Structural Validity Research Articles

A new scale for older resident satisfaction with residential integrated care in China: Development and validation

The factors that affect resident satisfaction with emerging residential integrated care for older people in China have been unclear due to a lack of validated instruments. Based on psychometric assessment procedures, we developed a new scale for older resident satisfaction with residential integrated care (SORSRIC). The scale was developed using a two-step process and a sample of 16 Chinese institutions and 333 residents. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate reliability and validity. Principal component analysis and maximum variance methods were used to orthogonally rotate the items to extract seven factors. These were: resident expectations, perceived quality (physical care), perceived quality (mental care), perceived value, resident satisfaction, resident complaints, and resident loyalty. The CR value of each dimension of the pre-tested, formal scale was greater than 0.80, and the AVE value was greater than 0.50. This 24-item instrument showed good reliability and structural validity and can be applied to improve the experience and outcomes for older people in residential care.

Development of the Imagination-Creativity Process Scale in Design

In this study, the undergraduate students’ Imagination–Creativity Process Scale (ICPS) in design was developed with reference to the Imagination–Creativity Process in design (Wang & Ho, 2021), and the scale reliability and validity were tested. Two samples of undergraduate students participated in test development, one for item revision and the other for validation. Sample 1 and 2 consisted of 285 and 488 students, respectively. Five to ten items were created for each scale dimension, resulting in a total of 31 items scored using a five-point Likert scale. A multidimensional Rasch partial-credit model was employed to verify the content and structural validity, generalizability, substantive validity, interpretive validity, and external validity of the scale. 30 items were retained for the final version of ICPS in design. The person separation reliabilities were .84, .83, .86, and .83, respectively for the four dimensions of the scale: (1) ideation and analysis, (2) generation and revision, (3) implementation and evaluation, and (4) communication and optimization. The results indicated that the ICPS had good model–data fit and was suitable for measuring undergraduate students’ Imagination–Creativity Process in design. Recommendations for future studies were proposed regarding the development and application of the ICPS in design.

Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale: a systematic review psychometrics properties using the COSMIN.

Psychometrical evaluation of persons of diverse contexts and different populations, including general or clinical. This review study aimed to evaluate the psychometrics quality of resilience scales. International and Iranian databases were searched with MESH terms, including "psychometric", "validity", "reliability", "Connor-Davidson resilience scale", "Resilience scale", for published articles up to 1 February 2023. For each of the selected studies, the risk of bias was evaluated using the COSMIN Risk of Bias Checklist. Then the COSMIN checklist was used to evaluate the entire text of the article for methodological quality. Considering the inclusion criteria, 80 documents were evaluated. According to the COSMIN's criteria for evaluating the risk of bias, the current study findings revealed the included studies' limitations in assessing the three versions of CD-RISC cross-cultural and content validity as well as their stability (e.g. conducting test re-test), whereas the majority of psychometric studies of CD-RISC-25, and CD-RISC-2 rated as very good or adequate in terms of structural validity. In terms of quality assessment of the included studies, the current study indicated that investigating the structural validity of the CD-RISC was mainly done based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis was absent. The general result indicates the acceptability of the quality of the studies. However, concerns for measurement properties such as responsiveness and criterion validity as well as the standard error of measurement have been neglected.

Assessing complex PTSD and PTSD: validation of the German version of the International Trauma Interview (ITI)

ABSTRACT Background: With the introduction of the ICD-11 into clinical practice, the reliable distinction between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) becomes paramount. The semi-structured clinician-administered International Trauma Interview (ITI) aims to close this gap in clinical and research settings. Objective: This study investigated the psychometric properties of the German version of the ITI among trauma-exposed clinical samples from Switzerland and Germany. Method: Participants were 143 civilian and 100 military participants, aged M = 40.3 years, of whom 53.5% were male. Indicators of reliability and validity (latent structure, internal reliability, inter-rater agreement, convergent and discriminant validity) were evaluated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and partial correlation analysis were conducted separately for civilian and military participants. Results: Prevalence of PTSD was 30% (civilian) and 33% (military) and prevalence of CPTSD was 53% (civilians) and 21% (military). Satisfactory internal consistency and inter-rater agreement were found. In the military sample, a parsimonious first-order six-factor model was preferred over a second-order two-factor CFA model of ITI PTSD and Disturbances in Self-Organization (DSO). Model fit was excellent among military participants but no solution was supported among civilian participants. Overall, convergent validity was supported by positive correlations of ITI PTSD and DSO with DSM-5 PTSD. Discriminant validity for PTSD symptoms was confirmed among civilians but low in the military sample. Conclusions: The German ITI has shown potential as a clinician-administered diagnostic tool for assessing ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD in primary care. However, further exploration of its latent structure and discriminant validity are indicated.

