bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement in Oxy-fuel Combustion of SI Engine Fueled by Natural Gas
Authors: KAWASAKI Kiyoshi , SUETOMI Junya , YOKOE Syunsuke , YAMANE Koji , DEJIMA Kazuhito
Published: November 2023

Oxy-fuel combustion (OFC), in which fuel is burnt with pure oxygen, is a promising method by which to establish a CO2 recovery system from engine exhaust. The ideal exhaust gas for OFC consists of only CO2 and H2O at a stoichiometric mixture ratio, which can be easily separated by cooling the exhaust. In OFC, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is applied in order to avoid an extreme increase of the combustion temperature by increasing the heat capacity. In the present study, in order to improve the OFC of a natural-gas spark-ignited engine, the effect of the operating conditions on the combustion characteristics was investigated using a rapid compression and expansion machine. The effects of the compression ratio, ignition timing, and CO2 concentration in the mixture were examined while keeping the fuel-oxygen mixture at the stoichiometric ratio. The obtained results show that by increasing the compression ratio from 10.1 to 17.5, the gross indicated thermal efficiency of OFC can be increased to the same level as air-fuel combustion by selecting the optimal ignition timing. In addition, it is observed that a lower CO2 concentration produces rapid heat release but decreases the gross thermal efficiency due to increased cooling loss. Furthermore, the effect of ozone addition to an oxy-fuel mixture is also examined.
A Study of Soot Formation Process in a Jet-jet Interaction Region of Diesel Spray Flames with LII/LS Measurement
Authors: Horibe Naoto , Inoue Daichi , Aoyagi Shinnosuke , Hayashi Jun , Kawanabe Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

In a rapid compression and expansion machine (RCEM), spray flames from a two-hole injector are injected toward a wall to achieve jet-jet interaction after spray flames impinge onto the wall. Simultaneous laser-induced incandescence (LII) and laser scattering (LS) measurements were performed to investigate the soot formation process in the jet-jet interaction zone. The results showed that high LII and LS signals were detected in the interaction region and persisted for a considerable period and that soot particle size in the interaction zone was independent of the time and injection pressure.
Particulate Emission Characteristics and GPF Performance of WLTC Cycle based on Exhaust Gas Simulator
Authors: Hu Xiao , Shang Quanbo , Wang Kai , Li Liguang , Wu Zhijun , Deng Jun
Published: November 2023

GDI engine has gained much popularity in vehicle market with its high thermal efficiency. However, because of higher particulate emissions, it becomes harder for GDI engines to fulfill the iteration of emission regulations in various countries. As a result, Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) has received more and more attention and applications. It is important to study the particulate emission and GPF performance especially for transient cycles. With a self-designed test bench with burner named Exhaust Gas Simulator, a transient control strategy to simulate the exhaust state of the WLTC cycle has been developed and achieved a fast and stable ash accumulation rate. Three levels of ash loading, in terms of 0g/L, 5g/L and 35g/L, were accumulated on respective GPF for different aging degrees with this test bench. The effect of ash loading on GPF performance was investigated. A Cambustion DMS500 was used to record the particulate emission before and after the GPFs, and then the particulate size distribution, collection efficiency of GPF were analyzed. The results show that with this test bench and control strategy, an ash accumulation rate of 5g/L can be achieved. In terms of particulate size distribution, particulate concentration before and after GPF mainly presents a bimodal distribution. The first peak is mainly composed of nucleation mode particles, and the second peak is mainly composed of accumulation mode particles. In terms of GPF collection efficiency, the average collection efficiency of GPF measured in the three groups is above 99% for particulates of various sizes ranging from 5 to 1000nm. In terms of average particulate size before and after GPF collection, the collection efficiency of fresh and slightly aged GPF for small-size particulates (5-20nm) is higher than that of large-size particulates (larger than 20nm). However, the GPF with higher aging degree has a higher collection efficiency for large -size particulates (larger than 20nm) than small-size particulates (5-20nm).
Experimental Study of Fuel Mixture Limitations of Ammonia and Gasoline in a Passive Pre-Chamber Engine
Authors: Almatrafi Fahad , Uddeen Kalim , Kenkoh Kesty , Aljabri Hammam , Parnell Jamie , Peckham Mark , W.G. Turner James
Published: November 2023

