bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating a Finite Population Variance Under Some General Linear Models with Exchangeable Errors
Authors: Mukhopadhyay P. , Bhattacharyya S. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT: Optimal estimation of a finite population variance has been considered under some exchangeable general linear models. The robustness of the optimal strategies under a class of alternative models has been examined. Sampling designs ensuring near unbiasedness have been investigated.
On the Construction of Some New Series of PBIB Designs and Some New Series of OA vs of Strength Two
Authors: Pal Satyabrata , Goswami Kalyan Kumar , Majumdar Anurup 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT: A method of construction of PBID designs with three and two associate classes respectively has been presented. The method provides a new class of rectangular designs and some new PBIB designs with two associate classes and is based on Q2–arrays. A general method of construction of orthogonal arrays of strength two with various symbols in rows through Q2 arrays has also been developed.
Multi‐Stage Estimation Procedures for the Mean OE A U‐Statistic and Some Associated Moderate Sample Size Comparisons
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Nitis , Moreno Mabel 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT : In this paper we estimate the mean of a U‐statistic when the distribution in the population from where the independent samples are taken is unspecified. We develop two‐stage and three‐stage minimum risk, with squared error loss plus linear cost, point estimation procedures which are both asymptotically risk efficient. These multistage procedures are also operationally much simpler than Sen and Ghosh's (1981)purely sequential scheme. The performances of these three procedures are then compared via computer simulation for mode rate sample sizes under a few specific types of population distributions. 1980 AMS Subject classifications: 62Ll2, 62G05.
A Stability Property of the Linear Growth Birth and Death Process Under Restricted Power Series Distributions
Authors: Roy Dilip 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT : Recently Ycart has investigated a type of stability property of the linear growth Birth and Death Process according to which if the initial distribution is binomial or Poisson then it remains the same at any subsequent point of time. We have generalised this stability property under the wider class of restricted power series distributions.
Lorenz Curve and Gini Index
Authors: Moothathu T. S. K. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT : This is a review article on Lorenz Curve (LC) and Gini index (GI). The focus here is on those aspects of LC and GI which are not reviewed elsewhere. We present here both mathematical and statistical aspects of LC and GI, which include their relevance in economic theory and reliability, and bounds, approximations, extensions and various applications.
Beyond research literature: Occupational therapists’ perspectives on and uses of “evidence” in everyday practice
Authors: Dougherty Deborah A. , Toth-Cohen Susan E. , Tomlin George S. 
Published: January 2017

Background. Recent literature in evidence-based practice indicates that evidence is defined differently from practice and research perspectives. However, few published works address therapists’ perspectives of the nature and use of evidence in everyday practice. Purpose. This study describes the definition, types, and use of evidence from the perspective of six school-based occupational therapists. Method. Data were collected through focus groups and participant-submitted documentation and analyzed using qualitative and quantitative content analysis. Findings. Two categories of evidence emerged: internalized evidence and evidence gathered during the intervention process. Clinical reasoning, identified as a key skill in evidence-based practice, supported the synthesis of therapist internalized evidence with “in-the-moment” evidence gathered from activity, contextual, and occupational analyses of the client. Implications. The findings support current literature that has suggested expanding the definition of evidence (i.e., more than research findings alone). Further investigation of evidence building in practice may help in constructing a more inclusive professional culture of evidence-based practice.
Évaluation de l’écriture manuelle d’élèves franco-québécois au début du primaire
Authors: Couture Mélanie , Morin Marie-France , Coallier Mélissa , Lavigne Audrey , Archambault Patricia , Bolduc Émilie , Chartier Émilie , Liard Karolane , Jasmin Emmanuelle 
Published: January 2017

Background. Reasons for referring school-age children to occupational therapy mainly relate to handwriting problems. However, there are no validated tools or reference values for assessing handwriting in francophone children in Canada. Purpose. This study aimed to adapt and validate the writing tasks described in an English Canadian handwriting assessment protocol and to develop reference values for handwriting speed for francophone children. Method. Three writing tasks from the Handwriting Assessment Protocol–2nd Edition (near-point and far-point copying and dictation) were adapted for Québec French children and administered to 141 Grade 1 ( n = 73) and Grade 2 ( n = 68) students. Findings. Reference values for handwriting speed were obtained for near point and far point copying tasks. Implications. This adapted protocol and these reference values for speed will improve occupational therapy handwriting assessments for the target population.
Interrater reliability of Western University’s on-road assessment
Authors: Classen Sherrilene , Krasniuk Sarah , Knott Melissa , Alvarez Liliana , Monahan Miriam , Morrow Sarah , Danter Tim 
Published: January 2017

