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For Authors
Submit a ProposalAccuracy and Calibration Failures in Science and Engineering
 | By Michael D. Holloway Copyright: 2025 | Expected Pub Date:2025// ISBN: 9781394417025 | Hardcover | 336 pages Price: $225 USD  |
One Line Description
Safeguard your operational integrity and data reliability with this essential technical and investigative guide, which critically examines and provides actionable frameworks to combat the dangerously undercommunicated risks of calibration drift and systemic measurement failures across all industries.
Audience
Engineers, scientists, students, educators, and quality assurance and research and development professionals interested in fortifying their industrial processes
Engineers, scientists, students, educators, and quality assurance and research and development professionals interested in fortifying their industrial processes
Description
As industries grow more complex and digitized, the demand for precision and reproducibility has escalated, placing extraordinary reliance on sensors, analytical instruments, and automated data systems. This evolution has exposed systemic vulnerabilities such as outdated calibration protocols, unvalidated assumptions, and fragmented oversight across lifecycle stages. This book is a technical and investigative work that critically examines the overlooked, misunderstood, and dangerously undercommunicated issues of calibration drift, traceability loss, and systemic measurement failures across science, engineering, and industry. The book provides a structured, in-depth exploration of how calibration standards shift without timely notification and the cascading consequences this can have on data reliability, regulatory compliance, safety, and decision-making. The content spans from foundational concepts in calibration and metrology to detailed technical analyses of failure modes in sensors, instruments, and analytical systems. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of human factors, systemic inertia, and institutional resistance to change, delivering actionable frameworks for building resilience, including updated ISO standards, failure mode and effects analysis, checklists, dashboards, and protocols.
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As industries grow more complex and digitized, the demand for precision and reproducibility has escalated, placing extraordinary reliance on sensors, analytical instruments, and automated data systems. This evolution has exposed systemic vulnerabilities such as outdated calibration protocols, unvalidated assumptions, and fragmented oversight across lifecycle stages. This book is a technical and investigative work that critically examines the overlooked, misunderstood, and dangerously undercommunicated issues of calibration drift, traceability loss, and systemic measurement failures across science, engineering, and industry. The book provides a structured, in-depth exploration of how calibration standards shift without timely notification and the cascading consequences this can have on data reliability, regulatory compliance, safety, and decision-making. The content spans from foundational concepts in calibration and metrology to detailed technical analyses of failure modes in sensors, instruments, and analytical systems. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of human factors, systemic inertia, and institutional resistance to change, delivering actionable frameworks for building resilience, including updated ISO standards, failure mode and effects analysis, checklists, dashboards, and protocols.
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Author / Editor Details
Michael D. Holloway is President of the 5th Order Industry, which provides training, failure analysis, and designed experiments. He has more than 40 years of experience in the industry, holding 16 professional certifications and one patent. He has authored ten books and contributed to several others. His expertise lies in failure analysis, reliability engineering, and designed experiments for science and engineering.
Michael D. Holloway is President of the 5th Order Industry, which provides training, failure analysis, and designed experiments. He has more than 40 years of experience in the industry, holding 16 professional certifications and one patent. He has authored ten books and contributed to several others. His expertise lies in failure analysis, reliability engineering, and designed experiments for science and engineering.
