bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability analysis for large multi‐agent systems: A wave model approach
Authors: Tofighi Saeedreza , Shafiee Masoud
Published: October 2022

A network stability test algorithm is proposed to check the stability of large‐scale multi‐agent systems (MAS). The method employs modelling and processing techniques for analyzing distributed communications in these systems. To model the data transactions within the network the Modified Fornasini‐Marchesini (MFM) model has been employed. In addition, a wave‐like model for processing the distributed data in the system has been proposed, which can ensure the stability of the entire system. This method is more general and less restrictive than other methods.
Dynamic multi‐objective optimisation of complex networks based on evolutionary computation
Authors: Huang Linfeng
Published: October 2022

As the problems concerning the number of information to be optimised is increasing, the optimisation level is getting higher, the target information is more diversified, and the algorithms are becoming more complex; the traditional algorithms such as particle swarm and differential evolution are far from being able to deal with this situation effectively, and the multi‐objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) was born. Multi‐objective evolutionary algorithms help users to quickly obtain the data they want from the huge amount of complex network data, which greatly improves the efficiency. The multi objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) is simple, effective, and versatile, making it extremely attractive when solving multi‐objective optimisation problems. Since the distribution of the initial population affects the accuracy of the algorithm to some extent, this paper proposes to combine the mathematical calculus of evolutionary computation with the dynamics of complex networks as a way to carry out multi‐objective optimisation problems and find a more reasonable way for human information extraction. .The experimental results show that the set of non‐dominated solutions obtained by the algorithms designed is closer to the Pareto frontier, and the distribution of the searched non‐dominated solutions is more uniform.
Covid-19, Différentiel de revenu décent et baisse des revenus des producteurs de cacao en Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Ruf François
Published: October 2022

Au service d’une industrie du chocolat florissante, les planteurs de cacao de Côte d’Ivoire sont majoritairement en dessous du seuil de pauvreté. En septembre 2019, les gouvernements ivoiriens et ghanéens imposent le Différentiel de revenu décent (DRD) aux compagnies privées, un supplément de 400 $ par tonne par rapport au prix du marché international, répercuté sur le prix au producteur (prix bord champ). Début 2020 surgit la Covid-19. Dans ce double contexte, comment évoluent les prix ? L’espoir d’augmentation des revenus a-t-il été atteint ? Trois approches principales sont utilisées : a) un suivi mensuel des prix des produits agricoles vendus et des biens achetés par les planteurs de cacao ; b) un suivi des prix du cacao payés aux producteurs ; c) une analyse des productions nationales de Côte d’Ivoire et du Ghana, du cours mondial, des variations de la demande en fèves par l’industrie du broyage et du prix au producteur, sur 20 ans. Le premier résultat est une hausse temporaire et limitée du prix du cacao bord champ fin 2020, puis sa chute en 2021 alors que les prix des intrants et des produits de consommation flambent. Le ciseau des prix se resserre encore plus en 2021–2022. C’est donc l’échec du DRD, mais le rôle de la Covid-19 dans cet échec est très nuancé au regard des déclarations de l’État et des multinationales. La baisse des prix et les pertes de revenus des planteurs de cacao en 2020–2022 s’inscrit plutôt dans la théorie économique des jeux. Sans contrôle de leur offre et de celle du partenaire, un accord entre deux entreprises ou pays ne peut pas fonctionner. L’échec s’inscrit dans un changement structurel : croissance démographique, politiques d’encouragement aux migrations et à la déforestation, opacité de la filière, et finalement croissance continue de l’offre de cacao de Côte d’Ivoire sur le marché international.
Concept, manufacturing and challenges of ultra-compact snapshot multi-spectral multi-aperture imaging systems
Authors: Hubold Martin , Karl Johanna , Leitel Robert , Danz Norbert , Brüning Robert
Published: October 2022

Snapshot multispectral imaging is a rising non-invasive and contact-free analysis method and technology to discriminate or identify objects based on their spectral characteristics. We demonstrate a versatile system approach for compact and real-time capable snapshot cameras for the visible (VIS) and the near-infrared (NIR) or the short-wave infrared (SWIR) wavelength range based on a micro-optical multi-aperture system and various spectral filter approaches. In addition, the manufacturing, the calibration, and the limitations of the demonstration systems are described.
Nautilus: The advent of large lens-based space telescopes
Authors: Kim Daewook , Milster Tom D. , Apai Dániel
Published: October 2022

One of the most profound and philosophically captivating foci of modern astronomy is studies of Earth-like exoplanets in search of life in the Universe. The paradigm-shifting investigation described here calls for a new type of space telescope that redefines the available light-collecting area in space, far beyond what is currently possible with the 6.5 m diameter James Webb Space Telescope. The Nautilus Space Observatory, which is enabled by multiple-order diffractive optics, is ushering in the advent of large space telescope lenses designed to search for biosignatures on a thousand exo-earths.
A virtual microscope for simulation of Nanostructures
Authors: Hansen Poul-Erik , Siaudinyte Lauryna
Published: October 2022

