bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Smoking on SIRT3 and Selected Biochemical Variables in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Majeed Noor Abdulsatar , Hassin Mohammed Bahry
Published: November 2024

Background:

Smoking, a prevalent and detrimental habit, has long been recognized as a major risk factor for various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and various cancers.

Objectives:

This study aimed to examine the impact of smoking on sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrial sirtuin, and selected biochemical variables in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted, comprising 100 PD patients and a control group, with both groups further divided into smokers and non-smokers. Blood samples were collected to measure SIRT3 levels and assess various biochemical markers, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotrophic factors. Additionally, disease severity and motor function were evaluated using standardized clinical scales.

Results:

The results revealed a significant decrease in SIRT3 levels in smokers compared to non-smokers (P ≤ 0.05), suggesting a potential link between smoking and mitochondrial dysfunction in PD. Moreover, biochemical analyzes demonstrated higher levels of oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the smoking group, indicating an exacerbation of neuroinflammation and oxidative damage in PD patients who smoke. Interestingly, the study found no significant differences in disease severity and motor function between the two groups.

Conclusion:

The observed alterations in biochemical variables suggest that smoking may contribute to the dysregulation of essential cellular processes in PD pathogenesis.
The Association between Antiphospholipid and Coagulation in Pregnant Women with Blood Clotting
Authors: Awad Dabah Dakil , Saeed Iktefa Abdul Hameed Mohammed , Jasim Maha El.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a systemic hematological autoimmune disease characterized by a hypercoagulable state, which is associated with vascular thrombosis and/or obstetric morbidity characterized by miscarriage, fetal death, and/or premature birth.

Objective:

This research study aimed to estimate anticardiolipin [ACL; immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM] and lupus anticoagulant (LA) in pregnant women who have blood clots or who have previously miscarried and fetal intrauterine mortality.

Materials and Methods:

This study included 90 women, 60 of whom were pregnant women who had blood clots or had previously miscarried, as well as 30 nonpregnant women as a control group, aged from 20 to 41 years, from October 2022 to April 2023. The patients were referred to the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at a Teaching Hospital, Salahuddin. LA, ACL IgM, and ACL IgG were detected in serum by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

This study found that pregnant women have higher ACL IgM and IgG levels than nonpregnant women. The mean concentration (mean ±standard error) for ACL IgM was 23.43 ± 1.4, whereas ACL IgG was 33.11 ± 1.28, which is in contrast with the control group of ACL IgM (2.99 ± 0.22) and ACL IgG (3.51 ± 0.29). The differences were statistically significant (P = 0.0001). A significant increase in LA in pregnant women was 37.77 ± 1.14, whereas the control group had a lower mean amount of LA was 334.42 ± 1.05. Statistically significant differences were observed (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion:

Elevated levels of ACL and LA are the main cause of spontaneous recurrent abortions in women.
Role of Age and Sex on the Incidence of Leukemia in a Sample of Iraqi Patients
Authors: AL-Saidi Dahlia N.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Leukemia accounts for 8% of the total cancers in the population and is known as the world’s fifth most common type. Leukemia is not just a pediatric disease as most people assume. The disease consists of four main types and several sub-types, and only some are more common among children. Leukemic cells affect the other types of blood cells produced by the bone marrow, including red blood cells and platelets. Leukemia is typically caused by certain genetic defects that cannot be changed.

Objectives:

To find if there is a correlation between sex and age with the incidence of leukemia. However, the majority of epidemiologic studies have shown links between leukemia incidence and potential risk factors, including ionizing radiation exposure and chemicals. They have also shown that some of these factors, like smoking, infections, and family history of cancer, are simply modifiable. Understanding pertinent risk factors may therefore be important for leukemia prevention and mitigation.

Materials and Methods:

The current study was conducted on 100 patients with leukemia of all kinds, who visited Baghdad Teaching Hospital in the Medical City complex in Bagdad, Iraq, from January to September 2022. The diagnosis was confirmed based on bone marrow aspiration, blood film, flow cytometry analysis of cells, and genetic analysis using PCR.

Results:

In the current study, the results showed that acute lymphocytic leukemia has the high-test prevalence (42%) among cases followed by acute myelogenous leukemia (30%), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (9%), chronic myelogenous leukemia (7%), hairy cell leukemia (5%), natural killer cell leukemia (4%), and mast cell leukemia (3%). There was a significant association between sex and leukemia incidence (P = 0.009). Also, there was a significant correlation between age and the incidence of leukemia (P = 0.013).

Conclusion:

There is a correlation between sex and age with the incidence of leukemia.
Detection of Viruses in Dentin Caries and Necrotic Pulp Caries Using ELISA Technique in Mosul, Iraq
Authors: Shehab Enas Yaseen , AlTaie Anmar A. , Abdullah Basima A.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that can affect human teeth, and viruses play a hidden role in forming caries cavities and dental plaque.

