bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering Women in Informal Economy Through Enhancing Financial Access and Credit Opportunities in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mumbire Ronika
Published: December 2024

This chapter embarks on dynamics surrounding the empowerment of women in the informal economy. The chapter analyses the context of women in the informal economy and shades light on the challenges they face in accessing financial services and credit. It also highlights the types of enterprises these women are involved in. The chapter acknowledges opportunities available to the women although they face challenges. It also highlights various empowerment strategies by drawing from a wealth of literature and empirical evidence, exploring avenues through which women in the informal sector can be uplifted through enhanced financial inclusion and improved access to credit facilities including giving possible solutions and recommendations.
Tourism and Empowering Women Through Handicrafts
Authors: Sharifinejad Ensieh , Rezapouraghdam Hamed
Published: December 2024

This article delves into the pivotal role of women entrepreneurship in advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) within rural areas, with a particular focus on the Middle East and South Asia. This study aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between women's empowerment, handicrafts, and tourism development through an extensive literature review of publications from tourism and hospitality industry journals. We examine central themes such as women's economic empowerment, capacity development in handmade goods, and the promotion of cultural heritage tourism in the context of achieving the United Nations' SDGs. Additionally, the article highlights the growing global interest in the handicraft industry and the entrepreneurial activities of female artisans, recognizing female-run businesses as vital for job creation, economic growth, and women's empowerment. By analyzing data, the study identifies key themes: 1) women's empowerment, 2) handicraft capacity, 3) training and education, and 4) heritage tourism as a core market. The research suggests potential implications for addressing the challenges faced by female artisans and tourism destinations, while also identifying gaps and proposing directions for future research in this domain.
“[…] MINHA FORMAÇÃO INICIAL COMO PROFESSORA FOI TOMANDO FORMA”
Authors: Cerdas Luciene
Published: December 2024

O objetivo do artigo é analisar os sentidos atribuídos pelos estudantes do curso de Pedagogia às experiências vividas no Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência (Pibid) no processo permanente de construção de seus saberes como futuros professores em formação. Parte-se da análise documental dos relatos reflexivos escritos por nove estudantes que participaram no edital 2020-2022 no subprojeto Pedagogia, que se desenvolveu durante a pandemia. A análise desse material se deu com base na perspectiva metodológica dos núcleos de significação de Aguiar, Soares e Machado (2015) e Aguiar e Ozella (2013). Nessa análise, foram identificados três núcleos de significação: 1) “Sem o outro, meu reconhecimento enquanto professora não existiria”; 2) “o conhecimento girava em torno do mundo da criança e dos seus gostos.” 3) “replanejar rotas e pensar em novas possibilidades a partir da reflexão”. Estes refletem um conjunto de discussões sobre as experiências pessoais dos estudantes com a docência, que naquele momento se fez possível a partir do uso das tecnologias no processo de alfabetização das crianças.
ESTRATEGIAS PARA INICIAR LA DOCENCIA DURANTE LA PANDEMIA: DE LAS IMPOSIBILIDADES A LAS POSIBILIDADES
Authors: Rabelo Amanda Oliveira , Souza Fabiano dos Santos , Gomes Georgia Regina Rodrigues
Published: December 2024

Esta convocatoria temática tiene como objetivo reunir artículos que reflexionen sobre las cuestiones de iniciación a la docencia durante la pandemia de covid-19, en un movimiento de resistencia y supervivencia de la escuela, del profesor y del futuro profesor, tanto sobre las imposibilidades como sobre las posibilidades que se llevaron a cabo en la práctica. En ella presentamos artículos sobre los diversos programas y las estrategias que se utilizaron para adaptarse a las nuevas imposiciones presentadas por la pandemia. Los programas analizados fueron el PIBID, PRP, Teacher Residence, PID y la Iniciación a la Docencia en sí. Podemos concluir, con los artículos presentados, que las dificultades fueron muchas, pero surgieron varias posibilidades en medio de las reflexiones sobre la formación inicial y continua de los docentes, prácticas pedagógicas innovadoras y motivadoras que beneficiaron no solo a los estudiantes/docentes en formación inicial, sino también a los docentes de las escuelas básicas y a sus respectivos estudiantes, en una asociación entre universidad y escuela, en la relación entre enseñanza y aprendizaje, en una verdadera formación teórico-práctica. Así, creemos que esta convocatoria temática puede contribuir con las reflexiones sobre las diversas formas de formación y prácticas pedagógicas, no solo en el contexto de la pandemia, sino en la producción de estrategias innovadoras que puedan desarrollarse en todos los contextos educativos.
Morphology and Acoustical Properties of Sago Pith Waste Reinforced Polyester Composites
Authors: Luthfi Luthfi
Published: December 2024

