bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A narrative review on radiation risk from imaging for COVID-19
Authors: Chakrabarty Nivedita , Shukla Shreya , Mahajan Abhishek
Published: July 2022

Radiotherapy-induced secondary malignancy is a well-known occurrence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have undergone serial computed tomography (CT) imaging, and concerns have been raised regarding radiation-induced malignancies due to frequent scanning. Accordingly, various low and ultra-low-dose CT (LDCT) thorax protocols have been developed to reduce the dose of radiation. Major governing bodies worldwide have established guidelines regarding the indications for CT scans and chest X-rays during the pandemic. We, therefore, aimed to provide facts about the effects of radiation (both diagnostic and therapeutic). Through this article, we intend to break the myths and “mithya” (misbeliefs) regarding diagnostic radiation and its association with cancer in this COVID-19 era. For this review, we performed a search in Google using specific keywords pertaining to imaging during COVID-19 and radiation risk. We also included the names of various global governing bodies in the Google search. We included only full text articles and guidelines from authentic websites. From this review, we conclude that if we follow the recommendations of various global governing bodies and use CT scan only in cases of moderate to severe COVID-related symptoms, adhere to the principle of “as low as reasonably achievable” for radiation protection, and use LDCT scan protocols, we can significantly reduce the mean effective radiation dose delivered and the estimated cancer risk.
Vascular Access for Dialysis - A Choice Between Brachiobasilic versus Brachiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Mahakalkar Chandrashekhar , Jajoo Suhas N. , Kaple Meghali , Kshirsagar Shivani
Published: July 2022

Aim:

The study aims to compare the vascular access of brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) to that of brachiocephalic AVF for hemodialysis in patients of end-stage renal diseases (ESRDs), in terms of patency, maturation, and the time of cannulation.

Objectives:

(1) To analyze the patency, maturation, and surgical outcomes of two autogenous upper arms' arteriovenous accesses: brachiobasalic and brachiocephalic AVF. (2) To analyze the factors responsible for patency and maturation of the AVF. (3) To define a criterion for vascular access maturation of the AVF.

Methodology:

It was a randomized controlled trial done on patients of ESRD on maintenance hemodialysis. Patients were randomized into Group A – brachiobasilic AVF and Group B – brachiocephalic AVF. They were either subjected to brachiocephalic or brachiobasilic AVF according to standard surgical guidelines. Follow-up was taken at day 30, day 90, and 6 months via clinical examination and color Doppler.

Results:

The patency of brachiobasilic fistula was statistically significant compared to brachiocephalic (patent: −85% vs. 71%, respectively, not patent: −15% vs. 29%, respectively) (P ≤ 0.05) at 6-month follow-up. In fistula used successfully for hemodialysis, significant difference of 73% and 56%, respectively, for brachiobasilic and brachiocephalic was observed.

Conclusion:

From the above study, it can be concluded that brachiobasilic AVF is superior to brachiocephalic AVF in terms of patency, rate of complications, and surgical outcomes. The factors responsible for the patency and maturation of AVF were identified.
Age and Gender Differences in Morphometric Measurements of Brain Stem Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Healthy Indian Adults
Authors: Ranganath Amrutha , Saklecha Anil Kumar , Singh Aasish , Vineela E
Published: July 2022

Background:

Morphometric changes in the brain stem can be an early indicator for ongoing physiological or pathological changes. Establishing age- and gender-matched linear morphometric values of the brain stem serves as a useful reference for comparison.

Aims and Objectives:

This study aimed to determine normal measurements of brain stem structures in healthy Indian adults and to establish age and gender differences in brain stem measurements if any.

Materials and Methods:

This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to January 2021 on patients referred to the department of radiodiagnosis for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Baseline data and linear midsagittal measurements on MRI were recorded.

Results:

A total of 142 patients were included in the study. The average measurements for midbrain, pons, medulla at pontomedullary (PM), and medulla at cervicomedullary junction are 1.67 ± 0.17 cm (mean ± standard deviation [SD]), 2.16 ± 0.18 cm (mean ± SD), 1.39 ± 0.16 cm (mean ± SD), and 1.08 ± 0.13 cm (mean ± SD), respectively. Significant reduction in brain stem measurements at all levels with P < 0.05 were recorded with increase in age except for the medulla at the PM junction which remained constant. There was no significant difference in brain stem measurements between males and females.

Conclusion:

Normal reference value for AP diameter of the brain stem in healthy Indian adults showed statistically significant reduction at various levels with advancing age. There were no statistically significant gender differences in sagittal diameter of the midbrain, pons, and medulla.
Acceleration of Orthodontic Tooth Movement Using Two Different Distraction Techniques
Authors: Dabla Neetu , Vedvyas Arjun , Gandhi Geetanjali
Published: July 2022

A shortened orthodontic treatment period is the demand of the modern era. Various methods, namely corticotomy, micro-osteoperforation, distraction, etc., have been implored to achieve a quicker tooth movement. Our report presents a comparison of periodontal and dentoalveolar distraction techniques done using a modified HYRAX as distractor in contralateral arches of the same patient. Results showed that the canine was retracted in 13 days on the periodontal distraction side and in 16 days on the side of dentoalveolar distraction. Hence, it can be concluded that the distraction technique significantly reduces the treatment time duration.
Bilateral Masseter Muscle Hypertrophy
Authors: Bhargava Pragati Anupkumar , Bhowate Rahul R. , Badki Simran D. , Meshram Mrunal Ghusaji , Sune Ravikant Vijayrao
Published: July 2022

