Validating Italian General Ecological Behaviour Questionnaire of Travellers Using Dichotomous Rasch Model

Ecological behaviour and its impact on the environment are subjects of public concern and understanding individual behavioural measures to induce sustainable lifestyles is of extreme importance for policy makers to assess and promote sustainable mobility. To this end, a questionnaire with highly reliable items, evaluations of determinants and accurate measurements of ecological behaviour is a precondition for understanding the levers of behavioural change. This paper aims at an understanding of whether the dichotomous Rasch model provides a legitimate measurement of General Ecological Behaviour (GEB) using a 26-item questionnaire as a valid tool to assess the pro-environment behaviour of a large sample of users. A web questionnaire was administered using the snowball sampling plan in the Piedmont region (Italy), with a sample of 4473 respondents. The results suggest that using the dichotomous Rasch model, the proposed questionnaire is able to effectively measure the pro-environment behaviour of travellers. Unidimensionality, the perfect level of item reliability of 1, the very high item separation of 34.22, the absence of larger differential item functions, and the local independence are all good indicators of a valid model. This research shows how a good, validated, and reliable measurement of ecological behaviour would support public bodies in planning environment-focused transport policies thanks to the knowledge of which variables determine pro-environment behaviour. In addition, the proposed approach also allows us to measure the efficacy of the adopted policies.

Efficient and precise Ultra-QuickDASH scale measuring lymphedema impact developed using computerized adaptive testing

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate and improve the accuracy and efficiency of the QuickDASH for use in assessment of limb function in patients with upper extremity lymphedema using modern psychometric techniques. Method We conducted confirmative factor analysis (CFA) and Mokken analysis to examine the assumption of unidimensionality for IRT model on data from 285 patients who completed the QuickDASH, and then fit the data to Samejima’s graded response model (GRM) and assessed the assumption of local independence of items and calibrated the item responses for CAT simulation. Results Initial CFA and Mokken analyses demonstrated good scalability of items and unidimensionality. However, the local independence of items assumption was violated between items 9 (severity of pain) and 11 (sleeping difficulty due to pain) (Yen’s Q3 = 0.46) and disordered thresholds were evident for item 5 (cutting food). After addressing these breaches of assumptions, the re-analyzed GRM with the remaining 10 items achieved an improved fit. Simulation of CAT administration demonstrated a high correlation between scores on the CAT and the QuickDash (r = 0.98). Items 2 (doing heavy chores) and 8 (limiting work or daily activities) were the most frequently used. The correlation among factor scores derived from the QuickDASH version with 11 items and the Ultra-QuickDASH version with items 2 and 8 was as high as 0.91. Conclusion By administering just these two best performing QuickDash items we can obtain estimates that are very similar to those obtained from the full-length QuickDash without the need for CAT technology.

Psychometric properties of the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system scale v1.2: global health (PROMIS-GH) in a Dutch general population

Purpose To assess the psychometric properties of the Dutch-Flemish Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Scale v1.2 – Global Health (PROMIS-GH). Methods The PROMIS-GH (also referred to as PROMIS-10) was administered to 4370 persons from the Dutch general population. Unidimensionality (CFI ≥ 0.95; TLI ≥ 0.95; RMSEA ≤ 0.06; SRMR ≤ 0.08), local independence (residual correlations < 0.20), monotonicity (H > 0.30), model fit with the Graded Response Model (GRM, p < 0.001), internal consistency (alpha > 0.75), precision (total score information across the latent trait), measurement invariance (no Differential Item Functioning [DIF]), and cross-cultural validity (no DIF for language, Dutch vs. United States English) of its subscales, composed of four items each, Global Mental Health (GMH) and Global Physical Health (GPH), were assessed. Results Confirmatory factor analyses, on both subscales, revealed slight departures from unidimensionality for GMH (CFI = 0.98; TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.22; SRMR = 0.04) and GPH (CFI = 0.99; TLI = 0.97; RMSEA = 0.12; SRMR = 0.03). Local independence, monotonicity, GRM model fit, internal consistency, precision and cross-cultural validity were supported. However, Global10 (emotional problems) showed misfit on the GMH subscale, while Global08 (fatigue) presented DIF for age. Conclusion The psychometric properties of the PROMIS-GH in the Dutch population were considered acceptable. Sufficient local independence, monotonicity, GRM fit, internal consistency, measurement invariance and cross-cultural validity were found. If future studies find similar results, structural validity of the GMH could be enhanced by improving or replacing Global10 (emotional problems).

