Pilot Sample Research Articles

Pilot development and initial validation of the Black spiritual creativity scale

ABSTRACT There is a lack of research dedicated to understanding and evaluating how African Americans engage in spiritual creativity as a form of cultural empowerment in order to thrive in the face of systemic oppression. The Black Spiritual Creativity Scale (BSCS) is a new measure that was designed to address this gap in the literature. The BSCS measures the experience of creativity, rhythm, and soul as spiritual forces that contribute to a sense of personal transformation as well as resistance and liberation among African Americans. The present pilot exploratory factor analysis study was conducted with a pilot sample of 126 participants and produced a 15-item, two-factor model. Reliability and validity analyses supported the initial promise of this new scale. Future research implications are discussed.

Cross-Cultural Collaborative Translation/Adaptation of Assessments Via International Working Groups

Abstract: Most neuropsychological assessments are developed in English, yet nearly 95% of the global population are not native English speakers. To further compound this problem, translating and adapting assessments is a complex, expensive, and time-consuming process that few individual psychologists can undertake on their own. To overcome these obstacles, we formed an international consulting group of bilingual pediatric rehabilitation/hospital clinicians to translate and adapt a common assessment of cognitive recovery, the Cognitive and Linguistic Scale (CALS), for use with youth in three linguistic/cultural groups: Spanish-speaking youth residing in the United States, Dutch-speaking youth residing in the Netherlands, and Hebrew-speaking youth residing in Israel. We describe the collaborative process of translating and adapting the CALS for the respective populations following the first two stages of the International Test Committee guidelines (Precondition and Test Development). We also present new, more culturally accessible versions of visual stimuli that can be used across many linguistic/cultural groups in the Western world. Initial examination of responses from a preliminary pilot sample of US youth ( N = 11) supported the acceptability of the Spanish translation and new visual stimuli. Next steps for each translated/adapted version of the CALS are discussed, including plans for validation in each respective population. We hope this overview will serve as a model for other groups to help decrease the translation burden on individual clinicians and promote higher-quality translated/adapted assessments that better serve diverse and often underserved patient populations.

P184 Challenging Barriers in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: First Observational Analysis of Double Biological Therapy in Mexico

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammation of the GI tract, despite advances in treatment with biologic therapy, some patients may develop an inadequate response, known as refractory IBD (rIBD).Given this reality, the approach of double biological therapy (DBT) has emerged to effectively address and improve control of inflammation, providing them with an additional therapeutic option Methods Pilot prospective observational study evaluateing response to DBT in patients with refractory IBD Results A total of 7 patients with rIBD who received DBT were included, the average age was 29 ± 9, all female. The average duration of illness before starting dual therapy was 8 ± 2years. Patients had received an average of 2 previous biological treatments, 4 (57%) had a history of surgery related to IBD, 5 (71%) and 2(29%) had a history of stenosis and fistulas respectively and 100% used steroids and immunomodulators before starting DBT. Four DBT combinations were evaluated: CERTOLIZUMAB+VEDOLIZUMAB (group 1), USTEKINUMAB+VEDOLIZUMAB (group 2), INFLIXIMAB+USTEKINUMAB (group 3) and INFLIXIMAB+VEDOLIZUMAB (group 4).Group 1 included 1 patient with improvement in clinical activity, with a decrease in endoscopic activity from i4 to i2 by Rutgeerts criteria and Nancy index 1.Group 2 included 4 patients showed improvement in clinical and endoscopic activity, there was a reduction in clinical activity by CDAI from 225 to 66, and improvement in endoscopic activity from L1 B2 to L1 B1, i0 L2 B3P to i0 L1 B1 and i3 L3 B2 to i2 L3 B1 with different activity rates, Nancy's histology that varied from 0 to 3.Group 3 included 1 patient showed a reduction in clinical activity by CDAI from 210 to 166, endoscopic activity also decreased from i0 L2B3P to i0 L1 B1 with Nancy index of 2.Group 4 includes 1 with a decrease in clinical activity by Truelove-Witts from 2 to 2, endoscopic activity also decreased from 8 to 5 accordingto UCEIS with Nancy index of 1.In all groups, a reduction in the use of steroids was observed and no cases of infections associated with dual biological therapy were reported Conclusion This prospective observational pilot study represents the first analysis in Mexico and, to our knowledge, in Latin America, on the use of DBT in patients with rIBD who showed clinical, endoscopic and histopathological improvement in the majority of cases. It is important to recognize the limitations of this study, such as its pilot design and sample size. This pioneering study in refractory IBD presents encouraging results that suggest clinical and endoscopic benefits in the treated patients. These results justify the conduct of larger studies to strengthen the evidence and provide a solid basis for thepotential use of this therapy in clinical practice

Preliminary evidence for the validity of the Brief Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (Brief-PSSI): A cross-sectional psychometric assessment.

