Reality Testing Research Articles

LiDAR-Based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Offshore Wind Blade Inspection and Modeling

The deployment of offshore wind turbines (WTs) has emerged as a pivotal strategy in the transition to renewable energy, offering significant potential for clean electricity generation. However, these structures’ operation and maintenance (O&M) present unique challenges due to their remote locations and harsh marine environments. For these reasons, it is fundamental to promote the development of autonomous solutions to monitor the health condition of the construction parts, preventing structural damage and accidents. This paper explores the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the inspection and maintenance of offshore wind turbines, introducing a new strategy for autonomous wind turbine inspection and a simulation environment for testing and training autonomous inspection techniques under a more realistic offshore scenario. Instead of relying on visual information to detect the WT parts during the inspection, this method proposes a three-dimensional (3D) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) method that estimates the wind turbine pose (position, orientation, and blade configuration) and autonomously controls the UAV for a close inspection maneuver. The first tests were carried out mainly in a simulation framework, combining different WT poses, including different orientations, blade positions, and wind turbine movements, and finally, a mixed reality test, where a real vehicle performed a full inspection of a virtual wind turbine.

An investigation of the Bernstein’s strengths Scale: factorial validity and network analysis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms, mental health, and the strengths of the healthy adult self

BackgroundBernstein’s heuristic model of personal strengths describes 16 positive attributes of the healthy adult self, grouped into four higher-order factors: self-directedness (identity, self-reflection, self-confidence, self-assertion, imagination/creativity), self-regulation (emotional balance, resilience, self-control, self-care, reality testing), connection (empathy, compassion, humour, responsibility), and transcendence (gratitude and wisdom). The study aimed to explore the factorial validity of Bernstein’s Strengths Scale developed for the assessment of these constructs. Furthermore, we explored the association of strengths with attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) symptoms and mental health in a nonclinical sample using a network approach.MethodsFive hundred and twenty-eight adults filled out an online questionnaire, including Bernstein’s Strengths Scale (BSS), the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (MHC-SF), and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS).ResultsThough our data showed an acceptable fit to the 16-factor model, the Self-control subscale and item 28 of the Compassion subscale were excluded because of reliability issues. The final model with 15 factors and 44 items showed excellent fit, χ2(797) = 1130.149, p < .001, RMSEA = 0.028, 90% CI [0.024, 0.032], SRMS = 0.049, CFI = 0.993, TLI = 0.991. Principal component analysis revealed three instead of four second-order factors. In the network model, Self-confidence and Wisdom emerged as the most influential nodes. ADHD symptoms were negatively connected to Responsibility, Self-care, Identity, Emotional balance, Self-confidence, and mental health, while they had positive edges with Humor, Self-reflection, and Imagination/creativity. Mental health was positively related to several strengths, with the strongest association being between mental health and Gratitude.ConclusionThe BSS has acceptable factorial validity and is a reliable tool for assessing the personal strengths of the healthy adult self. ADHD symptoms in adults may be associated with deficits in personal strengths, but protective factors could also be identified. Addressing personal strengths in psychosocial interventions for ADHD in adults may improve patients’ emotional well-being and everyday functioning.

Communicating robots’ intent through visual cues enhances human anticipatory behavior in human–dual robot collaboration

The present study aims at exploring the effect of communicating robots’ intent through visual cues, to the human on a complex human-robot collaborative task. Specifically, it aims to investigate (i) whether the use of such “anticipatory cues” will have a positive effect on task efficiency, human safety and collaborating fluency, (ii) the degree of this effect with varying robots’ speed and (iii) whether a retention effect will be observed after the removal of the cues. For exploring these issues, a human - dual robot industrial assembly task was designed in a Virtual Reality simulation environment and testing was carried out by 64 volunteer participants. Results showed that communicating robots’ intent through visual cues enhanced human anticipatory behavior, resulting in a significant improvement in human safety, team efficiency and collaborative fluency, in conjunction with a favorable subjective tendency towards the robots. However, the positive effect of the anticipatory cues was not found to increase with higher robot speed. Finally, the findings suggest that prior exposure to the cues made participants more confident in coordinating with the robots, even when the cues were removed from them, thus retaining their prior efficiency but with a negative effect on safety. In summary, the study provides evidence that use of anticipatory visual cues accelerates the legibility of robot movement and fosters human confidence and familiarization. The use of anticipatory cues seems promising for high-pace, non-repetitive interactions with collaborative robots or as a training aid in more repetitive human-robot collaborative tasks.