The Effect of Regional Original Income and general allocation funds on Regional Expenditures on South Bolaang Mongondow Regency

The purpose of this study was to determine how much influence revenue (PAD) and general allocation fund (DAU) to spending in South Bolaang Mongondow area, either partially or simultaneously. This research is quantitative by using secondary data from the Budget Realization Report Revenue and Expenditure in local government South Bolaang Mongondow. This study indicates that Regional Original Income and general allocation funds positive and significant effect on Regional Expenditures. With the results of the first t-test analysis of 0.003 <0.05 and the t-count value of 3.975 > t-table 2.262, the second t-test of 0.003 <0.05 and the t-count value of 4.103> t table 2,262, and there is a simultaneous influence of Regional Original Revenue and general allocation funds on Regional Expenditures with F test analysis of 0.008 < 0.05 and F arithmetic value 8.823 > F table 4.10. Thus, regional Original Revenue and general allocation funds simultaneously or together positively influenced Regional Expenditures for South Bolaang Mongondow Regency in 2009-2020, expected that government areas to continue to improve reception on local revenue sources to create local independence. Besides the local government, South Bolaang Mongondow must also manage allocation funds with the right target.

Mathematics Test Development By Item Response Theory Approach And Its Measrument On Elementary School Students

This research is a development and measurement research. This research is conducted to develop a good instrument in measuring elementary school students’ skill by IRT approach which based on; 1) validity and reliability of instrument; 2) assumption test; unidimensional, local independence and parameter invariance; 3) characteristics of item test and 4) measuring students’ ability. This research is developed by the development model of DjemariMardapi, such as: 1) arranging test specification, 2) writing the test, 3) examining the test, 4) conducting trial test, 5) analyzing the item test, 6) improving the test, 7) assembling the test, 8) implementing the test and 9) interpreting the result of test. The research founding; 1) the range of aiken value developed for instrument test of grade 3 is 0.83-1. While the reliability coefficient of instrument test of math skill in grade 3 is 0.883. the result indicates that the item test developed has good validity and reliability. 2) unidimensional test is fulfilled since the test is proven only measure one dominant dimension i.e., the same skill. The assumption test of local independence is also fulfilled due to the value of covariant among interval of skill is small or close to zero. The calculation result between difficulty level from response includes in high category, therefore the assumption of parameter invariance of skill is fulfilled; 3) based on analysis of the three instruments of fit model result, it fits on 2Pl model, so on the parameter estimation of the item, overall package estimates on 2PL model or parameter b and a (difficulty level and trick). Based on the analysis result of parameter item test in grade 3 indicates that the overall item is on good categories of difficulty level and trick; 4) the measurement of students’ skill indicates that the average of students’ skill is 0.451 with the maximum skill score of students is 3.185 and the minimum students’ skill is -2.282. if it is observed from students’ average score, students in the research samples have good average of math skill.

Investigating psychometric properties of the arm activity measure – Thai version (ArmA-TH) sub‐scales using the Rasch model

Background This study investigated the ArmA-TH sub-scale measurement properties based on item response theory using the Rasch model. Methods Patients with upper limb hemiplegia resulting from cerebrovascular and other brain disorders were asked to complete the ArmA-TH questionnaire. Rasch analysis was performed to test how well the ArmA-TH passive and active function sub-scales fit the Rasch model by investigating unidimensionality, response category functioning, reliability of person and item, and differential item functioning (DIF) for age, sex, and education. Results Participants had stroke or other acquired brain injury (n = 185), and the majority were men (126, 68.1 %), with a mean age of 55 (SD 22). Most patients (91, 49.2 %) had graduated from elementary/primary school. For the ArmA-TH passive function scale, all items had acceptable fit statistics. The scale’s unidimensionality and local independence were supported. The reliability was acceptable. A disordered threshold was found for five items, and none indicated DIF. For the ArmA-TH active function scale, one item was misfit and three were locally dependent. The reliability was good. No items showed DIF. All items had disordered thresholds, and the data fitted the Rasch model better after rescoring. Conclusions Both sub-scales of ArmA-TH fitted the Rasch model and were valid and reliable. The disordered thresholds should be further investigated.

