Objective structured assessment ultrasound skill scale for hyomental distance competence - psychometric study.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound assessment of the airway recently integrates the point-of-care approach to patient evaluation since ultrasound measurements can predict a difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Because ultrasonography is performer-dependent, a proper training and assessment tool is needed to increase diagnostic accuracy. An objective, structured assessment ultrasound skill (OSAUS) scale was recently developed to guide training and assess competence. This work aims to study the psychometric properties of OSAUS Scale when used to evaluate competence in ultrasound hyomental distance (HMD) measurement. METHODS: Prospective and experimental study. Volunteers were recruited and enrolled in groups with different expertise. Each participant performed three ultrasonographic HMD evaluation. The performance was videorecorded and anonymized. Five assessors blindly rated participants' performance using OSAUS scale and a Global Rating Scale (GRS). A psychometric study of OSAUS scale as assessment tool for ultrasound HMD competence was done. RESULTS: Fifteen voluntaries participated on the study. Psychometric analysis of OSAUS showed strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.916) and inter-rater reliability (ICC 0.720; p < 0.001). The novice group scored 15.4±0.18 (mean±SD), the intermediate 14.3±0.75 and expert 13.6±0.1.25, with a significant difference between novice and expert groups (p = 0.036). The time in seconds to complete the task was evaluated: novice (90±34) (mean±SD), intermediate (84±23) and experts (83±15), with no significant differences between groups. A strong correlation was observed between OSAUS and global rating scale (r = 0.970, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated evidence of validity and reliability. Further studies are needed to implement OSAUS scale in the clinical setting for training and assessment of airway ultrasound competence.

Conhecimento e utilização de direito à saúde por usuários com diabetes: pesquisa de métodos mistos / Conocimiento y uso del derecho a la salud por usuarios con diabetes: investigación de métodos mixtos / Knowledge and use of the right to health by users with diabetes: mixed methods research

Resumo Objetivos verificar os fatores relacionados ao nível de utilização de direitos à saúde de usuários com diabetes mellitus tipo 1 e 2 e compreender o conhecimento e a utilização de direito à saúde desses usuários. Métodos estudo de métodos mistos, do tipo convergente, realizado com 206 participantes entre novembro de 2020 a abril de 2021. A análise dos dados teve como suporte a utilização dos softwares SPSS® e IRAMUTEQ® bem como a adoção das orientações do referencial teórico-metodológico de Bardin. Resultados constatou-se relação entre o escore do nível de utilização de direitos à saúde com renda familiar mensal e cor da pele autorreferida; e verificou-se que, quanto mais vulnerável economicamente uma população, mais se busca pelos direitos, além de ficar evidente a disparidade relacionada aos grupos étnicos e ao acesso aos direitos em saúde. Conclusão e implicações para a prática a combinação entre os dados quantitativos e qualitativos possibilitaram uma visão ampliada sobre o conhecimento e utilização dos direitos à saúde pelos indivíduos com diabetes. Logo, espera-se que os dados obtidos possam contribuir para uma reflexão mais aprofundada sobre a temática, favorecendo uma assistência qualificada, informativa e humanitária como forma de garantia dos direitos à saúde.

Resumen Objetivo verificar los factores relacionados con el nivel de utilización de los derechos a la salud de los usuarios con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 y 2 y comprender el conocimiento y la utilización de los derechos a la salud de estos usuarios. Método estudio de métodos mixtos, de tipo convergente, realizado con 206 participantes entre noviembre de 2020 y abril de 2021. El análisis de los datos se apoyó en el uso de los softwares SPSS® e IRAMUTEQ®, así como en la adopción de los referenciales teórico-metodológicos de Bardin. Resultados hubo relación entre el puntaje del nivel de uso de los derechos a la salud con el ingreso familiar mensual y el color de piel autoinformado; y se encontró que cuanto más vulnerable económicamente es una población, mayor es la búsqueda de derechos, además de ser evidente la disparidad relacionada con las etnias y el acceso a los derechos de salud. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica La combinación de datos cuantitativos y cualitativos permitió una visión más amplia sobre el conocimiento y el uso de los derechos a la salud por parte de las personas con diabetes. Por lo tanto, se espera que los datos obtenidos puedan contribuir a una reflexión más profunda sobre el tema, promoviendo una asistencia cualificada, informativa y humanitaria como forma de garantizar los derechos a la salud.

