bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Neutrosophic Multigranulation Model for Multi-Attribute Group Decision Making
Authors: Ding Juanjuan , Bai Wenhui , Zhang Chao , Li Deyu , Broumi Said
Published: March 2022

Neutrosophic theories and methods are suitable for handling a variety of uncertain information, especially in complex decision-making situations. Nowadays, how to study multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems in neutrosophic environments is a vital task for scholars and practitioners. Granular computing is a popular mathematical framework for uncertain problems, and it has been proved as a useful tool for solving MAGDM problems. In this chapter, a new neutrosophic multigranulation model for MAGDM is proposed, and some theoretical models and decision-making algorithms are presented. Finally, some case studies and comparative analysis are performed to show the merit of the presented models and algorithms. In general, this chapter is conducive to neutrosophic decision-making communities and intelligent decision-making methods.
A Novel Neutrosophic Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach
Authors: Karadayi-Usta Saliha
Published: March 2022

Interpretive structural modeling is of paramount importance in barrier/risk/challenge analysis as a hierarchical visual map by emphasizing the root cause of the problems. It asks expert opinions to evaluate the causal relationships of identified variables. However, in many cases experts cannot determine a relationship or can be doubtful about stating an idea. In the meantime, the neutrosophic cognitive mapping provides a step-by-step guidance in order to deal with the indeterminate relationships. Therefore, this study aims to propose a neutrosophic ISM approach and to implement it for the medical tourism services' barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic as an illustrative example. In order to do that, text mining was conducted to the medical tourism-related tweets written in English from January to December 2020 via RapidMiner software, and the barriers in medical tourism were identified. Next, the relationships between these barriers were examined via expert evaluations, and the proposed neutrosophic ISM was applied to construct a structural model.
Neutrosophic Contra RW-Continuous Functions in Neutrosophic Topological Spaces
Authors: Savithiri D. , Jafari Saeid , Janaki C.
Published: March 2022

The aim of this chapter is to introduce a new class of contra continuous functions, namely neutrosophic contra RW-continuous functions, in neutrosophic topological spaces. Further, the authors introduce neutrosophic almost RW-continuous function, neutrosophic almost contra RW-continuous function, and some of its properties have been discussed. Relationships with some other existing neutrosophic contra continuous functions have been analyzed. Furthermore, NRW-T0, NRW-T1, NRW-T2, and NRW-normal spaces have been introduced.
The Fraud Triangle
Authors: Villaescusa Núria
Published: March 2022

The Fraud Triangle is the framework that regulators have chosen to assess fraud risk for auditors and practitioners. In this chapter, the authors will review the origins and each of the three elements of the Fraud Triangle and provide some tools for assessing whether each element is present in a fraud case. The chapter will distinguish between occupational and corporate fraud, as the authors believe that the drivers of each are slightly different. After defining each of the elements, the authors will apply the framework of analysis to some famous fraud cases in very different parts of the world so that the reader can see the differences and similarities of these cases.
Qualitative Study of Fraud Causes in the 21st Century
Authors: dos Santos Fábio , Inácio Helena , Bastos Maria Anunciação
Published: March 2022

The most popular frauds known in the early 21st century eroded investor and society confidence in the financial markets contributing to economic and social destruction. In response, the United States enacted the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) and the European Union issued several regulatory instruments, but the fraud cases have continued. Motivated by the idea that if we understand where the possible causes are, then the problem of fraud can be avoided or at least reduced in its dimensions and consequences. So, this study intends to understand the causes of fraud and its relevance, identifying their common points and also measuring if they changed in the post-SOX period. From the analysis carried out, it results that the lack of an ethical tone in top management is the cause that remains transversal to both sides of the Atlantic and to the two periods studied. In the post-SOX period, the fraudulent financial statements lost relevance, ceasing to be part of the most relevant causes, and internal control failures became one of the most relevant causes.
With the Mediation of Internal Audit, Can Artificial Intelligence Eliminate and Mitigate Fraud?
Authors: Rehman Ali
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study is to determine artificial intelligence (AI)-supported Omani publicly listed organisations' attitudes towards fraud elimination and mitigation (FEM) concerns from the lens of agency theory with internal audit (IAF) serving as the mediator. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted by involving Omani publicly listed companies as the unit of analysis. Data were gathered using an internet-based tool and analysed via PLS-SEM and SPSS. For results, AI displayed an insignificant but direct impact on FEM, whereas IAF exhibited a significant and direct effect on FEM. Apparently, AI exerted a significant and direct impact on IAF, while IAF mediated the correlation between AI and FEM. This study serves as a guidance to regulators, professional bodies, and organisations in amending their codes of corporate governance and organisational policies by initiating AI as a governance agent working for the principal, as well as operating towards eradicating fraud and fraudulent practices.
A Proposed Framework for the Disclosure of Credit Risk According to the Basel Agreement and Its Impact on the Financial Reports and the Stability of Banks
Authors: Kassem Zeinab
Published: March 2022

