bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caracterização da hexaferrita de bário obtida pelo método cerâmico
Authors: Corrêa R. R. , Pachoal C. W. , Rocha W. A.
Published: November 2013

Este trabalho envolveu a caracterização microestrutural, vibracional e das propriedades dielétricas da hexaferrita de bário obtida pelo método cerâmico. A hexaferrita de bário (BaFe12O19) foi processada por moagem de baixa energia seguida de tratamento térmico. A caracterização estrutural indicou que amostras calcinadas apresentaram a fase desejada. Entretanto, uma fase de impureza (Ba3Fe32O51) foi observada após a moagem.
Utilização de medicamentos entre crianças de zero a seis anos: um estudo de base populacional no sul do Brasil
Authors: Moraes Cassia Garcia , Mengue Sotero Serrate , Tavares Noemia Urruth Leão , Dal Pizzol Tatiane da Silva
Published: November 2013

O objetivo do artigo é estimar a prevalência de utilização de medicamentos em crianças de zero a seis anos, analisando as características sociodemográficas associadas, e avaliar a adequação dos medicamentos quanto às indicações em pediatria e às restrições por faixa etária. Estudo transversal de amostra constituída por crianças de seis anos ou menos residentes em uma cidade no sul do Brasil, através de amostragem por conglomerados. Aplicou-se questionário padronizado sobre o uso de medicamentos nos 15 dias anteriores à entrevista. Foi realizada análise descritiva e avaliada a associação entre o uso de medicamentos e fatores sociodemográficos, além da análise da adequação dos medicamentos mais prevalentes. Das 687 crianças avaliadas, 52% utilizaram pelo menos um medicamento no período estudado. Não foram encontradas associações entre o uso de medicamentos e características sociodemográficas, à exceção da renda per capita mensal. O medicamento mais utilizado foi o paracetamol (17,1%), seguido da amoxicilina (9,5%) e da dipirona (8,4%). Entre os dez medicamentos mais utilizados, seis apresentaram restrições de faixa etária em pediatria. Os resultados indicam uso expressivo de medicamentos, incluindo os com restrições de faixa etária, particularmente em crianças menores de dois anos.
Contraceptive practices of Brazilian adolescents: social vulnerability in question
Authors: Rozenberg Riva , Silva Katia Silveira da , Bonan Claudia , Ramos Eloane Gonçalves
Published: November 2013

This article seeks to analyze contraceptive practices of Brazilian adolescents and to discuss associated vulnerability situations. A cross-sectional study was conducted, using the database of the National Survey on Demography and Health of Women and Children _ PNDS 2006. Factors associated with the current use of contraceptive methods were investigated. The analysis included 986 sexually-active adolescents. Bivariate analysis between the outcome and each of the socioeconomic, demographic and reproductive characteristics of women was performed. The associations between variables were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. Four factors related to outcome were identified in the multivariate analysis: having completed junior high school (aOR=2.29; CI 95% 1.07_4.85); being married or cohabiting with a partner (aOR=2.85; CI 95% 1.45_5.59); having used contraceptives during the first sexual intercourse (aOR=2.77; CI 95% 1.36_5.63); and having access to transportation to get to health center services (aOR=3.33; CI 95% 1.42_7.80). Adolescents with higher social vulnerability are at a disadvantage regarding adoption of contraceptive methods. This points to the need to establish intersectoral articulations of public policies, which could ensure their reproductive rights.
Industrial water reclamation using polymeric membranes – case studies involving a car manufacturer and a beverage producer
Authors: Agana Bernard A. , Reeve Darrell , Orbell John D.
Published: November 2013

This study presents the evaluation of different polymeric membranes for the reclamation of wastewater generated by two manufacturers. Specifically, ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were evaluated for wastewater pretreatment use while nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes were evaluated for wastewater reclamation use. Results show that both the UF membranes used were not suitable for pretreatment of the oily wastewater stream due to the presence of suspended cathodic electrodeposition (CED) paint particles. The CED paint particles rapidly deposit on the membrane surface resulting in severe fouling and very low permeate fluxes. With respect to the metals and beverage wastewater streams, the polyvinylidine-difluoride (PVDF) UF membrane was shown to be more suitable for pretreatment than the polyacrylonitrile UF membrane. The PVDF-UF membrane had relatively lower flux decline rates, higher turbidity and higher total organic carbon reduction rates. Meanwhile, the low-pressure RO membrane proved to be suitable for wastewater reclamation of the oily and beverage wastewater streams – showing low flux decline rates, high conductivity and high chemical oxygen demand reduction rates. In terms of reclaiming the metals wastewater stream, the NF membrane proved more suitable than the low-pressure RO membrane. The NF membrane had relatively higher permeate fluxes and metals rejection rates compared to the RO membrane.
Application of HEC-HMS programme for the reconstruction of a flood event in an uncontrolled basin / Zastosowanie programu HEC-HMS do odtworzenia wezbrania powodziowego w zlewni niekontrolowanej
Authors: Wałęga Andrzej
Published: November 2013

