Examining the Item-level Psychometric Properties of the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SEQ) for Students in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SEQ), a self-reported questionnaire using Rasch analysis, a one-parameter logistic probability model based on scientific measurement principles. Rasch analysis was completed using the rating scale model. The various analyses allow researchers to examine the item-level psychometric properties of the SEQ, which result in measures that provide evidence for validity, reliability, and sensitivity of the instrument. Rasch analysis demonstrated that the latent trait established by the SEQ, Perceived Self-efficacy (called self-efficacy from here on), was a unidimensional construct that could be measured on a linear scale. The instrument demonstrated sound item-level psychometric properties, including a wide span of item difficulty, along with limited ceiling and no floor effects. Person reliability was good, and the SEQ separated raters into at least three statistically different levels of self-efficacy. These results provide evidence for the SEQ\u27s validity, reliability, and sensitivity. Based on this preliminary analysis, the SEQ demonstrated more than adequate item-level psychometric properties for use, although more research needs to be done. Further, instructors could use the SEQ to give preliminary information on whether or not a class assignment leads to increased self-efficacy in undergraduate and graduate students

α-Synuclein seeding activity in duodenum biopsies from Parkinson's disease patients

Abnormal deposition of α-synuclein is a key feature and biomarker of Parkinson's disease. α-Synuclein aggregates can propagate themselves by a prion-like seeding-based mechanism within and between tissues and are hypothesized to move between the intestine and brain. α-Synuclein RT-QuIC seed amplification assays have detected Parkinson's-associated α-synuclein in multiple biospecimens including post-mortem colon samples. Here we show intra vitam detection of seeds in duodenum biopsies from 22/23 Parkinson's patients, but not in 6 healthy controls by RT-QuICR. In contrast, no tau seeding activity was detected in any of the biopsies. Our seed amplifications provide evidence that the upper intestine contains a form(s) of α-synuclein with self-propagating activity. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for PD in this biopsy panel were 95.7% and 100% respectively. End-point dilution analysis indicated up to 106 SD50 seeding units per mg of tissue with positivity in two contemporaneous biopsies from individual patients suggesting widespread distribution within the superior and descending parts of duodenum. Our detection of α-synuclein seeding activity in duodenum biopsies of Parkinson's disease patients suggests not only that such analyses may be useful in ante-mortem diagnosis, but also that the duodenum may be a source or a destination for pathological, self-propagating α-synuclein assemblies

Perception of Speech and Non-Speech Motor Performance by Individuals with Parkinson Disease and Their Communication Partners: Comparison of Perceptual Ratings, Quality of Life Ratings and Objective Measures

Speech and non-speech motor deficits have been frequently reported in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). These deficits not only impact the performance of specific tasks but also may affect quality of life (QOL) of individuals with PD. Prior studies have indicated mixed findings regarding perception of speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD. Some studies report accurate self-perception by individuals with PD and other researchers suggest either underestimation or overestimation of own performance by the individuals with PD. The present study examined perception of speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD by examining relationships between perceptual ratings by individuals with PD, ratings by communication partners, and ratings by a trained rater and corresponding speech and non-speech motor measures. Comparison of perceptual speech ratings by the three rater groups indicated overestimation of speech loudness by individuals with PD and communication partners when compared to the trained rater. Overall results indicated that individuals with PD and communication partners had perceptual deficits regarding speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD. In addition to rating the speech of individuals with PD, the three rater groups rated the speech of control speakers. Results provided evidence for general perception deficit in individuals with PD. Finally, comparison of QOL ratings by individuals with PD (self ratings) and communication partners (proxy ratings) indicated no statistically significant group differences for non-speech motor and speech-related QOL measures. During situations when self-reports are either unavailable or not feasible, the communication partners can be included as alternative sources for obtaining information related to QOL changes in individuals with PD. However, self and proxy ratings should be carefully analyzed to determine the effects of PD-related deficits in individuals with PD. Finally, the lack of correlation between the two QOL measures indicated the importance of the choice of QOL measures to determine impact of PD on speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD

Perception of Speech and Non-Speech Motor Performance by Individuals with Parkinson Disease and Their Communication Partners: Comparison of Perceptual Ratings, Quality of Life Ratings and Objective Measures

Speech and non-speech motor deficits have been frequently reported in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). These deficits not only impact the performance of specific tasks but also may affect quality of life (QOL) of individuals with PD. Prior studies have indicated mixed findings regarding perception of speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD. Some studies report accurate self-perception by individuals with PD and other researchers suggest either underestimation or overestimation of own performance by the individuals with PD. The present study examined perception of speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD by examining relationships between perceptual ratings by individuals with PD, ratings by communication partners, and ratings by a trained rater and corresponding speech and non-speech motor measures. Comparison of perceptual speech ratings by the three rater groups indicated overestimation of speech loudness by individuals with PD and communication partners when compared to the trained rater. Overall results indicated that individuals with PD and communication partners had perceptual deficits regarding speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD. In addition to rating the speech of individuals with PD, the three rater groups rated the speech of control speakers. Results provided evidence for general perception deficit in individuals with PD. Finally, comparison of QOL ratings by individuals with PD (self ratings) and communication partners (proxy ratings) indicated no statistically significant group differences for non-speech motor and speech-related QOL measures. During situations when self-reports are either unavailable or not feasible, the communication partners can be included as alternative sources for obtaining information related to QOL changes in individuals with PD. However, self and proxy ratings should be carefully analyzed to determine the effects of PD-related deficits in individuals with PD. Finally, the lack of correlation between the two QOL measures indicated the importance of the choice of QOL measures to determine impact of PD on speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD

Perception of Speech and Non-Speech Motor Performance by Individuals with Parkinson Disease and Their Communication Partners: Comparison of Perceptual Ratings, Quality of Life Ratings and Objective Measures

Speech and non-speech motor deficits have been frequently reported in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). These deficits not only impact the performance of specific tasks but also may affect quality of life (QOL) of individuals with PD. Prior studies have indicated mixed findings regarding perception of speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD. Some studies report accurate self-perception by individuals with PD and other researchers suggest either underestimation or overestimation of own performance by the individuals with PD. The present study examined perception of speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD by examining relationships between perceptual ratings by individuals with PD, ratings by communication partners, and ratings by a trained rater and corresponding speech and non-speech motor measures. Comparison of perceptual speech ratings by the three rater groups indicated overestimation of speech loudness by individuals with PD and communication partners when compared to the trained rater. Overall results indicated that individuals with PD and communication partners had perceptual deficits regarding speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD. In addition to rating the speech of individuals with PD, the three rater groups rated the speech of control speakers. Results provided evidence for general perception deficit in individuals with PD. Finally, comparison of QOL ratings by individuals with PD (self ratings) and communication partners (proxy ratings) indicated no statistically significant group differences for non-speech motor and speech-related QOL measures. During situations when self-reports are either unavailable or not feasible, the communication partners can be included as alternative sources for obtaining information related to QOL changes in individuals with PD. However, self and proxy ratings should be carefully analyzed to determine the effects of PD-related deficits in individuals with PD. Finally, the lack of correlation between the two QOL measures indicated the importance of the choice of QOL measures to determine impact of PD on speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD

Perception of Speech and Non-Speech Motor Performance by Individuals with Parkinson Disease and Their Communication Partners: Comparison of Perceptual Ratings, Quality of Life Ratings and Objective Measures

Speech and non-speech motor deficits have been frequently reported in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). These deficits not only impact the performance of specific tasks but also may affect quality of life (QOL) of individuals with PD. Prior studies have indicated mixed findings regarding perception of speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD. Some studies report accurate self-perception by individuals with PD and other researchers suggest either underestimation or overestimation of own performance by the individuals with PD. The present study examined perception of speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD by examining relationships between perceptual ratings by individuals with PD, ratings by communication partners, and ratings by a trained rater and corresponding speech and non-speech motor measures. Comparison of perceptual speech ratings by the three rater groups indicated overestimation of speech loudness by individuals with PD and communication partners when compared to the trained rater. Overall results indicated that individuals with PD and communication partners had perceptual deficits regarding speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD. In addition to rating the speech of individuals with PD, the three rater groups rated the speech of control speakers. Results provided evidence for general perception deficit in individuals with PD. Finally, comparison of QOL ratings by individuals with PD (self ratings) and communication partners (proxy ratings) indicated no statistically significant group differences for non-speech motor and speech-related QOL measures. During situations when self-reports are either unavailable or not feasible, the communication partners can be included as alternative sources for obtaining information related to QOL changes in individuals with PD. However, self and proxy ratings should be carefully analyzed to determine the effects of PD-related deficits in individuals with PD. Finally, the lack of correlation between the two QOL measures indicated the importance of the choice of QOL measures to determine impact of PD on speech and non-speech motor performance of individuals with PD

Role of Political Instability in Attracting FDI Inflow to Pakistan

Purpose:  The reason of this study is to recognize the impact of key determinants of overseas direct asset in case of Pakistan, based on annual information covering the period of 1981-2018. Design/Methodology/Approach: After checking for still of the sequence, the technique of ARDL is used for estimation of long run parameters estimates and error alteration instrument for short run dynamics. Findings: The results of the study indicate that politically stable environment and long term policies are necessary to attract foreign investors. furthermore, investment profile of any government also matter for direct asset in the country as the study conclusions reveal that marketplace size as well as domestic investment are positively related to foreign direct investment while taxes have negative association with overseas straight investment in the case of Pakistan. Implications/Originality/Value: The most important factor for FDI inflow to Pakistan is interest rate or ease of doing business which has negative sign means inverse relation exists between the two variables

The Nexus Between Monetary Policy and Economic Growth in Pakistan: Empirical Evidence Based on Bound Test Approach

The objective of this research is to examine the monetary policy's impact on economic growth. Variables of study are Gross domestic product, Inflation, rate of interest, Exchange rate, Money supply, Investment, and Consumer Price Index and time series data is collected from. Gross domestic product is a dependent variable and all other variables are independent and have a great effect on the explanatory variable. In this study, the Augmented dicky fuller test is used to check out the stationarity of our selected variables and after that autoregressive distributed lag model co-integration technique is applied to estimate the parameters of the model. The result shows that inflation, interest rate, and consumer price index show a negative impact on gross domestic product. While other variables such as exchange rate, money supply, and investment show a positive impact on GDP. The study recommended that the desired level of output and employment can be attained by adopting sufficient strategies that reduce inflation in the economy