Development and evaluation of novel science and chemistry identity measures

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 852-877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn N. Hosbein ◽  
Jack Barbera
Keyword(s):  
Identity Formation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
The United States ◽  
Situational Interest ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Verbal Persuasion ◽  
Mastery Experiences ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
The Impact

Identity has been proposed as a mechanism to increase persistence within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education programs. To assess the impact of identity on STEM persistence, measures that produce valid and reliable data within a given STEM discipline need to be employed. Therefore, this study developed and evaluated the functioning of science and chemistry identity measures in the context of university-level chemistry courses. The developed measures were administered to students enrolled in general and organic chemistry courses at four universities across the United States. Validity and reliability evidence for the data provided by the novel measures was supported using confirmatory factor analysis and McDonald's omega. Additionally, two competing structural equation models (SEMs), designed to explore the relations between mastery experiences, verbal persuasion, situational interest, and science or chemistry identity, were tested and compared to previously reported results. Both SEMs produced acceptable data-model fit, therefore a superior model was chosen based on theoretical support. Within both SEMs, the direct pathway (relation) between mastery experiences and identity was nonsignificant. The more supported model proposed that the relation was indirect and facilitated through verbal persuasion and situational interest. While the indirect relation was supported in both courses, the predominate pathway varied by course. Limitations of the science identity measure, recommendations for future use of the Measure of Chemistry Identity (MoChI), and suggestions for the facilitation of positive identity formation within chemistry classrooms are discussed.

Disentangling food insecurity and maternal depression: Which comes first?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Layton Reesor-Oyer ◽  
Aliye B. Cepni ◽  
Che Young Lee ◽  
Xue Zhao ◽  
Daphne C. Hernandez
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Maternal Depression ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Composite International Diagnostic Interview ◽  
The United States ◽  
Time Points ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: To determine the temporal directionality of the association between food insecurity and maternal depression. Design: Food insecurity was measured at two time points using the 18-item USDA Food Security Scale. Maternal depression was measured at two time points using the 15-item Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form. Two structural equation models were utilized to evaluate the impact of food insecurity on maternal depression (model 1) and the impact of maternal depression on food insecurity (model 2). Both models controlled for socio-demographic and parenting characteristics and child behavior problems, along with prior measures of the dependent variable, concurrent measures of the independent variable. Setting: Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing (FFCW) study, 20 cities across the United States Participants: 4,897 mothers who participated in two waves of the FFCW study. Results: On average, 17% (time 1) and 15% (time 2) of mothers experienced food insecurity and 21% (time 1) and 17% (time 2) of mothers experienced depression over time. Maternal depression at time 1 was associated with 53% increased odds (OR=1.53; B=0.43; p <.001) of food insecurity at time 2, controlling for time 1 food insecurity, concurrent depression, and covariates. Food insecurity at time 1 was associated with 36% increased odds (OR=1.36; B=0.31; p <.001) of maternal depression at time 2, controlling for time 1 depression, concurrent food insecurity, and covariates. Conclusions: We found a bidirectional relationship between food insecurity and maternal depression. A holistic approach that combines food assistance and mental health services may be an efficacious approach to reducing both depressive symptoms food insecurity among low-income mothers.

scholarly journals SEM-PLS Approach to Green Building

Encyclopedia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 472-481
Author(s):  
Nasim Aghili ◽  
Mehdi Amirkhani
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Renewable Materials ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Building Operation ◽  
The Impact

Green buildings refer to buildings that decrease adverse environmental effects and maintain natural resources. They can diminish energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, the usage of non-renewable materials, water consumption, and waste generation while improving occupants’ health and well-being. As such, several rating tools and benchmarks have been developed worldwide to assess green building performance (GBP), including the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) in the United Kingdom, German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in the United States and Canada, Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE) in Japan, Green Star in Australia, Green Mark in Singapore, and Green Building Index in Malaysia. Energy management (EM) during building operation could also improve GBP. One of the best approaches to evaluating the impact of EM on GBP is by using structural equation modelling (SEM). SEM is a commanding statistical method to model testing. One of the most used SEM variance-based approaches is partial least squares (PLS), which can be implemented in the SmartPLS application. PLS-SEM uses path coefficients to determine the strength and significance of the hypothesised relationships between the latent constructs.

scholarly journals Assessing the Impact of Multi-Morbidity and Related Constructs on Patient Reported Safety in Primary Care: Generalized Structural Equation Modelling of Observational Data

