bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perception de la politique de crédit de la banque filiale par ses parties prenantes : quelle conséquence en matière de réforme organisationnelle ?
Authors: Mfelam Jean Roger
Published: April 2024

L’objectif de cette recherche est d’appréhender la perception que les parties prenantes ont de la politique de crédit des banques filiales dans un pays en développement. Ainsi, les données de l’étude empirique sont collectées grâce aux entretiens réalisés avec deux catégories de parties prenantes bancaires que sont notamment les clients et les Managers Intermédiaires de trois filiales bancaires occidentales au Cameroun. Les entretiens ont lieu entre les mois de Novembre 2022 et Mars 2023, dans les villes de Yaoundé et Douala, où sont concentrées l’essentiel des agences bancaires de l’échantillon. L’analyse de contenu thématique révèle que, la pertinence des problèmes posés par les clients, est déconstruite par les Managers Intermédiaires des banques. L’étude suppose que cette déconstruction, appréhendée comme une forme voilée de résistance au changement, contribue à complexifier la décision de modification de l’orientation relationnelle des banques filiales dans leur rapport de crédit aux entreprises locales.
Preparing Nurse Practitioner Graduates for the Transition to Practice
Authors: Paddock Sandra K. , Hayden Ann , Ruud Maria
Published: April 2024

Background:

Educators ensure that nurse practitioner (NP) students meet core competencies prior to graduation. Post-graduation, students navigate certification, licensure, resume building, and job searches. A statewide virtual conference was developed to help students during the transition to advanced nursing practice.

Method:

Information was presented on professional role development, resume writing, interviewing, licensure, certification, contract negotiation, and transitioning to a provider role.

Results:

Nearly all participants (92%) were able to describe the status of NP practice and licensure requirements. Most attendees (90%) valued the insight shared by panelists. Many students (88%) felt more prepared to negotiate a contract.

Conclusion:

Current educational programs lack the time to thoroughly address NP graduates' learning needs regarding transition to practice. A partnership between faculties and a state professional organization is an innovative approach to meet students' educational desires. Delivery of a virtual conference during the pandemic proved to be cost effective.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2024;63(9):630–633.]
The Syllabus: A Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Nursing Education
Authors: Kobeissi Mahrokh M. , Kearney Kelly , Christopherson Kala , Ramirez Elda G.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Preparing a diverse nursing workforce skilled at caring for diverse populations is essential for achieving health equity in our society. Academic organizations, schools of nursing, and faculty are responsible for creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) learning environments. The obligation for DEI initiatives in nursing education is guided by professional position statements and accreditation criteria.

Method:

The course syllabus is an inclusive strategy for setting the classroom tone at the start of the semester. Faculty can leverage the syllabus to provide explicit rhetoric for a diversity-centered educational climate.

Results:

This article provides a sample DEI syllabus statement developed by the authors using existing organizational policy terminologies and which was reviewed by a DEI team including the nursing dean, DEI champions, and the university legal department.

Conclusion:

A carefully crafted syllabus statement is a purposeful acknowledgement of DEI as a core value in nursing education and may positively affect students' impression of a course.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2024;63(9):634–637.]
Application of Bayesian variable selection in logistic regression model
Authors: Bangchang Kannat Na
Published: April 2024

Typically, in high dimensional data sets, many covariates are not significantly associated with a response. Moreover, those covariates are highly correlated, leading to a multicollinearity problem. Hence, the model is sparse since the coefficient of most covariates are likely to be zero. The classical frequentist or likelihood-based variable selection via any criterion such as Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) and Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) or a stepwise subset selection becomes infeasible when the number of variables are large. An alternative solution is a Bayesian variable selection. In this study, we used a variable selection via a Bayesian variable selection and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method in the logistic regression model. Moreover, those methods were expanded to be applied to real datasets.
Microwave-assisted transesterification of sour cherry kernel oil for biodiesel production: comparison with ultrasonic bath-, ultrasonic probe-, and ohmic-assisted transesterification methods
Authors: Golmakani M. T. , Niakousari M. , Peykar A. , Safaeipour T.
Published: April 2024

In this study, sour cherry kernel oil was converted to biodiesel by microwave-assisted transesterification. Evaluations were made of several variables, namely, reaction time (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min), microwave power (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 W), methanol/oil mole ratio (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15), and catalyst (KOH) concentration (0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, 1.2%, and 1.5%). The efficiency of fatty acid methyl esters increased in response to lengthier reaction times, greater microwave power, higher methanol/oil mole ratio, and higher catalyst concentrations up to the optimal level. The optimal reaction conditions for microwave-assisted transesterification were 300 W microwave power, 1.2% catalyst concentration, a methanol/oil mole ratio of 1:2, and a reaction time of 4 min. Microwave-assisted transesterification was more effective than ohmic-, magnetic stirrer-, ultrasonic probe-, and ultrasonic bath-assisted transesterification methods. In conclusion, microwave-assisted transesterification can be suggested as a fast, efficient, and economical method compared to other transesterification methods.
Effect of External Prestressing on the Stability of a Flat Arch
Authors: Velesik Marek , Strasky Jiří , Necas Radim , Kolacek Jan , Pozar Michal
Published: April 2024

