bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Game-Based Learning
Authors: Dadure Pankaj , Pakray Partha , Bandyopadhyay Sivaji
Published: May 2021

The continuous growth in the development of interactive technologies has lighted up the game-based learning applications. The game-based learning applications motivate the students to enhance their knowledge and improve the overall student learning experience. Learning with fun and entertainment is the prime aspect of any interactive platform. The skills and knowledge learned by game-based learning are kept longer than traditional learning methods. In addition, an efficient learning method involves students completely in what they are doing. The game-based learning application is very helpful for the physically handicapped students to reveal their intellectual ability. This chapter discusses how the game-based learning applications impacts the Indian education system, national and international status of game-based learning, challenges of game-based learning, existing game-based learning applications, and present and future impacts of game-based learning applications on the Indian education system.
Ontology Modelling for Metallurgy as a Domain and Retrieval Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Deepak Gerard , A. Ayush Kumar , A. Santhanavijayan , Priyadarshini Sheeba J.
Published: May 2021

Ontologies are the entities that are built to gather knowledge from the chosen domain and make it available to both machines and humans. In this chapter, an ontology that structures all the processes involved in the metallurgical extraction of the metals has been modelled. Ontology Development 101 methodology with minor modifications has been adopted to model the ontologies for metallurgy as the principal domain, and the processes involved in the various fields of metallurgy have been modelled into an ontology by defining the classes and the relationship between them. The model is implemented using Protégé and quantitatively evaluated using the semiotics approach. To comprehensively demonstrate the applicability of the developed ontology, an algorithm for retrieval of entities from the web incorporating particle swarm optimization and that makes use of the modelled ontology has been proposed. Finally, the quality of the modelled ontology and as well as the performance efficiency of the entity retrieval has been quantitatively evaluated.
Innovative Digital Technologies
Authors: Samarasinghe Don Amila Sajeevan , Wood Emma
Published: May 2021

The construction industry is one of the oldest industries in the world and one that continues to change with client demand. In recent decades, innovation in the construction industry has greatly improved, increasing productivity. Innovation in construction refers to the generation and implementation of new ideas to enhance the performance of construction processes and to gain economic, environmental, and social benefits. Modern innovative digital technologies in construction include application of virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR), blockchain, 3D printing, building information modeling (BIM), and off-site manufacturing. This chapter will explore the application of these innovative digital technologies in construction. It will particularly include recent case studies and examples from the New Zealand construction industry.
GIS-Based Watershed Analysis for Water Storage Facilities in Underdeveloped Areas
Authors: Jamil Rehan
Published: May 2021

Digital elevation models (DEMs) are created to study the topography of the area by using point krigging method of gridding. The results show a significant level difference between the start and end points of the valley sloping naturally. A longitudinal profile shows an average slope of 2.6% in a stretch of 15 km inside the area under study. Later, the detailed watershed and runoff analysis have been performed by preparing various maps using IDF curves available for the area. The area is found to experience sufficient rainfall for a 50 to 100-year storm return period. The expected location and amount of runoff water accumulation have also been determined which may help for the construction of water storage or rainwater harvesting facilities. The chapter shows the role of GIS-based techniques for the hydrological analysis of difficult terrains which can be applied for planning and management of water storage facilities in underdeveloped areas.
BIM Education in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Silverio Ana Karina , Suresh Subashini , Heesom David , Suresh Renukappa
Published: May 2021

Lack of BIM skilled professionals and lack of education and BIM training are key challenges to BIM implementation. The provision of BIM education in higher education institutions is seen as the main solution to these challenges. This chapter is part of an on-going Ph.D. research about the implementation of BIM in the Dominican Republic, a country with interest in implementing BIM but suffering from many challenges including lack of BIM education. This study aims to present the development of a framework to guide the integration of BIM in university curricula in the D.R., which is part of a comprehensive framework, outcome of the Ph.D. research. The framework was developed from a thorough literature on BIM education as well as an analysis of existing BIM Education frameworks. Moreover, findings of the research about BIM education in the D.R. are presented to describe the presence of BIM education in the country.
Does the Capital Structure of New Ventures Differ as a Response to a Financial Crisis?
Authors: Guedes Maria João , Saraiva Tânia Mafalda Antunes , Felício Teresa
Published: May 2021

The Portuguese economy has experienced a recent economic recession that forced firms to look for different ways to finance themselves in order to be able to respond and overcome the crisis. This study investigates whether the capital structure of new ventures differ as a response to the crisis. Drawing on a panel of 75,826 Portuguese new ventures (241,284 venture-year observations) established between 2006 and 2015 and followed until 2017, the results show that new ventures capital structure responds to economic downturns. New ventures founded during the crisis have higher values of debt-ratio, for both total and short-term debt ratio, higher profitability, higher growth, and lower tangibility. Furthermore, ventures that are financed mainly with equity resort to less short-term debt have higher profitability and liquidity but experience lower growth. This study informs managers, practitioners, and policymakers that new ventures' capital structure is responsive to an economic downturn and has implications for the establishment of ventures during recessionary periods.
Financial Management for the Successful Company Value
Authors: Horak Jakub , Machova Veronika , Vrbka Jaromir
Published: May 2021

