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Climate change worry (CCW) is a specific worry about climate change, involving thoughts about changes that might occur in the climate system and their possible effects. Nowadays, it is growing especially among adolescents. As there is a lack of measurement tools with adequate psychometric properties to assess CCW in this age group, we investigated the psychometric properties of the Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS) in youth. Participants were 1,846 Italian adolescents (58% males; mean age = 16.37; SD = 1.27). The expected unidimensional structure was supported by cross-validation with a multigroup confirmatory analysis, and measurement invariance of the scale across sex and age groups. Sex and age differences were analyzed. The CCWS had a high internal consistency, and good validity. Overall, this study contributes to attest that the CCWS is a suitable instrument for measuring CCW in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted the first validation of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) in Finnish. DASS-21 is a short public domain questionnaire, which presents a way to quickly and effectively screen for mental ill health. We recruited two large samples, one aged 24–45 (N = 3,101 [2,488 women]), and the other aged 60–82 (N = 5,462 [4,473 women]), all employees of the city of Helsinki at inclusion (2017 and 2000–2002). DASS-21 measured depression, anxiety, stress, and general distress reliably among Finnish-speaking adults. It appeared invariant with age and gender as evinced by invariance analyses, latent mean comparisons, and an examination of psychometric properties for the subscales and individual items. The subscales negatively correlated with the Emotional Well-being subscale of the RAND-36, as expected. A comparison of five structural models using confirmatory factor analyses and a robust estimation method (weighted-least-squares method) showed a good fit for a one-factor solution. We discuss the use and interpretation of the DASS-21 as both a measure of specific affective symptoms and unidimensional general distress. We provide future researchers and clinicians with norms and estimates of measurement error among Finnish-speaking adults. Public Significance Statement: We evaluated the Finnish translation of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales with one of the largest samples collected on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales in any language so far. Clinicians and researchers may use our normative data for Finnish speakers and no longer rely on norms from English-speaking countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a novel description of 3D faces for the task of face recognition. It is based on an integral approach to avoid the errors caused in the case of derivative methods. The geodesic distance computing, which is considered as an integral approach, is performed. The geodesic three-polar parameterization is, firstly, implemented on 3D faces to remove the dependence with regard to the original mesh which is known to be a difficult problem in the 3D data analysis context. Then, the geodesic distances between the pairwise points of the three-polar parameterization are computed to form the Geodesic Distance Matrix description. Intensive experimentations are performed on the BU-3DFE and the Bosphorus face databases. The obtained results showed the accuracy of the proposed integral method for the face description relatively to the identification and the verification protocols. Very competitive rates with the state of the art methods are, also, obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) has increased rapidly, highlighting the importance of its detection using quick tools applicable to men and women from different countries. Objective: To analyze the psychometric properties of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Test (GAD-7) by gender and country in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Method: A cross-sectional e-health study with 12,124 participants from 15 LAC countries (54.32% women, 45.68% men) was conducted, including participants from Argentina (7.3%), Bolivia (6.7%), Colombia (10.3%), Chile (6.9%), Costa Rica (4.9%), El Salvador (5.7%), Ecuador (7.2%), Guatemala (4.7%), Panama (5.1%), Paraguay (5.7%), Peru (8.6%), Puerto Rico (5.8%), the Dominican Republic (6.6%), Uruguay (6.3%), and Venezuela (8.2%). All participants completed the GAD-7 scale digitally. Results: A unidimensional structure of the GAD-7 was confirmed, explaining 70% of the variance. The model fit indices were adequate (RMSEA = 0.062; CFI = 0.997; TLI = 0.995; SRMR = 0.017; p < 0.001), and the factor loadings for each item were satisfactory (> 0.70). Additionally, the factor structure showed measurement invariance between genders and countries, with adequate fit indices at all levels (configural, metric, scalar, and strict), suggesting that the measurements are equivalent in both contexts. Finally, the internal consistency of the GAD-7 was high, with a McDonald's Omega coefficient of 0.91. Conclusions: The GAD-7 exhibits a factor structure that is equivalent across genders and countries, demonstrating its validity and reliability for the rapid detection of GAD symptoms in different countries within the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In orthodox Standard Quantum Mechanics (SQM) bases and factorizations are considered to define quantum states and entanglement in relativist terms. While the choice of a basis (interpreted as a measurement context) defines a state incompatible to that same state in a different basis, the choice of a factorization (interpreted as the separability of systems into sub-systems) determines wether the same state is entangled or non-entangled. Of course, this perspectival relativism with respect to reference frames and factorizations precludes not only the widespread reference to quantum particles but