bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cluster onset of acute and accelerated silicosis cases in workers of ramming mass industries in Jharkhand, Eastern India
Authors: Singh Dharmendra , Carr Samit Kumar , Sarkar Bidisa , Ali Syed Irfan , Sarkar Kamalesh
Published: August 2023

Introduction and Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among workers of ramming mass industries in the East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, eastern India. Workers had occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust of varied duration between 1 and 6 years. A total of 122 subjects participated in it. Relevant epidemiological information was collected from them. All were x-rayed using 300 mA radiation for the detection of the presence of silicotic opacities if any as described by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for the detection of silicosis.

Results:

The study revealed that 61.4% (n = 75) of subjects had silicosis. Of them, 19 had acute silicosis (having a duration of silica dust exposure of 2 years or lesser) and 56 had accelerated silicosis (a duration of occupational exposure of > 2 to 6 years). The offending agent was clouds of respirable crystalline silica dust from the ramming mass industries.

Epidemiological Interpretation:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an outbreak of acute and accelerated silicosis cases because of occupational inhalational exposure to ramming mass in India with a sizable portion of female workers with silicosis. Regional as well as national authorities need to take appropriate interventional measures in a programmatic mode as soon as possible.

Conclusion:

An in-depth investigation on the existence and magnitude of the problem of silico-tuberculosis is needed to be performed in them as silicosis increases the vulnerability of pulmonary tuberculosis among the affected workers.
Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and its association with modifiable risk factors in metropolitan bus transit drivers: A cross-sectional comparison
Authors: Sheth Ankit , Pagdhune Avinash , Viramgami Ankit
Published: August 2023

Background:

Bus drivers are one of the top three occupations with the highest prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). The present study aimed to determine the pattern and prevalence of WRMSD among metropolitan bus transit drivers, whose job profiles differ from traditional long-distance bus drivers, and to explore the effect of modifiable lifestyle-related risk factors.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, consenting 254 metropolitan transit bus drivers (with at least five years of job duration) and 73 age-matched indoor desk job workers (administration staff of the same department) as a comparison group enrolled. Sociodemographic and occupational profile were collected on a semi-closed questionnaire. A modified Nordic questionnaire was used to determine musculoskeletal problems. Anthropometric measurement and haematocrit estimation were performed with standard techniques. All statistical analyses including logistic regression were performed with SPSS 26.0.

Results:

The prevalence of WRMSDs among bus drivers was twice higher than administration staff (49.2% v/s 28.8%). Drivers experienced significantly higher pain for the lower back (36.6% v/s 11%), knee (29.5% v/s 15.1%), and hip (7.5% v/s 1.4%) in comparison with administration staff. Study reported age, tobacco usage, body mass index (BMI) and job profile of drivers (compared to administration staff) as significant predictors of WRMSDs.

Conclusion:

WRMSDs were significantly higher among metropolitan bus transit drivers in comparison with administrative staff. Furthermore, WRMSDs are strongly associated with tobacco use and BMI. These modifiable risk factors may be the targets for preventive strategies to reduce the burden of WRMSDs among bus drivers.
An educational intervention study to enhance breast cancer awareness among women and primary healthcare providers of an urban health center area, Visakhapatnam
Authors: Potluri Tanmayee S. , Vadlamani Sarada , Gujjarlapudi Chaitanya , Nerusu Nagamani G. , Rongala Manasa V.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide posing greater health challenge. The poor survival rate from breast cancer in India may be attributed to lack of awareness, low rate of screening uptake and presentation of cases in advanced stage.

Objectives:

To assess the baseline knowledge and effectiveness of educational intervention in improving the knowledge regarding breast cancer.

Materials and Methods:

A quasi-experimental community-based health educational intervention study was performed among 100 women and 18 female primary healthcare providers residing in urban field practice area. Face-to-face interviews were performed using a questionnaire adapted from the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (Breast-CAM) Version 2. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. To assess the difference between pre- and postintervention scores, Mc-Nemar’s test and paired sample t tests were applied. Association between socio-demographic variables and difference in mean scores was assessed by using ANOVA and independent t test. P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results:

The mean pre-intervention score of knowledge items (21 including warning signs, risk factors of breast cancer) among 100 women participants was 7.19 ± 3.45 and postintervention mean score was 18.18 ± 2.42. The mean pre-intervention score among 18 primary healthcare providers was 10.89 ± 4.59 and postintervention score was 19.89 ± 1.28. There was significant improvement in mean scores. The increase in percentage of scores in all 21 items postintervention was significant (Mc-Nemar’s test). There was significant association between socio-demographic profile and increase in mean scores. The study identified various barriers for seeking medical care among women.