For bridges with a slender bridge deck, ensuring sufficient stability under external loads is one of the technical problems that must be addressed. This paper studies the stability of a flat arch under asymmetric loads. Flat arch structures can form a directly walkable bridge deck. These structures can be realized without external prestressing only up to certain spans due to the necessity of capturing significant horizontal forces. The paper includes a static study that analyses the possible arrangements of the prestressing cables. The study evaluates the stabilizing effect of external prestressing and the possibility of creating a self-anchored system. Based on the results of the static study, a suitable variant was chosen for the design of a physical experiment. The experimental measurements compare the increase of stability for an arch discretely connected to a prestressing cable and an arch structure with a tie without mutual connection.
Solar Radiation Prediction in Adrar, Algeria: A Case Study of Hybrid Extreme Machine-Based Techniques
Authors: Benatallah Mohammed , Bailek Nadjem , Bouchouicha Kada , Sharifi Alireza , Abdel-Hadi Yasser , Nwokolo Samuel C. , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Colak Ilhami , Abualigah Laith , M. El-kenawy El-Sayed
Published: April 2024

This study delves into the application of hybrid extreme machine-based techniques for solar radiation prediction in Adrar, Algeria. The models under evaluation include the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), Weighted Extreme Learning Machine (WELM), and Self-Adaptive Extreme Learning Machine (SA-ELM), with a comparative analysis based on various performance metrics. The results show that SA-ELM achieves the highest accuracy with an R2 of 0.97, outperforming ELM and WELM by 4.6% and 15.4% respectively in terms of R2. SA-ELM also has the lowest MPE, RMSE and RRMSE values, indicating a higher accuracy in predicting global radiation. Furthermore, comparison with previously employed prediction techniques solidifies SA-ELM’s superiority, evident in its 0.275 RMSE.The study explores different input combinations for predicting global radiation in the study region, concluding that incorporating all relevant inputs yields optimal performance, although reduced input scenarios can still provide practical accuracy when data availability is limited. These results highlight the effectiveness of the SA-ELM model in accurately predicting global radiation, which is expected to have significant implications for renewable energy applications in the region. However, further testing and evaluation of the models in different regions and under different weather conditions is recommended to improve the generalizability and robustness of the results.
Colonization by tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus Skuse, 1894) of mountain areas over 600 m above sea level in the surroundings of Trento city, Northeast Italy
Authors: Battistin Giulia , Franceschini Alessandra , Paoli Francesca , Lencioni Valeria
Published: April 2024

Originally from Southeast Asia, the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is now found almost everywhere in the world. Additionally, it spread throughout all of Northeastern Italy’s cities, including Trento, and settled in the Alpine regions. The invasion of mountain regions in the Alps above 600 meters, which is generally thought to be the upper limit of Ae. Albopictus’s range, is confirmed for the first time in this note. We observed it in the summer of 2023 between 615 and 708 meters above sea level in the Trento region’s surrounding mountains, specifically in the Montevaccino and Sopramonte localities. The mosquito was caught using ovitraps, and by raising the eggs to adulthood in a lab, the species identification was verified. This finding heightens worries about how tropical insect species, which are favored by global warming, may invade the mountains and affect tourism.
Commento a ‘Vero uomo o uomo vero?’
Authors: Buffagni Federico
Published: April 2024

L’articolo che mi trovo a commentare è stato un importante motore di riflessioni intorno a domande che sempre più di frequente entrano nelle mie terapie: che cosa rende un maschio un uomo? Quali connotati deve possedere un uomo? Come realizzare oggi un’identità di genere maschile? Su quali valori fondarsi? [...]
Lo psicologo a scuola. L’incontro con ‘quel soggetto’ tra relazioni, complessità e aspetti deontologici
Authors: Lumina Irene
Published: April 2024

Sabato 11 Novembre 2023 si è svolta una giornata di formazione dal titolo: ‘Lo psicologo a scuola. L’incontro con quel soggetto tra relazioni, complessità e aspetti deontologici’. L’evento è stato pensato, organizzato e proposto dall’Area Adolescenza del Centro SIPRe di Parma. L’Area Adolescenza si pone come uno spazio di incontro, scambio e confronto tra gli psicoterapeuti interessati al complesso universo adolescenziale, e intende sostenere la formazione teorico-clinica in questo specifico ambito sia all’interno della SIPRe che nell’ambiente sociale e culturale esterno. [...]
Association of Mean Platelet Volume with Grades of Hypertensive Retinopathy
Authors: Keyal Shruti , Vasant P. K. , Kulirankal Kiran G.
Published: April 2024

Objective:

Hypertension is the most prevalent non communicable disease causing deaths even before evidence of target organ damage. Platelet activation is associated with risk of vascular events. Identification of mean platelet volume (MPV) values in patients with hypertensive retinopathy (HR) can help in prognostication and risk stratification of possible complications.

