Valid Instrument Research Articles

Screening Teachers Effectively Across Roles and Classrooms

A growing literature points to the conclusion that information collected while screening applicants has the potential to improve teacher hiring decisions. However, this work sheds little light on the extent to which the predictive validity of screening assessments varies across teacher types or teaching contexts. The author uses information on applicant teachers’ performance on prehire screening assessments in the Los Angeles Unified School District to see whether the relationship between performance on specific screening assessments and the outcomes of hired teachers varies across teacher types or student characteristics. The author finds little evidence that the predictive validity of screening instruments varies between elementary or single-subject teachers, or when teachers serve larger proportions of low-income students or English learners. However, the author finds suggestive evidence that screening instruments predict teachers’ outcomes somewhat differently in special education contexts. Taken as a whole, these results suggest teacher screening systems do not need to be highly differentiated to be useful or can be adapted relatively easily. This bolsters the case for using prehire screening to improve teacher quality and may also indicate the skills and attributes that define teacher quality are largely similar across roles and contexts.

Effects of Computerized Accounting Procedures on the Quality of Financial Reporting of Crop Boards in Kilimanjaro

In today's technological world, the use of computerized accounting procedures has become increasingly prevalent across various organizations. Computerized accounting procedures have been employed by organizations for financial record keeping and reporting. Financial reports are an essential source of information needed for different decision makers and other stakeholders. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the effects of computerised accounting procedures on the quality of financial reporting of crop boards in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. The study was grounded by Resource-Based View (RBV) developed by Barney in the 1990s. The study applied a descriptive research design under quantitative research approach. Eight (8) crop boards in Moshi Municipality were targeted comprising of Forty (40) staff dealing with accounting and finance. Sample size was obtained through Sample Size Calculation for Finite Population. Data was collected through questionnaires. Face and content validity was used to ensure the validity of the research instruments, and then the instruments were piloted Three (3) accounts and finance employees at Tanzania Coffee board to clarify any ambiguities and checked for consistency of the data to be collected. Reliability was ensured through Cronbach’s alpha test which was run through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and obtained a coefficient of 0.81 which is reliable. Data was analysed through the aid of SPSS and then presented in form of tables, frequencies, percentages and means. Ethical considerations and ethics ethical values were adhered throughout the research process. The study found that computerized accounting procedures had effects on the quality of financial reports of Crop boards in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Basing on the findings it was concluded that the computerized accounting procedures have a positive effect on the quality of financial reporting of Crop Boards in Kilimanjaro. Further, it was concluded that computerized accounting procedures were effective in facilitating decision making and improving the overall quality of financial reporting. This study recommended that Crop Boards in Kilimanjaro should continue using computerized accounting procedures and enhance the system for improved efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of financial data. Further, it is recommended that Crop Boards should provide training and skill development programs to their accountants. Also, this study provides area for further studies, recommending that further studies could be conducted on the influence of Computerized accounting systems on the Financial Decision Making.

Spanish validation perceived ease of ICT among future early childhood education and primary school teachers

AbstractThe use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has been increasing in education. Despite its benefits, not everyone perceives its use with the same ease. This raises the need to observe the perceived ease of use (PEOU) of ICT among future teachers, which requires a valid and reliable instrument to measure this variable for the Spanish population. The aim of this study is to validate PEOU among trainee early childhood education and primary education teachers studying at Spanish universities and observe the factorial invariance across gender. Two studies were conducted: the first study consisted of an Exploratory Factor Analysis with 474 students (Mage = 21.17; SD = 4.03), while the second study tested the scale based on 796 students (Mage = 21.25; SD = 3.99). The results found that PEOU is a valid and reliable measurement scale consisting of two factors (FI. Difficulty [α = 0.89] and FII. Ease [α = 0.81], and that there are no gender differences. In conclusion, it provides a scale to assess PEOU of ICT among the Spanish adult population.

Rasch Measurement Theory (RMT) Analyses of the Huntington's Disease Everyday Functioning (Hi-DEF) to Evaluate Item Fit and Performance.

