Standardized Regression Weights Research Articles

Validation of the Arabic translation of the vaccination attitudes examination (VAX) scale

Background and aimThe availability of concise and valid instruments for measuring vaccination attitudes across different countries or populations is limited. The 12-item four-subscale Vaccination Attitudes Examination (VAX) scale designed to assess vaccination hesitancy has been validated in more than 15 languages.This study aimed to validate the Arabic translation of VAX. MethodsVAX was translated from Danish to Arabic following the Principles of Good Practice for the Translation and Cultural Adaptation Process for Patient-Reported Outcome Measures. The translated VAX was distributed to the citizens of Saudi Arabia in March 2023 through an online survey system and the authors' networks. Internal consistency reliability was assessed with Cronbach's α. Factorial structure was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Known-group validity was assessed based on COVID-19 vaccination status. ResultsResponses from 164 participants who fully answered the questionnaire were analyzed. The mean age was 40 years, 77 % were females, and 90 % were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with one-third receiving booster doses. CFA confirmed a well-fit four-factor structure. All items loaded well with their factors: standardized regression weight values ranged from 0.69 to 0.96. Correlations between the four factors ranged from 0.47 to 0.79. Cronbach α ranged from 0.874 to 0.930. As expected, the mean scores of all subscales were higher in those unvaccinated compared to those who were fully vaccinated as well as those fully vaccinated with a booster dose (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe Arabic translation of the VAX exhibited a well-defined factorial structure with good internal consistency reliability and known-group validity. It is a valuable tool for measuring vaccination hesitancy in Arabic-speaking countries or populations, enabling the comparison of vaccine hesitancy across different countries and cultures.

A Common Structure for Factors that Enhance Synergy in Contractor Project Teams: Executive and Practitioner Perspectives

Synergy in a contractor project team improves performance by integrating diverse knowledge and skills among team members, enabling the achievement of project objectives. However, according to a literature review, factors that enhance synergy among contractor project teams from the perspective of executives and practitioners have rarely been discovered, revealing a knowledge gap that needs to be filled. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify a common structure of such factors for executives and practitioners. Data collection involved a questionnaire survey targeting large contractors in Bangkok, Thailand. Then, we compared the mean importance and rank order of synergy factors, examined differences and similarities in synergy factors between executive and practitioner perspectives using the Mann–Whitney U test, and applied confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for the data analysis. The differences and similarities show that executives and practitioners have similar perspectives on synergy factors. The CFA results validate a factor structure that enhances synergy. This synergy factor structure for executives and practitioners can be divided into five groups, with their standardized regression weights in parentheses: coordination (0.94), organizational structure (0.92), motivation (0.80), leadership (0.75), and planning and policy (0.69). These findings contribute to the body of knowledge and the state of practice by offering a practical framework to assist executives and practitioners in contractor organizations in identifying common measures and resource allocation based on the regression weights of synergy factors. This can improve synergy among contractor project teams, potentially resulting in better performance.

Moderating role of big data usage in intellectual capital and innovation performance: evidence from Turkish banking sector

PurposeIn this study, the moderator effect of the use of big data by Turkish banks on the innovation performance of the intellectual capital components, human capital, structural capital, and relational capital is discussed.Design/methodology/approachIn the research, 618 survey data applied to bank employees and weighted according to population in seven regions were used. The data were analyzed through the structural equation model.FindingsAccording to the empirical results, intellectual capital components and big data usage explain 65% of the variance in innovation performance. It has been determined that the other two components of intellectual capital, except structural capital, have a statistically significant effect on innovation performance. According to the Standardized Regression Weights, one unit change in human capital affects innovation performance by 0.162, and one unit change in relational capital affects innovation performance by 0.244. In addition, a one-unit change in big data usage affects innovation performance by 0.480. It has been understood that the use of big data significantly affects the innovation performance of banks with a rate of 0.480.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this study is important, it could have been done with senior managers instead of being based on a survey. Instead of a survey, it could have been done with a data set taken from banks' balance sheets and tables. Additionally, the use of big data has been considered as a moderator but can be reconsidered as a mediator or external construct. Moreover, this study was conducted on a sample of participants working in the developing Turkish commercial banking sector. Therefore, the results of the study can be done in different countries and at different development levels.Originality/valueThe study is one of the first studies to examine the moderating effect of intellectual capital by considering its subcomponents in a developing country. In addition, it is thought that the results will contribute to managers, policy makers and researchers who want to increase competition and market share in the sector, as well as filling the gap in the literature.

