Model Fit Research Articles

The role of industry 4.0 and ambidexterity on the SCM-SME performance link: Australia evidence

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the relationships amongst supply chain management (SCM) implementation, Industry 4.0 technologies, organisational ambidexterity and SMEs’ performance in Australia. It further examines whether Industry 4.0 technologies and organisational ambidexterity have mediating effects on such relationships.Design/methodology/approachResearch data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of a sample of 204 SMEs from different industries in Australia. The overall model fit and hypotheses were tested through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsThe statistical results reveal that successful SCM implementation, Industry 4.0 technologies and organisational ambidexterity approach through exploiting existing competencies and exploring new opportunities improve SMEs' performance in Australia. In addition, Industry 4.0 technologies and organisational ambidexterity are found to mediate the relationship between SCM implementation and SMEs’ performance.Originality/valueThe coexisting impacts of SCM implementation, Industry 4.0 technologies and organisational ambidexterity on SMEs’ performance, and how Industry 4.0 technologies and organisational ambidexterity mediate and affect the relationship of SCM implementation and SMEs’ performance have not been addressed previously in Australia. This study, thus, addresses these research gaps, which are expected to be beneficial to managerial practices to support SMEs in their strategic planning and performance enhancement goals.

Development and optimization of multivesicular gefitinib liposomal transdermal system employing lipoid S100 for breast cancer: pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and skin irritation studies in Wistar rats

Abstract Background Conventional therapies in cancer treatment face challenges including drug resistance, lack of specificity, and severe adverse reactions. This study explores the potential of liposomal transdermal delivery systems as an alternative to current therapies with improved BA and PK. The objective of the study was to formulate gefitinib liposomes by thin film hydration technique (TFH) using lipoid S100. A central composite design (CCD) was used to develop and optimize GEF-LIP-TDDs and to analyze the optimum concentrations of the selected variables (phospholipid, cholesterol) in liposomal formation. The model fitting was performed using Design-Expert (Stat-Ease, Ver 13). The GEF liposomes were evaluated for %EE, mean particle size and PDI. The optimized liposomes were fabricated as a transdermal patch by mercury substrate method and evaluated for %drug content, in vitro diffusion, in vivo biodistribution (PK and BA), and skin irritation studies in female Albino Wistar rats. The stability of the optimized transdermal patch was also assessed for 3 months. Results The CCD model was significant with F-value of 37.97, P-value of 0.0500 and R 2 of 0.9644. The average vesicle size, PDI, and ZP of GEF-LIPs (F1–F13) were found to be between 112.8 to 373.7 nm, 0.186 to 0.510 and − 3.69 to − 82.2 mV, respectively. F3-GEF-LIP exhibited a mean vesicle size of 96.07 nm, ZP of − 46.06 mV, and a PDI of 0.423. F3-GEF-LIP demonstrated exceptional %EE (97.79) and sustained release effect (%CDR, 83.32) following a diffusion-controlled mechanism. TEM images confirmed liposomes of multivesicular type (MVV, < 100 nm). Importantly, optimized F3-GEF-LIP-TD showed no signs of edema in Wistar rats. The biodistribution of F3-GEF-LIP-TD was similar to pure GEF and was higher in the liver (p < 0.05). The BA of F3-GEF-LIP-TD was observed to be 74.05 ± 0.11% in comparison with oral GEF-LIP (65.25 ± 0.08%) and pure GEF (58.10 ± 0.17%). Conclusion TFH technique offers stable liposomes with high reproducibility. Our findings imply that GEF-LIP-TD provides enhanced BA and tissue distribution and can be considered as a substitution for orals or in combination for treating breast cancer. Lipoid S100 is a potential lipid for developing stable multivesicular nanoliposomes. Graphical abstract

The effect of social media engagement on telemedicine adoption: an empirical study

