Test Mode Research Articles

Garsinių ir vaizdinių stimulų įtaka išgalvotų žodžių pakartojimo testo rezultatams

The aim of this study is to compare research data collected using two different non-word repetition test procedures (live stimuli vs. audio-recorded stimuli). The study sample consists of 100 typically developing children (aged 4;00–5;11) and 50 adults (mean age ~ 30).The comparison of the different modes of the non-word repetition test suggests that the presentation of the stimuli (live vs. audio-recorded) influences the accuracy of the test results. The study found that visual stimuli significantly improved non-word repetition accuracy for both children and adults compared to audio-recorded stimuli (F(1.98) = 8.250, p < 0.005) and (F(1.43) = 8.927, p < 0.005), respectively. It was expected that visual stimuli would have a greater effect on adults than on children, but this hypothesis was not supported by the results.

Evaluating knowledge levels of students with a Computerized Adaptive Test

The present study aims to develop and evaluate a CAT system for multiple-choice success tests. In this regard the measurement results obtained from the CAT system based on Item Response Theory (IRT) and the test mode based on the Classical Test Theory (CTT) were compared in terms of the knowledge level of the students, reliability of measurement and number of items. The study was conducted on 873 students from a state-university in Turkey. The research took three years three years and involved three phases. According to the findings of the present study, with the developed CAT system, academic success levels of the students were determined with very high reliability. When all the items in the test were scored according to both constructs, the relationship between the scores obtained was found to be high and meaningful in a positive direction. Moreover, there is a high, positive, significant relationship between students’ levels of knowledge that are estimated in CAT systems and the score of an achievement test they received from a Paper & Pencil test. Finally, the number of questions the students were exposed to in the CAT system was reduced by 50% compared to the test based on the CTT.

INCREASING THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE BUDGET PROCESS OF UKRAINE IN CURRENT CONDITIONS

The transparency of the budget process is a guarantee of democratic governance and ensures the state's accountability to citizens. In Ukraine, a transparent budget mechanism is being implemented with the participation and active support of civil society. In 2015, a single web portal for the use of public funds "Electronic data" became operational (in 2017, the portal went from test mode to official mode), which became an important tool in the fight against corruption. An analogue of "Electronic data" is the search and analytical system “.007” — an accessible and easy-to-use web service for processing and convenient visual presentation of information on the use of state funds. Also, the state web portal “Budget for citizens” (Open budget) is active and effectively implemented today. It is an official state portal with open data on public finances: state and local budgets. The portal presents a glossary of budget terms, provides information about the budget process and its participants, and presents indicators of state and local budgets. The implementation of the principles of publicity and transparency guarantees a reliable budget, ensuring public trust in the state budget policy, and also increases revenues to the budgets of various levels and strengthens state control.

Spatial Ability Performance in Interior Design and Architecture: Comparison of Static and Virtual Reality Modes

Recent advancements in virtual reality (VR) technology have enabled its integration into learning diverse aspects of spatial components and relationships in the field of spatial design, as well as designing, communicating, collaborating, and managing complex building projects. With the growing interest in incorporating VR technology in spatial design, examining whether people understand, perceive, and perform spatial tasks in the same way in VR as they do in static modes is essential. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare spatial ability performance in a conventional static paper–desktop mode and an interactive VR mode. Thirty students completed the Architecture and Interior Design Domain–Specific Spatial Ability Test in both modes. Their visual cognitive style was measured with the Object–Spatial Imagery Questionnaire, and their responses to the usability of the VR mode were analyzed. The results revealed: (a) significant difference in performance between static and VR modes, including better performance in three spatial visualization subconstructs in static mode than in VR; (b) no gender difference in VR mode; (c) a tendency of spatial visualizers to benefit from VR mode; and (d) a tendency of people with high spatial ability to be more susceptible to test mode. Overall, the results contribute to expanding our understanding of spatial ability performance in different test modes and provide insights concerning the integration of VR into the development of spatial ability tools and education.

