bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FARMER EDUCATION AND FARM EFFICIENCY: A SURVEY
Authors: Lockheed Marlaine E. , Jamison Dean T. , Lau Lawrence J. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper surveys the findings of 18 studies conducted in low‐income countries concerning the extent to which the educational level of small farmers affects their production efficiency. The 18 studies include analyses of 37 sets of farm data that allow statistical estimation of the effect of education, with other variables controlled. In 6 of these data sets, education was found to have a negative (but statistically insignificant) effect, but in the remaining 31, the effect was positive and usually statistically significant. Though combining the results of disparate studies must be done with caution, our overall conclusion is that farm productivity increases, on the average, by 7.4% as a result of a farmer's completing four years of elementary education rather than none; the 7.4% is a weighted average of value from those studies for which an estimate could be computed. A number of studies showed evidence of a threshold number of years (4 to 6) at which the effect of education became more pronounced. The effects of education were much more likely to be positive in modernizing agricultural environments rather than in traditional ones, which we ascertained both by inspection and by regressing (across studies) the measured effect of education on productivity against modernization of the environment and other variables. In 16 of the samples, data were available on the farmers' exposure to agricultural extension education; of these studies, 8 provided evidence that extension was significantly and positively related to efficiency.
FACTOR ANALYSIS OF THE TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE FOR SEVERAL LANGUAGE GROUPS
Authors: Swinton Spencer S. , Powers Donald E. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTA factor analytic study of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) was undertaken to determine the component abilities that underly performance on the test for several major language groups. Alternative analytic procedures were employed that included (a) computing separate factor solutions for each language group, (b) rotating separate solutions to a common target, and (c) examining the relationships between factors and a variety of candidate background variables.The structure of the test is discussed in terms of the similarities and differences found in each language group. The implications of the results for test development, for the interpretation of TOEFL subscores, and for English language training are presented.
ROUND ROBIN ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE VIA MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD
Authors: Wong George Y. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTWe consider a class of linear models called round robin models which deal specifically with data arising in the interaction of a group of individuals in a round robin setting. Such models provide information not only about individual differences but also about the reciprocity behavior of the interaction partners. We provideaconvergent algorithm for computing the maximum likelihood estimates of the variances and covariances associated with these models. Also, we discuss interval estimation of the linear effects, including fixed and random effects. We present a detailed data analysis on a set of speech activity data using these designs.
A FACTOR ANALYSIS APPROACH TO ROUND ROBIN DESIGNS
Authors: Wong George Y. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTWe adopt a factor analytic approach to study round robin analysis of variance models appropriate for round robin interaction data with the actor and partner effects of any member involved linearly related. Such models are particularly important both statistically and computationally in sociometric studies on structures of social relationships involving a large number of subjects. We provide a convergent algorithm for computing the maximum likelihood estimates of the variances and covariances associated with these models. We also discuss the posterior inference of the linear effects. A detailed analysis on a set of speech data is worked out using these models.
CHARACTERIZING THE MANIFEST PROBABILITIES OF LATENT TRAIT MODELS*
Authors: Cressie Noel , Holland Paul W. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe problem of characterizing the manifest probabilities of a latent trait model is considered. The item characteristic curve is transformed to the item passing‐odds curve and a corresponding transformation is made on the distribution of ability. This results in a useful expression for the manifest probabilities of any latent trait model. The result is then applied to give a complete characterization of the Rasch model. Partial results are also obtained for other models. The question of the identifiability of “guessing” parameters is also discussed.
RESOLVING MIXTURES OF STRATEGIES IN SPATIAL VISUALIZATION TASKS
Authors: Mislevy Robert J. , Wingersky Marilyn S. , Irvine Sidney H. , Dann Peter L. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe models of standard test theory, having evolved under a trait‐oriented psychology, do not reflect the knowledge structures and the problem‐solving strategies now seen as central to understanding performance and learning. In some applications, however, key qualitative distinctions among persons as to structures and strategies can be expressed through mixtures of test theory models, drawing upon substantive theory to delineate the components of the mixture. This approach is illustrated with response latencies to spatial visualization tasks that can be solved by mental rotation or by a nonspatial rule‐based strategy. It is assumed that a subject employs the same strategy on all tasks, but the possibility of extending the approach to strategy‐switching is discussed.