Analisis Kemandirian dan Kemampuan Keuangan Daerah serta Pengaruhnya Terhadap Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Kabupaten/Kota di Provinsi Sumatera Selatan

Fiscal decentralization aims to improve regional finance independency and reduce the fiscal dependency of central goverment. However, in practice, there are still many areas that rely on the assistance central finance for their regional development. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of development of local independence and financial ability as well as effects on economic growth in regency and city in the Sumatera selatan Province year 2008-2018.this research takes place in regency and city in the sumatera selatan province. While the data used in this research is financial data and economic growth 2008-2018 in the sumatera selatan province. Methods of data analysis in this study there are two kinds, the first is the ratio of local independence and the ratio of local financial ability. Secondly, to investigate the influence of independent variables on the dependent variable used multiple linear regression analysis tool. According to analysis result have been obtained as follows. The ratio of local financial independence of regions indicated by the ratio of the average rate so low, still be between 0%-25%. According the ratio of local financial ability of regions averages between 0%-10% which is low. Local self-reliance has positive and significant on economic growth. Regional financial capability have positive but not significant effect on economic growth in regency and city in the sumatera selatan province.

Developing and Validating Tests of Reading and Listening Comprehension for Fifth and Sixth Grade Students in Portugal

An efficient assessment of reading and linguistic abilities in school children requires reliable and valid measures. Moreover, measures which include specific test forms for different academic grade levels, that are vertically equated, allow the direct comparison of results across multiple time points and avoid floor and ceiling effects. Two studies were conducted to achieve these goals. The purpose of the first study was to develop tests of reading and listening comprehension in European Portuguese, with vertically scaled test forms for students in the fifth and sixth grades, using Rasch model analyses. The purpose of the second study was to collect evidence for the validity of these tests based on the relationships of test scores with other variables. The samples included 454 and 179 students for the first and second study, respectively. The data from both studies provided evidence for good psychometric characteristics for the test forms: unidimensionality and local independence, as well as adequate reliability and evidence of validity. The developed test forms are an important contribution in the Portuguese educational context as they allow for the assessment of students’ performance in these skills across multiple time points and can be used both in research and practice.

Investigating Psychometric Properties of the Arm Activity Measure – Thai Version (ArmA-TH) Sub-Scales Using the Rasch Model

Background: This study investigated the ArmA-TH measurement properties based on item response theory, using the Rasch model. Methods: Patients with upper limb hemiplegia resulting from cerebrovascular and other brain disorders were asked to completed the ArmA-TH questionnaire. Rasch analysis was performed to test how well the ArmA-TH passive and active function sub-scales fit the Rasch model by investigating unidimensionality, response category functioning, reliability of the person and item, and differential item functioning (DIF) for age, sex and education. Results: Participants had stroke or other acquired brain injury (n=185) and the majority were men 126(68.1%), with a mean age of 55(SD 22). Most patients 91(49.2%) graduated elementary/primary school. For the ArmA-TH passive function scale, all items had acceptable fit statistics. The scale’s unidimensionality, and local independence were supported. The reliability was acceptable. Disordered threshold was found in five items, none was DIF. For the ArmA-TH active function scale, one item was misfitting and three were locally dependent. The reliability was good. DIF was not found. All items had disordered thresholds, and data fitted the Rasch model better after rescoring.Conclusions: Both sub-scales of ArmA-TH fitted the Rasch model, and are valid and reliable. The disordered thresholds should be further investigated.

Investigating Psychometric Properties of the Arm Activity Measure – Thai Version (ArmA-TH) Sub-scales Using the Rasch Model

Background: This study investigated the ArmA-TH measurement properties based on item response theory, using the Rasch model. Methods: Patients with upper limb hemiplegia resulting from cerebrovascular and other brain disorders were asked to completed the ArmA-TH questionnaire. Rasch analysis was performed to test how well the ArmA-TH passive and active function sub-scales fit the Rasch model by investigating unidimensionality, response category functioning, reliability of the person and item, and differential item functioning (DIF) for age, sex and education. Results: Participants had stroke or other acquired brain injury (n=185) and the majority were men 126(68.1%), with a mean age of 55(SD 22). Most patients 91(49.2%) graduated elementary/primary school. For the ArmA-TH passive function scale, all items had acceptable fit statistics. The scale’s unidimensionality, and local independence were supported. The reliability was acceptable. Disordered threshold was found in five items, none was DIF. For the ArmA-TH active function scale, one item was misfitting and three were locally dependent. The reliability was good. DIF was not found. All items had disordered thresholds, and data fitted the Rasch model better after rescoring.Conclusions: Both sub-scales of ArmA-TH fitted the Rasch model, and are valid and reliable. The disordered thresholds should be further investigated.