The paper presents an assessment of the applicability of HEC-HMS programme to simulate a precipitation flood event in an ungauged basin. The programme has been developed by the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers and enables conducting hydrological calculations for basins with different characteristics and including a number of meteorological factors. The application of this model in Polish conditions was verified in the basin of the Stobnica River - a right tributary of the Wisłok River. The calculations were carried out for the flood event caused by a continuous rain, which occurred in April 1998. Four hydrological models were compared: geomorpho-climatic instantaneous unit hydrograph by Nash - GcIUH_Nash, Snyder's synthetic unit hydrograph with the determination of parameters by regression models - Snyder_reg and standard method - Snyder_ stand and Clark's instantaneous unit hydrograph - IUH_Clark, where the model parameters were optimized in the programme. The calculations revealed that the best simulation results were obtained with the Snyder_stand and Snyder_reg models. Further research should be directed to verifying the applicability of HEC- -HMS programme for hydrological analyses of much more extensive hydrometric material and basins with different characteristics.
Art of Formulating LPs and IPs from Real Life Problems
Authors: Molla Md Hasib Uddin , Hasan M Babul
Published: November 2013

Formulation of LPs and IPs is a technique to convert real life decision problems into a mathematical model. This model consists of a linear objective function and a set of linear constraints expressed in the form of a system of equations or inequalities. In this paper, we present formulation from real life problem as an art. We discuss formulation through real life example and solve them using computer techniques AMPL and LINDO. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i2.17068 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(2): 185-191, 2013 (July)
Effectiveness of Carboxymethyl Cellulose for the Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Begum Hosne Ara , Mahbub Mohammad Khalid Bin
Published: November 2013

The adsorptive properties of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) prepared from sugarcane bagasse (SB) for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution was investigated. Two batches of CMC, CTSB-CMC-B1 and CTSB-CMC-B2, were prepared from chlorite treated sugarcane bagasse (CTSB). The prepared CMCs were characterized by FT-IR spectral analysis. Degree of substitution (DS) value of prepared CMCs was estimated. Batch adsorption experiments show that the adsorption of MB on CMCs reaches equilibrium within 30 minutes. The MB adsorption capacity of CTSB-CMC-B1 and CTSB-CMC-B2 were found to be 652.0 and 369.0 mg g?1, respectively. CMC with the higher DS value (CTSBCMC- B1) shows higher adsorption capacity than the CMC having lower DS value (CTSB-CMC-B2). The uptake of MB was minimum at pH 2 and gradually increases with the increase of pH. From the desorption studies, it was found that large amount of MB was released in strong acidic (pH 3.0) conditions. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i2.17069 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(2): 193-198, 2013 (July)
Sara Arber and Virpi Timonen (eds.) (2012). Contemporary Grandparenting. Changing Family Relationships in Global Contexts. Bristol, UK: The Policy Press, 270 pp. ISBN 978 1 84742 967 4 (paperback)
Authors: Edwards Peggy
Published: November 2013

Not Available.
Nanomaterials in Lubricants: An Industrial Perspective on Current Research
Authors: Zhmud Boris , Pasalskiy Bogdan
Published: November 2013

This paper presents an overview on the use of various classes of nanomaterials in lubricant formulations. The following classes of nanomaterials are considered: fullerenes, nanodiamonds, ultradispersed boric acid and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Current advances in using nanomaterials in engine oils, industrial lubricants and greases are discussed. Results of numerous studies combined with formulation experience of the authors strongly suggest that nanomaterials do indeed have potential for enhancing certain lubricant properties, yet there is a long way to go before balanced formulations are developed.
Metamorfoses do Sertão (literatura, canção, cinema)
Authors: Nogueira Galvão Walnice
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT - The Sertão constitutes a «symbolic context» in Brazilian culture. It appears through multiple forms in all arts and has known unending transformations. And everything seems to indicate that it still lives in all sorts of imaginative representations.
Modélisation de l'accessibilité territoriale pour l'aide à la gestion de crise tsunami (Mayotte, France)
Authors: Leone Frédéric , Péroche Mathieu , Lagahé Emilie , Gherardi Monique , Sahal Alexandre , Vinet Freddy , Hachim Said , Lavigne Franck
Published: November 2013