Purpose This study aims to assess the collective impact of social media engagement and anxiety due to COVID-19 on telemedicine adoption intentions with other constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) concerning anxiety linked to COVID-19 and the influence of privacy concerns on TAM constructs. These constructs encompass the perception of ease of use, perceived usefulness, one’s attitude toward telemedicine and the intention to utilize telemedicine. Design/methodology/approach A total of 178 comprehensive responses were gathered over a six-month period from residents in Mumbai, India, to examine the proposed model. The data was analyzed using software tools, including SPSS version 23 and IBM AMOS 21, to compute factor loadings, assess model fit, estimate path relationships and conduct hypothesis testing. Findings Privacy concerns with telemedicine usage had a significant negative impact on behavioral engagement (B = −0.20, SE = 0.08, p < 0.05) and positively impacted affective engagement (B = 0.25, SE = 0.06, p < 0.01). Similarly, anxiety due to COVID-19 had a negative impact on the perceived usefulness of telemedicine (B = −0.10, SE = 0.03, p < 0.05). Research limitations/implications This research addresses a void in the existing literature by merging the TAM and the Social Media engagement theory. This study reaffirms the impact of past and relevant experiences, privacy concerns and COVID-19-induced anxiety on various components of TAM, thus expanding and enriching the TAM model. Practical implications Healthcare administrators should implement strategies to alleviate privacy-related apprehensions associated with telemedicine platforms. Additionally, they should promote existing users to create and disseminate positive content to mitigate COVID-19-induced anxiety and foster meaningful engagement, thereby enhancing the willingness to adopt telemedicine. Social implications Providers and promoters of telemedicine platforms and services may lean toward employing digital marketing campaigns that rely on emotional persuasion, including tapping into the fear factor to boost subscription and service sales. Such practices raise ethical questions, underscoring the need for well-defined advertising standards to govern the marketing of these products. Originality/value This article is among the relatively rare studies that document the favorable influence of emotional engagement on the intention to utilize telemedicine, underscoring the significant role of emotions in shaping telemedicine adoption Intentions.

Estimation of Understory Fine Dead Fuel Moisture Content in Subtropical Forests of Southern China Based on Landsat Images

The understory fine dead fuel moisture content (DFMC) is an important reference indicator for regional forest fire warnings and risk assessments, and determining it on a large scale is a critical goal. It is difficult to estimate understory fine DFMC directly from satellite images due to canopy shading. To address this issue, we used canopy meteorology estimated by Landsat images in combination with explanatory variables to construct random forest models of in-forest meteorology, and then construct random forest models by combining the meteorological factors and explanatory variables with understory fine DFMC obtained from the monitoring device to (1) investigate the feasibility of Landsat images for estimating in-forest meteorology; (2) explore the feasibility of canopy or in-forest meteorology and explanatory variables for estimating understory fine DFMC; and (3) compare the effects of each factor on model accuracy and its effect on understory fine DFMC. The results showed that random forest models improved in-forest meteorology estimation, enhancing in-forest relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit, and temperature by 50%, 34%, and 2.2%, respectively, after adding a topography factor. For estimating understory fine DFMC, models using vapor pressure deficit improved fit by 10.2% over those using relative humidity. Using in-forest meteorology improved fits by 36.2% compared to canopy meteorology. Including topographic factors improved the average fit of understory fine DFMC models by 123.1%. The most accurate model utilized in-forest vapor pressure deficit, temperature, topographic factors, vegetation index, precipitation data, and seasonal factors. Correlations indicated that slope, in-forest vapor pressure deficit, and slope direction were most closely related to understory fine DFMC. The regional understory fine-grained DFMC distribution mapped according to our method can provide important decision support for forest fire risk early warning and fire management.

Anomalous influence of electrode width on the critical current of Nb/Au Josephson junctions

Abstract We study the effect of electrodes width on superconducting current transport in Nb-Au-Nb Josephson bridges. The critical current as well as the normal bridge resistance drop with decreasing electrode width on scales of a few μm, which are orders of magnitude larger than the estimated coherence length of Au strip. We consider several physical reasons of such an anomalous influence of the width W of the superconducting electrode on the critical current Ic (AIWIc) and provide model fits for the resistive and superconducting properties of the bridges. {The smooth dependence of the Nb-Au-Nb bridge parameters on the electrode width can be used to optimize the design of superconducting devices for specific applications.