Ammonia as a fuel suffers from a high ignition energy requirement making it hard to ignite in stoichiometric mixtures, especially with normal spark plugs. On the other hand, pre-chambers are proven to provide high ignition energy by producing multiple ignition spots in the main chamber. A pre-chamber is usually categorized as “active” if it has a dedicated fueling system, and as “passive” if it depends solely on the air- fuel mixture being introduced from the main chamber and is therefore simpler than the active type. In this study, an SI light-duty engine was tested with a conventional spark plug with fuel mixtures of gasoline and gaseous ammonia (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, and 100% NH3). The test was then repeated with a passive pre-chamber under the same operating conditions for comparison. Moreover, the engine exhaust was fitted with a fast response analyzer to measure NOX. The use of the conventional spark plug showed stable combustion throughout the fuel mixture sweep. However, the passive pre-chamber showed a fuel mixture limit of 50% NH3 and increasing the amount of ammonia in the mixture being tended to decrease the combustion stability significantly. NO, and NO2 emissions were not affected by the choice of the ignition source. However, running the engine on pure ammonia lowered both NO and NO2 emissions compared to pure gasoline. Moreover, NO2 emissions were less than 1 ppm for the pure ammonia case.
Analysis of overcharge tolerance of aged LMO cells with Examples
Authors: Surampudi, Ph.D. Bapiraju , Wang Ph.D. Yanyu , Kramer Dustin , Smith Ian
Published: November 2023

The capacity of a lithium-ion battery decreases during cycling. This capacity loss or fade occurs due to several different mechanisms associated with unwanted side reactions that occur in these batteries. The same reactions occur during overcharge and cause electrolyte decomposition, passive film formation, active material dissolution, and other phenomena. As the battery ages the accuracy of state of charge prediction decreases and vulnerability to persistent overcharge increases. Moreover, as the battery ages, its tolerance to such unintended overcharge changes. This tolerance depends on the nature of the history of cycle and calendar aging. A map of this tolerance in the BMS can provide awareness of the factor of safety due to overcharge as battery ages. Signatures of early warning signs of incipient thermal runaway due to overcharge can also be very useful features in a BMS. The SwRI EssEs-I consortium conducted aging of two commercially available LMO cell types with different calendar and cycle conditions. These cells were tested with the SAE 2464 3C overcharge procedure at BOL and EOL stages, but at an ambient temperature of 50 °C.

The primary objective of this work was to investigate LMO cells for overcharge tolerance after aging. The secondary objective was to study to notice trends and correlations of overcharge tolerance to capacity, temperature, ΔSOC, charge/discharge power during aging.

A very strong correlation was established between Ah to failure and EOL Ah. This makes sense since amount of life degradation makes the cell more vulnerable to failure. Scatter between samples seem to increase with EOL capacity. Tolerance to overcharge for cell type #2 seem to be closer to 45 °C than 55 °C indicating a need for close thermal management in aged packs. Calendar aging seemed to be more dominant in determining the tolerance to overcharge than cycle aging.
Development of Flexible System for Demand and Supply Imbalance considering Battery Life
Authors: Komatsu Daiki , Syojiki Kazuya , Mine Hiroshi , Takahashi Ko , Aoki Masahiro , Yamauchi Shin
Published: November 2023

We developed a flexible system with EVs for solving imbalance between electricity demand and supply avoiding degradation of EV’s battery life. Such flexible systems are commonly being examined but nothing the system which uses battery considering impact of its battery life to avoid shorten EV’s operation period. Therefore, we developed one of methodologies to select preferable load facilities based on imbalance trend and flexible prices. The imbalance trend means a duration of the imbalance. The flexible prices mean operation cost to provide flexibility. By comparing the flexible prices and operation profit, it is possible to prevent unnecessary operation. As a result, we demonstrated our flexible system works as designed based on these parameters.
Influence of EP-Additives on the Efficiency and ecological Aspects of Metalworking Fluids
Authors: Rehbein Wilhelm
Published: November 2023

The trend towards electric vehicles has a significant influence on the type and complexity of the metalworking processes that are used for car manufacturing. Many cutting processes will be replaced by forming and separating processes. The energy consumption in these manufacturing processes is comparatively high, particularly if high strength steel grades are machined to reduce weight and to increase the energy efficiency of the electric vehicles.

This paper shows how sulfur based EP-additives reduce energy demand as well as tool wear of manufacturing processes whilst at the same time improve the occupational safety and decrease the ecological impact of metalworking fluids.
Improvement of PN Filtration Efficiency of Coated GPF – Study of Improvement of PN Filtration Efficiency and Reduction of Pressure Drop
Authors: Nishioka Hiromasa , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Fujiwara Takahiko , Sugiura, Koji , Irisawa Yasuyuki
Published: November 2023

This research aimed to improve the PN filtration efficiency of a catalyst coated gasoline particulate filter (cGPF) to meet the next generation of emissions regulations for internal combustion engines. This paper proposes a concept that improves the PN filtration performance while maintaining low pressure drop by forming a thin PM trap layer on the surface of the cGPF substrate. The design guidelines for the coating particle size and coating amount of the PM trap layer were investigated, and actual manufacturing issues were also identified. The validity of this concept and guidelines was then verified on an actual vehicle.
Denso's Initiatives of CO
2
Capture and Utilization Technology toward Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Suzuki Masayuki , Ishizuka Koji , Komagata Kazuya
Published: November 2023

