Verification Procedure Research Articles

ARE YOU A REAL PARTICIPANT? EXPERIENCES WITH FRAUDULENT PARTICIPATION ACROSS TWO FUNDED STUDIES

Abstract While offering financial incentives for participation in research studies is common, less discussed is the potential impact of fraudulent participation for financial gain. Survey and data management software provide safeguards for fraud detection but enabling detection does not automatically weed out fraudulent responses. Few resources provide guidelines for identifying or managing fraudulent participation. Thoughtful processes are important, while also being mindful of normal research behaviors which might get flagged as suspicious, for example due to low literacy skills. This presentation discusses experiences across two studies with adults living with serious illness and/or their family members and two different types of fraudulent participation: online surveys and studies requiring personal interaction. Study one is a pilot instrument validation study collecting online survey data. Recruitment occurred locally through listservs and a research participation database from a large university hospital. Study two is a mixed-methods longitudinal design where survey and interview data are collected via phone or video calls. Participants for this study were recruited nationwide using multiple strategies, including social media. Both offer time-saving insights for dealing with fraudulent participation in research. For example, study one provides tips for planning how to manage spam/bots prior to data collection, including setting up filters to automatically weed out identified spam, creating automatic messaging included in the survey in the event it needs to be paused, and identifying potential problematic patterns in data that bypasses fraud detection. Study 2 emphasizes the importance of creating strong verification procedures for study eligibility when relying on participant reporting.

Presentation of the FEM analysis methodology using MathCAD software

This paper presents the authors' experience with teaching the finite element method (FEM) at a university using the MathCAD software. With the development of computational tools in the second half of the 20th century, there was also the development of computational methods aimed at algorithmizing engineering tasks based on FEM. This method is very effective for determining the forces and deformations of truss and frame structures under the influence of the external environment. Many processes in the automatic design system take place as if in a "black box", and the process of verifying the achieved results becomes the most important stage in the design activity. Without knowing the theoretical foundations of FEM, physical and mathematical modelling, verification procedures and methods, the structure design cannot be safe and reliable. In this paper, we present one of the possibilities, how a student can familiarize himself with the theoretical foundations of FEM and calculation procedures using the MathCAD software. MathCAD can be used as a vehicle to create, organize, and assemble all the pieces of the engineering calculations. MathCAD is open software for using input data from other programs.

Application of statistical processes control for the performance improvement of a clinical engineering department

This article addresses the fundamental role of Statistical as a quality tool in the field of clinical engineering, to improve and optimize internal processes. This study describes the methodology used to apply the SPC in a reference hospital's clinical engineering department. Data was collected over an extensive period, involving multiple medical equipment and verification procedures. These data were analyzed using various statistical tools, such as control charts, Pareto charts, and descriptive statistics. The results showed stability in the department's processes, which made it possible to identify areas for potential improvement. Statistical analyses revealed behavior patterns and trends that were not previously apparent. Based on these conclusions, specific modifications were proposed in the department's processes to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service quality. The implementation of these modifications based on evidence suggests that they would positively impact the general performance of the clinical engineering department if applied Key indicators could improve significantly, reflecting increased medical equipment reliability and availability, decreased unscheduled downtime, and increased satisfaction for department staff and equipment users. In summary, this study highlights the importance of using SPC as a powerful improvement tool in clinical engineering. By adopting an approach based on data and scientific evidence, clinical engineering departments can achieve more efficient and effective management of their processes, contributing to higher-quality medical care and patient safety.

Modeling and simulation credibility assessments of whole-body finite element computational models for use in NASA extravehicular activity applications

Computational finite element (FE) models are used in suited astronaut injury risk assessments; however, these models’ verification, validation, and credibility (VV&C) procedures for simulating injuries in altered gravity environments are limited. Our study conducts VV&C assessments of THUMS and Elemance whole-body FE models for predicting suited astronaut injury biomechanics using eight credibility factors, as per NASA-STD-7009A. Credibility factor ordinal scores are assigned by reviewing existing documentation describing VV&C practices, and credibility sufficiency thresholds are assigned based on input from subject matter experts. Our results show the FE models are credible for suited astronaut injury investigation in specific ranges of kinematic and kinetic conditions correlating to highway and contact sports events. Nevertheless, these models are deficient when applied outside these ranges. Several credibility elevation strategies are prescribed to improve models’ credibility for the NASA-centric application domain.