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Table of Contents
Forward
Preface
1. Introduction: Today is a Good Day to Fail
2 The Shift in a Calibration Standard
Traceability and Calibration
Calibration
Traceability
Calibration Failure
What Went Wrong
Consequences
Lessons Learned
Key ISO Standards Involved
References
3. Technical Root Causes Behind Calibration Failures
Outdated Calibration Techniques
Advances in Measurement Technology
Metrology Demands for Traceability
Poor Communication and Industry Uptake
References
4. Calibration Drift in Action: Industry-Specific Failures
Thermocouple Drift in Aerospace and Power Industries
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: Thermocouple Drift in Aerospace and Power Industries
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: Thermocouple Drift Mitigation
References
Pressure Transducer Zero Drift (BP Oil Spill Related)
Root Cause
Corrective Action
Corrective Actions for Pressure Sensor Drift (Post-Deepwater Horizon)
References
The pH Electrode Calibration (Environmental Monitoring)
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: pH Calibration Failures in Environmental Monitoring
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: pH Calibration Reforms in Environmental Monitoring
References
CT Scanner Dosimetry Drift (Medical Imaging)
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: CT Scanner Dosimetry Drift
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: CT Dosimetry Reforms
References
Mass Standards Drift (Pre-Kilogram Redefinition)
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: Drift of the International Prototype Kilogram
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: Redefinition of the Kilogram
References
Gas Chromatograph (GC) Flame Ionization Detector (FID) Calibration Drift
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: GC-FID Calibration Drift
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: GC-FID Calibration Reforms
References
Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES) Metal Analysis Drift
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: OES Spectrometer Drift in Alloy Analysis
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: OES Drift Mitigation
References
Industrial Scales – Load Cell Drift
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: Load Cell Drift in Industrial and Laboratory Balances
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: Mitigating Load Cell Drift in Industrial Scales
References
Spectrophotometer Baseline Shift in Color Measurement
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: Spectrophotometer Baseline Shift in Color Measurement
Correct Action
Corrective Action Summary: Managing Baseline Shift in Color Spectrophotometry
References
Flow Meter Calibration Drift in Custody Transfer
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: Flow Meter Drift in Custody Transfer
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: Flow Meter Drift Mitigation in Custody Transfer
References
Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) Calibration for Sodium and Chloride in Water
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: ISE Drift in Sodium and Chloride Analysis
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: Managing ISE Drift for Sodium and Chloride
Calibration Drift is a Universal Threat to Accuracy
References
5. New and Notorious Failures: Analytical Failure and Calibration Risk
The Theranos Scandal – Weaponized Pseudocalibration in Medical Diagnostics
Root Cause
Corrective Action
References
Boeing 737 MAX – Sensor Disagreement and Software Oversight
Root Cause
Corrective Action
References
Volkswagen Dieselgate – Emissions Calibration and Ethical Collapse
Root Cause
Corrective Action
References
PCR Testing During COVID-19 – False Positives and Drift in Clinical Practice
Root Cause
Corrective Action
References
AI Bias and Algorithmic Calibration: When Models Learn Wrong
Root Cause
Corrective Action
References
Semiconductor Manufacturing – Calibration Failure at the Atomic Scale
Root Cause
Corrective Action
References
Medical Device Recalls – Infusion Pumps and Ventilators
References
Summary of New and Notorious Failures
6. Bad Data Leads to Bad Things Beyond the Lab
Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster (1986)
Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster (1986)
Three Mile Island Nuclear Incident (1979)
COVID-19 Initial Response (2020)
Mars Climate Orbiter Loss (1999)
2008 Financial Crisis
Y2K Readiness Panic (1999–2000)
7. Failure Mode and Corrective Action
Rationale for the 7 M’s Framework
7 M’s Put to Use
Thermocouple Drift in Aerospace and Power Industries
Pressure Transducer Zero Drift (BP Oil Spill Related)
pH Electrode Calibration (Environmental Monitoring)
CT Scanner Dosimetry Drift (Medical Imaging)
Mass Standards Drift (Pre-Kilogram Redefinition)
Gas Chromatograph (GC) Flame Ionization Detector (FID) Calibration Drift
Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES) Metal Analysis Drift
Industrial Scales – Load Cell Drift
Spectrophotometer Baseline Shift in Color Measurement
Flow Meter Calibration Drift in Custody Transfer
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) Calibration for Sodium and Chloride in Water
