RC Scales Research Articles

Prevalence and correlates of reproductive coercion across ten sites: commonalities and divergence

BackgroundReproductive coercion (RC) is a type of abuse where a partner asserts control over a woman’s reproductive health trajectories. Recent research emphasizes that RC experiences may differ within and across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), as compared to higher income contexts, given social pressures surrounding childbearing. To date, nationally representative surveys have lacked comprehensive measures for RC, leading to gaps in understanding its prevalence and risk factors. Across eight LMICs (10 sites), we aimed to (1) validate the RC Scale; (2) calculate prevalence of RC and specific behaviors; and (3) assess correlates of RC.MethodsThis analysis leverages cross-sectional Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) data collected from November 2020 to May 2022. Analyses were limited to women in need of contraception (Burkina Faso n = 2767; Côte d'Ivoire n = 1561; Kongo Central, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) n = 830; Kinshasa, DRC n = 846; Kenya n = 4588; Kano, Nigeria n = 535; Lagos, Nigeria n = 612; Niger n = 1525; Rajasthan, India n = 3017; Uganda n = 2020). Past-year RC was assessed via five items adapted from the original RC Scale and previously tested in LMICs. Confirmatory factor analysis examined fit statistics by site. Per-item and overall prevalence were calculated. Site-specific bivariate and multivariable logistic regression examined RC correlates across the socioecological framework.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis confirmed goodness of fit across all sites, with moderate internal consistency (alpha range: 0.66 Cote d’Ivoire–0.89 Kinshasa, DRC/Lagos, Nigeria). Past-year reported prevalence of RC was highest in Kongo Central, DRC (20.3%) and lowest in Niger (3.1%). Prevalence of individual items varied substantially by geography. Polygyny was the most common RC risk factor across six sites (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) range: 1.59–10.76). Increased partner education levels were protective in Kenya and Kano, Nigeria (aOR range: 0.23–0.67). Other assessed correlates differed by site.ConclusionsUnderstanding RC prevalence and behaviors is central to providing woman-centered reproductive care. RC was most strongly correlated with factors at the partner dyad level; future research is needed to unpack the relative contributions of relationship power dynamics versus cultural norms surrounding childbearing. Family planning services must recognize and respond to women’s immediate needs to ensure RC does not alter reproductive trajectories, including vulnerability to unintended pregnancy.

Empirical vs. factorial validity in personality inventories: The MMPI-2 and the restructured RC scales

Empirical vs. factorial validity in personality inventories: The MMPI-2 and the restructured RC scales

Design and Development of CNC Foam Cutter

Hotwire acting is a commonly used method to cut various types of foam in different shapes and sizes. Cut quality of foam depend upon variable cutting parameters of hotwire which affects the cutting process to achieve the needed cut, precise and accurate cutting parameters are needed to be set this research is done to develop 4 axis computer-controlled machine to perform precise and accurate foam cutting using hot wire and to identify suitable cutting parameters to improve foam cutting. This CNC has two mutually perpendicular axes controlled using a motor and micro controller. This design will aid UAV designers, Aero- modeller & hobbyist for rapid prototyping of wings, fuselage & different shapes, also it has wide application in RC modelling, signage, scale model & props, etc. this will save time, increase productivity and quality of cuts.

Marital Distress in Missionaries as Measured by the MMPI-2-RF Interpersonal Scales

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) is a briefer revision of the MMPI-2. The archived MMPI-2 profiles of 214 evangelical missionaries were analyzed to explore the relationship among the MMPI-2-RF newly constructed interpersonal scales, the RC scales, and missionary distress. Missionary husbands and wives were placed into two groups based on marital types (conflicted and non-conflicted) and again into three groups based on presenting issues (marital, family, and non-family distress). The results lend support to the use of the MMPI-2-RF Family Problems ( FML), Interpersonal Passivity ( IPP), and Shyness ( SHY) interpersonal scales along with the RC4 scale as a basic screening instrument for post-selection, pre-deployment missionaries with marital distress. Consequently, the MMPI-2-RF may be able to inform us in new ways. Recommendations for counselors and missionary boards are discussed.

