bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology Transfer in Novel Ship Design: A Deep Seabed Mining Study
Authors: Solheim Astrid V. , Brett Per Olaf , Garcia Agis Jose Jorge , Erikstad Stein Ove , Asbjørnslett Bjørn Egil
Published: September 2022

Designing new ships for new purposes, in this case deep seabed mining, without using proper selected reference vessels, if available, is challenging. In this paper, we show that the vessel features of a future deep seabed mining vessel have many similarities to offshore vessels in the deep-sea offshore oil and gas industry and can be used as such. We evaluate and discuss the technical, operational, and commercial performance of three possible vessel design solutions developed based on such a case ship.
A Study on The Performance Improvement of Hi-Fin
Authors: Park Sooyeong , Kim Sunghoon , Park Jeong-Yong , Lee Hyoungsuk
Published: September 2022

Efforts to improve propulsion efficiency of a ship in maritime industry are ongoing, researchers are trying to develop a new type of Energy-Saving Devices for better performance. This study deals with fuel saving device called Hyundai Propeller Boss Cap Fin (Hi-Fin®) attached at the hub of the propeller and aimed to investigate the new type of Hi-Fin® to improve propulsion efficiency. Moreover, in order to evaluate the performance of Hi-Fin® more accurately, model tests were conducted at the large cavitation tunnel as well as the towing tank. For this purpose, two kinds of Hi-Fin® with different geometry were designed using self-propulsion CFD analysis considering hull-propeller-rudder interaction. The first was conventional type of Hi-Fin® which has flat plate fin. The other was designed with NACA66 hydrofoil section. Propulsion tests were conducted at the towing tank in HMRI with two designed cases and power savings of Hi-Fin® were also measured at the large cavitation tunnel in KRISO. In the large cavitation tunnel tests, tunnel flow speed and rotational speed of propeller were adjusted in order to investigate the Reynolds number effect on the propulsion performance. The results showed that the Hi-Fin® designed with NACA66 hydrofoil section had better propulsion performance than the flat plate design. And power saving effect of Hi-Fin® is increased at a high Reynolds number in the large cavitation tunnel when compared with the results at relatively low Reynolds number form the towing tank.
The Network Block Approach Applied to the Initial Design of Submarine Distributed Ship Service Systems
Authors: Mukti Muhammad Hary , Pawling Rachel Jean , Andrews David
Published: September 2022

The paper follows on from a recent IJME paper and summarises a new early stage ship design approach. This is termed the Network Block approach and merges the advantages of the UCL 3D physically based ship synthesis Design Building Block (DBB) approach and the Virginia Tech originated Architecture Flow Optimisation (AFO) method for distributed ship service systems (DS3). The approach has been applied to submarine DS3 design and utilises Qinetiq’s Paramarine CASD suite features and various frameworks. The proposed Network Block approach enables the development of a submarine concept design to different levels of granularities. These range from modelling individual spaces to locating various DS3 components and routings. The proposed approach also enables the designer to balance the energy demands of a set of distributed systems. This is done by performing a steady-state flow simulation and visualising the complexity of the submarine DS3 in a 3D multiplex network configuration. The potential benefits and limitations from such a 3D based physical and network synthesis are presented. The paper concludes with a discussion of the Network Block approach comparing it to previous applications of network theory which have been to surface ship design. It concludes that it would be possible to better estimate DS3 weight and space inputs to early stage submarine design and also enable radical submarine configurations and DS3 options to be reflected in early stage submarine design for better concept exploration and requirement elucidation. Finally, further work on the sensitivity of the approach to designer inputs will be addressed in future papers.
Wireless Channels in Shipboard Environments: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Chen Xin , Michelson David
Published: September 2022

_

For most of the twentieth century, the vast majority of studies of wireless in shipboard environments focused on electromagnetic compatibility between the numerous antennas that are installed on the ship’s superstructure and the high power transmitters associated with them, often referred to as the topside environment. With the advent of short-range wireless data and sensor networks in the late 1990’s, researchers began to assess the nature of wireless propagation below decks and the potential role of wireless personal communications and wireless personal, local area, and sensor networks in shipboard environments. As expected, researchers found that the confined spaces below decks, with their numerous reflecting surfaces and bulkheads, severely attenuate and distort wireless signals and greatly complicate wireless system planning. Moreover, the propagation environment is highly variable and greatly affected by the opening and closing of watertight doors and loading or unloading of cargo and stores. The greatest challenges, however, are that the nature of wireless propagation aboard a given vessel is usually unknown until after the vessel is built and measurements can be performed, and current ship design guidelines and rulebooks offer no guidance concerning design for wireless system compatibility.

