scholarly journals Development of a New Personality-Oriented Work Analysis Questionnaire: First Steps Towards Validation

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandru Ioan Manea ◽  
Dragos Iliescu

In this paper we detail the construction and validation process for a new personality-oriented work analysis instrument, in the form of a standardized questionnaire, based on extant research that shows that personality traits are good predictors of job performance. We present the process of item development, frame of reference training, rating scale creation, and the selection of subject matter experts. By administering the instrument to three distinct positions, the interrater reliability coefficients resulted between .80 and .94. We also investigated the instrument’s ability to discriminate between the same rated positions, and the results for this indicator were quite low. Conclusions provide some possible explanations for the lower resulted discriminability. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed as well as other future research for general improvement of data quality.

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-204
Author(s):  
Massimo Sargiacomo ◽  
Stefania Servalli ◽  
Serena Potito ◽  
Antonio D’Andreamatteo ◽  
Antonio Gitto

This study offers an analysis of published historical research on accounting for natural disasters. Drawing on the insights provided by an examination of 35 accounting/business/economic history and generalist journals, 11 articles have been selected and analysed. The analysis conducted on the scattered literature identified the emerging themes, disasters investigated, periods of time explored and main contributions of published research. The analysis is extended by the examination of some key conferences of interdisciplinary history associations, and of the eventual journals/issues where the papers presented were published. The investigation has also been complemented by a brief selection of books showing historical analyses of diverse disasters, typologies and periods of investigation. The stimuli provided by the study have helped to portray the main features of an open research agenda, highlighting possible future research topics and suggesting ancient and recent disasters’ loci to be investigated worldwide.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 737
Author(s):  
Indre Siksnelyte-Butkiene ◽  
Dalia Streimikiene ◽  
Tomas Balezentis ◽  
Virgilijus Skulskis

The European Commission has recently adopted the Renovation Wave Strategy, aiming at the improvement of the energy performance of buildings. The strategy aims to at least double renovation rates in the next ten years and make sure that renovations lead to higher energy and resource efficiency. The choice of appropriate thermal insulation materials is one of the simplest and, at the same time, the most popular strategies that effectively reduce the energy demand of buildings. Today, the spectrum of insulation materials is quite wide, and each material has its own specific characteristics. It is recognized that the selection of materials is one of the most challenging and difficult steps of a building project. This paper aims to give an in-depth view of existing multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) applications for the selection of insulation materials and to provide major insights in order to simplify the process of methods and criteria selection for future research. A systematic literature review is performed based on the Search, Appraisal, Synthesis and Analysis (SALSA) framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. In order to determine which MCDM method is the most appropriate for different questions, the main advantages and disadvantages of different methods are provided.


2020 ◽  
Vol 163 (3) ◽  
pp. 428-443
Author(s):  
Usman Khan ◽  
Jake MacPherson ◽  
Michael Bezuhly ◽  
Paul Hong

Objective To compare the effectiveness of conventional (CF), laser (LF), and Z-plasty (ZF) frenotomies for the treatment of ankyloglossia in the pediatric population. Data Sources A comprehensive search of PUBMED, EMBASE, and COCHRANE databases was performed. Review Methods Relevant articles were independently assessed by 2 reviewers according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results Thirty-five articles assessing CF (27 articles), LF (4 articles), ZF (3 articles), and/or rhomboid plasty frenotomy (1 article) were included. A high level of outcome heterogeneity prevented pooling of data. All 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were of low quality. Both CF (5 articles with 589 patients) and LF (2 articles with 78 patients) were independently shown to reduce maternal nipple pain on a visual analog or numeric rating scale. There were reports of improvement with breastfeeding outcomes as assessed on validated assessment tools for 88% (7/8) of CF articles (588 patients) and 2 LF articles (78 patients). ZF improved breastfeeding outcomes on subjective maternal reports (1 article with 18 infants) only. One RCT with a high risk of bias concluded greater speech articulation improvements with ZF compared to CF. Only minor adverse events were reported for all frenotomy techniques. Conclusions Current literature does not demonstrate a clear advantage for one frenotomy technique when managing children with ankyloglossia. Recommendations for future research are provided to overcome the methodological shortcomings in the literature. We conclude that all frenotomy techniques are safe and effective for treating symptomatic ankyloglossia.


