49 CFR 219.602 - FRA Administrator's determination of random drug testing rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Random Alcohol and Drug Testing Programs § 219.602 FRA Administrator's determination of random drug... percentage rate for random drug testing must be 50 percent of covered employees. (b) The FRA Administrator's decision to increase or decrease the minimum annual percentage rate for random drug testing is based on the...

49 CFR 219.602 - FRA Administrator's determination of random drug testing rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Random Alcohol and Drug Testing Programs § 219.602 FRA Administrator's determination of random drug... percentage rate for random drug testing must be 50 percent of covered employees. (b) The FRA Administrator's decision to increase or decrease the minimum annual percentage rate for random drug testing is based on the...

49 CFR 219.602 - FRA Administrator's determination of random drug testing rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Random Alcohol and Drug Testing Programs § 219.602 FRA Administrator's determination of random drug... percentage rate for random drug testing must be 50 percent of covered employees. (b) The FRA Administrator's decision to increase or decrease the minimum annual percentage rate for random drug testing is based on the...

7 CFR 91.37 - Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing, analysis, and other services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing... AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and Charges § 91.37 Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing, analysis, and other services. (a) The...

7 CFR 91.37 - Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing, analysis, and other services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing... AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and Charges § 91.37 Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing, analysis, and other services. (a) The...

7 CFR 91.37 - Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing, analysis, and other services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing... AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and Charges § 91.37 Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing, analysis, and other services. (a) The...

7 CFR 91.37 - Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing, analysis, and other services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing... AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and Charges § 91.37 Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing, analysis, and other services. (a) The...

Development of a pilot-scale kinetic extruder feeder system and test program. Phase II. Verification testing. Final report

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

Not Available

1984-01-12

This report describes the work done under Phase II, the verification testing of the Kinetic Extruder. The main objective of the test program was to determine failure modes and wear rates. Only minor auxiliary equipment malfunctions were encountered. Wear rates indicate useful life expectancy of from 1 to 5 years for wear-exposed components. Recommendations are made for adapting the equipment for pilot plant and commercial applications. 3 references, 20 figures, 12 tables.

Association between frequency of telephonic contact and clinical testing for a large, geographically diverse diabetes disease management population.

PubMed

Coberley, Carter R; McGinnis, Matthew; Orr, Patty M; Coberley, Sadie S; Hobgood, Adam; Hamar, Brent; Gandy, Bill; Pope, James; Hudson, Laurel; Hara, Pam; Shurney, Dexter; Clarke, Janice L; Crawford, Albert; Goldfarb, Neil I

2007-04-01

Diabetes disease management (DM) programs strive to promote healthy behaviors, including obtaining hemoglobin A1c (A1c) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) tests as part of standards of care. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between frequency of telephonic contact and A1c and LDL testing rates. A total of 245,668 members continuously enrolled in diabetes DM programs were evaluated for performance of an A1c or LDL test during their first 12 months in the programs. The association between the number of calls a member received and clinical testing rates was examined. Members who received four calls demonstrated a 24.1% and 21.5% relative increase in A1c and LDL testing rates, respectively, compared to members who received DM mailings alone. Response to the telephonic intervention as part of the diabetes DM programs was influenced by member characteristics including gender, age, and disease burden. For example, females who received four calls achieved a 27.7% and 23.6% increase in A1c and LDL testing, respectively, compared to females who received mailings alone; by comparison, males who were called achieved 21.2% and 19.9% relative increase in A1c and LDL testing, respectively, compared to those who received mailings alone. This study demonstrates a positive association between frequency of telephonic contact and increased performance of an A1c or LDL test in a large, diverse diabetes population participating in DM programs. The impact of member characteristics on the responsiveness to these programs provides DM program designers with knowledge for developing strategies to promote healthy behaviors and improve diabetes outcomes.

40 CFR 51.351 - Enhanced I/M performance standard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... vehicles. (10) Stringency. A 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (11) Waiver... 2001 and newer vehicles. (10) Stringency. A 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year... which will be achieved by the I/M program design in the SIP to those of the model program described in...

40 CFR 51.351 - Enhanced I/M performance standard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... vehicles. (10) Stringency. A 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (11) Waiver... 2001 and newer vehicles. (10) Stringency. A 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year... which will be achieved by the I/M program design in the SIP to those of the model program described in...

40 CFR 51.351 - Enhanced I/M performance standard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... vehicles. (10) Stringency. A 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (11) Waiver... 2001 and newer vehicles. (10) Stringency. A 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year... which will be achieved by the I/M program design in the SIP to those of the model program described in...

40 CFR 51.351 - Enhanced I/M performance standard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... vehicles. (10) Stringency. A 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (11) Waiver... 2001 and newer vehicles. (10) Stringency. A 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year... which will be achieved by the I/M program design in the SIP to those of the model program described in...

40 CFR 51.351 - Enhanced I/M performance standard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... vehicles. (10) Stringency. A 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (11) Waiver... 2001 and newer vehicles. (10) Stringency. A 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year... which will be achieved by the I/M program design in the SIP to those of the model program described in...

Faculty Forum: The GRE Analytical Writing Test-- Description and Utilization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Briihl, Deborah S.; Wasieleski, David T.

2007-01-01

The authors surveyed graduate programs to see how they use the Graduate Record Examination Analytic Writing (GRE-AW) Test. Only 35% of the graduate programs that responded use the GRE-AW test in their admission policy; of the programs not using it, most do not plan to do so. The programs using the GRE-AW rated it as medium or low in importance in…

The impact of including incentives and competition in a workplace smoking cessation program on quit rates.

PubMed

Koffman, D M; Lee, J W; Hopp, J W; Emont, S L

1998-01-01

To determine the effectiveness of a multicomponent smoking cessation program supplemented by incentives and team competition. A quasi-experimental design was employed to compare the effectiveness of three different smoking cessation programs, each assigned to separate worksite. The study was conducted from 1990 to 1991 at three aerospace industry worksites in California. All employees who were current, regular tobacco users were eligible to participate in the program offered at their site. The multicomponent program included a self-help package, telephone counseling, and other elements. The incentive-competition program included the multicomponent program plus cash incentives and team competition for the first 5 months of the program. The traditional program offered a standard smoking cessation program. Self-reported questionnaires and carbon monoxide tests of tobacco use or abstinence were used over a 12-month period. The incentive-competition program had an abstinence rate of 41% at 6 months (n = 68), which was significantly better than the multicomponent program (23%, n = 81) or the traditional program (8%, n = 36). At 12 months, the quit rates for the incentive and multicomponent-programs were statistically indistinguishable (37% vs. 30%), but remained higher than the traditional program (11%). Chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression were used to compare smoking abstinence across the three programs. Offering a multicomponent program with telephone counseling may be just as effective for long-term smoking cessation as such a program plus incentives and competition, and more effective than a traditional program.

Design and utilization of a Flight Test Engineering Database Management System at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knighton, Donna L.

1992-01-01

A Flight Test Engineering Database Management System (FTE DBMS) was designed and implemented at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility. The X-29 Forward Swept Wing Advanced Technology Demonstrator flight research program was chosen for the initial system development and implementation. The FTE DBMS greatly assisted in planning and 'mass production' card preparation for an accelerated X-29 research program. Improved Test Plan tracking and maneuver management for a high flight-rate program were proven, and flight rates of up to three flights per day, two times per week were maintained.

77 FR 21038 - Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Light-Emitting Diode Lamps

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-09

... Photometric Measurements of Solid-State Lighting Products'' for determining lumen output, input power, and CCT.... Test Method 5. Test Calculations and Rounding C. Proposed Approach for Rated Lifetime Measurements 1... Test Method to Project Rated Lifetime 4. Test Conditions 5. Test Setup 6. Test Method and Measurements...

Effectiveness and benefit-cost of peer-based workplace substance abuse prevention coupled with random testing.

PubMed

Miller, Ted R; Zaloshnja, Eduard; Spicer, Rebecca S

2007-05-01

Few studies have evaluated the impact of workplace substance abuse prevention programs on occupational injury, despite this being a justification for these programs. This paper estimates the effectiveness and benefit-cost ratio of a peer-based substance abuse prevention program at a U.S. transportation company, implemented in phases from 1988 to 1990. The program focuses on changing workplace attitudes toward on-the-job substance use in addition to training workers to recognize and intervene with coworkers who have a problem. The program was strengthened by federally mandated random drug and alcohol testing (implemented, respectively, in 1990 and 1994). With time-series analysis, we analyzed the association of monthly injury rates and costs with phased program implementation, controlling for industry injury trend. The combination of the peer-based program and testing was associated with an approximate one-third reduction in injury rate, avoiding an estimated $48 million in employer costs in 1999. That year, the peer-based program cost the company $35 and testing cost another $35 per employee. The program avoided an estimated $1850 in employer injury costs per employee in 1999, corresponding to a benefit-cost ratio of 26:1. The findings suggest that peer-based programs buttressed by random testing can be cost-effective in the workplace.

40 CFR 51.352 - Basic I/M performance standard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (10) Waiver rate. A 0% waiver rate. (11... 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (11) Waiver rate. A 0% waiver rate... Requirements § 51.352 Basic I/M performance standard. (a) Basic I/M programs shall be designed and implemented...

40 CFR 51.352 - Basic I/M performance standard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (10) Waiver rate. A 0% waiver rate. (11... 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (11) Waiver rate. A 0% waiver rate... Requirements § 51.352 Basic I/M performance standard. (a) Basic I/M programs shall be designed and implemented...

40 CFR 51.352 - Basic I/M performance standard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (10) Waiver rate. A 0% waiver rate. (11... 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (11) Waiver rate. A 0% waiver rate... Requirements § 51.352 Basic I/M performance standard. (a) Basic I/M programs shall be designed and implemented...

40 CFR 51.352 - Basic I/M performance standard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (10) Waiver rate. A 0% waiver rate. (11... 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (11) Waiver rate. A 0% waiver rate... Requirements § 51.352 Basic I/M performance standard. (a) Basic I/M programs shall be designed and implemented...

40 CFR 51.352 - Basic I/M performance standard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (10) Waiver rate. A 0% waiver rate. (11... 20% emission test failure rate among pre-1981 model year vehicles. (11) Waiver rate. A 0% waiver rate... Requirements § 51.352 Basic I/M performance standard. (a) Basic I/M programs shall be designed and implemented...

Assessment of the influence of test characteristics on the clinical and cost impacts of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening programs in US hospitals.

PubMed

Olchanski, Natalia; Mathews, Charles; Fusfeld, Lauren; Jarvis, William

2011-03-01

To compare the impacts of different methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening test options (eg, polymerase chain reaction [PCR], rapid culture) and program characteristics on the clinical outcomes and budget of a typical US hospital. We developed an Excel-based decision-analytic model, using published literature to calculate and compare hospital costs and MRSA infection rates for PCR- or culture-based MRSA screening and then used multivariate sensitivity analysis to evaluate key variables. Same-day PCR testing for a representative 370-bed teaching hospital in the United States was assessed in different populations (high-risk patients, intensive care unit [ICU] patients, or all patients) and compared with other test options. Different screening program populations (all patients, high-risk patients, ICU patients, or patients with previous MRSA colonization or infection only) represented a potential savings of $12,158-$76,624 per month over no program ($188,618). Analysis of multiple test options in high-risk population screening indicated that same-day PCR testing of high-risk patients resulted in fewer infections over 1,720 patient-days (2.9, compared with 3.5 for culture on selective media and 3.8 for culture on nonselective media) and the lowest total cost ($112,012). The costs of other testing approaches ranged from $113,742 to $123,065. Sensitivity analysis revealed that variations in transmission rate, conversion to infection, prevalence increases, and hospital size are important to determine program impact. Among test characteristics, turnaround time is highly influential. All screening options showed reductions in infection rates and cost impact improvement over no screening program. Among the options, same-day PCR testing for high-risk patients slightly edges out the others in terms of fewest infections and greatest potential cost savings.

Performance of a quantitative fecal immunochemical test in a colorectal cancer screening pilot program: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Telford, Jennifer; Gentile, Laura; Gondara, Lovedeep; McGahan, Colleen; Coldman, Andrew

2016-01-01

British Columbia undertook a colorectal cancer screening pilot program in 3 communities. Our objective was to assess the performance of 2-specimen fecal immunochemical testing in the detection of colorectal neoplasms in this population-based screening program. A prospective cohort of asymptomatic, average-risk people aged 50 to 74 years completed 2 quantitative fecal immunochemical tests every 2 years, with follow-up colonoscopy if the result of either test was positive. Participant demographics, fecal immunochemical test results, colonoscopy quality indicators and pathology results were recorded. Non-screen-detected colorectal cancer that developed in program participants was identified through review of data from the BC Cancer Registry. A total of 16 234 people completed a first round of fecal immunochemical testing, with a positivity rate of 8.6%; 5378 (86.0% of eligible participants) completed a second round before the end of the pilot program, with a positivity rate of 6.7%. Of the 1756 who had a positive test result, 1555 (88.6%) underwent colonoscopy. The detection rate of colorectal cancer was 3.5 per 1000 participants. The positive predictive value of the fecal immunochemical test was 4.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.8%-6.0%) for colorectal cancer, 35.0% (95% CI 32.5%-37.2%) for high-risk polyps and 62.0% (95% CI 59.6%-64.4%) for all neoplasms. The number needed to screen was 283 to detect 1 cancer, 40 to detect 1 high-risk polyp and 22 to detect any neoplasm. Screening every 2 years with a 2-specimen fecal immunochemical test surpassed the current benchmark for colorectal cancer detection in population-based screening. This study has implications for other jurisdictions planning colorectal cancer screening programs.

Testing the Effectiveness of the iRelate Program on Marines: An Enhanced Program Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lloyd, Griselda M.

2017-01-01

Junior enlisted Marines are getting married at a faster rate than their civilian counterparts and nearly twice that of senior personnel (Gomulka, 2010; Cohen, Passel, Wang, & Livingston, 2011). With the high rate of marriage, these same junior Marines have a disproportionately high divorce rate. While the high rate of divorce is a significant…

Screening women for cervical cancer carcinoma with a HPV mRNA test: first results from the Venice pilot program.

PubMed

Maggino, Tiziano; Sciarrone, Rocco; Murer, Bruno; Dei Rossi, Maria Rosa; Fedato, Chiara; Maran, Michela; Lorio, Melania; Soldà, Marika; Zago, Fiorella; Giorgi Rossi, Paolo; Zorzi, Manuel

2016-08-23

HPV DNA-based screening is more effective than a Pap test in preventing cervical cancer, but the test is less specific. New HPV tests have been proposed for primary screening. The HPV mRNA test showed a similar or slightly lower sensitivity than the HPV DNA tests but with a higher specificity. We report the results of an organised HPV mRNA-based screening pilot program in Venice, Italy. From October 2011 to May 2014, women aged 25-64 years were invited to undergo a HPV mRNA test (Aptima). Those testing positive underwent cytological triage. Women with positive cytology were referred to colposcopy, whereas those with negative cytology were referred to repeat the HPV mRNA test 1 year later. The results of the HPV mRNA test program were compared with both the local historical cytology-based program and with four neighbouring DNA HPV-based pilot projects. Overall, 23 211 women underwent a HPV mRNA test. The age-standardised positivity rate was 7.0%, higher than in HPV DNA programs (6.8%; relative rate (RR) 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.17). The total colposcopy referral was 5.1%, double than with cytology (2.6%; RR 2.02, 95% CI 1.82-2.25) but similar to the HPV DNA programs (4.8%; RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.96-1.08). The cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ detection rate with HPV mRNA was greater than in the HPV DNA programs at baseline (RR 1.50; 95% CI 1.19-1.88) and not significantly lower at the 1-year repeat (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.40-1.16). The overall RR was 1.29 (95% CI 1.05-1.59), which was much higher than with cytology (detection rate 5.5‰ vs 2.1‰; RR 2.50, 95% CI 1.76-3.62). A screening programme based on the HPV mRNA obtained results similar to those observed with the HPV DNA test. In routine screening programmes, even a limited increase in HPV prevalence may conceal the advantage represented by the higher specificity of HPV mRNA.

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.

Tuberculosis Infection in Urban Adolescents: Results of a School-Based Testing Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barry, M. Anita; And Others

1990-01-01

Discusses a tuberculosis skin testing program introduced for seventh and tenth grade students in Boston (Massachusetts) public schools. Positivity rate was significantly higher in tenth grade students. Among those testing positive, the majority were born outside the United States. Results suggest that testing may identify a significant number of…

Hanford Waste End Effector Phase I Test Report

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

Berglin, Eric J.; Hatchell, Brian K.; Mount, Jason C.

This test plan describes the Phase 1 testing program of the Hanford Waste End Effector (HWEE) at the Washington River Protection Solutions’ Cold Test Facility (CTF) using a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)-designed testing setup. This effort fulfills the informational needs for initial assessment of the HWEE to support Hanford single-shell tank A-105 retrieval. This task will install the HWEE on a PNNL-designed robotic gantry system at CTF, install and calibrate instrumentation to measure reaction forces and process parameters, prepare and characterize simulant materials, and implement the test program. The tests will involve retrieval of water, sludge, and hardpan simulantsmore » to determine pumping rate, dilution factors, and screen fouling rate.« less

Evaluation program for secondary spacecraft cells: Acceptance tests of Eagle-Picher 12.0 ampere-hour nickel-cadmium cells with auxiliary electrodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christy, D. E.

1971-01-01

An acceptance test program was conducted on 24 cells to insure that all cells put into the life cycle program were of high quality by the removal of cells found to have electrolyte leakage, internal shorts, low capacity, or inability of any cell to recover its open circuit voltage above 1.150 volts after the cell short test. The cells were rated at 12.0 ampere-hours and equipped with auxiliary electrodes. Test results were: (1) The capacity of the 24 cells ranged from 14.6 to 16.8 ah. All the cells exceeded the rated capacity on all three capacity checks. (2) One cell failed to recover to 1.150 volts after the cell short test. (3) During the overcharge tests, all cells but one failed the test at the c/10 rate after the first minute. (4) A special resistance test was conducted on the auxiliary electrodes of these cells to establish the resistance value necessary which would provide maximum signal power across the auxiliary electrode. The resistance value established was 10 ohms. (5) No electrolyte leakage was observed.

Contributions and Limitations of National Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Korea: A Retrospective Observational Study.

PubMed

Lee, Jung Hyun; Kim, Hyeongsu; Choi, Heejung; Jeong, Hyoseon; Ko, Young; Shim, Seung-Hyuk; Lee, Eunjoo; Chae, Su Hyun

2018-03-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contributions and limitations of the cervical cancer screening test with accuracy in Korea. This was a retrospective observational study. The study population consisted of all participants who underwent cervical cancer screening test from 2009 to 2014. The data were obtained from National Health Information Database (NHID) which represents medical use records of most Koreans. As the indices for contributions and limitations of the screening test, crude detection rate, incidence rate of interval cancer, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value were used. The crude detection rate of screening test per 100,000 participants increased from 100.7 in 2009 to 102.1 in 2014. The incidence rate of interval cancer per 100,000 negatives decreased from 13.0 in 2009 to 10.2 in 2014. The sensitivities of screening test were 88.7% in 2009 and 91.2% in 2014, and the specificities were 98.5% in 2009 and 97.7% in 2014. The positive predictive value of screening decreased from 6.2% in 2009 to 4.3% in 2014. The Korean national cervical cancer screening program has improved in accuracy and has contributed to detection of early stage of cervical cancer over the years. Along with efforts to promote participation in cancer screening programs, quality control over the screening program should be enhanced. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Accelerated testing of space batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccallum, J.; Thomas, R. E.; Waite, J. H.

1973-01-01

An accelerated life test program for space batteries is presented that fully satisfies empirical, statistical, and physical criteria for validity. The program includes thermal and other nonmechanical stress analyses as well as mechanical stress, strain, and rate of strain measurements.

T-SPOT.TB Interferon-γ Release Assay Performance in Healthcare Worker Screening at Nineteen U.S. Hospitals.

PubMed

King, Thomas C; Upfal, Mark; Gottlieb, Andrew; Adamo, Philip; Bernacki, Edward; Kadlecek, Chris P; Jones, Jeffrey G; Humphrey-Carothers, Frances; Rielly, Albert F; Drewry, Pamela; Murray, Kathy; DeWitt, Marcie; Matsubara, Janet; O'Dea, Louis; Balser, John; Wrighton-Smith, Peter

2015-08-01

Interferon-γ release assays have significant advantages over tuberculin skin testing in many clinical situations. However, recent studies have called into question their reliability in serial testing of healthcare workers because of reportedly high rates of positivity and high conversion/reversion rates on retesting. To define the performance characteristics of the T-SPOT.TB test, an interferon-γ release assay, during serial screening programs of healthcare workers at 19 U.S. hospitals. A total of 42,155 T-SPOT.TB test results from healthcare workers at 19 geographically diverse hospitals obtained for routine tuberculosis screening programs were analyzed to determine the rates of positivity, reversion, and conversion in serial testing data. In 19,630 evaluable serial pairs from 16,076 healthcare workers, the mean test positivity rate was 2.3% (range, 0.0-27.4%). The mean conversion rate was 0.8% (range, 0.0-2.5%), and the mean reversion rate was 17.6%. Positivity and conversion rates correlated with known tuberculosis risk factors including age and sex. The observed specificity of the T-SPOT.TB test was at least 98.6%. The high concordance and test completion rates in this study suggest that the T-SPOT.TB test is a reliable tool for healthcare worker serial screening. As expected, the observed positivity rates were lower compared with the tuberculin skin test, likely reflecting the higher specificity of this test. Furthermore, the observed rates of conversion were low and significantly correlated with the geographic incidence of tuberculosis. Our findings suggest that the T-SPOT.TB test is an accurate and reliable way to screen healthcare workers.

[Cost-effectiveness analysis on colorectal cancer screening program].

PubMed

Huang, Q C; Ye, D; Jiang, X Y; Li, Q L; Yao, K Y; Wang, J B; Jin, M J; Chen, K

2017-01-10

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening program in different age groups from the view of health economics. Methods: The screening compliance rates, detection rates in different age groups were calculated by using the data from colorectal cancer screening program in Jiashan county, Zhejiang province. The differences in indicator among age groups were analyzed with χ (2) test or trend χ (2) test. The ratios of cost to the number of case were calculated according to cost statistics. Results: The detection rates of immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) positivity, advanced adenoma and colorectal cancer and early stage cancer increased with age, while the early diagnosis rates were negatively associated with age. After exclusion the younger counterpart, the cost-effectiveness of individuals aged >50 years could be reduced by 15 %- 30 % . Conclusion: From health economic perspective, it is beneficial to start colorectal cancer screening at age of 50 years to improve the efficiency of the screening.

Low rates of hepatitis A and B vaccination in patients with chronic hepatitis C at an urban methadone maintenance program.

PubMed

Felsen, Uriel R; Fishbein, Dawn A; Litwin, Alain H

2010-10-01

Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at increased risk for complications of liver disease if they become infected with the hepatitis A (HAV) or hepatitis B (HBV) viruses. The authors examined the rates of testing for HAV, HBV, and HCV, as well as rates of vaccination against HAV and HBV in patients with chronic HCV in a random sample (N = 207) of medical records of patients enrolled in a methadone maintenance program. Almost all patients reviewed were tested for HAV, HBV, and HCV. Of the 111 patients with chronic HCV, 53 (48.6%) and 68 (63%) lacked immunity to HAV and HBV, respectively. Of those lacking immunity, 29 (54.7%) and 2 (2.9%) were vaccinated for HAV and HBV, respectively. Despite high rates of testing for HAV, HBV, and HCV at a methadone maintenance program, approximately half of those with chronic HCV eligible for the HAV vaccine received it, and few of those eligible for HBV vaccine received it.

Program Manager: Journal of the Defense Systems Management College. Volume 16, Number 3, May-June 1987

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-06-01

redress a growingstrategic imbalance and provide an en- test pilots conducted a rigorous flight test during capability to penetrate Soviet program...ment career path for rated officers vidual rotates through assignments in ( pilots and navigators) is different from engineering, test and evaluation...pain. Acquiring the B-1B, or any other weapon system for that matter, entails developing, testing ard producing new technology. In any high-tech en

49 CFR 219.608 - FRA Administrator's determination of random alcohol testing rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... alcohol testing rate. 219.608 Section 219.608 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONTROL OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE Random Alcohol and Drug Testing Programs § 219.608 FRA Administrator's determination of random alcohol...

49 CFR 219.608 - FRA Administrator's determination of random alcohol testing rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... alcohol testing rate. 219.608 Section 219.608 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONTROL OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE Random Alcohol and Drug Testing Programs § 219.608 FRA Administrator's determination of random alcohol...

49 CFR 219.608 - FRA Administrator's determination of random alcohol testing rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... alcohol testing rate. 219.608 Section 219.608 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONTROL OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE Random Alcohol and Drug Testing Programs § 219.608 FRA Administrator's determination of random alcohol...

49 CFR 219.608 - FRA Administrator's determination of random alcohol testing rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... alcohol testing rate. 219.608 Section 219.608 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONTROL OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE Random Alcohol and Drug Testing Programs § 219.608 FRA Administrator's determination of random alcohol...

49 CFR 219.608 - FRA Administrator's determination of random alcohol testing rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... alcohol testing rate. 219.608 Section 219.608 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONTROL OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE Random Alcohol and Drug Testing Programs § 219.608 FRA Administrator's determination of random alcohol...

First Crewed Flight: Rationale, Considerations and Challenges from the Constellation Experience

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noriega, Carlos; Arceneaux, William; Williams, Jeffrey A.; Rhatigan, Jennifer L.

2011-01-01

NASA's Constellation Program has made the most progress in a generation towards building an integrated human-rated spacecraft and launch vehicle. During that development, it became clear that NASA's human-rating requirements lacked the specificity necessary to defend a program plan, particularly human-rating test flight plans, from severe budget challenges. This paper addresses the progress Constellation achieved, problems encountered in clarifying and defending a human-rating certification plan, and discusses key considerations for those who find themselves in similar straits with future human-rated spacecraft and vehicles. We assert, and support with space flight data, that NASA's current human-rating requirements do not adequately address "unknown-unknowns", or the unexpected things the hardware can reveal to the designer during test.

Fitness for duty in the nuclear power industry. Annual summary of program performance reports

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

Silbernagel, M.; Brichoux, J.; Durbin, N.

This report summarizes the data from the semiannual reports on fitness-for-duty programs submitted to the NRC by utilities for two reporting periods: January 1-June 30, 1995, and July 1 -December 31, 1995. During 1995, licensees reported that they had conducted 150,121 tests for the presence of illegal drugs and alcohol. Of these tests, 1,476 (.98%) were confirmed positive. The majority of positive test results (1, 122) were obtained through pre-access testing. Of tests conducted on workers having access to the protected area, there were 180 positive tests from random testing and 139 positive tests from for-cause testing. Follow-up testing ofmore » workers who had previously tested positive resulted in 35 positive tests. For-cause testing resulted in the highest percentage of positive tests; about 18 percent of for-cause tests were positive. This compares with a positive test rate of 1.41 percent of pre-access tests and .27 percent of random tests. The positive test rate for workers with unescorted access was .50 percent. Positive test rates also varied by category of worker. When all types of tests are combined, short-term contractor personnel had the highest positive test rate at 1.44 percent. Licensee employees and long-term contractors had lower combined positive test rates (.34% and .40%, respectively). Of the substances tested, marijuana was responsible for the highest percentage of positive test results (53.08%), followed by cocaine (24.24%) and alcohol (17.17%). The overall positive test rate for 1995 (.98%) was higher than in 1994 (.84%). Several factors had an impact on the positive test rate across test categories for 1994 and 1995 compared to previous years. These factors include the NRC`s reduction in the mandatory random testing rate from 100 percent to 50 percent, effective in 1994, and initiatives by licensees such as lowered marijuana screening cutoff levels and reported improvements in licensees ability to detect subversion of the process.« less

Overcoming nursing barriers to intensive care unit early mobilisation: A quality improvement project.

PubMed

Hunter, Oluwatobi O; George, Elisabeth L; Ren, Dianxu; Morgan, Douglas; Rosenzweig, Margaret; Klinefelter Tuite, Patricia

2017-06-01

To increase adherence with intensive care unit mobility by developing and implementing a mobility training program that addresses nursing barriers to early mobilisation. An intensive care unit mobility training program was developed, implemented and evaluated with a pre-test, immediate post-test and eight-week post-test. Patient mobility was tracked before and after training. A ten bed cardiac intensive care unit. The training program's efficacy was measured by comparing pre-test, immediate post-test and 8-week post-test scores. Patient mobilisation rates before and after training were compared. Protocol compliance was measured in the post training group. Nursing knowledge increased from pre-test to immediate post-test (p<0.0001) and pre-test to 8-week post-test (p<0.0001). Mean test scores decreased by seven points from immediate post-test (80±12) to 8-week post-test (73±14). Fear significantly decreased from pre-test to immediate post-test (p=0.03), but not from pre-test to 8-week post-test (p=0.06) or immediate post-test to 8-week post-test (p=0.46). Post training patient mobility rates increased although not significantly (p=0.07). Post training protocol compliance was 78%. The project successfully increased adherence with intensive care unit mobility and indicates that a training program could improve adoption of early mobility. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PrismTech Data Distribution Service Java API Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riggs, Cortney

2008-01-01

My internship duties with Launch Control Systems required me to start performance testing of an Object Management Group's (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS) specification implementation by PrismTech Limited through the Java programming language application programming interface (API). DDS is a networking middleware for Real-Time Data Distribution. The performance testing involves latency, redundant publishers, extended duration, redundant failover, and read performance. Time constraints allowed only for a data throughput test. I have designed the testing applications to perform all performance tests when time is allowed. Performance evaluation data such as megabits per second and central processing unit (CPU) time consumption were not easily attainable through the Java programming language; they required new methods and classes created in the test applications. Evaluation of this product showed the rate that data can be sent across the network. Performance rates are better on Linux platforms than AIX and Sun platforms. Compared to previous C++ programming language API, the performance evaluation also shows the language differences for the implementation. The Java API of the DDS has a lower throughput performance than the C++ API.

Investigation of medium and high temperature phase change materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heine, D.; Kraehling, H.

1979-01-01

A detailed description of the programs for acquisition and analysis of the test results is given. Basically it concerns three programs. The TEST program controls the recording of the test data. With the THELLI program it is possible to follow the temperature curve recorded for each individual thermoelement during the test. With the AUSW program the test data can be analyzed, to determine, for example, the melting point and the start of melting. The first results of the service life tests are discussed. From these it is attempted to draw inferences for the subsequent tests. An attempt is made to focus on the determination of the area-related mass loss, the reduction in thickness and the corrosion rate as well as optical and scanning electron microscope evaluation.

Iterative evaluation in a mobile counseling and testing program to reach people of color at risk for HIV--new strategies improve program acceptability, effectiveness, and evaluation capabilities.

PubMed

Spielberg, Freya; Kurth, Ann; Reidy, William; McKnight, Teka; Dikobe, Wame; Wilson, Charles

2011-06-01

This article highlights findings from an evaluation that explored the impact of mobile versus clinic-based testing, rapid versus central-lab based testing, incentives for testing, and the use of a computer counseling program to guide counseling and automate evaluation in a mobile program reaching people of color at risk for HIV. The program's results show that an increased focus on mobile outreach using rapid testing, incentives and health information technology tools may improve program acceptability, quality, productivity and timeliness of reports. This article describes program design decisions based on continuous quality assessment efforts. It also examines the impact of the Computer Assessment and Risk Reduction Education computer tool on HIV testing rates, staff perception of counseling quality, program productivity, and on the timeliness of evaluation reports. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for programmatic responses to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's HIV testing recommendations.

Implementing a Standardized Social Networks Testing Strategy in a Low HIV Prevalence Jurisdiction.

PubMed

Schumann, Casey; Kahn, Danielle; Broaddus, Michelle; Dougherty, Jacob; Elderbrook, Megan; Vergeront, James; Westergaard, Ryan

2018-05-15

Alternative HIV testing strategies are needed to engage individuals not reached by traditional clinical or non-clinical testing programs. A social networks recruitment strategy, in which people at risk for or living with HIV are enlisted and trained by community-based agencies to recruit individuals from their social, sexual, or drug-using networks for HIV testing, demonstrates higher positivity rates compared to other non-clinical recruitment strategies in some jurisdictions. During 2013-2015, a social networks testing protocol was implemented in Wisconsin to standardize an existing social networks testing program. Six community-based, non-clinical agencies with multiple sites throughout the state implemented the protocol over the 2-year period. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The new positivity rate (0.49%) through social networks testing did not differ from that of traditional counseling, testing, and referral recruitment methods (0.48%). Although social networks testing did not yield a higher new positivity rate compared to other testing strategies, it proved to be successful at reaching high risk individuals who may not otherwise engage in HIV testing.

Implementation and process evaluation of a workplace colorectal cancer screening program in eastern Washington.

PubMed

Hannon, Peggy A; Vu, Thuy; Ogdon, Sara; Fleury, Emily M; Yette, Emily; Wittenberg, Reva; Celedonia, Megan; Bowen, Deborah J

2013-03-01

Colorectal cancer screening is a life-saving intervention, but screening rates are low. The authors implemented and evaluated the Spokane Colorectal Cancer Screening Program-a novel worksite intervention to promote colorectal cancer screening that used a combination of evidence-based strategies recommended by the Guide to Community Preventive Services, as well as additional strategies. Over a period of approximately 3 months, participating worksites held one or more physician-led seminars about colorectal cancer screening for employees. They also distributed free fecal immunochemical tests at the worksite to employees 50 years and older, and they provided test results to employees and their primary care physician. The authors measured attendance at seminars, test kits taken and returned, employee awareness of the program, and colorectal cancer screening rates in participating and comparison worksites. It is estimated that 9% of eligible employees received kits at the worksite, and 4% were screened with these kits. The Spokane Colorectal Cancer Screening Program was a promising pilot test of an innovative worksite screening program that successfully translated evidence-based strategies into practical use in a brief period of time, and it merits a larger study to be able to test its effects more rigorously.

The Many Methods to Measure Testability: A Horror Story.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

it seems overly simplistic to assign only one "magic number" as a viable design goal. Different design technologies such as digital, analog, machanical ...FAILURE RATE 1 1 BASIC TEST PROGRAM 1 1 ATLAS TEST PROGRAM 1 1 EDIF FILE 1 1 TEST STRATEGY FLOWCHART 1 1 RTOK FREQUENCY 1 1 DIAGNOSIS AVERAGE COST 1 1

7 CFR 91.37 - Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing, analysis, and other services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing, analysis, and other services. 91.37 Section 91.37 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture... AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and...

7 CFR 91.39 - Premium hourly fee rates for overtime and legal holiday service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... overtime work. When analytical testing in a Science and Technology facility requires the services of... (CONTINUED) COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and Charges § 91.39 Premium hourly fee rates for overtime and legal holiday service. (a) When analytical testing in a Science...

7 CFR 91.39 - Premium hourly fee rates for overtime and legal holiday service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... overtime work. When analytical testing in a Science and Technology facility requires the services of... (CONTINUED) COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and Charges § 91.39 Premium hourly fee rates for overtime and legal holiday service. (a) When analytical testing in a Science...

7 CFR 91.39 - Premium hourly fee rates for overtime and legal holiday service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... overtime work. When analytical testing in a Science and Technology facility requires the services of... (CONTINUED) COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and Charges § 91.39 Premium hourly fee rates for overtime and legal holiday service. (a) When analytical testing in a Science...

7 CFR 91.39 - Premium hourly fee rates for overtime and legal holiday service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... overtime work. When analytical testing in a Science and Technology facility requires the services of... (CONTINUED) COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and Charges § 91.39 Premium hourly fee rates for overtime and legal holiday service. (a) When analytical testing in a Science...

Taking the Easy Way Out: How the GED Testing Program Induces Students to Drop Out.

PubMed

Heckman, James J; Humphries, John Eric; Lafontaine, Paul A; Rodríguez, Pedro L

2012-07-01

The option to obtain a General Education Development (GED) certificate changes the incentives facing high school students. This paper evaluates the effect of three different GED policy innovations on high school graduation rates. A six point decrease in the GED pass rate due to an increase in passing standards produced a 1.3 point decline in overall dropout rates. The introduction of a GED certification program in high schools in Oregon produced a four percent decrease in graduation rates. Introduction of GED certificates in California increased dropout rates by 3 points. The GED program induces high school students to drop out.

Taking the Easy Way Out: How the GED Testing Program Induces Students to Drop Out

PubMed Central

Heckman, James J.; Humphries, John Eric; LaFontaine, Paul A.; Rodríguez, Pedro L.

2011-01-01

The option to obtain a General Education Development (GED) certificate changes the incentives facing high school students. This paper evaluates the effect of three different GED policy innovations on high school graduation rates. A six point decrease in the GED pass rate due to an increase in passing standards produced a 1.3 point decline in overall dropout rates. The introduction of a GED certification program in high schools in Oregon produced a four percent decrease in graduation rates. Introduction of GED certificates in California increased dropout rates by 3 points. The GED program induces high school students to drop out. PMID:24634564

[Effect of Smartphone Apps Applying BodyThink Program on Obesity in Adolescent Girls].

PubMed

Jun, Min Kyung; Ha, Ju Young

2016-06-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of smartphone apps applying BodyThink program on BMI, percentage of body fat, skeletal muscle rate, body image, and self-esteem of adolescent girls. Sixty-eight high school girls with a BMI of over 25kg/m² were recruited to participate in this study. Girls from four schools were divided into two groups: the experimental group, which used the smartphone apps applying BodyThink program, and the control group, which used smartphone apps and small group counseling. The experimental group received the BodyThink program 6 times, scheduled once a week, with each session lasting 40~50 minutes. Test measures were completed before and after the 6 week intervention period for all participants. Collected data was analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test, descriptive statistics, χ² test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test with the SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. The girls in the experimental group significantly improved their results in BMI(Z=-1.67, p=.042), percentage of body fat (Z=-3.01, p=.001), skeletal muscle rate (t=-3.50, p<.001), and self-esteem (t=2.66, p=.005) after the program, compared to the girls in the control group. Mobile applications applying psychological and emotional intervention programs have the potential to be effective alternative methods to improve the body composition and self-esteem of obese adolescent girls.

A Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening: Collaboration between a Primary Care Clinic and Research Team.

PubMed

Green, Beverly B; Fuller, Sharon; Anderson, Melissa L; Mahoney, Christine; Mendy, Peter; Powell, Susan L

2017-01-01

Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that mailed fecal testing programs are effective in increasing colorectal cancer screening participation. However, few healthcare organization in the US have Implemented such programs. Stakeholders from one clinic in an integrated healthcare system in Washington State initiated collaboration with researchers with expertise in CRC screening, aiming to increase screening rates at their clinic. Age-eligible individuals who were overdue for CRC screening and had previously completed a fecal test were randomized to receive mailed fecal immunochemical test kits (FIT) at the start of the project (Early) or 6 months later (Late). Outcomes included comparing FIT completion at 6 months by randomization group, and overall CRC screening rates at 12 months. We also assessed implementation facilitators and challenges. Overall 2,421 FIT tests were mailed at a cost of $10,739. At 6 months, FIT completion was significantly higher among the Early compared to the Late group (62% vs.47%, p <0.001). By 12 months, after both groups had received mailings, 71% in each group had completed a FIT. The clinic's overall CRC screening rate was 75.1% at baseline and 78.0% 12 months later. Key constructs associated with successful program implementation included strong stakeholder involvement, use of evidence-based strategies, simplicity, and low cost. Challenges included lack of a plan for maintaining the program. Collaboration between clinic stakeholders and researchers led to a successful project that rapidly increased CRC screening rates. However, institutional normalization of the program would be required to maintain it.

A Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening: Collaboration between a Primary Care Clinic and Research Team

PubMed Central

Green, Beverly B.; Fuller, Sharon; Anderson, Melissa L.; Mahoney, Christine; Mendy, Peter; Powell, Susan L.

2017-01-01

Background Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that mailed fecal testing programs are effective in increasing colorectal cancer screening participation. However, few healthcare organization in the US have Implemented such programs. Methods Stakeholders from one clinic in an integrated healthcare system in Washington State initiated collaboration with researchers with expertise in CRC screening, aiming to increase screening rates at their clinic. Age-eligible individuals who were overdue for CRC screening and had previously completed a fecal test were randomized to receive mailed fecal immunochemical test kits (FIT) at the start of the project (Early) or 6 months later (Late). Outcomes included comparing FIT completion at 6 months by randomization group, and overall CRC screening rates at 12 months. We also assessed implementation facilitators and challenges. Results Overall 2,421 FIT tests were mailed at a cost of $10,739. At 6 months, FIT completion was significantly higher among the Early compared to the Late group (62% vs.47%, p <0.001). By 12 months, after both groups had received mailings, 71% in each group had completed a FIT. The clinic’s overall CRC screening rate was 75.1% at baseline and 78.0% 12 months later. Key constructs associated with successful program implementation included strong stakeholder involvement, use of evidence-based strategies, simplicity, and low cost. Challenges included lack of a plan for maintaining the program. Discussion Collaboration between clinic stakeholders and researchers led to a successful project that rapidly increased CRC screening rates. However, institutional normalization of the program would be required to maintain it. PMID:29399669

ITERATIVE EVALUATION IN A MOBILE COUNSELING AND TESTING PROGRAM TO REACH PEOPLE OF COLOR AT RISK FOR HIV—NEW STRATEGIES IMPROVE PROGRAM ACCEPTABILITY, EFFECTIVENESS, AND EVALUATION CAPABILITIES

PubMed Central

Spielberg, Freya; Kurth, Ann; Reidy, William; McKnight, Teka; Dikobe, Wame; Wilson, Charles

2016-01-01

This article highlights findings from an evaluation that explored the impact of mobile versus clinic-based testing, rapid versus central-lab based testing, incentives for testing, and the use of a computer counseling program to guide counseling and automate evaluation in a mobile program reaching people of color at risk for HIV. The program’s results show that an increased focus on mobile outreach using rapid testing, incentives and health information technology tools may improve program acceptability, quality, productivity and timeliness of reports. This article describes program design decisions based on continuous quality assessment efforts. It also examines the impact of the Computer Assessment and Risk Reduction Education computer tool on HIV testing rates, staff perception of counseling quality, program productivity, and on the timeliness of evaluation reports. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for programmatic responses to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HIV testing recommendations. PMID:21689041

Seven Q-Tracks monitors of laboratory quality drive general performance improvement: experience from the College of American Pathologists Q-Tracks program 1999-2011.

PubMed

Meier, Frederick A; Souers, Rhona J; Howanitz, Peter J; Tworek, Joseph A; Perrotta, Peter L; Nakhleh, Raouf E; Karcher, Donald S; Bashleben, Christine; Darcy, Teresa P; Schifman, Ron B; Jones, Bruce A

2015-06-01

Many production systems employ standardized statistical monitors that measure defect rates and cycle times, as indices of performance quality. Clinical laboratory testing, a system that produces test results, is amenable to such monitoring. To demonstrate patterns in clinical laboratory testing defect rates and cycle time using 7 College of American Pathologists Q-Tracks program monitors. Subscribers measured monthly rates of outpatient order-entry errors, identification band defects, and specimen rejections; median troponin order-to-report cycle times and rates of STAT test receipt-to-report turnaround time outliers; and critical values reporting event defects, and corrected reports. From these submissions Q-Tracks program staff produced quarterly and annual reports. These charted each subscriber's performance relative to other participating laboratories and aggregate and subgroup performance over time, dividing participants into best and median performers and performers with the most room to improve. Each monitor's patterns of change present percentile distributions of subscribers' performance in relation to monitoring durations and numbers of participating subscribers. Changes over time in defect frequencies and the cycle duration quantify effects on performance of monitor participation. All monitors showed significant decreases in defect rates as the 7 monitors ran variously for 6, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, and 13 years. The most striking decreases occurred among performers who initially had the most room to improve and among subscribers who participated the longest. All 7 monitors registered significant improvement. Participation effects improved between 0.85% and 5.1% per quarter of participation. Using statistical quality measures, collecting data monthly, and receiving reports quarterly and yearly, subscribers to a comparative monitoring program documented significant decreases in defect rates and shortening of a cycle time for 6 to 13 years in all 7 ongoing clinical laboratory quality monitors.

A Monte Carlo Program for Simulating Selection Decisions from Personnel Tests

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Petersen, Calvin R.; Thain, John W.

1976-01-01

Relative to test and criterion parameters and cutting scores, the correlation coefficient, sample size, and number of samples to be drawn (all inputs), this program calculates decision classification rates across samples and for combined samples. Several other related indices are also computed. (Author)

Fitness for duty in the nuclear power industry: Annual summary of program performance reports CY 1994. Volume 5

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

Westra, C.; Durbin, N.; Field, I.

This report summarizes the data from the semiannual reports on fitness-for-duty programs submitted to the NRC by utilities for two reporting periods: January 1 through June 30, 1994, and July I through December 31, 1994. During 1994, licensees reported that they had conducted 163,241 tests for the presence of illegal drugs and alcohol. Of these tests, 1,372 (.84%) were confirmed positive. Positive test results varied by category of test and category of worker. The majority of positive test results (977) were obtained through pre-access testing. Of tests conducted on workers having access to the protected area, there were 223 positivemore » tests from random testing and 122 positive tests from for-cause testing. Follow-up testing of workers who had previously tested positive resulted in 50 positive tests. For-cause testing resulted in the highest percentage of positive tests; about 16 percent of for-cause tests were positive. This compares with a positive test rate of 1.22 percent of pre-access tests and .28 percent of random tests. The positive test rate for badged workers (including only random, for-cause, and follow-up test results) was .48 percent. Positive test rates also varied by category of worker. When all types of tests are combined (pre-access, random, for-cause, and follow-up testing), short-term contractor personnel had the highest positive test rate at 1.22 percent. Licensee employees and long-term contractors had lower combined positive test rates (.33% and .49%, respectively). Of the substances tested, marijuana was responsible for the highest percentage of positive test results (52.07%), followed by cocaine (24.25%) and alcohol (17.45%).« less

Fitness for duty in the nuclear power industry. Volume 3, Annual summary of program performance reports, CY 1992

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

Fleming, T.; Westra, C.; Field, I.

This report summarizes the data from the semi-annual reports on fitness-for-duty programs submitted to the NRC by 52 utilities for two reporting periods: January 1 through June 30, 1992, and July 1 through December 31, 1992. During 1992, licensees reported that they had conducted 266,551 tests for the presence of illegal drugs and alcohol. Of these test, 1,818 (.68%) were confirmed positive. Positive test results varied by category of test and category of worker. The majority of positive test results (1,110) were obtained through pre-access testing. Of tests conducted on workers having access to the protected area, there were 461more » positive tests from random testing and 178 positive tests from for-cause testing. Follow-up testing of workers who had previously tested positive resulted in 69 positive tests. For-cause testing resulted in the highest percentage of positive-tests; about 26% of for-cause tests were positive. This compares to a positive test rate of 1.06 percent of pre-access tests and .29 percent of random tests. Positive test rates also varied by category of worker. Overall, short-term contractor personnel had the highest positive test rate at 1.00 percent. Licensee employees and long-term contractors had lower positive test rates (.29% and .63%, respectively). Of the substances tested, marijuana was responsible for the highest percentage of positive test results (50.3%), followed by cocaine (24.8%) and alcohol (22.6%). Positive test results are also reported for NRC administrative regions and for plants located in areas with different rates of population density.« less

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.

Leaflets and continual educational offerings led to increased coverage rate of newborn hearing screening in Akita.

PubMed

Sato, Teruyuki; Nakazawa, Misao; Takahashi, Shin; Mizuno, Tomomi; Sato, Akira; Noguchi, Atsuko; Sato, Megumi; Katagiri, Sadako; Yamada, Takechiyo

2018-08-01

Newborn hearing screening (NHS) has been actively performed in Japan since 2001. The NHS coverage rate has increased each year in Akita Prefecture. We analyzed the details of the NHS program and how the Akita leaflets and the many educational offerings about the importance of NHS led to the high NHS coverage rate. A retrospective study was conducted in liveborn newborns in hospitals and in clinics where hearing screening was performed from the program's beginning in 2001 through the end of 2015. We describe the chronological history of NHS. The outcome data of NHS were collected from our department and analyzed. From the founding of the program in 2001 to 2015, the live birth rate in Akita continually declined. Nevertheless, the number of infants receiving NHS rose each year. Since 2012, the coverage rate of NHS has been over 90%. From 2001 to 2015, 75,331 newborns constituted the eligible population for the NHS program. Since 2012, the number of NHS tests has stabilized. We prepared educational leaflets for Akita Prefecture early in 2002. We also provided many educational classes about the importance of NHS for not only pregnant women but also professionals including obstetricians and gynecologists, pediatricians and municipal staff members. The NHS program received the complete endorsement of the Akita Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 2010. The largest increase in the NHS coverage rate occurred from 2001 to 2002, and the second largest increase occurred from 2009 to 2010. The number of participating institutions increased the coverage rate. The coverage rate is strongly correlated with the number of participating institutions (rs=0.843, p<0.001, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). Comparing the coverage rate for 5 years before and after the Akita Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reached their consensus on the importance of NHS, the coverage rate after 2010 was significantly higher than before 2010 (p<0.001, paired sample t-test). The NHS coverage rate ultimately reached 95.4% without need for legislation or subsidization. The number of participating institutions increased each year, and the number of NHS tests and the coverage rate increased proportionately. The number of participating institutions statistically has a strong correlation with the number of NHS tests and the coverage rate. Our research indicates that the Akita leaflets and the provision of educational sessions about the importance of NHS were the most significant factors in establishing the high NHS coverage rate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Implementation of an Aggressive Random Drug-Testing Policy in a Rural School District: Student Attitudes Regarding Program Fairness and Effectiveness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evans, Garret D.; Reader, Steven; Liss, Heidi J.; Wiens, Brenda A.; Roy, Antara

2006-01-01

School districts are increasingly initiating random drug-testing (RDT) programs in an effort to curb substance-use rates among students, yet little is known about student attitudes toward RDT and potential obstacles to program acceptance and effectiveness. The authors surveyed 1011 9th through 11th grade students in 2 rural high schools in North…

Reimbursement rates and policies for primary molar pit-and-fissure sealants across state Medicaid programs.

PubMed

Chi, Donald L; Singh, Jennifer

2013-11-01

Little is known about Medicaid policies regarding reimbursement for placement of sealants on primary molars. The authors identified Medicaid programs that reimbursed dentists for placing primary molar sealants and hypothesized that these programs had higher reimbursement rates than did state programs that did not reimburse for primary molar sealants. The authors obtained Medicaid reimbursement data from online fee schedules and determined whether each state Medicaid program reimbursed for primary molar sealants (no or yes). The outcome measure was the reimbursement rate for permanent tooth sealants (calculated in 2012 U.S. dollars). The authors compared mean reimbursement rates by using the t test (α = .05). Seventeen Medicaid programs reimbursed dentists for placing primary molar sealants (34 percent), and the mean reimbursement rate was $27.57 (range, $16.00 [Maine] to $49.68 [Alaska]). All 50 programs reimbursed dentists for placement of sealants on permanent teeth. The mean reimbursement for permanent tooth sealants was significantly higher in programs that reimbursed for primary molar sealants than in programs that did not ($28.51 and $23.67, respectively; P = .03). Most state Medicaid programs do not reimburse dentists for placing sealants on primary molars, but programs that do so have significantly higher reimbursement rates. Medicaid reimbursement rates are related to dentists' participation in Medicaid and children's dental care use. Reimbursement for placement of sealants on primary molars is a proxy for Medicaid program generosity.

75 FR 79308 - Alcohol and Drug Testing: Determination of Minimum Random Testing Rates for 2011

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-20

... from Management Information System annual reports, FRA has determined that the 2009 rail industry... program data taken from FRA's Management Information System. Based on this data, the Administrator... effective December 20, 2010. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lamar Allen, Alcohol and Drug Program Manager...

A Study of the Significant Factors That Affect the Job Placement Rates of Students Who Have Completed a HERO Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Instructional Development and Evaluation Associates, Inc., Berkeley, MI.

A three-year study examined the significant factors that affect the job placement rates of students completing a Home Economics Related Occupations (HERO) program. Other purposes of the study were to develop and pilot test a model that could be used to determine factors related to student placement in a variety of vocational education programs and…

A Study of the Significant Factors That Affect the Job Placement Rates of Students Who Have Completed a HERO Program. Year Summary Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Instructional Development and Evaluation Associates, Inc., Berkeley, MI.

A three-year study examined the significant factors that affect the job placement rates of students completing a Home Economics Related Occupations (HERO) program. Other purposes of the study were to develop and pilot test a model that could be used to determine factors related to student placement in a variety of vocational education programs and…

A Study of the Significant Factors That Affect the Job Placement Rates of Students Who Have Completed a HERO Program. Year 2 Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Instructional Development and Evaluation Associates, Inc., Berkeley, MI.

A three-year study examined the significant factors that affect the job placement rates of students completing a Home Economics Related Occupations (HERO) program. Other purposes of the study were to develop and pilot test a model that could be used to determine factors related to student placement in a variety of vocational education programs and…

Fitness for duty in the nuclear power industry. Volume 2, Annual summary of program performance reports, CY 1991

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

Murphy, S.; Fleming, T.; Westra, C.

This report summarizes the data from the semi-annual reports on fitness-for-duty programs submitted to the NRC by 52 utilities for two reporting periods: January 1, 1991 to June 30,1991, and from July 1, 1991, to December 31, 1991. During 1991, licensees reported that they had conducted 262,597 tests for the presence of illegal drugs and alcohol. Of these tests, 1,722 (.66%) were confirmed positive. Positive test results varied by category of test and category of worker. The majority of positive test results (983) were obtained through pre-access testing. Of tests conducted on workers having access to the protected area, theremore » were 510 positive tests from random testing and 167 positive tests from forcause testing. Follow-up testing of workers who had previously tested positive resulted in 62 positive tests. Forcause testing resulted in the highest percentage of positive tests; about 23 percent of forcause tests were positive. This compares to a positive test rate of .94 percent of preaccess tests and .33 percent of random tests. Positive test rates also varied by category of worker. Overall, short-term contractor personnel had the highest positive test rate at .98 percent. licensee employees and long-term contractors had lower positive test rates (33% and .56%, respectively). Of the substances tested, marijuana was responsible for the highest percentage (42.3%) of positive test results, followed by cocaine (31.2%) and alcohol (22.8%). Positive test results are also reported for NRC administrative regions, for plants experiencing or not experiencing an outage during a six-month period; and for plants located in areas with different rates of population density, crime, and drug and alcohol use. A comparison of positive test results in 1991 with those found in 1990 found a decrease in the positive test rate for each category of test and worker.« less

Gatekeeping: Why Shouldn't We Be Ambivalent?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sowbel, Lynda R.

2012-01-01

An increase of 88% in programs from 1990 through 2004, low GRE scores, low entry- level wages, declining pass rates in licensing tests, and an increase in ethical violations reported all support the contention that there are higher enrollment rates and decreased gatekeeping selectivity in today's graduate MSW programs. This article discusses four…

Description of Liquid Nitrogen Experimental Test Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jurns, John M.; Jacobs, Richard E.; Saiyed, Naseem H.

1991-01-01

The Liquid Nitrogen Test Facility is a unique test facility for ground-based liquid nitrogen experimentation. The test rig consists of an insulated tank of approximately 12.5 cubic ft in volume, which is supplied with liquid nitrogen from a 300 gal dewar via a vacuum jacketed piping system. The test tank is fitted with pressure and temperature measuring instrumentation, and with two view ports which allow visual observation of test conditions. To demonstrate the capabilities of the facility, the initial test program is briefly described. The objective of the test program is to measure the condensation rate by injecting liquid nitrogen as a subcooled spray into the ullage of a tank 50 percent full of liquid nitrogen at saturated conditions. The condensation rate of the nitrogen vapor on the subcooled spray can be analytically modeled, and results validated and corrected by experimentally measuring the vapor condensation on liquid sprays.

Description of liquid nitrogen experimental test facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jurns, J. M.; Jacobs, R. E.; Saiyed, N. H.

1992-01-01

The Liquid Nitrogen Test Facility is a unique test facility for ground-based liquid nitrogen experimentation. The test rig consists of an insulated tank of approximately 12.5 cubic ft in volume, which is supplied with liquid nitrogen from a 300 gal dewar via a vacuum jacketed piping system. The test tank is fitted with pressure and temperature measuring instrumentation, and with two view ports which allow visual observation of test conditions. To demonstrate the capabilities of the facility, the initial test program is briefly described. The objective of the test program is to measure the condensation rate by injecting liquid nitrogen as a subcooled spray into the ullage of a tank 50 percent full of liquid nitrogen at saturated conditions. The condensation rate of the nitrogen vapor on the subcooled spray can be analytically modeled, and results validated and corrected by experimentally measuring the vapor condensation on liquid sprays.

Fitness for duty in the Nuclear Power Industry. Annual summary of program performance reports CY 1993

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

Westra, C.; Forslund, C.; Field, I.

This report summarizes the data from the semiannual reports on fitness-for-duty programs submitted to the NRC by utilities for two reporting periods: January 1 through June 30, 1993, and July 1 through December 31, 1993. During 1993, licensees reported that they had conducted 242,966 tests for the presence of illegal drugs and alcohol. Of these tests, 1,512 (.62%) were confirmed positive. Positive test results varied by category of test and category of worker. The majority of positive test results (952) were obtained through pre-access testing. Of tests conducted on workers having access to the protected area, there were 341 positivemore » tests from random testing and 163 positive tests from for-cause testing. Follow-up testing of workers who had previously tested positive resulted in 56 positive tests. For-cause testing resulted in the highest percentage of positive tests; about 22 percent of for-cause tests were positive. This compares with a positive test rate of 1.04 percent of pre-access tests and .23 percent of random tests. Positive test rates also varied by category of worker. When all types of tests are combined (pre-access, random, for-cause, and follow-up testing), short-term contractor personnel had the highest positive test rate at.97 percent. Licensee employees and long-term contractors had lower combined positive test rates (.25% and .21%, respectively). Of the substances tested, marijuana was responsible for the highest percentage of positive test results (49.56%), followed by cocaine (23.41 %) and alcohol (22.65%).« less

Program documentation for the space environment test division post-test data reduction program (GNFLEX)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, L. D.

