Significant Differences In Design Research Articles

Effect of the presence of a tailings dam beach on breach outflow and erosion during overtopping failure

Dam breach analyses for tailings dams currently rely heavily on relationships and methods derived for water retaining dams, despite significant differences in design, construction, dam materials, and geometry; particularly, the upstream face of the dam. Conventional tailings slurry deposition from the dam crest typically forms low angle upstream beaches (1–2 % inclination) within the impoundment. In this paper, we isolate the effect of tailings dam beach geometry at the time of overtopping on breach characteristics using physical and numerical modeling. Five 1 m high homogeneous fine sand dams with beach heights of 0.5 to 0.9 m and a beach slope of 5 % were brought to failure by v-notch overtopping. The laboratory data revealed that a threshold beach height existed above which the peak discharge was progressively limited by the geometry of the reservoir. Numerical simulations, performed in XBeach, captured this effect in the outflow hydrographs, with differences between physical and numerical model peak outflow generally within 25 %. Another key model parameter in tailings dam breach analysis is the volume of tailings solids lost through erosion during breach. Comparison of terrestrial laser scanning elevation profiles, cut through the centreline of the physical model, with XBeach simulations indicate XBeach can replicate the bulk characteristics of erosion when a tailings-style beach is present. These findings show that hazard analysis for overtopping failure in tailings dams should consider the effect of tailings dam beach geometry on the outflow hydrograph, and forms a growing case of evidence to support the use of XBeach for simulation of dam breach.

A Semiotic Analysis of Cultural Differences Between Australian and Emirati E-commerce Websites

This study aimed to investigate cultural differences in the design of e-commerce websites by undertaking a semiotic analysis. The study utilized semiotic analysis methods to examine the relationships among signs, symbols and their meanings on e-commerce websites. Specifically, six popular e-commerce websites from two culturally distinct countries, Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), were selected for analysis. The semiotic analysis of the e-commerce websites revealed significant differences in design attributes between the two countries. Specifically, the findings showed that UAE websites emphasize visual elements such as graphics and layout to engage users aesthetically, whereas Australian websites prioritize text-based content to ensure clear and direct communication. This divergence can be attributed to cultural disparities, with Arab culture valuing additional context and Australian culture favouring a more straightforward approach. This implies that different interface designs may be necessary to effectively communicate with and cater to the diverse cultural groups within each country.

Non-Invasive Wearable Devices for Monitoring Vital Signs in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) poses a significant global health challenge and demands effective self-management strategies, including continuous blood glucose monitoring (CGM) and lifestyle adaptations. While CGM offers real-time glucose level assessment, the quest for minimizing trauma and enhancing convenience has spurred the need to explore non-invasive alternatives for monitoring vital signs in patients with T2D. Objective: This systematic review is the first that explores the current literature and critically evaluates the use and reporting of non-invasive wearable devices for monitoring vital signs in patients with T2D. Methods: Employing the PRISMA and PICOS guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search to incorporate evidence from relevant studies, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published since 2017. Of the 437 publications identified, seven were selected based on predetermined criteria. Results: The seven studies included in this review used various sensing technologies, such as heart rate monitors, accelerometers, and other wearable devices. Primary health outcomes included blood pressure measurements, heart rate, body fat percentage, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Non-invasive wearable devices demonstrated potential for aiding T2D management, albeit with variations in efficacy across studies. Conclusions: Based on the low number of studies with higher evidence levels (i.e., RCTs) that we were able to find and the significant differences in design between these studies, we conclude that further evidence is required to validate the application, efficacy, and real-world impact of these wearable devices. Emphasizing transparency in bias reporting and conducting in-depth research is crucial for fully understanding the implications and benefits of wearable devices in T2D management.

