bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Item Difficulty and Sample Size on the Accuracy of Equating by Using Item Response Theory
Authors: Al Mahrouq Yousef A. 
Published: August 2017

This study explored the effect of item difficulty and sample size on the accuracy of equating by using item response theory. This study used simulation data. The equating method was evaluated using an equating criterion (SEE, RMSE). Standard error of equating between the criterion scores and equated scores, and root mean square error of equating (RMSE) were used as measures to compare the method to the criterion equating. The results indicated that the large sample size reduces the standard error of the equating and reduces residuals. The results also showed that different difficulty models tend to produce smaller standard errors and the values of RMSE. The similar difficulty models tend to produce decreasing standard errors and the values of RMSE.
The Relationship between Students’ Perceptions of Parenting Styles and their University Life Adjustment
Authors: Aldhafri Said 
Published: August 2017

The current study examines the association between university students’ perceptions of parenting styles and their university life adjustment. Data were collected from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in Oman. The sample consisted of 2562 undergraduate students (59% were females) from different colleges and study years. The participants responded to two questionnaires. The first questionnaire examined students’ perceptions of three parenting styles: authoritative (7 items), authoritarian (7 items), and permissive (6 items). The university life adjustment was examined by a questionnaire that focused on psychological (10 items) and non-psychological (5 items) problems that students face during university years. Both measures were found to be stable and reliable. The findings showed that college students reported high levels of authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles, low levels of permissive style, and low psychological and non-psychological problems. Additionally, results of two separate re- gression analyses indicated that students’ psychological problems were predicted positively by authori- tarian mother and negatively by authoritative mother and authoritative father; the non-psychological problems were predicted negatively by authoritative father and positively by authoritarian mother and permissive father. Findings were discussed within Omani cultural context.
Investigating the Effectiveness of Digital-Based Concept Mapping on Teaching Educational Technology for Undergraduate Students
Authors: Ahmed Abdelrahman , Abdelraheem Ahmed 
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of using digital-based concept mapping as strategy on students’ achievements and attitudes. Data was collected from 58 students enrolled in the course of ”Introduction to Educational Technology” in Instructional and Teaching Technologies Department at Sultan Qaboos University. Two sections out of four sections were selected randomly as the sample of the study. One of the sections was randomly chosen as experimental group (n = 27) and the other was control group (n = 31). Both pre- and post- achievement tests were used. The results of the study revealed that students who were taught with digital-based concept mapping strategy performed better than those who were taught with the conventional method. There was a significant difference between male and female students in the post test scores of the experimental group in favor of females. In addition, no interaction effect for the independent variables was found. The study also showed that students in the experimental group had positive attitude towards using digital-based concept mapping in learning edu- cational technology.
The Extent of Availability of the Total Quality Standards in the Practicum Program in the College of Education at Ibb University
Authors: Abdulrab Abdullah H. 
Published: August 2017

The study aimed to identify the extent of availability of the total quality standards in the practicum program in the College of Education at Ibb ‘niversity from the viewpoint of teacher students. It also aimed to examine the differences among teacher students attributed to the variables of gender, specialization and overall average. A questionnaire of 64 items was prepared and distributed on seven domains: the objectives and planning of the program, content of the program, the role of practicum administration, the role of monitoring, the role of cooperating teacher. the role of school manager, and evaluation of the program. The sample of the study consisted of 253 final year students. The mean scores, standard deviation, ”t" test and one way ANOVA were used. The results of the study revealed that the degree of availability of the total quality standards of the practicum program was medium. However, the findings indicated that there were significant differences between male and female participants in favor of females, in addition, there were no significant differences among teacher students attributed to the variables of specialization and overall average
The Reality of the Development of Arabic Grammar Curriculum for Arabic Secondary Schools in Mali in Light of the Standard Specifications
Authors: Djakaridja KEITA 
Published: August 2017