The brief version of the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (Brief-PSSI) was developed in order to improve the usability of the instrument as a method for evaluating the severity and frequency of stressors faced by post-secondary students. While the original 46-item instrument has been thoroughly psychometrically validated and successfully used among student populations, the length of the instrument limits its utility. Providing a valid, shortened version of the PSSI will enable institutions to include the tool on existing online surveys currently being deployed to surveil the mental health and wellbeing of their students. This study reports preliminary evidence in support of the validity and reliability of the Brief-PSSI using a cross-sectional pilot sample of students attending an Ontario university in 2022. A total of 349 participants (average age 25 (SD = 7.7), range 19-60) completed the first survey, while 149 completed the follow-up survey (average age of 26 (SD = 7.7), range 17-60). Evidence of internal structure, relations to other variables, and of test-retest reliability was assessed according to established index validation guidelines, including the specification of multiple-indicator, multiple-cause models, and Spearman's rho correlation coefficients. Results provide preliminary support for the validity and reliability of the tool, which demonstrated acceptable goodness-of-fit statistics, statistically significant relationships with like constructs in the hypothesized directions, and good test-retest reliability correlation coefficients. The Brief-PSSI is a useful tool for evaluating the sources of stress among post-secondary students, assessing both the severity of stress experienced and frequency with which each stressor occurred. Future research should explore the practical utility of adding the Brief-PSSI to existing survey assessments as well as pursue the continued collection of validation evidence for the tool among varied student populations.

Using the Mobile Toolbox in child and adolescent samples: A feasibility study.

Cognitive research with developmental samples requires improved methods that support large-scale, diverse, and open science. This paper offers initial evidence to support the Mobile Toolbox (MTB), a self-administered remote smartphone-based cognitive battery, in youth populations, from a pilot sample of 99 children (Mage = 11.79 years; 36% female; 53% White, 33% Black or African American, 9% Asian, and 15% Hispanic). Completion rates (95%-99%), practice performance (96%-100%), internal consistency (0.60-0.98), and correlations with similar NIHTB measures (0.55-0.77) provide the first evidence to support the MTB in a youth sample, although there were some inconsistencies across measures. Preliminary findings provide promising evidence of the MTB in developmental populations, and further studies are encouraged.

No College Students Left Behind: Writing Module Incorporating Critical Thinking Skills for the National Postgraduate Entrance Examination in China

In recent years, Chinese universities and scholars have recognised the significance of critical thinking. Despite this growing awareness, integrating critical thinking skills into the curriculum remains a challenge in China. To gain entry to postgraduate programmes, students majoring in management in the country are required to take a National Postgraduate Entrance Examination (NPEE) that emphasises logical knowledge related to critical thinking and writing. Hence, this study aims to develop a writing module that incorporates critical thinking skills for college students in China. To achieve this, a mixed methods approach was employed. Firstly, a prototype writing module was created using the Analyse, Design, Develop, Implement and Evaluate (ADDIE) Model and verified by content experts for content validity. Subsequently, the module was implemented in a traditional classroom setting. For the pilot study, a pilot sample of 50 students was randomly chosen from a training centre in China that assists college students to prepare for the examination. For the next stage, 100 students were selected as the study sample. After implementing the writing module, both quantitative and qualitative analysis were conducted. The results indicated a significant improvement in participants' scores in the pre-test and post-test, demonstrating the effectiveness of the writing module in fostering critical thinking skills. The writing module developed by the researchers will have a profound effect on Chinese teachers' teaching in the future. It will provide them with clear instructional materials to cultivate Chinese students' critical thinking abilities, ensuring that no college students will be left behind.
 
