bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact simulation of passenger electric vehicle’s battery pack protective structure for speed bump crossing event
Authors: Muthiah Krishna Karthick , Arul Karthik , Elango C , Pandi Sathish Kumar , Alugade Nilesh
Published: April 2024

In the automotive industry, the electric vehicle is the new era, and companies are committed to reducing carbon emissions by electrification of their vehicles. In the development of electric vehicles, the battery is the central power source for all the parts of the vehicle. Usually, it is placed under the body because of its size and mass. So, it is important to protect battery cells from leakage and damage from obstacles. For on-road electric vehicles, speed bumps are one of the crucial obstacles. This paper investigates and analyses the protection of battery pack systems in electric vehicles while encountering speed bump profiles at different speeds. During the physical test on a speed bump, there is a possibility of bump hit on the battery pack system and it is necessary to ensure the structural safety of the battery pack systems. In this study, CAE method has been developed to validate the battery pack system in the event of a speed bump crossing. Virtual simulation analysis was performed in the full vehicle FE model and measured the impact energy at various locations and acceleration on the battery pack. Virtual results are well correlated with test measurements at various locations on the battery pack system. Based on the correlation results, CAE provides design suggestions and verified in physical test.
Energy Based Hysteresis for Real-Time State Optimization in Hybrid Torque Controls
Authors: Kudupley Harshal , Mawardi Andryas , Patel Nadirsh
Published: April 2024

Through real-time online optimization, the full potential of the performance and energy efficiency of multi-gear, multi-mode, series–parallel hybrid powertrains can be realized. The framework allows for the powertrain to be in its most efficient configuration amidst the constantly changing hardware constraints and performance objectives. Typically, the different gears and hybrid/electric modes are defined as discrete states, and for a given vehicle speed and driver power demand, a formulation of optimization costs, usually in terms of power, are assigned to each discrete states and the state which has the lowest cost is naturally selected as the desired of optimum state. However, the optimization results would be sensitive to numerical exactitude and would typically lead to a very noisy raw optimum state. The generic approach to stabilization includes adding hysteresis costs to state-transitions and time-debouncing. These added costs could result in systems remaining in sub-optimal states during steady state operation when the hysteresis thresholds are not overcome. This paper proposes an improved hysteresis framework where time-dependent and transition cost considerations are integrated into the optimization. The results show that this method produces an improved stability while maintaining a level of energy efficiency compared to the existing hysteresis method.
Energy Management Strategy for Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles Based on Model Predictive Control and Local Encryption Dynamic Programming
Authors: Wu Changkun , Shi Xiuyong , Ni Jimin
Published: April 2024

A model predictive control (MPC) energy management strategy (EMS) coupled with offline dynamic programming (ODP) based on historical average vehicle speed, ODP-MPC, is proposed in this paper. The effectiveness of ODP-MPC is verified using historical traffic flow datasets from the open literature. The simulation results show that ODP-MPC can reduce fuel consumption by 1.1% to 7.3% compared to MPC. Moreover, at the prediction area Hp=3(3s), the fuel consumption of ODP-MPC is only 2.1% higher than that of the DP algorithm. This indicates that ODP-MPC can approximate the theoretical fuel economy. As for the computational effort, the online computation time of ODP-MPC is improved by 6.3%~22.9% compared to MPC, but still less than the 1s time step. Reducing the number of grid cells (m) or increasing the distance step (distf) in offline DP reduces the offline computational cost and the fuel economy of ODP-MPC. The coupled locally encrypted meshing strategy (LEMS) in ODP-MPC resolves the trade-off between computational cost and fuel-saving performance. Compared to ODP-MPC with m=1001 and distf=10, when m=21 and distf=30, the fuel consumption of ODP-MPC with LEMS remains nearly unchanged, while the computational cost is reduced by 99.1%.
Engine Stall Recovery and Restart Procedure for Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Basutkar Ameya , Patel Nadirsh , Rostiti Cristian
Published: April 2024

Engine stall, a noteworthy occurrence in traditional vehicles, poses challenges due to the inability to disconnect the engine from the driveline. Consequently, in such scenarios, the vehicle experiences a loss of propulsion, necessitating the driver to pull over. The severity of propulsion loss events is underscored by regulatory bodies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), potentially leading to costly recalls for Automotive Manufacturers. Therefore, proactive measures to avert Loss of Propulsion (LoP) events, including the exploration of remedial actions, are strongly encouraged during powertrain controls design. In contrast, hybrid electric vehicles offer a unique advantage. Given the ability to connect or disconnect the engine from the driveline in hybrid or electric-only modes, an engine stall in hybrid mode need not result in a complete loss of propulsion. In such situations, a hybrid electric vehicle can seamlessly transition to electric-only mode while concurrently attempting an engine restart. However, a predefined safety procedure must be adhered to, involving the disconnection of the engine from the driveline and its shutdown before initiating a restart. Considering diverse propulsion architectures and hybrid types like mild hybrid or plug-in hybrids, Stellantis Hybrid Torque Control employs a sophisticated software strategy. This strategy orchestrates the seamless disconnection of the engine from the driveline and preserves the engine restart functionality. Following a successful restart, the engine is reconnected to the driveline, allowing the resumption of normal driving operations. This paper illustrates the application of such a strategy with a case study example for P1P2 hybrid architecture, supported by vehicle validation data encompassing multiple engine stalls in a single drive cycle and the subsequent successful recovery of the engine in these scenarios.
Research on the Control Systems for Hybrid and Electric Powertrains
Authors: Jing Junchao , Zhang Junzhi , Liu Yiqiang , Wang Zhentao , Xue Tianjian
Published: April 2024