COMPARING THE VALIDITY OF AUTOMATED AND HUMAN ESSAY SCORING
Authors: Powers Donald E. , Burstein Jill C. , Chodorow Martin , Fowles Mary E. , Kukich Karen 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThis study sought to provide further evidence of the validity of automated, or computer‐based, scores of complex performance assessments, such as direct tests of writing skill that require examinees to construct responses rather than select them from a set of multiple choices. While several studies have examined agreement between human scores and automated scoring systems, only a few have provided evidence of the relationship of automated scores to other, independent indicators of writing skill. This study examined relationships of each of two sets of Graduate Record Examinations (GRE®) Writing Assessment scores ∼ those given by human raters and those generated by e‐rater (the system being researched for possible application in a variety of assessments that require natural language responses) — to several independent, nontest indicators of writing skill, such as academic, outside, and perceived success with writing.Analyses revealed significant, but modest, correlations between the nontest indicators and each of the two methods of scoring. That automated and human scores exhibited reasonably similar relations with the nontest indicators was taken as evidence that the two methods of scoring reflect similar aspects of writing proficiency. These relations were, however, somewhat weaker for automated scores than for scores awarded by humans.
AN EXPLORATORY DIMENSIONALITY ASSESSMENT OF THE TOEIC TEST
Authors: Wilson Kenneth M. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTTo measure English language listening comprehension and reading comprehension skills in samples of nonnative‐English speakers, the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) test uses seven different types of test items (four for assessing listening comprehension and three for assessing reading comprehension). Results of an exploratory factor analysis involving data for native‐speakers of Japanese and Korean, respectively, and other correlational evidence reported herein, suggest unidimensionality for the Listening Comprehension (LC) but not for the Reading Comprehension (RC) section: an RC item type labelled “reading” appears to be tapping aspects of “reading comprehension” that are psychometrically distinguishable from those measured in common by RC item types labelled “error recognition” and “incomplete sentences”. Further research is needed to assess the consistency of these findings in samples of native‐speakers of Japanese and Korean, respectively, their possible generalizability to other native‐language populations of TOEIC test takers, and their practical implications.
AN EXPLORATION OF POTENTIALLY PROBLEMATIC ADAPTIVE TESTS
Authors: Stocking Martha L. , Steffen Manfred , Eignor Daniel R. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTFor mass administration of linear paper‐and‐pencil tests, subsequent to each administration it is routine to evaluate the test forms delivered. With computerized adaptive tests, in which the number of test‐takers receiving a given set of items is kept intentionally small, methods of post‐administration evaluation are less obvious. Sets of rules (flags) for screening large numbers of adaptive test records were developed in an attempt to identify potentially problematic adaptive tests. Experiments were performed that involved modifications of adaptive test design variables, as well as the exploration of improvements to the item resources available, in order to attempt to reduce the number of flagged test‐taker records. The most successful of these experiments indicated that improving item resources is the most effective means of enhancing the functioning of adaptive tests.
INTERESTS, NICHE SELECTION, AND PERFORMANCE AMONG ESTABLISHED TEACHERS
Authors: Emmerich Walter , Trapani Catherine S. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThis study addressed the role of interests as personality factors in professional development. Using John Holland's model, the interests of established teachers were studied in relation to (1) teaching specialty and (2) excellence of teaching measured by assessments of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Observed differences in interests among teaching specialties were consistent with vocational/developmental theories of niche selection through trait matching. Business‐related interests tended to correlate negatively with quality of teaching. For other interests, correlations with quality of teaching were more specialty‐specific. Findings suggested a two‐phase sequence in which initial trait matching is followed by dynamic engagements of interests that may enhance or impair quality of teaching.
