Different factors such as the writing genre, writing prompt, and/or test length can influence the raters’ mental processes while scoring writing tests. Accordingly, whether an increase or a decrease in test length has any impact on how raters evaluate test-takers’ writing performance was the motive underlying this research. For this purpose, 12 EFL students who scored between 5. 5 to 7. 5 on the writing section of a mock IELTS test were selected based on availability sampling. The participants wrote three argumentative essays (the original, longer, and shorter versions). The three versions from each test-taker were then scored by three raters using IELTS task 2 writing band descriptors. Meanwhile, the raters provided verbal protocols explaining in detail the reasons underlying their scores to each test-taker’s essay. Then, the verbal protocols were transcribed and content analyzed using Nvivo version 11 to extract the themes mentioned by the raters in scoring each writing test. The results showed that the raters paid more attention to certain factors in the band descriptors and ignored some other factors. However, there was a similar pattern among the raters in scoring the three writing tests. The results did not show any significant differences in the raters’ mental processes while scoring each of the three writing tests. The conclusion was that test length is not a determining factor influencing the mental processes of raters in writing tests. Therefore, raters and test developers do not need to worry about test length influencing the raters’ scoring.

Different factors such as the writing genre, writing prompt, and/or test length can influence the raters’,mental processes while scoring writing tests. Accordingly, whether an increase or a decrease in test length has any impact on how raters evaluate test-takers’,writing performance was the motive underlying this research. For this purpose, 12 EFL students who scored between 5. 5 to 7. 5 on the writing section of a mock IELTS test were selected based on availability sampling. The participants wrote three argumentative essays (the original, longer, and shorter versions). The three versions from each test-taker were then scored by three raters using IELTS task 2 writing band descriptors. Meanwhile, the raters provided verbal protocols explaining in detail the reasons underlying their scores to each test-taker’, s essay. Then, the verbal protocols were transcribed and content analyzed using Nvivo version 11 to extract the themes mentioned by the raters in scoring each writing test. The results showed that the raters paid more attention to certain factors in the band descriptors and ignored some other factors. However, there was a similar pattern among the raters in scoring the three writing tests. The results did not show any significant differences in the raters’,mental processes while scoring each of the three writing tests. The conclusion was that test length is not a determining factor influencing the mental processes of raters in writing tests. Therefore, raters and test developers do not need to worry about test length influencing the raters’,scoring.

In this paper, we propose a new method for short block length Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) code design. The experimental results show that codes designed using the proposed algorithm have better performance compare to the other short block length LDPC codes. For LDPC code design in short block length, two problems arise: first analytical estimation of code performance using density evolution method is unusable because of infinity of code length in this method. Second because of high code density, the probability of short loop in code graph (Girth) is high that dramatically reduces the code performance. We propose solution for both problems. First, code structure is designed in such a way that the code performance is near to that of the density evolution method estimates and second by improving Extended Bit Filling algorithm, short block length is controlled.

Introduction: Visual perception error (VPE), especially in the measurement of physical quantities, is the most important aspect of perception error that has a significant impact on the dimensions of human life. This study aimed to design, fabricate, and standardize the visual perception error test (VPEMT) based on the domains of its distribution in Iranian society, in order to compare different individuals and groups in terms of their scores and means in this domain. Material & Methods: This descriptive-survey study was conducted using a number of cards with a two-part image of unequal lines, except for one case as a criterion, and was designed in (T) shape and tested on individuals. Finally, VPEMT consisted of 14 cards (Ta, Tb…, Tn) with a difference of half a centimeter in the vertical line. A three-choice question was answered and implemented on 90 people of both genders (16-65 years), and the result was considered the base of the study. The statistical population included 15-45-year cases (mean age: 26 years) who lived in Ilam for 9 months. Eventually, a sample of 900 cases of both genders was randomly selected using the block-cluster sampling method and tested with VPEMT. (Ethic code: 1398. 041. CER. B. UAI. RI) Findings: The validity and reliability of the VPEMT were estimated by halving, within and between experts, and repeated tests (r=0. 92 to r=0. 98,and r=0. 97, respectively). VPE has an almost normal distribution (mean=7. 97, median=8, mode=9, dispersion=9, and range between 3 and 12) and diagnostic cut (Td/10) at 80% level, as well as the minimum and maximum error (1. 5-6) cm in every 12 centimeters. Estimation of standard error showed the confidence intervals of the mean of the population from the mean of the group at the level of 0. 05 (40±, 1 mm) (41> μ, > 39). Discussion & Conclusion: Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that VPEMT, in showing the amount of VPE, in the population aged 15-45 years, based on two criteria (mean and reality) had very high validity and reliability. It can also be used diagnostically-selectively in different groups in this age range and research. Moreover, it has the potential to be upgraded to an accurate and automated electronic system or software for this purpose in such a way that the subject receives the amount of his/her perception error by pressing the desired key.

