bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absorption chillers applied to CHP systems
Authors: Tozer R. , James R.
Published: December 2008

The parameters that should be considered at the design stage of a combined heat and power (CHP) project have been determined for situations when absorption refrigeration is to be used. Single and double stage chillers are considered together with system features such as hot water, steam or heat recovery driven, in terms of the hot temperature heat source from the CHP plant. Finally the chiller efficiency, plant size and the electric consumption of cooling towers and condenser water pumps are analysed to achieve an energy efficient system design.
Free-standing ventilation terminals: Testing and rating
Authors: Welsh Paul
Published: December 2008

Terminals on the exhausts of all types of ventilation systems alter system performance as they interact with the exhaust flow and the wind. They cause a pressure loss and the wind may either assist the exhaust flow, cause a resistance or even flowreversal. The precise effects depend on terminal design, exhaust flow rate, wind speed, wind angle and wind direction. This paper discusses a suitable test procedure and rating method which allows terminals to be selected on a basis of performance. The widely varying performance of some popular designs is discussed. The results indicate those terminals that may cause flow reversal, that have good extractive qualities and that have high resistive properties.
Fault detection in HVAC plants based on constraint suspension
Authors: Howell J. , Maddison E.J.
Published: December 2008

Constraint suspension is a physical model based approach to fault detection and diagnosis. Its capabilities are demonstrated by describing how it might be applied to data recorded from an air conditioning unit installed in a factory. One possible implementation is outlined and results obtained from applying this are given. Issues relating to suitability, accuracy and sensitivity are discussed. Constraint suspension is unlikely to be readily applicable to the detection of faults embedded in controller implementations and it is therefore proposed that a simple rule-based system be appended to accommodate this limitation.
Single-sided natural ventilation measurements
Authors: Eftekhari M.M.
Published: December 2008

This paper investigates air movements and temperature distribusions inside an office which is naturally ventilated. An existing environmental chamber with a volume of approximately 45 m3 is used to represent an office. The outside air is supplied into the environmental chamber through three different supply positions on the wall. Measurements of air temperature and velocity are carried out in the environmental chamber at different heights and positions in the chamber. The internal wall surface temperatures and outside air temperature are also monitored. The mean air velocity is measured at the same points as the air temperatures using omnidirectional anemometers. The outputs from the anemometers are fed into a microcomputer; these data are analysed for comfort using the predicted percentage of dissatisfaction (PPD) method of Fanger's thermal comfort criterion.
Occupant questionnaire on interior environmental conditions: Initial results
Authors: Levermore G.J. , Meyers D.
Published: December 2008

An initial survey has been conducted to assess a self-administered questionnaire, fingerprint and liking score which are aimed at quantifying, in a simple manner, occupants' perceptions of their interior environments. 450 questionnaires have been analysed. The average liking scores for groups of occupants range between -14% and +19%. The questionnaire responses have been found to be consistent in two test-retests and in agreement with an earlier independent survey. The results from four groups of occupants in four different buildings, (208 responses), naturally ventilated and air conditioned, are discussed in detail. In general there was agreement between the liking scores and building sickness scores but two buildings, each with a Building Sickness Score of 1.7, had liking scores of +19% and +1%. The questionnaire also revealed that office temperature, occupant health, and daylight were important factors, whereas appearance of the building, room colours and attractiveness were the least important factors. Although minor modifications to the questionnaire are considered, and have been implemented in the PROBE project, it is hoped that the questionnaire will become a useful management and design tool.
AC pressurisation: Analysis by non-linear optimisation
Authors: Dewsbury J.
Published: December 2008

The paper briefly describes the AC pressurisation method of building airtightness measurement and the disadvantages of earlier analysis methods. A new analysis method is described, based on fitting a non-linear function of the unknowns to data. The function is derived from the differential equations of the system components. The new method performed well with simulated data. With real data, the method produced good estimates of the leakage flow rate at 4 Pa pressure loss, leakage length/area and enclosure flexing, but poor estimates of the leakage exponent. It is suspected that this problem was due to measurement errors.
Air infiltration from basements and sub-floors to the living space
Authors: McGrath P.T. , McManus J.
Published: December 2008

This paper reports the results of an investigation into air flow from basements and sub-floors into the living space and shows that air infiltration from these areas makes a significant contribution to the whole house air infiltration rate. Experimental work in two typical test sites, using tracer-gas techniques confirmed that contaminated soil gases may be transported into the living space by air from basements and sub-floors. The poor condition of most basements exacerbates the difficulty of practical methods of measuring airflow through basement ceilings.
A new tracer-gas testing technique: Theory and numerical simulations
Authors: Balcomb J.D. , Martin C.J. , Littler J.
Published: December 2008

