bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stigma, negative attitudes and discrimination towards mental illness: stigma as a predictor of service access, treatment and social integration
Authors:   “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Nica Raluca Ileana , Pirlog Mihail Cristian ,   Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania, Chihai Jana ,   Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Published: July 2023

Mental disorders have a high prevalence that is increasing, according to WHO mental disorders are among the leading causes of disease worldwide, accounting for around 6.2% of the total disease burden as measured in DALYs. People with mental illness are subject to discrimination which impacts most areas of their lives. These forms of social exclusion occur at home, at work, in personal life, in social activities, in healthcare and in the media. The purpose of this paper is to reflect the impact of Stigma on people with mental illness related to access to psychiatric services, treatment and its consequences for the individual and society. From the literature review we will examine how stigma affected access to services, diagnosis and treatment of people with mental illness as well as the impact of stigma on some aspects of their lives. The article begins by overviewing the statistics with regards to mental disorders as important causes of disability issued by the main world health authority, continues with the definition of stigma and reflecting on the attitude of the general public towards mental illness and the role of the media as a mediating factor. It then looks at some of the practical implications of the discrimination and prejudice that arise out of stigma, particularly in respect of use of the health care system and the cost of not seeking help. Finally, an overview is provided on what is known to date about the effectiveness of different approaches that have been adopted or might in future be adopted to effectively tackle stigma.
Metabolic syndrome and its relationship with negative symptoms in female patients with schizophrenia
Authors:   Department of Neuroscience, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Botis Codruta A. , Miclutia Ioana V. ,   Department of Neuroscience, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Published: July 2023

Introduction: High prevalence of metabolic syndrome has been reported in patients with schizophrenia. Factors that contribute to the development of physical and biochemical abnormalities due to this syndrome are: sedentary lifestyle, antipsychotic medication, mental disorder related issues, including negative symptomatology and genetic factors. A significant association between negative symptoms, obesity and metabolic syndrome has been reported in recent studies. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to estimate the frequency of metabolic syndrome and to examine the association between metabolic syndrome and negative symptoms in female patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Forty for female patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were recruited from psychiatric out-patient clinic. Patients underwent one assessment for metabolic syndrome parameters which included anthropometrical measurements, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose level. The presence of the metabolic syndrome was determined using the International Diabetes Federation criteria. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used for characterizing symptoms. Results: Mean duration of illness was 13.93 years and mean duration of education was 13.15 years. Metabolic syndrome was found in 52.27% of the patients (36% with hypertriglyceridemia, 86% with high waist circumference, 59% with low HDL cholesterol, 20.45% with high fasting glucose and 11% with hypertension. The frequency of metabolic syndrome in group patients with predominant negative symptoms was significantly higher (p= 0.0026) compared to the group without predominant negative symptoms. Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome is common in female patients with schizophrenia. Systematically assessment of the various components of metabolic syndrome and adequate treatment should help to reduce the cardiovascular risk and mortality in patients with schizophrenia.
Mourning depression in teenagers
Authors:   Pediatric Clinic No.1, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Targu-Mures, Romania, Maris Adina , Nirestean Tudor ,   “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Targu-Mures, Romania, Bilca Monica ,   Psychiatric Clinic II, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Targu-Mures, Romania
Published: July 2023

The article discusses the causes of adolescent depression, and analyses a case of depression resulting from grief caused by loss. Depression after a loss can be treated through a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, positive psychotherapy, autogenic training and medication for a period of minimum 6 months. The previously mentioned therapeutic strategies are efficient in diminishing the intensity of the symptoms. They also favor personal growth, the development of self awareness, as well as the positive modification of adaptive cognition processes.
Trends in child and adolescent psychiatric diagnoses in a Romanian Inpatient Unit between 1990 and 2014
Authors:   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Psychiatric Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Mihailescu Ilinca , Rad Florina ,   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Psychiatric Hospital, Bucharest, Romania,   Department of  Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “Carol Davila“ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Anghel Cristina G. ,   Department of  Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “Carol Davila“ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Paraipan Cornelia ,   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Psychiatric Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Andrei Lucia E. ,   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Psychiatric Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Kobylinska Liana ,   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Psychiatric Hospital, Bucharest, Romania,   Department of Physiology and Fundamental Neuroscience, ”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Matei Iorgu D. ,   Department of General Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Psychiatric Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Matei Mircea B. ,   Department of Physiology and Fundamental Neuroscience, ”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania,   Department of General Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Psychiatric Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Dobrescu Iuliana ,   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Psychiatric Hospital, Bucharest, Romania,   Department of  Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “Carol Davila“ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
Published: July 2023

