Measurement Scale Research Articles

Understanding factors contributing to vaccination underutilization among Jewish ultra-orthodox communities in Israel: A cross-sectional study.

This study aims to investigate the factors contributing to the underutilization of childhood and school-age immunizations among parents within the Jewish Ultra-Orthodox community in Israel. It identifies socio-demographic, attitudinal, and belief-related risk factors that affect vaccination decisions. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 369 Jewish Orthodox parents in Israel, using structured questionnaires distributed through various community channels. Data on socio-demographic variables, vaccination status, and intentions were collected. Attitudinal assessments included the VAX Scale and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale. The proportion of fully vaccinated children was 46.3% for childhood diseases and 64.2% for school-age vaccinations. Flu vaccination rates were significantly lower, with only 19.2% of parents and 15.2% of children receiving flu shots. Key factors contributing to vaccine underutilization include large family size, lower socioeconomic and educational levels, reliance on the internet for health information, and the absence of media technology at home. Geographical disparities were notable, especially in the Jerusalem District, which demonstrated lower vaccination uptake, and among different Orthodox streams, with the Modern stream showing higher vaccination rates compared to the Lithuanian, Sephardic, and Hasidic streams. The VAX scale and Health-Related Locus of Control measures revealed that attitudinal factors significantly impacted vaccination decisions, such as mistrust in vaccine benefits, preference for natural immunity, and reliance on religious beliefs. To address vaccination disparities, targeted interventions should consider cultural and logistical barriers, engaging community leaders and offering culturally sensitive education to improve uptake within the Jewish ultra-Orthodox community.

Reference materials for food authentication.

The global food industry faces significant challenges in ensuring the safety and authenticity of food products. Economic adulteration and counterfeiting of food are estimated to cost the industry US$30-40 billion annually. Analytical testing plays a vital role in detecting food fraud. For ensuring the metrological traceability and comparability of testing results, the use of reference materials (RMs) is crucial. The article describes the role of RMs in food authenticity testing, including their applications in method validation, calibration, quality control, and the definition of conventional measurement scales. It also reviews the availability of RMs that can be used in measurement procedures to authenticate food. Furthermore, the applications of RMs in targeted adulterant detection methods, for compositional parameters used to authenticate foods and food supplements, isotopic measurements, untargeted food authenticity testing methods, and detection and quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are explored. The document concludes by recommending the development of research grade test materials or representative test materials to harmonise untargeted testing methods and improve comparability of results across laboratories and over time.

Introduction to the APPQUAL scale for measuring perceived e-service quality of stock trading applications

PurposeDespite a significant rise in the adoption of online stock trading applications, the research on measuring and enhancing the service experience of customers is scarce. This paper aims to put forth a credible service performance measurement tool, APPQUAL, customized for stock trading applications.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a multi-method research using qualitative and quantitative research. Further, structural equation modeling is used to establish constructs for measuring service performance.FindingsAPPQUAL is conceived and built to measure the service performance of stock trading applications. The APPQUAL measures service performance based on five unique dimensions – Safety Accuracy, Performance, Support and Usability associated with the perceived e-service quality of stock trading applications.Research limitations/implicationsThis study extends measurement scales for service quality measurement for a relatively new service of online stock trading applications. The scales are adapted as well as built with the help of an iterative process. The methodology is in line with the previous academic research, and the new scales developed can lead to further extensions to scale for different services.Practical implicationsThe APPQUAL tool developed as part of this study can be applied to assess service performance and perceived service quality of stock trading applications, which have leap frogged in terms of adoption but have also been met with criticism on poor customer experience. This study shall add to the body of knowledge of stock trading platforms to enhance service experience by targeting the right factors and underlying items. The efficacy and application of the tool have been demonstrated in this paper by applying it to Zerodha and Upstox, the two of the biggest online stock trading applications in India.Originality/valueThere is no research or tool available currently which focuses on the service quality of the new-age platform application of stock trading apps. This is especially glaring due to the large-scale adoption of these applications by Indian customers.