Indonesia generates abundant sago pith waste (SPW) because the country is the world's largest producer of sago starch. Although many efforts and studies have been devoted to processing this waste, SPW has not been utilized properly, and a large amount of SPW remains unprocessed and thrown away. On the other hand, increasing noise levels have become a problem in Indonesia due to the rapid industrialization in recent years. In this study, SPW is tested for use as a sound-absorbing material by first converting it into composite materials. The composites were manufactured by using unsaturated polyester resin mixed with SPW particles in three different volume fractions: 20% SPW, 30% SPW, and 40% SPW. SEM micrographs were performed to observe the morphology of the SPW particles and the composites. SEM micrographs revealed honeycomb structures of the SPW, and the average diameter of dried sago starch particles was observed to be around 5 μm. Further SEM examination on the composite specimens only found pores and holes previously occupied by sago starch particles, while the honeycomb structures were difficult to find except for the specimens with 40% SPW. The acoustics tests of all composite specimens were conducted using a set of impedance tubes between 0 and 6000 Hz. The plot lines of the coefficient of sound absorption are complex, and the SPW volume fraction that produces the best coefficient is affected by the sound frequency. However, the composite specimen with 30% SPW appears to have the best overall sound absorption properties.
The Study of Improved Silty Sand with Stone Columns under Consolidation Condition
Authors: Noorak Asarut , Jamnongwong Marupatch , Rochanavibhata Uthairith
Published: December 2024

In a laboratory setting under consolidation conditions, this study investigated the performance of saturated silty sand improved by stone columns. The studies were carried out with area replacement ratios of 0.03, 0.06, and 0.11, and relative soil densities of 40% and 90%. The properties of the stone column were analyzed by measuring settlement and stress distribution on the soil and column. The performance improvements are mainly due to the stiffness and high bearing capacity of silty sand under dry conditions. However, when in contact with water, there is a high risk of failure because the soil becomes saturated or partially saturated. The soil transitions from a solid to a liquid state, resulting in a loss of strength and stiffness under applied vertical pressure. The test results displayed that the settlement reduction ratio of the stone column ranged from 1.12 to 2.18. The stress concentration ratio ranged from 5.04 to 6.78, and column efficacy ranged from 0.126 to 0.459. Thus, the stone column significantly improved the silty sand by decreasing settlement, increasing stress on the column-supported embankment, and reducing stress on the soil.
Effect of Microcellulose Modified Styrene-Butadiene Emulsion on Mechanical and Hydraulic Properties of Cement-Stabilized Soil
Authors: Kitisatorn Wanlop
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the effects of microcellulose (MCC) and styrene-butadiene (SB) emulsion on the properties of cement-stabilized soil. The addition of MCC to cement-stabilized soil resulted in a reduction in hydraulic conductivity due to its water absorption properties, although it did not significantly improve mechanical properties. In contrast, SB emulsion modified cement-stabilized soil exhibited increased toughness and ductility, transitioning from brittle to ductile behavior. Interestingly, the combination of SB emulsion and MCC yielded a gradual decrease in hydraulic conductivity with increasing SB emulsion content. This was attributed to SB emulsion coating the surface of MCC particles, reducing their water absorption capacity and altering their influence on water flow through the soil-cement matrix. Overall, while MCC alone had limited impact on mechanical properties, SB emulsion showed promise for enhancing toughness and ductility. These findings underscore the importance of understanding additive interactions and their effects on the properties of cement-stabilized soil. Further research is needed to optimize additive compositions for specific engineering applications.
Efficient Removal of Aqueous Copper (II) Ions Using EDTA-Modified Graphene Oxide: An Adsorption Study
Authors: Ongayo Glenn , Magallanes Phoebe Ann
Published: December 2024

Graphene oxide has drawn attention globally as it emerged as a promising adsorbent material with enhanced adsorption of environmental pollutants due to its eco-friendly attributes, high surface area, and cost-effectiveness for mass production. This economical solution is a promising and potentially transformative approach to heavy metal removal, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future. In this study, unmodified and modified graphene oxide were examined for the removal of copper (II) ions in an aqueous solution. Modified Hummer’s method was utilized to synthesize the graphene oxide. The synthesized graphene oxide was then modified with N- trimethoxysilylpropylethylenediaminetriaceticacid (EDTA-silane), resulting in EDTA-modified graphene oxide (EGO). Batch adsorption tests were done for both adsorbents in order to determine the effects of various factors, such as pH, adsorbent dosage, and contact time. Additionally, in order to describe the adsorption behavior of the adsorption system, it was further fitted to isotherm and kinetic adsorption models. Results of adsorption study showed optimum adsorption for copper (II) ions was achieved at pH = 7, contact time = 45 min, and adsorbent dosage of 5 mg and 4 mg of unmodified graphene oxide (GO) and modified graphene oxide (EGO), respectively. The fundamental mechanism of both adsorbents was best explained by Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that the adsorption system followed chemisorption. The adsorption capacity and maximum removal of copper (II) ions was 672.22 mg/g and 78.41% for GO, and 729.11 mg/g and 89.94% for EGO. The latter suggested that graphene oxide treated with EDTA-silane (EGO) has the higher capacity to adsorb copper (II) ions.
The Application of the HSV Color Model for Accurate Digital Colorimetric Analysis of Fluoride Detection Using a Thiourea Receptor
Authors: Effendhy Nida Desri , Roto Roto , Siswanta Dwi
Published: December 2024

