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Sleep problems are the major reported consequence of working on shifts. The specificity of working on rotating shifts is not always captured by the instruments used in other samples. The Bergen Shift Work Seep Questionnaire (BSWSQ) is a self-report tool able to identify insomnia symptoms' presence and severity and distinguish differences by shift and rest days/vacations. The aim of the current study was to present preliminary psychometric properties of the European Portuguese version of the BSWSQ. Data from 569 shift workers in a Portuguese paper industry were collected and analysed. The results indicated good internal consistency and significant correlations among insomnia symptoms, depression, anxiety, and stress. The insomnia scores considering the various shifts were significant differents. Almost 63% of the shift workers were classified as having "shift-related insomnia". ROC analysis found optimal cut-offs for the presence of insomnia in each shift and rest days/vacations. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed excellent fit. The BSWSQ seems to be a measure with good psychometric properties, capable of evaluate the presence and severity of insomnia symptoms related to each shift. However, more studies are necessary, specifically with other shift-work samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to validate a data collection tool's psychometric properties to explore whether business management research's relevance is a high-order construct made up of its perceived interest and perceived relevance. The authors conducted a confirmatory factor analysis to validate a two-factor scale. The sample was composed of 148 MBA students from a Peruvian business school. Results showed the appropriate levels of validity and reliability and confirmed the usefulness of this data set for exploring the relationship between perceived interest and relevance. Businesses and schools can replicate the validated tool for reviewing their curricula and teaching practices, exploring the gap between business and management research results and advancing managers' research literacy and evidence-based practice in business education and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Comprehensive assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (CompACT) is a 23-item questionnaire measuring psychological flexibility, a quality of life protective factor. An 18-item version was recently produced. We assessed validity and reliability of CompACT, and equivalence of paper and electronic (eCompACT) versions in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in Italy, Germany and Spain. Methods: We used confirmatory factor analysis and assessed CompACT-23 and CompACT-18 measurement invariance between the three language versions. We assessed construct validity (Spearman's correlations) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha). Test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC) and equivalence of paper and eCompACT (ICC and linear regression model for repeated measures) were assessed in subsamples of PwMS. Results: A total of 725 PwMS completed the study. The three-factor structure of the CompACT-23 showed poor fit (RMSEA 0.07; CFI 0.82; SRMR 0.08), while the fit of the CompACT-18 was good (RMSEA 0.05; CFI 0.93; SRMR 0.05). Configural and partial metric invariance were confirmed, as well as partial scalar invariance (reached when five items were allowed to vary freely). The CompACT-18 showed good internal consistency (all alpha ≥ 0.78); and test–retest reliability (all ICCs ≥ 0.86). Equivalence between paper and eCompACT was excellent (all ICCs ≥ 0.86), with no mode, order, or interaction effects. Conclusion: Results support using the refined CompACT-18 as a three-factor measure of psychological flexibility in PwMS. Paper and eCompACT-18 versions are equivalent. CompACT-18 can be used cross-culturally, but sub-optimal scalar invariance suggests that direct comparison between the three language versions should be interpreted with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hotel booking websites to collect information about hospitality products/services are becoming more popular in the hotel industry. As a result, the importance of these websites for tourism firms marketing their services and products through electronic word of mouth (eWOM) on these hotel booking websites continues to grow. Despite its importance, there has been little research on how guests interact with information to increase eWOM. This paper creates a new scale for assessing guest interaction with Meituan.com information to fill this void. To this end, a three-step mixed-methods approach using open-ended surveys and published relevant research is used. Data were gathered from 440 hotel guests in Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong. Using SmartPLS 4, confirmatory factor analysis revealed 33 final items for the new scale. This paper significantly contributes to potential guest behavior by creating and confirming this new scale in the hospitality context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educational podcasts have become an increasingly prevalent media used to disseminate profession‐specific information through easily accessible means. Despite the potential of educational podcasts as convenient and effective medium, there is a dearth of literature dedicated to the topic. Thus, using the Uses and Gratification framework, the psychometric properties of the Educational Podcasts Motivation Scale were examined, as well as the motivational factors that influence intention to listen to educational podcasts and recommend podcasts to others were explored. A sample of individuals in the field of education (n = 606), such as in‐service K‐12 teachers and higher education professors, were recruited for this study. This sample were randomly divided, and an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with the first set (n = 312) to identify underlying constructs, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) were employed with the second set (n = 294). The scale demonstrated strong psychometric properties and five distinct motivational factors were identified: Information Gathering, Flexibility in Use, Social Interaction, Entertainment, and Professional Encouragement. Several motivational factors had significant associations with the constructs of "intention" and "word‐of‐mouth". This paper demonstrates both the unique motivational factors related to listening to educational podcasts and the motivational factors that overlap with other forms of media. Further examination of the underlying motivations to listen to educational podcasts is warranted. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Educational podcasts have become an increasingly prevalent media used to disseminate information to specific professions and fields that provide current practices and research information through easily accessible means.Educational podcasts have been found to be an effective tool to improve self‐efficacy and knowledge around topics with educators and college students, as well as a means to develop communities of practice where educators share knowledge and experiences.Results of studies using the uses and gratifications framework to examine the gratifications for listening to podcasts have found an array of overlapping, and sometimes conflicting, gratifications from the use of podcasts. Those most often identified include entertainment, multitasking and convenience, social interaction, escapism and educational purposes.What this paper adds This paper outlined the development of the Educational Podcasts Motivation Scale and used an exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling to demonstrate its strong psychometric properties.Five distinct motivational factors for why educators engage with educational podcasts were identified: (a) Information Gathering, (b) Flexibility in Use, (c) Social Interaction, (d) Entertainment and (e) Professional Encouragement.This paper identifies that educators are often most motivated to listen to educational podcasts due to constructs such as social interaction, flexibility in use and information gathering.Implications for practice and/or policy The findings in this paper demonstrate the perceived benefits and uses of educational podcasts as a learning tool, further establishing educational podcasts as a useful tool that should be incorporated into learning environments.The findings in this paper indicate that those embedding educational podcasts within learning activities and professional development should consider how to emphasise the flexibility, social interactions and learning aspects of these tools to promote the attractive features of this tool.Although this study sheds light on the reasons those in the field of education use this medium, additional research is needed to explore how and why these individuals engage with educational podcasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a need for valid and reliable measures of determinants of sustainability of public health interventions in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric and pragmatic properties of such a measure – the Integrated Measure of PRogram Element SuStainability in Childcare Settings (IMPRESS-C). Methods: We undertook a two-phase process guided by the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments checklist (COSMIN) and Psychometric and Pragmatic Evidence Rating Scale (PAPERS). Phase 1 involved measure development; i.e., determining items and scales through an iterative process and assessment of face and content validity. Phase 2 involved the evaluation of psychometric and pragmatic properties. The 29-item measure completed by service executives (directors and nominated supervisors) was embedded in a larger survey from a national sample of Australian ECEC services assessing their implementation of nutrition and physical activity programs. Structural validity, concurrent validity, known groups validity, internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects, norms, and pragmatic qualities of the measure were assessed according to the PAPERS criteria. Results: The final measure contained 26 items, with respondents reporting how strongly they agreed or disagreed on a five-point Likert scale. Phase 1 assessments confirmed the relevance, and face and content validity of the scale. In Phase 2, we obtained 482 completed surveys, of which 84% (n = 405) completed the entire measure across 405 ECEC settings (one executive per service). Three of the four fit indices for the confirmatory factor analysis met the pre-specified criteria (SRMR = 0.056, CFI = 0.993, RMSEA = 0.067) indicating 'good' structural validity. The IMPRESS-C illustrated: 'good' internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha values from 0.53 to 0.92; 'emerging' concurrent validity; 'poor' known groups validity; 'good' norms; and 'good' overall pragmatic qualities (cost, readability, length, and assessor burden). Conclusions: The IMPRESS-C possesses strong psychometric and pragmatic qualities for assessing service executive-level perceptions of determinants influencing sustainment of public health interventions within ECEC settings. To achieve a full range of perspectives in this setting, future work should be directed to also develop and test measures of sustainability determinants at the implementer level (e.g., among individual educators and staff). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire for Adults (RBQ-2A) measures two factors of restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRBs) associated with autism. However, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides four criteria for RRBs: repetitive motor behaviours, insistence on sameness, restricted interests, and interest in sensory aspects of the environment (or atypical sensitivity). The current paper aimed to examine whether the RBQ-2A is a psychometrically sound measure of these four factors. Study 1 had university students (N = 368) complete the RBQ-2A and other related measures online and revealed that the RBQ-2A can assess the factors highlighted in the DSM-5 and that these four factors comprise a general RRB construct. Study 2 had individuals disclosing a diagnosis of autism (N = 283) complete the RBQ-2A and other related measures online and supported that this four-factor structure provided good psychometric properties. While the current paper provides findings for an online autistic population, further research is needed to generalize these findings to autistic individuals less likely to partake in online studies (e.g., those with intellectual or language disabilities). Overall, the results suggest that the RBQ-2A reliably and validly assesses RRBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of the most significant organizational factors on primary school achievements, with a note that the achievement of the school is expressed through the quality of outcome knowledge. The research was conducted on a sample of 460 employees, from 21 primary schools, of which 439 are professionals and 21 are principals in the South Bačka County, Republic of Serbia. The collected data were processed using the Gretl software and AMOS for modelling structural equations. More precisely, the research is based on the application of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. A neural network based on a standard multilayer perceptron model was used in the paper to test the validity of the obtained results of the AMOS model. The results of the research show that school management is the most important factor in school achievement and that this influence is most pronounced through teaching staff and school infrastructure. The results, also show that teachers' competencies have the strongest direct influence on the quality of outcome knowledge. The results obtained indicate that decision-makers and creators of social policies must pay special attention to the selection of school principals as well as their professional education, while school principals to the selection of teachers. Future researchers are recommended to use the Sobel test to precisely determine the indirect influences of school management on school achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preference for paper-based learning (traditional) or audio-visual learning (electronic) brought about hybrid learning whose preference among students is much greater due to the interaction with digital and audio-visual media. The general objective is to analyze and describe the experiences of university students on paper-based learning called traditional and audio-visual learning called e-learning, for which a quantitative descriptive and correlational methodology was used with a measurement instrument through an anonymous and voluntary survey with 1240 participants. The results have acceptable statistics and are demonstrated with the confirmatory factor analysis, showing the preference for hybrid learning. Conclusion, students request that universities implement this methodology (hybrid) to work properly and have a quality education in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccination is a crucial protective intervention to prevent adult mortality and morbidity. Personal perceptions and resources have an important place in the vaccination decision. Aim: This study aimed to modify the Public Attitude Towards Vaccination–Health Belief Model scale for adult vaccines and evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods: Overall, 626 people participated in this methodological study. Content validity index, confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency and item‐total score correlation were used for validity and reliability. The independent samples t test, logistic regression analysis and ROC analysis were used for criterion and concurrent validity. Results: In confirmatory factor analysis, values of fit indices were excellent or acceptable. The Cronbach alpha value was between 0.83 and 0.92. According to criterion validity, the susceptibility, severity, benefit, and health motivation scores of those with the vaccine were higher than those without, whereas their barrier score was lower. The barrier subscale was a risk factor, whereas the benefit score was a protective factor that increased the likelihood of vaccination. The concurrent validity of the scale was tested with the COVID‐19 vaccine. While the barrier subscale's ability to distinguish between vaccinated (specificity) and unvaccinated (sensitivity) individuals is excellent, it is acceptable for the other subscales. Conclusion: Modified PAVS‐HBM is valid and reliable for adult vaccines. This scale was associated with vaccination behaviour and distinguished between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Vaccination rates are low in many countries due to issues of access, economy and infrastructure and in countries that provide vaccines.Low vaccination rates in adults are associated with mortality and morbidity.Vaccination management success is enhanced by orientation towards individual perceptions. What this paper adds? The modified Public Attitude Towards Vaccination Scale–Health Belief Model (PAVS‐HBM) was demonstrated as a reliable and valid scale.This scale explains the vaccination behaviour for different adult vaccines.This scale's ability to distinguish between vaccinated (specificity) and unvaccinated (sensitivity) individuals is acceptable to excellent. The implications of this paper for practice: The scale can be used as a tool for researchers to evaluate the probability of individuals being vaccinated and to determine risk groups for vaccine refusal.It can be integrated with many models focused on behaviour change, and when used with a health model, the scale's explanation of individuals' vaccination behaviour can guide the structuring of nursing interventions for vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the relationship between prospective teachers' cultural profiles and service quality expectations in a pedagogical training program in Greece. Design/methodology/approach: Using the EppekQual scale and an alternative Hofstede's cultural scale, 113 prospective teachers in a Greek training program were surveyed. The study uses descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression, validating measurements through confirmatory factor analysis. Findings: Prospective teachers exhibit a low-power orientation and a preference for feminine values. Rejecting hierarchy correlates with quality expectations, especially in the curriculum dimension, emphasizing student-centric education. A positive correlation with acceptance/avoidance of uncertainty is observed, notably in learning outcomes and administrative services. The cultural aversion to ambiguity shapes individuals' prioritization of all quality dimensions. A realistic long-term perspective correlates positively with expectations in learning outcomes, aligning with Greek culture's emphasis on security. Contrary to expectations, a predilection for feminine values positively impacts service quality expectations, particularly in curriculum, learning outcomes and academic staff dimensions. The hypothesis related to individualism/collectivism is not substantiated, indicating a negative association with the curriculum dimension. Practical implications: Tailoring program designs to embrace student-centric and collaborative learning environments is recommended. Acknowledging cultural aversions to uncertainty, program flexibility and clarity are essential. Integrating career planning and mentorship aligns with realistic long-term perspectives. The need for a balanced approach to personal and intellectual development is also suggested. Originality/value: This study uncovers specific cultural dimensions that shape quality expectations within a Greek teacher training context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops an instrument to measure the brand personality of employers in the healthcare sector. Focus group interviews, literature and