This chapter deals with the issue of valuation of business entities. Based on literary research, which forms the basis of the chapter, two practical examples are given. The aim of the first example is to evaluate the financial situation of the concrete company for the period of 2007-2019 using valuation tools (financial analysis, creditworthiness and bankruptcy models, EVA). The purpose is to capture the course of an expansion disrupted by the great financial crisis that erupted in 2008 and to monitor the gradual return of corporate activities. The results of the analysis show that the financial crisis initially had a significant impact on the company but was nevertheless averted. The aim of the second example is, with the help of neural networks, to determine the relationship between the value generators of a company and EVA equity of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in rural areas of the Czech Republic in the period of 2013-2017. It is found that successful companies are distinguished from unsuccessful ones by the degree of human capital involvement.
FinTech and Sustainable Development
Authors: Ramamohan Manish , Mehta Mehak , K. Sunitha B.
Published: May 2021

The landscape of the financial industry has witnessed a massive revolution in recent years as a result of the growth of IT. The potential of FinTech innovations is a game changer allowing a scope to align itself to meet the needs of environmental sustainability. The increasing levels of human consumption are unsustainable for the world which needs to be addressed. The world needs to lead the way by rethinking many of its industries which are causing havoc for the survival of ecosystems and ensure that they operate in accordance with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The synergy of FinTech and sustainability will help to offer a tradable, measurable, and allocable venue to move citizens towards a sustainable and financially stable future. This chapter aims to justify that the future of finance is FinTech and study the ecosystem of FinTech in India and China to understand its implications, which can help for the development in the financial sector and in making the world a sustainable, habitable planet.
How Does COVID-19 Impact the Efficiency of the Chinese Stock Market?
Authors: Ferreira Paulo , Pereira Éder , Tilfani Oussama , El Boukfaoui My Youssef
Published: May 2021

The spread of COVID-19, first in China and then all over the world, has had a major impact on economic and financial systems. In this chapter, the authors focus their analysis on the Chinese stock market since it was the first to be affected with relevant time to react. They use the detrended fluctuation analysis with a sliding windows approach and with minute-based data to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on the efficiency of the Chinese stock market. The results show that the Chinese stock market suffered from some kind of turbulence with high levels of dependence, but the market reacted quickly and after that turbulence recovered the efficiency pattern. This is a very relevant result that shows that this particular stock market quickly reacts to turbulent periods, very important information for investors.
Internet of Things and Its Relevance
Authors: Kangra Kirti , Singh Jaswinder
Published: May 2021

The internet of things (IoT) model connects physical devices to the virtual world and enables them to interact. It enables smart devices to communicate with other devices to exchange information. To link a wireless network or cloud network, it takes the help of several technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID), wireless sensor network (WSN), near field communication (NFC), ZigBee, and others. The IoT requires a standard architecture and protocol stack to establish links between the devices. This chapter provides a brief introduction, pillars, the evolution, architecture, application of IoT, and issues related to IoT implementation in real life.
Monitoring and Detecting Plant Diseases Using Cloud-Based Internet of Things
Authors: Singh Taranjeet , Singh Devendra , Bedi S. S.
Published: May 2021

A device composed of actuators is the internet of things. The internet of things (IoT) should be used for enhancing agricultural efficiency in precision agriculture. The bedrock of the Indian economy, agriculture, is adding to the country's total economic performance. Nevertheless, the efficiency contrasts with world norms. Regardless of the usage of minimum agricultural advancements and farmers from villages today for other productive enterprises, regions move to a metropolitan region, and they cannot rely on agriculture. Farming creativity is not new, but smart farming is expected to be pushed to the following internet level by IoT, a unit made up of actuators or sensors. This chapter demonstrates IoT's role in agriculture and its use in identifying plant diseases through leaf images. Several researchers' works in the domain are also outlined, and future perspectives of IoT in recognizing plant diseases are discussed briefly.
Smart Farming Using Internet of Things
Authors: Verma Rishabh , Kharb Latika
Published: May 2021

Smart farming through IoT technology could empower farmers to upgrade profitability going from the amount of manure to be used to the quantity of water for irrigating their fields and also help them to decrease waste. Through IoT, sensors could be used for assisting farmers in the harvest field to check for light, moistness, temperature, soil dampness, etc., and robotizing the water system framework. Moreover, the farmers can screen the field conditions from anyplace and overcome the burden and fatigue to visit farms to confront problems in the fields. For example, farmers are confronting inconvenience while utilizing right quantity and time to use manures and pesticides in their fields as per the crop types. In this chapter, the authors have introduced a model where farmers can classify damaged crops and healthy crops with the help of different sensors and deep learning models. (i.e., The idea of implementing IoT concepts for the benefit of farmers and moving the world towards smart agriculture is presented.)
Reimagine Your Classroom
Authors: Logemann Minna
Published: May 2021

