Search Results (198)

Background: Nursing, as an essential component of contemporary healthcare systems, has undergone significant changes in recent decades, resulting in an increase in research across various fields, such as mental health, well-being, and the development of the discipline itself. Currently, gender stereotypes persist, impacting the social image of the profession and influencing the professional identity of nurses and consequently, their work performance and the quality of care provided. Both public and internal perceptions of the profession are critical factors in these dynamics. Objective: to adapt and validate the Nursing Attitude Questionnaire in a Spanish sample, as it has only been validated in two languages to date. Methods: This study presents descriptive and validity analyses of several measures utilized, such as Nursing Image (NIS), Medical Empathy (JSE-HP), Professional Values (NPVS) and Communication Skills (HP-CSS). Results: Confirmatory factor model analyses indicated that a 21-item hierarchical model provided a superior fit (χ²(df = 1.65, NFI = 0.954, SRMR = 0.065), suggesting the presence of a general factor accounting for five first-order factors. Internal consistency was deemed adequate for the total measures (α = 0.789), though variable for the subscales. Correlations among measures provided evidence of convergent and discriminant validity, highlighting consistent correlation patterns between Attitude toward Nursing and other variables. In addition, significant differences were observed in the Professionalism subscale according to sex, albeit with a medium-low effect size. Scales are presented to facilitate future interpretation of the results in similar samples. Conclusions: The scale validated in this study exhibited overall good psychometric performance, although certain limitations were identified within the subscales. The established scales represent a novel contribution, providing a valuable tool for the comparison of similar samples. Full article

Background: The Sexual Health Scale (QLQ-SH22) is the only cancer-specific measure of sexual health. It has never been translated into Arabic. In order to envisage effective healthcare strategies that improve sexual quality of life, the validation of the Moroccan version of this scale is a crucial step in exploring the influence of cancer and its treatment on patients in the Moroccan context. In this regard, this study aimed to validate a Moroccan Arabic version among patients with cancer. Method: A total of 280 Moroccan patients with cancer participated in this study from August 2022 to April 2023. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the QLQ-SH22 was performed following the EORTC guidelines. Psychometric validation was explored using the reliability of internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Results: The analysis revealed a greater internal consistency for both sexual satisfaction (α = 0.83) and sexual pain (α = 0.86). The intraclass correlation coefficient indicated an excellent level of test–retest reliability (from 0.925 to 0.993). The CFA demonstrated high-performing model fit indices (χ2/df = 1.17, SRMR = 0.05, RMSEA = 0.035, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, IFI = 0.99, NFI = 0.94). The concurrent validity between the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-SH22 confirmed a strong correlation between the fatigue scales in both questionnaires (r = 0.69). This version showed good discrimination between known groups. Conclusions: The QLQ-SH22 Moroccan Arabic version has demonstrated a high level of reliability and validity, and therefore it is now ready for use. Full article

The university population is at a vital stage of human development for acquiring an active lifestyle. Following this lifestyle will bring benefits in adulthood. This study seeks to analyse the relationship between physical activity and bodily pain, mental hyperactivity, and sleep quality as a function of the intensity of physical activity. A comparative, descriptive, and exploratory study is presented in a sample of 506 university students. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Chronic Pain Grade Questionnaire, the Mental Hyperactivity Questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used. The proposed model analyses the relationships of physical activity to bodily pain, mental hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, and time to fall asleep. The fit of the different adjustment indices is satisfactory (X² = 0.47, df = 1, pl = 0.48, IFI = 0.99, CFI = 0.97; NFI = 0.91; RMSEA = 0.01). The relational analysis shows a positive relationship of physical activity to bodily pain (r = 0.02; p < 0.01), mental hyperactivity (r = 0.054; p < 0.01), sleep disturbances (r = 0.029; p < 0.01), and time to fall asleep (r = 0.047; p < 0.01). Multi-group structural equation analysis indicates that there are differences in the causal relationships of physical activity to sleep quality, mental hyperactivity, and bodily pain as a function of exercise intensity. The conclusion is that the intensity at which physical activity is performed plays a key role in mental and physical health. Full article

