Measurement Properties Research Articles

Polarization optical properties of suspended particles measurement in water by a polarized Scheimpflug lidar system

The polarization optical properties of suspended particles in water play a pivotal role in numerical simulation or real water medium detection. Polarized multi-wavelength oceanic lidar provides an effective method for characterizing the size, shape, and concentration of suspended particles. In this paper, we present a concise and effective optical approach to measure the information in the polarization of the lidar signal with 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° polarization angles of suspended particles by laboratory experiments based on polarized Scheimpflug lidar system. This work uses typical suspended particles with different sizes and shapes as tracer particles to analyze particulate polarization information. Experiments with spherical or irregular silicon dioxide particles show that these particles can be effectively distinguished by analyzing the polarization optical properties of the backward scattering light. The laboratory system can classify suspended particles and may serve as a shipborne oceanic lidar or be used with submersibles.

Measurement properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the PROMIS-29 questionnaire and the Impact Score in patients with chronic low back pain

BackgroundA task force from the US National Institute of Health aimed to establish parameters for surveys with patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) by recommending the use of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System 29-item (PROMIS-29) questionnaire and the stratification according to the Impact Score. We aimed to assess the internal consistency, reliability, measurement error, construct validity and responsiveness of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the PROMIS-29 questionnaire (version 2.1) and the Impact Score in patients with chronic LBP.MethodsA prospective cohort study was carried out with patients with chronic LBP who were receiving physiotherapy treatment in clinics in São Paulo and Vitória cities, Brazil. The sample included 102 patients with chronic LBP, aged between 18 and 80 years, and with the ability to read and write in the Brazilian-Portuguese language. Exclusion criteria were patients with serious spinal conditions, cognitive impairment, pregnant women, and patients who had undergone lumbar surgery within the past six months. The PROMIS-29 questionnaire, the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire were applied. The PROMIS-29 questionnaire was reapplied after 24 hours and 4 weeks.ResultsThe PROMIS-29 questionnaire showed Cronbach’s Alpha values between 0.81 (anxiety) and 0.91 (depression). The ICC2.1 ranged from 0.85 (95% CI: 0.77 to 0.89) to 0,97 (CI 95%: 0.95 to 0.98). The SEM values ranged between 0.85 (physical function) and 2.62 (ability to participate in social roles and activities). The Impact Score showed Cronbach’s Alpha, ICC2.1 and SEM values of 0.91, 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95 to 0.98) and 0.56, respectively. The PROMIS-29 questionnaire and the Impact Score showed sufficient construct validity. The PROMIS-29 questionnaire showed moderate responsiveness, while the Impact Score showed sufficient responsiveness.ConclusionsBoth the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the PROMIS-29 questionnaire and the Impact Score showed sufficient internal consistency, reliability, construct validity and responsiveness in Brazilian patients with chronic LBP. The results support the US National Institutes of Health’s recommendation to use the PROMIS-29 questionnaire and the Impact Score in patients with chronic LBP. We suggest that future studies evaluate the structural validity of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the PROMIS-29 questionnaire.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Italian versions of the optimal screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcome Yellow Flag (OSPRO-YF) and the Örebro Musculoskeletal pain screening questionnaire (ÖMPQ-21) and their short forms, in patients with low back pain: Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Early detection of prognostic factors using the Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcome Yellow Flag (OSPRO-YF) or the Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire (ÖMPQ-21) can predict improvement in pain and disability for patients with nonspecific LBP. ObjectivesTo translate and cross-culturally adapt the OSPRO-YF and the ÖMPQ-21 with their short versions into the Italian language and to test their measurement properties in patients with LBP. DesignClinimetric study. MethodsOSPRO-YF and ÖMPQ-21 were translated and administered to LBP patients with questionnaires on pain intensity, disability, pain self-efficacy, and pain catastrophizing. We evaluated test-retest reliability, measurement error, and construct validity. ResultsEighty-three patients with LBP were included. No floor or ceiling effects were reported. Test-retest reliability of the OSPRO-YF, the ÖMPQ-21, and their short forms were excellent. The measurement error analysis revealed a Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) of 6.7 points, a Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) of 18.6 points for ÖMPQ-21, a SEM of 2.3 points, and a MDC of 6.4 points for OSPRO-YF. The construct validity of the OSPRO-YF and ÖMPQ-21 and its 10-item short version was satisfactory and moderate. OSPRO-YF performed better than ÖMPQ-21 on all three measurement properties. ConclusionOSPRO-YF, ÖMPQ-21, and their short versions are reliable and valid for identifying ‘yellow flags’ in Italian patients with LBP, with the former generally performing better than the latter. Further research is needed to confirm their ability to predict outcomes in patients with LBP.