This chapter notes the lack of coursework responding to the growing need to educate future employees to work and manage teams in the modern digital workplace as part of learning processes. The chapter introduces a case study on a virtual teamwork class developed for higher education students. The class offers a learning experience that resonates with the modern digital workplace and work in geographically dispersed virtual teams. Theoretical framing and instructional designs discussed in the chapter shed light to strategies how disciplinary knowledge on virtual team research were used to develop both the class content and the learning infrastructure. The chapter depicts several connections between disciplinary frameworks in virtual team research and pedagogical concepts in learning and education literatures. These connections offer ideas for developing teaching and learning in online spaces and suggest implications for developing the curricula to better prepare students for the digital, global workplace.
Potential Threats of Social Engineering Practices to Social Work
Authors: Tuna Gurkan , Efeoglu Ebru
Published: May 2021

Social work aims to promote social change, development, cohesion, and the empowerment of people and communities. Its professionals work with institutions and families and help to provide and advance various aspects of human equity such as civil rights, unemployment insurance, worker's compensation, disability pay, medicaid and medicare, and child abuse and neglect prevention. In recent years, social engineering practices started to threaten not only just a single or group of individuals but also the entire society. Considering the potential threats of social engineering practices on the practices of social work, strategies and good practices should be developed to achieve the sustainable goals of social work. Since the social engineering practices target our fundamental biases, our ignorance, and our lack of cognition, the key to counteracting them is awareness. This chapter covers the potential threats of social engineering practices, challenges related to counteracting them, methodologies used to uncover them, and future research directions in this domain.
Policies and Social Work Against Women Violence
Authors: Sinha Keshav , Kumari Roma , Kumari Puja , Parween Saria , Singh Karan Pratap
Published: May 2021

Women violence is a widespread problem that affects millions of women and girls across the world. The gender-based violence that threatens the well-being, dignity, and rights of women extends across social, cultural, economic, and regional boundaries. Women in all countries, irrespective of status, class, age, caste, or religion, experience violence once in a lifetime. However, specific groups of women suffering from various forms of discrimination, such as women with disabilities, migrant women, and lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women, are particularly vulnerable to violence. In this chapter, the author presents brief knowledge about the different type of violence against the women and also describe laws, policies, and social work which is used for the safety of the women. The theoretical framework is used to describe the remedies against violence and also help to provide love, safety, security, and shelter for every individual woman.
Examining the Variables Affecting the Social Networks of the Elderly
Authors: Demir Erbil Didem , Hazer Oya
Published: May 2021

This study was carried out to examine the variables affecting the social networks of the elderly. A simple random sampling method was used as a data collection method in the research. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The participants of the study are 500 individuals aged 60 and over from members of the Ankara branch of the Turkish Pensioners Association. According to the results of the study, there is a considerable negative correlation between social network and depression (r=-0.40, p =0.001) and loneliness (r=-0.49, p =0.001). Also, social loneliness and depression is the stronger negative predictor of the social network. Moreover, there is a considerable positive correlation between social network and perceived available support (r=-0.52, p =0.001). In addition, there is a moderate positive correlation between social network and successful aging behavior (r=-0.30, p =0.001) and life satisfaction (r=-0.35, p =0.001).
Computing Optimization of a Parallel Structure-Based Monolithic Gripper for Manipulation Using Weight Method-Based Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Le Chau Ngoc , Ho Nhat Linh , Tran The Vinh Chung  , Huang Shyh-Chour , Dao Thanh-Phong
Published: May 2021

This study proposes an integration of the weight method and grey relational analysis to optimize a monolithic gripper. This gripper is desired for use in the assembling industry of cylindrical parts with diameters from 500 µm to 800 µm. The weight factor for each response is calculated accurately. Response surface methodology and Taguchi method are utilized to build an experiment matrix, and grey relational analysis is utilized to predict optimal results. The results found that the predicted displacement value is 0.5699 µm, and the predicted frequency value is 780.9 Hz. Compared to the initial design, the quality of responses is improved by 7.53% for the natural frequency and 35.29% for the output displacement. The error between the predicted result and the verified result is 1.15% for the natural frequency and 16.62% for the output displacement, respectively. It implies that the proposed method has a statistical accuracy.
Deep Appearance Model and Crow-Sine Cosine Algorithm-Based Deep Belief Network for Age Estimation
Authors: Shejul Anjali A. , K. S. Kinage , B. Eswara Reddy
Published: May 2021