DHT hybrid transmission assembly control system discussed in this paper includes hydraulic control, hybrid mode switching control, shift control, dual motor control, clutch and motor thermal management. The hybrid mode is divided into four modes: the EV mode, the serial mode, the parallel mode and the launch mode. Hydraulic control includes torque-pressure conversion, clutch pressure kiss point adaption, clutch oil filling time adaption. Shift control includes shift type decision, shift sequence control, shift inertia process based on motor intervention. Thermal management includes clutch flow and motor flow distribution. Motor control include the current control, mode control and boost strategy of permanent magnet synchronous motor in dual hybrid system, which has good stability and robustness. Motor mode includes initialization mode, normal mode, fault mode, active discharge mode, power off mode. The boost strategy of the hybrid system is based on boost mode management, boost target voltage determination and boost PI control. Finally, the real vehicle test is carried out to verify the effectiveness and advancement of the DHT control design.
Fuzzing CAN vs. ROS: An Analysis of Single-Component vs. Dual-Component Fuzzing of Automotive Systems
Authors: Aideyan Iwinosa Winifred , Brooks Richard , Pese Mert D.
Published: April 2024

Robust communications are crucial for autonomous military fleets. Ground vehicles function as mobile local area networks utilizing Controller Area Network (CAN) backbones. Fleet coordination between autonomous platforms relies on the Robot Operating System (ROS) publish/subscribe robotic middleware for effective operation. To bridge communications between the CAN and ROS network segments, the CAN2ROS bridge software supports bidirectional data flow with message mapping and node translation.

Fuzzing, a software testing technique, involves injecting randomized data inputs into the target system. This method plays a pivotal role in identifying vulnerabilities. It has proven effective in discovering vulnerabilities in online systems, such as the integrated CAN/ROS system. In our study, we consider ROS implementing zero-trust access control policies, running on a Gazebo test-bed connected to a CAN bus. Our objective is to evaluate system security using fuzzers in three scenarios: (i) fuzzing the CAN bus alone, (ii) fuzzing the CAN bus with a ROS Fuzzer, and (iii) fuzzing both systems simultaneously using the CAN2ROS bridge.

This paper poses the question: is fuzzing the unified system more effective than fuzzing individual components. By analyzing interactions between the bridge and the military fleets’ CAN systems, we identify and address flaws potentially introduced in the software, or data leakage between communication segments. Our analysis employs experimental design and statistical analysis to shed light on the bridge’s security robustness and its potential implications for the overall system’s integrity.

This research holds significant implications for both industry and academia. Stakeholders involved in the development of autonomous military and civilian fleets can leverage our findings to enhance system security and reliability. Ultimately, the identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities contribute to safer and more resilient military operations.
A Comprehensive Training Approach for Automotive Cybersecurity Engineering
Authors: Faschang Thomas , Macher Georg , Veledar Omar
Published: April 2024

Cybersecurity assumes a major role in the context of the automotive domain, where both existing and forthcoming regulations are heightening the need for robust security engineering. A significant milestone in advancing cybersecurity within the automotive industry is the release of the first international standard for automotive cybersecurity ISO/SAE 21434:2021 ‘Road Vehicles — Cybersecurity Engineering’. A recently published type approval regulation for automotive cybersecurity (UN R155) is also tailored for member countries of the UNECE WP.29 alliance. Thus, the challenges for embedded automotive systems engineers are increasing while frameworks, tools and shared concepts for cybersecurity engineering and training are scarce. Hence, cybersecurity training in the automotive domain necessitates an understanding of domain-specific intricacies and the unique challenges at the intersection of cybersecurity and embedded systems engineering, elevating the need for improving the skill set and knowledge of automotive cybersecurity engineers. This paper delves into an automotive cybersecurity training concept aimed at enhancing the proficiency of development engineers. In that context, we also consider the framework to train over CAN. While the presented work primarily addresses technical aspects, we recognize the importance of aligning development within the framework of relevant standards. This is crucial because any training courses must adhere to the expectations set by standardization boundaries. The presented PENNE1 framework simulates a network of CAN controllers, which enables the testing and hands-on experiences for attack vectors and mitigation methods in a simulated environment, providing basic implementations for the most common attack types of this network. The framework is extendable for training and testing purposes with series controllers and real-world demonstrators.
Applying Concolic Testing to the Automotive Domain
Authors: Vinzenz Nico , Oka Dennis Kengo
Published: April 2024