Framework of Maximum Solar Energy Conversion Using Lyapunov‐Based Model Reference Adaptive Control Technique in Stochastic Weather Conditions

The solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation technology has grown rapidly. Herein, a novel continuous‐time Lyapunov‐based model reference adaptive control (LB‐MRAC) technique is suggested for determining the duty cycle of boost converter to maintain maximum power point (MPP) of the solar PV panel. For ensuring the fast‐tracking speed, the reference voltage of, respectively, MPP is calculated using perturb and observe (PO) and input to the MRAC technique. Using MATLAB/Simulink, the performances of the LB‐MRAC maximum power point tracking are comparatively analyzed with PO, incremental conductance, and adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system under diverse testing modes such as stand‐alone, partial shading, grid integrated, and real time. The proposed technique tracks MPP in just 3.7 ms having tracking efficacy between 99.15% and 99.59% under highly fluctuating irradiance and temperature with load uncertainties. In partial shading mode, four patterns (3 × 1 PV string) are devised and determined where that the suggested approach monitors the global MPP in merely 0.04 s with the highest power tracked and the least amount of shading loss. Next, the efficacy is checked in a three‐phase 50 kW grid‐integrated mode under realistic weather. Finally, the performance of the suggested continuous‐time LB‐MRAC technique is experimentally corroborated employing OPAL‐RT(OP4510) in the real‐time mode.

Shear bond strength of MDP-containing light-cured veneer adhesive system to zirconia with different surface preparations

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different surface preparation techniques on the surface microstructure, the shear bond strength (SBS) between zirconia and an MDP-containing light-cured veneer adhesive system, and the adhesive failure mode. Sixty-four zirconia specimens were divided into four groups based on surface preparation methods (n = 16), including zirconia sandblasting (ZSB), zirconia vitrification or glaze-on (ZVG), zirconia surface architecture technique (ZSAT), and ZSAT-ZVG combined technique (ZSATVG) groups. Sixteen lithium disilicate specimens prepared by etching with hydrofluoric acid (HF) were used as a positive control group (LDE). Surface roughness measurement and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation were performed before and after surface preparation. All specimens were then bonded with an MDP-containing light-cured adhesive system, followed by SBS testing and adhesive failure mode analysis. The ZVG and ZSATVG groups showed the greatest differential roughness value and microscopic irregularities, while the ZSAT and LDE groups had the least surface change but the most micromechanical retentive structures for resin infiltration. SBS values were significantly different among groups (p < 0.001) with the highest SBS observed in the ZSAT group, followed by the ZSB group, LDE group, ZSATVG group, and lastly, the ZVG group. There was a statistically significant difference in failure types among the surface preparation groups (p < 0.001). The ZSAT group had the highest frequency of mixed failure, followed by the ZSB group, LDE group, and the ZSATVG and ZVG groups. Establishing direct micromechanical retention within zirconia itself yields a higher bond strength than indirect micromechanical retention within a glass ceramic layer.

Investigation of the possibility of using an augmented reality-based endotracheal aspiration simulation tool for nursing education.

We developed an augmented reality technology-based endotracheal aspiration simulation tool (the AR tool) consisting of three modes: a mode for nursing students to learn endotracheal aspiration by themselves (learning mode); a mode for repeated practice (practice mode); and a mode for confirmation testing (test mode). This study aimed to compare the learning outcomes of the AR tool with traditional training mannequins and identify potential uses and improvements of the AR tool. We invited students, and faculty members from the three universities who agreed to cooperate in conducting this study. Fifty-four students and nine faculty members agreed to participate in this study. The students were divided into two groups. One group was to study with the AR tool and the other group was to study with the traditional half-body training mannequin for suction. The students in both groups were asked to demonstrate endotracheal aspiration on another full-body type training mannequin which could be used as a patient with a tracheostomy (Skill test). Group interviews with faculty members focused on the topic of the AR tool's potential use in nursing education and improvement needed. There was little significant difference in the skill test results of endotracheal aspiration of students in both groups. The students and faculty members both expressed an interest in the AR tool. They said it was suitable for self-study of endotracheal aspiration. This AR tool is an effective teaching tool for learning the sequence of endotracheal suctioning, although there are some areas that need improvement.