A new technique is presented for measuring air exchange rates and contaminant transfer dynamics in buildings. The method uses pseudo-random binary sequences (PRBS) to control tracer-gas injection. Cross-correlation of the injection sequence with the tracer concentrations measured in multiple rooms is used to deduce system responses. Air flow rates in multiple-room buildings can be measured simultaneously using a single tracer. Both dynamic air-change rates and static flow rates can be determined, and bad mixing can be diagnosed and quantified. Traditional techniques for tracer gas testing are reviewed followed by a derivation of the new method. Numerical simulation trials of the technique are described, the first for a simple one-room configuration, the second for the same situation with experimental noise added, and the third for a three-room building. The results obtained by cross-correlation agree with the known impulse responses and air change rates providing a first proof of concept for the method. A subsequent paper will describe validation of the method in a multi-room test chamber.
Transparent insulating materials: Steady-state model for assessing thermal performance
Authors: Gorgolewski M.
Published: December 2008

This paper investigates the use of transparent insulating material (TLM) in buildings and considers how the performance of materials with such complex and varying effects can be modelled in a simple steady-state thermal prediction model. The heat transfer mechanisms of a TLM-clad wall are considered, and how these can be modelled in various types of Simulation programmes. From this, suitable algorithms are derived for use in a steady-state calculation process such as BREDEM-8, to enable the energy saving effects of TIM to be predicted. Since heat gains are not all useful throughout the year, alternative approaches are considered to the problem of predicting the utilisation of the heat gains. Finally the algorithms are tested when implemented within the BREDEM-8 model to assess their accuracy and usefulness in predicting energy savings. The results of these tests indicate that for predicting annual energy savings an accuracy within 20% of a dynamic simulation model was achieved in all cases and within 10% in most cases.
Comfort temperature: Flawed status in the CIBSE Guide
Authors: Davies M.G.
Published: December 2008

It is shown qualitatively and quantitatively that it is invalid to place the room comfort temperature tc on the conductance ΣAh2 as is done in the model for room heat exchange in the 1986 CIBSE Guide. It is noted that the global value of comfort temperature Tc in a room is a low-conductance combination of the room air and radiant temperature while the temperature index Ti combining these measures in relation to bulk heat transfer is a high conductance construct; T and Ti cannot be represented simultaneously in a thermal circuit. Thus the Guide's use of segments of Σ Aha and the factors F1 and F2 in the expression for the room heat Qt are not logically sustainable.
Differential pressure, bypass chilled/heating water systems: Criterion and procedure for balancing
Authors: Lau K.K.
Published: December 2008

A criterion and procedure for balancing differential-pressure-bypass chilled/heating water systems is described. Theoretical analysis has been carried out which suggests that the proposed criterion is feasible. The drawback is that slight oversizing of coils is required. Advantages are simplification in balancing procedure, and achieving a higher operating differential temperature across the mains than the system design value which would allow chillers/boilers to operate to their design thermal output.
Speech intelligibility improvement for multiple loudspeakers by increasing loudspeaker directionality architecturally
Authors: Kang J.
Published: December 2008

The objective of the research described in this paper is to improve the speech intelligibilty of multiple loudspeaker public address systems in long and flat enclosures, such as underground stations and supermarkets. It was theoretically demonstrated that strong directional loudspeakers are effective for increasing the speech transmission index (STI), and thus, a series of experiments were carried out to increase the loudspeaker directionality by an architectural method. It was found that a significant increase can be obtained by putting the loudspeaker inside a box, both with and without absorbers on the inner surfaces. The corresponding frequency spectrum change is very small and acceptable.
Lift traffic analysis: General formulae for double-deck lifts
Authors: Peters R.D. , Mehta P. , Haddon J.
Published: December 2008

This paper presents mathematical formulae for analysis of passenger traffic using double decker lifts. The formulae are general allowing any possible traffic flow to be considered. A Poisson approximation of passenger arrivals at lift landing stations is assumed allowing probable number of stops and average lowest and highest reversal floors to be calculated. Conventional techniques can then be used to calculate round trip time, interval and capacity factor. The calculations are iterative and require computer implementation.
Energy performance of building designs: Evaluation using the CIBSE Building Energy Code Part 2(a) on a spreadsheet
Authors: Day A.R. , Pedder K.
Published: December 2008