Light-matter interplay is widely used for analyzing the topology of surfaces on small scales for use in areas such as nanotechnology, nanoelectronics, photonics, and advanced materials. Conventional optical microscope imaging methods are limited in resolution to a value comparable to the wavelength, the so-called Abbe limit, and cannot be used to measure nano-sized structures. Scatterometry is an optical method that can measure structures smaller than the wavelength. However, the relative uncertainties of the structure dimensions measured with scatterometry increase with decreasing structure size, and the industry is therefore looking for replacing simple intensity based scatterometry with a phase-sensitive measurement method such as coherent Mueller ellipsometry. In this work, we present a virtual microscope capable of simulating the coherent Mueller ellipsometry and scatterometry response from one-dimensional and two-dimensional periodic structures. Furthermore, we argue that coherent nonnormalized Mueller ellipsometry gives results with less uncertainties than standard normalized Mueller ellipsometry.
A ϕ-Shaped Bending-Optical Fiber Sensor for the Measurement of Radial variation in Cylindrical Structures
Authors: Cardoso Victor , Caldas Paulo , Giraldi M. Thereza R. , Frazão Orlando , Costa João , Santos José L.
Published: October 2022

This work presents preliminary results of the ϕ -shaped sensor mounted on support designed by additive manufacturing (AM). This sensor is proposed and experimentally demonstrated to measure the radial variation of cylindrical structures. The sensor presents an easy fabrication. The support was developed to work using the principle of leverage. The sensing head is curled between two points so that the dimension associated with the macro bend is changed when there is a radial variation. The results indicate that the proposed sensor structure can monitor radial variation in applications such as pipelines and trees.
Micro-diffractive optical element arrays for beam shaping
Authors: Gharbi Ghebjagh Shima , Handte Thomas , Sinzinger Stefan
Published: October 2022

We describe the design of Fourier type array generators and beam shapers as periodic configurations of refractive-diffractive optical elements in microscale to provide specific beam shaping and imaging functionaliies. We investigate how the addition of micro-nanostructures to regular microstructure arrays enables new degrees of freedom for the design of micro-optical systems, in combination with adapted fabrication techniques yields a better optical performance and leads to enhancement of the array concept, uniformity and efficiency.
Series arc fault identification based on complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise and convolutional neural network
Authors: Shang Tongtong , Wang Wei , Peng Jigang , Xu Bingyin , Gao Haiyang , Zhai Guoliang
Published: October 2022

The effective identification of series arc faults is of considerable significance for preventing fires in residential buildings. Series arc fault currents and load currents have a similar waveform, and the fault features and nonfault features are superimposed on the current signal. Fault features are deeply hidden, making it difficult to identify them. This work proposes a method based on complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) preprocessing and a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1DCNN). The CEEMDAN algorithm is used to decompose the collected current signals. Then, the intrinsic mode function (IMF) components with no representational significance are eliminated by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficient before inputting it into the 1DCNN. The experimental results showed that the accuracy of the method for the measured load is 99.3%. Compared with the method that directly uses original current signals as model inputs, the recognition accuracy of the algorithm was significantly improved. Therefore, the proposed algorithm can be used for series arc fault identification in residential building power distribution systems.
La santé se construit dans un environnement social
Authors: Lang Thierry
Published: October 2022

Les inégalités sociales de santé sont présentes dans tous les pays. Parmi les facteurs qui
déterminent l’état de santé d’un individu, les facteurs sociaux, moins bien étudiés que les facteurs
biologiques, sont pourtant nombreux. Ils sont d’ordre environnemental, comportemental ou sont liés
au système de santé. L’état de santé et la situation sociale interagissent de façon complexe, dans
un processus dynamique tout au long de la vie. Les trajectoires de santé et les trajectoires sociales
sont souvent confondues. Pour agir sur l’état de santé des populations et tenter d’en réduire les
inégalités, différents moyens sont possibles, mais pour qu’ils soient efficaces, leur utilisation
nécessite une prise en compte des déterminants sociaux de la santé.
Le stigmate, une arme préventive contre les conduites à risque ?
Authors: Peretti-Watel Patrick , Spica Laura
Published: October 2022

Les politiques de prévention ont longtemps stigmatisé les populations ciblées sans y prendre garde.
La lutte contre l’épidémie de sida a favorisé l’émergence d’une nouvelle orthodoxie, selon laquelle
stigmatiser une population « à risques » est non seulement dommageable pour celle-ci, mais
également contre-productif pour la santé publique. Toutefois, cette orthodoxie est aujourd’hui battue
en brèche: la stigmatisation des conduites à risque, et du tabagisme en particulier, pourrait se
révéler une arme très efficace pour leur prévention. Mais ce renversement de perspective pose des
problèmes éthiques qu’il est impératif de résoudre, ce qui suppose de doter la santé publique et la
prévention d’un cadre éthique explicite, qui leur fait encore aujourd’hui cruellement défaut.
La judiciarisation de la santé
Authors: Laude Anne
Published: October 2022

