Validity and Reliability of the Preference for and Tolerance of the Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire among Chinese College Students

The rising prevalence of physical inactivity is in all age groups(e.g.,in college students)a major public health issue as not meeting the recommended minimum amount of regular physical activity is linked to adverse health events.Vice versa,there is mounting evidence that achieving the recommended amount of regular physical activity is a vital element to prevent chronic diseases,but there is often an insufficient adherence to planned and structured forms of physical activity(i.e.,physical exercises).In this context,there is a large body of evidence indicating that exercise adherence is,among other factors,influenced by exercise-related affective responses.The Preference for and Tolerance of the Intensity of Exer-cise Questionnaire(PRETIE-Q)has been developed to measure these affective responses(e.g.,to specific exercise inten-sities).So far,no validated Chinese version of the PRETIE-Q has been available in the literature.To address this gap in literature,the present study developed and validated a Chinese version of the PRETIE-Q in a large sample of Chinese college students.Data from a total of 1117 college students were collected for analyses concerning factorial validity and construct validity.The re-test reliability was established using a sample of 150 randomly selected participants.In addition,the level of regular physical activity(PA),cardiorespiratoryfitness(CRF),and resilience were used to examine possible links with two domains(preference and tolerance)of the PRETIE-Q.Our results showed that a Chinese version of the PRETIE-Q has a goodfit and reliability(Cronbach’sαof 0.72 to 0.85 for preference and tolerance,respectively;ICC:r=0.72 of preference and r=0.67 of tolerance;fit indices:χ^(2)=21.612,df=19,p>0.05,TLI=0.997,CFI=0.998,RMSEA=0.016,SRMR=0.024).Secondly,positive associations of intensity-tolerance with PA,CRF,and resilience were observed.In summary,this study indicates that the Chinese version of the PRETIE-Q has sound psychometric properties and can be used in Chinese college students.The adapted version of the PRETIE-Q paves the way for further research on exer-cise-related affective responses in Chinese-speaking samples,although the generalizability of ourfindings needs to be established for other cohorts such as adolescents and older people with and without chronic diseases.

Validity and reliability of the Polish version of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument

BACKGROUND Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy is an important risk factor for foot ulceration and amputation.Thus,patients with diabetes should be screened for this disorder according to local guidelines.An obstacle to the diagnosis of this disease may be the lack of unified diagnostic criteria due to the lack of properly validated scales used for assessment.AIM To validate both sections(A and B)of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument(MNSI)in Polish(PL)patients with diabetes.METHODS A cross-sectional study using a test(A1,B1)and re-test(A2,B2)formula was performed in 80 patients with diabetes.The gold standard used for neuropathy detection was a nerve conduction study(NCS)which was performed in all participants.Reliability of the MNSI-PL was assessed using the Cronbach’s alpha,Kuder-Richardson formula 20(KR-20),split-half reliability,the Gottman split-half tests,and correlation between first and second half was accessed.Stability was assessed using an intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC).For external validation,we used simple linear correlation,binomial regression,and agreement between two different tools using a Bland-Altman plot analysis.RESULTS The scale was internally consistent(Cronbach’s alpha for the full scale:0.81 for A and 0.87 for B).MNSI-PL scores in test/retest showed high stability(ICC=0.73 for A and ICC=0.97 for B).The statistically important correlations between MNSI-PL and NCS were found for B1,B2,and A1(P<0.005).The cut-off points of≥3 for section A(sensitivity of 90%-100%;specificity of 33%-40%)and≥2 for section B(sensitivity of 81%-84%;specificity of 60%-70%)were obtained during neuropathy detection.CONCLUSION The MNSI-PL is a reliable and valid instrument in screening for diabetic neuropathy.