Abstract Objectives to verify the factors related to the level of use of the right to health of users with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus and understand the knowledge and the use of rights to health of these users. Methods mixed methods study, convergent type, conducted with 206 participants between November 2020 and April 2021. Data analysis was supported using SPSS® and IRAMUTEQ® software, as well as the adoption of Bardin's theoretical-methodological reference guidelines. Results a relationship was found between the score of the level of use of the right to health with monthly family income and self-reported skin color; and it was verified that the more economically vulnerable a population, the more they seek for rights, besides being evident the disparity related to ethnic groups and access to the right to health. Conclusion and implications for practice the combination of quantitative and qualitative data allowed a broader view of the knowledge and use of the right to health by individuals with diabetes. Thus, it is expected that the data obtained can contribute to a deeper reflection on the subject, favoring a qualified, informative and humanitarian assistance as a way to guarantee the right to health.

Feasibility assurance: a review of automatic item generation in medical assessment.

BACKGROUND: Current demand for multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in medical assessment is greater than the supply. Consequently, an urgency for new item development methods arises. Automatic Item Generation (AIG) promises to overcome this burden, generating calibrated items based on the work of computer algorithms. Despite the promising scenario, there is still no evidence to encourage a general application of AIG in medical assessment. It is therefore important to evaluate AIG regarding its feasibility, validity and item quality. OBJECTIVE: Provide a narrative review regarding the feasibility, validity and item quality of AIG in medical assessment. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed, English language articles published between 2000 and 2021 by means of the terms 'Automatic Item Generation', 'Automated Item Generation', 'AIG', 'medical assessment' and 'medical education'. Reviewers screened 119 records and 13 full texts were checked according to the inclusion criteria. A validity framework was implemented in the included studies to draw conclusions regarding the validity of AIG. RESULTS: A total of 10 articles were included in the review. Synthesized data suggests that AIG is a valid and feasible method capable of generating high-quality items. CONCLUSIONS: AIG can solve current problems related to item development. It reveals itself as an auspicious next-generation technique for the future of medical assessment, promising several quality items both quickly and economically.

Prediction and cost-effectiveness comparison of amblyopia screening methods at ages 3-4 years.

PURPOSE: Compare the performance of different amblyopia screening tests. METHODS: Based on exploratory factor analyses (EFA) of different screening tests performed in 3295 children, we created models of screening strategies in a matrix with: uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), Plusoptix measurements (PO), Randot Stereo-test (SR), and Cover-Test (CT). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and confusion matrix were used to compare performance of different model's algorithm to predict new diagnosis of amblyopia. Estimated screening costs per screened and treated child were compared. RESULTS: Regression analyses revealed that, although all models predicted amblyopia (all p < 0.001), only models including PO or UCVA had higher prediction capacity (R2 > 0.4) and better discriminating ROC curves (AUC > 0.95; p < 0.001). For 96% sensitivity, UCVA + PO was the most cost-effective model, since the estimated average screening costs per treated child, almost doubled and tripled if using PO or UCVA alone, respectively, versus using both exams. When UCVA + PO is not possible to implement, adding SR to either UCVA or PO resulted in cost-savings of 28% and 18%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a previous unscreened population, aged 3-4 years, screening programs using either UCVA or PO alone, should reconsider doing both tests simultaneously, since, for a high level of sensitivity, using simultaneously UCVA + PO is more cost-effective, per screened, and treated amblyopia. Concerns relating higher time-consuming exams for the combination of UCVA + PO should be surpassed, since costs per treated child drop considerably. When children benefit from good primary-care routine examinations since birth, no benefit was found for using CT in a screening setting. SR showed little benefit.

