bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptation and validation of the disruptive behaviour disorders teacher rating scale as a screening tool for early detection of disruptive behaviour disorders in schools in a lower-middle income setting
Authors: Olagundoye Olawunmi , Igundunasse Alex , Alugo Morenike 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Background
Despite the need to curb the menace resulting from the negative trajectory of disruptive behaviour disorders (DBD) in societies of the world today, there is yet a dearth of locally standardised tools for the early detection of these disorders in Nigeria. This study was aimed at standardising the DBD teacher rating scale (DBD-TRS) to be culturally specific using teachers’ ratings of their students.

Objectives
To establish norm scores for the three categories of DBD on the DBD-TRS, to evaluate the reliability, validity, predictive power, sensitivity and specificity of DBD-TRS items for identifying DBD symptoms amongst children/adolescents between the ages of 4 and 16 years.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey of the five divisions of Lagos was conducted using multi-stage sampling technique. A randomly selected sample of teachers from a selection of regular schools across the five divisions of Lagos retrospectively rated systematically selected samples of their students in absentia; by referring to the names in their class registers for the recently concluded school session. The DBD-TRS and the previously validated strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) were used for the ratings.

Results
Ratings were completed for 1508 children/adolescents by 197 teachers from 30 regular schools. The norm scores for the three categories of DBD were determined by gender, age, and grade/class. Satisfactory psychometric properties were established for the DBD rating scale. All DBD items had high negative predictive power and positive predictive power, high specificity, and low false positive rates. However, ADHD items had lower PPP (0.23–0.55).

Conclusion
The DBD rating scale demonstrated sufficient technical merits to be used as a preliminary tool for identifying children that may require further clinical evaluation by mental health experts for behavioural disorders.
Opposite-sex relationship questionnaire for female adolescents: development and psychometric evaluation
Authors: Bahrami Nasim , Sibmar Masoumeh , Vedadhir AbouAli , Alavi Majd Hamid , Parker Averil 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAim The goal of the present study is to adopt state-of-the-art techniques and standards to develop and evaluate a measure, called the opposite-sex relationship questionnaire for female adolescents (OSRQFA), to assess the reasons why adolescent girls would or would not develop, a relationship with an adolescent boy.Methods A mixed-method, sequential, exploratory design was adopted. In the qualitative phase, an in-depth interview approach was used to identify the properties and dimensions to be included in the OSRQFA. In the quantitative phase, the psychometric properties of the OSRQFA were evaluated according to face, content and construct validity. Reliability and stability were assessed with Cronbach’s α and test–retest analysis, respectively.Results A preliminary questionnaire including 86 items which emerged from the qualitative phase of the study was designed. Based on the impact scores for face validity and the cutoff points for the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI), the preliminary questionnaire was reduced to 57 items. The Kaiser criteria (eigenvalues >1) and scree plot tests demonstrated that 21 items forming six factors, which were labeled ‘innate predilection’, ‘abstinence’, ‘peer pressure’, ‘fear of the relationship consequences’, ‘family atmosphere’ and ‘risk taking’, that accounted for an estimated 66.19% of variance provided an optimal fit with the data. These scales had acceptable levels of internal consistency (α = 0.822) and stability (r = 0.871, p < 0.001).Conclusion The OSRQFA with 21 items and 6 factors demonstrated suitable validity and reliability in a sample of Iranian female adolescents. The OSRQFA’s has good psychometric properties, and can be used by other researchers in future studies.
Sesame and Broad Bean Stalks: Mixing Characteristics of Chips as a Biomass Fuel for Bubbling Fluidized Bed Combustor
Authors: El-Sayed Saad A. , El-baz Amro A. , Noseir Emad H. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Mixing and segregation characteristics of biomass particles are of practical importance because the in-bed combustion efficiency of volatile matter affects the vertical location of biomass in bubbling fluidized bed combustor. Sesame and broad bean stalk biomass materials mixed with sand used in this study. The superficial gas velocity, biomass chip length, sand particle size and mass fraction of biomass varied as experimental variables. The mixing and segregation behavior of mixtures were analyzed in terms of mixing index. It was found that the variability in the chip-shape made the sesame chips is quantitatively and qualitatively higher homogeneity and mixedness than the broad bean chips. The optimum overall mixing index for the sesame and the broad bean is around 0.96 and 0.84 at dimensionless superficial gas velocity (U/Umf) of 2.0 (1.40 m/sec) and 2.1 (1.25 m/sec), respectively. It was found that as the mean diameter increased and the sphericity decreased, the mixing quality decreased. The average sand particle size of 371 µm can keep good mixing with biomass chips of both materials, compared with average particle sizes of sand 550 and 700 µm. Increasing the initial biomass mass fraction yields a poor mixing of the investigated biomass stalks.