Conclusion:

The community-based educational intervention was effective in enhancing the knowledge regarding breast cancer among women.
Effect of a Training Intervention for Finding the Missed Cases of Tuberculosis amongst Patent Medicine Vendors in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Ochei Oboratare , Ntaji Maureen Iru , Aduh Ufuoma , Okumagba Mamodesan T. , Awunor Nyemike Simeon
Published: August 2023

Context:

The undiagnosed and untreated tuberculosis (TB) cases underpin the experience of accelerating deaths. Everyone should be engaged in managing TB patients to revert the current trend.

Aims:

In this context, we assessed the outcome of an education intervention on the knowledge of TB and referral practice of presumptive TB cases to directly observed therapy strategy amongst patent medicine vendors (PMVs).

Settings and Design:

The study was quasi-experimental, conducted amongst 647 PMVs in Delta State, Nigeria.

Methods:

A structured questionnaire was administered to obtain baseline data on knowledge of TB. An educational intervention on knowledge of TB was then given. A post-intervention assessment of TB knowledge was subsequently conducted using the same questionnaire. The exact number of referrals of presumptive TB cases by PMVs and the number that tested positive amongst the referred presumptive TB cases, 3 months before and after the training were obtained from the state TB database.

Statistical Analysis Used:

SPSS v. 26 was used for data analysis.

Results:

The pre-training knowledge average score was 15.45 ± 6.45, while the post-training average score was 19.44 ± 7.03 (P < 0.001). The pre-training average number of presumptive cases referred was 146 ± 124.7, and the post-training was 205.67 ± 255.4, P = 0.41. The pre-training average number of cases that turned out positive was 9.5 ± 6.3, and the post-training was 13.5 ± 11.3, P = 0.42.

Conclusion:

There was a significant improvement in PMVs’ knowledge of TB post-intervention. However, while an increase in the number of cases referred and positives detected was observed, this was not significant. Periodic training and updates to PMVs in keeping with current trends and best practices in TB management are recommended.
Quantitative Assessment of Umbilical Cord Care Practices amongst Mothers in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Shwe David , Akosu Tyarvyar , Afolaranmi Tolulope , Envuladu Esther , Yiltok Esther , Oguche Stephen
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

A newly cut neonatal umbilical stump is a potential portal of pathogen entry leading to omphalitis. Neonatal sepsis can complicate omphalitis, but good cord care practices can reduce this risk.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess umbilical cord care practices in tertiary-, secondary- and primary-level healthcare facilities in Jos, Nigeria.

Methods:

A multi-centre, cross-sectional study of 284 mothers of infants aged 3–6 weeks old attending immunisation clinics in the three-level healthcare facilities using multistage sampling technique between April and September 2019. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Pearson’s Chi-squared test was used to compare categorical variables. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as point and interval estimates, respectively. P < 0.05 was adjudged to be statistically significant.

Results:

The mean age of the mothers and infants was 25 ± 6 years and 5 ± 1 week, respectively. Only 2.2% of mothers used chlorhexidine (CHX) gel for cord care. Mothers showed good knowledge but poor practice of cord care. A significant positive relationship was observed between quality of cord care practices and level of healthcare facility (χ2 = 15.213; df = 2; P < 0.001). Good cord care practices were predicted by mothers’ age 30–46 (AOR = 3.6; CI: 1.4–9.1) and good knowledge of cord care (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 2.2–9.9).

Conclusions:

The study has highlighted the good knowledge but poor practices of cord care by mothers and the need to scale up the uptake of CHX gel in Jos. Mother’s age and good knowledge of cord care are predictors of good cord care practices.
Assessing the relationship between functional movement screening, speed & body composition among sports population
Authors: Singh Amrinder , Sawant Chetan , Sharma Monika
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Movement deficits and asymmetries are detected using the functional movement screen (FMS). Although increased body composition makes body movement more challenging, the relationship of body composition and FMS in athletes is unclear.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

This study aimed (1) to relate the effects of body composition on FMS and speed and (2) to relate the effects of body composition on FMS and speed among the three groups.

METHODOLOGY:

In this cross-sectional study, 135 university male athletes free from injury participated. The subjects were divided into three groups. Each group has 45 subjects: Group A = team sports (hockey, football, rugby, and cricket); Group B = individual sports (judo, boxing, fencing, and taekwondo), and Group C = recreational subjects. Each participant completed FMS and speed (50-m dash test) and body composition was recorded on Omron Karada Scan HBF-224.

RESULTS:

The components of body composition (body mass index [BMI] [r = −0.420, P = 0.000], body fat % [r = −0.297, P = 0.000], and visceral fat % [r = −0.423, P = 0.000]) showed a negative correlation with FMS while skeletal mass % (r = 0.328, r = 0.000) showed a correlation with FMS. The result of components of body composition (BMI [r = 7.23, P = 0.000], body fat % [r = 0.572, P = 0.000], and visceral fat % [r = 0.751, P = 0.000]) and speed showed a positive correlation while skeletal mass % (r = −0.535, P = 0.000) showed a negative correlation with speed.