A MODEL‐BASED APPROACH TO MEASURING COGNITIVE GROWTH IN PRE‐READING AND READING SKILLS DURING THE KINDERGARTEN YEAR
Authors: Rock Donald A. , Pollack Judith M. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThis study has two primary purposes. The first is to outline a model‐based measurement approach that relies on multiple criterion‐referenced points to identify different patterns of student growth in reading during kindergarten. The second purpose is to demonstrate how applied practitioners might use the model‐based measurement approach to address policy questions dealing with gender and school sector differences in reading growth during kindergarten. In addition, the study shows that the more traditional approaches to measuring change with respect to these policy questions may yield uninformative if not incorrect results.
SELF‐ASSESSMENT OF REASONING SKILLS
Authors: Powers Donald E. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe general aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of self‐assessing thinking/reasoning skills and to provide information about the psychometric properties of one instrument designed to self‐assess these skills. This objective was accomplished by examining the relationship of the self‐assessment to cognitive measures of reasoning skills. A sample of Graduate Record Examinations® (GRE®) General Test takers (n = 342) completed a battery of reasoning tests along with a 20‐item self‐assessment of thinking skills, which had been developed empirically on the basis of a survey of graduate faculty. The results revealed only weak relations (rs in the .20s) between the self‐assessment and cognitive test scores. Possible reasons are proposed for the lack of any strong relation.
EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP OF CONTENT TO GENDER‐BASED PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCES IN ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS
Authors: Buck Gary , Kostin Irene , Morgan Rick 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to examine the content of the questions in a number of Advanced Placement Examinations and to attempt to identify content that is related to gender‐based performance differences. Free‐response questions for ten forms of the AP® Exams in U.S. History, European History, Biology, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics were studied and the multiple‐choice items for four forms of AP U.S. History were also studied.Results indicate that, in the case of U.S. History multiple‐choice items, the measures of male and female performance differences are significantly correlated with item content. In a second analysis, the findings for nine of these content categories were replicated in different forms of the exam, suggesting that these results are of generalizable interest. In the case of the free‐response questions for each of the five subject areas, the study identified a significant relationship between item content and gender‐based performance differences, but there were not enough items for a replication study. Overall, this study suggests that item content is associated with gender‐based performance differences.
Natural Large-Scale Regeneration of Rib Cartilage in a Mouse Model
Authors: Srour Marissa K , Fogel Jennifer L , Yamaguchi Kent T , Montgomery Aaron P , Izuhara Audrey K , Misakian Aaron L , Lam Stephanie , Lakeland Daniel L , Urata Mark M , Lee Janice S , Mariani Francesca V 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

The clinical need for methods to repair and regenerate large cartilage and bone lesions persists. One way to make new headway is to study skeletal regeneration when it occurs naturally. Cartilage repair is typically slow and incomplete. However, an exception to this observation can be found in the costal cartilages, where complete repair has been reported in humans but the cellular and molecular mechanisms have not yet been characterized. In this study, we establish a novel animal model for cartilage repair using the mouse rib costal cartilage. We then use this model to test the hypothesis that the perichondrium, the dense connective tissue that surrounds the cartilage, is a tissue essential for repair. Our results show that full replacement of the resected cartilage occurs quickly (within 1 to 2 months) and properly differentiates but that repair occurs only in the presence of the perichondrium. We then provide evidence that the rib perichondrium contains a special niche that houses chondrogenic progenitors that possess qualities particularly suited for mediating repair. Label-retaining cells can be found within the perichondrium that can give rise to new chondrocytes. Furthermore, the perichondrium proliferates and thickens during the healing period and when ectopically placed can generate new cartilage. In conclusion, we have successfully established a model for hyaline cartilage repair in the mouse rib, which should be useful for gaining a more detailed understanding of cartilage regeneration and ultimately for developing methods to improve cartilage and bone repair in other parts of the skeleton. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Aortic Intima‐Media Thickness in Patients Without Clinical Manifestation of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Kalkan Gülhan Yüksel , Gür Mustafa , Koyunsever Nermin Yıldız , Şeker Taner , Gözükara Mehmet Yavuz , Uçar Hakan , Kaypaklı Onur , Baykan Ahmet Oytun , Akyol Selehattin , Türkoğlu Caner , Elbasan Zafer , Şahin Durmuş Yıldıray , Çaylı Murat 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesExisting evidence suggests that impaired vitamin D metabolism contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Aortic intima‐media thickness (IMT) is an earlier marker than carotid IMT of preclinical atherosclerosis. However, there is a lack of researches on direct investigation of relevance between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and thoracic aortic IMT. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between thoracic aortic IMT and 25(OH)D.MethodsWe studied 117 patients (mean age: 45.5 ± 8.4 years) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for various indications. Serum 25(OH)D was measured using a direct competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay. The patients were divided into three groups according to the their serum 25(OH)D levels (VitDdeficiency, VitDinsufficient and VitDnormal groups). TEE was performed in all subjects. High sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and other biochemical markers were measured using an automated chemistry analyzer.ResultsOnly 24.8% (29 patients) of patients had normal levels of 25(OH)D. The highest aortic IMT values were observed in VitDdeficiency group compared with VitDinsufficient and VitDnormal groups (P < 0.05, for all). Also aortic IMT values of VitDinsufficient group were higher than VitDnormal group (P < 0.05). 25(OH)D was independently associated with hs‐CRP (β = −0.442, P < 0.001) and aortic IMT (β = −0.499, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe lower 25(OH)D level was independently associated with higher aortic IMT values. Therefore, hypovitaminosis D may have a role on pathogenesis of subclinical thoracic atherosclerosis.
Inability of Turbidimetry Method in Detecting Glycated Hemoglobin to Select Diabetes Mellitus Patients According to Their Concentrations of Blood Glucose Levels
Authors: Abdallah Alessandra M. , Alves Beatriz C. A. , Gehrke Flávia S. , Sant´Ana Aleksandra V. L. , Azzalis Ligia A. , Junqueira Virginia B. C. , Adami Fernando , Pereira Edimar C. , Fonseca Fernando L. A. 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a chronicle illness in which there is a high blood glucose level defined as hyperglycemia, resulted by a deficiency in insulin secretion and/or in its action. Nowadays, it is being seen as a public health problem and is reaching increasing proportions with regard to the appearance of new cases. For diagnosis, sensible and accurate methods should be used to avoid complications of the sickness. The measure of glycated hemoglobin may not be used for diagnosis, but is the reference method to evaluate the grade of glycemic control in the long term, reflecting the blood glucose level in the latest 2–3 months. The aim of this study was to evaluate the grade of concordance between turbidimetry and liquid chromatography methods in the glycated hemoglobin determination and to estimate the sensibility and specificity values of turbidimetry.MethodsThis study included 133 blood samples obtained from patients and healthy donors, ageing between 18 and 80 years with glycemic values between 58 and 473 mg/dl.Results and ConclusionTurbidimetry is a useful method for determining glycemic levels above 100 and over 200 mg/dl, but does not have the ability to select samples with intermediary blood glucose concentrations.
