bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Path Planning Model with a Genetic Algorithm for Stock Inventory Using a Swarm of Drones
Authors: Gubán Miklós , Udvaros József
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a mathematical model and solution for performing the inventory tasks of a multi-user, mixed warehouse in which neither satellite positioning nor other IT solutions can be used was presented. After reviewing the literature on road planning and the use of drones in warehouses, a method is presented that can be used to control drones that can be moved in all directions for imaging and transmission. The proposed method consists of three main steps. As a first step, we provide the mathematical model and solution method needed to determine the (optimal execution time) access routes required for processing the compartments of the warehouses. This is an initial step before starting the inventory. This considers the structure of the warehouse, its features, the number of drones, and the parameters of the drones. In the second step, based on the routes obtained in the first step, the real-time movement of the drones was controlled during processing, including camera movement and image recording. The third step is post-processing, i.e., processing the images for QR code identification, interpreting the QR code, and recognizing empty compartments for inventory control. A major advantage for users of the solution method is that the result can be achieved automatically without an external orientation device, relying solely on its own movement and the organization of a pre-planned route. The proposed model and solution method are suitable not only for inventory control, but also for solving other problems matching the model.
Synergistic Use of Sentinel-2 and UAV Multispectral Data to Improve and Optimize Viticulture Management
Authors: Stolarski Oiliam , Fraga Hélder , Sousa Joaquim J. , Pádua Luís
Published: November 2022

The increasing use of geospatial information from satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been contributing to significant growth in the availability of instruments and methodologies for data acquisition and analysis. For better management of vineyards (and most crops), it is crucial to access the spatial-temporal variability. This knowledge throughout the vegetative cycle of any crop is crucial for more efficient management, but in the specific case of viticulture, this knowledge is even more relevant. Some research studies have been carried out in recent years, exploiting the advantage of satellite and UAV data, used individually or in combination, for crop management purposes. However, only a few studies explore the multi-temporal use of these two types of data, isolated or synergistically. This research aims to clearly identify the most suitable data and strategies to be adopted in specific stages of the vineyard phenological cycle. Sentinel-2 data from two vineyard plots, located in the Douro Demarcated Region (Portugal), are compared with UAV multispectral data under three distinct conditions: considering the whole vineyard plot; considering only the grapevine canopy; and considering inter-row areas (excluding all grapevine vegetation). The results show that data from both platforms are able to describe the vineyards’ variability throughout the vegetative growth but at different levels of detail. Sentinel-2 data can be used to map vineyard soil variability, whilst the higher spatial resolution of UAV-based data allows diverse types of applications. In conclusion, it should be noted that, depending on the intended use, each type of data, individually, is capable of providing important information for vineyard management.
LiDAR-Assisted UAV Stereo Vision Detection in Railway Freight Transport Measurement
Authors: Li Jiale , Zhou Wei , Gong Wei , Lu Zhaijun , Yan Hongkai , Wei Wanhui , Wang Zhixin , Shen Chao , Pang Jiahong
Published: November 2022

Identifying and detecting the loading size of heavy-duty railway freight cars is crucial in modern railway freight transportation. Due to contactless and high-precision characteristics, light detection and ranging-assisted unmanned aerial vehicle stereo vision detection is significant for ensuring out-of-gauge freight transportation security. However, the precision of unmanned aerial vehicle flight altitude control and feature point mismatch significantly impact stereo matching, thus affecting the accuracy of railway freight measurement. In this regard, the altitude holding control strategy equipped with a laser sensor and SURF_rBRIEF image feature extraction and matching algorithm are proposed in this article for railway freight car loading size measurement. Moreover, an image segmentation technique is used to quickly locate and dismantle critical parts of freight cars to achieve a rapid 2-dimension reconstruction of freight car contours and out-of-gauge detection. The robustness of stereo matching has been demonstrated by external field experiment. The precision analysis and fast out-of-gauge judgment confirm the measurement accuracy and applicability.
Sound Propagation in Cigar-Shaped Bose Liquids in the Thomas-Fermi Approximation: A Comparative Study between Gross-Pitaevskii and Logarithmic Models
Authors: Zloshchastiev Konstantin G.
Published: November 2022

A comparative study is conducted of the propagation of sound pulses in elongated Bose liquids and Bose-Einstein condensates in Gross-Pitaevskii and logarithmic models, by means of the Thomas-Fermi approximation. It is demonstrated that in the linear regime the propagation of small density fluctuations is essentially one-dimensional in both models, in the direction perpendicular to the cross section of a liquid’s lump. Under these approximations, it is demonstrated that the speed of sound scales as a square root of particle density in the case of the Gross-Pitaevskii liquid/condensate, but it is constant in a case of the homogeneous logarithmic liquid.
Surgical Outcomes of Three Repair Techniques for Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection in Adult Patients
Authors: Dokollari Aleksander , Cameli Matteo , Maccherini Massimo , Kafazi Haxhire , Veshti Altin , Sicouri Serge , Bonacchi Massimo
Published: November 2022