Here, we review progress in measurement and modeling of shipboard wireless propagation environments over the past twenty-five years with particular emphasis on their applicability to emerging 3GPP/5G and NextG wireless systems. We conclude that although past efforts offer useful insights concerning the physics of wireless propagation aboard ship, they are largely site-specific or anecdotal. As a result, their outcomes cannot yet cast in a form that can usefully contribute to either simulation or design of shipboard wireless networks. Further, although advances in wireless test and measurement technology have somewhat eased the task of conducting link-level measurements and assessing signal attenuation and distortion, such information is insufficient to support design of modern shipboard wireless networks. Accordingly, it seems likely that network performance data obtained from live networks will be as or perhaps even more important as link-level data obtained using lab-grade test and measurement equipment going forward. In response, we propose a modelling framework for shipboard wireless propagation that captures the role of propagation and channel models in simulation and design across the development life cycle (standards development, system development, and system deployment) and thereby overcomes many of the limitations of past work. We further propose a measurement framework for shipboard wireless propagation that captures the respective roles of the two approaches and suggests how such data can be usefully pooled or combined.
Performance Comparison of Fouling Control Coatings Based on Time-Dependent Biofouling Model for Ships
Authors: Uzun Dogancan , Turan Osman
Published: September 2022

The selection of the most efficient fouling control coating (FCC) for a new build ship in the design stage is significant for preventing extra fuel consumption and GHG emissions and crucial for preventing unscheduled maintenance operations. Not doing so may cause severe losses in the revenues throughout the operational life of the ship. For this reason, a tailor-made condition assessment in the design stage of the ship should be adopted while considering the ship operational profile and the target FCC performance. Such an approach becomes even more important considering the impact of the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Index (CII), which will come into force in 2023. The study presents the performance comparison of two fouling control coatings based on the time-dependent biofouling growth model. The analyses are conducted through two case studies in which the same ship is coated with two different fouling control coatings and operating at the same ship route and operating profile. The model first predicts the increases in the ship hull roughness in terms of equivalent sand roughness height, and then this prediction is implemented in the CFD based on the wall function approach. Finally, penalties in the frictional resistance and power requirements due to biofouling are calculated every three months duration in a year. The coating performances are compared in terms of increases in power requirements, fuel consumption and GHG emissions. The developed model enables us to select the most efficient FCC among the available FCC’s for the target ship route and operational profile. Maintenance and dry-docking schedules can also be optimised according to the developed model to operate ships in the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way.
Permeable Volume – The Forgotten “Galaxy” in Ship Design
Authors: Vassalos Dracos , Atzampos George , Paterson Donald , Mauro Francesco
Published: September 2022

Ships are designed on the basis of three basic objectives pertaining to ship performance, functionally and safety, all dictated by external shape, internal layout, deadweight, payload, permeable volume and their distributions. All, with the exception of one are calculated to extremely small tolerances and are subjected to rules and regulations that have been evolving for thousands of years.  The exception, which is of the same magnitude as weight and buoyancy is the permeable volume, namely the internal free space in the ship hull and superstructure (available for flooding). Over the years, some generalised approximations have been adopted for principal ship spaces without differentiating between ship types, leading to gross approximations when calculating, in particular, ship damage stability and survivability. In the latter case, the amount and distribution of residual permeable volume (together with buoyancy and weight), dictate whether a ship may sink or capsize (buoyancy/stability). Yet, all is calculated to extreme accuracy whilst permeable volume and its distribution is calculated with naïve approximation. To demonstrate the impact of such approximations a passenger ship is considered in the paper, offering unique insight on the key influence of permeability on ship safety when considered as an option to reducing and controlling flooding risk.
A Multi-Level Approach to Flooding Risk Estimation of Passenger Ships
Authors: Vassalos Dracos , Paterson Donald , Mauro Francesco , Murphy Alistair , Ahmed Mujeeb , Michalec Romain , Boulougouris Evangelos
Published: September 2022

Against the background of using the Index of Subdivision as reference to address the safety level of ships when damaged, following primarily collision incidents, the EC-funded FLARE project is making inroads towards a direct assessment of flooding risk, which is ship, operating environment, and ancient type specific by addressing all the underlying elements, using a two-level approach; level 1 being semi-empirical with risk models informed through a newly composed accident database and level 2 with flooding risk, in the form of Potential Loss of Life, calculated from first principles, using time-domain flooding simulation tools and evacuation analyses in pertinent emergencies.  In addition to addressing all accident types and modes of loss, the FLARE framework and methodology target active and passive measures of risk prevention and control, hence with application potential to both new buildings and existing ships as well as facilitate real-time flooding risk evaluation for risk monitoring and effective control in emergencies. A key objective of the FLARE project is to provide the technical basis and a proposal for the revision of relevant IMO regulations towards a risk-based approach to contain and control flooding emergencies.  The paper provides a complete example of one cruise ship and one RoPax where levels 1 and 2 of flooding risk evaluation is presented and discussed, leading to conclusions and recommendations for the way forward.
Analysis of Road Vehicles’ Lifecycle Stages
Authors: Arsić Siniša , Peulić Velibor , Jovanović Dragutin , Arsić Miloš
Published: September 2022

