bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Efficacy of Inflammatory Novel Biomarkers for Risk Prediction of Cardiovascular Disease among Clinically Asymptomatic Individuals – A Systematic Review
Authors: Shrivastava Preeti , Sharma Tripti , Gautam Sanika
Published: November 2024

Background:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide; hence, improved risk screening and prediction techniques are essential. This thorough analysis explores novel inflammatory biomarkers that might change the approach by which CVD is predicted in those who lack symptoms. Using a thorough analysis of the current state of prediction tactics and an intensive examination of their CVD events, this present research aims to provide the door to a more accurate and preventive approach to CVD prevention.

Methodology:

We extensively searched literature from 2012 to 2023, using databases such as Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and sources such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, and clinical trials. In this review, various study types were screened, including trials, commentaries, and editorials. To evaluate bias, we employed a two-part tool addressing five domains: selection bias, presentation bias, attrition bias, selective reporting, and different biases. In addition, a quality assessment tool was used for diagnostic accuracy studies.

Results:

In this current review, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included from 2012 to 2023. After the screening, approximately 10 RCTs (n = 43,879 patients) were incorporated into the present investigation. The average follow-up duration of these included studies was found to be around 6.49 years. The overall scenario of these trials reported that the maximum number of participants were male. Furthermore, our findings suggest that several serum biomarkers, especially hs-CRP and NT-proBNP, Gal-3, GDF-15, ST-2, etc., have the potential to improve primary CVD risk prevention among asymptomatic individuals.

Conclusion:

This systematic review highlights the critical importance of the utilization of biomarkers across diverse pathophysiological pathways as essential tools for the stratification of CVD risk in order to improve clinical outcomes.
LPG Direct Injection: An Alternative Fuel Solution to the Two-Stroke Emissions Problem
Authors: GITANO-BRIGGS Horizon , MUSTAFA Khairil Faizi , TEOH Yew Heng , SEW Chang Yew
Published: November 2024

Despite high fuel consumption and poor emissions two-stroke engines are a popular power source in developing countries due to their high power to weight ratio and low cost. To meet more rigid emissions requirements some manufacturers have switched from carburetion to Direct fuel Injection (DI). DI greatly reduces the emissions while simultaneously improving fuel economy. An alternative to this is the direct injection of a gaseous fuel such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), both of which may cost less than the equivalent amount of gasoline. A gaseous fuel DI system may also cost less than an air-assisted gasoline DI system as the gaseous system does not require a fuel pump, air pump or liquid fuel injector. In this paper we compare gasoline and premixed LPG as an alternative fuel for retrofit application to a 110cc two-stroke motorcycle. Engine performance, emissions and fuel consumption are measured on a dynamometer at various speeds and throttle settings. Results are compared for the original gasoline engine and the same engine running on pre-mixed LPG and air. Initial results are also presented with the engine operating on Direct Injected LPG at idle. Results indicate that HC emissions (on a mass basis) and fuel consumption similar for premixed LPG and gasoline. At idle HC and CO emissions are greatly reduced with Direct Injection of the LPG fuel.
Evaporative Emissions Control System for Walk Behind Lawnmowers
Authors: Bejcek Andrew
Published: November 2024

This paper discusses an evaporative emissions control system which significantly reduces diurnal evaporative emissions in walk behind lawnmower engines equipped with float carburetors. The system also maintains engine startability, run quality, and a simplistic user interface. The system consists of low-permeation fuel line and a multi-layer fuel tank using an EVOH barrier as well as a carbon canister integrated in the lawnmower's push-handle and an Automatic Bowl Drain System (ABDS). A prototype of the system resulted in a 90% reduction in diurnal evaporative emissions when compared to a pre-regulation walk behind lawnmower using the CARB TP-902 sealed housing for evaporative determination test. This paper demonstrates a practical solution to reduce diurnal evaporative emissions and hydrocarbon running losses below the level emitted from a state of the art, float carbureted, walk behind lawnmower engine.
Combustion Characteristics of a DI Diesel Engine with Palm Kernel Oil Biodiesel and Its Blend (B20)
Authors: MYO Thet , KINOSHITA Eiji , TSURU Hidenori , HAMASAKI Kazunori
Published: November 2024