The construct validity and internal consistency of QuickDASH in pediatric patients with upper extremity fractures.

Investigation of treatment options in the pediatric population necessitates the use of valid patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). We aimed to assess the construct validity and internal consistency of the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) in the pediatric population with upper extremity fractures treated both operatively and conservatively. QuickDASH, along with several reference PROMs and objective outcome measures, was obtained from 148 5- to 18-year-old patients with a humeral medial epicondyle fracture or a fracture of the distal forearm in a cross-sectional setting with a single follow-up visit. Spearman's rank correlation and linear regression models were used to assess convergent validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to assess structural validity, and Cronbach's alpha to investigate internal consistency. The direction and magnitude of correlation showed by QuickDASH with reference outcome measures was consistent and demonstrated good convergent validity. EFA indicated a 3-factor model with poor fit indices and structural validity remained questionable. Construct validity was considered acceptable overall. QuickDASH demonstrated good internal consistency with an acceptable Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.75). QuickDASH demonstrated acceptable construct validity and good internal consistency and is thus a valid instrument, with some limitations, to assess disability and quality of life in pediatric patients with upper extremity fractures.

StructDiffusion: End-to-end intelligent shear wall structure layout generation and analysis using diffusion model

Shear wall structures are widely used in high-rise buildings. However, the design process of shear wall structures suffers from inefficiencies. This paper introduces StructDiffusion, an end-to-end intelligent system for shear wall layout generation and analysis. The proposed approach tackles the layout design task by employing a novel diffusion model architecture to generate conditional images. Key components of the proposed method include pretrained diffusion models, ControlNet for conditional control, and LoRA for efficient adaptation. Notably, the method allows for architectural plan images and basic textual design conditions as inputs, enabling manipulation of the generated layouts by adjusting attributes such as building height and seismic intensity. To evaluate the quality of the model's design swiftly, this paper presents a comprehensive evaluation framework that incorporates perceptual and structural validity metrics. Through experimental analyses, this paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed model in generating layouts, surpassing the capabilities of GAN-based methods. Furthermore, our study investigates model-specific parameter configuration, text-guided capabilities, code compliance, and computational efficiency. StructDiffusion significantly enhances the automation and intelligence of structural engineering workflows. The framework effectively addresses challenges associated with instability, data scarcity, and limitations in assessment. This pioneering application of diffusion models opens up promising avenues for advancing data-driven structural design.

Computational Analysis and NGS for Human LDHC Complexed with NAD+ and Ethylamino Acetic Acid (Lung Cancer)

Abstract: This study presents a multidimensional exploration of the structural and functional characteristics of the human Lactate Dehydrogenase C (LDHC) complexed with NAD+ and ethylamino acetic acid (EAA), focusing on its implications in lung cancer. Leveraging data from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and Molecular Modeling Database (MMDB), a comprehensive analysis was conducted using various computational tools and resources. Structural insights were gained through PDBsum and RasMol, elucidating molecular interactions and identifying potential drug-target sites. Sequence analysis via BLAST and Multiple Sequence Alignment provided further understanding of conserved sequences and structural motifs. Visualization and manipulation of molecular structures were facilitated by PyMOL, enabling the identification of active drug-target sites. Proteinligand docking studies using the CB-Dock2 server assessed the efficiency of LDHC complexation with NAD+. Structural validation through the SAVES server ensured the reliability of the complex structure. Additionally, biological network analysis using the STRING database revealed associations with gene ontology and structural classification of the protein, offering insights into targeted interventions in the ancestry of the protein. This comprehensive approach provides valuable insights into LDHC's role in cancer biology and offers promising avenues for therapeutic development in lung cancer.

