Reliability

The present study was conducted with the aim of constructing and investigating the factor structure of students' research engagement questionnaire. The research method was survey and the statistical population includes all of the postgraduate students of humanities faculty (Literature and Humanities, Islamic Theology and Science, Sport Sciences, Education and Psychology, Administrative and Economic Sciences) at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (N=3199). Using Cochran formula, the sample size was estimated to be 343 student. The participants were selected by stratified random sampling. The theoretical model Linnenbrink and Pintrich (2002) was determined as the basis of scale construction. This model includes three components of cognitive, emotional, and leadership engagement. SPSS and AMOS software are used for data analysis. Content validity and confirmatory factor analysis were used to determine the validity of the questionnaire and Cronbach's alpha coefficient to check the reliability. The results showed that the alpha coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.89 and for cognitive (0.80), emotional (0.73) and behavioral (0.76). Content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by 8 experts of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (based on CVI) and inappropriate items were removed. Goodness indicators confirmed the fit of the model. According to the research results the research engagement questionnaire had good internal consistency and validity and this questionnaire can be used in research.

Fiber tracking (FT) and quantification algorithms are approximations of reality due to limited spatial resolution, model assumptions, user-defined parameter settings, and physical imaging artifacts resulting from diffusion sequences. Until now, correctness, plausibility, ...

The repeatability of subjective and objective assessments of neck muscle fatigue is very important with regard to the clinical applicability of these methods.To establish between-days reliability, 33 healthy volunteers performed a 60% maximum voluntary isometric contraction test from a standing position in all neck movements. Cervical muscle fatigue was assessed on three separate occasions from the spectral (median frequency, MF) and amplitude (root mean square, RMS) analysis of the electromyogram (EMG) signal recorded from the cervical paraspinal group, splenius capitis, levator scapulae and sternocleidomastoid. Subjective assessment of fatigue was rated by employing the Borg scale. Intraclass correlation coefficient ICC(1,1), standard error of measurement (SEM), smallest detectable difference (SDD) indices and Pearson’s correlation co-efficient were calculated for the analysis of the results.Normalised median frequency (MF) slope had low repeatability and large between-day error (ICC(1,1) = 0.28–0.61; SEM = 0.33–0.60%/s; SDD = 132.7–703.2%) for the protagonist muscles of each movement. Initial median frequency (IMF) had moderate to good reliability and small error (ICC(1,1) = 0.64–0.81; SEM = 2.8–8.8 Hz; SDD = 19.9–38.5%). The RMS slope yielded also poor repeatability. The Borg assessment was more reliable than the EMG estimate though variability between sessions was still quite high (SDD = 29.2–136.5%). No correlation was found between the EMG and Borg assessment of neck muscle fatigue (r = −0.01–0.39).The protocol used for assessing neck muscle fatigue proved to be reliable only for the IMF but the clinical usefulness of this measure remains questionable. The lack of correlation between objective and subjective estimation of neck muscle fatigue was possibly a consequence of the poor measurement repeatability. Further research is needed to identify the factors responsible for these results on neck area.

Objective: Recognizing the prodrome of a first psychotic episode prospectively creates the opportunity of intervention, which could delay, ameliorate or even prevent onset. Valid criteria and a reliable methodology for identifying possible prodromes are needed. This paper describes an instrument, the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS), which has been designed for such a purpose. It has two functions: (i) to assess psychopathology thought to indicate imminent development of a first-episode psychotic disorder; and (ii) to determine if an individual meets criteria for being at ultra high risk (UHR) for onset of first psychotic disorder. This paper describes the pilot evaluation of the CAARMS.Method: Several methodologies were used to test the CAARMS. First, CAARMS scores in a group of UHR young people and the association between CAARMS scores and the risk of transition to psychotic disorder, were analysed. Second, CAARMS scores in a UHR group were compared to a control group. To assess concurrent validity, CAARMS-defined UHR criteria were compared to the existing criteria for identifying the UHR cohort. To assess predictive validity, the CAARMS-defined UHR criteria were applied to a sample of 150 non-psychotic help-seekers and rates of onset of psychotic disorder at 6-month follow-up determined for the CAARMS-positive (i.e. met UHR criteria) group and the CAARMS-negative (i.e. did not meet UHR criteria) group. The inter-rater reliability of the CAARMS was assessed by using pairs of raters.Results: High CAARMS score in the UHR group was significantly associated with onset of psychotic disorder. The control group had significantly lower CAARMS scores than the UHR group. The UHR criteria assessed by the CAARMS identified a similar group to the criteria measured by existing methodology. In the sample of non-psychotic help-seekers those who were CAARMS-positive were at significantly increased risk of onset of psychotic disorder compared to those who were CAARMS-negative (relative risk of 12.44 (95% CI = 1.5–103.41, p = 0.0025)). The CAARMS had good to excellent reliability.Conclusions: In these preliminary investigations, the CAARMS displayed good to excellent concurrent, discriminant and predictive validity and excellent inter-rater reliability. The CAARMS instrument provides a useful platform for monitoring subthreshold psychotic symptoms for worsening into full-threshold psychotic disorder.

