Significant Model Fit Research Articles

Quantification of mono-, di-, tri-chlorinated biphenyl in Ganga River: design of experiment, source analysis and spatial distribution

Low-chlorinated polychlorinated biphenyls (LC-PCBs) pose a significant environmental threat to river systems due to their higher volatility, mobility, and solubility compared to higher chlorinated PCBs (HC-PCBs). This study aimed to detect and quantify mono-, di-, and tri-chlorinated PCB congeners in the Ganga River, focusing on sections in Kanpur, an industrial hub, and Prayagraj, known for religious activities. We developed and optimized a liquid–liquid microextraction method using hexane as a solvent. The extraction parameters were optimized using Central Composite Design (CCD), confirming a significant quadratic model fit (p < 0.0001) with a R2 of 0.9262, achieving optimal extraction efficiency. The method demonstrated limits of detection (LOD) ranging from 0.04 to 2.1 µg L−1, limits of quantification (LOQ) from 0.1 to 6.5 µg L−1, and recovery rates between 73.3 and 106.7%. The expanded uncertainty (%) ranged between 2.4 to 4.0%. Analysis of water samples from Kanpur (K1–K11) and Prayagraj (P1–P11) revealed significantly higher LC-PCB contamination in Kanpur. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that industrial activities were the primary contributors to the observed pollution, with the first principal component explaining 49% of the variance. Partial least squares discriminant analysis identified PCB-2, PCB-4, PCB-5, and PCB-18 as significant contaminants. Spatial distribution mapping highlighted K10 (Kanpur) and P1 (Prayagraj) as critical hotspots, suggesting localized point-source contamination. This study provides a robust analytical framework for the detection and quantification of LC-PCBs in aquatic environments. The findings underscore the impact of industrialization on LC-PCB pollution in the Ganga River and highlight the need for targeted environmental interventions to mitigate contamination and protect ecosystem and public health.

Examining the Impact of Macroeconomic Variables on the NEPSE Index: VECM Approach

NEPSE plays a pivotal role in Nepal’s financial ecosystem, fostering economic growth, corporate development, and investment opportunities. The study of macroeconomic variables’ impact on the NEPSE Index is significant as it provides insights for investors and policymakers to make informed decisions, enhancing market efficiency and economic stability. This study examines the impact of macroeconomic variables on the NEPSE Index using secondary data from 1994 to 2023 and the VECM approach, revealing a long-run equilibrium among variables with significant influences from GDP, WTI, IR, and M2. The analysis highlights rapid adjustments towards equilibrium, negligible effects from lagged GDP and IR changes, and asymmetric causal relationships observed in Engle-Granger tests. The regression analysis shows moderate explanatory power with significant model fit indicators and reveals no residual autocorrelation or serial correlation, suggesting robustness in modeling the NEPSE Index dynamics. Recommendations include leveraging these findings for targeted policy interventions to enhance market stability and investor confidence.

Development and validation of the social determinants of health screening scale-parent form.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening children for social determinants of health (SDOH). This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable tool for screening SDOH in children and adolescents aged 0-18 through their parents. This methodological research was conducted with parents of 748 children admitted to a hospital in Turkey. An item pool was created from a literature review and interviews with 30 healthcare professionals. The scale's validity and reliability were tested through pilot and main applications. The scale, with 33 items across five factors, explained 57.256% of total variability. Confirmatory factor analysis showed significant model fit (RMSEA=0.052, χ2/df=2.013). Cronbach's Alpha ranged from 0.646 to 0.909 for sub-dimensions, and 0.886 overall. The scale is a valid and reliable tool for screening SDOH in children and adolescents through their parents and can be used in academic research and clinical practice. The scale provides healthcare professionals with a practical tool for assessing social determinants of health in pediatric populations, facilitating early identification and intervention in both clinical settings and research applications.

