A Specification Error Test That Uses Instrumental Variables to Detect Latent Quadratic and Latent Interaction Effects

The relations between the latent variables in structural equation models are typically assumed to be linear in form. This article aims to explain how a specification error test using instrumental variables (IVs) can be employed to detect unmodeled interactions between latent variables or quadratic effects of latent variables. An empirical example is presented, and the results of a simulation study are reported to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the test and compare it with the commonly employed chi-square model test. The results show that the proposed test can identify most unmodeled latent interactions or latent quadratic effects in moderate to large samples. Furthermore, its power is higher when the number of indicators used to define the latent variables is large. Altogether, this article shows how the IV-based test can be applied to structural equation models and that it is a valuable tool for researchers using structural equation models.     

Bayesian Model Averaging Over Directed Acyclic Graphs With Implications for the Predictive Performance of Structural Equation Models

This article examines Bayesian model averaging as a means of addressing predictive performance in Bayesian structural equation models. The current approach to addressing the problem of model uncertainty lies in the method of Bayesian model averaging. We expand the work of Madigan and his colleagues by considering a structural equation model as a special case of a directed acyclic graph. We then provide an algorithm that searches the model space for submodels and obtains a weighted average of the submodels using posterior model probabilities as weights. Our simulation study provides a frequentist evaluation of our Bayesian model averaging approach and indicates that when the true model is known, Bayesian model averaging does not yield necessarily better predictive performance compared to nonaveraged models. However, our case study using data from an international large-scale assessment reveals that the model-averaged submodels provide better posterior predictive performance compared to the initially specified model.     

On Fraas and Newman's goodness‐of‐fit test for structural equation models

Fraas and Newman's (1994) binomial test of goodness of fit of structural equation models is based on the assumption that counts of path estimates consistent with a researcher's expectations can be viewed as, binomial random variables. In this article I argue that these counts do not have binomial distributions because of the lack of independence among estimates of path coefficients of structural equation models.     

Testing Recursive Path Models With Correlated Errors Using D-Separation

This article shows how to extend the inferential test of Shipley (2000b), which is applicable to recursive path models without correlated errors (a directed acyclic graph [DAG] model), to a class of recursive path models that include correlated errors (a semi-Markov model). The path model is first converted to a partial ancestral graph (PAG) and then, for PAGs that do not require latent variables, an inducing path DAG is obtained that is equivalent in its conditional independence relations to the original path model. The null probabilities of the k tests of independence that are implied by this DAG are combined using Fisher's test statistic C = -2ΣLn(pi), which is distributed as a chi-square variate with 2k degrees of freedom.     

Assessing Mediation in Dyadic Data Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model

The assessment of mediation in dyadic data is an important issue if researchers are to test process models. Using an extended version of the actor–partner interdependence model the estimation and testing of mediation is complex, especially when dyad members are distinguishable (e.g., heterosexual couples). We show how the complexity of the model can be reduced by assuming specific dyadic patterns. Using structural equation modeling, we demonstrate how specific mediating effects and contrasts among effects can be tested by phantom models that permit point and bootstrap interval estimates. We illustrate the assessment of mediation and the strategies to simplify the model using data from heterosexual couples.     

无圈线性同胚k 不可约超图的计数

无圈超图的数学模型在计算机科学的关系数据库设计和蜂窝式移动通信系统中具有重要作用。本文运用了Polya 计数定理得到了无标号无圈线性同胚k 不可约超图的计数公式。     

不含相交三角形平面图无圈边染色

如果图G的正常边染色不包含2-色圈,则称它是图G的一个无圈边染色.图G的无圈边色数表示图G的无圈边染色所需的最小颜色数.为研究平面图的无圈边色数的上界,利用差值转移方法并结合平面图的结构性质,证明了不含相交三角形的平面图的无圈边色数不超过Δ（G）＋7.     

Evaluating Interventions with Multimethod Data: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

In many intervention and evaluation studies, outcome variables are assessed using a multimethod approach comparing multiple groups over time. In this article, we show how evaluation data obtained from a complex multitrait–multimethod–multioccasion–multigroup design can be analyzed with structural equation models. In particular, we show how the structural equation modeling approach can be used to (a) handle ordinal items as indicators, (b) test measurement invariance, and (c) test the means of the latent variables to examine treatment effects. We present an application to data from an evaluation study of an early childhood prevention program. A total of 659 children in intervention and control groups were rated by their parents and teachers on prosocial behavior and relational aggression before and after the program implementation. No mean change in relational aggression was found in either group, whereas an increase in prosocial behavior was found in both groups. Advantages and limitations of the proposed approach are highlighted.     