Les usagers du système de soins ont-ils de plus en plus recours aux tribunaux pour obtenir des
indemnités à la suite d’accidents médicaux ? La France est-elle en train de subir une dérive «à
l’américaine»? Une recherche récente faite à partir de 50000 décisions de justice rendues dans
la dernière décennie répond à cette question et analyse en particulier l’impact des dispositions
issues de la loi du 4 mars 2002 relative aux droits des malades et à la qualité du système de
santé sur les modalités et l’ampleur des recours engagés, et sur les réparations obtenues.
Recherche clinique et amélioration de la santé des populations
Authors: Chêne Geneviève
Published: October 2022

Contrairement à certaines idées reçues, les résultats des recherches faites sur les personnes malades
(c’est-à-dire la recherche clinique) ne sont pas toujours rapidement transférés vers la pratique
médicale, d’où le délai qui existe entre la production de ces résultats et les bénéfices qui en découlent
pour la santé des populations. Des recherches intermédiaires sont nécessaires avant que les
populations cibles puissent bénéficier des innovations médicales. De plus, à l’heure actuelle, le nombre
important de données générées par les nouvelles technologies biologiques ou d’imagerie bouscule les
modèles classiques de transfert des connaissances et offre de nouvelles opportunités. De nouveaux
modèles interdisciplinaires de recherche sont donc nécessaires afin de réaliser ce transfert dans les
meilleurs délais, tout en s’adaptant au nombre croissant de données disponibles.
Revisiting Exome Data Identified Missed Splice Site Variant of the Asparagine Synthetase (ASNS) Gene
Authors: Al-Kasbi Ghalia , Al-Murshedi Fathiya , Al-Futaisi Amna , Al-Jabry Tariq , Zadjali Fahad , Al-Yahyaee Said , Al-Maawali Almundher
Published: October 2022

Next-generation sequencing, such as whole-exome sequencing (WES), is increasingly used in the study of Mendelian disorders, yet many are reported as “negative.” Inappropriate variant annotation and filtering steps are reasons for missing the molecular diagnosis. Noncoding variants, including splicing mutations, are examples of variants that can be overlooked. Herein, we report a family of four affected newborns, and all presented with severe congenital microcephaly. Initial research WES analysis identified a damaging homozygous variant in NME1 gene as a possible cause of primary microcephaly phenotype in these patients. However, reanalysis of the exome data uncovered a biallelic splice site variant in asparagine synthetase gene which seems to be the possible cause of the phenotype in these patients. This study highlights the importance of revisiting the exome data and the issue of “negative” exome and the afterward approaches to identify and prove new candidate genes.
Relationships of stressors and opportunism in cross-border exchange partnership contexts: When and how monitoring matters
Authors: Zaefarian Ghasem , Robson Matthew J. , Najafi-Tavani Zhaleh , Spyropoulou Stavroula
Published: October 2022

Transaction costs economics work has argued that monitoring procedures are needed to evaluate the extent to which overseas partners comply with their obligations. We posit that the transactional theory of stress can also inform on how to distinguish opportunists from non-opportunists. Synthesizing these two theories and using a three-study, multimethod design, we examine whether different types of stressors influence opportunism, and how and under what conditions such links are moderated by monitoring. Based on separate surveys of 209 Chinese subsidiaries’ and 232 Chinese suppliers’ cross-border intrafirm and interfirm partnerships with headquarters and buyers, respectively – in conjunction with an add-on experimental study conducted in the US – the results suggest challenge and hindrance stressors impact opportunism differently. The former exhibits a U-shaped, and the latter a positive, relationship with opportunism. We thus observe the importance of both the level and type of stress. Further, the international exchange context matters for monitoring’s efficacy. Monitoring steepens the U-shaped challenge stressors–opportunism relationship in intrafirm (not interfirm) partnerships. It however weakens the positive hindrance stressors–opportunism relationship in interfirm (not intrafirm) partnerships. The findings inform managers on when and how to use monitoring to control challenge and hindrance stressors’ links to opportunism in these contexts.
Single molecule force spectroscopy sheds light on chaperone-client interactions in proteins
Authors: Thompson Avery
Published: October 2022

Chaperone proteins play a crucial role in protein folding and behavior, measurable with single-molecule mechanical studies.
Universal rapid Joule carbothermal synthesis of flexible carbon/metal oxide lithiophilic membranes for high-performance lithium metal batteries
Authors: Wang Yisha , Xu Kui , Zhang Qiao , Ke Longwei , Dai Yiming , Yan Yan , Rui Kun , Lin Huijuan , Zhu Jixin
Published: October 2022

