bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of Bi-planar coil to suppress radial magnetic field in magnetically shielded cylinder for magnetocardiography
Authors: Xie Xiaoxuan , Zhou Xiangyang , Zhao Fengwen , Wang Weiqian , Yin Chuanming , Sun Jinji 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The high uniformity coils to suppress the static and dynamic magnetic fields along the cardiac magnetic signal are crucial for obtaining high-quality magnetocardiography (MCG) signals. In this paper, the target field method (TFM) combined with the bald eagle search (BES) algorithm is proposed in the design process of the bi-planar coil (BC) to suppress the radial magnetic field (consistent with cardiac magnetic signal) in the magnetically shielded cylinder (MSC). The simulation signifies that the maximum magnetic field deviation of the designed BC is reduced from 2.87% to 0.58% compared with the BC produced by traditional TFM, which illustrates that the proposed method can effectively suppress the radial static magnetic field of the MSC. In addition, automatic field nulling technology was introduced to suppress the dynamic magnetic disturbance. The experiment shows that the maximum magnetic field disturbance was reduced from 5.3 pT to 2.6 pT in the 4 × 4 measurement array. Finally, the cardiac magnetic signal measurement experiment in the MSC proves that the designed BC system is beneficial for high-quality MCG acquisition.
The candela realisation using molybdenum carbon fixed-point blackbody
Authors: Khlevnoy Boris , Grigoryeva Irina , Ivashin Evgenii , Otryaskin Denis , Solodilov Maksim 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Candela, a unit of luminous intensity, was realised with an expanded (k = 2) uncertainty of 0.20% using a fixed-point blackbody based on a molybdenum–carbon (δ(MoC)–C) melting phase transition. The developed δ(MoC)–C blackbody consists of a high-temperature furnace and a fixed-point cell filled with the molybdenum–carbon alloy. The cell includes a radiation cavity with a diameter as large as 14 mm, which allows it to be used in front of the blackbody, a relatively large external aperture, extracting the radiation emitted by the fixed-point cell only. The thermodynamic temperature of the δ(MoC)–C blackbody was measured by comparing it with the Re–C fixed point and was found to be 2856.67 K with the standard uncertainty of 0.23 K. Therefore, the developed fixed-point blackbody is an almost ideal International Commission on Illumination illuminant A source. With an external aperture of 4.9956 mm diameter, the blackbody reproduces a luminous intensity of 388.52 cd at the point-of-inflection of the melting plateau. The blackbody transfers the unit to a primary photometer with a relative expanded uncertainty of 0.20% in its illuminance responsivity, which can be used for calibration of secondary lamps and photometers.
Improving non-invasive trajectory decoding via neural correlates of continuous erroneous feedback processing
Authors: Pulferer Hannah S , Kostoglou Kyriaki , Müller-Putz Gernot R 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective. Over the last decades, error-related potentials (ErrPs) have repeatedly proven especially useful as corrective mechanisms in invasive and non-invasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). However, research in this context exclusively investigated the distinction of discrete events into correct or erroneous to the present day. Due to this predominant formulation as a binary classification problem, classical ErrP-based BCIs fail to monitor tasks demanding quantitative information on error severity rather than mere qualitative decisions on error occurrence. As a result, fine-tuned and natural feedback control based on continuously perceived deviations from an intended target remains beyond the capabilities of previously used BCI setups. Approach. To address this issue for future BCI designs, we investigated the feasibility of regressing rather than classifying error-related activity non-invasively from the brain. Main results. Using pre-recorded data from ten able-bodied participants in three sessions each and a multi-output convolutional neural network, we demonstrated the above-chance regression of ongoing target-feedback discrepancies from brain signals in a pseudo-online fashion. In a second step, we used this inferred information about the target deviation to correct the initially displayed feedback accordingly, reporting significant improvements in correlations between corrected feedback and target trajectories across feedback conditions. Significance. Our results indicate that continuous information on target-feedback discrepancies can be successfully regressed from cortical activity, paving the way to increasingly naturalistic, fine-tuned correction mechanisms for future BCI applications.
Predictive power-sharing scaling law in double-null L-mode plasmas
Authors: Lim K. , Ricci P. , Stenger L. , De Lucca B. , Durr-Legoupil-Nicoud G. , Février O. , Theiler C. , Verhaegh K. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The physical mechanisms regulating the power sharing at the outer targets of L-mode double-null (DN) configurations are investigated using nonlinear, flux-driven, three-dimensional two-fluid simulations. Scans of parameters that regulate the turbulent level, such as the plasma resistivity and the magnetic imbalance, reveal that the power asymmetry in DN configurations is determined by the combined effects of diamagnetic drift, turbulence, and geometrical factor. Leveraging these observations, an analytical theory-based scaling law for the power-sharing asymmetry is derived and compared with nonlinear simulations. These comparisons indicate that the scaling law effectively captures the trends observed in simulations. Validation with experimental data from TCV DN discharges demonstrates agreement of the scaling law with the experimental results.