1979-01-01

The Space Environment Test Division Post-Test Data Reduction Program processes data from test history tapes generated on the Flexible Data System in the Space Environment Simulation Laboratory at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. The program reads the tape's data base records to retrieve the item directory conversion file, the item capture file and the process link file to determine the active parameters. The desired parameter names are read in by lead cards after which the periodic data records are read to determine parameter data level changes. The data is considered to be compressed rather than full sample rate. Tabulations and/or a tape for generating plots may be output.

A Model Program for the Retention of High-Risk, Postsecondary Vocational Students. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cossatot Vocational Technical School, DeQueen, AR.

An orientation, testing, and counseling program to improve the dropout rate of at-risk postsecondary vocational students in Arkansas was developed and field tested at Cossatot Vocational Technical School, DeQueen, Arkansas. Project activities included: (1) improving prevocational exploration and assessment through the development of a…

12 CFR Appendix A to Subpart B of... - Risk-Based Capital Stress Test

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Loan Number Ending Scheduled Balance Group Pre/Post Act Property State Product Type Origination Date... program assets post-1996 Act Swap balances; (iii) Farmer Mac I program assets pre-1996 Act; (iv) Farmer... stress test applies quarterly updates of the weighted average guarantee rates for post-1996 Farmer Mac I...

12 CFR Appendix A to Subpart B of... - Risk-Based Capital Stress Test

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Loan Number Ending Scheduled Balance Group Pre/Post Act Property State Product Type Origination Date... program assets post-1996 Act Swap balances; (iii) Farmer Mac I program assets pre-1996 Act; (iv) Farmer... stress test applies quarterly updates of the weighted average guarantee rates for post-1996 Farmer Mac I...

76 FR 56661 - Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for General Service Fluorescent Lamps, General...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-14

... designed to improve energy efficiency and established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products... prescribed or amended under this section must be reasonably designed to produce test results which measure... conservation standards for GSILs which include for the first time minimum rated lifetime requirements that are...

Fatigue Crack Growth Rate Test Results for Al-Li 2195 Parent Metal, Variable Polarity Plasma Arc Welds and Friction Stir Welds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hafley, Robert A.; Wagner, John A.; Domack, Marcia S.

2000-01-01

The fatigue crack growth rate of aluminum-lithium (Al-Li) alloy 2195 plate and weldments was determined at 200-F, ambient temperature and -320-F. The effects of stress ratio (R), welding process, orientation and thickness were studied. Results are compared with plate data from the Space Shuttle Super Lightweight Tank (SLWT) allowables program. Data from the current series of tests, both plate and weldment, falls within the range of data generated during the SLWT allowables program.

Adhesives: Test Method, Group Assignment, and Categorization Guide for High-Loading Rate Applications - History and Rationale

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-20

Categorization Guide for High -Loading- Rate Applications – History and Rationale by Robert Jensen, David Flanagan, Daniel DeSchepper, and Charles...Adhesives: Test Method, Group Assignment, and Categorization Guide for High -Loading- Rate Applications – History and Rationale by Robert Jensen...Categorization Guide for High - Loading-Rate Applications – History and Rationale 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6

NASA's lithium cell technology program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juvinall, G. L.

1978-01-01

Briefly outlined are the activities of the various research centers involved in the NASA program. Graphs are presented for: (1) the initial results on SOCl2 decomposition rate; (2) effect of rate on output of Li-SOCl2 cells; (3) comparison of high and low rate Li-SOCl2 cells; and (4) effect of temperature on output of Li-SOCl2 cells. Abusive test results and a description of secondary lithium cells are also presented.

Employee assistance programs, drug testing, and workplace injury.

PubMed

Waehrer, Geetha M; Miller, Ted R; Hendrie, Delia; Galvin, Deborah M

2016-06-01

Little is known about the effects of employee assistance programs (EAPs) on occupational injuries. Multivariate regressions probed a unique data set that linked establishment information about workplace anti-drug programs in 1988 with occupational injury rates for 1405 establishments. EAPs were associated with a significant reduction in both no-lost-work and lost-work injuries, especially in the manufacturing and transportation, communication and public utilities industries (TCPU). Lost-work injuries were more responsive to specific EAP characteristics, with lower rates associated with EAPs staffed by company employees (most likely onsite). Telephone hotline services were associated with reduced rates of lost-work injuries in manufacturing and TCPU. Drug testing was associated with reductions in the rate of minor injuries with no lost work, but had no significant relationship with lost-work injuries. This associational study suggests that EAPs, especially ones that are company-staffed and ones that include telephone hotlines, may prevent workplace injuries. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Implementing and evaluating a regional strategy to improve testing rates in VA patients at risk for HIV, utilizing the QUERI process as a guiding framework: QUERI Series.

PubMed

Goetz, Matthew B; Bowman, Candice; Hoang, Tuyen; Anaya, Henry; Osborn, Teresa; Gifford, Allen L; Asch, Steven M

2008-03-19

We describe how we used the framework of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) to develop a program to improve rates of diagnostic testing for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This venture was prompted by the observation by the CDC that 25% of HIV-infected patients do not know their diagnosis - a point of substantial importance to the VA, which is the largest provider of HIV care in the United States. Following the QUERI steps (or process), we evaluated: 1) whether undiagnosed HIV infection is a high-risk, high-volume clinical issue within the VA, 2) whether there are evidence-based recommendations for HIV testing, 3) whether there are gaps in the performance of VA HIV testing, and 4) the barriers and facilitators to improving current practice in the VA.Based on our findings, we developed and initiated a QUERI step 4/phase 1 pilot project using the precepts of the Chronic Care Model. Our improvement strategy relies upon electronic clinical reminders to provide decision support; audit/feedback as a clinical information system, and appropriate changes in delivery system design. These activities are complemented by academic detailing and social marketing interventions to achieve provider activation. Our preliminary formative evaluation indicates the need to ensure leadership and team buy-in, address facility-specific barriers, refine the reminder, and address factors that contribute to inter-clinic variances in HIV testing rates. Preliminary unadjusted data from the first seven months of our program show 3-5 fold increases in the proportion of at-risk patients who are offered HIV testing at the VA sites (stations) where the pilot project has been undertaken; no change was seen at control stations. This project demonstrates the early success of the application of the QUERI process to the development of a program to improve HIV testing rates. Preliminary unadjusted results show that the coordinated use of audit/feedback, provider activation, and organizational change can increase HIV testing rates for at-risk patients. We are refining our program prior to extending our work to a small-scale, multi-site evaluation (QUERI step 4/phase 2). We also plan to evaluate the durability/sustainability of the intervention effect, the costs of HIV testing, and the number of newly identified HIV-infected patients. Ultimately, we will evaluate this program in other geographically dispersed stations (QUERI step 4/phases 3 and 4).

Implementing and evaluating a regional strategy to improve testing rates in VA patients at risk for HIV, utilizing the QUERI process as a guiding framework: QUERI Series

PubMed Central

Goetz, Matthew B; Bowman, Candice; Hoang, Tuyen; Anaya, Henry; Osborn, Teresa; Gifford, Allen L; Asch, Steven M

2008-01-01

Background We describe how we used the framework of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) to develop a program to improve rates of diagnostic testing for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This venture was prompted by the observation by the CDC that 25% of HIV-infected patients do not know their diagnosis – a point of substantial importance to the VA, which is the largest provider of HIV care in the United States. Methods Following the QUERI steps (or process), we evaluated: 1) whether undiagnosed HIV infection is a high-risk, high-volume clinical issue within the VA, 2) whether there are evidence-based recommendations for HIV testing, 3) whether there are gaps in the performance of VA HIV testing, and 4) the barriers and facilitators to improving current practice in the VA. Based on our findings, we developed and initiated a QUERI step 4/phase 1 pilot project using the precepts of the Chronic Care Model. Our improvement strategy relies upon electronic clinical reminders to provide decision support; audit/feedback as a clinical information system, and appropriate changes in delivery system design. These activities are complemented by academic detailing and social marketing interventions to achieve provider activation. Results Our preliminary formative evaluation indicates the need to ensure leadership and team buy-in, address facility-specific barriers, refine the reminder, and address factors that contribute to inter-clinic variances in HIV testing rates. Preliminary unadjusted data from the first seven months of our program show 3–5 fold increases in the proportion of at-risk patients who are offered HIV testing at the VA sites (stations) where the pilot project has been undertaken; no change was seen at control stations. Discussion This project demonstrates the early success of the application of the QUERI process to the development of a program to improve HIV testing rates. Preliminary unadjusted results show that the coordinated use of audit/feedback, provider activation, and organizational change can increase HIV testing rates for at-risk patients. We are refining our program prior to extending our work to a small-scale, multi-site evaluation (QUERI step 4/phase 2). We also plan to evaluate the durability/sustainability of the intervention effect, the costs of HIV testing, and the number of newly identified HIV-infected patients. Ultimately, we will evaluate this program in other geographically dispersed stations (QUERI step 4/phases 3 and 4). PMID:18353185

DIMENSIONS OF TEACHER'S ATTITUDES TOWARD INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

TOBIAS, SIGMUND

TEACHERS' RATINGS ON SIX 7-POINT SEMANTIC DIFFERENTIAL SCALES (GOOD-BAD, WORTHLESS-VALUABLE, FAIR-UNFAIR, MEANINGLESS-MEANINGFUL, WISE-FOOLISH, DISREPUTABLE-REPUTABLE) WERE OBTAINED FOR THE FOLLOWING TERMS--AUTOMATED INSTRUCTION, SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM, TEACHING MACHINE, MECHANIZED TUTOR, PROGRAMED TEST, PROGRAMED INSTRUCTION, TUTOR TEXT, WORK…

Pain sensitivity and torque used during measurement predicts change in range of motion at the knee.

PubMed

Bishop, Mark D; George, Steven Z

2017-01-01

To determine the extent to which changes in knee range of motion (ROM) after a stretching program are related to sensory factors at the time of testing and the amount of force used during the measurement of ROM, rather than changes in soft-tissue properties. Randomized, single-blind design. Participants were randomly assigned to a control or stretching group. Research laboratory. Forty-four healthy volunteers (22.8±2.8 years of age; 23 men). The stretching group undertook static stretching twice a day for 8 weeks. The control group continued with routine activity, but was discouraged from starting a flexibility program. ROM and tissue extensibility was assessed using a Biodex3 dynamometer, and ratings of thermal pain were collected at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks by an examiner blinded to group assignment. Multilevel modeling was used to examine predictors of ROM across time. The stretching group showed a 6% increase, and the control group had a 2% increase, in ROM over the 8-week program. However, when fixed and random effects were tested in a complete model, the group assignment was not significant. End-point torque during ROM testing ( p =0.021) and the ratings in response to thermal testing ( p <0.001) were significant, however. ROM measured in a testing session was not predicted by assignment to a stretching program. Rather, ROM was predicted by the ratings of thermal stimuli and the peak torque used to apply the stretch.

Effect of an Internet-based Curriculum on Postgraduate Education

PubMed Central

Sisson, Stephen D; Hughes, Mark T; Levine, David; Brancati, Frederick L

2004-01-01

We hypothesized that the Internet could be used to disseminate and evaluate a curriculum in ambulatory care, and that internal medicine residency program directors would value features made possible by online dissemination. An Internet-based ambulatory care curriculum was developed and marketed to internal medicine residency program directors. Utilization and knowledge outcomes were tracked by the website; opinions of program directors were measured by paper surveys. Twenty-four programs enrolled with the online curriculum. The curriculum was rated favorably by all programs, test scores on curricular content improved significantly, and program directors rated highly features made possible by an Internet-based curriculum. PMID:15109313

Impact of a Routine, Opt-Out HIV Testing Program on HIV Testing and Case Detection in North Carolina Sexually-Transmitted Disease Clinics

PubMed Central

Klein, Pamela W.; Messer, Lynne C.; Myers, Evan R.; Weber, David J.; Leone, Peter A.; Miller, William C.

2016-01-01

The impact of routine, opt-out HIV testing programs in clinical settings is inconclusive. The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of an expanded, routine HIV testing program in North Carolina sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics on HIV testing and case detection. Adults aged 18–64 who received an HIV test in a North Carolina STD clinic July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2011 were included in this analysis, dichotomized at the date of implementation on November 1, 2007. HIV testing and case detection counts and rates were analyzed using interrupted time series analysis, and Poisson and multilevel logistic regression. Pre-intervention, 426 new HIV-infected cases were identified from 128,029 tests (0.33%), whereas 816 new HIV-infected cases were found from 274,745 tests post-intervention (0.30%). Pre-intervention, HIV testing increased by 55 tests per month (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41, 72), but only 34 tests per month (95% CI: 26, 42) post-intervention. Increases in HIV testing rates were most pronounced in females and non-Hispanic whites. A slight pre-intervention decline in case detection was mitigated by the intervention (mean difference [MD]=0.01; 95% CI: −0.02, 0.05). Increases in case detection rates were observed among females and non-Hispanic blacks. The impact of a routine HIV screening in North Carolina STD clinics was marginal, with the greatest benefit among persons not traditionally targeted for HIV testing. The use of a pre-intervention comparison period identified important temporal trends that otherwise would have been ignored. PMID:24825338

Relationship Between Physician Assistant Program Length and Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Pass Rates.

PubMed

Colletti, Thomas P; Salisbury, Helen; Hertelendy, Attila J; Tseng, Tina

2016-03-01

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between physician assistant (PA) educational program length and PA programs' 5-year average Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) first-time pass rates. This was a retrospective correlational study that analyzed previously collected data from a nonprobability purposive sample of accredited PA program Web sites. Master's level PA programs (n = 108) in the United States with published average PANCE scores for 5 consecutive classes were included. Provisional and probationary programs were excluded (n = 4). Study data were not normally distributed per the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, P = .00. There was no relationship between program length and PANCE pass rates, ρ (108) = -0.04, P = .68. Further analyses examining a possible relationship between program phase length (didactic and clinical) and PANCE pass rates also demonstrated no differences (ρ [107] = -0.05, P = .60 and ρ [107] = 0.02, P = .80, respectively). The results of this study suggest that shorter length PA programs perform similarly to longer programs in preparing students to pass the PANCE. In light of rapid expansion of PA educational programs, educators may want to consider these findings when planning the length of study for new and established programs.

Spacecraft Parachute Recovery System Testing from a Failure Rate Perspective

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stewart, Christine E.

2013-01-01

Spacecraft parachute recovery systems, especially those with a parachute cluster, require testing to identify and reduce failures. This is especially important when the spacecraft in question is human-rated. Due to the recent effort to make spaceflight affordable, the importance of determining a minimum requirement for testing has increased. The number of tests required to achieve a mature design, with a relatively constant failure rate, can be estimated from a review of previous complex spacecraft recovery systems. Examination of the Apollo parachute testing and the Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster recovery chute system operation will clarify at which point in those programs the system reached maturity. This examination will also clarify the risks inherent in not performing a sufficient number of tests prior to operation with humans on-board. When looking at complex parachute systems used in spaceflight landing systems, a pattern begins to emerge regarding the need for a minimum amount of testing required to wring out the failure modes and reduce the failure rate of the parachute system to an acceptable level for human spaceflight. Not only a sufficient number of system level testing, but also the ability to update the design as failure modes are found is required to drive the failure rate of the system down to an acceptable level. In addition, sufficient data and images are necessary to identify incipient failure modes or to identify failure causes when a system failure occurs. In order to demonstrate the need for sufficient system level testing prior to an acceptable failure rate, the Apollo Earth Landing System (ELS) test program and the Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster Recovery System failure history will be examined, as well as some experiences in the Orion Capsule Parachute Assembly System will be noted.

Liquid Motion in a Rotating Tank Experiment (LME)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deffenbaugh, D. M.; Dodge, F. T.; Green, S. T.

1998-01-01

The Liquid Motion Experiment (LME), which flew on STS 84 in May 1997, was an investigation of liquid motions in spinning, nutating tanks. LME was designed to quantify the effects of such liquid motions on the stability of spinning spacecraft, which are known to be adversely affected by the energy dissipated by the liquid motions. The LME hardware was essentially a spin table which could be forced to nutate at specified frequencies at a constant cone angle, independently of the spin rate. Cylindrical and spherical test tanks, partially filled with liquids of different viscosities, were located at the periphery of the spin table to simulate a spacecraft with off-axis propellant tanks; one set of tanks contained generic propellant management devices (PMDs). The primary quantitative data from the flight tests were the liquid-induced torques exerted on the tanks about radial and tangential axes through the center of the tank. Visual recordings of the liquid oscillations also provided qualitative information. The flight program incorporated two types of tests: sine sweep tests, in which the spin rate was held constant and the nutation frequency varied over a wide range; and sine dwell test, in which both the spin rate and the nutation frequency were held constant. The sine sweep tests were meant to investigate all the prominent liquid resonant oscillations and the damping of the resonances, and the sine dwell tests were meant to quantify the viscous energy dissipation rate of the liquid oscillations for steady state conditions. The LME flight data were compared to analytical results obtained from two companion IR&D programs at Southwest Research Institute. The comparisons indicated that the models predicted the observed liquid resonances, damping, and energy dissipation rates for many test conditions but not for all. It was concluded that improved models and CFD simulations are needed to resolve the differences. This work is ongoing under a current IR&D program.

76 FR 19759 - Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial Equipment: Publication of the Petition for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-08

... (``VRF'') multi-split systems. Carrier requests this waiver for the SMMSi systems because the basic design of VRF multi-split systems prevents testing or rating according to DOE's prescribed test... adopted by AHRI--``ANSI/AHRI 1230--2010: Performance Rating of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi-Split...

THE INTERPLAY OF SOME EGO FUNCTIONS IN SIX YEAR OLD CHILDREN.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LOVINGER, SOPHIE L.

IN A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO INVESTIGATE THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG SELF-CONCEPT, SENSE-OF-COMPETENCE, READING ACHIEVEMENT, AND DEPENDENCE IN KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE CHILDREN, 110 MIDDLE CLASS, WHITE KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN FROM THE NEW YORK CITY AREA WERE TESTED AND RATED DURING THEIR KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE YEARS. THE TESTS AND RATING SCALES…

Improving Beta Test Evaluation Response Rates: A Meta-Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Russ-Eft, Darlene; Preskill, Hallie

2005-01-01

This study presents a meta-evaluation of a beta-test of a customer service training program. The initial evaluation showed a low response rate. Therefore, the meta-evaluation focused on issues related to the conduct of the initial evaluation and reasons for nonresponse. The meta-evaluation identified solutions to the nonresponse problem as related…

Ares I Scale Model Acoustic Test Above Deck Water Sound Suppression Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Counter, Douglas D.; Houston, Janice D.

2011-01-01

The Ares I Scale Model Acoustic Test (ASMAT) program test matrix was designed to determine the acoustic reduction for the Liftoff acoustics (LOA) environment with an above deck water sound suppression system. The scale model test can be used to quantify the effectiveness of the water suppression system as well as optimize the systems necessary for the LOA noise reduction. Several water flow rates were tested to determine which rate provides the greatest acoustic reductions. Preliminary results are presented.

Substance abuse treatment as HIV prevention: more questions than answers.

PubMed

Brown, Lawrence S; Kritz, Steven; Bini, Edmund J; Louie, Ben; Robinson, Jim; Alderson, Donald; Rotrosen, John

2010-12-01

This report examines associations between the availability of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related health services in substance abuse treatment programs and characteristics of the programs and the patients they serve. In a cross-sectional, descriptive design and via a validated survey, program administrators within the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network provided information on program characteristics, patient characteristics (rates of risky sexual and drug behaviors and HIV infection), and the availability of 31 different HIV-related health services. Of 319 programs, 84% submitted surveys. Service availability rates ranged from: 10% (pneumococcal vaccination) to 86% (drug testing) for the 6 HIV-related services offered to all patients, 13% (Pap smear for women) to 54% (tuberculin skin testing) for the 6 services offered to new patients, 2% (sterile injection equipment) to 64% (male condoms) for the 4 risk-reduction services, 37% (Pap smear for women) to 61% (tuberculin skin testing) for the 11 biological assessments offered to HIV-positive patients, and 33% (medical treatments) to 52% (counseling) for the 4 other services offered to HIV-positive patients. The availability of these HIV-related services was associated with clinical settings, the types of addiction treatment services, the rates of risky drug and sexual behaviors, and HIV infection rates among patients. Availability of such services was below published guidelines. While the results provide another basis for the infection-related prevention benefits of substance abuse treatment, the variability in the availability of HIV-related health care deserves further study and has health policy implications in determining how to utilize substance abuse treatment in reducing drug-related HIV transmission.

ELT-572(v)2 DIRCM: simulation, system design and DTE process to protect ItAF platforms against ManPADS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borriello, G.; Bonori, V.; Cresti, M.; Dente, E.; Ideo, L.; Mazzi, G.; Usai, A.; Tafuto, A.; Togna, F.

2014-10-01

In this paper authors provide a description of the currently deployed Man Portable Air Defense System (ManPADS) heat-seeking missiles. Principles of IR seeking and Aircraft signatures are shortly described. Basic information are listed on currently designed Infra-Red Counter Measure Systems, intended to protect Aircrafts against ManPADS. Authors provide an overview on ELT-572(v)2 DIRCM Program, funded by Italian Air Force, currently in low rate production phase. Description of the Design and Development phase, completed in Elettronica SpA in 2013, is reported. Development Test and Evaluation (DTE) Activities on ELT-572(v)2 DIRCM, jointly performed by Elettronica Spa and Italian Air Force Flight Test Centre, are shortly described. A summary of tests and some results are also discussed. Platform Installation Programs, using the low rate production units from ELT-572(v)2 DIRCM Program, are finally listed.

[Mammography screening of breast cancer in Tunisia. Results of first experience].

PubMed

Kribi, Lilia; Sellami, Dorra; el Amri, Aïda; Mnif, Nejla; Ellouze, Thouraya; Chebbi, Ali; Ben Romdhane, Khaled; Hamza, Radhi

2003-01-01

This article reports the results of a mammography screening program of breast cancer, realized in the department of Radiology, Charles Nicolle hospital. A free screening mammography with two incidences was offered to women aged from 40 to 70 years old. 2200 mammographies were realized from May 1995 till July 1997. Women having a positive test benefited of a diagnostic explorations in the same unity. The positive test rate was 24%. Predictive positive value was 31%. This program allowed to detect 10 subclinical cancers, corresponding to a rate of detection of 4.5 cancers for 1000 women. This program is a first experience which demonstrated the feasibility of the mammography screening to wide scale and allowed the medical and paramedical team to acquire an experience.

Delinquent Tendencies and Participation in an Organized Sports Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yiannakis, Andrew

1976-01-01

In testing the hypotheses of relationship between failure to complete an athletic program and a delinquent psychosocial profile, it was concluded that interaction of a delinquent disposition with structured pressures in an organized sports program may have been the cause of high dropout rate. (JD)

Mission simulator test data. [an overview of a real time mission simulation test program of a nickel cadmium battery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hendee, E. A.

1980-01-01

A real time mission simulation test program of nickel cadmium cells, performed in conjunction with the Anik 1A2 satellite, is reviewed. Simulation of the temperature profiles, the electrical profiles, the depth of discharge, and the rate of charge and discharge is reported. The type of separator used in the cells and the transfer of electrolytes during overcharge are discussed.

Defense Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR). Program Solicitation Number 89.1. FY-1989

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-06

scale testing, such as plasma-arc and oxyacetylene torch test are performed. However, correlations to relate ablation rate from these test data to...helicopter rotor. In phase II, the contractor should construct and demonstrate a working model. 36 A89-010 TITLE: Smooth, Erosion Resistant Coatings ...for Organic Matrix Composites OBJECTIVE: Erosion Resistant Coatings for Organic Matrix Composites for use in Compressor Section of Future Gas Turbine

Gait Speed among Older Participants Enrolled in an Evidence-Based Fall Risk Reduction Program: A Subgroup Analysis.

PubMed

Cho, Jinmyoung; Smith, Matthew Lee; Shubert, Tiffany E; Jiang, Luohua; Ahn, SangNam; Ory, Marcia G

2015-01-01

Functional decline is a primary risk factor for institutionalization and mortality among older adults. Although community-based fall risk reduction programs have been widely disseminated, little is known about their impact on gait speed, a key indicator of functional performance. Changes in functional performance between baseline and post-intervention were examined by means of timed up and go (TUG), a standardized functional assessment test administered to participants enrolled in A Matter of Balance/Volunteer Lay Leader (AMOB/VLL) model, an evidence-based fall risk reduction program. This study included 71 participants enrolled in an AMOB/VLL program in the Brazos Valley and South Plain regions of Texas. Paired t-tests were employed to assess program effects on gait speed at baseline and post-intervention for all participants and by subgroups of age, sex, living status, delivery sites, and self-rated health. The Bonferroni correction was applied to adjust inflated Type I error rate associated with performing multiple t-tests, for which p-values <0.0042 (i.e., 0.5/12 comparisons) were deemed statistically significant. Overall, gait speed of enrolled participants improved from baseline to post-intervention (t = 3.22, p = 0.002). Significant changes in TUG scores were observed among participants who lived with others (t = 4.45, p < 0.001), rated their health as excellent, very good, or good (t = 3.05, p = 0.003), and attended program workshops at senior centers (t = 3.52, p = 0.003). Findings suggest community-based fall risk reduction programs can improve gait speed for older adults. More translational research is needed to understand factors related to the effectiveness of fall risk reduction programs in various populations and settings.

Taking the Easy Way Out: How the GED Testing Program Induces Students to Drop Out. NBER Working Paper No. 14044

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heckman, James J.; LaFontaine, Paul A.; Rodriguez, Pedro L.

2008-01-01

We exploit an exogenous increase in General Educational Development (GED) testing requirements to determine whether raising the difficulty of the test causes students to finish high school rather than drop out and GED certify. We find that a six point decrease in GED pass rates induces a 1.3 point decline in overall dropout rates. The effect size…

Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) SiC Recession Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Opila, E. J.

2009-01-01

SiC stability and recession rates were modeled in hydrogen/oxygen combustion environments for the Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) program. The IHPRPT program is a government and industry program to improve U.S. rocket propulsion systems. Within this program SiC-based ceramic matrix composites are being considered for transpiration cooled injector faceplates or rocket engine thrust chamber liners. Material testing under conditions representative of these environments was conducted at the NASA Glenn Research Center, Cell 22. For the study described herein, SiC degradation was modeled under these Cell 22 test conditions for comparison to actual test results: molar mixture ratio, MR (O2:H2) = 6, material temperatures to 1700 C, combustion gas pressures between 0.34 and 2.10 atm, and gas velocities between 8,000 and 12,000 fps. Recession was calculated assuming rates were controlled by volatility of thermally grown silica limited by gas boundary layer transport. Assumptions for use of this model were explored, including the presence of silica on the SiC surface, laminar gas boundary layer limited volatility, and accuracy of thermochemical data for volatile Si-O-H species. Recession rates were calculated as a function of temperature. It was found that at 1700 C, the highest temperature considered, the calculated recession rates were negligible, about 200 m/h, relative to the expected lifetime of the material. Results compared favorably to testing observations. Other mechanisms contributing to SiC recession are briefly described including consumption of underlying carbon and pitting. A simple expression for liquid flow on the material surface was developed from a one-dimensional treatment of the Navier-Stokes Equation. This relationship is useful to determine under which conditions glassy coatings or thermally grown silica would flow on the material surface, removing protective layers by shear forces. The velocity of liquid flow was found to depend on the gas velocity, the viscosity of gas and liquid, as well as the thickness of the gas boundary layer and the liquid layer. Calculated flow rates of a borosilicate glass coating compared well to flow rates observed for this coating tested on a SiC panel in Cell 22.

78 FR 78275 - Alcohol and Drug Testing: Determination of Minimum Random Testing Rates for 2014

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-26

... to data from FRA's Management Information System, the rail industry's random drug testing positive... December 26, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry Powers, FRA Drug and Alcohol Program Manager, W38...

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration-U.S. Public Health Service Health Evaluation and Enhancement Program - Summary of results.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Durbeck, D. C.; Heinzelmann, F.; Schacter, J.; Haskell, W. L.; Payne, G. H.; Moxley, R. T., III; Nemiroff, M.; Limoncelli, D. D.; Arnoldi, L. B.; Fox, S. M., III

1972-01-01

An exercise program was initiated in a federal agency to assess the feasibility of such a program, and to identify the factors that influenced joining, adherence to, and effectiveness of the program. The program was utilized by 237 of the 998 eligible federal employees; mean attendance rate was 1.3 days/week. Those who volunteered perceived a need for increased physical activity, believed they had sufficient time to participate and derived subjective as well as objective benefits. Significant improvements were found in heart rate response to the standard exercise test, body weight, skinfold measurements and triglyceride levels.

Propellant/material compatibility program and results: Ten-year milestones

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moran, C.; Bjorkland, R.

1982-01-01

The analyses and results of a test program to establish the effects of long term (10 years or more) contact of materials with earth-storable propellants for the purpose of designing chemical propulsion system components which are used for current as well as future planetary spacecraft are described. The period from the publication of JPL TM 33-779 IN 1976 through the testing accomplished in 1981 is covered. The following propellants are reported herein: hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide. Materials included the following: aluminum alloys, corrosion resistant steels and a titanium alloy. The results of the testing of more than 80 specimens are included. Material ratings relative to the ten year milepost were assigned. Some evidence of propellant decomposition was found. Titanium is rated as acceptable for ten year applications. Aluminum and stainless steel alloys are also rated as acceptable with few restrictions.

The effect of dual accreditation on family medicine residency programs.

PubMed

Mims, Lisa D; Bressler, Lindsey C; Wannamaker, Louise R; Carek, Peter J

2015-04-01

In 1985, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Board of Trustees agreed to allow residency programs to become dually accredited by the AOA and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Despite the increase in such programs, there has been minimal research comparing these programs to exclusively ACGME-accredited residencies. This study examines the association between dual accreditation and suggested markers of quality. Standard characteristics such as regional location, program structure (community or university based), postgraduate year one (PGY-1) positions offered, and salary (PGY-1) were obtained for each residency program. In addition, the faculty to resident ratio in the family medicine clinic and the number of half days residents spent in the clinic each week were recorded. Initial Match rates and pass rates of new graduates on the ABFM examination from 2009 to 2013 were also obtained. Variables were analyzed using chi-square and Student's t test. Logistic regression models were then created to predict a program's 5-year aggregate initial Match rate and Board pass rate in the top tertile as compared to the lowest tertile. Dual accreditation was obtained by 117 (27.0%) of programs. Initial analyses revealed associations between dually accredited programs and mean year of initial ACGME program accreditation, regional location, program structure, tracks, and alternative medicine curriculum. When evaluated in logistic regression, dual accreditation status was not associated with Match rates or ABFM pass rates. By examining suggested markers of program quality for dually accredited programs in comparison to ACGME-only accredited programs, this study successfully established both differences and similarities among the two types.

78 FR 65298 - Information Collection; Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-31

..., electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology... not change. Three rounds of user acceptance testing were completed by AmeriCorps program staff in June... recognizes that retention rates may vary among effective programs depending on the program model. CNCS will...

Availability of high school extracurricular sports programs and high-risk behaviors.

PubMed

Cohen, Deborah A; Taylor, Stephanie L; Zonta, Michela; Vestal, Katherine D; Schuster, Mark A

2007-02-01

The Surgeon General has called for an expansion of school-based extracurricular sports programs to address the obesity epidemic. However, little is known about the availability of and participation in high school extracurricular sports and how participation in these sports is related to high-risk behaviors. We surveyed Los Angeles County public high schools in 2002 to determine the number of extracurricular sports programs offered and the percentage of students participating in those programs. We used community data on rates of arrests, births, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among youth to examine associations between risk behaviors and participation in sports programs. The average school offered 14 sports programs, and the average participation rate was 39% for boys and 30% for girls. Smaller schools and schools with higher percentages of disadvantaged students offered fewer programs. The average school offering 13 or fewer programs had 14% of its students participating, while the average school offering 16 or more programs had 31% of its students participating in sports. Controlling for area-level demographics, juvenile arrest rates and teen birth rates, but not STD rates, were lower in areas where schools offered more extracurricular sports. Opportunities for participation in high school extracurricular sports are limited. Future studies should test whether increased opportunities will increase physical activity and impact the increasing overweight problem in youths.

An Examination of Teachers' Ratings of Lesson Plans Using Digital Primary Sources

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Milman, Natalie B.; Bondie, Rhonda

2012-01-01

This mixed method study examined teachers' ratings of 37 field-tested social studies lesson plans that incorporated digital primary sources through a grant from the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources program for K-12 teachers. Each lesson, available in an online teaching materials collection, was field-tested and reviewed by at…

Study of lubricant circulation in HVAC systems. Volume 1: Description of technical effort and results; Final technical report, March 1995--April 1996

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

Biancardi, F.R.; Michels, H.H.; Sienel, T.H.

1996-10-01

The purpose of this program was to conduct experimental and analytical efforts to determine lubricant circulation characteristics of new HFC/POE pairs and HFC/mineral oil pairs in a representative central residential HVAC system and to compare their behavior with the traditional HCFC-22/mineral oil (refrigerant/lubricant) pair. A dynamic test facility was designed and built to conduct the experimental efforts. This facility provided a unique capability to visually and physically measure oil circulation rates, on-line, in operating systems. A unique on-line ultraviolet-based measurement device was used to obtain detailed data on the rate and level of lubricant oil circulated within the operating heatmore » pump system. The experimental and analytical data developed during the program are presented as a function of vapor velocity, refrigerant/lubricant viscosity, system features and equipment. Both visual observations and instrumentation were used to understand ``worst case`` oil circulation situations. This report is presented in two volumes. Volume 1 contains a complete description of the program scope, objective, test results summary, conclusions, description of test facility and recommendations for future effort. Volume 2 contains all of the program test data essentially as taken from the laboratory dynamic test facility during the sequence of runs.« less

Poverty, School Size and Charter Designation as Predictors of Student Achievement on a Statewide High-Stakes Testing Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chamberlin, James L.

2007-01-01

Over the past five years the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) has used the results of the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) to rate public school performance on the School Accountability Report (SAR). The public often considers the school ratings as indicative of the school's quality. There appears to be a lack of quantitative…

The Role of Participant Responsiveness on a Socio-Emotional Learning Program.

PubMed

Pereira, Nádia Salgado; Marques-Pinto, Alexandra

2017-01-19

The present study set out to evaluate participant responsiveness, one of the main dimensions of implementation quality, in a Socio-Emotional Learning after-school program using Educational Dance activities, Experiencing Emotions, and also to understand its influence on program outcomes. The sample involved 98 middle-school Portuguese pupils, 53 of whom participated in the program and 45 in after-school control sessions. Outcome measures included pre-test and post-test questionnaires of pupils' socio-emotional skills, well-being and school engagement. A self-report item measured pupils' satisfaction at the end of the program, and a checklist measuring attendance and homework completion was filled in by the facilitator at each session of the program and control condition. Results revealed (1) high levels of pupils' satisfaction and attendance, and a medium-high level of homework completion towards the program; (2) that pupils' higher attendance rate in the program predicted higher results in the self-management (p = .04, d = .57; p = .003, d = .87) and social awareness (p = .04, d = .59) SEL domains, emotional (p = .02, d = .67) and psychological (p = .009, d = .76) well-being and school engagement (p = .04, d = .56); (3) that pupils' higher rate of homework completion in the program predicted higher results in the relationship skills SEL area (p = .04, d = .59) and in school engagement (p = .005, d = 1.50); (4) that pupils' from the control condition higher rates of homework completion also predicted better school engagement (p = .006, d = .88). Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Evaluation program for secondary spacecraft cells: Acceptance test of Eagle-Picher 100 ampere-hour nickel-cadmium cells with auxiliary electrodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christy, D. E.

1972-01-01

Tests were conducted on a group of 29 cells for the purpose of removing from the life cycle program all cells found to have electrolyte leakage, internal shorts, low capacity, or inability to recover open circuit voltage above 1.150 volts after the cell short test. The test findings include the following: (1) All the cells exceeded the rated capacity of 103.5 to 119.0 ampere-hours on all three capacity checks. (2) All cells recovered above the 1.150 volt requirement after the cell short test. (3) The cells cannot be overcharged at the c/10 rate without exceeding 1.500 volts after approximately 12 to 13 hours of charge. (4) The resistance value necessary to provide maximum signal power across the auxiliary electrode was found to be 10 ohms. (5) One cell revealed a definite leak at the negative terminal.

[Implementing the "last mile" program in new nurse clinical education].

PubMed

Wang, Yu-Hsin; Jane, Sui-Whi; Fan, Jun-Yu; Chou, Shieu-Ming

2013-06-01

The shortage of working nurses has made Taiwan's low nursing retention rate a critical issue in domestic healthcare. Main reasons for new nurses leaving their jobs include high pressure, overtime work, heavy workload, interpersonal relationship problems with colleagues, and inadequate support from administrators. In response, nursing educators designed the "last mile" program to improve the hands-on competence of nursing students with the goal of increasing post-graduation retention rates. This article introduces the last mile program in its present form and discusses the challenges faced in transitioning the program from the classroom into the clinical training environment. The authors suggest establishing a challenge test prior to implementing the last mile program, recruiting role-model preceptors, adjusting training program / project budgets, and developing partnerships between nursing educators and clinicians to enhance the clinical competence of new nurses and ultimately increase professional nurse retention rates, competence, and accountability.

Liquid propellant thermal conditioning system test program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bullard, B. R.

1972-01-01

Results are presented from more than 1500 hours of testing on a liquid hydrogen thermal conditioning unit. Test parameters included: mixer and vent flow rates; tank size; ullage volume; pressurant gas; pressurant temperature; pressure level; and heat rate. Gaseous hydrogen and helium were used as pressurants. Analytical models were developed to correlate the test data and relate the performance to that anticipated in zero gravity. Experimental and theoretical results are presented which relate the variables controlling vapor condensation at a moving interface.

A study of the effectiveness of the primary education improvement program (science) in selected schools of Northern Nigeria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Desmond P.; Reed, Jack A.

The Primary Education Improvement Program (Science) developed in Nigeria from 1970-1980 adopted a process approach to the teaching of science for children in Classes One and Two of primary school. In that insufficient formative data were available a study was organized to evaluate the attainment of the program's major objectives in terms of the children's ability to practice process skills. The study also attempted to measure children's interest, active participation and understanding of the lessons, as well as the availability of materials and ease of preparing and teaching the lessons for the teachers. Data were collected by means of teacher opinionnaires and a children's test to measure the attainment of process skills. The teachers who completed the opinionnaires rated the program as successful in terms of all the measured criteria. Children in the experimental and control groups were tested and their performances were compared. The results indicated that there were some significant differences in total test scores in favor of the experimental group after one year of primary school but none after two years. The program, though highly rated by teachers, did not produce the intended changes in children's behavior.

Validation of Test Methods for Air Leak Rate Verification of Spaceflight Hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oravec, Heather Ann; Daniels, Christopher C.; Mather, Janice L.

2017-01-01

As deep space exploration continues to be the goal of NASAs human spaceflight program, verification of the performance of spaceflight hardware becomes increasingly critical. Suitable test methods for verifying the leak rate of sealing systems are identified in program qualification testing requirements. One acceptable method for verifying the air leak rate of gas pressure seals is the tracer gas leak detector method. In this method, a tracer gas (commonly helium) leaks past the test seal and is transported to the leak detector where the leak rate is quantified. To predict the air leak rate, a conversion factor of helium-to-air is applied depending on the magnitude of the helium flow rate. The conversion factor is based on either the molecular mass ratio or the ratio of the dynamic viscosities. The current work was aimed at validating this approach for permeation-level leak rates using a series of tests with a silicone elastomer O-ring. An established pressure decay method with constant differential pressure was used to evaluate both the air and helium leak rates of the O-ring under similar temperature and pressure conditions. The results from the pressure decay tests showed, for the elastomer O-ring, that neither the molecular flow nor the viscous flow helium-to-air conversion factors were applicable. Leak rate tests were also performed using nitrogen and argon as the test gas. Molecular mass and viscosity based helium-to-test gas conversion factors were applied, but did not correctly predict the measured leak rates of either gas. To further this study, the effect of pressure boundary conditions was investigated. Often, pressure decay leak rate tests are performed at a differential pressure of 101.3 kPa with atmospheric pressure on the downstream side of the test seal. In space applications, the differential pressure is similar, but with vacuum as the downstream pressure. The same O-ring was tested at four unique differential pressures ranging from 34.5 to 137.9 kPa. Up to six combinations of upstream and downstream pressures for each differential pressure were compared. For a given differential pressure, the various combinations of upstream and downstream dry air pressures did not significantly affect the leak rate. As expected, the leak rate of the O-ring increased with increasing differential pressure. The results suggested that the current leak test pressure conditions, used to verify spacecraft sealing systems with elastomer seals, produce accurate values even though the boundary conditions do not model the space application.

It's Your Game-Tech: Toward Sexual Health in the Digital Age.

PubMed

Shegog, Ross; Peskin, Melissa F; Markham, Christine; Thiel, Melanie; Karny, Efrat; Addy, Robert C; Johnson, Kimberly A; Tortolero, Susan

2014-08-01

Adolescent sexually transmitted infection (STI) and birth rates indicate a need for effective middle school HIV/STI, and pregnancy prevention curricula to delay, or mitigate consequences of, early sexual activity. Individual and organizational barriers to adoption, implementation, and maintenance, however, can hamper dissemination of evidence-based sexual health curricula, adversely impacting fidelity and reach. Internet-based approaches may help mitigate these barriers. This paper describes the development and feasibility testing of It's Your Game ( IYG )-Tech, a stand-alone 13-lesson Internet-based sexual health life-skills curriculum adapted from an existing effective sexual health curriculum-It's Your Game… Keep it Real ( IYG ). IYG -Tech development adaptation steps were to: 1) Select a suitable effective program and gather the original program materials; 2) Develop "proof of concept" lessons and test usability and impact; 3) Develop the program design document describing the core content, scope, and methods and strategies; and 4) produce the new program. Lab- and school-based tests with middle school students demonstrated high ratings on usability parameters and immediate impact on selected psychosocial factors related to sexual behavior-perceptions of friends' beliefs, reasons for not having sex, condom use self-efficacy, abstinence intentions, negotiating with others to protect personal rules, and improved knowledge about what constitutes healthy relationships (all p < .05). Youth rated IYG -Tech is favorably compared to other learning channels (>76.2% agreement) and rated the lessons as helpful in making healthy choices, selecting personal rules, detecting challenges to those rules, and protecting personal rules through negotiation and refusal skills (89.5% - 100%). Further efficacy testing is indicated for IYG -Tech as a potential strategy to deliver effective HIV/STI, and pregnancy prevention to middle school youth.

Using a Lean Six Sigma Approach to Yield Sustained Pressure Ulcer Prevention for Complex Critical Care Patients.

PubMed

Donovan, Elizabeth A; Manta, Christine J; Goldsack, Jennifer C; Collins, Michelle L

2016-01-01

Under value-based purchasing, Medicare withholds reimbursements for hospital-acquired pressure ulcer occurrence and rewards hospitals that meet performance standards. With little evidence of a validated prevention process, nurse managers are challenged to find evidence-based interventions. The aim of this study was to reduce the unit-acquired pressure ulcer (UAPU) rate on targeted intensive care and step-down units by 15% using Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology. An interdisciplinary team designed a pilot program using LSS methodology to test 4 interventions: standardized documentation, equipment monitoring, patient out-of-bed-to-chair monitoring, and a rounding checklist. During the pilot, the UAPU rate decreased from 4.4% to 2.8%, exceeding the goal of a 15% reduction. The rate remained below the goal through the program control phase at 2.9%, demonstrating a statistically significant reduction after intervention implementation. The program significantly reduced UAPU rates in high-risk populations. LSS methodologies are a sustainable approach to reducing hospital-acquired conditions that should be broadly tested and implemented.

40 CFR 63.1511 - Performance test/compliance demonstration general requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR... reactive fluxing rate. (2) Each performance test for a continuous process must consist of 3 separate runs...

Certainty rating in pre-and post-tests of study modules in an online clinical pharmacy course - A pilot study to evaluate teaching and learning.

PubMed

Luetsch, Karen; Burrows, Judith

2016-10-14

Graduate and post-graduate education for health professionals is increasingly delivered in an e-learning environment, where automated, continuous formative testing with integrated feedback can guide students' self-assessment and learning. Asking students to rate the certainty they assign to the correctness of their answers to test questions can potentially provide deeper insights into the success of teaching, with test results informing course designers whether learning outcomes have been achieved. It may also have implications for decision making in clinical practice. A study of pre-and post-tests for five study modules was designed to evaluate the teaching and learning within a pharmacotherapeutic course in an online postgraduate clinical pharmacy program. Certainty based marking of multiple choice questions (MCQ) was adapted for formative pre- and post-study module testing by asking students to rate their certainty of correctness of MCQ answers. Paired t-tests and a coding scheme were used to analyse changes in answers and certainty between pre-and post-tests. A survey evaluated students' experience with the novel formative testing design. Twenty-nine pharmacists enrolled in the postgraduate program participated in the study. Overall 1315 matched pairs of MCQ answers and certainty ratings between pre- and post-module tests were available for evaluation. Most students identified correct answers in post-tests and increased their certainty compared to pre-tests. Evaluation of certainty ratings in addition to correctness of answers identified MCQs and topic areas for revision to course designers. A survey of students showed that assigning certainty ratings to their answers assisted in structuring and focusing their learning throughout online study modules, facilitating identification of areas of uncertainty and gaps in their clinical knowledge. Adding certainty ratings to MCQ answers seems to engage students with formative testing and feedback and focus their learning in a web-based postgraduate pharmacy course. It also offers deeper insight into the successful delivery of online course content, identifying areas for improvement of teaching and content delivery as well as test question design.

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.

Evaluation of a Pharmacist and Nurse Practitioner Smoking Cessation Program.

PubMed

Afzal, Zubair; Pogge, Elizabeth; Boomershine, Virginia

2017-08-01

To evaluate the efficacy of a smoking cessation program led by a pharmacist and a nurse practitioner. During a 6-month period, patients attended 7 one-on-one face-to-face smoking cessation counseling sessions with a pharmacist and 1 to 2 one-on-one face-to-face smoking cessation counseling sessions with a nurse practitioner. The primary outcome was smoking cessation point prevalence rates at months 1, 3, and 5 post-quit date. Secondary outcomes included medication adherence rates at months 1, 3, and 5 post-quit date, nicotine dependence at baseline versus program end, and patient satisfaction. Nine (47%) of 19 total participants completed the program. Seven of the 9 patients who completed the program were smoke-free upon study completion. Point prevalence rates at months 1, 3, and 5 post-quit date were 66%, 77%, and 77%, respectively, based on patients who completed the program. Medication adherence rates were 88.6%, 54.6%, and 75% at months 1, 3, and 5 post-quit date, respectively. Based on the Fagerstrom test, nicotine dependence decreased from baseline to the end of the study, 4.89 to 0.33 ( P < .001). Overall, participants rated the program highly. A joint pharmacist and nurse practitioner smoking cessation program can assist patients in becoming smoke-free.

Public Pre-K and Test Taking for the NYC Gifted-and-Talented Programs: Forging a Path to Equity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lu, Ying; Weinberg, Sharon L.

2016-01-01

The New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) gifted-and-talented programs aim to support all students of exceptional learning potential within the public school system. Using proprietary data made available to us by the NYC DOE, we show, however, that substantial disparities exist in the rates of gifted-and-talented admission test taking,…

Man-rated flight software for the F-8 DFBW program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bairnsfather, R. R.

1976-01-01

The design, implementation, and verification of the flight control software used in the F-8 DFBW program are discussed. Since the DFBW utilizes an Apollo computer and hardware, the procedures, controls, and basic management techniques employed are based on those developed for the Apollo software system. Program assembly control, simulator configuration control, erasable-memory load generation, change procedures and anomaly reporting are discussed. The primary verification tools are described, as well as the program test plans and their implementation on the various simulators. Failure effects analysis and the creation of special failure generating software for testing purposes are described.

Leak Rate Quantification Method for Gas Pressure Seals with Controlled Pressure Differential

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daniels, Christopher C.; Braun, Minel J.; Oravec, Heather A.; Mather, Janice L.; Taylor, Shawn C.

2015-01-01

An enhancement to the pressure decay leak rate method with mass point analysis solved deficiencies in the standard method. By adding a control system, a constant gas pressure differential across the test article was maintained. As a result, the desired pressure condition was met at the onset of the test, and the mass leak rate and measurement uncertainty were computed in real-time. The data acquisition and control system were programmed to automatically stop when specified criteria were met. Typically, the test was stopped when a specified level of measurement uncertainty was attained. Using silicone O-ring test articles, the new method was compared with the standard method that permitted the downstream pressure to be non-constant atmospheric pressure. The two methods recorded comparable leak rates, but the new method recorded leak rates with significantly lower measurement uncertainty, statistical variance, and test duration. Utilizing this new method in leak rate quantification, projects will reduce cost and schedule, improve test results, and ease interpretation between data sets.

Avoid Early Selection for Growth Rate in Cottonwood

Treesearch

D. T. Cooper; Robert B. Ferguson

1971-01-01

A sample of 37 cottonwood clones from a selection program was compared with a sample of 40 random clones in a 14-year test at two sites near Stoneville, Mississippi. Throughout the test period, the select sample was slightly better in mean growth rate, but this difference decreased with age. Performance of ''blue tag" clones selected at age 5 and planted...

How To: Evaluate Education Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fink, Arlene; Kosecoff, Jacqueline

This book presents a compilation of 28 issues of the newsletter, "How To Evaluate Education Programs" from the first one published in September 1977 through the issue of December 1979 on the topic of evaluating educational programs. The subject is covered in the following chapters: (1) How to Choose a Test; (2) How to Rate and Compare…

Reproductive Health of Women in Rural Areas of East Azerbaijan - Iran, before and after Implementation of rural Family Physician Program: an Ecologic Study.

PubMed

Alizadeh, Mahasti; Jabbari Birami, Hossein; Moradi, Siavash

2015-12-01

Implementation of rural family physician program in Iran in 2005 has been evaluated and shown that this program has been led to some improvements in health indicators. In this study, some reproductive health (RH) indicators were compared before and after implementation of this program in rural areas of East Azerbaijan, Iran. In this ecologic- time trend study, the data of 191075 births of rural women of East Azerbaijan from 2001 to 2010 was extracted from vital horoscope (ZIJ) and used for calculation of 20 important RH indicators. The paired t-test and correlation analysis wear used for data analysis. Some indicators such as adolescent marriage rate, adolescent birth and over 35 year olds birth rate were increased after rural family physician program implementation in 2005. Also stillbirth rate and unsafe delivery were decreased during this period. There was a significant correlation between increasing adolescent birth rate and increasing low birth weight deliveries (r= 0.911, P= 0.031) and also between increasing over 35 year olds birth rate and increasing neonatal mortality rate in term of prematurity and congenital malformations (r= 0.912, P= 0.031) after program implementation. Perinatal care and safe delivery even for pregnancies outside the typical child-bearing ages are promoting after implementation of rural family physician program in East Azerbaijan. Also decreasing unsafe delivery and stillbirth rate can be considered as achievements of running this program in this province.

Development of Ku-band rendezvous radar tracking and acquisition simulation programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

The fidelity of the Space Shuttle Radar tracking simulation model was improved. The data from the Shuttle Orbiter Radar Test and Evaluation (SORTE) program experiments performed at the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) were reviewed and analyzed. The selected flight rendezvous radar data was evaluated. Problems with the Inertial Line-of-Sight (ILOS) angle rate tracker were evaluated using the improved fidelity angle rate tracker simulation model.

Strain Rate and Stress Relaxation Effects on Pressuremeter Testing in Clays

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-03-01

CHARACTERISTICS OF KAOLINITE AND GROUND SILICA 245 APPENDIX E COMPUTER PROGRAMS ....................... 248 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 iv LIST OF TABLES Table Page 3.1 A...Comparison of Three Types of Boundary Conditions in a Multiaxial Cubical Test Apparatus ................... 37 3.2 Properties of the Kaolinite and Kaolin...to 0.01 %/min Versus Strain Rate for Kaolinite Clay ................... 102 4.3 Shear Strength Normalized with Respect to 0.01 %/min Versus Strain Rate

In situ assessment of pesticide genotoxicity in an integrated pest management program: II. Maize waxy mutation assay.

PubMed

Rodrigues, G S; Pimentel, D; Weinstein, L H

1998-02-13

The mutagenicity induced by pesticides applied in an integrated pest management (IPM) program was evaluated in situ with the maize forward waxy mutation bioassay. Three pesticide application rates were prescribed as follows: (1) Low--no field pesticide spray; (2) Medium--IPM test rate: banded cyanazine plus metolachlor (2.7 kg a.i. and 2.3 l a.i./ha of herbicides, respectively); and (3) High--a preventative pesticide application program: broadcast cyanazine plus metolachlor (same application rates as above) plus chlorpyrifos (1 kg a.i./ha of insecticide). In general, there was no significant reduction in the genotoxic effects from the high to the medium treatment levels of the IPM program. This suggests that the reduction in pesticide application rates attained with the implementation of the proposed IPM program was not sufficient to abate the genotoxicity of the pesticides. The results indicate that replacing genotoxic compounds may be the only effective remediation measure if concern about environmental mutagenesis were to result in changes in agricultural management.

Military and academic programs outperform community programs on the American Board of Surgery Examinations.

PubMed

Falcone, John L; Charles, Anthony G

2013-01-01

There is a paucity of American Board of Surgery (ABS) Qualifying Examination (QE) and Certifying Examination (CE) outcomes comparing residency programs by academic, community, or military affiliation. We hypothesize that the larger academic programs will outperform the smaller community programs. In this retrospective study from 2002 to 2012, examination performance on the ABS QE and CE were obtained from the ABS for all of the general surgery residency programs. Programs were categorized by academic, community, and military affiliation. Both nonparametric and parametric statistics were used for comparison, using an α = 0.05. There were 137/235 (58.3%) academic programs, 90/235 (38.3%) community programs, and 8/235 (3.4%) military programs that satisfied inclusion criteria for this study. The Mann-Whitney U tests showed that the military programs outperformed academic and community programs on the ABS QE and the ABS CE, and had a higher proportion of examinees passing both examinations on the first attempt (all p≤0.02). One-tailed Student t-tests showed that academic programs had higher pass rates than community programs on the ABS QE (85.4%±9.5% vs. 81.9%±11.5%), higher pass rates on the ABS CE (83.6%±8.3% vs. 80.6%±11.0%), and a higher proportion of examinees passing both examinations on the first attempt (0.73±0.12 vs. 0.68±0.15) (all p≤0.01). The chi-square and Fisher exact tests showed that examinees performed highest in military programs, followed by academic programs, and lowest in community programs on the ABS QE and ABS CE (all p≤ 0.01). Military programs have the highest degrees of success on all of the ABS examinations. Academic programs outperform community programs. These results have the potential to affect application patterns to established general surgery residency programs. Copyright © 2013 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CF 6 engine diagnostics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stricklin, R.

1981-01-01

A summary of the activities which led to defining deterioration rates of the CF6 family of engines, a description of what was learned, and an identification of means of conserving fuel based upon the program findings are presented. The program to define the deterioration levels and modes for the CF6 family of engines involved four distinct phases: analysis of inbound engine test results, analysis of airline cruise data, analysis of airline test cell data resulting from testing of refurbished engines, and inspection of engine hardware.

Deep Throttle Turbopump Technology Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferguson, T. V.; Guinzburg, A.; McGlynn, R. D.; Williams, M.

2002-01-01

The objectives of this viewgraph presentation were to: (1) enhance and demonstrate critical technologies in support of planned RBCC flight test programs; and (2) obtain knowledge of wide flow range as it is applicable to liquid rocket engine turbopumps operating over extreme throttle ranges. This program was set up to demonstrate wide flow range diffuser technologies. The testing phase of the contract to provide data to anchor initial designs was partially successful. Data collected suggest flow phenomena exists at off-design flow rates.

[Psychophysiological studies in the pre-school children].

PubMed

Ullner, R; von Braun, G S; Ziegelmayer, G

1976-10-14

The behavior of 24 children, aged 3-6 years, was recorded on video-tape. Simultaneously the ECG was recorded telemetrically. These observations were made during two pre-school educational programs lasting 90 minutes each: "Didactic games" and "Elementary music and movement program". For each child a scale was developed to show the correlation of mean heart-rate and well defined motor-activity. It was evident that the mean heart-rate was higher during the music program than during the didactic program, corresponding to the higher motor-activity. But it was found that in the didactic program the variation of the heart-rate within short intervals was higher due to the more frequent occurrence of respiratory arrhythmias. It was also seen that during the music program the children showed no signs of exertion as they did towards the end of the didactic program. Respiratory arrhythmias were not seen in children who according to the Schellong-test were classified as stable in their cardiovascular system. The arrhythmias occurred mainly when the children showed signs of fatigue.

Exhaust Emission Rates for Heavy-Duty On road Vehicles in MOVES201X

EPA Science Inventory

Updated running exhaust gaseous emission rates (THC, CO, NOx, CO2) for heavy-duty diesel trucks model year 2010 and later based on portable emission measurements from the manufacturer-run, heavy-duty in-use testing (HDIUT) program. Updated cold start emission rates and soak adjus...

Different elution modes and field programming in gravitational field-flow fractionation. III. Field programming by flow-rate gradient generated by a programmable pump.

PubMed

Plocková, J; Chmelík, J

2001-05-25

Gravitational field-flow fractionation (GFFF) utilizes the Earth's gravitational field as an external force that causes the settlement of particles towards the channel accumulation wall. Hydrodynamic lift forces oppose this action by elevating particles away from the channel accumulation wall. These two counteracting forces enable modulation of the resulting force field acting on particles in GFFF. In this work, force-field programming based on modulating the magnitude of hydrodynamic lift forces was implemented via changes of flow-rate, which was accomplished by a programmable pump. Several flow-rate gradients (step gradients, linear gradients, parabolic, and combined gradients) were tested and evaluated as tools for optimization of the separation of a silica gel particle mixture. The influence of increasing amount of sample injected on the peak resolution under flow-rate gradient conditions was also investigated. This is the first time that flow-rate gradients have been implemented for programming of the resulting force field acting on particles in GFFF.

Biofeedback-assisted relaxation training to decrease test anxiety in nursing students.

