bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance optimisation of the turning process along with multi-surface heating process
Authors: Sathish Kumar D , Thanigaivelan R , Natarajan N 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMaterials that are difficult to cut possess excellent qualities and machinability, though conventional machining techniques require additional energy to circumvent the problems associated with the turning process. In this study, heat-assisted turning of duplex stainless steel (SS) was carried out. Various heating techniques such as infrared (IR)-, ultraviolet (UV)- and hot air (HA)-assisted heating were adopted. The experiment used an L16orthogonal array with the most significant parameters such as heating method, feed rate in millimetres per revolution (mm/rev), depth of cut (millimetres [mm]) and cutting speed (metres per minute [m/min])on the cutting force and surface roughness. The technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and grey relational analysis (GRA), were used to optimise the output performance. The results of TOPSIS showed that the 16th experimental combination, i.e., the HA heating method, with feed rate = 0.175 mm/rev, depth of cut = 0.1 mm and cutting speed = 150 m/min, required a smaller cutting force and resulted in lower surface roughness. In case of the GRA method, the best output performance was observed for the 15th experimental combination, that is, the HA heating method, with feed rate = 0.15 mm/rev, depth of cut = 0.2 mm and cutting speed = 200 m/min. Compared to the non–heat-assisted turning process, the HA- and UV-assisted processes required 10.25% and 7.69% lesser cutting force, respectively, and the surface roughness in case of the HA method was 15.13% lesser.
Study on the Optimization of Design Speeds Required by the Need to Reduce Traffic Pollution
Authors: Ildiko Gergely Marta , Ciocan Remus , Dragomir Mihai Liviu 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Pollution is closely related to traffic characteristics (vehicle fleet, its composition in terms of motorization, park maintenance level, etc.), existing road infrastructure (depending on the classification of public roads into technical classes, the level of service) and last but not least, the speed of traffic on the public road network (depending on the designed geometric elements, local context, geographical position and climate). Determining optimal traffic speeds in order to reduce pollution is a highly debated topic for all categories of public roads, including highways, which by definition are designed and executed with distinct geometric elements to ensure high-speed road traffic. When adopting the geometric elements, the design speed adopted in accordance with the legislation in force, plays an essential and decisive role both in the design of new roads and in the rehabilitation of existing ones.
The comparative study of the maximum design speeds (imposed by regulations) with the optimal ones in terms of reducing air pollution (recommended by specialized studies), can provide new perspectives from the point of view of all traffic participants by correlating the optimal average speeds with the designed geometric elements.
The Use of Selected Carbonized Agricultural Waste as a Low Cost Scrubber in Air Pollution Control
Authors: Oloriegbe Tunde , Okofu C.A , Ibrahim F.B 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The production of activated carbon from agricultural waste is one of the mostenvironmental friendly solutions of transforming less valuable into more valuable materials and it is also a way of converting waste to wealth. Rice husks, maize cobs and coconut shells were individually used to prepare activated carbon under the same experimental conditions of 500OC carbonization temperature, impregnation ratio of 10:1 under 1hr activation time using chemical activation method with zncl2 as the activation agent. After being subjected to carbonization and chemical activation, the farm residues were examined for their surface areas, PHs, conductivities, specific gravities, bulk densities and moisture contents. Elemental composition of each of the waste at carbonized stage, when chemically activated, when used to trap air pollutants and when reactivated were also determined. The adsorptive capacities of these activated carbons were investigated and compared by loading each of them in an adsorption column of 1.5m tall, 0.98m diameter with four openings at height 0m (input), 0.5m, 1.0m, 1.5m (output). A 0.85kva generator was connected to the column and the concentrations of some selected primary pollutants (HC, CO, CO2 NOX) were determined at the input was analyzed and compared to the concentrations at different heights in the column, as the fumes passed through. Optimization studies were also carried out to investigate the adsorptive efficacies of blends of the activated carbons, at different ratios and proportions. When the three activated carbons were mixed at same ratio and proportion, the adsorptive capacity was found to be less than when compared to the efficiencies of the individual activated carbons. Activated carbon produced from coconut shells was experimentally found to have the highest adsorptive capacity followed by that produced from maize cobs and rice husks. The adsorptive capacity was experimentally found to be dependent on adsorbate dosage, contact time and concentration of the adsorbate. CO and CO2 were found to be easily absorbed by all the three activated carbons. Some recommendations have been made.
Life E-VIA: Prototypal Low-Noise Road Surface for the Reduction of Electric Vehicle Rolling Noise in Urban Area
Authors: Pallas Marie-Agnès , Cesbron Julien , Bianchetti Simon , Klein Philippe , Cerezo Véronique , Augris Pierre , Ropert Christophe , Praticò Filippo G. , Bianco Francesco 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In both the current and foreseen context of significant development of the electric vehicle (EV) fleet, a future increasing ratio of EVs in the urban traffic is expected, still enhanced in low-emission zones involving bans or restricted access to other vehicles. EVs are known to be quieter than conventional vehicles at low speed because of a low motor noise emission, resulting in a higher prevalence of rolling noise in the environmental noise. EVs differ from conventional vehicles in several parameters that can influence tyre/road noise, like weight and torque. The LIFE E-VIA project objectives consist in developing, implementing and assessing a low-noise road surface for light EV traffic in urban conditions, optimised from an acoustical and life cycle perspective. In parallel, an optimisation of EV tyres is investigated.
Prior to forthcoming layout in Florence (Italy) for assessment under real traffic conditions, a prototypal road surface has been implemented and evaluated on a test track in Nantes (France). Preliminary tests carried out with different EVs on several road surfaces highlighted the variability of noise emission over vehicle types and pavements, leading to specific ranking. Two prototype versions of a low-noise road surface have been laid out in Nantes, respectively without and with crumb rubber. Both of them have been acoustically assessed with on-board microphones (CPX method) and at roadside (CPB method and microphone array). Constant speed, acceleration and deceleration conditions were considered for pass-by tests. Other acoustical or physical parameters have been measured: acoustic absorption, 3D-texture, mechanical impedance and skid resistance properties (BPN and MPD). In comparison with a reference DAC 0/10 road surface, very usual in France, a roadside noise reduction up to 4 dB(A) was found at steady pass-by speed 50 km/h. Grip values are very high and macrotexture levels moderate. Lastly, mixtures durability is analysed with laboratory tests.
Autonomous Cargo Bike Fleets – Approaches for AI-Based Trajectory Forecasts of Road Users
Authors: Sass Stefan , Höfer Markus , Schmidt Michael , Schmidt Stephan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Automated cargo bikes are intended to complement public transportation in a sharing concept and provide an alternative transportation option for people and goods. In highly automated driving without a seated user, real-time trajectory prediction of other road users is crucial for collision avoidance with other motor vehicles or vulnerable road users (VRU). For this purpose, moving obstacles are detected by environmental sensors and classified and tracked using object detection and tracking algorithms. The current and past position data as well as environmental information are used to predict future positions. In this paper, we present several AI-based trajectory prediction models that are specifically suited for this use case. Our focus is not only on the accuracy of trajectory prediction, but additionally on a robust, real-time and practical application. We consider models that can predict the trajectories with position estimation or distributions for position estimation for each time step in the future. For this aim, we present generative network structures based on Conditional Variational Autoencoder (CVAE) in different variants. After training, the models are integrated into our production system and their computation time is determined on the hardware we use.
Fast Timeline Based Multi Object Online Tracking
Authors: Hünermund Martin , Groneberg Maik , Brauckmann Nils 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Fast state-of-the-art multi-object-tracking (MOT) schemes, such as reported in challenges MOT16 and Mot20, perform tracking on a single sensor, often couple tracking and detection, support only one kind of object representation or don’t take varying latencies and update rates into account.
We propose a fast generic MOT system for use in real world applications which is capable of tracking objects from different sensor / detector types with their respective latencies and update rates. An SORT inspired online tracking scheme is extended by time awareness using timelines as unifying concept. The system supports different object, sensor and filter and tracking types by modularizing and generalizing the online tracking scheme, while ensuring high performance using an efficient data-oriented C++-template-based implementation.
Using the proposed system we achieve, with comparable evaluation metrics, framerates up to ten times higher than the fastest MOT schemes publicly listed for the axis-aligned bounding-box tracking challenges MOT17 and MOT20.
What impacts the value of revenues from taxation of income of corporations? Evidence from European Union Member States
Authors: Karpowicz Andrzej 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Fiscal revenues from taxation of income of corporations are more volatile than those earned from any other mayor tax. COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine pose additional threats to government inflows from this source, especially jeopardizing several EU Member States and Eurozone countries struggling with piling public debts, but at the same time maintaining common monetary policy. Therefore, there is a need for better management of revenues from corporate income tax in periods going forward. The aim of this study is to explain the impact of the level of budget inflows from taxation of income of corporations. It turns out that countries are indeed able to influence revenues from this tax by shaping the statutory tax rates. However, most determinants cannot be influenced directly by governments – such as GDP, level of globalization, R&D expenditures, total employment, age dependency ratio, or public debt. Although some of these phenomena are out of control in the short term, states may consider affecting their levels through appropriate economic policy led in the long run. This study is performed for panel data encompassing 16 potential determinants of corporate income tax revenues for all EU Member States from 1995 to 2020, which is the longest period ever considered for such a set of countries that concurrently includes first aftermaths posed to the economy by COVID-19.
Effect of Customers’ Credit-risk Behavior on Financial Performance of Deposit-Taking SACCOs in Kenya
Authors: Asumani Monicah , Oima David , Ondiwa Simon 
Published: March 2023

Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) are the major drivers of economic growth in developing countries and promise future growth and departure from poverty among the low economic regions. In Kenya, there was an increase in total assets from 556.7 billion in 2020 to 627.7 billion in 2021, which represented a 12.7% growth. The gross loans grew from 419.6 billion in 2019 to 474.8 billion in 2020 representing a 13.2% increase. However, SACCOs have continuously faced with large membership withdrawals, withholding of deposits and reduced share contributions. Previous studies concentrated on investigating the facilities offered by SACCOs, number of customers among the main factors in determining the SACCOs financial performance. Some other factors affecting the financial performance of SACCOs emanate from behavioral finance aspects which has received little focus on. This study sought to establish the effect of customers’ credit-risk behavior on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. A correlational research design was used to establish the association between credit risk behavior and the financial performance of the deposit-taking SACCOs. The study population was 175 deposit-taking SACCOs licensed to undertake deposit-taking business in Kenya. The study used census method of sampling and a total of 150 deposit-taking SACCOs were analyzed. Reliability was tested using the Levin-Lin-Chu unit root test and data was found to be stationary, while face validity was ensured using experts judgment and the tool was approved as valid. Both descriptive and inferential data analysis methods were used in the analysis, Linear and multiple regression analysis was also used. Results were presented using graphs and tables. Results revealed that customer credit risk behavior has a positive and significant effect (B=0.687, p=0.000) on financial performance of deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya. This implies credit risk behavior positively and significantly affects financial performance. The study recommended that SACCOs encourage more transactions and confidence among managers but take more precautions in lending. It is expected that the findings may be substantial for the scholars and will aid the stockholders improve their behavioral financial management to boost returns on their shares.
Competitive Strategies on Firm Performance: A Study of the Hospitality Industry in South Rift Region
Authors: Birir Chepkemoi Betty , Kipruto Ambrose Chepkwei , Njenga Gitahi 
Published: March 2023