Cognition Assessment in Virtual Reality (CAVIR): Associations with neuropsychological performance and activities of daily living in patients with mood or psychosis spectrum disorders

BackgroundMore ecologically valid tools are needed to better capture daily-life cognitive impairments in patients with mood or psychosis spectrum disorders in clinical settings and cognitive treatment trials. We developed the Cognition Assessment in Virtual Reality (CAVIR) test, which assesses daily-life cognitive skills in an immersive virtual reality kitchen scenario. This study investigated the validity and sensitivity of CAVIR, including its association with activities of daily living (ADL) ability. Methods70 symptomatically stable patients with mood or psychosis spectrum disorders and 70 healthy controls completed CAVIR and standard neuropsychological tests and were rated for clinical symptoms, functional capacity, and subjective cognition. In addition, patients' ADL ability was evaluated with the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS). ResultsHigher global CAVIR performance correlated moderately with better global neuropsychological test scores (rs(138) = 0.60, p < 0.001) and showed a weak to moderate association with better ADL process ability in patients (r(45) = 0.40, p < 0.01), also after adjusting for sex and age (ps ≤ 0.03). In comparison, neuropsychological performance, interviewer- and performance-based functional capacity, and subjective cognition were not significantly associated with ADL process ability (ps ≥ 0.09). Further, CAVIR was sensitive to cognitive impairments in patients and was able to differentiate between patients with and without the ability to undertake regular employment. LimitationsThe modest sample size and concomitant medication. ConclusionOur results indicate that CAVIR is a sensitive measure of daily-life cognitive skills in patients with mood or psychosis spectrum disorders.

Localization and Speech-in-Noise Performance in a Virtual Reality Test Environment: A Pilot Study of Adults With Single-Sided Deafness Using a Cochlear Implant.

The purpose of this exploratory study was to (a) construct a virtual reality (VR) test environment to measure speech recognition in noise (SIN) and localization, and (b) use the VR test environment to establish degree of binaural hearing benefit among a small number of adults with single-sided deafness (SSD) using a cochlear implant (CI). This pilot study included five adults implanted for SSD. The test environment was composed of an eight-speaker array that delivered restaurant noise and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers sentences. VR head-mounted display goggles delivered a video recording of a busy restaurant. Participants completed SIN and localization in two conditions: (a) normal-hearing ear and a CI on the contralateral SSD side (CI-ON) and (b) normal-hearing ear and unaided on the contralateral SSD side (CI-OFF). Overall, CI benefits for SIN and localization within the VR test environment were improved for some participants, although not all. CI benefit for SIN and localization was dependent on speaker location. VR test environments present new opportunities for studying SIN and localization abilities in participants with CIs. This pilot study shows that, within a VR test environment, degree of CI benefit among SSD participants for SIN and localization varies across speaker location and across participants.

THE INFLUENCE OF JOB CHARACTERISTICS AND JOB PLACEMENT ON PERFORMANCE FINANCE OFFICER AT THE HIGHWAY AND CONSTRUCTION AGENCY LAMPUNG PROVINCE

The importance of job characteristics and job placement affects the performance of financial employees. The purpose of this study is to find out whether the variables of job characteristics, job placement, affect the performance of financial employees of the BMBK Office of Lampung Province. The sample in this study is 35 respondents in the Finance section of the BMBK Office, using multiple linear regression analysis, and validity test methods, reality tests with descriptive analysis, by using the (SPSS)23 program as a tool to analyze data through statistical analysis. After conducting research by filling out a questionnaire, the results were obtained that 30 respondents (85.7%) agreed with the characteristics of the job, for the variable of employing work, 21 respondents (60.0%) expressed their agreement, for the variable of employee performance, as many as 25 respondents (71.5%) expressed agreement. The findings of this study show that characteristics and placement have a significant and positive influence on the performance of BMBK Service Employees partially. Simultaneously, the characteristic variables and placement together have a significant effect and contribute 90.6% of the relationships between the variables studied by the researchers.

