Sample records for passes key test

  1. By-Pass Diode Temperature Tests of a Solar Array Coupon under Space Thermal Environment Conditions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wright, Kenneth H.; Schneider, Todd A.; Vaughn, Jason A.; Hoang, Bao; Wong, Frankie; Wu, Gordon

    2016-01-01

    By-Pass diodes are a key design feature of solar arrays and system design must be robust against local heating, especially with implementation of larger solar cells. By-Pass diode testing was performed to aid thermal model development for use in future array designs that utilize larger cell sizes that result in higher string currents. Testing was performed on a 56-cell Advanced Triple Junction solar array coupon provided by SSL. Test conditions were vacuum with cold array backside using discrete by-pass diode current steps of 0.25 A ranging from 0 A to 2.0 A.

  2. Termination Criteria for Computerized Classification Testing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thompson, Nathan A.

    2011-01-01

    Computerized classification testing (CCT) is an approach to designing tests with intelligent algorithms, similar to adaptive testing, but specifically designed for the purpose of classifying examinees into categories such as "pass" and "fail." Like adaptive testing for point estimation of ability, the key component is the…

  3. Three-pass protocol scheme for bitmap image security by using vernam cipher algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rachmawati, D.; Budiman, M. A.; Aulya, L.

    2018-02-01

    Confidentiality, integrity, and efficiency are the crucial aspects of data security. Among the other digital data, image data is too prone to abuse of operation like duplication, modification, etc. There are some data security techniques, one of them is cryptography. The security of Vernam Cipher cryptography algorithm is very dependent on the key exchange process. If the key is leaked, security of this algorithm will collapse. Therefore, a method that minimizes key leakage during the exchange of messages is required. The method which is used, is known as Three-Pass Protocol. This protocol enables message delivery process without the key exchange. Therefore, the sending messages process can reach the receiver safely without fear of key leakage. The system is built by using Java programming language. The materials which are used for system testing are image in size 200×200 pixel, 300×300 pixel, 500×500 pixel, 800×800 pixel and 1000×1000 pixel. The result of experiments showed that Vernam Cipher algorithm in Three-Pass Protocol scheme could restore the original image.

  4. States Mull Best Way to Assess Their Students for Graduation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gewertz, Catherine

    2007-01-01

    Texas, which has helped shape key tenets of the standards and accountability movement, is on the brink of revamping the way it assesses high school students for graduation. Instead of testing knowledge that students accumulate over several years, the state would test what students learn in each course. A bill passed by the Texas Senate last month…

  5. When Does Accountability Work? Texas System Had Mixed Effects on College Graduation Rates and Future Earnings

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Deming, David J.; Cohodes, Sarah; Jennings, Jennifer; Jencks, Christopher

    2016-01-01

    When congress passed the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), standardized testing in public schools became the law of the land. The ambitious legislation identified test-based accountability as the key to improving schools and, by extension, the long-term prospects of American schoolchildren. Thirteen years later, the debate over the federal…

  6. Recommended test methods and pass/fail criteria for a respirator fit capability test of half-mask air-purifying respirators

    PubMed Central

    Zhuang, Ziqing; Bergman, Michael; Lei, Zhipeng; Niezgoda, George; Shaffer, Ronald

    2017-01-01

    This study assessed key test parameters and pass/fail criteria options for developing a respirator fit capability (RFC) test for half-mask air-purifying particulate respirators. Using a 25-subject test panel, benchmark RFC data were collected for 101 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-certified respirator models. These models were further grouped into 61 one-, two-, or three-size families. Fit testing was done using a PortaCount® Plus with N95-Companion accessory and an Occupational Safety and Health Administration-accepted quantitative fit test protocol. Three repeated tests (donnings) per subject/respirator model combination were performed. The panel passing rate (PPR) (number or percentage of the 25-subject panel achieving acceptable fit) was determined for each model using five different alternative criteria for determining acceptable fit. When the 101 models are evaluated individually (i.e., not grouped by families), the percentages of models capable of fitting >75% (19/25 subjects) of the panel were 29% and 32% for subjects achieving a fit factor ≥100 for at least one of the first two donnings and at least one of three donnings, respectively. When the models are evaluated grouped into families and using >75% of panel subjects achieving a fit factor ≥100 for at least one of two donnings as the PPR pass/fail criterion, 48% of all models can pass. When >50% (13/25 subjects) of panel subjects was the PPR criterion, the percentage of passing models increased to 70%. Testing respirators grouped into families and evaluating the first two donnings for each of two respirator sizes provided the best balance between meeting end user expectations and creating a performance bar for manufacturers. Specifying the test criterion for a subject obtaining acceptable fit as achieving a fit factor ≥100 on at least one out of the two donnings is reasonable because a majority of existing respirator families can achieve an PPR of >50% using this criterion. The different test criteria can be considered by standards development organizations when developing standards. PMID:28278067

  7. Recommended test methods and pass/fail criteria for a respirator fit capability test of half-mask air-purifying respirators.

    PubMed

    Zhuang, Ziqing; Bergman, Michael; Lei, Zhipeng; Niezgoda, George; Shaffer, Ronald

    2017-06-01

    This study assessed key test parameters and pass/fail criteria options for developing a respirator fit capability (RFC) test for half-mask air-purifying particulate respirators. Using a 25-subject test panel, benchmark RFC data were collected for 101 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-certified respirator models. These models were further grouped into 61 one-, two-, or three-size families. Fit testing was done using a PortaCount® Plus with N95-Companion accessory and an Occupational Safety and Health Administration-accepted quantitative fit test protocol. Three repeated tests (donnings) per subject/respirator model combination were performed. The panel passing rate (PPR) (number or percentage of the 25-subject panel achieving acceptable fit) was determined for each model using five different alternative criteria for determining acceptable fit. When the 101 models are evaluated individually (i.e., not grouped by families), the percentages of models capable of fitting >75% (19/25 subjects) of the panel were 29% and 32% for subjects achieving a fit factor ≥100 for at least one of the first two donnings and at least one of three donnings, respectively. When the models are evaluated grouped into families and using >75% of panel subjects achieving a fit factor ≥100 for at least one of two donnings as the PPR pass/fail criterion, 48% of all models can pass. When >50% (13/25 subjects) of panel subjects was the PPR criterion, the percentage of passing models increased to 70%. Testing respirators grouped into families and evaluating the first two donnings for each of two respirator sizes provided the best balance between meeting end user expectations and creating a performance bar for manufacturers. Specifying the test criterion for a subject obtaining acceptable fit as achieving a fit factor ≥100 on at least one out of the two donnings is reasonable because a majority of existing respirator families can achieve an PPR of >50% using this criterion. The different test criteria can be considered by standards development organizations when developing standards.

  8. Experimental quantum key distribution with simulated ground-to-satellite photon losses and processing limitations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bourgoin, Jean-Philippe; Gigov, Nikolay; Higgins, Brendon L.; Yan, Zhizhong; Meyer-Scott, Evan; Khandani, Amir K.; Lütkenhaus, Norbert; Jennewein, Thomas

    2015-11-01

    Quantum key distribution (QKD) has the potential to improve communications security by offering cryptographic keys whose security relies on the fundamental properties of quantum physics. The use of a trusted quantum receiver on an orbiting satellite is the most practical near-term solution to the challenge of achieving long-distance (global-scale) QKD, currently limited to a few hundred kilometers on the ground. This scenario presents unique challenges, such as high photon losses and restricted classical data transmission and processing power due to the limitations of a typical satellite platform. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of such a system by implementing a QKD protocol, with optical transmission and full post-processing, in the high-loss regime using minimized computing hardware at the receiver. Employing weak coherent pulses with decoy states, we demonstrate the production of secure key bits at up to 56.5 dB of photon loss. We further illustrate the feasibility of a satellite uplink by generating a secure key while experimentally emulating the varying losses predicted for realistic low-Earth-orbit satellite passes at 600 km altitude. With a 76 MHz source and including finite-size analysis, we extract 3374 bits of a secure key from the best pass. We also illustrate the potential benefit of combining multiple passes together: while one suboptimal "upper-quartile" pass produces no finite-sized key with our source, the combination of three such passes allows us to extract 165 bits of a secure key. Alternatively, we find that by increasing the signal rate to 300 MHz it would be possible to extract 21 570 bits of a secure finite-sized key in just a single upper-quartile pass.

  9. Security analysis and improvements to the PsychoPass method.

    PubMed

    Brumen, Bostjan; Heričko, Marjan; Rozman, Ivan; Hölbl, Marko

    2013-08-13

    In a recent paper, Pietro Cipresso et al proposed the PsychoPass method, a simple way to create strong passwords that are easy to remember. However, the method has some security issues that need to be addressed. To perform a security analysis on the PsychoPass method and outline the limitations of and possible improvements to the method. We used the brute force analysis and dictionary attack analysis of the PsychoPass method to outline its weaknesses. The first issue with the Psychopass method is that it requires the password reproduction on the same keyboard layout as was used to generate the password. The second issue is a security weakness: although the produced password is 24 characters long, the password is still weak. We elaborate on the weakness and propose a solution that produces strong passwords. The proposed version first requires the use of the SHIFT and ALT-GR keys in combination with other keys, and second, the keys need to be 1-2 distances apart. The proposed improved PsychoPass method yields passwords that can be broken only in hundreds of years based on current computing powers. The proposed PsychoPass method requires 10 keys, as opposed to 20 keys in the original method, for comparable password strength.

  10. Security Analysis and Improvements to the PsychoPass Method

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background In a recent paper, Pietro Cipresso et al proposed the PsychoPass method, a simple way to create strong passwords that are easy to remember. However, the method has some security issues that need to be addressed. Objective To perform a security analysis on the PsychoPass method and outline the limitations of and possible improvements to the method. Methods We used the brute force analysis and dictionary attack analysis of the PsychoPass method to outline its weaknesses. Results The first issue with the Psychopass method is that it requires the password reproduction on the same keyboard layout as was used to generate the password. The second issue is a security weakness: although the produced password is 24 characters long, the password is still weak. We elaborate on the weakness and propose a solution that produces strong passwords. The proposed version first requires the use of the SHIFT and ALT-GR keys in combination with other keys, and second, the keys need to be 1-2 distances apart. Conclusions The proposed improved PsychoPass method yields passwords that can be broken only in hundreds of years based on current computing powers. The proposed PsychoPass method requires 10 keys, as opposed to 20 keys in the original method, for comparable password strength. PMID:23942458

  11. Webb Telescope Tested for Space, Ready for Science

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2018-01-10

    NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is a civilization scale mission, set to look back to the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang and help answer the question “are we alone in the universe?” After passing a key test at Johnson Space Center designed to simulate the cold vacuum of space, Webb is ready for the next step ahead of a launch in 2019

  12. Civics Education for Adult English Language Learners. ERIC Q & A.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Terrill, Lynda

    This article provides a brief historical review of efforts to prepare immigrants to pass the U.S. citizenship test, defines key terms, discusses events that have shaped civics education, and offers suggestions, whatever the approach chosen, for integrating civics content with English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) skills development. Covered topics…

  13. A cubic map chaos criterion theorem with applications in generalized synchronization based pseudorandom number generator and image encryption.

    PubMed

    Yang, Xiuping; Min, Lequan; Wang, Xue

    2015-05-01

    This paper sets up a chaos criterion theorem on a kind of cubic polynomial discrete maps. Using this theorem, Zhou-Song's chaos criterion theorem on quadratic polynomial discrete maps and generalized synchronization (GS) theorem construct an eight-dimensional chaotic GS system. Numerical simulations have been carried out to verify the effectiveness of theoretical results. The chaotic GS system is used to design a chaos-based pseudorandom number generator (CPRNG). Using FIPS 140-2 test suit/Generalized FIPS 140-2, test suit tests the randomness of two 1000 key streams consisting of 20 000 bits generated by the CPRNG, respectively. The results show that there are 99.9%/98.5% key streams to have passed the FIPS 140-2 test suit/Generalized FIPS 140-2 test. Numerical simulations show that the different keystreams have an average 50.001% same codes. The key space of the CPRNG is larger than 2(1345). As an application of the CPRNG, this study gives an image encryption example. Experimental results show that the linear coefficients between the plaintext and the ciphertext and the decrypted ciphertexts via the 100 key streams with perturbed keys are less than 0.00428. The result suggests that the decrypted texts via the keystreams generated via perturbed keys of the CPRNG are almost completely independent on the original image text, and brute attacks are needed to break the cryptographic system.

  14. A cubic map chaos criterion theorem with applications in generalized synchronization based pseudorandom number generator and image encryption

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Xiuping; Min, Lequan; Wang, Xue

    2015-05-01

    This paper sets up a chaos criterion theorem on a kind of cubic polynomial discrete maps. Using this theorem, Zhou-Song's chaos criterion theorem on quadratic polynomial discrete maps and generalized synchronization (GS) theorem construct an eight-dimensional chaotic GS system. Numerical simulations have been carried out to verify the effectiveness of theoretical results. The chaotic GS system is used to design a chaos-based pseudorandom number generator (CPRNG). Using FIPS 140-2 test suit/Generalized FIPS 140-2, test suit tests the randomness of two 1000 key streams consisting of 20 000 bits generated by the CPRNG, respectively. The results show that there are 99.9%/98.5% key streams to have passed the FIPS 140-2 test suit/Generalized FIPS 140-2 test. Numerical simulations show that the different keystreams have an average 50.001% same codes. The key space of the CPRNG is larger than 21345. As an application of the CPRNG, this study gives an image encryption example. Experimental results show that the linear coefficients between the plaintext and the ciphertext and the decrypted ciphertexts via the 100 key streams with perturbed keys are less than 0.00428. The result suggests that the decrypted texts via the keystreams generated via perturbed keys of the CPRNG are almost completely independent on the original image text, and brute attacks are needed to break the cryptographic system.

  15. Securing Digital Audio using Complex Quadratic Map

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suryadi, MT; Satria Gunawan, Tjandra; Satria, Yudi

    2018-03-01

    In This digital era, exchanging data are common and easy to do, therefore it is vulnerable to be attacked and manipulated from unauthorized parties. One data type that is vulnerable to attack is digital audio. So, we need data securing method that is not vulnerable and fast. One of the methods that match all of those criteria is securing the data using chaos function. Chaos function that is used in this research is complex quadratic map (CQM). There are some parameter value that causing the key stream that is generated by CQM function to pass all 15 NIST test, this means that the key stream that is generated using this CQM is proven to be random. In addition, samples of encrypted digital sound when tested using goodness of fit test are proven to be uniform, so securing digital audio using this method is not vulnerable to frequency analysis attack. The key space is very huge about 8.1×l031 possible keys and the key sensitivity is very small about 10-10, therefore this method is also not vulnerable against brute-force attack. And finally, the processing speed for both encryption and decryption process on average about 450 times faster that its digital audio duration.

  16. Compulsory Schooling Laws and Migration Across European Countries.

    PubMed

    Aparicio Fenoll, Ainhoa; Kuehn, Zoë

    2017-12-01

    Educational attainment is a key factor for understanding why some individuals migrate and others do not. Compulsory schooling laws, which determine an individual's minimum level of education, can potentially affect migration. We test whether and how increasing the length of compulsory schooling influences migration of affected cohorts across European countries, a context where labor mobility is essentially free. We construct a novel database that includes information for 31 European countries on compulsory education reforms passed between 1950 and 1990. Combining this data with information on recent migration flows by cohorts, we find that an additional year of compulsory education reduces the number of individuals from affected cohorts who migrate in a given year by 9 %. Our results rely on the exogeneity of compulsory schooling laws. A variety of empirical tests indicate that European legislators did not pass compulsory education reforms as a reaction to changes in emigration rates or educational attainment.

  17. Diagnosing the problem: using a tool to identify pre-registration nursing students' mathematical ability.

    PubMed

    Harvey, Sharon; Murphy, Fiona; Lake, Richard; Jenkins, Lynne; Cavanna, Annlouise; Tait, Mike

    2010-05-01

    Mathematical ability is a skill nurses need to safely administer medicines and fluids to patients (Elliott, M., Joyce, J., 2005. Mapping drug calculation skills in an undergraduate nursing curriculum. Nurse Education in Practice 5, 225-229). However some nurses and nursing students lack mathematical proficiency (Hilton, D.E., 1999. Considering academic qualification in mathematics as an entry requirement for a diploma in nursing programme. Nurse Education Today 19, 543-547). A tool was devised to assess the mathematical abilities of nursing students. This was administered to 304 nursing students in one Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Wales, United Kingdom (UK) on entry to a pre-registration undergraduate nursing course. The students completed a diagnostic mathematics test comprising of 25 non-clinical General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) level multiple choice questions with a pass mark set at 72%. The key findings were that only 19% (n=53) of students passed the test. Students appeared to have difficulties with questions involving decimals, SI units, formulae and fractions. The key demographic variable that influenced test scores was previous mathematical qualifications on entry to the course. The tool proved useful in two ways. First, in identifying those students who needed extra tutorial support in mathematics. Second, in identifying those areas of mathematics that presented difficulties for students. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yang, Xiuping, E-mail: yangxiuping-1990@163.com; Min, Lequan, E-mail: minlequan@sina.com; Wang, Xue, E-mail: wangxue-20130818@163.com

    This paper sets up a chaos criterion theorem on a kind of cubic polynomial discrete maps. Using this theorem, Zhou-Song's chaos criterion theorem on quadratic polynomial discrete maps and generalized synchronization (GS) theorem construct an eight-dimensional chaotic GS system. Numerical simulations have been carried out to verify the effectiveness of theoretical results. The chaotic GS system is used to design a chaos-based pseudorandom number generator (CPRNG). Using FIPS 140-2 test suit/Generalized FIPS 140-2, test suit tests the randomness of two 1000 key streams consisting of 20 000 bits generated by the CPRNG, respectively. The results show that there are 99.9%/98.5% keymore » streams to have passed the FIPS 140-2 test suit/Generalized FIPS 140-2 test. Numerical simulations show that the different keystreams have an average 50.001% same codes. The key space of the CPRNG is larger than 2{sup 1345}. As an application of the CPRNG, this study gives an image encryption example. Experimental results show that the linear coefficients between the plaintext and the ciphertext and the decrypted ciphertexts via the 100 key streams with perturbed keys are less than 0.00428. The result suggests that the decrypted texts via the keystreams generated via perturbed keys of the CPRNG are almost completely independent on the original image text, and brute attacks are needed to break the cryptographic system.« less

  19. Three controversies over item disclosure in medical licensure examinations.

    PubMed

    Park, Yoon Soo; Yang, Eunbae B

    2015-01-01

    In response to views on public's right to know, there is growing attention to item disclosure - release of items, answer keys, and performance data to the public - in medical licensure examinations and their potential impact on the test's ability to measure competence and select qualified candidates. Recent debates on this issue have sparked legislative action internationally, including South Korea, with prior discussions among North American countries dating over three decades. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze three issues associated with item disclosure in medical licensure examinations - 1) fairness and validity, 2) impact on passing levels, and 3) utility of item disclosure - by synthesizing existing literature in relation to standards in testing. Historically, the controversy over item disclosure has centered on fairness and validity. Proponents of item disclosure stress test takers' right to know, while opponents argue from a validity perspective. Item disclosure may bias item characteristics, such as difficulty and discrimination, and has consequences on setting passing levels. To date, there has been limited research on the utility of item disclosure for large scale testing. These issues requires ongoing and careful consideration.

  20. 49 CFR 383.135 - Passing knowledge and skills tests.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Passing knowledge and skills tests. 383.135... COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE STANDARDS; REQUIREMENTS AND PENALTIES Tests § 383.135 Passing knowledge and skills tests. (a) Knowledge tests. (1) To achieve a passing score on each of the knowledge tests, a...

  1. 49 CFR 383.135 - Passing knowledge and skills tests.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Passing knowledge and skills tests. 383.135... COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE STANDARDS; REQUIREMENTS AND PENALTIES Tests § 383.135 Passing knowledge and skills tests. (a) Knowledge tests. (1) To achieve a passing score on each of the knowledge tests, a...

  2. 49 CFR 383.135 - Passing knowledge and skills tests.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Passing knowledge and skills tests. 383.135... COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE STANDARDS; REQUIREMENTS AND PENALTIES Tests § 383.135 Passing knowledge and skills tests. (a) Knowledge tests. (1) To achieve a passing score on each of the knowledge tests, a...

  3. A no-key-exchange secure image sharing scheme based on Shamir's three-pass cryptography protocol and the multiple-parameter fractional Fourier transform.

    PubMed

    Lang, Jun

    2012-01-30

    In this paper, we propose a novel secure image sharing scheme based on Shamir's three-pass protocol and the multiple-parameter fractional Fourier transform (MPFRFT), which can safely exchange information with no advance distribution of either secret keys or public keys between users. The image is encrypted directly by the MPFRFT spectrum without the use of phase keys, and information can be shared by transmitting the encrypted image (or message) three times between users. Numerical simulation results are given to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm.

  4. Finding Your Way in the Legislation Maze: How To Pass Legislation in Your State.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gross, Steve

    1997-01-01

    Offers tips for developing and passing legislation that would protect animals. Recommends being an authority on the issue, researching current laws, recognizing support groups and lobbyists, and knowing key legislative players. Contains a description of laws passed in the state of Illinois. (PVD)

  5. 3D printed drug delivery and testing systems - a passing fad or the future?

    PubMed

    Lim, Seng Han; Kathuria, Himanshu; Tan, Justin Jia Yao; Kang, Lifeng

    2018-05-18

    The US Food and Drug Administration approval of the first 3D printed tablet in 2015 has ignited growing interest in 3D printing, or additive manufacturing (AM), for drug delivery and testing systems. Beyond just a novel method for rapid prototyping, AM provides key advantages over traditional manufacturing of drug delivery and testing systems. These includes the ability to fabricate complex geometries to achieve variable drug release kinetics; ease of personalising pharmacotherapy for patient and lowering the cost for fabricating personalised dosages. Furthermore, AM allows fabrication of complex and micron-sized tissue scaffolds and models for drug testing systems that closely resemble in vivo conditions. However, there are several limitations such as regulatory concerns that may impede the progression to market. Here, we provide an overview of the advantages of AM drug delivery and testing, as compared to traditional manufacturing techniques. Also, we discuss the key challenges and future directions for AM enabled pharmaceutical applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Three controversies over item disclosure in medical licensure examinations

    PubMed Central

    Park, Yoon Soo; Yang, Eunbae B.

    2015-01-01

    In response to views on public's right to know, there is growing attention to item disclosure – release of items, answer keys, and performance data to the public – in medical licensure examinations and their potential impact on the test's ability to measure competence and select qualified candidates. Recent debates on this issue have sparked legislative action internationally, including South Korea, with prior discussions among North American countries dating over three decades. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze three issues associated with item disclosure in medical licensure examinations – 1) fairness and validity, 2) impact on passing levels, and 3) utility of item disclosure – by synthesizing existing literature in relation to standards in testing. Historically, the controversy over item disclosure has centered on fairness and validity. Proponents of item disclosure stress test takers’ right to know, while opponents argue from a validity perspective. Item disclosure may bias item characteristics, such as difficulty and discrimination, and has consequences on setting passing levels. To date, there has been limited research on the utility of item disclosure for large scale testing. These issues requires ongoing and careful consideration. PMID:26374693

  7. Quantum Strategies: Proposal to Experimentally Test a Quantum Economics Protocol

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-04-09

    fact that this al- gorithm requires only bipartite entangled states what makes it feasible to implement, and a key focus of a larger program in quantum...passes through what is effectively a huge Mach-Zender fiber-interferometer bounded by the Sagnac loop and PPBS1- is affected by this time-varying...strategy, no matter what the other players do. As we noted above, this means that there is no (classical) correlated equilibrium other than the Nash

  8. Performance of first-year health sciences students in a large, diverse, multidisciplinary, first-semester, physiology service module.

    PubMed

    Higgins-Opitz, Susan B; Tufts, Mark

    2014-06-01

    Health Science students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal perform better in their professional modules compared with their physiology modules. The pass rates of physiology service modules have steadily declined over the years. While a system is in place to identify "at-risk" students, it is only activated after the first semester. As a result, it is only from the second semester of their first year studies onward that at-risk students can be formally assisted. The challenge is thus to devise an appropriate strategy to identify struggling students earlier in the semester. Using questionnaires, students were asked about attendance, financing of their studies, and relevance of physiology. After the first class test, failing students were invited to complete a second questionnaire. In addition, demographic data were also collected and analyzed. Correlation analyses were undertaken of performance indicators based on the demographical data collected. The 2011 class comprised mainly sport science students (57%). The pass rate of sport science students was lower than the pass rates of other students (42% vs. 70%, P < 0.001). Most students were positive about physiology and recognized its relevance. Key issues identified were problems understanding concepts and terminology, poor study environment and skills, and lack of matriculation biology. The results of the first class test and final module marks correlated well. It is clear from this study that student performance in the first class test is a valuable tool to identify struggling students and that appropriate testing should be held as early as possible. Copyright © 2014 The American Physiological Society.

  9. Performance of first-year health sciences students in a large, diverse, multidisciplinary, first-semester, physiology service module

    PubMed Central

    Tufts, Mark

    2014-01-01

    Health Science students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal perform better in their professional modules compared with their physiology modules. The pass rates of physiology service modules have steadily declined over the years. While a system is in place to identify “at-risk” students, it is only activated after the first semester. As a result, it is only from the second semester of their first year studies onward that at-risk students can be formally assisted. The challenge is thus to devise an appropriate strategy to identify struggling students earlier in the semester. Using questionnaires, students were asked about attendance, financing of their studies, and relevance of physiology. After the first class test, failing students were invited to complete a second questionnaire. In addition, demographic data were also collected and analyzed. Correlation analyses were undertaken of performance indicators based on the demographical data collected. The 2011 class comprised mainly sport science students (57%). The pass rate of sport science students was lower than the pass rates of other students (42% vs. 70%, P < 0.001). Most students were positive about physiology and recognized its relevance. Key issues identified were problems understanding concepts and terminology, poor study environment and skills, and lack of matriculation biology. The results of the first class test and final module marks correlated well. It is clear from this study that student performance in the first class test is a valuable tool to identify struggling students and that appropriate testing should be held as early as possible. PMID:24913452

  10. NASA's Space Launch System: Systems Engineering Approach for Affordability and Mission Success

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hutt, John J.; Whitehead, Josh; Hanson, John

    2017-01-01

    NASA is working toward the first launch of the Space Launch System, a new, unmatched capability for deep space exploration with launch readiness planned for 2019. Since program start in 2011, SLS has passed several major formal design milestones, and every major element of the vehicle has produced test and flight hardware. The SLS approach to systems engineering has been key to the program's success. Key aspects of the SLS SE&I approach include: 1) minimizing the number of requirements, 2) elimination of explicit verification requirements, 3) use of certified models of subsystem capability in lieu of requirements when appropriate and 4) certification of capability beyond minimum required capability.

  11. Using pattern enumeration to accelerate process development and ramp yield

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhuang, Linda; Pang, Jenny; Xu, Jessy; Tsai, Mengfeng; Wang, Amy; Zhang, Yifan; Sweis, Jason; Lai, Ya-Chieh; Ding, Hua

    2016-03-01

    During a new technology node process setup phase, foundries do not initially have enough product chip designs to conduct exhaustive process development. Different operational teams use manually designed simple test keys to set up their process flows and recipes. When the very first version of the design rule manual (DRM) is ready, foundries enter the process development phase where new experiment design data is manually created based on these design rules. However, these IP/test keys contain very uniform or simple design structures. This kind of design normally does not contain critical design structures or process unfriendly design patterns that pass design rule checks but are found to be less manufacturable. It is desired to have a method to generate exhaustive test patterns allowed by design rules at development stage to verify the gap of design rule and process. This paper presents a novel method of how to generate test key patterns which contain known problematic patterns as well as any constructs which designers could possibly draw based on current design rules. The enumerated test key patterns will contain the most critical design structures which are allowed by any particular design rule. A layout profiling method is used to do design chip analysis in order to find potential weak points on new incoming products so fab can take preemptive action to avoid yield loss. It can be achieved by comparing different products and leveraging the knowledge learned from previous manufactured chips to find possible yield detractors.

  12. 14 CFR 61.35 - Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing....35 Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades. (a) An applicant for a knowledge test must have... part for the certificate or rating sought and is prepared for the knowledge test; and (2) Proper...

  13. 14 CFR 61.35 - Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing....35 Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades. (a) An applicant for a knowledge test must have... part for the certificate or rating sought and is prepared for the knowledge test; and (2) Proper...

  14. 14 CFR 61.35 - Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing....35 Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades. (a) An applicant for a knowledge test must have... part for the certificate or rating sought and is prepared for the knowledge test; and (2) Proper...

  15. Study on the effect of transition curve to the dynamic characteristics of high-temperature superconducting maglev

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qian, Nan; Zheng, Botian; Gou, Yanfeng; Chen, Ping; Zheng, Jun; Deng, Zigang

    2015-12-01

    High temperature superconducting (HTS) maglev technology is becoming more and more mature, and many key technologies have been deeply studied. However, the transition curve plays a key role in HTS maglev system, and related studies have not been carried out. In this paper series of simulations were conducted to test the lateral and vertical vibration of HTS maglev when passing through curves. Two magnetic guideways, of which one has transition curves but the other does not, are designed to test the vibration characteristics of a mini HTS maglev model running though curves. Results show that after adding transition curves between straight line and circular curve the vibration of HTS maglev model in lateral and vertical directions are all weakened in different degrees. It proves that adding transition curve into HTS maglev system is favorable and necessary.

  16. Relationship between High School Mathematics Grade and Number of Attempts Required to Pass the Medication Calculation Test in Nurse Education: An Explorative Study

    PubMed Central

    Alteren, Johanne; Nerdal, Lisbeth

    2015-01-01

    In Norwegian nurse education, students are required to achieve a perfect score in a medication calculation test before undertaking their first practice period during the second semester. Passing the test is a challenge, and students often require several attempts. Adverse events in medication administration can be related to poor mathematical skills. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between high school mathematics grade and the number of attempts required to pass the medication calculation test in nurse education. The study used an exploratory design. The participants were 90 students enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program. They completed a self-report questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed. The results provided no basis for the conclusion that a statistical relationship existed between high school mathematics grade and number of attempts required to pass the medication calculation test. Regardless of their grades in mathematics, 43% of the students passed the medication calculation test on the first attempt. All of the students who had achieved grade 5 had passed by the third attempt. High grades in mathematics were not crucial to passing the medication calculation test. Nonetheless, the grade may be important in ensuring a pass within fewer attempts. PMID:27417767

  17. 40 CFR 51.357 - Test procedures and standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... invalid test condition, unsafe conditions, fast pass/fail algorithms, or, in the case of the on-board... using approved fast pass or fast fail algorithms and multiple pass/fail algorithms may be used during the test cycle to eliminate false failures. The transient test procedure, including algorithms and...

  18. 40 CFR 51.357 - Test procedures and standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... invalid test condition, unsafe conditions, fast pass/fail algorithms, or, in the case of the on-board... using approved fast pass or fast fail algorithms and multiple pass/fail algorithms may be used during the test cycle to eliminate false failures. The transient test procedure, including algorithms and...

  19. 40 CFR 51.357 - Test procedures and standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... invalid test condition, unsafe conditions, fast pass/fail algorithms, or, in the case of the on-board... using approved fast pass or fast fail algorithms and multiple pass/fail algorithms may be used during the test cycle to eliminate false failures. The transient test procedure, including algorithms and...

  20. 40 CFR 51.357 - Test procedures and standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... invalid test condition, unsafe conditions, fast pass/fail algorithms, or, in the case of the on-board... using approved fast pass or fast fail algorithms and multiple pass/fail algorithms may be used during the test cycle to eliminate false failures. The transient test procedure, including algorithms and...

  1. 14 CFR 61.35 - Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing....35 Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades. (a) An applicant for a knowledge test must have... the applicant accomplished the appropriate ground-training or a home-study course required by this...

  2. 14 CFR 61.35 - Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing....35 Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades. (a) An applicant for a knowledge test must have... the applicant accomplished the appropriate ground-training or a home-study course required by this...

  3. Shared decision making in the United States: policy and implementation activity on multiple fronts.

    PubMed

    Frosch, Dominick L; Moulton, Benjamin W; Wexler, Richard M; Holmes-Rovner, Margaret; Volk, Robert J; Levin, Carrie A

    2011-01-01

    Shared decision making in the United States has become an important element in health policy debates. The recently passed federal health care reform legislation includes several key provisions related to shared decision making (SDM) and patient decision support. Several states have passed or are considering legislation that incorporates SDM as a key component of improved health care provision. Research on SDM is funded by a range of public and private organizations. Non-profit, for-profit, academic and government organizations are developing decision support interventions for numerous conditions. Some interventions are publicly available; others are distributed to patients through health insurance and healthcare providers. A significant number of clinical implementation projects are underway to test and evaluate different ways of incorporating SDM and patient decision support into routine clinical care. Numerous professional organizations are advocating for SDM and social networking efforts are increasing their advocacy as well. Policy makers are intrigued by the potential of SDM to improve health care provision and potentially lower costs. The role of shared decision making in policy and practice will be part of the larger health care reform debate. 2011. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

  4. Productivity and cost of conventional understory biomass harvesting systems

    Treesearch

    Douglas E. Miller; Thomas J. Straka; Bryce J. Stokes; William Watson

    1987-01-01

    Conventional harvesting equipment was tested for removing forest understory biomass (energywood) for use as fuel. Two types of systems were tested--a one-pass system and a two-pass system. In the one-pass system, the energywood and pulpwood were harvested simultaneously. In the two-pass system, the energywood was harvested in a first pass through the stand, and the...

  5. OBIST methodology incorporating modified sensitivity of pulses for active analogue filter components

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khade, R. H.; Chaudhari, D. S.

    2018-03-01

    In this paper, oscillation-based built-in self-test method is used to diagnose catastrophic and parametric faults in integrated circuits. Sallen-Key low pass filter and high pass filter circuits with different gains are used to investigate defects. Variation in seven parameters of operational amplifier (OP-AMP) like gain, input impedance, output impedance, slew rate, input bias current, input offset current, input offset voltage and catastrophic as well as parametric defects in components outside OP-AMP are introduced in the circuit and simulation results are analysed. Oscillator output signal is converted to pulses which are used to generate a signature of the circuit. The signature and pulse count changes with the type of fault present in the circuit under test (CUT). The change in oscillation frequency is observed for fault detection. Designer has flexibility to predefine tolerance band of cut-off frequency and range of pulses for which circuit should be accepted. The fault coverage depends upon the required tolerance band of the CUT. We propose a modification of sensitivity of parameter (pulses) to avoid test escape and enhance yield. Result shows that the method provides 100% fault coverage for catastrophic faults.

  6. Understanding school-age obesity: through participatory action research.

    PubMed

    DiNapoli, Pamela P; Lewis, James B

    2008-01-01

    This study aimed to assess current levels of overweight (obesity) and fitness among school students using objective data. School-based action research teams were recruited statewide by the New Hampshire Healthy Schools Coalition, the state team of the National Action for Healthy Kids Coalition. Action teams consisted of a physical education teacher, a school nurse, and a school administrator. Data were collected from 6,511 student participants aged 6 to 14 years, which was a representative cross-section from New Hampshire school districts. Key variables of interest in the study were body mass index, and ability to pass five fitness tests using FITNESSGRAM. Pearson's correlation was used to assess the relationships among body mass index, age, gender, and the percent of students that passed FITNESSGRAM tests. The ability of participants to pass the FITNESSGRAM tests declined markedly with age and differed between boys and girls, although the healthy fitness zones for any particular test was lower for girls. Body mass index was significantly negatively correlated with performance on all tests. Age was also statistically negatively correlated with performance on all tests; the relationship between gender and performance on the tests was less striking. Results reflected an increase in the prevalence of overweight school children, even in New Hampshire, which is purported to be one of the healthiest states in the nation. Results offered evidence that body mass index is a valid proxy measure for fitness levels and that fitness programs are necessary to effectively combat the obesity epidemic. Evidence-based changes need to be implemented to address obesity-related factors in schools, because children spend many of their waking hours in that setting. Physical activity during recess and physical education classes could help to increase energy expenditure and develop sound minds and bodies. Schools should consider the development of school-based wellness teams to advise and advocate improved school-based wellness policies. School nurses can take an active part in these initiatives.

  7. Introduction to the Personal Access Satellite System Study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sue, Miles K.

    1990-01-01

    A recent study by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has concluded that the 21st century will be the age of information in which the telecommunication infrastructure will be vital to the social and economic well being of society. To meet the challenge of the coming age, JPL has been performing studies on a personal access satellite system (PASS) for the 21st century. The PASS study can be traced back to a study in which the technical feasibility and potential applications of a high frequency, low data rate satellite system were identified using small fixed terminals. Herein, the PASS concept is described along with the strawman design. Then the key challenges are identified along with possible solutions. Finally, the plan for the future is summarized from the key results.

  8. Hierarchical control of procedural and declarative category-learning systems

    PubMed Central

    Turner, Benjamin O.; Crossley, Matthew J.; Ashby, F. Gregory

    2017-01-01

    Substantial evidence suggests that human category learning is governed by the interaction of multiple qualitatively distinct neural systems. In this view, procedural memory is used to learn stimulus-response associations, and declarative memory is used to apply explicit rules and test hypotheses about category membership. However, much less is known about the interaction between these systems: how is control passed between systems as they interact to influence motor resources? Here, we used fMRI to elucidate the neural correlates of switching between procedural and declarative categorization systems. We identified a key region of the cerebellum (left Crus I) whose activity was bidirectionally modulated depending on switch direction. We also identified regions of the default mode network (DMN) that were selectively connected to left Crus I during switching. We propose that the cerebellum—in coordination with the DMN—serves a critical role in passing control between procedural and declarative memory systems. PMID:28213114

  9. Visualization of mcr mRNA in a methanogen by fluorescence in situ hybridization with an oligonucleotide probe and two-pass tyramide signal amplification (two-pass TSA-FISH).

    PubMed

    Kubota, Kengo; Ohashi, Akiyoshi; Imachi, Hiroyuki; Harada, Hideki

    2006-09-01

    Two-pass tyramide signal amplification-fluorescence in situ hybridization (two-pass TSA-FISH) with a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled oligonucleotide probe was applied to detect prokaryotic mRNA. In this study, mRNA of a key enzyme for methanogenesis, methyl coenzyme M reductase (mcr), in Methanococcus vannielii was targeted. Applicability of mRNA-targeted probes to in situ hybridization was verified by Clone-FISH. It was observed that sensitivity of two-pass TSA-FISH was significantly higher than that of TSA-FISH, which was further increased by the addition of dextran sulphate in TSA working solution. Signals from two-pass TSA-FISH were more reliable compared to the weak, spotty signals yielded by TSA-FISH.

  10. 49 CFR 172.102 - Special provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... bags, each packaging must correspond to a design type that has passed a leakproofness test at the... packaging must correspond to a design type that has passed a leakproofness test at the Packing Group II... packaging must correspond to a design type that has passed a leakproofness test at the Packing Group II...

  11. 49 CFR 172.102 - Special provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... packaging must correspond to a design type that has passed a leakproofness test at the Packing Group II... packaging must correspond to a design type that has passed a leakproofness test at the Packing Group II... packagings, each packaging must correspond to a design type that has passed a leakproofness test at the...

  12. 49 CFR 172.102 - Special provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... packaging must correspond to a design type that has passed a leakproofness test at the Packing Group II... packaging must correspond to a design type that has passed a leakproofness test at the Packing Group II... packagings, each packaging must correspond to a design type that has passed a leakproofness test at the...

  13. Lead-acid batteries in micro-hybrid applications. Part II. Test proposal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schaeck, S.; Stoermer, A. O.; Albers, J.; Weirather-Koestner, D.; Kabza, H.

    In the first part of this work [1] selected key parameters for applying lead-acid (LA) batteries in micro-hybrid power systems (MHPS) were investigated. Main results are integrated in an accelerated, comprehensive test proposal presented here. The test proposal aims at a realistic representation of the pSoC operation regime, which is described in Refs. [1,6]. The test is designed to be sensitive with respect to dynamic charge acceptance (DCA) at partially discharged state (critical for regenerative braking) and the internal resistance at high-rate discharge (critical for idling stop applications). First results are presented for up-to-date valve-regulated LA batteries with absorbent glass mat (AGM) separators. The batteries are close to the limits of the first proposal of pass/fail-criteria. Also flooded batteries were tested; the first out of ten units failed already.

  14. Evidence for a Right-Ear Advantage in Newborn Hearing Screening Results.

    PubMed

    Ari-Even Roth, Daphne; Hildesheimer, Minka; Roziner, Ilan; Henkin, Yael

    2016-12-06

    The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of ear asymmetry, order of testing, and gender on transient-evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) pass rates and response levels in newborn hearing screening. The screening results of 879 newborns, of whom 387 (study group) passed screening successfully in only one ear in the first TEOAE screening, but passed screening successfully in both ears thereafter, and 492 (control group) who passed screening successfully in both ears in the first TEOAE, were retrospectively examined for pass rates and TEOAE characteristics. Results indicated a right-ear advantage, as manifested by significantly higher pass rates in the right ear (61% and 39% for right and left ears, respectively) in the study group, and in 1.75 dB greater TEOAE response amplitudes in the control group. The right-ear advantage was enhanced when the first tested ear was the right ear (76%). When the left ear was tested first, pass rates were comparable in both ears. The right-ear advantage in pass rates was similar in females versus males, but manifested in 1.5 dB higher response amplitudes in females compared with males, regardless of the tested ear and order of testing in both study and control groups. The study provides further evidence for the functional lateralization of the auditory system at the cochlear level already apparent soon after birth in both males and females. While order of testing plays a significant role in the asymmetry in pass rates, the innate right-ear advantage seems to be a more dominant contributor. © The Author(s) 2016.

  15. Evidence for a Right-Ear Advantage in Newborn Hearing Screening Results

    PubMed Central

    Hildesheimer, Minka; Roziner, Ilan; Henkin, Yael

    2016-01-01

    The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of ear asymmetry, order of testing, and gender on transient-evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) pass rates and response levels in newborn hearing screening. The screening results of 879 newborns, of whom 387 (study group) passed screening successfully in only one ear in the first TEOAE screening, but passed screening successfully in both ears thereafter, and 492 (control group) who passed screening successfully in both ears in the first TEOAE, were retrospectively examined for pass rates and TEOAE characteristics. Results indicated a right-ear advantage, as manifested by significantly higher pass rates in the right ear (61% and 39% for right and left ears, respectively) in the study group, and in 1.75 dB greater TEOAE response amplitudes in the control group. The right-ear advantage was enhanced when the first tested ear was the right ear (76%). When the left ear was tested first, pass rates were comparable in both ears. The right-ear advantage in pass rates was similar in females versus males, but manifested in 1.5 dB higher response amplitudes in females compared with males, regardless of the tested ear and order of testing in both study and control groups. The study provides further evidence for the functional lateralization of the auditory system at the cochlear level already apparent soon after birth in both males and females. While order of testing plays a significant role in the asymmetry in pass rates, the innate right-ear advantage seems to be a more dominant contributor. PMID:27927982

  16. Effect of fit testing on the protection offered by n95 filtering facepiece respirators against fine particles in a laboratory setting.

    PubMed

    Reponen, Tiina; Lee, Shu-An; Grinshpun, Sergey A; Johnson, Erik; McKay, Roy

    2011-04-01

    This study investigated particle-size-selective protection factors (PFs) of four models of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) that passed and failed fit testing. Particle size ranges were representative of individual viruses and bacteria (aerodynamic diameter d(a) = 0.04-1.3 μm). Standard respirator fit testing was followed by particle-size-selective measurement of PFs while subjects wore N95 FFRs in a test chamber. PF values obtained for all subjects were then compared to those obtained for the subjects who passed the fit testing. Overall fit test passing rate for all four models of FFRs was 67%. Of these, 29% had PFs <10 (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Assigned Protection Factor designated for this type of respirator). When only subjects that passed fit testing were included, PFs improved with 9% having values <10. On average, the PFs were 1.4 times (29.5/21.5) higher when only data for those who passed fit testing were included. The minimum PFs were consistently observed in the particle size range of 0.08-0.2 μm. Overall PFs increased when subjects passed fit testing. The results support the value of fit testing but also show for the first time that PFs are dependent on particle size regardless of fit testing status.

  17. Persistence assessment of cyclohexyl- and norbornyl-derived ketones and their degradation products in different OECD screening tests.

    PubMed

    Seyfried, M; van Ginkel, C G; Boschung, A; Miffon, F; Fantini, P; Tissot, E; Baroux, L; Merle, P; Chaintreau, A

    2015-07-01

    The persistence of synthetic cyclohexyl- and norbornyl-derived ketones was assessed by using OECD 301F and 301D biodegradation tests. While cyclohexyl-derived ketones either reached or came close to the pass level (60%) after 60 d, the corresponding norbornyl derivatives yielded significantly less biodegradation (<40%). By analyzing extracts at 60 d, the key degradation products of four norbornyl derivatives were identified. Consistently, 2-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane carboxylic acid was found as a principal degradation product with minor quantities of bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one and 2-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane acetic acid. When the three degradation products were re-synthesized and tested individually for biodegradability, the former two were found to be ultimately biodegradable after 60 d in OECD 301D tests, thus proving non-persistence. Similarly, 2-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane acetic acid was found to be degraded significantly, albeit with long lag phases exceeding 60 d in the case of freshwater inoculum, then ultimately reaching the pass level. On the other hand, norbornyl ketones were still only partially biodegradable in the same test. We conclude that despite the potential for ultimate biodegradation of norbornyl-derived ketones, current screening tests yield an incomplete picture of their biodegradability, particularly when applying strict OECD criteria. The appearance of long lag phases when re-testing norbornyl ketone degradation products underlines the importance of extending tests to well beyond 28 and even 60 d in the case of freshwater inocula. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Determining the Optimal Number of Core Needle Biopsy Passes for Molecular Diagnostics.

    PubMed

    Hoang, Nam S; Ge, Benjamin H; Pan, Lorraine Y; Ozawa, Michael G; Kong, Christina S; Louie, John D; Shah, Rajesh P

    2018-03-01

    The number of core biopsy passes required for adequate next-generation sequencing is impacted by needle cut, needle gauge, and the type of tissue involved. This study evaluates diagnostic adequacy of core needle lung biopsies based on number of passes and provides guidelines for other tissues based on simulated biopsies in ex vivo porcine organ tissues. The rate of diagnostic adequacy for pathology and molecular testing from lung biopsy procedures was measured for eight operators pre-implementation (September 2012-October 2013) and post-implementation (December 2013-April 2014) of a standard protocol using 20-gauge side-cut needles for ten core biopsy passes at a single academic hospital. Biopsy pass volume was then estimated in ex vivo porcine muscle, liver, and kidney using side-cut devices at 16, 18, and 20 gauge and end-cut devices at 16 and 18 gauge to estimate minimum number of passes required for adequate molecular testing. Molecular diagnostic adequacy increased from 69% (pre-implementation period) to 92% (post-implementation period) (p < 0.001) for lung biopsies. In porcine models, both 16-gauge end-cut and side-cut devices require one pass to reach the validated volume threshold to ensure 99% adequacy for molecular characterization, while 18- and 20-gauge devices require 2-5 passes depending on needle cut and tissue type. Use of 20-gauge side-cut core biopsy needles requires a significant number of passes to ensure diagnostic adequacy for molecular testing across all tissue types. To ensure diagnostic adequacy for molecular testing, 16- and 18-gauge needles require markedly fewer passes.

  19. Ground Segment Preparation for NPSAT1

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-09-01

    39 a. Close Aiming Point...for a closed loop control scheme. The controller has the antenna follow the predicted path of NPSAT1 during an overhead pass. One drawback of the...satellite on its descending pass are said to have a “ keyhole ” in Air Force jargon because one has to turn the antenna just like a key. Figure 6 is

  20. Poly(A) code analyses reveal key determinants for tissue-specific mRNA alternative polyadenylation

    PubMed Central

    Weng, Lingjie; Li, Yi; Xie, Xiaohui; Shi, Yongsheng

    2016-01-01

    mRNA alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a critical mechanism for post-transcriptional gene regulation and is often regulated in a tissue- and/or developmental stage-specific manner. An ultimate goal for the APA field has been to be able to computationally predict APA profiles under different physiological or pathological conditions. As a first step toward this goal, we have assembled a poly(A) code for predicting tissue-specific poly(A) sites (PASs). Based on a compendium of over 600 features that have known or potential roles in PAS selection, we have generated and refined a machine-learning algorithm using multiple high-throughput sequencing-based data sets of tissue-specific and constitutive PASs. This code can predict tissue-specific PASs with >85% accuracy. Importantly, by analyzing the prediction performance based on different RNA features, we found that PAS context, including the distance between alternative PASs and the relative position of a PAS within the gene, is a key feature for determining the susceptibility of a PAS to tissue-specific regulation. Our poly(A) code provides a useful tool for not only predicting tissue-specific APA regulation, but also for studying its underlying molecular mechanisms. PMID:27095026

  1. General Relativity Today

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Blandford, Roger D.

    2016-01-01

    A hundred years after its birth, general relativity has become a highly successful theory in the sese that it has passed many experimental and observational tests and finds widespread application to diverse set of cosmic phenomena. It remains an accurate research field as more tests are deployed, epitomized by the exciting prospect of detecting gravitational radiation directly. General realtivity is the essential foundation of modern cosmology and underlies our detailed description of the black holes and neutron stars that are ultimately responsible for the most powerful and dramatic cosmic sources. The interface with physics on both the largest and the smallest scales continues to be very fertile. In this talk I will attempt to highlight some key steps along the way to general relativity today.

  2. Development of a reliable simulation-based test for diagnostic abdominal ultrasound with a pass/fail standard usable for mastery learning.

    PubMed

    Østergaard, Mia L; Nielsen, Kristina R; Albrecht-Beste, Elisabeth; Konge, Lars; Nielsen, Michael B

    2018-01-01

    This study aimed to develop a test with validity evidence for abdominal diagnostic ultrasound with a pass/fail-standard to facilitate mastery learning. The simulator had 150 real-life patient abdominal scans of which 15 cases with 44 findings were selected, representing level 1 from The European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. Four groups of experience levels were constructed: Novices (medical students), trainees (first-year radiology residents), intermediates (third- to fourth-year radiology residents) and advanced (physicians with ultrasound fellowship). Participants were tested in a standardized setup and scored by two blinded reviewers prior to an item analysis. The item analysis excluded 14 diagnoses. Both internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.96) and inter-rater reliability (0.99) were good and there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) between all four groups, except the intermediate and advanced groups (p = 1.0). There was a statistically significant correlation between experience and test scores (Pearson's r = 0.82, p < 0.001). The pass/fail-standard failed all novices (no false positives) and passed all advanced (no false negatives). All intermediate participants and six out of 14 trainees passed. We developed a test for diagnostic abdominal ultrasound with solid validity evidence and a pass/fail-standard without any false-positive or false-negative scores. • Ultrasound training can benefit from competency-based education based on reliable tests. • This simulation-based test can differentiate between competency levels of ultrasound examiners. • This test is suitable for competency-based education, e.g. mastery learning. • We provide a pass/fail standard without false-negative or false-positive scores.

