Potential Flaws Research Articles

FDA Denies Approval of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD.

The agency cited potential dangers and flaws in research methodology.

QuSpin zero-field magnetometer characterization for the TUCAN experiment

Abstract The TUCAN neutron electric dipole moment experiment utilizes the QuSpin Zero-Field Magnetometer (QZFM) to accurately map residual fields within a large magnetically shielded room. Three potential flaws of the QZFM are characterized in preparation for mapping. The magnetometer’s intrinsic offset was measured to be within ± 3 nT and stable over a period of one year. The response was shown to be within 2 percent of linearity in the zero-field regime, up to 2 nT pp , and then follows a smooth dispersion curve. Crosstalk effects induced by multisensor operation were determined to have a small effect, and inconsequential with a separation above 6 cm. These results enable the QZFM for accurate measurement of DC fields, increase the operational range of QZFM by a factor of more than an order of magnitude, and allow for higher efficiency and flexibility by green-lighting simultaneous operation of multiple QZFMs.

Analysis of the Impact of Monetary Policy Instruments on Economic Growth in Indonesia by 2013 to 2023

Based on quarterly data by 2001Q1 to 2017Q2, this research and study covers theoretical debates and empirical studies on the factors that affect economic stability and their effect on the financial sector's performance. This study applies the Ordinary Least Square (O.L.S.) method to the Cointegration and Engle Granger-Error Correction Model (E.C.M.) methods. E.C.M. is done to assess the long-term validity and balance of the research model and foresee potential flaws and discrepancies among the theoretical and statistical models. Even while the M2 variable has no discernible effect on G.D.P. during the observation period, the research findings demonstrate that, over the long run, there is a balance among changes in G.D.P. and monetary variables, such as interest rates, Inflation, M2, and the rupiah value. On the other hand, the E.C.T. variable has a significant short-term effect on fluctuations in G.D.P. Interest rates, Inflation, M2, and exchange rates had no discernible effect on G.D.P. throughout this time. Thus, changes in monetary variables, particularly interest rates, Inflation, and M2, tend to effect G.D.P. The average quarterly financial deepening in Indonesia for the observation period was 3.80 per cent, according to the outcomes of the financial performance study. Furthermore, M2 growth during the same period was 3.03 per cent, compared to Indonesia's average quarterly economic growth of 1.36 per cent.

The influence of entertainment and brand characters on children's object preferences and monetary judgments

Companies often use images of popular characters from children's media on their products. The current study investigated how different types of popular characters (i.e., entertainment or brand) influence children's trust, preference for, and monetary judgments of objects. Additionally, we explored whether children's own parasocial relationships with such characters influence their preferences and judgments. Participants included 66 four- and five-year-olds (Mage = 5.06; SD = 0.48; 34 boys; 32 girls). First, children completed a selective trust task measuring their preference for information from a familiar or unfamiliar character. Then children asked which object (i.e., damaged with a familiar character image or undamaged without a familiar character image) they would want and which people would pay more money for. Results indicated regardless of character type (i.e., entertainment or brand), children did not trust (i.e., seek out new information or endorse specific testimony) the familiar marketing character more than an unfamiliar character. Children across all character conditions did not display a preference for either object, however they were more likely to rate the undamaged object as more valuable than the damaged object featuring the familiar character. Parasocial relationships for all types of characters were high and did not relate to children's preferences or judgments. These findings expand on previous research suggesting that although the presence of familiar media characters can influence children's preferences for individual objects, children can also weigh more relevant features of an object, such as potential flaws in the design, when making other decisions (e.g., value).

Maintenance Approaches Using 3D Scanning Point Cloud Visualization, and BIM+ Data Management: A Case Study of Dahei Mountain Buildings

This study investigates the utilization of 3D laser scanning, GPS, BIM and GIS technologies for safeguarding historical wooden structures. As a case study, it focuses on two historic Chinese wooden buildings, the Guanyin Pavilion and Tangwang Palace, renowned for their exceptional historical significance and intricate timber architecture. The Guanyin Pavilion was subjected to high-precision modeling and tilt monitoring, which found that certain columns had a maximum tilt angle of 0.7892°. Additionally, a general tilt tendency was seen across various structural elements. The measurements from the point cloud data exhibited an error range of ±10 mm. However, the relative errors in smaller components approached 2.5%, which necessitated regular verification through human measurements. Using GIS and BIM technology in Tangwang Palace facilitated the meticulous documentation and dynamic supervision of architectural components, encompassing historical development and present state. The maintenance records revealed persistent problems with the roof tiles and wooden beams, exposing structural vulnerabilities. During various maintenance intervals, it was observed that the roof tiles were frequently loose and separated, indicating potential flaws in the design or materials used. The application of these modern technologies enhances the effectiveness and precision of conservation efforts and provides a robust scientific foundation for the continuous monitoring and study of cultural heritage.