Smart Crosswalk: Machine Learning and Image Processing based Pedestrian and Vehicle Monitoring System

The conventional pedestrian crossing system's shortcomings require urgent reform to enhance the safety of pedestrians and improve urban mobility. Issues such as insufficient time for pedestrians to cross, prolong waiting times, neglection of emergency vehicles, and the absence of effective 24/7 response mechanisms at traditional crosswalks present significant safety concerns in urban areas. Our primary intention is to develop a cutting-edge pedestrian crossing system that relies on deep learning and image processing technologies as its foundation. This research addresses to innovate an advanced smart crosswalk consisting of four essential components: a real-time Pedestrian Detection and Priority System customized for individuals with special needs, a responsive system for detecting road conditions, vehicle availability and speed near crosswalks, a real-time Emergency Vehicle Detection and Priority System strengthened by rigorous verification procedures, and a robust framework for identifying pedestrian accidents and violations of crosswalk rules. The entire system has been meticulously designed not only to enhance pedestrian safety by identifying potential dangers but also to optimize traffic flow. In essence, it aims to provide an improved pedestrian crossing experience characterized by increased safety and efficiency.

A Modified and Effective Blockchain Model for E-Healthcare Systems

The development of e-healthcare systems requires the application of advanced technologies, such as blockchain technology. The main challenge of applying blockchain technology to e-healthcare is to handle the impact of the delay that results from blockchain procedures during the communication and voting phases. The impacts of latency in blockchains negatively influence systems’ efficiency, performance, real-time processing, and quality of service. Therefore, this work proposes a modified model of a blockchain that allows delays to be avoided in critical situations in healthcare. Firstly, this work analyzes the specifications of healthcare data and processes to study and classify healthcare transactions according to their nature and sensitivity. Secondly, it introduces the concept of a fair-proof-of-stake consensus protocol for block creation and correctness procedures rather than famous ones such as proof-of-work or proof-of-stake. Thirdly, the work presents a simplified procedure for block verification, where it classifies transactions into three categories according to the time period limit and trustworthiness level. Consequently, there are three kinds of blocks, since every category is stored in a specific kind of block. The ideas of time period limits and trustworthiness fit with critical healthcare situations and the authority levels in healthcare systems. Therefore, we reduce the validation process of the trusted blocks and transactions. All proposed modifications help to reduce computational costs, speed up processing times, and enhance security and privacy. The experimental results show that the total execution time using a modified blockchain is reduced by about 49% compared to traditional blockchain models. Additionally, the number of messages using modified blockchain is reduced by about 53% compared to the traditional blockchain model.

OnTrack: Reflecting on domain specific formal methods for railway designs

OnTrack is a tool that supports workflows for railway verification that has been implemented using model driven engineering frameworks. Starting with graphical scheme plans and finishing with automatically generated formal models set-up for verification, OnTrack allows railway engineers to interact with verification procedures through encapsulating formal methods. OnTrack is grounded on a domain specification language (DSL) capturing scheme plans and supports generation of various formal models using model transformations. In this paper, we detail the role model driven engineering takes within OnTrack and reflect on the use of model driven engineering concepts for developing domain specific formal methods toolsets.

Component Based Finite Element Method for Steel Joints at Ambient and Elevated Temperatures

This paper introduces Component Based Finite Element Model (CBFEM) which is a numerical design model to analyze and design connections of steel structures with features demonstrated here on a portal frame eaves bolted connection. The connection in CBFEM procedure is analyzed by Finite Element Method FEM. The correct behavior of components is treated by introducing components that well represent its behavior in terms of initial stiffness, ultimate strength and deformation capacity, of bolts, welds etc. As for another FEM design procedures a special care is given to the validation and verification procedures which is demonstrated here in this contribution on example of portal frame eaves welded connection. In this paper, CBFEM is applied to analyze steel beams and columns also at elevated temperature. The main objective of this study is to verify the CBFEM for predicting the resistance of steel members and connections at elevated temperatures.