The fuel properties, the diesel combustion and the exhaust emissions of palm kernel oil methyl ester (PKME) and a blend of 20% PKME with 80% JIS No.2 gas oil (PK-B20) were investigated. In this study, the fuel properties were measured by laboratory analyses and the engine experiments were carried out by using a single cylinder direct injection diesel engine. To make comparison between biodiesels and conventional diesel fuel, palm oil methyl ester (PME), coconut oil methyl ester (CME), and the gas oil (JIS No.2) were also used as test fuels. From the fuel property analyses and the engine experimental results; the pour point of PKME was -5°C which was the same as that of CME and the pour point of PK-B20 was -10°C, the brake thermal efficiency of PKME was the same as the other test fuels, the ignition ability of PKME was better than that of the gas oil and the exhaust emissions (CO, HC, NOx and smoke) from PKME were almost the same as those of CME and lower than those of the gas oil. Specifically, at 100% load condition, about 47% reduction in smoke emission was found in PKME compare to that of the gas oil.
Four-Stroke Motorcycle Lubricant Performance: An Application-Specific Engine Test Development
Authors: WILKES Mark F. , BRITTON Nigel J. , TRAVIS Christopher , CHADWICK Richard C.
Published: November 2024

In response to increasingly stringent emissions legislation, rapid advances in four-stroke hardware technology are leading to the development of new lubricant appetites and severities, primarily due to the motorcycle lubricant being common to the gear-box and clutch in addition to the crankcase. These changes are driving motorcycle and passenger car lubricant performance needs in different directions. Ultimately, this divergence of performance requirements may result in the need to use lubricants specifically formulated for motorcycle hardware, and a requirement for application specific performance tests.

This paper describes the development of a high-performance motorcycle engine test to generate application-specific lubricant performance data, including data logging a motorcycle on a race-track, designing a test-rig to run a dynamic cycle, and finally, replicating the race severity logged cycle in the engine test. This work is presented as a first step in a series of test developments to investigate, develop and provide proof of performance of motorcycle engine oil additives to meet the specific needs of the four-stroke motorcycle, both today and in the future.
Electrodeposition Painting to Outboard Motors
Authors: AOKI Tetsuya
Published: November 2024

Outboard motors use aluminum die-cast components extensively to cut down their weight. They are also cooled directly by the raw water including saline water. Corrosion protection is the critical issue for outboard motors because of these characteristics. Currently, the coating is the primary measures taken to assure the corrosion resistance and to give originality to the appearance. However, the complicated cooling passages cannot be coated appropriately with the spray-paint process. Such disadvantages can be compensated by the electrodeposition coating technique. In the case of electrodeposition coating, the coating film is generated electrically in the coating material bath by means of deposition. The process is widely applied to the automobile bodies made of steel plate, because it provides higher transfer efficiency and lower VOC (VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS) emission. However, the traditional electrodeposition coating material presented various issues when it comes to the application to the aluminum components. These issues are attributable to the behavior of the coating film in the course of deposition process. The new electrodeposition coating material has been developed to deal with these issues, and has been applied to the outboard motor components. The new coating material gives higher anticorrosion property to the components, and also allows the reduction of VOC emission and the elimination of hexavalent chromium. This report describes the efforts made to work out the engineering issues for applying the new electrodeposition coating material to the actual production process.
Model-Based Analysis and Evaluation of the DCP System
Authors: Nakamura Tsutomu , Hazu Kenichi , Yamazaki Shigeru
Published: November 2024

Until recently, development and evaluation of the Discharge Pump Type Fuel Injection System (hereafter referred to as DCP) has been implemented through measurement of various characteristics such as fuel flow and observation of each separate component's function during real-world testing. However, there are several characteristics that are difficult to evaluate. An evaluatable DCP system model was created for remedying this dilemma. With this DCP system model, we were able to achieve results comparable to testing done with the real-world DCP system. Furthermore, we were successful in identifying characteristics within the model that we were unable to measure with the real-world DCP system. From these results, we were able to verify the viability of employing the DCP system model for evaluation and improvement of the real-world DCP system.
Numerical Predictions for Can Type Muffler of a Motorcycle
Authors: NISHIMURA Motohiko , NONAKA Yoshiharu , HIRAGA Takashi , KAWAMOTO Yuichi
Published: November 2024

To attain high performance and low emission at the same time, computational fluid dynamics was incorporated into a design optimization stage of the muffler. Splitters were equipped at the short bend just upstream of the catalyst to suppress flow separation and mal-distribution within the catalyst region. Design screening had been done for the splitters based on result from the steady states CFD. Then the unsteady CFD for the selected splitter design showed uniform flow field within the catalyst region even when the flow rate was abruptly changed due to intermittent exhaust process.
Development of Generic Load Cases for Motorcycle Components for Design Optimization
Authors: Kharul Ravi , Balakrishnan Sivakumar , Singanamalli Anil V. , Dora K.B.
Published: November 2024