Age estimation has been paid great attention in the field of intelligent surveillance, face recognition, biometrics, etc. In contrast to other facial variations, aging variation presents several unique characteristics, which make age estimation very challenging. The overall process of age estimation is performed using three important steps. In the first step, the pre-processing is performed from the input image based on Viola-Jones algorithm to detect the face region. In the second step, feature extraction is done based on three important features such as local transform directional pattern (LTDP), active appearance model (AAM), and the new feature, deep appearance model (Deep AM). After feature extraction, the classification is carried out based on the extracted features using deep belief network (DBN), where the DBN classifier is trained optimally using the proposed learning algorithm named as crow-sine cosine algorithm (CS).
Threats of Changes in Land-Use and Drivers on Owabi and Barekese Watershed Forests in Ghana
Authors: Ayesu Samuel , Barnes Victor Rex , Agbenyega Olivia
Published: May 2021

This study analyzes the patterns of land-use and land-cover changes for the last three decades (1986–2017) and its drivers for Owabi and Barekese watersheds in the moist semi-deciduous forest of Ghana. The study used Landsat satellite imageries of 1986, 1998, 2007, and 2017 and population data to analyze land cover and use changes of the two watersheds. A decline in natural vegetation cover by 57% and 71.3% has occurred for Owabi and Barekese watersheds respectively. Cropland increased by 77.1% and 105.2% while settlement has increased by 1,018% and 4%, respectively, for Owabi and Barekese watersheds. Cropland is the main form of land-use change for Barekese watershed while settlement is the main land-use change in the Owabi watershed. Annual expansion of settlement within the Owabi site was 38.1%, and cropland was 5.2% for the Barekese site. Population trends had a significant negative relationship with forest cover and a positive relationship with settlement and cropland. Catchment degradation was also influenced by the management model used.
Service-Level Agreement Negotiation in Cloud Computing Buying Organizations
Authors: Lo Piparo Teo , Hodosi Georg , Rusu Lazar
Published: May 2021

The cloud archetype is fundamentally dynamic for both service customer and service provider. From the provider's perspective, resources are removed and/or added irregularly and urgently together with updating of service level agreements (SLAs). However, this dynamical behavior makes contracting sophisticated. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge on how to handle these dynamics contractually. To address this knowledge gap, the authors have investigated “how to improve SLA management with dynamic SLA iterations.” For this reason, a model for cloud computing SLA negotiation is proposed to facilitate the buying organization in determining uncertainty by analyzing attributes of asset specificity and risks associated with them. Survey research has been used for testing the model. The respondents rationalized the SLA negotiation with a better cognitive understanding in all phases within the model. The study's findings could support cloud service buying organizations to minimize the risks with ever-changing requirements.
Using Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Approach to Evaluate Learning Management Systems
Authors: Momani Alaa M.
Published: May 2021

E-learning is one of the fastest growing areas of the high technology development, especially in the academic environments. However, the instructor is a very important factor in the learning process, but the advantages of e-learning change the role which the instructor plays in this process. E-learning gives an opportunity to anyone to learn in a rapid and customised way. Nowadays, many learning management systems (LMSs) available in the marketplace offer electronic teaching and learning tools. Choosing the most appropriate LMS that fits the needs and requirements of instructor and the learner is one of the most confusing and difficult decisions to any educational institution. Accordingly, the need to a computer-based tool for getting help in taking such a decision is rising on. This paper offers a solution to this problem. It provides a description about a web-based decision support system named Easy Way to Evaluate LMS (EW-LMS). It has been developed by adopting multi-attribute decision-making algorithm in order to select the best LMS depending on the user needs.
Does Cross-Border E-Commerce Contribute to the Growth Convergence?
Authors: Ma Shuzhong , Lin Yichun , Pan Gangjian
Published: May 2021

