Two-factor Model Research Articles

A transdiagnostic approach of negative symptoms in psychiatric disorders: replication of a two-factor structure in major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.

Recent empirical findings suggest that negative symptoms are not limited to schizophrenia (SCZ) but also present in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) patients. Although SCZ patients generally showed a latent structure comprising the motivation and pleasure (MAP) and expression (EXP) factors, it remains unclear whether the same latent structure exists in MDD and BD patients. We administered the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) and the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS) to 179 MDD patients and 152 BD patients. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the one-factor model, the two-factor model of the MAP and the EXP domain, the five-factor model of anhedonia, avolition, asociality, alogia, and blunted affect, and the hierarchical model comprising the first-order five-factor, and the second-order two-factor (MAP and EXP factors). We further examined the correlations between demographics and the negative symptom dimensions found in the best factor model. The CFA showed that, when the CAINS and the BNSS were combined together, the two-factor model of MAP and EXP provided the best model fit than other competing models, in the MDD alone sample, BD alone sample, and the combined clinical sample. The two-factor model of the MAP and EXP appears to be a stable, transdiagnostic latent structure of negative symptoms across BD and MDD. Clarifying negative symptoms in MDD and BD can facilitate future research on the underlying neural mechanisms of the MAP and EXP dimensions.

Validation of the Thai translation of the attitudes toward euthanasia scale

In Thailand, euthanasia has been a controversial topic for several decades. The assessment of attitudes toward euthanasia among medical students who will become future medical practitioners is essential for the progression of future legislation and practice. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Attitude Towards Euthanasia scale in the Thai context and measure its validity and reliability. First, the scale was translated into Thai by certified translation centers using the forward-backward technique. This cross-sectional study involved 112 Thai students. Self-reported online questionnaires and the Attitude Towards Euthanasia scale were used for data collection. The psychometric properties of the scale were analyzed using internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's Omega coefficient), reproducibility, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha for the Thai Attitude Towards Euthanasia scale was 0.83, and the reproducibility was acceptable, with no statistically significant difference between the first and subsequent responses for each item. The two-factor model was extracted using exploratory factor analysis, and the values of the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin criterion and Bartlett's test of sphericity all fell within a satisfactory range. Two- and four-factor models were analyzed for the confirmatory factor analysis, and the latter provided more acceptable model fit indices. In conclusion, the Thai Attitude Towards Euthanasia scale is valid for assessing attitudes toward euthanasia among Thai medical students.

Development of the two-factor modified Kids Eating Disorder Survey (M-KEDS): a validation study with hispanic adolescents

BackgroundDisordered eating behaviors and body dissatisfaction are highly prevalent among adolescents and linked to negative health outcomes. While Hispanic adolescents appear to be at high risk of disordered eating and body dissatisfaction, validated tools for assessment of these health concerns among this population are lacking.MethodsThis study used Confirmatory Factor Analysis to establish factorial validity for the Kids Eating Disorder Survey (KEDS) among a community sample of Hispanic adolescents. Internal consistency was measured by the Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20).ResultsParticipants (N = 690) were Hispanic (100%) and female (53%), with a mean age of 12 years. After testing the psychometric properties of KEDS and implementing modifications, the resulting two-factor KEDS model (M-KEDS) showed acceptable fit (TLI = 0.98, CFI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.06) for the Weight Dissatisfaction (renamed to Negative Weight Attitudes) and Purging/Restriction (renamed to Extreme Weight Control Behaviors) sub-scales and good internal consistency (KR-20 = 0.77).ConclusionM-KEDS is a factorial valid instrument for assessing Extreme Weight Control Behaviors and Negative Weight Attitudes among Hispanic adolescents. Hispanics are among the fastest-growing racial/ethnic groups in the United States, warranting further research on negative weight attitudes and extreme weight control behaviors in this population.

Impulsiveness in Substance Users: Metacognitive Beliefs and Repetitive Negative Thinking as Potential Maintenance Factors.