Psychological impact of cancer scale:Turkish validity and reliability study

BACKGROUND In the diagnosis and treatment of cancer,it is important to evaluate the components of psychological adjustment.Considering the key role of nurses in providing care to patients,it is important to evaluate patients,to determine highrisk patients and to use tools with acceptable validity and reliability to develop care plans.AIM To analyze the Turkish validity and reliability of The Psychological Impact of Cancer Scale(PICS).METHODS This methodological study was conducted with 257 cancer patients admitted to the oncology-haematology clinic and outpatient clinic of a University Hospital between February and October 2021.After the translation process of the scale,content and construct validity were conducted.Exploratory factor analysis(EFA)and confirmatory factor analysis(CFA)was examined with construct validity,while item analyses and internal consistency analysis were conducted for reliability.RESULTS Analyses and assessment results showed that the content validity index of the scale was 0.96.In the exploratory factor analysis of the Turkish adaptation study,total variance rate explained was found as 84.98%.Factor loads of all items were between 0.82 and 0.94.It was found that Cronbach Alpha values were between 0.860 and 0.930 and total scale Cronbach Alpha value was 0.844.EFA and CFA showed that Turkish form of 12-item and 4-factor.The Psychological Impact of Cancer Scale was confirmed with no changes to the original scale.CFA revealed good fit indices.CONCLUSION Turkish PICS is a valid and reliable measurement tool for the evaluation of individual’s psychological response to cancer diagnosis and treatment and for being used in clinical practice.

An Adaptive Parameter-Free Optimal Number of Market Segments Estimation Algorithm Based on a New Internal Validity Index

An appropriate optimal number of market segments(ONS)estimation is essential for an enterprise to achieve successful market segmentation,but at present,there is a serious lack of attention to this issue in market segmentation.In our study,an independent adaptive ONS estimation method BWCON-NSDK-means++is proposed by integrating a newinternal validity index(IVI)Between-Within-Connectivity(BWCON)and a newstable clustering algorithmNatural-SDK-means++(NSDK-means++)in a novel way.First,to complete the evaluation dimensions of the existing IVIs,we designed a connectivity formula based on the neighbor relationship and proposed the BWCON by integrating the connectivity with other two commonly considered measures of compactness and separation.Then,considering the stability,number of parameters and clustering performance,we proposed the NSDK-means++to participate in the integrationwhere the natural neighbor was used to optimize the initial cluster centers(ICCs)determination strategy in the SDK-means++.At last,to ensure the objectivity of the estimatedONS,we designed a BWCON-based ONS estimation framework that does not require the user to set any parameters in advance and integrated the NSDK-means++into this framework forming a practical ONS estimation tool BWCON-NSDK-means++.The final experimental results showthat the proposed BWCONand NSDK-means++are significantlymore suitable than their respective existing models to participate in the integration for determining theONS,and the proposed BWCON-NSDK-means++is demonstrably superior to the BWCON-KMA,BWCONMBK,BWCON-KM++,BWCON-RKM++,BWCON-SDKM++,BWCON-Single linkage,BWCON-Complete linkage,BWCON-Average linkage and BWCON-Ward linkage in terms of the ONS estimation.Moreover,as an independentmarket segmentation tool,the BWCON-NSDK-means++also outperforms the existing models with respect to the inter-market differentiation and sub-market size.

Reliability and validity of the hidden hunger assessment scale in China-revised for high school students