Unveiling wine and cannabis consumption motivations: a segmentation study of wine consumers in Germany

Purpose Wine consumption is declining, while cannabis use among young adults in Germany has surged. With new laws partially legalising recreational cannabis, advocates claim it could replace alcohol, offering health benefits and cost savings. However, concerns remain that cannabis might increase alcohol consumption and associated health risks. Despite recognition of both substitute and complementary relationships between cannabis and alcohol, data on the cannabis–wine relationship is scarce. This study aims to understand the motivations behind wine and cannabis consumption, segment wine drinkers by those motives, profile wine drinkers who also consume cannabis and determine whether wine and cannabis act as substitutes or complements across distinct consumer groups. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted an online survey using random sampling and used cluster analysis to identify consumer segments based on motivations for wine consumption. Exploring various variables, including consumption motives, behavioural patterns and socio-demographics, the authors also examined cannabis consumption among wine drinkers. Findings This study surveyed 523 German wine drinkers aged 20–60 years, including 215 cannabis users. Four consumer segments emerged: “adaptive conformists”, “expansive strategists”, “self-conscious hedonists” and “ambivalent drinkers.” Three segments preferred wine for social and enhancing effects. “Adaptive conformists”, the group with the most cannabis users, sought negative reinforcement like conformity or coping. The “adaptive conformists” and “expansive strategists” show the tendencies of a complementary cannabis–wine relationship. Originality/value This study pioneers the use of the Marijuana Motives Measure scales, developed by Simons et al. (1998), within the motivational framework by Cox and Klinger (1988) and Cooper et al. (2015), for wine drinkers. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is also the first to categorise wine drinkers into segments based on MMM scales for both wine and cannabis and segment wine consumers using cannabis.

The minimal clinically important difference of the Participation Measurement Scale in chronic stroke

The minimal clinically important difference of the Participation Measurement Scale in chronic stroke

Talent Management Effectiveness in Vietnamese State-Owned Banks

In the constantly changing digital context, state-owned commercial banks have implemented positive changes in their human resource development strategies. To meet the government's objectives for human resource development in the banking field, it is crucial to explore current talent management practices and assess their effectiveness in this industry. This study addresses the identified gap based on the objectives of reviewing the talent management practices employed by Vietnamese banks and evaluating the effectiveness of these activities. This research employed qualitative method as well as quantitative method to serve the research objectives. Twenty semi-structured indepth interviews with middle-level managers from different banks were conducted. Furthermore, 300 quantitative questionnaires containing measurement scales were sent to managers and staff at the banks to assess the efficiency of talent attraction, engagement, development, and retention. Findings reveal that state-owned commercial banks have developed an increasing level of commitment to talent management activities with obtained tangible results. However, there are still downsides related to talent training, engagement, and the measurement of talent management effectiveness for different reasons.

Active Empathetic Listening: A Process View in Developing Relationships Between Fundraisers and Major Donors

ABSTRACT Active Empathetic Listening (AEL) was first published as a theoretical model to explain the role that active listening, and empathy play in developing relationships between buyers and sellers. It was later developed into a measurement scale and has been applied to various relationship settings. In this qualitative study using depth interviews AEL is examined as a means of understanding how active listening and empathy are employed as professional fundraisers work with major donors to establish a relationship built on good communication and trust. The results indicate that successful relationships employ both empathy and active listening on the fundraisers part. Further, authenticity emerged as an important theme in the relationship development process. Authenticity of the fundraiser was viewed in tandem with active listening and empathy. Depth interviews with fundraisers enabled research on AEL as a process to advance as the importance of using active listening along with empathy in a believable or authentic way was key to building healthy relationships.

Sustainable Human Resource Training: A study of Scale Development and Validation

In the contemporary world, organizations are expected to introduce human resource management (HRM) practices which foster organizational sustainable development. The latter is based on the integration of environmental, social, and economic goals. Moreover, HRM practices should contribute to the common good. HR training has been found as a means to transfer sustainability theory into practice. However, to be called sustainable, HR training should not only promote employees’ sustainability-oriented behaviours but also be internally sustainable and contribute to common good. Such an approach has not been represented in previous research. Therefore, this study aims to develop a sustainable HR training construct. An exploratory sequential mixed method approach was adopted to develop and validate the measurement scale of sustainable HR training. Data were collected from employees working in different industries of Poland. This study established the second-order construct of sustainable HR training, which comprises equal training opportunities, long-term oriented training, integrated approach to training, focus on well-being, environmental-oriented training, and team building as its first-order dimensions. It also confirmed the nomological validity of the newly developed scale based on its relationship with a company’s sustainable performance. The current research enriched the sustainable HRM literature by offering a high-order sustainable HR training construct. Practitioners and policy makers may employ the designed scale in spurring HR training practices along with enhancing their sustainable performance.

Sex Differences in Neurological Outcome at 6 and 12 Months Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. An Observational Analysis of the OXY-TC Trial.

