Assessing the energy trap of industrial agriculture in North America and Europe: 82 balances from 1830 to 2012.

Early energy analyses of agriculture revealed that behind higher labor and land productivity of industrial farming, there was a decrease in energy returns on energy (EROI) invested, in comparison to more traditional organic agricultural systems. Studies on recent trends show that efficiency gains in production and use of inputs have again somewhat improved energy returns. However, most of these agricultural energy studies have focused only on external inputs at the crop level, concealing the important role of internal biomass flows that livestock and forestry recirculate within agroecosystems. Here, we synthesize the results of 82 farm systems in North America and Europe from 1830 to 2012 that for the first time show the changing energy profiles of agroecosystems, including livestock and forestry, with a multi-EROI approach that accounts for the energy returns on external inputs, on internal biomass reuses, and on all inputs invested. With this historical circular bioeconomic approach, we found a general trend towards much lower external returns, little or no increases in internal returns, and almost no improvement in total returns. This "energy trap" was driven by shifts towards a growing dependence of crop production on fossil-fueled external inputs, much more intensive livestock production based on feed grains, less forestry, and a structural disintegration of agroecosystem components by increasingly linear industrial farm managements. We conclude that overcoming the energy trap requires nature-based solutions to reduce current dependence on fossil-fueled external industrial inputs and increase the circularity and complexity of agroecosystems to provide healthier diets with less animal products. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13593-023-00925-5.

Agroecosystem energy transitions in the old and new worlds: trajectories and determinants at the regional scale.

Energy efficiency in biomass production is a major challenge for a future transition to sustainable food and energy provision. This study uses methodologically consistent data on agroecosystem energy flows and different metrics of energetic efficiency from seven regional case studies in North America (USA and Canada) and Europe (Spain and Austria) to investigate energy transitions in Western agroecosystems from the late nineteenth to the late twentieth centuries. We quantify indicators such as external final energy return on investment (EFEROI, i.e., final produce per unit of external energy input), internal final EROI (IFEROI, final produce per unit of biomass reused locally), and final EROI (FEROI, final produce per unit of total inputs consumed). The transition is characterized by increasing final produce accompanied by increasing external energy inputs and stable local biomass reused. External inputs did not replace internal biomass reinvestments, but added to them. The results were declining EFEROI, stable or increasing IFEROI, and diverging trends in FEROI. The factors shaping agroecosystem energy profiles changed in the course of the transition: Under advanced organic and frontier agriculture of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, population density and biogeographic conditions explained both agroecosystem productivity and energy inputs. In industrialized agroecosystems, biogeographic conditions and specific socio-economic factors influenced trends towards increased agroecosystem specialization. The share of livestock products in a region's final produce was the most important factor determining energy returns on investment.

Versión española del Sistema de Observación del Clima Motivacional Multidimensional (MMCOS): fiabilidad y evidencias de validez / Spanish versión of the Multidimensional Motivational Climate Observation System (MMCOS): reliability and validity evidences / Versão espanhola do Sistema de Observação do Clima Motivacional Multidimensional (MMCOS): confiabilidade e evidências de validade

En el presente trabajo se explora la fiabilidad y la validez de la versión española del Sistema de Observación del Clima Motivacional Multidimensional (MMCOS), un instrumento basado en metodología observacional para evaluar el clima motivacional creado por los entrenadores deportivos desde el modelo propuesto por Joan L. Duda en el 2013, el cual integra la Teoría de las Metas de Logro y la Teoría de la Autodeterminación. Se llevaron a cabo diferentes análisis para conocer la fiabilidad interobservador, las características de los datos obtenidos, la estructura factorial del instrumento y el potencial predictivo del MMCOS sobre la intención de los jugadores de abandonar la siguiente temporada. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 36 entrenadores varones de fútbol base, cada uno de los cuales fueron filmados durante un entrenamiento y evaluados a través del MMCOS, y 293 futbolistas varones de las categorías alevín e infantil que completaron un cuestionario para evaluar su intención de abandono. Los resultados, que en términos generales indicaron fiabilidad satisfactoria y ofrecieron evidencias de validez, se discuten en torno a las características del instrumento de observación