Objective:Hidden hunger remains a severe public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide.In China,challenges related to dietary imbalance and hidden hunger persist.Micronutrient inadequacy deserves more attention among adolescents,given its vital role in their growth and development;however,this problem appears to have been largely ignored.High school students,in particular,are often at a high risk of hidden hunger but have limited assessment tools available.Therefore,this study aims to revise the hidden hunger assessment scale for high school students(HHAS-HSS)in China and assess its reliability and validity.Methods:Based on a literature review,expert consultation,pre-experiment,and formal survey,a hidden hunger assessment scale was revised for high school students.The formal survey involved 9336 high school students in 11 of the 16 cities in Anhui Province,China,and 9038 valid questionnaires were collected and included in the analysis.The item analysis,internal consistency reliability,test-retest reliability,content validity,exploratory factor analysis,and confirmatory factor analysis of the HHAS-HSS were examined.Results:The HHAS-HSS included a total of 4 dimensions and 12 items:"vegetables and food diversity"(three items),"fruits and dairy products"(three items),"micronutrient-dense foods"(four items),and"health condition and eating habits"(two items).The results showed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.758,a split-half reliability of 0.829,and a test-retest reliability of o.793,indicating good internal consistency.Using the Bartlett's test and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test(KMO)to test the exploratory factor analysis presented a four-factor model of the HHAS-HSS,the KMO0 value was 0.820(P<0.001),which indicated the possibility for factor confirmatory factor analysis.Using the maximum variance rotation method,four factors were obtained,and the cumulative variance explained rate was 57.974%.Confirmatory factor analysis also supported the division of the scale into four dimensions,and the fitting indices were x^(2)=1417.656,x^(2)/df=29.534,goodness-of-fit index=0.974,adjusted goodnessof-fit index=0.958,parsimonious goodness-of-fit index=0.600,normed fit index=0.938,incremental fit index=0.940,Tucker-Lewis index=0.917,comparative fit index=0.939,and root mean square error of approximation=0.056.Except for x^(2)/df,all the indices reached the fitting standard,and the above results showed that the construct validity of the scale reached an acceptable level.Conclusions:The HHAS-HSS has good validity and reliability for Chinese high school students.It is a convenient self-report measure of hidden hunger risk.

Method Development and Validation of the Simultaneous Analysis of Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Benzisothiazolinone and Bronopol in Washing-Up Liquid

A method of analysis for the simultaneous determination of methylisothiazolinone (MI), methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMI), benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and Bronopol (BNP) in washing-up liquid was established. The method consisted of a gradient HPLC analysis at three different wavelengths. The four compounds could be analyzed with good precision and accuracy.

Robustness Study and Superior Method Development and Validation for Analytical Assay Method of Atropine Sulfate in Pharmaceutical Ophthalmic Solution

Background: The robustness is a measurement of an analytical chemical method and its ability to contain unaffected by little with deliberate variation of analytical chemical method parameters. The analytical chemical method variation parameters are based on pH variability of buffer solution of mobile phase, organic ratio composition changes, stationary phase (column) manufacture, brand name and lot number variation;flow rate variation and temperature variation of chromatographic system. The analytical chemical method for assay of Atropine Sulfate conducted for robustness evaluation. The typical variation considered for mobile phase organic ratio change, change of pH, change of temperature, change of flow rate, change of column etc. Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop a cost effective, short run time and robust analytical chemical method for the assay quantification of Atropine in Pharmaceutical Ophthalmic Solution. This will help to make analytical decisions quickly for research and development scientists as well as will help with quality control product release for patient consumption. This analytical method will help to meet the market demand through quick quality control test of Atropine Ophthalmic Solution and it is very easy for maintaining (GDP) good documentation practices within the shortest period of time. Method: HPLC method has been selected for developing superior method to Compendial method. Both the compendial HPLC method and developed HPLC method was run into the same HPLC system to prove the superiority of developed method. Sensitivity, precision, reproducibility, accuracy parameters were considered for superiority of method. Mobile phase ratio change, pH of buffer solution, change of stationary phase temperature, change of flow rate and change of column were taken into consideration for robustness study of the developed method. Results: The limit of quantitation (LOQ) of developed method was much low than the compendial method. The % RSD for the six sample assay of developed method was 0.4% where the % RSD of the compendial method was 1.2%. The reproducibility between two analysts was 100.4% for developed method on the contrary the compendial method was 98.4%.