Bond Strength of a Novel Universal Resin Cement to Dentin with or without an Adhesive Bonding Agent: An In Vitro Study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength and fracture mode of universal resin cement to dentin compared to self-adhesive and adhesive resin cement with and without an adhesive bonding agent. Seventy-two molar teeth were sectioned to expose coronal dentin, divided into three groups, and assigned to RelyX Universal (universal), RelyX Ultimate (adhesive), or RelyX Unicem 2 (self-adhesive) cements from 3M. The 3 groups were further subdivided into 2 subgroups of 12 specimens each, with or without the use of an adhesive bonding agent. Lithium-disilicate discs were bonded to the dentin surface using the cements, stored for 24 hours in distilled water, and subjected to 2,000 thermocycles before shear bond strength testing and fracture mode analysis. Significant differences in bond strength and fracture mode were found between groups based on cement or the use of a bonding agent. Both the universal and adhesive cements had significantly greater bond strengths to dentin with the use of a bonding agent versus no bonding agent. With the self-adhesive cement, there was no significant increase in bond strength to dentin with the use of a bonding agent. The novel universal resin cement had similar bond strengths to dentin as the adhesive cement with the use of a bonding agent, and similar bond strengths as the self-adhesive cement without the use of a bonding agent. The adhesively bonded universal cement had the greatest percentage of mixed and cohesive fractures. When greater adhesion is needed clinically, the novel universal resin cement may be used with an adhesive bonding agent. However, when less adhesion is needed, it could be used without a bonding agent in self-adhesive mode.

Development of PJBL-Based Physics Edu Media to Improve The 21st Century Learning Skills of High School Students

The purpose of this research was to create physics teaching resources that would enhance students' 21st century skills in renewable energy. The RD approach was used in conjunction with data collection methods including both test and non-test modes. This study involved three validators who assessed the learning materials from the perspectives of both material and media aspects. According to the assessment results, the material aspect received a rating of 'very good,' whereas the media aspect scored 'good.' The enhancement of 21st century learning competencies was gauged through pretest and posttest evaluation, revealing a rise in critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, use of ICTs, as well as life and career skills. The study determined that the PjBL-Based Physics Edu learning materials could serve as a reliable instructional tool for teaching renewable energy topics with moderate effectiveness.

A secure scan architecture using dynamic key to thwart scan-based side-channel attacks

Scan testing is widely used in the rigorous testing of modern integrated circuits. However, the controllable and observable nature of the scan design also provides opportunities for attackers who can utilise this structure to steal secret information stored in the chip. This paper proposes a secure Design for Testability (DFT) architecture to prevent scan-based attacks. The scheme uses a modified Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) to dynamically generate keys for the scan design key generator and verifies them against a specific selection of test key flip-flops in the original scan chain, and locks the control signals by transmitting the outputs of the verification comparisons to a OR gate. When the test authorisation key is correct, the circuit performs a normal scan operation; otherwise, the circuit enters an abnormal test mode and the data in the scan chain is dynamically obfuscated, thus preventing from observing valid data or deriving an encryption key through the output of the scan chain.

A comparative analysis of potential aerosol exposure in a wide-body aircraft cabin using tracer gas and fluorescent particles

We compare two aerosol surrogate tracers in aircraft cabins for breathing and coughing sources: tracer gas collected in the ACER Boeing 767 mock-up and fluorescent particles collected in an actual Boeing 767 aircraft by the US Transportation Command (TRANSCOM). Each source was located individually in window and middle seats. Exposure generally decreased with source distance. A window seat breathing source resulted in good agreement between datasets for exposure (as percent of release) for the TRANSCOM hangar-AFT testing mode, which corresponds to the 11-row cabin ACER laboratory space. Average tracer gas exposure for a middle seat breathing source was higher in the ACER study than the fluorescent particle tracer exposure in the TRANSCOM study. Using a coughing source in a window seat, the exposure for the TRANSCOM data was higher within the first two rows from the source before decreasing to and tracking with the ACER levels, until increasing after about 5 m away. A similar trend was recorded for a middle seat coughing source with higher overall exposure for the TRANSCOM data. Sources of exposure variation between the studies include particle deposition. This work helps optimize aerosol dispersion research in aircraft cabins and provides some validation to the existing studies.