 Received: 27 October 2023 / Accepted: 22 December 2023 / Published: 5 January 2024

Infant regulatory problems and the quality of dyadic emotional connection—a proof-of-concept study in a multilingual sample

Background and aimsClose autonomic emotional connections with others help infants reach and maintain homoeostasis. In recent years, infant regulatory problems (RPs, i.e., crying, sleeping, and feeding or eating problems) have surged. This study has two aims: (1) Provide proof-of-concept that dyadic autonomic emotional connection between infants and parents can be reliably assessed with a brief screening, irrespective of language and culture. (2) Assess in a heterogeneous pilot sample whether the persistence of RPs during infancy is negatively associated with the quality of dyadic autonomic emotional connection.Methods30 children aged 3–68 months (47% female) and their parents (83% mothers) were assessed during regular neonatal follow-up visits in Germany. Seven (23%) dyads were immigrants whose primary language was not German. At each assessment, paediatricians asked parents about infant's crying, sleeping, and feeding or eating problems. Dyadic interactions were rated by a multilingual team with the standardised universal Welch Emotional Connection Screen (uWECS) on four dimensions (attraction, vocalisation, facial communication, sensitivity/reciprocity).ResultsAim 1: An international team of raters was trained remotely to rate the uWECS. Reliability of α > .90 with standard raters was achieved irrespective of language mismatches (i.e., all raters scored several videos with languages they did not understand). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) among five main raters for the four uWECS dimensions ranged from .98–.99. Aim 2: Infants (n = 15 assessed longitudinally) had mean RP scores of 1.20 (SD = 1.26). Dyads had mean uWECS scores of 7.06 (SD = 2.09). Linear regression analysis showed that more persistent RPs in infancy were associated with lower uWECS scores [β = -.53, 95% CI = (-1.47, -.18), p = .017], after controlling for child sex and gestational age.ConclusionThis study provides proof-of-concept that the quality of mutual autonomic emotional connection among socio-culturally and linguistically heterogeneous samples can be reliably assessed with the uWECS, a brief screening that can be easily implemented in clinical practice. Pilot data suggests that persistent RPs during infancy are negatively associated with the quality of dyadic autonomic emotional connection. Replication of these findings in larger samples is warranted. Future studies need to address how to facilitate successful emotion regulation for today's children and future generations.

Lymphedema self-assessment among endometrial cancer survivors.

Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL), which causes ankle, leg, and feet swelling, poses a significant challenge for endometrial cancer survivors, impacting physical functioning and psychological well-being. Inconsistent LEL diagnostic methods result in wide-ranging LEL incidence estimates. We calculated the cumulative incidence of LEL based on survivor-reported Gynecologic Cancer Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ) responses in addition to survivor- and nurse-reported leg circumference measurements among a pilot sample of 50 endometrial cancer survivors (27 White, 23 Black) enrolled in the ongoing population-based Carolina Endometrial Cancer Study. Self-leg circumference measurements were perceived to be difficult and were completed by only 17 survivors. Diagnostic accuracy testing measures (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value) compared the standard nurse-measured 10% difference in leg circumference measurements to GCLQ responses. At a mean of ~11 months post-diagnosis, 54% of survivors met established criteria for LEL based on 4 GCLQ cutpoint while 24% had LEL based on nurse-measurement. Percent agreement, sensitivity, and specificity approximated 60% at a threshold of 5 GCLQ symptoms. However, Cohen's kappa, a measure of reliability that corrects for agreement by chance, was highest at 4 GCLQ symptoms (κ = 0.27). Our findings emphasize the need for high quality measurements of LEL that are feasible for epidemiologic study designs among endometrial cancer survivors. Future studies should use patient-reported survey measures to assess lymphedema burden and quality of life outcomes among endometrial cancer survivors.

