A Basic High-School Testing Program

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

The results of three test programmes investigating the hydrodynamic loading on marine pipelines are presented. These test programmes are extensions to a comprehensive test programme with a pipeline on a flat seabed. The individual test series cover partially buried pipelines, pipelines in open trenches, and pipelines sliding on the seabed. Each of these cases represents a variation from the fully exposed, fixed pipeline, and for all cases reductions in the hydrodynamic loading appear. The paper presents these reductions and the associated force coefficients as functions of the dimensionless, governing parameters. INTRODUCTION Since 1983 a series of model tests with pipelines have been carried out by the Danish Hydraulic Institute on behalf of the Pipeline Research Committee of the American Gas Association. The basic test programme with on-bottom pipelines has been described extensively in /1/, /2/, and /3/. In these references the testing technique and testing facility have been described in detail. The pipeline fixed on the seabed constitutes the worst case with respect to hydrodynamic loading. Any deviation from this case results in reduced fluid loading, as is demonstrated in this paper. Partial burial of a pipeline may result from sediment transport. However, the main reason for performing the tests presented here was the fact that several geotechnical test programmes, see refs. /4/, /5/, /6/, had shown that if pipelines undergo oscillatory movements (e.g. resulting from excessive wave loading) they tend to dig themselves into the seabed. For small oscillatory movements the pipe-seabed geometry is as shown in Fig. 1a In addition to the increased soil resistance, the hydrodynamic loads are decreased for this case, and this effect has been quantified in the tests for burial degrees up to 40 per cent. As a consequence of regulatory requirements or as a means for obtaining static stability, pipelines may be laid in open trenches. The trench geometry depends on the soil characteristics and the trenching methodology. Four simplified and shallow trench profiles have been used in the tests to determine slightly conservative estimates of the force reductions due to the sheltering effects of the open trenches. As discussed in /7/, /8/, and /9/ the traditional static stability philosophy is being transformed into dynamic and quasi-static stability methods that allow pipeline movements during severe environmental conditions. These movements occur as a result of excessive fluid loading. Giving the simplified example of a pipeline moving synchronously with the surrounding water, where the resulting hydrodynamic load is zero, it is obvious that the fluid forces are reduced for a moving pipeline. Traditionally, the relative movement effects have been treated by simply introducing the relative kinematics into the standard force expressions. However, in reality the forces are related to the near pipe flow field which even for a fixed pipeline is affected significantly by the presence of the pipeline itself. It is thus not a straightforward task to evaluate the force reduction based solely on analytical procedures.

The paper deals with model tests as a means for research and development of deep sea mining vessels. Important data can also be collected for operation manuals concerned with precise specification of operations of ocean surface units. The paper reviews deep ocean mining vessels and operations and outlines the aspects which can be successfully dealt with in model tests in conventional wave basins. A range of special techniques are used to obtain the necessary information for the main set-up of the mining vessel in operation and the ore carrier in approach, attach, load, detach, and depart phases of the combined operations. It is discussed how operational conditions and survival conditions can be studied for the above objectives. The model test set-up for the purpose is complex since the many quantities and phenomena covered do not scale similarly. It is shown how servo-assisted free-model tests is the answer to the problems encountered in terms of model testing. The necessary servo units are discussed and dealt with in the appendices. Finally, the paper outlines a test programme and the ranges of test parameters and variables. INTRODUCTION Deep sea mining is a very young technology and very expensive to develop. Basic tests and pilot plants have been operated for some years to investigate possibilities and prepare the full-scale process when the law of the sea legislation and the mineral market conditions are right. The cost of an ocean mining installation for manganese nodules is about 700 million US $ and seems, under certain conditions of high nodule abundance and relatively easy recovery, to be economically feasible with a 20 years' operation in the mining sites. The nodule density of about 9 kg/m2 over a high priority area of 6,000,000 km2, will yield about 40 billion tons of dry nodules for recovery. The operation cost of such a mining system can be estimated to the order of 75 million $ per year exclusive of processing cost which might amount to 125 million per year, and exclusive of capital cost. The direct mining cost is thus 250,000 $ per day covering all operations at sea. Any attempt to improve efficiency and service operation quality or any attempt to prolong the possibility to operate in heavier weather is worth-while. Model tests are a highly qualified means of developing ocean structures, and many aspects of ocean mining can be solved in model tests. The vessels' motions and behaviour under environmental loads, steering and manoeuvring properties at the low speed of advance, carrying a 6 to 8 km long marine riser under the ship bottom, can be measured and analysed for design, development, and preparation of operation manuals. Films and video tapes can be prepared for instructions, marketing, and training purposes. Structural loads for design purposes concerned with mutual operation of the mining vessel and the ore carrier can be studied. Transfer of the recovered ore in dry or slurry form can be dealt with.

