tacit knowledge in a simplified design of a gaming simulation be transferred without compromising the validity and reliability corresponding to the real-world complexity? By applying a participatory design a gaming simulation is tested as an instrument to extract tacit knowledge. To test and evaluate the validity of this application, simulation sessions have been performed with experts from the field. In simplifying reality, participants' participation emphasized that the most accurate representation of reality is a prerequisite for capturing tacit knowledge. This in turn contributes again to the validity of the simulation design. The results show that simplification of the real world didn't affect participants' perspective on the use of the gaming simulation as an experiential tool to enable learning processes or create awareness. And that a simplified simulation design, is still valid in addressing the real-world complexity, with minimization of the level of abstraction and maximization of the truthfulness.

Measurement of Diffusion Coefficients in Binary Mixtures and Solutions by the Taylor Dispersion Method

The theory and application of the Taylor Dispersion technique for measuring diffusion coefficients in binary systems is reviewed. The theory discussed in this paper includes both the ideal Taylor–Aris model and the estimation of corrections required to account for small deviations from this ideal associated with a practical apparatus. Based on the theoretical treatment, recommendations are given for the design of practical instruments together with suggestions for calibration, data acquisition and reduction, and the rigorous estimation of uncertainties. The analysis indicates that relative uncertainties on the order of 1% are achievable in practice.

Application of Northern Goshawk Back-Propagation Artificial Neural Network in the Prediction of Monohydroxycarbazepine Concentration in Patients with Epilepsy.

A northern goshawk back-propagation artificial neural network (NGO-BPANN) model was established to predict monohydroxycarbazepine (MHD) concentration in patients with epilepsy. The data were collected from 108 Han Chinese patients with epilepsy on oxcarbazepine monotherapy. The results of 14 genotype variates were selected as the input layer in the first BPANN model, and the variables that had a more significant impact on the plasma concentration of MHD were retained. With demographic characteristics and clinical laboratory test results, the genotypes of SCN1A rs2298771 and SCN2A rs17183814 were used to construct the BPANN model. The BPANN model was comprehensively validated and used to predict the MHD plasma concentration of five patients with epilepsy in our hospital. The model demonstrated favorable fitness metrics, including a mean squared error of 0.00662, a gradient magnitude of 0.00753, an absence of validation tests amounting to zero, and a correlation coefficient of 0.980. Sex, BMI, and the genotype SCN1A rs2298771 were ranked highest by the absolute mean impact value (MIV), which is primarily associated with the concentration of MHD. The test group exhibited a range of - 20.84% to 31.03% bias between the predicted and measured values, with a correlation coefficient of 0.941 between the two. With BPANN, the MHD nadir concentration could be predicted precisely. The NGO-BPANN model exhibits exceptional predictive capability and can be a practical instrument for forecasting MHD concentration in patients with epilepsy. www.chiCTR-OOC-17012141 .

Clinical analysis of a new multifunctional instrument set for gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy with two different approaches

BackgroundFollowing the rapid development of endoscopic thyroidectomy techniques, various surgical procedures have been developed (e.g., transoral, submandibular, areolar, axillary, retroauricular, and combined procedures), and each of these procedures has its own advantages. In recent years, gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy has emerged as a feasible procedure, and it has replaced traditional CO2 insufflation approaches because of advantages such as stable cavity construction, pollution reduction, resource saving, and risk reduction. However, each gasless procedure requires special instruments for cavity construction, and this results in enormous wastage of medical resources. In the present study, we introduced a set of instruments developed by our team. This set of instruments is designed to be compatible with the current gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy approaches, including transoral, submandibular, transareolar, transaxillary, retroauricular, combined, and lateral cervical lymph node dissection. Here, we introduced this set of instruments for two gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy procedures (transaxillary and transareolar). Following the incorporation of this set of instruments in regular clinical practice, it could be used for more gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy procedures in the future.ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the self-developed instruments for gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy in two different approaches.MethodsA total of 180 patients diagnosed to have papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) between January 2020 and April 2022 were retrospectively investigated. The patients were assigned to a gasless transaxillary group (group A) and a gasless transareolar group (group B). The same gasless endoscopic-assisted instruments were used for both groups. The clinical characteristics, treatment results, and complications were compared between the two groups.ResultsAll 180 patients were successfully operated. The extent of surgical resection in all patients was the same: “unilateral glandular lobectomy + isthmus combined with ipsilateral central zone lymph node dissection.” There were 130 and 50 patients in group A and group B, respectively; one patient in the former group was converted to open surgery due to intraoperative bleeding. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), education level, and proportion of concomitant Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (P > 0.05). The establishment of cavity time was significantly longer in group A than in group B (35.62 ± 5.07 min vs. 17.46 ± 2.55 min, P < 0.01). The number of lymph nodes cleared was slightly less in group A than in group B (4.06 ± 2.93 vs. 4.52 ± 2.38, P = 0.07). Moreover, the two groups showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the total operative time (145.54 ± 45.11 min vs. 143.06 ± 46.70 min), tumor size (0.68 ± 0.46 cm vs. 0.71 ± 0.49 cm), postoperative hospital stay (4.08 ± 1.48 days vs. 3.72 ± 1.07 days), vocal cord paralysis [4 (3.1%) vs. 2 (4%)], postoperative swallowing discomfort [24 (18.5%) vs. 5 (10%)], and postoperative recurrence and satisfaction scores (3.27 ± 1.52 vs. 3.28 ± 1.53).ConclusionAlthough the two approaches of gasless endoscopic surgery have different operative paths and different time periods for cavity construction, both approaches are similar in terms of the principle of cavity construction, safe and reliable postoperative efficacy, and good cosmetic effect. Therefore, the same set of instruments can be used to complete the surgery in both approaches, thus saving medical resources and facilitating the popularization of this technology.