  3. The statistical validity of nursing home survey findings.

    PubMed

    Woolley, Douglas C

    2011-11-01

    The Medicare nursing home survey is a high-stakes process whose findings greatly affect nursing homes, their current and potential residents, and the communities they serve. Therefore, survey findings must achieve high validity. This study looked at the validity of one key assessment made during a nursing home survey: the observation of the rate of errors in administration of medications to residents (med-pass). Statistical analysis of the case under study and of alternative hypothetical cases. A skilled nursing home affiliated with a local medical school. The nursing home administrators and the medical director. Observational study. The probability that state nursing home surveyors make a Type I or Type II error in observing med-pass error rates, based on the current case and on a series of postulated med-pass error rates. In the common situation such as our case, where med-pass errors occur at slightly above a 5% rate after 50 observations, and therefore trigger a citation, the chance that the true rate remains above 5% after a large number of observations is just above 50%. If the true med-pass error rate were as high as 10%, and the survey team wished to achieve 75% accuracy in determining that a citation was appropriate, they would have to make more than 200 med-pass observations. In the more common situation where med pass errors are closer to 5%, the team would have to observe more than 2000 med-passes to achieve even a modest 75% accuracy in their determinations. In settings where error rates are low, large numbers of observations of an activity must be made to reach acceptable validity of estimates for the true rates of errors. In observing key nursing home functions with current methodology, the State Medicare nursing home survey process does not adhere to well-known principles of valid error determination. Alternate approaches in survey methodology are discussed. Copyright © 2011 American Medical Directors Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. The Impact of Moderate and High Intensity Total Body Fatigue on Passing Accuracy in Expert and Novice Basketball Players

    PubMed Central

    Lyons, Mark; Al-Nakeeb, Yahya; Nevill, Alan

    2006-01-01

    Despite the acknowledged importance of fatigue on performance in sport, ecologically sound studies investigating fatigue and its effects on sport-specific skills are surprisingly rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of moderate and high intensity total body fatigue on passing accuracy in expert and novice basketball players. Ten novice basketball players (age: 23.30 ± 1.05 yrs) and ten expert basketball players (age: 22.50 ± 0.41 yrs) volunteered to participate in the study. Both groups performed the modified AAHPERD Basketball Passing Test under three different testing conditions: rest, moderate intensity and high intensity total body fatigue. Fatigue intensity was established using a percentage of the maximal number of squat thrusts performed by the participant in one minute. ANOVA with repeated measures revealed a significant (F 2,36 = 5.252, p = 0.01) level of fatigue by level of skill interaction. On examination of the mean scores it is clear that following high intensity total body fatigue there is a significant detriment in the passing performance of both novice and expert basketball players when compared to their resting scores. Fundamentally however, the detrimental impact of fatigue on passing performance is not as steep in the expert players compared to the novice players. The results suggest that expert or skilled players are better able to cope with both moderate and high intensity fatigue conditions and maintain a higher level of performance when compared to novice players. The findings of this research therefore, suggest the need for trainers and conditioning coaches in basketball to include moderate, but particularly high intensity exercise into their skills sessions. This specific training may enable players at all levels of the game to better cope with the demands of the game on court and maintain a higher standard of play. Key Points Aim: to investigate the effect of moderate and high intensity total body fatigue on basketball-passing accuracy in expert and novice basketball players. Fatigue intensity was set as a percentage of the maximal number of squat thrusts performed by the participant in one minute. ANOVA with repeated measures revealed a significant level of fatigue by level of skill interaction. Despite a significant detriment in passing-performance in both novice and expert players following high intensity total body fatigue, this detriment was not as steep in the expert players when compared to the novice players PMID:24259994

  5. Crystalline-silicon reliability lessons for thin-film modules

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ross, Ronald G., Jr.

    1985-01-01

    Key reliability and engineering lessons learned from the 10-year history of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Flat-Plate Solar Array Project are presented and analyzed. Particular emphasis is placed on lessons applicable to the evolving new thin-film cell and module technologies and the organizations involved with these technologies. The user-specific demand for reliability is a strong function of the application, its location, and its expected duration. Lessons relative to effective means of specifying reliability are described, and commonly used test requirements are assessed from the standpoint of which are the most troublesome to pass, and which correlate best with field experience. Module design lessons are also summarized, including the significance of the most frequently encountered failure mechanisms and the role of encapsulant and cell reliability in determining module reliability. Lessons pertaining to research, design, and test approaches include the historical role and usefulness of qualification tests and field tests.

  6. PV Reliability Development Lessons from JPL's Flat Plate Solar Array Project

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ross, Ronald G., Jr.

    2013-01-01

    Key reliability and engineering lessons learned from the 20-year history of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Flat-Plate Solar Array Project and thin film module reliability research activities are presented and analyzed. Particular emphasis is placed on lessons applicable to evolving new module technologies and the organizations involved with these technologies. The user-specific demand for reliability is a strong function of the application, its location, and its expected duration. Lessons relative to effective means of specifying reliability are described, and commonly used test requirements are assessed from the standpoint of which are the most troublesome to pass, and which correlate best with field experience. Module design lessons are also summarized, including the significance of the most frequently encountered failure mechanisms and the role of encapsulate and cell reliability in determining module reliability. Lessons pertaining to research, design, and test approaches include the historical role and usefulness of qualification tests and field tests.

  7. Development of an accurate transmission line fault locator using the global positioning system satellites

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lee, Harry

    1994-01-01

    A highly accurate transmission line fault locator based on the traveling-wave principle was developed and successfully operated within B.C. Hydro. A transmission line fault produces a fast-risetime traveling wave at the fault point which propagates along the transmission line. This fault locator system consists of traveling wave detectors located at key substations which detect and time tag the leading edge of the fault-generated traveling wave as if passes through. A master station gathers the time-tagged information from the remote detectors and determines the location of the fault. Precise time is a key element to the success of this system. This fault locator system derives its timing from the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. System tests confirmed the accuracy of locating faults to within the design objective of +/-300 meters.

  8. NASA's Space Launch System Booster Passes Major Milestone on Journey to Mars (QM-2)

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2016-06-28

    A booster for the most powerful rocket in the world, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), was fired up Tuesday, June 28 at 11:05 a.m. EDT for a second qualification ground test at Orbital ATK's test facilities in Promontory, Utah. This was the last full-scale test for the booster before SLS is ready in 2018 for the first uncrewed test flight with NASA’s Orion spacecraft, marking a key milestone on the agency’s Journey to Mars. The booster was tested at a cold motor conditioning target of 40 degrees Fahrenheit –the colder end of its accepted propellant temperature range. When ignited, temperatures inside the booster reached nearly 6,000 degrees. The two-minute, full-duration ground qualification test provided NASA with critical data on 82 qualification objectives that will support certification of the booster for flight. Engineers now will evaluate test data captured by more than 530 instrumentation channels on the booster.

  9. Fabrication of seamless calandria tubes by cold pilgering route using 3-pass and 2-pass schedules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saibaba, N.

    2008-12-01

    Calandria tube is a large diameter, extremely thin walled zirconium alloy tube which has diameter to wall thickness ratio as high as 90-95. Such tubes are conventionally produced by the 'welded route', which involves extrusion of slabs followed by a series of hot and cold rolling passes, intermediate anneals, press forming of sheets into circular shape and closing the gap by TIG welding. Though pilgering is a well established process for the fabrication of seamless tubes, production of extremely thin walled tubes offers several challenges during pilgering. Nuclear fuel complex (NFC), Hyderabad, has successfully developed a process for the production of Zircaloy-4 calandria tubes by adopting the 'seamless route' which involves hot extrusion of mother blanks followed by three-pass pilgering or two-pass pilgering schedules. This paper deals with standardization of the seamless route processes for fabrication of calandria tubes, comparison between the tubes produced by 2-pass and 3-pass pilgering schedules, role of ultrasonic test charts for control of process parameters, development of new testing methods for burst testing and other properties.

  10. Statistical Requirements For Pass-Fail Testing Of Contraband Detection Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gilliam, David M.

    2011-06-01

    Contraband detection systems for homeland security applications are typically tested for probability of detection (PD) and probability of false alarm (PFA) using pass-fail testing protocols. Test protocols usually require specified values for PD and PFA to be demonstrated at a specified level of statistical confidence CL. Based on a recent more theoretical treatment of this subject [1], this summary reviews the definition of CL and provides formulas and spreadsheet functions for constructing tables of general test requirements and for determining the minimum number of tests required. The formulas and tables in this article may be generally applied to many other applications of pass-fail testing, in addition to testing of contraband detection systems.

  11. Feasibility of Turing-Style Tests for Autonomous Aerial Vehicle "Intelligence"

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Young, Larry A.

    2007-01-01

    A new approach is suggested to define and evaluate key metrics as to autonomous aerial vehicle performance. This approach entails the conceptual definition of a "Turing Test" for UAVs. Such a "UAV Turing test" would be conducted by means of mission simulations and/or tailored flight demonstrations of vehicles under the guidance of their autonomous system software. These autonomous vehicle mission simulations and flight demonstrations would also have to be benchmarked against missions "flown" with pilots/human-operators in the loop. In turn, scoring criteria for such testing could be based upon both quantitative mission success metrics (unique to each mission) and by turning to analog "handling quality" metrics similar to the well-known Cooper-Harper pilot ratings used for manned aircraft. Autonomous aerial vehicles would be considered to have successfully passed this "UAV Turing Test" if the aggregate mission success metrics and handling qualities for the autonomous aerial vehicle matched or exceeded the equivalent metrics for missions conducted with pilots/human-operators in the loop. Alternatively, an independent, knowledgeable observer could provide the "UAV Turing Test" ratings of whether a vehicle is autonomous or "piloted." This observer ideally would, in the more sophisticated mission simulations, also have the enhanced capability of being able to override the scripted mission scenario and instigate failure modes and change of flight profile/plans. If a majority of mission tasks are rated as "piloted" by the observer, when in reality the vehicle/simulation is fully- or semi- autonomously controlled, then the vehicle/simulation "passes" the "UAV Turing Test." In this regards, this second "UAV Turing Test" approach is more consistent with Turing s original "imitation game" proposal. The overall feasibility, and important considerations and limitations, of such an approach for judging/evaluating autonomous aerial vehicle "intelligence" will be discussed from a theoretical perspective.

  12. Is the NIHSS Certification Process Too Lenient?

    PubMed Central

    Hills, Nancy K.; Josephson, S. Andrew; Lyden, Patrick D.; Johnston, S. Claiborne

    2009-01-01

    Background and Purpose The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a widely used measure of neurological function in clinical trials and patient assessment; inter-rater scoring variability could impact communications and trial power. The manner in which the rater certification test is scored yields multiple correct answers that have changed over time. We examined the range of possible total NIHSS scores from answers given in certification tests by over 7,000 individual raters who were certified. Methods We analyzed the results of all raters who completed one of two standard multiple-patient videotaped certification examinations between 1998 and 2004. The range for the correct score, calculated using NIHSS ‘correct answers’, was determined for each patient. The distribution of scores derived from those who passed the certification test then was examined. Results A total of 6,268 raters scored 5 patients on Test 1; 1,240 scored 6 patients on Test 2. Using a National Stroke Association (NSA) answer key, we found that correct total scores ranged from 2 correct scores to as many as 12 different correct total scores. Among raters who achieved a passing score and were therefore qualified to administer the NIHSS, score distributions were even wider, with 1 certification patient receiving 18 different correct total scores. Conclusions Allowing multiple acceptable answers for questions on the NIHSS certification test introduces scoring variability. It seems reasonable to assume that the wider the range of acceptable answers in the certification test, the greater the variability in the performance of the test in trials and clinical practice by certified examiners. Greater consistency may be achieved by deriving a set of ‘best’ answers through expert consensus on all questions where this is possible, then teaching raters how to derive these answers using a required interactive training module. PMID:19295205

  13. ROC and Loss Function Analysis in Sequential Testing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Muijtjens, Arno M. M.; Van Luijk, Scheltus J.; Van Der Vleuten, Cees P. M.

    2006-01-01

    Sequential testing is applied to reduce costs in SP-based tests (OSCEs). Initially, all candidates take a screening test consisting of a part of the OSCE. Candidates who fail the screen sit the complete test, whereas those who pass the screen are qualified as a pass of the complete test. The procedure may result in a reduction of testing…

  14. Mathematics: Algebra and Geometry. GED Scoreboost.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hoyt, Cathy

    GED "Scoreboost" materials target exactly the skills one needs to pass the General Educational Development (GED) tests. This book focuses on the GED Mathematics test. To prepare for the test, the test taker needs to learn skills in number and operation sense, data and statistics, geometry and measurement, and algebra. To pass the test,…

  15. 8 CFR 312.3 - Standardized citizenship testing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... application, a standardized citizenship test given by an entity authorized by the Service to conduct such a... accordance with § 312.1(c)(1). An applicant who passes a standardized citizenship test may submit evidence of...) An applicant who passes a standardized citizenship test as provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this...

  16. 8 CFR 312.3 - Standardized citizenship testing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... application, a standardized citizenship test given by an entity authorized by the Service to conduct such a... accordance with § 312.1(c)(1). An applicant who passes a standardized citizenship test may submit evidence of...) An applicant who passes a standardized citizenship test as provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this...

  17. A Short Note on the Relationship between Pass Rate and Multiple Attempts

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cheng, Ying; Liu, Cheng

    2016-01-01

    For a certification, licensure, or placement exam, allowing examinees to take multiple attempts at the test could effectively change the pass rate. Change in the pass rate can occur without any change in the underlying latent trait, and can be an artifact of multiple attempts and imperfect reliability of the test. By deriving formulae to compute…

  18. The PLATO IV Communications System.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sherwood, Bruce Arne; Stifle, Jack

    The PLATO IV computer-based educational system contains its own communications hardware and software for operating plasma-panel graphics terminals. Key echoing is performed by the central processing unit: every key pressed at a terminal passes through the entire system before anything appears on the terminal's screen. Each terminal is guaranteed…

  19. Statistical Requirements For Pass-Fail Testing Of Contraband Detection Systems

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gilliam, David M.

    2011-06-01

    Contraband detection systems for homeland security applications are typically tested for probability of detection (PD) and probability of false alarm (PFA) using pass-fail testing protocols. Test protocols usually require specified values for PD and PFA to be demonstrated at a specified level of statistical confidence CL. Based on a recent more theoretical treatment of this subject [1], this summary reviews the definition of CL and provides formulas and spreadsheet functions for constructing tables of general test requirements and for determining the minimum number of tests required. The formulas and tables in this article may be generally applied to many othermore » applications of pass-fail testing, in addition to testing of contraband detection systems.« less

  20. Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery: A Surgical Skills Assessment Tool in Gynecology

    PubMed Central

    Arden, Deborah; Dodge, Laura E.; Zheng, Bin; Ricciotti, Hope A.

    2011-01-01

    Objective: To describe our experience with the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) program as a teaching and assessment tool for basic laparoscopic competency among gynecology residents. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a single academic institution. Before the FLS program was introduced, baseline FLS testing was offered to residents and gynecology division directors. Test scores were analyzed by training level and self-reported surgical experience. After implementing a minimally invasive gynecologic surgical curriculum, third-year residents were retested. Results: The pass rates for baseline FLS skills testing were 0% for first-year residents, 50% for second-year residents, and 75% for third- and fourth-year residents. The pass rates for baseline cognitive testing were 60% for first- and second-year residents, 67% for third-year residents, and 40% for fourth-year residents. When comparing junior and senior residents, there was a significant difference in pass rates for the skills test (P=.007) but not the cognitive test (P=.068). Self-reported surgical experience strongly correlated with skills scores (r-value=0.97, P=.0048), but not cognitive scores (r-value=0.20, P=.6265). After implementing a curriculum, 100% of the third-year residents passed the skills test, and 92% passed the cognitive examination. Conclusions: The FLS skills test may be a valuable assessment tool for gynecology residents. The cognitive test may need further adaptation for applicability to gynecologists. PMID:21902937

  1. Inward Leakage Variability between Respirator Fit Test Panels – Part I. Deterministic Approach

    PubMed Central

    Zhuang, Ziqing; Liu, Yuewei; Coffey, Christopher C.; Miller, Colleen; Szalajda, Jonathan

    2015-01-01

    Inter-panel variability has never been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the variability between different anthropometric panels used to determine the inward leakage (IL) of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHRs). A total of 144 subjects, who were both experienced and non-experienced N95 FFR users, were recruited. Five N95 FFRs and five N95 EHRs were randomly selected from among those models tested previously in our laboratory. The PortaCount Pro+ (without N95-Companion) was used to measure IL of the ambient particles with a detectable size range of 0.02 to 1 μm. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard fit test exercises were used for this study. IL test were performed for each subject using each of the 10 respirators. Each respirator/subject combination was tested in duplicate, resulting in a total 20 IL tests for each subject. Three 35-member panels were randomly selected without replacement from the 144 study subjects stratified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health bivariate panel cell for conducting statistical analyses. The geometric mean (GM) IL values for all 10 studied respirators were not significantly different among the three randomly selected 35-member panels. Passing rate was not significantly different among the three panels for all respirators combined or by each model. This was true for all IL pass/fail levels of 1%, 2%, and 5%. Using 26 or more subjects to pass the IL test, all three panels had consistent passing/failing results for pass/fail levels of 1% and 5%. Some disagreement was observed for the 2% pass/fail level. Inter-panel variability exists, but it is small relative to the other sources of variation in fit testing data. The concern about inter-panel variability and other types of variability can be alleviated by properly selecting: pass/fail level (IL 1–5%); panel size (e.g., 25 or 35); and minimum number of subjects required to pass (e.g., 26 of 35 or 23 of 35). PMID:26011282

  2. Challenges in conducting post-authorisation safety studies (PASS): A vaccine manufacturer's view.

    PubMed

    Cohet, Catherine; Rosillon, Dominique; Willame, Corinne; Haguinet, Francois; Marenne, Marie-Noëlle; Fontaine, Sandrine; Buyse, Hubert; Bauchau, Vincent; Baril, Laurence

    2017-05-25

    Post-authorisation safety studies (PASS) of vaccines assess or quantify the risk of adverse events following immunisation that were not identified or could not be estimated pre-licensure. The aim of this perspective paper is to describe the authors' experience in the design and conduct of twelve PASS that contributed to the evaluation of the benefit-risk of vaccines in real-world settings. We describe challenges and learnings from selected PASS of rotavirus, malaria, influenza, human papillomavirus and measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccines that assessed or identified potential or theoretical risks, which may lead to changes to risk management plans and/or to label updates. Study settings include the use of large healthcare databases and de novo data collection. PASS methodology is influenced by the background incidence of the outcome of interest, vaccine uptake, availability and quality of data sources, identification of the at-risk population and of suitable comparators, availability of validated case definitions, and the frequent need for case ascertainment in large databases. Challenges include the requirement for valid exposure and outcome data, identification of, and access to, adequate data sources, and mitigating limitations including bias and confounding. Assessing feasibility is becoming a key step to confirm that study objectives can be met in a timely manner. PASS provide critical information for regulators, public health agencies, vaccine manufacturers and ultimately, individuals. Collaborative approaches and synergistic efforts between vaccine manufacturers and key stakeholders, such as regulatory and public health agencies, are needed to facilitate access to data, and to drive optimal study design and implementation, with the aim of generating robust evidence. Copyright © 2017 GSK Biologicals SA. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  3. Respiratory protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: quantitative fit test outcomes for five type N95 filtering-facepiece respirators.

    PubMed

    Lee, Kiyoung; Slavcev, Andrea; Nicas, Mark

    2004-01-01

    In preparing to fit test a large workforce, a respirator program manager needs to initially choose respirators that will fit the greatest proportion of employees and achieve the best fits. This article discusses our strategy in selecting respirators from an initial array of seven NIOSH-certified Type N95 filtering-facepiece devices for a respiratory protection program against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) aerosol. The seven respirators were screened based on manufacturer-provided fit test data, comfort, and cost. From these 7 devices, 5 were chosen for quantitative fit testing on 40 subjects who were a convenience sample from a cohort of approximately 30,000 workers scheduled to undergo fit testing. Across the five brands, medium/regular-size respirators fit from 8% to 95% of the subjects; providing another size of the same brand improved the pass rates slightly. Gender was not found to significantly affect fit test pass rates for any respirator brand. Among test panel members, an Aearo Corporation respirator (TC 84A-2630) and a 3M Company respirator (TC 84A-0006) provided the highest overall pass rates of 98% and 90%, respectively. We selected these two brands for fit testing in the larger worker cohort. To date, these two respirators have provided overall pass rates of 98% (1793/1830) and 88% (50/57), respectively, which are similar to the test panel results. Among 1850 individuals who have been fit tested, 1843 (99.6%) have been successfully fitted with one or the other brand. In a separate analysis, we used the test panel pass rates to estimate the reduction in M. tb infection risk afforded by the medium/regular-size of five filtering-facepiece respirators. We posed a low-exposure versus a high-exposure scenario for health care workers and assumed that respirators could be assigned without conducting fit testing, as proposed by many hospital infection control practitioners. Among those who would pass versus fail the fit test, we assumed an average respirator penetration (primarily due to faceseal leakage) of .04 and 0.3, respectively. The respirator with the highest overall pass rate (95%) reduced M. tb infection risk by 95%, while the respirator with the lowest pass rate (8%) reduced M. tb infection risk by only 70%. To promote the marketing of respirators that will successfully fit the highest proportion of wearers, and to increase protection for workers who might use respirators without the benefit of being fit tested, we recommend that fit testing be part of the NIOSH certification process for negative-pressure air-purifying respirators with tightly fitting facepieces. At a minimum, we recommend that respirator manufacturers generate and provide pass rate data to assist in selecting candidate respirators. In any event, program managers can initially select candidate respirators by comparing quantitative fit tests for a representative sample of their employee population.

  4. Repeat GED[R] Tests Examinees: Who Persists and Who Passes? GED Testing Service [R]Research Studies, 2010-2

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zhang, Jizhi; Patterson, Margaret Becker

    2010-01-01

    Like most high-stakes testing programs, the GED[R] testing program allows examinees who do not pass on the first attempt to retake the GED Tests. Studies and reports have described GED Tests candidates' characteristics and testing performance, but no study has targeted repeat examinees. A series of questions related to repeat examinees remains…

  5. 46 CFR 64.83 - Hydrostatic test.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ..., the heating coil passing a hydrostatic test at a pressure of 200 psig or more or 50 percent or more above the rated pressure of the coil, whichever is greater. (b) If the tank passes the hydrostatic test... 46 Shipping 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Hydrostatic test. 64.83 Section 64.83 Shipping COAST...

  6. On the design of henon and logistic map-based random number generator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Magfirawaty; Suryadi, M. T.; Ramli, Kalamullah

    2017-10-01

    The key sequence is one of the main elements in the cryptosystem. True Random Number Generators (TRNG) method is one of the approaches to generating the key sequence. The randomness source of the TRNG divided into three main groups, i.e. electrical noise based, jitter based and chaos based. The chaos based utilizes a non-linear dynamic system (continuous time or discrete time) as an entropy source. In this study, a new design of TRNG based on discrete time chaotic system is proposed, which is then simulated in LabVIEW. The principle of the design consists of combining 2D and 1D chaotic systems. A mathematical model is implemented for numerical simulations. We used comparator process as a harvester method to obtain the series of random bits. Without any post processing, the proposed design generated random bit sequence with high entropy value and passed all NIST 800.22 statistical tests.

  7. Test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change of two simplified 3-point balance measures in patients with stroke.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yi-Miau; Huang, Yi-Jing; Huang, Chien-Yu; Lin, Gong-Hong; Liaw, Lih-Jiun; Lee, Shih-Chieh; Hsieh, Ching-Lin

    2017-10-01

    The 3-point Berg Balance Scale (BBS-3P) and 3-point Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS-3P) were simplified from the BBS and PASS to overcome the complex scoring systems. The BBS-3P and PASS-3P were more feasible in busy clinical practice and showed similarly sound validity and responsiveness to the original measures. However, the reliability of the BBS-3P and PASS-3P is unknown limiting their utility and the interpretability of scores. We aimed to examine the test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the BBS-3P and PASS-3P in patients with stroke. Cross-sectional study. The rehabilitation departments of a medical center and a community hospital. A total of 51 chronic stroke patients (64.7% male). Both balance measures were administered twice 7 days apart. The test-retest reliability of both the BBS-3P and PASS-3P were examined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The MDC and its percentage over the total score (MDC%) of each measure was calculated for examining the random measurement errors. The ICC values of the BBS-3P and PASS-3P were 0.99 and 0.97, respectively. The MDC% (MDC) of the BBS-3P and PASS-3P were 9.1% (5.1 points) and 8.4% (3.0 points), respectively, indicating that both measures had small and acceptable random measurement errors. Our results showed that both the BBS-3P and the PASS-3P had good test-retest reliability, with small and acceptable random measurement error. These two simplified 3-level balance measures can provide reliable results over time. Our findings support the repeated administration of the BBS-3P and PASS-3P to monitor the balance of patients with stroke. The MDC values can help clinicians and researchers interpret the change scores more precisely.

  8. Real-time fast physical random number generator with a photonic integrated circuit.

    PubMed

    Ugajin, Kazusa; Terashima, Yuta; Iwakawa, Kento; Uchida, Atsushi; Harayama, Takahisa; Yoshimura, Kazuyuki; Inubushi, Masanobu

    2017-03-20

    Random number generators are essential for applications in information security and numerical simulations. Most optical-chaos-based random number generators produce random bit sequences by offline post-processing with large optical components. We demonstrate a real-time hardware implementation of a fast physical random number generator with a photonic integrated circuit and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) electronic board. We generate 1-Tbit random bit sequences and evaluate their statistical randomness using NIST Special Publication 800-22 and TestU01. All of the BigCrush tests in TestU01 are passed using 410-Gbit random bit sequences. A maximum real-time generation rate of 21.1 Gb/s is achieved for random bit sequences in binary format stored in a computer, which can be directly used for applications involving secret keys in cryptography and random seeds in large-scale numerical simulations.

  9. Distributed fiber-optic laser-ultrasound generation based on ghost-mode of tilted fiber Bragg gratings.

    PubMed

    Tian, Jiajun; Zhang, Qi; Han, Ming

    2013-03-11

    Active ultrasonic testing is widely used for medical diagnosis, material characterization and structural health monitoring. Ultrasonic transducer is a key component in active ultrasonic testing. Due to their many advantages such as small size, light weight, and immunity to electromagnetic interference, fiber-optic ultrasonic transducers are particularly attractive for permanent, embedded applications in active ultrasonic testing for structural health monitoring. However, current fiber-optic transducers only allow effective ultrasound generation at a single location of the fiber end. Here we demonstrate a fiber-optic device that can effectively generate ultrasound at multiple, selected locations along a fiber in a controllable manner based on a smart light tapping scheme that only taps out the light of a particular wavelength for laser-ultrasound generation and allow light of longer wavelengths pass by without loss. Such a scheme may also find applications in remote fiber-optic device tuning and quasi-distributed biochemical fiber-optic sensing.

  10. Analysis of Flame Retardancy in Polymer Blends by Synchrotron X-ray K-edge Tomography and Interferometric Phase Contrast Movies.

    PubMed

    Olatinwo, Mutairu B; Ham, Kyungmin; McCarney, Jonathan; Marathe, Shashidhara; Ge, Jinghua; Knapp, Gerry; Butler, Leslie G

    2016-03-10

    Underwriters Laboratories 94 test bars have been imaged with X-ray K-edge tomography between 12 and 32 keV to assess the bromine and antimony concentration gradient across char layers of partially burnt samples. Phase contrast tomography on partially burnt samples showed gas bubbles and dark-field scattering ascribed to residual blend inhomogeneity. In addition, single-shot grating interferometry was used to record X-ray movies of test samples during heating (IR and flame) intended to mimic the UL 94 plastics flammability test. The UL 94 test bars were formulated with varying concentrations of a brominated flame retardant, Saytex 8010, and a synergist, Sb2O3, blended into high-impact polystyrene (HIPS). Depending on the sample composition, samples will pass or fail the UL 94 plastics flammability test. Tomography and interferometry imaging show differences that correlate with UL 94 performance. Key features such as char layer, gas bubble formation, microcracks, and dissolution of the flame retardant in the char layer regions are used in understanding the efficiency of the flame retardant and synergist. The samples that pass the UL 94 test have a thick, highly visible char layer as well as an interior rich in gas bubbles. Growth of gas bubbles from flame-retardant thermal decomposition is noted in the X-ray phase contrast movies. Also noteworthy is an absence of bubbles near the burning surface of the polymer; dark-field images after burning suggest a microcrack structure between interior bubbles and the surface. The accepted mechanism for flame retardant activity includes free radical quenching in the flame by bromine and antimony species. The imaging supports this as well as provides a fast inspection of other parameters, such as viscosity and surface tension.

  11. An Empirical Analysis of the Cascade Secret Key Reconciliation Protocol for Quantum Key Distribution

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-09-01

    performance with the parity checks within each pass increasing and as a result, the processing time is expected to increase as well. A conclusion is drawn... timely manner has driven efforts to develop new key distribution methods. The most promising method is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and is...thank the QKD Project Team for all of the insight and support they provided in such a short time period. Thanks are especially in order for my

  12. Simulation-Based Training for Colonoscopy

    PubMed Central

    Preisler, Louise; Svendsen, Morten Bo Søndergaard; Nerup, Nikolaj; Svendsen, Lars Bo; Konge, Lars

    2015-01-01

    Abstract The aim of this study was to create simulation-based tests with credible pass/fail standards for 2 different fidelities of colonoscopy models. Only competent practitioners should perform colonoscopy. Reliable and valid simulation-based tests could be used to establish basic competency in colonoscopy before practicing on patients. Twenty-five physicians (10 consultants with endoscopic experience and 15 fellows with very little endoscopic experience) were tested on 2 different simulator models: a virtual-reality simulator and a physical model. Tests were repeated twice on each simulator model. Metrics with discriminatory ability were identified for both modalities and reliability was determined. The contrasting-groups method was used to create pass/fail standards and the consequences of these were explored. The consultants significantly performed faster and scored higher than the fellows on both the models (P < 0.001). Reliability analysis showed Cronbach α = 0.80 and 0.87 for the virtual-reality and the physical model, respectively. The established pass/fail standards failed one of the consultants (virtual-reality simulator) and allowed one fellow to pass (physical model). The 2 tested simulations-based modalities provided reliable and valid assessments of competence in colonoscopy and credible pass/fail standards were established for both the tests. We propose to use these standards in simulation-based training programs before proceeding to supervised training on patients. PMID:25634177

  13. Port-of-entry advanced sorting system (PASS) operational test

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1998-12-01

    In 1992 the Oregon Department of Transportation undertook an operational test of the Port-of-Entry Advanced Sorting System (PASS), which uses a two-way communication automatic vehicle identification system, integrated with weigh-in-motion, automatic ...

  14. Tests of by-pass diodes at cryogenic temperatures for the KATRIN magnets

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gil, W.; Bolz, H.; Jansen, A.

    The Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino experiment (KATRIN) requires a series of superconducting solenoid magnets for guiding beta-electrons from the source to the detector. By-pass diodes will operate at liquid helium temperatures to protect the superconducting magnets and bus bars in case of quenches. The operation conditions of the by-pass diodes depend on the different magnet systems of KATRIN. Therefore, different diode stacks are designed with adequate copper heat sinks assuming adiabatic conditions. The by-pass diode stacks have been submitted to cold tests both at liquid nitrogen and liquid helium temperatures for checking operation conditions. This report presents the test set upmore » and first results of the diode characteristics at 300 K and 77 K, as well as of endurance tests of the diode stacks at constant current load at 77 K and 4.2 K.« less

  15. Efficient Data Generation and Publication as a Test Tool

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Einstein, Craig Jakob

    2017-01-01

    A tool to facilitate the generation and publication of test data was created to test the individual components of a command and control system designed to launch spacecraft. Specifically, this tool was built to ensure messages are properly passed between system components. The tool can also be used to test whether the appropriate groups have access (read/write privileges) to the correct messages. The messages passed between system components take the form of unique identifiers with associated values. These identifiers are alphanumeric strings that identify the type of message and the additional parameters that are contained within the message. The values that are passed with the message depend on the identifier. The data generation tool allows for the efficient creation and publication of these messages. A configuration file can be used to set the parameters of the tool and also specify which messages to pass.

  16. Effects of gut passage, feces, and seed handling on latency and rate of germination in seeds consumed by capuchins (Cebus capucinus).

    PubMed

    Valenta, Kim; Fedigan, Linda M

    2009-04-01

    One of the key measures of the effectiveness of primary seed dispersal by animals is the quality of seed dispersal (Schupp: Plant Ecol 107/108 [1993] 15-29). We present data on quality of seed dispersal by two groups of white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) in Costa Rica to test the hypothesis that capuchin seed handling results in effective primary dispersal for some fruit species they consume. We examined seed handling for 27 plant species, and germination rates of 18 species consumed by capuchins. For five of the most commonly swallowed seed species, we determined germination rates and average time to germination (latency) for seeds ingested and defecated by capuchins and compared these to seeds removed directly from fruit and planted. For the same five species, we compared germination rates and latency for passed seeds planted in capuchin feces to those cleaned of feces and planted in soil. For three of five species, differences in proportion of germinated seeds were significantly higher for gut passed seeds than for controls. For four of five species, germination latency was significantly faster for gut passed seeds than for controls. Feces had either no effect on seed germination rate or precluded germination. Data presented here support the hypothesis that white-faced capuchins are effective primary dispersers.

  17. The Role of Common Motor Responses in Stimulus Categorization by Preschool Children

    PubMed Central

    Mahoney, Amanda M; Miguel, Caio F; Ahearn, William H; Bell, Julianne

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to assess the role of common motor responses as the “speaker” behavior on stimulus class formation, and the emergence of functional classes. Experiment 1 examined whether training one motor response to a set of three stimuli and a second motor response to another set of three stimuli would result in correct category-sort responses for 5 typically developing preschool children. Three of the children passed the categorization tests. Experiment 2 examined whether the classes formed in Experiment 1 were functional classes, and whether participants who did not pass categorization tests in Experiment 1 would do so following common vocal tact training. The 2 participants who failed categorization tests in Experiment 1 passed these tests in Experiment 2, although none of the participants passed the tests for functional classes. The results of the current study did not unequivocally support the naming hypothesis. Future research should therefore evaluate other possible sources of control that aid in stimulus categorization. PMID:21541124

  18. Calculating inspector probability of detection using performance demonstration program pass rates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cumblidge, Stephen; D'Agostino, Amy

    2016-02-01

    The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff has been working since the 1970's to ensure that nondestructive testing performed on nuclear power plants in the United States will provide reasonable assurance of structural integrity of the nuclear power plant components. One tool used by the NRC has been the development and implementation of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XI Appendix VIII[1] (Appendix VIII) blind testing requirements for ultrasonic procedures, equipment, and personnel. Some concerns have been raised, over the years, by the relatively low pass rates for the Appendix VIII qualification testing. The NRC staff has applied statistical tools and simulations to determine the expected probability of detection (POD) for ultrasonic examinations under ideal conditions based on the pass rates for the Appendix VIII qualification tests for the ultrasonic testing personnel. This work was primarily performed to answer three questions. First, given a test design and pass rate, what is the expected overall POD for inspectors? Second, can we calculate the probability of detection for flaws of different sizes using this information? Finally, if a previously qualified inspector fails a requalification test, does this call their earlier inspections into question? The calculations have shown that one can expect good performance from inspectors who have passed appendix VIII testing in a laboratory-like environment, and the requalification pass rates show that the inspectors have maintained their skills between tests. While these calculations showed that the PODs for the ultrasonic inspections are very good under laboratory conditions, the field inspections are conducted in a very different environment. The NRC staff has initiated a project to systematically analyze the human factors differences between qualification testing and field examinations. This work will be used to evaluate and prioritize potential human factors issues that may degrade performance in the field.

  19. Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy (FUSE) certification: validation and predictors of success.

    PubMed

    Robinson, Thomas N; Olasky, Jaisa; Young, Patricia; Feldman, Liane S; Fuchshuber, Pascal R; Jones, Stephanie B; Madani, Amin; Brunt, Michael; Mikami, Dean; Jackson, Gretchen P; Mischna, Jessica; Schwaitzberg, Steven; Jones, Daniel B

    2016-03-01

    The Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy (FUSE) program includes a Web-based didactic curriculum and a high-stakes multiple-choice question examination with the goal to provide certification of knowledge on the safe use of surgical energy-based devices. The purpose of this study was (1) to set a passing score through a psychometrically sound process and (2) to determine what pretest factors predicted passing the FUSE examination. Beta-testing of multiple-choice questions on 62 topics of importance to the safe use of surgical energy-based devices was performed. Eligible test takers were physicians with a minimum of 1 year of surgical training who were recruited by FUSE task force members. A pretest survey collected baseline information. A total of 227 individuals completed the FUSE beta-test, and 208 completed the pretest survey. The passing/cut score for the first test form of the FUSE multiple-choice examination was determined using the modified Angoff methodology and for the second test form was determined using a linear equating methodology. The overall passing rate across the two examination forms was 81.5%. Self-reported time studying the FUSE Web-based curriculum for a minimum of >2 h was associated with a passing examination score (p < 0.001). Performance was not different based on increased years of surgical practice (p = 0.363), self-reported expertise on one or more types of energy-based devices (p = 0.683), participation in the FUSE postgraduate course (p = 0.426), or having reviewed the FUSE manual (p = 0.428). Logistic regression found that studying the FUSE didactics for >2 h predicted a passing score (OR 3.61; 95% CI 1.44-9.05; p = 0.006) independent of the other baseline characteristics recorded. The development of the FUSE examination, including the passing score, followed a psychometrically sound process. Self-reported time studying the FUSE curriculum predicted a passing score independent of other pretest characteristics such as years in practice and self-reported expertise.

  20. Influence of poor effort on neuropsychological test performance in U.S. military personnel following mild traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Lange, Rael T; Pancholi, Sonal; Bhagwat, Aditya; Anderson-Barnes, Victoria; French, Louis M

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of poor effort on neuropsychological test performance in military personnel following mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Participants were 143 U.S. service members who sustained a TBI, divided into three groups based on injury severity and performance on the Word Memory Test and four embedded markers of poor effort: MTBI-pass (n = 87), MTBI-fail (n = 21), and STBI-pass (n = 35; where STBI denotes severe TBI). Patients were evaluated at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center on average 3.9 months (SD = 3.4) post injury. The majority of the sample was Caucasian (84.6%), was male (93.0%), and had 12+ years of education (96.5%). Measures included the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and 13 common neurocognitive measures. Patients in the MTBI-fail group performed worse on the majority of neurocognitive measures, followed by the Severe TBI-Pass group and the MTBI-pass group. Using a criterion of three or more low scores <10th percentile, the MTBI-fail group had the greatest rate of impairment (76.2%), followed by the Severe TBI-Pass group (34.3%) and MTBI-pass group (16.1%). On the PAI, the MTBI-fail group had higher scores on the majority of clinical scales (p < .05). There were a greater number of elevated scales (e.g., 5 or more elevated mild or higher) in the MTBI-fail group (71.4%) than in the MTBI-pass group (32.2%) and Severe TBI-Pass group (17.1%). Effort testing is an important component of postacute neuropsychological evaluations following combat-related MTBI. Those who fail effort testing are likely to be misdiagnosed as having severe cognitive impairment, and their symptom reporting is likely to be inaccurate.

  1. Port-of-entry Advanced Sorting System (PASS) operational test : final report

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1998-12-01

    In 1992 the Oregon Department of Transportation undertook an operational test of the Port-of-Entry Advanced Sorting System (PASS), which uses a two-way communication automatic vehicle identification system, integrated with weigh-in-motion, automatic ...

  2. Plea to lower English test pass marks for EEA nurses.

    PubMed

    Longhurst, Chris

    2017-08-09

    Nurses from a group campaigning for the rights of EU citizens in the UK after Brexit are meeting the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to press for the pass mark for English language tests to be lowered.

  3. Advances in ultrasonic testing of austenitic stainless steel welds. Towards a 3D description of the material including attenuation and optimisation by inversion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moysan, J.; Gueudré, C.; Ploix, M.-A.; Corneloup, G.; Guy, Ph.; Guerjouma, R. El; Chassignole, B.

    In the case of multi-pass welds, the material is very difficult to describe due to its anisotropic and heterogeneous properties. Anisotropy results from the metal solidification and is correlated with the grain orientation. A precise description of the material is one of the key points to obtain reliable results with wave propagation codes. A first advance is the model MINA which predicts the grain orientations in multi-pass 316-L steel welds. For flat position welding, good predictions of the grains orientations were obtained using 2D modelling. In case of welding in position the resulting grain structure may be 3D oriented. We indicate how the MINA model can be improved for 3D description. A second advance is a good quantification of the attenuation. Precise measurements are obtained using plane waves angular spectrum method together with the computation of the transmission coefficients for triclinic material. With these two first advances, the third one is now possible: developing an inverse method to obtain the material description through ultrasonic measurements at different positions.

  4. Prospective memory performance of patients with Parkinson's disease depends on shifting aptitude: evidence from cognitive rehabilitation.

    PubMed

    Costa, Alberto; Peppe, Antonella; Serafini, Francesca; Zabberoni, Silvia; Barban, Francesco; Caltagirone, Carlo; Carlesimo, Giovanni Augusto

    2014-08-01

    This study investigated the effect of cognitive training aimed at improving shifting ability on Parkinson's disease (PD) patients' performance of prospective memory (PM) tasks. Using a double-blind protocol, 17 PD patients were randomly assigned to two experimental arms. In the first arm (n=9) shifting training was administered, and in the second (placebo) arm (n=8), language and respiratory exercises. Both treatments consisted of 12 sessions executed over 4 weeks. PM and shifting measures (i.e., Trail Making Test and Alternate Fluency Test) were administered at T0 (before treatment) and T1 (immediately after treatment). A mixed analysis of variance was applied to the data. To evaluate the effects of treatment, the key effect was the interaction between Group (experimental vs. placebo) and Time of Assessment (T0 vs. T1). This interaction was significant for the accuracy indices of the PM procedure (p<.05) and for the performance parameters of the shifting tasks (p ≤.05). Tukey's HSD tests showed that in all cases passing from T0 to T1 performance significantly improved in the experimental group (in all cases p ≤.02) but remained unchanged in the placebo group (all p consistently>.10). The performance change passing from T0 to T1 on the Alternate Fluency test and the PM procedure was significantly correlated (p<.05). Results show that the cognitive training significantly improved PD patients' event-based PM performance and suggest that their poor PM functioning might be related to reduced shifting abilities.

  5. Effectiveness of PETTLEP imager on performance of passing skill in volleyball.

    PubMed

    Afrouzeh, M; Sohrabi, E; Haghkhan, A; Rowshani, F; Goharrokhi, S

    2015-01-01

    This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of PETTLEP-based imagery, and traditional imagery interventions, on performance of passing skill in volleyball. 36 beginners male volleyball players (Mage =13.5 years, SD=0.55 years) with 5-6 months practice experience were randomly assigned to one of three groups: physical practice + PETTLEP imagery (PP+PI) (N.=15), physical practice + traditional imagery (N.=15), and physical practice only (PP; N.=15). Subjects in the PP+PI group applied the seven components of PETTLEP imagery training; whereas subjects in the PP+TI engaged in a relaxation session before imagery and used response laden motor imagery scripts. The two groups completed 15 minutes of imagery training followed immediately by 13 minutes of "passing" practice three times per week. The PP group completed only 13 minutes of "passing" practice three times per week. Each group performed its respective tasks for 7 weeks. A pre-test took place during the first practice session in which "passing" was assessed. After the 7-week practice program, a post-test took place followed by a retention test, one "no-practice" week later. All groups improved significantly (P<0.05) from pre- to post-test and retention test. However, as hypothesised the PP+PI group improved more (P<0.05) than the PP+TI and PP groups. The findings, therefore, support the effectiveness of PETTLEP imagery in enhancing performance of passing skill in volleyball when combined with physical practice.

  6. A novel image encryption algorithm based on chaos maps with Markov properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Quan; Li, Pei-yue; Zhang, Ming-chao; Sui, Yong-xin; Yang, Huai-jiang

    2015-02-01

    In order to construct high complexity, secure and low cost image encryption algorithm, a class of chaos with Markov properties was researched and such algorithm was also proposed. The kind of chaos has higher complexity than the Logistic map and Tent map, which keeps the uniformity and low autocorrelation. An improved couple map lattice based on the chaos with Markov properties is also employed to cover the phase space of the chaos and enlarge the key space, which has better performance than the original one. A novel image encryption algorithm is constructed on the new couple map lattice, which is used as a key stream generator. A true random number is used to disturb the key which can dynamically change the permutation matrix and the key stream. From the experiments, it is known that the key stream can pass SP800-22 test. The novel image encryption can resist CPA and CCA attack and differential attack. The algorithm is sensitive to the initial key and can change the distribution the pixel values of the image. The correlation of the adjacent pixels can also be eliminated. When compared with the algorithm based on Logistic map, it has higher complexity and better uniformity, which is nearer to the true random number. It is also efficient to realize which showed its value in common use.

  7. 14 CFR 61.307 - What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... sport pilot certificate? 61.307 Section 61.307 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION... INSTRUCTORS Sport Pilots § 61.307 What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate? To obtain a sport pilot certificate, you must pass the following tests: (a) Knowledge test. You must pass a...

  8. 14 CFR 61.307 - What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... sport pilot certificate? 61.307 Section 61.307 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION... INSTRUCTORS Sport Pilots § 61.307 What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate? To obtain a sport pilot certificate, you must pass the following tests: (a) Knowledge test. You must pass a...

  9. 14 CFR 61.307 - What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... sport pilot certificate? 61.307 Section 61.307 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION... INSTRUCTORS Sport Pilots § 61.307 What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate? To obtain a sport pilot certificate, you must pass the following tests: (a) Knowledge test. You must pass a...

  10. 14 CFR 61.307 - What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate? 61.307 Section 61.307 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION... a sport pilot certificate, you must pass the following tests: (a) Knowledge test. You must pass a...

  11. 14 CFR 61.307 - What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate? 61.307 Section 61.307 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION... a sport pilot certificate, you must pass the following tests: (a) Knowledge test. You must pass a...

  12. Estimating Measures of Pass-Fail Reliability from Parallel Half-Tests.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Woodruff, David J.; Sawyer, Richard L.

    Two methods for estimating measures of pass-fail reliability are derived, by which both theta and kappa may be estimated from a single test administration. The methods require only a single test administration and are computationally simple. Both are based on the Spearman-Brown formula for estimating stepped-up reliability. The non-distributional…

  13. Does the Anticipation of a Merit Grade Motivate Vocational Test-Takers?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Martin

    2007-01-01

    This study explores whether the anticipation of a graded (merit, pass, fail) test outcome rather than a binary (pass, fail) form of feedback influenced the motivation of learners taking a vocationally related test. Ninety-four students currently taking a vocationally related qualification were divided into control and experimental groups. Each…

  14. Eye tracking uncovered great apes' ability to anticipate that other individuals will act according to false beliefs.

    PubMed

    Kano, Fumihiro; Krupenye, Christopher; Hirata, Satoshi; Call, Josep

    2017-01-01

    Using a novel eye-tracking test, we recently showed that great apes anticipate that other individuals will act according to false beliefs. This finding suggests that, like humans, great apes understand others' false beliefs, at least in an implicit way. One key question raised by our study is why apes have passed our tests but not previous ones. In this article, we consider this question by detailing the development of our task. We considered 3 major differences in our task compared with the previous ones. First, we monitored apes' eye movements, and specifically their anticipatory looks, to measure their predictions about how agents will behave. Second, we adapted our design from an anticipatory-looking false belief test originally developed for human infants. Third, we developed novel test scenarios that were specifically designed to capture the attention of our ape participants. We then discuss how each difference may help explain differences in performance on our task and previous ones, and finally propose some directions for future studies.

  15. Women's experiences receiving abnormal prenatal chromosomal microarray testing results.

    PubMed

    Bernhardt, Barbara A; Soucier, Danielle; Hanson, Karen; Savage, Melissa S; Jackson, Laird; Wapner, Ronald J

    2013-02-01

    Genomic microarrays can detect copy-number variants not detectable by conventional cytogenetics. This technology is diffusing rapidly into prenatal settings even though the clinical implications of many copy-number variants are currently unknown. We conducted a qualitative pilot study to explore the experiences of women receiving abnormal results from prenatal microarray testing performed in a research setting. Participants were a subset of women participating in a multicenter prospective study "Prenatal Cytogenetic Diagnosis by Array-based Copy Number Analysis." Telephone interviews were conducted with 23 women receiving abnormal prenatal microarray results. We found that five key elements dominated the experiences of women who had received abnormal prenatal microarray results: an offer too good to pass up, blindsided by the results, uncertainty and unquantifiable risks, need for support, and toxic knowledge. As prenatal microarray testing is increasingly used, uncertain findings will be common, resulting in greater need for careful pre- and posttest counseling, and more education of and resources for providers so they can adequately support the women who are undergoing testing.

  16. Discovering New Variable Stars at Key Stage 3

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chubb, Katy; Hood, Rosie; Wilson, Thomas; Holdship, Jonathan; Hutton, Sarah

    2017-01-01

    Details of the London pilot of the "Discovery Project" are presented, where university-based astronomers were given the chance to pass on some real and applied knowledge of astronomy to a group of selected secondary school pupils. It was aimed at students in Key Stage 3 of their education, allowing them to be involved in real…

  17. Quiz: Does Your Blood Pressure Pass the Test? | NIH MedlinePlus the Magazine

    MedlinePlus

    ... page please turn Javascript on. Special Section: Healthy Blood Pressure Quiz: Does Your Blood Pressure Pass the Test? Past Issues / Winter 2010 Table of Contents Blood pressure changes throughout the day. It is highest while ...

  18. 49 CFR 383.135 - Minimum passing scores.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE... score on such knowledge test. (b) To achieve a passing score on the skills test, the driver applicant...

  19. Standardized Testing Practices: Effect on Graduation and NCLEX® Pass Rates.

    PubMed

    Randolph, Pamela K

    The use standardized testing in pre-licensure nursing programs has been accompanied by conflicting reports of effective practices. The purpose of this project was to describe standardized testing practices in one states' nursing programs and discover if the use of a cut score or oversight of remediation had any effect on (a) first time NCLEX® pass rates, (b) on-time graduation (OTG) or (c) the combination of (a) and (b). Administrators of 38 nursing programs in one Southwest state were sent surveys; surveys were returned by 34 programs (89%). Survey responses were compared to each program's NCLEX pass rate and on-time graduation rate; t-tests were conducted for significant differences associated with a required minimum score (cut score) and oversight of remediation. There were no significant differences in NCLEX pass or on-time graduation rates related to establishment of a cut score. There was a significant difference when the NCLEX pass rate and on-time graduation rate were combined (Outcome Index "OI") with significantly higher program outcomes (P=.02.) for programs without cut-scores. There were no differences associated with faculty oversight of remediation. The results of this study do not support establishment of a cut-score when implementing a standardized testing. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  20. Four-dimensional Microscope-Integrated Optical Coherence Tomography to Visualize Suture Depth in Strabismus Surgery.

    PubMed

    Pasricha, Neel D; Bhullar, Paramjit K; Shieh, Christine; Carrasco-Zevallos, Oscar M; Keller, Brenton; Izatt, Joseph A; Toth, Cynthia A; Freedman, Sharon F; Kuo, Anthony N

    2017-02-14

    The authors report the use of swept-source microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (SS-MIOCT), capable of live four-dimensional (three-dimensional across time) intraoperative imaging, to directly visualize suture depth during lateral rectus resection. Key surgical steps visualized in this report included needle depth during partial and full-thickness muscle passes along with scleral passes. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;54:e1-e5.]. Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.

  1. Testing the Turing Test — do Men Pass It?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Adam, Ruth; Hershberg, Uri; Schul, Yaacov; Solomon, Sorin

    We are fascinated by the idea of giving life to the inanimate. The fields of Artificial Life and Artificial Intelligence (AI) attempt to use a scientific approach to pursue this desire. The first steps on this approach hark back to Turing and his suggestion of an imitation game as an alternative answer to the question "can machines think?".1 To test his hypothesis, Turing formulated the Turing test1 to detect human behavior in computers. But how do humans pass such a test? What would you say if you would learn that they do not pass it well? What would it mean for our understanding of human behavior? What would it mean for our design of tests of the success of artificial life? We report below an experiment in which men consistently failed the Turing test.

  2. The Effects on Soccer Passing Skills When Warming Up with Two Different Sized Soccer Balls

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Burcak, Keskin

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of the present research is studying the effects of warm-up with two different sizes of balls on passing skills. Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) was conducted on 28 non-elite football players, who participated in the present research for 10 training days. LSPT is a passing skill protocol established on completing 16 passes…

  3. Low-cycle fatigue of Fe-20%Cr alloy processed by equal- channel angular pressing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaneko, Yoshihisa; Tomita, Ryuji; Vinogradov, Alexei

    2014-08-01

    Low-cycle fatigue properties were investigated on Fe-20%Cr ferritic stainless steel processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). The Fe-20%Cr alloy bullets were processed for one to four passes via Route-Bc. The ECAPed samples were cyclically deformed at the constant plastic strain amplitude ɛpl of 5x10-4 at room temperature in air. After the 1-pass ECAP, low-angle grain boundaries were dominantly formed. During the low-cycle fatigue test, the 1-pass sample revealed the rapid softening which continued until fatigue fracture. Fatigue life of the 1-pass sample was shorter than that of a coarse-grained sample. After the 4-pass ECAP, the average grain size reduced down to about 1.5 μm. At initial stage of the low-cycle fatigue tests, the stress amplitude increased with increasing ECAP passes. At the samples processed for more than 2 passes, the cyclic softening was relatively moderate. It was found that fatigue life of the ECAPed Fe-20%Cr alloy excepting the 1-pass sample was improved as compared to the coarse-grained sample, even under the strain controlled fatigue condition.

  4. Post-action staff support for the Concerns of Police Survivors Organization (COPS).

    PubMed

    Mitchell, Jeffrey T

    2010-01-01

    This concept article presents an overview of a post-action staff support (PASS) session that has been effective in meeting many of the emotional needs of a large, diverse group of volunteers who serve as support personnel for grieving family members, significant others, and co-workers at the annual National Police Survivors Conference in the Washington, DC area. This particular approach to the PASS process is not a fixed, rigid approach. Instead, it is adaptable and flexible and it can be altered as necessary to suit specific populations with special needs. The key elements of the two-hour PASS session have evolved over many years to the current form presented in this article.