Color analysis using colorimetric detection has shown significant advancements, although it still faces challenges when capturing color images under varying illumination conditions. This study explores the utilization of the HSV (hue, saturation, value) color model for precise color analysis, enabling the differentiation of colors based on their type, intensity, and brightness without being affected by illumination. The HSV model, measured by the Euclidean Distance (ΔE) value, is employed to investigate the impact of fluoride solution pH and concentration on the colorimetric detection process of fluoride ions using a thiourea receptor. The colorimetric detection of fluoride ions at low and high pH levels decreases ΔE values and notable color changes. Additionally, the HSV model elucidates the color variations induced by fluoride concentration and demonstrates a linear relationship up to 0.9809.
A Machine Learning Approach for Depression Detection in Sinhala-English Code-Mixed
Authors: Fazal Fahd , Farook Cassim
Published: December 2024

The most significant and prevalent mental illness in the world today is depression. Depression is a treatable condition. In Sri Lanka, people would not recognize depression in its earliest stages, when left un-treated contributes to a high rate of suicidal behaviour. Most people tend to share depressive feelings and thoughts intentionally or unintentionally on social media. Social media is a viable source of data for researchers engaged in attempts for early detection of depression. There are numerous studies done in the field of depression detection using English language. But depression detection is less researched using code-mixed languages which is a prevalent trend on most social media users. Therefore, the objective of this research is proposing a machine learning approach to detect depression in Sinhala-English code-mixed textual contents posted in social media. Several base and ensemble machine learning algorithms were tested to detect depression using a dataset collected from social media platforms. Evaluating the performance results, it was found that ExtraTreesClassifier outperformed other machine learning algorithms with the highest accuracy of 79.13%, which was then incorporated into the research prototype.
Is a terminally ill non-cancer patient really forced to stay at the hospital?
Authors: Serafini Francesco , Procacci Maria Gabriella , Vettore Elia , Cardinali Giulia , Presotto Fabio
Published: December 2024

Dear Editor,for many years the National Health Service has taken care of terminal illness in its clinical, ethical, and legal aspects...
Ultraviolet-Induced Fluorescence Dermoscopy, a Novel Diagnostic Technique in Dermatological Practice: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bhat Yasmeen Jabeen , Ul Islam Mohd Shurjeel , Errichetti Enzo
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Ultraviolet-induced fluorescence dermoscopy (UVF dermoscopy) is a novel diagnostic technique for identifying and diagnosing numerous skin tumors, inflammatory dermatoses, and infectious diseases. The ultraviolet (UV) band has a wavelength ranging from 10 to 400 nm. When intense UV radiation with shorter wavelengths strikes a target chromophore, visible light (VL) with a longer wavelength and lower energy is produced in the skin. This VL is apparent to the naked eye and is referred to as fluorescence.

Aim:

The current review compares ultraviolet fluorescence dermoscopy (UVFD) and polarized dermoscopy (PD) features in various dermatological disorders.

Materials and Methods:

This review was performed in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metanalyses) guidelines. A comprehensive search of the literature was carried out through the PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases from inception to 25th December 2023 using the following search terms: “UV dermoscopy” OR “ultraviolet fluorescence dermoscopy” OR “ultraviolet-induced fluorescence dermoscopy” OR “Ultraviolet-induced fluorescent dermoscopy”. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened by two independent reviewers to select papers dealing with UVF-dermoscopy.

Results:

A total of 23 relevant articles were included in this systematic review, including a total of 313 patients. Pigmented skin tumors included 209 patients, Fordyce spot mimickers (13), scabies (57), biopsy site (20), psoriasis (3), corynebacterium infections (2), fungal infections (4), vitiligo (3), acne folliculitis (1) and glomus tumors (1). Levels of evidence (LoE) was 3 and 4 in only two included studies; the rest had a LoE of 5.

Discussion:

UVF dermoscopy is a new diagnostic and prognostic tool for neoplastic and non-neoplastic dermatological conditions. This is the first systematic review of its sort that compares and categorizes dermoscopic findings in UVF and polarized light in dermatological practice. As UVFD does not penetrate deeper skin layers, we observed that it is a better way to distinguish features restricted to the skin’s superficial layers in neoplastic diseases. As a result, tumor-free margins and improved surgical outcomes can be achieved. More favorable outcomes for evaluation and treatment were seen with non-neoplastic conditions. Limitations included a lack of studies with a high level of evidence, control groups, and larger sample sizes.