This study aimed to examine the reality of the development of Arabic grammar curriculum for Arabic secondary schools in the Republic of Mali in light of the standard specifications. To achieve this objective, the researcher used descriptive method based on interview technique. The study population comprises the officials of Patriotic Union of Arabic schools, Department of Arabic schools in the Ministry of Education, Literacy and National Languages Center, and Arabic language teachers participating in the development of Arabic grammar curriculum. The researcher selected 21 participants for the interview using purposive sampling. The findings revealed that the reality of the development of Arabic grammar curriculum for Arabic secondary schools in Mali in light of the standard specifications during the period 2003-2010 varied between high and inefficient. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that improvement should be made on the development of Arabic grammar curriculum for Arabic secondary schools in the Republic of Mali.
The relationship between school principals communicative behavior, job satisfaction and willingness to collaborate: Head of Educational Departments perceptions
Authors: Al-Qahtani Abdul- Mohsen 
Published: August 2017

This study aimed at exploring the relationship between the educational leaders’ communicative behavior (communication immediacy and communicative competence) and job satisfaction, communication satisfaction, and willingness to communicate as; perceived by department heads'. It also examined the effect of willingness to communicate as a personality trait on job satisfaction and communication satisfaction. The sample comprised 272 head of departments (132 males & 143 females). The results showed a statistically significant positivel relationship between educational leaders’ communicative behaviors and the level of job satisfaction, communication satisfaction, and willingness to collaborate.
Evaluation of a portable media device for use in determining postural stability in standing horses
Authors: Moorman Valerie J. , Kawcak Christopher E. , King Melissa R. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the ability of an accelerometer within a commercially available portable media device (PMD) to measure changes in postural stability of standing horses during various stance conditions and to compare these results with data obtained by use of a stationary force platform.
ANIMALS 7 clinically normal horses.
PROCEDURES A PMD was mounted on a surcingle; the surcingle was placed immediately caudal to the highest point of the shoulders (withers). Each horse was examined while standing on a stationary force platform system in a normal square stance, forelimb base-narrow stance, and normal square stance at 5 and 10 minutes after sedation induced by IV administration of xylazine hydrochloride. A minimum of 5 trials were conducted for each stance condition. Ranges of craniocaudal and mediolateral motion as well as SDs were collected for the PMD and force platform system. Analyses were performed with mixed-model ANOVAs, and correlation coefficients were calculated.
RESULTS Stance condition significantly altered craniocaudal accelerations measured by use of the PMD, all craniocaudal and mediolateral displacements of the center of pressure, and velocities measured by use of the stationary force platform. For both the PMD and force platform, SDs were significantly affected by stance condition in both craniocaudal and mediolateral directions. Correlation coefficients between the systems for all variables were low to moderate (r = 0.18 to 0.58).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Body-mounted PMDs should be investigated for use in assessment of postural stability in horses with neuromuscular abnormalities.
Fluoroscopic evaluation of diaphragmatic excursion during spontaneous breathing in healthy Beagles
Authors: Moon Sohyeon , Park Seungjo , Lee Sang-Kwon , Cheon Byunggyu , Choi Jihye 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate dynamic movement of the diaphragm of clinically normal dogs by use of fluoroscopy and to obtain quantitative data of diaphragmatic excursion during spontaneous breathing.
ANIMALS 8 healthy male Beagles with no history of respiratory tract disease.
PROCEDURES Fluoroscopy was performed during stabilized respiratory conditions. The beam center was located at the level of the diaphragm, and diaphragmatic motion was recorded during 3 respiratory cycles in dogs positioned in left lateral, right lateral, and dorsal recumbency. Extent of excursion of the diaphragmatic cupula and both crura, difference in excursion between the left and right crura, and ratios of the excursions of the diaphragmatic cupula and left and right crura to the length of the eighth thoracic vertebra were determined.
RESULTS Diaphragmatic crural excursion was symmetric for dogs in right lateral recumbency, and the crural excursion was approximately three-quarters of the vertebral length; however, crural excursion appeared to be asymmetric for dogs in left lateral recumbency. Mean ± SD difference in excursion between the right and left crura was 22.68 ± 8.68% for left lateral recumbency, 16.63 ± 9.22% for right lateral recumbency, and 18.11 ± 12.96% for dorsal recumbency.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that the fluoroscopic view of a dog positioned in right lateral recumbency may allow better evaluation of the symmetry of diaphragmatic excursion, compared with results for other recumbency positions. This study provided quantitative data on the excursion of diaphragmatic movement observed by use of fluoroscopy in clinically normal Beagles.
Effects of changes in analytic variables and contrast medium on estimation of glomerular filtration rates by computed tomography in healthy dogs
Authors: Matsuda Yuri , Kishimoto Miori , Kushida Kazuya , Yamada Kazutaka , Shimizu Miki , Itoh Hiroshi 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate effects of changes in analytic variables and contrast medium osmolality on glomerular filtration rate estimated by CT (CT-GFR) in dogs.