Cybersecurity Practices and International Relations Performance in Rwanda. A Case of Broadband Systems Corporation

Purpose: The general objective of the research was to assess the effect of cybersecurity practices on international relations performance in Rwanda, a case of Broadband Systems Corporation. Specifically, the study determined the effect of cybersecurity policies on the international relations performance in Rwanda, to find out the effect of cybersecurity technology on the international relations performance in Rwanda and to assess the effect of cybersecurity training on the international relations performance in Rwanda. Methodology: Descriptive, correlational, qualitative and quantitative based on primary and secondary data were used in the study. This research aimed to gather data from 229 employees, stakeholders of Broadband Systems Corporation, including company officials, cybersecurity staff and beneficiaries. Using Slovin's approach, the researcher determined the number of participants needed for the sample. Researcher had 146 participants in their sample, out of a total population of 229. The researcher used questionnaires question to gather primary data. The researcher analyzed the data using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Scientists, version 25) to grasp statistics such as percentage, mean, standard deviation, and frequency. Bivariate correlation analysis was performed to investigate the hypotheses. Findings: The model demonstrates a multiple correlation coefficient (R) of 0.877, signifying a robust positive correlation among cybersecurity policies, cybersecurity technology, and cybersecurity training with the dependent variable, international relations performance in Rwanda. Analysis of Variance results for the regression analysis shows the F-value is 141.583, which indicates a highly significant model fit. The significance level (Sig.) is .000, demonstrating that the predictors cybersecurity technology, cybersecurity policies, and cybersecurity training significantly contribute to explaining variations in international relations performance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: BSC should implement continuous cybersecurity awareness training to help employees recognize and respond to common cyber threats.

Variety is the spice: The role of morphological variation of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) at a macro-scale

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909). One of the primary vectors of T. cruzi in South America is Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834). This triatomine species is distributed across a huge latitudinal gradient, inhabiting domiciliary , peridomiciliary , and wild environments. Its wide geographic distribution provides an excellent opportunity to study the relationships between environmental gradients and intraspecific morphological variation. In this study, we investigated variations in wing size and shape in T. infestans across six ecoregions. We aimed to address the following questions: How do wing size and shape vary on a regional scale, does morphological variation follow specific patterns along an environmental or latitudinal gradient, and what environmental factors might contribute to wing variation? Geometric morphometric methods were applied to the wings of 162 females belonging to 21 T. infestans populations, 13 from Argentina (n = 105), 5 from Bolivia (n = 42), and 3 from Paraguay (n = 15). A comparison of wing centroid size across the 21 populations showed significant differences. Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) revealed significant differences in wing shape between the populations from Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, although there was a considerable overlap, especially among the Argentinian populations. Well-structured populations were observed for the Bolivian and Paraguayan groups. Two analyses were performed to assess the association between wing size and shape, geographic and climatic variables: multiple linear regression analysis (MRA) for size and Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression for shape. The MRA showed a significant general model fit. Six temperature-related variables, one precipitation-related variable, and the latitude showed significant associations with wing size. The PLS analysis revealed a significant correlation between wing shape with latitude, longitude, temperature-related, and rainfall-related variables. Wing size and shape in T. infestans populations varied across geographic distribution. Our findings demonstrate that geographic and climatic variables significantly influence T. infestans wing morphology.

Kartlegging av foreldrestil: et spørreskjema for empatibasert, følelsesbevisst foreldrekompetanse

The present study describes the construction of a new inventory that measures parenting style on five independent dimensions: 1) Empathic communication; 2) Authoritarian leadership; 3) Valuation/compassion; 4) Avoidant leadership and 5) Mentalization. Existing models and inventories do not capture the same breadth and complexity of parenting skills as the present form. This inventory could potentially give a more nuanced picture of the individual’s parenting style and a more accurate indication of relevant areas of development. The results from our exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis with two different parent samples (n = 592 individual parents) revealed that the five-factor structure demonstrated a significant model fit of the five parental dimensions. The results of the project so far provide a good foundation for further standardization and investigation of reliability and validity. Keywords: inventory, emotion-focused, parenting style, factor analysis

Obstetric and psychiatric history as predictors for psychosomatic symptoms among Korean perimenopausal women.