Objectives:

This study attempted to assess the detection of the role of some viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type1 (HSV-1), and human papillomavirus (HPV) using the ELISA technique to detect the presence of viral antigens from three samples (dentine caries, necrotic pulp, and saliva) and to assess the relation between the presence of viruses and gender and age.

Materials and Methods:

From March 2022 to October 2022, samples were collected from 90 patients which were divided into three age groups, such as >20 years, 21–40 years, and ˂41 years, at the Dental Teaching Hospital of the University of Mosul. These patients represented both genders (45 men and 45 women).

Results:

The results indicated that the prevalence of HSV-1 was 66.6%, CMV was 68.8%, EBV was 86.6%, and HPV was 16.0% out of 90. The percentages of these viruses HSV-1, CMV, and EBV were higher in females than in males at 60.2%, 58.1%, and 43.4%, respectively, especially in the age group 21–40 years, with dominant of HSV-1 at 50%. Many studies focus on the role of bacteria in different types of dental caries, while the hidden role of viruses is excluded. Viruses play an important role in forming dental biofilm, and failed therapy may be due to viral infection.

Conclusion:

This study concludes that viruses in this study were detected in higher numbers in dentine caries, necrotic pulp, and saliva by ELISA technique, except human papillomavirus 16, which did not give any result.
Phenotypic Identification of Streptococcus mutans and Attendant Bacteria From Dentin Caries and Necrotic Pulp, and Its Correlation with Caries Activities Tests
Authors: Shehab Enas Yaseen , Abdullah Basima A. , AlTaie Anmar A.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Dental caries is a worldwide disease, which can affect all ages and sexes. The dominant bacteria and the first colonizer in dental plaque are Streptococcus mutans due to its adhesion to the hard surface, metabolizing of sugar, and forming tooth cavity if not treated will reach the root pulp, producing necrotic pulp.

Objectives:

The current study was designed to detect S. mutans and attendant bacteria in the oral cavity of patients with two types of caries (dentin caries and necrotic pulp), and its relation with MDFT score and Alban test.

Materials and Methods:

Two samples were collected from every 150 patients including one from dentin caries and the other from necrotic pulp, who have attended the Dental Teaching Hospital at the University of Mosul, in Mosul, Iraq with ages ranging between 6 and 76 years, and both sexes, from the beginning of March 2022 to the end of October 2022.

Results:

VITEK 2 compact system used to identify of S. mutans at a high number of 39 (32.5%) in dentin caries while Enterococcus faecalis gave a high number of 43 (35.8%) in necrotic pulp in addition to other different bacterial species were identified as Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus anginosus, Lactococcus acidophilus, Staphylococcus aureus, Actinomycus spp., Staphylococcus hominis, Enterococcus faecium, Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus garvieae, Lactococcus raffinolactis, Kocuria rosea, Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and the fungal Candida albicans. The sex had no significant correlation with other factors, while age had a significant effect at P < 0.05 level and pH of saliva had a significant effect at P < 0.01 with DMFT and lactobacillus count. The DMFT had a significant effect at P < 0.01 level with pH of saliva and count of S. mutans and Lactobacillus count at P < 0.05.

Conclusions:

The current study concluded that the cariogenic bacteria S. mutans was the most prevalent in dentin caries (carious lesion), and E. faecalis was the most prevalent in necrotic pulp by using VITEK 2 compact system, and the caries activities tests show pH of saliva had a significant effect with DMFT and lactobacilli colonies count and Streptococci colonies count.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Coexisting With Acute Intrathoracic Gastric Volvulus
Authors: Mohammed Yunusa D. , Rasaki Aliu
Published: November 2024

Gastric volvulus, a rare condition in children, is the twisting of the whole or part of the stomach to at least 180° about an axis, causing foregut obstruction with a life-threatening presentation and fatality if prompt diagnosis and intervention are not done. Association of gastric volvulus with congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a rare occurrence because of the temporal differences in their occurrence. This is because whereas gastric volvulus is a disease seen in adults, congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a disease seen in newborns. We report a case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia coexisting with intrathoracic gastric volvulus in a 9-year-old girl who had a successful prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention.
Scalable Information Systems for Agribusiness: Developing Farmers’ Digital Capabilities for E-commerce Platform Adoption
Authors: Pham Thi Tuan Linh , Taherdoost Hamed , Le Tuan-Vinh
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION: Digital transformation is considered as challenging yet imperative in Vietnam recently. In agriculture sector, one of the directions to comprehensively pro-mote digital transformation is to encourage and support farmers to promote their agribusiness on e-commerce platforms.OBJECTIVES: This study aims to exploratorily develop a framework for farmers’ digital capabilities for e-commerce agribusines and empirically examine how the dimensions of such developed framework impact farmers’ adoption of e-commerce platforms for promoting their agriculture products.METHODS: A mixed method study design is employed. We conduct a literature review of recognized databases and focus group technique to develop a framework for farmers’ digital capabilities for e-commerce agribusiness. Moreover, a field survey is designed to collect empirical data of farmers’ perceptions on adopting e-commerce agribusiness and quantitatively determine how dimensions of farmers’ digital capabilities could impact their adoption of e-commerce platforms. EFA (Exploratory Factor Analysis) and multiple regression are used for data analysis. RESULTS: Study findings show that the four dimensions of farmers’ digital capabilities for e-commerce agribusiness (Attitude toward e-commerce agribusiness, Basic ICT capabilities, E-commerce digital marketing capabilities, and Digital learning capabilities) positively contribute to their adoption of e-commerce platforms.CONCLUSION: This study proposes a framework for farmers’ digital capabilities and verifies that the four dimensions of the framework could significantly enhance farmers’ e-commerce platform adoption. We recommend several practical means to boost farmers’ adoption. Future research could apply our proposed framework to examine the formation of farmers’ e-commerce adoption in social platforms and offer solutions to enhanced agribusiness.
The Influence of Port Fuel Injection on Combustion of a Small Displacement Engine for Motorcycle
Authors: KATO Shoichi , HAYASHIDA Takanori , IIDA Minoru
Published: November 2024