The impact of cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) on international trade is prominent in recent years. The authors extend the international trade model with heterogeneous firms to include CBEC export and deduce that CBEC lowers the capability threshold for export. Firms and regions with different capabilities are affected differently, but the total regional export is increasing. In the empirical analysis section, they use panel data from 31 provinces in China from 2015 to 2018 and construct proxy variables for CBEC with CBEC comprehensive pilot zones and CBEC exporters. They find that CBEC contributes to economic growth and economic convergence. The underlying mechanisms include the convergence of regional exports and total factor productivity, while the convergence of capital isn't supported by the results.
β-Arrestin 2 Regulates Inflammatory Responses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection through ERK1/2 Signaling
Authors: Wen Qian , Li Yanfen , Han Zhenyu , Liu Honglin , Zhang Shimeng , Chen Yaoxin , He Jianchun , Du Xialin , Fu Yuling , Zhang Lijie , Zhang Zelin , Huang Yulan , Zhou Xinying , Zhou Chaoying , Hu Shengfeng , Ma Li
Published: May 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the pathogen that causes tuberculosis, exhibits complex host–pathogen interactions. Pattern recognition receptors and their downstream signaling pathways play crucial roles in determining the outcome of infection. In particular, the scaffold protein β-arrestin 2 mediates downstream signaling of G protein–coupled receptors. However, the role of β-arrestin 2 in conferring immunity against M. tuberculosis has not yet been explored. We found that β-arrestin 2 was upregulated in the lesioned regions of lung tissues in patients with tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis infection upregulated β-arrestin 2 expression in human macrophages, and silencing of β-arrestin 2 significantly enhanced bactericidal activity by enhancing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. β-Arrestin 2 was shown to inhibit the activation of the TLR2/ERK1/2 pathway and its transcriptional regulation activity upon M. tuberculosis infection. Furthermore, β-arrestin 2 transcriptionally regulates TNF-α by binding to CREB1. These observations revealed that the upregulation of β-arrestin 2 is critical for M. tuberculosis to escape immune surveillance through an unknown mechanism. Our research offers a novel interference modality to enhance the immune response against tuberculosis by targeting β-arrestin 2 to modulate the TLR2–β-arrestin 2–ERK1/2–CREB1–TNF-α regulatory axis.
Cutting Edge: Myosin 18A Is a Novel Checkpoint Regulator in B Cell Differentiation and Antibody-Mediated Immunity
Authors: Cheung Michael B. , Enyindah-Asonye Gospel , Matsui Ken , Kosik Ivan , Dvorina Nina , Baldwin William M. , Yewdell Jonathan W. , Gupta Neetu
Published: May 2021

We investigated the function of the newly discovered myosin family protein myosin 18A (Myo18A) in Ab-mediated immunity by generating B cell–conditional Myo18A-deficient mice. Myo18A deficiency led to expansion of bone marrow progenitor B cells and mature B cells in secondary lymphoid organs. Myo18A-deficient mice displayed serum IgM hyperglobulinemia and increased splenic IgM-secreting cells, with older mice switching to IgG1 hyperglobulinemia and autoantibody development. Immunization of Myo18A-deficient mice with inactivated influenza virus led to development of more potent neutralizing Abs against the major Ag hemagglutinin, associated with persistent accumulation of Ag-specific germinal center B cells and more Ag-specific bone marrow plasma cells. In vitro stimulation with TLR7 and BCR ligands revealed a greater ability of Myo18A-deficient B cells to differentiate into Ab-secreting cells, associated with higher AID and Blimp-1 expression. Overall, our study demonstrates that Myo18A is a novel negative regulator of B cell homeostasis, differentiation, and humoral immunity.
Fuel Effects on Engine-out Emissions Part 1 - Comparing Certification and Market Gasoline Fuels
Authors: Singh Ripudaman , Voice Alexander , Fatouraie Mohammad , Levy Robert
Published: May 2021

Studies have shown that fuel quality plays an important role in engine-out emissions. The wide variation in composition and properties of gasoline fuels available in the market can lead to discrepancies between the expected emission levels as per set regulations and actual on-road measurements.

This study compares engine-out gaseous and particulate emission results between 5 US market fuels, 5 certification fuels and one street-legal race fuel. The market fuels were acquired from different terminals in Michigan. Tests were performed on a 4-cylinder 2.3 L turbocharged direct injection spark-ignited engine. The tests covered a wide range of steady-state operating conditions including load, injection timing and engine speed sweeps. Transient load steps were also performed under warm and cold engine conditions.

Weighting factors were assigned to the emissions results from the steady-state operating points in the study; these factors were based upon the frequency of visitation of respective point during an aggressive real drive emission cycle. This was then used to assign a ranking to the fuels.

The results from the study indicated that even within the US market-compliant gasoline fuels significant differences existed between the engine out particulate number (PN) and unburned hydrocarbon (HC) emissions, particularly at high load and under cold transient conditions—with more than 200x difference in the PN emissions and 1.5x difference in HC emissions. Furthermore, statistically significant differences existed between the engine out PN emissions of certification and market gasoline fuels, due to differences in their composition and properties. Lastly, significance of higher fuel injection pressures and optimum injection timing was demonstrated to reduce the sensitivity of the engine-out emissions to the fuel type.
Stationary and Moving Camera Video Analysis Compared to Known Reference System
Authors: Simacek Daniel , Tovar Jose , Famiglietti Nicholas , Shkolkin Vladimir , Hoang Ryan
Published: May 2021

Video recordings of vehicular collisions have become widely available to the accident reconstructionist and can play a vital role in determining the locations and speeds of the subject vehicles involved in a collision. However, due to varying video resolutions, framerate, lens distortion, motion blur, and camera movement, errors in video analysis can occur. To understand the total error inherent to video analysis, this study presents analysis of videos from different video systems, the limitations in the analysis, and a comparison of video analysis speeds to reference datasets. The factors that influenced variance included resolution, lens correction, shutter speed, and framerate. The video systems analyzed included three moving cameras and two stationary units.