Infrared Thermometer Drift (Non-Contact Thermometers)
8. Universal Reasons for Failure
Flawed or Incomplete Data
Complacency or Overconfidence in Models/Systems
Lack of Cross-Disciplinary Validation
Poor Communication and Hierarchy Suppression
Failure to Anticipate or Simulate Worst-Case Scenarios
Interface and Design Flaws
9. Building Technical Safeguards
NIST Traceability with Enhanced Oversight
Updated ISO Standards with Change Management
Industry Alerts & Historical Data Correction Guidelines
Multi-Modal Particle Sizing Validation
Instrument Design with Self-Validation Features
Regulatory and Quality System Requirements
Education and Certification Requirements
Safeguards Against Future Calibration Disruptions
10. Summation and Systemic Safeguards
Metrological Traceability to SI Units
Standard Change Management Process
Calibration Lifecycle Management
Dual-Method or Cross-Verification
11. Historical Data Normalization Protocol
Training and Awareness Programs
Instrument Self-Diagnostics and Logs
12. External Audits and Peer Comparisons
Industry-Wide Data Repositories and Alerts
Ethical Culture of Measurement Integrity
3 Key Principles of an Ethical Measurement Culture
13. How to Build and Sustain This Culture
Establishing a Comprehensive Calibration Management & Measurement Integrity Program
Elements of the Standard Operating Procedure
Calibration Audit Checklist
14. Steps for Suggested Safeguards
Build Systems with Redundancy and Challenge Loops
Cultural Considerations
Improve Data Transparency and Context Awareness
Enforce Cross-Functional Decision-Making
In Practice: A Brief Scenario
Formalizing Change Detection & Notification Systems
Prioritize Human Factors in Interface Design
A Real-World Example
15. More Steps for Institutionalizing Retrospective Analysis
Maintain Healthy Skepticism and a Culture of Inquiry
Use Simulation and Scenario Testing Regularly
Categorized Root Causes and Corrective Actions for Historical Incidents
Philosophical and Ethical Dimensions
Philosophical and Ethical Dimensions of Denial and Error Suppression in Technical Systems
The Psychology of Denial in the Face of Flawed Data
References
Institutional Resistance to Admitting Error
References
Responsiveness vs. Obfuscation in the Face of Flawed Data
References
When the Truth is Inconvenient – Human and Institutional Responses to Flawed Data
References
16. Implementation & Culture Change – Embedding Calibration Integrity Across the Enterprise
Building an Organization-Wide Calibration Integrity Culture
From Compliance to Commitment
Leadership and Psychological Safety
Systemic Communication and Shared Vocabulary
Training, Mentorship, and Lifelong Literacy
Integration with Quality, Risk, and Ethics Programs
Data Systems, Automation, and Transparency
Institutional Learning from Failure
Interview Excerpts with QA/QC Managers and Lab Directors: Voices from the Front Lines of Calibration Integrity
Risk of Quiet Drift
Cultural Resistance and Psychological Safety
Overconfidence in Initial Certification
On Visibility and Transparency
Root Cause Humility
Role of Leadership
Voices from the Front Lines of Calibration Integrity
Building a Culture of Calibration Integrity
References
17. When Myth Gets It
A Critical Examination of the Si-Te-Cah Legend, Lovelock Cave, and the Smithsonian Conspiracy Theory
The Hero’s Journey: 12 Key Stages
Examples of the Hero’s Journey in Myth
The Si-Te-Cah and Northern Paiute Oral Tradition
Lovelock Cave: Archaeology versus Myth
The Rise of Fringe Interpretations
The Smithsonian Conspiracy Theory
Myths Debunked and Legends Confirmed
Myths Confirmed by Archaeology: A Comprehensive Examination
Troy: From Homeric Myth to Historical City
Nineveh: Rediscovering a Lost Assyrian Capital
Vilcabamba: The Last Stronghold of the Inca Empire
Göbekli Tepe: Rewriting the Origins of Civilization
Why They Call Them Myths
Fascination: Myth Becomes Reality
The Burden: Myth as Authority
The Risk: Pseudoscience and Conspiracies
The Ethical Challenge: Ownership and Misuse
The Psychological Risk: Collapsing the Sacred
References
18. Bad Judgment and Being Where You Do Not Belong
Bad Judgment and Being Where You Do Not Belong
The Root of Preventable Failures
Being Where You Do Not Belong: Invisible Risk Zones
References
Human Factors in Technical Environments
Complacency, Distraction, and Risk Normalization
Complacency: The Illusion of Control
Distraction: The Silent Saboteur
Risk Normalization; When Danger Becomes Background Noise
Combating These Threats
References
Judgment Failures in Commercial Air Travel
When Things Go from Bad to Worse
Comparable Incidents
Automation Mismanagement and Pilot Disengagement: A Critical Examination of Air
France 447, Asiana 214, and Eastern Air Lines 401
Air France Flight 447 (2009)
Asiana Airlines Flight 214 (2013)
Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 (1972)
Corrective Action
Human Factors, CRM, and Situational Awareness Breakdown
United Airlines Flight 173 (1978)
Korean Air Cargo Flight 8509 (1999)
China Airlines Flight 140 (1994)
Corrective Actions
References
19. Calibration, Culture, and the Courage to Question
The Illusion We Built
From Compliance to Culture
The Courage to Ask, Challenge, and Speak Up
Pull It Together
A Call to Action
What Will You Do Differently Tomorrow?
