Two-dimensional Scale Research Articles

Exploring the Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship Between Recreation Activities and Quality of Life Among Youth with Visual Impairment

The objective of this study was to explore the mediating role of self-esteem in the correlation between participation in recreational activities and quality of life among youth with visual impairments (VI). This research is particularly significant given the unique challenges faced by youth with VI, who often experience limitations in their social interactions and opportunities for engaging in recreational pursuits. A sample of 50 participants was selected from Institutes of Light and various schools catering to students with VI in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. To gather relevant data, I utilized a comprehensive approach, incorporating the Two-Dimensional Self-Esteem Scale, the KIDSCREEN 27 questionnaire, and the Perceived Freedom in Free Time Scale. The findings revealed significant and positive associations among self-esteem, participation in recreational activities, and overall quality of life. Specifically, engagement in recreational activities was positively correlated with enhanced self-esteem and improved quality of life among the participants. This suggests that recreational activities not only provide enjoyment but also play a vital role in personal development and emotional well-being. Moreover, the analysis demonstrated that self-esteem emerged as a crucial factor in enhancing the quality of life for youth with VI. Importantly, self-esteem was identified as a mediating variable in the relationship between recreational activities and quality of life, indicating that the benefits of engaging in such activities can be partly attributed to their impact on self-esteem. This study emphasizes the importance of fostering recreational opportunities for youth with visual impairments, as these activities contribute significantly to their self-worth and overall life satisfaction. The results underline the need for targeted programs that encourage participation in recreational activities, ultimately helping to improve the quality of life and emotional health for this vulnerable population.

Large out-of-plane piezoelectric response and ultra-low polarization transition barriers in two-dimensional MoGe2N4/MoSi2N4 heterostructures

With the help of the first principle calculations, two-dimensional (2D) MoGe2N4/MoSi2N4 van der Waals (vdW) heterojunction was confirmed as a type II bandgap arrangement with distinct piezoelectric properties dependent on the stacking orders and interlayer interactions. This structural change is facilitated by slip interactions between the layers and is characterized by a process with a low energy barrier, allowing for efficient and responsive phase transition of structures. Notably, this heterojunction exhibits a particularly large out-of-plane piezoelectric coefficient, d33, within a finite thickness. Concurrently, the piezoelectric coefficient can be enhanced by adjusting the vertical strain to a specific value, and the out-of-plane piezoelectric coefficient d33 can be as high as 73.28 pm/V, which is larger than the values of the available 2D materials or their heterojunctions. In addition, we simulated a piezoelectric actuator on a two-dimensional scale, where the deformation of the upper surface of the piezoelectric brake was linearly modulated by adjusting the driving voltage. Thus, our research paves the way for the conceptualization and creation of cutting-edge nanoelectronic devices, electromechanical systems, and multifunctional atomic-scale appliances.

Numerical analysis on flow field characteristics and particle deposition distributions of DPF channels with different lengths based on lattice Boltzmann method

The pore scale model considers the porous structure and can fundamentally elucidate the filtration dynamics inside the DPF. In this paper, a developed two-dimensional pore scale model based on lattice Boltzmann method is adopted. A new determination method for soot particle threshold value is proposed. Flow field characteristics along different streamlines are analyzed. Particle cluster distributions and their effects are analyzed. The results show for streamlines close to the porous wall, the inlet contraction pressure drop and the outlet channel pressure drop account for a higher proportion and dominate the total pressure drop. It is necessary to focus on reducing the resistance along the last 1/5 of total outlet channel length. Near the particle deposition area, inlet channel pressures increase and outlet channel pressures decrease, creating a low-pressure area. Soot particles tend to deposit in the middle part of the channel when considering the effect of particle dynamic deposition.