Future applications need new computer systems with new properties pursued. Our presentation for ICT-2014 even initiated by EC in Florence address this. We are planning to submit this project in April 2015 for ICT call. Those who want to be part of the future - you are welcome!

Г. В. Гавардашвили, Э. Г. Кухалашвили, Т. Г. Супаташвили, И. Р. Иремашвили, И. А. Купарашвили, К. Г. Бзиава, Г. Т. Натрошвили. ОЦЕНКА РИСКОВ ПРОРЫВА ЖИНВАЛИЙСКОЙ ПЛОТИНЫ С УЧЕТОМ МЕТОДА «CAPRA»Georgia is one of the most vulnerable countries to natural disasters within South Caucasus Region. In recent years, the disaster risk has increased due to faulty land-using. Outstanding building codes lead to inadequate building construction. There is a lack of real data on natural disasters and the impact of mudflows, floods, debris flows etc. on land-use planning and prompt actions after above mentioned catastrophes. Therefore, it is important task to carry out assessments of critical structures sensitive to natural threats such as dams and reservoirs. In order to be able to improve the resistance of hydraulic engineering structures it is necessary to utilize a formal risk analysis framework, such as the Critical Asset and Portfolio Risk Analysis (CAPRA) method. The scientific article examin...

Bespace is a synchronous web3D lecture hall and performance system that seeks to tap the educational and entertainment potential of virtual space. Its underlying interactive methodology is focused on the efficient delivery of information within the space. The entire virtual environment is treated as a one interface. Principles of human computer interaction are applied to the activities, avatars, and architecture. The outcome is an environment that utilizes the power of a digitally created reality and does not sacrifice usability in pursuit of realistic appearances. Bespace’s interactive methodology seeks to implement the promises made by the early pioneers of virtual space. ACM Classification: H5.2 [Information interfaces and

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the structural validity and reliability of a student’s behaviors’ self-evaluation scale (SBSS) in the physical education class. The SBSS was created in order to evaluate the effect of a physical education program in the context of the multicultural composition of the student population in the Greek elementary schools. First, the face validity of items was evaluated, second, the pool of the items selected was factor analyzed. Two hundred and thirty six (N = 236) students, aged 10 to 12 years old (M = 11, SD = 1.38) participated in this study. The participation consisted of 110 (46.6%) boys and 126 (53.4%) girls who attended the 5 th and 6 th grade of primary school. From the participants, 133 (56.4%) were Greeks and 103 (43.6%) were foreigners. Exploratory factor analysis yielded five factors (goals ‐ acquaintances ‐ reward ‐ help ‐ irresponsibility) accounting for 65.2% of the variance. The internal reliability index of the questi...

In this technical report, we provide reliability and validity evidence for the easyCBM® Reading measures for grade 2 (word and passage reading fluency and multiple choice reading comprehension). Evidence for reliability includes internal consistency and item invariance. Evidence for validity includes concurrent, predictive, and construct validities for performance level scores, as well as slope of improvement. Reliability of alternate forms and content validity were analyzed previously (references to previous technical reports are provided). Internal consistency, split-half reliability, and reliability of growth slopes were moderate. For concurrent and predictive validities, multiple choice reading comprehension was a better predictor of SAT10 scores than either word or passage reading fluency. Construct validity was supported by strong model fit indices. Overall, predictive validity coefficients for all students on all measures were positive and low. Technical Adequacy of the easyC...

SEMATECH has sponsored a “Test Method Evaluation” study to understand the trade-offs among the most common test methodologies used in the industry. This paper presents the results of the failure analysis portion of that project. The testing, reliability stressing, characterization, fault diagnosis and physical analysis results are presented for 25 devices including “IDDq-only” failures and “delay test-only” failures

Plastic electronic packages are known to absorb moisture when exposed to humid ambient conditions during storage in tape and reel in the factory. Reliability becomes a concern when packages are exposed to a humid environment for a prolonged time and then processed through a reflow oven. Thermo-mechanical and moisture induced interfacial stresses generated between the die attach and die may

There exists a well-known gap between occupants and building's energy-efficient designs. A comprehensive building evaluation which encompasses occupant's perspective may surpass the current evaluation method and reduce the gap between occupants and building's energy-efficient design. For these reasons, the aim of this research is to develop a survey instrument for the identification of problems in respect to energy-efficient design which affecting the occupants' comfort. This research will be conducted in Malaysian ...

A fully automated design methodology based on nonlinear response history analysis is proposed for the optimum seismic design of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The conventional trial-and-error process is replaced by a structural optimization algorithm that serves as a search engine capable of locating the most efficient design in terms of cost and performance. Two variations of the proposed design methodology are introduced. The first approach treats the optimum design problem in a deterministic manner, while in the second variation the optimum design is sought in the framework of a reliability-based optimization problem. The reliability-based approach seems to be a more rational procedure since more meaningful design criteria that correlate better with the performance-based design concept can be adopted. Thus, the practice of using the mean annual frequency of a limit-state being exceeded to assess the candidate designs is compared with the use of deterministic criteria. Both ...