The demands on internal combustion engines for low emissions and fuel consumption are increasing year by year. On the other hand, engines to be used in motorcycles need to provide high output and quick response to meet user desire. In order to realize low fuel consumption while keeping high performance, it is necessary to properly understand cyclic variations during combustion as well as the influence of the injection system on fuel control during transient periods.

The current paper reports on the results of a study in the influence of port fuel injection on combustion stability in a small displacement motorcycle engine, using both a series of experiments and CFD. The parameters of the injection systems under study are: (1) injection targeted area, (2) injection timing, and (3) fuel droplet size. The results of the current study show that injection aimed at the upstream wall yielded the best combustion stability. With injection aimed at the intake valve face, combustion stability deteriorated depending on injection timing and coolant temperature. Even when using an injector with good atomizing properties, combustion stability could not significantly be improved. Comparing CFD results with experimental result, it is shown that the cyclic variations of NMEP can be correlated with the mixture distribution in the cylinder. CFD results also shows that wall film quantity which can be expected to affect the transient behavior of the engine is relatively high with injection aimed at the upstream wall and low with injection aimed at the intake valve face.
395CC Air Cooled HSDI Engine Development to meet Proposed Bharat Stage -III Emission Norms
Authors: Kaleemuddin Syed , Asangihal B.B. , Bhattacharya S. , Rao G. Amba Prasad
Published: November 2024

Increase in automotive exhaust pollution and fuel prices have driven the nations to impose stringent emission norms for automotive engines. This has put enormous pressure on automotive industry to develop efficient and economical engine designs to compete with global market. In this regards at author's premises improvements are made in the 395CC single cylinder Natural Aspirated air cooled HSDI engine to meet proposed Bharat stage III emission norms. Modifications such as valve protrusion in cylinder head, reoriented higher velocity injection cam, with higher aspect ratio combustion bowl and added features in fuel injection system have been incorporated in the upgraded version of engine. Experimental engine optimization was done on engine dynamometer targeting for better power, bsfc and lower smoke which was achieved by optimization Finally emission optimization was done on chassis dynamometer for three wheeler vehicle on Indian driving Cycle (IDC).Engine dynamometer tests and emission tests have been recorded on both series and upgraded version of engine. Observed mass emission has given 27% reduction in HC +NOx, 53 % reduction in CO and 63% reduction in PM with the upgraded version without scarifying engine performance. Also engine was successfully upgraded to meet proposed Bharat Stage-III emission norms with ON- OFF EGR impingement. Analytical study was done for combustion pressure and heat release for predicting and validating the upgraded engine's performance.
Experimental Investigation of Performance and Emission Parameters of a Small Diesel Engine Using CNG and Biodiesel
Authors: NAJAFI Bahman , PIROUZPANAH Vahab , NAJAFI Gholamhassan , YUSAF Talal , GHOBADIAN Barat
Published: November 2024

The use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in diesel engines can be considered one of the optimum alternative solutions for reducing fuel consumption rate and pollutant emissions components from diesel engine. CNG can ideally replace diesel fuel; a 90% diesel was replaced by CNG, while remain 10% was used as a pilot fuel. Biodiesel was used as a pilot fuel in this research. Methyl ester of sunflower oil was the main component of the biodiesel that used in this project. The results of the engine tests on the basis of ECR-49 standard showed that increasing biodiesel percentage in pilot fuel compound resulting in reducing the combustion chamber peak pressure, exhaust engine temperature and ignition delay. The inherent biodiesel property CO and NOx emissions were seemed to be decreased; however UHC was found to be increased, this was due to incomplete combustion of B10% fuel compound.
Developments and Application of Expendable Salt Core Materials for High Pressure Die Casting to Apply Closed-Deck Type Cylinder Block
Authors: Yamada Youji , Yaokawa Jun , Yoshii Hiroshi , Anzai Koichi , Noda Yoshitaka , Fujiwara Akihito , Suzuki Toshiiku , Fukui Hiroyuki
Published: November 2024