The Role of Servant Leadership, School Culture and Supervision System on Teacher Performance Mediated by Teacher Competence and Moderated by Good Scholl Governance

The research is an observational study aiming to test a model in which the effect of servant leadership as exogenous constructs; school culture and supervision system will affect teacher performance by mediating factor: competency, with oversight moderation variable. If anything, the need for leadership consistency and governance models which described by Inceoglu et al launched differs greatly according to institution of higher education executing research (Indonesian educational context) because how various cultural norms operate in relation to one another impacts teacher efficacy. This study uses a sample that involves different types of schools within Indonesia and applies Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for the data analysis with focus on measurement properties as well correlations among variables. Results indicate that while effective supervision and governance, servant leadership as well as organizational culture contributes significantly to teaching performance at school; the combination of these elements are needed in nurturing a high-performing education system. Importantly, provision of effective leadership and governance at all levels of the system for ensuring optimum teacher effectiveness is strongly accorded here by this research. Further research is encouraged to investigate these trends and their influence on teacher performance over time using longitudinal methods.

Assessing the measurement properties of PROMIS Computer Adaptive Tests, short forms and legacy patient reported outcome measures in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

The commonly used ('legacy') PROMs evaluating outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA), have several limitations regarding their measurement properties and interpretation of scores. One innovation in PROMs is the use of Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT). The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) is a validated system of CATs. The aim of this study was to assess the measurement properties of PROMIS and legacy instruments in patients undergoing THA. Patients in this multicenter study filled out a questionnaire twice, including Dutch-Flemish PROMIS v1.2 Physical Function (PROMIS-PF) and v1.1 Pain Interference (PROMIS-PI) CATs and short forms, PROMIS v1.0 Pain Intensity, and legacy PROMs (Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), HOOS-Physical function Shortform (HOOS-PS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), and two numeric rating scales measuring pain). The reliability, measurement precision (Standard Error of Measurement (SEM)), smallest detectable change (SDC), and burden of PROMIS instruments were presented head-to-head to legacy PROMs. Furthermore, construct validity was assessed. 208 patients were included. All instruments had a sufficient test-retest reliability (range ICC: 0.83-0.96). The SEM of PROMIS CATs and short forms ranged from 1.8 to 2.2 T-score points, the SEM of legacy instruments 2.6-11.1. The SDC of PROMIS instruments ranged from 2.1 to 7.3 T-score points, the SDC of legacy instruments 7.2-30.9. The construct validity of PROMIS CAT and short forms were found sufficient, except for the PROMIS-PI short form. The burden of PROMIS CATs was smaller than PROMIS short forms (range 4.8-5.2 versus 8-20 items, respectively). The burden of legacy instruments measuring physical functioning ranged from 5 to 40 items. The PROMIS-PF is less burdensome, with high measurement precision, and almost no minimal or maximal scores, and an equal reliability compared to legacy instruments measuring physical functioning in patients undergoing THA. The PROMIS Pain Intensity 1a is comparable to the legacy pain instruments in terms of burden, reliability and SDC. Measuring the construct Pain Interference may not have additional value in this population because of its high correlation with instruments measuring physical functioning. The SDC values presented in this study can be used for individual patient monitoring.

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.

Clinician-Reported Negative Symptom Scales: A Systematic Review of Measurement Properties.

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are correlated with reduction of normal function and lower quality of life. They were newly defined by the NIMH-MATRICS Consensus in 2005, dividing the rating tools to assess them into first-generation scales, developed before the Consensus, and second-generation scales, based on the recently introduced definitions. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instrument (COSMIN) guidelines for systematic reviews were used to evaluate the quality of psychometric data of the first-generation scales that cover the 5 negative symptom domains of the NIMHS Consensus: the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), the High Royds Evaluation of Negativity Scale (HEN), and the Negative Symptom Assessment-16 (NSA-16). The search strategy resulted in the inclusion of a total of 13 articles, 7 for the SANS, 4 for the NSA-16, and 2 for the HEN. For the SANS and the NSA-16, the overall results of the scales' measurement properties are mostly insufficient or indeterminate. The quality of evidence for the HEN is poor, due to a small number of validation studies/included patients. After applying the COSMIN guidelines, we do not recommend the usage of these first-generation scales to rate negative symptoms. At the minimum they require further validation.

