bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of pollutant emission of electric vehicle in real traffic conditions in Poland
Authors: GIS Maciej , BEDNARSKI Mateusz , LASOCKI Jakub
Published: March 2021

Alternative drives have an increasing share in the global, European and Polish market. The city authorities support primarily the de-velopment of electromobility. Progress in these issues is also noticeable in Poland. The increasing number of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) requires increasing energy costs of the country. Therefore, it is necessary to increase energy production. This work estimates how large this energy surplus should be. For this purpose, it was necessary to deter-mine the average energy consumption of an electric vehicle in real traffic conditions, and then to calculate the average energy demand for a selected number of vehicles. Obtained results were related to pollutant emission considered in the well-to-wheel perspective (in-cluding generation of electricity). In the article, the authors also referred to the minimum number of charging stations for electric vehicles on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) in Poland. This is a necessary condition on which depends the use of BEV vehicles not only on the territory of cities, but also throughout the country.
Effects of combustion timing on pressure rise rates in a residual effected HCCI engine
Authors: HUNICZ Jacek , GĘCA Michał , KORDOS Paweł , RYBAK Arkadiusz
Published: March 2021

Realization of a low temperature combustion concept in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines is a cutting-edge technology that offers clean combustion in parallel with high thermal efficiency. Low combustion temperature prevents from NOx for-mation whereas homogeneous mixture assures smokeless exhaust. However, achieving the production feasibility by HCCI technology is hampered by high pressure rise rates and the resulting combustion noise at a high load operation. This paper explores combustion tim-ing parameters that are capable of maintaining permissible levels of pressure rise rates under a high load regime. On the basis of exper-imental data collected at a high load HCCI operation, pressure rise level was correlated with combustion duration. Furthermore, com-bustion duration has been found to scale with in-cylinder volume, for which 50% of mass fraction burned appeared. The results showed quantitatively limitations of engine load, pointing out on required combustion timings to achieve acceptable combustion harshness de-pending on engine load.
Assessment of thermodynamic cycle of internal combustion engine in terms of rightsizing
Authors: SROKA Zbigniew J. , DWORACZYŃSKI Maciej K.
Published: March 2021

The modification of the downsizing trend of internal combustion engines towards rightsizing is a new challenge for constructors. The change in the displacement volume of internal combustion engines accompanying the rightsizing idea may in fact mean a reduction or increase of the defining swept volume change factors and thus may affect the change in the operating characteristics as a result of changes in combustion process parameters - a research problem described in this publication. Incidents of changes in the displacement volume were considered along with the change of the compression space and at the change of the geometric degree of compression. The new form of the mathematical dependence describing the efficiency of the thermodynamic cycle makes it possible to evaluate the opera-tion indicators of the internal combustion engine along with the implementation of the rightsizing idea. The work demonstrated the in-variance of cycle efficiency with different forms of rightsizing.
Harmful exhaust components and particles mass and number emission during the actual drive of a passenger car in accordance with the RDE procedure
Authors: SOKOLNICKA Barbara , FUĆ Paweł , SZYMLET Natalia , SIEDLECKI Maciej , GRZESZCZYK Rafał
Published: March 2021

The article presents toxic exhaust components emission measurement results as well as solid particles mass and number. The test involved a direct gasoline injection engine, in which special attention should be paid to the particulates number emission. Small diameters of nanoparticles make them particularly dangerous to human health. Nowadays, vehicle engines are constantly improved and modernized as a result of the need to meet existing exhaust gas emission standards. One of the few ways to determine the actual content of toxic and harmful compounds in the exhaust gases is the RDE (Real Driving Emissions) procedure, the requirements of which apply from 2016 for new vehicles, and from 2019 will apply to all registered passenger cars. The RDE procedure does not replace the WLTP (World Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure), but complements it. The tests on the dynamometer are separated from external conditions such as traffic volume or congestion and are not a sufficient indicator of emissions in real traffic conditions.
Analysis of the possibility of using an engine with a rotating piston as the propulsion of an electric generator in application to a motor glider propulsion
Authors: ORKISZ Marek , WYGONIK Piotr , KUŹNIAR Michał , KALWARA Maciej
Published: March 2021

Analysis of the possibility of using an engine with a rotating piston as the propulsion of an electric generator in application to a motor glider propulsion The paper presents an analysis of the possibilities of application of a rotating piston engine (Wankel type) as a propulsion for an electric generator in the motor glider propulsion system. This generator would be a part of the propulsion system of a hybrid motor glider using the AOS 71 motor glider airframe. In the research, the rotational characteristics of the LCR 407ti engine were determined experimentally. Driving torque run, power and fuel consumption were determined as a function of engine speed. The obtained results are presented in diagrams. The conceptual diagram of the hybrid drive is presented. The current generator was selected and the effectiveness of the generator and the entire propulsion were assessed from the motor gliders performance point of view. On the basis of the conducted research, conclusions were drawn and there were indicated the objectives and directions of further research on hybrid propulsion with specific aerodynamic and mass limitations of the aircraft
Issues of emission evaluation of road-rail vehicles in the aspect of current type approval regulations
Authors: DASZKIEWICZ Paweł , RYMANIAK Łukasz , KAMIŃSKA Michalina
Published: March 2021

One of the ways to reduce exhaust emissions from vehicles is to replace worn-out shunting locomotives with road-rail tractors. The main purpose of this solution is to reduce the negative environmental impact of the vehicle and to reduce the fuel consumption compared to a shunting locomotive performing the same work. The tests on exhaust emissions of rail vehicles are carried out on an engine test bench, making it impossible to determine the environmental performance of these vehicles during real operation. Therefore, it is advisable to carry out measurements in real operating conditions in order to obtain reliable reference results. This enables the verification of vehicles ecological indicators in a wide range of operational work parameters. It is possible to obtain reliable results regarding the impact of the tested vehicle on the natural environment in this way and compare them with the applicable emission standards.
Development of RDE/ISC test methodology in light of Euro 6d/VI emissions limits
Authors: PAJDOWSKI Piotr , WOODBURN Joseph , BIELACZYC Piotr , PUCHAŁKA Bartosz
Published: March 2021

This paper discusses the fact that vehicle and powertrain test methods have long been guided by type approval requirements – with a focus ot the recent/current example of real driving emissions (RDE) and in-service conformity (ISC) test requirements. The implcations current and future – of these testing requirement, which force the use of portable emissions measurement system (PEMS) are discussed. In this context, BOSMAL Automotive Research and Development Institute’s PEMS systems are presented, and the systems’ attributes and versatility are explored. Considerations for testing a very wide range of vehicle, engine and fuel types are mentioned. Non-legislative applications of PEMS systems are briefly explored; finally, it is shown that the emissions laboratory and its chassis dyno remain indispensable when conducting work on light duty exhaust emissions, even in the era of RDE.
The impact of ignition system damage on the emission of toxic substances in a spark-ignition internal combustion engine
Authors: DZIUBIŃSKI Mieczysław , SIEMIONEK Ewa , DROZD Artur , ŚCIRKA Michał , KISZCZAK Adam , SOBOTA Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

The article discusses the impact of ignition system damage on the emission of toxic subcategories in a spark-ignition internal combustion engine. The aim of the work was to develop an analytical model of ignition system diagnostics, test performance and comparative analysis of the results of simulations and experiments. The model developed allows to analyse the basic parameters of the ignition system affecting the content of toxic substances in the exhaust. Experimental tests were carried out using the MAHA MGT5 exhaust gas analyser for four different combustion engines fueled with petrol at various operating conditions. During the tests, the content of toxic substances in the exhaust gas of a properly working engine and the engine working with damage to the ignition system were registered. The tests will be used to assess the impact of the damage of the spark-ignition engine on the emission of individual components of toxic fumes.
Finite element analysis of a composite piston for a diesel aircraft engine
Authors: PIETRYKOWSKI Konrad , MAGRYTA Paweł , SKIBA Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

The article presents calculations of thermal and mechanical loads of the piston, consisting of two parts: steel and aluminum. The calculations were made using FEM in the Abaqus software. The piston is characterized by a split construction and was equipped with a cooling oil channel. The piston will be used in an aircraft diesel engine characterized by opposite piston movement. The presented geometry of the piston is the next of the ones being developed earlier and contains preliminary assumptions as to the size and main geometrical dimensions. The thermal boundary conditions of the simulation tests assumed defined areas of heat reception surface and heating of the piston by defining a temperature map on its crown. The results of these studies were presented in the form of temperature distribution and heat flux on the surface of the tested element. The strength boundary conditions assumed a mechanical load in the form of pressure resulting from the pressure in the combustion chamber applied to the piston crown surface and the opposite pressure defined on the support at the surface of contact between the piston and the piston pin. The results of these tests were presented in the form of stress distribution on the surface of the tested element. As a result of the analyses carried out, the results constituting the basis for further modernization of the piston geometry were obtained.
Analysis of electric motor vehicles market
Authors: MACIEJEWSKA Marta , FUĆ Paweł , KARDACH Monika
Published: March 2021

The increasingly restrictive standards related to exhaust emissions from cars make difficult the development of internal combustion engines. The activities undertaken in the design of internal combustion engines are mainly based on downsizing, e.g decreasing the engines displacement. The main direction in the development of vehicle propulsion is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It is expected to reduce CO2 emissions in 2020 to reach 95 g/km. Electric vehicles achieve low noise levels and do not emitted a burn, and thus, their use leads to a reduction in the amount of toxic exhaust gases in the air. The aspect of reducing emissions of harmful exhaust compounds and activities focusing on downsizing on the market of combustion engine cars leads to a significant increase the number of electric vehicles. In 2018 around 95 million motor vehicles were registered in the world, of which around 12 million in the European Union and 273 thousand in Poland. The number of electric vehicles among all sold is around 5.5%. Every year new, more technologically advanced models appear on the electric vehicle market. In 2018, the most popular model was the Nissan LEAF and the BAIC EC-Series. A large number of Renault ZOE have also been sold. In article analyzed different models of electric vehicle, which are available on market and presented the characteristics based on e.g. price per 100 kilometers, range for every model or charging time.
Identification of the internal combustion engine malfunctions based on the vibrations of the vehicle body
Authors: MAMALA Jarosław , PRAŻNOWSKI Krzysztof , GRABA Mariusz
Published: March 2021

Selected parameters of an IC engine were correlated with vibrations transferred to the vehicle body with the aim of identifying engine malfunctions. Registered acceleration component signals were analyzed in the aspect of frequency. A reasoning model based on devised identification matrix was used to classify obtained data. This allowed the authors to estimate the possibility of research object damage/malfunctions with an assumed degree of probability.
Analysis of the applicability of a common rail pump for an aircraft engine
Authors: SOCHACZEWSKI Rafał , SZLACHETKA Marcin , WENDEKER Mirosław , KARPIŃSKI Paweł
Published: March 2021

The paper presents an analysis of the possibility of using a common rail pump to supply an aircraft compression-ignition engine. It is an engine with a two-stroke cycle, three cylinders, opposing pistons and 100 kW power. Its each combustion chamber is supply by one or two injectors controlled by electromagnetic valves. In order to assess the possibility of using a common rail pump, four high-pressure pumps were tested on a bench. They are piston pumps differing in the number and geometry of their pumping sections. The analysis included the pumping output, the torque on the pump drive shaft and the power needed to drive the pump. The weight and overall dimensions of the pump were also considered, including the arrangement of the pumping sections and the way the drive is transmitted. The research allowed to optimize the engine power supply system depending on fuel demand and the way the pump is mounted on the engine.
The EMITRANSYS model and the possibilities of its application for the analysis of the development of sustainable transport systems
Authors: JACYNA Marianna , ŻAK Jolanta , GOŁĘBIOWSKI Piotr
Published: March 2021

The transport system has a direct impact on the economic and socio-economic situation of each country. Planning its development is an important element of policy. Bearing in mind the importance and complexity of this issue, it should be considered using both quanti-tative methods and mathematical models, as well as advanced simulation tools for modelling transport. The article presents a proposal for an approach to simulation tests of the different transport system in the aspect of the emission of harmful exhaust gas compounds from road transport.The tool for analysing and assessing the functioning of e xisting or designed systems is a model in which the properties of the real system, which are important from the point of view of the research objective, should be mapped. The Model of Proecological Transport System (MEST) was presented formally as an ordered four. Also elements of optimization taks shaping of proecological transport system in form of datas, decision variables, conditions and goal function were presented. An example of tests on simulation model was shown.
Biological activity of carbon nanoparticles produced in combustion process
Authors: KAŁUŻNY Jarosław , IDASZEWSKA Natalia , RUNKA Tomasz , PIASECKI Adam , NOWICKI Marek , MERKISZ Jerzy
Published: March 2021

In the recent years industrial applications of carbon allotropes such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have been tested extensively, thus justifying research on the environmental impact these materials have. In the current paper we compare EDS spectroscopy results of a cabin filter used in a car to a filter used in an air purifier inside a residential space. The contaminants adsorbed on the carbon nanoparticles trapped in both types of filters allows for determining of their source of origin demonstrating clearly the dominant role of non-road emissions in Poland. Finally we present the experimental study on the growth of plants on substrates intentionally enriched with CNTs.
Methods of evaluating the exhaust emissions from driving vehicles
Authors: RYMANIAK Łukasz , DASZKIEWICZ Paweł , MERKISZ Jerzy , KAMIŃSKA Michalina
Published: March 2021

The type approval tests of vehicles with internal combustion engines increasingly include issues regarding the assessment of ecological indicators in real traffic conditions. This is done with the help of specialized equipment from the PEMS (Portable Emissions Measurement Systems) group. This requires not only a series of test procedures, but also assembly of technically advanced equipment along with the proper preparation of the vehicles exhaust system. Currently, activities are being carried out to develop solutions for non-invasive assessment of ecological indicators from moving vehicles. The article discusses these types of solutions, at the same time indicating their strengths and weaknesses. Also presented are pollutant emission tests in real operating conditions that will be used to develop a modular exhaust emission gateway. The result of the analysis was to indicate the development directions of methods for exhaust emission assessment from vehicles in motion.
Problems of exhaust emissions testing from machines and mobile devices in real operating conditions
Authors: LIJEWSKI Piotr , FUĆ Paweł , MARKIEWICZ Filip , DOBRZYŃSKI Michał
Published: March 2021

The article presents selected problems concerning tests of toxic exhaust emissions from engines of vehicles, mobile devices, engines used in gardening and construction works. For this group of engines, this type of testing is carried out primarily in laboratory conditions, however, variable load conditions during actual operation justify efforts to determine the level of emissions in real operating conditions. Research in real operating conditions for different engine categories becomes increasingly more standard, in this aspect, it is necessary to verify the state of knowledge and methodology in the aspect of testing engines of machines and mobile devices. The research performed by the authors was the first of this type using PEMS equipment, hence some conclusions and observations can be made from the obtained results. At present, the type approval procedures for the engine group in question do not account for emissions tests in real operating conditions, while also missing any description of a standardized research methodology. In addition, the engine group in question is not really suitable for testing in real conditions. An introduction to research aimed at developing an exhaust emission test methodology in real operating conditions of mobile device engines was included in the article.
Hydrocarbon species in SI and HCCI engine using winter grade commercial
gasoline
Authors: ELGHAWI Usama , MAYOUF Ahmed , TSOLAKIS Athanasios
Published: March 2021

The study provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the C5-C11 hydrocarbon species generated in Spark Ignition – Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (SI/HCCI) gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine at range of operating conditions. The presented results and data were obtained from the combustion of winter grade commercial gasoline containing 2% w/w ethanol (C2H5OH) for the engine operated in steady-state, fully warmed-up condition. The hydrocarbon analysis in exhaust gases was executed on a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) apparatus directly connected to the engine exhaust via heated line.
The highest concentration of the total hydrocarbon emissions was obtained under low load HCCI engine operation at stoichiometric fuel-air ratio. The major hydrocarbon compounds detected in the collected samples were benzene, toluene, p-xylene, and naphthalene. Benzene originates from the incomplete combustion of toluene and other alkylbenzenes which are of considerable environmental interest.
During the SI engine operation, increase of the engine speed and load resulted in the increase of benzene and the total olefinic species with simultaneous decrease in isopentane and isooctane. The same trends are seen with the engine operating under HCCI mode, but since the combustion temperature is always lower than SI mode under the same engine conditions, the oxidation of fuel paraffin in the former case was less. As a result, the total olefins and benzene levels in HCCI mode were lower than the corresponding amount observed in SI mode. Aromatic compounds (e.g., toluene), except for benzene, were produced at lower levels in the exhaust when the engine speed and load for both modes were increased.
Simplification of the procedure for testing common rail fuel injectors
Authors: STOECK Tomasz
Published: March 2021

The paper presents a simplified methodology for generating the characteristic curve of fuel doses for common rail injectors, which consists in limiting the number of measurements on the test bench and calculating missing data using predefined (array) functions of the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. This allows checking the method of fuel delivery in a wide spectrum of predefined pressures and atomiser opening times, while reducing the arduousness and time-consumption of the active experiment phase. The proposed solution is particularly useful in problematic situations when standard manufacturer's tests, referred only to selected work points, make it impossible to clearly assess the technical condition of the injector.
3E – A new paradigm for the development of civil aviation
Authors: ORKISZ Marek , KUŹNIAR Michał
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Nowadays, in civil aviation, issues related to improving efficiency, reducing the costs of air operations as well as the negative impact of air transport on the environment are of increasing importance. These ideas allow the formulation of the paradigm relating to the development of air transport – ‘more Efficiently, more Economically, more Eco-friendly – 3E’. The article presents in a cross-sectional and synthetic way research conducted by leading scientific centres around the world as well as prototype aviation constructions designed by companies from the aviation industry. Benefits and disadvantages of future propulsions, such as purely electric, hybrid and distributed propulsions, were presented. Conclusions were formulated regarding further possible directions of civil aviation development, taking into account the improvement of its efficiency as well as economic and ecological indicators.
Evaluation of adequacy of a model of a marine diesel engine based upon empirical research
Authors: KNIAZIEWICZ Tomasz , ZACHAREWICZ Marcin
Published: March 2021

The article presents a mathematical model of a marine diesel engine developed for the needs of the research on the innovative method of evaluating technical condition of a marine engine. Basic assumptions of the method under development have also been included. The main focus has been directed on the evaluation of adequacy of a mathematical model of a marine diesel engine proposed in this article. In addition, measures of adequacy for the needs of the conducted research have also been presented. A comparison of the results of empirical and modeling research was presented. Finally, the article shows results from the conducted research followed by conclusions.
Energy balance comparison of small unmanned vehicle equipped with electric and hybrid propulsion system
Authors: Polak Filip
Published: March 2021

Article presents comparison of the energetic balance of vehicle powertrain – pure electric vehicle and vehicle equipped with electric hybrid power transmission. Society is more and more often persuaded to buy electric cars as an environmentally friendly solution because they have opinion of ecological vehicles. Electrification in military applications is also widely considered, especially in case of small to medium UGV’s such as wide range of robotic systems introduced to the milatary operations. The article presents the problems of comparing the efficiency and others parameters such as the range of a two presented powertrains. The research was carried out on an small unmanned land platform equipped with a hybrid propulsion system supplied as standard with Diesel power generator and electrically only powered. Energy used for charging of the battery, from tank-to-wheel, was calculated. This also enables to calculate total efficiency of electric and hybrid power transmission. By calculating different capacity of battery and power of generator, it is possible to determine the vehicle range.
Soot contamination of engine oil – the case of a small turbocharged spark-ignition engine
Authors: Kozak Miłosław , Siejka Piotr
Published: March 2021

The paper presents the results of thermogravimetric tests of engine oil used in a small turbocharged spark-ignition engine. The main observation from the research was a significant soot contamination of engine oil, that appears even at its low mileage. This indicates that also in the case of port fuel injection spark-ignition engine, high particulate matter emissions may occur. It may therefore turn out that the small city car can be more harmful to the environment than much larger vehicles. A rapid soot contamination of the oil in this engine indicates as well that the oil change interval should be shortened.
ECU calibration for gaseous dual fuel supply system
in compression ignition engines
Authors: Stepanenko Denys , Kneba Zbigniew
Published: March 2021

The dual fuel (DF) combustion mode is proven solution that allows to improve or get at the same level engine performance and reduce toxic compounds in exhaust gases which is confirmed by researchers and end-users. DF combustion mode uses two fuels gaseous fuel as a primary energy source and a pilot quantity of diesel fuel as ignition source. However, in order, to fully take advantage of the potential of the dual fuel mode, DF system must be proper calibrated. Despite the existence of commercial control systems for dual fuel engines on the market, the literature on the important parameters for the engine's operation introduced during calibration is scarce. This article briefly describes a concept of working algorithm and calibration strategy of a dual fuel electronic control unit (ECU) The purpose of calibration is to achieve the greatest possible use of an alternative gaseous fuel without causing accelerated engine wear.
Analysis of exhaust emission measurements in rural conditions from heavy-duty vehicle
Authors: Ziółkowski Andrzej , Fuć Paweł , Lijewski Piotr , Rymaniak Łukasz , Daszkiewicz Paweł , Kamińska Michalina , Szymlet Natalia , Jagielski Aleks
Published: March 2021

Road transport holds for the largest share in the freight transport sector in Europe. This work is carried out by heavy vehicles of various types. It is assumed that, in principle, transport should take place on the main road connections, such as motorways or national roads. Their share in the polish road infrastructure is not dominant. Rural and communal roads roads are the most prevalent. This fact formed the basis of the exhaust emissions and fuel consumption tests of heavy vehicles in real operating conditions. A set of vehicles (truck tractor with a semi-trailer) meeting the Euro V emission norm, transporting a load of 24,800 kg, was selected for the tests. The research was carried out on an non-urban route, the test route length was 22 km. A mobile Semtech DS instrument was used, which was used to measure the exhaust emissions. Based on the obtained results, the emission characteristics were determined in relation to the operating parameters of the vehicles drive system. Road emission, specific emission and fuel consumption values were also calculated.
An internal combustion engine without a crankshaft. Perspectives.
Authors: Tikhonenkov Serguei
Published: March 2021

The article examines the level of perfection of the modern internal combustion engine design, their impact on the environment and population. A new engine concept has been developed. As a result, a decrease in fuel consumption by 80% has been discovered as well approaches to solve this task. A comparison of the proposed and traditional engine is presented. The effects of the new engine in the field of ecology such as a decrease in the number of diseases caused by poor environmental conditions, a lower risk of global warming, lower health care costs, an increase in life expectancy, the cheap electricity for industries and householders etc.
Multiresolution analysis of vibration signals acquired from locomotive Diesel engine for classification of engine states basing on signal statistical parameters
Authors: BOGUŚ Piotr , CIESZYŃSKI Mateusz , MERKISZ Jerzy
Published: March 2021

The paper presents a method of classification of locomotive Diesel engine states basing on vibration signals taken from an engine body and using chosen statistical parameters calculated for the original signal and it wavelet multiresolution components. The researches presented in the paper concern estimation of an engine states before and after a general repair. The target application of the presented researches is an on-line diagnostic system which can complement standard OBD systems. To this purpose the applied methods should not base on complex analysis of some spectral, time-frequency or scalogram plots but rather on choosing single diagnostic parameters which are suitable for the fast on-line diagnostic. The results have showed the significant difference in distinguishing of engine work before and after a general repair using some chosen statistical parameters applied to vibration signals.
Enhancing the Shelf-Life of Fresh Cassava Roots: A Field Evaluation of Simple Storage Bags
Authors: Tomlins Keith , Parmar Aditya , Omohimi Celestina , Sanni Lateef , Adegoke Adekola , Adebowale Abdul-Rasaq , Bennett Ben
Published: March 2021

Postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD) of fresh cassava roots limits its shelf-life to about 48 hours. There is a demand for simple, cheap, and logistically feasible solutions for extending the shelf life of fresh cassava roots at industrial processes. In this study, three different types of bag materials were tested (woven polypropylene, tarpaulin, and jute as a potential storage solution for cassava roots with different levels of mechanical damages. Microclimate (temperature, humidity, CO2) was monitored to understand the storage conditions for up to 12 days. The results showed that fresh cassava roots could be stored for 8 days, with minimal PPD and starch loss (2.4 %). How-ever, roots with significant mechanical damage (cuts, breakages) had a considerably shorter shelf life in the storage bag, compare to whole roots and roots with retained peduncle (stalk where roots are connected to the main plant). Wetting the roots and type of bag material were not significant factors in determining the shelf life and starch loss. Carbon dioxide concentration in the stores significantly correlated with the starch loss in fresh cassava roots and is proposed as a possible method for continuously and remotely monitoring starch loss in large scale commercial operations and reduce postharvest losses.
Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight in Extramarital Birth in Korea: 2015-2018 Years
Authors: Park Sang Hwa , Lim Dar Oh
Published: March 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the risk of preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) in babies born to unmarried parents (extramarital birth). Methods: This study used birth certificate data (1,523,594 births) from Korea Statistics, 2015-2018 years. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by logistic regression analyses to describe the risk of PTB and LBW in extramarital birth adjusted for maternal age, maternal education, infantile sex, and type of birth (singleton & multiple birth). Results: During this periods, the rate of extramarital birth was 1.9 percent in 2015-2018. The incidence of LBW was 8.4 percent in extramarital birth and 5.9 percent in marital birth. The rate of PTB in extramarital birth were 10.6 percent and 7.3 percent in marital birth. The LBW and PTB rate of extramarital birth (father listed on the birth certificate) was 7.4 percent and 9.1 percent, respectively. Among extramarital birth (father not listed on the birth certificate) was associated with increased risk of PTB (12.3%) and LBW (9.5%). Compared with LBW and PTB rate of marital birth, the odds ratio (OR) for LBW and PTB were 1.66 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI: 1.56-1.77) and 1.57 (95% CI: 1.49-1.67) for extramarital birth (father listed). Risk of LBW (OR: 2.14) and PTB (OR: 2.14) was higher in extramarital birth (father not listed) than that of marital birth. Conclusions: The babies born to unmarried parents was associated with increased risk of LBW and PTB, compared with those of marital birth. Risk of adversed pregnancy outcome was higher in extramarital birth (father not listed on the birth certificate). More study is required to understand the factors to adversed pregnancy outcome of extramarital status.
Phase Behavior and Physical Properties of Dimethyl Ether/Water/Heavy-Oil Systems Under Reservoir Conditions
Authors: Huang Desheng , Li Ruixue , Yang Daoyong
Published: March 2021

Phase behavior and physical properties including saturation pressures, swelling factors (SFs), phase volumes, dimethyl ether (DME) partition coefficients, and DME solubility for heavy-oil mixtures containing polar substances have been experimentally and theoretically determined. Experimentally, novel phase behavior experiments of DME/water/heavy-oil mixtures spanning a wide range of pressures and temperatures have been conducted. More specifically, a total of five pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) experiments consisting of two tests of DME/heavy-oil mixtures and three tests of DME/water/heavy-oil mixtures have been performed to measure saturation pressures, phase volumes, and SFs. Theoretically, the modified Peng-Robinson equation of state (EOS) (PR EOS) together with the Huron-Vidal mixing rule, as well as the Péneloux et al. (1982) volume-translation strategy, is adopted to perform phase-equilibrium calculations. The binary-interaction parameter (BIP) between the DME/heavy-oil pair, which is obtained by matching the measured saturation pressures of DME/heavy-oil mixtures, works well for DME/heavy-oil mixtures in the presence and absence of water. The new model developed in this work is capable of accurately reproducing the experimentally measured multiphase boundaries, phase volumes, and SFs for the aforementioned mixtures with the root-mean-squared relative error (RMSRE) of 3.92, 9.40, and 0.92%, respectively, while it can also be used to determine DME partition coefficients and DME solubility for DME/water/heavy-oil systems.
The architecture of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome inside virion
Authors: Cao Changchang , Cai Zhaokui , Xiao Xia , Rao Jian , Chen Juan , Hu Naijing , Yang Minnan , Xing Xiaorui , Wang Yongle , Li Manman , Zhou Bing , Wang Xiangxi , Wang Jianwei , Xue Yuanchao
Published: March 2021

SARS-CoV-2 carries the largest single-stranded RNA genome and is the causal pathogen of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. How the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome is folded in the virion remains unknown. To fill the knowledge gap and facilitate structure-based drug development, we developed a virion RNA in situ conformation sequencing technology, named vRIC-seq, for probing viral RNA genome structure unbiasedly. Using vRIC-seq data, we reconstructed the tertiary structure of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and revealed a surprisingly "unentangled globule" conformation. We uncovered many long-range duplexes and higher-order junctions, both of which were under purifying selections and contributed to the sequential package of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Unexpectedly, the D614G and the other two accompanying mutations might remodel duplexes into more stable forms. Lastly, the structure-guided design of potent small interfering RNAs could obliterate the SARS-CoV-2 in Vero cells. Overall, our work provides a framework for studying the genome structure, function, and dynamics of emerging deadly RNA viruses.
A Comparison of Vegetative Climate of Artemisia Sieberi Besser and Artemisia Aucheri Boiss in Iran
Authors: Khodagholi Morteza , saboohi Razieh , Esfahani Ehasan Zandi
Published: March 2021

The relationship between plant species and climatic factors has always been a fundamental issue in plant ecology, and the use of multivariate statistical methods can be effective in revealing the relationship between climatic factors and plant species distribution. Therefore, in this study, climatic factors affecting the distribution of Artemisia sieberi and Artemisia aucheri, widely distributed in Iran, were investigated. For this purpose, 117 climatic factors were used, and to reduce the number of factors and determine the most important effective ones, a factor analysis was used by principal component analysis. The results showed that six factors including heating temperature, spring and summer precipitation, wind, autumn-winter precipitation, and dusty and cloudiness days explained 37.32%, 22.54%, 7.18%, 6.6%, 4.22%, and 4.15% of data variation, respectively. Together these seven factors account for 82% of data variation. The autumn-winter precipitation and heating temperature had the greatest impact on the presence of Artemisia sieberi and Artemisia aucheri, respectively, so that the autumn-winter precipitation was negative in areas where Ar.sieberi is observed. The heating temperature factor is negative in areas where Ar.aucheri is present, while it is positive in areas lacking Ar.aucheri. The study of the effect of environmental factors on Artemisia species distribution is very important in planning and management of natural resources, and Artemisia is one of the most important plants in the country's rangelands; therefore, the results of this research can be used for practical planning, management and reclamation of these rangelands.
Malaria Data Analysis Using Routine Surveillance Data, Sunyani Municipality, Ghana, 2020
Authors: Mohammed Abdul Gafaru , Tamal Christopher Sunkwa , Odikro Magdalene Akos , Bandoh Delia Akosua , Noora Charles Lwanga , Quarshie Prince Romeo , Afari Edwin , Kenu Ernest
Published: March 2021

IntroductionMalaria is endemic in Ghana, accounting for about 40% of all OPD diagnosis. Data on malaria is routinely collected as part of the IDSR monthly reporting forms. Sunyani municipality recorded 56,540 malaria cases in 2016 with about 35% of the cases occurring in children under five years of age. We analyzed malaria surveillance data to identify the distribution of malaria cases by person, place and time and determine the timeliness and completeness of malaria report submission in the municipality.MethodsWe analyzed malaria surveillance data in Sunyani municipality reported between 2015 and 2019 from the District Health Management Information System II. We calculated morbidity and mortality rates of cases by person and estimated proportion of cases by sub-districts. We performed trend analysis and calculated disease threshold levels. We presented the findings using tables and figures.ResultsOf 639,361 malaria cases suspected, 93.5% (597,512/639,361) were tested, of which 49.4% (295,458/597,512) was positive. Females accounted for 55.7% (164,436/295,458) of the morbidity. Children < 5 years recorded the highest proportion, 29.9% (88,135/295,458) of cases in the municipality. The case fatality rate was 3.7% (18/484) and 1.4% (7/484) for persons under age five and over age five, respectively. Abesim (6,276.03 per 10,000) recorded the highest number of cases, and the least cases were in New Dormaa (1,890.97 per 10,000). The majority of malaria cases were in May and October of each year. Antwi-krom recorded the highest rates of completeness and timeliness of 41.9% and 40.0% respectively.ConclusionMore females were diagnosed with malaria and children < 5 years recorded the highest proportion of cases in the municipality. Abesim recorded the highest proportion of malaria cases during the period. High patterns of malaria transmissions occurred during months of high rainfalls. None of the sub-districts met the WHO target for timeliness and completeness of report submission. The NMCP should consider interventions such as SMC among children under five, in the Sunyani municipality.
Is there a role for Amniotic Membrane as an antifibrotic agent in MMC-Augmented Trabeculectomy?
Authors: Roque Joana , Vaz Fernando Trancoso , Basto Rita , Henriques Susana , Lopes Ana Sofia , Silva Diana , Santos Jorge , Pires Graça , Lisboa Maria , Prieto Isabel
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) has shown promising results as an antifibrotic agent in trabeculectomy. We aimed to evaluate the additional effect of AMT in M MC-augmented trabeculectomy .

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the results of the first 12 postoperative months of glaucomatous eyes submitted to Moorfields Safer Surgery Trabeculectomy with MMC alone (non-AMT group) compared to MMC and AMT (AMT group). Both groups were compared in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antihypertensive medications and need for surgical reinterventions. Absolute and relative success rates 12 months after surgery were defined as IOP <18 mmHg, without and with the use of antihypertensive medications, respectively.

Results: The analysis included 51 eyes of 45 glaucoma patients (29 eyes in the non-AMT group and 22 in the AMT group). Mean IOP decreased from 24,72±5,11 mmHg and 26,86±10,62 mmHg preoperatively in non-AMT and AMT groups to 12,86±4,22 mmHg and 12,60±4,43 mmHg, respectively, at 12 months (p=0,84). Postoperative number of medications decreased significantly in both groups. Absolute success was seen in 71% of non-AMT eyes and 55% of AMT eyes (p=0,46) whereas relative success was obtained in 14% and 30%, respectively (p=0,55). Reinterventions were needed in 28% of the eyes (11 bleb injection/needling and 4 Ahmed tube implantation) in the non-AMT group and in 27% of the AMT group (10 bleb injection/needling and 1 Ahmed tube implantation) (p=0,89).

Conclusion: Trabeculectomy combined with MMC and AMT did not show better results than trabeculectomy with MMC alone.
Vibration Control of Nonlinear Three‐dimensional Marine Riser Model with Output Constraints
Authors: Wan Min , Yin Yanxia , Liu Jun , Guo Xiaoqiang
Published: March 2021

A typical three-dimensional flexible marine riser which is described by a distributed parameter system with several partial differential equations and ordinary differential equations is considered in this paper, we are aiming at limiting the top displacement of riser within restricted ranges. Appropriate boundary controls by integrating finite-dimensional backstepping technique with barrier Lyapunov functions are put forwarded to suppress the vibration of flexible riser under the external disturbance. The stability of the closed-loop system with the designed boundary control laws is proved by Lyapunov’s synthetic method without any discretization or simplification of the dynamic in the time and space when the initial conditions are satisfied. Furthermore, in order to illustrate the effectiveness of proposed controls laws, numerical simulation studies are carried.
3D-Fringe Pattern Coding and Recognition Using Plasmonic Sensing Circuit
Authors: Arumona Arumona Edward , Garhwal Anita , Youplao Phichai , Ray Kanad , Khunnam Wanchai , Yupapin Preecha
Published: March 2021

3D interference fringe pattern recognition using a plasmonic sensing circuit is proposed. The plasmonic sensing in the form of a panda ring comprises of an embedded gold grating at the microring center. WGM (whispering gallery mode) is observed at the microring center with suitable parameters. The dark soliton of 1.50µm wavelength excites the gold grating which leads to electron cloud oscillation and forms the electron densities where the trapped electrons inside the silicon microring are transported via wireless connection using WGM and cable connection. The spin-down |↓〉(|1〉) and spin-up |↑〉(|0〉) result from the electron cloud oscillation. By using the changes in gold lengths, the excited electron pattern recognition can be manipulated, where the values "0 and "1"' are useful for pattern recognition. The fringe patterns of the plasmonic interferometric sensor are recorded, which means that the novel 3D pattern recognition can be possibly implemented and used in many applications. Therefore, the plasmonic sensing circuit can be used to form the quantum code, quantum encryption, quantum sensor, and pattern recognition.
Identification of IFN-β Associated Genes Signature Predicting Overall Survival for Glioblastoma
Authors: Lijing Cheng , Meiling Yuan , Shu Li , Junjing Chen , Shupeng Zhong , jian zhou
Published: March 2021

Background: Brain glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant tumor of intracranial tumors. The prognosis of this disease is extremely poor. While the introduction of IFN-β regimen in the treatment of gliomas has significantly improved the outcome of patients, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Materials and methods: mRNA expression profiles and clinicopathological data were downloaded from TCGA-GBM and GSE83300 data set from the GEO. Univariate Cox regression analysis and lasso Cox regression model established a novel four‐gene IFN-β signature (including PRDX1, SEC61B, XRCC5, and BCL2L2) for GBM prognosis prediction. Further, GBM samples (n=50) and normal brain tissues (n=50) were then used for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments. Gene Set Enrichment Analyses (GSEA) was performed to further understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. Pearson correlation was applied to calculate the correlation between the lncRNAs and IFN-β associated genes. A lncRNA with a correlation coefficient |R2| > 0.3 and P < 0.05 was considered to be an IFN-β associated lncRNA.Results: Patients in the high‐risk group shown significantly poorer survival than patients in the low‐risk group. The signature was found to be an independent prognostic factor for GBM survival. Furthermore, GSEA revealed several significantly enriched pathways, which might help explain the underlying mechanisms. Our study identified a novel robust four‐gene IFN-β signature for GBM prognosis prediction. The signature might contain potential biomarkers for metabolic therapy and treatment response prediction in GBM.Conclusions: Our study established a novel IFN-β associated genes signature to predict overall survival of GBM, which may help in clinical decision making for individual treatment.