Total Correlation Coefficient Research Articles

Validity study of the Turkish version of the barriers to insulin treatment questionnaire

The purpose of this study is to test the validity and reliability of the Barriers to Insulin Treatment Questionnaire and adapt the questionnaire for Turkish society. This was a cross-sectional study. The population of this study consisted of adult patients with type 2 diabetes who were using insulin and being monitored in the Endocrine and Outpatient Clinics of Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Centre. The sample of the study consisted of 348 patients. The data were collected by using the Barriers to Insulin Treatment Questionnaire (BITQ) and a survey including demographic characteristics. The 14 items of the questionnaire are scored between 1 and 10. BITQ has five factors as fear of injections and self-testing, expectations regarding positive insulin-related outcomes, expected hardship from insulin treatment, stigmatization by insulin injections, and fear of hypoglycemia. In order to test the construct validity of the questionnaire, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were utilized. The reliability of BITQ was evaluated by its Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficient, item total correlation, and test-retest reliability. It was determined that the Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients of the questionnaire factors ranged between 0.70 and 0.82, the scale item factor loadings varied from 0.54 to 0.86, and the item total correlation coefficients were between 0.30 and 0.52. CFA supported the 5-factor scale structure obtained as a result of EFA. Good fit index values were obtained as a result of CFA. According to the obtained results, it may be asserted that BITQ is valid and reliable in terms of its application in Turkish society.

Psychometric properties of Hindi version of child oral impact on daily performances (C-OIDP) index amongst school children in North India

AimTo assess validity and reliability of Hindi version of Child Oral impact on daily performances (C-OIDP) index among school children in North India. Material and methodologyDescriptive cross sectional study was conducted amongst 250, 11–12 year old school children in primary schools of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. The study was done in two phases: first phase included assessment of Psychometric and linguistic properties of hindi version of C-OIDP index which was then pilot tested on study subjects. Phase two comprised of the actual main study which included the re-assessment of Hindi C-OIDP index on the entire study population. The pilot study comprised of 40 school children while the main study was conducted on 250 school children. ResultsThe inter-item correlation coefficient ranged from 0.1 to 0.786 while corrected item total correlation coefficient ranged from 0.176 (smiling) to 0.843 ((cleaning). The standardised Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was 0.88. Moreover, the alpha coefficients didn't increase upon deleting any of the items. Weighted kappa was 0.85 & ICC was 0.9. Children with higher scores were less satisfied with their mouth (p- 0.001) in case of concurrent validity. ConclusionHindi Child Oral Impact on Daily Performances index can be used as a valid and reliable instrument in measuring OHRQoL. of Paediatric North Indian population.

A Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Galena Grain Size and Collector Concentration on Flotation Recovery and Flotation Kinetics

The paper presents the results of fundamental laboratory testing of the flotation recovery and the flotation kinetics of the galena related to the particle size and the concentration of collectors of potassium butyl xanthate (PBX). The results showed that the flotation recovery of galena and the flotation rate undergoes considerable reduction with a reduction in the particle size below 38 µm as well as with a lower collector concentration. But the galena grain size has a stronger effect on the flotation recovery than the collector concentration. This is shown by an analysis of the multiple correlation between the flotation recovery of galena, the collector consumption and the particle size because partial correlation coefficients and the total correlation coefficient indicated that the dependence between the mentioned parameters is very strong.

Turkish Adaptation of Interpersonal Sexual Objectification Scale: A Reliability and Validity Study

The purpose of the present research was to implement Turkish adaptation, validity, and reliability studies of “Interpersonal Sexual Objectification Scale” (Kozee, Tylka, Augustus-Horvarth & Denchik, 2007) developed to measure the level of sexual objectification in women. The research sample consisted of 589 female university students from different faculties of Mersin University. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed, and correlations between sub-factors were examined, to provide evidence for the construct validity of the scale. Results obtained from CFA and values of correlations between sub-factors showed that the scale had adequate construct validity. With the intent of determining the reliability of the scale, Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency, item total test correlation, and test re-test coefficients were calculated. Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficient was calculated as .90, test re-test coefficient was calculated as .85. Item total test correlation coefficients were determined to vary between .43 and .78. These findings were discussed in the context of the relevant literature.