  5. Evaluation of a training curriculum for prehospital trauma ultrasound.

    PubMed

    Press, Gregory M; Miller, Sara K; Hassan, Iman A; Blankenship, Robert; del Junco, Deborah; Camp, Elizabeth; Holcomb, John B

    2013-12-01

    In the United States, ultrasound has rarely been incorporated into prehospital care, and scant descriptions of the processes used to train prehospital providers are available. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (EFAST) training curriculum that incorporated multiple educational modalities. We also aimed to determine if certain demographic factors predicted successful completion. All aeromedical prehospital providers (APPs) for a Level I trauma center took a 25-question computer-based test to ascertain baseline knowledge. Questions were categorized by content and format. Training over a 2-month period included a didactic course, a hands-on training session, proctored scanning sessions in the Emergency Department, six Internet-based training modules, pocket flashcards, a review session, and remedial training. At the conclusion of the training curriculum, the same test and an objective structured clinical examination were administered to evaluate knowledge gained. Thirty-three of 34 APPs completed training. The overall pre-test and post-test means and all content and format subsets showed significant improvement (p < 0.0001 for all). No APP passed the pre-test, and 28 of 33 passed the post-test with a mean score of 78%. No demographic variable predicted passing the post-test. Twenty-seven of 33 APPs passed the objective structured clinical examination, and the only predictive variable was passing the post-test (odds ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.25, p = 0.045). The implementation of a multifaceted EFAST prehospital training program is feasible. Significant improvement in overall and subset testing scores suggests that the test instrument was internally consistent and sufficiently sensitive to capture knowledge gained as a result of the training. Demographic variables were not predictive of test success. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. The challenge of a ban on animal testing for the development of a regulated legal market for new psychoactive substances (NPS) ('legal highs') in New Zealand: Issues and options for resolution.

    PubMed

    Rychert, Marta; Wilkins, Chris

    2015-12-01

    In mid-July 2013, New Zealand passed the Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA), which allowed 'low risk' psychoactive products ('legal highs') to be approved for legal sale. In early May 2014, following public protest, the Psychoactive Substances Amendment Act (PSAA) was passed banning animal testing of psychoactive products, potentially making the new regime unworkable. To investigate strategies to overcome the impasse created by the animal testing ban. Solutions to the impasse were investigated using 'scenario' and 'stakeholder' analysis. Legislation, parliamentary debates, and regulatory statements related to the PSA and animal testing were reviewed. Strategies to resolve the impasse were discussed with stakeholders including the Psychoactive Substances Regulatory Authority (PSRA) officials, health officials, a legal high industry lawyer, and a leading legal highs manufacturer. This process generated six possible scenarios and five decision-making criteria of key importance to major stakeholders. Scenarios were then evaluated based on feedback from the industry and regulators. The six scenarios were: (1) pragmatic modification of the animal testing ban; (2) waiting until new non-animal test models are internationally accepted; (3) use of non-validated replacement test methods; (4) judicial challenge of the animal testing ban; (5) 'creative compliance' by only presenting human clinical trial results; and (6) philosophical re-conceptualisation of the 'benefits' from psychoactive products. Options 1 and 5 appear to be the most attractive overall solutions. However, both rely on a new political consensus and astute framing of the issues by political communicators. Political decision makers may be happy to accept Scenario 2 which would impose significant delays. A 'failed' pharmaceutical product with psychoactive effects may have the test data required to be approved under Scenarios 1 and 5. Ultimately, the pleasurable benefits from psychoactive products may need to be included in the debate. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Remote two-wire data entry method and device

    DOEpatents

    Kronberg, James W.

    1995-01-01

    A device for detecting switch closure such as in a keypad for entering data comprising a matrix of conductor pairs and switches, each pair of conductors shorted by the pressing of a particular switch, and current-regulating devices on each conductor for limiting current in one direction and passing it without limit in the other direction. The device is driven by alternating current. The ends of the conductors in a conductor pair limit current of opposing polarities with respect to each other so that the signal on a shorted pair is an alternating current signal with a unique combination of a positive and a negative peak, which, when analyzed, allows the determination of which key was pressed. The binary identification of the pressed key is passed to the input port of a host device.

  8. Programmable Gain Amplifiers with DC Suppression and Low Output Offset for Bioelectric Sensors

    PubMed Central

    Carrera, Albano; de la Rosa, Ramón; Alonso, Alonso

    2013-01-01

    DC-offset and DC-suppression are key parameters in bioelectric amplifiers. However, specific DC analyses are not often explained. Several factors influence the DC-budget: the programmable gain, the programmable cut-off frequencies for high pass filtering and, the low cut-off values and the capacitor blocking issues involved. A new intermediate stage is proposed to address the DC problem entirely. Two implementations were tested. The stage is composed of a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) with DC-rejection and low output offset. Cut-off frequencies are selectable and values from 0.016 to 31.83 Hz were tested, and the capacitor deblocking is embedded in the design. Hence, this PGA delivers most of the required gain with constant low output offset, notwithstanding the gain or cut-off frequency selected. PMID:24084109

  9. Multipath interference test method for distributed amplifiers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Okada, Takahiro; Aida, Kazuo

    2005-12-01

    A method for testing distributed amplifiers is presented; the multipath interference (MPI) is detected as a beat spectrum between the multipath signal and the direct signal using a binary frequency shifted keying (FSK) test signal. The lightwave source is composed of a DFB-LD that is directly modulated by a pulse stream passing through an equalizer, and emits the FSK signal of the frequency deviation of about 430MHz at repetition rate of 80-100 kHz. The receiver consists of a photo-diode and an electrical spectrum analyzer (ESA). The base-band power spectrum peak appeared at the frequency of the FSK frequency deviation can be converted to amount of MPI using a calibration chart. The test method has improved the minimum detectable MPI as low as -70 dB, compared to that of -50 dB of the conventional test method. The detailed design and performance of the proposed method are discussed, including the MPI simulator for calibration procedure, computer simulations for evaluating the error caused by the FSK repetition rate and the fiber length under test and experiments on singlemode fibers and distributed Raman amplifier.

  10. Strategies for lowering attrition rates and raising NCLEX-RN pass rates.

    PubMed

    Higgins, Bonnie

    2005-12-01

    This study was designed to determine strategies to raise the NCLEX-RN pass rate and lower the attrition rate in a community college nursing program. Ex-post facto data were collected from 213 former nursing student records. Qualitative data were collected from 10 full-time faculty, 30 new graduates, and 45 directors of associate degree nursing programs in Texas. The findings linked the academic variables of two biology courses and three components of the preadmission test to completion of the nursing program. A relationship was found between one biology course, the science component of the preadmission test, the HESI Exit Examination score, and the nursing skills course to passing the NCLEX-RN. Qualitative data indicated preadmission requirements, campus counselors, remediation, faculty, test-item writing, and teaching method were instrumental in completion of the program and passing the NCLEX-RN.

  11. "Which pass is better?" Novel approaches to assess passing effectiveness in elite soccer.

    PubMed

    Rein, Robert; Raabe, Dominik; Memmert, Daniel

    2017-10-01

    Passing behaviour is a key property of successful performance in team sports. Previous investigations however have mainly focused on notational measurements like total passing frequencies which provide little information about what actually constitutes successful passing behaviour. Consequently, this has hampered the transfer of research findings into applied settings. Here we present two novel approaches to assess passing effectiveness in elite soccer by evaluating their effects on majority situations and space control in front of the goal. Majority situations are assessed by calculating the number of defenders between the ball carrier and the goal. Control of space is estimated using Voronoi-diagrams based on the player's positions on the pitch. Both methods were applied to position data from 103 German First division games from the 2011/2012, 2012/2013 and 2014/2015 seasons using a big data approach. The results show that both measures are significantly related to successful game play with respect to the number of goals scored and to the probability of winning a game. The results further show that on average passes from the mid-field into the attacking area are most effective. The presented passing efficiency measures thereby offer new opportunities for future applications in soccer and other sports disciplines whilst maintaining practical relevance with respect to tactical training regimes or game performances analysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. 46 CFR 64.77 - Inspection and test.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... conducted by the owner or the owner's representative: (a) Pressure relief and vacuum relief devices must be... § 64.81. (c) An MPT must pass a hydrostatic test in accordance with § 64.83 during the 60 months before any month in which it is in service. (d) After each welded repair, an MPT must pass a hydrostatic test...

  13. Passing the Leadership Test: Strategies for Success on the Leadership Licensure Exam. Second Edition

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Leslie; Kennedy, Eugene

    2012-01-01

    "Passing the Leadership Test: Strategies for Success on the Leadership Licensure Exam" is a study guide for the School Leaders Licensure Examination (SLLA.) The book presents a comprehensive, practical guide for preparing for the SLLA. It is divided into two sections: basic principles of test preparation and the ISLLC standards with implications…

  14. Passing the Turing Test Does Not Mean the End of Humanity.

    PubMed

    Warwick, Kevin; Shah, Huma

    In this paper we look at the phenomenon that is the Turing test. We consider how Turing originally introduced his imitation game and discuss what this means in a practical scenario. Due to its popular appeal we also look into different representations of the test as indicated by numerous reviewers. The main emphasis here, however, is to consider what it actually means for a machine to pass the Turing test and what importance this has, if any. In particular does it mean that, as Turing put it, a machine can "think". Specifically we consider claims that passing the Turing test means that machines will have achieved human-like intelligence and as a consequence the singularity will be upon us in the blink of an eye.

  15. State legislation to improve employee wellness.

    PubMed

    Lankford, Tina; Kruger, Judy; Bauer, Deborah

    2009-01-01

    Categorize and describe the content and status of state legislation of worksite wellness. State worksite wellness legislation was compiled from the Centers for Disease Control's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity State Legislative Database (http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/DNPALeg/index.asp) and from LexisNexis (http://www.lexisnexis. com). Key word searches were used to gather worksite wellness legislation (2001-2006), with the exception of resolutions and those bills not pertaining to general employee wellness. Legislation was individually examined, categorized, and analyzed for content and status. The four categories of state legislation that appeared to be most common were tax credits (n = 34; 0 passed), wellness policies and programs (n = 21; 4 passed), alternative transportation (n = 18; 4 passed), and health insurance (n = 14; 3 passed). During 2001 to 2006, seven of 27 states enacted worksite wellness bills. In the three categories in which bills passed (wellness policies and programs, alternative transportation, and health insurance), 19% to 22% were enacted. This proportion, similar to other health promotions bills, indicates that worksite health promotion legislation passed as favorably as other health promotion topics. Further, the language in the bills did not recommend a specific standard for employee health, such as that in the national Healthy People 2010 objectives.

  16. Representing metarepresentations: is there theory of mind-specific cognition?

    PubMed

    Egeth, Marc; Kurzban, Robert

    2009-03-01

    What cognitive mechanisms underlie Theory of Mind? Some infer domain-specific Theory of Mind cognition based the pattern of children diagnosed with autism failing the False Belief test but passing the False Photograph test. However, we argue that the False Belief test entails various task demands the False Photograph task does not, including the necessity to represent a higher-order representation (a metarepresentation), thus confounding the inference of domain-specificity. Instead, a general difficulty that affects representations of metarepresentations might account for the seeming domain-specific failure. Here we find that False-Belief failing False-Photograph passing children fail the Meta Photograph test, a new photograph-domain test that requires subjects to represent a metarepresentation. We conclude that people who fail the False Belief test but pass the False Photograph test do not necessarily have a content-specific Theory of Mind deficit. Instead, the general ability to represent representations and metarepresentations might underlie Theory of Mind.

  17. Channel Dredging and Geomorphic Response at and Adjacent to Mobile Pass, Alabama

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-09-01

    Aug 3 Gulf Shores, AL 1 974 80 Erin 1995 Oct 4 Perdido Key, FL 3 938 110 Opal 1997 Jul 19 Mobile Pass, AL 1 987 65 Danny 1998 Sept 28 Ship Island...study evaluating the potential impacts of offshore sand mining on coastal change. Overall, many authors discuss the effect of hurricanes on...longshore sand transport rate for the ocean fronting portion of Dauphin Island. As such, potential uncertainty calculations can be deter- mined relative

  18. Charon Message-Passing Toolkit for Scientific Computations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    VanderWijngaart, Rob F.; Yan, Jerry (Technical Monitor)

    2000-01-01

    Charon is a library, callable from C and Fortran, that aids the conversion of structured-grid legacy codes-such as those used in the numerical computation of fluid flows-into parallel, high- performance codes. Key are functions that define distributed arrays, that map between distributed and non-distributed arrays, and that allow easy specification of common communications on structured grids. The library is based on the widely accepted MPI message passing standard. We present an overview of the functionality of Charon, and some representative results.

  19. Problematizing the concept of the "borderline" group in performance assessments.

    PubMed

    Homer, Matt; Pell, Godfrey; Fuller, Richard

    2017-05-01

    Many standard setting procedures focus on the performance of the "borderline" group, defined through expert judgments by assessors. In performance assessments such as Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), these judgments usually apply at the station level. Using largely descriptive approaches, we analyze the assessment profile of OSCE candidates at the end of a five year undergraduate medical degree program to investigate the consistency of the borderline group across stations. We look specifically at those candidates who are borderline in individual stations, and in the overall assessment. While the borderline group can be clearly defined at the individual station level, our key finding is that the membership of this group varies considerably across stations. These findings pose challenges for some standard setting methods, particularly the borderline group and objective borderline methods. They also suggest that institutions should ensure appropriate conjunctive rules to limit compensation in performance between stations to maximize "diagnostic accuracy". In addition, this work highlights a key benefit of sequential testing formats in OSCEs. In comparison with a traditional, single-test format, sequential models allow assessment of "borderline" candidates across a wider range of content areas with concomitant improvements in pass/fail decision-making.

  20. An Analysis of a Language Test for Employment: The Authenticity of the PhonePass Test

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chun, Christian W.

    2006-01-01

    This article presents an analysis of Ordinate Corporation's PhonePass Spoken English Test-10. The company promotes this product as being a useful assessment tool for screening job candidates' ability in spoken English. In the real-life domain of the work environment, one of the primary target language use tasks involves extended production…

  1. 77 FR 74452 - Bus Testing: Calculation of Average Passenger Weight and Test Vehicle Weight

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-14

    ... require FTA to work with bus manufacturers and transit agencies to establish a new pass/ fail standard for... buses from the current value of 150 pounds to a new value of 175 pounds. This increase was proposed to... new pass/fail standards that require a more comprehensive review of its overall bus testing program...

  2. Modified Test Protocol Improves Sensitivity of the Stereo Fly Test.

    PubMed

    De La Cruz, Angie; Morale, Sarah E; Jost, Reed M; Kelly, Krista R; Birch, Eileen E

    2016-01-01

    Stereoacuity measurement is a common element of pediatric ophthalmic examinations. Although the Stereo Fly Test is routinely used to establish the presence of coarse stereopsis (3000 arcsecs), it often yields a false negative "pass" due to learned responses and non-stereoscopic cues. We developed and evaluated a modified Stereo Fly Test protocol aimed at increasing sensitivity, thus reducing false negatives. The Stereo Fly Test was administered according to manufacturer instructions to 321 children aged 3-12 years. Children with a "pass" outcome (n = 147) were re-tested wearing glasses fitted with polarizers of matching orientation for both eyes to verify that they were responding to stereoscopic cues (modified protocol). The response to the standard Stereo Fly Test was considered a false negative (pass) if the child still pinched above the plate after disparity cues were eliminated. Randot ® Preschool Stereoacuity and Butterfly Tests were used as gold standards. Sensitivity was 81% (95% CI: 0.75 - 0.86) for standard administration of the Stereo Fly Test (19% false negative "pass"). The modified protocol increased sensitivity to 90% (95% CI: 0.85 - 0.94). The modified two-step protocol is a simple and convenient way to administer the Stereo Fly Test with increased sensitivity in a clinical setting. © 2016 Board of regents of the University of Wisconsin System, American Orthoptic Journal, Volume 66, 2016, ISSN 0065-955X, E-ISSN 1553-4448.

  3. Improving environmental cleaning in clinical areas: staff education based on adenosine triphosphate readings.

    PubMed

    Villanueva, Ariadna; Guanche, Humberto

    2016-11-01

    Aim To describe the effect of education on environmental cleaning in patient care areas using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) readings. Method A quality improvement initiative was developed in a community hospital in Qatar. Over a two-month period, an infection-control practitioner monitored ATP readings in patient care areas, at any time and regardless of the time of the previous disinfection. The initiative included staff education, use of ATP readings and the drawing up of quarterly quality reports. The ATP readings were considered 'pass', meaning well cleaned, or 'fail', meaning non-cleaned, according to the following standards:>250 relative light units (RLU) in non-critical units and<200RLU for critical units. The proportion of test passes was calculated per 100 tests performed. Results A total of 1,617 tests were performed, after which 1,259 (78%) surfaces were identified as well cleaned. The lowest proportion of non-pass and higher ATP readings was observed in non-critical areas. The test points with the lowest proportion of passes were telephones (40.5%), a medication dispensing system (58.5%), an oximeter (66.7%) and callbox buttons (67.6%). A sustained increase in test passes was observed during the study period. Conclusion There was an improvement in environmental cleaning due to monitoring of ATP on surfaces and staff education.

  4. Clinical utility of the Conners' Continuous Performance Test-II to detect poor effort in U.S. military personnel following traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Lange, Rael T; Iverson, Grant L; Brickell, Tracey A; Staver, Tara; Pancholi, Sonal; Bhagwat, Aditya; French, Louis M

    2013-06-01

    The purpose of this study is to examine the clinical utility of the Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CPT-II) as an embedded marker of poor effort in military personnel undergoing neuropsychological evaluations following traumatic brain injury. Participants were 158 U.S. military service members divided into 3 groups on the basis of brain injury severity and performance (pass/fail) on 2 symptom validity tests: Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI)-Pass (n = 87), MTBI-Fail (n = 42), and severe traumatic brain injury (STBI)-Pass (n = 29). The MTBI-Fail group performed worse on the majority of CPT-II measures compared with both the MTBI-Pass and STBI-Pass groups. When comparing the MTBI-Fail group and MTBI-Pass groups, the most accurate measure for identifying poor effort was the Commission T score. When selected measures were combined (i.e., Omissions, Commissions, and Perseverations), there was a very small increase in sensitivity (from .26 to .29). When comparing the MTBI-Fail group and STBI-Pass groups, the most accurate measure for identifying poor effort was the Omission and Commissions T score. When selected measures were combined, sensitivity again increased (from .24 to .45). Overall, these results suggest that individual CPT-II measures can be useful for identifying people who are suspected of providing poor effort from those who have provided adequate effort. However, due to low sensitivity and modest negative predictive power values, this measure cannot be used in isolation to detect poor effort, and is largely useful as a test to "rule in," not "rule out" poor effort. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved.

  5. Association between EMS Question Bank Completion and Passing Rates on the EMS Certification Examination.

    PubMed

    Clemency, Brian; Martin-Gill, Christian; Rall, Nicole; May, Paul; Lubin, Jeffrey; Cooley, Craig; Van Dillen, Christine; Silvestri, Salvatore; Portela, Roberto; Cooney, Derek; Knutsen, Christian; March, Juan

    2017-01-01

    A board review question bank was created to assist candidates in their preparation for the 2015 EMS certification examination. We aimed to describe the development of this question bank and evaluate its successes in preparing candidates to obtain EMS subspecialty board certification. An online question bank was developed by 13 subject matter experts who participated as item writers, representing eight different EMS fellowship programs. The online question bank consisted of four practice tests, with each of the tests comprised of 100 questions. The number of candidates who participated in and completed the question bank was calculated. The passing rate among candidates who completed the question bank was calculated and compared to the publicly reported statistics for all candidates. The relationship between candidates' performance on the question bank and subspecialty exam pass rates was determined. A total of 252 candidates took at least one practice test and, of those, 225 candidates completed all four 100-question practice tests. The pass rate on the 2015 EMS certification exam was 79% (95%CI 74-85%) among candidates who completed the question bank, which is 12% higher than the overall pass rate (p = 0.003). Candidates' performance on the question bank was positively associated with overall success on the exam (X 2 = 75.8, p < 0.0001). Achieving a score of ≥ 70% on the question bank was associated with a higher likelihood of passing the exam (OR = 17.8; 95% CI: 8.0-39.6). Completing the question bank program was associated with improved pass rates on the EMS certification exam. Strong performance on the question bank correlated with success on the exam.

  6. 49 CFR 172.102 - Special provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... design type that has passed a leakproofness test at the Packing Group II level. Small inner packagings... packaging or transport unit is closed. Each packaging must correspond to a design type that has passed a... transport unit is closed. Each packaging must correspond to a design type that has passed a leakproofness...

  7. 49 CFR 172.102 - Special provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... design type that has passed a leakproofness test at the Packing Group II level. Small inner packagings... packaging or transport unit is closed. Each packaging must correspond to a design type that has passed a... transport unit is closed. Each packaging must correspond to a design type that has passed a leakproofness...

  8. Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

    MedlinePlus

    ... T U V W X Y Z Using Dietary Supplements Wisely Share: On This Page Key Points About ... will help ensure coordinated and safe care. About Dietary Supplements Dietary supplements were defined in a law passed ...

  9. Remote two-wire data entry method and device

    DOEpatents

    Kronberg, J.W.

    1991-01-01

    This invention is comprised of a device for detecting switch closure such as in a keypad for entering data comprising a matrix of conductor pairs and switches, each pair of conductors shorted by the pressing of a particular switch, and current-regulating devices on each conductor for limiting current in one direction and passing it without limit in the other direction. The device is driven by alternating current. The ends of the conductors in a conductor pair limit current of opposing polarities with respect to each other so that the signal on a shorted pair is an alternating current signal with a unique combination of a positive and a negative peak, which, when analyzed, allows the determination of which key was pressed. The binary identification of the pressed key is passed to the input port of a host device.

  10. Measurement and Diagnosis of the Noise from a General Electric C36-7 Diesel Electric Locomotive

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1979-12-01

    Measurements of the noise from a General Electric C36-7 diesel electric locomotive were performed with the locomotive stationary and attached to a load cell during powered and unpowered pass-by tests. The pass-by tests demonstrated that wheel/rail no...

  11. 40 CFR 85.2219 - Idle test with loaded preconditioning-EPA 91.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...-EPA 91. 85.2219 Section 85.2219 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... the measurements taken over five seconds. (2) Pass/fail determination. A pass or fail determination is... conditions. The test immediately terminates and any exhaust gas measurements are voided if the measured...

  12. Sucralose, a synthetic organochlorine sweetener: overview of biological issues.

    PubMed

    Schiffman, Susan S; Rother, Kristina I

    2013-01-01

    Sucralose is a synthetic organochlorine sweetener (OC) that is a common ingredient in the world's food supply. Sucralose interacts with chemosensors in the alimentary tract that play a role in sweet taste sensation and hormone secretion. In rats, sucralose ingestion was shown to increase the expression of the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and two cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isozymes in the intestine. P-gp and CYP are key components of the presystemic detoxification system involved in first-pass drug metabolism. The effect of sucralose on first-pass drug metabolism in humans, however, has not yet been determined. In rats, sucralose alters the microbial composition in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), with relatively greater reduction in beneficial bacteria. Although early studies asserted that sucralose passes through the GIT unchanged, subsequent analysis suggested that some of the ingested sweetener is metabolized in the GIT, as indicated by multiple peaks found in thin-layer radiochromatographic profiles of methanolic fecal extracts after oral sucralose administration. The identity and safety profile of these putative sucralose metabolites are not known at this time. Sucralose and one of its hydrolysis products were found to be mutagenic at elevated concentrations in several testing methods. Cooking with sucralose at high temperatures was reported to generate chloropropanols, a potentially toxic class of compounds. Both human and rodent studies demonstrated that sucralose may alter glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) levels. Taken together, these findings indicate that sucralose is not a biologically inert compound.

  13. Sucralose, A Synthetic Organochlorine Sweetener: Overview of Biological Issues

    PubMed Central

    Schiffman, Susan S.; Rother, Kristina I.

    2013-01-01

    Sucralose is a synthetic organochlorine sweetener (OC) that is a common ingredient in the world's food supply. Sucralose interacts with chemosensors in the alimentary tract that play a role in sweet taste sensation and hormone secretion. In rats, sucralose ingestion was shown to increase the expression of the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and two cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isozymes in the intestine. P-gp and CYP are key components of the presystemic detoxification system involved in first-pass drug metabolism. The effect of sucralose on first-pass drug metabolism in humans, however, has not yet been determined. In rats, sucralose alters the microbial composition in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), with relatively greater reduction in beneficial bacteria. Although early studies asserted that sucralose passes through the GIT unchanged, subsequent analysis suggested that some of the ingested sweetener is metabolized in the GIT, as indicated by multiple peaks found in thin-layer radiochromatographic profiles of methanolic fecal extracts after oral sucralose administration. The identity and safety profile of these putative sucralose metabolites are not known at this time. Sucralose and one of its hydrolysis products were found to be mutagenic at elevated concentrations in several testing methods. Cooking with sucralose at high temperatures was reported to generate chloropropanols, a potentially toxic class of compounds. Both human and rodent studies demonstrated that sucralose may alter glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) levels. Taken together, these findings indicate that sucralose is not a biologically inert compound. PMID:24219506

  14. Assessment of coliphage surrogates for testing drinking water treatment devices.

    PubMed

    Gerba, Charles P; Abd-Elmaksoud, Sherif; Newick, Huikheng; El-Esnawy, Nagwa A; Barakat, Ahmed; Ghanem, Hossam

    2015-03-01

    Test protocols have been developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to test water treatment devices/systems that are used at the individual and home levels to ensure the removal of waterborne viruses. The goal of this study was to assess if coliphage surrogates could be used in this testing in place of the currently required use of animal or human enteric viruses. Five different coliphages (MS-2, PRD1, ΦX-174, Qβ, and fr) were compared to the removal of poliovirus type 1 (LSc-2ab) by eight different water treatment devices/systems using a general case and a challenge case (high organic load, dissolved solids, and turbidity) test water as defined by the USEPA. The performance of the units was rated as a pass/fail based on a 4 log removal/inactivation of the viruses. In all cases, a failure or a pass of the units/system for poliovirus also corresponded to a pass/fail by all of the coliphages. In summary, in using pass/fail criteria as recommended under USEPA guidelines for testing water treatment device/systems, the use of coliphages should be considered as an alternative to reduce cost and time of testing such devices/systems.

  15. Development of DEMO-FNS tokamak for fusion and hybrid technologies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuteev, B. V.; Azizov, E. A.; Alexeev, P. N.; Ignatiev, V. V.; Subbotin, S. A.; Tsibulskiy, V. F.

    2015-07-01

    The history of fusion-fission hybrid systems based on a tokamak device as an extremely efficient DT-fusion neutron source has passed through several periods of ample research activity in the world since the very beginning of fusion research in the 1950s. Recently, a new roadmap of the hybrid program has been proposed with the goal to build a pilot hybrid plant (PHP) in Russia by 2030. Development of the DEMO-FNS tokamak for fusion and hybrid technologies, which is planned to be built by 2023, is the key milestone on the path to the PHP. This facility is in the phase of conceptual design aimed at providing feasibility studies for a full set of steady state tokamak technologies at a fusion energy gain factor Q ˜ 1, fusion power of ˜40 MW and opportunities for testing a wide range of hybrid technologies with the emphasis on continuous nuclide processing in molten salts. This paper describes the project motivations, its current status and the key issues of the design.

  16. Pass-fail grading: laying the foundation for self-regulated learning.

    PubMed

    White, Casey B; Fantone, Joseph C

    2010-10-01

    Traditionally, medical schools have tended to make assumptions that students will "automatically" engage in self-education effectively after graduation and subsequent training in residency and fellowships. In reality, the majority of medical graduates out in practice feel unprepared for learning on their own. Many medical schools are now adopting strategies and pedagogies to help students become self-regulating learners. Along with these changes in practices and pedagogy, many schools are eliminating a cornerstone of extrinsic motivation: discriminating grades. To study the effects of the switch from discriminating to pass-fail grading in the second year of medical school, we compared internal and external assessments and evaluations for a second-year class with a discriminating grading scale (Honors, High Pass, Pass, Fail) and for a second-year class with a pass-fail grading scale. Of the measures we compared (MCATs, GPAs, means on second-year examinations, USMLE Step 1 scores, residency placement, in which there were no statistically significant changes), the only statistically significant decreases (lower performance with pass fail) were found in two of the second-year courses. Performance in one other course also improved significantly. Pass-fail grading can meet several important intended outcomes, including "leveling the playing field" for incoming students with different academic backgrounds, reducing competition and fostering collaboration among members of a class, more time for extracurricular interests and personal activities. Pass-fail grading also reduces competition and supports collaboration, and fosters intrinsic motivation, which is key to self-regulated, lifelong learning.

  17. Why do some wood-adhesive bonds respond poorly to accelerated moisture-resistant tests?

    Treesearch

    Charles R. Frihart; James M. Wescott

    2008-01-01

    The most challenging part of developing acceptable adhesives for wood bonding often is to create a bond that will withstand exposure to wet conditions or wet/dry cycles. Products that pass these tests have been developed empirically, but the aspects that make it difficult for adhesives to pass these tests and systematically ways to develop more durable adhesive bonds...

  18. Effects of small-sided games on physical conditioning and performance in young soccer players.

    PubMed

    Katis, Athanasios; Kellis, Eleftherios

    2009-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine, first, the movement actions performed during two different small-sided games and, second, their effects on a series of field endurance and technical tests. Thirty-four young soccer players (age: 13 ± 0.9 yrs; body mass: 62.3 ± 15.1 kg; height: 1.65 ± 0.06 m) participated in the study. Small-sided games included three-a-side (3 versus 3 players) and six-a-side (6 versus 6 players) games consisting of 10 bouts of 4 min duration with 3 min active recovery between bouts. Soccer player performance was evaluated using five field tests: a) 30m sprint, b) throw-in for distance, c) Illinois Agility Test, d) dribbling the ball and e) horizontal jump before, in the middle and after the implementation of both game situations. Heart rate was monitored during the entire testing session. Each game was also filmed to measure soccer movements within the game. The ANOVA analysis indicated that the three-a- side games displayed significantly higher heart rate values compared with the six-a-side games (p < 0.05). The number of short passes, kicks, tackles, dribbles and scoring goals were significantly higher during the three-a-side compared with the six-a-side game condition (p < 0. 05) while players performed more long passes and headed the ball more often during the six-a-side (p < 0.05). After the three-a-side games, there was a significant decline in sprint and agility performance (p < 0.05), while after both game conditions significant alterations in the throw-in and the horizontal jump performance were observed (p < 0.05). The results of the present study indicated that three-a-side games provide higher stimulus for physical conditioning and technical improvement than six-a-side games and their use for training young soccer players is recommended. Key pointsThree-a-side games display higher HR compared with six-a-side games.In the three-a-side games players performed more short passes, kicks, dribbles, tackles and scored more goals compared with the six-a-side games.Impairment in endurance and field test performance was observed mainly after three-a-side games.The use of the three-a-side games to develop physical fitness and technique in young soccer players is recommended.

  19. Subcarrier Wave Quantum Key Distribution in Telecommunication Network with Bitrate 800 kbit/s

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gleim, A. V.; Nazarov, Yu. V.; Egorov, V. I.; Smirnov, S. V.; Bannik, O. I.; Chistyakov, V. V.; Kynev, S. M.; Anisimov, A. A.; Kozlov, S. A.; Vasiliev, V. N.

    2015-09-01

    In the course of work on creating the first quantum communication network in Russia we demonstrated quantum key distribution in metropolitan optical network infrastructure. A single-pass subcarrier wave quantum cryptography scheme was used in the experiments. BB84 protocol with strong reference was chosen for performing key distribution. The registered sifted key rate in an optical cable with 1.5 dB loss was 800 Kbit/s. Signal visibility exceeded 98%, and quantum bit error rate value was 1%. The achieved result is a record for this type of systems.

  20. Reliability and Validity of the Pain Anxiety Symptom Scale in Persian Speaking Chronic Low Back Pain Patients.

    PubMed

    Shanbehzadeh, Sanaz; Salavati, Mahyar; Tavahomi, Mahnaz; Khatibi, Ali; Talebian, Saeed; Khademi-Kalantari, Khosro

    2017-11-01

    Psychometric testing of the Persian version of Pain Anxiety Symptom Scale 20. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and construct validity of the PASS-20 in nonspecific chronic low back pain (LBP) patients. The PASS-20 is a self-report questionnaire that assesses pain-related anxiety. The Psychometric properties of this instrument have not been assessed in Persian-speaking chronic LBP patients. One hundred and sixty participants with chronic LBP completed the Persian version of PASS-20, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), trait form of the State-Trait Anxiety (STAI-T), Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index (ODI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). To evaluate test-retest reliability, 60 patients filled out the PASS-20, 6 to 8 days after the first visit. Test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], standard error of measurement [SEM], and minimal detectable change [MDC]), internal consistency, dimensionality, and construct validity were examined. The ICCs of the PASS-20 subscales and total score ranged from 0.71 to 0.8. The SEMs for PASS-20 total score was 7.29 and for the subscales ranged from 2.43 to 2.98. The MDC for the total score was 20.14 and for the subscales ranged from 6.71 to 8.23. The Cronbach alpha values for the subscales and total score ranged from 0.70 to 0.91. Significant positive correlations were found between the PASS-20 total score and PCS, TSK, FABQ, ODI, BDI, STAI-T, and pain intensity. The Persian version of the PASS-20 showed acceptable psychometric properties for the assessment of pain-related anxiety in Persian-speaking patients with chronic LBP. 3.

  1. A novel readout integrated circuit for ferroelectric FPA detector

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bai, Piji; Li, Lihua; Ji, Yulong; Zhang, Jia; Li, Min; Liang, Yan; Hu, Yanbo; Li, Songying

    2017-11-01

    Uncooled infrared detectors haves some advantages such as low cost light weight low power consumption, and superior reliability, compared with cryogenically cooled ones Ferroelectric uncooled focal plane array(FPA) are being developed for its AC response and its high reliability As a key part of the ferroelectric assembly the ROIC determines the performance of the assembly. A top-down design model for uncooled ferroelectric readout integrated circuit(ROIC) has been developed. Based on the optical thermal and electrical properties of the ferroelectric detector the RTIA readout integrated circuit is designed. The noise bandwidth of RTIA readout circuit has been developed and analyzed. A novel high gain amplifier, a high pass filter and a low pass filter circuits are designed on the ROIC. In order to improve the ferroelectric FPA package performance and decrease of package cost a temperature sensor is designed on the ROIC chip At last the novel RTIA ROIC is implemented on 0.6μm 2P3M CMOS silicon techniques. According to the experimental chip test results the temporal root mean square(RMS)noise voltage is about 1.4mV the sensitivity of the on chip temperature sensor is 0.6 mV/K from -40°C to 60°C the linearity performance of the ROIC chip is better than 99% Based on the 320×240 RTIA ROIC, a 320×240 infrared ferroelectric FPA is fabricated and tested. Test results shows that the 320×240 RTIA ROIC meets the demand of infrared ferroelectric FPA.

  2. 40 CFR 91.608 - Compliance with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for selective...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... level and passing and failing criteria for selective enforcement audits. 91.608 Section 91.608... with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for selective enforcement audits. (a) The prescribed acceptable quality level is 40 percent. (b) A failed engine is one whose final test...

  3. 40 CFR 91.608 - Compliance with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for selective...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... level and passing and failing criteria for selective enforcement audits. 91.608 Section 91.608... with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for selective enforcement audits. (a) The prescribed acceptable quality level is 40 percent. (b) A failed engine is one whose final test...

  4. 40 CFR 91.608 - Compliance with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for selective...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... level and passing and failing criteria for selective enforcement audits. 91.608 Section 91.608... with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for selective enforcement audits. (a) The prescribed acceptable quality level is 40 percent. (b) A failed engine is one whose final test...

  5. A Comparison of Decision-Making Methods for Criterion-Referenced Tests.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Haladyna, Tom; Roid, Gale

    The problems associated with misclassifying students when pass-fail decisions are based on test scores are discussed. One protection against misclassification is to set a confidence interval around the cutting score. Those whose scores fall above the interval are passed; those whose scores fall below the interval are failed; and those whose scores…

  6. 77 FR 27837 - Pilot Program on NAFTA Trucking Provisions

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-11

    ... Federal de Conductor and English language proficiency. L. If No, Which Element Failed: If FMCSA cannot... collection facility 1 Higienicos y 710491 MX-327700 N/A Pass 1 1 US RMC Testing Desechables del Solutions. Bajio SA de CV. 2 Servicios 1052546 MX-440938 N/A Pass 1 1 US RMC Testing Refrigerados Solutions...

  7. Optimal and Nonoptimal Computer-Based Test Designs for Making Pass-Fail Decisions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hambleton, Ronald K.; Xing, Dehui

    2006-01-01

    Now that many credentialing exams are being routinely administered by computer, new computer-based test designs, along with item response theory models, are being aggressively researched to identify specific designs that can increase the decision consistency and accuracy of pass-fail decisions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the…

  8. A Comparative Analysis of the Snort and Suricata Intrusion-Detection Systems

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-09-01

    Category: Test Rules Test #6: Simple LFI Attack 43 Snort True Positive: Snort generated an alert based on the ‘/etc/ passwd ’ string passed...through an HTTP command. Suricata True Positive: Suricata generated an alert based on the ‘/etc/ passwd ’ string passed through an HTTP command

  9. 76 FR 31453 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVI Airplane; Single-Occupant Side-Facing Seats

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-01

    .... SID TTI data must be processed as defined in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) part 571...). Pass/fail injury assessments: TTI and pelvic acceleration. 2. One longitudinal test with the Hybrid II... pelvic acceleration. 3. Vertical (14g) test with modified Hybrid II ATDs using existing pass/fail...

  10. Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) and Its Application to Grain Refinement of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tekeli, Sueleyman; Gueral, Ahmet

    Microstructure of a metal can be considerably changed by severe plastic deformation techniques such as high pressure torsion, extrusion and equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP). Among these methods, ECAP is particularly attractive because it has a potential for introducing significant grain refinement and homogeneous microstructure into bulk materials. Typically, it reduces the grain size to the submicrometer level or even nanometer range and thus produces materials that are capable of exhibiting unusual mechanical properties. In the present study, a test unites for equal channel angular pressing was constructed and this system was used for Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy. After the optimization tests, itmore » was seen that the most effective lubricant for the dies was MoS{sub 2}, the pressing pressure was around 25-35 ton and the pressing speed was 2 mm/s. By using these parameters, the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy was successfully ECAPed up to 14 passes at 200 deg. C using route C. After ECAP tests, the specimens were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), hardness and macrostructural investigations. It was seen that the plastic deformation in the ECAPed specimens occurred from edge to the centre like whirlpool. In addition, the deformation intensity increased with increasing pass number. The grain size of the specimens effectively also decreased with increasing pass number. That is, while the grain size of unECAPed specimen was 10 {mu}m, this value decreased to 300 nm after 14 passes. At the beginning, while there was a banding tendency in the grains toward deformation direction, homogeneous and equiaxed grains were formed with increasing pass number. This grain refinement was as a result of an interaction between shear strain and thermal recovery during ECAP processing. Hardness measurements showed that the hardness values increased up to 4 passes, decreased effectively at 6th pass, again increased at 8th pass and after this pass, the hardness again decreased due to dynamic recrystallization.« less

  11. Helping mothers survive bleeding after birth: an evaluation of simulation-based training in a low-resource setting.

    PubMed

    Nelissen, Ellen; Ersdal, Hege; Ostergaard, Doris; Mduma, Estomih; Broerse, Jacqueline; Evjen-Olsen, Bjørg; van Roosmalen, Jos; Stekelenburg, Jelle

    2014-03-01

    To evaluate "Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding After Birth" (HMS BAB) simulation-based training in a low-resource setting. Educational intervention study. Rural referral hospital in Northern Tanzania. Clinicians, nurse-midwives, medical attendants, and ambulance drivers involved in maternity care. In March 2012, health care workers were trained in HMS BAB, a half-day simulation-based training, using a train-the-trainer model. The training focused on basic delivery care, active management of third stage of labor, and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, including bimanual uterine compression. Evaluation questionnaires provided information on course perception. Knowledge, skills, and confidence of facilitators and learners were tested before and after training. Four master trainers trained eight local facilitators, who subsequently trained 89 learners. After training, all facilitators passed the knowledge test, but pass rates for the skills test were low (29% pass rate for basic delivery and 0% pass rate for management of postpartum hemorrhage). Evaluation revealed that HMS BAB training was considered acceptable and feasible, although more time should be allocated for training, and teaching materials should be translated into the local language. Knowledge, skills, and confidence of learners increased significantly immediately after training. However, overall pass rates for skills tests of learners after training were low (3% pass rate for basic delivery and management of postpartum hemorrhage). The HMS BAB simulation-based training has potential to contribute to education of health care providers. We recommend a full day of training and validation of the facilitators to improve the training. © 2013 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

  12. [Dyslexia as a disfunction in successive processing].

    PubMed

    Pérez-Alvarez, F; Timoneda-Gallart, C

    We present a study on reading and writing difficulties after normal instruction during a year. Verifying if these patients showed a specific pattern of PASS (Planning, Attention, Sequential and Simultaneous) cognitive processing; if so, it allows us a rapid diagnosis and a useful cognitive remediation according to the PASS theory of intelligence. Thirty patients were selected from neuropediatric patients because of learning disability. They were selected according to their performance on several tests of phonological aware and a test of writing to discover errors in spelling. Patients with verbal language problems, as in dysphasia, and patients with learning difficulty not determined by reading or writing were ruled out. A control group of 300 scholars was used. The translated DN:CAS battery was administered to the study group and the control group for assessing the PASS cognitive processing. Statistical factorial analysis of the control group was performed as a validity confirmation to discriminate the four PASS cognitive processes. Cluster analysis of the study group was performed to discriminate its homogeneity. Differences between means were tested with the t-Student. The four PASS cognitive processes were identified in the control group. The study group scored less than minus 1 SD in successive processing, the rest of the processes being clearly higher than minus 1 SD, and the mean of study group was inferior to control group (p = 0.001). A kind of dyslexia may be defined by disfunction in PASS successive processing.

  13. A Quantitative Study Analyzing Predictive Factors That Affect Achievement on Florida's Algebra I End-of-Course Exam (EOC)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Holley, Hope D.

    2017-01-01

    Despite research that high-stakes tests do not improve knowledge, Florida requires students to pass an Algebra I End-of-Course exam (EOC) to earn a high school diploma. Test passing scores are determined by a raw score to t-score to scale score analysis. This method ultimately results as a comparative test model where students' passage is…

  14. Exploring Team Passing Networks and Player Movement Dynamics in Youth Association Football

    PubMed Central

    Coutinho, Diogo; Santos, Sara; Lago-Penas, Carlos; Jiménez, Sergio; Sampaio, Jaime

    2017-01-01

    Understanding how youth football players base their game interactions may constitute a solid criterion for fine-tuning the training process and, ultimately, to achieve better individual and team performances during competition. The present study aims to explore how passing networks and positioning variables can be linked to the match outcome in youth elite association football. The participants included 44 male elite players from under-15 and under-17 age groups. A passing network approach within positioning-derived variables was computed to identify the contributions of individual players for the overall team behaviour outcome during a simulated match. Results suggested that lower team passing dependency for a given player (expressed by lower betweenness network centrality scores) and high intra-team well-connected passing relations (expressed by higher closeness network centrality scores) were related to better outcomes. The correlation between the dyads’ positioning regularity and the passing density showed a most likely higher correlation in under-15 (moderate effect), indicating a possible more dependence of the ball position rather than in the under-17 teams (small/unclear effects). Overall, this study emphasizes the potential of coupling notational analyses with spatial-temporal relations to produce a more functional and holistic understanding of teams’ sports performance. Also, the social network analysis allowed to reveal novel key determinants of collective performance. PMID:28141823

  15. The Predictors and Determinants of Inter-Seasonal Success in a Professional Soccer Team

    PubMed Central

    Kite, Christopher S.; Nevill, Alan

    2017-01-01

    Abstract The aims of this study were to 1) directly compare the performances of a professional soccer team over three seasons, 2) identify key variables that discriminated between a successful or unsuccessful performance, and 3) identify variables that best predicted success. ANOVA revealed that attempted and completed passes were significantly lower (both p < 0.001) in the most successful season (S1). Additionally, shot effectiveness was significantly less (p < 0.001) in their least successful season (S3) (vs S1 -11.61%; d = 0.735; vs S2 -12.02%; d = 0.760). When the match outcome was considered, they attempted significantly fewer passes when they won (-60.26; p = 0.002; d = -0.729) or drew (-44.87; p = 0.023; d = -0.543) compared to when they lost. The binary logistic regression analysis also retained passing variables. The team should attempt fewer passes, but ensure that more of these passes are completed. With away matches, the effect became more pronounced (β = -0.042, OR = 0.959, p = 0.012). In conclusion, the team should adopt a more direct style of play. They should move the ball into a shooting position with fewer passes and ensure that more shots are on the target. PMID:28828086

  16. [The permanence of access to health care: a tradition of hospitality and innovative organizational model].

    PubMed

    Georges-Tarragano, C

    2015-01-01

    The PASS ("Permanence d'Accès aux Soins de Santé") are hospital-based units providing primary care services to patients who lack health care coverage. Using a "whole person" approach and providing a combination of health and social care, the PASS offer an appropriately adapted response to complex health problems within a context of marked social vulnerability and contribute to reducing health inequalities. The PASS are an example of an interdisciplinary approach to health care which contrasts with the segmentary approach typical of conventional hospital departments. Operating at the interface between primary and secondary care, the PASS have the potential to become key players in developing models of patient pathways. Their presence reduces inappropriate emergency attendances and hospitalisation by offering medical care in a timely fashion, in an outpatient-type setting. The PASS can provide a resource for research into optimum models of health care, where the social context of health needs are fully recognized and inform medical treatment appropriately. According to their potential development, PASS are living labs of an innovative organizational model of care. Copyright © 2014 Société nationale française de médecine interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

  17. Secure Key Storage with PUFs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Skoric, Boris; Schrijen, Geert-Jan; Tuyls, Pim; Ignatenko, Tanya; Willems, Frans

    Nowadays, people carry around devices (cell phones, PDAs, bank passes, etc.) that have a high value. That value is often contained in the data stored in it or lies in the services the device can grant access to (by using secret identification information stored in it). These devices often operate in hostile environments and their protection level is not adequate to deal with that situation. Bank passes and credit cards contain a magnetic stripe where identification information is stored. In the case of bank passes, a PIN is additionally required to withdraw money from an ATM (Automated Teller Machine). At various occasions, it has been shown that by placing a small coil in the reader, the magnetic information stored in the stripe can easily be copied and used to produce a cloned card. Together with eavesdropping the PIN (by listening to the keypad or recording it with a camera), an attacker can easily impersonate the legitimate owner of the bank pass by using the cloned card in combination with the eavesdropped PIN.

  18. Classical command of quantum systems.

    PubMed

    Reichardt, Ben W; Unger, Falk; Vazirani, Umesh

    2013-04-25

    Quantum computation and cryptography both involve scenarios in which a user interacts with an imperfectly modelled or 'untrusted' system. It is therefore of fundamental and practical interest to devise tests that reveal whether the system is behaving as instructed. In 1969, Clauser, Horne, Shimony and Holt proposed an experimental test that can be passed by a quantum-mechanical system but not by a system restricted to classical physics. Here we extend this test to enable the characterization of a large quantum system. We describe a scheme that can be used to determine the initial state and to classically command the system to evolve according to desired dynamics. The bipartite system is treated as two black boxes, with no assumptions about their inner workings except that they obey quantum physics. The scheme works even if the system is explicitly designed to undermine it; any misbehaviour is detected. Among its applications, our scheme makes it possible to test whether a claimed quantum computer is truly quantum. It also advances towards a goal of quantum cryptography: namely, the use of 'untrusted' devices to establish a shared random key, with security based on the validity of quantum physics.

  19. 40 CFR 90.510 - Compliance with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for selective...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... level and passing and failing criteria for selective enforcement audits. 90.510 Section 90.510....510 Compliance with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for selective... failed engine is an engine whose final test results pursuant to § 90.509(b), for one or more of the...

  20. 40 CFR 86.610-98 - Compliance with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for Selective...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... level and passing and failing criteria for Selective Enforcement Audits. 86.610-98 Section 86.610-98... quality level and passing and failing criteria for Selective Enforcement Audits. (a) The prescribed acceptable quality level is 40 percent. (b) A failed vehicle is one whose final deteriorated test results...

  1. 40 CFR 86.610-98 - Compliance with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for Selective...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... level and passing and failing criteria for Selective Enforcement Audits. 86.610-98 Section 86.610-98... quality level and passing and failing criteria for Selective Enforcement Audits. (a) The prescribed acceptable quality level is 40 percent. (b) A failed vehicle is one whose final deteriorated test results...

  2. 40 CFR 86.610-98 - Compliance with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for Selective...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... level and passing and failing criteria for Selective Enforcement Audits. 86.610-98 Section 86.610-98... quality level and passing and failing criteria for Selective Enforcement Audits. (a) The prescribed acceptable quality level is 40 percent. (b) A failed vehicle is one whose final deteriorated test results...

  3. 40 CFR 86.610-98 - Compliance with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for Selective...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... level and passing and failing criteria for Selective Enforcement Audits. 86.610-98 Section 86.610-98... and passing and failing criteria for Selective Enforcement Audits. (a) The prescribed acceptable quality level is 40 percent. (b) A failed vehicle is one whose final deteriorated test results pursuant to...

  4. 40 CFR 86.610-98 - Compliance with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for Selective...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... level and passing and failing criteria for Selective Enforcement Audits. 86.610-98 Section 86.610-98... quality level and passing and failing criteria for Selective Enforcement Audits. (a) The prescribed acceptable quality level is 40 percent. (b) A failed vehicle is one whose final deteriorated test results...

  5. 40 CFR 90.510 - Compliance with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for selective...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... level and passing and failing criteria for selective enforcement audits. 90.510 Section 90.510....510 Compliance with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for selective... failed engine is an engine whose final test results pursuant to § 90.509(b), for one or more of the...

  6. The effects and outcomes of electrolyte disturbances and asphyxia on newborns hearing

    PubMed Central

    Liang, Chun; Hong, Qi; Jiang, Tao-Tao; Gao, Yan; Yao, Xiao-Fang; Luo, Xiao-Xing; Zhuo, Xiu-Hui; Shinn, Jennifer B.; Jones, Raleigh O.; Zhao, Hong-Bo; Lu, Guang-Jin

    2013-01-01

    Objective To determine the effect of electrolyte disturbances (ED) and asphyxia on infant hearing and hearing outcomes. Study Design We conducted newborn hearing screening with transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) test on a large scale (>5,000 infants). The effects of ED and asphyxia on infant hearing and hearing outcomes were evaluated. Result The pass rate of TEOAE test was significantly reduced in preterm infants with ED (83.1%, multiple logistic regression analysis: P<0.01) but not in full-term infants with ED (93.6%, P=0.41). However, there was no significant reduction in the pass rate in infants with asphyxia (P=0.85). We further found that hypocalcaemia significantly reduced the pass rate of TEOAE test (86.8%, P<0.01). In the follow-up recheck at 3 months of age, the pass rate remained low (44.4%, P<0.01). Conclusion ED is a high-risk factor for preterm infant hearing. Hypocalcaemia can produce more significant impairment with a low recovery rate. PMID:23648318

  7. Performance Analysis and Optimization of the Winnow Secret Key Reconciliation Protocol

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-06-01

    use in a quantum key system can be defined in two ways :  The number of messages passed between Alice and Bob  The...classical and quantum environment. Post- quantum cryptography , which is generally used to describe classical quantum -resilient protocols, includes...composed of a one- way quantum channel and a two - way classical channel. Owing to the physics of the channel, the quantum channel is subject to

  8. [Series: Medical Applications of the PHITS Code (2): Acceleration by Parallel Computing].

    PubMed

    Furuta, Takuya; Sato, Tatsuhiko

    2015-01-01

    Time-consuming Monte Carlo dose calculation becomes feasible owing to the development of computer technology. However, the recent development is due to emergence of the multi-core high performance computers. Therefore, parallel computing becomes a key to achieve good performance of software programs. A Monte Carlo simulation code PHITS contains two parallel computing functions, the distributed-memory parallelization using protocols of message passing interface (MPI) and the shared-memory parallelization using open multi-processing (OpenMP) directives. Users can choose the two functions according to their needs. This paper gives the explanation of the two functions with their advantages and disadvantages. Some test applications are also provided to show their performance using a typical multi-core high performance workstation.

  9. Building a generalized distributed system model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mukkamala, R.

    1992-01-01

    The key elements in the second year (1991-92) of our project are: (1) implementation of the distributed system prototype; (2) successful passing of the candidacy examination and a PhD proposal acceptance by the funded student; (3) design of storage efficient schemes for replicated distributed systems; and (4) modeling of gracefully degrading reliable computing systems. In the third year of the project (1992-93), we propose to: (1) complete the testing of the prototype; (2) enhance the functionality of the modules by enabling the experimentation with more complex protocols; (3) use the prototype to verify the theoretically predicted performance of locking protocols, etc.; and (4) work on issues related to real-time distributed systems. This should result in efficient protocols for these systems.