Neoliberal Economic Policies' Effects on Perceptions of Social Justice and Sociopolitical Participation in Portugal.

Contemporary societies challenge long-standing projects of the "good society" and social equality through neoliberal economic policies. Social forms of uncertainty generated by financial deprivation, precarity, and inequality seem to have effects on agency and coping and so socioeconomic and psychological consequences. This study aims to test these relationships, as well as a hypothesis on the potential impact of these constructs on beliefs of sociopolitical control and social dominance, which have implications for social justice. A mediation model explores the effects of financial access (the manifest benefit of work) on psychosocial uncertainty (which reflects the perception of uncertainty in the social context and the experience of its consequences within work, relationships, and the adoption of self-defeating beliefs) and on emotional coping strategies towards uncertainty, and their effects on personal agency, sociopolitical control (SPC), and social dominance orientation (SDO). Data are derived from a study of 633 participants in Portugal. Although personal agency is influenced by financial access and psychosocial uncertainty, it is not proved as a significant mediator for SPC and SDO. Nevertheless, financial access, psychosocial uncertainty, and emotional coping significantly contribute to the model, supporting the hypothesis that financial access protects against psychosocial uncertainty. Both have an impact on SPC and SDO. Therefore, financial deprivation and psychosocial uncertainty potentially contribute to extremism and populism in societies characterised by socially created forms of uncertainty. Implications of results for psychological intervention, namely in vocational/professional counselling, are discussed.

Factorial validity and measurement invariance of the Psychosocial Uncertainty Scale

Abstract This study presents the development of the Psychosocial Uncertainty Scale (PS-US), which articulates the perception of uncertainty in the social context and its psychological experience. It was validated with a sample of 1596 students and active professionals (employed and unemployed). By randomly dividing this sample in three subsamples, the following analyses were performed: exploratory factor analysis (sample one: N = 827); preliminary confirmatory factor analysis identifying the final version of the scale (sample two: N = 382); confirmatory factor analysis (sample three: N = 387). Multi-group analysis was used to assess measurement invariance, gender, sociocultural level, and group of origin invariance, by using samples two and three. Group differences were explored with the complete sample through Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes (MIMIC) Models. Associations between this scale and the Uncertainty response Scale were explored through Structural Equation Modelling. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses' results showed good internal consistency and overall good psychometric qualities. The scale reached full metric invariance across groups, gender, SCL level and group of origin. Results highlight the sensitivity of the scale towards social vulnerability, proving the existence of sociocultural levels' effects on experiences of psychosocial uncertainty within working contexts, relationships and community living and self-defeating beliefs; and gender and students versus professionals' effects on psychosocial uncertainty. Furthermore, the scale associated significantly with Uncertainty Response Scale's dimensions, specifically with emotional uncertainty, which can be considered a self-defeating strategy. Results suggest that emotional coping strategies, are explained by psychosocial uncertainty by 57%, and so, may have social origins.

Minho Communication Assessment Scale: Development and Validation.

INTRODUCTION: Verbal and non-verbal communication skills are core competencies in medical practice and should be acquired and monitored in medical schools. However, their assessment poses a challenge. The aim of this study is to develop and assess the psychometric properties, validity and reliability of a communication assessment scale. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We developed a communication assessment scale, composed by five dimensions (Structure, Way of Questioning, Behavior and Posture, Clarity of information and Emotional dimension). Two focus groups and a development group, composed by faculty members and standardized patients experienced in assessment, were responsible for creating the scale. RESULTS: The communication assessment scale was tested on 332 students from the 3rd and 6th year of medical school, with a total of 2754 assessments, performed by faculty members and standardized patients. A descriptive analysis, an exploratory factor analysis, a confirmatory factor analysis and a Cronbach's alpha analysis to establish internal reliability were conducted. DISCUSSION: The Minho Communication Assessment Scale can be effectively used by both faculty members and standardized patients, providing correct students assessment and relevant feedback to the students. The final Minho Communication Assessment Scale has a total of 19 items, being simple and intuitive to use. The exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis results were satisfactory. Cronbach's alpha value revealed high internal consistency of Minho Communication Assessment Scale. CONCLUSION: The final Minho Communication Assessment Scale proved to be simple to use and to have very good psychometric properties. Our results show that the Minho Communication Assessment Scale is a valid scale to assess communication skills which can be accurately replicated on objective structured clinical examinations focusing on communication.