L’île de Mayotte, nouveau département français d’outre-mer depuis le 31 mars 2011, est particulièrement exposée aux aléas naturels. Le programme PREPARTOI a permis d’y développer une recherche inédite sur le risque tsunami. Notre approche de ce risque s’intéresse aux enjeux de l’accessibilité terrestre en cas de crise. L’accessibilité y est analysée pour trois phases d’une crise : phase d’évacuation préventive (accessibilité vers des zones refuges), phase d’urgence post-tsunami (accessibilité des secours) et phase de récupération (accessibilité des ressources post-crise). Ces trois formes d’accessibilité territoriale sont modélisées au moyen de graphes dans un environnement SIG. La modélisation a nécessité d’harmoniser d’importantes bases de données géoréférencées sur plusieurs familles d’enjeux : populations exposées, ressources, réseaux. En attendant les futurs modèles de submersion marine, le scénario d’aléa de référence retenu pour cette étude détermine des secteurs submersibles situés à moins de 5 m d’altitude. Les cartes et indicateurs produits sont destinés aux autorités locales pour les aider à améliorer les dispositions spécifiques Tsunami du Plan ORSEC : points de coupures probables du réseau routier, nombre de personnes à évacuer et délais d’évacuation, zones refuges à privilégier, secteurs accessibles par les secours, quantité de ressources disponibles depuis les différentes localités après un tsunami. D’un point de vue géographique, cette étude éclaire les notions de risque reporté et de vulnérabilité territoriale à l’échelle d’un département insulaire en proie à de profondes mutations socio-économiques.
El concepto de religión en Esquilo: reflexión terminológica
Authors: Calderón Dorda Esteban
Published: November 2013

Es cosa sabida que los griegos no tenían en su lengua un término equivalente al latín religio, de manera que hicieron uso de una variada gama de términos para expresar esa relación con la divinidad. Esquilo, que pasa por ser un autor que plasma en sus dramas un profundo pensamiento religioso y que a nivel teológico sus planteamientos son de los más relevantes de su época, puede ser un buen laboratorio en el que analizar minuciosamente la diferente terminología que utiliza para definir esa relación con el dios. En este sentido, el término εὐσέβεια parece definir mejor que ningún otro esa relación con la divinidad.
Marcial y los griegos: una «visión del otro» diferente de la de Juvenal
Authors: Cortés Tovar Rosario
Published: November 2013

La visión de los griegos como «los otros» en Marcial, frente a lo que normalmente se piensa, no comparte la xenofobia expresada por Juvenal en III 58-125, sino que es mucho más compleja. La razón se encuentra, sobre todo, en que, mientras el punto de vista de Juvenal con respecto a los griegos es el de un nacionalista estrecho nacido en el corazón del Imperio, el de Marcial es el de un ciudadano romano nacido en la periferia para quien la romanitas se identifica con el Imperio, universal y multicultural. Por eso para él carece de sentido el nacionalismo etnocéntrico impulsor de la visión despreciativa del «otro»; y en consecuencia la helenofobia tiene poca presencia en su obra, además de estar limitada a pequeños ataques chistosos contra individuos particulares, sin que alcance como Juvenal a la graeca natio en su conjunto.
Modeling of severe persistent droughts over eastern China during the last millennium
Authors: Peng Y. , Shen C. , Cheng H. , Xu Y.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. We use proxy data and modeled data from 1000 yr model simulations with a variety of climate forcings to examine the occurrence of severe events of persistent drought over eastern China during the last millennium and to diagnose the mechanisms. Results show that the model was able to simulate many aspects of the low-frequency (periods greater than 10 yr) variations of precipitation over eastern China during the last millennium, including most of the severe persistent droughts such as those in the 1130s, 1200s, 1350s, 1430s, 1480s, and the late 1630s–mid-1640s. These six droughts are identified both in the proxy data and in the modeled data and are consistent with each other in terms of drought intensity, duration, and spatial coverage. Our analyses suggest that monsoon circulation can lock into a drought-prone mode that may last for years to decades and supports the suggestion that generally reduced monsoon in eastern Asia were associated with the land–sea thermal contrast. Study on the wavelet transform and spectral analysis reveals six well-captured events occurred all at the drought stages of statistically significant 15–35 yr timescale. A modeled data intercomparison suggests that solar activity is the primary driver in the occurrence of the 1130s, 1350s, 1480s, and late 1630s–mid-1640s droughts. Although the El-Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) plays an important role in monsoon variability, a temporally consistent relationship between the droughts and SST pattern in the Pacific Ocean could not be found in the model. Our analyses also indicate that large volcanic eruptions play a role as an amplifier in the drought of 1635–1645 and caused the model to overestimate the decreasing trends in summer precipitation over eastern China during the mid-1830s and the mid-1960s.
Comunidades de aves y lepidópteros diurnos y las relaciones entre ellas en bosque nuboso y cafetal de Finca Santa Maura, Jinotega
Authors: Tórrez Marvin , Arendt Wayne , Maes Jean Michel
Published: November 2013

Para evaluar la diversidad de aves y mariposas ninfálidas visitamos la Estación Biológica Juan Roberto Zarruk en Jinotega, donde colectamos datos en todos los hábitats presentes en la finca. Obtuvimos 123 especies de aves y 29 especies de ninfálidos. El hábitat con mayor riqueza para aves fue el cafetal y para ninfálidos el tacotal. Entre las especies más comunes encontramos especies dependientes de bosque, mostrando que el paisaje aún alberga biodiversidad de importancia para la conservación. Los cafetales, dado que están inmersos en una matriz compleja con remanentes de bosque, tienen en su interior especies de importancia para la conservación, respaldándose la idea de que las prácticas agroecológicas y de protección de los remanentes de bosque tienen un efecto positivo en este paisaje, permitiéndonos poder seguir midiendo el pulso de la biodiversidad en esta área.
Activities for Students: Soap and Slope: Mathematical Adventures in Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Levy Rachel
Published: November 2013