  10. Comparisons of two methods of harvesting biomass for energy

    Treesearch

    W.F. Watson; B.J. Stokes; I.W. Savelle

    1986-01-01

    Two harvesting methods for utilization of understory biomass were tested against a conventional harvesting method to determine relative costs. The conventional harvesting method tested removed all pine 6 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) and larger and hardwood sawlogs as tree length logs. The two intensive harvesting methods were a one-pass and a two-pass method...

  11. Alternate biomass harvesting systems using conventional equipment

    Treesearch

    Bryce J. Stokes; William F. Watson; I. Winston Savelle

    1985-01-01

    Three harvesting methods were field tested in two stand types. Costs and stand utilization rates were developed for a conventional harvesting system, without energy wood recovery; a two-pass roundwood and energy wood system; and a one-pass system that harvests roundwood and energy wood. The systems harvested 20-acre test blocks in two pine pulpwood plantations and in a...

  12. Competing Discourses of Academic Spanish in the Texas-Mexico Borderlands

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Guerrero, Michael D.; Guerrero, Maria Consuelo

    2017-01-01

    In this descriptive study the efforts of a faculty to prepare a cohort of pre-service bilingual education teachers to pass a newly adopted state certification test of academic Spanish are presented. The faculty's efforts were aimed at offsetting a low pass rate on this test, but unfortunately efforts fell short. To unpack this outcome, the authors…

  13. A Bayesian Method for Evaluating Passing Scores: The PPoP Curve

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wainer, Howard; Wang, X. A.; Skorupski, William P.; Bradlow, Eric T.

    2005-01-01

    In this note, we demonstrate an interesting use of the posterior distributions (and corresponding posterior samples of proficiency) that are yielded by fitting a fully Bayesian test scoring model to a complex assessment. Specifically, we examine the efficacy of the test in combination with the specific passing score that was chosen through expert…

  14. 40 CFR 1068.420 - How do I know when my engine family fails an SEA?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... regulated pollutant. (b) Continue testing engines/equipment until you reach a pass decision for all pollutants or a fail decision for one pollutant. (c) You reach a pass decision for the SEA requirements when... to this subpart for the total number of engines/equipment tested. You reach a fail decision for the...

  15. A STUDY OF DISPLACEMENT-LEVEL DEPENDENCY OF VERTICAL STIFFNESS OF PILE - COMPARISONS BETWEEN STATIC LOADING TEST AND MEASUREMENTS DURING TRAIN PASSING -

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nihei, Tatsuya; Nishioka, Hidetoshi; Kawamura, Chikara; Nishimura, Masahiro; Edamatsu, Masayuki; Koda, Masayuki

    In order to introduce the performance based design of pile foundation, vertical stiffness of pile is one of the important design factors. Although it had been es timated the vertical stiffness of pile had the displacement-level dependency, it had been not clarified. We compared the vertical stiffness of pile measured by two loading conditions at pile foundation of the railway viaduct. Firstly, we measured the vertical stiffness at static loading test under construction of the viaduct. Secondly, we measured the vertical stiffness at the time of train passing. So, we recognized that the extrapolation of the displacement level dependency in static loading test could evaluate the vertical stiffness of pile during train passing.

  16. Plans for an ERL Test Facility at CERN

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jensen, Erik; Bruning, O S; Calaga, Buchi Rama Rao

    2014-12-01

    The baseline electron accelerator for LHeC and one option for FCC-he is an Energy Recovery Linac. To prepare and study the necessary key technologies, CERNhas started – in collaboration with JLAB and Mainz University – the conceptual design of an ERL Test Facility (ERL-TF). Staged construction will allow the study under different conditions with up to 3 passes, beam energies of up to about 1 GeV and currents of up to 50 mA. The design and development of superconducting cavity modules, including coupler and HOM damper designs, are also of central importance for other existing and future accelerators and theirmore » tests are at the heart of the current ERL-TF goals. However, the ERL-TF could also provide a unique infrastructure for several applications that go beyond developing and testing the ERL technology at CERN. In addition to experimental studies of beam dynamics, operational and reliability issues in an ERL, it could equally serve for quench tests of superconducting magnets, as physics experimental facility on its own right or as test stand for detector developments. This contribution will describe the goals and the concept of the facility and the status of the R&D.« less

  17. Effect of crosstalk on QBER in QKD in urban telecommunication fiber lines

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kurochkin, Vladimir L.; Kurochkin, Yuriy V.; Miller, Alexander V.; Sokolov, Alexander S.; Kanapin, Alan A.

    2016-12-01

    Quantum key distribution (QKD) as a technology is being actively implemented into existing urban telecommunication networks. QKD devices are commercially available products. While sending single photons through optical fiber, adjacent fibers, which are used to transfer classical information, might influence the amount of registrations of single photon detectors. This influence is registered, since it directly introduces a higher quantum bit error rate (QBER) into the final key [1-3]. Our report presents the results of the first tests of the QKD device, developed in the Russian Quantum Center. These tests were conducted in Moscow, and are the first of such a device in Russia in urban optical fiber telecommunication networks. The device in question is based on a two-pass auto-compensating optical scheme, which provides stable single photon transfer through urban optical fiber telecommunication networks [4,5]. The single photon detectors ID230 by ID Quantique were used. They operate in free-running mode, and with a quantum effectiveness of 10 % have a dark count 10 Hz. The background signal level in the dedicated fiber was no less than 5.6•10-14 W, which corresponds to 4.4•104 detector clicks per second. The single mode fiber length in Moscow was 30.6 km, the total attenuation equal to 11.7 dB. The sifted quantum key bit rate reached values of 1.9 kbit/s with the QBER level equal to 5.1 %. Methods of lowering the influence of crosstalk on the QBER are considered.

  18. Tactical Vehicle Climate Control Testing

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-03-31

    MIL-STD-810G CN1. The greatest care must be taken to monitor this parameter during periods where the vehicle engine is running while in the chamber...a drain plug, wire pass-through, or the gunner’s hatch that can remain closed throughout testing to prevent damaging the cables. Avoid running ...drain plug, wire pass-through, or the gunner’s hatch, that can remain closed throughout testing to prevent damaging the cables. Avoid running cables

  19. Assessing normative cut points through differential item functioning analysis: an example from the adaptation of the Middlesex Elderly Assessment of Mental State (MEAMS) for use as a cognitive screening test in Turkey.

    PubMed

    Tennant, Alan; Küçükdeveci, Ayse A; Kutlay, Sehim; Elhan, Atilla H

    2006-03-23

    The Middlesex Elderly Assessment of Mental State (MEAMS) was developed as a screening test to detect cognitive impairment in the elderly. It includes 12 subtests, each having a 'pass score'. A series of tasks were undertaken to adapt the measure for use in the adult population in Turkey and to determine the validity of existing cut points for passing subtests, given the wide range of educational level in the Turkish population. This study focuses on identifying and validating the scoring system of the MEAMS for Turkish adult population. After the translation procedure, 350 normal subjects and 158 acquired brain injury patients were assessed by the Turkish version of MEAMS. Initially, appropriate pass scores for the normal population were determined through ANOVA post-hoc tests according to age, gender and education. Rasch analysis was then used to test the internal construct validity of the scale and the validity of the cut points for pass scores on the pooled data by using Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis within the framework of the Rasch model. Data with the initially modified pass scores were analyzed. DIF was found for certain subtests by age and education, but not for gender. Following this, pass scores were further adjusted and data re-fitted to the model. All subtests were found to fit the Rasch model (mean item fit 0.184, SD 0.319; person fit -0.224, SD 0.557) and DIF was then found to be absent. Thus the final pass scores for all subtests were determined. The MEAMS offers a valid assessment of cognitive state for the adult Turkish population, and the revised cut points accommodate for age and education. Further studies are required to ascertain the validity in different diagnostic groups.

  20. Modeling of the static recrystallization for 7055 aluminum alloy by cellular automaton

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Tao; Lu, Shi-hong; Zhang, Jia-bin; Li, Zheng-fang; Chen, Peng; Gong, Hai; Wu, Yun-xin

    2017-09-01

    In order to simulate the flow behavior and microstructure evolution during the pass interval period of the multi-pass deformation process, models of static recovery (SR) and static recrystallization (SRX) by the cellular automaton (CA) method for the 7055 aluminum alloy were established. Double-pass hot compression tests were conducted to acquire flow stress and microstructure variation during the pass interval period. With the basis of the material constants obtained from the compression tests, models of the SR, incubation period, nucleation rate and grain growth were fitted by least square method. A model of the grain topology and a statistical computation of the CA results were also introduced. The effects of the pass interval time, temperature, strain, strain rate and initial grain size on the microstructure variation for the SRX of the 7055 aluminum alloy were studied. The results show that a long pass interval time, large strain, high temperature and large strain rate are beneficial for finer grains during the pass interval period. The stable size of the static recrystallized grain is not concerned with the initial grain size, but mainly depends on the strain rate and temperature. The SRX plays a vital role in grain refinement, while the SR has no effect on the variation of microstructure morphology. Using flow stress and microstructure comparisons of the simulated and experimental CA results, the established CA models can accurately predict the flow stress and microstructure evolution during the pass interval period, and provide guidance for the selection of optimized parameters for the multi-pass deformation process.

  1. 78 FR 13747 - Safety Advisory 2013-01; Passing Stop Signals Protecting Movable Bridges

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-02-28

    ... 82 freight cars, including 51 hazardous materials tank cars, derailed seven cars while crossing a... bridge to close using the key pad on the locomotive radio. Through the use of a programmable logic...

  2. Diatom paleoecology Pass Key core 37, Everglades National Park, Florida Bay

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Pyle, Laura; Cooper, S.R.; Huvane, J.K.

    1998-01-01

    During the 20th century, there have been large-scale anthropogenic modifications to the South Florida ecosystem. The effects of these changes on Florida Bay and its biological communities are currently of political and scientific interest. This study is part of a larger effort to reconstruct the history of environmental changes in the bay, using paleoecological techniques. We are using diatom indicators preserved in Florida Bay sediments to infer long-term water quality, productivity, nutrient, and salinity changes. We are also obtaining information concerning the natural variability of the ecosystem. Diatoms are microscopic algae, the remains of which are generally well preserved in sediments, and their distributions are closely linked to water quality. Diatoms were extracted from a 70-cm sediment core collected from the Pass Key mudbank of Florida Bay by the U.S. Geological Survey. Between 300-500 diatom valves from each of 15 core samples were identified and counted. Estimates of absolute abundance, species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity, and centric:pennate ratios were calculated for each sample that was counted. Information on the ecology of the diatom species is presented, and changes in diatom community composition are evaluated. Samples contained an average of four million diatom valves per gram of sediment. Major changes in the diatom community are evident down core. These include increases in the percent abundance of marine diatoms in the time period represented by the core, probably the result of increasing salinity at Pass Key. Benthic diatoms become less abundant in the top half of the core. This may be related to a number of factors including the die-off of sea grass beds or increased turbidity of the water column. Once the chronology of the Pass Key core 37 is established, these down-core changes can be related to historical events and compared with other indicators in the sedimentary record that are currently being investigated by U.S Geological Survey researchers. This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U.S. Geological Survey editorial standards or with the North American Stratigraphic Code. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

  3. Inductionless or limited shock testing is possible in most patients with implantable cardioverter- defibrillators/cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators: results of the multicenter ASSURE Study (Arrhythmia Single Shock Defibrillation Threshold Testing Versus Upper Limit of Vulnerability: Risk Reduction Evaluation With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantations).

    PubMed

    Day, John D; Doshi, Rahul N; Belott, Peter; Birgersdotter-Green, Ulrika; Behboodikhah, Mahnaz; Ott, Peter; Glatter, Kathryn A; Tobias, Serge; Frumin, Howard; Lee, Byron K; Merillat, John; Wiener, Isaac; Wang, Samuel; Grogin, Harlan; Chun, Sung; Patrawalla, Rob; Crandall, Brian; Osborn, Jeffrey S; Weiss, J Peter; Lappe, Donald L; Neuman, Stacey

    2007-05-08

    Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators have relied on multiple ventricular fibrillation (VF) induction/defibrillation tests at implantation to ensure that the device can reliably sense, detect, and convert VF. The ASSURE Study (Arrhythmia Single Shock Defibrillation Threshold Testing Versus Upper Limit of Vulnerability: Risk Reduction Evaluation With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantations) is the first large, multicenter, prospective trial comparing vulnerability safety margin testing versus defibrillation safety margin testing with a single VF induction/defibrillation. A total of 426 patients receiving an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator underwent vulnerability safety margin or defibrillation safety margin screening at 14 J in a randomized order. After this, patients underwent confirmatory testing, which required 2 VF conversions without failure at < or = 21 J. Patients who passed their first 14-J and confirmatory tests, irrespective of the results of their second 14-J test, had their devices programmed to a 21-J shock for ventricular tachycardia (VT) or VF > or = 200 bpm and were followed up for 1 year. Of 420 patients who underwent 14-J vulnerability safety margin screening, 322 (76.7%) passed. Of these, 317 (98.4%) also passed 21-J confirmatory tests. Of 416 patients who underwent 14-J defibrillation safety margin screening, 343 (82.5%) passed, and 338 (98.5%) also passed 21-J confirmatory tests. Most clinical VT/VF episodes (32 of 37, or 86%) were terminated by the first shock, with no difference in first shock success. In all observed cases in which the first shock was unsuccessful, subsequent shocks terminated VT/VF without complication. Although spontaneous episodes of fast VT/VF were limited, there was no difference in the odds of first shock efficacy between groups. Screening with vulnerability safety margin or defibrillation safety margin may allow for inductionless or limited shock testing in most patients.

  4. The 1991 LLWAS anemometer test program

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Phillips, Charles O.; Burnham, David; Jacobs, Leo; Hazen, David

    1992-09-01

    Performance tests of anemometers under icing and snow conditions were conducted during 1990-1991 on the test field at Rochester, MN and in icing chambers and wind tunnels at Sterling, VA. These tests were done for the FAA Low Level Windshear Alert System (LLWAS) program to test sensors for the next phase of LLWAS. Sensors from ten manufacturers were accepted into the test program from the respondents to the Commerce Business Daily. These sensors were required first to pass an icing chamber test in order to be field tested. The field tests lasted from Nov. 1990 to Jul. 1991. Afterwards, all sensors were sent to Sterling, VA for wind tunnel tests in September 1991. All units from the eight manufacturers that passed the icing chamber test were in the field test. A propeller/vane sensor that failed the icing chamber test was put in the field as a reference. All the units that passed were not affected by icing during the field test although a mechanical unit was affected by snow during one event. The propeller/vane was affected by icing during one event. Wind tunnel tests were done to check starting thresholds and calibration anomalies found in the field. It was concluded that there is no one winning technology that could be found from the tests.

  5. Visualization of pass-by noise by means of moving frame acoustic holography.

    PubMed

    Park, S H; Kim, Y H

    2001-11-01

    The noise generated by pass-by test (ISO 362) was visualized. The moving frame acoustic holography was improved to visualize the pass-by noise and predict its level. The proposed method allowed us to visualize tire and engine noise generated by pass-by test based on the following assumption; the noise can be assumed to be quasistationary. This is first because the speed change during the period of our interest is negligible and second because the frequency change of the noise is also negligible. The proposed method was verified by a controlled loud speaker experiment. Effects of running condition, e.g., accelerating according to ISO 362, cruising at constant speed, and coasting down, on the radiated noise were also visualized. The visualized results show where the tire noise is generated and how it propagates.

  6. Network Analysis of Rat Spatial Cognition: Behaviorally-Established Symmetry in a Physically Asymmetrical Environment

    PubMed Central

    Eilam, David; Portugali, Juval; Blumenfeld-Lieberthal, Efrat

    2012-01-01

    Background We set out to solve two inherent problems in the study of animal spatial cognition (i) What is a “place”?; and (ii) whether behaviors that are not revealed as differing by one methodology could be revealed as different when analyzed using a different approach. Methodology We applied network analysis to scrutinize spatial behavior of rats tested in either a symmetrical or asymmetrical layout of 4, 8, or 12 objects placed along the perimeter of a round arena. We considered locations as the units of the network (nodes), and passes between locations as the links within the network. Principal Findings While there were only minor activity differences between rats tested in the symmetrical or asymmetrical object layouts, network analysis revealed substantial differences. Viewing ‘location’ as a cluster of stopping coordinates, the key locations (large clusters of stopping coordinates) were at the objects in both layouts with 4 objects. However, in the asymmetrical layout with 4 objects, additional key locations were spaced by the rats between the objects, forming symmetry among the key locations. It was as if the rats had behaviorally imposed symmetry on the physically asymmetrical environment. Based on a previous finding that wayfinding is easier in symmetrical environments, we suggest that when the physical attributes of the environment were not symmetrical, the rats established a symmetric layout of key locations, thereby acquiring a more legible environment despite its complex physical structure. Conclusions and Significance The present study adds a behavioral definition for “location”, a term that so far has been mostly discussed according to its physical attributes or neurobiological correlates (e.g. - place and grid neurons). Moreover, network analysis enabled the assessment of the importance of a location, even when that location did not display any distinctive physical properties. PMID:22815808

  7. Comparison of the statistics of salmonella testing of chilled broiler chicken carcasses by whole carcass rinse and neck skin excision

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Whether a required Salmonella test series is passed or failed depends not only on the presence of the bacteria, but also on the methods for taking samples, the methods for culturing samples, and the statistics associated with the sampling plan. The pass-fail probabilities of the two-class attribute...

  8. Elementary Social Studies in 2005: Danger or Opportunity?--A Response to Jeff Passe

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Libresco, Andrea S.

    2006-01-01

    From the emphasis on lower-level test-prep materials to the disappearance of the subject altogether, elementary social studies is, in the best case scenario, being tested and, thus, taught with a heavy emphasis on recall; and, in the worst-case scenario, not being taught at all. In this article, the author responds to Jeff Passe's views on…

  9. Prehospital Acute Stroke Severity Scale to Predict Large Artery Occlusion: Design and Comparison With Other Scales.

    PubMed

    Hastrup, Sidsel; Damgaard, Dorte; Johnsen, Søren Paaske; Andersen, Grethe

    2016-07-01

    We designed and validated a simple prehospital stroke scale to identify emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) in patients with acute ischemic stroke and compared the scale to other published scales for prediction of ELVO. A national historical test cohort of 3127 patients with information on intracranial vessel status (angiography) before reperfusion therapy was identified. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) items with the highest predictive value of occlusion of a large intracranial artery were identified, and the most optimal combination meeting predefined criteria to ensure usefulness in the prehospital phase was determined. The predictive performance of Prehospital Acute Stroke Severity (PASS) scale was compared with other published scales for ELVO. The PASS scale was composed of 3 NIHSS scores: level of consciousness (month/age), gaze palsy/deviation, and arm weakness. In derivation of PASS 2/3 of the test cohort was used and showed accuracy (area under the curve) of 0.76 for detecting large arterial occlusion. Optimal cut point ≥2 abnormal scores showed: sensitivity=0.66 (95% CI, 0.62-0.69), specificity=0.83 (0.81-0.85), and area under the curve=0.74 (0.72-0.76). Validation on 1/3 of the test cohort showed similar performance. Patients with a large artery occlusion on angiography with PASS ≥2 had a median NIHSS score of 17 (interquartile range=6) as opposed to PASS <2 with a median NIHSS score of 6 (interquartile range=5). The PASS scale showed equal performance although more simple when compared with other scales predicting ELVO. The PASS scale is simple and has promising accuracy for prediction of ELVO in the field. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

  10. Vehicle noise source heights & sub-source spectra

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1996-12-01

    This report describes a turn-key system that was developed and implemented to collect the vehicle source height database for incorporation into the new Traffic Noise Model (TNM). A total of 2500 individual vehicle pass-bys were measured with this sys...

  11. Creep Deformation and Rupture Behavior of Single- and Dual-Pass 316LN Stainless-Steel-Activated TIG Weld Joints

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vijayanand, V. D.; Vasudevan, M.; Ganesan, V.; Parameswaran, P.; Laha, K.; Bhaduri, A. K.

    2016-06-01

    Creep deformation and rupture behavior of single-pass and dual-pass 316LN stainless steel (SS) weld joints fabricated by an autogenous activated tungsten inert gas welding process have been assessed by performing metallography, hardness, and conventional and impression creep tests. The fusion zone of the single-pass joint consisted of columnar zones adjacent to base metals with a central equiaxed zone, which have been modified extensively by the thermal cycle of the second pass in the dual-pass joint. The equiaxed zone in the single-pass joint, as well as in the second pass of the dual-pass joint, displayed the lowest hardness in the joints. In the dual-pass joint, the equiaxed zone of the first pass had hardness comparable to the columnar zone. The hardness variations in the joints influenced the creep deformation. The equiaxed and columnar zone in the first pass of the dual-pass joint was more creep resistant than that of the second pass. Both joints possessed lower creep rupture life than the base metal. However, the creep rupture life of the dual-pass joint was about twofolds more than that of the single-pass joint. Creep failure in the single-pass joint occurred in the central equiaxed fusion zone, whereas creep cavitation that originated in the second pass was blocked at the weld pass interface. The additional interface and strength variation between two passes in the dual-pass joint provides more restraint to creep deformation and crack propagation in the fusion zone, resulting in an increase in the creep rupture life of the dual-pass joint over the single-pass joint. Furthermore, the differences in content, morphology, and distribution of delta ferrite in the fusion zone of the joints favors more creep cavitation resistance in the dual-pass joint over the single-pass joint with the enhancement of creep rupture life.

  12. Effort, symptom validity testing, performance validity testing and traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Bigler, Erin D

    2014-01-01

    To understand the neurocognitive effects of brain injury, valid neuropsychological test findings are paramount. This review examines the research on what has been referred to a symptom validity testing (SVT). Above a designated cut-score signifies a 'passing' SVT performance which is likely the best indicator of valid neuropsychological test findings. Likewise, substantially below cut-point performance that nears chance or is at chance signifies invalid test performance. Significantly below chance is the sine qua non neuropsychological indicator for malingering. However, the interpretative problems with SVT performance below the cut-point yet far above chance are substantial, as pointed out in this review. This intermediate, border-zone performance on SVT measures is where substantial interpretative challenges exist. Case studies are used to highlight the many areas where additional research is needed. Historical perspectives are reviewed along with the neurobiology of effort. Reasons why performance validity testing (PVT) may be better than the SVT term are reviewed. Advances in neuroimaging techniques may be key in better understanding the meaning of border zone SVT failure. The review demonstrates the problems with rigidity in interpretation with established cut-scores. A better understanding of how certain types of neurological, neuropsychiatric and/or even test conditions may affect SVT performance is needed.

  13. Older Children's Misunderstanding of Uncertain Belief after Passing the False Belief Test

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zhang, Ting; Zheng, Xueru; Zhang, Li; Sha, Wenju; Deak, Gedeon; Li, Hong

    2010-01-01

    A four-location belief task was designed to examine children's understanding of another's uncertain belief after passing a false belief (FB) task. In Experiment 1, after passing the FB task, participants were asked what a puppet would do after he failed to find his toy at the falsely believed location. Most 4-year-olds and half of 6-year-olds…

  14. Advances of FishNet towards a fully automatic monitoring system for fish migration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kratzert, Frederik; Mader, Helmut

    2017-04-01

    Restoring the continuum of river networks, affected by anthropogenic constructions, is one of the main objectives of the Water Framework Directive. Regarding fish migration, fish passes are a widely used measure. Often the functionality of these fish passes needs to be assessed by monitoring. Over the last years, we developed a new semi-automatic monitoring system (FishCam) which allows the contact free observation of fish migration in fish passes through videos. The system consists of a detection tunnel, equipped with a camera, a motion sensor and artificial light sources, as well as a software (FishNet), which helps to analyze the video data. In its latest version, the software is capable of detecting and tracking objects in the videos as well as classifying them into "fish" and "no-fish" objects. This allows filtering out the videos containing at least one fish (approx. 5 % of all grabbed videos) and reduces the manual labor to the analysis of these videos. In this state the entire system has already been used in over 20 different fish passes across Austria for a total of over 140 months of monitoring resulting in more than 1.4 million analyzed videos. As a next step towards a fully automatic monitoring system, a key feature is the automatized classification of the detected fish into their species, which is still an unsolved task in a fully automatic monitoring environment. Recent advances in the field of machine learning, especially image classification with deep convolutional neural networks, sound promising in order to solve this problem. In this study, different approaches for the fish species classification are tested. Besides an image-only based classification approach using deep convolutional neural networks, various methods that combine the power of convolutional neural networks as image descriptors with additional features, such as the fish length and the time of appearance, are explored. To facilitate the development and testing phase of this approach, a subset of six fish species of Austrian rivers and streams is considered in this study. All scripts and the data to reproduce the results of this study will be made publicly available on GitHub* at the beginning of the EGU2017 General Assembly. * https://github.com/kratzert/EGU2017_public/

  15. n-body simulations using message passing parallel computers.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grama, A. Y.; Kumar, V.; Sameh, A.

    The authors present new parallel formulations of the Barnes-Hut method for n-body simulations on message passing computers. These parallel formulations partition the domain efficiently incurring minimal communication overhead. This is in contrast to existing schemes that are based on sorting a large number of keys or on the use of global data structures. The new formulations are augmented by alternate communication strategies which serve to minimize communication overhead. The impact of these communication strategies is experimentally studied. The authors report on experimental results obtained from an astrophysical simulation on an nCUBE2 parallel computer.

  16. Estimating Procurement Cost Growth Using Logistic and Multiple Regression

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2003-03-01

    Figure 4). The plots fail to pass the visual inspection for constant variance as well as the Breusch - Pagan test (Neter, 1996: 112) at an alpha level...plots fail to pass the visual inspection for constant variance as well as the Breusch - Pagan test at an alpha level of 0.05. Based on these findings...amount of cost growth a program will have 13 once model A deems that the program will incur cost growth. Sipple conducts validation testing on

  17. Estimating Cost Growth in Engineering and Schedule Cost Catergories Using a Two-Pronged Regression Approach

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-03-01

    test is for homoscedasticity (constant variance). With a p- value of 0.86, we pass the Breusch - Pagan test for homoscedasticity of the residuals...variance). With a p- value of 0.28, we pass the Breusch - Pagan test for homoscedasticity of the residuals, since the p-value is greater than 0.05...a Breusch - Pagan calculation which results in a p-value. P-values below 0.05 indicate a failure of this assumption. Once we have completed our

  18. Polygraph Screening of Physicists and Spies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lykken, David

    2000-03-01

    You will be invited to imagine yourself a scientist at the weapons laboratory at Los Alamos. You have just been ordered, pursuant to DOE Secretary Richardson's directive, to submit to a polygraph or ``lie detector" test, the Test for Espionage and Sabotage or TES. This talk will help you to picture yourself being tested and to predict whether you will pass or fail the TES. It will also explain why your passing or failing will have little to do with whether you are in fact a spy or not.

  19. Dual-filter estimation for rotating-panel sample designs

    Treesearch

    Francis Roesch

    2017-01-01

    Dual-filter estimators are described and tested for use in the annual estimation for national forest inventories. The dual-filter approach involves the use of a moving widow estimator in the first pass, which is used as input to Theil’s mixed estimator in the second pass. The moving window and dual-filter estimators are tested along with two other estimators in a...

  20. A comparison of the technique of the football quarterback pass between high school and university athletes.

    PubMed

    Toffan, Adam; Alexander, Marion J L; Peeler, Jason

    2017-07-28

    The purpose of the study was to compare the most effective joint movements, segment velocities and body positions to perform the fastest and most accurate pass of high school and university football quarterbacks. Secondary purposes were to develop a quarterback throwing test to assess skill level, to determine which kinematic variables were different between high school and university athletes as well as to determine which variables were significant predictors of quarterback throwing test performance. Ten high school and ten university athletes were filmed for the study, performing nine passes at a target and two passes for maximum distance. Thirty variables were measured using Dartfish Team Pro 4.5.2 video analysis system, and Microsoft Excel was used for statistical analysis. University athletes scored slightly higher than the high school athletes on the throwing test, however this result was not statistically significant. Correlation analysis and forward stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed on both the high school players and the university players in order to determine which variables were significant predictors of throwing test score. Ball velocity was determined to have the strongest predictive effect on throwing test score (r = 0.900) for the high school athletes, however, position of the back foot at release was also determined to be important (r = 0.661) for the university group. Several significant differences in throwing technique between groups were noted during the pass, however, body position at release showed the greatest differences between the two groups. High school players could benefit from more complete weight transfer and decreased throw time to increase throwing test score. University athletes could benefit from increased throw time and greater range of motion in external shoulder rotation and trunk rotation to increase their throwing test score. Coaches and practitioners will be able to use the findings of this research to help improve these and related throwing variables in their high school and university quarterbacks.

  1. The Keys to Successful Co-Teaching.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Arnold, Jane; Jackson, Ina

    1996-01-01

    Techniques for successful team teaching, drawn from an informal survey of Middlesex Community College (Massachusetts) instructors with team teaching experience, are outlined. Issues addressed include techniques for beginning class, taking attendance, seating, forms of address, passing out material, grading assignments, working together in the…

  2. Discrete Event Simulation Modeling and Analysis of Key Leader Engagements

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-06-01

    to offer. GreenPlayer agents require four parameters, pC, pKLK, pTK, and pRK , which give probabilities for being corrupt, having key leader...HandleMessageRequest component. The same parameter constraints apply to these four parameters. The parameter pRK is the same parameter from the CreatePlayers component...whether the local Green player has resource critical knowledge by using the parameter pRK . It schedules an EndResourceKnowledgeRequest event, passing

  3. Trends and results of the first 5 years of Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) certification testing.

    PubMed

    Okrainec, Allan; Soper, Nathaniel J; Swanstrom, Lee L; Fried, Gerald M

    2011-04-01

    FLS is an educational program developed by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and endorsed by the American College of Surgeons. The goal of the FLS program is to teach and assess the basic cognitive and psychomotor skills required to perform laparoscopic surgery. The purpose of this study is to review the results from the first 5 years of FLS certification testing. FLS test data were prospectively collected for all participants taking the FLS certification examination since its inception. Deidentified data were reviewed and analyzed using standard descriptive statistics. The FLS examination was taken by 2,689 participants between October 2004 and December 2009. There was a yearly increase in the number of individuals seeking FLS certification. Complete demographic information was available for 1,882 participants: 12% were junior residents (PGY 1-3), 69% were senior residents (PGY 4-5) or fellows, and 19% were attending surgeons. A breakdown of participants by specialty revealed that 88% were general surgeons, 4% were gynecologists, 2% were urologists, and 6% were labeled as "other." The mean (standard deviation, SD) score on the cognitive examination was 519 (157), with a 93% pass rate. The mean score on the technical skills examination was 525 (117), with a 92% pass rate. After combining both scores, the overall FLS certification pass rate was 88%. The FLS certification examination has gained widespread acceptance among laparoscopic surgeons in training and practice, with a marked increase in testing since the American Board of Surgery mandate for certification was announced. The overall pass rate of 88% on the examination approaches the target pass rate of 90% established during the test-setting process.

  4. [Incidence of hypoacusia secondary to hyperbilirubinaemia in a universal neonatal auditory screening programme based on otoacoustic emissions and evoked auditory potentials].

    PubMed

    Núñez-Batalla, Faustino; Carro-Fernández, Pilar; Antuña-León, María Eva; González-Trelles, Teresa

    2008-03-01

    Hyperbilirubinaemia is a neonatal risk factor that has been proved to be associated with sensorineural hearing loss. A high concentration of unconjugated bilirubin place newborn children at risk of suffering toxic effects, including hypoacusia. Review of the newborn screening results with a diagnosis of pathological hyperbilirubinaemia as part of a hearing-loss early detection protocol in the general population based on otoemissions and evoked potentials. Retrospective study of 21 590 newborn children screened between 2002 and 2006. The selection criteria for defining pathological hyperbilirubinaemia were bilirubin concentrations in excess of 14 mg/dL in pre-term infants and 20 mg/dL in full-term babies. The Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening Programme is a two-phase protocol in which all children are initially subjected to a transient otoacoustic emissions test (TOAE). Children presenting risk factors associated with auditory neuropathy were always given brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP). The patients identified as having severe hyperbilirubinaemia in the neonatal period numbered 109 (0.5 %) and 96 of these (88.07 %) passed the otoacoustic emissions test at the first attempt and 13 (11.93 %) did not; 11 of the 13 children in whom the otoacoustic emissions test was repeated passed it successfully. The 2 children who failed to pass the otoacoustic emissions test has normal BAEP results; 3 (2.75 %) of the newborn infants who passed the TOAE test did not pass the BAEP. Hyperbilirubinaemia values previously considered safe may harm the hearing system and give rise to isolated problems in auditory processing without being associated with other signs of classical kernicterus. Our results show that hyperbilirubinaemia-related auditory neuropathy reveals changes over time in the audiometric outcomes.

  5. Recruiting a U.S. national sample of HIV-negative gay and bisexual men to complete at-home self-administered HIV/STI testing and surveys: Challenges and Opportunities

    PubMed Central

    Grov, Christian; Cain, Demetria; Whitfield, Thomas H. F.; Rendina, H. Jonathon; Pawson, Mark; Ventuneac, Ana; Parsons, Jeffrey T.

    2015-01-01

    We describe enrollment for the One Thousand Strong panel, present characteristics of the panel relative to other large U.S. national studies of gay and bisexual men (GBM), and examine demographic and behavioral characteristics that were associated with passing enrollment milestones. A U.S. national sample of HIV-negative men were enrolled via an established online panel of over 22,000 GBM. Participants (n = 1071) passed three milestones to join our panel. Milestone 1 was screening eligible and providing informed consent. Milestone 2 involved completing an hour-long at-home computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) survey. Milestone 3 involved completing at-home self-administered rapid HIV testing and collecting/returning urine and rectal samples for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. Compared to those who completed milestones: those not passing milestone 1 were more likely to be non-White and older; those not passing milestone 2 were less likely to have insurance or a primary care physician; and those not passing milestone 3 were less educated, more likely to be bisexual as opposed to gay, more likely to live in the Midwest, had fewer male partners in the past year, and less likely to have tested for HIV in the past year. Effect sizes for significant findings were small. We successfully enrolled a national sample of HIV-negative GBM who completed at-home CASI assessments and at-home self-administered HIV and urine and rectal STI testing. This indicates high feasibility and acceptability of incorporating self-administered biological assays into otherwise fully online studies. Differences in completion of study milestones indicate a need for further investigation into the reasons for lower engagement by certain groups. PMID:26858776

  6. SU-F-T-271: Comparing IMRT QA Pass Rates Before and After MLC Calibration

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mazza, A; Perrin, D; Fontenot, J

    Purpose: To compare IMRT QA pass rates before and after an in-house MLC leaf calibration procedure. Methods: The MLC leaves and backup jaws on four Elekta linear accelerators with MLCi2 heads were calibrated using the EPID-based RIT Hancock Test as the means for evaluation. The MLCs were considered to be successfully calibrated when they could pass the Hancock Test with criteria of 1 mm jaw position tolerance, and 1 mm leaf position tolerance. IMRT QA results were collected pre- and postcalibration and analyzed using gamma analysis with 3%/3mm DTA criteria. AAPM TG-119 test plans were also compared pre- and post-calibration,more » at both 2%/2mm DTA and 3%/3mm DTA. Results: A weighted average was performed on the results for all four linear accelerators. The pre-calibration IMRT QA pass rate was 98.3 ± 0.1%, compared with the post-calibration pass rate of 98.5 ± 0.1%. The TG-119 test plan results showed more of an improvement, particularly at the 2%/2mm criteria. The averaged results were 89.1% pre and 96.1% post for the C-shape plan, 94.8% pre and 97.1% post for the multi-target plan, 98.6% pre and 99.7% post for the prostate plan, 94.7% pre and 94.8% post for the head/neck plan. Conclusion: The patient QA results did not show statistically significant improvement at the 3%/3mm DTA criteria after the MLC calibration procedure. However, the TG-119 test cases did show significant improvement at the 2%/2mm level.« less

  7. Scalable Authenticated Tree Based Group Key Exchange for Ad-Hoc Groups

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Desmedt, Yvo; Lange, Tanja; Burmester, Mike

    Task-specific groups are often formed in an ad-hoc manner within large corporate structures, such as companies. Take the following typical scenario: A director decides to set up a task force group for some specific project. An order is passed down the hierarchy where it finally reaches a manager who selects some employees to form the group. The members should communicate in a secure way and for efficiency, a symmetric encryption system is chosen. To establish a joint secret key for the group, a group key exchange (GKE) protocol is used. We show how to use an existing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to achieve authenticated GKE by modifying the protocol and particularly by including signatures.

  8. Pass rates on the American Board of Family Medicine Certification Exam by residency location and size.

    PubMed

    Falcone, John L; Middleton, Donald B

    2013-01-01

    The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) sets residency performance standards for the American Board of Family Medicine Certification Examination. This study aims are to describe the compliance of residency programs with ACGME standards and to determine whether residency pass rates depend on program size and location. In this retrospective cohort study, residency performance from 2007 to 2011 was compared with the ACGME performance standards. Simple linear regression was performed to see whether program pass rates were dependent on program size. Regional differences in performance were compared with χ(2) tests, using an α level of 0.05. Of 429 total residency programs, there were 205 (47.8%) that violate ACGME performance standards. Linear regression showed that program pass rates were positively correlated and dependent on program size (P < .001). The median pass rate per state was 86.4% (interquartile range, 82.0-90.8. χ(2) Tests showed that states in the West performed higher than the other 3 US Census Bureau Regions (all P < .001). Approximately half of the family medicine training programs do not meet the ACGME examination performance standards. Pass rates are associated with residency program size, and regional variation occurs. These findings have the potential to affect ACGME policy and residency program application patterns.

  9. Robust efficient video fingerprinting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Puri, Manika; Lubin, Jeffrey

    2009-02-01

    We have developed a video fingerprinting system with robustness and efficiency as the primary and secondary design criteria. In extensive testing, the system has shown robustness to cropping, letter-boxing, sub-titling, blur, drastic compression, frame rate changes, size changes and color changes, as well as to the geometric distortions often associated with camcorder capture in cinema settings. Efficiency is afforded by a novel two-stage detection process in which a fast matching process first computes a number of likely candidates, which are then passed to a second slower process that computes the overall best match with minimal false alarm probability. One key component of the algorithm is a maximally stable volume computation - a three-dimensional generalization of maximally stable extremal regions - that provides a content-centric coordinate system for subsequent hash function computation, independent of any affine transformation or extensive cropping. Other key features include an efficient bin-based polling strategy for initial candidate selection, and a final SIFT feature-based computation for final verification. We describe the algorithm and its performance, and then discuss additional modifications that can provide further improvement to efficiency and accuracy.

  10. Effect of pre-strain on creep of three AISI 316 austenitic stainless steels in relation to reheat cracking of weld-affected zones

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Auzoux, Q.; Allais, L.; Caës, C.; Monnet, I.; Gourgues, A. F.; Pineau, A.

    2010-05-01

    Microstructural modifications induced by welding of 316 stainless steels and their effect on creep properties and relaxation crack propagation were examined. Cumulative strain due to multi-pass welding hardens the materials by increasing the dislocation density. Creep tests were conducted on three plates from different grades of 316 steel at 600 °C, with various carbon and nitrogen contents. These plates were tested both in the annealed condition and after warm rolling, which introduced pre-strain. It was found that the creep strain rate and ductility after warm rolling was reduced compared with the annealed condition. Moreover, all steels exhibited intergranular crack propagation during relaxation tests on Compact Tension specimens in the pre-strained state, but not in the annealed state. These results confirmed that the reheat cracking risk increases with both residual stress triaxiality and pre-strain. On the contrary, high solute content and strain-induced carbide precipitation, which are thought to increase reheat cracking risk of stabilised austenitic stainless steels did not appear as key parameters in reheat cracking of 316 stainless steels.

  11. SU-G-BRB-16: Vulnerabilities in the Gamma Metric

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Neal, B; Siebers, J

    Purpose: To explore vulnerabilities in the gamma index metric that undermine its wide use as a radiation therapy quality assurance tool. Methods: 2D test field pairs (images) are created specifically to achieve high gamma passing rates, but to also include gross errors by exploiting the distance-to-agreement and percent-passing components of the metric. The first set has no requirement of clinical practicality, but is intended to expose vulnerabilities. The second set exposes clinically realistic vulnerabilities. To circumvent limitations inherent to user-specific tuning of prediction algorithms to match measurements, digital test cases are manually constructed, thereby mimicking high-quality image prediction. Results: Withmore » a 3 mm distance-to-agreement metric, changing field size by ±6 mm results in a gamma passing rate over 99%. For a uniform field, a lattice of passing points spaced 5 mm apart results in a passing rate of 100%. Exploiting the percent-passing component, a 10×10 cm{sup 2} field can have a 95% passing rate when an 8 cm{sup 2}=2.8×2.8 cm{sup 2} highly out-of-tolerance (e.g. zero dose) square is missing from the comparison image. For clinically realistic vulnerabilities, an arc plan for which a 2D image is created can have a >95% passing rate solely due to agreement in the lateral spillage, with the failing 5% in the critical target region. A field with an integrated boost (e.g whole brain plus small metastases) could neglect the metastases entirely, yet still pass with a 95% threshold. All the failure modes described would be visually apparent on a gamma-map image. Conclusion: The %gamma<1 metric has significant vulnerabilities. High passing rates can obscure critical faults in hypothetical and delivered radiation doses. Great caution should be used with gamma as a QA metric; users should inspect the gamma-map. Visual analysis of gamma-maps may be impractical for cine acquisition.« less

  12. An analysis of the relationship of seven selected variables to State Board Test Pool Examination performance of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing.

    PubMed

    Sharp, T G

    1984-02-01

    The study was designed to determine whether any one of seven selected variables or a combination of the variables is predictive of performance on the State Board Test Pool Examination. The selected variables studied were: high school grade point average (HSGPA), The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing grade point average (GPA), and American College Test Assessment (ACT) standard scores (English, ENG; mathematics, MA; social studies, SS; natural sciences, NSC; composite, COMP). Data utilized were from graduates of the baccalaureate program of The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing from 1974 through 1979. The sample of 322 was selected from a total population of 572. The Statistical Analysis System (SAS) was designed to accomplish analysis of the predictive relationship of each of the seven selected variables to State Board Test Pool Examination performance (result of pass or fail), a stepwise discriminant analysis was designed for determining the predictive relationship of the strongest combination of the independent variables to overall State Board Test Pool Examination performance (result of pass or fail), and stepwise multiple regression analysis was designed to determine the strongest predictive combination of selected variables for each of the five subexams of the State Board Test Pool Examination. The selected variables were each found to be predictive of SBTPE performance (result of pass or fail). The strongest combination for predicting SBTPE performance (result of pass or fail) was found to be GPA, MA, and NSC.

  13. Thermo-Mechanical Analysis of a Single-Pass Weld Overlay and Girth Welding in Lined Pipe

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Obeid, Obeid; Alfano, Giulio; Bahai, Hamid

    2017-08-01

    The paper presents a nonlinear heat-transfer and mechanical finite-element (FE) analyses of a two-pass welding process of two segments of lined pipe made of a SUS304 stainless steel liner and a C-Mn steel pipe. The two passes consist of the single-pass overlay welding (inner lap weld) of the liner with the C-Mn steel pipe for each segment and the single-pass girth welding (outer butt weld) of the two segments. A distributed power density of the moving welding torch and a nonlinear heat-transfer coefficient accounting for both radiation and convection have been used in the analysis and implemented in user subroutines for the FE code ABAQUS. The modeling procedure has been validated against previously published experimental results for stainless steel and carbon steel welding separately. The model has been then used to determine the isotherms induced by the weld overlay and the girth welding and to clarify their influence on the transient temperature field and residual stress in the lined pipe. Furthermore, the influence of the cooling time between weld overlay and girth welding and of the welding speed have been examined thermally and mechanically as they are key factors that can affect the quality of lined pipe welding.

  14. Applications of Probabilistic Combiners on Linear Feedback Shift Register Sequences

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-12-01

    on the resulting output strings show a drastic increase in complexity, while simultaneously passing the stringent randomness tests required by the...a three-variable function. Our tests on the resulting output strings show a drastic increase in complex- ity, while simultaneously passing the...10001101 01000010 11101001 Decryption of a message that has been encrypted using bitwise XOR is quite simple. Since each bit is its own additive inverse

  15. Assessment of soil compaction properties based on surface wave techniques

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jihan Syamimi Jafri, Nur; Rahim, Mohd Asri Ab; Zahid, Mohd Zulham Affandi Mohd; Faizah Bawadi, Nor; Munsif Ahmad, Muhammad; Faizal Mansor, Ahmad; Omar, Wan Mohd Sabki Wan

    2018-03-01

    Soil compaction plays an important role in every construction activities to reduce risks of any damage. Traditionally, methods of assessing compaction include field tests and invasive penetration tests for compacted areas have great limitations, which caused time-consuming in evaluating large areas. Thus, this study proposed the possibility of using non-invasive surface wave method like Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW) as a useful tool for assessing soil compaction. The aim of this study was to determine the shear wave velocity profiles and field density of compacted soils under varying compaction efforts by using MASW method. Pre and post compaction of MASW survey were conducted at Pauh Campus, UniMAP after applying rolling compaction with variation of passes (2, 6 and 10). Each seismic data was recorded by GEODE seismograph. Sand replacement test was conducted for each survey line to obtain the field density data. All seismic data were processed using SeisImager/SW software. The results show the shear wave velocity profiles increase with the number of passes from 0 to 6 passes, but decrease after 10 passes. This method could attract the interest of geotechnical community, as it can be an alternative tool to the standard test for assessing of soil compaction in the field operation.

  16. Effect of external digital elevation model on monitoring of mine subsidence by two-pass differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tao, Qiuxiang; Gao, Tengfei; Liu, Guolin; Wang, Zhiwei

    2017-04-01

    The external digital elevation model (DEM) error is one of the main factors that affect the accuracy of mine subsidence monitored by two-pass differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR), which has been widely used in monitoring mining-induced subsidence. The theoretical relationship between external DEM error and monitored deformation error is derived based on the principles of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR) and two-pass DInSAR. Taking the Dongtan and Yangcun mine areas of Jining as test areas, the difference and accuracy of 1:50000, ASTER GDEM V2, and SRTM DEMs are compared and analyzed. Two interferometric pairs of Advanced Land Observing Satellite Phased Array L-band SAR covering the test areas are processed using two-pass DInSAR with three external DEMs to compare and analyze the effect of three external DEMs on monitored mine subsidence in high- and low-coherence subsidence regions. Moreover, the reliability and accuracy of the three DInSAR-monitored results are compared and verified with leveling-measured subsidence values. Results show that the effect of external DEM on mine subsidence monitored by two-pass DInSAR is not only related to radar look angle, perpendicular baseline, slant range, and external DEM error, but also to the ground resolution of DEM, the magnitude of subsidence, and the coherence of test areas.

  17. Determination of MLC model parameters for Monaco using commercial diode arrays.

    PubMed

    Kinsella, Paul; Shields, Laura; McCavana, Patrick; McClean, Brendan; Langan, Brian

    2016-07-08

    Multileaf collimators (MLCs) need to be characterized accurately in treatment planning systems to facilitate accurate intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT). The aim of this study was to examine the use of MapCHECK 2 and ArcCHECK diode arrays for optimizing MLC parameters in Monaco X-ray voxel Monte Carlo (XVMC) dose calculation algorithm. A series of radiation test beams designed to evaluate MLC model parameters were delivered to MapCHECK 2, ArcCHECK, and EBT3 Gafchromic film for comparison. Initial comparison of the calculated and ArcCHECK-measured dose distributions revealed it was unclear how to change the MLC parameters to gain agreement. This ambiguity arose due to an insufficient sampling of the test field dose distributions and unexpected discrepancies in the open parts of some test fields. Consequently, the XVMC MLC parameters were optimized based on MapCHECK 2 measurements. Gafchromic EBT3 film was used to verify the accuracy of MapCHECK 2 measured dose distributions. It was found that adjustment of the MLC parameters from their default values resulted in improved global gamma analysis pass rates for MapCHECK 2 measurements versus calculated dose. The lowest pass rate of any MLC-modulated test beam improved from 68.5% to 93.5% with 3% and 2 mm gamma criteria. Given the close agreement of the optimized model to both MapCHECK 2 and film, the optimized model was used as a benchmark to highlight the relatively large discrepancies in some of the test field dose distributions found with ArcCHECK. Comparison between the optimized model-calculated dose and ArcCHECK-measured dose resulted in global gamma pass rates which ranged from 70.0%-97.9% for gamma criteria of 3% and 2 mm. The simple square fields yielded high pass rates. The lower gamma pass rates were attributed to the ArcCHECK overestimating the dose in-field for the rectangular test fields whose long axis was parallel to the long axis of the ArcCHECK. Considering ArcCHECK measurement issues and the lower gamma pass rates for the MLC-modulated test beams, it was concluded that MapCHECK 2 was a more suitable detector than ArcCHECK for the optimization process. © 2016 The Authors

  18. DC-pass filter design with notch filters superposition for CPW rectenna at low power level

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rivière, J.; Douyère, A.; Alicalapa, F.; Luk, J.-D. Lan Sun

    2016-03-01

    In this paper the challenging coplanar waveguide direct current (DC) pass filter is designed, analysed, fabricated and measured. As the ground plane and the conductive line are etched on the same plane, this technology allows the connection of series and shunt elements to the active devices without via holes through the substrate. Indeed, this study presents the first step in the optimization of a complete rectenna in coplanar waveguide (CPW) technology: key element of a radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting system. The measurement of the proposed filter shows good performance in the rejection of F0=2.45 GHz and F1=4.9 GHz. Additionally, a harmonic balance (HB) simulation of the complete rectenna is performed and shows a maximum RF-to-DC conversion efficiency of 37% with the studied DC-pass filter for an input power of 10 µW at 2.45 GHz.

  19. Expected antenna utilization and overload

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Posner, Edward C.

    1991-01-01

    The trade-offs between the number of antennas at Deep Space Network (DSN) Deep-Space Communications Complex and the fraction of continuous coverage provided to a set of hypothetical spacecraft, assuming random placement of the space craft passes during the day. The trade-offs are fairly robust with respect to the randomness assumption. A sample result is that a three-antenna complex provides an average of 82.6 percent utilization of facilities and coverage of nine spacecraft that each have 8-hour passes, whereas perfect phasing of the passes would yield 100 percent utilization and coverage. One key point is that sometimes fewer than three spacecraft are visible, so an antenna is idle, while at other times, there aren't enough antennas, and some spacecraft do without service. This point of view may be useful in helping to size the network or to develop a normalization for a figure of merit of DSN coverage.

  20. Driving and off-road impairments underlying failure on road testing in Parkinson's disease.

    PubMed

    Devos, Hannes; Vandenberghe, Wim; Tant, Mark; Akinwuntan, Abiodun E; De Weerdt, Willy; Nieuwboer, Alice; Uc, Ergun Y

    2013-12-01

    Parkinson's disease (PD) affects driving ability. We aimed to determine the most critical impairments in specific road skills and in clinical characteristics leading to failure on a road test in PD. In this cross-sectional study, certified driving assessment experts evaluated specific driving skills in 104 active, licensed drivers with PD using a standardized, on-road checklist and issued a global decision of pass/fail. Participants also completed an off-road evaluation assessing demographic features, disease characteristics, motor function, vision, and cognition. The most important driving skills and off-road predictors of the pass/fail outcome were identified using multivariate stepwise regression analyses. Eighty-six (65%) passed and 36 (35%) failed the on-road driving evaluation. Persons who failed performed worse on all on-road items. When adjusted for age and gender, poor performances on lateral positioning at low speed, speed adaptations at high speed, and left turning maneuvers yielded the best model that determined the pass/fail decision (R(2) = 0.56). The fail group performed poorer on all motor, visual, and cognitive tests. Measures of visual scanning, motor severity, PD subtype, visual acuity, executive functions, and divided attention were independent predictors of pass/fail decisions in the multivariate model (R(2) = 0.60). Our study demonstrated that failure on a road test in PD is determined by impairments in specific driving skills and associated with deficits in motor, visual, executive, and visuospatial functions. These findings point to specific driving and off-road impairments that can be targeted in multimodal rehabilitation programs for drivers with PD. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society.