Materials and Methods:

Patients presenting to the outpatient department over a period of 18 months underwent clinical examination, blood sampling, direct ophthalmoscopic examination, and two-dimensional echocardiography.

Results:

Out of 104 subjects, there were a total of 25 females and 79 males. Patients with grade 1HR had a mean MPV value of 9.4, those with grade 2 HR had a mean MPV of 9.8, among people with grade 3 HR the mean MPV was 10.1, and those with grade 4 HR had a mean MPV of 10.9.

Conclusion:

In our study, we have seen that MPV increases with increasing severity of HR, thus implying that MPV probably plays a role in HR. Testing of MPV can be used to decide whether preventative treatments should be instituted to the prevent the severe complications of retinopathy and thus decrease the risk and occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
Schistosomiasis: An Uncommon Cause of Colonic Polyposis
Authors: Zacharia George Sarin , Menon Sreekanth K. , Jacob Anu , Umadevi Meera Jayakumar , Rajan Junu
Published: April 2024

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the trematodes of the Schistosoma genus. It is one of the neglected tropical diseases, contributing significantly to health-care costs, morbidity, and mortality in the developing world. The resultant disease is broadly classified as urogenital and gastrointestinal schistosomiasis. Intestinal schistosomiasis manifests as altered bowel habits, tenesmus, rectal bleeding, and or abdominal pain. Mucosal lesions include erythema, nodularity, and inflammatory polyps of the colon. Colonic polyps are mucosal lesions, benign or malignant, sporadic or inherited, and have been in the limelight for many years owing to their malignant potential. Inflammatory lesions in schistosomiasis can morphologically resemble neoplastic polyps and pose a diagnostic dilemma. We here report a rare case of intestinal schistosomiasis masquerading as colonic polyps, diagnosed on biopsy and effectively treated with praziquantel.
An Original Research on Healthy and Diseased Sites in Periodontitis Patients with Dental Fluorosis
Authors: Aditya Vangara , Vandana Kharidhi Laxman
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

This study evaluated the levels of clinical and biochemical parameters in patients with periodontitis and dental fluorosis. Additionally, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), radiographic alveolar bone alterations in the jaws of periodontal patients were explored in terms of changes to the cortical bone thickness, trabecular bone, and bone density.

Materials and Methods:

The gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was taken from a total of 40 participants who had periodontitis and dental fluorosed teeth in order to estimate the levels of sialic acid (SA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) in glycosaminoglycans using colorimetric analysis.

Results and Discussion:

The total evaluation for bone density was considerably greater in the FD group (657.60 ± 270.91) than the fluorosed healthy (FH) group (526.34 ± 260.03) (P < 0.00) when various alveolar CBCT data were taken into account. The thick dense trabecular pattern was found to occur in 80% of the fluorosed diseased (FD) group as compared to 63% in the FH group (P < 0.017). The grade-wise and overall assessment was done. The FD group shows an increase in plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), community periodontal index-probing pocket depth, and SA than the FH group, whereas CS has no significant difference in both these groups. Moreover, GCF SA levels are highest (686.33) (P < 0.005 S) in FD and GCF CS levels in the FH group (47.05) and FD group (46.52) almost similar, and hence P = 0.686 which is statistically nonsignificant.

Conclusion:

Nevertheless, the need of the hour is to conduct studies on various endemic fluoride belts globally and appreciate the hidden role of fluorosis. However, fluorosis proved to be an environmental risk factor and further studies are required to decipher its destructive role systemically as well.
Are rural women aware of breast cancer and do they practice breast self-examination? A cross-sectional study in a rural hospital in South India
Authors: Baburajan Cency , Pushparani Michael S , Lawenya Mary , Lukose Linu , Johnson Avita R
Published: April 2024

Background:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women. Breast self-examination (BSE) remains a feasible screening method in resource-poor settings, yet diagnosis in advanced stages remains common. We aimed to assess the awareness of breast cancer and the practice of BSE among women in a rural area of south India.

Methods:

A cross-sectional hospital-based study in rural Ramanagara district, Karnataka, with 416 adult women who were interviewed using the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure.

Results:

Less than one in ten women knew that lump in the breast is a symptom of breast cancer. Majority 338 (81.2%) were not able to state even a single symptom of breast cancer and 365 (87.7%) not able to state even one risk factor of breast cancer. Majority 354 (85.1%) of the women in the study had never heard of BSE. None of the women in the study performed monthly BSE. Only 40 (9.6%) of the women actually performed BSE within the last 6 months. Women with higher education and those who reported a history of a lump in the breast in self or family were significantly more likely to state at least one symptom of breast cancer and were more likely to practice BSE.

Conclusion:

The rural women in this study had poor awareness regarding breast cancer and poor practice of BSE. Awareness of at least one symptom of breast cancer was associated with an 18 fold increase in the practice of BSE. This study has revealed an urgent need to focus on health awareness regarding breast cancer and BSE among rural women.
Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysm: An Institutuinal Review
Authors: Mohan Lakshmidharan , Kumar Yadamreddy Rohit , Raju Radhakrishnan , Ayyappan M. K.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysm (ECAA) is a rare condition, with varied symptoms and etiology. The current series describes the profile and treatment outcomes of those with ECCA.