RC Benefits of Advanced Metallization Options

We address RC scaling trends and predict the performance benefits of advanced metallization options with respect to conventional Cu/low- ${k}$ interconnects. The range of interconnect dimensions we cover spans from the 22 nm to the 3 nm logic technology node. We show that Ru and Co fills can significantly reduce resistance at narrow pitches. At 12 nm half-pitch, line and via resistance can be lowered by up to 36% and 75%, respectively, by replacing Cu with barrierless Ru fill; by using hybrid Cu metallization with Co via-prefill, at 12 nm half-pitch via resistance can be lowered by up to 42% in 87° tapered vias and up to 52% in chamfered vias. As far as capacitance is concerned, Ru fill can enable interconnect schemes without dielectric liner. In this case, the line capacitance can be substantially reduced by using linerless replacement low- ${k}$ or air-gap schemes, whose benefits become more significant at narrow pitches, when one accounts for low- ${k}$ sidewall damage in conventional low- ${k}$ schemes and takes these as a reference.

The role of common method variance in MMPI-2-RF response option augmentation.

Several studies have shown that response option augmentation (ROA), or increasing the number of response options of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)-2-RF, improves the reliability of scale scores but does not improve convergent validity. However, these studies have not taken into account the response format of criterion measures, which may represent a form of common method variance (CMV). This study examined ROA with the MMPI-2-RF to determine whether number of response options is a source of CMV that may have affected previous estimates of convergent validity. The study used a repeated measures design with self-report and informant-report measures to examine differences between reliability and validity on scores from ROA and standard dichotomous MMPI-2-RF RC scales. Results replicate those of previous studies, suggesting that ROA with the MMPI-2-RF leads to small increases in internal consistency, but near-zero gains in convergent validity. Results are unable to support the proposition that CMV, due either to respondent or number of response options, meaningfully inflates correlations between measures with identical number of response options. These results consistently showing no meaningful increase in convergent validity across several studies may have implications for test authors deciding on the number of response options. Limitations and future directions are also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

RC scale vehicle for control education

The paper presents design of electronic traction control of an electric RC vehicle. The basics of ABS and ASR systems are presented. RC car model and its modifications are described, followed by traction control realization. The traction control algorithm performance is compared to a full scale electric car to illustrate the similarities.

Could Time Detect a Faking-Good Attitude? A Study With the MMPI-2-RF.

Background and Purpose: Research on the relationship between response latency (RL) and faking in self-administered testing scenarios have generated contradictory findings. We explored this relationship further, aiming to add further insight into the reliability of self-report measures. We compared RLs and T-scores on the MMPI-2-RF (validity and restructured clinical [RC] scales) in four experimental groups. Our hypotheses were that: the Fake-Good Speeded group would obtain a different completion time; show higher RLs than the Honesty Speeded Group in the validity scales; show higher T-Scores in the L-r and K-r scales and lower T-scores in the F-r and RC scales; and show higher levels of tension and fatigue. Finally, the impact of the speeded condition in malingering was assessed.Materials and Methods: The sample was comprised of 135 subjects (M = 26.64; SD = 1.88 years old), all of whom were graduates (having completed at least 17 years of instruction), male, and Caucasian. Subjects were randomly assigned to four groups: Honesty Speeded, Fake-Good Speeded, Honesty Un-Speeded, and Fake-Good Un-Speeded. A software version of the MMPI-2-RF and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were administered. To test the hypotheses, MANOVAs and binomial logistic regressions were run.Results: Significant differences were found between the four groups, and particularly between the Honest and Fake-Good groups in terms of test completion time and the L-r and K-r scales. The speeded condition increased T-scores in the L-r and K-r scales but decreased T-scores in some of the RC scales. The Fake groups also scored higher on the VAS Tension subscale. Completion times for the first and second parts of the MMPI-2-RF and T-scores for the K-r scale seemed to predict malingering.Conclusion: The speeded condition seemed to bring out the malingerers. Limitations include the sample size and gender bias.

Clusters of financially incentivized chronic pain patients using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF).