The Thai Version of the Injury–Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport Scale (I-PRRS):Translation and Evaluation of Measurement Properties

ObjectivesThis study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Injury–Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport scale (I-PRRS) into Thai and evaluate the measurement properties of the Thai version (TH-I-PRRS). MethodsThe I-PRRS was translated according to international guidelines. Athletes who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction during the previous 6 months to 5 years were recruited to complete two sets of questionnaires. At baseline, participants filled out the TH-I-PRRS questionnaire and other relevant measures. After 2 weeks, they completed the TH-I-PRRS again, along with the Global Rating of Change scale. ResultsThe TH-I-PRRS was successfully translated from English. A total of 142 patients (mean age: 30.7 ± 8.9 years; 83.1% male) participated. Eight of nine predefined hypotheses (88.9%) regarding correlations between the TH-I-PRRS and other measures were confirmed, indicating good construct validity. The TH-I-PRRS exhibited excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.90–0.94) and high test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.66–0.90). No floor or ceiling effects were observed. ConclusionThe TH-I-PRRS is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating the psychological readiness of athletes to return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Level of evidenceII

Assessing Age-Friendly Community Initiatives: Developing a Novel Survey Tool for Assessment and Evaluation.

Age-Friendly Community Initiatives (AFCIs) have gained recognition as essential responses to the needs of aging populations. Despite their growing significance, there is a notable lack of effective measurement tools to assess the planning, implementation, and sustainability of AFCIs. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a survey tool for evaluating AFCIs. A sequential exploratory mixed-method design was used in two phases. First, we identified key themes from interviews with AFCI leads to generate AFCI survey items and regional workshops. Then, we conducted a pilot of the survey and assessed its measurement properties. Thematic analysis of interviews with 68 key informants from 58 AFCIs revealed four main themes: AFCI priorities, enablers, challenges, and benefits. These themes, combined with feedback from AFCI stakeholders at the regional workshops and a AFCI conference, informed the development and refinement of a reliable and valid AFCI survey in 2019, supported by a high Cronbach's Alpha value (α = 0.881). Steps were identified to maintain and sustain the AFCI survey over time. The survey accommodates AFCIs' diverse demographics, governance structures, and priorities with a standardized and flexible approach for effective measurement. This research contributes to the academic understanding of AFCIs and aids community leaders and policymakers in planning, implementing, and evaluating AFCIs.

Comparing the measurement properties of the EQ-5D-5L, SF-6Dv2, QLU-C10D and FACT-8D among survivors of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma.

This study aimed to evaluate the measurement properties of EQ-5D-5L, SF-6Dv2, QLU-C10D, and FACT-8D in survivors of Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma (CHL). A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted from May to August 2022 to collect data. Chinese value sets were used to estimate the utility scores for EQ-5D-5L, SF-6Dv2, and QLU-C10D, while the Australian value set was used for FACT-8D. The measurement properties assessed included ceiling and floor effects, convergent validity (assessing associations between similar dimensions/utility scores using Spearman's rank correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient), and known-group validity (measures could differentiate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between risk groups). A total of 534 CHL survivors participated in the survey and completed the questionnaire. All dimensions of EQ-5D-5L, SF-6D (except for vitality), QLU-C10D, and FACT-8D showed ceiling effects, ranging from 18 to 91.6%. The EQ-5D-5L demonstrated the higher ceiling effects compared to other measures, with 33% of patients reporting full health on this scale. All 30 pairs of associations between similar dimensions from the four measures were statistically significant, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.29 to 0.77. Regarding utility scores, the EQ-5D-5L utility score showed a stronger correlation with SF-6Dv2 than with the other two measures. Statistically significant correlations of utility scores between the four measures were observed. EQ-5D-5L can significantly differentiate HRQoL among all known-groups, while SF-6Dv2, QLU-C10D, and FACT-8D showed a less strong discriminant ability. EQ-5D-5L outperformed SF-6Dv2 in terms of agreement with cancer-specific PRMs and discriminant ability. However, SF-6Dv2 showed stronger associations with similar dimensions of QLU-C10D and FACT-8D, indicating high convergent validity. The generic PBMs are sensitive enough to measure HRQoL in survivors of CHL.