Experimental Investigation of a Low-Cost Liquid Desiccant based Air Conditioning System for Tropical Climatic Conditions
Authors: Iyengar Ananth S. , Bhat Pritam , Kumar Reddy Pavan , Abhilash N 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Weather extremes are common in recent times due to the increase in global warming caused by climate change. Thus, thermal comfort applications require considerable amount of energy produced annually. While passive methods of thermal comfort provide correct direction towards sustainability, it cannot provide the complete solution for the problem. One such passive method is a liquid desiccant-based air conditioning system which is a well-known technique that can provide the AC effect, but inherent with corrosion and low efficiency issues. Hence, we propose a simple setup with low-cost polymer components designed and fabricated to overcome these problems. The calcium chloride desiccant solution is chosen because it is non-toxic and inexpensive. The system is able to provide air at about 25 °C and RH of 60% with input ambient air at 31 °C and RH of 70%, by consuming 126 W of electrical power for air and water circulation and 752 W for desiccant heating bringing the total energy usage to about 878 W. With the success of the project multistage setup with other working fluids will be tested.
Adjoint Method Shape Optimization of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: van Stratan GSM , Roy Sukanta , Vincent Lee CC , Ke San Yam 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This study demonstrates the efficacy of the adjoint method to optimize a VAWT blade. A symmetrical blade NACA0018 was chosen as the starting geometry and the adjoint method was applied through 2D CFD simulation to obtain a optimized blade. The 2D adjoint optimization scheme was found to produce a strong candidate blade which improves the average single blade moment coefficient by over 30%. A 3D analysis was then conducted, and the candidate blade was compared against the baseline NACA0018 blade and an unsymmetrical blade S1046 blade. The results showed the candidate blade performed much better than the NACA0018 blade by 20.42% as well as the S1046 blade by 15.18%. These results indicate the adjoint method is a suitable optimization code to aerodynamically optimize and improve the VAWT turbine.
Performance Analysis of Box-type Solar Cooker with New Selective Coatings
Authors: Sarangi Abhisek , Kumar Nayak Pritam , Nayak Jayashree , Sahoo Sudhansu S. , Mallik Ramesh K. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This paper offers a thorough experimental investigation of how applying selective coatings can enhance the performance of solar cookers in the box type. The application of black chrome on galvanized steel and black nickel on nickel-plated steel is given special attention. The results of the study show that the Black Nickel coating retains heat better than the Black Chrome coating because of its lower emissivity. When there is a large load, effective heat transfer from the absorber plate to the pot is quite important. Graphical examination of the temperature profiles indicates that when there is no load, the Black Nickel coating resulted in absorber plate temperatures ranging from 162-168°C, whereas the Black Chrome coating reached temperatures of 155-159°C. Under a load, the temperature of the absorber plate coated with Black Nickel ranged from 150-153°C, whereas the Black Chrome coating resulted in temperatures of 144-147°C. The findings align with the cooking pot temperatures, showing that the Black Nickel coating consistently outperformed the Black Chrome coating by obtaining higher temperatures in both loaded and unloaded circumstances. The ability of these coatings to swiftly attain greater temperatures is demonstrated by this research, which enhances the solar cooker’s efficiency both with and without a load. The findings represent a significant improvement in solar cooker technology since they offer a cost-effective and sustainable substitute for locations with sufficient sunshine.
Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Oxide Nanosheets by Mechanical Exfoliation Using Ball Milling
Authors: Gaurav Anand , Paul Gayatri 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Graphene Oxide Nanosheets (GONs) are synthesized by reduction of graphite powder using mechanical exfoliation through ball milling under wet condition. Pure graphite is subjected to peeling, exfoliation, and fragmentation in the presence of a reducing agent for a duration of 30 hours to achieve few layered GONs. Intermediate samples throughout the duration of ball milling are extracted from the wet slurry to investigate the characteristics of the milling process. The extracted samples are investigated under XRD, FESEM, Raman spectroscopy, BET and FTIR to understand the synthesis process of GONs from pure graphite. The analysis of the ball milled samples through the characterization techniques depicts the formation of GONs with layered morphology. EDS and FTIR confirms the oxidation of graphite to graphene oxide. The successful exfoliation of graphite to GONs through ball milling will help in synthesis of cost-effective GONs for various technological applications.