The Huntington's Disease (HD) Everyday Functioning (Hi-DEF) is a new patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument designed to measure the impact of cognitive impairment on daily functioning in the early stages of HD. To assess the measurement properties and finalize item content of the Hi-DEF. A cross-sectional, observational psychometric validation study was conducted among individuals with early stages of HD at 9 US centers of excellence. Rasch Measurement Theory (RMT) analysis of the initial draft version of the Hi-DEF (47 items) and subscales (i.e., 'Home', 'At work', 'Driving', and 'Communication') was conducted to examine measurement properties including sample-to-scale targeting, suitability of response scale (ordering of response thresholds), scale cohesiveness (item fit), local independence, and person fit. 151 participants (mean age 47 years (SD 12), 59% female) were included. Seven items were removed based on dependency and item fit. The remaining 40-item version of the Hi-DEF demonstrated good measurement properties. Across the four subscales, targeting ranged from 49-70% (72% full scale), reliability ascertained by person separation index ranged from 0.53-0.87 (0.92 full scale), response scales were ordered for 25-100% of items (75% full scale), 0-12% items displayed misfit (2% full scale), and 0-1% (2% full scale) item pairs displayed dependency. Our study supports the psychometric integrity of the Hi-DEF as a reliable and valid new PRO instrument designed to assess the impact of cognitive impairment on daily functioning in the early stages of HD. Future work will evaluate the external validity and utility in clinical trial applications.

Determination of Aloin A, Aloin B, and Aloe-Emodin in Raw Materials and Finished Products Using HPLC Multi-Laboratory Validation Study, AOAC 2016.09, Final Action Status.

A multi-laboratory validation study was performed on AOAC Official Method of Analysis (OMA) 2016.09, for final action. Eight different laboratories throughout the world participated in the study tested the same set of 6 different laboratory samples of raw materials (commercial) and formulated products (commercial), and all the laboratories successfully generated results within the acceptance criteria. The intention of the study was to evaluate specificity, precision (variation), linearity/range, system suitability, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ) by multiple laboratories to satisfy the requirement of moving the OMA 2016.09 to the final action status. Accuracy and ruggedness were already validated in earlier work of single laboratory validation (1), and it was not necessary to include these validation parameters in the multi-laboratory validation study. Laboratory samples containing Aloe were sent out to participating laboratories. Each lab followed AOAC 2016.09 (First Action status) to analyze contents of aloin A, aloin B, and aloe emodin using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) instrument. The results generated by each laboratory were collected and evaluated. The specificity results show that blank and matrix chromatograms do not contain major interfering peaks on the retention time of aloin A, aloin B, and aloe-emodin. The precision (variation) results of duplicated preparations are not more than 0.05 parts per million (ppm) different. The linearity/range results from six standards (10 parts per billion (ppb), 20 ppb, 40 ppb, 80 ppb, 160 ppb, and 500 ppb) have correlation coefficient (R) value of ≥ 0.999. The system suitability results meet the acceptance criteria to show the instrument validity. The limit of detection (LOD) results show that the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of 10 ppb standards for all three components are about 3. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) results show that the S/N ratio of 20 ppb standards for all three components are about 10. The validation parameters (specificity, precision (variation), linearity/range, system suitability, LOD, and LOQ) have been successfully analyzed, and it shows that the test method is suitable for its intended use. The test method has been successfully validated by the eight different laboratories around the world (US, UK, Germany, and Canada). Each of the laboratory is managed independently by the site lab management team. This multi-lab study validated the method of Determination of Aloin A, Aloin B, and Aloe-Emodin in Raw Materials and Finished Products Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the method fits for its intended purpose.

The Study on the Chinese Environmental Audit Tool (C-EAT) for Long-Term Care Facilities.

