Field Test Evaluation Research Articles

Meeting Personnel Training Needs: The Deaf-Blind Self-Study Curriculum Project

The federal Office of Special Education Programs funded a consortium-based project that produced a self-study manual, a videotape and discussion guide, a reprints collection, annotated bibliographies, and an in-service training manual. This article highlights the field-test evaluation of these materials by teachers, which provides a glimpse into the professional situation of the primary target group—teachers without specific training for teaching students who are deaf-blind. The teachers’ pre- and posttest knowledge and attitudes about teaching these students are also analyzed.

The African Caribbean Eye Survey: risk factors for glaucoma in a sample of African Caribbean people living in London.

The purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for chronic glaucoma in a sample of African Caribbean people over 35 years of age living in the London Borough of Haringey. A cross-sectional voluntary sample of persons were subjected to detailed ophthalmic assessment including automated tangent screen suprathreshold visual field testing, applanation tonometry and stereoscopic disc evaluation in 50 community-based survey clinics over an 8 month period. Cases and suspects were referred to Moorfields Eye Hospital for more detailed assessment and confirmation of the diagnosis. Of 873 eligible persons examined (out of a total of 1022), 32 definite cases of glaucoma were identified, a prevalence of 3.9%; 42% of these had been previously diagnosed. Approximately 10% of the sample required further assessment and follow-up when ocular hypertensives and glaucoma suspects were included. An age-standardised comparison with the findings of the Roscommon survey revealed a relative risk for glaucoma for Haringey blacks compared with Irish whites of 3.7. Significant risk factors for glaucoma included age, African birthplace and darker skin colour. Neither diabetes nor hypertension reached significance. Despite the lack of a population base, this study provides strong evidence that the 4 times greater risk of glaucoma estimated for American blacks compared with whites applies equally to the United Kingdom population. Community-based facilities are required to raise awareness of the risk among this ethnic minority in this country and case-finding resources should be provided to meet local needs.

Guest editorial

Guest editorial

Glaucoma Hemifield Test. Automated visual field evaluation.

We have developed an algorithm, the Glaucoma Hemifield Test (GHT), for automated evaluation of single static threshold visual field test results in glaucoma. The GHT uses empirically determined limits of normality for up-down differences in the Statpac probability maps of the Humphrey Field Analyzer to detect localized visual field loss. It is also constructed to detect field loss that is symmetric around the horizontal meridian. Analysis is done in five corresponding pairs of sectors that are based on the normal anatomy of the retinal nerve fiber layer. Deviations from the age-corrected normal threshold in the most sensitive portions of the visual field are used to detect general reductions of sensitivity or abnormally high sensitivities. The GHT provides brief visual field evaluations printed on the field chart as plain text. The aim of this article is to describe the fundamentals of the analysis program and to provide clinical examples.

Development and field test evaluation of optical current and voltage transformers for gas insulated switchgear

An optical current transformer (CT) based on the Faraday effect and an optical potential divider (PD) based on the Pockels effect, for application to electric power systems, are described. This optical CT is suitable for highly reliable gas insulated switchgear (GIS), and has free space light transmission parts among the optical fiber signal transmission lines. The developed optical CT and PD were built into 77/ square root 3 kV 1200 A single-phase prototype GIS. Their basic characteristics of current and voltage measurement conformed well with the standards of the JEC (Japan Electrotechnical Commission) 1201 for instrument transformers. A long-term field test of the prototype GIS was carried out at a substation for 20 months, during which time no significant variation of current and voltage measuring characteristics was observed. >

Substation maintenance testing using an expert system for on-site equipment evaluation

A powerful tool for fast, reliable and accurate evaluation of field tests of power equipment was developed for on-site analysis, investigative test recommendations, and future scheduling. ln addition, a methodology for inventory control, statistical analysis, equipment maintenance scheduling, and a variety of other analytical and managerial functions using collected data for the office application was devised. The goal was achieved using PC-oriented expert system software together with a powerful database program. Two modes of operations are discussed: the expert system for field data evaluation and the database host-package for administrative and statistical analysis. The operation and advantages of its application are examined. >

Removing the automatic target recognition performance evaluation bottleneck: the C2NVEO AUTOSPEC facility

The near-real-time end-to-end evaluation of automatic target recognizers has been a reality in the laboratory environment for several years. Depending on the reliability of ground truth data, i.e., target location and sensor location in three dimensions and sensor pointing angle, field test evaluations could also be conducted at near real-time rates. End-to end evaluations, however, are inadequate for producing the quantity and quality of data needed for understanding both successes and failures of automatic recognition. The C2NVEO has developed a facility, called AUTOSPEC, for the expressed purpose of extracting intermediate data from processors. Once extracted, the data are stored in a relational database for subsequent analysis. The facility includes both the hardware and a number of software tools, developed at C2NVEO, designed to allow ready access to ground truth data, images, metrics, processor parameters, processor intermediate decisions, and processor final decisions. This paper presents the structure of the system and demonstrations of the tools developed.