Teknolojik Pedagojik Alan Bilgisi (TPAB) Modelinin İlkokul Matematik (İM) Öğretimine Uygulanması: Ölçek Uyarlama Çalışması

The present study aimed to adapt the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) for mathematics teaching questionnaire into Turkish for classroom teachers who work in public schools. There were three stages in the questionnaire adaptation process. The questionnaire’s language validity was established in the first stage, validity in the second and reliability in the third stage. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) have been utilized in establishing the validity of the questionnaire. 372 classroom teachers’ responses have been used in EFA and 310 for CFA. A four-factor solution emerged as a result of EFA. These factors (in the order of factor loadings) were named as: 1) Knowledge of Teaching Mathematics with Technology (KTMT) under which items that belonged to Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK), Technological Content Knowledge (TCK), and Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK) sub-sections merged together; 2) Knowledge of Teaching Mathematics (KTM) under which items that belonged to Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) and Pedagogy Knowledge (PK) sub-sections merged together as one factor; 3) Content Knowledge for Mathematics (CKM) which included items from the Content Knowledge (CK) sub-section; and 4) Technology Knowledge (TK). Those four factors explained 62.20 % of the total variation in the questionnaire. In addition, the results of CFA suggested a good model fit; NNFI .98, NFI .97, CFI .98, IFI .98, RMR .06, and RMSEA .07. Cronbach’s Alpha (α) internal consistency and total item correlations were calculated to establish reliability. The internal consistency (α) for the whole questionnaire was calculated as .97. The α levels for each subscale was; .96 for TPACK, .94 for PCK, .89 for CK, and .91 for TK and total item correlation coefficients were higher than .30. Evaluation of these results suggests that a valid and reliable Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge questionnaire, which consists of 47 items under four subscales (KTMT, KTM, CKM, and TK), was developed.

Cost-efficient designs for three-arm trials with treatment delivered by health professionals: Sample sizes for a combination of nested and crossed designs.

BackgroundThis article studies the design of trials that compare three treatment conditions that are delivered by two types of health professionals. The one type of health professional delivers one treatment, and the other type delivers two treatments, hence, this design is a combination of a nested and crossed design. As each health professional treats multiple patients, the data have a nested structure. This nested structure has thus far been ignored in the design of such trials, which may result in an underestimate of the required sample size. In the design stage, the sample sizes should be determined such that a desired power is achieved for each of the three pairwise comparisons, while keeping costs or sample size at a minimum.MethodsThe statistical model that relates outcome to treatment condition and explicitly takes the nested data structure into account is presented. Mathematical expressions that relate sample size to power are derived for each of the three pairwise comparisons on the basis of this model. The cost-efficient design achieves sufficient power for each pairwise comparison at lowest costs. Alternatively, one may minimize the total number of patients. The sample sizes are found numerically and an Internet application is available for this purpose. The design is also compared to a nested design in which each health professional delivers just one treatment.ResultsMathematical expressions show that this design is more efficient than the nested design. For each pairwise comparison, power increases with the number of health professionals and the number of patients per health professional. The methodology of finding a cost-efficient design is illustrated using a trial that compares treatments for social phobia. The optimal sample sizes reflect the costs for training and supervising psychologists and psychiatrists, and the patient-level costs in the three treatment conditions.ConclusionThis article provides the methodology for designing trials that compare three treatment conditions while taking the nesting of patients within health professionals into account. As such, it helps to avoid underpowered trials. To use the methodology, a priori estimates of the total outcome variances and intraclass correlation coefficients must be obtained from experts’ opinions or findings in the literature.

Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire: Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version

The aim of the study is to determine the validity and reliability of Turkish version of Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ) developed by Tim Stockwell and colleagues in 1983 for the purpose of evaluating the severity of dependence in people with alcohol use disorder. The present study was conducted with an adult sample of 200 participants with alcohol use disorder according to DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) who applied to Ege University Institute on Drug Abuse, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science. Regarding validity analysis, item-total score correlation coefficients and principal component analysis were calculated. The scale was compared with Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). Reliability analysis was performed with internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability. Considering the internal consistency reliability of scale, Cronbach's Alpha Reliability Coefficient was found to be α=0.914. Item and Total Score Correlation Coefficients of the scale items were found between 0.309 and 0.730 (p<0.01). The mean test-retest scores of the scale and its sub-dimensions were calculated with t-test for dependent groups and the difference was not statistically significant. Testretest correlation coefficient of the scale was found 0.855 (p<0.01). Exploratory factor analysis explained 70.5% of the total variance and four sub-dimensions were identified. Factor loadings of these sub-dimensions were estimated between 0.49-0.91. The correlation between SADQ and MAST was statistically significant (r=0.557, p<0.01). The results of this study suggest that the Turkish version of the SADQ with four sub-dimensions is a reliable and valid instrument in determining severity of alcohol dependence.

Validity and reliability of the Smartphone Craving Scale: modifying and adaptation of the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale to the Turkish culture as Smartphone Craving Scale

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop the Smartphone Craving Scale (SCS). In accordance with this general purpose, the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) was modified to Turkish as a SCS. In other words, SCS was developed by using PACS items. Methods: This study was carried out on 429 university students (256 females and 173 males) in five different samples. The measures used included the Smartphone Craving Scale (SCS), Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS), and Personal Information Form. The structural validity of SCS was investigated with Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and criterion validity. The reliability of the SCS was evaluated using test-retest method, Cronbach α internal consistency reliability coefficient and corrected item total correlation coefficients. Results: As a result of EFA, SCS was found to have a single-factor structure. This structure explains 53.48% of total variance. This single-factor construct was tested with CFA. As a result of CFA, the single-factor structure of the SCS was confirmed in two different samples (χ2=5.14, df=5, χ2/df=0.399, RMSEA=0.016, GFI=0.98, AGFI=0.94, CFI=0.99, IFI=0.99 and TLI (NNFI)=0.99 and χ2=14.21, df=5, χ2/df=2.843, RMSEA=0.123, GFI=0.96, AGFI=0.88, CFI=0.95, IFI=0.95 and TLI (NNFI)=0.90]. Criterion validity of the SCS was evaluated with smartphone addiction, self-discipline, impulsive- ness, daily smartphone use duration, smartphone use history and frequency of checking smartphone in day. In the criterion valid analysis, the SCS was found to be related to the expected direction with these structures. Finally, reliability analysis of the SCS shows that the scale is reliable (test-retest reliability coefficient=0.79 and Cronbach's α internal consistency reliability coefficients=0.77, 0.78 and 0.77). Conclusion: When the analyzes of the validity and reliability of the SCS are evaluated as a whole, it can be said that SCS is a valid and reliable scale that measures smartphone craving.

Gebelik Öncesi Doğum Korkusu Ölçeğinin Türkçe Uyarlaması: Kadın ve Erkeklerde Geçerlik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması

objective: The aim of this research was to apply the Childbirth Fear – Prior to Pregnancy Scale as developed by Stoll et al. 2016 to determine the pre-pregnancy birth fears of young Turkish men and women and to examine the psychometric their properties.method: After the scale was translated into Turkish and back translation studies were carried out, it was presented to seven professors two midwifery, four obstetrics and gynecology nursing and one psychiatric nursing experts . With the proposal of the experts, the female and male portions of the scale were separated and 1100 students 543 women and 557 men who were studying at a state university were administered the Women Childbirth Fear – Prior to Pregnancy Scale WCF-PPS and Men Childbirth Fear – Prior to Pregnancy Scale MCF-PPS . The validity and reliability analyses of the WCF-PPS and the MCF-PPS were performed separately. In the validity analysis, explanatory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were examined; in the reliability analysis, Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient and test retest correlation were examined. The item total correlation coefficient and the significance levels of the mean of the upper / lower 27% groups were evaluated for the item analysis.Results: The exploratory factor analysis revealed that the scale consisted of 10 items and one factor in both female and male students, and in the confirmatory factor analysis it was determined that the WCF-PPS and MCF-PPS model had good adaptive values in both groups. The Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficients obtained from the reliability analyses of the scale were 0.89 for WCF-PPS and 0.84 for MCF-PPS, and item-total correlation coefficients and test-retest reliability coefficients obtained at three-week intervals were acceptable for both groups.Conclusion: The obtained results showed that WCF-PPS and MCF-PPS have sufficient validity and reliability for Turkish university students

