Significant Differences In Reliability Research Articles

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SERVICE QUALITY IN PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS AND INDIA POST’S FINANCIAL SERVICES USING SERVQUAL MODEL

Financial services which often involve sensitive transaction such as savings, insurance, loans and investments need to be high in service quality to build trust and credibility among customer. In financial transactions customers need to feel secure that their investments are managed with care and expertise. Service quality of financial services plays a fundamental role to the functioning of modern economies. The present study compares the service quality of Public Banks and India Post Office Financial Services using the SERVQUAL model which assesses five dimensions of service quality: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. The present study employs a cross-sectional survey approach with data collected from 200 respondents through a structured questionnaire. The findings of the study reveal significant differences in service quality perceptions between the public banks and India Post’s financial services. Public Banks are perceived to offer better tangibles and higher levels of empathy compared to India Post which indicates superior physical facilities and more personalized customer services by public banks. However no significant difference in reliability, responsiveness and assurance between the two service providers is found. The study finds a significant positive relationship between service quality dimensions and overall customer satisfaction which highlights the importance of tangibles and empathy dimension in enhancing customer satisfaction. The research intends to shed light on the differences in service quality of public banks and India post. The recommendations based on the study result will help both the service providers to understand customer priorities and enhance their satisfaction.

Locality is the strongest predictor of expert performance in image-based differentiation of bacterial and fungal corneal ulcers from India.

This study sought to identify the sources of differential performance and misclassification error among local (Indian) and external (non-Indian) corneal specialists in identifying bacterial and fungal keratitis based on corneal photography. This study is a secondary analysis of survey data assessing the ability of corneal specialists to identify acute bacterial versus fungal keratitis by using corneal photography. One-hundred images of 100 eyes from 100 patients with acute bacterial or fungal keratitis in South India were previously presented to an international cohort of cornea specialists for interpretation over the span of April to July 2021. Each expert provided a predicted probability that the ulcer was either bacterial or fungal. Using these data, we performed multivariable linear regression to identify factors predictive of expert performance, accounting for primary practice location and surrogate measures to infer local fungal ulcer prevalence, including locality, latitude, and dew point. In addition, Brier score decomposition was used to determine experts' reliability ("calibration") and resolution ("boldness") and were compared between local (Indian) and external (non-Indian) experts. Sixty-six experts from 16 countries participated. Indian practice location was the only independently significant predictor of performance in multivariable linear regression. Resolution among Indian experts was significantly better (0.08) than among non-Indian experts (0.01; P < 0.001), indicating greater confidence in their predictions. There was no significant difference in reliability between the two groups ( P = 0.40). Local cornea experts outperformed their international counterparts independent of regional variability in tropical risk factors for fungal keratitis. This may be explained by regional characteristics of infectious ulcers with which local corneal specialists are familiar.

Test-Retest Reliability of 3 Specific Strength Tests in Professional Handball Players.

Current devices to assess strength performance in handball may not be sufficiently sports-specific and reliable methods. Functional electromechanical dynamometry is a new technology that allows the development of accurate strength tests in athletes. To determine the absolute and relative reliability and to compare the reliability of the right and left side, and mean and peak force of 3 specific strength tests in handball players with a functional electromechanical dynamometer: unilateral pullover, standing lift, and step forward. Fourteen male handball players of the first Spanish division (28.79 [4.81]y; 10.38 [4.63]y of professional experience) performed a repeated-measurement design. Three testing sessions were performed (one per week). The first measurement consisted of 4 isometric tests (right and left unilateral pullover, and right and left standing lift) to obtain isometric peak force, and in the second and third sessions, 6 incremental tests until failure (right and left unilateral pullover, and right and left standing lift, right and left step forward) were performed. The tests provided high reliability or acceptable reliability for mean and peak strength of unilateral pullover, standing lift and step forward (intraclass correlation coefficient = .83-.97; coefficient of variation = 3.90-11.57). Effect side was negligible in any of the parameters, except for a small effect side in the left peak force for unilateral pullover and a small effect side on the left side for a step forward. Significant differences in reliability (coefficient of variation ratio > 1.15) were found between the right and left sides and peak and mean force in all exercises except peak force in unilateral pullover and step forward. These results confirm that the tests could be applied to assess physical performance in handball at the same time as regular gym training. Moreover, this is an excellent opportunity to individualize the player's weekly load.