Conclusion:

We concluded that UVFD will improve clinical diagnosis, disease management, and outcomes. More clinical trials with larger sample sizes are recommended to better understand this novel and intriguing new diagnostic tool.
Lipid Profile Scores Predict Severity of Pemphigus: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fallah Maryam , Najafi Anahita , Ranjbar Mahsa , Balighi Kamran , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Ebrahimpour-Koujan Soraiya
Published: December 2024

Background:

There is little evidence about the relationship between lipid indices and the severity of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) disease. In this cross-sectional study, we try to find out the exact relationship between three dietary lipid indices (PUFA/SFA ratio and ω-6/ω-3 index) and the severity of PV disease.

Methods:

In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, a total of 138 pemphigus vulgaris cases were studied, of which 108 had PDAI ≤15, and 30 had PDAI>15. Dietary intakes were measured a valid 168-item FFQ. To calculate the lipid indices, the data received from diet were used.

Results:

After adjusting for potential confounders, people with the highest ω-6/ω-3 index had 32% lowest severity of PV disease compared to the people in the lowest category. However, this association was not significant in all models (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.24–1.93, P
trend = 0.47). Moreover, people with the highest PUFA/SFA index had 9% highest severity of PV disease compared to the people in the lowest category. However, this association was not significant in all models (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.34–3.51, P
trend = 0.88).

Conclusion:

The evidence of our study shows that the relation between PUFA/SFA ratio and ω-6/ω-3 index is not significant. However, case–control studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Coexistence of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and Kikuchi disease – Are they continuum of single entity or two different entities?
Authors: Kumar K. J. Sampath , Raghuram Y. Saadvik , Bali N. Kavitha
Published: December 2024

Background:

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) are both rare conditions that affect the lymphatic system. KFD is characterized by necrosis and karyorrhectic debris, while HLH is characterized by hemophagocytosis, a process in which immune cells called histiocytes consume red blood cells and platelets. Both conditions can present with similar symptoms, but their clinical courses and management differ significantly.

Case Presentation:

A 35-year-old South East Indian male presented with high-grade fever, loose motions, and generalized lymphadenopathy. Bone marrow biopsy revealed hemophagocytosis, and cervical lymph node biopsy showed necrotizing lymphadenitis. The patient’s symptoms and laboratory findings met the diagnostic criteria for HLH.

Conclusion:

The patient was treated with dexamethasone (20 mg/m2/day) alone without immunosuppressive therapy, and his general condition improved over a week. The patient was in remission on the last day of follow-up after three months of discharge. This case highlights the importance of distinguishing between KFD and HLH based on clinical presentation and laboratory findings, as their management differs significantly. While KFD is a self-limiting condition, HLH requires aggressive management due to its life-threatening nature.
Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of uterine corpus with overlapping features of undifferentiated tumour – A rare investigated entity in gynaecologic pathology
Authors: Prachi  , Aiyer Hema Malini , Sharma Gaurav
Published: December 2024

Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) of the uterine corpus is a rare malignant tumour of the female genital tract. Pleomorphic RMS of uterine corpus with overlapping features of undifferentiated carcinoma is one of the rarest investigated gynaecological entities. Delving into the depths of this rare malignancy, we share an insight into a 68-year-old female, who presented with a large abdominopelvic mass. Further, the patient underwent a hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy along with omentectomy, and was diagnosed with pleomorphic RMS with overlapping features of the undifferentiated tumour by histopathology and combined with immunohistochemistry. We navigate through diagnostic intricacies and prognostic considerations and unravel the complexities of PMRSu and its implications for patient care and management.
Analysis of deaths due to gender-based violence: An autopsy-based cross-sectional study from Mumbai
Authors: Pathak HM , Kaur A , Chaudhary N , Paul AS
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Gender-based violence (GBV), including domestic violence, honor killings, and dowry deaths, represents one of the most extreme forms of violence against women. These deaths are often misclassified as accidents or suicides due to societal biases, leading to underreporting and obscuring the true impact of GBV on women’s mortality.

Aims and Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of GBV-related deaths, with a focus on cases misreported as accidents or suicides. The objective was to determine the proportion of female deaths attributable to GBV and to highlight the challenges in reporting and investigating these cases.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical teaching institution in Mumbai, analyzing 5 years (May 2017–April 2022) of autopsy data involving unnatural female deaths. Autopsy records, police reports, and victim/relative statements were examined to identify potential GBV cases and discrepancies in death classification.

Results:

The study found a significant proportion of female deaths attributed to GBV, primarily within domestic settings. Many cases initially reported as accidents or suicides showed discrepancies in injury patterns and circumstances. The majority of GBV victims were young women aged 15–44 years, with burns being the most common cause of death.

