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Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is a fundamental method for evaluating the internal structural validity of measurement instruments. In most CFA applications, the measurement model serves as a means to an end rather than an end in itself. To select the appropriate model, prior validity evidence is crucial, and items are typically assessed on an ordinal scale, which has been used in the applied social sciences. However, textbooks on structural equation modeling (SEM) often overlook this specific case, focusing on applications estimable using maximum likelihood (ML) instead. Unfortunately, several popular commercial SEM software packages lack suitable solutions for handling this 'typical CFA', leading to confusion and suboptimal decision-making when conducting CFA in this context. This article conceptually contributes to this ongoing discussion by presenting a set of guidelines for conducting a typical CFA, drawing from recent empirical research. We provide a practical contribution by introducing and developing a tutorial example within the JASP and lavaan software platforms. Supplementary materials such as videos, files, and scripts are freely available.

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Introducción: El objetivo de esta investigación fue confirmar la estructura interna de la Environmental Reward Observation Scale (EROS) y recoger evidencias de su relación con otros constructos en una muestra colombiana de 902 adultos que consintieron participar voluntariamente. Método: Se realizaron análisis psicométricos con Teoría Clásica de los Test y el modelo de Rasch. Se recolectaron evidencias de validez de la estructura interna y de la relación de las puntuaciones con otras variables. Resultados: Se obtuvieron buenos índices en los coeficientes alfa y omega de McDonald, nueve de los 10 ítems tuvieron buenos ajustes en los índices infit y outfit, y el ítem ocho presentó DIF en el nivel educativo. Se confirmó la estructura unidimensional de la EROS y fue invariante respecto al sexo y nivel educativo. Los puntajes tuvieron correlaciones de magnitud alta con sintomatología emocional y variables afines a la Activación Conductual. Conclusiones: La EROS presentó altas calidades psicométricas para su uso en población colombiana; sin embargo, se recomienda su uso solo para evaluación de tamizaje, porque los niveles de información están centrados en un área reducida a lo largo de la métrica logit.

Introduction: The aim of this research was to confirm the internal structure of the Environmental Reward Observation Scale (EROS) and to collect evidence of its relationship with other constructs in a Colombian sample of 902 adults who voluntarily consented to participate. Method: Psychometric analyses were performed using Classical Test Theory and the Rasch model. Evidence of validity based on internal structure and relations of scores with other variables was collected. Results: Good indexes were obtained in McDonald's Alpha and Omega coefficients, 9 of the 10 items had good adjustments in the Infit and Outfit indexes, and item 8 presented DIF in the educational level. The unidimensional structure of the EROS was confirmed and was invariant with respect to sex and educational level. Scores had high magnitude correlations with emotional symptomatology and variables related to Behavioral Activation. Conclusions: The EROS presented high psychometric qualities for its use in the Colombian population; however, its use is recommended only for screening assessment because the levels of information are centered in a reduced area along the Logit scaling.

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Background: This study aimed to examine the internal structure and assess the psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in a Puerto Rican sample of workers. This instrument is a nine-item questionnaire, which was conceptualized as a unidimensional structure; however, there are mixed results regarding this internal structure. This measure is used in the occupational health psychology context in organizations in Puerto Rico; nevertheless, there is little evidence of its psychometric properties with samples of workers. Materials and methods: A total of 955 samples from two different study samples were used in this cross-sectional study design in which the PHQ-9 was used. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis, bifactor analysis, and random intercept item factor analysis to examine the internal structure of the PHQ-9. Moreover, a two-factor model was examined by randomly assigning items to the two factors. Measurement invariance across sex and the relationship with other constructs were examined. Results: The best-fitted model was the bifactor model followed by the random intercept item factor. The five sets of two-factor models with items randomly assigned obtained acceptable and similar fit indices regardless of the items. Conclusion: The results suggest that the PHQ-9 appears to be a reliable and valid instrument to measure depression. The more parsimonious interpretation of its scores, for now, is a unidimensional structure. Comparison across sex appears to be useful in occupational health psychology research settings since the results suggest that the PHQ-9 is invariant regarding this variable.

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The Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2) assesses personality through the big five factor model model (FFM). This study aimed to verify whether the internal structure of the BFI-2 is corroborated in a Brazilian sample. Participants were 908 cisgender adults, aged between 17 and 93 years, 532 of whom were women. Confirmatory factor analysis and Exploratory structural equation modeling were performed with the BFI-2. The 15 facets of personality resulted in adequate fit and reliability, mainly for the respondents under 60 years of age. We conclude that the BFI-2 presents evidence of preliminary validity based on its internal structure, although further validity studies are required with the instrument, to testify its psychometric quality. (AU)

O Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2) avalia a personalidade no modelo dos Cinco Grandes Fatores (CGF). O presente estudo objetivou verificar se a estrutura interna do BFI-2 é corroborada em uma amostra brasileira. Participaram 908 adultos cisgênero, com idades entre 17 e 93 anos, sendo 532 mulheres. Análise fatorial confirmatória e modelagem de equações estruturais exploratórias foram conduzidas no BFI-2. As 15 facetas de personalidade do BFI-2 resultaram em índices de ajuste adequados, principalmente para os respondentes com idade até 60 anos. Conclui-se que o BFI-2 apresenta evidência inicial de validade baseada em sua estrutura interna, apesar de que novos estudos de validade devem ser conduzidos com o instrumento, com o objetivo de atestar sua qualidade psicométrica. (AU)

El Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2) evalúa la personalidad según el modelo de los Cinco Grandes Factores (CGF). El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar si la estructura interna del BFI-2 se corrobora en una muestra brasileña. Participaron 908 adultos cisgénero, de entre 17 y 93 años, de los cuales 532 eran mujeres. Se realizó un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio y un Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales Exploratorio sobre el BFI-2. Las 15 facetas de personalidad del BFI-2 dieron lugar a índices de ajuste adecuados, especialmente para los encuestados de hasta 60 años. Se concluye que el BFI-2 presenta evidencias iniciales de validez basadas en su estructura interna, aunque se deben ejecutar más estudios de validez con el instrumento para atestiguar su calidad psicométrica. (AU)

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Background A wide range of exploratory methods is available in psychometrics as means of gathering insight on existing data and on the process of establishing the number and nature of an internal structure factor of a test. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and principal component analysis (PCA) remain well-established techniques despite their different theoretical perspectives. Network analysis (NA) has recently gained popularity together with such algorithms as the Next Eigenvalue Sufficiency Test. These analyses link statistics and psychology, but their results tend to vary, leading to an open methodological debate on statistical assumptions of psychometric analyses and the extent to which results that are generated with these analyses align with the theoretical basis that underlies an instrument. The current study uses a previously published data set from the Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional to explore, show, and discuss several exploratory analyses of its internal structure. To a lesser degree, this study furthers the ongoing debate on the interface between theoretical and methodological perspectives in psychometrics. Methods From a sample of 22,331 sixty-month-old children, 500 participants were randomly selected. Pearson and polychoric correlation matrices were compared and used as inputs in the psychometric analyses. The number of factors was determined via well-known rules of thumb, including the parallel analysis and the Hull method. Multidimensional solutions were rotated via oblique methods. R and Factor software were used, the codes for which are publicly available at https://luisfca.shinyapps.io/psychometrics_asq_se/ . Results Solutions from one to eight dimensions were suggested. Polychoric correlation overcame Pearson correlation, but nonconvergence issues were detected. The Hull method achieved a unidimensional structure. PCA and EFA achieved similar results. Conversely, six clusters were suggested via NA. Conclusion The statistical outcomes for determining the factor structure of an assessment diverged, varying from one to eight domains, which allowed for different interpretations of the results. Methodological implications are further discussed.

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Bauhinia scandens has potential importance as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Researchers have isolated and identified 1-O-alkylglycerol in the leaves of the B. scandens plant, and established antitumor properties using the Brine Shrimp toxicity test, an internationally accepted bioassay. Although this species has high potential, little is known about the viability of seedling production and the morphology of these plants, particularly in terms of seed characteristics and initial stages of germination. The objective of this study was to characterize the seed morphology, germination, and seedlings of B. scandens. Seed water content, weight, and coloration were evaluated. This study also included a description of seed biometrics, external and internal structures, germination, and seedling morphology. Internal seed morphology was evaluated by the anatomical sectioning and X-ray methods. The morphology data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and germination data were determined using Cramér's V. B. scandens seeds have a coloration ranging from very dark grayish-red to dark reddish-brown, flat oblong shapes, and rounded bases and apexes with full or slightly undulating margins. Healthy seedlings are produced mainly by seeds with well-formed internal structures. The reddish petiole of the seedling leaves is a taxonomic character for B. scandens identification. The non-domestication and genetic variability of this species reflect on the seed and seedling color and size variation.(AU)

Bauhinia scandens tem potencial como planta ornamental e importância medicinal. Nas folhas da planta de B. scandens, foi relatado pelos pesquisadores, o isolamento e identificação de glicerol 1-O-alquilo,os mesmos estabeleceram a propriedade antitumoral por um bioensaio, aceito internacionalmente denominado teste de toxicidade de Brine Shrimp. Por ser ainda pouco conhecida e com alto potencial exploratório, a viabilidade da produção de mudas e maior conhecimento sobre sua morfologia se faz necessária. Faltam informações sobre as características das sementes e estágios iniciais de germinação. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o tipo morfológico de sementes, germinação e plântulas de B. scandens. Foram avaliados o teor de água, o peso de mil sementes e a coloração das sementes. Este estudo também incluiu a descrição e biometria da semente, estrutura (externa e interna), germinação e morfologia das plântulas. A morfologia interna das sementes foi avaliada por corte anatômico e método de raios-X. Os dados morfológicos obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e os dados de germinação foram testados utilizando Cramér's V. B. scandens apresentam coloração que varia de vermelho acinzentado muito escuro a marrom avermelhado escuro e o tipo de semente é de forma oblonga plana, base e ápice são arredondados e cheios ou margens ligeiramente onduladas. Plântulas normais são produzidas majoritariamente por sementes com uma estrutura interna bem formada. O pecíolo avermelhado das folhas da plântula é um caráter taxonômico para identificação de B. scandens. A não domesticação e a variabilidade genética desta espécie refletem na variação da cor e tamanho das sementes e plântulas.(AU)