Menopause presents various physical and psychological disturbances for women and comes at a high financial cost. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors influencing menopause symptoms. Data of Korean perimenopausal women aged 40-60 (n=1060; mean age, 46.03±4.08) were collected by a research company. Participants were classified into a "functional" group (n=716) or a "dysfunctional" group (n=344) according to the severity of their perimenopausal psychosomatic symptoms. To investigate the association of obstetric and psychiatric history with membership of the "dysfunctional" group, a hierarchical logistic regression analysis was conducted. The outcomes of all three hierarchical logistic regression models presented significant overall model fit. Among the independent variables, family history of menopausal symptoms, menarcheal age, number of pregnancies, history of postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, and other psychiatric disorders were positively associated with being in the "dysfunctional" group, whereas age and number of deliveries were negatively associated with being in the "dysfunctional" group. A short reproductive period and short exposure to estrogen due to late menarche and early menopausal transition may be related to severe perimenopausal symptoms. The relationship between the history of postpartum mental illness and severe perimenopausal symptoms may be associated with heightened sensitivity to hormonal triggers when a woman is exposed to fluctuating ovarian sex steroid levels. The relationship between parity or gravidity and the severity of menopausal symptoms in Korean women differed from that in studies conducted in other countries, possibly due to the low birth rate in Korea.

Analyzing the Mediating Effects of Social Capital and Sense of Community Between International Student’s College Sports Team Identification and Acculturation

Previous studies focused on the role of leisure activities, such as physical activity participation, to analyze how international students can receive social support from their communities to better acculturate in the U.S. This study focused on the role of college sports in providing social support and its effect on international student’s acculturation. Four hundred eighty-seven international students enrolled in 25 Power-5 affiliated colleges participated in this study to analyze the acculturation path model suggested by the primary researcher. The initial path model did not show a statistically significant model fit, which led to modifying the model once following the available theory in academia. As a result, the proposed model resulted in a good model fit (RMSEA = .03, SRMR = .01, CFI = 1.00, TLI = .98). Discussions on utilizing spectator sports to promote international students’ acculturation, suggestions for future study options, and limitations of the study were provided.

Development and Validation of Domestic Violence Scale for Intimate Partners

Objective: Development and validation of domestic violence scale for intimate partners in Urdu language.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross sectional survey research design and purposive sampling technique were used.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: District Head Quarter Teaching Hospitals, Sargodha and Gujrat Pakistan, from Feb 2020 to Dec2021.&#x0D; Methodology: The domestic violence scale was based on 7 factors included neglect, psychological violence, spiritual violence, verbal violence, economic violence, physical violence, and sexual violence. Initially, 305 statements were developed on the bases of inductive and deductive approaches. 202 out of 305 items were selected after expert evaluation. Further, the pilot study retained 131 items. Moreover, for final administration data was collected by using a self-reported questionnaire on 654 married males and females from District Sargodha and District Gujrat Pakistan (including 320 injured women victimized by domestic violence reported in DHQ hospital Sargodha and Gujrat).&#x0D; Results: Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO) Bartlett's Test of Sphericity Pallant showed an acceptable value above 0.6 showing the sampling adequacy of the Domestic Violence Scale. The KMO value of the domestic violence scale was 0.955, and the CFI was 0.948 with a significant p&lt;0.01 value. The results indicated appropriate model fit indices for a significant model fit. There was high reliability of the domestic violence scale (0.951) at a 0.01 level of significance. At the end of all analyses 25 reliable and valid items retain in the scale.&#x0D; Conclusion: Domestic violence scale is valid and reliable instrument to measure neglect, psychological violence, spiritual violence, verbal violence, economic violence, physical violence, and sexual violence.

