Performed Factor Analysis Research Articles

Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of a Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Identity Scale: Survey Study With Two Independent Samples of Adults in the United States.

Emerging evidence suggests a positive association between relevant aspects of one's psychological identity and physical activity engagement, but the current understanding of this relationship is primarily based on scales designed to assess identity as a person who exercises, leaving out essential aspects of physical activities (eg, incidental and occupational physical activity) and sedentary behavior. The goal of this study is to evaluate the validity of a new physical activity and sedentary behavior (PA/SB) identity scale using 2 independent samples of US adults. In study 1, participants answered 21 candidate items for the PA/SB identity scale and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Study 2 participants completed the same PA/SB identity items twice over a 1-week interval and completed the IPAQ-SF at the end. We performed factor analyses to evaluate the structure of the PA/SB identity scale, evaluated convergent validity and test-retest reliability (in study 2) of the final scale scores, and examined their discriminant validity using tests for differences in dependent correlations. The final PA/SB identity measure was comprised of 3 scales: physical activity role identity (F1), physical activity belief (F2), and sedentary behavior role identity (F3). The scales had high test-retest reliability (Pearson correlation coefficient: F1, r=0.87; F2, r=0.75; F3, r=0.84; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: F1: ICC=0.85; F2: ICC=0.75; F3: ICC=0.84). F1 and F2 were positively correlated with each other (study 1, r=0.76; study 2, r=0.69), while both were negatively correlated with F3 (Pearson correlation coefficient between F1 and F3: r=-0.58 for study 1 and r=-0.73 for study 2; F2 and F3: r=-0.46 for studies 1 and 2). Data from both studies also demonstrated adequate discriminant validity of the scale developed. Significantly larger correlations with time in vigorous and moderate activities and time walking and sitting assessed by IPAQ-SF with F1, compared with F2, were observed. Significantly larger correlations with time in vigorous and moderate activities with F1, compared with F3, were also observed. Similarly, a larger correlation with time in vigorous activities and a smaller correlation with time walking were observed with F2, compared with F3. This study provided initial empirical evidence from 2 independent studies on the reliability and validity of the PA/SB identity scales for adults.

Assessing the Reliability, Dimensions, and Variance of Young's Internet Addiction Test by Applying it to Adolescents at the National Psychiatric Hospital in Costa Rica.

The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was the first instrument created specifically to assess Internet addiction (IA). Although it was not validated during its creation, its validity has since been confirmed thanks to subsequent studies. The IAT is the first global psychometric measure tested worldwide that has been used in several studies as a research tool. Regarding the dimensions of the IAT, they were not reported by the creator of the test, during the performed factor analysis. Nonetheless, different studies have defined the test as being one-dimensional and others as having three, four, five, and six dimensions. In the present study, seven dimensions were identified; however, there is still a lack of consensus about the number of dimensions that accurately define this test. Hence, Young's Internet Addiction Test presents a shortcoming that may be explained by the influence of several factors such as how it was applied, the place where it was applied, and the population to which it was applied. All of these are factors that could be linked to the sociocultural aspects of the adaptations that have been made to the test. Moreover, the first dimension of the IAT found, the loss of self-control, is extremely important because it explains 34% of the variance of the data. However, 74% of the variance is explained by applying the 7 dimensions identified in this research. Also, the reliability analysis showed that the IAT is 89% reliable, which indicates that the elements comprising the test used in this research are suitable for measuring the construct of Internet addiction.

Assessing the Reliability, Dimensions, and Variance of Young's Internet Addiction Test by Applying it to Adolescents at the National Psychiatric Hospital in Costa Rica

Background: The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was the first instrument created specifically to assess Internet addiction (IA). Although it was not validated during its creation, its validity has since been confirmed thanks to subsequent studies. The IAT is the first global psychometric measure tested worldwide that has been used in several studies as a research tool. Regarding the dimensions of the IAT, they were not reported by the creator of the test, during the performed factor analysis. Nonetheless, different studies have defined the test as being one-dimensional and others as having three, four, five, and six dimensions. Methods: In the present study, seven dimensions were identified; however, there is still a lack of consensus about the number of dimensions that accurately define this test. Results: Hence, Young's Internet Addiction Test presents a shortcoming that may be explained by the influence of several factors such as how it was applied, the place where it was applied, and the population to which it was applied. All of these are factors that could be linked to the sociocultural aspects of the adaptations that have been made to the test. Conclusions: Moreover, the first dimension of the IAT found, the loss of self-control, is extremely important because it explains 34% of the variance of the data. However, 74% of the variance is explained by applying the 7 dimensions identified in this research. Also, the reliability analysis showed that the IAT is 89% reliable, which indicates that the elements comprising the test used in this research are suitable for measuring the construct of Internet addiction.