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Bauhinia scandens has potential importance as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Researchers have isolated and identified 1-O-alkylglycerol in the leaves of the B. scandens plant, and established antitumor properties using the Brine Shrimp toxicity test, an internationally accepted bioassay. Although this species has high potential, little is known about the viability of seedling production and the morphology of these plants, particularly in terms of seed characteristics and initial stages of germination. The objective of this study was to characterize the seed morphology, germination, and seedlings of B. scandens. Seed water content, weight, and coloration were evaluated. This study also included a description of seed biometrics, external and internal structures, germination, and seedling morphology. Internal seed morphology was evaluated by the anatomical sectioning and X-ray methods. The morphology data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and germination data were determined using Cramér's V. B. scandens seeds have a coloration ranging from very dark grayish-red to dark reddish-brown, flat oblong shapes, and rounded bases and apexes with full or slightly undulating margins. Healthy seedlings are produced mainly by seeds with well-formed internal structures. The reddish petiole of the seedling leaves is a taxonomic character for B. scandens identification. The non-domestication and genetic variability of this species reflect on the seed and seedling color and size variation.

Bauhinia scandens tem potencial como planta ornamental e importância medicinal. Nas folhas da planta de B. scandens, foi relatado pelos pesquisadores, o isolamento e identificação de glicerol 1-O-alquilo,os mesmos estabeleceram a propriedade antitumoral por um bioensaio, aceito internacionalmente denominado teste de toxicidade de Brine Shrimp. Por ser ainda pouco conhecida e com alto potencial exploratório, a viabilidade da produção de mudas e maior conhecimento sobre sua morfologia se faz necessária. Faltam informações sobre as características das sementes e estágios iniciais de germinação. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o tipo morfológico de sementes, germinação e plântulas de B. scandens. Foram avaliados o teor de água, o peso de mil sementes e a coloração das sementes. Este estudo também incluiu a descrição e biometria da semente, estrutura (externa e interna), germinação e morfologia das plântulas. A morfologia interna das sementes foi avaliada por corte anatômico e método de raios-X. Os dados morfológicos obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e os dados de germinação foram testados utilizando Cramér's V. B. scandens apresentam coloração que varia de vermelho acinzentado muito escuro a marrom avermelhado escuro e o tipo de semente é de forma oblonga plana, base e ápice são arredondados e cheios ou margens ligeiramente onduladas. Plântulas normais são produzidas majoritariamente por sementes com uma estrutura interna bem formada. O pecíolo avermelhado das folhas da plântula é um caráter taxonômico para identificação de B. scandens. A não domesticação e a variabilidade genética desta espécie refletem na variação da cor e tamanho das sementes e plântulas.

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Collective efficacy is a promising theoretical construct that has been used to explain bullying rates in school. The development of school collective efficacy scales has increased in bullying research in recent years; however, gaps remain in measuring collective efficacy to handle bullying. This research assessed the psychometric properties of a new scale to evaluate collective efficacy against bullying. This first-order one-dimensional scale is called the teachers' perceptions of collective efficacy to handle bullying (TCEB) scale. A sample of 804 Mexican primary teachers completed questionnaires. The sample was randomly split into two subsamples for calibration (n = 402) and cross-validation analysis (n = 402). The factor structure was supported by confirmatory factorial analysis. Measurement equivalence was confirmed by gender. The latent means differences showed no statistically significant differences by teachers' gender. The TCEB correlation with school environment factors (e.g., principal support, school climate, and bullying) confirms the scale's discriminant and concurrent validity. Our findings suggest that TCEB is a suitable instrument to assess teachers' perceptions of collective efficacy to handle bullying, a construct that has proved to help predict a positive whole-school context and student bullying involvement.