This paper describes a technique of manufacturing expendable salt cores developed to form undercut shaped aluminum closed deck cylinder block by high pressure die casting (HPDC) process. The salt cores are comprised of Potassium Chloride-Sodium Chloride-Sodium Carbonate-Potassium Carbonate system whose liquidus point is between 873 and 973K. The bending strength of the developed salt core was more than 30MPa. The manufacturing process of the salt cores was the HPDC similar to the process for metallic alloys. This process offered high dimensionality and productivity of the salt cores.
Analytical Prediction and Measurement of Engine Mount Forces
Authors: Marudachalam Kannan , Choudhari Nilesh , Chandramouli P , Balla Vamsi Krishna
Published: November 2024

The demand for quieter vehicles is increasing with not only the advent of stringent Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) norms but also because of customer expectations. In motorcycles, tactile point vibration - handle bar, rider footrest, passenger footrest, and pillion handle - is a metric that characterizes the vibrational behavior. As engine is the most predominant source of vibration and noise, it is crucial to understand the dynamics of the engine and the transfer of engine forces from the engine to the structure supporting it.

This paper discusses a method of modeling the engine to predict mount forces, which are correlated with the experimentally measured data. The engine under study is a four-stroke single cylinder engine. Multi-body dynamics approach is used to predict the crank bearing loads and mount forces. A fully coupled engine model is built to capture the interaction between the piston-crank mechanism and the engine casing. The effect of modeling the crank bearing stiffness on the bearing loads is investigated and compared against those obtained using a simplistic assumption of a rigid crankshaft mounted on rigid crank bearings. The effect of engine casing flexibility on the bearing loads and mount forces is also investigated.

An engine-mounting fixture with multi-axis load cells has been built to measure the mount forces in a dynamometer test cell. Typically, accelerations are measured on the engine and the mount stiffnesses are required to calculate the forces transmitted to the supporting structure. In this particular exercise, forces transmitted from engine to supporting structure are directly measured using the load cells. These measured engine mount forces are in reasonable agreement with the analytical predictions. The influence of the flexibility of the engine casing and flexibility of the mounts on the frame side (engine isolation) is also investigated for a range of engine RPM.
Enhancement of Motorcycle Seat Comfort Using 3D Mesh Cushion of Thermoplastic Elastomer
Authors: Koyano Mitsue , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Ohara Takeshi , Yokoi Motoharu
Published: November 2024

To reduce pain in buttocks while sitting on and riding a motorcycle over a long period, a 3D mesh cushion of thermoplastic elastomer (hereinafter referred to as “3D mesh cushion”) was used to develop a double layered seat cushion that would correspond to a cushioning action (the motion of the seat cushion, in response to impact from the road) and that would exhibit superior performance over time (deterioration of seat cushion). In addition, to clarify the differences in performance between the 3D mesh cushion and a conventional polyurethane foam cushion (hereinafter referred to as “foam cushion”), a ride comfort testing machine was fabricated to reproduce riding conditions, and evaluation methods were established for sensing the cushioning action of the seat in the low frequency range during comfort evaluation testing and for assessing seat cushion deterioration. The 3D mesh cushion and the foam cushion were compared using above-mentioned evaluation method. As a result, it was clarified that the cushioning action and the cushion deterioration of the 3D mesh cushion were improved, and the 3D mesh cushion effectively reduced pain in buttocks.
Evaluation of direct methanol fuel cell systems for two-wheeled vehicles
Authors: MURAMATSU Yasuyuki , FURUKAWA Kazuyoshi , ADACHI Shuhei
Published: November 2024

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. succeeded in the development of a direct methanol type fuel cell (DMFC) powered motorcycle named the FC-me in 2005. (1) One of these models was leased to the Shizuoka prefecture government office in September of that year. During the course of this leased use a number of changes were observed in the performance of the fuel cell and the emissions, etc. As a result, it was learned that the cycle of starting and stopping had a major effect on the efficiency of the fuel use. In this report we introduce the results of the period of leased use and observations about the ideal format of the next-generation fuel cell motorcycle based on those results.
SUPPORTING OPEN ARCHITECTURE WITH PROFINET
Authors: Cantrell Wayne
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Supporting Open Architecture is a key to most major automation and control
suppliers. In every industry, there is a desire to make a unified control system
architecture that can easily integrate control system equipment from multiple
suppliers. Whether it is a Navy military application or an industrial
application, the needs are almost identical. Some of the keys to providing this
transparency among control systems are utilizing an open standard that can pull
together communications from multiple suppliers.

In this paper, SIEMENS will demonstrate the capabilities of utilizing an open
standard, which is PROFINET. By adhering to the PROFINET standards, Open
Architecture is achieved at many levels in a naval application. Open
Architecture is intended to yield modular, interoperable systems that adhere to
open standards with published interfaces. As will be demonstrated by this paper,
PROFINET provides these capabilities and more.