Finite element analysis of a customized coronoid prosthesis for traumatic coronoid deficiency

BackgroundTraumatic coronoid deficiency with persistent elbow instability is a challenging condition. Autologous bone graft reconstruction is often associated with a range of additional clinical problems and the outcome is often unpredictable. The purpose of this study was to design a prosthetic device that can reconstruct coronoid deficiency of any height and to evaluate its mechanical properties using finite element analysis. Materials and MethodsA customized coronoid prosthesis was designed based on image registration, automatic measurement and computer-aided design. After pilot study and sample size calculation, image data collected from six patients who underwent bilateral complete upper extremity CT scans were reconstructed. The test was divided into three groups: coronoid intact, prosthesis and autograft. Regan-Morrey type II and autologous olecranon osteotomy models were established. The prosthesis and autogenous olecranon were assembled to the coronoid base. Stress was applied axially along the proximal humeral diaphysis and implant micromotion and contact mechanics of the humeroulnar joint were measured at 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° of joint flexion respectively. ResultsAt all flexion angles, the maximum stress on the coronoid articular surface was significantly reduced in the prosthesis and autograft groups, with the reduction being more significant in the latter (P < 0.001). With increasing flexion, the maximum stress at the coronoid articular surface increased significantly after autograft reconstruction (7.2 to 68 MPa, P < 0.001), whereas the humeroulnar joint obtained a similar contact mechanics pattern to that of the control group after prosthetic reconstruction. As the flexion angle increased, the relative micromotion of both the prosthesis and autograft increased significantly (0.5-1.6 vs 0.2-1.2, Pmeasure time < 0.001, Pgroups < 0.001). Contact pressure and center-of-force paths of the humeroulnar joint experience abrupt stress changes at approximately 60° of flexion. ConclusionThe contact stress pattern in the humeroulnar joint is similar in prosthesis and intact coronoid groups. Autograft reconstruction increases contact stresses at the articular surface and alters the joint center-of-force path. The “stress surge phenomenon” in the humeroulnar joint surface before and after 60° of flexion may be one of the mechanisms of traumatic elbow degeneration.

Effect of Target Differentiation, Prioritization, and Environmental Clutter on Quiet Eye Duration in First-Person Shooter Esports: A Brief Report Pilot Study

The burgeoning prominence of esports underscores its increasing relevance in sport and performance psychology. To enhance its integration into scholarly discourse, established cognitive research paradigms should be applied. In this study, we focused on first-person shooter esports, identifying specific variables unique to this domain and examining their impact on quiet eye (QE) duration—an indicator strongly correlated with successful performance. Using eye-tracking equipment, we analyzed gaze data related to the QE, the final fixation point preceding a motor response. Our pilot sample (n = 9) participated in three block trials exploring the effects of environmental clutter, target differentiation, and target prioritization on QE duration. Paired t tests compared mean QE duration between experimental tasks and control trials with single targets. Although trend effects of environmental clutter and target prioritization were observed, none reached statistical significance. These findings echo certain aspects of the existing esports literature, particularly regarding the reduced prominence of QE in scenarios involving multiple targets. Acknowledging study limitations, we offer recommendations for future research to deepen understanding of cognitive processes and performance outcomes in esports.

Digital adaptation of the Standing up for Myself intervention in young people and adults with intellectual disabilities: the STORM feasibility study.

Stigma contributes to the negative social conditions persons with intellectual disabilities are exposed to, and it needs tackling at multiple levels. Standing Up for Myself is a psychosocial group intervention designed to enable individuals with intellectual disabilities to discuss stigmatising encounters in a safe and supportive setting and to increase their self-efficacy in managing and resisting stigma. To adapt Standing Up for Myself to make it suitable as a digital intervention; to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Digital Standing Up for Myself and online administration of outcome measures in a pilot; to describe usual practice in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic to inform future evaluation. Adaptation work followed by a single-arm pilot of intervention delivery. Four third and education sector organisations. Individuals with mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities, aged 16+, members of existing groups, with access to digital platforms. Digital Standing Up for Myself intervention. Adapted from face-to-face Standing Up for Myself intervention, delivered over four weekly sessions, plus a 1-month follow-up session. Acceptability and feasibility of delivering Digital Standing Up for Myself and of collecting outcome and health economic measures at baseline and 3 months post baseline. Outcomes are mental well-being, self-esteem, self-efficacy in rejecting prejudice, reactions to discrimination and sense of social power. Adaptation to the intervention required changes to session duration, group size and number of videos; otherwise, the content remained largely the same. Guidance was aligned with digital delivery methods and a new group member booklet was produced. Twenty-two participants provided baseline data. The intervention was started by 21 participants (four groups), all of whom were retained at 3 months. Group facilitators reported delivering the intervention as feasible and suggested some refinements. Fidelity of the intervention was good, with over 90% of key components observed as implemented by facilitators. Both facilitators and group members reported the intervention to be acceptable. Group members reported subjective benefits, including increased confidence, pride and knowing how to deal with difficult situations. Digital collection of all outcome measures was feasible and acceptable, with data completeness ≥ 95% for all measures at both time points. Finally, a picture of usual practice has been developed as an intervention comparator for a future trial. The pilot sample was small. It remains unclear whether participants would be willing to be randomised to a treatment as usual arm or whether they could be retained for 12 months follow-up. The target number of groups and participants were recruited, and retention was good. It is feasible and acceptable for group facilitators with some training and supervision to deliver Digital Standing Up for Myself. Further optimisation of the intervention is warranted. To maximise the acceptability and reach of the intervention, a future trial could offer the adapted Digital Standing Up for Myself, potentially alongside the original face-to-face version of the intervention. This study was registered as ISRCTN16056848. This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme (NIHR award ref: 17/149/03) and is published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 12, No. 1. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Feasibility of clinical EEG for music recognition in children aged 1-12 years.