A methodology is presented to obtain loads coming on the handle bar of a motorcycle of one model and calculating generic loads from the same for all other motorcycle models. The handle bar of a motorcycle of model M1 was instrumented with strain gages and calibrated for vertical and horizontal loads. The instrumented handle bar was assembled on the vehicle and data was collected on the test rig in laboratory. The vertical and horizontal loads acting on the handle bar, on test rig was obtained based on the calibration performed. The loads thus obtained are for a particular motorcycle model M1 and is dependent on the wheel loads of that motorcycle. These loads were converted into generic load cases, which are applicable for all models of motorcycles. The generalized loads thus generated were used in predicting the fatigue life of handle bar of a different motorcycle model (M2) using FE analysis and MSC fatigue. The fatigue life calculated using FE analysis was observed to match with the actual life of handle bar of motorcycle model M2 tested in laboratory thereby validating the generic load cases that were arrived at.
Development and Application of Control-Oriented Power Train Model for a Variomatic Scooter
Authors: GARG Manish , DESHPANDE G.S. , GOHL Jesse B. , SUNDARESAN S. A.
Published: November 2024

Competitive environment of scooter market demands for new improved products with minimum development time. Computer simulations are very useful in reducing the development time through virtual prototyping and testing the system on computers rather than making the hardware prototypes and testing on road. Particularly, lumped parameter modeling provides reasonably accurate results for predicting vehicle performance characteristics in short span of time. This is very useful when various system level targets have to be achieved and when trade-offs have to be made to obtain optimal results. In this work, a system-level powertrain model has been developed for small variomatic scooters with a mechanically actuated Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The modeling and simulation technology developed in this work can aid in designing a scooter CVT system to provide the desired performance characteristics. Further, it can be very useful if one is contemplating to develop an electronically controlled CVT for scooter applications. The approach used in this work highlights the paradigm of model-based engineering and elucidates its use in a product development environment.
Numerically Modeling the Dynamics of a Piston-Mounted Passive Inlet Poppet Valve
Authors: GIBBES Greg , HONG Guang
Published: November 2024

A 2D axissymmetric CFD model of a prototype free-piston engine has been developed using a commercial code. The dynamics of a passive inlet valve mounted on the moving piston was the main interest in the investigation. Preliminary results of cylinder and compressor pressure show good agreement with experimental pressure data for both fired and motoring conditions. Insight into the probable lift characteristics of the passive inlet valve was obtained. The CFD model achieves the simulation of complex multi-body movement through structured mesh deformation. Momentum source terms are utilized to modify flow in certain domains in the model. The paper reports the difficulty of specifying appropriate loss terms for a 2D model of 3D flow. It concludes by assessing the suitability of simplified 2D CFD to model gas dynamics. In cases where the flow departs significantly from a 2D form, either 3D CFD or 1D gas dynamics is probably a better choice.
Development of Electronically Controlled Shock Absorber using Magneto-Rheological Fluid
Authors: KOMATSUZAKI Toshihiko , ENOMOTO Hiroshi , NISHIMURA Hiroshi , HIRAMATSU Michinao , FUKUNAGA Yosuke
Published: November 2024

The electronically controlled shock absorber with magneto-rheological fluid, KF-MRS07, was developed for the Formula SAE (FSAE), which is an annual collegiate racing competition. The KF-MRS07 has been newly developed based on KF-NS06, a mono-tube type shock absorber produced in 2006 incorporating commercial oil. The KF-NS06 is a low cost product but hard to adjust the damping property. On the other hand, the KF-MRS07 can be controlled electronically whose damping force is changeable instantaneously while running. The equivalent viscous damping coefficient, the measure for evaluating the shock absorbers, is changed about 99% with 1.0A applied current. On-track test results show that the yaw rates can be changed from an oversteer condition to an understeer one with a simple threshold control.
PLATFORM HEALTH MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SHARING VIA SERVICE ORIENTED
ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Dorny Jonathan , O’Leary Ryan
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Sharing platform health information in a disconnected environment requires the
use of design strategies that consider the various systems that must participate
in the creation, processing, and consuming of component health information.
Using a common representation of a vehicle structure, platform health can be
calculated, predicted, and communicated to end users at all levels of the
enterprise. Implementing a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) using a Grid
Services approach enables a central application to manage and share data as
needed; performing data integration, data cleansing, and data normalization.
This design pattern facilitates holistic collaboration for platform health
management on-platform, at-platform, within the tactical domain, at the national
level, and at the OEM location.
CHAIN DYNAMIC FORMULATIONS FOR MULTIBODY SYSTEM TRACKED
VEHICLES
Authors: Wallin Michael , Aboubakr Ahmed K. , Jayakumar Paramsothy , Letherwood Michael D. , Shabana Ahmed A.
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