Ultrathin lithium disilicate and translucent zirconia crowns for posterior teeth: Survival and failure modes.

To evaluate the reliability and failure modes of ultrathin (0.5 mm) lithium disilicate, translucent and ultra-translucent zirconia crowns for posterior teeth restorations. Fifty-four mandibular first molar crowns of three ceramic materials: (1) Lithium disilicate (e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent), (2) 3Y-TZP (Zirconn Translucent, Vipi), and (3) 5Y-PSZ (Cercon XT, Dentsply Sirona), with 0.5 mm of thickness were milled and cemented onto composite resin abutments. Eighteen samples of each group were tested under mouth-motion step-stress accelerated life testing in a humid environment using mild, moderate, and aggressive profiles. Data was subjected to Weibull statistics. Use level curves were plotted and reliability was calculated for a given mission of 100,000 cycles at 100, 200, and 300 N. Fractographic analyses of representative samples were performed in scanning electron microscope. Beta (β) values suggest that failures were dictated by material's strength for lithium disilicate and by fatigue damage accumulation for both zirconias. No significant differences were detected in Weibull modulus and characteristic strength among groups. At a given mission of 100,000 cycles at 100 N, lithium disilicate presented higher reliability (98% CB: 95-99) regarding 3Y-TZP and 5Y-PSZ groups (84% CB: 65%-93% and 79% CB: 37&-94%, respectively). At 200 N, lithium disilicate reliability (82% CB: 66%-91%) was higher than 5Y-PSZ (20% CB: 4%-44%) and not significantly different from 3Y-TZP (54% CB: 32%-72%). Furthermore, at 300 N no significant differences in reliability were detected among groups, with a notable reduction in the reliability of all materials. Fractographic analyses showed that crack initiated at the interface between the composite core and the ceramic crowns due to tensile stress generated at the intaglio surface. Ultrathin lithium disilicate crowns demonstrated higher reliability relative to zirconia crowns at functional loads. Lithium disilicate and zirconia crown's reliability decreased significantly for missions at higher loads and similar failure modes were observed regardless of crown material. The indication of 0.5 mm thickness crowns in high-load bearing regions must be carefully evaluated. Ultraconservative lithium disilicate and zirconia crowns of 0.5 mm thickness may be indicated in anterior restorations and pre-molars. Their clinical indication in high-load requirement regions must be carefully evaluated.

훈련된 동료 평가자를 활용한 과학 구술평가에 대한 중학생의 인식

Objectives The purpose of this study is to find out middle school students' awareness of the assessment of oral presentations by ‘trained peer evaluators’ in science classes. Methods 19 trained peer evaluators conducted the assessment of oral presentations on 90 peer learners. Then, we investigated the awareness of ‘usefulness’, ‘reliability’, and ‘the training peer evaluators’ competency-building training process' for this evaluation. Results The results showed that the evaluated learners were found to have a positive awareness on usefulness (M=3.88) and reliability (M=4.09) of ‘the assessment of science oral presentations by the trained peer evaluators’. But there was no significant difference according to gender. The awareness on usefulness of the trained peer evaluators (M=4.38) was more positive than that of the evaluated learners (M=3.88), and there was no significant difference in reliability according to the role. The trained peer evaluators had positive awareness of ‘the competency-building process’ (M=4.47) and responded that the process of exchanging questions helped learning. Conclusions Both the trained peer evaluators and the evaluated learners were positively aware of ‘the assessment of science oral presentations by the trained peer evaluators’ and there was no difference according to gender. Overall, the awareness of the trained peer evaluators was more positive than that of the evaluated learners, and ‘the competency-building process’ was found to be helpful to trained peer evaluators for their learning.