Genome-Wide Association Study on Body Conformation Traits in Xinjiang Brown Cattle.

Body conformation traits are linked to the health, longevity, reproductivity, and production performance of cattle. These traits are also crucial for herd selection and developing new breeds. This study utilized pedigree information and phenotypic (1185 records) and genomic (The resequencing of 496 Xinjiang Brown cattle generated approximately 74.9 billion reads.) data of Xinjiang Brown cattle to estimate the genetic parameters, perform factor analysis, and conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for these traits. Our results indicated that most traits exhibit moderate to high heritability. The principal factors, which explained 59.12% of the total variance, effectively represented body frame, muscularity, rump, feet and legs, and mammary system traits. Their heritability estimates range from 0.17 to 0.73, with genetic correlations ranging from -0.53 to 0.33. The GWAS identified 102 significant SNPs associated with 12 body conformation traits. A few of the SNPs were located near previously reported genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs), while others were novel. The key candidate genes such as LCORL, NCAPG, and FAM184B were annotated within 500 Kb upstream and downstream of the significant SNPs. Therefore, factor analysis can be used to simplify multidimensional conformation traits into new variables, thus reducing the computational burden. The identified candidate genes from GWAS can be incorporated into the genomic selection of Xinjiang Brown cattle, enhancing the reliability of breeding programs.

Analysis of Tactical-Technical Attack Performance Factors: A Case Study of a Professional Women's Handball Team

Game analysis based on tactical-technical sports performance provides important information for coaches to periodize and evaluate team processes more accurately. The aim of this study was to analyze the probabilities of success in offensive situations by a Brazilian professional women’s handball team. The method used was a quantitative, descriptive and case study approach, which was a professional women’s handball team with national and international achievements. Data collection was based on the Handball Observation System, which allowed a total of 726 game actions to be evaluated from the two target competitions (world and national), 143 for the Women’s Super Globe and 583 for the national handball league. The data was analyzed using the Lince program, which helps with video analysis (games from different sports), optimizing data verification, and the SPSS 23.0 software, using multinomial regression. The results showed that the team had 10.538 more probabilities of scoring when using basic tactical means, compared to 1-on-1 actions (CR = 1.061) and complex tactical means (CR = 1). The offensive organization showed greater probabilities (OR = 1.668) of scoring with the full team, in attacks from the central area of the court of less than 9 meters (OR = 1.917) and with shots between 21 and 40 minutes (OR = 1.393). There were also 7.968 more chances for the opposing goalkeeper to make a save when the team attacked with basic tactical means and 2.562 more chances for him to save the shot between 21 and 40 minutes.

An adapted scale to measure perceived TB and HIV stigma during household contact investigation.

<sec><title>BACKGROUND</title>Measuring stigma for TB and HIV in households undergoing contact investigation for TB is critical for understanding its impacts on health behaviours and identifying opportunities for intervention. However, standardised measurements for TB-HIV stigma in household contact investigations are limited.</sec><sec><title>METHODS</title>We adapted and validated a household stigma scale in Uganda. This involved field testing measures from another setting with 163 household contacts of newly diagnosed TB patients, conducting cognitive interviews with seven household contacts, adapting scale items using cognitive interview data, and retesting the adapted scales in a random sample of 60 contacts. We assessed inter-item covariance and performed factor analysis to select the final scale items.</sec><sec><title>RESULTS</title>In whole-scale factor analysis, no cross-loading of items with scores ≥0.32 was found after the elimination of items based on covariance and symmetry. All TB items were loaded onto a single factor with scores ≥0.5, and all but one HIV item was loaded onto a second factor with scores ≥0.5. The final subscale internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.92 for TB and 0.89 for HIV.</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSIONS</title>The adapted TB-HIV stigma scale demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and is substantially shorter and easier to administer than previous scales, making it suitable for programmatic research and evaluation.</sec>.