Investigating the impact of a window air conditioner with H-14 HEPA filter on lessening SARS-COV-2 aerosols

This research breaks new ground by proposing a unique solution to combat SARS-COV-2 aerosols: modifying a readily available window air conditioner’s indoor blower to accommodate a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. While traditional public health measures like lockdowns and mask-wearing remain crucial, this study explores an innovative engineering approach to air purification within homes and offices. The widespread impact of COVID-19 across various sectors—agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and more—necessitates exploring diverse solutions. Current efforts to utilize HEPA filters in HVAC systems face limitations. These filters, while highly effective at capturing airborne particles, increasingly impede airflow and require substantial pressure, posing challenges for standard HVAC systems to maintain efficient operation. This study addresses this critical gap by proposing a targeted modification to a specific window air conditioner (AC) model (GJC07AF-K3RNB9D) to incorporate an H-14 HEPA filter. Utilizing cutting-edge design tool (CF-TURBO) and advanced simulation software (STARCCM +), the research will provide a new blower specifically optimized for this application. This virtual testing will meticulously evaluate the modified system’s performance, ensure optimal airflow, predict noise levels, and identify any potential design flaws before implementing the modification in a physical prototype. The success of this study could pave the way for the development of increasingly efficient and accessible HEPA-based air purification solutions for everyday use, particularly in areas with limited resources. Furthermore, this research can be a valuable foundation for future work aimed to increasingly improve indoor air quality (IAQ).

Persistent uncertainties in optimal treatment approaches of secondary hyperparathyroidism and hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease.

This review is a critical analysis of treatment results obtained in clinical trials conducted in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), hyperphosphatemia, or both. Patients with CKD have a high mortality rate. The disorder of mineral and bone metabolism (CKD-MBD), which is commonly present in these patients, is associated with adverse outcomes, including cardiovascular events and mortality. Clinical trials aimed at improving these outcomes by modifying CKD-MBD associated factors have most often resulted in disappointing results. The complexity of CKD-MBD, where many players are closely interconnected, might explain these negative findings. We first present an historical perspective of current knowledge in the field of CKD-MBD and then examine potential flaws of past and ongoing clinical trials targeting SHPT and hyperphosphatemia respectively in patients with CKD.

Fluorescent EEM-PARAFAC considerations of Aldrich humic acid salt as an aquatic or terrestrial organic matter surrogate

The fluorescence of “long dead” terrestrially sourced organic carbon (Aldrich humic acid salt) was compared to “recently dead or excreted” aquatically sourced organic carbon (ornamental pond). This research eliminated the “living” (biologically active) category of organic carbon (by azide treatment and filtration) which prevented organic matter continuing to metabolize due to microbial activity during storage and analysis. The focus in this context is on the diagenetic (fulvic and humic) substances, which are considered the most recalcitrant organic carbon forms in water treatment. The purposes of this research were to investigate (a) what excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy and PARAllel FACtor (PARAFAC) analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) modeling reveals about the limitations to the use of terrestrially derived Aldrich Humic Acid as an aquatic organic matter surrogate, (b) potential flaws observed in EEM spectra and incorrect PARAFAC component assignments gathered in contemporaneous studies, and (c) how EEM-PARAFAC modeling can be used to illustrate the continuum in organic matter aging or maturity. Additionally, to expand the analysis, data were compared to previously published PARAFAC models derived from other freshwater sources. An important result of this research was discovery of a PARAFAC component peak observed at the emission (EM) wavelength at 540 nm in Aldrich Humic Acid which has been rarely noted in the literature, and not previously recognized for its potential importance. This research implies that Aldrich humic acid should only be used as an aquatic surrogate with caution, and that it can be a surrogate for terrestrial soil or ore samples.

