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Reliability generalization of the problem solving inventory: a meta-analysis of Cronbach’s Alpha with a varying-coefficient model
(SAGE Publications Inc., 2025) Pretorius, Tyrone B; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
The current study presents a reliability generalization of the Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI), utilizing the comprehensive Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis (REGEMA) checklist to ensure a thorough and methodical approach. The PSI, a tool designed to assess individuals’ perceptions of their problem-solving abilities, consists of a total scale and three subscales: problem-solving confidence (PSC), approach-avoidance style (AAS), and personal control (PC). Each subscale evaluates distinct facets of problem-solving appraisal. From an initial pool of 2,196 articles, 123 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using a varying-coefficient model to account for the dynamic nature of reliability coefficients across studies. The meta-analysis revealed that the PSI total scores consistently demonstrated excellent reliability, as did the PSC and AAS subscales. Key predictors of reliability for the PSI and PSC included standard deviation, mean age of the sample, and sample type, whereas mean age and the language of inventory administration were key predictors for the PC subscale. The AAS scale’s reliability was notably influenced by the standard deviation of the scores, sample size, and proportion of women in the sample. These insights underscore the critical role of demographic and methodological variables in evaluating an instrument’s reliability across varied contexts. The study findings reinforce the importance of a nuanced approach to psychological measurement with an awareness of how demographic, sample, and cultural factors influence the reliability of psychometric tools.
“I’ll continue if I have a positive mind”: identifying the ways in which depression and PTSD impact prep adherence among prep-experienced pregnant and postpartum women in Cape Town, South Africa
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Knight, Lucia; Stanton, Amelia; Fertig, Madison
Pregnant and postpartum people (PPPs) face heightened risk for HIV acquisition, yet depression and trauma-related symptoms can undermine adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). To inform the development of a brief mental health-focused adherence intervention, we explored the impacts of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms on PrEP use among PPPs in Cape Town, South Africa. Twenty-eight PPPs with elevated symptoms of depression and/or PTSD and recent PrEP adherence challenges completed qualitative interviews. Six antenatal providers were also interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed three key findings with subthemes that deepen exploration of each theme: (1) depression and PTSD symptoms contributed to missed PrEP doses or late pickups by increasing doubt about PrEP efficacy, amplifying pill burden, intensifying avoidance and withdrawal (e.g., hypersomnia and disengagement from providers), and disrupting memory through rumination and emotional overload; (2) most PPPs preferred support from professional counselors, while a minority preferred informal support; and (3) intervention design considerations included aligning patient and provider goals, selecting between individual or group formats, and addressing integration barriers such as staffing and space constraints. Providers affirmed the need for embedded mental health support. Intervention strategies that increase PrEP knowledge and motivation while targeting emotional withdrawal, fatigue, and cognitive overload may improve adherence and reduce HIV risk in this population.
Short-term effects of cover crop species and termination methods on soil ph and key enzymatic activities (β-glucosidase, phosphatase and urease activities) in a citrus orchard (eureka lemons)
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Jovanovic, Nebo; Silwana, Sibongiseni; Mulidzi, Azwimbavhi Reckson
The best management practices for cover cropping in citrus orchards, particularly in terms of species selection and termination methods, remain unclear. This study assessed the short-term effects of different cover crop species (vetch, medics and oats) and termination methods (slashed vs. non-slashed) on soil pH and enzyme activities (β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, and urease) in a citrus orchard with sandy soil. A randomized complete block design with a factorial treatment structure and six replications was used. Soil samples were collected before and one year after cover crop establishment. The results showed that cover cropping increased soil pH from 5.42 to 6.00 after one year. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in soil pH or enzyme activities among cover crop species or termination methods. Marginal increases in enzyme activities were observed under leguminous cover crops, and these changes were insufficient to indicate strong treatment effects. Correlation and principal component analyses revealed that soil enzyme activities were more strongly influenced by soil properties (depth, carbon content and moisture) than by cover crop species or termination methods. These findings suggest that, under sandy soil conditions and within a one-year period, cover cropping has limited immediate effects on soil biological indicators in citrus orchards. Longer-term studies are recommended to assess cumulative impacts
Ten quick tips for protecting health data using de-identification and perturbation of structured datasets
(Public Library of Science, 2025) Lulamba, Tshikala Eddie; Mutemaringa, Themba; Tiffin, Nicki
Structured patient data generated within the health data ecosystem are shared both internally for operational use and also externally for research and public health benefit. Protecting individual privacy and health data confidentiality in these contexts relies on data de-identification and anonymisation, although there are no universally accepted standards for these processes and the techniques involved can be technically complex. We present practical recommendations grounded in the principle of data minimisation-avoiding unnecessary granularity and identifying variables that could lead to re-identification when combined with other datasets. We provide practical guidance for anonymising and perturbing structured health data in ways that support compliance with data protection laws, describing technical and operational methods for reducing re-identification risk that include rounding numerical values, replacing precise values with ranges, adding jitter to numeric fields, aggregating data, management of date values and separating sensitive fields from identifying data to prevent linkage leading to re-identification. While some methods require advanced technical knowledge, we focus here on accessible strategies that can be implemented without specialist expertise, recognising the importance of the legal and governance frameworks in which anonymisation occurs. These guidelines support researchers, data managers and institutions in sharing health data responsibly, maintaining data utility while upholding privacy and promoting ethical and legal data stewardship for data-driven health research.c
Remembering a Polish refugee camp in Mbala, Zambia: community initiatives, excavations, museum exhibitions and local memories
(SAGE Publications Ltd, 2025) Mbewe, Mary
The history of Polish refugee camps in Zambia during the Second World War remains an understudied subject, with limited scholarship on the fate of these settlements after the war. This article examines the former Polish refugee camp in Mbala, demonstrating that its history persists in local memory despite its abandonment (by 1950) and later transformation into residential plots (by the 1990s). Unlike other Polish refugee sites in Zambia that have largely faded from public consciousness, Mbala’s camp continues to be remembered through place names, preserving portions of the former camp, oral history traditions, and museum activities, including exhibitions and research. Drawing on archival sources, oral testimonies, and museum activities in Mbala, this article argues that Mbala’s unique socio-historical context, characterised by its relatively slow urbanisation and the role of local custodians of memory, has facilitated the continued remembrance of the camp. The study highlights how local communities engage with and sustain historical narratives even in the absence of formal national commemoration. By exploring these processes of remembrance, the article contributes to broader discussions on post-war refugee histories, contested memories, and the politics of memorialisation in Africa.