internet searches were used to generate an initial item pool. Based on three online surveys among nursing staff, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and Rasch modeling were used for factor extraction, scale refinement, and scale evaluation. These analyses show that the employer brand personality can be operationalized as a higher-order construct with the dimensions of status, warmth, competence, and trustworthiness. In particular, these analyses confirm the reliability and validity of the delineated measurement instrument. Healthcare organizations from the public and nonprofit sector can thus use the measurement scale to assess their image as an employer as well as the effectiveness of their personnel marketing activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Mental Health Self‐Direction Scale (MHSD) measures the extent to which clients are able to resolve mental problems by themselves. Because this scale had not yet been evaluated, the aims of this paper were (a) to evaluate and improve the MHSD and (b) to explore the sensitivity to change of the improved scale. Method: The MHSD was evaluated and improved by means of confirmatory factor analyses of data from one longitudinal and two cross‐sectional outpatient sample. Inconsistent items were removed in a stepwise fashion. Subsequently, the scale's sensitivity to change was explored in the longitudinal sample by using latent growth curve models. Results: The original 31‐item scale was reduced to a more stable version with 19 items that yielded four factors named: actorship, demoralization, commitment, and understanding. Throughout clients' treatment, actorship and understanding tended to increase; demoralization tended to decrease; and commitment remained consistently high. Conclusions: The abridged MHSD scale is stable and sensitive to change. It measures the extent to which clients experience and develop self‐direction throughout their treatment. With the use of the new MHSD scale, new views on mental health that emphasize clients' ability to actively engage and cope with health‐challenges can be incorporated into clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), a commonly used patient-reported outcome measure, was developed without fully confirming assumptions such as unidimensionality (all items reflect 1 underlying factor), appropriate weighting of each item in scoring, absence of differential item functioning (in which different groups, e.g., men and women, respond differently), local dependence (pairs of items are measuring only 1 underlying factor), and monotonicity (persons with higher function have a higher score). We applied item response theory (IRT) to perform validation of the FJS according to contemporary standards, and thus support its ongoing use. We aimed to confirm that the FJS reflects a single latent trait. In addition, we aimed to determine whether an IRT model could be fitted to the FJS. Methods: Participants undergoing primary total knee replacement provided responses to the FJS items preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and Mokken analysis were conducted. A graded response model (GRM) was fitted to the data. Results: A total of 1,774 patient responses were analyzed. EFA indicated a 1-factor model (all 12 items reflecting 1 underlying trait). CFA demonstrated an excellent model fit. Items did not have equal weighting. The FJS demonstrated good monotonicity and no differential item functioning by sex, age, or body mass index. GRM parameters are reported in this paper. Conclusions: The FJS meets key validity assumptions, supporting its use in clinical practice and research. The IRT-adapted FJS has potential advantages over the traditional FJS: it provides continuous measurements with finer granularity between health states, includes individual measurement error, and can compute scores despite more missing data (with only 1 response required to estimate a score). It can be applied retrospectively to existing data sets or used to deliver individualized computerized adaptive tests. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The road passenger transportation enterprise is a complex system, requiring a clear understanding of their active safety situation (ASS), trends, and influencing factors. This facilitates transportation authorities to promptly receive signals and take effective measures. Through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, we delved into potential factors for evaluating ASS and extracted an ASS index. To predict obtaining a higher ASS information rate, we compared multiple time series models, including GRU (gated recurrent unit), LSTM (long short-term memory), ARIMA, Prophet, Conv_LSTM, and TCN (temporal convolutional network). This paper proposed the WDA-DBN (water drop algorithm-Deep Belief Network) model and employed DEEPSHAP to identify factors with higher ASS information content. TCN and GRU performed well in the prediction. Compared to the other models, WDA-DBN exhibited the best performance in terms of MSE and MAE. Overall, deep learning models outperform econometric models in terms of information processing. The total time spent processing alarms positively influences ASS, while variables such as fatigue driving occurrences, abnormal driving occurrences, and nighttime driving alarm occurrences have a negative impact on ASS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates the use of the multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) to investigate the internal structure of a construct exploratively and confirmatively. Based on data from 657 Islamic university students (65% female) spread across Indonesia, MIRT was used to examine the factor structure of the items measuring student engagement. The MIRT results supported the multidimensional structure of the scale. Most notably, the comparison of the investigated models supported the within-item multidimensional structure in which almost all items fit 3-factor loadings among all measured domains (cognitive, behavioral, and social). Furthermore, vector depictions of the items in a 3-dimensional space are offered to give the reader a vivid picture of their multidimensionality. The paper ends with an overview of MIRT in scale development and dimensionality assessment to didactically enhance readers’ awareness of its usefulness as a psychometric tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability of the transport sector is targeted by various policies adopted by the European Union, and their impact must be constantly monitored in order to maximize the desired objective. This paper, through a two-stage investigation, aims to present a systemic approach of the sustainability dimensions in transport and to introduce an innovative technique to analyze the interdependencies between them. In the first stage, relevant indicators were selected from the Eurostat database for the content of four dimensions: economic, environmental, social and technological. The robustness of the developed dimensions was assessed and validated through a confirmatory factor analysis. In the second stage, a Gaussian graphical model was estimated as a technique integrating graphical and statistical modeling to identify complex structures of linkages between variables (as components of each dimension of sustainability). The structure of the network clearly highlights the dependence of transport on fossil fuel consumption as the main determinant of pollution in the sector (CO2 emissions). In addition, the central role of railways in decarbonizing transport is highlighted, in contrast to the limited, and isolated at one end of the network, role of electric vehicles. The findings support that affordability of this new technology plays an important role in its impact on zero-emission transition. Concentrating on the period 2013–2022, at EU27 level, the results are relevant in the context of decarbonization policies, offering useful insights both for future research and policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Person-centred healthcare focuses on placing the beliefs and values of service users at the centre of decision-making and creating the context for practitioners to do this effectively. Measuring the outcomes arising from person-centred practices is complex and challenging and often adopts multiple perspectives and approaches. Few measurement frameworks are grounded in an explicit person-centred theoretical framework. Aims: In the study reported in this paper, the aim was to develop a valid and reliable instrument to measure the experience of person-centred care by service users (patients)–The Person-centred Practice Inventory-Care (PCPI-C). Methods: Based on the 'person-centred processes' construct of an established Person-centred Practice Framework (PCPF), a service user instrument was developed to complement existing instruments informed by the same theoretical framework–the PCPF. An exploratory sequential mixed methods design was used to construct and test the instrument, working with international partners and service users in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Australia and Austria. A three-phase approach was adopted to the development and testing of the PCPI-C: Phase 1 –Item Selection: following an iterative process a list of 20 items were agreed upon by the research team for use in phase 2 of the project; Phase 2 –Instrument Development and Refinement: Development of the PCPI-C was undertaken through two stages. Stage 1 involved three sequential rounds of data collection using focus groups in Scotland, Australia and Northern Ireland; Stage 2 involved distributing the instrument to members of a global community of practice for person-centred practice for review and feedback, as well as refinement and translation through one: one interviews in Austria. Phase 3: Testing Structural Validity of the PCPI-C: A sample of 452 participants participated in this phase of the study. Service users participating in existing cancer research in the UK, Malta, Poland and Portugal, as well as care homes research in