This study aims to develop a proposed framework to explain the impact of disclosure of credit risks on financial reports to achieve bank stability in accordance with the requirements of the decisions of the Basel Committee. The results of the study showed there are specific criteria that can be relied upon in order to measure bank credit risk, create a provision, classify customers and creditworthiness. It is possible to incorrectly classify the merit of a customer to improve his image in front of investors and stakeholders and thus the value and the stability of the bank. The framework proposed by the researcher aids in the disclosure of bank credit risk of commercial banks to obtain more efficiency, competition, stability.
Disease Prediction System Using Image Processing and Machine Learning in COVID-19
Authors: Shilimkar Sonal Raju , Pimprale Varsha , Gosavi Chhaya R.
Published: March 2022

Diseases such as cancers, pneumonia, and COVID really need to be detected at the right time. If early detection and treatment of such diseases get started as soon as possible, then, probably, patients can be cured completely. Early detection of such diseases is very important, and early-stage imaging can be done based on x-rays, mammography reports, or pathological reports. The purpose of this system is to provide predictions for the different major diseases like cancer and some general occurring diseases. Image processing along with machine learning techniques made it possible to find the chances of occurrence of cancer/tumor/lump in the human body. As per the predicted probability, a patient can make an early decision by discussing it with doctors. The system will predict the most possible disease based on the given symptoms and precautionary measures required to avoid the progression of disease. It will also help doctors analyze the pattern of presence of diseases in the society.
Grouping Public Complaints in the City of Tangerang Using K-Means Clustering Method
Authors: Madyatmadja Evaristus Didik , Rahmah Astari Karina , Putri Saphira Aretha , Pralambang Yusdi Ari , Wicaksana Gede Prama Adhi , Raihan Muhammad D.
Published: March 2022

The government's efforts in developing electronic-based government services by utilizing information technology are referred to as the concept of e-government. Tangerang City is one of the cities that applies e-government in an application called Tangerang LIVE. In the Tangerang LIVE application, a LAKSA feature is used as a place for complaints from the people of Tangerang. This research was conducted to classify complaint data and determine the priority of groups of complaints received from the LAKSA feature. The technique used to conduct this research is clustering using the unsupervised learning method and the k-means algorithm, which will classify and predict the class for each document. In addition, an analysis of the priority complaint data was carried out based on the group that was received the most. The analysis carried out is to find out the class predictions for each complaint received, and then labeling will be given so that the complaint belongs to a more specific group. The results of the predictions will be displayed in the browser using web services.
Integrating Multiple Techniques to Enhance Medical Data Classification
Authors: Tarle Balasaheb , Akkalakshmi M.
Published: March 2022

Improving classification performance is an essential task in medical data classification. In the current medical data classification technique, if data pre-processing is not performed, the approach is more time consuming and has less classification accuracy. Here, the authors proposed two pre-processing techniques for enhancing the classification performance on medical data. The first pre-processing technique is noise filtering to improve the data quality. The second pre-processing bag of words technique is used for better feature selection. Subsequently, the hybrid fuzzy neural network approach is used for classification to handle data imprecision during classification. This arrangement of data pre-processing and the fuzzy neural classifier method improve classification accuracy.
The Past, Present, and Future of E-Business Models
Authors: Gultekin Beyza
Published: March 2022

This chapter describes the concept of a business model from the network perspective and examines the different types of business models. The author mentions the characteristics of a successful business model with the threats to a business model's success. A lean start-up process is explained, with an emphasis on the business model canvas technique. An organization's business model does not necessarily have to continue in perpetuity once it is launched. Accordingly, the business model change, characteristics of a transformative business model, and directions for future research are addressed. In this context, the chapter discusses the past, present, and future of e-business models.
Moderating Effects of Opportunity on the Cognitive and Motivational Factors of Internet Engagement
Authors: Ojo Adedapo Oluwaseyi , Alias Mazni , Dorasamy Magiswary , Sarwar Abdullah , Ojo Oluwayomi Toyin
Published: March 2022

This study investigates usage behaviour as a variation in internet engagement by integrating the concept of access gaps with the ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) framework. The research model was tested with data collected from 270 respondents in Klang Valley, which is the most urbanised metropolis in Malaysia. The result of path modelling analysis revealed that the cognitive factor of internet skill has the most significant effect on internet engagement. Besides, the significant effects of opportunity and extrinsic motivation on engagement were confirmed. Intrinsic motivation has no significant impact on engagement, but it has a significant interaction effect with opportunity. Thus, the lack of opportunity to access the internet does not limit the frequent engagement of the intrinsically motivated user. This study offers a systematic explanation of the underlying mechanism for the interaction among the access gaps and an alternative model in explaining the determinants of internet users’ behaviour.
The Extracellular ATP Receptor P2RX7 Imprints a Promemory Transcriptional Signature in Effector CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Vardam-Kaur Trupti , van Dijk Sarah , Peng Changwei , Wanhainen Kelsey M , Jameson Stephen C , Borges da Silva Henrique
Published: March 2022