Symbolic code execution is a powerful cybersecurity testing approach that facilitates the systematic exploration of all paths within a program to uncover previously unknown cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This is achieved through a Satisfiability Modulo Theory (SMT) solver, which operates on symbolic values for program inputs instead of using their concrete counterparts. However, in complex code bases, this approach faces significant limitations, such as program path explosions or unavailable dependencies, which can result in conditions that the SMT solver cannot reason about. Consequently, SMT solvers are often considered as too costly to implement for automotive testing use cases and are rarely employed within this domain. In contrast, fuzz testing has recently gained traction in the automotive industry as an invaluable testing technique for identifying previously unknown vulnerabilities. Its initial setup is straightforward and typically yields useful findings. However, achieving high code coverage with fuzz testing is quite challenging and requires a sophisticated instrumentation and guidance setup. A promising approach to address this challenge of insufficient code coverage involves combining symbolic code execution with substituted values from the fuzzing engine for complex conditions, enabling the SMT solver to handle them effectively. In this paper, we present an overview of the current state of concolic testing tools and their applicability in the automotive domain. We compare concolic testing to conventional fuzz testing setups commonly observed in the automotive industry and outline the conditions necessary to achieve greater code coverage, thereby increasing the likelihood of discovering vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity in the Context of Fail-Operational Systems
Authors: Schmidt Karsten , Dannebaum Udo , Schneider Rolf , Ambekar Abhijit
Published: April 2024

The development of highly automated driving functions (AD) recently rises the demand for so called Fail-Operational systems for native driving functions like steering and braking of vehicles. Fail-Operational systems shall guarantee the availability of driving functions even in presence of failures. This can also mean a degradation of system performance or limiting a system’s remaining operating period. In either case, the goal is independency from a human driver as a permanently situation-aware safety fallback solution to provide a certain level of autonomy.

In parallel, the connectivity of modern vehicles is increasing rapidly and especially in vehicles with highly automated functions, there is a high demand for connected functions, Infotainment (web conference, Internet, Shopping) and Entertainment (Streaming, Gaming) to entertain the passengers, who should no longer occupied with driving tasks.

But the connectivity is accompanied by potential cyber security risks, eventually compromising a vehicles safety. Therefore, mitigating such risks by appropriate security measures is mandatory.

Unfortunately, the combination of functional safety and cyber security requirements aiming on the same target often contains a considerable potential for conflict, as they may be contradicting.

Especially in Fail-Operational systems, where system availability is a major safety goal, matching of both fields is quite a challenge. This paper depicts contradictions, raises related open question, offers possible answers and tries to encourage an industry-wide discussion of the stakeholders in the related fields.
Complexity Reduction of Damper Base Valve Design Based on Computational and Experimental Validation
Authors: Chintala Paramesh , Oh Joseph , Steeb Markus , Sankaran Shivanand
Published: April 2024

A damper is one of the most important elements in a vehicle suspension system. The damper valves are a fully coupled hydraulic system where the suspension fluid flow interacts with the elastic response of the valve structure. The base valve in the hydraulic damper plays a significant role in compression damping force characteristics of a damper, and therefore designing of the base valve is critical for damping force tuning. In this paper, the impact of the base valve design complexity reduction is quantitatively analyzed. The Current base valve design is restrictive which prevents achieving the required compression damping force ranges without a substantial base valve body parts library. A new base valve assembly is suggested with one more degree of freedom via a restrictor plate. Introducing this new element allows reducing the number of base valve designs for damping performance tuning. The design of the new base valve is engineered from existing designs with the aid of computer aided simulation for improving the tuning range of the damper with reduced number of valve body parts. Finite Element (FE) methods are utilized to evaluate the new base valve structural strength and validated by conducting experimental structural hub crush strength test. For the hydraulic performance of the new base valve design, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out for meeting damping force requirement. A test flow bench was built to validate the computational models. The new base valve is also a cost-effective solution to meet compression damping force tuning range and resolution.
WITHDRAWN Fuel Sensitivity Affects on the Knock and CoV Limits of a Spark Ignited Engine
Authors: Mitchell Robert , Conway Graham , Wang Yanyu
Published: April 2024

Engine knock is one of the limiting factors in determining the compression ratio and engine efficiency for spark ignited engines. Using the Southwest Research Institute Knock-CoV test method, it was previously shown that the knock limited load versus combustion phasing (CA50) has a constant slope. All of the knock mitigation strategies tested provided a shift to these knock limited loads but also increased the slope. That is, for the same CA50 retard the knock limited load could be increased more. Our hypothesis was that due to fuel sensitivity, or the difference between the RON and MON, the reactions that lead to knock will behave differently as the pressure-temperature history changes with engine speeds and loads. The fuel affects on the knock and CoV limits were studied by testing fuels with various sensitivities including methanol, E85 (85% ethanol) and Iso-octane. Methanol and E85 have higher sensitivities compared to the baseline gasoline fuel and as a result showed a steeper slope of their respective knock limited load line. A similar CA50 retard enabled a larger increase in the knock limited load. Iso-octane by definition has a sensitivity of zero. The results showed it had a smaller knock limited load increase for the same CA50 retard. The pressure temperature histories of the tests were compared to temperature and pressure histories for the standardized RON and MON tests. As the CA50 was retarded and the load was increased to knocking conditions, the cylinder pressure history is elevated moving further into the beyond RON region. In the beyond RON region high sensitivity fuels show a higher knock resistance and explains why baseline gasoline had a larger slope than iso-octane and E85 had a larger slope than each.
Effect of Spark Assisted Compression Ignition on the End-Gas Autoignition with DME-air Mixtures in a Rapid Compression Machine
Authors: Jin Long , Yu Xiao , Wang Meiping , Reader Graham , Zheng Ming
Published: April 2024