Component Based Finite Element Method for Steel Joints at Ambient and Elevated Temperatures

This paper introduces Component Based Finite Element Model (CBFEM) which is a numerical design model to analyze and design connections of steel structures with features demonstrated here on a portal frame eaves bolted connection. The connection in CBFEM procedure is analyzed by Finite Element Method FEM. The correct behavior of components is treated by introducing components that well represent its behavior in terms of initial stiffness, ultimate strength and deformation capacity, of bolts, welds etc. As for another FEM design procedures a special care is given to the validation and verification procedures which is demonstrated here in this contribution on example of portal frame eaves welded connection. In this paper, CBFEM is applied to analyze steel beams and columns also at elevated temperature. The main objective of this study is to verify the CBFEM for predicting the resistance of steel members and connections at elevated temperatures.

FLASH radiotherapy and the associated dosimetric challenges

At Lund University and Skåne University Hospital in Lund, Sweden, we have, as the first clinic, modified a clinical Elekta Precise linear accelerator for convertible delivery of ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) irradiation. Whereas recently published reviews highlighted the need for standardised protocols for ultra-high dose rate beam dosimetry to be able to determine the true potential of FLASH irradiation, several dosimetry studies as well as in-vitro and in-vivo experiments have been carried out at our unit. Dosimetric procedures for verification of accurate dose delivery of FLASH irradiation to cell cultures, zebrafish embryos and small animals have been established using radiochromic films and thermo-luminescent dosimeters. Also, recently the first experience of electron FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) in canine patients in our clinical setting was published. Our research facilities also include a laboratory for 3D polymer gel manufacturing. Recently, we started investigating the feasibility of a NIPAM polymer gel dosimeter for ultra-high dose rate dosimetry. Furthermore, in the bunker of the modified Elekta linear accelerator, a Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) system is accessible. The Catalyst™ system (C-Rad Positioning, Uppsala, Sweden) provides optical surface imaging for patient setup, real-time motion monitoring and breathing adapted treatment. Aiming at treating patients using ultra-high dose rates, a real-time validation of the alignment between the beam and the target is crucial as the dose is delivered in a fraction of a second. Our research group has during the last decade investigated and developed SGRT workflows which improved patient setup and breathing adapted treatment for several cancer patient groups. Recently, we also started investigating the feasibility of a real-time motion monitoring system for surface guided FLASH-RT. Both FLASH related studies; 3D polymer gel dosimetry and surface guided FLASH-RT are to our knowledge the first of their kind. Following an introduction to the field of FLASH and the associated dosimetric challenges, we here aim to present the two ongoing studies including some preliminary results.

Advanced Security Features in Oracle HCM Cloud

Oracle HCM Cloud is a complete solution for managing human capital that incorporates sophisticated security measures. These features are meant to secure sensitive employee and organisational data in a digital context that is constantly developing. The purpose of this abstract is to investigate the fundamental security mechanisms that are included into Oracle HCM Cloud. The focus is on the role that these mechanisms play in guaranteeing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data while adhering to demanding regulatory requirements. One of the most important aspects of the security architecture that Oracle HCM Cloud has is its powerful identity and access management system. In order to guarantee that only authorised workers are able to access sensitive information, this system makes use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO) features. By demanding additional verification procedures in addition to the conventional password authentication, multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an additional layer of protection. User experience is simplified with single sign-on (SSO), which enables seamless access across numerous apps using a single set of credentials. This reduces the danger of password-related breaches, which is a significant benefit.