Objectives: To investigate primary and secondary surgical outcomes following transcaval repair (TCR), modified Warden repair, and transatrial repair techniques for partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections (PAPVCs) and sinus venosus atrial septal defects (ASDs). Methods: This is an observational cohort clinical study. Patients who underwent TCR, modified Warden repair, and transatrial surgical repair for PAPVC and ASD between January 2003 and October 2019 at our institution were included in the study. Patients had one of the surgical procedures based on the anatomy of the defect. Results: Ten patients, seven (70%) males and three (30%) females, were included in the analysis. Seven patients underwent TCR, two patients the modified Warden technique, and one patient underwent transatrial surgical repair. Mean age was 57 years ± 14.7. Mean EuroScore II was 3.4 ± 3.5. The baseline left ventricle ejection fraction was 45 ± 6.5%. No patient had previous stroke, pacemaker (PM) implantation, or myocardial infarction. Total cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping time were 123 ± 72.5 and 100 ± 48.5 min, respectively. Mean mechanical ventilation, mean intensive care unit, and mean hospital length of stay for the transcaval, modified Warden, and transatrial groups were 4.6 ± 10.7, 5.7 ± 8.8, and 10.5 ± 9.2 days, respectively. Superior caval or pulmonary venous obstruction, sinus node dysfunction, and PM implantation were not present at follow-up. The patient who underwent transatrial repair had died at 5.5-year follow-up due to myocardial infarction. Total survival rate at 6 years was 90%. Conclusions: The findings from this study elicit that all three techniques have low postoperative morbidity and are feasible and reliable procedures.
Seismic Soil–Structure Interaction of Three Historical Buildings at the University of Catania (Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Grassi Sabrina , Barbano Maria Serafina , Pirrotta Claudia , Morreale Gabriele , Imposa Sebastiano
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the soil–structure interaction of three historical buildings at the University of Catania using ambient noise. The results point out the different oscillation modes of Villa Cerami and Palazzo Boscarino buildings sharing a side. They also show different damping values, which are probably linked to the different rigidities of the structures, since one is a masonry building and the other is a reinforced concrete building without earthquake-resistant design. Villa Zingali Tetto, a reinforced concrete building without earthquake-resistant design, showed significant torsional effects, which may be related to the geometrical and material irregularities of the structure. Comparison of the buildings’ fundamental periods and site frequencies did not show potential soil–structure resonance effects. Modelling of the local seismic response confirms the obtained experimental site frequencies, suggesting that there are no important amplification factors. On the other hand, from both of the computed Spectral and Peak Ground Accelerations for an Mw 7.3 earthquake, intensity values were estimated for which Villa Cerami could suffer heavy structural damage, and Palazzo Boscarino and Villa Zingali Tetto very heavy non-structural damage. Additional engineering investigations, aimed at reducing seismic vulnerability, are necessary to improve the safety of these heritage buildings considering they are also used for educational purposes.
Expression Analysis of Brassinolide-Metabolism-Related Genes at Different Growth Stages of Pak Choi
Authors: Mao Guiling , Qi Xianhui , Bao Yue , Li Xuan , Wu Yinghua , Hou Leiping , Li Meilan
Published: November 2022

Pak choi needs to be exposed to low temperature (vernalized) before flowering will initiate. Early bolting caused by low temperature often occurs in spring and leads to significant economic losses. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to study the flowering process of pak choi. Brassinolide (BR) plays a certain role in the flowering process of pak choi. In order to better understand the role of BR in the flowering process of pak choi, the BR content in the shoot apices of pak choi at different growth stages was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the BR content increased after low-temperature treatment. With the progress of vegetative growth, the BR content decreased and reached the lowest at 10 days after transplanting (V10), then the content increased and reached a small peak at the critical period of floral bud differentiation (S0). After initiation of floral bud differentiation, the content decreased at floral bud differentiation stage 1 (S1), and then gradually increased and reached a peak at floral bud differentiation stage 3 (S3). In order to clarify the molecular mechanism of BR content changes, we analyzed the expressions of key enzymes coding genes in the BR metabolic pathway, and found that six major synthase-encoding genes (Bra008760, Bra030023, Bra036097, Bra027405, Bra011678, and Bra025409) were upregulated at the critical period of floral bud differentiation, leading to the increase in BR content, which were consistent with changes in the BR content. By analyzing the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the vegetative growth stage (V10) and the critical period of floral bud differentiation (S0), 21 DEGs were found to be related to BR metabolism. These findings can provide a reference for elucidating the molecular mechanism of BR regulating the flowering process of pak choi.
Forecasting the Reduction in Urban Air Pollution by Expansion of Market Shares of Eco-Friendly Vehicles: A Focus on Seoul, Korea
Authors: Jo Hanghun , Kim Seong-A , Kim Heungsoon
Published: November 2022

Due to global climate change, various countries have agreed upon the use of conventions. In this study, the eco-friendly vehicular policy on carbon neutrality implemented in Seoul, Korea, was examined. To this end, various policy-based scenarios were set, and the changes in automotive exhaust gas emissions were evaluated and compared. The evaluation method combined macroscopic and microscopic emission models as its analysis framework. Micro-traffic data available in Korea were used for analyses, and the results for all autonomous districts were derived to cover the entire area of Seoul. The findings confirmed that the most effective measure is the initial replacement of old, mid-size, or large diesel passenger cars with eco-friendly vehicles (Middle-sized: Scenario 2-1 5.52%, Scenario 2-2 6.86%, Scenario 3-1 80.93%, and Scenario 3-2 83.98%). The replacement of old vehicles exhibited the highest effect in all tested scenarios, while the initial replacement of diesel vehicles was more effective than the replacement of gasoline and liquified petroleum gas vehicles (Diesel: Scenario2-1 6.64%, Scenario 2-2 8.21%, Scenario3-1 86.23%, and Scenario 3-2 90.51%). Among the autonomous districts of Seoul, the Gangnam-gu area exhibited the largest emission-reduced effect among all the tested scenarios (Gangnam-gu: Scenario 2-1 5.80%, Scenario 2-2 6.74%, Scenario 3-1 80.44%, and Scenario 3-2 82.62%). Overall, it was demonstrated that the findings of this study may have significant policy implications in terms of urban emission changes pertaining to transportation.
Assessment of Different Experimental Setups to Determine Viral Filtration Efficiency of Face Masks
Authors: Filipić Arijana , Fric Katja , Ravnikar Maja , Kogovšek Polona
Published: November 2022