Surface engineering of carbon materials induces structural modulation with appealing functionalities for versatile applications. However, practical deployment demands simplified modification steps and time-saving operations. Microwave technology can produce a strong instant magnetic-heating effect, avoiding the presence of a temperature gradient to cause nanoparticle agglomeration and multiple synthesis stages. Herein, we propose a rapid Joule carbothermal synthesis of a 3D flexible carbon cloth with ultrasmall metal oxide nanoparticles (MOx@CC) upon microwave irradiation within several minutes. Owing to the extensive selection of metal precursors, this approach can be applied to achieve a variety of active metal oxide nanoparticles decorated on carbon cloth. Furthermore, the modified carbon cloth can serve as a lithiophilic framework to efficiently homogenize Li+ flux and mitigate the dendrite formation. Ascribed to these merits, a prototype of the prelithiation MOx@CC anode paired with the LiFePO4 cathode exhibits satisfactory performance upon repetitive cycling, highlighting the possibility for a safe battery system.
Recent advances in selective laser–material interaction for biomedical device applications
Authors: Um Seung-Hoon , Hwang Suk-Won , Grigoropoulos Costas P. , Jeon Hojeong , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: October 2022

Lasers that exhibit monochromaticity, directionality, coherence, and focusability have been used in health care and defense industries for over five decades. Recently, the application of lasers in medical and biomedical devices has increased significantly. Considering biomedical devices and materials are attached to the skin or implanted into the body, the immune response, inflammation control, cell adhesion, migration, and biocompatibility of the device must be investigated. Therefore, researchers are actively studying laser processing technology to control these problems. In this study, we present the different types of selective laser–material interaction techniques used in biomedical devices and materials and their characteristics. Additionally, we demonstrate how to determine the type and related processes associated with biomedical devices based on the desired treatment by depicting examples, principles, and process conditions applied to the device.
The iconicity ring model for sound symbolism
Authors: Akita Kimi , Imai Mutsumi
Published: October 2022

The ‘iconicity ring model’ proposed in this chapter depicts a lexicon’s evolutionary path from genuine iconicity (termed ‘primary iconicity’) to arbitrariness to another type of iconicity (termed ‘emergent iconicity’) that emerges from linguistic systematicity. The model captures the universality and language-specificity of sound symbolism and its role in lexical acquisition. Iconicity loss in ideophones illustrates the shift from primary iconicity to arbitrariness, whereas ideophonization exemplifies the shift from arbitrariness to emergent iconicity via systematicity. The two types of iconicity are mixed together in individual lexicons, providing a clue to the symbol grounding problem.
Chiastic iconicity
Authors: Harris Randy Allen
Published: October 2022

Chiastic structure (ABBA) leverages the iconicity principles of identity, sequential order, and quantity for consolidated iconicities of harmonious balance and cyclicity, effecting an aesthetic response that is very often but somewhat incongruously associated with mirror-image symmetry. The ABBA pattern does not effect this response alone, however. Chiastic figures collocate preferentially with other figures to achieve these effects, especially including figures of parallelism. These figural convergences, collocating additionally with certain grammatical features, raise the iconicity stakes somewhat further to enact a quite specific suite of meanings: comprehensiveness, irrelevance of order, reciprocal specification, and reciprocal energy. These claims are developed with particular attention to lexical chiasmus, the rhetorical scheme known as ‘antimetabole’.
Echoes of the past
Authors: Flaksman Maria
Published: October 2022

Old English texts preserve a number of imitative words which give an intriguing insight into the sphere of sound-denotation of this ancient language. The study of Anglo-Saxon texts, however, reveals that many onomatopoeic words used there are non-existent in the Present-Day English. In this paper I argue that more than a half of these imitative lexemes have become extinct or have been replaced in the course of the following 1000-year history of the English language, and that such replacement was, at least partly, predetermined by the very nature of the imitative words. This study has been conducted using both poetic texts and etymological dictionaries.
The correlation between meaning and verb formation in Japanese sound-symbolic words
Authors: Sugahara Takashi
Published: October 2022

This study uses quantitative analysis to explore the correlation between meaning and the verb formation of Japanese sound-symbolic words. The study shows that the verb formation of Japanese sound-symbolic words may not fit into traditional categories, such as phonomimes, phenomimes, and psychomimes, but is better categorized based on differences in the sensory modalities of the words. Furthermore, it suggests that iconicity is not a crucial factor for the verb formation of sound-symbolic words; the sharing of information between the speaker and the hearer is a more comprehensive motivation for verb formation, supported by psychological, cognitive linguistic, and typological concepts.
Cantonese and Korean speakers’ comprehension and appreciation of English textual humor
Authors: Fan Wing Yan , Jung Jookyoung
Published: October 2022