PubMed

Prato, Catherine A; Yucha, Carolyn B

2013-01-01

Nursing students experiencing debilitating test anxiety may be unable to demonstrate their knowledge and have potential for poor academic performance. A biofeedback-assisted relaxation training program was created to reduce test anxiety. Anxiety was measured using Spielberger's Test Anxiety Inventory and monitoring peripheral skin temperature, pulse, and respiration rates during the training. Participants were introduced to diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and autogenic training. Statistically significant changes occurred in respiratory rates and skin temperatures during the diaphragmatic breathing session; respiratory rates and peripheral skin temperatures during progressive muscle relaxation session; respiratory and pulse rates, and peripheral skin temperatures during the autogenic sessions. No statistically significant difference was noted between the first and second TAI. Subjective test anxiety scores of the students did not decrease by the end of training. Autogenic training session was most effective in showing a statistically significant change in decreased respiratory and pulse rates and increased peripheral skin temperature.

Failure to Treat Life-Threatening Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Contemporary Implantable Cardioverter–Defibrillators

PubMed Central

Thøgersen, Anna Margrethe; Larsen, Jacob Moesgaard; Johansen, Jens Brock; Abedin, Moeen

2017-01-01

Background: In clinical trials, manufacturer-specific, strategic programming of implantable cardioverter–defibrillators (ICDs), including faster detection rates, reduces unnecessary therapy but permits therapy for ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VF). Present consensus recommends a generic rate threshold between 185 and 200 beats per minute, which exceeds the rate tested in clinical trials for some manufacturers. In a case series, we sought to determine the relationship between programmed parameters and failure of modern ICDs to treat VF. Methods and Results: We reviewed cases in which normally functioning ICDs failed to deliver timely therapy for VF from April 2015 to January 2017 at 4 institutions. Of 10 ambulatory patients, 5 died from untreated VF, 4 had cardiac arrests requiring external shocks, and 1 was rescued by a delayed ICD shock. VF did not satisfy programmed detection criteria in 9 patients (90%). Seven of these patients had slowest detection rates that were consistent with generic recommendations but not tested in a peer-reviewed trial for their manufacturer’s ICDs. Manufacturer-specific factors interacted with fast detection rates to withhold therapy, including strict VF episode termination rules, enhancements to minimize T-wave oversensing, and features that restrict therapy to regular rhythms in ventricular tachycardia zones. Untreated VF despite recommended programming accounted for 56% of sudden deaths and 11% of all deaths during the study period. Conclusions: Complex and unanticipated interactions between manufacturer-specific features and generic programming can prevent therapy for VF. More data are needed to assess the risks and benefits of translating evidence-based detection parameters from one manufacturer to another. PMID:28916511

Measurement of functional capacity requirements of police officers to aid in development of an occupation-specific cardiac rehabilitation training program.

PubMed

Adams, Jenny; Schneider, Jonna; Hubbard, Matthew; McCullough-Shock, Tiffany; Cheng, Dunlei; Simms, Kay; Hartman, Julie; Hinton, Paul; Strauss, Danielle

2010-01-01

This study was designed to measure the functional capacity of healthy subjects during strenuous simulated police tasks, with the goal of developing occupation-specific training for cardiac rehabilitation of police officers. A calibrated metabolic instrument and an oxygen consumption data collection mask were used to measure the oxygen consumption and heart rates of 30 Dallas Police Academy officers and cadets as they completed an 8-event obstacle course that simulated chasing, subduing, and handcuffing a suspect. Standard target heart rates (85% of age-predicted maximum heart rate, or 0.85 x [220 - age]) and metabolic equivalents (METs) were calculated; a matched-sample t test based on differences between target and achieved heart rate and MET level was used for statistical analysis. Peak heart rates during the obstacle course simulation were significantly higher than the standard target heart rates (those at which treadmill stress tests in physicians' offices are typically stopped) (t(29) = 12.81, P < 0.001) and significantly higher than the suggested maximum of 150 beats/min during cardiac rehabilitation training (t(29) = 17.84, P < 0.001). Peak MET levels during the obstacle course simulation were also significantly higher than the goal level (8 METs) that patients typically achieve in a cardiac rehabilitation program (t(29) = 14.73, P < 0.001). We conclude that police work requires a functional capacity greater than that typically attained in traditional cardiac rehabilitation programs. Rehabilitation professionals should consider performing maximal stress tests and increasing the intensity of cardiac rehabilitation workouts to effectively train police officers who have had a cardiac event.

Inborn Error of Metabolism (IEM) screening in Singapore by electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI/MS/MS): An 8 year journey from pilot to current program.

PubMed

Lim, J S; Tan, E S; John, C M; Poh, S; Yeo, S J; Ang, J S M; Adakalaisamy, P; Rozalli, R A; Hart, C; Tan, E T H; Ranieri, E; Rajadurai, V S; Cleary, M A; Goh, D L M

2014-01-01

IEM screening by ESI/MS/MS was introduced in Singapore in 2006. There were two phases; a pilot study followed by implementation of the current program. The pilot study was over a 4 year period. During the pilot study, a total of 61,313 newborns were screened, and 20 cases of IEM were diagnosed (detection rate of 1:3065; positive predictive value (PPV) of 11%). Regular self-review, participation in external quality assessment and the Region 4 Genetic collaborative programs (http://www.region4genetics.org/) had led to the robust development of our current NBS MS/MS program. Overall, from July 2006 to April 2014, we screened a total of 177,267 newborns. The mean age at the time of sampling was 47.9h. Transportation of samples to the testing laboratory averaged 0.92 day. Upon receipt of sample, the NBS result was available within 1.64 days and within 3.8 days if a second tier test was required. Using absolute cut-off values in place of the initial 99th percentile reference range for the analyte markers and the introduction of two 2nd tier tests (MMA and Succinylacetone) had significantly reduced the high recall rate from an initial 1.5% during the period 2006-07 to 0.12% in 2013. The NBS MS/MS program was supported by a centralized confirmatory/diagnostic testing laboratory and a rapid response team of metabolic specialists. The detection rate was 1: 3165 (1:2727 if maternal conditions were also included). There were 23 newborns affected with organic acidemias (incidence: 1:6565), 23 with fatty acid oxidation disorders (incidence: 1:6565), and 10 with amino acidopathies (incidence 1:17,726). The performance metrics for the screening test were acceptable (sensitivity: 95.59%, specificity: 99.85%, PPV: 20%, FPR: 0.15). Participation in the NBS MS/MS program by hospitals was voluntary, and in 2013, the uptake rate was 71% of the annual births. We hope that newborn screening by MS/MS will become a standard of care for all babies in Singapore. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

OPTIMIZATION OF DEEP DRILLING PERFORMANCE--DEVELOPMENT AND BENCHMARK TESTING OF ADVANCED DIAMOND PRODUCT DRILL BITS & HP/HT FLUIDS TO SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE RATES OF PENETRATION

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

Alan Black; Arnis Judzis

2004-10-01

The industry cost shared program aims to benchmark drilling rates of penetration in selected simulated deep formations and to significantly improve ROP through a team development of aggressive diamond product drill bit--fluid system technologies. Overall the objectives are as follows: Phase 1--Benchmark ''best in class'' diamond and other product drilling bits and fluids and develop concepts for a next level of deep drilling performance; Phase 2--Develop advanced smart bit-fluid prototypes and test at large scale; and Phase 3--Field trial smart bit-fluid concepts, modify as necessary and commercialize products. As of report date, TerraTek has concluded all major preparations for themore » high pressure drilling campaign. Baker Hughes encountered difficulties in providing additional pumping capacity before TerraTek's scheduled relocation to another facility, thus the program was delayed further to accommodate the full testing program.« less

Do Differences in Programmatic Resource Investments Result in Different 3-Year Pass Rates on the U.S. National Physical Therapy Examination?

PubMed

Covington, Kyle; McCallum, Christine; Engelhard, Chalee; Landry, Michel D; Cook, Chad

2016-01-01

The rising cost of health professions education is well documented and a growing concern among educators; however, little is known about the implications of resource investment on student success. The objective of this study was to determine whether programs with higher National Physical Therapist Exam (NPTE) pass rates invested significantly more on programmatic resources. This observational study used data from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education's (CAPTE) Annual Accreditation Report including all accredited physical therapist programs from the United States who graduated physical therapist students in 2011. Resource expenditures were recorded as both raw and as an index variable (resources per student). Descriptive statistics and comparisons (using chi-square and t-tests) among programs with <100% and 100% pass rates were analyzed from 2009-2011. An ANCOVA was used to determine differences in raw resource expenditures and resource expenditures per student. There were no differences in raw resource expenditures between programs with <100% and 100% pass rates. Programs with 100% pass rates were provided more resource expenditures per student for personnel, overall budget, and core faculty. The results of this study suggest programs with 100% pass rates invested significantly more per student for selected resources.

Assessment of the pharmacodynamics of intranasal, intravenous and oral scopolamine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tietze, Karen J.

1990-01-01

Space motion sickness is an important issue in the space medical sciences program. One of the objectives of the ongoing clinical experimental protocol Pharmacokinetics of Intranasal Scopolamine in Normal Subjects is to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of scopolamine using salivary flow rate and pH profiles and cognitive performance tests as pharmacodynamic parameters. Normal volunteers collected saliva and performed the NTI Multiresource Performance Battery tests at designed time intervals to establish control saliva flow rates, salivary pH profiles, and the characteristics of the learning curve for the performance program under normal conditions. In the clinical part of the study, saliva samples and performance test scores are collected from healthy nonsmoking subjects after receiving a single 0.4 mg dose of either intranasal, intravenous, or oral scopolamine.

Interactive, culturally sensitive education on colorectal cancer screening.

PubMed

Menon, Usha; Szalacha, Laura A; Belue, Rhonda; Rugen, Kathryn; Martin, Kelly R; Kinney, Anita Y

2008-09-01

Increasing colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) can have a substantial positive impact on morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this report is to describe the development and feasibility testing of a computer-based, theory-guided educational program designed to increase CRCS. This mixed-methods study used focus groups and subsequent randomized controlled trial design. Participants (N = 199) were randomized to an intervention or control group; 75% were African American; mean age was 57.36 (SD = 6.8); 71% were male. Previously validated measures on knowledge, beliefs, and screening test adherence were used to establish pre- and post-intervention perceptions. Feasibility was measured by response and completion rates, and participants' perceptions of the program. Before feasibility testing, the program was presented to 2 focus groups. Changes were made to the program based on discussion, leading to a visually appealing, easy to understand and navigate, self-paced program. In the RCT pilot test that followed, of the participants in the intervention group, 80% said the education helped them decide to get CRCS; 49% agreed it helped them overcome barriers; 91% agreed it was useful, 68% thought it raised new concerns about cancer, but only 30% said it made them worry about CRC; 95% agreed their doctor's office should continue giving such education, and 99% said they would inform family about the program. The response rate of 83% demonstrated feasibility of conducting colorectal cancer education in the primary care setting; overall the program was well received; participants averaged 23 minutes to complete it. Participants sought no help from attending data collectors and navigated the revised touch screen program with ease. Computer-based education is feasible in primary care clinics.

Evaluation of an occupational rehabilitation program.

PubMed

Goodman, Glenn; Browning, Margaret; Campbell, Sims; Hudak, Huison

2005-01-01

The purpose of this study was to report the findings of a program evaluation for an occupational rehabilitation program in the Midwest. An ex-post facto chart review was performed on 50 charts using demographic data, results from tests of performance and pain measures, and data from patient satisfaction questionnaires to find evidence of excellence in the program, and to identify areas for improvement. Over 97% of the participants actually completed the program and 76% returned to work within 3 months after program completion. Ninety-two percent indicated overall satisfaction with the program, and all aspects of the program were rated with a mean score of 4.25 or above on a 1 to 5 Likert scale. Evaluation of perceived pain scales of the participants indicate no discernable relationship between intensity of pain and successful return to work. The program showed a high completion rate, a high return to work rate, and high levels of patient satisfaction. Suggestions for improvement include an increase in use of real and simulated work activities, better documentation of pain measures, better programs to address psychosocial issues, lengthening the program, and increased communication with case managers and professionals outside of the work program.

Do Generous Unemployment Benefit Programs Reduce Suicide Rates? A State Fixed-Effect Analysis Covering 1968–2008

PubMed Central

Cylus, Jonathan; Glymour, M. Maria; Avendano, Mauricio

2014-01-01

The recent economic recession has led to increases in suicide, but whether US state unemployment insurance programs ameliorate this association has not been examined. Exploiting US state variations in the generosity of benefit programs between 1968 and 2008, we tested the hypothesis that more generous unemployment benefit programs reduce the impact of economic downturns on suicide. Using state linear fixed-effect models, we found a negative additive interaction between unemployment rates and benefits among the US working-age (20–64 years) population (β = −0.57, 95% confidence interval: −0.86, −0.27; P < 0.001). The finding of a negative additive interaction was robust across multiple model specifications. Our results suggest that the impact of unemployment rates on suicide is offset by the presence of generous state unemployment benefit programs, though estimated effects are small in magnitude. PMID:24939978

Design, fabrication and test of prototype furnace for continuous growth of wide silicon ribbon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, C. S.; Seidensticker, R. G.

1976-01-01

A program having the overall objective of growing wide, thin silicon dendritic web crystals quasi-continuously from a semi-automated facility is discussed. The design considerations and fabrication of the facility as well as the test and operation phase are covered; detailed engineering drawings are included as an appendix. During the test and operation phase of the program, more than eighty growth runs and numerous thermal test runs were performed. At the conclusion of the program, 2.4 cm wide web was being grown at thicknesses of 100 to 300 micrometers. As expected, the thickness and growth rate are closely related. Solar cells made from this material were tested at NASA-Lewis and found to have conversion efficiencies comparable to devices fabricated from Czochralski material.

Early Education Screening Test Battery of Basic Skills Development: Criteria for Personalizing Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

University City School District, MO.

The development and content of the Early Education Screening Test Battery are described elsewhere (TM 000 184). This report provides norms for the Gross Motor Test (GMO), Visual-Motor Integration (VMI), four scales of the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA), Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), and the Behavior Rating Scale…

Outcomes and Impact of HIV Prevention, ART and TB Programs in Swaziland – Early Evidence from Public Health Triangulation

PubMed Central

van Schalkwyk, Cari; Mndzebele, Sibongile; Hlophe, Thabo; Garcia Calleja, Jesus Maria; Korenromp, Eline L.; Stoneburner, Rand; Pervilhac, Cyril

2013-01-01

Introduction Swaziland’s severe HIV epidemic inspired an early national response since the late 1980s, and regular reporting of program outcomes since the onset of a national antiretroviral treatment (ART) program in 2004. We assessed effectiveness outcomes and mortality trends in relation to ART, HIV testing and counseling (HTC), tuberculosis (TB) and prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT). Methods Data triangulated include intervention coverage and outcomes according to program registries (2001-2010), hospital admissions and deaths disaggregated by age and sex (2001-2010) and population mortality estimates from the 1997 and 2007 censuses and the 2007 demographic and health survey. Results By 2010, ART reached 70% of the estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS with CD4<350/mm3, with progressively improving patient retention and survival. As of 2010, 88% of health facilities providing antenatal care offered comprehensive PMTCT services. The HTC program recorded a halving in the proportion of adults tested who were HIV-infected; similarly HIV infection rates among HIV-exposed babies halved from 2007 to 2010. Case fatality rates among hospital patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS started to decrease from 2005–6 in adults and especially in children, contrasting with stable case fatality for other causes including TB. All-cause child in-patient case fatality rates started to decrease from 2005–6. TB case notifications as well as rates of HIV/TB co-infection among notified TB patients continued a steady increase through 2010, while coverage of HIV testing and CPT for co-infected patients increased to above 80%. Conclusion Against a background of high, but stable HIV prevalence and decreasing HIV incidence, we documented early evidence of a mortality decline associated with the expanded national HIV response since 2004. Attribution of impact to specific interventions (versus natural epidemic dynamics) will require additional data from future household surveys, and improved routine (program, surveillance, and hospital) data at district level. PMID:23922711

Outcomes and impact of HIV prevention, ART and TB programs in Swaziland--early evidence from public health triangulation.

PubMed

van Schalkwyk, Cari; Mndzebele, Sibongile; Hlophe, Thabo; Garcia Calleja, Jesus Maria; Korenromp, Eline L; Stoneburner, Rand; Pervilhac, Cyril

2013-01-01

Swaziland's severe HIV epidemic inspired an early national response since the late 1980s, and regular reporting of program outcomes since the onset of a national antiretroviral treatment (ART) program in 2004. We assessed effectiveness outcomes and mortality trends in relation to ART, HIV testing and counseling (HTC), tuberculosis (TB) and prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT). Data triangulated include intervention coverage and outcomes according to program registries (2001-2010), hospital admissions and deaths disaggregated by age and sex (2001-2010) and population mortality estimates from the 1997 and 2007 censuses and the 2007 demographic and health survey. By 2010, ART reached 70% of the estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS with CD4<350/mm(3), with progressively improving patient retention and survival. As of 2010, 88% of health facilities providing antenatal care offered comprehensive PMTCT services. The HTC program recorded a halving in the proportion of adults tested who were HIV-infected; similarly HIV infection rates among HIV-exposed babies halved from 2007 to 2010. Case fatality rates among hospital patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS started to decrease from 2005-6 in adults and especially in children, contrasting with stable case fatality for other causes including TB. All-cause child in-patient case fatality rates started to decrease from 2005-6. TB case notifications as well as rates of HIV/TB co-infection among notified TB patients continued a steady increase through 2010, while coverage of HIV testing and CPT for co-infected patients increased to above 80%. Against a background of high, but stable HIV prevalence and decreasing HIV incidence, we documented early evidence of a mortality decline associated with the expanded national HIV response since 2004. Attribution of impact to specific interventions (versus natural epidemic dynamics) will require additional data from future household surveys, and improved routine (program, surveillance, and hospital) data at district level.

Implementing solutions to barriers to on-site HIV testing in substance abuse treatment: a tale of three facilities.

PubMed

Hood, Kristina B; Robertson, Angela A; Baird-Thomas, Connie

2015-04-01

Due to the scarcity of resources for implementing rapid on-site HIV testing, many substance abuse treatment programs do not offer these services. This study sought to determine whether addressing previously identified implementation barriers to integrating on-site rapid HIV testing into the treatment admissions process would increase offer and acceptance rates. Results indicate that it is feasible to integrate rapid HIV testing into existing treatment programs for substance abusers when resources are provided. Addressing barriers such as providing start-up costs for HIV testing, staff training, addressing staffing needs to reduce competing job responsibilities, and helping treatment staff members overcome their concerns about clients' reactions to positive test results is paramount for the integration and maintenance of such programs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Technology Proliferation: Acquisition Strategies and Opportunities for an Uncertain Future

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-04-20

The large programs of record characteristic of federal acquisition consist of rigorous research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E...and evaluation (IOT&E) activities drive the program toward the decision to enter full rate production (FRP). Finally, in the sustainment phase, the...the new feature by a full release at a later date, or halt the development altogether. As stated by the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation

Strategic bombers

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

Not Available

1992-07-01

This paper reports on the questions: should Congress provide more funds for the Air Force's current plan---the CORE program---to upgrade the B-1B defense avionics system In GAO's view, more testing of the system is not necessary to determine whether to implement the CORE program. Flight testing has shown that the CORE modifications would provide similar operational capabilities to, and offer some survivability improvements over, the existing defense avionics system. The only reason for additional testing would be to prove that some problems with the maintenance diagnostic system has been resolved. Initial testing revealed that while some improvements were achieved, usermore » requirements were not met for such things as low false alarm rates and cannot duplicate rates. Even if the maintenance diagnostic capabilities were fully demonstrated, however, the CORE system should not be implemented until it is known whether the defense avionics system design can support the B-1B's new role as a conventional bomber.« less

Primary zinc-air batteries for space power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bragg, Bobby J.; Bourland, Deborah S.; Merry, Glenn; Putt, Ron

1992-01-01

Prismatic HR and LC cells and batteries were built and tested, and they performed well with respect to the program goals of high capacity and high rate capability at specific energies. The HR batteries suffered reduced utilizations owing to dryout at the 2 and 3 A rates for the 50 C tests owing to the requirement for forced convection. The LC batteries suffered reduced utilizations under all conditions owing to the chimney effect at 1 G, although this effect would not occur at 0 G. An empirical model was developed which accurately predicted utilizations and average voltages for single cells, although thermal effects encountered during battery testing caused significant deviations, both positive and negative, from the model. Based on the encouraging results of the test program, we believe that the zinc-air primary battery of a flat, stackable configuration can serve as a high performance and safe power source for a range of space applications.

Catalytic ignition of hydrogen/oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, James M.; Zurawski, Robert L.

1988-01-01

An experimental program was conducted to evaluate the catalytic ignition of gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. Shell 405 granular catalyst and a unique monolithic sponge catalyst were tested. Mixture ratio, mass flow rate, propellant inlet temperature, and back pressure were varied parametrically in testing to determine the operational limits of a catalytic igniter. The test results showed that the gaseous hydrogen/oxygen propellant combination can be ignited catalytically using Shell 405 catalyst over a wide range of mixture ratios, mass flow rates, and propellant injection temperatures. These operating conditions must be optimized to ensure reliable ignition for an extended period of time. The results of the experimental program and the established operational limits for a catalytic igniter using both the granular and monolithic catalysts are presented. The capabilities of a facility constructed to conduct the igniter testing and the advantages of a catalytic igniter over other ignition systems for gaseous hydrogen and oxygen are also discussed.

Elf cites 5 advantages of horizontal drilling

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

Not Available

1984-06-01

ELF Aquitaine used horizontal drilling during a pilot test program to bring commercial production from its Rospo Mare oil discovery in the Adriatic, which would have been a costly disappointment if drilled by a conventional vertical well bore. Rospo Mare is a large reservoir containing a top column of highly viscous crude underlain by a water column. The company felt that a well bore that penetrated the reservoir vertically would bring early flooding of the oil column and yield only water. By penetrating the reservoir with a horizontal well drilled high in the oil column, the well successfully produced onmore » numerous tests from Oct. 1982 until the end of the test program in 1983. Production was termed excellent, with productivity during tests reportedly reaching ca 15 times the rate produced from nearby vertical wells. However, ELF said the results usually average ca 5 times the usual rate of vertical wells.« less

Space shuttle maneuvering engine reusable thrust chamber program. Task 11: Stability analyses and acoustic model testing data dump

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oberg, C. L.

1974-01-01

The combustion stability characteristics of engines applicable to the Space Shuttle Orbit Maneuvering System and the adequacy of acoustic cavities as a means of assuring stability in these engines were investigated. The study comprised full-scale stability rating tests, bench-scale acoustic model tests and analysis. Two series of stability rating tests were made. Acoustic model tests were made to determine the resonance characteristics and effects of acoustic cavities. Analytical studies were done to aid design of the cavity configurations to be tested and, also, to aid evaluation of the effectiveness of acoustic cavities from available test results.

The effectiveness of risk management program on pediatric nurses' medication error.

PubMed

Dehghan-Nayeri, Nahid; Bayat, Fariba; Salehi, Tahmineh; Faghihzadeh, Soghrat

2013-09-01

Medication therapy is one of the most complex and high-risk clinical processes that nurses deal with. Medication error is the most common type of error that brings about damage and death to patients, especially pediatric ones. However, these errors are preventable. Identifying and preventing undesirable events leading to medication errors are the main risk management activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a risk management program on the pediatric nurses' medication error rate. This study is a quasi-experimental one with a comparison group. In this study, 200 nurses were recruited from two main pediatric hospitals in Tehran. In the experimental hospital, we applied the risk management program for a period of 6 months. Nurses of the control hospital did the hospital routine schedule. A pre- and post-test was performed to measure the frequency of the medication error events. SPSS software, t-test, and regression analysis were used for data analysis. After the intervention, the medication error rate of nurses at the experimental hospital was significantly lower (P < 0.001) and the error-reporting rate was higher (P < 0.007) compared to before the intervention and also in comparison to the nurses of the control hospital. Based on the results of this study and taking into account the high-risk nature of the medical environment, applying the quality-control programs such as risk management can effectively prevent the occurrence of the hospital undesirable events. Nursing mangers can reduce the medication error rate by applying risk management programs. However, this program cannot succeed without nurses' cooperation.

Large area sheet task: Advanced Dendritic Web Growth Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, C. S.; Seidensticker, R. G.; Mchugh, J. P.; Hopkins, R. H.; Meier, D.; Schruben, J.

1981-01-01

A melt level control system was implemented to provide stepless silicon feed rates from zero to rates exactly matching the silicon consumed during web growth. Bench tests of the unit were successfully completed and the system mounted in a web furnace for operational verification. Tests of long term temperature drift correction techniques were made; web width monitoring seems most appropriate for feedback purposes. A system to program the initiation of the web growth cycle was successfully tested. A low cost temperature controller was tested which functions as well as units four times as expensive.

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

VAXELN Experimentation: Programming a Real-Time Periodic Task Dispatcher Using VAXELN Ada 1.1

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-11-01

synchronization to the SQM and VAXELN semaphores. Based on real-time scheduling theory, the optimal rate-monotonic scheduling algorithm [Lui 73...schedulability test based on the rate-monotonic algorithm , namely task-lumping [Sha 871, was necessary to cal- culate the theoretically expected schedulability...8217 Guide Digital Equipment Corporation, Maynard, MA, 1986. [Lui 73] Liu, C.L., Layland, J.W. Scheduling Algorithms for Multi-programming in a Hard-Real-Time

FEL (Free Electron Laser) Optics Coating Test Program (Design Phase of Sample Introduction Chamber)

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-02-01

is the photon energy dependent on the molecular species? - does the saturation depend on the UV photon energy? 3. Examine the rapid, saturating...can also be determined if the active photon energy range depends significantly on the molecular species. In a six month program, the first three...determine if the deposition rate depends #significantly on the species. The photon energy dependence of the deposition rate on the molecular species

Implementing HIV Testing in Substance Use Treatment Programs: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Simeone, Claire A; Seal, Stella M; Savage, Christine

People who use drugs are at increased risk for HIV acquisition, poor engagement in health care, and late screening for HIV with advanced HIV at diagnosis and increased HIV-related morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. This systematic review evaluates current evidence about the effectiveness and feasibility of implementing HIV testing in U.S. substance use treatment programs. The literature search identified 535 articles. Full text review was limited to articles that explicitly addressed strategies to implement HIV testing in substance use programs: 17 met criteria and were included in the review; nine used quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method designs to describe or quantify HIV testing rates, acceptance by clients and staff, and cost-effectiveness; eight organization surveys described barriers and facilitators to testing implementation. The evidence supported the effectiveness and feasibility of rapid, routine, and streamlined HIV testing in substance use treatment programs. Primary challenges included organizational support and sustainable funding. Copyright © 2015 Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Shout-It-Now: A Mobile HCT Model Employing Technology and Edutainment in South Africa.

PubMed

Daniels, Joseph; Komarek, Arnost; Forgreive, Bruce; Pahl, Kathryn; Stafford, Stephen; Bruns, Laurie Campbell; Coates, Thomas

Mobile HIV counseling and testing (HCT) has been effective in reaching men, women, and adolescents in South Africa. However, there is limited understanding of effective mobile HCT programs utilizing tools like technology and edutainment to increase HIV counseling and testing rates. The authors examine data from the Shout-It-Now (S-N) program that uses such tools in South Africa. The S-N program utilizes various forms of technology and ongoing telephonic counseling within a 6-step program of HIV testing and linkage-to-care support, and program data were analyzed over an 18-month period. Data were analyzed from women, men, and adolescent program participants. Summative statistics was conducted on participant registration, HIV risk assessment, and HIV testing profiles. HIV prevalence were estimated along with the related 95% confidence intervals using the Clopper-Pearson method. Over an 18-month period, there were 72 220 program participants with high representation of men, women, and adolescents and 40% of the participants being men at each site. There were 3343 participants who tested HIV positive, and a higher proportion of women tested positive. Integrating technology, quality assurance measures, and edutainment with mobile HCT has the potential to increase the number of those who test within communities. Research is needed to understand the effectiveness of this model in facilitating regular testing and linkage to care.

Drug Testing Incoming Residents and Medical Students in Family Medicine Training: A Survey of Program Policies and Practices.

PubMed

Bell, Paul F; Semelka, Michael W; Bigdeli, Laleh

2015-03-01

Despite well-established negative consequences, high rates of substance use and related disorders continue to be reported. Physicians in training are not immune from this, or the associated risks to their health and careers, while impaired physicians are a threat to patient safety. We surveyed family medicine residency programs' practices relating to drug testing of medical students and incoming residents. The survey asked about the extent to which residency programs are confronted with trainees testing positive for prohibited substances, and how they respond. The survey was sent to the directors of family medicine residency programs. A total of 205 directors (47.2%) completed the survey. A majority of the responding programs required drug testing for incoming residents (143, 68.9%). Most programs did not require testing of medical students (161, 81.7%). Few programs reported positive drug tests among incoming residents (9, 6.5%), and there was only 1 reported instance of a positive result among medical students (1, 3.3%). Respondents reported a range of responses to positive results, with few reporting that they would keep open training spots or offer supportive services for a medical student who tested positive. Changing laws legalizing certain drugs may require corresponding changes in the focus on drug testing and associated issues in medical training; however, many residency program directors were not aware of their institution's current policies. Programs will need to reexamine drug testing policies as new generations of physicians, growing up under altered legal circumstances concerning drug use, progress to clinical training.

Learner perception of oral and written examinations in an international medical training program

PubMed Central

Weiner, Scott G.; Anderson, Philip D.; Irish, Julie; Ciottone, Greg; Pini, Riccardo; Grifoni, Stefano; Rosen, Peter; Ban, Kevin M.

2010-01-01

Background There are an increasing number of training programs in emergency medicine involving different countries or cultures. Many examination types, both oral and written, have been validated as useful assessment tools around the world; but learner perception of their use in the setting of cross-cultural training programs has not been described. Aims The goal of this study was to evaluate learner perception of four common examination methods in an international educational curriculum in emergency medicine. Methods Twenty-four physicians in a cross-cultural training program were surveyed to determine learner perception of four different examination methods: structured oral case simulations, multiple-choice tests, semi-structured oral examinations, and essay tests. We also describe techniques used and barriers faced. Results There was a 100% response rate. Learners reported that all testing methods were useful in measuring knowledge and clinical ability and should be used for accreditation and future training programs. They rated oral examinations as significantly more useful than written in measuring clinical abilities (p < 0.01). Compared to the other three types of examinations, learners ranked oral case simulations as the most useful examination method for assessing learners’ fund of knowledge and clinical ability (p < 0.01). Conclusions Physician learners in a cross-cultural, international training program perceive all four written and oral examination methods as useful, but rate structured oral case simulations as the most useful method for assessing fund of knowledge and clinical ability. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12245-009-0147-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. PMID:20414377

7075-T6 and 2024-T351 Aluminum Alloy Fatigue Crack Growth Rate Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forth, Scott C.; Wright, Christopher W.; Johnston, William M., Jr.

2005-01-01

Experimental test procedures for the development of fatigue crack growth rate data has been standardized by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Over the past 30 years several gradual changes have been made to the standard without rigorous assessment of the affect these changes have on the precision or variability of the data generated. Therefore, the ASTM committee on fatigue crack growth has initiated an international round robin test program to assess the precision and variability of test results generated using the standard E647-00. Crack growth rate data presented in this report, in support of the ASTM roundrobin, shows excellent precision and repeatability.

Reproductive Health of Women in Rural Areas of East Azerbaijan – Iran, before and after Implementation of rural Family Physician Program: an Ecologic Study

PubMed Central

Alizadeh, Mahasti; Jabbari Birami, Hossein; Moradi, Siavash

2015-01-01

Introduction: Implementation of rural family physician program in Iran in 2005 has been evaluated and shown that this program has been led to some improvements in health indicators. In this study, some reproductive health (RH) indicators were compared before and after implementation of this program in rural areas of East Azerbaijan, Iran. Methods: In this ecologic- time trend study, the data of 191075 births of rural women of East Azerbaijan from 2001 to 2010 was extracted from vital horoscope (ZIJ) and used for calculation of 20 important RH indicators. The paired t-test and correlation analysis wear used for data analysis. Results: Some indicators such as adolescent marriage rate, adolescent birth and over 35 year olds birth rate were increased after rural family physician program implementation in 2005. Also stillbirth rate and unsafe delivery were decreased during this period. There was a significant correlation between increasing adolescent birth rate and increasing low birth weight deliveries (r= 0.911, P= 0.031) and also between increasing over 35 year olds birth rate and increasing neonatal mortality rate in term of prematurity and congenital malformations (r= 0.912, P= 0.031) after program implementation. Conclusion: Perinatal care and safe delivery even for pregnancies outside the typical child-bearing ages are promoting after implementation of rural family physician program in East Azerbaijan. Also decreasing unsafe delivery and stillbirth rate can be considered as achievements of running this program in this province. PMID:26744731

A tailored approach to BRAF and MLH1 methylation testing in a universal screening program for Lynch syndrome.

PubMed

Adar, Tomer; Rodgers, Linda H; Shannon, Kristen M; Yoshida, Makoto; Ma, Tianle; Mattia, Anthony; Lauwers, Gregory Y; Iafrate, Anthony J; Chung, Daniel C

2017-03-01

To determine the correlation between BRAF genotype and MLH1 promoter methylation in a screening program for Lynch syndrome (LS), a universal screening program for LS was established in two medical centers. Tumors with abnormal MLH1 staining were evaluated for both BRAF V600E genotype and MLH1 promoter methylation. Tumors positive for both were considered sporadic, and genetic testing was recommended for all others. A total 1011 colorectal cancer cases were screened for Lynch syndrome, and 148 (14.6%) exhibited absent MLH1 immunostaining. Both BRAF and MLH1 methylation testing were completed in 126 cases. Concordant results (both positive or both negative) were obtained in 86 (68.3%) and 16 (12.7%) cases, respectively, with 81% concordance overall. The positive and negative predictive values for a BRAF mutation in predicting MLH1 promoter methylation were 98.9% and 41%, respectively, and the negative predictive value fell to 15% in patients ≥70 years old. Using BRAF genotyping as a sole test to evaluate cases with absent MLH1 staining would have increased referral rates for genetic testing by 2.3-fold compared with MLH1 methylation testing alone (31% vs 13.5%, respectively, P<0.01). However, a hybrid approach that reserves MLH1 methylation testing for BRAF wild-type cases only would significantly decrease the number of methylation assays performed and reduce the referral rate for genetic testing to 12.7%. A BRAF mutation has an excellent positive predictive value but poor negative predictive value in predicting MLH1 promoter methylation. A hybrid use of these tests may reduce the number of low-risk patients referred to genetic counseling and facilitate wider implementation of Lynch syndrome screening programs.

Admissions-Yield and Persistence Analysis. AIR Forum Paper 1978.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ramist, Leonard

Data from the college Board's Admissions Test Program (ATP) Summary Reports are used to analyze the student market attraction for ATP report designations, the application rate, the acceptance rate, the enrollment yield, and the dropout rate for 254 different student groups for 25l colleges. Student groups are defined in terms of their College…

Participation in colorectal cancer screening trials after first-time invitation: a systematic review.

PubMed

Khalid-de Bakker, C; Jonkers, D; Smits, K; Mesters, I; Masclee, A; Stockbrügger, R

2011-12-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is implemented by an increasing number of countries. Participation rates of screening programs influence the health benefit and cost-effectiveness of the applied method. The aim was to systematically review participation rate after first-time invitation for CRC screening with fecal occult blood test (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and/or computed tomography (CT) colonography. A systematic literature search was performed prior to October 1 2009. Prospective CRC screening studies of unselected populations reporting participation rates were included. After meta-analyses, overall participation rates were found to be 47 % for FOBT, 42 % for fecal immunologic tests (FITs), 35 % for sigmoidoscopy, 41 % for sigmoidoscopy combined with FIT/FOBT, 28 % for colonoscopy, and 22 % for CT colonography. Studies comparing screening methods showed higher participation rates for less invasive methods. Studies comparing invitation methods showed higher participation rates with general practitioner involvement, a more personalized recruitment approach, and reduction of barriers that discourage participation. Knowledge of identified factors affecting CRC screening participation can be used to improve screening programs. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

NASA Shuttle Logistics Depot (NSLD) - The application of ATE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpkins, Lorenz G.; Jenkins, Henry C.; Mauceri, A. Jack

1990-01-01

The concept of the NASA Shuttle Logistics Depot (NSLD) developed for the Space Shuttle Orbiter Program is described. The function of the NSLD at Cape Canaveral is to perform the acceptance and diagnostic testing of the Shuttle's space-rated line-replaceable units and shop-replaceable units (SRUs). The NSLD includes a comprehensive electronic automatic test station, program development stations, and assorted manufacturing support equipment (including thermal and vibration test equipment, special test equipment, and a card SRU test system). The depot activities also include the establishment of the functions for manufacturing of mechanical parts, soldering, welding, painting, clean room operation, procurement, and subcontract management.

Cardiac arrhythmias during exercise testing in healthy men.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beard, E. F.; Owen, C. A.

1973-01-01

Clinically healthy male executives who participate in a long-term physical conditioning program have demonstrated cardiac arrhythmia during and after periodic ergometric testing at submaximal and maximal levels. In 1,385 tests on 248 subjects, it was found that 34% of subjects demonstrated an arrhythmia at some time and 13% of subjects developed arrhythmia on more than one test. Premature systoles of ventricular origin were most common, but premature systoles of atrial origin, premature systoles of junctional origin, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, atrioventricular block, wandering pacemaker, and pre-excitation were also seen. Careful post-test monitoring and pulse rate regulated training sessions are suggested for such programs.

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.

A wakeup call to the prevention field: are prevention programs for substance use effective for girls?

PubMed

Kumpfer, Karol L; Smith, Paula; Summerhays, Julia Franklin

2008-07-01

Substance misuse in adolescent girls has increased dramatically since 1992. This article reviews trends in use rates and etiological theories tested by gender that suggest that family protective factors have more influence on girls. Next, a literature review reveals that few prevention programs have published their outcomes by gender or developed gender-specific programs. Nationwide community coalition results found positive effects on boys but increased drug use in young girls. The most effective programs are family focused targeting family bonding, supervision, and communication. Recent gender-specific prevention programs with positive results address stress, depression, social assertiveness, and body image. The authors recommend additional research testing programs by gender and also gender-specific versus generic versions of evidence-based programs to determine how to improve prevention program effectiveness for girls.

Successes and Short Comings in Four Years of an International External Quality Assurance Program for Animal Influenza Surveillance

PubMed Central

Spackman, Erica; Cardona, Carol; Muñoz-Aguayo, Jeannette; Fleming, Susan

2016-01-01

The US National institutes of Health-Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance is a research consortium that funds numerous labs worldwide to conduct influenza A surveillance in diverse animal species. There is no harmonization of testing procedures among these labs; therefore an external quality assurance (EQA) program was implemented to evaluate testing accuracy among labs in the program in 2012. Accurate detection of novel influenza A variants is crucial because of the broad host range and potentially high virulence of the virus in diverse species. Two molecular detection sample sets and 2 serology sample sets (one with avian origin isolates, and one with mammalian origin isolates each) were made available at approximately six month intervals. Participating labs tested the material in accordance with their own protocols. During a five year period a total of 41 labs from 23 countries ordered a total of 132 avian molecular, 121 mammalian molecular and 90 serology sample sets. Testing was completed by 111 individuals. Detection of type A influenza by RT-PCR was reliable with a pass rate (80% or greater agreement with expected results) of 86.6% for avian and 86.2% for mammalian origin isolates. However, identification of subtype by RT-PCR was relatively poor with 54.1% and 75.9% accuracy for avian and mammalian influenza isolates respectively. Serological testing had an overall pass rate of 86.9% and 22/23 labs used commercial ELISA kits. Based on the results of this EQA program six labs modified their procedures to improve accuracy and one lab identified an unknown equipment problem. These data represent the successful implementation of an international EQA program for an infectious disease; insights into the logistics and test design are also discussed. PMID:27788155

Successes and Short Comings in Four Years of an International External Quality Assurance Program for Animal Influenza Surveillance.

PubMed

Spackman, Erica; Cardona, Carol; Muñoz-Aguayo, Jeannette; Fleming, Susan

2016-01-01

The US National institutes of Health-Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance is a research consortium that funds numerous labs worldwide to conduct influenza A surveillance in diverse animal species. There is no harmonization of testing procedures among these labs; therefore an external quality assurance (EQA) program was implemented to evaluate testing accuracy among labs in the program in 2012. Accurate detection of novel influenza A variants is crucial because of the broad host range and potentially high virulence of the virus in diverse species. Two molecular detection sample sets and 2 serology sample sets (one with avian origin isolates, and one with mammalian origin isolates each) were made available at approximately six month intervals. Participating labs tested the material in accordance with their own protocols. During a five year period a total of 41 labs from 23 countries ordered a total of 132 avian molecular, 121 mammalian molecular and 90 serology sample sets. Testing was completed by 111 individuals. Detection of type A influenza by RT-PCR was reliable with a pass rate (80% or greater agreement with expected results) of 86.6% for avian and 86.2% for mammalian origin isolates. However, identification of subtype by RT-PCR was relatively poor with 54.1% and 75.9% accuracy for avian and mammalian influenza isolates respectively. Serological testing had an overall pass rate of 86.9% and 22/23 labs used commercial ELISA kits. Based on the results of this EQA program six labs modified their procedures to improve accuracy and one lab identified an unknown equipment problem. These data represent the successful implementation of an international EQA program for an infectious disease; insights into the logistics and test design are also discussed.

Impact of fecal immunochemical test-based screening programs on proximal and distal colorectal cancer surgery rates: A natural multiple-baseline experiment.

PubMed

Fedeli, Ugo; Zorzi, Manuel; Urso, Emanuele D L; Gennaro, Nicola; Dei Tos, Angelo P; Saugo, Mario

2015-11-15

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs based on the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) were found to reduce overall CRC surgery rates, but to the authors' knowledge data by subsite are lacking. The objective of the current study was to assess the impact of FIT-based screening on proximal and distal CRC surgical resection rates. The Veneto region in Italy can be subdivided into 3 areas with staggered introduction of FIT-based screening programs: early (2002-2004), intermediate (2005-2007), and late (2008-2009) areas. Time series of proximal and distal CRC surgery were investigated in the 3 populations between 2001 and 2012 by Joinpoint regression analysis and segmented Poisson regression models. The impact of screening was similar in the study populations. Rates of distal CRC surgical resection were stable before screening, increased at the time of screening implementation (rate ratio [RR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.14-1.37), and thereafter declined by 10% annually (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.88-0.92). Rates of proximal CRC surgical resection increased by 4% annually before screening (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03-1.05) but, after a peak at the time of screening initiation, the trend was reversed. The percentage represented by proximal CRC surgery rose from 28% in 2001 to 41% in 2012. In this natural multiple-baseline experiment, consistent findings across each time series demonstrated that FIT-based screening programs have an impact both on proximal and distal CRC surgery rates. However, underlying preexisting epidemiological trends are leading to a rapidly increasing percentage of proximal CRC. © 2015 American Cancer Society.

Relationship between college success and employer competency ratings for graduates of a baccalaureate nursing program.

PubMed

Bolin, S E; Hogle, E L

1984-01-01

This expost facto correlational study sought to determine which measures of academic success in one class of BSN graduates predicted their competence as employees one year after graduation, as judged by their employers. The relationship between pre-entrance test scores, clinical experience grades, GPA, State Board Test Pool examination scores, and employer competency ratings were also determined. In keeping with the literature in fields other than nursing, the findings suggest that there may be little relationship between academic performance in a nursing program and subsequent job performance as a nurse, even though verbal ability may be predictive of success in school. While significant positive correlations were found between pre-entrance test data and final grade point averages, as well as pre-entrance test scores and State Board Test Pool examination scores, there was little evidence that pre-entrance test scores were predictive of nursing abilities. Isolated correlations were found between the clinical components of some nursing courses and specific nursing abilities. Using multiple regression analysis, no clinical course grade was found to be a significant predictor of the mean employer competency rating. Significant predictors were found for only four of the individual nursing abilities, with the clinical component of Leadership in Nursing being the most frequent and best predictor.

Exercise may cause myocardial ischemia at the anaerobic threshold in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

PubMed

Fuchs, A R C N; Meneghelo, R S; Stefanini, E; De Paola, A V; Smanio, P E P; Mastrocolla, L E; Ferraz, A S; Buglia, S; Piegas, L S; Carvalho, A A C

2009-03-01

Myocardial ischemia may occur during an exercise session in cardiac rehabilitation programs. However, it has not been established whether it is elicited when exercise prescription is based on heart rate corresponding to the anaerobic threshold as measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Our objective was to determine the incidence of myocardial ischemia in cardiac rehabilitation programs according to myocardial perfusion SPECT in exercise programs based on the anaerobic threshold. Thirty-nine patients (35 men and 4 women) diagnosed with coronary artery disease by coronary angiography and stress technetium-99m-sestamibi gated SPECT associated with a baseline cardiopulmonary exercise test were assessed. Ages ranged from 45 to 75 years. A second cardiopulmonary exercise test determined training intensity at the anaerobic threshold. Repeat gated-SPECT was obtained after a third cardiopulmonary exercise test at the prescribed workload and heart rate. Myocardial perfusion images were analyzed using a score system of 6.4 at rest, 13.9 at peak stress, and 10.7 during the prescribed exercise (P < 0.05). The presence of myocardial ischemia during exercise was defined as a difference > or = 2 between the summed stress score and summed rest score. Accordingly, 25 (64%) patients were classified as ischemic and 14 (36%) as nonischemic. MIBI-SPECT showed myocardial ischemia during exercise within the anaerobic threshold. The 64% prevalence of ischemia observed in the study should not be looked on as representative of the whole population of patients undergoing exercise programs. Changes in patient care and exercise programs were implemented as a result of our finding of ischemia during the prescribed exercise.

The Prevalence of Multiple-Choice Testing in Registered Nurse Licensure-Qualifying Nursing Education Programs in New York State.

PubMed

Birkhead, Susan; Kelman, Glenda; Zittel, Barbara; Jatulis, Linnea

The aim of this study was to describe nurse educators' use of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in testing in registered nurse licensure-qualifying nursing education programs in New York State. This study was a descriptive correlational analysis of data obtained from surveying 1,559 nurse educators; 297 educators from 61 institutions responded (response rate [RR] = 19 percent), yielding a final cohort of 200. MCQs were reported to comprise a mean of 81 percent of questions on a typical test. Baccalaureate program respondents were equally likely to use MCQs as associate degree program respondents (p > .05) but were more likely to report using other methods of assessing student achievement to construct course grades (p < .01). Both groups reported little use of alternate format-type questions. Respondent educators reported substantial reliance upon the use of MCQs, corroborating the limited data quantifying the prevalence of use of MCQ tests in licensure-qualifying nursing education programs.

State-of-the-art software for window energy-efficiency rating and labeling

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

Arasteh, D.; Finlayson, E.; Huang, J.

1998-07-01

Measuring the thermal performance of windows in typical residential buildings is an expensive proposition. Not only is laboratory testing expensive, but each window manufacturer typically offers hundreds of individual products, each of which has different thermal performance properties. With over a thousand window manufacturers nationally, a testing-based rating system would be prohibitively expensive to the industry and to consumers. Beginning in the early 1990s, simulation software began to be used as part of a national program for rating window U-values. The rating program has since been expanded to include Solar Hear Gain Coefficients and is now being extended to annualmore » energy performance. This paper describes four software packages available to the public from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). These software packages are used to evaluate window thermal performance: RESFEN (for evaluating annual energy costs), WINDOW (for calculating a product`s thermal performance properties), THERM (a preprocessor for WINDOW that determines two-dimensional heat-transfer effects), and Optics (a preprocessor for WINDOW`s glass database). Software not only offers a less expensive means than testing to evaluate window performance, it can also be used during the design process to help manufacturers produce windows that will meet target specifications. In addition, software can show small improvements in window performance that might not be detected in actual testing because of large uncertainties in test procedures.« less

Space Shuttle External Tank Project status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, R. M.

1980-01-01

The External Tank Project is reviewed with emphasis on the DDT&E and production phases and the lightweight tank development. It is noted that the DDT&E phase is progressing well with the structural and ground vibration test article programs complete, the propulsion test article program progressing well, and the component qualification and verification testing 92% complete. New tools and facilities are being brought on line to support the increased build rate for the production phase. The lightweight tank, which will provide additional payload in orbit, is progressing to schedule with first delivery in early 1982.

Testing and Analytical Modeling for Purging Process of a Cryogenic Line

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hedayat, A.; Mazurkivich, P. V.; Nelson, M. A.; Majumdar, A. K.

2015-01-01

To gain confidence in developing analytical models of the purging process for the cryogenic main propulsion systems of upper stage, two test series were conducted. The test article, a 3.35 m long with the diameter of 20 cm incline line, was filled with liquid or gaseous hydrogen and then purged with gaseous helium (GHe). Total of 10 tests were conducted. The influences of GHe flow rates and initial temperatures were evaluated. The Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP), an in-house general-purpose fluid system analyzer computer program, was utilized to model and simulate selective tests. The test procedures, modeling descriptions, and the results are presented in the following sections.

Testing and Analytical Modeling for Purging Process of a Cryogenic Line

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hedayat, A.; Mazurkivich, P. V.; Nelson, M. A.; Majumdar, A. K.

2013-01-01

To gain confidence in developing analytical models of the purging process for the cryogenic main propulsion systems of upper stage, two test series were conducted. The test article, a 3.35 m long with the diameter of 20 cm incline line, was filled with liquid or gaseous hydrogen and then purged with gaseous helium (GHe). Total of 10 tests were conducted. The influences of GHe flow rates and initial temperatures were evaluated. The Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP), an in-house general-purpose fluid system analyzer computer program, was utilized to model and simulate selective tests. The test procedures, modeling descriptions, and the results are presented in the following sections.

New Integrated Testing System for the Validation of Vehicle-Snow Interaction Models

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-06

are individual wheel speeds, accelerator pedal position, vehicle speed, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, steering wheel angle and brake ...forces and moments at each wheel center, vehicle body slip angle , speed, acceleration, yaw rate, roll, and pitch. The profilometer has a 3-D scanning...Stability Program. The test vehicle provides measurements that include three forces and moments at each wheel center, vehicle body slip angle , speed

Opt-out of voluntary HIV testing: a Singapore hospital's experience.

PubMed

Chua, Arlene C; Leo, Yee Sin; Cavailler, Philippe; Chu, Christine; Ng, Aloysius; Ng, Oon Tek; Krishnan, Prabha

2012-01-01

Since 2008, the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) has expanded HIV testing by increasing anonymous HIV test sites, as well as issuing a directive to hospitals to offer routine voluntary opt out inpatient HIV testing. We reviewed this program implemented at the end of 2008 at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), the second largest acute care general hospital in Singapore. From January 2009 to December 2010, all inpatients aged greater or equal than 21 years were screened for HIV unless they declined or were not eligible for screening. We reviewed the implementation of the Opt Out testing policy. There were a total of 93,211 admissions; 41,543 patients were included based on HIV screening program eligibility criteria. Among those included, 79% (n = 32,675) opted out of HIV screening. The overall acceptance rate was 21%. Majority of eligible patients who were tested (63%) were men. The mean age of tested patients was 52 years. The opt out rate was significantly higher among females (OR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.4-1.6), aged >60 years (OR: 2.3, 95%CI: 2.2-2.4) and Chinese ethnicity (OR: 1.7, 95%CI:1.6-1.8). The false positive rate of the HIV screening test is 0.56%. The proportion of patients with HIV infection among those who underwent HIV screening is 0.18%. All 16 confirmed HIV patients were linked to care. The default opt-in rate of inpatient HIV testing was low at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. Efforts to address individual HIV risk perception and campaigns against HIV stigma are needed to encourage more individuals to be tested for HIV.

Opt-out of Voluntary HIV Testing: A Singapore Hospital's Experience

PubMed Central

Chua, Arlene C.; Leo, Yee Sin; Cavailler, Philippe; Chu, Christine; Ng, Aloysius; Ng, Oon Tek; Krishnan, Prabha

2012-01-01

Introduction Since 2008, the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) has expanded HIV testing by increasing anonymous HIV test sites, as well as issuing a directive to hospitals to offer routine voluntary opt out inpatient HIV testing. We reviewed this program implemented at the end of 2008 at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), the second largest acute care general hospital in Singapore. Methods and Findings From January 2009 to December 2010, all inpatients aged greater or equal than 21 years were screened for HIV unless they declined or were not eligible for screening. We reviewed the implementation of the Opt Out testing policy. There were a total of 93,211 admissions; 41,543 patients were included based on HIV screening program eligibility criteria. Among those included, 79% (n = 32,675) opted out of HIV screening. The overall acceptance rate was 21%. Majority of eligible patients who were tested (63%) were men. The mean age of tested patients was 52 years. The opt out rate was significantly higher among females (OR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.4–1.6), aged >60 years (OR: 2.3, 95%CI: 2.2–2.4) and Chinese ethnicity (OR: 1.7, 95%CI:1.6–1.8). The false positive rate of the HIV screening test is 0.56%. The proportion of patients with HIV infection among those who underwent HIV screening is 0.18%. All16 confirmed HIV patients were linked to care. Conclusion The default opt-in rate of inpatient HIV testing was low at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. Efforts to address individual HIV risk perception and campaigns against HIV stigma are needed to encourage more individuals to be tested for HIV. PMID:22493708

Cardiorespiratory endurance evaluation using heart rate analysis during ski simulator exercise and the Harvard step test in elementary school students.

PubMed

Lee, Hyo Taek; Roh, Hyo Lyun; Kim, Yoon Sang

2016-01-01

[Purpose] Efficient management using exercise programs with various benefits should be provided by educational institutions for children in their growth phase. We analyzed the heart rates of children during ski simulator exercise and the Harvard step test to evaluate the cardiopulmonary endurance by calculating their post-exercise recovery rate. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects (n = 77) were categorized into a normal weight and an overweight/obesity group by body mass index. They performed each exercise for 3 minutes. The cardiorespiratory endurance was calculated using the Physical Efficiency Index formula. [Results] The ski simulator and Harvard step test showed that there was a significant difference in the heart rates of the 2 body mass index-based groups at each minute. The normal weight and the ski-simulator group had higher Physical Efficiency Index levels. [Conclusion] This study showed that a simulator exercise can produce a cumulative load even when performed at low intensity, and can be effectively utilized as exercise equipment since it resulted in higher Physical Efficiency Index levels than the Harvard step test. If schools can increase sport durability by stimulating students' interests, the ski simulator exercise can be used in programs designed to improve and strengthen students' physical fitness.

Summary of nondestructive testing theory and practice

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meister, R. P.; Randall, M. D.; Mitchell, D. K.; Williams, L. P.; Pattee, H. E.

1972-01-01

The ability to fabricate design critical and man-rated aerospace structures using materials near the limits of their capabilities requires a comprehensive and dependable assurance program. The quality assurance program must rely heavily on nondestructive testing methods for thorough inspection to assess properties and quality of hardware items. A survey of nondestructive testing methods is presented to provide space program managers, supervisors and engineers who are unfamiliar with this technical area with appropriate insight into the commonly accepted nondestructive testing methods available, their interrelationships, used, advantages and limitations. Primary emphasis is placed on the most common methods: liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, radiography, ultrasonics and eddy current. A number of the newer test techniques including thermal, acoustic emission, holography, microwaves, eddy-sonic and exo-electron emission, which are beginning to be used in applications of interest to NASA, are also discussed briefly.

Performance Evaluation of Pressure Transducers for Water Impacts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vassilakos, Gregory J.; Stegall, David E.; Treadway, Sean

2012-01-01

The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle is being designed for water landings. In order to benchmark the ability of engineering tools to predict water landing loads, test programs are underway for scale model and full-scale water impacts. These test programs are predicated on the reliable measurement of impact pressure histories. Tests have been performed with a variety of pressure transducers from various manufacturers. Both piezoelectric and piezoresistive devices have been tested. Effects such as thermal shock, pinching of the transducer head, and flushness of the transducer mounting have been studied. Data acquisition issues such as sampling rate and anti-aliasing filtering also have been studied. The response of pressure transducers have been compared side-by-side on an impulse test rig and on a 20-inch diameter hemisphere dropped into a pool of water. The results have identified a range of viable configurations for pressure measurement dependent on the objectives of the test program.

An Agenda for the 90's: Strategies and Tactics for Conducting an Effective Dislocated Worker Training Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spaid, Robin L.; Parsons, Michael H.

In August 1983, when the second largest employer in Washington County, Maryland, closed its plant, the local unemployment rate was 13%. The following month, Hagerstown Junior College (HJC) received $50,000 in state funds to initiate a dislocated worker (DLW) program. The program included orientation by a counselor, diagnostic testing, and…

The Effect of Providing Breakfast on Student Performance: Evidence from an In-Class Breakfast Program. NBER Working Paper No. 17720

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Imberman, Scott A.; Kugler, Adriana D.

2012-01-01

In response to low take-up, many public schools have experimented with moving breakfast from the cafeteria to the classroom. We examine whether such a program increases performance as measured by standardized test scores, grades and attendance rates. We exploit quasi-random timing of program implementation that allows for a…

A Computer Assisted Reading Program, Targeting Struggling Readers in a Title I Elementary School: A Program Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roy, Jon F.

2016-01-01

This study examined the effectiveness of READ 180, a computer based reading intervention on Lexile reading levels, Standardized Test of Reading Achievement (STAR) score, and attendance rates students in grades 3-5 who participated in the READ 180 program. The study compared the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) scores of each group administered…

Reducing Sex Differences in Children's Empathy for Animals through a Training Intervention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Angantyr, Malin; Hansen, Eric M.; Eklund, Jakob Håkansson; Malm, Kerstin

2016-01-01

Humane education programs designed to increase children's empathy for animals are becoming more common. A quasi-experiment tested the effectiveness of one such program by comparing 80 children who had completed the program with a control group of 57 children who had not. The children read a story involving an injured dog and rated the degree of…

Catalytic ignition of hydrogen and oxygen propellants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zurawski, Robert L.; Green, James M.

1988-01-01

An experimental program was conducted to evaluate the catalytic ignition of gaseous hydrogen and oxygen propellants. Shell 405 granular catalyst and a monolithic sponge catalyst were tested. Mixture ratio, mass flow rate, propellant temperature, and back pressure were varied parametrically in testing to determine the operational limits of the catalytic igniter. The test results show that the gaseous hydrogen and oxygen propellant combination can be ignited catalytically using Shell 405 catalyst over a wide range of mixture ratios, mass flow rates, and propellant injection temperatures. These operating conditions must be optimized to ensure reliable ignition for an extended period of time. A cyclic life of nearly 2000, 2 sec pulses at nominal operating conditions was demonstrated with the catalytic igniter. The results of the experimental program and the established operational limits for a catalytic igniter using the Shell 405 catalysts are presented.

