Are Improvements in Assessment Center Construct-Related Validity Paralleled by Improvements in Criterion-Related Validity?

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 184-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreja Wirz ◽  
Klaus G. Melchers ◽  
Stefan Schultheiss ◽  
Martin Kleinmann
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Assessment Center ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Single Study ◽  
Different Types

Previous studies have found that factors that improved assessment center (AC) construct-related validity also had beneficial effects on criterion-related validity. However, some factors might have diverging effects on construct- and criterion-related validity. Accordingly, we followed recent calls to evaluate construct- and criterion-related validity of ACs simultaneously by examining the effects of exercise similarity on both aspects of validity within a single study. Data were collected in an AC (N = 92) that consisted of two different types of exercises. Convergent validity was better for similar exercises than it was for dissimilar exercises. However, regarding criterion-related validity, we did not find differences between similar and dissimilar exercises. Hence, this study revealed that improvements in AC construct-related validity are not necessarily paralleled by improvements in criterion-related validity.

Intergenerational Programs in Schools

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiska Cohen-Mansfield ◽  
Barbara Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Study Data ◽  
Allocation Of Resources ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Intergenerational Programs ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Perceived Impact ◽  
Program Characteristics ◽  
Volunteer Commitment ◽  
Intergenerational Programming

This study examined the prevalence, types, and perceived impact of intergenerational programs in schools. Programs involving senior volunteers assisting children, or children participating in activities with older people were considered. Of the schools reached, 47% reported intergenerational programming. Thirty-three schools in the Tel-Aviv region participated in the study. Data were collected from 85 seniors, 26 teachers, and 20 coordinators. Assessments included program characteristics, program preparation, and perceived benefits and difficulties. Both programs were reported to have beneficial effects for seniors and to benefit children in the academic, social, and emotional domains. However, programs appeared to attract different types of volunteers and different degrees of volunteer commitment. Findings suggest that there is a need to pay additional attention to both participants’ specific requests and needs and to the allocation of resources to improve the design and implementation of intergenerational programs.

scholarly journals Stem cells and exosomes: promising candidates for necrotizing enterocolitis therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruijie Zeng ◽  
Jinghua Wang ◽  
Zewei Zhuo ◽  
Yujun Luo ◽  
Weihong Sha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Necrotizing Enterocolitis ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Pediatric Diseases ◽  
Gastrointestinal Conditions ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Novel Therapeutic Strategies

AbstractNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease predominately affecting neonates. Despite therapeutic advances, NEC remains the leading cause of mortality due to gastrointestinal conditions in neonates. Stem cells have been exploited in various diseases, and the application of different types of stem cells in the NEC therapy is explored in the past decade. However, stem cell transplantation possesses several deficiencies, and exosomes are considered potent alternatives. Exosomes, especially those derived from stem cells and breast milk, demonstrate beneficial effects for NEC both in vivo and in vitro and emerge as promising options for clinical practice. In this review, the function and therapeutic effects of stem cells and exosomes for NEC are investigated and summarized, which provide insights for the development and application of novel therapeutic strategies in pediatric diseases. Further elucidation of mechanisms, improvement in preparation, bioengineering, and administration, as well as rigorous clinical trials are warranted.

scholarly journals Metabolic Profiling of Xylooligosaccharides by Lactobacilli

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2387
Author(s):  
Ilia Iliev ◽  
Tonka Vasileva ◽  
Veselin Bivolarski ◽  
Albena Momchilova ◽  
Iskra Ivanova
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Lactobacillus Brevis ◽  
Degree Of Polymerization ◽  
Acid Fermentation ◽  
Carbohydrate Utilization ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Mixed Acid ◽  
Rat Liver Plasma Membranes ◽  
Different Types

Three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, and Lactobacillus sakei isolated from meat products were tested for their ability to utilize and grow on xylooligosaccharides (XOSs). The extent of carbohydrate utilization by the studied strains was analyzed by HPLC. All three strains showed preferences for the degree of polymerization (DP). The added oligosaccharides induced the LAB to form end-products of typical mixed-acid fermentation. The utilization of XOSs by the microorganisms requires the action of three important enzymes: β-xylosidase (EC 3.2.1.37) exo-oligoxylanase (EC 3.2.1.156) and α-L-arabinofuranosidase (EC 3.2.1.55). The presence of intracellular β-D-xylosidase in Lb. brevis, Lb. plantarum, and Lb. sakei suggest that XOSs might be the first imported into the cell by oligosaccharide transporters, followed by their degradation to xylose. The studies on the influence of XOS intake on the lipids of rat liver plasma membranes showed that oligosaccharides display various beneficial effects for the host organism, which are probably specific for each type of prebiotic used. The utilization of different types of oligosaccharides may help to explain the ability of Lactobacillus strains to compete with other bacteria in the ecosystem of the human gastrointestinal tract.

