The objective of this study was to investigate the intra-rater (within day & between days) and inter-rater reliability of foot/ankle water volumetry in healthysubjects.Study design: Repeated measures design with 2 raters.Background: Physiotherapists more often aim to reduce swelling in the acute phase of soft tissue injury. Reduction in swelling will hasten the healing process. Therefore swelling forms an important outcome measure that is worth studying during the healing process to determine the efficacy of the intervention. Though there are different methods available to measure extremity swelling, water displacement method is widely used in physiotherapy studies. Although water volumetry has been used to assess the reduction in swelling over time, there is paucity of reliability studies that have assessed the between-days reliability.Methods: Thirty normal subjects with asymptomatic ankles were measured by 2 raters. Three repeated foot volume measurements were performed by each of the rater using water volumetry during a single test session. The same procedure was repeated approximately at the same time on the 3rd day and 5th day following the 1st measurement day by the same raters on the same subjects. The raters were blinded to each other's measurements. The order for rater's volumetric measurement on each subject on each day was determined by a random chart produced by SPSS. The reliability was measured in terms of systematic bias (Paired t test & Bland & Altman's plot), absolute reliability (Limits of Agreement [LOA] & Standard Error of Measurement [SEM]) and relative reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC]).Results: There was no systematic bias between any of the trials within day/between days or between raters. The intra-rater reliability within day as calculated by ICC; LOA and SEM were 0.99, ±10ml and ±3.5ml respectively and for between days reliability the values were 0.99 (ICC), ±20ml (LOA) and ±7ml (SEM) and for interrater reliability the values were 0.99 (ICC), ±13ml (LOA) and ±5ml (SEM). The results demonstrated that water volumetry method was highly reliable within day and between days for both the raters; and highly reliable between raters.Conclusion: Water volumetry is a highly reliable method for measuring foot/ankle volume repeatedly on different days. The random error range in milliliters (ml) as estimated by the absolute reliability indices provides the practical use of this method in a clinical/research setting.

The objective of this study was to investigate the intra-rater (within day & between days) and inter-rater reliability of foot/ankle water volumetry in healthysubjects.Study design: Repeated measures design with 2 raters.Background: Physiotherapists more often aim to reduce swelling in the acute phase of soft tissue injury. Reduction in swelling will hasten the healing process. Therefore swelling forms an important outcome measure that is worth studying during the healing process to determine the efficacy of the intervention. Though there are different methods available to measure extremity swelling, water displacement method is widely used in physiotherapy studies. Although water volumetry has been used to assess the reduction in swelling over time, there is paucity of reliability studies that have assessed the between-days reliability.Methods: Thirty normal subjects with asymptomatic ankles were measured by 2 raters. Three repeated foot volume measurements were performed by each of the rater using water volumetry during a single test session. The same procedure was repeated approximately at the same time on the 3rd day and 5th day following the 1st measurement day by the same raters on the same subjects. The raters were blinded to each other's measurements. The order for rater's volumetric measurement on each subject on each day was determined by a random chart produced by SPSS. The reliability was measured in terms of systematic bias (Paired t test & Bland & Altman's plot), absolute reliability (Limits of Agreement [LOA] & Standard Error of Measurement [SEM]) and relative reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC]).Results: There was no systematic bias between any of the trials within day/between days or between raters. The intra-rater reliability within day as calculated by ICC; LOA and SEM were 0.99, ±10ml and ±3.5ml respectively and for between days reliability the values were 0.99 (ICC), ±20ml (LOA) and ±7ml (SEM) and for interrater reliability the values were 0.99 (ICC), ±13ml (LOA) and ±5ml (SEM). The results demonstrated that water volumetry method was highly reliable within day and between days for both the raters; and highly reliable between raters.Conclusion: Water volumetry is a highly reliable method for measuring foot/ankle volume repeatedly on different days. The random error range in milliliters (ml) as estimated by the absolute reliability indices provides the practical use of this method in a clinical/research setting.