Background. Little empirical support exists for interrater reliability between evaluators from different backgrounds when assessing on-road outcomes of drivers. Purpose. We quantified interrater reliability of on-road outcomes between a certified driving school instructor (DI) and an occupational therapist and certified driver rehabilitation specialist (CDRS). Method. Both raters used the Global Rating Score (GRS) with two levels (pass, fail), the GRS with four levels (pass, pass with recommendations, fail remediable, fail), and the priority error rating score (PERS; most frequently occurring on-road errors in priority order) to assess 35 drivers (age, M = 48.31 years, SD = 9.76 years; 40% male; 86% with multiple sclerosis). Findings. The DI and occupational therapist CDRS had excellent agreement on the GRS with two levels (κ = .892, p < .0001), GRS with four levels (κ = .952, p < .0001), and the PERS (κ = .847–.902, p < .0001), indicating interrater reliability. Implications. This research contributes to empirical support for the on-road assessment.
Comparison of a Tympanic Thermometer to Rectal and Oral Thermometers in a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Chamberlain James M. , Grandner John , Rubinoff Jeffrey L. , Klein Bruce L. , Waisman Yeheskel , Huey Margaret 
Published: January 2017

We performed a clinical trial of a new tympanic thermometer to test its accuracy in a pediatric emergency department. Tympanic temperature was compared to oral or rectal glass and electronic temperature, depending on the developmental age of the child. Results were controlled for age of the child, cooperation, quantity of cerumen, and the presence or absence of otitis media. Our results suggest good correlation of tympanic with oral and rectal glass thermometry except in infants less than three months of age. Sensitivity and specificity, respectively, were 80% and 93% for detecting fever of 38°C and 80% and 95% for detecting fever of 38.5°C.
Tympanic Membrane Temperatures Compared to Rectal and Oral Temperatures
Authors: Talo Haitham , Macknin Michael L. , VanderBrug Medendorp Sharon 
Published: January 2017

One hundred thirty-seven children at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation were enrolled in a study comparing the accuracy and acceptability of tympanic membrane temperatures taken with Thermoscan® to rectal or oral temperatures taken by IVAC® electronic thermometers. The mean age of the rectal/ear group was 1.2 ± 0.86 years (range 0.08- 5.0 years) with 22 females and 21 males. The mean age of the oral and ear group was 9.0 ± 4.24 years (range 3 - 18 years) with 44 females and 50 males. Significantly large (p < 0.01) correlation coefficients were present between temperatures in the left ear and right ear (0.92), rectal and mean ear (0.77) and oral and mean ear (0.68). The temperature difference between mean ear and rectal measurements was -1.1° ± 0.51 °C and the temperature difference between the mean ear and oral measurements was -0.20° ± 0.59°C. A relative lack of correlation between ear and oral temperatures was noted with flat tympanograms, otoscopically diagnosed middle ear effusion, and with red-white or red tympanic membranes. However, small subgroup sizes (6-16) may have contributed to this lack of correlation. Parents and physicians were impressed by the 2.5 second speed of the new technique. However, younger children were nearly as likely to resist and cry with ear as with rectal temperatures. Parents were comfortable with the ease, cleanliness and safety of ear temperatures. While these data indicate a strong correspondence of ear temperatures with oral and rectal temperatures, parents were not as confident of ear temperatures' accuracy. Further public education may be necessary to alleviate minor concerns about the accuracy of tympanic membrane temperature measurements.
Effect of Otitis Media on Infrared Tympanic Thermometry
Authors: Kelly Barbara , Alexander David 
Published: January 2017

This study was designed to determine if temperature readings using a new tympanic thermometer are affected by otitis media. These readings were also compared to a rectal or oral temperature. Eighty-four children with unilateral suppurative or non-suppurative otitis media diagnosed clinically by their pediatricians were enrolled in the study. Temperatures were measured in both ears using the Thermoscan PRO-1 Instant Thermometer and rectally or orally by a glass or electronic predictive thermometer. For 67 children with unilateral suppurative otitis media the mean temperature in infected ears was 0.38 degrees Fahrenheit higher than in uninfected ears (p=.005). Neither temperatures measured in affected nor those from unaffected ears differed significantly from oral or rectal control readings. For 17 children with unilateral non-suppurative otitis media there was no statistically significant difference between temperatures in affected and unaffected ears or between the temperatures in either ear and the oral or rectal control. Our data show that temperatures taken in ears with suppurative otitis media are slightly higher than those in normal ears. This difference is of minimal clinical significance and does not affect the accuracy when compared to oral or rectal control readings.
Responses of Children, Parents, and Nurses to Tympanic Thermometry in the Pediatric Office
Authors: Alexander David , Kelly Barbara 
Published: January 2017