more generally the possibility of any rational objective account of a state of affairs in general. In turn, this impossibility ends up justifying the instrumentalist (anti-realist) approach that contemporary quantum physics has followed since the establishment of SQM during the 1930s. In contraposition, in this work, taking as a standpoint the logos categorical approach to QM —basically, Heisenberg’s matrix formulation without Dirac’s projection postulate— we provide an invariant account of bases and factorizations which allows us to to build a conceptual-operational bridge between the mathematical formalism and quantum phenomena. In this context we are able to address the set of equivalence relations which allows us to determine what is actually the same in different bases and factorizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Negative Adjustment Scale (NAS) is used to measure adjustment to having a sibling with a disability. However, several adaptations to the scale have been made, and implementation varies across studies and countries. This study examined the psychometric properties across different versions and provides directions for future use and development of the NAS. Methods: The sample comprised 400 siblings aged 6–16 years old from Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium. Measurement invariance was assessed across age groups (8–11 vs. 12–16 years) and translations (Norwegian vs. Dutch), using a multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. The psychometric properties of the parent version were assessed among 102 parents from the Dutch sample. Results: The internal consistency of the NAS was acceptable to good in all versions. A single factor model held across age groups and translations, although higher order invariance was not supported. The child and parent report versions of the NAS did not significantly correlate. Conclusions: The NAS generally has sufficient psychometric properties. However, these vary across age groups, translations, and informants, causing the NAS to be less appropriate for comparisons between groups. Further adaptation of the NAS or developing a new scale for siblings of children with disabilities, is advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable proportions of college students in White, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic countries, such as the United States, suffer from eating disorders and other problematic eating behaviors. The prevalence of eating disorders in Western Asia has been historically low but is rapidly increasing. One of the most dramatic increases is occurring in the United Arab Emirates. Advancements in eating disorder research and intervention that would benefit college students in the United Arab Emirates are inhibited by the lack of psychometrically sound measures of eating behaviors and motivations that have been empirically demonstrated to perform well in this population. The present study took initial steps in filling this need by evaluating the measurement and predictive invariance of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire–Short Form and The Eating Motivation Survey using college student samples from the United Arab Emirates (n = 366) and United States (n = 317), followed by a series of cross-country comparisons. Results offer important evidence supporting the measurement invariance of both instruments and the predictive invariance of the The Eating Motivation Survey when used to predict scores on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire–Short Form. Although no significant cross-country differences in eating disorder features and behaviors were found, some cross-country differences in eating motivations were observed. Similar eating motivations emerged in both countries as possible protective and risk factors for eating disorders. The implications of these findings for eating disorder assessment and practice are discussed, along with their implications for theory and research on eating motivations, nutritional health, and people's relationships with food. Public Significance Statement: The prevalence of eating disorders is increasing among college students in the United Arab Emirates, but the lack of validated measures of eating behaviors and motivations limit research and intervention. To address this need, two measures of eating behaviors and motivations were examined to determine whether they can be confidently used when assessing college students in the United Arab Emirates for problematic eating behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To illuminate individual differences in the development of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in the general population, psychometric measures are needed that can capture general population-level symptom variation reliably, validly, and comparably from childhood through to the transition to adulthood. The ADHD subscale of the Social Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ-ADHD) provides a candidate for a measure that can meet this need. We thus evaluate the psychometric properties of the SBQ-ADHD as administered in adulthood (ages 20 and 24) to a large normative sample, as well as the cross-informant (parent-teacher-self-reports) and developmental (ages 7–24) measurement invariance of a core SBQ-ADHD item set. Results support score internal consistency reliability, gender measurement invariance, and criterion validity. Scores from the core item set showed some evidence of non-invariance, providing insights into how ADHD symptoms may manifest and/or be perceived differently by different informants/in different contexts and at different ages. Our findings overall support the use of the SBQ-ADHD items for developmental studies of ADHD symptoms from childhood to adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information literacy is a fundamental component in the academic development of future professionals. The aim of the study was to evaluate the metric properties