Crowd-funding to promote women entrepreneurship: a systematic literature review of the empirical studies conducted in the last decade (2012–2023)

PurposeIt aims to understand crowdfunding’s effect on women’s entrepreneurship and summarize key findings, methods, and challenges women face in using crowdfunding for financing.Design/methodology/approachThis literature review examines 36 empirical studies on crowdfunding use by women entrepreneurs. It follows the PRISMA framework, using Scopus and citation tracking to categorize studies on crowdfunding’s potential to empower women financially and address their barriers to accessing finance.FindingsThe review identified seven key themes: opportunities and challenges for women in crowdfunding, equity crowdfunding’s potential, gender differences in crowdfunding outcomes, the role of social capital and networks, investor trust and decision-making, the influence of language, communication, and platform design, and the importance of considering intersectionality and context. Crowdfunding offers women entrepreneurs access to capital and helps them overcome traditional financing barriers. Women-led campaigns achieve comparable or even higher success rates compared to their male counterparts. However, under-representation, lower funding requests, pitching difficulties, and limited access to networks remain as challenges.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has limitations inherent to systematic reviews, including potential methodological flaws or biases in the included studies and the exclusion of relevant studies due to time and resource constraints.Practical implicationsCrowdfunding can be promoted as a viable financing option for women entrepreneurs and design targeted initiatives to support them. Building social capital, enhancing financial literacy, and creating networking opportunities can contribute to their success in navigating crowdfunding platforms effectively.Originality/valueThis review offers a comprehensive analysis of empirical studies conducted between 2012 and 2023. It provides up-to-date insights, identifies key themes, and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and organizations seeking to support women entrepreneurs in effectively accessing and utilizing crowdfunding platforms.

Treatment drop-in in a contemporary cohort used to derive cardiovascular risk prediction equations

BackgroundNo routinely recommended cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction equations have adjusted for CVD preventive medications initiated during follow-up (treatment drop-in) in their derivation cohorts. This will lead to underestimation of...

Gender preference of conceptions toward caloric-balanced living

ABSTRACT Background Caloric-unbalanced lifestyle has been documented as one critical reason for childhood obesity. Educating students with the knowledge about caloric-balanced living with a focus on healthy eating and physical activity may help raise their awareness to address obesity. Gender preference has limited the benefits of acquiring such knowledge for its impacts on the way for students to acquire knowledge. It is necessary, therefore, to identify the extent to which gender preference is associated with caloric-balanced living conceptions to enhance the literature about gender roles and to develop equitable interventions to promote healthful living. Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of gender preference on high school students’ caloric-balanced living conceptions, including naïve- and mis-conceptions and scientific conceptions. Method This research adopted a mix-method design and recruited 72 students. A semi-structured interview was conducted with each student to acquire their conceptions toward caloric-balanced living. After coding their responses, we tallied the number of responses consistent with naïve- and mis-conceptions as well as the scientific conceptions. Then a χ 2 analysis was conducted to determine the association between gender and naïve-, mis-, and scientific conceptions, respectively. Findings Students possessed three types of naïve conceptions that were specified as power, eating, or exercising to represent caloric-balanced living and two types of misconceptions that were specified as an object and activity. Gender preference was identified in naïve conception; female students preferred to exclusively conceptualize caloric-balanced living as eating, while male students as exercising only. No gender preference was identified in misconceptions and the scientific conception. Conclusion This study is significant in that it revealed potential flaw of the physical education curriculum where the core science of kinesiology may not be taught systematically, and gender-related issues may not address appropriately. It advocates that teaching scientific conceptions should be given the priority in curriculum design and teaching practices to help students acquire scientific conceptions that subsequently develop a coherent knowledge system and behavior of caloric-balanced living.

ASTM International Subcommittee E07.02 on Reference Radiological Images: A brief history and update of recent work

Radiographic interpretation is a combination of art and science. The radiograph interpreter must be well versed in x-ray physics, conditions of the exposure, characteristics of the source and image detector, the design of the part, its specifications, and potential flaws. But there is also an art to interpretation that is gained over years of looking at many radiographs taken in many different conditions. As an aid to interpretation, reference radiographs have been developed and well accepted as means of identifying different types of indications and grading those indications for accept/reject decisions. Industrial radiography began in 1922 under the direction of HH Lester at the US Army Watertown Arsenal. The first radiography standards and reference radiographs appeared in the 1930s. ASTM International Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing was formed out of Committee E04 on Metallography X-ray Methods subcommittee in 1938 when ASTM was the American Society for Testing Materials. An ASTM Subcommittee on Reference Radiographs was formed in 1950 and immediately adopted some of these first reference films as consensus standards. Since those first reference radiograph standards ASTM has developed both film and digital radiograph standards for 11 types of castings and 3 types of welds, several radiographic parameter demonstration films, a standard film for measuring film digitization performance, and films for evaluating visual acuity of radiograph interpreters. This paper discusses the history of reference films and the recent development of digital reference images, film digitizer performance film, and the visual acuity standard. The just-approved ASTM E3168 Standard Practice for Determining Low-Contrast Visual Acuity of Radiographic Interpreters is the first standard containing actual radiographic images of varying sharpness, contrast, and noise that can be used to evaluate interpreters and/or interpretation environments. This paper documents the initial statistical study performed on the visual acuity standard films.

