Reliable Criteria Research Articles

Surgical and multimodal treatment of metastatic oesophageal cancer: retrospective cohort study.

In contrast to the well-established multimodal therapy for localized oesophageal cancer, the metastatic stage is commonly treated only with systemic therapy as current international guidelines recommend. However, evidence suggesting that multimodal therapy including surgery could benefit selected patients with metastasized oesophageal cancer is increasing. The aim of this study was to investigate the survival of patients diagnosed with metastatic oesophageal cancer after different treatment regimens. This was a retrospective single-centre study of patients with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus with synchronous or metachronous metastases who underwent Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy between 2010 and 2021. Each patient received an individual treatment for their metastatic burden based on an interdisciplinary tumour board conference. Survival differences between different treatments were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, as well as univariable and multivariable Cox regression models. Out of 1791 patients undergoing Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy, 235 patients diagnosed with metastases were included. Of all of the included patients, 42 (17.9%) only underwent surgical resection of their metastatic disease, 37 (15.7%) underwent multimodal therapy including surgery, 78 (33.2%) received chemotherapy alone, 49 (20.9%) received other therapies, and 29 (12.3%) received best supportive care. Patients who underwent resection or multimodal therapy including surgery of their metastatic burden showed superior overall survival compared with chemotherapy alone (median overall survival of 19.0, 18.0, and 11.0 months respectively) (P < 0.001). This was confirmed in subcohorts of patients with metachronous solid-organ metastases and with a single metastasis. In multivariable analyses, resection with or without multimodal therapy was an independent factor for favourable survival. Surgical resection could be a feasible treatment option for metastasized oesophageal cancer, improving survival in selected patients. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings and define reliable selection criteria.

Predictors of early-onset neonatal infections (review)

Predictors of early-onset neonatal infections (review)

Reliability analysis of steel truss bars with imprecise statistical data

The article describes the probabilistic approach of reliability analysis for steel truss bars with imprecise statistical data. An approach to recovery the probability density of a random variable by the kernel density estimation method is illustrated for a small number of tests/measurements cases. The estimation of the distribution density parameters is presented in an interval form, which makes it possible to form a p-box for the random variable. Evaluation of the probability of non-failure allow to get a quantitative assessment for the safety of steel trusses, to identify the most unreliable trusses for monitoring their technical condition or to calculate the effect of strengthening the truss according to the reliability criterion. The probability of non-failure is estimated in the interval form. If the lower limit of the interval does not allow to get a conclusion about the truss safety level, then it can be increased by obtaining additional statistical data or by strengthening the truss or reducing the permissible load.

Studying the features of complex beryllium-containing silicate phases co-crystallization in zonal samples using the x-ray electron probe microanalysis method

Research subject. Silicate ingots containing four species-forming components Be, Mg, Al, and Si and belonging to the crystallization region of beryllium indialite (with the formula of Mg2BeAl2Si6O18 and a beryl-type structure). Aim. To investigate the fundamental problem of identifying the patterns of matter differentiation and the stable and metastable phase formation in silicate matrices. Methods. The evolution of the phase composition of silicate melts was registered using a temperature gradient method. Results. New data on the features of phase transformations in silicate melts belonging to the region of beryllium indialite were obtained by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Co-existing metastable and stable mineral phases were identified, and the similarity of their compositions with different structures was shown. The nature of impurity phases at each stage of crystallization was established. Conclusions. The evolutionary sequence of phase associations ensuring the crystallization of beryllium indialite and metastable phases of a similar composition, the nature of which is determined by the initial ratio of components, was experimentally recorded. The range of possible phase associations that co-crystallize or replace a stable phase with a beryl structure in melts from the region of existence of beryllium indialite in the BeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 system was extended. The selectivity of the coloring element chromium entry into various phases of the studied system is shown depending on the capabilities of their structure. The addition of a chromophore is a reliable criterion for visualizing successive layers, zones, and areas of changing phase associations in the final ingot.