of the 'questionnaire of self-perceived information competences', analyzing the factorial structure, internal consistency, convergent validity, factorial invariance according to gender and to propose cut-off points in Peruvian university students. The study followed an instrumental and descriptive design in which 30 items distributed in 4 factors were analyzed. The participants consisted of 1,173 university students from 12 Peruvian universities. The results show that the items show adequate values in the descriptive analysis; however, the analysis of the polychoric correlations determined the need to eliminate item 13. Confirmatory factor analysis was carried out with two models (with and without item 13), in which the second model showed better fit indices of Χ²/gl, CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and SRMR and factor loadings > 0.5. Convergent validity and internal consistency showed expected scores, and the instrument is shown to be gender invariant. Finally, it was established that there is not enough difference according to sociodemographic data to establish cut-off points based on sociodemographic variables, and the cut-offs for each factor were based on quartiles. In conclusion, the instrument is valid and reliable for measuring self-perceived information literacy in Peruvian university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gradient-boosting decision tree classifiers (GBDTs) are susceptible to adversarial perturbation attacks that change inputs slightly to cause misclassification. GBDTs are customarily used on non-image datasets that lack inherent symmetries, which might be why data symmetry in the context of GBDT classifiers has not received much attention. In this paper, we show that GBDTs can classify symmetric samples differently, which means that GBDTs lack invariance with respect to symmetry. Based on this, we defend GBDTs against adversarial perturbation attacks using symmetric adversarial samples in order to obtain correct classification. We apply and evaluate the symmetry defense against six adversarial perturbation attacks on the GBDT classifiers of nine datasets with a threat model that ranges from zero-knowledge to perfect-knowledge adversaries. Against zero-knowledge adversaries, we use the feature inversion symmetry and exceed the accuracies of default and robust classifiers by up to 100% points. Against perfect-knowledge adversaries for the GBDT classifier of the F-MNIST dataset, we use the feature inversion and horizontal flip symmetries and exceed the accuracies of default and robust classifiers by up to 96% points. Finally, we show that the current definition of adversarial robustness based on the minimum perturbation values of misclassifying adversarial samples might be inadequate for two reasons. First, this definition assumes that attacks mostly succeed, failing to consider the case when attacks are unable to construct misclassifying adversarial samples against a classifier. Second, GBDT adversarial robustness as currently defined can decrease by training with additional samples, even training samples, which counters the common wisdom that more training samples should increase robustness. With the current definition of GBDT adversarial robustness, we can make GBDTs more adversarially robust by training them with fewer samples! The code is publicly available at https://github.com/blertal/xgboost-symmetry-defense.

Abstract Background Academic procrastination is an increasingly pertinent issue among university students, impacting their academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and emotional well-being. However, brief assessment tools for timely intervention are scarce, especially in the Colombian context. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the academic procrastination scale and analyze its relationship with mental health and life satisfaction. Methods A total of 805 Colombian university students were selected through convenience sampling. Their ages ranged from 17 to 35 years, with an average age of 20.4 years (SD = 3.0). Results The findings reveal a modified two-factor structure of the scale, with adequate fit indices (χ2 = 65.65, df = 13, p

Background: Pediatric illnesses not only impose physical challenges on affected children, but also profoundly impact their emotional well-being. Understanding how parents respond to their children’s psychological distress during medical experiences is crucial for enhancing the overall support provided to these families. Aim: This study evaluated the internal structure of the Parental Response Styles Questionnaire (PRSQ), designed to differentiate parental responses to psychological distress in children with pediatric illnesses. Methods: A sample of 701 parents of children with medical issues responded to the PRSQ, reporting their different emotional expressions and responses to their children’s expressions of distress during the medical experience. Results: Factor analysis confirmed, in three of the five subsamples, an internal scale structure consisting of four factors: apathy and dysphoria, irritability and rejection, overprotectiveness, and perceived maladjustment. The invariance analyses revealed that congenital heart disease and neurological disorders are more similar in function to each other than pediatric cancer. Parents of children with neurological disorders exhibited a notably insecure pattern of parental responsiveness. Conclusions: In pediatric contexts, parental responses to their children’s emotional distress are significant factors in the process of adaptation. These responses can be measured, differentiated, and, ideally, managed by nurses and other healthcare professionals. The Parental Response Styles Questionnaire (PRSQ) is a promising tool for assessing parental reactions during their children’s treatment, and its structure appears to be particularly robust across diagnoses such as pediatric cancer, congenital heart disease, and neurological disorders.