Using the self-regulatory executive function model as a basis, this study explored whether, among substance users, metacognitive beliefs and repetitive negative thinking were associated with impulsiveness. A total of 100 substance users were recruited. Impulsiveness, metacognitive beliefs, rumination and worry were assessed. Correlation and hierarchal regression analyses were run. Beliefs about the need to control thoughts, lower cognitive self-consciousness and brooding rumination were found to be independent predictors of the total score on impulsiveness in the hierarchical regression analysis. Further regression analyses indicated that motor impulsiveness was predicted by a combination of beliefs about the need to control thoughts and brooding rumination, while non-planning impulsiveness was predicted by beliefs about the need to control thoughts and lower cognitive self-consciousness. Among substance users, higher impulsiveness is associated with the tendency to endorse beliefs about the need to control thoughts and brooding rumination. Among substance users, beliefs about the need to control thoughts and brooding rumination (and potentially cognitive self-consciousness) could be a suitable therapeutic targets to mitigate particularly motor impulsiveness and non-planning impulsiveness.

Metacognitive beliefs and desire thinking as potential maintenance factors of compulsive sexual behavior

Metacognitive beliefs and desire thinking as potential maintenance factors of compulsive sexual behavior

Research on the factors affecting rural teachers’ retention and countermeasures: strategies based on the perspective of Herzberg’s two-factor theory

ABSTRACT Rural education is an important component of K–12 education. However, influenced by multiple factors, the situation of rural teachers is far from stable. Therefore, how to retain teachers is the global issue faced by rural education. Based on Herzberg’s two-factor theory, a survey of Herzberg’s two-factor influence was carried out among 323 rural teachers, uncovering the internal factors affecting the stability of teaching staff, to understand the measures needed to improve rural teachers’ retention rates. The study shows that there exists a severe imbalance in the gender ratio of rural teachers, and teachers are highly satisfied with educational policies in spite of their low incomes. With regards to interpersonal relationships, school administrators fail to emphasize a “human-centered” management philosophy. Improvement measures are proposed including expanding the channel of teacher professional development, satisfying the demand for teacher professional development, improving welfare and creating a pleasant work environment.

Bellboy Work Motivation: Studying at a Star Hotel in Bali

This study aims to determine the work motivation of bellboys at Hotel ABC Bali. Data collection was carried out by distributing questionnaires to bellboy staff, then confirmed through interviews with bell captains to confirm the results of the questionnaire and to conduct documentation as supporting evidence. The data analysis technique used in this study is a qualitative descriptive method. This study refers to the two-factor work motivation theory according to Fredrick Herzberg. The results of the analysis showed that the motivation of bellboy staff was 3.34 with a fairly satisfied predicate. As for the intrinsic or hygienic factor, it has the highest level of satisfaction, namely 3.57 with a satisfied predicate, while the extrinsic or motivation factor gets the lowest value, namely 3.11 with a fairly satisfied predicate.

Food service safety and hygiene factors: a longitudinal study on the Brazilian consumer perception.

The objective of this study was to investigate the perceptions and attitudes of consumers toward food service safety and hygiene when purchasing ready-to-eat food. Data were collected at three time points: before (T0) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (T1 and T2). Among the 333 participants, 45.9% reported fear of contracting COVID-19 when purchasing off-site meals, and 78.4% for on-site meals in T1, compared to 21.0 and 52.0% in T2, respectively (p < 0.001). Hygiene and cleanliness of the establishment became less important for participants when selecting food services throughout the pandemic (T0: 42.6%; T1: 41.1%; T2: 0.0%; p < 0.01). Security protocols during off-site and on-site purchases were considered important by more participants in T1 (47.7 and 27.6%, respectively) than in T0 (28.8 and 9.0%, respectively), with a decrease in T2 (0 and 16.5%, respectively; p < 0.01). Regarding food delivery services, concerns about hygiene decreased in T1 (44%) compared to T0 (63.7%) but increased again in T2 (76%; p < 0.01). Precautions with the food packaging was less prevalent at least during one point in the pandemic compared to T0 (p < 0.01), while heating food before consumption was more common at the onset of the pandemic (T1) but declined by T2 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the use of cash decreased while contactless payment methods increased during the pandemic. In conclusion, different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced consumer behavior and attitudes toward purchasing ready-to-eat food.