In this research, an intelligent method is introduced for prediction of remaining useful life of an internal combustion engine timing belt based on its vibrational signals. For this goal, an accelerated durability test for timing belt was designed and performed based on high temperature and high pre tension. Then, the durability test was began and vibration signals of timing belt were captures using a vibrational displacement meter laser device. Three feature functions, namely, Energy, Standard deviation and kurtosis were extracted from vibration signals of timing belt in healthy and faulty conditions and timing belt failure threshold was determined. The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was used for predicting and monitoring vibrational behavior of timing belt. Finally, the ANN based on Energy, Standard deviation and kurtosis features of vibration signals could predict timing belt remaining useful life with accuracy of 98%, 98% and 97%, respectively. The correlation factor (R2) of vibration time series prediction by ANN and based on Energy, Standard deviation and kurtosis features of vibration signals were determined as 0.87, 0.91 and 87, respectively. Also, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of ANN based on Energy, Standard deviation and kurtosis features of vibration signals was calculated as 3.6%, 5.4% and 5.6%, respectively.

Objective This study evaluates the intra- and inter-rater reliability of modified versions of the widely used clinical tests for assessing knee flexor and knee extensor muscle length. These tests are fundamental components of postural assessments in children and adolescents, helping to identify postural abnormalities and inform appropriate treatment or preventative strategies. The findings can determine the feasibility of using these modified versions in scientific research. Materials & Methods A total of 76 children (37 girls) with a mean age of 13.24 years were included. The two evaluators took the measurements on the same day, as well as with breaks lasting two and five days. The following indices of reliability were calculated: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard errors of measurement, and smallest detectable differences. Results The outcomes of both muscle length tests demonstrated good to excellent reliability, regardless of whether the measurements were conducted by the same evaluator after 2 or 5 days, or by different evaluators on the same day and after similar intervals. The lowest calculated ICC of 0.79 was for the knee flexors length test on the left side of the body. In all remaining cases, ICCs>0.80 were obtained. Conclusion After specific modifications, there is a possibility of obtaining a high level of reliability of the two addressed muscle length tests, which justifies the utilization of the modified versions in scientific settings.

Post Keynesian growth model considers the use of production factors as a function of production and introduces demand as the main determinant of economic growth. Accordingly, Thirlwall (1979) presented a model suggesting that demand is restrained by the balance of payments deficit and turns into substantial limitations to achieve higher economic growth rate owing to balance of payments deficit. This model is known as Thirlwall law or “ balance of payments constrained growth model” . In this model the maximum rate of economic growth consistent with the balance-of-payments equilibrium is figured out using income elasticity of import and export. Identifying the barriers to achieving the target growth rate has been turned into one of the most controversial economic issues because of the challenges of low economic growth in Iran. Thus this study is going to provide an answer to the question that, based on Thirlwall law, Whether the balance of payments deems obstacles to the target growth rates of development programs for the Iran’ s economy or not? To accomplish this, first the long run cointegration relationship of import and export demand functions was approved by autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL). Then, regarding the importance of the elasticities of above functions on the results of the study and removing the structural instability of the model coefficients, time– varying parameter (TVP) and Kalman – filter were used to estimate the elasticities. Finally the validity of Thirlwall law was not confirmed during 1984-2013 applying Wald Test. Therefore, it can be claimed that aggregate demand has not restricted the economic growth through the balance of payments. Low income elasticity of import, combination of imports, restrictions on imports and dependence of foreign trade on oil revenues are the most important reasons for the results.