Getting started with the graded response model: An introduction and tutorial in R

This tutorial introduces the graded response model (GRM), a tool for testing measurement precision within the item response theory (IRT) paradigm, which is useful for informing researchers about the item and person properties of their measurement. The tutorial aims to guide applied researchers through a unidimensional GRM analysis in the R environment, using the psych, mirt and ggmirt packages. GRM is specifically designed to examine the psychometric properties of psychological scales with polytomous (Likert‐style) items. The tutorial illustrates the procedure using data from the Open Psychometrics Database on the right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA) scale, outlining the theoretical underpinnings of GRM and steps for data preparation, testing model assumptions, model fitting, plotting item parameters and interpretation of results.

Abstract 4141460: Exploring Novel Data-Driven Clustering Methods for Uncovering Patterns in Longitudinal Neonatal Postoperative Temperature Measurements

Introduction: Neonatal hypothermia (< 36.5 o C) after CPB is considered benign despite lack of evidence on its prognostic significance. Question: Are group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM), k-means, and self-organizing map (SOM) clustering approaches clinically useful for evaluating their associations with important outcomes? Aims: Identify distinct postoperative temperature trajectories in neonates after CPB using novel machine learning (ML) clustering methods, corroborate findings, and evaluate prognostic value on outcomes. Methods: Secondary cohort analysis of prospectively collected data. Accessed data from a single pediatric referral center's CardioAccess registry consistent of postoperative neonates with congenital heart defects (CHD). 48-hourly postoperative temperature measurements were extracted from patient records. GBTM, SOM, and k-means clustering identified cluster membership and model fit was optimized for 3 clusters based on existing knowledge. The primary outcome was a complication composite of severe bleeding, illness severity, cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, delayed first successful extubation, prolonged ICU LOS, very poor weight gain, and 30-day mortality. 3 data driven techniques were compared and then associated with outcomes using adjusted multivariable binary logistic regression (LR). Results: 450 neonates ≥ 34 weeks gestation undergoing CPB between 2015 and 2019 met inclusion criteria. GBTM, SOM, and k-means clustering identified temperature group assignment for 3 clusters: 1) persistent hypothermia (n=38, 9% vs. n=49, 11% vs. n=40, 9%), 2) resolving hypothermia (n=233, 51% vs. n=227, 50% vs. n=147, 33%), and 3) normothermia (n=179, 40% vs. n=174, 39% vs. n=263, 58%). Concordance of techniques showed strong agreement between GBTM and SOM (kappa= 0.92). The kappa test comparing GBTM and k-means assignment was 0.41, indicating a weak to moderate agreement. After adjustment in the multivariable binary LR, persistently hypothermic neonates compared to normothermic neonates were associated with higher odds of the complication composite outcome in the GBTM (OR: 2.8 [1.0-7.3], p 0.041) and SOM (OR: 2.3 [1.0-5.4], p 0.045) models, but not the k-means model (OR: 1.4 [0.7-3.1], p 0.38). Conclusion: Exploring concordance between different unsupervised ML techniques, shows that neonatal temperature after CPB follows distinct postoperative trajectories, and those exhibiting a persistent hypothermia trend are at higher risk of adverse outcomes.

