Construct validation of the revised Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory (MARSI-R) and its relation to learning effort and reading achievement

Language students apply different strategies to learn a second language (L2), especially when they want to attain proficiency in reading. The aim of the present study was to revisit the validity of the Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory (MARSI-R) among Saudi students using a new statistical method of confirmatory composite analysis (CCA). Past studies modeled MARSI-R as a common factor and applied confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test its validity. However, studies struggled to provide support for the validity of the MASRI-R with each suggesting different model. Instead, we treat the inventory as a composite, meaning that the items in MARSI-R form and define the inventory and not the other way around. We use partial least squared structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to allow the composite model to be estimated. The results indicated that the constructs of MARSI-R are better operationalized as composites not common factors as supported through CCA exclusively. After confirming the nature of the inventory, we evaluated the extent to which MARSI-R is related to reading proficiency through the mediational mechanism of motivational intensity (i.e., learning effort). Descriptive statistics illustrated that problem-solving strategies are the most used strategy and that females used the strategies more frequently than their male counterparts. Most importantly, the structural model showed that metacognitive reading strategies only exert an indirect effect on reading proficiency, suggesting that the effect of strategies is mediated by motivational intensity (i.e., learning effort). Thus, motivational intensity seems to be mediator in the relationship between metacognitive reading strategies and reading proficiency. Finally, methodological and educational implications are provided

Boyd-Wong type functional contractions under locally transitive binary relation with applications to boundary value problems

The area of metric fixed point theory applied to relational metric spaces has received significant attention since the appearance of the relation-theoretic contraction principle. In recent times, a number of fixed point theorems addressing the various contractivity conditions in the relational metric space has been investigated. Such results are extremely advantageous in solving a variety of boundary value problems, matrix equations, and integral equations. This article offerred some fixed point results for a functional contractive mapping depending on a control function due to Boyd and Wong in a metric space endued with a local class of transitive relations. Our findings improved, developed, enhanced, combined and strengthened several fixed point theorems found in the literature. Several illustrative examples were delivered to argue for the reliability of our findings. To verify the relevance of our findings, we conveyed an existence and uniqueness theorem regarding the solution of a first-order boundary value problem

High Vibration of a Centrifugal Compressor Casing Caused by the Gas Leakage across a Damaged Gasket

Case StudyA sudden increase of casing vibration along with loud noise and shaking of casing and process piping were observed on a large sales gas centrifugal compressor, while the rotor vibration was below alarm level. When the unit was shut down and restarted several times, the issue occurred again after few hours of operation. A detailed investigation of site data combined with aerodynamic analysis (CFD) and mechanical analysis (FEA) allowed identification of the unexpected root cause of this severe casing vibration issue as the rupture of an elastomer gasket inside the compressor casing

Weighted corporate social responsibility index for measuring Islamic banking's social performance: how to develop it?

It is posited that Islamic Banking is meant to be socially responsible. Relating to this social responsibility, this paper undertakes two objectives. One is to develop an illustration of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) measurement index by allocating differential weights to process-based and outcome-oriented CSR measures. The illustrative index contains nine (9) process-based measurement items, which fall under three (3) dimensions: investment, research and development, and human resources. Outcome-oriented measurement items are eight (8), which represent three (3) dimensions: Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB), social activities and sharing, and environment. The way of deciding different weights for these two categories of measures is explained, and a possible method for validation of assigned weights is proposed. Another objective is to explain why CSR measures relating to core business processes should be given more weight than outcome-oriented CSR measures for Islamic banks. In order to develop this explanation, the paper draws upon Quranic and Hadith texts, maqasid literature and published works on CSR of Islamic banks. The basic argument underlying this explanation is that purity of the process of earning is a precondition for the earning-based beneficial acts to be acceptable as good deeds

Impact of Non-Tailored One-Way Automated Short Messaging Service (OASMS) on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Feasibility Study

Short message service (SMS) is easily accessible and potentially an ideal platform for delivering patient-targeted messages. However, an effective SMS dosing strategy is not well established. Our purpose was to evaluate the impact of diabetes self-care promoting messages via non-tailored one-way automated SMS (OASMS) on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was compared between patients who received the service and those who did not. This retrospective quasi-experimental pre–post feasibility study was conducted at an academic medical center endocrinology clinic. English-speaking adults (≥18 years) with uncontrolled T2DM (HbA1c ≥ 8%) were included. A total of 69 patients (intervention n = 34; control n = 35) met the inclusion criteria. The mean (±SD) baseline HbA1c values were 10.2% (±1.9%) and 9.9% (±1.7%) in the intervention and control arms, respectively. Median follow-up was 3.3 months (IQR = 3–4.2). An ANCOVA model adjusted for baseline HbA1c and age showed an estimated HbA1c reduction difference of −0.97% (95% CI, −1.73 to −0.20%, p = 0.014), favoring the intervention arm. Inverse propensity score weighting confirmed the ANCOVA results. Our study suggests that adding diabetes self-care promoting messages via non-tailored OASMS to usual care improves glycemic control in poorly controlled T2DM. Larger and longer studies are needed to evaluate different features of the non-tailored OASMS strategy