Austria completed the draft PCPI-C. Data were collected over a 14month period (January 2021-March 2022). Descriptive and measures of dispersion statistics were generated for all items to help inform subsequent analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using maximum likelihood robust extraction testing of the 5-factor model of the PCPI-C. Results: The testing of the PCPI-C resulted in a final 18 item instrument. The results demonstrate that the PCPI-C is a psychometrically sound instrument, supporting a five-factor model that examines the service user's perspective of what constitutes person-centred care. Conclusion and implications: This new instrument is generic in nature and so can be used to evaluate how person-centredness is perceived by service users in different healthcare contexts and at different levels of an organisation. Thus, it brings a service user perspective to an organisation-wide evaluation framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing interest in applying gamified designs in higher education is challenged by mixed results in terms of student acceptance. Different players are attracted to games for different reasons and game design elements, and a better understanding of how each learner will connect to different game mechanics provides valuable input for game design and evaluation. In this paper, we present and validate a scale to measure the affinity of each player with different game elements. First, a theoretical review was carried out on three profile classifications and six motivational theoretical models, proposing a taxonomy for twelve player profiles based on three axes: relational, competence and motivational. Then, a pilot test was carried out with 54 subjects, analysing content and comprehension validity through the judgment of six experts and construct validity through an exploratory factorial analysis. Subsequently, with a sample of 1010 subjects, a confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The scale was made up of 30 items, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.822; three main components were obtained: dominators, interactors and trackers. The results show the validity of the scale, with high levels of confidence. It provides an understanding of the player's profile in a playful context, their motivational orientation and their affinity with the specific game design. This can be used to improve the design of gamified experiences in higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) literacy is at the top of the agenda for education today in developing learners' AI knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in the 21st century. However, there are few validated research instruments for educators to examine how secondary students develop and perceive their learning outcomes. After reviewing the literature on AI literacy questionnaires, we categorized the identified competencies in four dimensions: (1) affective learning (intrinsic motivation and self‐efficacy/confidence), (2) behavioural learning (behavioural commitment and collaboration), (3) cognitive learning (know and understand; apply, evaluate and create) and (4) ethical learning. Then, a 32‐item self‐reported questionnaire on AI literacy (AILQ) was developed and validated to measure students' literacy development in the four dimensions. The design and validation of AILQ were examined through theoretical review, expert judgement, interview, pilot study and first‐ and second‐order confirmatory factor analysis. This article reports the findings of a pilot study using a preliminary version of the AILQ among 363 secondary school students in Hong Kong to analyse the psychometric properties of the instrument. Results indicated a four‐factor structure of the AILQ and revealed good reliability and validity. The AILQ is recommended as a reliable measurement scale for assessing how secondary students foster their AI literacy and inform better instructional design based on the proposed affective, behavioural, cognitive and ethical (ABCE) learning framework. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic AI literacy has drawn increasing attention in recent years and has been identified as an important digital literacy.Schools and universities around the world started to incorporate AI into their curriculum to foster young learners' AI literacy.Some studies have worked to design suitable measurement tools, especially questionnaires, to examine students' learning outcomes in AI learning programmes.What this paper adds Develops an AI literacy questionnaire (AILQ) to evaluate students' literacy development in terms of affective, behavioural, cognitive and ethical (ABCE) dimensions.Proposes a parsimonious model based on the ABCE framework and addresses a skill set of AI literacy.Implications for practice and/or policy Researchers are able to use the AILQ as a guide to measure students' AI literacy.Practitioners are able to use the AILQ to assess students' AI literacy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore how the technology acceptance model (TAM) and structural equation modeling (SEM) might be used to assess customer acceptance of financial apps aiming at paving the road for enabling a cashless society in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Design/methodology/approach: Using a convenience sample of 600 users of the BenefitPay app in the Kingdom of Bahrain, this study used the quantitative research approach to obtain 427 usable responses. Following a descriptive study to establish a framework for the data and a subsequent inferential analysis using SEM with confirmatory factor analysis, the research hypotheses were tested. Findings: The results of this study back up what is claimed in the TAM theory literature, which shows that banking customers in the Kingdom of Bahrain who use e-payment methods are more likely to use BenefitPay if it is both easy to use and useful. BenefitPay systems behavioral intention to use was also highly influenced by aspects like ease of use and usefulness, which enable the development of cashless societies. Research limitations/implications: This research work contribution is described through exploring how a cashless society is developed using electronic apps by studying the case of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Kingdom of Bahrain is unique, and hence the knowledge obtained from studying it cannot be applied mechanically to any other nation. Instead, the paper seeks to explain the motivations behind Bahrain's move toward a cashless society, to analyze the difficulties and potential benefits of this transition and to spark much-needed conversations on how having less cash or none would affect the economies. Bahrain's BenefitPay systems can be seen as a current pushing force toward cashless society; thus, understanding how people in the Kingdom of Bahrain adopt e-payment techniques is vital. Originality/value: The TAM conceptual model is experimentally validated in this study using cutting-edge methods like SEM with value creation for banking sector management, making it stand out from similar research. This research may prove useful in laying the groundwork for a cashless society in the Kingdom of Bahrain by analyzing the key elements that affect the BenefitPay app. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper uses an ongoing business-to-business (B2B) relationship perspective to establish the interrelationships between trust, commitment, and relationship satisfaction (as relational constructs) and specific assets, formalization, and opportunism (as transaction cost variables) from a buyer's perspective, framed within micro-enterprises in the business banking industry in South Africa. Data were collected via self-administered online questionnaires from 381 micro-enterprise customers of one of South Africa's major banks. We first used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the measurement model before structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to estimate the hypothesized relationships between the study constructs. The measurement and structural models fitted the data well. The research was approached using the dual theoretical lenses of relationship marketing and transaction cost theory to investigate relationship satisfaction from a buyer's perspective. The results support the notion that, in a B2B context, relationship satisfaction is an outcome of trust and commitment, with commitment being the stronger predictor. Relationship satisfaction, in turn, was positively related to both specific assets and formalization (the relationship with formalization being the strongest), and a negative relationship between relationship satisfaction and opportunism. Since our results found commitment to be a stronger predictor of relationship satisfaction than trust (contrary to much previous research that found the opposite to be true), the paper concludes with several commitment-related suggestions for banks. Although much research exists on trust, commitment, and satisfaction, to our knowledge this study is the first using dual theoretical lenses (relationship marketing and transaction cost theory) to investigate relationship satisfaction from a buyer's perspective among micro-enterprise customers in a banking context. The insights gained from our study therefore not only address this under-researched area (micro-enterprises), but also contribute toward expanding our understanding of forming (and maintaining) banking relationships with the customers of the smallest-sized businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply chain viability (SCV) is an emerging concept of growing importance in operations management. This paper aims to conceptualize, develop, and validate a measurement scale for SCV. SCV is first defined and operationalized as a construct, followed by content validation and item measure development. Data have been collected through three independent samplings comprising a total of 558 respondents. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are used in a step-wise manner for scale development. Reliability and validity are evaluated. A nomological model is theorized and tested to evaluate nomological validity. For the first time, our study frames SCV as a novel and distinct construct. The findings show that SCV is a hierarchical and multidimensional construct, reflected in organizational structures, organizational resources, dynamic design capabilities, and operational aspects. The findings reveal that a central characteristic of SCV is the dynamic reconfiguration of SC structures in an adaptive manner to ensure survival in the long-term perspective. This research conceptualizes and provides specific, validated dimensions and item measures for SCV. Practitioner directed guidance and suggestions are offered for improving SCV during the COVID-19 pandemic and future severe disruptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a widespread and commonly used approach to test substantive hypotheses in the social and behavioral sciences. When performing hypothesis tests, it is vital to rely on a sufficiently large sample size to achieve an adequate degree of statistical power to detect the hypothesized effect. However, applications of SEM rarely consider statistical power in informing sample size considerations or determine the statistical power for the focal hypothesis tests performed. One reason is the difficulty in translating substantive hypotheses into specific effect size values required to perform power analyses, as well as the lack of user-friendly software to automate this process. The present paper presents the second version of the R package semPower which includes comprehensive functionality for various types of power analyses in SEM. Specifically, semPower 2 allows one to perform both analytical and simulated a priori, post hoc, and compromise power analysis for structural equation models with or without latent variables, and also supports multigroup settings and provides user-friendly convenience functions for many common model types (e.g., standard confirmatory factor analysis [CFA] models, regression models, autoregressive moving average [ARMA] models, cross-lagged panel models) to simplify power analyses when a model-based definition of the effect in terms of model parameters is desired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing restrictive practices toward individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is a globally recognized imperative and human rights priority. This paper presents a novel tool called LibRe for assessing and reducing restrictive practices. This tool involved an instrumental multistage design and collaboration between professionals, individuals with disabilities, family members, and experts from different fields. It addresses diverse restrictive practices in five key domains: physical or mechanical, chemical or pharmacological, structural, relational, and practices related to contexts and supports. It addresses practices that are pertinent to the Spanish context and that existing tools have not covered. Embedded as a step within an organizational approach, LibRe fosters organizational transformation and provides resources to achieve outcomes within reduction plans for restrictive practices. In total, 156 teams comprising 585 professionals, 64 people with disabilities, and 44 family members responded to the tool. In terms of evidence for internal structure validity, the oblique five-factor model exhibited an adequate fit through confirmatory factor analysis, along with satisfactory reliability indices, according to ordinal alpha and omega. Users positively appraised the tool's usefulness and identified its strengths and challenges. Although further research is needed, preliminary evidence frames LibRe as a useful resource for practice and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the construct validity and measurement invariance of the Parasocial Relationships in Social Media (PRISM) survey which was designed to provide researchers with a valid and reliable tool for measuring parasocial relationships developed in a social media context. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated the survey provides an adequate measure of parasocial relationships with online, social media celebrities, replicating the factor structure found by Boyd and colleagues when they developed PRISM and providing evidence of the construct validity of the survey. Additionally, scalar measurement invariance was achieved which supports the survey's ability to compare parasocial relationships across different social media platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the first translation and adaptation of the Multidimensional Mentalizing Questionnaire (MMQ) into Spanish for a native Spanish-speaking sample in Chile. The study examines the psychometric properties and internal consistency of the translated MMQ. The instrument undergoes modifications based on a confirmatory factor analysis of the original structure, resulting in the elimination of items with cross-loadings and improvement in model fit. The modified scale is then analyzed, demonstrating strong psychometric properties. Convergent evidence is assessed by correlating MMQ subscales with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and Empathy Quotient (EQ), while divergent evidence is assessed by correlating aggressive traits using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The study also explores gender differences and age. Results reveal positive correlations between good mentalizing and empathy, particularly cognitive empathy, supporting the significance of positive mentalization in empathy. Negative mentalization is associated with difficulties in perspective-taking and social skills, as well as aggressive traits. Gender differences in mentalizing capacities are observed, and negative aspects of mentalization decrease with age. The availability of the Spanish translation of the MMQ, the first self-reporting scale measuring mentalization adapted to Chilean population, contributes to research aiming to understand its relationship with other psychological phenomena in different cultural context and facilitating clinical interventions with different population groups. We therefore encourage further investigation into cultural, gender and age differences in mentalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-insights focused on the coping process are implicated in the refinement of capacities for resilience. To advance this research, we must identify key coping self-insights and develop a concise measurement tool. The purpose of this paper is to develop evidence for the construct dimensionality and validity of a measure of coping self-insight. Items measuring 13 coping self-insight dimensions were generated via consultation with theoretical work, subject matter experts, and pre-testing items for clarity. Thereafter, the dimensionality of items was assessed with undergraduate students (N = 232) and an online sample (N = 800) via exploratory and confirmatory analyses. Finally, a multi-trait, multi-method approach was used to test discriminant validity in a further sample of students (N = 228). The initial item list was reduced to five key dimensions that balanced data-driven and conceptual considerations. Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed moderate-to-strong correlations (r =.47–.80) among dimensions. We also demonstrated evidence of internal reliability, convergent, criterion, and discriminant validity. Invariance tests for sub-groups of interest (e.g., sex, sample type) frequently demonstrated metric or scalar invariance, except for age sub-groups. Findings offer a starting point regarding the types of coping self-insights important for the emergence of resilience and a validated tool for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding lay theories on the causes of economic inequality is the first step to comprehending why people tolerate, justify, or react against it. Accordingly, this paper aims to develop and validate with two cross-sectional studies the Attributions for Cross-Country Inequality Scale (ACIS), which assesses how people explain cross-country economic inequality–namely, the uneven distribution of income and wealth between poor and rich countries. After selecting and adapting items from existing scales of attributions for poverty and wealth, in Study 1, we tested the factorial structure of this initial pool of items in three countries with different levels of economic development and inequality, namely, Italy (n = 246), the UK (n = 248), and South Africa (n = 228). Three causal dimensions emerged from the Exploratory Factor Analysis: "rich countries" (blaming the systematic advantage of and exploitation by rich countries), "poor countries" (blaming the dispositional inadequacy and faults of poor countries), and "fate" (blaming destiny and luck). The retained items were administered in Study 2 to three new samples from Italy (n = 239), the UK (n = 249), and South Africa (n = 248). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) corroborated the factorial structure of the ACIS, and Multi-Group CFA supported configural and metric invariances of the scale across countries. In addition, we show internal consistency and construct validity of the scale: the scale correlates with relevant constructs (e.g., beliefs about cross-country inequality and ideological orientation) and attitudes toward relevant policies related to international redistribution and migration. Overall, the scale is a valid instrument to assess causal attribution for cross-national inequality and is reliable across countries. By focusing on resource distribution from an international perspective, this scale will allow researchers to broaden the discussion on economic inequality to a global level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skepticism has traditionally been associated with critical thinking. However, philosophy has proposed a particular type of skepticism, termed naive skepticism, which may increase susceptibility to misinformation, especially when contrasting information from official sources. While some scales propose to measure skepticism, they are scarce and only measure specific topics; thus, new instruments are needed to assess this construct. Objective: This study aimed to develop a scale to measure naive skepticism in the adult population. Method: The study involved 446 individuals from the adult population. Subjects were randomly selected for either the pilot study (phase 2; n = 126) or the validity-testing study (phase 3; n = 320). Parallel analyses and exploratory structural equation modelling were conducted to assess the internal structure of the test. Scale reliability was estimated using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients Finally, a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis was performed to assess invariance, and a Set- Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling was applied to estimate evidence of validity based on associations with other variables. Results: The naive skepticism scale provided adequate levels of reliability (ω > 0.8), evidence of validity based on the internal structure of the test (CFI = 0.966; TLI = 0.951; RMSEA = 0.079), gender invariance, and a moderate inverse effect on attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines. Conclusions: The newly developed naive skepticism scale showed acceptable psychometric properties in an adult population, thus enabling the assessment of naive skepticism in similar demographics. This paper discusses the implications for the theoretical construct and possible limitations of the scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substantial burden of low back pain on patients and healthcare systems is exacerbated by unclear pathology and ineffective diagnostic methods, hindering effective management. The painDETECT questionnaire (PD-Q) has been used to facilitate the evaluation and categorization of low back pain. While preliminary validation and translations of the paper-based format of PD-Q into languages such as Spanish and Dutch have been accomplished, the underlying factor model inherent to the electronic format of the PD-Q remains to be established. The objective of this study was to utilise confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to investigate the factor structure of an electronic format PD-Q among patients with neuropathic low back pain. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a Spinal Clinic in Sydney between November 2020 and October 2022. Eligible participants were adults over 18 with low back pain and no history of lumbar surgery or systemic co-morbidities. Participants completed the electronic format of the PD-Q, and CFA was employed to assess the validity of the suggested two-factor, nine-item structure. Recommended cut-offs for goodness-of-fit indices were used to evaluate the model fit. Of the 236 patients that visited the clinic during the data collection period, 142 (71, 50% female, mean age 51.26 ± 15.28 years) participated in the study. Median pain severity was 9/10 over 4 weeks. CFA indicated strong model fit, with goodness-of-fit and comparative fit indices over 0.9, and overall internal consistency was 0.77. Construct validity analysis demonstrated the PD-Q's effectiveness in distinguishing neuropathic, mixed, and nociceptive LBP, aiding neuropathic pain evaluation in low back pain patients. This study confirms the reliability and two-factor structure of the electronic PD-Q for neuropathic pain assessment in low back pain patients. To enhance comprehension of the clinical applicability of the electronic format PD-Q, future research should conduct clinimetric evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increasingly serious problems of environmental pollution and resource waste, promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of education has become a new trend. Online foreign language education is a new mode of green transformation development relying on digital technology. Based on the new background of green technology, this paper focuses on the evaluation of online foreign language teaching satisfaction and the key influencing factors. The entropy weight method was used to construct the evaluation index of online foreign language teaching satisfaction, the multiple linear regression model and confirmatory factor analysis model were used to systematically analyze the main factors affecting the satisfaction, and the questionnaire was used to investigate the data of online foreign language courses such as American Literature, American Culture, College English, Comprehensive English, and History of Foreign Literature. The results show that: (1) college students have a high degree of satisfaction with online foreign language teaching, and the satisfaction index based on entropy weight method is above level 2. (2) Through the multiple linear regression model, the four dimensions of teaching involvement, teaching communication, teaching skills and teaching effect all have a significant impact on the satisfaction of online foreign language teaching. (3) Based on the confirmatory factor model, online foreign language teaching satisfaction is affected by multiple latent and explicit variables, and the effect direction is generally positive. Finally, the paper puts forward specific strategies to improve the effect of green and low-carbon digital technology on foreign language education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The paper conceptualizes safety voice climate and presents a measurement tool named the "Safety Voice Climate Scale" (SVCS) • The SVCS consists of the two theoretical dimensions "Work colleagues' encouragement of safety voice" and "Leaders' attitudes towards safety voice". • The paper presents initial evidence for SVCS' validity. • The paper assessed the associations between safety voice climate and safety voice behavior. • The sample included 7624 employees from the Norwegian petroleum sector. • Confirmatory factor analyses supported the proposed two-factor model, and the internal consistency of the factors was good. • A SEM model including the SVCS as predictor of safety voice behavior showed good fit, indicating acceptable criterion validity. Introduction : Speaking up about safety issues, termed "safety voice," is a proactive response where people across all levels of the organization express their concerns to prevent physical hazards. An understanding of safety voice requires insight into its antecedents. A perceived need to fit in with the organization and fear of consequences can trump the courage to speak out about safety concerns. Safety voice climate can be seen as a manifestation of the social exchanges in an organization and functions as a roadmap of which speaking out behaviors are encouraged and which behaviors are not. This study conceptualizes safety voice climate, presents the Safety Voice Climate Scale (SVCS) as a measurement tool, and gathers initial evidence for its validity. The study also assesses the associations between the SVCS and safety voice behavior. Method : The SVCS and the measurement of safety voice behavior were derived from the Trends in Risk Level in the Norwegian Petroleum Activity questionnaire. The SVCS includes the two theoretical dimensions Work colleagues' encouragement of safety voice and Leaders' attitudes towards safety voice. Psychometric properties were tested with a representative sample from the Norwegian petroleum sector (n = 7,624). Results : Confirmatory factor analyses supported the proposed two-factor model, and the internal consistency of the factors was good. Furthermore, a structural equation model including the SVCS as predictors of safety voice behavior showed a good fit, indicating acceptable criterion validity, although only the Work colleagues' encouragement of safety voice variable was significantly associated with safety voice behavior. Conclusion and practical application : The SVCS can be used as a tool to detect some of the barriers and supporting elements relating to safety voice and guidance on the efforts needed to foster work climates that promote communication of safety issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This paper addresses the issue of partisan polarization in the U.S. in presidential voting at the county level. The literature on the growing partisan sorting and/or polarization is extensive, and controversies are pervasive. This paper focuses on the timing and sequence of changes in partisan vote shares at the county level from 1952 through the 2020 election. Methods: We apply confirmatory factor analysis to identify the structures of partisan competition in counties from 1952 to 2020, and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) to uncover the social processes that influence the growing partisan polarization in the U.S. Results: We find that the growing partisan segregation coincides with the beginning of a secular change in the structure of partisan competition at the presidential level among counties that has intensified over the past quarter century. Polarization, segregation of partisans in communities, and a rise in sectionalism are the predominant characteristics of this new alignment. Conclusion: This study confirms a secular realignment in the structure of party competition among counties in presidential elections starting in 1996 and solidifying in 2008 when Obama is elected. The segregation of counties by dark shades of red or blue is the unique fingerprint of this new alignment that we call the "Geographic Sort" alignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Primary education (PE) forms the foundation of high-quality education systems, but it is often underestimated. This paper aims to develop and empirically validate a measurement instrument to study the current stage of total quality management (TQM) implementation in PE. Design/methodology/approach: This study developed a seven-dimensional and a 37-item instrument administered to education professionals at public PE institutions in Greece to determine the