The predicting role of EFL/ESL teachers’ self-efficacy and grit in their professional development

Teacher professional development (TPD) has received a vast body of investigations in the past decades. Its features, dimensions, measures, and outcomes in English as a foreign language (EFL) context have been sufficiently studied. However, the role of psycho-affective factors in the TPD process has been neglected, especially in terms of demographic factors. To fill this gap, this quantitative study examined the predicting role of teacher self-efficacy and grit in Chinese EFL teachers’ professional development. Three online questionnaires were completed by a sample of 305 EFL teachers with different backgrounds in China. The results of structural equation modeling and standardized regression weights revealed a strong association between demographic factors (gender, education, experience) and TPD. In addition, it was found that self-efficacy and grit could collectively predict 78% and 43% of changes in Chinese EFL teachers’ professional development. Insights for future researchers and EFL teachers are provided at the end of the study to increase their understanding of TPD in light of psycho-emotional factors.

An Indonesian-version of the short attitude toward mathematics inventory: a voice from pre-service chemistry teacher

&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;This study aimed to examine the validity of the Indonesian version of the short attitude toward mathematics inventory (ATMI). The adapted inventory was also used for further analysis to explore mathematics attitude of pre-service chemistry teachers across gender. The original ATMI was translated into Bahasa and distributed to 328 participants via the online survey. After preliminary checking for multivariate outliers, all the data were used to analyze the construct validity of structural model using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Furthermore, multigroup analysis with structured mean modelling was conducted to explore the gender effect toward mathematics attitude. All item means, standard deviations and correlation matrix were also explored. The result found that the short form supported the four-factor solution as the original ATMI. Modification indices, standardized regression weight, and squared multiple correlations were used to determine which items to be removed or retained during analysis until standard criteria for model fit reached. This items deletion produced a shorter version of ATMI (19 items) with fairly good internal consistency, both for all items inventory (α=0.92) or for individual subscale (mean α=0.86). Moreover, the t-test on the latent mean value showed no significant difference of attitude toward mathematics between male and female.&lt;/span&gt;

An evaluation of outpatient satisfaction based on the national standard questionnaire: a satisfaction survey conducted in a tertiary hospital in Shenyang, China.

Patient satisfaction survey serves as a pivotal tool in evaluating the quality of healthcare services. China's nationwide standard patient satisfaction measurement tool was introduced in 2019. This study aimed to assess the model fit of the national standard outpatient satisfaction questionnaire in a tertiary hospital and evaluate the outpatient satisfaction levels using this tool. A cross-sectional survey using the national outpatient satisfaction questionnaire was conducted via message links to all hospital outpatients who registered between April and July 2022. The data collected underwent descriptive analysis, comparative analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A total of 6,012 valid responses were received and analyzed during this period, with 52.9% of the participants being women. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model showed a good fit and identified doctor communication as having a positive effect and environmental factors as having a negative effect on outpatients' satisfaction, with standardized regression weights of 0.46 and 0.42, respectively. Despite the remarkably high satisfaction levels, patients' recommendation for using the services of this hospital surpassed the overall evaluation and total satisfaction scores. A disparity was identified between the expectations and real experiences of outpatients, leading to some extent of dissatisfaction. To enhance satisfaction levels, the hospital should improve the communication skills of all clinical staff, simplify the environment layout for first-time visitors, and manage patient overloads.