The paper deals with the issue of lifecycle stages of motor vehicles. This topic is trending around sustainability issues, given the very unfavorable age structure, increasing import of used cars, which causes an increasing intensity of the number of waste vehicles. This situation creates problems with management of all kinds of waste. Optimal life of a motor vehicle is 10-15 years on average. Individual phases of lifecycle are indicated differently with multiple parameters. All phases are influenced by many factors, but this paper focuses on maturity and decline phases. Key findings suggest that different market, business and environment indicators define the key stages of the lifecycle-maturity and decline stages. Future research will expand the sample on other countries from the Balkans region.
Application of Aluminum and ITS Alloys in the Automotive Industry With Special Emphasis PN Wheel Rims
Authors: Adamović Dragan , Vujinović Tomislav , Živić Fatima , Živković Jelena , Topalović Marko
Published: September 2022

The use of aluminum in modern cars began in the early 1970s, when under the pressure of the oil crisis, car manufacturers around the world began to reduce the weight of cars in order to achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption. The first applications of larger volumes were radiators, engine blocks and wheels. Meanwhile, in Europe, the average amount of consumed aluminum has continued to increase, reaching an average of 180 kg per car. Aluminum castings, forgings, sheets and extruded parts are used for a large number of car parts, including car bodies, chassis, suspensions, wheels and many others. The use of aluminum is also important for hybrid and battery electric cars. Due to the threat of global warming due to the greenhouse effect, it is very important to reduce the weight of the car by using aluminum, and thus fuel consumption.This paper explains why, now more than ever, vehicle weight reduction is necessary and how aluminum can be used to further improve the sustainability and safety of future generations of cars. Special attention is given to the use of aluminum for car wheels, which represent almost 15% of the average aluminum content in passenger cars.
Increasing the Efficiency of the Bonus / Malus Determination Process When Contracting Auto Liability Insurance
Authors: Mihić Dragan , Vujinović Tomislav
Published: September 2022

Decrease in the price of the policy in the following text Bonus and increase in the price of the policy in the following text Malus is currently determined by searching the data in spreadsheets, hereinafter referred to as the Book of Incidents. The owner of the book of incidents is the Insurance Agency, which collects data from all active insurance companies. The insurance agency migrates all collected data into one file and distributes it by e-mail or CD to all active insurance companies. The book of incidents is a Microsoft Excel file from which the insurer can search for a vehicle or insured person who may have caused an incident in the past, damage to his vehicle as well as to the vehicle or a third party.
Application of 5g Network to Autonomous Vehicle Mobility
Authors: Mujakić Sabahudin , Talijan Drago
Published: September 2022

General technological progress has improved all areas of human activity and especially effects are pronounced in the automotive industry. One of the new technologies, which promises a lot, is communication using the 5G network. Compared to its predecessors, 5G has many times greater capabilities and data transfer speeds. By applying the 5G network, vehicles will be connected to each other but also to the environment. With the help of 5G network and V2X communication, the vehicles will be enabled to communicate with other vehicles and exchange telemetry data, but also to “see” through the vehicle in front of it. The full application of these technologies will bring many advantages, but disadvantages are to be expected aswell.
Plunged into dance
Authors: Flønes Mari , Andersen Tine , Helgeland Nymark Maren , Brinchmann Marianne , Åreskjold Sande Kari
Published: September 2022

With this practice-based study we inquire into choreographic-pedagogic intertwinements (Østern, 2018) as a cooperative learning community between a choreographer-researcher-teacher and four primary school teachers. We have co-created the article from our experiences with a creative dance project with the third graders in a public primary school in Norway. Through exploring four stop-moments (Fels & Belliveau, 2008) we tap into an artistic and textual diffractive analysis (Bozalek & Zembylas, 2017; Lenz Taguchi, 2012). The study is created through the expanded notion of choreography (Foster, 2010; Klien & Valk, 2007; Lepecki, 2006) and carried out as a performative research (Østern et al., 2021) situated in the theoretical landscape of agential realism (Barad, 2007). With this study we challenge the gap between art and school, and the professional practices of teachers and artists (Hall, Thomson & Russell, 2007), the professional competencies and differences of the artist and of the teacher (Christophersen, 2013b) becoming performative in the dance project.
Massive Traumatic Postpartum Haemorrhage with Co-incidental Atypical Eclampsia and Abdominal Koch’s- A Maternal Near Miss
Authors: Bhatia Ruby , Pandey Kartika , Kaur Sukhbir Pal , Singh Karishma
Published: September 2022

Obstetric haemorrhage is related with augmented risk of maternal morbidity and mortality and continues to be the second greatest direct cause of near miss and maternal death. Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) is the most common form of obstetric haemorrhage, atonic PPH being responsible for 80% cases. Traumatic PPH with massive vulval haematoma, an infrequent but possibly fatal condition if left undiagnosed and untreated. Hence, prompt recognition and management with simultaneous resuscitation and operative procedure is vital to save life of mother. A 24-year-old P1L1 female with traumatic haemorrhage with the formation of massive vulval haematoma, periurethral tears, extensive cervical and vaginal wall tears with hypovolemic shock with severe anaemia admitted to the tertiary care hospital. Immediate resuscitation measures were taken followed by vaginal exploration for the vulvovaginal haematoma and a multispeciality approach for the better outcome. However, postvaginal exploration after 24 hours, there was progression in vulvo vaginal haematoma size, with haemodynamic instability. Re-exploration under anaesthesia via abdominal approach was performed. The patient required a longer hospital stay. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment of puerperal haematomas can prevent significant complications.
An Ectopic Intrathoracic Kidney in an Adult Female: A Case Report
Authors: Chitrambalam Tharun Ganapathy , George Nidhi Mariam , Paladugu Ramyasree , Selvamuthukumaran Sundeep , Reddy Lokesh
Published: September 2022