Introdução: A comunicação verbal e não-verbal são competências essenciais na prática médica e devem ser adquiridas e monitorizadas nas escolas médicas. Contudo, a sua avaliação representa um desafio. O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em desenvolver e avaliar as propriedades psicométricas, validade e fiabilidade de uma escala de avaliação de comunicação. Material e Métodos: Desenvolvemos uma escala de avaliação de comunicação, composta por cinco dimensões (Estrutura, Modo de Questionar, Comportamento e Postura, Clareza de Informação e a dimensão Emocional). Dois focus groups e um grupo de desenvolvimento, composto por membros do corpo docente e pacientes estandardizados experienciados em avaliação, foram responsáveis por criar a escala. Resultados: A escala de avaliação de comunicação foi testada em 332 alunos de medicina do terceiro e sexto ano curricular, num total de 2754 avaliações, realizada por docentes e pacientes estandardizados. Realizámos uma análise descritiva, uma análise fatorial exploratória, uma análise factorial confirmatória e uma análise de alfa de Cronbach, de modo a estabelecer a fiabilidade interna da escala. Discussão: A Minho Communication Assessment Scale pode ser usada eficazmente por docentes e pacientes estandardizados, fornecendo uma avaliação correta e um feedback relevante aos estudantes. A Minho Communication Assessment Scale final tem um total de 19 itens, sendo simples e intuitiva de usar. Os resultados da análise fatorial exploratória e confirmatória foram satisfatórios. O valor de alfa de Cronbach's revelou valores elevados de consistência interna. Conclusão: A versão final da Minho Communication Assessment Scale, demonstrou ser simples de usar e possuir muito boas propriedades psicométricas. Os resultados demonstram que a Minho Communication Assessment Scale é uma escala válida para avaliar as capacidades de comunicação e pode ser replicada em objective structured clinical examinations que se foquem nessa avaliação.

25-OH Vitamin D Levels and Cognitive Performance: Longitudinal Assessment in a Healthy Aging Cohort.

Background: Declining serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D, a biomarker of vitamin D status] with aging is a well-recognized phenomenon. However, scarce information is available on the relation between 25(OH)D levels and cognitive performance over time in older individuals. Our purpose was to evaluate, longitudinally, the association of 25(OH)D with cognitive function in a healthy older adults' cohort. Methods: Sixty-four individuals over 55 years-old with no cognitive impairment, clustered as healthy "Poor" and "Good" cognitive performers, were followed for an average of 18 months. Seasonal-adjusted 25(OH)D serum levels (measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) were related, longitudinally, with cognitive (memory and general/executive) composite scores. Results: Overall seasonal-adjusted median serum 25(OH)D level was of 47 nmol/l [interquartile range (IQR), 38-60 nmol/l]. A negative correlation between baseline 25(OH)D and the general/executive composite score was found in the "Poor" cognitive performers (r s = -0.52, p = 0.006), an association lost after adjusting 25(OH)D levels for the season. No effect was found in both groups between seasonal-adjusted 25(OH)D levels and the variation of both memory and general/executive composites during follow-up when adjusted for age, gender and education level. Conclusion: In this healthy older population with no cognitive impairment, lower serum levels of 25(OH)D were not longitudinally associated with poorer cognitive scores.

Early identification of first-year students at risk of dropping out of high-school entry medical school: the usefulness of teachers' ratings of class participation.