The CIBSE Building Energy Code was first published in 1981 but has not been widely used among architects, civil engineers or building services engineers. A full calculation will require about 60 separate data inputs with some 80 calculation steps; perceived complexity and opacity perhaps inevitably lead to reduction in confidence. It is however, an ideal candidate to transferring to spreadsheet format. This paper presents work developed from an educational programme which allows simplified use of an otherwise complex and time-consuming procedure. It also allows the building thermal demand targets to be calculated from first principles.
Eaves and roof ridge pressure coefficients on an isolated low-rise dwelling: Wind tunnel study
Authors: Sharples S.
Published: December 2008

This Note describes a wind tunnel study to investigate the magnitude and variation of pressure coefficients produced at the eaves and along the roof ridge of an isolated detached two storey house model. Pressure coefficients at these roof locations have a strong influence on the ventilation rates experienced in the attic or roof space. The model was exposed to an urban type atmospheric boundary layer. The effect of wind direction on the pressure coefficients was examined. The study suggests the locations of ventilation openings in the eaves and roof ridge to enhance ventilation rates.
Self-learning fuzzy air handling system controller
Authors: So A T P , Chan W.L. , Tse W.L.
Published: December 2008

Modem air-conditioning commonly employ the 'central all-air system' and the variable air volume (VAV) system, in particular, is widely used everywhere around the world for energy conservation. Proportional-integral-differential (PID) control for air handling units (AHUs) is simple and straightforward but static fuzzy control is very often more robust, more energy efficient and faster in responding to changes due to executing expert knowledge. However, AHU control is highly dynamic where the system characteristics vary continuously. The static fuzzy rules are quite general in nature. They cannot be effective and optimal for all operating conditions because they are based on linguistic rules suggested by human experts. A new self-learning fuzzy controller has been designed in which the control policy is adaptable to changes in the control process and the environment. The controller can therefore always be operating at its optimal settings. The air handling system is modelled continuously by an artificial neural network. Although the process is quite intensive computationally, no system model needs to be assumed beforehand. Based on the minimisation of a performance indicator addresses both set-point errors and energy consumption, the self-learning ability continuously updates the defuzzification parameters of the controller. Computer simulation has revealed that the new self-learning fuzzy controller can achieve an even faster response rate and better energy consumption profile than those of the static fuzzy controller.
High-temperature occupational exposures: Investigation and control
Authors: McLean R.C. , Danert K. , Morrison S.J. , Galbraith G.H.
Published: December 2008

Because of the dangers associated with occupational heat stress, the exposure of individuals working in high -temperature environments must be carefully controlled. This paper describes how an acceptable work pattern, which restricts exposure to a safe limit, can be established. The method adopts a rational heat transfer approach. It is based on calculating the rates of energy exchange between an individual and the surroundings. The processes involved — convection, radiation, evaporation and conduction — are examined and the defining equations explained. Thereafter, the physiological constraints appropriate to hot exposures are considered and, on this basis, a numerical assessment procedure is proposed which allows the evaluation of maximum exposure and minimum recovery periods for acclimatised workers. An example is given illustrating the application of the procedure.
Combined conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer model for double-glazed windows
Authors: Muneer T. , Abodahab N. , Gilchrist A.
Published: December 2008

Window condensation in dwellings and offices can be very troublesome. Not only does it obstruct the view through the windows, but also runs off to accelerate the deterioration of paintwork, frames, and furniture. To evaluate and reduce the risk of condensation in buildings, analytical and numerical models have been developed to calculate the longitudinal temperature distribution of the indoor glazing. It is shown that the temperature variation is primarily due to buoyancy-driven gas flow within the sealed enclosure. However, the window edge seal and frame have a considerable effect on the temperature distribution and also on the U-value of the window. Measurements and a two-dimensional numerical solution have been used to ascertain the cold bridge effects of windows' edge seals and frames on the temperature distribution along the height of the inner glazing. This study takes into consideration all modes of heat transfer, i.e. convection, radiation, and conduction encountered at the bottom edge of the indoor glazing. The analysis provides a method for quantifying the condensation so common in the European and North American climates.
Renewable energy resource study for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
Authors: Wood David , de Turberville Stuart
Published: December 2008

The Newcastle Renewable Energy Resource Study is one of a series of renewable energy planning studies carried out with the support of the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This project, which was managed by the Energy Technology Support Unit on behalf of the DTI, is the first urban study in a series. The main effort in this study was directed at the renewable energy technologies which were of prime interest to the City of Newcastle upon Tyne: passive solar, active solar and photovoltaics. The work also covered secondary areas such as refuse and biomass, wind energy, hydroelectric power and geothermal energy.
Degree-days: Comparison of calculation methods
Authors: Day A.R. , Karayiannis T.G.
Published: December 2008