Validity and reliability of the evaluation tool of TCM confidence in students with TCM learning experience

Objective:This study aimed to design an evaluation scale of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)confidence and then evaluate its validity and reliability.Methods:Three parallel samples with TCM learning experience were included in this current study.Randomly selected 500 nursing students were included factor analysis and reliability and validity analyses.After 4 weeks,200 nursing students were recruited to retest the reliability.The evaluation tool of TCM confidence included 6 dimensions and 25 entries.Results:Cronbach's a coefficient of the evaluation scale was 0.95 and that of the 6 observed aspects were higher than 0.90,and splithalf reliability was 0.81.For the retest reliability,Cronbach's a coefficient of the evaluation scale was 0.93 and that of the 6 examined aspects was all over 0.80.The index of content validity Scale Content Validity Index(S-CVI)was 0.92 and Item Content Validity Index(I-CVI)was 0.83–1.00.Conclusions:Observed results may indicate that the designed tool can be used to assess the TCM confidence level of students with TCM studied experience and also can evaluate results of TCM education during studying TCM lectures.

Development and validation of a novel questionnaire regarding vision screening among preschool teachers in Malaysia

AIM:To develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of a knowledge,attitude,and practice questionnaire related to vision screening(KAP-VST)among preschool teachers in Malaysia.METHODS:The questionnaire was developed through a literature review and discussions with experts.Content and face validation were conducted by a panel of experts(n=10)and preschool teachers(n=10),respectively.A pilot study was conducted for construct validation(n=161)and test-retest reliability(n=60)of the newly developed questionnaire.RESULTS:Based on the content and face validation,71 items were generated,and 68 items were selected after exploratory factor analysis.The content validity index for items(I-CVI)score ranged from 0.8-1.0,and the content validity index for scale(S-CVI)/Ave was 0.99.Internal consistency was KR^(2)0=0.93 for knowledge,Cronbach’s alpha=0.758 for attitude,and Cronbach’s alpha=0.856 for practice.CONCLUSION:The KAP-VST is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing knowledge,attitude,and practice in relation to vision screening among preschool teachers in Malaysia.

Validation of a Method for Characterization of Ethanol in Water by HS-GC-FID to Serve the Traceability of Halal Measurements

The determination of the ethanol content in food products is of fundamental importance for HALAL certification. In this work, an analytical method for the determination of ethanol in water by headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (HS-GC-FID) has been developed and validated for the use in characterization of ethanol reference materials. The validation study was carried out in the linear calibration range 100 - 1500 mg/kg using the NIST SRM 2900, nominal 95.6%. The studied performance characteristics of the method were the limit of detection, LOD, the limit of quantification LOQ, selectivity, linearity, precision, recovery and bias. The validation results showed that the method is selective, precise, accurate and free from any significant bias. The LOD and LOQ were 1.27 and 3.86 mg/kg respectively and the estimated expanded uncertainty was 2% indicating that the method is fit for the purpose of certification of ethanol in water reference materials.

An internal ballistic model of electromagnetic railgun based on PFN coupled with multi-physical field and experimental validation

To accelerate the practicality of electromagnetic railguns,it is necessary to use a combination of threedimensional numerical simulation and experiments to study the mechanism of bore damage.In this paper,a three-dimensional numerical model of the augmented railgun with four parallel unconventional rails is introduced to simulate the internal ballistic process and realize the multi-physics field coupling calculation of the rail gun,and a test experiment of a medium-caliber electromagnetic launcher powered by pulse formation network(PFN)is carried out.Various test methods such as spectrometer,fiber grating and high-speed camera are used to test several parameters such as muzzle initial velocity,transient magnetic field strength and stress-strain of rail.Combining the simulation results and experimental data,the damage condition of the contact surface is analyzed.

