Test Procedure For Evaluation Research Articles

Field Risk Evaluation of Liquid Metal Interconnects in Microelectronics Applications

Gallium is one of the most desirable, yet less known, interconnects considered in the semiconductor industry. Good electrical conductivity and high stretchability of the liquid metal makes it very attractive for many applications. It allows components to be assembled or disaggregated like Lego blocks without any external forces or energy. The focus of this article is to shed light on intrinsic reliability degradation mechanisms for components that use liquid metal interconnects. As a starting reference to field reliability risk evaluations, the authors focus on common/controlled use conditions. Environments studied include standard test evaluation procedures like thermal aging (sustained exposure to high temperature over time), thermal cycling, current carrying capability, and finally functional product life cycle testing. Studies reveal that the interconnect has very distinct failure mechanisms and unique advantageous/disadvantageous over existing interconnects. Fundamental knowledge gained in this study is expected to help 1) drive future architectures, 2) material/design changes to address any limitations, and 3) finally new qualification methods/standards that account for the unique failure mechanisms.

The Career Development Index (BOX)

Managing the transition from school to post-school education is an important developmental task in adolescence. One of the tasks of schools is to support this transition. Numerous interventions are used in this process, but their benefits must be critically examined. Studies indicate that offers for career guidance are only effective for a small proportion of young people due to the lack of individualization. Diagnostic instruments are the starting point for the necessary individualization according to the young people’s stage of career developmental and the associated support needs. These are often hardly established at schools because they are either too extensive or the implementation and evaluation of test procedures causes difficulties regarding necessary support offers. Against this background, the Berufsorientierungsindex (BOX) was developed as a diagnostic tool to provide information on the state of development in selected dimensions that are important for a successful career development. The article shows the theoretical considerations and empirical procedure in the development, testing and modification of the instrument. In addition to a discussion of the limitations, possible applications of the BOX are shown.

A technique for image splicing detection using hybrid feature set

Image manipulation has no longer been rocket science for non-professionals. Tampering of images has become so popular due to the accessibility of free editing application in smart phone’s store, these applications work without any agreement or license from the user which makes the condition more vulnerable. The image alteration is not limited to the smart phone’s applications, they can be done online without downloading and signing in the application making the scenario even worst. These forged images are so tricky that they are not predictable with bare human eyes. So, in order to tackle with this delinquent act, one must develop such system which can instantly discriminate between the unique and altered image. One of the best technologies that can tackle the problem and helps to develop such a scheme is Machine learning. There are several classification techniques based on the requirement of the system that can be applied to the data set, resulting in the classification of images under the groups forged and unforged images. In this work, we have discussed the images which are being forged using Image splicing Technique, in which the region of an original image is cropped and pasted onto the other original image. In this paper, a machine learning classification technique logistic regression has been used to classify images into two classes, spliced and non-spliced images. For this, a combination of four handcrafted features has been extracted from images for feature vector. Then these feature vectors are trained using logistic regression classification model. 10-fold cross-validation test evaluation procedure has been used to evaluate the result. Finally, the comparative analysis of the proposed method with other state-of-the-art methods on three online available datasets is presented in the paper. It is observed that the obtained results perform better than state-of-the-art methods.

An overview of EFLM harmonization activities in Europe.

Abstract The European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) has initiated many harmonization activities in all phases of the examination process. The EFLM is dealing with both the scientific and the educational aspects of harmonization, with the intention of disseminating best practice in laboratory medicine throughout Europe. Priorities have been given (1) to establish a standard for conducting and assessing biological variation studies and to construct an evidence based EFLM webpage on biological variation data, (2) to harmonize preanalytical procedures by producing European guidelines, (3) to improve test ordering and interpretation, (4) to produce other common European guidelines for laboratory medicine and play an active part in development of clinical guidelines, (5) to establish a common basis for communicating laboratory results to patients, (6) to harmonize units of measurement throughout Europe, (7) to harmonize preanalytical procedures in molecular diagnostics and (8) to harmonize and optimize test evaluation procedures. The EFLM is also now launching the 5th version of the European Syllabus to help the education of European Specialists in Laboratory Medicine (EuSpLM), which is being supported by the development of e-learning courses. A register of EuSpLM is already established for members of National Societies in EU countries, and a similar register will be established for specialists in non-EU countries.