Development of CD8+ central memory T (Tcm) and resident memory T (Trm) cells, which promote immunity in the circulation and in barrier tissues, respectively, is not completely understood. Tcm and Trm cells may arise from common precursors; however, their fate-inducing signals are elusive. We found that virus-specific effector CD8+ T cells display heterogeneous expression of the extracellular ATP sensor P2RX7. P2RX7-high expression is confined, at peak effector phase, to CD62L+ memory precursors, which preferentially form Tcm cells. Among early effector CD8+ T cells, asymmetrical P2RX7 distribution correlated with distinct transcriptional signatures, with P2RX7-high cells enriched for memory and tissue residency sets. P2RX7-high early effectors preferentially form both Tcm and Trm cells. Defective Tcm and Trm cell formation in P2RX7 deficiency is significantly reverted when the transcriptional repressor Zeb2 is ablated. Mechanistically, P2RX7 negatively regulates Zeb2 expression, at least partially through TGF-β sensing in early effector CD8+ T cells. Our study indicates that unequal P2RX7 upregulation in effector CD8+ T cells is a foundational element of the early Tcm/Trm fate.
L’ACQUISIZIONE E LA PUBBLICAZIONE DELLE CARTE DI VOLTA
Authors: Cadioli Alberto
Published: March 2022

The note presents the motivations and steps that led to the acquisition of Alessandro Volta’s papers by the Istituto Lombardo, and introduces the stages of the publication of the National Edition, which, during the 20th century, made many Volta’s texts known. It is also stressed that the new philological instruments could be used effectively to approach with new studies the papers of Alessandro Volta that are preserved at the Istituto Lombardo.
Samara water absorption and floatation in sheoaks, Casuarina and Allocasuarina (Casuarinaceae)
Authors: Riley Ian T. , Qureshi Moin
Published: March 2022

Diaspores (samaras) of the sheoaks, Casuarina and Allocasuarina, have a mesocarp composed of hydrophilic fibres that, in Allocasuarina, rapidly expand on wetting, capturing significant quantities of water. The ecological function of this water capturing has been the subject of speculation but not quantification or experimentation. Therefore, the rate and quantity of water absorbed, and the floatation properties of samaras of accessions of Casuarina and Allocasuarina were assessed. Casuarina absorbed water slowly (~48 h) with median absorption of 90% (by weight) whereas Allocasuarina absorbed water rapidly (<2 min) with median absorption of 240%. The process was reversible and increasing in Allocasuarina, with median absorption reaching 400% over three to five wetting/drying cycles. The floating half-life of Casuarina and Allocasuarina samaras overlapped, 17-70 and 29-57 h, respectively, so Casuarina samaras were not shown to be better adapted to hydrochory. Based on five accessions of each genus, it does not be appear that water-capturing of sheoak samaras is directly related to habitat aridity, nor to potential hydrochory. Therefore, the ecological implications of differential water-capturing of sheoak samaras remains to be determined.
Table of Contents Vol 27 (2021)
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: March 2022

No abstract available.
Effect of Extended Inlet and Outlet Lengths on Transmission Loss of Double Expansion Chamber Reactive Muffler
Authors: Kulkarni Mahesh , Ingle Ravindra
Published: March 2022

Internal combustion engines are one of the major causes of noise emissions. As in different industrial equipment, locomotives, and vehicles, the engines have a wide application base. Exhaust noise and noise that is created due to friction of different parts share the extreme input to noise pollution. A muffler is a means used by the exhaust system to reduce noise. For the reduction of noise, it is placed alongside the exhaust pipe. The decrease in the exhaust noise level is controlled by muffler construction and operating techniques. Therefore, the muffler configuration plays an important role. In this research work, an effort has been made to study the effect of parameters like different lengths of Extended Outlet (EO) for constant lengths of Extended Inlet (EI) elements in both chambers of Double Expansion Chamber (DEC) reactive muffler with an external connecting tube on transmission loss. It is observed that, as the length of EO is increased from L/5 to L/3 keeping EI constant, the average transmission Loss for the models decreases. The acoustic performance of the muffler is assessed by using COMSOL Multi-Physics and experimental validation.
Design and Analysis of Control Strategy for an Efficient Battery Thermal Management System of an Electric Vehicle
Authors: Patil K.R. , Pendse Parth , Mote Ameya , Patil Ankita , Sarnobat Rucha
Published: March 2022