This study explored how L1 Cantonese and L1 Korean speakers would comprehend and appreciate L2 English humor, and whether their L1 background, English proficiency, and the type of humor would play as moderators. For this study, 69 Cantonese and 76 Korean undergraduate students answered a questionnaire that contained 30 English humor items in various types, i.e., lexical, morphological, syntactic, phonological, and cultural. In addition, five intermediate and five advanced participants from each L1 group participated in semi-structured interviews to elicit their English learning and use experiences and beliefs in the role of humor in English learning. The results revealed that humor comprehension scores were significantly higher for Cantonese speakers and for participants with advanced English proficiency, and morphological humor was the easiest to comprehend. Open-ended responses and interview protocols also demonstrated that different contexts of English learning and use may affect the participants’ ability to enjoy and appreciate English humor.
A literature review of Iranian publications on video game localization between 2009 and 2022
Authors: Vahedi Kakhki Alireza
Published: October 2022

Although video game localization has lately attracted the attention of researchers, with many papers and books
being devoted to this practice, it is still an underdeveloped area of Translation Studies research in Iran. The present study
provides a literature review of research carried out in Iran on video game localization since 2009 to address this gap. The
reviews revealed that studies on Iranian game localization fall into translational, social, cultural and political, and historical
categories. The review also showed that the translational aspect is the most explored area followed by social, cultural and
political, and historical aspects. The historical aspect has received the least attention in the literature, specifically in
academic publications. This paper offers potential areas for future research on game localization in Iran in each aspect.
Perception and production training effects on production of English lexical schwa by young Spanish
learners
Authors: Gómez-Lacabex Esther , Gallardo-del-Puerto Francisco , Gong Jian
Published: October 2022

Phonetic training has been found to expedite aural and oral abilities in the L2. While considerable research has
been conducted on the effects of perception training on production and of production training on perception, fewer studies have
addressed them as separate training regimes in the same experimental setting outside laboratory conditions. This paper examined
the effects of two training procedures (one based on production tasks and one based on perception tasks) on the production of
English lexical schwa by young Spanish learners in their intact EFL classrooms. Both trained groups exhibited
significant gains in the post-test and a slight advantage of the production-based trained group was observed. Learners’ orosensory
awareness, self-perception, and self-feedback were actions included in this protocol which may have contributed to such advantage.
Our results demonstrate that guided pronunciation training protocols can be successful in the classroom with young learners to
boost production skills.
Influence of ion implantation on corrosion resistance of the nickel over steel
Authors: Sadeghi Mohammad , Arman Ali , Ţălu Ştefan , Korpi Alireza Grayeli , Shakoury Reza , Zelati Amir , da Fonseca Filho Henrique Duarte
Published: October 2022

Nitrogen ions were implanted at different energies of 15, 30, 45 and 60 keV and with the flux of 1017 N+cm−2 inside the nickel layers that have been deposited on the 304 stainless steel using the electron gun method at room temperature. XRD patterns showed different crystalline phases of nickel nitride for the implanted samples. The surface morphology was extracted by MountainsMap software's using statistical data from AFM analysis. In addition, a potentiodynamic polarisation test was performed in a 3.5% NaCl solution to study the corrosion behaviour. These studies revealed that corrosion was directly related to the deposition parameters, mainly the implantation energy, modifying the surface so that the highest corrosion resistance was obtained for the sample implanted with 60 keV.
Evaluation of Liquefaction Potential of Nagpur Region Using SPT Data: Field Assessment
Authors: Bawankule Manish , Pawar Shantanu N.
Published: October 2022

Liquefaction is a complex, controversial but important topic in the Geotechnical engineering especially in earthquake sensitive regions. This secondary effect of earthquake causes severe damage to infrastructure. Nagpur is third largest and fastest growing and developing city in Maharashtra. The main aim of this study is to map the Nagpur city in the view of liquefaction potential occurrence and to make readily available data for further use and research.SPT-Nbased method is used for liquefaction assessment of soil encountered in the Nagpur region during investigation. The liquefaction potential is assessed regarding component of factor of safety (FS) along the depth of different soil stratum encountered during investigation. This liquefaction potential is evaluated at 56 representative sites in the city using Standard penetration tests (SPT) conducted and recorded in bore holes. Present study for computing liquefaction potential shows sensitivity in computing liquefaction against the SPT blow count and peak ground acceleration. For estimating Cyclic Resistance Ratio (CRR), theSPT-Nvalue is corrected which indicates that the soil in the region is not identical at all locations, water table is of fluctuating nature and N values are varying according to soil properties but are mostly on higher sides which means that liquefaction potential is much low.
Prediction of safe bearing capacity for settlement criteria using neuro-fuzzy inference system for Clayey soils
Authors: Phani Kumar V , Sudha Rani Ch.
Published: October 2022