Construction of women's empowerment index for Bangladesh

IntroductionThis study is dedicated to refining and enhancing the measurement model of women's empowerment in Bangladesh. Women's empowerment, a crucial and multifaceted aspect of societal growth, is often hindered by gender disparities. This is particularly evident in societies like Bangladesh, where women face inequalities in education, economic opportunities, and decision-making power. To address these disparities effectively, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of women's empowerment. Therefore, this study aims to refine and enhance the measurement model to capture the multifaceted nature of women's empowerment accurately.MethodsTo gather data for this study, a structured questionnaire was administered to married women of reproductive age (15–49) in eight Mouza/Mohalla in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This unique approach allowed us to capture a diverse range of perspectives. We used thirty-three indicators across economic, socio-cultural, household, and psychological dimensions to measure women's empowerment. The sample data were then randomly divided for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to identify and validate a comprehensive multidimensional framework.ResultsOut of 625 respondents, only 36% of women worked, and ~39% married before age 18. Employing thirty-three items in EFA led to identifying eight critical factors (economic independence, control over household financial decisions, household decision-making, reproductive decision-making, freedom of movement, media exposure, positive self-esteem, and negative self-esteem). These factors, which explained 72.661% of the total variance in the data, provide a practical framework for understanding and addressing women's empowerment. Each component was then divided into two sub-dimensions to acquire a better understanding. The CFA indicated a good model fit for each dimension, and convergent and discriminant validity assessments were used to establish reliability and validity, further enhancing the practical implications of our findings.ConclusionsThe results of our rigorous exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses not only confirmed the sample structures and internal consistency but also provided significant insights. The findings suggested an adequate fit for all CFA models, indicating the robustness of our measurement model. According to the CFA results, each dimension's variables are satisfactory, and all the dimensions can be combined to create a single index measuring women's empowerment. This comprehensive understanding of women's empowerment, with its specific dimensions and factors, equips policymakers and practitioners with the knowledge to develop a wide range of interventions appropriate to particular facets of empowerment, thereby fostering societal growth and gender equality.

Self-rating scale in self-directed learning in workplace context: a case study of Thai operational employees in the petrochemical plant industry

PurposeThis study addresses the need for a validated tool to assess self-directed learning (SDL) behaviors among Thai operational employees in the petrochemical industry. Understanding SDL capabilities is essential for effective human resource development, given the complexity of plant operations and the need for continuous skill enhancement.Design/methodology/approachThis research adapts the self-rating scale of self-directed learning (SRSSDL) to the Thai workplace context. The SRSSDL was translated into Thai and adapted for the workplace. Five experts validated the content, and validity and reliability testing was conducted with 50 operational employees from Thai petrochemical plants. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha were used to assess the instrument’s reliability and validity.FindingsContent validation confirmed that all SRSSDL items had an item-objective congruence (IOC) score above 0.5. CFA results showed a good model fit (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.99, Tucker–Lewis index [TLI] = 0.98, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.02 and standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.02). Reliability analysis showed Cronbach’s alpha values from 0.91 to 0.96, indicating excellent internal consistency.Originality/valueThis research is the first study to assess and prove the content validity, construct validity and reliability of the SRSSDL in the context of Thai workplaces, particularly in the petrochemical industry. The SRSSDL is a reliable and valid tool for assessing SDL behaviors among Thai operational employees. It enhances human resource development by identifying SDL capabilities and fostering continuous improvement and SDL.

Abstract 4117834: Utility of Abdominal Aortic Calcification Assessment for the Prediction of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Liver Transplant Patients

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality following liver transplantation (LT). Presence of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) has been linked to cardiovascular events in the general population. We investigated whether AAC on pre-transplant computed tomography (CT) predicts major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) post-LT. Methods: Consecutive LT patients between 2010-2018 from the Victorian Liver Transplant Unit (Australia) were included. Extent of AAC was quantified in a blinded fashion, with high AAC defined as a calcium score of ≥500. MACE was defined as any recorded episodes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), ventricular arrhythmia, decompensated heart failure, or stroke. The primary outcome was post-LT MACE at 30 days and the secondary outcome was all-cause mortality at maximal follow-up. Results: Of 461 patients undergoing LT, 350 had suitable CTs for analysis, of which 90 (25.7%) had also undergone CT coronary angiography. High AAC was identified in 98 patients (28.0%). This finding demonstrated a moderate correlation with high coronary artery calcium score (CACS) ≥400 (r=0.52, p<0.001). Fifty-eight MACE occurred in 42 patients (12.0%) within 30-days. High AAC was associated with increased risk of 30-day MACE (OR=2.68 (95%CI 1.39-5.17), p=0.004), and long-term mortality (HR=2.52 (95%CI 1.29-4.92), p=0.007) at a median follow-up of 4.0 years. In addition, high AAC predicted an increased risk of ACS (OR 3.80 (95%CI 1.18-12.27), p=0.025), heart failure (OR 3.07 (95%CI 1.21-7.80), p=0.020) and atrial fibrillation (OR 2.04 (95%CI 1.02-4.07), p=0.048), with a trend to increased prevalence of ventricular arrhythmia (OR 2.67 (95%CI 0.84-8.50), p=0.10). Following multivariate analysis, high AAC remained a strong independent predictor of MACE (OR=3.49, 95%CI 1.21-10.06, p=0.021). Addition of AAC to the revised cardiac risk index (RCRI) improved model fit for predicting MACE (net reclassification improvement of 52.7% (p<0.001)). Conclusions: This study demonstrates for the first time that high AAC on routine abdominal CT scans is associated with a 3-fold increased risk of 30-day MACE post-LT, and improves cardiovascular risk prediction compared to traditional risk scores. Quantification of AAC may offer a simple method of improving cardiovascular risk assessment and implementation of preventative strategies in liver transplant patients, using pre-existing scans without additional cost or patient risk.