By implementing PROFINET as the infrastructure for OA, the military community
will see significant increases in its opportunities for innovation and
competition by providing an architecture to bring disparate systems from
multiple vendors together under a common platform. There will also be the
ability to reuse system components, so that reengineering is not always required
for every system. In addition, PROFINET will facilitate rapid technology
insertion, by allowing for the best product to be used for a particular
application. PROFINET also helps to reduce maintenance constraints by providing
for increased diagnostics. Because of the need for OA to deliver increased war
fighting capabilities in a shorter time at reduced cost, utilizing PROFINET will
pull information from multiple systems together more quickly than past systems.
Because of the modular concepts, PROFINET will allow for continuous innovative
design.
DEVELOPMENT OF A LIGHTWEIGHT, MULTI FUEL-CAPABLE, 30-kWe APU FOR
NON-PRIMARY POWER
Authors: Sykes David M. , Ratowski Jeffrey
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

A methodology for rapid development of purpose-built, heavy-fueled engines is
being created. The methodology leverages best-in-class computational tools,
component supplier expertise, user-programmable ECUs, and rapid prototyping to
quickly provide custom engines for demanding military applications. . First-tier
automotive suppliers are being used extensively on non-complex standard
components to reduce the development time. Our design methodology aggressively
eliminates unnecessary components and incorporates various other weight-saving
features to minimize system weight. The anticipated total development time to a
working prototype is less than 15 months for this first iteration of the
methodology, and will be further reduced for any subsequent design
iterations.
ROBOTIC WINGMAN
Authors: Lane Jerry , Antenori Frank , Dallas Andrew
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Robotic Wingman (RW) is an advanced unmanned systems concept integrated with
current operational tactics to enhance the force effectiveness of combat vehicle
platoon and substantially enhance the survivability of manned vehicles in combat
operations. Two approaches to RW; reconfiguring common fleet and new/unique
platoon vehicles. Each approach has its advantages in wingman operations. This
paper will discuss the approaches, the required technologies and program
implementations. RW combat effectiveness and advances in force survivability
will be assessed and discussed in both approaches.

Advanced technology including sensors, autonomy, communications and automated
behaviors will enable the RW to look, move, and act like companion manned
vehicle. For its optimum effectiveness, the RW wants to cause the enemy to
engage it first. The automation of the manned fleet to implement and achieve
unmanned system performance similar to manned operations and is required to fool
the enemy to not let it pass without intervention/engagement. New hardware and
software technologies are required to create the normal, manned-like operations
of the RW system and its supporting unit. Inherent advantages of unmanned
systems will enable RW configurations to survive multiple hits, perform degraded
operations and effectively execute decoy tasks. For effective RW operation,
including automation of fire control, target acquisition, armament (including
autoloaders), and advanced mobility sensors are needed to perform with man-like
agility and mission performance.

To be useful, the RW cannot add significant workload to its command tank,
otherwise platoon effectiveness will be negatively impacted. The RW must exhibit
tactical behaviors such as formation control and automated unit behaviors if its
command vehicle is hit. The RW must operate on high level commands and integrate
advanced robotic controls to see, understand and autonomously negotiate mobility
hazards, pedestrians, and vegetation.

Supervised Autonomy is a critical technological component that alleviates
operator workload. We will discuss progress made in the areas of Universal
Autonomous Controllers (UAC) and autonomous behavior development in support of
Supervised Autonomy. The focus of recent research will be discussed including
developments and design of a technical approach for translating mission level
objectives into a representation that can be communicated to the platform for
use in its decision cycle.

The paper will also address advanced technologies needed too make RW a
battlefield capability including SAIC’s advanced robotic controls and
command & control capabilities with collaborative unmanned systems
behaviors; Raytheon with its advanced sensor suites, target acquisition and fire
control technology; and SoarTech with advanced autonomous behaviors, team
formation and supervisory control knowledge.
Improved Reliability Testing and Modeling of Electronics with
Multi-DOF Vibration in Unmanned Army Ground Vehicles
Authors: Habtour Ed , Mortin David , Choi Cholmin , Dasgupta Abhijit
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The functionality of the next-generation Department of Defense platforms, such as
the Small Unmanned Ground Vehicles (SUGV) and Small Unmanned Arial Vehicles
(SUAV), requires strongly electronics-rich architectures. The reliability of
these systems will be dependent on the reliability of the electronics. These
electronic systems and the critical components in them can experience extremely
harsh thermal and vibrations environments. Therefore, it is imperative to
identify the failure mechanisms of these components through experiments and
simulation based on physics-of-failure methods. One of the key challenges in
recreating life-cycle vibration conditions during design and qualification
testing in the lab is the re-creation of simultaneous multi-axial excitation
that closely mimics what the product experiences in the field. Currently, there
are two common approaches in the industry when testing a prototype or qualifying
a product for multi-axial vibration environments. One approach is option is to
use sequential single-axis excitation along each of the three axes, via a single
axial electrodynamic shaker. The second approach relies on repetitive shock
shakers that produce simultaneous multi-axial vibration but with uncontrolled
power spectral density (PSD) profiles. Consequently, the dominant failure modes
in the field are sometimes very difficult to duplicate in a laboratory test
using the options stated above. The US Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity
(AMSAA) is currently collaborating with the Center for Advanced Life Cycle
Engineering (CALCE) at the University of Maryland, to develop test methods that
better capture unforeseen design defects in the prototyping and qualification
stages, by better replication of the multi-axial life-cycle vibration
conditions. This effort has led to the use of a novel multi degrees of freedom
(M-DOF) electrodynamic shaker to ruggedize designs for fatigue damage due to
random vibration. The PSD profiles can be controlled on this shaker
simultaneously along all six DoF (three translation and three rotational).