This paper is focused on the dynamic formulation of mechanical joints using
different approaches that lead to different models with different numbers of
degrees of freedom. Some of these formulations allow for capturing the joint
deformations using discrete elastic model while the others are continuum-based
and capture joint deformation modes that cannot be captured using the discrete
elastic joint models. Specifically, three types of joint formulations are
considered in this investigation; the ideal, compliant discrete element, and
compliant continuum-based joint models. The ideal joint formulation, which does
not allow for deformation degrees of freedom in the case of rigid body or small
deformation analysis, requires introducing a set of algebraic constraint
equations that can be handled in computational multibody system (MBS) algorithms
using two fundamentally different approaches: constrained dynamics approach and
penalty method. When the constrained dynamics approach is used the constraint
equations must be satisfied at the position, velocity, and acceleration levels.
The penalty method, on the other hand, cannot ensure that the algebraic
equations are satisfied at the acceleration level. In the compliant discrete
element joint formulation, no constraint conditions are used; instead the
connectivity conditions between bodies are enforced using forces that can be
defined in their most general form in MBS algorithms using bushing elements that
allow for the definition of general nonlinear forces and moments. The new
compliant continuum-based joint formulation, which is based on the finite
element (FE) absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF), has several
advantages: (1) It captures modes of joint deformations that cannot be captured
using the compliant discrete joint models; (2) It leads to linear connectivity
conditions, thereby allowing for the elimination of the dependent variables at a
preprocessing stage; (3) It leads to a constant inertia matrix in the case of
chain like structure; and (4) It automatically captures the deformation of the
bodies using distributed inertia and elasticity. The formulations of these three
different joint models are compared in order to shed light on the fundamental
differences between them. Numerical results of a detailed tracked vehicle model
are presented in order to demonstrate the implementation of some of the
formulations discussed in this investigation.
Fire Suppression Modeling using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Korivi Vamshi M. , Williams Bradley A. , McCormick Steven J. , Deshmukh Kshitij
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Military ground vehicles are equipped with Automatic
Fire Extinguishing Systems (AFES) to
protect against enemy threats causing fuel tank ruptures and resulting fuel
fires inside military vehicle crew compartments. The fires must be rapidly
extinguished without reflash to ensure Soldier protection from burn and toxicity
risks. This summary describes the development of a simulation-based acquisition
tool which will complement vehicle testing for the optimization of AFES designs
for specific vehicles and address their unique clutter characteristics.

The simulation-based acquisition tool using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
techniques was validated for an exploratory test box and demonstrated with the
evaluation of two different suppressant nozzle configurations for an MRAP
vehicle. The result is a cost-savings tool with a negligible development payback
period that optimizes Soldier survivability in a fire situation. This modeling
tool is currently being applied to predict the effectiveness of crew AFES in a
number of Army ground vehicles.
Extending the Reach of the Warfighter through Robotics: Autonomous
Execution of a Tactical Resupply and Surveillance Mission
Authors: Deminico Mathew R. , Mills Myron E.
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Continued proliferation of terrorist activities throughout the globe, as well as
other low to medium intensity conflicts, present unique challenges to the US
Army, Marines, and Special Operating Forces, especially in times of reduced
manpower and operating budgets. Soldiers are called upon to do increasingly
complex, dangerous, and lengthy missions with reduced troop strength and in more
remote and austere conditions often far from traditional means of ready
resupply. The need for organic persistent surveillance of potentially hostile
areas is also of significant value to improve situational awareness and preserve
the tactical advantage. The high risk nature of these missions can be
significantly mitigated and operational tempo (OPTEMPO) improved by using
unmanned solutions. Previously proposed solutions attempting to make use of
Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) or Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) alone
experienced multiple problems. One solution that addresses these issues is to
team a relatively large and capable autonomous UGV with a similarly capable UAV,
each with significant cargo capacity and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS)
communications capabilities, and the UGV also having good surveillance sensor
capabilities. The Lockheed Martin Squad Mission Support System (SMSS™)
UGV equipped with a Gyrocam Tactical Surveillance Sensor (TSS) was flown by
sling load into the “hostile” area using a Lockheed Martin
K-MAX® rotorcraft, and a tactical resupply and surveillance mission was
conducted in autonomous and tele-operated modes. Both the SMSS and K-MAX were
equipped with mobile Satellite Communications (SATCOM) systems as well as local
LOS communications systems. A remote Operations Center was equipped with SATCOM
base stations to control and monitor the UxV activities. The program
demonstrated that teamed autonomous UAV and UGV systems, properly equipped,
provide improved stand-off, rapid tactical resupply, increased force protection,
and increased time on site without exposing Soldiers. The key technical
objectives of the project were demonstrating the ability of an unmanned
rotorcraft to fly, deliver, and autonomously release a large UGV, and
demonstrating the ability of the UAV/UGV team to remotely execute an end-to-end
mission with limited user intervention. The project demonstrated for the first
time that any ground-based remote sensing or resupply mission can be performed
by UGVs and UAVs at any distance from the operator.
LEVERAGING HIGH-FIDELITY SIMULATION TO EVALUATE AUTONOMY ALGORITHM SAFETY
Authors: Penning Ryan , English James , Melanz Daniel , Limone Brett , Muench Paul , Bednarz David
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The age of large autonomous ground vehicles has arrived. Wherever vehicles are
used, autonomy is desired and, in most cases, being studied and developed. The
last barrier is to prove to decision makers (and the general public) that these
autonomous systems are safe. This paper describes a rigorous safety testing
environment for large autonomous vehicles. Our approach to this borrows elements
from game theory, where multiple competing players each attempt to maximize
their payout. With this construct, we can model an environment that as an agent
that seeks poor performance in an effort to find the rare corner cases that can
lead to automation failure.
DESIGN FOR SUPPORTABILITY AS A MEANS OF REDUCING TECHNOLOGY
TRANSITION RISK
Authors: Majcher Monica , Ealy James
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

