bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENTIAL ITEM FUNCTIONING FOR MALES AND FEMALES ON SAT®‐VERBAL READING SUBSCORE ITEMS
Authors: Lawrence Ida M. , Curley W. Edward , McHale Frederick J. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThe Reading Comprehension and Sentence Completion items from four forms of the SAT‐verbal sections were examined for differential item functioning (DIF) between male and female test‐takers. In general, minimal DIF was observed for the items analyzed in this investigation. However, among the relatively few items exhibiting substantial DIF, two trends related to science content were noted.An important factor that appears to be connected to DIF on Reading Comprehension items is the distinction between technical and nontechnical reading passage material. Items associated with passages containing technical (as opposed to historical or philosophical) science material are generally more difficult for female examinees. This trend emerged for three of the four forms studied. Data from the fourth form suggested that there may be an interaction between the technical science factor and the passage location. Confirmation of this finding will require a follow‐up study.The main factor that appears to be related to DIF on Sentence Completion items is the distinction between nonscience or surface science references and true science references. Items containing true science references tend to be more difficult for females.Because the majority of items in the Reading subscore exhibited minimal DIF, the conclusions described in this report are based on limited data. Findings from this study also indicate the confounded nature of multiple factors thought to contribute to DIF. There is a need for experimental research in which item features and passage features can be controlled and counterbalanced in variable sections of the SAT.
A COMPARISON OF OBSERVED SCORE AND TRUE SCORE EQUATING METHODS FOR REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLES AND SAMPLES MATCHED ON AN ANCHOR TEST1
Authors: Lawrence Ida M. , Dorans Neil J. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper addresses the sample invariant properties of four equating methods (Tucker and Levine linear equating, Equipercentile equating through an anchor test, and three‐parameter item response theory equating). Equating results across two sampling conditions, “representative” sample and “matched” sample, were compared to determine which equating procedures produced the most consistent results. In the representative sample condition, equatings were based on old‐form and new‐form samples that differed in ability; in the matched sample condition, the old‐form sample was selected to match the anchor test score distribution of the new‐form sample.Results for the item response theory equating method differed for representative and matched samples, as did the equating results for Levine and Equipercentile methods. Results based on the Tucker observed‐score equating method were found to be essentially the same across representative and matched sample conditions. Results for the four equating methods tended to converge under the matched sample condition. The last section of this paper offers tentative explanations for the findings.
NATIVE LANGUAGE, ENGLISH PROFICIENCY, AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Authors: Oltman Philip K. , Stricker Lawrence J. , Barrows Thomas S. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTResponses on the TOEFL© test may reflect both the influence of the examinees' native language and their level of English proficiency. The aim of this study was to appraise the effect of these examinee variables on the structure of the test. The interrelations among TOEFL items, using all of the information provided by the various responses to the items (the four alternatives, omitted, and not reached), were analyzed by three‐way multidimensional scaling for samples of examinees systematically varying in native language and level of English proficiency. Four dimensions were identified: three corresponded to the sections of the test, and the fourth was an end‐of‐test phenomenon. The dimensions were predominantly defined by easy items and were most salient for low‐scoring examinees. The salience of the dimensions did not differ for the various language groups, except for the end‐of‐test dimension. Major conclusions were that the TOEFL's construct validity is supported, the test's interpretation varies with the examinees' English proficiency, easy and difficult items differ in their potential for diagnosis and global screening, and the dimensionality of the TOEFL and of competence in English depend on the examinees' English proficiency.
MEANING AND VALUES IN TEST VALIDATION: THE SCIENCE AND ETHICS OF ASSESSMENT1
Authors: Messick Samuel 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTSince both score meaning and the value implications of scores as a basis for action are central issues in test validation, a unified view of validity is required that comprehends both the scientific and the ethical underpinnings of test interpretation and use. This unified concept of validity integrates considerations of content, criteria, and consequences into a construct framework for testing rational hypotheses about theoretically relevant relationships, including those of an applied as well as of a scientific nature. The essence of unified validity is that the appropriateness, meaningfulness, and usefulness of score‐based inferences are inseparable and that the unifying force behind this integration is the trustworthiness of empirically grounded score interpretation, that is, construct validity.