The effect of sex in outcomes after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains uncertain. We explored whether outcomes differed between women and men after standardized care management during the first 5 days in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study was an observational analysis of the OXY-TC multicenter randomized clinical trial between June 15, 2016 and April 17, 2021. Recruited patients had a pre-hospital Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3-8, mechanical ventilation, and intracranial pressure (ICP) with or without brain tissue oxygen pressure (PbtO2) monitoring. Objectives were to maintain ICP at 20 mmHg or below and PbtO2 above 20 mmHg at all times. The primary end-point was the proportion of women and men with poor outcomes at 6 months, corresponding to an extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) score of 1-4 (death to upper severe disability). Of 318 randomized patients, 200 men and 71 women were analyzed. They were comparable in age, comorbidities, and initial injury severity scores. However, women had larger doses of ICP as the proportion of monitoring time of ICP above 20 mmHg 8% (3-18; median, interquartile range) versus 3% (1-10), respectively (p = 0.002). They required more often at least one tier-3 treatment, i.e., barbiturate coma and therapeutic hypothermia, for refractory intracranial hypertension during the first 5 days in the ICU: 33/68 (48%) versus 60/193 (31%), respectively (p = 0.012). At 6 months, the proportion of women with GOSE 1-4 was significantly higher than men: 48/71 (68%) versus 94/200 (47%), respectively (odds ratio 2.35 [1.33-4.16]; p = 0.003]. Similar differences were found using Disability Rating Scale and Functional Independence Measure at 6 and 12 months, and GOSE at 12 months. Sex differences in neurological outcomes persisted after adjustment for other determinants of outcome such as age, initial GCS score, and dose of ICP during the 5-day monitoring. In conclusion, women sustained more severe ICP and required more active treatment, both of which would explain a worse outcome after severe TBI. Prospective research is required to confirm these findings and identify possible mechanisms. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02754063 (April 28, 2016).

Psychological, psychiatric, and behavioral sciences measurement scales: best practice guidelines for their development and validation

Psychological, psychiatric, and behavioral sciences measurement scales: best practice guidelines for their development and validation

Development of the children's primitive reflex integration assessment scale

ObjectiveNon-integrated primitive reflexes (PRs) in children can lead to issues in motor function and psychological wellbeing, while prior studies have shown correlations between PR integration and neurodevelopmental disorders in children. However, measurement methods for PR integration remain unestablished. Therefore, in the present study, we describe the development of a measurement scale for PR integration, a novel assessment tool to evaluate PR integration in children.MethodsCombining a literature review, practical experience, and results of specialized group discussions, a preliminary draft of the Children's Primitive Reflex Integration Measurement Scale (CPRIMS) was formulated. Employing a convenience sampling method, participants were selected from first and second-grade students in three primary schools in Liaoning province, Shenyang city, from May to July 2023. Item Discrimination Method (IDM), Critical Ratio Method (CRM), and Internal Consistency Coefficient Method (ICCM) were used for item analysis of pilot testing data. For formal testing data, Cronbach's α assessed the reliability of the scale, while fit indices such as chi-square value/degrees of freedom (χ2/df), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), and Comparative Fit Index (CFI), along with tests of construct validity, evaluated the scale's validity.ResultsOverall, 555 participants were selected, 234 children with a mean age of 7.59 ± 0.71 years participated in the pilot testing, while 321 children with a mean age of 7.73 ± 0.71 years participated in the formal testing. CPRIMS comprises seven dimensions and seventeen items, including the Moro reflex (MR), Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR), Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR), Spinal Galant Reflex (SGR), Spinal Perez Reflex (SPR), and Landau Reflex (LR), explaining 88.2% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good model fit (χ2/df = 1.631, RMSEA = 0.044, NFI = 0.950, CFI = 0.980, IFI = 0.932, TLI = 0.972). Cronbach's α coefficients for the seven dimensions ranged from 0.730 to 0.945, demonstrating strong reliability.ConclusionCPRIMS, which includes dimensions such as MR, ATNR, STNR, TLR, SGR, SPR, and LR, demonstrates strong reliability and validity, indicating that this measure could serve as a reliable and effective tool for assessing the integration levels of PRs in children aged 6 to 9 years old.