Evaluation of a new field test for detection of passive transfer in the foal

Summary Thirty-two foals were sampled for collection of whole blood and serum between 4 and 120 hours postpartum. The following whole blood immunoglobulin G (IgG) screening tests were performed: latex agglutination (LA), concentration immunoassay (Cl) and hemagglutination inhibition (Hl). Comparisons were made with serum IgG quantitation using the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) method. The number of test positive samples (IgG > 800mg/dl, for Hl and Cl; IgG > 400mg/dl, for LA) from each screening test was different (P

Post Initial Light Induced Degradation Stability and Performance of Amorphous Silicon Modules

ABSTRACTData is presented on the field test of amorphous silicon photovoltaic modules. The modules have been obtained by SERI under the field test and performance evaluation program to track the changes in performance following the continuing development of improvements in their manufacture. The data have been gathered for up to five years. Procurement time intervals are used to distinguish between the sets of modules under test. The results show that more recent technogies have a more rapid initial loss of performance but that stability sets in at an earlier time than that observed for the earlier modules. Data are presented to show efficiency and fill factor degradation from both the date of deployment and a date selected for post initial degradation(pi). Performance models are presented and compared, including models which account for annual variations in insolation and temperature and, therefore, generation of light induced defects and annealing.

Field testing and comparative evaluation of rapid visually read screening assays for antibody to human immunodeficiency virus: Spielberg F, Ryder RW, Harris J, et al: Lancet 1:580–584, 1989

Field testing and comparative evaluation of rapid visually read screening assays for antibody to human immunodeficiency virus: Spielberg F, Ryder RW, Harris J, et al: Lancet 1:580–584, 1989

A comparison and evaluation of field and laboratory toxicity tests with fenvalerate on an estuarine crustacean

AbstractField and laboratory toxicity tests were conducted on the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, to evaluate the usefulness of laboratory testing in estimating mortality from fenvalerate exposure associated with agricultural runoff. The study examined an integrated approach for assessing the impacts of fenvalerate on estuarine fauna, using 96—h static—renewal and 6—h pulsed—dose laboratory toxicity tests and in situ toxicity tests. The laboratory toxicity tests with fenvalerate gave 96—h LC50 values ranging from 0.007 to 0.071 μg/L and 6—h PDLC50 values ranging from 0.100 to 0.130 μg/L. Comparisons of the results of two field toxicity tests with laboratory—derived LC50 values showed good agreement between field and laboratory toxicity data. The variation between field and laboratory toxicity tests may have been due to the limitations of the water sampling regime used in characterizing the pesticide exposure during the field toxicity tests. These comparisons suggest that a combination of laboratory and field toxicity testing is required to estimate the actual field mortality from fenvalerate exposure associated with agricultural runoff. Future studies should include composite water sampling and more frequent discrete sampling methods to better characterize field exposure regimes.

Field evaluation and model test of a composite wing-girder bridge

This paper presents the key observations and conclusions from the evaluation of an innovative "loose-fit" composite, post-tensioned concrete wing-girder bridge proposed for an elevated interstate highway expansion in an urban environment. The evaluation program included both testing to destruction of a 1/2-scale model of a partial span as well as construction monitoring and field testing at service load levels of a full-scale prototype two-span bridge. Results of both construction measurements and loading tests were compared with analytical predictions. Laboratory tests showed the composite behavior of the wing-girder joint to be fully effective and a high level of load transfer between wings to be present. Recommendations for modification of the prototype design are made to improve constructibility, durability, structural performance, and economy. Key words: box girder, bridge, post-tensioned, prestressed concrete, reinforcement, stresses, temperature, tendons.

Field Test Evaluation of Educational Software: A Description of One Approach

Educational evaluators in general have traditionally recognized the need to incorporate data from potential users in designing evaluation studies. In the field of courseware evaluation, however, there has been a great deal of emphasis placed on expert judgment as a source of data for evaluating computer-based educational materials. Although courseware reviews are extremely useful, they are not substitutes for field tests;each provides a different type of information that evaluators may use in order to determine the quality of an instructional product.This paper reports on the evaluation of a courseware designed to assist the writing of the lower-case alphabet. The main objective of the article is to demonstrate an evaluation design which provided adequate answers to our evaluation questions, allowed us to perform multiple comparisons to support our conclusions, and was also practical enough to be used in a normal classroom situation without disturbing everyday activities. Three criteria for selecting a design are presented followed by a description of the courseware evaluation.