The mathematical concept of slope can be made real through a set of simple, inexpensive, and safe experiments that can be conducted in the classroom or at home. The experiments help connect the idea of slope with physical phenomena related to surface tension. In the experiments, changes in surface tension across the surface of the water, which correspond to greater slopes on the graph, lead to increased motion of the fluid. The mathematical content, targeted to middle school and high school students, can be used in a classroom or workshop setting and can be tailored to a single session of thirty to ninety minutes.
RAMPAGE: Promoter Activity Profiling by Paired‐End Sequencing of 5′‐Complete cDNAs
Authors: Batut Philippe , Gingeras Thomas R.
Published: November 2013

RNA annotation and mapping of promoters for analysis of gene expression (RAMPAGE) is a method that harnesses highly specific sequencing of 5′‐complete complementary DNAs to identify transcription start sites (TSSs) genome‐wide. Although TSS mapping has historically relied on detection of 5′‐complete cDNAs, current genome‐wide approaches typically have limited specificity and provide only scarce information regarding transcript structure. RAMPAGE allows for highly stringent selection of 5′‐complete molecules, thus allowing base‐resolution TSS identification with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio. Paired‐end sequencing of medium‐length cDNAs yields transcript structure information that is essential to interpreting the relationship of TSSs to annotated genes and transcripts. As opposed to standard RNA‐seq, RAMPAGE explicitly yields accurate and highly reproducible expression level estimates for individual promoters. Moreover, this approach offers a streamlined 2‐ to 3‐day protocol that is optimized for extensive sample multiplexing, and is therefore adapted for large‐scale projects. This method has been applied successfully to human and Drosophila samples, and in principle should be applicable to any eukaryotic system. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 104:25B.11.1‐25B.11.16. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Determining the spectra of radiation belt electron losses: Fitting DEMETER electron flux observations for typical and storm times
Authors: Whittaker Ian C. , Gamble Rory J. , Rodger Craig J. , Clilverd Mark A. , Sauvaud Jean‐André
Published: November 2013

The energy spectra of energetic electron precipitation from the radiation belts are studied in order to improve our understanding of the influence of radiation belt processes. The Detection of Electromagnetic Emissions Transmitted from Earthquake Regions (DEMETER) microsatellite electron flux instrument is comparatively unusual in that it has very high energy resolution (128 channels with 17.9 keV widths in normal survey mode), which lends itself to this type of spectral analysis. Here electron spectra from DEMETER have been analyzed from all six years of its operation, and three fit types (power law, exponential, and kappa‐type) have been applied to the precipitating flux observations. We show that the power law fit consistently provides the best representation of the flux and that the kappa‐type is rarely valid. We also provide estimated uncertainties in the flux for this instrument as a function of energy. Average power law gradients for nontrapped particles have been determined for geomagnetically nondisturbed periods to get a typical global behavior of the spectra in the inner radiation belt, slot region, and outer radiation belt. Power law spectral gradients in the outer belt are typically −2.5 during quiet periods, changing to a softer spectrum of ∼−3.5 during geomagnetic storms. The inner belt does the opposite, hardening from −4 during quiet times to ∼−3 during storms. Typical outer belt e‐folding values are ∼200 keV, dropping to ∼150 keV during geomagnetic storms, while the inner belt e‐folding values change from ∼120 keV to >200 keV. Analysis of geomagnetic storm periods show that the precipitating flux enhancements evident from such storms take approximately 13 days to return to normal values for the outer belt and slot region and approximately 10 days for the inner belt.
An analysis of ground shaking and transmission loss from infrasound generated by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake
Authors: Walker Kristoffer T. , Pichon Alexis Le , Kim Tae Sung , de Groot‐Hedlin Catherine , Che Il‐Young , Garcés Milton
Published: November 2013

The 2011 Mw9.0 Tohoku earthquake generated infrasound that was recorded by nine infrasonic arrays. Most arrays recorded a back azimuth variation with time due to the expanse of the source region. We use ray tracing to predict group velocities and back azimuth wind corrections. A Japan accelerometer network recorded ground shaking in unprecedented spatial resolution. We back projected infrasound from arrays IS44 (Kamchatka) and IS30 (Tokyo) to the source region and compare these results with acceleration data. IS44 illuminates the complex geometry of land areas that experienced shaking. IS30 illuminates two volcanoes and a flat area around the city of Sendai, where the maximum accelerations occurred. The arrays and epicentral region define three source‐receiver profiles. The observed broadband energy transmission loss (TL) follows an exponential decay law. The best fitting model, which has parameters that are interpreted to include the effects of geometric spreading, scattering, and the maximum ratio of the effective sound speed in the stratosphere to that at the ground (accounts for stratospheric wind speed), yields a 65% variance reduction relative to predictions from a traditional TL relationship. This model is a simplified version of the model of Le Pichon et al. (2012), which yields an 83% variance reduction for a single frequency, implying that fine‐scale atmospheric structure is required to explain the TL for stratospheric upwind propagation. Our results show that infrasonic arrays are sensitive to ground acceleration in the source region of megathrust earthquakes. The TL results may improve infrasonic amplitude scaling laws for explosive yield.
Philosophy and Language Testing
Authors: Fulcher Glenn
Published: November 2013