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many new materials and masks came onto the market. To determine their suitability, several standards specify which properties to test, including bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), while none describe how to determine viral filtration efficiency (VFE), a property that is particularly important in times of pandemic. Therefore, we focused our research on evaluating the suitability and efficiency of different systems for determining VFE. Here, we evaluated the VFE of 6 mask types (e.g., a surgical mask, a respirator, material for mask production, and cloth masks) with different filtration efficiencies in four experimental setups and compared the results with BFE results. The study included 17 BFE and 22 VFE experiments with 73 and 81 mask samples tested, respectively. We have shown that the masks tested had high VFE (>99% for surgical masks and respirators, ≥98% for material, and 87–97% for cloth masks) and that all experimental setups provided highly reproducible and reliable VFE results (coefficient of variation < 6%). Therefore, the VFE tests described in this study can be integrated into existing standards for mask testing.
Exploring the Impact of a Family-Focused, Gender-Transformative Intervention on Adolescent Girls’ Well-Being in a Humanitarian Context
Authors: Seff Ilana , Koris Andrea , Giuffrida Monica , Ibala Reine , Anderson Kristine , Shalouf Hana , Deitch Julianne , Stark Lindsay
Published: November 2022

While family functioning interventions show promise for improving adolescent girls’ well-being in humanitarian contexts, few programs employ a gender-transformative approach to maximize benefits for adolescent girls. This paper presents findings from a mixed-methods pilot evaluation of a whole-family, gender-transformative intervention conducted with Syrian refugee families in Jordan. The Siblings Support of Adolescent Girls in Emergencies program was implemented with 60 Syrian refugee households in Azraq and Za’atari camps in Jordan. A quantitative survey was administered to 18 households at baseline and endline, and researchers conducted qualitative interviews and focus group discussions with caregivers, paired interviews and participatory discussions with adolescents, and key informant interviews with program mentors. Paired t-tests revealed statistically significant improvements in mental distress, resilience, and gender equitable attitudes in the full sample and for girls only and marginally significant improvements in family functioning. Qualitative findings revealed improvements in four domains of girls’ well-being—self-efficacy, self-confidence, pro-social behavior, and mental health—through three primary pathways: family members’ increased gender equitable attitudes, healthier intrahousehold communication, and greater affective involvement. Findings from this mixed-methods evaluation point to the potential value in merging gender-transformative and whole-family approaches in humanitarian programming to maximize positive impacts for adolescent girls.
Impact of Voltage Application on Degradation of Biorefractory Pharmaceuticals in an Anaerobic–Aerobic Coupled Upflow Bioelectrochemical Reactor
Authors: Zhang Qiongfang , Wu Mei , Ailijiang Nuerla , Mamat Anwar , Chang Jiali , Pu Miao , He Chaoyue
Published: November 2022

Diclofenac, ibuprofen, and carbamazepine are frequently detected in the environment, where they pose a threat to organisms and ecosystems. We developed anaerobic–aerobic coupled upflow bioelectrochemical reactors (AO-UBERs) with different voltages, hydraulic retention times (HRTs), and types of electrode conversion, and evaluated the ability of the AO-UBERs to remove the three pharmaceuticals. This study showed that when a voltage of 0.6 V was applied, the removal rate of ibuprofen was slightly higher in the system with aerobic cathodic and anaerobic anodic chambers (60.2 ± 11.0%) with HRT of 48 h than in the control systems, and the removal efficiency reached stability faster. Diclofenac removal was 100% in the 1.2 V system with aerobic anodic and anaerobic cathodic chambers, which was greater than in the control system (65.5 ± 2.0%). The contribution of the aerobic cathodic–anodic chambers to the removal of ibuprofen and diclofenac was higher than that of the anaerobic cathodic–anodic chambers. Electrical stimulation barely facilitated the attenuation of carbamazepine. Furthermore, biodegradation-related species (Methyloversatilis, SM1A02, Sporomusa, and Terrimicrobium) were enriched in the AO-UBERs, enhancing pharmaceutical removal. The current study sheds fresh light on the interactions of bacterial populations with the removal of pharmaceuticals in a coupled system.
Residual Stresses in a High- and a Medium-Entropy Alloy due to TIG and Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Richter Tim , Schroepfer Dirk , Rhode Michael
Published: November 2022