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The term distress has been used to refer to a continuous variable operationalized through symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. In this study, psychological distress is measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Confirmatory Factor Analysis compared the fit of different measurement models for the DASS-21, with the parameters of the items verified through the Andrich rating scale model. A non-clinical sample of 530 participants (mean age=24.35±6.55 years; 71.89% women) responded to the instrument. According to the theoretical hypothesis, the results indicated a better fit for the bifactor model, composed of three specific factors (depression, anxiety, and stress) and a general factor (general psychological distress). The assessment of the item properties allowed for a better understanding of the organization of the continuum represented by the construct psychological distress. It is possible to conclude that the Brazilian version of the DASS-21 is an adequate measure for psychological distress. (AU)

O termo "distresse" psicológico tem sido utilizado na literatura para se referir a uma variável contínua operacionalizada por meio dos sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse. Esta pesquisa propõe a utilização da Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse (DASS-21) para avaliação do distresse psicológico. Comparou-se o ajuste de diferentes modelos de medidas propostos a DASS-21 por meio da análise fatorial confirmatória e verificou-se os parâmetros dos itens com o Andrich rating scale model. Uma amostra não clínica de 530 participantes (idade: M = 24,35, DP = 6,55, 71,89% mulheres), respondeu ao instrumento. Os resultados indicaram melhor adequação do modelo bifactor composto por três fatores específicos (depressão, ansiedade e estresse) e um fator geral (distresse psicológico geral), conforme hipótese teórica. A avaliação das propriedades dos itens possibilitou melhor compreensão da organização do contínuo representado pelo construto distresse psicológico (severidade dos sintomas). Conclui-se que a versão brasileira da DASS-21 é uma medida adequada do distresse psicológico geral. (AU)

El término distrés psicológico se ha utilizado en la literatura para referirse una variable continua operada por medio de los síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y el estrés. En esta investigación el distrés psicológico se mide a través de la Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés (DASS-21). El Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio comparó el ajuste de diferentes modelos de medición para la DASS-21 y los parámetros de los ítems se verificaron a través de la Andrich rating scale model. Una muestra no clínica de 530 participantes (24,35 ± 6,55, 71,89% mujeres), respondieron al instrumento. Los resultados indicaron una mejor adecuación del modelo bifactor compuesto por tres factores específicos (depresión, ansiedad y estrés) y un factor general (distrés psicológico general), lo que correspondió con la expectativa teórica. La evaluación de las propiedades del ítem permitió una mejor comprensión de la organización del continuo representado por el constructo distrés psicológico. Se concluye que la versión brasileña DASS-21 es una medida adecuada del distrés psicológico general. (AU)

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Although there are few Brazilian studies on this subject, envy is a universal phenomenon present in the cultural and social spheres. This research aimed to conduct a cross-cultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate validity evidence for the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale (BeMaS), a measure of benign and malicious envy. A total of 248 adolescents aged between 12 and 17 (M=13.93 ±1.39, 47.9% boys) participated in this research. Evidence of validity based on content, internal structure, relationship to other variables (stress, anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction), and reliability indicators were estimated. The exploratory factor analysis suggested the adequacy of the internal structure composed of two factors, demonstrating the equivalence of the internal structure with the original version and good indicators of reliability (ω= 0.760 e 0.823) and relationships with external variables consistent with the theoretical hypotheses. The Results suggest the adequacy of the instrument.

Embora ainda pouco explorada nos estudos nacionais, a inveja é um fenômeno universal e observado nas esferas sociais e multiculturais. Esta pesquisa teve como principal objetivo a adaptação transcultural para o português brasileiro e avaliação de evidência de validade da Escala de Inveja Benigna e Maliciosa (BeMaS), instrumento que avalia dimensões benigna e maliciosa da inveja disposicional. Participaram 248 adolescentes, com idade entre 12 e 17 anos (M = 13,93 ± 1,39, 47,9% meninos). Foram estimadas evidências de validade baseadas no conteúdo, na estrutura interna, na relação com outras variáveis (estresse, ansiedade, depressão e satisfação com a vida) e nos indicadores de precisão. A Análise Fatorial Exploratória sugeriu a adequação da estrutura com dois fatores da versão brasileira da BeMaS, demonstrando equivalência da estrutura interna com a versão original, bem como bons indicadores de precisão (ω = 0,760 e 0,823) e relações com variáveis externas coerentes com as hipóteses teóricas. Os resultados sugerem adequação do instrumento.

Aunque hay pocos estudios brasileños acerca del tema, la envidia es un fenómeno universal presente en las esferas cultural y social. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo llevar a cabo una adaptación transcultural al portugués brasileño y evaluar la evidencia de validez de la Escala de Envidia Benigna y Maliciosa (BeMaS), una medida de la envidia benigna y maliciosa. Un total de 248 adolescentes, de 12 a 17 años de edad (M = 13.93 ± 1.39, 47.9% de los niños) participaron en esta investigación. Se estimaron las evidencias de validez basadas en el contenido, la estructura interna, la relación con otras variables (estrés, ansiedad, depresión y satisfacción con la vida) y los indicadores de confiabilidad. El análisis factorial exploratorio sugirió la adecuación de la estructura interna compuesta por dos factores, lo que demuestra la equivalencia con la versión original, así como buenos indicadores de confiabilidad (ω = 0.760 e 0.823) y relaciones con variables externas consistentes con el hipótesis teóricas. Los resultados sugieren la adecuación del instrumento.