Reliability evaluation of CAN-bus connectors with tailored testing

ABSTRACT Controller Area Network (CAN-bus) is a default solution for digital control in machinery. The CAN-bus structure uses connector components to extend cabling and join subsystems. The connectors are IP-classified, so they tolerate humidity and particle ingress. Ingress protection also provides durability against other stress factors. Usually, connectors are exposed to multiple stress factors, but the stress levels are durable. In mining applications, however, stress levels can be high, and other factors become significant, so IP classification does not necessarily indicate sufficient durability. Tailored testing can be used to identify suitable components for a specific purpose. In this study, the actual stress factors of an underground mine drill were used in tailored tests. The results showed significant differences in reliability between connector models with the same IP code. The ranking of the components varied depending on the stress factors used. This highlights the importance of using actual operating conditions when evaluating reliability.

Influence of Sex and Dominant Side on the Reliability of Two Trunk Rotator Exercises

Background: A method to assess the influence of sex and side testing on trunk rotator muscles has not been described. The purpose was to analyze the influence of sex and dominant and non-dominant sides (DS-NDS) on the reliability of two trunk rotator exercises and to study the relationship between the DS-NDS of two trunk rotator strength exercises. Methods: The reliability of the horizontal cable woodchop (HCW) and low cable woodchop (LWC) exercises was studied using a test-retest design with 51 physically active students. Isokinetic and isometric strength were assessed with a functional electromechanical dynamometer. Results: There were significant differences in reliability between male and female HCW and no significant differences in reliability between the average of the DS-NDS in HCW and LCW. There were no significant differences between the DS-NDS in the sex of HCW, and the strength of the two exercises showed no significant differences except for two conditions assessed. Very large to extremely large correlations were observed between sides in the strength of two exercises (r = 0.71–0.91). Conclusions: This test is handy for physical trainers or coaches to know the strength of the trunk rotators of their athletes.

Reliability of new radiographic measurement techniques for elbow bony impingement.

BackgroundIdentifying the location and scale of radiographic changes in elbow bony impingement (EBI) is critical in formulating an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for such patients. The purpose of present study was to evaluate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the new radiographic parameters, Anterior Impingement angle (AIa) and Posterior Impingement angle (PIa), for EBI. In addition, to determine if there was a relationship between radiographic parameters and clinical evaluation.Patients and methodsThree raters of different levels of training evaluated the radiographs of 60 patients (30 in EBI group and 30 in normal group) twice, at least 2 weeks apart. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities were calculated by Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals. Correlation between radiographic parameters and clinical evaluation was calculated by Pearson correlation coefficient.ResultsIn both groups, intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities were substantial. There were no significant differences in reliability between upper-hand expert surgeons and resident for either measurement. Good correlation was observed between impingement arcs and range of motion values.ConclusionsBoth AIa and PIa measurements demonstrated substantial intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for normal radiographs and in EBI patients. Good reliability, for either expert surgeons or residents in training, and good correlation between radiographic measurements and manual testing, appoints this method may be easily and reliably used in every day practice.

Reliability and agreement in technical and artistic scores during real-time judging in two European acrobatic gymnastic events

ABSTRACT The study investigates reliability measures for performance scores given by random judges (Execution and Artistic scores) and the agreement between more expert judges (Control Scores) and the two middle Execution/Artistic scores (Panel scores) during Qualifying and Final competitions performed at the 10th European Age Group Competition (EAGC) and at the 29th European Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships (ECh). To assess agreement, mean absolute Control-Panel score deviations were calculated using Bland-Altman and Kaplan-Meier plots. Reliability average measures ranged from 0.88 to 0.97. Control Score reliability was higher in ECh for Execution and Artistic scores. Artistic scores showed higher variability and lower agreement between judges in Qualification for ECh. Significant differences were found in Control and Panel score mean deviations for Execution scores at the EAGC and for Artistic scores at the ECh. No significant reliability differences were found between competitions. Control-and-Panel score correlations ranged from 0.862 to 0.915 for Execution scores and from 0.864 to 0.899 for Artistic scores. Overall results exceeded 80% agreement for Execution and Artistic scores. Reliability and strength of agreement of judging were high and very acceptable respectively. We suggest that judging reliability should be regularly examined to optimise technical and artistic criteria set by FIG for fairer competition.