For the purpose of this chapter, philosophy will be seen as the study of the beliefs that we have about the world, and the use of rational argument and evidence in the formulation and support of those beliefs. In recent years it has been widely argued that language testing exists in a social context and that language assessment practices and test use can be understood only in terms of the exercise of power. This position is based on a particular view of the world in which meaning is created by human interaction and social structures, but where there is little use for reference in Frege's sense. It is a position that does not ask ontological questions, but prioritizes a social ethics of test use for instrumental purposes. This illustrates a deeper truth than any claim that tests exist in, and are shaped by, social conditions. Namely, that how we understand the role of tests and social conditions is determined by our prior understanding of how we think the world works.

In this chapter I will attempt to unravel some of the key philosophical issues that face the language‐testing profession, and in the process help to shed some light on fault lines in current debate that are much deeper than mere disagreement on procedure or outcomes. These will include: the nature of our constructs; the role of “procedure” in validity theory; realism, instrumentalism, and constructionism; the place of “inference”; reductionism and language assessment as a “social” science. The discussion will be embedded in a loose historical narrative that relates language assessment to the development of philosophical beliefs about “assessing man” in the social sciences.
Assessing the English Language Proficiency of International Aviation Staff
Authors: Yan Ruixia
Published: November 2013

This chapter investigates the bilingual issue of language proficiency for pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs) in the international aviation context. Bilingualism is crucial in international aviation, because English is used as the international language for communication between pilots and ATCs irrespective of whatever their first languages may be, and research shows that human errors associated with language communication problems between pilots and ATCs account for 70% to 80% of all airline accidents. For international pilots and ATCs who lack sufficient bilingualism in English, international operations present a safety problem. However, there is a lack of research on English language bilingualism, especially in proficiency testing, in the context of international aviation. The chapter critically examines the bilingual problem in aviation, with the focus on the importance of English language proficiency for international aviation safety as well as on pilots’ and ATCs’ awareness of the language factor in aviation safety.

Because of the importance of bilingualism in English for international aviation safety, it is essential to ensure the highest possible reliability and validity in the bilingual (English) language proficiency testing programs for international pilots and ATCs to enable them to deal successfully with unexpected events and emergency situations. However, most previous studies took for granted the reliability and validity of language testing, and did not ask how to enhance them. This chapter critically discusses the traits of reliability and validity by following the theoretical framework that validity and ordinary truth are essentially one and the same attribute. The means to improve reliability and validity of testing is also demonstrated. The chapter shows that not only is the reliability and validity of language testing critical to international aviation safety but that good communication between test administrators and test takers can improve the reliability and validity of testing.
Assessing Vocabulary
Authors: Beglar David , Nation Paul
Published: November 2013

Lexical knowledge is central to language proficiency and assessment of lexical knowledge is thus critical in research, teaching, learning, and course design. This chapter focuses on three areas of vocabulary assessment—measures of written and aural receptive vocabulary size, productive vocabulary size, and depth of lexical knowledge. The measures surveyed include the yes/no test, the Vocabulary Levels Test, the Vocabulary Size Test, graded dictation, AuralLex, the Controlled Productive Vocabulary Test, Lex30, the lexical frequency profile, lexical diversity, the Word Associates Test, the Vocabulary Knowledge Scale, and V_Links. It also looks briefly at vocabulary assessment in foreign language classrooms, and suggests eight areas where further research is needed.
Item Banking
Authors: Nissan Susan , French Robert
Published: November 2013

In this chapter we discuss the purposes of an item banking system. An item banking system contains test items, their associated information (metadata), and the functionality needed for test development tasks. Special focus is placed on the test assembly function of item banks and on the metadata that make assembly work smoothly. Examples are drawn from the authors’ experiences with a variety of language tests, in both computer delivery and paper delivery modes. Also discussed are considerations that may inform a decision about whether to purchase an item bank or to build one.
Assessing
American
Sign Language
Authors: Hoffmeister Robert J. , Kuntze Marlon , Fish Sarah A.
Published: November 2013

This chapter presents an historical account of the progress in the development of measures for assessing first language abilities in American Sign Language (ASL). In the past sign language assessment efforts were limited as they were largely based on the translation of extant measures developed for assessing English abilities. In the past two decades, the growing understanding of the linguistic properties of ASL and other signed languages and of language assessment in general has paved the way for significant progress in developing assessments for ASL and other signed languages.