Early–Middle Devonian paleomagnetic results from the Zhongba microterrane, Tibetan Plateau: Evidence for its origin from the northern margin of Greater India

Abstract The initial disintegration of Gondwana during the Paleozoic laid the foundation for the formation of the Tibetan Plateau in the Cenozoic. Determining the relative positions of the microterranes in Gondwana during the Paleozoic not only informs the subsequent drift and accretion processes of these microterranes but is also crucial to the paleogeographic reconstruction of Gondwana. However, the lack of paleomagnetic constraints on the Devonian paleogeography of the microterranes in the northern part of Gondwana makes this effort challenging. Here, we report paleomagnetic results for the first time from the Early–Middle Devonian sediments of the Zhongba microterrane. The site-mean direction is declination (Ds) = 310.7°, inclination (Is) = −67.2°, ks = 31.2, α95 = 8.3°, and n = 11, in stratigraphic coordinates. Positive fold and reversal tests, together with rock magnetism results and microscopic observations, strongly suggest that the remanence carriers are of depositional origin. The paleomagnetic results meet the paleomagnetic reliability criteria and therefore can be used for tectonic reconstructions. Our results constrain the paleolatitude of the Zhongba microterrane to be 50.0°S ± 11.7°S in the Early–Middle Devonian. Combined with published detrital zircon ages as well as paleomagnetic results and geological data, our data indicate that the Zhongba microterrane, which had no tectonic affinity with the Lhasa terrane, was part of the northern margin of Greater India during 408–388 Ma and coupled with the South Qiangtang terrane, Tethyan Himalayas, and other terranes to form the continuous northern continental margin of East Gondwana.

СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ НАУЧНЫЕ ПРЕДСТАВЛЕНИЯ О ФАКТОРАХ, ВЛИЯЮЩИХ НА УСПЕХ ДЕНТАЛЬНОЙ ИМПЛАНТАЦИИ

For the full-fledged work of a dentist-implantologist working in the field of replenishment of dentition with the help of dental implants and prostheses based on them in the modern realities of excessive variability of implant systems and suprastructures for them, the clinician needs to understand the criteria that various structural elements must meet, regardless of whether the structure is a single tooth, a bridge, or a full dentition restored with the above structure. In accordance with modern scientific concepts, the long-term survival of implants and teeth restored with their help is influenced by various mechanical and biological factors, such as: switching platforms, the type of connection of the abutment to the implant body, including the cone, its angle, internal or external polyhedron, the type and shape of the thread, the coating of the screw fixing the superstructure to the shaft of the dental implant (DI), the condition of the soft tissues and other factors disclosed in this article. The article will be useful for dentists involved in the restoration of dentition using various types of prostheses based on DI to become familiar with modern trends and scientifically proven facts about various elements of the implant-prosthesis complex. The article will also be useful for the clinician to select an implantological system that meets modern criteria of reliability and efficiency among the many variations presented on the medical device market. The team of authors recommends that the article be read by senior students and residents studying at the dental faculties of medical universities for a deeper understanding of the conditions that in the near future they will have to take into account when following the path of an orthopedic dentist or dental surgeon.

Towards virtual reality exposure therapy for cocaine use disorder: A feasibility study of inducing cocaine craving through virtual reality