Facilitators and Constraints of Policy Learning for Administrative Capacity in the Western Balkans
Authors: Karini Artan 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Drawing on the policy-transfer literature, where processes such as Europeanization accentuate the role of policy networks as facilitators or constraints in the implementation of acquis, in addition to the familiar mechanism of “conditionality”, the principal objective of this article is to explore the challenges of policy learning toward administrative-capacity building and, more specifically, the role of what I refer to here as “donor-bureaucrat-contractor” networks in the Western Balkans. By employing a qualitative methodology consisting of forty semi-structured interviews and focus groups with policymakers, donor officers, civil-society experts and consultants in the region during the period of January 2011 to December 2016, a critical analysis of aid-supported policy learning via training as a conduit to administrative capacity-building reveals a series of context-specific dimensions, such as the informality of such networks, overreliance on local NGOs as “capacitybuilding” implementation partners and the ability of the context to affect donor behaviour - all ultimately contributing to the (non-) occurrence of policy transfer. Th e overarching conclusion this article draws is that potential answers to problems with aid-supported policy learning in the region may probably lie in the invisible workings of the aforementioned networks rather than solely in the official channels of communication between Brussels and regional governments. From a policymaking standpoint, this conclusion in itself may as well be construed as a recommendation to mobilize future research surrounding the impact of such networks on European Union (EU) accession processes in the region. Th is may encourage research organizations both in the EU and the region to (re) orient future endeavors towards this dimension of administrative capacity-building - a core requirement for EU accession - especially as the EU itself faces its own enlargement dilemmas following Brexit while the region faces threats of a potential revival of “old” ethnic conflicts, both affecting the progress of administrative reforms and prospects of EU accession.
National Curricula (Standards) in Public Administration (?)
Authors: Nemec Juraj , Larionov Andrei , Hintea Calin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe goal of this paper is to assess the role of “national curricula” (national education standards) determining the contents of public-administration (PA) education. To achieve our goal we deliver five case studies describing relevant information about the situation in the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Russia and Slovakia, all with different approaches how to apply national PA curricula. In the final part we try to evaluate the pros and cons of “national curricula” from the point of view of the development of PA education. Our research documents that extremes (no regulation and too strict regulation) do not deliver in less developed countries; the right path for such conditions should be somewhere in between - indicative national curricula and also indicative course contents should be available - something that seems to be achieved in Romania somehow.
Proposal for an Alternative Indicator for Testing the Presence of the Political-Budget Cycle in the Case of Tax Policy
Authors: Křápek Milan , Formanová Lucie 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe content of this paper is a proposal for a new explanatory variable that can be used instead of commonly used variables expressing the dates of parliamentary elections. The proposed variable is then used to verify the existence of the impact of the political-budget cycle in the area of taxation on a sample of countries belonging to the European Union (EU28) over the period from 2000 to 2012. Combining the use of this variable and the Pearson correlation coefficient, a statistically significant effect of PBC was identified, particularly in the field of indirect excise taxes, and especially for countries belonging to the group of new EU Member States. The article also contains a comparison of results using traditional indicators which take into account the date of parliamentary elections and the results using a new variable. The results obtained show that with the help of two of the four indicators, statistically significant changes in tax policy in the area of indirect excise duties were identified. When evaluating a new variable, it can be noted that it is a variable which is appropriate for testing the effect of PBC, since not only has the number of statistically significant correlation coefficients been increased, but additionally, illogical results contrary to PBC theory have not been identified.
Sphere – To – Spheroid Comparison – Numerical Analysis
Authors: Lenart Andrzej S. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Differences of orthodromic distances calculated on the sphere in comparison to the spheroid are numerically analyzed in the full range of departure point latitudes, courses over the ground and orthodromic distances for the global and limited range of latitudes. Optimum solutions for the radii of the sphere are provided.