Study of mechanical and electrical properties through positron annihilation spectroscopy for ethylene-propylene-diene rubber biocomposites with treated wheat husk fibers

The positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) spectroscopy characteristics of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM) composites reinforced with treated wheat husk fibers (WHFs) were investigated for the first time. PAL spectroscopy is employed to study the free volume of polymers. The use of lignocellulosic materials as reinforcement in polymeric composites has gained attention due to their low cost, availability, and eco-friendliness. In this study, the impact of the loading concentration on the interfacial adhesion between the EPDM matrix and WHFs is quantified, along with the evaluation of swelling measurement and tensile properties. Additionally, the nanoscopic properties derived from PAL spectroscopy correlate with the composites’ macroscopic properties. In addition, the dielectric properties of the investigated samples have been studied, and their conductivity has been calculated. To determine the conduction mechanism within these samples and how it is affected by the addition of WHF, the change in electrical conductivity with the frequency of the external electric field applied to the samples was studied, and from this, the conduction mechanism was determined, and the barrier height value was calculated. The experimental results provide insights into the relationship between the structure and properties of EPDM-WHF biocomposites, offering valuable knowledge for developing sustainable and high-performance materials.

The Practical and Social Functioning (PSF) scale: development and measurement properties of an instrument for assessing activity and social participation among people with serious mental illness

BackgroundParticipation in society and the ability to perform various activities are crucial aspects of everyday functioning. The intertwined relationship between functioning, disability, and health is emphasized in the “International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)” framework. In recent decades, mental health care units have increasingly focused on this aspect. The Practical and Social Functioning scale (PSF) was developed and validated in Norwegian as an easy-to-administer instrument to assess practical and social functioning among patients with serious mental illness in different clinical settings.MethodsThe PSF was developed and revised using data from different Norwegian studies. Data from a total of 562 patients with serious mental illness in different clinical settings were included. The validation process included the evaluation of items into categories by 25 professionals. Development and revision took place in three different stages, and factor analyses were conducted. The quality of the PSF was assessed according to the COSMIN standards for systematic reviews on patient-reported outcome measures.ResultsThe final version of the PSF comprises seven subscales, each consisting of four items, resulting in a total of 28 items. These subscales, along with their corresponding items, are loaded onto two factors representing the main dimensions of functioning: activity and participation. Content validity comprises three domains: relevance, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility. Relevance and comprehensibility were found to be adequate, whereas comprehensiveness was doubtful. Structural validity was adequate, internal consistency was very good, and construct validity was adequate compared to the Global Assessment of Functioning scale. Responsiveness was found to be doubtful in our study with data from an 18-month observation period. Nearly 60% of the items showed a ceiling effect. No items showed a floor effect.ConclusionThe development and validation of the Norwegian version of the PSF resulted in an instrument consisting of seven subscales and a total of 28 items. The items and subscales assess functioning related to two key factors according to the ICF framework: activity and participation. Our results show that the PSF is an easy-to-administer instrument that may be particularly sensitive for detecting variation among persons with severely impaired functioning.Trial registrationThe study Implementation of Guidelines for the Treatment of Psychoses was registered retrospectively on 31 August 2017 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03271242).

A Distance Measure for Intuitionistic Fuzzy Multicriteria Decision Making in Pattern Recognition and Medical Diagnosis

ABSTRACT In artificial intelligence, decision-making is a widely studied field, and distance measure plays a crucial role in decision science. Several distance measures for Intuitionistic Fuzzy sets (IFSs) have been developed to handle uncertain situations. However, some of these measures lack properties of distance measures or produce unreasonable results. This study introduces a new distance measure between IFSs that satisfies the necessary properties and resolves counter-intuitive cases. The proposed distance measure is verified to be more reasonable through numerical examples, and it is applied to pattern recognition and medical diagnosis problems.

Validity and Responsiveness of the Manchester Fatigue Scale in Post-COVID

Objective: This study investigates the Manchester COPD Fatigue Scale's (MCFS) validity and responsiveness in individuals after hospitalization due to COVID-19.Methods: A longitudinal observational study included 53 adults diagnosed with COVID-19. Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC), Six-Minute Step Test (6MST), Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed. The measurement properties tested were concurrent, convergent, discriminant validities, and responsiveness.Results: The MCFS showed concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity, with moderate to strong significant correlations with fatigue (rs=0.57), symptoms (rs=-0.27), exercise performance (rs=0.39), depression (rs=0.67), and dyspnea (rs=0.44) measures. The instrument exhibited internal responsiveness with reduced fatigue scores three months after hospital discharge (median total score from 14.5 to 5.0,p<0.001). External responsiveness was shown through associations between MCFS scores and dyspnea changes. Conclusion: The MCFS is a valid and responsive tool for physicians and researchers in effectively identifying, monitoring, and managing post-COVID-19 fatigue.