Production, fabrication, and performance of alloy 625 clad steel for aggressive corrosive environments

INCONEL alloy 625 is a nickel-chromium-molybdenum-columbium alloy used in aggressive corrosive applications where high strength, fabricability, and outstanding corrosion resistance are required. Because of these properties, the alloy is used by the power and chemical industries in a variety of components in coal-fired, nuclear, and chemical process plants. However, widespread use of INCONEL alloy 625 is limited due to its cost. There is a need, notably in utility flue gas desulfurization systems (scrubbers) for an economical, highly corrosive-resistant material. To satisfy this need, INCONEL alloy 625 thin-gauge clad steel plate was developed by Lukens Steel Company. The corrosion resistance of INCONEL alloy 625 in several aggressive corrosive environments will be reviewed. Additionally, this paper will describe methods used to manufacture, fabricate, and weld INCONEL alloy 625 clad plate. Field test evaluation programs conducted at six power plant scrubber systems will also be reported.

Dynamic Thermal Line Ratings, Part II - Conductor Temperature Sensor and Laboratory Field Test Evaluation

Dynamic Thermal Line Ratings, Part II - Conductor Temperature Sensor and Laboratory Field Test Evaluation

Fuel efficiency and performance of traditional and innovative cookstoves

Fuel efficiency and other cookstove performance parameters have been evaluated in an attempt to progress toward more efficient stoves for a particular locale, to develop and test methodologies for analysing cookstove fuel economy, and to gain insights into the performance of woodburning cookstoves in general. In the first part of this study, fuel consumption and efficiency were measured during the preparation of meals in 13 households. It was found that fuel consumption averages 3·6 kg/meal (s=2·1 kg/meal) and that efficiency averages 5·9% (s=2·2%). The use of aluminium rather than clay pots correlates with higher than average efficiencies. The magnitude of the various cooking energy losses was estimted to point out the opportunities for increasing fuel efficiency. While no particular energy loss mechanism dominates, the more significant energy losses are (i) heating of excess air, (ii) heat carried away by the combustion products, (iii) heating of the stove body and floor, (iv) energy contained in the charcoal residue, and (v) cooking water evaporation. Techniques for reducing these energy losses are suggested. Tests comparing the efficiency of traditional cookstoves and cookstoves containing a flue, chimney, and tightly fitting pots (the Hyderabad stove design) were then carried out. The Hyderabad cookstoves did not prove to be more fuel-efficient than the traditional stove when a means for controlling the draft or regulating the heat input rate to the pots is not provided. When the Hyderabad stove is equipped with a damper and recessed pots, a fuel savings of the order of 30% is realized in the laboratory. The innovative Hyderabad stove still requires field testing and user evaluation. This limited series of experiments suggests that new woodburning cookstoves should be carefully designed, constructed and operated.

Field test evaluation report on Introduction to Polymer Chemistry

A description of a project that focuses on two types of continuing education courses: one using audiovisual materials and the other using interactive computer programs.

Field testing and economic evaluation of RO seawater technology

An experimental RO seawater system has been in operation for two years at Eilat on the Red-Sea shore. Simplified seawater pretreatment, comprising only sand filtration and acid dosing was applied. Hollow fiber and spiral wound membranes were tested. Evaluation of pretreatment effectiveness and comparative membrane performances are reported. Investment and water cost analysis of a 4,000 m 3/day RO seawater desalting system under various operating conditions is given. The analysis is based on the results of experimental site operation, current technology development and updated industrial quotations. The resulting water production cost from a one-stage system, adequate to produce desalted water acceptable for local drinking water standards, is approximately $ 1.1/m 3.

Evaluation of a Field Test of Computers for the Doctor’s Office*

Based on extensive analysis of functions and structures in general practices and the resulting definitions of needs and possibilities for a computer support; six installations of dedicated computer systems in offices of private physicians were evaluated. The installations involved practices for gynecology, ENT, ophthalmology, and general medicine.The study comprised detailed analyses of the functional characteristics of each office before, during and after the computer installation, especially in regard to work load and work distribution, cost, time performance and motivation.The results of computer support vary in regard to the different types of practices and the pre-test organizational structure of the offices. An increased systematization of recording and claim processing could be achieved. Time gam could only be seen in the registration of new patients or >repeaters< with extensive updates. Retrieval of administrative data was slightly longer in normal >repeaters< than in the manual process. The frequency of diagnoses, recorded procedures and the measurements of various time parameters are reported. The actual set of codes used is manageable in regard to volume and differentiation in the individual office.Evaluation by the physicians themselves reveals different emphasis on priorities of the administrative area, of medical documentation, tune gain or quality. The results of cost analysis vary depending upon the type of practice. In some offices time gain and shift in work load led to an economic gain. The calculations were based on a monthly rental of DM 2,000. However, system architecture and hardware of the experimental system were not yet optimal.Cost/effectiveness and motivational satisfaction relate to the classification of the practices under scrutiny by methods developed in earlier studies.General aspects of the experiment and resulting design criteria for a possible product for the doctor’s office are discussed.

Class: a standardized in-class program for acting-out children. II. Field test evaluations.

Class: a standardized in-class program for acting-out children. II. Field test evaluations.