Objective: The aim of this study was to translate the Australian Environmental Assessment Tool (EAT) into Chinese and identify culturally specific characteristics in the Chinese context for adaptation. Background: In the context of dementia-specific care, the design of the environment is considered an influential factor in supporting and maintaining skills. However, despite the increasing number of individuals with dementia in China, there is currently no valid instrument available to systematically assess the quality of the physical environment in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Methods: This study utilized a mixed-method procedure consisting of seven steps, including translation and adaptation. The study involved focus groups comprising an expert panel (n = 17) and potential users (n = 64) of the newly developed tool. Cross-cultural adaptation was performed through Chinese literature review and literature quality appraisal, field study, and expert committee review. Results: The final version of the China Environmental Assessment Tool (C-EAT) consisted of 10 key design principles and 64 items. The C-EAT was tested in four LTCFs in China and underwent two rounds of review by an expert panel. Conclusions: The C-EAT was deemed a suitable tool for assessing the environment and enhancing the living environments for individuals with dementia in LTCFs in China. In future research, field tests will be conducted to validate the C-EAT scale and modify the EAT-HC to enhance its applicability in China.

Validity and reliability of the Checklist for Habitual Physical Activity for people 75 years and older in Japan.

Despite health benefits, many older adults struggle to meet physical activity guidelines, leading to stagnant activity levels. While integrating physical activity into daily routines has been proposed as a promising strategy for older adults, fit-for-purpose measurement tools to assess such routines are lacking. The Checklist for Habitual Physical Activity (CHaPA) was developed based on the positive deviance approach and socio-ecological model to assess daily behaviours encouraging physical activity among adults aged 75 and older. It has been confirmed for its content and face validity. However, to ensure its broader applicability and usefulness, assessing its construct validity and reliability is necessary. Therefore, this study aims to assess the construct validity and reliability of the CHaPA and accordingly update the tool. To validate the construct validity of the CHaPA 22-item version, we conducted item analysis and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. We removed inappropriate items based on predefined criteria. Then, we assessed the reliability, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement errors of the CHaPA final version. Item analyses and factor analyses resulted in the deletion of 11 items. The results of confirmatory factor analysis validated the CHaPA 11-item version with the three-factor structure based on model fit index with χ2/degree of freedom = 1.25, comparative fit index = 0.965, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.952, and root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.038. Omega coefficient (0.90) showed excellent internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) demonstrated good test-retest reliability (ICC (1, 2) = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.34-0.89, standard error of measurement = 1.75). We finalised the CHaPA 11-item version as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing daily behaviours conducive to physical activity among individuals aged 75 years and older. We need to examine the methods and effectiveness of disseminating this checklist to ensure its utilisation as a resource for promoting healthy ageing and aiding older adults in maintaining active lifestyles.

Physical test instrument: a development study for junior Karateka in the kata category

Good physical condition is very important for the karate martial arts branch, especially the kata category. Where physical condition is the main supporting factor so that the ability of kihon, kumite and kata karateka can develop properly. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a valid and reliable karate physical condition test and measurement instrument for the kata category so that it can be used in karate development. The purpose of this study was to develop tests and compile a norm instrument for junior category karate physical tests aged 16-17 years that can be used as a measuring tool to test the physical condition of karateka. Research and development (R&D) method. This research was conducted at a karate dojo under the guidance of the Indonesian Karate-Do Sports Federation (FORKI). Small-scale trial subjects included 55 respondents and a large trial group included 114 respondents. The karate trial subjects were 16-17 years old (junior) and determined the trial sample with purposive sampling technique. Data analysis techniques using correlation tests, validity tests and reliability tests. The results of this study showed two series of karate physical test instruments for junior karate athletes (aged 16-17 years) male and female consisting of; V Sit And Reach, Hexagonal Obstacle, Stork Standing balance, Throw Catch Ball tennis, Two Hands Medicine Ball Put, Standing Broad Jump, 2 Minute Sit Ups, Multistage Fitness Test. The validity of the eigenvalue of factor analysis > 1 and can be said to be valid. Reliability is done by re-testing or correlation between the same groups for two treatments. Based on the difference significance test, it shows that t-count = 3.617, df = 59 and P-Value = 0.01 <0.05, which means there is a significant difference in the pre-test and post-test results. Based on this information, it can be said that the physical test instrument model developed is effective, so it can be said that the test used is reliable. In conclusion, 8 items of karate physical test instruments have been produced for junior kata karate category athletes, the preparation of karate physical test norms for junior kata category athletes, and 8 items of physical test instruments have been produced that are effectively used to improve the achievements of junior male and female karate athletes. It is recommended that research be carried out on a larger scope of subjects and a wider research location, so that this measuring instrument product is more tested for feasibility. Keywords: Test Instruments, Condition Physique, Karate juniors, Category Kata