Relationship of Stress and Insomnia with Depression among Health Care Workers in Hamadan, Iran: Application of Path Analysis

Objectives: Various causal pathways play a role in the occurrence of depression in healthcare workers. This study aimed to assess the effect of perceived stress and insomnia on depression in healthcare workers using path analysis in Hamadan, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, healthcare workers from Shahid Beheshti and Sina hospitals in Hamedan in 2023 were recruited. Perceived stress with two subscales of perceived helplessness and perceived self-efficacy, as well as insomnia and depression, were investigated using validated questionnaires. The path analysis was applied to assess the association. Results: In total, 235 healthcare workers (35.7% nurses) were included. Gender, age, monthly working hours, and number of night shifts per month had a significant impact on depression (P&lt;0.05). Path analysis demonstrated that except for the effect of perceived self-efficacy on insomnia, all standardized regression weights for relationships were statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). The effect size of perceived helplessness on depression was the strongest compared to other relationships (standardized regression weight = 0.40). The direct effect of perceived helplessness and perceived self-efficacy on depression or insomnia as a mediator had a good fit to the data. Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, with the implementation of intervention and preventive programs to reduce stress and improve sleep, the occurrence of depression in healthcare workers is expected to decrease significantly.

Proposing and testing a model relating students’ graph selection and graph reasoning for dynamic situations

Using a mixed methods approach, we explore a relationship between students’ graph reasoning and graph selection via a fully online assessment. Our population includes 673 students enrolled in college algebra, an introductory undergraduate mathematics course, across four U.S. postsecondary institutions. The assessment is accessible on computers, tablets, and mobile phones. There are six items; for each, students are to view a video animation of a dynamic situation (e.g., a toy car moving along a square track), declare their understanding of the situation, select a Cartesian graph to represent a relationship between given attributes in the situation, and enter text to explain their graph choice. To theorize students’ graph reasoning, we draw on Thompson’s theory of quantitative reasoning, which explains students’ conceptions of attributes as being possible to measure. To code students’ written responses, we appeal to Johnson and colleagues’ graph reasoning framework, which distinguishes students’ quantitative reasoning about one or more attributes capable of varying (Covariation, Variation) from students’ reasoning about observable elements in a situation (Motion, Iconic). Quantitizing those qualitative codes, we examine connections between the latent variables of students’ graph reasoning and graph selection. Using structural equation modeling, we report a significant finding: Students’ graph reasoning explains 40% of the variance in their graph selection (standardized regression weight is 0.64, p < 0.001). Furthermore, our results demonstrate that students’ quantitative forms of graph reasoning (i.e., variational and covariational reasoning) influence the accuracy of their graph selection.

초등학생의 진로장벽 검사도구 개발 및 타당화

Objectives This study was to systematically develop a Career Barrier Inventory(CBI) for upper elementary school students and verify its validity.&#x0D; Methods The concept of the career barriers were defined and sub-factors of the career barriers were derived based on the monistic view limited to contextual barriers(Lent et al., 1994/2000) and related previous studies. Preliminary items were developed through previous studies. And a preliminary scale of 27 items was developed through the expert’s content validity verification and the subjects’ understanding of the prior items. A preliminary survey was conducted targeting upper grades of elementary school students nationwide, and 136 of the collected data were used for exploratory factor analysis. The main survey sampled a different group from the preliminary survey across the country, and 236 (94.4%) of the collected data were used in CFA, through which the optimal CBI for elementary school students was developed and a systematic validation procedure was performed.&#x0D; Results The Major results were as follows; First, through EFA using preliminary survey data, four latent factor were validly extracted and reliability was secured. Second, as a result of CFA using the main survey data, three items with a standardized regression weights(β) of .50 or less were removed and the goodness of fit index for the final CBI measurement model (24 items) were reviewed, and all were good. Third, as a result of calculating the AVE and C.R., of each sub-factor, all of the evaluation criteria were satisfied and the construct validity was verified. Fourth, as a result of conducting a correlation analysis based on social support, self-esteem and self-efficacy measure-ment tools to verify criterion validity, the correlations among sub-factors of each variable were all significant. And the overall the reliability (Cronbach’s α) of the final CBI, was found to be .912, and the reliability of each sub-factor was also confirmed to be good.&#x0D; Conclusions Based on the monistic career barriers advocated in Social Cognitive Career Theory, the concept and sub-factors of career barriers for upper grades of elementary school students were identified and a CBI for upper grades of elementary school students whose reliability and validity were verified through systematic procedure was developed.