The new alloying concept of multi-element systems with defined entropy (HEA—high-entropy alloy; MEA—medium-entropy alloy) is gaining increasing importance in materials research. Significantly improved properties or combinations of properties are shown by some HEA/MEA systems. Thus, primarily the production and resulting microstructures of HEA, as well as its properties, have been investigated so far. Furthermore, processing is a main issue in transferring HEA systems from the laboratory to real components. Since welding is the most important joining process for metals, it is crucial to investigate the influence of welding to guarantee component integrity. Welding leads to residual stresses, which significantly affect the component integrity. Hence, the focus of this study is the residual stress formation and distribution in a CoCrFeMnNi HEA and ternary CoCrNi MEA using two different welding processes: tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and solid-state friction stir welding (FSW). As a pathway for the application of HEA in this investigation, for the first time, residual stress analyses in realistic near-component specimens were performed. The residual stresses were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) on the surfaces of top and root weld side. The results were correlated with the local welding microstructures. The results show that both FSW and TIG generate significant tensile residual stresses on the weld surfaces in, and transverse to, the welding direction. In the case of FSW of the CoCrFeMnNi HEA, the longitudinal residual stresses are in the range of the yield strength of approx. 260 MPa in the weld zone.
Study on the Influence of Graphene Content Variation on the Microstructure Evolution and Properties of Laser Additive Manufacturing Nickel-Based/SiC Composite Cladding Layer on Aluminum Alloy Surface
Authors: Sun Fuzhen , Li Xiaoxu , Zheng Kaiyuan , Han Bo , Li Yan , Zang Yong , Pang Ming
Published: November 2022

A Ni25—10% SiC—X% graphene (mass fraction X = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5) composite cladding layer was prepared on a 6063 aluminum alloy substrate using laser cladding in order to enhance the comprehensive performance of the aircraft refueling interface. The effect of the graphene content on the organization and properties of nickel-based silicon carbide composite cladding layers was investigated by laser melting. The macroscopic morphology, microstructure, hardness, elemental changes, corrosion and wear resistance of the cladding layer were studied by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, a hardness tester, an X-ray diffractometer, an electrochemical workstation and an M-2000 frictional wear tester. The results indicated that the nickel-based clad layer without graphene incorporation had the worst forming, with a large number of pores and cracks in the cladding layer. Because graphene agglomerated easily, cracks were regenerated when the content of graphene was higher than 0.5%. The material phases of the cladding layer without graphene incorporation were mainly: Al3Ni2, Fe3Si and SiC. Due to the addition of graphene, the clad layer of specimen 2 was refined and a large number of hard phases, such as CrC and Cr23C6, were generated, which led to the increase in the hardness of the clad layer. When the content of graphene was further increased, the number of hard phases such as CrC and Cr23C6 produced in the cladding was relatively reduced due to the agglomeration of graphene, and the hardness of the cladding was reduced. As the impermeability of graphene reduces the diffusion of corrosive media to the substrate, the generation of hard-phase Al3Ni2 in the cladding layer makes the corrosion resistance of the cladding layer increase with the increase in graphene mass fraction. The result is that, when the content of graphene was 0.5%, the overall performance of the clad layer was the best, where its average hardness was increased by 40%, the average coefficient of friction was reduced by 12.7% and the wear rate was reduced by 60%.
Performance Test and Thermal Insulation Effect Analysis of Basalt-Fiber Concrete
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Zhang Shuo , Xin Song
Published: November 2022

This paper examines the feasibility of applying inorganic thermal-insulating concrete in high geothermal roadways in underground coal mines. This innovative material is based on a mixture of ceramsite, glazed hollow beads, cement, and natural sand, enhanced with varying degrees of basalt fibers. Fibers were used as a partial substitute in the mixture, in the following volumes: 0% (reference specimen), 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Their compressive strength, permeability resistance, and thermal conductivity were studied. A high content of fibers tends to entangle into clumps during mixing, resulting in a significant reduction in the mechanical properties of compressive strength. The appropriate amount of fiber content can improve impermeability, and the permeability height of 5% fiber concrete was reduced by 22.5%. Experiments on thermal behavior showed that an increase of basalt fibers leads to a significant reduction in thermal conductivity. For concrete containing 20% fiber, the thermal conductivity for the reference specimen (0%) in the wet state was reduced from 0.385 W/(m∙°C) to 0.098 W/(m∙°C). There was a slight increase in thermal conductivity when the temperature increased from 30 °C to 60 °C. Despite the reduced mechanical strength, the resulting concrete is well-suited for use in the insulation of underground roadways, as numerical simulations showed that insulating concrete with optimal fiber content (15%) can reduce the average temperature of the wind flow in a high ground temperature roadway of 100 m in length in a mine by 0.3 °C. The final cost-benefit analysis showed that insulating concrete has more economic benefits and broad development prospects when applied to high geothermal roadway cooling projects.
Modelling of the Process of Extrusion of Dry Ice through a Single-Hole Die Using the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) Method
Authors: Wałęsa Krzysztof , Górecki Jan , Berdychowski Maciej , Biszczanik Aleksandra , Wojtkowiak Dominik
Published: November 2022