CONCLUSION:

This study concludes that maintaining the body composition in the normal range can boost their performance by giving them the best FMS and speed outcomes.
On a generalization of a result of Peskine and Szpiro
Authors: Puthenpurakal Tony J.
Published: August 2023

Let

(R,\mathfrak{m})

be a regular local ring containing a field

K

. Let

I

be a Cohen–Macaulay ideal of height

g

. If

\operatorname{char} K = p > 0

then by a result of Peskine and Szpiro the local cohomology modules

H^i_I(R)

vanish for

i > g

. This result is not true if

\operatorname{char} K = 0

. However, we prove that the Bass numbers of the local cohomology module

H^g_I(R)

completely determine whether

H^i_I(R)

vanish for

i > g

. The result of this paper has been proved more generally for Gorenstein local rings by Hellus and Schenzel (2008) (Theorem 3.2). However, our result is elementary to prove. In particular, we do not use spectral sequences in our proof.
Factors Associated with Improvement in Activities of Daily Living during Hospitalization: A Retrospective Study of Older Patients with Hip Fractures
Authors: Takeda Kazuya , Wada Mineko , Yorozuya Kyosuke , Hara Yuhei , Watanabe Toyoaki , Hanaoka Hideaki
Published: August 2023

Background: In this study, we aimed to examine the changes in delirium during hospitalization of patients and its association with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), as well as improvements in activities of daily living (ADL).Methods: A longitudinal, retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 83 older adults (≥65 years) with hip fractures. We collected Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Functional Independence Measure-motor domain (m-FIM) assessment results from the medical charts at two time points: baseline (first week of hospitalization) and pre-discharge (final week before discharge). Additionally, we collected data on delirium and BPSD at three points: baseline, week 2 post-admission, and pre-discharge. We performed univariate logistic regression analysis using changes in m-FIM scores as the dependent variable and MMSE and m-FIM scores at baseline and pre-discharge, along with delirium and BPSD subtypes at baseline, week 2 post-admission, and pre-discharge, as the explanatory variables. Finally, we performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis incorporating the significant variables from the univariate analysis to identify factors associated with ADL improvement during hospitalization.Results: We observed significant correlations between ADL improvement during hospitalization and baseline m-FIM and MMSE scores, hypoactive delirium state, and BPSD subtype pre-discharge. Notably, all participants with hypoactive symptoms before discharge exhibited some subtype of delirium and BPSD at baseline.Conclusion: Besides ADL ability and cognitive function at admission, the presence of hypoactive delirium and BPSD subtype before discharge may hinder ADL improvement during hospitalization.
Fuel Stratification to Improve the Lean Limit in a Methane-Fueled Heavy-Duty Spark-Ignition Optical Engine
Authors: Panthi Niraj , Sharma Priybrat , Magnotti Gaetano
Published: August 2023

Natural gas is an attractive fuel for heavy-duty internal combustion engines as it has the potential to reduce CO2, particulate, and NOx emissions. This study reports optical investigations on the effect of methane stratification at lean combustion conditions in a heavy-duty optical diesel engine converted to spark-ignition operation. The combination of the direct injector (DI) and port-fuel injectors (PFI) fueling allows different levels of in-cylinder fuel stratification. The engine was operated in skip-firing mode, and high-speed natural combustion luminosity color images were recorded using a high-speed color camera from the bottom view, along with in-cylinder pressure measurements. The results from methane combustion based on port-fuel injections indicate the lean burn limit at λ = 1.4. To improve the lean limit of methane combustion, fuel stratification is introduced into the mixture using direct injections. Two different volume fractions of direct injections (20% and 40% by volume) were tested in addition to the port-fuel injections. With stratification, the combustion phasing is shifted towards the TDC, and combustion duration decreases, indicating a faster combustion process. The stratification strategy obtained by combining the direct injection of 40 % methane by volume and port-fuel injection of 60 % methane by volume, shows highly stable combustion with COV of IMEPg as 2.85 %, rapid heat release, and shorter burn duration. The high-speed color images provide insights into the spatial and temporal evolution of flame propagation, while a HSV-model (Hue Saturation Value) analysis enables the identification of different combustion regions based on observed color changes during the combustion process.
Comparison of Premixed Fuel and Premixed Charge Operation for Propane-Diesel Dual-Fuel Combustion
Authors: Mueller Florian , Guenthner Michael
Published: August 2023