A Scale Development Study on the Perceived Level of Workplace Generational Conflict

Objective: Intergenerational conflict can be defined as disagreements in values, beliefs, perspectives and behaviors of different generations. Considering today’s business environment where different generations work together, its importance emerges once again. Methods: Although intergenerational conflict has been discussed from many perspectives in the literature, studies on this type of conflict, especially in the business environment, are limited and even a scale that directly measures this conflict has not been found. Therefore, a scale was developed through a systematic scale development process based on the literature related to this study. Results: The data was collected from 1005 private sector professionals. Consequently, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analysis were performed and the factor structure of the scale was determined. Conclusions: As a result, the two-dimensional perceived level of workplace generational conflict scale developed and the scaleitems presented in the appendix was obtained. Originality/Value: Intergenerational conflict involves differing values, beliefs, perspectives, and behaviors among generations. In today's multi-generational workplace, its significance is clear. Consequently, a two-dimensional scale to measure workplace generational conflict has been developed, with scale items listed in the appendix.

Simulation Model Design of VHF Omni-Directional Range (VOR) Based on Microcontroller

The process of giving directional information to assist airplanes in making an accurate landing at the airport of destination is known as aviation navigation. The VHF Omnidirectional Range is a crucial navigation tool for guiding planes to the airport (VOR). Since it costs a lot of money to learn how to fly an airplane, a VOR simulator was developed that can mimic the movement of an aircraft passing through the VOR. The simulation that was produced is a prototype that sends and receives signals to the aircraft utilizing an antenna and microcontroller as supporting hardware. The VOR/DME flight navigation system is constructed in this study using mathematical modeling; a formulation representing the essential features of the system is expressed as a set of connected variables. The ESP32 module that powers the system serves as a DME by sending out Bluetooth radio signals. where one ESP32 module serves as a DME object (moving DME) and three ESP32 modules serve as DME stations (ground DME). Information on the distance between the DME station and the DME object will be communicated using the MQTT protocol, and this data will be processed using the trilateration method to predict the location and movement of the DME object. The measurement accuracy at DME station 1, DME station 2, and DME station 3 are 99.52%, 99.92%, and 99.98% respectively. The enhanced capabilities to estimate the position of objects observed from different directions or omni-directionally on a two-dimensional scale are made possible by the performance results of combining the performance of three ESP32 devices as Distance Measurement Equipment (DME).

Effects of Aikido classes on mood in Japanese university students

This study examined the effects of a half-semester of aikido instruction on mood of Japanese university students using multidimensional indicators. In all, 23 female students (18.87 ± 0.76 years old) who attended weekly aikido classes (15 × 90 min for half of a semester) attending a private university in the Tokyo metropolitan area were included in the analysis. The Two-Dimensional Mood Scale (TDMS) was used to measure mood. The classes measured were the third (Period 1) and the fourteenth (Period 2). The TDMS was measured before (Time 1) and after (Time 2) each class. Each measurement took <5 min to complete. A two-factor analysis of variance (period (2) × time (2)) was performed for the vitality level, stability level, pleasure level, and arousal level. The results showed that regardless of the length of the class, changes were seen in the scores of vitality level, pleasure level, and arousal level between before and after the class. Thus, aikido was shown to increase vitality and positively affected pleasant and aroused mood states after class. For stability level, only the period 2 group showed a change in post-class scores. In other words, the second half of the class showed an increase in calm and relaxed mood after class.

Validation of a French questionnaire assessing knowledge of suicide

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to develop and validate the Knowledge of Suicide Scale (KSS), elaborated to assess adherence to myths about suicide. MethodsThe KSS is a self-questionnaire including 22 statements relating to myths about suicide for which the respondent is asked to rate his degree of adherence on a scale ranging from 0 (“strongly disagree”) to 10 (“completely agree”). Using the script concordance test scoring method, the respondents’ scores were compared with those of experts to obtain, for each item, a score between 0 (maximum deviation with the experts) and 1 (minimum deviation with the experts). One thousand and thirty-five individuals (222 psychiatric interns, 332 medical interns in the first semester excluding psychiatry and 481 journalism students) were included. ResultsAccording to the exploratory factor analysis, the KSS is a two-dimensional scale: the first subscale includes 15 items and the second seven items. The tool showed excellent face validity, correct convergent and divergent validities (multi-method multi-feature analyzes), and good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient between 0.66 and 0.83 for scales and subscales). The KSS is moderately and negatively correlated with the Stigma of Suicide Scale (r=–0.3). It significantly discriminates groups with different expected levels of knowledge regarding suicide (P<0.001). ConclusionsThe KSS demonstrated good psychometric properties to measure adherence to myths about suicide. This tool could be useful in assessing the effectiveness of suicide prevention literacy improvement programs.