A Final Note
Appendix
Examples of SOPs, Dashboards, or Audit Forms
Example Dashboard: Calibration Status Interface
Example Internal Audit Form: Calibration Integrity Checklist
References
Measurement Integrity Readiness Index (MIRI)
A Calibration Culture Maturity Model for Technical Organizations
MIRI Levels Overview
Assessment Dimensions and Indicators
How to Use the MIRI
References
Industry Standards and Definitions
Core Metrology and Calibration Standards
Data Quality and Analytical Standards
Risk, Reliability, and Failure Analysis Standards
Environmental and Laboratory-Specific Standards
Human Factors, Interface, and Communication Standards
Terminology
Templates
Postmortem Review
Audit Checklist for Measurement and Calibration Integrity
Calibration Drift Audit Checklist
Scoring and Risk Prioritization (Optional Tool)
Detailed Checklists by Industry
Pharmaceutical & Biotech Industry
Aerospace & Defense
Oil & Gas/Petrochemicals
Environmental Testing & Monitoring
Environmental Testing and Monitoring Reference
Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Automotive & Manufacturing Industry
Clinical & Medical Laboratories
Semiconductor and Precision Electronics
General Calibration and Metrology Standards
Interactive Workbook Section
Calibration Drift Blind Spot Workbook
Calibration Integrity Maturity Model & Scoring System
Scoring Scale (Per Section)
Maturity Matrix Template
Interpretation of the Total Score (Out of 24)
Use Recommendations
Recalibration Tracking Worksheets
Instrument Calibration Log
Drift Trend Analysis Worksheet
Recalibration Action Tracker
Error Reporting & CAPA Analysis Templates
Error Reporting Template
Corrective & Preventive Action (CAPA) Template
References and Source Documentation
Standards and Technical References
Government and Investigative Reports
Scientific and Technical Articles
Manuscripts Referenced
Noteworthy Tools and Frameworks Cited
Case Study References
Thermocouple Drift in Aerospace and Power Industries
Pressure Transducer Zero Drift (BP Oil Spill Related)
The pH Electrode Calibration (Environmental Monitoring)
CT Scanner Dosimetry Drift (Medical Imaging)
Mass Standards Drift (Pre-Kilogram Redefinition)
Gas Chromatograph (GC) Flame Ionization Detector (FID) Calibration Drift
Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES) Metal Analysis Drift
Industrial Scales – Load Cell Drift
Spectrophotometer Baseline Shift in Color Measurement
Flow Meter Calibration Drift in Custody Transfer
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) Calibration for Sodium and Chloride in Water
Infrared Thermometer Drift (Non-Contact Thermometers)
Index
Back to Top
Forward
Preface
1. Introduction: Today is a Good Day to Fail
2 The Shift in a Calibration Standard
Traceability and Calibration
Calibration
Traceability
Calibration Failure
What Went Wrong
Consequences
Lessons Learned
Key ISO Standards Involved
References
3. Technical Root Causes Behind Calibration Failures
Outdated Calibration Techniques
Advances in Measurement Technology
Metrology Demands for Traceability
Poor Communication and Industry Uptake
References
4. Calibration Drift in Action: Industry-Specific Failures
Thermocouple Drift in Aerospace and Power Industries
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: Thermocouple Drift in Aerospace and Power Industries
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: Thermocouple Drift Mitigation
References
Pressure Transducer Zero Drift (BP Oil Spill Related)
Root Cause
Corrective Action
Corrective Actions for Pressure Sensor Drift (Post-Deepwater Horizon)
References
The pH Electrode Calibration (Environmental Monitoring)
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: pH Calibration Failures in Environmental Monitoring
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: pH Calibration Reforms in Environmental Monitoring
References
CT Scanner Dosimetry Drift (Medical Imaging)