Abstract Background The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) is one of the most commonly used questionnaires for assessing adolescents’ levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA). Although a Chinese version of the PAQ-A (comprising nine items) exists, it has been assessed for only internal consistency coefficients, test–retest reliability, and correlations with the GT3X + accelerometer. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the PAQ-A among Chinese adolescents. Methods This study included three samples of 1,101 secondary school students (12–19 years old). The first sample consisted of 518 participants (50.4% males, 49.6% females) for correlation tests and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The second sample consisted of 227 participants (55.75% males, 44.24% females) for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity, and sample size invariance tests. The third sample consisted of 356 participants (54.50% male, 45.50% female) for the internal consistency reliability test, invariance test (cross sample size, education level and gender), and t-test. Results Pearson correlation analysis of the PAQ-A indicated that all the total-item correlations exceeded 0.2, indicating good consistency across the items. Subsequent EFA of the Chinese version of the PAQ-A revealed a two-factor structure. CFA subsequently validated this structure. One of the items exhibited a standardized loading below 0.4 and was excluded. The exclusion of this item resulted in increased standardized loadings for the remaining items, ranging from 0.40 to 0.82, which indicates improved fit indices. This adjustment underscores the questionnaire’s satisfactory convergent validity and robust discriminant validity. The overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.821, with the values for the first and second factors being 0.757 and 0.716, respectively. The questionnaire demonstrated stable invariance across sample sizes and education levels and additionally showed partial scalar invariance across genders. A t-test revealed a significant difference between males and females, which aligns with previous findings. These findings supported the construct validity of the questionnaire. Conclusion This study validated the Chinese version of the PAQ-A for assessing adolescent PA in China, with a two-factor structure improved by removing one item.

Background: Academic procrastination is an increasingly pertinent issue among university students, impacting their academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and emotional well-being. However, brief assessment tools for timely intervention are scarce, especially in the Colombian context. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the academic procrastination scale and analyze its relationship with mental health and life satisfaction. Methods: A total of 805 Colombian university students were selected through convenience sampling. Their ages ranged from 17 to 35 years, with an average age of 20.4 years (SD = 3.0). Results: The findings reveal a modified two-factor structure of the scale, with adequate fit indices (χ2 = 65.65, df = 13, p <.001; CFI =.96, TLI =.93, RMSEA =.07 (90% CI.06 −.09), SRMR =.03) and loadings above.50. Furthermore, both factors of the scale exhibited high reliability, with Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients greater than.80. The scale was also found to be gender invariant. Lastly, academic procrastination correlates positively with mental health and negatively with life satisfaction, while mental health relates negatively to life satisfaction. Conclusion: The Modified Academic Procrastination Scale (EPA-C) demonstrates adequate psychometric properties and is gender-invariant for assessing academic procrastination among Colombian university students. Moreover, it has an impact on the mental health and life satisfaction of these students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Media and technology are omnipresent in adolescent lives, with implications for digital privacy. Extant literature has yet to quantitatively explore adolescent cognitions about digital privacy in interpersonal, commercial, and institutional settings, precluding a comprehensive understanding of their motivation to engage in certain online behaviours (e.g. using privacy settings, sharing personal data). Compromised privacy may result in adverse outcomes (e.g. identity theft, cyberbullying, sexual solicitation, stalking), thus, the present study aims to fill this gap through the development and validation of a theoretically grounded measurement model of adolescent privacy-related cognitions (Adolescent Cognitions about Online Privacy; ACOP), utilising confirmatory factor analysis within a structural equation framework. Study participants (n = 960, 10–14 years old) completed a digital survey on technology use and attitudes, including items on digital privacy-related attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. A three-factor model of adolescent privacy-related cognitions demonstrated adequate model fit. Invariance was established between all groups tested and latent mean differences emerged based on gender, race, and online risk level. This study is an important first step in quantitative understanding of adolescent privacy-related cognitions based on strong theoretical rationale. Further validation of this model is needed to inform on digital literacy interventions or apply in predictive analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide disproportionately affects the military and veteran population, yet the task of identifying those at an