Exceptionally high strain hardening via two-dimensional atomic scale faulting

Exceptionally high strain hardening via two-dimensional atomic scale faulting

Realization of high-order topological phase transition in 2D metal-organic frameworks

In two-dimensional (2D) scale, controllable topological phase transition between a conventional topological quantum state and a higher-order one has been a challenge currently. Herein, based on first-principles, we report 2D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are ideal choice for realizing such topological phase transition. Taking MOF candidate Pd3(C6S6)2 as an example, a semimetallic band structure is present at the equilibrium state. Under moderate compressive strain, it features a nontrivial energy gap and corner states, which is evidenced as a second-order topological insulator (SOTI). In addition, the band order for its low-energy bands switches at moderate tensile strain, during which topological phase transition from SOTI and topological semimetal to double Weyl semimetal (DWSM) happens, accompanied by the change in real Chern number form to . At the critical point for the phase transition, the system can be characterized as a 2D pseudospin-1 fermion. Beside Pd3(C6S6)2, we further identify the ferromagnetic monolayer Fe3(C6S6)2 can also take the DWSM-to-SOTI phase transition, where the topological fermions and corresponding edge/corner states could be fully spin-polarized. This work has for the first time realized topological transition between conventional topological quantum state and a higher-order one in both nonmagnetic and magnetic MOFs.

Variation in Skin Red and Yellow Undertone: Reliability of Ratings and Relevance for Perceived Social Experiences.

It is well established that skin lightness-darkness is associated with social outcomes, but little is known regarding the social salience of skin undertones (redness and yellowness). Our study addresses two related research questions on this topic: first, we ask whether red and yellow undertones are consistently perceived by observers; second, we ask whether red and yellow undertones are associated with expectations of discrimination across a range of social settings. We address these questions using novel survey data in which skin lightness-darkness and undertones are captured using CIELAB measurements and a two-dimensional categorical skin color scale. Although we find skin lightness-darkness to be the strongest and most consistent predictor of discrimination expectations, respondents also perceived skin undertones consistently, and skin yellowness was associated with a higher predicted likelihood of discrimination net of lightness-darkness in certain social settings. Our findings suggest that colorism can extend beyond a light-dark binary and emphasize the value of capturing undertones, particularly yellowness, in social surveys assessing skin color.

An Investigation of the Relationship among High School Students' Self-Regulation, Free Time Management, and Self-Esteem

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-regulation, free time management, and self-esteem variables among high school students. The research sample consisted of 193 girls and 276 boys, totaling 469 students studying in different types of high schools. The Personal Information Form, the Adolescent Self-Regulatory Inventory, the Free Time Management Scale, and the Two-Dimensional Self-Esteem Scale were used to collect data. Independent samples t-test analysis was conducted to compare the self-regulation, free time management, and self-esteem scores of the students in terms of gender and status of doing sports. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare the scores based on grade level, type of high school, and types of leisure time activities. In addition, correlation analysis was conducted to test whether there is a relationship between self-regulation, free time management, and self-esteem scores of the students. The results of the analyses indicated that there was a significant difference in self-regulation scores among the students based on gender, while no significant difference was found in free time management and self-esteem scores. However, significant differences were found in self-regulation, free time management, and self-esteem scores based on the status of doing sports. There was a significant difference in self-regulation scores according to grade level, while no significant differences were found in free time management and self-esteem scores. A significant difference was found in self-regulation and free time management scores based on the type of high school, but no significant difference was found in self-esteem scores. When examined in terms of leisure time activity type, significant differences were found in self-regulation, free time management, and self-esteem scores. The grade point averages of the students showed a negative correlation with their daily average free time, yet a positive correlation with their self-regulation scores. Self-regulation scores were found to be positively related to free time management and self-esteem scores. In conclusion, it is believed that the exploration of the relationships between high school students' grade point averages, free time, self-regulation skills, free time management, and self-esteem scores may play a significant role in helping high school students achieve positive outcomes.