The kidney is an organ prone to congenital anomalies owing to its complex and sequential development. Ectopia of the kidney is a rare entity with intrathoracic ectopia being an exceptionally uncommon occurrence. Intrathoracic kidneys represent less than 5% of all renal ectopias with a prevalence rate of less than 0.01%. The concurrent association of an intrathoracic kidney with a Bochdalek hernia is extremely infrequent with an incidence of 0.25%. Most of the patients are asymptomatic and have an uneventful clinical course. It is often incidentally detected simulating a posterior mediastinal mass. Thoracic kidney is a condition that shows male predominance. Here, present case is of a 43-year-old female patient who presented to the institution with breathlessness and associated chest pain. Computed Tomography (CT) scan revealed left-sided Bochdalek hernia with the left kidney, adrenal gland, transverse colon, splenic flexure and proximal descending colon within the thorax. The patient underwent elective diagnostic laparoscopy followed by reduction of the contents and mesh repair of the diaphragmatic defect. The patient was discharged and remained asymptomatic on a periodic follow-up of over a year. Awareness regarding this rare entity can obviate the need for a battery of unnecessary investigations and operative procedures.
Assessment of School Quality Assurance Lesson Observation Tool in Enhancing Active Pedagogical Paradigm in Tanzania Secondary Schools
Authors: Kingu Naonael Emmanuel , Wandela Eugenia Lucas
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study is to assess a lesson observation tool which is used to evaluate teaching and learning process in secondary schools so as to enhance active pedagogical paradigm. The tool was established in 2017 to replace the school inspection observation tool that has been in practice for several years. The study was guided by three objectives which include: (i) to determine the merits of the tool; (ii) to examine challenges that are faced by school quality assurance officers when implementing the tool; (iii) to get suggestions from the users on improving the tool. Qualitative approach was used as a method of data collection and data analysis. The total sampled respondents were 21, 10 from Eastern zone and 11 from Dar Es Salaam zone. The whole population was 51 and all were school quality assurance officers from the named zones who are also teachers in profession. Data was collected through semi structured interview and each respondent was interviewed individually by the researcher in the offices of the respective zones located in Dar Es Salaam and Morogoro. The researcher made analysis of data and some respondents were directly quoted. The findings of the study revealed that the tool is important to school quality assurance officers as it leads, guides and acts as a roadmap for evaluation. It gives uniformity in the process, report writing and enables them to provide useful feedback to teachers. The three main identified challenges regarding the tool include, the mismatch between some sections in the lesson observation tool and judging criteria; time limit to make lesson observation; lack of teachers’ awareness about the tool, which is used to evaluate teaching and learning process. The study concludes that the lesson observation tool plays a vital role in evaluating and promotes quality teaching and learning, hence provision of quality education in the country. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the policy makers to review the lesson observation tool so as to overcome the challenges that are affecting it for the purpose of improving teaching and learning process.
Soil and Plant Nutrient Dynamics in Castor-based Cropping Systems as Influenced by Conservation Agricultural Practices
Authors: Mithra R. Sai , Suresh G. , Qureshi Md. A. Aziz , Rekha K. Bhanu
Published: September 2022

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2021, at Narkhoda farm, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, to study the effect of conservation agricultural practices on soil and plant nutrient dynamics. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with 3 replications on red sandy loam soil (Alfisols) under rainfed conditions. The treatments comprised of three tillage treatments in main plots viz., conventional tillage, reduced tillage, zero tillage and four cropping systems with residue incorporation in subplots viz., sole castor, castor + redgram (1:1), castor + greengram (1:3) and castor + groundnut (1:3). The results indicated that at harvest, highest soil organic carbon (SOC) content was found in reduced tillage (0.64%) followed by zero tillage (0.63%) and the lowest in conventional tillage (0.56%). Among inter cropping systems, SOC was recorded highest (0.67%) in castor + redgram (1:1) and lowest (0.55%) in sole castor treatment. The status of post-harvest soil available N, P, K (kg/ha) was recorded highest in reduced tillage (208.6, 54.03, 515.9 kg N, P, K /ha respectively) and lowest in conventional tillage (196.7, 38.57, 486.8 kg N, P, K /ha) while, zero tillage (203.6, 47.15, 506.7 kg N, P, K /ha) was at par with the reduced tillage. Among the cropping systems, castor + redgram (208.1, 60.12, 517.9 kg N, P, K /ha) recorded highest available N, P, K while lowest in sole castor (201.6, 38.60, 494.0 kg N, P, K /ha) treatment. Total N, P, K uptake (kg/ha) by castor crop at harvest was highest in conventional tillage (56.13, 19.99, 31.97 kg N, P, K /ha respectively) followed by reduced (49.24, 16.81, 26.28 kg N, P, K /ha) and the lowest (38.36, 13.15, 21.99 kg N, P, K /ha) was recorded in zero tillage. Among intercropping cropping systems N, P, K uptake by castor crop was recorded highest in sole castor (60.22, 18.66, 32.35 kg N, P, K /ha) treatment while lowest was recorded in castor + redgram (1:1) (26.65, 10.28, 15.93 kg N, P, K /ha). In general, the interaction effect between tillage and intercropping system were found non-significant.
Variation in Growth, Wood Basic Density and Fiber Characters in Selected Clones of Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. Ex benth
Authors: Mayavel A. , Esakkiammal S. , Chitra P. , Nicodemus A. , Kamalakannan R.
Published: September 2022