Masseter muscle hypertrophy is due to oral parafunctional habits, occlusal disharmony, altered emotional and psychological status, and at times congenital factors. Masseter muscle hypertrophy occurs usually at puberty involving unilateral or bilateral masseter muscles and affects functional quality in a severely hypertrophied muscle. This presents a report of a 14-year-old girl with bilateral masseter hypertrophy which compromised the esthetic value of the face. The diagnosis was made using clinical examination, conventional radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Psychological Distress and its Associated Risk Factors among Health-care Professionals of India during Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Authors: Bhambhani Dhiraj , Bhambhani Suresh , Bhambhani Garima , Bhoyar Anjali , Pachori Ankit , Kulshrestha Manu
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Millions of lives have been impacted by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection worldwide. The world's health-care system is overburdened and, in some places, in disarray, which has an effect on medical workers' physical and psychological well-being. The psychological impact has more negative effects on people's general well-being. The goal of this review was to ascertain how the COVID-19 pandemic affected these populations' levels of stress, despair, and anxiety. Until March 2022, PubMed, Google Scholar, and journal online databases were searched for articles focusing on stress, anxiety, and depression in Indian health-care professionals. “Psychological distress,” “COVID-19,” and “Health professionals” were utilized as search phrases. The quantitative study was performed using R Software version 4.1.2. Using Cochran's Q test, the studies' heterogeneity (I
2) was evaluated. We found 12 studies in the search results. Stress prevalence as a whole was 0.2721 (95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.1336–0.4754). Depression had a combined prevalence of 0.3941 (95% CI - 0.2698–0.5338). Anxiety's pooled prevalence was 0.4158 (95% CI - 0.2790–0.5670). Young age and longer work hours were considered the main risk factors for psychological distress. The COVID-19 had a significant impact on India's medical sector. The critical goal is to recognize psychological issues at an early stage and to use the right technique and intervention to deal with them.
Sexual Dimorphism in Cervical Spine – A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Gune Anita R. , More Swati Sarjerao
Published: July 2022

Background:

Morphometric measurements of the spinal cord provide important clues regarding neural and spinal injuries. They are also of forensic importance and can be used to determine sex of an individual. These parameters have been shown to vary across age groups and ethnicity. Currently, there is a paucity of data regarding these parameters in Maharashtra, India. Therefore, studies are required to provide reference values for spinal canal parameters for this population.

Aims:

To study the cervical spinal canal morphometric differences in males and females in the west Maharashtra population.

Materials and Methods:

A comparative, retrospective study was conducted on 70 subjects aged between 18 and 70 years (36 males, 34 females). The sagittal vertebral body diameter, the sagittal spinal canal diameter, and the sagittal spinal cord diameter were measured at the C3–C7 level by magnetic resonance imaging. The space available for the spinal cord and Torg's ratio were determined.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Mann–Whitney U-test and unpaired t-test were used to calculate significant difference at P < 0.05.

Results:

Mean age of the patients was 48.53 ± 14.67 years. There was significant difference in the sagittal spinal canal diameter and spinal cord diameter (P = 0.000107 and P = 2.20e−16, respectively) from C3 to C7. In all the cases, the Torg's ratio of females (0.97–1.04) was higher than in males (0.89–0.95) and varied significantly (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The study provides reference morphometric values for combined Torg's ratio and individually in males and females in the Kolhapur population.
Modified Lip Repositioning Technique to Improve the Smile Harmony
Authors: Vijayarangan Anitha , Vadhana Adline , Muthukali Shanmugam , Balachandran Ashwath
Published: July 2022

Excessive gingival display (EGD) is a highly prevalent condition and poses esthetic concerns. Lip repositioning is a simple technique for the treatment of EGD due to vertical maxillary excess (VME) and hypermobility of the upper lip. Various modifications have been proposed to the original technique to improve the predictability and stability of the results over the long term. This article presents the long-term results of the modified lip repositioning technique.
Hazards of Vaccinating the Way Out of Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tiwari Priti Nandkishor , Kushwaha Arvind Singh
Published: July 2022

Context:

The COVID-19 pandemic burdened the healthcare systems and led to unprecedented impact leading to global economic crisis. In India, the vaccines given emergency use authorization for restricted use were Covishield and Covaxin. The majority of the known adverse effects of COVID vaccine were reported to be mild but there are some serious and severe adverse events reported in COVID-19 vaccine trials including deaths.

Aim:

To make estimates of the adverse events following immunization (AEFI) burden in India based on Vaccine Adverse Effect Reporting System data model from the USA.

Settings and Designs:

The descriptive study was carried out in March–May 2022. Data were extracted from report of National AEFI Committee, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Immunization Division, Government of India. This study made different hypothesis based on assumption of levels of underreporting ranging from 0.1 to 5%. From these hypotheses, projected deaths and those requiring hospitalization because of AEFI were calculated.