Catalytic ignition of hydrogen and oxygen propellants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zurawski, Robert L.; Green, James M.

1988-01-01

An experimental program was conducted to evaluate the catalytic ignition of gaseous hydrogen and oxygen propellants. Shell 405 granular catalyst and a monolithic sponge catalyst were tested. Mixture ratio, mass flow rate, propellant temperature, and back pressure were varied parametrically in testing to determine the operational limits of the catalytic igniter. The test results show that the gaseous hydrogen and oxygen propellant combination can be ignited catalytically using Shell 405 catalyst over a wide range of mixture ratios, mass flow rates, and propellant injection temperatures. These operating conditions must be optimized to ensure reliable ignition for an extended period of time. A cyclic life of nearly 2000, 2 sec pulses at nominal operating conditions was demonstrated with the catalytic igniter. The results of the experimental program and the established operational limits for a catalytic igniter using the Shell 405 catalyst are presented.

VERIFICATION TESTING OF HIGH-RATE MECHANICAL INDUCTION MIXERS FOR CHEMICAL DISINFECTANTS

EPA Science Inventory

This paper describes the results of verification testing of mechanical induction mixers for dispersion of chemical disinfectants in wet-weather flow (WWF) conducted under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) WWF Pilot Program. Th...

Man-rated flight software for the F-8 DFBW program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bairnsfather, R. R.

1975-01-01

The design, implementation, and verification of the flight control software used in the F-8 DFBW program are discussed. Since the DFBW utilizes an Apollo computer and hardware, the procedures, controls, and basic management techniques employed are based on those developed for the Apollo software system. Program Assembly Control, simulator configuration control, erasable-memory load generation, change procedures and anomaly reporting are discussed. The primary verification tools--the all-digital simulator, the hybrid simulator, and the Iron Bird simulator--are described, as well as the program test plans and their implementation on the various simulators. Failure-effects analysis and the creation of special failure-generating software for testing purposes are described. The quality of the end product is evidenced by the F-8 DFBW flight test program in which 42 flights, totaling 58 hours of flight time, were successfully made without any DFCS inflight software, or hardware, failures.

Community-based primary prevention programs decrease the rate of metabolic syndrome among socioeconomically disadvantaged women.

PubMed

Gilstrap, Lauren Gray; Malhotra, Rajeev; Peltier-Saxe, Donna; Slicas, Donna; Pineda, Eliana; Culhane-Hermann, Catherine; Cook, Nakela; Fernandez-Golarz, Carina; Wood, Malissa

2013-04-01

Metabolic Syndrome (MetSyn) is one of the strongest predictors of type 2 diabetes (DM2) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is associated with a 4- to 10-fold increased risk of DM2 and a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of CVD. Low income and minority women have some of the highest rates of MetSyn. This study examines the effect of a unique, community based, primary prevention program on the rates of MetSyn and health habits. Sixty-four low income and minority women were enrolled in the HAPPY (Health Awareness and Primary Prevention in Your neighborhood) Heart Program in an eastern suburb of Boston. Over these 2 years, patients were evaluated by an interdisciplinary medical team: their primary physician, cardiologist, nutritionist, physical therapist, and health coach. The rate of MetSyn was measured at baseline, year 1, and year 2. Comparisons were made either using the paired t test for normally distributed variables or the Wilcoxon Sign test for non-normal variables. The rate of MetSyn fell from 64.7% at baseline to 34.9% at year 1 (p=0.01) and 28.2% at year 2 (p<0.001). This was driven by increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) (p<0.001) and decreases in blood pressure (p=0.05). Fasting blood glucose trended down, but the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reached significance (decreasing from 6 to 5.8, p<0.01). Nutrition and exercise habits trended toward improvement. There were significant decreases in anxiety (p<0.001), depression (p=0.006) and stress (p=0.002). This lifestyle intervention program is effective at decreasing MetSyn in a socioeconomically disadvantaged, largely minority, female population. This program also decreases anxiety, stress, and depression among participants.

Student-Retention and Career-Placement Rates Between Bachelor's and Master's Degree Professional Athletic Training Programs.

PubMed

Bowman, Thomas G; Mazerolle, Stephanie M; Pitney, William A; Dodge, Thomas M; Hertel, Jay

2015-09-01

The debate over what the entry-level degree should be for athletic training has heightened. A comparison of retention and career-placement rates between bachelor's and master's degree professional athletic training programs may inform the debate. To compare the retention rates and career-placement rates of students in bachelor's and master's degree professional programs. Cross-sectional study. Web-based survey. A total of 192 program directors (PDs) from bachelor's degree (n = 177) and master's degree (n = 15) professional programs. The PDs completed a Web-based survey. We instructed the PDs to provide a retention rate and career-placement rate for the students in the programs they lead for each of the past 5 years. We also asked the PDs if they thought retention of students was a problem currently facing athletic training education. We used independent t tests to compare the responses between bachelor's and master's degree professional programs. We found a higher retention rate for professional master's degree students (88.70% ± 9.02%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 83.71, 93.69) than bachelor's degree students (80.98% ± 17.86%, 95% CI = 78.30, 83.66) (t25 = -2.86, P = .008, d = 0.55). Similarly, PDs from professional master's degree programs reported higher career-placement percentages (88.50% ± 10.68%, 95% CI = 82.33, 94.67) than bachelor's degree professional PDs (71.32% ± 18.47%, 95% CI = 68.54, 74.10) (t20 = -5.40, P < .001, d = 1.14). Finally, we observed no difference between groups regarding whether retention is a problem facing athletic training (χ(2)1 = 0.720, P = .40, Φ = .061). Professional master's degree education appears to facilitate higher retention rates and greater career-placement rates in athletic training than bachelor's degree education. Professional socialization, program selectivity, and student commitment and motivation levels may help to explain the differences noted.

Development and Pilot Testing of a Standardized Training Program for a Patient-Mentoring Intervention to Increase Adherence to Outpatient HIV Care

PubMed Central

Mignogna, Joseph; Stanley, Melinda A.; Davila, Jessica; Wear, Jackie; Amico, K. Rivet; Giordano, Thomas P.

2012-01-01

Abstract Although peer interventionists have been successful in medication treatment-adherence interventions, their role in complex behavior-change approaches to promote entry and reentry into HIV care requires further investigation. The current study sought to describe and test the feasibility of a standardized peer-mentor training program used for MAPPS (Mentor Approach for Promoting Patient Self-Care), a study designed to increase engagement and attendance at HIV outpatient visits among high-risk HIV inpatients using HIV-positive peer interventionists to deliver a comprehensive behavioral change intervention. Development of MAPPS and its corresponding training program included collaborations with mentors from a standing outpatient mentor program. The final training program included (1) a half-day workshop; (2) practice role-plays; and (3) formal, standardized patient role-plays, using trained actors with “real-time” video observation (and ratings from trainers). Mentor training occurred over a 6-week period and required demonstration of adherence and skill, as rated by MAPPS trainers. Although time intensive, ultimate certification of mentors suggested the program was both feasible and effective. Survey data indicated mentors thought highly of the training program, while objective rating data from trainers indicated mentors were able to understand and display standards associated with intervention fidelity. Data from the MAPPS training program provide preliminary evidence that peer mentors can be trained to levels necessary to ensure intervention fidelity, even within moderately complex behavioral-change interventions. Although additional research is needed due to limitations of the current study (e.g., limited generalizability due to sample size and limited breadth of clinical training opportunities), data from the current trial suggest that training programs such as MAPPS appear both feasible and effective. PMID:22248331

Is breast compression associated with breast cancer detection and other early performance measures in a population-based breast cancer screening program?

PubMed

Moshina, Nataliia; Sebuødegård, Sofie; Hofvind, Solveig

2017-06-01

We aimed to investigate early performance measures in a population-based breast cancer screening program stratified by compression force and pressure at the time of mammographic screening examination. Early performance measures included recall rate, rates of screen-detected and interval breast cancers, positive predictive value of recall (PPV), sensitivity, specificity, and histopathologic characteristics of screen-detected and interval breast cancers. Information on 261,641 mammographic examinations from 93,444 subsequently screened women was used for analyses. The study period was 2007-2015. Compression force and pressure were categorized using tertiles as low, medium, or high. χ 2 test, t tests, and test for trend were used to examine differences between early performance measures across categories of compression force and pressure. We applied generalized estimating equations to identify the odds ratios (OR) of screen-detected or interval breast cancer associated with compression force and pressure, adjusting for fibroglandular and/or breast volume and age. The recall rate decreased, while PPV and specificity increased with increasing compression force (p for trend <0.05 for all). The recall rate increased, while rate of screen-detected cancer, PPV, sensitivity, and specificity decreased with increasing compression pressure (p for trend <0.05 for all). High compression pressure was associated with higher odds of interval breast cancer compared with low compression pressure (1.89; 95% CI 1.43-2.48). High compression force and low compression pressure were associated with more favorable early performance measures in the screening program.

Long life monopropellant hydrazine thruster evaluation for Space Station Freedom application - Test results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Popp, Christopher G.; Cook, Joseph C.; Ragland, Brenda L.; Pate, Leah R.

1992-01-01

In support of propulsion system thruster development activity for Space Station Freedom (SSF), NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) conducted a hydrazine thruster technology demonstration program. The goal of this program was to identify impulse life capability of state-of-the-art long life hydrazine thrusters nominally rated for 50 pounds thrust at 300 psia supply pressure. The SSF propulsion system requirement for impulse life of this thruster class is 1.5 million pounds-seconds, corresponding to a throughput of approximately 6400 pounds of propellant. Long life thrusters were procured from The Marquardt Company, Hamilton Standard, and Rocket Research Company, Testing at JSC was completed on the thruster designs to quantify life while simulating expected thruster firing duty cycles and durations for SSF. This paper presents a review of the SSF propulsion system hydrazine thruster requirements, summaries of the three long life thruster designs procured by JSC and acceptance test results for each thruster, the JSC thruster life evaluation test program, and the results of the JSC test program.

Enhancing the Transition to Kindergarten: A Randomized Trial to Test the Efficacy of the “Stars” Summer Kindergarten Orientation Program

PubMed Central

Berlin, Lisa J.; Dunning, Rebecca D.; Dodge, Kenneth A.

2010-01-01

This randomized trial tested the efficacy of an intensive, four-week summer program designed to enhance low-income children's transition to kindergarten (n's = 60 program children, 40 controls). Administered in four public schools, the program focused on social competence, pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills, school routines, and parental involvement. Hierarchical linear modeling indicated that the program significantly improved teachers’ ratings of (a) the transition to the social aspect of kindergarten for girls (but not boys); and (b) the transition to kindergarten routines for the subgroup of children who had the same teacher for kindergarten as for the summer program. Findings are discussed in terms of practices and policies for supporting children's transition to school. PMID:21969767

The role of birds in arboviral disease surveillance in Harris County and the City of Houston, Texas.

PubMed

Wilkerson, Lauren; Reyna Nava, Martin; Battle-Freeman, Cheryl; Travassos da Rosa, Amelia; Guzman, Hilda; Tesh, Robert; Debboun, Mustapha

2017-01-01

Avian arboviral surveillance is an integral part of any disease-based integrated mosquito control program. The Harris County Public Health Mosquito and Vector Control Division has performed arboviral surveillance in the wild birds of Harris County and the City of Houston since 1965. Blood samples from live trapped birds were tested for arboviral antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV), St. Louis encephalitis, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Western equine encephalitis. A dead bird surveillance program was created in 2002 with the arrival of WNV in Harris County. Since implementation, the program has detected considerable variability in viral activity with annual WNV seroprevelance rates ranging from 2.9% to 17.7%, while the percentage of positive dead birds has ranged from 0.3% to 57.2%. In 2015, 1,345 live birds were sampled and 253 dead birds were tested, with WNV incidence rates of 16.5% and 5.9%, respectively.

Weqaya: A Population-Wide Cardiovascular Screening Program in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

Harrison, Oliver; Al Siksek, Zaid

2012-01-01

Objectives. We sought to determine cardiovascular risk factor prevalence rates among adults in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Methods. We used self-reported indicators, anthropometric measures, and blood tests to screen 50 138 adults aged 18 years or older taking part in a population-wide cardiovascular screening program. Results. Participants’ mean age was 36.82 years (SD = 14.3); 43% were men. Risk factor prevalence rates were as follows: obesity, 35%; overweight, 32%; central obesity, 55%; diabetes, 18%; prediabetes, 27%; dyslipidemia, 44%; and hypertension, 23.1%. In addition, 26% of men were smokers, compared with 0.8% of women. Age-standardized diabetes and prediabetes rates were 25% and 30%, respectively, and age-standardized rates of obesity and overweight were 41% and 34%. Conclusions. This population-wide cardiovascular screening program demonstrated a high cardiovascular burden for our small sample in Abu Dhabi. The data form a baseline against which interventions can be implemented and progress monitored as part of the population-wide Abu Dhabi Cardiovascular Disease Program. PMID:21940918

Ni-MH storage test and cycle life test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dell, R. Dan; Klein, Glenn C.; Schmidt, David F.

1994-01-01

Gates Aerospace Batteries is conducting two long term test programs to fully characterize the NiMH cell technology for aerospace applications. The first program analyzes the effects of long term storage upon cell performance. The second program analyzes cycle life testing and preliminary production lot testing. This paper summarizes these approaches to testing the NiMH couple and culminates with initial storage and testing recommendations. Long term storage presents challenges to deter the adverse condition of capacity fade in NiMH cells. Elevated but stabilized pressures and elevated but stabilized end-of-charge voltages also appear to be a characteristic phenomenon of long term storage modes. However, the performance degradation is dependent upon specific characteristics of the metal-hydride alloy. To date, there is no objective evidence with which to recommend the proper method for storage and handling of NiMH cells upon shipment. This is particularly critical due to limited data points that indicate open circuit storage at room temperature for 60 to 90 days will result in irrecoverable capacity loss. Accordingly a test plan was developed to determine what method of mid-term to long-term storage will prevent irrecoverable capacity loss. The explicit assumption is that trickle charging at some rate above the self-discharge rate will prevent the irreversible chemical changes to the negative electrode that result in the irrecoverable capacity loss. Another premise is that lower storage temperatures, typically 0 C for aerospace customers, will impede any negative chemical reactions. Three different trickle charge rates are expected to yield a fairly flat response with respect to recoverable capacity versus baseline cells in two different modes of open circuit. Specific attributes monitored include: end-of-charge voltage, end-of-charge pressure, mid-point discharge voltage, capacity, and end-of-discharge pressure. Cycle life testing and preliminary production lot testing continue to dominate the overall technology development effort at GAB. The cell life test program reflects continuing improvements in baseline cell designs. Performance improvements include lower and more stable charge voltages and pressures. The continuing review of production lot testing assures conformance to the design criteria and expectations. This is especially critical during this period of transferring technology from research and development status to production.

STE thrust chamber technology: Main injector technology program and nozzle Advanced Development Program (ADP)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

The purpose of the STME Main Injector Program was to enhance the technology base for the large-scale main injector-combustor system of oxygen-hydrogen booster engines in the areas of combustion efficiency, chamber heating rates, and combustion stability. The initial task of the Main Injector Program, focused on analysis and theoretical predictions using existing models, was complemented by the design, fabrication, and test at MSFC of a subscale calorimetric, 40,000-pound thrust class, axisymmetric thrust chamber operating at approximately 2,250 psi and a 7:1 expansion ratio. Test results were used to further define combustion stability bounds, combustion efficiency, and heating rates using a large injector scale similar to the Pratt & Whitney (P&W) STME main injector design configuration including the tangential entry swirl coaxial injection elements. The subscale combustion data was used to verify and refine analytical modeling simulation and extend the database range to guide the design of the large-scale system main injector. The subscale injector design incorporated fuel and oxidizer flow area control features which could be varied; this allowed testing of several design points so that the STME conditions could be bracketed. The subscale injector design also incorporated high-reliability and low-cost fabrication techniques such as a one-piece electrical discharged machined (EDMed) interpropellant plate. Both subscale and large-scale injectors incorporated outer row injector elements with scarfed tip features to allow evaluation of reduced heating rates to the combustion chamber.

Development and Pilot Randomized Control Trial of a Drama Program to Enhance Well-being Among Older Adults

PubMed Central

Moore, Raeanne C.; Straus, Elizabeth; Dev, Sheena I.; Parish, Steven M.; Sueko, Seema; Eyler, Lisa T.

2016-01-01

Objective Develop a novel theatre-based program and test its feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy for improving empathy/compassion and well-being among older adults. Method Thirteen older adults were randomized to a 6-week Drama Workshop (DW) program or time-equivalent Backstage Pass (BP) control condition. Pre- and post-treatment measures included empathy, compassion, and mood scales. Additional post-treatment measures included self-rated change in empathy/compassion, confidence, and affect. Participants also rated their mood/affect after each session. Results The program was successfully completed and well-liked. No pre-to-post-treatment changes in empathy/compassion or mood symptoms were found in either group. Compared to BP, DW weekly ratings indicated higher levels of anxiety and lower happiness; however, the DW program had higher self-ratings of positive change in self-esteem, confidence, and happiness post-treatment. Discussion While the DW may not promote empathy/compassion and was personally challenging during the program, engagement in dramatic exercises and rehearsing and performing a dramatic piece was seen by participants as a positive growth experience, as indicated by the post-treatment ratings of enhanced self-esteem, confidence and happiness. Thus, such a program might be useful for counteracting some of the potential negative aspects of aging, including reduced self-efficacy due to physical limitations and negative affect due to losses. PMID:28503015

The Effects of a Ninth Grade Academy on Dropout Rates, Attendance Rates, and Academic Performance of Ninth-Grade Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cole, Partricka L.

2013-01-01

This study investigated data from 5 high schools in West Tennessee. The study examined whether a ninth-grade transition program (i.e., the Ninth-grade Academy) had an effect on student achievement and engagement, which was measured by English I End-of-Course Test Scores, attendance rates, and dropout rates. All of the schools were treatment…

Coal Technology Program progress report, March 1976

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

Not Available

Shakedown tests of the bench-scale hydrocarbonization system were successfully completed. Wyodak coal was fed to the reactor at a rate of 9.9 lb/hr where it was hydrocarbonized at 1050/sup 0/F under 20-atm hydrogen pressure. Laboratory results including settling tests, bench-scale settling tests, and sample ageing tests were continued. Two of ten compounds tested with the laboratory-scale apparatus were effective in increasing settling rates of solids in Solvent Refined Coal unfiltered oil, but bench-scale tests failed to show any improvements in the settling rate over the untreated SRC-UFO. Analytical chemistry efforts involved the removal and concentration of organic components in by-productmore » waters from fossil fuel conversion processes. A sephadex gel is being used to achieve hydrophilic-lipophilic separations in organic mixtures as a step in the analysis of fossil fuel related materials. Engineering Evaluations of the Synthiol and Hydrocarbonization Processes continued with the Synthiol process flow diagrams, heat and material balances, and utilities requirements being completed. Inspection techniques were developed for wear- and process-resistant coatings. Orders were placed for the Incoloy 800 tubing and a smaller quantity of Inconel 600 tubing for the tube matrix in the coal-fueled MIUS fluidized bed. An engineering feasibility review of General Atomic's proposal to ERDA for a bench-scale test program on thermochemical water splitting for hydrogen production was completed. (auth)« less

Central implementation strategies outperform local ones in improving HIV testing in Veterans Healthcare Administration facilities.

PubMed

Goetz, Matthew Bidwell; Hoang, Tuyen; Knapp, Herschel; Burgess, Jane; Fletcher, Michael D; Gifford, Allen L; Asch, Steven M

2013-10-01

Pilot data suggest that a multifaceted approach may increase HIV testing rates, but the scalability of this approach and the level of support needed for successful implementation remain unknown. To evaluate the effectiveness of a scaled-up multi-component intervention in increasing the rate of risk-based and routine HIV diagnostic testing in primary care clinics and the impact of differing levels of program support. Three arm, quasi-experimental implementation research study. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. Persons receiving primary care between June 2009 and September 2011 INTERVENTION: A multimodal program, including a real-time electronic clinical reminder to facilitate HIV testing, provider feedback reports and provider education, was implemented in Central and Local Arm Sites; sites in the Central Arm also received ongoing programmatic support. Control Arm sites had no intervention Frequency of performing HIV testing during the 6 months before and after implementation of a risk-based clinical reminder (phase I) or routine clinical reminder (phase II). The adjusted rate of risk-based testing increased by 0.4 %, 5.6 % and 10.1 % in the Control, Local and Central Arms, respectively (all comparisons, p < 0.01). During phase II, the adjusted rate of routine testing increased by 1.1 %, 6.3 % and 9.2 % in the Control, Local and Central Arms, respectively (all comparisons, p < 0.01). At study end, 70-80 % of patients had been offered an HIV test. Use of clinical reminders, provider feedback, education and social marketing significantly increased the frequency at which HIV testing is offered and performed in VHA facilities. These findings support a multimodal approach toward achieving the goal of having every American know their HIV status as a matter of routine clinical practice.

Feeding the pipeline: academic skills training for predental students.

PubMed

Markel, Geraldine; Woolfolk, Marilyn; Inglehart, Marita Rohr

2008-06-01

This article reports the outcomes of an evaluation conducted to determine if an academic skills training program for undergraduate predental students from underrepresented minority backgrounds increased the students' standardized academic skills test scores for vocabulary, reading comprehension, reading rates, spelling, and math as well as subject-specific test results in biology, chemistry, and physics. Data from standardized academic skill tests and subject-specific tests were collected at the beginning and end of the 1998 to 2006 Pipeline Programs, six-week summer enrichment programs for undergraduate predental students from disadvantaged backgrounds. In total, 179 students (75.4 percent African American, 7.3 percent Hispanic, 5.6 percent Asian American, 5 percent white) attended the programs during these nine summers. Scores on the Nelson-Denny Reading Test showed that the students improved their vocabulary scores (percentile ranks before/after: 46.80 percent/59.56 percent; p<.001), reading comprehension scores (47.21 percent/62.67 percent; p<.001), and reading rates (34.01 percent/78.31 percent; p<.001) from the beginning to the end of the summer programs. Results on the Wide Range Achievement Test III showed increases in spelling (73.58 percent/86.22 percent; p<.001) and math scores (56.98 percent/81.28 percent; p<.001). The students also improved their subject-specific scores in biology (39.07 percent/63.42 percent; p<.001), chemistry (20.54 percent/51.01 percent; p<.001), and physics (35.12 percent/61.14 percent; p<.001). To increase the number of underrepresented minority students in the dental school admissions pool, efforts are needed to prepare students from disadvantaged backgrounds for this process. These data demonstrate that a six-week enrichment program significantly improved the academic skills and basic science knowledge scores of undergraduate predental students. These improvements have the potential to enhance the performance of these students in college courses and thus increase their level of competitiveness in the dental school admissions process.

Impression Testing of Self-Healing Polymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinkley, Jeffrey A.; Huber, Amy

2005-01-01

As part of the BIOSANT program (biologically-inspired smart nanotechnology), scientists at NASA-Langley have identified a "self-healing" plastic that spontaneously closes the hole left by the passage of a bullet. To understand and generalize the phenomenon in question, the mechanical properties responsible for this ability are being explored. Low-rate impression testing was chosen to characterize post-yield material properties, and it turned out that materials that heal following ballistic puncture also show up to 80% healing of the low-rate impression. Preliminary results on the effects of temperature and rate of puncture are presented.

The USDOE Reflux Receiver Development Program

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

Klimas, P.C.; Andraka, C.E.; Moreno, J.B.

1992-11-01

The US DOE`s Solar Thermal Electric Program, through its Sandia and Renewable Energy National Laboratories, has been actively developing liquid metal reflux receivers for application to modular parabolic dish concentrator/Stirling cycle converter solar energy systems. These systems are intended for use in high-value remote and grid-connected utility applications. The liquid-metal reflux-receiver concept was selected because this type of solar receiver (1) can optically mate a given dish with a given engine, and (2) can provide an isothermal environment for the high-temperature heat-input portion of the l engine, thus enhancing reliability. The Program is investigating two types of reflux receivers: heatmore » pipes and pool boilers. Sintered-nickel-wick sodium heat-pipe receivers rated at 30 kW{sub t} have been extensively tested as part of DOE/Cummins cooperative commercialization programs. One recent test article was tested at rated and power temperature for 500 hours. This same receiver demonstrated a 40 kW{sub t} throughput, believed to be the most ever for a solar heated heat-pipe receiver. Another 30-kW{sub t} sodium heat-pipe receiver, this one using a stainless-steel-screen wick design, was also tested as part of these cooperative programs. Much of experimental reflux receiver work conducted at the program`s laboratories involves the pool-boiler concept. During nearly 50 hours of solar testing, the Sandia 75-kW{sub t} pool-boiler receiver demonstrated stable sodium boiling over a wide range of temperatures. Hot restarts after simulated cloud passages were investigated using various quantities of added non-condensible gases. Novel x-ray techniques provided information on instantaneous void fractions in the receiver. Present work is focusing on longer lived designs having low-cost, high-strength boiling surface enhancements and using eutectic NaK as the working fluid. The paper will summarize the developments leading to the present and describe future plans.« less

Performance aspects of an injury prevention program: a ten-week intervention in adolescent female football players.

PubMed

Steffen, K; Bakka, H M; Myklebust, G; Bahr, R

2008-10-01

The injury rate in football is high, and effective injury prevention methods are needed. An exercise program, the "11," has been designed to prevent the most common injury types in football. However, the effect of such a program on performance is not known. The aim of this randomized-controlled trial was to investigate the effect of the "11" on performance after a 10-week training period. Thirty-four adolescent female football players were randomly assigned to either an intervention (n=18) or a control group (n=16). The "11" is a 15-min program consisting of ten exercises for core stability, lower extremity strength, balance and agility. Performance tests included isokinetic and isometric strength protocols for the quadriceps and hamstrings, isometric hip adduction and abduction strength, vertical jump tests, sprint running and soccer skill tests. There was no difference between the intervention and control groups in the change in performance from the pre- to post-test for any of the tests used. In conclusion, no effect was observed on a series of performance tests in a group of adolescent female football players using the "11" as a structured warm-up program.

Parts, Materials, and Processes Control Program for Expendable Launch Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-07-31

burn-in, electrical tests (DWV, room and hot IR, partial discharge when in corona region); perform DPA with SEM/EDX analysis of dielectric...life test; x-ray and vicinal illumination inspection; electrical tests (DWV, room and hot IR, partial discharge when in corona region) Termination...defects; proper voltage derating. Partial discharge testing, corona inception testing up to 60% of rated voltage; CSAM screening; voltage burn

Translation of incremental talk test responses to steady-state exercise training intensity.

PubMed

Lyon, Ellen; Menke, Miranda; Foster, Carl; Porcari, John P; Gibson, Mark; Bubbers, Terresa

2014-01-01

The Talk Test (TT) is a submaximal, incremental exercise test that has been shown to be useful in prescribing exercise training intensity. It is based on a subject's ability to speak comfortably during exercise. This study defined the amount of reduction in absolute workload intensity from an incremental exercise test using the TT to give appropriate absolute training intensity for cardiac rehabilitation patients. Patients in an outpatient rehabilitation program (N = 30) performed an incremental exercise test with the TT given every 2-minute stage. Patients rated their speech comfort after reciting a standardized paragraph. Anything other than a "yes" response was considered the "equivocal" stage, while all preceding stages were "positive" stages. The last stage with the unequivocally positive ability to speak was the Last Positive (LP), and the preceding stages were (LP-1 and LP-2). Subsequently, three 20-minute steady-state training bouts were performed in random order at the absolute workload at the LP, LP-1, and LP-2 stages of the incremental test. Speech comfort, heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded every 5 minutes. The 20-minute exercise training bout was completed fully by LP (n = 19), LP-1 (n = 28), and LP-2 (n = 30). Heart rate, RPE, and speech comfort were similar through the LP-1 and LP-2 tests, but the LP stage was markedly more difficult. Steady-state exercise training intensity was easily and appropriately prescribed at intensity associated with the LP-1 and LP-2 stages of the TT. The LP stage may be too difficult for patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

VERIFICATION TESTING OF HIGH-RATE MECHANICAL INDUCTION MIXERS FOR CHEMICAL DISINFECTANTS, Oregon

EPA Science Inventory

This paper describes the results of verification testing of mechanical induction mixers for dispersion of chemical disinfectants in wet-weather flow (WWF) conducted under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) WWF Pilot Program. Th...

An Educators' Guide to Schoolwide Reform.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Institutes for Research, Washington, DC.

This guide examines claims for 24 schoolwide programs-- programs that promise to improve student learning by changing the entire school. Focusing on quantitative achievement measures such as test scores, grades, and graduation rates, the report was prepared for educators and others to assist them in their investigation of different approaches to…

7 CFR 93.5 - Fees for citrus product analyses set by cooperative agreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... (CONTINUED) COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Citrus Juices and Certain... applicant, the State of Florida, and the AMS Deputy Administrator, Science and Technology programs. A... Technology and the State of Florida, regarding the set hourly rate and the costs to perform individual...

7 CFR 93.5 - Fees for citrus product analyses set by cooperative agreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... (CONTINUED) COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Citrus Juices and Certain... applicant, the State of Florida, and the AMS Deputy Administrator, Science and Technology programs. A... Technology and the State of Florida, regarding the set hourly rate and the costs to perform individual...

7 CFR 93.5 - Fees for citrus product analyses set by cooperative agreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... (CONTINUED) COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Citrus Juices and Certain... applicant, the State of Florida, and the AMS Deputy Administrator, Science and Technology programs. A... Technology and the State of Florida, regarding the set hourly rate and the costs to perform individual...

7 CFR 93.5 - Fees for citrus product analyses set by cooperative agreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... (CONTINUED) COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Citrus Juices and Certain... applicant, the State of Florida, and the AMS Deputy Administrator, Science and Technology programs. A... Technology and the State of Florida, regarding the set hourly rate and the costs to perform individual...

24 CFR 200.950 - Building product standards and certification program for solar water heating system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... certification program for solar water heating system. 200.950 Section 200.950 Housing and Urban Development... solar water heating system. (a) Applicable standards. (1) All solar water heating systems shall be designed, manufactured, and tested in compliance with Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC...

24 CFR 200.950 - Building product standards and certification program for solar water heating system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... certification program for solar water heating system. 200.950 Section 200.950 Housing and Urban Development... solar water heating system. (a) Applicable standards. (1) All solar water heating systems shall be designed, manufactured, and tested in compliance with Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC...

24 CFR 200.950 - Building product standards and certification program for solar water heating system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... certification program for solar water heating system. 200.950 Section 200.950 Housing and Urban Development... solar water heating system. (a) Applicable standards. (1) All solar water heating systems shall be designed, manufactured, and tested in compliance with Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC...

An Experimental Trial of Adaptive Programming in Drug Court: Outcomes at 6, 12 and 18 Months.

PubMed

Marlowe, Douglas B; Festinger, David S; Dugosh, Karen L; Benasutti, Kathleen M; Fox, Gloria; Harron, Ashley

2014-06-01

Test whether an adaptive program improves outcomes in drug court by adjusting the schedule of court hearings and clinical case-management sessions pursuant to a priori performance criteria. Consenting participants in a misdemeanor drug court were randomly assigned to the adaptive program (n = 62) or to a baseline-matching condition (n = 63) in which they attended court hearings based on the results of a criminal risk assessment. Outcome measures were re-arrest rates at 18 months post-entry to the drug court and urine drug test results and structured interview results at 6 and 12 months post-entry. Although previously published analyses revealed significantly fewer positive drug tests for participants in the adaptive condition during the first 18 weeks of drug court, current analyses indicate the effects converged during the ensuing year. Between-group differences in new arrest rates, urine drug test results and self-reported psychosocial problems were small and non-statistically significant at 6, 12 and 18 months post-entry. A non-significant trend (p = .10) suggests there may have been a small residual impact (Cramer's ν = .15) on new misdemeanor arrests after 18 months. Adaptive programming shows promise for enhancing short-term outcomes in drug courts; however, additional efforts are needed to extend the effects beyond the first 4 to 6 months of enrollment.

Evaluating the Cognition, Behavior, and Social Profile of an Adolescent With Learning Disabilities and Assessing the Effectiveness of an Individualized Educational Program

PubMed Central

Tabitha Louis, Preeti; Arnold Emerson, Isaac

2014-01-01

Objective: The present study seeks to outline a holistic assessment method that was used in understanding problems experienced by an adolescent boy and in designing and implementing an individualized educational program. Methods: An adolescent child referred for concerns in learning was screened for learning disability using standardized inventories and test batteries. The Connors Parent and Teacher Rating Scales (short forms), Wechsler's Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS), and the Kinetic Family Drawing (KFD) test were used to assess the behavior, cognition, and social profile of the child. An individualized educational program was designed and this intervention was provided for 6 months by using parents as co-therapists. Participant and parent interview schedules were used in identifying underlying issues of concern. The child was reassessed 6 months after the intervention was provided. Results: Findings on the Connors Parent Rating Scale revealed scores that were greater than the 50th percentile on the domains of inattention and cognitive problems. On the Connors Teacher Rating Scale, we observed scores greater than the 50th percentile on the hyperactivity, cognitive problems, and the inattention domains. The WISC revealed that the child had a "Dull Normal" Intellectual functioning and there was also a deficit of 2 years on the social skills as tested by the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS). The Kinetic Family Drawing Test revealed negative emotions within the child. Post intervention, we noticed a remarkable improvement in the scores across all domains of behavior, social, and cognitive functioning. Conclusion: Designing an individualized education program that is tailored to the specific needs of the child and using parents as co-therapists proved to be an effective intervention. PMID:25053954

The growth in applications for Social Security Disability Insurance: a spillover effect from workers' compensation.

PubMed

Guo, Xuguang; Burton, John F

2012-01-01

We investigate the determinants of application for Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) benefits in approximately 45 jurisdictions between 1981 and 1999. We reproduce findings of previous studies of the determinants of DI application then test the additional influence of changes to workers' compensation program benefits and rules on DI application rates. Our findings indicate that the programs are interrelated: When workers' compensation benefits declined and eligibility rules tightened in the 1990s, the DI application rate increased.

An Industry/DOE Program to Develop and Benchmark Advanced Diamond Product Drill Bits and HP/HT Drilling Fluids to Significantly Improve Rates of Penetration

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

TerraTek

2007-06-30

A deep drilling research program titled 'An Industry/DOE Program to Develop and Benchmark Advanced Diamond Product Drill Bits and HP/HT Drilling Fluids to Significantly Improve Rates of Penetration' was conducted at TerraTek's Drilling and Completions Laboratory. Drilling tests were run to simulate deep drilling by using high bore pressures and high confining and overburden stresses. The purpose of this testing was to gain insight into practices that would improve rates of penetration and mechanical specific energy while drilling under high pressure conditions. Thirty-seven test series were run utilizing a variety of drilling parameters which allowed analysis of the performance ofmore » drill bits and drilling fluids. Five different drill bit types or styles were tested: four-bladed polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC), 7-bladed PDC in regular and long profile, roller-cone, and impregnated. There were three different rock types used to simulate deep formations: Mancos shale, Carthage marble, and Crab Orchard sandstone. The testing also analyzed various drilling fluids and the extent to which they improved drilling. The PDC drill bits provided the best performance overall. The impregnated and tungsten carbide insert roller-cone drill bits performed poorly under the conditions chosen. The cesium formate drilling fluid outperformed all other drilling muds when drilling in the Carthage marble and Mancos shale with PDC drill bits. The oil base drilling fluid with manganese tetroxide weighting material provided the best performance when drilling the Crab Orchard sandstone.« less

Development of an evidence-based approach to external quality assurance for breast cancer hormone receptor immunohistochemistry: comparison of reference values.

PubMed

Makretsov, Nikita; Gilks, C Blake; Alaghehbandan, Reza; Garratt, John; Quenneville, Louise; Mercer, Joel; Palavdzic, Dragana; Torlakovic, Emina E

2011-07-01

External quality assurance and proficiency testing programs for breast cancer predictive biomarkers are based largely on traditional ad hoc design; at present there is no universal consensus on definition of a standard reference value for samples used in external quality assurance programs. To explore reference values for estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor immunohistochemistry in order to develop an evidence-based analytic platform for external quality assurance. There were 31 participating laboratories, 4 of which were previously designated as "expert" laboratories. Each participant tested a tissue microarray slide with 44 breast carcinomas for estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor and submitted it to the Canadian Immunohistochemistry Quality Control Program for analysis. Nuclear staining in 1% or more of the tumor cells was a positive score. Five methods for determining reference values were compared. All reference values showed 100% agreement for estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor scores, when indeterminate results were excluded. Individual laboratory performance (agreement rates, test sensitivity, test specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and κ value) was very similar for all reference values. Identification of suboptimal performance by all methods was identical for 30 of 31 laboratories. Estrogen receptor assessment of 1 laboratory was discordant: agreement was less than 90% for 3 of 5 reference values and greater than 90% with the use of 2 other reference values. Various reference values provide equivalent laboratory rating. In addition to descriptive feedback, our approach allows calculation of technical test sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values, agreement rates, and κ values to guide corrective actions.

Evaluation of 6 remote First Nations community-based buprenorphine programs in northwestern Ontario: Retrospective study.

PubMed

Mamakwa, Solomon; Kahan, Meldon; Kanate, Dinah; Kirlew, Mike; Folk, David; Cirone, Sharon; Rea, Sara; Parsons, Pierre; Edwards, Craig; Gordon, Janet; Main, Fiona; Kelly, Len

2017-02-01

To evaluate established opioid addiction treatment programs that use traditional healing in combination with buprenorphine-naloxone maintenance treatment in 6 First Nations communities in the Sioux Lookout region of northwestern Ontario. Retrospective cohort study. Six First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario. A total of 526 First Nations participants in opioid-dependence treatment programs. Buprenorphine-naloxone substitution therapy and First Nations healing programming. Retention rates and urine drug screening (UDS) results. Treatment retention rates at 6, 12, and 18 months were 84%, 78%, and 72%, respectively. We estimate that the rate at 24 months will also be more than 70%. The UDS programming varied and was implemented in only 1 community. Initially urine testing was voluntary and it then became mandatory. Screening with either method found the proportion of urine samples with negative results for illicit opioids ranged between 84% and 95%. The program's treatment retention rates and negative UDS results were higher than those reported for most methadone and buprenorphine-naloxone programs, despite a patient population where severe posttraumatic stress disorder is endemic, and despite the programs' lack of resources and addiction expertise. Community-based programs like these overcome the initial challenge of cultural competence. First Nations communities in other provinces should establish their own buprenorphinenaloxone programs, using local primary care physicians as prescribers. Sustainable core funding is needed for programming, long-term aftercare, and trauma recovery for such initiatives. Copyright© the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Hypothesis-Testing Demands Trustworthy Data—A Simulation Approach to Inferential Statistics Advocating the Research Program Strategy

PubMed Central

Krefeld-Schwalb, Antonia; Witte, Erich H.; Zenker, Frank

2018-01-01

In psychology as elsewhere, the main statistical inference strategy to establish empirical effects is null-hypothesis significance testing (NHST). The recent failure to replicate allegedly well-established NHST-results, however, implies that such results lack sufficient statistical power, and thus feature unacceptably high error-rates. Using data-simulation to estimate the error-rates of NHST-results, we advocate the research program strategy (RPS) as a superior methodology. RPS integrates Frequentist with Bayesian inference elements, and leads from a preliminary discovery against a (random) H0-hypothesis to a statistical H1-verification. Not only do RPS-results feature significantly lower error-rates than NHST-results, RPS also addresses key-deficits of a “pure” Frequentist and a standard Bayesian approach. In particular, RPS aggregates underpowered results safely. RPS therefore provides a tool to regain the trust the discipline had lost during the ongoing replicability-crisis. PMID:29740363

Hypothesis-Testing Demands Trustworthy Data-A Simulation Approach to Inferential Statistics Advocating the Research Program Strategy.

PubMed

Krefeld-Schwalb, Antonia; Witte, Erich H; Zenker, Frank

2018-01-01

In psychology as elsewhere, the main statistical inference strategy to establish empirical effects is null-hypothesis significance testing (NHST). The recent failure to replicate allegedly well-established NHST-results, however, implies that such results lack sufficient statistical power, and thus feature unacceptably high error-rates. Using data-simulation to estimate the error-rates of NHST-results, we advocate the research program strategy (RPS) as a superior methodology. RPS integrates Frequentist with Bayesian inference elements, and leads from a preliminary discovery against a (random) H 0 -hypothesis to a statistical H 1 -verification. Not only do RPS-results feature significantly lower error-rates than NHST-results, RPS also addresses key-deficits of a "pure" Frequentist and a standard Bayesian approach. In particular, RPS aggregates underpowered results safely. RPS therefore provides a tool to regain the trust the discipline had lost during the ongoing replicability-crisis.

Flight test results of the strapdown ring laser gyro tetrad inertial navigation system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carestia, R. A.; Hruby, R. J.; Bjorkman, W. S.

1983-01-01

A helicopter flight test program undertaken to evaluate the performance of Tetrad (a strap down, laser gyro, inertial navigation system) is described. The results of 34 flights show a mean final navigational velocity error of 5.06 knots, with a standard deviation of 3.84 knots; a corresponding mean final position error of 2.66 n. mi., with a standard deviation of 1.48 n. mi.; and a modeled mean position error growth rate for the 34 tests of 1.96 knots, with a standard deviation of 1.09 knots. No laser gyro or accelerometer failures were detected during the flight tests. Off line parity residual studies used simulated failures with the prerecorded flight test and laboratory test data. The airborne Tetrad system's failure--detection logic, exercised during the tests, successfully demonstrated the detection of simulated ""hard'' failures and the system's ability to continue successfully to navigate by removing the simulated faulted sensor from the computations. Tetrad's four ring laser gyros provided reliable and accurate angular rate sensing during the 4 yr of the test program, and no sensor failures were detected during the evaluation of free inertial navigation performance.

Real-Time Monitoring of Results During First Year of Dutch Colorectal Cancer Screening Program and Optimization by Altering Fecal Immunochemical Test Cut-Off Levels.

PubMed

Toes-Zoutendijk, Esther; van Leerdam, Monique E; Dekker, Evelien; van Hees, Frank; Penning, Corine; Nagtegaal, Iris; van der Meulen, Miriam P; van Vuuren, Anneke J; Kuipers, Ernst J; Bonfrer, Johannes M G; Biermann, Katharina; Thomeer, Maarten G J; van Veldhuizen, Harriët; Kroep, Sonja; van Ballegooijen, Marjolein; Meijer, Gerrit A; de Koning, Harry J; Spaander, Manon C W; Lansdorp-Vogelaar, Iris

2017-03-01

After careful pilot studies and planning, the national screening program for colorectal cancer (CRC), with biennial fecal immunochemical tests (FITs), was initiated in The Netherlands in 2014. A national information system for real-time monitoring was developed to allow for timely evaluation. Data were collected from the first year of this screening program to determine the importance of planning and monitoring for optimal screening program performance. The national information system of the CRC screening program kept track of the number of invitations sent in 2014, FIT kits returned, and colonoscopies performed. Age-adjusted rates of participation, the number of positive test results, and positive predictive values (PPVs) for advanced neoplasia were determined weekly, quarterly, and yearly. In 2014, there were 741,914 persons invited for FIT; of these, 529,056 (71.3%; 95% CI, 71.2%-71.4%) participated. A few months into the program, real-time monitoring showed that rates of participation and positive test results (10.6%; 95% CI, 10.5%-10.8%) were higher than predicted and the PPV was lower (42.1%; 95% CI, 41.3%-42.9%) than predicted based on pilot studies. To reduce the burden of unnecessary colonoscopies and alleviate colonoscopy capacity, the cut-off level for a positive FIT result was increased from 15 to 47 μg Hb/g feces halfway through 2014. This adjustment decreased the percentage of positive test results to 6.7% (95% CI, 6.6%-6.8%) and increased the PPV to 49.1% (95% CI, 48.3%-49.9%). In total, the first year of the Dutch screening program resulted in the detection of 2483 cancers and 12,030 advanced adenomas. Close monitoring of the implementation of the Dutch national CRC screening program allowed for instant adjustment of the FIT cut-off levels to optimize program performance. Copyright © 2017 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Capillary device refilling. [liquid rocket propellant tank tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blatt, M. H.; Merino, F.; Symons, E. P.

1980-01-01

An analytical and experimental study was conducted dealing with refilling start baskets (capillary devices) with settled fluid. A computer program was written to include dynamic pressure, screen wicking, multiple-screen barriers, standpipe screens, variable vehicle mass for computing vehicle acceleration, and calculation of tank outflow rate and vapor pullthrough height. An experimental apparatus was fabricated and tested to provide data for correlation with the analytical model; the test program was conducted in normal gravity using a scale-model capillary device and ethanol as the test fluid. The test data correlated with the analytical model; the model is a versatile and apparently accurate tool for predicting start basket refilling under actual mission conditions.

An Empirical Study of the Impact of a Production Rate Change on the Direct Labor Requirements for an Airframe Manufacturing Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-09-01

the various tables and to indicate what was done to arrive at the tabulated information. The verbal sum- maries provided at the end ot each section and...tha criterion test -was passed for aJl test situations with the exception of a mixed result in Test Situation 3M!. In this situation the R2 (log) for...acturing rate variable. When predictive performance by labor hour cate- gory was examined, the findings were mixed . For instance, the five percent

The Feasibility and Acceptability of "Arise": An Online Substance Abuse Relapse Prevention Program.

PubMed

Sanchez, Rebecca Polley; Bartel, Chelsea M

2015-04-01

The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a novel online adolescent substance abuse relapse prevention tool, "Arise" (3C Institute, Cary, NC). The program uses an innovative platform including interactive instructional segments and skill-building games to help adolescents learn and practice coping skills training strategies. We conducted a pilot test with nine adolescents in substance abuse treatment (44 percent female) and a feasibility test with treatment providers (n=8; 50 percent female). Adolescents interacted with the program via a secure Web site for approximately 30 minutes for each of two instructional units. Treatment providers reviewed the same material at their own pace. All participants completed a questionnaire with items assessing usability, acceptability, understanding, and subjective experience of the program. Regarding feasibility, recruitment of this population within the study constraints proved challenging, but participant retention in the trial was high (no attrition). Adolescents and treatment providers completed the program with no reported problems, and overall we were able to collect data as planned. Regarding acceptability, the program received strong ratings from both adolescents and providers, who found the prototype informative, engaging, and appealing. Both groups strongly recommended continuing development. We were able to deliver the intervention as intended, and acceptability ratings were high, demonstrating the feasibility and acceptability of online delivery of engaging interactive interventions. This study contributes to our understanding of how interactive technologies, including games, can be used to modify behavior in substance abuse treatment and other health areas.

Immunological Effect of aGV Rabies Vaccine Administered Using the Essen and Zagreb Regimens: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Miao, Li; Shi, Liwei; Yang, Yi; Yan, Kunming; Sun, Hongliang; Mo, Zhaojun; Li, Li

2018-04-01

This study evaluated the immunological effect of an aGV rabies virus strain using the Essen and Zagreb immunization programs. A total of 1,944 subjects were enrolled and divided into three groups: the Essen test group, Essen control group, and Zagreb test group. Neutralizing antibody levels and antibody seroconversion rates were determined at 7 and 14 days after the initial inoculations and then 14 days after the final inoculation in all of the subjects. The seroconversion rates for the Essen test group, Essen control group, and Zagreb test group, which were assessed 7 days after the first dosing in a susceptible population, were 35.74%, 26.92%, and 45.49%, respectively, and at 14 days, the seroconversion rates in this population were 100%, 100%, and 99.63%, respectively. At 14 days after the final dosing, the seroconversion rates were 100% in all three of the groups. The neutralizing serum antibody levels of the Essen test group, Essen control group, and Zagreb test group at 7 days after the first dosing in the susceptible population were 0.37, 0.26, and 0.56 IU/mL, respectively, and at 14 days after the initial dosing, these levels were 16.71, 13.85, and 16.80 IU/mL. At 14 days after the final dosing, the neutralizing antibody levels were 22.9, 16.3, and 18.62 IU/mL, respectively. The results of this study suggested that the aGV rabies vaccine using the Essen program resulted in a good serum immune response, and the seroconversion rates and the neutralizing antibody levels generated with the Zagreb regimen were higher than those with the Essen regimen when measured 7 days after the first dose.

Short-crack growth behaviour in an aluminum alloy: An AGARD cooperative test program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newman, J. C., Jr.; Edwards, P. R.

1988-01-01

An AGARD Cooperative Test Program on the growth of short fatigue cracks was conducted to define the significance of the short-crack effect, to compare test results from various laboratories, and to evaluate an existing analytical crack-growth prediction model. The initiation and growth of short fatigue cracks (5 micrometer to 2 mm) from the surface of a semi-circular notch in 2024-T3 aluminum alloy sheet material were monitored under various load histories. The cracks initiated from inclusion particle clusters or voids on the notch surface and generally grew as surface cracks. Tests were conducted under several constant-amplitude (stress ratios of -2, -1, 0, and 0.5) and spectrum (FALSTAFF and Gaussian) loading conditions at 3 stress levels each. Short crack growth was recorded using a plastic-replica technique. Over 250 edge-notched specimens were fatigue tested and nearly 950 cracks monitored by 12 participants from 9 countries. Long crack-growth rate data for cracks greater than 2 mm in length were obtained over a wide range in rates (10 to the -8 to 10 to the -1 mm/cycle) for all constant-amplitude loading conditions. Long crack-growth rate data for the FALSTAFF and Gaussian load sequences were also obtained.

Measures of follow-up in early hearing detection and intervention programs: a need for standardization.

PubMed

Mason, Craig A; Gaffney, Marcus; Green, Denise R; Grosse, Scott D

2008-06-01

To demonstrate the need for standardized data definitions and reporting for early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs collecting information on newborn hearing screening and follow-up, and types of information best collected in a standardized manner. A hypothetical birth cohort was used to show the potential effects of nonstandardized definitions and data classifications on rates of hearing screening, audiologic follow-up, and hearing loss. The true screening rate in this cohort was 92.4%. The calculated rate was between 90.0% and 96.5%, depending on the measure used. Among children documented as screened and referred for follow-up, 61.0% received this testing. Only 49.0% were documented to have been tested. Despite a true prevalence of 3.7 per 1,000 births, only 1.5 per 1,000 children were documented with a hearing loss. Ensuring that children receive recommended follow-up is challenging. Without complete reporting by audiologists to EHDI programs, accurate calculation of performance measures is impossible. Lack of documentation can lead to the overstatement of "loss to follow-up." Also, standardization of measures is essential for programs to evaluate how many children receive recommended services and assess progress toward national goals. A new survey has been implemented to collect more detailed and standardized information about recommended services.

Society of Flight Test Engineers, Annual Symposium, 21st, Garden Grove, CA, Aug. 6-10, 1990, Proceedings

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

Not Available

1990-01-01

The present conference on flight testing encompasses avionics, flight-testing programs, technologies for flight-test predictions and measurements, testing tools, analysis methods, targeting techniques, and flightline testing. Specific issues addressed include flight testing of a digital terrain-following system, a digital Doppler rate-of-descent indicator, a high-technology testbed, a low-altitude air-refueling flight-test program, techniques for in-flight frequency-response testing for helicopters, limit-cycle oscillation and flight-flutter testing, and the research flight test of a scaled unmanned air vehicle. Also addressed are AV-8B V/STOL performance analysis, incorporating pilot-response time in failure-case testing, the development of pitot static flightline testing, targeting techniques for ground-based hover testing, a low-profilemore » microsensor for aerodynamic pressure measurement, and the use of a variable-capacitance accelerometer for flight-test measurements.« less

Crash test rating and likelihood of major thoracoabdominal injury in motor vehicle crashes: the new car assessment program side-impact crash test, 1998-2010.

PubMed

Figler, Bradley D; Mack, Christopher D; Kaufman, Robert; Wessells, Hunter; Bulger, Eileen; Smith, Thomas G; Voelzke, Bryan

2014-03-01

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) implemented side-impact crash testing on all new vehicles since 1998 to assess the likelihood of major thoracoabdominal injuries during a side-impact crash. Higher crash test rating is intended to indicate a safer car, but the real-world applicability of these ratings is unknown. Our objective was to determine the relationship between a vehicle's NCAP side-impact crash test rating and the risk of major thoracoabdominal injury among the vehicle's occupants in real-world side-impact motor vehicle crashes. The National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System contains detailed crash and injury data in a sample of major crashes in the United States. For model years 1998 to 2010 and crash years 1999 to 2010, 68,124 occupants were identified in the Crashworthiness Data System database. Because 47% of cases were missing crash severity (ΔV), multiple imputation was used to estimate the missing values. The primary predictor of interest was the occupant vehicle's NCAP side-impact crash test rating, and the outcome of interest was the presence of major (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] score ≥ 3) thoracoabdominal injury. In multivariate analysis, increasing NCAP crash test rating was associated with lower likelihood of major thoracoabdominal injury at high (odds ratio [OR], 0.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7-0.9; p < 0.01) and medium (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.8-1.0; p < 0.05) crash severity (ΔV), but not at low ΔV (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.8-1.2; p = 0.55). In our model, older age and absence of seat belt use were associated with greater likelihood of major thoracoabdominal injury at low and medium ΔV (p < 0.001), but not at high ΔV (p ≥ 0.09). Among adults in model year 1998 to 2010 vehicles involved in medium and high severity motor vehicle crashes, a higher NCAP side-impact crash test rating is associated with a lower likelihood of major thoracoabdominal trauma. Epidemiologic study, level III.

Space technology test facilities at the NASA Ames Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gross, Anthony R.; Rodrigues, Annette T.

1990-01-01

The major space research and technology test facilities at the NASA Ames Research Center are divided into five categories: General Purpose, Life Support, Computer-Based Simulation, High Energy, and the Space Exploraton Test Facilities. The paper discusses selected facilities within each of the five categories and discusses some of the major programs in which these facilities have been involved. Special attention is given to the 20-G Man-Rated Centrifuge, the Human Research Facility, the Plant Crop Growth Facility, the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Facility, the Arc-Jet Complex and Hypersonic Test Facility, the Infrared Detector and Cryogenic Test Facility, and the Mars Wind Tunnel. Each facility is described along with its objectives, test parameter ranges, and major current programs and applications.

Test program to demonstrate the stability of hydrazine in propellant tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moran, C. M.; Bjorklund, R. A.

1983-01-01

A 24-month coupon test program to evaluate the decomposition of propellant tanks is reported. The propellant fuel evaluated was monopropellant-grade hydrazine (N2H4), which is normally a colorless, fuming, corrosive, strongly reducing liquid. The degree of hydrazine decomposition was determined by means of chemical analyses of the liquid and evolved gases at the end of the test program. The experimental rates of hydrazine decomposition were determined to be within acceptable limits. The propellant tank materials and material combinations were not degraded by a 2-year exposure to hydrazine propellant. This was verified using change-of-weight determinations and microscopic examination of the specimen surface before and after exposure, and by posttest chemical analyses of hydrazine liquid for residual metal content.

Risk of Interval Cancer in Fecal Immunochemical Test Screening Significantly Higher During the Summer Months: Results from the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea.

PubMed

Cha, Jae Myung; Suh, Mina; Kwak, Min Seob; Sung, Na Young; Choi, Kui Son; Park, Boyoung; Jun, Jae Kwan; Hwang, Sang-Hyun; Lee, Do-Hoon; Kim, Byung Chang; Lee, You Kyoung; Han, Dong Soo

2018-04-01

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of seasonal variations in climate on the performance of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in screening for colorectal cancer in the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea. Data were extracted from the National Cancer Screening Program databases for participants who underwent FIT between 2009 and 2010. We compared positivity rates, cancer detection rates, interval cancer rates, positive predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity for FIT during the spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons in Korea. In total, 4,788,104 FIT results were analyzed. FIT positivity rate was lowest during the summer months. In the summer, the positive predictive value of FIT was about 1.1 times (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.16) higher in the overall FIT group and about 1.3 times (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.10-1.50) higher in the quantitative FIT group, compared to those in the other seasons. Cancer detection rates, however, were similar regardless of season. Interval cancer risk was significantly higher in the summer for both the overall FIT group (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.27) and the quantitative FIT group (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.12-1.52). In addition, interval cancers in the rectum and distal colon were more frequently detected in the summer and autumn than in the winter. The positivity rate of FIT was lower in the summer, and the performance of the FIT screening program was influenced by seasonal variations in Korea. These results suggest that more efforts to reduce interval cancer during the summer are needed in population-based screening programs using FIT, particularly in countries with high ambient temperatures.

The effectiveness of the error reporting promoting program on the nursing error incidence rate in Korean operating rooms.

PubMed

Kim, Myoung-Soo; Kim, Jung-Soon; Jung, In Sook; Kim, Young Hae; Kim, Ho Jung

2007-03-01

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an error reporting promoting program(ERPP) to systematically reduce the incidence rate of nursing errors in operating room. A non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design was used. Twenty-six operating room nurses who were in one university hospital in Busan participated in this study. They were stratified into four groups according to their operating room experience and were allocated to the experimental and control groups using a matching method. Mann-Whitney U Test was used to analyze the differences pre and post incidence rates of nursing errors between the two groups. The incidence rate of nursing errors decreased significantly in the experimental group compared to the pre-test score from 28.4% to 15.7%. The incidence rate by domains, it decreased significantly in the 3 domains-"compliance of aseptic technique", "management of document", "environmental management" in the experimental group while it decreased in the control group which was applied ordinary error-reporting method. Error-reporting system can make possible to hold the errors in common and to learn from them. ERPP was effective to reduce the errors of recognition-related nursing activities. For the wake of more effective error-prevention, we will be better to apply effort of risk management along the whole health care system with this program.

[Western area surge for controlling Ebola hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Sierra Leone and evaluation of its effect].