In order to provide a complete picture of a child's language abilities and knowledge, it is necessary that assessments include both receptive and expressive components. Such components must take into consideration vocabulary knowledge (both its extent and depth) as well as phonological, morphological, semantic, and syntactic knowledge. Because ASL exists in the visual modality and does not have a written form, the optimal presentation mode of any ASL assessment instrument must be video based. It is important that the material used to carry out language assessment is in a recorded format such that the test taker is not subject to memory constraints that may compromise language performance.

While this chapter focuses on assessments of ASL, many points about ASL assessment can and should be extrapolated to what we should think about for assessments of other signed languages. Furthermore, this chapter also emphasizes that it is important for the purpose of developing assessment to be cognizant of the modality difference between signed and spoken languages. Language takes advantage of the affordances given to it by its modality, but these differences disappear when one is attuned to the deeper levels of meaning. Developing signed language assessments based on known linguistic structures will allow us to gain the clearest picture of the language knowledge and abilities of Deaf children.
Assessment in Asylum‐Related Language Analysis
Authors: Eades Diana
Published: November 2013

This chapter concerns language assessment in the cases of asylum seekers whose claimed origins are contested by immigration authorities. Known as LADO (language analysis in the determination of origins), this is different from other language assessments, as it involves tests of authenticity of identity rather than tests of proficiency. Further, rather than using proficiency rating scales or standardized tests, LADO involves forensic hypothesis testing. After outlining LADO methods of data collection and analysis, the chapter discusses the controversy over qualifications and expertise required of analysts. It then considers assumptions about language and multilingualism which underlie LADO assessments, and it connects to current sociolinguistic research on multilingualism, globalization, and deterritorialization.
Classical Test Theory
Authors: Sawaki Yasuyo
Published: November 2013

The purpose of the present chapter is to give an overview of classical test theory (CTT), a fundamental measurement theory that has been in use over the last century for examining the extent to which tests provide reliable measurements that are amenable to further score interpretation. This chapter comprises six main sections. After a brief introduction to the purposes and roles of CTT in measurement contexts in the first section, the second section focuses on fundamental CTT equations and key concepts that build on them such as reliability, the Spearman‐Brown prophecy formula, standard error of measurement, and disattenuated correlation. The third section briefly describes computer programs that can be used for conducting CTT analyses. The fourth section concerns the use of CTT in practice. This chapter concludes with the final two sections that discuss challenges of CTT and future directions of its use in language assessment research and practice.
Language Testing for Immigration and Citizenship in the Netherlands
Authors: Spotti Massimiliano
Published: November 2013

This chapter deals with the testing regimes for (a) admission and (b) integration of immigrants in the Netherlands. Focusing on policy documents and government reports, with a special emphasis on those issued in 2006 and 2007, the chapter illustrates how the developments that have taken place in the Dutch political discourse on immigration and social cohesion have resulted in language testing being used as an elitist measure favoring immigration of—by solely awarding permanent residence to—those immigrants who are proficient in Dutch and who share mainstream cultural norms and values. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the challenges that the Dutch government and its integration‐testing machinery are facing in coming to grips with the consequences of superdiverse migratory phenomena.
Assessing Aptitude
Authors: Doughty Catherine J.
Published: November 2013

For several decades, aptitude has been recognized as integral in learning, in general, and in adult second language learning, in particular. All other things being equal—such as motivation, personality, opportunity to learn, and quality of instruction—aptitude explains individual differences in rate of learning and constitutes a ceiling on widely varying levels of ultimate attainment. Language aptitude assessment is often a key component in decisions that lead to substantial investments of time, effort, and money. Many language aptitude tests are used to identify people who can learn a second language fastest under the same classroom conditions. More recently, researchers have turned their attention to assessing language aptitude for the purpose of measuring potential for high level L2 attainment and for matching instruction to aptitude profiles so that learners of varying abilities can benefit. This chapter reviews the history of language aptitude test development, validation, and application, and discusses the uses of aptitude tests, including selection, diagnosis, placement, counseling, tailoring language instruction, and predicting language learning success outside the classroom. A range of aptitude constructs—from traditional to innovative—is examined, and the uniqueness of aptitude for language is considered. Finally, contemporary research on aptitude assessment in second language acquisition and aptitude‐by‐treatment interactions is reviewed, and remaining issues are raised.
Computer‐Automated Scoring of Written Responses
Authors: Carr Nathan T.
Published: November 2013