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1782
Author(s):  
Ignacio Ricci-Cabello ◽  
Aina María Yañez-Juan ◽  
Maria A. Fiol-deRoque ◽  
Alfonso Leiva ◽  
Joan Llobera Canaves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Patient Safety ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Morbidity Burden ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Patient Complexity ◽  
Complex Relationships ◽  
The Impact

We aimed to examine the complex relationships between patient safety processes and outcomes and multimorbidity using a comprehensive set of constructs: multimorbidity, polypharmacy, discordant comorbidity (diseases not sharing either pathogenesis nor management), morbidity burden and patient complexity. We used cross-sectional data from 4782 patients in 69 primary care centres in Spain. We constructed generalized structural equation models to examine the associations between multimorbidity constructs and patient-reported patient safety (PREOS-PC questionnaire). These associations were modelled through direct and indirect (mediated by increased interactions with healthcare) pathways. For women, a consistent association between higher levels of the multimorbidity constructs and lower levels of patient safety was observed via either pathway. The findings for men replicated these observations for polypharmacy, morbidity burden and patient complexity via indirect pathways. However, direct pathways showed unexpected associations between higher levels of multimorbidity and better safety. The consistent association between multimorbidity constructs and worse patient safety among women makes it advisable to target this group for the development of interventions, with particular attention to the role of comorbidity discordance. Further research, particularly qualitative research, is needed for clarifying the complex associations among men.

Suicidal Ideation Among International Students: The Role of Cultural, Academic, and Interpersonal Factors

2021 ◽  
pp. 001100002110024
Author(s):  
Andrés E. Pérez Rojas ◽  
Na-Yeun Choi ◽  
Minji Yang ◽  
Theodore T. Bartholomew ◽  
Giovanna M. Pérez
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Thwarted Belongingness ◽  
Perceived Burdensomeness ◽  
Using Data

We examined two structural equation models of international students’ suicidal ideation using data from 595 international students in two public universities in the United States. The models represented competing hypotheses about the relationships among discrimination, cross-cultural loss, academic distress, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and suicidal ideation. The findings indicated there were direct, positive links between discrimination, cross-cultural loss, and academic distress to perceived burdensomeness; a direct, positive link between perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation; and indirect, positive links between discrimination, cross-cultural loss, and academic distress to suicidal ideation via perceived burdensomeness. The only predictors that related to thwarted belongingness were cross-cultural loss and academic distress, and there were no indirect links to suicidal ideation via thwarted belongingness. In fact, with all other variables in the model, thwarted belongingness was unrelated to suicidal ideation. Finally, academic distress was directly related to suicidal ideation. We discuss implications of the findings.

Considering the Impact of Early Trauma on Coping and Pathology to Predict Posttraumatic Growth Among 9-1-1 Telecommunicators

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (21-22) ◽  
pp. 4709-4731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa J. London ◽  
Mary C. Mercer ◽  
Michelle M. Lilly
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Lifetime Trauma ◽  
Early Trauma ◽  
The Impact

Recent research has demonstrated that first responders may report posttraumatic growth (PTG), positive psychological changes that arise in the aftermath of a trauma. Less is known regarding the perception of PTG among 9-1-1 telecommunicators, a group of first responders exposed to a high degree of lifetime trauma, including duty-related trauma as well as early and non-duty-related trauma. Moreover, the impact of childhood trauma on the processes involved in the perception of growth is less clear. While some distress is needed to facilitate processes that lead to the perception of PTG, it has been suggested that positive associations between PTG and pathology reflect avoidant coping or represent an illusory component of PTG. Structural equation models were used to examine early trauma exposure, coping, and pathology in predicting PTG among 9-1-1 telecommunicators ( N = 788). In separate models using active and avoidant forms of coping, childhood trauma exposure had an indirect effect on PTG through coping. In a model considering both forms of coping, childhood trauma had an indirect effect on PTG through psychopathology, but not through coping. The results show that early trauma exposure leads to the perception of growth through pathways indicative of both adaptive and maladaptive coping processes.

scholarly journals Effects of herbivory and its timing on reproductive success of a tropical deciduous tree