Using Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis to Test Measurement Invariance in Raters: A Clinical Skills Examination Application

Psychometric models based on structural equation modeling framework are commonly used in many multiple-choice test settings to assess measurement invariance of test items across examinee subpopulations. The premise of the current article is that they may also be useful in the context of performance assessment tests to test measurement invariance of raters. The modeling approach and how it can be used for performance tests with less than optimal rater designs are illustrated using a data set from a performance test designed to measure medical students’ patient management skills. The results suggest that group-specific rater statistics can help spot differences in rater performance that might be due to rater bias, identify specific weaknesses and strengths of individual raters, and enhance decisions related to future task development, rater training, and test scoring processes.     

真无圈超图的计数

无圈超图的数学模型在计算机科学的关系数据库设计和蜂窝式移动通信系统中具有重要作用.本文运用Polya计数定理给出了无标号真超树的计数级数,并进一步的给出了无标号真无圈超图的计数级数.     

复杂体型钢筋混凝土高层建筑的推覆分析方法和应用

In this paper, push-over analysis for tall concrete structures was made and a corresponding computer program was given.Several kinds of elements in the program were considered to meet the demand of tall buildings with complex structural type. These elements included beam-column element for beams and columns, single slice wall element and three vertical line element for walls, and tube-wall element for tubes. Computational example for verifying the models indicates that the result obtained by this method is identical with a well-known test result and the program can be used to search for the full process of structural reaction, even the softening stage of the structure. With this push-over analysis method, an actual tall building with complex structural type was analyzed, and the result has been put into practice of the structural design of the building.     

一种利用时间序列分析的特征提取与损伤预警方法

针对结构健康监测中如何基于在线监测数据实现损伤诊断的问题,提出了一种利用时间序列分析ARMA模型的特征提取和损伤预警方法.首先对所有监测数据样本建立ARMA模型,以模型中AR部分参数的主成分矩阵构建Mahalanobis距离判别函数,提出了一种新的结构损伤敏感指标DDSF.然后,采用t-检验考察该指标在损伤前后是否存在显著性变化,从而可以有效地实现结构损伤预警.三跨连续梁数值算例表明,提出的结构损伤特征指标对结构的微小损伤具有敏感性,具备结构在线实时损伤预警的应用价值.     

一种求解DGA图中具有长度约束的简单路径问题算法

具有长度约束的简单路径问题具有较高的应用价值。在一般图中,它是一个NP完全问题,除非NP=P,否则没有多项式时间算法。而对于一些特殊的图,如有向无环图,可以找到多项式时间算法。因此对有向无环图中具有长度约束的简单路径问题进行研究。首先根据有向无环图的特点,建立递归方程,然后根据递归方程给出一个在有向无环图中求解具有长度约束的简单路径问题算法,同时给出一个有向无环图中具有长度约束的简单路径构造算法。为证明算法正确性,进行相应实例验证,把求解该问题的时间复杂度由O（N×T×L）改进为O（（N+|E|）L）,空间复杂度改进为O（|E|+N）。     

Modeling Latent Growth Curves With Incomplete Data Using Different Types of Structural Equation Modeling and Multilevel Software

This article offers different examples of how to fit latent growth curve (LGC) models to longitudinal data using a variety of different software programs (i.e., LISREL, Mx, Mplus, AMOS, SAS). The article shows how the same model can be fitted using both structural equation modeling and multilevel software, with nearly identical results, even in the case of models of latent growth fitted to incomplete data. The general purpose of this article is to provide a demonstration that integrates programming features from different software. The most immediate goal is to help researchers implement these LGC models as a useful way to test hypotheses of growth.     

Longitudinal stability of latent means and individual differences: A unified approach

We examined the stability of responses to a multi‐item self‐esteem scale collected on five occasions over an 8‐year period. A wide variety of approaches were critically examined that considered the stability of means, individual differences (i.e., test‐retest correlations), and factor structures using traditional approaches (e.g., ANOVA and correlations) and structural equation models. Structural equation models based on multiple indicators provided a unified analytic approach for evaluating different aspects of stability and offered important advantages over traditional approaches. We describe a hierarchy of invariances and the nature of interpretations that are justified by different patterns of factor structure invariance associated with each level. We conclude that the assumptions underlying the typical repeated‐measures ANOVA approach to testing mean differences in longitudinal data are far more restrictive, less easily tested, and less likely to be met than those in the structural equation modeling approach advocated here, and that the use of ANOVA for this purpose requires a huge leap of faith that can rarely be justified on logical or empirical grounds.     