ANIMALS 4 healthy anesthetized Beagles.
PROCEDURES GFR was estimated by inulin clearance, and dogs underwent CT-GFR with iodinated contrast medium (iohexol or iodixanol) in a crossover-design study. Dynamic renal CT scanning was performed. Patlak plot analysis was used to calculate GFR with the renal cortex or whole kidney selected as the region of interest. The renal cortex was analyzed just prior to time of the second cortical attenuation peak. The whole kidney was analyzed 60, 80, 100, and 120 seconds after the appearance of contrast medium. Automated GFR calculations were performed with preinstalled perfusion software including 2 noise reduction levels (medium and strong). The CT-GFRs were compared with GFR estimated by inulin clearance.
RESULTS There was no significant difference in CT-GFR with iohexol versus iodixanol in any analyses. The CT-GFR at the renal cortex, CT-GFR for the whole kidney 60 seconds after appearance of contrast medium, and CT-GFR calculated by perfusion software with medium noise reduction did not differ significantly from GFR estimated by inulin clearance. The CT-GFR was underestimated at ≥ 80 seconds after contrast medium appearance (whole kidney) and when strong noise reduction was used with perfusion CT software.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Selection of the renal cortex as region of interest or use of the 60-second time point for whole-kidney evaluation yielded the best CT-GFR results. The perfusion software used produced good results with appropriate noise reduction.
IMPACT FOR HUMAN MEDICINE The finding that excessive noise reduction caused underestimation of CT-GFR suggests that this factor should also be considered in CT-GFR examination of human patients.
Body weight, blood pressure, and systemic changes following low-dosage prednisolone administration in dogs
Authors: Lee Sang-Kwon , Park Seungjo , Cheon Byunggyu , Kim Hyun Woo , Yu Dohyeon , Choi Jihye 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate systemic changes following low-dosage prednisolone administration in dogs.
ANIMALS 4 healthy purpose-bred adult male Beagles.
PROCEDURES Dogs were administered prednisolone PO at a dosage of 2 mg/kg/d for 2 weeks, 1 mg/kg/d for 4 weeks, and 0.5 mg/kg/d for 3 weeks. Body weight, blood pressure, hepatic size and echogenicity, percentage of vacuolated hepatocytes, serum hepatic enzyme activities and glucose concentration, adrenal gland size, and pancreatic echogenicity were evaluated weekly for 9 weeks.
RESULTS The only significant change identified was an increase in hepatic echogenicity, assessed by measuring liver-kidney contrast on ultrasonographic images. Increases in hepatic size and percentage of vacuolated hepatocytes were identified, but values did not differ from baseline values. Similarly, serum hepatic enzyme activities increased, but changes were mild and not significantly different from baseline values. Body weight, pancreatic echogenicity, and serum glucose concentration did not show noticeable changes. Mild systemic hypertension was seen, but blood pressure was not significantly different from the baseline value. Similarly, adrenal gland size steadily decreased during the first 6 weeks and increased again after the prednisolone dosage was decreased to 0.5 mg/kg/d. However, mean adrenal gland size was not significantly different from the baseline value at any time.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that in dogs, administration of prednisolone at a low dosage was associated with minimal systemic effects.
Evaluation of two methods for topical application of contrast medium to the pharyngeal and laryngeal region of horses
Authors: Colbath Aimée C. , Valdés-Martínez Alejandro , Leise Britta S. , Hackett Eileen S. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the pharyngeal and laryngeal distribution of radiopaque contrast medium administered orally or via nasopharyngeal catheter to standing horses.
ANIMALS 5 healthy adult horses.
PROCEDURES A crossover study was conducted. Radiopaque contrast medium (12 mL) was administered orally and via nasopharyngeal catheter to each horse. Pharyngeal and laryngeal distribution of contrast medium was determined by examination of radiographs obtained immediately after administration of contrast medium, compared with those obtained before administration. Regional distribution of contrast medium was graded. Endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx, laryngopharynx, and larynx was performed to confirm radiographic results.
RESULTS Examination of radiographs obtained after nasopharyngeal administration revealed contrast medium in the nasopharynx (n = 5), oropharynx (2), laryngopharynx (3), and larynx (5) of the 5 horses. Examination of radiographs obtained after oral administration revealed contrast medium in the oropharynx (n = 4) and larynx (1) of the 5 horses. Endoscopic examination confirmed radiographic findings and was found to be sensitive for detection of contrast medium in the laryngopharynx, whereby detection rates were higher for both administration methods.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that medication administered by use of a nasopharyngeal catheter will result in topical distribution within the nasopharynx, including the dorsal surface of the soft palate, and larynx, although distribution should be evaluated in horses with clinical airway disease to confirm these findings. Oral administration did not result in consistently detectable topical laryngeal distribution but could be used for selected conditions (eg, palatitis).
Cali, Colombia, Key learning City C/Can 2025: City Cancer Challenge
Authors: Bravo Luis Eduardo , Arboleda Olga Isabel , Ramirez Oscar , Durán Alexander , Lesmes Maria Cristina , Rendler-García Melissa , Frech Silvina , Camacho Rolando , Henshall Susan 
Published: August 2017