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are being widely used as energy storage systems for Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles. The LIBs are particularly sensitive to temperatures and uncontrolled heating may lead to thermal runaway hence, a battery thermal management system is required to prevent the thermal abuse of the batteries. An efficient battery thermal management system ensures that the battery is working in its optimal temperature range thus, increasing its cycle life and performance. In this study, the heat generation profiles have been calculated for various drive cycles namely, US06, FTP-75, and UDDS, which were validated by a thermo-electric mathematical model in MATLAB Simscape. It was found that a cooling plate with an S-channel design is the most suitable for heat exchange applications and a mass flow rate value of 0.4 kg/s gives an optimum compromise between the heat transfer and the back pressure developed. The control strategy proposed in this research work regulates the battery temperature within the specified limit keeping the parasitic power at a minimum.
Performance Assessment of a Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine with Diesel and Waste Cooking Oil Blends Preheated by Engine Exhaust Gas
Authors: Shukla A.K. , Dutta P.P. , Bardalai M. , Dutta Polash P.
Published: March 2022

The present work explains the engine performance using waste cooking oil (WCO) blended with diesel. The viscosity of WCO can be reduced to be comparable with diesel by preheating at 90°C and thus improves the engine combustion efficiency. For the purpose of preheating, a shell and tube heat exchanger were designed. The optimized tube and shell diameters of the heat exchanger were estimated as 17 and 460 mm, respectively. Pressure drops in tube and shell sides changed from 28.40 - 27.40 Pa and 0.025 - 0.1 Pa respectively. Flue gas energy contents varied from 4000 W to 16000 W at the mass flow rate of 0.03-0.08 kg/s. Useful energy gained by the heat exchanger for waste cooking oil preheating varied from 1200-5500 W at 1200-3000 rpm. Kinematic viscosity for WCO was 51.85 cSt and it changed to 7.55 - 17.5 cSt for blends of 10 - 30% with diesel at 40°C. As the blending % of WCO with diesel increased, there was a minor drop in brake power because of lower calorific value of the mixture. There was a minor increment of torque because of preheating. Preheated fuel blends injection into the cylinder facilitated better fuel efficiency. Minimum and maximum values of exhaust gas temperature were 345°C and 385°C at 1200 and 3000 rpm of engine speeds respectively.
CFD Simulation of Showerhead Jet Impingement at Leading Edge of a Gas Turbine Blade
Authors: Seralathan S. , Jithendra Dara , Naga Sai Swaroop M. , Jaya Vikeswara Rao V. , Hariram V.
Published: March 2022

The performance of gas turbine improves with increase of turbine inlet temperature and leading edge of the turbine blades are subjected to the highest temperatures. To decrease the temperature, jet impingement technique is used for the leading-edge blade cooling. In this present study, showerhead arrangement is used for the jet impingement cooling. This showerhead arrangement consists of a central jet and it is surrounded by four jets resembling a shower. As the area/region of influence in the showerhead arrangement is hemi-spherical, an improved heat transfer is expected. The cross-section of the jet impinging holes is circular. The study is carried out by varying the Reynolds number from 11000 to 50000 for a jet impinging length of R/2. Steady-state simulations are carried out using commercial CFD code, ANSYS Fluent and turbulence model used is kω-SST. Wall temperature distribution decreases with increase in Reynolds numbers and it is observed to be minimal at the jet impingement point (i.e., stagnation point). Wall temperature distribution of the showerhead arrangement with straight impingement tubes is lesser compared to showerhead arrangement with bended impingement tubes. Mixing of jets prior to impingement on the wall is visualized for showerhead arrangement with bended impingement tubes leading to ineffective cooling for this arrangement. Nusselt number of the showerhead arrangement with straight impingement tubes are higher compared to showerhead arrangement with bended impingement tubes indicating better convective heat transfer.
Combined Effect of CNG and EGR on the Performance, Emission and Combustion Characteristics of Diesel Engine in Dual Fuel mode
Authors: Kathirvel Ravi , Palanimuthu Vijayabalan , Venkatesan Hariram
Published: March 2022

Severe and adverse energy crises in future, day by day ever elevating cost of fuels, dangerous emissions emitted with conventional fuels made internal combustion engine scientists to discover and look at the likelihood of usage of alternate, clean and less or zero emissions fluids and vaporous fuels for IC engines, especially compression ignition diesel engines (DE) since existing DE are under stringent pollutions regulation that too for smoke and NOx in their tail pipe fumes. The main target of this work is to examine the emission, combustion and performance attributes of a diesel engine running with a wide range of loads with a constant speed of 1500rpm with a 30% steedy energy share of CNG and varying EGR of 5%,10% and 15% using diesel as pilot fuel. BSEC of dual fuel mode engine is discovered superior to neat diesel engine mode at higher load. It is discovered that there is an uncommon decrease in NOX, CO2, and smoke density, increment in UHC, CO in the fumes of dual fuel engine at all loads. Comparative results are given for dual fuel mode with variable measures of EGR at various loads conditions and detailed the impact of the application of EGR on combustion, performance and emission processes.
Effect of Supplementing Water Electrolyzed Hydroxyl Gas and Exhaust Gas Recirculation in the Combustion Process of a Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Kathirvel Ravi , Palanimuthu Vijayabalan , Venkatesan Hariram
Published: March 2022