Background: Vaccine hesitancy is a significant barrier to achieving high vaccination rates, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), a group at increased risk for Mpox. This study aimed to develop and validate a Mpox vaccine hesitancy scale specifically tailored for Chinese MSM, grounded in the protection motivation theory (PMT). Methods: An online survey through snowball sampling was conducted from October 2023 to March 2024, collecting 2403 valid responses across six representative regions in China. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to evaluate the scale’s construct validity, while reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s α coefficient. The predictive validity of the scale was analyzed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: EFA ultimately retained 22 items in the Mpox vaccination scale and identified four distinct dimensions: Maladaptive Rewards (seven items), Self-efficacy (seven items), Response Efficacy (four items), and Response Costs (four items). These dimensions were confirmed by CFA, which demonstrated satisfactory model fit indices (χ²/df = 4.382, RMSEA = 0.053, SRMR = 0.048, GFI = 0.935, CFI = 0.967, NFI = 0.958, TLI = 0.963, and IFI =0.967). All indices were within acceptable ranges. The scale exhibited good internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.906, and strong content validity, with an S-CVI/Ave of 0.952. The scale’s predictive accuracy was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. When used to evaluate the scale’s predictive accuracy, it yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.854 after adjustments, indicating good predictive ability between high and low hesitancy. Conclusions: This scale provides a reliable and valid tool for assessing Mpox vaccine hesitancy among MSM and can be used to gauge Mpox vaccination intention within this group. Full article

The accurate large-scale classification of tree species is crucial for the monitoring, protection, and management of the Earth’s invaluable forest ecosystems. Numerous previous studies have recognized the suitability of satellite imagery, particularly Sentinel-2 imagery, for this task. In this study, we utilized a dense phenology Sentinel-2 time series, which offered consistent data across multiple granules, to map tree species across the entire forested area in Austria. Aiming for the classification scheme to more accurately represent actual forest conditions, we included mixed tree species and sparsely populated classes (classes with sparse canopy cover) alongside pure tree species classes. To enhance the training data for the mixed and sparse classes, synthetic data creation was employed. Autocorrelation has significant implications for the validation of thematic maps. To investigate the impact of spatial dependency on validation data, two methods were employed at numerous split and buffer distances: spatial split validation and a validation method based on a buffered ground reference probability samples provided by the National Forest inventory (NFI). While a random training data holdout set yielded 99% accuracy, the spatial split validation resulted in 74% accuracy, emphasizing the importance of accounting for spatial autocorrelation when validating with holdout sets derived from polygon-based training data. The validation based on NFI data resulted in 55% overall accuracy, 91% post-hoc pure class accuracy, and 79% accuracy when confusions in phenological proximity were disregarded (e.g., spruce–larch confused with spruce). The significant differences in accuracy observed between spatial split and NFI validation underscore the challenge for polygon-based training data to capture ground reference forest complexity, particularly in areas with diverse forests. This hardship is further accentuated by the pure class accuracy of 91%, revealing the substantial impact of mixed stands on the accuracy of tree species maps. Full article

Unaccompanied foreign minors (UFMs) face stigmatisation and social exclusion in Spanish territory. Given their growing presence in schools, it is crucial that trainee teachers have valid and real information about these students in order to provide equitable, personalised, and quality education to all their students in the near future and to mitigate any uninformed prejudices and stigma developed before they enter the classroom. This study seeks to validate a scale designed to assess the perceptions of pre-service teachers about UFMs (n = 169). The objective of this study was to validate a scale designed to assess the perceptions of pre-service teachers about UFMs (n = 169). All participants were studying primary education at the University of Granada (Spain) [♂ = 131 (77.5%); ♀ = 37 (21.9%)]. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, ex post facto, and quantitative study was conducted. The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS^® 28.0 and IBM Amos Graphics^® 23.0 programs. Results: A multidimensional scale was developed with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.858 and McDonald’s omega of 0.859, consisting of a total of 26 indicators divided into three factors: socio-educational characteristic (n = 13), social threat (n = 7), and physical and emotional well-being (n = 6). The general scale showed high reliability and acceptable fit (p < 0.001; KMO = 0.880; GFI = 0.832; IFI = 0.925; NFI = 0.816; CFI = 0.924; SMSR = 0.058). CFA reports that the items with the highest factor loadings are related to determining whether these minors respect cultural differences, are involved in drug trafficking, and arrive in Spanish territory with significant malnutrition. However, the items with the lowest factor loadings are linked to understanding the type of academic education these minors have, whether they consume alcohol, or if they require teachers with intercultural competencies to help them integrate socially. Conclusions: A reliable and robust scale was developed to assess the perceptions of pre-service primary school teachers about unaccompanied foreign minors. This instrument can be used to identify the knowledge of teachers in training, which allows training actions to be implemented in the context of higher education to raise awareness, detect biases, and make this vulnerable group visible. Full article