GPR Application for Non-Rigid Road Pavement Condition Assessment

Abstract The main aim of the article is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the use of ground penetrating radars to assess various objects using the example of assessing the current state of highways. The article uses the software developed by the authors and the corresponding mathematical models. The analysis of the results obtained is based on mathematical models that have proven their effectiveness and is time-tested. It should be emphasised that the main problem in assessing roads with non-rigid pavement is associated with a change in the main parameters of the layers – thickness and dielectric constant. Previously, we proposed a scheme for the layer-by-layer determination of the values of the relative permittivity and then - the subsequent determination of the thickness of each layer, starting from the top layer and ending with the base. The paper presents the results of experiments actually carried out by the authors with various GPRs, which not only have different values of the central frequency, but also have significant design differences. In addition, the results of processing real data using the software developed by the authors are presented. As a result, an improved method of signal calibration has been proposed, which makes it possible to increase the reliability of assessing the thickness of road surfaces, as well as other objects.

The interaction between active aeroelastic control and structural tailoring in aeroservoelastic wing design

This paper presents an analysis of the interaction and trade-off between active aeroelastic control and passive structural tailoring on a free-flying fully flexible aircraft model. Both technologies are included in the preliminary design of a typical transport aircraft configuration with a conventional control surface layout containing trailing edge control surfaces and spoilers. The passive structural tailoring is facilitated by exploiting the anisotropic properties of composite materials to steer the static and dynamic aeroelastic behaviour. Active aeroelastic control is implemented by scheduled control surface deflections redistributing the aerodynamic loads during manoeuvres to achieve manoeuvre load alleviation and a feed-forward control law for gust load alleviation. The panel-based aerodynamic modelling of spoiler deflections is improved by a correction of the spatial distribution of the boundary condition derived from higher fidelity simulation data. The optimisation of active control laws requires the consideration of constraints of the actuation system, namely rate and deflection saturation, in a nonlinear manner. The interaction of manoeuvre load alleviation, gust load alleviation and passive structural tailoring is investigated on the basis of results of different aeroservoelastic optimisations. Therefore the primary wing structure is simultaneously optimised with the individual technologies being activated or deactivated, resulting in eight different wing structures. The results of the individual and combined optimisations reveal significant design differences. The potentials of the different technologies can only be optimally exploited by simultaneous optimisation. The paper concludes with a study of the sensitivity of the major findings with respect to the knockdown factor for failure applied to the material properties. A substantial shift of effectiveness from active aeroelastic control to passive structural tailoring is observed with increased allowables resulting in more flexible and hence less stiff wing designs.

NDN Fabric: Where the Software-Defined Networking Meets the Content-Centric Model

Named Data Networking (NDN) is a new network architecture based on the content-based model that has fundamental differences to the legacy path-based model. The first is focused on the content itself, and the latter focuses on the location of data. Both models provide different benefits to the end-user and the network, but they often cannot inter-operate due to their significant design differences. Therefore, we propose a new network architecture and protocol, both named NDN-Fab, to allow the inter-operation between path-based and content-based network architectures. NDN-Fab is based on the Fabric model and allows the edge network to operate with content-centric architectures, such as the NDN, while the core network can operate with a high-performance path-based communication model. The Core network uses the NDN-Fab protocol that can be embedded in the programmable data plane hardware of the core network’s switches, allowing for the sending of multicast packets and link-layer packet steering. Our results show that NDN-Fab can be more efficient in packet forwarding than IPv4, achieving up to 150 times lower average delay, 100 times lower network dispersion, and it managed to process 21% more packets.

Leveraging the Web for Corporate Sustainability Disclosure

Public outcry and demand for transparency have transitioned sustainability disclosure and reporting to the top of the corporate agenda. The web is a powerful vehicle for corporate disclosure, but it could be even more effective. By enabling transparency, the web helps foster better stakeholder relationships that favorably influence corporate sustainability. This research develops a comprehensive portfolio of sustainability design and content factors from the extant literature, and then uses it to evaluate the current online disclosure practices of S&P 100 companies. The authors offer a comprehensive empirical assessment of the state of reporting of these companies and identify differences by industry and by sustainability performance using the Newsweek Green Ranking. The results reveal significant differences in design and content of online disclosure/reporting across industries, but not across performance groups. Overall, this paper highlights how most companies use the web routinely but fail to capitalize on the potential to reflect due diligence and transparency.