DENSO started a pilot demonstration of on-site methanation as “CO2 circulation plant” as proactive initiative for CO2 capture and storage/utilization (CCUS) technologies toward achievement of carbon neutrality by 2035 in our own business. The CO2 circulation plant was designed to capture CO2 primarily generated by the plant and recycle it as an energy source of the facility. We also started work on the development of electric swing CO2 adsorption (ESA) technology to achieve low-energy CO2 capture.
A Study of Biodiesel and Biodiesel Petroleum Diesel Blends to Mitigate Filter Blocking
Authors: Barker James , Reid Jaqueline , Wilmot Edward , Carter Anastarsia , Langley John , Herniman Julie
Published: November 2023

There are many anthropogenic climate change mitigation strategies being adopted worldwide. One of these is the adoption of biodiesel FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester), in transportation. The fuel has been widely promoted as replacement for petroleum diesel because of its potential benefits for life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide reduction and particulate matter improvements.

Presently biodiesel may be made from a wide variety of starting materials, including food waste and agricultural materials such as vegetable oils and greases. The number and variety of possible starting materials continues to increase. Though, there is a limiting factor in the use of FAME, and that is cold weather operability. The regional climate can often influence FAME adoption with resultant economic and environmental implications. Often this cold temperature operability manifests itself as in vehicle fuel filter blocking. Several analytical protocols have been produced over the last few years to identify the chemicals in biodiesel that cause this problem.

However, the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons compromises many of these methods and others involve derivatization. Here we propose a protocol built around supercritical fluid chromatography mass spectrometry (SFC-MS) and Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) that has the flexibility to meet these challenges and allow the analysis of petroleum diesel/FAME blends and afford detection of the suspect compounds causing filter blocking under cold temperature
Numerical Study of the Effect of the Damping Ratio of the Internal Transmission System on the Combustion- induced Vibration of a Diesel Engine
Authors: Nakagawa Shun , Oguchi Hitoshi , Mikami Masato
Published: November 2023

Although our previous experiments showed that the excitation of piston-connecting-rod coupled vibration in engines affects the vibration characteristics on the engine outer surface, the effect of the coupled vibration was not confirmed in the engine outer surface vibration in 3D simulation. This study investigated the effect of the vibration transmission characteristics by changing the joint models around the small end of the connecting-rod from a nonlinear spring to an elastohydrodynamic lubrication joint.
Characterization of E-Fluids from Laboratory Analysis to Test Bench and Test Stands
Authors: Gurski Jan , Pelz Rico , Schäfer Dirk , Kirchhoff Rouven , Müller Dr. Gunther
Published: November 2023

The trend in the automotive industry towards e-drive results in new challenges for the lubricants and fluids used. Due to the limited amount of industry standards, many characterization methods and processes for e- fluids have been developed by OEMs, the oil and additive industry and independent laboratories during the last years. In addition, national and international committees start to implement new test standards with defined precisions for this rapidly changing application. A combination of different laboratory tests to screen a fluid regarding specific attributes can be conducted. This can reduce the number of testing candidates significantly, before committing to more expensive and time-consuming engine or field trial tests. This paper gives a brief overview over the most used tests in the industry for these purposes.
Magnet Wire Compatibility Test for Electric Drivetrain Fluid Development
Authors: Kwak Yungwan , Grzyska Piotr , Cleveland Christopher , Tsuneo Adachi
Published: November 2023

New global regulations are being implemented, with the intent of reducing pollutants, greenhouse emissions, and continuing improvements in fuel economy. This has caused OEMs to accelerate vehicle electrification in recent years. One of the key components of the electric drive unit is an electric motor (eMotor) constructed with a significant amount of magnet wire (MW). The MW is composed of a copper wire coated with a polymeric insulation material. Other insulation materials found in the eMotor are slot liner, wedge, phase separator, heat shrinkable materials, varnish, etc. However, MW compatibility with electric transmission fluids (ETFs) is the most important performance criteria as poor compatibility can lead to a decrease in performance, electrical short, and even cause catastrophic eMotor failure.

This paper discusses new insights gained around MW compatibility with various ETFs. The testing procedures described are MW sample preparation, sample aging method, test equipment, and evaluation methods. Adhesion, breakdown voltage, and partial discharge behavior of insulation coating are the main performance criteria. MWs with round and rectangular shapes and various types of coating materials such as polyester, polyamide, polyimide, are investigated. The effect of water concentration in ETF on MW performance upon aging is also investigated. Lubricant’s additive package or formulation chemistry leads to significant MW performance differences. The authors discuss the mechanism of MWs’ deterioration and how to work around lubricant formulation for better MW compatibility.
Prediction of combustion process and NOx emission for dual fuel marine engines using a phenomenological model
Authors: Xiong Qian , Liang Dezhi , Wang Lujiang , Shi Xinru , Liu Long , Ma Xiuzhen
Published: November 2023