This article explores the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Multidimensional Motivational Climate Observation System (MMCOS), an instrument based on observational methodology in order to assess the coach-created motivational environment in sport from conceptualization proposed by Duda in 2013, which integrates the Achievement Goal Theory and the Self-Determination Theory. The study examines the interobserver reliability, the general characteristics of the data obtained by the instrument, the factorial structure of the MMCOS and the predictive validity of the observational system in relation to athletes’ reported intentions to drop-out. Thirty-six male grassroots coaches were filmed during a training session and assessed by MMCOS and two hundred and ninety-three players completed a questionnaire that evaluated their intentions to drop-out in the next soccer season. Overall, the results, which indicated satisfactory reliability and provided validity evidences, are discussed around the characteristics of the MMCOS

No presente trabalho explora-se a confiabilidade e a validade da versão espanhola do Sistema de Observação do Clima Motivacional Multidimensional (MMCOS), instrumento baseado na metodologia observacional para avaliar o clima motivacional criado pelos treinadores esportivos, desde o modelo proposto por Joan L. Duda no 2013, o qual integra a Teoria das Metas de Realização e a Teoria da Autodeterminação. Foram realizadas diferentes análises para conhecer a confiabilidades inter-observador, as características dos dados obtidos, a estructura fatorial do instrumento e o potencial preditivo do MMCOS sobre a intenção dos jogadores em abandonarem a seguinte temporada. A mostra foi composta por 36 treinadores homens de categorías de base do futebol, que foram filmados individualmente durante um treinamento e avaliados por meio do instrumento MMCOS, e por 293 futebolistas homens das categorias juvenil e infantil que preencheram um questioário para avaliar sua intenção de abandono do esporte. Os resultados gerais indicaram confiabilidade satisfatória e oferecera, evidências de validades, qeu se discuten em torno das características do instrumento de observação

Relación del clima empowering con la motivación autodeterminada a través de la satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas / Relationship of empowering climate and self-determined motivation through the satisfaction of basic psychological needs

Desde el marco conceptual de la AGT (Ames, 1992; Nicholls, 1989), la SDT (Ryan y Deci, 2017) y del modelo de clima motivacional de Duda (2013), el objetivo del estudio fue poner a prueba dos modelos siguiendo la secuencia: Percepción del Clima Empowering creado por el entrenador, satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas (BPNS) y motivación autodeterminada. En ambos se estudia el papel mediador de la BPNS (competencia, autonomía y relación), como variable compuesta en el primer modelo (M1), y como dimensiones separadas en el segundo (M2). 240 jóvenes jugadores de fútbol base (Medad = 12.41; DT = .1.66) completaron cuestionarios con las variables de interés. Los resultados mostraron que en el M1 el clima empowering favorece la motivación autodeterminada a través de la BPNS, mientras que en el M2 el clima empowering fue predictor positivo de la motivación autodeterminada a través de la satisfacción de la necesidad de autonomía (AU)

From the framework of the AGT (Ames, 1992; Nicholls, 1989), the SDT (Ryan and Deci, 2017) and Duda's (2013) motivational climate model, the aim of the study was to test two models throught the sequence: Perception of the coach created empowering climate, satisfaction of the basic psychological needs (BPNS) and self-determined motivation. In both, we tested the mediational role of the BPNS (competence, autonomy and relationship), as a composite variable in the first model (M1), and as separated dimensions in the second (M2). 240 young soccer players (Mage = 12.41; SD = .1.66), completed the questionnaires assessing the variables of interest. Results showed that in M1 empowering climate was a positive predictor of self-determined motivation through the BPNS, while in M2 empowering climate was a positive predictor of self-determined motivation only through the satisfaction of the need for autonomy (AU)

El análisis factorial exploratorio de los ítems: una guía práctica, revisada y actualizada / Exploratory Item Factor Analysis: A practical guide revised and updated