Modelling the supply-side factors influencing the provision of amenities in gated communities: The case of the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area in Ghana

ABSTRACT Fiscal constraints facing municipal governments make gated communities that self-finance their amenities a welcome phenomenon. However, studies exclusively devoted to investigating the types of amenities supplied in gated communities and the factors that determine their supply remain unexplored. This paper fills this gap by using survey data from 51 gated communities sampled across the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) in Ghana. After conceptualizing 10 different amenity categories commonly found in gated communities, it finds that security, governance, accessibility, and communal-related amenities are those commonly found in gated communities in GAMA. Multiple linear regression modeling reveals that only four amenity categories, namely, security, governance, communal and health-related amenities have a significant model fit. It further finds that both the “number of houses planned” and the “year project construction began” increase the number of all four amenity categories provided in gated communities. However, other locational, company and project characteristics have a differential impact on the number of these four amenities provided, some of which appear to contradict some existing theoretical propositions underlying the provision of amenities in gated communities. It concludes by reflecting on municipal authorities’ increasing reliance on gated communities to supply amenities in light of the findings.

Development and Psychometric Properties of Harassment Tendency Scale

The aim of this research was to construct a native scale for harassment tendency and psychometric properties for the assessment of the Harassment tendency scale according to the cultural perspective of the Urdu language used. This indigenous scale can be used by psychologists, psychiatrists and even researchers for the general population to measure the tendency of harassment among males and females as well. Utilizing existent content and information from the literature research, the initial item pool of 150 items were created. Following the pilot research, 12 of the 138 expert-evaluated items were kept, including the eight aspects of harassment. Additionally, data from the sample of (N=340) people who completed this scale's final administration were gathered. Participants from educational institutions and local communities from different areas of Pakistan by using a self-reported questionnaire through convenient sampling. Rotated component matrix analysis shows, factors loading ranges from 0.402 to 0.641 of 97 items. The sample adequacy showed KMO=0.866 on 27 items (N=340) and factor loading loaded 8 factors. CFI value 0.909 with the significant model fit p&lt;0.05 with appropriate model fit indices. HTS also conformed to good test-retest reliability (r=0.954, p=.000) at a 0.01 alpha level which is indicated the scale is a reliable measure for harassment tendency. A scale to measure Harassment tendency in the Urdu language is competently established with 27 questions and eight factors. Statistical Package for the Social Science volume 24 used for EFA (Exploratory Factor Analysis). AMOS (Analysis of a Moment structure) version 24 was used for CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analysis).

Online Trolling: The Impact of Antisocial Online Content, Social Media Use, and Gender.

The present study aimed to observe the relationships between online trolling, exposure to antisocial online content, frequency of social media use, and gender, using the GAM as a theoretical framework. Four hundred twenty-nine Brazilian internet users (mean = 25.07 years; SD = 7.59; EP = 0.36), most of whom were women (71.8%), participated in the survey. Bivariate correlations indicated a positive relationship between online trolling, exposure to antisocial online content (r = 0.12; p < 0.01), Facebook use (r = 0.21; p < 0.01), Twitter Use (r = 0.12; p < 0.01), and gender (r = 0.15; p < 0.01). An explanatory model including these variables was tested, and obtained a significant model fit (GFI = 0.99; Comparative Fit-Index = 0.99; Tucker Lewis Index = 0.97; Root Mean Square Residual = 0.02; RMSEA = 0.02 | CI = 0 .01-0.07 |). Were also observed indirect effects for exposure to antisocial online content through Twitter use and Facebook use on trolling (λ = 0.03; CI = 0.01-0.05; p < 0.05). It is possible to conclude that the research objectives were fulfilled, emphasizing the role of situational variables in the understanding of online trolling.