A phenomenological model for high-pressure direct injection natural gas-diesel dual-fuel marine engine was developed, which includes natural gas mixing process using Musculus discrete control volume transient diesel jet model, combustion process using quasi-steady model and Woschini heat transfer model, NO generation using Zeldovich mechanism. Effects of natural gas injection pressure and the start of injection timing on the mixing and combustion process were investigated. The results indicated that increasing the injection pressure with fixed injection mass, the NO emission decreased. While the start of injection timing was before TDC, retarding the injection start timing will increase NO generation.
Evaluation of Distinctive Oil Bores in Engine Crankshaft for Friction Reduction Purpose
Authors: Yajima Hiroshi , Mayumi Shunichi , Murakami Motoichi
Published: November 2023

Internal combustion engines will play an important role in the coming decades, even considering targets of carbon neutrality for a sustainable future. This will be especially true in regions where pure electrified vehicle implementation is not yet practical, or for long-range heavy load transportation purposes, even in regions where BEV infrastructure is well established.

HEV/PHEV’s importance and contribution to CO2 emission reduction together with carbon neutral fuels such as hydrogen, e-fuel and biomass fuel etc. will remain crucial regardless of region/transport sectors. In this respect, brake thermal efficiency improvements by friction reduction needs further investigation. This is especially so with the crankshaft bearings’ lubrication system, which can provide as much as 40% of the total mechanical losses in some cases.

It is a well-established fact, that plain bearings require a minimum oil flow volume to maintain their real function rather than oil pressure. However, transportation of oil to the connecting-rod bearings, from the crank main journals, via a rotating oil supply hole inside the crankshaft, requires a certain minimum pressure in order to cope with centrifugal force. Additionally, the pressure drop caused by oil flow needs to be considered.

An important aspect to lower the oil pressure requirement while maintaining requisite oil flow to the connecting-rod bearings, is the oil supply hole to crank rotating axis distance. This practice is already exploited in some racing engine crankshafts, which require higher rotation speeds than normal road use engines. Furthermore, minimizing oil leaks from bearings can enhance the bearing lubrication system’s efficiency. In order to overcome this dilemma and optimize the crankshaft bearing system, a distinct oil supply hole arrangement is adopted in the crankshaft. This crankshaft has oil supply holes far from the rotation axis and the crank pin oil outlet ports close to the crank axis. This crankshaft also has four inlet ports in the main journal, that additionally exploit dynamic pressure from crankshaft rotation. To explain this, the crankshaft is evaluated on an engine test bench and its friction reduction potential was quantified by analysing the test results.
Friction Prediction Method for Engine Bearings using EHD Analysis Considering Modified Friction Coefficient and Running-in depending on Lubrication Conditions
Authors: Kurabe Yohei , Suzuki Yuna , Kajiki Yuichiro
Published: November 2023

Friction reduction is one of the effective means to improve the thermal efficiency of internal combustion engine (ICE). In development of journal bearings, Model Based Development (MBD) is incorporated to study design considered the influence of the surrounding structure. However, the prediction accuracy of friction in journal bearings for engines under mixed lubrication is not sufficient. Therefore, the modified friction coefficient was introduced into the friction prediction model and running-in progression was considered. To introduce the modified friction coefficient, the parameters for aluminum alloy bearing and solid lubricant overlay bearing were identified based on the results of rig tests. As a validation, the results were compared with the engine friction tests in firing condition, and the results were in good agreement.
Study on Combustion and Exhaust Emissions Characteristics of Oxymethylene Dimethyl Ether Blends with Fischer-Tropsch Fuels in Diesel Engines
Authors: Yuan Haoyu , Tsukuda Takuma , Nishino Jumpei , Shibata Gen , Ogawa Hideyuki
Published: November 2023

Synthetic fuels (e-fuels) synthesized from H2 and CO by renewable electricity are expected as the next- generation diesel fuels and two types of e-fuels have received extensive attention: Fischer-Tropsch (FT) fuel and Oxymethylene dimethyl ether (OME). In this study the effects of OME blending ratios with 0 to 50 vol.% in FT fuels on combustion, emissions and spray characteristics in diesel engines are investigated. The results suggest that the OME blends to FT fuels suppressed the deterioration in combustion efficiency under low intake oxygen concentration conditions. The smoke emissions of FT fuels and OME blended fuels were both lower than those of diesel fuel and decreased with the increase in the OME blend ratio, and the soot-NOx trade-off relation in diesel engines can be improved.
Comprehensive quasi-dimensional model to predict combustion process, knock likelihood and cycle-by-cycle variability in a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine
Authors: A. Piano , F. Millo , G. Quattrone , F. Pesce , A. Vassallo
Published: November 2023

Hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines (ICEs) exploiting exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and lean-boosted combustion can be a viable solution to abate all criteria pollutants while simultaneously almost zeroing tailpipe CO2. However, the optimization of hydrogen-fueled ICE to fully exploit the fuel’s potential is a challenging task considering its characteristics, that on one side make hydrogen a desirable fuel for the future generation of ICEs, and on the other side are responsible for the risk of abnormal combustion. Therefore, the development of a simulation tool capable to predict the H2 combustion process and its anomalies is of paramount importance to accelerate the engine development process. In this context, the present work assesses the potential of a comprehensive quasi-dimensional model for the prediction of the combustion process, knock likelihood and cycle-by-cycle variability (CCV) specifically developed for a hydrogen-fueled ICE. The SITurb combustion model, consisting of entrainment and burn-up models, has been modified considering a tabulated approach for laminar flame speed determination. Then, it has been integrated with both a chemistry-based knock model, relying on the well-known Livengood-Wu approach, and a CCV model, in which a perturbation of the parameters included in the combustion model is induced using random variables from a Gaussian distribution. The capabilities of the developed integrated model have been validated against experimental data coming from a 0.5L PFI single-cylinder engine selected as a case study, for which a wide experimental campaign has been conducted. The developed model is capable to properly reproduce the combustion process, taking into account the CCV phenomenon, thus predicting the percentage of the knocking cycles over different spark sweeps tested for several engine operating conditions.
Hybrid Operation Characteristics and Their Impact on Engine Oil Requirements
Authors: Garelick Kenneth , Shao Huifang , Hidetaka Hoshino , Li Yanfei , Shuai Shijin
Published: November 2023

With the increasing regulatory stringency on emission reduction and efficiency improvement, the automotive industry has experienced a significant shift in the hardware platform. Among technology candidates, hybrid technology is still considered one of the most viable approaches to meet the regulation requirement (both emission and efficiency) at an affordable cost to both the customer and the manufacturer. New engine operating characteristics are expected in hybrid applications which would potentially result in different performance requirements for the engine oil. Therefore, it is crucial to understand those characteristics of a hybrid powertrain, from which the insights of fluid requirements can be derived.

A hybrid vehicle test study was conducted to evaluate the engine operation of different kinds of hybrid platforms. The hybrid operation has been well characterized by thoroughly analyzing parameters on each engine. The temperature profile from each hybrid powertrain was evaluated and used to illustrate the impact of the driving cycle on fluid properties. It was found that the driving cycle is a very effective tool to deepen technical understanding of the interactive operation between the internal combustion (IC) engine and electric motor in a hybrid powertrain. This interactive operation will ultimately determine the engine performance and fluid working environment.

Based on the acquired knowledge and insights from the vehicle testing, a controlled engine study was conducted to understand the impact of different operating parameters on fuel and water dilution under various engine operating conditions. Oil analysis results indicate that oil samples generated from the engine tests contain a wide range of water and fuel dilution levels, representative of the oil samples found in a real-world application. In addition, performance testing conducted on the oil samples provided greater understanding of hybrid engine operation on fluid performance requirements.
Energy Management of Marine Hybrid Power System with Composite Energy Storage Devices for a Tugboat
Authors: Wu Shen , Li Tie , Wang Hang-Lin , Chen Run , Huang Shuai , Li Shi-Yan
Published: November 2023

Due to the intense variation of operational loads of tugboats, the hybrid power system structure with composite energy storage including prime movers, batteries, and super-capacitors is issued, and then combined with the rule-based power management strategy to evaluate the potential to improve the energy efficiency at a typical working scenario. Furthermore, to optimize the energy and emissions performance of this system at real sea conditions, the equivalent consumption minimization strategy is introduced as the constraint, which can attribute to the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions. The results show that fuel consumption and NOx emissions can be reduced by up to 9.24% and 44.6% respectively, by implementing the super-capacitor. At the same time, smoother load fluctuation and overall discharge rate of batteries can be obtained by using ECMS, which is advantageous in improving the cycle life and stability of the battery, and the reliability during the whole voyage.
Aluminum Alloy, Sheet and Plate, 1.0Mg - 0.60Si - 0.28Cu - 0.20Cr (6061; -T4 Sheet, -T451 Plate), Solution Heat Treated and Naturally Aged
Authors:   AMS D Nonferrous Alloys Committee
Published: November 2023

This specification covers an aluminum alloy in the form of sheet and plate from 0.006 to 3.000 inches (0.15 to 76.20 mm), inclusive, in nominal thickness (see 8.5).
Using Storigami as an Instructional Technique: Preschool Teachers’ Perceptions
Authors: Tanju Aslışen Ebru Hasibe , Sönmez Görsev
Published: November 2023