Challenges in Acceptance of Smartphone-Based Assistive Technologies: Extending the UTAUT Model for People With Visual Impairments

Introduction: Despite the plethora of sensor-based assistive technology solutions, there is still no widespread acceptance and adoption by people who are blind or have low vision (i.e., visually impaired). Many reasons prevent reducing abandonment levels with a prominent one being a lack of focus on the dimension of training, which, from our standpoint, is integral to the acceptance of assistive technologies. To prove the importance of training, we extend and validate a new version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model incorporating training as a factor. Methods: Closed- and open-ended questionnaires were given online and offline to 231 participants with visual impairments after conducting training sessions with an application for outdoor navigation by people with visual impairments developed by our research team. To assess the UTAUT extension exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation model were employed to explore the relationships between the factors. A usability and user experience qualitative analysis supplemented the previous. Results: We uncovered that no factor besides performance expectancy (standardized regression weight = 0.264, p &lt; .001) and training (standardized regression weight = 0.538, p &lt; .001) significantly predict behavioral intention. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrated a significant interaction ( p &lt; .007) strengthening the positive relationship between training and behavioral intention (standardized regression weight = 0.142). The qualitative analysis showed an overall positive evaluation highlighting the application's usefulness and dependability. Discussion: An application's adoption increases if individuals who are visually impaired are properly trained and acquainted with the features in real-life scenarios and recognize the application's utility for their daily lives. Implications for Practitioners: Training plays an important role in technology acceptance. It can be leveraged to make solutions more appealing to people who are visually impaired.

Assessment of the Relevance of Goleman's Emotional Intelligence Model among the Managers of Commercial Banks in Nepal

Even if today's managers can use technology, they are accused of lacking emotional stability. However, to manage the corporate house effectively, a leader needs to possess the decisive trait of emotional stability. So, the study aimed to examine how Goleman's notion of emotional intelligence applies to bank managers. The study's participants included branch heads of commercial banks located in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur districts. Information about emotional intelligence was obtained from 215 branch heads using convenience sampling. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed using 25 test items to confirm the constructs of emotional intelligence. Due to a low standardized regression weight, one out of 25 items could not be retained. According to the findings, self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills are the five categories into which Nepalese bank managers fall under the emotional intelligence concept. Thus, companies can use this emotional intelligence measure to assess the characteristics of managers who constitute true leaders.

Guidelines for Reducing Environmental Impact in the Industrial Sector of the Eastern Region of Thailand

This research aims to 1) study the components of the guidelines for reducing environmental impact in the industrial sector of the Eastern Region of Thailand and 2) develop a structural equation model for the guidelines for reducing environmental impact in the Eastern Region industrial sector of Thailand. The research sample for this study comprises 500 entrepreneurs or managers in the industrial sector in the Eastern Region of Thailand. The quantitative research uses a questionnaire as a research instrument. Statistical analysis used for data analysis includes structural equation analysis. The results of the research model developed show that the assumed model is in line with the empirical data with p-value = 0.091, CMIN/DF = 1.272, GFI = 0.980, and RMSEA = 0.023, which meet the research assessment criteria. The analysis results based on the research hypotheses indicate that 1) Legal components have a direct influence on the consultant components, 2) Legal components have a direct influence on the community components, 3) Consultant components have a direct influence on the resource components, and 4) Resource components have a direct influence on the community components. The result found that the component related to environmental consultants directly influences the resource component with the highest Standardized Regression Weight of 0.88. This result indicates that consulting companies must carry out environmental impact reporting processes according to the legal requirements to produce transparent evaluations, resulting in increased community acceptance of the information presented in the reports.

