Merit Rating Research Articles

A systematic review of interventions for echolalia in autistic children.

Echolalia, the repetition of others' speech, is a common observation in autistic people. Research has established that echolalia is functional and meaningful for many; however, some clinicians and researchers continue to characterise it as pathological and in need of reduction. The aim of this systematic review was to understand the range and impact of interventions for echolalia in autistic children. A systematic search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 15 studies met predetermined inclusion criteria. Screening, data extraction and quality rating using the Scientific Merit Rating Scale (SMRS) were performed in duplicate. Ten interventions across 15 papers were found. Results indicated that interventions generally decreased levels of echolalia. However, there were considerable inconsistencies in the definitions and conceptualisations of echolalia, administration, generalisation techniques and the measures used. The quality of the studies was very low. Interventions for echolalia vary widely in terms of administration and measurement. There is limited consensus on the definition of echolalia among the reviewed studies, and no evidence that echolalia is recognised as functional or meaningful to the autistic children. Further, the lack of methodological rigour makes it difficult to draw clinical conclusions about the interventions. What is already known Echolalia is the immediate or delayed repetition of others' speech and is a common observation in autistic children and in some older autistic people. While research and practice has established that echolalia is a functional and meaningful form of communication, particularly for those first developing spoken communication, some clinicians and researchers continue to characterise it as problematic and suggest that echolalia should be reduced or eliminated. What this study adds We systematically searched the literature about echolalia interventions to try to find out about the types of interventions that aim to reduce or eliminate echolalia. We found 15 studies on this topic. The way they defined echolalia was varied, and there was a range of interventions researched. None of the research papers recognised echolalia as functional or meaningful and the quality of the research was very low. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Clinicians, families and researchers should think carefully and critically about suggesting any programs or supports that aim to reduce echolalia as no recommendations can be drawn from the research we studied. Echolalia should be considered functional, and efforts made to understand the meaning and purpose of echolalic speech.

Comparision Deposit Formation On The Valve Diesel Engine Caused By Biodiesel And Petroleum Diesel Fuels

The research on the infl uence of the biodiesel to the formation of deposits on the intake and exhaust valves diesel engine has been carried out by means analysis of merit rating. The fuels used on this study are FAME (B-100), a mixture of 50% (v)of FAME in diesel fuel 48 (B-50), and diesel fuel 48 (B-0). The objective of this research is to obtain data which represent the infl uence of the biodiesel to the formation of deposits on the intake and exhaust valve diesel engine. The test used a diesel engine driving 5 KVA generator which is operated for 100 hours with 1.000 Watt electrical load. The results of the study show that the use of either FAME or biodiesel as alternative fuel in the diesel engine generator 5 KVA has a positive effect on reducing the deposit on the intake and exhaust valves.

Internalizing and neurodevelopmental problems in young people: Educational outcomes in a large population-based cohort of twins

Adolescent internalizing problems such as anxiety and depression have been associated with subsequent educational underachievement. However, it has not been investigated if the association is accounted for by neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs, i.e., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, developmental coordination disorder, tic disorder, learning disorder). This study is the first to describe the relationship between internalizing problems at age 15 and educational outcomes in later adolescence while controlling for a wide range of NDDs in childhood, and applying a genetically sensitive design. We used the nation-wide population-based Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden, comprising 4997 fifteen-year-old Swedish twins born between 1994 and 1998. Internalizing problems and NDDs were measured with parental report. Educational outcomes were merit rating and upper secondary education eligibility, retrieved from the National School Register. Internalizing problems at age 15 were found to be negatively associated with educational outcomes in later adolescence. Additive genetics accounted for 89% of the covariation between internalizing problems and merit rating, out of which roughly half were unique genetic effects of internalizing problems and the remaining half due to NDDs. In conclusion, internalizing problems form an important risk factor for subsequent educational underachievement, going beyond the risk conferred by childhood NDDs.

Независимая оценка квалификации работников и лиц, ищущих работу: проблемы правового регулирования

Независимая оценка квалификации работников и лиц, ищущих работу: проблемы правового регулирования

A systematic review of behaviour analytic interventions for young children with intellectual disabilities.