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: CT Scanner Dosimetry Drift
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: CT Dosimetry Reforms
References
Mass Standards Drift (Pre-Kilogram Redefinition)
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: Drift of the International Prototype Kilogram
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: Redefinition of the Kilogram
References
Gas Chromatograph (GC) Flame Ionization Detector (FID) Calibration Drift
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: GC-FID Calibration Drift
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: GC-FID Calibration Reforms
References
Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES) Metal Analysis Drift
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: OES Spectrometer Drift in Alloy Analysis
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: OES Drift Mitigation
References
Industrial Scales – Load Cell Drift
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: Load Cell Drift in Industrial and Laboratory Balances
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: Mitigating Load Cell Drift in Industrial Scales
References
Spectrophotometer Baseline Shift in Color Measurement
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: Spectrophotometer Baseline Shift in Color Measurement
Correct Action
Corrective Action Summary: Managing Baseline Shift in Color Spectrophotometry
References
Flow Meter Calibration Drift in Custody Transfer
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: Flow Meter Drift in Custody Transfer
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: Flow Meter Drift Mitigation in Custody Transfer
References
Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) Calibration for Sodium and Chloride in Water
Root Cause
Root Cause Summary: ISE Drift in Sodium and Chloride Analysis
Corrective Action
Corrective Action Summary: Managing ISE Drift for Sodium and Chloride
Calibration Drift is a Universal Threat to Accuracy
References
5. New and Notorious Failures: Analytical Failure and Calibration Risk
The Theranos Scandal – Weaponized Pseudocalibration in Medical Diagnostics
Root Cause
Corrective Action
References
Boeing 737 MAX – Sensor Disagreement and Software Oversight
Root Cause
Corrective Action
References
Volkswagen Dieselgate – Emissions Calibration and Ethical Collapse
Root Cause
Corrective Action
References
PCR Testing During COVID-19 – False Positives and Drift in Clinical Practice
Root Cause
Corrective Action
References
AI Bias and Algorithmic Calibration: When Models Learn Wrong
Root Cause
Corrective Action
References
Semiconductor Manufacturing – Calibration Failure at the Atomic Scale
Root Cause
Corrective Action
References
Medical Device Recalls – Infusion Pumps and Ventilators
References
Summary of New and Notorious Failures
6. Bad Data Leads to Bad Things Beyond the Lab
Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster (1986)
Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster (1986)
Three Mile Island Nuclear Incident (1979)
COVID-19 Initial Response (2020)
Mars Climate Orbiter Loss (1999)
2008 Financial Crisis
Y2K Readiness Panic (1999–2000)
7. Failure Mode and Corrective Action
Rationale for the 7 M’s Framework
7 M’s Put to Use
Thermocouple Drift in Aerospace and Power Industries
Pressure Transducer Zero Drift (BP Oil Spill Related)
pH Electrode Calibration (Environmental Monitoring)
CT Scanner Dosimetry Drift (Medical Imaging)
Mass Standards Drift (Pre-Kilogram Redefinition)
Gas Chromatograph (GC) Flame Ionization Detector (FID) Calibration Drift
Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES) Metal Analysis Drift
Industrial Scales – Load Cell Drift
Spectrophotometer Baseline Shift in Color Measurement
Flow Meter Calibration Drift in Custody Transfer
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) Calibration for Sodium and Chloride in Water
Infrared Thermometer Drift (Non-Contact Thermometers)