BackgroundCraving is a core symptom of cocaine use disorders (CUD). Inducing craving in exposure to substance cues is of relevant interest for numerous clinical applications. Virtual reality exposure (VRE) might be a promising candidate for improving cue-exposure paradigms but remains almost not studied for cocaine. This feasibility study’s main aim is to assess whether VRE to cocaine cues is capable to induce cocaine craving compared with VRE to neutral cues. MethodsWe conducted a within-subjects controlled trial in which cocaine users performed 3 consecutive 10 mins-tasks: VRE to neutral and cocaine cues, and a relaxation-based resting procedure. The primary outcome was the change in Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief (CCQ-Brief) scores between VRE to neutral and cocaine cues. Secondary outcomes included between-tasks changes in scores of cocaine craving, pleasant/unpleasant emotions as well as self-efficacy to cope with craving. ResultsWe recruited 11 chronic cocaine users including mostly crack smokers (45 %), cocaine snorters (36 %) and injectors (18 %), with 73 % of participants meeting DSM-IV criteria for cocaine dependence and/or abuse. Non-parametrical sign tests indicated significant large increases of CCQ-Brief scores from neutral to cocaine cue-VRE (S(11) = 11, p < 0.01, Cliff’s Δ = 0.65, 95 % CI: 0.17–0.88). Exploratory comparative analyses indicated significant changes after our post-cues VRE relaxation procedure, with cocaine craving and emotions restored to baseline. ConclusionsVRE to cocaine cues was feasible and capable to induce cocaine craving in cocaine users. This second VRE-based cue-reactivity study in cocaine paves the way for unexplored research on VRE clinical applications for CUD.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Dermoscopy and Clinical and Histopathological Study of Acquired Palmoplantar Keratodermas: A Research Protocol.

Background Acquired palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs) pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their varied clinical presentations and overlapping features. This study aims to elucidatediagnostic criteria; assess correlations between clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological features;and evaluate treatment outcomes for acquired PPKs, particularly palmoplantar psoriasis. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional study will be conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH), Wardha, Maharashtra. Patients with acquired PPKs will undergo comprehensive clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological evaluations. Treatment outcomes for palmoplantar psoriasis will be assessed following standard therapy. Statistical analysis will include descriptive statistics, diagnostic accuracy assessments, correlation analyses, and treatment outcome evaluations. Results The study is anticipated to establish reliable diagnostic criteria for acquired PPKs, identify correlations between features, and demonstrate the effectiveness of standard therapies for palmoplantar psoriasis. The findings are expected to inform evidence-based guidelines and protocols for diagnosing and managing acquired PPKs. Conclusion This study aims to advance the understanding and management of acquired PPKs by providing insights into diagnostic accuracy, correlations between features, and treatment outcomes. The study seeks to enhance patient care and outcomes for individuals affected by acquired PPKs by improving diagnostic precision and guiding therapeutic interventions.

Burnout: Historical Background, Concepts, Methodological Problems, Prevention And Different Perspectives On A Striking Phenomenon

Burnout, historically the successor to neurasthenia, is considered an exhaustion phenomenon caused by prolonged work-related stress. The very concept of "being burned out" implies an image that is immediately understandable and concise to any layperson. Academic psychiatry and psychology pose conceptual challenges to this popular model, which was first published in 1974 by the German-American psychotherapist Herbert Freudenberger. To date, more than 140 definitions of burnout have been proposed. All of the main features of burnout, especially the experience of exhaustion, are non-specific. Various burnout development models have been proposed, which were assumed to represent a quasi-natural process. None could be confirmed empirically. An expert consensus on the diagnostic criteria and conceptual classification, whether as an independent disorder or as a risk condition, could not be achieved. Nevertheless, burnout is classified as a work-related disorder in the ICD-11. Current findings indicate that the experience of burnout among members of the baby boomer generation often reflects their high performance expectations of themselves, while the identical subjective feeling in Generation Z is often associated with missing or unsustainable professional goals. The research on the burnout phenomenon, which largely ignores the fact that burnout - in the absence of reliable diagnostic criteria - must be considered a subjective model, meets social expectations but does not meet scientific criteria. A parallel recording of ICD/DSM diagnoses and subjective disorder models is recommended in everyday therapeutic practice in order to meet the needs of both sides.