With the rising popularity of dual-fuel combustion, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) can be utilized in high-compression diesel engines. Through production from biomass (biomass to liquid, BtL), biopropane as a direct substitute for LPG can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions caused by combustion engines. In a conventional dual-fuel engine, the low reactivity fuel (LRF) propane is premixed with the intake air to form a homogeneous mixture. This air-fuel mixture is then ignited by the high reactivity fuel (HRF) in the form of a diesel pilot injection inside the cylinder. In the presented work, this premixed charge operation (PCO) is compared to a method where propane and diesel are blended directly upstream of the high-pressure pump (premixed fuel operation, PFO) in variable mixing ratios for different engine loads and speeds. Furthermore, the effects of internal and external exhaust gas recirculation are investigated for each operating mode. The results show that PCO allows higher propane ratios of up to 75 % at low loads, while PFO enables higher percentages of propane at medium and high loads (up to 50 %), allowing for a “reactivity on demand” approach. In addition, PFO shows significantly lower emissions of unburned hydrocarbons (-98.3 %) and carbon monoxide (-94.6 %) compared to PCO while soot emissions are reduced in both cases. The use of EGR allows nitrogen oxide emissions to be lowered to similar levels for both operation modes and shows benefits concerning unburned hydrocarbon (-73.5 %) and carbon monoxide (-62.9 %) emissions in PCO.
Optical Diagnostics to Study Hydrogen/Diesel Combustion with EGR in a Single Cylinder Research Engine
Authors: Mancaruso Ezio , Rossetti Salvatore , Vaglieco Bianca Maria , De Robbio Roberta , Maroteaux Fadila
Published: August 2023

In order to reduce fuel consumption and polluting emissions from engines, alternative fuels such as hydrogen could play an important role towards carbon neutrality. Moreover, dual-fuel (DF) technology has the potential to offer significant improvements in carbon dioxide emissions for transportation and energy sectors. The dual fuel concept (natural gas/diesel or hydrogen/diesel) represents a possible solution to reduce emissions from diesel engines by using low-carbon or carbon-free gaseous fuels as an alternative fuel. Moreover, DF combustion is a possible retrofit solution to current diesel engines by installing a PFI injector in the intake manifold while diesel is injected directly into the cylinder to ignite the premixed mixture.

In the present study, dual fuel operation has been investigated in a single cylinder research engine. The engine run at two engine speeds (1500 and 2000 rpm), and hydrogen has been injected in the intake manifold in front of the entrance of the tumble intake port. The aim of the study is to compare the DF hydrogen combustion with the DF methane combustion with the use of exhaust gas recirculation gases. Premixed ratio up to 92% and 83% has been realized with methane and hydrogen, respectively. In-cylinder combustion pressures and pollutant emissions have been analyzed. Finally, cycle resolved optical diagnostics have been applied to detect visible and infrared images from the combustion chamber. IR intensities have been recorded and compared with the rate of heat release curves showing a good agreement. This information is of interest for CFD analysis of ultra-lean hydrogen combustion.
A Consistent Dual-Mesh Framework for Hybrid LES/RANS Simulations of Vehicle Exhaust Plumes: Implications for Remote Emission Sensing
Authors: Plogmann Justin , Dimopoulos Eggenschwiler Panayotis , Pierce Charles , Jenny Patrick
Published: August 2023

Remote emission sensing (RES) is a non-intrusive measurement method based on absorption spectroscopy, which allows for the determination of pollutant concentrations in vehicle exhaust plumes. By measuring the absorption of the exhaust plume from the roadside using a light/laser barrier, concentration ratios of pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides to carbon dioxide, can be estimated. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been employed to simulate vehicle exhaust plumes due to uncertainties in RES capabilities.

In a previous study, Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) simulations were conducted to investigate the dispersion of vehicle exhaust plumes under various ambient/driving conditions and provide insights for RES applications. However, the accuracy of these simulations can be further improved. Therefore, this study focuses on enhancing the simulation accuracy by employing large eddy simulations (LES).

The computational cost of LES approximately scales with Re1.8 in wall-bounded flows, making it impractical for this application given that the computational mesh has to be substantially refined in the near-wall region. To overcome this challenge, a consistent hybrid LES/RANS dual-mesh approach is adopted. The hybrid turbulence modeling framework is extended to account for a species- and temperature-dependent (density-varying) flow to accurately simulate the vehicle exhaust plume.

To ensure consistency between the RANS and averaged LES solutions, additional drift terms are introduced in the corresponding equations. The results demonstrate that the hybrid LES/RANS solver leads to significantly improved consistency in comparison to the standalone RANS and LES results. This turbulence-modeling framework is not only very promising for industrial flow simulations but also provides valuable guidance for the future development of RES devices.