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Resumen: La depresión es uno de los trastornos del estado de ánimo más frecuentes e incapacitantes en la población de adultos mayores. Para medirla, una de las escalas más utilizadas es el Cuestionario de Depresión Geriátrica de Yesavage, en su versión abreviada (GDS-VE). Pese a su reconocimiento y frecuente utilización, aún no se ha realizado un análisis de estas características en población argentina. Actualmente, con motivo de la pandemia por COVID-19 y el contexto de aislamiento, la American Psychological Association recomienda adaptar las prácticas presenciales a la modalidad virtual. Dada esta necesidad, el presente trabajo tiene por objetivo analizar la estructura interna del GDS-VE para las modalidades de administración de lápiz y papel e Internet, examinando la equivalencia métrica entre ambas. Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio y se estimó la consistencia interna para las dos modalidades. También se examinó la invarianza factorial entre ambas formas de administración. Participaron 696 adultos mayores que respondieron al cuestionario mediante dos modalidades de administración (50% lápiz y papel y 50% Internet). Como resultado, se verificó un adecuado ajuste del modelo a los datos empíricos para las dos versiones (lápiz y papel e Internet), como también una adecuada invarianza métrica entre ellas. Estos hallazgos aportan evidencias de validez y confiabilidad acerca de la estructura interna del GDS-VE, en población argentina.

Abstract: Depression represents one of the most frequent and disabling mood disorders in the elderly population. To measure it, one of the most used scales is the Geriatric Depression Questionnaire, developed by Yesavage, in its abbreviated version (GDS-VE). Despite its ample acknowledgment and frequent use, an analysis of these characteristics has not yet been carried outon the Argentine population. Currently, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the isolation context, the American Psychological Association recommends adapting face-to-face to virtual practices. Given this need, the present work aims to analyze the internal structure of the GDS-VE, for pencil-paper and Internet modalities examining the metric equivalence between both of them. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out and the internal consistency was estimated for both modalities. Factor invariance between both forms of administration was also examined. A total of 696 older adults participated and responded to the questionnaire, using two modes of administration (50% pencil-paper and 50% Internet). As a result, an adequate adjustment of the model to the empirical data was verified for both versions (pencil-paper and Internet), as well as an adequate metric invariance between them. These findings provide evidence of validity and reliability of the GDS-VE instrument, on the Argentine population.

Resumo: A depressão representa uma das condições mais frequentes e incapacitantes na população idosa. Para mensurá-la, uma das escalas mais utilizadas é o Yesavage Geriatric Depression Questionnaire, em sua versão abreviada (GDS-VE). Apesar de seu reconhecimento e uso frequente, uma análise dessas características ainda não foi realizadana população argentina. Atualmente, devido à pandemia COVID-19 e ao contexto de isolamento, a American Psychological Association recomenda adaptar as práticas presenciais para o modo virtual. Diante dessa necessidade, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a estrutura interna do GDS-VE para as modalidades lápis e papel e administração de Internet, examinando a equivalência métrica entre ambas. Foi realizada uma análise fatorial confirmatória e estimada a consistência interna para ambas as modalidades. A invariância fatorial entre as duas formas de administração também foi examinada. Participaram 696 idosos, que responderam ao questionário em duas modalidades de aplicação (50% papel-lápis e 50% Internet). Como resultado, verificou-se um adequado ajuste do modelo aos dados empíricos para as duas versões (lápis-papel e Internet), bem como uma adequada invariância métrica entre elas. Esses achados fornecem evidências de validade e confiabilidade do instrumento GDS-VE na população argentina.

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Bauhinia scandens has potential importance as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Researchers have isolated and identified 1-O-alkylglycerol in the leaves of the B. scandens plant, and established antitumor properties using the Brine Shrimp toxicity test, an internationally accepted bioassay. Although this species has high potential, little is known about the viability of seedling production and the morphology of these plants, particularly in terms of seed characteristics and initial stages of germination. The objective of this study was to characterize the seed morphology, germination, and seedlings of B. scandens. Seed water content, weight, and coloration were evaluated. This study also included a description of seed biometrics, external and internal structures, germination, and seedling morphology. Internal seed morphology was evaluated by the anatomical sectioning and X-ray methods. The morphology data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and germination data were determined using Cramér's V. B. scandens seeds have a coloration ranging from very dark grayish-red to dark reddish-brown, flat oblong shapes, and rounded bases and apexes with full or slightly undulating margins. Healthy seedlings are produced mainly by seeds with well-formed internal structures. The reddish petiole of the seedling leaves is a taxonomic character for B. scandens identification. The non-domestication and genetic variability of this species reflect on the seed and seedling color and size variation.(AU)