Cell therapy for ischemic stroke: Are differences in preclinical and clinical study design responsible for the translational loss of efficacy?

Cell therapy is an attractive strategy for enhancing post‐stroke recovery. Different cell types and several treatment strategies have been successfully applied in animal models, but efficacy in stroke patients has not yet been confirmed. We hypothesize that the significant design differences between preclinical and clinical trials may account for this situation. Using a meta‐analysis approach and comparing preclinical with clinical trials, we reveal and discuss preliminary evidence for such design differences. While available datasets are not yet numerous enough to draw definitive conclusions, these findings may represent signposts on the route to efficacy by harmonizing preclinical and clinical study designs.

EVENT RISK COVENANTS, DESIGN PARAMETERS AND AGENCY ISSUES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HIGH YIELD VERSUS INVESTMENT GRADE BONDS

We analyse security design parameters of 1,115 high yield (HY) and investment grade (IG) event risk covenants (ERC) protected issues between 1986 and 2012 from the agency conflict perspective. We find positive and significant stock price reaction to the issuance of HY but not the IG issues. Although, majority of these issues carry a call provision, we find significant design differences in the call provision between HY and IG issues. We find that HY issues provide strong call protection to mitigate the risk of a call due to ratings upgrade, compromising firm’s financial flexibility; resulting financial distress is mitigated by the ERC. IG issues provide weak call protection to fully exploit growth options however, role of ERC is not apparent. We also find evidence of increase in managerial entrenchment due to the presence of ERC in HY firms however, reduction in agency cost of debt supersedes cost of managerial entrenchment.

Designing and Evaluating the Quality and Cost-effectiveness of Saturated Sediment Permeameters

Many simulations require accurate measurements of saturated hydraulic conductivity, a sediment property that governs the speed at which water flows through sediments relative to head differences. The goal of our project is to design and build an inexpensive permeameter capable of producing accurate hydraulic conductivity values. We tested four permeameters; a standard research grade constant-head permeameter, a falling-head permeameter modeled off of an <em>in situ</em> stream method, a constant-head permeameter made out of 4” PVC pipe, and a similar constant-head permeameter made out of 2” PVC pipe. Our custom-built constant-head permeameters both utilized a U-shaped design, two tubes which form a manometer, and multiple output overflows. Despite significant differences in design, method, and cost, we found that all four of the permeameters yielded relatively consistent mean hydraulic conductivities with low standard deviations (0.004-0.019). We also compared the attributes: price, weight, and number of parts. Our conclusion is that because the average K-value and standard deviation of each design is within reason, the best choice depends on the practitioner’s situation and intention. <strong>Faculty Sponsor</strong>: Susa H. Stonedahl

A Perspective on Small Reactor Licensing and Implementation

A great deal of interest has developed recently in the implementation of small reactors in the United States and abroad. Small reactors may offer a significant number of advantages over larger reactors. The diversity of size, design, configuration, and construction features and their planned utilization for nonelectrical power applications as well as traditional power applications pose significant challenges to the current U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulatory structure. The current structure is geared toward nontransportable, commercial, electrical power-producing, light water-cooled reactors utilizing traditional nuclear fuel designs. The NRC is currently engaged in a number of preapplication discussions concerning small reactor designs encompassing three distinctively different technologies. These are integral light water reactors, high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, and liquid metal-cooled reactors. Light water reactor technology-based power generation small reactors will fit best in the current NRC regulatory framework.In response to the anticipated licensing workload, the NRC has implemented organizational changes and has increased its focus in areas supporting the licensing of small reactors. Although the licensing of small reactors has to comply with the requirements imposed by the Atomic Energy Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, there are significant design differences among the various proposed small reactors and the currently licensed reactor designs that result in a number of issues that need to be resolved to properly comply with these statutory requirements. Given the diversity of small reactor designs, a regulatory structure that provides licensing flexibility combined with the required degree of safety assurance would be needed. This is likely to involve a risk-informed and technology-neutral regulatory approach.