Assessment of the Test-Retest Reliability of Level III Polysomnography: Comparison of Results Using Difference of Apnea-Hypopnea Index Score and Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background and Objectives Although studies of test-retest reliability of the standard polysomnography has been reported numerous times, studies of portable sleep devices have been reported in very few cases to date. The purpose of this study is to investigate the test-retest reliability of level III devices, to examine the characteristics of patients with tendency of underestimation and to determine whether there are factors that can predict when retest is needed. Subjects and Method We enrolled 74 patients for this study from April 2014 to March 2019. Two indicators were used to assess night to night variability. If the difference of apneahypopnea index (AHI) score was less than 10 or there is no difference of severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) between two nights, we decided that the results have a reliability. Results Seventeen out of 57 patients with an AHI difference of less than 10 showed unreliable results based on severity, and 3 out of 17 patients with the AHI difference more than 10 showed reliable results based on severity. Eight out of 74 patients were diagnosed at Night 2 but not at Night 1. In other words, about 11% of the subjects needed retest. Based on the change in severity of OSA, subjective sleep scores showed a statistically significant difference, indicating that the subjective sleep score should be considered when deciding a retest. AHI differed by more than 10 in about 23% of the subjects in this study, falling within “15%- 32%,” which has been reported in the literature on the level I test. Conclusion This suggests that there is no significant difference in reliability between level I and III.

Intra-Rater (Live vs. Video Assessment) and Inter-Rater (Expert vs. Novice) Reliability of the Test of Gross Motor Development—Third Edition

The Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) is one of the most common tools for assessing the fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children between 3 and 10 years. This study aimed to examine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the TGMD—3rd Edition (TGMD-3) between expert and novice raters using live and video assessment. Five raters [2 experts and 3 novices (one of them BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science)] assessed and scored the performance of the TGMD-3 of 25 healthy children [Female: 60%; mean (standard deviation) age 9.16 (1.31)]. Schoolchildren were attending at one public elementary school during the academic year 2019–2020 from Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Raters scored each children performance through two viewing moods (live and slow-motion). The ICC (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) was used to determine the agreement between raters. Our results showed moderate-to-excellent intra-rater reliability for overall score and locomotor and ball skills subscales; moderate-to-good inter-rater reliability for overall and ball skills; and poor-to-good for locomotor subscale. Higher intra-rater reliability was achieved by the expert raters and novice rater with physical education background compared to novice raters. However, the inter-rater reliability was more variable in all the raters regardless of their experience or background. No significant differences in reliability were found when comparing live and video assessments. For clinical practice, it would be recommended that raters reach an agreement before the assessment to avoid subjective interpretations that might distort the results.

Reliability and Magnitude of Countermovement Jump Performance Variables: Influence of the Take-off Threshold

ABSTRACT This study explored the influence of different take-off thresholds on the reliability and magnitude of countermovement jump (CMJ) performance variables. Twenty-three men were tested on two separate sessions. CMJ performance variables were obtained against three external loads (0.5–30-60 kg) using three take-off thresholds: 10 N (arbitrary value of 10 N), 5SD (mean value plus 5 standard deviations of the vertical force recorded during the flight phase), and PRF (peak difference between the vertical force trace and 0 N during the flight phase). No significant differences in reliability were observed between the three thresholds (CV and ICC values of one threshold were within 95% CI of the other thresholds). The magnitude of the variables generally differed between the 10 N threshold and the 5SD and PRF thresholds (P < .05), but not between the 5SD and PRF thresholds (P > .05). These results demonstrate that the take-off threshold influences the magnitude of CMJ performance variables but not their reliability.

