Design Of Tests Research Articles

Prompt effects on assessment of interactional competence in a group oral test

AbstractThis study serves as an attempt to validate an in‐house oral proficiency test (hereafter referred to as OPT) with a particular focus on prompt effects on assessment of interactional competence, an issue that has attracted burgeoning interest but not been adequately investigated yet. Prompts employed in the parallel versions of the group discussion task, which were supposed to be comparable, were found to differ in two dimensions, that is, topical domain and syntactic structure. The transcribed interactions from 136 sophomore test takers (34 groups) sitting in the first administration of the OPT were coded through a rigorous procedure and examined using conversation analysis. Five patterns of interaction were identified with distinct features based on two dimensions, mutuality and equality. Marked differences in distribution of patterns of interaction were detected in discourse elicited by different prompts, which should be mainly attributed to the syntactic structure of the prompts. The open‐question prompts were found more likely to elicit “conversation‐like” interaction with higher mutuality, characterized by the collaborative and unbalanced‐collaborative patterns, while the closed‐question prompts tended to elicit more “solo versus solo” interaction with lower mutuality, featured by the parallel and unbalanced‐parallel patterns. The influence of topic domain, however, was minimal. The results thereby constitute rebuttals that weaken meaningfulness and impartiality of the claim of interpretations about the construct within Bachman and Palmer's assessment use argument framework and suggest close attention from the test developers. The implications for prompt design, and development and validation of the group oral test are further provided.

Research and Design of a Chicken Wing Testing and Weight Grading Device

This thesis introduces a nondestructive inspection and weight grading device for chicken wings to replace the traditional manual grading operation. A two-sided quality nondestructive inspection model of chicken wings based on the YOLO v7-tiny target detection algorithm is designed and deployed in a Jetson Xavier NX embedded platform. An STM32 microcontroller is used as the main control platform, and a wing turning device adapting to the conveyor belt speed, dynamic weighing, and a high-efficiency intelligent grading unit are developed, and the prototype is optimized and verified in experiments. Experiments show that the device can grade four chicken wings per second, with a comprehensive accuracy rate of 98.4%, which is better than the traditional grading methods in terms of efficiency and accuracy.

Between Aims and Execution: Value Trade-Offs in the Practical Implementation of the European Arrest Warrant?

Abstract The European Union (EU) increasingly develops and implements policies infused with salient and sometimes conflicting values – for instance, in migration and criminal law cooperation. However, policy implementation studies have not frequently considered how such complex value trade-offs may affect practical implementation within Member States. This article therefore quantitatively and temporally examines the practical implementation of an EU flagship criminal law measure: the simplified extradition system known as the European Arrest Warrant (EAW). Using data on EAWs decided upon by the Dutch Amsterdam District Court, we test the impact of value trade-offs by examining whether (newly introduced) safeguards for the protection of requested persons adversely affect system efficiency (measured through case turnover times). The results suggest that the design of legal tests and adjustments made to the EAW system over time through the Court of Justice of the European Union affect the balance between fundamental rights protection and efficiency in the practical implementation of the EAW.

Research on the Design of Adaptive Testing Based on Multiple Intelligences Theory and Its Impact on Student Learning Outcomes

This paper examines the transformative potential of incorporating Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory (MIT) into adaptive testing frameworks within the United Kingdom’s educational settings. By moving beyond traditional, one-dimensional assessments that prioritize linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences, MIT-based adaptive testing aims to offer a more personalized and inclusive approach to evaluating student capabilities. Through a comprehensive review of recent research, this study explores the theoretical underpinnings of MIT, the design and implementation of adaptive testing models that accommodate a broader spectrum of intelligences, and the empirical impacts of such assessments on student engagement, motivation, and academic achievement. The findings highlight the benefits of adaptive testing for fostering a more equitable educational environment, while also addressing the challenges and considerations for successful implementation. The discussion underscores the need for ongoing research, professional development for educators, and the development of reliable and valid assessment tools. Ultimately, this paper contributes to the dialogue on enhancing educational practices to better meet the diverse needs of learners, advocating for assessment models that recognize and value the wide array of human intelligences.