Pain Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie L Dyer ◽  
Jessica Surdam ◽  
Jeffery A Dusek

Abstract Objective The goal of this systematic review was to evaluate practice-based, real-world research of individualized complementary and integrative health (CIH) therapies for pain as provided in CIH outpatient clinics. Methods A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase through Dec 2020. The study was listed in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020159193). Major categories of variables extracted included study details and demographics; interventions; and outcomes. Results The literature search yielded 3,316 records with 264 assessed for full text review. Of those, 23 studies (including ∼8,464 patients) were specific to pain conditions as a main outcome. Studies included chiropractic, acupuncture, multimodal individualized intervention/programs, physiotherapy, and anthroposophic medicine therapy. Retention rates ranged from 53% to 91%, with studies offering monetary incentives showing the highest retention. The 0–10 numerical rating scale was the most common pain questionnaire (n = 10, 43% of studies), with an average percent improvement across all studies and timepoints of 32% (range 18–60%). Conclusions Findings from this systematic review of practice-based, real-word research indicate that CIH therapies exert positive effects on various pain outcomes. Although all studies reported beneficial impacts on one or more pain outcomes, the heterogeneous nature of studies limits our overall understanding of CIH as provided in clinical settings. Accordingly, we present numerous recommendations to improve publication reporting and guide future research. Our call to action is future, practice-based CIH research is needed, but should be more expansive and in association with a CIH scientific society with academic and healthcare members.


Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 525
Author(s):  
Emily von Scheven ◽  
Bhupinder K. Nahal ◽  
Rosa Kelekian ◽  
Christina Frenzel ◽  
Victoria Vanderpoel ◽  
...  

Promoting hope was identified in our prior work as the top priority research question among patients and caregivers with diverse childhood-onset chronic conditions. Here, we aimed to construct a conceptual model to guide future research studies of interventions to improve hope. We conducted eight monthly virtual focus groups and one virtual workshop with patients, caregivers, and researchers to explore key constructs to inform the model. Discussions were facilitated by Patient Co-Investigators. Participants developed a definition of hope and identified promotors and inhibitors that influence the experience of hope. We utilized qualitative methods to analyze findings and organize the promotors and inhibitors of hope within three strata of the socio-ecologic framework: structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Participants identified three types of interventions to promote hope: resources, navigation, and activities to promote social connection. The hope conceptual model can be used to inform the selection of interventions to assess in future research studies aimed at improving hope and the specification of outcome measures to include in hope research studies. Inclusion of the health care system in the model provides direction for identifying strategies for improving the system and places responsibility on the system to do better to promote hope among young patients with chronic illness and their caregivers.


Author(s):  
Lisa H. Glassman ◽  
Nicholas P. Otis ◽  
Betty Michalewicz-Kragh ◽  
Kristen H. Walter

Surf therapy is increasingly being used as an intervention to address various health problems, including psychological symptoms. Although recent research supports the positive impact of surf therapy on psychological outcomes, it is unclear whether these outcomes differ between men and women. This study compared changes in depression/anxiety (Patient Health Questionnaire-4), positive affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), and pain (Numerical Pain Rating Scale) between U.S. service men and women (N = 74) during six weekly surf therapy sessions. Overall, participants reported decreased depression/anxiety (p < 0.001) and increased positive affect (p < 0.001), but no change in pain rating following each session (p = 0.141). Significant gender differences were found in the magnitude of changes in depression/anxiety (B = −1.01, p = 0.008) and positive affect (B = 4.53, p < 0.001) during surf sessions, despite no differences in pre-session scores on either outcome. Women showed greater improvements in depression/anxiety and positive affect compared with men—an important finding, given that surfing and military environments are often socially dominated by men. Future research is needed to replicate these findings in other samples, extend this research to other underrepresented populations, and identify barriers and facilitators of the sustainable implementation of surf therapy across populations.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maya Sussman ◽  
Elizabeth Goodier ◽  
Izabella Fabri ◽  
Jessica Borrowman ◽  
Sarah Thomas ◽  
...  