Substantial effort has been devoted to utilizing homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) to improve thermal efficiency and reduce emission pollutants in internal combustion engines. However, the uncertainty of ignition timing and limited operational range restrict further adoption for the industry. Using the spark-assisted compression ignition (SACI) technique has the advantage of using a spark event to control the combustion process. This study employs a rapid compression machine to characterize the ignition and combustion process of Dimethyl ether (DME) under engine-like background temperature and pressures and combustion regimes, including HCCI, SACI, and knocking onsite. The spark ignition timing was swept to ignite the mixture under various thermodynamic conditions. This investigation demonstrates the presence of four distinct combustion regimes, including detonation, strong end-gas autoignition, mild end-gas autoignition, and HCCI. The observation indicates that HCCI exhibits a relatively low-pressure rise rate and a prolonged combustion duration.

On the other hand, the detonation case can achieve a fast flame propagation velocity of up to 2.4 km/s, generating high-frequency pressure oscillation. Pressure traces were processed using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) method to characterize the different end gas autoignition regimes under various spark timing. Moreover, hydrogen fuel blends with DME to reduce the auto-ignition tendency of DME fuel but increase the flame propagation speed. The combustion characteristics of the autoignition-initiated flames are compared with that of using neat DME fuel via pressure measurement and high-speed images. The results demonstrated that deploying hydrogen into the fuel exhibits enhanced knock resistance and reductions in pressure oscillations.
Comprehensive Cradle to Grave Life Cycle Analysis of On-Road Vehicles in the United States Based on GREET
Authors: Kelly Jarod C. , Kim Taemin , Kolodziej Christopher P. , Iyer Rakesh K. , Tripathi Shashwat , Elgowainy Amgad , Wang Michael
Published: April 2024

To properly compare and contrast the environmental performance of one vehicle technology against another, it is necessary to consider their production, operation, and end-of-life fates. Since 1995, Argonne’s GREET® life cycle analysis model (Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies) has been annually updated to model and refine the latest developments in fuels and materials production, as well as vehicle operational and composition characteristics. Updated cradle-to-grave life cycle analysis results from the model’s latest release are described for a wide variety of fuel and powertrain options for U.S. light-duty and medium/heavy-duty vehicles. Light-duty vehicles include a passenger car, sports utility vehicle (SUV), and pick-up truck, while medium/heavy-duty vehicles include a Class 6 pickup-and-delivery truck, Class 8 day-cab (regional) truck, and Class 8 sleeper-cab (long-haul) truck. Powertrain coverage includes internal combustion (spark ignition and compression ignition) engines, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, full battery electric, and fuel cell vehicles powered by conventional and low carbon energy sources. The results offer insights into the current state of these technologies, as well as a projection of the likely environmental implications of future fuel and vehicle advancements through a time-series evaluation of life cycle greenhouse gas emissions.
Improving the Performance of Diesel Engines by Bore Profile Control under Operating Conditions
Authors: Hibi Taiga , Mita Takuro , Yamashita Kenichi
Published: April 2024

The cylinder bore in an engine block is deformed under the assembling stress of the cylinder head and thermal stress. This distortion exacerbates the piston skirt friction and piston slap. Through a numerical and experimental study, this article analyzes the effect of an optimized bore profile on the engine performance. The piston skirt friction was estimated in a three-dimensional elastohydrodynamic (EHD) friction analysis. An ideal cylindrical bore under the rated load condition was assumed as the optimal bore profile that minimized the piston skirt friction without compromising the piston slap. The simulation study revealed that secondary motion of the piston immediately after firing the top dead center can be mitigated by narrowing the piston–bore clearance at the upper position of the cylinder. After optimizing the bore profile, enlarging the clearance from the middle to the lower part of the cylinder reduced the friction in the piston skirt to cylinder interface by an estimated 30% from that of the baseline. The CAE prediction was validated by measuring the bore deformation and piston secondary motion under the firing condition. Further improvement was expected by changing the design parameters of the piston and piston rings according to the bore-profile change. Experiments on a four-cylinder diesel engine verified the engine performance for various cylinder blocks with different bore shapes. The friction force, noise level, blow-by gas flow, and lubricating oil consumption were reduced after controlling the bore profile. This study proved that controlling the bore deformation under operating conditions largely improves the engine performance.
Value Driving - A Guide to Save Fuel, Travel Time, and Emissions
Authors: Smith David B.
Published: April 2024