Performance Analysis of a Medium Frequency Offshore Grid for Identification Of Vessels Sailing on High Density Maritime European Routes
Authors: López Alfonso , Gutiérrez Miguel , Ortega Andrés , Puente Cristina , Morales Alejandro , Gonzalez Diego , Díaz Emma 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The paper analyses the performance of an Automatic Vessel Identification System on Medium Frequency (AVISOMEF), which works with the Grid Method (GM) on high density maritime European routes using real data and uniformly distributed data. Compared to other systems, AVISOMEF is a novelty, as it is not a satellite system, nor is it limited by a given coverage distance, in contrast to the Automatic Identification System (AIS), though in exceptional circumstances it leans towards it. To perform the analysis, special simulation software was developed. Moreover, a number of maritime routes along with their traffic density data were selected for the study. For each route, two simulations were performed, the first of which based on the uniform traffic distribution along the route, while the second one made use of real AIS data positioning of vessels sailing on the selected routes. The obtained results for both simulations made the basis for formulating conclusions regarding the capacity of selected routes to support AVISOMEF.
An Innovative Steering System for a River Push Barge Operated in Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Authors: Abramowicz-Gerigk Teresa , Burciu Zbigniew , Jachowski Jacek 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The paper presents an innovative steering system for a river push barge dedicated for operation in environmentally sensitive inland waterways. Development of the inland waterborne transport in Poland is dependent on the exploitation of rivers which can be adapted to navigation in the limited range because a high percent of their length is classified within special environment protection areas of Natura 2000 network. This is now the main reason that their better exploitation cannot be obtained without an introduction of a new generation of waterborne environment friendly inland units. In naturally winding rivers with differing and rapidly changing depths and widths it is important to equip a push barge with an efficient steering system that has a low environmental impact. The innovative steering system proposed in the paper is composed of main steering devices located at the pusher stern, auxiliary steering devices installed on the barge bow and a mechanical coupling system.
Acoustic Imaging of Selected Areas of Gdansk Bay with the Aid of Parametric Echosounder and Side-Scan Sonar
Authors: Grelowska Grażyna , Kozaczka Eugeniusz , Szymczak Wojciech 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The article presents and analyses the data recorded during sounding of the Gdansk Bay seabed with the aid of a parametric echosounder and a side-scan sonar. The accuracy of seabed structure examination, as a condition for obtaining valuable results, requires correct configuration of echolocation devices and proper calibration of peripheral devices, such as the survey unit geographical position sensor - GPS, the navigation unit, the MRU-Z sensor of pitch, roll and heave, and the sound velocity meter, which deliver the data to the bathymetric measurement system. Parametric seabed profilers deliver two types of data: the envelope, and the detailed echo signal without processing. The envelope is used for data visualisation in the form of online echograms, while the echo signal is stored for further analyses, to be performed using dedicated software or, after relevant conversion, in arbitrary programming environment1. The presented data analysis is illustrated by selected sample images recorded by the parametric echosounder and the side-scan sonar during Gdansk Bay sounding.
Features of Load and Wear of Main Propulsion Devices on Sea-Going Ships with Piston Combustion Engines and Their Impact on Changes in Technical States of the Systems
Authors: Girtler Jerzy 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The paper presents the specificity of operation of propulsion systems of seagoing ships which causes the need to control the load on them, especially on their engines called main engines. The characteristics of the load on the propulsion systems, especially on the main engines as well as on the shaft lines and propellers driven by the engines, along with the process of wear in tribological joints (sliding tribological systems) of the machines have been described herein. Using examples of typical types of wear (both linear and volumetric) for the tribological systems of this sort, interpretation of states of their wear has been provided with regards to the wear levels defined as acceptable, unacceptable and catastrophic. The following hypotheses have been formulated: 1) hypothesis explaining necessity to consider the loads on the systems under operation as stochastic processes; 2) hypothesis explaining a possibility of considering the processes as stationary; and 3) hypothesis explaining why it can be assumed that a given technical state of any tribological system can be considered as dependent only on the directly preceding state and stochastically independent of the states that existed earlier. Accepting the hypotheses as true, a four-state continuous-time semi-Markov process has been proposed in the form of a model of changes in condition of a propulsion system (PS) of any ship. The model includes the most significant states affecting safety of a ship at sea, such as: s0 - PS ability state, s1 - PS disability state due to damage to the main engine (ME), s2 - PS disability state due to damage to the shaft line (SL) and s3 - PS disability state due to damage to the propeller (P). Probability of occurrence (changes) of the states has also been demonstrated.
Operation of Two-Shaft Gas Turbine in the Range of Open Anti-Surge Valve
Authors: Dzida Marek , Frost Jacek 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
This paper presents experimental tests of full-scale two-shaft gas turbine in the range of open anti-surge valve (ASV). The tests were carried out in a laboratory gas- turbine test stand belonging to Department of Automation and Power Engineering , Faculty of Ocean Engineering and Ship Technology , Gdańsk University of Technology. The tests covered the start-up and low load operation of the turbine set in the range of open anti-surge valve.