Designing an artificial neural network using radial basis function to model exergetic efficiency of nanofluids in mini double pipe heat exchanger

The present study aims at predicting and optimizing exergetic efficiency of TiO2-Al2O3/water nanofluid at different Reynolds numbers, volume fractions and twisted ratios using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and experimental data. Central Composite Design (CCD) and cascade Radial Basis Function (RBF) were used to display the significant levels of the analyzed factors on the exergetic efficiency. The size of TiO2-Al2O3/water nanocomposite was 20–70 nm. The parameters of ANN model were adapted by a training algorithm of radial basis function (RBF) with a wide range of experimental data set. Total mean square error and correlation coefficient were used to evaluate the results which the best result was obtained from double layer perceptron neural network with 30 neurons in which total Mean Square Error(MSE) and correlation coefficient (R2) were equal to 0.002 and 0.999, respectively. This indicated successful prediction of the network. Moreover, the proposed equation for predicting exergetic efficiency was extremely successful. According to the optimal curves, the optimum designing parameters of double pipe heat exchanger with inner twisted tape and nanofluid under the constrains of exergetic efficiency 0.937 are found to be Reynolds number 2500, twisted ratio 2.5 and volume fraction(v/v%) 0.05.

A comparative analysis of the accuracy of body fat measurements using spectrophotometry, bioelectrical impedance and anthropometric technique vs. air displacement plethysmography in a group of powerlifters

Background. The analysis of athletes’ body composition is particularly important for planning nutrition and training loads. Reproducibility and precision of measurements are particularly important in strength sports, when there are fluctuations in the body mass and composition around training. Precise monitoring of these changes with an adequate method enables prediction of the effects of inadequate diet or workload. The aim of the study was to assess body fat (%Fat) measurements with spectrophotometry (NIR), bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and the anthropometric technique (SF) and to compare them with air plethysmography (BP) as a reference method in a group of powerlifters. Material and methods. The study was conducted simultaneously on a group of 49 men aged 19–26 years, practising classic powerlifting. The body fat content was measured with the Bod Pod (BP method), FUTREX 6100A/ZL (NIR method), Tanita MC 780 MA (BIA method), whereas skin thickness was measured with a Harpenden skinfold calliper (SF technique). Results. The total measurement accuracy coefficient for %Fat was 100% with BIA, 94% with SF and 74% with NIR, as compared with the reference method. In the group with the body fat content ≤ 20% (L-Fat-P) and > 20% (H-Fat-P) the accuracy coefficients were respectively 117 vs. 86% (BIA), 105 vs. 82% (SF) and 84 vs. 63% (NIR). The total correlation coefficients between the methods under analysis and the reference method were significant: 0.70 (SF), 0.61 (BIA), 0.43 (NIR). In the L-Fat-P group there was a significant correlation between the BP and SF methods (0.52), and in the H-Fat-P group – between the BP and BIA methods (0.53). There were relative differences in the total group, L-Fat-P and H-Fat-P between the BP and NIR methods: –20.7% and –9.2% vs. –37.1%, the BIA method: 8.9% and 23.6% vs. –14.2%, and the SF technique: –0.6% and 9.8% vs. –17.1%, respectively. Conclusions. The results indicated the need to select carefully the techniques analysing athletes’ body composition. Fat percentage measurement with the anthropometric technique was the most accurate; it was moderately overestimated when the bioelectrical impedance method was applied, whereas the spectrophotometric method resulted in significant underestimation. The accuracy of the measurements depended on the body fat content. In the future it is necessary to conduct research on endurance athletes as well as people who do not practise sports.

