Evaluation of port workers’ general awareness of dangerous cargo transport

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code training is mandatory for all shore-side personnel involved in the handling and transport of dangerous cargoes by sea. This study aims to measure and evaluate the port workers’ dangerous cargo transport general awareness level. For this purpose, the “Dangerous Cargo Transport General Awareness Questionnaire” was developed and applied to trained 100 port workers face-to-face. The questionnaire was proven to be valid and reliable by content validity, construct validity, internal consistency reliability, and test-retest reliability analyses. Four factors were determined as a result of Explanatory Factor Analysis. Discriminant analyses were performed using the Student’s t-test and One Way ANOVA test. Pearson correlation analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between factors. Simple linear regression analysis was used for modeling the relationship between factors. SPSS 24.0 was utilized to conduct the analyses. According to analysis results, port workers’ dangerous cargo transport general awareness does not differ depending on age, position, and education. There is a weak positive or a moderate positive correlation between factors. Port workers have an average and above-average level of general awareness. It is highlighted that increasing this level is possible by increasing the frequency of dangerous cargo transport training. Suggestions are offered for more effective training.

Beliefs and Perceptions About Parenteral Nutrition and Hydration By Advanced Cancer Patients

PurposeObjectives of this study are to clarify the beliefs and perceptions of parenteral nutrition and hydration (PNH) by patients with advanced cancer and to examine the relationships between their beliefs and perceptions and cachexia stages.MethodsWe conducted a questionnaire survey. We asked about patient characteristics and anthropometric measurements. We subsequently asked patients to answer 15 items regarding their beliefs and perceptions. The proportions of patients were calculated. Comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. We conducted an explanatory factor analysis and calculated Cronbach’s alpha coefficients to assess the internal consistency. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent factors affecting cancer cachexia stages.ResultsAmong 495 patients, 378 responded. Due to missing data, 357 remained in the frequency distribution analysis and explanatory factor analysis, and 344 were classified into the non-cachexia group (n = 174) and cachexia group (n = 170). Approximately 60% of patients thought that PNH were beneficial. Approximately 70% considered PNH as a standard medical practice. Approximately 70% did not feel that they received a sufficient explanation. There were no significant differences in any items between the two groups. We extracted four conceptual groups and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were 0.87, 0.73, 0.71, and 0.48, respectively. The concept of ‘Belief that PNH are harmful’ was identified as an independent factor [odds ratio 2.57 (95% confidence interval 1.10-6.01), P = 0.030].ConclusionsThis study revealed that patients had a strong preference for receiving PNH with or without cancer cachexia.

Development and Validation of the Multidimensional Procrastination Scale in Chinese

Procrastination is a complicated phenomenon with many thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that may characterize different subgroups of procrastinators. Such phenomenon has not been well studied in an integrated theoretical framework. This study aims to establish a theory about the behavioral, cognitive, and affective aspects of procrastination and to develop and validate an operational instrument. In Study 1, we conducted qualitative research based on grounded theories and generated seven initial categories with 22 themes associated with the components in procrastination. In Study 2, we developed an instrument, the Multidimensional Procrastination Scale (MPS), and established a five-dimension structure for the MPS using explanatory factor analysis (EFA; N = 435) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; N = 387). In Study 3, we established construct validity and predictive validity for the MPS by building a nomological framework and predicting behavioral procrastination, respectively. The theoretical framework of procrastination included maladaptive (i.e., impulsive and unorganized, hesitation, lack of incentives, avoidance) and adaptive (i.e., arousal and rationalization) components. The MPS demonstrated acceptable reliability, factorial validity, construct validity, and predictive validity. The findings of this study have implications for further studies on the typology of procrastination and the development of tailored interventions to alleviate maladaptive aspects of procrastination.