Results:

More than half (51.34%) of adverse events following immunization were classified as coincidental by National AEFI Committee. Actual reported deaths by MOHFW were 387 but estimated deaths may be around 38,700–41,400 or even more. From the total AEFI deaths, 77.78% were labelled as coincidental deaths. A Maximum of 53.82% coincidental death were because of cardiac cause.

Conclusion:

Deaths reported by MOHFW are likely to represent gross underestimate of the real scenario in India.
Predictors of Performance of Foreign-Trained Medical Doctors in the Registration Examination of the Ghana Medical and Dental Council
Authors: Lawson Henry Jeremy Odartei , Seneadza Nana Ayegua Hagan
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

Although the influx of foreign-trained medical doctors (FTMDs) can improve the doctor-to-patient ratio in Ghana, there is the need to ensure that the quality of training is maintained. We assessed the performance of FTMDs in registration examinations over a 5-year period.

Methodology:

Data were extracted from Ghana Medical and Dental Council (GMDC) records from 2015 to 2019. Chi-squared tests assessed the association between the selected characteristics and the final grades. A multivariate logistic regression analysis determined significant predictors of the failure. The data were analysed using the statistical software IBM SPSS (version 26). The significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

Of the 1356 doctors, majority (63.1%) were male, 64.3% were aged 21–30 years and 95.5% were Ghanaian. In all, there were 41 countries of training with majority training in China (35.4%) and Ukraine (31.9%). More than half (58.5%) failed the examination. Country of training, number of years from qualification to time of registration examination and number of previous attempts were statistically significantly associated with success at the examination. The logistic regression analysis showed that those who failed were more likely to have trained in Belarus (odds ratio [OR] = 3.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.50–6.82), Ukraine (OR = 2.47, 95% CI; 1.55–3.92), China OR = 2.06, 95% CI; 1.30–3.26) and Russia (OR = 1.98, 95% CI; 1.21–3.23) and were 0.58 times likely to have trained in Cuba.

Conclusion:

The performance at the examination is low. The significant predictor of performance is country of training. The authors recommend that the GMDC provides counselling services for students who leave for medical training abroad.
Frequency of Kidney Dysfunction in Patients with Acute Stroke and the Relationship With the Type, Severity and Outcome
Authors: Shitu Abdul-Karim Olayinka , Akinsola Adewale , Ayodele Olugbenga Edward , Bademosi Olajide Feyisara
Published: July 2022

Background/Aim:

Kidney dysfunction is an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases including stroke. The study aimed at assessing the frequency of kidney dysfunction in patients with acute stroke and to evaluate the relationship to the type, severity and outcome of stroke. To establish a relationship, which has not been explained in past studies.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional analytical study on acute stroke patients and matched controls, evaluating for kidney dysfunction using both estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the spot urine protein creatinine ratio. The type of stroke was observed by neuroimaging. The National Institute of Health Stroke Score was used to assess the severity of stroke at presentation and outcome after 7 days. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) application version 23.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results:

Ninety-eight patients and 100 controls were recruited, with a mean age of 64.7 ± 15.5 and 64.8 ± 15.1 years, respectively. The patients with stroke had a statistically significant higher frequency of kidney dysfunction compared to the controls (85.9% vs. 62.0%, P ≤ 0.001). Patients with haemorrhagic stroke had a higher frequency of kidney dysfunction compared with those with ischaemic stroke (93.8% vs. 77.3%, P = 0.048). The proportion of patients with kidney dysfunction was seen to increase from those with mild to those with severe stroke symptoms, both at presentation and after 7 days. Estimated GFR was seen to be an independent predictor of poor outcome in patients with stroke (odds ratio 0.955, 95% confidence interval 0.924 – 0.986, P = 0.005).

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated that in patients with acute stroke there is a high frequency of kidney dysfunction. Haemorrhagic stroke, increasing stroke severity and poor outcome were seen to be associated with kidney dysfunction. Thus, recommending the need for kidney care as an important part of stroke management.
Influence of land use and occupation on the chemical and physical fractions of organic matter in cultivated and native areas in the Atlantic Forest biome
Authors: Lopes Giovana Tetsuya , Rosset Jean Sérgio , Ozório Jefferson Matheus Barros , Silva Ozielly Maiane Mendes da , Santos Wesley Vieira dos , Santos José Victor Hugo dos , Gonçalves Andrea dos Santos , Panachuki Eloi
Published: July 2022

This study quantified the C content of the chemical and physical fractions of SOM in different management systems in an Argisoil of sandy texture. The study was carried out in a reference area of Native Forest (NF), and in three managed areas: Permanent Pasture (PP), No-Tillage System (NTS) and an area of Private Natural Heritage Reserve (PNHR) in the process of natural regeneration. Soil samples were collected in the layers 0.0-0.05, 0.05-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m. We assessed the soil density (Sd), total organic carbon (TOC) content, chemical fractionation of SOM with determination of the C contents of the fulvic acids (FA), humic acids (HA) and humin (HUM), with subsequent calculations of the HA/FA ratios, AE/HUM, stock (StockC), physical granulometric fractionation and determination of C contents of particulate organic matter (C-POM) and carbon management index (CMI). Higher TOC contents were observed for the NF area. The C-HA and C-HUM contents were higher in the NF and NTS. NF showed higher C-POM levels in all layers evaluated. For the C-MOM, the NTS area was superior to the other managed areas. The managed areas had lower StockPOM values than the NF. The managed areas had lower CMI values in relation to NF. The NTS area showed that, even in crop succession, it contributes to the improvement of the soil organic fraction over the adoption time. On the other hand, the areas of PP and PNHR showed that inadequate management favors the reduction of edaphic quality.