Innovative Strategies for Tannery Wastewater Remediation with Sequential batch reactor and phycoremediation

<p style="line-height:150%;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12.0pt;" lang="EN-IN">This research assessed the performance of combining Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) and phycoremediation method used for tanning effluent. The SBR system obtained high removal efficiencies with Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)  is reduced by  85%, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is reduced  by 80% as well as ammonia by more than 75%. Chromium and lead were dropped by 65% and 60% correspondingly after treatment. Following SBR process, inclusion of Chlorella vulgaris in the phycoremediation stage further improves the removal of pollutants achieving 95% COD and 92% BOD reductions. Heavy metal removal was enhanced with chromium and lead by reducing 85% each. Kinetic analysis indicated that ammonia and COD removal followed first-order kinetics with high model fit (R2=0.93 for COD; R2=0.91 for ammonia). Heavy metal removal using Chlorella vulgaris also conformed to first-order kinetics. A temporary increase in ammonia levels was observed due to nitrification inhibition during periods of high organic loads in the wastewater discharged from tanneries into rivers or lakes without treatment facilities such as oxidation ditches or stabilization ponds used in some cases. Finally, it can be concluded that an integrated SBR phycoremediation process shows very good potentialities with respect to good performances in treating wastewater efficiently.</span></p>

The impact of innovation and differentiation strategy on financial performance with emphasis on the role of risk management and intellectual capital

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of innovation and differentiation strategy on financial performance with a focus on the role of risk management and intellectual capital of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. Design/methodology/approach In this research, differentiation and innovation strategy criteria are the independent variables, performance criteria are the dependent variables and risk management effectiveness and intellectual capital are the moderating variables. The statistical population of this research includes all the companies listed in the Tehran Stock Exchange during the 10-year period, and 127 companies were selected as a statistical sample using the systematic elimination method. The research model fitting and hypothesis testing were carried out using structural equation modeling and SPSS, Smart PLS software. Findings The results of the hypothesis testing showed a positive and significant relationship between the innovation and differentiation strategy and the firm performance. In addition, effective management of risk and intellectual capital also had a significant and positive impact on this relationship. Research limitations/implications Given that this research was conducted at the Tehran Stock Exchange, it was difficult for the researchers to collect data. Also, since the Tehran Stock Exchange is a new market, a lot of research needs to be done in different areas of this market to identify the existing problems and shortcomings and to provide reasons for its growth and development. Practical implications According to the results of the research on the impact of intellectual capital and risk management on corporate performance and the impact of strategy on this relationship, this paper can expect to see an improvement in corporate performance and an increase in shareholder wealth as a result of applying the results of this research. Social implications Considering that corporate strategy, intellectual capital criteria and risk management to increase the financial performance of companies have informational content; therefore, according to the results of this research, an increase in the performance of listed companies is expected, and naturally, this increase in performance will lead to the prosperity of the economic sector, increase in job creation and as a result, improve the quality of social life. Originality/value In the Tehran Stock Exchange, by properly evaluating the financial performance criteria of companies and identifying the factors that increase intellectual capital and risk management, they provide the means to improve knowledge in this area of research.