The uncertainties associated with calculating degrees-days from traditional formulae and other approximate methods were examined. Comparisons were based on calculations using hourly temperature records. A definition of uncertainty for monthly degree-days and some typical errors in annual values are presented. The ranges of uncertainty are small for published degree-days, but could be significant for a small percentage of occasions. If the methods are used for base temperatures lower than the current standard then the uncertainties increase. Also shown are the effects of these errors on the regression analysis often used in building energy monitoring.
Solar diffuse irradiance: Estimation using air mass and precipitable water data
Authors: Gul M.S. , Muneer T.
Published: December 2008

The influence of meteorological variables on the hourly fraction of diffuse solar irradiance was studied. The goal was to determine whether including variables other than the clearness index (ratio of hourly global to hourly extraterrestrial irradiance) will further improve the results of existing correlations. Two new models were developed in this regard. In the PAC model (for precipitation, air mass and clearness index) the diffuse fraction was predicted as a function of three independent variables: the precipitable water, air mass and clearness index. No further improvement was observed. An entirely new approach is proposed on the basis of a relationship between diffuse irradiance and the product of air mass and precipitable water. The new correlation shows significant improvement under all sky conditions and reduces the mean bias error by an average of 37% under overcast conditions, 28% under intermediate conditions and about 33% for clear sky conditions. The proposed correlation has been fitted against data for several locations in the United Kingdom and outperforms the other models on all statistical criteria.
Review paper: Earth-contact heat flows: Review and application of design guidance predictions
Authors: Adjali M.H. , Davies M. , Littler J.
Published: December 2008

A comprehensive review of the existing methods of calculating a structure's heat transfer with the ground shows both the complexity of the problem and the myriad of different approaches. As part of a wider and ongoing study which is attempting to give guidance on the most appropriate tool to use for a given situation, heat transfer from a basement is investigated using standard design guidance (ASHRAE, CEN and AICVF). Results are compared with the winter experimental heat load. For the case studied a discrepancy of up to 52% is found between results from the various guidance documents.
Local ventilation effectiveness parameters in air distribution system design
Authors: Simons M.W. , Waters J.R.
Published: December 2008

The ventilation effectiveness concept has been extensively used in research, where it has long been recognised as a good indicator of air quality. Also, there are many examples of its parameters having been measured as an aid to monitoring the air quality in completed buildings, usually to solve an air quality problem. However, despite their value as a predictor of the air quality to be achieved by an air distribution system, ventilation effectiveness parameters are rarely used in design. This paper shows that ventilation effectiveness parameters can easily be included in the design calculations, both early in simple modelling, and at a detailed advanced stage by association with a CFD model. The interpretation of the parameters is also explained.
Ventilation control: Effect on indoor concentrations of traffic pollutants
Authors: Green N.E. , Riffat S.B. , Etheridge D.W.
Published: December 2008

This paper examines three different ventilation strategies aimed at reducing the indoor concentration of traffic pollutants by ventilation control. In the strategies the air change rate is adjusted in response to ( a) the outdoor concentration of the pollutant (single-sensor strategy), ( b) the outdoor and indoor concentration (double-sensor strategy) and ( c) the time of the day (peak-period strategy). A double sensor was found to be twice as effective as the single sensor, reducing the mean indoor concentration of carbon monoxide by 34% over a 48-hour period. Reducing the ventilation rate during peak traffic periods gave only small benefits.
Drainage flow and solid transport simulation in defective building drainage networks
Authors: Swaffield John A , McDougall John A. , Campbell David P
Published: December 2008

The flow conditions within multi-storey building drainage networks may be characterised as unsteady free surface flows and as such may be analysed and simulated by the use of the method of characteristics to solve numerically the governing equations of continuity and momentum. However the application of such simulations must take into account the possibility of defective system installation and must be able to predict the wave attenuation following appliance discharge and the consequent effects upon solid transport due to system defects caused by faulty installation or the development of obstructions to the flow. This paper presents both a summary of a detailed survey of defects in installed building drainage networks and the development of appropriate boundary conditions that allow the method of characteristics based computer simulation to accurately predict the effect of defects on system performance. The introduction of drainage simulations capable of providing design advice under the real conditions represented by this study is particularly timely in view of governmental pressure for water conservation and the introduction in 1998 of the new Water Regulations to replace the Water Bye-Laws that will introduce reduced and dual flush w.c. operation, together with reduced shower and other appliance flows.
Investigation of the causative factors of air flow entrainment in building drainage-waste-ventilation systems
Authors: Campbell D.P. , MacLeod K.D.
Published: December 2008