Objective. This paper aims to describe trends in diagnostic data in discharged patients from a regional child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit in Romania, over a 25-year period (1990-2014). Method. Data on discharge diagnosis of the 30854 patients from the study timeframe were analyzed. Diagnostic formulations in the years prior to ICD implementation were converted into ICD-10 specific disorders/ class of disorders. Results. Results showed a significant increase in proportion of autism spectrum disorders and hyperkinetic disorders over time and a significant decrease of stress related, dissociative and somatoform disorders. The number of psychotic disorders was constant over time, mood disorders had peak frequencies in 2003 and 2014 and anxiety disorders has a twofold increase from 2007 to 2014. Conclusions. This study demonstrates a major shift in the patterns of mental health disorders diagnosed among children and adolescents at our clinic over the last 25 years. Defining the current mental health needs of young people and adjusting service delivery in child and adolescent psychiatric settings have become of great importance in recent years.
Pengaruh Promosi Jabatan dan Kepuasan Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Pangegawai (Suatu Kasus Pada PT. Bank Mega Tbk Cab Bandung)
Authors: Lina Parlina, S.Pd., M.M
Published: July 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pelaksanaan program promosi jabatan, kepuasan kerja dan kinerja pegawai serta pengaruh promosi jabatan dan kepuasan kerja terhadap kinerja pegawai di PT. Bank Mega Tbk Cabang Bandung, baik secara simultan maupun parsial.

Sifat penelitian ini adalah deskriptif dan verifikatif,  serta metode penelitian yang digunakan  adalah metode descriptive survey sementara tipe investigasi dalam penelitian ini adalah causalitas. Unit analisis dalam penelitian ini adalah para pegawai PT. Bank Mega Tbk Cabang Bandung.  Teknik analisi data dalam penelitian ini, menggunakan analisis jalur (Path Analysis).

Kesimpulan penelitian ini menemukan bahwa promosi jabatan PT. Bank Mega Tbk Cabang Bandung telah sesuai dengan bidang dan keahliannya.Kepuasan kerja pegawai PT. Bank Mega Tbk Cabang Bandung saat ini dinilai cukup puas. Kinerja PT. Bank Mega Tbk Cabang Bandung berada pada tingkat yang cukup tinggi. Promosi jabatan dan kepuasan kerja, secara simultan berpengaruh terhadap kinerja pegawai PT. Bank Mega Tbk Cabang Bandung, sedangkan secara parsial, ternyata promosi jabatan lebih dominan dari pada kepuasan kerja dalam mempengaruhi kinerja pegawai.
Strategi Kepuasan Pelanggan Agung Podomoro Land dalam Pemasaran Festival Citylink Bandung
Authors: Yuyun Taufik
Published: July 2023

Kajian dan diskusi mengenai peningkatan mutu berkelanjutan, pelayanan pelanggan dan kepuasan pelanggan merupakan hal yang sangat penting dalam menjalankan aktivitas sebuah perusahaan dimana perusahaan harus membuat arah kebijakan terutama standar kerja untuk memberikan pelayanan yang optimal kepada pelanggan dan menangani keluhan secara efektif. Tetapi yang terpenting yang harus diperhatikan saat ini adalah kepuasan pelanggan, jika pelanggan tidak puas, mereka akan menghentikan bisnisnya dengan kita. Semua upaya yang kita lakukan untuk mencapai mutu dan memberikan pelayanan yang unggul tidak ada artinya sama sekali jika kita tidak berusaha untuk memuaskan pelanggan. Mutu dan pelayanan adalah sarana untuk mencapai kepuasan dan ikatan, tujuan keseluruhan bisnis kita bukanlah untuk menghasilkan produk atau jasa yang bermutu, atau memberikan pelayanan yang prima. Tujuan utama kita berbisnis adalah menghasilkan pelanggan yang puas dan setia yang akan terus menjalin bisnis dengan kita. Oleh karena itu memberikan mutu yang tinggi dan pelayanan yang prima adalah suatu keharusan apabila kita ingin mencapai tujuan utama : pelanggan yang puas dan setia. Mengukur kepuasan pelanggan mengajarkan bagaimana kita bisa mengukur mutu dan aktivitas pelayanan untuk menentukan tingkat kepuasan pelanggan dan membantu kita mengembangkan program untuk meningkatkan ikatan pelanggan.
Estimation of Maximum Signal Strength for Satellite Tracking Based on the Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Bastl Michal , Spáčil Tomáš , Najman Jan , Celik Mustafa , Hancioglu Oguz Kaan , Grepl Robert
Published: July 2023