The mediating role of EFL/ESL teachers’ academic optimism and positive psychological capital in their pedagogical effectiveness

A growing scholarly attention has been paid to the psycho-emotional side of second/foreign language (L2) education in the past decade. Optimal teaching and student achievement are no longer solely governed by teachers’ pedagogical skills and practices. Instead, various psycho-affective variables mediate the process of teaching English and its effectiveness. However, the way EFL/ESL teachers’ academic optimism and positive psychological capital influence their pedagogical effectiveness in light of demographic factors is neglected. To fill this gap, this study used three online questionnaires to examine the predictive role of 338 Chinese EFL/ESL teachers’ academic optimism and positive psychological capital in their pedagogical effectiveness. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) and the standardized regression weights demonstrated a strong correlation between demographic factors and teacher’s academic optimism and teacher’s positive psychological capital. Moreover, a strong association was observed between teacher’s positive psychological capital and teacher effectiveness, while academic optimism did not correlate with teacher effectiveness. Furthermore, positive psychological capital could predict about 67% of changes in Chinese EFL/ESL teachers’ pedagogical effectiveness. The study also discusses the implications and suggestions for further research to deepen L2 educators’ knowledge of teacher-psychology.

Antibiotic resistant genes profile in the surface water of subtropical drinking water river-reservoir system

To comprehensively understand antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) profile in the subtropical drinking water river-reservoir system, this study selected Dongzhen river-reservoir system in Mulan Creek as object to investigate the spatial-temporal characteristics of ARGs diversity, bacterial host and resistance mechanism, and to analyze the key environmental factors driving ARGs profile variation. The results indicated that a total of 440 ARGs were detected in the target system, and the ARGs distribution pattern in the reservoir was attributed to autologous evolution or the comprehensive influence of feeding river system. The predominant bacterial host at different sites showed similar variations to dominated ARGs, and Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes harbored most ARGs at phylum level, which showed the highest proportions of 74%, 37% and 35%, respectively. Antibiotic efflux was the primary resistance mechanism in all samples from wet season (45%–60%), yet the samples from dry season exhibited multiple resistance mechanisms, including inactivation (37%–52%), efflux (44%), and target alteration (43%). The total relative abundances of ARGs in the target system ranged from 0.89 × 10−2 to 1.71 × 10−2, and seasonal variation had a more significant influence on ARGs abundance than spatial variation (R = 0.68, P < 0.01). Environmental factors analysis indicated that the concentrations of nitrite nitrogen and total organic carbon were significant factors explaining ARGs number and various resistance mechanism proportions (P < 0.01), accounting for 48.7% and 61.1% of the variation, respectively; ammonia nitrogen concentration, total organic carbon concentration, temperature and pH were the significant influence factors on the relative abundance of ARGs (P < 0.05), with standardized regression weights of 0.700, 1.414, 1.447, and 1.727, respectively. In summary, in the surface water of the target system, ARGs diversity was primarily driven by ARGs horizontal transfer and antibiotics biosynthesis. Nutrients mainly promoted ARGs abundance by providing abundant energy, rather than increasing bacterial reproductive capacity.

Planktonic microbial community and biological metabolism in a subtropical drinking water river-reservoir system

To understand the dynamics of planktonic microbial community and its metabolism processes in subtropical drinking water river-reservoir system with lower man-made pollution loading, this study selected Dongzhen river-reservoir system in Mulan Creek as object to investigate spatial-temporal characteristics of community profile and functional genes involved in biological metabolism, and to analyze the influence of environmental factors. The results indicated that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the most diverse phyla with proportion ranges of 9%–80% in target system, and carbohydrate metabolism (5.76-7.12 × 10−2), amino acid metabolism (5.78-7.21 × 10−2) and energy metabolism (4.07-5.17 × 10−2) were found to be the dominant pathways of biological metabolism. Although there were variations in biological properties both spatially and temporally, seasonal variation had a greater influence on microbial community and biological metabolism, than locational differences. Regarding the role of environmental factors, this study revealed that microbial diversity could be affected by multiple abiotic factors, with total organic carbon, total phosphorus and temperature being more influential (absolute value of standardized regression weights >2.13). Stochastic processes dominated the microbial community assembly (R2 of neutral community model = 0.645), while niche-based processes differences represented by nutrients, temperature and pH level played secondary roles (R > 0.388, P < 0.01). Notably, the synergistic influences among the environmental factors accounted for the higher percentages of community variation (maximum proportion up to 17.6%). Additionally, pH level, temperature, and concentrations of dissolved oxygen, carbon and nitrogen were found to be the significant factors affecting carbon metabolism pathways (P < 0.05), yet only total organic carbon significantly affected on nitrogen transformation (P < 0.05). In summary, the microbial profile in reservoir is not completely dominated by that in feeding river, and planktonic microbial community and its metabolism in subtropical drinking water river-reservoir system are shaped by multiple abiotic and biotic factors with underlying interactions.