According to several comprehensive systematic and narrative reviews, interventions based on applied behaviour analysis principles, or behaviour analytic interventions, are considered evidence based for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, no comprehensive review of the literature related to behaviour analytic interventions for children with intellectual disability (ID) currently exists. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (registration ID: CRD42018099317), the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the relevant published literature on the use of behaviour analytic interventions to develop skills in young children (0-8years) with ID (and without ASD). A preliminary search of the literature identified 1209 potential studies published between January 2000 and April 2020. The review process resulted in 48 articles consisting of 49 studies (i.e. one paper contained two studies) that met the inclusion criteria. Most used single-case research designs. Studies were evaluated on five dimensions of methodological quality based on the Scientific Merit Rating Scale developed by the National Autism Center (NAC). The NAC definitions were also used for the quantity and quality of research evidence required for interventions to be considered established or emerging. There were a number of limitations to the quality of the body of research. Nevertheless, various behaviour analytic interventions met criteria for being established interventions when used for targeting communication, adaptive and pre-academic skills in young children with ID. Behaviour analytic interventions targeting academic skills met criteria for emerging interventions. Although the current literature is limited, results indicate that behaviour analytic interventions may be effectively used to support skill development in children with ID.

Demand driven livestock extension services: Farmers' participatory assessment in Eastern Haryana

India is the house of the largest livestock population as well as highest milk producing country of the world. But, productivity of the large ruminant, i.e. cattle and buffalo is far below the world standard. Hence, the delivery of livestock extension services is emerging as an important priority area for enhancing and optimizing livestock production and productivity. At present livestock farming in India is at transition phase, i.e. transforming from subsistence to a commercial venture. Therefore, 100 livestock farmers and 60 commercial livestock farmers were randomly selected from the two highly crossbred populated districts of eastern Haryana to understand their demand for livestock extension services particularly livestock extension services other than the routine one. Incomplete Order of Merit Rating as Suggested by Garret was used to assess the degree of importance of the identified demand driven livestock extension services. A total 26 livestock extension services were demanded by the farmers of the eastern Haryana amongst which three services for specialized breeding services, 5 for animal feeding purposes, 7 for livestock production and management 6 for healthcare related and 5 services towards marketing and extension services. Both types of the farmers had a highest demand for conventional livestock extension services like timely AI services, vaccination services and non-conventional extension service like demonstration-cum-training programme on Azolla production and conservation. Livestock farmers were highly interested to grow as an entrepreneur, whereas, commercial livestock farmers were highly interested to strengthen their farm by securing credit accessibility. Hence, Livestock farmers' need on specialized demand driven extension services has been identified along with their degree of importance which may help in policy formulation in future for re-institutionalized public livestock extension services.

Linkage between Performance Appraisal System and Employee Performance: Does Motivation Moderate?

The concept of performance appraisal came into ideal practice in the 1940s, helping a system to launch merit rating during the era of the Second World War as a fair wage system (Lillian & Sitati, 2011). Lots of research in recent decades have been done on the assessment of results (Bretz et al., 1992; Fisher, 1989). Often, a key aspect of human resource management is the performance assessment process. The target population of the present study consisted of all the employees working in the three private (Multan Medical complex, Care Family and Ibne Sina) hospitals of Multan, Pakistan. The study follows a convenient sampling technique for the determination of sample size and having n=131. Adopted questionnaire of Al-Ghamdi (2011) Verhulp (2006) was used with a 5-point Likert scale starting from 1= strongly agree, 2=agree, 3= uncertain, 4=disagree and lastly 5= strongly disagree. The study findings indicate 63% of the respondents belong to a male category, while on the other hand, 37% of the respondents belong to the female category. The study findings verified the fact that there exists an association between performance appraisal systems and seem to suggest that hospitals are interested in improving their performance through the performance appraisal systems. The findings verified the fact that there exists an association between motivation with employee performance.

Mood as a Dependent Variable in Behavioral Interventions for Individuals with ASD: a Systematic Review

The current review provides an original examination of the literature involving mood as a dependent variable in behavioral interventions designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty-nine single-subject experimental design studies were identified through systematic searches and evaluated in relation to the following variables: (a) participant and setting characteristics, (b) experimental design, (c) approach to mood assessment, (d) intervention procedures, and (e) intervention effects on mood. The experimental rigor of the included studies was evaluated on the National Autism Center’s Scientific Merit Rating Scale (2009). Results suggest that behavioral interventions can be successfully used to improve the mood of individuals with ASD and that observable indices of mood can be operationally defined and measured among these individuals. These observable indices of mood could be more often measured in behavioral intervention research, particularly when improved quality of life (QoL) is a stated goal of intervention. Limitations of the current research base are discussed and suggestions for future studies incorporating measures of mood in ASD populations are offered.