No research has been performed comparing percent body fat measurements using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and air plethysmography after weight loss. The purpose of this investigation was to compare body composition assessments using the Bod Pod® Body Composition System (BP) and the DEXA ProdigyTM before and after an 8-week weight loss diet and exercise program. Based on prior comparison studies, it was hypothesized that percent fat values would be significantly lower using the BP compared to the DEXA before and after weight loss. Also since both methods have been shown to be reliable, it was hypothesized that the BP and DEXA would detect similar changes in percent fat in response to a weight-loss intervention. Twelve women (42 ± 8 yrs) and ten men (40 + 11 yrs) had their percent body fat estimated using the BP and whole body DEXA ProdigyTM scanner. A similar significant (P < 0.05) decrease in percent body fat was observed using the BP and DEXA ProdigyTM (-2.2% and -1.8%, respectively) after weight loss. Percent body fat using the BP was significantly lower than the DEXA ProdigyTM before (36 ± 10.7% and 38.1 ± 9.4%, respectively) and after (33.8 ± 10.8% and 36.3 + 10.6%, respectively) the weight loss program. Significant Pearson correlation coefficients between the DEXA ProdigyTM and the BP were noted pre (r = 0.975) and post (r = 0.968) weight loss. These data indicate the BP provides significantly lower absolute %fat values within a range of body fat levels (20-56%) when compared to the DEXA. However, the BP and DEXA detect similar changes in %fat, fatfree mass, and fat mass from weight loss in men and women. Also, the BP consistently overestimated fat-free mass and underestimated %fat and fat mass compared to values obtained from DEXA. / School of Physical Education

The Combined Laser and Scan Sonar (CLASS) system is an extended range imaging system, incorporating both high-resolution laser images and high frequency sonar images. Both the laser and sonar images are collected simultaneously during testing to provide dual mode imagery of an underwater target, displaying both a 2D image of the target (laser image) and a 3D overlay of the target (sonar image). The laser component of the system is a Multiple Overlapping Field of view Serial Laser Imager (MOFSLI), capable of generating high-resolution sub-centimeter 2D images. MOFSLI generates the images by way of a near diffraction-limited 532 [nm] continuous wave (CW) laser beam being scanned over the target. Initial field tests resulted in high-quality images of the ocean floor, but also indicated the need for additional research on MOFSLI. In this thesis, we focus on the calibration of MOFSLI and on the evaluation of the image quality generated by this system, as a function of range, source power, receiver gain and water turbidity. This work was completed in the specialized underwater electrooptics testing facility located in the Ocean Visibility and Optics laboratory at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI). Laboratory testing revealed the operational limits of the system, which functioned well until just beyond five attenuation lengths, where it becomes contrast limited due attenuation of target signal and the collection of non-image bearing backscattered photons. Testing also revealed the optimal settings of the system at given environmental conditions. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

The main purpose of this study was to investigate sixth, seventh, and eight gradeTurkish, English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, and Social Studies teachers&rsquo / conceptions of assessment. It was also aimed at finding out the differences, if any, in teachers&rsquo / conceptions of assessment according to their teaching subject, years of teaching experience, in-service training, and the undergraduate institution they graduated from. There were 414 teachers included in the study. Data were gathered through the short version of Teacher Conceptions of Assessment Scale (TCoA-IIIA), which had 27 items. Exploratory Factor Analysis results revealed that there were four factors in the scale which were called Student Accountability, School Accountability, Improvement, and Irrelevance like in the original scale. Then, the correlation results revealed that Student Accountability, School Accountability and Improvement conceptions were significantly correlated with each other at moderate level. However, Irrelevance conception did not have a significant relationship with other conceptions. The findings of Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) indicated that teaching subject and in-service training did not make any significant difference in teachers&rsquo / conceptions of assessment. However, years of teaching experience and undergraduate institution teachers graduated did significant differences in teachers&rsquo / conceptions of assessment.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Umeå : Umeå universitet, 2010.

Thesis (MTech (Business Management))--Peninsula Technikon, 2003. / This dissertation sets out to develop a Performance Management System for the Greater Stellenbosch Municipality. It is proposed for use as a unit of analysis. The system provides a framework for determining developmental priorities and identifying the appropriate resources. The system monitors progress and simultaneously serves as an instrument that maintains municipal accountability for the delivery of its core developmental functions. Internationally, an infinite number of research projects in the field of performance management and best practices for organisational performance have been undertaken for local authorities. This includes a range of terms extending from the 1950's, known as benchmarking, to the current context where the balance scorecard has been put on the performance agenda. The emphasis for increased and accountable performance of local authorities is currently on the foreground, because local authorities are now responsible for executing duties in the form of developmental outputs.