PROBLEMATIC ISSUES OF IMPLEMENTATION OF MEASURES OF STATE SUPPORT OF RUSSIAN ORGANIZATIONS OF RADIO-ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY

The purpose of the research. The implementation of state support for Russian radio-electronic industry organizations is one of the most important areas of state activity in the current political and economic situation, when the creation of innovative and import-substituting products is becoming very relevant. State support is necessary in the context of the application of harsh sanctions against Russia by unfriendly countries, the violation of well-established logistics ties and should help increase the share of products produced in Russia, stimulate the disclosure of scientific and technical potential of highly qualified workers. The purpose of the study is to identify problems that arise in the organizations of the industry under study when receiving budget allocations allocated from the federal budget of the Russian Federation as measures of state support, and to develop recommendations that contribute to their solution. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted research, a conclusion was made about the importance of state support measures, the most typical problems were identified, for the effective implementation of which the process of preparing reports by recipients of subsidies containing financial indicators and indicators of the effectiveness of the implementation of a complex project, and control measures for checking documentation should be optimized. The rationalization of the above processes involves the regulation of verification procedures for reporting, including the refinement of methodological support tools, as well as the introduction of measures to minimize the risks of non-detection of technical and other errors in the reporting materials provided. One of the results of the study is the modernization of the control system, taking into account the use of a risk-based approach and international experience in the examination of reporting. The study proves that the changes should affect the process of information and analytical support for obtaining state support measures, and, of course, raising the level of awareness and awareness of personnel responsible for the formation of a package of documents submitted to the executive authorities. To this end, the article touches on the procedure for preparing the necessary information to receive state support, an analysis of the documentation of reporting materials is carried out. Achieving the goals of public financing is possible only in conditions of synergy on the part of all participants in the budget process, combining both the presentation of high-quality information in the reporting materials confirming the intended use of the subsidy, and the improvement of control procedures while minimizing labor costs for the verification of reporting.

Cyber Notary Issues Authority Certificate to Provide Legal Protection in Online Selling

Purpose: This study aims to ascertain the importance of a Cyber Notary Notary in issuing Certificate authority to protect the Law for buyers in online buying and selling transactions and the procedure for producing evidence that can be used as reliable proof.
 
 Theoretical framework: The frequent problems of buying and selling online have become evidence of the need for legal rules or electronic laws. Therefore, cyber notary must provide facilities by making an authority certificate with the aim of providing legal protection in online selling and buying
 
 Method/design/approach: Using both a statutory and a conceptual approach, this investigation was conducted. The information provided comes from secondary sources that contain legal content. The data was gathered via normative data and a literature review. Deductive logic analysis techniques were used to examine the sources of legal materials gathered.
 
 Results and conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the Notary is no longer required to perform valid deeds electronically for deed agreements or electronic contracts. However, the Notary's job can be fulfilled by issuing electronic certificates in collaboration with the Certificate Authority to become a trusted third party.
 
 Research implications: This verification procedure can be used to validate electronic certificates. The verification process requires digital forensics, but it can be verified immediately by scanning a barcode at the Republic of Indonesia's Ministry of Law and Human Rights office. The Law on the Job of a Notary should also contain this responsibility because the Job of a Notary should allow for and include a Notary in providing electronic certifications.
 
 Originality/value: A Notary should be recognised as a service provider in the electronic field as part of the Electronic Information and Transaction Law revisions to protect parties in online buying and selling.

A New Multi-Objective Genetic Programming Model for Meteorological Drought Forecasting

Drought forecasting is a vital task for sustainable development and water resource management. Emerging machine learning techniques could be used to develop precise drought forecasting models. However, they need to be explicit and simple enough to secure their implementation in practice. This article introduces a novel explicit model, called multi-objective multi-gene genetic programming (MOMGGP), for meteorological drought forecasting that addresses both the accuracy and simplicity of the model applied. The proposed model considers two objective functions: (i) root mean square error and (ii) expressional complexity during its evolution. While the former is used to increase the model accuracy at the training phase, the latter is assigned to decrease the model complexity and achieve parsimony conditions. The model evolution and verification procedure were demonstrated using the standardized precipitation index obtained for Burdur City, Turkey. The comparison with benchmark genetic programming (GP) and multi-gene genetic programming (MGGP) models showed that MOMGGP provides the same forecasting accuracy with more parsimony conditions. Thus, it is suggested to utilize the model for practical meteorological drought forecasting.