A streamlined survey instrument to moderate university students' grades for group projects

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to generate a streamlined, transparent and effective instrument to fairly measure the contribution made by each student to a group project within a higher education context. The primary aim is to moderate the grades of underperforming students at the end of the project. There is a secondary benefit in alerting underperforming students to raise their contribution mid-task or face a potentially reduced grade at the final stage.Design/methodology/approachThe development of this multi-dimensional instrument is guided by findings from previous research. The quest is to minimise the instructor's administrative work load in applying a moderation-only instrument that is open-source and available at no cost. Based on the literature, the survey instrument seeks to apply a peer-based, equitable and transparent evaluation of each member's contribution to a group task. The survey is applied at mid-task and again at end-task in order to afford underperformers the opportunity to address contribution deficits during the final phase of the project.FindingsThe instrument, called TANDEM©, offers a transparent, streamlined, equitable, confidential and practical measure of each student's contribution to a graded group task. Students whose end-task contribution falls below the group average rating receive a proportional reduction in their personal grade. Additionally, the end-task moderation instrument captures a single-item holistic measure of relative contribution that may, in the future, serve as a surrogate for the multi-dimensional measures currently in place.Research limitations/implicationsTANDEM© was developed with group sizes of four or five members in mind. There is no evidence to support its application to three-person groups. Moreover, the application was applied only amongst under-graduate students. It is yet to be applied across post-graduate groups and within online learning environments. Future research into diverse cultural settings would serve to advance understanding of how moderation is perceived across borders.Practical implicationsSeveral existing group grade moderation methods propose complex algorithms that are “black box” solutions from a student's perspective. In establishing a fair, streamlined, confidential and transparent process for peer-rated moderation, TANDEM© deploys a concise instrument with a relatively small administrative load. TANDEM © may be applied to all groups or can selectively be applied to groups that report moderate, strong or extreme levels of conflict.Social implicationsStudents will appreciate the opportunity to rate peer contributions to group projects. This will dissipate the negative social sentiment that may arise when fellow students benefit from the work of others. Those students seeking conflict resolution within the group will value the transparent and equitable moderation of grades as well as the positive social implications that follow.Originality/valueThis research forms part of an ongoing quest to present a moderation instrument that fairly identifies student contribution to a group project. Whilst the solution proposed is one of many existing alternatives, its focus is on a practical moderation-only instrument that can immediately be applied to a course or major. The benefits lie in the ease of application and minimal administrative workload. This constitutes an original contribution to the individual (course or major) coordinator who seeks to apply a moderation-only instrument without having to commit to an extensive, broad-based group optimisation programme.