Some 2,800 common, high-production-volume chemicals may undergo a battery of basic toxicity screening tests over the next six years through an agreement signed by the federal government, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), and the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA). The deal places the responsibility on the chemical industry to pay for the tests and to see that they get done. The testing program, which will screen the chemicals for potential harm to humans and the environment, is to be wrapped up by 2004. CMA also agreed to create an Internet site where the public can track industry's progress. For the pact to succeed, however, sources say U.S. chemical companies must be aided by sister companies around the world—otherwise, they doubt the resources are available to pull the plan off. A step in that direction took place in early October, about the same time CMA's agreement was announced. The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), an ...

: The Basic Programming Knowledge Test (BPKT), is intended to stand by itself as a criterion of programming proficiency. To achieve a close correspondence of test content to programming job requirements, subject-matter experts participated in the construction and review of the test questions. Test questions were selected that met the criteria of discrimination and appropriate difficulty, as indicated by the statistical analysis of results of a large preliminary testing. The final form of the test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that are designed to be free of references to specific computers and languages now in use. Normative scores were developed for Naby computer groups. The relationships of the BPKT test scores to a number of vocational and educational variables are described.

The subject of this talk is primarily the selection of Systems Analysts. Time permitting, I shall also discuss work done on the selection of programmer trainees. The research program, as many of you have heard described in previous talks, was divided into three phases. The first was the job analysis phase in which 17 job dimensions were revealed to cover systems analyst and programmer positions. The second phase dealt with the development of criterion tests for evaluating programmer and systems analyst performance. The third phase was concerned with the selection of people for training in programming and systems analysis. I have reported on the results of the job analysis phase, and on the development and use of a test dealing with programmer proficiency, the Basic Programming Knowledge Test. Today I will report on the other criterion test, the Systems Analysis Test. A detailed report on the development of the Systems Analysis Test and an analysis of the results of its use is planned. I will discuss some of those results here.

1 - Introductory Scientific History to Neuropsychological Assessment

I am pleased to present “our” new strategic plan for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS 2012). I say that it’s “our” plan because the entire document reflects tremendous thought, discussion, and sharing of ideas by hundreds of scientists and community stakeholders, and it speaks to the entire field of environmental health research. This plan is about what we will strive to accomplish together as we devote ourselves to research that, in my opinion, has the greatest chance for preventing disease and for improving health throughout the world. As reflected in the new strategic plan (NIEHS 2012), the NIEHS has a fresh vision, not because our values have changed but because our research has been so successful—and many of you have made a huge contribution to that progress. New technologies and increasing knowledge bring exciting new opportunities each and every year. The NIEHS’s new strategic plan builds upon the accomplishments and vision that came before. The NIEHS has come a long way in making environmental health research responsive to the needs and concerns of the American people— to make environmental health part of the public health debate. This continues to be a source of motivation and purpose for NIEHS staff and our research partners. Environmental justice is an everlasting core value for NIEHS research. In the past few years, we at the NIEHS have made some important progress in exposure science, supporting new technologies for sensor devices and bioinformatics. We have been embracing new science such as epigenetics and exposure phenotyping, focusing on interdisciplinary research and translational research. In addition, our clinical research unit is now up and running. As the NIEHS moves forward, our overall goal is to make the institute, including the National Toxicology Program (NTP), the foremost trusted source of environmental health knowledge, leading the field in innovation and the application of research to solve health problems. Our new vision statement (NIEHS 2012) captures our collective dreams and aspirations, and reflects our strong commitment to making a real difference: The vision of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is to provide global leadership for innovative research that improves public health by preventing disease and disability from our environment. What this means in practical terms is that we are pursuing some of the “big influences” that have been understudied, all of which interact with traditional environmental exposures: the microbiome, for example, and inflammation pathways, immunological pathways, nutrition, and epigenetic processes. We also want to lead the process of defining the “exposome,” which is the totality of exposure encountered by humans. We have elevated the NTP to the divisional level within the NIEHS. And we will continue to integrate our toxicology research with our excellent basic and translational science programs, not because I am a toxicologist but because the NTP is a problem-solving program—a truly translational component of the NIEHS. For example, the NTP is part of our consortium on bisphenol A, contributing to the scientific deliberations, right along with our intramural scientists and our grantees. The NTP is leading the Tox21 initiative along with the National Institute of Health’s National Center for Comparative Genomics, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Food and Drug Administration. This high throughput testing program shows great promise not only as a new and faster method but also for moving toxicology into a predictive science. The NTP is moving beyond the traditional approaches of testing one chemical at a time and are taking on the significant challenge of evaluating mixtures. We are also looking at the effects of exposures throughout the life span, expanding our research and testing to include prenatal exposures and how they may link to adult disease. It is clear that there are multiple windows of susceptibility and that exposures early in life may have long-lasting consequences to both health and disease. Finally, the antiquated idea that the dose makes the poison is overly simplistic. The newest research clearly shows that biology is affected by low doses of chemicals, often within the range of general population exposure, and that these biological changes can be harmful, especially during periods of development. Therefore, low-dose research must go hand in hand with our life-span approach. The NIEHS’s job doesn’t stop with the publication of scientific results. We also have an obligation to help translate the nation’s research investment into public health intervention, new policy, and preventive clinical practice. To be successful, we at the NIEHS need to conduct and support the best science, whether it is led by an individual researcher or a multidisiplinary team, and this means working together with all of our partners. We thank everyone who joined us in our strategic planning process. We appreciate your commitment and support.