This paper discusses the merits of vibration testing methods with a M-DoF shaker
and the cost savings associated with such an approach. The M-DoF shaker may
detect critical failures earlier in the development cycle than have been
traditionally possible with existing shaker technologies; and therefore produce
more cost effective and reliable systems for our warfighters.
Importance of Secure Real Time Information to an Operator Using
Robotics
Authors: Phillips Ramie
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Information is critical to successful deployment and operation of unmanned
vehicles. The increasing use of unmanned vehicles in modern conflicts has
substantially increased the strategic and tactical value of these vehicles and
the information they gather. It is now common public knowledge that the video
streams of some predator drones were unencrypted and militants were able to use
cheap commercially available software to intercept these feeds. This is an
example of security as an afterthought. Encryption and security are critical to
unmanned systems and should be implemented early in the development process.
This paper explores some of the issues related to encryption and security of
unmanned vehicles and communication.
ARMY ROBOTIC CONVOY APPLICATION OF COST EFFECTIVE & PROVEN
AUTOMOTIVE ADVANCED SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Coplen Christina E. , Lane Gerald R.
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The Army has identified an operational need for a Robotic Convoy capability for
its tactical vehicle fleets. The Department of Defense (DoD), with a fleet of
over several hundred thousand tactical vehicles, must identify an approach with
supporting technology and supply base to procure and support a Robotic Convoy
solution at the lowest possible cost. While cost is a key driver, the selected
system approach must be proven and robust to ensure the safety of our soldiers
and the supply chain. An effective approach is to integrate and adapt the
advanced automotive technologies, components and suppliers currently delivering
advanced safety technologies into the automotive market. These advanced
automotive technologies merged with DoD robotics enhancements in tactical
behaviors, autonomous driving, command & control and unmanned systems
collaboration will advance the operational utility of robotic convoy application
in manned and unmanned modes.
Figure 1

Military Application

The cost effective integration of the automotive and defense technologies are key
to fleet acquisition, integration, support and capability growth. MB-technology
NA, LLC (MBtech) will bring its automotive-proven techniques and system
integration experience in Electronic Stability Control, Rollover Mitigation,
Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Brake Assist, Occupant Protection
Technology, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation, Occupant Protection
Technology, Vehicle to Vehicle Communication (Vii) and Automated Highway
Capabilities. For manned operation, in addition to the above capabilities, other
MBtech capabilities which aid the driver include: Night Vision, Adaptive
Headlight System and Distracted Driver Support.

SAIC will compliment the MBtech capabilities with the integration of advanced
tactical behaviors, autonomous driving, integration of robotic communications
into the tactical communication network, compatibility with the JAUS/AS-4
architectures and optional integration of unmanned systems collaboration both
ground and air, field integration and support. The approach discussed in the
paper by the MBtech/SAIC team will be based on proven technologies, affordable
from an established automotive supply base, proven awareness of military vehicle
integration requirements & subsystems and an established field support
capability built upon MRAP experiences.
CONVERTING SENSOR DATA TO TACTICAL INFORMATION
Authors: Woody Alan , Lindsey Ken
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The U.S. military has made substantial progress in developing and fielding C4ISR
systems that can collect and gather overwhelming amounts of valuable raw sensor
data. A new challenge that has emerged with the deployment of numerous
state-of-the-art ISR collection systems is the effective and timely use of the
collected surveillance and reconnaissance information, or simply stated an
architecture that pushes the timeliness and accessibility of this situational
awareness data to the tactical edge – “the right data at the
right time to the soldier.” Delivery of real time key information to
include situational awareness to a decision maker is what makes the difference
between loss and victory on the battlefront. This paper is an extension of a
GVSETS paper that was presented in the 2010 symposium. This paper discusses in
more detail the integration of command and control (C2), video management, and
collaboration capabilities, such as chat and telestration, with the sensor
collection that enables more timely and efficient situational awareness.
Portable Displays and Controls for Vehicle and Dismounted
Operations
Authors: Roy Monica V.
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The concept of handheld control systems with modular and/or integrated display
provides the flexibility of operator use that supports the needs of
today’s warfighters. A human machine interface control system that
easily integrates with vehicle systems through common architecture and can
transition to support dismounted operations provides warfighters with functional
mobility they do not have today.