Background: In-hospital pain services (IPS) are commonplace, but evidence of efficacy is inadequate, and patients’ pain management in any hospital ward remains problematic. This service evaluation aimed to measure the effect of a contemporary IPS, its appropriate use and cost-efficacy. Methods: Records of 249 adults reviewed by the IPS in an inner London Teaching Hospital over an 8-month period were analysed for demographic data, interventions, workload and change in pain intensity measured by numerical rating scale (NRS). Non-parametric tests were used to evaluate differences between initial and final NRS. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to create a correlation matrix to evaluate associations between all identified independent variables with the change in NRS. All strongly correlated variables (ρ > 0.5) were subsequently included in a binary logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of pain resolution greater than 50% NRS and improvement rather than deterioration or no change in NRS. Finally, referral practice and cost of inappropriate referrals were estimated. Referrals were thought to be inappropriate when pain was not optimised by the referring team; they were identified using a set algorithm. Results: Initial median NRS and final median NRS were significantly different when a Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to the whole cohort; Z = –5.5 (p = 0.000). Subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the ‘mild’ pain group; z = –1.1 (p = 0.253). Regression analysis showed that for every unit increase in initial NRS, there was a 62% chance of general and a 33% chance of >50% improvement in final NRS. An estimated annual cost-saving potential of £1546 to £4558 was found in inappropriate referrals and patients experiencing no benefit from the service. Discussion: Results suggest that patients with moderate to severe pain benefit most from IPS input. Also pain management resources are often distributed inefficiently. Future research is required to develop algorithms for easy identification of potential treatment responders.


Author(s):  
Linye Jing ◽  
Maria I. Grigos

Purpose: Forming accurate and consistent speech judgments can be challenging when working with children with speech sound disorders who produce a large number and varied types of error patterns. Rating scales offer a systematic approach to assessing the whole word rather than individual sounds. Thus, these scales can be an efficient way for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to monitor treatment progress. This study evaluated the interrater reliability of an existing 3-point rating scale using a large group of SLPs as raters. Method: Utilizing an online platform, 30 SLPs completed a brief training and then rated single words produced by children with typical speech patterns and children with speech sound disorders. Words were closely balanced across the three rating categories of the scale. The interrater reliability of the SLPs ratings to a consensus judgment was examined. Results: The majority of SLPs (87%) reached substantial interrater reliability to a consensus judgment using the 3-point rating scale. Correct productions had the highest interrater reliability. Productions with extensive errors had higher agreement than those with minor errors. Certain error types, such as vowel distortions, were especially challenging for SLPs to judge. Conclusions: This study demonstrated substantial interrater reliability to a consensus judgment among a large majority of 30 SLPs using a 3-point rating. The clinical implications of the findings are discussed along with proposed modifications to the training procedure to guide future research.


2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey M. Childs-Kean ◽  
Heather L. Briggs ◽  
Jonathan C. Cho

AbstractAntimicrobial stewardship (AS) involves the appropriate selection of antimicrobials. Antimicrobial stewardship programs are mandated in hospitals and are expanding to involve outpatient arenas. Multiple articles have been published describing the need for AS education for medical and pharmacy students, beginning early in the students’ career to develop into competent AS practitioners. Additionally, publications have described the role and impact of medical and pharmacy trainees on AS programs. Here, we review the published evidence describing medical and pharmacy trainees’ involvement in AS and call for future research in this area.


2009 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Yazbek ◽  
A. Stewart ◽  
P. Becker

Aim: The aim of this study was to establish the validity and reliability of the Tswanatranslations of three pain scales.Design: This was a cross–sectional study to validate and test the reliability of threepain scales.Participants:   One hundred subjects participated in the study. They were selectedfrom the back schools of five hospitals in the North -West Province of South A frica andfrom workers in these hospitals who were employed as kitchen workers, laundryworkers and cleaners.Method: Translation of the pain scales and the stages of cross-cultural adaptation were followed as recommended byBeaton et al (2000). Pain tolerance of the subjects was measured using a P.T.M. (pressure threshold meter). The painscales used were the V.A .S. (visual analogue scale) one (nought and ten only), the V.A .S. (visual analogue scale) two(nought through to ten), the W.B.F. (Wong-Baker Faces pain measure) and the V.R.S. (verbal rating scale).  The V.R.S.used came in two forms. The first form was written on cue cards which the subjects arranged in order and the second form was the questionnaire version of the V.R.S.The subjects were interviewed and asked five questions relating to their back pain. Upon completion of the interviewthe pressure threshold of the painful area (back) was tested. Subjects then filled in the three pain scales, namely the (V.A .S. one, V.A .S. two, the V.R.S. and lastly the W.B.F. pain scale). Approximately a third of the sample (37) was retested the following day following the same procedure asdescribed above. Results: There was no correlation between the pressure threshold meter readings and the pain scale measurements.  Conclusion: From the statistical analysis of the results, it became apparent that the subjects tested did not have anunderstanding of any of the three pain scales. Future research needs to be done in developing entirely different scales for peoples of low literacy and differentlanguage and cultural groups in South Africa.


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