Demonstrating TabEE: Tabular Embedding Explanations

We present TabEE, Tab ular E mbedding E xplanations, a framework designed to generate explanations for interpreting tabular embedding models. Our framework aims to furnish both local and global explanations for the original data, facilitating the detection of potential flaws in embedding models. TabEE is versatile and compatible with any tabular embedding algorithm, as it adheres to the black box perspective of embedding models. The generated explanations also enable comparisons between multiple embedding models. This demonstration illustrates the effectiveness of TabEE in providing interpretable insights into tabular embedding models, contributing to improved model understanding and credibility assessment.

Comparison of carbon‐reinforced composites manufactured by vacuum assisted resin infusion with traditional and fully recyclable epoxy resins

AbstractThis study presents a comparative analysis of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites manufactured through vacuum assisted resin infusion (VARI) using a traditional epoxy resin (E), a fully‐recyclable epoxy resin system with (BBR10) and without (BBR) the addition of a reactive diluent (R*Diluent). Various mechanical and thermal tests were conducted to assess their performance. The BBR10 laminate, incorporating 10 wt% R*Diluent, exhibited competitive mechanical performance, comparable to traditional (E) and fully‐recyclable laminates (BBR). Despite a slightly lower ultimate tensile strength (UTS) compared with BBR, BBR10 demonstrated improved flexural strength and modulus. Low‐velocity impact testing confirmed comparable strength between VARI‐produced composites with the recyclable matrix (BBR and BBR10) and the traditional one (E). X‐ray mCT investigations revealed distinct void arrangements in the CFRP laminates. Additionally, a chemical approach was employed for recovering high fractions of fibers from CFRP laminates with a recyclable matrix (BBR and BBR10). Chemical recycling achieved an almost 100% yield for long carbon fibers.Highlights Comparative analysis of CFRP composites manufactured through VARI. Diluent addition allowed to tailor the recyclable epoxy viscosity. Mechanical characterization of traditional and fully recyclable epoxy resins. Investigation by X‐ray mCT of potential flaws and manufacturing defects. Chemical recycling of CFRP laminates with a recyclable matrix.

MSCFS-RP: A Colored-Petri-Net-Based Analysis Model for Master–Slave Cloud File Systems with Replication Pipelining

As a typical information system, a cloud file system enables the storage, retrieval, and management of data on remote servers or server clusters. The reliable design of such systems is critical to ensure the security of data and availability of services. However, designing correct-by-construction systems is challenging due to the complexity of and concurrency inherent in cloud file systems. Further, existing works on cloud file system analysis often focus on specific systems or lack formal modeling and verification, leading to potential design flaws and security vulnerabilities. To address these issues, we propose MSCFS-RP, which is a formal analysis model based on colored Petri nets. Leveraging the strengths of colored Petri nets in representing diverse information types with colored tokens and defining explicit rules for concurrent interactions, our model captures the writing and reading processes of clients, meta servers, and clusters. With strong formalism and support for verification using CPN Tools, we rigorously evaluate key properties such as replication consistency under various scenarios. The results demonstrate that MSCFS-RP satisfies these properties, validating its effectiveness and trustworthiness in managing information within cloud storage systems.

Mapping and animating Star Wars Millennium Falcon hyperspace jumping base on Blender

Science fiction movies are fictional, which means that most of the elements portrayed are not real but rather imaginative. For most space operas, writers often devise creative solutions to overcome the limitations imposed by the speed of light, such as the concept of hyperspace in "Star Wars" to bypass speed restrictions. This study aimed to celebrate the 47th Force Day in 2024 by using the non-commercial software Blender to recreate the iconic Disney version of hyperspace jumping visual effects. The research effort included reproducing both the hyperspace flyby scene and the scene of a spaceship jumping out of hyperspace, showcasing stunning visual effects achieved through Blender's rendering and special effects capabilities. In the context of the Disney version of hyperspace jumping featuring a swirling blue tunnel, the research team meticulously modeled and rendered the spaceship's traversal through hyperspace within Blender. Additionally, the paper employed special effects techniques to recreate the spectacular moment of the spaceship emerging from hyperspace, capturing the visual allure of Disney's interpretation of hyperspace jumping. The results demonstrate the feasibility of this endeavor, albeit with potential technical flaws.