The validity and reliability of culturally responsive leadership practice instruments in small schools peninsular Malaysia

A culturally responsive leadership instrument was developed to determine the level of culturally responsive leadership practice of headmasters in small schools in Peninsular Malaysia. This study was conducted in Perak and Negeri Sembilan to determine the instrument’s reliability and validity. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and item reliability analysis were used to determine the questionnaire’s reliability and validity. Next, the average congruence percentage (ACP) is used to determine the reliability test between expert assessors. Experts approved the validity and reliability of the instrument before the EFA test was conducted. All four constructs have high-reliability index values between 0.88–0.93. Next, the EFA analysis shows four dimensions in the culturally responsive leadership instrument with factor loadings ranging from 0.62–0.88. The findings also show that the variance explained in the data is 65.16% with an eigenvalue greater than 1. This result showed that all items are received with high approval. In addition, the reliability coefficient α=0.93 is very high. The results prove that this culturally responsive leadership instrument has high validity and reliability and can measure the level of culturally responsive leadership implementation practices in small schools in Peninsular Malaysia.

Procedural dilemmas of cybercrimes involving illegal content dissemination in cross-border situations

Aim: The main purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the procedural dimensions of the investigation of cybercrimes having an international element. In this context, it highlights the difficulties that can slow down and, in extreme cases, even prevent effective enforcement in two major areas: jurisdiction and mutual legal assistance.Methodology: As the study primarily focuses on legislative approaches, it brings together and comparatively analyses the main EU and international legal sources that regulate cooperation between countries in the field of cybercrime.Findings: Especially in the area of mutual legal assistance, the European Union is actively legislating, and the principle of indirectness, i.e., the possibility for the competent authorities to directly contact intermediary service providers established in another Member State, is increasingly gaining prominence. On one hand, this can speed up procedures, but on the other hand, it entails the risk that the numerous instruments overlap, weakening the effectiveness of enforcement.Value: As some of the legislative procedures are still underway, further research is needed to see how Member States will be able to apply the new instruments in practice.

Procedural dilemmas of cybercrimes involving illegal content dissemination in cross-border situations

Aim: The main purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the procedural dimensions of the investigation of cybercrimes having an international element. In this context, it highlights the difficulties that can slow down and, in extreme cases, even prevent effective enforcement in two major areas: jurisdiction and mutual legal assistance.Methodology: As the study primarily focuses on legislative approaches, it brings together and comparatively analyses the main EU and international legal sources that regulate cooperation between countries in the field of cybercrime.Findings: Especially in the area of mutual legal assistance, the European Union is actively legislating, and the principle of indirectness, i.e., the possibility for the competent authorities to directly contact intermediary service providers established in another Member State, is increasingly gaining prominence. On one hand, this can speed up procedures, but on the other hand, it entails the risk that the numerous instruments overlap, weakening the effectiveness of enforcement.Value: As some of the legislative procedures are still underway, further research is needed to see how Member States will be able to apply the new instruments in practice.

Development and application of the practical training instrument of warming needle moxibustion with quantifiable evaluation.

Based on summarizing the essential procedures and elements of traditional manipulation techniques of warming needle moxibustion and determining the quantitative parameters and indicators for evaluating the operation of this acupuncture technique, a training instrument of warming needle moxibustion was developed and adopted in the curriculum teaching of practice. It showed that this instrument could quantify the speed of fixing mugwort ball on the needle handle, the number of the prepared mugwort ball, the duration for anti-vibration, the frequency of anti-vibration and the burning time of mugwort ball. The instrument could objectively evaluate the skills of warming needle moxibustion and the effects of fixing mugwort ball. Besides, it may provide the references to improve the protocol of the future research. The development and application of the practical training instrument of warming needle moxibustion is conductive to cultivate the standardization and accuracy of the technique operation in students, and it is significant for objectif-ying the teaching course of warming needle and teaching assessment, as well as for diversifying the teaching modes. Moreover, it plays an exemplary role in the practical training of other acupuncture and moxibustion techniques.

Assessing psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the Sleep Quality Questionnaire among healthcare students