In the present study, a mock collision scenario in which a target vehicle approached a recording vehicle head-on, was staged to emulate an actual event captured on video. The target vehicle’s speed was analyzed using the captured videos. The video analysis results were then compared to the speeds obtained from the target vehicle’s wheel speed sensors via a VBOX system connected to the vehicle’s Controlled Area Network (CAN), and VBOX GPS position data.

The videos were recorded from two locations. Location 1 was at the top corner of a business complex. This location was equipped with two video cameras: a GoPro HERO5 and a Sony α6400 mirrorless camera. Location 2 was within the recording vehicle itself. This location was equipped with three video systems: a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Dashcam video camera system, a generic dashboard video system with a low framerate, and a Blackmagic Design camera. Videos were captured as the recording vehicle moved towards the target vehicle; the camera’s location and angle relative to the target were constantly changing.

Errors in the determined speeds were quantified based on comparison of the video analysis speeds to the reference datasets. The errors in speed were determined to be inversely correlated to the video resolution. Additionally, the analysis of the video footage from the stationary source yielded lower error than the analysis of the moving vehicle video for a given resolution and framerate.
Factors that Influence Drivers’ Responses to Slower-Moving or Stopped Lead Vehicles
Authors: Muttart Jeffrey , Kuzel Michael , Dinakar Swaroop , Gernhard - Macha Suntasy , Edewaard Darlene E. , Appow Stephanie , Dickson Connor
Published: May 2021

Rear-end crashes account for more than one in five fatal crashes in the U.S. The rear-end crash scenario most commonly associated with fatal crashes involves a following vehicle traveling 40 to 70 mph closing on a lead vehicle at a rate greater than 30 mph. The current research compiled an analysis of the literature to identify the kinematic factors, environmental factors, traffic-related factors and individual differences that are likely to influence drivers’ responses when closing on a slower-moving or stopped lead vehicle [LV].

In Part 1, several primarily kinematic-based methods for modeling drivers’ responses to a LV were compared for high-speed closing events. Methods utilizing looming (angular growth rate) equations were shown to predict drivers’ responses and time-to-contact methods (Inverse Tau) were conditionally accurate when applied to specific crash scenarios. However, the ratio or nominal response time methods did not predict drivers’ responses in most crash scenarios. Overall, with few exceptions, drivers responded in ways that could best be described when using the looming equation.

In Part 2, the influence of the environment, traffic in the area, and individual differences were evaluated. Drivers responded much earlier than the looming equation suggested when in congested traffic, when following closely behind the lead vehicle, when the LV was parked on the shoulder, and when the lead vehicle was sideways across the road. In reduced lighting conditions, drivers responded significantly later when the lead vehicle had narrowed taillights, when the distances between the taillights was narrowed from the normal width, and when the lights on the lead vehicle were dimmer than normal. Interchanges, work zones, and inclines (or elevated roadways) were identified as locations where rear-end crash rate increased significantly. Drivers commonly responded 0.2 to 0.35 second faster when the lead vehicle displayed emergency flashing lights. Lastly, many drivers, whether a crash occurred or not, were found to make mirror glances in the moments before reaching the looming threshold. Hence, unbeknownst to a following driver, he/she may be looking away from the forward roadway at a critical moment while closing at a dangerous speed.
Validation of a PC-Crash Multibody Sport Bike Motorcycle Model
Authors: Fatzinger Edward , Landerville Jon , Tovar Jose , Nguyen Benjamin
Published: May 2021

PC-Crash is an accident reconstruction program allowing the user to perform simulations with multibody objects that collide or interact with 3D vehicle mesh models. The multibody systems can be a pedestrian, a motorcycle, or a motorcycle with a rider. The multibody systems are comprised of individual rigid bodies connected by joints. The bodies can be of various size and stiffness along with varying coefficients of friction and restitution. Additionally, the joints can be tailored to define pivot types and range of motion. The current motorcycle models in PC-Crash are generic and do not resemble a sport bike type motorcycle. They are only globally scalable such that you cannot adjust length, width, or height independently. However, the user can adjust each body and/or joint individually as needed.

A model was created that resembled a modern sport bike motorcycle. In addition, a multibody rider was mounted on the motorcycle in a typical sport bike riding position. The model was validated using the three instrumented tests that were the subject of previous research (SAE 2020-01-0885). The aforementioned tests involved moving motorcycles striking moving cars. Impact configurations involved the classic T-bone type accident, while others were more complex in nature involving significant longitudinal and lateral impact forces to the motorcycle.