Analysis of Performance Factors from U.S. Stock Exchange-Traded Funds Listed Domestically: An Investor"s Perspective

Analysis of Performance Factors from U.S. Stock Exchange-Traded Funds Listed Domestically: An Investor"s Perspective

Determinant Factor Analysis of Financial Performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with Social Capital as a Moderating Variable During COVID-19 in Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract This study analyzes the problem factors affecting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) performance with social capital variables. The problems are related to developing MSMEs’ financial and non-financial performance and are considered inseparable from various internal and external influences. This research is a quantitative-qualitative research with primary data. The utilization of questionnaires and interviews as methods for data collection. The data analysis technique used was a statistical analysis based on partial least squares (PLS). The study’s results found that internal and external factors had a significant positive effect on the financial performance of MSMEs. The E-commerce factors and social capital significantly positively affected the financial performance of MSMEs. However, the colonial capital did not strengthen the relationship between internal variables, external, and E-commerce on the financial performance of MSMEs.

Do government support correlates enhance financial performance? Rural microenterprises perspectives

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of financial performance of the rural microenterprises, with microcredit access as the mediating variable.Design/methodology/approachA survey using a self-administered questionnaire to the managers/owners of the rural microenterprises was adopted. The data was collected on the three study variables; financial literacy, credit access and financial performance. A total of 148 fully completed and useable questionnaires were used in the analysis. The researchers performed factor analysis, correlations, regression and mediation analysis to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe study revealed the existence of a statistically significant and positive relationship between financial literacy and microcredit access, microcredit access and financial performance. On the other hand the financial literacy had a significant but negative impact on the financial performance of the rural microenterprises. In the final analysis, financial literacy is only effective in impacting financial performance when mediated by microcredit access. We conclude that policies that emphasize financial literacy are ineffective in fostering the financial performance and growth of the microenterprises.Originality/valueThe study is original as it addresses the combined effect of credit rationing and resource based view theories to explain the financial performance of informal rural microenterprises that are the key livilihood business undertaking in many developing countries.

Smart e-waste management: a revolutionary incentive-driven IoT solution with LPWAN and edge-AI integration for environmental sustainability.

Managing e-waste involves collecting it, extracting valuable metals at low costs, and ensuring environmentally safe disposal. However, monitoring this process has become challenging due to e-waste expansion. With IoT technology like LoRa-LPWAN, pre-collection monitoring becomes more cost-effective. Our paper presents an e-waste collection and recovery system utilizing the LoRa-LPWAN standard, integrating intelligence at the edge and fog layers. The system incentivizes WEEE holders, encouraging participation in the innovative collection process. The city administration oversees this process using innovative trucks, GPS, LoRaWAN, RFID, and BLE technologies. Analysis of IoT performance factors and quantitative assessments (latency and collision probability on LoRa, Sigfox, and NB-IoT) demonstrate the effectiveness of our incentive-driven IoT solution, particularly with LoRa standard and Edge AI integration. Additionally, cost estimates show the advantage of LoRaWAN. Moreover, the proposed IoT-based e-waste management solution promises cost savings, stakeholder trust, and long-term effectiveness through streamlined processes and human resource training. Integration with government databases involves data standardization, API development, security measures, and functionality testing for efficient management.

Reducing flight upset risk and startle response: A study of the wake vortex alert with licensed commercial pilots

The study aimed at investigating the impact of an innovative Wake Vortex Alert (WVA) avionics on pilots' operation and mental states, intending to improve aviation safety by mitigating the risks associated with wake vortex encounters (WVEs). Wake vortices, generated by jet aircraft, pose a significant hazard to trailing or crossing aircrafts. Despite existing separation rules, incidents involving WVEs continue to occur, especially affecting smaller aircrafts like business jets, resulting in aircraft upsets and occasional cabin injuries. To address these challenges, the study focused on developing and validating an alert system that can be presented to air traffic controllers, enabling them to warn flight crews. This empowers the flight crews to either avoid the wake vortex or secure the cabin to prevent injuries. The research employed a multidimensional approach including an analysis of human performance and human factors (HF) issues to determine the potential impact of the alert on pilots' roles, tasks, and mental states. It also utilizes Human Assurance Levels (HALs) to evaluate the necessary human factors support based on the safety criticality of the new system. Realistic flight simulations were conducted to collect data of pilots' behavioural, subjective and neurophysiological responses during WVEs. The data allowed for an objective evaluation of the WVA impact on pilots' operation, behaviour and mental states (mental workload, stress levels and arousal). In particular, the results highlighted the effectiveness of the alert system in facilitating pilots' preparation, awareness and crew resource management (CRM). The results also highlighted the importance of avionics able to enhance aviation safety and reducing risks associated with wake vortex encounters. In particular, we demonstrated how providing timely information and improving situational awareness, the WVA will minimize the occurrence of WVEs and contribute to safer aviation operations.