Conclusion:

The study emphasizes the need for improved investigation and classification of unnatural female deaths. Domestic violence emerged as the most common factor in these deaths, with intimate partners being primary perpetrators, with most incidents occurring within the home. It also stresses on enhanced protocols to accurately identify and address GBV-related fatalities.
Hierarchical-Level Rain Image Generative Model Based on
GAN
Authors: Liu Zhenyuan , Jia Tong , Xing Xingyu , Wu Jianfeng , Chen Junyi
Published: December 2024

Visual perception systems for autonomous vehicles are exposed to a wide variety
of complex weather conditions, among which rainfall is one of the weather
conditions with high exposure. Therefore, it is necessary to construct a model
that can efficiently generate a large number of images with different rainfall
intensities to help test the visual perception system under rainfall conditions.
However, the existing datasets either do not contain multilevel rainfall or are
synthetic images. It is difficult to support the construction of the model. In
this paper, the natural rainfall images of different rainfall intensities were
first collected and produced a natural multilevel rain dataset. The dataset
includes no rain and three levels (light, medium and heavy) of rainfall with the
number of 629, 210, 248 and 193 respectively, totaling 1280 images. The dataset
is open source and available online via: https://github.com/raydison/natural-multilevel-rain-dataset-NMRD.
Subsequently, a hierarchical-level rain image generative model, rain conditional
CycleGAN (RCCycleGAN), is constructed. RCCycleGAN is based on the generative
adversarial network (GAN), which can generate images of light, medium and heavy
rain by inputting no rain images into the model. In the process of model tuning,
a total of three modifications are made based on the DerainCycleGAN, including
introducing different rainfall intensity labels, replacing the activation
function, and adjusting the training strategy. Compared with the two baseline
models, CycleGAN and DerainCycleGAN, the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of
RCCycleGAN on the test dataset is improved by 2.58 dB and 0.74 dB, and the
structural similarity (SSIM) is improved by 18% and 8%, respectively. The
ablation experiments are also carried out and validate the effectiveness of the
model tuning.
Diagnostics of Automotive Service-Oriented Architectures with
SOVD
Authors: Boehlen Boris , Fischer Diana , Wang Jue
Published: December 2024

The term Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) describes the vision of software-driven
automotive development, where new features, such as improved autonomous driving,
are added through software updates. Groups like SOAFEE advocate cloud-native
approaches – i.e., service-oriented architectures and distributed workloads – in
vehicles. However, monitoring and diagnosing such vehicle architectures remain
largely unaddressed. ASAM’s SOVD API (ISO 17978) fills this gap by providing a
foundation for diagnosing vehicles with service-oriented architectures and
connected vehicles based on high-performance computing units (HPCs).

For service-oriented architectures, aspects like the execution environment,
service orchestration, functionalities, dependencies, and execution times must
be diagnosable. Since SDVs depend on cloud services, diagnostic functionality
must extend beyond the vehicle to include the cloud for identifying the root
cause of a malfunction. Due to SDVs’ dynamic nature, vehicle systems must be
monitored as service degradation is more likely than a complete failure.
Established monitoring and error analysis approaches for cloud environments
cannot easily be transferred to vehicles. Monitored values must be aggregated
and correlated to error events before cloud transmission, or suspects must be
created in the vehicle for thorough analysis, reducing the data exchanged with
the backend.

The SOVD API provides a good foundation to diagnose service-oriented
architectures and HPCs. While SOVD offers a wide range of diagnostic and
monitoring features, it currently lacks solutions for diagnosing certain aspects
and especially monitoring of a service-oriented architecture. This paper
addresses these gaps, showcasing approaches and techniques to enhance monitoring
and diagnostics.
Fatigue Simulation Analysis of an Automotive Stabilizer Bar
Linkage
Authors: Wang Xu , Han Chao , Deng Jianjiao
Published: December 2024

As a part of an automobile suspension structure, fatigue durability performance
of the automotive stabilizer bar linkage is crucial to the safety and
reliability of the suspension system. In this study, the modeling and simulation
analysis methods of the stabilizer bar linkage were described in detail,
especially for the welded positions between the connecting rod and the spherical
shells (or sleeves).

Based on the equivalent structural stress method and the theory of critical
distances, damage values of welded positions in the stabilizer bar linkage were
solved. For the spherical shell end, the simulation reproduced the bench test;
and for the sleeve end, the analysis approach was determined by comparing in
several different modeling ways. Mooney-Rivlin model was adopted to fit the
constitutive relationship of rubber material in the bushing.

The above methods were applied to predict the fatigue durability performance of
the stabilizer bar linkage product, and the effectiveness was proved.
Research on the Duties of Remote safety Inspector for Autonomous
Commercial Vehicles
Authors: Wenliang Li , Huajian Li , Wei Zhou
Published: December 2024

At present, autonomous commercial vehicles can automatically complete all
transport services under limited conditions. Compared with traditional vehicles,
autonomous vehicles have the characteristics of high electronic level and
multiple control subjects. Remote driving safety inspector is an important
guarantee for the safety application of unmanned vehicles at this stage. Whether
the intelligent vehicle equipped with the driver or the safety inspector is an
obvious feature to reflect the intelligence of the vehicle, a basis for the
division of responsibilities, and an important factor to affect the commercial
application of intelligent vehicles. Nowadays, the responsibility of remote
safety inspector domestic and abroad is not clear. This paper analyzes the
traditional vehicle to execute the whole transportation process task list.
Combined with the current autonomous vehicle technical level, remote control
technical level and other development level, the research put forward three
responsibilities of remote safety inspector for autonomous commercial vehicles,
including actively monitoring and executing emergency disposal to the in-board
anomalies, responding and executing emergency disposal to the alarm of
passengers in-board, responding and executing emergency disposal to the accident
alarm or takeover request issued by the autonomous vehicle. The research results
are of great significance to support the implementation of relevant autonomous
driving policies and promote the development and application of autonomous
driving technology.
MFFormer3D: A Multi-frame Fusion Transformer Utilizing Object Queries
for Enhanced 3D Detection
Authors: Cheng Shuai , Zhang Yin , Gao Di , Li Jingyao , Wang Luyang , Ning Zuotao
Published: December 2024