current stage of TQM implementation at their institution; 2,088 responses were received in total. Principal component analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were adopted to test the research instrument. Findings: The findings supported the validity and reliability of the instrument and demonstrated that the proposed measures represent actual dimensions that can be used to explore the implementation of TQM in PE. Results also showed that the respondents rated highly the positive impact that TQM can have on their schools, although nonhuman resources have been found inadequate and problematic. Practical implications: The field of TQM in PE lacks empirical evidence; this paper provides deep insight into the elements that demonstrate the perception and status of TQM implementation and can support quality implementation plans. Originality/value: This study adds value to the TQM literature by developing an instrument for use in PE educational institutions and validating it in a real environment. Practitioners and researchers are thus supplied with the means to facilitate TQM practices, identify weaknesses and opportunities and contribute to social empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to examine the key factors influencing driving risk perception in Iran. We conducted separate surveys for two groups of Iranian drivers, namely passenger car drivers and truck drivers. In order to assess driving risk perception, respondents were asked what they think about their Probability of Having a Road Accident (PHRA) and if they eventually have an accident as a driver, what they think about the Probability of it being Fatal or causing Severe Injury (PFSI). A Bivariate Ordered Probit model, which considers the possible correlation between PHRA and PFSI, was developed to explain the observed driving risk perception using type of vehicle, driving experience, socio-demographic information, and driving behaviour. According to the results, vehicle type, vehicle age, driving experience, sleep quality, at-fault accidents over the past three years, vehicles safety-related equipment, and education level have significant effects on driving risk perception (p-value < 0.05). In addition, this paper compares the driving risk perception of truck and passenger car drivers. The results show that truck drivers have a higher perception of PHRA and PFSI compared with passenger car drivers (p-value < 0.05). The results may convince policy-makers to consider the characteristics of the two categories of drivers when designing regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluent and automatized handwriting frees cognitive resources for more complex elements of writing (i.e., spelling or text generation) or even math tasks (i.e., operating) and is therefore a central objective in primary school years. Most previous research has focused on the development of handwriting automaticity across the school years and characteristics of handwriting difficulties in advanced writers. However, the relative and absolute predictive power of the different kinematic aspects for typically developing beginning handwriting remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether and to what extent different kinematic aspects contribute to handwriting proficiency in typically developing beginning handwriters. Further, we investigated whether gender, socioeconomic background, or interindividual differences in executive functions and visuomotor integration contribute to children's acquisition of handwriting. Therefore, 853 first-grade children aged seven copied words on a digitized tablet and completed cognitive performance tasks. We used a confirmatory factor analysis to investigate how predefined kinematic aspects of handwriting, specifically the number of inversions in velocity (NIV), pen stops, pen lifts, and pressure on the paper, are linked to an underlying handwriting factor. NIV, pen stops, and pen lifts showed the highest factor loadings and therefore appear to best explain handwriting proficiency in beginning writers. Handwriting proficiency was superior in girls than boys but, surprisingly, did not differ between children from low versus high socioeconomic backgrounds. Handwriting proficiency was related to working memory but unrelated to inhibition, shifting, and visuomotor integration. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of considering different kinematic aspects in children who have not yet automatized pen movements. Results are also important from an applied perspective, as the early detection of handwriting difficulties has not yet received much research attention, although it is the base for tailoring early interventions for children at risk for handwriting difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper was to analyze the factorial structure, psychometric characteristics, and factorial invariance by sex, age, and city of the Mechanisms of Moral Disengagement Scale in young university students. A total of 1,431 young people between the ages of 18 and 30 (M = 20.86, SD = 3.64) from two Colombian cities participated in the study. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test four hypothesized models. The CFA confirmed a first-order factor structure grouping the eight mechanisms of moral disengagement (Model 4), which explained 54.17% of the total variance. The final model obtained a good fit, χ2 = 12.514, RMSEA =.010, TLI =.999, AGFI =.993, CFI = 1.00, ECVI =.044, CMIN/df = 1.138. Factorial invariance by sex, age and city of the final proposed model was confirmed. Moral disengagement mechanisms were negatively correlated with empathy and prosocial tendencies. It is concluded that this scale is valid and reliable to assess moral disengagement in Colombian youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the development of a comprehensive campus facility management performance assessment model (CFMPM). The model employs structural equation modeling (SEM) and incorporates a thorough list of crucial success factors. The CFMPM tool is intended for use by industry shareholders to evaluate the operational effectiveness of campus facility management (CFM) and analyze the proficiency and constraints of CFM organization across diverse managerial tiers. Key CFM success factors were collected using interviews with experts and relevant literature, validated using two rounds of the Delphi technique with 14 highly qualified experts, and disseminated via an online questionnaire to industry experts who rated them according to their significance. Data were obtained from 402 participants hailing from diverse regions. Then, SEM was used to perform a quantitative analysis of the interconnectedness between the various aspects of CFM performance, with the aim of ascertaining the influence of each construct on overall performance. The model was rigorously assessed for its robustness across several parameters, including goodness-of-fit measurements, multivariate normality tests, and reliability and validity tests, in addition to hypothesis analysis. The gathered data were used to construct a CFMPM comprising 45 key performance indicators of successful CFM grouped into seven different constructs. The application of SEM revealed a noteworthy correlation between the operational indicators of proficient CFM and the construct groups, in addition to the impact of efficacious CFM constructs on CFM performance overall. This research enhances the existing knowledge base by identifying vital indicators for the evaluation of CFM effectiveness and utilizing them to formulate an inclusive global SEM capable of serving as a tool for gauging the efficiency of CFM. This could lend valuable support for organizations, facility managers, and policy makers when making well-informed decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of the current paper was to determine the effects of perceived school climate dimensions (leadership, relationships, professional learning-teaching climate, safety, and physical environment) on students' learning performance in upper primary schools. Correlational design consisted of structural equation modeling with mediation analysis was applied. Three hundred twenty-eight randomly chosen teachers and pupils from upper primary schools of Injibara and Chagni, Awi zone of Ethiopia participated. The 16-item school climate scale that was employed had an internal consistency score of 0.91 according to Cronbach's alpha. To create a well-fitting measurement model, as well as to ascertain the convergent and discriminant validities and the composite reliability of school climate domains, confirmatory factor analysis was carried out. Together, the five school climate factors explained 19% variation on student academic performance. Academic achievement of students was directly and significantly influenced by school leadership and the professional learning-teaching environment. Pupils' academic success was significantly and favorably directly impacted by the overall perceived favorable school climate. Positive professional learning-teaching environment fully mediated effect of physical setting and safety on learning achievement, even though it partially mediated the effect of leadership practice of school. Contribution of positive school climate elements to student's learning achievement should also be further investigated using longitudinal multilevel structural equation models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the process of selecting between the increasingly popular bi-factor model and the second-order factor model in measurement research. It is indicated that in certain settings widely used in empirical studies, the second-order model is nested in the bi-factor model and obtained from the latter after imposing appropriate parameter constraints. These restrictions can be directly tested within the framework of the latent variable modeling methodology employing widely circulated software. The outlined model selection procedure provides a readily applied means of choosing between the two models of growing