Situating Special Educators’ Instructional Quality and Their Students’ Outcomes within the Conditions Shaping Their Work

This investigation examined relationships among special education teachers’ working conditions (e.g., classroom characteristics, administrative support), personal characteristics (e.g., experience, certification status, self-efficacy), instructional quality, and students with disabilities’ reading achievement and behavioral outcomes. Data from the 2004–2005 administration of the Special Education Elementary Longitudinal Study were used. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the fit of models for five latent factors. Hybrid structural models were applied to test the hypothesis that working conditions would be positively associated with special education teachers’ self-efficacy and their instructional quality, which would, in turn, be positively associated with their students’ reading achievement and behavioral outcomes. Although the initial structural equation model tested failed to support the hypotheses, several significant relationships with theoretical and practical significance were discovered. Directions for future research and practical implications are discussed.     

The development of a web-based virtual environment for teaching qualitative analysis of structures

The current paper describes the design and development of a qualitative analysis course and an interactive web-based teaching and assessment tool called VSE (virtual structural environment). The widespread reliance on structural analysis programs requires engineers to be able to verify computer output by carrying out qualitative analyses. Qualitative analysis is also an important design skill. The course was developed using a problem-based learning approach. VSE offers a student-centred, active learning environment that supports students in becoming self-directed learners and effective problem-solvers. VSE allows students to construct simple structural models quickly and observe the response of their structures to changes in load in real time. VSE supplements the use of physical models, it can be used in conjunction with a library of predefined structures and it can be incorporated into assessment exercises.     

Coefficient alpha: A basic introduction from the perspectives of classical test theory and structural equation modeling

This article is a pedagogical piece on coefficient alpha (α) and its uses. The classical approach to test reliability is explained. Test‐retest, alternative‐forms, and internal‐consistency methods of approximating test reliability are described, equations are derived for each method, and α is shown to be a lower‐bound internal‐consistency approximation to test reliability. Emphasis is placed on the effects of violations of model assumptions on reliability estimation. The classical models are conceptualized as structural equation models and are displayed in path diagrams. Special emphasis is placed on the failure of α to meet certain basic criteria as an index of test homogeneity.     

Scheduling Algorithm Based on Storage Capacity of Commu-nication in Hardware/Software Integrated System

In this paper, the storage capacity of communication among cores and processors is taken into account and a maximum D-value-first algorithm is proposed. By improving the hardware parallelism in the task execution process, the maximum storage requirements for communication are minimized. Experimental results with various directed acyclic graph models showed that compared with the earliest-task-first algorithm, the storage requirements for communication were reduced by 22.46%, on average, while the average of makespan only increased by 0.82%,.     

Evaluation of accelerated deterioration in NAPTF flexible test pavements

Previous research studies have successfully demonstrated the use of artificial neural network （ANN） models for predicting critical structural responses and layer moduli of highway flexible pavements. The primary objective of this study was to develop an ANN-based approach for backcalculation of pavement moduli based on heavy weight deflectometer （HWD） test data, especially in the analysis of airport flexible pavements subjected to new generation aircraft （NGA）. Two medium-strength subgrade flexible test sections, at the National Airport Pavement Test Facility （NAPTF）, were modeled using a finite element （FE） based pavement analysis program, which can consider the non-linear stress-dependent behavior of pavement geomaterials. A multi-layer, feed-forward network which uses an error-backpropagation algorithm was trained to approximate the HWD back- calculation function using the FE program generated synthetic database. At the NAPTF, test sections were subjected to Boeing 777 （B777） trafficking on one lane and Boeing 747 （B747） trafficking on the other lane using a test machine. To monitor the effect of traffic and climatic variations on pavement structural responses, HWD tests were conducted on the trafficked lanes and on the untrafficked centerline of test sections as trafficking progressed. The trained ANN models were successfully applied on the actual HWD test data acquired at the NAPTF to predict the asphalt concrete moduli and non-linear subgrade moduli of the medium-strength subgrade flexible test sections.