increased risk of suicidal behavior remains challenging. In the face of this complex issue, novel machine learning methods have been applied to study the relationship between suicide and potential risk factors, but are often not generalizable to new and unseen samples. Herein, we examine the problem of prediction on unknown environments, commonly known as environment-wise domain adaptation, as it relates to the prediction of suicidal beliefs, measured with items from the Suicide Cognitions Scale (SCS). We adapt several recently invariance-based models trained using a sample consisting of people without any prior suicidal ideation (SI) to the prediction of suicidal beliefs of those with prior SI. In addition, we examine the possible causal relations regarding the SCS. Using a prospective sample of 2744 primary care patients with 17 risk and protective factors, we show that, to some extent, these methods are able to generalize to a new environment, namely, a sample with prior SI. Additionally, our results indicate suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior are likely to be causal children of SCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediatric illnesses not only impose physical challenges on affected children, but also profoundly impact their emotional well-being. Understanding how parents respond to their children's psychological distress during medical experiences is crucial for enhancing the overall support provided to these families. Aim: This study evaluated the internal structure of the Parental Response Styles Questionnaire (PRSQ), designed to differentiate parental responses to psychological distress in children with pediatric illnesses. Methods: A sample of 701 parents of children with medical issues responded to the PRSQ, reporting their different emotional expressions and responses to their children's expressions of distress during the medical experience. Results: Factor analysis confirmed, in three of the five subsamples, an internal scale structure consisting of four factors: apathy and dysphoria, irritability and rejection, overprotectiveness, and perceived maladjustment. The invariance analyses revealed that congenital heart disease and neurological disorders are more similar in function to each other than pediatric cancer. Parents of children with neurological disorders exhibited a notably insecure pattern of parental responsiveness. Conclusions: In pediatric contexts, parental responses to their children's emotional distress are significant factors in the process of adaptation. These responses can be measured, differentiated, and, ideally, managed by nurses and other healthcare professionals. The Parental Response Styles Questionnaire (PRSQ) is a promising tool for assessing parental reactions during their children's treatment, and its structure appears to be particularly robust across diagnoses such as pediatric cancer, congenital heart disease, and neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfectionism measures developed in English-speaking populations have become frequently used in many non-English contexts, including in Italy. Establishing structural and measurement equivalence of instruments between Canadian and Italian samples is therefore important in establishing the validity of these concepts and instruments in Italian contexts, and to allow for direct cross-cultural comparisons. The current study investigated the measurement equivalence between a Canadian and an Italian sample for the commonly used measures of perfectionism constructs based on the Comprehensive Model of Perfectionistic Behavior. The Hewitt & Flett Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale, and the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory were examined for configural, metric, and scalar invariance via equivalence testing of multigroup confirmatory factor analysis models. The results showed some evidence for configural and metric equivalence for the three measures, thus facilitating cross-cultural interpretation of pattern of associations. However, there was no consistent evidence for scalar invariance, thus suggesting that direct comparisons of perfectionism levels between the two contexts cannot be meaningfully interpreted. This highlights the need for research in both Canadian and Italian contexts to understand cross-cultural differences and similarities in perfectionism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutational inclusions generalize ordinary differential inclusions to states in a metric space, but without using any aspects of a gradient in general. This article specifies more general conditions on the initially chosen class of semidynamical systems (used for first-order approximations in the sense of time derivatives). We discuss all required steps from imitating time derivative of a curve and integration in time up to the celebrated Filippov existence theorem for solutions to inclusions. The touchstone for our new mutational setting is an example motivated by robust control problems. Its states are compact subsets of a Banach space which evolve as closed reachable sets of semilinear evolution inclusions with nonlocal dependencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical scales are frequently developed using common item nonequivalent group linking. In this design, one can use upper‐grade, lower‐grade, or mixed‐grade common items to estimate the linking constants that underlie the absolute measurement of growth. Using the Rasch model and a dataset from Curriculum Associates’ i‐Ready Diagnostic in math in grades 3–7, we demonstrate how grade‐to‐grade mean differences in mathematics proficiency