ObjectiveThe sleep of healthcare students is worth discovering. Mental health and self-rated health are thought to be associated with sleep quality. As such, valid instruments to assess sleep quality in healthcare students are crucial and irreplaceable. This study aimed to investigate the measurement properties of the Sleep Quality Questionnaire (SQQ) for Chinese healthcare students.MethodsTwo longitudinal assessments were undertaken among healthcare students, with a total of 595, between December 2020 and January 2021. Measures include the Chinese version of the SQQ, Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), Self-Rated Health Questionnaire (SRHQ), and sociodemographic questionnaire. Structural validity through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine factor structure of the SQQ. T-tests and ANOVAs were used to examine sociodemographic differences in sleep quality scores. Multi Group CFA and longitudinal CFA were respectively used to assess cross-sectional invariance and longitudinal invariance across two-time interval, i.e., cross-cultural validity. Construct validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability were correspondingly examined via Spearman correlation, Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega, and intraclass correlation coefficient. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine incremental validity of the SQQ based on the PHQ-4 and SRHQ as indicators of the criterion variables.ResultsCFA results suggested that the two-factor model of the SQQ-9 (item 2 excluded) had the best fit. The SQQ-9 scores differed significantly by age, grade, academic stage, hobby, stress coping strategy, anxiety, depression, and self-rated health subgroups. Measurement invariance was supported in terms of aforesaid subgroups and across two time intervals. In correlation and regression analyses, anxiety, depression, and self-rated health were moderately strong predictors of sleep quality. The SQQ-9 had good internal consistency and test–retest reliability.ConclusionGood measurement properties suggest that the SQQ is a promising and practical measurement instrument for assessing sleep quality of Chinese healthcare students.

Quality and risk management frameworks for biosolids: An assessment of current international practice

Biosolids, a product of wastewater treatment, provide a valuable resource, but to optimize the use of this resource it is necessary to manage risks posed to public health and the environment. Key requirements include identifying contaminant sources and providing barriers to ensure containment and treatment while maintaining the viability and value of biosolids products. Responsibility for managing biosolids is the remit of many stakeholders but primarily it rests with private and public wastewater facilities. The global variabilities in the way biosolids resources are acknowledged, applied, and managed are substantial. For example, some countries are increasing incineration because of their ability to remove contaminants while others have experienced a proportional decrease in incineration dependent on industrial resources or regarding resource recovery costs and needs. Some jurisdictions focus on energy recovery and others on land application. A risk management framework is a tool that may provide a suitable holistic approach to biosolids management. With this focus, current instruments in practice globally to manage biosolids were assessed for the degree to which they have adopted a risk management framework. To form a basis for this assessment a set of criteria was established by concept mapping several internationally recognized standards. Guidelines for a range of developed and developing countries were then assessed against these criteria. That process enabled the identification of which current practices were holistic in terms of applying biosolids risk management principles from production to end-use. Through this process, risk management gaps and vulnerabilities were identified. The results reveal that the incorporation of risk standards into risk management frameworks around the world is variable for the presence of risk criteria and the scale of detail provided. Contaminant concentrations need perspective within the changing risk landscape for stakeholders and the environment while jointly the opportunities and contaminant challenges require solutions that balance risks.

A compendium of evidence-based practice instruments for nursing education, practice and research.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a cornerstone for safe, high-quality care. Implementation science recognizes that many factors influence the successful use of EBP, from attitudes and beliefs, self-efficacy, and knowledge and skills to contextual factors related to unit and organizational culture. This integrative review aimed to identify valid and reliable instruments measuring critical EBP domains with nursing professionals. A systematic search of the literature was conducted. CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Joanna Briggs were searched to identify original research publications testing the reliability and validity of EBP nursing instruments. Of 347 records, 48 studies representing 50 instruments were identified as having undergone psychometric testing, thus meeting the inclusion criteria. Most instruments were validated in English-speaking countries. Content validity, construct validity, and internal consistency standards were met for 70%, 62%, and 94% of instruments, respectively. Limited testing was found for other types of validity, test-retest reliability, acceptability, feasibility, or responsivity and sensitivity, thus representing gaps in psychometric validation. Less than 20% of instruments have been translated to other languages limiting their use to advance EBP worldwide. Eighty-two percent of instruments met minimal psychometric standards and are sound for education, practice, and research. Expanding psychometric testing and utilizing validated EBP instruments will further the EBP movement to improve global population health.

Assessing English language learners’ collocation knowledge: a systematic review of receptive and productive measurements

Abstract Since collocation knowledge is integral to second language vocabulary depth, it necessitates a careful examination of various measurement approaches. To this end, the current paper provides an overview and evaluation of extant collocation measurements used in empirical studies on L2 English (N = 153) published between 1980 and 2023 indexed in the SSCI, SCIE, AHCI, SCOPUS, and ERIC databases. Six instruments, seven item formats, and three other assessment tools were identified and reviewed for the assessment of receptive and productive collocation knowledge. The review focused on the collocation knowledge measured by each tool, the instrument and/or item format employed, item design, reported reliability, and potential drawbacks of employing each instrument and item format in research or practice. The review proposes several theoretical and practical considerations for future assessments of and research on English collocation knowledge.