A Method to Assess Transverse Vibration Energy of Ship Propeller Shaft for Diagnostic Purposes
Authors: Korczewski Zbigniew 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The article discusses a key problem of ship propulsion system vibration diagnostics, which concerns assessing this part of mechanical energy transmitted from the main engine to the ship propeller which is dissipated due to propeller shaft vibration. A simplified calculation model is proposed which allows the total energy of the generated torsional vibration to be assessed from the shaft deflection amplitude measured at the mind-span point between the supports. To verify the developed model, pilot tests were performed on the laboratory rotational mechanical system test rig. In those tests, cyclic bending moment was applied to a unified (cylindrical) material sample, which modelled, at an appropriate scale, structural and functional properties of a real propeller shaft.
Comparison of Soil Models in the Thermodynamic Analysis of a Submarine Pipeline Buried in Seabed Sediments
Authors: Magda Waldemar 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
This paper deals with mathematical modelling of a seabed layer in the thermodynamic analysis of a submarine pipeline buried in seabed sediments. The existing seabed soil models: a “soil ring” and a semi-infinite soil layer are discussed in a comparative analysis of the shape factor of a surrounding soil layer. The meaning of differences in the heat transfer coefficient of a soil layer is illustrated based on a computational example of the longitudinal temperaturę profile of a -kilometer long crude oil pipeline buried in seabed sediments.
Young Married Women’s Perceptions On The Maeanings And Motivations For Their Husbands’ Opposition To Their Modern Contraceptive Use In Malawi
Authors: Kaneka Benjamin , Mturi Akim J. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine the perceptions of young married women on meanings and motivations of partner opposition to their contraceptive use. Qualitative data was collected from focus group discussions and individual in-depth interviews with young married women and key informant interviews with health workers and traditional leaders in the districts of Ntcheu, Mangochi and Zomba in Malawi. Thematic data analysis was done using ATLAS ti software version 7. The results show that partners’ opposition to young married women’s use of contraceptives was perceived to be principally motivated by their husbands’ quest to control the sexual and reproductive lives of their spouses. Related to this aspect are the fears and misconceptions that use of modern contraceptives would relieve young married women of the fear of engaging in extra marital affairs as they would no longer be afraid of being discovered through pregnancy. Hence, the opposition was perceived to safeguard their marriages from instability and dissolution. The paper asserts that there should be a shift in the family planning programme delivery in the country aimed at reducing or eliminating partner opposition to young married women’s contraceptive use through involvement and inclusion of partners in the designing and implementation of contraceptive information and service provision interventions.
Dances with footings: a Goffmanian perspective on the Soto case
Authors: O’Driscoll Jim 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper attempts to explain the trajectory and unusual outcome of this courtroom encounter by applying Erving Goffman’s approach to interaction. It employs his notions of frame and footing, plus those of face, ritual deference and demeanour when they are useful. This perspective shows that, as well as the socially constituted power asymmetry, the participants create an interactive asymmetry in which the accused, Penelope Soto, although a canonically ratified participant, is sometimes effectively ‘de-ratified’. However, as the encounter progresses, Soto and the judge shift their footings back and forth such that into the court-hearing frame, another frame, that of the social encounter, is insinuated. This clash of frames is shown to be a major cause of the trajectory taken by the encounter. The Goffmanian perspective also points up the effect of the use of a video link for this encounter. This application of Goffman’s framework functions as a test of some of his concepts and the paper concludes with some comments and suggested elaborations.
Developing a Model for Forecasting Road Traffic Accident (RTA) Fatalities in Yemen
Authors: Karim Fareed M. A. , Abdo Saleh Ali , Taijoobux Aref , Ševrović Marko 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to develop a model for forecasting RTA fatalities in Yemen. The yearly fatalities was modeled as the dependent variable, while the number of independent variables included the population, number of vehicles, GNP, GDP and Real GDP per capita. It was determined that all these variables are highly correlated with the correlation coefficient (r ≈ 0.9); in order to avoid multicollinearity in the model, a single variable with the highest r value was selected (real GDP per capita). A simple regression model was developed; the model was very good (R2=0.916); however, the residuals were serially correlated. The Prais-Winsten procedure was used to overcome this violation of the regression assumption. The data for a 20-year period from 1991-2010 were analyzed to build the model; the model was validated by using data for the years 2011-2013; the historical fit for the period 1991 - 2011 was very good. Also, the validation for 2011-2013 proved accurate.