The test results were compared to parameters calculated in PC-Crash. Results such as Delta-V, yaw rate and overall post impact trajectories of the motorcycle, rider and movement of the target vehicle were compared to the data from the instrumented test vehicles. In total the multibody rider/motorcycle model was able to simulate the three staged crash tests very well. The overall trajectories of both the rider and motorcycle aligned very well with the overall motion seen in the crash test.
An Investigation of Aerodynamic Characteristics of Three Bluff Bodies in Close Longitudinal Proximity - Part 2
Authors: Le Good Geoffrey , Self Matthew , Boardman Peter , Resnick Max
Published: May 2021

The work described in this paper is a continuation of an investigation into the effects of systematic changes in upper-body geometry on the aerodynamic drag of passenger-car-like bluff-body models in close longitudinal proximity and operating in platoon formations. The original work, presented in SAE paper 2019-01-0659, showed measurements of the aerodynamic drag of individual models within three-model platoons and for which each model was tested in three different upper-body configurations This provided a data-set of 27 platoon configurations to compare with the three baseline conditions of the isolated models. The work contrasted with other published platooning research in which the spacing, between homogeneous models in the platoons, was the only variable to be considered.

In this publication the results of further wind tunnel tests, using the same models as before but in two-model platoons, providing a further 9 test configurations are compared with the original data. In addition, the results of CFD analyses for both the two and three-model platoon configurations are reported to help provide a more detailed and illustrated explanation of the modification of flow regimes and subsequent forces due to close-proximity.

The most significant influence on drag of the proximity tests was shown to be the interference on upstream wakes due to the presence of a following model. The shielding effect provided to trailing models also resulted in a drag reduction by reducing pressure drag on upright nose surfaces. But shielding also resulted in a drag penalty by reducing flow velocity over the radiused leading edges, particularly of the A-pillars thereby reducing a low pressure zone which, in unobstructed flow, yields a drag reduction for the Windsor model.
Near-to-Far Wake Characteristics of Road Vehicles Part 3: Influence of Multi-Vehicle Interactions
Authors: McAuliffe Brian , Sowmianarayanan Bhargav , Barber Hali
Published: May 2021

Conventional assessments of the aerodynamic performance of ground vehicles have, to date, been considered in the context of a vehicle that encounters a uniform wind field in the absence of surrounding traffic. Recent vehicle-platooning studies have revealed measurable fuel savings when following other vehicles at inter-vehicle distances experienced in every-day traffic. These energy savings have been attributed in large part to the air-wakes of the leading vehicles. This set of three papers documents a study to examine the moderate-to-far regions of ground-vehicle wakes (one to ten vehicle lengths), in the context of their potential influence on other vehicles.

Part Three of this three-part paper documents the wake characteristics for multi-vehicle scenarios of two or three vehicles, in single-lane or two-lane arrangements. A set of high-fidelity numerical simulations, based on a Lattice-Boltzmann approach, and a series of scaled-model wind-tunnel measurements are presented to examine some multi-vehicle scenarios with four types of vehicle shapes: a sedan, an SUV, a medium-duty vehicle, and a heavy-duty vehicle. The wake-merging process of a two-lane longitudinally-staggered sedan-and-SUV configuration is examined in detail with and without cross winds. Experimental-results are presented only for the SUV, medium- and heavy-duty vehicle shapes due to challenges described in Part One with respect to the sedan-model and the stationary-floor arrangement.

Complex wake patterns emerge under multi-lane scenarios, particularly under cross-wind conditions, but the results suggest a level of predictability in the aggregate wake properties. Only for the cases with close lateral proximity (side-by-side configurations) do the wake patterns change substantially such that the characteristics of the individual wakes are not perceptible. Additionally, the merged wakes in cross winds are shown to potentially influence vehicles up to three or four lane widths away. The results suggest that superposition of moderate-to-far-wake profiles may be possible to generate on-road wind conditions associated with a range of traffic scenarios.
Autochthonous hepatitis E as a cause of acute-on-chronic liver failure and death: histopathology can be misleading but transaminases may provide a clue
Authors: Vieira Barbosa Joana , Müllhaupt Beat , Brunner Felix , Filipowicz Sinnreich Magdalena , Semela David , Montani Matteo , Cathomas Gieri , Neuweiler Jörg , Gouttenoire Jérôme , Artru Florent , Louvet Alexandre , Mathurin Philippe , Sempoux Christine , Lenggenhager Daniela , Weber Achim , Moradpour Darius , Fraga Montserrat
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND AND AIM
Acute decompensation and death have been observed in patients with acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and preexisting liver cirrhosis. However, the clinical, laboratory and histological features need to be fully characterised.

METHODS
Some of us recently described the histological presentation of hepatitis E in a large panel of liver tissue specimens. Here, we conducted a case-control study to investigate the clinical and laboratory features of the subset of patients with HEV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and death. Each patient was matched to three control patients with histologically confirmed severe alcoholic hepatitis based on sex, age, total bilirubin, INR, serum creatinine and MELD score on admission.