This article presents the outcome of research on modelling the process of the extrusion of crystalline dry ice. The purpose of this process is to densify the material and obtain pellets of several millimeters in diameter. This reduces the sublimation rate in ambient conditions of the material whose temperature in a solid state is 195 K. A lower sublimation rate means a reduction of the loss of product in its final applications, which include refrigeration and reduction of atmospheric emissions of gaseous CO2. A ram-type extruder was considered in this analysis, in which dry ice was extruded through a single-hole die of varying geometry. The article presents the results of numerical analyses of the extrusion process, using a simulation method based on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) approach. The results from simulations were verified by the experimental data in terms of the maximum force required to complete the process, in order to assess the applicability of the proposed method in further research on dry ice compression.
On the Dimensionality and Utility of Convolutional Autoencoder’s Latent Space Trained with Topology-Preserving Spectral EEG Head-Maps
Authors: Chikkankod Arjun Vinayak , Longo Luca
Published: November 2022

Electroencephalography (EEG) signals can be analyzed in the temporal, spatial, or frequency domains. Noise and artifacts during the data acquisition phase contaminate these signals adding difficulties in their analysis. Techniques such as Independent Component Analysis (ICA) require human intervention to remove noise and artifacts. Autoencoders have automatized artifact detection and removal by representing inputs in a lower dimensional latent space. However, little research is devoted to understanding the minimum dimension of such latent space that allows meaningful input reconstruction. Person-specific convolutional autoencoders are designed by manipulating the size of their latent space. A sliding window technique with overlapping is employed to segment varied-sized windows. Five topographic head-maps are formed in the frequency domain for each window. The latent space of autoencoders is assessed using the input reconstruction capacity and classification utility. Findings indicate that the minimal latent space dimension is 25% of the size of the topographic maps for achieving maximum reconstruction capacity and maximizing classification accuracy, which is achieved with a window length of at least 1 s and a shift of 125 ms, using the 128 Hz sampling rate. This research contributes to the body of knowledge with an architectural pipeline for eliminating redundant EEG data while preserving relevant features with deep autoencoders.
Concurrent Aerobic Plus Resistance Training Elicits Different Effects on Short-Term Blood Pressure Variability of Hypertensive Patients in Relation to Their Nocturnal Blood Pressure Pattern
Authors: Caminiti Giuseppe , Iellamo Ferdinando , Perrone Marco Alfonso , Marazzi Giuseppe , Gismondi Alessandro , Cerrito Anna , Franchini Alessio , Volterrani Maurizio
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week concurrent training (CT) (i.e., aerobic plus resistance exercise) on short–term blood pressure variability (BPV) and BP values in hypertensive patients with non-dippper BP nocturnal pattern and underlying coronary artery disease. Material and Methods: The study included 72 consecutive patients who were divided into two groups according to the nocturnal BP pattern: dipping pattern (33 pts) and non-dipping (39 pts). Before starting CT and at 12 weeks, patients underwent the six minute walk test, ergometric test, assessment of 1-repetiton maximum (1 RM), and 24/h BP monitoring (24-h ABPM). Results: After CT, exercise capacity increased in both groups in a similar fashion. Twenty-four/h systolic BPV and daytime systolic BPV decreased significantly in the dipping group while they were unchanged in the non-dipping group (between groups changes: −1.0 ± 0.4 mmHg and −1.3 ± 0.9 mmHg; p = 0.02 and p = 0.006, respectively). Twenty-four/h systolic BP and daytime systolic BP decreased significantly in the dipping group while they were unchanged in the non-dipping group (between groups changes: −7.1 ± 2.6 mmHg and −7.8 ± 2.4 mmHg; p = 0.004 and p = 0.002, respectively). Nighttime systolic BP and BPV was unchanged in both groups. Twenty-four/h diastolic BP presented small but not significant changes in both groups. Conclusions: The effects of CT on BPV and BP were blunted in hypertensive subjects with a non-dipping BP pattern.
Thoracic Inlet in Cervical Spine CT of Blunt Trauma Patients: Prevalence of Pathologies and Importance of CT Interpretation
Authors: Kaewlai Rathachai , Chatpuwaphat Jitti , Butnian Krittachat , Thusneyapan Kittipott , Panrong Nutthanun , Lertpipopmetha Wanicha , Wongpongsalee Thongsak
Published: November 2022

Background: The thoracic inlet of blunt trauma patients may have pathologies that can be diagnosed on cervical spine computed tomography (CT) but that are not evident on concurrent portable chest radiography (pCXR). This retrospective investigation aimed to identify the prevalence of thoracic inlet pathologies on cervical spine CT and their importance by measuring the diagnostic performance of pCXR and the predictive factors of such abnormalities. Methods: This investigation was performed at a level-1 trauma center and included CT and concurrent pCXR of 385 consecutive adult patients (280 men, mean age of 47.6 years) who presented with suspected cervical spine injury. CT and pCXR findings were independently re-reviewed, and CT was considered the reference standard. Results: Traumatic, significant nontraumatic and nonsignificant pathologies were present at 23.4%, 23.6% and 58.2%, respectively. The most common traumatic diagnoses were pneumothorax (12.7%) and pulmonary contusion (10.4%). The most common significant nontraumatic findings were pulmonary nodules (8.1%), micronodules (6.8%) and septal thickening (4.2%). The prevalence of active tuberculosis was 3.4%. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of pCXR was 56.67% and 49.51% in diagnosing traumatic and 8.89% and 50% in significant nontraumatic pathologies. No demographic or pre-admission clinical factors could predict these abnormalities. Conclusions: Several significant pathologies of the thoracic inlet were visualized on trauma cervical spine CT. Since a concurrent pCXR was not sensitive and no demographic or clinical factors could predict these abnormalities, a liberal use of chest CT is suggested, particularly among those experiencing high-energy trauma with significant injuries of the thoracic inlet. If chest CT is not available, a meticulous evaluation of the thoracic inlet in the cervical spine CT of blunt trauma patients is important.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Genital Human Papillomavirus Infections among Women in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ashaka Oluwaseyi Sedowhe , Omoare Adesuyi Ayodeji , James Ayorinde Babatunde , Adeyemi Oluwapelumi Olufemi , Oladiji Femi , Adeniji Kayode Adebamiji , Okunade Kehinde Sharafadeen , Agbede Olajide Olubunmi
Published: November 2022