In the current state of affairs, the global concern is about greenhouse gas emission into the environment and ambient air pollution driven by massive consumption of fossil fuels by the various automobile and power generating sectors. One of the most excellent solutions to control the above concern is to develop and employ carbon-neutral fuels in internal combustion engines. Water electrolyzed hydroxyl gas (HHO gas) is the imperative and promising alternate fuel to pure fossil fuels. In this study, the performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of a 3.7 kW single cylinder four stroke CI engine enriched with HHO gas supplied to the intake manifold with the constant speed of 1500 RPM using diesel as a pilot fuel are studied. In this investigation, HHO gas was generated through the electrolysis of water and utilized to exterminate the handling and safety-related issues originated by compressed hydrogen. The examinations are repeated with HHO blend of 5, 10 and 15% with various Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) proportions to study the impact of HHO gas and EGR on dual fuel mode of diesel engine. The dual-fuelled (diesel + HHO gas) engine’s performance, combustion, and emission parameters are presented and compared in both analytical and graphical approaches. The results obtained at full load conditions are exhibited and compared with neat diesel operation. The brake thermal efficiency is higher by 9.6% for 15% HHO gas without EGR. NOx emission is almost similar for 10% HHO gas with 10 and 15% EGR. Smoke and greenhouse gas emissions are lower by 33.3% and 13.2% respectively for 15% HHO gas without EGR. Reduction in CO and HC emissions are noticed in dual-fuel operation.
Design and Analysis of Robotic Arm for Serving Material in Automotive Industry
Authors: Arunakumara P.C. , Koti V. , Murthy N. , Pradeep Y. , Prashantha S. , Chandragowda M.
Published: March 2022

The Robotic arm plays an important role in industries for performing tasks which are dangerous for humans, high precision work and carrying heavy load. This work is related to design and analysis of a robotic arm that might be used for pick and place operations for carrying heavy weight. Solidworks was used for model. ANSYS software was used to simulate the CAD models of structures, electronics, or machine components for analysing strength, elasticity, toughness, and temperature distribution. Importing a CAD model into the ANSYS software helps in examining a robotic arm under loading condition. After the completion of the design, the stress variation and deformation of the robotic arm by using different materials and under provided loading condition were obtained.
Optimized Grapeseed Biodiesel Production and its Effect on the CI engines Combustion Characteristics at Variable Compression Ratios
Authors: Hariram V. , Saravanan A. , Nadanakumar V. , Vinoth Kumar M. , Balachandar M. , Godwin John J. , Seralathan S. , Vasudev K.L.
Published: March 2022

The present investigation aims at optimizing the biodiesel production of Grape seed bio-oil. Modelling proficiencies like Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Interference System, Artificial Neural Network and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approaches are used to assess the optimal biodiesel yield by considering the input variable parameters like molar ratio, reaction time and catalyst concentration. Two-stage transesterification process is deployed using sodium hydroxide and methanol. The RSM predicted optimized grape seed biodiesel yield was noticed as 97.62% at 1.045 g/g catalyst concentration, 1.11 hr. reaction duration and 0.2758 v/v molar ratios which were in correlation with the actual yield. Further, the obtained grape seed biodiesel is amalgamated with n-butanol (20%) and Di-ethyl carbonate (10%) to understand its efficacy on the combustion characteristics of the compression ignition engine at variable compression ratios of 17, 17.5 and 18. The outcomes including the in-cylinder pressure, rate of heat release, rate of pressure rise, cumulative heat release, mean gas temperature and mass fraction burnt of the oxygenated fuel blends were compared with straight diesel and diesel – grape seed biodiesel blends.
Influence of TIG Welding Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Inconel 600 Alloy
Authors: Arora Ravish , Kapoor Jatinder
Published: March 2022

The present study investigates the effect of TIG welding on the mechanical properties of Inconel 600 alloy. Inconel 600 alloy was welded using TIG welding. Accordingly, the samples were prepared for characterization and testing. Samples were prepared for X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microhardness testing and tensile testing. XRD analysis of the welded joint revealed the formation of different intermetallic compounds at the welded joints. These intermetallic joints improved the mechanical properties of the welded joints. Next, optical microscopy and SEM of the welded joints revealed minimal porosity at the welded joints. The lower porosity at the welded joints improved the mechanical properties of the welded joints. Microhardness analysis revealed that the hardness of the weld joint was higher than that of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and was lower to the base Inconel 600 alloy. Further, the yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and % elongation of the TIG welded Inconel 600 joints was higher than the base Inconel 600 alloy. The YS, UTS, and % elongation of TIG welded Inconel joint was 9%, 15% and 22% higher than the base Inconel 600 alloy respectively. Fracture analysis of the joints revealed a dimple type of structure indicating a ductile type of failure.
Experimental Determination of Suitability of Algae Bio Diesel Blend as an Alternate to Diesel Fuel using Cylinder Pressure Variation with Respect to Crank Angle
Authors: Singh Sanjay
Published: March 2022