Bauhinia scandens tem potencial como planta ornamental e importância medicinal. Nas folhas da planta de B. scandens, foi relatado pelos pesquisadores, o isolamento e identificação de glicerol 1-O-alquilo, os mesmos estabeleceram a propriedade antitumoral por um bioensaio, aceito internacionalmente denominado teste de toxicidade de Brine Shrimp. Por ser ainda pouco conhecida e com alto potencial exploratório, a viabilidade da produção de mudas e maior conhecimento sobre sua morfologia se faz necessária. Faltam informações sobre as características das sementes e estágios iniciais de germinação. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o tipo morfológico de sementes, germinação e plântulas de B. scandens. Foram avaliados o teor de água, o peso de mil sementes e a coloração das sementes. Este estudo também incluiu a descrição e biometria da semente, estrutura (externa e interna), germinação e morfologia das plântulas. A morfologia interna das sementes foi avaliada por corte anatômico e método de raios-X. Os dados morfológicos obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e os dados de germinação foram testados utilizando Cramér's V. B. scandens apresentam coloração que varia de vermelho acinzentado muito escuro a marrom avermelhado escuro e o tipo de semente é de forma oblonga plana, base e ápice são arredondados e cheios ou margens ligeiramente onduladas. Plãntulas normais são produzidas majoritariamente por sementes com uma estrutura interna bem formada. O pecíolo avermelhado das folhas da plântula é um caráter taxonômico para identificação de B. scandens. A não domesticação e a variabilidade genética desta espécie refletem na variação da cor e tamanho das sementes e plântulas.(AU)

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Internal structure similarity in proteins can be observed at the domain and subdomain levels. From an evolutionary perspective, structurally similar elements may arise divergently by gene duplication and fusion events but may also be the product of convergent evolution under physicochemical constraints. The characterization of proteins that contain repeated structural elements has implications for many fields of protein science including protein domain evolution, structure classification, structure prediction, and protein engineering. FiRES (Find Repeated Elements in Structure) is an algorithm that relies on a topology-independent structure alignment method to identify repeating elements in protein structure. FiRES was tested against two hand curated databases of protein repeats: MALIDUP, for very divergent duplicated domains; and RepeatsDB for short tandem repeats. The performance of FiRES was compared to that of lalign, RADAR, HHrepID, CE-symm, ReUPred, and Swelfe. FiRES was the method that most accurately detected proteins either with duplicated domains (accuracy = 0.86) or with multiple repeated units (accuracy = 0.92). FiRES is a new methodology for the discovery of proteins containing structurally similar elements. The FiRES web server is publicly available at http://fires.ifc.unam.mx. The scripts, results, and benchmarks from this study can be downloaded from https://github.com/Claualvarez/fires.

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Objective: The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) posits that psychopathology is hierarchically structured. For personality disorder (PD) traits, there are five spectra: internalizing, thought disorder, disinhibited externalizing, antagonistic externalizing, and detachment. Empirical findings suggest a sixth group, compulsivity. In this research, we tried to recover the five HiTOP spectra, plus compulsivity, specifically for PD traits. Methods: The sample was composed of 4,868 Brazilians (54.9% women, age ranging from 18 to 70; mean = 25.7; SD = 9.64). All participants answered the Dimensional Clinical Personality Inventory 2 (IDCP-2), a self-report inventory for adults, developed in Brazil, for assessment of pathological personality traits. Results: Parallel analysis yielded up to nine factors. On exploratory structural equation modeling (E-SEM), the balance between interpretability and fit index suggested the six-factor solution as the best solution. The fit indexes for the confirmatory factor analysis were slightly less adjusted in comparison to the empirical model. Conclusion: The hypothesis was confirmed, as we did find the groups proposed at the spectrum level of the HiTOP. We also found a compulsivity factor, encompassing the main traits from the conscientiousness dimension of IDCP-2, which is related to obsessive-compulsive PD. Finding the six groupings of traits in the HiTOP model contributes to the validity of this model, and confirms the existence of proposed spectra.

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El presente estudio analiza la estructura y consistencia interna de la Escala de Anomia Social en pacientes dependientes de drogas. Se evaluaron 232 drogodependientes varones de entre 18 y 60 años de edad, pertenecientes a cuatro comunidades terapéuticas de Lima. Los resultados obtenidos señalan bajos índices de ajuste para el modelo original de Yañez (2011); no obstante, el Modelo 2 planteado replica una estructura de 17 ítems distribuidos en tres factores subyacentes. Asimismo, se obtuvo la validez discriminante y el coeficiente de Omega para los tres factores hallados así como también se realizó la medición de la invarianza factorial entre los grupos de adultos jóvenes y adultos. Los hallazgos señalan que la estructura y consistencia interna de la Escala de Anomia Social en el modelo planteado muestra características psicométricas adecuadas para su uso en contextos clínicos y estudios sociales. Palabras clave: Anomia social, drogodependientes, comunidades terapéuticas, psicometría, análisis factorial, consistencia y estructura interna, invarianza