Sustainable manufacturing of a drug degrading material utilizing green energy
Authors: Kumar Padhi Manas , Kar Prativa , Nanda Binita , Rath Dharitri , Subhadarshini Asima , Nanda Braja B. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Red mud (RM) also known as Bauxite residue is a semi-solid waste generated in the Bayer process which is calcined at 200ºC to make it porous and to remove excess moisture and volatile components. RM before and after calcination is characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, FTIR, UVDRS methods here. The peaks for hematite (α-Fe2O3) are clearly identified in XRD as well as FTIR (590 cm−1 and 480 cm−1 for Fe-O stretching band) which shows a remarkable enhance from RM to RM-200 and proves to be helpful in degradation of norfloxacin. Activated red mud exhibited a good percentage of degradation of 60 ppm norfloxacin molecule (nearly 88%) compared to raw RM (66%) at neutral pH under visible light irradiation. The scavenging experiment confirms hydroxyl (OH·) and superoxide (O2–.) are found to be the dominant radicals for the degradation of norfloxacin by the photocatalytic process. The material proved its stability after 4 consecutive cycles showing the percentage of degradation dropping marginally∼79%.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on greenhouse gas and criteria air pollutant emissions from the San Pedro Bay Ports and future policy implications
Authors: Zhang Jiachen , Park Junhyeong , Bui Nancy , Forestieri Sara , Mazmanian Elizabeth , He Yucheng , Parmer Cory , C Quiros David 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, collectively known as the San Pedro Bay Ports, serve as vital gateways for freight movement in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic and other influencing factors disrupted freight movement and led to unprecedented cargo surge, vessel congestion, and increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from seaport and connected freight system operations beginning in June 2020. In this study, we conducted the first comprehensive monthly assessment of the excess particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions due to the heightened congestion and freight transport activity from ocean-going vessels (OGVs), trucks, locomotives, and cargo handling equipment (CHE) supporting seaport operations. Excess emissions peaked in October 2021 at 23 tons of NOx per day and 2001 tons of CO2 per day. The strategic queuing system implemented in November 2021 significantly reduced the number of anchored and loitering OGVs and their emissions near the ports, even during continued high cargo throughput until Summer 2022. Looking forward, we analyzed projected emissions benefits of adopted California Air Resources Board regulations requiring cleaner and zero-emission trucks, locomotives, and CHE over the next decade. If a repeated port congestion event were to occur in 2035, NOx emissions from land-based freight transport should be lessened by more than 80%. Our study underscores the potential emissions impacts of disruptions to the freight transport network and the critical need to continue reducing its emissions in California and beyond.
Trade associations in Nordic construction – their role in procurement and project delivery
Authors: Klakegg O J , Ingason H T , Aaltonen K , Lahdenperä P , Kadefors A , Thuesen C , Gottlieb S C 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
A trade association is a not-for-profit organization made up of companies and/or individuals with common interests or who work in the same industry. They act as a representative body for the industry they represent. As the ‘industry voice’, trade associations speak on behalf of their members to government, agencies, regulators, the media, and other opinion formers. There are several trade associations connected to the construction industry in all Nordic countries. The purpose of this paper is to investigate what role they play in improving procurement and project delivery in the Nordic countries. Based on interviews with trade association representatives across all Nordic countries, the paper maps their structures, roles, and strategies for involving in procurement and project delivery across the construction industry in each country. Similarities and differences are analysed and discussed considering the situation in each country. The result shows that trade associations have important and similar roles in each country, motivated by the wish to support their members. The first observation is that most trade associations across the Nordics are actively involved in developing procurement trends and knowledge accumulation. The motivation for engaging in procurement and project delivery is the well-being of members. They all depend on fair competition and access to market, and they all need to be associated with successful projects. The second observation is that it seems generally accepted across the trade associations that it is important to promote more collaborative procurement strategies and project delivery methods. The third observation is that all trade associations across the Nordics take an active role in gathering, analysing, and distributing knowledge and experiences connected to this development. Dissemination is both possible and probable through the trade associations effort.
Examining the financial uncertainty of an alliance project from the perspective of the contracting parties
Authors: Lahdenperä Pertti 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
A project alliance is a project delivery system in which the owner and service providers share the risks associated with the project. The aim of this paper is to increase understanding of the functioning of the payment bases of alliance projects, especially from the perspective of diverse uncertainty. The work is based on the plans and contracts of one of the implemented alliance projects and on modelling the project’s payment system. The developed model was simulated taking into consideration the multiple uncertainties associated with the project. The compensation paid by the owner to the service providers and the service providers’ consortium fee were examined in particular. Alongside the original model based on the project’s contract, some alternative instances were also defined. The focus was on the effect of the cost escalation and on the transfer of the corresponding risk to the alliance, as according to the contract the inflation risk of the project lay with the owner. In addition, the model was examined in situations where uncertainty increases significantly, or risk events tend to co-occur. At their most extreme, the risks were assumed to be so high that the service providers’ loss limitation clause could have steered the determination of compensation. The contribution of the work is in illustrating the effect of different contractual solutions and broadening our understanding of the functionality and sensitivity of the alliance payment system.