2020 ◽  
Vol 126 (5) ◽  
pp. 957-969
Author(s):  
Enya N Quiroz-Pacheco ◽  
Francisco Mora ◽  
Karina Boege ◽  
César A Domínguez ◽  
Ek del-Val
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Leaf Damage ◽  
Deciduous Tree ◽  
Herbivore Damage ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Foliar Damage ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background and Aims The implications of herbivory for plant reproduction have been widely studied; however, the relationship of defoliation and reproductive success is not linear, as there are many interacting factors that may influence reproductive responses to herbivore damage. In this study we aimed to disentangle how the timing of foliar damage impacts both male and female components of fitness, and to assess when it has greater impacts on plant reproductive success. Methods We measured herbivore damage and its effects on floral production, male and female floral attributes as well as fruit yield in three different phenological phases of Casearia nitida (Salicaceae) over the course of two consecutive years. Then we tested two models of multiple causal links among herbivory and reproductive success using piecewise structural equation models. Key Results The effects of leaf damage differed between reproductive seasons and between male and female components of fitness. Moreover, the impact of herbivory extended beyond the year when it was exerted. The previous season’s cumulated foliar damage had the largest impact on reproductive characters, in particular a negative effect on the numbers of inflorescences, flowers and pollen grains, indirectly affecting the numbers of infructescences and fruits, and a positive one on the amount of foliar damage during flowering. Conclusions For perennial and proleptic species, the dynamics of resource acquisition and allocation patterns for reproduction promote and extend the effects of herbivore damage to longer periods than a single reproductive event and growing season, through the interactions among different components of female and male fitness.

scholarly journals Sustainable Banking and Bank Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
Lilik Handajani ◽  
Akram Akram ◽  
Ahmad Rifai
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Bank Performance ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Nonfinancial Performance ◽  
Banking Business ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
The Impact

This research aims to examine the impact of sustainable banking practices and bank characteristics on bank performance. Structural equation models were used to analyze 11 banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange that published sustainability reports consistently during the periods of 2015–2018. Results indicate that while the internalization of sustainability issues in banking business practices does not have a significant impact on bank performance, the characteristics of a bank, which are reflected by institutional and foreign ownership and bank age, have a significant effect on bank financial and nonfinancial performance. The implications of sustainable banking practices are indicated to gain legitimacy from regulators for the existence of financial entities and meet stakeholder expectations, which in practice require trade-off of interests among stakeholder groups. Keywords:  sustainable banking, bank performance,  bank characteristic

scholarly journals Patient Engagement in Health Management as a Mediator Between Perceived Risk and COVID-19 Related Distress in Patients With IBD: A Structural Equation Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greta Castellini ◽  
Lorenzo Palamenghi ◽  
Mariarosaria Savarese ◽  
Serena Barello ◽  
Salvatore Leone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Patient Engagement ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
The Impact

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 emergency on patients with IBD's psychological distress, understanding the role of patient engagement as a mediator.Methods: An online questionnaire was created, measuring perceived risk susceptibility toward COVID-19, perceived stress, and patient engagement. The questionnaire was distributed to a purposive sample of IBD patients who belonged to the Italian Association for patients with IBD (AMICI Onlus) in April 2020. Structural equation models were implemented.Results: The effect of the perceived risk susceptibility toward COVID-19 contagion on the perceived stress is fully mediated by patient engagement (β = 0.306, p &lt; 0.001). Moreover, the patient engagement mitigates the perceived stress (β = −0.748, p &lt; 0.001) in our sample of IBD patients, and it is negatively influenced by the perceived risk susceptibility toward COVID-19 (β = −0.410, p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: Patient engagement is the key factor that explains how the perceived risk susceptibility toward COVID-19 affects the perceived psychological distress in patients with IBD, underlining that the perceived risk of contagion increases their perceived level of stress through a decrease of patient engagement.

scholarly journals An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Agency Banking on Financial Inclusion in Benue State, Nigeria: Implications for Economic Activities

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
David Terfa Akighir ◽  
Tyagher Margaret ◽  
Jacob Terungwa Tyagher ◽  
Tordue Emmanuel Kpoghul
Keyword(s):  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
The State ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
The Impact

Twelve (12) out of the Twenty-three (23) local government areas (LGAs) in Benue State do not have the presence of banks over a long period of time. This situation has deprived the inhabitants of these LGAs of access to formal financial services until the advent of agency banking. This study therefore, investigates the impact of agency banking on financial inclusion and economic activities in Benue State focusing on the agency banking activities of First Bank Ltd. The study is anchored on the agency theory and it used a survey design. The study has utilized both primary and secondary data that were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and structural equation models. Findings of the study have revealed that agency banking activities of First Bank Ltd have immensely enhanced financial inclusion and economic activities in Benue State. However, challenges such as shortages of cash, security problems, network failures, and lack of financial literacy are militating against the smooth operations of the agency banking in the State. On the basis of these findings, the study has recommended among others that, other banks operating in the State should be encouraged to venture into agency banking in the state so as to have a wider coverage of agency banking in the State. Also, government should provide security and partner with the private sector to provide national carrier communication network system to overcome the network failure challenge. Finally, banks should intensify efforts to educate the masses about the validity and potency of agency banking.

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