PubMed

Chen, Yong; Wu, Dan; Zhang, Wenyi; Chen, Zeliang; Chang, Guohui; Tian, Shuguang; Yang, Ruifu; Liu, Chao

2015-10-01

To investigate the Western Area Surge (WAS) program in the Ebola outbreak of Sierra Leone, and to analyze its implementing effect. The subject of this study was 3,813 laboratory confirmed Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) cases reported in Sierra Leone from November 19, 2014 through January 27, 2015, a period before and after the implementation of the WAS program. To analyze and make conclusions according to the working experience of China Mobile Laboratory Reponses Team in the fight of Ebola outbreak, using WHO published EHF case definition to make diagnosis and compare the number of bed numbers, confirmed EHF cases, samples tested, and positive rates before and after implementation of WAS program. From the implementation of WAS program on 17th December 2014 to half a month later, the total numbers of Ebola holding and treatment centers increased from 640 to 960, six additional laboratories were established. On January, 2015, another two laboratories from America and The Netherlands were established. The numbers of samples tested one month before and after WAS program were 7,891 and 9,783, respectively, with an increase of 24.0 percent, while the positive rate of Ebola virus decreased from 22.2% (1,752/7,891) to 11.0% (1,077/9,783). The positive rate of blood samples decreased from 39.6% (248/626) in the month before WAS program to 27.4% (131/478) (χ2=17.93, P<0.001) in the mother after WAS program, the positive rate of blood samples 22.7% (103/454) to 10% (62/609) (χ2=31.03, P<0.001), accordingly. After 3 weeks of WAS program, in addition to Western Area, another four hotspots in Sierra Leone had also reported a significant decrease of the numbers of confirmed EVD cases. Forty-two days after implementation of WAS program, the daily number of laboratory confirmed EHF cases decreased from 63 to 10. WAS program played a vital role in controlling the EHF outbreak rapidly in Sierra Leone. It could also provide guidance for the control similar large infectious diseases outbreak in the future.

[Effects of an Individual Breast-feeding Promotion Program for Married Immigrant Women].

PubMed

Park, Mi Kyoung; Moon, So Hyun

2016-02-01

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of an individual breast-feeding promotion program to address breast-feeding knowledge, attitude, method and rate of practice for married immigrant women. A non-equivalent control group quasi-experimental design was used (experimental group=16, control group=17). The intervention consisted of 3 phases: (1) Within 2 hours of delivery - individual breast-feeding training through video/verbal/practical training education and demonstration (2) After 1~2 days - group training using video, model doll, and breast models (3) After 7 days - family visit, counseling, retraining and reinforcement training. The data were analyzed using non-parametric tests with the SPSS program. Married immigrant women who participated in the individual breast-feeding program scored high in knowledge, attitude, method and rate of practice compared to the control group. The results indicate that the individual breast-feeding program is very effective in increasing breast-feeding knowledge, attitude, method and rate of practicing breast feeding for married immigrant women. So, nurses are encouraged to aggressively utilize individual breast-feeding programs to help married immigrant women, who are exposed to vulnerability due to various situations.

Cognitive intervention through a training program for picture book reading in community-dwelling older adults: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Suzuki, Hiroyuki; Kuraoka, Masataka; Yasunaga, Masashi; Nonaka, Kumiko; Sakurai, Ryota; Takeuchi, Rumi; Murayama, Yoh; Ohba, Hiromi; Fujiwara, Yoshinori

2014-11-21

Non-pharmacological interventions are expected to be important strategies for reducing the age-adjusted prevalence of senile dementia, considering that complete medical treatment for cognitive decline has not yet been developed. From the viewpoint of long-term continuity of activity, it is necessary to develop various cognitive stimulating programs. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a cognitive intervention through a training program for picture book reading for community-dwelling older adults. Fifty-eight Japanese older participants were divided into the intervention and control groups using simple randomization (n =29 vs 29). In the intervention group, participants took part in a program aimed at learning and mastering methods of picture book reading as a form of cognitive training intervention. The control group listened to lectures about elderly health maintenance. Cognitive tests were conducted individually before and after the programs. The rate of memory retention, computed by dividing Logical Memory delayed recall by immediate recall, showed a significant interaction (p < .05) in analysis of covariance. Simple main effects showed that the rate of memory retention of the intervention group improved after the program completion (p < .05). In the participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) examined by Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J) (n =14 vs 15), significant interactions were seen in Trail Making Test-A (p < .01), Trail Making Test-B (p < .05), Kana pick-out test (p < .05) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (p < .05). The intervention effect was found in delayed verbal memory. This program is also effective for improving attention and executive function in those with MCI. The short-term interventional findings suggest that this program might contribute to preventing a decline in memory and executive function. UMIN000014712 (Date of ICMJE and WHO compliant trial information disclosure: 30 July 2014).

78 FR 51463 - Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Metal Halide Lamp Fixtures

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-20

... Efficiency at all Possible Voltages b. Posting the Highest and Lowest Efficiencies c. Test at Single Manufacturer-Declared Voltage d. Test at Highest-Rated Voltage e. Test on Input Voltage Based on Wattage and... at the highest voltage for which the ballast is designed to operate. [Dagger] P is defined as the...

Complex Intellect vs the IQ Test as a Predictor of Performance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dees, James W.

In order to test the ubiquity of the structure of the intellect for predictors of performance, a psychomotor skill (M 16 rifle proficiency test), a measure of perseverance (completion or resignation from OCS Program), and a measure of leadership ability (peer ratings) were selected as criteria on which multiple regressions were conducted with a…

77 FR 12373 - Pilot Certification and Qualification Requirements for Air Carrier Operations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-29

... section of this document. Privacy: We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www... Certification rating, pass a Training Program knowledge test before taking the and practical ATP knowledge test, test, and have and have a minimum at least 1,500 of 50 hours in class hours total time of airplane. as...

[Psychotherapy impact on effectiveness of in-hospital physical rehabilitation in patients with acute coronary syndrome].

PubMed

Sumin, A N; Khaĭredinova, O P; Sumina, L Iu; Variushkina, E V; Doronin, D V; Galimzianov, D M; Masin, A N; Gol'dberg, G A

2000-01-01

Of 103 patients with acute coronary syndrome (mean age 51.6 +/- 0.9 years) 47 patients participated in 5 group psychotherapeutic sessions added to conversional rehabilitation program. Psychotherapy included progressive muscular relaxation, neurolinguistic programming, eriksonian hypnosis, therapeutic metaphora. Psychotherapy decreased the hear rate, number of ventricular extrasystoles, stimulated tonicity of the parasympathetic nervous system. Compared to the controls, the test patients developed higher exercise tolerance and lower reactivity of the central hemodynamics in all the exercise tests.

Advanced expander test bed program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Masters, A. I.; Mitchell, J. C.

1991-01-01

The Advanced Expander Test Bed (AETB) is a key element in NASA's Chemical Transfer Propulsion Program for development and demonstration of expander cycle oxygen/hydrogen engine technology component technology for the next space engine. The AETB will be used to validate the high-pressure expander cycle concept, investigate system interactions, and conduct investigations of advanced missions focused components and new health monitoring techniques. The split-expander cycle AETB will operate at combustion chamber pressures up to 1200 psia with propellant flow rates equivalent to 20,000 lbf vacuum thrust.

OPTIMIZATION OF MUD HAMMER DRILLING PERFORMANCE--A PROGRAM TO BENCHMARK THE VIABILITY OF ADVANCED MUD HAMMER DRILLING

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

Arnis Judzis

2004-07-01

This document details the progress to date on the ''OPTIMIZATION OF MUD HAMMER DRILLING PERFORMANCE--A PROGRAM TO BENCHMARK THE VIABILITY OF ADVANCED MUD HAMMER DRILLING'' contract for the quarter starting April 2004 through June 2004. The DOE and TerraTek continue to wait for Novatek on the optimization portion of the testing program (they are completely rebuilding their fluid hammer). The latest indication is that the Novatek tool would be ready for retesting only 4Q 2004 or later. Smith International's hammer was tested in April of 2004 (2Q 2004 report). Accomplishments included the following: (1) TerraTek re-tested the ''optimized'' fluid hammermore » provided by Smith International during April 2004. Many improvements in mud hammer rates of penetration were noted over Phase 1 benchmark testing from November 2002. (2) Shell Exploration and Production in The Hague was briefed on various drilling performance projects including Task 8 ''Cutter Impact Testing''. Shell interest and willingness to assist in the test matrix as an Industry Advisor is appreciated. (3) TerraTek participated in a DOE/NETL Review meeting at Morgantown on April 15, 2004. The discussions were very helpful and a program related to the Mud Hammer optimization project was noted--Terralog modeling work on percussion tools. (4) Terralog's Dr. Gang Han witnessed some of the full-scale optimization testing of the Smith International hammer in order to familiarize him with downhole tools. TerraTek recommends that modeling first start with single cutters/inserts and progress in complexity. (5) The final equipment problem on the impact testing task was resolved through the acquisition of a high data rate laser based displacement instrument. (6) TerraTek provided Novatek much engineering support for the future re-testing of their optimized tool. Work was conducted on slip ring [electrical] specifications and tool collar sealing in the testing vessel with a reconfigured flow system on Novatek's collar.« less

Stress Testing After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the Veterans Affairs HealthCare System: Insights from the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking Program.

PubMed

Bradley, Steven M; Hess, Edward; Winchester, David E; Sussman, Jeremy B; Aggarwal, Vikas; Maddox, Thomas M; Barón, Anna E; Rumsfeld, John S; Ho, P Michael

2015-09-01

Stress testing after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in fee-for-service settings is common and rates vary by hospital. Rates of stress testing after PCI within integrated healthcare systems, such as the Veterans Affairs (VA) are unknown. We evaluated all VA patients who underwent PCI from October 2007 through June 2010. To avoid the influence of Medicare eligibility on rates of stress testing use in the VA, we excluded Medicare eligible patients during the follow-up period. Hospital-level variation in risk-standardized rates of stress testing and the association with 1-year mortality and myocardial infarction was determined from Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Among 10 293 patients undergoing PCI at 55 VA hospitals, 2239 (21.8%) had a stress test performed within 1 year of PCI and 3902 (37.9%) within 2 years. Most stress tests after PCI were performed with nuclear imaging (79.8%). The hospital-level risk-standardized rate of stress testing differed significantly from the average at 14 hospitals, with 8 (14.5%) hospitals significantly below and 6 (10.9%) hospitals significantly above the average stress testing rate. Hospital-level risk-standardized stress testing rates were not significantly correlated with risk-standardized mortality (Spearman ρ=-0.24; P=0.08) or myocardial infarction rates (Spearman ρ=0.20; P=0.14). In the VA, nearly 40% of patients underwent stress testing in the 2 years after PCI, which is a third less than published studies from other healthcare systems. However, stress testing rates varied across VA hospitals, suggesting opportunities to optimize the use of stress testing are still present in integrated healthcare systems. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

RISK OF TUBERCULOUS INFECTION AND OF RADIATION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

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

Szent-Gyoergyi, N.

1961-03-01

The student population of the University of Chicago was divided into general and special risk groups to assess the relative necessity of frequent x- ray examinations in the 2 groups. Positive tuberculin tests were detected in 5.9 and 32.5% of the 2 groups, respectively, and the conversion rate (to positive tests) was 0.9% for the general risk and 6.4% for the special risk groups. Thus, both positive tuberculin skin test and conversion rate were significantly higher among foreign-born, nonwhite, and medical students than among native white students. The findings indicate the necessity of more frequent skin testing and roentgenography inmore » the special risk group, thus permitting reduction of the radiation hazard and the cost of the tuberculosis control program in the largest part (80.9%) of university students without endangering the effectiveness of the program. In view of the findings of this study, it may be possible to further reduce the frequency of x-ray microfilming. After the initial skin test and microfilm, the skin test can be repeated in the special risk group yearly, but microfilms used only in positive skin-test cases. (H.H.D.)« less

40 CFR Appendix I to Part 204 - Appendix I to Part 204

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Part 204 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) NOISE ABATEMENT PROGRAMS NOISE EMISSION STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT Pt. 204, App. I Appendix I to Part 204 Table I... Noise Data Sheet Test report number: Subject: Manufacturer: Model: Serial No.: Rated speed: Rpm: Rated...

40 CFR Appendix I to Part 204 - Appendix I to Part 204

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Part 204 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) NOISE ABATEMENT PROGRAMS NOISE EMISSION STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT Pt. 204, App. I Appendix I to Part 204 Table I... Noise Data Sheet Test report number: Subject: Manufacturer: Model: Serial No.: Rated speed: Rpm: Rated...

75 FR 62122 - Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial Equipment: Publication of the Petition for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-07

... rating the Altherma products in Europe. The test procedures are EN 14511 ``Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps with electrically driven compressors for space heating and cooling'' and... rated according to European Standard EN 14511, ``Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat...

Rising Poverty, Declining Health: The Nutritional Status of the Rural Poor.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Public Voice for Food and Health Policy, Washington, DC.

Using five key indicators of nutritional status (dietary intake, biochemical tests for circulating levels of nutrients or their metabolites, anthropometric measures, low birth weight and infant mortality rates, and food, health, and income assistance program participation rates and benefit levels), this 1-year research project identified national,…

The Effect of Intravenous Infiltration Management Program for Hospitalized Children.

PubMed

Park, Soon Mi; Jeong, Ihn Sook; Kim, Kyoung Lae; Park, Kyung Ju; Jung, Moon Ju; Jun, Seong Suk

2016-01-01

This study aimed to identify the effect of IV infiltration management program among hospitalized children. This was a quasi-experimental study with history comparison group design with 2,894 catheters inserted during 3 months comparison phase and 3,651 catheters inserted during 4 months experimental phase. The intervention was composed of seven activities including applying poster, documentation of catheter insertion, parents education, making infiltration report, assessment of vein condition before inserting catheter, appropriate site selection, and documentation of catheter insertion, and assessment of peripheral catheter insertion site every shift. Data were analyzed using of X2-test, Fisher's exact test. The infiltration incidence rate was 0.9% for experimental group and 4.4% for comparison group, which was significantly different (x2=80.42, p<.001). The catheter maintenance period (p=.035) and infiltration state (p=.039) were significantly different among participants with infiltration between comparison and experimental groups. IV Infiltration management program was founded to be effective in reducing the IV infiltration incidence rate and increasing early detection of IV infiltration. Considering the effect of IV Infiltration management program, we recommend that this infiltration management program would be widely used in the clinical settings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Questioning the Use of Outcome Measures to Evaluate Principal Preparation Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Ed; Hollingworth, Liz

2018-01-01

Policymakers are proposing the use of outcome measures as indicators of effective principal preparation programs. The three most common metrics recommended are: (1) graduates' effectiveness in improving student achievement test scores, (2) graduate job placement rates, and (3) principal job retention once employed. This article explores the use of…

Engagement and Skill Development through an Innovative Classroom Music Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richmond, James; McLachlan, Neil M.; Ainley, Mary; Osborne, Margaret

2016-01-01

Rates of music participation are low in developed nations. This may be attributed in part to the failure of school music to engage children sufficiently to motivate them to continue learning and participating in music. We tested the "Harmonix" program of classroom music education, which is currently being designed to maximize engagement…

Student Achievement in New York State, 1985-86.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York State Education Dept., Albany. Div. of Educational Testing.

This report summarizes the 1985-86 results for three New York state examination programs--the elementary school Pupil Evaluation Program (PEP) and the high school Regents and Regents Competency Tests. Results on the PEP showed passing rates improved steadily over the last four years. About one-half of New York State's graduating seniors are…

Evaluation of a large-scale quantitative respirator-fit testing program for healthcare workers: survey results.

PubMed

Wilkinson, Irene J; Pisaniello, Dino; Ahmad, Junaid; Edwards, Suzanne

2010-09-01

To present the evaluation of a large-scale quantitative respirator-fit testing program. Concurrent questionnaire survey of fit testers and test subjects. Ambulatory care, home nursing care, and acute care hospitals across South Australia. Quantitative facial-fit testing was performed with TSI PortaCount instruments for healthcare workers (HCWs) who wore 5 different models of a disposable P2 (N95-equivalent) respirator. The questionnaire included questions about the HCW's age, sex, race, occupational category, main area of work, smoking status, facial characteristics, prior training and experience in use of respiratory masks, and number of attempts to obtain a respirator fit. A total of 6,160 HCWs were successfully fitted during the period from January through July 2007. Of the 4,472 HCWs who responded to the questionnaire and were successfully fitted, 3,707 (82.9%) were successfully fitted with the first tested respirator, 551 (12.3%) required testing with a second model, and 214 (4.8%) required 3 or more tests. We noted an increased pass rate on the first attempt over time. Asians (excluding those from South and Central Asia) had the highest failure rate (16.3% [45 of 276 Asian HCWs were unsuccessfully fitted]), and whites had the lowest (9.8% [426 of 4,338 white HCWs]). Race was highly correlated with facial shape. Among occupational groups, doctors had the highest failure rate (13.4% [81 of 604 doctors]), but they also had the highest proportion of Asians. Prior education and/or training in respirator use were not associated with a higher pass rate. Certain facial characteristics were associated with higher or lower pass rates with regard to fit testing, and fit testers were able to select a suitable respirator on the basis of a visual assessment in the majority of cases. For the fit tester, training and experience were important factors; however, for the HCW being fitted, prior experience in respirator use was not an important factor.

10 CFR 430.3 - Materials incorporated by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, 6th Floor, 950 L'Enfant Plaza, SW... B. (8) ASHRAE 103-1993, Methods of Testing for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency of Residential...) ASHRAE 116-1995 (RA 2005), Methods of Testing for Rating Seasonal Efficiency of Unitary Air Conditioners...

Summer anesthesiology externship: Demonstrating the ability of early clinical involvement to educate and increase specialty interest.

PubMed

Baker, Kevin S; Cormican, Daniel; Seidman, Peggy A

2012-01-01

We describe the influence of a 6-week "Summer Anesthesiology Externship" featuring didactic, procedure, and simulation education on formation of medical students' specialty choice. Eighteen months after externship completion, externs were sent a questionnaire with Likert scale agreement ratings of subspecialties/simulations and yes/no questions about student career interests before/after the program, stipend importance, and procedural skill performance during/after the program. General anesthesiology had the highest subspecialty approval rating (9.0). Externs strongly agreed that simulations successfully progressed at first year student understanding levels (9.2 mean agreement rating), increased confidence in being part of a care team (9.4 mean agreement rating), and provided personal/interpersonal development. Externs unanimously agreed that the program introduced them to the breadth of anesthesiology, and that practicing clinical/procedural skills improved confidence when performing the procedures later in medical school. Four of 14 students applied for the externship with some focus on anesthesiology as a career choice. After the externship, a significantly higher number of students (12 of 14) were strongly considering applying to the field (p<0.0001). Eleven of 14 ultimately entered anesthesiology residencies, a significantly higher rate than our general medical student classes (p<0.0001). Both CA1 and CA3 resident post-test scores improved at the end of the ultrasound guided regional workshop. Our study showed a 68% improvement in test scores, which is larger than the 50% improvement previously reported. These results show that fast learning can occur in this type of setting. Furthermore, knowledge acquired during the workshop was retained when CA1 residents were re-tested one year after the workshop. The ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia workshop will become part of the didactic series for our CA1 residents and will be a required learning activity. Additional work still needs to be done to find out the best way to test knowledge and skill outcomes in residents learning new technology and techniques.

Opportunity for collaboration: a conceptual model of success in tobacco control and cancer prevention.

PubMed

Stillman, Frances A; Schmitt, Carol L; Rosas, Scott R

2012-01-01

Collaborations between cancer prevention and tobacco control programs can leverage scarce resources to address noncommunicable diseases globally, but barriers to cooperation and actual collaboration are substantial. To foster collaboration between cancer prevention and tobacco control programs, the Global Health Partnership conducted research to identify similarities and differences in how the 2 programs viewed program success. Using concept mapping, cancer prevention and tobacco control experts generated statements describing the components of a successful cancer prevention or tobacco control program and 33 participants sorted and rated the final 99 statements. Multidimensional scaling analysis with a 2-dimensional solution was used to identify an 8-cluster conceptual map of program success. We calculated Pearson correlation coefficients for all 99 statements to compare the item-level ratings of both groups and used t tests to compare the mean importance of ratings assigned to each cluster. Eight major clusters of success were identified: 1) advocacy and persuasion, 2) building sustainability, 3) partnerships, 4) readiness and support, 5) program management fundamentals, 6) monitoring and evaluation, 7) utilization of evidence, and 8) implementation. We found no significant difference between the maps created by the 2 groups and only 1 mean difference for the importance ratings for 1 of the clusters: cancer prevention experts rated partnerships as more important to program success than did tobacco control experts. Our findings are consistent with those of research documenting the necessary components of successful programs and the similarities between cancer prevention and tobacco control. Both programs value the same strategies to address a common risk factor: tobacco use. Identifying common ground between these 2 research and practice communities can benefit future collaborations at the local, state, tribal, national, and international levels, and inform the broader discussion on resource sharing among other organizations whose mission focuses on noncommunicable diseases.

[Development and Testing of a Mastery Learning Program of Nursing Skills for Undergraduate Nursing Students].

PubMed

Park, SoMi; Hur, Hea Kung; Kim, Ki Kyong; Song, Hee Young

2017-08-01

This study was undertaken to develop and test a mastery learning program of nursing skills for undergraduate nursing students. In this methodological study, first, the preliminary draft of a mastery learning program to provide training for nursing skills was developed based on Bloom's framework for mastery learning. Second, to test the developed program, a single-blinded, nonequivalent control group nonsynchronized study was conducted on 50 senior nursing students in a University selected by convenient sampling. Thirteen students were assigned to a control group; 13, 12, and 13 of them were assigned to intravenous therapy, transfusion, and patient transfer groups, respectively. The achievement levels and performance scores of the selected nursing skills were measured before and after the completion of the program in all the groups. Lastly, the final program was confirmed based on the results of the program testing. Intravenous therapy, transfusion, and patient transfer were selected as essential nursing skills for the program based on the priorities rated by clinical instructors and staff nurses. The achievement levels of selected nursing skills were determined by Angoff scores. After participating in the program, the proportion of passers and performance scores of the nursing skills in the experimental groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. The final program was confirmed which included a diagnostic test, enrichment activities for the passers and three repetitions of corrective activities and formative assessments for non-passers. The results suggest that a mastery learning program for undergraduate students can lead to better improvement and performance of essential nursing skills. © 2017 Korean Society of Nursing Science

Description and Flight Test Results of the NASA F-8 Digital Fly-by-Wire Control System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

A NASA program to develop digital fly-by-wire (DFBW) technology for aircraft applications is discussed. Phase I of the program demonstrated the feasibility of using a digital fly-by-wire system for aircraft control through developing and flight testing a single channel system, which used Apollo hardware, in an F-8C airplane. The objective of Phase II of the program is to establish a technology base for designing practical DFBW systems. It will involve developing and flight testing a triplex digital fly-by-wire system using state-of-the-art airborne computers, system hardware, software, and redundancy concepts. The papers included in this report describe the Phase I system and its development and present results from the flight program. Man-rated flight software and the effects of lightning on digital flight control systems are also discussed.

Outcomes of a disease-management program for patients with recent osteoporotic fracture.

PubMed

Che, M; Ettinger, B; Liang, J; Pressman, A R; Johnston, J

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of a disease-management program designed to increase rates of bone-mineral-density (BMD) testing and initiation of osteoporosis medication among patients with a recent osteoporotic fracture. We identified 744 consecutive patients aged>or=55 years who were seen at either of 2 of 14 Kaiser Permanente medical facilities in Northern California (KPNC) after sustaining a fracture of the hip, spine, wrist, or humerus between April 2003 and May 2004. These patients were invited to participate in a study of the Fragile Fracture Management Program, whose protocol used fracture-risk assessment tools to determine treatment recommendations. Postfracture care of study participants was compared with usual postfracture care received by osteoporotic-fracture patients at 12 other KPNC facilities. Of the 744 patients who were invited to participate in the study, 293 (39%) agreed to participate, and 169 (23%) completed the evaluation. Of these 169 patients (127 women, 42 men), 65 (51%) of the women and 7 (17%) of the men qualified for drug treatment; of these 72 patients, 6 (86%) of the men and 41 (63%) of the women accepted the offered treatment. At the two study locations, rates of care (BMD testing or prescribing osteoporosis medication) were about twice as high as rates of usual postfracture care observed at 12 other medical centers in KPNC. Compared with patients who received usual care for osteoporotic fracture, patients participating in a postfracture disease management program had substantially higher rates of medical attention given for osteoporosis; however, the overall yield of the program was low. This low uptake rate was related to factors not previously appreciated: many patients refused participation in the program; a high proportion of younger women-and men of all ages-did not qualify for treatment; and treatment was refused by one in three study-qualified women and by one in seven study-qualified men. Additional efforts are needed to overcome patient barriers to improved osteoporosis evaluation, treatment and participation in postfracture programs.

Race/Ethnicity and Adoption of a Population Health Management Approach to Colorectal Cancer Screening in a Community-Based Healthcare System.

PubMed

Mehta, Shivan J; Jensen, Christopher D; Quinn, Virginia P; Schottinger, Joanne E; Zauber, Ann G; Meester, Reinier; Laiyemo, Adeyinka O; Fedewa, Stacey; Goodman, Michael; Fletcher, Robert H; Levin, Theodore R; Corley, Douglas A; Doubeni, Chyke A

2016-11-01

Screening outreach programs using population health management principles offer services uniformly to all eligible persons, but racial/ethnic colorectal cancer (CRC) screening patterns in such programs are not well known. To examine the association between race/ethnicity and the receipt of CRC screening and timely follow-up of positive results before and after implementation of a screening program. Retrospective cohort study of screen-eligible individuals at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California community-based integrated healthcare delivery system (2004-2013). A total of 868,934 screen-eligible individuals 51-74 years of age at cohort entry, which included 662,872 persons in the period before program implementation (2004-2006), 654,633 during the first 3 years after implementation (2007-2009), and 665,268 in the period from 4 to 7 years (2010-2013) after program implementation. A comprehensive system-wide long-term effort to increase CRC that included leadership alignment, goal-setting, and quality assurance through a PHM approach, using mailed fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) along with offering screening at office visits. Differences over time and by race/ethnicity in up-to-date CRC screening (overall and by test type) and timely follow-up of a positive screen. Race/ethnicity categories included non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American, and multiple races. From 2004 to 2013, age/sex-adjusted CRC screening rates increased in all groups, including 35.2 to 81.1 % among whites and 35.6 to 78.0 % among blacks. Screening rates among Hispanics (33.1 to 78.3 %) and Native Americans (29.4 to 74.5 %) remained lower than those for whites both before and after program implementation. Blacks, who had slightly higher rates before program implementation (adjusted rate ratio [RR] = 1.04, 99 % CI: 1.02-1.05), had lower rates after program implementation (RR for period from 4 to 7 years = 0.97, 99 % CI: 0.96-0.97). There were also substantial improvements in timely follow-up of positive screening results. In this screening program using core PHM principles, CRC screening increased markedly in all racial/ethnic groups, but disparities persisted for some groups and developed in others, which correlated with levels of adoption of mailed FIT.

Evaluation of 6 remote First Nations community-based buprenorphine programs in northwestern Ontario

PubMed Central

Mamakwa, Solomon; Kahan, Meldon; Kanate, Dinah; Kirlew, Mike; Folk, David; Cirone, Sharon; Rea, Sara; Parsons, Pierre; Edwards, Craig; Gordon, Janet; Main, Fiona; Kelly, Len

2017-01-01

Abstract Objective To evaluate established opioid addiction treatment programs that use traditional healing in combination with buprenorphine-naloxone maintenance treatment in 6 First Nations communities in the Sioux Lookout region of northwestern Ontario. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Six First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario. Participants A total of 526 First Nations participants in opioid-dependence treatment programs. Intervention Buprenorphine-naloxone substitution therapy and First Nations healing programming. Main outcome measures Retention rates and urine drug screening (UDS) results. Results Treatment retention rates at 6, 12, and 18 months were 84%, 78%, and 72%, respectively. We estimate that the rate at 24 months will also be more than 70%. The UDS programming varied and was implemented in only 1 community. Initially urine testing was voluntary and it then became mandatory. Screening with either method found the proportion of urine samples with negative results for illicit opioids ranged between 84% and 95%. Conclusion The program’s treatment retention rates and negative UDS results were higher than those reported for most methadone and buprenorphine-naloxone programs, despite a patient population where severe posttraumatic stress disorder is endemic, and despite the programs’ lack of resources and addiction expertise. Community-based programs like these overcome the initial challenge of cultural competence. First Nations communities in other provinces should establish their own buprenorphinenaloxone programs, using local primary care physicians as prescribers. Sustainable core funding is needed for programming, long-term aftercare, and trauma recovery for such initiatives. PMID:28209683

The USDOE Reflux Receiver Development Program

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

Klimas, P.C.; Andraka, C.E.; Moreno, J.B.

1992-01-01

The US DOE's Solar Thermal Electric Program, through its Sandia and Renewable Energy National Laboratories, has been actively developing liquid metal reflux receivers for application to modular parabolic dish concentrator/Stirling cycle converter solar energy systems. These systems are intended for use in high-value remote and grid-connected utility applications. The liquid-metal reflux-receiver concept was selected because this type of solar receiver (1) can optically mate a given dish with a given engine, and (2) can provide an isothermal environment for the high-temperature heat-input portion of the l engine, thus enhancing reliability. The Program is investigating two types of reflux receivers: heatmore » pipes and pool boilers. Sintered-nickel-wick sodium heat-pipe receivers rated at 30 kW[sub t] have been extensively tested as part of DOE/Cummins cooperative commercialization programs. One recent test article was tested at rated and power temperature for 500 hours. This same receiver demonstrated a 40 kW[sub t] throughput, believed to be the most ever for a solar heated heat-pipe receiver. Another 30-kW[sub t] sodium heat-pipe receiver, this one using a stainless-steel-screen wick design, was also tested as part of these cooperative programs. Much of experimental reflux receiver work conducted at the program's laboratories involves the pool-boiler concept. During nearly 50 hours of solar testing, the Sandia 75-kW[sub t] pool-boiler receiver demonstrated stable sodium boiling over a wide range of temperatures. Hot restarts after simulated cloud passages were investigated using various quantities of added non-condensible gases. Novel x-ray techniques provided information on instantaneous void fractions in the receiver. Present work is focusing on longer lived designs having low-cost, high-strength boiling surface enhancements and using eutectic NaK as the working fluid. The paper will summarize the developments leading to the present and describe future plans.« less

PROTECT YOUR HEART: A CULTURE-SPECIFIC, MULTIMEDIA CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM

PubMed Central

Shah, Amy; Clayman, Marla L.; Lauderdale, Diane S.; Khurana, Neerja; Glass, Sara; Kandula, Namratha R.

2016-01-01

Objectives South Asians (SAs), the second fastest growing racial/ethnic minority in the United States., have high rates of coronary heart disease (CHD). Few CHD prevention efforts target this population. We developed and tested a culture-specific, multimedia CHD prevention education program in English and Hindi for SAs. Methods Participants were recruited from community organizations in Chicago, IL between June-October 2011. Bilingual interviewers used questionnaires to assess participants’ knowledge and perceptions before and after the patient education program. Change from pre- to post-test score was calculated using a paired t-test. Linear regression was used to determine the association between post-test scores and education and language. Results Participants’ (n=112) average age was 41 years, 67% had more than a high school education, and 50% spoke Hindi. Participants’ mean pre-test score was 15 (Standard Deviation= 4). After the patient education program, post-test scores increased significantly among all participants (post-test score=24, SD=4), including those with limited-English proficiency. Lower education was associated with a lower post-test score (Beta-coefficient= −2.2, 95% CI= −0.68, −3.8) in adjusted regression. Conclusions A culture-specific, multimedia patient education program significantly improved knowledge and perceptions about CHD prevention among SA immigrants. Culturally-salient, multimedia education may be an effective and engaging way to deliver health information to diverse patient populations. PMID:25647363

Narcotics reduction, quality and safety in gynecologic oncology surgery in the first year of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol implementation.

PubMed

Bergstrom, Jennifer E; Scott, Marla E; Alimi, Yewande; Yen, Ting-Tai; Hobson, Deborah; Machado, Karime K; Tanner, Edward J; Fader, Amanda N; Temkin, Sarah M; Wethington, Stephanie; Levinson, Kimberly; Sokolinsky, Sam; Lau, Brandyn; Stone, Rebecca L

2018-06-01

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs are mechanisms for achieving value-based improvements in surgery. This report provides a detailed analysis of the impact of an ERAS program on patient outcomes as well as quality and safety measures during implementation on a gynecologic oncology service at a major academic medical center. A retrospective review of gynecologic oncology patients undergoing elective laparotomy during the implementation phase of an ERAS program (January 2016 through December 2016) was performed. Patient demographics, surgical variables, postoperative outcomes, and adherence to core safety measures, including antimicrobial and venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis, were compared to a historical patient cohort (January 2015 through December 2015). Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and Chi squared tests. The inaugural 109 ERAS program participants were compared to a historical patient cohort (n=158). There was no difference in BMI, race, malignancy, or complexity of procedure between cohorts. ERAS patients required less narcotics (70.7 vs 127.4, p=0.007, oral morphine equivalents) and PCA use (32.1% vs. 50.6%, p=0.002). Despite this substantial reduction in narcotics, ERAS patients did not report more pain and in fact reported significantly less pain by postoperative day 3. There were no differences in length of stay (5days), complication rates (13.8% vs. 20.3%, p=0.17) or 30-day readmission rates (9.5 vs 11.9%, p=0.54) between ERAS and historical patients, respectively. Compliance with antimicrobial prophylaxis was 97.2%. However, 33.9% of ERAS patients received substandard preoperative VTE prophylaxis. ERAS program implementation resulted in reductions in narcotic requirements and PCA use without changes in length of stay or readmission rates. Compliance should be diligently audited during the implementation phase of ERAS programs, with special attention to adherence to pre-existing core safety measures. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The impact of bowl size, program setup, and blood hematocrit on the performance of a discontinuous autotransfusion system.

PubMed

Seyfried, Timo F; Gruber, Michael; Streithoff, Fabian; Mandle, Robert J; Pawlik, Michael T; Busse, Hendrik; Hansen, Ernil

2017-03-01

Cell salvage is an essential element in the concept of blood management. Modern devices provide different bowl sizes and sensor-directed programs to optimally adjust to varying clinical situations. In an experimental performance study, the discontinuous autotransfusion device XTRA (LivaNova/Sorin) was evaluated using fresh donor blood anticoagulated with heparin 5 U/mL and adjusted to a hematocrit of 10% or 25%, representing orthopedic or cardiac surgery. Test blood was processed with the autotransfusion device XTRA in four different bowls (55 mL, 125 mL, 175 mL, and 225 mL) and in three different program modes (a standard program, an optimized program, and an emergency program). Processing speed increased with bowl size and with the emergency program (range, 6.4-29.8 mL red blood cells [RBCs]/min). The RBC recovery rate exceeded 90% for all bowls and programs except the 55-mL bowl with the emergency program. Plasma elimination exceeded 95% for all bowls and programs except the 225-mL bowl with the emergency and standard programs. Maximal RBC recovery (range, 94.7%-97.6%) and plasma elimination (range, 98.7%-99.5%) were obtained with the medium-sized bowls (125 mL and 175 mL) and the optimized program. Elimination rates for potassium or plasma free hemoglobin were consistently lower than for protein or albumin and were highest for heparin. Increased hematocrit and RBC recovery rates are obtained with the optimized program Popt with the discontinuous autotransfusion device. The emergency program Pem speeds up the process but leads to RBC loss and reduced plasma elimination rates; therefore, it should be restricted to emergency situations. All four different sized bowls have high performance. Plasma elimination is represented best by protein or albumin elimination rates. © 2017 AABB.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination patterns in the province of Québec, Canada, 1956-1974.

PubMed

Rousseau, Marie-Claude; Conus, Florence; Kâ, Khady; El-Zein, Mariam; Parent, Marie-Élise; Menzies, Dick

2017-08-24

In the province of Québec, Canada, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine was offered to newborns and school-age children from the 1950s to mid-1970s in an organized tuberculosis prevention program. We aimed to describe the annual rates of skin test administration, proportion of skin tests that were positive, and rates of BCG vaccination from 1956 to 1974 according to age, sex, and administrative region. For rates, numerators were extracted from the Québec BCG Vaccination Registry whereas population denominators were obtained from the Canadian Census and governmental publications. Time trends were assessed with linear regression. A total of 2,755,336 skin tests and 2,531,366 BCG vaccinations were administered. Yearly rates of skin tests, routinely administered before vaccination among all except newborns, were highest among children aged 5-9 (9.3 per 100) and 10-14years (7.9 per 100). The proportion of positive skin tests varied greatly by age, ranging from 10.2% among children <1year to 67.2% among adults ≥20years. The vast majority of individuals who had a negative skin test were subsequently vaccinated, whereas those with a positive result were not, as per recommended guidelines. The average annual vaccination rate was highest among children aged <1year (43.8 per 100) and 5-9year-olds (6.9 per 100). There were salient differences in immunization rates, including positive skin tests and vaccinations, across administrative regions but no difference by sex. This is the first comprehensive description of the tuberculosis prevention program in Québec which offered free, non-mandatory BCG vaccination. Our results confirm that the targeted groups, newborns and school-age children, were preferentially reached. Socioeconomic, demographic, and organizational factors may explain regional differences in immunization rates. Beyond presenting a historical context for this vaccination campaign, our findings are relevant to contemporary uses of the Québec BCG Vaccination Registry in epidemiological research. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of tilting disc valves after fatigue life testing: preliminary results within a comparison program.

PubMed

Barbaro, V; Boccanera, G; Daniele, C; Grigioni, M; Palombo, A

1995-09-01

A fatigue life test, by accelerating the beat rate, simulates several years of virtual life of a prosthetic heart valve in a short period of time. The correlation between the in vivo life of a valve and in vitro testing expectations is as yet not well established, but reproducible test conditions yield precious information about wear and failure. The paper reports a qualitative analysis of mechanical valve wear as part of a comparison program designed to investigate the significance of fatigue testing with the ultimate aim of defining standard guidelines for these type of tests. Two tilting disc valves (29 mm) were subjected to 16 years of fatigue life simulated by means of a Rowan Ash fatigue tester (accelerated rate of 1,200 bpm). Fatigue-induced effects on valve disc and ring surfaces were observed under a monitor microscope to identify wear sites and patterns. A high speed cinematographic system was used to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the wear (wear modes). Valve closure was inspected at a 6,000 frame/s rate. Because of disc rotation during the tilting movement, the points of contact between disc and ring are distributed all around the disc edge but focally on the ring. On both sides of the disc, the surfaces present ring-like concentric grooves. After 16 years of fatigue life the valves showed neither severe wear nor alteration of their fluidodynamic behavior in the pulsatile flow test.

A High Frame Rate Test System for the HEPS-BPIX Based on NI-sbRIO Board

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Jingzi; Zhang, Jie; Wei, Wei; Ning, Zhe; Li, Zhenjie; Jiang, Xiaoshan; Fan, Lei; Shen, Wei; Ren, Jiayi; Ji, Xiaolu; Lan, Allan K.; Lu, Yunpeng; Ouyang, Qun; Liu, Peng; Zhu, Kejun; Wang, Zheng

2017-06-01

HEPS-BPIX is a silicon pixel detector designed for the future large scientific facility, high-energy photon sources (HEPS) in Beijing, China. It is a high frame rate hybrid pixel detector which works in the single-photon-counting mode. High frame rate leads to much higher readout data bandwidth than former systems, which is also the difficulty of the design. Aiming to test and calibrate the pixel detector, a test system based on the National Instruments single-board RIO 9626 and LabVIEW program environment has been designed. A series of tests has been carried out with X-ray machine as well as on the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility 1W2B beamline. The test results show that the threshold uniformity is better than 60 electrons and the equivalent noise charge is less than 120 electrons. Besides, the required highest frame rate of 1.2 kHz has been realized. This paper will elaborate the test system design and present the latest testing results of the HEPS-BPIX system.

International Monetary Fund Programs and Tuberculosis Outcomes in Post-Communist Countries

PubMed Central

Stuckler, David; King, Lawrence P; Basu, Sanjay

2008-01-01

Background Previous studies have indicated that International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic programs have influenced health-care infrastructure in recipient countries. The post-communist Eastern European and former Soviet Union countries experienced relatively similar political and economic changes over the past two decades, and participated in IMF programs of varying size and duration. We empirically examine how IMF programs related to changes in tuberculosis incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates among these countries. Methods and Findings We performed multivariate regression of two decades of tuberculosis incidence, prevalence, and mortality data against variables potentially influencing tuberculosis program outcomes in 21 post-communist countries for which comparative data are available. After correcting for confounding variables, as well as potential detection, selection, and ecological biases, we observed that participating in an IMF program was associated with increased tuberculosis incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates by 13.9%, 13.2%, and 16.6%, respectively. Each additional year of participation in an IMF program was associated with increased tuberculosis mortality rates by 4.1%, and each 1% increase in IMF lending was associated with increased tuberculosis mortality rates by 0.9%. On the other hand, we estimated a decrease in tuberculosis mortality rates of 30.7% (95% confidence interval, 18.3% to 49.5%) associated with exiting the IMF programs. IMF lending did not appear to be a response to worsened health outcomes; rather, it appeared to be a precipitant of such outcomes (Granger- and Sims-causality tests), even after controlling for potential political, socioeconomic, demographic, and health-related confounders. In contrast, non-IMF lending programs were connected with decreased tuberculosis mortality rates (−7.6%, 95% confidence interval, −1.0% to −14.1%). The associations observed between tuberculosis mortality and IMF programs were similar to those observed when evaluating the impact of IMF programs on tuberculosis incidence and prevalence. While IMF programs were connected with large reductions in generalized government expenditures, tuberculosis program coverage, and the number of physicians per capita, non-IMF lending programs were not significantly associated with these variables. Conclusions IMF economic reform programs are associated with significantly worsened tuberculosis incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates in post-communist Eastern European and former Soviet countries, independent of other political, socioeconomic, demographic, and health changes in these countries. Future research should attempt to examine how IMF programs may have related to other non-tuberculosis–related health outcomes. PMID:18651786

The NASA Langley building solar project and the supporting Lewis solar technology program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ragsdale, R. G.; Namkoong, D.

1974-01-01

A solar energy technology program is described that includes solar collector testing in an indoor solar simulator facility and in an outdoor test facility, property measurements of solar panel coatings, and operation of a laboratory-scale solar model system test facility. Early results from simulator tests indicate that non-selective coatings behave more nearly in accord with predicted performance than do selective coatings. Initial experiments on the decay rate of thermally stratified hot water in a storage tank have been run. Results suggest that where high temperature water is required, excess solar energy collected by a building solar system should be stored overnight in the form of chilled water rather than hot water.

Student-Retention and Career-Placement Rates Between Bachelor's and Master's Degree Professional Athletic Training Programs

PubMed Central

Bowman, Thomas G.; Mazerolle, Stephanie M.; Pitney, William A.; Dodge, Thomas M.; Hertel, Jay

2015-01-01

Context  The debate over what the entry-level degree should be for athletic training has heightened. A comparison of retention and career-placement rates between bachelor's and master's degree professional athletic training programs may inform the debate. Objective  To compare the retention rates and career-placement rates of students in bachelor's and master's degree professional programs. Design  Cross-sectional study. Setting  Web-based survey. Patients or Other Participants  A total of 192 program directors (PDs) from bachelor's degree (n = 177) and master's degree (n = 15) professional programs. Intervention(s)  The PDs completed a Web-based survey. Main Outcome Measure(s)  We instructed the PDs to provide a retention rate and career-placement rate for the students in the programs they lead for each of the past 5 years. We also asked the PDs if they thought retention of students was a problem currently facing athletic training education. We used independent t tests to compare the responses between bachelor's and master's degree professional programs. Results  We found a higher retention rate for professional master's degree students (88.70% ± 9.02%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 83.71, 93.69) than bachelor's degree students (80.98% ± 17.86%, 95% CI = 78.30, 83.66) (t25 = −2.86, P = .008, d = 0.55). Similarly, PDs from professional master's degree programs reported higher career-placement percentages (88.50% ± 10.68%, 95% CI = 82.33, 94.67) than bachelor's degree professional PDs (71.32% ± 18.47%, 95% CI = 68.54, 74.10) (t20 = −5.40, P < .001, d = 1.14). Finally, we observed no difference between groups regarding whether retention is a problem facing athletic training (χ21 = 0.720, P = .40, Φ = .061). Conclusions  Professional master's degree education appears to facilitate higher retention rates and greater career-placement rates in athletic training than bachelor's degree education. Professional socialization, program selectivity, and student commitment and motivation levels may help to explain the differences noted. PMID:26308497

Humidity Effects on Soluble Core Mechanical and Thermal Properties (Polyvinyl Alcohol/Microballoon Composite)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

This document constitutes the final report for the study of humidity effects and loading rate on soluble core (PVA/MB composite material) mechanical and thermal properties. This report describes test results, procedures employed, and any unusual occurrences or specific observations associated with this test program.

40 CFR Appendix A to Part 211 - Compliance Audit Testing Report

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Appendix A to Part 211 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) NOISE ABATEMENT PROGRAMS PRODUCT NOISE LABELING Pt. 211, App. A Appendix A to Part 211—Compliance Audit Testing... 250 500 1000 2000 3150 4000 6300 8000 Noise Reduction Rating: If replacement hearing protector was...

75 FR 1547 - Alcohol and Drug Testing: Determination of Minimum Random Testing Rates for 2010

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-12

...: Notice of Determination. SUMMARY: Using data from Management Information System annual reports, FRA has... taken from FRA's Management Information System. Based on this data, the Administrator publishes a... effective upon publication. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lamar Allen, Alcohol and Drug Program Manager...

Using Reading Rate and Comprehension CBM to Predict High-Stakes Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Kelli Caldwell; Bell, Sherry Mee; McCallum, R. Steve

2015-01-01

Because of the increased emphasis on standardized testing results, scores from a high-stakes, end-of-year test (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program [TCAP] Reading Composite) were used as the standard against which scores from a group-administered, curriculum-based measure (CBM), Monitoring Instructional Responsiveness: Reading (MIR:R), were…

10 CFR 430.3 - Materials incorporated by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, 6th... appendix M to subpart B. (9) ASHRAE 103-1993, Methods of Testing for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency of... subpart B. (10) ASHRAE 116-1995 (RA 2005), Methods of Testing for Rating Seasonal Efficiency of Unitary...

Hospital in the Nursing Home program reduces emergency department presentations and hospital admissions from residential aged care facilities in Queensland, Australia: a quasi-experimental study.

PubMed

Fan, Lijun; Hou, Xiang-Yu; Zhao, Jingzhou; Sun, Jiandong; Dingle, Kaeleen; Purtill, Rhonda; Tapp, Sam; Lukin, Bill

2016-02-09

There has been considerable publicity regarding population ageing and hospital emergency department (ED) overcrowding. Our study aims to investigate impact of one intervention piloted in Queensland Australia, the Hospital in the Nursing Home (HiNH) program, on reducing ED and hospital attendances from residential aged care facilities (RACFs). A quasi-experimental study was conducted at an intervention hospital undertaking the program and a control hospital with normal practice. Routine Queensland health information system data were extracted for analysis. Significant reductions in the number of ED presentations per 1000 RACF beds (rate ratio (95 % CI): 0.78 (0.67-0.92); p = 0.002), number of hospital admissions per 1000 RACF beds (0.62 (0.50-0.76); p < 0.0001), and number of hospital admissions per 100 ED presentations (0.61 (0.43-0.85); p = 0.004) were noticed in the experimental hospital after the intervention; while there were no significant differences between intervention and control hospitals before the intervention. Pre-test and post-test comparison in the intervention hospital also presented significant decreases in ED presentation rate (0.75 (0.65-0.86); p < 0.0001) and hospital admission rate per RACF bed (0.66 (0.54-0.79); p < 0.0001), and a non-significant reduction in hospital admission rate per ED presentation (0.82 (0.61-1.11); p = 0.196). Hospital in the Nursing Home program could be effective in reducing ED presentations and hospital admissions from RACF residents. Implementation of the program across a variety of settings is preferred to fully assess the ongoing benefits for patients and any possible cost-savings.

Overview of the 2006-2008 JOGMEC/NRCan/Aurora Mallik Gas Hydrate Production Test Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, K.; Dallimore, S. R.

2008-12-01

During the winters of 2007 and 2008 the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), with Aurora Research Institute as the operator, carried out an on-shore gas hydrate production test program at the Mallik site, Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories, Canada. The prime objective of the program was to verify the feasibility of depressurization technique by drawing down the formation pressure across a 12m perforated gas hydrate bearing section. This project was the second full scale production test at this site following the 2002 Japex/JNOC/GSC et al Mallik research program in which seven participants organizatinos from five countries undertook a thermal test using hot water circulation Field work in 2007 was devoted to establishing a production test well, installing monitoring devices outside of casing, conducting base line geophysical studies and undertaking a short test to gain practical experience prior to longer term testing planned for 2008 . Hydrate-dissociated gas was produced to surface by depressurization achieved by lowering the fluid level with a dowhole pump. However, the operation was terminated 60 hours after the start of the pumping mainly due to sand production problems. In spite of the short period (12.5 hours of ellapsed pumping time), at least 830m3 of the gas was produced and accumulated in the borehole. Sand screens were installed across the perforated interval at the bottom hole for the 2008 program to overcome operational problems encountered in 2007 and achieve sustainable gas production. Stable bottom hole flowing pressures were successfully achieved during a 6 day test with continuous pump operation. Sustained gas production was achieved with rates between 2000- 4000m3/day and cummulative gas volume in the surface of approximately 13,000m3. Temperature and pressure data measured at the bottom hole and gas and water production rates gave positive evidence for the high efficiency of gas production through depressurization method. Pre and post produciton testing geophysical logging program, geochemical analyses and monitoring tools outside of the casing also derived the supporting data for the formation responses to the depressurization. Acknowledgements: METI, MH21, JOGMEC and NRCan, Government of NWT, 2002 partners, IPM, R&D team members.

School-based violence prevention strategy: a pilot evaluation.

PubMed

Thakore, Rachel V; Apfeld, Jordan C; Johnson, Ronald K; Sathiyakumar, Vasanth; Jahangir, A Alex; Sethi, Manish K

2015-07-01

Violence has recently been reported among a primarily young, minority population in Nashville, Tennessee. School-based programs have been proven as effective methods of reducing violent behavior, beliefs, and actions that lead to violence among adolescents. Investigators implemented a rigorous search for an appropriate school-based violence prevention program for Metropolitan Nashville middle school students utilizing a systematic review and discussion group with victims of violence. 27 programs nation-wide were reviewed and 2 discussion groups with African American males under the age of 25 admitted to a level 1 trauma center for assault-related injuries were conducted. Our findings led to a single, evidence-based conflict resolution program. In conjunction with educators, we evaluated the program's effectiveness in a pilot study in a Nashville middle school with high rates of violence. 122 students completed the conflict resolution program and described their behavior and experiences with violence in a pre-test/post-test self-rate questionnaire. Results showed a significant decrease in violent behavior and an increase in students' competencies to deal with violence (p less than 0.05). This study shows that a reduction in violent behavior and beliefs among middle school students can be achieved through the implementation of a targeted violence intervention program. A larger-scale intervention is needed to develop more conclusive evidence of effectiveness. © 2015 KUMS, All rights reserved.

Ablation, Thermal Response, and Chemistry Program for Analysis of Thermal Protection Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Milos, Frank S.; Chen, Yih-Kanq

2010-01-01

In previous work, the authors documented the Multicomponent Ablation Thermochemistry (MAT) and Fully Implicit Ablation and Thermal response (FIAT) programs. In this work, key features from MAT and FIAT were combined to create the new Fully Implicit Ablation, Thermal response, and Chemistry (FIATC) program. FIATC is fully compatible with FIAT (version 2.5) but has expanded capabilities to compute the multispecies surface chemistry and ablation rate as part of the surface energy balance. This new methodology eliminates B' tables, provides blown species fractions as a function of time, and enables calculations that would otherwise be impractical (e.g. 4+ dimensional tables) such as pyrolysis and ablation with kinetic rates or unequal diffusion coefficients. Equations and solution procedures are presented, then representative calculations of equilibrium and finite-rate ablation in flight and ground-test environments are discussed.

A field test of a web-based workplace health promotion program to improve dietary practices, reduce stress, and increase physical activity: randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Cook, Royer F; Billings, Douglas W; Hersch, Rebekah K; Back, Anita S; Hendrickson, April

2007-06-19

Most work sites engage in some form of health promotion programming designed to improve worker health and reduce health care costs. Although these programs have typically been delivered through combinations of seminars and print materials, workplace health promotion programs are increasingly being delivered through the Internet. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Web-based multimedia health promotion program for the workplace, designed to improve dietary practices, reduce stress, and increase physical activity. Using a randomized controlled trial design with pretest-posttest comparisons within each group, 419 employees of a human resources company were randomly assigned to the Web-based condition or to a condition that provided print materials on the same topics. All subjects were assessed at pretest and posttest through an online questionnaire containing multiple measures of health behavior and attitudes. The test period was 3 months. Questionnaire data were analyzed mainly by analysis of covariance and t tests. Retention rates were good for both groups-85% for the Web-based group and 87% for the print group. Subjects using the Web-based program performed significantly better than the print group on Attitudes Toward a Healthful Diet (F(1,415) = 7.104, P = .008) and Dietary Stage of Change (F(1,408) = 6.487, P = .01), but there were no significant group differences on the five other dietary measures. Both groups also showed improvement from pretest to posttest on most dietary measures, as indicated by significant t tests. Within the Web-based group, dosage analyses showed significant effects of the number of times the subject accessed the program on measures of Dietary Self-Efficacy (F(2,203) = 5.270, P = .003), Attitudes Toward a Healthful Diet (F(2,204) = 2.585, P = .045), and Dietary Stage of Change (F(2,200) = 4.627, P = .005). No significant differences were found between the two groups on measures of stress or physical activity, although t tests of pretest-posttest changes indicated that both groups improved on several of these measures. The Web-based group gave significantly higher ratings to the program materials than the print group on all health topics and in their overall evaluation (F(1,410) = 9.808, P = .002). The Web-based program was more effective than print materials in producing improvements in the areas of diet and nutrition but was not more effective in reducing stress or increasing physical activity. The higher ratings given to the Web-based program suggest that workers preferred it to the print materials. Both groups showed numerous pretest-posttest improvements in all health topics, although such improvements might be attributable in part to a Hawthorne effect. Results suggest that a multimedia Web-based program can be a promising means of delivering health promotion material to the workforce, particularly in the area of diet and nutrition.

A Field Test of a Web-Based Workplace Health Promotion Program to Improve Dietary Practices, Reduce Stress, and Increase Physical Activity: Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Billings, Douglas W; Hersch, Rebekah K; Back, Anita S; Hendrickson, April

2007-01-01

Background Most work sites engage in some form of health promotion programming designed to improve worker health and reduce health care costs. Although these programs have typically been delivered through combinations of seminars and print materials, workplace health promotion programs are increasingly being delivered through the Internet. Objective The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Web-based multimedia health promotion program for the workplace, designed to improve dietary practices, reduce stress, and increase physical activity. Methods Using a randomized controlled trial design with pretest-posttest comparisons within each group, 419 employees of a human resources company were randomly assigned to the Web-based condition or to a condition that provided print materials on the same topics. All subjects were assessed at pretest and posttest through an online questionnaire containing multiple measures of health behavior and attitudes. The test period was 3 months. Questionnaire data were analyzed mainly by analysis of covariance and t tests. Results Retention rates were good for both groups—85% for the Web-based group and 87% for the print group. Subjects using the Web-based program performed significantly better than the print group on Attitudes Toward a Healthful Diet (F1,415 = 7.104, P = .008) and Dietary Stage of Change (F1,408 = 6.487, P = .01), but there were no significant group differences on the five other dietary measures. Both groups also showed improvement from pretest to posttest on most dietary measures, as indicated by significant t tests. Within the Web-based group, dosage analyses showed significant effects of the number of times the subject accessed the program on measures of Dietary Self-Efficacy (F2,203 = 5.270, P = .003), Attitudes Toward a Healthful Diet (F2,204 = 2.585, P = .045), and Dietary Stage of Change (F2,200 = 4.627, P = .005). No significant differences were found between the two groups on measures of stress or physical activity, although t tests of pretest-posttest changes indicated that both groups improved on several of these measures. The Web-based group gave significantly higher ratings to the program materials than the print group on all health topics and in their overall evaluation (F1,410 = 9.808, P = .002). Conclusions The Web-based program was more effective than print materials in producing improvements in the areas of diet and nutrition but was not more effective in reducing stress or increasing physical activity. The higher ratings given to the Web-based program suggest that workers preferred it to the print materials. Both groups showed numerous pretest-posttest improvements in all health topics, although such improvements might be attributable in part to a Hawthorne effect. Results suggest that a multimedia Web-based program can be a promising means of delivering health promotion material to the workforce, particularly in the area of diet and nutrition. PMID:17581811

Induced recharge of an artesian glacial-drift aquifer at Kalamazoo, Michigan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reed, J.E.; Deutsch, Morris; Wiitala, S.W.

1966-01-01

As part of a program for managing its ground-water supply, the city of Kalamazoo has constructed induced-recharge facilities at the sites of several of its well fields. To determine the benefits of induced recharge in a water-management program, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the city, conducted a series of field experiments at a city well field (Station 9). The 12 production wells at the test site penetrate about 160 feet of glacial drift, which can be separated into three general units a lower aquifer, an intervening confining layer, and an upper aquifer. Although the upper aquifer is not tapped by any of the municipal supply wells, it serves as a storage and transmission medium for water from the West Fork Portage Creek. The testing program consisted of four aquifer and three recharge tests. The aquifer tests show that the transmissibility of the upper and lower aquifers ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 gallons per day per foot and indicate that nearly 200 gpm (gallons per minute) leaks through the intervening aquiclude under nonpumping conditions. The object of the three recharge tests (tests 5, 6, and 7) was to observe the effects of induced recharge by varying conditions in the recharge channel. During the three recharge tests, 7 wells were pumped at a total rate averaging about 2,500 gpm. During test 5, inflow to the channel was shut off, and the water level in the channel was allowed to decline. Drawdowns measured during this test were used as a standard for comparison with drawdowns in tests 6 and 7. During test 6, the head in the recharge channel was maintained as constant as possible, and the inflow to the channel was measured. The rate of induced recharge, as indicated by the measured inflow, averaged about 300 gpm. Between tests 6 and 7, the area of the channel was increased from 27,000 to 143,000 square feet. During test 7, the head in the channel was again maintained as constant as possible, but the inflow to the larger channel increased to about 600 gpm. The principal effect of induced recharge on the two aquifers was to reduce the amount and rate of drawdown. Therefore, where water levels and artesian pressures can be maintained at high stages, the result is lower pumping costs and increased rates of withdrawal during periods of peak demand.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Diabetes Care and Impact of Vendor-Based Disease Management Programs.