Scientific and engineering community of whole world is working day and night to develop an alternate of fossil fuel. This is not only due to continuous depletion of fossil fuel reserves but also for day by day increasing global warming. This global warming is mainly due to emission of harmful gases from manufacturing industries and vehicles used for transportation including aerial vehicles. In this paper, an experimental study has been performed in variation of mean cylinder pressure at crank angles divided into 4 categories for each stroke. 180 actual movement of crankshaft is taken as 90 for study. Further analysis is done for all the four strokes starting from power stroke at 0 and end of compression stroke as 360 (actually 720). The fuel used for the study is a 20% blend of biodiesel named as B20 in the paper. The experimental results obtained in a variable compression ratio engine are compared with the corresponding characteristics of fossil fuel. Diesel named as D100 which is a proved and widely used fuel at present. The comparative study has shown a clear indication that though biodiesel blend B100 may not be suitable in, as it’s condition but blend B20 may be suitable to be used in as is condition as the experimental results are not varying largely with that of pure diesel. Variation in power strokes and exhaust strokes were found to have larger deviation from linear trend whereas it followed linear variation in induction and compression stroke. The performance can be improved further by using suitable additive in further research works.
Optimized Biodiesel Production from Madhuca Longifolia using Two Stage Transesterification Process
Authors: Ilayaperumal K. , Ravikumar Solomon G. , Hariram V.
Published: March 2022

Optimization biodiesel production from tree borne, non-edible Madhuca longifolia oil was experimentally investigated in the present study. Madhuca longifolia, categorised under second generation of feedstock for biodiesel production, has wide scope in the future. As the Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content of Madhuca longifolia oil was 19% the biodiesel production was carried out by using two stage esterification and transesterification processes. In the first stage acid catalysed esterification was done using H2SO4 and the FFA content of Madhuca longifolia oil was brought down to less than 2%. The second stage of transesterification was carried out using NaOH as base catalyst. During the transesterification, the observation was made on various operating parameters like reaction time, catalyst concentration and methanol to oil molar ratio at three different reaction temperatures 55C, 60C and 65C. The optimised process parameters for the maximum yield of 87.8% of Madhuca longifolia biodiesel were methanol to oil molar ratio of 1:6 % weight of catalyst to oil of 3.00 for a reaction time of 60 minutes at reaction temperature 60C. In order to use the produced Madhuca longifolia biodiesel in the existing engines, the physiochemical properties were measured for its compliance with American Standard for Testing Materials and found to be in accordance with ASTM D6751 standards.
Marine Non-Conventional Energy Performance Analysis of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Murthy Niranjan
Published: March 2022

The harvesting of wind power to cope up with the energy demands of the world makes a paradigm shift from the conservative energy resources to non-conservative energy resources. This work focuses on the performance variation of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine by changing the various parameters with a view for its application to marine vehicles. Different blades were considered during the analysis. CAD models were constructed using SOLIDEDGE V2019. ANSYS R21 was used for the CFD analysis. Aspect ratio, number of blades and drag are found to be some of the leading factors affecting the performance of a turbine. Turbine blades which have lower aspect ratio produce a greater power output and vice-versa. Increasing the number of blades does not necessarily increase the performance of the turbine and it entirely depends on the blade profile. Increasing the number of blades in the turbine increase the overall drag and vice-versa. Reducing the number of blades increases the fluctuation in the power output because wind is not able to strike the blade continuously.
Transarterial chemoembolization and microwave ablation for early hepatocellular carcinoma in a Nigerian
Authors: Hammed Ninalowo , Aderemi Oluyemi , Babatunde Balogun
Published: March 2022

The West African subregion has a high number of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and this is partly because of a lack of expertise and health infrastructure for the delivery of effective locoregional therapies for patients who present with early disease. This report documents the successful treatment of a case of early HCC in a Nigerian patient using a combination of transarterial chemoembolization and microwave ablation techniques. We showed that, despite difficulties, such techniques are possible. It is our hope that this publication will help stimulate discussion, policy changes, and other alterations necessary to establish beneficial high-end techniques for the alleviation of the health burden of HCC patients in Nigeria.
Chylo-lymphatic mesenteric cyst in a 7-year-old
Authors: Saxena Divish
Published: March 2022

Mesenteric cysts are rare intra-abdominal masses that usually remain asymptomatic and present incidentally on radiological imaging. As the incidence is low, with paucity of data, careful pre-operative assessment and execution of surgical procedure often present a challenge to the treating clinician. A 7-year-old female child presented with gradual distention of abdomen and dull abdominal ache. On clinical examination, a huge mass measuring 1812 cm was detected in the lower abdomen. On radiological imaging, a diagnosis of mesenteric cyst was made. Intra-operative findings were consistent with mesenteric cyst, and complete surgical excision was carried out by laparotomy. The histopathology report revealed a chylo-lymphatic type of mesenteric cyst. Huge, benign abdominal masses in pediatric patient may represent mesenteric cysts, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by radiological imaging modalities such as abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Complete surgical removal of the cyst remains the treatment of choice, as the literature is against marsupialization or aspiration of cyst owing to a higher chance of infection and morbidity.
Clinicians’ compliance with requirements on surgical pathology laboratory request forms
Authors: Ohayi Samuel Robsam , Ezeme Mark Sunday , Okoloagu Nkiruka Nonyelum
Published: March 2022