This work highlights the potential of hybrid LES/RANS simulations in enhancing the accuracy of vehicle exhaust plume dispersion predictions, which is crucial for optimizing RES measurements. The findings pave the way for further advancements in RES technology and contribute to the ongoing development of efficient and accurate emission monitoring systems.
Reactivity of Diesel Soot from 6- and 8-Cylinder Heavy-Duty Engines
Authors: af Ugglas Samuel , Vlasenko Tayisiya , Ersson Anders , Pettersson Lars , Kusar Henrik
Published: August 2023

Increasing concern for air pollution together with the introduction of new types of fuels pose new challenges to the exhaust aftertreatment system for heavy-duty (HD) vehicles. For diesel-powered engines, emissions of particulate matter (PM) is one of the main drawbacks due to its effect on health. To mitigate the tailpipe emissions of PM, heavy-duty vehicles are since Euro V equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The accumulation of particles causes flow restriction resulting in fuel penalties and decreased vehicle performance. Understanding the properties of PM produced during engine operation is important for the development and optimized control of the DPF. This study has focused on assessing the reactivity of the PM by measuring the oxidation kinetics of the carbonaceous fraction. PM was sampled from two different heavy-duty engines during various test cycles. The heavy-duty engines were 6- and 8-cylinder direct injection diesel engines rated at 550 and 650 hp respectively. Reaction kinetics of the samples and characteristic oxidation temperatures were assessed by the non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) employing a multiple-ramp rates method in a 10% oxygen atmosphere. The oxidation of the diesel soot was compared with a model soot, Printex-U, and values were compared with the existing literature. The calculated activation energies range between 114.8 and 155.8 kJ/mol for diesel soot as well as the Printex-U samples indicating similar reactivity despite differences in engine configuration, fuel chemistry or, aging.
Indirect Assessment of Isentropic Efficiency in Turbocharger Turbines via Mechanical Efficiency Evaluation under Quasi-Adiabatic Test
Authors: Cordalonga Carla , Marelli Silvia , Usai Vittorio , Capobianco Massimo
Published: August 2023

The isentropic efficiency estimation of small radial turbines is an important aspect of turbocharger performance evaluation. Because of inaccuracies in measuring the outlet temperature due to the non-homogeneous flow field distribution, it is common practice to refer to the thermomechanical efficiency, defined as the product of mechanical and turbine isentropic efficiencies. This paper proposes a method for the indirect evaluation of turbine isentropic efficiency through specific experimental tests. In particular, the evaluation of friction losses in the bearings can be assessed thanks to experimental investigations in quasi-adiabatic condition. By maintaining the turbine inlet temperature and the average temperature of lubricating oil and water-cooling circuit equal to the compressor outlet temperature, a negligible heat transfer between turbine and compressor can be achieved. Therefore, the heat transferred to the lubricating oil can only be attributed to the friction in the bearings. Once the mechanical and thermomechanical efficiency has been experimentally assessed, the isentropic efficiency of the turbine can be evaluated with good accuracy. The knowledge of this quantity is essential to optimize the matching between different components of propulsion systems, and to correctly evaluate turbine outlet temperature. Furthermore, this last information allows the correct estimation of the inlet temperature of the aftertreatment systems.
Scaled Hardware in the Loop Simulation of the Electric Motors of a CVT for Agricultural Tractors
Authors: Chiarabelli Damiano , Marani Pietro , Schaltz Erik , Lu Kaiyuan , Martelli Massimo , Gessi Silvia , Mucchi Emiliano
Published: August 2023

Electrification is a very current topic for all the mobile machinery whose primary source of power is an internal combustion engine; among those the light weight passenger vehicles represent the first field of application of this trend and also the state of the art of the technology. Agriculture is a huge fuel consumer sector and for this reason the tractor industry is now working on electrification, proposing different approaches for different power sizes: the “Battery Electric Vehicle” topology is proposed for small and mid-power size tractors, while for the big ones various hybrid architectures couple the internal combustion engine to electric units. In this paper a reference tractor is considered, endowed with an input coupled hydro-mechanical Continuously Variable Transmission and an alternative compound architecture is proposed, which provides the same performances and it is more suitable for electrification. The latter is modelled in Simcenter Amesim through a lumped parameter approach, focusing on the transmission and its control. The electric motors efficiency is modelled using the maps provided by the manufacturer. The main focus of this work is the construction of an experimental setup consisting of two electric motors test benches that allows to perform scaled tests reproducing the operation of the motors inside the transmission. The experiments' target is to measure the efficiency of the electric motors and the power electronics in real conditions. A comparison between the experimental and simulated data is performed. Additionally, a methodology is investigated to perform hardware in the loop simulations of the electric subsystem of a hybrid transmission. This methodology allows for the evaluation of control strategies related to the power balance of electric motor-generators and their effect on the recoverable energy.
Optimized Control Strategy for Inductor-based Cell Equalizers
Authors: Porpora Francesco , Di Fazio Emanuele , D'Arpino Matilde , Di Monaco Mauro , Tomasso Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