Keywords: carbon in soil, carbon management index, chemical fractionation, physical fractionation.
Investigation of new natural coagulant - cationic hemicellulose associated with cationic tannin - for coagulation/dissolved air flotation (C/DAF) in the treatment of industrial effluent
Authors: Alves Ana Gabriela Tomé , Pacheco Ingrid da Silva , Freitas Amanda Bessa , Ribeiro Elaine Angélica Mundim , Canobre Sheila Cristina , Amaral Fábio Augusto do
Published: July 2022

The use of plant-based coagulants (natural coagulants) in wastewater treatments has potential advantages over the inorganic coagulants used commercially. This study evaluated organic coagulants cationic hemicelluloses (CH) synthesized from peanut shell and associated with commercial cationic tannin (TSG) for use as the primary coagulation/flocculation treatment, followed by solid-liquid separation via sedimentation/flotation by dissolved air (DAF). The assay was carried out in a jar test on effluent from a multinational industry in the grain processing sector, located in the city of Uberlândia-MG. Coagulation diagrams were determined using the data spatial interpolation method of the Kringing regression model and the Tukey test was used to assess the difference in the results obtained. The optimum removal points  of turbidity removal efficiency (TRE), greater than 98%, were achieved for the TSG/CH association with 200 mg L-1 (pH 10.72), 350 mg L-1 (pH 9.72), 500 mg L-1 (pH 9.56) in sedimentation. For the separation by DAF, the association of TSG/CH resulted in TRE values greater than 95% at dosages of 350 mg L-1 (pH 9.59) and 500 mg L-1 (pH 7.92). Furthermore, the results indicate that the associated use of TSG/CH, a coagulation aid, favored the coupling of the DAF bubble-particle, resulting in a smaller volume of sludge. In addition, CH expanded the action of TSG to the basic region.

Keywords: agroindustry residue, natural organic coagulants, primary physical chemical treatment.
Zero and uniqueness sets for Fock spaces
Authors: Aadi D. , Omari Y.
Published: July 2022

We characterize zero sets for which every subset remains a zero set too in the Fock space
$\mathcal {F}^p$
,
$1\leq p<\infty $
. We are also interested in the study of a stability problem for some examples of uniqueness set with zero excess in Fock spaces.
Внутренние функции матричного аргумента и классы сопряженности в унитарных группах
Authors: Neretin Yurii Aleksandrovich
Published: July 2022

Обозначим через $\mathrm B_n$ множество комплексных квадратных матриц порядка
$n$, чьи евклидовы операторные нормы меньше 1. Его граница Шилова - множество $\operatorname{U}(n)$ всех унитарных матриц. Голоморфное отображение $\mathrm B_m\to\mathrm B_n$ назовем внутренним, если оно отображает $\operatorname{U}(m)$ в $\operatorname{U}(n)$. С другой стороны, рассмотрим группу $\operatorname{U}(n+mj)$ и ее подгруппу $\operatorname{U}(j)$, вложенную в $\operatorname{U}(n+mj)$ блочно-диагонально ($m$ блоков $\operatorname{U}(j)$ и единичный блок размера $n$). Классу сопряженности в $\operatorname{U}(n+mj)$ относительно подгруппы $\operatorname{U}(j)$ мы ставим в соответствие "характеристическую функцию", которая является рациональным внутренним отображением $\mathrm B_m\to\mathrm B_n$. Мы показываем, что класс внутренних функций, которые могут быть получены как характеристические функции, замкнут относительно естественных операций таких, как поточечные прямые суммы, поточечные произведения, композиции, подстановки в конечномерные представления полной линейной группы и др. Мы также явно описываем соответствующие классы сопряженности.
Библиография: 24 названия.
Представление инвариантных подпространств в пространстве Шварца
Authors: Abuzyarova Natal'ya Fairbakhovna
Published: July 2022

Рассматривается инвариантное относительно дифференцирования подпространство $W$ в пространстве Шварца $C^{\infty} (a;b)$ такое, что спектр сужения оператора дифференцирования на $W$ дискретен. Изучаются условия представимости $W$ в виде прямой алгебраической и топологической суммы двух его подпространств: резидуального подпространства и подпространства, порожденного экспоненциальными одночленами, содержащимися в $W$. Выясняется, что условием, обеспечивающим указанное представление, является наличие функционала, аннулирующего $W$, со свойством: преобразование Фурье-Лапласа этого функционала - медленно убывающая целая функция. Вводится и изучается новая характеристика комплексной последовательности. При помощи этой характеристики условие равенства инвариантного подпространства прямой сумме его резидуального и экспоненциального подпространств представляется в форме аналогичной по виду найденным ранее условиям допустимости
слабого спектрального синтеза.
Библиография: 19 названий.
Detection of Benzimidazole Resistance-Associated Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Beta-Tubulin Gene in Trichuris trichiura from Brazilian Populations
Authors: Mendes de Oliveira Valéria Nayara Gomes , Zuccherato Luciana Werneck , dos Santos Talita Rodrigues , Rabelo Élida Mara Leite , Furtado Luis Fernando Viana
Published: July 2022