Dropping out from undergraduate medical education is costly for students, medical schools, and society in general. Therefore, the early identification of potential dropout students is important. The contribution of personal features to dropout rates has merited exploration. However, there is a paucity of research on aspects of student experience that may lead to dropping out. In this study, underpinned by theoretical models of student commitment, involvement, and engagement, we explored the hypothesis of using inferior participation as an indicator of a higher probability of dropping out in year 1. Class participation was calculated as an aggregate score based on teachers' daily observations in class. The study used a longitudinal dataset of six cohorts of high-school entry students (N = 709, 67% females) in one medical school with an annual intake of 120 students. The findings confirmed the initial hypothesis and showed that lower scores of class participation in year 1 added predictive ability to pre-entry characteristics (Pseudo-R2 raised from 0.22 to 0.28). Even though the inclusion of course failure in year 1 resulted in higher explanatory power than participation in class (Pseudo-R2 raised from 0.28 to 0.63), ratings of class participation may be advantageous to anticipate dropout identification, as those can be collected prior to course failure. The implications for practice are that teachers' ratings of class participation can play a role in indicating medical students who may eventually drop out. We conclude that the scores of class participation can contribute to flagging systems for the early detection of student dropouts.

Adaptation and validation of the Instrumental Expressive Social Support Scale in Portuguese older individuals.

OBJECTIVE: to adapt and validate the Instrumental Expressive Social Support Scale (IESS) in a sample of older people. METHOD: methodological study. The sample of 964 community-dwelling older people was randomly divided into two groups. The first group was used as a calibration sample to study the number of factors underlying social support through Principal Axis Factoring, and the second group as a validation sample to test the "best fit" model through Confirmatory Factor Analysis. RESULTS: exploratory Factor Analysis suggested a three-factor solution, which was confirmed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The factors were similar to those in the pre-existing dimensions of the original instrument and were named as Sense of control (α = 0.900), Financial support (α = 0.802), Familiar and socio-affective support (α = 0.778). Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed acceptable fit. The model's goodness-of-fit indexes were satisfactory (χ2/df = 5.418; CFI = 0.903; NFI = 0.884; RMSEA = 0.098). The convergent validity was supported by associations between social support and medication adherence and positive affect. The discriminant validity was evidenced by association with negative affect. The reliability analysis showed high values of internal consistency. CONCLUSION: the instrument proved to be a valid measure for the assessment of social support in older people.

Adaptation and validation of the Instrumental Expressive Social Support Scale in Portuguese older individuals / Adaptação e validação da Escala de Suporte Social Instrumental e Expressivo em idosos portugueses / Adaptación y validación de la Escala de Apoyo Social Instrumental y Expresivo en adultos mayores portugueses

Objective to adapt and validate the Instrumental Expressive Social Support Scale (IESS) in a sample of older people. Method methodological study. The sample of 964 community-dwelling older people was randomly divided into two groups. The first group was used as a calibration sample to study the number of factors underlying social support through Principal Axis Factoring, and the second group as a validation sample to test the "best fit" model through Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Results exploratory Factor Analysis suggested a three-factor solution, which was confirmed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The factors were similar to those in the pre-existing dimensions of the original instrument and were named as Sense of control (α = 0.900), Financial support (α = 0.802), Familiar and socio-affective support (α = 0.778). Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed acceptable fit. The model's goodness-of-fit indexes were satisfactory (χ2/df = 5.418; CFI = 0.903; NFI = 0.884; RMSEA = 0.098). The convergent validity was supported by associations between social support and medication adherence and positive affect. The discriminant validity was evidenced by association with negative affect. The reliability analysis showed high values of internal consistency. Conclusion the instrument proved to be a valid measure for the assessment of social support in older people.