MP22-08 ESTIMATED GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE: DO WE MEASURE THE REAL RENAL FUNCTION OR ARE WE STILL GROPING IN THE DARK?

MP22-08 ESTIMATED GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE: DO WE MEASURE THE REAL RENAL FUNCTION OR ARE WE STILL GROPING IN THE DARK?

Path and correlation analysis of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) seed yield components

AbstractMaximum perennial ryegrass seed production potential is substantially greater than harvested yields with harvested yields representing only 20% of calculated potential. Similar to wheat, maize and other agriculturally important crops, seed yield is highly dependent on a number of interacting seed yield components. This research was performed to apply and describe path analysis of perennial ryegrass seed yield components in relation to harvested seed yields. Utilising extensive yield components which included subdividing reproductive inflorescences into five size categories, path analysis was undertaken assuming a unidirectional causal‐admissible relationship between seed yield components and harvested seed yield in six commercial seed production fields. Both spikelets per inflorescence and florets per spikelet had a significant (p &lt; .05) direct effect on the overall seed yield; however, total path correlation coefficients showed that inflorescence size had the largest positive influence on seed yield via its indirect effects on other seed yield components. Our results will allow seed producers, seed production researchers and plant breeders alike to more efficiently increase harvested seed yield.

Accurate density prediction for aqueous Na-K-Mg-Ca-Li-Cl-Br-SO4 solution at high-pressure and high-temperature conditions

Knowledge of water volumetric properties is considered of extreme value in many disciplines of science and engineering, especially those seeking effective management of water resources. This knowledge is normally gathered through experimentation in laboratories within a wide span of time. Traditional methods have already been employed in integrating databases, but these are either afflicted by their limited accuracies or restricted in their applicability ranges. In this communication, density of aqueous electrolyte solution was estimated using adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system. Subtractive clustering was employed to transform crisp input data into fuzzy sets and radius of the clusters were tuned using a hybrid of particle swarm optimization and pattern search algorithms. Results of constructed model were compared to experimental data and excellent accordance was observed yielding an adjusted total correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9847 and RMSE of 0.0003569. The model was also found to outperform a previously developed multiple regression model. Moreover, using the method of leverage value statistics, suspected outliers were diagnosed from the bulk of data. Results indicate that the model presented in this study can successfully be used for predicting saline water densities for Na-K-Mg-Ca-Li-Cl-Br-SO4-H2O system at temperatures ranging from −20 to 200°C, and pressures ranging from 1.013 to 684bars with acceptable degree of accuracy.

Development of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument: Measuring a Broad Spectrum of Health 1.0 and Health 2.0 Skills.

BackgroundWith the digitization of health care and the wide availability of Web-based applications, a broad set of skills is essential to properly use such facilities; these skills are called digital health literacy or eHealth literacy. Current instruments to measure digital health literacy focus only on information gathering (Health 1.0 skills) and do not pay attention to interactivity on the Web (Health 2.0). To measure the complete spectrum of Health 1.0 and Health 2.0 skills, including actual competencies, we developed a new instrument. The Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI) measures operational skills, navigation skills, information searching, evaluating reliability, determining relevance, adding self-generated content, and protecting privacy.ObjectiveOur objective was to study the distributional properties, reliability, content validity, and construct validity of the DHLI’s self-report scale (21 items) and to explore the feasibility of an additional set of performance-based items (7 items).MethodsWe used a paper-and-pencil survey among a sample of the general Dutch population, stratified by age, sex, and educational level (T1; N=200). The survey consisted of the DHLI, sociodemographics, Internet use, health status, health literacy and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). After 2 weeks, we asked participants to complete the DHLI again (T2; n=67). Cronbach alpha and intraclass correlation analysis between T1 and T2 were used to investigate reliability. Principal component analysis was performed to determine content validity. Correlation analyses were used to determine the construct validity.ResultsRespondents (107 female and 93 male) ranged in age from 18 to 84 years (mean 46.4, SD 19.0); 23.0% (46/200) had a lower educational level. Internal consistencies of the total scale (alpha=.87) and the subscales (alpha range .70-.89) were satisfactory, except for protecting privacy (alpha=.57). Distributional properties showed an approximately normal distribution. Test-retest analysis was satisfactory overall (total scale intraclass correlation coefficient=.77; subscale intraclass correlation coefficient range .49-.81). The performance-based items did not together form a single construct (alpha=.47) and should be interpreted individually. Results showed that more complex skills were reflected in a lower number of correct responses. Principal component analysis confirmed the theoretical structure of the self-report scale (76% explained variance). Correlations were as expected, showing significant relations with age (ρ=–.41, P<.001), education (ρ=.14, P=.047), Internet use (ρ=.39, P<.001), health-related Internet use (ρ=.27, P<.001), health status (ρ range .17-.27, P<.001), health literacy (ρ=.31, P<.001), and the eHEALS (ρ=.51, P<.001).ConclusionsThis instrument can be accepted as a new self-report measure to assess digital health literacy, using multiple subscales. Its performance-based items provide an indication of actual skills but should be studied and adapted further. Future research should examine the acceptability of this instrument in other languages and among different populations.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the DSM-5 Dissociative Symptoms Severity Scale–Child Form