Antipsychotic Medication Adherence Scale (AMAS): Development and preliminary psychometric properties

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s258-s259
Author(s):  
M.J. Martins ◽  
A.T. Pereira ◽  
C.B. Carvalho ◽  
P. Castilho ◽  
A.C. Lopes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Antipsychotic Medication ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Statistical Analysis Plan ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Adherence Scale ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionAlthough being highly consensual that antipsychotic adherence is an important outcome predictor in psychosis, existing reviews have found mean rates of adherence around 40–60%. Several aspects, such as patient-related, medication-related, environmental-related variables have been described as important predictors.AimsThis study aim is to develop, administer and present preliminary psychometric properties of a new scale for antipsychotic medication adherence that includes different types of predictors (clinical, psychosocial, and practical among others).MethodsThe “AMAS” was developed by a multidisciplinary team and was based on recent research on factors influencing antipsychotic adherence. The scale evolved from multiple drafts and experts were contacted in order to improve the final version. Over 50 patients with a diagnosis of a psychotic-spectrum disorder taking antipsychotic medication will be assessed with the “AMAS” and the Medication Adherence Rating Scale. Additionally, each patient's psychiatrist will fill in a form with demographic and clinical variables (such as type of symptoms, previous adherence problems, current adherence, insight and other relevant variables).ResultsThis is an ongoing study and the sample is still being collected (scheduled finish date: February/2016). Our statistical analysis’ plan includes: reliability analysis (Chronbach's alpha, alpha if item deleted, inter item correlations and covariances and item-total correlations); validity (convergent validity); factorial analysis.ConclusionsIt is hypothesized that the “AMAS” will be a practical, reliable and valid unidimentional instrument with clinical utility assessing adherence to antipsychotics. The “AMAS” can be also useful in assessing intervention targets (e.g. psychoterapeutical, psychoeducational) to enhance adherence.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Alleviation of Multidrug Resistance by Flavonoid and Non-Flavonoid Compounds in Breast, Lung, Colorectal and Prostate Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teodora Costea ◽  
Oana Cezara Vlad ◽  
Luminita-Claudia Miclea ◽  
Constanta Ganea ◽  
János Szöllősi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Multidrug Resistance ◽  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Epithelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Inhibition Of Proliferation ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Phenolcarboxylic Acids

The aim of the manuscript is to discuss the influence of plant polyphenols in overcoming multidrug resistance in four types of solid cancers (breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer). Effective treatment requires the use of multiple toxic chemotherapeutic drugs with different properties and targets. However, a major cause of cancer treatment failure and metastasis is the development of multidrug resistance. Potential mechanisms of multidrug resistance include increase of drug efflux, drug inactivation, detoxification mechanisms, modification of drug target, inhibition of cell death, involvement of cancer stem cells, dysregulation of miRNAs activity, epigenetic variations, imbalance of DNA damage/repair processes, tumor heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and modulation of reactive oxygen species. Taking into consideration that synthetic multidrug resistance agents have failed to demonstrate significant survival benefits in patients with different types of cancer, recent research have focused on beneficial effects of natural compounds. Several phenolic compounds (flavones, phenolcarboxylic acids, ellagitannins, stilbens, lignans, curcumin, etc.) act as chemopreventive agents due to their antioxidant capacity, inhibition of proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis, modulation of immune and inflammatory responses or inactivation of pro-carcinogens. Moreover, preclinical and clinical studies revealed that these compounds prevent multidrug resistance in cancer by modulating different pathways. Additional research is needed regarding the role of phenolic compounds in the prevention of multidrug resistance in different types of cancer.

Interaction orientation based on value co-creation theory: scale development and validation

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 298-322
Author(s):  
Hongyan Yu ◽  
Rong Liu ◽  
Daowu Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Operational Definition ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interaction Quality

Purpose With the rapid development of information technologies and the internet, firms have increasingly focussed on customer interactions to realise value co-creation. Previous studies have empirically examined interaction orientation, but their measurements have been derived from goods-dominant logic and have not explained the mechanism of value co-creation. The purpose of this paper is to propose an operational definition and define the dimensions of interaction orientation based on value co-creation theory (IOVCC), and then develop a scale for it. Design/methodology/approach In this study, data were collected from employees via three questionnaire surveys, and then analysed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Findings The findings are as follows: IOVCC represents a firm’s implementation of a set of marketing actions aimed at inserting the firm into its customers’ daily life practices and co-creating value with the customers. The construct of IOVCC consists of five behavioural dimensions: “building communication channels”, “involving customers in co-production”, “improving service capabilities”, “improving interaction quality” and “integrating interaction resources”. The measurement scale for IOVCC has acceptable levels of reliability, content validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity and nomological validity. Originality/value This study enriches the literature on value co-creation theory by revealing the process and actions of co-creating value. It also contributes to the understanding of service touchpoints by highlighting the interaction quality of touchpoints. In addition, the authors have developed a reliable and valid scale for IOVCC, thereby facilitating the measurement of a firm’s implementation of the “value co-creation” business philosophy.