Objetivo adaptar e validar a Escala de Suporte Social Instrumental e Expressivo (IESS) em uma amostra de idosos. Método estudo metodológico. A amostra de 964 idosos residentes em comunidade foi dividida aleatoriamente em dois grupos. O primeiro grupo foi utilizado como amostra de calibração para estudar o número de fatores subjacentes ao suporte social, pelo Método dos Eixos Principais, e o segundo grupo como amostra de validação para testar o modelo de "melhor ajuste", por meio da Análise Fatorial Confirmatória. Resultados a Análise Fatorial Exploratória indicou uma solução de três fatores, que foi confirmada pela Análise Fatorial Confirmatória. Os fatores foram semelhantes aos das dimensões preexistentes do instrumento original e foram denominados Sensação de controle (α = 0,900), Suporte financeiro (α = 0,802), Suporte Familiar e socioafetivo (α = 0,778). A Análise Fatorial Confirmatória mostrou um ajuste aceitável. Os índices de adequação do modelo foram satisfatórios (χ2/gl = 5,418; CFI = 0,903; NFI = 0,884; RMSEA = 0,098). A validade convergente foi confirmada por associações entre o suporte social e a adesão à medicação e o afeto positivo. A validação discriminante foi evidenciada por associação com o afeto negativo. A análise de confiabilidade mostrou valores de consistência interna elevados. Conclusão o instrumento provou ser uma medida válida para a avaliação do suporte social em idosos.

Objetivo adaptar y validar la Escala de Apoyo Social Instrumental y Expresivo (IESS) en una muestra de adultos mayores. Método estudio metodológico. La muestra de 964 adultos mayores residentes en comunidad se dividió de manera aleatoria en dos grupos. El primer grupo se utilizó como una muestra de calibración para estudiar el número de factores subyacentes al apoyo social, mediante el Método de los Ejes Principales, y el segundo grupo como muestra de validación para probar el modelo de "mejor ajuste", mediante el Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio. Resultados el Análisis Factorial Exploratorio indicó una solución de tres factores, que se confirmó por el Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio. Los factores fueron similares a los de las dimensiones preexistentes del instrumento original y fueron nombrados Sensación de control (α = 0,900), Apoyo financiero (α = 0,802), Apoyo Familiar y socio-afectivo (α = 0,778). El Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio mostró un ajuste aceptable. Los índices de bondad de ajuste del modelo fueron satisfactorios (χ2/gl = 5,418; CFI = 0,903; NFI = 0,884; RMSEA = 0,098). La validez convergente fue confirmada por asociaciones entre el apoyo social y la adherencia a la medicación y el afecto positivo. La validez discriminante se evidenció por asociación con el afecto negativo. El análisis de confiabilidad mostró valores de consistencia interna elevados. Conclusión el instrumento probó ser una medida válida para la evaluación del apoyo social en adultos mayores.

Effectiveness of two psychological interventions for pain management, emotional regulation and promotion of quality of life among adult Portuguese men with haemophilia (PSY-HaEMOPEQ): study protocol for a single-centre prospective randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Haemophilia is a bleeding disorder associated with significant pain, emotional distress, quality of life (QoL) impairment and considerable healthcare costs. Psychosocial health and effective pain management are considered essential end points for optimal haemophilia care, but there is a significant gap in evidence-based treatments targeting these outcomes in people with haemophilia (PWH). Psychological interventions are cost-effective in promoting emotional well-being, QoL and pain control, although these have been scarcely used in haemophilia field. This investigation aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two psychological interventions for pain management, emotional regulation and promotion of QoL in PWH. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a single-centre parallel randomised controlled trial conducted at a European Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre in Portugal, with five assessment points: baseline (T0), postintervention (T1), 3 (T2), 6 (T3) and 12 (T4) months follow-up. Eligible adult males, with moderate or severe haemophilia A or B will be randomised to experimental (EG) or control (CG) group. Intervention is either cognitive-behavioural therapy (EG1) or hypnosis (EG2), both consisting of four weekly sessions following standardised scripts delivered by trained psychologists. Randomisation will be computer generated, allocation concealment will be guaranteed and outcome assessors will be blind to EG/CG allocation. Main outcomes are pain and haemophilia-related QoL and secondary outcomes include clinical (clotting factor replacement consumption, joint bleeding episodes, analgesic intake) and psychological (pain coping strategies, anxiety, depression, illness perceptions) variables, functional assessment of the joints, inflammatory biomarkers (cytokines, high-sensitivity C reactive protein) and white blood cell count. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the competent authorities and all procedures will comply with international ethical guidelines for clinical studies involving humans. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The dissemination plan includes peer-reviewed scientific publications, conference participation and web and media coverage. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02870452.