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) has been shown to have clinical utility in the assessment of individuals with chronic pain (e.g., predicting surgical outcomes). The purpose of this study was to explore the ability of the MMPI-2-RF Validity Scales in profiling patients with chronic pain who had external financial incentive (e.g., workers' compensation claims) and determine the associations between Validity Scale response patterns and important outcomes. Cluster analysis identified 2 similarly sized clusters of patients with very different MMPI-2-RF profiles. Cluster 1 was characterized by valid responding and showed mean elevations on the somatic and low positive emotion Restructured Clinical scales. Cluster 2 was characterized by patients overreporting on the MMPI-2-RF Validity Scales, who also demonstrated elevations on 7 of the 9 RC scales. Cluster membership was differentially associated with clinical variables: patients in Cluster 2 had greater self-reported pain and disability, were less likely to have spine-related findings on imaging and were more likely to be classified as probable or definite malingerers. These results support the utility of the MMPI-2-RF Validity scales in distinguishing between credible and noncredible responses from patients with chronic pain seen within a medico-legal context. (PsycINFO Database Record

Seismic source functions from free‐field ground motions recorded on SPE: Implications for source models of small, shallow explosions

AbstractReduced displacement potentials (RDPs) for chemical explosions of the Source Physics Experiments (SPE) in granite at the Nevada Nuclear Security Site are estimated from free‐field ground motion recordings. Far‐field P wave source functions are proportional to the time derivative of RDPs. Frequency domain comparisons between measured source functions and model predictions show that high‐frequency amplitudes roll off as ω− 2, but models fail to predict the observed seismic moment, corner frequency, and spectral overshoot. All three features are fit satisfactorily for the SPE‐2 test after cavity radius Rc is reduced by 12%, elastic radius is reduced by 58%, and peak‐to‐static pressure ratio on the elastic radius is increased by 100%, all with respect to the Mueller‐Murphy model modified with the Denny‐Johnson Rc scaling law. A large discrepancy is found between the cavity volume inferred from RDPs and the volume estimated from laser scans of the emplacement hole. The measurements imply a scaled Rc of ~5 m/kt1/3, more than a factor of 2 smaller than nuclear explosions. Less than 25% of the seismic moment can be attributed to cavity formation. A breakdown of the incompressibility assumption due to shear dilatancy of the source medium around the cavity is the likely explanation. New formulas are developed for volume changes due to medium bulking (or compaction). A 0.04% decrease of average density inside the elastic radius accounts for the missing volumetric moment. Assuming incompressibility, established Rc scaling laws predicted the moment reasonable well, but it was only fortuitous because dilation of the source medium compensated for the small cavity volume.

An Examination of the MMPI-2-RF (Restructured Form) With the MMPI-2 and MCMI-III of Child Custody Litigants

Psychologists have become increasingly involved with child custody evaluations. These evaluations involve a variety of psychometric instruments, such as the MMPI-2 and MCMI-III, to assess parental fitness. Studies examining psychometric instruments in the child custody context have addressed the MMPI-2 and MCMI-III individually; however, test-taking attitudes across multiple measures have been limited. The present study compared the MCMI-III with the MMPI-2-RF in a sample of 49 child custody litigants, as well as examined how the sample performed on the MMPI-2-RF. Significant correlations were found between MMPI-2-RF Validity Scale L-r, MCMI-III Modifying Index Y, MMPI-2-RF Scale RC9, and MCMI-III Scale 5. Results also showed consistency between T score elevations typically found on MMPI-2 Validity Scales L and K with scales L-r and K-r on the MMPI-2-RF. Mean T scores for the RC Scales demonstrated lower elevations than have been shown with the MMPI-2 Clinical Scales in samples of child custody litigants.