8. Universal Reasons for Failure
Flawed or Incomplete Data
Complacency or Overconfidence in Models/Systems
Lack of Cross-Disciplinary Validation
Poor Communication and Hierarchy Suppression
Failure to Anticipate or Simulate Worst-Case Scenarios
Interface and Design Flaws
9. Building Technical Safeguards
NIST Traceability with Enhanced Oversight
Updated ISO Standards with Change Management
Industry Alerts & Historical Data Correction Guidelines
Multi-Modal Particle Sizing Validation
Instrument Design with Self-Validation Features
Regulatory and Quality System Requirements
Education and Certification Requirements
Safeguards Against Future Calibration Disruptions
10. Summation and Systemic Safeguards
Metrological Traceability to SI Units
Standard Change Management Process
Calibration Lifecycle Management
Dual-Method or Cross-Verification
11. Historical Data Normalization Protocol
Training and Awareness Programs
Instrument Self-Diagnostics and Logs
12. External Audits and Peer Comparisons
Industry-Wide Data Repositories and Alerts
Ethical Culture of Measurement Integrity
3 Key Principles of an Ethical Measurement Culture
13. How to Build and Sustain This Culture
Establishing a Comprehensive Calibration Management & Measurement Integrity Program
Elements of the Standard Operating Procedure
Calibration Audit Checklist
14. Steps for Suggested Safeguards
Build Systems with Redundancy and Challenge Loops
Cultural Considerations
Improve Data Transparency and Context Awareness
Enforce Cross-Functional Decision-Making
In Practice: A Brief Scenario
Formalizing Change Detection & Notification Systems
Prioritize Human Factors in Interface Design
A Real-World Example
15. More Steps for Institutionalizing Retrospective Analysis
Maintain Healthy Skepticism and a Culture of Inquiry
Use Simulation and Scenario Testing Regularly
Categorized Root Causes and Corrective Actions for Historical Incidents
Philosophical and Ethical Dimensions
Philosophical and Ethical Dimensions of Denial and Error Suppression in Technical Systems
The Psychology of Denial in the Face of Flawed Data
References
Institutional Resistance to Admitting Error
References
Responsiveness vs. Obfuscation in the Face of Flawed Data
References
When the Truth is Inconvenient – Human and Institutional Responses to Flawed Data
References
16. Implementation & Culture Change – Embedding Calibration Integrity Across the Enterprise
Building an Organization-Wide Calibration Integrity Culture
From Compliance to Commitment
Leadership and Psychological Safety
Systemic Communication and Shared Vocabulary
Training, Mentorship, and Lifelong Literacy
Integration with Quality, Risk, and Ethics Programs
Data Systems, Automation, and Transparency
Institutional Learning from Failure
Interview Excerpts with QA/QC Managers and Lab Directors: Voices from the Front Lines of Calibration Integrity
Risk of Quiet Drift
Cultural Resistance and Psychological Safety
Overconfidence in Initial Certification
On Visibility and Transparency
Root Cause Humility
Role of Leadership
Voices from the Front Lines of Calibration Integrity
Building a Culture of Calibration Integrity
References
17. When Myth Gets It
A Critical Examination of the Si-Te-Cah Legend, Lovelock Cave, and the Smithsonian Conspiracy Theory
The Hero’s Journey: 12 Key Stages
Examples of the Hero’s Journey in Myth
The Si-Te-Cah and Northern Paiute Oral Tradition
Lovelock Cave: Archaeology versus Myth
The Rise of Fringe Interpretations
The Smithsonian Conspiracy Theory
Myths Debunked and Legends Confirmed
Myths Confirmed by Archaeology: A Comprehensive Examination
Troy: From Homeric Myth to Historical City
Nineveh: Rediscovering a Lost Assyrian Capital
Vilcabamba: The Last Stronghold of the Inca Empire
Göbekli Tepe: Rewriting the Origins of Civilization
Why They Call Them Myths
Fascination: Myth Becomes Reality
The Burden: Myth as Authority
The Risk: Pseudoscience and Conspiracies
The Ethical Challenge: Ownership and Misuse