Materials and Methods:

A record-based retrospective case study on 10 years of data from a hospital was done. Data on sociodemography including age and gender, symptoms, examination findings, radiological investigations, and management techniques were collected.

Results:

A case series of 12 cases presenting with different symptoms of extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm are discussed. Age of the participants varied from being adolescents, adults, or elderly patients. Three-fourth of the cases were males. Pulsatile swelling in the neck was the most common presentation, though asymptomatic manifestations are also present. All 12 were managed by different techniques, with surgical resection and end-to-end anastomosis being the most common type of repair. All had good outcomes following treatment.

Conclusion:

ECCA has male predominance and occurs mainly in those above 50 years of age. The most common presentation is swelling in the neck and the most common management technique is open surgical repair.
Retrograde Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention: A 2024 Appraisal
Authors: Dash Debabrata
Published: April 2024

Retrograde recanalization demonstrated to be one of the most significant amendments of the technique and has recently become a vital complement to the classical antegrade approach in chronic total occlusion recanalization. Interventionists embark on this technique in complex lesions, in which the antegrade approach is not feasible or has failed previously or as a primary approach in certain situations. The retrograde approach maximizes success rate with a low complication profile, despite frequent utilization in the most complex patients. Since its inceptive description, important iterations have been established which render this technique safer, faster, and more successful.
Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Hypertensive Patients and Inter-arm Pressure Difference
Authors: El-Dosouky Ibtesam Ibrahim , Hassanin Mesbah Taha , Elmaghrabi Mohamed Hussien , Seddik Eman H.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Systolic inter-arm pressure difference (SIAD) is considered as cardiovascular risk. We aimed to ascertain whether the presence of (SIAD) is associated with impaired left ventricular (LV) functions or not.

Methods:

Blood pressure (BP) was measured on both arms of 81 participants, echocardiographic parameters of LV functions; ejection fraction, mitral E, A, eˋ, aˋand tricuspid regurgitant velocities, left atrial volume index, E/A and E/eˋ ratio, LV stiffness index and myocardial performance index (MPI) were measured, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) was assessed.

Results:

Higher SIAD level had good positive correlations with age, body mass index (BMI), duration of hypertension (HTN), MPI, and LV end-systolic volume. SIAD had good negative correlations with mitral E wave velocity, E/A ratio, eˋ and sˋ wave velocities, and with the average GLS. Impaired LV average GLS is independently associated with: Years from HTN discovery followed by BMI, gender, and age.

Conclusion:

BP reading in both arms on the first visit is not sufficient; hypertensive patients need evaluation of the SIAD on follow up. We need to consider the SIAD on risk stratification and BP control. This will be simple to follow in primary care and areas with low resources.
To Estimate and Compare the Level of Serum Immunoglobulin A in Patients of Oral Submucous Fibrosis, Leukoplakia, and Control Group
Authors: Shele Sweta Prakash , Bhagwat Pooja P , Yadav Renu , Deshmukh Sonali , Ghaisas Shraddha , Samanta Anwesha
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:

To estimate and compare the level of serum immunoglobulin A in patients of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), leukoplakia, and control group.

Introduction:

OSMF is a well-recognized potentially malignant condition in the oral cavity, and a transformation rate as high as 7.6% over a period of 10 years has been reported from India. Leukoplakia has evolved as a clinico-pathologic concept over many years, with the current clinical designation being accepted worldwide.

Materials and Methods:

Quantia IgA is a turbidometric immunoassay for the detection of IgA in human serum and is based on the principle of agglutination reaction. The test specimen is mixed with the activation buffer (R1) and then with antihuman IgA reagent (R2) and allowed to react. For the estimation of serum IgA, 500 μl of Quantia IgA activation buffer R1 is taken in a clean test tube. Serum sample is diluted in the ratio of 1:5 with normal saline. Ten microliters of diluted serum sample are added to R1. After incubation for 10 min, 50 μl of R2 is added, which is Quantia IgA antihuman IgA reagent to the sample, and the reading is recorded at wavelength 340 nm at 37°C. The level of IgA will be estimated by a semi-automatic biochemical analyzer machine and then data analysis will be done.

Results:

The immunologic alterations observed by us in OSMF and leukoplakia are almost similar or nearer to the alterations observed in oral cancer, so it is reasonable to assume that OSMF and leukoplakia can be an intermediate stage in the transformation process of a normal cell to oral malignancy.

Conclusion:

Prevention and early detection is the best way to reduce the incidence and mortality of premalignant disorders and oral cancer. There are many ways and methods of early detection of premalignant disorders and oral cancer, and the immunological method is one of them.
Pain Perception During Local Anesthesia Administration in Pediatric Dental Patients and The Impact of Pre-Cooling The Injection Site: An in-vivo Study
Authors: Shah Nishith M , Gulati Ruchi , Rasalkar Tejaswi , Nasha Divya , Arya Ashtha , Tekam Deepashri
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:

Examining how pre-cooling affects children’s experience of pain during local anesthetic administration is the primary goal of this study.

