KernSmoothIRT: An R Package for Kernel Smoothing in Item Response Theory

Item response theory (IRT) models are a class of statistical models used to describe the response behaviors of individuals to a set of items having a certain number of options. They are adopted by researchers in social science, particularly in the analysis of performance or attitudinal data, in psychology, education, medicine, marketing and other fields where the aim is to measure latent constructs. Most IRT analyses use parametric models that rely on assumptions that often are not satisfied. In such cases, a nonparametric approach might be preferable; nevertheless, there are not many software applications allowing to use that. To address this gap, this paper presents the R package KernSmoothIRT. It implements kernel smoothing for the estimation of option characteristic curves, and adds several plotting and analytical tools to evaluate the whole test/questionnaire, the items, and the subjects. In order to show the package's capabilities, two real datasets are used, one employing multiple-choice responses, and the other scaled responses

Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VOIP) Cost Efficiencies And The Decision To Implement

The following study will discuss the quantitative and non-quantitative methodologies applicable to the cost and profitability of VoIP in the business environment.  Furthermore, the study will examine recent regulation topics surrounding VoIP technology and provide examples of current applications

Measuring The Benefits Of Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VOIP)

The following study will analyze the concept of VoIP in a business environment.  It will examine the technical aspects associated with VoIP installations and the organizational structure which best facilitates the process.  Furthermore, it will discuss the quantitative and non-quantitative methodologies applicable to the cost and profitability of VoIP in the business environment.  Lastly, the paper will focus on recent regulation topics surrounding the new technology and provide examples of current applications

The Importance Of A Good Business Plan

The business plan is the product of a strategic thinking or planning process.  The strategic direction developed in that process can then be communicated in the form of a business plan to lenders, potential investors and associates within your company.  The development of a strategic direction is a critical step for your company.  It allows your business to leverage the knowledge and competence of its management team, staff and advisors to develop a strategic direction for the organization that will lead to its best chance for success.  This gives you an opportunity to use the advising team you have put together.&nbsp

Iron substitution in NdCoAsO: crystal structure and magnetic phase diagram

The effects of replacing small amounts of Co with Fe in NdCoAsO are reported. Polycrystalline materials with compositions NdCo1-xFexAsO (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20) are studied and the results compared to previous reports for NdCoAsO. Rietveld analysis of powder x-ray diffraction data shows that as Fe replaces Co on the transition metal (T) site, the T-As distance increases, and the As tetrahedra surrounding the T-site become more regular. Electrical resistivity and magnetization measurements indicate that the three magnetic phase transitions in NdCoAsO are suppressed as Co is replaced by Fe, and these transitions are not observed above 1.8 K for x = 0.20. Based on these results, the magnetic phase diagram for the Co-rich side of the NdCoAsO-NdFeAsO system is constructed.Comment: Accepted for publication in Physical Review B, revised text and figures, 5 pages, 5 figure

A communications model for an ISAS to NASA span link

The authors propose that an initial computer-to-computer communication link use the public packet switched networks (PPSN) Venus-P in Japan and TELENET in the U.S. When the traffic warrants it, this link would then be upgraded to a dedicated leased line that directly connects into the Space Physics Analysis Network (SPAN). The proposed system of hardware and software will easily support migration to such a dedicated link. It therefore provides a cost effective approach to the network problem. Once a dedicated line becomes operation it is suggested that the public networks link and continue to coexist, providing a backup capability