XGBoost To Enhance Learner Performance Prediction

The huge amount of data generated by an Intelligent Tutoring System becomes useful when analyzed in an appropriate way to provide significant insights about learners, especially his or her performance. Performance data retrieved from historical interactions is the main engine for learner performance prediction, where the likelihood of the learner answering correctly future questions is calculated. Modeling learner performance can provide significant insights into individual students to promote successful learning and maximize educational achievement. This study aims to enhance the learner performance prediction of some logistic regression-based models, namely Item Response Theory, Performance Factor Analysis, and DAS3H using XGBoost, including an empirical comparison of eight real-world datasets, containing performance log data collected from different online intelligent tutoring systems, involving the first time a new dataset from Moodle Morocco. The results have demonstrated that the XGBoost has enhanced PFA predictive performance on seven datasets with an AUC of up 0.88 and improved the DAS3H AUC on the ASSISTment17 dataset while conserving almost the same predictive results for Item Response Theory on some datasets.

Synergistic Evolution of PM2.5 and O3 Concentrations: Evidence from Environmental Kuznets Curve Tests in the Yellow River Basin

Air pollution, especially the synergistic pollution of PM2.5 and O3, poses a severe threat to human life and production. The synergistic formation mechanism of PM2.5 and O3 pollution is relatively confirmed, while research on their spatiotemporal synergy is urgent. Based on remotely sensed interpretation data from 90 cities in the Yellow River Basin, we analyzed the synergistic evolution of PM2.5 and O3 concentrations during 2013–2020. Combined with the environmental Kuznets curve, we performed factor analysis using a panel regression model. The synergistic evolution pattern shows a gradual decrease in PM2.5 concentration and a gradual increase in O3 concentration. There is a strong spatial auto-correlation in the two pollutants’ concentrations. The relationship between economy and PM2.5 concentration shows an “N-shaped” curve, while that between O3 concentration and economic development presents an inverse “N-shaped” curve. The environmental Kuznets curve shows that the deterioration of O3 pollution takes place later than the mitigation of PM2.5 pollution. Various factors have obvious heterogeneous effects on PM2.5 and O3 concentrations. Meanwhile, the sensitivity effect of per capita GDP on PM2.5 concentration in the midstream region is stronger than that in the upstream region, while the sensitivity effect of per capita GDP on O3 concentration is strongest in the midstream region than that in upstream and downstream region.

Employee Performance Factor Analysis at KSPPS BMT NUS

This study aims to examine the employee performance at KSPPS BMT NU Sejahtera Semarang. The research method used was quantitative, with a population of 52 employees of KSPPS BMT NU Sejahtera Semarang. The sampling technique employed was saturation sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study indicate that Islamic organizational culture, compensation, and motivation have a significant positive influence on employee performance. Islamic organizational culture, compensation, and motivation collectively influence employee performance at KSPPS BMT NU Sejahtera Semarang with a regression coefficient of 68.1%, while the remaining percentage is influenced by other variables beyond the scope of this study. Based on the findings, several suggestions are provided for KSPPS BMT NU Sejahtera Semarang. It is important to enhance the implementation of Islamic values, provide appropriate compensation, and improve employee motivation. For future researchers, further studies can be conducted to identify other factors beyond the variables examined in this study that may influence employee performance. Comparative research with similar organizations or within the same sector can also be conducted to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to employee performance

Italian adaptation of the Multidimensional Iowa Suggestibility Scale (MISS).