Regional variations exist in HPV prevalence worldwide despite reports of high prevalence rates among African women. Limited data on genital HPV prevalence necessitated this study with the aim of determining the prevalence of genital HPV and associated risk factors among women in Lagos, Nigeria. Exfoliated cervical cells were collected with consent from 165 women using a cervical brush. Viral DNA was extracted and amplified by nested PCR using two sets of consensus primers (MY09/11 and GP5+/6+). An unconditional logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of HPV positivity. The HPV prevalence was 81.82% in all women and 87.59% in women with normal cytology. The risk of HPV infection was significantly increased among women who had a history of STI (odds ratio (OR) 3.94; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.51–10.25, p = 0.005) while there was a significantly reduced risk of HPV infection among those who used condoms (odds ratio (OR) 3.94; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18–0.91, p = 0.03). The HPV prevalence observed shows an increased transmission of the virus in Lagos, Nigeria. Therefore, there is a need for intense public awareness and the implementation of early detection tests, treatment, and vaccination to prevent an increase in cervical cancer cases in Lagos, Nigeria.
A New Control Strategy for Energy Management of Bidirectional Chargers for Electric Vehicles to Minimize Peak Load in Low-Voltage Grids with PV Generation
Authors: Fakhrooeian Parnian , Pitz Volker
Published: November 2022

This paper introduces a new bidirectional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) control strategy for energy management of V2G charging points equipped with photovoltaic systems (PVs), considering the interaction between V2G chargers, electric vehicle (EV) owners, and the network operator. The proposed method aims to minimize peak load, grid infeed power, feeder loading, and transformer loading by scheduling EVs charging and discharging. The simulation experiments take into account three EV battery capacities as well as two levels of EV penetration. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, five scenarios are studied in a single feeder of a low-voltage (LV) distribution network in DIgSILENT PowerFactory, which comprises a combination of residential and commercial loads as well as PV systems. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed V2G strategy improves the paper’s objectives by providing ancillary services to the grid.
Analisis Kualitas Layanan My Pertamina Menggunakan Pendekatan e-GovQual pada Beberapa Kota Percobaan
Authors: Hikmawati Nina Kurnia
Published: November 2022

My Pertamina is an e-government application, launched as a loyalty and e-payment program that is expected to implement cashless transactions. In addition, My Pertamina is used to sell subsidized fuel so that it is right on target. Apparently this is still being discussed by various parties. The quality of this application, needs to be analyzed from the responses of users in the 11 cities of the trial district phase 1. The dataset used is responses from 100 users who were collected through a questionnaire. The method used to analyze service quality and determine the influencing variables is e-GovQual then validity and reliability testing is carried out with each result being 100% and 94.6%, which means that the questionnaire formed is valid and reliable to be used in this study. The analysis carried out on the results of filling out the questionnaire using multiple linear analysis with the results of the coefficient of determination shows that the dependent variable (Y) can be influenced by the independent variable (X) by 97.7%, while the remaining 2.3%. As for the correlation value of 0.989 or 98.9%, this means that there is a very strong influence between the quality of My Pertamina's services on user satisfaction. In addition, the results of hypothesis testing show that all hypotheses can be accepted because they have a positive and significant effect. Thus, the quality of Mypertamina's services can be maintained to support the government's program.
Analisis Risiko dan Keamanan Informasi pada Sebuah Perusahaan System Integrator Menggunakan Metode Octave Allegro
Authors: Deva B S , Jayadi R
Published: November 2022

PT. XYZ sebagai salah satu perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang System Integrator telah menggunakan teknologi informasi dalam menjalankan aktivitas bisnisnya. PT. XYZ merupakan penyedia solusi teknologi informasi dan komunikasi di Indonesia yang menyediakan layanan pengadaan & implementasi infrastruktur TI serta layanan keamanan teknologi informasi. Aset informasi yang dimiliki PT. XYZ adalah aset informasi internal perusahaan termasuk aset informasi terkait customer. Sehingga dibutuhkan manajemen sistem informasi yang handal dan mendukung prinsip keamanan informasi yaitu kerahasiaan, keutuhan, dan ketersediaan.  Pada tahun 2019 PT. XYZ mengalami insiden serangan ransomware yang mengakibatkan data – data proyek dan data customer ter-enkripsi. Hal ini berdampak terhadap produktivitas & reputasi perusahaan karena kehilangan aset informasi yang diperlukan. Dengan demikian diperlukan penilaian risiko untuk dapat menentukan  strategi mitigasi risiko sebagai langkah manajemen risiko dalam mengatasi dan meminimalisir dampak permasalahan terkait keamanan informasi. Metode penilaian risiko yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Metode OCTAVE Allegro yang menggunakan 8 tahapan untuk dapat mengidentifikasi, menganalisa dan menentukan pendekatan mitigasi risiko. Penelitian ini mengidentifikasi aset informasi perusahaan berdasarkan pengumpulan data melalui wawancara narasumber PT.XYZ dan observasi. Dengan metode OCTAVE Allegro ditemukan 6 area of concern yang berpotensi menjadi risiko keamanan informasi dimana aset informasi teridentifikasi memiliki skor risiko relative ≥ 30 yang termasuk tinggi dalam rentang skor  matriks risiko.  Dengan demikian, diperlukan penilaian risiko untuk dapat menentukan strategi mitigasi risiko.
Rancang Bangun Kit Pembelajaran Mikrokontroler Arduino untuk Menunjang Pelajaran Jarak Jauh Menggunakan Raspberry Pi
Authors: Utama J , Rahajoeningroem T , Firmansyah Y
Published: November 2022