Mechanical Properties and Analysis of Two-body Abrasive Wear Behaviour of Graphene Modified Carbon/Epoxy Composites Using Taguchi’s Technique

The present work emphasizes the effect of graphene nanoplatelets (G) filler loading on mechanical and abrasive wear behavior of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy (C/E) composites. Graphene nanoplatelets were mixed with epoxy framework using a temperature-controlled magnetic stirrer and then ultrasonically treated. The parameters considered for the abrasive wear study are the applied load in N (5, 10 and 15), abrading distance in m (75, 150, and 225) and weight percentage of reinforcement (0, 1, and 1.5). The incorporation of 1 wt. % G into C/E composites increases hardness by 14 % and interlaminar laminar strength by 19 % when compared to C/E composites. According to the Taguchi design of tests, a filler loading of 1 wt. % G, an abrading distance of 225 m, and an applied load of 15 N are ideal. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done to establish the dominant parameter, and the filler loading with abrading distance was shown to be significant. With 36.4 %, the filler loading had the biggest influence on the composite specific wear rate. The combination of filler loading with 1 wt. %, load of 15 N, and abrading distance of 225 m yields the lowest specific wear rate. The involved wear mechanisms during the abrasive wear process have also been explained with scanning electron micrographs.

Evaluation of Three Cytomegalovirus IgG Lateral Flow Assays for Rapid Determination of CMV Serostatus.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus is a major determinant of CMV infection, disease risk, and transplant outcomes. Current clinical serology assays are limited by relatively slow turnaround time, design for batched testing, need for trained personnel, and/or specialized equipment. Rapid diagnostic assays in development have a role in emerging settings, such as critically ill patients, but have not been systematically evaluated. We assessed the performance of 3 rapid lateral flow assays (LFAs) for the detection of CMV immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies compared with a reference commercially available CMV IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in residual serum samples from 200 consecutive adults who underwent clinical CMV serology testing. Samples with discrepant results between the LFA and reference assay were tested by a second reference assay. A subset of serum samples was assessed for interoperator variability. Operating characteristics of the QooLabs LFA were separately assessed in plasma samples. The sensitivity and specificity of the individual LFA assays using serum varied significantly: 86%/83%, 99/93%, and 57/97%, for Healgen, QNow automated reader, and nanoComposix, respectively, compared with the reference assay. Results for the QNow assay were comparable between automated and manual reads. Among a subset of 10 serum samples assessed by 5 individual operators, 44 of 50 (88%) results were concordant. Among 50 plasma samples assessed by the QooLabs LFA, the sensitivity and specificity were 72% and 96%. The ease of performance, rapid turnaround time, and good operating characteristics provide the rationale for further evaluation of the Qoolabs QNow LFA in specialized settings where rapid assessment of CMV serostatus would be advantageous.

Identification of genetic determinants of bedaquiline resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Ural region, Russia.

Bedaquiline (BDQ) is a new anti-tuberculosis drug. The phenotypic and genotypic data describing the mechanism of drug resistance are critical for the design of rapid and accurate diagnostic tests. We consider that our work, which describes genotypic and phenotypic resistance to BDQ, can contribute to the standardization of drug susceptibility testing.

Library management database design and application

Under the data-centric business environment, efficient database design is pivotal for efficient data management across various sectors. For libraries and bookstores, a well-tailored database is essential to categorize, index, and swiftly retrieve vast amounts of data, ensuring efficient operations. MySQL is an open-source database management system which facilitates efficient data manipulation. Based on MySQL, this essay delves into the realm of library database design and application, addressing the need for streamlined systems. This research addresses the need for adaptation in the evolving technology landscape and offers practical insights for librarians and researchers aiming to optimize information management in modern libraries. Employing the basic steps for database design, we explore one methodology for designing a library management database based on the design of database requirement, modeling, backend implementation, efficiency optimization and testing using MySQL. Through this approach, the study provides a potential solution that meets the basic requirements of libraries and enhances information management practices.