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the DSM–5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) Dissociative Symptoms Severity Scale–Child Form. The scale was prepared by translating and then back-translating the DSM–5 Dissociative Symptoms Severity Scale. The study groups included one group of 30 patients diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder who were treated in a child and adolescent psychiatry unit and another group of 83 healthy volunteers from middle and high schools in the community. For assessment, the Adolescent Dissociative Experiences Scale (ADES) was used in addition to the DSM–5 Dissociative Symptoms Severity Scale. Regarding the reliability of the DSM–5 Dissociative Symptoms Severity Scale, Cronbach’s alpha was .824 and item–total score correlation coefficients were between .464 and .648. The test–retest correlation coefficient was calculated to be r = .784. In terms of construct validity, one factor accounted for 45.2% of the variance. Furthermore, in terms of concurrent validity, the scale showed a high correlation with the ADES. In conclusion, the Turkish version of the DSM–5 Dissociative Symptoms Severity Scale–Child Form is a valid and reliable tool for both clinical practice and research.

Reliability and Validity Of The DSM-5 Level 2 Depression Scale- Turkish Version (Child Form for 11-17 years and Parent Form for 6-17 Years)

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of The DSM-5 Level 2 Depression Scale. Method: The study group included a case group that consisted of a clinical sample diagnosed with depressive disorder that continued treatment in a child and adolescent psychiatry unit and a community sample. The study was carried out with 218 children and 160 parents. The Child Depression Inventory and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire- Parent Form were used along with the DSM-5 Level 2 Depression Scale for assessment. Results: In reliability analyses, Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficient was found to be very high for child and parent forms (0.965/0.952). Item- total score correlation coefficients are high and very high, respectively and were found to be consistent with the original structure of the scale (0.725 and 0.864 for child form- 0.644 and 0.839 for parent form) As for concurrent validity, child form had a high correlation with the Children’s Depression Inventory while parent form had a significant correlation with Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire- Parent Form (r=0.853 p