Mrc1Claspin is essential for heterochromatin maintenance in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

In eukaryotes, maintenance of heterochromatin structure that represses gene expression during cell proliferation is essential for guaranteeing cell identity. However, how heterochromatin is maintained and transmitted to the daughter cells remains elusive. In this study, we constructed a reporter system to study the maintenance of heterochromatin in the subtelomeric region of the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We demonstrated that once subtelomeric heterochromatin was established, it tended to be maintained as a metastable structure through cell proliferation. Using this system, we screened an S. pombe genome-wide gene deletion library for subtelomeric heterochromatin maintenance factors and identified 57 genes related to various cellular processes, in addition to well-characterized heterochromatin factors. We focused on Mrc1Claspin, a mediator of DNA replication checkpoint. We found that Mrc1 maintains heterochromatin structure not only at the subtelomeres but also at the pericentromeres and mating-type regions. Furthermore, we showed that Mrc1 is required for the localization of Snf2/Hdac-containing Repressor Complex (SHREC) and the maintenance of hypoacetylation state of histone H3K14. This study complements the recent discoveries that Mrc1 functions as a histone H3-H4 chaperone in heterochromatin maintenance.

A hybrid approach to investigating major management factors for effective highway preventive maintenance

To resolve the problem of the low management capacity of highway preventive maintenance (HPM), this paper identified and evaluated the major HPM management factors to improve management effectiveness and achieve sustainable highway development. The study conducted a literature review and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify the major HPM management factors. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to distinguish the degree of importance of these factors. A system dynamics (SD) model was developed to explore their patterns of influence. The research identified six dimensions of HPM management, including the management system, management resources, management cognition, management decisions, management technology, and external conditions, along with 26 major management factors. Moreover, information acquisition, system perfection, etc., are key factors; system execution, manager capability, etc., are hub factors; and route selection, machinery allocation, etc., are non-key factors. These factors have a positive impact on HPM management, leading to an upward trend in management effectiveness. The main innovation provided a hybrid and comprehensive approach to identify and evaluate the major management factors for effective HPM. This study can guide managers in developing effective HPM plans, allocating resources more efficiently, improving the overall quality of highway maintenance and forming a sustainable transportation system.

Development and validation of the sarcopenia disease risk perception scale for older adults

BackgroundSarcopenia represents a constant threat to the health of older adults, and accurate risk perception is essential for disease prevention and control. However, current methodologies lack rigorously validated instruments to assess the perceived risk of sarcopenia among this group. Thus, this study aimed to develop and validate a sarcopenia disease risk perception scale for older adults.DesignThe study was conducted in two phases: development of the initial scale and its psychometric evaluation. A STROBE checklist was employed.MethodsBased on the two-factor model of risk perception theory and the health belief model, the initial draft of the scale was created through literature review, expert consultations, and a preliminary survey with a small sample. Then, we used a cross-sectional study methodology to conveniently select 438 Chinese older adults. Item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to refine and validate the scale items. Internal consistency and external consistency were assessed to confirm the scale’s reliability.ResultsThese evaluations established the scale’s framework: content validity, item analysis, and EFA. The two factors extracted from the initial analysis explained 62.250% of the observation variance. The CFA confirmed a good fit for the model, demonstrating the scale’s robust reliability and validity. The finalized scale includes 15 items and two dimensions: perceived susceptibility (eight items) and perceived severity (seven items).ConclusionThe Sarcopenia Disease Risk Perception Scale for Older Adults is reliable and valid, making it appropriate for assessing the risk perception level in the target population.

Correlation between Teacher Motivation, Remuneration and Student Outcomes in Nigeria, with a Focus on Public versus Private Educational Institutions

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between teacher motivation, remuneration, and student outcomes in Nigeria, with a focus on public versus private educational institutions Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The investigation into the correlation between teacher motivation, remuneration, and student outcomes in Nigeria reveals a clear link between teacher incentives and student performance, with notable differences between public and private institutions. In private schools, where teachers generally receive higher salaries and better working conditions, student outcomes are significantly better, as measured by exam performance and retention rates. Conversely, in public schools, low teacher remuneration, lack of incentives, and inadequate working conditions result in low teacher motivation, which negatively impacts student outcomes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Herzberg’s two-factor theory, expectancy theory &amp; equity theory may be used to anchor future studies on the correlation between teacher motivation, remuneration, and student outcomes in Nigeria, with a focus on public versus private educational institutions. Performance-based remuneration systems should be implemented in public schools to enhance teacher motivation. Policymakers should establish a national remuneration framework that aligns public and private sector teacher pay, ensuring equity in compensation and reducing the motivation gap between the sectors.