Assessment of Undergraduates' Real-World Outcomes of Critical Thinking in Everyday Situations.

Critical thinking is a kind of "good" thinking that integrates a set of cognitive skills and dispositions to use those skills with knowledge to increase the chances of success in academic settings, job market, and daily life. The impact of critical thinking on life events, in face of everyday decisions and challenges, is still unclear, and further research is needed. In this exploratory study, a sample of 230 first-year students of a Bachelor's Degree or a Master's Degree in Portugal completed an experimental Portuguese version of the Real-World Outcomes, a self-report inventory measuring everyday negative life events that are mediated by a lack of critical thinking. Based on exploratory factor analysis results and theoretical premises, changes were made to the Portuguese version of the inventory that was administered, and items were aggregated into six dimensions, creating a new version that is more familiar to Portuguese young adults in college. This original proposal of the inventory presents six types of negative life events resulting from a lack of critical thinking: health neglect, mismanagement, slackness, poor impulse control, academic negligence, and rashness. Both limitations and future potentialities of this version are presented.

Discriminant power of socio-demographic characteristics and mood in distinguishing cognitive performance clusters in older individuals: a cross-sectional analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Identification of predictors of cognitive trajectories has been a matter of concern on aging research. For this reason, it is of relevance to infer cognitive profiles based on rapid screening variables in order to determine which individuals will be more predisposed to cognitive decline. METHOD: In this work, a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was conducted with socio-demographic variables and mood status as predictors of cognitive profiles, computed in a previous sample, based on different cognitive dimensions. Data were randomly split in two samples. Both samples were representative of the Portuguese population in terms of gender, age and education. The LDA was performed with one sample (n = 506, mean age 65.7 ± 8.98 years) and tested in the second sample (n = 548, mean age 68.5 ± 9.3 years). RESULTS: With these variables, we were able to achieve an overall hit rate of 65.9%, which corresponds to a significant increment in comparison to classification by chance. CONCLUSION: Although not ideal, this model may serve as a relevant tool to identify cognitive profiles based on a rapid screening when few variables are available.

Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills Performance: 2D Versus 3D Vision and Classic Instrument Versus New Hand-Held Robotic Device for Laparoscopy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic surgery has undeniable advantages, such as reduced postoperative pain, smaller incisions, and faster recovery. However, to improve surgeons' performance, ergonomic adaptations of the laparoscopic instruments and introduction of robotic technology are needed. The aim of this study was to ascertain the influence of a new hand-held robotic device for laparoscopy (HHRDL) and 3D vision on laparoscopic skills performance of 2 different groups, naïve and expert. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each participant performed 3 laparoscopic tasks-Peg transfer, Wire chaser, Knot-in 4 different ways. With random sequencing we assigned the execution order of the tasks based on the first type of visualization and laparoscopic instrument. Time to complete each laparoscopic task was recorded and analyzed with one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Eleven experts and 15 naïve participants were included. Three-dimensional video helps the naïve group to get better performance in Peg transfer, Wire chaser 2 hands, and Knot; the new device improved the execution of all laparoscopic tasks (P < .05). For expert group, the 3D video system benefited them in Peg transfer and Wire chaser 1 hand, and the robotic device in Peg transfer, Wire chaser 1 hand, and Wire chaser 2 hands (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The HHRDL helps the execution of difficult laparoscopic tasks, such as Knot, in the naïve group. Three-dimensional vision makes the laparoscopic performance of the participants without laparoscopic experience easier, unlike those with experience in laparoscopic procedures.