Background: Early and accurate diagnosis has a major impact on outcome of diseases. Prompt delivery by the laboratory on requests sent by clinicians is fundamental to this. For useful laboratory outcomes, clinicians should provide comprehensive information, as required in laboratory request forms. The aim of this study was to analyze how well clinicians complete laboratory request forms. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study from January 1 to December 31, 2017. Laboratory request forms submitted with laboratory requests were retrieved and reviewed for completeness of required information. Results: An error prevalence of 12.2% was observed from the analyzed requests, and the average number of errors per request was 1.7. Surgical specialties contributed by far the most errors (t=-7.571; p=0.0000), and biodata information was the group that was mostly omitted from laboratory forms. Conclusion: This study revealed that clinicians submit requests with various irregularities, including suboptimal information, to the histopathology laboratory of our hospital. Regular interaction between clinicians and pathologists is needed in order to enlighten clinicians on the importance of providing necessary information regarding their requests to the laboratory.
Mortality trends at the Kenyatta National Hospital surgical operating theaters: a 5-year retrospective study
Authors: Kituu Nyamai , Omundi Susan Kerubo , Chokwe Thomas Muinga
Published: March 2022

Background: Mortality studies inform hospital disease trends and predict possible poor outcome. This study aimed to establish mortality trends over the last 5 years and the associated risk factors at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) surgical operating theaters and to establish the completeness of surgical safety checklist. Methods: In this analytical retrospective study, study population was 94,820 patients operated between January 2015 and December 2019 and a sample of all 145 patients who died intraoperatively. Sampling was done by census. Data were extracted from available 118 deceased patients’ records and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Results: Theater mortality rate was 0.153%. Sex-specific mortality rate was higher in males than in females (23.7 and 7.4 per 10,000, respectively). The mortality rate slowly declined over the period. The risk of death in theater was higher in neonates and in patients older than 80 years (54.3 and 39.2 per 10,000, respectively), emergency patients, and general anesthesia (p<0.001). The risk of death in theater increased with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class and was higher in surgeries conducted off working hours (p<0.001). The surgical safety checklist was fully filled in 39.0% cases. Conclusion: Theater mortality trend was declining. Risk factors included extremes of age, sex, emergency surgery, increasing ASA class, and off working hours. Advocacy for use of a surgical safety checklist is needed.
African Philosophy of Religion from a Global Perspective: Deities, Ancestors, Relationality and the Problem of Evil
Authors: Cordeiro-Rodrigues Luís , Chimakonam Jonathan O.
Published: March 2022

In this essay, we explore what the African Philosophy of Religion would look like from both a mono-disciplinary and comparative perspectives. To do this, a few concepts such as Gods, ancestorhood, relationality, and the problem of evil that appear in the essays in this special issue will be highlighted. Our aim here is not to provide a lengthy and rigorous analysis of the field of African Philosophy of Religion or even some of its main concepts, but to offer a platform for continuing discussion and development of the field.
Abhored but Necessary: A Relational Interrogation of Zaman Lafia (Peaceful Living) and the Evil of the Death Penalty in the Traditional Hausa Belief System
Authors: Bambale Zubairu Lawal
Published: March 2022

In Hausa worldview, Peaceful living (Zaman Lafiya) is conceived as the chief goal of life. Zaman Lafiya is that which determines goodness or badness of actions and practices. Everything, including morality, life, death and the afterlife is construed as being good or bad with reference to Zaman Lafiya. So, for instance, no matter the gravity of one’s wrongful conducts, it is not justified to punish him, except when punishing him does contribute to the consolidation/realization/attainment of Zaman Lafiya. This paper investigates the Hausa culture and belief system, especially the aspect of punishment alongside the actions that are thought of as being grave to warrant evil punishment such as the death penalty. With the aid of some Hausa proverbs and the African notion of relationality, it would demonstrate how a conversation of metaphysical nature is sparked among such realities/constructs as morality, life, evil, death and the afterlife. It will also show how living an ethical life entails acting in a manner that consolidates communal or relational existence as framework for Zaman Lafiya.
Indigenous African Religions (IARs) and the Relational Value of Tolerance: Addressing the evil of violent conflicts in Africa
Authors: Chimakonam Jonathan O.
Published: March 2022