Space, behavior, and environmental perception in open-plan offices: A prospective study

Abstract. This prospective research study was conducted at a government office which moved from an open-plan office with somewhat enclosed workspaces to another open-plan office with open workspaces. The study at the old office was conducted almost one year before the move, and the study at the new office was conducted more than one year after the move. The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) to measure and evaluate changes in patterns of accessibility and visibility due to changes in office layout, (2) to understand the effects of layout changes on observed behaviors, and (3) to determine the effects of layout changes on environmental perception. The study included the analysis of visibility and accessibility of each layout using space syntax techniques, field observations of behaviors, and questionnaire surveys of employees’ perceptions of privacy, job satisfaction, and commitment to the organization. During field observations, movement, visible copresence (ie the number of people visible from a space), and face-to-face interaction were observed along a predefined route in each office. Thirty-five people responded to the questionnaire survey at the old office. Out of the thirty five, only twenty nine were available for survey at the new office. On the basis of the questionnaire survey data, three multi-item scales were constructed in order to measure perceived privacy, job satisfaction, and commitment to organization. Results indicate better visibility and accessibility, increased face-to-face interaction, and improved perceived privacy at the new office. Results also show consistent effects of space on movement, and significant positive correlations between perceived privacy, job satisfaction, and commitment to the organization at these locations, despite significant design differences. Implications of the research results and limitations of the research design are discussed.

Treatment-resistant depression: recent developments and future directions

A significant proportion of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) fail to achieve remission with standard antidepressant therapies, even when optimally delivered. These patients are classified as treatment-resistant depression (TRD), which is distinguished from “difficult-to-treat” depression,[1] defined as depression treated under circumstances that precludes the optimal delivery of a potentially beneficial treatment (e.g., subtherapeutic dosing, intolerable side effects, poor adherence, etc.) TRD is also distinguished from severe depression, as some patients with milder depressive symptoms are markedly treatment resistant, while others with profound, acute depressive symptoms are quite treatment responsive. Defining the boundaries of TRD is critical from a clinical, research, and public health perspective, as drug and device manufacturers seek new regulatory approvals for numerous indications in the TRD spectrum. This article reviews recent developments in TRD, with a focus on classification methods used for regulatory clinical trials; treatments currently approved in the US for TRD; how classification schemes and regulatory rules have limited understanding of their scope of effectiveness; and what changes are needed in research approaches to facilitate novel therapeutic discovery.

Clarification Regarding “Phase II Trials Published in 2002: A Cross-Specialty Comparison Showing Significant Design Differences between Oncology Trials and Other Medical Specialties” and the Accompanying Commentary, “Phase II Cancer Trials: Out of Control?”

To the Editors: We would like to clarify our comments about the use of placebos in phase II cancer clinical trials, as discussed in the article by Michaelis and Ratain, “Phase II Trials Published in 2002: A Cross-Specialty Comparison Showing Significant Design Differences between Oncology Trials and Other Medical Specialties” (1), and the accompanying commentary, “Phase II Cancer Trials: Out of Control” by Chabner (2).In particular, the commentary addressed the “problematic” inclusion of a control group treated only with placebo as one arm of a randomized phase II evaluation of an experimental compound. Although many oncologists would find it difficult to offer such a trial to patients with progressive and potentially fatal disease, we both strongly endorse certain “innovative” trial designs that use placebos. Such designs might include either a limited period of placebo treatment versus initial therapy with experimental drug, a trial of a standard agent plus placebo versus the same standard agent plus an experimental agent, or a randomized discontinuation design in which all patients receive experimental drug, and, thereafter, stable patients receive either continued experimental drug or placebo, until disease progression. These and other designs might provide valuable information regarding the effect of the experimental drug on disease progression, and at the same time provide an opportunity to assess the effect of drug on biomarkers. In these and other trial designs, periods of placebo treatment are not likely to adversely affect patient outcomes compared with “standard” treatment. Other novel designs using placebos are certainly possible.