Laboratory comparison of vegetation and gravel on parameters affecting urban floods under different rainfall and runoff conditions

Abstract This research seeks to analyze and compare the performance of impervious surface as control (O), sandy loam substrate, gravel, gravel with geocell layer (GGE), rosemary (R), rosemary with geocell layer (RGE), turf (T), and turf with geocell layer (TGE) in the reduction of rainfall-runoff volume, time to start runoff (TSR), runoff coefficient (C), time to end runoff (TER), peak flow (PF) rate, time to peak (TP), and time base (TB) under three conditions of rainfall, horizontal runoff, and the combination of rainfall and runoff in a slope of 5% using a rainfall simulator. Regarding the factorial results of the effective parameters of the test mode and the test sample on TSR, TER, TP, TB, C, and PF, there was a significant difference at the 5% level between the data in all cases. In all cases, GGE treatment performed better compared to the rest of the test groups in reducing runoff and cumulative volume. On the other hand, treatments O and GGE experienced the highest and lowest flow rate, respectively. For a given test condition, the value of C is the lowest for the GGE treatment.

Experimental Investigation on Fracture Toughness Of Hydrogen Embrittled Cu-Al-Be Shape Memory Alloy

Copper based Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) possess good Shape Memory Effect (SME) and Superelasticity and the alloys are prone to corrosion due to atmospheric conditions. The SMAs absorb hydrogen which results in hydrogen embrittlement which affects the SMAs characteristics. The fracture toughness of the hydrogen embrittled alloys were estimated for compositions of ternary Alloy-Beryllium (0.47 by weight %) under uniaxial tensile testing (Mode –I type). Strain energy release rate and Stress Intensity factors were determined. 0.47 wt. % of Be in the SMA has the higher fracture toughness and the stress Intensity factor is directly proportional and strain energy release rate is inversely proportional with the increase in Crack length.

Experimental Studies of Engine Crankcase Gas Consumption D-243 With Varying Degrees of Wear of the Cylinder-piston Group

The methodology and results of the experimental studies of crankcase gas consumption in diesel engines with varying degrees of wear of the cylinder-piston group (CPG) are presented. It is shown that the rotation speed has a significant influence on the crankcase gas consumption and the load has an insignificant influence on it. It is recommended to use the idle mode at the nominal or maximum rotation speed as a diagnostic test mode to assess the technical condition of the CPG.

Is AI testing beneficial for the manufacturer and social welfare? Optimal test strategy of a smart product

The rapid technological revolution of Industry 4.0 has set off rapid advancement in the smart product development. Testing the smart product’s system before release to market is crucial for ensuring proper functioning. Smart product manufacturers must carefully consider different testing modes to choose the optimal one based on product characteristics and consumer’s shopping intention. Additionally, different testing modes have varying impacts on the environment and social welfare, as well as profitability of the product. This study utilizes a two-period game theory model to analyze a smart product manufacturer’s optimal testing mode and pricing decision. Three testing mode are evaluated: manual testing mode (MT mode), artificial intelligence testing mode (AT mode), and public testing mode (PT mode). Consumers’ utility is influenced by factors such as consumer preferences, product quality, usage duration, and network externality effect. Our findings indicate that the optimal testing mode depends on quality improvement and network effect coefficients. Specifically, when the degree of quality improvement is high and the network effect is moderate, MT mode is preferred; when the quality improvement is high but the network effect is small, AT mode dominates; under other conditions, PT mode is optimal. Quality improvement and network effect coefficients have similar effects on pricing decisions but impact the profits in different manners. Social welfare is the highest under MT mode when the network effect is high and quality improvement is low, under AT mode when network effect is low and quality improvement is high, and under PT mode when both factors are high or low. Finally we provide a numerical example of how profit-driven business decisions may conflict with social welfare, potentially leading to lower social welfare than the theoretical optimum under the chosen testing mode strategy.