Correlates of COVID-19 Mortality

Background and Objectives: The enigma COVID-19 pandemic already involved major parts of the globe with a toll of 3,175,207 victims and 224,172 deaths from 215 countries/territories as on May 1, 2020. It cripples nations by the loss of human resources, economic decline, hunger, unemployment insecurities giving way to mental morbidities, and still many others to be discovered. A systematic search about correlates of its killing attribute is urgently warranted. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey for 3 weeks (03/5/2020–23/5/2020) was conducted in a teaching institution at Kolkata aiming to describe the magnitude and correlates of COVID-19 mortality. Data pertaining to COVID-19 cases, deaths of affected countries, and their potential correlates were retrieved from various public domains, for example, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports, worldpopulationreview.com, data.worldbank.org. Results: Multiple linear regressions analysis through forward method revealed a maximum R2 of 57.7% (P = 0.03) and a significant model fit (P = 0.000) for COVID-19 mortality rate per million which was revealed to have a positive association with median age of the population of the country (β = 0.073), proportion of population sustaining obesity (β = 0.051) and %of population consumed alcohol over the past 12 months (β = 0.018). It meant for 1 year increase in median age COVID-19 mortality would be increased by 8.0%. Similarly, COVID-19 mortality would be increased by 2.0% and 5.0% by inclusion in the model of 1% alcoholic, and 1% obese individual, respectively, Conclusion: Notwithstanding variations in testing, reporting, and patients' management strategy the findings of this research have some implications to the scientific fraternity and policymakers.

Assessing the Impact of Perceived Market Competition and Technological Integration on Startup Governance

In the evolving landscape of startup development, understanding the factors that influence governance quality is crucial for sustained growth and operational success. This study examines how perceived market competition and technology adoption impact governance quality in startup leaders, aiming to fill the gap in literature regarding the interplay of these factors in startup settings. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 330 leaders from various startups across the technology, healthcare, and retail sectors. Data were collected using established scales: the Market Competition Intensity Scale for perceived market competition, the Technology Acceptance Model Scale for technology adoption, and the Corporate Governance Quality Scale for governance quality. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses were performed using SPSS-27 to evaluate the relationships and predictive power of the independent variables on the dependent variable. The descriptive statistics indicated moderate to high levels of perceived market competition (Mean = 4.52, SD = 0.76) and technology adoption (Mean = 4.08, SD = 0.88), with governance quality also rated positively (Mean = 4.35, SD = 0.93). Pearson correlation revealed significant positive relationships between governance quality and perceived market competition (r = 0.29, p = 0.003), as well as technology adoption (r = 0.41, p &lt; 0.0001). Regression analysis showed a significant model fit (F = 45.05, p &lt; 0.0001), with an R² of 0.22, suggesting that both variables significantly predict governance quality. The study confirms that perceived market competition and technology adoption are significant predictors of governance quality in startups. The findings emphasize the importance of strategic management and technological enhancements in fostering effective governance structures, providing valuable insights for startup leaders and policymakers aimed at enhancing startup sustainability and effectiveness

Changes in motor paralysis involving upper extremities of outpatient chronic stroke patients from temporary rehabilitation interruption due to spread of COVID-19 infection: An observational study on pre- and post-survey data without a control group.

Outpatient rehabilitation was temporarily suspended because of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and there was a risk that patients' activities of daily living (ADLs) would decrease and physical functions unmaintained. Therefore, we investigated the ADLs and motor functions of chronic stroke patients whose outpatient rehabilitation was temporarily interrupted. In this observational study, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and Barthel Index (BI) scores of 49 stroke hemiplegic patients at 6 and 3 months before rehabilitation interruptions were retrospectively determined and were prospectively investigated on resumption of outpatient rehabilitation. Presence or absence of symptoms and difficulties caused by the interruption period (IP) was investigated using a binomial method. Deltas were analyzed using a generalized linear model (GLM) according to the survey period. Age, sex, severity of FMA-UE immediately post-resumption and post-onset period were used as covariates. For survey items showing significant model fit, the 95% confidence interval of minimum detectable change (MDC95) was calculated, and the amount of change was compared. Questionnaire responses were tested via proportion ratio. Statistical significance was set at 5%. The FMA-UE part A and total scores were significantly model fit depending on periods. The estimated FMA-UE total score decreased by 1.64 (z = -2.38, p = 0.02) during the 3-month IP. No fits were observed by GLM in other parts of the FMA-UE, ARAT, or BI. The calculated MDC95 was 3.58 for FMA-UE part A and 4.50 for FMA-UE overall. Answers to questions regarding sleep disturbance and physical pain were significantly biased toward "no" in the psychosomatic function items (p<0.05). There was no bias in the distribution of answers to questions regarding joint stiffness, muscle weakness, muscle stiffness, and difficulty in moving arms and hands. All 16 questions regarding activities and participation items were significantly biased toward answers "no" (p<0.05). The FMA-UE part A and total scores were affected. Patients complained of subjective symptoms related to upper limb paralysis after the IP. Since ADLs of patients were maintained, the therapist can recommend that patients not receiving outpatient treatments be evaluated in relation to the shoulder, elbow, and forearm and instructed on self-training to maintain motor function.