FEELINGS OF WOMEN WITH BREAST CÂNCER

Objective: to know the feelings of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: The theme was addressed through an integrative literature review, an instrument of Evidence-Based Practice (EBE). A survey was carried out in the BDENF, LILACS and SciELO databases from August to September 2023. The following descriptors were used: Feelings. Breast cancer. Diagnosis, they were combined for search. Publications in the study were published Portuguese that made the abstract available in their databases. Results: We started from the systematization of categories of analysis that represent the axis around which the product of the dynamics performed is articulated, namely: Feelings experienced by women in the face of breast cancer and Family support for women with breast cancer. Final Considerations: Feelings arising from breast cancer diagnosis translate into fear, anxiety, uncertainty, hopelessness and anger.

A Practical Screening Combination for the Discrimination of Alzheimer’s Type Memory Impairment Continuum: The 5-word Test and Magnetic Resonance Imaging-visual Rating Scale

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a continuum with four clinical stages: asymptomatic, subjective cognitive impairment (SCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD dementia (ADD). Identification of the predementia stages had become particularly essential after the recent approval of three anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibodies. This study aimed to evaluate their contribution to the diagnosis of AD by using two practical instruments: The 5-word test (5WT) and medial temporal atrophy (MTA) scoring together. Materials and Methods: Twenty six ADD, 29 MCI, and 25 SCI patients matched for age, sex, and education were included. The Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised version, which includes the Mini-Mental Status Examination, and 5WT were applied. MTA is scored on coronal T1 magnetic resonance images, between 0 and 4 (0: Severe atrophy, 4: No atrophy). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to test the success of the MTA score, screening tests, and scores formed from various combinations of these two in classifying the groups. Results: MTA + 5WT had the highest area under curve (AUC) differentiating SCI versus MCI with a sensitivity of 0.80 and a specificity of 0.83, and differentiating SCI versus ADD with a sensitivity and specificity of 1.0. For differentiating MCI versus ADD, MTA + 5WT had a very good performance with an AUC of 0.93, a specificity of 0.96, and a moderate sensitivity of 0.76. Conclusion: Combining 5WT for memory test with MTA for atrophy rating becomes a perfect method in a clinical setting for evaluating patients with memory complaints and thus carefully selecting the candidates for advanced biological diagnosis.

Assessing Social Networks: Validation of the Informal Supporter Readiness Inventory (ISRI) for Use in an Australian Context

Objective. This research aimed to validate the Informal Supporter Readiness Inventory (ISRI) for evaluating the preparedness of informal supporters, in an Australian sample, to provide assistance in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV). Method. The ISRI’s four distinct factors were each assessed with separate confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Reliability was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha values, and test‐retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Additionally, the ISRI’s validity was assessed through Pearson’s correlations with both convergent and divergent measures. Results. The CFAs supported the four distinct factors of the ISRI: normative, individual, situational‐emotion, and situational‐assessment. The measure exhibited good‐to‐excellent internal consistency across these factors and good test‐retest reliability at four weeks. Convergent validity was supported by a strong positive correlation with the Intent to Help Friends Scale, while its weak association with the Generic Job Satisfaction Scale supported divergent validity. Discussion. The ISRI has emerged as a practical instrument with relevance to certain Australian sociocultural dynamics, offering utility in both research and clinical settings. The ISRI supports a network‐oriented approach to IPV survivor support, assisting the alliance between formal and informal support mechanisms. Future research should focus on broadening the ISRI’s applicability by assessing its effectiveness across diverse Australian populations.

Chronic pain among older adults and its impact on satisfaction with social participation: development and validation of the "Instrument to Assess Older Adults' Social Participation". A descriptive quantitative study.

We aimed to develop and validate a practical instrument to assess older adults' satisfaction with their social participation (SP). This methodological validation study was conducted at a public higher education institution. A two-phase study was designed, developed, and validated to assess older adults' satisfaction with their SP. In the first phase, we conceptualized SP and developed an "instrument to assess older adults' satisfaction with their SP (IAPSI)," as approved by a committee of specialists, pre-tested, and partially validated. Second, we determined the IAPSI's reproducibility using Cronbach's alpha to measure internal consistency, Pearson's and Spearman's coefficients to measure correlations, the Bland-Altman plot and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to measure reproducibility. We also generated a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. 102 older adults (mean age, 87.29) participated in the first phase. Moderate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.7) and significant moderate correlations with quality of life by World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-bref and by WHOQOL-old social domains (Pearson's coefficients 0.54 and 0.64, respectively; P < 0.001) were found. The ROC curve indicated an IAPSI score of 17 as the threshold for the impact of pain on satisfaction with SP (83.3% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity, P < 0.001). In the second phase, 56 older adults (between 81 and 90 years old) participated. We found adequate intra- and inter-observer reproducibility for the IAPSI (ICC 0.96 and 0.78, respectively). We have developed a practical instrument with appropriate psychometric properties to assess older adults' satisfaction with their SP.