This study explores students’ perceptions of the advantages of academic campuses as the location of studies that involve social interaction, with a focus on the role of social interaction in the learning experience. The study examines students’ perspectives approximately five years after the time of COVID-19, when online studies have become more prevalent. Participants were 1048 students from several departments at two academic institutions, a university and a college, of whom 39.1% (407) were male and 60.9% (633) female. The age of the respondents ranged from 18–23 (30.4%), 24–30 (60.3%), and 31–63 (9.3%). Among all respondents, 64.2% were studying social sciences and 35.8% engineering. A mixed methods research design was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to test the goodness-of-fit of the presented model. The research findings showed that measures of comprehensibility, concentration, and contact with the lecturer enhance learning in a physical classroom more than learning via online teaching. However, interaction with peers does not improve one’s studies at all and is not a sufficient reason to attend classes. These findings are based on analysis of survey responses, after applying SEM to test the goodness-of-fit of the presented model. The final model showed a good fit: CMIN/DF = 1.26, CFI = 0.999, NFI = 0.996, TLI = 0.994, RMSEA = 0.02. The findings of this study may hold importance for leaders of higher education when endeavoring to plan teaching, learning, and evaluation at academic institutions and for shaping the academic campus as a significant educational space in the future. Moreover, the findings may have important implications for education management strategies towards sustainable development. Higher education institutions need to re-evaluate the role of the physical campus and social interaction within it in the era of remote learning. Full article

The dimensional Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children 2.0 (dYFAS-C 2.0) was developed to provide a reliable psychometric measure for assessing food addiction in adolescents, in accordance with the updated addiction criteria proposed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the dYFAS-C 2.0 among Portuguese adolescents and pre-adolescents and to explore the relationship between food addiction and other eating behaviors such as grazing and intuitive eating. The participants were 131 Portuguese adolescents and pre-adolescents (53.4% female and 46.6% male) aged between 10 and 15 years (M_age = 11.8) and with a BMI between 11.3 and 35.3 (M_{BMI z-score} = 0.42). Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated an adequate fit for the original one-factor model (χ² (104) = 182; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.97; TLI = 0.97; NFI = 0.94; SRMR = 0.101; RMSEA = 0.074; 95% CI [0.056; 0.091]). Food addiction was positively correlated with higher grazing (r = 0.69, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with lower reliance on hunger/satiety cues (r = −0.22, p = 0.015). No significant association was found between food addiction and BMI z-score, or between food addiction and age. The results support the use of dYFAS-C 2.0 as a valid and reliable measure for assessing food addiction in Portuguese adolescents and pre-adolescents. Furthermore, the findings highlight that food addiction may be part of a spectrum of disordered eating behaviors associated with control impairment. Future research with a larger sample size could further elucidate the associations between food addiction and other variables, such as psychological distress and multi-impulsive spectrum behaviors. Full article

Forest resource maps and small area estimates have been produced by combining national forest inventory (NFI) field plot data, multispectral satellite images and numerical map data. We evaluated k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) method-based predictions of forest variables for pixels in predicting tree lists of individual stands, including tree diameters at breast height and tree heights and then calculated stem volumes and tree species proportions. We compared alternative parameters (k-NN) using k of either 1 or 5 according to preliminary plot-level study and applying either measured trees (1-NN_trees) or mean stand characteristics (k-NN_stand). In the 1-NN_trees method, a tree list was generated based on the measured trees of the NFI plots, whereas in the 1-NN_stand and 5-NN_stand methods, a Weibull-based diameter distribution was recovered from the stand characteristics of the same inventory plots. In both methods, tree lists were predicted for each 16 m × 16 m pixel included in the stand compartment. Both methods performed well and resulted in 8–14% differences in the total volume compared with the field inventory of the 27 stands used for the evaluation. Moreover, the main tree species was correctly predicted for 74% of cases. The RMSE in total volume ranged from 25% (5-NN_stand) to 31% (1-NN_stand), while the smallest RMSEs in volume by tree species were 61% for broadleaves and 65% for pine and spruce using the 5-NN_stand. When comparing input data for a long-term growth simulation, the choice of the method was less influential as the effect of the error in the initial stand characteristics decreased over time during the simulation period. After 30-year simulation of the inventoried stands, the respective RMSEs were 9.4% for total volume and 39%, 50% and 59% for tree species, respectively. The satellite-based data with NFI plots were useful for predicting tree lists for pixels of a stand. However, the accuracy for operational forest management was still questionable. For a larger area’s strategic information, the accuracy is considered adequate. Full article

