Choral singing has grown rapidly across schools, communities, and universities, celebrated for its social and educational benefits. However, the increasing vocal demands associated with choir participation have raised concerns regarding singers' vocal health and the need for preventive approaches. This study aimed to develop and validate a new self-report instrument, the Vocal Risk Screening for Choristers Scale (VRS-CS), to facilitate accessible vocal health screening and promote early identification of voice-related risk factors among Chinese choristers. The VRS-CS was initially constructed based on five domains identified from existing literature: dietary habits, speaking habits, health-related conditions, choral rehearsal practices, and peer influence. A total of 306 choristers aged 12 to 24 years participated in the study. Internal consistency reliability was examined using Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was evaluated through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) over a four-week interval. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA). The results showed excellent internal consistency (alpha = 0.881) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.986). Factor analyses confirmed a stable five-factor structure with satisfactory model fit indices (chi 2/df = 1.866, RMSEA = 0.053, GFI = 0.916, CFI =0.957). The findings provide strong psychometric evidence for the VRS-CS as a valid and reliable tool for evaluating behavioural, environmental, and health-associated risks to vocal well-being in choral settings. The scale offers practical value for educators, conductors, and clinicians in supporting early screening, promoting vocal health awareness, and fostering sustainable vocal practices among young choristers in China.
The increasing demand for Halal-certified products highlights the need for robust organisational readiness among small and micro food enterprises (SMiEs). This study aims to develop and validate a model of Halal compliance readiness using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Drawing from the readiness organisational for change (ROC) and Readiness of Organisation for Halal Standard Compliance (ROHSC) frameworks, a pretested and piloted questionnaire was distributed to 112 SMiEs. EFA revealed four reliable constructs: motivation for change, informational assessment, perceived compatibility, and efficient communication channels, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.831 to 0.943. The ROHSC demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.988) across 34 item forms grouped into seven separate factors. These results indicate that the developed instrument is reliable and can serve as a practical tool for assessing SMiEs’ readiness to comply with Halal standards. Practically, this toolkit may assist Halal certification bodies and training providers in identifying readiness levels and providing targeted support. The cross-validation study indicated an acceptable model fit and supported the applicability of the model in other contexts. Further research using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is recommended to strengthen its generalisability and reliability across settings.
Although generative AI tools are becoming increasingly popular in the workplace, owing partly to the belief that they can boost efficiency and productivity, empirical evidence is limited on the norms that drive actual usage and advocacy behaviour among academic librarians, particularly in developing countries. The current study aims to determine the influence of two types of perceived norms (injunctive norms and descriptive norms) on academic librarians' generative AI use and advocacy behaviours while examining the mediating role of behavioural intention and the role of digital information-seeking skills. This study applies the integrated behavioural model to correlational research among academic librarians in three Federal Universities in South-Western Nigeria. A sample of 133 participants was selected using simple random sampling, and responses were obtained using a self-report questionnaire. Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling validated the research model. Results suggest that injunctive norms and information-seeking skills directly influence Generative AI use and advocacy behaviours. Descriptive norms directly influence use behaviour, but not advocacy behaviour and behavioural intention mediates the relationship between injunctive norms and generative AI use behaviour. The Findings have implications for learning and technology adoption among library and information science practitioners, particularly for improving skills through targeted training programmes and social interaction in the workplace. The study offers insights into the potential of Generative AI for information discovery, advocacy, and service delivery by academic librarians in a non-Western context, and provides valuable evidence relevant to policymaking, training, and development.
The marked increase in the prevalence of autistic children in Malaysia (Shair etal., 2024) highlights that there is a growing number of typically developing siblings whose social-emotional development might be affected due to living with an autistic sibling. Therefore, there is a critical need to examine the socioemotional functioning of the typically developing siblings with an autistic sibling. This study aimed to examine predictors of socioemotional functioning among typically developing siblings of children with autism. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using questionnaires that incorporated three research instruments: the Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA). This study took place in schools offering the Special Education Integration Programme in Central Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 163 respondents, aged 10 to 17, were selected through the fishbowl sampling method. Findings revealed that paternal permissive parenting style and emotion regulation were significant predictors of the socioemotional functioning of typically developing siblings, with beta =-.205 and beta = .241, respectively. These results provide valuable insight into the specific roles of paternal permissive parenting and emotion regulation in influencing the socioemotional development of typically developing siblings. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential value of culturally sensitive school-and family-based interventions that strengthen paternal engagement and emotion regulation skills among siblings of autistic children.
Origin myths constitute a genre of folklore that records a society's cultural legacy and is essential for delineating the historical context of a location. This study is to examine the local beliefs and views of myths in Kampung Gajah, Perak, utilising a cultural studies framework. Furthermore, it aims to investigate the function of origin myths in safeguarding the cultural heritage of the Kampung Gajah community. This study aims to investigate the beliefs and perspectives of the local population in Kampung Gajah, Perak, about origin myths using a Cultural Studies framework. A qualitative research design was employed, utilising purposive sampling to identify six informants for semi-structured interviews, supplemented with observations and document analysis. To verify the validity of the community's oral narratives, interviews were audio-recorded and analysed thematically, ensuring both depth and dependability of the data. The analysis was guided by Barker's (2003) Cultural Studies theory, which outlines five conceptual approaches to understanding the formation of culture within communities through mythic narratives. The findings suggest that the local population’s beliefs and identities are shaped by origin myths that have been preserved and transmitted orally across generations. These myths serve as historical narratives, contributing to the construction of communal identity and cultural values. This research highlights the significance of minor, often overlooked communities with strong oral traditions, offering insights into how origin myths function to preserve cultural heritage and foster a collective identity.