Abstract 10301: Polygenic Risk Scores for Prediction of Atrial Fibrillation and Other Adverse Outcomes After Coronary Revascularization

Introduction: Both coronary heart disease and coronary procedures predispose patients to adverse events. To improve our understanding of the genetic factors underlying postoperative prognosis, we studied the association between polygenic risk scores (PRSs) and postprocedural complications in coronary revascularization patients. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that PRSs could improve risk prediction of postprocedural complications. Methods: The study sample comprised 8296, 6132, and 13082 participants of the FinnGen study who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or any revascularization, respectively. We genotyped the participants and identified adverse events during follow up of up to 30 years by record linkage with nationwide healthcare registers. We computed PRSs for each postoperative adverse outcome (atrial fibrillation [AF], myocardial infarction, stroke and bleeding complications) for all participants based on UK Biobank study GWAS summary statistics. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models and c-statistics to examine the association between PRSs and outcomes. Results: A 1-SD increase in AF-PRS was associated with greater risk of postoperative AF with HRs of 1.22 (95% CI, 1.16-1.28), 1.15 (95% CI, 1.10-1.20) and 1.18 (95% CI, 1.14-1.22) after PCI, CABG, and any revascularization, respectively (Figure). In contrast, the association of the PRSs with other postoperative complications was non-existent to marginal. Inclusion of the AF-PRS in a model with a clinical risk score resulted in significant model fit improvement (increase in model c-statistic 0.0059-0.0098, depending on procedure type; P&lt;0.0002 for all). Conclusions: The AF-PRS could be potentially used to improve AF prevention and clinical outcomes in revascularization patients.

Correlates of COVID-19 Incidence

Background and Objectives: The enigma COVID-19 pandemic already involved major parts of globe with toll of 2,074,529 victims and 139,378 deaths from 213 countries/territories as on April 14, 2020. It cripples nations by the loss of human resources, economic decline, hunger, unemployment insecurities giving way to mental morbidities, and still many others to be discovered. Till it completes its trajectory, a systematic investigation, a prerequisite of any epidemic control, is warranted. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey over 2 weeks (April 15, 2020–April 28, 2020) has been conducted at a teaching institution at Kolkata aiming to describe the magnitude, pattern, severity, and correlates of coronavirus pandemic 2020. Data pertaining to COVID-19 cases, deaths of affected countries, and their reported and or potential correlates were retrieved from various public domains, for example, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports, worldpopulationreview.com, data.worldbank.org. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a maximum R 2 of 32.3% (P = 0.013) with a significant model fit (P = 0.000) for COVID-19 incidence rate per million which is associated positively with the proportion of the urban population (b = 0.024) and the percentage of the population aged 65 years or higher (b = 0.112) and negatively with current universal Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination (b = −1.021) policy of countries. Conclusion: Against this viral catastrophe evidence-based classical public health measures are underway. Notwithstanding variations in testing and reporting policy, the findings of this research ignite further study.

Using the Health Belief Model to Explain the Patient's Compliance to Anti-hypertensive Treatment in Three District Hospitals - Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: A Cross Section Study.