Preventive chemotherapy is recommended by the WHO as the main strategy for controlling infections caused by nematodes in humans, aiming to eliminate the morbidity associated with these infections. This strategy consists of routine periodic administration of benzimidazoles, among other drugs. Although these drugs decrease the intensity of infections, they have the potential to exert selection pressure for genotypes bearing mutations associated with drug resistance, which may result in the establishment of resistant worm populations. There is evidence in the literature of resistance to these drugs in nematodes that infect humans, including in the species Trichuris trichiura. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the beta-tubulin gene located at codons 167, 198, and 200 are associated with the mechanism of resistance to benzimidazoles in nematodes. Here, we standardized a molecular technique based on an amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) to analyze codons 167, 198, and 200 of T. trichiura. The ARMS-PCR methodology was successfully established to evaluate the codons of interest. A total of 420 samples of individual eggs were analyzed from populations obtained from five Brazilian states. A mutation in codon 198 was observed at a frequency of 4.8% (20/420), while for the other two codons, no polymorphism was observed. This is the first report of the presence of this mutation in populations of T. trichiura in Brazil. This fact and the emergence of the problem already observed in other species reinforces the need for regular monitoring of SNPs related to benzimidazole resistance using techniques that are highly sensitive and specific.
Finite Element Model Modification of the Mount Bracket Based on Modal Test
Authors: Kang Yingzi , Lu Gang , Shen Dongming , Shangguan Wen-Bin
Published: July 2022

The mount bracket is an important part of the mount system, and its dynamic characteristics will affect dynamic characteristics of the mount system, which means it will affect NVH(Noise, Vibration, Harshness) of the vehicle. Based on the large error between the test result and the finite element analysis(FEA) result, the dynamic finite element model of the mount bracket can be modified from the material parameters and the equivalent boundary of the bolt joint. In this paper, a method to identify the parameters of the mount bracket model by combining modal test, FEA, and the mathematical optimization model was presented. Firstly, based on HyperStudy platform, the optimization objective was minimizing the natural frequency error between FEA and free mode test, and the material parameters of the bracket to be identified were used as design variables to build the optimization function. The global response surface method was used for iteration to complete the identification. Then, because the dynamic characteristic parameters of the bolt joints of the mount bracket have an important influence on the test results, an equivalent model using spring element to simulate the stiffness of bolt joints was established. Again, based on the equivalent model and the parameter identification method, the optimization objective was minimizing the natural frequency error between FEA and modal test under constraint conditions, and the stiffness parameters of spring elements were identified by iterative optimization to finish the modification of the mount bracket boundary model. At last, the modified finite element model was applied to the dynamic characteristics analysis of two different mount brackets. The results showed that the maximum error of natural frequency between the simulation value and the test value could satisfy the engineering requirement well, which indicated that the modified model had a good prediction accuracy and engineering application.
Development of FE Modeling Procedures for Laser Welded Aluminum Structures in An Electric Vehicle Battery Module and Validation by Test Data
Authors: Song Shaopin , Jiang Weiran , Ding Peiran
Published: July 2022

High strength and thin materials are widely adopted in modern electric vehicles for lightweight design to achieve high energy efficiency. For battery modules, 5000 and 6000 aluminum are typically utilized as a structural material with a thickness range between 1 to 5 mm. Laser welding is one of the most optimum welding tools for joining such a thin material due to its unique advantages, e.g., high welding speed, high accuracy, high energy yet the smallest possible heat affect zone, etc.

This paper aims to develop a simplified yet effective FE modeling procedure to simulate the laser welding effects on the aluminum structures used in electric vehicle battery modules. A sequentially-coupled thermo-mechanical analysis procedure is developed to determine the softened zone size for aluminum weldments. Then a tie-rupture weld model incorporates the softened zone to predict the weld failure strength. The effectiveness of the developed modeling procedures is confirmed by a large number of coupon level weld strength tests. Finally, a module-level box pull test is simulated and validated by the test data with the knowledge obtained from the developed welding modeling procedure.
Anisotropic Dynamic Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Carbon-Fiber Composites
Authors: Garcia Jordan , Lu Y Charles
Published: July 2022