Is PDQ-39 a reliable measure of quality of life of patients at advanced stages of Parkinson's disease considered for Deep Brain Stimulation

PurposeParkinson's disease (PD) significantly impedes, especially at its advanced stages, the health-related quality of life (QoL) of patients. The Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-39) is a widely-used measure assessing the impact of the disease on the patients' QoL. To date, the reliability of PDQ-39 has not been selectively evaluated for patients at a particular delineated stage of the PD progression. Against this backdrop, the study aimed firstly to evaluate comprehensively the internal consistency reliability of PDQ-39 and the constituent scales specifically for patients at the advanced stages of PD who were candidates for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, and secondly, to compare the Cronbach's alpha coefficients with those reported in other studies conducted with patients across all stages of the PD progression. MethodsThe sample included 36 Bulgarian patients (29 men and 7 women) at advanced stages of PD (Hoehn and Yahr stage 4), PD duration, M = 11.06, SD = 3.50). The internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire and the constituent scales was assessed using three criteria: Cronbach's alpha coefficients, inter-item and item-total correlations. ResultsThe internal consistency reliability indicators were satisfactory for the entire instrument and for most of the scales and similar to those reported in previous studies. None of the scales had low internal consistency reliability results across the three criteria. Except for the Communication scale, seven of the eight scales had Cronbach's alpha values that were satisfactory or marginally below the cut off score. All scales had acceptable inter-item correlations. Three of the scales (Emotional Well-Being, Cognition and Communication) contained more than one item with non-satisfactory item-total correlations. With minor exceptions, the removal of the items with low item-total correlations either did not improve or improved marginally or even decreased the Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the respective scale. The Communication scale was the only scale with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient that was both low and comparatively different to other studies and had as well low item-total correlations for all constituent items, thus showing non-satisfactory results on two of the three internal consistency reliability estimates. In contrast, the Mobility scale met all three internal consistency reliability criteria. ConclusionPDQ-39 is a reliable tool for assessing the QoL of patients at advanced stages of PD across multiple health-related domains. The questionnaire can be recommended for inclusion in the best practice guidelines for evaluating DBS candidacy and the efficacy of DBS treatment for patients’ QoL.

Pengembangan Instrumen Asesmen Literasi Digital dalam Pembelajaran untuk Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah

This study aims to develop a digital literacy instrument for Madrasah Ibtidaiyah teachers that serves to measure the extent of teachers' digital literacy. This research involved 166 teacher respondents in MI in Bogor City. The research method used is the Plomp Model, also known as design research, which has stages such as preliminary research, prototyping phase, and assessment phase in the development process. The instrument developed in the form of a questionnaire that has been made is first validated by 2 expert validators (material and evaluation), after being declared valid by expert validators, the questionnaire is then carried out a limited test to calculate the level of validity and reliability of each question item. The questionnaire uses a Likert scale with 4 categories of answer choices (often, rarely, ever, never). The results of the study can be concluded that The question items that can be used as data collection tools on the digital literacy questionnaire instrument are 50 question items and are categorized as valid and can be used as a teacher digital literacy evaluation tool. Based on the validity calculation, it can be seen that 78% of the question items can be used as data collection tools with high and sufficient validity categories. While the other 22% can be used by making improvements first with low validity. Based on reliability criteria, the digital literacy questionnaire shows very high-reliability criteria (0.860) with a reliability level greater than 0.7.

TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE BELIEFS INVENTORY IN ADULTS: A METHODOLOGICAL STUDY

Aims: This study was conducted to establish the Turkish validity and reliability of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Beliefs Inventory (CAMBI) used to measure adults' beliefs about complementary and alternative medicine practices. Methods: The study was designed as a methodological study. The population of the study consisted of individuals receiving services from a family health center in Ankara. The sample consisted of 354 individuals who agreed to participate in the study and met the inclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics (number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum) of the data obtained in the study were calculated. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were conducted to test validity. The reliability of the scale was assessed through item-total correlation, item analysis, Cronbach α, and test-retest correlation. Results: The results of the Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed that there is only one factor with an eigenvalue above 1, explaining 73.11% of the total variance. Additionally, fit indices obtained from the results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis yielded a χ2/df fit index of 3.214, a Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) of 0.079, a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of 0.901, and an Adjusted Goodness-of-Fit Index (AGFI) of 0.854. The Cronbach’s α value of the scale in our study was 0.97. Conclusion: The adapted Turkish version of the 16-item scale has been determined to be a measurement tool that adheres to validity and reliability criteria. It serves as an assessment instrument usable by healthcare professionals to evaluate adult individuals' beliefs regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods.