Advanced examination of Nb3Sn coils and conductors for the LHC luminosity upgrade: a methodology based on computed tomography and materialographic analyses

The future of particle accelerators is strongly linked to the development of high—field magnets. The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is currently developing Nb3Sn-based magnets for the high-luminosity upgrade of the large hadron collider (HL-LHC), to fully exploit its potential and surpass the intrinsic performance limitations of Nb–Ti-based magnets. The fabrication of Nb3Sn magnets is a challenging process as it requires managing the brittle and strain sensitive conductor after the reaction heat treatment to generate the superconducting phase. Accelerator magnet coils are usually manufactured following the wind-react-and-impregnate fabrication process. This reduces the difficulty of working with brittle compounds but adds uncertainties associated with volume change during phase transition and thermal expansion/contraction differentials during the temperature ramps of the heat treatment and cooldown to cryogenic temperatures. To investigate the root causes of performance limitation or degradation observed on HL-LHC magnet prototypes, several Nb3Sn-based coils have been examined. The present paper illustrates an innovative methodology of investigations of the root causes at several fabrication stages and after cooldown and powering. The approach is based on a sequence of mesoscale observations of whole coil sections by an innovative high—energy linac x-ray computed tomography, followed by materialographic assessment of internal events, geometrical distortions and potential flaws using light microscopy. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy and focused ion beam were used to analyze damage at localized positions. This comprehensive approach provides an in-depth view of the examined coils by characterizing atypical features and imperfections in both the strands and the glass fiber/resin of the insulation system, univocally associating the limiting quenches experienced by the coils to identified physical events.

Transgenerational Frontiers: The Capabilities Approach And the New Challenge of Justice

ABSTRACT The aim of the paper is to confront some challenges raised by intergenerational justice from the perspective of Martha Nussbaum’s capabilities approach. After having sketched her account, the essay deals with some objections to it from an environmental perspective, arguing that, contrary to some critics, it can be a valuable basis for reflecting on our duties towards future generations. More precisely, I focus on how the CA provides promising insights to address two central problems of intergenerational ethics: 1) the so-called ‘circumstances of justice;’ 2) the problem of the asymmetry between present and future generations. In both cases, I argue that the philosophical anthropology underlying the CA is better suited than the contractualist one to include future generations into the realm of justice and ground our motivation to care for them. After underlining the potential of the CA, in the concluding remarks I will underline a potential flaw of this theory, i.e. the lack of guidance when it comes to the trade-offs between our rights and well-being and those of the unborn.

Measurement of phase velocity in the functionally graded concrete systems via improved higher-order shear deformation theory

The measurement of phase velocity (PV) in concrete systems is critically important for civil engineers as it provides essential insights into the material properties and structural integrity of concrete. PV, which refers to the speed at which a wave phase propagates through a medium, is directly related to the stiffness and density of the material. By accurately measuring PV, civil engineers can assess the quality and homogeneity of concrete, detect potential flaws, and predict the material’s behavior under various load conditions. This information is crucial for ensuring the safety and durability of concrete structures, from bridges and buildings to pavements and dams. Moreover, understanding PV helps in the optimization of mix designs and the development of new, advanced concrete materials, ultimately leading to more resilient and cost-effective construction practices. For this issue, in this work, for the first time, the measurement of PV in the concrete doubly curved panel reinforced by graphene oxide powders (GOPs) via improved higher-order shear deformation theory is presented. Hamilton’s principle and analytical method are used for extracting and solving the higher-order equations. Finally, some recommendations for improving the efficiency and stability of the concrete structures are presented for related engineering industries. The findings underscore the potential of combining state-of-the-art theoretical models with cutting-edge material reinforcements to push the boundaries of structural engineering and material performance.

Verification of Railway Control Systems Using Model Checking and CTL, Explained Through a Case Study

Systematic faults can often occur during the development of a system. The later such faults are discovered, the more expensive it can be to correct them. In systems engineering practice, there are many methods and tools to reduce the likelihood of systematic faults. In this paper, we present the application of a formal model–based verification technique – called model checking – to assist railway engineers in designing and verifying the safety-related functionality of railway control systems. The proposed process is part of a specification-verification environment that facilitates the construction of correct, complete, consistent, and verifiable functional specifications during development. The results and experience in model checking are illustrated by a case study of a vehicle detection point, a common component in this domain. The model checking of the case study has been performed in the widely used UPPAAL modeling and simulation framework, which can also verify formal properties and generate a counterexample in case of a property violation. By analyzing the counterexample, the designer can gain insights into the system's behavior and identify potential design flaws or failures. Model checking can be used to achieve a higher quality functional specification that is typically more complete and/or contains fewer faults compared to the traditional development approach.