Material and Methods:

This study was conducted in vivo and involved 60 child patients who required local anesthetic in order to undergo dental procedures. Patients were divided into two groups based on a random chance: Group I was the control group, which did not receive any pre-cooling. Group II was the pre-cooling group, which allowed the injection site to be chilled with an ice pack for one minute prior to the administration of anesthesia. The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale was used to evaluate the participants’ level of pain perception immediately following the administration of the anesthetic injection.

Results:

The group that received pre-cooling showed a reduction in pain levels that was statistically significant when compared to the group that received control (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Pediatric dental patients may decrease local anesthesia pain by pre-cooling the injection site. This technique can be simply used in dental practices to improve patient experience, especially for children with dental anxiety or needle phobia.
Unlocking the Potential: Probiotics as a Promising Frontier in Oral Health
Authors: Ranganatha Narahari , Pracheth TV , Narayani Shwetha , Saxena Shobhit K , Wankhede Anand N. , Sahoo Nivedita , Surana Pratik
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. The role of probiotics in promoting oral health has gained attention in recent times Current literature aims to provide an outline of the application of probiotics in dentistry, focusing on their various formulations and potential benefits in oral health. The rationale for using probiotics in dental care, their different applications, and the future prospects of probiotics in dentistry will be discussed.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and one anastomosis gastric bypass
Authors: Almalki Owaid Mohammed
Published: April 2024

This review examines the incidence, diagnosis, and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), a notable concern in bariatric surgery outcomes. Through a literature review from 2010 to 2024, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, this study collects evidence from both large scale and smaller studies that report on acid reflux post-OAGB. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of GERD occurrence, diagnostic methodologies, and treatment options postsurgery. The findings reveal a varied incidence rate of GERD post-OAGB, from as minimal as 0.17% to a peak of 4.1%. Diagnostic practices differ, with bile reflux predominantly identified, alongside instances of acid reflux. Management strategies primarily involve proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), with recommended treatment durations ranging from 3 to 12 months, favoring a 6-month regimen. The study validates the importance of customizing treatment durations based on individual patient profiles and the potential implications of extended PPI use. Surgical intervention remains a last resort, reserved for severe GERD cases unresponsive to medical treatment or when significant pathological changes are evident.
Road Profile Reconstruction Based on Recurrent Neural Network Embedded with Attention Mechanism
Authors: Shi Runwu , Yang Shichun , Lu Jiayi , Chen Yuyi , Wang Rui , Cao Rui , Li Zhuoyang
Published: April 2024

Recognizing road conditions using onboard sensors is significant for the performance of intelligent vehicles, and the road profile is a widely accepted representation both in the temporal and frequency domains, greatly influencing driving quality. In this paper, a recurrent neural network embedded with attention mechanisms is proposed to reconstruct the road profile sequence. Firstly, the road and vehicle sensor signals are obtained in a simulated environment by modeling the road, tire, and vehicle dynamic system. After that, the models under different working conditions are trained and tested using the collected data, and the attention weights of the trained model are then visualized to optimize the input channels. Finally, field experiments on the real vehicle are conducted to collect real road profile data, combined with vehicle system simulation, to verify the performance of the proposed method.
Self-Operated Solar Side Marker for Commercial Vehicles
Authors: Verma Rubal , Bonde Devendra , Sehgal Nitin , Singh Hrishi , Sharma Jay
Published: April 2024

In response to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, Side Marker lamps were equipped in both passenger and commercial vehicles. Side marker lights are designed to provide clear visibility and vehicle identification from side way to other drivers/passersby vehicles traveling in perpendicular directions. But in case of harness failure/any malfunctioning/improper maintenance post damages etc., the side marker lamp does not illuminate when it is critically required. This causes serious accidents or loss of human beings as well. Convention side markers are powered by vehicle battery; a solar side-marker operates independently using a photometric switch that activates the light at sunset using stored solar energy. This device mainly works on natural light intensity when it lowers than specific value, the solar energy stored inside device will automatically ignite the side markers, irrespective of manual human intervention to switch it on. In case of a vehicle battery cut-off during vehicle parking, breakdown or accidental case, solar side marker run by an integrated rechargeable battery. It is charged by vehicle power or solar power and operated by photo switch. No similar option is available for commercial vehicles. The battery has a twin mode charging system so that it is foolproof in all weather conditions. Keeping in mind human safety, this invention may leads to reduced accidents on roads due to proper visibility of side markers in any adverse conditions.
A Method for Calculating Frontal A and B Stiffness Coefficients from NCAP Barrier Crash Tests Accounting for Bumper Cover Air Gap
Authors: Neal Joseph , Lipscomb Matthew , Funk Charles
Published: April 2024