NONRESPONSE BIAS IN THE GRE BACKGROUND QUESTIONNAIRE
Authors: Grandy Jerilee 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTResults of some studies of the GRE database suggest that analyses relying upon information from the background questionnaire may lead to misleading or erroneous conclusions because of nonresponse bias. This study examined existing data from all examinees who took the General Examinations for the first time in 1984/85 to estimate the extent of non‐response bias and how seriously it may be affecting statistical summaries and interpretations.Results indicate that nearly all examinees who answer the first item on the questionnaire generally complete the questionnaire or omit just one or two items. However, 16% never answer the first item.Of those who indicate on the first item that they are taking the GRE for the first time, the response rate to all other items is generally better than 97%. The response rate is even higher for U.S. citizens and resident aliens.The first five questionnaire items involve various branching instructions, and examinees make a number of errors in the course of branching. U.S. citizens and resident aliens are instructed to answer the questions on ethnicity and state of residence, while all others are to skip these two questions. Almost 98% of the U.S. citizens answer the ethnicity question, but 17% of the foreign examinees living abroad answer the ethnicity question when they have been instructed to skip it.There is no correlation between GRE scores and the number of questionnaire items left blank. However, the differences in test score averages between examinees who omit a given question and examinees who answer it are often quite large. Furthermore, those who omit a question may have either higher or lower average test scores than those who answer it. Foreign examinees are generally more likely to omit a question than are U.S. citizens. Among U.S. citizens, those who answer a question often have higher GRE quantitative and analytical scores, but lower verbal scores, than those who omit the question.Despite the sometimes large differences in test scores between those who omit an item and those who answer it, the numbers of omitters are small–generally on the order of 1 or 2%. The extent to which their test scores affect statistical summaries of the much larger group averages is negligible.This study concludes that there appears to be some confusion regarding the branching instructions involving the first five items, with the result that some foreign examinees answer the ethnic question when they should not. Because most statistical summaries are broken down by citizenship and ethnicity, these questions are important. A recommendation is made to simplify these items future revisions of the questionnaire by removing branching instructions.
FINAL REPORT: EXPLOITING COLLATERAL INFORMATION IN THE ESTIMATION OF ITEM PARAMETERS
Authors: Mislevy Robert J. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTWhen using item response theory (IRT) models in educational and psychological measurement, it is standard practice to estimate the operating characteristics of test items from examinees' item responses alone. This is the final report of a project that employed Bayesian and empirical Bayesian methods to exploit additional information that is often available about test items (e.g., format, content, or cognitive processing requirements) or about examinees (e.g., educational background or demographic status). Practical and theoretical results obtained in a series of research reports are summarized.
A STUDY OF THE COMPARABILITY OF SCORES OBTAINED ON THE ATP MATHEMATICS LEVEL I AND LEVEL II TESTS1
Authors: Cook Linda , Eignor Daniel , Mazzeo John 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThis report describes the results of two studies which were conducted to obtain information regarding the comparability of scores on the Admissions Testing Program Mathematics Level I and Mathematics Level II tests. It has been assumed that if the scaling and equating process used with the tests is functioning properly, those students with adequate preparation to take both tests should receive similar scaled scores regardless of the test they choose to take. Results of previous studies had raised some concern that the scaling and equating methods used to date have not resulted in the proper alignment of the scales of the two tests. In addition, concern has been raised that the inclusion of Plane Geometry items in the Mathematics Level I exam disadvantages examinees prepared to take the Level II exam in that they have, in general, taken their course in plane geometry some time prior to the test. In the first study, an experimental single‐group equating of scores from a form of the Mathematics Level II test to scores from a form of the Mathematics Level I test was conducted using data from a sample of examinees who elected to take both tests at the December 1983 administration. The resulting raw‐to‐scale conversion was compared to the operational conversion which was derived from a common‐item equating of the Mathematics Level II form to a previous form of the same test. In the second study, the relative performance of groups of students with comparable amounts of course preparation but different amounts of time since they last took a plane geometry course was examined. The results of the equating study, though not definitive, suggest that the scale of the Mathematics Level II test may be somewhat higher than the scale of the level I test. The results of the second study indicate that students prepared to take both tests are probably not disadvantaged by the inclusion of plane geometry items in the Mathematics Level I test.
TOWARD A PSYCHOMETRICS FOR TESTLETS§
Authors: Wainer Howard , Lewis Charles 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTIn 1987 the testlet was introduced as one way of dealing with a variety of problems that might occur with the algorithmic construction of tests. In the short time since this introduction its range of plausible usages has been broadened considerably through the work of other researchers. In this paper we examine three different applications of the testlet concept and describe the psychometric models which seem most suitable for each application. In each case, the testlet concept gracefully solves a problem that would have been awkward with other, more traditional approaches.