El Análisis Factorial Exploratorio es una de las técnicas más usadas en el desarrollo, validación y adaptación de instrumentos de medida psicológicos. Su uso se extendió durante los años 60 y ha ido creciendo de forma exponencial al ritmo que el avance de la informática ha permitido. Los criterios empleados en su uso, como es natural, también han evolucionado. Pero los investigadores interesados en asuntos sustantivos que utilizan rutinariamente esta técnica permanecen en muchos casos ignorantes de todo ello. En las últimas décadas numerosos trabajos han denunciado esta situación. La necesidad de actualizar los criterios clásicos para incorporar aquellos más adecuados es una necesidad urgente para hacer investigación de calidad. En este trabajo se revisan los criterios clásicos y, según el caso, se sustituyen o se complementan con otros más actuales. El objetivo es ofrecer al investigador aplicado interesado una guía actualizada acerca de cómo realizar un Análisis Factorial Exploratorio consonante con la psicometría post-Little Jiffy. Esta revisión y la guía con las recomendaciones correspondientes se han articulado en cuatro grandes bloques: 1) el tipo de datos y la matriz de asociación, 2) el método de estimación de factores, 3) el número de factores a retener, y 4) el método de rotación y asignación de ítems. Al final del artículo hemos incluido una versión breve de la guía

Exploratory Factor analysis is one of the techniques used in the development, validation and adaptation of psychological measurement instruments. Its use spread during the 1960s and has been growing exponentially thanks to the advancement of information technology. The criteria used, of course, have also evolved. But the applied researchers, who use this technique as a routine, remain often ignorant of all this. In the last few decades numerous studies have denounced this situation. There is an urgent need to update the classic criteria. The incorporation of the most suitable criteria will improve the quality of our research. In this work we review the classic criteria and, depending on the case, we also propose current criteria to replace or complement the former. Our objective is to offer the interested applied researcher updated guidance on how to perform an Exploratory Item Factor Analysis, according to the "post-Little Jiffy" psychometrics. This review and the guide with the corresponding recommendations have been articulated in four large blocks: 1) the data type and the matrix of association, 2) the method of factor estimation, 3) the number of factors to be retained, and 4) the method of rotation and allocation of items. An abridged version of the complete guide is provided at the end of the article

[Cynicism: a differential coping strategy as a function of gender]. / El cinismo: una estrategia de afrontamiento diferencial en función del género.

The main objective of the present study is to analyse the role of cynicism as a coping strategy in the process of burnout, considering gender as a key variable in this process. The sample comprised 555 teachers from Spanish primary and secondary schools. A two-wave panel study was carried out: data were gathered during the first term and again during the third and last term of the academic year. Several t-tests for independent samples and moderated hierarchical regression analysis were carried out. Results showed that women have a higher level of exhaustion than men, whereas men have a higher level of cynicism than women. Furthermore, cynicism has a direct and positive effect on exhaustion for women. In the case of men, cynicism is not an effective coping strategy but it has some buffering effect on exhaustion. Thus, a high level of cynicism seems to lead to a lower increase of exhaustion. Results, contributions, and limitations of the present study are discussed.

El cinismo: una estrategia de afrontamiento diferencial en función del género / Cynicism: a differential coping strategy as a function of gender

El principal objetivo de esta investigación es analizar el papel del cinismo como una estrategia de afrontamiento en el proceso de «quemarse por el trabajo», considerando el género una variable fundamental en dicho proceso. La muestra está compuesta por 555 profesores de colegios e institutos de la Comunidad Valenciana, España. Estudio longitudinal, con dos tiempos de recogida de datos: durante el primer y segundo semestre del curso escolar. Para llevar a cabo el objetivo se realizaron diversas pruebas t y análisis de regresión jerárquica modulada. Los resultados muestran que las mujeres presentan niveles mayores de agotamiento que los hombres, mientras que éstos presentan mayores niveles de cinismo que las mujeres, tanto en T1 como en T2. Se encontró que el cinismo no actúa como estrategia de afrontamiento para las mujeres, sino que tiene un efecto directo positivo sobre el agotamiento. En los hombres, aunque el cinismo no es una estrategia de afrontamiento eficaz, sí que presenta un cierto efecto protector, ya que la tendencia observada es que un alto nivel de cinismo hace que el aumento en los niveles de agotamiento sea menor. Se discuten los resultados, aportaciones y limitaciones del presente estudio