As an instructional technique, the use of storigami (telling stories through origami) has been spreading all around the world in the last decade. In order to apply this alternative technique which is suggested to be more applicable in the preschool period, preschool teachers’ perceptions are of utmost importance. This study aims to elicit preschool teachers’ perceptions regarding the use of storigami in their activities. Twenty preschool teachers working in kindergarten participated in this qualitative study. All participants were asked to watch three different videos modelling the application of storigami in the classroom. After they watched the videos, they were required to answer some written questions to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of this alternative technique. Data gathered via SWOT analysis questions were coded by the help of content analysis technique. Findings showed that storigami was accepted as a new technique to increase the interest, attention, motivation and cognitive skills of preschoolers. Additionally, it was also perceived as a great professional development technique for the in-service preschool teachers. On the contrary, the difficulty of this technique for both students and young learners because of the necessity of some specific skills were stated to be considered.
Perceptions of Families on ICT Use of Pre-School Children in Turkey
Authors: Gündoğdu Serhat
Published: November 2023

The present qualitative study was conducted to investigate the perceptions of families regarding the use of ICT by preschool children in Turkey. The study group was created by snowball sampling method and consisted of 40 parents. An interview form which included semi-structured interview questions was used for data collection. Content analysis, which is one of the qualitative research data analysis methods, was used for data analysis. The results showed that tablets were the electronic device owned by most children, children mostly used television, children used ICT more when they are with their parents, children used ICT for 193 minutes per day, children used tablets the most on a daily basis, and children used ICT to watch cartoons, and to play games. The observed prominent positive effect of ICT was that it contributed to children's learning processes. Regarding the negative effects of ICT, parents stated that children acquire negative behaviors from ICT use. Parents used and suggested the strategies of establishing more parental control on ICT use, as well as limiting the time for ICT use for the purpose of protecting their children from the negative effects of ICT.
Examining the Criteria for Preferring Illustrated Children's Books by Parents with 0-3 Years-old Children
Authors: Tanju Aslışen Ebru Hasibe , Hakkoymaz Sakine
Published: November 2023

In this study, it is aimed to examine the knowledge levels of parents with children aged 0-3 regarding the criteria they consider when choosing a children's picture book. The study was carried out with a qualitative research approach. The study group consists of 69 parents with children aged 0-3, and the data of the study were collected through a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers. After the data were subjected to content analysis, they were presented in tables. As a result of the research, it has been revealed that parents with 0-3 year old children should have quality children's books and the features they pay attention to when choosing children's books, the child's interest, internal structure and external structure. It has been found that when choosing a children's picture book, parents pay particular attention to its suitability for the age and development of the child, its plain language, the presence of vivid colors and its non-violence. The content of the images is thick cardboard and the book is neatly bound with the appropriate font and image size. By looking at the outer coating and quality of quality paper, they think about whether it is educational, entertaining, creative and contains a concept of value.
Desempenho de concretos com substituição parcial do cimento por resíduo de tijolo produzido em diferentes tempos de moagem
Authors: SANTOS ROBSON ARRUDA DOS , Oliveira Marina Cartaxo Braga Morais de , Morais Vitória Karoline Silva de , Silva Neto Moacir  Braz da
Published: November 2023

Os produtos a base de cimento Portland possuem um grande potencial de receberem aplicação de resíduos industriais. Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar o desempenho de concretos com a substituição parcial do cimento por Resíduo de Tijolo Moído (RTM). Avaliou-se a atividade pozolânica à cal de dois resíduos cerâmicos, com tempos de moagem distintos, 3000 e 20000 rotações. A análise foi complementada pelo ensaio de DRX de pastas de cimento com o resíduo, 30, 40 e 50% de substituição, para verificar o consumo de Portlandita. O desempenho dos concretos foi verificado através da resistência mecânica e ensaio de migração de cloretos. O resultado da atividade pozolânica à cal mostra que o material não pode ser considerado pozolânico. Contudo, a análise do DRX das pastas de cimento com RTM mostram a diminuição da Portlandita em todas as pastas. Os concretos apresentaram bom desempenho mecânico e elevada resistência à penetração de cloretos, superior ao concreto de referência.
Exploring the Depiction of Women in Bengal in the Novels of Sarat Chandra Chatterjee: Patriarchy in Bengali Society
Authors: Nasrin Farzana
Published: November 2023

Sarat Chandra Chatterjee has portrayed female characters from southern Bengal who struggle in a conservative patriarchal society. His female characters are in the interposed stage of decomposing feudalism and initial industrialization. He delineates boldly the pain and torment of lower-middle class women. Sarat demonstrates many widows as “fallen women” in Srikant and Charitrahin which projects their space as a reinforcement of purity amidst a grovelling atmosphere of general dirt. The women must have purity, virtue and integrity otherwise they become victimized by the conservative patriarchal society. Most of his women characters share an extraneous relationship with society. Sarat demonstrates the complex conundrums of widows’ sufferings, child-marriage, disease, poverty, public bias and fallen women’s victimization which focused his perception of social realism. He also satirically represents the prevalent system of child-marriage and dowry which has infested the so-called modern society asserts to bring the estimation of women at par with that of men.
Effectiveness of Trade Union Strategies in Primary, Secondary and Technical Education of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Muvumu Bastin
Published: November 2023