The historical development of research in drainage-waste-ventilation (DWV) systems has included extensive research into hydraulic and pneumatic conditions in associated pipework. The results were interpreted as suggesting that stack discharge falls as an annulus that entrains an air flow with an associated pressure drop, although there was evidence suggesting that a significant proportion of the water was found in the air core. A new model is proposed in this paper that suggests that the air flow entrainment is shared between the water annulus and the water falling in the air core. This model is consistent with previous and current work, and offers scope for further development, in areas such as inclusion of the effects of detergents on DWV system conditions.
A theoretical evaluation of solar-powered desiccant cooling in the United Kingdom
Authors: Beggs C.B. , Halliday S.
Published: December 2008

Desiccant cooling is a potentially environmentally friendly technology that can be used to condition the internal environment of buildings. Unlike conventional air conditioning systems, which rely on electrical energy to drive the cooling cycle, desiccam cooling is a heat-driven cycle. This paper follows on from an initial study by Halliday and Beggs, and uses real meteorological data to evaluate the potential in the United Kingdom of using solar energy to drive the desiccant cooling cycle. Through the use of parametric studies, the paper investigates the energy consumption and costs associated with desiccant cooling
Direct wind tunnel modelling of natural ventilation for design purposes
Authors: Carey P.S. , Etheridge D.W.
Published: December 2008

The paper describes an investigation into the feasibility of natural ventilation design by means of direct wind tunnel modelling of ventilation rates. The investigation covers the three cases encountered in practice, i.e. wind alone, buoyancy alone and wind and buoyancy combined. The direct determination of ventilation rates from a wind tunnel model is potentially a very powerful tool for natural ventilation design of nondomestic buildings, where the design aim is to specify the size and position of purpose-provided openings. It offers more accuracy in the determination of wind effects than either the indirect use of wind tunnels (where pressure coefficients are measured for use in a mathematical model) or the salt-bath technique. From an analysis of experimental and theoretical results it is concluded that the direct technique is feasible for a wide range of building sizes. Some desirable improvements to the technique have also been identified. Further work is also required to clarify why the observed values of discharge coefficients are larger than might be expected.
Field testing of a magnetic boiler economy device
Authors: Crabb JA
Published: December 2008

A magnetic device claimed to improve the efficiency of heating boilers when attached to the fuel line has been tested on a working boiler installation. Tests conducted with the agreement and cooperation of the manufacturer and distributor failed to show any significant effect on efficiency.
Expatriate Utilization and Foreign Direct Investment Performance: The Mediating Role of Knowledge Transfer†
Authors: Wang Sheng , Tong Tony W. , Chen Guoli , Kim Hyondong
Published: December 2008

Multinational corporations (MNCs) often assign expatriate executives overseas to transfer knowledge, yet prior research has not specifically examined the utilization of expatriates as a strategic resource to facilitate knowledge transfer and enhance foreign direct investment performance. Drawing from the resource-based view of the firm and the international strategy literature, the authors argue that assignment of particular expatriates to the subsidiary will enhance subsidiary performance and that the knowledge transferred into the subsidiary through expatriates will mediate this relationship. Results based on MNCs’ subsidiaries in China showed that using expatriates with motivation and adaptability for knowledge transfer enhanced subsidiary performance and that this relationship was mediated by knowledge transferred into the subsidiary; using expatriates with technical skills did not directly affect subsidiary performance but had an indirect effect on performance via knowledge transferred into the subsidiary. They also discuss the implications of their findings for the resource-based view of the firm and international strategy research.
The Systematic Development of a Tailored E-Mail Intervention for Health Behavior Change Toward Increasing Intentional Physical Activity
Authors: Yap Tracey L. , Hemmings Annette , Davis L. Sue
Published: December 2008

Although the benefits of physical activity are well known, most adults in the United States are relatively sedentary, with about 60% of adults not regularly physically active and 25% of those not active at all. This inactivity places the population at risk for many chronic diseases. Understanding optimal ways of both communicating with and educating employees regarding intention to reduce risk of ill health and enhance well-being through physical activity was the fundamental aim of this health communication research study. The authors designed a series of theory-based, tailored e-mail messages, which were evaluated for content validity by health care experts and focus groups. Focus groups were held according to the stage-of-change level of the participants, and two clear domains emerged: persuasion and decision domains. Improving societal well-being in a cost-effective manner using e-mail remains to be seen; however, creating interventions to engineer sufficient impact on health behavior decision making is an investment worth exploring.
A Multisite Description of Juvenile Drug Courts
Authors: Hiller Matthew L. , Malluche Daniel , Bryan Valerie , DuPont M. Louise , Martin Barbara , Abensur Rebecca , Leukefeld Carl , Payne Connie
Published: December 2008