The study aimed to screen and shortlist superior Acacia auriculiformis clones for desirable growth and wood properties. Twenty clones stem volume, wood basic density and fibre characters were studied at age of four. Significant variations were recorded in tree volume and wood properties among the clones, the stem volume of the clones was ranging from 0.022 to 0.073 m3 and the maximum tree volume was noticed in clones IFGTBAA 7 and followed by IFGTBAA 27 and 18, the studied clones average stem volume was 0.039 m3. The average wood basic density of the clones was 469 kg/m3 and this trait was ranging from 406 to 509 kg/m3. The screened A. auriculiormis clones average fibre length was ranging from 785.4 µm to 1140.6 µm and a maximum fibre length above 1000 µm was recorded in clones IFGTBAA 18, 23, 26 and 62. The average Runkel Ratio of all the clones was 0.91 and it was ranging from 0.7 to 1.1. There was no significant positive correlation noticed between growth, wood basic density and fibre properties except stem volume and fibre lumen diameter. Hence, it was decided to select superior clones, IFGTB 7,18,20,23 and 27 based on combined traits of Stem Volume, Wood Basic Density and Fibre Length to establish large scale commercial pulp wood plantations and clones which were having higher density and fibre properties had scope to utilize as parents in A. auriculiformis improvement programme to enhance tree volume and wood quality.
Dynamics and Analysis of Chronic Brucellosis in Sheep
Authors: Lolika Paride O. , Helikumi Mlyashimbi
Published: September 2022

We proposed and studied a new fractional-order model for the transmission dynamics of brucellosis with a special focus on the sheep-to-sheep transmission. Two control strategies namely; culling and vaccination rate are incorporated in the model. We computed the basic reproduction number R0 and we studied the global stability of disease-free and endemic equilibrium point in terms of basic reproduction number R0: We found that both the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points are globally stable whenever R0 < 1 and R0 > 1 respectively. In numerical simulations, we performed the sensitivity analysis of the model and expressed the relationship between model parameters and R0:We noted that, increase on the magnitude of model parameters with negative correlation coefficients would significantly reduce the spread of Brucellosis disease in the population. Moreover, model validation and parameter estimation for fractional-order and classical integer-order derivatives was carried out using real brucellosis for Egypt, 1999-2011. Overall, we noted that fractional-order model gave better prediction of brucellosis compared to classical integer-order model. Furthermore, we investigated the role of memory effects on the transmission of brucellosis in the population. We observe that, the memory effects have influenceon the transmission of brucellosis in the community. In addition, we noted that the aforementioned control strategies have the potential to reduce the transmission of brucellosis in the population. In particular, we observed that whenever the culling and vaccination rate is greater than 40% and 50% respectively, the disease dies out in the population.
Pneumothorax in Preterm Neonates and Its Association with Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Authors: Darweesh Hoda Fahmi , Nassar Mohammed Abd-Ellatif , Tomy Mohamed Adel El , Mashad Abd El Rahman Mohamed El
Published: September 2022

Background: Haemorrhage into the periventricular subependymal germinal matrix with subsequent extension into the ventricles (intraventricular haemorrhage) is one of the major complications in premature infants which continues to pose challenges in neonatal intensive care units worldwide. The aim of this work was to test the hypothesis that a pneumothorax increases the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage in premature neonates.

Methods: This prospective study was carried out upon 40 premature neonates with pneumothorax. Patients were divided into two equal groups: group1: preterm neonates between 28-32 weeks gestation with pneumothorax and group2: preterm neonates between 32-36 weeks gestation with pneumothorax. All patients were subjected to laboratory investigations [complete blood count, C- reactive protein, arterial blood gases], head ultrasonography and plain x-ray.

Results: Birth weight, GA and MABP were significantly lower in the intraventricular haemorrhage group compared to normal group. There was statistically significant difference in mortality between both studied groups. RD was significantly higher in the intraventricular haemorrhage group compared to normal group.

Conclusions: Pneumothorax in preterm neonates was associated with increase occurrence and severity of Intraventricular Haemorrhage.  Our study shows that pneumothorax can induce IVH in neonates with gestational age less than 32 weeks and birth weight less than 1000 g. These severe degrees of intraventricular haemorrhage have been associated with early mortality.
Frequency of Ventricular Septal Rupture in Patients of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ali Aijaz , Mal Vashu , Ahmed Rameez , Memon Farhan , Lalchand . , Faizan Muhammad , Shaikh Naveed Ahmed , Yasir Muhammad , Tariq Muhammad
Published: September 2022

Objective: To determine the frequency of ventricular septal rupture in patients of acute myocardial infarction presented at the adult cardiology department of National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD), Karachi.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Karachi, Pakistan for a period of six months. A total of 384 patients with acute myocardial Infarction diagnosed within 4 weeks duration were included in this study. ECG and transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was formed. Patients were followed for 7 days and the study outcome. Data was collected on a pre-designed structured questionnaire.