Musicality is an innate capability and the fundamental architectures necessary for music processing are present from birth. However, there is a notable gap in pediatric specific music neuroscience research and research that employs ecologically valid musical stimuli. This pragmatic feasibility study aimed to assess the utility of EEG collected via pre-existing clinical monitoring to describe the processing of familiar song as an ecologically valid stimulus, in the underrepresented pediatric population. Three comparative auditory conditions (song, speech, and noise) were utilized to assess the changes in EEG across these conditions compared to a baseline silence. Analysis of EEG data from a pilot sample of four children revealed distinct changes in the underlying frequency components of the EEG during the song condition that were not observed in either the speech or noise conditions. To extend this analysis, a uniquely hypothesis-driven, multivariate statistical analysis method (generalized eigendecomposition [GED]) was employed, however in this study we did not isolate a consistent source responsible for the observed changes in the frequency components of the EEG during the song condition. The study is limited by the small sample size but nevertheless demonstrated feasibility of collecting EEG data in the imperfect auditory environment of an acute clinical setting to describe a response to an ecologically valid stimulus in the underrepresented pediatric population. Further research with a more restrictive study design and greater participant numbers is needed to extend these preliminary findings.

Feasibility and acceptability pilot study of an online weight loss program in rural, underserved communities.

The purpose of this intervention was to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an online weight loss program, EMPOWER, in rural, underserved communities. Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 living in rural counties were recruited through collaboration with University of Illinois Extension. The intervention lasted 1 year including online educations sessions, nutrition and lifestyle coaching, and diet and weight monitoring via a novel web application, MealPlot. Feasibility was measured by enrollment attainment, participant retention, online education session completion, and completion of anthropometric and dietary measures. Acceptability was measured by survey using Likert scales of satisfaction for all program components. Anthropometric measurements, 24-h dietary records, and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were measures of program efficacy. Additionally, two interviews were collected for program feedback. Enrollment of 16 participants was attained, however due to higher than anticipated dropout (retention 62.5%, N = 10) at 3-months, 62.5% of the education sessions were completed and 75.0% of anthropometric and dietary measures. The average satisfaction rating for the comprehensive program was 4.2/5 with lowest satisfaction being the MealPlot web application 2.7/5 (N = 11). On average a clinically significant (≥5% baseline weight) weight loss of 6.2 ± 6.0% body weight or 5.7 ± 5.3 kg and improvements to protein and fiber intake at 12 months (N = 10) were observed. A novel online weight loss program showed adequate to strong feasibility and acceptability and preliminary results indicating efficacy among a pilot sample of rural residents. Future studies are required to investigate means of improving retention and reducing the burden on program collaborators.

Neuroinvasion of emerging and re-emerging arboviruses: A scoping review.