Analysis of Convergence Behavior for the Overset Mesh Based Numerical Wave Tank in openfoam

Abstract This paper presents a solution verification and validation study for an overset mesh based numerical wave tank in openfoam, which considers the coupling between a free-surface hydrodynamic flow model, a rigid body motion model, and an overset mesh. The coupling between the rigid body motion solver and the free-surface flow solver was achieved in a segregated manner. Free decay of roll motion of a barge was modeled using the numerical wave tank, and the damping coefficient was selected as the target quantity for solution verification. The least-square based solution verification procedure was adopted, where one of the four types of error estimators was fit to the data in the least-square sense. Both structured and unstructured mesh were tested, and their effects on the convergence order, numerical uncertainty, and error were carefully investigated. From the numerical tests, it is found that the numerical wave tank exhibits a very good convergence property for the floating body problems with structured mesh, i.e., nearly second order in space and first order in time. However, when switching the body-fitted mesh to unstructured mesh, the grid convergence is reduced to first order. Unstructured mesh does not significantly affect the convergence order in time domain, but results in a larger uncertainty due to data scattering.

Distribution of local curvature values as a structural feature for off-line handwritten signature verification

In the paper, a new feature for describing a digital image of a handwritten signature based on the frequency distribution of the values of the local curvature of the signature contours, is proposed. The calculation of this feature on the binary image of a signature is described in detail. A normalized histogram of distributions of local curvature values for 40 bins is formed. The frequency values recorded as a 40-dimensional vector are called the local curvature code of the signature.During verification, the proximity of signature pairs is determined by correlation between curvature codes and LBP codes described by the authors in [23]. To perform the signature verification procedure, a two-dimensional feature space is constructed containing images of the proximity of signature pairs. When verifying a signature with N authentic signatures of the same person, N(N-1)/2 patterns of the proximity of pairs of genuine signatures and N images of pairs of proximity of the analyzed signature with genuine signatures are presented in the feature space. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) is used as a classifier.Experimental studies were carried out on digitized images of genuine and fake signatures from two databases. The accuracy of automatic verification of signatures on the publicly available CEDAR database was 99,77 % and on TUIT was 88,62 %.

Using Object-Based Verification to Assess Improvements in Forecasts of Convective Storms between Operational HRRR Versions 3 and 4

Abstract The object-based verification procedure described in a recent paper by Duda and Turner was expanded herein to compare forecasts of composite reflectivity and 6-h precipitation objects between the two most recent operational versions of the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model, versions 3 and 4, over an expanded set of warm season cases in 2019 and 2020. In addition to analyzing all objects, a reduced set of forecast–observation object pairs was constructed by taking the best forecast match to a given observation object for the purposes of bias-reduction and unequivocal object comparison. Despite the apparent signal of improved scalar metrics such as the object-based threat score in HRRRv4 compared to HRRRv3, no statistically significant differences were found between the models. Nonetheless, many object attribute comparisons revealed indications of improved forecast performance in HRRRv4 compared to HRRRv3. For example, HRRRv4 had a reduced overforecasting bias for medium- and large-sized reflectivity objects, and all objects during the afternoon. HRRRv4 also better replicated the distribution of object complexity and aspect ratio. Results for 6-h precipitation also suggested superior performance in HRRRv4 over HRRRv3. However, HRRRv4 was worse with centroid displacement errors and more severely overforecast objects with a high maximum precipitation amount. Overall, this exercise revealed multiple forecast deficiencies in the HRRR, which enables developers to direct development efforts on detailed and specific endeavors to improve model forecasts. Significance Statement This work builds upon the authors’ prior work in assessing model forecast quality using an alternative verification method—object-based verification. In this paper we verified two versions of the same model (one an upgrade from the other) that were making forecasts covering the same time window, using the object-based verification method. We found that the updated model was not statistically significantly better, although there were indications it performed better in certain aspects such as capturing the change in the number of storms during the daytime. We were able to identify specific problem areas in the models, which helps us direct model developers in their efforts to further improve the model.

Can SGRT be a Substitute for Plan Verification Procedure?