A and B stiffness coefficients to model the frontal stiffness of vehicles is a commonly used and accepted technique within the field of collision reconstruction. Methods for calculating stiffness coefficients rely upon examining the residual crush of a vehicle involved in a crash test. When vehicles are involved in a collision, portions of the crushed vehicle structures rebound from their maximum dynamic crush position. Once the vehicle structures have finished rebounding, the remaining damage is called the residual crush. A problem can arise when the plastic bumper cover rebounds more than the vehicle's structural components, resulting in an air gap between the structural components and the plastic bumper cover. Most modern New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests quantify crush in the test reports based on the deformed location of the plastic bumper cover and not the structural components behind the plastic bumper cover. This results in an underreporting of the actual residual crush. The stiffness coefficients developed from these under-reported crush measurements over-report the actual stiffness of the vehicle. Features of the NCAP test procedure, including the incorporation of load cells on the face of the non-deformable impact barrier, accelerometers located in the test vehicle, and the software provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to analyze the impact data, allow the analyst to quantify the true residual crush sustained by test vehicles. This paper presents a new methodology for developing frontal A and B stiffness coefficients based on NCAP test data. In the evaluated NCAP tests where the NHTSA took residual crush measurements to the front bumper covers of the test vehicles, the average residual crush from the proposed method was 3.6 ± 3.2 inches greater than that of NHTSA-reported measurements. In seven additional NHTSA frontal fixed barrier tests in which residual crush measurements are taken directly to the front bumper beam, the average residual crush from the proposed method is 0.2 ± 1.4 inches greater than that of NHTSA-reported measurements. A and B stiffness coefficients were calculated using this method for 14 NCAP tests and are presented.
Validating RealityCapture for Point cloud Creation Using sUAS Imagery
Authors: Barreiro Evan , Carter Neal
Published: April 2024

Creating a 3-dimensional environment using imagery from small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS, or unmanned aerial vehicles -UAVs, or colloquially, drones) has grown in popularity recently in accident reconstruction. In this process, ground control points are placed at an accident scene and an sUAS is flown over an accident site and a series of overlapping, high resolution images are taken of the site. Those images and ground control points are then loaded onto a computer and processed using photogrammetric software to create a 3-dimensional point cloud or mesh of the site, which then can be used as a tool for recreating an accident scene. Many software packages have been created to perform these tasks, and in this paper, the authors examine RealityCapture, a newer photogrammetric software, to evaluate its accuracy for the use in accident reconstruction. It is the authors’ experience that RealityCapture may at times produce point clouds with less noise that other software packages. To do so, Propeller Aeropoints were placed along a stretch of road to provide ground control points for the photogrammetric software and an sUAS was used to take a series of overlapping aerial images of the road. The pictures and ground control points were then processed using Pix4Dmapper, a validated and widely used photogrammetric software package, and a point cloud was created. The same process was then performed in RealityCapture. The two resulting point clouds were then compared using Cloud Compare software. Through this process, the authors determined that RealityCapture’s algorithm for creating a point cloud based on overlapping images is comparable to Pix4Dmapper’s algorithm, and is adequate for use in accident reconstruction.
2D Diesel Spray Droplet Size Mapping Based on Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence and Mie-Scattering Technique Using Sparsity Deconvolution
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Grahn Viljam , Akram Muhammad , Hyvonen Jari , Kaario Ossi , Larmi Martti
Published: April 2024

The distribution of spray droplet sizes plays a pivotal role in internal combustion engines, directly affecting fuel-air mixing, evaporation, and combustion. To gain a precise understanding of droplet size distribution in a two-dimensional space, non-intrusive optical diagnostics emerge as a highly effective method. In the current investigation, two-dimensional (2D) diesel spray droplet sizes mapping using a simultaneous combination of planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) and Mie-scattering techniques is introduced. The assessment of droplet diameter relies on the interplay between fluorescent and scattered light intensities which correspond the light based on volumetric droplets and surface area of the droplets. This calculation is made possible through the LIF/Mie technique. However, traditional LIF/Mie methods are plagued by inaccuracies arising from multiple light scattering. To overcome this challenge and to attain higher accuracy than conventional LIF/Mie technique, we introduce a sparsity deconvolution approach to eliminate unwanted light interference on both LIF and Mie images. The core concept of sparsity deconvolution is to reduce disturbances caused by multiple scattering and offer sharp and finely detailed images for LIF/Mie ratio estimation. To enhance spatial sharpness and remove the undesired scattering light, an iterative Richardson–Lucy (RL) and Land Weber (LW) filters are introduced for image deconvolution. The results reveal that RL deconvolution is particularly well-suited for the intricate task of deconvolving complex liquid sprays, producing sharper and finer detailed droplet images. Additionally, the further calibration of 2D droplet size mapping based on microscopic method is implemented to approximate the linear fitting curve of dependence between macro LIF/Mie ratio and droplet diameter. This comprehensive approach advances the understanding of the critical role played by droplet size distribution under engine-like conditions.
Review of Production Electric Vehicle Battery Thermal Management Systems and Experimental Testing of a Production Battery Module
Authors: Uwalaka Lucia Ifunanya , Yao Qi , Kollmeyer Phillip , Emadi Ali
Published: April 2024