Turkish Adaptation of Principal-Teacher Relationship Scale: Validity and Reliability Study

In the study, the Principal-Teacher Relationship Scale, created originally by Zee, Roorda, and Hanna (2023), was subjected to an adaptation study for Turkish culture. In line with this aim, data for the study were gathered from 389 teachers working in primary and secondary schools located in the districts of Konya, Turkey. The Principal-Teacher Relationship Scale (PTRS) was used as the data collection tool in the study. The PTRS is a two-dimensional scale consisting of a total of 10 items. As part of the adaptation of the PTRS into Turkish, permission for scale usage was obtained initially. Subsequently, the process of establishing the Turkish language equivalence of the PTRS was initiated. After completing this process, data for the study were collected and analyses were conducted. Within the framework of data analysis, the validity and reliability of the PTRS were tested. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the validity of the PTRS's two-dimensional structure. The reliability of the PTRS was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Based on the validity and reliability analyses, it was concluded that PTRS is suitable for use in Turkish culture and is a valid and reliable data collection tool.

Air sparging remediation of VOCs contaminated low-permeability soil based on pressure gradient control

Air sparging (AS) is deemed unacceptable for remediating VOCs contaminated soil with low-permeability. To improve air flow and contaminant removal in sparging process, an original approach, termed as pressure gradient-enhanced air sparging (PGEAS) approach, is proposed by controlling pressure gradient in soil. Then the remediation efficiency, mass transfer characteristics, and remediation mechanism are investigated. Results showed that, the PGEAS approach accelerates gaseous contaminant exhaust, reduces residue contamination in soil, and promotes total contaminant removal, finally results in an improved remediation efficiency compared to the conventional approach. Controlled by sparging pressure and flow distance, the pressure gradient is created in soil, and a critical value needs to be exceeded to enhance the VOCs removal and mass transfer characteristics. The measured results of pore pressure and liquid saturation confirm a notable pressure gradient and drainage behavior in soil, which indicate the massive air subchannel formation during air sparging. At a two-dimensional scale, discrete distributions of contaminant concentrations in exhaust air and soil are presented, the removal extent and area are both enhanced using the PGEAS approach with a pressure gradient higher than the critical value. The reached conclusions are of great importance to contaminant removal in heterogeneous stratigraphy at sites.

A control strategy for microwave absorption performance on a two-dimensional scale

Two-dimensional (2D) zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are promising materials for microwave absorption for their desirable features. However, there has been a lack of a corresponding relationship between the growth pattern of 2D ZIF materials at the micro-scale and the macroscopic microwave absorption performance. This work synthesized 2D ZIF-L and its derivatives via a precise structural regulation strategy. By changing the axial orientation of crystal growth, the synthesis of two-dimensional bladed and rod-shaped precursors with controllable thickness and varying shapes at the macro scale was controlled. The leaf-like structure of ZIF-L derivates with large surface area is beneficial for the exposure of reactive oxygen vacancies, increasing the relaxation loss. While the ultra-thin rod-shaped structure which can shorten the electron migration and jump paths to reduce the energy barrier is advantageous to conductive loss. As a result, the prepared L-7 exhibits superior electromagnetic wave absorption ability with the widest effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.53 GHz at a thickness of 1.80 mm. When the total thickness is 1.90 mm, R-7 can exhibit the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) value of about −60.40 dB. This study emphasizes the 2D scale regulation for obtaining new generation and environmentally friendly microwave absorbers. Metal-based materials derived from ZIF-L with extremely thin thicknesses and a large surface area have shown great potential in microwave absorbers.

Explicating peer feedback quality and its impact on feedback implementation in EFL writing.