Sleeved waveguide ultrasonic sensor for monitoring concrete health

This article reports the development of a novel embedded waveguide ultrasonic sensor for detecting the onset of damage in reinforced concrete structures. A sleeved waveguide is proposed to confine guided ultrasonic waves in one-dimension, with leakage to the surrounding media only through specially created openings, thus reducing attenuation losses and enhancing the capability to inspect large structures from a single transducer location. The test frequency and mode are identified through modelling, and the interaction of leaky guided ultrasonic waves with delamination within the concrete volume is studied. Numerical simulations validated by experiments are used to study the changes in wave features such as mode velocity, wavelength and wave reflection in the delamination region, helping to estimate its location. Further simulation studies are carried out to demonstrate the possibility of using multiple waveguide sensors and sleeve openings to provide a full view of the concrete volume. The results are encouraging for practical long-range and large-scale monitoring of concrete volumes using the proposed sleeved waveguide ultrasonic sensors.

Methods for Parametric Identifi cation of Systematic Errors of Onboard Measurements of Aerodynamic Angles in Aircraft Flight Tests

Methods of the actual values of the angles of attack and slip determination in the technology of air data systems estimation using satellite navigation systems during aircraft flight tests of are stated. Also methods of parametric identification of mathematical models of on-board aerodynamic angles measurements errors are presented. The technology has been developed and implemented in the practice of flight tests at Flight Research Institute. The technology shows high efficiency of solving tasks of air data on-board systems, vertical separation systems, flight performance and takeoff and landing characteristics estimation in flight tests. The technology covers a wide range of issues of aerometric measurements, many of which have already been published. Here, attention is paid to measurements of aerodynamic angles. The features of determining the angles of attack and slip using data from air data systems, satellite and inertial navigation systems are shown. Equations for determining the angles of attack and slip during testing, factors of measurement errors, the structure of the mathematical model of the aerodynamic errors of the angle of attack on-board measurements are presented in a stationary approximation. Algorithms for solving problems in steady and unsteady modes of flight, takeoff and landing are considered. The completeness of the solution for the wind speed vector is noted. Estimates of methodological errors in determining aerodynamic angles using the technology are made. Compliance with modern requirements is showing. The effectiveness of the technology is confirmed by the materials of flight tests of a short-range aircraft. Typical examples of test materials presentation, features of measurements depending on the type of test mode, aerodynamic influence factors are shown.

Bridging the Gap: Development of frontal crash mode ATD Analogous human body models

Anthropomorphic variation is an important factor in computational studies using Human Body Models (HBMs), particularly regarding how such differences can influence observed kinematics and loading. Currently, a gap exists between Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs) and human body models (HBMs). By necessity, there are differences in constitutive behaviors at a material level, however segment mass distribution and anthropometry differences can make matched simulations of ATDs and HBMs difficult to interpret, which has real-world implications for current or future regulatory applications. In response to this gap, we present Global Human Body Model Consortium (GHBMC) 50th percentile male models (M50-OS) analogous to Hybrid III and THOR 50th percentile male models to serve as intermediaries between the HBMs and ATDs in computational biomechanics studies.Statistical human shape models were sized to each ATD, individually, using measurement metrics from ANSUR I. The M50-OS model surface and body shape surface were then converted to both polygon data (STL) and nodal coordinates. Landmark registration was performed, and the morphed nodes were imported back into the existing M50-OS models to generate two morphed versions analogous to the ATDs. The qualification suites were obtained from each respective ATD manual and run against the baseline and morphed models. The models were also simulated in a frontal NCAP crash pulses (56 km/hr) to assess variation in loading in a regulatory crash environment. 33 simulations were run between all models. The LSTC Hybrid III version 151,214 (open access software, ANSYS, Canonsburg, PA), Adult Shape Parametric Model (open access model, UMTRI, Ann Arbor, MI), GHBMC M50-OS (Elemance, LLC, Winston-Salem, NC), Thor v2.7 (University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science/NHTSA) were used in this study. All simulations were run using LS-Dyna R. 9.3.1 (ANSYS) on an in-house computational cluster.The Male 50th Percentile THOR Analogous Occupant Simplified (M50 THAN-OS) has 364 × 103 elements and weighs 77.1 kg, the Hybrid III Analogous Occupant Simplified (M50 HAN-OS) has 370 × 103 elements and weighs 79.2 kg. The M50 HAN-OS and M50 THAN-OS response data exhibited a closer match to their respective models overall when compared to the baseline M50-OS human. In the vehicle test environment, the airbag and seatbelt peaks between M50 HAN-OS and M50 Hybrid III at nearly the same time.The results indicate that the ATD analogous models exhibit more similar response characteristics to their ATD counterparts after correcting for shape and mass distribution discrepancies. The ATD analogous models therefore represent a novel means to compare anticipated biomechanical loading on an occupant under similar testing conditions that use ATDs. Furthermore, the models represent a potential bridge towards testing modes of interest that ATDs are not well suited or are not validated for, such as low speed maneuvering, or oblique and far-side modes of crash.