ENHANCING THE INTERPRETATION OF A NORM‐REFERENCED SECOND‐LANGUAGE TEST THROUGH CRITERION‐REFERENCING: A RESEARCH ASSESSMENT OF EXPERIENCE IN THE TOEIC TESTING CONTEXT
Authors: Wilson Kenneth M. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThis study was undertaken to develop guidelines for making interpretive inferences from scores on the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), a norm‐referenced test of English‐language listening comprehension (LC) and reading (R) skills, about level of ability to use English in face‐to‐face conversation, indexed by performance in the Language Proficiency Interview (LPI) situation. LPI performance, rated according to behaviorally defined levels on the LPI/ILR/FSI quasi‐absolute proficiency scale, was treated as a context‐independent criterion, using the familiar regression model in an apparently novel application (for such criterion‐referencing purposes) in the context of a large‐scale ESL‐testing program. The study employed TOEIC/LPI data‐sets generated during operational ESL assessments in representative TOEIC‐use settings (places of work or work‐related ESL training) in Japan, France, Mexico, and Saudia Arabia, involving samples of adult, educated ESL users/learners in or preparing for ESL‐essential positions with companies engaged in international commerce. The pattern of TOEIC/LPI concurrent correlations was consistent across samples and there was relatively close fit between sample LPI means and estimates from TOEIC scores, especially TOEIC‐LC, using combined‐sample regression equations. Theoretical and pragmatic implications of the findings are discussed. General guidelines are provided for making inferences about LPI‐assessed level of oral English proficiency from TOEIC scores. Directions are suggested for further research and development activities in the TOEIC testing context.
EMPIRICAL ESTIMATION ERRORS IN ITEM RESPONSE THEORY AS A FUNCTION OF TEST PROPERTIES*
Authors: Stocking Martha L. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThe success of applications of Item Response Theory (IRT) depends upon the properties of the estimates of model parameters. Many theoretical properities of these estimates have been extensively studied. However, the properties of estimates obtained empirically from real data depend not only on the theoretical results, but also on the data and the estimation procedures used to obtain them. In this paper, the properites of estimates obtained from a commonly‐used implementation of the joint maximum likelihood approach (LOGIST) are examined extensively and shown to be, in part, functions of the properties of the test or item set being calibrated. A small study is also made of the properties of estimates obtained from a commonly‐used implementation of the marginal maximum likelihood approach (BILOG). Recommendations are made for the improvement of both procedures.
Stability analysis of rotary power flow controller
Authors: Tolue Khayami Mohammad , Shayanfar Heidarali , Kazemi Ahad 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThis paper deals with the stability analysis of a rotary power flow controller (RPFC). RPFC is a newly presented flexible alternating current transmission system device based on the rotary phase shifting transformer (RPST) configuration. This device comprises a shunt and a series transformer and two RPSTs. In this paper, a linear model is developed for RPFC in the dq‐reference frame. The model includes two RPSTs, shunt, and series transformers. Stability of the device is studied using eigenvalues of the state matrix. Effects of system parameters such as resistance, reactance, and phase difference of the shunt and series transformers and RPSTs on stability are investigated using eigenvalue sensitivity analysis. Simulation results using PSCAD/EMTDC software and analytical results based on eigenvalue analysis are presented to evaluate effects of different parameters on stability of RPFC. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Broadband circularly polarized beam‐steering antenna array for wireless applications
Authors: Aribi T. , Naser‐Moghadasi M. , Sadeghzadeh R. A. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThis article describes the implementation of a broadband circularly polarized (CP) antenna array for switched beam applications. The antenna comprises of four identical CP slot elements in a 2 × 2 configuration that uses a 4 × 4 feeding network. Each CP slot element in the array is sequentially rotated with respect to each other to enhance the antenna's axial‐ratio (AR) bandwidth. Measured results confirm the array exhibits an impedance bandwidth of 2.25 GHz that extends over the frequency range 4.6–6.85 GHz (∼40%) for S11 ≤ −10 dB, and 3 dB AR bandwidth of 1.7 GHz that extends between 4.8–6.5 GHz (∼30%). The antenna's gain is in excess of 6.8 dBi between 5–6 GHz. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2813–2817, 2014
A low loss double‐pole double‐throw switch in 65 nm CMOS for wigig applications
Authors: Choi Sunkyu , Son Juho , Hong Seungpyo , Shin Gyong‐Seop , Kim Choul‐Young 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThis article presents a 60 GHz low insertion loss double‐pole double‐throw (DPDT) switch implemented in 65 nm standard CMOS process. To achieve the low insertion loss, various techniques are used such as the double‐well body‐floating, gate‐floating, high‐performance thin‐film microstrip line, resonating the capacitance of the off‐state transistor, and the transmission line based matching network. To achieve both high performance and small area, EM simulations are intensely performed to model passive components. The DPDT switch achieves insertion loss of less than 2.7 dB, and return loss of better than 10 dB over the 52–66 GHz band. The measured IIP3 is 18 dBm (simulated IP1dB is 11.4 dBm). The fabricated DPDT switch has an effective area of 0.073 mm2. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2864–2867, 2014