The article presents an improved satellite tracking approach using the extended Kalman filter within the control systems of the moving antenna. The main focus is on the issue of maintaining the maximum signal strength during vehicle movement, gyroscope and GPS sensors error and the deterioration of reception due to changing conditions (weather, obstacles). Typically used techniques are based on ad-hoc scanning of the maximum value of the RF signal. The approach presented in this article might be used as a much more consistent and elegant alternative to these algorithms. To prove the function of the presented algorithm, simulations of several different scenarios are performed. Based on these simulations, the robustness and speed of the newly designed algorithm are evaluated.
Detection of Malicious Network Activity by Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Turčaník Michal , Baráth J.
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a deep learning approach to detect malicious communication in a computer network. The intercepted communication is transformed into behavioral feature vectors that are reduced (using principal component analysis and stepwise selection methods) and normalized to create training and test sets. A feed-forward artificial neural network is then used as a classifier to determine the type of malicious communication. Three training algorithms were used to train the neural network: the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, Bayesian regularization, and the scaled conjugate gradient backpropagation algorithm. The proposed artificial neural network topology after reducing the size of the training and test sets achieves a correct classification probability of 81.5 % for each type of malicious communication and of 99.6 % (and better) for normal communication.
Native plant diversity for ecological reclamation in Moroccan open-pit phosphate mines
Authors: Zine Hamza , Hakkou Rachid , Elmansour Abdelhak , Elgadi Sara , Ouhammou Ahmed , Benzaazoua Mostafa
Published: July 2023

Mining activities have significant impacts on the environment, particularly in terms of the destruction of natural habitats andbiodiversity loss. With the increasing awareness of the importance of ecological restoration and conservation, there is a growing need to study and understand the flora that thrives in mining sites in order to facilitate successful reclamation efforts. This study aimed to investigate the floristic composition and plant diversity of four phosphate mine sites (PMSs) in Morocco, namely Bou Craa mine (BCM), Ben Guerir mine (BGM), Youssoufia mine (YSM), and Khouribga mine (KHM).

The study found a total of 215 vascular plant species from 166 genera and 49 taxonomic families across the four sites. BGM was the most diverse site with 120 plant species, followed by KHM with 75, YSM with 57, and BCM with 54. Compositae family species were the most common at BGM and KHM, while Amaranthaceae species were dominant at BCM, and Poaceae and Compositae at YSM. Therophytes (annual species) were the most common functional group (45.0%), followed by chamaephytes (19.6%) and hemicryptophytes (15.9%).

Atriplex nummularia and Chenopodium album were the most common species found at all four sites, while Atriplex semibaccata, Bassia muricata, Haloxylon scoparium, and 12 other species were common at three sites. However, 156 plant species were found at only one site. The findings of this study highlight the significant abundance of plant species in Moroccan PMSs and provide a basis for successful ecological engineering rehabilitation plans. The study emphasizes the importance of studying the indigenous plant species that naturally populate these marginal lands to ensure successful reclamation efforts.
Existence criteria for fractional differential equations using the topological degree method
Authors: Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Alsaeed Suliman , Kaliraj Kalimuthu , Ravichandran Chokkalingam , Albalawi Wedad , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem
Published: July 2023

In this work, we analyze the fractional order by using the Caputo-Hadamard fractional derivative under the Robin boundary condition. The topological degree method combined with the fixed point methodology produces the desired results. Finally to show how the key findings may be utilized, applications are presented.
A new least squares method for estimation and prediction based on the cumulative Hazard function
Authors: Aly Amany E. , El-Adll Magdy E. , Barakat Haroon M. , Aldallal Ramy Abdelhamid
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the cumulative hazard function is used to solve estimation and prediction problems for generalized ordered statistics (defined in a general setup) based on any continuous distribution. The suggested method makes use of Rényi representation. The method can be used with type Ⅱ right-censored data as well as complete data. Extensive simulation experiments are implemented to assess the efficiency of the proposed procedures. Some comparisons with the maximum likelihood (ML) and ordinary weighted least squares (WLS) methods are performed. The comparisons are based on both the root mean squared error (RMSE) and Pitman's measure of closeness (PMC). Finally, two real data sets are considered to investigate the applicability of the presented methods.
Handling multi-objective optimization problems with a comprehensive indicator and layered particle swarm optimizer
Authors: Zhang Xianzi , Liu Yanmin , Yang Jie , Liu Jun , Shu Xiaoli
Published: July 2023

The multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm has several drawbacks, such as premature convergence, inadequate convergence, and inadequate diversity. This is particularly true for complex, high-dimensional, multi-objective problems, where it is easy to fall into a local optimum. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel algorithm called IMOPSOCE. The innovations for the proposed algorithm mainly contain three crucial factors: 1) an external archive maintenance strategy based on the inflection point distance and distribution coefficient is designed, and the comprehensive indicator (CM) is used to remove the non-dominated solutions with poor comprehensive performance to improve the convergence of the algorithm and diversity of the swarm; 2) using the random inertia weight strategy to efficiently control the movement of particles, balance the exploration and exploitation capabilities of the swarm, and avoid excessive local and global searches; and 3) offering different flight modes for particles at different levels after each update to further enhance the optimization capacity. Finally, the algorithm is tested on 22 typical test functions and compared with 10 other algorithms, demonstrating its competitiveness and outperformance on the majority of test functions.
Discursive Marketisation and Differentiation in Nigerian University Websites
Authors: Taiwo Rotimi , Ademilokun Mohammed
Published: July 2023