This paper reviews battery cooling systems in production fast-charging electric vehicles and the characteristics of different cooling channel pathways discussed in literature. In production fast charging electric vehicles, the predominant cooling method was found to be liquid edge cooling, where battery modules sit on top of a cooling manifold which cools one edge of each cell. Based on this, four main classes of cooling channel pathways are identified with examples of real-life implementation. A battery module from a Porsche Taycan electric vehicle is also instrumented with temperature sensors to observe the thermal characteristics across the cell surface during fast charging, and the results are presented. With fast charging, the Taycan module charged from 0 to 80% SOC within 24.27 minutes. The maximum temperature rise of the battery cells during the fast charge was 28.14°C and the temperature deviation across the cell surface was ±2.06°C.
A Study on the Development of Architecture Virtual Driving Performance using Concept Model
Authors: Kim Youngdeuk , Na Sang Do , Park Pyeonghwa , Lim Jonghyuk , Kyeong JinSil
Published: April 2024

An architecture virtual driving performance development process and strategy were established using the concept model. Driving performance concept models for each level and performance, that can be utilized in the architecture stage, were developed. Advanced concept models such as smart driver and comfort models were developed for reliable emergency handling and comfort performance prediction. System characteristic DB(DataBase) structure was designed and formed to utilize the concept model for major vehicle platforms and models. System characteristics can be configured by automatically extracting system characteristics from ADAMS model or SPMD(Suspension Parameters Measuring Device) DB. In addition, when the concept model is completed by updating the weight, specifications and tire characteristic of the new vehicle platform, handling and ride comfort performance can be analyzed. We can predict the coverage performance of the vehicle platform and review the development direction by referring to the development target. This architecture virtual driving performance development process was applied to new skateboard platform development. In first architecture development stage, the driving performance was predicted and the satisfaction level, that can be compared to the vehicle target, was expressed as a percentage. In second architecture development stage, using the target cascading method, system characteristics, that satisfy vehicle targets for independent mode, were proposed. Vehicle development efficiency can be increased through this virtual performance development in the early stage such as architecture.
Vehicle Cyber Engineering (VCE) Testbed with CLaaS (Cyber-Security Labs as a Service)
Authors: Zachos Mark , Satam Pratik , Naama Rami
Published: April 2024

The University of Detroit Mercy Vehicle Cyber Engineering (VCE) Laboratory together with The University of Arizona is supporting Secure Vehicle Embedded Systems research work and course projects.

The University of Detroit Mercy VCE Laboratory has established several testbeds to cover experimental techniques to ensure the security of an embedded design that includes: data isolation, memory protection, virtual memory, secure scheduling, access control and capabilities, hypervisors and system virtualization, input/output virtualization, embedded cryptography implementation, authentication and access control, hacking techniques, malware, trusted computing, intrusion detection systems, cryptography, programming security and secure software/firmware updates.

The VCE Laboratory testbeds are connected with an Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud-based Cyber-security Labs as a Service (CLaaS) system, which allows students and researchers to access the testbeds from any place that has a secure internet connection. VCE students are assigned predefined virtual machines to perform designated cyber-security experiments. The CLaaS system has low administrative overhead associated with experiment setup and management.

One of the testbeds in the VCE Lab is the TestCube vehicle simulator device. The TestCube is a programmable OBD-II vehicle gateway that can operate as an entire vehicle that is running on-board diagnostics communications sequences. VCE Laboratory CLaaS experiments have been developed for demonstrating man-in-the-middle cyber-security attacks from actual compromised hardware or software connected with the TestCube.

This paper will describe the CLaaS system and experiments utilizing the TestCube testbed. In addition, we will show that the data transfer latency between experiments running on the VCE Laboratory testbed and the AWS Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) is a sustainable communication rate for operating the testbed.

It is also worth noting that the CLaaS vehicle diagnostics security system testbed could be extended for use in applications to support a vehicle digital twin platform.
Impact of Advanced Engine Technologies on Energy Consumption Reduction Potentials
Authors: Islam Ehsan Sabri , Kim Namdoo , Vijayagopal Ram , Moawad Ayman , Rousseau Aymeric
Published: April 2024