3D object detection based on the point cloud is a critical technology for
environmental perception in autonomous driving systems. However, it has long
faced dual challenges of accuracy and efficiency due to the sparsity and
irregularity of point cloud data and the complicated driving scenarios. This
paper proposes a novel multi-frame fusion 3D object detection algorithm,
MFFormer3D, embedding object queries. The method first removes ground points
from the raw point cloud to reduce subsequent computational load. It then
employs Spatially Grouped Sparse Convolution Feature Extraction Layer (SGSC-FEL)
to optimize the backbone network for feature extraction. Subsequently, we
introduce a Cross-frame Object Query Filter (COQF) mechanism for efficient
multi-frame fusion and a Motion Correction Module (MCM) to compensate for
ego-motion effects. Experiments on the nuScenes dataset demonstrate that
MFFormer3D outperforms the baseline method by 2.25% in NDS and 7.73% in mAP
while maintaining an inference speed of 11.1 FPS. Ablation studies further
validate the effectiveness of each module.
Realistic Trajectory Generation using Dynamic Deduction for
Stochastic Microscopic Traffic Flow Model
Authors: Gao Yibo , Cao Peng , Yang Aixi
Published: December 2024

The application trend of automated driving is gaining significant concern, making
it increasingly crucial to validate automated driving within the stochastic
simulated traffic flow environment from both time and cost perspectives. The
stochastic traffic flow model attempts to encapsulate the variability inherent
in traffic conditions through a stochastic process. This approach is
particularly important as it accounts for the unpredictable nature of traffic,
which is often not fully captured by traditional deterministic testing
scenarios. However, while stochastic traffic flow models have made strides in
simulating the behavior of traffic participants, there remains a significant
oversight in the simulation of vehicles’ driving trajectories, leading to
unrealistic portrayals of their behaviors. The trajectories of vehicles are a
critical component in the overall behavior of traffic flow, and their accurate
representation is essential for the simulation to reflect real-world driving
patterns. This paper introduces a method that deduces the parameters in
trajectory generation for stochastic microscopic traffic flow models from
kinematics and dynamics, as well as the physical restriction of traffic
participants. The bicycle model serves as a physical model subject to kinematic
and dynamic constraints, and the resultant parameterized constraints are
meticulously analyzed. A trajectory generation approach has been proposed. The
proposed approach not only addresses the current limitations of stochastic
traffic flow models but also paves the way for more advanced and comprehensive
traffic flow simulations. It endeavors to achieve a more realistic and precise
traffic flow simulation environment for automated driving.
Human-like Behavior Strategy for Autonomous Vehicles Considering
Driving Styles
Authors: Shen Chuanliang , Zhang Longxu , Shi Bowen , Ma Xiaoyuan , Li Yi , Hu Hongyu
Published: December 2024

Autonomous driving technology plays a crucial role in enhancing driving safety
and efficiency, with the decision-making module being at its core. To achieve
more human-like decision-making and accommodate drivers with diverse styles, we
propose a method based on deep reinforcement learning. A driving simulator is
utilized to collect driver data, which is then classified into three driving
styles—aggressive, moderate, and conservative—using the K-means algorithm. A
driving style recognition model is developed using the labeled data. We then
design distinct reward functions for the Deep Q-Network (DQN), Proximal Policy
Optimization (PPO), and Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) algorithms based on the driving
data of the three styles. Through comparative analysis, the SAC algorithm is
selected for its superior performance in balancing comfort and driving
efficiency. The decision-making models for different styles are trained and
evaluated in the SUMO simulation environment. The results indicate that the
aggressive model prioritizes efficiency over comfort, while the conservative
model emphasizes comfort with reduced efficiency. This approach successfully
accommodates the decision-making preferences of drivers with varying styles,
demonstrating human-like decision-making capabilities.
Group Intelligent Decision Optimization Based on Fireworks
Algorithm
Authors: Chen Wangjie , Li Wenlong , Zhu Weiqiang , Shi Songhua , Zhou Mingyu , Fan Zhenhong
Published: December 2024