This chapter drew samples from websites of twenty-four purposively selected universities in Nigeria. The data were interpreted drawing insights from critical discourse analytic approach and systemic functional linguistics and Roper and Parker's presentation of the theoretical paradigms of branding. The study found that universities based their marketisation and differentiation on the maximization and foregrounding of the environment, prominence, achievements, products, institutional integrity, and transformation. The study concluded that the engagement of these issues has brought about a healthy competition among the universities in Nigeria and transformation in marketization of universities in the country.
Promotional Strategies of Top Nigerian and United Kingdom Universities in Webometrics Rankings
Authors: Legemah Efosa
Published: July 2023

This chapter carries out a comparative discourse analysis of the promotional strategies used by Nigerian and UK universities in order to explain how the strategies are different or related and what possible effect they could have on the increased students' patronage of the UK universities by Nigerians. Online messages from the websites of top ten universities in Nigeria and UK based on current Webometrics ranking were collected as data and analysed, using rapport management theory. The analysis revealed that Nigerian and UK universities share similar promotional strategies in terms of giving information about the school, amongst others. The chapter concludes that the difference that exists in promotional strategy usage by Nigerian and UK universities are not enough to bring about the increase in the number of Nigerians travelling to UK for university education: some other factors may be responsible
Beyond Compliance in the Implementation of Quality Assurance in Ghanaian Higher Education
Authors: Utuka Godwin
Published: July 2023

This chapter examines how quality assurance is viewed and implemented in higher education sector in Ghana. It discusses and provides up-to-date overview of the QA systems, procedures and mechanisms that are employed by the external quality assurance agency and higher institutions to improve the quality of education provided and identifies challenges faced in implementing recommendations made by the 1991 educational reforms in relation to the quality of higher education in Ghana. Desk data that involves analyzing information that already exists was employed. The chapter also reviews existing literature on approaches made by higher institutions to address QA practices at the international level. Based on the conclusions and lessons drawn from these analyses, the chapter proposes for government, policy makers, the external quality assurance agencies, and higher institutions some actions that should be taken to strengthen the internal quality assurance structures that will contribute to efficient and effective quality enhancement within higher institutions in Ghana.
A Multimodal Critical Discourse Study of Persuasive Strategies and Identity Construction in Admission Adverts of Select Private University Websites
Authors: Akpati Chibuzor , Mathew Aderoju
Published: July 2023

In advertisement, language is a cardinal tool for the dissemination of information to the public. It is a structured system of communication which in most cultures has a visual or graphical representation encoded into symbols. Crucial to print and media advertisements is persuasion. Schmidt and Kess define persuasion as “the process of inducing a voluntary change in someone's attitude, beliefs, or behavior through the transmission of a message.” Every form of discourse makes use of persuasion in one way or the other. For any advert to be effective and considered as persuasive discourse, it must be entertaining, catchy, and above all meet the needs of its target audience. Persuasive and informative content is also held in images. There are different strategies in advertising which include reduction, tunneling, self-monitoring, etc.; rhetorical triangles are important and are used in modern advertising to create compelling and persuasive campaigns that can move an audience. This triangle includes ethos, pathos, and logos.
The Construction of Identity in Nigerian Universities' Vision and Mission Statements
Authors: Ajiboye Simeon
Published: July 2023

This chapter unpacks contextual contents of the Nigerian universities' vision and mission statements which have largely been neglected in the scholarship concerning identity construction, especially from the angle of promotional discourse. Ninety universities were selected, thirty each from federal, state, and private universities for equal and holistic distribution and genralisation. The data were analysed with the theoretical help of the notion of indexicality principles and construction grammar theory. The findings reveal two broad categories of identity: social-informed and education-informed identities. These identities were constructed through infinitival clauses, implicit and explicit legitimatization, metphoraisation and lexicalization. The chapter concludes beyond advertising, the Nigerian universities' vision and mission statements provide, they equally positioned Nigerian universities as tolls of development. Hence, funding them should be the utmost priority of the government.
A survey on management practices and attitudes of broiler buy-back farmers towards farm animal welfare in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka: a case study of a commercial broiler chicken processing company
Authors: Senevirathna G. G. U. L. B. , Bandara R. M. A. S. , Samarakone T. S. , Weerasinghe W. P. C. G.
Published: July 2023