The impact of oral administration of mechanically fibrillated cellulose nanofibers (fib-CNF), a commonly used nanofiber, on toxicity and health remains unclear, despite reports of the safety and beneficial effects of chitin-based nanofibers. Thus, evaluating the oral toxicity of fib-CNF in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 407 (TG407) is essential. This study aimed to assess the safety of orally administered fib-CNF through an acute toxicity study in rats, following the OECD TG407 guidelines for 4 weeks. CNF “BiNFi-s” FMa-10005, derived from mechanically fibrillated pulp cellulose, was administered via gavage to male and female Crl:CD(SD) rats at doses of 50, 150, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day for 28 days, with a control group receiving water for injection. The study evaluated the toxic effects of repeated administration, and the rats were monitored for an additional 14 days post-administration to assess recovery from any toxic effects. The results showed no mortality in either sex during the administration period, and no toxicological effects related to the test substance were observed in various assessments, including general condition and behavioral function observations, urinalysis, hematological examination, blood biochemical examination, necropsy findings, organ weights, and histopathological examination. Notably, only female rats treated with 1000 mg/kg/day of CNF exhibited a consistent reduction in body weight during the 14-day recovery period after the end of treatment. They also showed a slight decrease in pituitary and liver weights. However, hematological and blood biochemical tests did not reveal significant differences, suggesting a potential weight-suppressive effect of CNF ingestion. Full article

The stand basal area, closely related to age, site quality, and stand density, is an important factor for predicting forest growth and yield. The accurate estimation of site quality is especially a key component in the stand basal area model. We utilized sample plots with Picea asperata Mast. as the dominant species in the multi-period National Forest Inventory (NFI) dataset to establish a site index (SI) model including climate effects through the difference form of theoretical growth equations and mixed-effects models. We combined the SI calculated from the SI model, stand age, and stand density index to construct a basal area growth model for Picea asperata Mast. stands. The results show that the Korf model is the best SI base model for Picea asperata Mast. The mean temperatures in summer and winter precipitation were used as the fixed parameters to construct a nonlinear model. Ultimately, elevation, origin, and region, as random effects, were incorporated into the mixed-effects model. The coefficients (R²) of determination of the base model, the nonlinear model including climate, and the nonlinear mixed-effects model are 0.869, 0.899, and 0.921, with root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) of 1.320, 1.315, and 1.301, respectively. Among the basal area models, the Richards model has higher precision. And the basal area model including an SI incorporating climatic factors had a higher determination coefficient (R²) of 0.918 than that of the model including an SI without considering climatic effects. The mixed-effects model incorporating climatic and topographic factors shows a better fitting performance of SI, resulting in a higher precision of the basal area model. This indicates that in the development of forest growth models, both biophysical and climatic factors should be comprehensively considered. Full article

This article analyzes the implementation of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) I: Eradicate poverty. Despite the progress achieved, structural gaps persist and substantially limit the NFIS’s contribution to poverty reduction, especially among rural, indigenous, extreme poverty, and other vulnerable groups. The article employs a mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. On the qualitative side, a hermeneutic documentary analysis of the NFIS and related regulations was carried out, with a critical textual interpretation supported by specialized software. Quantitatively, descriptive statistical techniques were applied to analyze official financial inclusion indicators—methodological integration was achieved through analytical triangulation under a concurrent mixed methods approach. The progress of initiatives under the NFIS was evaluated, identifying limitations such as the digital divide in rural areas, limited financing for Micro and Small Enterprises, gaps in financial education, and growing exposure to digital fraud. Although the NFIS promotes greater access to financial services, it does not explicitly focus on the poorest and most excluded populations. Therefore, it is recommended that the objectives and indicators of the NFIS be reformulated to focus on universal access and effective use of financial services by the population in extreme poverty and chronic exclusion. In addition, a strategic articulation with social protection policies is necessary, as well as promoting culturally relevant microfinance and inclusive finance models, strengthening consumer protection, and consolidating public–private alliances in high-poverty areas. Finally, strong monitoring and accountability are also key. Full article