This study was designed to assess children's behavioral responses to tympanic thermometry. In addition, parents' and nurses' impressions of this new technology were evaluated. 224 patients were enrolled from three private pediatric practices. Patients were alternately assigned to have their temperature taken with either a tympanic thermometer or with a rectal or oral thermometer. Parents and nurses were then asked to fill out a short questionnaire to describe their observations of the child's behavior during temperature taking and to describe their own feelings about the temperature taking method used. Parents were also asked to assess their usual method of temperature taking at home and their child's usual behavioral response. Tympanic thermometry was rated higher by both parents and nurses for speed, ease, cleanliness, and safety. Parents and nurses were more confident in the accuracy of traditional temperature taking methods. Children whose temperatures were taken rectally were more likely to be observed by both parents (p = .02) and nurses (p = .01) to have a negative behavioral reaction to the procedure than children whose temperatures were taken by tympanic thermometry. There was no difference observed between the behavioral responses of children who had temperatures taken orally and those who had tympanic thermometry.
Cost Effectiveness of Tympanic Thermometry in the Pediatric Office Setting
Authors: Alexander David , Kelly Barbara 
Published: January 2017

This study was designed to see if tympanic thermometry might be more cost effective than cheaper more traditional methods of thermometry when office staff time saved is taken into account. There were 224 patients enrolled from three private pediatric practices. Patients were alternately assigned to have their temperature taken with either a tympanic thermometer or with a rectal or oral thermometer depending on the patient's age. For each child enrolled in the study a nurse was asked to time the temperature taking process. Items included in the cost analysis: a) thermometer costs; b) disposable supply costs; c) personnel costs; d) equipment service costs. The mean duration of temperature taking was 35.2 seconds using tympanic thermometers, 73.4 seconds using electronic predictive thermometers, and 247.2 seconds using glass thermometers. In practices taking an average of 10 temperatures per day, tympanic thermometry saved $2,316/year when compared to glass thermometers and $442 /year when compared to electronic predictive thermometers. The data presented in this study show that when nursing time is taken into account, tympanic thermometry is less expensive to perform than traditional methods of thermometry despite the initial higher cost of the thermometer.
Of Lambs and Lions: Relations Between Great Powers and their Smaller Neighbors
Authors: Knudsen Olav F. 
Published: January 2017

Knudsen, O. F. Of Lambs and Lions: Relations Between Great Powers and their Smaller Neighbors. Cooperation and Conflict, XXIII, 1988, 111-122. The relations between great powers and their smaller neighbors are accentuated cases of great-power/small-state relations generally and thus potentially useful for exploring such asymmetries. The article presents a model to explain key features of asymmetric dyadic relationships, in particular the application of political pressure by a great power against its smaller neighbor(s). The model includes three causal variables: tension between the great powers; great-power neighbor's extroversion; the smaller neighbor's foreign policy orientation. The concept of "freedom of action" is critically scrutinized and rejected. It is replaced as dependent variable by "the great-power's propensity to apply pressure against the small state". The elements of the model are presented and discussed. The overall argument of the article is that relations between contiguous small and great powers tend to be unstable, due to (a) the fact that the neighbor's relations are largely shaped by factors outside the bilateral relationship, and (b) the asymmetric importance of the mutual relationship to the two parties.
The United States Defence Areas in Greenland
Authors: Archer Clive 
Published: January 2017

Archer, C. The United States Defence Areas in Greenland. Cooperation and Conflict, XXIII, 1988, 123-144. An examination of the US military presence in Greenland shows how it has developed in tandem with wider US strategy. After the Second World War bases were used by Strategic Air Command and later for early warning systems. The US presence has had consequences for the host nations, Denmark and Greenland, in its effect on the local populations, in its intrusion into host state politics and by the association with the defence policies of the USA. The 1980s have brought a questioning of the US defence areas in Greenland by Greenlandic and Danish politicians.
The Security Policies of Small NATO Countries: Factors of Change
Authors: Petersen Nikolaj 
Published: January 2017

Petersen, N. The Security Policies of Small NATO Countries: Factors of Change. Cooperation and Conflict, XXIII, 1988, 145-162. During the 1980s the traditional security policies of the smaller NATO countries in Northwest Europe have been under considerable stress. Policy changes have been most profound in Denmark, but similar trends have been evidenced in Norway, Holland and Belgium. Based on a simple analytical framework the article analyses the nature of these trends, mostly in the Danish case, and their background in domestic, transnational as well as systemic factors. Security policy values have changed, especially with respect to nuclear weapons; the policy process has become more complex and conflictual, and resulting policies have deviated from the old alliance loyalty of these countries. Among explanatory factors the article focuses on the breakdown of detente and increasing pressures on the European NATO members which were especially onerous for the small countries, changes in public opinion, transnational cooperation between political parties and social movements, and developments in Social Demo cratic perceptions. Even though some of these factors have been eclipsed by the present era of renewed detente, the adaptation of the small NATO countries to it is likely to be conditioned by the significant changes in perceptions, processes and policies which occurred in the 1980s.
Political Interpretations of International Legal Norms
Authors: Nilsson Ann-Sofie 
Published: January 2017