Using past performance as an award criterion in EU public procurement.
Authors: Olander S , Norinder H 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The outcome of a procurement process largely depends upon how it was designed e.g. the terms and conditions that evaluates on what criteria a supplier is awarded a contract. In private sector procurement, evaluation of past performance is natural part of the evaluation process procurement. In public procurement there are more limited possibilities to evaluate past performance based on the rules and regulations that need be adhered. During 2020-2022 the Swedish National Transport Administration conducted 30 procurement pilots where they used past results from a performance assessing tool as award criterion in the evaluation of tenders. The purpose of the research presented here is to gain knowledge of how past performance can be used an award criteria within the boundaries of the EU public procurement directive. More specifically, can a evaluations from tool developed for assessing supplier performance during a project implementation, be used as an award criterion in the procurement of forthcoming projects. Ever since the ruling from Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in the Lianakis case C-532/06, experts and courts have argued about where the limit is for allowing evaluation of suppliers past performance. A nuanced interpretation is that evaluation of past performance is allowed if the evaluation is focused on factors that gives an added value in identifying the best bid and not only evaluates the supplier’s general ability. The result of this study showed that is possible from both a legal as well as a procurement process perspective to evaluate past performance in public procurement. However, the system used needs to design in a way that is clear and non-ambiguous. Further, there is a challenge of how to assess new suppliers in a market where there is no past performance to evaluate. There are ways of doing this but needs to be done within the boundaries of public procurement principles set by the EU directives.
Lessons from ex-post evaluation of government investment projects
Authors: Welde Morten , Holst Volden Gro 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Although public goods and services are increasingly delivered through projects, many studies have demonstrated that the success of projects in different sectors varies. In Norway, large government projects are subjected to extensive ex-ante appraisal with external quality assurance before budgets can be allocated, and each year, a sample of projects is also evaluated ex-post under the auspices of a research programme. The ex-ante processes and the evaluation of projects ex-post are unusual by international standards, which thus provides an interesting foundation for exploring how the knowledge gained from ex-post evaluations is used to improve the planning and delivery of future projects. This paper presents a study of how Norwegian ministries and agencies use ex-post evaluations of projects within their respective portfolios of responsibilities. Based on interviews with representatives of the target group for the evaluations, the authors examine whether the evaluations improve the appraisal and delivery of subsequent projects. The findings reveal that the use of the results has been limited and that many target group members are unaware of the evaluation. The authors suggest some changes to the evaluation process that might increase the use of ex-post evaluations.
Unlocking project success: The crucial role of interpersonal skills in project management
Authors: Tadege Shiferaw Asmamaw 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In today’s rapidly evolving world, marked by technological advancements, digitalization, and evolving environmental and social requirements, the construction industry is grappling with increasing project complexity. This complexity, in turn, impacts performance. Technical competences alone no longer ensure project success; instead, organizations with superior interpersonal skills are better positioned for success. Measures are being taken to enhance interpersonal skills in Norway’s construction industry. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of these measures and to explore potential variations in the need for key interpersonal skills among primary project partners and across different project phases. Data were collected through a literature review and semi-structured interviews conducted with selected informants from two large Statsbygg projects. The findings of this study underscore the crucial role of interpersonal skills in project success, a role that becomes more significant as projects increase in size and complexity. Despite the acknowledged importance of these skills within the Norwegian construction industry, measures to enhance them have not yielded the expected success. This study first outlines current measures to improve interpersonal skills, including the integration of collaboration in turnkey contracts, promotion of teamwork, effective meeting facilitation, onboarding processes, and co-location. It then identifies obstacles to these initiatives, such as the perceived difficulty in acquiring these skills, budget and time constraints, and uncertainties about the initiatives’ effectiveness. The study also explores potential differences in the need for key interpersonal skills among project partners, uncovering a shared need for skills like collaboration, communication, and problem-solving, with strategic thinking being an exception, primarily linked to the client’s role in the project’s early stage. While the research is focused on a specific segment of the Norwegian construction industry, it provides valuable, broadly applicable insights. Future research could strengthen these findings by expanding the scope to include more case projects and interviewees.