This study delves into the application of the fireworks algorithm (FWA) based on
swarm intelligence decision in multi-device resource scheduling. By simulating
the process of fireworks explosion, this algorithm efficiently searches for
global optimal solutions, demonstrating good stability and optimization
performance. In comparison to traditional heuristic algorithms, FWA shows
advantages such as simplicity, local coverage, and robustness when addressing
multi-device resource scheduling issues. Through experimental validation and
result analysis, we conclude that the resource optimization model based on FWA
exhibits significant superiority in multi-device resource scheduling, enabling
faster identification of global optimal solutions and maintaining consistent
optimization outcomes. Moreover, FWA displays high robustness and is applicable
to various types of resource scheduling problems, particularly excelling in
multi-device collaborative scenarios. In summary, this research presents an
efficient and stable new method for tackling multi-device resource scheduling
challenges, making a positive contribution to the advancement of intelligent
connected vehicle technology and intelligent transportation systems. Moving
forward, further exploration of FWA in more complex optimization problems is
planned, with a focus on promoting the development of intelligent transportation
systems and supporting the establishment of smart cities for sustainable
development.
Optimizing Search Testing Method for Brake Boost Degradation Based on
Electrical Chassis System M-HIL Bench
Authors: Guo Xiaotong , Li Lun , Chen Zhicheng , Zhang Liliang , Yan Luping , Wang Wei , Zh Bing
Published: December 2024

With the technology of electronic chassis control systems of automobile is widely
used, the functional interaction between brake system and the other electronic
systems may lead to brake boost degradation. Therefore, it is necessary to find
out brake boost degradation events in the quite large number of driving
scenarios. To solve the difficulty of thoroughly and quickly searching for brake
boost degradation conditions in the large number of driving scenarios, based on
Mechatronic-Hardware-In-the-Loop (M-HIL) technology, this paper constructs an
electrical chassis system M-HIL bench to verify the function and performance of
the electronic brake control system under actual chassis system conditions. To
search and locate the brake boost degradation conditions rapidly and enhance the
searching efficiency of levels boundary of affecting factors for brake boost
degradation, firstly, based on pair-wise coverage combinatorial testing, brake
boost degradation occurrence rate is estimated and initial level combinations
including brake boost degradation events are calculated by conducting the brake
boost degradation single test of all test cases automatically. Secondly, if the
brake boost degradation occurrence rate exceeds the threshold of occurrence
rate, based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and islet cases
expansion, levels boundary of affecting factors for brake boost degradation is
searched by execution of automatic testing program. The optimizing search
testing method proposed in this paper, which combines pair-wise coverage
combinatorial testing theory with PSO, can enhance testing efficiency for
electronic brake control system. In addition, the scenario coverage of brake
boost degradation events can also be increased by expanding islet cases.
Path Planning with Rear-Wheel Steering for Enhanced Parking
Efficiency in Narrow Parking Spaces
Authors: Song Yufei , Liu Yuanzhi , Xiong Lu , Tang Chen
Published: December 2024

Path planning in parking scenarios for vehicles with Ackermann steering
characteristics is a well studied problem in the literature. However, the recent
emergence of four-wheel steering (4WS) chassis has brought new opportunities to
the field of motion planning. Compared with front-wheel steering (2WS), 4WS
vehicles offer higher flexibility and new maneuver modes such as CrabWalk. To
utilize such new potential to further improve parking efficiency, this paper
proposes a four-wheel steering oriented planning algorithm for parking
scenarios. First, Hybrid A*-4WS is proposed to search for a coarse trajectory
from the starting pose to the parking slot, with improved node expansion
mechanism to incorporate four-wheel steering characteristics. Then a nonlinear
programming (NLP) problem is formulated with four-wheel steering kinematic model
to fully utilize the maneuver capability of 4WS vehicles, with OBCA used for
collision avoidance constraints. Finally, the two algorithms are sequentially
integrated, using the coarse trajectory obtained from Hybrid A*-4WS as the
initial guess for optimization. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed
algorithm achieves higher parking efficiency in narrow space, and the efficiency
is improved as maximum rear steering angle increases.
Climate Change Curriculum in a Network of US Family Medicine Residency Programs
Authors: Robohm Jennifer S. , Shih Grace , Stenger Robert
Published: December 2024

Background Physicians require climate-related training, but not enough is known about actual or desired training at the graduate medical education level.

Objective To quantify the climate curriculum provided within a network of family medicine residency programs in the Northwestern United States, to assess barriers to adoption of climate curricula, and to identify preferred climate-related content, delivery methods, and program actions.

Methods In fall 2021, residents and faculty in a family medicine residency network responded to a 25-item, anonymous, online survey about climate-related training within their programs. Likert scales were used to assess the extent of current and desired climate curricula in respondent programs, and a paired samples t test was used to compare them. Drop-down menus and frequencies were used to identify top barriers to integration of a climate curriculum, and preferred curricular content, delivery methods, and program actions.