Establishing and clinically validating a machine learning model for predicting unplanned reoperation risk in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer significantly impacts global health,with unplanned reoperations post-surgery being key determinants of patient outcomes.Existing predictive models for these reoperations lack precision in integrating complex clinical data.AIM To develop and validate a machine learning model for predicting unplanned reoperation risk in colorectal cancer patients.METHODS Data of patients treated for colorectal cancer(n=2044)at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University and Wenzhou Central Hospital from March 2020 to March 2022 were retrospectively collected.Patients were divided into an experimental group(n=60)and a control group(n=1984)according to unplanned reoperation occurrence.Patients were also divided into a training group and a validation group(7:3 ratio).We used three different machine learning methods to screen characteristic variables.A nomogram was created based on multifactor logistic regression,and the model performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve,calibration curve,Hosmer-Lemeshow test,and decision curve analysis.The risk scores of the two groups were calculated and compared to validate the model.RESULTS More patients in the experimental group were≥60 years old,male,and had a history of hypertension,laparotomy,and hypoproteinemia,compared to the control group.Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed the following as independent risk factors for unplanned reoperation(P<0.05):Prognostic Nutritional Index value,history of laparotomy,hypertension,or stroke,hypoproteinemia,age,tumor-node-metastasis staging,surgical time,gender,and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the model had good discrimination and clinical utility.CONCLUSION This study used a machine learning approach to build a model that accurately predicts the risk of postoperative unplanned reoperation in patients with colorectal cancer,which can improve treatment decisions and prognosis.

Adaptive Robust Servo Control for Vertical Electric Stabilization System of Tank and Experimental Validation

A tracking stability control problem for the vertical electric stabilization system of moving tank based on adaptive robust servo control is addressed.This paper mainly focuses on two types of possibly fast timevarying but bounded uncertainty within the vertical electric stabilization system:model parameter uncertainty and uncertain nonlinearity.First,the vertical electric stabilization system is constructed as an uncertain nonlinear dynamic system that can reflect the practical mechanics transfer process of the system.Second,the dynamical equation in the form of state space is established by designing the angular tracking error.Third,the comprehensive parameter of system uncertainty is designed to estimate the most conservative effects of uncertainty.Finally,an adaptive robust servo control which can effectively handle the combined effects of complex nonlinearity and uncertainty is proposed.The feasibility of the proposed control strategy under the practical physical condition is validated through the tests on the experimental platform.This paper pioneers the introduction of the internal nonlinearity and uncertainty of the vertical electric stabilization system into the settlement of the tracking stability control problem,and validates the advanced servo control strategy through experiment for the first time.

Development and validation of a circulating tumor DNA-based optimization-prediction model for short-term postoperative recurrence of endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND Endometrial cancer(EC)is a common gynecological malignancy that typically requires prompt surgical intervention;however,the advantage of surgical management is limited by the high postoperative recurrence rates and adverse outcomes.Previous studies have highlighted the prognostic potential of circulating tumor DNA(ctDNA)monitoring for minimal residual disease in patients with EC.AIM To develop and validate an optimized ctDNA-based model for predicting shortterm postoperative EC recurrence.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 294 EC patients treated surgically from 2015-2019 to devise a short-term recurrence prediction model,which was validated on 143 EC patients operated between 2020 and 2021.Prognostic factors were identified using univariate Cox,Lasso,and multivariate Cox regressions.A nomogram was created to predict the 1,1.5,and 2-year recurrence-free survival(RFS).Model performance was assessed via receiver operating characteristic(ROC),calibration,and decision curve analyses(DCA),leading to a recurrence risk stratification system.RESULTS Based on the regression analysis and the nomogram created,patients with postoperative ctDNA-negativity,postoperative carcinoembryonic antigen 125(CA125)levels of<19 U/mL,and grade G1 tumors had improved RFS after surgery.The nomogram’s efficacy for recurrence prediction was confirmed through ROC analysis,calibration curves,and DCA methods,highlighting its high accuracy and clinical utility.Furthermore,using the nomogram,the patients were successfully classified into three risk subgroups.CONCLUSION The nomogram accurately predicted RFS after EC surgery at 1,1.5,and 2 years.This model will help clinicians personalize treatments,stratify risks,and enhance clinical outcomes for patients with EC.