Like adult drug courts, juvenile drug courts have proliferated at a rapid rate during the past 15 years, but comparatively little research has been conducted on them. Although a few studies indicate that these programs appear to show promise as an intervention, almost nothing has been published using systematic and empirical methods to provide a description and specific examples of how these programs are structured and implemented. The purpose of the current study, therefore, is to summarize and integrate findings from systematic process evaluations of three juvenile drug courts. Similarities and differences in the structure and design of the programs are noted and findings regarding the program model for each juvenile drug court, including target population, therapeutic activities, and initial and long-term goals are presented. During-program outcome data also are presented, and findings are reported as a “snapshot” of what happened during one calendar year in the operation of each program.
Hearing Assessment: A Guide for the Educational Diagnostician
Authors: Penrod John P.
Published: December 2008

It is the responsibility of the educational diagnostician to evaluate children who may present any one of a number of different problems, including hearing impairment. The purpose of this paper is to present information regarding the major components of a basic audiology test battery and the effects of hearing impairment on certain areas of development. Pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, impedance testing, and types of hearing loss are discussed. The contribution of each of the tests is pointed out and illustrative audiometric findings are presented.
Sexual Bias in the Slosson Intelligence Test
Authors: Hale Robert L. , Potok Audrey A.
Published: December 2008

The use of intelligence tests in making special education decisions has come under repeated scrutiny in recent years. Arguments for and against the use of IQs have centered around the issue of test bisd. In the area of minority assessment a great deal of discussion concerning IQ bias has taken place. However, little evidence has been presented concerning potential IQ bias with respect to the sex of the child being evaluated even thought boys, like minority childern, are over-represented in special education classes. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the sexual bias of IQ as measured by the Stosson Intelligence Test (SIT) in relation to predictions of academic achievement. The sample consisted of 120 youngsters (73 boys, & 47 girls) who were evaluated using both the SIT and the Reading score from the Wide Range Achievement Test. The results indicated that the SIT IQ predicts statistically distinct Reading scores depending upon the sex of the child being evaluated derived regression equations for both boys and grils are provided.
Current Assessment Practices: The "Cattle Dip" Approach
Authors: Ysseldyke James E. , Regan Richard , Thurlow Martha , Schwartz Sherry
Published: December 2008

The results of three separate studies, each employing a different methodology, were analyzed to ascertain the assessment devices used as a function of kind of decistion to be made and type of of student problem, and the technical adequacy of tests used by professionals. In each investigation, the fregueency of usage of thchnically asequate investigation the frequency of findings that certain tests are used in almost every situntion and that various professionals employ a large number of technically inadequate measures are discussed in terms of implications top-current assessment and decision practices.
The Use of Work Samples in the Vocational Evaluation Process
Authors: Nadolsky Julian M.
Published: December 2008

The nature of work samples and the ration for their use in philosophical guidelines related to the characteristics of work samples are presented .By attending these guidelings the reader should acquire a nasis for analyzing the various systoms of voca tional evaluation in order to determine whether these systems are actually com insed of work samoies or merely provided a work sample label
Factors Considered Important in Decision Making: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Thurlow Martha L. , Ysseldyke James E.
Published: December 2008

Four groups of educational decision makers rated the influence of nine pieces of information on the decisions they made about the educational placement of a child. Information regarding the sex, socioeconomic status (SES), and physical attractiveness of the student was seen as having an insignificant effect on decisions. Assessment data were believed to have a greater influence, with achievement and intelligence scores seen as having a significant effect. These results are reviewed in light of the finding that child characteristics such as sex, SES, and attractiveness did influence actual decisions made by one of the groups included in this study.
Concurrent Validity of the Spelling Subtest of the Peabody Individual Achievement Test Relative to Dictated Spelling Tests: An Experimental Analysis of Selection Versus Supply as Response Demands
Authors: Simpson Robert G.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of the study was to investigate the concurrent validity of the spelling subtest of the Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT) relative to the common classroom evaluation method of dictated spelling tests among learning disabled students. Subjects were 15 learning disabled children ranging in age from 6 years 10 months to 9 years 10 months. The spelling subtest was administered twice to each subject. In the PIAT-Regular condition, the subtest was administered according to instructions in the PIAT manual. The PIAT-Dictated condition conformed to instructions in the manual with the exception that the subjects were asked to spell dictated test items (supply) rather than choose the correct spelling from among four choices (selection). A dependent t-test indicated that subjects performed significantly better under the PIAT-Regular condition than under the PIAT-Dictated condition. A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient indicated that the rank order of the subtest scores did not change substantially from one condition to the other. Implications of the results were discussed.
Implications for Instruction from Developmental Spelling
Authors: Groff Patrick
Published: December 2008