Determinants of Customer Satisfaction in Chatbot Use

Chatbots are becoming increasingly popular in business due to their ability to deliver immediate responses to customers. However, there is limited empirical evidence focusing on customers’ perspectives. This study aims to investigate the determinants of customer satisfaction in chatbot use as well as provide an overview of chatbot users in Indonesia. The research uses quantitative methods and descriptive types of research, with the number of samples being 150 chatbot users. All data collected met the criteria for validity and reliability and were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively through multiple linear regression methods. The research showed that most of the respondents were male chatbot users, aged 18–29 years, had last used chatbots between 1–3 months ago, and used chatbots to convey their complaints/problems. It is also known that banking chatbots are the most frequently used chatbots. Additionally, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are the determinants of customer satisfaction in chatbot use. Of these two factors, perceived usefulness has a dominant influence on chatbot consumer (user) satisfaction in Indonesia.

FIBROMYALGIA – AN UPDATE ON CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA

The third most common musculoskeletal disorder is fibromyalgia, which becomes more common as people age. The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are tiredness, sleep difficulties, persistent pain throughout the body, and functional problems. Etiopathogenesis, diagnostic standards, and classification criteria of this disorder are still up for debate. Despite the development of more reliable diagnostic criteria, a significant proportion of physicians continue to misdiagnose the illness. Familial experiences, emotional-cognitive factors, the mind-body connection, genetic predisposition, and a biopsychological capacity for stress management are some of the numerous variables that each individually contribute to the development of fibromyalgia. In this review, we present a comprehensive, critical assessment of fibromyalgia's burden and diagnosis, taking into account the most recent research, recommendations, and clinical experience. By utilizing clinical expertise and the most recent EULAR criteria for managing fibromyalgia, we want to offer doctors an innovative and useful management workflow that they may utilize in their routine clinical duties. Keywords: fibromyalgia, chronic pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, autonomic disturbances, regional pain syndromes, tender points.

Current aspects of the treatment of combat surgical trauma

Objective. The history of providing assistance to victims with gunshot wounds dates back more than one century, but nevertheless surgical treatment of gunshot wounds is still relevant to this day. High-quality primary surgical treatment of a gunshot wound is the key to a speedy recovery of the patient (N.I. Pirogov). The pathogenesis of gunshot wounds determines the specific tactics of surgical treatment. Gunshot wounds are zonal in nature. According to the results of morphological studies, it can be concluded that a significant part of the changes in the zone of molecular concussion of the wound canal are reversible, and the complexity of pathogenesis and the lack of reliable criteria for assessing the condition of tissues does not exclude the possibility of leaving areas with reduced viability in the wound after treatment. For maximum effect during surgical treatment of gunshot wounds, non-viable tissues should be removed with minimal damage to viable ones. To meet these requirements, it is often impossible to visually assess the boundary between damaged and parabiotic tissues objectively intraoperatively. The use of modern physical methods of wound wrapping and preparing them for plastic closure, such as low-frequency ultrasound, hydrosurgical methods and VAC therapy allows you to radically clean the wound surface with minimal damage to viable tissues and perform plastic closure operations on soft tissue defects at an early date.Purpose of a study: to improve the methods of primary surgical treatment in patients with combat surgical trauma using low-frequency ultrasound.Material and methods. Our study is based on the analysis of the treatment results of 93 patients aged 10 and 70 years old. All patients had combat surgical trauma of various etiology and localization. Of these, 36 (38.7%) patients in main group underwent ultrasound cavitation of the wound canal and wound defects during primary surgical treatment (PST), followed by primary or primary delayed plastic surgery within a period not exceeding 48 hours after PST. Methods of plastic wound closure were both flaps with axial circulation and autodermotransplantation. In the remaining 57 (61.3%) patients of comparison group, primary surgical treatment was not performed, or was performed at the stages of evacuation, with further conservative treatment. Upon admission to the clinic, he underwent secondary surgical treatment, opening of purulent lumps, as well as staged necrectomies, while wound plastic surgery was performed after wound cleansing and was mainly represented by autodermotransplantation.Results. It was revealed that in the main group, the treatment time of patients in the main group was reduced by 2 times compared with the comparison group (16.3 and 34.2 bed days, respectively). The effectiveness of engraftment of autodermotransplants was evaluated according to V.I. Petrov's scheme. Lysis of autodermotransplants was noted 1.9 times less frequently in the main study group. It was also noted that there were no purulent complications in main group, unlike comparison group – 20.6%, the number of marginal necrosis was 2.6% in main group and 22.4% – in comparison group, lysis of autodermotransplanates in main group was 7.8%, in comparison group – 13.8%.Conclusion. This study allows us to conclude that the advantage of using ultrasonic cavitation during the usual surgical treatment of gunshot wounds followed by primary or primary delayed plastic surgery.