Arboviruses are RNA viruses and some have the potential to cause neuroinvasive disease and are a growing threat to global health. Our objective is to identify and map all aspects of arbovirus neuroinvasive disease, clarify key concepts, and identify gaps within our knowledge with appropriate future directions related to the improvement of global health. Sources of Evidence: A scoping review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Hinari. Eligibility Criteria: Original data including epidemiology, risk factors, neurological manifestations, neuro-diagnostics, management, and preventive measures related to neuroinvasive arbovirus infections was obtained. Sources of evidence not reporting on original data, non-English, and not in peer-reviewed journals were removed. Charting Methods: An initial pilot sample of 30 abstracts were reviewed by all authors and a Cohen's kappa of κ = 0.81 (near-perfect agreement) was obtained. Records were manually reviewed by two authors using the Rayyan QCRI software. A total of 171 records were included. A wide array of neurological manifestations can occur most frequently, including parkinsonism, encephalitis/encephalopathy, meningitis, flaccid myelitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain often reveals subcortical lesions, sometimes with diffusion restriction consistent with acute ischemia. Vertical transmission of arbovirus is most often secondary to the Zika virus. Neurological manifestations of congenital Zika syndrome, include microcephaly, failure to thrive, intellectual disability, and seizures. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis often shows lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated albumin, and protein consistent with blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Arbovirus infection with neurological manifestations leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for disease include living and traveling in an arbovirus endemic zone, age, pregnancy, and immunosuppressed status. The management of neuroinvasive arbovirus disease is largely supportive and focuses on specific neurological complications. There is a need for therapeutics and currently, management is based on disease prevention and limiting zoonosis.

Universal apparatus module of radioactivity logging for the investigation of oil-and-gas reservoirs while drilling

Logging-while-drilling (LWD) is the most advanced technology in geophysical well logging. It is widely used for determining the petrophysical and other parameters of oil-and-gas reservoirs in vertical, deviated, and horizontal boreholes.&#x0D; The LWD is particularly important for horizontal boreholes, obtained by directional drilling from vertical boreholes into predetermined hydrocarbon reservoirs. Horizontal boreholes allow multiplying the yield of hydrocarbons, increasing overall production, and using effectively both new vertical boreholes and exploited ones, as well as old boreholes. The opportunity of horizontal drilling to local (isolated) deposits, which are at a certain distance from vertical boreholes, is of also essential importance. All these factors are favourable for increased hydrocarbon production, which is of great significance for Ukraine.&#x0D; This paper concentrates on the apparatus developments aimed at creating a new module of radioactivity logging for LWD; the module is universal in the sense that it can be used in drill collars, which are employed while drilling all types of boreholes. The tool implements neutron-neutron logging, neutron-gamma logging, gamma-gamma logging, and gamma-ray logging. It allows a direct and combined determination of a broad set of petrophysical reservoir parameters.&#x0D; The advantages and disadvantages of the known nuclear logging modules for the LWD have been analyzed, and the features and merits of the proposed one are shown. During the laboratory and borehole operations with a pilot sample of the module, trends for its improvement were outlined.&#x0D; As an example of using the new module for LWD, the results of determining the petrophysical parameters of oil reservoirs of varying lithology in three horizontal boreholes are given. The process of LWD measurements demonstrated high technologicness and efficiency of the module. Comparison of the obtained parameters of the reservoirs with the data of independent measurements carried out in the open hole of the same boreholes using the PEX tool (Schlumberger) showed a qualitative consistency and a quantitative convergence of the results.

Assessing Older Adults' Functional Visual Performance Using the Performance Quality Rating Scale.

Visual impairment has distinct impacts on the activities of older adults. Quantifying the functional impact of visual loss would facilitate targeted rehabilitation. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop an observational assessment of the functional visual performance of older adults using the Performance Quality Rating Scale (PQRS); (2) test the feasibility and inter-rater agreement in a pilot sample of older adults with visual impairment. A convenience sample of older adults with vision loss (N = 20) performed seven pre-selected activities. Performance was videoed (N = 126 videos) and rated by two raters using specific operational definitions. All participants completed the seven activities with the given resources and 90% of videos were successfully rated using the developed PQRS. Inter-rater agreement was substantial (weighted Kappa = 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.64, 0.79]) for all activities. The developed PQRS for functional vision is feasible, with substantial inter-rater agreement, to assess functional vision of older adults in an outpatient setting.