Cali (Colombia) will be the first city in the world to implement the initiative “C/Can 2025: City Cancer Challenge”1 (http://www.uicc.org/what-we-do/convening/ccan-2025-city-cancer-challenge). With 2.4 million inhabitants, Cali is the second-largest city of Colombia and a key urban focal point for the immigration of the country’s rural population which represents one fifth of Colombia’s 45.5 million inhabitants.
A evolução do conceito de parafilias
Authors: Abdo Carmita H. N. 
Published: August 2017

Publicada a 5ª edição do Manual Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais (DSM-5) e estando em fase de finalização a revisão da 10ª edição da Classificação Internacional de Doenças (CID-10) – duas das mais importantes classificações internacionais, abre-se espaço para a discussão da evolução do comportamento sexual. Tal debate é motivado pela observação da dinâmica que atualiza as normas sociais desse comportamento, da forma como essas normas são construídas e do quanto elas estão submetidas ao contexto histórico, político e cultural. Este artigo, inspirado nas ponderações de Alain Giami, pesquisador do Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health Team do Center for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health (CESP), localizado em Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, França, apresenta as classificações dos transtornos da sexualidade como representações de padrões contemporâneos e relações de gênero; e comenta que o tratamento médico das perversões sexuais (parafilias, transtornos de preferência sexual) evoluiu, durante o século passado, de um modelo de patologização de todo comportamento sexual não reprodutivo a um modelo que consagra o bem-estar sexual e a responsabilidade (consenso nos relacionamentos), enquanto patologiza a ausência de consentimento, de parte a parte, nas práticas sexuais.
AZF micro-deletion in azoospermia and severe oligospermia: Molecular & histopathological study in Duhok Province
Authors: Hanoon Rana A. , Raziq Alaa H. , Nerwey Farida F. 
Published: August 2017