In order to assess a design from a supportability perspective early in a
technology’s prototyping phase, TARDEC’s Systems Engineering
Directorate has established a Design for Supportability (DfS) competency. This
competency, under the SE umbrella, encompasses the relationship between Design
for Reliability (DfR), Design for Maintainability (DfM), and Design for
Logistics (DfL). The combination of DfR, DfM and DfL form a trifecta of
knowledge that determines whether a developing technology will: 1) perform its
intended function for the complete duration of the mission it’s designed
for; 2) be designed in a way to be fixable in a reasonable amount of time using
standard tools; 3) be designed to have replaceable parts as accessible as
possible; 4) not increase the logistics burden for our men and women in
uniform.
HUMAN WORKLOAD MODELING FOR AUTONOMOUS GROUND VEHICLES
Authors: Pop Vlad L. , Michelson W. Stuart
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Accurate models of operator workload in highly automated ground vehicles could
inform interface design decisions, predict performance impacts of new systems,
and evaluate existing systems. This paper summarizes an existing methodology for
modeling human operator workload, demonstrates its application to automated
ground vehicles, and discusses its value in development, certification, and
acquisition of autonomous military ground systems.
Tech Pub Qualification Scheme Development for Arc Directed Energy
Deposition Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Harwig D.D , Mohr W. , Hovanec S. , Rettaliata J. , Hayleck R. , Handler E , Farren J.
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

A prescriptive qualification scheme was completed for Arc Directed Energy
Deposition (DED) metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes for austenitic
single-sided builds. Robotic arc DED AM qualification builds used stainless
steel consumables with the gas metal arc welding - pulse (GMAW-P) process. A
matrix of standard qualification builds were made to develop, evaluate, and
recommend the preferred process qualification build schemes. The qualification
scheme explored a range of heat inputs, deposit sizes, and deposition rates; and
the effects of interpass temperature that can be a limiting productivity factor
for robotic arc DED metal AM builds. The standard qualification builds evaluated
the effects of thickness (thin and thick geometric build features) where the
process deposit (heat input) and process build thermal features (preheat and
interpass temperature) are controlled over smaller ranges. The builds were
examined with both ultrasonic and radiographic inspection, and a standard set of
destructive tests (tensile, bend, macros, etc). Arc DED stainless steel builds
showed good tolerance and consistent properties over the range of features
tested. A prescriptive qualification scheme provides a clear path to accelerate
implementation of high impact DED AM technology. Additional standard
qualification build designs and testing plans are underway for ferrous
materials, and with and without integrated build plates to provide prescribed
qualification requirements for the most common applications of arc DED AM
processes.

Citation: D.D Harwig,, W. Mohr,, S. Hovanec, J. Rettaliata, R.
Hayleck., E Handler, and J.Farren, “Tech Pub
Qualification Scheme Development for Arc Directed Energy Deposition
Additive Manufacturing”, In Proceedings
of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium
(GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 13-15, 2019.
ADDRESSING THE SOFT SOIL TOWING CAPABILITY OF A NOTIONAL RECOVERY VEHICLE USING NEXT GENERATION M&S TOOLS
Authors: Cole Michael , Goryca Jill , Singh Amandeep , Ross Brant
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Sustaining readiness is a core component of the Army Modernization Strategy and
the fleet of ground vehicles must be capable and available to fight when called
to action even as additional requirements such as additional armor and
electrical loads are imposed on such systems. In support of this principle,
Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (CCDC
GVSC) provided Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems with modeling and
simulation (M&S) expertise to analyze soft soil towing capability of a
notional recovery vehicle. The analysis involved simulating a notional recovery
vehicle and disabled towed main battle tank up a slope and developing design
changes to improve soft soil towing performance.
Path Planning Support of Intelligent Battery Tray to Autonomous Combat Vehicles
Authors: Nan Xi , Dong-O’Brien Jing , Yan Liang , Li Peng , Hundich Alex , Skalny David
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Path planning is critical for mission implementation in various robot platforms
and autonomous combat vehicles. With the efforts of electrification, battery
energy storage as power sources is an ideal solution for robots and autonomous
combat vehicles to improve capability and survivability. However, the
battery’s limited energy and limited instantaneous power capability
could become limiting factors for a mission. The energy and power constraints
are also affected by the environment, battery state of health (SOH), and state
of charge (SOC) significantly; in the worst case, a well-tested mission profile
could fail in the real world if all aspects of the battery are not considered.
This paper presents a framework to model the battery’s capability to
support a whole mission and specific tasks under various environments. This
real-time battery model can be built into an intelligent battery management
system to support system-level mission planning, real-time task selection/
teleoperation, post-mission evaluation, and maintenance assistance. Furthermore,
case studies are presented to show that the simple rule-of-thumb approach would
not provide an optimal solution and that a comprehensive battery model is
necessary. Transparent to vehicle’s system control, this model framework
provides a simplified parameter set for existing path planning approaches to
achieve optimum battery usage, which leads to the improved range, duration, and
reliability for a mission.