  1. Mirror-Mark Tests Performed on Jackdaws Reveal Potential Methodological Problems in the Use of Stickers in Avian Mark-Test Studies

    PubMed Central

    Soler, Manuel; Pérez-Contreras, Tomás; Peralta-Sánchez, Juan Manuel

    2014-01-01

    Some animals are capable of recognizing themselves in a mirror, which is considered to be demonstrated by passing the mark test. Mirror self-recognition capacity has been found in just a few mammals having very large brains and only in one bird, the magpie (Pica pica). The results obtained in magpies have enormous biological and cognitive implications because the fact that magpies were able to pass the mark test meant that this species is at the same cognitive level with great apes, that mirror self-recognition has evolved independently in the magpie and great apes (which diverged 300 million years ago), and that the neocortex (which is not present in the bird's brains) is not a prerequisite for mirror self-recognition as previously believed. Here, we have replicated the experimental design used on magpies to determine whether jackdaws (Corvus monedula) are also capable of mirror self-recognition by passing the mark test. We found that our nine jackdaws showed a very high interest towards the mirror and exhibited self-contingent behavior as soon as mirrors were introduced. However, jackdaws were not able to pass the mark test: both sticker-directed actions and sticker removal were performed with a similar frequency in both the cardboard (control) and the mirror conditions. We conclude that our jackdaws' behaviour raises non-trivial questions about the methodology used in the avian mark test. Our study suggests that the use of self-adhesive stickers on sensitive throat feathers may open the way to artefactual results because birds might perceive the stickers tactilely. PMID:24475085

  2. Mirror-mark tests performed on jackdaws reveal potential methodological problems in the use of stickers in avian mark-test studies.

    PubMed

    Soler, Manuel; Pérez-Contreras, Tomás; Peralta-Sánchez, Juan Manuel

    2014-01-01

    Some animals are capable of recognizing themselves in a mirror, which is considered to be demonstrated by passing the mark test. Mirror self-recognition capacity has been found in just a few mammals having very large brains and only in one bird, the magpie (Pica pica). The results obtained in magpies have enormous biological and cognitive implications because the fact that magpies were able to pass the mark test meant that this species is at the same cognitive level with great apes, that mirror self-recognition has evolved independently in the magpie and great apes (which diverged 300 million years ago), and that the neocortex (which is not present in the bird's brains) is not a prerequisite for mirror self-recognition as previously believed. Here, we have replicated the experimental design used on magpies to determine whether jackdaws (Corvus monedula) are also capable of mirror self-recognition by passing the mark test. We found that our nine jackdaws showed a very high interest towards the mirror and exhibited self-contingent behavior as soon as mirrors were introduced. However, jackdaws were not able to pass the mark test: both sticker-directed actions and sticker removal were performed with a similar frequency in both the cardboard (control) and the mirror conditions. We conclude that our jackdaws' behaviour raises non-trivial questions about the methodology used in the avian mark test. Our study suggests that the use of self-adhesive stickers on sensitive throat feathers may open the way to artefactual results because birds might perceive the stickers tactilely.

  3. Third phase of pocket-sized electronic dosimeter testing

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Fox, R.A.; Hooker, C.D.; Hogan, B.T.

    1982-05-01

    The experiences of industrial radiographers have indicated that electronic radiation-warning devices become inoperative when they are used under some types of ambient conditions. This report, as a follow-up to NUREG/CR-0554 and NUREG/CR-1452, documents the nature of tests performed on several additional commercially available models. None of the four models tested passed the tests for ruggedness and severe environmental conditions. However, all models passed most of the requirements of a Health Physics Society draft standard of performance specifications for these devices. The test procedures used in the project and the results obtained are discussed. Conclusions from the tests and recommendations concerningmore » potentially useful modifications to existing devices are presented.« less

  4. Developing an appropriate digital hearing aid for low-resource countries: a case study.

    PubMed

    Israsena, P; Isaradisaikul, S; Noymai, A; Boonyanukul, S; Hemakom, A; Chinnarat, C; Navacharoen, N; Lekagul, S

    2013-01-01

    This paper reviews the development process and discusses the key findings which resulted from our multidisciplinary research team's effort to develop an alternative digital hearing suitable for low-resource countries such as Thailand. A cost-effective, fully programmable digital hearing aid, with its specifications benchmarking against WHO's recommendations, was systematically designed, engineered, and tested. Clinically it had undergone a full clinical trial that employed the outcome measurement protocol adopted from the APHAB, the first time implemented in Thai language. Results indicated that using the hearing aid improves user's satisfaction in terms of ease of communication, background noises, and reverberation, with clear benefit after 3 and 6 months, confirming its efficacy. In terms of engineering, the hearing aid also proved to be robust, passing all the designated tests. As the technology has successfully been transferred to a local company for the production phase, we also discuss other challenges that may arise before the device can be introduced into the market.

  5. The effect of short-term workshop on improving clinical reasoning skill of medical students

    PubMed Central

    Yousefichaijan, Parsa; Jafari, Farshad; Kahbazi, Manijeh; Rafiei, Mohammad; Pakniyat, AbdolGhader

    2016-01-01

    Background: Clinical reasoning process leads clinician to get purposeful steps from signs and symptoms toward diagnosis and treatment. This research intends to investigate the effect of teaching clinical reasoning on problem-solving skills of medical students. Methods: This research is a semi-experimental study. Nineteen Medical student of the pediatric ward as case group participated in a two-day workshop for training clinical reasoning. Before the workshop, they filled out Diagnostic Thinking Inventory (DTI) questionnaires. Fifteen days after the workshop the DTI questionnaire completed and "key feature" (KF) test and "clinical reasoning problem" (CRP) test was held. 23 Medical student as the control group, without passing the clinical reasoning workshop DTI questionnaire completed, and KF test and CRP test was held. Results: The average score of the DTI questionnaire in the control group was 162.04 and in the case group before the workshop was 153.26 and after the workshop was 181.68. Compare the average score of the DTI questionnaire before and after the workshop there is a significant difference. The difference between average KF test scores in the control and the case group was not significant but between average CRP test scores was significant. Conclusion: Clinical reasoning workshop is effectiveness in promoting problem-solving skills of students. PMID:27579286

  6. The effect of short-term workshop on improving clinical reasoning skill of medical students.

    PubMed

    Yousefichaijan, Parsa; Jafari, Farshad; Kahbazi, Manijeh; Rafiei, Mohammad; Pakniyat, AbdolGhader

    2016-01-01

    Clinical reasoning process leads clinician to get purposeful steps from signs and symptoms toward diagnosis and treatment. This research intends to investigate the effect of teaching clinical reasoning on problem-solving skills of medical students. This research is a semi-experimental study. Nineteen Medical student of the pediatric ward as case group participated in a two-day workshop for training clinical reasoning. Before the workshop, they filled out Diagnostic Thinking Inventory (DTI) questionnaires. Fifteen days after the workshop the DTI questionnaire completed and "key feature" (KF) test and "clinical reasoning problem" (CRP) test was held. 23 Medical student as the control group, without passing the clinical reasoning workshop DTI questionnaire completed, and KF test and CRP test was held. The average score of the DTI questionnaire in the control group was 162.04 and in the case group before the workshop was 153.26 and after the workshop was 181.68. Compare the average score of the DTI questionnaire before and after the workshop there is a significant difference. The difference between average KF test scores in the control and the case group was not significant but between average CRP test scores was significant. Clinical reasoning workshop is effectiveness in promoting problem-solving skills of students.

  7. Ensuring Biologics Advanced Development and Manufacturing Capability for the United States Government: A Summary of Key Findings and Conclusions

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-10-06

    Government: A Summary of Key Findings and Conclusions. This report has passed the Department of Defense’s security review process and is approved for...manufacturing and combine advance development and production of biologics in a multi-product facility focused on satisfying USG needs. Finally, the study...MCM needs of both DoD and HHS, an extensive survey was conducted. This included a review of all published requirements, the biodefense R&D portfolio

  8. Educational audit on drug dose calculation learning in a Tanzanian school of nursing.

    PubMed

    Savage, Angela Ruth

    2015-06-01

    Patient safety is a key concern for nurses; ability to calculate drug doses correctly is an essential skill to prevent and reduce medication errors. Literature suggests that nurses' drug calculation skills should be monitored. The aim of the study was to conduct an educational audit on drug dose calculation learning in a Tanzanian school of nursing. Specific objectives were to assess learning from targeted teaching, to identify problem areas in performance and to identify ways in which these problem areas might be addressed. A total of 268 registered nurses and nursing students in two year groups of a nursing degree programme were the subjects for the audit; they were given a pretest, then four hours of teaching, a post-test after two weeks and a second post-test after eight weeks. There was a statistically significant improvement in correct answers in the first post-test, but none between the first and second post-tests. Particular problems with drug calculations were identified by the nurses / students, and the teacher; these identified problems were not congruent. Further studies in different settings using different methods of teaching, planned continuing education for all qualified nurses, and appropriate pass marks for students in critical skills are recommended.

  9. Microstructural and mechanical responses to various rolling speeds determined in multi-pass break-down rolling of AZ31B alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jia, Weitao; Tang, Yan; Ning, Fangkun; Le, Qichi; Cui, Jianzhong

    2018-04-01

    Different rolling operations of as-cast AZ31B alloy were performed under different rolling speed (18 ∼ 72 m min‑1) and rolling pass conditions at 400 °C. Microstructural studies, tensile testing and formability evaluation relevant to each rolling operation were investigated. For 1-pass rolling, coarse average grain size (CAGS) region gradually approached the center layer as the rolling speed increased. Moreover, twins, shear bands and coarse-grain structures were the dominant components in the microstructure of plates rolled at 18, 48 and 72 m min‑1, respectively, indicating the severe deformation inhomogeneity under the high reduction per pass condition. For 2-pass rolling and 4-pass rolling, dynamic recrystallization was observed to be well and CAGS region has substantially disappeared, indicating the significant improvement in deformation uniformity and further the grain homogenization under the conditions. Microstructure uniformity degree of 2-pass rolled plates did not vary much as the rolling speed varied. On this basis, shear band distribution dominated the deformation behavior during the uniaxial tension of the 2-pass rolled plates. However, microstructure uniformity accompanied by twin distribution played a leading role in stretching the 4-pass rolled plates.

  10. Extracting Tree Height from Repeat-Pass PolInSAR Data : Experiments with JPL and ESA Airborne Systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lavalle, Marco; Ahmed, Razi; Neumann, Maxim; Hensley, Scott

    2013-01-01

    In this paper we present our latest developments and experiments with the random-motion-over-ground (RMoG) model used to extract canopy height and other important forest parameters from repeat-pass polarimetricinterferometric SAR (Pol-InSAR) data. More specifically, we summarize the key features of the RMoG model in contrast with the random-volume-over-ground (RVoG) model, describe in detail a possible inversion scheme for the RMoG model and illustrate the results of the RMoG inversion using airborne data collected by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

  11. Material selection and evaluation of new encapsulation compounds for electric cables for launch support system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ray, Asit K.

    1992-01-01

    Eight urethane compounds were evaluated as possible replacement for the existing encapsulating compoounds for electrical cables for the Launch Support System at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The existing encapsulating compound, PR-1535, contains the curative MOCA 4-4'-Methylene-BIS (2-chloroaniline), which is a suspect carcinogen and hence may be the subject of further restrictions of its use by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The samples made in the configuration of cable joints and in the form of disks were evaluated for flammability and hypergolic compatibility. These also underwent accelerated weatherability tests that measured the residual hardness of the exposed samples. Three candidates and the existing compound passed the hardness test. Of these, only one candidate and the existing compound passed the flammability test. The thermal and hydrolytic stability (weatherability) of these samples was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (DSC) techniques. The TMA and DSC data correlated with the residual hardness data; whereas, the TGA data showed no correlation. A hypergolic compatibility test will be conducted on the compound V-356-HE80, which passed both the flammability and accelerated weatherability tests.

  12. The Laser Astrometric Test of Relativity (LATOR) Mission

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Turyshev, Slava G.; Shao, Michael; Nordtvedt, Kenneth, Jr.

    2003-01-01

    This paper discusses new fundamental physics experiment that will test relativistic gravity at the accuracy better than the effects of the second order in the gravitational field strength, proportional to G(sup 2). The Laser Astrometric Test Of Relativity (LATOR) mission uses laser interferometry between two micro-spacecraft whose lines of sight pass close by the Sun to accurately measure deflection of light in the solar gravity. The key element of the experimental design is a redundant geometry optical truss provided by a long-baseline (100 m) multi-channel stellar optical interferometer placed on the International Space Station (ISS). The spatial interferometer is used for measuring the angles between the two spacecraft and for orbit determination purposes. In Euclidean geometry, determination of a triangle s three sides determines any angle therein; with gravity changing the optical lengths of sides passing close by the Sun and deflecting the light, the Euclidean relationships are overthrown. The geometric redundancy enables LATOR to measure the departure from Euclidean geometry caused by the solar gravity field to a very high accuracy. LATOR will not only improve the value of the parameterized post-Newtonian (PPN) gamma to unprecedented levels of accuracy of 1 part in 10(exp 8), it will also reach ability to measure effects of the next post-Newtonian order (c(sup -4)) of light deflection resulting from gravity s intrinsic non-linearity. The solar quadrupole moment parameter, J(sub 2), will be measured with high precision, as well as a variety of other relativistic effects including Lense-Thirring precession. LATOR will lead to very robust advances in the tests of Fundamental physics: this mission could discover a violation or extension of general relativity, or reveal the presence of an additional long range interaction in the physical law. There are no analogs to the LATOR experiment; it is unique and is a natural culmination of solar system gravity experiments.

  13. Passings to note: Paul Michael Packman, MD; S. Charles Schulz, MD.

    PubMed

    Black, Donald W

    2018-02-01

    One of the keys to the success of Annals of Clinical Psychiatry has always been the tireless efforts of our dedicated Editorial Board. We recently lost 2 longtime Editorial Board members, Drs. Paul Michael Packman and S. Charles Schulz. Both will be greatly missed.

  14. Targeting Summer Credit Recovery

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eno, Jared; Heppen, Jessica

    2014-01-01

    Algebra is considered a key gatekeeper for higher-level mathematics course-taking in high school and for college enrollment (Adelman, 2006; Gamoran & Hannigan, 2000). Yet, algebra pass rates are consistently low in many places (Higgins, 2008; Ham & Walker, 1999; Helfand, 2006), including Chicago Public Schools (CPS). This is of particular…

  15. 33 CFR 117.484 - Pass Manchac.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... lights will be lit, and photoelectric (infrared) boat detectors will monitor the waterway beneath the... sequences. (Estimated duration that the bridge will remain closed for passage of rail traffic is 10 to 12 minutes.) The bridge will also be manually operable from two locked trackside control locations (key...

  16. 33 CFR 117.484 - Pass Manchac.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... lights will be lit, and photoelectric (infrared) boat detectors will monitor the waterway beneath the... sequences. (Estimated duration that the bridge will remain closed for passage of rail traffic is 10 to 12 minutes.) The bridge will also be manually operable from two locked trackside control locations (key...

  17. Analysis of Conservative Tracer Tests in the Bullfrog, Tram, and Prow Pass Tuffs, 1996 to 1998, Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Umari, Amjad; Fahy, Michael F.; Earle, John D.; Tucci, Patrick

    2008-01-01

    To evaluate the potential for transport of radionuclides in ground water from the proposed high-level nuclear-waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, conservative (nonsorbing) tracer tests were conducted among three boreholes, known as the C-hole Complex, and values for transport (or flow) porosity, storage (or matrix) porosity, longitudinal dispersivity, and the extent of matrix diffusion were obtained. The C-holes are completed in a sequence of Miocene tuffaceous rock, consisting of nonwelded to densely welded ash-flow tuff with intervals of ash-fall tuff and volcaniclastic rocks, covered by Quaternary alluvium. The lower part of the tuffaceous-rock sequence includes the Prow Pass, Bullfrog, and Tram Tuffs of the Crater Flat Group. The rocks are pervaded by tectonic and cooling fractures. Paleozoic limestone and dolomite underlie the tuffaceous rocks. Four radially convergent and one partially recirculating conservative (nonsorbing) tracer tests were conducted at the C-hole Complex from 1996 to 1998 to establish values for flow porosity, storage porosity, longitudinal dispersivity, and extent of matrix diffusion in the Bullfrog and Tram Tuffs and the Prow Pass Tuff. Tracer tests included (1) injection of iodide into the combined Bullfrog-Tram interval; (2) injection of 2,6 difluorobenzoic acid into the Lower Bullfrog interval; (3) injection of 3-carbamoyl-2-pyridone into the Lower Bullfrog interval; and (4) injection of iodide and 2,4,5 trifluorobenzoic acid, followed by 2,3,4,5 tetrafluorobenzoic acid, into the Prow Pass Tuff. All tracer tests were analyzed by the Moench single- and dual-porosity analytical solutions to the advection-dispersion equation or by superposition of these solutions. Nonlinear regression techniques were used to corroborate tracer solution results, to obtain optimal parameter values from the solutions, and to quantify parameter uncertainty resulting from analyzing two of the three radially convergent conservative tracer tests conducted in the Bullfrog and Tram intervals. Longitudinal dispersivity values in the Bullfrog and Tram Tuffs ranged from 1.83 to 2.6 meters, flow-porosity values from 0.072 to 0.099, and matrix-porosity values from 0.088 to 0.19. The flow-porosity values indicate that the pathways between boreholes UE-25 c#2 and UE-25 c#3 in the Bullfrog and Tram intervals are not connected well. Tracer testing in the Prow Pass interval indicates different transport characteristics than those obtained in the Bullfrog and Tram intervals. In the Prow Pass Tuff, longitudinal dispersivity was 0.27 meter, flow porosity was 4.5 ? 10?4, and matrix porosity was 0.01. This indicates that the flow network in the Prow Pass is dominated by interconnected fractures, whereas in the Bullfrog and Tram, the flow network is dominated by discontinuous fractures with connecting segments of matrix.

  18. Comparing NET and ERI standardized exam scores between baccalaureate graduates who pass or fail the NCLEX-RN.

    PubMed

    Bondmass, Mary D; Moonie, Sheniz; Kowalski, Susan

    2008-01-01

    In the United States, nursing programs are commonly evaluated by their graduates success on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The purpose of this paper is to describe a change in NCLEX-RN success rates following the addition of standardized exams throughout our program's curriculum, and to compare these exam scores between graduates who pass NCLEX-RN and those who do not. Our results indicate an 8.5% change (p < 0.000) in the NCLEX-RN pass rate from our previous 5-year mean pass rate, and significant differences in standardized test scores for those who pass the NCLEX-RN compared to those who do not (p < 0.03). We conclude that our selected standardized exam scores are able to significantly identify graduates who are more likely to pass NCLEX-RN than not.

  19. Pretraining on Southwestern stations decreases training time and cost for proficiency-based fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery training.

    PubMed

    Rosenthal, Madelyn E; Castellvi, Antonio O; Goova, Mouza T; Hollett, Lisa A; Dale, Jarrod; Scott, Daniel J

    2009-11-01

    We previously reported a proficiency-based Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) curriculum that uniformly resulted in passing the technical skills certification criteria. We hypothesized that pretraining using the Southwestern (SW) videotrainer stations would decrease costs and training time and maintain benefits. Group I (2nd-year medical student, n = 10) underwent FLS pretesting (Pretest 1), SW station proficiency-based training, repeat FLS testing (Pretest 2), FLS proficiency-based training, and final FLS testing (Posttest). These data were compared with a historic control, group II (2nd-year medical student, n = 10), which underwent FLS pretesting (Pretest 1), proficiency-based training, and final FLS testing (Posttest). During training, group I achieved proficiency (85.4 + or - 26.2 repetitions) for all SW tasks. For both groups, proficiency was achieved for 96% of the FLS tasks, with substantial differences detected for group I and group II repetitions (100.5 + or - 15.9 versus 114 + or - 25.5) and training time (6.0 + or - 1.5 versus 9.2 + or - 2.2 hours), respectively. Per-person material costs were considerably different for groups I and II ($827 + or - 116 versus $1,108 + or - 393). Group I demonstrated significant improvement from Pretest 1 (149 + or - 39; 0% FLS pass rate) to Pretest 2 (293 + or - 83; p < 0.001; 60% FLS pass rate), and to Posttest (444 + or - 60; p < 0.001; 100% FLS pass rate). Group II demonstrated significant improvement from Pretest 1 (158 + or - 78; 0% FLS pass rate) to Posttest (469.7 + or - 12.0; p < 0.001; 100% FLS pass rate). Pretraining on SW stations decreases training time for FLS skill acquisition and maintains educational benefits. This strategy decreases costs associated with using consumable materials for training.

  20. Establishment of a PID Pass/Fail Test for Crystalline Silicon Modules by Examining Field Performance for Five Years: Preprint

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hacke, Peter L

    In an experiment with five module designs and multiple replicas, it is found that crystalline silicon cell modules that can pass a criterion of less than 5 percent power degradation in stress test conditions of 60 degrees Celsius, 85 percent relative humidity (RH), 96 h, and nameplate-rated system voltage bias show no power degradation by potential induced degradation in the range of 4-6 years duration in the Florida, USA environment. This data suggests that this chamber stress level is useful as a pass/fail criterion for PID, and will help ensure against degradation by system voltage stress in Florida, or lessmore » stressful climates, for at least 5 years.« less

  1. High-Intensity Small-Sided Games versus Repeated Sprint Training in Junior Soccer Players.

    PubMed

    Eniseler, Niyazi; Şahan, Çağatay; Özcan, Ilker; Dinler, Kıvanç

    2017-12-01

    The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity small-sided games training (SSGT) versus repeated-sprint training (RST) on repeated-sprint ability (RSA), soccer specific endurance performance and short passing ability among junior soccer players. The junior soccer players were recruited from of a professional team (age 16.9 ± 1.1 years). The tests included the repeated-shuttle-sprint ability test (RSSAT), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) and Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). Nineteen participants were randomly assigned to either the small-sided games training (SSGTG) (n = 10) or repeated-sprint training group (RSTG) (n = 9). Small-sided games or repeated-sprint training were added to the regular training sessions for two days of the regular practice week. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine differences in groups and training effects. A time x training group effect was found in the improvement of short-passing ability for the smallsided games training group which showed significantly better scores than the repeated-sprint training group (p ≤ 0.05). Both groups showed similar improvements in RSAdecrement (p < 0.05). Only the repeated-sprint training group improved in the Yo-Yo IR1 (p < 0.05). This study clearly shows that high-intensity small-sided games training can be used as an effective training mode to enhance both repeated sprint ability and short-passing ability.

  2. High-Intensity Small-Sided Games versus Repeated Sprint Training in Junior Soccer Players

    PubMed Central

    Şahan, Çağatay; Özcan, Ilker; Dinler, Kıvanç

    2017-01-01

    Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity small-sided games training (SSGT) versus repeated-sprint training (RST) on repeated-sprint ability (RSA), soccer specific endurance performance and short passing ability among junior soccer players. The junior soccer players were recruited from of a professional team (age 16.9 ± 1.1 years). The tests included the repeated-shuttle-sprint ability test (RSSAT), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) and Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). Nineteen participants were randomly assigned to either the small-sided games training (SSGTG) (n = 10) or repeated-sprint training group (RSTG) (n = 9). Small-sided games or repeated-sprint training were added to the regular training sessions for two days of the regular practice week. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine differences in groups and training effects. A time x training group effect was found in the improvement of short-passing ability for the smallsided games training group which showed significantly better scores than the repeated-sprint training group (p ≤ 0.05). Both groups showed similar improvements in RSAdecrement (p < 0.05). Only the repeated-sprint training group improved in the Yo-Yo IR1 (p < 0.05). This study clearly shows that high-intensity small-sided games training can be used as an effective training mode to enhance both repeated sprint ability and short-passing ability. PMID:29339990

  3. The influence of storage duration on the setting time of type 1 alginate impression material

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rahmadina, A.; Triaminingsih, S.; Irawan, B.

    2017-08-01

    Alginate is one of the most commonly used dental impression materials; however, its setting time is subject to change depending on storage conditions and duration. This creates problems because consumer carelessness can affect alginate shelf life and quality. In the present study, the setting times of two groups of type I alginate with different expiry dates was tested. The first group consisted of 11 alginate specimens that had not yet passed the expiry date, and the second group consisted of alginates that had passed the expiry date. The alginate powder was mixed with distilled water, poured into a metal ring, and tested with a polished rod of poly-methyl methacrylate. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between the setting times of the alginate that had not passed the expiry date (157 ± 3 seconds) and alginate that had passed the expiry date (144 ± 2 seconds). These findings indicate that storage duration can affect alginate setting time.

  4. Ignorance of electrosurgery among obstetricians and gynaecologists.

    PubMed

    Mayooran, Zorana; Pearce, Scott; Tsaltas, Jim; Rombauts, Luk; Brown, T Ian H; Lawrence, Anthony S; Fraser, Kym; Healy, David L

    2004-12-01

    The purpose of this study was to assess the level of skill of laparoscopic surgeons in electrosurgery. Subjects were asked to complete a practical diathermy station and a written test of electrosurgical knowledge. Tests were held in teaching and non-teaching hospitals. Twenty specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology were randomly selected and tested on the Monash University gynaecological laparoscopic pelvi-trainer. Twelve candidates were consultants with 9-28 years of practice in operative laparoscopy, and 8 were registrars with up to six years of practice in operative laparoscopy. Seven consultants and one registrar were from rural Australia, and three consultants were from New Zealand. Candidates were marked with checklist criteria resulting in a pass/fail score, as well as a weighted scoring system. We retested 11 candidates one year later with the same stations. No improvement in electrosurgery skill in one year of obstetric and gynaecological practice. No candidate successfully completed the written electrosurgery station in the initial test. A slight improvement in the pass rate to 18% was observed in the second test. The pass rate of the diathermy station dropped from 50% to 36% in the second test. The study found ignorance of electrosurgery/diathermy among gynaecological surgeons. One year later, skills were no better.

  5. The Diagnostic Validity and Reliability of an Internet-Based Clinical Assessment Program for Mental Disorders

    PubMed Central

    Klein, Britt; Meyer, Denny; Austin, David William; Abbott, Jo-Anne M

    2015-01-01

    Background Internet-based assessment has the potential to assist with the diagnosis of mental health disorders and overcome the barriers associated with traditional services (eg, cost, stigma, distance). Further to existing online screening programs available, there is an opportunity to deliver more comprehensive and accurate diagnostic tools to supplement the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders. Objective The aim was to evaluate the diagnostic criterion validity and test-retest reliability of the electronic Psychological Assessment System (e-PASS), an online, self-report, multidisorder, clinical assessment and referral system. Methods Participants were 616 adults residing in Australia, recruited online, and representing prospective e-PASS users. Following e-PASS completion, 158 participants underwent a telephone-administered structured clinical interview and 39 participants repeated the e-PASS within 25 days of initial completion. Results With structured clinical interview results serving as the gold standard, diagnostic agreement with the e-PASS varied considerably from fair (eg, generalized anxiety disorder: κ=.37) to strong (eg, panic disorder: κ=.62). Although the e-PASS’ sensitivity also varied (0.43-0.86) the specificity was generally high (0.68-1.00). The e-PASS sensitivity generally improved when reducing the e-PASS threshold to a subclinical result. Test-retest reliability ranged from moderate (eg, specific phobia: κ=.54) to substantial (eg, bulimia nervosa: κ=.87). Conclusions The e-PASS produces reliable diagnostic results and performs generally well in excluding mental disorders, although at the expense of sensitivity. For screening purposes, the e-PASS subclinical result generally appears better than a clinical result as a diagnostic indicator. Further development and evaluation is needed to support the use of online diagnostic assessment programs for mental disorders. Trial Registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN121611000704998; http://www.anzctr.org.au/trial_view.aspx?ID=336143 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/618r3wvOG). PMID:26392066

  6. Does administering a comprehensive examination affect pass rates on the Registered Health Information Administrator certification examination?

    PubMed

    McNeill, Marjorie H

    2009-01-01

    The purpose of this research study was to determine whether the administration of a comprehensive examination before graduation increases the percentage of students passing the Registered Health Information Administrator certification examination. A t-test for independent means yielded a statistically significant difference between the Registered Health Information Administrator certification examination pass rates of health information administration programs that administer a comprehensive examination and programs that do not administer a comprehensive examination. Programs with a high certification examination pass rate do not require a comprehensive examination when compared with those programs with a lower pass rate. It is concluded that health information administration faculty at the local level should perform program self-analysis to improve student progress toward achievement of learning outcomes and entry-level competencies.

  7. Rethinking the High School Diploma

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Finn, Chester E., Jr.; Kahlenberg, Richard D.; Kress, Sandy

    2015-01-01

    As states move to implement the Common Core State Standards, key challenges remain. One is how to make sure a high school diploma acknowledges what students have achieved. Should states adopt a two tiered diploma, in which students who pass internationally aligned Common Core exams at a career- and college-ready level receive an…

  8. Gossip Revisited: A Game for Concept Review.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Edwards, Barbara

    1989-01-01

    Describes a class activity based on the game of "Gossip" in which a group of students paraphrases a major concept in an instructional unit, then passes only the paraphrase to the next group. Notes that this activity encourages critical thinking and helps review and summarize key lesson concepts. (RS)

  9. Managing Your Endowment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Williamson, J. Peter

    1981-01-01

    Ways that college trustees can manage endowments are considered. It is suggested that endowment may be a key to survival for institutions facing serious financial difficulties. A frequently overlooked source of potential income is cash balances, which should be a concern of trustees, and one that should not be passed to professional managers. It…

  10. Cytosolic delivery: Just passing through

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sánchez-Navarro, Macarena; Teixidó, Meritxell; Giralt, Ernest

    2017-08-01

    Intracellular protein delivery has been a major challenge in the field of cell biology for decades. Engineering such delivery is a key step in the development of protein- and antibody-based therapeutics. Now, two different approaches that enable the delivery of antibodies and antibody fragments into the cytosol have been developed.

  11. Surviving Disasters

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Henke, Karen Greenwood

    2008-01-01

    Schools play a unique role in communities when disaster strikes. They serve as shelter for evacuees and first responders; they are a trusted source of information; and once danger has passed, the district, as employer and community center, often serves as a foundation for recovery. Technology plays a key role in a school district's ability to…

  12. Establishing pass/fail criteria for bronchoscopy performance.

    PubMed

    Konge, Lars; Clementsen, Paul; Larsen, Klaus Richter; Arendrup, Henrik; Buchwald, Christian; Ringsted, Charlotte

    2012-01-01

    Several tools have been created to assess competence in bronchoscopy. However, educational guidelines still use an arbitrary number of performed procedures to decide when basic competency is acquired. The purpose of this study was to define pass/fail scores for two bronchoscopy assessment tools, and investigate how these scores relate to physicians' experience regarding the number of bronchoscopy procedures performed. We studied two assessment tools and used two standard setting methods to create cut scores: the contrasting-groups method and the extended Angoff method. In the first we compared bronchoscopy performance scores of 14 novices with the scores of 14 experienced consultants to find the score that best discriminated between the two groups. In the second we asked an expert group of 7 experienced bronchoscopists to judge how a borderline trainee would perform on each item of the test. Using the contrasting-groups method we found a standard that would fail all novices and pass all consultants. A clear pass related to prior experience of 75 procedures. The consequences of using the extended Angoff method were also acceptable: all trainees who had performed less than 50 bronchoscopies failed the test and all consultants passed. A clear pass related to 80 procedures. Our proposed pass/fail scores for these two methods seem appropriate in terms of consequences. Prior experience with the performance of 75 and 80 bronchoscopies, respectively, seemed to ensure basic competency. In the future objective assessment tools could become an important aid in the certification of physicians performing bronchoscopies. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  13. Results of the First Italian External Quality Assurance Scheme for somatic EGFR mutation testing in non-small-cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Normanno, Nicola; Pinto, Carmine; Taddei, Gianluigi; Gambacorta, Marcello; Castiglione, Francesca; Barberis, Massimo; Clemente, Claudio; Marchetti, Antonio

    2013-06-01

    The Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) and the Italian Society of Pathology and Cytology organized an external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for EGFR mutation testing in non-small-cell lung cancer. Ten specimens, including three small biopsies with known epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status, were validated in three referral laboratories and provided to 47 participating centers. The participants were requested to perform mutational analysis, using their usual method, and to submit results within a 4-week time frame. According to a predefined scoring system, two points were assigned to correct genotype and zero points to false-negative or false-positive results. The threshold to pass the EQA was set at higher than 18 of 20 points. Two rounds were preplanned. All participating centers submitted the results within the time frame. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/sequencing was the main methodology used (n = 37 laboratories), although a few centers did use pyrosequencing (n = 8) or real-time PCR (n = 2). A significant number of analytical errors were observed (n = 20), with a high frequency of false-positive results (n = 16). The lower scores were obtained for the small biopsies. Fourteen of 47 centers (30%) that did not pass the first round, having a score less than or equal to 18 points, used PCR/sequencing, whereas 10 of 10 laboratories, using pyrosequencing or real-time PCR, passed the first round. Eight laboratories passed the second round. Overall, 41of 47 centers (87%) passed the EQA. The results of the EQA for EGFR testing in non-small-cell lung cancer suggest that good quality EGFR mutational analysis is performed in Italian laboratories, although differences between testing methods were observed, especially for small biopsies.

  14. Smoke alarm tests may not adequately indicate smoke alarm function.

    PubMed

    Peek-Asa, Corinne; Yang, Jingzhen; Hamann, Cara; Young, Tracy

    2011-01-01

    Smoke alarms are one of the most promoted prevention strategies to reduce residential fire deaths, and they can reduce residential fire deaths by half. Smoke alarm function can be measured by two tests: the smoke alarm button test and the chemical smoke test. Using results from a randomized trial of smoke alarms, we compared smoke alarm response to the button test and the smoke test. The smoke alarms found in the study homes at baseline were tested, as well as study alarms placed into homes as part of the randomized trial. Study alarms were tested at 12 and 42 months postinstallation. The proportion of alarms that passed the button test but not the smoke test ranged from 0.5 to 5.8% of alarms; this result was found most frequently among ionization alarms with zinc or alkaline batteries. These alarms would indicate to the owner (through the button test) that the smoke alarm was working, but the alarm would not actually respond in the case of a fire (as demonstrated by failing the smoke test). The proportion of alarms that passed the smoke test but not the button test ranged from 1.0 to 3.0%. These alarms would appear nonfunctional to the owner (because the button test failed), even though the alarm would operate in response to a fire (as demonstrated by passing the smoke test). The general public is not aware of the potential for inaccuracy in smoke alarm tests, and burn professionals can advocate for enhanced testing methods. The optimal test to determine smoke alarm function is the chemical smoke test.

  15. Health-Related Fitness of Youths with Visual Impairments

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lieberman, Lauren J.; Byrne, Heidi; Mattern, Craig O.; Watt, Celia A.; Fernandez-Vivo, Margarita

    2010-01-01

    This study analyzed the passing rates on five health-related fitness items on the Brockport Physical Fitness Test of youths aged 10-17 with visual impairments. It found that the youths had low passing rates on upper-body strength, cardiovascular endurance, and body composition. (Contains 2 tables.)

  16. How Mars is losing its atmosphere on This Week @NASA – November 6, 2015

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2015-11-06

    New findings by NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission indicate that solar wind is currently stripping away the equivalent of about 1/4 pound of gas every second from the Martian atmosphere. MAVEN tracked a series of dramatic solar storms passing through the Martian atmosphere in March and found the loss was accelerated. This could suggest that violent solar activity in the distant past may have played a key role in the transition of the Martian climate from an early, warm and wet environment that might have supported surface life, to the cold, arid planet Mars is today. Also, 15 Years on space station, and counting!, Spacewalk for space station maintenance, NASA seeking future astronauts, Commercial Crew access tower progress and First SLS flight engine placed for testing!

  17. Specific features of goal setting in road traffic safety

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kolesov, V. I.; Danilov, O. F.; Petrov, A. I.

    2017-10-01

    Road traffic safety (RTS) management is inherently a branch of cybernetics and therefore requires clear formalization of the task. The paper aims at identification of the specific features of goal setting in RTS management under the system approach. The paper presents the results of cybernetic modeling of the cause-to-effect mechanism of a road traffic accident (RTA); in here, the mechanism itself is viewed as a complex system. A designed management goal function is focused on minimizing the difficulty in achieving the target goal. Optimization of the target goal has been performed using the Lagrange principle. The created working algorithms have passed the soft testing. The key role of the obtained solution in the tactical and strategic RTS management is considered. The dynamics of the management effectiveness indicator has been analyzed based on the ten-year statistics for Russia.

  18. First-Pass Contrast-Enhanced MRA for Pretherapeutic Diagnosis of Spinal Epidural Arteriovenous Fistulas with Intradural Venous Reflux.

    PubMed

    Mathur, S; Symons, S P; Huynh, T J; Muthusami, P; Montanera, W; Bharatha, A

    2017-01-01

    Spinal epidural AVFs are rare spinal vascular malformations. When there is associated intradural venous reflux, they may mimic the more common spinal dural AVFs. Correct diagnosis and localization before conventional angiography is beneficial to facilitate treatment. We hypothesize that first-pass contrast-enhanced MRA can diagnose and localize spinal epidural AVFs with intradural venous reflux and distinguish them from other spinal AVFs. Forty-two consecutive patients with a clinical and/or radiologic suspicion of spinal AVF underwent MR imaging, first-pass contrast-enhanced MRA, and DSA at a single institute (2000-2015). MR imaging/MRA and DSA studies were reviewed by 2 independent blinded observers. DSA was used as the reference standard. On MRA, all 7 spinal epidural AVFs with intradural venous reflux were correctly diagnosed and localized with no interobserver disagreement. The key diagnostic feature was arterialized filling of an epidural venous pouch with a refluxing radicular vein arising from the arterialized epidural venous system. First-pass contrast-enhanced MRA is a reliable and useful technique for the initial diagnosis and localization of spinal epidural AVFs with intradural venous reflux and can distinguish these lesions from other spinal AVFs. © 2017 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

  19. Method and apparatus for processing a test sample to concentrate an analyte in the sample from a solvent in the sample

    DOEpatents

    Turner, Terry D.; Beller, Laurence S.; Clark, Michael L.; Klingler, Kerry M.

    1997-01-01

    A method of processing a test sample to concentrate an analyte in the sample from a solvent in the sample includes: a) boiling the test sample containing the analyte and solvent in a boiling chamber to a temperature greater than or equal to the solvent boiling temperature and less than the analyte boiling temperature to form a rising sample vapor mixture; b) passing the sample vapor mixture from the boiling chamber to an elongated primary separation tube, the separation tube having internal sidewalls and a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being angled between vertical and horizontal and thus having an upper region and a lower region; c) collecting the physically transported liquid analyte on the internal sidewalls of the separation tube; and d) flowing the collected analyte along the angled internal sidewalls of the separation tube to and pass the separation tube lower region. The invention also includes passing a turbulence inducing wave through a vapor mixture to separate physically transported liquid second material from vaporized first material. Apparatus are also disclosed for effecting separations. Further disclosed is a fluidically powered liquid test sample withdrawal apparatus for withdrawing a liquid test sample from a test sample container and for cleaning the test sample container.

  20. Method and apparatus for processing a test sample to concentrate an analyte in the sample from a solvent in the sample

    DOEpatents

    Turner, T.D.; Beller, L.S.; Clark, M.L.; Klingler, K.M.

    1997-10-14

    A method of processing a test sample to concentrate an analyte in the sample from a solvent in the sample includes: (a) boiling the test sample containing the analyte and solvent in a boiling chamber to a temperature greater than or equal to the solvent boiling temperature and less than the analyte boiling temperature to form a rising sample vapor mixture; (b) passing the sample vapor mixture from the boiling chamber to an elongated primary separation tube, the separation tube having internal sidewalls and a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being angled between vertical and horizontal and thus having an upper region and a lower region; (c) collecting the physically transported liquid analyte on the internal sidewalls of the separation tube; and (d) flowing the collected analyte along the angled internal sidewalls of the separation tube to and pass the separation tube lower region. The invention also includes passing a turbulence inducing wave through a vapor mixture to separate physically transported liquid second material from vaporized first material. Apparatus is also disclosed for effecting separations. Further disclosed is a fluidically powered liquid test sample withdrawal apparatus for withdrawing a liquid test sample from a test sample container and for cleaning the test sample container. 8 figs.

  1. The Importance of Strength and Power on Key Performance Indicators in Elite Youth Soccer.

    PubMed

    Wing, Christopher E; Turner, Anthony N; Bishop, Chris J

    2018-01-24

    The purpose of this investigation was to examine the importance of strength and power in relation to key performance indicators (KPI's) within competitive soccer match play. This was achieved through using an experimental approach where fifteen subjects were recruited from a professional soccer club's scholarship squad during the 2013/14 season. Following anthropometric measures, power and strength were assessed across a range of tests which included the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 20 metre (m) sprint and arrowhead change of direction test. A predicted 1-repetition maximum (RM) was also obtained for strength by performing a 3RM test for both the back squat and bench press and a total score of athleticism (TSA) was provided by summing z-scores for all fitness tests together, providing one complete score for athleticism. Performance analysis data was collected during 16 matches for the following KPIs: passing, shooting, dribbling, tackling and heading. Alongside this, data concerning player ball involvements (touches) was recorded. Results showed that there was a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between CMJ (r = 0.80), SJ (r = 0.79) and TSA (r = 0.64) in relation to heading success. Similarly, a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between predicted 1RM squat strength and tackle success (r = 0.61). These data supports the notion that strength and power training are important to soccer performance, particularly when players are required to win duels of a physical nature. There were no other relationships found between the fitness data and the KPI's recorded during match play which may indicate that other aspects of player's development such as technical skill, cognitive function and sensory awareness are more important for soccer-specific performance.

  2. Hanford Low-Activity Waste Processing: Demonstration of the Off-Gas Recycle Flowsheet - 13443

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ramsey, William G.; Esparza, Brian P.

    2013-07-01

    Vitrification of Hanford Low-Activity Waste (LAW) is nominally the thermal conversion and incorporation of sodium salts and radionuclides into borosilicate glass. One key radionuclide present in LAW is technetium-99. Technetium-99 is a low energy, long-lived beta emitting radionuclide present in the waste feed in concentrations on the order of 1-10 ppm. The long half-life combined with a high solubility in groundwater results in technetium-99 having considerable impact on performance modeling (as potential release to the environment) of both the waste glass and associated secondary waste products. The current Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) process flowsheet calls formore » the recycle of vitrification process off-gas condensates to maximize the portion of technetium ultimately immobilized in the waste glass. This is required as technetium acts as a semi-volatile specie, i.e. considerable loss of the radionuclide to the process off-gas stream can occur during the vitrification process. To test the process flowsheet assumptions, a prototypic off-gas system with recycle capability was added to a laboratory melter (on the order of 1/200 scale) and testing performed. Key test goals included determination of the process mass balance for technetium, a non-radioactive surrogate (rhenium), and other soluble species (sulfate, halides, etc.) which are concentrated by recycling off-gas condensates. The studies performed are the initial demonstrations of process recycle for this type of liquid-fed melter system. This paper describes the process recycle system, the waste feeds processed, and experimental results. Comparisons between data gathered using process recycle and previous single pass melter testing as well as mathematical modeling simulations are also provided. (authors)« less

  3. Citizenship: Passing the Test. [Student's Workbook and Teacher's Guide].

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weintraub, Lynne

    This document combines a student's workbook and teacher's guide, which were separately published. The beginning-level workbook in United States citizenship instruction is intended for adult immigrants with limited reading skills and/or familiarity with civics concepts. It presents and reinforces the knowledge required to pass the standardized…

  4. The Role of Negative and Positive Feedback in the Second Language Acquisition of the "Passe Compose" and the "Imparfait."

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ayoun, Dalila

    2001-01-01

    Tests the effectiveness of written recasts versus models in the acquisition of the aspectual distinction between two past tenses in French, the "passe compose" and the "imparfait" with a pretest, repeated exposure, and posttest design. (Author/VWL)

  5. A message passing kernel for the hypercluster parallel processing test bed

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Blech, Richard A.; Quealy, Angela; Cole, Gary L.

    1989-01-01

    A Message-Passing Kernel (MPK) for the Hypercluster parallel-processing test bed is described. The Hypercluster is being developed at the NASA Lewis Research Center to support investigations of parallel algorithms and architectures for computational fluid and structural mechanics applications. The Hypercluster resembles the hypercube architecture except that each node consists of multiple processors communicating through shared memory. The MPK efficiently routes information through the Hypercluster, using a message-passing protocol when necessary and faster shared-memory communication whenever possible. The MPK also interfaces all of the processors with the Hypercluster operating system (HYCLOPS), which runs on a Front-End Processor (FEP). This approach distributes many of the I/O tasks to the Hypercluster processors and eliminates the need for a separate I/O support program on the FEP.

  6. The Impact of Health Care Reform on Hospital and Preventive Care: Evidence from Massachusetts☆

    PubMed Central

    Kolstad, Jonathan T.; Kowalski, Amanda E.

    2012-01-01

    In April 2006, Massachusetts passed legislation aimed at achieving near-universal health insurance coverage. The key features of this legislation were a model for national health reform, passed in March 2010. The reform gives us a novel opportunity to examine the impact of expansion to near-universal coverage state-wide. Among hospital discharges in Massachusetts, we find that the reform decreased uninsurance by 36% relative to its initial level and to other states. Reform affected utilization by decreasing length of stay, the number of inpatient admissions originating from the emergency room, and preventable admissions. At the same time, hospital cost growth did not increase. PMID:23180894

  7. Schemes for efficient QW pumping of AlGaInP disk lasers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brauch, Uwe; Mateo, Cherry May N.; Kahle, Hermann; Bek, Roman; Jetter, Michael; Abdou Ahmed, Marwan; Michler, Peter; Graf, Thomas

    2017-02-01

    Keys to high-power operation of disk lasers are a thin active layer, a small Stokes shift and an efficient cooling, best realized with a limited number of QWs which are pumped close to the laser wavelength and which are in close contact with one or two diamond heat sinks. To get sufficient pump absorption many passes of the pump radiation are needed. This can be realized either by taking advantage of intrinsic resonances (designed for the pump radiation) or by an external multi-pass optics (known from Yb disk lasers) or a combination of both. The various options will be discussed and some results for AlGaInP disk lasers will be presented.

  8. MPF: A portable message passing facility for shared memory multiprocessors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Malony, Allen D.; Reed, Daniel A.; Mcguire, Patrick J.

    1987-01-01

    The design, implementation, and performance evaluation of a message passing facility (MPF) for shared memory multiprocessors are presented. The MPF is based on a message passing model conceptually similar to conversations. Participants (parallel processors) can enter or leave a conversation at any time. The message passing primitives for this model are implemented as a portable library of C function calls. The MPF is currently operational on a Sequent Balance 21000, and several parallel applications were developed and tested. Several simple benchmark programs are presented to establish interprocess communication performance for common patterns of interprocess communication. Finally, performance figures are presented for two parallel applications, linear systems solution, and iterative solution of partial differential equations.

  9. Aerospace Threaded Fastener Strength in Combined Shear and Tension Loading

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Steeve, B. E.; Wingate, R. J.

    2012-01-01

    A test program was initiated by Marshall Space Flight Center and sponsored by the NASA Engineering and Safety Center to characterize the failure behavior of a typical high-strength aerospace threaded fastener under a range of shear to tension loading ratios for both a nut and an insert configuration where the shear plane passes through the body and threads, respectively. The testing was performed with a customized test fixture designed to test a bolt with a single shear plane at a discrete range of loading angles. The results provide data to compare against existing combined loading failure criteria and to quantify the bolt strength when the shear plane passes through the threads.

  10. On a two-pass scheme without a faraday mirror for free-space relativistic quantum cryptography

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kravtsov, K. S.; Radchenko, I. V.; Korol'kov, A. V.

    2013-05-15

    The stability of destructive interference independent of the input polarization and the state of a quantum communication channel in fiber optic systems used in quantum cryptography plays a principal role in providing the security of communicated keys. A novel optical scheme is proposed that can be used both in relativistic quantum cryptography for communicating keys in open space and for communicating them over fiber optic lines. The scheme ensures stability of destructive interference and admits simple automatic balancing of a fiber interferometer.

  11. Effects of hot compression deformation temperature on the microstructure and properties of Al-Zr-La alloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yue, Xian-hua; Liu, Chun-fang; Liu, Hui-hua; Xiao, Su-fen; Tang, Zheng-hua; Tang, Tian

    2018-02-01

    The main goal of this study is to investigate the microstructure and electrical properties of Al-Zr-La alloys under different hot compression deformation temperatures. In particular, a Gleeble 3500 thermal simulator was used to carry out multi-pass hot compression tests. For five-pass hot compression deformation, the last-pass deformation temperatures were 240, 260, 300, 340, 380, and 420°C, respectively, where the first-pass deformation temperature was 460°C. The experimental results indicated that increasing the hot compression deformation temperature with each pass resulted in improved electrical conductivity of the alloy. Consequently, the flow stress was reduced after deformation of the samples subjected to the same number of passes. In addition, the dislocation density gradually decreased and the grain size increased after hot compression deformation. Furthermore, the dynamic recrystallization behavior was effectively suppressed during the hot compression process because spherical Al3Zr precipitates pinned the dislocation movement effectively and prevented grain boundary sliding.

  12. The role of low-spatial frequencies in lexical decision and masked priming.

    PubMed

    Boden, C; Giaschi, D

    2009-04-01

    Spatial frequency filtering was used to test the hypotheses that low-spatial frequency information in printed text can: (1) lead to a rapid lexical decision or (2) facilitate word recognition. Adult proficient readers made lexical decisions in unprimed and masked repetition priming experiments with unfiltered, low-pass, high-pass and notch filtered letter strings. In the unprimed experiments, a filtered target was presented for 105 or 400 ms followed by a pattern mask. Sensitivity (d') was lowest for the low-pass filtered targets at both durations with a bias towards a 'non-word' response. Sensitivity was higher in the high-pass and notch filter conditions. In the priming experiments, a forward mask was followed by a filtered prime then an unfiltered target. Primed words, but not non-words, were identified faster than unprimed words in both the low-pass and high-pass filtered conditions. These results do not support a unique role for low-spatial frequency information in either facilitating or making rapid lexical decisions.

  13. Changes in skill and physical fitness following training in talent-identified volleyball players.

    PubMed

    Gabbett, Tim; Georgieff, Boris; Anderson, Steve; Cotton, Brad; Savovic, Darko; Nicholson, Lee

    2006-02-01

    This study investigated the effect of a skill-based training program on measurements of skill and physical fitness in talent-identified volleyball players. Twenty-six talented junior volleyball players (mean +/- SE age, 15.5 +/- 0.2 years) participated in an 8-week skill-based training program that included 3 skill-based court sessions per week. Skills sessions were designed to develop passing, setting, serving, spiking, and blocking technique and accuracy as well as game tactics and positioning skills. Coaches used a combination of technical and instructional coaching, coupled with skill-based games to facilitate learning. Subjects performed measurements of skill (passing, setting, serving, and spiking technique and accuracy), standard anthropometry (height, standing-reach height, body mass, and sum of 7 skinfolds), lower-body muscular power (vertical jump, spike jump), upper-body muscular power (overhead medicine-ball throw), speed (5- and 10-m sprint), agility (T-test), and maximal aerobic power (multistage fitness test) before and after training. Training induced significant (p < 0.05) improvements in spiking, setting, and passing accuracy and spiking and passing technique. Compared with pretraining, there were significant (p < 0.05) improvements in 5- and 10-m speed and agility. There were no significant differences between pretraining and posttraining for body mass, skinfold thickness, lower-body muscular power, upper-body muscular power, and maximal aerobic power. These findings demonstrate that skill-based volleyball training improves spiking, setting, and passing accuracy and spiking and passing technique, but has little effect on the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of players.

  14. Investigating the influence of achievement on self-concept using an intra-class design and a comparison of the PASS and SDQ-1 self-concept tests.

    PubMed

    Hay, I; Ashman, A; van Kraayenoord, C E

    1997-09-01

    The formation and measurement of self-concept were the foci of this research. The study aimed to investigate the influence of achievement on academic self-concept and to compare the Perception of Ability Scale for Students (PASS, Boersma & Chapman, 1992) with the Self-Description Questionnaire-1 (SDQ-1, Marsh, 1988). The participants were 479 grade 5 (mean age 126.6 months) coeducational Australian students, located in 18 schools. An intra-class research design was used to investigate the influence of frame-of-reference on self-concept development. As students' academic scores rose above their class mean their self-concepts increased and as students' academic scores fell below their class mean their self-concepts decreased. Students' difference from class mean predicted their self-concept scores. This finding was consistently shown across the reading, spelling, and mathematics domains using test and teaching rating data. A comparison between the PASS and the SDQ-1 demonstrated concurrent validity across self-concept domains. The findings support the notions that the social environment is a significant agent that influences self-concept, and that teacher ratings and standardised tests of achievement and the PASS and the SDQ-1 are valid measures for self-concept research.