The main objective of the present study is to analyse the role of cynicism as a coping strategy in the process of burnout, considering gender as a key variable in this process. The sample comprised 555 teachers from Spanish primary and secondary schools. A two-wave panel study was carried out: data were gathered during the first term and again during the third and last term of the academic year. Several t-tests for independent samples and moderated hierarchical regression analysis were carried out. Results showed that women have a higher level of exhaustion than men, whereas men have a higher level of cynicism than women. Furthermore, cynicism has a direct and positive effect on exhaustion for women. In the case of men, cynicism is not an effective coping strategy but it has some buffering effect on exhaustion. Thus, a high level of cynicism seems to lead to a lower increase of exhaustion. Results, contributions, and limitations of the present study are discussed

Cross-cultural validity of the physical self-description questionnaire: comparison of factor structures in Australia, Spain, and Turkey.

We evaluated the cross-cultural generalizability of the factor structure for the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ) using confirmatory factor analysis. The factor structure was reasonably invariant over large samples of responses by Australian, Spanish, and Turkish students. Consistent with a priori predictions, the factor structures based on Australian and Spanish high school students were somewhat more similar to each other than to those based on Turkish university students, but these differences were small. Psychometric, theoretical cross-cultural, and practical considerations support the PSDQ's usefulness in a variety of research and applied settings. The study also provides a model for comparing psychometric properties based on responses to original and translated versions of sport psychology measures.

Teoría de respuesta al ítem y análisis factorial confirmatorio: dos métodos para analizar la equivalencia psicométrica en la traducción de cuestionarios / No disponible

La traducción de cuestionarios es un fenómeno frecuente en la investigación transcultural. En estos casos, no se puede asumir la equivalencia de las diferentes versiones traducidas, sino que es necesario confirmar dicha equivalencia llevando a cabo análisis del FDI. El análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) y la teoría de respuesta al ítem (TRI), representan dos aproximaciones alternativas para el estudio del FDI. El objetivo de este trabajo es comparar el AFC y la TRI como métodos alternativos para evaluar la equivalencia psicométrica en el contexto de la traducción de instrumentos de medida. Para ello se aplicó la versión original en inglés del PSDQ a una muestra de 986 adolescentes australianos, y una versión traducida al castellano de este cuestionario a 986 adolescentes valencianos. Se llevaron a cabo AFCs utilizando el modelo de medias latentes; dentro del contexto de la TRI se utilizó el Modelo de Respuesta Graduada de Samejima. Los resultados indican que el uso del AFC con estructura de medias latentes es totalmente comparable a los métodos de la TRI, y permite analizar tanto el FDI uniforme como el no uniforme (AU)

Item response theory and confirmatory factor analysis: Two approaches for testing the psychometric equivalence of translated tests. Translating psychological tests from one language and culture to other languages and cultures is a common practice in cross-cultural research. However, researchers should not assume that the translation is perfectly equivalent to the original source language version; instead of that it is necessary to carry out DIF analysis to test the equivalence of the different versions of the questionnaire. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Item Response Theory (IRT) models are alternative procedures for the detection of DIF. The objective of this study is to compare the utility of CFA and IRT models for testing the psychometric equivalence of translated tests. The English version of the PSDQ was administered to 986 Australian teenagers, and a translated Spanish version of the questionnaire was administered to 986 Spanish teenagers. CFA with nonzero latent means were carried out to test the equivalence of both versions of the questionnaire; and in the context of IRT Samejima’s Graded Response Model was used with the same purpose. The results of this study show that CFA with nonzero latent means allows to identify uniform DIF as well as nonuniform DIF, so the use of AFC is comparable to the use of IRT models (AU)