Contract grower/buy-back farming system is well established in the present poultry industry in Sri Lanka. This study assessed farmer profile, key management practices and attitudes of the buy-back farmers towards broiler chicken welfare. A total of 40 buy-back farmers in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka were interviewed via telephone conversations using an open structured type questionnaire. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Relationships among variables were computed by Ordinal Logistic Regression. Majority (56%) of the farmers were in between the age group of 35-50 y, and 17.6% were females. The most popular flock sizes were in between 1000-5000 birds (64.1%). All the farmers stated that they purposely check for sick or injured birds and 97.4% of them practiced isolation of sick birds. However, no one euthanized severely injured or sick birds. All farmers informed that they practice up-right position when catching and handling birds. Half of the farmers (56.4%) were not well aware of concepts of farm animal welfare. Farmers’ attitudes on farm animal welfare, transportation, and slaughtering were compared with farmers’ profile and resulted in no significant relationship. There was a positive relationship that tend to be significant (P = 0.051) with welfare awareness (YES) vs the welfare positive attitudes on handling of birds. When flock size increased, farmers’ awareness of pain of birds was significantly decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, a considerable number of buy-back farmers had poor or uncertain attitudes regarding broiler chicken welfare, and their management practices were mostly production-focused. It is suggested that poultry welfare awareness programs would be beneficial to improve farmers' positive attitudes to ensure the welfare of broiler chickens.
Perseverance: Some Reflections on 55 Years of the Canadian Sea King
Authors:   Shearwater Aviation Museum, (Retd.) Colonel
Published: July 2023

On August 1, 1963, the first two Canadian Sea King helicopters arrived at their new home station, Shearwater, Nova Scotia and joined the Royal Canadian Navy. On Saturday, December 1, 2018, three Canadian Sea King helicopters, now part of the Royal Canadian Air Force, made their final flight over their home station at Patricia Bay, British Columbia. This paper outlines some of the highlights of the intervening 55 years with particular emphasis on procurement and fleet introduction, the helicopter's rapid change of roles from dedicated anti-submarine warfare helicopter to a general-purpose surveillance platform for the First Gulf War and finally, the truly amazing accomplishments of the Canadian Sea Kings in the year 2010. It is worth bearing in mind that although the personnel may have changed and the roles and equipment of the aircraft have been modified, the requirement to provide ‘Wings for the Fleet’ has remained constant over the years.
Health-Aware Digital Enterprise - A Blueprint for Digital Thread Integration for Future Vertical Lift Sustainment
Authors:   Bell Textron Inc., Thomson Mark , Caraway Logan , Tucker Brian
Published: July 2023

A primary factor for the development of military avionics systems is the requirement for a Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA). The US Department of Defense (DoD) is driving MOSA-compliant systems to achieve benefits in cost and flexibility within their procurements. MOSA definitions are examined in light of advances in computing disciplines that open the interfaces necessary for the aircraft operator to update and manage their fleet's Health Awareness Systems (HAS). Opening the relevant HAS interfaces via software configuration toolsets and MOSA building blocks avoids contracting for costly software changes and gives control of the update to the operator. Two business related factors are presented for consideration in developing the best way forward while using MOSA principles to guide development. These factors are (1) Intellectual Property (IP) and (2) the underlying investments companies make to develop IP. The need to routinely update the HAS to incorporate fleet lessons learned is inherent in the system's support. Updates may also reflect new methodologies that deliver the desired system control to the operator. The paper demonstrates a MOSA-compliant architecture via an example. Within the example, efficiencies are driven by an end-to-end Digital Thread that minimizes errors and rework while reducing the overall cost of change for the full platform lifecycle. The approach enables organic operator support, lowering the overall cost of aircraft operations. The design and support of the platform’s Health Awareness System benefits from the application of linked-automation.
Automated Component Tracking Technologies for Future Vertical Lift
Authors:   Honeywell Aerospace, Bharadwaj Raj ,   US Army CCDC AvMC, Moffatt John , Borck Hayley
Published: July 2023

Over the last decade or more there has been a concerted push to move from on condition to predictive maintenance to improve rotorcraft availability and cost competitiveness of sustainment (Ref. 1-2). The US Army, along with industry partners, have been working on the development of prognostics for complete rotorcraft coverage. It has been identified that accurately capturing maintenance actions is needed to improve the accuracy of prognostics for better component health state awareness. Further to achieve the Army's vision for Zero Maintenance rotorcraft and meet the Maintenance Free Operating Period (MFOP) (Ref. 3) requirements for the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program, it's essential to have an automated configuration management system. To help meet these objectives, the Army and Honeywell are working on the Rotorcraft Automated Component Tracking (RACT) Science and Technology (S&T) development program. This paper discusses the research being conducted to enable the Army's RACT concept done by the Honeywell team and the CCDC AvMC. It identifies the current state of RACT technologies and challenges of integrating such technologies into the rotorcraft environment.
Visual Augmentation for Personal Air Vehicles During Flight Control System Degradation
Authors:   Technical University Munich (TUM), Mehling Tim ,   University of Zagreb, Vrdoljak Milan , Halbe Omkar , Heller Matthias , Hajek Manfred
Published: July 2023