  15. Technical and physical determinants of soccer match-play performance in elite youth soccer players.

    PubMed

    Rowat, Owain; Fenner, Jonathan; Unnithan, Viswanath

    2017-04-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate whether physical performance characteristics could be a better predictor than technical skills in determining the technical level of county soccer players in a match situation. With institutional ethics approval, 25 male youth soccer players aged 16-18.5 years from a professional soccer academy in South East Asia were selected and height and body mass were recorded. Players were tested for sexual maturity (pubertal development scale [PDS] self-assessment), aerobic capacity (yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 [YYIR1]), repeated sprint ability (7 x 35 m sprints) acceleration (15 m sprint) and four soccer skills tests (dribble with pass, dribbling speed, passing and shooting accuracy). Players' technical ability during match play was assessed in small-sided games of soccer (5 v 5) using a novel game technical scoring chart (scoring chart completed by coaches to assess technical performance in a match situation) developed from criteria (e.g., first touch, dribbling and two footedness) used by youth soccer coaches for talent identification. A Spearman's rank correlation showed the YYIR1 test and 15 m sprint test were limited in predicting technical match performance (r=0.03, P=0.88, r=-0.23, P=0.32 respectively). A Pearson product moment correlation showed that the repeated sprint test was also limited in predicting technical match performance (r=-0.34, P=0.14). A dribbling skill with a pass was found to be the best determinant of a player's technical ability in a match (r=-0.57, P=0.00). Talent identification and selection programs in Asian youth soccer should include a dribbling skill performed with a pass.

  16. Genome biogeography reveals the intraspecific spread of adaptive mutations for a complex trait.

    PubMed

    Olofsson, Jill K; Bianconi, Matheus; Besnard, Guillaume; Dunning, Luke T; Lundgren, Marjorie R; Holota, Helene; Vorontsova, Maria S; Hidalgo, Oriane; Leitch, Ilia J; Nosil, Patrik; Osborne, Colin P; Christin, Pascal-Antoine

    2016-12-01

    Physiological novelties are often studied at macro-evolutionary scales such that their micro-evolutionary origins remain poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that key components of a complex trait can evolve in isolation and later be combined by gene flow. We use C 4 photosynthesis as a study system, a derived physiology that increases plant productivity in warm, dry conditions. The grass Alloteropsis semialata includes C 4 and non-C 4 genotypes, with some populations using laterally acquired C 4 -adaptive loci, providing an outstanding system to track the spread of novel adaptive mutations. Using genome data from C 4 and non-C 4 A. semialata individuals spanning the species' range, we infer and date past migrations of different parts of the genome. Our results show that photosynthetic types initially diverged in isolated populations, where key C 4 components were acquired. However, rare but recurrent subsequent gene flow allowed the spread of adaptive loci across genetic pools. Indeed, laterally acquired genes for key C 4 functions were rapidly passed between populations with otherwise distinct genomic backgrounds. Thus, our intraspecific study of C 4 -related genomic variation indicates that components of adaptive traits can evolve separately and later be combined through secondary gene flow, leading to the assembly and optimization of evolutionary innovations. © 2016 The Authors. Molecular Ecology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  17. Radiation Resistance and Life Time Estimates at Cryogenic Temperatures of Series Produced By-Pass Diodes for the LHC Magnet Protection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Denz, R.; Gharib, A.; Hagedorn, D.

    2004-06-01

    For the protection of the LHC superconducting magnets about 2100 specially developed by-pass diodes have been manufactured in industry and more than one thousand of these diodes have been mounted into stacks and tested in liquid helium. By-pass diode samples, taken from the series production, have been submitted to irradiation tests at cryogenic temperatures together with some prototype diodes up to an accumulated dose of about 2 kGy and neutron fluences up to about 3.0 1013 n cm-2 with and without intermediate warm up to 300 K. The device characteristics of the diodes under forward bias and reverse bias have been measured at 77 K and ambient versus dose and the results are presented. Using a thermo-electrical model and new estimates for the expected dose in the LHC, the expected lifetime of the by-pass diodes has been estimated for various positions in the LHC arcs. It turns out that for all of the by-pass diodes across the arc elements the radiation resistance is largely sufficient. In the dispersion suppresser regions of the LHC, on a few diodes annual annealing during the shut down of the LHC must be applied or those diodes may need to be replaced after some time.

  18. Passing on the Legacy: Teaching Capillary Filtration and Developing Presentation Skills Using Classic Papers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McGeown, J. Graham

    2006-01-01

    Capillary filtration is a key area in the understanding of cardiovascular function and has both physiological and pathophysiological relevance in nearly every organ system. This article describes how classic papers in the Legacy collection of American Physiological Society publications can be used in a teaching symposium exploring the evidence…

  19. Women Who Passed the Torch of Freedom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Christensen, Lois McFadyen

    2005-01-01

    The overarching goal of the social studies curriculum is to promote civic competence and to develop students' ability to make informed and reasoned decisions as citizens in a diverse and democratic society within an interdependent world. Philosophically, citizenship is the goal of social studies. Involvement in social action is the key for young…

  20. The land-cover cascade: relationships coupling land and water

    Treesearch

    C.L. Burcher; H.M. Valett; E.F. Benfield

    2007-01-01

    We introduce the land-cover cascade (LCC) as a conceptual framework to quantify the transfer of land-cover-disturbance effects to stream biota. We hypothesize that disturbance is propagated through multivariate systems through key variables that transform a disturbance and pass a reorganized disturbance effect to the next hierarchical level where the process repeats...

  1. Putting It All Together: Schools Reinvent Themselves So Every Child Can Succeed.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sherman, Lee

    1999-01-01

    Federal legislation passed in 1994 and the Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration program (CSRD) encourage high-poverty Title I schools to adopt prepackaged research-based models of schoolwide reform. The nine components of CSRD and key ingredients for its implementation are discussed. Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School (Vancouver, Washington)…

  2. Memes and Affinity Spaces: Some Implications for Policy and Digital Divides in Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Knobel, Michele

    2006-01-01

    This article focuses on the social practices of propagating and circulating memes within Internet environments as a significant dimension of cultural production and transmission. Memes (pronounced "meems") are contagious patterns of cultural information that are passed from mind to mind and which directly shape and transmit key actions and…

  3. Factors Influencing Improved Student Achievement in Virginia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Linehan, Patrick D.

    2012-01-01

    At the beginning of the last decade, Congress passed and President George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2002. Key provisions of this act focused on holding schools accountable to ensure that all students met state established standards. In Virginia, the state Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments form the basis of…

  4. Adult Student Learning Behaviors in a Roadblock Mathematics Course

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tennant, Aimee

    2012-01-01

    Adult students are a growing population on college campuses. Adult students have lower graduation rates and longer times to graduation than traditional-age students. The ability to pass a college level mathematics course is a key factor in the graduation rates of all students. Past research has identified developmental mathematics, college…

  5. Embracing the Future: What Can Accounting Graduates Expect?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Corkern, Sheree M.; Parks, Sandra B.; Morgan, Mark I.

    2013-01-01

    This article informs accounting educators and graduates about key issues in the accounting profession of today, which has entered a new age, and accounting educators and advisors, old and new, must be informed about future prospects for students and make students aware of what they can expect as accounting graduates. Passing this knowledge to…

  6. 40 CFR 63.564 - Monitoring requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... all times when the car seals have been broken and the valve position has been changed. Each by-pass line valve shall be secured in the closed position with a car-seal or a lock-and-key type configuration... for this purpose). (e) Combustion device, except flare. For sources complying with § 63.563(b)(4), use...

  7. 40 CFR 63.564 - Monitoring requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... all times when the car seals have been broken and the valve position has been changed. Each by-pass line valve shall be secured in the closed position with a car-seal or a lock-and-key type configuration... for this purpose). (e) Combustion device, except flare. For sources complying with § 63.563(b)(4), use...

  8. Webb Telescope Passes Important Optical Test on This Week @NASA – May 5, 2017

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2017-05-05

    NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has successfully passed the center of curvature test at Goddard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt, Md. This important optical measurement of Webb’s fully assembled primary mirror was the final test held at Goddard before the telescope is shipped off for end-to-end cryogenic testing at Johnson Space Center in Houston. When that’s complete, the world’s most advanced observatory goes to Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems in Redondo Beach, California, for final assembly and testing. Webb is targeted for launch in 2018 on a mission to help unravel some of the greatest mysteries of the universe. Also, Cassini Update, NASA Visits Midwest Company Helping Build Orion, Orion’s Launch Abort System Motor Tested, Wind Tunnel Tests Continue with SLS, and Community College Aerospace Scholars!

  9. Duration-sensitive neurons in the inferior colliculus of horseshoe bats: adaptations for using CF-FM echolocation pulses.

    PubMed

    Luo, Feng; Metzner, Walter; Wu, Feijian; Wu, Feijian J; Zhang, Shuyi; Zhang, Shuyi Y; Chen, Qicai; Chen, Qicai C

    2008-01-01

    The present study examines duration-sensitive neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) of the least horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus pusillus, from China. In contrast to other bat species tested for duration selectivity so far, echolocation pulses emitted by horseshoe bats are generally longer and composed of a long constant-frequency (CF) component followed by a short downward frequency-modulated (FM) sweep (CF-FM pulse). We used combined CF-FM pulses to analyze the differential effects that these two pulse components had on the duration tuning in neurons of the horseshoe bat's IC. Consistent with results from other mammals, duration-sensitive neurons found in the least horseshoe bat fall into three main classes: short-pass, band-pass, and long-pass. Using a CF stimulus alone, 54% (51/95) of all IC neurons showed at least one form of duration selectivity at one or more stimulus intensities. In 65 of the 95 IC neurons tested with CF pulses, we were also able to test their duration selectivity for a combined CF-FM pulse, which increased the ratio of duration-sensitive neurons to 66% (43/65). Seven to 15 neurons that failed to show duration tuning for CF bursts became duration sensitive for CF-FM pulses, with most of them exhibiting short-pass (depending on stimulus intensity, between 4 and 8 neurons) or band-pass tuning (1-3 neurons). Increasing stimulus intensities did not affect the duration tuning in 53% (23/43) of duration-sensitive neurons for CF bursts and in about 26% (7/27) for CF-FM stimuli. In the remaining neurons, increasing sound levels generally reduced the ratio of duration-sensitive neurons to 33% for CF and 37% for CF-FM stimulation. In those that remained duration sensitive, louder CF bursts shortened best durations in band-pass neurons and cutoff durations in short- and long-pass neurons, whereas louder CF-FM stimuli reduced the cutoff durations only in short-pass neurons. Bandwidths of band-pass neurons were not significantly affected by any stimulus configuration, with only a slight trend for increasing bandwidths for louder CF bursts (but not CF-FM stimuli). Best durations and cutoff durations reached higher values than those in the other bat species examined so far and roughly match the longer durations of echolocation pulses emitted by horseshoe bats. Therefore presentation of a CF-FM stimulus improved the duration sensitivity in IC neurons by increasing the ratio of duration-tuned neurons and making them less susceptible to changes in signal intensity.

  10. Filter for on-line air monitor unaffected by radon progeny and method of using same

    DOEpatents

    Phillips, Terrance D.; Edwards, Howard D.

    1999-01-01

    An apparatus for testing air having contaminants and radon progeny therein. The apparatus includes a sampling box having an inlet for receiving the air and an outlet for discharging the air. The sampling box includes a filter made of a plate of sintered stainless steel. The filter traps the contaminants, yet allows at least a portion of the radon progeny to pass therethrough. A method of testing air having contaminants and radon progeny therein. The method includes providing a testing apparatus that has a sampling box with an inlet for receiving the air and an outlet for discharging the air, and has a sintered stainless steel filter disposed within said sampling box; drawing air from a source into the sampling box using a vacuum pump; passing the air through the filter; monitoring the contaminants trapped by the filter; and providing an alarm when a selected level of contaminants is reached. The filter traps the contaminants, yet allows at least a portion of the radon progeny to pass therethrough.

  11. Evolving Trends in the Epidemiology, Resource Utilization, and Outcomes of Pregnancy-Associated Severe Sepsis: A Population-Based Cohort Study

    PubMed Central

    Oud, Lavi; Watkins, Phillip

    2015-01-01

    Background Infections are a well-known complication of pregnancy. However, pregnancy-associated severe sepsis (PASS) has not been as well-characterized, with limited population-level data reported to date. We performed a population-based study of the evolving patterns of the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, resource utilization, and outcomes of PASS in Texas over the past decade. Methods The Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File was used to identify pregnancy-associated hospitalizations and PASS hospitalizations for the years 2001 - 2010. The Texas Center for Health Statistics reports of live births, abortions and fetal deaths, and a previously reported population-based, age-specific linkage study on miscarriage were used to derive the annual total estimated pregnancies (TEPs). The incidence, demographics, clinical characteristics, resource utilization and outcomes of PASS were examined. Logistic regression modeling was used to explore the predictors of PASS and its associated mortality. Results There were 4,060,201 pregnancy-associated hospitalizations and 1,007 PASS hospitalizations during study period. The incidence of PASS was increased by 236% over the past decade, rising from 11 to 26 hospitalizations per 100,000 TEPs. The key changes between 2001 - 2002 and 2009 - 2010 within PASS hospitalizations included: admission to ICU 78% vs. 90% (P = 0.002); development of ≥ 3 organ failures 9% vs. 35% (P < 0.0001); and inflation-adjusted median hospital charges (2,010 dollars) $64,034 vs. $89,895 (P = 0.0141). Hospital mortality (11%) remained unchanged during study period. Chronic liver disease (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 41.4) and congestive heart failure (CHF) (aOR 20.5) were associated with the highest risk of PASS, in addition to black race, poverty, drug abuse, and lack of health insurance. The highest risk of death was among women with HIV infection (aOR 45.5), need for mechanical ventilation (aOR 4.5), drug abuse (aOR 3.0), and lacking health insurance (aOR 2.9). Conclusions The incidence, severity, and fiscal burden of PASS rose substantially over the past decade. Case fatality was lower than that for severe sepsis in the general population. Chronic liver disease and CHF pose especially high risk of PASS. Pregnant women with history of drug abuse and lacking health insurance are at high risk of both developing and dying with PASS, requiring extra vigilance for early diagnosis and targeted intervention. PMID:25883702

  12. The Role of Low-Spatial Frequencies in Lexical Decision and Masked Priming

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Boden, C.; Giaschi, D.

    2009-01-01

    Spatial frequency filtering was used to test the hypotheses that low-spatial frequency information in printed text can: (1) lead to a rapid lexical decision or (2) facilitate word recognition. Adult proficient readers made lexical decisions in unprimed and masked repetition priming experiments with unfiltered, low-pass, high-pass and notch…

  13. Temperamental traits and results of psychoaptitude tests in applicants to become a cadet officer in the Italian Navy.

    PubMed

    Maremmani, Icro; Maremmani, Angelo Giovanni Icro; Leonardi, Annalisa; Rovai, Luca; Bacciardi, Silvia; Rugani, Fabio; Dell'Osso, Liliana; Akiskal, Kareen; Akiskal, S Hagop

    2013-09-05

    Consistently with the involvement of affective temperaments in professional choices, our research team is aiming to outline the temperamental profile of subjects who are applying to enter a military career in the Italian Armed Forces. In this study we aim to verify the importance of temperamental traits not only in choosing the military career as a profession, but also in passing or failing the entrance examinations. We compared the affective temperaments (evaluated by TEMPS-A[P]) of those applying to become a cadet officer in the Italian Navy, divided into various subgroups depending on whether they passed or failed the entrance examination at various levels (high school final test, medical (physical and psychiatric), mathematical examination and aptitude test). We also tested for correlations between grades received and temperamental scores. Higher scores for those with a hyperthymic and lower scores for those with a depressive, cyclothymic or irritable temperament characterized applicants taking medical exams and aptitude tests. Higher scores on the high school final test correlated with lower hyperthymic, cyclothymic and irritable temperament scores. No correlations were found between temperamental traits and mathematical examinations. Multivariate analysis stressed the negative impact of a cyclothymic temperament and the poor discriminant power of temperaments regarding medical and mathematical examinations, and aptitude tests. Conversely, temperaments showed good discriminant power as far as psychiatric examinations are concerned. Hyperthymic temperamental traits appear to be important not only in choosing a profession, but also in passing entrance examinations. Even so, affective temperaments (strong hyperthymic and weak cyclothymic, depressive and irritable traits) are the only successfully predictors of the outcome of psychiatric examinations and, to a lesser extent, medical examinations and aptitude tests. Achieving high school graduation and passing mathematical exams are independent of temperamental traits. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Failure on the Foam Eyes Closed Test of Standing Balance Associated With Reduced Semicircular Canal Function in Healthy Older Adults.

    PubMed

    Anson, Eric; Bigelow, Robin T; Studenski, Stephanie; Deshpande, Nandini; Agrawal, Yuri

    2018-06-11

    Standing on foam with eyes closed (FOEC) has been characterized as a measure of vestibular function; however, the relative contribution of vestibular function and proprioceptive function to the FOEC test has not been well described. In this study, the authors investigate the relationship between peripheral sensory systems (vestibular and proprioception) and performance on the FOEC test in a cohort of healthy adults. A total of 563 community-dwelling healthy adults (mean age, 72.7 [SD, 12.6] years; range, 27 to 93 years) participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging were tested. Proprioceptive threshold (PROP) was evaluated with passive motion detection at the right ankle. Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain was measured using video head impulses. Otolith function was measured with cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials. Participants stood on FOEC for 40 sec while wearing BalanSens (BioSensics, LLC, Watertown, MA) to quantify center of mass sway area. A mixed-model multiple logistic regression was used to examine the odds of passing the FOEC test based on PROP, VOR, cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential, and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential function in a multisensory model while controlling for age and gender. The odds of passing the FOEC test decreased by 15% (p < 0.001) for each year of increasing age and by 8% with every 0.1 reduction in VOR gain (p = 0.025). Neither PROP nor otolith function was significantly associated with passing the FOEC test. Failure to maintain balance during FOEC may serve as a proxy for rotational vestibular contributions to postural control. Semicircular canals are more sensitive to low-frequency motion than otoliths that may explain these relationships because standing sway is dominated by lower frequencies. Lower VOR gain and increased age independently decreased the odds of passing the test.

  15. Cryogenic Testing of High Current By-Pass Diode Stacks for the Protection of the Superconducting Magnets in the LHC

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gharib, A.; Hagedorn, D.; Della Corte, A.; Fiamozzi Zignani, C.; Turtu, S.; Brown, D.; Rout, C.

    2004-06-01

    For the protection of the LHC superconducting magnets, about 2100 specially developed by-pass diodes were manufactured by DYNEX SEMICONDUCTOR LTD (Lincoln, GB) and about 1300 of these diodes were mounted into diode stacks and submitted to tests at cryogenic temperatures. To date about 800 dipole diode stacks and about 250 quadrupole diode stacks for the protection of the superconducting lattice dipole and lattice quadrupole magnets have been assembled at OCEM (Bologna,Italy) and successfully tested in liquid helium at ENEA (Frascati, Italy). This report gives an overview of the test results obtained so far. After a short description of the test installations and test procedures, a statistical analysis is presented for test data during diode production as well as for the performance of the diode stacks during testing in liquid helium, including failure rates and degradation of the diodes.

  16. Proceedings of the Tenth Biennial Guidance Test Symposium Held at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, 7-9 October, 1981. Volume I,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-10-01

    SOLDER FILLET. SOLD R FILET.S CURRENT TORQUE INPUT [] SCALE FACTOR SELECT RESISTOR 5NP BETWEEN PINS 10 & 11. 6 SIGNAL OUTPUT 1.UNIT WEIGHT : 200 ± 10...The engineers at Contraves Goerz Corporation have recently applied a high range IADS as a high pass compensation element in a rate table control...frequency, since at that frequency the low pass signal phase is -900 and the high pass signal phase is +90". Contraves Goerz has solved that system

  17. Skills Associated with Line Breaks in Elite Rugby Union

    PubMed Central

    den Hollander, Steve; Brown, James; Lambert, Michael; Treu, Paul; Hendricks, Sharief

    2016-01-01

    The ability of the attacking team to break through the defensive line is a key indicator of success as it creates opportunities to score tries. The aim of this study was to analyse line breaks and identify the associated skills and playing characteristics. The 2013 Super Rugby season (125 games) was analysed, in which 362 line breaks were identified and coded using variables that assessed team patterns and non-contact attacking skills in the phases preceding the line break. There was an average of 3 line breaks per game, with 39% of line breaks resulting in a try. Line breaks occurred when the ball-carrier was running fast [61%, x2(4) = 25.784, p = 0.000, Cramer’s v = 0.1922, weak]. At a moderate distance, short lateral passes (19%) and skip passes (15%) attributed to the highest percentage of line breaks [x2(26) = 50.899, p = 0.036, Cramer’s v = 0.2484, moderate]. Faster defensive line speeds resulted in more line breaks [x2(12) = 61.703, p < 0.001, Cramer’s v = 0.3026, moderate]. Line breaks are associated with overall team success and try scoring opportunities. Awareness of the defenders line speed and depth, fast running speed when receiving the ball and quick passing between attackers to the outside backs creates line break opportunities. During training, coaches should emphasise the movement speed of the ball between attackers and manipulate the speed and distance of the defenders. Key points Line breaks are associated with overall team success and try scoring opportunities. Awareness of the defenders line speed and depth, fast running speed when receiving the ball and quick passing between attackers to the outside backs creates line break opportunities During training, coaches should emphasise the movement speed of the ball between attackers and manipulate the speed and distance of the defenders. PMID:27803629

  18. Testing the Dependence of Airborne Gravity Results on Three Variables in Kinematic GPS Processing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Weil, C.; Diehl, T. M.

    2011-12-01

    The National Geodetic Survey's Gravity for the Redefinition of the American Vertical Datum (GRAV-D) program plans to collect airborne gravity data across the entire U.S. and its holdings over the next decade. The goal is to build a geoid accurate to 1-2 cm, for which the airborne gravity data is key. The first phase is underway, with > 13% of data collection completed in: parts of Alaska, parts of California, most of the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Obtaining accurate airborne gravity survey results depends on the quality of the GPS/IMU position solution used in the processing. There are many factors that could have an influence on the positioning results. First, we will investigate how an increased data sampling rate for the GPS/IMU affects the position solution and accelerations derived from those positions. Second we will test the hypothesis that, for differential kinematic processing a better solution is obtained using both a base and a rover GPS unit that contain an additional rubidium clock that is reported to sync better with GPS time. Finally, we will look at a few different GPS+IMU processing methods available in commercial software. This includes comparing GPS-only solutions with loosely coupled GPS/IMU solutions from the Applanix POSAV-510 system and tightly coupled solutions with our newly-acquired NovAtel SPAN system (micro-IRS IMU). Differential solutions are compared with PPP (Precise Point Positioning) solutions along with multi-pass and advanced tropospheric corrections available with the NovAtel Inertial Explorer software. Based on preliminary research, we expect that the tightly-coupled solutions with either better troposphere and/or multi-pass solutions will provide superior position (and gravity) results.

  19. Generation of physical random numbers by using homodyne detection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hirakawa, Kodai; Oya, Shota; Oguri, Yusuke; Ichikawa, Tsubasa; Eto, Yujiro; Hirano, Takuya; Tsurumaru, Toyohiro

    2016-10-01

    Physical random numbers generated by quantum measurements are, in principle, impossible to predict. We have demonstrated the generation of physical random numbers by using a high-speed balanced photodetector to measure the quadrature amplitudes of vacuum states. Using this method, random numbers were generated at 500 Mbps, which is more than one order of magnitude faster than previously [Gabriel et al:, Nature Photonics 4, 711-715 (2010)]. The Crush test battery of the TestU01 suite consists of 31 tests in 144 variations, and we used them to statistically analyze these numbers. The generated random numbers passed 14 of the 31 tests. To improve the randomness, we performed a hash operation, in which each random number was multiplied by a random Toeplitz matrix; the resulting numbers passed all of the tests in the TestU01 Crush battery.

  20. CDOM Optical Properties and Connectivity in the Western Gulf of Alaska, the Unimak Pass and the Southeastern Bering Sea in the Spring During a Cold Year

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    D'Sa, E. J.; Goes, J. I.; Mouw, C. B.

    2016-02-01

    Flow through the Aleutian Passes connects the North Pacific to the Bering Sea with the Unimak Pass forming an important conduit for the flow of Gulf of Alaska water to the southeastern Bering shelf. While the biophysical properties have been studied for this region, little is known about the dissolved organic matter (DOM) and its optically active chromophoric component (CDOM) which play key roles in ocean color and several biogeochemical and photochemical processes. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and CDOM absorption and fluorescence properties were measured at locations in the western Gulf of Alaska, Unimak Pass and the southeastern Bering Sea in spring 2012, a relatively cold year as indicated by hydrographic field and satellite sea surface temperature data. DOC concentrations were on average higher in the western Gulf of Alaska (112.21 ± 20.05 µM) and Unimak Pass (106.14 ± 16.10 µM), than the southeastern Bering Sea shelf (73.28 ± 11.71 µM) suggesting Gulf of Alaska shelf water to be an important source of DOM to the eastern Bering Sea. Overall, CDOM absorption was relatively low while parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis of DOM fluorescence identified two humic-like (terrestrial and marine) and one protein-like (tryptophan-like) component in the DOM pool. Relationships between the DOM optical properties and the physical regime will be further examined in this study.

  1. Costs of success: Financial implications of implementation of active learning in introductory physics courses for students and administrators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brewe, Eric; Dou, Remy; Shand, Robert

    2018-02-01

    Although active learning is supported by strong evidence of efficacy in undergraduate science instruction, institutions of higher education have yet to embrace comprehensive change. Costs of transforming instruction are regularly cited as a key factor in not adopting active-learning instructional practices. Some cite that alternative methods to stadium-style, lecture-based education are not financially viable to an academic department. This paper examines that argument by presenting an ingredients approach to estimating costs of two instructional methods used in introductory university physics courses at a large public U.S. university. We use a metric common in educational economics, cost effectiveness (CE), which is the total cost per student passing the class. We then compare the CE of traditional, passive-learning lecture courses to those of a well-studied, active-learning curriculum (Modeling Instruction) as a way of evaluating the claim that active learning is cost prohibitive. Our findings are that the Modeling Instruction approach has a higher cost per passing student (MI = 1 ,030 /passing student vs Trad = 790 /passing student). These results are discussed from perspectives of university administrators, students, and taxpayers. We consider how MI would need to adapt in order to make the benefits of active learning (particularly higher pass rates and gains on multiple measured student outcomes) available in a cost-neutral setting. This approach aims to provide a methodology to better inform decision makers balancing financial, personnel, and curricular considerations.

  2. The Effects of Repeaters on Test Equating.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Andrulis, Richard S.; And Others

    1978-01-01

    The effects of repeaters (testees included in both administrations of two forms of a test) on the test equating process are examined. It is shown that repeaters do effect test equating and tend to lower the cutoff point for passing the test. (JKS)

  3. Patient reported outcomes in hip arthroplasty registries.

    PubMed

    Paulsen, Aksel

    2014-05-01

    PROs are used increasingly in orthopedics and in joint registries, but still many aspects of use in this area have not been examined in depth. To be able to introduce PROs in the DHR in a scientific fashion, my studies were warranted; the feasibility of four often used PROs (OHS, HOOS, EQ-5D and SF-12) was examined in a registry context. Having the PROs in the target language is an absolute necessity, so I translated, cross-culturally adapted and validated a Danish language version of an often used PRO (OHS), since this PRO had no properly developed Danish language version. To minimize data loss and to maximize the data quality I validated our data capture procedure, an up to date AFP system, by comparing scannable, paper-based PROs, with manual single-key- and double-key entered data. To help further registry-PRO studies, I calculated the number of patients needed to discriminate between subgroups of age, sex, diagnosis, and prosthesis type for each of four often used PROs (OHS, HOOS, EQ-5D and SF-12), and to simplify the clinical interpretation of PRO scores and PRO change scores in PRO studies, I estimated MCII and PASS for two often used PROs (EQ-5D and HOOS). The feasibility study included 5,747 THA patients registered in the DHR, and I found only minor differences between the disease-specific and the generic PROs regarding ceiling and floor effects as well as discarded items. The HOOS, the OHS, the SF-12, and the EQ-5D are all appropriate PROs for administration in a hip registry. I found that group sizes from 51 to 1,566 were needed for subgroup analysis, depending on descriptive factors and choice of PRO. The AFP study included 200 THA patients (398 PROs, 4,875 items and 21,887 data fields), and gave excellent results provided use of highly structured questionnaires. OMR performed equally as well as manual double-key entering, and better than single-key entering. The PRO translation and validation study included 2,278 patients (and 212 patients for the test-retest). I found that the translated PRO had good feasibility, an excellent response rate, no floor effect, but a high ceiling effect (as was expected with our postoperative patients) and few patients missed too many items to calculate a sum score. The translated PRO had high test-retest reliability and very high internal consistency, and appears to be a valid and reliable tool for outcome studies on THA patients in a hip registry setting. The MCII and PASS study included 1,335 patients, and I estimated that one year after THA, an improvement of 38-55% from mean baseline PRO score and absolute follow-up scores of 57-91% of the maximum score correspond to a minimal important improvement and acceptable symptom state, respectively.

  4. Degradation and Characterization of Antimisting Kerosene (AMK).

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-06-01

    the pass/fail criterion in the JPL test, which is taken as a flame length of I meter, appeared to be different from the critical velocity in the...SPILLAG;E TEST 9 passed at velocities up to 80 m/s, the flame length in all these cases appeared to be about 1/2 to 3/4 meter and did not increase...significantly with air velocity from 50-80 m/s. More importantly, the flame length for the sample without amine, which was rated as a fail at 50 m/s (i.e., had

  5. Standard method of test for grindability of coal by the Hardgrove-machine method

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Not Available

    1975-01-01

    A procedure is described for sampling coal, grinding in a Hardgrove grinding machine, and passing through standard sieves to determine the degree of pulverization of coals. The grindability index of the coal tested is calculated from a calibration chart prepared by plotting weight of material passing a No. 200 sieve versus the Hardgrove Grindability Index for the standard reference samples. The Hardgrove machine is shown schematically. The method for preparing and determining grindability indexes of standard reference samples is given in the appendix. (BLM)

  6. Using rewards and penalties to obtain desired subject performance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cook, M.; Jex, H. R.; Stein, A. C.; Allen, R. W.

    1981-01-01

    Operant conditioning procedures, specifically the use of negative reinforcement, in achieving stable learning behavior is described. The critical tracking test (CTT) a method of detecting human operator impairment was tested. A pass level is set for each subject, based on that subject's asymptotic skill level while sober. It is critical that complete training take place before the individualized pass level is set in order that the impairment can be detected. The results provide a more general basis for the application of reward/penalty structures in manual control research.

  7. Great apes distinguish true from false beliefs in an interactive helping task

    PubMed Central

    Buttelmann, Frances; Carpenter, Malinda; Call, Josep; Tomasello, Michael

    2017-01-01

    Understanding the behavior of others in a wide variety of circumstances requires an understanding of their psychological states. Humans’ nearest primate relatives, the great apes, understand many psychological states of others, for example, perceptions, goals, and desires. However, so far there is little evidence that they possess the key marker of advanced human social cognition: an understanding of false beliefs. Here we demonstrate that in a nonverbal (implicit) false-belief test which is passed by human 1-year-old infants, great apes as a group, including chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), bonobos (Pan paniscus), and orangutans (Pongo abelii), distinguish between true and false beliefs in their helping behavior. Great apes thus may possess at least some basic understanding that an agent’s actions are based on her beliefs about reality. Hence, such understanding might not be the exclusive province of the human species. PMID:28379987

  8. Incentivizing advanced mathematics study at upper secondary level: the case of bonus points in Ireland

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Treacy, Páraic Thomas

    2018-04-01

    Secondary level mathematics education in Ireland has recently experienced a period of significant change with the introduction of new curricula and the addition of an incentive to study upper secondary mathematics at the most advanced level (Higher Level). This incentive, typically referred to as 'bonus points', appears to have aided a significant increase in the number of students studying upper secondary mathematics at Higher Level. However, thematic analysis of interviews with experienced upper secondary mathematics examiners and exploration of mathematics diagnostic test data outlined in this paper suggest that the difficulty of the Higher Level upper secondary mathematics final examination in Ireland has reduced since the introduction of the bonus points initiative. The sharp increase in students attempting this examination coupled with a policy of maintaining a consistent proportion of students achieving passing grades was identified as a key reason for this possible reduction in standards.

  9. Great apes distinguish true from false beliefs in an interactive helping task.

    PubMed

    Buttelmann, David; Buttelmann, Frances; Carpenter, Malinda; Call, Josep; Tomasello, Michael

    2017-01-01

    Understanding the behavior of others in a wide variety of circumstances requires an understanding of their psychological states. Humans' nearest primate relatives, the great apes, understand many psychological states of others, for example, perceptions, goals, and desires. However, so far there is little evidence that they possess the key marker of advanced human social cognition: an understanding of false beliefs. Here we demonstrate that in a nonverbal (implicit) false-belief test which is passed by human 1-year-old infants, great apes as a group, including chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), bonobos (Pan paniscus), and orangutans (Pongo abelii), distinguish between true and false beliefs in their helping behavior. Great apes thus may possess at least some basic understanding that an agent's actions are based on her beliefs about reality. Hence, such understanding might not be the exclusive province of the human species.

  10. Effect of home-used water purifier on fluoride concentration of drinking water in southern Iran

    PubMed Central

    Jaafari-Ashkavandi, Zohreh; Kheirmand, Mehdi

    2013-01-01

    Background: Fluoride in drinking water plays a key role in dental health. Due to the increasing use of water-purifier, the effect of these devices on fluoride concentration of drinking water was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Drinking water samples were collected before and after passing through a home water-purifier, from four different water sources. The fluoride, calcium and magnesium concentration of the samples were measured using the quantitative spectrophotometery technique. Data were analyzed by the Wilcoxon test. P value < 0.1 was considered as significant. Results: The result showed that the concentration of fluoride was 0.05-0.61 ppm before purification and was removed completely afterward. Furthermore, other ions reduced significantly after treatment by the water purifier. Conclusion: This study revealed that this device decreases the fluoride content of water, an issue which should be considered in low and high-fluoridated water sources. PMID:24130584

  11. [Goodbye to half of tomorrow's physicians].

    PubMed

    Burcharth, Jakob; Burgdorf, Stefan; Rosenberg, Jacob

    2009-12-14

    Danish citizenship can only be obtained by passing a citizenship test. The test was introduced in December 2005 which made it more difficult to obtain Danish citizenship, and revised in 2008 which made the process even harder. We present a study which tests how many Danish and Swedish medical students enrolled at the University of Copenhagen would be able to obtain a Danish citizenship. The test comprised 40 questions regarding Danish democracy, history and politics. The questions were taken from the Ministry of Refugee and Immigration's pool of questions. Medical students at the University of Copenhagen were invited to participate in the study. Participation was voluntary. The tests were revised blinded and anonymously. The results were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U-test. We enrolled 202 medical students (139 women and 63 men). Among these participants, 168 were Danish and 34 Swedish medical students studying in Copenhagen. A total of 49% of the students passed the test. 58% of the Danish students and 6% of the Swedish students passed the test (p < 0.001). The Danish students had a median of eight errors (range: 1-18) and Swedish students had a median of 15 errors (range: 5-25) (p < 0.001). We suggest an export agreement with countries like Poland and India comprising the 51% students who failed the citizenship test as part of a package solution, where Denmark in return receives competent physicians of said nationalities. We also suggest that the contents of the test for citizenship be revised to achieve a better assessment of the applicant's ability to integrate in the Danish society.

  12. Political factors affecting the enactment of state-level clean indoor air laws.

    PubMed

    Tung, Gregory Jackson; Vernick, Jon S; Stuart, Elizabeth A; Webster, Daniel W

    2014-06-01

    We examined the effects of key political institutional factors on the advancement of state-level clean indoor air laws. We performed an observational study of state-level clean indoor air law enactment among all 50 US states from 1993 to 2010 by using extended Cox hazard models to assess risk of enacting a relevant law. During the 18-year period from 1993 to 2010, 28 states passed a law covering workplaces, 33 states passed a law covering restaurants, 29 states passed a law covering bars, and 16 states passed a law covering gaming facilities. States with term limits had a 2.15 times greater hazard (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27, 3.65; P = .005) of enacting clean indoor air laws. The presence of state-level preemption of local clean indoor air laws was associated with a 3.26 times greater hazard (95% CI = 1.11, 9.53; P = .031) of state-level policy enactment. In the presence of preemption, increased legislative professionalism was strongly associated (hazard ratio = 3.28; 95% CI = 1.10, 9.75; P = .033) with clean indoor air law enactment. Political institutional factors do influence state-level clean indoor air law enactment and may be relevant to other public health policy areas.

  13. Continuously tunable optical notch filter and band-pass filter systems that cover the visible to near-infrared spectral ranges.

    PubMed

    Jeong, Mi-Yun; Mang, Jin Yeob

    2018-03-10

    Spatially continuous tunable optical notch and band-pass filter systems that cover the visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) spectral ranges from ∼460  nm to ∼1,000  nm are realized by combining left- and right-handed circular cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) wedge cells with continuous pitch gradient. The notch filter system is polarization independent in all of the spectral ranges. The band-pass filter system, when the left- and right-handed CLCs are arranged in a row, is polarization independent, while when they are arranged at right angles, they are polarization dependent; furthermore, the full-width at half-maximum of the band-pass filter can be changed reversibly from the original bandwidth of 36 nm to 16 nm. Depending on the CLC materials, this strategy could be applied to the UV, VIS, and IR spectral ranges. Due to the high performance in the broad spectral range, cost-effective facile fabrication process, simple mechanical control, and small size, it is expected that our optical tunable filter strategies could become one of the key parts of laser-based Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence, life science devices, optical communication systems, astronomical telescopes, and so forth.

  14. Incorporation of National Universities in Korea: Dynamic Forces, Key Features, and Challenges

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rhee, Byung-Shik

    2007-01-01

    Education reform has become more popular than ever, and the incorporation of public institutions of higher education is one such reform. Eventually, Korea will see its national universities being incorporated. The legislature passed a law on March 7, 2007 that requires a new national university to be established as a National University…

  15. Selected Key Factors that Contributed to Student Success on the California High School Exit Exam

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Allen, Michelle O.

    2009-01-01

    The California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) was developed to ensure that graduating students can demonstrate competency in reading, math, and writing. The high failure rates have created concern among stakeholders. The study was to identify factors that contributed to student success on passing the CAHSEE for students enrolled in SIATech in…

  16. How Illinois' College and Career Readiness (CCR) Pilot Sites Address Five Key Goals. In Brief

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Castro, Erin L.; Bragg, Debra D.; Khan, Sadya; Baber, Lorenzo D.; Common, Brandon H.

    2010-01-01

    In 2007, the Illinois General Assembly passed Public Act 0950694, "The College and Career Readiness Pilot Act", in an effort to reduce remediation within Illinois' community colleges. An important objective of this legislation was to better prepare students to be successful in transitioning from high school to college. According to the…

  17. 46 CFR 12.401 - General requirements for able seaman (A/B) endorsements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... must— (1) Be at least 18 years of age; (2) Pass the prescribed physical and medical examination requirements specified in 46 CFR, part 10, subpart C; (3) Present evidence of having passed a chemical test for... appropriate. (3) The A/B endorsement will clearly describe the type of rating that it represents (see...

  18. Investigating Individual Differences in Toddler Search with Mixture Models

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Berthier, Neil E.; Boucher, Kelsea; Weisner, Nina

    2015-01-01

    Children's performance on cognitive tasks is often described in categorical terms in that a child is described as either passing or failing a test, or knowing or not knowing some concept. We used binomial mixture models to determine whether individual children could be classified as passing or failing two search tasks, the DeLoache model room…

  19. Degree/Graduation Outcomes: Ohio Public and Private Colleges and Universities. 2008 Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ohio Board of Regents, 2008

    2008-01-01

    This report displays, in tabular format, the following information: (1) Degrees and Certificates Awarded in Fiscal Years 2002-2006 at Ohio's Public, Independent, and Proprietary Institutions; (2) PRAXIS II and PRAXIS III Pass Rates--2005 Academic Year; (3) Three Year Pass Rates (2005-2007) on Health Care Examinations for First-Time Test-Takers;…

  20. Orthopedic stretcher with average-sized person can pass through 18-inch opening

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lothschuetz, F. X.

    1966-01-01

    Modified Robinson stretcher for vertical lifting and carrying, will pass through an opening 18 inches in diameter, while containing a person of average height and weight. A subject 6 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds was lowered and raised out of an 18 inch diameter opening in a tank to test the stretcher.

  1. EMISSIONS FROM OUTDOOR WOOD-BURNING RESIDENTIAL HOT WATER FURNACES

    EPA Science Inventory

    The report gives results of measurements of emissions from a single-pass and a double-pass furnace at average heat outputs of 15,000 and 30,000 Btu/hr (4.4 and 8.8 kW) while burning typical oak cordwood fuel. One furnace was also tested once at each heat output while fitted with ...

  2. Physique and Performance of Young Wheelchair Basketball Players in Relation with Classification

    PubMed Central

    Zancanaro, Carlo

    2015-01-01

    The relationships among physical characteristics, performance, and functional ability classification of younger wheelchair basketball players have been barely investigated to date. The purpose of this work was to assess anthropometry, body composition, and performance in sport-specific field tests in a national sample of Italian younger wheelchair basketball players as well as to evaluate the association of these variables with the players’ functional ability classification and game-related statistics. Several anthropometric measurements were obtained for 52 out of 91 eligible players nationwide. Performance was assessed in seven sport-specific field tests (5m sprint, 20m sprint with ball, suicide, maximal pass, pass for accuracy, spot shot and lay-ups) and game-related statistics (free-throw points scored per match, two- and three-point field-goals scored per match, and their sum). Association between variables, and predictivity was assessed by correlation and regression analysis, respectively. Players were grouped into four Classes of increasing functional ability (A-D). One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni’s correction for multiple comparisons was used to assess differences between Classes. Sitting height and functional ability Class especially correlated with performance outcomes, but wheelchair basketball experience and skinfolds did not. Game-related statistics and sport-specific field-test scores all showed significant correlation with each other. Upper arm circumference and/or maximal pass and lay-ups test scores were able to explain 42 to 59% of variance in game-related statistics (P<0.001). A clear difference in performance was only found for functional ability Class A and D. Conclusion: In younger wheelchair basketball players, sitting height positively contributes to performance. The maximal pass and lay-ups test should be carefully considered in younger wheelchair basketball training plans. Functional ability Class reflects to a limited extent the actual differences in performance. PMID:26606681

  3. Color Vision and the Railways: Part 3. Comparison of FaLant, OPTEC 900, and Railway LED Lantern Tests.

    PubMed

    Dain, Stephen J; Casolin, Armand; Long, Jennifer

    2015-02-01

    The Farnsworth Lantern (FaLant) and the OPTEC 900 are nominated in the Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) Color Vision Standard 2. Neither test uses the railway signal color code of red, yellow, and green, and only the OPTEC 900 is commercially available. The Railway LED Lantern Test (RLLT) is based on railway signaling practices in New South Wales, Australia, and is nominated in the Australian railway medical standard. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of the three lantern tests. The RLLT, FaLant, and OPTEC 900 were administered to 46 color vision-normal and 37 color vision-deficient (CVD) subjects. The pattern of errors on the RLLT was different from that of the FaLant and OPTEC 900. This may be accounted for, at least in part, by the different colors and the use of blank presentations in the RLLT. The three lanterns showed agreement in failing 21 and passing 6 of the CVD subjects (72.9%). The lanterns gave different results for 10 CVD subjects (27.9%): n = 5 passed only the RLLT and n = 3 passed only the FaLant; n = 1 failed only the FaLant and n = 1 failed only the RLLT. The overall failure rate by CVD for each lantern was 67.6% (RLLT), 73.0% (FaLant), and 78.4% (OPTEC 900). Despite the different construction principles, the pass/fail levels of the RLLT, FaLant, and OPTEC 900 are comparable and consistent with the performance of other lanterns listed by the CIE for Color Vision Standard 2. The RLLT may be a little easier to pass and is based on the signal color code used and actual signaling practice. We propose that the RLLT is also an appropriate lantern for CIE Color Vision Standard 2.

  4. Note: innovative demodulation scheme for coherent detectors in cosmic microwave background experiments.

    PubMed

    Ishidoshiro, K; Chinone, Y; Hasegawa, M; Hazumi, M; Nagai, M; Tajima, O

    2012-05-01

    We propose an innovative demodulation scheme for coherent detectors used in cosmic microwave background polarization experiments. Removal of non-white noise, e.g., narrow-band noise, in detectors is one of the key requirements for the experiments. A combination of modulation and demodulation is used to extract polarization signals as well as to suppress such noise. Traditional demodulation, which is based on the two-point numerical differentiation, works as a first-order high pass filter for the noise. The proposed demodulation is based on the three-point numerical differentiation. It works as a second-order high pass filter. By using a real detector, we confirmed significant improvements of suppression power for the narrow-band noise. We also found improvement of the noise floor.

  5. Research on the photoelectric measuring method of warhead fragment velocity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Ji; Yu, Lixia; Zhang, Bin; Liu, Xiaoyan

    2016-09-01

    The velocity of warhead fragment is the key criteria to determine its mutilation efficiency. But owing to the small size, larger quantity, irregular shape, high speed, arbitrary direction, large dispersion of warhead fragment and adverse environment, the test of fragment velocity parameter is very difficult. The paper designed an optoelectronic system to measure the average velocity of warhead fragments accurately. The apparatus included two parallel laser screens spaced apart at a known fixed distance for providing time measurement between start and stop signals. The large effective screen area was composed of laser source, retro-reflector and large area photo-diode. Whenever a moving fragment interrupted two optical screens, the system would generate a target signal. Due to partial obscuration of the incident energy and the poor test condition of the explosion, fragment target signal is easily disturbed. Therefore, fragments signal processing technology has become a key technology of the system. The noise of signal was reduced by employing wavelet decomposition and reconstruction. The time of fragment passing though the target was obtained by adopting peak detection algorithm. Based on the method of search peak in different width scale and waveform trend by using optima wavelet, the problem of rolling waveform was solved. Lots of fragments experiments of the different types of the warheads were conducted. Experimental results show that: warhead fragments capture rate of system is better than 98%, which can give velocity of each fragment in the density of less than 20 pieces per m2.

  6. Earth Observing System Covariance Realism

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zaidi, Waqar H.; Hejduk, Matthew D.

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of covariance realism is to properly size a primary object's covariance in order to add validity to the calculation of the probability of collision. The covariance realism technique in this paper consists of three parts: collection/calculation of definitive state estimates through orbit determination, calculation of covariance realism test statistics at each covariance propagation point, and proper assessment of those test statistics. An empirical cumulative distribution function (ECDF) Goodness-of-Fit (GOF) method is employed to determine if a covariance is properly sized by comparing the empirical distribution of Mahalanobis distance calculations to the hypothesized parent 3-DoF chi-squared distribution. To realistically size a covariance for collision probability calculations, this study uses a state noise compensation algorithm that adds process noise to the definitive epoch covariance to account for uncertainty in the force model. Process noise is added until the GOF tests pass a group significance level threshold. The results of this study indicate that when outliers attributed to persistently high or extreme levels of solar activity are removed, the aforementioned covariance realism compensation method produces a tuned covariance with up to 80 to 90% of the covariance propagation timespan passing (against a 60% minimum passing threshold) the GOF tests-a quite satisfactory and useful result.

  7. EMC Test Report: StangSat - CubeSat Program

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Carmody, Lynne M.; Aragona, Peter S.

    2013-01-01

    This report documents the Electromagnetic Interference E M I testing performed on the StangSat; the unit under test (UUT). Testing was per the requirements of MIL STD-461F. The UUT was characterized and passed the radiated emissions (RE102 limit for Spacecraft) testing.

  8. Method for adding nodes to a quantum key distribution system

    DOEpatents

    Grice, Warren P

    2015-02-24

    An improved quantum key distribution (QKD) system and method are provided. The system and method introduce new clients at intermediate points along a quantum channel, where any two clients can establish a secret key without the need for a secret meeting between the clients. The new clients perform operations on photons as they pass through nodes in the quantum channel, and participate in a non-secret protocol that is amended to include the new clients. The system and method significantly increase the number of clients that can be supported by a conventional QKD system, with only a modest increase in cost. The system and method are compatible with a variety of QKD schemes, including polarization, time-bin, continuous variable and entanglement QKD.

  9. Particulate face masks for protection against airborne pathogens - one size does not fit all: an observational study.

    PubMed

    Winter, Susan; Thomas, Jane H; Stephens, Dianne P; Davis, Joshua S

    2010-03-01

    To determine the proportion of hospital staff who pass fit tests with each of three commonly used particulate face masks, and factors influencing preference and fit test results. Observational study. 50 healthy hospital staff volunteers in an 18-bed general intensive care unit in an Australian teaching hospital. Participants were administered a questionnaire about mask use and their preferred mask and underwent qualitative fit-testing with each of three different particulate masks: Kimberly-Clark Tecnol FluidShield N95 particulate filter respirator (KC), 3M Flat Fold 9320 particulate respirator and 3M 8822 particulate respirator with exhalation valve. Participants who failed fittesting were trained in correct mask donning, and fittesting was repeated. Proportion of participants who passed the fit test for each mask and the effect of training. The proportion of participants who passed a fit test was low for all three masks tested (KC, 16%; flat fold, 28%; and valved, 34%). Rates improved after training: the first mask tested fitted in 18% of participants pre-training and 40% post-training (P = 0.02). None of the masks fitted for 28% of participants. There were no significant predictors of fit-test results. A large proportion of individuals failed a fit test with any given mask, and we were not able to identify any factors that predicted mask fit in individuals. Training on mask use improved the rates of adequate fit. Hospitals should carry a range of P2 masks, and should conduct systematic P2 mask training and fit-testing programs for all staff potentially exposed to airborne pathogens.

  10. Arctic melt ponds and bifurcations in the climate system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sudakov, I.; Vakulenko, S. A.; Golden, K. M.

    2015-05-01

    Understanding how sea ice melts is critical to climate projections. In the Arctic, melt ponds that develop on the surface of sea ice floes during the late spring and summer largely determine their albedo - a key parameter in climate modeling. Here we explore the possibility of a conceptual sea ice climate model passing through a bifurcation point - an irreversible critical threshold as the system warms, by incorporating geometric information about melt pond evolution. This study is based on a bifurcation analysis of the energy balance climate model with ice-albedo feedback as the key mechanism driving the system to bifurcation points.

  11. 49 CFR 380.109 - Driver testing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ....109 Driver testing. (a) Testing methods. The driver-student must pass knowledge and skills tests in... this part for the specific type of LCV training program being taught. (2) Instructors shall develop their own tests for the specific type of LCV-training program being taught, but those tests must be at...

  12. 49 CFR 380.109 - Driver testing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ....109 Driver testing. (a) Testing methods. The driver-student must pass knowledge and skills tests in... this part for the specific type of LCV training program being taught. (2) Instructors shall develop their own tests for the specific type of LCV-training program being taught, but those tests must be at...

  13. 49 CFR 380.109 - Driver testing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ....109 Driver testing. (a) Testing methods. The driver-student must pass knowledge and skills tests in... this part for the specific type of LCV training program being taught. (2) Instructors shall develop their own tests for the specific type of LCV-training program being taught, but those tests must be at...

  14. 49 CFR 380.109 - Driver testing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ....109 Driver testing. (a) Testing methods. The driver-student must pass knowledge and skills tests in... this part for the specific type of LCV training program being taught. (2) Instructors shall develop their own tests for the specific type of LCV-training program being taught, but those tests must be at...

  15. 49 CFR 380.109 - Driver testing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ....109 Driver testing. (a) Testing methods. The driver-student must pass knowledge and skills tests in... this part for the specific type of LCV training program being taught. (2) Instructors shall develop their own tests for the specific type of LCV-training program being taught, but those tests must be at...

  16. 16 CFR 1107.21 - Periodic testing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... samples selected for testing pass the test, there is a high degree of assurance that the other untested... determining the testing interval include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) High variability in test... process management techniques and tests provide a high degree of assurance of compliance if they are not...

  17. 16 CFR § 1107.21 - Periodic testing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... samples selected for testing pass the test, there is a high degree of assurance that the other untested... determining the testing interval include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) High variability in test... process management techniques and tests provide a high degree of assurance of compliance if they are not...

  18. 16 CFR 1107.21 - Periodic testing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... samples selected for testing pass the test, there is a high degree of assurance that the other untested... determining the testing interval include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) High variability in test... process management techniques and tests provide a high degree of assurance of compliance if they are not...

  19. Evaluation of a Secure Laptop-Based Testing Program in an Undergraduate Nursing Program: Students' Perspective.

    PubMed

    Tao, Jinyuan; Gunter, Glenda; Tsai, Ming-Hsiu; Lim, Dan

    2016-01-01

    Recently, the many robust learning management systems, and the availability of affordable laptops, have made secure laptop-based testing a reality on many campuses. The undergraduate nursing program at the authors' university began to implement a secure laptop-based testing program in 2009, which allowed students to use their newly purchased laptops to take quizzes and tests securely in classrooms. After nearly 5 years' secure laptop-based testing program implementation, a formative evaluation, using a mixed method that has both descriptive and correlational data elements, was conducted to seek constructive feedback from students to improve the program. Evaluation data show that, overall, students (n = 166) believed the secure laptop-based testing program helps them get hands-on experience of taking examinations on the computer and gets them prepared for their computerized NCLEX-RN. Students, however, had a lot of concerns about laptop glitches and campus wireless network glitches they experienced during testing. At the same time, NCLEX-RN first-time passing rate data were analyzed using the χ2 test, and revealed no significant association between the two testing methods (paper-and-pencil testing and the secure laptop-based testing) and students' first-time NCLEX-RN passing rate. Based on the odds ratio, however, the odds of students passing NCLEX-RN the first time was 1.37 times higher if they were taught with the secure laptop-based testing method than if taught with the traditional paper-and-pencil testing method in nursing school. It was recommended to the institution that better quality of laptops needs to be provided to future students, measures needed to be taken to further stabilize the campus wireless Internet network, and there was a need to reevaluate the Laptop Initiative Program.