Suggestibility is a personality trait that reflects a general tendency to accept messages. The Multidimensional Iowa Suggestibility Scale (MISS) is a self-report scale developed to measure the degree of individuals' perceptions of their suggestibility. This study aimed to adapt the MISS in an Italian sample. We conducted two studies. In the first study, 345 subjects (270 females (78%), mean age = 36.21 years ± 14.06 SD) completed the translated Italian version of the MISS, composed of five subscales (consumer suggestibility; persuadability; sensation contagion; physiological reactivity; peer conformity). We investigated the structural validity of the scale through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) testing four measurement models (unidimensional, four-factor, hierarchical four factors, and bifactor) and explored reliability in terms of internal consistency through the McDonald's omega. In the second study, we cross-validated the MISS on a new independent sample. We enrolled 277 participants (196 females (71%), mean age 30.56, SD = 12.58) who underwent the new version of the scale. We performed factor analyses to test structural validity and compared four measurement models. Then, we investigated reliability and conducted a latent variable analysis to explore divergent validity. The CFA in the first study revealed a bifactor solution of the MISS. This structure was interpretable and provided an adequate fit for the data. The final version of the scale was reduced to forty-six items with globally good indices of adaptation. The scale also demonstrated acceptable reliability in terms of internal consistency through the McDonald's Hierarchical Omega. In the second study, we found that the bifactor structure was confirmed. Factor loadings inspection revealed that there was no justification to report only the separate scores for the subscales. We also found that the scale showed good internal consistency, but mixed evidence for divergent validity. In the end, the Italian version of the MISS demonstrated good psychometric properties which will be discussed in detail below.

An EWAS of dementia biomarkers and their associations with age, African ancestry, and PTSD

BackgroundLarge-scale cohort and epidemiological studies suggest that PTSD confers risk for dementia in later life but the biological mechanisms underlying this association remain unknown. This study examined this question by assessing the influences of PTSD, APOE ε4 genotypes, DNA methylation, and other variables on the age- and dementia-associated biomarkers Aβ40, Aβ42, GFAP, NfL, and pTau-181 measured in plasma. Our primary hypothesis was that PTSD would be associated with elevated levels of these markers.MethodsAnalyses were based on data from a PTSD-enriched cohort of 849 individuals. We began by performing factor analyses of the biomarkers, the results of which identified a two-factor solution. Drawing from the ATN research framework, we termed the first factor, defined by Aβ40 and Aβ42, “Factor A” and the second factor, defined by GFAP, NfL and pTau-181, “Factor TN.” Next, we performed epigenome-wide association analyses (EWAS) of the two-factor scores. Finally, using structural equation modeling (SEM), we evaluated (a) the influence of PTSD, age, APOE ε4 genotype and other covariates on levels of the ATN factors, and (b) tested the mediating influence of the EWAS-significant DNAm loci on these associations.ResultsThe Factor A EWAS identified one significant locus, cg13053408, in FANCD2OS. The Factor TN analysis identified 3 EWAS-significant associations: cg26033520 near ASCC1, cg23156469 in FAM20B, and cg15356923 in FAM19A4. The SEM showed age to be related to both factors, more so with Factor TN (β = 0.581, p < 0.001) than Factor A (β = 0.330, p < 0.001). Genotype-determined African ancestry was associated with lower Factor A (β = 0.196, p < 0.001). Contrary to our primary hypothesis, we found a modest negative bivariate correlation between PTSD and the TN factor scores (r = − 0.133, p < 0.001) attributable primarily to reduced levels of GFAP (r = − 0.128, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study identified novel epigenetic associations with ATN biomarkers and demonstrated robust age and ancestral associations that will be essential to consider in future efforts to develop the clinical applications of these tests. The association between PTSD and reduced GFAP, which has been reported previously, warrants further investigation.

FACTOR ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND FORMATION OF STRATEGIC RESILIENCE IN UKRAINIAN IT COMPANIES UNDER THE CHALLENGES OF WAR

Ukrainian IT companies, a crucial sector of the national economy, currently face challenges and risks associated with contemporary military and adverse macroeconomic realities. Adapting and strengthening the strategic resilience and financial performance of Ukrainian IT companies becomes a pivotal task in times of war. The purpose of the article is to conduct a factor analysis of the financial performance of IT companies and determine the key directions for ensuring the strategic stability of enterprises in this industry in Ukraine.The article analyzes the primary threats and challenges faced by Ukrainian IT companies, assessing the corresponding measures they implemented to stabilize operations and ensure business processes in 2021-2022. The research allowed for the identification, using economic analysis methods and the construction of multifactorial multiplicative models, of the influencing factors on the financial performance of Ukrainian IT companies during wartime. In particular, five-factor models were constructed to analyze the change in net profit and net income from sales for 7 leading industry companies in Ukraine. The key factors in the models include the structure of funding sources, asset turnover, profitability, cost structure and others.The importance of fostering strategic resilience for Ukrainian IT companies amid military challenges has been established. Business strategic resilience implies a company's ability to adapt to adverse changes in its external environment while maintaining competitiveness. Directions for shaping strategic resilience in enterprises have been identified, particularly in the context of ensuring financial, operational, and organizational resilience, physical security, business model stability, cyber threat resistance, and corporate social responsibility. The analysis of financial performance factors, employing economic analysis methods in conjunction with an evaluation of how IT companies respond to the challenges of war, will enable a comprehensive risk assessment and effective managerial decision-making within these business structures.