Validity and reliability study of Turkish version of the Self Theory Scale

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of Self Theory Scale in Turkish society. For this purpose was analyzed in Turkish candidate teacher the validity and reliability of the Turkish form of the Self-Theory Scale. Methods: English form of the scale was applied to 30 candidate teacher studying in grade 4th English Teaching from Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Faculty of Education. The same group was given the Turkish version of the scale three week later. High level of correlation was observed between the scores obtained from the English and Turkish form. The scale was applied to the study group (426 students) by the researchers in accord with the principles of volunteering. The psychometric properties of scale were investigated by exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, criterion related validity, and half split methods. The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, The Beck Depression Inventory and The Coopersmith Self Esteem Inventory were used for criterion related validity. Results: According to the exploratory factor analysis, it was revealed that the Turkish form of the scale had nine subscales with the 36 items, and the total amount of variance explained by all of the nine factors was 55.98%. As a result of the confirmatory factor analysis, 36 items and nine subscales were concluded to be suitable for the Turkish sample. The lowest Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.52 for a subscale of the scale and all of the 36 items was 0.84. It was found half split reliability as 0.79. It was determined that the item total correlation coefficients of the subscales varied between 0.30 and 0.78. The findings showed that there was moderately positive correlations between the Self Theory Scale (and subscales) and Positive Affect and Coopersmith Self Esteem Inventory scores and negative correlations between Self Theory Scale and Negative Affect and Beck Depression Inventory scores. In addition, university students usually said that they have a positive self-theory. Women's Self Theory Scale total scores and academic achievement, personality and family relations subscales scores are higher than the male. Conclusion: Based on the analysis results, it was decided that the scale can measure positive and negative perceptions of themselves of Turkish university students across a variety of life domains

Large-scale performance evaluation of Accu-Chek inform II point-of-care glucose meters

Background: The aim of this study was to report the experience of large-scale performance evaluation of 238 Accu-Chek Inform II point-of-care (POC) glucose meters in a single medical setting.Methods: The repeatability of 238 POC devices, the within-site imprecision of 12 devices, and the linearity of 49 devices were evaluated using glucose control solutions. The glucose results of 24 POC devices and central laboratory were compared using patient samples.Results: Mean concentration of control solutions was 2.39 mmol/L for Level 1 and 16.52 mmol/L for Level 2. The pooled repeatability coefficient of variation (CV) of the 238 devices was 2.0% for Level 1 and 1.6% for Level 2. The pooled within-site imprecision CV and reproducibility CV of the 12 devices were 2.7% and 2.7% for Level 1, and 1.9%, and 1.9% for Level 2, respectively. The test results of all 49 devices were linear within analytical measurement range from 1.55–31.02 mmol/L. The correlation coefficient for individual POC devices ranged from 0.9967–0.9985. The total correlation coefficient for the 24 devices was 0.998.Conclusions: The Accu-Chek Inform II POC blood glucose meters performed well in terms of precision, linearity, and correlation evaluations. Consensus guidelines for the large-scale performance evaluations of POC devices are required.

Interobserver Agreement on Arteriovenous Malformation Diffuseness Using Digital Subtraction Angiography

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) diffuseness has been shown to be prognostic of treatment outcomes. We assessed interobserver agreement of AVM diffuseness among physicians of different specialty and training backgrounds using digital subtraction angiography (DSA). All research protocols were approved by the institutional review board for this retrospective chart review. In a single-blinded setting, 2 attending neurosurgeons, 1 attending interventional neuroradiologist, and 1 senior neurosurgical resident rated 80 DSA views of 36 AVMs as either compact or diffuse. Individual interobserver agreement and subgroup agreement were analyzed using κ agreement and intraclass correlation coefficient. Disagreement regarding AVM diffuseness occurred in 43.8% of all DSA views (n= 80). Interobserver κ agreement on AVM diffuseness using DSA views among 4 physicians ranged from fair (κ= 0.40 [95% confidence interval (CI)= 0.22-0.58]) to substantial (κ= 0.65 [95% CI= 0.48-0.81]), whereas total intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.81 (95% CI= 0.73-0.87). For the 36 AVMs, κ agreement ranged from fair (κ= 0.36 [95% CI= 0.13-0.60]) to moderate (κ= 0.57 [95% CI= 0.35-0.79]), whereas intraclass correlation coefficient among all 4 physicians was 0.68 (95% CI= 0.47-0.82). Moderate agreement on AVM diffuseness (n = 80) was found between attending and resident assessments (κ= 0.57 [95% CI=0.39-0.75]) and between neurosurgeon and interventional neuroradiologist assessments (κ= 0.55 [95% CI= 0.37-0.73]). Agreement of individual physicians on AVM diffuseness varies from fair to substantial. Objective and three-dimensional measures of AVM diffuseness should be developed for consistent clinical application.