The Renewable Aviation Fuels Development Center (RAFDC) at Baylor University was granted U. S. Department of Energy (US DOE) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds for research and development to improve the efficiency in ethanol powered aircraft, measure performance and compare emissions of ethanol, Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (ETBE) and 100 LL aviation gasoline. The premise of the initial proposal was to use a test stand owned by Engine Components Inc. (ECI) based in San Antonio, Texas. After the grant was awarded, ECI decided to close down its test stand facility. Since there were no other test stands available at that time, RAFDC was forced to find additional support to build its own test stand. Baylor University provided initial funds for the test stand building. Other obstacles had to be overcome in order to initiate the program. The price of the emission testing equipment had increased substantially beyond the initial quote. Rosemount Analytical Inc. gave RAFDC an estimate of $120,000.00 for a basic emission testing package. RAFDC had to find additional funding to purchase this equipment. The electronic ignition unit also presented a series of time consuming problems. Since at that time there were no off-the-shelf units of this type available, one had to be specially ordered and developed. FAA funds were used to purchase a Super Flow dynamometer. Due to the many unforeseen obstacles, much more time and effort than originally anticipated had to be dedicated to the project, with much of the work done on a volunteer basis. Many people contributed their time to the program. One person, mainly responsible for the initial design of the test stand, was a retired engineer from Allison with extensive aircraft engine test stand experience. Also, many Baylor students volunteered to assemble the. test stand and continue to be involved in the current test program. Although the program presented many challenges, which resulted in delays, the RAFDC's test stand is an asset which provides an ongoing research capability dedicated to the testing of alternative fuels for aircraft engines. The test stand is now entirely functional with the exception of the electronic ignition unit which still needs adjustments.

<div class="htmlview paragraph">The question of what constitutes a realistic stress testing program, and how it is performed and then applied to earthmoving vehicles, is of prime interest to the design engineer. A general understanding of how the various tests are performed and their relationship to the total picture will enable the designer to work with testing personnel to develop vehicles that will have a minimum of structural problems in the field. Emphasis will be put on three basic stress testing procedures, namely static, pseudodynamic, and duty cycle field tests.</div>

<div class="htmlview paragraph">This paper presents the basic test data obtained from tests of a cabin air distribution system in a simulated Space Station U.S. Lab-A module.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">The cabin air distribution system controls the flow of air in the open space of a Space Station module. In order to meet crew comfort criteria the local velocities for this cabin air are required to be distributed within a specified range with upper and lower limits. Achieving this desired velocity distribution is dependent upon the: (1.) design of the cabin air supply equipment and cabin air return equipment, (2.) total flowrate of air supplied to and subsequently returned from the cabin, and (3.) interactive effects of any other additional air flow streams which enter and exit the cabin.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">The basic Space Station design for the cabin air supply and air return equipment was used in this test program. Only directional adjustments to vanes in supply air diffusers were made during the test. This equipment is included in the Temperature and Humidity Control (THC) subsystem for the Space Station. Two other air streams, in addition to what is defined as THC cabin airflow, which were involved in the test program were:</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph"> <ol class="list nostyle"> <li class="list-item"> <span class="li-label">1.</span> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Standoff airflow – Standoffs are described in the paper. Briefly, they are enclosures within the cabin which formerly included ventilation fans. The consequent standoff airflow interacted with THC cabin airflow. The present baseline THC subsystem does not include the standoff fans.</div></li> <li class="list-item"> <span class="li-label">2.</span> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Intermodule Ventilation (IMV) Airflow – IMV assemblies are used to interchange airflow between Space Station modules. These modules include the U.S. Lab-A module, the nodes, and, later in the Space Station program, the international modules.</div></li></ol></div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Test results from eight (8) of the test runs which demonstrate the ability for the air distribution system to meet its objectives are presented. These test run results are compared with each other with respect to their standing relative to meeting the test objectives.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">The test program investigated the effects of the variables noted above in meeting the test objectives. The basic variable in these test runs was the THC airflow. This airflow varied from 300 cfm to 500 cfm in the 8 test runs presented here. Some changes were made in supply air diffuser vane directional settings. Standoff airflow was used in one test run (number 4) and IMV airflow was used in test runs 5, 6, 7, and 8. Based on the test results, the desired velocity range and an engineering evaluation of the test results, a THC airflow rate for U.S. Lab-A is recommended.</div>

Managing Automatic Test Systems in the 90's is more than writing BASIC test programs to control IEEE 488 instruments. Managing your Automatic Test System involves Test Program Set (TPS) development, management of re-usable test objects, data management, tester resource management and user interface management. In addition, the Automatic Test System must provide a Test Executive that controls the overall test development and execution environments. The benefits of this type of system are, lower TPS development cost, a common user interface and lower TPS development cost, a common user interface and lower operator training cost. This paper focuses on these aspects of Automatic Test System Management. >