Cognitive processing biases of social anxiety in adults who do and do not stutter

PurposeAdults who stutter are at risk of developing high levels of social anxiety, leading to negative outcomes and contributing towards stuttering relapse post treatment. To ensure that psychological treatments for social anxiety in stuttering adults are relevant and effective, a broader empirical understanding of the mechanisms of social anxiety in stuttering populations is required. Four key cognitive processing biases identified as maintenance factors in cognitive behavioral models of social anxiety were examined: self-focused attention, safety behavior use, negative self-imagery, and interpretation bias. MethodsAdults who stutter and non-stuttering adults (N = 186) were assessed via an online survey. Participants were categorised into two groups based on stuttering: formally diagnosed stuttering and non-stuttering. Within those groups, participants were further categorised as having low or high levels of social anxiety. Cognitive processing bias was assessed in response to two hypothetical social scenarios (i.e., social interaction and social performance). ResultsAs predicted, in both adults who stutter and who are non-stuttering, high social anxiety was related to greater self-focused attention, safety behavior use and negative self-imagery compared to low social anxiety. No significant effect of social anxiety or stuttering was found in relation to interpretation bias. A significant effect of social anxiety upon negative self-imagery was observed in formally-diagnosed adults who stutter compared to non-stuttering adults. ConclusionThe results support the use of cognitive behavioral models of social anxiety as a framework for research and treatment development within stuttering populations.

Mediating effect of teacher self-efficacy on the impact of hygiene and motivational factors on job satisfaction

Mediating effect of teacher self-efficacy on the impact of hygiene and motivational factors on job satisfaction

Readiness of government employees on workplace digital transformation and its correlation to employees’ productivity using Herzberg two-factor theory

This research study evaluates the preparedness of government employees to implement digital transformation and its impact on employee productivity by incorporating Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory. The Philippine government has launched several automation and digitalization initiatives to enhance public administration and increase accessibility to government services. However, digital transformation has posed challenges to employee productivity and motivation, leading to inefficiency and a lack of incentive to perform tasks due to employees' unawareness of various aspects of digitalization. The study employs a quantitative correlation research design, utilizing statistical treatments such as Weighted Mean and Pearson R to analyze and interpret the data. According to the findings, while government employees are ready and willing to embrace digital change, there is potential to increase the effectiveness of digital technologies in reducing workplace stress and improving overall well-being. The study also found a significant relationship between the readiness of government employees for workplace digital transformation and their productivity, as explained by Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory.

РАЗРАБОТКА ДВУХФАКТОРНОЙ МАТЕМАТИЧЕСКОЙ МОДЕЛИ ОЦЕНКИ КОЛИЧЕСТВА ДОРОЖНО-ТРАНСПОРТНЫХ ПРОИСШЕСТВИЙ С УЧАСТИЕМ ПАССАЖИРСКОГО ТРАНСПОРТА

The article considers the accident rate of passenger transport, determines perspective ways of development of this type of transport and the main target indicators in accordance with the Transport Strategy. The analysis of the main factors affecting the development of passenger transport - passenger turnover and availability of rolling stock - is carried out and a two-factor model is developed, which allows estimating the change in the accident rate depending on the changes in the factors under study.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Toluidine Blue Electrospun in Detecting Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders.

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) with epithelial dysplasia can progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Toluidine blue (TB) has been used in oral screening with various methods. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of TB-containing electrospun fibers in detecting OPMDs with epithelial dysplasia compared to histopathology. The concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and TB were optimized for fiber diameter and puncture strength using the design of experiments method with a central composite design. These optimized fibers were tested on 36 suspected OPMD lesions in 30 patients, followed by a biopsy for histopathological examination. The quadratic and two-factor interaction models described the relationship between TB and PVP concentrations and fiber characteristics. The TB-containing electrospun fibers had 77.3% sensitivity and 35.7% specificity in detecting OPMDs with epithelial dysplasia. The TB-containing electrospun fibers offer advantages such as easy application, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced sensitivity in identifying OPMDs with epithelial dysplasia. However, their diagnostic accuracy is insufficient as a standalone diagnostic method, and they should be considered an adjunctive tool for detecting dysplastic changes in the oral epithelium. Thailand Clinical Trials Registry: TCTR20240429002.