As many dams were built around 1950, the expected life span of these dams are about tobe reached. With this, the need for monitoring and increased understanding of the damsstructural integrity increases. In order to prevent failures, two warning signals are defined;alert and alarm. The main difference being that the first indicates an unexpected changein behavior that needs to be addressed and evaluated in the near future, while the otherrequires that immediate action must be taken to ensure the safety of the dam.This report aims to evaluate the applicability of different models for designing alert values.In order to achieve this goal, two case studies have been performed. The first being onSchlegeis, an arch dam in Austria, and the second Storfinnforsen, a concrete buttress damin Sweden. The methods used are finite element modelling as well as data-based models.Data-based models work on the presumption that the dam behaviour is governed by variationsin environmental conditions such as temperature and water level. The report hasevaluated two commonly used data-based models, hydrostatic thermal time (HTT) and hydrostaticseasonal time (HST), as well as two machine learning based models artificial neuralnetworks (ANN) and boosted regression trees (BRT).The programs used in this report are BRIGADE plus for finite element method and MATLABfor the multi-linear regression analyses HTT and HST, as well as boosted regressiontrees. The neural networks were constructed in Python using TensorFlow and Keras API.The result from the case studies is that the commonly used data-based models HST andHTT perform well enough for creating predictions and alert levels when given a sufficientamount of historical data, approximately 3-5 years. Machine learning such as artificial neuralnetworks while comparable in prediction quality does not further increase the understandingof the dam behaviour and can due to the complexity of designing an appropriate networkstructure be less suited for this type of analysis. Finite element models can also capturethe behavior of the dam rather well. It is however not as accurate as data-based modelswhen sufficient data is available. An FE-model should be used for definition of alert valueswhen insufficient data exists after the dam conditions have been significantly altered, orwhen newly constructed. The main advantage that machine learning provides is that theyperform better for non-linear behavior than multi-linear regression.