The occurrence of imbalance conditions within the cells of a battery pack can be reduced or mitigated by an active cell equalization circuit integrated in the Battery Management System (BMS), which transfers energy between the most charged cells and the least charged ones in the pack. However, incomplete knowledge on the performances and range of operability in real-world scenarios is still limiting the adoption of active equalizers for lithium-ion battery systems in different fields of application. In this paper, among the different architectures presented in literature for active cell equalizers, the multi-inductor configuration has been investigated. For the generalized category of inductor-based configuration, an analytical model has been developed by taking into account the static and dynamic parasitic parameters of the components of the equalization circuit as well as the operating conditions of the cells. According to the model equations, optimal control techniques have been proposed, named as Constant-Frequency Control (CFC) and Variable-Frequency Control (VFC), for maximizing the performance of the balancing process in terms of efficiency and equalization speed. These control strategies can be easily implemented in state-of-the-art hardware. Numerical analyses have been carried out for validating the applicability of both control algorithms and comparing their performances in terms of equalization time and efficiency.
Battery Electric Vehicle Control Strategy for String Stability based on Deep Reinforcement Learning in V2V Driving
Authors: Borneo Angelo , Miretti Federico , Acquarone Matteo , Misul Daniela
Published: August 2023

This works presents a Reinforcement Learning (RL) agent to implement a Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) system that simultaneously enhances energy efficiency and comfort, while also ensuring string stability. CACC systems are a new generation of ACC which systems rely on the communication of the so-called ego-vehicle with other vehicles and infrastructure using V2V and/or V2X connectivity. This enables the availability of robust information about the environment thanks to the exchange of information, rather than their estimation or enabling some redundancy of data. CACC systems have the potential to overcome one typical issue that arises with regular ACC, that is the lack of string stability. String stability is the ability of the ACC of a vehicle to avoid unnecessary fluctuations in speed that can cause traffic jams, dampening these oscillations along the vehicle string rather than amplifying them. In this work, a real-time ACC for a Battery Electric Vehicle, based on a Deep Reinforcement Learning algorithm called Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG), has been developed, aiming at maximizing energy savings, and improving comfort, thanks to the exchange of information on distance, speed and acceleration through the exploitation of vehicle-to-vehicle technology (V2V). The aforementioned DDPG algorithm is also designed in order to achieve the string stability. It relies on a multi-objective reward function that is adaptive to different driving cycles. The simulation results show how the agent can obtain energy savings up to 11% comparing the first following vehicle and the Lead on standard cycles and good adaptability to driving cycles different from the training one.
SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION AND VIBRATION ANALYSIS OF ROTATING BEAM WITH LATTICE STRUCTURES
Authors: ÇAŞKA Serkan , DOKUZ Muhammed Enes , AYDIN Mustafa , İLMAN Mehmet , YAVUZ Şahin
Published: August 2023

Today, lattice-structured materials are used in many engineering applications. Research and applications including lattice structures focused on obtaining lightweight components with the optimal distribution. In literature, studies on obtaining vibration models of the beams with lattice structures are limited. In this study, vibration models of rotating beams with lattice structure were obtained by using system identification methods. Beams used in the experimental phase of this study were produced using FDM 3D printer. Three types of lattice structure such as triangular, hexagonal, and square rotated were used. Lattice-based generative design program nTopology was used for the design of the beams. The experiments were carried out using a setup that includes a servo system and a wireless accelerometer. It was proved that the obtained models successfully represent the vibration behavior of the rotating beams. The success of the vibration models of the rotating beams was compared and discussed using tables and figures.
Case Report: Congenital Pseudoacorea in an Ocular Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome: What is it?
Authors:   Private Eye Clinic Dr. Enrique Alza, Buenos Aires - Argentina, Alza Andrés Germán
Published: August 2023

SUMMARY This is a descriptive summary of the case of a patient with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome associated with a congenital malformation of the iris and consequent pupillary morphological alteration of an atypical characteristic reported. This anomaly is unique in scientific literature and exhibits a peculiarity that we have called pseudoacorea: Hidden pupil. Other associated abnormal clinical findings were posterior embryotoxon, astigmatism, amblyopia, and exotropia. Diagnosis was achieved by instilling ocular mydriatics into the cul-de-sac that revealed this peculiarity. It is necessary to make a differential diagnosis with other pupillary pathologies such as corectopia, acorea and microcoria. Early detection of pathology and surgical management is necessary, since it would lead to a better visual prognosis for both amblyopia and strabismus. BACKGROUND Among the malformations of the pupil, we can find polycoria (more than one pupil), dyscoria (abnormal pupil shape), corectopia (abnormal pupil position) and acorea (absence of pupil). In addition, morphologically normal pupils can denote other anomalies such as the microcoria described by Holth in 1923. Acorea is a rare anomaly, congenital or acquired, characterized by an absolute absence of the pupil both at rest and in mydriasis. In our case we prefer to differentiate it and name it pseudoacorea, since although there is a total absence of the pupil at rest thanks to the application of ocular mydriatics, a micropupil with discoric and corectopic characteristics is achieved. It is worth noting that we have not detected in the scientific literature any case described as the one that we will develop here. CONCLUSION The case of a patient with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome associated with a congenital malformation of the iris and consequent atypical pupillary morphological alteration is presented. This anomaly is unique in the scientific literature and presents a peculiarity that we have called pseudoacorea: Hidden pupil. Early detection of pathology and surgical management is necessary, since it would lead to a better visual prognosis for both amblyopia and strabismus.
Analisis Risiko Pekerjaan Fire Fighting System pada Proyek Sktt 150 Kv di Jembatan Suramadu dengan Metode Hazard Identification Ris Assessmentand Risk Control (HIRARC)
Authors: Sasmito Arif
Published: August 2023