Although it is commonly acknowledged that peer feedback quality is crucial to the success of peer review, there is a lack of consensus on how it could be determined. More importantly, how feedback quality interacts with other factors like feedback features and focus, and ultimately influences peer feedback implementation remains insufficiently investigated. The present study examined peer feedback quality and its impact on Chinese students' feedback implementation in two argumentative writing tasks. Peer feedback quality was measured according to a self-designed two-dimensional measurement scale: accuracy and revision potential. Quantitative analyses of 5,606 implementable idea units of feedback and 440 writing drafts by 110 students revealed that feedback accuracy was at a medium level and revision potential was at a low level, with accuracy demonstrating stronger predictive power on implementation; the predictive strengths of feedback accuracy and revision potential were strongest when feedback features and focus were considered; the overall peer feedback quality was low and medium-quality feedback was implemented most frequently; feedback quality significantly and most strongly predicted implementation in combination with feedback features and focus. The study highlights the importance of future instructions in training students to provide and implement high-quality feedback with good accuracy and high revision potential.

Langmuir–Blodgett films of magnetic nanowires

One-dimensional magnetic nanomaterials are scientifically interesting and of great importance due to their morphology-dependent properties. As a consequence of magnetic interactions between magnetic nanowires (MNWs) their bottom-up assembly remains a tough challenge. For the first time, using the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique, we prepared two-dimensional (2D) large scale LB films of MNWs, which were synthesized by template directed electrodeposition method, on glass substrates. Using a plastic pipette, MNWs dispersed in chloroform were spread on the surface of the pure water subphase in a Teflon trough. After the stabilization of the monolayer, the Langmuir film was compressed and the surface pressure-area isotherm was recorded. By pulling up the substrate through the Langmuir film, mono- and bilayers of MNWs were deposited on the substrates at the target surface pressures of 10 mN/m and 15 mN/m. The surface pressure isotherm and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) images showed that MNWs were successfully transformed onto the substrates. FESEM micrographs showed that the assembly of MNWs was different from that of metallic nanowires. Furthermore, the results showed that rotating the substrate by 90 degrees, after the deposition of the first layer, and then depositing the second layer on it does not lead to the creation of a hierarchical structure. These results open up new opportunities for the applications of magnetic nanomaterials in physical and chemical sensors, data-storage media and magnetic switching devices. Besides, this study affords fundamental insights into the formation of magnetic monolayers and multilayers.

Measuring Health Literacy Among French Pupils With the Health Literacy Survey Child Questionnaire-15 (HLS-Child-Q15).

Health literacy is a critical health determinant. To implement initiatives aiming at improving health literacy among children, adapted measurement tools are needed. This study aimed to translate, adapt, and test the Health Literacy Survey Child Questionnaire-15 (HLS-Child-Q15) to assess health literacy among French-speaking 8- to 11-year-old pupils. The HLS-Child-Q15 was translated and adapted to the French context to become the HLS-Child-Q15-FR. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a written, self-reported questionnaire to assess the psychometric properties of the HLS-Child-Q15-FR. Translation and adaptation of the HLS-Child-Q15 German-French translated versions were cross-referenced. Back-translation led to minor refinements. Qualitative pre-test among children led to simplifications in wording and structure. Validation of the HLS-Child-Q15-FR. Four trained interviewers collected data among 3,107 pupils in 74 elementary schools of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. HLS-Child-Q15-FR showed good reliability (alpha = 0.83). Exploratory factor analysis showed a two-factor model related to health care and primary prevention. Construct validity analyses suggested removing 3 items. External validity analyses indicated a significant and moderate relationship with perceived self-efficacy. This study aimed to address the issue of measuring health literacy among French-speaking 8- to 11-year-old pupils. The HLS-Child-Q15-FR showed a high internal consistency. Statistics suggested a two-dimensional thematic scale. These findings should be further investigated. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2023;7(3):e144-e153.].

Effects of Interactions with Cats in Domestic Environment on the Psychological and Physiological State of Their Owners: Associations among Cortisol, Oxytocin, Heart Rate Variability, and Emotions.