A tale of two constructs: confirmatory factor analysis of performance and symptom validity tests

ABSTRACT Background Performance validity (PV) and symptom validity (SV) tests assess biased responding that impact scores on neuropsychological tests. The extent to which PV and SV represent overlapping or unique constructs remains incompletely defined, especially among psychiatric patients in a non-forensic setting. The current study investigated this question using confirmatory factor analysis. Method Eighty-two inpatients with mood disorders were administered the Word Memory Test, and its primary indices formed a latent variable of PV. From the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 the Fake Bad Scale (FBS), Response Bias Scale (RBS), and Henry-Heilbronner Index (HHI) were employed as a latent SV variable. Two models of the relationship between PV and SV were compared. One freely estimated the shared variance between SV and PV latent constructs. The other assumed the relationship between SV and PV was homogeneous, and covariance was fixed to 1.0. Results In the freely estimated model, covariance between PV and SV was −0.18, and model fit was excellent (CFI = 0.098; TLI = 0.096; SRMR = 0.08). For the fixed model, the RBS, HHI, and FBS achieved low loadings on the SV construct, and model fit was poor (CFI = 0.66; TLI = 0.43; SRMR = 0.42). Conclusions PV as indexed by the WMT and SV measured by the MMPI-2 are not overlapping constructs among inpatients with mood disorders. These data imply that PV and SV represent distinct constructs in this population. Implications for practice are discussed.

NIMG-17. PREDICTIVE VALUE OF THE BRAIN TUMOR REPORTING AND DATA SYSTEM SCORE (BT-RADS) ON FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES AND PROGRESSION-FREE SURVIVAL IN GLIOBLASTOMA PATIENTS

Abstract The Brain Tumor Reporting and Data System Score (BT-RADS) is a novel eight-point classification system that standardizes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reporting in glioblastoma (GB) patients. While previous studies have demonstrated BT-RADS predictive value in the prognosis and overall survival of high-grade glioma patients, its association with functional outcomes and progression-free survival (PFS) in GB patients is unclear. We aim to evaluate the BT-RADS predictive value on functional outcomes assessed through the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) at one year post-diagnosis and on PFS. BT-RADS from MRI ~3 months post-diagnosis after chemo-radiation therapy (BT-RADS_1), and ~6 months post-diagnosis after the 6-month maintenance temozolomide (TMZ) cycle (BT-RADS_2) were analyzed. BT-RADS was classified as low (BT-RADS score 0-3a) and high (BT-RADS score 3b-4). In a univariate logistic regression analysis, BT-RADS_1 was a significant predictor (p=0.04) in discriminating an unfavorable KPS from a favorable one. In a multivariate logistic regression, in which the best model fit was the model containing BT-RADS_1 and MGMT tumor status (model p value=0.03), the ROC analyses indicate that BT-RADS_1 is not better than chance in differentiating an unfavorable KPS from a favorable one (model AUC=0.65; 95% CI=0.55, 0.76). The discriminatory ability of BT-RADS scores alone in predicting KPS outcomes was modest, as indicated by the AUC. This underscores the need for larger sample sizes. In a final model of BTRADS_1 and BT-RADS_2, accounting for MGMT tumor status, the risk of tumor progression was 50% lower (p value=0.003) with a low BT-RADS (0-3a) in the BT-RADS _1 group and 38% lower (p value=0.03) with a low BT-RADS (0-3a) in the BT-RADS_2 group. Considering the above-discussed findings, BT-RADS may represent a new tool in the clinical management of glioblastoma patients by informing on disease progression, prognosis, and quality of life.

Approach to Complementary Feeding and Infant Language Use: An Observational Study