Safe bearing capacity (SBC) may be estimated for cohesive soil using the IS Code it is essential to conduct shear tests in order to identify the angle of internal friction and cohesion, SPT tests in order to determine the N-value of the soil, as well as tests in order to determine the dry density of the soil and the relative density of the soil. The SBC of soil is estimated as per settlement criteria using laboratory evaluations of its essential properties. This study suggests the use of ANFIS to predict the Safe Bearing Capacity of cohesive soil as a function of foundation depth, foundation depth, dry density, liquid limit, plasticity index, percentage fine fraction, width/length ratio (in case of square/rectangular footing), and N-Value. An attempt is in the present work with inputs such as foundation depth, dry density, liquid limit, plasticity index, percentage fine fraction, width/length ratio, and N-Value and output as safe bearing capacity. Each input parameter has a different number of membership functions and gaussbell is used in five ANFIS models. The most accurate model, MODEL-IV, with an RMSE of 9.762 and an R2 of 0.9485. For cohesive soil, the results indicate that ANFIS can be used to predict the SBC.
Spatial temporal pattern analysis on on-demand cab services in urban areas using GIS
Authors: Kuchu Jayasree
Published: October 2022

As an important component of the urban public passenger transportation system, cabs / taxi offers an all-weather, convenient, comfortable, and personalized travel services for the urban residents, as well as playing a key role in the urban passenger transportation development. Cab market has gained prominence over last 2-3 years in India, in the backdrop of entry of app based aggregators which has not only disrupted auto-rickshaw and traditional taxi market but also forced automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to revise their growth and marketing strategies. There is a randomness and lack of regularity of cab operation characteristics, to describe cab travel activity pattern. Inorder to plan and effectively manage on-demand cab services, and to improve better facility to public, there is a need to understand the underlying relationship between supply and demand. This study analyzed the urban cab location distribution characteristics from different temporal and spatial levels. In the time level, the difference with daily location and operation pattern (weekday versus weekends) is identified; in the space level, the cab location pattern over a space are explored. Cab coverage index and Standard deviation ellipse are the tools used in analysing the patterns over time and space frames. This research can be helpful for understanding urban cab behavior pattern, as well as the contribution to the geographical activity space analysis. GIS has been used as a supportive tool in the study
Biotransformation of Flower Waste: Effect of Bulking Agent and Microbes
Authors: Prajapati Mahima , Makwana Abhipsa R , Nair Abhilash T. , Popli Snehal A
Published: October 2022

In India, the flower or temple waste engendered from various sources also gets commingled with the municipal/urban solid waste or directly disposed of in the river. India is in the second position after China for flower waste generation worldwide. The high organic content of flower waste can be used to develop nutrient-rich compost that can further be used for the growth of plants. However, bulking agents (dry leaves/sawdust/coco-peat) and microbes (culture/manure) can affect composting. Thus, the prime objective of this study was to understand the effect of sawdust and cow dung manure on composting process. Two earthen pots were prepared with a 70%:10%:20% ratio of flower waste: cow dung manure: and sawdust, respectively. The other two pots with 70%:20%:10% ratio of flower waste: cow dung manure: and sawdust, respectively. An earthen pot with 100 % flower waste (control experiment) was also analysed throughout the study. The variation in temperature, moisture content, pH, conductivity, volatile content, ash, CO2 evolution, phosphate, and Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) was monitored to achieve the objective of the whole study. The presence of sawdust was observed to be important by arresting leachate and maintaining aeration in the waste mixture, but cow dung manure also played a significant role in making more microbes and nutrients available for speeding up the process. The control experiment showed lump formation in the waste mixture due to excessive moisture development. Stable, mature, and nutrient-rich compost was obtained at the end of the composting process.
Electrocoagulation using scrap materials for removal of dye with different connection modes and electrode combinations
Authors: Rana J K , Shah K A , Maisuria K J
Published: October 2022

This study analyses the efficiency of electrocoagulation (EC) process by utilizing discarded metal scrap of Iron (Fe) and Aluminium (Al) as electrodes for decolourization of azo dye, Acid Yellow 36 (AY36). Different modes of connection such as mono polar parallel (M-P), mono polar series (M-S) and bi polar series (B-S) were investigated for the performance of percent colour removal and Electrical Energy Consumption (ENC). Within these connections, different electrode arrangements, such as Iron-Aluminium-Iron-Aluminium, Aluminium-Iron-Aluminium-Iron, Iron-Iron-Iron-Iron and Aluminium-Aluminium-Aluminium-Aluminium were analyzed for the dye removal efficiency. The parameters varied during the experimental runs were current density (CD) and pH. M–S showed maximum colour removal of 99.2% with system of mixed electrode Fe–Al–Fe–Al at CD 10 A/m2and ENC 0.322 Kwh/Kg dye removed. Whereas M-P showed 98.4% colour removal with hybrid system Fe–Al–Fe–Al at CD of 20 A/m2with ENC 0.209 Kwh/Kg dye removed. B-S showed 99.1% colour removal with mixed electrode system Al-Fe-Al-Fe at CD of 20 A/m2and ENC 0.86 Kwh/Kg dye removed. Overall, M-S mode gave the maximum colour removal, while M-P gave minimum ENC. The study proved useful in terms of lowering the cost of electrocoagulation by using scrap metal as electrodes and choosing the right electrode combination and connection mechanism.
Influence of solution binder ratio on behaviour of Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag based Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Sai Vihari K , Nagaraju Avari
Published: October 2022