Reducing consumption of fossil fuels and resulting emissions remains a goal of the worlds’ population. Perhaps as an aid to encourage more fuel-efficient driving style, many modern motor vehicles are equipped with digital displays of average and instantaneous display of fuel efficiency in miles per gallon (mileage) or liters per 100 kilometers. The display may be interesting to drivers concerned with fuel efficiency, but may not yield desired or best results. What is missing is impact on time of travel; what is the fuel- and time-efficient way to accelerate, what steady speed to travel, and how to decelerate? The author has defined a new fuel efficiency measure described as Dynamic Fuel Cost, in units of currency such as dollars, per travel time in hours, and a microprocessor to compute and display same. Using this display, vehicle operators can choose a maximum steady highway speed, accelerate and decelerate in ways that are fuel-, time- and cost-effective and minimize emissions. Using an undiscovered or overlooked but highly effective fuel-saving method, simply coasting before braking, fuel consumption reductions of 10% to 12% are realized on conventional roads at no increase in travel time.
Earthquake forecast by imbalance machine learning using geophysical predictors
Authors: Kiria Tengiz , Chelidze Tamaz , Melikadze George , Jimsheladze Tamar , Kobzev Gennady
Published: April 2024

In the present paper we consider the earthquake forecast as a binary problem of machine learning on the imbalanced data base applied to five regions of Georgia. For the training we used geophysical data base collected in 2017-2021, namely, variations of statistical characteristics of geomagnetic field components, seismic activity, water level in deep boreholes and tides. In this version a new predictor – the weighted seismic activity for previous 5 days - – is added compared to the predictors’ list used in previous papers. Besides, the length of the used database is increased 3 times compared to the earlier results. As in the database the earthquakes of M > 3.5 are rare, the number of negative cases is large (there are many days without EQs of M > 3.5), meaning that there is a strong imbalance between positive and negative cases of the order of 1:20; we apply the specific methodology Matthews’ correlation coefficient (MCC) and F1 score to avoid the strong imbalance effect.
ELSEM-Net, a network of ground-based telemetric stations for the monitoring of fracture-induced electromagnetic emissions in Greece: Instrumentation, management and analysis of recent observations associated with strong earthquakes
Authors: Malkotsis Philopimin , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Politis Dimitrios Z. , Dimakos Dionysios , Exarhos Michael , Liadopoulos Efstratios , Contoyiannis Yiannis , Charitopoulos Angelos , Kontakos Kyriakos , Koulouras Grigorios , Melis Nikolaos , Eftaxias Konstantinos , Potirakis Stelios M.
Published: April 2024

The hELlenic Seismo-ElectroMagnetics Network (ELSEM-Net, http://elsem-net.uniwa.gr) is a network of telemetric stations spanning all over Greece for the monitoring of fracture-induced electromagnetic emissions (FEME), often also referred to as electromagnetic radiation (FEMR). At the laboratory scale, it has been proved that FEME/FEMR are produced by opening cracks in a wide frequency spectrum ranging from the MHz to the kHz bands as the general (macroscopic) fracture is approaching, rendering them precursors of general fracture that permit the monitoring of the gradual damage of stressed materials. FEME/FEMR is also observed at the geophysical scale, preceding strong earthquakes (EQs) with epicenters on land or near the coast-line. Based on the idea that MHz-kHz FEME/FEMR should also permit the monitoring of the gradual damage of stressed materials in the Earth’s crust, as it happens in the laboratory experiments, ELSEM-Net was gradually developed from 1992 to 1998 and currently comprises 11 stations installed in various locations in Greece. Here we present the instrumentation that has been specifically designed for ELSEM-Net, both hardware and firmware/software, as well as a web-based system for the management of the field stations, the recorded data, and the automated preliminary analysis results. Finally, we present the analysis of selected observations associated with recent strong earthquakes that hit Greece, using a most recently introduced time series analysis method. Our presentation aims to communicate in detail the experimental infrastructure behind our almost 30 years of research in geophysical scale FEME/FEMR so that other interested research groups around the world can take advantage of it and have the opportunity to install similar stations/networks in other locations of the world for the study of pre-EQ processes associated with natural or man-induced seismicity.
Sudden modulation in the UHF wireless signals probably caused by the activation of pre‑earthquake processes. Case studies for the Balkans (SE Europe)
Authors: Ouzounov Dimitar , Velichkova‑Yotsova Sylvia , Pulinets Sergey
Published: April 2024