Has the association between low school performance and the risk of disability benefit due to mental disorders become stronger over time?

BackgroundThe proportion of young adults on disability benefits due to mental disorders has increased in Europe since the early 2000’s. Poor educational achievement is a risk factor for disability benefits due to mental disorders in early adulthood, yet no study has examined whether this association has become stronger over time.MethodsAll residents of Stockholm County at the time of graduation from compulsory education between 2000 and 2007 (N = 169,125) were followed prospectively for recipient of disability benefits due to a mental disorder from 2003 to 2011. Information about the study participants was obtained by linkage of national registers. Low school performance in the last year of compulsory school was defined as having a merit rating corresponding to the lowest quintile. The association between school performance and disability benefits was examined using Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsLow school performers had a greater risk of disability benefits due to mental disorders during early adulthood, as compared to their better performing counterparts, and this association was more pronounced for the more recent graduation cohorts (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.08–1.16).ConclusionsThe association between low school performance and the risk of disability benefits due to mental disorders seems to become stronger during the first decade of the twenty-first century. It is plausible that this trend indicates an increased vulnerability of poor school performers to exclusion from the labor market. Prevention of school failure and adjustment of the labour market to individual variability in academic performance appear to be critical approaches to counteract this trend.

An approach to merit rating by means of autoregressive sequences

A posteriori ratemaking is widely applied in the premium calculation of property and casualty products, particularly in third-party automobile insurance, which usually uses a bonus–malus system for premium adjustment. The present paper suggests an alternative to common frameworks that are designed as random walks on graphs of mostly finite states representing premium levels. The proposed premium calculation model is governed by the policyholder’s claim history through a recursive equation. This new autoregressive scheme is structurally different from the ones in use. Relevant metrics that measure the system’s optimality are evaluated, partially in analytical form. Through a comparison with existing models and parameterisation from real-life data, the new model is put into context and its practical relevance is investigated.

The research on the sifting from processing of East Donbass refuse heap for manufacturing wall ceramics goods

The results of the research into sifting of eastern Donbass gob pile processing as raw material for manufacturing wall ceramics, that is popular industrial raw material of the region, are highlighted in the report. It is stated that the main sifting components are siltstones, clay slates, claystone, and sandstones. The main minerals of the sifting are feldspar, crystalline silica, mica, and hydromica. The haracteristic of sifting handling ability for which the most suitable is the way of goods compression molding at elevated pressure and reduced humidity is given. It is stated that the main technology factors are grain composition of raw material mass, its humidity, compression pressure and firing temperature. Variation of technology factors' data makes it possible to get different kinds of products (course, lining, arch brick) with a wide range of features. Methods of evaluation of quality merit rating and the way this rating affects properties of final product are offered. There is high economical perspective of sifting implementation for production of wall ceramics.

評定の精度と分布に関する評定誤差の関係 : 人事評価における評定誤差分析モデル(第3報)(理論・技術)

評定の精度と分布に関する評定誤差の関係 : 人事評価における評定誤差分析モデル(第3報)(理論・技術)

人事評定者訓練における評定誤差結果のフィードバック効果 : 人事評価における評定誤差分析モデル(第2報)

人事評定者訓練における評定誤差結果のフィードバック効果 : 人事評価における評定誤差分析モデル(第2報)

能力概念の再編成と新人事評価システム(II) : 上司と部下の能力開発目標の共有性について

能力概念の再編成と新人事評価システム(II) : 上司と部下の能力開発目標の共有性について

An Empirical Review of Peer-Mediated Interventions: Implications for Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Peer-mediated instruction and intervention (PMII) is a systematic, evidence-based method for addressing the social-communication needs of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite existing research on this practice, gaps remain in the implementation of PMII. The purpose of this empirical review was to examine recent applications of this evidence-based practice and systematically assess the quality of the analytic approaches implemented. Recent studies selected for this review included participants with ASD and targeted social-communication skills. The Scientific Merit Rating Scale (SMRS) was used to review the quality of the research studies, and the results suggest that PMII continues to be an effective practice. These results indicate that future research should focus on larger study Ns, particularly for those who are preschool-age, and include measures of generalization and maintenance as well as treatment integrity measures of peers’ actions. The effectiveness of PMII relative to positive developmental outcomes is discussed.