Psychometric Properties of the Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI) in a South African Male Incarcerated Offender Sample

This study examined the psychometric properties of the coping strategy indicator (CSI) among incarcerated male offenders in South Africa. Using a cross-sectional design, 968 participants were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling and completed four measurement scales, namely the CSI, multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), prison adjustment questionnaire (PAQ), and depression anxiety stress scale (DASS). Five factor models were investigated, namely (i) a unidimensional model, (ii) a correlated three factor model, (iii) a bifactor model with uncorrelated three dimensions, (iv) a correlated four factor model, and (v) a bifactor model with uncorrelated four dimensions. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a bifactor model with four dimensions showed the best fit. This finding suggests that incorporating a general factor along with four specific dimensions (i.e., problem-solving, seeking social support, avoidance withdrawal, avoidance distraction) most accurately reflects the multidimensional structure of coping strategies in this population. Cronbach's alpha coefficients confirmed the internal consistency of the four factor model. The results also demonstrated good convergent and divergent validity for the CSI, confirming its reliability and validity in this context.

Neighborhood Commercial Circle Environmental Factors for Generation Z Visitors: Scale Development and Validation

A new phenomenon has emerged among Generation Z (born after 1995) in China, who often spend their leisure time in the core streets or public spaces near their communities. These recreational areas are called neighborhood commercial circles (NCCs). However, few studies have investigated the environmental factors of NCCs that motivate Generation Z visitors to visit most frequently. This study applies an exploratory sequential mixed research design to create a measurement scale for understanding these environmental factors. Through semi-structured interviews with 32 Generation Z visitors and a survey with 334 participants in five cities in China, a measurement scale of 15 items related to five environmental factors (physical design, ambience, consumption, entertainment, and facility services) of NCCs is developed. The construct validation and scale refinement are performed via an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. This study contributes to leisure research by providing a context-specific measurement scale for future research.

The Clinical Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Combined with Platelet Rich Plasma and Exercise for Lateral Epicondylitis: Prospective Randomized Sham-Controlled Ultrasonographic Study.

To evaluate the combined effect of two different regenerative therapies, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), along with therapeutic exercise, in patients with lateral epicondylitis (LE). Prospective, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial. Outpatient clinic. Ninety one patients with LE for >3 months were randomly allocated into 3 groups. Participants were assigned to PRP+ESWT, Sham PRP +ESWT, or ESWT only treatment group. All groups received exercise therapy. The primary outcome was the VAS pain score. Secondary outcomes included handgrip strength, Patient-rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH), Short Form 36 (SF-36), ultrasonographic assessments (common extensor tendon [CET] measurement and total ultrasonography scale score [TUSS]), and isokinetic evaluation. Participants were evaluated three times: pre-treatment (T0), after 4 weeks (T1), and after 12 weeks (T2). The PRP group showed superiority over other groups in terms of VAS (activity and night) scores at follow-ups. With regard to the secondary outcomes, in the short term, the PRP group demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the PRTEE-function. In the 12th week, PRP outperformed only against ESWT in all PRTEE parameters, and also showed superior Quick DASH scores to the other groups. In handgrip strength, the PRP group demonstrated superiority over the Sham PRP group at T1 and over both groups at T2. In the isokinetic evaluation, PRP group showed superiority over the Sham PRP group in both wrist flexion/extension peak torque scores during follow-ups. No significant differences were found in any of the ultrasonographic parameters, including CET thickness and TUSS scores, between the groups at the 4th and 12th week. The combined application of ESWT and PRP in the management of LE has demonstrated superior efficacy, as evidenced by significant improvements in clinical parameters.

Women and Symbolic Violence: Measurement Scale of Gender in Tourism Sustainability and the Case of Ecuador

Women and Symbolic Violence: Measurement Scale of Gender in Tourism Sustainability and the Case of Ecuador

Measuring the impacts of remote work in the Finnish defence forces – Development of the validated measurement scale

ABSTRACT In this paper, we developed a valid measurement scale to assess implications related to remote work. The initial scale was completed by 214 employees of the administrative units of the Finnish Army and the Finnish Navy and validated by 148 employees of the administrative unit of the Finnish Air Force. The 11-item five-factor scale was found to be reliable, valid and stable. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in an organizational context to demonstrate a validated scale for measure implications related to remote work. This study contributes to the current literature on remote work and providing a valuable instrument for practitioners.

Tourist ESG engagement behaviors: conceptualization, scale development, and nomological Network

Although the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework has gained prominence as a fundamental principle in sustainable destination management, its assessment has predominantly focused on financial performance. Recognizing the pivotal role of tourists in achieving sustainability goals for destinations, this study aims to conceptualize tourists’ ESG engagement behaviors and develop a comprehensive scale for systematic measurements. Employing a mixed methods approach involving qualitative interviews and surveys with Korean and American tourists, this study develops an ESG engagement behavior scale comprising environmental behavior, social behaviors for residents, social behavior in consumption, and governance behavior. The study also evaluates the scale’s value by examining its theoretical relationships with antecedents, such as place attachment, and consequences, such as eudaimonic travel experiences and destination loyalty. This study proposes a conceptual framework and measurement scale for ESG engagement behavior, offering an effective application in destination ESG management and facilitating the design of marketing and reward programs.