Novel Robust Estimation-Based Control of One-Sided Lipschitz Nonlinear Systems Subject to Output and Input Delays

This paper highlights the design of a controller established on estimated states for one-sided Lipschitz (OSL) nonlinear systems subject to output and input delays. The controller has been devised by involving Luenberger-like estimated states. The stability of the time-delayed nonlinear system is reckoned by assuming a Lyapunov functional for delayed dynamics and for which a delay-range dependent criterion is posed with a delay ranging between known upper and lower bounds. The time derivative of the functional is further exploited with linear matrix inequality (LMI) procedures, and employing Wirtinger’s inequality for the integral terms instead of the traditional and more conservative Jensen’s condition. Moreover, a sufficient and necessary solution is derived for the proposed design by involving the tedious decoupling technique to attain controller and observer gain simultaneously. The proposed methodology validates the observer error stability between observers and states asymptotically. The solution of matrix inequalities was obtained by employing cone-complementary linearization techniques to solve the tiresome constraints through simulation tools by convex optimization. Additionally, a novel scheme of an observer-based controller for the linear counterpart is also derived for one-sided Lipschitz nonlinear systems with multiple delays. Finally, the effectualness of the presented observer-based controller under input and output delays for one-sided Lipschitz nonlinear systems is validated by considering a numerical simulation of mobile systems in Cartesian coordinates.

A Simple and Reliable 2D-Shear Wave Elastography and UltraSound Coefficient Attenuation Parameter Technique in Chronic Liver Diseases.

The performance and reliability criteria for Aixplorer MACH30 (SS) in chronic liver diseases (CLD) have not been validated. The objectives were to define the optimal procedure, the accuracy for fibrosis and steatosis diagnosis, and the reliability criteria using SS. Patients had 2D-shear wave elastography (SWE) and ultraSound-guided controlled attenuation parameter (SCAP) performed in triplicate at the mid-axillary line (MAL), posterior axillary line (PAL), and anterior axillary line (AAL). Performances of SWE and SCAP were defined using transient elastography (TE ≥ 9.5kPa) and CAP (≥ 275dB/m) using Fibroscan (FS) as reference and validated with liver biopsy (LB). FS and SS data from 203 CLD patients were analyzed (55 ± 14years; 59% male; MASLD 58%). Median TE and CAP were 6.4kPa (2.5-66.9) and 270dB/m (141-400). The best technique for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis and significant steatosis was the median of three SWE values and three SCAP values at MAL, PAL, and AAL with an AUROC of 0.96 [95% CI 0.93-0.98] and 0.91 [95% CI 0.86-0.95]. Only skin-to-liver distance ≥ 2.4cm (p = 0.012, 95% CI 1.37-13.38) was independently associated with discordance. The accuracy of SWE (≥ 8.5kPa) and SCAP (≥ 0.44) was analyzed in 58 patients with LB. The PPV and NPV were 50% and 94%, and 71% and 88% for fibrosis and steatosis, respectively. A reliable diagnosis of advanced fibrosis and significant steatosis can be obtained with the median of three measurements in different liver portions using SS. The only non-reliable criterion is skin-to-liver distance ≥ 2.4cm.