Reliability and longevity of implantable defibrillators

PurposeWe hypothesized that data in manufacturers’ product performance reports (PPRs) can provide clinically valuable ICD and cardiac resynchronization defibrillator (CRT-D) reliability and longevity information.MethodsData were obtained from 2019 PPRs. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) probabilities of freedom from malfunction, normal battery depletion (NBD), and NBD + malfunction were calculated for ICD and CRT-D pulse generators (PGs) with LiMnO2 or LiSVO/CFx batteries marketed in the USA from 2010 to 2019 and compared using the log-rank test. Malfunctions (MAL) included PGs that were found outside specifications.ResultsStudy population included 1,149,803 ICD and CRT-D PGs: Abbott (ABT; 35.1%), Biotronik (BIO; 4.6%), Boston Scientific (BSC; 23.5%), and Medtronic (MDT; 36.9%). Significant differences in reliability (p < 0.001), defined by freedom from MAL, were found between manufacturers; the majority of 6808 MAL occurred in ABT devices (n = 4045; 59.4%), followed by BSC (n = 2384; 35.0%), MDT (n = 338;5.0%), and BIO (n = 41; 0.6%). Battery failure (n = 890; 57.9%) was the most common cause of MAL compromising therapy; analysis of unique ABT battery MAL–indicated problem appeared a year prior to advisory. Significant differences (p < 0.001) in battery longevity, as defined by freedom from NBD, were found between manufacturers. Overall performance (freedom from NBD + MAL) favored BSC for CRT-D PGs and MDT and BIO for ICDs. BSC subcutaneous ICD reliability was inferior to its transvenous ICD (p < 0.001).ConclusionPPRs contain valuable data that can be aggregated and analyzed to inform physicians. Differences in product reliability exist between manufacturers. Battery longevity has improved, but MAL have significantly impacted performance. PPR data may be useful for assessing product problems and new technology.

Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging are Similarly Reliable in the Assessment of Glenohumeral Arthritis and Glenoid Version.

The purpose of this study was to compare the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of CT and T2-weighted MRI for evaluation of the severity of glenoid wear, glenohumeral subluxation, and glenoid version. Sixty-one shoulders with primary osteoarthritis had CT and MRI scans before shoulder arthroplasty. All slices were blinded and randomized before evaluation. Two fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons and three orthopaedic surgery trainees reviewed the images to classify glenoid wear (Walch and Mayo classifications) and glenohumeral subluxation (Mayo classification). Glenoid version was measured using Friedman's technique. After a minimum two-week interval, the process was repeated. Intraobserver reliability was good for the CT group and fair-to-good for the MRI group for the Walch, Mayo glenoid, and Mayo subluxation classifications; interobserver reliability was poor for the CT and fair-to-poor for the MRI group. For the measurement of glenoid version, intraobserver reliability was good for the CT and substantial for the MRI group; interobserver agreement was good for both groups. There were no significant differences in reliability between staff surgeons and trainees for any of the classifications or measurements. CT and MRI appear similarly reliable for the classification of glenohumeral wear patterns. For the measurement of glenoid version, MRI was slightly more reliable than CT within observers. Differences in training level did not produce substantial differences in agreement, suggesting these systems can be applied by observers of different experience levels with similar reliability.

Does It Work for Everyone? The Influence of Demographic Variables on Statistical Reliability.