Workplace accidents are all unplanned events that result in or have the potential to cause injuries, illnesses, damage, or other losses (AS/NZS 4801, 2001 Standard). The objectives of this study are to identify potential hazards associated with the Fire Fighting System Work of the 150 KV SKTT Project at the Suramadu Bridge and to apply the HIRARC method to identify risks associated with this work. This research is descriptive in nature and utilizes a mixed methods analysis, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study is conducted on the construction work of the 150 KV High Voltage Cable Channel (SKTT) from GI Kenjeran to Tower 35 Bangkalan, passing through the Suramadu Bridge in Surabaya, East Java. The object of this research is the Fire Fighting System Work of the 150 KV SKTT Project at the Suramadu Bridge. An illustration of the research object has been taken from Google. The population in this study consists of employees who are involved in the construction work of the 150 KV High Voltage Cable Channel (SKTT) from GI Kenjeran to Tower 35 Bangkalan, totaling 50 people. Based on the results of the risk assessment, it is revealed that there is 1 risk (4%) classified as Extreme Risk, 4 risks (17%) as High Risk, 6 risks (25%) as Moderate Risk, and 13 risks (54%) as Low Risk.
ANALISIS PENGARUH KEPUASAN PENUMPANG ANGKUTAN MASSAL BERBASIS JALAN PERKOTAAN TERHADAP LOYALITAS PENUMPANG (STUDI KASUS : TRANS METRO DELI)
Authors: BR Sinuraya Sekula , Anas M. Ridwan , Patricia Bangun Emma
Published: August 2023

Road-based mass transit systems or commonly referred to as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) are currently experiencing quite rapid development in various countries including Indonesia. At the end of 2020 the Government has inaugurated urban road-based mass public transportation with the Buy The Service (BTS) Service Scheme in 5 (five) major cities including the city of Medan. Evaluation or strategy must continue to be carried out so that this BTS mode can continue to be sustainable. One of the steps that can be taken is to examine the level of satisfaction and loyalty of current users to continue using the BTS mode. This underlies this research to analyze the level of passenger satisfaction of the Trans Metro Deli Bus and to analyze the effect of passenger satisfaction on the loyalty of the Trans Metro Deli Bus passengers. The Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) Method is used to analyze the satisfaction level of Trans Metro Deli Bus passengers because this method can be used to evaluate and design management from the results of the analysis of service user perceptions regarding the suitability between expectations and quality received. While the Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS – SEM) Method is used to analyze the effect of passenger satisfaction on passenger loyalty because this method can be used to estimate model relationships. This analysis method uses Smart PLS software. Through measurements using the IPA method, the results show that the highest level of passenger satisfaction is found in the safety attribute (92.59%), then the safety attribute (90.54%), and comfort (91.11%). All three are included in the achievement quadrant that must be maintained, and the attributes of equality (87.24%) and regularity (87.74%) are included in the low priority quadrant while the affordability attribute (84.79%) is included in the quadrant which is the main priority for improvement . Meanwhile, if analyzed per each corridor, in the Medan Tuntungan – Merdeka Square corridor, the affordability attribute is included in the low priority quadrant because in terms of quality it is still low, but expectations are also low. And when analyzed on a job basis, the regularity attribute is included in the top priority to be improved. The results of the analysis of the effect of passenger satisfaction on passenger loyalty using the PLS-SEM method concluded that the effect of passenger satisfaction on passenger loyalty was significant with an influence value of 0.647 and the direction of the relationship between the two variables was positive.
POSSIBILITES OF ISOTOPES PRODUCTION OF 153Sm, 175Yb, 186Re AT THE ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR
Authors: Dikiy N.P. , Krasnoselskiy N.V. , Lyashko Yu.V. , Medvedeva E.P. , Medvedev D.V. , Uvarov V.L.
Published: August 2023

Photonuclear technology for producing osteotropic isotopes 153Sm (Т1/2 = 1.9 days, Eβ = 0.8 MeV, Eγ = 103.2 keV), 175Yb (Т1/2 = 4.2 days, Eβ = 0.5 MeV, Eγ = 396.3 keV) and 186Re (T1/2 = 3.8 days, Eβ = 1.1 MeV, Eγ = 137.2 keV) with using nanoparticles (50…80 nm) of oxides of these elements and the Szilard-Chalmers reaction to increase specific activity have been developed at the NSC KIPT electron accelerator. Such medical isotopes
are not produced in Ukraine. The overall electron accelerator isotope yield when bremsstrahlung irradiated these samples with a maximum energy of 40 MeV and a current of 250 µA for 186Re and 13.5 MeV and a current of 500 µA for 153Sm and 175Yb has been shown to have the advantages of higher specific activity, negligible the content of impurities and does not require immobilization of radioactive waste in comparison with a reactor and a cyclotron.
ARTPRENEUR AND EMPOWERMENT AMONG FARM FAMILIES IN COASTAL YORUBA LAGOS
Authors: Kafaru Abiodun Babatunde , Adeniyi Kehinde Abimbola , Oyetoro Hafis Adebimpe
Published: August 2023

