Comparative analysis of forward-facing models vs backward-facing models in powertrain component sizing

Powertrain size optimisation based on vehicle class and usage profile is advantageous for reducing emissions. Backward-facing powertrain models, which incorporate scalable powertrain components, have often been used for this purpose. However, due to their quasi-static nature, backward-facing models give very limited information about the limits of the system and drivability of the vehicle. This makes it difficult for control system development and implementation in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test systems. This paper investigates the viability of using forward-facing models in the context of powertrain component sizing optimisation. The vehicle model used in this investigation features a conventional powertrain with an internal combustion engine, clutch, manual transmission, and final drive. Simulations that were carried out have indicated that there is minimal effect on the optimal cost with regards to variations in the driver model sensitivity. This opens up the possibility of using forward-facing models for the purpose of powertrain component sizing

A toolbox for multi-objective optimisation of low carbon powertrain topologies

Stricter regulations and evolving environmental concerns have been exerting ever-increasing pressure on the automotive industry to produce low carbon vehicles that reduce emissions. As a result, increasing numbers of alternative powertrain architectures have been released into the marketplace to address this need. However, with a myriad of possible alternative powertrain configurations, which is the most appropriate type for a given vehicle class and duty cycle? To that end, comparative analyses of powertrain configurations have been widely carried out in literature; though such analyses only considered limited types of powertrain architectures at a time. Collating the results from these literature often produced findings that were discontinuous, which made it difficult for drawing conclusions when comparing multiple types of powertrains. The aim of this research is to propose a novel methodology that can be used by practitioners to improve the methods for comparative analyses of different types of powertrain architectures. Contrary to what has been done so far, the proposed methodology combines an optimisation algorithm with a Modular Powertrain Structure that facilitates the simultaneous approach to optimising multiple types of powertrain architectures. The contribution to science is two-folds; presenting a methodology to simultaneously select a powertrain architecture and optimise its component sizes for a given cost function, and demonstrating the use of multi-objective optimisation for identifying trade-offs between cost functions by powertrain architecture selection. Based on the results, the sizing of the powertrain components were influenced by the power and energy requirements of the drivecycle, whereas the powertrain architecture selection was mainly driven by the autonomy range requirements, vehicle mass constraints, CO2 emissions, and powertrain costs. For multi-objective optimisation, the creation of a 3-dimentional Pareto front showed multiple solution points for the different powertrain architectures, which was inherent from the ability of the methodology to concurrently evaluate those architectures. A diverging trend was observed on this front with the increase in the autonomy range, driven primarily by variation in powertrain cost per kilometre. Additionally, there appeared to be a trade-off in terms of electric powertrain sizing between CO2 emissions and lowest mass. This was more evident at lower autonomy ranges, where the battery efficiency was a deciding factor for CO2 emissions. The results have demonstrated the contribution of the proposed methodology in the area of multi-objective powertrain architecture optimisation, thus addressing the aims of this research

Flooding attacks to internet threat monitors (ITM): Modeling and counter measures using botnet and honeypots

The Internet Threat Monitoring (ITM),is a globally scoped Internet monitoring system whose goal is to measure, detect, characterize, and track threats such as distribute denial of service(DDoS) attacks and worms. To block the monitoring system in the internet the attackers are targeted the ITM system. In this paper we address flooding attack against ITM system in which the attacker attempt to exhaust the network and ITM's resources, such as network bandwidth, computing power, or operating system data structures by sending the malicious traffic. We propose an information-theoretic frame work that models the flooding attacks using Botnet on ITM. Based on this model we generalize the flooding attacks and propose an effective attack detection using Honeypots

Orthopaedic residency in the time of COVID-19: navigating a new normal

The pandemic had affected outpatient clinics, emergency and elective surgery, rehabilitation, resident training, personnel management, use of personal protective equipment, telemedicine and all sub-specialties of orthopaedics

‘Beyond broken bones’: the hidden impact of depression on orthopaedic patients-the silent struggle