Influence of Time allocated for Teaching of Integrated English on Learners’ Achievement of Linguistic Skills in Public Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya

Despite the efforts made by teachers of English in enhancing the performance of English in Kenyan secondary schools, there have been persistent challenges in teaching thus students’ learners’ achievement of the linguistic skills is compromised. This study aimed to determine the Influence of time allocated for teaching integrated English on Learners’ Achievement of Linguistic Skills in Secondary schools in Bungoma County, Kenya. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design using a mixed methods approach. A sample size of 251 teachers and 134 heads of the language department was used. Purposive, Proportionate and simple random sampling techniques were used to obtain the respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, and classroom observations. The instrument's validity was tested through expert judgment while reliability was achieved using Cronbach Alpha. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in narrations and quotations. The study found that time allocated for teaching integrated English had a positive association with learners’ acquisition of linguistic skills in secondary schools in Bungoma County, Kenya (r=.492; p=.000). Thus, a large amount of time allocated/utilized by teachers in teaching integrated English leads to enhanced reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills among learners. The study recommends that adequate time needs to be allocated for the teaching of integrated English. This can be achieved through teaching of integrated English during the weekends and holidays as a way of early syllabus coverage.

Developing the quality of life in pregnancy scale (PREG-QOL)

AimThis study aims to develop the Quality of Life in Pregnancy Scale (PREG-QOL) as a new instrument to evaluate the quality of life during pregnancy and test its psychometric properties.DesignAn instrument development study and psychometric testing of the content and construct validity, factor structure and reliability.MethodsThe study was conducted in three stages: (1) creating an item pool, (2) preliminary evaluation of items, and (3) refining the scale and evaluating psychometric properties. Instrument development guidelines were used to evaluate content validity, construct validity, internal consistency and stability of the instrument over time. Data to evaluate psychometric properties of the PREG-QOL were collected between April and August 2021.ResultsItems were developed using in-depth interviews with pregnant women and extensive literature review. Scale-content validity index was 0.98. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 26-item instrument with 6 factors, which explained % 56.2 of variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that factors 3 and 5 should be combined into the factor of physical domain since they included items about the same theme. Fit indices obtained by CFA were at sufficient levels. Parallel test method was employed to evaluate the correlation of the PREG-QOL with the SF-36. The findings indicated that the PREG-QOL had high internal inconsistency and stability over time.ConclusionThe PREG-QOL is a valid and reliable instrument in terms of its psychometric characteristics. The 26-item instrument was composed of the five factors of perception of general satisfaction, emotional domain, physical domain, health support systems and social domain.ImpactDisplaying good psychometric properties, the PREG-QOL may be used to evaluate multiple dimensions of the quality of life during pregnancy.

Public Perceptions on Elite Sport’s Societal Outcomes: A Validated Scale in a European Context

Studies have demonstrated the potential positive (e.g., inclusion) and negative (e.g., pollution) outcomes that elite sport has on society. Over the years, the interest in measuring these societal outcomes has grown. This research extends previous studies that emphasize the need for a validated scale to accurately measure public perceptions of elite sport’s outcomes on society. The purpose of this study was to validate the Mapping Elite Sport’s potential Societal Impact (MESSI) scale in a European context. Using a quantitative research design, the MESSI scale was administered to 10,400 European citizens from seven countries (i.e., Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, The Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the measurement instrument. Results indicated a psychometrically acceptable 68-item 10-dimension MESSI scale. The European population perceived more positive than negative potential societal outcomes of elite sport. The study confirms that the MESSI scale is a valid, reliable, and robust instrument for measuring the perceptions of the potential positive and negative societal outcomes of elite sport. The use of this scale might provide valuable insights for sport policymakers.