The establishment of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975 marked a pivotal moment in the automotive industry's pursuit of greater fuel efficiency. The responsibility for the development and enforcement of these standards was assigned to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) assuming a critical role in their oversight and implementation. In collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne), supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), significant strides have been made in advancing fuel efficiency through the development of Autonomie, a leading full-vehicle simulation tool. Through an Inter-Agency Agreement between the DOE Argonne Site Office and Argonne, comprehensive full-vehicle simulations are conducted to support NHTSA's CAFE rulemaking processes. This paper introduces an innovative approach to CAFE standards development, emphasizing large-scale simulation processes that encompass standard regulatory driving cycles, diverse vehicle classes, and various time frames. At the core of this approach lies Autonomie's capability to integrate advanced engine technologies tailored to specific vehicle classes and powertrains, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of their impact on fuel economy. By customizing simulations to mirror real-world conditions across different vehicle types, the research provides nuanced insights crucial for effective CAFE standards development and implementation. Furthermore, the paper delves into the reductions in energy consumption across diverse vehicle powertrains, offering a comprehensive analysis of the potential for fuel efficiency improvements. Insights gained from this in-depth analysis contribute valuable knowledge to the ongoing pursuit of sustainable transportation solutions. This collaborative effort exemplifies a commitment to advancing understanding in vehicle dynamics, energy usage, and technology performance through large-scale simulations, ultimately fostering informed decision-making for a more sustainable automotive future.
WITHDRAWN Evaluation of closed-loop combustion phase optimization for varying fuel compensation and cylinder balancing in a HD SI-ICE
Authors: Björnsson Ola , Tunestal Per
Published: April 2024

Alternative fuels, such as natural and bio-gas, are attractive options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from combustion engines. However, the naturally occurring variation in gas composition poses a challenge and may significantly impact engine performance. The gas composition affects fundamental fuel properties such as flame propagation speed and heat release rate. Deviations from the gas composition for which the engine was calibrated result in changes in the combustion phase, reducing engine efficiency and increasing fuel consumption and emissions. However, the efficiency loss can be limited by estimating the combustion phase and adapting the spark timing, which could be implemented favorably using a closed-loop control approach.

In this paper, we evaluate the efficiency loss resulting from varying gas compositions and the benefits of using a closed-loop controller to adapt the spark timing to retain the nominal combustion phase. We use a 13-liter natural gas-fueled heavy-duty (HD) spark-ignited (SI) internal combustion engine (ICE) provided by Volvo. We define the combustion phase by peak pressure location (PPL) estimations based on ion current measurements, which is an affordable, low-maintenance, and robust alternative to in-cylinder pressure sensors for PPL estimation. We perform cylinder-individual closed-loop control of the spark timing, which compensates for variations in fuel properties affecting all cylinders and achieves cylinder balancing.

Applying the proposed PPL estimation and closed-loop ignition timing control significantly improves engine performance and reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
Growth models, growth strategies, and power blocs in Turkey and Egypt in the twenty-first century
Authors: Güngen Ali Rıza , Akçay Ümit
Published: April 2024

Analysis of the growth patterns in the Global South in the twenty-first century suggests there is room for authoritarian states to search for new growth models. Authoritarian states, such as Turkey and Egypt, benefited from global financial circumstances in the early 2000s and experienced shifts in growth strategies in the 2010s, suppressing political space further. Our main research question, thus, is focusing on what the main domestic political economy causes of these growth strategy and model changes are. To explain the changes in growth strategies and models amid the strength of reinforced authoritarian regimes in these two countries, we employ a hybrid research strategy, tying growth model changes to conflicts within the power bloc. We argue that in the mid-to-late 2010s, peripheral goods producers gained the upper hand in Turkey, while a military takeover in Egypt was followed by the promotion of exports and new investments. We also contend that power bloc reconfigurations in the last decade and the rise of new growth strategies both in Turkey and in Egypt aimed to change previous domestic demand-led demand and growth models.
Rudolph und Friederike Brach: Vom Rio Grande an die Elbe
Authors: Gittermann Alexandra
Published: April 2024

Die Biographie zeigt ein bewegtes Kaufmannsdasein und zugleich ein Panorama deutsch-jüdischen Lebens von der Emanzipation bis zum Nationalsozialismus. Der Bankier Max Warburg sagte einmal, wenn er den Wert von etwas wissen wolle, ginge er zu Rudolph Brach. Brach war um die Wende zum 20. Jahrhundert ein bekannter Hamburger Kaufmann und Reeder mit einem stattlichen Wohnsitz am Alsterufer. Heute jedoch sind er und seine Familie in Vergessenheit geraten. Dabei war ihr Leben eng verknüpft mit wichtigen Meilensteinen des an historischen Höhepunkten so reichen 19. Jahrhunderts: Als mittelloser Auswanderer machte Brach unter abenteuerlichen Bedingungen ein Vermögen am Rio Grande, gründete dann zwei bedeutende Dampfschifffahrtsgesellschaften in Hamburg ebenso wie ein Handelshaus in Alexandria kurz nach dem Bau des Suez-Kanals. Er gab Abraham Lincoln die Hand, stritt mit Victor Hugo, reiste im Kugelhagel der Carlistenkriege durch Spanien, wirkte am Bau der berühmten Hamburger Colonnaden mit und pflegte über Jahrzehnte geschäftliche Kontakte zu den bedeutendsten Wirtschaftsgrößen der Hansestadt. Mehr noch als seines war das Leben seiner Frau Friederike geprägt vom Streben einer wohlhabenden jüdischen Familie nach Integration in die bürgerliche Gesellschaft, die ihr bei allem wirtschaftlichen Erfolg jedoch immer wieder erschwert wurde.