Results: The average age of the patients was 54.40±7.99 years. Frequency of ventricular septal rupture in patients of acute myocardial infarction was observed in 1.3% (5/384) in which defect in Inter ventricular septum was observed in 60%, Evidence of left-to-right shunt 40%.

Conclusion: Our study revealed a ventricular septal rupture (VSR) rate of 1.3%. The study further revealed a correlation between smoking and rate of VSR.A multidisciplinary team of researchers must work together to develop a plan that is specific to each patient.
Commonness and Risk Factors Associated with Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections among Inmates of Port Harcourt Children’s Home
Authors: Amudatu Adedokun Ambali , Kingsley Elele , Barine Gboeloh LeBari
Published: September 2022

Background: Gastrointestinal parasites are important health problems among most societies.

Objectives: Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites among inmates of Port Harcourt children home.

Methods: This prospective study was carried out in August and September 2019 at the Port Harcourt children home. Fecal samples were collected from 63 healthy looking inmates and examined macroscopically and microscopically (using normal saline and iodine wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining) methods. Finally, data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square (X2) test.

Results: Result showed that 74.6% (47/63) of the female and 25.4% (16/63) of the male tested positive for GIPs. Age group 11-15 years had prevalence of 17(44.8%). The common parasites identified were A. lumbricoides 10(15.9%), T. trichiura 7(11.1%) and hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale) 2(3.2%). The educational level prevalence of 10(52.6%) was observed among the primary level (p<0.05). The risk factors such as: the use of drug in the last three months, hand washing with soap after using the toilet and washing of hands after contact with soil had significance of p<0.05 while putting on foot wear outside the house p>0.05.

Conclusion: The distribution of gastrointestinal parasitic infections is high among the children. Necessary treatment intervention safety measures should be routinely carried out to reduce the spread to zero tolerance.
Adaptive Quadrature
Authors: Duron Christina
Published: September 2022

Adaptive quadrature is a powerful tool for numerical integration and involves a careful selection of the points where the integrand
f
(
x
) is evaluated such that the approximation to the definite integral is within some specified error tolerance. After motivating the need for adaptive quadrature by providing a brief overview of numerical quadrature, the basic principles of adaptive quadrature are introduced. The most well‐known adaptive quadrature method, adaptive Simpson rule, is presented with an accompanying example before concluding with a discussion and extension of the example to another widely used adaptive method, Gauss–Kronrod quadrature.
Use of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to assess a case of spinal injury in a Showa koi Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Torpy Fred J. , Comolli Jessica R. , Gendron Karine P. , Armwood Abigail R. , Camus Alvin C. , Kehoe Spencer P. , Divers Stephen J.
Published: September 2022

Objective

A privately owned, 4-year-old female Showa koi (ornamental variant of Common Carp Cyprinus carpio) was presented for erratic swimming, air gasping, water spitting, and abnormal orientation in the water column. Initial physical examination revealed an obese patient with no external abnormalities except a small plaque localized to filaments on a right gill hemibranch.

Methods

The fish was anesthetized using AQUI-S 20E (10% eugenol solution) at 50 mg/L to facilitate diagnostic evaluation. Biopsy of the gill lesion yielded no significant findings. Whole-body computed tomography confirmed an excess of adipose tissue and mild scoliosis, with narrowing of the 10th–11th intervertebral space. A weight loss plan and need for repeat assessment were recommended.

Result

The patient's original abnormal behaviors resolved over the following weeks, but it subsequently became hyporexic and depressed. Full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive alteration of vertebral centra, with multifocal compression of the spinal cord. Due to the patient's declining clinical condition and the grave prognosis based on MRI findings, the patient was humanely euthanized.

Conclusion

Postmortem examination showed severe transmural myelomalacia associated with a vertebral subluxation. This case demonstrates the practical application of advanced cross-sectional imaging that has not been commonly afforded to fish or other lower vertebrates.
Region‐of‐interest intra‐arc MV imaging to facilitate sub‐mm positional accuracy with minimal imaging dose during treatment deliveries of small cranial lesions
Authors: Church Cody , Parsons David , Syme Alasdair
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To automate the generation of region‐of‐interest (ROI) apertures for use with megavoltage imaging for online positional corrections during cranial stereotactic radiosurgery.

Materials and methods

Digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) were created for a 3D‐printed skull phantom at 5 degree gantry angle increments for a three‐arc beam arrangement. At each angle, 3000 random rectangular apertures were generated, and 100 shifts on a grid were applied to the anatomy within the frame. For all shifts, the mutual information (MI) between the shifted and unshifted DRR was calculated to derive an average MI gradient. The top 10% of apertures that minimized registration errors were overlaid and discretely thresholded to generate imaging plans. Imaging was acquired with the skull while implementing simulated patient motion on a linac. Control point‐specific couch motions were derived to align the skull to its planned positioning.