Precision Vaccine Development: Unraveling the Immunoinformatics Code Against Epstein-Barr Virus's T41 Glycoprotein 350/220

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) poses a substantial global health threat, with a 90% morbidity rate in adults worldwide. Linked to infectious mononucleosis, autoimmune diseases, and cancers, there is an imperative for effective preventive measures, given the absence of current vaccines or medications. This study employs a bioinformatics strategy to design an epitope vaccine targeting EBV. The primary target for immunity is the EBV glycoprotein 350/220 (gp350), which mediates attachment to B cells through complement receptor 2 (CR2/CD21). The selected protein, EBV glycoprotein 350/220 was chosen based on its role in pathogenicity. In the post-therapeutic approach, three-dimensional structure prediction, validation, and verification processes were conducted, followed by molecular docking studies to identify potential drug-binding sites and suitable therapeutic inhibitors for the target protein. The protein's ability to stimulate humoral and cell-mediated immunity was assessed, leading to the identification of a peptide segment ATNLFLLEL from positions 342 to 356 as the predominant T cell epitope. This epitope demonstrated compatibility with various HLA profiles, enhanced by its interaction with eight HLA-A and HLA-B alleles. Population coverage analysis revealed broad responsiveness across geographies, suggesting its potential as a widely applicable vaccine component. Its non-allergic classification further supports its potential efficacy for diverse individuals. Docking studies with HLA-B*3501 confirmed its significant affinity for MHC-I molecules, establishing it as a promising vaccination candidate. Additionally, a region from amino acid positions 253 to 310 was identified as containing potential B-cell epitopes, with the sequence "LGAGELALTMRSKKLP" showing promise due to its antigenic potential. This computational approach to epitope-based peptide vaccine design and target site prediction against EBV represents a pioneering advancement in EBV virus research, emphasizing the need for validation through <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> trials.

Developing an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System for Performance Evaluation of Pavement Construction Projects

This study employs an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to identify critical success factors (CSFs) crucial for the success of pavement construction projects. Challenges such as construction cost delays, budget overruns, disputes, claims, and productivity losses underscore the need for effective project management in pavement projects. In contemporary construction management, additional performance criteria play a vital role in influencing the performance and success of pavement projects during construction operations. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by comprehensively identifying a multidimensional set of critical success performance factors that impact pavement and utility project management. A rigorous literature review and consultations with pavement experts identified sixty CSFs, categorized into seven groups. The relative importance of each element and group is determined through the input of 287 pavement construction specialists who participated in an online questionnaire. Subsequently, the collected data undergo thorough checks for normality, dependability, and independence before undergoing analysis using the relative importance index (RII). An ANFIS is developed to quantitatively model critical success factors and assess the implementation performance of construction operations management (COM) in the construction industry, considering aspects such as clustering input/output datasets, fuzziness degree, and optimizing five Gaussian membership functions. The study confirms the significance of three primary CSFs (financial, bureaucratic, and governmental) and communication-related variables through a qualitative structural and behavioral validation process, specifically k-fold cross-validation. The outcomes of this research hold practical implications for the management and assessment of overall performance indices in pavement construction projects. The ANFIS model, validated through robust testing methodologies, provides a valuable tool for industry professionals seeking to enhance the success and efficiency of pavement construction endeavors.

Psychometric validation of the hyperglycaemia avoidance scale UK (HAS-UK).

Hyperglycaemia aversion in type 1 diabetes can be associated with severe hypoglycaemia and impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia but is not routinely assessed clinically. This study aimed to undertake the first psychometric validation of the UK version of the Hyperglycaemia Avoidance Scale (HAS-UK). The HAS-UK was completed by adults with type 1 diabetes in three separate research studies. Psychometric properties were evaluated, using exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, and convergent validity. Of the 431 participants who completed the HAS-UK in the three studies, mean age was 49.5 years, and 58.0% were women. Mean duration of diabetes was 29 years, with 192 (44.5%) using multiple daily injections and 229 (53.1%) using an insulin pump. Five participants were excluded from analyses due to incomplete HAS-UK responses. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 3-factor solution, with acceptable internal consistency for 'worry' and 'blood glucose decisions' factors. HAS-UK total score was higher in those using insulin pumps versus multiple daily injections, and 'blood glucose decisions' score was higher in those using a continuous blood glucose sensor versus a meter. The HAS-UK is a reliable measure with acceptable structural validity and is likely to be useful for evaluating hyperglycaemia aversion in people with type 1 diabetes. Future research would benefit from investigating further psychometric properties including test-retest reliability, sensitivity to change, and clinical significance of scores.

Italian adaptation of the Multidimensional Iowa Suggestibility Scale (MISS).