Practical Considerations in Item Calibration With Small Samples Under Multistage Test Design: A Case Study

The multistage testing (MST) design has been gaining attention and popularity in educational assessments. For testing programs that have small test‐taker samples, it is challenging to calibrate new items to replenish the item pool. In the current research, we used the item pools from an operational MST program to illustrate how research studies can be built upon literature and program‐specific data to help to fill the gaps between research and practice and to make sound psychometric decisions to address the small‐sample issues. The studies included choice of item calibration methods, data collection designs to increase sample sizes, and item response theory models in producing the score conversion tables. Our results showed that, with small samples, the fixed parameter calibration (FIPC) method performed consistently the best for calibrating new items, compared to the traditional separate‐calibration with scaling method and a new approach of a calibration method based on the minimum discriminant information adjustment. In addition, the concurrent FIPC calibration with data from multiple administrations also improved parameter estimation of new items. However, because of the program‐specific settings, a simpler model may not improve current practice when the sample size was small and when the initial item pools were well‐calibrated using a two‐parameter logistic model with a large field trial data.

Design and development of a website-based information system for receiving diplomas in the information management department of the Fakfak State Polytechnic

The need for fast and accurate information is really needed by universities, because fast information will influence policies or steps taken. This requires universities to take concrete steps in providing information. Fakfak State Polytechnic, especially the Informatics Management Department, in the process of collecting, managing and providing information on the requirements for receiving or taking a diploma is still manual. Using technology is one of the right solutions for the rapid dissemination of information. Design of a web-based development diploma recipient information system at the Department of Information Management, Fakfak State Polytechnic. This system emerged as a solution aimed at assisting informatics management students in obtaining their diplomas. The method used by the author in creating this system is the waterfall method starting from the process of planning, analysis, design, writing program code, program testing and program design and system maintenance. The results of this research produced a website that is used to provide information and accommodate files which are a prerequisite for obtaining a diploma.

Counterparty choice, maturity shifts and market freezes: Lessons from the European interbank market

We explore the impact of relationship lending on the interbank debt maturity structure of banks using data from the e-MID market covering both pre- and post-Lehman periods. We study the term structure and maturity shortening of interbank lending as an indicator of risk in times of stress. We identify bank-level and pair-level variables which are shown to contain information about the behaviour of lending relations during times of stress. Using a two-part fractional response model we show that durable liquidity relationships increase the probability of contracting term loans, but do not prevent maturity shortening during periods of acute stress. Finally, we find that lenders with concentrated short-term interbank liability structure tend to reduce their own long term lending, which confirms the rollover risk viewpoint of term interbank market freeze. Our findings are relevant for the modelling of interbank networks under stress and the design of forward looking stress tests for the banking system.

Estimation of solar receiver corrosion conditions during operation to aid in the design of receiver-corrosion lab tests

Solar power tower plants widely rely on molten nitrite salt as heat transfer fluid and storage media. However, its corrosiveness endangers several metallic components, with central receivers being one of the most compromised. Great efforts are being made to establish molten salt corrosion in different metals. Recently, the importance of the amount of salt used in these experiments has been highlighted. Yet, most tests disregard the hot-receiver-surface/salt ratio that would represent the receiver operation conditions. Commonly, larger metal surfaces are employed, accelerating molten salt thermal decomposition kinetics. Hence, this study seeks to develop basic design conditions for experimental corrosion tests to realistically mimic receiver-tube corrosion. Consequently, the high-temperature operation of two receiver designs, resembling those of Crescent Dunes and Gemasolar plants, with their tubes manufactured in HA230, is analysed. The yearly salt degradation in these plants is found to be nearly negligible due to the large salt volume stored and the relatively limited receiver surface above concerning temperatures, with the whole salt volume being exposed to it for around 20 min during a 25-year operation for large receivers. Moreover, the hot-metal-surface/solar-salt ratio ranges from 5 to 7 mm2/kg, depending on the receiver design, which should be preserved in a corrosion experiment. Metal loss is also estimated: less than 7 % of the receiver would lose at least 50 % of the initial tube thickness. Still, lower metal loss rates are expected since coefficients from static-isothermal tests were employed for the calculation, which also disregarded the metal surface/salt proportion, leading to an overestimation.