With Size, Weight and Power along with reliability, maintainability and
availability driving the needs of most platforms for both upgrade and
development, moving to convertible (mounted to handheld) and transferrable
control systems supports these needs as well as the need for the warfighter to
maintain continuous control and command connectivity in uncertain mission
conditions.
HIGH TEMPERATURE POWER CONVERTERS FOR MILITARY HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLES
Authors: Kajs John , Castagno Scott , Ingrim Michel , Dixon Brandon , Mendoza John , Szenasi Daniel
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Multiple high temperature liquid cooled power converters are being developed for
use in future military applications under several TARDEC funded efforts. All of
these converters utilize multiple silicon carbide devices packaged into larger
modules. This paper presents performance (volume, mass, efficiency, etc) and
test results for four different converters where the inlet coolant temperatures
range up to 100 C. The first converter provides 28 Volt isolated power at 30 kW
from a nominal 300 volt DC bus. The second converter provides isolated
exportable (AC) power at 30 kW from a nominal 300 volt DC bus. The exportable
power converter provides 50 or 60 Hz power at 120 Volts as well as either single
phase 240 Volts or three phase 208 Volts. The third converter is a simple motor
drive inverter rated for operation from a 650 V DC bus and rated to continuously
provide over 90 Arms with intermittent higher power levels. The fourth converter
is a 180 kW, bi-directional, non-isolated 300 to 600 volt converter typically
described as a ‘battery to bus converter’. Based on close
attention to detail of the overall converter designs plus the use of silicon
carbide devices, it is possible to increase switching frequencies without
excessive switching losses and thereby reduce the size of the passive
components. The capability of the silicon carbide power devices to operate at
temperatures exceeding those of silicon reduces the thermal management burden.
The close attention to converter architecture, packaging, and subcomponent
design facilitates effective heat removal with resulting significant thermal
margins in most subcomponents.
Benefits of Semi-Active Damping in Up-Armored Vehicles for Ride,
Handling, and Rollover Prevention
Authors: Hildebrand Stephen , Margolis Donald , Mathew Abraham , Mattson Michael
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The need for up-armored vehicles has increased over the years. This has put a
greater emphasis on suspensions that can provide improved ride and handling
capabilities while facing the additional weight. One of the challenges with
these vehicles traditionally has been increased likelihood of rollover.
Increased rollover is due to high center of gravity, kinematics of the
overloaded suspension, and the low damping that is needed to satisfy 6-Watt ride
speed performance criteria. The Lord magneto-rheological (MR) suspension system
addresses these issues by improving the ride quality and handling
characteristics thereby increasing safety and mission effectiveness. During
handling maneuvers, algorithms inside the controller unit apply corrective
forces to minimize peak roll angle and peak roll rate. The benefit of this has
been tested on a vehicle comparing the stock passive dampers to the MR dampers
over NATO Lane change events. Furthermore, the controller has the capability to
continuously calculate the propensity of a rollover event. This can provide an
audible alarm to the driver allowing the driver to learn the boundaries of safe
handling for the vehicle.
AN AUGMENTED REALITY UAV-GUIDED GROUND NAVIGATION INTERFACE IMPROVE HUMAN PERFORMANCE IN MULTI-ROBOT TELE-OPERATION
Authors: Lee Sam , Lucas Nathan P. , Cao Alex , Pandya Abhilash , Ellis R. Darin
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

This research proposes a human-multirobot system with semi-autonomous ground
robots and UAV view for contaminant localization tasks. A novel Augmented
Reality based operator interface has been developed. The interface uses an
over-watch camera view of the robotic environment and allows the operator to
direct each robot individually or in groups. It uses an A* path planning
algorithm to ensure obstacles are avoided and frees the operator for
higher-level tasks. It also displays sensor information from each individual
robot directly on the robot in the video view. In addition, a combined sensor
view can also be displayed which helps the user pin point source information.
The sensors on each robot monitor the contaminant levels and a virtual display
of the levels is given to the user and allows him to direct the multiple ground
robots towards the hidden target. This paper reviews the user interface and
describes several initial usability tests that were performed. This research
demonstrates the development of a humanmultirobot interface that has the
potential to improve cooperative robots for practical applications.
A Multi-Dimensional Battery Discharge Model with Thermal Feedback Applied to a Lithium-ion Battery Pack
Authors: Neumann Donald E , Lichte Scott
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