This chapter begins by briefly discussing the human scoring procedures that preceded—and still operate parallel to—computer‐automated scoring (CAS) of written responses. The current conceptualization of the topic is approached by tracing the development of CAS in two areas: extended response tasks such as essays, and limited production tasks such as short answer questions. Limited production responses will be further divided based on the approach to scoring that is being used. This classification is important not only because of the differences in the types of expected responses that they yield, but also because of the different computational approaches normally used to score them: various forms of key word or phrase matching for limited production responses, and systems using more complex forms of natural language processing to score both limited production and extended response tasks. The chapter next moves on to a discussion of current research on CAS in written responses, maintaining its organization based on extended and limited production tasks, and then concludes by exploring the future directions in which research, development, and operational use are likely to proceed.
Performance Assessment in the Classroom
Authors: Yu Guoxing
Published: November 2013

In the field of language assessment, the development and use of performance assessment have been driven or inspired largely by communicative language teaching and learning, along with the performance assessment movement in education. This chapter consists of three main sections: defining performance assessment, designing performance assessment, and future directions of performance assessment. First, the chapter reviews the rationales, conceptualizations, and characteristics of performance assessment in educational and language assessment. Then it focuses on the roles of language and performance in performance assessment with regard to task design and evaluation criteria, before examining further the challenges and barriers faced by teachers, education authorities, and examination boards when implementing language performance assessment. Finally, a number of suggestions are made for integrating different aspects of language performance assessments to enhance the validity argument for the use of language performance assessments for a particular purpose. The chapter suggests integrating performance assessments with teaching and learning and with teacher professional development; classroom‐based or teacher‐initiated performance assessments with large‐scale mandated assessments; language with content knowledge; computer technology in task design and in delivery and analysis of performance data; the assessment of the process and the product of the performance; and different language skills and modes of presentations to enhance the authenticity of assessment tasks.
Assessing Teachers' Language Proficiency
Authors: Elder Cathie , Kim Sun Hee Ok
Published: November 2013

The question of what language skills and competence are required of teachers, in order to be able to deliver lesson content appropriately and effectively, has been the subject of considerable debate given the growing numbers of non‐native teaching professionals employed in contexts where the medium of instruction is not their mother tongue. On the one hand, there is a view that a teacher should be native‐like or have complete control of the language that is the medium of instruction, the object of instruction, or both; on the other hand, it is argued that teacher language proficiency standards should be defined in relation to the particular context of instruction and in light of what is realistic given available training resources. The chapter demonstrates how these competing views play out by reviewing a variety of models for assessing the language proficiency of teachers as operationalized in the USA, the UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Brazil, and elsewhere. The models range from those that characterize the teacher proficiency construct in general linguistic terms to others that conceive of it as context specific, and as hence requiring performance‐based tasks and assessment criteria that mirror the target language use domain in very particular ways; for example, by requiring the test candidate to assume the role of the teacher when undertaking test tasks, or by assessing the teacher in the actual classroom situation. Contexts considered include higher education, with its demand for international teaching assistants capable of delivering high‐level subject content in a manner that is intelligible and acceptable to students, and school foreign language classrooms, where metalinguistic knowledge or knowledge about the target language can be considered part of the assessment construct. The chapter also considers issues of policy surrounding the delivery of teacher language tests or assessments and their impact on educational systems.
Statistics and Software for Test Revisions
Authors: In'nami Yo , Koizumi Rie
Published: November 2013

A better understanding of statistics in test revisions is of paramount importance for language testers, who can use these measures to further improve the validity of interpretation and use of test scores. To achieve this goal, this chapter examines three types of statistics. First, it describes statistics for understanding the distribution of examinee scores, including means, medians, modes, standard deviations, skewness, and kurtosis. Second, it describes statistics for evaluating the characteristics of items, tasks, and tests, with particular emphasis on item difficulty, discrimination (biserial and point biserial correlations, as well as phi statistics), and distracter analysis. Third, the chapter focuses on statistics for analyzing rating scales and raters, including inter‐rater and intra‐rater reliability, and kappa statistics. More emphasis is placed on generalizability theory (G‐theory) and many‐facet Rasch measurement—methods that have been widely used among language testers. G‐theory is helpful in systematically investigating the reliability of instruments under specific conditions by considering multiple sources of error. Many‐facet Rasch measurement is well suited to examining rater severity or leniency, rater consistency, interaction between rater and item (called rater‐by‐item bias), and the difficulty level of each task. An overview of these three types of statistics is followed by a comparative discussion on software useful for test revision. This includes general‐purpose software (Excel, R, SAS, and SPSS) and specific‐purpose software (ITEMAN, GENOVA, and FACETS). Reporting practice and examples using real data are described for the three types of statistics. We also discuss the benefit of reporting commands, scripts, or syntax (with annotated comments) whenever possible and appropriate. The chapter concludes by stressing the need for a sound statistical reporting practice in test revision: Readers can thereby understand how items, tests, and tasks have been revised based on the analyses, and how this has improved the validity argument for a particular instrument.
Cognition and Language Assessment
Authors: Purpura James E.
Published: November 2013

Performance on L2 assessments is an enormously complex endeavor, involving multiple interacting elements that can impact the scores that examinees receive. Among these factors, language testers have long been interested in the cognitive mechanisms that underlie performance on assessments. Given the role that cognition plays in test score variability, it is essential that cognitive variables be considered in the design and development of L2 assessments, as well as in the interpretation and use of assessments as meaningful indicators of L2 learning or proficiency.