보조공학전공 근로자들의 직무스트레스 요인과 사회심리적 스트레스에 관한 연구

In the perspective of industrial health management, it is important for the employee to decrease their job stress, to improve their productivity and quality of labor. In this study, the job stress, and it's influence on PWI(Psychosocial Wellbeing Index) were investigated by the questionnaire survey of 138 industrial workers who had studied assistive technology in college. The contents of questionnaire consist of the demographic characteristics, job-related characteristics, job stress and psycho-social stress. We evaluated job stress by KOSS-SF(Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Sort Form) and psychosocial stress by PWI-SF(Psychosocial Well-being Index-Short Form). To analyze the results, we evaluated the exposure level of KOSS and PWI by demographic characteristics and job-related characteristics using significance tests. Also, we estimated the relationship among demographic characteristics, job-related characteristics, job stress and psychosocial stress, using correlation analysis. As a results, all workers were found to be in a group under the high risky stress. It showed that the scale index of female's job non-autonomy and pwi were much larger than those of male's. Therefore, to guarantee job autonomy of female workers should be more emphasized, to improve their working environment. Job type had significant relationships with many job stress category; physical environment, job demand, job instability and organization culture. Regarding pwi, the scale index of the workers who is in charge of the civil service such as contacting the disabled and the aged in person, were much larger than that of the other workers. Accordingly, the job stress management program including physical environment, job demand, job instability and organization culture, should be suggested, to decrease the stress of the workers in charge of the disabled and the elders service. The strongest predictors of pwi was organization system through maximum positive relations between organization system and pwi. Therefore, it indicates that improvement of organization system such as a fair merit rating, a manpower supply, demand plan and department cooperation is urgently needed to reduce pwi.

Merit Rating

The Authors are using both the theoretical and the practical approach in their discussion of various aspects of Merit Rating. After stating what Merit Rating is, why, when and on what it is used, how it works, and by whom and on whom it is applied, the Authors describe at length, and with illustrations, the different steps of a new method of service appraisal which they have devised on the basis of a one-year experience with hundreds of clerical workers in a big Canadian public utility concern abroad.

Metrological assurance of product quality

Using reference standards as the main resource base for product quality control is given in the paper. The main objective of the study lies in improving metrological quality assurance of non-electrical products. One of the promising methods of quality control is an immittance method, based on supplying products in the form of a multi-element two-terminal network, which electrical parameters reflect its physical and chemical properties. It was found that using the immittance control method enables setting the electrical parameters of reference standards as separate electrical parameters of a multi-element two-terminal non-electrical network, by which they are submitted. The research results can be used for merit rating and calibrating measuring instruments and for determining composition and properties of substances and materials. On the basis of immittance measurements, electrical models of reference standards with the established electrical parameters can be developed.

Cancer pain in Jordan: prevalence and adequacy of treatment

Despite the introduction of numerous guidelines and pharmacological interventions to manage cancer pain, poor assessment and under-medication remain common. To estimate the prevalence of cancer pain and the adequacy of its management in Jordan. A convenience sample of 162 cancer patients from two hospitals participated in a cross-sectional survey using an Arabic version of the Brief Pain Inventory-short form (BPI). 73.3% of the patients had pain severe enough to merit rating on the BPI. The mean of the worst pain scores in the past 24 hours was high at 7.5 out of 10 (standard deviation (SD) 2.7). 31% of patients with pain had not been treated for their pain, and the mean Pain Management Index score was -1.20 (SD 1.0). These cancer patients were experiencing high levels of pain, which was undertreated. Providing adequate pain management is a priority, hence more education, training, and resources are needed in Jordan to reduce cancer patients' suffering.

Research on Information Security Scheme Decision-Making of Internet Banking

Based on information security single item estimation and good enough security theory, decision-making of Internet banking security control proposal is researched in this paper. Internet banking security control decision-making should be executed through asset single item estimation and whole integration estimation this two layers separately. Substitutive of security proposal is discussed, which show that three steps of integration estimation should be cost option, technology feasibility option and security scheme merit rating. On the basis of cost option, technology feasibility option of security choice scheme is executed based on P2DR security theory and optimization option of security scheme is realized using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model of improved layer analysis method.