  20. Design Considerations of a Compounded Sterile Preparations Course

    PubMed Central

    Petraglia, Christine; Mattison, Melissa J.

    2016-01-01

    Objective. To design a comprehensive learning and assessment environment for the practical application of compounded sterile preparations using a constructivist approach. Design. Compounded Sterile Preparations Laboratory is a required 1-credit course that builds upon the themes of training aseptic technique typically used in health system settings and threads application of concepts from other courses in the curriculum. Students used critical-thinking skills to devise appropriate strategies to compound sterile preparations. Assessment. Aseptic technique skills were assessed with objective, structured, checklist-based rubrics. Most students successfully completed practical assessments using appropriate technique (mean assessment grade=83.2%). Almost all students passed the practical media fill (98%) and gloved fingertip sampling (86%) tests on the first attempt; all passed on the second attempt. Conclusion. Employing a constructivist scaffold approach to teaching proper hygiene and aseptic technique prepared students to pass media fill and gloved fingertip tests and to perform well on practical compounding assessments. PMID:26941438

  1. The prediction of airborne and structure-borne noise potential for a tire

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sakamoto, Nicholas Y.

    Tire/pavement interaction noise is a major component of both exterior pass-by noise and vehicle interior noise. The current testing methods for ranking tires from loud to quiet require expensive equipment, multiple tires, and/or long experimental set-up and run times. If a laboratory based off-vehicle test could be used to identify the airborne and structure-borne potential of a tire from its dynamic characteristics, a relative ranking of a large group of tires could be performed at relatively modest expense. This would provide a smaller sample set of tires for follow-up testing and thus save expense for automobile OEMs. The focus of this research was identifying key noise features from a tire/pavement experiment. These results were compared against a stationary tire test in which the natural response of the tire to a forced input was measured. Since speed was identified as having some effect on the noise, an input function was also developed to allow the tires to be ranked at an appropriate speed. A relative noise model was used on a second sample set of tires to verify if the ranking could be used against interior vehicle measurements. While overall level analysis of the specified spectrum had mixed success, important noise generating features were identified, and the methods used could be improved to develop a standard off-vehicle test to predict a tire's noise potential.

  2. Kinderhookian (Lower Mississippian) calcareous rocks of the Howard Pass quadrangle, western Brooks Range: A section in Geologic studies in Alaska by the U.S. Geological Survey, 1995

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Dumoulin, Julie A.; Harris, Anita G.

    1997-01-01

    Calcareous rocks of Kinderhookian (early Early Mississippian) age are widely distributed across the Howard Pass quadrangle in the western Brooks Range. Most occur in the lower part of the Lisburne Group (herein called the Rough Mountain Creek unit) and the upper part of the Endicott Group (Kayak Shale) in two sequences (Key Creek and Aniuk River) of the Endicott Mountains allochthon. Kinderhookian strata are also found in the Kelly River allochthon (Utukok Formation?) and in sections of uncertain stratigraphic affinity and structural level spatially associated with mafic volcanic rocks.Predominant Kinderhookian lithologies in the Lisburne Group are skeletal supportstone (rich in pelmatozoans, bryozoans, and brachiopods) and lesser spiculite; skeletal supportstone and calcarenite are the chief calcareous rock types in the Kayak Shale. Conodont and brachiopod faunas indicate that all of the Rough Mountain Creek unit and much of the Kayak Shale in the study area are of late Kinderhookian age. Lithologic and paleontologic data suggest that Kinderhookian strata in the Howard Pass quadrangle were deposited largely in inner- and middle-shelf settings with normal marine salinity and locally high energy. Overall, calcareous beds in the Rough Mountain Creek unit accumulated in a wider range of environments, less subject to siliciclastic input, than did calcareous beds in the Kayak, and Kinderhookian beds of both units in the Key Creek sequence formed in less diverse, somewhat shallower environments than correlative rocks in the Aniuk River sequence. Lithofacies patterns and contact relations imply that decreased siliciclastic influx, perhaps accompanied by relative sea-level rise, initiated deposition of the Rough Mountain Creek unit; relative sea-level rise and concurrent circulatory restriction most likely ended its deposition.Kinderhookian calcareous rocks in the Howard Pass quadrangle have several implications for middle Paleozoic paleogeography of the western Brooks Range. First, sequences of the Endicott Mountains allochthon that contain the Rough Mountain Creek unit contrast sharply with other sequences included in this allochthon that contain thicker and younger Carboniferous platform carbonate successions. These differences in stratigraphic succession suggest significant shortening within the Endicott Mountains allochthon. Second, Kinderhookian calcareous rocks in the Howard Pass quadrangle may have been a secondary source for carbonate turbidites of the Rim Butte unit (Ipnavik allochthon).

  3. Effects of low speed wind on the recognition/identification and pass-through communication tasks of auditory situation awareness afforded by military hearing protection/enhancement devices and tactical communication and protective systems.

    PubMed

    Lee, Kichol; Casali, John G

    2016-01-01

    To investigate the effect of controlled low-speed wind-noise on the auditory situation awareness performance afforded by military hearing protection/enhancement devices (HPED) and tactical communication and protective systems (TCAPS). Recognition/identification and pass-through communications tasks were separately conducted under three wind conditions (0, 5, and 10 mph). Subjects wore two in-ear-type TCAPS, one earmuff-type TCAPS, a Combat Arms Earplug in its 'open' or pass-through setting, and an EB-15LE electronic earplug. Devices with electronic gain systems were tested under two gain settings: 'unity' and 'max'. Testing without any device (open ear) was conducted as a control. Ten subjects were recruited from the student population at Virginia Tech. Audiometric requirements were 25 dBHL or better at 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz in both ears. Performance on the interaction of communication task-by-device was significantly different only in 0 mph wind speed. The between-device performance differences varied with azimuthal speaker locations. It is evident from this study that stable (non-gusting) wind speeds up to 10 mph did not significantly degrade recognition/identification task performance and pass-through communication performance of the group of HPEDs and TCAPS tested. However, the various devices performed differently as the test sound signal speaker location was varied and it appears that physical as well as electronic features may have contributed to this directional result.

  4. Project ExPreSS: Social studies and science remediation program for the Georgia High School Graduation Test

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shearouse, Randy

    Over half of the states now require students to pass a high stakes exit exam before being allowed to graduate from high school. No Child Left Behind requires that standardized testing be included to determine whether or not a school makes Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). The purpose of this study is to examine the results of the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) of students who participated in the remedial program Project ExPreSS with those students who did not participate. Using a quantitative research design, the question that will be answered is whether Project ExPreSS makes a difference in passing the GHSGT in science and social studies among three groups: all Georgia students, African American students in one Georgia school system, and all students in one Georgia school system. A chi-square test was conducted and a determination was made that there is a statistically significant relationship between project participation and pass-fail status in all but one area. The majority of students in this study were 17--18 years of age and were taking the science or social studies section of the GHSGT for the second time. The findings of this study will be important not only for Georgia and the school system examined, but also for other states and systems that give High Stakes Exit Exams (HSEEs). The results indicate that highly focused remedial programs like Project ExPreSS make a difference for students who may not be successful on their first attempt at passing a HSEE.

  5. Creatinine

    MedlinePlus

    ... then passes out of the body in your urine. If you have kidney disease, the level of creatinine in your blood increases. Blood (serum) and urine tests can check your creatinine levels. The tests ...

  6. Self-reported physical activity and preaccession fitness testing in U.S. Army applicants.

    PubMed

    Gubata, Marlene E; Cowan, David N; Bedno, Sheryl A; Urban, Nadia; Niebuhr, David W

    2011-08-01

    The Assessment of Recruit Motivation and Strength (ARMS) study evaluated a physical fitness screening test for Army applicants before basic training. This report examines applicants' self-reported physical activity as a predictor of objective fitness measured by ARMS. In 2006, the ARMS study administered a fitness test and physical activity survey to Army applicants during their medical evaluation, using multiple logistic regression for comparison. Among both men and women, "qualified" and "exceeds-body-fat" subjects who met American College of Sports Medicine adult physical activity guidelines were more likely to pass the fitness test. Overall, subjects who met physical activity recommendations, watched less television, and played on sports teams had a higher odds of passing the ARMS test after adjustment for age, race, and smoking status. This study demonstrates that self-reported physical activity was associated with physical fitness and may be used to identify those at risk of failing a preaccession fitness test.

  7. Small-sided games in football as a method to improve high school students’ instep passing skills

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ridwan, M.; Darmawan, G.; Fuadi, Z.

    2018-01-01

    This study analyzed the influence of small sided games application toward increasing the learning result of instep passing in football. The research used one group pretest-posttest design. The data were obtained once a week for 135 minutes of small sided games and this activity had been held for four weeks with a final test in the final meeting. According to descriptive data result, there were increases of the mean. The data showed the increase of the application of small sided games resulted in not only the mean of the descriptive data but also the result of T-test. The significant of T-test is 0,000. It means less than 0,05 then the hypothesis Ha received and Ho rejected automatically. The presentation showed that 48,15% data is increasing by small-sided games application. The small-sided games were proven to be the right tool to increase instep passing football technique. We suggested to the apply that kind of games of football learning on physical education subject, especially for pre-university students.

  8. Dust Emissions from Undisturbed and Disturbed, Crusted Playa Surfaces: Cattle Trampling Effect

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zobeck, T. M.; Baddock, M. C.; van Pelt, R.; Fredrickson, E. L.

    2009-12-01

    Dry playa lake beds can be a significant source of fine dust emissions during high wind events in arid and semiarid landscapes. The physical and chemical properties of the playa surface control the amount and properties of the dust emitted. In this study, we use a field wind tunnel to quantify the dust emissions from a bare, fine-textured playa surface located in the Chihuahua Desert at the Jornada Experimental Range, near Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA. We tested natural, undisturbed crusted surfaces and surfaces that had been subjected to two levels of domestic animal disturbance. The animal disturbance was provided by trampling produced from one and ten passes along the length of the wind tunnel by a 630 kg Angus-Hereford cross cow. The trampling broke the durable crust and created loose erodible material. Each treatment (natural crust, one pass, and ten passes) was replicated three times. A push-type wind tunnel with a 6 m long, 0.5 m wide, and 1 m high test section was used to generate dust emissions under controlled conditions. Clean medium sand was dropped onto the playa surface to act as an abrader material. The tunnel wind speed was equivalent to 15 m/s at a height of 2 m over a smooth soil surface. The tunnel was initially run for ten minutes, with no abrader added. A second 30 minute run was subsequently sampled as abrader was added to the wind stream. Dust and saltating material were collected using an isokinetic slot sampler at the end of the tunnel. Total airborne dust was collected on two 25 cm x 20 cm glass fiber filters (GFF) and measured using a GRIMM particle monitor every 6 sec throughout each test run. Disturbance by trampling generated increased saltating material and airborne dust. The amount of saltating material measured during the initial (no abrader added) run was approximately 70% greater and 5.8 times the amount of saltating material measured on the one pass and ten pass plots, respectively, compared with that observed on the undisturbed plots. The total amount of dust measured during the initial (no abrader added) run on GFF for the one pass and ten pass plots was almost twice and three times, respectively, that observed on the undisturbed plots. The ten pass treatment generated about 75% more PM10 dust, as measured by the GRIMM particle monitor, than the undisturbed plots during the 30 minute abrader run.

  9. Differentiating Instruction through Multiple Intelligences in a Middle School Mathematics Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Marcella

    2017-01-01

    Eighth grade students at a middle school in a southern state were required a mathematics pass rate of 67.6% to meet annual yearly progress (AYP). Black and Hispanic students performed below the required pass rate on state assessments; thus, the school did not make AYP from 2007-2010. In an attempt to address low test scores in mathematics, the…

  10. Teaching Equivalence Relations to Individuals with Minimal Verbal Repertoires: Are Visual and Auditory-Visual Discriminations Predictive of Stimulus Equivalence?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vause, Tricia; Martin, Garry L.; Yu, C.T.; Marion, Carole; Sakko, Gina

    2005-01-01

    The relationship between language, performance on the Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities (ABLA) test, and stimulus equivalence was examined. Five participants with minimal verbal repertoires were studied; 3 who passed up to ABLA Level 4, a visual quasi-identity discrimination and 2 who passed ABLA Level 6, an auditory-visual nonidentity…

  11. FCAT Retakes: Trends in Multiple Attempts at Satisfying FCAT Graduation Requirements. Research Brief. Volume 0805

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Froman, Terry; Brown, Shelly

    2009-01-01

    According to Florida Law, students must pass the Grade 10 FCAT, among other academic requirements, in order to receive a standard high school diploma. Specifically, students must achieve a "passing" score of 300 or above on both the FCAT SSS Reading and the FCAT SSS Mathematics tests. Technically, students can retake the FCAT as many…

  12. Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis of U.S. and Italian Children's Performance on the PASS Theory of Intelligence as Measured by the Cognitive Assessment System

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Naglieri, Jack A.; Taddei, Stefano; Williams, Kevin M.

    2013-01-01

    This study examined Italian and U.S. children's performance on the English and Italian versions, respectively, of the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS; Naglieri & Conway, 2009; Naglieri & Das, 1997), a test based on a neurocognitive theory of intelligence entitled PASS (Planning, Attention, Simultaneous, and Successive; Naglieri & Das,…

  13. CLAST Results by College Preparatory Experience: Passing Rates under Current and Increased Standards.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gabe, LiAnne C.

    A study was conducted at Broward Community College (BCC) to compare the performance on the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) of examinees with college preparatory experience to that of examinees without this experience. Data were drawn from CLAST tapes for the 1988-89 academic year and from BCC's admissions file. Passing rates for each…

  14. Adjusting the Passing Scores for Gearing up for Safety: Production Agriculture Safety Training for Youth Curriculum Test Instruments

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hoover, William Brian; French, Brian F.; Field, William E.; Tormoehlen, Roger L.

    2012-01-01

    Minimum passing scores for the Gearing Up for Safety: Production Agriculture Safety Training for Youth curriculum (Gearing Up for Safety) were set in 2006 with widely used and established procedures by efforts of subject matter experts (French, Breidenbach et al., 2007; French, Field, and Tormoehlen, 2006, 2007). While providing a research-based…

  15. A tool to include gamma analysis software into a quality assurance program.

    PubMed

    Agnew, Christina E; McGarry, Conor K

    2016-03-01

    To provide a tool to enable gamma analysis software algorithms to be included in a quality assurance (QA) program. Four image sets were created comprising two geometric images to independently test the distance to agreement (DTA) and dose difference (DD) elements of the gamma algorithm, a clinical step and shoot IMRT field and a clinical VMAT arc. The images were analysed using global and local gamma analysis with 2 in-house and 8 commercially available software encompassing 15 software versions. The effect of image resolution on gamma pass rates was also investigated. All but one software accurately calculated the gamma passing rate for the geometric images. Variation in global gamma passing rates of 1% at 3%/3mm and over 2% at 1%/1mm was measured between software and software versions with analysis of appropriately sampled images. This study provides a suite of test images and the gamma pass rates achieved for a selection of commercially available software. This image suite will enable validation of gamma analysis software within a QA program and provide a frame of reference by which to compare results reported in the literature from various manufacturers and software versions. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

  16. Impact of presymptomatic genetic testing on young adults: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Godino, Lea; Turchetti, Daniela; Jackson, Leigh; Hennessy, Catherine; Skirton, Heather

    2016-04-01

    Presymptomatic and predictive genetic testing should involve a considered choice, which is particularly true when testing is undertaken in early adulthood. Young adults are at a key life stage as they may be developing a career, forming partnerships and potentially becoming parents: presymptomatic testing may affect many facets of their future lives. The aim of this integrative systematic review was to assess factors that influence young adults' or adolescents' choices to have a presymptomatic genetic test and the emotional impact of those choices. Peer-reviewed papers published between January 1993 and December 2014 were searched using eight databases. Of 3373 studies identified, 29 were reviewed in full text: 11 met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis was used to identify five major themes: period before testing, experience of genetic counselling, parental involvement in decision-making, impact of test result communication, and living with genetic risk. Many participants grew up with little or no information concerning their genetic risk. The experience of genetic counselling was either reported as an opportunity for discussing problems or associated with feelings of disempowerment. Emotional outcomes of disclosure did not directly correlate with test results: some mutation carriers were relieved to know their status, however, the knowledge they may have passed on the mutation to their children was a common concern. Parents appeared to have exerted pressure on their children during the decision-making process about testing and risk reduction surgery. Health professionals should take into account all these issues to effectively assist young adults in making decisions about presymptomatic genetic testing.

  17. The use of glass powder in making batako

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nursyamsi, N.; Indrawan, I.

    2018-02-01

    Along with the increase in construction materials, innovation is needed to lessen the use of them, and one of them is by using cement [1]. In this research, it is reduced by glass powder; the reason for using it as the substitution of cement is that some chemical elements in cement are similar to those in glass powder such as SiO2, A12o3, Fe2O3, and CaO. The glass powder used was the one who passed sieve no. 100 and was hampered in sieve no. 200. It passed sieve no. 200 with its composition of 0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% from the volume of the use of cement. The specimen would treat within 28 days before the testing of compressive strength, water absorption, and tensile strength [2]. The variation which produced optimum result would mix with the foaming agent as the material for reducing the weight of the specimen. After that, the test of compressive strength, water absorption, and tensile strength on the installment of batako walls were done. The data analyzed by using SNI 02-0349-1989[3] reference about concrete brick for wall installment. The variation of 20% of glass powder passing sieve no. 200 gave optimum result. A specimen of the variation on glass powder of 20% which passed sieve no. 200 and the foaming agent was higher than the compressive strength of the specimen which used glass powder substitution of 0% of passing sieve no. 200 and foaming agent. The compressive strength of batako walls which used the batako construction with glass powder substitution of 20% of passing sieve no. 200 and the foaming agent was also higher than the compressive strength of the assaying object which used glass powder substitution of 0% of passing sieve no. 200 and foaming agent.

  18. SU-E-T-472: Improvement of IMRT QA Passing Rate by Correcting Angular Dependence of MatriXX

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chen, Q; Watkins, W; Kim, T

    2015-06-15

    Purpose: Multi-channel planar detector arrays utilized for IMRT-QA, such as the MatriXX, exhibit an incident-beam angular dependent response which can Result in false-positive gamma-based QA results, especially for helical tomotherapy plans which encompass the full range of beam angles. Although MatriXX can use with gantry angle sensor to provide automatically angular correction, this sensor does not work with tomotherapy. The purpose of the study is to reduce IMRT-QA false-positives by correcting for the MatriXX angular dependence. Methods: MatriXX angular dependence was characterized by comparing multiple fixed-angle irradiation measurements with corresponding TPS computed doses. For 81 Tomo-helical IMRT-QA measurements, two differentmore » correction schemes were tested: (1) A Monte-Carlo dose engine was used to compute MatriXX signal based on the angular-response curve. The computed signal was then compared with measurement. (2) Uncorrected computed signal was compared with measurements uniformly scaled to account for the average angular dependence. Three scaling factor (+2%, +2.5%, +3%) were tested. Results: The MatriXX response is 8% less than predicted for a PA beam even when the couch is fully accounted for. Without angular correction, only 67% of the cases pass the >90% points γ<1 (3%, 3mm). After full angular correction, 96% of the cases pass the criteria. Of three scaling factors, +2% gave the highest passing rate (89%), which is still less than the full angular correction method. With a stricter γ(2%,3mm) criteria, the full angular correction method was still able to achieve the 90% passing rate while the scaling method only gives 53% passing rate. Conclusion: Correction for the MatriXX angular dependence reduced the false-positives rate of our IMRT-QA process. It is necessary to correct for the angular dependence to achieve the IMRT passing criteria specified in TG129.« less

  19. 46 CFR 16.220 - Periodic testing requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MERCHANT MARINE OFFICERS AND SEAMEN CHEMICAL TESTING Required Chemical Testing § 16.220 Periodic testing requirements. (a) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this section and § 10.227(e) of this chapter, an applicant must pass a chemical test for dangerous...

  20. 49 CFR 173.57 - Acceptance criteria for new explosives.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... must be subjected to the Drop Weight Impact Sensitivity Test (Test Method 3(a)(i)), the Friction... substance has a friction sensitiveness equal to or greater than that of dry pentaerythrite tetranitrate (PETN) when tested in the Friction Sensitivity Test; (4) The substance fails to pass the test criteria...

  1. 16 CFR 1633.4 - Prototype testing requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Prototype testing requirements. 1633.4... STANDARD FOR THE FLAMMABILITY (OPEN FLAME) OF MATTRESS SETS The Standard § 1633.4 Prototype testing... three specimens of each prototype to be tested according to § 1633.7 and obtain passing test results...

  2. Sperm release pathway

    MedlinePlus Videos and Cool Tools

    ... organs include the testes, epididymis, urethra, vas deferens, prostate gland, seminal vesicle, and penis. The testes are ... ducts toward the urethra, passing first by the prostate gland, where a milky fluid is added to ...

  3. Jam, Jerusalem and Calendar Girls: Lifelong Learning and the Women's Institutes (WI)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jackson, Sue

    2006-01-01

    Both lifelong learning and community are central to the mission of the National Federation of Women's Institutes (WI). Their website, for example, states that the WI aims to educate women to enable them to provide an effective role in the community, to expand their horizons and to develop and pass on important skills--key elements of lifelong…

  4. High School Exit Exams and Dropout in an Era of Increased Accountability

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hemelt, Steven W.; Marcotte, Dave E.

    2013-01-01

    A key form of student-level accountability is the requirement for students to pass high school exit exams (HSEEs) in order to receive a diploma. In this paper, we examine the impact of HSEEs on dropout during a period when these exams became more common and rigorous. Further, we study whether offering alternate pathways to graduation for students…

  5. Disability and Career Services Provision for Students with Disabilities at Institutions of Higher Education in Japan: An Overview of Key Legislation, Policies, and Practices

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Boeltzig-Brown, Heike

    2017-01-01

    In 2013, the Japanese government passed antidiscrimination legislation that, starting in April 2016, requires all national and public institutions of higher education (IHEs) to accommodate students with disabilities. The legislative mandate to ensure that higher education is accessible to students with disabilities, coupled with growth in the…

  6. Higher Education Policy Reform in Ethiopia: The Representation of the Problem of Gender Inequality

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Molla, Tebeje

    2013-01-01

    The higher education (HE) subsystem in Ethiopia has passed through a series of policy reforms in the last 10 years. Key reform areas ranged from improving quality and relevance of programmes to promoting equality in access to and success in HE. Despite the effort underway, gender inequality has remained a critical challenge in the subsystem. This…

  7. The Regulatory Structure Supporting Basic Education in Indonesia: Analysis Covering 1989 to Present. Working Paper.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cohen, Joseph

    This report examines the legal and regulatory structure of basic education in Indonesia beginning in 1989, when Education Law Number 2 was enacted (from which all current regulations, policies, and procedures can be traced). In 1999, two key laws (Number 22 and Number 25) were passed that required the decentralization of many government functions.…

  8. The Thermal Flash Protection System, low pass filter JN175666A1

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Washington, L.A.

    1987-06-01

    This report discusses the development of the JN175666A1 Low Pass Filter used in the B1-B Thermal Flash Protection System. It also discusses problems encountered during development of the ceramic capacitors and how they were resolved. Included in this report is a description of the filter, the electrical and environmental tests, why they were performed and data accumulated during the development testing. After completing the evaluation of this device, it is concluded that the JN175666A1 filter is a usable component for the B1-B system.

  9. Preliminary paleontologic report on core 37 from Pass Key, Everglades National Park, Florida Bay

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Brewster-Wingard, G. L.; Ishman, S.E.; Waibel, N.J.; Willard, D.A.; Edwards, L.E.; Holmes, C.W.

    1998-01-01

    Sediments from Pass Key core 37, in eastern Florida Bay (N 25.1478?, W 80.5745?) record a history of rapid sedimentation during this century. The lowest portion of the core contains benthic fauna indicative of relatively low salinities and sparse seagrass coverage. This period is followed by an increase in salinity and seagrass. In the middle portion of the core, a slight decrease in salinity and an increase in seagrass occur. These shifts in the benthic fauna correspond to a period when the terrestrial flora change, and an increase in dinocyst absolute abundance occurs, indicating changes in factors affecting the entire South Florida ecosystem. These changes may represent a period of increased terrestrial flushing, due to rainfall, water management practices or a combination of both. The benthic faunas in the upper portion of the core indicate an increase in salinity and seagrass density. This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U.S. Geological Survey editorial standards or with the North American Stratigraphic Code. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

  10. Enacting legislation to restrict youth access to tanning beds: a survey of advocates and sponsoring legislators.

    PubMed

    Obayan, Busayo; Geller, Alan C; Resnick, Elissa A; Demierre, Marie-France

    2010-07-01

    Passing tanning bed legislation restricting underage use has remained challenging. We sought to determine the resources required to pass tanning bed legislation restricting use to children and identify key barriers to its passage. A total of 15 states sought to pass tanning bed legislation in 2006; in-depth surveys were completed with advocates in 10 states and legislators in 5 states. Advocates sought advice from the sponsoring legislator or legislators (n = 9), held discussions with other organizations (n = 8), and used a lobbyist (n = 5). The 3 major barriers were strong lobbying efforts by the tanning bed industry (n = 10), proceedings after the bill was filed (n = 5), and obtaining support from other organizations (n = 4). For legislators, the most significant barrier was making colleagues aware of the health effects of tanning bed use. Five of 10 legislators and 10 of 15 advocates responded to the survey. Barriers to passage of tanning bed legislation can potentially be surmounted with advice to advocates and coordinated efforts by multiple organizations. Copyright (c) 2009 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Role of specific IgE and skin-prick testing in predicting food challenge results to baked egg.

    PubMed

    Cortot, Catherine F; Sheehan, William J; Permaul, Perdita; Friedlander, James L; Baxi, Sachin N; Gaffin, Jonathan M; Dioun, Anahita F; Hoffman, Elaine B; Schneider, Lynda C; Phipatanakul, Wanda

    2012-01-01

    Previous studies suggest that children with egg allergy may be able to tolerate baked egg. Reliable predictors of a successful baked egg challenge are not well established. We examined egg white-specific IgE levels, skin-prick test (SPT) results, and age as predictors of baked egg oral food challenge (OFC) outcomes. We conducted a retrospective chart review of children, aged 2-18 years, receiving an egg white-specific IgE level, SPT, and OFC to baked egg from 2008 to 2010. Fifty-two oral baked egg challenges were conducted. Of the 52 challenges, 83% (n = 43) passed and 17% (n = 9) failed, including 2 having anaphylaxis. Median SPT wheal size was 12 mm (range, 0-35 mm) for passed challenges and 17 mm (range, 10-30 mm) for failed challenges (p = 0.091). The negative predictive value for passing the OFC was 100% (9 of 9) if SPT wheal size was <10 mm. Median egg white-specific IgE was 2.02 kU/L (range, <0.35-13.00 kU/L) for passed challenges and 1.52 kU/L (range, 0.51-6.10 kU/L) for failed challenges (p = 0.660). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for SPT revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.64. ROC curve analysis for egg white-specific IgE revealed an AUC of 0.63. There was no significant difference in age between patients who failed and those who passed (median = 8.8 years versus 7.0 years; p = 0.721). Based on our sample, SPT, egg white-specific IgE and age are not good predictors of passing a baked egg challenge. However, there was a trend for more predictability with SPT wheal size.

  12. An Anti-Electromagnetic Attack PUF Based on a Configurable Ring Oscillator for Wireless Sensor Networks

    PubMed Central

    Lu, Zhaojun; Li, Dongfang; Liu, Hailong; Gong, Mingyang; Liu, Zhenglin

    2017-01-01

    Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are an emerging technology employed in some crucial applications. However, limited resources and physical exposure to attackers make security a challenging issue for a WSN. Ring oscillator-based physical unclonable function (RO PUF) is a potential option to protect the security of sensor nodes because it is able to generate random responses efficiently for a key extraction mechanism, which prevents the non-volatile memory from storing secret keys. In order to deploy RO PUF in a WSN, hardware efficiency, randomness, uniqueness, and reliability should be taken into account. Besides, the resistance to electromagnetic (EM) analysis attack is important to guarantee the security of RO PUF itself. In this paper, we propose a novel architecture of configurable RO PUF based on exclusive-or (XOR) gates. First, it dramatically increases the hardware efficiency compared with other types of RO PUFs. Second, it mitigates the vulnerability to EM analysis attack by placing the adjacent RO arrays in accordance with the cosine wave and sine wave so that the frequency of each RO cannot be detected. We implement our proposal in XINLINX A-7 field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and conduct a set of experiments to evaluate the quality of the responses. The results show that responses pass the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) statistical test and have good uniqueness and reliability under different environments. Therefore, the proposed configurable RO PUF is suitable to establish a key extraction mechanism in a WSN. PMID:28914756

  13. An Anti-Electromagnetic Attack PUF Based on a Configurable Ring Oscillator for Wireless Sensor Networks.

    PubMed

    Lu, Zhaojun; Li, Dongfang; Liu, Hailong; Gong, Mingyang; Liu, Zhenglin

    2017-09-15

    Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are an emerging technology employed in some crucial applications. However, limited resources and physical exposure to attackers make security a challenging issue for a WSN. Ring oscillator-based physical unclonable function (RO PUF) is a potential option to protect the security of sensor nodes because it is able to generate random responses efficiently for a key extraction mechanism, which prevents the non-volatile memory from storing secret keys. In order to deploy RO PUF in a WSN, hardware efficiency, randomness, uniqueness, and reliability should be taken into account. Besides, the resistance to electromagnetic (EM) analysis attack is important to guarantee the security of RO PUF itself. In this paper, we propose a novel architecture of configurable RO PUF based on exclusive-or (XOR) gates. First, it dramatically increases the hardware efficiency compared with other types of RO PUFs. Second, it mitigates the vulnerability to EM analysis attack by placing the adjacent RO arrays in accordance with the cosine wave and sine wave so that the frequency of each RO cannot be detected. We implement our proposal in XINLINX A-7 field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and conduct a set of experiments to evaluate the quality of the responses. The results show that responses pass the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) statistical test and have good uniqueness and reliability under different environments. Therefore, the proposed configurable RO PUF is suitable to establish a key extraction mechanism in a WSN.

  14. Band-pass filtering algorithms for adaptive control of compressor pre-stall modes in aircraft gas-turbine engine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuznetsova, T. A.

    2018-05-01

    The methods for increasing gas-turbine aircraft engines' (GTE) adaptive properties to interference based on empowerment of automatic control systems (ACS) are analyzed. The flow pulsation in suction and a discharge line of the compressor, which may cause the stall, are considered as the interference. The algorithmic solution to the problem of GTE pre-stall modes’ control adapted to stability boundary is proposed. The aim of the study is to develop the band-pass filtering algorithms to provide the detection functions of the compressor pre-stall modes for ACS GTE. The characteristic feature of pre-stall effect is the increase of pressure pulsation amplitude over the impeller at the multiples of the rotor’ frequencies. The used method is based on a band-pass filter combining low-pass and high-pass digital filters. The impulse response of the high-pass filter is determined through a known low-pass filter impulse response by spectral inversion. The resulting transfer function of the second order band-pass filter (BPF) corresponds to a stable system. The two circuit implementations of BPF are synthesized. Designed band-pass filtering algorithms were tested in MATLAB environment. Comparative analysis of amplitude-frequency response of proposed implementation allows choosing the BPF scheme providing the best quality of filtration. The BPF reaction to the periodic sinusoidal signal, simulating the experimentally obtained pressure pulsation function in the pre-stall mode, was considered. The results of model experiment demonstrated the effectiveness of applying band-pass filtering algorithms as part of ACS to identify the pre-stall mode of the compressor for detection of pressure fluctuations’ peaks, characterizing the compressor’s approach to the stability boundary.

  15. Variational theory of the tapered impedance transformer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Erickson, Robert P.

    2018-02-01

    Superconducting amplifiers are key components of modern quantum information circuits. To minimize information loss and reduce oscillations, a tapered impedance transformer of new design is needed at the input/output for compliance with other 50 Ω components. We show that an optimal tapered transformer of length ℓ, joining the amplifier to the input line, can be constructed using a variational principle applied to the linearized Riccati equation describing the voltage reflection coefficient of the taper. For an incident signal of frequency ωo, the variational solution results in an infinite set of equivalent optimal transformers, each with the same form for the reflection coefficient, each able to eliminate input-line reflections. For the special case of optimal lossless transformers, the group velocity vg is shown to be constant, with characteristic impedance dependent on frequency ωc = πvg/ℓ. While these solutions inhibit input-line reflections only for frequency ωo, a subset of optimal lossless transformers with ωo significantly detuned from ωc does exhibit a wide bandpass. Specifically, by choosing ωo → 0 (ωo → ∞), we obtain a subset of optimal low-pass (high-pass) lossless tapers with bandwidth (0, ˜ ωc) [(˜ωc, ∞)]. From the subset of solutions, we derive both the wide-band low-pass and high-pass transformers, and we discuss the extent to which they can be realized given fabrication constraints. In particular, we demonstrate the superior reflection response of our high-pass transformer when compared to other taper designs. Our results have application to amplifiers, transceivers, and other components sensitive to impedance mismatch.

  16. Development and psychometric properties of the Y-PASS questionnaire to assess correlates of lunchtime and after-school physical activity in children

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background To frame interventions, it is useful to understand context- and time-specific correlates of children’s physical activity. To do this, we need accurate assessment of these correlates. There are currently no measures that assess correlates at all levels of the social ecological model, contain items that are specifically worded for the lunchtime and/or after-school time periods, and assess correlates that have been conceptualised and defined by children. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the lunchtime and after-school Youth Physical Activity Survey for Specific Settings (Y-PASS) questionnaires. Methods The Y-PASS questionnaire was administered to 264 South Australian children (146 boys, 118 girls; mean age = 11.7 ± 0.93 years). Factorial structure and internal consistency of the intrapersonal, sociocultural and physical environmental/policy lunchtime and after-school subscales were examined through an exploratory factor analysis. The test-retest reliability of the Y-PASS subscales was assessed over a one-week period on a subsample of children (lunchtime Y-PASS: n = 12 boys, 12 girls, mean age of 11.6 ± 0.8 years; after-school Y-PASS: n = 9 boys, 13 girls; mean age = 11.4 ± 0.9 years). Results For the lunchtime Y-PASS, three factors were identified under each of the intrapersonal, sociocultural and physical environmental/policy subscales. For the after-school Y-PASS, six factors were identified in the intrapersonal subscale, four factors in the sociocultural subscale and seven factors in the physical environmental/policy subscale. Following item reduction, all subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.78 – 0.85), except for the lunchtime sociocultural subscale (Cronbach alpha = 0.55). The factors and items demonstrated fair to very high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.26 – 0.93). Conclusion The preliminary reliability and factorial structure evidence suggests the Y-PASS correlate questionnaires are robust tools for measuring correlates of context-specific physical activity in children. The multi-dimensional factor structure provides justification for exploring physical activity correlates from a social ecological perspective and demonstrates the importance of developing items that are context specific. Further development and refinement of the Y-PASS questionnaires is recommended, including a confirmatory factor analysis and exploring the inclusion of additional items. PMID:24885601

  17. 40 CFR 86.1438 - Test run-EPA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... recall purposes. For recall program testing, in-use vehicles will be set to manufacturer's specifications... five seconds in any one excursion, except during the allowable engine-off periods. The total duration...-duty trucks. For recall testing, a pass or fail determination is made for each applicable test mode...

  18. Development of a Valid Volleyball Skills Test Battery.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bartlett, Jackie; And Others

    1991-01-01

    Describes the development of the North Carolina State University Volleyball Skills Test Battery which offers accurate measurement of three volleyball skills (serve, forearm pass, and set). When physical educators tested 313 students, the battery objectively measured their abilities, providing a gamelike means of teaching, testing, grouping, and…

  19. A Message Passing Approach to Side Chain Positioning with Applications in Protein Docking Refinement *

    PubMed Central

    Moghadasi, Mohammad; Kozakov, Dima; Mamonov, Artem B.; Vakili, Pirooz; Vajda, Sandor; Paschalidis, Ioannis Ch.

    2013-01-01

    We introduce a message-passing algorithm to solve the Side Chain Positioning (SCP) problem. SCP is a crucial component of protein docking refinement, which is a key step of an important class of problems in computational structural biology called protein docking. We model SCP as a combinatorial optimization problem and formulate it as a Maximum Weighted Independent Set (MWIS) problem. We then employ a modified and convergent belief-propagation algorithm to solve a relaxation of MWIS and develop randomized estimation heuristics that use the relaxed solution to obtain an effective MWIS feasible solution. Using a benchmark set of protein complexes we demonstrate that our approach leads to more accurate docking predictions compared to a baseline algorithm that does not solve the SCP. PMID:23515575

  20. Method and apparatus for measuring enrichment of UF6

    DOEpatents

    Hill, Thomas Roy [Santa Fe, NM; Ianakiev, Kiril Dimitrov [Los Alamos, NM

    2011-06-07

    A system and method are disclosed for determining the enrichment of .sup.235U in Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) utilizing synthesized X-rays which are directed at a container test zone containing a sample of UF6. A detector placed behind the container test zone then detects and counts the X-rays which pass through the container and the UF6. In order to determine the portion of the attenuation due to the UF6 gas alone, this count rate may then be compared to a calibration count rate of X-rays passing through a calibration test zone which contains a vacuum, the test zone having experienced substantially similar environmental conditions as the actual test zone. Alternatively, X-rays of two differing energy levels may be alternately directed at the container, where either the container or the UF6 has a high sensitivity to the difference in the energy levels, and the other having a low sensitivity.

  1. Patient safety and communication: a new assessment for doctors trained in countries where language differs from that of the host country: results of a pilot using a domain-based assessment.

    PubMed

    Cushing, Annie M; Ker, Jean S; Kinnersley, Paul; McKeown, Pascal; Silverman, Jonathan; Patterson, John; Westwood, Olwyn M R

    2014-06-01

    Global migration of healthcare workers places responsibility on employers to comply with legal employment rights whilst ensuring patient safety remains the central goal. We describe the pilot of a communication assessment designed for doctors who trained and communicated with patients and colleagues in a different language from that of the host country. It is unique in assessing clinical communication without assessing knowledge. A 14-station OSCE was developed using a domain-based marking scheme, covering professional communication and English language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) in routine, acute and emotionally challenging contexts, with patients, carers and healthcare teams. Candidates (n=43), non-UK trained volunteers applying to the UK Foundation Programme, were provided with relevant station information prior to the exam. The criteria for passing the test included achieving the pass score and passing 10 or more of the 14 stations. Of the 43 candidates, nine failed on the station criteria. Two failed the pass score and also the station criteria. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.866. This pilot tested 'proof of concept' of a new domain-based communication assessment for non-UK trained doctors. The test would enable employers and regulators to verify communication competence and safety in clinical contexts, independent of clinical knowledge, for doctors who trained in a language different from that of the host country. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. The Use of Peer Tutoring to Improve the Passing Rates in Mathematics Placement Exams of Engineering Students: A Success Story

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    García, Rolando; Morales, Juan C.; Rivera, Gloribel

    2014-01-01

    This paper describes a highly successful peer tutoring program that has resulted in an improvement in the passing rates of mathematics placement exams from 16% to 42%, on average. Statistical analyses were conducted using a Chi-Squared (?[superscript 2]) test for independence and the results were statistically significant (p-value much less than…

  3. Biomechanical effects of a 2 suture-pass medial inter-implant mattress on transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair and considerations for a "technical efficiency ratio".

    PubMed

    Park, Maxwell C; Peterson, Alexander; Patton, John; McGarry, Michelle H; Park, Chong J; Lee, Thay Q

    2014-03-01

    Rotator cuff repair involving fewer tendon suture passes without compromising biomechanical performance would represent a technical advancement. An inter-implant "medial pulley-mattress" transosseous-equivalent (MP-TOE) repair requiring fewer tendon suture-passes was hypothesized to provide equivalent biomechanical characteristics compared to the control. In 6 human cadaveric shoulders, a transosseous-equivalent (TOE) repair (control) was performed utilizing 2 separate medial mattresses resulting in 4 tendon-bridging sutures. In 6 matched-pairs, 2 single-loaded anchors were used to create a medial inter-implant mattress construct (all sutures shuttled in 1 tendon pass per anchor)-after knot-tying, the same tendon-bridging pattern as the control was created. A materials testing machine cyclically loaded each repair from 10-180 N for 30 cycles; each repair subsequently underwent failure testing. Gap and strain were measured with a video digitizing system. A "technical efficiency ratio" (TER) was defined as: (#knots + #suture passes + #suture limbs)/#fixation points. Cyclic and failure testing demonstrated no significant differences between constructs. Gap formation at cycle 30 was 5.3 ± 0.8 mm (TOE) and 5.0 ± 0.3 mm (MP-TOE) (P = .62). Cycle 30 anterior strain values were -16.0 ± 7.3% (TOE) and -15.8 ± 6.6% (MP-TOE) (P = .99). Yield loads were 208.7 ± 2.7 N (TOE) and 204.0 ± 1.3 N (MP-TOE) (P = .17). Mode of failure demonstrated less tendon cut-out with the MP-TOE repair. The MP-TOE repair has a TER of 2.0 vs 2.5 for the control. The MP-TOE repair requiring fewer tendon suture passes, yet creating an additional inter-implant mattress configuration, is biomechanically equivalent to the original TOE technique, and may limit failure with improved medial load-sharing capacity. A TER may help quantify technical ease and help standardize comparisons between repair techniques. Copyright © 2014 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. All rights reserved.

  4. Impact of a standardized test package on exit examination scores and NCLEX-RN outcomes.

    PubMed

    Homard, Catherine M

    2013-03-01

    The purpose of this ex post facto correlational study was to compare exit examination scores and NCLEX-RN(®) pass rates of baccalaureate nursing students who differed in level of participation in a standardized test package. Three cohort groups emerged as a standardized test package was introduced: (a) students who did not participate in a standardized test package; (b) students with two semesters of a standardized test package; and (c) students with four semesters of a standardized test package. Benner's novice-to-expert theory framed the study in the belief that students best acquire knowledge and skills through practice and reflection. Students participating in four semesters of a standardized test package demonstrated higher exit examination scores and NCLEX-RN pass rates compared with students who did not participate in this package. This study's results could inform nurse educators about strategies to facilitate nursing student success on exit examinations and the NCLEX-RN. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.

  5. Slow positron beam generator for lifetime studies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Singh, Jag J. (Inventor); Eftekhari, Abe (Inventor); St.clair, Terry L. (Inventor)

    1991-01-01

    A slow positron beam generator uses a conductive source residing between two test films. Moderator pieces are placed next to the test film on the opposite side of the conductive source. A voltage potential is applied between the moderator pieces and the conductive source. Incident energetic positrons: (1) are emitted from the conductive source; (2) are passed through test film; and (3) isotropically strike moderator pieces before diffusing out of the moderator pieces as slow positrons, respectively. The slow positrons diffusing out of moderator pieces are attracted to the conductive source which is held at an appropriate potential below the moderator pieces. The slow positrons have to pass through the test films before reaching the conductive source. A voltage is adjusted so that the potential difference between the moderator pieces and the conductive source forces the positrons to stop in the test films. Measurable annihilation radiation is emitted from the test film when positrons annihilate (combine) with electrons in the test film.

  6. 49 CFR 384.202 - Test standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... standards. No State shall authorize a person to operate a CMV unless such person passes a knowledge and driving skills test for the operation of a CMV in accordance with part 383 of this title. ...

  7. 49 CFR 384.202 - Test standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... standards. No State shall authorize a person to operate a CMV unless such person passes a knowledge and driving skills test for the operation of a CMV in accordance with part 383 of this title. ...

  8. 49 CFR 384.202 - Test standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... standards. No State shall authorize a person to operate a CMV unless such person passes a knowledge and driving skills test for the operation of a CMV in accordance with part 383 of this title. ...

  9. 14 CFR 65.79 - Skill requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... CERTIFICATION: AIRMEN OTHER THAN FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS Mechanics § 65.79 Skill requirements. Each applicant for a mechanic certificate or rating must pass an oral and a practical test on the rating he seeks. The tests...

  10. 14 CFR 65.79 - Skill requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... CERTIFICATION: AIRMEN OTHER THAN FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS Mechanics § 65.79 Skill requirements. Each applicant for a mechanic certificate or rating must pass an oral and a practical test on the rating he seeks. The tests...

  11. 14 CFR 65.79 - Skill requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... CERTIFICATION: AIRMEN OTHER THAN FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS Mechanics § 65.79 Skill requirements. Each applicant for a mechanic certificate or rating must pass an oral and a practical test on the rating he seeks. The tests...

  12. 14 CFR 65.79 - Skill requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... CERTIFICATION: AIRMEN OTHER THAN FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS Mechanics § 65.79 Skill requirements. Each applicant for a mechanic certificate or rating must pass an oral and a practical test on the rating he seeks. The tests...

  13. 14 CFR 65.79 - Skill requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... CERTIFICATION: AIRMEN OTHER THAN FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS Mechanics § 65.79 Skill requirements. Each applicant for a mechanic certificate or rating must pass an oral and a practical test on the rating he seeks. The tests...

  14. Intelligence Tests and the Immigration Act of 1924.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Snyderman, Mark; Herrnstein, R. J.

    1983-01-01

    An examination of the historical record fails to uncover any support for the claim that the racially biased Immigration Act of 1924 was passed with the help of the intelligence testing community. (GC)

  15. 46 CFR 160.066-12 - Operational tests.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Operational tests. 160.066-12 Section 160.066-12....066-12 Operational tests. (a) The procedure for conducting operational tests is described in figure (1). (1) An “accept lot” decision must be reached in order to pass the operational tests. (2) If a “reject...

  16. Ohio Proficiency Tests for Grade 12. Practice Test.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ohio State Dept. of Education, Columbus.

    High school seniors in Ohio who have passed all parts of the ninth-grade proficiency tests are required to take the twelfth-grade proficiency tests. These tests, in writing, reading, mathematics, citizenship, and science, are designed to measure twelfth-grade performance and to evaluate the learning that goes on between the minimum competencies of…

  17. 40 CFR 51.357 - Test procedures and standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Test procedures and standards. 51.357... Requirements § 51.357 Test procedures and standards. Written test procedures and pass/fail standards shall be established and followed for each model year and vehicle type included in the program. (a) Test procedure...

  18. 46 CFR 160.066-12 - Operational tests.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 6 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Operational tests. 160.066-12 Section 160.066-12....066-12 Operational tests. (a) The procedure for conducting operational tests is described in figure (1). (1) An “accept lot” decision must be reached in order to pass the operational tests. (2) If a “reject...

  19. Design, development, and testing of the DCT Cassegrain instrument support assembly

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bida, Thomas A.; Dunham, Edward W.; Nye, Ralph A.; Chylek, Tomas; Oliver, Richard C.

    2012-09-01

    The 4.3m Discovery Channel Telescope delivers an f/6.1 unvignetted 0.5° field to its RC focal plane. In order to support guiding, wavefront sensing, and instrument installations, a Cassegrain instrument support assembly has been developed which includes a facility guider and wavefront sensor package (GWAVES) and multiple interfaces for instrumentation. A 2-element, all-spherical, fused-silica corrector compensates for field curvature and astigmatism over the 0.5° FOV, while reducing ghost pupil reflections to minimal levels. Dual roving GWAVES camera probes pick off stars in the outer annulus of the corrected field, providing simultaneous guiding and wavefront sensing for telescope operations. The instrument cube supports 5 co-mounted instruments with rapid feed selection via deployable fold mirrors. The corrected beam passes through a dual filter wheel before imaging with the 6K x 6K single CCD of the Large Monolithic Imager (LMI). We describe key development strategies for the DCT Cassegrain instrument assembly and GWAVES, including construction of a prime focus test assembly with wavefront sensor utilized in fall 2011 to begin characterization of the DCT primary mirror support. We also report on 2012 on-sky test results of wavefront sensing, guiding, and imaging with the integrated Cassegrain cube.

  20. 40 CFR 797.1330 - Daphnid chronic toxicity test.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... an extended period of time. In this test guideline, mortality and reproduction (and optionally... exposure over a specified period of time. In this guideline, the effect measured is immobilization. (4..., wet weight) to the volume (liters) of test solution in a test chamber at a point in time or passing...

  1. Test Reviewing in Germany

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hagemeister, Carmen; Kersting, Martin; Stemmler, Gerhard

    2012-01-01

    In 2006, a (new) German standard for test reviewing was passed (Testkuratorium, 2006). There was already a European standard in place (European Federation of Psychologists' Associations, 2008). This article presents the German standard for test reviewing and explains how the German test review system was derived from demands in the German standard…

  2. 46 CFR 13.115 - Chemical testing requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Chemical testing requirements. 13.115 Section 13.115... TANKERMEN General § 13.115 Chemical testing requirements. Each applicant for an original tankerman endorsement must provide evidence of having passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs or of qualifying for an...

  3. 40 CFR 280.105 - Local government financial test.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Local government financial test. 280... STORAGE TANKS (UST) Financial Responsibility § 280.105 Local government financial test. (a) A local government owner or operator may satisfy the requirements of § 280.93 by passing the financial test specified...

  4. 40 CFR 280.105 - Local government financial test.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 27 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Local government financial test. 280... STORAGE TANKS (UST) Financial Responsibility § 280.105 Local government financial test. (a) A local government owner or operator may satisfy the requirements of § 280.93 by passing the financial test specified...

  5. 40 CFR 797.1330 - Daphnid chronic toxicity test.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... an extended period of time. In this test guideline, mortality and reproduction (and optionally... exposure over a specified period of time. In this guideline, the effect measured is immobilization. (4..., wet weight) to the volume (liters) of test solution in a test chamber at a point in time or passing...

  6. 40 CFR 797.1330 - Daphnid chronic toxicity test.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... an extended period of time. In this test guideline, mortality and reproduction (and optionally... exposure over a specified period of time. In this guideline, the effect measured is immobilization. (4..., wet weight) to the volume (liters) of test solution in a test chamber at a point in time or passing...

  7. 40 CFR 797.1330 - Daphnid chronic toxicity test.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... an extended period of time. In this test guideline, mortality and reproduction (and optionally... exposure over a specified period of time. In this guideline, the effect measured is immobilization. (4..., wet weight) to the volume (liters) of test solution in a test chamber at a point in time or passing...

  8. 40 CFR 797.1330 - Daphnid chronic toxicity test.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... an extended period of time. In this test guideline, mortality and reproduction (and optionally... exposure over a specified period of time. In this guideline, the effect measured is immobilization. (4..., wet weight) to the volume (liters) of test solution in a test chamber at a point in time or passing...

  9. Scanning ultrasonic probe

    DOEpatents

    Kupperman, David S.; Reimann, Karl J.

    1982-01-01

    The invention is an ultrasonic testing device for rapid and complete examination of the test specimen, and is particularly well suited for evaluation of tubular test geometries. A variety of defect categories may be detected and analyzed at one time and their positions accurately located in a single pass down the test specimen.

  10. Scanning ultrasonic probe

    DOEpatents

    Kupperman, D.S.; Reimann, K.J.

    1980-12-09

    The invention is an ultrasonic testing device for rapid and complete examination of the test specimen, and is particularly well suited for evaluation of tubular test geometries. A variety of defect categories may be detected and anlayzed at one time and their positions accurately located in a single pass down the test specimen.

  11. Development of advanced manufacturing technologies for low cost hydrogen storage vessels

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Leavitt, Mark; Lam, Patrick

    2014-12-29

    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) defined a need for low-cost gaseous hydrogen storage vessels at 700 bar to support cost goals aimed at 500,000 units per year. Existing filament winding processes produce a pressure vessel that is structurally inefficient, requiring more carbon fiber for manufacturing reasons, than would otherwise be necessary. Carbon fiber is the greatest cost driver in building a hydrogen pressure vessel. The objective of this project is to develop new methods for manufacturing Type IV pressure vessels for hydrogen storage with the purpose of lowering the overall product cost through an innovative hybrid process of optimizingmore » composite usage by combining traditional filament winding (FW) and advanced fiber placement (AFP) techniques. A numbers of vessels were manufactured in this project. The latest vessel design passed all the critical tests on the hybrid design per European Commission (EC) 79-2009 standard except the extreme temperature cycle test. The tests passed include burst test, cycle test, accelerated stress rupture test and drop test. It was discovered the location where AFP and FW overlap for load transfer could be weakened during hydraulic cycling at 85°C. To design a vessel that passed these tests, the in-house modeling software was updated to add capability to start and stop fiber layers to simulate the AFP process. The original in-house software was developed for filament winding only. Alternative fiber was also investigated in this project, but the added mass impacted the vessel cost negatively due to the lower performance from the alternative fiber. Overall the project was a success to show the hybrid design is a viable solution to reduce fiber usage, thus driving down the cost of fuel storage vessels. Based on DOE’s baseline vessel size of 147.3L and 91kg, the 129L vessel (scaled to DOE baseline) in this project shows a 32% composite savings and 20% cost savings when comparing Vessel 15 hybrid design and the Quantum baseline all filament wound vessel. Due to project timing, there was no additional time available to fine tune the design to improve the load transfer between AFP and FW. Further design modifications will likely help pass the extreme temperature cycle test, the remaining test that is critical to the hybrid design.« less

  12. Conversion and matched filter approximations for serial minimum-shift keyed modulation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ziemer, R. E.; Ryan, C. R.; Stilwell, J. H.