The Effect of Strategic Administrative Initiatives on Academic Performance in Kisii County’s Public Secondary Schools, Kenya

Strategic administrative initiatives in schools helps in identifying emerging trends and anticipate future challenges, allowing them to prepare and respond proactively so as to bring change in students’ academic performance. For three consecutive years (2016 -2018), Kisii County’s mean standard score in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education declined resulting to an average mean standard score of 3.765 (D+) which was still below the National Mean Standard Score of 3.962. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which strategic administrative initiatives influence academic performance. Education Production Function theory was applied. The study employed a descriptive survey design. Target population of 353 principals and 4354 teachers were considered from 353 public secondary schools in Kisii County. Slovin’s formula with a margin error of 0.05 was used to sample 28 principals and 341 teachers as respondents. Stratified random sampling was used to get school categories. Instruments for this research included: questionnaire for teachers and interview schedule for principals. Validity of research instruments was ascertained by supervisors’ inputs from the School of Education Kisii University. Questionnaires were considered reliable since Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha 0.998 obtained was higher than the critical Cronbach alpha of 0.7 on a scale of -1 to +1 by use of test re-test method. Data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative data on interview schedules were organized based on research objective and themes of study. Data was presented using percentages, means, frequency distribution tables and bar graphs for easier interpretation. This study’s findings were: The strategic administrative initiatives have a positive influence on academic performance. This study is significant as it indicates that county and sub-county secondary schools need to improve on the application of the strategic administrative initiatives in the academic activities/programs for them to do better academically. In conclusion, National and Extra- County secondary schools’ strategic administrative initiatives have a high positive influence on academic performance compared to county and sub-county secondary schools.

Comparative analysis of upper body kinematics in stroke, Parkinson's disease, and healthy subjects: An observational study using IMU-based targeted box and block test

BackgroundThe Box and Block Test (BBT) is an essential and widely used test in rehabilitation for the assessment of gross unilateral manual dexterity. Although it is a valid, simple, and ecological instrument, it does not provide a quantitative measure of the upper limb trajectories during the test. Research questionThe study introduces a new motion-capture-based method (using ecological Inertial Measurement Units - IMUs) to evaluate upper body kinematics while performing a targeted version of BBT (tBBT). MethodsThis observational study compares data from 35 healthy subjects, 35 subjects with Parkinson’s disease, and 35 post-stroke individuals to evaluate upper limb kinematics during tBBT quantitatively. Seven IMUs were placed on the trunk, head, and upper limb of each subject. The joint angles and kinematic scores were calculated and analyzed. Motor task execution time and kinematic scores were statistically correlated with clinical assessment measures. Kruskal-Wallis between groups test and Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc were used. ResultsThe statistics revealed significant differences (p<0.05) among the three groups. The analyzed joint angles highlight various compensatory strategies in neurological subjects, such as using the trunk to complete a motor task instead of the shoulder and using the wrist instead of the elbow, along with differences in movement fluidity (DimensionLess-Jerk, p<0.05). A positive correlation was found between kinematics and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Limb (r=0.7344; p<0.01), and a negative correlation between kinematics and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (r=-0.5286; p<0.01). SignificanceThe quantitative assessments of joint kinematics correlated to clinical assessments could guarantee a new method of assessment of the upper limb in subjects with motor deficits. This would allow to capture new insight into the characteristics of the subject’s disability, with implications for the choice of a personalized rehabilitation treatment focused on the motor recovery of the upper limb.

Development and Validation of an Assessment Tool for Measuring Innovative Thinking in STEM Students