Organizational Climate Scale for Public Service: Development and Validation

This research presents four studies that developed and validated the Organizational Climate Perception Scale for Public Service (OCPS-PS). The first qualitative study consulted the literature and conducted a focus group to develop the initial version of the scale. The second study involved expert evaluation and pre-testing, aiming at the semantic and face validation of the items. This study resulted in 80 items forming the thirteen dimensions of organizational climate. The third study obtained the first quantitative sample for the exploratory validation phase of the scale. The final study, using a new sample, conducted confirmatory tests for the validation of the scale. A methodology for applying the scale was developed, allowing all interested parties to use the OCPS-PS for the assessment of the organizational climate in public service. The results of the four conducted studies indicate the adequacy of the OCPS-PS according to the proposed criteria of validity and reliability. Finally, the OCPS-OS was built to be applied in different public organizations and at different government levels.

A scale development study: Primary Caregiver Burden Scale Individuals Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment.

As hemodialysis is a long-term treatment method requiring significant self-management skills, it affects both the patient and the caregiver in many ways. It is inevitable that changes in the burden perceived by the caregiver over time will not affect the patient's health care outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop an up-to-date scale by examining the psychometric properties of items created specifically for the care burden perceived by individuals who provide care for patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. This study is a methodological study with the use of the COSMIN Checklist. The sample of the study included 404 individuals who were the primary caregivers of patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. Data were collected using descriptive characteristics form and the draft form of the Primary Caregiver Burden Scale Individuals Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and predictive validity were used to evaluate validity. The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient, item analysis, and test-retest method were employed to evaluate reliability. According to exploratory factor analysis, a scale structure with four subdimensions was determined, and goodness of fit was achieved using confirmatory factor analysis. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the final form of the scale consisting of 34 items was found to be 0.95 for the total scale, 0.93 for the self-management support subscale, 0.91 for the psychological support subscale, 0.91 for the caregiver symptom subscale, and 0.93 for the caregiver individual coping subscale. The Primary Caregiver Burden Scale Individuals Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment, which was found to meet the validity and reliability criteria, has a four-point Likert-type scoring structure, 34 items, and four subdimensions. It is thought that the scale can make significant contributions to the international literature if its validity and reliability are established with nursing practices and research.

Экспериментальная диагностика мнемических способностей: описание методики и возможности использования

Introduction. Mnemic capabilities, their development, are one of the conditions determining the effectiveness of human activity (professional, service). Assessment of mnemic capabilities is an indicator of a person's mental state, his working capacity and fatigue. For solving this problem, the author's psychodiagnostic technique “Experimental diagnostics of mnemic capabilities” is proposed. The main purpose of the technique is to assess the general level of development of mnemic capabilities – their productivity, quality and reliability, which also allows to determine fatigue and working capacity of the tested person. The technique consists of seven series, each of which includes basic and additional figures having different sequence of arrangement, orientation and colour. The results of performing all seven series are used to calculate the “general index of reproduction success” (the level of expression of mnemic capabilities). Research methods. Correlational and comparative analyses. Assessment of retest reliability and construct and criterion validity. Results. The author found that the method of experimental diagnostics of mnemic capabilities has acceptable psychometric characteristics (reliability and validity), and this makes it possible to use it within the framework of psychological support of the system of internal affairs bodies. The method is appropriate both for assessing the features of memory and fatigue, the indicator of which is the level of expression of mnemic capabilities.