This study analyzes the structure and internal consistency of the Social Anomia Scale in drug-dependent patients. A total of 232 male drug addicts between 18 and 60 years of age, belonging to four therapeutic communities of Lima, were evaluated. The results obtained indicate low fit indices for the original Yañez model (2011); however, the proposed Model 2 replicates a structure of 17 items distributed in three underlying factors. Likewise, the discriminant validity and the Omega coefficient were obtained for the three factors found, as well as the measurement of factor invariance between groups of young adults and adults. The findings indicate that the structure and internal consistency of the Social Anomia Scale in the proposed model shows psychometric characteristics suitable for use in clinical contexts and social studies

RESUMO

Com a finalidade de buscar evidências de validade baseadas na estrutura interna da Escala de Estilos de Aprendizagem em Situações de Uso de Tecnologias, 378 estudantes universitários, provenientes de diferentes instituições de ensino superior e oito cursos, responderam ao instrumento. A aplicação da Análise Fatorial Exploratória, baseada na matriz de correlações tetracóricas dos itens, permitiu a identificação de quatro fatores: Teórico-Reflexivo, Pragmático, Ativo Individual, Ativo Interpessoal. A precisão da escala também foi estimada, por meio do alfa de Cronbach. Os valores oscilaram entre 0,70 e 0,80, tendo sido considerados adequados. Novos estudos de investigação das qualidades psicométricas da escala são recomendados. (AU)

In order to find validity evidence based on the internal structure of the Scale of Learning Styles in Technology Use Situations, 378 university students, from different institutions of higher education and eight majors, responded to the instrument. Exploratory Factor Analysis, based on the tetrachoric correlations matrix of the items, allowed the identification of four factors: Theoretical-Reflexive, Pragmatic, Individual Active, Interpersonal Active. The scale's accuracy was also estimated using the Cronbach's alpha. Values ranged from 0.70 to 0.80 and were considered adequate. New research studies on the psychometric qualities of the scale are recommended. (AU)

Con el fin de buscar evidencias de validez basadas en la estructura interna de la Escala de Estilos de Aprendizaje en Situaciones de Uso de Tecnologías, 378 estudiantes universitarios, procedentes de diferentes instituciones y ocho cursos, respondieron el instrumento. La aplicación del Análisis Factorial Exploratorio, basado en la matriz de correlaciones tetracóricas de los ítems, permitió la identificación de cuatro factores: Teórico-Reflexivo, Pragmático, Activo Individual, Activo Interpersonal. La precisión de la escala también fue estimada, por medio de alfa de Cronbach. Los valores oscilaron entre 0,70 y 0,80 y se consideraron adecuados. Se recomiendan nuevos estudios de investigación de las cualidades psicométricas de la escala. (AU)

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BACKGROUND: Native potato starch was subjected to heat-moisture treatment (HMT) at 12%, 15%, 18%, 21%, and 24% of moisture content at 110 °C for 1 h, and the effects on morphology, structure, and thermal and physicochemical properties were investigated. To reveal the internal structure, 30% and 50% of the granular surface were removed by chemical surface gelatinization in concentrated LiCl solution. RESULTS: At moisture contents of 12% and 15%, HTM reduced the gelatinization temperatures and relative crystallinity of the starches, while at moisture contents of 21% and 24 % both increased. The alterations on morphology, X-ray pattern, physicochemical properties, and increase of amylose content were more intense with the increase of moisture content of HMT. CONCLUSION: The removal of granular layers showed that the changes promoted by HMT occur throughout the whole granule and were pronounced at the core or peripheral region, depending of the moisture content applied during HMT. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

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El objetivo fue analizar la estructura interna de la versión brasileña del WISC-IV, comparando el modelo de puntuaciones compuestas con otros dos modelos, el de un factor general de la inteligencia y un modelo con base en la teoría CHC de Cattell-Horn-Carroll. Participaron 795 niños y adolescentes de diferentes regiones de Brasil, con edades entre 6 y 16 años. Los resultados mostraron que el modelo que mejor se ajustó fue el propuesto por el manual del WISC-IV. El modelo con base en la teoría CHC también presentó buen ajuste, pero con valores un poco inferiores a la propuesta original. El modelo de un factor general fue rechazado, pues los índices de bondad de ajuste no fueron satisfactorios. Se sugieren futuras investigaciones que estudien la estructura del WISC-IV en otros países.

This study analyzed the internal structure of the Brazilian version of the WISC-IV by comparing the composed scoring model with two other models: one based on a general factor of intelligence and another based on the CHC theory. The participants included 795 children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 16 hailing from different regions of Brazil. The results indicated that the most suitable model was the one proposed in the manual. The model of the CHC theory also presented a good fit, but with values that was inferior to those of the original proposal. Moreover, the model of the general factor was rejected because the goodness-of-fit indices were not satisfactory.