PubMed

Meng, Ying-Ying; Diamant, Allison; Jones, Jenna; Lin, Wenjiao; Chen, Xiao; Wu, Shang-Hua; Pourat, Nadereh; Roby, Dylan; Kominski, Gerald F

2016-05-01

We examined the existence of disparities in receipt of appropriate diabetes care among California's fee-for-service Medicaid beneficiaries and the effectiveness of a telephonic-based disease management program delivered by a disease management vendor on the reduction of racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes care. We conducted an intervention-control cohort study to test the effectiveness of a 3-year-long disease management program delivered to Medicaid fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 22 to 75 with a diagnosis of diabetes in Los Angeles and Alameda counties. The outcome measures were the receipt of at least one hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, LDL cholesterol test, and retinal examination each year. We used generalized estimating equations models with logit link to analyze the claims data for a cohort of beneficiaries in two intervention counties (n = 2,933) and eight control counties (n = 2,988) from September 2005 through August 2010. Racial/ethnic disparities existed in the receipt of all three types of testing in the intervention counties before the program. African Americans (0.66; 95% CI 0.62-0.70) and Latinos (0.77; 95% CI 0.74-0.80) had lower rates of receipt for HbA1c testing than whites (0.83; 95% CI 0.81-0.85) in the intervention counties. After the intervention, the disparity among African Americans and Latinos compared with whites persisted in the intervention counties. For Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the disparity in testing rates decreased. We did not find similar disparities in the control counties. This disease management program was not effective in reducing racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes care in the most racially/ethnically diverse counties in California. © 2016 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

Test Plan: WIPP bin-scale CH TRU waste tests

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

Molecke, M.A.

1990-08-01

This WIPP Bin-Scale CH TRU Waste Test program described herein will provide relevant composition and kinetic rate data on gas generation and consumption resulting from TRU waste degradation, as impacted by synergistic interactions due to multiple degradation modes, waste form preparation, long-term repository environmental effects, engineered barrier materials, and, possibly, engineered modifications to be developed. Similar data on waste-brine leachate compositions and potentially hazardous volatile organic compounds released by the wastes will also be provided. The quantitative data output from these tests and associated technical expertise are required by the WIPP Performance Assessment (PA) program studies, and for the scientificmore » benefit of the overall WIPP project. This Test Plan describes the necessary scientific and technical aspects, justifications, and rational for successfully initiating and conducting the WIPP Bin-Scale CH TRU Waste Test program. This Test Plan is the controlling scientific design definition and overall requirements document for this WIPP in situ test, as defined by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), scientific advisor to the US Department of Energy, WIPP Project Office (DOE/WPO). 55 refs., 16 figs., 19 tabs.« less

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.

Alcohol violations and aviation accidents: findings from the U.S. mandatory alcohol testing program.

PubMed

Li, Guohua; Baker, Susan P; Qiang, Yandong; Rebok, George W; McCarthy, Melissa L

2007-05-01

Mandatory alcohol testing has been implemented in the U.S. aviation industry since 1995. This study documents the prevalence of alcohol violations and the association between alcohol violations and aviation accidents among aviation employees with safety-sensitive functions. Data from the random alcohol testing and post-accident alcohol testing programs reported by major airlines to the Federal Aviation Administration for the years 1995 through 2002 were analyzed. A violation was defined as an alcohol level of > or = 0.04% or a refusal to submit to testing. Relative and attributable risks of accident involvement associated with alcohol violations were estimated using the case-control method. During the study period, random alcohol testing yielded a total of 440 violations, with an overall prevalence rate of 0.09% and a prevalence rate of 0.03% for flight crews. Alcohol violations were associated with an increased yet not statistically significant risk of accident involvement (odds ratio 2.56, 95% confidence interval 0.81-7.08) and were attributed to 0.13% of aviation accidents. Alcohol violations among U.S. major airline employees with safety-sensitive functions are rare and play a negligible role in aviation accidents.

Alcohol Violations and Aviation Accidents: Findings from the U.S. Mandatory Alcohol Testing Program

PubMed Central

Li, Guohua; Baker, Susan P.; Qiang, Yandong; Rebok, George W.; McCarthy, Melissa L.

2007-01-01

Introduction: Mandatory alcohol testing has been implemented in the U.S. aviation industry since 1995. This study documents the prevalence of alcohol violations and the association between alcohol violations and aviation accidents among aviation employees with safety-sensitive functions. Methods: Data from the random alcohol testing and post-accident alcohol testing programs reported by major airlines to the Federal Aviation Administration for the years 1995 through 2002 were analyzed. A violation was defined as an alcohol level of ≥ 0.04% or a refusal to submit to testing. Relative and attributable risks of accident involvement associated with alcohol violations were estimated using the case-control method. Results: During the study period, random alcohol testing yielded a total of 440 violations, with an overall prevalence rate of 0.09% and a prevalence rate of 0.03% for flight crews. Alcohol violations were associated with an increased yet not statistically significant risk of accident involvement (odds ratio 2.56, 95% confidence interval 0.81–7.08) and were attributed to 0.13% of aviation accidents. Discussion: Alcohol violations among U.S. major airline employees with safety-sensitive functions are rare and play a negligible role in aviation accidents. PMID:17539446

The effect of time-management training on employee attitudes and behavior: a field experiment.

PubMed

Orpen, C

1994-07-01

This field experiment tested for the effect of time-management training on 56 employees at an Australian manufacturing company, half of whom attended a 3-day training program and half of whom did not. The training group subjects rated their management of time significantly higher after the program than did the group who did not attend the training program. The diary entries of the trained subjects over a 2-week period after the training program were also rated by three superiors as exhibiting significantly better time management than the diary entries of the untrained group. Given that subjects had been randomly assigned to the two conditions, these results suggest that appropriate training can cause employees to improve how they manage their time at work.

The Feasibility and Acceptability of “Arise”: An Online Substance Abuse Relapse Prevention Program

PubMed Central

Bartel, Chelsea M.

2015-01-01

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a novel online adolescent substance abuse relapse prevention tool, “Arise” (3C Institute, Cary, NC). The program uses an innovative platform including interactive instructional segments and skill-building games to help adolescents learn and practice coping skills training strategies. Materials and Methods: We conducted a pilot test with nine adolescents in substance abuse treatment (44 percent female) and a feasibility test with treatment providers (n=8; 50 percent female). Adolescents interacted with the program via a secure Web site for approximately 30 minutes for each of two instructional units. Treatment providers reviewed the same material at their own pace. All participants completed a questionnaire with items assessing usability, acceptability, understanding, and subjective experience of the program. Results: Regarding feasibility, recruitment of this population within the study constraints proved challenging, but participant retention in the trial was high (no attrition). Adolescents and treatment providers completed the program with no reported problems, and overall we were able to collect data as planned. Regarding acceptability, the program received strong ratings from both adolescents and providers, who found the prototype informative, engaging, and appealing. Both groups strongly recommended continuing development. Conclusions: We were able to deliver the intervention as intended, and acceptability ratings were high, demonstrating the feasibility and acceptability of online delivery of engaging interactive interventions. This study contributes to our understanding of how interactive technologies, including games, can be used to modify behavior in substance abuse treatment and other health areas. PMID:26181807

PRogram In Support of Moms (PRISM): Development and Beta Testing.

PubMed

Byatt, Nancy; Pbert, Lori; Hosein, Safiyah; Swartz, Holly A; Weinreb, Linda; Allison, Jeroan; Ziedonis, Douglas

2016-08-01

Most women with perinatal depression do not receive depression treatment. The authors describe the development and beta testing of a new program, PRogram In Support of Moms (PRISM), to improve treatment of perinatal depression in obstetric practices. A multidisciplinary work group of seven perinatal and behavioral health professionals was convened to design, refine, and beta-test PRISM in an obstetric practice. Iterative feedback and problem solving facilitated development of PRISM components, which include provider training and a toolkit, screening procedures, implementation assistance, and access to immediate psychiatric consultation. Beta testing with 50 patients over two months demonstrated feasibility and suggested that PRISM may improve provider screening rates and self-efficacy to address depression. On the basis of lessons learned, PRISM will be enhanced to integrate proactive patient engagement and monitoring into obstetric practices. PRISM may help overcome patient-, provider-, and system-level barriers to managing perinatal depression in obstetric settings.

Initial results of population based cervical cancer screening program using HPV testing in one million Turkish women.

PubMed

Gultekin, Murat; Zayifoglu Karaca, Mujdegul; Kucukyildiz, Irem; Dundar, Selin; Boztas, Guledal; Semra Turan, Hatice; Hacikamiloglu, Ezgi; Murtuza, Kamil; Keskinkilic, Bekir; Sencan, Irfan

2018-05-01

To evaluate the Turkey's nationwide HPV DNA screening program on the basis of first 1 million screened women. Women over age 30 were invited for population based screening via HPV DNA and conventional cytology. Samples were collected by family physicians and the evaluations and reports had been performed in the National Central HPV laboratories. The acceptance rate for HPV based cervical cancer screening after first invitation was nearly 36.5%. Since HPV DNA tests have been implemented, cervical cancer screening rates have shown 4-5-fold increase in primary level. Through the evaluation of all, HPV positivity was seen in 3.5%. The commonest HPV genotypes were 16, followed by 51, 31, 52 and 18. Among the 37.515 HPV positive cases, cytological abnormality rate was 19.1%. Among HPV positive cases, 16.962 cases had HPV 16 or 18 or other oncogenic HPV types with abnormal cytology (>ASC-US). These patients were referred to colposcopy. The colposcopy referral rate was 1.6%. Among these, final clinico-pathological data of 3.499 patients were normal in 1.985 patients, CIN1 in 708, CIN2 in 285, CIN3 in 436 and cancer in 85 patients and only pap-smear program could miss 45.9% of ≥CIN3 cases. The results of 1 million women including the evaluation of 13 HPV genotypes with respect to prevalence, geographic distribution and abnormal cytology results shows that HPV DNA can be used in primary level settings to have a high coverage rated screening program and is very effective compared to conventional pap-smear. © 2017 The Authors International Journal of Cancer published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of UICC.

Initial results of population based cervical cancer screening program using HPV testing in one million Turkish women

PubMed Central

Zayifoglu Karaca, Mujdegul; Kucukyildiz, Irem; Dundar, Selin; Boztas, Guledal; Semra Turan, Hatice; Hacikamiloglu, Ezgi; Murtuza, Kamil; Keskinkilic, Bekir; Sencan, Irfan

2017-01-01

To evaluate the Turkey's nationwide HPV DNA screening program on the basis of first 1 million screened women. Women over age 30 were invited for population based screening via HPV DNA and conventional cytology. Samples were collected by family physicians and the evaluations and reports had been performed in the National Central HPV laboratories. The acceptance rate for HPV based cervical cancer screening after first invitation was nearly 36.5%. Since HPV DNA tests have been implemented, cervical cancer screening rates have shown 4–5‐fold increase in primary level. Through the evaluation of all, HPV positivity was seen in 3.5%. The commonest HPV genotypes were 16, followed by 51, 31, 52 and 18. Among the 37.515 HPV positive cases, cytological abnormality rate was 19.1%. Among HPV positive cases, 16.962 cases had HPV 16 or 18 or other oncogenic HPV types with abnormal cytology (>ASC‐US). These patients were referred to colposcopy. The colposcopy referral rate was 1.6%. Among these, final clinico‐pathological data of 3.499 patients were normal in 1.985 patients, CIN1 in 708, CIN2 in 285, CIN3 in 436 and cancer in 85 patients and only pap‐smear program could miss 45.9% of ≥CIN3 cases. The results of 1 million women including the evaluation of 13 HPV genotypes with respect to prevalence, geographic distribution and abnormal cytology results shows that HPV DNA can be used in primary level settings to have a high coverage rated screening program and is very effective compared to conventional pap‐smear. PMID:29235108

Parts, Materials, and Processes Control Program for Expendable Launch Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-21

CSAM, thermal shock, voltage burn-in, electrical tests (DWV, room and hot IR, partial discharge when in corona region); perform DPA with SEM/EDX...controls to eliminate dielectric defects; proper voltage derating. Partial discharge testing, corona inception testing up to 60% of rated voltage...voltage burn-in; DWV; room and hot IR; life test; partial discharge when in corona region B-7 Table B-5. Metallized Plastic Capacitors

Validation of Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Programs for Adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disorders: A Modified Otago Exercise Program.

PubMed

Renfro, Mindy; Bainbridge, Donna B; Smith, Matthew Lee

2016-01-01

Evidence-based fall prevention (EBFP) programs significantly decrease fall risk, falls, and fall-related injuries in community-dwelling older adults. To date, EBFP programs are only validated for use among people with normal cognition and, therefore, are not evidence-based for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disorders (IDD) such as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, cerebral vascular accident, or traumatic brain injury. Adults with IDD experience not only a higher rate of falls than their community-dwelling, cognitively intact peers but also higher rates and earlier onset of chronic diseases, also known to increase fall risk. Adults with IDD experience many barriers to health care and health promotion programs. As the lifespan for people with IDD continues to increase, issues of aging (including falls with associated injury) are on the rise and require effective and efficient prevention. A modified group-based version of the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) was developed and implemented at a worksite employing adults with IDD in Montana. Participants were tested pre- and post-intervention using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Stopping Elderly Accidents Deaths and Injuries (STEADI) tool kit. Participants participated in progressive once weekly, 1-h group exercise classes and home programs over a 7-week period. Discharge planning with consumers and caregivers included home exercise, walking, and an optional home assessment. Despite the limited number of participants ( n  = 15) and short length of participation, improvements were observed in the 30-s Chair Stand Test, 4-Stage Balance Test, and 2-Minute Walk Test. Additionally, three individuals experienced an improvement in ambulation independence. Participants reported no falls during the study period. Promising results of this preliminary project underline the need for further study of this modified OEP among adults with IDD. Future multicenter study should include more participants in diverse geographic regions with longer lengths of participation and follow-up.

76 FR 45453 - New Car Assessment Program (NCAP); Safety Labeling

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-29

... groups, one of which was presented with a sample window sticker that included what was portrayed as a...) subjects vehicles to frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance tests and, based on the results... system, with five stars being the highest rating and one star the lowest. The ratings would enable...

78 FR 51597 - Modernizing the E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-20

... small a school they attend or how far they live from experts in their field of study. High-capacity... study by Austan Goolsbee and Jonathan Guryan found that E-rate support substantially increased the... statistically significant effect on student test scores. Have more recent studies suggested otherwise? We also...

Performance Measures in Courses Using Computer-Aided Personalized System of Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Springer, C. R.; Pear, J. J.

2008-01-01

Archived data from four courses taught with computer-aided personalized system of instruction (CAPSI)--an online, self-paced, instructional program--were used to explore the relationship between objectively rescored final exam grades, peer reviewing, and progress rate--i.e., the rate at which students completed unit tests. There was a strong…

Large State-Level Fluctuations in Mental Retardation Classifications Related to Introduction of Renormed Intelligence Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scullin, Matthew H.

2006-01-01

Oppositely valenced forces may be at work to influence rates of placement of children into mental retardation programs. On one hand, educational policies regarding intellectual disability and concerns about overrepresentation of minorities in special education may contribute to lower placement rates; on the other hand, more difficult intelligence…

Developing and marketing a community pharmacy-based asthma management program.

PubMed

Rupp, M T; McCallian, D J; Sheth, K K

1997-01-01

To develop a community pharmacy-based asthma management program and successfully market the program to a managed care organization. Community-based ambulatory care. Independent community pharmacy. Development of a structured, stepwise approach to creating, testing, delivering, and marketing a community pharmacy-based disease management program. Peak expiratory flow rates, quality of life, use of health care services, HMO contract renewal. A pharmacy-based asthma management program was developed, pilot tested, and successfully marketed to a local HMO. During the first full year of the program, HMO patients experienced significant improvements in quality of life and decreases in use of health care services, including a 77% decrease in hospitalization, a 78% decrease in emergency room visits, and a 25% decrease in urgent care visits. A contract that pays the pharmacy a flat fee for each patient admitted to the program has recently been renewed for a third year. The program has proved to be an effective, practical, and profitable addition to the portfolio of services offered by the pharmacy.

A Comparison of Two Reading Programs on Third Grade Reading Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Tawana D.

2008-01-01

Background: The No Child Left Behind Act legislation requires both higher standards and higher success rates at the same time. Failure of students to learn to read adequately as shown by national and state test results and the need for continued school success had prompted education officials to implement two reading programs--Voyager Universal…

Austin Youth River Watch Program: 1992-93 Final Report. Publication Number 92.33.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, Jeannine

The City of Austin (Texas) provides funds for an educational initiative to involve minority high school students in water quality issues and to reduce the dropout rate through positive role model interaction with academically successful students. Principal program activities were testing river water for pollutants and tutoring at-risk students by…

Shaping Aspirations, Awareness, Academics, and Action: Outcomes of Summer Enrichment Programs for English-Learning Secondary Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matthews, Paul H.; Mellom, Paula J.

2012-01-01

Mixed-method evaluation of two iterations of month-long summer enrichment programs for English-learning secondary students investigated impacts on participants' beliefs about school and academic achievement, and on actual course choices, test outcomes, and graduation rates. Students (N = 85) from one ethnically diverse, high-poverty high school in…

Effects of an Aerobic Exercise Program on Community-Based Adults with Mental Retardation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pommering, Thomas L.; And Others

1994-01-01

Evaluation of a 10-week aerobic exercise program on 14 community-based adults with mental retardation found a 91.3% attendance rate and significant increases in maximal oxygen consumption, oxygen pulse, maximum ventilation, exercise stress test duration, and flexibility. However, no significant changes were observed in weight or body composition.…

75 FR 41845 - Energy Conservation Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Decision and Order...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-19

... conditioners and heat pumps. The waiver is specific to the Sanyo variable capacity ECO-i (commercial) multi... in this notice to test and rate its ECO-i multi-split products. DATES: This Decision and Order is..., Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121...

Simplified liquid oxygen propellant conditioning concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cleary, N. L.; Holt, K. A.; Flachbart, R. H.

1995-01-01

Current liquid oxygen feed systems waste propellant and use hardware, unnecessary during flight, to condition the propellant at the engine turbopumps prior to launch. Simplified liquid oxygen propellant conditioning concepts are being sought for future launch vehicles. During a joint program, four alternative propellant conditioning options were studied: (1) passive recirculation; (2) low bleed through the engine; (3) recirculation lines; and (4) helium bubbling. The test configuration for this program was based on a vehicle design which used a main recirculation loop that was insulated on the downcomer and uninsulated on the upcomer. This produces a natural convection recirculation flow. The test article for this program simulated a feedline which ran from the main recirculation loop to the turbopump. The objective was to measure the temperature profile of this test article. Several parameters were varied from the baseline case to determine their effects on the temperature profile. These parameters included: flow configuration, feedline slope, heat flux, main recirculation loop velocity, pressure, bleed rate, helium bubbling, and recirculation lines. The heat flux, bleed rate, and recirculation configurations produced the greatest changes from the baseline temperature profile. However, the temperatures in the feedline remained subcooled. Any of the options studied could be used in future vehicles.

Microwave power transmission system studies. Volume 4: Sections 9 through 14 with appendices. [ground tests and antenna design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maynard, O. E.; Brown, W. C.; Edwards, A.; Haley, J. T.; Meltz, G.; Howell, J. M.; Nathan, A.

1975-01-01

The microwave rectifier technology, approaches to the receiving antenna, topology of rectenna circuits, assembly and construction, ROM cost estimates are discussed. Analyses and cost estimates for the equipment required to transmit the ground power to an external user. Noise and harmonic considerations are presented for both the amplitron and klystron and interference limits are identified and evaluated. The risk assessment discussion is discussed wherein technology risks are rated and ranked with regard to their importance in impacting the microwave power transmission system. The system analyses and evaluation are included of parametric studies of system relationships pertaining to geometry, materials, specific cost, specific weight, efficiency, converter packing, frequency selection, power distribution, power density, power output magnitude, power source, transportation and assembly. Capital costs per kW and energy costs as a function of rate of return, power source and transportation costs as well as build cycle time are presented. The critical technology and ground test program are discussed along with ROM costs and schedule. The orbital test program with associated critical technology and ground based program based on full implementation of the defined objectives is discussed.

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.

Do generous unemployment benefit programs reduce suicide rates? A state fixed-effect analysis covering 1968-2008.

PubMed

Cylus, Jonathan; Glymour, M Maria; Avendano, Mauricio

2014-07-01

The recent economic recession has led to increases in suicide, but whether US state unemployment insurance programs ameliorate this association has not been examined. Exploiting US state variations in the generosity of benefit programs between 1968 and 2008, we tested the hypothesis that more generous unemployment benefit programs reduce the impact of economic downturns on suicide. Using state linear fixed-effect models, we found a negative additive interaction between unemployment rates and benefits among the US working-age (20-64 years) population (β = -0.57, 95% confidence interval: -0.86, -0.27; P < 0.001). The finding of a negative additive interaction was robust across multiple model specifications. Our results suggest that the impact of unemployment rates on suicide is offset by the presence of generous state unemployment benefit programs, though estimated effects are small in magnitude. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Design and rationale of the assessment of proper physiologic response with rate adaptive pacing driven by minute ventilation or accelerometer (APPROPRIATE) trial.

PubMed

Gilliam, F Roosevelt; Giudici, Michael; Benn, Andrew; Koplan, Bruce; Berg, Kellie Jean Chase; Kraus, Stacia Merkel; Stolen, Kira Q; Alvarez, Guy E; Hopper, Donald L; Wilkoff, Bruce L

2011-02-01

Rate-adaptive sensors are designed to restore a physiologic heart rate response to activity, in particular for patients that have chronotropic incompetence (CI). Limited data exist comparing two primary types of sensors; an accelerometer (XL) sensor which detects activity or motion and a minute ventilation (MV) sensor, which detects the product of respiration rate and tidal volume. The APPROPRIATE study will evaluate the MV sensor compared with the XL sensor for superiority in improving functional capacity (peak VO(2)) in pacemaker patients that have CI. This study is a double-blind, randomized, two-arm trial that will enroll approximately 1,000 pacemaker patients. Patients will complete a 6-min walk test at the 2-week visit to screen for potential CI. Those projected to have CI will advance to a 1-month visit. At the 1-month visit, final determination of CI will be done by completing a peak exercise treadmill test while the pacemaker is programmed to DDDR with the device sensors set to passive. Patients failing to meet the study criteria for CI will not continue further in the trial. Patients that demonstrate CI will be randomized to program their rate-adaptive sensors to either MV or XL in a 1:1 ratio. The rate-adaptive sensor will be optimized for each patient using a short walk to determine the appropriate response factor. At a 2-month visit, patients will complete a CPX test with the rate-adaptive sensors in their randomized setting.

Use of interferon-gamma release assays in a health care worker screening program: experience from a tertiary care centre in the United States.

PubMed

Joshi, Manish; Monson, Thomas P; Woods, Gail L

2012-01-01

Interferon-gamma release assays including the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT [Cellestis Ltd, Australia]) may be used in place of the tuberculin skin test (TST) in surveillance programs for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection control. However, data on performance and practicality of the QFT-GIT in such programs for health care workers (HCWs) are limited. To assess the performance, practicality and reversion rate of the QFT-GIT among HCWs at a tertiary health care institution in the United States. Retrospective chart review of HCWs at Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (Arkansas, USA) who underwent QFT-GIT testing as a part of their employee screening between November 1, 2008 and October 31, 2009. QFT-GIT was used to screen 3290 HCWs. The initial QFT-GIT was interpreted as positive for 129 (3.9%) HCWs, negative for 3155 (95.9%) and indeterminate for six (0.2%). Testing with QFT-GIT was repeated in 45 HCWs who had positive results on the initial test. The QFT-GIT reverted to negative in 18 (40.0%) HCWs, all of whom had negative TST status and initial interferon-gamma values of 0.35 IU⁄mL to 2.0 IU⁄mL. The QFT-GIT test is feasible in large health care setting as an alternative to TST for M tuberculosis infection screening in HCWs but is not free from challenges. The major concerns are the high number of positive test results and high reversion rates on repeat testing, illustrating poor short-term reproducibility of positive QFT-GIT test results. These results suggest adopting a borderline zone between interferon-gamma values of 0.35 IU⁄mL to 2.0 IU⁄mL, and cautious clinical interpretation of values in this range.

Routine Leak Testing in Colorectal Surgery in the Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program

PubMed Central

Kwon, Steve; Morris, Arden; Billingham, Richard; Frankhouse, Joseph; Horvath, Karen; Johnson, Morrie; McNevin, Shane; Simons, Anthony; Symons, Rebecca; Steele, Scott; Thirlby, Richard; Whiteford, Mark; Flum, David R.

2014-01-01

Objective To evaluate the effect of routine anastomotic leak testing (performed to screen for leaks) vs selective testing (performed to evaluate for a suspected leak in a higher-risk or technically difficult anastomosis) on outcomes in colorectal surgery because the value of provocative testing of colorectal anastomoses as a quality improvement metric has yet to be determined. Design Observational, prospectively designed cohort study. Setting Data from Washington state’s Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program (SCOAP). Patients Patients undergoing elective left-sided colon or rectal resections at 40 SCOAP hospitals from October 1, 2005, to December 31, 2009. Interventions Use of leak testing, distinguishing procedures that were performed at hospitals where leak testing was selective (<90% use) or routine (≥90% use) in a given calendar quarter. Main Outcome Measure Adjusted odds ratio of a composite adverse event (CAE) (unplanned postoperative intervention and/or in-hospital death) at routine testing hospitals. Results Among 3449 patients (mean [SD] age, 58.8[14.8] years; 55.0% women), the CAE rate was 5.5%. Provocative leak testing increased (from 56% in the starting quarter to 76% in quarter 16) and overall rates of CAE decreased (from 7.0% in the starting quarter to 4.6% in quarter 16; both P ≤ .01) over time. Among patients at hospitals that performed routine leak testing, we found a reduction of more than 75% in the adjusted risk of CAEs (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.05–0.99). Conclusion Routine leak testing of left-sided colorectal anastomoses appears to be associated with a reduced rate of CAEs within the SCOAP network and meets many of the criteria of a worthwhile quality improvement metric. PMID:22508778

Routine leak testing in colorectal surgery in the Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program.

PubMed

Kwon, Steve; Morris, Arden; Billingham, Richard; Frankhouse, Joseph; Horvath, Karen; Johnson, Morrie; McNevin, Shane; Simons, Anthony; Symons, Rebecca; Steele, Scott; Thirlby, Richard; Whiteford, Mark; Flum, David R

2012-04-01

To evaluate the effect of routine anastomotic leak testing (performed to screen for leaks) vs selective testing (performed to evaluate for a suspected leak in a higher-risk or technically difficult anastomosis) on outcomes in colorectal surgery because the value of provocative testing of colorectal anastomoses as a quality improvement metric has yet to be determined. Observational, prospectively designed cohort study. Data from Washington state's Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program (SCOAP). Patients undergoing elective left-sided colon or rectal resections at 40 SCOAP hospitals from October 1, 2005, to December 31, 2009. Use of leak testing, distinguishing procedures that were performed at hospitals where leak testing was selective (<90% use) or routine (≥ 90% use) in a given calendar quarter. Adjusted odds ratio of a composite adverse event (CAE) (unplanned postoperative intervention and/or in-hospital death) at routine testing hospitals. Among 3449 patients (mean [SD] age, 58.8 [14.8] years; 55.0% women), the CAE rate was 5.5%. Provocative leak testing increased (from 56% in the starting quarter to 76% in quarter 16) and overall rates of CAE decreased (from 7.0% in the starting quarter to 4.6% in quarter 16; both P ≤ .01) over time. Among patients at hospitals that performed routine leak testing, we found a reduction of more than 75% in the adjusted risk of CAEs (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.05-0.99). Routine leak testing of left-sided colorectal anastomoses appears to be associated with a reduced rate of CAEs within the SCOAP network and meets many of the criteria of a worthwhile quality improvement metric.

Using a discrete choice experiment to inform the design of programs to promote colon cancer screening for vulnerable populations in North Carolina.

PubMed

Pignone, Michael P; Crutchfield, Trisha M; Brown, Paul M; Hawley, Sarah T; Laping, Jane L; Lewis, Carmen L; Lich, Kristen Hassmiller; Richardson, Lisa C; Tangka, Florence Kl; Wheeler, Stephanie B

2014-11-30

Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is suboptimal, particularly for vulnerable populations. Effective intervention programs are needed to increase screening rates. We used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to learn about how vulnerable individuals in North Carolina value different aspects of CRC screening programs. We enrolled English-speaking adults ages 50-75 at average risk of CRC from rural North Carolina communities with low rates of CRC screening, targeting those with public or no insurance and low incomes. Participants received basic information about CRC screening and potential program features, then completed a 16 task DCE and survey questions that examined preferences for four attributes of screening programs: testing options available; travel time required; money paid for screening or rewards for completing screening; and the portion of the cost of follow-up care paid out of pocket. We used Hierarchical Bayesian methods to calculate individual-level utilities for the 4 attributes' levels and individual-level attribute importance scores. For each individual, the attribute with the highest importance score was considered the most important attribute. Individual utilities were then aggregated to produce mean utilities for each attribute. We also compared DCE-based results with those from direct questions in a post-DCE survey. We enrolled 150 adults. Mean age was 57.8 (range 50-74); 55% were women; 76% White and 19% African-American; 87% annual household income under $30,000; and 51% were uninsured. Individuals preferred shorter travel; rewards or small copayments compared with large copayments; programs that included stool testing as an option; and greater coverage of follow-up costs. Follow-up cost coverage was most frequently found to be the most important attribute from the DCE (47%); followed by test reward/copayment (33%). From the survey, proportion of follow-up costs paid was most frequently cited as most important (42% of participants), followed by testing options (32%). There was moderate agreement (45%) in attribute importance between the DCE and the single question in the post-DCE survey. Screening test copayments and follow-up care coverage costs are important program characteristics in this vulnerable, rural population.

Health education to increase screening for cervical cancer among Lumbee Indian women in North Carolina.

PubMed

Dignan, M B; Michielutte, R; Wells, H B; Sharp, P; Blinson, K; Case, L D; Bell, R; Konen, J; Davis, S; McQuellon, R P

1998-12-01

Although age-adjusted mortality rates from cancer among Native-Americans are generally lower than for the US population as a whole, cervical cancer mortality rates are higher. This report presents results from a National Cancer Institute-funded health education program conducted among the Lumbee tribe in North Carolina that was designed to increase the proportion of women, age 18 and older, who receive Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. The Solomon Four Group research design was used for this project. Participants were selected at random from the enrollment records of the Lumbee tribe and data collection was carried out during face-to-face interviews. The health education program was provided one-on-one in women's homes by a trained lay health educator and included verbal, print and videotape information. A total of 979 women were enrolled in the study, and 125 were lost to follow-up between the pre-test and post-test. Women who received the education program were found to be more likely to have knowledge of the Pap smear and to report a Pap smear in the past year at the post-test than those in the control group, regardless of whether they received the pre-test interview, P < 0.05. Women most likely to respond to the education program were also likely to have reported that they receive an annual physical examination. Women with better knowledge of the Pap smear tended to have more education, higher income and greater identification with Native-American culture than those with less knowledge. We conclude that the health education program was associated with greater knowledge about cervical cancer prevention and higher proportions of Lumbee women obtaining Pap smears in the past year.

Computerized reminders for five preventive screening tests: generation of patient-specific letters incorporating physician preferences.

PubMed Central

Murphy, D. J.; Gross, R.; Buchanan, J.

2000-01-01

Compliance with preventive screening tests is inadequate in the United States. We describe a computer based system for generating reminder letters to patients who may have missed their indicated screening tests because they do not visit a provider regularly or missed their tests despite the fact that they do visit a provider. We started with national recommendations and generated a local consensus for test indications. We then used this set of indications and our electronic record to determine test deficiencies in our pilot pool of 3073 patients. The computer generated customized reminder letters targeting several tests. Physicians chose any patients who should not receive letters. The response rate for fecal occult blood (FOB) testing was 33% compared with an 18% historical compliance rate within the same community. FOB reminders generated improved test compliance. Test execution must be considered when commencing a program of screening test reminders. PMID:11079954

Patterns of reassault in batterer programs.

PubMed

Gondolf, E W

1997-01-01

A comparative multisite evaluation was conducted of four "well-established" batterer programs in geographically distributed cities to assess the pattern of reassault. Eight hundred and forty batterers were recruited and tested at program intake from each site (210 per site). The batterers and their partners were interviewed by phone every 3 months for 15 months after intake with a response rate for the female partners of nearly 70% for the full follow-up. According to initial victims, 31% of the men reassaulted during the follow-up. The reassault rate varies only slightly when adjusting for new partners (32%) or no partner contact (32%), but substantially more when adjusting for reports from the batterers (36%) and batterers plus arrest record (39%). Rates of verbal abuse (70%) and threats (43%) are much higher, but 73% of the women report feeling "very safe." Nearly half of the men who reassaulted did so within 3 months after program intake. "Voluntary" participants were significantly more likely to reassault (44% vs. 29%), as were program dropouts (40% vs. 28%). The "well-established" batterer programs appear to contribute to a short-term cessation of assault in the majority of batterers. However, a small portion of the men are unaffected by or unresponsive to the intervention.

High resolution colonoscopy in a bowel cancer screening program improves polyp detection

PubMed Central

Banks, Matthew R; Haidry, Rehan; Butt, M Adil; Whitley, Lisa; Stein, Judith; Langmead, Louise; Bloom, Stuart L; O’Bichere, Austin; McCartney, Sara; Basherdas, Kalpesh; Rodriguez-Justo, Manuel; Lovat, Laurence B

2011-01-01

AIM: To compare high resolution colonoscopy (Olympus Lucera) with a megapixel high resolution system (Pentax HiLine) as an in-service evaluation. METHODS: Polyp detection rates and measures of performance were collected for 269 colonoscopy procedures. Five colonoscopists conducted the study over a three month period, as part of the United Kingdom bowel cancer screening program. RESULTS:There were no differences in procedure duration (χ2 P = 0.98), caecal intubation rates (χ2 P = 0.67), or depth of sedation (χ2 P = 0.64). Mild discomfort was more common in the Pentax group (χ2 P = 0.036). Adenoma detection rate was significantly higher in the Pentax group (χ2 test for trend P = 0.01). Most of the extra polyps detected were flat or sessile adenomas. CONCLUSION: Megapixel definition colonoscopes improve adenoma detection without compromising other measures of endoscope performance. Increased polyp detection rates may improve future outcomes in bowel cancer screening programs. PMID:22090787

Hepatitis B immunization in a low-incidence province of Canada: comparing alternative strategies.

PubMed

Wiebe, T; Fergusson, P; Horne, D; Shanahan, M; Macdonald, A; Heise, L; Roos, L L

1997-01-01

This study provides a comparative cost-effectiveness analysis of three universal immunization programs for hepatitis B virus (HBV). Using three theoretical cohorts of infants, 10-year-olds, and 12-year-olds, a universal immunization program was compared with a prenatal screening/newborn immunization program involving testing of prepartum women and immunization of newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers. A Markov long-term outcome model used Manitoba data to estimate costs and health outcomes across the lifespan. The model was based on an HBV incidence rate of 19/100,000 and a discount rate of 5% and incorporated the most recent treatment advances (interferon therapy). Cost-effectiveness was calculated as the ratio of dollars spent per year of life saved, with costs determined from the perspective of a third-party payer. The universal infant-immunization program, although not cost-saving, was associated with a low, economically attractive cost-effectiveness ratio of $15,900 (Canadian) per year of life saved, a figure substantially lower than the ratios of $97,600 and $184,800 (Canadian) associated with the universal programs for 10- and 12-year-olds, respectively. Cost-effectiveness ratios were found to be sensitive to changes in immunization costs, HBV incidence rates, and the rate at which protective antibody levels are lost over time: If these variables move in the directions suggested by current trends, the authors anticipate an increasing economic appeal of universal programs well into the future. A universal program of HBV immunization for infants appears to be economically practical in regions where HBV infection rates are low and stable.

Corrected Panel-Reactive Antibody Positivity Rates for Hypersensitized Patients in Turkish Population With Calculated Panel-Reactive Antibody Software.

PubMed

Karadeniz, S T; Akgul, S U; Ogret, Y; Ciftci, H S; Bayraktar, A; Bakkaloglu, H; Caliskan, Y; Yelekci, K; Turkmen, A; Aydin, A E; Oguz, F S; Carin, M; Aydin, F

2017-04-01

High rates of panel-reactive antibody (PRA) may decrease the chance of kidney transplantation and may result in long waiting periods before transplantation. The calculated PRA (cPRA) is performed based on unacceptable HLA antigens. These antigens are identified by a program that was created based on the antibodies that developed against the HLA antigens circulating in serum and on the risk of binding of these antibodies to antigens. The antigen profile of the population and antigen frequencies can be measured, and more realistic cPRA positivity rates may be obtained using this method. We developed a program based on the HLA antigens of 494 blood donors in 2 European Federation for Immunogenetics-accredited Tissue Typing Laboratories in Turkey. Next-generation sequencing-based tissue typing (HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR, -DQ, 4 digits) of the samples was performed. The PRA screening test was performed on 380 patients who were waiting for organ transplant from a cadaver in Istanbul Faculty of Medicine. The single antigen bead assay testing was performed to identify the antibody profiles on 48 hypersensitized patients. The PRA testing results using the current methods were 44.6% ± 18.5%, and the cPRA rate was 86.2% ± 5.1%. The mean PRA positivity of the sensitized patients using the current methods was 44.6%; however, the rate was 86.2% using the cPRA. cPRA shows the rate of the rejected donors according to all unacceptable antigens. The need for a list of unacceptable antigens in place of the PRA positivity rate is a real change in the sensitization-dependent calculation as cPRA positivity rate. In principal, implementation of cPRA will encourage many centers and laboratories to adopt a standard measurement of sensitization in Turkey. It will increase the chances of better donor match, particularly for hypersensitized patients, by the creation of an unacceptable mismatch program using cPRA software. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Analysis of Foetal Heart Rate Data using Complex Software: Comparison of Recurrence Plot of Foetal Heart Rate with the Course of Pregnancy -].

PubMed

Jörn, H; Morgenstern, B; Wassenberg, B; Rath, W

2004-08-01

Is it useful to further analyse foetal heart rate to improve the prediction of pregnancy complications? The analysis of the foetal heart rate is usually based on the variability of the heart rate, i. e. the more variable the heart rate presents - except a decrease - the better the condition of the foetus is. The same concept is applied in our own analysis which differs only in the presentation of the data. We analysed 25 non-stress-tests from unselected third trimester pregnancies using sophisticated software. The recurrence plot (RP) is able to rearrange data from foetal heart rate monitoring in order to make the heart rate variability visible. We developed criteria for a normal and an abnormal test result describing the structure of the diagram to predict an uneventful and a high-risk pregnancy, respectively. 11 out of 11 patients with uneventful course and outcome of pregnancy showed a coarse and blurred RP pattern. 12 out of 14 (86 %) patients developing either intrauterine growth retardation or preeclampsia and requiring caesarean section because of foetal heart rate abnormalities showed a fine and clear RP pattern. Our preliminary results show that it makes sense to further evaluate foetal heart rate variability in order to predict pregnancy complications. Computer programs including the algorithms needed (calculation of the recurrence plot) are not expensive and easy to handle. A widespread use of these programs represents the basis requirement for large controlled clinical trials.

Using a Multidisciplinary Training Program to Reduce Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

PubMed Central

Gadola, Liliana; Poggi, Carla; Poggio, María; Sáez, Lucía; Ferrari, Alejandra; Romero, Jorge; Fumero, Soledad; Ghelfi, Gianella; Chifflet, Liliana; Borges, Patricia Larre

2013-01-01

♦ Objectives: The present study evaluated the tool used to assess patients’ skills and the impact on peritonitis rates of a new multidisciplinary peritoneal dialysis (PD) education program (PDEP). ♦ Methods: After the University Hospital Ethics Committee approved the study, the educational and clinical records of PD patients were retrospectively analyzed in two phases. In phase I, an Objective Structured Assessment (OSA) was used during August 2008 to evaluate the practical skills of 25 patients with adequate Kt/V and no mental disabilities who had been on PD for more than 1 month. Test results were correlated with the prior year’s peritonitis rate. In phase II, the new PDEP, consisting of individual lessons, a retraining schedule, and group meetings, was introduced starting 1 September 2008. Age, sex, years of education, time on PD, number of training sessions, and peritonitis episodes were recorded. Statistical analyses used t-tests, chi-square tests, and Poisson distributions; a p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. ♦ Results: In phase I, 25 patients [16 men, 9 women; mean age: 54 ± 15 years (range: 22 - 84 years); mean time on PD: 35 ± 30 months (range: 1 - 107 months)] were studied. The OSA results correlated with peritonitis rates: patients who passed the test had experienced significantly lower peritonitis rates during the prior year (p < 0.05). In phase II, after the new PDEP was introduced, overall peritonitis rates significantly declined (to 0.28 episodes/patient-year from 0.55 episodes/patient-year, p < 0.05); the Staphylococcus peritonitis rate also declined (to 0.09 episodes/patient-year from 0.24 episodes/patient-year, p < 0.05). ♦ Conclusions: The OSA is a reliable tool for assessing patients’ skills, and it correlates with peritonitis rates. The multidisciplinary PDEP significantly improved outcomes by further lowering peritonitis rates. PMID:22753455

An investigation of a low-variability tire treadwear test procedure and of treadwear adjustment for ambient temperature. Volume 1 : the test procedures, statistical analyses, and the findings

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1985-01-01

The program was conducted to evaluate the variation in tire treadwear rates as : experienced on identical vehicles during the various environmental exposure : conditions of the winter, spring, and summer seasons. The diurnal/nocturnal effect : on the...

7 CFR 91.38 - Additional fees for appeal of analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and Charges § 91.38 Additional fees for appeal of analysis. (a) The applicant for appeal sample testing will be charged a fee at the hourly rate for laboratory service that appears in this paragraph. The new fiscal year for Science and Technology...

7 CFR 91.38 - Additional fees for appeal of analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and Charges § 91.38 Additional fees for appeal of analysis. (a) The applicant for appeal sample testing will be charged a fee at the hourly rate for laboratory service that appears in this paragraph. The new fiscal year for Science and Technology...

7 CFR 91.38 - Additional fees for appeal of analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and Charges § 91.38 Additional fees for appeal of analysis. (a) The applicant for appeal sample testing will be charged a fee at the hourly rate for laboratory service that appears in this paragraph. The new fiscal year for Science and Technology...

An Indirect Test of Children's Influence on Efficiencies in Parental Consumer Behavior.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Polachek, Dora E.; Polachek, Solomon W.

1989-01-01

Results of a statistical test show that not only do children have an influence on parental consumption, but also that the influence is beneficial. Not accounting for this benefit could cause underestimation of the rate of return to education or benefits of governmental programs such as Head Start. (JOW)

Argonne National Laboratory Li-alloy/FeS cell testing and R and D programs

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

Gay, E.C.

1982-01-01

Groups of 12 or more identical Li-alloy/FeS cells fabricated by Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc. and Gould Inc. were operated at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) in the status cell test program to obtain data for statistical analysis of cell cycle life and failure modes. The cells were full-size electric vehicle battery cells (150 to 350 Ah capacity) and they were cycled at the 4-h discharge rate and 8-h charge rate. The end of life was defined as a 20% loss of capacity or a decrease in the coulombic efficiency to less than 95%. Seventy-four cells (six groups of identical cells) were cycle-lifemore » tested and the results were analyzed statistically. The ultimate goal of this analysis was to predict cell and battery reliability. Testing of groups of identical cells also provided a means of identifying common failure modes which were eliminated by cell design changes. Mean time to failure (MTTF) for the cells based on the Weibull distribution is presented.« less

Web-Based Learning for Emergency Airway Management in Anesthesia Residency Training

PubMed Central

Hindle, Ada; Cheng, Ji; Thabane, Lehana; Wong, Anne

2015-01-01

Introduction. Web-based learning (WBL) is increasingly used in medical education; however, residency training programs often lack guidance on its implementation. We describe how the use of feasibility studies can guide the use of WBL in anesthesia residency training. Methods. Two case-based WBL emergency airway management modules were developed for self-directed use by anesthesia residents. The feasibility of using this educational modality was assessed using a single cohort pretest/posttest design. Outcome measures included user recruitment and retention rate, perceptions of educational value, and knowledge improvement. The differences between pre- and postmodule test scores and survey Likert scores were analysed using the paired t test. Results. Recruitment and retention rates were 90% and 65%, respectively. User-friendliness of the modules was rated highly. There was a significant improvement in perceptions of the value of WBL in the postsurvey. There was a significant knowledge improvement of 29% in the postmodule test. Conclusions. Feasibility studies can help guide appropriate use of WBL in curricula. While our study supported the potential feasibility of emergency airway management modules for training, collaboration with other anesthesia residency programs may enable more efficient development, implementation, and evaluation of this resource-intensive modality in anesthesia education and practice. PMID:26788056

Web-Based Learning for Emergency Airway Management in Anesthesia Residency Training.

PubMed

Hindle, Ada; Cheng, Ji; Thabane, Lehana; Wong, Anne

2015-01-01

Introduction. Web-based learning (WBL) is increasingly used in medical education; however, residency training programs often lack guidance on its implementation. We describe how the use of feasibility studies can guide the use of WBL in anesthesia residency training. Methods. Two case-based WBL emergency airway management modules were developed for self-directed use by anesthesia residents. The feasibility of using this educational modality was assessed using a single cohort pretest/posttest design. Outcome measures included user recruitment and retention rate, perceptions of educational value, and knowledge improvement. The differences between pre- and postmodule test scores and survey Likert scores were analysed using the paired t test. Results. Recruitment and retention rates were 90% and 65%, respectively. User-friendliness of the modules was rated highly. There was a significant improvement in perceptions of the value of WBL in the postsurvey. There was a significant knowledge improvement of 29% in the postmodule test. Conclusions. Feasibility studies can help guide appropriate use of WBL in curricula. While our study supported the potential feasibility of emergency airway management modules for training, collaboration with other anesthesia residency programs may enable more efficient development, implementation, and evaluation of this resource-intensive modality in anesthesia education and practice.

Acceptability and feasibility of a culturally tailored Internet-delivered intervention to promote blood donation in Blacks.

PubMed

Robbins, Mark L; Paiva, Andrea L; Amoyal, Nicole R; Brick, Leslie; Kessler, Debra A; Burditt, Caitlin; Caltabiano, Melinda; Shaz, Beth H

2015-03-01

A pilot test of a computer-tailored intervention designed to promote blood donation among Blacks was conducted. Intervention content, based on the transtheoretical model, offered participants individually and culturally tailored information on blood donation with emphasis on need specific to race (e.g., sickle-cell disease). Black adults (N = 150) with a diversity of blood donation experience were recruited from a blood center and a survey recruitment website. Posttest assessment included a 14-item evaluation and transtheoretical model questions. Participants rated the program positively (81.3% to 98.7% of participants agreeing or strongly agreeing with evaluation items). For example, 98.7% of respondents reported that the program gave sound advice and that personal feedback was easily understood, and 87.3% felt the program was designed for people like themselves. Ninety-five percent of participants reported that they would recommend the program to others. There were no significant differences in ratings based on demographics. Qualitative responses support program acceptability. Furthermore, pre- and postprogram assessments indicated an increase in intention to donate, t(149) = 3.56, p = .001, d = .29. With acceptability and feasibility confirmed, the next steps are to test efficacy and cost-effectiveness for use to increase blood donation, particularly in priority populations. © 2014 Society for Public Health Education.

Fall Prevention in a Primary Care Setting.

PubMed

Siegrist, Monika; Freiberger, Ellen; Geilhof, Barbara; Salb, Johannes; Hentschke, Christian; Landendoerfer, Peter; Linde, Klause; Halle, Martin; Blank, Wolfgang A

2016-05-27

Falls and fall-related injuries are common in community-dwelling elderly people. Effective multifactorial fall prevention programs in the primary care setting may be a promising approach to reduce the incidence rate of falls. In a cluster randomized trial in 33 general practices 378 people living independently and at high risk of falling (65 to 94 years old; 285 women) were allocated to either a 16 week exercise-based fall prevention program including muscle strengthening and challenging balance training exercises, combined with a 12 week home-based exercise program (222 participants), or to usual care (156 participants). The main outcome was number of falls over a period of 12 months. Secondary outcomes were the number of fall-related injuries, physical function (Timed-Up-and-Go-Test, TUG, Chair-Stand-Test, CST, modified Romberg Test), and fear of falling. In the intervention group (n=222 patients in 17 general practices) 291 falls occurred, compared to 367 falls in the usual care group (n=156 patients in 16 general practices). We observed a lower incidence rate for falls in the intervention group (incidence rate ratio/IRR: 0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.35; 0.84], p=0.007) and for fall-related injuries (IRR: 0.66; [0.42; 0.94], p=0.033). Additionally, patients in the intervention group showed significant improvements in secondary endpoints (TUG: -2.39 s, [-3.91; -0.87], p=0.014; mRomberg: 1.70 s, [0.35; 3.04], p=0.037; fear of falling: -2.28 points, [-3.87; -0.69], p=0.022) compared to usual care. A complex falls prevention program in a primary care setting was effective in reducing falls and fall-related injuries in community dwelling older adults at risk.

Practical application of computer programs for supersonic combustion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Groves, F. R., Jr.

1972-01-01

Experimental data were interpreted using two supersonic combustion computer programs. The P1 program is based on a conventional boundary layer treatment of the mixing of concentric gas streams and complete combustion chemistry. The H1 program is based on a modified boundary layer approach which accounts for radial pressure gradients in the flow and also incorporates a finite rate chemistry calculation. The objective of the investigation was to compare the experimental data with theoretical predictions of the two programs with special emphasis on the prediction of radial pressure gradients by the H1 program. A test of the H1 program was also desired through comparison with the experimental data and with the P1 program.

Solder creep-fatigue interactions with flexible leaded parts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, R. G., Jr.; Wen, L. C.; Mon, G. R.; Jetter, E.

1992-01-01

With flexible leaded parts, the solder-joint failure process involves a complex interplay of creep and fatigue mechanisms. To better understand the role of creep in typical multi-hour cyclic loading conditions, a specialized non-linear finite-element creep simulation computer program has been formulated. The numerical algorithm includes the complete part-lead-solder-PWB system, accounting for strain-rate dependence of creep on applied stress and temperature, and the role of the part-lead dimensions and flexibility that determine the total creep deflection (solder strain range) during stress relaxation. The computer program has been used to explore the effects of various solder creep-fatigue parameters such as lead height and stiffness, thermal-cycle test profile, and part/board differential thermal expansion properties. One of the most interesting findings is the strong presence of unidirectional creep-ratcheting that occurs during thermal cycling due to temperature dominated strain-rate effects. To corroborate the solder fatigue model predictions, a number of carefully controlled thermal-cycle tests have been conducted using special bimetallic test boards.

School-based violence prevention strategy: a pilot evaluation

PubMed Central

Thakore, Rachel V.; Apfeld, Jordan C.; Johnson, Ronald K.; Sathiyakumar, Vasanth; Jahangir, A. Alex; Sethi, Manish K.

2015-01-01

Abstract: Background: Violence has recently been reported among a primarily young, minority population in Nashville, Tennessee. School-based programs have been proven as effective methods of reducing violent behavior, beliefs, and actions that lead to violence among adolescents. Methods: Investigators implemented a rigorous search for an appropriate school-based violence prevention program for Metropolitan Nashville middle school students utilizing a systematic review and discussion group with victims of violence. 27 programs nation-wide were reviewed and 2 discussion groups with African American males under the age of 25 admitted to a level 1 trauma center for assault-related injuries were conducted. Our findings led to a single, evidence-based conflict resolution program. In conjunction with educators, we evaluated the program’s effectiveness in a pilot study in a Nashville middle school with high rates of violence. Results: 122 students completed the conflict resolution program and described their behavior and experiences with violence in a pre-test/post-test self-rate questionnaire. Results showed a significant decrease in violent behavior and an increase in students’ competencies to deal with violence (p less than 0.05). Conclusions: This study shows that a reduction in violent behavior and beliefs among middle school students can be achieved through the implementation of a targeted violence intervention program. A larger-scale intervention is needed to develop more conclusive evidence of effectiveness. PMID:24879077

The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center Spallation Neutron Sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nowicki, Suzanne F.; Wender, Stephen A.; Mocko, Michael

The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) provides the scientific community with intense sources of neutrons, which can be used to perform experiments supporting civilian and national security research. These measurements include nuclear physics experiments for the defense program, basic science, and the radiation effect programs. This paper focuses on the radiation effects program, which involves mostly accelerated testing of semiconductor parts. When cosmic rays strike the earth's atmosphere, they cause nuclear reactions with elements in the air and produce a wide range of energetic particles. Because neutrons are uncharged, they can reach aircraft altitudes and sea level. These neutrons are thought to be the most important threat to semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. The best way to determine the failure rate due to these neutrons is to measure the failure rate in a neutron source that has the same spectrum as those produced by cosmic rays. Los Alamos has a high-energy and a low-energy neutron source for semiconductor testing. Both are driven by the 800-MeV proton beam from the LANSCE accelerator. The high-energy neutron source at the Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) facility uses a bare target that is designed to produce fast neutrons with energies from 100 keV to almost 800 MeV. The measured neutron energy distribution from WNR is very similar to that of the cosmic-ray-induced neutrons in the atmosphere. However, the flux provided at the WNR facility is typically 5×107 times more intense than the flux of the cosmic-ray-induced neutrons. This intense neutron flux allows testing at greatly accelerated rates. An irradiation test of less than an hour is equivalent to many years of neutron exposure due to cosmic-ray neutrons. The low-energy neutron source is located at the Lujan Neutron Scattering Center. It is based on a moderated source that provides useful neutrons from subthermal energies to ∼100 keV. The characteristics of these sources, and ongoing industry program are described in this paper.

[Early detection of bowel cancer in occupational surveillance examinations: switching from a guaiak-based to an immunochemical fecal occult blood test].

PubMed

Webendörfer, S; Riemann, J F

2014-01-01

If the diagnosis is made early the cure rate of bowel cancer is more than 90 %. Occupational preventative medical care required by law and carried out by company physicians can be supplemented by a medical consultation and by simple screenings to interest employees in cancer prevention and refer them to registered general practitioners and specialist doctors for further diagnosis and treatment. Since 2001, BASF SE in Ludwigshafen, Germany offers its employees aged 45 and more a program to detect intestinal cancer early. The employees receive personal invitations for this program once a year. The participants answer a standard questionnaire about risk factors for bowel cancer and an endoscopic diagnosis, if this has already been carried out, and receive a FOBT. Since 2010 an immunological test system was used. We compare the results from two consecutive years with a Guajacum test system (g-FOBT) and an immunological test (i-FOBT). The German Association of Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, DGVS, recommends a colonoscopy if test results are positive or a family member has suffered from bowel cancer. Between 2008 and 2011, a total of 52,797 invitations were sent to employees aged 45 and over. Overall, 16,730 men (37.7 % of 46,245) and 1,585 women (24.4 % of 6,552) took part (in some cases more than once). The return rate of the FOBT increased from 66.7 % in 2008 to 79.5 % in 2011. Due to positive results and/or suspicious information in the questionnaire, 2,441 colonoscopies were recommended, 849 of them because of a positive FOBT. The medical department was informed of 224 endoscopy diagnoses. In 8 cases, manifested cancer (6 × colon, 2 × rectum) and in 57 cases adenomatous polyps were diagnosed as preliminary stages of cancer. Most of these diagnoses were made using the i-FOBT, the simultaneous increase in positive test results and therefore more frequent recommendations for a colonoscopy. The additional offer of a program for early detection of bowel cancer as part of an occupational surveillance examination helps detecting bowel cancer early in employees who show no symptoms. Since men on average fall ill earlier, it makes sense to offer these tests at the age of 45.  Personal invitations lead to consistently high participant rates and the simplicity of the i-FOBT leads to high return rates of tests. The rate of positive test results is higher compared to g-FOBT. In our follow-up, significantly more intestinal cancer and possible preliminary stages were detected through screening with the immunological test. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Report on the Formal Trialling of the Australian Second Language Proficiency Ratings (ASLPR).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ingram, D. E.

Results of testing the validity and reliability of the Australian second language proficiency ratings (ASLPR) are presented. In addition to providing a framework for planning English as a second language programs for immigrants to Australia, the ASLPR was developed to specify second language proficiency in terms of practical language skills. The…

Effectiveness of a Pregnancy Smoking Intervention: The Tennessee Intervention for Pregnant Smokers Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bailey, Beth A.

2015-01-01

Despite the known dangers of pregnancy smoking, rates remain high, especially in the rural, Southern United States. Interventions are effective, but few have been developed and tested in regions with high rates of pregnancy smoking, a culture that normalizes smoking, and a hard-to-reach prenatal population. The goals were to describe a smoking…

76 FR 34685 - Energy Conservation Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Decision and Order...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-14

.... The waiver is specific to the Daikin VRV III-PB variable refrigerant flow (VRF) multi-split commercial... this notice to test and rate its VRV III-PB variable refrigerant flow (VRF) multi-split commercial heat... Institute (ANSI/ AHRI) Standard 1230-2010, ``Performance Rating of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi...

Predictive Validity of a National Examination for Medical Graduates in the People's Republic of China.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bingxiun, Liu; And Others

1990-01-01

To estimate the predictive validity of the Chinese National Medical Examination, scores of a sample (n=1,717) of participating examinees were compared with program directors' ratings on nine aspects of clinical competence. Test scores were consistent with competence measures and overall, correlated significantly with ratings, while varying for…

Testing and Analytical Modeling for Purging Process of a Cryogenic Line

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hedayat, A.; Mazurkivich, P. V.; Nelson, M. A.; Majumdar, A. K.

2015-01-01

The purging operations for cryogenic main propulsion systems of upper stage are usually carried out for the following cases: 1) Purging of the Fill/Drain line after completion of propellant loading. This operation allows the removal of residual propellant mass; and 2) Purging of the Feed/Drain line if the mission is scrubbed. The lines would be purged by connections to a ground high-pressure gas storage source. The flow-rate of purge gas should be regulated such that the pressure in the line will not exceed the required maximum allowable value. Exceeding the maximum allowable pressure may lead to structural damage in the line. To gain confidence in analytical models of the purge process, a test series was conducted. The test article, a 20-cm incline line, was filled with liquid hydrogen and then purged with gaseous helium (GHe). The influences of GHe flow-rates and initial temperatures were evaluated. The Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program, an in-house general-purpose computer program for flow network analysis, was utilized to model and simulate the testing. The test procedures, modeling descriptions, and the results will be presented in the final paper.