Boosting Lecturers Performance through Leadership Development and Organizational Culture

Lecturers are academics or educators at tertiary institutions or other higher education institutions. The main role of a lecturer is to convey the knowledge and experience of the lecturer to students through teaching in the classroom, guiding students in learning and research activities, and providing academic direction. In addition to teaching duties, a lecturer is also often involved in scientific research and development activities. The aims of this study are as follows: To analyze the influence of leadership and organizational culture on lecturer performance. The population in this study were all certification lecturers on campuses domiciled in Bekasi which are within the government higher education institutions and the sample of this study was 148 as many as 236 people. The research results show. ≤0.05 means that leadership and organizational culture have a positive effect on lecturer performance. Coefficient. standardized regression weights, for leadership of 0.225, organizational culture of 0.202, and competence of 0.296; significant leadership, organizational culture, and competence affect the performance of lecturers, thus the hypothesis is proven that leadership and organizational culture affect the performance of lecturers. Practical contributions recommend that with increased leadership, universities can provide training and leadership development to academic leaders or administrators. Effective leadership must be able to inspire, provide clear direction, facilitate good communication, and motivate lecturers to achieve organizational goals.

Factors Affecting Accessible Tourism – A Case of Pilgrimage Destinations in Andhra Pradesh

Every tourism attraction ought to provide a sense of safety and accessibility for visitors. The UNWTO's 2016 motto and vision statement, "Tourism for everyone," states that an accessible tourism component must be a part of every country's tourist policy. The issue suggests that approximately 16% of the Indian population has a disability, so the governments should implement the essential measures for accessible tourist development. The over-60 age demographic is expanding at a greater rate than any other age group due to rising life expectancy and falling birth rates. The current research endeavors to ascertain the elements that influence the travel habits of the elderly and those with disabilities who travel to the temples in Andhra Pradesh as pilgrims. The statistics also indicate that 5.8% of Andhra Pradesh's population is comprised of people with disabilities. In order to examine the factors and satisfaction level of senior citizens and physically challenged tourists, the study employs a structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis. For the current study from the four behavior factors, the standardized regression weight is highest for means of transport, revealed that it is most influential factor determine the satisfaction of senior citizens and physically challenged tourists.&#x0D;

Exploring the role of ICT in pharmaceutical supply chain practices and operational performance in Ethiopia: a structural equation modeling approach

BackgroundA well-coordinated supply chain ensures the sustainable availability of life-saving medicines that improve public health outcomes. Information Communication Technology (ICT) is one of the strategies for optimizing supply chain coordination. However, there is a paucity of data on how it affects supply chain practice and performance at the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Agency (EPSA).ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the relationships between information and communication technology, supply chain practice, and pharmaceutical supply chain operational performance using a structural equation modeling approach.MethodsWe conducted an analytical cross-sectional study between April and June 2021. Three hundred twenty EPSA employees participated in the survey. We used a pretested, self-administered five-point Likert scale questionnaire to collect the intended data. A structural equation modeling confirmed the relationship between the constructs (information communication technology, supply chain practices, and performance). Thus, the measurement models were first validated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis in SPSS/AMOS software. A p-value of less than 5% indicated statistical significance.ResultsOf the 320 questionnaires distributed, 300 participants (202 males and 98 females) duly responded. In this survey, supply chain practices (mainly customer relationship management and information sharing) and ICT had significant positive direct effects on operational performance with standardized regression weights (β) of 0.65 (p < .001) and 0.29 (p < .001), respectively. On the other hand, 73% of the variations in operational performance were explained by ICT and supply chain practices, wherein ICT played moderate mediation effects between supply chain practice and performance (VAF = 0.24, p < .001). Despite the significant positive influence of ICT, the agency still faced data visibility problems with customers and other supply chain partners.ConclusionThe findings revealed that supply chain practices and ICT implementation impacted the agency’s supply chain performance positively and significantly. The ICT implementation practice in the agency posited a significant positive partial mediating role between supply chain practice and operational performance. Thus, if the agency focuses on the automation and integration of customer relationship management and the practice of information exchange, the essential supply chain practices, it can further improve operational performance.

