Development of a Microsoft Excel tool for one-parameter Rasch model of continuous items: an application to a safety attitude survey

Abstract Background Many continuous item responses (CIRs) are encountered in healthcare settings, but no one uses item response theory’s (IRT) probabilistic modeling to present graphical presentations for interpreting CIR results. A computer module that is programmed to deal with CIRs is required. To present a computer module, validate it, and verify its usefulness in dealing with CIR data, and then to apply the model to real healthcare data in order to show how the CIR that can be applied to healthcare settings with an example regarding a safety attitude survey. Methods Using Microsoft Excel VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), we designed a computer module that minimizes the residuals and calculates model’s expected scores according to person responses across items. Rasch models based on a Wright map and on KIDMAP were demonstrated to interpret results of the safety attitude survey. Results The author-made CIR module yielded OUTFIT mean square (MNSQ) and person measures equivalent to those yielded by professional Rasch Winsteps software. The probabilistic modeling of the CIR module provides messages that are much more valuable to users and show the CIR advantage over classic test theory. Conclusions Because of advances in computer technology, healthcare users who are familiar to MS Excel can easily apply the study CIR module to deal with continuous variables to benefit comparisons of data with a logistic distribution and model fit statistics

KINETIC ANALYSIS OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY BETWEEN DIFFERENT STANCES IN TENNIS TWO-HANDED BACKHAND

INTRODUCTION: Now the tennis players could explore more racket capabilities through the change of racket materials and design. The open stance comes out in modern tennis relative to the traditional square stance. This study was conducted to analyze the upper extremity joint forces and moments between the different stances in advanced and intermediate athletes, who separated from ITN rating system, during two-handed stroke

Arbitrage, Covered Interest Parity and Cointegration Analysis on the NTD/USD Forex Market Revisited

This study applies interest parity theory including Covered Interest Parity (CIP) to examine the 30-, 60-.90-, and 180-day maturities for the NTD/USD foreign exchange (FX) market. In the empirical unit root tests, we find that NTD/USD forward premium and interest rate spread present I(0) property. Empirical results are provided that interest rate differential appears stationary component; imply the stable relationship between Taiwan and USA on monetary policy. Using Taylor (1989)'s covered interest arbitrage model, the empirical results exhibit the absence of excess profit opportunities on New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) or US Dollar (USD) returns. Additionally, theoretical innovation approach of the cost-of-carry model is considered to evaluate the arbitrage opportunities in FX study. Accordingly, the covered interest parity condition generally continue to hold that almost zero-arbitrage results support FX market efficiency although the Federal Reserve implemented several rounds of quantitative easing after the peak of the 2008 financial crisis. Ultimately, Taiwanese FX market emerges to have been little affected by the increased crisis risks during the turbulent times because of the its limited development and market integration. Keywords: Covered Interest Parity, Market Integration, Granger Causality Tests, Cost-of-Carry model JEL Classifications: G1, G12, F3

The effects of postintubation hypertension in severe traumatic brain injury

Introduction. The effect of post-intubation hypertension in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients remains uncertain. We aimed to determine the relationship between post-intubation hypertension (mean arterial pressure (MAP) > 110mmHg) and outcomes in severe TBI. Methods. In this retrospective cohort study, adults who presented with isolated TBI and a MAP 70mmHg were assessed. Data were retrieved from our institutional trauma registry and the admission list of our neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU). Results. We enrolled 126 patients, 81 of whom had a MAP 110 mmHg after intubation and were assigned to group 1; 45 patients who had a MAP > 110 mmHg were assigned to group 2. Only age (P = 0.008), heart rate (HR; P = 0.036), and MAP before intubation (P 110 mmHg, P < 0.034, OR 3.119, 95% CI 1.087–8.953). Conclusion. Post-intubation hypertension was associated with longer ventilator-dependent and ICU stays in patients with severe TBI

The Liquid Sensor Using Thin Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator with C-Axis Tilted AlN Films

Dual-mode thin film bulk acoustic resonator (TFBAR) devices are fabricated with c-axis tilted AlN films. To fabricate dual-mode TFBAR devices, the off-axis RF magnetron sputtering method for the growth of tilted piezoelectric AlN thin films is adopted. In this report, the AlN thin films are deposited with tilting angles of 15° and 23°. The frequency response of the TFBAR device with 23° tilted AlN thin film is measured to reveal its ability to provide dual-mode resonance. The sensitivities of the longitudinal and shear modes to mass loading are calculated to be 2295 Hz cm2/ng and 1363 Hz cm2/ng with the mechanical quality factors of 480 and 287, respectively. The sensitivities of the longitudinal and shear modes are calculated to be 0 and 15 Hz cm2/μg for liquid loading

Brief report: A pilot study of the use of a virtual reality headset in autism populations

The application of virtual reality technologies (VRTs) for users with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been studied for decades. However, a gap remains in our understanding surrounding VRT head-mounted displays (HMDs). As newly designed HMDs have become commercially available (in this study the Oculus Rift™) the need to investigate newer devices is immediate. This study explored willingness, acceptance, sense of presence and immersion of ASD participants. Results revealed that all 29 participants (mean age=32; 33% with IQ< 70) were willing to wear the HMD. The majority of the participants reported an enjoyable experience, high levels of ‘presence’, and were likely to use HMDs again. IQ was found to be independent of the willingness to use HMDs and related VRT immersion experience