Kondisi pandemi pada saat sekarang menjadi sebuah alasan terciptanya kit praktikum Mikrokontroler untuk keperluan praktikum secara daring. Kit praktikum ini dirancang sesuai dengan kebutuhan agar mahasiswa dapat melakukan praktikum sistem mikrokontroler meskipun dilakukan secara daring. Karena saat ini, kit praktikum masih belum dapat mendukung untuk keperluar pembelajaran secara daring. Oleh karena itu, Penelitian ini merancang sebuah kit praktikum Mikrokontroler Arduino untuk menunjang sebuah praktikum daring (online). Agar kit praktikum tersebut bisa digunakan untuk praktikum daring penelitian ini memanfaatkan teknologi Cloud Computing agar mahasiswa dapat mengakses kit praktikum dari rumah, sehingga siswa dapat melaksanakan praktikum secara daring. Dalam kit praktikum tersebut terdapat beberapa modul pembelajaran diantanya LED, 7 segment, LCD, Relay, Motor DC, Motor Servo, Motor Stepper, Sensor DHT11 dan Sensor Ultrasonik yang sudah tersambung dengan mikrokontroler Arduino Mega dan Rasbbery PI 3. Dengan akses internet mahasiswa sudah dapat memprogram kit praktikum Mikrokontroler dari rumah tanpa harus datang ke kampus. Adapun waktu komunikasi yang dibutuhkan untuk menghubungkan kit praktikum ke jaringan internet membutuhkan waktu 10 detik dan untuk menghubungkan siswa dengan kit praktikum membutuhkan waktu 16 detik.
Matemática financeira: finanças do cotidiano e financiamento imobiliário
Authors:   , Lima Luiz Antônio de
Published: November 2022

O presente trabalho inicia discorrendo sobre as diretrizes da educação referentes ao ensino de matemática financeira, nos diversos níveis escolares, de acordo com os parâmetros legais estatuídos, nacionalmente e regionalmente. Em prosseguimento, aborda os temas relacionados ao conhecimento de matemática financeira, contextualizando-a como instrumento de conhecimento afeto à cidadania e educação. Explana-se sobre educação financeira como estratégia nacional, apresentando temas, de forma crítica, sobre investimentos e poupança; educação e trabalho; inflação e financiamento imobiliário. Dando continuidade, são apresentados conceitos fundamentais de matemática financeira, tratando sobre capital, taxas de juros e regimes de capitalização. Para então, progredir para assuntos intimamente relacionados, porém mais complexos, tais como: taxas e suas particularidades; descontos e suas formas; os tipos de rendas e séries de pagamentos, quanto ao prazo da primeira prestação. O financiamento imobiliário é discutido, em destaque, abordando a legislação que rege o assunto. São apresentados os sistemas de amortização utilizados para quitação de financiamentos imobiliários no Brasil. A partir de definições básicas e dos conceitos expostos, são apresentados os seguinte sistemas: Sistema de Amortização Constante (SAC); Sistema Francês de Amortização (SFA) e Sistema de Amortização Crescente (SACRE). E, por fim, é feita uma proposta pedagógica com a finalidade de aplicação e consolidação de conceitos e fórmulas, através de apresentação de exercícios e sugestão de atividades relacionadas ao financiamento imobiliário.
Análise dos espaços geométricos e espaços vitais em conjuntos de habitação de interesse social como fatores intrínsecos do espaço vivenciado: estudo no vivendas Belo Vale e Miguel Marinho, Juiz de Fora
Authors:   , Castro Janaina Mendes de
Published: November 2022