Background:Hypertension remains a public-health challenge globally. Its prevention, early detection, proper and adequate treatment and control should be given high consideration to prevent occurrence of cardiovascular disease and stroke. This study is guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) to investigate the influence of treatment compliance using HBM constructs among elderly hypertensive patients in 3 regional hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Methods:An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 region hospitals in Dar es Salaam from April to May 2012. The study included patients who were on antihypertensive medications. Simple Random Sampling was used to enrol the study participants. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. Linear Multiple Regression analysis was performed to identify variables which are strongest predictor of treatment compliance among variables of the Health belief Model.Results:A total of 135 participants were enrolled of whom 56% were compliant to hypertensive treatment. Multivariate analysis indicated significant model fit for the data (F=11.19 and P value <.001). The amount of variance in treatment compliance that was explained by the predictors was 30.3% (R2=0.303) with perceived barrier being the strongest predictor of treatment compliance (β=−0.477; p< .001). Other predictor variables were not statistically associated with treatment compliance.Conclusion:The study showed that 56% of study participants had hypertensive treatment compliance and perceived barrier to treatment was the strongest predictor. Innovative strategy on improving patients’ perception of barrier to treatment is recommended in order to improve treatment compliance.

PNS248 A Hierarchical Bayes Approach in Exploring Individual Heterogeneity: An Application on Health State Valuation Using a Discrete Choice Experiment

Hierarchical Bayes (HB) is widely used in market research to estimate choice models and generate respondents’ utilities. HB is known for the advantage of including individual heterogeneity when evaluating preferences. Herein we demonstrate the usability, advantage and performance of HB in estimating health preference utilities for the Short Form 6 Dimension version 2 (SF-6Dv2) from an online Discrete Choice Experiments (DCE). An online panel of general population in China participated in a web survey. Each participant was randomized to complete 8 DCE tasks, in which a pairwise choice was firstly made between two health states based on SF-6Dv2, followed by a comparison between the worse of them and death. This second task further allows the direct anchoring of the latent utilities onto the 0-1 death-full health scale. Socio-demographic characteristics and self-assessed health, quality of life were also collected. Both conditional logit model (CL, which assumes a homogeneous preference) and an HB model that allows for preference heterogeneity were used. Monotonicity, the number of significant levels and other model fit statistics were employed for the comparison. A total of 447 participants (41.6% <40 years old, 51.5% female, 69% healthy) who passed the quality threshold were utilized in the analysis. The CL model weighted by trading life had the best fit with 3 inconsistencies, 6 insignificances, and a Root Likelihood (RLH) statistics of 0.57. The HB model also had 3 inconsistencies, one insignificant level, and an RLH of 0.73. The ‘Pits’ state utility was estimated to be 0.44, 0.24 and 0.06 for respondents preferring painful life over peaceful death, neutrals and first group opponents, respectively, based on the HB model. The HB demonstrated a better fit and a more realistic model for estimating utilities than CL. It had the power to elicit the differences preferences between subgroups based on different choice behaviours.

Pre-School and Primary School Pre-Service Teachers’ Attitudes towards Using Technology in Music Education

Purpose: The present study aims to develop a valid and reliable scale that measures attitude towards using technology in music education and to investigate pre-school and primary school pre-service teachers’ attitudes towards using technology in music education concerning their demographic variables and musical experiences. Research Methods: A total of 640 students studying in pre-school and primary education departments at a public university in Turkey participated in this research (N=640). Data were collected using a questionnaire for collecting the demographic information and the musical background of the respondents in addition to Attitude towards Using Technology in Music Education Scale, which was developed by the researchers in this study. Findings: Analyses resulted in an 8-item Attitude towards Using Technology in Music Education Scale with a Cronbach’s α of 0.931. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a statistically significant model fit to the data with six indices indicating a good fit and three indicating a substantial fit. Attitude towards using technology in music education did not show any significant difference concerning gender and musical background. However, primary school pre-service teachers had a more positive attitude than those of pre-school pre-service teachers. Finally, age correlated with the attitude towards using technology in music education. Implications for Research and Practice: Attitude towards Using Technology in Music Education Scale is a valid and reliable research instrument. Having more experience in using technology or perceiving that the future profession and instructional program at the universities necessitate the use of technology improves attitude towards using technology. Positive attitudes of pre-service teachers, who feel themselves inadequate about using their voice and instruments, and have inadequate musical experience, maybe due to their belief that they will be able to compensate for these deficiencies in music with the opportunities offered by technology.