Compact metamaterial‐inspired band‐pass filter
Authors: Palandöken Merih , Uçar Mustafa H. B. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTARCTIn this article, a compact, metamaterial‐inspired band‐pass filter is introduced for the passband frequencies between 3.9 and 4.54 GHz with the physical size of main filtering section as compact as λo/11 ×λo/14. The design and operation principles are verified with numerical and experimental results. The measured and simulated results show good agreement. The proposed filter is additionally modeled with lumped circuit elements as equivalent circuit model to confirm the operation and design principle. This compact filter in comparison to the conventional stepped impedance or coupled line filter designs does not require an external matching network, which reduces the filter physical size significantly. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2903–2907, 2014
Hundreds megawatt‐level pulse transmission waveguide vacuum port using series inductive post‐wall
Authors: Choi Jun‐Ho , Shin Jin‐Woo , So Joon‐Ho , Kim Yong‐Hoon 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTA simple waveguide vacuum port for hundreds MW pulse transmission at S‐band is proposed. It uses the series inductive post‐wall to improve the characteristics of the RF leakage attenuation and maximize the unit area of the vacuum port related with effective pumping speed. This type of vacuum port significantly increases RF leakage attenuation above −50 dB without RF electrical breakdown phenomena and provides simple structure to enhance the conductance
of the waveguide vacuum port found to be around
for above −50 dB RF leakage attenuation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2894–2896, 2014
A multiband power amplifier using a switch‐based reconfigurable matching network for optimized power performance
Authors: Lee G. , Jung J. , Jang J. , Song J. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTA multiband power amplifier (MBPA) with a switch‐based reconfigurable output matching network is presented for long‐term evolution handset applications. The MBPA is designed in a dual‐path configuration to improve efficiency in two different power levels for different frequency bands of the evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access (E‐UTRA). The dual‐path MBPA with the switch‐based reconfigurable output matching network delivered a collector efficiency of 31.8–38.5%, while satisfying the linearity specification (i.e., an adjacent channel leakage ratio less than −30 dBc) at an output power of 26.5 dBm across the five popular frequency bands of the E‐UTRA. In the low power mode, the MBPA delivered a collector efficiency of 21.8–35.4% with an adjacent channel leakage ratio smaller than −32.3 dBc at an average output power of 18 dBm. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2881–2884, 2014
A modeling method for dumbbell‐shaped DGS and its parameter extraction
Authors: Woo Duk‐Jae , Lee Taek‐Kyung , Nam Sangwook 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThis article presents an equivalent circuit model for a dumbbell‐shaped defected ground structure (DGS) in a microstrip line. The effects of equivalent circuit elements of a dumbbell‐shaped DGS and their magnetic coupling to the host transmission line are modeled as a simple lumped‐element circuit. By adding a virtual capacitor on the narrow etched gap, the values of inductance and capacitance of the dumbbell‐shaped DGS in the ground plane were extracted. Also, other main circuit parameters of the proposed circuit model were extracted using EM simulation result. This article provides one approach for understanding the operating principle of the DGS structures. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2910–2913, 2014
A novel approach for the design of a modified excitation signal using a narrow pulse generator for high‐resolution time‐domain reflectometry applications
Authors: Ojaroudi Mohammad , Mehrshahi Esafndiar , Fathy Aly. E. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTIn this article, a novel modified stimulus signal is used to improve the accuracy of localizing discontinuities for time‐domain reflectometry (TDR) measurements. This pulse shaping puts more energy at higher frequencies in contrast with conventional step or impulse TDR. Hence, a wider bandwidth is available to achieve higher accuracy for precise spatial localization. The proposed modified TDR is less expensive than a vector network analyzer, very practical as it is based on more realistic signals rather than assuming ideal impulses or steps. Simulated and measured results are presented to validate the accuracy of the proposed approach. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2987–2990, 2014
New types of associating monomers and polymers from α‐aminocaprolactam and 2‐isocyanatoethyl (meth)acrylate: properties in condensed phase and in solution
Authors: Mondrzyk Adam , Ritter Helmut 
Published: September 2014

Abstractα‐Aminocaprolactam is reacted with the isocyanate function of 2‐isocyanatoethyl (meth)acrylate to yield monomers 2‐[3‐(2‐oxoazepin‐3‐yl)ureido]ethyl (meth)acrylate. These hydrogen bond‐forming monomers crystallize easily in macroscopic bunches of needles. Subsequently, homopolymers and copolymers of the monomers with N,N‐dimethylacrylamide are synthesized radically. The homopolymers have spherical structures and are semi‐crystalline showing large amorphous domains. Polymeric solutions of the homopolymers in water–ethanol have an upper critical solution temperature. In contrast, the solutions of the copolymers in water have a lower critical solution temperature. If copolymerized in concentrated solution, the copolymers show gelation after treatment with excess water. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry