bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital High-Speed Photography of Cavitation in Journal Bearings
Authors: Reinke Peter , Rienaecker Adrian , Schmidt Marcus , Beckmann Tom
Published: November 2023

This paper presents current research comparing gaseous and vaporous cavitation in lubricant flows obtained by means of digital high-speed photography in un-precedented detail. Hydrodynamic journal bearings are compact and guarantee a nearly wear- resistant operation. These features make journal bearings the first choice for many applications. However, under particular operational conditions, e.g. a highly dynamic load, cavitation can occur which can lead to bearing failures. For the selected case of suction cavitation these conditions are characterized by high eccentricity combined with a rapid variation of the lubricating film thickness. The work at hand presents a new experimental approach to study suction cavitation in a scaled bearing model. Moreover, mechanical and fluid dynamic similarity laws are described which enable the transfer of bearing operation conditions into the model experiment and vice versa. An extensive literature research yields the parameters of operating conditions that are critical towards suction cavitation and puts the definition of cavitation into the particular perspective of the lubricating flow in journal bearings. The new experimental approach includes a specially designed fluid, which fulfills Reynolds and cavitation similarity and a scaled bearing model including a mechanism that re-produces the specific phases of shaft displacement which are necessary for the inception of cavitation. The experimental results include high-speed photography that captures the formation of bubbles at a rate of 10.000 frames per second (fps) which enables a detailed analysis of bubble growth yielding precise input data for an evaluation and comparison with simulation results. Numerical simulations are carried out by means of an unsteady and three-dimensional model utilizing a 2- phase code and an elasto-hydrodynamic journal bearing model that is state-of-the-art for the bearing design process. In summary, the work at hand provides a deeper understanding of the process of suction cavitation in dynamically loaded journal bearings.
Explicit equations for designing surrogate gasoline formulations containing ethanol, isopentane, n-heptane, isooctane and toluene
Authors: Kaliafetis Filimonas , Cracknell Dr. Roger F.
Published: November 2023

It is useful for research purposes to define simple surrogate gasoline compositions that can replicate the chemical and physical properties of more complex mixtures. Ethanol is used in commercially available gasolines around the world as part of the pathway to the decarbonization of the transportation sector. In this study equations were developed to predict the Research Octane Number (RON), Motor Octane Number (MON) and Dry Vapour Pressure Equivalent (DVPE) of gasoline surrogates containing ethanol (10-25 vol%), isopentane, n-heptane, isooctane and toluene. The non-linear blending behaviour associated with ethanol is found to necessitate coefficients in the equations developed for MON that are a function of ethanol content, whereas surprisingly the equations for RON and DVPE do not need this added level of complexity. Using the equations developed the RON and DVPE of the ethanol-containing surrogates can be calculated using one set of coefficients for any ethanol concentration between 10 and 25 vol%. Calculating the MON of such surrogates requires different sets of coefficients for different ethanol concentrations.
The role of the Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine towards a Sustainable Mobility Future
Authors: Frekers Dr. Y. , Weber Dr. J. , Balaji A. , Schatorjé J. , Queck D. , Herrmann Dr. O. , Yoshida S. , Tanaka K. , Tomida Y. , Ono T.
Published: November 2023

A hybrid powertrain offers the potential of a significant fuel saving for heavy-duty Diesel vehicles, which results in CO2 reduction of more than 20%, depending on the application. Using advanced future fuels, like HVO offers additional CO2 saving potential. In addition, the future Diesel engine needs to comply with the next generation of emission legislation, given by the European EUVII and the US EPA2027 regulatory frameworks. To achieve these limits, a combination of different technologies for the engine and the aftertreatment system are required. The proposed paper will present these technology solutions and their impact on CO2 and emissions by means of engine testing and simulation.
Synthesis of Representative Driving Cycle for Heavy Duty Vehicle Based on Markov Chain and Big Data Considering Weight Variation
Authors: Liu Zemin Eitan , Li Yong , Tan Guikun , Xu Lubing , Shuai Shijin
Published: November 2023

Synthesized driving cycles which can reflect the real world driving scenarios are essential for electrification and hybridization of powertrains of heavy duty logistics vehicles (HDLV). Current synthetic methods always neglected weight variation which is crucial for logistic vehicle driving scenarios. This paper proposed a method based on multi-dimensional Markov chains and big data to generate typical driving cycles with consideration of vehicle weight and slope. The validation of the synthesized driving cycle was based on a statistical analysis and the adequacy of the representative to real world driving data was demonstrated.
Development of a predictive ECMS based on short-term velocity forecast for a fuel-cell hybrid electric vehicle considering component aging
Authors: Piras Marco , Bellis Vincenzo De , Malfi Enrica , Novella Ricardo , Lopez-Juarez Marcos
Published: November 2023

This study proposes a predictive equivalent consumption minimization strategy (P-ECMS), based on short-term velocity prediction for a heavy-duty fuel cell vehicle while considering fuel cell degradation. The long-short term memory (LSTM) based predictor has been trained on data deriving from realistic driving cycles. The P-ECMS is compared with a typical adaptive-ECMS from the literature, the optimal ECMS, and a rule-based strategy for two different driving cycles in terms of battery SOC sustenance, equivalence factor evolution, hydrogen consumption, and fuel cell degradation. Results show that P-ECMS can reduce hydrogen consumption by up to 3% compared to the reference A-ECMS. It also reduces fuel cell degradation in relation to the optimal ECMS.
Avaliação do sistema combinado de fibra de celulose e microcelulose cristalina em placas cimentícias
Authors: Bilcati Géssica , Costa Marienne da
Published: November 2023

Nesta pesquisa, objetivou-se avaliar o potencial de utilização da microfibra de celulose combinada com a microcelulose cristalina para produção de placas cimentícias. Foram preparadas placas cimentícias com adição combinada de celuloses MFC-MCC. Corpos de prova foram confeccionados por prensagem e suas propriedades físicas e mecânicas foram avaliadas após 28 dias. Os resultados indicaram que o inchamento em espessura não foi afetado pela adição combinada de celuloses MFC-MCC, promovendo estabilidade dimensional. Os resultados de módulo de ruptura indicaram que a formulação combinada MFC 0,5-MCC 0,6 apresentou melhoria significativa quando comparadas as placas cimentícias de referência. Os resultados de inchamento em espessura e módulo de elasticidade das placas cimentícias com adição combinada de MFC-MCC, atendem os requisitos mínimos da norma para placas de cimento-madeira comerciais.
Utilização de resíduo de cimento de amianto (RCA) na produção de clínquer Portland e avaliação do processo de hidratação
Authors: Santos Tiago Assunção , Cilla Marcelo Strozi , Ribeiro Daniel Véras
Published: November 2023

Neste trabalho avaliou-se a incorporação de diferentes teores de resíduo de cimento-amianto (RCA) (24%, 49%, 74% e 86%, em massa, que correspondem a teores iguais a 1,65%, 2,28%, 2,91% e 3,54% de SO3, respectivamente) em substituição à mistura de calcário e argila na farinha de clínquer Portland e seus efeitos no processo de clinquerização em diferentes temperaturas (1300°C e 1350°C, 1400°C e 1450°C). As fases formadas nos clínqueres produzidos foram identificadas por difração de raios-X (DRX) e, em seguida, os clínqueres foram moídos para produção dos cimentos. Em seguida, foi realizada a análise de hidratação e o desempenho mecânico das pastas de cimento. Assim, observou-se que o RCA pode atuar como mineralizante em temperatura mais baixa (1350°C) de clinquerização, proporcionando possivelmente o aumento do teor de alita (C3S) nos clínqueres, devido à presença de SO3 e proporcionar uma quantidade maior de fases hidratadas e maiores resistências mecânicas em idades iniciais.
Métodos associados à tecnologia BIM para gestão dos resíduos de construção e demolição: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Proença Melissa Pastorini , Pinto Emerson Felipe Perin , Risson Kathleen Dall Bello de Souza , Oliveira Dayana Ruth Bola , Scheer Sérgio , Possan Edna
Published: November 2023

A gestão e quantificação dos Resíduos de Construção e Demolição (RCD) é um dos desafios na construção civil. Nesse sentido, este estudo objetiva identificar como a tecnologia BIM (Building Information Modeling) vem sendo utilizada para estimar a quantidade de RCD auxiliando no gerenciamento. Para isso, por meio de uma revisão sistemática foram avaliadas 296 publicações indexadas entre 2015 e 2023, sendo encontrados cinco artigos abordando as metodologias BIM na gestão do RCD, com potenciais de aplicação em nível de edificações individuais como em nível de cidades. Constatou-se que em conjunto com o BIM, os estudos fazem associação de levantamentos de imagens e nuvem de pontos, métodos associados ao Sistema de Informações Geográficas (GIS, Geographic Information System) e ferramentas de passaporte de materiais e análises em big data. As aplicações BIM para a quantificação e gestão do RCD, ainda são incipientes, porém os estudos já publicados indicam um elevado potencial.
Tijolos vazados de solo-cimento com resíduos de construção e demolição
Authors: Martins Letícia
Published: November 2023

Os Resíduos da Construção e Demolição (RCD) representam uma parte significativa dos resíduos sólidos urbanos. Este estudo avaliou a viabilidade de uso do RCD na fabricação de tijolos vazados de solo-cimento. Para isso, foram realizados ensaios em tijolos produzidos com solo, RCD, cimento Portland e água. Os resultados mostraram que a adição de RCD melhorou as propriedades mecânicas dos tijolos e reduziu a absorção de água. Os tijolos com 62% de RCD + 38% de solo (SC1) alcançaram uma resistência média de 2,0 MPa e absorção de 18,8%. Os tijolos com 57% de RCD + 43% de solo (SC2) apresentaram uma resistência média de 1,8 MPa e absorção de 19,2%. Já os tijolos com 53% de RCD + 47% de solo (SC3) tiveram resistência média de 1,2 MPa e absorção média de 21,0%. Além disso, a adição de RCD reduziu a retração durante a secagem. Esses resultados indicam que o uso de RCD na fabricação de tijolos de solo-cimento mostra-se uma alternativa promissora e sustentável.
Fabricação de compósitos poliméricos a base de resíduos de construção
Authors: Ferreira Carina I , Arcanjo Franciely B , Machado Priscila A. S. , Ferreira Juscelina R. , Machado Alan R. T.
Published: November 2023

Devido à crescente preocupação com questões ambientais, a sociedade demanda cada vez mais produtos sustentáveis. Os resíduos de construção e demolição (RCD) são responsáveis por grande parte dos resíduos sólidos urbanos, causando um impacto significativo no ambiente. Nesse contexto, uma pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de desenvolver compósitos de matriz polimérica à base de poliestireno expandido reforçado com partículas de RCD. Os resíduos foram caracterizados e incorporados ao poliestireno expandido em diferentes proporções usando o método de "Casting". A mistura foi colocada em moldes e deixada secar por 30 dias. Os resultados mostraram que os compósitos com adição de 25% e 50% de RCD tiveram um aumento médio de resistência à compressão axial de 26% e 36%, respectivamente. Os compósitos com 5%, 10% e 15% de RCD apresentaram valores superiores de massa específica, absorção de água e resistência ao impacto em comparação com o poliestireno puro.
Dosagem de concretos com agregados de borracha reciclada de pneus pelo método do empacotamento compressível (MEC)
Authors: Monteiro Késsio Raylen Jeronimo , Cardoso Matheus Galvão , Lameiras Rodrigo de Melo
Published: November 2023

O objetivo principal deste trabalho é conduzir estudos preliminares para avaliar a possibilidade de racionalizar o processo de dosagem de concretos com agregados reciclados. O foco está na determinação da compacidade desses agregados e na verificação da teoria que embasa o Método do Empacotamento Compressível (MEC) quando aplicada a agregados reciclados. Foram realizados testes para determinar a densidade de empacotamento de misturas de agregado de borracha com diferentes frações granulométricas de areia. Esses resultados foram posteriormente comparados com os resultados analíticos previstos pelas equações do MEC, demonstrando que a densidade de empacotamento real das misturas se aproxima dos valores estimados pelas equações teóricas. Por fim, utilizando um programa computacional baseado no MEC, realizou-se a simulação da dosagem de concretos e a comparação com concretos previamente definidos por métodos de dosagem convencionais. O procedimento foi bem-sucedido, apresentando uma variação inferior a 4,5% entre as quantidades de agregados definidas pelos dois métodos, e as variações na resistência à compressão foram inferiores a 2,5 MPa.
Avaliação mecânica do uso de resíduo de fresagem de pavimentos na estabilização de um solo siltoso
Authors: Pedroso Orquizas Mattielo , Moura Cássio de Carvalho Araújo , Motta Mariana Ferreira Benessiuti
Published: November 2023

Na Engenharia Civil, atualmente, medidas como reciclagem, reaproveitamento e reutilização são essenciais nas práticas da profissão. Sendo assim, no ramo de pavimentação há diversas iniciativas para utilizar materiais provenientes da fresagem da camada asfáltica do pavimento. O material fresado, quando descartado incorretamente, se torna um resíduo agressivo ao meio ambiente, tornando sua reutilização necessária. Desse modo, o objeto deste estudo é verificar a aplicação do resíduo de fresagem na estabilização de um solo siltoso, a fim de utilizar a mistura dos materiais nas camadas do pavimento. Para tanto, o material fresado foi incorporado ao solo, nas proporções de 25; 50 e 75%, e verificado suas propriedades físicas e mecânicas por meio dos ensaios de granulometria, compactação e Índice de Suporte California (ISC ou CBR). Os resultados mostraram que conforme foi sendo adicionado material fresado, os valores de massa específica máxima seca aumentam, o teor de umidade ótima diminui, e a expansão do solo diminui. Entretanto, embora houve a diminuição da expansão, não houve uma variação significativa no valor do CBR, assim, para que as misturas possam ser aplicadas em outras camadas do pavimento flexível, essas não satisfazem as condições mínimas do DNIT para utilização em camadas de base e sub-base.
Análise do desempenho de concretos com substituição parcial do agregado miúdo por resíduos de pedras ornamentais
Authors: Silva Neto Moacir Braz da , Araújo Alex Cauã Oliveira , Santos Robson Arruda dos , Lira Evelly de Souza , Maciel Jorge Luiz Martins , Fernandes Maria Mikaelly Lisboa , Santos Josiel Lucas Crispim dos
Published: November 2023

O concreto é um dos materiais mais utilizados na construção civil. Objetiva-se com esse estudo substituir parte do agregado miúdo pelo pó de mármore (PM) gerado durante o corte da rocha, partindo do princípio que, essa aplicação reduz os impactos ambientais, pois estes resíduos seriam descartados inadequadamente na natureza, desse modo, estudar sua viabilidade de uso auxilia a tornar a construção civil mais sustentável. Assim, a areia fina no concreto estudado foi substituída por 20% e 30% de pó de mármore. Analisando o empacotamento dos materiais na mistura, se fez comparação, em relação às propriedades e à capacidade de migração de cloretos, compressão axial e absorção de água por capilaridade, com o concreto convencional. Finalmente, observou-se que a substituição potencializou a resistência à compressão do concreto, contudo, aumentou os valores de migração de cloretos devido ao refinamento dos poros.
Reaproveitamento de corpos de prova de concreto na produção de agregado graúdo reciclado
Authors: De Miranda Bruno Lucas , Fraga Ferreira Marco Antônio , Oliveira Dias Mateus , Ferreira Juscelina Rosiane , Alves da Silva Machado Priscila
Published: November 2023

O objetivo desse artigo foi analisar a utilização de brita reciclada obtida de corpos de prova de concreto, na produção de concreto, analisando a influência na resistência à compressão e na consistência. Os resultados mostraram que a substituição diminuiu a consistência e a resistência à compressão do concreto, entretanto, não houve uma relação linear de perda de resistência com o aumento da substituição de agregado natural pelo agregado reciclado. Para o concreto de referência, o valor do Slump foi 3,5cm e o valor médio da resistência à compressão foi 31,2MPa. Os concretos com substituição tiveram Slump 2,5cm; 1,0cm e 1,0cm; valores médios de resistência de 18,8MPa; 29,4MPa e 18,8MPa; e desvio padrão de 2,0MPa, 4,3MPa e 2,3 MPa, respectivamente, para substituições de 25%, 50% e 100%. Destaca-se a pouca dispersão dos resultados, tendo em vista os valores baixos de desvio padrão, evidenciando a uniformidade dos resultados.
A systematic bibliography review on life cycle assessment and carbon uptake in cementitious materials
Authors: Borges Pietra M , Passuello Ana Carolina Badalotti , Possan Edna , Andrade Jairo José de Oliveira
Published: November 2023

Faced with already perceptible climate changes, it is increasingly necessary to adopt practices that are more aligned with the concepts of sustainable development. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method used globally to assess potential environmental impact indicators of the most diverse products and services throughout their life cycle. In civil construction, specifically, the removal of raw material, transportation, construction, use phase, demolition, recycling, reuse, etc. It is used to study the potential of new materials and construction methods, waste management and for environmental certification of buildings and products. The application of this tool enables the diagnosis of each step involved in the process to, consequently, support the decision-making of consumers, companies, and governments. In the recent years, some researchers have been using carbon capture as a method to decrease the CO2 balance for cement-based materials. This article aims to carry out a literature review about the method and its application to evaluate the benefits of carbon dioxide capture for cementitious materials. With this, it will be possible to observe gaps to be filled to improve the coverage at the national and international level. It was possible to perceive that the biggest gaps reside in the data for the inventory, the function unit applied and the lack of standards for this specific application.
Gestión del almacenamiento y aseguramiento de la calidad. Una propuesta de mejora en la industria pesquera
Authors: Cabrera Amaranto Elvis Stheven , Chávez de la Cruz Joel Armando , Pinedo Palacios Patricia del Pilar , Huamán Almonacid Genrry Smith , Aranda González Jorge Roger
Published: November 2023

Este estudio se centró en la evaluación del impacto de una propuesta de mejora en la gestión de almacenamiento en la garantía de calidad de la harina de pescado en una empresa pesquera. La metodología utilizada fue cuantitativa, empleando un diseño preexperimental. Los resultados mostraron que tras la implementación de la propuesta, los indicadores de eficiencia en la recepción de pedidos, almacenamiento, selección de productos, enfoque al cliente, planificación y control operativo, así como el control de productos no conformes, mejoraron significativamente. La implementación de la propuesta incluyó la gestión de almacenamiento en el área de almacenamiento de la compañía pesquera, estableciendo un flujo de trabajo detallado en un diagrama y describiendo cada una de las etapas que los empleados debían seguir en sus actividades diarias. Además, se identificaron cinco proveedores óptimos que cumplían con los requisitos establecidos por la organización. En conclusión, esta propuesta mejoró significativamente la eficiencia en la gestión de almacenamiento y la calidad de la harina de pescado en la empresa pesquera.
Implementation Of Good Governance in Public Services at Local Government
Authors: Azzahra Adelia
Published: November 2023

This research is motivated by the suboptimal public services provided by government officials in XYZ District. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the government's execution of good governance principles to enhance public services in the area. The key elements of good governance include accountability, transparency, openness, and adherence to the rule of law. The research employs a descriptive qualitative methodology and focuses on XYZ District as the research location. Data is collected through literature review and field study, with data validity testing conducted using triangulation techniques. The research findings indicate that the implementation of good governance in public service improvement is characterized by accountability, ensuring officials follow standard implementation procedures; transparency, making public interest information readily available to citizens; openness, providing services without discrimination to all citizens; and adherence to the rule of law, ensuring fair service delivery in line with applicable laws.
Time and Place for Public Education and Awareness in Times of Crisis
Authors: Gitonga Purity K
Published: November 2023

Transparency International is noted to have stated “Countries will not succeed in their recovery efforts (corona related) if they don’t also tackle corruption.” It is acknowledged world over that corruption often thrives in times of crisis as the UN Secretary – General António Guterres said in a statement: “Corruption is criminal, immoral and the ultimate betrayal of public trust. It is even more damaging in times of crisis – as the world is experiencing now with the COVID-19 pandemic.” Unfortunately, Kenya is one of the African countries that witnessed unprecedented upsurge of corruption during the COVID 19 pandemic. The response to the virus created new opportunities to exploit. The government’s attempt to curtail the spread of the pandemic and save life meant overlooking laid down principles, rules, and regulations of procurement. Sadly, the tenders and funds given out during the COVID-19 crisis created overnight millionaires diverting funds away from people in their hour of greatest need. Corona Billionaires headlines trended on all mainstream and social media. The period witnessed two problems co-joined on the hip – COVID -19 and corruption. This called for sustained public education and awareness.

This paper addresses the twin challenge of corruption and Covid -19 in Kenya and discusses the place of public education and awareness in the fight against corruption particularly in times of crisis. The proverbial saying “an ounce of prevention is better than cure” still rings true to this day. A total of 190 respondents randomly sampled were reached though a questionnaire using an online survey platform. The findings of the study have an implication on management practices and anti-corruption strategies. The paper is a call to anti-corruption agencies to re-think the place of Education and Public Awareness in efforts to combat corruption
New Public Management Practices and Financial Performance of Local Governments in Cameroon
Authors: Awasom Susanna Yene Chimy
Published: November 2023

During the previous two decades of this millennium there has been a succession of reforms from New Public Management (NPM) to New Public Governance (NPG) in public organisations in line with the strategic development visions of governments the world over. Central to this is the adoption of private style management techniques to enhance efficient performance in public sector development endeavours. Consequently, a handful of private management practices such as accrual accounting, professionalism, outsourcing, and the use of ICT were introduced in the Local Government of Cameroon. This study sets out to assess the relationship between these NPM practices enshrined in the governance processes of councils and financial performance in Local Governments of Cameroon. The study employs a mix of survey-based research with a triangulated method of data collection. Questionnaires and documentary research are used to collect both financial and non-financial data. From a population of 374 councils in Cameroon, 50 councils and their financial statements as well as books of original account entries are sampled and grouped according to statutory council categories. Both descriptive and inferential techniques are used to know the levels of NPM practices and their effect on financial performance. The results show that professionalism and outsourcing have a positive performance outcome, while accrual accounting and the use of ICT are negative. However the combination of all NPM practices in general is positive. For an efficient performance in the public sector there is need to gradually sequence the integration of NPM practices in the governance and management processes, based on the budget size of public sector entities. There is no one-size fits all policy for the wellbeing of public sector entities.
Herbal Interventions as Promising Therapeutics for Alleviating of Depression
Authors:   Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, INDIA. 202002, Alam Mudassir , Abbas Kashif ,   Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, INDIA. 202002, Abdullah Mohd Anas ,   Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, INDIA. 202002, Ahmed Khursheed ,   Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, INDIA. 110025, Khan Sarfaraz ,   Department of Botany, MJPRU, Bareilly, INDIA. 243006
Published: November 2023

Depression is a global mental health challenge with significant social and economic burdens. While conventional pharmacological treatments have been the cornerstone in depression management, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative and complementary herbal therapies. Herbal interventions have emerged as promising therapeutic approaches for depression treatment. Both clinical and preclinical research has shown that individuals with depression often experience simultaneous activation of neuro-inflammatory response within immune system and heightened activity in hypothalamus pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis of neuroendocrine system. These two systems interact with each other bidirectionally through neural, immunological and humoral mechanisms. This review article provides an outline of the current progress of research on herbal interventions, emphasizing their potential as emerging therapeutics for depression. It discusses the mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and evidence from clinical studies supporting the use of various herbal remedies. Herbal interventions and traditional Chinese formulations hold promise as a valuable adjunct or alternative to conventional treatments, offering new avenues for the comprehensive care of individuals with depression.
Psychoanalytic psychology, sleep medicine, and the law: Scientifically reviewing Oscar Pistorius’ culpable homicide/ murder conviction
Authors: Willock Brent
Published: November 2023

In parasomnias (sleep disorders), parts of the brain are alert, functioning well, but other regions are not awake, not functioning. These mixed sleep/wake states compromise mental processes in ways that can be surprising, and sometimes dangerous to self and/or others. Possible parasomnia should be considered in relation to all violent, perplexing events that occur after individuals fall asleep. Increased familiarity with the scientific study of dreaming and sleep disorders augments mental health and legal practitioners’ capacity to comprehend and assist. Expert testimony from these scientific fields can shift judicial focus from inappropriate punishment toward treatment and prevention, bringing enlightened justice, understanding, and relief to all parties. This article re-examines the controversial case of Olympic athlete, Oscar Pistorius, who killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, during an episode of sudden arousal from sleep. Both the bail magistrate and the judge underscored major elements that made no sense in Pistorius’ narrative. When these crucial anomalies are approached with knowledge of dreaming and parasomnia, they become comprehensible, meaningful, and potentially transformative with respect to judicial outcome. Invaluable insights from these scientific fields were not considered during Pistorius’ trial. If they had been contemplated and found credible, the accused might have been found not criminally responsible. This possible miscarriage of justice might be reversed via appeal based upon these scientific principles. Sleep medicine and psychoanalytic psychology have made major judicial contributions. These disciplines are indispensable for understanding perplexing legal cases. Without expert opinion from these scientific fields, miscarriages of justice may occur. Familiarity with these research findings is crucial for legal and mental health professionals.2 This article reviews a well-known, controversial case through these empirical lenses. The strong possibility that parasomnia (sleep disorder) severely impaired this defendant’s important cognitive processing capacity is presented. In such cases, non-pathological criminal incapacity (therefore acquittal) must be seriously considered in courts’ efforts to achieve optimal justice.
Recent Case: General principles and specific offences
Authors: Anderson Adriaan
Published: November 2023

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Constraints to Agricultural Productivity in South East Nigeria: Evidence from Small-Scale Farmers in Abakaliki Metropolis
Authors: Oyim Abigail , Osayi Kelechi Kenneth , Okaforocha Chika Maureen , Nwokoye Ebele Stella
Published: November 2023

Being a key component of Ebonyi State economy, revenue from its agricultural sector has been on the decline. Literature search show that issues of constraints to agricultural productivity in the State have not been sufficiently classified. This study fills this gap by ascertaining the impact of economic, social and environmental factors on agricultural productivity in Abakaliki metropolis. Based on structural change theory, primary data were generated with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 20 villages while purposive sampling technique was applied in selecting 10 farmers making it a total of 200 participants. Three null hypotheses were tested using F-test from analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Welch tests. We found that economic, social and environmental factors significantly constrained agricultural productivity in Abakaliki Metropolis. We also found evidences that high cost of mechanised farming relative to manual labour and inadequate capital; land constraint and low level of education of farmers; as well as problem of pest and diseases and climatic changes were, respectively, two major economic, socio-economic and environmental constraints to agricultural productivity. This study therefore recommends government intervention in the area of irrigation, drought-resistant technologies, and floods controls as necessary tools for climate change adaptation as well as improved farm tools, pest control, and access to farm lands.
A comparative study of metaheuristic-based machine learning classifiers using non-parametric tests for the detection of COPD severity grade
Authors: Singh Akansha , Prakash Nupur , Jain Anurag
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a comparative study between five different Machine Learning (ML) classifiers has been performed for the detection of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) severity grade. There are various existing studies that provide various computer-aided frameworks for the diagnosis of COPD. However, such existing approaches have certain limitations such as lower performance, imbalanced data, and missing data. Also, no statistical tests were performed that could justify the validity of the proposed techniques. Hence, to provide the best model for the detection of COPD severity grade, a conceptualized framework has been provided. The performance of ML classifiers has been optimized by utilizing the Correlation-based Elephant search algorithm (CFS+ESA) and InformationGain and GainRatio feature selection techniques (FS). Experimental work carried out on the COPD patient dataset has been validated using statistical tests. The Wilcoxon test and Friedman test were utilized to compare the FS techniques and ML techniques respectively. The performance comparison has been carried out across different training-testing criteria namely, 10-fold cross-validation, 70%-30%, 75%-25%, and 80%-20%. The results from Wilcoxon tests showed that CFS+ESA has given the best results across all the training-testing criteria. Similarly, the results from Friedman’s tests demonstrated that the CFS+ESA-based Logistic Regression classifier trained using 10-fold cross-validation has outperformed the rest combinations of classifiers and training-testing criteria by achieving the highest rank.
An effective adjustment approach of event reliability (EAAER) with mobile sink using shortest path routing for WSN
Authors: Vishnoi Navneet , Dwivedi Rakesh Kumar
Published: November 2023

A crucial requirement for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is reliable data transfer. To maintain the overall reliability of the network, it is essential that the data delivered from a source node reach its intended destination without any loss or errors. In order to collect data from the sensor nodes that are deploy randomly around the sensor region, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) typically use static sinks. In the static sink-based technique, the data packets are transmitted through the network to reach the base station. The static sink is ineffective at utilizing energy as a result. This paper presents an effective adjustment approach for event reliability (EAAER) to find duplicate events using a mobile sink for homogenous wsn’s. The EAAER approach improves the routing against the base model by using shortest path routing. Simulation results show that the performance of EEAER increases battery utilization and the number of received packets while minimizing duplicate packets and packets lost during transmission compared to the base model.
Impact analysis of convolutional neural network in classification of satellite imagery
Authors: Gupta Mohan Vishal , Dwivedi Rakesh Kumar , Kumar Anil
Published: November 2023

The classification of satellite images is crucial for information extraction and analysis. It is a method for categorizing images based on their features. The classification process involves identifying different details along with satellite imagery patterns. Any decision made in a remote sensing study is primarily determined by how well the method of classification is performing. The process of classifying data or images is difficult. Numerous elements, such as the mixed pixel issue, can have an impact on this process. In this research paper, convolutional neural networks that are used to create remote sensing-based image classification. To determine the precision and effectiveness of the proposed deep neural network model, comparison analysis has been conducted between the proposed model and various other CNN architectures, including LeNet, AlexNet, VGGNet, and ZfNet.
Band pass filter size reduction by implementing substrate integrated waveguide technique
Authors: Paliwal Ruchi , Srivastava Shweta , Buddhiraja Reema
Published: November 2023

Pass Band Filter with precise selectivity is one of the major requirements of MMIC circuits. The major challenge while designing is size. This paper presents a size reduction technique for the Pass Band Filter by implementing SIW (Substrate Integrated Waveguide). The simulated results for the based filter show size reduction as resonance is shifting at the lower side of the frequency range. The passband filter without SIW is having resonance at 8.4GHz with return loss -26dB. After Implementing SIW results show resonance frequency at 7.2 GHz with a return loss of -23.86 dB without affecting the selectivity of the pass band filter. For Design Simulation, Ansys HFSS is used.
A Quantitative ABCD Analysis of Various Issues in Implementation of Corporate Responsibility Initiatives
Authors: D. Bindhu , V. T. Shailashri
Published: November 2023

Purpose: This study's main goal was to identify the crucial components and factors influencing the implementation of corporate responsibility initiatives by using the ABCD analysis framework to evaluate the advantages, benefits, constraints, and disadvantages of various issues pertaining to corporate responsibility initiative implementation.
Design: The researcher used the focused group interview method, in which participants opinions on matters about corporate responsibility initiatives in organisations were obtained by assigning measurements, which were then quantitatively analysed.
Findings: A quantitative analysis of the ABCD framework showed that favourable factors were given much more weight than benefit factors when it came to concerns with the actualization of corporate responsibility initiatives. It was discovered in particular that problems with establishing corporate responsibility activities have more advantages and benefits than disadvantages, demonstrating the effectiveness of such initiatives.
Originality value: This paper not only helps readers gain a thorough understanding of the various factors that affect corporate responsibility initiatives, but it also points the way towards developing measurement scales for implementing such initiatives in future studies. To increase employee productivity, academics, researchers, and HR policymakers can follow the recommendations from this study.
Paper Type: Empirical Research
Growth and Development of Religious Souls in Children Aged 8-10 Years
Authors: Izzatunnisa Izzatunnisa , Lubis Ramadhan , Nasution Saidatul Fadilla , Antika Sindi , Utami Azizi Anggi , Fathoni Muhammad
Published: November 2023

This research discusses the development of religious spirit in children aged 8-10 years in the context of the Islamic religion. Through a qualitative approach, this research uses in-depth interviews with an 8 year old girl named Aqila Kanza, to understand her level of spiritual development. The research results show that Aqila Kanza is at an early stage of religious development, where she accepts religious beliefs from her parents and environment without deep understanding. Nevertheless, he showed seriousness in studying and carrying out worship in the Islamic religion. This research highlights the important role of parents in guiding children in aspects of their religion and provides insight into the development of a religious spirit in children of the same age.
El acoso sexual callejero, una forma de violencia hacia las mujeres ecuatorianas
Authors: Chamaidan Apolo Liliam Elena , González Ramón Ernesto Xavier
Published: November 2023

El acoso sexual callejero se ha convertido en un problema social, que se expresa cada vez con mayor frecuencia; sin embargo, no es contemplado en la normativa jurídica ecuatoriana. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la situación de vulnerabilidad de los derechos de las mujeres ecuatorianas dado por el vacío normativo relativo a la tipificación del acoso sexual callejero dentro del Código Orgánico Integral Penal, para lo cual se desarrolló una investigación descriptiva sustentada en los métodos: exegético, revisión documental y análisis de contenido.  Entre los principales hallazgos se encuentran que el acoso sexual callejero no se encuentra definido en ninguna normativa jurídica. La no tipificación de esta figura ocasiona un vacío jurídico normativo que no permite al juzgador aplicar la justicia de manera adecuada. Se impone el análisis, actualización y perfeccionamiento del Código Orgánico Integral Penal en aras de tipificar la figura del acoso sexual callejero, teniendo en cuenta los componentes: fáctico, jurídico y probatorio.
Problemas da realidade curricular como cultura escolar.
Authors: Rad-Camayd Yohandra , Ley-Leyva Nelly Victoria
Published: November 2023

O currículo como objecto de estudo precisa continuar sendo investigado para desvendar suas relações com a cultura escolar. Este trabalho visa analisar os problemas da realidade curricular como cultura escolar; Para sua realização, foi realizado um estudo descritivo do tipo revisão bibliográfica, apoiado nos métodos de revisão documental e hermenêutica, bem como na técnica de análise de conteúdo. Entre as principais conclusões estão: os problemas fundamentais que convergem no currículo como  cultura escolar eles são: a selecção dos conteúdos culturais, as condições políticas, administrativas e institucionais e as concepções curriculares. O currículo com a finalidade de alcançar a formação integral do aluno engloba um conjunto de subsistemas: 1) participação e controle social; 2) político-administrativo; 3) inovação; 4) organização do sistema educacional; 5) criação cultural e científica; 6) produção de meios; 7) formação de especialistas em educação e 8) prática-pedagógica. Esses subsistemas mantêm entre si relações recíprocas que constituem o sistema curricular.
Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis: An Unusual Case due to Spider Bite
Authors: Chaudhri Mehreen Ghafoor , Ahmed Najia , Malik Tariq Mahmood , Shah Syed Arbab , Hira Mehwish
Published: November 2023