We study the atmospheric variations of broadband wireless signal propagation intensity correlated with pre‑earthquake processes. We have maintained ground observations in the VHF range of 1.8 and 3.5 GHz in Bulgaria (Southeast Europe), close to the border with Greece and Northern Macedonia, since 2012. The signal source is 1.8 GHz –LTE broadcasting cellular communication signal and the receivers are digital HF to SHF antennae collecting the data via mobile internet. Our observations revealed phenomena associated with a natural enhancement of the intensity of the signals (no change in the transmitting level) days/hours before the seismic events, even far from the observation region. We are presenting the results for four significant earthquakes in the area: (1) M5.6 on May 22, 2012, in Bulgaria, (2) M6.9 on May 24, 2014, in the Aegean Sea, Greece, (3) M6.5 on Nov 17, 2015, Lefkada, Greece, and (4) M6.3 of May 12, 2017, in Western Türkiye. Some changes in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), triggered by an intensification of radon and other released gases, could lead to a change in lower atmospheric conductivity. Although the intensity modulation was observed far (> 200 km) from the epicenter areas, the anomalies were always inside the estimates of the Dobrovolsky‑Bowman area of preparation. We examined the possible correlation between magnitude and the spatial size of the earthquake preparation zone in the Lithosphere‑Atmosphere-Ionosphere coupling (LAIC) framework.
A model of TEC perturbations possibly related to seismic activity
Authors: Sorokin Valery , Novikov Victor
Published: April 2024

For application of observed anomalies of the total electron content (TEC) in the ionosphere for short-term earthquake prediction, it is necessary to understand the physical nature of such anomalies during the preparation of a strong seismic event. The physical mechanism of occurrence of such anomalies is considered in order to distinguish the TEC disturbance of a seismic origin and to clear the processes in the lithosphere resulted in an appearance of the TEC anomaly in the ionosphere. It is supposed that the observed TEC anomalies arise as a result of occurrence of additional electric field in the ionosphere demonstrated by numerous satellite data before the impending earthquakes. At the same time, an injection of charged aerosols into the atmosphere in the epicentral earthquake area was detected. As a result, an electromotive force arises in the surface layer of the atmosphere, which initiates a perturbation of the electric current in the global circuit and the electric field appearance in the ionosphere. We have shown that the TEC disturbance arises as a result of the heating of the ionosphere by electric current and the plasma drift in the electric field of this current. The spatial distribution of TEC arises as a result of the combined action of these two factors, and its nature depends on the relationship between them. Based on the developed model the numerical study of the spatial distribution of TEC in the ionosphere is possible for a given horizontal distribution of the concentration of charged aerosols in the atmosphere near the Earth’s surface.
pensamiento teológico-musical de Isidoro de Sevilla. Estado de la cuestión y notas para su análisis
Authors: Diago Jiménez José María
Published: April 2024

El análisis detenido del pensamiento teológico-musical de Isidoro de Sevilla ha sido repetidamente ignorado por la crítica, hecho que ha provocado que el estado de la cuestión sobre la materia sea prácticamente inexistente. Debido a ello, este trabajo tiene un cuádruple objetivo. En primer lugar, fijar con precisión el citado estado de la cuestión. En segundo lugar, sistematizar el estudio del pensamiento teológico-musical isidoriano dentro de la totalidad de su pensamiento musical para que el primero pueda ser estudiado exhaustivamente y de manera generalizada en el futuro. En tercer lugar, localizar, clasificar e introducir por primera vez todos los textos litúrgico-musicales de Isidoro de Sevilla de cara a su posterior estudio en futuras publicaciones. En cuarto lugar, exponer, también por primera vez, algunas de las ideas más relevantes del pensamiento teológico-musical isidoriano como ejemplo de la sistematización propuesta y como punto de partida para el establecimiento de futuras líneas de investigación.
Securing Cloud using Biometric Cryptographic Techniques
Authors: Gupta Anuj K.
Published: April 2024

One of the best on-demand network access services to a significant shared pool of computer resources in the modern world is cloud computing. Many well-known economic advantages of cloud computing exist. Without having to own the underlying hardware, cloud computing enables users to take advantage of the combined benefits of three computing models for storage (Infrastructure as a Service), operating system (Platform as a Service), and software (Software as a Service) at their own premises. In spite of these financial advantages, public clouds are still not widely used, particularly by businesses. In terms of virtualized, geographically dispersed data centers, private clouds are now used by the majority of large enterprises, but they rarely serve as the primary source of resources. The main cause of this is the security risks associated with the current cloud infrastructures, which include server setup errors, software defects, power outages, hardware failures, malware, and insider threats. The goal of the research is to compare several biometric cryptography approaches for cloud security based on a variety of different criteria.
Internet Development, Population Aging and Urban-rural Income Gap: An Empirical Analysis Based on Provinces in China
Authors: Xu Jianing , Zhang Aili , Chen Qian
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study utilizes panel data from Chinese provinces spanning 2013 to 2021 to establish a comprehensive evaluation index system for the level of Internet development. It investigates the impact of Internet development and its sub-dimensions on the urban-rural income gap and further examines the moderating effect of population aging. The findings suggest that Internet development can significantly improve the urban-rural income gap by increasing the farm and non-farm incomes of rural residents. Specifically, from a sub-dimension perspective, Internet infrastructure, commercial scale, and development potential play significant roles in narrowing the income gap, with substantial effects observed. Moreover, considering regional heterogeneity, the narrowing effect of the Internet on the urban-rural income gap in the Northeast, Central, and Western regions is significant and roughly equivalent, surpassing that of the Eastern region. Population aging leads to synchronous changes in the age structure of Internet users; the "silver-haired digital divide" impedes the elderly population's access to and use of the Internet, thereby inhibiting the shrinking effect of Internet development on the urban-rural income gap. Further investigation reveals that the imbalance in the urban-rural population aging process, with the degree of rural aging outpacing urban areas, is a significant factor contributing to this inhibitory effect.