Recent developments have highlighted the importance of tailored health education efforts. However, little research has explored differential functioning of survey items for diverse populations. This work explores differences in statistical reliability for multiple scales across demographic groups. Understanding such differences is important in health research, given the rapid shifts occurring in global demographics. Study data were collected from eight years of the National College Health Assessment (n = 885,084), a large-scale annual survey of U.S. university students. Meta-analytic reliability generalization was used to compare reliability of two scale measures for multiple demographic groups. In nearly all cases, there were statistically significant differences in reliability across demographic groups. Researchers should consider relative functioning of any scale employed in their work. For certain demographic groups, various scales may not be sufficiently reliable. However, this may be obfuscated in larger samples, containing large numbers of individuals for whom the scale is sufficiently reliable. We suggest a thorough subsets analysis of data to ensure uniform functioning of items prior to use. Just as health interventions should be tailored to populations of interest, so too must research methods and tools.

Velocity Performance Feedback During the Free-Weight Bench Press Testing Procedure: An Effective Strategy to Increase the Reliability and One Repetition Maximum Accuracy Prediction.

Jiménez-Alonso, A, García-Ramos, A, Cepero, M, Miras-Moreno, S, Rojas, FJ, and Pérez-Castilla, A. Velocity performance feedback during the free-weight bench press testing procedure: An effective strategy to increase the reliability and one repetition maximum accuracy prediction. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1077-1083, 2022-This study aimed to determine whether the verbal provision of velocity performance feedback during the free-weight bench press (BP) exercise influences (a) the within-session reliability and magnitude of mean concentric velocity (MCV) values recorded against a range of submaximal loads and (b) the accuracy of the individualized load-velocity profile to estimate the BP 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Fifteen men (BP 1RM relative to body mass = 1.08 ± 0.22) performed an incremental loading test until reaching the 1RM on 2 separate sessions. Subjects received verbal velocity performance feedback in 1 session (knowledge of results [KR]), and no KR was provided in another session (Control). A linear velocity transducer was used to collect the MCV against 4 loads (40-55-70-85% 1RM), and the BP 1RM was estimated from the individualized load-velocity relationship modeled through the multiple-point (40-55-70-85% 1RM) and 2-point methods (40-85% 1RM). The KR condition provided a higher reliability (coefficient of variation [CV]: KR = 2.41%, Control = 3.54%; CV ratio = 1.47) and magnitude (p = 0.001; effect size [ES] = 0.78) of MCV for the 40% 1RM, but no significant differences in reliability (CV ratio ≤1.15) nor in the magnitude (p ≥ 0.058; ES range = 0.00-0.32) were observed for higher loads. The accuracy in the estimation of the 1RM was higher for the KR (absolute errors: multiple-point = 3.1 ± 2.3 kg; 2-point = 3.5 ± 2.1 kg) compared with the Control condition (absolute errors: 4.1 ± 1.9 kg for both multiple-point and 2-point methods). These results encourage the provision of verbal velocity performance feedback during BP testing procedures.

Reliability Assessment of a Large Diesel Generator Fleet

PowerSecure (PS), a subsidiary of Southern Company, operates over 1600 microgrids including a large fleet of standby diesel generators. Machines range from 125 to 2800 kW. There are two missions: standby power after utility failure and load management when utility is available. This report updates generator reliability data published over 20 years ago. These results are first derived from uniform records from a distributed data acquisition system. The unique aspects of this effort include automated data collection, analysis, and storage producing a standardized record for all machines and events. This greatly reduces the effort required to prepare reports and analysis. The automated collection largely eliminates human errors in data entry, and prevents post hoc adjustment of mission success or failure. We are not aware of previous published generator data using automated data acquisition. This study counts all failures and excludes none, whereas previous studies exclude more than half. This analysis expresses reliability as experienced by the customers. The number of machines, years in service, and years of operation greatly exceed the sum of previous published studies, enabling calculation of useful confidence limits. The fleet is heterogenous with machines from over a dozen manufacturers and many power ratings. Machine reliability was consistent across brands, and there is no significant difference in reliability for different size machines. This common assumption was not supported by the prior studies. High-quality data enables reliability growth management practices. The fleet reliability for outage demands of all durations increased from 95% in 2011 to 98% in 2014-18. Analysis of failures arrival time shows that the failure rate is strongly dependent on mission duration. The failure rates after 14 h are approximately 1% of the value for the first 30 min of operation. This has important implications for designing systems to meet specified reliability targets, and in interpreting and comparing results from fleets with different mission durations.