Towards Lessening Learners’Aversive Emotions and Promoting Their Mental Health:Developing and Validating a Measurement of English Speaking Demotivation in the Chinese EFL Context

While a plethora of studies has been conducted to explore demotivation and its impact on mental health in second language(L2)education,scanty research focuses on demotivation in L2 speaking learning.Particularly,little research explores the measures to quantify L2 speaking demotivation.The present two-phase study attempts to develop and validate an English Speaking Demotivation Scale(ESDS).To this end,an independent sample of 207 Chinese tertiary learners of English as a Foreign Language(EFL)participated in the development phase,and another group of 188 Chinese EFL learners was recruited for the validation of the scale.Exploratory Factor Analysis(EFA)and Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)were employed to determine the factor structure of the scale.The EFA results revealed a six-factor solution with Teacher-related Factors in Learning Spoken English(TFLSE),Interest and Valence in Learning Spoken English(IVLSE),Self-efficacy in Learning Spoken English(SELSE),Negative Peer Influence in Learning Spoken English(NPILSE),Undesirable Environment for Learning Spoken English(UELSE),and Negative Influence of Assessment and Learning Materials in speaking class(NIALM).In the validation phase,Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)was performed to validate the internal structure of the scale.The CFA results showed that the model fits the data well.Overall,the ESDS is a robust and trustworthy psychometric tool that could be utilized to examine L2 speaking demotivation.Implications for diminishing EFL learners’demotivation,lessening their aversive emotions and promoting their mental health are also discussed.

Direct Pointwise Comparison of FE Predictions to StereoDIC Measurements:Developments and Validation Using Double Edge-Notched Tensile Specimen

To compare finite element analysis(FEA)predictions and stereovision digital image correlation(StereoDIC)strain measurements at the same spatial positions throughout a region of interest,a field comparison procedure is developed.The procedure includes(a)conversion of the finite element data into a triangular mesh,(b)selection of a common coordinate system,(c)determination of the rigid body transformation to place both measurements and FEA data in the same system and(d)interpolation of the FEA nodal information to the same spatial locations as the StereoDIC measurements using barycentric coordinates.For an aluminum Al-6061 double edge notched tensile specimen,FEA results are obtained using both the von Mises isotropic yield criterion and Hill’s quadratic anisotropic yield criterion,with the unknown Hill model parameters determined using full-field specimen strain measurements for the nominally plane stress specimen.Using Hill’s quadratic anisotropic yield criterion,the point-by-point comparison of experimentally based full-field strains and stresses to finite element predictions are shown to be in excellent agreement,confirming the effectiveness of the field comparison process.

On Reliability and Validity in Language Testing

This paper dwells on the two important factors-reliability and validity in language testing: explain the concepts of reliability and validity; factors influencing reliability and validity; possible ways to achieve high reliability and validity; comments on the modern language testing tendency on reliability and validity and authors' own ideas.

Validity Consideration in Designing an Oral English Test

To make oral test accurately reflect the actual English spoken ability of candidates and play its role in guiding and promoting the improvement of English learners in the teaching, we must ensure that the design of scientific questions, the feasibility and validity of judgments to make an accurate and fair measurement of testers' language ability.

Research on Content Validity of Reading Comprehensions in 2005 MET

This paper examines reading comprehensions in 2005 MET. Statistic analysis shows that the MET in 2005 have certain validity,but there are some problems existing in these tests. The paper lists the problems and suggests some methods. The writer hopes that test-designers can pay much attention to them so as to improve the tests quality.

Investigating the Reliability and Validity of Chen and Starosta's Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) against Chinese Cultural Background

Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC), as one of the research fields of intercultural communication, has been given much importance from scholars all around the world. Intercultural sensitivity is one of the three dimensions in Dr Chen's ICC model. This research investigates the reliability and validity of Chen and Starosta's Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) (2000) against Chinese cultural background by using Chinese university students majoring in English as respondents.