Verification of plan (VP) has been part of our pre-treatment workflow for treatment isocenter verification. Currently, our center uses simulator for VP procedure for all our patients before the treatment. We would like to investigate if SGRT could be a good substitute for VP procedure to simplify our pre-treatment workflow. In Group A (A-c, A-t, A-a), 20 patients of each treatment site (cranial, thorax and abdomen) were selected randomly. Patients did not go through VP procedure. During the first fraction of treatment, the therapists were guided by SGRT system (Vision RT, UK) and aligned the patient to 3mm and 1°using a standard region of interest (ROI). First CBCT was taken as a reference to customize the ROI for better suitability. Next, the patient was re-aligned to 1mm and 1°using the new ROI. Second CBCT was acquired, and 6 degrees of freedoms shifts were recorded. In Group B (B-c, B-t, B-a), 20 patients of each treatment site (cranial, thorax and abdominal) that were assigned for VP over the same period as Group A patients. Group B patients were aligned based on the skin markings drawn during VP procedure. CBCTs were taken at the first fraction of treatment and shifts were recorded. A total of 60 CBCT images were analyzed for each group of patients. The absolute mean and standard deviations were shown in Table 1. The results indicated that Group A is superior, if not comparable, to Group B. Table 1: The absolute mean and standard deviations of first fraction of CBCT positioning errors for Group A and B patients. With appropriate ROI, SGRT is a good or superior substitute for plan verification procedure. Localization verification can be done during day one of treatment which ease the pre-treatment workflow to both patients and clinical team. Analysis of customized ROI will be further studied in the future.

Verification of nationality and rehabilitation in Upper Silesia as a point of reference for Donbas

In Poland, the region where the phenomenon of multiculturalism is most strongly represented is Upper Silesia. Upper Silesia, its historical hosts, have been confronted with German, Polish and Czech nationalism since the mid-21st century. Initially, they were forced to determine their ethnic affiliation, then, due to the change of borders, they were forced to move to one or the other side of the newly established Polish-German border in 1922. After 1945, they were subjected to strong repression, deportation to forced labor camps, forced displacement, degrading verification of nationality, and then they were confronted with the Polish population who came to Upper Silesia. Most often, the Poles who arrived were hostile to the Upper Silesians. The aim of this article is to answer the question whether the experiences of integration of the indigenous population of Upper Silesia into the social, cultural, economic and political structures of the Polish state after World War II can be related to a similar process that will take place after the end of hostilities in the eastern regions of the Ukrainian state. . The starting point is the thesis that the Upper Silesian experience of the rehabilitation and citizenship verification procedures should serve as a warning against the mistakes made in Upper Silesia rather than as a useful reference point.

Saharan, Aral-Caspian and Middle East dust travels to Finland (1980–2022)

Studies on atmospheric dust and long-range transport of mineral dust have been a focus of atmospheric science in recent years. With its wide range of direct and indirect effects, mineral dust is one of the most uncertain elements in the mechanisms of climate change, and a deeper understanding of its role is essential for understanding future processes.The aim of our research was to provide the first systematic data on the so far episodically documented northward transport mineral dust from arid-semiarid areas. So, in this paper, we present dust storm events from lower latitudes reaching the Finnish atmosphere, based on the MERRA-2 model Dust Column Mass Density data and after a multistep verification procedure using independent data source. In total, 86 long-range dust storm events were identified between 1980 and 2022, when air masses loaded with dust reached Finland. Based on backward-trajectories different sources were identified: 59 were Saharan, 22 were Aral-Caspian, and five were associated with Middle Eastern source areas. Considerable variation in inter-annual frequencies was observed among the source areas, which may be due to changes in circulation conditions and the effects of human activity (agriculture and land use changes in Aral Sea region).There is a clear maximum of dust events in spring (60%), followed by summer and autumn (where 10 of the 11 autumn episodes were from the Sahara). However, the number and proportion of scarce winter events have more than doubled since 2010 compared to the preceding 30 years, but no autumn events were registered during this period. This clear temporal variation coincides with changes in dust transport observed in other regions of Europe, driven by greater atmospheric meridionality associated with climate change and driven by reduced temperature difference between low and high latitudes due to enhanced temperature increases at Arctic regions.