Results

Apertures with a range of repositioning errors less than 0.1 mm possessed a 42% larger average MI gradient when compared with apertures with a range greater than 1 mm. Dose calculations with Monte Carlo exhibited an 84% reduction in the dose received by 50% of the skull with the 50% thresholded plan when compared to a constant 22 × 22 cm2 imaging plan. For all different imaging plans (with and without motion), the calculated median 3D‐errors with respect to the tracking of a metal‐BB fiducial positioned at isocenter in the skull were sub‐mm except for the 80% thresholded plan.

Conclusions

Sub‐mm positional errors are achievable with couch motions derived from control point–specific ROI imaging. Smaller apertures that conform to an anatomical ROI can be utilized to minimize the imaging dose incurred at the expense of larger errors.
An Acellular Scaffold Facilitates Endometrial Regeneration and Fertility Restoration via Recruiting Endogenous Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Xin Liaobing , Zheng Xiaowen , Chen Jianmin , Hu Sentao , Luo Yilun , Ge Qunzi , Jin Xiaoying , Ma Lie , Zhang Songying
Published: September 2022

Severe intrauterine adhesions (IUAs), characterized by inadequate endometrial repair and fibrosis, can lead to infertility. Stem cell‐based therapies, which deliver mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the wound site, hold a considerable promise for endometrium regeneration. However, some notable hurdles, such as stemness loss, immunogenicity, low retention and survival rate, limit their clinical application. Evidence shows a strategy of mobilizing endogenous MSCs recruitment can overcome the traditional limitations of exogenous stem cell‐based therapies. Here, an acellular biomaterial named stromal derived factor‐1 alpha (SDF‐1α)/E7‐modified collagen scaffold (CES) is explored. CES based on harnessing the innate regenerative potential of the body enables near‐complete endometrium regeneration and fertility restoration both in a rat endometrium acute damage model and a rat IUA model. Mechanistically, the CES implantation promotes endogenous MSCs recruitment via a macrophage‐coordinated strategy; then the homing MSCs exert the function of immunomodulation and altered local microenvironments toward regeneration. To conclude, CES, which can harness endogenous MSCs and overcome the traditional limitations of cell‐based therapies, can serve as a clinically feasible and cell‐free strategy with high therapeutic efficiency for IUA treatment.
A Unique NiOOH@FeOOH Heteroarchitecture for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution in Saline Water
Authors: Wu Bin , Gong Shun , Lin Yichao , Li Tao , Chen Anyang , Zhao Mengyuan , Zhang Qiuju , Chen Liang
Published: September 2022

The development of highly efficient non‐precious metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in low‐grade or saline water is currently of great importance for the large‐scale production of hydrogen. In this study, by using an electrochemical activation pretreatment, metal oxy(hydroxide) nanosheet structures derived from self‐supported nickel–iron phosphide and nitride nanoarrays grown on Ni foam are successfully fabricated for OER catalysis in saline water. It is demonstrated that the different NiOOH and NiOOH@FeOOH (NiOOH grown on FeOOH) structures are generated from nickel–iron nitride and phosphide, respectively, after electrochemical activation. In particular, the NiOOH@FeOOH heteroarchitecture shows outstanding electrocatalytic performance with an ultralow overpotential of 292 mV to drive the current density of 500 mA cm−2. An unconventional dual‐sites mechanism (UDSM) is proposed to address the OER process on NiOOH@FeOOH and show that the FeOOH underlayer plays a critical role regarding the enhanced OER activity of NiOOH. The new possible UDSM involving two reaction sites presents a different understanding of the OER process on multi‐OH layer complexes, which is expected to guide the design of heteroarchitecture electrocatalysts.
Ultrathin Covalent Organic Framework Membranes Prepared by Rapid Electrophoretic Deposition
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhou Yisa , Zhang Ya , Xue Jian , Caro Jürgen , Wang Haihui
Published: September 2022