Evaluation of the relationship between a chronic disease care management program and california pay-for-performance diabetes care cholesterol measures in one medical group.

PubMed

Cutler, Timothy W; Palmieri, James; Khalsa, Maninder; Stebbins, Marilyn

2007-09-01

Pay for performance (P4P) is a business model in which health plans pay provider organizations (medical groups) financial incentives based on attainment of clinical quality, patient experience, and use of information technology. The California P4P program is the largest P4P program in the united states and represents a potential revenue source for all participating medical groups. The clinical specifications for the California P4P program are based on the national Committee for Quality assurance (NCQA), Health Plan Employer Data, and information set (HEDIS), and each clinical measure has its own benchmark. in 2005, participating medical groups were paid on the basis of 9 clinical measures that were evaluated in the 2004 measurement year. The cholesterol testing measure represented 4.44%-7.14% of the total P4P dollars available to participating medical groups from the health plans. To (1) compare the percentage of medical group members aged 18 to 75 years with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) who received a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) test and attained LDL-C control (<130 mg per dl) after enrolling in a chronic disease care management (CDCM) program with similar members managed by routine care, and to (2) assess the potential effect of CDCM on the quality performance ranking and financial reimbursement of a medical group reporting these measures in the 2004 California P4P measurement year. This is a retrospective database review of electronic laboratory (lab) values, medical and hospital claims, and encounter data collected between january 1, 2003 and December 31, 2004 at 1 California medical group comprising 160 multispecialty providers. Requirements were continuous patient enrollment in 1 of the 7 health plans participating in P4P during the measurement year (2004) with no more than 1 gap in enrollment of up to 45 days. Patients aged 18 to 75 years were included in the diabetes cholesterol measure (denominator) if they had at least 2 outpatient encounters coded for a primary, secondary, or tertiary diagnosis of diabetes (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 250.xx, 357.2, 362.0, 366.41, 648.0) or 1 acute inpatient (Diagnosis Related Group code 294 or 295) or emergency room visit for diabetes. Lab values were obtained from multiple sources, including archived lab databases during the same measurement period (numerator). The CDCM program provided education and recommendations for diet, lifestyle, and medication modification delivered by a multidisciplinary team of nurses, pharmacists, and dieticians, and this intervention was compared with routine care for patients not enrolled in the CDCM program. Of the 54,000 health plan members enrolled in this medical group under capitated reimbursement, 1,859 patients (3.4%) met the California P4P specifications for eligibility for the diabetes cholesterol measures and were evaluated. Of these, 8.9% (165/1,859) were followed by the CDCM program and 91.1% (1,694/1,859) by routine care. The LDL-C lab testing rate for patients in the CDCM program was 91.5% (151/165), and the LDL-C goal rate was 78.2% (129/165) compared with 67.8% (1,148/1,694) and 55.7%, respectively, for routine care (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). if the LDL-C lab testing and goal attainment rates for the CDCM group were compared with rates for peer medical groups, this medical group would have scored in the 75th and 90th percentiles, respectively, corresponding to an annual revenue potential of $28,512 for this medical group if the total incentive payment from the health plan was $1 per member per month (PMPM), or $57,024 if the total incentive P4P payment was $2 PMPM. Preliminary data from 165 patients with diabetes managed in a CDCM program in a medical group operating under a small P4P financial incentive showed higher rates of LDL-C lab testing and goal attainment than from patients managed by routine care. Had these rates of LDL-C testing and goal attainment achieved in the CDCM program been extended to the entire P4P population with diabetes, this medical group would have generated incentive payments under the P4P program and ranked higher in publicly available quality scores.

A Boilerplate Capsule Test Technique for the Orion Parachute Test Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, James W.; Fraire, Usbaldo, Jr.

2013-01-01

The test program developing parachutes for the Orion/MPCV includes drop tests of a Parachute Test Vehicle designed to emulate the wake of the Orion capsule. Delivery of this test vehicle to the initial velocity, altitude, and orientation required for the test is a difficult problem involving multiple engineering disciplines. The available delivery of aircraft options imposed constraints on the test vehicle development and concept of operations. This paper describes the development of this test technique. The engineering challenges include the extraction from an aircraft and separation of two aerodynamically unstable vehicles, one of which will be delivered to a specific orientation with reasonably small rates. The desired attitude is achieved by precisely targeting the separation point using on-board monitoring of the motion. The design of the test vehicle is described. The trajectory simulations and other analyses used to develop this technique and predict the behavior of the test article are reviewed in detail. The application of the technique on several successful drop tests is summarized.

Acceptance of HIV testing among women attending antenatal care in south-western Uganda: risk factors and reasons for test refusal.

PubMed

Dahl, V; Mellhammar, L; Bajunirwe, F; Björkman, P

2008-07-01

A problem commonly encountered in programs for prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa is low rates of HIV test acceptance among pregnant women. In this study, we examined risk factors and reasons for HIV test refusal among 432 women attending three antenatal care clinics offering PMTCT in urban and semi-urban parts of the Mbarara district, Uganda. Structured interviews were performed following pre-test counselling. Three-hundred-eighty women were included in the study, 323 (85%) of whom accepted HIV testing. In multivariate analysis, testing site (Site A: OR = 1.0; Site B: OR = 3.08; 95%CI: 1.12-8.46; Site C: OR = 5.93; 95%CI: 2.94-11.98), age between 30 and 34 years (<20 years: OR = 1.0; 20-24 years: OR = 1.81; 95%CI: 0.58-5.67; 25-29 years: OR = 2.15; 95%CI: 0.66-6.97; 30-34 years: OR = 3.88; 95%CI: 1.21-13.41), mistrust in reliability of the HIV test (OR = 20.60; 95%CI: 3.24-131.0) and not having been tested for HIV previously (OR = 2.15; 95%CI: 1.02-4.54) were associated with test refusal. Testing sites operating for longer durations had higher rates of acceptance. The most common reasons claimed for test refusal were: lack of access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-infected women (88%; n=57), a need to discuss with partner before decision (82%; n=57) and fear of partner's reaction (54%; n=57). Comparison with previous periods showed that the acceptance rate increased with the duration of the program. Our study identified risk factors for HIV test refusal among pregnant women in Uganda and common reasons for not accepting testing. These findings may suggest modifications and improvements in the performance of HIV testing in this and similar populations.

Quantifying Appropriate De-rating of SiC MOSFETs Subject to Cosmic Rays

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

Chatty, Kiran

Terrestrial Cosmic Radiation (TCR) is known to cause failures in high-voltage Si devices resulting in de-rating of the maximum reverse blocking voltage. In this work, a test setup was developed and unaccelerated TCR testing was performed on 1200V Si IGBTs, 1200V SiC MOSFETs and 1200V SiC Schottky diodes. Failures due to TCR were generated on 1200V Si IGBTs at reverse voltages from 900V to 1175V. Si IGBTs investigated in this work will need to be operated at a maximum voltage of 800V to achieve a Failure in Time (FIT) rate of 100. No failures were observed on 1200V SiC MOSFETsmore » and Schottky diodes after testing at 1200V for over 1.5 years demonstrating low FIT rates compared to Si IGBTs. 1200V SiC Schottky diodes were fabricated in this program and the packaged devices were used in the TCR testing.« less

Multiplex autoantibody detection for autoimmune liver diseases and autoimmune gastritis.

PubMed

Vanderlocht, Joris; van der Cruys, Mart; Stals, Frans; Bakker-Jonges, Liesbeth; Damoiseaux, Jan

2017-09-01

Autoantibody detection for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is traditionally performed by IIF on a combination of tissues. Multiplex line/dot blots (LIA/DIA) offer multiple advantages, i.e. automation, objective reading, no interfering reactivities, no coincidental findings. In the current study we evaluated automated DIA (D-Tek) for detecting autoantibodies related to autoimmune diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. We tested samples of the Dutch EQC program and compared the results with the consensus of the participating labs. For the autoimmune liver diseases and AIG, respectively, 64 and 36 samples were tested. For anti-mitochondrial and anti-smooth muscle antibodies a concordance rate of 97% and 88% was observed, respectively. The concordance rate for anti-parietal cell antibodies was 92% when samples without EQC consensus (n=15) were excluded. For antibodies against intrinsic factor a concordance of 96% was observed. For all these antibodies discrepancies were identified that relate to the different test characteristics and the preponderance of IIF utilizing labs in the EQC program. In conclusion, we observed good agreement of the tested DIA blots with the consensus results of the Dutch EQC program. Taken together with the logistic advantages these blots are a good alternative for autoantibody detection in the respective diseases. A large prospective multicenter study is warranted to position these novel tests further in the whole spectrum of assays for the detection of these antibodies in a routine autoimmune laboratory. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Developing a Virtual Reality-Based Vocational Rehabilitation Training Program for Patients with Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Sohn, Bo Kyung; Hwang, Jae Yeon; Park, Su Mi; Choi, Jung-Seok; Lee, Jun-Young; Lee, Ji Yeuon; Jung, Hee-Yeon

2016-11-01

Maintaining employment is difficult for patients with schizophrenia because of deterioration of psychosocial and cognitive functions. Such patients usually require vocational rehabilitation training, which is both demanding and costly. In this study, we developed a virtual reality-based vocational rehabilitation training program (VR-VRTP) for such patients and evaluated its feasibility as an alternative to traditional rehabilitation programs. We developed the VR-VRTP to include various situations commonly encountered in two types of occupations: convenience store employee and supermarket clerk. We developed practical situations, as well as a system for providing feedback, to ensure patients would not lose interest during training. Nine participants each performed the VR-VRTP repeatedly per week for a total of 8 weeks. At baseline and after training, all participants were evaluated using the following clinical and neuropsychological tests: Manchester Scale, Clinical Global Impression, Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Zung Depression Rating Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT), and Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). After training, patient scores improved on the PSP, general symptoms on the Manchester Scale, AVLT, and delayed recall on the RCFT. The Manchester positive symptom score showed a trend of improvement. No significant changes were observed for other measures. The VR-VRTP may improve general psychosocial function and memory, potentially influencing real-world vocational performance. These findings provide preliminary evidence regarding the utility of the VR-VRTP in patients with schizophrenia.

Chlamydia screening strategies and outcomes in educational settings: a systematic review.

PubMed

Jamil, Muhammad Shahid; Bauer, Heidi M; Hocking, Jane S; Ali, Hammad; Wand, Handan; Walker, Jennifer; Douglas, Laura; Donovan, Basil; Kaldor, John M; Guy, Rebecca J

2014-03-01

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) screening programs have been established in educational settings in many countries during the past 2 decades. However, recent evidence suggests that high uptake of screening and management (treatment, partner notification, and retesting for reinfection) improves program effectiveness. We conducted a systematic review to understand the screening strategies, the extent of screening conducted, and uptake of management strategies in educational settings. Screening studies in educational settings were identified through a systematic search of published literature from 2005 to 2011. We identified 27 studies describing 30 screening programs in the United States/Canada (n = 10), Europe (n = 8), Australia/New Zealand (n = 5), and Asia (n = 4). Most studies targeted both male and female students (74%). Classroom-based strategies resulted in 21,117 testes overall (4 programs), followed by opportunistic screening during routine health examination (n = 13,470; 5 programs) and opportunistic screening at school-based health centers (n = 13,006; 5 programs). The overall median CT positivity was 4.7% (range, 1.3%-18.1%). Only 5 programs reported treatment rates (median, 100%; range, 86%-100%), 1 partner notification rate (71%), 1 retesting rate within a year of an initial CT diagnosis (47%), and 2 reported repeat positivity rates (21.1% and 26.3%). In conclusion, this systematic review shows that a variety of strategies have been used to screen large numbers of students in educational settings; however, only a few studies have reported CT management outcomes.

A performance comparison of the Cray-2 and the Cray X-MP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmickley, Ronald; Bailey, David H.

1986-01-01

A suite of thirteen large Fortran benchmark codes were run on Cray-2 and Cray X-MP supercomputers. These codes were a mix of compute-intensive scientific application programs (mostly Computational Fluid Dynamics) and some special vectorized computation exercise programs. For the general class of programs tested on the Cray-2, most of which were not specially tuned for speed, the floating point operation rates varied under a variety of system load configurations from 40 percent up to 125 percent of X-MP performance rates. It is concluded that the Cray-2, in the original system configuration studied (without memory pseudo-banking) will run untuned Fortran code, on average, about 70 percent of X-MP speeds.

Unintended adverse consequences of electronic health record introduction to a mature universal HIV screening program.

PubMed

Medford-Davis, Laura N; Yang, Katharine; Pasalar, Siavash; Pillow, M Tyson; Miertschin, Nancy P; Peacock, William F; Giordano, Thomas P; Hoxhaj, Shkelzen

2016-01-01

Early HIV detection and treatment decreases morbidity and mortality and reduces high-risk behaviors. Many Emergency Departments (EDs) have HIV screening programs as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recent federal legislation includes incentives for electronic health record (EHR) adoption. Our objective was to analyze the impact of conversion to EHR on a mature ED-based HIV screening program. A retrospective pre- and post-EHR implementation cohort study was conducted in a large urban, academic ED. Medical records were reviewed for HIV screening rates from August 2008 through October 2013. On 1 November 2010, a comprehensive EHR system was implemented throughout the hospital. Before EHR implementation, labs were requested by providers by paper orders with HIV-1/2 automatically pre-selected on every form. This universal ordering protocol was not duplicated in the new EHR; rather it required a provider to manually enter the order. Using a chi-squared test, we compared HIV testing in the 6 months before and after EHR implementation; 55,054 patients presented before, and 50,576 after EHR implementation. Age, sex, race, acuity of presenting condition, and HIV seropositivity rates were similar pre- and post-EHR, and there were no major patient or provider changes during this period. Average HIV testing rate was 37.7% of all ED patients pre-, and 22.3% post-EHR, a 41% decline (p < 0.0001), leading to 167 missed new diagnoses after EHR. The rate of HIV screening in the ED decreased after EHR implementation, and could have been improved with more thoughtful inclusion of existing human processes in its design.

The feasibility of a telephone coaching program on heart failure home management for family caregivers

PubMed Central

Piamjariyakul, Ubolrat; Smith, Carol E.; Russell, Christy; Werkowitch, Marilyn; Elyachar, Andrea

2012-01-01

Objectives To test the feasibility of delivery and evaluate the helpfulness of a coaching heart failure (HF) home management program for family caregivers. Background The few available studies on providing instruction for family caregivers are limited in content for managing HF home care and guidance for program implementation. Method This pilot study employed a mixed methods design. The measures of caregiver burden, confidence, and preparedness were compared at baseline and 3 months post-intervention. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize program costs and demographic data. Content analysis research methods were used to evaluate program feasibility and helpfulness. Results Caregiver (n=10) burden scores were significantly reduced and raw scores of confidence and preparedness for HF home management improved 3 months after the intervention. Content analyses of nurse and caregiver post-intervention data found caregivers rated the program as helpful and described how they initiated HF management skills based on the program. Conclusion The program was feasible to implement. These results suggest the coaching program should be further tested with a larger sample size to evaluate its efficacy. PMID:23116654

Human Rating the Orion Parachute System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Machin, Ricardo A.; Fisher, Timothy E.; Evans, Carol T.; Stewart, Christine E.

2011-01-01

Human rating begins with design. Converging on the requirements and identifying the risks as early as possible in the design process is essential. Understanding of the interaction between the recovery system and the spacecraft will in large part dictate the achievable reliability of the final design. Component and complete system full-scale flight testing is critical to assure a realistic evaluation of the performance and reliability of the parachute system. However, because testing is so often difficult and expensive, comprehensive analysis of test results and correlation to accurate modeling completes the human rating process. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Orion program uses parachutes to stabilize and decelerate the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) spacecraft during subsonic flight in order to deliver a safe water landing. This paper describes the approach that CEV Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) will take to human rate the parachute recovery system for the CEV.

Nationwide cervical cancer screening in Korea: data from the National Health Insurance Service Cancer Screening Program and National Cancer Screening Program, 2009-2014.

PubMed

Shim, Seung Hyuk; Kim, Hyeongsu; Sohn, In Sook; Hwang, Han Sung; Kwon, Han Sung; Lee, Sun Joo; Lee, Ji Young; Kim, Soo Nyung; Lee, Kunsei; Chang, Sounghoon

2017-09-01

The rates of participation in the Korean nationwide cervical cancer screening program and the rates of abnormal test results were determined. The database of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) was used during the study period (2009-2014). The participation rate increased from 41.10% in 2009 to 51.52% in 2014 (annual percentage change, 4.126%; 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.253-6.034). During the study period, women ≥70 years of age had the lowest rate of participation (range, 21.7%-31.9%) and those 30-39 years of age the second-lowest (27.7%-44.9%). The participation rates of National Health Insurance beneficiaries (range, 48.6%-52.5%) were higher than those of Medical Aid Program (MAP) recipients (29.6%-33.2%). The rates of abnormal results were 0.65% in 2009 and 0.52% in 2014, with a decreasing tendency in all age groups except the youngest (30-39 years). Every year the abnormal result rates tended to decrease with age, from the age groups of 30-39 years to 60-69 years but increased in women ≥70 years of age. The ratio of patients with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance compared with those with squamous intraepithelial lesions increased from 2.71 in 2009 to 4.91 in 2014. Differences related to age and occurring over time were found in the rates of participation and abnormal results. Further efforts are needed to encourage participation in cervical cancer screening, especially for MAP recipients, elderly women and women 30-39 years of age. Quality control measures for cervical cancer screening programs should be enforced consistently. Copyright © 2017. Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology

Web-based training on weapons of mass destruction response for emergency medical services personnel.

PubMed

Gershon, Robyn R M; Canton, Allison N; Magda, Lori A; DiMaggio, Charles; Gonzalez, Dario; Dul, Mitchell W

2009-01-01

To develop, implement, and assess a web-based simulation training program for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel on recognition and treatment of ocular injuries resulting from weapons of mass destruction (WMD) attacks. The training program consisted of six modules: WMD knowledge and event detection, ocular anatomy, ocular first aid (ie, flushing, cupping, and patching), and three WMD simulations (ie, sarin gas release, anthrax release, and radioactive dispersal device). Pretest, post-test, and 1-month follow-up test and a program evaluation were used to measure knowledge gain and retention and to assess the effectiveness of the program. New York State EMS. Four hundred and sixty-four individuals participated in the training program and all waves of the testing (86 percent retention rate). The effectiveness of the training intervention was measured using pretest and post-test questionnaires and analyzed using dependent t-tests. Assessment scores for overall knowledge increased from the pretest (mean = 15.7, standard deviation [SD] = 2.1) to the post-test (mean = 17.8, SD = 1.3), p < 0.001, and from pretest (mean = 15.7, SD = 2.1) to 1-month follow-up test (mean = 16.6, SD = 2.0), p < 0.001. Ninety-two percent of respondents indicated that the program reinforced understanding of WMDs. This training method provides an effective and low-cost approach to educate and evaluate EMS personnel on emergency treatment of eye trauma associated with the use of WMD. Online training should also be supplemented with hands-on practice and refresher trainings.

Comparing trends in cancer rates across overlapping regions.

PubMed

Li, Yi; Tiwari, Ram C

2008-12-01

Monitoring and comparing trends in cancer rates across geographic regions or over different time periods have been major tasks of the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program as it profiles healthcare quality as well as decides healthcare resource allocations within a spatial-temporal framework. A fundamental difficulty, however, arises when such comparisons have to be made for regions or time intervals that overlap, for example, comparing the change in trends of mortality rates in a local area (e.g., the mortality rate of breast cancer in California) with a more global level (i.e., the national mortality rate of breast cancer). In view of sparsity of available methodologies, this article develops a simple corrected Z-test that accounts for such overlapping. The performance of the proposed test over the two-sample "pooled"t-test that assumes independence across comparison groups is assessed via the Pitman asymptotic relative efficiency as well as Monte Carlo simulations and applications to the SEER cancer data. The proposed test will be important for the SEER * STAT software, maintained by the NCI, for the analysis of the SEER data.

Colorectal cancer screening: An updated review of the available options.

PubMed

Issa, Iyad A; Noureddine, Malak

2017-07-28

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, colon cancer incidence and mortality is declining over the past decade owing to adoption of effective screening programs. Nevertheless, in some parts of the world, CRC incidence and mortality remain on the rise, likely due to factors including "westernized" diet, lifestyle, and lack of health-care infrastructure and resources. Participation and adherence to different national screening programs remain obstacles limiting the achievement of screening goals. Different modalities are available ranging from stool based tests to radiology and endoscopy with varying sensitivity and specificity. However, the availability of these tests is limited to areas with high economic resources. Recently, FDA approved a blood-based test (Epi procolon ® ) for CRC screening. This blood based test may serve to increase the participation and adherence rates. Hence, leading to increase in colon cancer detection and prevention. This article will discuss various CRC screening tests with a particular focus on the data regarding the new approved blood test. Finally, we will propose an algorithm for a simple cost-effective CRC screening program.

Colorectal cancer screening: An updated review of the available options

PubMed Central

Issa, Iyad A; Noureddine, Malak

2017-01-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, colon cancer incidence and mortality is declining over the past decade owing to adoption of effective screening programs. Nevertheless, in some parts of the world, CRC incidence and mortality remain on the rise, likely due to factors including “westernized” diet, lifestyle, and lack of health-care infrastructure and resources. Participation and adherence to different national screening programs remain obstacles limiting the achievement of screening goals. Different modalities are available ranging from stool based tests to radiology and endoscopy with varying sensitivity and specificity. However, the availability of these tests is limited to areas with high economic resources. Recently, FDA approved a blood-based test (Epi procolon®) for CRC screening. This blood based test may serve to increase the participation and adherence rates. Hence, leading to increase in colon cancer detection and prevention. This article will discuss various CRC screening tests with a particular focus on the data regarding the new approved blood test. Finally, we will propose an algorithm for a simple cost-effective CRC screening program. PMID:28811705

Siblings are special: initial test of a new approach for preventing youth behavior problems.

PubMed

Feinberg, Mark E; Solmeyer, Anna R; Hostetler, Michelle L; Sakuma, Kari-Lyn; Jones, Damon; McHale, Susan M

2013-08-01

A growing body of research documents the significance of siblings and sibling relationships for development, mental health, and behavioral risk across childhood and adolescence. Nonetheless, few well-designed efforts have been undertaken to promote positive and reduce negative youth outcomes by enhancing sibling relationships. Based on a theoretical model of sibling influences, we conducted a randomized trial of Siblings Are Special (SIBS), a group-format afterschool program for fifth graders with a younger sibling in second through fourth grades, which entailed 12 weekly afterschool sessions and three Family Nights. We tested program efficacy with a pre- and post-test design with 174 families randomly assigned to condition. In home visits at both time points, we collected data via parent questionnaires, child interviews, and observer-rated videotaped interactions and teachers rated children's behavior at school. The program enhanced positive sibling relationships, appropriate strategies for parenting siblings, and child self-control, social competence, and academic performance; program exposure was also associated with reduced maternal depression and child internalizing problems. Results were robust across the sample, not qualified by sibling gender, age, family demographics, or baseline risk. No effects were found for sibling conflict, collusion, or child externalizing problems; we will examine follow-up data to determine if short-term impacts lead to reduced negative behaviors over time. The breadth of the SIBS program's impact is consistent with research suggesting that siblings are an important influence on development and adjustment and supports our argument that a sibling focus should be incorporated into youth and family-oriented prevention programs. Copyright © 2013 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Edge delamination of composite laminates subject to combined tension and torsional loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hooper, Steven J.

1990-01-01

Delamination is a common failure mode of laminated composite materials. Edge delamination is important since it results in reduced stiffness and strength of the laminate. The tension/torsion load condition is of particular significance to the structural integrity of composite helicopter rotor systems. Material coupons can easily be tested under this type of loading in servo-hydraulic tension/torsion test stands using techniques very similar to those used for the Edge Delamination Tensile Test (EDT) delamination specimen. Edge delamination of specimens loaded in tension was successfully analyzed by several investigators using both classical laminate theory and quasi-three dimensional (Q3D) finite element techniques. The former analysis technique can be used to predict the total strain energy release rate, while the latter technique enables the calculation of the mixed-mode strain energy release rates. The Q3D analysis is very efficient since it produces a three-dimensional solution to a two-dimensional domain. A computer program was developed which generates PATRAN commands to generate the finite element model. PATRAN is a pre- and post-processor which is commonly used with a variety of finite element programs such as MCS/NASTRAN. The program creates a sufficiently dense mesh at the delamination crack tips to support a mixed-mode fracture mechanics analysis. The program creates a coarse mesh in those regions where the gradients in the stress field are low (away from the delamination regions). A transition mesh is defined between these regions. This program is capable of generating a mesh for an arbitrarily oriented matrix crack. This program significantly reduces the modeling time required to generate these finite element meshes, thus providing a realistic tool with which to investigate the tension torsion problem.

Fitness for duty in the nuclear power industry

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

Murphy, S.; Fleming, T.; Westra, C.

This report summarizes the data from the semi-annual reports on fitness-for-duty programs submitted to the NRC by 52 utilities for two reporting periods: January 1, 1991 to June 30,1991, and from July 1, 1991, to December 31, 1991. During 1991, licensees reported that they had conducted 262,597 tests for the presence of illegal drugs and alcohol. Of these tests, 1,722 (.66%) were confirmed positive. Positive test results varied by category of test and category of worker. The majority of positive test results (983) were obtained through pre-access testing. Of tests conducted on workers having access to the protected area, theremore » were 510 positive tests from random testing and 167 positive tests from forcause testing. Follow-up testing of workers who had previously tested positive resulted in 62 positive tests. Forcause testing resulted in the highest percentage of positive tests; about 23 percent of forcause tests were positive. This compares to a positive test rate of .94 percent of preaccess tests and .33 percent of random tests. Positive test rates also varied by category of worker. Overall, short-term contractor personnel had the highest positive test rate at .98 percent. licensee employees and long-term contractors had lower positive test rates (33% and .56%, respectively). Of the substances tested, marijuana was responsible for the highest percentage (42.3%) of positive test results, followed by cocaine (31.2%) and alcohol (22.8%). Positive test results are also reported for NRC administrative regions, for plants experiencing or not experiencing an outage during a six-month period; and for plants located in areas with different rates of population density, crime, and drug and alcohol use. A comparison of positive test results in 1991 with those found in 1990 found a decrease in the positive test rate for each category of test and worker.« less

NICMOS Cycles 13 and 14 Calibration Plans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arribas, Santiago; Bergeron, Eddie; de Jong, Roeof; Malhotra, Sangeeta; Mobasher, Bahram; Noll, Keith; Schultz, Al; Wiklind, Tommy; Xu, Chun

2005-11-01

This document summarizes the NICMOS Calibration Plans for Cycles 13 and 14. These plans complement the SMOV3b, the Cycle 10 (interim), and the Cycles 11 and 12 (regular) calibration programs executed after the installation of the NICMOS Cooling System (NCS).. These previous programs have shown that the instrument is very stable, which has motivated a further reduction in the frequency of the monitoring programs for Cycle 13. In addition, for Cycle 14 some of these programs were slightly modified to account for 2 Gyro HST operations. The special calibrations on Cycle 13 were focussed on a follow up of the spectroscopic recalibration initiated in Cycle 12. This program led to the discovery of a possible count rate non-linearity, which has triggered a special program for Cycle 13 and a number of subsequent tests and calibrations during Cycle 14. At the time of writing this is a very active area of research. We also briefly comment on other calibrations defined to address other specific issues like: the autoreset test, the SPAR sequences tests, and the low-frequency flat residual for NIC1. The calibration programs for the 2-Gyro campaigns are not included here, since they have been described somewhere else. Further details and updates on specific programs can be found via the NICMOS web site.

Quantifying the effect of a community-based injury prevention program in Queensland using a generalized estimating equation approach.

PubMed

Yorkston, Emily; Turner, Catherine; Schluter, Philip J; McClure, Rod

2007-06-01

To develop a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model of childhood injury rates to quantify the effectiveness of a community-based injury prevention program implemented in 2 communities in Australia, in order to contribute to the discussion of community-based injury prevention program evaluation. An ecological study was conducted comparing injury rates in two intervention communities in rural and remote Queensland, Australia, with those of 16 control regions. A model of childhood injury was built using hospitalization injury rate data from 1 July 1991 to 30 June 2005 and 16 social variables. The model was built using GEE analysis and was used to estimate parameters and to test the effectiveness of the intervention. When social variables were controlled for, the intervention was associated with a decrease of 0.09 injuries/10,000 children aged 0-4 years (95% CI -0.29 to 0.11) in logarithmically transformed injury rates; however, this decrease was not significant (p = 0.36). The evaluation methods proposed in this study provide a way of determining the effectiveness of a community-based injury prevention program while considering the effect of baseline differences and secular changes in social variables.

Testing techniques for determining static mechanical properties of Pneumatic tires

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodge, R. N.; Larson, R. B.; Clark, S. K.; Nybakken, G. H.

1974-01-01

Fore-aft, lateral, and vertical spring rates of model and full-scale pneumatic tires were evaluated by testing techniques generally employed by industry and various testing groups. The purpose of this experimental program was to investigate what effects the different testing techniques have on the measured values of these important static tire mechanical properties. The testing techniques included both incremental and continuous loadings applied at various rates over half, full, and repeated cycles. Of the three properties evaluated, the fore-aft stiffness was demonstrated to be the most affected by the different testing techniques used to obtain it. Appreciable differences in the fore-aft spring rates occurred using both the increment- and continuous-loading techniques; however, the most significant effect was attributed to variations in the size of the fore-aft force loop. The dependence of lateral stiffness values on testing techniques followed the same trends as that for fore-aft stiffness, except to a lesser degree. Vertical stiffness values were found to be nearly independent of testing procedures if the nonlinear portion of the vertical force-deflection curves is avoided.

Effect of heating rate on toxicity of pyrolysis gases from some elastomers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hilado, C. J.; Kosola, K. L.; Solis, A. N.

1977-01-01

The effect of heating rate on the toxicity of the pyrolysis gases from six elastomers was investigated, using a screening test method. The elastomers were polyisoprene (natural rubber), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM), acrylonitrile rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, and polychloroprene. The rising temperature and fixed temperature programs produced exactly the same rank order of materials based on time to death. Acrylonitrile rubber exhibited the greatest toxicity under these test conditions, and carbon monoxide was not found in sufficient concentrations to be the primary cause of death.

Chronic kidney disease management program in Shahreza, Iran.

PubMed

Barahimi, Hamid; Aghighi, Mohammad; Aghayani, Katayon; Rahimi Foroushani, Abbas

2014-11-01

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem that needs an integrated program to be detected, monitored, and controlled. This study reports the results of a CKD program designed and implemented in Shahreza, Iran. After initial evaluation of CKD in Shahreza, a CKD management program was developed in the Ministry of Health and the pilot project was started in February 2011 in Shahreza rural areas. The patients at risk, including those with diabetes mellitus and hypertension, were tested with serum creatinine and urine albumin-creatinine ratio. The CKD management program included training, screening, monitoring, and controlling of weight, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lipids, and vitamin D. This pilot program was organized in the rural population aged over 30 years who were suffering from hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or both, and resulted in the discovery of cases in various stages of CKD. The prevalence of CKD in this high-risk group was 21.5%. Persistent albuminuria and a glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) were 13% and 11%, respectively. The rate of CKD stages 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4, and 5 were 2.75%, 6.82%, 10.08%, 0.92%, 0.31%, and 0.17% respectively. After 1 year of the program implemented, incidence rate of CKD was 24% and improvement rate was 21%. In diabetic patients, the mean of hemoglobin A1c decreased from 8.5 ± 1.9% to 7.5% ± 1.8%. Integration of CKD programs in primary health care is possible and results in improvement in management of CKD patients.

Synthesis of active controls for flutter suppression on a flight research wing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abel, I.; Perry, B., III; Murrow, H. N.

1977-01-01

This paper describes some activities associated with the preliminary design of an active control system for flutter suppression capable of demonstrating a 20% increase in flutter velocity. Results from two control system synthesis techniques are given. One technique uses classical control theory, and the other uses an 'aerodynamic energy method' where control surface rates or displacements are minimized. Analytical methods used to synthesize the control systems and evaluate their performance are described. Some aspects of a program for flight testing the active control system are also given. This program, called DAST (Drones for Aerodynamics and Structural Testing), employs modified drone-type vehicles for flight assessments and validation testing.

Analytical model of flame spread in full-scale room/corner tests (ISO9705)

Treesearch

Mark Dietenberger; Ondrej Grexa

1999-01-01

A physical, yet analytical, model of fire growth has predicted flame spread and rate of heat release (RHR) for an ISO9705 test scenario using bench-scale data from the cone calorimeter. The test scenario simulated was the propane ignition burner at the comer with a 100/300 kW program and the specimen lined on the walls only. Four phases of fire growth were simulated....

WWC Quick Review of the Article "Outcomes of a Prospective Trial of Student-Athlete Drug Testing: The Student Athlete Testing Using Random Notification ('SATURN') Study"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2008

2008-01-01

This study examines whether the Student Athlete Testing Using Random Notification ("SATURN") program affects illicit drug and alcohol use among student athletes. The study experienced high rates of sample attrition. Seven of the 18 study schools (39%) left the study and were not included in the analysis. Some students at the remaining…

Review and Recommendations for the Interagency Ship Structure Committee’s Fiscal 1980 Research Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-03-01

fracture-toughness tests and material performance in ships. Fracture criteria remains a field that resists satisfactory quantification, yet it is a...identical conditions of temperature, loading rate, and test material . Specimen configurations (e.g. bend and tensile), specimen dimensions, load train...compliance, and material characteristics should be systematically varied. In each test the specimen should be unloaded immediately after pop- in and the

"To Whom It May Concern": A Study on the Use of Lexical Bundles in Email Writing Tasks in an English Proficiency Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Zhi; Volkov, Alex

2017-01-01

Lexical bundles are worthy of attention in both teaching and testing writing as they function as basic building blocks of discourse. This corpus-based study focuses on the rated writing responses to the email tasks in the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program® General test (CELPIP-General) and explores the extent to which lexical…

Screening health care workers with interferon-γ release assay versus tuberculin skin test: impact on costs and adherence to testing (the SWITCH study).

PubMed

Wrighton-Smith, Peter; Sneed, Laurie; Humphrey, Frances; Tao, Xuguang; Bernacki, Edward

2012-07-01

To determine the price point at which an interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) is less costly than a tuberculin skin test (TST) for health care employee tuberculosis screening. A multidecision tree-based cost model incorporating inputs gathered from time-motion studies and parallel testing by IGRA and TST was conducted in a subset of our employees. Administering a TST testing program costs $73.20 per person screened, $90.80 per new hire, and $63.42 per annual screen. Use of an IGRA for employee health testing is cost saving at an IGRA test cost of $54.83 or less per test and resulted in higher completion rates because of the elimination of the need for a second visit to interpret the TST. Using an IGRA for employee health screening can be an institutional cost saving and results in higher compliance rates.

77 FR 1591 - Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Automatic Commercial Ice Makers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-11

.... Establishment of a Metric for Potable Water Used to Produce Ice 6. Standardization of Water Hardness for Measurement of Potable Water Used in Making Ice 7. Testing of Batch Type Ice Makers at the Highest Purge..., AHRI Standard 810 with Addendum 1. This addendum revised the definition of ``potable water use rate...

Test Methods for Telemetry Systems and Subsystems. Volume 5: Test Methods for Digital Recorder/Reproducer Systems and Recorder Memory Modules

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-26

serial communications program ( Hyper terminal) Configure METS for PCM 1 Mbps and MIL-STD-1553 10-Hz rate 4 Configure the host software to...Verify recorder stopped 44 Issue . LOOP . Verify recorder goes into record and play in read after write mode 45 Issue .STOP, Verify recorder

76 FR 31951 - Energy Conservation Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Decision and Order...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-02

... specific to the Carrier Super Modular Multi-System (SMMSi) variable refrigerant flow (VRF) multi-split... in this notice to test and rate its SMMSi VRF multi-split commercial heat pumps. DATES: This Decision... its SMMSi VRF multi-split products. Carrier must use the alternate test procedure provided in this...

7 CFR 91.38 - Additional fees for appeal of analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Additional fees for appeal of analysis. 91.38 Section... LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and Charges § 91.38 Additional fees for appeal of analysis. (a) The applicant for appeal sample testing will be charged a fee at the hourly rate...

7 CFR 91.38 - Additional fees for appeal of analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Additional fees for appeal of analysis. 91.38 Section... LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Fees and Charges § 91.38 Additional fees for appeal of analysis. (a) The applicant for appeal sample testing will be charged a fee at the hourly rate...

Oxford International Conference on the Mechanical Properties of Materials at High Rates of Strain (4th) Held in Oxford, United Kingdom on 19-22 March 1989

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-22

models are used in the computer program EPIC2 to describe the structural response in the cylinder impact test are compared and the differences are...Inc. 8600 Le Salle Road Suite 614, Oxford Building Towson, Maryland 21204 This paper describes the development and application of a computer program ...performed using a dynamic viscoplastic finite element computer program . The resolution of the procedure has been investigated by obtaining replicate

Predictors of web-based follow-up response in the Prevention of Low Back Pain in the Military Trial (POLM)

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Achieving adequate follow-up in clinical trials is essential to establish the validity of the findings. Achieving adequate response rates reduces bias and increases probability that the findings can be generalized to the population of interest. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the influence of attention, demographic, psychological, and health status factors on web-based response rates in the ongoing Prevention of Low Back Pain in the Military (POLM) trial. Methods Twenty companies of Soldiers (n = 4,325) were cluster randomized to complete a traditional exercise program including sit-ups (TEP) with or without a psychosocial educational program (PSEP) or a core stabilization exercise program (CSEP) with or without PSEP. A subgroup of Soldiers (n = 371) was randomized to receive an additional physical and ultrasound imaging (USI) examination of key trunk musculature. As part of the surveillance program, all Soldiers were encouraged to complete monthly surveys via email during the first year. Descriptive statistics of the predictor variables were obtained and compared between responders and non-responders using two sample t-tests or chi-square test, as appropriate. Generalized linear mixed models were subsequently fitted for the dichotomous outcomes to estimate the effects of the predictor variables. The significance level was set at .05 a priori. Results The overall response rate was 18.9% (811 subjects) for the first year. Responders were more likely to be older, Caucasian, have higher levels of education and income, reservist military status, non smoker, lower BMI, and have received individualized attention via the physical/USI examination (p < .05). Age, race/ethnicity, education, military status, smoking history, BMI, and whether a Soldier received the physical/USI examination remained statistically significant (p < .05) when considered in a full multivariate model. Conclusion The overall web based response rate during the first year of the POLM trial was consistent with studies that used similar methodology, but lower when compared to rates expected for standard clinical trials. One year response rate was significantly associated with demographic characteristics, health status, and individualized attention via additional testing. These data may assist for planning of future trials that use web based response systems. Trial Registration This study has been registered at reports at http://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00373009). PMID:21668961

Testing the interspecific body size principle in ungulates: the smaller they come, the harder they groom.

PubMed

Mooring; Benjamin; Harte; Herzog

2000-07-01

Tick removal grooming may be centrally regulated by an internal timing mechanism operating to remove ticks before they attach and engorge (programmed grooming model) and/or evoked by cutaneous stimulation from tick bites (stimulus-driven model). The programmed grooming model predicts that organismic and environmental factors that impact the cost-benefit ratio of grooming (e.g. body size and habitat) will influence the rate of tick removal grooming. The body size principle predicts that smaller-sized animals, because of their greater surface-to-mass ratio, should engage in more frequent tick removal grooming than larger-bodied animals in order to compensate for higher costs of tick infestation. The body size principle may be tested intraspecifically between young and adult animals, or interspecifically among species of contrasting body sizes. To rigorously test the interspecific body size prediction, we observed the programmed grooming (oral and scratch grooming) of 25 species (or subspecies) of bovids at a tick-free zoological park in which stimulus-driven grooming was ruled out. Multiple correlation analysis revealed highly significant negative correlations between species-typical mass and mean species grooming rates when habitat was controlled for in the model. Species-typical habitat type (classified along a gradient from most open to most closed) was positively correlated with mean oral grooming rate, indicating that species tended to groom at a higher rate in woodland and forest habitats (where typical tick density would be high) compared with more open environments. Species mass accounted for up to two-thirds of the variation in grooming rate across species, whereas habitat accounted for ca. 20% of variation in oral grooming. Similar results were obtained when the analysis was expanded to include 36 species/subspecies of six different families. The body size principle can therefore account for a large proportion of species-typical differences in programmed grooming rate among ungulates. However, to understand the tick defence adaptations of very large mammals that rarely or never engage in oral or scratch grooming (e.g. elephants, giraffes, rhinoceros), alternative tick defence strategies must be considered, such as thick skin, wallowing, rubbing and tolerance of oxpeckers and other tick-eating birds. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.

Impacts of a government-sponsored outpatient-based disease management program for patients with asthma: a preliminary analysis of national data from Taiwan.

PubMed

Weng, Hui-Ching

2005-02-01

In response to the high prevalence rates, mortality rates, and rising medical cost of asthma, the Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI) initiated a Healthcare Quality Improvement Program (HQIP) for people with asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate a preliminary analysis of the impact of a government-sponsored, outpatient-based disease management programs for people with asthma on the economic outcomes, the physician's and the patient's satisfaction. Using a retrospective design, a 1:4 (intervention vs. control group) matched cohort study design was used. Comparison of 1-year pre/post tests of utilizations of healthcare resources were conducted for 854 already diagnosed cases of patients with asthma. Comparison of independent tests between the intervention group and control group were performed for already diagnosed cases (n = 854) and newly-diagnosed cases (n = 231). Valid surveys were received from 212 physicians who participated the program, for a response rate of 46.0%, and 642 patients who enrolled in the program, for a response rate of 27.70%. Results indicated that the intervention group of already diagnosed cases had 39.94% fewer ED visits, 46.31% fewer inpatient visits, and 51.74% shorter length of stay, at a significant level. Though the HQIP program for people with asthma appeared to reduce medical care resource utilization for the intervention group, the control groups showed similar reductions but in different magnitude. For the newly diagnosed group, the intervention group had 197.43% more outpatient visits and 61.19% fewer ED visits of than those of the control group at a significant level. A majority of physicians (70%-85%) had positive opinions toward the HQIP program, but they admitted that the HQIP program prolonged the consultation time in outpatient visits (79.1%), and only 29.7% physicians did not feel interfered with while carrying out the HQIP. More than 80% of the patients showed positive feedback to the HQIP. The majority of the patients substantially adhered to physicians' suggestions, and had more accurate knowledge of and better self-care skills concerning asthma. These results have significance for the design of future programs aimed at improving the care of people with asthma and other chronic diseases in BNHI, Taiwan.

Results from Testing of Two Rotary Percussive Drilling Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kriechbaum, Kristopher; Brown, Kyle; Cady, Ian; von der Heydt, Max; Klein, Kerry; Kulczycki, Eric; Okon, Avi

2010-01-01

The developmental test program for the MSL (Mars Science Laboratory) rotary percussive drill examined the e ect of various drill input parameters on the drill pene- tration rate. Some of the input parameters tested were drill angle with respect to gravity and percussive impact energy. The suite of rocks tested ranged from a high strength basalt to soft Kaolinite clay. We developed a hole start routine to reduce high sideloads from bit walk. The ongoing development test program for the IMSAH (Integrated Mars Sample Acquisition and Handling) rotary percussive corer uses many of the same rocks as the MSL suite. An additional performance parameter is core integrity. The MSL development test drill and the IMSAH test drill use similar hardware to provide rotation and percussion. However, the MSL test drill uses external stabilizers, while the IMSAH test drill does not have external stabilization. In addition the IMSAH drill is a core drill, while the MSL drill uses a solid powdering bit. Results from the testing of these two related drilling systems is examined.

Browndye: A software package for Brownian dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huber, Gary A.; McCammon, J. Andrew

2010-11-01

A new software package, Browndye, is presented for simulating the diffusional encounter of two large biological molecules. It can be used to estimate second-order rate constants and encounter probabilities, and to explore reaction trajectories. Browndye builds upon previous knowledge and algorithms from software packages such as UHBD, SDA, and Macrodox, while implementing algorithms that scale to larger systems. Program summaryProgram title: Browndye Catalogue identifier: AEGT_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEGT_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: MIT license, included in distribution No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 143 618 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 1 067 861 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: C++, OCaml ( http://caml.inria.fr/) Computer: PC, Workstation, Cluster Operating system: Linux Has the code been vectorised or parallelized?: Yes. Runs on multiple processors with shared memory using pthreads RAM: Depends linearly on size of physical system Classification: 3 External routines: uses the output of APBS [1] ( http://www.poissonboltzmann.org/apbs/) as input. APBS must be obtained and installed separately. Expat 2.0.1, CLAPACK, ocaml-expat, Mersenne Twister. These are included in the Browndye distribution. Nature of problem: Exploration and determination of rate constants of bimolecular interactions involving large biological molecules. Solution method: Brownian dynamics with electrostatic, excluded volume, van der Waals, and desolvation forces. Running time: Depends linearly on size of physical system and quadratically on precision of results. The included example executes in a few minutes.

Characteristics of Inpatient Units Associated With Sustained Hand Hygiene Compliance.

PubMed

Wolfe, Jonathan D; Domenico, Henry J; Hickson, Gerald B; Wang, Deede; Dubree, Marilyn; Feistritzer, Nancye; Wells, Nancy; Talbot, Thomas R

2018-04-20

Following institution of a hand hygiene (HH) program at an academic medical center, HH compliance increased from 58% to 92% for 3 years. Some inpatient units modeled early, sustained increases, and others exhibited protracted improvement rates. We examined the association between patterns of HH compliance improvement and unit characteristics. Adult inpatient units (N = 35) were categorized into the following three tiers based on their pattern of HH compliance: early adopters, nonsustained and late adopters, and laggards. Unit-based culture measures were collected, including nursing practice environment scores (National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators [NDNQI]), patient rated quality and teamwork (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider and Systems), patient complaint rates, case mix index, staff turnover rates, and patient volume. Associations between variables and the binary outcome of laggard (n = 18) versus nonlaggard (n = 17) were tested using a Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariate analysis was performed using an ordinal regression model. In direct comparison, laggard units had clinically relevant differences in NDNQI scores, Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider and Systems scores, case mix index, patient complaints, patient volume, and staff turnover. The results were not statistically significant. In the multivariate model, the predictor variables explained a significant proportion of the variability associated with laggard status, (R = 0.35, P = 0.0481) and identified NDNQI scores and patient complaints as statistically significant. Uptake of an HH program was associated with factors related to a unit's safety culture. In particular, NDNQI scores and patient complaint rates might be used to assist in identifying units that may require additional attention during implementation of an HH quality improvement program.

Impact of Implementation and Conduct of the HEALTHY Primary Prevention Trial on Student Performance

PubMed Central

Hernandez, Arthur E.; Marcus, Marsha D.; Hirst, Kathryn; Faith, Myles S.; Goldberg, Linn; Treviño, Roberto P.

2016-01-01

Purpose To determine whether a school-wide intervention program to reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D) affected student achievement, rates of disciplinary actions, and attendance rates. Design The HEALTHY primary prevention trial was designed to evaluate a comprehensive school-based intervention to reduce factors for T2D, especially overweight and obesity. Students were followed up from beginning of sixth grade (Fall 2006) through end of eighth grade (Spring 2009). Setting Forty-two middle schools at seven U.S. sites. Subjects Schools were randomized in equal numbers at each site to intervention (21 schools, 2307 students) or control (21 schools, 2296 students). Intervention An integrated school-wide program that focused on (1) foods and beverages, (2) physical education, (3) classroom-based behavior change and education, and (4) social marketing communication and promotional campaigns. Measures Aggregate (grade- and school-wide) test performance (passing rate), attendance, and referrals for disciplinary actions. Analysis Descriptive statistics and tests of intervention versus control using mixed linear models methods to adjust for the clustering of students within schools. Results There were no differences between intervention and control schools in test performance for mathematics (p = .7835) or reading (p = .6387), attendance (p = .5819), or referrals for disciplinary action (p = .8671). Conclusion The comprehensive HEALTHY intervention and associated research procedures did not negatively impact student achievement test scores, attendance, or referrals for disciplinary action. PMID:24200256

Impact of implementation and conduct of the HEALTHY primary prevention trial on student performance.

PubMed

Hernandez, Arthur E; Marcus, Marsha D; Hirst, Kathryn; Faith, Myles S; Goldberg, Linn; Treviño, Roberto P

2014-01-01

To determine whether a school-wide intervention program to reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D) affected student achievement, rates of disciplinary actions, and attendance rates. The HEALTHY primary prevention trial was designed to evaluate a comprehensive school-based intervention to reduce factors for T2D, especially overweight and obesity. Students were followed up from beginning of sixth grade (Fall 2006) through end of eighth grade (Spring 2009). Forty-two middle schools at seven U.S. sites. Schools were randomized in equal numbers at each site to intervention (21 schools, 2307 students) or control (21 schools, 2296 students). Intervention . An integrated school-wide program that focused on (1) foods and beverages, (2) physical education, (3) classroom-based behavior change and education, and (4) social marketing communication and promotional campaigns. Aggregate (grade- and school-wide) test performance (passing rate), attendance, and referrals for disciplinary actions. Descriptive statistics and tests of intervention versus control using mixed linear models methods to adjust for the clustering of students within schools. There were no differences between intervention and control schools in test performance for mathematics (p = .7835) or reading (p = .6387), attendance (p = .5819), or referrals for disciplinary action (p = .8671). The comprehensive HEALTHY intervention and associated research procedures did not negatively impact student achievement test scores, attendance, or referrals for disciplinary action.

Colon cancer in Chile before and after the start of the flour fortification program with folic acid.

PubMed

Hirsch, Sandra; Sanchez, Hugo; Albala, Cecilia; de la Maza, María Pía; Barrera, Gladys; Leiva, Laura; Bunout, Daniel

2009-04-01

Folate depletion is associated with an increased risk of colorectal carcinogenesis. A temporal association between folic acid fortification of enriched cereal grains and an increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in the USA and Canada has, however, been recently reported. To compare the rates of hospital discharges owing to colon cancer in Chile before and after the start of the mandatory flour fortification program with 220 microg of synthetic folic acid/100 g of wheat flour. Cancer and cardiovascular hospital discharge rates were compared using rate ratios between two study periods, 1992-1996, before folic acid fortification and 2001-2004, after the flour fortification with folic acid was established in the country. Standard errors of the log rate ratio to derive confidence intervals, and to test the null hypothesis of no difference, were calculated. The highest rate ratio between the two periods was for colon cancer in the group aged 45-64 years (rate ratio: 2.6, confidence interval: 99% 2.93-2.58) and in the 65-79 years (rate ratio: 2.9, confidence interval: 99% 3.25-2.86). Our data provide new evidence that a folate fortification program could be associated with an additional risk of colon cancer.

Preventive strength training improves working ergonomics during welding.

PubMed

Krüger, Karsten; Petermann, Carmen; Pilat, Christian; Schubert, Emil; Pons-Kühnemann, Jörn; Mooren, Frank C

2015-01-01

To investigate the effect of a preventive strength training program on cardiovascular, metabolic and muscular strains during welding. Welders are one of the occupation groups which typically have to work in extended forced postures which are known to be an important reason for musculoskeletal disorders. Subjects (exercise group) accomplished a 12-week strength training program, while another group served as controls (control group). Pre and post training examinations included the measurements of the one repetition maximum and an experimental welding test. Local muscle activities were analysed by surface electromyography. Furthermore, heart rate, blood pressure, lactate and rating of perceived exertion were examined. In the exercise group, strength training lead to a significant increase of one repetition maximum in all examined muscles (p<.05). During the experimental welding test muscle activities of trunk and shoulder muscles and arm muscles were significantly reduced in the exercise group after intervention (p<.05). While no changes of neither cardiovascular nor metabolic parameters were found, subjects of the exercise group rated a significantly decreased rate of perceived exertion welding (p<.05). Effects of strength training can be translated in an improved working ergonomics and tolerance against the exposure to high physical demands at work.

Artificial Neural Networks-Based Software for Measuring Heat Collection Rate and Heat Loss Coefficient of Water-in-Glass Evacuated Tube Solar Water Heaters.

PubMed

Liu, Zhijian; Liu, Kejun; Li, Hao; Zhang, Xinyu; Jin, Guangya; Cheng, Kewei

2015-01-01

Measurements of heat collection rate and heat loss coefficient are crucial for the evaluation of in service water-in-glass evacuated tube solar water heaters. However, conventional measurement requires expensive detection devices and undergoes a series of complicated procedures. To simplify the measurement and reduce the cost, software based on artificial neural networks for measuring heat collection rate and heat loss coefficient of water-in-glass evacuated tube solar water heaters was developed. Using multilayer feed-forward neural networks with back-propagation algorithm, we developed and tested our program on the basis of 915 measured samples of water-in-glass evacuated tube solar water heaters. This artificial neural networks-based software program automatically obtained accurate heat collection rate and heat loss coefficient using simply "portable test instruments" acquired parameters, including tube length, number of tubes, tube center distance, heat water mass in tank, collector area, angle between tubes and ground and final temperature. Our results show that this software (on both personal computer and Android platforms) is efficient and convenient to predict the heat collection rate and heat loss coefficient due to it slow root mean square errors in prediction. The software now can be downloaded from http://t.cn/RLPKF08.

The Mice in Council: An Acquisition Fable

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

ground defensive systems to air defensive systems.” Everyone cheered because the mouse industrial base could now compete favorably with the cows ... dairy industry and the chickens’ egg industry. The program manager directed that full-rate production begin. The mouse factories churned out bells...to the cows . Moral Contracting, logistics, engineering, budgeting, testing, finan- cial and program management cannot make a product work. Unless you

Title I versus Non-Title I Students and Standardized Test Scores in a School District in Georgia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ross, Charles

2016-01-01

The Title I program was established to support students who were enrolled in schools that had high rates of children from low-income households. The program's goal was to provide supplemental services that would assist in raising the academic success of students in Title I schools so that they achieve comparable outcomes to children in Non-Title I…

Construction Equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1983-01-01

FMC Corporation conducts extensive proof lift tests and computerized analysis to insure that the cranes can lift rated capacity loads up to one million pounds in a wide range of applications. In their analysis work, engineers makes use of a computer program supplied by COSMIC. Called Analysis of Beam Columns, the program is used as part of the required analysis for determining bending moments, deflections and critical load for latticed crane booms.

School Improvement Grants: Early Implementation under Way, but Reforms Affected by Short Time Frames. Report to Congressional Requesters. GAO-11-741

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scott, George A.

2011-01-01

The School Improvement Grants (SIG) program, which was created in 2002, funds reforms in the country's lowest-performing schools with the goal of improving student outcomes, such as standardized test scores and graduation rates. Congress greatly increased SIG program funding from $125 million available in fiscal year 2007--the first year the…

Nicotine Dependence and Cost-Effectiveness of Individualized Support for Smoking Cessation: Evidence from Practice at a Worksite in Japan

PubMed Central

Nakamura, Koshi; Sakurai, Masaru; Miura, Katsuyuki; Morikawa, Yuko; Nagasawa, Shin-ya; Ishizaki, Masao; Kido, Teruhiko; Naruse, Yuchi; Suwazono, Yasushi; Nakagawa, Hideaki

2013-01-01

Given the lack of economic studies evaluating the outcomes of smoking cessation programs from the viewpoint of program sponsors, we conducted a case study to provide relevant information for worksites. The present study was carried out between 2006 and 2008 at a manufacturing factory in the Toyama Prefecture of Japan and included subjects who voluntarily entered a smoking cessation program. The program included face-to-face counselling followed by weekly contact to provide encouragement over six months using e-mail or inter-office mail. Nicotine patches were available if required. All 151 participants stopped smoking immediately. Over the 24-month study period, self-report showed 49.7% abstained continuously from smoking. The rate of 24-month consecutive abstinence was higher in participants with lower Fagerström Test scores for Nicotine Dependence at baseline than in those with higher scores (63.6% for 0–2 points vs. 46.5% for 3–6 points vs. 43.8% for 7–10 points; chi-square test p = 0.19). A logistic regression model showed a significant linear trend for the association between the score and abstinence status after adjustment for possible confounding factors (p = 0.03). The crude incremental cost for one individual to successfully quit smoking due to the support program was ¥46,379 (i.e., ¥100 = $1.28, £0.83, or €1.03 at foreign exchange rates). The corresponding costs for the three categories of the Fagerström Test score for Nicotine Dependence were ¥31,953, ¥47,450 and ¥64,956, respectively. When a sensitivity analysis was conducted based on the 95% confidence interval of the success rate, the variance in the corresponding costs was ¥25,514–45,034 for 0–2 points, ¥38,344–61,824 for 3–6 points, and ¥45,698–108,260 for 7–10 points. The degree of nicotine dependence may therefore be an important determinant of the cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation programs. PMID:23383289

Nicotine dependence and cost-effectiveness of individualized support for smoking cessation: evidence from practice at a worksite in Japan.

PubMed

Nakamura, Koshi; Sakurai, Masaru; Miura, Katsuyuki; Morikawa, Yuko; Nagasawa, Shin-ya; Ishizaki, Masao; Kido, Teruhiko; Naruse, Yuchi; Suwazono, Yasushi; Nakagawa, Hideaki

2013-01-01

Given the lack of economic studies evaluating the outcomes of smoking cessation programs from the viewpoint of program sponsors, we conducted a case study to provide relevant information for worksites. The present study was carried out between 2006 and 2008 at a manufacturing factory in the Toyama Prefecture of Japan and included subjects who voluntarily entered a smoking cessation program. The program included face-to-face counselling followed by weekly contact to provide encouragement over six months using e-mail or inter-office mail. Nicotine patches were available if required. All 151 participants stopped smoking immediately. Over the 24-month study period, self-report showed 49.7% abstained continuously from smoking. The rate of 24-month consecutive abstinence was higher in participants with lower Fagerström Test scores for Nicotine Dependence at baseline than in those with higher scores (63.6% for 0-2 points vs. 46.5% for 3-6 points vs. 43.8% for 7-10 points; chi-square test p = 0.19). A logistic regression model showed a significant linear trend for the association between the score and abstinence status after adjustment for possible confounding factors (p = 0.03). The crude incremental cost for one individual to successfully quit smoking due to the support program was ¥46,379 (i.e., ¥100 = $1.28, £0.83, or €1.03 at foreign exchange rates). The corresponding costs for the three categories of the Fagerström Test score for Nicotine Dependence were ¥31,953, ¥47,450 and ¥64,956, respectively. When a sensitivity analysis was conducted based on the 95% confidence interval of the success rate, the variance in the corresponding costs was ¥25,514-45,034 for 0-2 points, ¥38,344-61,824 for 3-6 points, and ¥45,698-108,260 for 7-10 points. The degree of nicotine dependence may therefore be an important determinant of the cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation programs.