RESULTS
Of 5 patients who died in a context of HEV-related ACLF, 3 (60%) were male and the median age was 66 years (range 51–76). Median alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at presentation was 2610 U/l (range 705–3134) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 2818 U/l (range 1176–8611). Liver function was heavily altered in all patients. Histological analyses revealed steatohepatitis on a background of cirrhosis, suggestive of an alcoholic or nonalcoholic origin. Based on histopathology, alcoholic hepatitis was initially suspected in two patients and corticosteroid treatment was initiated. Ribavirin was started in four patients. Median time from hospitalisation to death was 17 days (range 6–25 days). AST levels in patients with HEV-related ACLF were significantly higher as compared to the matched patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis.

CONCLUSION
Typical histopathological features of viral hepatitis may be absent in ACLF caused by HEV infection. HEV infection should be sought in acute decompensation of cirrhosis and ACLF even in the absence of histological changes suggesting viral infection.
Drug-induced liver injury in Switzerland: an analysis of drug-related hepatic disorders in the WHO pharmacovigilance database VigiBase™ from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Ortland Imke , Mirjalili Mahtabalsadat , Kullak-Ublick Gerd A. , Peymani Payam
Published: May 2021

AIMS OF THE STUDY
Our aim was to explore drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in Switzerland using the real-world data of the global pharmacovigilance database VigiBase™, with a special focus on the new drug class of checkpoint inhibitors. This is the first study investigating drug-related hepatic disorders in Switzerland in a global pharmacovigilance database.

METHODS
This was a retrospective study analysing the ICSRs (individual case safety reports) of the global pharmacovigilance database VigiBase™. We explored all ICSRs submitted in Switzerland within the last 10 years (1 July 2010 to 30 June 2020). For data extraction, the standardised MedDRA query (SMQ) “narrow drug-related hepatic disorders – severe events only” was applied. The ICSRs, drug-reaction pairs and adverse drug reactions were analysed descriptively, including a special focus on checkpoint inhibitors. For comparing the hepatic adverse drug reactions of pembrolizumab, nivolumab and ipilimumab, the reporting odds ratios (RORs) were calculated in a disproportionality analysis.

RESULTS
In total, 2042 ICSRs could be investigated, comprising 10,646 drugs and 6436 adverse drug reactions. Gender was equally distributed between male and female. Patients were on average 57 years old. The mortality rate was high, with fatal adverse reactions in over 10% of cases. On average, patients used five drugs including two suspected drugs. Paracetamol, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, esomeprazole and atorvastatin ranked among the most frequently suspected drugs for severe drug-related hepatic disorders. However, Vigibase™ data are not appropriate for judging causality and these results should be interpreted with caution owing to the possible influences of comedication or comorbidity. An average of three adverse drug reactions per ICSR were reported, most frequently including hepatocellular injury, cholestatic liver injury, and liver injury. For checkpoint inhibitors, hepatitis was the most frequently reported hepatic adverse drug reaction. In comparison with nivolumab and ipilimumab, pembrolizumab had a significantly higher ROR for hepatitis (2.41, p = 0.016), but also a lower ROR for autoimmune hepatitis (0.11, p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION
Our findings highlight the importance for healthcare providers in Switzerland to pay special attention to possible drug-induced liver injuries because of their high mortality rate. The analysis of real-world data confirms the previous assumption that hepatitis is the most frequent hepatic adverse event for checkpoint inhibitors. Further clinical studies are warranted to directly compare hepatic adverse drug reactions to different checkpoint inhibitors.
Detecting Text Reuse with Passim
Authors: Romanello Matteo , Hengchen Simon
Published: May 2021

In this lesson you will learn about text reuse detection -- the automatic identification of reused passages in texts -- and why you might want to use it in your research. Through a detailed installation guide and two case studies, this lesson will teach you the ropes of Passim, an open source and scalable tool for text reuse detection.
THE GOVERNANCE OF MIGRATION THROUGH THE MEDITERRANEAN: A TRANSNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors:   Department of Social and Political Sciences, University of Calabria Arcavacata di Rende (C.S.), Italy., Elia Anna , Fedele Valentina
Published: May 2021

The paper aims to verify the reproduction of ‘modern coloniality’ through externalising the European borders in Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria, focusing particularly on its discursive and practical articulations. Crossing Critical Border Studies’ approaches and an analytical view on the policies and agreements supporting the externalisation politics, we have tried to trace the evolution of the external dimension of E.U. migration policy from the perspective of both the countries of the Francophone Maghreb and of the member states of the European Union. The results show that beyond the rhetoric of the global approach to externalisation of borders adopted by the EU, Maghrebian states have implemented forms of resistance and accomplishment to make their global political agenda prevail over E.U. attempts to manage the Mediterranean governance migration.