Measurement tools used to assess individual health assets among refugee populations: a scoping review.

Forced migration is increasing globally, which has detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of refugees, who may face significant challenges accessing healthcare services. However, refugees also possess considerable strengths or assets that can protect against various health challenges. Identifying and strengthening the individual health assets of refugees is critical to promoting their health and mitigating these health challenges. Yet, there is a paucity of data on refugees' individual health assets, including tools to measure them. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to identify and summarise the available measurement tools to assess the individual health assets of refugees. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using six electronic databases and a Google search without restrictions on publication dates. We used Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework approach to streamline the review processes. Forty-one eligible studies were included, from which 28 individual health asset tools were identified. Of these, 11 tools were tested for validity in refugee populations. Among the validated tools, thereliability scores for the measures of individual health asset outcomes, including resilience (Child and Youth Resilience Measure, Wagnild and Young's Resilience Scale, and Psychological Resilience Scale), acculturation (Vancouver Index of Acculturation and Bicultural Involvement Questionnaire), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and self-efficacy (Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale), ranged from good to excellent. The findings provide guidance for health service planners, humanitarian organisations, and researchers regarding the appropriateness and quality of tools that can be applied to assess individual health assets, which are crucial for designing culturally sensitive asset-based health promotion interventions for refugees.

THE EFFECT OF UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF PATRIOTISM AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT OF MORALITY IN STUDENT LEARNING IN CIVIC EDUCATION IN SMK MUHAMMADIYAH 2 YOGYAKARTA

ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe Effect of Concept Training Patriotism against Morality Students at SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Yogyakarta, (2) whether there are Influence Learning Environment in Schools about the morality of students in SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Yogyakarta, and(3) whether there are simultaneously influence Patriotism Level concept Training and Learning Environment to Morality Students in Learning Citizenship Education at SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Yogyakarta. This research is a quantitative research. The instrument of this study using objective tests and questionnaires with interval measurement scale with Likert approach, if the data from this study using IBM SPSS program 21. The sample in this study is 10 x 3 variables studied (2 + 1 independent variable dependent variable) of the population. Data collection techniques of research using the technique of principal that comprehension tests and questionnaires, techniques of analysis in this study uses the classical assumption test consisting of test analysis of the distribution of the data, multicollinearity test, test Heteroskedesitas and Hypothesis Testing consists of Test The coefficient of determination (R2), Test F, and T test. The results showed that: (1) there is positive and significant level of understanding of the concept of patriotism against the morality of the students, the value of M statistics obtained t of 3.372 and p = 0.002. Because (3.372 2.051) and p 0.05, then H0 rejected and Ha accepted otherwise, (2) there is a positive and significant impact on the learning environment of the school to the student morality, values obtained t t statistic of 2.221 and p = 0.000. Because (2.221 2.051) and p 0.05, then H0 rejected and Ha accepted otherwise, and (3) there is a simultaneous effect between the level of understanding of the concept of patriotism and learning environment at school for morality SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Yogyakarta, the value of F statistic obtained Fhitung 18.407 and the value of p = 0.000. Because (16.724 3.385) and p 0.05, then H0 rejected and Ha accepted otherwise. Keywords. The Effect Of Understanding The Concept Of Patriotism, Learning Environment, Morality

Hotel digital intelligence capability: dimension exploration and scale development

Purpose This study aims to explore the dimensional structure of hotel digital intelligence capability and develop a measurement scale. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts qualitative and quantitative approaches to conduct an exploratory inquiry into the structural dimensions of hotel digital intelligence capability with the help of grounded theory. Based on this, several questionnaires were developed to test the measurement scale and verify its validity. Findings The results reveal that hotel digital intelligence capability comprises four dimensions: data collection and processing capability, customer service personalization capability, digital intelligence decision support capability and sustainable development capability. The measurement scale consists of four factors and 13 items, with reliability and validity tests demonstrating ideal levels. Originality/value This study not only provides a new perspective to understand hotel digital intelligence capability but also develops a corresponding measurement scale, laying a solid theoretical basis for hotel managers to scientifically evaluate this capability to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.