Results Responses were received from 19.3% (246 of 1275) of potential respondents. Nearly ninety percent (215 of 240) reported little or no climate content in their programs. Respondents desired significantly more climate-related training (t[237]=18.17; P<.001; Cohen’s d=1.18) but identified several barriers, including insufficient time/competing curricular priorities (80.7%, 192 of 238), concern about the political/controversial nature of the topic (27.3%, 65 of 238), and perceived irrelevance (10.9%, 26 of 238). More respondents selected integration of climate content throughout relevant didactics (62.2%, 145 of 233) than other delivery methods. Over 42% of respondents selected each of the climate-related topics and program actions suggested.

Conclusions Despite a number of barriers, most family medicine faculty and residents desire significantly more climate-related content in their training curricula.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Virtual Reality Curriculum to Support Firearm Safety Counseling Skills Among Pediatric Residents
Authors: Real Francis J. , Griggs Cornelia , March Michelle , Masiakos Peter T. , Meisman Andrea , Felopulos Gretchen , Sacks Chana A. , Zackoff Matthew W.
Published: December 2024

Background Firearm-related injury is the leading cause of death among US children and adolescents. Residents across specialties report low preparedness to provide firearm safety counseling. Virtual reality (VR) may offer a modality to support residents’ skills through deliberate practice in a simulated setting.

Objective To describe a novel screen-based VR curriculum on firearm safety counseling and report feasibility and acceptability outcomes, including residents’ perceptions.

Methods Fifteen senior pediatric residents were recruited from 2 large children’s hospitals. The curriculum included 4 simulated scenarios in VR during which residents verbally counseled graphical caregivers who responded in real time, driven by a human facilitator. The curriculum focused on introducing firearm safety, discussing storage devices, and navigating the conversation through motivational interviewing. Following participation, residents completed the Measurement, Effects, Conditions Spatial Presence Questionnaire (MEC-SPQ) to indicate the degree of immersion in the virtual environment. Additional study data were derived from semistructured interviews. We used a constructivist general inductive approach to explore perspectives via coding and pattern identification.

Results Quantitatively 14 of 14 residents completing the survey indicated notable attention allocation and spatial presence in the VR environment. During the 15 interviews, residents identified VR as an acceptable modality for deliberate practice of firearm safety counseling skills in a realistic, scaffolded manner. They indicated the rehearsal of specific verbiage as critical to supporting behavior change. Notably, residents reported that the training helped overcome prior barriers to counseling by providing a framework for efficient counseling.

Conclusions Among pediatric residents, VR proved a feasible and acceptable modality for training on firearm safety counseling.
Reducing Waste at the Bedside: A Resident-Led Project to Decrease Waste and Cost From Diagnostic Paracentesis
Authors: Gottesman Sara , Mensah Barbara , Jagannathan Priyanka , Hyman Charles , Agrawal Deepak
Published: December 2024

Background Physicians have a responsibility to reduce the environmental harms from health care waste. Residents contribute to waste during bedside procedures.

Objective To calculate waste and estimated cost reduction with the introduction of a novel resident-designed paracentesis kit at a single academic center in Texas in 2023.

Methods We calculated waste through observation of bedside diagnostic paracentesis performed by internal medical residents, tracking which components were discarded without use from the hospital-provided kit. Residents designed a novel kit containing only procedural essentials. We calculated possible waste reduction when using the novel kit, as well as potential cost savings by comparing the average cost of the current hospital kit across multiple medical equipment retailers to the summed cost of the components of the novel kit.

Results Sixteen items were discarded without use from the commercially available kit, out of 29 total items. The estimated cost saving per diagnostic paracentesis was $95.

Conclusions This resident-led development of a diagnostic paracentesis kit was successful in decreasing both waste and cost, while involving residents in improving the environmental impact of their practices.
Implementing a Clinical Decision Support Tool to Reduce Operating Room Anesthetic Fresh Gas Flow: A Resident-Led, Sustainability-Focused Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Collins Julia , Karim Marcus , Akcay Bebhinn , Palaniappa Nandini , Wong Jenson
Published: December 2024

Background Lowering fresh gas flow (FGF) can help decrease the carbon footprint of the operating room as FGF levels act as an indirect measure of anesthetic gas waste.

Objective The aim of this quality improvement project was to reduce clinician FGF during general anesthesia with clinical decision support (CDS) tools within the electronic health record (EHR) at a single institution.

Methods A non-interruptive alert to reduce FGF was coded into the anesthesia intraoperative EHR workspace to alert whenever the 10-minute average FGF exceeded 1 L/min. It was targeted at anesthesia residents, attendings, and certified registered nurse anesthetists at a single US large academic level 1 trauma center. The number of general anesthesia cases with a target FGF of ≤2 L/min and the amount of sevoflurane (L/hr) was tracked on an individual and institutional basis.

Results Following CDS implementation from July 2023 through July 2024, 2677 of 4573 (58.5%) had a mean FGF ≤2 L/min, demonstrating a 116.7% increase from our institution’s baseline of 27.0% (1200 of 4446 cases) from July 2022 to June 2023, corresponding to a sevoflurane usage reduction of 36.7%.

Conclusions Implementing a non-interruptive alert in the EHR altered institution-level behaviors to reduce environmentally harmful anesthetic gas emissions.