This research study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Vaccine Acceptance Instrument (VAI). The VAI is a 20-item Likert-type scale, with responses ranging across seven points. A systematic approach was followed to translate the scale into Turkish, involving translation, expert panel evaluation, back-translation, and pilot testing. The Vaccine Acceptance Instrument and a sociodemographic data form were used for data collection. The reliability of the scale was tested by test–retest analysis, and its internal reliability was examined by Cronbach’s alpha test. The factor structure was examined using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was employed to assess the scale’s fit. Overall, 229 participants were included in the study. In test–retest reliability analysis, the intraclass correlation coefficient of the scale was 0.992 (95% CI: 0.987–0.996). The Cronbach’s alpha value of the scale was 0.824. A four-factor structure was determined. The model had an acceptable fit [χ²/df = 380.04/164 (2,317) p < 0.001, CFI = 0.91, GFI = 0.90, AGFI = 0.906, NFI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.076]. The mean total VAI score was 112.71 ± 17.02. The low education level of the mother, being a housewife, and parents not having the COVID-19 vaccine were statistically significantly associated with a low scale score and low vaccine acceptance (p < 0.05). The Turkish adaptation of the VAI demonstrated satisfactory levels of validity and reliability following rigorous testing. Full article

Patient satisfaction is a crucial measure of the quality of healthcare, especially with regard to nursing services in hospital settings. Understanding and increasing patient satisfaction with nursing care is critical to improving overall healthcare and ensuring positive patient experiences during their hospital stay. The aim of this research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Croatian version of the Satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ), test the reliability and validity of the tool after translation, and investigate differences in patient satisfaction based on demographic variables, as well as their contribution to satisfaction with the quality of nursing care. After translation and adaptation, the Croatian version of the PSNCQQ was applied to 350 hospitalized patients (average age 51.19 years (range: 18–87)), of whom 194 (55.4%) were men and 156 (44.6%) were women. The results showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.977) and confirmed the one-factor structure of the questionnaire, explaining 70.64% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the unidimensional model, showing strong fit indices (χ² = 583.047, df = 149, p < 0.001, GFI = 0.861, AGFI = 0.818, NFI = 0.936, TLI = 0.946, CFI = 0.955, RMSEA = 0.080, PCLOSE < 0.001). In conclusion, the validation of the PSNCQQ in the Croatian language increases resources for evaluating and improving the quality of nursing care. This research lays the foundation for future studies and practical applications aimed at improving patient satisfaction and nursing care outcomes in Croatia, but there are also limitations to this study, including its one-institution scope, the possible influence of factors outside the current treatment on satisfaction, and the lack of comparison with objective clinical indicators. Full article

The state of confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the quality of life of the general population. This study aims to define and contrast an explanatory model of the quality of life in adults and to analyze the relationships between these variables based on the state of confinement and sex. A total of 872 people from Chile aged between 17 and 50 (M = 21.70 years; SD= 3.272), of both sexes (60.90% male and 39.1% female) participated in this research, of whom 46.6% were not confined when tested and 53.4% were confined, analyzing the quality of life. A model of multi-group structural equations was performed, which adjusted very well (χ² = 559.577; DF = 38; p < 0.001; IFC = 0.934; NFI = 0.916; IFI = 0.934; RMSEA = 0.061). The results show a positive and direct relationship among all the variables studied and the structural equation model proposed according to confinement and sex reveals a good fit in all the evaluation indexes. Stress and sleep, personality, and introspection were the indicators with the greatest influence in the four models, followed by the family and friends indicator with a medium correlation strength, such as the health monitoring dimension, although this was not as influential in confined individuals. The main conclusions are that the best adjustments are obtained in confined adults and females, and the data show that the psychological indicators obtained (stress and sleep, personality, and introspection) have the greatest influence on adults in the four models proposed with regard to their quality of life. Full article