Nilsson, A-S. Political Interpretations of International Legal Norms. Cooperation and Conflict, XXIII, 1988, 163-177. International law is frequently accused of being irrelevant in the international system. In political language, it is supposed to play a basically manipulative role. This study examines the use of international legal norms in political language in an effort to determine whether actors actually, as critics argue, approach these norms in a homogeneous verbal way, regardless of the legal beliefs of the actors. Actors' verbal interpretations of legal norms ("say") are contrasted to the approach found in their legal models ("think") and in practical behavior ("do"). Traditional law is one of many possible legal models. The verbal, practical and theoretical interpretations of legal norms made by four intervening actors in the Spanish Civil War (France, Germany, Italy and the Soviet Union) are analyzed and compared. Although these are actors with a wide variance in legal beliefs (one is a status quo actor and three present different revolutionary models), their verbal approaches to legal norms proved to be very similar. Only rarely did political language reflect the legal beliefs/models and behavior of revolutionary actors. Instead, also revolutionary actors relied on traditional law in political language. The acceptance by the traditional legal system of such verbal manipulation of legal norms could, it is suggested here, both weaken and strengthen this system in the long run.
The New Era of Terrorism: Approaches and Typologies
Authors: Mozaffari Mehdi 
Published: January 2017

Mozaffari, M. The New Era of Terrorism: Approaches and Typologies. Cooperation and Conflict, XXIII, 1988, 179-196. Despite the fact that political terrorism has become an almost everyday phenomenon, and despite its unprecedented internationalization, little attention has been given to the typology of political terrorism. Terrorism has generally been considered a homogeneous phenomenon with no variations in either time or place. The aim of this article is first to proceed to a critical analysis of the contemporary terminologies and typologies of terrorism; and then to construct an alternative typology more operational for recognizing the specificities of the different types of terrorism, one that is more capable of predicting their respective plausible behaviour.
Dimensions of Hegemony
Authors: Ougaard Morten 
Published: January 2017

Ougaard, M. Dimensions of Hegemony. Cooperation and Conflict, XXIII, 1988, 197- 214. The first section of the article deals briefly with the history of the concept of inter national hegemony. The second section identifies several dimensions in various defi nitions of the concept. The first dimension is the distribution of resources implying that hegemony is defined as a preponderance of material power resources, while the second dimension is control over outcomes. In some definitions the hegemon has a greater control than other actors, no matter which outcomes are attained. In other definitions a specific kind of outcome is required, such as the provision of certain collective goods. A related question is whether the hegemon takes care of shared interests or is catering to its own interests, to the detriment of those of others. This points to what is arguably a somewhat neglected dimension of hegemony: the underlying pattern of interests. It is suggested that the concept of hegemony is relevant in situations with common basic interests and secondary but significant contradictory interests. In such a situation hegemony is defined as one actor's ability to provide for its own interests in conflicts of a secondary nature. The third section focuses on the patterns of interests underlying US hegemony. Three possible changes that can lead to declining hegemony are examined: increasing difficulties for the common interests, increasing incompatibility between the interests of the hegemon and its allies, and finally a growing disparity within the hegemon's own interests. The evidence is only suggestive and points in different directions, but on balance it tends to strengthen the case for declining hegemony.
Errors in Conveyor Belt Weigher Systems
Authors: Hidden A. E. 
Published: January 2017

The necessity for continuous belt weighers is first discussed. It is pointed out that they have limitations in performance which at present prevent their widest adoption and which thus make their further study important. It is shown that conveyor belt weigher systems consist of four essential elements. These elements are each considered in turn and it is concluded that the most serious errors arise in the weigh-length element, with the means by which travel of the belt is measured as a possible further source of serious error. The weigh-length element is considered in further detail and the importance of multiple weighing idlers, long idler pitch, and low belt tension, amongst other things, is emphasised. The introduction of belt sag, instead of belt tension, as a term in equations for misalignment and tension errors is shown to give a convenient result. The effect of belt stiffness on the misalignment and tension errors is examined closely. Previous formulae for this are critically examined and the author presents the results of his own efforts to find a better formula. The difficulties of applying any of these formulae in practical cases is discussed. It is explained that simple beam theory is not applicable to a troughed belt, which, it is argued, should be found much more flexible than the beam theory predicts. Finally, the conclusion is reached that if belt sag, rather than belt tension, is taken as a criterion by which a belt weigher is adjusted, then a stiff belt should give rise to smaller misalignment and tension errors than a perfectly flexible one.