Impact of social media messages on perceived risk and severity of adverse effects and regret of HPV vaccination: The moderating role of decision-making preference.

10543 Background: The HPV vaccine has proven to be a highly effective and safe public health intervention for reducing the risk of various types of cancer. Despite its efficacy and safety, misinformation and negative opinions about the vaccine on social media can lead to negative emotions such as regret among those who have received it. This study investigated the impact of different content of social media messages on perceived risk and severity of adverse effects and regret of HPV vaccination. Methods: An experiment was designed to expose participants to messages posted on social media that manipulated the number of Vaccine Adverse Effects and the appeal used (narrative vs. statistics). The study measured the effect of the message on decisional regret and also assessed preferred level of involvement with medical decision-making. The online study was implemented among college students enrolled in a Midwestern or a South Texas university. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to systematically test the relationships between the variables of interest. Results: A total of 721 participants were exposed to the experimental materials and completed the questionnaire. The results of the SEM (with overall good fitness of RMSEA = 0.015, CMIN/df = 1.172) suggest that messages that contained more numeric information (standardized regression weights [Std Reg Wght = 0.161]) and more adverse effects of the HPV vaccine (Std Reg Wght = 0.076) led to a higher perception of the risk of vaccine adverse effects. The severity of adverse effects was significantly associated with the number of side effects in the message (Std Reg Wght = 0.147). This increase in perceived risk (Std Reg Wght = 0.182) and severity of side effects of the vaccine (Std Reg Wght = 0.163) seem to increase decisional regret. However, this relationship was moderated by individuals’ preferences for making their own medical decisions. Individuals with a higher preference to make their own health decisions were less likely to experience decisional regret (Std Reg Wght = -0.238). Conclusions: Messages on social media can exacerbate negative emotions and lead to hesitation in following future medical advice. Encouraging individuals to play a more active role in their medical decision-making appears to reduce this negative emotion and increase their confidence in health decisions.

Validity and reliability of a Chinese version of the Bergen Work Addiction Scale.

Work addiction (WA), which can impair personal relationships, engagement in recreational activities, and/or health, is a behavioral addiction. A tool for the early detection of WA in China is needed. The aim of this study was to develop and determine the validity and reliability of a Chinese version of the Bergen Work Addiction Scale (C-BWAS). Two hundred social workers who provided post-discharge services for adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) were enrolled in this study. The construct validity of the C-BWAS was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Criterion validity was assessed by conducting Pearson correlation analyses of C-CWAS scores with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) scores. Cronbach's α and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to evaluate the reliability of the C-BWAS. CFA confirmed a one-dimensional structure of the C-BWAS with good construct validity indices [comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.964, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.951, root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.079, and minimum discrepancy Ĉ/degrees of freedom (Cmin/DF) = 0.362]. The standardized regression weights ranged from 0.523 to 0.753. All C-BWAS items loaded on one major factor (loading weights, 0.646-0.943). Coefficients of correlation between C-BWAS scores and HAM-D and HAM-A scores were 0.889 and 0.933, respectively. The Cronbach's α coefficient and ICC for the instrument was 0.837 and 0.905, respectively. The presently developed C-BWAS showed very good reliability and acceptably validity. It can be employed as a useful tool for assessing WA severity in social workers who provide post-discharge services for adolescents with NSSI.