Development and Validation of the Physical Distancing Behavior Scale: A Study Based on the Integrated Behavior Model

This paper aims to develop a comprehensive scale within the framework of the Integrated Behavior Model (IBM), which is recommended for the protection of public health during the Covid-19 pandemic period and is the leading physical distancing behavior among health behaviors. Within the scope of the study, an item pool consisting of a total of 109 items was created and the first item analysis was performed in the pilot sample (N= 100). At the end of the pilot study, Physical Distancing Behavior Scale (PDBS) was developed, comprising a total of 39 items. This scale consisted of instrumental attitude, experiential attitude, subjective norms, perceived control, self-efficacy, environmental constraints, knowledge habit, intention, and behavior structures. Af-terwards, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was applied to 322 participants (age: 36.48) resulting in 21 items and five structures including instrumental attitude, experiential attitude, perceived control, self-efficacy, and knowledge. After factor structures according to EFA had been formed, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted on 472 participants (age: 36,99). The CFA results confirmed 4 constructs consisting of 19 items which are instrumental attitude, experiential attitude, perceived control, and self-efficacy (RMSEA=0.057, GFI=0.93, CFI=0.94, NFI=0.90, X2/df=2.51), Cronbach’s alpha scores of all sub-scales varied between 0.68-0.85. The results revealed that physical distancing behavior has been evaluated through the instrumental attitude, experi-ential attitude, perceived control, and self-efficacy constructs of IBM. In future studies, the scale may also need to be tested with different model studies. As regards the modeling studies that used this scale, examining diffe-rent samples could guide community-based intervention programs.

Awareness and Perception Toward Heritage, Life, and Tourism in Converting Tourism Area

The transformation of local areas to a tourism destination requires high awareness and perception of local community about the tourism activities and the consequences evolved of this involvement including the economic changes. This study examines the level of awareness of local communities regarding their role in the development of tourism in their city, particularly in rural areas since the transformation to a tourism destination was made by the governmental arrangements. A quantitative research approach was used. The population formed the local community of the city. A simple random sample composed of 700 citizens was selected to represent different community categories. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire was measured through a pilot sample. The results show the high validity and reliability of the data collection tool. The findings indicate that citizens were satisfied with the tourism development but expressed concern about its impact on their culture and privacy. The level of participation was found to be insufficient due to a lack of awareness of their role in the process. Negative perceptions regarding the quality of life also hindered their participation in local area development. The study recommends the official organization of the city's conversion to a tourism destination, including improvements in infrastructure and greater participation from locals.

INITIAL EFFICACY OF THE SAVVY CAREGIVER PROGRAM IN KOREAN AMERICAN DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS

Abstract Dementia caregivers in ethnic minority communities have often been excluded from access to caregiver interventions and their benefits because of linguistic and cultural barriers. In pursuit of equal treatments for all, it is imperative to make evidence-based interventions available and accessible to ethnic minority dementia caregivers, and linguistic and cultural adaptation is indispensable for reaching out to them. In the present study, we adapted the Savvy Caregiver Program for Korean American dementia caregivers and tested its initial efficacy for reducing depressive symptoms. This pilot intervention was delivered to 13 Korean American dementia caregivers by two Savvy-certified Korean-speaking trainers. Over the 6-week period of program implementation, there was no attrition (session completion rate = 98%). All participants’ depressive symptoms were reduced at completion of the program, and the level of reduction was statistically significant, with a large effect size (t = 8.64, p &amp;lt; .001, Cohen’s d = .89). Although patterns of change did vary among participants, the score difference between post-intervention and 6-month follow-up was not statistically significant (t = .74, p = .47). The program played a significant role in reducing depressive symptoms in this pilot sample of Korean American dementia caregivers, and this benefit was sustained at the 6-month follow-up. Along with the program’s notably high retention rate, its efficacy suggests strong unmet needs for psychoeducational programs among Korean American dementia caregivers. The study offers promise for sharing the therapeutic benefit of the Savvy program with linguistic minorities when delivered in a linguistically, culturally appropriate manner.

Q-Sort Evaluation of Technology Adoption Propensity Items

Focus attention on technology encourages multidirectional studies about the topic. Understanding personal motivations and approach to accepting new technologies offers a significant contribution to the social knowledge base of technology management. The paper shows a pilot experiment about the Technology Adoption Propensity model. Q-methodology was used to rank the model’s statements among higher education students. The results of the pilot sample explored five opinion groups, presenting a more nuanced picture of optimism, proficiency, dependence, and vulnerability of the respondents than a normal index calculation. Q-methodology can be suggested as a supplementary analysis of technology adoption propensity.