The recognition of the interplay between physical and mental health is of increasing importance in the management of orthopaedic patients. Orthopaedic patients not only encounter physical impairments but also mental health complications such as anxiety and depression. While orthopaedic surgeons traditionally focus on the physical aspects of patients' recovery, recent studies have highlighted the significant impact of psychological factors on functional outcomes and quality of life; thus, necessitating a comprehensive treatment approach

Advancing patient care: unleashing the potential of artificial intelligence in orthopaedics

I am writing to highlight the remarkable strides that artificial intelligence (AI) has taken in the field of orthopaedics, paving the way for transformative changes in patient care and clinical outcomes. As the realm of medical science evolves, integrating AI into orthopaedics has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies, enhancing both the precision and efficiency of orthopaedic care

Unveiling the silent nemesis: periprosthetic joint infection-the burden and road to recovery

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication of joint replacement surgery that poses significant challenges for patients and healthcare systems. It is associated with increased morbidity, financial burdens, and emotional distress for patients. Understanding the risk factors for PJI and implementing preventive strategies are crucial to reducing its incidence and mitigating its impact on both individuals and healthcare institutions

Orthopaedic surgeons and the legal tightrope: safeguarding patient welfare amidst rising litigation

Medicolegal litigation is a critical aspect of orthopaedic practice. These disputes can arise due to a variety of reasons, including medical negligence, malpractice, and breach of duty. Orthopaedic surgeons are at risk of being involved in medicolegal cases due to the nature of their work, which involves complex surgical procedures and postoperative care. They are required to manage a wide range of cases, from minor fractures to complex spinal and joint surgeries. As with any medical field, orthopaedic surgery being a complex and dynamic medical specialty; carries with it a certain amount of legal responsibility, with litigation rates on the rise globally. This article aims to provide an overview of the areas in orthopaedics where medicolegal litigation is highest and highlight some of the strategies that can be employed to reduce the risk of litigation

‘From bones to burnout, delving beyond the scalpel’: prioritizing surgeon wellness for optimal patient outcomes

Orthopaedic surgeons face significant challenges in balancing their demanding professional responsibilities with their personal lives, which can often lead to burnout and poor well-being. Orthopaedic surgeons face a variety of multifaceted stressors which lead to burnout and have significant impacts on their well-being and the quality of patient care. Here, we present an overview of relevant literature and provide evidence-based recommendations for a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to implement strategies to mitigate their effects

Cost Control in Residential Construction Management

My current idea of doing this project stems from the belief that there is a need for those individuals who use the services of the construction industry, and those that are engaged in one or other facets of it, to be involved with cost and its implication. Not only is there a need to be involved with the cost that concerns their own particular, perhaps limited participation; but also to have an understanding of the ways and forms in which other parties to the construction process need to have information about cost in order to operate on a sound and efficient commercial basis. One of the reasons why cost overrun and delays occurs in majority of construction projects in India is the absence of a good cost control mechanism for different parties involved in a project, namely the owner, the contractor and the client’s consultant. Our thesis, therefore attempts to look at a wide range of aspects of the control of cost from the point of view of the potential owner of a constructed asset through the financial feasibility studies for the investment, then through the design and, ultimately, the control of the cost of the work on a side both from the point of view of an owner and the contractor or a group actually constructing the facility. Our current work will include the various control processes so that the reasons for the different views that are taken can be understood. It draws attention to the fact that if one party to the construction saves some money by a particular device, then it can cause another party to incur the equivalent amount of cost elsewhere. Our current study would contribute to each party involved in a construction project making proper allowance for the cost that they will incur. It is important too that each participant to the process understands the various sensitivities that project cost has relation to the activities in which they are engaged and the possible consequences of changes in established cost of the work proceeds. Our work will include suggesting practical approaches to the cost control in construction project only during the execution phase. This analysis will include a feedback collected through questionnaire from contractor’s point of view. For gathering information, we have used primary methods of data collection through a series of meetings, site visits, and telephonic conservations with reputed construction companies