Flexural strength of glass using Weibull statistic analysis

Purpose: The aim of the study is to measure the flexural strength of glass by proposed experimental procedures. In addition, step-by-step guidelines for the strength data analysis using a two-parameter Weibull distribution are given. Design/methodology/approach: Twelve glass samples of three series were tested by three-point bending with horizontal ‘3PB(H)’ and vertical ‘3PB(V)’ orientation of samples. A two-parameter Weibull distribution was applied as an appropriate model to describe three strength data sets for glass. Findings: The experiments performed on nominally identical glass specimens revealed a wide range of flexural strength values, from 39.77 MPa to 171.71 MPa at a loading rate of not more than 1.05 MPa/s. 3PB(V) samples with vertical orientation demonstrated the flexural strength similar to that of 3PB(H) samples with horizontal orientation. The Weibull modulus, which is the measure of flexural strength variation, was between 2.04 and 5.23 at the coefficient of determination R2 greater than 90% for all series. The characteristic values of the glass strength, corresponding to the 5% fractile value, in accordance with the test evaluation procedure were 23.71 MPa, 31.98 MPa, 53.43 MPa for the first, the second and the third test series, respectively. Research limitations/implications: The maximum flexural strength of glass highly depends on the surface condition, and therefore the strength of the glass of different batches is variable whatever the case may be. For the guaranteed strength of glass used for structural purposes it is necessary to conduct strength tests of the glass from each batch under conditions that closely correspond to actual operating conditions. Practical implications: The obtained strength data is needed for designing glass load bearing constructions subjected to actual operating conditions (e.g. multilayered glass plates working on bending under static loading). Originality/value: A comprehensive overview of the existing methods for glass strength testing was presented. The features of the used flexural tests and the statistical analysis of the measured strength data were described. The results may be of a particular interest to the specialists in the modern design of load bearing glass constructions.

Fracture Events Localization by Numerical Simulations of Cementitious Composites

This paper presents a numerical study of failure behavior of cementitious composite materials differing in their composition (aggregate size). A set of four different materials was tested in atypical splitting test geometry. During these tests, apart from the typical outputs such as the load–displacement curves, signals from failure events causing acoustic emission (AE) were recorded. However, reliability of the procedures of the failure events localization might seem questionable in some cases – therefore, the test evaluation procedures were accompanied by analyses using 3D numerical simulation tools based on nonlinear fracture-mechanics approach and propagation of fracture events in the specimens are performed using two computational codes. One is a commercial non-linear FEM code with implementation of cohesive crack model (in the smeared cracks formulation). The second one is an own developed discrete lattice-type model. The comparison of AE records from the tests with the results of the performed numerical simulations can answer questions on the distribution and magnitude (and possibly the energy dissipation amount) of the recorded failure events and generally help in the interpretation and exploitation of AE in the research of failure of non-electric building materials.

Construct Validity: A Universal Validity System or Just Another Test Evaluation Procedure?

Lissitz and Samuelsen (2007) have proposed a framework that seemingly deems construct validity evidence irrelevant to supporting educational test meaning. The author of this article agrees with Lissitz and Samuelsen that internal evidence establishes test meaning, but she argues that construct validity need not be removed from the validity sphere. In fact, she argues that doing so could have an adverse impact on the quality of educational tests. She proposes a universal system for construct validity to illustrate how diverse evidence is relevant to claims about measuring examinees’ knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies even when test specifications provide a major source of evidence.

Evaluation of test procedures for determining servo compatibility of heads and media in magnetic disk drives

We evaluate a testing specification proposed by the National Storage Industry Consortium's (NSIC) Extremely High Density Recording (EHDR) group for evaluating head and media compatibility for servo performance in magnetic disk drives. These tests use average amplitude and average noise profile measurements across isolated tracks to predict the shape, linearity, noise, and long-term stability of position error signal (PES) patterns. We compare the predictions from these tests to measurements from null and amplitude PES patterns written on a spin-stand. Results show average PES-profile prediction errors of 1%-2% track width and noise level prediction within a factor of 2. We present data from tests for long-term stability of the magnetoresistive (MR) read element after repeated write cycles by the inductive write head. In the set of heads we tested, the MR head's center and effective width changed only slightly. Although we evaluated the NSIC specification for MR read elements, the specification should be equally valid for other read head types also, as long as the PES patterns are similar.