3D printing is a revolutionary manufacturing method that allows the productions of engineering parts almost directly from modeling software on a computer. With 3D printing technology, future manufacturing could become vastly efficient. However, it has been reported that the 3D printed parts exhibit anisotropic behaviors in microstructure and mechanical properties, that is, depending on the positions (infill orientations) that the parts are placed on a printer platform, the properties of resultant parts can vary greatly. So far, studies on anisotropic behaviors of 3D printed parts have been mostly limited to the static properties (modulus of elasticity, failure strength, etc.); there is a lack on the understanding of mechanical responses of 3D printed parts under dynamic conditions. In the present study, the anisotropic behaviors of 3D printed parts are investigated from the dynamic aspect. Carbon-fiber reinforced ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) composite plates are 3D printed at various infill orientations. The plates are tested using a dynamic mechanical tester and the mode frequencies are measured. The plates are further modeled by using finite element method and additional modal characteristics are obtained. It is observed that the changes in orientation of 3D printed infill have resulted in significant changes in the mode frequencies of the composite plates. Depending on the boundary conditions of the plates (top-bottom fixed or left-right fixed), the first mode frequency would exhibit continuous decrease or increase, with a maximum change up to 117%. The changes in orientation in 3D printed infill have also altered the modal shapes of the plates. The modal characteristics, including mode indexes, model lines, etc., have changed dramatically, particularly at higher vibration modes.
Latching Effort Predictions and its Design Characteristics Studies on Automotive Rear Seat
Authors: Shanmugam Seenuvasan , Muthupandian Arunachalam , Holur Prabhu , Purnoo Munuswamy Ravi
Published: July 2022

Automotive Rear Seats are designed as foldable seats to provide more luggage space to customers when the seat is unoccupied. Foldable seats are of two types, Free Standing Seats and High Latch Seats. Free standing seats are designed with recliner mechanism which allows the seat back to rotate and lock at any given position. High Latch Seats are designed with latches operated by CAMs & Springs which locks with striker wire mounted on the body or side pillars. Recliner Mechanism on free standing seat helps to rotate and lock the seat back at any position with ease. But high latch seats require higher efforts to push the seats towards the striker wire to lock. Efforts (Force in N) required to latch the seats with striker wire need to be in the operating range of customers to latch it easily. Hence latching effort calculations and study of design factors which influence the latching efforts get more importance to avoid any customer complaints at later stage. In this paper, a foldable Rear Bench Seat on a pickup truck is considered for evaluating the Latching Effort and its design characteristics. Latching CAMs, Striker Wire, Rear Body Panel, Rubber Bumps and Body Panel Trims are studied in detail to understand their influence on the Latching Effort with the help of CAE.
Research on Ultra-High Viscosity Index Engine Oil: Part 2 - Influence of Engine Oil Evaporation Characteristics on Oil Consumption of Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Koyama Takashi , Suzuki Takashi , Yamamori Kazuo , Uematsu Yuta , Hirano Satoshi , Ishizaki Noriya , Wada Kotaro
Published: July 2022

The reduction of CO2 emissions is one of the most important challenges for the automotive industry to contribute to address global warming. Reducing friction of internal combustion engines (ICEs) is one effective countermeasure to realize this objective. The improvement of engine oil can contribute to reduce fuel consumption by reducing friction between engine parts.

Electrification of ICE powertrains increases the overall efficiency of powertrains and reduces the average engine oil temperature during vehicle operation, due to intermittent engine operation. An effective way of reducing engine friction is to lower the viscosity of the engine oil in the low to medium temperature range. This can be accomplished while maintaining viscosity at high temperatures by reducing the base oil viscosity and increasing the viscosity modifier (VM) content to raise the viscosity index (so-called “flat viscosity” concept). However, reducing the base oil viscosity increases volatility loss and may cause an increase in oil consumption as a trade-off effect.

ASTM D5800 (NOACK test) has been utilized as an industry standard test since the 1930s to measure the evaporative loss of engine oils related to evaporative oil consumption. However, some reports indicate that standard NOACK does not correlate well with actual engine oil consumption. A new evaporative index with better correlation is necessary for further engine oil technology development.

This study investigated which physical properties of engine oil can express the evaporation rate related to evaporative engine oil consumption in actual engines. As a result, a modified NOACK test at 150°C, which is in the temperature range of the cylinder bore, showed good correlation with evaporative oil consumption in actual engine operation. This modified NOACK test has potential as a new evaporative index to realize new concept oils with flat viscosity properties.
Research on Ultra-High Viscosity Index Engine Oil: Part 1 - “Flat Viscosity” Concept and Contribution to Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Yamamori Kazuo , Uematsu Yuta , Hirano Satoshi , Ishizaki Noriya , Mori Shunsuke , Koyama Takashi , Suzuki Takashi , Wada Kotaro
Published: July 2022

In recent years, the realization of carbon neutrality has become an activity to be tackled worldwide, and automobile manufacturers are promoting electrification of power train by HEV, PHEV, BEV and FCEV. Although interest in BEV is currently growing, vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines (ICE) including HEV and PHEV will continue to be used in areas where conversion to BEV is not easy due to lack of sufficient infrastructures. For such vehicles, low-viscosity engine oil will be one of the most important means to contribute to further reduction of CO2 emissions. Since HEV requires less work from the engine, the engine oil temperature is lower than that of conventional engine vehicles. Therefore, the reduction of viscous resistance in the mid-to-low temperature range below 80°C is expected to contribute more to fuel economy. On the other hand, the viscosity must be kept above a certain level to ensure the performance of hydraulic devices in the high oil temperature range. In order to achieve both of these characteristics, an oil whose viscosity has smaller temperature dependency (flat viscosity oil) is required. The flat viscosity oil can be achieved by using a low-evaporative, low-viscosity base oil and an ultra-high viscosity index Viscosity Modifier. It proved the possibility to achieve fuel economy equal to or better than 0W-8 while maintaining 0W-16 equivalent high temperature viscosity. This technology is applicable for vehicles calibrated with either 0W-16 or 0W-8 without negative impact on fuel economy performance. The flat viscosity 0W-16 will improve the fuel economy of in-use vehicles calibrated with conventional 0W-16 oils in the market significantly. As a result, CO2 reduction can be achieved not only for new vehicles but also for vehicles in operation in the market that can contribute greatly to the carbon neutrality. In order for the flat viscosity oil to be widely used in the world, it is necessary to establish new engine oil specification.
Willans Line Bidirectional Power Flow Model for Energy Consumption of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Harvey Dan , Nelson Douglas
Published: July 2022