Thesis (MCom)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / You will be needing the program SPSS in order to read the .spv files / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The primary goal of an organisation, in a capitalistic system, is the maximisation of profit. The task of the human resource function in organisations is to affect the work performance of working man to the advantage of the organisation and in a manner that adds value to the organisation. The management of employee wellbeing/psychological health is one of the human resource interventions with which the human resource function pursues this objective. It is imperative for organisations to be aware of, and sensitive to, negative factors in the workplace, such as occupational stress, that influence employees’ health and wellbeing and have a significant effect on job satisfaction and performance (Hamidi & Eivazi, 2010). Prevailing stress levels need to be monitored regularly if escalating stress levels are to be detected in time to prevent serious personal and organisational problems from developing. The Sources of Work Stress Inventory (SWSI) is an instrument developed in South Africa specifically for this purpose (De Bruin & Taylor, 2005). The inappropriate use of occupational stress assessments across genders can seriously jeopardize the extent to which occupational stress assessments, and the decisions based on them, achieve their intended objectives. In order to avoid making widespread generalisations and untested assumptions which will eventually do a disservice to the field of psychology, the absence of measurement bias (i.e. invariance and equivalence) should be demonstrated instead of simply assumed (Van de Vijver & Tanzer, 2004). Establishing the measurement invariance and equivalence of an instrument across groups should be a prerequisite to conducting substantive cross-group comparisons (Dunbar, Theron & Spangenberg, 2011). It is imperative to empirically ascertain whether the instruments that are used are free of cultural, language, gender, age and racial bias, not only because it is prohibited by the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, but also as it is in the interest of good workmanship. Bias is indicated as nuisance factors that threaten the validity of cross-group (cultural) comparisons (Van de Vijver & Leung, 1997). These nuisance factors could be due to construct bias, method bias and/or item bias. Due to the importance of the decisions made, it would seem essential that the information provided by test results apply equally across different reference groups. In this study the specific measurement invariance and equivalence sequence of tests set out by Dunbar et al. (2011) was used to answer a sequence of research questions that examine the extent to which the SWSI multi-group measurement model may be considered measurement invariant and equivalent or not, and to determine the source of variance if it existed (Vandenberg & Lance, 2000). Upon investigating the measurement model fit of the SWSI, the results indicated that support was found for the hypotheses that the measurement model fits the data of both gender samples independently. Furthermore, support was found for the configural and weak invariance model. However, due to not meeting the requirements for metric equivalence, partial measurement invariance and equivalence was explored. The SWSI multi-group measurement model met the requirements of partial complete invariance and partial full equivalence, and the non-invariant items were identified in the process. The implications of the results are discussed, limitations are indicated and areas for further research are highlighted. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die kerndoelwit van enige organisasie, veral in ‘n kapitalistiese stelsel, is om optimale wins te genereer. Die taak van die menslike hulpbronbestuurfunksie binne organisasies is om die werksverrigting van die werkende mens te beïnvloed tot voordeel van die organisasie en terselfdetyd waarde tot die organisasie toe te voeg. Die bestuur van ‘n werknemer se welstand / sielkundige gesondheid is een van die menslike hulpbron-iintervensies waarmee die menslike hulpbronfunksie hierdie doelwit nastreef. Dit is uiters belangrik vir organisasies om bewus te wees van, asook sensitief te wees vir, negatiewe faktore soos werkstres, wat werknemers se gesondheid en welsyn beïnvloed en wat 'n beduidende invloed op werkstevredenheid en prestasie het (Hamidi & Eivazi, 2010). Heersende stresvlakke moet gereeld gemonitor word om tydig stygende stresvlakke te bespeur ten einde ernstige persoonlike en organisasieverwante probleme te verhoed. Die Bronne van die Werkstres-inventaris (BWSI) is in Suid-Afrika spesifiek vir hierdie doel ontwikkel (De Bruin & Taylor, 2005). Die ontoepaslike gebruik van werkstresmetings oor geslagte kan egter die mate waartoe beroepstresmetings en die besluite wat daarop gebaseer word hul oogmerke bereik ernstig benadeel. Die afwesigheid van metingsydigheid (bv. invariansie en ekwivalensie) moet dus empiries gedemonstreer word, in stede daarvan dat die afwesigheid daarvan eenvoudig aanvaar word (Van de Vijver & Tanzer, 2004). Die afwesigheid van hierdie informasie kan lei tot wydverspreide veralgemenings en ongetoetsde aannames wat die Sielkunde professie ernstige skade kan berokken. Die meetings-invariansie en -ekwivalensie van 'n instrument oor groepe is 'n voorvereiste vir substantiewe kruis-groepvergelykings (Dunbar, Theron & Spangenberg, 2011). Dit is noodsaaklik om empiries te bepaal of die instrumente wat gebruik is vry is van kulturele-, taal, geslag-, ouderdom- en rasse-sydigheid, nie net omdat dit verbied word deur die Wet op Diensbillikheid 55 van 1998 nie, maar ook omdat dit in die belang van goeie vakmanskap is. Sydigheid is sistermatiese steurnisse wat die geldigheid van die kruis-groep (kulturele) vergelykings (Van de Vijver & Leung, 1997) bedreig. Hierdie steurnisse kan wees as gevolg van konstruk-, metode- en/of itemsydigheid. Gegewe die belangrikheid van die besluite wat geneem word gebaseer op die metings is dit noodsaaklik dat die inligting vergelykbaar oor die verskillende verwysingsgroepe is. Die studie het die stel metingsinvariansie en -ekwivalensie toetse wat deur Dunbar et al. (2011) gebruik om 'n reeks van navorsingsvrae te beantwoord. Daar is ondersoek gestel na die mate waartoe die BWSI multi-groep metingsmodel as invariant of ekwivalent beskou kan word, en die bron van variansie te bepaal as dit sou bestaan (Vandenberg & Lance, 2000). In die ondersoek na die metingsmodel passing van die BWSI, is daar ondersteuning gevind is vir die hipoteses dat die metingsmodel beide van die geslagsteekproewe goed pas. Steun is ook gevind vir die konfigurale en swak invariansie modelle. Aangesien slegs beperkte steun vir metriese ekwivalensie gevind is, is ondersoek na die parsiële metriese invariansie en ekwivalensie ingestel. Die BWSI multi-groep metingsmodel het voldoen aan die vereistes van parsiële volledige invariansie en parsiële volle ekwivalensie, en die nie-invariante items is deur die proses geïdentifiseer. Die implikasies van die resultate word bespreek, beperkinge word aangedui en areas vir verdere navorsing word uitgelig.

As argued by authors like Franzen on whose work the greater part of the introduction, the main problem and sub-problem has been based, the objective of this study was to establish the extent to which the performance evaluation system currently in use at the subject Institution conforms to the benchmark performance management systems as espoused in literature. Further, the objective was to establish the differences and commonalities between the performance management systems practiced in the corporate sector and current practice at the subject Institution. Best practice was thus lifted to form part of the recommendation of this study. A questionaire was designed based on the guidelines in the literature study in order to determine how the subject Institution conducts its performance appraisal and how this relates to the four general purposes of performance management mentioned in the study. The respondents' opinion obtained from the questionaire were compared with the guidelines in literature and clustered around the four identifiable general purposes of performance management. The study concludes with a statement of current practice at the subject Institution, and outlines the extent of conformance to benchmark practice on performance management systems. Recommendations are made based on best practice and direction is given to future research into contemporary practices with the express aim of enhancing quality in higher education applying the quality-related procedures of industry and commerce, where quality is crucial to success (Winch, 1996: 9-13). The current performance management system at the subject Institution proves to be largely conforming to the benchmark. However it should require comments made by the respondents that pertain to improvement.