In recent years the word sustainability has become a priority of many researchers. In this regard, many evolutions were put forth in the concrete industry one of them is Geopolymer concrete. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) is used as source material which is rich in alumina and silica contents, which forms alumina silicate gel when mixed with an alkali solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate which then binds with aggregate. Till now many researchers had done research on Geopolymer concrete using Fly ash as major binding material. Literature is also available on Geopolymer concrete with GGBS as major binding material but the behaviour of Geopolymer concrete was not studied widely by varying solution binder ratio. In this research, the behaviour of GGBS based Geopolymer concrete was studied, by replacing fly ash with 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% and varying solution/binder (s/b) ratio 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6. The mix proportions were prepared by taking a ratio of 1:1:3 by weight and all the specimens were cured at ambient temperature. Mechanical properties such as compressive strength, tensile strength and flexure strength were determined. A sulphate attack test was also conducted. As quantity of FA increased, strength decreased.
Experimental study on effect of fly ash content on self-compacting concrete
Authors: Aravind Vemula , Nagaraju A. , Chaitanya K.
Published: October 2022

Self-compacting concrete (SCC), concrete flows by its own weight, is a recent innovation in concrete industry. In recent times, the usage of self-compacting concrete was increasing. Self-compacting concrete will be form, if it had sufficient binder content and required water content. The strength of concrete majorly depending on water to powder ratio. However, there were workability problems associated while fixing the water powder ratio as per target mean strength when SCC was made, especially for design mix for low strength and high strength of concrete. Apart from this, binder content and mineral admixture will also responsible for strength of concrete. As mineral admixture content increases the strength will reduce. If a relationship between compressive strength and mineral admixture content was found, mix proportions of SCC can be made easily. In this area more research has to be focused. This research is an attempt to assessing the grade of concrete with respect to fly ash content and relationship was developed between fly ash content and compressive strength of concrete. IS 10262-2019 and EFNARC guidelines are used in mix design. A water content of 200 kg/m3 and water powder ratio = 0.4 is kept as constant. Cement was partially replaced with fly ash at proportions of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. In this research the fresh properties, mechanical properties, and Sulphate attack test of each proportion were tested. The workability properties are measured under different chemical admixture levels, such as 0.5%, 0.6%, and 0.8%. Strength properties are determined with a chemical admixture dosage of 0.6%. The fresh properties of concrete were measured by slump flow test, L–box test, and V–cone test. Mechanical properties such as compressive strength, flexure strength and split tensile strength were determined. Sulphate attack test also conducted by immersing cube specimens in 5% of H2SO4. Further, correlation study was done between compressive strength & fly ash content and also correlation between compressive strength & flexure strength.
Utilization of Plastic Waste as a Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregates in Concrete
Authors: Gour M A , Sharma S K , Garg N , Das S K , Kumar S
Published: October 2022

Medical Plastic waste is produced in large quantities in India each year, thus recycling it as a constituent in concrete can help to reduce waste disposal. The pandemic of Covid-19 has also resulted in increased production of the PP plastic waste. Because medical plastic wastes are harmful to both the environment and human health, using plastic trash in concrete will help to safeguard both the environment and human health Earlier, different research work were undertaken to figure out safe and feasible methods for plastic waste ejection but with scarce land resources and the threat it has posed to the environment has led us to take a step back and think of safe measures for its safe re-utilization. One such approach is utilization of plastic in concrete manufacturing. With a comparatively longer service life, concrete can act as a safe place for plastic utilization. Plastic wastes are employed as coarse aggregate in concrete in various proportions, and their suitability is tested, the impact of employing plastic waste as coarse aggregate replacement is investigated in this study. As part of the investigation of concrete’s plastic inclusion effect, different experimental research are discussed in this study. The current investigation was carried out on M30 grade concrete, with coarse aggregate replaced with medical PP plastic waste at varied proportions of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%. The physical and mechanical properties were comparatively analysed, and the replacement value was optimised. Fresh and hardened concrete qualities were tested and the concrete replacement value for coarse aggregate was optimised at 40% partial replacement of natural coarse aggregate by PP plastic in concrete. Fresh and hardened concrete qualities were tested and analysed.
A Review on Properties of Heavy Weight Concrete
Authors: Kukreti Abhinav , Kundra Priyanka , Kathait Lavish , Garg Nikhil , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: October 2022