This paper discusses the historical account of what art-preneurial activities the coastal Yoruba artistes and craftsmen engage in along with their farming occupation and how these creative endeavours have thrived and become parts of their social and economic lives over time. Their arts and farm work are creatively engaging and emotionally charged with visual gestures that transmit and perhaps give release to messages, while these equally serve as an ever-evolving cultural renaissance. Coastal Yoruba arts comprise all kinds of crafts design such as boat carving for intra and inter-community mobility as well as fishing which are major occupations of Yoruba living in and around riverine areas of Lagos State, Nigeria. Among the indigenous dwellers of Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe, Lagos Island and other Awori sub-dialects, their age-long which has not been sufficiently engaged in contemporary studies can still be seen as a sign-post amongst the people who dwell around these areas and another suburb of the coastal areas of the state. Research evidence so far reveals that while there is less attention on boat carving, it can create entrepreneurial employment opportunities for people living in and around Lagos environs with a substantial gain. This paper adopts an in-depth qualitative approach through imagery to reflect the artistic breakdown of art forms with expressive patterns, and symbols of the coastal heritage to explicitly unearth the inherent qualities of their art forms and boat carving. The paper will further help to project the uniqueness and benefits of art and crafts as means of economic survival and as a template to remediate the problems of unemployment in Nigeria. It goes further to conclude that coastal Yoruba people are unique in their crafts, and fish farming occupations whilst discussing the roles arts serve in alleviating poverty among our teeming youths and adults at large.
 

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DECODING SEMIOTIC PUZZLES: MANIFEST TV SERIAL, STRUCTURAL IMPLICATIONS AND POSTHUMAN PROTAGONISTS
Authors: Yılmazkol Özgür , Pembecioğlu Nilüfer
Published: August 2023

The supernatural drama, recognizable for the supernatural (or mind-expanding) element within the plot, has become an established genre within contemporary international cinema as well as television series. The story of a supernatural drama mostly centers on a paranormal occurrence and what occurred to a group of heroes, while various characters are occasionally brought to the forefront. It includes pieces of the puzzle or some issues that are thought to be manifest, presented to the heroes in the form of semantic codes, and resolved throughout the narrative. The supernatural drama presents a rational approach to the supernatural element in the form of television series as well, burying it within the story and disclosing it gradually as the plot progresses. This study aims to have a structural and semiotic analysis of the television series Manifest. This study is based on the assumption that the Manifest television serial creates a reality that each participant in the narrative reflects a transhumanist perspective that never surfaces nor is emphasized in the movie. As a result, it is based on examples of how the Manifest and Transhumanism ties are constructed using different passages from the narrative and other extra-textual aspects.
 

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Aggressive Behaviours among Pupils: Prevalence and Management in Ibadan North Local Government Area
Authors: Babalola Abiodun Emmanuel
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the prevalence and management of aggressive behavior in the North Ibadan Regional Government. This study used a phenomenological qualitative approach with a multi-stage sampling procedure using three elementary school teachers from each selected school, ten teachers as the sample. Teacher Management Strategy for Student Aggressive Behavior Interview Schedule (TMS_PABIS) as the qualitative data obtained were transcribed and summarized to provide a basis for interpretation and thematic analysis. The findings revealed kicking, hitting, snapping, throwing objects, screaming, and biting. It can be concluded that the aggressive behavior manifestations of the lower elementary school students are high because this requires proper management before they move to the upper elementary grades and other educational levels. It involves awareness of various strategies that can be used by teachers and other education stakeholders rather than focusing on a particular system, especially social skills.
Driving Assessment Scores with Effective Calculator Implementation
Authors: Lutsic Sarah , Zhang Mingyuan
Published: August 2023

This study presented a secondary analysis of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) dataset. The paper examined the impact of calculator exposures on eighth-grade students' 2019 NAEP mathematics assessment scores. To better understand the impact of calculator use on the mathematics achievement of eighth-grade students, this study used a quantitative descriptive research design to analyze secondary data extracted from the 2019 NAEP data set. The findings are: (1) the frequency of calculator use does not impact assessment scores during math lessons. (2) Students who practice using calculators on math tests and quizzes have higher math assessment scores. (3) Frequent primary calculator use can impact math assessment scores. (4) Students who use graphing calculators frequently score higher on math assessments. In conclusion, these findings indicate that using calculators in mathematics is impactful; however, teachers must be trained to implement them effectively.