Y chromosome micro-deletion (YCM) is a group of genetic diseases caused by missing gene (s) in specific regions of the Y chromosome. Many individuals with YCM show no manifestations and lead normal life. On the other hand, YCM is known to exist in a significant number of infertile males. Forty adult patients suffering from severe oligospermia and azoospermia were enrolled in the present study. Seminal fluid analyses were performed, and a blood sample was obtained for hormonal analysis and DNA extraction. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) profiles were measured and those who are azoospermic with normal FSH levels were subjected to testicular biopsy. The results revealed that 23 patients were azoospermic while 17 patients were severe oligospermic. It is also shown that ten azoospermic patients had normal serum gonadotrophin levels thus they were directed for testicular biopsy. Histopathological examination of testicular biopsy showed that four patients had obstructive azoospermia while the remaining six suffered maturation arrest. DNA was extracted according to the standard proteinase K/phenol-chloroform method in the medical biotechnology laboratory/Scientific Research Center/University of Duhok. Multiplex PCR was performed for genes located in the azoospermia factor (AZF) regions (AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc) to detect any possible micro-deletions. Y chromosome micro-deletions were determined in 26 patients out of a total of 40 patients. Micro-deletions in the AZFc sub-region appeared in 16 out of 26 patients (61.5 %), and 10 (38.5 %) sample showed AZFb, however, AZFa micro-deletion was not detected in any of the patients. In conclusion, it has been found that Y chromosome micro-deletions in the AZF region can be a determining factor for male infertility and the resultant manifestations.
PENGARUH PENGETAHUAN TENTANG PERATURAN KEBAHASAAN TERHADAP SIKAP BAHASA PENGUSAHA KULINER DI KABUPATEN PRINGSEWU
Authors: Rahayu Ratih 
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this research is to describe the knowledge of culinary entrepreneurs in Pringsewu region about legislation relating to languages and the use of Indonesian and foreign languages, to explain the attitudes of culinary entrepreneurs in Pringsewu region towards languages and the use of Indonesian and foreign languages, and to explain the influence of the knowledge of the legislation toward the attitudes of culinary entrepreneurs in Pringsewu region. The result shows that the knowledge of culinary entrepreneurs in Pringsewu region about legislation relating to languages and the use of Indonesian, local and foreign languages can be considered low because almost all of the respondents have a limited knowledge of the legislation being asked in the questions;the language attitudes of culinary entrepreneurs in Pringsewu region can be considered good because the average value has reached 84.36%;the influenceof the knowledge of the legislation relating to languages toward the attitudes of culinary entrepreneurs in Pringsewu region is not considered significant which is only 1%. ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan pengetahuan pengusaha kuliner di Kabupaten Pringsewu mengenai peraturan perundang-undangan yang berkaitan dengan bahasa dan penggunaan bahasa Indonesia dan bahasa asing, menjelaskan sikap pengusaha kuliner di Kabupaten Pringsewu terhadap bahasa dan penggunaan bahasa Indonesia dan bahasa asing, dan menjelaskan pengaruh pengetahuan tentang peraturan kebahasaan terhadap sikap bahasa pengusaha kuliner di Kabupaten Pringsewu. Hasil Penelitian menunjukkan pengetahuan pengusaha kuliner di Kabupaten Pringsewu mengenai peraturan perundang-undangan yang berkaitan dengan bahasa dan penggunaan bahasa Indonesia, daerah dan asing dapat dikategorikan kurang karena hampir semua responden tidak mengetahui peraturan perundang-undangan yang ditanyakan, sikap bahasa pengusaha kuliner di Kabupaten Pringsewu dapat dikategorikan baik karena nilai rata-ratanya sudah mencapai 84,36%, pengaruh pengetahuan mengenai peraturan kebahasaan terhadap sikap bahasa pengusaha kuliner di Kabupaten Pringsewu tidak signifikan karena hanya sebesar 1%.
Smarte Informationssysteme für den Maschinenbediener
Authors: Lindner Florian , Permin Eike , Grunert Dennis , Schmitt Robert , Lantermann Thomas 
Published: August 2017

Kurzfassung
Smart Devices erhalten mehr und mehr Einzug in industrielle Anwendungen. Ihre großen Potenziale liegen in der Flexibilisierung von Mitarbeitern durch eine direkte, benutzerspezifische Informationsbereitstellung und Rückmeldung. Für eine optimale Unterstützung von Maschinenbedienern bedarf es Informationssysteme, welche eine direkte Kommunikation zwischen Smart Devices und Maschinensteuerungen ermöglichen. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt ein solches Informations-system und eine erste Pilotanwendung.