ABSTRACTEmerging research suggests that a more infant‐led approach to complementary feeding may confer benefits for child language, but these findings are based on parent report studies. Using an observational approach this study examines whether different complementary feeding experiences relate to infant language exposure and language use. Fifty‐eight parents recorded a typical infant mealtime in the home (mean infant age = 14 months, SD = 4.15). Observations were coded to measure the prevalence of infant‐led and parent‐led feeding using the Family Mealtime Coding Scheme. Caregiver language use (word types and token directed at the child, mean length of utterances in child‐directed speech, responsiveness and initiations) and the number of infant vocalisations were coded in ELAN using CHAT conventions and parents completed the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory short form as a measure of child language. Greater observed infant self‐feeding was significantly associated with greater observed exposure to language from caregivers (r = 0.312 percentage of infant self‐feeding correlated with caregiver word types directed at the child) and a greater number of infant vocalisations (r = 0.320 percentage of infant self‐feeding correlated with number of child vocalisations produced). Structural Equation Modelling showed the relationship between infant self‐feeding and infant vocalisations to be significantly mediated by enhanced quality and quantity of caregiver child‐directed speech (model fit: χ2 [5] = 5.01, p = 0.415, CFI = 1.00 [NF = 0.98], RMSEA = 0.006). Differences in the approach to complementary feeding may shape infant's experiences in ways that support language exposure and use. Autonomy associated with infant self‐feeding may enhance opportunities for social interaction.

BIM-181: Revising the Public Domain “Basic Interest Markers” Using Item Response Theory

The present study investigated the psychometric properties of the Basic Interest Markers (BIM), a public-domain broadband measure of basic interests. Unlike broader general interest frameworks such as Holland’s RIASEC types, basic interests represent more specific content domains and provide a granular view of vocational preferences and inclinations. We used Item Response Theory (IRT) to perform item analysis to identify the most informative items in each BIM scale and, by extension, reduce scale lengths. In addition, we used confirmatory factor analysis to test model fit for the BIM scales and previously suggested higher-order clusters. Data were drawn from a total of 2,009 participants, comprising two samples of undergraduate college students ( N = 910 and N = 120) and samples of 164 university alumni and 815 adults recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk. Our analysis demonstrated that latent trait estimates obtained from the BIM-343 were similar to those of our proposed modified BIM-181, with model fit favoring the latter. Overall, we provide support for the use of a modified version of the BIM inventory that more accurately captures the intended construct while simultaneously reducing test length by nearly 50%.

Validation and invariance testing of the English Short Physical activity enjoyment scale

Enjoyment is recognized as a determinant of physical activity habits. The enjoyment of engaging in physical activity can be measured with the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Later versions of this scale have been shortened to capture the component of subjective feeling, which has been validated using German-speaking samples. The aim of this study was to examine internal consistency, factorial validity, criterion-related validity, test-retest reliability, and measurement invariance (across gender and languages) in an English-speaking population. Data on physical activity enjoyment and self-reported physical activity were collected through an online survey with a test-retest design (n = 276,189 female, M = 42.55, SD = 16.81 years) conducted from September 2023 to December 2023. In addition, a German-speaking sample (n = 1017, 497 female, M = 29.77, SD = 13.54 years) was analyzed to assess measurement invariance with respect to language. McDonald’s omega at time 1 was ω = 0.95. The confirmatory factor analysis supports the assumption of the unidimensional structure of PACES-S (χ2 = 19.8, df = 2, p < 0.05; CFI = 0.984; RMSEA = 0.180, 90% CI [0.113–0.256]), as the model fit can be estimated as good in view of the CFI value, while the sensitivity of the χ2 test is very high and the RMSEA may underestimate the model fit. Although the RMSEA value is higher than the conventional threshold, the small number of degrees of freedom may have a significant impact on this indicator. The criterion-related validity for light physical activity was r(107) = 0.26 (p < 0.05). The retest reliability was r(199) = 0.69 (p < 0.05). Further, the results supported measurement invariance across gender and partial measurement invariance across languages. Overall, the English PACES-S demonstrated good psychometric properties specifically for light intensity of physical activity, and can serve as an economical instrument to assess physical activity enjoyment.

Assessing the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF) for Latinx Parents of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Within Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling and Structural Equation Modeling-Based Generalizability Theory Frameworks

Although the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF) is widely applicable, there has been a dearth of research on the psychometric properties and item wording effects associated with the cultural sensitivity of the instrument. This study investigated the psychometric properties, the factor structure, and the negative and positive item wording effects of PSI-SF for 96 Latinx parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States within exploratory structural equation modeling, and structural equation modeling-based generalizability theory frameworks. This study produces the following noteworthy findings. First, the ESEM bifactor model with negatively and positively phrased items best captured the theoretical frameworks underlying the structure of the PSI-SF. Second, adding method factors enhanced the model fits of all the factor models. Third, this study discovered several items with great proportions of method factors. This study recommended that the items with high proportions of method factors, which may likely be culturally insensitive to Latinx parents, be examined further and refined. With the use of accurately assessed PSI-SF scores, practitioners will be better able to support and empower Latinx parents of children with IDD and better meet their needs through the FIRME program, a parent advocacy initiative.