Measuring the Effect of Built Environment on Students’ School Trip Method Using Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale

School trips affect different aspects, such as air pollution and urban traffic, and of personal wellbeing, such as students’ physical and mental health. The increasing concern about environmental sustainability has prompted a reevaluation of daily activities, including school transportation. While different factors that affect students’ school trips have been investigated in the literature, the effect of the built environment has been evaluated only sporadically in previous studies. To fulfil this knowledge gap, this study aims to investigate the effect of the built environment on students’ school trips by adapting and extending the well-known Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS) questionnaire. The questionnaire survey was conducted with parents from 36 schools in Yazd, Iran, providing a sample of 1688 students aged 7–18 years. The items from the NEWS questionnaire were placed in nine factors by performing factor analysis. The Multinomial Logit Regression model was applied to check the predictive power of these nine factors. It was found that the variables of land use mix-diversity, land use mix-access, crime, age, gender, household income and car ownership had a significant effect on students’ school trips. The more easily students have access to different places, the less they use public services and cars compared with the active travel mode. The use of public services and cars increases with the increase in crime rate along the route to school. The findings indicate that built environment features may impact students’ shift from traditional transportation modes to active alternatives, such as walking and cycling, contributing to the attainment of broader sustainability objectives.

Revisiting delusion subtypes in schizophrenia based on their underlying structures

A clear understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and related spectrum disorders has been limited by clinical heterogeneity. We investigated whether relative severity and predominance of one or more delusion subtypes might yield clinically differentiable patient profiles. Patients (N = 286) with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) completed the 21-item Peters et al. Delusions Inventory (PDI-21). We performed factor analysis followed by k-means clustering to identify delusion factors and patient subtypes. Patients were further assessed via the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Brief Negative Symptom Scale, Digit Symbol and Digit Substitution tasks, use of cannabis and tobacco, and stressful life events. The overall patient sample clustered into subtypes corresponding to Low-Delusion, Grandiose-Predominant, Paranoid-Predominant, and Pan-Delusion patients. Paranoid-Predominant and Pan-Delusion patients showed significantly higher burden of positive symptoms, while Low-Delusion patients showed the highest burden of negative symptoms. The Paranoia delusion factor score showed a positive association with Digit Symbol and Digit Substitution tasks in the overall sample, and the Paranoid-Predominant subtype exhibited the best performance on both tasks. Grandiose-Predominant patients showed significantly higher tobacco smoking severity than other subtypes, while Paranoid-Predominant patients were significantly more likely to have a lifetime diagnosis of Cannabis Use Disorder. We suggest that delusion self-report inventories such as the PDI-21 may be of utility in identifying sub-syndromes in SSD. From the current study, a Paranoid-Predominant form may be most distinctive, with features including less cognitive impairment and a stronger association with cannabis use.

Applying Resampling and Visualization Methods in Factor Analysis to Model Human Spatial Vision.

Studies have reported different numbers of spatial frequency channels for chromatic and achromatic vision. To resolve the difference, we performed factor analysis, a multivariate modeling technique, on population data of achromatic and chromatic sensitivity. In addition, we included resampling and visualization methods to evaluate models from factor analysis. These routines are complex but widely useful. Therefore we have archived our analysis routines by building smCSF, an open-source software package in R (https://smin95.github.io/dataviz/). Data of 103 normally-sighted adults were analyzed. They included blue-yellow, red-green, and achromatic contrast sensitivity. To obtain the confidence interval of relevant statistical parameters, factor analysis was performed using a resampling method. Then exploratory models were developed. We then performed model selections by fitting them against the empirical data and quantifying the quality of the fits. During the exploratory factor analysis, different statistical tests supported different factor models. These could partially be reasons for why there have been conflicting reports. However, after the confirmatory analysis, we found that a model that included two spatial channels was adequate to approximate the chromatic sensitivity data, whereas that with three channels was so for the achromatic sensitivity data. Our findings provide novel insights about the spatial channels for chromatic and achromatic contrast sensitivity from population data. Also, the analysis and visualization routines have been archived in a computational package to boost the transparency and replicability of science.