Development of improved high temperature seals and lubricants for downhole motors in geothermal applications

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

De La Fosse, P.H.; Black, A.D.; DiBona, B.G.

1983-01-01

A major limitation of downhole mud motors for geothermal drilling, as well as straight-hole oil and gas drilling, is the bearing section. Reduced bearing life results from the inability to seal a lubricant in the bearing pack. A reliable rotary seal will extend the bearing life and will allow high pressure drops across the bit for improved bottomhole cleaning and increased drilling rate. This paper summarizes the results of a six-year program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy/Division of Geothermal Energy to develop a sealed bearing pack for use with downhole motors in geothermal applications. Descriptions of the Sealmore » Test Machine, Lubricant Test Machine and Bearing Pack Test Facility are presented. Summaries of all seal tests, lubricant tests and bearing pack tests are provided; and a comprehensive program bibliography is presented.« less

[Prospect of the Advanced Life Support Program Breadboard Project at Kennedy Space Center in USA].

PubMed

Guo, S S; Ai, W D

2001-04-01

The Breadboard Project at Kennedy Space Center in NASA of USA was focused on the development of the bioregenerative life support components, crop plants for water, air, and food production and bioreactors for recycling of wastes. The keystone of the Breadboard Project was the Biomass Production Chamber (BPC), which was supported by 15 environmentally controlled chambers and several laboratory facilities holding a total area of 2150 m2. In supporting the Advanced Life Support Program (ALS Program), the Project utilizes these facilities for large-scale testing of components and development of required technologies for human-rated test-beds at Johnson Space Center in NASA, in order to enable a Lunar and a Mars mission finally.

Taste CREp: the Cosmic-Ray Exposure program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, Léo; Blard, Pierre-Henri; Balco, Greg; Lavé, Jérôme; Delunel, Romain; Lifton, Nathaniel

2017-04-01

We present here the CREp program and the ICE-D production rate database, an online system to compute Cosmic Ray Exposure (CRE) ages with cosmogenic 3He and 10Be (crep.crpg.cnrs-nancy.fr). The CREp calculator is designed to automatically reflect the current state of the global calibration database production rate stored in ICE-D (http://calibration.ice-d.org). ICE-D will be regularly updated in order to incorporate new calibration data and reflect the current state of the available literature. The CREp program permits to calculate ages in a flexible way: 1) Two scaling models are available, i.e. i) the empirical Lal-Stone time-dependent model (Balco et al., 2008; Lal, 1991; Stone, 2000) with the muon parameters of Braucher et al. (2011), and ii) the Lifton-Sato-Dunai (LSD) theoretical model (Lifton et al., 2014). 2) Users may also test the impact of the atmosphere model, using either i) the ERA-40 database (Uppala et al., 2005), or ii) the standard atmosphere (N.O.A.A., 1976). 3) For the time-dependent correction, users or choose among the three proposed geomagnetic datasets (Lifton, 2016; Lifton et al., 2014; Muscheler et al., 2005) or import their own database. 4) For the important choice of the production rate, CREp is linked to a database of production rate calibration data, ICE-D. This database includes published empirical calibration rate studies that are publicly available at present, including those of the CRONUS-Earth and CRONUS-EU projects, as well as studies from other projects. Users may select the production rates either: i) using a worldwide mean value, ii) a regionally averaged value (not available in regions with no data), iii) a local unique value, which can be chosen among the existing dataset or imported by the user, or iv) any combination of single or multiple calibration data. We tested the efficacy of the different scaling models by looking at the statistical dispersion of the computed Sea Level High Latitude (SLHL) calibrated production rates. Lal/Stone and LSD models have comparable efficacies, and the impact of the tested atmospheric model and the geomagnetic database is also limited. If a global mean is chosen, the 1σ uncertainty arising from the production rate is about 5% for 10Be and 10% for 3He. If a regional production rate is picked, these uncertainties are potentially lower.

On Using Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Electronic Products in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Culpepper, William X.

2002-01-01

NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) has utilized COTS products in its programs since the early 1990's. Recently it has become evident that, of all failure modes possible, radiation will probably dominate; sometimes to the point of driving system architecture. It is now imperative that radiation susceptibility be addressed when writing the system requirements. Susceptibility assessment, e.g. testing, must begin early in the design phase to establish performance and continue through the hardware qualification program to prove satisfaction of the original requirements(s). Examples of requirements, testing, and architecture versus failure rate will be given.

From ecological test site to geographic information system: lessons for the 1980's

USGS Publications Warehouse

Alexander, Robert H.

1981-01-01

Geographic information systems were common elements in two kinds of interdisciplinary regional demonstration projects in the 1970's. Ecological test sits attempted to provide for more efficient remote-sensing data delivery for regional environmental management. Regional environmental systems analysis attempted to formally describe and model the interacting regional social and environmental processes, including the resource-use decision making process. Lessons for the 1980's are drawn from recent evaluations and assessments of these programs, focusing on cost, rates of system development and technology transfer, program coordination, integrative analysis capability, and the involvement of system users and decision makers.

Saturn Apollo Program

NASA Image and Video Library

1967-09-09

This image depicts the test firing of a J-2 engine in the S-IVB Test Stand at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The J-2, developed by Rocketdyne under the direction of MSFC, was propelled by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. A single J-2 was utilized in the S-IVB stage (the second stage for the Saturn IB and third stage for the Saturn V) and in a cluster of five for the second stage (S-II) of the Saturn V. Initially rated at 200,000 pounds of thrust, the engine was later upgraded in the Saturn V program to 230,000 pounds.

Hardware test program for evaluation of baseline range-range rate sensor concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

The baseline range/range rate sensor concept was evaluated. The Interrupted CW (ICW) mode of operation continued with emphasis on establishing the sensitivity of the video portion of the receiver was 7 dB less than the theoretical value. This departs from test results of previous implementations in which achieved sensitivity was within 1.5 to 2 dB of the theoretical value. Several potential causes of this discrepancy in performance were identified and are scheduled for further investigation. Results indicate that a cost savings in both per unit and program costs are realizable by eliminating one of the modes of operation. An acquisition (total program) cost savings of approximately 10% is projected by eliminating the CW mode of operation. The modified R/R sensor would operate in the ICW mode only and would provide coverage from initial acquisition at 12 nmi to within a few hundred feet of the OMV. If the ICW mode only were selected, then an accompanying sensor would be required to provide coverage from a few hundred feet to docking.

Evaluating Testing Strategies for Identifying Youths With HIV Infection and Linking Youths to Biomedical and Other Prevention Services

PubMed Central

Boyer, Cherrie B.; Chiaramonte, Danielle; Lindeman, Peter; Chutuape, Kate; Cooper-Walker, Bendu; Kapogiannis, Bill G.; Wilson, Craig M.; Fortenberry, J. Dennis

2017-01-01

Importance Most human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected youths are unaware of their serostatus (approximately 60%) and therefore not linked to HIV medical or prevention services. The need to identify promising and scalable approaches to promote uptake of HIV testing among youths at risk is critical. Objective To evaluate a multisite HIV testing program designed to encourage localized HIV testing programs focused on self-identified sexual minority males and to link youths to appropriate prevention services after receipt of their test results. Design, Setting, and Participants Testing strategies were evaluated using an observational design during a 9-month period (June 1, 2015, through February 28, 2016). Testing strategies were implemented by 12 adolescent medicine HIV primary care programs and included targeted testing, universal testing, or a combination. Data were collected from local youth at high risk of HIV infection and, specifically, sexual minority males of color. Main Outcomes and Measures Proportion of sexual minority males and sexual minority males of color tested, proportion of previously undiagnosed HIV-positive youths identified, and rates of linkage to prevention services. Results A total of 3301 youths underwent HIV testing. Overall, 35 (3.6%) of those who underwent universal testing in primary care clinical settings, such as emergency departments and community health centers, were sexual minority males (35 [3.6%] were males of color) compared with 236 (46.7%) (201 [39.8%] were males of color) who were tested through targeted testing and 693 (37.8%) (503 [27.4%] were males of color) through combination efforts. Identification of new HIV-positive cases varied by strategy: 1 (0.1%) via universal testing, 39 (2.1%) through combination testing, and 16 (3.2%) through targeted testing. However, when targeted tests were separated from universal testing results for sites using a combined strategy, the rate of newly identified HIV-positive cases identified through universal testing decreased to 1 (0.1%). Rates of new HIV-positive cases identified through targeted testing increased to 49 (6.3%). Youths who tested through targeted testing (416 [85.1%]) were more likely to link successfully to local HIV prevention services, including preexposure prophylaxis, compared with those who underwent universal testing (328 [34.1%]). Conclusions and Relevance The findings suggest that community-based targeted approaches to HIV testing are more effective than universal screening for reaching young sexual minority males (especially males of color), identifying previously undiagnosed HIV-positive youths, and linking HIV-negative youths to relevant prevention services. Targeted, community-based HIV testing strategies hold promise as a scalable and effective means to identify high-risk youths who are unaware of their HIV status. PMID:28418524

Flight contaminant trace analyser. Phase 1: Chromatographic input system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The development of a chromatographic column capable of resolving compounds associated with spacecraft atmospheres is presented. Consideration is given to sampling techniques, column parameters and operation, and column interface with a mass spectrometer. A capillary column coated with a mixture of polyalkylene glycols is found to provide the best selectivity for resolving multicomponent mixtures found in spacecraft atmospheres. Temperature programming and isothermal operation of the column are evaluated and it is found that temperature programming has a shorter analysis time for a given carrier gas flow rate and overall superior resolution. It is observed that hydrogen provides a 15% savings in analysis time over helium. Following the optimization of column operational parameters, a mixed phase Ucon capillary is prepared for evaluation during the column test period in which the test sample is automatically analyzed. Analysis of the multicomponent test mixture is completed within 45 minutes provided temperature programming is used. All but two of the test compounds are well resolved.

Microcomputer software to facilitate costing in pathology laboratories.

PubMed Central

Stilwell, J A; Woodford, F P

1987-01-01

A software program is described which will enable laboratory managers to calculate, for their laboratory over a 12 month period, the cost of each test or investigation and of components of that cost. These comprise the costs of direct labour, consumables, equipment maintenance and depreciation; allocated costs of intermediate operations--for example, specimen procurement, reception, and data processing; and apportioned indirect costs such as senior staff time as well as external overheads such as telephone charges, rent, and rates. Total annual expenditure on each type of test is also calculated. The principles on which the program is based are discussed. Considered in particular, are the problems of apportioning indirect costs (which are considerable in clinical laboratory work) over different test costs, and the merits of different ways of estimating the amount or fraction of staff members' time spent on each kind of test. The computer program is Crown copyright but is available under licence from one of us (JAS). PMID:3654982

Role of Protein Biomarkers in the Detection of High-Grade Disease in Cervical Cancer Screening Programs

PubMed Central

Brown, Charlotte A.; Bogers, Johnannes; Sahebali, Shaira; Depuydt, Christophe E.; De Prins, Frans; Malinowski, Douglas P.

2012-01-01

Since the Pap test was introduced in the 1940s, there has been an approximately 70% reduction in the incidence of squamous cell cervical cancers in many developed countries by the application of organized and opportunistic screening programs. The efficacy of the Pap test, however, is hampered by high interobserver variability and high false-negative and false-positive rates. The use of biomarkers has demonstrated the ability to overcome these issues, leading to improved positive predictive value of cervical screening results. In addition, the introduction of HPV primary screening programs will necessitate the use of a follow-up test with high specificity to triage the high number of HPV-positive tests. This paper will focus on protein biomarkers currently available for use in cervical cancer screening, which appear to improve the detection of women at greatest risk for developing cervical cancer, including Ki-67, p16INK4a, BD ProEx C, and Cytoactiv HPV L1. PMID:22481919

Advanced composite elevator for Boeing 727 aircraft, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chovil, D. V.; Grant, W. D.; Jamison, E. S.; Syder, H.; Desper, O. E.; Harvey, S. T.; Mccarty, J. E.

1980-01-01

Preliminary design activity consisted of developing and analyzing alternate design concepts and selecting the optimum elevator configuration. This included trade studies in which durability, inspectability, producibility, repairability, and customer acceptance were evaluated. Preliminary development efforts consisted of evaluating and selecting material, identifying ancillary structural development test requirements, and defining full scale ground and flight test requirements necessary to obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. After selection of the optimum elevator configuration, detail design was begun and included basic configuration design improvements resulting from manufacturing verification hardware, the ancillary test program, weight analysis, and structural analysis. Detail and assembly tools were designed and fabricated to support a full-scope production program, rather than a limited run. The producibility development programs were used to verify tooling approaches, fabrication processes, and inspection methods for the production mode. Quality parts were readily fabricated and assembled with a minimum rejection rate, using prior inspection methods.

Maximum likelihood methods for investigating reporting rates of rings on hunter-shot birds

USGS Publications Warehouse

Conroy, M.J.; Morgan, B.J.T.; North, P.M.

1985-01-01

It is well known that hunters do not report 100% of the rings that they find on shot birds. Reward studies can be used to estimate what this reporting rate is, by comparison of recoveries of rings offering a monetary reward, to ordinary rings. A reward study of American Black Ducks (Anas rubripes) is used to illustrate the design, and to motivate the development of statistical models for estimation and for testing hypotheses of temporal and geographic variation in reporting rates. The method involves indexing the data (recoveries) and parameters (reporting, harvest, and solicitation rates) by geographic and temporal strata. Estimates are obtained under unconstrained (e.g., allowing temporal variability in reporting rates) and constrained (e.g., constant reporting rates) models, and hypotheses are tested by likelihood ratio. A FORTRAN program, available from the author, is used to perform the computations.

Mujer Sana, Familia Fuerte: The Effects of a Culturally-Relevant, Community-Based, Promotores Program to Increase Cervical Cancer Screening among Latinas.

PubMed

McDonough, A Manuela; Vargas, Marcela; Nguyen-Rodriguez, Selena; Garcia, Melawhy; Galvez, Gino; Rios-Ellis, Britt

2016-01-01

Although cervical cancer can be prevented through screening and follow-up, Latinas' rate of Pap tests remains low due to knowledge gaps and cultural and attitudinal factors. This study used a single-group pre-/post-test design to evaluate the effectiveness of Mujer Sana, Familia Fuerte (Healthy Woman, Strong Family), an intervention intended to improve Latinas' cervical cancer prevention knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy to obtain a Pap test, and intention to get tested. The intervention is delivered through a single session by promotores de salud, who use a culturally competent, linguistically appropriate toolkit. A total of 5,211 Latinas participated in the study. The evaluation indicated that participants had increases in knowledge, positive attitudes, self-efficacy, and intention to test. Latinas have a low rate of cervical cancer screening but a high rate of cervical cancer, and Mujer Sana, Familia Fuerte shows promise as a public health practice for use with this population.

Mujer Sana, Familia Fuerte: The Effects of a Culturally-Relevant, Community-Based, Promotores Program to Increase Cervical Cancer Screening among Latinas

PubMed Central

McDonough, A. Manuela; Vargas, Marcela; Nguyen-Rodriguez, Selena; Garcia, Melawhy; Galvez, Gino; Rios-Ellis, Britt

2018-01-01

Objective Although cervical cancer can be prevented through screening and follow-up, Latinas’ rate of Pap tests remains low due to knowledge gaps and cultural and attitudinal factors. Methods This study used a single-group pre-/post-test design to evaluate the effectiveness of Mujer Sana, Familia Fuerte (Healthy Woman, Strong Family), an intervention intended to improve Latinas’ cervical cancer prevention knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy to obtain a Pap test, and intention to get tested. The intervention is delivered through a single session by promotores de salud, who use a culturally competent, linguistically appropriate toolkit. A total of 5,211 Latinas participated in the study. Results The evaluation indicated that participants had increases in knowledge, positive attitudes, self-efficacy, and intention to test. Conclusion Latinas have a low rate of cervical cancer screening but a high rate of cervical cancer, and Mujer Sana, Familia Fuerte shows promise as a public health practice for use with this population. PMID:27180696

The effect of prior transfusion history on blood donor anti-hepatitis C virus antibody.

PubMed

Mazda, T; Nakata, K; Ota, K; Kaminuma, Y; Katayama, T

1993-01-01

In Japan, the major transfusion-associated disease is non-A, non-B hepatitis. We studied the relationship between transfusion history and blood donor antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV). The positive rate of antibodies to the HCV nonstructural protein (c100-3) depended on age and the time elapsed since transfusion. The anti-c100-3 ratio for subjects with transfusions made prior to 20 years ago was high. One quarter century ago, a change occurred in national blood policy from paid to non-paid voluntary donations. We also have studied the anti-HCV positive rate among donors with prior transfusion using a second generation HCV test kit which includes anti-HCV core antibody detection. The anti-HCV positive rate for the second generation test was higher than that for the anti-c100-3 test. Introduction of the second generation test is therefore more useful in screening than the anti-c100-3 test for blood programs.

Speech motor correlates of treatment-related changes in stuttering severity and speech naturalness.

PubMed

Tasko, Stephen M; McClean, Michael D; Runyan, Charles M

2007-01-01

Participants of stuttering treatment programs provide an opportunity to evaluate persons who stutter as they demonstrate varying levels of fluency. Identifying physiologic correlates of altered fluency levels may lead to insights about mechanisms of speech disfluency. This study examined respiratory, orofacial kinematic and acoustic measures in 35 persons who stutter prior to and as they were completing a 1-month intensive stuttering treatment program. Participants showed a marked reduction in stuttering severity as they completed the treatment program. Coincident with reduced stuttering severity, participants increased the amplitude and duration of speech breaths, reduced the rate of lung volume change during inspiration, reduced the amplitude and speed of lip movements early in the test utterance, increased lip and jaw movement durations, and reduced syllable rate. A multiple regression model that included two respiratory measures and one orofacial kinematic measure accounted for 62% of the variance in changes in stuttering severity. Finally, there was a weak but significant tendency for speech of participants with the largest reductions in stuttering severity to be rated as more unnatural as they completed the treatment program.

Improved Adherence Rates and Clinical Outcomes of an Integrated, Closed-Loop, Pharmacist-Led Oral Chemotherapy Management Program.

PubMed

Muluneh, Benyam; Schneider, Molly; Faso, Aimee; Amerine, Lindsey; Daniels, Rowell; Crisp, Brett; Valgus, John; Savage, Scott

2018-06-01

To address the growing use of oral anticancer therapy, an integrated, closed-loop, pharmacist-led oral chemotherapy management program was created within an academic medical center. An integrated, closed-loop, pharmacy-led oral chemotherapy management program was established. From September 2014 until June 2015, demographic information, rates of adherence, patient understanding of treatment, pharmacist interventions, patient and provider satisfaction, and molecular response rates in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) were collected. After full implementation, 107 patients were enrolled in our oral chemotherapy management program from September 2014 until June 2015. All patients were educated before starting oral chemotherapy, and using pre- and postassessment tests, comprehension of oral chemotherapy treatment increased from 43% to 95%. Patient-reported adherence was 86% and 94.7% for the GI/breast and malignant hematology patient populations, respectively, and these were validated with medication possession ratio, revealing adherence rates of 85% and 93.9% for the GI/breast and malignant hematology patient populations, respectively. A total of 350 encounters with a clinical pharmacist and 318 adverse effects were reported, which led to 235 interventions. This program led to a higher major molecular response rate (83%) in our CML population compared with published clinical trials (average major molecular response rates, 40% and 60% with 1- and 2-year follow-up, respectively). An innovative model was developed and resulted in improved patient knowledge regarding oral chemotherapy, improved adherence rates that exceeded nationally established thresholds, and superior major molecular response outcomes for patients with CML compared with published literature. As a result, this model has produced the gold standard in managing patients receiving oral chemotherapy.

Blood alcohol concentration testing and reporting by the states : traffic tech.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-01

Accurate and complete data on blood alcohol concentration : (BAC) levels for drivers in fatal crashes are critical in monitoring : alcohol-impaired-driving rates across the country, developing : alcohol-impaired-driving programs, and evaluating : the...

Demonstration of the use of ADAPT to derive predictive maintenance algorithms for the KSC central heat plant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hunter, H. E.

1972-01-01

The Avco Data Analysis and Prediction Techniques (ADAPT) were employed to determine laws capable of detecting failures in a heat plant up to three days in advance of the occurrence of the failure. The projected performance of algorithms yielded a detection probability of 90% with false alarm rates of the order of 1 per year for a sample rate of 1 per day with each detection, followed by 3 hourly samplings. This performance was verified on 173 independent test cases. The program also demonstrated diagnostic algorithms and the ability to predict the time of failure to approximately plus or minus 8 hours up to three days in advance of the failure. The ADAPT programs produce simple algorithms which have a unique possibility of a relatively low cost updating procedure. The algorithms were implemented on general purpose computers at Kennedy Space Flight Center and tested against current data.

The pilot and evaluation of a postnatal support group for Iraqi women in the year following the birth of their baby.

PubMed

Rooney, Rosanna M; Kane, Robert T; Wright, Bernadette; Gent, Vanessa; Di Ciano, Taralisa; Mancini, Vincent

2014-01-01

The current study involved conducting a pilot test of a culturally sensitive support group program developed to assist Iraqi women in the year following the birth of their baby (CSSG-B) in Perth, Western Australia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the social validity of the program. It was hypothesized that women involved in the program would find the program to be socially valid and culturally appropriate, and will also report lower levels of depressive symptomatology and higher levels of social support, following the group intervention. Participants were 12 Iraqi Arabic speaking women, who had a child less than 12 months of age. The program was based on Iraqi women's explanatory models (Kleinman, 1978; Di Ciano et al., 2010) of the birth and motherhood experience. Social validity ratings were obtained during the implementation of the program in order to assess the level of acceptability of the intervention. A one-group pre-test-post-test design was used to determine if depressive symptoms had decreased during the course of the intervention and social support had increased. Results indicated that Iraqi Arabic speaking women found the support group intervention acceptable and relevant and there was a significant decrease in scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) from pre-test to post-test. These results that the culturally sensitive group intervention was culturally acceptable and was associated with decreased levels of depressive symptomatology.

Scholarships for scientific initiation encourage post-graduation degree.

PubMed

Pinto, Gabriela S; Nascimento, Gustavo G; Mendes, Matheus S; Ogliari, Fabrício A; Demarco, Flávio F; Correa, Marcos B

2014-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with the decision to attend an academic post-graduation program by dental students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012, last-year undergraduate students from Dental Schools of Southern Brazil. A closed questionnaire was applied including questions grouped in three different blocks: pre-graduate, undergraduate period and future perspectives. The outcome was the decision to pursuit an academic post-graduation degree. Associations were tested using chi-squared test and chi-squared test for linear trends when appropriate. Multivariate Poisson regression was also performed. The sample was composed by 671 students (response rate of 69.9%, n=467). In relation to future perspectives, 68% of the interviewed students intended to attend a post-graduation program, but only 17.5% would choose a program with academic and research post-graduation program (Master and PhD programs). In the final model, students from public universities (PR 2.08, 95%CI 1.41-3.08) and students that received scientific initiation scholarship (PR 1.93 95%CI 1.14-3.27) presented a twice greater prevalence to seek academic post-graduate programs. Students with higher family incomes showed a lower prevalence to seek these programs (PR 0.50, 95%IC 0.28-0.90). Scholarships seem to encourage undergraduate students to pursue stricto sensu post-graduation.

Field Assessment of Energy Audit Tools for Retrofit Programs

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

Edwards, J.; Bohac, D.; Nelson, C.

2013-07-01

This project focused on the use of home energy ratings as a tool to promote energy retrofits in existing homes. A home energy rating provides a quantitative appraisal of a home’s energy performance, usually compared to a benchmark such as the average energy use of similar homes in the same region. Rating systems based on energy performance models, the focus of this report, can establish a home’s achievable energy efficiency potential and provide a quantitative assessment of energy savings after retrofits are completed, although their accuracy needs to be verified by actual measurement or billing data. Ratings can also showmore » homeowners where they stand compared to their neighbors, thus creating social pressure to conform to or surpass others. This project field-tested three different building performance models of varying complexity, in order to assess their value as rating systems in the context of a residential retrofit program: Home Energy Score, SIMPLE, and REM/Rate.« less

Implementation of HPV-testing for cervical cancer screening in programmatic contexts: The Jujuy demonstration project in Argentina.

PubMed

Arrossi, Silvina; Thouyaret, Laura; Laudi, Rosa; Marín, Oscar; Ramírez, Josefina; Paolino, Melisa; Herrero, Rolando; Campanera, Alicia

2015-10-01

The aim of this article is to present results of programmatic introduction of HPV testing with cytologic triage among women 30 years and older in the province of Jujuy, Argentina, including description of the planning phase and results of program performance during the first year. We describe the project implementation process, and calculate key performance indicators using SITAM, the national screening information system. We also compare disease detection rates of HPV testing in 2012 with cytology as performed during the previous year. HPV testing with cytology triage was introduced through a consensus-building process. Key activities included establishment of algorithms and guidelines, creating the HPV laboratory, training of health professionals, information campaigns for women and designing the referral network. By the end of 2012, 100% (n = 270) of public health care centers were offering HPV testing and 22,834 women had been HPV tested, 98.5% (n = 22,515) were 30+. HPV positivity among women over 30 was 12.7%, 807 women were HPV+ and had abnormal cytology, and 281 CIN2+ were identified. CIN2+ detection rates was 1.25 in 2012 and 0.62 in 2011 when the program was cytology based (p = 0.0002). This project showed that effective introduction of HPV testing in programmatic contexts of low-middle income settings is feasible and detects more disease than cytology. © 2015 UICC.

Vapor Compression Distillation Subsystem (VCDS) component enhancement, testing and expert fault diagnostics development, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kovach, L. S.; Zdankiewicz, E. M.

1987-01-01

Vapor compression distillation technology for phase change recovery of potable water from wastewater has evolved as a technically mature approach for use aboard the Space Station. A program to parametrically test an advanced preprototype Vapor Compression Distillation Subsystem (VCDS) was completed during 1985 and 1986. In parallel with parametric testing, a hardware improvement program was initiated to test the feasibility of incorporating several key improvements into the advanced preprototype VCDS following initial parametric tests. Specific areas of improvement included long-life, self-lubricated bearings, a lightweight, highly-efficient compressor, and a long-life magnetic drive. With the exception of the self-lubricated bearings, these improvements are incorporated. The advanced preprototype VCDS was designed to reclaim 95 percent of the available wastewater at a nominal water recovery rate of 1.36 kg/h achieved at a solids concentration of 2.3 percent and 308 K condenser temperature. While this performance was maintained for the initial testing, a 300 percent improvement in water production rate with a corresponding lower specific energy was achieved following incorporation of the improvements. Testing involved the characterization of key VCDS performance factors as a function of recycle loop solids concentration, distillation unit temperature and fluids pump speed. The objective of this effort was to expand the VCDS data base to enable defining optimum performance characteristics for flight hardware development.

Fuel cladding behavior under rapid loading conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yueh, K.; Karlsson, J.; Stjärnsäter, J.; Schrire, D.; Ledergerber, G.; Munoz-Reja, C.; Hallstadius, L.

2016-02-01

A modified burst test (MBT) was used in an extensive test program to characterize fuel cladding failure behavior under rapid loading conditions. The MBT differs from a normal burst test with the use of a driver tube to simulate the expansion of a fuel pellet, thereby producing a partial strain driven deformation condition similar to that of a fuel pellet expansion in a reactivity insertion accident (RIA). A piston/cylinder assembly was used to pressurize the driver tube. By controlling the speed and distance the piston travels the loading rate and degree of sample deformation could be controlled. The use of a driver tube with a machined gauge section localizes deformation and allows for continuous monitoring of the test sample diameter change at the location of maximum hoop strain, during each test. Cladding samples from five irradiated fuel rods were tested between 296 and 553 K and loading rates from 1.5 to 3.5/s. The test rods included variations of Zircaloy-2 with different liners and ZIRLO, ranging in burn-up from 41 to 74 GWd/MTU. The test results show cladding ductility is strongly temperature and loading rate dependent. Zircaloy-2 cladding ductility degradation due to operational hydrogen pickup started to recover at approximately 358 K for test condition used in the study. This recovery temperature is strongly loading rate dependent. At 373 K, ductility recovery was small for loading rates less than 8 ms equivalent RIA pulse width, but longer than 8 ms the ductility recovery increased exponentially with increasing pulse width, consistent with literature observations of loading rate dependent brittle-to-ductile (BTD) transition temperature. The cladding ductility was also observed to be strongly loading rate/pulse width dependent for BWR cladding below the BTD temperature and Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) cladding at both 296 and 553 K.

Effects of exercise, patient education, and resource support on women with fibromyalgia: An extended long-term study.

PubMed

Karper, William B

2016-01-01

This research examined whether a long-term, multi-component program positively affected physical fitness, pain and fatigue in seven women with fibromyalgia syndrome. These women lived independently in the community. They attended a university-based program 3 days per week, 1 hour per session, year-around for many years. They were evaluated periodically with a fitness test and rating scale regarding pain and fatigue. Results from when they began the program versus most recently are provided. All of these women showed various positive results from participation in the program.

Rapid hiv testing in urban outreach: a strategy for improving posttest counseling rates.

PubMed

Keenan, P A; Keenan, J M

2001-12-01

In 1998, 48% of persons who had HIV testing at publicly funded sites in the United States failed to return for test results and posttest counseling. Opportunities for timely HIV therapy were lost; valuable resources were wasted. This study tested the hypothesis that rapid HIV testing enables a high percentage of high-risk outreach clients to learn their serostatus. We did on-site counseling and rapid HIV testing at community-based organizations (e.g., chemical dependency programs, homeless shelters) in North Minneapolis. The project tested 735 persons. All but one (99.9%) learned their HIV serostatus. African Americans made up 79% of subjects. Rapid testing has a role to play in HIV outreach. It is useful in populations who are at high risk of HIV infection, who currently are not accessing HIV testing, and who have high failure to return rates. Future developments in rapid testing technology will make this testing option more convenient and cost-effective.

The effects of two different incentives on recruitment rates of families into a prevention program.

PubMed

Heinrichs, Nina

2006-07-01

This study experimentally manipulated two incentives for participation (monetary: paid participation for sessions and setting: group vs. individual) in a child behavior problem prevention program to analyze their effects on recruitment and retention of families. A population of 690 eligible families from 15 preschools located in socially disadvantaged neighborhoods was invited to participate in a parent training (PT) program. The study recruited parents by using advertisements that had information describing only the indicated condition (i.e., PT in group-unpaid, or PT individual-unpaid, or PT in group-paid, or PT individual-paid). Results demonstrate significant impact of payment on recruitment and initial attendance. Training setting alone (individual or group) did not significantly influence these rates. Editors' Strategic Implications: A compelling case is made for the utility of monetary incentives to increase proportions of low-income families in prevention research and programs. Evaluators and program designers should note the impressive use of the experimental design and hierarchical linear modeling to test the effects on recruitment.

Evaluation program for secondary spacecraft cells: Acceptance tests of Eagle-Picher 20.0 ampere-hour nickel-cadmium cells with auxiliary electrodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christy, D. E.

1972-01-01

A group of 29 cells with capacities ranging from 21.7 to 28.8 ampere-hours were tested. A summary of the results indicates: (1) All cells exceeded the rated capacity on all three capacity checks. (2) Five cells failed to recover to 1.150 volts. (3) During the overcharge tests, 15 of the 29 cells had to be removed from charge before completion of the respective tests due to high pressure.

Shuttle filter study. Volume 3: Appendix

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

Test data obtained from flow resistance and contaminant tolerance tests on the various porous media evaluated in the different fluids are presented in both graphical and tabular forms. Test procedures for both flow resistance and contaminant tolerance testing are presented, and the development of a system for continuously adding contaminant at a predetermined rate to a flowing fluid stream is described. Also included is a section describing the development effort of the self-indexing filter. This concept was adapted during this program for various shuttle applications.

Large state-level fluctuations in mental retardation classifications related to introduction of renormed intelligence test.

PubMed

Scullin, Matthew H

2006-09-01

Oppositely valenced forces may be at work to influence rates of placement of children into mental retardation programs. On one hand, educational policies regarding intellectual disability and concerns about overrepresentation of minorities in special education may contribute to lower placement rates; on the other hand, more difficult intelligence test norms may be a countervailing force, increasing placement rates. An analysis of longitudinal data on state and national level placement rates reveals that a lengthy and steep 12-year decline in students receiving mental retardation services reversed shortly after the introduction of the WISC-III in 1991. This phenomenon has relevance for death-penalty cases, because this historical pattern may affect the ability to establish whether an adult meets the developmental period onset criterion for mental retardation.

Outcomes of a Peer Mentor Implemented Fitness Program in Older Adults: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Dorgo, Sandor; King, George A.; Bader, Julia O.; Limon, John S.

2013-01-01

Objectives To investigate the effectiveness of different applications of mentoring in an older adult exercise program, this study compared the physical fitness scores, the retention and participation rates of older adults trained by student mentors, peer mentors, peer mentors working independently of the researchers, and a non-exercising control group. Methods 106 older adults were recruited and assigned to one of the groups using quasi-randomization. All three experimental groups completed a 14-week intervention. Pre- and post-training assessments of fitness were completed, and retention and participation rates were compared. Results High retention and participation rates, as well as significant improvements in fitness scores from baseline to post-test were observed in all three mentored groups. While the control group showed improvement only in one fitness test, subjects in the mentored groups improved similarly in all measures, regardless of the type of mentoring received. Discussion These findings indicated effectiveness of the peer mentor model and suggested that with adequate preparation peer mentors may be capable of guiding older adult participants effectively without assistance from professional staff. PMID:23279966

Evaluating a nursing communication skills training course: The relationships between self-rated ability, satisfaction, and actual performance.

PubMed

Mullan, Barbara A; Kothe, Emily J

2010-11-01

Effective communication is a vital component of nursing care, however, nurses often lack the skills to communicate with patients, carers and other health care professionals. Communication skills training programs are frequently used to develop these skills. However, there is a paucity of data on how best to evaluate such courses. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the relationship between student self rating of their own ability and their satisfaction with a nurse training course as compared with an objective measure of communication skills. 209 first year nursing students completed a communication skills program. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and associations between measures were investigated. Paired samples t-tests showed significant improvement in self-rated ability over the course of the program. Students generally were very satisfied with the course which was reflected in both qualitative and quantitative measures. However, neither self-rated ability nor satisfaction was significantly correlated with the objective measure of performance, but self-rated ability and satisfaction were highly correlated with one another. The importance of these findings is discussed and implications for nurse education are proposed. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Predicting chemical degradation during storage from two successive concentration ratios: Theoretical investigation.

PubMed

Peleg, Micha; Normand, Mark D

2015-09-01

When a vitamin's, pigment's or other food component's chemical degradation follows a known fixed order kinetics, and its rate constant's temperature-dependence follows a two parameter model, then, at least theoretically, it is possible to extract these two parameters from two successive experimental concentration ratios determined during the food's non-isothermal storage. This requires numerical solution of two simultaneous equations, themselves the numerical solutions of two differential rate equations, with a program especially developed for the purpose. Once calculated, these parameters can be used to reconstruct the entire degradation curve for the particular temperature history and predict the degradation curves for other temperature histories. The concept and computation method were tested with simulated degradation under rising and/or falling oscillating temperature conditions, employing the exponential model to characterize the rate constant's temperature-dependence. In computer simulations, the method's predictions were robust against minor errors in the two concentration ratios. The program to do the calculations was posted as freeware on the Internet. The temperature profile can be entered as an algebraic expression that can include 'If' statements, or as an imported digitized time-temperature data file, to be converted into an Interpolating Function by the program. The numerical solution of the two simultaneous equations requires close initial guesses of the exponential model's parameters. Programs were devised to obtain these initial values by matching the two experimental concentration ratios with a generated degradation curve whose parameters can be varied manually with sliders on the screen. These programs too were made available as freeware on the Internet and were tested with published data on vitamin A. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Influence of Multiple Administrations of a State Achievement Test on Passing Rates for Student Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nese, Joseph F. T.; Tindal, Gerald; Stevens, Joseph J.; Elliott, Stephen N.

2015-01-01

The stakes of large-scale testing programs have grown considerably in the past decade with the enactment of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Race To The Top (RTTT) legislations. A significant component of NCLB has been required reporting of annual yearly progress (AYP) of student subgroups disaggregated by sex, special education status, English…

Mental Imagery as Revealed by Eye Movements and Spoken Predicates: A Test of Neurolinguistic Programming.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elich, Matthew; And Others

1985-01-01

Tested Bandler and Grinder's proposal that eye movement direction and spoken predicates are indicative of sensory modality of imagery. Subjects reported images in the three modes, but no relation between imagery and eye movements or predicates was found. Visual images were most vivid and often reported. Most subjects rated themselves as visual,…

One-Year Follow-Up of Apprentices in a Skilled-Trades Program. Technical Report 1983-3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daniel, Mark

As a consequence of a validation study based on over 200 skilled technicians employed in engine manufacturing, seven aptitude tests were administered to 50 applicants in June 1982. This report presents correlations between test scores and three criteria (math grades, job performance ratings, and a composite) for the 26 people who entered the…

Computerized atmospheric trace contaminant control simulation for manned spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perry, J. L.

1993-01-01

Buildup of atmospheric trace contaminants in enclosed volumes such as a spacecraft may lead to potentially serious health problems for the crew members. For this reason, active control methods must be implemented to minimize the concentration of atmospheric contaminants to levels that are considered safe for prolonged, continuous exposure. Designing hardware to accomplish this has traditionally required extensive testing to characterize and select appropriate control technologies. Data collected since the Apollo project can now be used in a computerized performance simulation to predict the performance and life of contamination control hardware to allow for initial technology screening, performance prediction, and operations and contingency studies to determine the most suitable hardware approach before specific design and testing activities begin. The program, written in FORTRAN 77, provides contaminant removal rate, total mass removed, and per pass efficiency for each control device for discrete time intervals. In addition, projected cabin concentration is provided. Input and output data are manipulated using commercial spreadsheet and data graphing software. These results can then be used in analyzing hardware design parameters such as sizing and flow rate, overall process performance and program economics. Test performance may also be predicted to aid test design.

Use of interrupted time series analysis in evaluating health care quality improvements.

PubMed

Penfold, Robert B; Zhang, Fang

2013-01-01

Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis is arguably the strongest quasi-experimental research design. ITS is particularly useful when a randomized trial is infeasible or unethical. The approach usually involves constructing a time series of population-level rates for a particular quality improvement focus (eg, rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] medication initiation) and testing statistically for a change in the outcome rate in the time periods before and time periods after implementation of a policy/program designed to change the outcome. In parallel, investigators often analyze rates of negative outcomes that might be (unintentionally) affected by the policy/program. We discuss why ITS is a useful tool for quality improvement. Strengths of ITS include the ability to control for secular trends in the data (unlike a 2-period before-and-after t test), ability to evaluate outcomes using population-level data, clear graphical presentation of results, ease of conducting stratified analyses, and ability to evaluate both intended and unintended consequences of interventions. Limitations of ITS include the need for a minimum of 8 time periods before and 8 after an intervention to evaluate changes statistically, difficulty in analyzing the independent impact of separate components of a program that are implemented close together in time, and existence of a suitable control population. Investigators must also be careful not to make individual-level inferences when population-level rates are used to evaluate interventions (though ITS can be used with individual-level data). A brief description of ITS is provided, including a fully implemented (but hypothetical) study of the impact of a program to reduce ADHD medication initiation in children younger than 5 years old and insured by Medicaid in Washington State. An example of the database needed to conduct an ITS is provided, as well as SAS code to implement a difference-in-differences model using preschool-age children in California as a comparison group. Copyright © 2013 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Decrease of Johne's disease prevalence and incidence in six Minnesota, USA, dairy cattle herds on a long-term management program.

PubMed

Ferrouillet, C; Wells, S J; Hartmann, W L; Godden, S M; Carrier, J

2009-02-01

The objective of this prospective longitudinal field study was to describe changes in prevalence of seroconversion and fecal shedding and changes in incidence rate of seroconversion, fecal shedding and culling of milk cows for clinical signs of Johne's disease (JD) in six Minnesota (USA) herds participating to the JD Demonstration Herd Project (JDDHP) from 2000 to December 2005. Changes in prevalence and incidence rate were evaluated in light of the owner's compliance to the JDDHP using a risk assessment (RA) score. Adult cows were tested regularly using serum ELISA and bacterial fecal culture to evaluate progress made throughout the control program. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between the risk for a cow to test positive and the year on the program. After 5 years of follow-up, the proportion of cows that tested positive to serum ELISA and fecal culture (all positive cultures as well as moderate to heavy shedders only) decreased significantly from the first to the last year (8-3.1%, 10.4-5.6% and 3.1-1.5%, respectively). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate change of incidence rate across birth cohorts. Birth cohorts were defined by birth date of the animals with the reference cohort or oldest cohort being already 12-24 months of age at the onset of the long-term management program. All cohorts were censored at 45 months of age. Compared to cows from the reference cohort, cows from cohorts that could have benefitted from the JDDHP in their young age (less than 12 months of age at the start of the program or born later) were significantly less at risk of seroconversion and fecal shedding (hazard ratios for seroconversion, any fecal shedding and heavy shedding less than 0.63, 0.67 and 0.62, respectively). For the three herds achieving good management changes with a risk assessment score under 30 at their last year of the study, the cohorts that were born after the program was instituted did better than those born before the start of the program, implying that the program could have helped around birth as well for those herds. This study suggests that reduction of environmental contamination of heifers up to a year of age may have had some impact on the success of the program. The JDDHP appears more beneficial for herds achieving a better reduction of their RA score with a decrease risk for infection in very young calves.

Coal technology program progress report, February 1976

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

None

Final testing of the 20-atm bench-scale system is underway in preparation for experiments with hydrogen. Laboratory-scale testing of a number of inexpensive pure compounds to improve the settling rate of solids in Solvent Refined Coal (SRC) unfiltered oil (UFO), bench-scale testing of the effect of the Tretolite additive on settling, and characterization tests on a new sample of UFO from the PAMCO-SRC process are reported. Experimental engineering support of an in situ gasification process include low-temperature pyrolyses at exceptionally low heating rates (0.3/sup 0/C/min). Highly pyrophoric chars were consistently produced. Aqueous by-products from coal conversion technologies and oil shale retortingmore » have been analyzed directly to determine major organic components. A report is being prepared discussing various aspects of the engineering evaluations of nuclear process heat for coal. A bench-scale test program on thermochemical water splitting for hydrogen production is under consideration. In the coal-fueled MIUS program, preparations for procurement of tubing for the matrix in the fluidized-bed furnace and for fabrication of the furnace continued. Analyses of the AiResearch gas turbine and recuperator under coal-fueled MIUS operating conditions are near completion. Process flow diagrams and heat and material balances were completed for most of the units in the synthoil process. Overall utilities requirements were calculated and the coal preparation flowsheets were finalized. For hydrocarbonization, the flowsheet was revised to include additional coal data. Flowsheets were finalized for the acid gas separation and recycle, and the oil-solids separation. (LTN)« less

NWSC nickel cadmium spacecraft cell accelerated life test program data analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lander, J.

1980-01-01

An analysis of the data leading to a proposed accelerated life test scheme to test a nickel cadmium cell under spacecraft usage conditions is described. The amount and concentration of electrolyte and the amount of precharge in the cell are discussed in relation to the design of the cell and the accelerated test design. A failure analysis of the cell is summarized. The analysis included such environmental test variables as the depth of discharge, the temperature, the amount of recharge and the charge and discharge rate.

[Effects of an intensive therapy program for behaviorally disordered mentally handicapped patients on staff personnel in residential care].

PubMed

Elbing, U; Rohmann, U H

1994-03-01

This study evaluates the effects of an intensive therapy program designed for mentally handicapped persons with severely disturbed or autistic behavior on their staff personal which had an active role in the program. The staff members rated their professional competence, quality of interaction with the client, team culture and work satisfaction before and after being engaged in the program, with additional ratings of their personal aims at the beginning of the program. Three sets of data were obtained with the program being conducted three times in a row. The testings of the related as well as the independent samples show differentiated program effects. The main effect is an increase of the professional competence and quality of interaction, especially by the qualified staff members. Trainees put emphasis on the development of their personal relationship with the client. The results are discussed in terms of the impact of learning processes specific to the roles of the staff members and motivational factors on learning and therapy outcome, along with institutional conditions influencing successful learning. Thus the program facilitates the professional and interpersonal learning process of staff members in a specific way with success as well as with limitations.

Medicare Cancer Screening in the Context of Clinical Guidelines: 2000 to 2012.

PubMed

Maroongroge, Sean; Yu, James B

2018-04-01

Cancer screening is a ubiquitous and controversial public health issue, particularly in the elderly population. Despite extensive evidence-based guidelines for screening, it is unclear how cancer screening has changed in the Medicare population over time. We characterize trends in cancer screening for the most common cancer types in the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) program in the context of conflicting guidelines from 2000 to 2012. We performed a descriptive analysis of retrospective claims data from the Medicare FFS program based on billing codes. Our data include all claims for Medicare part B beneficiaries who received breast, colorectal (CRC), or prostate cancer screening from 2000 to 2012 based on billing codes. We utilize a Monte Carlo permutation method to detect changes in screening trends. In total, 231,416,732 screening tests were analyzed from 2000 to 2012, representing an average of 436.8 tests per 1000 beneficiaries per year. Mammography rates declined 7.4%, with digital mammography extensively replacing film. CRC cancer screening rates declined overall. As a percentage of all CRC screening tests, colonoscopy grew from 32% to 71%. Prostate screening rates increased 16% from 2000 to 2007, and then declined to 7% less than its 2000 rate by 2012. Both the aggressiveness of screening guidelines and screening rates for the Medicare FFS population peaked and then declined from 2000 to 2012. However, guideline publications did not consistently precede utilization trend shifts. Technology adoption, practical and financial concerns, and patient preferences may have also contributed to the observed trends. Further research should be performed on the impact of multiple, conflicting guidelines in cancer screening.

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…

Effect of Strength Training on Rate of Force Development in Older Women

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gurjao, Andre Luiz Demantova; Gobbi, Lilian Teresa Bucken; Carneiro, Nelson Hilario; Goncalves, Raquel; Ferreira de Moura, Rodrigo; Cyrino, Edilson Serpeloni; Altimari, Leandro Ricardo; Gobbi, Sebastiao

2012-01-01

We analyzed the effect of an 8-week strength training (ST) program on the rate of force development (RFD) and electromyographic activity (EMG) in older women. Seventeen women (M age = 63.4 years, SD = 4.9) without previous ST experience were randomly assigned to either a control (n = 7) or training (n = 10) group. A leg-press isometric test was…

Dynamic of small photovoltaic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehrmann, A.; Kleinkauf, W.; Pigorsch, W.; Steeb, H.

The results of 1.5 yr of field-testing of two photovoltaic (PV) power plants, one equipped with an electrolyzer and H2 storage, are reported. Both systems were interconnected with the grid and featured the PV module, a power conditioning unit, ac and dc load connections, and control units. The rated power of both units was 100 Wp. The system with electrolysis was governed by control laws which maximized the electrolyzer current. The tests underscored the preference for a power conditioning unit, rather than direct output to load connections. A 1 kWp system was developed in a follow-up program and will be tested in concert with electrolysis and interconnection with several grid customers. The program is geared to eventual development of larger units for utility-size applications.

Impact of a Patient Incentive Program on Receipt of Preventive Care

PubMed Central

Mehrotra, Ateev; An, Ruopeng; Patel, Deepak N.; Sturm, Roland

2014-01-01

Objectives Patient financial incentives are being promoted as a mechanism to increase receipt of preventive care, encourage healthy behavior, and improve chronic disease management. However, few empirical evaluations have assessed such incentive programs. Study Design In South Africa, a private health plan has introduced a voluntary incentive program which costs enrollees approximately $20 per month. In the program, enrollees earn points when they receive preventive care. These points translate into discounts on retail goods such as airline tickets, movie tickets, or cell phones. Methods We compared the change in 8 preventive care services over the years 2005–11 between those who entered the incentive program and those that did not. We used multivariate regression models with individual random effects to try to address selection bias. Results Of the 4,186,047 unique individuals enrolled in the health plan, 65.5% (2,742,268) voluntarily enrolled in the incentive program. Joining the incentive program was associated with a statistically higher odds of receiving all 8 preventive care services. The odds ratio and estimated percentage point increase for receipt of cholesterol testing was 2.70 (8.9%), glucose testing 1.51 (4.7%), glaucoma screening 1.34 (3.9%), dental exam 1.64 (6.3%), HIV test 3.47 (2.6%), prostate specific antigen testing 1.39 (5.6%), Papanicolaou screening 2.17 (7.0%), and mammogram 1.90 (3.1%) (p<0.001 for all eight services). However, preventive care rates among those in the incentive program was still low. Conclusions Voluntary participation in a patient incentive program was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of receiving preventive care, though receipt of preventive care among those in the program was still lower than ideal. PMID:25180436

Predictors of academic performance for applicants to an international dental studies program in the United States.

PubMed

Pitigoi-Aron, Gabriela; King, Patricia A; Chambers, David W

2011-12-01

The number of U.S. and Canadian dental schools offering programs for dentists with degrees from other countries leading to the D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree has increased recently. This fact, along with the diversity of educational systems represented by candidates for these programs, increases the importance of identifying valid admissions predictors of success in international dental student programs. Data from 148 students accepted into the international dental studies program at the University of the Pacific from 1994 through 2004 were analyzed. Dependent variables were comprehensive cumulative GPA at the end of both the first and second years of the two-year program. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and both Parts I and II of the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) were significant positive predictors of success. Performance on laboratory tests of clinical skill in operative dentistry and in fixed prosthodontics and ratings from interviewers were not predictive of overall success in the program. Although this study confirms the predictive value of written tests such as the TOEFL and NBDE, it also contributes to the literature documenting inconsistent results regarding other types of predictors. It may be the case that characteristics of individual programs or features of the applicant pools for each may require use of admissions predictors that are unique to schools.

Very high pressure liquid chromatography using core-shell particles: quantitative analysis of fast gradient separations without post-run times.

PubMed

Stankovich, Joseph J; Gritti, Fabrice; Stevenson, Paul G; Beaver, Lois A; Guiochon, Georges

2014-01-17

Five methods for controlling the mobile phase flow rate for gradient elution analyses using very high pressure liquid chromatography (VHPLC) were tested to determine thermal stability of the column during rapid gradient separations. To obtain rapid separations, instruments are operated at high flow rates and high inlet pressure leading to uneven thermal effects across columns and additional time needed to restore thermal equilibrium between successive analyses. The purpose of this study is to investigate means to minimize thermal instability and obtain reliable results by measuring the reproducibility of the results of six replicate gradient separations of a nine component RPLC standard mixture under various experimental conditions with no post-run times. Gradient separations under different conditions were performed: constant flow rates, two sets of constant pressure operation, programmed flow constant pressure operation, and conditions which theoretically should yield a constant net heat loss at the column's wall. The results show that using constant flow rates, programmed flow constant pressures, and constant heat loss at the column's wall all provide reproducible separations. However, performing separations using a high constant pressure with programmed flow reduces the analysis time by 16% compared to constant flow rate methods. For the constant flow rate, programmed flow constant pressure, and constant wall heat experiments no equilibration time (post-run time) was required to obtain highly reproducible data. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mass spectrometry in clinical chemistry: the case of newborn screening.

PubMed

la Marca, Giancarlo

2014-12-01

Newborn screening (NBS) program is a complex and organized system consisting of family and personnel education, biochemical tests, confirmatory biochemical and genetic tests, diagnosis, therapy, and patient follow up. The program identifies treatable metabolic disorders possibly when asymptomatic by using dried blood spot (DBS). During the last 20 years tandem mass spectrometry (TMS) has become the leading technology in NBS programs demonstrating to be versatile, sensitive and specific. There is consistent evidence of benefits from NBS for many disorders detected by TMS as well as for congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia by immune-enzymatic methods. Real time PCR tests have more recently been proposed for the detection of some severe combined immunodeficiences (SCID) along with the use of TMS for ADA and PNP SCID; a first evaluation of their cost-benefit ratio is still ongoing. Avoiding false negative results by using specific biomarkers and reducing the false positive rate by using second tier tests, is fundamental for a successful NBS program. The fully integration of NBS and diagnostic laboratories with clinical service is crucial to have the best effectiveness in a comprehensive NBS system. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ascent heat transfer rate distribution on the North American Rockwell delta wing orbiter and the General Dynamics/Convair booster at a Mach number of 8 (mated)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matthews, R. K.; Martindale, W. R.; Warmbrod, J. D.

1972-01-01

A wind tunnel test program to determine aerodynamic interference heating on the North American Rockwell orbiter mated with the General Dynamics Convair booster is discussed. The tests were conducted at the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) in Tunnel B of the von Karman Gas Dynamics Facility (VKF). The test period was June 1971. Heat-transfer rates were determined by the phase-change paint technique on 0.013-scale Stycast models using Tempilaq as the surface temperature indicator. The nominal test conditions were: Mach 8, free-stream unit length Reynolds numbers of 1.25 x one million and 2.55 x one million angles of attack of -5, 0, +5 deg. Model details, test conditions, phase-change paint photographs and reduced heat-transfer coefficients are presented.

Combustion characteristics of gas turbine alternative fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rollbuhler, R. James

1987-01-01

An experimental investigation was conducted to obtain combustion performance values for specific heavyend, synthetic hydrocarbon fuels. A flame tube combustor modified to duplicate an advanced gas turbine engine combustor was used for the tests. Each fuel was tested at steady-state operating conditions over a range of mass flow rates, fuel-to-air mass ratio, and inlet air temperatures. The combustion pressure, as well as the hardware, were kept nearly constant over the program test phase. Test results were obtained in regards to geometric temperature pattern factors as a function of combustor wall temperatures, the combustion gas temperature, and the combustion emissions, both as affected by the mass flow rate and fuel-to-air ratio. The synthetic fuels were reacted in the combustor such that for most tests their performance was as good, if not better, than the baseline gasoline or diesel fuel tests. The only detrimental effects were that at high inlet air temperature conditions, fuel decomposition occurred in the fuel atomizing nozzle passages resulting in blockage. And the nitrogen oxide emissions were above EPA limits at low flow rate and high operating temperature conditions.

Chemical reactivity testing for the National Spent Nuclear Fuel Program. Revision 2

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

Koester, L.W.

This quality assurance project plan (QAPjP) summarizes requirements used by Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Incorporated (LMES) Development Division at Y-12 for conducting chemical reactivity testing of Department of Energy (DOE) owned spent nuclear fuel, sponsored by the National Spent Nuclear Fuel Program (NSNFP). The requirements are based on the NSNFP Statement of work PRO-007 (Statement of Work for Laboratory Determination of Uranium Hydride Oxidation Reaction Kinetics.) This QAPjP will utilize the quality assurance program at Y-12, Y60-101PD, Quality Program Description, and existing implementing procedures for the most part in meeting the NSNFP Statement of Work PRO-007 requirements, exceptions will bemore » noted. The project consists of conducting three separate series of related experiments, ''Passivation of Uranium Hydride Powder With Oxygen and Water'', '''Passivation of Uranium Hydride Powder with Surface Characterization'', and ''Electrochemical Measure of Uranium Hydride Corrosion Rate''.« less

Post-treatment speech naturalness of comprehensive stuttering program clients and differences in ratings among listener groups.

PubMed

Teshima, Shelli; Langevin, Marilyn; Hagler, Paul; Kully, Deborah

2010-03-01

The purposes of this study were to investigate naturalness of the post-treatment speech of Comprehensive Stuttering Program (CSP) clients and differences in naturalness ratings by three listener groups. Listeners were 21 student speech-language pathologists, 9 community members, and 15 listeners who stutter. Listeners rated perceptually fluent speech samples of CSP clients obtained immediately post-treatment (Post) and at 5 years follow-up (F5), and speech samples of matched typically fluent (TF) speakers. A 9-point interval rating scale was used. A 3 (listener group)x2 (time)x2 (speaker) mixed ANOVA was used to test for differences among mean ratings. The difference between CSP Post and F5 mean ratings was statistically significant. The F5 mean rating was within the range reported for typically fluent speakers. Student speech-language pathologists were found to be less critical than community members and listeners who stutter in rating naturalness; however, there were no significant differences in ratings made by community members and listeners who stutter. Results indicate that the naturalness of post-treatment speech of CSP clients improves in the post-treatment period and that it is possible for clients to achieve levels of naturalness that appear to be acceptable to adults who stutter and that are within the range of naturalness ratings given to typically fluent speakers. Readers will be able to (a) summarize key findings of studies that have investigated naturalness ratings, and (b) interpret the naturalness ratings of Comprehensive Stuttering Program speaker samples and the ratings made by the three listener groups in this study.

A disease management program for families of persons in Hong Kong with dementia.

PubMed

Chien, Wai Tong; Lee, Yuet Ming

2008-04-01

This study tested the effectiveness of a dementia care management program for Chinese families of relatives with dementia on caregivers' and patients' health outcomes over a 12-month follow-up period. The dementia care management program is an educational and supportive group for caregivers that lasts six months. A controlled trial was conducted with 88 primary caregivers of persons with dementia in two dementia care centers in Hong Kong. Family members were assigned randomly to either the dementia care program or standard care. The two groups were compared for patients' symptoms and institutionalization rates and caregivers' quality of life, burden, and social support upon recruitment and six and 12 months after group assignment. Over the 12-month follow-up period, patients with family members in the dementia care program showed significantly greater improvements in symptoms and institutionalization rates and their caregivers reported significantly greater improvements in quality of life and burden compared with the control group. The findings provide evidence that the dementia care management program can improve the psychosocial functioning of Chinese persons with dementia and their caregivers.