title: Development and validation of the Awareness Outcomes Measure (AOM) using Rasch approach

authors: Sutton, Anna

subjects: Mindfulness

abstract: ABSTRACT
Objectives: Awareness is a key component of concepts related to well-being, such as mindfulness and authenticity. Similarly, interventions to enhance mindfulness and well-being often focus on developing awareness. But measuring the effect of awareness development represents a challenge due to the lack of reliable and valid measures focused specifically on awareness outcomes. This study aimed to develop and validate the Awareness Outcomes Measure (AOM) using modern Rasch methodology. 
Method: The measure was developed from Self-Awareness Outcomes Questionnaire (SAOQ) items, drawn from previous research with awareness-development experts. A partial credit Rasch model was applied to examine the psychometric properties of the AOM with a combined sample of 713 participants from three English-speaking countries. 
Results: The 21-item AOM met expectations of the unidimensional Rasch model. It is a reliable and psychometrically sound instrument, invariant across sex, country, and age, designed to measure the outcomes of awareness development. Person-item thresholds demonstrated excellent coverage of awareness outcomes, and we developed an algorithm for ordinal-to-interval transformations presented in a table to further enhance precision of the AOM. 
Conclusions: In this study, we have developed and validated the AOM, providing researchers and practitioners with a robust measure of awareness outcomes that is suitable for use in a range of populations.

text: Development and validation of the Awareness Outcomes Measure (AOM) using Rasch approach ABSTRACT
Objectives: Awareness is a key component of concepts related to well-being, such as mindfulness and authenticity. Similarly, interventions to enhance mindfulness and well-being often focus on developing awareness. But measuring the effect of awareness development represents a challenge due to the lack of reliable and valid measures focused specifically on awareness outcomes. This study aimed to develop and validate the Awareness Outcomes Measure (AOM) using modern Rasch methodology. 
Method: The measure was developed from Self-Awareness Outcomes Questionnaire (SAOQ) items, drawn from previous research with awareness-development experts. A partial credit Rasch model was applied to examine the psychometric properties of the AOM with a combined sample of 713 participants from three English-speaking countries. 
Results: The 21-item AOM met expectations of the unidimensional Rasch model. It is a reliable and psychometrically sound instrument, invariant across sex, country, and age, designed to measure the outcomes of awareness development. Person-item thresholds demonstrated excellent coverage of awareness outcomes, and we developed an algorithm for ordinal-to-interval transformations presented in a table to further enhance precision of the AOM. 
Conclusions: In this study, we have developed and validated the AOM, providing researchers and practitioners with a robust measure of awareness outcomes that is suitable for use in a range of populations.

year: 2023-01-24

title: Energy efficiency measures for batch retort sterilization in the food processing industry

authors: Peesel, Ron-Hendrik

abstract: The purpose of this study is to highlight the energy saving potentials of a batch retort sterilization process operated by steam and to develop concepts for improving its energy efficiency. By using the methodical approach of the Onion Diagram and the recovery of low grade heat sources, four comprehensive improved energy efficiency concepts have been developed. Two concepts increase the initial product temperature resulting in lower transient steam consumption rates and a decreased energy demand. The other two options transform the waste heat and the energy for product cooling into heat streams for supplying nearby heat sinks or other processes in the plant. Results show that the total energy demand can be reduced by more than 23 % and 42 % of the energy injected into the system can be recovered. The scope of the study focused on a single, independent retort to ensure the transferability of the concepts. This study also shows, using a practical example, the importance of a comprehensive process understanding and analysis prior to application of Pinch Analysis, which is needed to ensure that the correct waste heat stream temperatures are defined, necessary processing constraints are appreciated, and all possible heat sinks in the process are considered.

text: Energy efficiency measures for batch retort sterilization in the food processing industry The purpose of this study is to highlight the energy saving potentials of a batch retort sterilization process operated by steam and to develop concepts for improving its energy efficiency. By using the methodical approach of the Onion Diagram and the recovery of low grade heat sources, four comprehensive improved energy efficiency concepts have been developed. Two concepts increase the initial product temperature resulting in lower transient steam consumption rates and a decreased energy demand. The other two options transform the waste heat and the energy for product cooling into heat streams for supplying nearby heat sinks or other processes in the plant. Results show that the total energy demand can be reduced by more than 23 % and 42 % of the energy injected into the system can be recovered. The scope of the study focused on a single, independent retort to ensure the transferability of the concepts. This study also shows, using a practical example, the importance of a comprehensive process understanding and analysis prior to application of Pinch Analysis, which is needed to ensure that the correct waste heat stream temperatures are defined, necessary processing constraints are appreciated, and all possible heat sinks in the process are considered.

year: 2016

title: Hei Āwhina Mātua: A kaupapa Māori response to behaviour

authors: Berryman, Mere

abstract: Hei Āwhina Mātua (strengthening parents and other adults), a kaupapa Māori research and development project, sought to capitalise on the strengths available within both whānau and teachers so that both groups could take joint responsibility for students' learning and behaviour. This required professionals trained in delivering learning and behavioural programmes for individual students working in culturally responsive and collaborative ways with adults, whānau, teachers and community members, This chapter returns to this study to reconsider the key findings.

text: Hei Āwhina Mātua: A kaupapa Māori response to behaviour Hei Āwhina Mātua (strengthening parents and other adults), a kaupapa Māori research and development project, sought to capitalise on the strengths available within both whānau and teachers so that both groups could take joint responsibility for students' learning and behaviour. This required professionals trained in delivering learning and behavioural programmes for individual students working in culturally responsive and collaborative ways with adults, whānau, teachers and community members, This chapter returns to this study to reconsider the key findings.

year: 2015