RESUMO

O objetivo do trabalho foi investigar a estrutura interna do Psicodiagnóstico Miocinético por meio da análise fatorial exploratória. A amostra foi composta por 300 sujeitos, de 18 a 61 anos, ambos sexos, residentes em Minas Gerais. Foram utilizadas as seis folhas do teste e a aplicação ocorreu em uma única sessão. A correção foi realizada com a régua, por avaliadores com experiência na utilização e ensino do instrumento. Os resultados mostraram a existência de sete fatores, dos quais apenas três foram similares à estrutura original do teste. Os coeficientes alfa variaram de 0,57 a 0,92. Os traçados da dimensão Emotividade não se agruparam em um único fator. Os itens referentes aos "zigs" e "paralelas" se separaram nos fatores Dimensão Tensional e Predomínio Tensional. A estrutura original do teste não foi confirmada. São discutidas as fragilidades estruturais e das bases teóricas do PMK.

The aim was to investigate the internal structure of Myokinetic Psychodiagnosis using exploratory factor analysis. The sample consisted of 300 subjects, 18-61 years of both genders from the state of Minas Gerais. The six test sheets were used and the application took place in a single session. The correction was performed with the a ruler, by evaluators experienced in the use and teaching of the instrument. The results showed the presence of seven factors, only three of which were similar to the original test structure. The alpha coefficients ranged from 0.57 to 0.92. The tracings of Emotionality dimension were not grouped into a single factor. Items related to 'zigs' and 'parallel' separated the factors Tensional Dimension and Tensional Prevalence. The test original structure was not confirmed. We discussed the structural weakness and the theoretical bases of the PMK.

El objetivo del trabajo fue investigar la estructura interna del Psicodiagnóstico Miokinético por medio del análisis factorial exploratorio. La muestra fue compuesta por 300 individuos, de 18 a 61 años, residentes en Minas Gerais y de ambos sexos. Fueron utilizadas las seis hojas del test y la aplicación fue realizada en una sesión única. La corrección fue utilizando la regla y por evaluadores que poseían experiencia tanto en utilizar como en enseñar el instrumento. Los resultados mostraron la presencia de siete factores, de los cuales apenas tres fueron semejantes a la estructura original del test. Los coeficientes alfa variaron de 0.57 a 0.92. Los trazos de la dimensión Emotividad no se agruparon en un factor único. Los ítems referentes a los 'zigs' y 'paralelas' se separaron en los factores Dimensión Tensional y Predominancia Tensional. La estructura original del test no fue confirmada. Son discutidas las fragilidades estructurales y las bases teóricas del PMK.

Assuntos

RESUMO

O objetivo do trabalho foi investigar a estrutura interna do Psicodiagnóstico Miocinético por meio da análise fatorial exploratória. A amostra foi composta por 300 sujeitos, de 18 a 61 anos, ambos sexos, residentes em Minas Gerais. Foram utilizadas as seis folhas do teste e a aplicação ocorreu em uma única sessão. A correção foi realizada com a régua, por avaliadores com experiência na utilização e ensino do instrumento. Os resultados mostraram a existência de sete fatores, dos quais apenas três foram similares à estrutura original do teste. Os coeficientes alfa variaram de 0,57 a 0,92. Os traçados da dimensão Emotividade não se agruparam em um único fator. Os itens referentes aos "zigs" e "paralelas" se separaram nos fatores Dimensão Tensional e Predomínio Tensional. A estrutura original do teste não foi confirmada. São discutidas as fragilidades estruturais e das bases teóricas do PMK.

The aim was to investigate the internal structure of Myokinetic Psychodiagnosis using exploratory factor analysis. The sample consisted of 300 subjects, 18-61 years of both genders from the state of Minas Gerais. The six test sheets were used and the application took place in a single session. The correction was performed with the a ruler, by evaluators experienced in the use and teaching of the instrument. The results showed the presence of seven factors, only three of which were similar to the original test structure. The alpha coefficients ranged from 0.57 to 0.92. The tracings of Emotionality dimension were not grouped into a single factor. Items related to 'zigs' and 'parallel' separated the factors Tensional Dimension and Tensional Prevalence. The test original structure was not confirmed. We discussed the structural weakness and the theoretical bases of the PMK.

El objetivo del trabajo fue investigar la estructura interna del Psicodiagnóstico Miokinético por medio del análisis factorial exploratorio. La muestra fue compuesta por 300 individuos, de 18 a 61 años, residentes en Minas Gerais y de ambos sexos. Fueron utilizadas las seis hojas del test y la aplicación fue realizada en una sesión única. La corrección fue utilizando la regla y por evaluadores que poseían experiencia tanto en utilizar como en enseñar el instrumento. Los resultados mostraron la presencia de siete factores, de los cuales apenas tres fueron semejantes a la estructura original del test. Los coeficientes alfa variaron de 0.57 a 0.92. Los trazos de la dimensión Emotividad no se agruparon en un factor único. Los ítems referentes a los 'zigs' y 'paralelas' se separaron en los factores Dimensión Tensional y Predominancia Tensional. La estructura original del test no fue confirmada. Son discutidas las fragilidades estructurales y las bases teóricas del PMK.

Assuntos