Problem Statement: Previous research has shown that strategic management, which is concerned with market competitiveness, leads to improved performance far more often than it leads to no change or even worse performance. These studies revealed the existence of competitive strategies in the firms studied. However, they did not examine the influence of these strategies on the performance of the firms studied. Also, these studies done in Kenya did not relate competitive strategies to performance.General objective of the study: The general objective of the study was to establish competitive strategies for the firm performance of the hospitality industry in South Rift Region, a case of South Rift Region, Kenya.Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive research design as it clearly suits the cause-and-effect relationship studies.Finding: The findings indicated that there is a positive significant association between cost leadership strategy on the performance of hospitality firms in South Rift Region, as shown by a correlation coefficient of 0.260 and a p-value of 0.002.Conclusions: The researcher concluded that the hotel charges low prices to enjoy high-profit margins. The hotel embraces technology to reduce the cost of service delivery. The hotel has a favorable access to low-cost materials.Recommendation: The researcher recommends that hoteliers embrace low prices to attract more customers, which translates to high-profit margins. The hotels should do a proper market search on where to source low-cost materials. Since the world is advancing in technology, hotels should embrace modern technology to improve their efficiency.
Impact of Health Insurance on Employees' Performance at Zanzibar Electricity Cooperation in Unguja, Tanzania
Authors: Haji Jamila Amour , Haji Haji Ali 
Published: March 2023

The study aimed to assess the impact of health insurance on employees' performance at Zanzibar Electricity Cooperation in Unguja. The specific objectives of the study were: To examine the effects of health insurance on financial protection on employees' performance, and To examine the influence of the Insurance Premium on employees' performance at Zanzibar Electricity Cooperation in Unguja Quantitative methods were used in this study. The closed-ended questionnaires were also used to capture the information. The study used multiple linear regressions to analyze the collected data. The study found out that the two predictor variables (financial protection and insurance premium) had a significant contribution to the outcome variable (employees’ performance). The study recommended that ZECO and the government of Zanzibar, in particular, should increase the insurance premium by companies offering health insurance in Unguja. These would raise the financial protection of employees and increase their performance.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of some 3-oxapentane Podand Derivatives
Authors: Manh Linh Nguyen , Tam Pham Thi Thanh , Thuyen Do Thao , Dat Nguyen Tien , Van Tran Thi Thanh , Nhung Dao Thi , Anh Le Tuan 
Published: March 2023