Keywords: Urban-rural Income Gap, Internet development, Population Aging, Moderating effect.
Bioactive ingredients screening and antibacterial activity of Citrus aurantifolia leaf extract against some enteric isolates
Authors: Abdallah M.S  , Kabiru Samaila  , Aliyu Ibrahim Safana
Published: April 2024

The Citrus aurantifolia from revealed so many activities on human ailments; anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, antihypertensive, antilipidemia, antioxidant and ant platelet activities. It has been used in the treatment of cardiovascular and urolithiasis disease and act as a fertility promoter as well. The present research aimed to screen the bioactive ingredients and determined the activity of the C. aurantifolia leaf extracts against the isolates. The antibacterial activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves of Citrus aurantifolia was analyzed using standard procedure of Various concentrations of ethnolic and aqueous extracts viz; 50,40,30,20,10mg/ml respectively.The bacterial isolates were; Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.The leaves of the plant showed a very considerable inhibition zones against the isolates as well as the commercial antibiotic discs, which denotes the activity of the plants as compared. The zones include: (20.0mm at 50mg/ml on E. coli and 15.0mm on P. aeruginosa at 50mg/ml) ethanolic extract of C. aurantifolia shown and also revealed that, E. coli (30, 40, 50mg/ml) and no zone of inhibition were shown on P. aeruginosa except at 30mg/ml. It has been recommended as the good plant species to inhibitthe growth of some enteric species.
Headache, Cataract, and Unilateral Visual Loss: Unusual Features of DARS2 Variants in LBSL
Authors: Josef Finsterer, MD, PhD
Published: April 2024

Headache is an unusual phenotypic feature of LBSL. Since migraine-like headache is a frequent feature of MIDs. Unusual is also congenital cataract. Though congenital cataract has not been reported in association with LBSL, it is quite likely that it was a feature of the mitochondrial disorder (MID) since MIDs frequently go along with cataract in early ages.
Outcome of COVID-19 in Patients with Myasthenia May Not Only Depend on the Immunologic Disease
Authors: Josef Finsterer, MD, PhD  , Carla A. Scorza  , Fulvio A. Scorza, MD  , Ana C Fiorini, MD
Published: April 2024

With interest we read the article by Camelo-Filho et al., (2020) about 15 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) admitted to four hospitals in Sao Paolo because of an infection with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). The authors found that most MG patients developed a severe course of COVID-19, such that 87% of the MG patients required transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU), that 73% required artificial ventilation, and that 30% of these patients died. We have the following comments and concerns.
Behavioral Changes in Children with Constipation: A Cross Sectional Study in the Lebanese Population
Authors: Hassan Wardani, MD  , Joe Yazbeck, MD  , Bassem Abou Merhi, MD  , Rouwayda Dana, MD  , Hassan Kashmar, MD
Published: April 2024

Background: Although constipation is a common childhood problem, its global burden was still quite unknown because data from many regions in the world were missing, Lebanon being one of them. This study mainly aimed to assess the effect of constipation on behavioral changes (physical, emotional, social, and school functioning). It was also destined to determine the difference in quality of life between constipated and non-constipated children and to provide the public health community with a study to identify the need of early management. Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted by Lebanese University students in 86 children half of whom were constipated. Recruitment took place at Rafic Hariri University Hospital. Results: A statistically significant difference was noted between constipated and nonconstipated children in physical functioning (mean score for non-constipated patients = 75.99; mean score for constipated = 46.44; (P-value < 0.002). Non constipated children also had significantly higher (P-value < 0.001) Emotional Health Summary Score (65.62; 17.71), Social Health Summary Score (75; 18.87), School Health Summary Score (71.58; 14.93), Psychosocial Health Summary Score (71.08; 12.19) than constipated children. Furthermore, the overall PedsQL total scale was significantly higher (P-value < 0.001) in non-constipated children (72.9; 12.45) compared to the constipated (50.86; 11.23). Conclusion: This study showed lower overall QOL in children with constipation, as well as impaired school, social, physical, and emotional functioning. This study shows the importance of evaluating and tackling all the components of wellbeing by pediatricians.
Effect of Laser Bio stimulation and Bone Graft in Treatment of a Large Periapical Lesion – A CBCT Analysis
Authors: Dr. Ruchika Gupta Dewan  , Dr. Unnavi Chauhan
Published: April 2024

Nonsurgical endodontic treatment is a definitive predictable treatment option in most cases, but endodontic surgery may be indicated for teeth with persistent peri apical pathosis unresponsive to non-surgical approaches. This paper reports the one case of bone healing after peri apical surgery using laser biostimulation and hydroxyapatite bone graft assessed using CBCT analysis. Each case was evaluated using Pre-operative CBCT. Post treatment evaluation was done clinically, radiographically and by CBCT analysis.
A New Classification for Diabetic Foot Problems
Authors: Dr Amit Kumar C Jain
Published: April 2024