Comparing the Sensitivity of the MMPI-2 Clinical Scales and the MMPI-RC Scales to Clients Rated as Psychotic, Borderline or Neurotic on the Psychodiagnostic Chart

The purpose of this study was to assess the differences between the MMPI-2 and the MMPI-RC scales in sensitivity to levels of psychopathology. Ninety-eight clients from forensic, disability and psychotherapy evaluations were evaluated on the MMPI-2 and RC scales and rated for personality organization (neurotic, borderline or psychotic) on the Psychodiagnostic Chart. The results over-all showed support that most of the MMPI-2 scales have more clinical sensitivity than the RC scales at all levels of psychopathology and particularly at the less pathological levels. K correction does not account for the elevation differences. Most of the RC scales add little to no incremental validity to the MMPI-2 Clinical scales except for RC 1, RC 2, and RC 9 and these may be used as supplemental scales.

Problems With Using the MMPI–2–RF in Forensic Evaluations: A Clarification to Ellis

Toward the end of her article addressing the prevalence of MMPI-2 Scale 4 elevations among child custody litigants, Ellis recommended use of the MMPI-2-RF scales in child custody evaluations. Unfortunately, this recommendation was not supported by a comprehensive review of the literature similar to the one she used to address her primary questions about MMPI-2 Scale 4. This article describes many of the criticisms of the MMPI–2–RF, and its various scales, including the RC Scales and the Fake Bad Scale (recently renamed the Symptom Validity Scale). The MMPI-2-RF and its scales are novel measures whose use may be challenged in forensic settings. Psychologists considering including them as part of a test battery must evaluate their psychometric properties by carefully examining the test manuals, empirical studies, and recent textbooks. Many experts do not consider the MMPI-2-RF to be a viable replacement for the MMPI-2 in critical evaluations such as child custody.

Effects of Augmenting Response Options on MMPI–2 RC Scale Psychometrics

A number of empirical investigations indicate that tests with a greater number of response options tend to yield better psychometric performance. We hypothesized that a version of the MMPI–2 with a polytomous response format would outperform the standard dichotomous format in terms of observed score reliability and validity. Two versions of the MMPI–2 RC scales were administered consecutively in counterbalanced order to 199 undergraduate students attending a large Midwestern university: the standard true–false version, and an experimental version containing 4 response options (very true, mainly true, slightly true, and false, not at all true). After participants completed both versions, 2 scales from the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) were administered to assess differences in convergent validity. Results showed enhancements in reliability for all RC scale scores and increases in the convergent validity of scores. Directions for further investigation and potential implications for future test development are discussed.

Spirituality and the MMPI-2 Restructured Clinical Scales

The present investigation examined the relation between spirituality, measured by the Expressions of Spirituality Inventory (ESI; MacDonald, 2000); and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Clinical (MMPI-2 RC) scales (Tellegen et al., 2003) using data from a previously published study (i.e., MacDonald & Holland, 2003). Zero-order, multiple, and partial correlations were calculated to explore the association. All multiple correlations, wherein the five ESI dimensions were used collectively to predict MMPI-2 RC scales, emerged significant for all MMPI-2 RC scales. For zero-order correlations, all RC scales were found to have a significant relation with at least one ESI dimension. Existential Well-Being (EWB) was found to be significantly negatively associated with all MMPI-2 RC scales except RC9-Hypomanic Activation. When compared to correlations between the ESI and the MMPI-2 Basic Clinical Scales, the RC scales seem to produce a similar pattern of coefficients but of lower magnitude. The study concludes with a discussion of the findings, limitations, and suggestions for clinical practice and future research.

Constraints on burial depth and yield of the 25 May 2009 North Korean test from hydrodynamic simulations in a granite medium

[1] Yield : depth of burial (DoB) tradeoff curves (TOCs) based on seismic magnitudes of the 25 May 2009 North Korean test depend strongly on the choice of empirical cavity radius (Rc) scaling model. Ambiguities over Rc scaling, particularly at large scaled DoB (SDoB), translate into unacceptably large systematic errors on yield estimates for this test. Hydrodynamic calculations involving realistic material response models offer a viable alternative to characterize Rc scaling for a range of SDoB where limited data from past nuclear tests exist. Results of such calculations are presented for a granite medium with a material response validated by modeling four phenomenological criteria for past nuclear tests in granite (free field velocity, energy partitioning into the seismic wavefield, velocity attenuation, and measured Rc). These results unambiguously favor the Rc scaling model of Denny and Johnson (DJ91) and the TOC based on that model. Lower bounds on yield and DoB of the North Korean test are constrained by predictions of an SDoB threshold for free surface damage from 2-D simulations since no such reported damage was observed for this test. Constrained by the hydrodynamic simulations, the DJ91 model indicates the minimum yield and DoB for the 25 May 2009 North Korean test is 5.7 kilotons and 375 m.