Suggestibility is a personality trait that reflects a general tendency to accept messages. The Multidimensional Iowa Suggestibility Scale (MISS) is a self-report scale developed to measure the degree of individuals' perceptions of their suggestibility. This study aimed to adapt the MISS in an Italian sample. We conducted two studies. In the first study, 345 subjects (270 females (78%), mean age = 36.21 years ± 14.06 SD) completed the translated Italian version of the MISS, composed of five subscales (consumer suggestibility; persuadability; sensation contagion; physiological reactivity; peer conformity). We investigated the structural validity of the scale through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) testing four measurement models (unidimensional, four-factor, hierarchical four factors, and bifactor) and explored reliability in terms of internal consistency through the McDonald's omega. In the second study, we cross-validated the MISS on a new independent sample. We enrolled 277 participants (196 females (71%), mean age 30.56, SD = 12.58) who underwent the new version of the scale. We performed factor analyses to test structural validity and compared four measurement models. Then, we investigated reliability and conducted a latent variable analysis to explore divergent validity. The CFA in the first study revealed a bifactor solution of the MISS. This structure was interpretable and provided an adequate fit for the data. The final version of the scale was reduced to forty-six items with globally good indices of adaptation. The scale also demonstrated acceptable reliability in terms of internal consistency through the McDonald's Hierarchical Omega. In the second study, we found that the bifactor structure was confirmed. Factor loadings inspection revealed that there was no justification to report only the separate scores for the subscales. We also found that the scale showed good internal consistency, but mixed evidence for divergent validity. In the end, the Italian version of the MISS demonstrated good psychometric properties which will be discussed in detail below.

Validation Evidence for the Oviedo Grit Scale (EGO) in a Non-Western Context

Grit is a positive non-cognitive characteristic related to perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It positively impacts various aspects of life, but limited tools are available for measuring it, particularly in Turkish. Thus, this research aimed to establish the psychometric values for the Turkish version of the Oviedo Grit (EGO) scale by Postigo et al. (2021). The sample consisted of 500 Turkish university students. The analyses for single items, structural validation, measurement invariance, and the scale’s relationship with personality traits (i.e., big five personality dimensions) and external variables (i.e., grade point average) supported the claim that the EGO scale, originally developed in Spanish by Postigo et al. (2021), is a reliable, unidimensional tool to measure grit Turkish language. Some limitations and potential paths for future research were also discussed.

Psychometric properties of stigma and discrimination measurement tools for persons living with HIV: a systematic review using the COSMIN methodology

BackgroundThe development of antiretroviral therapy broadly extends the life expectancy of persons living with HIV (PLHIV). However, stigma and discrimination are still great threat to these individuals and the world's public health care system. Accurate and reproducible measures are prerequisites for robust results. Therefore, it is essential to choose an acceptable measure with satisfactory psychometric properties to assess stigma and discrimination. There has been no systematic review of different stigma and discrimination tools in the field of HIV care. Researchers and clinical practitioners do not have a solid reference for selecting stigma and discrimination measurement tools.MethodsWe systematically searched English and Chinese databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, The Cochrane Library, CNKI,, and Wanfang, to obtain literature about stigma and discrimination measurement tools that have been developed and applied in the field of HIV. The search period was from 1st January, 1996 to 22nd November 2021. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guideline (2018 version) was applied to assess the risk of bias for each involved study and summarize the psychometric properties of each tool. The modified version of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and, Evaluation (GRADE) method was used to grade the evidence and develop recommendations.ResultsWe included 45 studies and 19 PROMs for HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination among PLHIV. All studies had sufficient methodological quality in content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, and the hypothesis testing of structural validity. Limited evidence was found for cross-cultural validity, stability, and criterion validity. No relevant evidence was found concerning measurement error and responsiveness. The Internalized AIDS-related Stigma Scale (IARSS), Internalized HIV Stigma Scale (IHSS), and Wright's HIV stigma scale (WHSS) are recommended for use.ConclusionsThis study recommends three PROMs for different stigma and discrimination scenarios, including IARSS for its good quality and convenience, IHSS for its broader range of items, higher sensitivity, and greater precision, and WHSS for its comprehensive and quick screening. Researchers should also consider the relevance and feasibility of the measurements before putting them into practice.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42022308579

Factor Structure, Reliability, and Convergent Validity of an Ecological Momentary Assessment Binge-Eating Symptoms Scale.