A new and unique electric vehicle powertrain model based on bidirectional power flow for propel and regenerative brake power capture is developed and applied to production battery electric vehicles. The model is based on a Willans line model to relate power input from the battery and power output to tractive effort, with one set of parameters (marginal efficiency and an offset loss) for the bidirectional power flow through the powertrain. An electric accessory load is included for the propel, brake and idle phases of vehicle operation. In addition, regenerative brake energy capture is limited with a regen fraction (where the balance goes to friction braking), a power limit, and a low-speed cutoff limit. The purpose of the model is to predict energy consumption and range using only tractive effort based on EPA published road load and test mass (test car list data) and vehicle powertrain parameters derived from EPA reported unadjusted UDDS and HWFET energy consumption. The model can then be applied for other drive cycles, road grades, and parasitic accessory loads due to cabin or battery heating, air conditioning/cooling, or additional ADAS and autonomy loads (cameras and radar sensors, and compute and actuation hardware). The modeled battery net energy consumption is within 1% error for the UDDS and HWFET data used for fitting the powertrain parameters, as expected. The model is then applied to a vehicle that also has US06 data available, and predicts the US06 energy consumption to within 4%, validating the model parameterization method. The proposed modeling method is applied to a range of current and past EVs with very accurate results. A sensitivity study provides insight into the model parameters and similarities of electric powertrain efficiency among different classes of vehicles.
Executable Digital Twin - Prevent the Early Failure of a Truck Anchorage Using Smart Virtual Sensors
Authors: Scurria Leoluca , Risaliti Enrico , Buss Dayane , Kubo Pablo , Tamarozzi Tommaso , Cornelis Bram
Published: July 2022

Executable Digital Twins (xDT) are starting a revolution in the industry, where high fidelity simulation models extend their usage from the design and validation phases to in-operation and service phase. Two critical technology blocks in this revolution are Model Order Reduction and Smart Virtual Sensing. The former allows the high-fidelity models to be represented in compact forms and the latter allows to extend the limits of physical sensors and provide full field data combining simulation models and test data in a real-time estimator framework.

The smart virtual sensing technology leverages a state-of-the-art Kalman filtering approach to combine the simulation and physical testing. This allows to virtually measure locations that are not accessible with physical sensors due to e.g. physical constrains or high temperatures. In case of large sensors setups, the instrumentation time, and hence the cost, can be greatly reduced by using a combination of physical and smart virtual sensors. Moreover, the estimation is performed in a non-deterministic framework in order to compensate for the modelling inaccuracies and measurement uncertainties.

Throughout this paper, the smart virtual sensing technology is initially described and successively applied to virtually measure the stress hotspot locations of the anchorage of a truck axle to prevent its early failure. In this application, the morphology of the components does not allow the placement of any physical sensor at the stress hotspots due to the lack of physical space. In order to provide reliable virtual measurements, an xDT is first authored in Simcenter™ 3D using the Smart Virtual Sensing technology and it is successively imported in Simcenter Testlab™ to directly link the physical sensors to the xDT. This allows to quickly estimate the virtual measurements and process the results.
Sensitivity of Solid Element Spot Weld Modeling Methodology to Nugget Diameter
Authors: Duran Ertuğrul Tolga
Published: July 2022

A vehicle’s structure has more than 4000 spot welds, which can be considered as one of the main design criteria that affects the general stiffness as well as the durability of an automobile. Considering the essential role of finite element-based simulations of the spot-welded structures on the design phases of vehicle development, accuracy of analyses can be considered as one of the main concerns to meet the design objectives. This study examines the sensitivity of solid element spot weld modeling technique to nugget diameter. Comparative stress and multi-axial low cycle fatigue analyses are conducted for the inspection of the effect of weld diameter on solid element spot weld simulations. Displacement contours as well as local stress profiles at the vicinity of the spot welds are examined to evaluate the effect of nugget diameter on general stiffness and safety. Multi-axial low cycle fatigue analyses are conducted for the specimens composed of U-profiles, and different thickness levels are simulated for a set of nugget diameters. Simulation results are compared with the low cycle fatigue tests’ life cycles to determine the accuracy of the solid element spot weld modeling methodology and its sensitivity to nugget diameter.
Ludzie z kryjówek na nowo odczytani
Authors: Koza Paweł
Published: July 2022