The Psychological Risk: Collapsing the Sacred
References
18. Bad Judgment and Being Where You Do Not Belong
Bad Judgment and Being Where You Do Not Belong
The Root of Preventable Failures
Being Where You Do Not Belong: Invisible Risk Zones
References
Human Factors in Technical Environments
Complacency, Distraction, and Risk Normalization
Complacency: The Illusion of Control
Distraction: The Silent Saboteur
Risk Normalization; When Danger Becomes Background Noise
Combating These Threats
References
Judgment Failures in Commercial Air Travel
When Things Go from Bad to Worse
Comparable Incidents
Automation Mismanagement and Pilot Disengagement: A Critical Examination of Air
France 447, Asiana 214, and Eastern Air Lines 401
Air France Flight 447 (2009)
Asiana Airlines Flight 214 (2013)
Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 (1972)
Corrective Action
Human Factors, CRM, and Situational Awareness Breakdown
United Airlines Flight 173 (1978)
Korean Air Cargo Flight 8509 (1999)
China Airlines Flight 140 (1994)
Corrective Actions
References
19. Calibration, Culture, and the Courage to Question
The Illusion We Built
From Compliance to Culture
The Courage to Ask, Challenge, and Speak Up
Pull It Together
A Call to Action
What Will You Do Differently Tomorrow?
A Final Note
Appendix
Examples of SOPs, Dashboards, or Audit Forms
Example Dashboard: Calibration Status Interface
Example Internal Audit Form: Calibration Integrity Checklist
References
Measurement Integrity Readiness Index (MIRI)
A Calibration Culture Maturity Model for Technical Organizations
MIRI Levels Overview
Assessment Dimensions and Indicators
How to Use the MIRI
References
Industry Standards and Definitions
Core Metrology and Calibration Standards
Data Quality and Analytical Standards
Risk, Reliability, and Failure Analysis Standards
Environmental and Laboratory-Specific Standards
Human Factors, Interface, and Communication Standards
Terminology
Templates
Postmortem Review
Audit Checklist for Measurement and Calibration Integrity
Calibration Drift Audit Checklist
Scoring and Risk Prioritization (Optional Tool)
Detailed Checklists by Industry
Pharmaceutical & Biotech Industry
Aerospace & Defense
Oil & Gas/Petrochemicals
Environmental Testing & Monitoring
Environmental Testing and Monitoring Reference
Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Automotive & Manufacturing Industry
Clinical & Medical Laboratories
Semiconductor and Precision Electronics
General Calibration and Metrology Standards
Interactive Workbook Section
Calibration Drift Blind Spot Workbook
Calibration Integrity Maturity Model & Scoring System
Scoring Scale (Per Section)
Maturity Matrix Template
Interpretation of the Total Score (Out of 24)
Use Recommendations
Recalibration Tracking Worksheets
Instrument Calibration Log
Drift Trend Analysis Worksheet
Recalibration Action Tracker
Error Reporting & CAPA Analysis Templates
Error Reporting Template
Corrective & Preventive Action (CAPA) Template
References and Source Documentation
Standards and Technical References
Government and Investigative Reports
Scientific and Technical Articles
Manuscripts Referenced
Noteworthy Tools and Frameworks Cited
Case Study References
Thermocouple Drift in Aerospace and Power Industries
Pressure Transducer Zero Drift (BP Oil Spill Related)
The pH Electrode Calibration (Environmental Monitoring)
CT Scanner Dosimetry Drift (Medical Imaging)
Mass Standards Drift (Pre-Kilogram Redefinition)
Gas Chromatograph (GC) Flame Ionization Detector (FID) Calibration Drift
Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES) Metal Analysis Drift
Industrial Scales – Load Cell Drift
Spectrophotometer Baseline Shift in Color Measurement
Flow Meter Calibration Drift in Custody Transfer
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) Calibration for Sodium and Chloride in Water
Infrared Thermometer Drift (Non-Contact Thermometers)
Index
Back to Top