RIM: A Random Item Mixture Model to Detect Differential Item Functioning

In this paper we present a new methodology for detecting differential item functioning (DIF). We introduce a DIF model, called the random item mixture (RIM), that is based on a Rasch model with random item difficulties (besides the common random person abilities). In addition, a mixture model is assumed for the item difficulties such that the items may belong to one of two classes: a DIF or a non-DIF class. The crucial difference between the DIF class and the non-DIF class is that the item difficulties in the DIF class may differ according to the observed person groups while they are equal across the person groups for the items from the non-DIF class. Statistical inference for the RIM is carried out in a Bayesian framework. The performance of the RIM is evaluated using a simulation study in which it is compared with traditional procedures, like the likelihood ratio test, the Mantel-Haenszel procedure and the standardized p -DIF procedure. In this comparison, the RIM performs better than the other methods. Finally, the usefulness of the model is also demonstrated on a real life data set.     

Patterns of journal publications by staff of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 1961-1980

This study analyzes publishing patterns of the staff of the University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Nigeria, based on a bibliography prepared by the authors. Data-gathering for the bibliography is described. An analysis is made of journals staff published in for the period 1961-1980, focusing on changes in journal order rank, publishing locations, and subject spread. A ranked list of the leading journals for the period 1976-1980 is given, showing the importance of local publishing and pointing to the need for local indexing.     

Spreading the digital word: ISI’s Electronic Library Project

Describes the process behind – and the progress of – a unique project designed to explore many of the technical and economic issues pertaining to the implementation and use of an electronic library.     

关于广东省普通高校体育专业招生考试足球项目考试内容、方法及评分标准的研究

采用调查访问、实验法对广东省普通高校体育专业招生考试足球项目考试内容、方法及评分标准进行研究,通过研究．足球非专项考试难度偏低的问题、足球专项考试方法中颠球、绕杆射门项目考试难度偏低以及踢准项目偏难等问题得到解决,从而确立了广东省新的足球专项、非专项考试的各项内容、方法及评分标准,为广东省考试中心组织实施2005年广东省普通高校体育专业招生考试提供了具有实效性和科学性的保证。     

PubMed, Internet Grateful Med, and Ovid: a comparison of three MEDLINE Internet interfaces

Three MEDLINE Internet interfaces are compared: PubMed, Internet Grateful Med, and Ovid MEDLINE. Although these interfaces all search MEDLINE, significant differences exist in terms of their search interfaces, presentation of results, and special features. This paper examines these variations and explores some of the advantages and disadvantages of the three interfaces.     

每球得分制条件下影响一攻、防反关系的主要因素的研究——兼谈中国女排与世界女排的比较

通过对 1998年世界女子排球锦标赛、1999年世界杯女子排球赛与 1999年、2 0 0 0年全国女子排球甲级联赛的研究 ,对每球得分制条件下影响一攻和防反的主要因素进行论证。结果表明 :发球、一传效果、防守效果、不同风格打法和运动员心理素质是影响每球得分制条件下一攻、防反效果的主要因素 ;与世界强队相比 ,中国女子排球队在后排进攻方面存在着显著性差异     

心育的实践性全面性渗透性原理浅析

心育是一种主体性教育、是以活动为核心的心育各要素构成的交互作用的活动共同体。文章论述了心育的实践性、全面性、渗透性原理 ,指出实践性是心育的方法论依据 ,全面性是心育目标的参考系 ,渗透性则为心育的策略、技术提供了借鉴     

Back to Reality: The Complex Relationship Between Patterns in Immigration News Coverage and Real-World Developments in Dutch and Flemish Newspapers (1999–2015)

Although prior studies investigating immigration news typically documented a dominant focus on negativity and threats, only limited empirical research is available, which scrutinizes the way real-world developments affect these patterns in immigration news. This study aims to fill this void. First, we report results of a large-scale and longitudinal content analysis (N = 4,340,757) of trends in immigration news coverage in two Western European cases, Flanders (the northern, Dutch-speaking, largest region of Belgium) and the Netherlands, from 1999 to 2015. Both the salience of immigration as a news topic on itself and its linkages with three prominent issues (i.e., crime, terrorism, and socioeconomic issues) are explored. Second, this study builds on previous insights by comparing dynamics in immigration news to real-world events and developments. Overall, the results show that the linkage of immigration to issues of crime, terrorism, and the economy in Flemish and Dutch newspapers was considerable throughout the 17-year period under study. Yet there is limited evidence for a close relationship between news and real-life developments; hence, trends in immigration news seem largely unaffected by trends in society.     

Playing surface and UK professional rugby union injury risk

Artificial rugby union playing surface installation is increasing. This prospective cohort study aimed to examine the effect of playing surface on match injury types within 157 players of two UK professional rugby union clubs playing 209 matches (96 on artificial surfaces and 113 on grass) over three seasons. There was no difference in overall injury risk between the two playing surfaces with injury incidence on artificial 80.2 (CI 69.9–91.7) and on grass 81.9 per 1000 match-hours (CI 72.2–92.5), with an incidence rate ratio (RR) of 0.98 (CI 0.82–1.17). There was a higher rate of concussion (RR 0.52, CI 0.34 – 0.78) and chest injuries on grass (RR 0.26 CI 0.07, 0.95), and a higher rate of thigh haematoma (RR 2.25, CI 1.05–4.82) foot injuries (RR 4.12, CI 1.10, 15.40) and injury to players being tackled (RR 1.46, CI 1.00, 2.15) on artificial. Whilst there was no higher injury risk for matches played on artificial versus natural grass surfaces, the higher incidence of concussion and chest injury on grass, and the higher rate of foot injuries on artificial surfaces may be related to tackle and footwear-to-surface interface factors.