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of binge-eating symptoms has deepened our understanding of eating disorders. However, there has been a lack of attention on the psychometrics of EMA binge-eating symptom measures. This paper focused on evaluating the psychometric properties of a four-item binge-eating symptom measure, including multilevel factor structure, reliability, and convergent validity. Forty-nine adults with binge-eating disorder and/or food addiction completed baseline questionnaires and a 10-day EMA protocol. During EMA, participants completed assessments of eating episodes, including four binge-eating symptom items. Analyses included multilevel exploratory factor analysis, computation of omega and intraclass correlation coefficients, and multilevel structural equation models of associations between contextual factors and binge-eating symptoms. A one within-subject factor solution fit the data and showed good multilevel reliability and adequate within-subjects variability. EMA binge-eating symptoms were associated with baseline binge-eating measures as well as relevant EMA eating characteristics: including greater unhealthful food and drink intake; higher perceived taste of food; lower likelihood to be planned eating; and lower likelihood of eating to occur at work/school and other locations and greater likelihood to occur at restaurants compared to home. In conclusion, the study findings support the psychometrics of a 4-item one-factor EMA measure of binge-eating symptoms.

Development and validation of Mathematical Higher‐Order Thinking Scale for high school students

AbstractGlobally, significant attention is given to the cultivation and evaluation of Mathematical Higher‐Order Thinking Skills (MHOTS). This study aims to address the gap in developing and validating suitable MHOTS structures for high school students. In this study, 53 items were determined by experts in the field of mathematics education and scale development. The study group of this study consists of 654 students educated at the high school level. We decided to split the samples randomly in two by designating a random half as exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the other half as confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). EFA was used to confirm a robust “four‐dimensional, nine‐factor” measurement structure, encompassing four key dimensions, namely mathematical critical thinking, mathematical creative thinking, mathematical problem‐solving, and mathematical metacognitive skills. The scale's quality was assessed through a retest using CFA and the structural validity was evaluated through CFA and correlation analysis. The criterion validity of the scale was also examined using math scores. The results from the double validity analysis showed that the scale had a reasonable and valid structure. The findings established the MHOTS for high school students as a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the level of MHOTS among high school students. This newly developed scale holds promise as an effective tool to assess and enhance mathematical higher‐order thinking in the student population.

Разработка и психометрическая проверка теста оценки эмоционального интеллекта для подростков (ТЭИ-П)

<p>This paper describes the procedure of developing and standardizing the Russian-language online emotional intelligence (EI) test for adolescents aged 10-17 years (EIT-A) in two versions: for younger and older adolescents. The test was developed on the basis of the EI ability model by J. Mayer, P. Salovey, and D. Caruso. Psychometric testing of the test was carried out on 1491 adolescents, students of schools in Moscow and other cities of Russia: 735 respondents aged between 10 and 13 years old (341 boys, 394 girls), mean age - 12.2 years, and 756 respondents aged between 14 and 17 years old (271 boys, 485 girls), mean age - 15.6 years. The analysis showed high reliability of the EIT-A method. The confirmatory factor analysis results indicate the methodology's high structural validity. Its reliability-consistency (Cronbach's Alpha) for the version for the 10-13-year-olds was 0.93, and for the version for the 14-17-year-olds — 0.91. The theoretical validity of the EIT-A method was confirmed: it measures the same construct as the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test-Youth Research Version (MSCEIT-YRV), adapted to the Russian-language sample - a test by J. Mayer, P. Salovey, and D. Caruso to assess the EI of adolescents, which has a strong psychometric history. The data obtained provide a basis for using the Russian EIT-A test for research and applied purposes as a reliable methodological tool.</p>

Screening psychological symptoms in Filipino university students during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Translation and structural validation of the Filipino version of the DASS‐21

AbstractCulturally appropriate tools are necessary to aid in objective screening for psychological symptoms among students in university settings. This study aimed to translate and validate the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21). The instrument underwent forward translation and was reviewed by representatives from the target population, field experts, and an external auditor. The translated version of the DASS‐21, together with the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (I‐PANAS‐SF), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), was administered to 681 university students. Through confirmatory factor analysis, results supported the intercorrelated three‐factor model with correlated errors for the DASS‐21 Filipino. Results also demonstrated the criterion validity of the depression and anxiety subscales through significant correlations with PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7, respectively, and a stringent z‐score test to examine the difference between two dependent correlations with one variable in common. The convergent validity of all three subscales was established through significant correlations with I‐PANAS‐SF and SWLS. All DASS‐21 Filipino subscales which includes depression (α = .89), anxiety (α = .84), and stress (α = .85), showed high internal consistency. The current findings offer initial evidence on the structural validity of the DASS‐21 Filipino, which can be utilized as a tool to screen for depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Filipino speakers during a global health crisis. Implications for psychological assessment and school and clinical interventions are discussed.

Multi-informant Assessment of Organizational Skills: Psychometric Characteristics of the Children’s Organizational Skills Scale (COSS)

AbstractOrganization, time management, and planning (OTMP) skills are behavioral manifestations of executive functioning linked to academic outcomes. Interventions to improve OTMP skills have shown favorable outcomes. The Children’s Organizational Skills Scale parent and teacher forms (COSS-P, COSS-T) are widely used for assessing OTMP skills, but there is limited research on this scale. This study examined the factor structure and construct validity of the COSS in a non-clinical and clinical sample of students in grades 2–8 (Study 1; n = 1138 COSS-T; 1155 COSS-P), and teacher-referred students with OTMP deficits in grades 3–5 (Study 2; n = 184). In Study 1, a bifactor model with a general factor and three subfactors demonstrated good fit for the COSS-P (RMSEA = .057) and COSS-T (RMSEA = .052). This model was replicated in Study 2. The general factor on both versions demonstrated an acceptable to high level of internal reliability. An acceptable degree of reliability was also identified for subfactor 1 (Task Planning). The COSS was shown to be effective in differentiating children with ADHD from a comparison group drawn primarily from the non-clinical sample (AUC = .84 COSS-P; .85 COSS-T). Sex differences of medium magnitude were identified on the total score of both COSS versions. Correlations between the COSS-P and COSS-T were variable across samples. The findings provide strong evidence for using the total score on the COSS-P and COSS-T as an index of overall OTMP skills deficits. Given variable cross-informant correlations on the COSS, multi-informant assessment of OTMP skills is strongly indicated.

Pre-operative body shape concerns moderate excess weight loss trajectory in bariatric surgery patients: a 2-year longitudinal study

PurposeThe main research aim was to inspect whether pre-operative body shape concerns and discomfort as Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) scores moderate post-operative weight loss trajectory in bariatric patients.MethodsTwo studies were conducted. Study 1 analyzed cross-sectional data and verified the structural validity of the 34-item BSQ questionnaire on a sample of 327 candidates for bariatric surgery. Study 2 examined longitudinal data, with objective Body Mass Index (BMI) recorded every 6 months, from surgery intervention on, with 5 measurement occasions, from 111 patients who initially completed BSQ as bariatric surgery candidates and then underwent periodic medical post-operative follow-ups, over 2 years.ResultsIn Study 1, confirmatory factor analysis of a single-dimension model yielded acceptable fit indices and high internal consistency levels. Study 2 showed that post-operative excess BMI reduction trend was not linear and pre-operative BSQ scores moderated it, with a higher risk of weight regain in patients who initially were less concerned with their body shape.ConclusionsThe present findings support the structural validity of the BSQ questionnaire in bariatric candidates and call attention on the role of pre-operative body shape concerns on post-operative weight loss trajectories over 2 years, in accordance with a pathoplasty model. They suggest the need for systematic attention on perceived body image and psychological paths aimed to help bariatric patients regain positive attitudes towards their own body.Level of evidence III, well-designed cohort

Differentiated Instruction for Gifted Teaching Behavior in Classrooms: What Are the Levers of Change in the United Arab Emirates?

Differentiation is recommended as the best teaching strategy to nurture gifted and talented (GT) students. While numerous studies have explored teachers’ perceptions of differentiating instruction for GT students in Western countries, the body of literature on this phenomenon remains small in non-Western contexts. This study attempted to understand the differentiation of the curriculum for GT students among teachers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Maker's model was used as a framework to guide development of the Gifted Teaching and Talent Development Scale (GTDS) and collect data from 239 teachers in the UAE. We assessed the structural validity of the GTDS using AMOS software to perform confirmatory factor analysis. Further, we used SPSS to compute multivariate analysis of variance, which revealed differences between background and latent variables (content, process, product, and environment). The findings support the use of multifaceted lenses to study gifted teaching behavior and its other implications.