Validity, test-retest reliability, and responsiveness of the Indonesian version of FACIT-COST measure for subjective financial toxicity.

Financial toxicity describes the impairment of financial wellbeing in patients due to the burden of cancer diagnosis and care. The COST: A Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Measure of Financial Toxicity (FACIT-COST) is the most widely used cancer-specific measure of subjective financial toxicity, having been validated in multiple languages, but not in Indonesian. This study aimed to validate the Indonesian version of FACIT-COST in a breast cancer sample. A single-center prospective cohort study was performed in Indonesia. Female breast cancer patients aged ≥ 18 undergoing treatment at baseline were invited to participate and followed for up to six months. The survey included the official Indonesian version of FACIT-COST (v2) which was administered to the patients by interviewers. Clinical information (e.g., metastasis status, disease duration) was provided based on medical records. The following measurement properties of FACIT-COST were tested: distributional characteristics, structural validity (principal component [PCA] and confirmatory factor analyses [CFA]), internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega), known-groups validity (Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis H test), test-retest reliability, and responsiveness to change. Overall, 300 female patients participated at baseline. No patients reported the best or worst possible FACIT-COST total scores. The PCA proposed a two-factor model structure for the instrument, which was confirmed by the CFA (RMSEA = 0.042, SRMR = 0.049, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99). The internal consistency reliability of the two factors was considered adequate (Cronbach's alpha = 0.774-0.882, McDonald's omega = 0.786-0.888). The FACIT-COST total score significantly discriminated across the following known-groups: age, education, residential setting, income, employment, metastasis status, number of symptoms, and financial coping strategies. The FACIT-COST demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96) and satisfactory responsiveness to change (standardized response mean and effect size ranges=|0.39| to |0.92|). This is the first study to validate the FACIT-COST in patients with breast cancer and to present the measurement properties of the Indonesian version of FACIT-COST. The Indonesian FACIT-COST demonstrates acceptable psychometric performance and shows potential as a valid measure of subjective financial toxicity. The instrument may serve as a valuable tool for informing health policies that focus on providing resource support to improve cancer care in Indonesia.

Analyzing Amazon Stock Volatility: Market Returns and Macroeconomic Factors

Against the backdrop of globalization and changing financial markets, investors and policymakers need accurate market volatility forecasts to guide decision-making. Traditional forecasting models are difficult to fully explain the complex market volatility, thus requiring more refined research methods. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of market returns and macroeconomic indicators on Amazon stock volatility by constructing a two-factor model to provide more accurate forecasts. A quantitative approach is used to construct the model, with market returns represented by the CAPM and selected macroeconomic indicators introduced as the second factor. The model parameters are estimated from historical data and empirical analyses verify the predictive effectiveness of the model in different market environments. Preliminary results show that market returns and macroeconomic indicators significantly influence Amazon stock volatility. Market factors dominate volatility in the short term, while macroeconomic factors may have a more significant impact in the long term. This finding contributes to a better understanding of Amazon stock price drivers and provides investors with more targeted decision support.

Exploring the Relationship between Hygiene Factors and Job Satisfaction in Workplace

The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship that exists between hygiene factors and job satisfaction (JS) among the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) personnel in the workplace. The focus shall be directed toward the diligent personnel on board at Lumut Naval Base. The present study adopts a quantitative analysis methodology, employing a straightforward descriptive approach and correlation analysis through SPSS 23, wherein a sample of 220 employees was randomly selected for analysis. The empirical evidence suggests that there exist notable associations between job satisfaction (JS) and various factors, namely company policy, salary and benefits, and interpersonal relationships. The variables of job security and working conditions do not exhibit a statistically significant correlation with job satisfaction. The findings of this study suggest that there exists a noteworthy correlation between variables towards Job Satisfaction (JS). Therefore, there is no significant correlation between Job Security and Working Conditions in JS. The study's impact extends beyond the organization, encompassing the broader field, as it adds to the body of literature about the research elements. The utilization of models and theoretical frameworks in prospective investigations presents a distinct point for comprehending and interpreting phenomena that represents a noteworthy innovation within the context study.