Os empreendimentos de Habitação de Interesse Social têm sido alvo de diversos estudos realizados no meio acadêmico. Em uma ampla visão, a procura por melhores resultados nesses empreendimentos, além de proporcionar benefícios aos seus usuários, também aponta melhorias para a sociedade. No processo de interação entre pessoa-ambiente, o espaço físico resulta em um lugar significativo para o indivíduo, isso é determinado pelo tipo de relação e emoção que o indivíduo pode estabelecer com o espaço físico. O objetivo da presente pesquisa é buscar uma possível compreensão das espacialidades dos lugares projetados para Habitação de Interesse Social. Pressuposto a isto, estão as diferenças entre entender a consciência do morador no lugar objetivo e a existência subjetiva em meio aos objetos posicionados que contribuem para a identificação de lugares. Um é dado pela própria identidade de lugar do lugar e outro pela identidade de lugar do sujeito sobre o lugar. Com o suporte ambiental da estrutura proposta no modelo de desenvolvimento ecológico proposto por Bronfenbrenner (1977 e 1996), a pesquisa procedeu uma caracterização físico-espacial de unidades habitacionais em conjuntos residenciais por meio das atividades molares de seus moradores. A investigação é uma pesquisa exploratória e utiliza alguns conceitos da Psicologia Ambiental para abordar a identidade de lugar dos moradores das Habitações de Interesse Social. Além disso, tratará das espacialidades da arquitetura e urbanismo, tanto o ambiente físico, quanto aspectos do ambiente social dos moradores. O levantamento de dados da pesquisa será realizado a partir de uma abordagem documental e empírica, com a organização das informações técnicas, utilizando-se de plantas de arquitetura e urbanismo (pesquisadas por meio de levantamentos de arquivos oficiais do município e dados secundários), imagens do local e dados coletados através das pesquisas de referência (onde foram realizados questionários estruturados, entrevistas, walkthrough, e outros métodos).
Alocação de Capacitores em Sistemas de Distribuição de Energia Elétrica: uma Abordagem Baseada em Fluxo de Potência Trifásico Probabilístico Ótimo
Authors:   , Martins Antônio Sobrinho Campolina
Published: November 2022

O Fluxo de Potência é uma ferramenta vital para análise de sistemas de potência, seja por proporcionar a determinação dos mais diversos parâmetros elétricos em regime permanente, seja por subsidiar outros estudos, como o fluxo continuado ou análise de estabilidade. Sua formulação tradicional requer que sejam informadas variáveis de entrada determinísticas, como as que representam as configurações de geração e carga de determinada topologia. Entretanto, analisar o comportamento de um sistema sob uma perspectiva única apenas avalia uma condição específica de operação – o que não necessariamente traduz a realidade. Caso tal conjectura limitada seja empregada em estudos de planejamento de curto prazo, importantes erros podem ser provocados devido à discrepância entre as variáveis consideradas e aquelas manifestadas na prática. Buscando melhorar essas avaliações, o presente trabalho procura desenvolver e solucionar um problema de Fluxo de Potência Ótimo que apresenta uma formulação multi-cenário por meio do Fluxo de Potência Probabilístico, no qual a demanda do sistema passa a ser representada por uma variável aleatória. Para modelar os diversos cenários, é aplicada uma técnica de agrupamentos chamada K-Means. Buscam-se o posicionamento e dimensionamento ótimos de capacitores fixos e chaveados em sistemas de distribuição desequilibrados, considerando um horizonte de planejamento diário. Para isso, é proposta uma estrutura de otimização que trata de maneira individual cada uma das horas do dia, em uma abordagem que mistura técnicas clássicas e técnicas evolutivas. É alvo de otimização, também, a determinação da estratégia de chaveamento dos capacitores chaveados para cada hora do dia, com o intuito de minimizar o valor esperado das perdas totais diárias e evitar violações de tensão em cenários limítrofes, tendo como referência os valores ditos como aceitáveis de acordo com o Módulo 8 dos Procedimentos de Distribuição. Para aplicar o método proposto, foram feitos testes em topologias desequilibradas: IEEE 13, IEEE 37 e IEEE 123. Em todos os casos, foram constatadas melhoras em relação à energia total perdida e ao perfil de tensão. Além disso, foram levantadas comparações acerca da técnica de Fluxo de Potência Probabilístico desenvolvida, confrontando-a com o tradicional Método de Monte Carlo, possibilitando conclusões a respeito da precisão estatística do método e de seu desempenho computacional favorável.
Fortalecimento de políticas públicas de saúde e o impacto na judicialização: o estudo de caso do município de Simão Pereira/MG
Authors:   , Canedo Vivilyn Hagen Antônio
Published: November 2022

Este trabalho teve por escopo a comparação da eficiência das vias administrativa e jurisdicional para a implementação das políticas públicas de saúde. Concebido, a partir das teorias da argumentação jurídica e dos direitos fundamentais de Alexy (2017, 2020), como um mandamento de otimização que possui um núcleo essencial cuja efetividade é imperativa, o direito à saúde deve ser implementado a partir da consideração da limitação dos recursos financeiros do Estado. Partiu-se da hipótese de que as políticas públicas, em virtude de seu caráter universal e da prerrogativa da Administração Pública de efetivá-las mediante planejamento, constituem via prioritária diante da judicialização, uma vez que permitem a satisfação da demanda de um número maior de cidadãos a custos mais modestos que os alcançados pela via judicial. Uma pesquisa empírica realizada a partir da comparação de dados coletados no Município de Simão Pereira/MG nos anos de 2013 a 2020 com aqueles constantes do relatório de judicialização da saúde do CNJ referentes ao mesmo período proporcionou a confirmação desta hipótese. Procedeu-se, outrossim, uma análise dos dados coletados no Município campo desta pesquisa, com aqueles obtidos em relação ao Estado de Minas Gerais e à União. Por fim, realizou-se uma entrevista com a Procuradora do Município de Simão Pereira/MG, com a finalidade de confrontar a percepção dela com as inferências feitas a partir dos dados empíricos. Verificou-se que, através do fortalecimento das políticas públicas sanitárias, é possível ao gestor público aplicar melhor os recursos já escassos de forma a tornar efetivo o direito à saúde e diminuir a necessidade de que o cidadão recorra ao judiciário.