Workload Analysis and Green Human Resource Management on Employee Performance

The manufacturing industry sector is an industrial sector in Indonesia that is developing and contributes to the industry nationally, therefore companies engaged in this field must be able to face competition which is the impact of the growing industry. So that human resources are an important part of the company, if the human resources are lacking, the company's target in achieving its goals will not be carried out PT. ASTRA INTERNATIONAL Tbk Isuzu Sukabumi - Bogor. Tbk Sukbumi -Bogor is a company engaged in the automotive manufacturing industry that has problems with employee performance. This study aims to find out whether workload and green human resource management have an influence and impact on employee performance at PT. ASTRA INTERNATIONAL Tbk Isuzu Sukabumi - Bogor. The research method used is a quantitative method using descriptive and associative methods. The data source used by conducting interviews and distributing questionnaires as a tool in obtaining data and samples was used namely saturated sampling to 31 respondents of PT. ASTRA INTERNATIONAL Tbk Isuzu Sukabumi - Bogor by using a differential semantic measurement system. Then the data that has been obtained is carried out several tests such as validity and reality tests, then a classical assumption test is carried out, which is then analyzed with the help of SPPS 23 software to answer the hypothesis in this study. The results of the study show that there is a positive and significant influence between workload and green human resource management on employee performance and by reducing workload and implementing green human resource management can improve the performance of employees of PT. ASTRA INTERNATIONAL Tbk Isuzu Sukabumi - Bogor.

Pengaruh Penerapan Sanksi Perpajakan Dan Layanan E-Samsat Terhadap Kepatuhan Wajib Pajak Dalam Pembayaran Pajak Kendaraan Bermotor Di Kantor Samsat Medan Utara

This study aims to determine (1) the effect of the application of tax sanctions on taxpayer compliance and (2) the effect of e-samsat services on taxpayer compliance. The subjects of this study are all taxpayers in North Sumatra. This research is populative with 100 respondents. Data collection method through questionnaire survey. The data analysis techniques used in this study are validity and reality tests, classical assumption tests, multiple linear regression analysis, T test and F test and determination coefficient test.The results showed that (1) Application of Tax Sanctions Based on the processed data, the attitude of sanctions gave a calculated t result of 1700 1,984. So it can be concluded that the Application of Tax Sanctions has a positive effect on taxpayer compliance. (2) E-Samsat Service Based on the processed data, the preparatory behavior control gave a calculated t result of 236 1,984. The E-Samsat service has a positive effect on taxpayer compliance. The taxpayer's compliance is known to have a significant value for the effect of X1.X2 simultaneously on Y is 0.000 0.05 and the calculated F value is1.499 F table (3.09) then the hypothesis is accepted

Analysis Of Consumptive Behavior Factors (Case Study Of Generation Z In Palembang City)

This research aims to find out what factors most influence consumer behavior in generation Z. There are 4 indicators that influence consumer behavior, namely cultural factors, social factors, personal factors and psychological factors. Each of these indicators has sub-indicators, such as Cultural Factors with sub-indicators in the form of culture and sub-culture. Social factors in the form of reference groups, family and role/status. Personal factors in the form of lifestyle and personality. Psychological factors in the form of learning and beliefs. This research uses quantitative methods with survey techniques. The sample in this study was 203 people. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire distributed online via Google Form. The questionnaire consists of 40 statement questions and 2 essay questions. The measurement scale in this study uses a Likert scale. The research instrument will be tested using validity and reality tests via the SPSS application. The results of this research show that the lowest factor is the social factor amounted to 33.28%. Psychological factors amounted to 39.165%, personal factors amounted to 41.4%. Meanwhile, the highest factor is the cultural factor amounted to 41.585%. The results of this study show that cultural factors that most influence the consumer behavior of generation Z.

Beyond the symptoms: Exploring attachment styles and reality-testing among schizophrenia clients from a nursing perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Insecure attachment styles are associated with mental health problems and may influence reality perception. This study investigated the link between attachment styles and reality-testing impairment in individuals with schizophrenia. A cross-sectional survey with 200 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia assessed their attachment styles (Psychosis Attachment Measure) and reality-testing abilities (Bell Reality Testing Inventory). A significant positive correlation emerged between insecure attachment and poorer reality testing (r = .394, p < .001). Avoidant attachment was most prevalent (mean scores: 17.01, SD = 3.71), followed by anxious attachment (16.53, SD = 4.20). Reality-testing impairment manifested across all three domains: uncertainty of perception (7.16, SD = 2.45), reality distortion (3.52, SD = 1.21), and hallucinations/delusions (26.63, SD = 5.83). Interestingly, specific demographics (male, unmarried, 40-50 years old) and those with a duration of illness of less than 5 years had higher mean scores (27.35, SD = 5.61). Insecure attachment styles, notably anxious and avoidant, are dominant among clients with schizophrenia, who also struggle with reality distortion, perceptual uncertainty, and hallucinations/delusions in all three domains. Healthcare providers and nurses should understand the psychological dynamics of clients with insecure attachment styles to establish effective therapeutic relationships. A secure, structured, and consistent environment is vital to modifying insecure attachment styles and promoting reality orientation. Secure Attachment Style Oriented Psycho-Educational Program, Mentalization, Cognitive Interpersonal Therapy, and Cognitive Analytic Therapy can help reduce reality-testing impairment. Fostering Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centers on empathizing secure bonds between mothers (and mothers-to-be) and their children to promote healthy attachment styles as a preventive measure.