The researcher conducted this study to develop and validate an instrument, an assessment tool for measuring innovative thinking in STEM students of Hilongos National Vocational School, Hilongos, Leyte, in 2024. It was done in three phases: (1) Construct Specification and Item Creation, (2) Content Validation and (3) Internal Consistency Assessment. Figure 1 shows the overview of the instrument development and validation process adopted from Bazhan et al.,. (2023) with modifications. As to content validity, the expert panel members evaluated the 150 items based on the four-point scale. Then, CVI for each item was calculated. Items are retained if they have a Content Validity Ratio (CVR) of 0.60 or higher and a Content Validity Index (CVI) of 0.80 or higher, while items are eliminated if they fall below either criterion, with a CVR of less than 0.60 or a CVI of less than 0.80. The remaining items were revised to experts’ recommendations in terms of the consistency of statements’ verb tenses and the points of view utilized. As to internal consistency, it revealed that the reliability of the five constructs is greater than 0.90, indicating that the reliability is acceptable. This implies that all items demonstrated a valid internal consistency. Cronbach’s α between 0.8 to 1 shows good reliability, between 0.6 to 0.79 indicates the reliability is acceptable, and less than 0.6 indicates poor reliability. The developed questionnaire for measuring innovative thinking in STEM students exhibited strong reliability and content validity. The instrument effectively captured the core dimensions of innovative thinking, such as observing, questioning, experimenting, idea networking, and associating. The factor analysis results supported the instrument's underlying structure, and Cronbach's alpha values indicated high internal consistency. These findings suggest that the questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for assessing innovative thinking in STEM students.

Validity and Reliability of an Evaluation Instrument for English Curriculum System in Chinese Vocational Higher Education Institutions

The English curriculum is the basic part of the curriculum system of vocational higher education institutions (VHEIs) in China, and it is the public compulsory curriculum that students of all majors must study. It not only cultivates students' ability to learn and apply English but also lays an English foundation for students' future further learning and lifelong development. The purpose of this study is to validate the evaluation instrument for English curriculum system. This is a quantitative research and the questionnaire has adapted from previous scholars. A stratified random sampling technique has been employed to select 350 English lecturers from a total of 864 English lecturers at 20 vocational HEIs in Shandong Province, China. The results showed: ⅰ) Each dimension Clonbach alpha coefficient and McDonald’s omega (Composite reliability) are more than 0.70. ⅱ) For the convergent validity, each item factor loading &gt; 0.5, each dimension AVE &gt;0.5. ⅲ) For the discriminant validity, the square root of the AVE of the five dimensions is greater than the corresponding correlation coefficients between the two dimensions. ⅳ) Measurement model meet the fit indices, that CMIN χ2=411.228, with degrees of freedom (df) 314, CMIN/df=1.310 (1-3), CFI=0.979 (&gt;0.9), GFI=0.916 (&gt;0.9), NFI=0.916 (&gt;0.9), and RMSEA=0.031(&lt;0.08). The results prove that this English curriculum implementation instrument has good validity and reliability. The instrument can measure the level of English curriculum systems in VHEIs in Shandong Province, China. The research findings showed there were five dimensions in the evaluation of English curriculum system. The research can be used as the basis for evaluation curriculum system for other researchers and education administrators.

Role of Technology in Developing Indian Print Industry

Three-dimensional (3D) printing enables patient-specific anatomical level productions with high adjustability and resolution in microstructures. With cost-effective manufacturing for high productivity, 3D printing has become a leading healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturing technology, which is suitable for variety of applications including tissue engineering models, anatomical models, pharmacological design and validation model, medical apparatus and instruments. Construction industry is very labor-intensive and one of the major sources of employment in the world. The industry is experiencing low productivity with minimum technological innovations for decades. In recent times, various automation technologies including 3D printing have received increasing interests in construction. 3D printing in construction is found to be very promising to automate the construction processes and have the potential of saving laborious work, material waste, construction time, risky operation for humans, etc. There has been a comprehensive body of research conducted to understand the recent advances, future prospects and challenges of large-scale adoption of 3D printing in construction projects.

Assessing the reliability of a novel cancer-specific multi-attribute utility instrument (FACT-8D) and comparing its validity to EQ-5D-5L in colorectal cancer patients.