Diabetic foot is a devastating complication that can result in amputation which can lead to poor quality of life and repeated problems. Often, it is said that prevention of such problems is much more rewarding that treating the problem which can further lead to myriad of problems. The author divides the diabetic foot problems into 6 simple categories. This article aims to discuss them briefly in this new classification.
An Evaluation of The Various Modalities Used for Treatment of Low Fistulas and Their Outcome at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Dr. Manjunath Savanth  , Dr. Clement R S Dsouza  , Dr. Reshmina Chandni Clara Dsouza  , Dr.Shubha N Rao
Published: April 2024

fistula-in-ano is an abnormal hollow tract or cavity that is lined with granulation tissue and that connects a primary opening insidethe anal canal to a secondary opening in the perianal skin; secondary tracts may be multiple and can extend from the same primary opening. Anal fistula is a common peri-anal surgical problem with which the patient presents the clinician. Most anal fistulas form a good treatable benign lesion of the rectum and anal canal. 90% or more of these cases are a finale of the infections of the cryptoglandulares. As such, the vast majority of these infections are acute and significant majority is a contributory to chronic, low-grade infections.
Hemorrhoids: Incidence & Risk Factors in a Corporate Hospital of Eastern India
Authors: Dr Akriti Komal M.B.B.S.  , Dr Devjani Majumadar M.B.B.S. M.R.C.S.
Published: April 2024

Background: Hemorrhoids are the most common benign anorectal disorder diagnosed in surgical practice. Commonly associated risk factors of this condition are low fiber diet, chronic irregular boel habit, straining during defecation, pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle, obesity etc. Treatment options for symptomatic first-degree, second degree and early third-degree hemorrhoids are banding and sclerotherapy. Patients with fourth-degree or abnormally large thirddegree hemorrhoids is usually surgery. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the department of surgery at The Peerless Hospital & B.K.ROY Research Center, Kolkata INDIA on cases of Haemorrhoids over two year’s period from January 2018 to December 2019. 540 adult patients with diagnosis of hemorrhoids, admitted in surgery department were included in this study. All the demographic data and relevant details were obtained. Results: Most of the patients (48.1%) belongs to the younger age (15-30 years). 63.8% were male patients and 36.2% were female patients. Patients with lower socioeconomic status were the most common sufferers (37.2%) of hemorrhoids. Commonest symptom was rectal bleeding. Present study found risk factors for hemorrhoids were low fiber diet, mixed diet, poor hydration, and chronic irregular bowel habit like constipation or diarrhea, straining during the defecation, low physical activity and obesity. Sclerotherapy (17.8%) and rubber band ligation (4.1%) were non operative treatment of choice. Open hemorrhoidectomy were performed in 73.1 % and stapled hemorrhoidopexy in 5 %. Conclusion: This clinical study of hemorrhoidal disease in this region may help to better understand the trends of this commonly occurring disease in our society. Proprer patient education to minimise the risk factor will lead to lowerin the incidence of this common disease and avoidassociated morbidity.
A study to assess the Knowledge, Aptitude and Practices towards Voluntary Blood Donation in a Peripheral Hospital in North India
Authors: Jaya Manchanda  , Prerna Guleria  , Megha Singhal  , Navneet Nath  , Shankar Narayan
Published: April 2024

Donated blood is a lifeline in an emergency and for people who need long term treatment.Adequate and safe blood transfusion is still a challenge in a developing countries like ours.There is a precarious need to put efforts to recruit donors in groups less willing to donate and simultaneously reinforce the positive behaviour of willing groups converting previous donors into regular practice.
The effect of education factor on the comparison of intravenous cannula and spinal needle pain in pregnant women
Authors: Yasin Tire  , Bulent Say  , Sema Peker Kızıloz  , Melehat Kececioglu  , Ummugulsum Esenkaya
Published: April 2024

The research aims at Risk Factor for Conversion during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Retrospective Analysis, which is considered the true balance for treating symptomatic cholelithiasis, and cholecystectomy becomes necessary. It may be the cause of severe colic and sometimes cause symptoms that the patient cannot live with and there is treatment with drugs, but severe progress in Methods of surgically removing the gallbladder makes surgery an ideal solution for some cases and the process of removing the gallbladder becomes a necessity if the pain becomes unbearable and cannot be lived with, and the fear of gallstones sliding to block the main channel and cause pancreatitis, it is necessary to perform the operation although the surgery to remove the gallbladder has become easy After the emergence of new advanced methods on top of the laparoscope, there are some steps that the patient must follow after the operation to avoid complications and method was laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital The data were recorded which indicated the gender and age of the sample in addition to that indication of the LC with several evaluations, including the evaluation of the performance of the surgeon who performed the operation with the evaluation of the complications that occurred after the operation and noting the period during which the patient stayed in the hospital.