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is an infrequent but severe pattern of cutaneous adverse reaction. It is characterized by the sudden appearance of sterile pustules on edematous-erythematous skin, which is mostly caused by the consumption of medications. However, it may also be associated with viral infections, toxins, or food allergens, although this is rare. We reported a case of AGEP in a 33-year-old male shortly after a spider bite, a rare cause of AGEP. It was improved by oral corticosteroid treatment after seven days.
Daclatasvir-Sofosbuvir Combination Therapy with or without Ribavirin for Hepatitis-C Virus Infection: An Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Abeera , Rafique Iffat , Sana Fatima , Khurshed Sabeen , Yousef Shagufta , Khan Aysha
Published: November 2023

Objective: To assess the impact and effectiveness of a pan-genotypic Directly Acting Antiviral (DAA) based regimen for patients with chronic Hepatitis-C (HCV) infection in our setup.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Combined Military Hospital, Malir, Karachi, from Dec 2019 to Jan 2021.
Methodology: Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir were administered orally at 400mg and 60mg daily, respectively, with or without Ribavirin to treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced adult patients with chronic HCV infection. End-of-treatment response and Sustained virological response were determined among these patients by monitoring viral load using quantitative HCV RNA PCR and various genotypes.
Results: Of the 59 patients, 39(66%) patients received sofosbuvir (SOF)+Daclatasvir (DCV), 12(20.3%) patients were placed on SOF+Ribavirin (Rib) and 8(13.5%) were given triple regime of SOF+DCV+Rib for 12 and 24 weeks respectively. Most of our patients were females, 32(54.23%), with a mean age of 31±17 years. Forty-eight patients (81.35%) were infected with genotype 3, followed by genotype 1 and 2, respectively. The rapid viral response was noted after four weeks of therapy among 27(45.76%) patients. The sustained viral response was noted in 38(64.40%) and 21(35.59%) patients after 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. The end-of-treatment response was observed in 40(67.8%) patients.
Conclusion: Direct-acting antiviral-based regimens have shown favourable results with fewer adverse effects in our patients.
Toxicity of the Antiparasitic Amitraz in Tropical Soils on the Reproduction of Edaphic Organisms
Authors: Rodrigues dos Reis Tamires , Corá Segat Julia , Jurandy Bran Nogueira Cardoso Elke , Baretta Dilmar
Published: November 2023

The objective was to evaluate the effect of environmental toxicity of increasing doses of the antiparasitic amitraz on the survival and reproduction of Folsomia candida and Enchytraeus crypticus.  The addition of increasing doses of amitraz caused a significant reduction in the survival and reproduction of the population of adults and juveniles of F. candida, in the natural soil tested, although, for TAS, the reduction was significant only for juvenile individuals. However, the species E. crypticus did not show any sensitivity to exposure to amitraz in all tested soils. We concluded that the addition of increasing doses of this antiparasitic substance can cause imbalance on the terrestrial ecosystem, since it is harmful to at least one member (and perhaps more) of the springtail family, an important edaphic species, whose members play many relevant functions for the maintenance of soil fertility and quality.
Ecotoxicology at School: A Proposal for Insertion Into Practical Science Classes
Authors: Thomas Heleny , De Deus Bueno Krawczyk Ana Carolina
Published: November 2023

The complexity of environmental effects, caused by the diversity of chemical compounds interacting with the biota, brings to light the urgency of an emancipating education focused on integral human formation. In this sense, there is a concern about appropriately working with themes relevant to environmental education for students in the early years of primary education. Thus, educators in the field of biological sciences are allowed to approach topics related to biodiversity, to educate for citizenship, in the perspective that students recognize themselves as part of the environment. Problem-Based Learning - PBL involves questioning based on the observation of phenomena, hypothesis testing, and analysis of results, being an ally of science, considering that the student is the protagonist in the different stages of knowledge construction. Based on this methodology, auxiliary materials were prepared for use in the classroom, guided by concepts and playfulness. To contextualize the phenomena involved in the study of ecotoxicology, a survey was carried out of the contents and abilities of the Brazilian National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC, as per the acronym in Portuguese), listing the potentials to be examined together with the concepts of ecotoxicology. For these, bioassay protocols were chosen for the elaboration of practical activities that exemplify the thought phenomenon. Two skills were selected for the elaboration of stories that describe problematization, the accomplishment of the experimental activity, and the presentation of the results of the experiments throughout the character’s daily life. The area’s theoretical and practical framework involves using technical terms, which can compromise students’ interest and learning. To remedy the difficulty with the concepts, a mini dictionary was created with definitions and optimization of technical terms to simplify the research process and the student’s understanding.