Establishment of a Predictive Model for Seroma Formation After TAPP Repair for Unilateral Indirect Inguinal Hernia in Males

Background Inguinal hernia repair, particularly using TAPP, is common in males, and acclaimed for minimal invasiveness but often complicated by seromas, significantly affecting recovery and health care costs. Methods This retrospective study analyzed data from 266 male patients with unilateral indirect inguinal hernia who underwent transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair. We divided the patients into a training set (n = 188) and a validation set (n = 78). We employed logistic regression to identify independent risk factors for post-TAPP seroma and developed a nomogram to predict the occurrence of seromas. The model’s accuracy was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results Postoperatively, 20.3% of patients developed a seroma. Multivariate logistic regression analysis highlighted several independent risk factors for seroma formation: the use of anticoagulants, an internal ring defect ≥5 cm, scrotal hernia, incarcerated hernia, and transected hernia sac ( P < 0.05). The ROC curves for the training and validation sets demonstrated areas under the curve of 0.893 (95% CI: 0.845-0.942) and 0.864 (95% CI: 0.765-0.963), respectively, indicating good model fits ( P > 0.05). DCA confirmed significant clinical applicability of the model. Conclusion The findings suggest that the use of anticoagulants, an internal ring defect ≥5 cm, scrotal hernia, incarcerated hernia, and transected hernia sac are significant independent risk factors for seroma formation after TAPP repair. Clinical consideration of these factors and proactive preventive measures are essential. Although many of these factors are non-modifiable, understanding them is crucial for preoperative risk assessment and patient management.

The reliability and validity of a novel clinical tool for distributing rehabilitation patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study in China

This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of a novel clinical tool for distributing rehabilitation patients (DRP) for measuring a population of rehabilitation patients based on first-hand data from the field survey in China. A multi-stage sampling scheme was used to select 2512 rehabilitation outpatients from 21 medical institutions in seven cities in China. The evaluation indicators of the DRP tool consisted of five clinical indexes on multiple dysfunctions, self-care ability, vital signs, disease status, and disease course. The evaluation of rehabilitation ways of the DRP tool mainly included outpatient rehabilitation treatment, admission to primary healthcare, admission to secondary hospitals, and admission to tertiary hospitals. The mean age of participants was 54.22 years (SD:17.91), and nearly half (48.68%) were male. The majority (70.15%) were diagnosed with orthopaedic disorders. The Cronbach’s alpha (0.66), the Kendall test (Kendall coefficient = 0.86; P < 0.001), and the Kappa test (Kappa = 0.83; Agreement: 90.48%; P < 0.001) reflected acceptable consistency reliability for the indexes on multiple dysfunctions, self-care ability, vital signs, disease status, and disease course in DRP tool. The modified confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed the indexes of multiple dysfunctions (β = 0.31; 95%CI = 0.20–0.43), self-care ability (β = 0.99; 95%CI = 0.65–1.33), disease status (β = 0.11; 95%CI = 0.06–0.16), disease course (β = 0.15; 95%CI = 0.09–0.21), and vital signs (β = 0.15; 95%CI = 0.08–0.21) had significantly factor loadings on the rehabilitation ways. The modified CFA exhibited a satisfactory model fit (RMSEA = 0.03; CFI = 0.99; TLI = 0.95; SRMR = 0.01; AIC = 8268.51; BIC = 8373.43). This is the first study to develop a DRP tool using a relatively large sample from seven cities in China. The DRP tool had acceptable reliability and validity in measuring the rehabilitation ways of patients. Our findings provide a starting point for developing a practical tool in rehabilitation clinical practices and could provide advice on building more effective strategies and tools for other low-and middle-income countries that struggle with integrated healthcare.