Successful human intervention will be central to any emerging autonomous aerial transport platform, such as personal aerial vehicles (PAV), for the safe conduct of flight. This paper proposes a concept to compensate a partial failure of the autonomous flight guidance by handing over control of the aircraft to a passenger and analyzes the associated human factors. First, a novel waypoint guidance law is designed that generates the desired roll commands for navigation to a designated safe landing spot. Second, two novel guidance display concepts are developed, one for the primary flight display (PFD), and another for the helmet mounted display (HMD), which indicate the desired roll commanded by the guidance law. Third, the guidance law and display concepts are integrated into a high-fidelity, wide field-of-view flight simulation environment and a static mock-up of a conventional helicopter cockpit. Humanin-the-loop experiments were performed with test subjects to analyze the effectiveness of the guidance law and display concepts, and to evaluate piloting performance by non-professional pilots. Various mission task elements were analyzed in these experiments and, in order to intensify workload, a disturbance was included together with a guidance law for commanded roll of PAV. Navigation performance, test subjects' ratings and workload are measured by a combination of objective and subjective analyses. Results indicate that all test subjects were able to reach a close vicinity of the landing spot. Furthermore, the HMD concept shows a lower workload with equal or better navigation performance when compared to the PFD concept.
Methodology Correlation for Coaxial Rotor and Blade Load Prediction
Authors:   Sikorsky a Lockheed Martin Company, Zhao Jinggen , Brigley Mikel , Modarres Ramin , Xin Hong
Published: July 2023

This paper focuses on rotor blade loads analysis and correlation for coaxial rotor applications. Predicted rotor blade loads from two methodologies used in-house at Sikorsky Aircraft were compared with flight test data from a coaxial rotorcraft. The flight conditions for the correlation range from low speed transition flight to high speed cruise flight and a pull-up maneuver. The methodologies being correlated include both a high-fidelity CFD/CSD (Computational Fluid Dynamics coupled with Computational Structural Dynamics) methodology and the Sikorsky-proprietary flight dynamics simulation tool, GENHEL. Detailed blade load correlations were presented at multiple representative flight conditions. In addition, a survey of the prediction accuracies from these tools were carried out to quantify the overall prediction accuracy using critical metrics for both blade structure load sizing and rotor vibrations to support practical design application.
Holistic Life Management of Damage Tolerant Airframes
Authors:   Sikorsky A Lockheed Martin Company, Toni Darryl , Sarlashkar Avinash
Published: July 2023

Advancements in Damage Tolerant Airframe Structures in combination with Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) have created an opportunity to exploit the synergies in these technologies to change the paradigm for Airframe Life Management for future Aircraft. In the last decade or more, Sikorsky has validated multiple production helicopter Airframes using Damage and Flaw Tolerant certification requirements. The experience of the authors of this paper contributed to the recent joint services and industry development of the Rotorcraft Structural Integrity Program (RSIP as specified in MIL-STD-3063) for design of future military rotorcraft. In addition, Sikorsky has also developed a range of technologies relevant to SHM to reduce over-inspection and maintenance to drive increased operational availability. Combined, these developments will allow new Airframe designs to meet the US Army's new requirements for Maintenance Free Operational Periods (MFOP), for example 200 flight hours for the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) rotorcraft.
A Contract Based Approach to Collision Avoidance for UAVs
Authors:   Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Alimbayev Talgat , Moy Nicholas , Nallan Kaushik , Mishra Sandipan , Julius A.
Published: July 2023

In this work, a contract-based reasoning approach is developed for obstacle avoidance in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV's) under evolving subsystem performance. This approach is built on an assume-guarantee framework, where each subsystem (guidance, navigation, control and the environment) assumes a certain level of performance from other subsystems and in turn provides a guarantee of its own performance. The assume-guarantee construct then assures the performance of the overall system (in this case, safe obstacle avoidance). The implementation of the assume-guarantee framework is done through a set of contracts that are encoded into the guidance subsystem, in the form of a set of inequality constraints in the trajectory planner. The inequalities encode the relationships between subsystem performance and operational limits that ensure safe and robust operation as the performance of the control and navigation subsystems and environment evolve over time. The contract inequalities can be obtained analytically or numerically using an optimization based path planner and UAV simulation. The methodology is evaluated in the context of head-on obstacle avoidance, where the contracts are constructed in terms of (1) minimum obstacle detection range, (2) expected obstacle size, (3) maximum allowed cruise velocity, (4) maximum allowable thrust, roll and pitch angles, and (5) inner-loop tracking performance. Numerical and analytical generation of these contracts for this scenario is demonstrated. Finally, in-flight contract enforcement is illustrated for typical scenarios.
Concept for an Aeronautical Design Standard (ADS) - Performance Specification for Autonomy Requirements of Military Air Systems
Authors:   US Army CCDC AvMC, Preston John
Published: July 2023