Investigating Students’ Conceptual Knowledge of Quantum Physics to Improve the Teaching and Learning Process

Research in the field of quantum physics is important for progress in many areas of exploration and development. Quantum computers and other quantum devices are promising technologies with numerous potential applications. On the other hand, understanding, interpreting, teaching, and learning quantum physics as part of an educational process is a major challenge. In the Republic of Croatia, students usually come in contact with the concepts of quantum physics towards the end of their high school education. These concepts are often abstract and represent a remarkable leap from the theories of classical physics. The aim of this study is to test the measurement properties of the instrument used to assess the progress of understanding and knowledge of quantum physics in a sample of Croatian high school students. The quantum physics conceptual survey (QPCS), developed and first tested in 2006 by Wuttiprom et al. at the University of Sydney, was the instrument we used in this study. The test was administered to 76 high school students. The results show that the QPCS test is valid and generally reliable in the context of Croatian secondary education, but for the topics Waves and particles and Uncertainty principle, the reliability needs further investigation. The results of the pretest and posttest were analysed and compared with each other and with previously published results. Quantitative methods were used to analyse the results obtained. We present several possible solutions to improve the teaching process, that we expect will lead to better results, especially for topics that are challenging for students.

Evaluation of validity, reliability and ability to detect change for the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) and evaluation of HECSI-75 and HECSI-90 as within-patient responder definitions.

The Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) is a Clinician-Reported Outcome measure of the severity of hand eczema (HE). This study aimed to evaluate the validity, reliability and ability to detect change of the HECSI, and the HECSI-75 and HECSI-90 as responder definitions. Analyses were performed using data from a sample of n = 258 patients with Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE) from a Phase 2b, randomised, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial of delgocitinib cream, pooled across treatment groups. The measurement properties of the HECSI were assessed and the adequacy of the HECSI-75 and HECSI-90 as responder definitions was explored through cross-tabulation. Inter-item correlations provided support for the scoring, whereby items are grouped by areas of the hand. HECSI demonstrated good test-retest reliability with intra-class correlations >0.70. Construct validity was supported by a logical pattern of correlations with concurrent measures and significant differences in HECSI scores across severity groups (p < 0.001). HECSI was responsive with statistically significant improvements over time and with significant differences (p < 0.001) between improved and stable groups. Data provided support for both HECSI-75 and HECSI-90 as within-patient responder definitions. HECSI has strong validity, reliability and ability to detect change as a measure of CHE severity. HECSI-75 and HECSI-90 are appropriate responder definitions.

A psychometric evaluation of the Opening Minds Scale for Workplace Attitudes (OMS-WA), a measure of public stigma towards mental illnesses in the workplace

The anti-stigma Opening Minds initiative (Mental Health Commission of Canada) identified the workplace as one of four critical areas for stigma evaluation and programming. Researchers found, however, that no validated tool to measure stigma in this context existed at the time. The purpose of the current research was to develop and assess the psychometric properties of a multi-component quantitative measure of public stigma towards mental illnesses in the workplace: Opening Minds Scale for Workplace Attitudes (OMS-WA). Three studies are discussed. Study 1 outlines the initial development of the OMS-WA, finding a five-factor structure with 23 items (EFA analysis; N = 207). Study 2 utilized employees from various businesses to further validate the OMS-WA, (N = 107), finding good internal consistency and good convergent/divergent validity. Study 3 utilized baseline data from two national large-scale stigma reduction and resiliency programs (first responders and general workplaces) to confirm the factor structure, finding good model fit and reliability with both samples (N = 5385; N = 1207). Together, these results provide strong evidence of the OMS-WA. Its use in measuring workplace stigma related to mental illness is recommended. Considerable future evaluation is warranted, and directions for generalizability studies, as well as suggestions for using the OMS-WA in intervention trials, are provided.