Probabilistic analysis of georisk from capping of contaminated sediment in Gunneklev Fjord, Norway

The seabed of the Gunneklev Fjord in south-eastern Norway is covered with exceptionally soft contaminated sediment containing mercury and dioxins. The sediments have an undrained shear strength less than 1 kPa and a variable thickness of up to 2.5 m. To reduce the potential for leaching of contaminants from these sediments, Hydro Energy AS developed a remediation plan involving capping of the sediment. Significant uncertainties are associated with the sediment's undrained shear strength and the cap thickness. An unfortunate combination of low shear strength and thick cap could cause slope failure (e.g. translational sliding of the sediment and/or bearing capacity failure (e.g. punching through). Failure, particularly slope failure, can cause spreading of the contaminants in the fjord causing serious consequences. This paper presents an assessment of the probability of slope failure associated with the contaminated sediment before and after the cap placement. Probability of bearing capacity failure is considered to have more local effect and is also discussed briefly. The study used the Monte Carlo method with random undrained shear strength and sediment thickness. The simulations show high slope failure probability when the seabed inclination was ≥ 1:50 combined with an average undrained shear strength ≤ 0.4 kPa. Based on the probabilistic analyses, a pilot field testing campaign was carried out (after this study) with 20-cm thickness cap in the “gentle” sloping area and 5-cm thickness in the “steep” areas to avoid causing a failure. The analyses were used to support evidence-based decision-making on the cap design and implementation for further field testing.

Optimization of a High Pressure Turbine Blade and Sector-Based Annular Rig Design for Supercritical CO2 Power Cycle Representative Testing

Abstract As part of the ongoing research into the design of hardware for zero emission cycles, a first-stage high-pressure turbine (HPT) blade is optimized for a 300 MWe supercritical CO2 (sCO2) power cycle using the surrogate-assisted genetic algorithm optimizer in Numeca FINE/Design three-dimensional with objectives of increasing efficiency and decreasing heat load to the blade. Supercritical CO2 property tables are constructed from NIST REFPROP data for the condensable gas simulation in FINE/Turbo. A detailed mesh sensitivity study is performed for a baseline design to identify the proper-grid refinement and efficiently allocate resources for the optimization. Seventy design variables are selected for the initial population generation. Self-organizing maps are then used to focus the design variables on the most important ones affecting the objective functions. The optimization results in approximately 3000 three-dimensional Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes simulations of different blade shapes with increases in efficiency of up to 0.85% and decreases in heat load of 14%. Families of blade shapes are identified for experimental testing in an annular rig at the Purdue Experimental Turbine Aerothermal Laboratory. A design to adapt the annular cascade for testing optimized geometries is introduced, which features eccentric radius sectors allowing for scaled-up geometries of sCO2 optimized blade profiles to be tested at design cycle representative conditions at high Reynolds numbers in dry air. Analysis into the effects of Reynolds number, working fluid, and geometric relations are presented to prove the efficacy of the test method.

Real-time hybrid model test to replicate high-rise building resonant vibration under wind loads

In May 2021, the 72-story Shenzhen Saige building experienced abnormal vibration that was strongly felt on many floors and triggered social panic. The tower was therefore closed for more than 2 months resulting in huge economic losses. A preliminary study consisting of field resonant excitation tests and a series of numerical simulations were carried out. It was concluded that the wind loads provoked the higher modes of the building vibration. Specifically, the vibration of the mast, which is located at the building top, induced this abnormal vibration. To validate this conclusion, real-time hybrid model (RTHM) tests was developed to reproduce this building vibration incident. This paper presents the details of the validation RTHM tests including testing design and result discussions. Structural vibration parameters obtained from the field tests were used in the numerical substructure building model, and the experimental substructures were the two scaled down mast models (the cantilever beam section of the masts). During RTHM test, the restoring force of the experimental substructure due to real wind loads induced by an air fan was measured and used in the numerical simulation to compute interface motions. A shaking table was then used to impose the interface motion back to the bottom of the mast model to reproduce the abnormal vibration incident. The demonstrated ability of the developed RTHM testing method to reproduce the resonant phenomenon of the wind-induced tower vibration provides an alternative experimental method to study vibration responses of high-rise buildings in future.