External Quality Assessment Schemes: need for recognised requirements

Programs for Accreditation of clinical laboratories consider participation in External Quality Assessment Schemes (EQAS) a key element in the evaluation of testing procedures and improving them. One of the main functions of EQAS is to assess whether laboratories perform tests competently. It is therefore of utmost importance for laboratories to participate in EQAS that are in line with formally recognised requirements. Specific proposals have been made on how to design and execute EQAS by International Working Groups, but there seems to be no consensus on the best strategies to use and quality specifications to set out. The Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA) Program for EQA Scheme Accreditation (CPA-EQA) is the only program in Europe to provide a formal recognition of the quality of EQAS activities. The present paper reports on the experience of the Centre of Biomedical Research which is following an accreditation process for their own schemes in line with the CPA-EQA program and a proposal to set requirements that Italian schemes must follow to be recognised as valid and effective.

Hemochromatosis screening in asymptomatic ambulatory men 30 years of age and older

To perform a cost-benefit analysis of screening for hereditary hemochromatosis. A total of 3,977 consecutive men > or = 30 years of age who presented for routine health checkups at a health maintenance organization medical center were screened for hereditary hemochromatosis by measuring transferrin saturation. Subjects with repeated transferrin saturation > or = 62% and ferritin level > or = 500 ng/mL (> or = 500 micrograms/L) were referred for liver biopsy. Subjects with transferrin saturation < 15% were referred for evaluation. Laboratory testing, screening, and abnormal screening test evaluation procedures were identified by chart review. Forty patients had transferrin saturation > or = 62%. One hundred seventy-two had transferrin saturation < 15%. Eight patients with hemochromatosis were identified. The 3 patients most seriously affected had hepatic iron concentrations > 250 mumol/g dry weight. Two of them had hepatic fibrosis. Seven cases of hemochromatosis were found among 1,974 white subjects who were screened. Only 1 case was found among the remaining subjects. Our observations support routine screening with transferrin saturation for white men > or = 30 years of age.

Developmental Neurotoxicity: Evaluation of Testing Procedures with Methylazoxymethanol and Methylmercury

Developmental Neurotoxicity: Evaluation of Testing Procedures with Methylazoxymethanol and Methylmercury. Goldey, E. S., O'Callaghan, J. P., Stanton, M. E., Barone, S., Jr., and Crofton, K. M. (1994). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 23, 447-464.Testing procedures for identification of potential developmental neurotoxicants were evaluated using two prototypical developmental neurotoxicants, methylazoxymethanol (MAM) and methylmercury (MeHg). Evaluation of offspring of Long-Evans rats incorporated assessments of developmental toxicity, neurochemistry, histology, and behavior, with most testing being completed near weaning. A number of endpoints in the testing strategy were sensitive to the effects of prenatal exposure to MAM [30 mg/kg on Gestation Day (GD) 15]; (1) MAM caused reduced neonatal body weights but did not effect viability or postnatal survivorship; (2) measurement of total and regional brain weight and histological analysis showed that a number of regions, the cortex and hippocampus in particular, were affected by MAM exposure; (3) an assay for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) showed that the concentration of this protein was significantly increased in the cortex and hippocampus of treated offspring; (4) a T-maze delayed-alternation procedure indicated that MAM-treated pups were slower in the acquisition phase of the task relative to control pups; (5) motor activity testing revealed hyperactivity in treated offspring that persisted into adulthood; and (6) acoustic startle procedures revealed reduced startle amplitudes in preweanlings. Few endpoints were significantly affected by prenatal MeHg exposure (1, 2, or 4 mg/kg on GD 6-15). High fetal and neonatal mortality and lower neonatal body weights were detected at the highest dose of MeHg. Although minimal effects of MeHg may reflect a relative insensitivity of the test species and/or the test methods, the combined results from both chemicals suggest that some procedures not currently required in the developmental neurotoxicity guideline may be useful in hazard identification, and further evaluation with other chemicals, species, strains, and/or exposure paradigms may be warranted.