This article provides a critical analysis of the assumption that levels of developmental spelling in children indicate that formal instruction in spelling must not be practiced at certain of these levels. It argues that the research on children's developmental spelling does not allow this conclusion. Further indications of the weaknesses of using developmental stages in spelling as a guide for instruction in this subject are desc for direct research on this question is pointed
Integrating Research in Early Childhood Special Education: The Use of Meta-Analysis
Authors: Snyder Scott , Sheehan Robert
Published: December 2008

Integrating of efficacy studies in early childhood special education is an important and useful strategy for locating consistent trends and relationships in the intervention literature. Based upon consideration of the current status of efficacy research integration and a review of nine exemplary efficacy studies, this article proposes the viability of meta-analysis as a useful technique for integrating cross-study findings in early childhood special education. Meta-analysis is an integrative perspective incorporating many techniques of primary and secondary analysis. Issues of efficacy research, research integration, and the mechanics of conducting a meta-analysis are discussed within the text. A meta-analysis of nine early childhood special education efficacy studies is presented in order to demonstrate principal techniques.
Assessment of Sensorimotor Abilities of Severely Retarded Children and Adolescents
Authors: Hupp Susan C. , Able Harriet , Conroy-Gunter Maureen
Published: December 2008

Sensorimotor cognition has been used successfully as a general framework for describing performance of severely retarded children. Only limited information is available, however, concerning specific patterns of acquisition across different domains of sen sorimotor functioning. The current study is an investigation of the order of acquisition of domains by severely retarded children and adolescents. Results indicated that Performance in the object permanence domain always equaled or exceeded means-ends, which in turn always equaled or exceeded gestural imitation, which equaled or exceeded causality for 23 of 25 subjects. Congruence between domains (the degree to which performance was similar) ranged from 28% to 100%. Those domains that include a high percentage of social items were performed less well than those domains containing few social items. Differences between nonretarded infants and retarded infants and adolescents are reviewed.
Multidomain Assessment Instruments
Authors: Robinson Cordelia C. , Rose Janet , Jackson Barbara
Published: December 2008

Multidomain instruments for screening or diagnostic purposes can have advantages for those involved in early intervention programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Purposes of assessment and criteria for instrument utility are presented. Five multidomain screening tools and three multidomain diagnostic instruments are reviewed with respect to their validity, reliability, and utility.
Assessment of Preschool Classroom Environments
Authors: Dunst Carl J. , McWilliam R.A. , Holbert Karen
Published: December 2008

The Preschool Assessment of the Classroom Environment (PACE) scale is described. The results from a pilot study involving 20 preschool classrooms showed that different aspects of the management, organization, and operation of classroom environments were significantly related to both caregiver and child outcomes. The particular pattern of findings confirmed the hypothesized relationships among the independent and dependent variables. The results are discussed in terms of the use of the PACE for proactively affecting the changes in the classroom ecology in order to produce changes in child behavior.
Characteristics of Time-Series Data Collected Through Curriculum-Based Reading Measurement
Authors: Skiba Russell J. , Deno Stanley L. , Marston Douglas , Wesson Caren
Published: December 2008

Research on the analysis of time-series data has shown that decisions reached through visual analysis of the data may be influenced by the statistical parameters of those data. This study investigated the statistical properties of curriculum-based time-series data for 67 resource room students in three Minnesota school districts. Data for slope, standard error of estimate, and mean level of performance are presented. Results suggest that reading growth over time may be described by a negatively accelerated curve and that the statistical characterisics of time-series data are not necessarily independent in naturally occurring data. Implications for both time-series and conventional pre-post designs are discussed.
Preschool Screening Using the Parent's Preschool Development Inventory Report
Authors: Ireton Harold , Diamond Gwen , Carney Judy
Published: December 2008

This study describes the use of a parent report Preschool Development Inventory (PDI) in preschool screening. The PDI obtains the parent's report of the child's present development and possible problems. PDI results for three and four-year-olds seen for screening at public schools (N = 220) were analyzed to determine (a) the occurrence of low General Development Scale scores and various symptoms and behavior problems, and (b) the relationship of PDI results indicating problems to subsequent placement in early childhood/special education. Eleven percent of children obtained a low General Development Scale score on the PDI, while fourteen percent had one or more symptoms or behavior problems that could constitute a major obstacle to learning reported. Validity of the PDI for predicting early childhood/special education placement was determined via a sensitivity/specificity analysis: Sensitivity was .68; positive predictive power was .41.
The Assessment Process in Wisconsin: Perceptions of Ebd Teachers
Authors: Hazelkorn Michael N. , Frankenberger William R. , Euclide Brenda L.
Published: December 2008