This essay argues that the inherent value of Indigenous African Religions (IARs), which ensures that the belief in different gods does not eclipse the fact of common humanity might be of importance to contemporary Africa plagued by ceaseless conflicts. The IAR ideology contrasts, for example, with that of Christianity which views the Christian God as the one true God and regards those who worship a different God(s) as pagans and gentiles. It also contrasts with the ideology of Islam, which views Allah as the one true God and regards those who worship different God(s) as infidels. The essay claims that social orientation in contemporary Africa is mostly influenced by the divisive ideologies of these two foreign religions that have come to dominate. These divisive ideologies are to a large extent, indirectly responsible for some of the violent conflicts on the continent. This divisive religious orientation bifurcates humanity into in and out-groups that are extended to the social sphere where people from different religious, ethnic and linguistic groups are treated as outsiders and are made targets for attacks like in South Africa and Nigeria today. Further, if we interpret such violent conflicts as evil and consider its source in light of the perennial problem of evil, what would be our response? Using the conversational method, the essay argues that both good and evil are part of the universe, and that if we want more good, then a change from a divisive to a complementary orientation based on the relational values of the IARs is imperative.
Editorial: The unmet need of pit latrine use by disabled people: a practical solution
Authors: Hakim Eluzai Abe
Published: March 2022

No Abstract.
Determinant factors of immediate outcomes of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Alzubair Yousif Abdalla , Hailu Yohannes , Tamirat Koku Sisay
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a frequent neonatal emergency worldwide. The prevalence varies with gestational age (GA) being higher among preterm babies. Preterm birth is the world’s primary cause of newborn deaths and RDS is the leading cause of death in premature infants, including in Ethiopia.

Objectives: To identify the determinant factors of the immediate outcomes of RDS in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), University of Gondar Specialized and Comprehensive Hospital (UoGSCH).

Method: A hospital-based prospective descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from February to September 2020.

Results: A total of 162 neonates were enrolled; there were 87 (53.7%) males and 75 (46.3%) females. Of these 106 (65.4%) were discharged with improvement, 4 (2.5%) discharged with complications, and 52 (32.0%) died; 50% of deaths occurred within the first 24 hours of age. The odds of mortality for those admitted below 6 hours of age was 6.14 times higher (AOR=6.14, 95% CI:1.63 23.03) than those admitted aged 6 hours and above. Babies born to primiparous mothers were more than twice as likely to die (AOR=2.49, 95% CI:1.05 5.87) than babies born to multiparous mothers. Neonates who were delivered in other facilities had 3.78 times increased odds of mortality (AOR=3.78, 95% CI: 1.23 11.57).

Conclusion: Age at admission, site of referral, parity and gestational age (GA) had a significant association with neonatal mortality due to RDS.
One year’s experience of extra-pulmonary TB in a county/regional hospital in South Sudan
Authors: Apiu Gadic Kot , Sala Lina , Iannetti Rosario , McIntosh J. Clarke
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is becoming rare in the “first” world, it continues to be a killer in South Sudan. The lungs are the most commonly infected organs but extra-pulmonary TB is not uncommon. Objective: To determine the value and limitations of the TB diagnostic aids available at the county/regional hospital.Methods: This paper reports on a series of patients with TB attending a county/regional hospital in one year between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 and alerts clinicians to the more unusual presentations. We also discuss the application of diagnostic techniques that are available in South Sudan or will be available in the near future. Results: In this 12-month period, 162 patients were diagnosed with TB and 40 with EP TB.Conclusion: Good clinical evaluation plus ultrasound and widely available laboratory studies can lead to the diagnosis of TB, resulting in a good clinical outcome rather than an ill, consumptive patient who continues to spread the disease prior to an untimely death.
Portable pit latrine seats to increase sanitation for disabled individuals in Lira, Uganda
Authors: Hey Mei-Li , Schmachtenberger Harrison , Lumori Mikaya LD
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a viable solution that evolved over several years of research to mitigate the sanitation problems faced by individuals in rural areas of Uganda, particularly those with disabilities, addressed in our first paper (Schmachtenberger et al.). The solution is based on interviews and contacts with affected individuals in Lira, Northern Uganda, where the most commonly used sanitation facility is a pit latrine. To that end three types of design considerations and requirements for effective pit latrine assistive devices were adopted in the development of the technology discussed in this paper. Ultimately, three different designs were fabricated after synthesizing the requirements, preliminary user feedback, and engineering knowledge of mechanical design. The deliverables from these designs are three different assistive devices whose common feature is a portable seat that can be used safely in a pit latrine. The good results from several field tests engendered the development of more locally reproducible and cost-effective, assistive seat devices over a period of 3-5 years. Results from data collected over the years will be published in another manuscript, subsequently.
Altmetrías, ¿novedad o complemento del análisis de citas?
Authors: Sanz-Valero Javier
Published: March 2022

La cultura de evaluación de la producción científica en la medida en que el conocimiento fue percibido como un valor estratégico experimentó un sustancial crecimiento. Hasta el momento, estos impactos del conocimiento generado se están midiendo a través de técnicas bibliométricas que giran alrededor del análisis de consumo de información y que están sustentadas en los trabajos sobre fundamentación teórica de Garfield y Price. Desde estos primeros estudios se desarrolló todo un culto alrededor de los indicadores de la actividad científica que, como todo «dogma», tiene sus creyentes y sus impíos…