ASSESSMENTS OF STORYTELLING INTERPRETIVE PANEL AT HERITAGE SITE: A CASE STUDY OF VISITORS’ EXPERIENCE AT DATARAN MEDAN BANDAR, ALOR SETAR, KEDAH DARUL AMAN

The aim of this study is to find out the existing ‘realities’ on storytelling at heritage sites. The gap is visitor’s expectation between storytelling presentation versus perception of heritage visitors. There were instances in the country whereby misrepresentation and/or inappropriate descriptive information in storytelling has resulted in visitors experiencing disappointment, disorientation, and ignorance of heritage significance. The researchers decided to investigate further on this and had selected a site for case study that was the Dataran Medan Bandar, Alor Setar, Kedah Darul Aman. A sequential mixed methodology was employed. The study began with literature review, site inventory and observation activities in order to obtain qualitative information. This was followed by visitors’ survey and a semi-structured interview with stakeholders to obtain their views on historical and cultural values to validate the quantitative data findings. The explanatory factor analysis was used to analyse the data and the results showed that over 40% of total respondents perceived ‘storytelling’ as extremely important attributes of heritage interpretation during the visit. In terms of the post-experience, the results showed that 18% of the respondents proclaimed of having ‘dissatisfied experience’ after reading the description on interpretive signage, with ‘uninteresting storytelling’ being the main reason. Almost half of total respondents (49%) believe that improvement of ‘Storytelling Content Creation’ was needed at the Dataran Medan Bandar. It is hoped that the findings obtained are expected to inspire conservation stakeholders to start making ‘heritage interpretation’ as a top priority when designing interpretative signs at heritage sites.

Aesthetic Perception Scale: Validity and Reliability Study

The aim of this study is to build a measurement tool to survey the aesthetical development of the social network “Instagram” on women and to define its psychometrical qualities. The research is a descriptive and quantitative study designed with a screening model. This Aesthetic Perception Scale is based on a proper literature survey and expert opinions. Purposive and criterion sampling methods were used while determining the sampling of the study.716 women studying in the cities of Ağrı, Erzurum, İstanbul and İzmir were involved in the study. The data were collected via scale, which was developed by the researcher. Explanatory factor analysis was conducted within the research in order to present proves for the findings of the measurement tool. A scale of three factors and 36 items was developed at the end of the research. In order to present proof for the reliability of the data collected by the scale; Cronbach Alpha (α) reliability co-efficients were calculated. As a result, it is found that the scale is a valid and reliable tool of measurement in its field. Therefore; this respective measurement tool is recommended to be used while defining the aesthetical perceptions of women.

The Turkish Adaptation of the Diabetes Fatalism Scale: A Validity and Reliability Study

Background and PurposeThis study was carried out as a validity and reliability study of the Turkish version of the Diabetes Fatalism Scale (DFS) and to investigate its psychometric properties in the Turkish society with type 2 diabetes patients.MethodsExploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess the scale’s factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to validate the “best fit” model.ResultsThe explanatory factor analysis and CFA results confirmed the three-factor structure of the scale. The Cronbach’s α, item-total correlation and test—retest analyses showed high reliability.ConclusionsThe results showed that DFS is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating fatalism in diabetic patients from a Turkish population.

The effect of destructive leadership on self-efficacy and counterproductive work behaviors: A research on service sector employees in Mersin, Turkey

The aim of this study was to find out the effect of destructive leadership on employees’ self-efficacy and counterproductive work behaviors. The data was collected from a convenience sample of 486 service sector employees in Mersin, Turkey. Descriptive statistics, explanatory factor analysis, and regression analysis were conducted to analyze the data. The results showed that lack of competence in leadership, excessive authoritarianism, and favoritism dimensions increased the organization-oriented counterproductive work behaviors while resistance to technology and change dimension decreased these behaviors. In contrast, insensitivity to subordinates had no effect on counterproductive work behaviors. Furthermore, destructive leadership had no effect on employees’ self-efficacy, but self-efficacy affected counterproductive work behaviors. This study provides theoretical and practical implications for understanding the effect of destructive leadership behaviors on the employees’ self-efficacy and counterproductive work behaviors in the context of the service sector.