A series of eight 3-oxapentane podand derivatives was successfully prepared based on the croton condensation reaction from 1,5-bis(aryl)-1,5-dithia-3-dioxadecane and 1,5-bis(aryl)-1,3,5-trioxadecane with bezaldehyde or acetophenone derivatives in acidic condition. These synthesized derivatives have structure of acyclic crown rings inserted by polyether or polythiaether chain and vinyl ketone chain conjugated with aryl group. Therefore, they are important sources for host-guest chemistry. They can wrap around a central alkali metal cations as well as organic cations and anions or even molecules to make interesting ion pair receptors. Structure of new podands was determined by spectral analyses including IR, 1H NMR, MS spectrocopies.
Patients’ quality of life assessment following treatment of leg length discrepancy in a single center in Riyadh
Authors: AlHuzaimi Fahad S. , Zamzam Mohamed M. , AlAujan Abdulrahman , AlDobikhi Yousef A. , AlKhayyal Yazeed A. , AlOmar Mohammed O. 
Published: March 2023

Objectives:
Length disparities of children’s limbs might make it difficult for them to engage in social, recreational, and leisure activities. The main goals of surgical treatment of limb length discrepancy (LLD) are to restore limb function and prevent adverse social effects. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of children who received therapy for limb length discrepancies.

Methods:
Twenty participants fit the inclusion criteria and completed the validated and translated version of the electronic questionnaire of the brief version of the world health organization questionnaire for QoL assessment the brief version (WHO-QoL-BREF). Answering the questionnaire was administered by an interviewer over the phone. The questionnaire comprised basic patient information and questions regarding the QoL.

Results:
There were 12 male participants and eight females. The total WHO-QoL BREF score of the participants is 94.15 ± 10.01 (out of 125). The differences between the mean scores of all domains according to participants’ demographic, distortion, and surgical variables were insignificant.

Conclusion:
Ensuring the QoL and function improvement after treatment of LLD is crucial. More attention must be paid to selecting the appropriate procedure for the suitable patient when treating LLD.
Prevalence of road traffic injuries in South East and South Asian region – A systematic review
Authors: Vinish V. , Chakrabarty Jyothi , Vijayan Sandeep , Nayak Baby S. , Shashidhara Y. N. , Kulkarni Mahesh , Noronha Judith A. 
Published: March 2023

Background:
South and South-East Asian countries report a great liability for the world’s road traffic injuries (RTIs) and deaths. A vast number of research studies tested various interventions including specific protective devices to prevent accidents, but no review papers have been conducted to find out the prevalence of RTIs in South-East and South Asian countries.

Objective:
This review paper was an attempt to find out the prevalence of RTIs and their associated factors in South-East and South Asian countries.

Methods:
Following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we searched the articles in the electronic databases of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Web of Science. Articles were selected if they reported the prevalence of RTI, or road traffic accident (RTA) deaths. In addition, a data quality assessment was done.

Results:
Out of the 10,818 article hits from the literature search, ten articles found the eligibility and inclusion criteria. Most of the studies reported that males are involved in the RTIs more than females. The male mortality rate is more than the female mortality in RTI mortality. Young adult males are the major victims when compared with the different age groups of male victims. Two-wheelers are the major contributors to the accident rate. Religious or national festivals are not free from accident-prone times. Climatic seasons and nighttime have a major influence on the RTIs. RTIs are increasing due to the sudden and huge increase in the number of motor vehicles and the development of cities and towns.

Conclusion:
Accidents are non-predictable but controllable disasters in society. Overspeeding, bad conditions on road, the vulnerability of the vehicles, and careless driving are the major reported reasons for RTIs. Making and implementing strict laws can help us to control RTAs. The major effect on the reduction of RTI can be assured only with the presence of responsible people. That can be achieved only by creating awareness in society about traffic rules and responsibilities.
Endoscopic neuroanatomy study using embalmed cadavers
Authors: John Albin , Collins Reagan A. , Nagy Laszlo 
Published: March 2023

Objectives:
A firm understanding of anatomy is foundational for all medical students and residents. As opportunities for cadaveric study dwindle, we propose a simplified perfusion model for formalin fixed cadavers that allow for endoscopic neuroanatomical study and procedural practice. This model is easily accessible, cost effective, and valuable in medical training.

Materials and Methods:
Cadavers were fixed through accepted methods that included formalin injection into the cranial vault. The perfusion system was set up using a series of catheters, tubing, and pressurized saline bag that forced saline into the various neuroanatomical spaces chosen for study.

Results:
A neuroendoscope was subsequently introduced to explore and identify relevant neuroanatomical structures as well as to perform a 3rd ventriculostomy and filum sectioning.

Conclusion:
Using formalin fixed cadavers for neuroendoscopic studies and procedural practice is a cost effective, multipurpose tool that can provide medical trainees with a strong understanding of anatomy as well as procedural practice.