With revolutionary advancements in technology, it is inevitable to not to develop the quality of concrete as it now a basic requirement for infrastructure. The objective of this review is to highlight the main aspects of Heavy Weight Concrete which covers the general concept of radiation physics being used in HWC, advancements in HWC technology, applications of HWC, cost optimization of HWC and future challenges. Recent researches have shown the requisite for Heavy Weight Concrete as it can efficiently absorb attenuate the radiation thus it is being used in nuclear facilities, medical facilities and now it is even being used in modern warfare. According to the past studies it is found that HWC can be used for shielding from high level radiations such as alpha-rays, beta-rays, X-rays and gamma-rays. Some of the rays propagated form radioactive material can be halted easily but some rays possess ultra-penetration ability and can penetrate through living being near them which results in destructive ionization of biological cells of a living being. This comprehensive review reaches out to the several critical areas such as future uses of HWC, cost optimization in HWC can be done by adding industrial residue of steel, glass, plastic fibers and other natural materials that can be used in HWC and increasing atomic mass for producing high quality radiation attenuation concrete.
Optimizing the trajectory of aggregates in drying units from the asphalt plants
Authors: Burlacu A I , Tănase M , Ilincă C , Petrescu M G
Published: October 2022

The direct rotary dryers used for drying and heating the aggregates in the asphalt production stations are based on the direct contact between the material and the combustion products. The internal surface of the rotating drum is provided with flights that lift the aggregate from the bed and throw it through the air flow in a cascading motion, in order to increase the efficiency of heat transfer. The performance of rotary dryers depends, to a large extent, on the degree of dispersion of the powdery material, which the equipment is able to ensure. In this paper, the authors simulate the working process of the drying drum by highlighting the trajectories of the aggregate particles inside the equipment. Using the numerical method with discrete elements (DEM), for different combinations of operating parameters (drum filling degree, drum rotation speed) the efficiency of aggregates dispersing is determined and the optimal operating conditions of the installation corresponding to a certain type of aggregate are established.
Friction coefficient between glass surfaces and soft materials
Authors: Chiriac B , Oprisan C M , Carlescu V , Olaru D N
Published: October 2022

The dry sliding friction between glass surface and soft materials like paper, towel and cloth for wiping glasses was explored experimentally. The UMT- 2 Tribometer has been fitted with a unidirectional oscillator including a mass-spring system. With a linear speed ranging from 0.05 to 8mm/s, a mass weighing 242 grams was sliding across planar surfaces covered with soft materials. The values of static and dynamic friction coefficients have significant variation as a function of linear speed and soft materials. The transition between the stick-slip process and continuum sliding has also been demonstrated experimentally. A theoretical model for variation of the dynamic friction coefficient as function of linear speed has been included in the dynamic equations of mass displacement. The dynamic equations have been solved by Runge Kuta method and compared with experimental results.
Influence of test parameters on the operation of automotive high-pressure pumps
Authors: Iordache R C , Bujoreanu C
Published: October 2022

The service life for the assemblies represents a key factor when it comes to the product robustness. The concern for this factor starts from the beginning of each component manufacturing process. The parameters of the assembly process must be very well established, so that a compact, functional and reliable product to be the result. Thus, the existence of a testing step in the process is indispensable for the proper product functionality checking. Performing of the test procedures that simulate the components operation under certain conditions can take long period of time. This is caused by the multitude of the parameters that must be perfectly adapted according to the product operating capacity. In order to highlight these, our paper performs a comparative analysis between two automotive high-pressure pumps, using two special tests. After testing the two pumps, we noticed that the first one completed the test successfully and the second one failed the test. The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate that the operating limits of an assembly must be precisely set. Also, a small deviation from the test parameters can lead to the total pump malfunction.
Metallographic study and corrosive behavior of titanium alloys for their use in medical applications
Authors: Yánez H Guerra , Suárez N R Florido , Voliculescu I , Rosca J C Mirza
Published: October 2022

The study aims to characterize two alloys in order to evaluate if they can be used for medical applications, these alloys have the following compositions: A1 (93.2% Ti, 4% Fe, 2% Al, 0.8% V) and A2 (96.5% Ti, 3% Mn, 0.6% Al, 0.2% V). Information on the behavior of the samples was obtained, studying how the composition of the materials and the presence of iron or manganese has an effect on the corrosion resistance when submerging them in a Ringer Lactate solution after covering the samples in epoxy resin, polishing using carbide emery paper of progressive value of grith (800 to 2500) and a 0.1 alpha alumina suspension applied on a polishing cloth in order to obtain a mirror finish. The corrosion potential of the samples was analyzed in order to study how the phenomenon of corrosion occurs in each sample. In order to compare which one of the two materials posseses a better resistance to the effects of corrosion, studies of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were performed for different values of potential. Images of the surfaces of the alloys after applying Kroll reactive were obtained through the use of a microscope in which 100 magnifications was applied in order to reveal the structure of the surface.