Citation: X. Nan, et al, “Path Planning Support of
Intelligent Battery Tray to Autonomous Combat Vehicles,” In
Proceedings of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology
Symposium (GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 16-18, 2022.
VERIFICATION OF AN ARCHITECTURE IN A SYSTEM MODEL USING
DOMAIN-SPECIFIC OPERATIONAL SCENARIOS AND CONTEXTS
Authors: Dattathreya Macam
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

A proposed approach for verifying a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)-enabled
system architecture in Systems Modeling Language (SysML) based system models of
military ground vehicle domains. Using this approach, Model Based Systems
Engineering (MBSE) practitioners can verify that a given MOSA-enabled
architecture in the system model is compliant to pre-defined MOSA-adopted
reference architecture models. The approach utilizes military ground vehicle
domain-specific operational scenarios and their associated domain
context-specific architecture verification rules, architecture verification
metrics and compliance-scope. MBSE professionals can implement the proposed
approach using automated or semi-automated solutions.

Citation: Macam Dattathreya, “Verification of an
architecture in a system model using domain-specific
operational scenarios and contexts,” In Proceedings
of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium
(GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 15-17, 2023.
DETERMINING A DIRECTION- AND POSITION-AGNOSTIC OCCUPANCY PROBABILITY AND OCCUPANCY RATIO FROM MAPS OF OBSTACLE FIELDS FOR GROUND VEHICLE NAVIGATION
Authors: Harnett Stephen J. , Brennan Sean , Reichard Karl , Pentzer Jesse
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Robot path-planning is a central task for navigation and most path-planners
perform well in mapped environments with explicit obstacle boundaries. However,
many obstacle fields are better defined by the probability of obstacles and
obstacle geometries rather than by explicit locations. Few tools and data
structures exist, other than repeated simulations, to predict robot mobility in
these situations. Previously, it was shown that geometric obstacle properties
could be used to estimate properties of paths routing around these obstacles,
looking only at maps and avoiding the task of path planning [1]. This required knowing obstacle geometries
relative to travel direction. This work presents a method for representing
obstacle geometry, at arbitrary orientations and positions, and therefore a
probabilistic model for determining if space near an obstacle is occupied. This
paper explains the theory behind this method, uses this method to calculate the
portion of a straight path overlapped by obstacles, called linear occupancy
ratio, from simulated obstacle fields, and compares these results to measured
occupancy ratio values to validate the probabilistic model.

Citation: S. J. Harnett, S. Brennan, K. Reichard, J. Pentzer,
“Determining a Direction- and Position-Agnostic Occupancy Probability
and Occupancy Ratio from Maps of Obstacle Fields for Ground Vehicle
Navigation,” In Proceedings of the Ground Vehicle Systems
Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug.
15-17, 2023.
Multiculturalism Contested: Freedom Of Religion, Human Rights And The Changing Narratives Of Public Education In Nigeria
Authors: Samuel Afolabi Olugbemiga
Published: November 2024

The article interrogate and problematise the concept of religion, freedom and human rights in Nigeria’s public education sector which is marked by religious diversity. The paper raises the question of whether multiculturalism can serve as the appropriate means to deal with diversity in a culturally divided federal State like Nigeria with public schools. Through survey and secondary data, the paper examines the different ethno-religious issues that have reinvogorated freedom of religion, human rights and public schools in Nigeria. Through this examination, the paper shows how religious freedoms and rights are enmeshed in a crisis of claims and have affected the expression of human rights, especially on religious symbols and modes of dressing. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the fights over the place of religion in public schools are changing the perception of public education in Nigeria, with a lesson for other African countries with similar religious and ethnic diversity.
Employee engagement determinants: pre and post COVID-19 era in an emerging economy’s public media industry
Authors: Ukonu Ifeanyichukwu Ojeka , Pauline E. , Dangana Egbunu Audu
Published: November 2024