Phase II Trials Published in 2002: A Cross-Specialty Comparison Showing Significant Design Differences between Oncology Trials and Other Medical Specialties

Phase II trials play an essential role in drug development pathway, and their conclusions often impact the decision to embark on large, pivotal trials. However, the determination of agent activity is highly dependent on trial design. Formal comparisons of phase II trial designs across medical specialties are uncommon. We hypothesized that there are significant differences in the design of trials conducted by oncologists and those conducted by other medical and surgical specialties. We screened MEDLINE for the abstracts of phase II trials published in 2002. All abstracts were analyzed and classified by a priori defined variables, including study type, intervention, subspecialty, journal impact factor, method of control, and study conclusions. Our search yielded 703 abstracts of phase II trials published in 2002. A total of 586/703 (83%) were trials on antineoplastic agents. Twenty percent (143/703) of the trials included explicit control subjects. Oncology trials, as compared with all trials done by other specialties, were significantly less likely to use control subjects (13% versus 56%, P < 0.001) and were less likely to conclude that the investigational intervention was safe and efficacious and/or worthy of additional investigation (76% versus 89%, P < 0.01). There are significant differences in the phase II trials published in oncology compared with those conducted by other medical and surgical specialties. The impact that such differences have on the efficiency of drug development should be investigated.

Bias-switchable dual-band HgCdTe infrared photodetector

The feasibility of an all molecular-beam epitaxially (MBE) grown, bias-switchable, dual-band HgCdTe detector is demonstrated. Detection in the midwavelength infrared (MWIR) band only or the long-wavelength band (LWIR) only is accomplished by the proper selection of detector bias in the ≥±100 mV range. The devices were all grown in situ by the MBE on CdZnTe or GaAs substrates and consisted of three intentionally doped layers in an n–p–n sequence. At 77 K the floating base two terminal devices responded to the ∼4.9–8 μm spectral band with the application of ≥−100 mV to the bottom contact and to the ∼2.1–4.9 μm band with the application of ≥0 mV. Quantum efficiency depended on bias with a maximum of 59% for LWIR and 66% for MWIR wavelengths at −150 mV and ≥0 mV, respectively. The operation of the dual-band detector is discussed. Significant design differences between the heterojunction phototransistor and the dual-band detector are noted.

The interconversion of machine settings and size determinations between seven models of Coulter counter as illustrated by values for human spermatozoa

Calibration of the Coulter counter Models ZB Industrial, B Industrial, D and D Industrial using 21 standard particles is reported using the same method as previously described for the Models B Medical, F and A. All the machines showed significant differences in design and sensitivity. The additional data allowed the relationship between the machine constant and the aperture diameter to be calculated and volume factors were calculated for each combination of settings on each machine. The general method of interconverting size data and machine settings between the instruments was demonstrated using human spermatozoa as an example.

The development of the mural frontier in Britain from Hadrian to Caracalla

Examination and comparison of the designs of Hadrian's Wall and the Antonine Wall indicates the extent to which the Antonine planners benefited from the experience gained on the earlier frontier. In contrast to Hadrian's Wall, the Antonine Wall was built with a minimum of alterations, with significant differences in design, and with greater flexibility. This experience in turn influenced the 3rd-century modifications to Hadrian's Wall. Neither wall was totally successful because each was built in the wrong place; the answer would have been a frontier along the Cheviot line. A R