Hubungan Supervisi Akademik Kepala Sekolah, Komunikasi Interpersonal, dan Etos Kerja dengan Kinerja Guru di SDN Kecamatan Banjarbaru Utara

This study aims to describe the principal's academic supervision activities, interpersonal communication, work ethic, and teacher performance; and analyze the direct and indirect relationship between the principal's academic supervision, interpersonal communication, and work ethic with the performance of elementary school teachers in North Banjarbaru District, Banjarbaru City. This research is a quantitativ research. The sample size of this study was 172 teachers. Data collection instruments in the form of questionnaires that have met the requirements of validity and reality tests. Data analysis to test the relationship in this study used path analysis. Based on the results of this study, it was found that there is a direct relationship between: academic supervision of the principal with teacher performance, interpersonal communication with teacher performance, work ethic with teacher performance academic supervision of the principal with work ethic, interpersonal communication with work ethic; and the indirect relationship between the principal's academic supervision and teacher performance through work ethic, interpersonal communication with teacher performance through work ethic.academic principal, interpersonal communication, work ethic and performance of elementary school teachers in North Banjarbaru District, Banjarbaru City Keywords: Principal's academic supervision, interpersonal communication, work ethic, teacher performance

Work addiction and personality organization: Results from a representative, three-wave longitudinal study

Background: Several studies have explored the relationship between personality and work addiction, suggesting that individuals with certain mental disorders, including personality disorders such as obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), may be more prone to work addiction. However, the characterization of personality organization (PO) among workaholics and its contribution to the persistence of work addiction remains unclear. Methods: In this longitudinal study of a representative sample of young adults (N = 1748), we applied the Bergen Work Addiction Scale and the Inventory of Personality Organization. Results: We found significant correlations between work addiction and identity diffusion, primitive psychological defenses, reality testing, and overall personality disorganization across three waves. A latent class growth analysis revealed three profiles: no work addiction, increasing work addiction, and constant moderate work addiction. Multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that higher levels of personality disorganization in wave 1 and increases in personality disorganization between waves 1 and 3 were associated with higher odds of belonging to the increasing work addiction group. Similarly, higher overall personality disorganization in wave 1 was associated with higher odds of belonging to the constant moderate work addiction group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that individuals with chronic work addiction have lower levels of PO, and PO declines as work addiction persists. Screenings for work addiction are recommended to prevent potential mental health issues. Future research should explore the influence of workplace characteristics and work motivations on the association between work addiction and personality disorders.

Encounters with totalitarian objects in the super-ego development of Generation Z adolescents

Over the past three years we have encountered social processes that have shattered our steady way of living: the COVID pandemic, social unrests and splits after presidential elections, the war in Ukraine. Adults with a post-totalitarian personality have experienced a re-activation of their inner totalitarian objects, but “Gen Z” adolescents without the personal experience of living in a totalitarian system react differently to current realities. Practitioners are witnessing a dramatic increase in social anxieties and anorexia nervosa – psychopathologies characterized by the introjections and projections of intrusive controlling objects, a strict punitive super-ego that resembles the dynamics of inner totalitarian objects. This can be attributed to the increased exposure to the Internet during the COVID-related social isolation, with a decreased possibility for reality testing. The Internet acquired an overbearing influence on all domains of personality development for Generation Z individuals, including on the super-ego. The Internet houses totalitarian cyber-objects that increase their presence and influence in situations of social and developmental unrest, impinge on the development of psychic structures, and can lead to related pathological psychodynamics.