Serum Cytokine Levels in Behçet's Disease
Authors: Akkurt Zeynep Meltem , Bozkurt Mehtap , Uçmak Derya , Yüksel Hatice , Uçak Haydar , Sula Bilal , Gürsel Özkurt Zeynep , Yildiz Mehmet , Akdeniz Dicle , Arica Mustafa 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to investigate and compare the serum levels of various cytokines in patients with Behçet's Disease and healthy controls.MethodsThirty‐five patients with Behçet's disease and 29 age and sex‐matched healthy controls were included in the study. The patients were separated into groups with active and inactive disease. Serum IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐17A, and IFN‐γ levels were determined using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. Cytokine levels of the two patient groups and healthy controls were compared using SPSS 15.0.ResultsTen patients with active disease and 25 patients with inactive disease were present. Serum IL‐8 levels of active BD patients were higher compared to inactive patients (P = 0.048) and healthy controls (P = 0.02). IL‐8 levels were correlated with the duration of symptoms (r = 0.490, P = 0.003) and time passed since diagnosis (r = 0.579, P ˂ 0.001).ConclusionBehçet's disease involves complex interactions of cells of the immune system, mainly T lymphocytes and neutrophils. Further studies on the cytokine profile in Behçet's disease will aid in elucidation of its pathogenesis.
An Evaluation of Laboratory Efficiency in Shanghai Emergency by Turn Around Times Level
Authors: Lu Yiming , Leong Waiian , Wei Bohua , Yu Ping , Wang Cuicui , Ying Yilin , Wang Tingsong , Tong Jianjing , Zhu Dingliang , Ye Jing 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveChina launched a health care reform policy due to the aging population and rapid urbanization. However, emergency overcrowding is not improved. We assessed the laboratory efficiency of emergency department (ED) in Shanghai hospitals.MethodsWe recorded the turn around times for processing laboratory biomarkers to assess laboratory efficiency at 17 EDs in national/regional hospitals. We compared TAT between national and regional hospitals and between central and ED laboratories to analyze the relationship between the laboratory efficiency and the ED overcrowding.ResultsAll the participating hospitals have an emergency laboratory. The median TAT for c‐TNT was 61 min (46–76 min) at regional EDs compared with 64 min (46–87 min) at national EDs; therefore, the TAT at regional EDs were more efficient (P < 0.05). The TAT were longer (65 min (53–85 min)) at ED labs than (60 min (42–83 min)) at central labs (P < 0.05), independent of the hospital tier and working period. We discovered that only 9% of investigated samples at Tier II EDs and 5% at Tier III EDs were assayed by point‐of‐care (POC) instruments.ConclusionOur TAT level is approaching the recommended international standard. However, the TAT evaluation from ED laboratories demonstrates that their existence does not decrease the waiting time for laboratory reports compared to central laboratory. Thus, they have not yet approached a level to share the burden of the ED overcrowding. Further arrangement should be assigned to separate the function of emergency laboratory and central laboratory. It is worth deploying the POC assay in the ED, which will save twice the TAT level. The idea of evaluating routine laboratory efficiency by TAT at ED is fast, convenient, although it does not represent the general level of laboratory efficiency.
Inability to Measure M‐Protein With Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (CAPPILLARYS 2) in Tracings With NonDiscernable Peaks
Authors: Huang Richard S. P. , Dasgupta Amitava , Nguyen Andy N. D. , Wahed Amer 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundWe performed a retrospective study to illustrate the challenges with quantifying monoclonal (M)‐protein in the cases of serum protein capillary zone electrophoresis (SPCZE) where no discernable peak is apparent.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 160 serum immunofixation electrophoresis (SIFE) that were performed at Memorial Hermann Hospital‐Texas Medical Center between October 2013 and November 2013 and we identified the positive SIFE results. The corresponding SPCZE of the positive SIFE were retrieved and evaluated for the ability to quantify M‐proteins in them. We define the ability to quantify M‐protein as the ability for the operator of the SPCZE to identify a discernable peak and to be able to manually gate the area under the peak.ResultsTwenty‐two cases of SIFE detected a monoclonal immunoglobulin. Of the corresponding 22 SPCZE, we could not quantify the M‐protein in 6 (27.3%) of the cases.ConclusionWe have shown several cases where we were not able to quantify the M‐protein with SPCZE. This poses a challenge in the diagnosis and management of these patients.