appear much larger when upper‐grade linking items are used instead of lower‐grade items, with linkings based on a mixture of items falling in between. We then consider salient properties of the three calibrated scales including invariance of the different sets of common items to student grade and item difficulty reversals. These exploratory analyses suggest that upper‐grade common items in vertical scaling are more subject to threats to score comparability across grades, even though these items also tend to imply the most growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested the assumption that the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Fourth Edition (Bayley-4) functions similarly for boys and girls and for four age groups. The Bayley-4 American norming sample of 1,700 children ages 0–42 months (3.5 years) was used, which included 50% boys and girls. Fifty-three percent of the children identified as White, 22.1% as Hispanic, 12.5% as Black, 8.5% as other, and 4.0% as Asian. A confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated the three-factor structure of cognitive, language, and motor abilities fit the data well (comparative fit index =.99, root-mean-square of error of approximation =.08, standardized root-mean-square residual =.02) and fit significantly better than the two- and one-factor models. The correlations between the latent factors were moderate (r =.73) to large sized (r =.81). Measurement and structural invariance were tested for boys and girls and four age groups (0–5, 6–13, 14–25, and 26–42 months). Residual invariance was supported for girls and boys, and intercept invariance was supported for the four age groups. The measurement invariance results suggest the Bayley-4 is not biased toward these gender and age groups, and group comparisons and decision making can be made with the Bayley-4 scores. Structural invariance findings suggested some differences for gender and age groups. The relations between the cognitive, language, and motor factors and factor variances were equal across girls and boys but differed significantly across the four age groups. Girls scored significantly higher on the three latent means, but these differences were small to negligible. Public Significance Statement: Young children's test scores on the Bayley-4, an early childhood test of cognitive, language, and motor functioning, had the same meaning for girls and boys and infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Girls' and boys' and infants', toddlers', and preschoolers' Bayley-4 scores can be compared and used for decision making across these groups. Girls' language, motor, and cognitive abilities were significantly higher than boys, but differences were small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work was to achieve the Italian validation of the Succession, Identity, and Consumption Scale of Prescriptive Ageism (SIC) developed by North and Fiske. SIC is a measure of prescriptive ageism, which incorporates intergenerational tensions over practical and symbolic resources. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the scale, two studies were conducted. Study 1 included 931 Italian participants (mean age: 30.94; range: 18–67 years; 50.5% female) and was conducted to test the scale's structure and construct validity. Study 2 comprised 1015 Italian participants (mean age: 30.73 years; age range: 18–67; 53.5% female) and investigated the scale's structure, construct validity, and invariance by gender and age. Confirmatory factorial analyses confirmed the three-factor solution to be invariant across sex and age groups. The scale also demonstrated high internal reliability. SIC scores correlated positively with traditional measures for detecting prejudice and stereotypes towards older people. The results of the present work show that the SIC scale of Prescriptive Ageism is a valid tool for measuring prescriptive beliefs about older adults that are the basis of intergenerational tensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deaths from COVID-19 have exceeded 6.5 million people globally. Although many people are mourning the loss of loved ones to this deadly disease, little is known about the validity of measuring coronavirus-related anxiety with this particular group of people. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine if the coronavirus anxiety scale (CAS) measures the coronaphobia construct the same way for mourners with and without dysfunctional levels of grief. The results indicated that the four-item version of the CAS has acceptable fit indices and is partially invariant between people with dysfunctional and non-dysfunctional grief. Moreover, the CAS demonstrated adequate criterion validity and reliability with this group of bereaved adults. In conclusion, the CAS can be used to measure anxiety due to COVID-19 in people who are going through dysfunctional and non-dysfunctional grieving processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermodynamics is an essential ingredient of fine‐grain and coarse‐grain models of oceanic and atmospheric flows. Thermodynamic functions and conservative variables, for a given set of observable quantities such as pressure, temperature, and composition, may be defined up to a certain degree of arbitrariness, in the sense that the predictions of the fine‐grain model are insensitive to, for example, some reference enthalpies, entropies, or pressures. Since the compressible Navier–Stokes model, regarded as a "mother" fine‐grain model, is invariant with respect to arbitrary changes in reference enthalpies and entropies, restricted only by phase change, any coarse‐grain model obtained from it, even conceptually, must be invariant at least to the same extent. A framework is devised that enables the systematic examination of this invariance. It is found that the dependence of usual conservative variables on a reference pressure propagates to their fluxes and gradients, and to downgradient closures based on them. To resolve this issue, it is shown how to construct invariant "reduced" gradients and fluxes of enthalpy and entropy. Closure relationships between such "reduced" fluxes and gradients are then guaranteed to be invariant. More work is required to address the invariance of more sophisticated closures, especially shallow and deep convective closures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conserved quantities are functionals on solutions of an equation. The paper produces the explicit formula for the action of symmetries of the equation on these functionals and prove that the set of extremal solutions of any conserved quantity is invariant under this action. The Euler equation on extremals is not necessarily compatible with the underlying equation, but in the case of compatibility the extremals may present a rich source of exact solutions, as demonstrated by the example of the shallow water equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) has increased rapidly, highlighting the importance of its detection using quick tools applicable to men and women from different countries.ObjectiveTo analyze the psychometric properties of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Test (GAD-7) by gender and country in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).MethodA cross-sectional e-health study with 12,124 participants from 15 LAC countries (54.32% women, 45.68% men) was conducted, including participants from Argentina (7.3%), Bolivia (6.7%), Colombia (10.3%), Chile (6.9%), Costa Rica (4.9%), El Salvador (5.7%), Ecuador (7.2%), Guatemala (4.7%), Panama (5.1%), Paraguay (5.7%), Peru (8.6%), Puerto Rico (5.8%), the Dominican Republic (6.6%), Uruguay (6.3%), and Venezuela (8.2%). All participants completed the GAD-7 scale digitally.ResultsA unidimensional structure of the GAD-7 was confirmed, explaining 70% of the variance. The model fit indices were adequate (RMSEA = 0.062; CFI = 0.997; TLI = 0.995; SRMR = 0.017; p < 0.001), and the factor loadings for each item were satisfactory (> 0.70). Additionally, the factor structure showed measurement invariance between genders and countries, with adequate fit indices at all levels (configural, metric, scalar, and strict), suggesting that the measurements are equivalent in both contexts. Finally, the internal consistency of the GAD-7 was high, with a McDonald’s Omega coefficient of 0.91.ConclusionsThe GAD-7 exhibits a factor structure that is equivalent across genders and countries, demonstrating its validity and reliability for the rapid detection of GAD symptoms in different countries within the region.

Abstract Background The stress experienced by parents in fulfilling their parental role has consequences for couple dynamics, parent–child interactions, and the mental health of parents. However, studies on the psychometric properties of the PSI-SF, particularly among Latin American parents, are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). Methods The participants were Peruvian mothers and fathers with children in early childhood and primary education, with a mean age of 34.4 years (SD = 6.8). The sample was obtained in two phases: 130 participants for the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and 791 participants for the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Results The study results show a modified three-factor structure of the PSI-SF scale, with adequate fit indices (GFI = .99, AGFI = .99, SRMR = .024, CFI = .98, TLI = .98, RMSEA = .074) and loadings above 0.40. Additionally, the three factors of the scale demonstrated high reliability, with Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega values for Parental Distress (α = .94; ω = .95), Parent–Child Dysfunctional Interaction (α = .97; ω = .97), and Difficult Child (α = .94; ω = .94). The scale was also found to be invariant with respect to gender. Conclusion In conclusion, the study results suggest that the modified PSI-SF has adequate psychometric properties and is invariant for assessing parental stress in Peruvian fathers and mothers with children in early childhood and primary education.

Understanding teachers’ conceptions of assessment is a key objective in supporting assessment practices that lead to improved learning outcomes. Thus, inventories capable of identifying teachers’ assessment conceptions are important. The Teachers Conceptions of Assessment (TCoA) inventory was an early and influential measure of teacher assessment conceptions, but replication studies have shown that the model may be affected by policy and practice context. In the present study, a Swedish adaptation of the TCoA was administered twice, 18 months apart. A sample of 249 teachers were matched across the 2 time-points and their self-reported scores were analysed with confirmatory factor analysis and invariance testing. With good correspondence to the data, six of the nine factors in the TCoA were completely replicated and one factor was partially replicated. The model had sufficient similarity between time points to permit mean score comparisons, which were largely equivalent between times. The study indicates that the Swedish Teacher Conceptions of Assessment adaptation can be used reliably in Swedish primary and lower secondary schools as measure of teacher conceptions of the uses of assessment.