The current chapter looks at the cognitive mechanisms governing performance on L2 assessments. Several approaches to how cognition in L2 assessment has been conceptualized over the years are discussed. Also, several strands of research in L2 assessment related to the cognitive component will be presented. Finally, the challenges in examining the factors will be highlighted and new directions in addressing the cognitive component of L2 assessment will be described.
The Effect of Feedback on Face‐Matching Accuracy
Authors: Alenezi Hamood M. , Bindemann Markus
Published: November 2013

In face matching, observers have to decide if two photographs depict the same person or different people. This is a remarkably difficult task, so the current study investigated whether it can be improved when observers receive feedback for their performance. In five experiments, observers' initial matching performance was recorded before feedback for their accuracy was administered across three blocks. Improvements were then assessed with faces that had been seen previously with or without feedback and with completely new, previously unseen faces. In all experiments, feedback failed to improve face‐matching accuracy. However, trial‐by‐trial feedback helped to maintain accuracy at baseline level after feedback was withdrawn again, even with new faces (Experiments 1–3). By contrast, when no feedback was given throughout the experiment (Experiments 1–3) or when outcome feedback was administered at the end of blocks (Experiments 4 and 5), a continuous decline in matching accuracy was found, whereby observers found it increasingly difficult to tell different facial identities apart. A sixth experiment showed that this decline in accuracy continues throughout when the matching task is prolonged substantially. Together, these findings indicate that observers find it increasingly difficult to differentiate faces in matching tasks over time, but trial‐by‐trial feedback can help to maintain accuracy. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Image Pixelation on Unfamiliar‐Face Matching
Authors: Bindemann Markus , Attard Janice , Leach Amy , Johnston Robert A.
Published: November 2013

Low‐resolution, pixelated images from closed‐circuit television (CCTV) can be used to compare the perpetrators of crime with high‐resolution photographs of potential suspects. The current study investigated the accuracy of person identification under these conditions, by comparing high‐resolution and pixelated photographs of unfamiliar faces in a series of matching tasks. Performance decreased gradually with different levels of pixelation and was close to chance with a horizontal image resolution of only 8 pixels per face (Experiment 1). Matching accuracy could be improved by reducing the size of pixelated faces (Experiment 2) or by varying the size of the to‐be‐compared‐with high‐resolution face image (Experiment 3). In addition, pixelation produced effects that appear to be separable from other factors that might affect matching performance, such as changes in face view (Experiment 4). These findings reaffirm that criminal identifications from CCTV must be treated with caution and provide some basic estimates for identification accuracy with different pixelation levels. This study also highlights potential methods for improving performance in this task. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gold‐Coated Fe3O4 Nanoroses with Five Unique Functions for Cancer Cell Targeting, Imaging, and Therapy
Authors: Li Chunmei , Chen Tao , Ocsoy Ismail , Zhu Guizhi , Yasun Emir , You Mingxu , Wu Cuichen , Zheng Jing , Song Erqun , Huang Cheng Zhi , Tan Weihong
Published: November 2013

The development of nanomaterials that combine diagnostic and therapeutic functions within a single nanoplatform is extremely important for molecular medicine. Molecular imaging with simultaneous diagnosis and therapy will provide the multimodality needed for accurate diagnosis and targeted therapy. Here, gold‐coated iron oxide (Fe3O4@Au) nanoroses with five distinct functions are demonstrated, integrating aptamer‐based targeting, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical imaging, photothermal therapy. and chemotherapy into one single probe. The inner Fe3O4 core functions as an MRI agent, while the photothermal effect is achieved through near‐infrared absorption by the gold shell, causing a rapid rise in temperature and also resulting in a facilitated release of the anticancer drug doxorubicin carried by the nanoroses. Where the doxorubicin is released, it is monitored by its fluorescence. Aptamers immobilized on the surfaces of the nanoroses enable efficient and selective drug delivery, imaging, and photothermal effect with high specificity. The five‐function‐embedded nanoroses show great advantages in multimodality.
Free‐Standing Carbon Nanofibrous Films Prepared by a Fast Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis Process
Authors: Schwenke Almut M. , Stumpf Steffi , Hoeppener Stephanie , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: November 2013

Carbon nanofibrous (CNF) films are of great interest for various applications, e.g., as substrates for electrodes, sensors, or catalysts. Here, a fast microwave‐assisted synthesis is reported to fabricate square‐centimeter large free‐standing carbon nanofibrous films of approximately 10 μm thickness utilizing nickel‐based catalysts and ethanol as carbon source. The obtained CNF coatings exhibit a good stability and partial self‐delamination from the substrate is observed, which enables their easy detachment from the substrate without the need for further treatment. Scanning electron microscopy is applied to investigate the morphology of the films and to develop a growth model.