With the growing complexity of electrical and electronic subsystems on modern
vehicle platforms, performance of the battery becomes an ever-increasing concern
for the user and consequently a key technical focus for the developer. Detailed
models are germane for accurate predictions and assured performance. Models
should include parameters and variables for the multitude of conditions that
affect the output. Whereas many traditional models only account for coulombic
discharge capacities (i.e. amp-hours) a complete model must predict terminal
voltage to provide for an accurate energy estimator. This aspect is most
important as real-world performance is impacted by the mix of resistive and
constant-power loads on the vehicle. In particular, constant-power loads will
draw increasing amounts of current and/or run longer when the voltage is
reduced. Using battery manufacturer data, a multi-dimensional model is provided.
The model accounts for the previously mentioned variables as well as the
internal thermal heating of the battery during discharge conditions.
DEPLOYING VICTORY ARCHITECTURE AND SPECIFICATIONS
Authors: Moore Michael S. , Price Jeremy C. , Griffith-Boyle Kay
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses how programs can leverage VICTORY architecture and
specifications in order to achieve interoperability between electronics systems
integrated with ground vehicles. It explains the contents of the VICTORY
architecture, and the concept of compliance with the VICTORY system and
component type specifications. It suggests a model for Army ground vehicle
programs to utilize the VICTORY architecture and specifications, and a process
called guided self-verification to test components for compliance with VICTORY
specifications.
LARGE PLATFORM AUTONOMY IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: DiBerardino Chip , Mottern Edward , van Lierop Tracy K. , Mikulski Dariusz , Kott N. Joseph
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

This paper describes aspects of the Safe Operations of Unmanned Systems for
Reconnaissance in Complex Environments (SOURCE) Army Technology Objective (ATO)
that affect urban terrain autonomous mobility R&D programs. The SOURCE ATO
provides essential large platform autonomous capabilities for executing unmanned
reconnaissance missions, such as leader-follower, move-on-route, tele-operation,
and remote situational awareness. The system includes multi-modal, high
resolution, all-digital sensors which support nighttime and daytime operations.
The SOURCE ATO development includes different classes of UGV vehicles as well as
different classes of perception sensor technology. To date, the SOURCE ATO has
successfully completed two out of three scheduled field experiments. The paper
presents the latest SOURCE ATO results.
The verification and demonstration of a unique
course-profile-measurement methodology
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Knezevic Zeljko , Eng M.
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

This paper presents an experimental methodology for regeneration of course
profiles, with tire acceleration and speed, suspension force and pitch data
collected from an instrumented trailer wheel running over the course profile to
be identified. The collected data is used to derive the course profile as a
function of time, while the speed data is used to map the ground elevation data
from a time domain into a spatial domain. To verify the course re-generating
rationale, the required test data was simulated with the data extracted from a
trailer model running over selected course profiles. The regenerated course
profiles are then compared against those used as the inputs to the trailer
model, demonstrating the feasibility of using the methodology to regenerate
course profiles which statistically align with real-world course profiles. The
methodology may be used to develop the inputs statistically equivalent to
realistic course profiles as needed in dynamic simulation of terrain-vehicle
systems.
Open Standard Approach for Parallel Development of High Performance
C4ISR/EW Capabilities for Ground Vehicles
Authors: Pilaud William J. , Jedynak David
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Ground Combat Vehicles mission requirements challenge the Military and Aerospace
community to provide the right amount of electronics into constrained size,
weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) for any given capability. The military system
integrator has to balance the physical, thermal and electrical constraints of
the vehicle against the vast amount of compute power required to provide signal
processing for C4ISR/EW applications. Due to processor silicon limitations,
system integrators typically develop optimized proprietary box-level systems.
The issue is that Moore’s Law and changes in mission can make these
single-use systems already obsolete by the time they are finally adopted by the
armed forces. Curtiss-Wright’s experience in open standard-based High
Performance Embedded Computing (HPEC) provides a unique perspective for the use
of open architecture scalable signal processing for highly SWaP-C constrained
Military Vehicles. The open standard approach allows for well-managed and
planned technology refresh that mitigates obsolescence, and provides the system
integrator with parallel paths of software and hardware development to
successfully meet the fielding milestones.
HIGH PERFORMANCE VETRONIC ARCHITECTURE EXPLOITING LEADING EDGE HIGH
DENSITY ELECTRONICS
Authors: Silveri Andrew
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The modern battlefield demands a high degree of electronic capability for both on
board processing and off board command and control. The trend for additional
electronic systems on board combat vehicles continues to increase at a geometric
rate. Battlefield demands and operational scenarios have resulted in a greater
need for, advanced sensor technology, increased processing power, greater
connectivity and systems interoperability (VICTORY). The integration of these
advanced sensors with communications place a large bandwidth and power demand on
the vehicle infrastructure. This paper will identify an advanced vehicle
electronic architecture enabled by the latest high density processing
technologies. An architecture has been developed and is under continued
investigation at GDLS. The architecture includes deterministic network
technology for spatial and temporal coherence of the sensor data. It provides a
mission capability that is crew centric for any function at any crew station.
The integrated architecture provides capabilities greater than the sum of the
individual subsystems.