On variations in turbine runner dynamic behaviours observed within a given facility

When confronted with cracks or high stresses in turbine runners, we often wonder if the behaviour observed on one specific runner will be present on all other similar runners. In this case, we have a facility with 19 runners having the same blade geometry. In order to answer the question, we selected three runners for measurement campaigns. First, the runners were divided in groups using band length, materials and wicket gate geometries. We then examined two runners with different wicket gate geometries and were thus able to explain why one runner exhibited recurrent fatigue damage problems and not the other. However, even within a given group, significant reliability differences were found when comparing with a third runner. The observed data shows that an important turbine characteristic was overlooked. Our conclusions point toward eccentricities and imperfections in the discharge ring attributable to only the upper part of the labyrinth seal being refurbished in this facility. This may generate a significant imbalance in the force produced by the flow in the runner side chamber. The paper underscores the impact of such imbalance, which could be present in older refurbished facilities.

دالة معلومات الفقرة والاختبار والثبات عند استخدام ثلاثة نماذج من اختبار الاختيار من متعدد في إطار نظرية الاستجابة للفقرة

This study aimed at revealing the effect of the number of alternatives in the multiple choice tests on the information function of the item and the test according to the three-parameter model under the item response theory. To achieve the objective of the study, a multi-choice achievement test was constructed in the second part of mathematics subject for the 10th grade students in the public schools in the capital city of Amman. The final test consists of 38 paragraphs and three models are prepared, which differ only in the number of item alternatives. The sample of the study consisted of 1530 students. The results of the study showed statistically significant differences in reliability in favor of the five- alternative form, as well as the fouralternative form, the results also showed no statistically significant differences between the arithmetic means of the information function due to the variable number of item alternatives.

Can a Brief Training Session Prepare Physician Sonographers of Differing Experience to Measure the Ischiofemoral Space? A Reliability Study

The primary aim of this study was to determine the inter- and intrarater reliability of ultrasound (US) measurements of the ischiofemoral space (IFS) following a brief training session. A secondary aim was to determine if reliability correlated with sonographer experience. Prospective cohort study. Physical medicine and rehabilitation department within a tertiary care institution. Seven male and 3 female individuals were recruited to serve as models. Nine physician sonographers (3 postgraduate year [PGY]-2 residents, 3 PGY-4 residents, 3 physicians) were recruited to serve as sonographers. Sonographers received a 15-minute educational session on identifying the IFS with US, followed by 20 minutes of practice. Models were then placed in a prone position and secured to prevent hip movement. All operators measured bilateral IFSs in each model twice with a washout period between measurements. Operators were blinded to all measurements. Primary outcomes were inter- and intrarater reliability interclass coefficients (ICCs) of IFS measurements among the groups with different levels of US experience. Secondary outcomes included comparisons of inter- and intrarater reliability ICCs of IFS measurements between groups, and the difference of mean IFS measurements between groups. Intrarater reliability ICCs were 0.829, 0.680, and 0.596 for physician, PGY-4, and PGY-2 groups, respectively. Interrater reliability ICCs were 0.722, 0.427, and 0.558 for physician, PGY-4, and PGY-2 groups, respectively. No statistically significant differences in reliability were identified between groups. Mean IFS measurements were 31.2, 33.4, and 34.0 mm for physician, PGY-4, and PGY-2 groups, respectively. Physician measurements were significantly smaller than the PGY-4 and PGY-2 measurements (P < .049 and P < .01). Following a brief training session, experienced sonographers demonstrated excellent IFS measurement intrarater reliability, whereas PGY-4 and PGY-2 sonographers demonstrated fair intrarater reliability. All sonographers demonstrated fair interrater reliability. II.