In Democratic Republic of Congo, the State’s limited powers compels it to engage in permanent discussions with vested interests. On basis of fieldwork, this article analyzes how interactions unfold between actors in the primary, secondary and technical education sector, with a particular focus on trade unions and government. It relies therefore on the concept of strategy and asks whether the trade union strategies are effective.
It finds that the political, economic and social context significantly influence trade union claims and strategies, the effectiveness thereof, and the overall professional relations in the sector. Accordingly, the strategies must be constantly adapted to the changing contexts and professional relations.
By emphasizing the central role played by vested interests in fragile state contexts, the article contributes to a better understanding of policymaking processes in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Resolving the Grand Challenges in Public Administration
Authors: Kebede Debela Bacha , Marijani Ramadhani
Published: November 2023

Comparative studies on the grand challenges in public administration in Africa are scarce. Using historical and sociological neo-institutionalist perspectives and multiple secondary datasets, this study explores and describes the grand politico-administrative challenges, the progress made, and the challenges hindering the achievement of six SDGs with regard to certain selected targets. It also seeks to find out how Ethiopia and Tanzania, and Africa in general should to respond to the grand challenges facing public administration in the age of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). The findings indicate that the deep-seated historical, sociological, and politico-administrative factors constrain the performance of public administration in Ethiopia and Tanzania. Second, despite the differences noted, the progress made in pursuit of SDG4, SDG5, SDG8, SDG9, and SDG16 is positive in both countries, but more so in Tanzania than in Ethiopia. However, the following challenges were reported: gender-based inequalities, the risk of a unsustainable GDP growth rate, and the lack of economic transformation. Moreover, the unprecedented digital divide and the consequences of Covid-19 to a large extent not only constrain  the progress toward achieving the SDGs in both countries but also expose the countries to the possibility of losing the hard-won gains. Third, if not handled effectively, the 4IR will compound the challenges and erode the political sovereignty of Tanzania and Ethiopia, Africa, and Africans. To overcome the aforementioned challenges and to develop a new path that balances social, economic, and ecological goals in the two countries, there is a need to critically reform all the sectors, strategically and continuously invest in digital infrastructure, and introduce sector-fit capacity-building programs by taking into account the relevant politico-administrative contexts, and socio-economic structural and geo-spatial inequalities. The study contributes to the literature on developmental state in Africa.
State compulsion of smartphone security features and the privilege against self-incrimination
Authors: Theophilopoulos Constantine
Published: November 2023

There is currently a lacuna in statutory and case law about the legal nexus between smartphone technology in the form of password/code or biometric-locked smartphone security features and the privilege against self-incrimination. This paper examines whether a recipient of a cyber-warrant, subpoena, or other compelling order, may invoke the privilege against self-incrimination in the face of a state order compelling the production of a security feature in order to unlock a smartphone and forensically access stored incriminating data files as admissible relevant evidence at trial. This paper examines the legal nexus by critical reference to relevant South African legislation, comparative international law, the Fifth Amendment privilege, and the foregone conclusion doctrine as described by the USA Supreme Court in Fisher v United States, Hubbell v United States and other federal courts.
Recent Case: Criminal procedure
Authors: du Toit Pieter
Published: November 2023

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Desenvolvimento e implementação da metodologia FTA-FMEA6 para melhoria de processos na manufatura
Authors: Lira Silas Almeida , Costa Jefferson Carlos de Oliveira Ribeiro , Duarte Armando Dias , Barros Adriano David Monteiro dea
Published: November 2023

O presente estudo apresenta os resultados da metodologia desenvolvida através da integração das ferramentas de Árvore de Falhas (FTA) e Análise de Modo e Efeito de Falha (FMEA), denominada FTA-FMEA6. O objetivo foi reduzir a variação e aprimorar a estabilidade no processo de fundição por gravidade de insertos metálicos em uma subárea dedicada aos acumuladores elétricos de uma multinacional do setor automotivo, situada em Belo Jardim/PE. Após a aplicação da metodologia proposta, foram identificadas 21 oportunidades de aprimoramento e em seguida, ações foram implementadas que resultaram em modificações no equipamento e no processo, cujos indicadores de capacidade do processo, evidenciaram uma mudança significativa para a organização, por meio da redução da variação e instabilidade no processo.
Perception of Small and Medium Enterprises about Islamic Banks in Oman: Evidence from Survey Data
Authors: Miath Dr. Mohamme Dulal , Kindi Mohammed Ali Al
Published: November 2023