Design and application of strength endurance test for the arms for middle Euphrates clubs boxers aged (16-18) years

Design and application of strength endurance test for the arms for middle Euphrates clubs boxers aged (16-18) years

Design of Vehicle Image Stabilization System and Imaging Quality Impact Test for Typical Grasslands

Design of Vehicle Image Stabilization System and Imaging Quality Impact Test for Typical Grasslands

Specimen design for gigacycle fatigue testing of structural steel welded joints

Structures and components across a range of industries exhibit service lives above 107 cycles, but there is limited fatigue data in this domain. Conducting fatigue tests in the gigacycle regime is only feasible by using ultrasonic fatigue testing machines in which specimens are typically excited at 20 kHz. This research focuses on the design of a novel specimen which captures the geometric stress concentration at the weld toe, as an alternative to typically used cylindrical ‘hourglass’ shaped specimens. The gas-shielded flux-core arc welding method was used to manufacture butt joints of 080A15 structural steel. Specimens were tested in fully reversed axial loading at room temperature using a Shimadzu USF-2000A ultrasonic fatigue testing machine. Specimens failed in the range of 104-107 stress cycles with all fatigue cracks initiating at the weld toe. One specimen was classed as a run-out after being subjected to 3 × 109 stress cycles without failure. The fatigue data obtained was assessed using the effective notch stress method and showed similar fatigue performance to the IIW guidelines.

Design of an Electronic Test for Geometry Material Based on Students' Numeracy Literacy and Metacognitive Knowledge

Making electronic tests of students' numeracy skills based on metacognitive knowledge is important for students to have. Metacognitive knowledge are essential in mathematics performance. For this reason, it is significant to make metacognitive knowledge the basis of teaching, especially in teaching mathematics. This study aimed to design an electronic test based on students' Numerical Literacy Ability and Metacognitive Knowledge. The study used the ADDIE development model focusing on evaluating geometry material. This study chose subjects with random sampling from a high school that has good quality. The first stage of this study was to determine the nine research subjects by conducting initial interviews with class IX students. Then from the research subjects, researchers obtained information about numeracy literacy skills and metacognitive knowledge using test and interview methods. The results of a descriptive and in-depth analysis of the students' numeracy literacy skills and metacognitive knowledge became the basis for designing the electronic test. The study found that the electronic test design proved valid with an excellent category and practical with a positive response of 82.63%. This electronic-test design assessment shows that the digital-based instrument evaluation can have a broader range of users. The results of this study can be a recommendation for a digital-based evaluation instrument that adapts to the scope of the latest curriculum in Indonesia.

Вплив генезису інформаційно-комунікаційних систем на технології дистанційного навчання в Україні

This article presents the analysis of scientific publications dedicated to the study of the impact of information and communication systems on distance education technologies in Ukraine. The study uses a number of philosophical (dialectical, phenomenological), general research (analysis, synthesis, event analysis, content analysis, generalization) and specific research (bibliometric) methods of exploration. It describes the genesis of the use of information and communication systems in education starting from the computer presentation design, educational games, or simple programs for testing to the use of artificial intelligence. It has been identified that modern digital technologies are the important prerequisites for the success of both the educational process in general and distance learning in particular. The authors of the article emphasize that the use of information and communication systems in education process has a large number of drawbacks, and to address them, it is necessary to apply information technologies, which are methodologically justified and supplied with appropriate methodological recommendations. It is noted that advantages and disadvantages are potential factors for improving distance education, which significantly contribute to the achievement of learning outcomes. It was determined that distance education technologies significantly affected the quality of the educational process through the formation of educational competencies of specialists in various fields of knowledge. Attention is paid to the insufficient number of studies of the impact of the development of information and communication systems on distance learning technologies and, at the same time, to ensuring the quality of the educational process (achievement of program learning outcomes). The foundations for further scholarly research on the impact of information technology on the formation of general and professional competencies of specialists in various fields of knowledge during distance learning are outlined. Keywords: distance education; distance learning systems; quality of education; Information Technology; educational competences.