Analisis Komunikasi Internal Karyawan di HW Hotel Padang

This research was motivated by the lack of internal employee communication, resulting in decreased employee performance. This study aims to determine internal communication at HW Hotel Padang. This type of research is descriptive research with quantitative data with survey methods. The population in this study was all employees of HW Hotel Padang, totaling 45 people with a sampling technique using total sampling. The data in this study used primary data and secondary data. The data collection technique used is a questionnaire that is arranged before. Instrument trials use validity tests and reality tests. The data was analyzed using SPSS program version 25.00. The results of this study are the results of respondents' achievements in the downward communication dimension (74%) categorized as good, which concluded that leaders almost all the time give orders to employees to do every task but the attitude of superiors when providing information is not right. The results of respondents' achievements in the upward communication dimension (63.85%) are categorized as sufficient, where employees almost routinely submit reports after doing work, it's just that employees have little difficulty conveying aspirations about work-related matters. The results of respondents' achievements on the diagonal communication dimension (79.95%) are categorized as good, where employees as a whole are responsible for the work given, it's just that sometimes employees find it difficult to understand the message given.

The role of midbrain dopamine cells projecting to the insular cortex in mediated performance: Implications for animal models of reality testing.

A growing body of literature indicates that mediated learning techniques have specific utility for tapping into reality testing in animal models of neuropsychiatric illness. In particular, recent work has shown that animal models that recapitulate various endophenotypes of schizophrenia are particularly vulnerable to impairments in reality testing when undergoing mediated learning. Multiple studies have indicated that these effects are dopamine receptor 2-dependent and correlated with aberrant insular cortex (IC) activity. However, until now, the connection between dopamine and the IC had not been investigated. Here, we utilized a novel intersectional approach to label mesencephalic dopamine cells that specifically project to the insular cortex in both wild-type controls and transgenic mice expressing the dominant-negative form of the Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC-1) gene. Using these techniques, we identified a population of cells that project from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the IC. Afterward, we conducted multiple studies to test the necessity of this circuit in behaviors ranging from gustatory detection to the maintenance of effort and, finally, mediated performance. Our results indicate that perturbations of the DISC-1 genetic locus lead to a reduction in the number of cells in the VTA → IC circuit. Behaviorally, VTA → IC circuitry does not influence gustatory detection or motivation to acquire sucrose reward; however, inactivation of this circuit differentially suppresses Pavlovian approach behavior in wild-type and DISC-1 transgenic mice during mediated performance testing. Moreover, under these testing conditions, inactivation of this circuit predisposes wild-type (but not DISC-1) mice to display impaired reality testing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

NAKAGIN RESIDENTIAL TOWER IN TOKYO, JAPAN: A FUTURISTIC ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT OF THE MID-20TH CENTURY AND REALITY

The work is devoted to a retrospective analysis of the historical and social conditions of the construction, existence and dismantling of the futuristic Nakagin capsule tower. The Nakagin Capsule Tower was built in 1970-1972 in central Tokyo by architect Kisho Kurokawa and was similar to the modernist building of the Shizuoka Press Center by architect Kenzo Tange. Both buildings appeared as a practical illustration of the concept of architectural metabolism, that is, the possibility of giving architecture the ability of living organisms to grow and renew themselves, adapting to the external environment. Initially, the building was intended for a hotel, but finally it received a mixed function of temporary and permanent accommodation. The structure of the tower consisted of a stationary reinforced concrete vertical core, on which residential capsules were suspended with the possibility of replacement. However, in reality, the Nakagin tower was unable to adapt to changing external conditions. During 50 years of operation, the capsules were never replaced, as the owners could not replace them at once, and the individual replacement was technically difficult. This led to the complete deterioration of the Nakagin Tower and its dismantling in 2022. Attempts to reconstruct the object did not receive adequate attention and sufficient funding. During the dismantling of the building, the public association of Nakagin Capsule Tower Preservation and Restoration Project managed to remove 23 capsules for their further repair with the aim of turning them into separate art objects and exhibition pavilions. Thus, it can be stated that the futuristic idea of the Nakagin residential tower, which was far ahead of its time during construction, did not stand the test of reality. Despite this, this project in many ways laid the foundations of modern concepts of dynamic architecture.