This concept for an Aeronautical Design Standard for autonomous systems is methodology to determine the acceptable level of supervision for autonomy in military systems. The level of autonomy is directly related to the level of supervision required for the trust in the autonomous system functionality. The approach defines representative Autonomous Task Elements (ATEs), operational considerations, and levels of autonomy. Each ATE is characterized by an objective, description, and performance standards. Performance standards are expressed as metrics related to the trust in the autonomous behavior and the system’s capability to conduct the ATE. The capability of the autonomous system to meet performance standards is expressed as risk. This risk is compared to specified operational / allowable limits. The corresponding acceptable level of autonomy for the ATE is then determined using the probability of failure to meet the limits. The approach for this concept autonomy ADS parallels ADS 33E-PRF for the assignment of Levels of Handling Qualities based on measurable flight performance characteristics.
Processing and Property Comparison of High-Temperature Carbon/BMI Composites
Authors:   The Pennsylvania State University, Waller Matthew , Koudela Kevin , McIntyre Sean
Published: July 2023

Bismaleimide (BMI) resins are commonly used in advanced carbon composites for their high service temperature and excellent mechanical properties. In this study, two different BMI resins were compared: 1) formula RS-8HT, a high-cure temperature resin requiring pressurized consolidation, and 2) formula BMI-2, a lower cure temperature resin compatible with vacuum bag only fabrication. The objective was to identify a suitable high-temperature resin system for hybrid aerospace gear application, however, these materials are applicable to a variety of hot-zone parts. Laminates were fabricated from each resin type and characterized by their fiber volume fraction, compression strength vs. temperature, and glass transition temperature (Tg). Optical microscopy was performed to verify laminate quality. It was found that the carbon/RS-8HT laminates were prone to thermally-induced cracking, especially during post-cure. Carbon/BMI-2 laminates were found to attain a high degree of cure and high Tg from a realtively low temperature cure, without crack development. Additionally, the fiber volume fraction of the carbon/BMI-2 laminates, which were fabricated by a vacuum bag only process, were similar to that of the autoclave-processed carbon/RS-8HT laminates.
Structural Integrity Challenges for Future Rotorcraft Programs
Authors:   US Army CCDC AvMC, E. Robert
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a prioritized list of structural integrity challenges that future rotorcraft programs will face from the author's perspective. Discussion will present both technical and nontechnical challenges from the perspective of a co-author of MIL-STD-3063, the standard practice for a Rotorcraft Structural Integrity Program. The paper provides details for each challenge, as well as potential solutions from the author's perspective. Although not previously shared in a public forum, the author used earlier versions of the list as motivation for efforts that ultimately led to the development of MIL-STD-3063.
GPS-BASED Airspeed Calibration for Rotorcraft: Generalized Application for All Flight Regimes
Authors:   Airbus Helicopters Inc., Hamel Denis , Kolarich Alexander
Published: July 2023

FAA rotorcraft airworthiness regulations require calibration of pitot-static systems in all flight regimes. Of all methods commonly used, none has been applied in a manner showing full compliance, specifically in the takeoff phase and in determining CG (Center of Gravity) effects. A review of accepted Position Error Correction methods identifies the GPS-based true airspeed method, with an adapted execution and analysis technique, as the most practical in terms of equipment and efficiency to provide a complete airspeed system calibration. The level flight limitations of the GPS method are solved by a combination of flight profiles, continuous data recording and reduction technique. The GPS horseshoe method and the ORBIS constant turn radius method are expanded by varying the airspeed, altitude, and heading as required to provide an equation set solved for the wind components and true airspeed. The new variable parameter methods minimize wind variability effects and flight test time.
Food safety knowledge and climate in the university canteens of three European countries
Authors: Vidaček Filipec Sanja , Ratković Petra , Bittsánszky András , Tóth András József , Lima João PM , Rocha Ada
Published: July 2023