Repeated Assessment and Practice Effects of the Written Symbol Digit Modalities Test Using a Short Inter-Test Interval.

The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is a widely used instrument to assess information processing speed, attention, visual scanning, and tracking. Considering that repeated evaluations are a common need in neuropsychological assessment routines, we explored test-retest reliability and practice effects of two alternate SDMT forms with a short inter-assessment interval. A total of 123 university students completed the written SDMT version in two different time points separated by a 150-min interval. Half of the participants accomplished the same form in both occasions, while the other half filled different forms. Overall, reasonable test-retest reliabilities were found (r = .70), and the subjects that completed the same form revealed significant practice effects (p < .001, dz = 1.61), which were almost non-existent in those filling different forms. These forms were found to be moderately reliable and to elicit a similar performance across participants, suggesting their utility in repeated cognitive assessments when brief inter-assessment intervals are required.

A statistical approach to quantitative data validation focused on the assessment of students' perceptions about biotechnology.

Student awareness levels are frequently used to evaluate the effectiveness of educational policies to promote scientific literacy. Over the last years several studies have been developed to assess students' perceptions towards science and technology, which usually rely on quantitative methods to achieve broad characterizations, and obtain quantifiable and comparable data. Although the usefulness of this information depends on its validity and reliability, validation is frequently neglected by researchers with limited background in statistics. In this context, we propose a guideline to implement a statistical approach to questionnaire validation, combining exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis. The work focuses on the psychometric analysis of data provided by a questionnaire assessing 1196 elementary and high school students' perceptions about biotechnology. Procedural guidelines to enhance the efficiency of quantitative inquiry surveys are given, by discussing essential methodological aspects and relevant criteria to integrate theory into practice.

The use of bayesian latent class cluster models to classify patterns of cognitive performance in healthy ageing.

The main focus of this study is to illustrate the applicability of latent class analysis in the assessment of cognitive performance profiles during ageing. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to detect main cognitive dimensions (based on the neurocognitive test variables) and Bayesian latent class analysis (LCA) models (without constraints) were used to explore patterns of cognitive performance among community-dwelling older individuals. Gender, age and number of school years were explored as variables. Three cognitive dimensions were identified: general cognition (MMSE), memory (MEM) and executive (EXEC) function. Based on these, three latent classes of cognitive performance profiles (LC1 to LC3) were identified among the older adults. These classes corresponded to stronger to weaker performance patterns (LC1>LC2>LC3) across all dimensions; each latent class denoted the same hierarchy in the proportion of males, age and number of school years. Bayesian LCA provided a powerful tool to explore cognitive typologies among healthy cognitive agers.

Individual characteristics and student's engagement in scientific research: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In light of the increasing recognition of the importance of physician scientists, and given the association between undergraduate research experiences with future scientific activity, it is important to identify and understand variables related to undergraduate students' decision to engage in scientific research activities. The present study assessed the influence of individual characteristics, including personality traits and socio-demographic characteristics, on voluntary engagement in scientific research of undergraduate medical students. METHODS: For this study, all undergraduate students and alumni of the School of Health Sciences in Minho, Portugal were invited to participate in a survey about voluntary engagement in scientific research activities. Data were available on socio-demographic, personality and university admission variables, as part of an ongoing longitudinal study. A regression model was used to compare (1) engaged with (2) not engaged students. A classification and regression tree model was used to compare students engaged in (3) elective curricular research (4) and extra-curricular research. RESULTS: A total of 466 students (88%) answered the survey. A complete set of data was available for 435 students (83%).Higher scores in admission grade point average and the personality dimensions of "openness to experience" and "conscientiousness" increased chances of engagement. Higher "extraversion" scores had the opposite effect. Male undergraduate students were two times more likely than females to engage in curricular elective scientific research and were also more likely to engage in extra-curricular research activities. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that student' grade point average and individual characteristics, like gender, openness and consciousness have a unique and statistically significant contribution to students' involvement in undergraduate scientific research activities.