To examine the test-retest reliability of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - 8 Dimension (FACT-8D) for the first time, and to conduct a head-to-head comparison of the distribution properties and validity between the FACT-8D and EQ-5D-5L in Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Patients. We conducted a longitudinal study on Chinese CRC patients, employing Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and EQ-5D-5L at baseline, and FACT-G during follow-up (2-7 days from baseline). Utility scores for FACT-8D were derived from all available value sets (Australia, Canada and USA), while EQ-5D-5L scores were obtained from corresponding value sets for various countries. We assessed convergent validity using pairwise polychoric correlations between the FACT-8D and EQ-5D-5L; known-groups validity by discriminating participants' clinical characteristics, and effect size (ES) was tested; test-retest reliability for FACT-8D using kappa and weighted Kappa for choice consistency, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman method for utility consistency. Among the 287 patients with CRC at baseline, 131 were included in the retest analysis. The utility scores of FACT-8D were highly positively correlated with EQ-5D-5L across various country value sets (r = 0.65-0.77), and most of the dimensions of FACT-8D and EQ-5D-5L were positively correlated. EQ-5D-5L failed to discriminate known-groups in cancer stage across all value sets, whereas both were significant in FACT-8D (ES = 0.35-0.48, ES = 0.38-0.52). FACT-8D showed good test-retest reliability (Cohen's weighted Kappa = 0.494-0.722, ICC = 0.748-0.786). The FACT-8D can be used as a valid and reliable instrument for clinical evaluation of patients with CRC, outperforming EQ-5D-5L in differentiating clinical subgroups and showing promise for cancer practice and research.

Defining College Student Financial Literacy Utilizing the Delphi Method

Utilizing the Delphi method, the purpose of this study was to determine the most appropriate financial planning topics for the financial literacy of traditionally aged undergraduate college students. The Delphi method is a qualitative approach used to achieve convergence of opinion concerning real-world knowledge. At the end of the Delphi process, 38 specific topics reached consensus among experts that they were important for all college students to know. These 38 topics can also be grouped into nine larger themes: (a) budgeting, (b) credit, (c) insurance, (d) retirement/benefits, (e) investing, (f) debt management, (g) taxes, (h) banking, and (i) others. Reaching consensus on important topics provides colleges and universities with a road map of what topics they need to ensure that their students are learning. It also lays the foundation for the future development of a valid and reliable instrument to measure college student financial literacy.

The Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Italian Version of the Hip and Groin Outcome Score Questionnaire for a Young and Active Population.

The HAGOS (Hip and Groin Outcome Score) questionnaire is a valid and reliable measure of the self-assessment of symptoms, activity limitation, participation restriction, and quality of life (Qol) of subjects with hip and/or groin pain. The aims of this study are to translate and transculturally adapt the HAGOS into Italian (HAGOS-I) and to assess its internal consistency, validity, and reliability in physically active, young, and middle-aged subjects. The translation and transcultural adaptation of (HAGOS-I) was carried out according to international guidelines. Eight-one subjects (mean age 28.19) were included in this study. All the participants completed the HAGOS-I, the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-I), the Oxford Hip Score (OHS-I), and the Short Form 36 Health Surveys (SF-36-I). The Cronbach's α for the six HAGOS subscales ranged from 0.63 to 0.87. Statistically significant correlations were obtained between the six HAGOS-I subscales and the LEFS-I (rs = 0.44-0.68; p < 0.01). Only one HAGOS-I subscale (Participation in Physical Activities) did not reach statistical significance with the OHS-I, while the remaining five had a moderate correlation (rs = 0.40-0.60; p < 0.01). The test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) ranged from 0.57 to 0.86 for the six HAGOS-I subscales. The HAGOS-I is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used in clinical settings with young and middle-aged subjects with hip and/or groin pathologies.

Spanish adaptation and validation of the Partner Behaviours ss Social Context (PBSC) self-report

Basic psychological needs theory (Deci &amp; Ryan, 2000) is an interesting approach to understand the dynamics of romantic relations. Having valid and reliable instruments will allow assessment of the romantic relationship from this perspective. The aim of this study is to present the development of a Spanish version of the Partner Behaviours as Social Context (PBSC, Ducat &amp; Zimmer-Gembeck, 2010) scale. Through two studies, the factor structure originally proposed is analyzed, determining scale reliability and validity. The results confirm the six-dimension structure, although with some differences. It can be concluded that the proposed scale is an especially interesting instrument for the study of relationships in Spanish-speaking youth.