Effects of methionine on endogenous antioxidants in the heart

1999 ◽  
Vol 277 (6) ◽  
pp. H2124-H2128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charita K. Seneviratne ◽  
Timao Li ◽  
Neelam Khaper ◽  
Pawan K. Singal
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Enzyme Activities ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Sod Activity ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Physiological Conditions ◽  
Control Value ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Endogenous Antioxidants ◽  
Gshpx Activity

The deficiency of methionine, an essential amino acid, is associated with cardiovascular lesions. Because different types of cardiac pathologies are caused by a decrease in antioxidants, we examined the effects of methionine on myocardial antioxidant enzymes in hemodynamically assessed rats that were treated with methionine (10 mg/ml) in drinking water for 12, 24, and 48 h. Glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity was significantly increased to 150.5 ± 12.2 and 191.7 ± 13.7% of the control value at 12 and 24 h, respectively, followed by a decline to 120 ± 24.6% at 48 h. The mRNA levels of GSHPx at these time points were 151.2 ± 12.0, 218.7 ± 35.3, and 173.5 ± 25.2%, respectively. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was 144.3 ± 3.7, 114.3 ± 10.1, and 143.1 ± 11.2% at 12, 24, and 48 h, respectively. Catalase (Cat) activity was 272.4 ± 5.4, 237.8 ± 16.6, and 224.1 ± 17.3% of the control value. The expression of Cat and SOD mRNA was unchanged at 12, 24, and 48 h. The lipid peroxidation was decreased by 24.4 ± 11.2, 54.9 ± 0.1, and 6.4 ± 2.1% at 12, 24, and 48 h, respectively. Methionine had no effect on the ventricular or aortic pressures, heart rate, and myocardial glutathione levels at any of the time points. The study shows that methionine has a significant effect on the myocardial antioxidant enzyme activities, and only changes in GSHPx enzyme activity correlated with the mRNA changes. These antioxidant changes may have a role in the beneficial effects of methionine in pathological rather than physiological conditions.

It’s like another world: the perceived beneficial effects of an artistically designed multisensory environment

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bliss Cavanagh ◽  
Kirsti Haracz ◽  
Miranda Lawry ◽  
Carole James
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Variation Approach ◽  
Restorative Environment ◽  
Multisensory Environment

Self-management strategies have been identified as having a key role in supporting mental health and preventing mental illness. Evidence suggests that spending time in nature, experiencing or viewing artwork and accessing sensory rooms all support self-management and positive mental health among varied clinical populations. This evidence informed the design of the sensory–art space (SAS), an artistically designed multisensory environment, which drew on themes and images of nature.The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceived benefits of the SAS among members of a university community.A maximum variation approach to sampling was used, and 18 participants were included in this qualitative study. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis.The findings presented six themes. The two core themes were: it’s like another world, and easy to focus and describe how the SAS produced the beneficial effects described in the four remaining themes of: emotionally nutritious, meditative effects, relaxation and therapeutic.Participants identified beneficial effects of the SAS that were consistent with the evidence for other self-management strategies. The identified benefits also aligned with existing theories suggesting that the SAS functioned as a restorative environment. This study is the first to explore the experience of art in a multisensory and multidimensional capacity, which further contributes to the growing field of receptive engagement with the arts for health outcomes.

The Evolving Basis for the Design of Light Gauge Steel Systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (13) ◽  
pp. 2041008
Author(s):  
Pinelopi Kyvelou ◽  
David A. Nethercot ◽  
Nicolas Hadjipantelis ◽  
Constantinos Kyprianou ◽  
Leroy Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Models ◽  
Numerical Approach ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Exact Nature ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Plate Elements ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Test Behavior ◽  
General Basis ◽  
The Many

The importance of allowing for the many different types of structural interaction that have an effect on the performance of light gauge members when used in practical situations is emphasized. A distinction is drawn between internal interactions involving the various plate elements of the steel profiles and external interactions involving the other components in the system. Although full-scale testing of representative systems can capture this behavior, the costs involved make this an impractical general basis for design; codified methods generally consider only isolated plates within members and isolated members within systems, thereby neglecting the potentially beneficial effects of both forms of interaction. Properly used, modern methods of numerical analysis offer the potential to systematically allow for both forms of interaction — provided the numerical models used have been adequately validated against suitable tests. The use of such an approach is explained and illustrated for three commonly used structural systems: roof purlins, floor beams, and columns in stud walls. In each case, it is shown that, provided sufficient care is taken, the numerical approach can yield accurate predictions of the observed test behavior. The subsequently generated large portfolio of numerical results can then provide clear insights into the exact nature of the various interactions and, thus, form the basis for more realistic design approaches that are both more accurate in their predictions and which lead to more economic designs. Building on this, modifying existing arrangements so as to yield superior performance through specific modifications is now possible. Two such examples, one in which improved interconnection between the components in a system is investigated and a second in which prestressing is shown to provide substantial enhancement for relatively small and simple changes, are presented.

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