interest to measurement scholars, and is illustrated using numerical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the factor structure of the 49 goal prioritization questions of the Gait Outcome Assessment List (GOAL). Method: This was a retrospective review of 622 consecutive individuals diagnosed with cerebral palsy (median = 11 years 2 months, SD = 6 years 0 months, 370 male), who underwent a routine clinical gait analysis at a specialty center and completed the validated GOAL. To assess dimensionality, we performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses on the goal ratings of its 49 gait‐related items. For internal consistency, we calculated Cronbach's alpha. We created standardized goal scores for each factor and determined floor and ceiling effects according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Results: Factor analyses suggested that the GOAL's 49 goal prioritization items represented eight factors, one more than the original GOAL validation because pain and fatigue were separated into distinct factors. Cronbach alphas were acceptably high (≥0.80) across factors except for use of braces and mobility aids (α = 0.68). Goal importance varied across domains and GMFCS levels. Interpretation: The GOAL can be expanded as a tool to better understand goal priorities in ambulatory individuals with cerebral palsy. These scores can be used to guide clinical conversations and provide more focus than previously available when faced with 49 individual goals. Scores can also be aggregated across relevant populations for larger‐scale studies. What this paper adds: The goal items of the Gait Outcomes Assessment List (GOAL) can be reduced into eight goal domains.Pain and fatigue represent distinct goal domains.The level of goal importance varies across GOAL domains and Gross Motor Function Classification System levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents our efforts to develop a scale for measuring students' learning experiences with knowledge-based chatbots in massive open online courses (MOOCs) through three studies. In Study 1, we conducted a qualitative synthesis of the current literature and analyzed students' open-ended responses regarding their experiences with a knowledge-based chatbot. Consequently, we identified eight salient domains (i.e., social presence, teaching presence, cognitive presence, self-regulation, co-regulation, perceived ease of use, behavioral intention, and enjoyment), resulting in the creation of 53 items. In Study 2, we selected 30 items that received more than 80% agreement from five experts. Finally, in Study 3, we reported the findings of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the final scale based on student responses (N = 237) and presented 22 items across five domains (i.e., social presence, teaching and cognitive presence, self-regulation, perceived ease of use, and behavioral intention). This research contributes to the current literature by providing an instrument to measure students' learning experiences with knowledge-based chatbots in MOOCs, which is presently unavailable. The scale developed in this study could be employed for further research aiming to systematically develop knowledge-based chatbots and investigate the relationships between salient factors influencing students' learning experiences in MOOCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this paper, a Mexican Optimism Scale was constructed to investigate and estimate psychometric properties (reliability and validity based on the measurement model). The convergent validity and validity criterion were evaluated for a sample of young Mexicans. Methods: The scale was presented to 848 Mexican young people aged between 17 and 30 years from three different regions of Mexico. The scale was reduced to 20 items on the basis of CFA and analyses of internal consistency. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggested a three-factor structure of optimism: affective resources, positive vision and hope. The data provided evidence for convergent validity with positive affect, negative affect and coping. Additionally, males scored higher on affective resources and positive vision than females. Finally, the results support the reliability of the instrument. Conclusions: The psychometric properties of the Mexican Optimism Scale proved to be highly acceptable and allow for a novel assessment of optimism from an ethnopsychological perspective. Validity, reliability and invariance were determined, as well as percentiles for the practical use of the scale. This scale may be of crucial importance for future research on optimism and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this paper is to assess pro-environmental behavior, climate change anxiety, perception, hope, and despair in different political orientations. Our specific aims included to assess the validity of all the instruments used; to assess whether the factor structure of the scales were valid across political orientations; to evaluate their reliability; to assess differences concerning age, gender, and political orientation; to learn the variables that explain pro-environmental behavior; and to evaluate the moderating role of climate change perception, despair, and hope in the relationship between climate change anxiety and pro-environmental behavior. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs), multi-group CFAs (to calculate measurement invariance), multiple linear regressions, and moderations were performed. Results showed that pro-environmental behavior and climate change hope achieved the four assessed levels of invariance across different political orientations; climate change anxiety achieved the first three levels of invariance; and climate change perception and climate change despair achieved configural invariance. Climate change anxiety, personal experience with climate change, and climate change perception (total, reality, and consequences) presented higher values for the left political orientation than for the right or the center. Climate change anxiety variables contributed most to explaining pro-environmental behaviors. Hope, despair, and climate change perception (consequences) moderated the relationship between climate change anxiety and pro-environmental behavior. These results open up new avenues for investigation, specifically to understand why high levels of anxiety lead to more pro-environmental behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to validate and examine the psychometric properties of the 9-item Temporal Satisfaction With Life Scale (TSWLS) in the Italian context. Four studies were conducted. In Study 1, we performed an exploratory factor analysis. The 3-factor structure — past life satisfaction, present life satisfaction, and future life satisfaction — was confirmed. In Study 2 we tested the structure of the nine items of the scale, based on confirmatory factor analysis. The 3-factor structure with a high-order factor was the best factorial solution. In Study 3 we tested the concurrent validity of the TSWLS. The scale was significantly and positively related with life satisfaction, flourishing, and positive affects, and negatively related with negative affects. In Study 4 we showed the stability of the TSWLS using the testretest method after an interval of four weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the development and validation of the classroom assessment (CA) for self-regulated learning (SRL) Questionnaire (CASRLQ), a questionnaire intended to measure to what extent CA practices are SRL supportive. The original CASRLQ, consisting of 32 items to represent five SRL-supportive CA dimensions, was constructed and administered to a sample of 469 Grade 11 students. However, the preconceived structure was not supported. We then used the same dataset (split into two) to explore and verify a new factor structure employing exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The questionnaire was then revised. A new sample of 630 Grade 11 students were surveyed to confirm the structure of the revised questionnaire. The final form of the CASRLQ consisted of 28 items and addressed seven CA features: assessment tasks, student choice, self-assessment, peer-assessment, instruction, teacher feedback, and CA environment. The CASRLQ proved to be a reasonably reliable and valid instrument suitable for use in quantitative investigations on CA-SRL-related topics. It could also offer some guidance for teachers' CA practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bullying increases risk of social anxiety and can produce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to cognitive models, these are maintained by unhelpful beliefs, which are therefore assessed and targeted in cognitive therapy. This paper describes psychometric validation of a new measure of beliefs related to bullying experiences. Methods: In an online survey of 1879 young people before starting university or college in the UK, 1279 reported a history of bullying (N = 1279), and 854 rated their agreement with beliefs about self and others related to bullying experiences and completed symptom measures of social anxiety and PTSD related to bullying. An empirical structure for a Bullied Cognitions Inventory was established using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and assessed using model fit statistics and tests of reliability and validity. Results: Fifteen items clustered into four themes: "degraded in the eyes of others", "negative interpretations of reactions to bullying", "recognisable as a bullying victim" and "social defeat". The measure has acceptable reliability and validity and, accounting for existing cognitive measures, explained additional variance in symptoms of PTSD but not social anxiety. Conclusions: The Bullied Cognitions Inventory (BCI) is a valid and reliable tool for measuring cognitions related to bullying. It may be useful in therapy for identifying and monitoring unhelpful cognitions in those who were bullied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]