MMPI-2-RF Characteristics of Custody Evaluation Litigants

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) is a 338-item objective self-report measure drawn from the 567 items of the MMPI-2. Although there is a substantial MMPI-2 literature regarding child custody litigants, there has been only one previously published study using MMPI-2-RF data in this population that focused on Validity scales L-r and K-r. The current study evaluated the MMPI-2-RF results of 344 child custody litigants and showed substantial consistency between T-score elevations typically found on MMPI-2 Validity scales L and K, and comparable elevations for MMPI-2-RF validity scales L-r and K-r. Mean T-scores well within normal limits characterized results for clinical scales on both instruments. The RC scale intercorrelation patterns, and alpha coefficient values found for MMPI-2-RF scales in a custody population, were also found to be very similar to those reported for other populations. Directions for future research are presented.

Tungsten Contact and Line Resistance Reduction with Advanced Pulsed Nucleation Layer and Low Resistivity Tungsten Treatment

This paper describes electrical testing results of new tungsten chemical vapor deposition (CVD-W) process concepts that were developed to address the W contact and bitline scaling issues on 55 nm node devices. Contact resistance (Rc) measurements in complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices indicate that the new CVD-W process for sub-32 nm and beyond – consisting of an advanced pulsed nucleation layer (PNL) combined with low resistivity tungsten (LRW) initiation – produces a 20–30% drop in Rc for diffused NiSi contacts. From cross-sectional bright field and dark field transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, such Rc improvement can be attributed to improved plugfill and larger in-feature W grain size with the advanced PNL+LRW process. More experiments that measured contact resistance for different feature sizes point to favorable Rc scaling with the advanced PNL+LRW process. Finally, 40% improvement in line resistance was observed with this process as tested on 55 nm embedded dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, confirming that the advanced PNL+LRW process can be an effective metallization solution for sub-32 nm devices.

Demoralization, Hypomanic Activation, and Disconstraint Scores on MMPI-2 Scales as Significant Predictors of Hypersexual Behavior

This article reports the findings of a study investigating which facets of psychopathology are most strongly associated with hypersexual behavior among a patient sample (N = 151). Psychopathology was measured using the Restructured Clinical scales and the PSY-5 scales of the MMPI-2, and hypersexual behavior was measured using the Sexual Compulsivity Scale. Regression analysis revealed that Demoralization was the strongest predictor of scores on a measure of hypersexuality, with Hypomanic Activation on the RC scales and Disconstraint on the PSY-5 scales making additional modest, but statistically significant, contributions. Although some MMPI-2 scales were significantly elevated, an important finding of the current investigation is the lack of elevations across many MMPI-2 scales. The results of these findings are addressed and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Personality Assessment with the MMPI‐2: Historical Roots, International Adaptations, and Current Challenges

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐2 (MMPI‐2) is the most widely used personality test in psychological practice. Although originally developed during the middle of the last century in the United States, its use today extends around the world. The MMPI‐2 is a robust measure given its strong empirical tradition and many innovations. Recent years have seen controversial changes to this standard of psychological assessment. New scales were added in 2003 (i.e. the Restructured Clinical or RC Scales) and the Fake Bad Scale (FBS) was included in the MMPI‐2 in 2007. A new instrument called the MMPI‐2 Restructured Form (MMPI‐2‐RF) was released in 2008 with the RC Scales replacing the well‐validated MMPI‐2 Clinical Scales; 40 per cent of its items eliminated; a shortened FBS included; and most of its 50 scales introduced for the first time. This article traces the history of the evolving MMPI‐2 with special attention to its international applications, and offers a perspective on the radical departure from past MMPI‐2 research represented by the RC Scales, FBS, the MMPI‐2‐RF, and other recent changes to this standard in the field.