Development of an Instrument to Measure Conceptualizations and Competencies About Conversational Agents on the Example of Smart Speakers

The concept of digital literacy has been introduced as a new cultural technique, which is regarded as essential for successful participation in a (future) digitized world. Regarding the increasing importance of AI, literacy concepts need to be extended to account for AI-related specifics. The easy handling of the systems results in increased usage, contrasting limited conceptualizations (e.g., imagination of future importance) and competencies (e.g., knowledge about functional principles). In reference to voice-based conversational agents as a concrete application of AI, the present paper aims for the development of a measurement to assess the conceptualizations and competencies about conversational agents. In a first step, a theoretical framework of “AI literacy” is transferred to the context of conversational agent literacy. Second, the “conversational agent literacy scale” (short CALS) is developed, constituting the first attempt to measure interindividual differences in the “(il) literate” usage of conversational agents. 29 items were derived, of which 170 participants answered. An explanatory factor analysis identified five factors leading to five subscales to assess CAL: storage and transfer of the smart speaker’s data input; smart speaker’s functional principles; smart speaker’s intelligent functions, learning abilities; smart speaker’s reach and potential; smart speaker’s technological (surrounding) infrastructure. Preliminary insights into construct validity and reliability of CALS showed satisfying results. Third, using the newly developed instrument, a student sample’s CAL was assessed, revealing intermediated values. Remarkably, owning a smart speaker did not lead to higher CAL scores, confirming our basic assumption that usage of systems does not guarantee enlightened conceptualizations and competencies. In sum, the paper contributes to the first insights into the operationalization and understanding of CAL as a specific subdomain of AI-related competencies.

Islamic financial literacy scale: an amendment in the sphere of contemporary financial literacy

Purpose This study aims to develop a valid and reliable Islamic financial literacy (IFL) scale that can capture all the segments of the Islamic financial sectors and which could be considered applicable for all jurisdictions across the globe. Design/methodology/approach To build the measure, this study followed a scale development process by collecting 698 a priori items from 81 respondents. Later, it generated an item pool through the analysis of the items with experts and gave the last form (40 items) to 287 respondents in Turkey with another IFL scale that is frequently used in the literature and a scale assessing religiosity. With explanatory factor analysis, the scale demonstrates a four-factor construct with 20 items. This construct provides good fit indexes and reliability scores. Findings Results of the correlation analysis and comparison of the fit indexes of alternative structures provided supportive evidence for discriminant and convergent validity of the scale and its sub-dimensions. As a result, an applicable scale is developed for countries where Islamic financial institutions are operating and where they are not. Originality/value One of the strengths of this study is that it represents a comprehensive scale development for the entire Islamic financial system, including banking, takaful (Islamic insurance) and fund management. In addition, the attempt to design an IFL scale applicable to any economy or individual is a pioneering attempt in the literature.

VACCINE HESITANCY SCALE IN PANDEMICS: TURKISH VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY STUDY

Objective: The aim of this study is to make the Turkish validity and reliability of the vaccine hesitation scale to be used in combating experienced or possible pandemics in the future. Methods: It is a methodological study in which the Turkish validity and reliability of the "Vaccine Hesitancy Scale" developed by Larson et al. (2015) was modified for pandemics. Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted with the data collected from 617 volunteers for construct validity. Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient and language and construct validity were performed for reliability and validity. Results: As a result of EFA and CFA, the 10-item "Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Pandemics" showed a two-factor structure. The two-factor structure explains 68.53% of the total variance. Factor loadings related to the items of the scale vary between 0.638 and 0.887. Confirmation of EFA results with CFA results was found to provide construct validity. It was observed that the reliability criterion was met by determining the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient as 0.901. Conclusion: It is thought that the "Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Pandemics", which has been conducted with the data obtained from people with different socio-demographic characteristics of the Turkish people, can be a reference that can be used by researchers as a valid and reliable measurement tool.