Province-Wide Ascertainment of Lynch Syndrome in Manitoba

Background & AimsWe describe the experience of Lynch Syndrome (LS) diagnosis in the province of Manitoba, Canada over the last twenty years. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of charts from the provincial Genetics clinic from January 1, 2000-May 31, 2023. We extracted data on individuals identified to carry a germline pathogenic or likely pathogenic LS gene variant, the mode of ascertainment, family history, and cascade genetic testing (CGT). Data was stratified and compared pre and post the year of implementation (October 2013) of the provincial LS screening program (LSSP) and ascertainment by the LSSP versus clinic referrals (CR). ResultsBetween 2014-2021, 50/101 (49.5%) index cases were identified by the LSSP compared to 51/101 (50.5%) from CR. The proportion of PMS2 variants was 34% (17/50) for LSSP index cases compared to 21.6% (11/51) for CR 2014-2021 (p<0.001). Amongst CRs 2014-2021, 24/51 (47.1%) of families met the Amsterdam criteria, compared to 11/50 (22.0%) for the LSSP (p= 0.01). CGT occurred among 46.8% (95/203; average 1.9 relatives/index) of first-degree relatives (FDRs) of CR index cases versus 36.5% (84/230; average 1.7 relatives/index) of FDRs of LSSP index cases (p=0.03). Daughters were most likely to undergo CGT. ConclusionsA tumour screening program is more effective at detecting individuals with lower penetrant gene variants and families who do not meet traditional family history-based criteria. Cascade genetic testing is higher among clinic referrals compared to the screening program. These findings suggest a complementary role of these two ascertainment methods for Lynch syndrome.

Examining energy use efficiency and conducting an environmental life cycle assessment through the application of artificial intelligence: A case study on the production of cumin and fennel

This study aims to examine the energy use efficiency and conduct an environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) of the production of cumin and fennel using artificial intelligence (AI). The energy consumption for fennel and cumin is 34814.81 MJ ha−1 and 26214.17 MJ ha−1, respectively. The energy ratio for cumin is 0.66, indicating a substantial energy consumption per unit of output energy. Specifically, it takes 22.36 MJ of energy to produce 1 kg of cumin. Both crops exhibit a negative net energy balance. The results of the LCA analysis revealed three key findings when comparing the environmental emissions of cumin and fennel. Firstly, in the context of cumin cultivation, the environmental emissions related to human health were found to be 0.15 DALY. Secondly, there were no significant variations in the environmental emissions of medicinal plants when considering ecosystems. Finally, fennel production exhibited 237.77 USD2013 environmental publications in the resource category. It is worth noting that a substantial portion of the emissions in all three categories of medicinal plants can be attributed to direct emissions from crop cultivation. Additionally, nitrogen plays a significant role in emissions after the direct emissions occur. In comparison to fennel, cultivating cumin is recommended as it helps decrease environmental emissions and minimizes harm to water, air, and soil. The ANN model achieved a determination coefficient greater than 0.93 for four factors related to cumin cultivation in test mode. Similarly, the determination coefficient for output energy in fennel cultivation was found to be 0.852. However, the results indicate that the ANFIS test model outperformed the ANN model in terms of performance and accuracy. The ANFIS model exhibited an average detection coefficient of 0.95 for cumin cultivation and 0.93 for fennel cultivation, highlighting its superior performance compared to the ANN model. The application of AI techniques provides valuable insights into the production of cumin and fennel, facilitating informed decision-making towards more sustainable practices in the spice industry.