Financial Management Of The Turnover Of Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

This study aims to examine the influence of financial management on the turnover of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This study uses a quantitative method, with data collection techniques through questionnaires, observations, and interviews. The study population includes 113 MSME owners in Suka Mulia Sari Village, with a sample of 54 people determined using the Slovin formula. The sampling technique used is convenience sampling. The data testing in this study includes validity test, reality test, analysis prerequisite test, multiple linear regression analysis, Pearson product moment correlation and hypothesis proof using the help of SPSS Version 25. The result of this study is that there is no influence of financial management variables on MSME Turnover in Suka Mulia Sari Village with a significance value of 0.414 &gt; 0.005 and tcount &lt; ttable (0.824 &lt; 1.675) meaning that there is no positive and significant influence of partial financial management variables on MSME Turnover). The results of the Pearson product moment correlation test showed a correlation coefficient value of 0.114. Because the value is close to 0, the relationship between financial management and MSME Turnover does not exist or there is no correlation

Exploring the Relationship between Behavioral and Neurological Impairments Due to Mild Cognitive Impairment: Correlation Study between Virtual Kiosk Test and EEG-SSVEP.

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is a transitional stage between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease, making early screening imperative for potential intervention and prevention of progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, there is a demand for research to identify effective and easy-to-use tools for aMCI screening. While behavioral tests in virtual reality environments have successfully captured behavioral features related to instrumental activities of daily living for aMCI screening, further investigations are necessary to establish connections between cognitive decline and neurological changes. Utilizing electroencephalography with steady-state visual evoked potentials, this study delved into the correlation between behavioral features recorded during virtual reality tests and neurological features obtained by measuring neural activity in the dorsal stream. As a result, this multimodal approach achieved an impressive screening accuracy of 98.38%.

The Relationship Between Object Relations and Relationship Satisfaction, Marital Adjustment, and Sexual Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Narcissistic and Borderline Personality Traits

The aim of this study was to elucidate the psychological dynamics of marital relationships, which are among the most significant structures of society. The purpose of research was to examine the mediating roles of borderline and narcissistic personality traits in the relationship between object relations and marital adjustment, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction. The study group consisted of adult individuals aged 18 and older. Of the total 809 participants, 407 (50.3%) are female and 402 (49.7%) are male, all of whom are married. 320 participants are in the 18-30 age range, 318 are in the 31-45 age range, and 171 are 45 years old and above. Marriage Adjustment Scale, Relationship Satisfaction Scale (RSS), Golombok-Rust Sexual Satisfaction Scale (GRSS) Female-Male Form, Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI), Borderline Personality Inventory, and Narcissistic Personality Inventory were used as data collection instruments in the study. The data were analyzed using SPSS 27 program. Pearson Correlation Test and Process Macro 4.2 analysis methods were used. According to the research findings, a negative relationship was found between object relations and relationship satisfaction, marital adjustment, and sexual satisfaction. A positive relationship was identified between object relations and borderline and narcissistic personality traits. Furthermore, negative relationships were found between borderline and narcissistic personality traits and marital adjustment, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. Finally, the mediation analyses conducted within the framework of the main purpose of the research, determined that object relations significantly predicted relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and marital adjustment, borderline and narcissistic personality traits partially mediated this relationship. Thus, the proposed model was supported.

Using virtual reality to assess competence in abdominal point–of–care ultrasound

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a virtual reality test for abdominal point-of-care competence, to gather validity evidence for the test, and to establish a pass/fail score. MethodsThe developed test consisted of four abdominal point-of-care ultrasound cases. Medical students and doctors with varying abdominal point-of-care ultrasound experience were invited to the test and divided into three study groups: Novices, intermediates, and experienced abdominal point-of-care ultrasound operators. Data from the following items were used for item analysis and to examine internal consistency: The ability to correctly enter patient identification, orientate the ultrasound probe, and select a patient diagnosis (hydronephrosis, cholecystitis, gallbladder stones, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and/or urine retention). The contrasting groups’ standard setting method was used to establish a pass/fail score. ResultsThirty-one participants were included in the test. The item analysis included 49 items and a credible pass/fail score of 31 points was established (minimum of 0 points, maximum of 49 points). A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the mean test scores between the groups and showed significant difference between all three groups (p < 0.001). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha of 0.91), and an independent t-test showed statistically significant difference between the total scores of novices (mean = 23.7 points; SD = 8.7) and experienced operators (mean = 39.1 points; SD = 7.9), p < 0.001. ConclusionWe developed a test for abdominal point-of-care ultrasound competence assessment in virtual reality. Solid validity evidence was gathered, a credible pass/fail score was established, and the test could distinguish between novices and experienced abdominal point-of-care ultrasound operators.