Interactions with animals, including cats, is believed to influence human health. However, studies that investigate the psychological and physiological effects of interacting with cats in their household environment are limited. In this remote study, 32 cat owners in Japan participated from June to October 2021. They completed two tasks, each on separate days in their homes: one simulating daily cat communication (Interaction condition) and another with no interactions (Rest condition). We quantified emotions (arousal level and pleasure level) before and after each condition using the Two-Dimensional Mood Scale Short-term as well as salivary cortisol and oxytocin levels of owners using enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay. Autonomic nervous activity (sympathetic and parasympathetic) was also quantified by heart rate variability analysis. The free interaction with cats decreased emotional arousal and parasympathetic activity, and lead to increased heart rates in owners. There was a positive correlation between heart rate and cortisol concentration, and between cortisol and oxytocin concentration. Furthermore, the frequency of petting the cats was negatively correlated with the rate of change in the parasympathetic activity. In contrast, the parasympathetic nerves in the owners were activated under the Rest condition. Hence, the mechanism of health-enhancing effects of cat ownership includes an arousing effect, in contrast to the previously proposed stress-reduction effect. This result can aid in future developments in cat-human relationship studies. However, a detailed study with a larger sample size is needed to draw definite conclusions.

A new approach to stress of conscience's dimensionality: Hindrance and violation stressors and their role in experiencing burnout and turnover intentions in healthcare.

To identify a valid, longitudinally invariant factor model for stress of conscience and to investigate how stress of conscience dimensions associate with burnout and turnover intentions. There has been a lack of consensus about the number and content of stress of conscience dimensions, and a lack of longitudinal studies on its development and outcomes. A longitudinal, person-centred survey study using the STROBE checklist. Healthcare personnel (n = 306) rated their stress of conscience in 2019 and 2021. Longitudinal latent profile analysis was used to identify different subgroups based on the employees' experiences. These subgroups were then compared in terms of burnout and organisational/professional turnover. Five subgroups were identified, where participants experienced: (1) hindrance-related stress (14%), (2) violation-related stress (2%), (3) both stress dimensions increasing over time (13%), (4) both high yet decreasing over time (7%), and (5) stable levels of low stress (64%). When both hindrance- and violated-related stress were high, it was a significant risk for burnout and turnover. Shortened, 6-item, two-dimensional scale for stress of conscience was found to be reliable, valid, and longitudinally invariant. On its own, hindrance-related stress (e.g. lowering one's aspirations for high-quality work) is less detrimental to well-being than when it is combined with violation-related stress (e.g. being forced to do something that feels wrong). To prevent burnout and staff turnover in healthcare, different risk factors for stress of conscience need to be identified and addressed. Data were collected among public sector healthcare workers. If healthcare workers are forced to ignore their personal values at work, it poses a significant risk for their well-being and retention.

Mild synthesis of flower-like CuS modified MXene nanocomposites for high-performance supercapacitors and efficient microwave absorption

Benefiting from rich surface functional groups, two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXene) exhibit excellent metallic conductivity, hydrophilicity and film-forming properties and are widely used in energy storage and microwave absorption. However, the agglomerate and stacking of MXene nanosheets during preparation are largely detrimental to the full realization of their merits at two-dimensional scale. Therefore, we developed an ultrasonic assisted and vacuum filtration method to obtain MXene/CuS thin film electrode material with a "sandwich" structure without destroying its inherent properties, which still maintains a good lamellar structure and exhibits excellent tensile properties. Due to the synergistic effect of MXene and CuS and their redox reaction, the MXene/CuS thin film electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 491 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. It can be used directly as positive and negative electrodes to assemble a flexible supercapacitor with a capacitance retention of 89 % at current density of 2 A g−1 after 5000 cycles. In addition, the composite can achieve an effective absorption band width of 3.3 GHz (14.7–18 GHZ) at a thickness of 1 mm. The study shows that layer spacing modulation offers the possibility of large-scale applications of MXene in the field of flexible supercapacitors and microwave absorption, and provides new ideas for the development of multi-purpose materials to meet the needs of different applications.