Mortality, Severity, and Hospital Admission among COVID-19 Patients with ACEI/ARB Use: A Meta-Analysis Stratifying Countries Based on Response to the First Wave of the Pandemic

Background: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) is controversial for treating COVID-19 patients. We aimed to estimate pooled risks of mortality, disease severity, and hospitalization associated with ACEI/ARB use and stratify them by country and country clusters. Methods: We conducted a search in various databases through 4 July 2020 and then applied random-effects models to estimate pooled risks (ORp) across stratifications by country cluster. Clusters were chosen to reflect outbreak times (China followed by Korea/Italy, others subsequently) and mobility restrictions (China and Denmark/France/Spain with stricter lockdowns than the UK/US). Results: Overall analysis showed no increase in mortality; however, a statistical increase in mortality was seen in the US/UK cluster with ORp = 1.28 [95% CI = 1.04; 1.56] and a decrease in China with ORp = 0.65 [95% CI = 0.43; 0.96] and France with OR = 0.31 [95% CI = 0.14; 0.69]. Severity and hospitalization were not statistically significant in the analysis; however, several associations were seen in specific countries but not in country clusters. Conclusion: The country-cluster meta-analysis provided a reasonable explanation for COVID-19 mortality among ACEI/ARB users. The analysis did not explain differences in severity and suggested the involvement of other factors. Hospitalization findings among ACEI/ARB users may be considered informative as they may have been subjected to clinical decisions and hospital-bed availability

The prevalence of resistant Gram-negative bacteraemia among hospitalized patients in Tucson, Arizona over a 12-month period; A retrospective single center study

Introduction: The objectives of this retrospective review were to: (a) determine the prevalence of resistant Gram-negative bacteraemia among hospitalized patients; (b) evaluate antibiotic use; (c) determine the time taken for Gram staining to final species identification. Methods: For this retrospective study, information was extracted from patients' electronic medical records. Eligible patients had been admitted to a 300-bed tertiary care hospital in Tucson, Arizona from October 2015 to October 2016, were over 18 years of age and had a positive blood culture for Gram-negative bacteraemia. Results: In total, 84 patients with Gram-negative bacteraemia were identified; urinary tract infection was the most common source of infection (71%). ESBL-producing microorganisms were isolated from five (6%) patients and no MDR pathogens were identified. The, median time to Gram stain was 20.5 hours and the median time to final identification was 54.5 hours. Delayed de-escalation of broad-spectrum antibiotics (i.e., >24 hours after final culture) occurred in 25% patients with a median length of hospital stay of 118 hours (range: 56-552 hours) compared with a median length of hospital stay of 89 hours (range: 5-334 hours) in the early deescalation group. Conclusion: The prevalence of bacteraemia due to resistant Gram-negative microorganisms is low (6%) in this institution. However, there may be room for improvement in the antimicrobial stewardship program with regard to rapid diagnostic testing.Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Assessing student pharmacists' confidence and knowledge of basic diabetes self-management skills

Introduction: The significance of diabetes self-management and recent advances in diabetes medications call for healthcare professionals' preparedness in educating patients. This study assessed correlations between student pharmacists' confidence and knowledge of diabetes self-management skills. Methods: An online questionnaire was administered to third-year student pharmacists at one United States college of pharmacy. Students indicated their level of agreement (strongly disagree, disagree, agree, strongly agree) with nine confidence items and identified the correct multiple-choice response for nine knowledge items. Correlations between confidence and knowledge scores were assessed using simple linear regression, logistic regression, and Spearman rank (Rho) test. Results: Forty-five students completed the questionnaire. The majority agreed/strongly agreed that they were confident in their knowledge for eight of the nine confidence items. The majority correctly answered six of the nine knowledge items. No associations were identified between confidence and knowledge scores in the linear regression (beta scaled = 0.25) or Spearman's correlation test (r = 0.294). In the logistic regression model, confidence and knowledge scores were associated positively for three domains: glucose meter use (odds ratio [OR] = 4.88), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use (OR = 4.23) and hyperglycemia treatment (OR = 3.33); confidence and knowledge scores were associated negatively with one domain: insulin syringe administration (OR = 0.41). Conclusions: This study found no overall association between confidence and knowledge scores in third-year student pharmacists' basic diabetes self-management skills, although there were significant associations with four specific domains. Student pharmacists may require additional training to improve their diabetes self-management skills.12 month embargo; available online 26 July 2022This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]