Ludzie z kryjówek – Newly Reconceived

The article presents an attempt at a new understanding of Józef Tischner’s essay Ludzie z kryjówek. The context of this inquiry is ‘spiritual emergency’ as a diagnostic category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fifth edition). Tischner’s essay is analysed from a dramatic and dynamic perspective. The main aim is to describe the journey from chains in the cave to liberation. Inner freedom is achieved by integrating social work, contemplation and philosophy.
Performance Analysis of Automated Air Pollution Removable System with Fire Indicator
Authors: Shanmugasundar G , Ajithkumar E
Published: July 2022

Air pollution and aging populations are one of the most important issues facing in the development of all countries around the world. In this project work and effort has been made to develop a air pollution removable and fire indicated for fire work industry to safety purpose. The aim of this work is to develop a fire indicated and pollution removable that will use a collect fire work chemical powder around the working area. This model implies a conversion of rotary motion to the overall system. This motion is uses for chemical dust arrest by viscous liquid to all direction in the industry. In this model we can operate two pin switches for the clock wise and antilock wise direction. the gear motor is using to rotary motion. The rotary disk is mounted on the motor spindle. The tank is resting on the rotary disk. The exhaust fan is fitted in the top position of the tank. They are two way in the tank. One is inlet for suck the pollution air another one is outlet. Bottom of the tank dust despatch valve attached. The fire indicates system is mounted on the rotary disk plate vertically. After this work performance test to the working area. This research provides a new perspective and the health effect of air pollution.
Anticuerpos monoclonales en cáncer infantil.
Authors: Jaramillo Toapanta Mayra Viviana , Borja Aliz
Published: July 2022

Resumen
Introducción: El cáncer infantil es poco frecuente, se presenta en diversas edades, etnias y posición económica, su tratamiento en la mayoría de ellos tiene una alta toxicidad por lo que se analizarán los anticuerpos monoclonales como terapia alternativa, los mismos que han sido estudiados desde 1974 por Jerne, Köhler y Milstein, en la actualidad se han descrito resultados efectivos para el tratamiento de ciertas enfermedades autoinmunes, así como para el cáncer. El mecanismo de acción de los mAbs para ejercer su función en células cancerígenas es variable siendo el más importante la inhibición de los puntos de control (checkpoint).
Objetivo: conocer la eficacia y utilización de los anticuerpos monoclonales en cáncer infantil.
Metodología: se ha realizado una revisión bibliográfica sustentada en medios electrónicos como páginas web, artículos científicos, libros de artículos, ensayos y protocolos de oncología pediátrica desde el año 2010. Los términos utilizados como descriptores fueron “anticuerpos monoclonales”, “inmunoterapia”, “linfoma”, “leucemia” y “rituximab”.
Conclusión: los anticuerpos monoclonales se los ha utilizado como un tipo de terapia alternativa principalmente en neoplasia hematológicas, siendo su mayor uso para pediatría en linfomas, leucemia y neuroblastoma, sin embargo, se encuentran en ensayos clínico en fase I y II. En Ecuador este tipo de terapia si es utilizada principalmente en Linfoma no Hodgkin con marcador CD20 positivo tratados con rituximab que es el anticuerpo monoclonal más estudiado actualmente, se basan principalmente con protocolos internacionales, sin embargo, no se cuenta con literatura publicada o estudios realizados en el país.
Retos y dificultades relacionadas a la cuarentena en la población pediátrica en el Ecuador.
Authors: Sánchez Plúas Jazmín Stefanía , Chalco Navas Jorge
Published: July 2022

Resumen
La pandemia por COVID-19 provocó el aislamiento domiciliario como medida preventiva inicial. Los pacientes en edades pediátricas han sido los más afectados por estas medidas, provocando en ellos efectos psicológicos, tales como estados de depresión, angustia, miedo y estrés postraumático; entre los físicos, se evidencian efectos en el estado nutricional, inactividad y trastornos del sueño y en la esfera educativa, la principal dificultad se evidencia entre los niños con alguna condición que les impide usar o acceder a la tecnología necesaria para las clases virtuales.
Objetivo: Analizar los retos y dificultades relacionados a la cuarentena en la población pediátrica en el Ecuador respecto a los efectos psicológicos y físicos producidos por el confinamiento.
Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión teórica descriptiva de tipo documental, con la búsqueda, revisión, organización y análisis de un conjunto de estudios y artículos científicos, consultando las bases de datos de diversas revistas médicas publicadas durante el año 2016 al 2021 acerca de las dificultades relacionadas a la cuarentena y la producida por COVID-19 en la población pediátrica. Para la selección de los artículos se desarrolló el diagrama PRISMA y para el rastreo de las publicaciones se usó como base, palabras clave seleccionadas en español y en inglés.
Resultados: Se analizaron 73 artículos, de los cuales se seleccionaron 43, con lo que se pudo obtener información de validez científica para desarrollar el tema propuesto.
Conclusiones: El confinamiento provoca efectos psicológicos como depresión y angustia, físicos como desnutrición en unos y obesidad en otros, así como deserción escolar y ausentismo por dificultad en el uso y acceso a la tecnología para continuar la educación de forma virtual.