The contemporary organisation witnessed a sharp drift from the known normal to a new normal due to the novel Coronavirus pandemic. Most organisations insist that staff members work from home, except those on essential duties. Employee engagement has been instrumental in ensuring the sustainability of the workplace during that period. This research compares some employee engagement determinants pre- and post-COVID-19 among entrepreneurs in the media sector. Employees' proactiveness and innovativeness ascertained entrepreneurs. A pooled cross-sectional analysis was conducted. The findings expressed a variation between employees' priorities in the two periods, with compensation at the apex.
A Secure and Robust Data Transmission for 2 × 2 MIMO-OFDM System Using Subcarrier Randomization with Elliptical Curve Cryptography
Authors: I Gede Puja Astawa  , Melki Mario Gulo  , Amang Sudarsono
Published: November 2024

This research proposes a method that randomizes the subcarrier as a physical layer security (PLS) in the Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) communication system, aiming to secure information data. The research procedure incorporates the Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) algorithm during subcarrier randomization, including processes such as public key generation, encryption, and decryption, and compares these with the Rivest Shamir-Adleman (RSA) method. The proposed method is validated through real-time laboratory experiments, yielding significant results. The RSA algorithm’s average time is 6.73 and 53.21 seconds, while the ECC algorithm requires only 0.71 and 1.21 seconds for security bits of 80 and 112, respectively. The performance of bit error rate (BER) versus signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is 0.123 times 10 to the power of negative 3, demonstrating that the subcarrier randomization and reconstruction system is successfully implemented and working correctly to ensure security based on the MIMO-OFDM system.
Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment to Enhance Immunotherapy Efficacy in Hepatic Metastases from Colorectal Cancer: The Role of TGF-β Inhibition
Authors: Araújo-Filho Irami
Published: November 2024

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) frequently metastasizes to the liver, where the unique immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment (TME) challenges immunotherapy efficacy. Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β), a cytokine integral to immune regulation, fibrosis and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), is crucial in creating this hostile TME, facilitating immune evasion and metastasis. TGF-β’s influence on immune cells, including regulatory T-cells (Tregs), contributes to reduced Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) infiltration and impaired immune responses within hepatic metastases. Inhibiting TGF-β has emerged as a promising approach to reprogramming the TME, enhancing immune cell infiltration, reducing fibrosis and reversing EMT. Recent studies demonstrate that TGF-β blockade can improve Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) responses, particularly in Microsatellite-Stable (MSS) CRC tumors typically resistant to ICIs. However, systemic inhibition presents risks, including potential autoimmunity and fibrosis in non-tumor tissues, highlighting the need for targeted delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, to localize TGF-β inhibition within the TME. Research suggests modulating the gut-liver axis may enhance TGF-β inhibition effects by optimizing immune responses. Combination therapies integrating TGF-β inhibitors with ICIs, cytokine therapies or anti-angiogenic agents show potential to overcome CRC immune resistance. Despite the therapeutic promise, patient selection and biomarker identification remain critical challenges, necessitating further studies to refine and personalize treatment approaches. This review explores the multifaceted role of TGF-β in CRC liver metastasis and discusses strategies for enhancing immunotherapy efficacy through targeted TGF-β modulation.
Recommendations on Intralymphatic Immunotherapy (ILIT): Precision Medicine in Vaccination and Immunotherapy
Authors: Johansen Pål
Published: November 2024

Intralymphatic Immunotherapy (ILIT) offers a safe and efficient form of Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) and is becoming increasingly important in clinical research and off-label use. Since its efficacy depends on precise injections, the lack of procedural standards poses a challenge to maintaining uniform treatment quality. By analyzing 173 injection videos, we critically evaluated key aspects of the ILIT method and provided a set of pragmatic recommendations for accurate and safe ILIT injections with greater ease and consistency. Considering the increasing use of ILIT, our empirically evaluated recommendations may provide a foundation for the establishment of procedural standards and the recognition of ILIT as a valid method for allergen immunotherapy.
Prasangka sebagai Hambatan Komunikasi Antarbudaya
Authors: Adnan Fahri , Widyanarti Tantry , Wibisono Wahyu
Published: November 2024