    1982-01-01

    Serial minimum-shift keyed (MSK) modulation, a technique for generating and detecting MSK using series filtering, is ideally suited for high data rate applications provided the required conversion and matched filters can be closely approximated. Low-pass implementations of these filters as parallel inphase- and quadrature-mixer structures are characterized in this paper in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) degradation from ideal and envelope deviation. Several hardware implementation techniques utilizing microwave devices or lumped elements are presented. Optimization of parameter values results in realizations whose SNR degradation is less than 0.5 dB at error probabilities of .000001.

  13. Challenges of post-authorization safety studies: Lessons learned and results of a French study of fentanyl buccal tablet.

    PubMed

    Gavrielov-Yusim, Natalie; Bidollari, Ilda; Kaplan, Sigal; Bartov, Netta

    2018-05-01

    Recruiting and retaining participants in real-world studies that collect primary data are challenging. This article illustrates these challenges using a post-authorization safety study (PASS) to assess adverse events (AEs) experienced with fentanyl buccal tablet (FBT) over 3 months of treatment. This was an observational, prospective, multicenter study in France conducted over 1 year. The study employed primary data collection in FBT-treated patients and their treating physicians via a site qualification questionnaire and patient log completed by physicians and a questionnaire and pain diary completed by patients. Strategies to increase participation included reminders, newsletters, frequent follow-up telephone calls, and reducing the extent of data collected. Of the 1118 physicians contacted who returned the participation form or responded to a telephone call, only 128 expressed willingness to participate. Key reasons for non-participation were lack of interest (69.7%) and FBT not being used in practice by the contacted physician (25.1%). Overall, 224 patients were screened by 31 physicians, and 97 were enrolled. Key reasons for patient non-inclusion were unwillingness or inability to complete the patient AE diary or questionnaire (40.9% [52/127]) and patients' decision (33.9% [43/127]). Despite efforts to increase participation, enrollment in this study was low. Recruitment and retention methods are limited in their capacity to optimally execute a primary data collection in a PASS. For a PASS to provide reliable and valid information on medication use, involvement from health care agencies, regulators, and pharmaceutical companies is needed to establish their importance, drive study participation, and reduce patient withdrawal. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  14. A testing program to evaluate the effects of simulant mixed wastes on plastic transportation packaging components

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nigrey, P.J.; Dickens, T.G.; Dickman, P.T.

    1997-08-01

    Based on regulatory requirements for Type A and B radioactive material packaging, a Testing Program was developed to evaluate the effects of mixed wastes on plastic materials which could be used as liners and seals in transportation containers. The plastics evaluated in this program were butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer (Nitrile rubber), cross-linked polyethylene, epichlorohydrin, ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), fluorocarbons, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), butyl rubber, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). These plastics were first screened in four simulant mixed wastes. The liner materials were screened using specific gravity measurements and seal materials by vapor transport rate (VTR) measurements. For the screening of linermore » materials, Kel-F, HDPE, and XLPE were found to offer the greatest resistance to the combination of radiation and chemicals. The tests also indicated that while all seal materials passed exposure to the aqueous simulant mixed waste, EPDM and SBR had the lowest VTRs. In the chlorinated hydrocarbon simulant mixed waste, only Viton passed the screening tests. In both the simulant scintillation fluid mixed waste and the ketone mixture waste, none of the seal materials met the screening criteria. Those materials which passed the screening tests were subjected to further comprehensive testing in each of the simulant wastes. The materials were exposed to four different radiation doses followed by exposure to a simulant mixed waste at three temperatures and four different exposure times (7, 14, 28, 180 days). Materials were tested by measuring specific gravity, dimensional, hardness, stress cracking, VTR, compression set, and tensile properties. The second phase of this Testing Program involving the comprehensive testing of plastic liner has been completed and for seal materials is currently in progress.« less

  15. Hunter-Killer Teams: Attacking Enemy Safe Havens

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-01-01

    previous practitioners through the venue of lessons learned passed on generationally. U.S. Army operations against the Southwest Indians, the Texas...much had been learned by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) conducting guerrilla warfare activities. Prior to the Vietnam War, it was the...type formations throughout U.S. history to derive the advantages and disadvantages of their use, to capture key lessons learned about their

  16. Regional Sediment Management (RSM) Assessment of Longboat Pass, Manatee County, FL

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-06-01

    determine the best channel configuration for navigation and most appropriate beneficial use of dredged sediments (the primary criteria used to... channel following the Authorized Channel configuration, and placing sediment on Longboat Key in conjunction with coastal structures to maintain the...use of dredged sediments (the two primary criteria used to evaluate the channel alternatives). RESULTS: Historical and present ebb shoal planform

  17. $75 Billion in Formula Grants Failed to Drive Reform. Can $5 Billion in Competitive Grants Do the Job? Education Stimulus Watch. Special Report 2

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smarick, Andy

    2009-01-01

    In early 2009, Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the federal government's nearly $800 billion stimulus legislation. According to key members of Congress and the Obama administration, the education portions of the law, totaling about $100 billion, were designed both to…

  18. American Labor in U.S. History Textbooks: How Labor's Story Is Distorted in High School History Textbooks

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cole, Paul F.; Megivern, Lori; Hilgert, Jeff

    2011-01-01

    Imagine opening a high school U.S. history textbook and finding no mention of--or at most a passing sentence about--Valley Forge, the Missouri Compromise, or the League of Nations. Imagine not finding a word about Benjamin Franklin, Lewis and Clark, Sitting Bull, Andrew Carnegie, or Rosa Parks. Imagine if these key events and people just…

  19. School Choice Issues in Indiana: Sifting through the Rhetoric. Education Policy Brief. Volume 9, Number 3

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Billick, Rebecca L.; Hiller, Stephen C.; Spradlin, Terry E.

    2011-01-01

    This year Indiana joined over a dozen other states in adopting Friedman's principles by passing what many believe to be the most comprehensive school choice program in the country. With the enactment of three key bills (HEA 1001, HEA 1003, and HEA 1004), Indiana parents may now take advantage of a school expenditure tax deduction, school…

  20. The Transnational Idea of University Autonomy and the Reform of the Finnish Universities Act

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Piironen, Ossi

    2013-01-01

    In 2009, the Finnish parliament passed a new Universities Act that aimed to strengthen the institutional autonomy of the country's universities. But why and how did the idea of autonomy come to frame the reform agenda in the overt way it did? In analysing a sample of authoritative policy and strategy papers by the key stakeholders in the higher…

  1. Association between unsafe driving performance and cognitive-perceptual dysfunction in older drivers.

    PubMed

    Park, Si-Woon; Choi, Eun Seok; Lim, Mun Hee; Kim, Eun Joo; Hwang, Sung Il; Choi, Kyung-In; Yoo, Hyun-Chul; Lee, Kuem Ju; Jung, Hi-Eun

    2011-03-01

    To find an association between cognitive-perceptual problems of older drivers and unsafe driving performance during simulated automobile driving in a virtual environment. Cross-sectional study. A driver evaluation clinic in a rehabilitation hospital. Fifty-five drivers aged 65 years or older and 48 drivers in their late twenties to early forties. All participants underwent evaluation of cognitive-perceptual function and driving performance, and the results were compared between older and younger drivers. The association between cognitive-perceptual function and driving performance was analyzed. Cognitive-perceptual function was evaluated with the Cognitive Perceptual Assessment for Driving (CPAD), a computer-based assessment tool consisting of depth perception, sustained attention, divided attention, the Stroop test, the digit span test, field dependency, and trail-making test A and B. Driving performance was evaluated with use of a virtual reality-based driving simulator. During simulated driving, car crashes were recorded, and an occupational therapist observed unsafe performances in controlling speed, braking, steering, vehicle positioning, making lane changes, and making turns. Thirty-five older drivers did not pass the CPAD test, whereas all of the younger drivers passed the test. When using the driving simulator, a significantly greater number of older drivers experienced car crashes and demonstrated unsafe performance in controlling speed, steering, and making lane changes. CPAD results were associated with car crashes, steering, vehicle positioning, and making lane changes. Older drivers who did not pass the CPAD test are 4 times more likely to experience a car crash, 3.5 times more likely to make errors in steering, 2.8 times more likely to make errors in vehicle positioning, and 6.5 times more likely to make errors in lane changes than are drivers who passed the CPAD test. Unsafe driving performance and car crashes during simulated driving were more prevalent in older drivers than in younger drivers. Unsafe performance in steering, vehicle positioning, making lane changes, and car crashes were associated with cognitive-perceptual dysfunction. Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Cigarette Smoke Cadmium Breakthrough from Traditional Filters: Implications for Exposure

    PubMed Central

    Pappas, R. Steven; Fresquez, Mark R.; Watson, Clifford H.

    2015-01-01

    Cadmium, a carcinogenic metal, is highly toxic to renal, skeletal, nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. Accurate and precise quantification of mainstream smoke cadmium levels in cigarette smoke is important because of exposure concerns. The two most common trapping techniques for collecting mainstream tobacco smoke particulate for analysis are glass fiber filters and electrostatic precipitators. We observed that a significant portion of total cadmium passed through standard glass fiber filters that are used to trap particulate matter. We therefore developed platinum traps to collect the cadmium that passed through the filters and tested a variety of cigarettes with different physical parameters for quantities of cadmium that passed though the filters. We found less than 1% cadmium passed through electrostatic precipitators. In contrast, cadmium that passed through 92 mm glass fiber filters on a rotary smoking machine was significantly higher, ranging from 3.5% to 22.9% of total smoke cadmium deliveries. Cadmium passed through 44 mm filters typically used on linear smoking machines to an even greater degree, ranging from 13.6% to 30.4% of the total smoke cadmium deliveries. Differences in the cadmium that passed through from the glass fiber filters and electrostatic precipitator could be explained in part if cadmium resides in the smaller mainstream smoke aerosol particle sizes. Differences in particle size distribution could have toxicological implications and could help explain the pulmonary and cardiovascular cadmium uptake in smokers. PMID:25313385

  3. Repeated Assessments of Informed Consent Comprehension among HIV-Infected Participants of a Three-Year Clinical Trial in Botswana

    PubMed Central

    Chaisson, Lelia H.; Kass, Nancy E.; Chengeta, Bafanana; Mathebula, Unami; Samandari, Taraz

    2011-01-01

    Background Informed consent (IC) has been an international standard for decades for the ethical conduct of clinical trials. Yet frequently study participants have incomplete understanding of key issues, a problem exacerbated by language barriers or lack of familiarity with research concepts. Few investigators measure participant comprehension of IC, while even fewer conduct interim assessments once a trial is underway. Methods and Findings We assessed comprehension of IC using a 20-question true/false quiz administered in 6-month intervals in the context of a placebo-controlled, randomized trial for the prevention of tuberculosis among HIV-infected adults in Botswana (2004–2009). Quizzes were offered in both Setswana and English. To enroll in the TB trial, participants were required to have ≥16/20 correct responses. We examined concepts understood and the degree to which understanding changed over three-years. We analyzed 5,555 quizzes from 1,835 participants. The participants' highest education levels were: 28% primary, 59% secondary, 9% tertiary and 7% no formal education. Eighty percent of participants passed the enrollment quiz (Quiz1) on their first attempt and the remainder passed on their second attempt. Those having higher than primary education and those who took the quiz in English were more likely to receive a passing score on their first attempt (adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, 3.1 (2.4–4.0) and 1.5 (1.2, 1.9), respectively). The trial's purpose or procedures were understood by 90–100% of participants, while 44–77% understood randomization, placebos, or risks. Participants who failed Quiz1 on their initial attempt were more likely to fail quizzes later in the trial. Pass rates improved with quiz re-administration in subsequent years. Conclusions Administration of a comprehension quiz at enrollment and during follow-up was feasible in a large, international collaboration and efficiently determined IC comprehension by trial participants. Strategies to improve understanding of concepts like placebos and randomization are needed. Comprehension assessments throughout a study may reinforce key concepts. PMID:22046230

  4. New developments in supra-threshold perimetry.

    PubMed

    Henson, David B; Artes, Paul H

    2002-09-01

    To describe a series of recent enhancements to supra-threshold perimetry. Computer simulations were used to develop an improved algorithm (HEART) for the setting of the supra-threshold test intensity at the beginning of a field test, and to evaluate the relationship between various pass/fail criteria and the test's performance (sensitivity and specificity) and how they compare with modern threshold perimetry. Data were collected in optometric practices to evaluate HEART and to assess how the patient's response times can be analysed to detect false positive response errors in visual field test results. The HEART algorithm shows improved performance (reduced between-eye differences) over current algorithms. A pass/fail criterion of '3 stimuli seen of 3-5 presentations' at each test location reduces test/retest variability and combines high sensitivity and specificity. A large percentage of false positive responses can be detected by comparing their latencies to the average response time of a patient. Optimised supra-threshold visual field tests can perform as well as modern threshold techniques. Such tests may be easier to perform for novice patients, compared with the more demanding threshold tests.

  5. United States 1st Armored Division and Mission Command at the Battle of Faid Pass

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-04-13

    on January 30, 1943. It would begin its second test , the Battle of Kasserine Pass, on February 14, 1943 in similar fashion. Despite its initial...with the execution of Operation Torch. It would see the campaign to its conclusion on May 13, 1943 with the surrender of the German Army Group ... Pre -deployment training: July 1940-November 1942 ................................................................... 15 Strategic, operational, and

  6. Why I Force My Students to Memorize Poetry: Despite the Fact that It Won't Be on the Standardized Test

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Waddell, Andy

    2011-01-01

    So often teachers see education as a series of units leading to an examination, which will in turn prepare students for the SATs or APs they need to pass to enter university where, if they pass other examinations, they will graduate and earn large incomes. Teachers hold those future earnings before their students like a carrot while beating them…

  7. Construction of mathematical model for measuring material concentration by colorimetric method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Bing; Gao, Lingceng; Yu, Kairong; Tan, Xianghua

    2018-06-01

    This paper use the method of multiple linear regression to discuss the data of C problem of mathematical modeling in 2017. First, we have established a regression model for the concentration of 5 substances. But only the regression model of the substance concentration of urea in milk can pass through the significance test. The regression model established by the second sets of data can pass the significance test. But this model exists serious multicollinearity. We have improved the model by principal component analysis. The improved model is used to control the system so that it is possible to measure the concentration of material by direct colorimetric method.

  8. Scaling of theory-of-mind tasks.

    PubMed

    Wellman, Henry M; Liu, David

    2004-01-01

    Two studies address the sequence of understandings evident in preschoolers' developing theory of mind. The first, preliminary study provides a meta-analysis of research comparing different types of mental state understandings (e.g., desires vs. beliefs, ignorance vs. false belief). The second, primary study tests a theory-of-mind scale for preschoolers. In this study 75 children (aged 2 years, 11 months to 6 years, 6 months) were tested on 7 tasks tapping different aspects of understanding persons' mental states. Responses formed a consistent developmental progression, where for most children if they passed a later item they passed all earlier items as well, as confirmed by Guttman and Rasch measurement model analyses.

  9. ER@CEBAF: A test of 5-pass energy recovery at CEBAF

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bogacz, S. A.; Douglas, D.; Dubbe, C.

    2016-06-06

    Jefferson Lab personnel have broad expertise in the design, commissioning, and operation of multiple energy recovery linacs (ERLs): the CEBAF Front-End Test (early 1990s), CEBAF-ER (2003), the IR Free Electron Laser (FEL) Demo, the IR FEL Upgrade, and the UV FEL Driver (1997-2014). Continued development of this core competency has led to this collaborative proposal to explore the forefronts of ERL technology at high energy in a unique expansion of CEBAF capability to a 5-pass ERL with negligible switchover time and programmatic impact to the CEBAF physics program. Such a capability would enable world-class studies of open issues in high-energymore » ERL beam dynamics that are relevant to future facilities such as electron-ion colliders (EICs). This proposal requests support from the CEBAF Program Advisory Committee to seek funding for hardware installation, and a prospective 12 days of beam time circa Fall 2018 for commissioning this high-energy multi-pass ERL experiment in CEBAF.« less

  10. Mechanical properties of orthodontic wires covered with a polyether ether ketone tube.

    PubMed

    Shirakawa, Nobukazu; Iwata, Toshio; Miyake, Shinjiro; Otuka, Takero; Koizumi, So; Kawata, Toshitugu

    2018-03-21

    To evaluate the esthetics and frictional force of an orthodontic wire passed through a newly designed tube made of a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) resin. Two types of standard PEEK tubes were prepared at 0.5 × 0.6ф and 0.8 × 0.9ф, and different archwires were passed through the tubes. Color values were determined according to brightness and hues. Friction was assessed with different bracket-wire combinations, and surface roughness was determined by stereomicroscopy before and after the application of friction. The PEEK tube showed a color difference that was almost identical to that of coated wires conventionally used in clinical practice, indicating a sufficient esthetic property. The result of the friction test showed that the frictional force was greatly reduced by passing the archwire through the PEEK tube in almost all of the archwires tested. Use of the new PEEK tube demonstrated a good combination of esthetic and functional properties for use in orthodontic appliances.

  11. Width and center-axis location of the radioactive plume that passed over Dolon and nearby villages on the occasion of the first USSR A-bomb test in 1949.

    PubMed

    Imanaka, Tetsuji; Fukutani, Satoshi; Yamamoto, Masayoshi; Sakaguchi, Aya; Hoshi, Masaharu

    2005-12-01

    In relation to the efforts to reconstruct the radiation dose in Dolon village, which was affected by the first USSR atomic bomb test in 1949 at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, the width and the center-axis location of the radioactive plume were investigated based on the soil contamination data around Dolon and the nearby villages. Assuming that the radioactive plume passed over along a straight line from the ground zero point to this area, the spatial distributions of soil contamination were plotted as a function of the perpendicular distance from the supposed center-axis of the plume. In total 83 and 52 soil contamination data were available for 137Cs and 239,240Pu, respectively. The plotted distribution formed a peak-like shape both for 137Cs and 239,240Pu. A Gaussian function drawn so as to envelop the points plotted for 239,240Pu indicated that the central part of the radioactive plume passed over the residential area of Dolon with a sigma value of 1.5 km. Additional soil contamination data around Dolon and other villages are necessary for more detailed discussion.

  12. Chip and scrub seal field test results for Hwy 17 and Hwy 35.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2009-11-09

    This report contains field test results from two pavements located in Mississippi containing chip seals and scrub seals. Limestone aggregate from the same source was used with PASS-CR emulsion. The pavements were tested at three intervals. One or bot...

  13. Drunk driving warning system (DDWS). Volume 2, Field test evaluation

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1983-12-01

    The Drunk Driving Warning System (DDWS) is a vehicle-mounted device for testing driver impairment and activating alarms. The driver must pass a steering competency test (the Critical Tracking Task or CTT) in order to drive the car in a normal manner....

  14. A Manual Control Test for the Detection and Deterrence of Impaired Drivers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stein, A. C.; Allen, R. W.; Jex, H. R.

    1984-01-01

    A brief manual control test and a decision strategy were developed, laboratory tested, and field validated which provide a means for detecting human operator impairment from alcohol or other drugs. The test requires the operator to stabilize progressively unstable controlled element dynamics. Control theory and experimental data verify that the human operator's control ability on this task is constrained by basic cybernetic characteristics, and that task performance is reliably affected by impairment effects on these characteristics. Assessment of human operator control ability is determined by a statistically based decision strategy. The operator is allowed several chances to exceed a preset pass criterion. Procedures are described for setting the pass criterion based on individual ability and a desired unimpaired failure rate. These procedures were field tested with apparatus installed in automobiles that were designed to discourage drunk drivers from operating their vehicles. This test program demonstrated that the control task and detection strategy could be applied in a practical setting to screen human operators for impairment in their basic cybernetic skills.

  15. Effects of the I-PASS Nursing Handoff Bundle on communication quality and workflow.

    PubMed

    Starmer, Amy J; Schnock, Kumiko O; Lyons, Aimee; Hehn, Rebecca S; Graham, Dionne A; Keohane, Carol; Landrigan, Christopher P

    2017-12-01

    Handoff communication errors are a leading source of sentinel events. We sought to determine the impact of a handoff improvement programme for nurses. We conducted a prospective pre-post intervention study on a paediatric intensive care unit in 2011-2012. The I-PASS Nursing Handoff Bundle intervention consisted of educational training, verbal handoff I-PASS mnemonic implementation, and visual materials to provide reinforcement and sustainability. We developed handoff direct observation and time motion workflow assessment tools to measure: (1) quality of the verbal handoff, including interruption frequency and presence of key handoff data elements; and (2) duration of handoff and other workflow activities. I-PASS implementation was associated with improvements in verbal handoff communications, including inclusion of illness severity assessment (37% preintervention vs 67% postintervention, p=0.001), patient summary (81% vs 95%, p=0.05), to do list (35% vs 100%, p<0.001) and an opportunity for the receiving nurse to ask questions (34% vs 73%, p<0.001). Overall, 13/21 (62%) of verbal handoff data elements were more likely to be present following implementation whereas no data elements were less likely present. Implementation was associated with a decrease in interruption frequency pre versus post intervention (67% vs 40% of handoffs with interruptions, p=0.005) without a change in the median handoff duration (18.8 min vs 19.9 min, p=0.48) or changes in time spent in direct or indirect patient care activities. Implementation of the I-PASS Nursing Handoff Bundle was associated with widespread improvements in the verbal handoff process without a negative impact on nursing workflow. Implementation of I-PASS for nurses may therefore have the potential to significantly reduce medical errors and improve patient safety. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  16. Plastic mechanism of multi-pass double-roller clamping spinning for arc-shaped surface flange

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fan, Shuqin; Zhao, Shengdun; Zhang, Qi; Li, Yongyi

    2013-11-01

    Compared with the conventional single-roller spinning process, the double-roller clamping spinning(DRCS) process can effectively prevent the sheet metal surface wrinkling and improve the the production efficiency and the shape precision of final spun part. Based on ABAQUS/Explicit nonlinear finite element software, the finite element model of the multi-pass DRCS for the sheet metal is established, and the material model, the contact definition, the mesh generation, the loading trajectory and other key technical problems are solved. The simulations on the multi-pass DRCS of the ordinary Q235A steel cylindrical part with the arc-shaped surface flange are carried out. The effects of number of spinning passes on the production efficiency, the spinning moment, the shape error of the workpiece, and the wall thickness distribution of the final part are obtained. It is indicated definitely that with the increase of the number of spinning passes the geometrical precision of the spun part increases while the production efficiency reduces. Moreover, the variations of the spinning forces and the distributions of the stresses, strains, wall thickness during the multi-pass DRCS process are revealed. It is indicated that during the DRCS process the radical force is the largest, and the whole deformation area shows the tangential tensile strain and the radial compressive strain, while the thickness strain changes along the generatrix directions from the compressive strain on the outer edge of the flange to the tensile strain on the inner edge of the flange. Based on the G-CNC6135 NC lathe, the three-axis linkage computer-controlled experimental device for DRCS which is driven by the AC servo motor is developed. And then using the experimental device, the Q235A cylindrical parts with the arc-shape surface flange are formed by the DRCS. The simulation results of spun parts have good consistency with the experimental results, which verifies the feasibility of DRCS process and the reliability of the finite element model for DRCS.

  17. Comparison of damage to live v. euthanized Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts from passage through an Archimedean screw turbine.

    PubMed

    Brackley, R; Lucas, M C; Thomas, R; Adams, C E; Bean, C W

    2018-05-01

    This study assessed the usefulness of passing euthanized Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts through an Archimedean screw turbine to test for external damage, as compared with live, actively swimming smolts. Scale loss was the only observed effect. Severe scale loss was 5·9 times more prevalent in euthanized turbine-passed fish (45%) than the live fish (7·6%). Additionally, distinctive patterns of scale loss, consistent with grinding between the turbine helices and housing trough, were observed in 35% of euthanized turbine-passed smolts. This distinctive pattern of scale loss was not seen in live turbine-passed smolts, nor in control groups (live and euthanized smolts released downstream of the turbine), which suggests that the altered behaviour of dead fish in turbine flows generates biased injury outcomes. © 2018 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

  18. Development of Ocean Acidification Flow-Thru Experimental Raceway Units (OAFTERU): Simulating the Future Reefs in the Keys Today

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hall, E. R.; Vaughan, D.; Crosby, M. P.

    2011-12-01

    Ocean acidification, a consequence of anthropogenic CO2 production due to fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and cement production, has been referred to as "the other CO2 problem" and is receiving much attention in marine science and public policy communities. Critical needs that have been identified by top climate change and marine scientists include using projected pCO2 (partial pressure of CO2 in seawater) levels in manipulative experiments to determine physiological indices of ecologically important species, such as corals. Coral reefs were one of the first ecosystems to be documented as susceptible to ocean acidification. The Florida Keys reef system has already experienced a long-term deterioration, resulting in increased calls for large scale coral reef ecosystem restoration of these critical resources. It has also been speculated that this decline in reef ecosystem health may be exacerbated by increasing atmospheric CO2 levels with resulting ocean acidification. Therefore, reef resilience to ocean acidification and the potential for successful restoration of these systems under forecasted long-term modified pH conditions in the Florida Keys is of great concern. Many studies for testing effects of ocean acidification on corals have already been established and tested. However, many employ pH modification experimental designs that include addition of acid to seawater which may not mimic conditions of climate change induced ocean acidification. It would be beneficial to develop and maintain an ocean acidification testing system more representative of climate change induced changes, and specific to organisms and ecosystems indigenous to the Florida Keys reef tract. The Mote Marine Laboratory research facility in Summerland Key, FL has an established deep well from which its supply of seawater is obtained. This unique source of seawater is 80 feet deep, "fossil" marine water. It is pumped from the on-site aquifer aerated to reduce H2S and ammonia, and passed through filters for biofiltration, and clarification. The resulting water has a pH that is relatively acidic (pH around 7.6, pCO2 ranging from 200 to 2000 μatm). However, further aeration will adjust the pH of the water, by driving off more CO2, yielding pH levels at varying levels between 7.6 and present day values (>8.0-8.4). We are currently testing methods for utilizing this unique seawater system as the foundation for manipulative ocean acidification studies with Florida Keys corals and other reef ecosystem species in both flow-through and large mesocosm-based designs. Advance knowledge of potential climate-driven trends in coral growth and health will permit improved modeling for prediction and more effectively guide policy decisions for how financial resources should be directed to protection and restoration of coral reef ecosystems. Developing such longterm research infrastructure at the existing Mote Marine Laboratory Summerland Key facility will provide an optimum global research center for examining and modeling effects of ocean acidification on corals as well as other important estuarine and marine species.

  19. Does academic assessment system type affect levels of academic stress in medical students? A cross-sectional study from Pakistan.

    PubMed

    Ali, Madiha; Asim, Hamna; Edhi, Ahmed Iqbal; Hashmi, Muhammad Daniyal; Khan, Muhammad Shahjahan; Naz, Farah; Qaiser, Kanza Noor; Qureshi, Sidra Masud; Zahid, Mohammad Faizan; Jehan, Imtiaz

    2015-01-01

    Stress among medical students induced by academic pressures is on the rise among the student population in Pakistan and other parts of the world. Our study examined the relationship between two different systems employed to assess academic performance and the levels of stress among students at two different medical schools in Karachi, Pakistan. A sample consisting of 387 medical students enrolled in pre-clinical years was taken from two universities, one employing the semester examination system with grade point average (GPA) scores (a tiered system) and the other employing an annual examination system with only pass/fail grading. A pre-designed, self-administered questionnaire was distributed. Test anxiety levels were assessed by The Westside Test Anxiety Scale (WTAS). Overall stress was evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). There were 82 males and 301 females while four did not respond to the gender question. The mean age of the entire cohort was 19.7 ± 1.0 years. A total of 98 participants were from the pass/fail assessment system while 289 were from the GPA system. There was a higher proportion of females in the GPA system (85% vs. 59%; p < 0.01). Students in the pass/fail assessment system had a lower score on the WTAS (2.4 ± 0.8 vs. 2.8 ± 0.7; p = 0.01) and the PSS (17.0 ± 6.7 vs. 20.3 ± 6.8; p < 0.01), indicating lower levels of test anxiety and overall stress than in students enrolled in the GPA assessment system. More students in the pass/fail system were satisfied with their performance than those in the GPA system. Based on the present study, we suggest governing bodies to revise and employ a uniform assessment system for all the medical colleges to improve student academic performance and at the same time reduce stress levels. Our results indicate that the pass/fail assessment system accomplishes these objectives.

  20. Double-pass measurement of human eye aberrations: limitations and practical realization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Letfullin, Renat R.; Belyakov, Alexey I.; Cherezova, Tatyana Y.; Kudryashov, Alexis V.

    2004-11-01

    The problem of correct eye aberrations measurement is very important with the rising widespread of a surgical procedure for reducing refractive error in the eye, so called, LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis). The double-pass technique commonly used for measuring aberrations of a human eye involves some uncertainties. One of them is loosing the information about odd human eye aberrations. We report about investigations of the applicability limit of the double-pass measurements depending upon the aberrations status introduced by human eye and actual size of the entrance pupil. We evaluate the double-pass effects for various aberrations and different pupil diameters. It is shown that for small pupils the double-pass effects are negligible. The testing and alignment of aberrometer was performed using the schematic eye, developed in our lab. We also introduced a model of human eye based on bimorph flexible mirror. We perform calculations to demonstrate that our schematic eye is capable of reproducing spatial-temporal statistics of aberrations of living eye with normal vision or even myopic or hypermetropic or with high aberrations ones.

  1. Analysis of the NASA/MSFC Airborne Doppler Lidar results from San Gorgonio Pass, California

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cliff, W. C.; Skarda, J. R.; Renne, D. S.; Sandusky, W. F.

    1984-01-01

    Two days during July of 1981 the NASA/MSFC Airborne Doppler Lidar System (ADLS) was flown aboard the NASA/AMES Convair 990 on the east side of San Gorgonio Pass California, near Palm Springs, to measure and investigate the accelerated atmospheric wind field discharging from the pass. The vertical and horizontal extent of the fast moving atmospheric flow discharging from the San Gorgonio Pass were examined. Conventional ground measurements were also taken during the tests to assist in validating the ADLS results. This particular region is recognized as a high wind resource region and, as such, a knowledge of the horizontal and vertical extent of this flow was of interest for wind energy applications. The statistics of the atmospheric flow field itself as it discharges from the pass and then spreads out over the desert were also of scientific interests. This data provided the first spatial data for ensemble averaging of spatial correlations to compute longitudinal and lateral integral length scales in the longitudinal and lateral directions for both components.

  2. Secchi disk observation with spectral-selective glasses in blue and green waters.

    PubMed

    Lee, Zhongping; Shang, Shaoling; Lin, Gong; Liu, Tongtong; Liu, Yangyang; Du, Keping; Luis, Kelly

    2017-08-21

    Radiative transfer modeling of Secchi disk observations has historically been based on conjugated signals of eye response and radiance, where water's attenuation in the entire visible band is included in the attenuation when deciding the Secchi disk depth in water. Aas et al. [Ocean Sci.10(2), 177 (2014)Remote Sens. Environ.169, 139 (2015)] hypothesized that it is actually the attenuation in water's transparent window that matters to the observation of a Secchi disk in water. To test this hypothesis, observations of Secchi disks in blue and green waters were conducted via naked eyes, blue-pass glasses, and green-pass glasses. Measurement results indicate that for blue waters, the observed Secchi depths via naked eyes match the depths obtained with blue-pass glasses and much deeper than the depths with green-pass glasses, although the green-pass glasses match the highest response of human eyes. These observations experimentally support the hypothesis that our eye-brain system uses the contrast information in the transparent window to make a judgement decision regarding sighting a Secchi disk in water.

  3. The Case for Multiple Measures. Info Brief. Number 52

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fuller, Dan; Fitzgerald, Kevin; Lee, Ji Sun

    2008-01-01

    What is the best use for tests? Testing should provide insight and information to educators and students. The primary purpose of testing is to inform teaching and learning. Yet, for too many schools, testing has been perverted to accommodate only measurement. Lesson plans are built around helping students pass the tests. In many instances, schools…

  4. How Have State Level Standards-Based Tests Related to Norm-Referenced Tests in Alaska?.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fenton, Ray

    This overview of the Alaska system for test development, scoring, and reporting explored differences and similarities between norm-referenced and standards-based tests. The current Alaska testing program is based on legislation passed in 1997 and 1998, and is designed to meet the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Legislation. In…

  5. 49 CFR 572.72 - Head assembly and test procedure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... a test probe conforming to § 572.77(a)(1) at 7 feet per second (fps) according to the test procedure... the test probe so that its longitudinal center line is— (i) At the forehead at the point of orthogonal... and midsagittal planes passing through this point. (3) Impact the head with the test probe so that at...

  6. 49 CFR 572.72 - Head assembly and test procedure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... a test probe conforming to § 572.77(a)(1) at 7 feet per second (fps) according to the test procedure... the test probe so that its longitudinal center line is— (i) At the forehead at the point of orthogonal... and midsagittal planes passing through this point. (3) Impact the head with the test probe so that at...

  7. 49 CFR 572.72 - Head assembly and test procedure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... a test probe conforming to § 572.77(a)(1) at 7 feet per second (fps) according to the test procedure... the test probe so that its longitudinal center line is— (i) At the forehead at the point of orthogonal... and midsagittal planes passing through this point. (3) Impact the head with the test probe so that at...

  8. 49 CFR 572.72 - Head assembly and test procedure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... a test probe conforming to § 572.77(a)(1) at 7 feet per second (fps) according to the test procedure... the test probe so that its longitudinal center line is— (i) At the forehead at the point of orthogonal... and midsagittal planes passing through this point. (3) Impact the head with the test probe so that at...

  9. Is the Federal Government Jumping on the Criterion-Referenced Testing Bandwagon?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Buck, Lawrence S.

    The increasing use of criterion referenced testing (CRT) among the various branches of the federal government is described. The requirements of the merit system have tended to promote the use of norm referenced tests except for uses such as pass/fail performance tests. The two areas in which criterion-referenced tests have been most useful are…

  10. Electrical characterization of standard and radiation-hardened RCA CDP1856D 4-BIT, CMOS, bus buffer/separator

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stokes, R. L.

    1979-01-01

    Tests performed to determine accuracy and efficiency of bus separators used in microprocessors are presented. Functional, AC parametric, and DC parametric tests were performed in a Tektronix S-3260 automated test system. All the devices passed the functional tests and yielded nominal values in the parametric test.

  11. Prospectively Evaluating the Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability: An Evaluation of the UCERF2 and Updated Five-Year RELM Forecasts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Strader, Anne; Schneider, Max; Schorlemmer, Danijel; Liukis, Maria

    2016-04-01

    The Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability (CSEP) was developed to rigorously test earthquake forecasts retrospectively and prospectively through reproducible, completely transparent experiments within a controlled environment (Zechar et al., 2010). During 2006-2011, thirteen five-year time-invariant prospective earthquake mainshock forecasts developed by the Regional Earthquake Likelihood Models (RELM) working group were evaluated through the CSEP testing center (Schorlemmer and Gerstenberger, 2007). The number, spatial, and magnitude components of the forecasts were compared to the respective observed seismicity components using a set of consistency tests (Schorlemmer et al., 2007, Zechar et al., 2010). In the initial experiment, all but three forecast models passed every test at the 95% significance level, with all forecasts displaying consistent log-likelihoods (L-test) and magnitude distributions (M-test) with the observed seismicity. In the ten-year RELM experiment update, we reevaluate these earthquake forecasts over an eight-year period from 2008-2016, to determine the consistency of previous likelihood testing results over longer time intervals. Additionally, we test the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast (UCERF2), developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the earthquake rate model developed by the California Geological Survey (CGS) and the USGS for the National Seismic Hazard Mapping Program (NSHMP) against the RELM forecasts. Both the UCERF2 and NSHMP forecasts pass all consistency tests, though the Helmstetter et al. (2007) and Shen et al. (2007) models exhibit greater information gain per earthquake according to the T- and W- tests (Rhoades et al., 2011). Though all but three RELM forecasts pass the spatial likelihood test (S-test), multiple forecasts fail the M-test due to overprediction of the number of earthquakes during the target period. Though there is no significant difference between the UCERF2 and NSHMP models, residual scores show that the NSHMP model is preferred in locations with earthquake occurrence, due to the lower seismicity rates forecasted by the UCERF2 model.

  12. Spatiotemporal Characteristics for the Depth from Luminance Contrast

    PubMed Central

    Matsubara, Kazuya; Matsumiya, Kazumichi; Shioiri, Satoshi; Takahashi, Shuichi; Hyodo, Yasuhide; Ohashi, Isao

    2011-01-01

    Images with higher luminance contrast tend to be perceived closer in depth. To investigate a spatiotemporal characteristic of this effect, we evaluated subjective depth of a test stimulus with various spatial and temporal frequencies. For the purpose, the depth of a reference stimulus was matched to that of the test stimulus by changing the binocular disparity. The results showed that the test stimulus was perceived closer with higher luminance contrast for all conditions. Contrast efficiency was obtained from the contrast that provided the subjective depth for each spatiotemporal frequency. The shape of the contrast efficiency function was spatially low-pass and temporally band-pass. This characteristic is different from the one measure for a detection task. This suggests that only subset of contrast signals are used for depth from contrast.

  13. A New Gustometer for Taste Testing in Rodents

    PubMed Central

    Blonde, Ginger D.; Henderson, Ross P.; Treesukosol, Yada; Hendrick, Paul; Newsome, Ryan; Fletcher, Fred H.; Tang, Te; Donaldson, James A.

    2015-01-01

    In recent years, to circumvent the interpretive limitations associated with intake tests commonly used to assess taste function in rodents, investigators have developed devices called gustometers to deliver small volumes of taste samples and measure immediate responses, thereby increasing confidence that the behavior of the animal is under orosensory control. Most of these gustometers can be used to measure unconditioned licking behavior to stimuli presented for short durations and/or can be used to train the animal to respond to various fluid stimuli differentially so as to obtain a reward and/or avoid punishment. Psychometric sensitivity and discrimination functions can thus be derived. Here, we describe a new gustometer design, successfully used in behavioral experiments, that was guided by our experience with an older version used for over 2 decades. The new computer-controlled gustometer features no dead space in stimulus delivery lines, effective cleaning of the licking substrate, and the ability to measure licking without passing electrical current through the animal. The parts and dimensions are detailed, and the benefits and limitations of certain design features are discussed. Schematics for key circuits are provided as supplemental information. Accordingly, it should be possible to fabricate this device in a fashion customized for one’s needs. PMID:25616763

  14. A Multidisciplinary Self-Directed Learning Module Improves Knowledge of a Quality Improvement Instrument: The HEART Pathway.

    PubMed

    Hartman, Nicholas D; Harper, Erin N; Leppert, Lauren M; Browning, Brittany M; Askew, Kim; Manthey, David E; Mahler, Simon A

    We created and tested an educational intervention to support implementation of an institution wide QI project (the HEART Pathway) designed to improve care for patients with acute chest pain. Although online learning modules have been shown effective in imparting knowledge regarding QI projects, it is unknown whether these modules are effective across specialties and healthcare professions. Participants, including nurses, advanced practice clinicians, house staff and attending physicians (N = 486), were enrolled into an online, self-directed learning course exploring the key concepts of the HEART Pathway. The module was completed by 97% of enrollees (469/486) and 90% passed on the first attempt (422/469). Out of 469 learners, 323 completed the pretest, learning module and posttest in the correct order. Mean test scores across learners improved significantly from 74% to 89% from the pretest to the posttest. Following the intervention, the HEART Pathway was used for 88% of patients presenting to our institution with acute chest pain. Our data demonstrate that this online, self-directed learning module can improve knowledge of the HEART Pathway across specialties-paving the way for more efficient and informed care for acute chest pain patients.

  15. The Effect of Anesthetic Choice (Sevoflurane Versus Desflurane) and Neuromuscular Management on Speed of Airway Reflex Recovery.

    PubMed

    McKay, Rachel Eshima; Hall, Kathryn T; Hills, Nancy

    2016-02-01

    Nonintubated patients receiving sevoflurane have slower protective airway reflex recovery after anesthesia compared with patients receiving desflurane. We asked whether this difference would remain significant among intubated patients receiving rocuronium or whether the impact of variable neuromuscular recovery would predominate and thus minimize differences between anesthetics. After obtaining written informed consent, patients were randomly assigned to receive sevoflurane (n = 41) or desflurane (n = 40), with neuromuscular monitoring by quantitative train-of-four (TOF) method using accelerometry. Intubation was facilitated by administration of 1 mg/kg rocuronium. Neuromuscular block was produced, with the goal of maintaining 10% to 15% of baseline function. After surgery, neostigmine 70 µg/kg + glycopyrrolate 14 µg/kg was administered. When TOF ratio reached ≥ 0.7, anesthetic was discontinued and fresh gas flow was raised to 15 L/m. The time of first response to command was noted, after which patients were given a 20-mL water swallowing test at 2, 6, 14, 22, 30, and 60 minutes. The following average time intervals were compared between the 2 intervention groups: anesthetic discontinuation to first response to command (T1); first response to command to first successful passing of swallow test (T2); and anesthetic discontinuation to first successful passing of swallow test (T3). We also compared the rates of successful swallow tests at 2 minutes after first response to command in the 2 groups, first categorizing as failures all those who were unable to take the test at 2 minutes, and then excluding 10 patients unable to take the test at this time for reasons other than somnolence (n = 10). Patients receiving desflurane passed the swallowing test at shorter time intervals after first response to command than did patients receiving sevoflurane (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney odds = 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-2.69; P = 0.054). Two minutes after the first response to command, among all 81 patients, the chance of passing the swallowing test was higher after desflurane compared with sevoflurane anesthesia (relative risk = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.5; P = 0.04). Of the 71 patients (as above), we observed a significantly higher chance of passing at 2 minutes after first response to command (relative risk = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.7; P = 0.006) in patients receiving desflurane (25/33) compared with those receiving sevoflurane (16/38). In 18 of 81 and 16 of 71 patients, the neuromuscular monitoring and reversal protocols were not followed (neostigmine underdosed, extubation at TOF <0.7, or reliance on tactile as opposed to quantitative TOF measurement). In both the total cohort and the subset of 71, neuromuscular protocol adherence increased the chance of passing the swallow test, independent of anesthetic assignment in multivariable logistic regression (P = 0.02 and P = 0.006, respectively), demonstrating significant effect on airway reflex recovery independent of chosen anesthetic. Compared with sevoflurane, desflurane allowed faster recovery of airway reflexes after anesthesia in intubated patients. Clinical management of neuromuscular block, including full reversal and the use of quantitative TOF, affects airway reflex recovery-an effect that may be at least as profound as the choice of potent inhaled anesthetic.

  16. Naming and Categorization in Young Children: IV: Listener Behavior Training and Transfer of Function

    PubMed Central

    Horne, Pauline J; Hughes, J. Carl; Lowe, C. Fergus

    2006-01-01

    Following pretraining with everyday objects, 14 children aged from 1 to 4 years were trained, for each of three pairs of different arbitrary wooden shapes (Set 1), to select one stimulus in response to the spoken word /zog/, and the other to /vek/. When given a test for the corresponding tacts (“zog” and “vek”), 10 children passed, showing that they had learned common names for the stimuli, and 4 failed. All children were trained to clap to one stimulus of Pair 1 and wave to the other. All those who named showed either transfer of the novel functions to the remaining two pairs of stimuli in Test 1, or novel function comprehension for all three pairs in Test 2, or both. Three of these children next participated in, and passed, category match-to-sample tests. In contrast, all 4 children who had learned only listener behavior failed both the category transfer and category match-to-sample tests. When 3 of them were next trained to name the stimuli, they passed the category transfer and (for the 2 subjects tested) category match-to-sample tests. Three children were next trained on the common listener relations with another set of arbitrary stimuli (Set 2); all succeeded on the tact and category tests with the Set 2 stimuli. Taken together with the findings from the other studies in the series, the present experiment shows that (a) common listener training also establishes the corresponding names in some but not all children, and (b) only children who learn common names categorize; all those who learn only listener behavior fail. This is good evidence in support of the naming account of categorization. PMID:16673828

  17. 40 CFR 1048.315 - How do I know when my engine family fails the production-line testing requirements?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... fails the production-line testing requirements? 1048.315 Section 1048.315 Protection of Environment... fails the production-line testing requirements? This section describes the pass/fail criteria for the... the requirements that apply to individual engines that fail a production-line test. (a) Calculate your...

  18. 40 CFR 1048.315 - How do I know when my engine family fails the production-line testing requirements?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... fails the production-line testing requirements? 1048.315 Section 1048.315 Protection of Environment... fails the production-line testing requirements? This section describes the pass/fail criteria for the... the requirements that apply to individual engines that fail a production-line test. (a) Calculate your...

  19. 40 CFR 1048.315 - How do I know when my engine family fails the production-line testing requirements?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... fails the production-line testing requirements? 1048.315 Section 1048.315 Protection of Environment... fails the production-line testing requirements? This section describes the pass/fail criteria for the... the requirements that apply to individual engines that fail a production-line test. (a) Calculate your...

  20. 40 CFR Appendix A to Part 57 - Primary Nonferrous Smelter Order (NSO) Application

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... the following two tests. (a) Profit Protection Test. The smelter will experience a reduction in pre... NSO Eligibility. An NSO applicant must pass one of the following two tests and complete the... Application 1.2 NSO Financial Tests 1.3 Confidentiality 2. NSO Financial Reporting Overview 2.1 Revenue and...

  1. 40 CFR Appendix A to Part 57 - Primary Nonferrous Smelter Order (NSO) Application

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... the following two tests. (a) Profit Protection Test. The smelter will experience a reduction in pre... NSO Eligibility. An NSO applicant must pass one of the following two tests and complete the... Application 1.2 NSO Financial Tests 1.3 Confidentiality 2. NSO Financial Reporting Overview 2.1 Revenue and...

  2. 40 CFR Appendix A to Part 57 - Primary Nonferrous Smelter Order (NSO) Application

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... the following two tests. (a) Profit Protection Test. The smelter will experience a reduction in pre... NSO Eligibility. An NSO applicant must pass one of the following two tests and complete the... Application 1.2 NSO Financial Tests 1.3 Confidentiality 2. NSO Financial Reporting Overview 2.1 Revenue and...

  3. 40 CFR Appendix A to Part 57 - Primary Nonferrous Smelter Order (NSO) Application

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... the following two tests. (a) Profit Protection Test. The smelter will experience a reduction in pre... NSO Eligibility. An NSO applicant must pass one of the following two tests and complete the... Application 1.2 NSO Financial Tests 1.3 Confidentiality 2. NSO Financial Reporting Overview 2.1 Revenue and...

  4. 46 CFR 154.562 - Cargo hose: Hydrostatic test.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... Hose § 154.562 Cargo hose: Hydrostatic test. Each cargo hose must pass a hydrostatic pressure test at ambient temperature of at least one and a half times its specified maximum working pressure but not more... 46 Shipping 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Cargo hose: Hydrostatic test. 154.562 Section 154.562...

  5. 40 CFR Appendix A to Part 75 - Specifications and Test Procedures

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Specifications and Test Procedures A... (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Pt. 75, App. A Appendix A to Part 75—Specifications and Test... concentration monitor and diluent gas monitor) will pass the relative accuracy test (see section 6 of this...

  6. Polytomous Adaptive Classification Testing: Effects of Item Pool Size, Test Termination Criterion, and Number of Cutscores

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gnambs, Timo; Batinic, Bernad

    2011-01-01

    Computer-adaptive classification tests focus on classifying respondents in different proficiency groups (e.g., for pass/fail decisions). To date, adaptive classification testing has been dominated by research on dichotomous response formats and classifications in two groups. This article extends this line of research to polytomous classification…

  7. Evaluation of elastomers as gasket materials in pneumatic and hydraulic systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bright, C. W.; Lockhart, B. J.

    1972-01-01

    In the search for superior materials from which to make gaskets for pneumatic and hydraulic systems, promising materials were selected and tested. The testing was conducted in two phases. Those materials that passed the tests of Phase 1 were tested in Phase 2, and categorized in the order of preference.

  8. 49 CFR 173.65 - Exceptions for Division 1.4G consumer fireworks.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ...) The device must pass a thermal stability test. The test must be performed by maintaining the device... thermal stability test; (3) The manufacturer of the Division 1.4G consumer firework applies in writing to... thermal stability test; and (iv) Signed certification declaring that the device for which certification is...

  9. 49 CFR 173.65 - Exceptions for Division 1.4G consumer fireworks.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ...) The device must pass a thermal stability test. The test must be performed by maintaining the device... thermal stability test; (3) The manufacturer of the Division 1.4G consumer firework applies in writing to... thermal stability test; and (iv) Signed certification declaring that the device for which certification is...

  10. 46 CFR 54.10-10 - Standard hydrostatic test (modifies UG-99).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... PRESSURE VESSELS Inspection, Reports, and Stamping § 54.10-10 Standard hydrostatic test (modifies UG-99). (a) All pressure vessels shall satisfactorily pass the hydrostatic test prescribed by this section, except those pressure vessels noted under § 54.10-15(a). (b) The hydrostatic-test pressure must be at...

  11. 49 CFR 178.356-3 - Tests.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Tests. 178.356-3 Section 178.356-3 Transportation... Packagings for Class 7 (Radioactive) Materials § 178.356-3 Tests. (a) Leakage test—Each inner liner assembly... must be held for at least 30 seconds. Liners failing to pass this test may not be used until repairs...

  12. 49 CFR 178.356-3 - Tests.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Tests. 178.356-3 Section 178.356-3 Transportation... Packagings for Class 7 (Radioactive) Materials § 178.356-3 Tests. (a) Leakage test—Each inner liner assembly... must be held for at least 30 seconds. Liners failing to pass this test may not be used until repairs...

  13. 49 CFR 178.356-3 - Tests.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Tests. 178.356-3 Section 178.356-3 Transportation... Packagings for Class 7 (Radioactive) Materials § 178.356-3 Tests. (a) Leakage test—Each inner liner assembly... must be held for at least 30 seconds. Liners failing to pass this test may not be used until repairs...

  14. 49 CFR 178.356-3 - Tests.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Tests. 178.356-3 Section 178.356-3 Transportation... Packagings for Class 7 (Radioactive) Materials § 178.356-3 Tests. (a) Leakage test—Each inner liner assembly... must be held for at least 30 seconds. Liners failing to pass this test may not be used until repairs...

  15. Teaching away from Test

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kloos, Beth

    2006-01-01

    The focus in education in the past 10 years has been on proficiency tests. Every educator in the country is worried about providing opportunities for our students to pass the proficiency tests. Teachers try lots of things--open-ended questions, multi-step questions, essay questions--all in an attempt to get our students ready for The Test. But…

  16. Growing up Tested: Teachers' Lived Experiences of Testing as Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sánchez, Juan Gabriel; Patel, Leigh

    2017-01-01

    Since No Child Left Behind was passed nearly 20 years ago, test-based accountability policies have grown more comprehensive in scope than ever before. Tests have always mattered, but they have become substantively empowered, now dominating classroom conversation and activity. To ascertain the impact they have on people's lives one must involve…

  17. 46 CFR 160.171-19 - Approval testing for child size immersion suit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 6 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Approval testing for child size immersion suit. 160.171... Approval testing for child size immersion suit. A child size suit must pass the following tests: (a) The stability test prescribed in § 160.171-17(c)(8), except that only six children need be used as test subjects...

  18. 46 CFR 160.171-19 - Approval testing for child size immersion suit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Approval testing for child size immersion suit. 160.171... Approval testing for child size immersion suit. A child size suit must pass the following tests: (a) The stability test prescribed in § 160.171-17(c)(8), except that only six children need be used as test subjects...

  19. 46 CFR 160.171-19 - Approval testing for child size immersion suit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 6 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Approval testing for child size immersion suit. 160.171... Approval testing for child size immersion suit. A child size suit must pass the following tests: (a) The stability test prescribed in § 160.171-17(c)(8), except that only six children need be used as test subjects...

  20. 46 CFR 160.171-19 - Approval testing for child size immersion suit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 6 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Approval testing for child size immersion suit. 160.171... Approval testing for child size immersion suit. A child size suit must pass the following tests: (a) The stability test prescribed in § 160.171-17(c)(8), except that only six children need be used as test subjects...

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