The purposes of this study were to (a) examine the evaluation procedures and instruments used for placement decisions in programs for children and adolescents with emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD), and (b) determine the usefulness of evaluation information in the development of individual education programs (IEPs) and instructional planning. Four hundred fifty of the approximately 1300 teachers of students identified as EBD in Wisconsin were randomly selected to respond to a questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to provide information about two recent referrals, including: (a) whether the student was placed in an ED program, (b) what evaluation instruments/ procedures were used by each member of the multi-disciplinary (M-team), (c) how helpful the evaluation data were in the development of IEPs and as well as for instructional planning, and (d) what factors influenced the choice of evaluation instruments/procedures.

The most frequently used evaluation instruments/procedures typically have been the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Revised (WISC-R), student interviews, Behavior Rating Profile (BRP), Behavior Evaluation Scale (BES), and classroom observations, respectively. EBD teachers rated the classroom observations, student interview and behavior rating scales as the instruments most helpful in the instructional planning process. Teachers generally found the evaluation data to be helpful in planning their IEPs. Teachers chose their evaluation instruments and procedures based on the ease of administration and scoring.
Assessing Social Competence of Adolescents Using the Verbal Interaction Analysis System
Authors: Ralph Alan , Coombs Veronica
Published: December 2008

Forty-seven first-year high school students were videotaped in an initial verbal interaction with four previously unknown adult confederates. The interactions of eight children rated by confederates as being verbally skilled were transcribed together with those of eight children rated less skilled. These sixteen interactions were scored using the Verbal Interaction Analysis System (VIAS) which successfully discriminated between the two groups. The mean ratings of fifteen independent observers who viewed the videotapes, gave further validity to the confederate ratings and VIAS scores. The VIAS scores were however, generally lower than those obtained in previous studies of typical adult-adult conversations. Further, when these adolescent-adult interactions were conceptualized as being more like interviews than conversations, and re-analyzed accordingly, all but one of the adolescents received higher scores. This was as true for those rated verbally competent as for those rated low competent, suggesting the presence of strong demand characteristics in adult-adolescent assessment interactions. The potential use of the VIAS as an aid to assessment and training of social competence with adolescents is discussed in the light of these findings.
The Classroom Ecobehavioral Assessment Instrument: A User-Friendly Method of Assessing Instructional/ Behavioral Relationships in the Classroom
Authors: Scott Terrance M. , Sugai George
Published: December 2008

A large and growing body of research has identified specific environmental variables that are associated with effective instruction and positive student outcomes. As a result, it is possible to describe a technology for constructing effective learning environments. Traditional assessment methods, however, have not proven adequate for assessing those variables in applied settings in a way that optimal instructional environments can be tailored. An ecobehavioral approach to assessment has been widely cited as a promising alternative to traditional behavioral assessment strategies. Unfortunately, the complexity of the assessment methods and the unwieldy nature of the resulting large database make the application of an ecobehavioral approach impractical. A "user-friendly" Classroom Ecobehavioral Assessment Instrument (CEBAI) has been developed by collapsing and operationalizing effective teaching practices into discrete but broadly encompassing categories. Scripted steps for summarizing and analyzing data lead to prescriptions for altering assessment and/or intervention practices. The purpose of this paper is to describe the major features and steps of the CEBAI via case example. Results of initial validation studies are included.
The Purdue Shyness Rating Scales: Psychometric Properties and Congruence Between Mother and Teacher Ratings
Authors: Kemple Kristen M. , Yiping Wang
Published: December 2008

The Purdue Shyness Scales for parents and teachers were developed based on the conception of shyness as an approach-avoidance motivational conflict, and were tested for their psychometric properties. Additionally, congruence of mothers' and teachers' perceptions of shyness was examined. Sixty-seven 4- and 5-year-old children, their mothers, and 21 daycare teachers participated. Results demonstrated adequate test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and convergent and discriminant validity. Mothers' ratings of their child's shyness were moderately correlated with teacher ratings, though cross-tabulation of shyness categories (high, low, and average) demonstrated significant non-overlap between mothers' and teachers' assessments; This was the case for both the Purdue Shyness Rating Scales and the EAS Temperament Scale. Significantly higher correlations of teacher ratings of shyness with sociability and activity than mother ratings of shyness with sociability and activity suggest that teacher assessments of shyness may be more closely tied to the degree of an individual child's social salience in group situations.