Islamic banking system is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global finance industry. It has an enormous potential to satisfy the financing needs of SMEs that wish to share business risks with financers because Islamic banks allow customers and investors to involve with interest-free financial transactions on a risk-sharing based Shariah-compliance products. From this perspective, this paper aims to identify factors that influence SMEs in Oman to choose a particular bank. In addition, the paper examines the determinants that attract SMEs in Oman to choose (or not to choose) Islamic banks. To achieve these objectives, the paper collects data from 106 SMEs from the Muscat governorate in Oman. Applying structural equation modeling (SEM), the paper finds that Islamic banks’ attractive package including favorable terms and conditions, easy access to financing facilities, availability of sufficient branches and ATMs facilities, and the existence of electronic banking system influence customers to establish business ties with Islamic banks. The paper further shows that SMEs in Oman are optimistic about the thriving future of Islamic banks in the country. The paper offers important policy prescriptions for regulatory authority, practitioners, and customers of Islamic banks.
Political Leadership, Financial Efficiency and Investment Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Galadanci Aisha Aliyu , Sufi Kabiru Sa’id , Bashir Abubakar Baba , Jafar Shuaibu
Published: November 2023

The study examines the influence of political leadership, financial efficiency, trade, FDI and urbanization in Nigeria, using ARDL technique of estimation from 1980 to 2022. The stationarity test outcome shows that all the variable are found stationary and also the bound test found the variable fit for the long run analysis, since they have long run link. The result of the short run estimated outcome illustrates that political leadership, financial efficiency, trade and urbanization rise the level of investment growth in the country. However, FDI is not significant in explaining investment growth in the nation. The long run result reveals political leadership, financial efficiency, trade, FDI and urbanization have significant positive relationship with investment growth in Nigeria. Hence, the study suggest that good governance and promotion of the financial strength through innovative policies, planning and coordination for sustainable investment growth in Nigeria.
Peasants’ Viewpoint on Bringing the Next Generation into Agriculture: Insights from Bangladesh
Authors: Joarder Md. Shafikuzzaman
Published: November 2023

Peasant farming is not merely about producing food, but it embodies a lifestyle, wisdom, and existence for rural communities, reflecting their values, traditions, and relationships with nature, land, family, and society. Therefore, understanding how these communities pass on their farming practices to the next generation is crucial. In Bangladesh, significant changes in socioeconomic sectors have affected the rural social structure and peasant life. A mixed-method study was conducted in 2022 in two northwestern villages, Chanduria and Ratoil. The study aimed to understand the aspirations of peasants about their children’s involvement in agriculture. The results showed that about 87% of the peasants surveyed were hesitant to involve their children in farming. This reluctance can be attributed to three main reasons: low financial returns from farming (85% of respondents), aspirations of the younger generation for higher-paying and prestigious jobs (70% of respondents), and concerns about exposing their children to environmental and market uncertainties (69% of respondents). Focus group discussions with young people revealed similar attitudes and behaviors. Therefore, it’s important for policymakers to consider these attitudes when formulating strategies for sustainable development in Bangladesh.
Parental Acceptance as a Predictor of Behavioural Adjustment among Primary School Pupils in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Monda Evans Apoko , Gichana Elkanah Mochache
Published: November 2023

The present study sought to investigate the extent parental displayed acceptance predicts behavioural adjustment among pupils in primary schools in Kisii central Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Object relations theory and supported attachment theory. The study adopted mixed method approach in which the embedded research design was used. To obtain the sample for the study, the study used cluster sampling, stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The target population comprised of 14876 pupils, 10582 parents, 229 deputy head teachers and 218 guidance and counselling teachers. The sample size for the study consisted of 374 pupils, 30 parents, 30 deputy head teachers and 30 guidance and counselling teachers. The study also used questionnaires and interview schedules to gather data. In analysing qualitative data, the study used thematic analysis while descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyse quantitative data. The study established that there was statistically significant positive correlation (r=.552, n=356, p<.05) between parental degree of displayed acceptance and learners’ overall behavioural adjustment. It was further revealed that there were statistical significant (p<.05) positive correlation between parental degree of displayed acceptance and all the five aspects of behavioural adjustment (Emotion Symptoms Conduct Problem, Hyper-creativity, Peer relationship Problem and Pro-social Behaviour) explored into. However, all the correlations were weak but it was evident that conduct problem adjustment reflected the highest correlation (r=.448), while peer problem adjustment had the least correlations (r=.331) to parental degree of displayed acceptance. From the regression analysis, it was also established that parental displayed acceptance alone accounted for 30.5% of the variation in overall behavioural adjustment among the pupils. In addition, linear regression reveal that if the parental display of acceptance was improved by one standard deviation, then perceived scores in level of overall behaviour adjustment of children would improve by .552 standard deviation units. Similarly, if improve their parental display of acceptance by one unit then the level of overall behaviour adjustment among the children would improve by .301 units. From the qualitative findings, it was found that parental psychological unavailability, negative criticism and over-emotional were associated with pupils’ behavioural maladjustments.