Fabrication of copper ion-substituted hydroxyapatite/Silk fiber/Methylcellulose composite: mechanical, antimicrobial, hemocompatibility, bioactivity and cytocompatibility evaluation

Herein, we reported the preparation of copper substituted hydroxyapatite (Cu-HAP) and fabrication of electrospun composites using Cu-HAP, SF (Silk fiber) and MC (Methylcellulose) by E-Spin method. Characterization techniques such as XRD (phase formation), FTIR (chemical bonds), SEM and EDAX (surface morphology and elemental composition) were carried out. Porosity measurement, swelling and mechanical properties were carried out to investigate the physicochemical properties of the fabricated electrospun composites. The hemocompatibility analysis indicated a hemolysis ratio < 2 %, which confirms the blood compatibility nature of the composite. Antibacterial activity of Copper hydroxyapatite/silk fiber/ Methylcellulose electrospun composite showed estimable activity against E.coli (zone of inhibition: 46 ± 0.94 mm) compared with pure SF/MC electrospun composite (33 ± 1.21). Bioactivity study confirmed the development of bone-like apatite on the surfaces of optimized (SF/MC 30 wt% of Cu-HAP) electrospun composite. Furthermore, MG63 cells were utilised to study the biocompatibility of the enhanced electrospun composite and good cell viability (99.93 ± 0.12 % using 25 μg/mL) was observed from microscopic image and the results showed that 30 wt% of Cu-HAP added polymer composite has outstanding osteoinductivity, biocompatibility, and antibacterial results, making it a very valuable aspirant for use in bone tissue engineering (BTE) applications to repair bone defects.

24-hour Movement Questionnaire (QMov24h) for adults: development process and measurement properties

BackgroundSleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity are essential components within the 24-hour time frame. Existing questionnaires used to measure these behaviours have insufficient measurement properties and are unsuitable for assessing compliance with the WHO Physical Activity and 24-hour Movement Guidelines. To describe the development process of the 24-hour Movement Questionnaire (QMov24h) and its testing. The QMov24h was developed to gather detailed information on sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity.MethodsThe sample comprised 117 participants (58% women), aged 30.95 ± 13.56 years. The development process of the QMov24h followed the COSMIN guidelines: (i) Construction of items; (ii) Face validity with end-users; (iii) Content validity with experts; (iv) Criterion validity against accelerometry and convergent validity against diary assessments; and (v) 7-day test-retest reliability.ResultsThe QMov24h presented adequate content and face validity. The QMov24h showed moderate criterion validity for sleep (rho=0.343;p<0.001), light physical activity (rho=0.31;p=0.002) and total aerobic physical activity (rho=0.343;p<0.001), as well as strong criterion validity for sedentary behaviour (rho=0.428;p<0.001) and aerobic moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (rho=0.534;p<0.001). Reliability varied from poor to excellent (ICC from 0.38 to 0.962;p<0.001) for all questionnaire variables. Regarding compliance of the 24-hour movement guidelines, the questionnaire also showed a strong to almost perfect percentage of agreement with accelerometry (from 69% to 94.3%), and minimal to strong reliability (k from 0.38 to 0.87) between the first and second administrations of the QMov24h.ConclusionsThe QMov24h questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessing levels of movement behaviours and compliance with guidelines in adults. Its measurement properties are comparable to, or even better than, those of existing questionnaires, while posing a similar burden to participants. The QMov24h is useful for research, clinical practice, and public health surveillance. The QMov24h has strong psychometric properties, making it suitable for translation, cultural adaptation, and testing in diverse populations for broader international use.

Precision across temperatures: Eu/Tb luminescent thermometer with exceptionally high and stable sensitivity from 180 to 320 K

Luminescence thermometry, leveraging the temperature-dependent luminescent properties of coordination compounds, offers precise and remote temperature measurement. However, many existing luminescent thermometers exhibit a narrow peak in temperature sensitivity, restricting their effective operating range. In this study, we synthesized new complexes [LnL2(NO3)(TPPO)2], where Ln = Eu (1), Tb (2), Gd (3), Tb0.94Eu0.06 (4), (HL - 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(furan-2-yl) butan-1,3-dione, TPPO - triphenylphosphine oxide, which demonstrate an exceptionally wide and stable range of maximum temperature sensitivity of 3 %×K−1, spanning from 180 to 320 K. Furthermore, the temperature uncertainty remained low and stable across the same temperature region, ensuring reliable measurements. An unusual behavior was observed in the ion-to-ion energy transfer process rate constant, which exhibited an additional peak between 120 and 180 K. This phenomenon warrants further investigation to fully understand the underlying mechanisms. The obtained results allow for creation of new highly efficient luminescent thermometers tailored for specific complex applications, including cryobiology and microfluidics.