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a disruptive material platform for various novel applications including nanofiltration for water purification due to their excellent physicochemical features. Nevertheless, the currently available approaches for preparing COF membranes need stringent synthesis conditions, prolonged fabrication time, and tedious post‐processing, leading to poor productivity. Herein, a simple and efficient layer‐by‐layer stacking assembly strategy is developed based on electrophoretic deposition (EPD) to rapidly generate ionic COF membranes due to the uniform driving force for nanosheet assembly. A new two‐cell EPD design avoids the usual EPD problems such as bubbles and acidic/alkaline microenvironments in the near‐electrode region in aqueous EPD processes. Ultrathin COF membranes with homogenous structures can be produced within several minutes. Consequently, the prepared COF membranes exhibit outstanding permselectivity and possess good stability and anti‐pressure ability due to their uniform architecture and unique chemical composition.
Metal–Organic Framework Integrating Ionic Framework and Bimetallic Coupling Effect for Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Shulin , Wang Tienan , Tang Dai , Yang Yuting , Tian Yuyang , Cui Fengchao , Sun Jifeng , Jing Xiaofei , Sholl David S. , Zhu Guangshan
Published: September 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are recognized as promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) because of their permanent porosity and rich architectural diversity; however, ionic MOFs enabling fast ions exchange during OER are rarely explored. Here, an ionic MOF (Ni‐btz) constructed with an azolate ligand is selected, and continuous 3D bimetallic MOF (NiFe‐btz) films deriving from high‐degree intergrowth of microsized MOFs particles are fabricated. The as‐prepared NiFe‐btz/NF‐OH electrode exhibits excellent OER performance with a low overpotential of 239 mV at 10 mA cm−2 under alkaline condition. The OER charge transfer process and bimetallic coupling effect in ionic NiFe‐btz are probed by density functional theory calculations and confirmed via X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and in situ Raman measurements. The partial density of states of NiFe‐btz indicates that the main contribution for electron density around the Fermi level is from Cl ions clarifying the profitable impact of ionic MOF framework. This work systematically demonstrates the relationship of electronic structure and OER activity in ionic, bimetallic MOFs and expands the scope of 3D MOF films for efficient OER.
High‐Efficiency Perovskite–Organic Blend Light‐Emitting Diodes Featuring Self‐Assembled Monolayers as Hole‐Injecting Interlayers
Authors: Gedda Murali , Gkeka Despoina , Nugraha Mohamad Insan , Scaccabarozzi Alberto D. , Yengel Emre , Khan Jafar I. , Hamilton Iain , Lin Yuanbao , Deconinck Marielle , Vaynzof Yana , Laquai Frédéric , Bradley Donal D. C. , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: September 2022

The high photoluminescence efficiency, color purity, extended gamut, and solution processability make low‐dimensional hybrid perovskites attractive for light‐emitting diode (PeLED) applications. However, controlling the microstructure of these materials to improve the device performance remains challenging. Here, the development of highly efficient green PeLEDs based on blends of the quasi‐2D (q2D) perovskite, PEA2Cs4Pb5Br16, and the wide bandgap organic semiconductor 2,7 dioctyl[1] benzothieno[3,2‐b]benzothiophene (C8‐BTBT) is reported. The presence of C8‐BTBT enables the formation of single‐crystal‐like q2D PEA2Cs4Pb5Br16 domains that are uniform and highly luminescent. Combining the PEA2Cs4Pb5Br16:C8‐BTBT with self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) as hole‐injecting layers (HILs), yields green PeLEDs with greatly enhanced performance characteristics, including external quantum efficiency up to 18.6%, current efficiency up to 46.3 cd A−1, the luminance of 45 276 cd m−2, and improved operational stability compared to neat PeLEDs. The enhanced performance originates from multiple synergistic effects, including enhanced hole‐injection enabled by the SAM HILs, the single crystal‐like quality of the perovskite phase, and the reduced concentration of electronic defects. This work highlights perovskite:organic blends as promising systems for use in LEDs, while the use of SAM HILs creates new opportunities toward simpler and more stable PeLEDs.
Recent Progress on Heterojunction Engineering in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Tianyue , Deng Wenqiu , Cao Jiupeng , Yan Feng
Published: September 2022

Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become one of the most promising next‐generation photovoltaic technologies due to their low‐cost fabrication, solution processability, and superior optoelectronic properties. Although state‐of‐art PSCs demonstrate a power conversion efficiency record comparable to that of silicon solar cells, there are still many challenges toward commercialization. PSCs are devices based on various semiconductor heterojunctions that all play important roles in device performance. The device operation relies on a combination of multiple heterojunctions to offer a delicate control of photocarrier generation, separation, and transport to respective electrodes. Hence, advanced heterojunction design in PSCs is crucial for the further improvement of device performance. Notably, the conversion efficiency records for PSCs are mainly ascribed to optimized heterojunction engineering. Considering the significance of this topic, a comprehensive review of the recently developed heterojunction designs is presented. Following a brief introduction to PSC architectures, operation, and fundamental heterojunction design theories, the recent progress on perovskite/electron transport layer, perovskite/hole transport layer, and perovskite/perovskite heterojunction engineering is elaborated. Finally, conclusions and perspectives on this research field are addressed.
Rediscovering N‐Methyltetranitropyrrole – A Versatile High Energy MaterialviaFacile Two‐step Eco‐friendly Synthetic Approach
Authors: Thaltiri Vikranth , Shanmugapriya V. , Yadagiri Thigulla , Panda Pradeepta K.
Published: September 2022

A highly efficient 2‐step method, where three nitro groups could be directly introduced upon pyrrole moiety in a single step, was developed as an environmentally benign process for the synthesis of N‐methyltetranitropyrrole (1) employing metal nitrate/conc. sulphuric acid as the nitrating reagent. This method resulted1in high purity having higher thermal stability (273 °C) along with reduced sensitivity (impact sensitivity >40 J; fricition sensitivity >360 N), which makes it a versatile high energy material. An over‐oxidized new product 1‐methyl‐3,3,4,4‐tetranitropyrrolidine‐2,5‐dione (4) was also isolated during optimization, whose energetic properties are similar to those of RDX.