Distance weighted losses for testing and confidence set evaluation

The Neyman-Pearson evaluation of testing procedure is often criticized as yielding a decision that is too crude with respect to the decision space and the loss function. Here, we propose some extensions which take into account the notion of distance from the boundary of the confidence set or between the hypotheses. This allows for new evaluation tools, as well as extensions to cases where improper priors could not be used previously. We also reconsider the testing setup as a whole and incorporate new losses which take into account the model choice aspect of testing.

Developmental Neurotoxicity: Evaluation of Testing Procedures with Methylazoxymethanol and Methylmercury

Developmental Neurotoxicity: Evaluation of Testing Procedures with Methylazoxymethanol and Methylmercury

Load testing, structural reliability and test evaluation

A brief review of the history and types of load testing is followed by an examination of the effects of load test and other information on structural reliability. Two aspects are studied. (1) Multi-mode proof testing is posed as a system relability problem with one or more inequality conditions on structural performance. After-test reliability can then be found using standard system reliability methods from the reliability of the system augmented in “series” with the test mode, divided by the reliability in the test mode alone. (2) Test evaluation procedures for several applications are analysed using simulation of destructive sample tests, including strength uncertainty discoverable by testing and other non-test uncertainties in strength and loading. Evaluation rules are found to have a significant effect on the achieved reliability of test-based design.

APPLICATION OF FRACTURE MECHANICS TECHNIQUES TO THE ENVIRONMENTALLY ASSISTED CRACKING OF ALUMINIUM 2024

Abstract— Stress corrosion cracking of 2024 T351 aluminium alloy in an aqueous 3.5% sodium chloride solution was investigated using three fracture mechanics based testing techniques: constant load, constant displacement, and constant displacement rate. In spite of their different loading characteristics, all three test methods yielded approximately the same Klscc value. Crack growth rates in the plateau region, as measured from bolt loaded DCB specimens and from CT specimens tested at low constant displacement rates are similar. The tests at constant displacement rate not only provide results in a much shorter time, but produce additional information in terms of crack growth resistance curves as a function of the displacement rate. Linear elastic as well as elastic‐plastic fracture mechanics test evaluation procedures are applied and discussed in view of an assessment of criteria for the accelerated evaluation of SCC parameters such as Klscc, Jlscc, and δlscc.

Occupational Therapists' Assessment Practices with Handicapped Children in Ontario

A survey was conducted to identify which approaches and methods of assessment are used by Ontario occupational therapists working with handicapped children; how familiar therapists are with specific aspects of some methods used, how satisfied they are with these methods, and what assessment goals therapists consider important. A questionnaire was mailed to 99 sources which included hospitals, rehabilitation centres, school boards, daycare centres, and private practitioners. Sixty-nine (70%) occupational therapists comprised the sample. The prototypical occupational therapist surveyed has an undergraduate university degree, works full-time as a staff therapist in a rehabilitation centre or hospital with neurologically handicapped children, and has worked for more than five years in the field of pediatrics. Frequently used assessment methods are standardized tests and observational tools such as check-lists, rating scales, and anecdotal reports. The majority of respondents who use standardized tests are satisfied with them. The aspects of the tests most familiar to the respondents are scoring and administration procedures as compared to reliability and validity information. The majority of respondents who use tests, conduct test evaluation procedures. The results are discussed with their implications for training, practice and further research in occupational therapy.

Technical Evaluation of Test Procedures for Insulated Aerial Devices Rated Less Than 69 kV

Alternating-and direct-current test procedures prescribed by American (ANSI A92.2-1969) and Canadian standards (CSA C225-1976) are evaluated using analytical methods and test results. It is demonstrated that the alternating-current (AC) technique is not adequate to evaluate the dielectric integrity of insulated booms. The direct-current (DC) technique, offered as an alternative by the Canadian standards, generally allows evaluation of overall material quality but not the identification of local defects such as cracks, scratches, voids, etc. For the time being, however, the DC test procedure is recommended although for the immediate future, a research effort will be required to develop a technique for adequate electrical evaluation of insulated aerial devices.