Penelitian ini membahas prasangka sebagai hambatan dalam komunikasi antarbudaya, yang semakin penting di era globalisasi. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa prasangka, sering kali berakar dari stereotip etnis, dapat menghambat pemahaman dan mendorong konflik antar kelompok budaya yang berbeda. Melalui pendekatan kualitatif, penelitian ini mengidentifikasi mekanisme munculnya prasangka dan dampaknya terhadap komunikasi lintas budaya. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa stereotip menyederhanakan identitas budaya yang kompleks, menciptakan kesalahpahaman, dan memperburuk hubungan antar etnis. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, penelitian merekomendasikan lima langkah strategis: menghargai perbedaan, berkomunikasi dengan baik, meningkatkan pendidikan, menghindari diskriminasi, dan menjalin kerja sama antarbudaya. Dengan memahami konteks komunikasi antarbudaya secara lebih baik, diharapkan dapat tercipta hubungan yang harmonis dan saling menghormati di tengah keberagaman yang ada.
Assessing Needs for Quality Improvement: A Study of Nature-Based Education Principles (Sekolah Alam Way) at Saga Lifeschool, Indonesia
Authors: Robianti Febi , Raufu Mufutau , Sasongko Marsahid , Sikirat Abolanle Busari-Raufu  , Raufu Jemilat , Yamani Khalila
Published: November 2024

Nature-based education offers a transformative approach to sustainable education by integrating natural environments and sustainability principles into active learning experiences. In Indonesia, Saga Lifeschool, along with over 200 nature-based schools under Jaringan Sekolah Alam Nusantara (JSAN), exemplifies this model through its "Sekolah Alam Way" (SA WAY) system. This system emphasizes holistic education aligned with sustainable development goals and the core values of Pancasila, including environmental stewardship, community spirit, and global diversity appreciation. This research aims to assess the quality improvement needs in SA WAY’s implementation of nature-based education, focusing on enhancing educational practices that promote academic, ethical, social, and environmental growth. The study applies theories such as experiential learning, place-based education, and embodied cognition to evaluate how hands-on activities—such as outdoor projects, environmental conservation, and community engagement—support cognitive, ethical, and social development. Findings indicate that while SA WAY effectively instills these values, improvements in resources, teacher training, and outdoor learning infrastructure are needed to further enhance educational quality and sustainability. The research highlights the importance of continuous development in these areas to ensure the long-term success of nature-based education and its alignment with sustainable practices.
Document Analysis of the Impact of Empowerment Modules in Internship Programs at PKBM Alam Jingga, Indonesia
Authors: Robianti Febi , Raufu Mufutau , Sasongko Marsahid , Raufu Sikirat , Raufu Jemilat , Yamani Khalila
Published: November 2024

This study examines the integration of empowerment modules into internship programs at PKBM Alam Jingga, an Indonesian institution dedicated to holistic education through nature-based learning. The modules aim to enhance students' personal development by cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship skills. Additionally, the research focuses on how these modules align with the Pancasila student profile, promoting values such as faith, noble character, and community spirit—essential for nurturing responsible and culturally aware individuals. Utilizing a document analysis method, feedback from students, instructors, and supervisors was evaluated through models like Kirkpatrick's and CIPP to assess the program's effectiveness. The findings demonstrate that the empowerment modules significantly contribute to students' academic and personal growth, fostering deeper engagement with their education and societal roles. This study underscores the importance of refining internship practices to address the evolving demands of the workforce while maintaining alignment with the core values of Pancasila. The integrated approach offers a framework for developing well-rounded individuals, equipped for both career success and meaningful contributions to society.
Critical Success Factors for Successful Construction Project Management: A Comprehensive Evaluation
Authors: Alafeef Duaa M.
Published: November 2024

Objective: This study aims to identify and assess the critical success factors that influence construction projects in Jordan, enabling project stakeholders to achieve their goals more efficiently. The data was collected and analyzed using statistical methods, employing a relative importance index to determine the significance of different factor categories. To achieve this, various factors were gathered from existing literature and previous research, rephrased for better comprehension, and then categorized into four groups.
 
Theoretical Framework: Construction is an inherently risky field, where the potential for failure looms, necessitating construction companies to carefully consider the factors that directly impact their project performance.
 
Method: A survey containing these critical success factors was distributed to 100 respondents, with 75 questionnaires returned and considered for analysis.
 
Results and Discussion: The study found that two primary categories significantly affected project success: community satisfaction and environmental-related factors. In contrast, the other three categories and their related factors, namely safety, quality, and community satisfaction, did not demonstrate a notable influence on construction project success.
 
Research Implications: The ultimate aim of all involved parties, be it project owners, contractors, or consultants from the public or private sector, is to successfully complete projects on schedule, within the allocated budget, while maintaining the highest quality and ensuring safety. However, construction projects in Jordan encounter numerous complex issues that affect their performance, including time management, cost control, maintaining quality, and ensuring safety.
 
Originality/Value: The researcher proposes several recommendations to improve the success of construction projects in Jordan, including: effective time management: allocate sufficient time for comprehensive planning and design of the project, and ensure the availability of payment before awarding contracts to avoid delays. Collaborative design review: involve clients in design review sessions to finalize plans and involve a team to estimate costs before bidding. Contractor accountability: ensure that contractors are well versed in contractual matters, maintain material inventory, manage finances efficiently, and create realistic project timelines.