The Heritage Dimension of Industrial Landscape. Methodological Keys for Its Analysis and Identification

Abstract The epistemological debate regarding the new industrial heritage paradigm from the landscape perspective has generated a number of uncertainties as well as new questions and challenges that need to be addressed, not only from a conceptual viewpoint but also via the definition of methodological approaches that facilitate the implementation in the territory in question of some of its axioms as an initial, unavoidable step towards the identification and characterisation of these landscapes. The purpose of this article is to develop a conceptual and methodological approach to the industrial landscape based on its heritage dimension. On a conceptual level, the article explores the study of these landscapes, addressing their heritage dimension and offering a synthesis of existent theories in this field with those practical instruments, regulations, recommendations, etc., that recognise their heritage value. On a methodological level, the article advances in the design of methodological keys for the analysis and identification of these landscapes by focusing on their specific nature and heritage dimension, a step that constitutes a priority task in terms of the enhancement and integrated management of the same in a manner that supports their protection and administration on the basis of heritage and cultural considerations.

Translation and validation of Persian version of resilience evaluation scale (RES): A cross-cultural methodological research.

The Resilience Evaluation Scale (RES) is a new, free and short self-report questionnaire for measuring psychological resilience. This study aims to translate and assess the psychometric properties of the RES. In the present methodological study, after the translation process, face and content validity were conducted through qualitative and quantitative methods. To determine the construct validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used, and for the reliability, Cronbach's α test and inter-counter coefficient test were calculated. Persian version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale was used to determine the convergent validity of the questionnaire. Results show that the face and content validity of 9 items of RES were acceptable and they were all approved [Impact scores (IS) >1.5, S-CVI/Ave = 0.97, I-CVI = 0.93]; the Internal consistency of the scale was confirmed by the Cronbach's α coefficient (0.82) and McDonald's omega (0.83). The reliability of the scale also was confirmed by the Spearman's correlation coefficient and intra-group correlation coefficient (ICC), with results obtained above 0.8 for all items. The factor analysis identified two factors that accounted for about 56% of the variance. Also, the CFA model fitted well according to the results of the fitting indices (RMSEA = 0.084, CFI = 0.98, SRMR = 0.064, and TLI = 0.97). In addition, the convergent validity of the scale was equal to 0.65 (P < 0.001). Development of a valid and reliable psychological resilience scale may bring great benefits to the Persian society. Our findings suggest that the Persian RES has good psychometric properties, and it may serve as a valuable instrument in research and clinical practice.

Molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticle-carbon nanotube composite electrochemical gas sensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of methanol vapour.

An electrochemical gas sensor has been fabricated using molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes on screen-printed electrodes. Methanol vapour was chosen as the target due to its toxicity as its suitability as a model for more harmful pollutant gases. The sensor functions under ambient conditions and in the required concentration range, in contrast to all previous MIP-based gas sensors for methanol. The sensitivity of the sensor was greatly improved by the addition of multiwall carbon nanotubes, resulting in a limit of detection of approximately 10 ppm. The nanoMIPs provide an inherent selectivity for the target inherent in its design. Selectivity studies were performed with structurally analogous alcohols at various concentrations, demonstrating selectivity for methanol 12.1 times that for ethanol at 2 mmol dm-3 and 4.2 times that for ethanol at 1 mmol dm-3. Interactions with isopropanol and n-propanol were found to be non-specific, and the response to water was negligible. This demonstrates an improvement over previous methanol gas sensors based on molecularly imprinted polymers. No response was observed with carbon nanotubes alone, and no selectivity was observed with non-imprinted equivalents of the nanoMIP sensor. The resulting device is by far the most practical MIP-based instrument for methanol gas sensing thus far described in the literature, being the only example capable of functioning at the necessary methanol vapour concentrations and at the required temperature and humidity. With the selectivity and sensitivity described and the simple design, the developed device provides a substantial advance in the field of molecularly imprinted gas sensors.