The association of food safety knowledge and climate with gender, education level, length of employment, food safety training, and professional role was measured using a 15-item food safety climate survey and a 20-item food safety questionnaire on a sample of 263 employees from 19 small and medium-sized university canteens of Croatia, Hungary, and Portugal. The relationship between knowledge and climate and the demographic determinants of both variables were examined. Food safety knowledge was inadequate (45.5% of correct responses), while perceptions of food safety, as measured by the food safety climate survey, were positive (2.69 out of a maximum of 3.00). The perception of resources in canteens was the least favorable across all countries. Leaders did not exhibit better food safety knowledge or perceptions. Food safety climate and knowledge were significantly positively correlated and influenced by training. Perceptions of food safety compared to employee knowledge levels indicated that some employees were overly optimistic about food safety risks. Therefore, food safety knowledge and food safety climate should be assessed in parallel, and both could be improved through ongoing training of employees, especially leaders.
Association between metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and chronic depression: a postmenopausal women prevention study
Authors: Palmiero Pasquale , Maiello Maria , Amati Francesca , Ciccone Marco Matteo , Paul Timir
Published: July 2023

Background. Chronic depression (CD) is common among postmenopausal women and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The diagnosis of CD is a challenging problem in clinical practice which is vastly underdiagnosed. CD detection in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome (MetS) or hypertension is necessary for CVD prevention. Our study aims to assess the prevalence of CD in postmenopausal women and the relationship between CD and MetS or hypertension. Results. The rate of CD was significantly higher among postmenopausal women with MetS compared with the control group [18% versus 8%; Odds ratio (OR) 2.2, P<0.007]. The CD rate was significantly higher among women with MetS and hypertension (21% versus 8%; OR 2.7, P<0.0000). The rate of CD was similar between women with MetS and women with hypertension, 18% versus 21%; OR 0.8, P<0.44) and between women with metabolic cardiomyopathy and hypertensive cardiomyopathy (10% versus 8%; OR 1.1, P<0.65). Conclusions. There is a relationship between MetS and CD, which is stronger when compared to women with hypertension. There is a need to improve the diagnosis of CD in postmenopausal women with MetS or hypertension as unrecognized and untreated CD is associated with a poor outcome.
A framework to develop technopreneurs in digital agriculture value chains in South Africa
Authors: Smidt Hermanus J. , Jokonya Osden
Published: July 2023

Background: The coronavirus epidemic together with Industry 4 has created several disruptors that transformed workplaces and markets. This also highlighted the need to rethink and find alternative approaches to secure future work for unemployed graduates and youth. Digital technology adoption in agriculture value chains (AVCs) creates opportunities for the development of technopreneurs that can help to address this issue of unemployment.Objectives: This study aimed to understand how an institutional framework can support the inclusive development of technopreneurs in digital AVCs. This should align to government policies and the opportunities created by Industry 4.0.Method: A systematic literature review (SLR) assessed numerous frameworks that aligns with government policies and strategies associated with digital for development (D4D). The final outcome is a framework that lists the institutions to support the development of technopreneurs in digital AVCs in South Africa.Results: Provincial digital innovation hubs and district agro-food sustainable knowledge hubs are suggested for implementation. The adoption of digital technology in AVCs is encouraged by these institutions that create future work and enterprise creation opportunities for unemployed graduates and youth.Conclusion: An alternative conceptualisation of the emergence of technopreneurs is envisioned in order to address the research question. This will assist to better understand the institutional arrangement needed to support the development of technopreneurs in AVCs.Contribution: This research adds to D4D literature as such a framework does not exist in South Africa. In the future, this will assist practitioners and academics in better organising, conceptualising and carrying out their investigations.
Review of Image Classification Algorithms Based on Graph Convolutional Networks
Authors: Tang Wenhao
Published: July 2023

In recent years, graph convolutional networks (GCNs) have gained widespread attention and applications in image classification tasks. While traditional convolutional neural networks (CNNs) usually represent images as a two-dimensional grid of pixels when processing image data, the classical model of graph neural networks (GNNs), GCNs, can effectively handle data with graph structure, such as social networks, recommender systems, and molecular structures. In this paper, we will introduce the problems that graph convolutional networks have had, such as over-smoothing, and the methods to solve them, and suggest some possible future directions.
Upper Miocene ostracods from the Krško Basin, SE Slovenia
Authors:   Geological Survey of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Marinšek Miha , Hajek-Tadesse Valentina ,   Croatian Geological Survey, Zagreb, Croatia, Poljak Marijan , Kolar-Jurkovšek Tea ,   Geological Survey of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Gale Luka ,   Geological Survey of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study was to identify the ostracod assemblage from a 43 m thick section of the Bizeljsko Formation, which constitutes the middle part of the Upper Miocene Posavje Group. The succession comprises sandstone, siltstone, and marlstone, deposited in a delta front environment. The determined ostracods belong to the families Cyprididae, Cytheridae, Darwinulidae, and Loxoconchidae. In total, 30 species were identified. Additionally, 8 morphotypes were determined at the genus level. The most common genera are Candona, Hemicytheria, and Cyprideis. The assemblage belongs to the Caspiocypris labiata subzone from the upper Pannonian. The ostracod assemblage from the Krško Basin is similar in species composition to Pannonian ostracod assemblages from Croatia and Serbia.