bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Relationships among Product Quality, Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty in the Bamboo Institute, Dili, Timor-Leste
Authors: Rua Sabino , Saldanha Estanislau De Sousa , Amaral Alvaro Menezes
Published: January 2021

The objectives of this research are to test and explain the influence of product quality and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty, in addition to customer satisfaction on the relationship between product quality and customer loyalty. A total of 190 valid questionnaires were collected from costumers of Bamboo Institute in Dili, Timor-Leste, and the relationships between 3 variables were tested using SMART-PLS 3.0. The result of the study revealed that product quality and customer satisfaction influence positively and significantly on customer loyalty, and customer satisfaction fully mediate the relationship between product quality and customer loyalty. The result of study confirms that product quality and customer satisfaction are strong antecedent factors for customer loyalty. Therefore, to enhance customer loyalty, it is important to provide the product quality that meets the customer’s satisfaction level.
Review article: A systematic review and future prospects of flood
vulnerability indices
Authors: Moreira Luana Lavagnoli , de Brito Mariana Madruga , Kobiyama Masato
Published: January 2021

Abstract. This paper provides a state-of-art account on flood vulnerability indices, highlighting worldwide trends and future research directions. A total of 95 peer-reviewed articles published between 2002–2019 were systematically analyzed. An exponential rise in research effort is demonstrated, with 80 % of the articles being published since 2015. The majority of these studies (62.1 %) focused on the neighborhood followed by the city scale (14.7 %). Min-max normalization (30.5 %), equal weighting (24.2 %), and linear aggregation (80.0 %) were the most common methods. With regard to the indicators used, a focus was given to socio-economic aspects (e.g. population density, illiteracy rate, gender), whilst components associated with the citizen's coping and adaptive capacity were slightly covered. Gaps in current research include a lack of sensitivity and uncertainty analyzes (present in only 9.5 % and 3.2 % of papers, respectively); inadequate or inexistent validation of the results (present in 13.7 % of the studies); lack of transparency regarding the rationale for weighting and indicator selection; and use of static approaches, disregarding temporal dynamics. We discuss the challenges associated with these findings for the assessment of flood vulnerability and provide a research agenda for attending to these gaps.
Employee Engagement and Its Relationship Towards Normative Commitment in Malaysia Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Mokhtar Ridwan , Azwa Ambad Sylvia Nabila , Syed Annuar Sharifah Nurafizah , Lajuni Nelson
Published: January 2021

The relationship between employee engagement and organisational commitment has been established and documented in past literature. Hitherto, they are still very relevant and remain a pertinent subject to be discussed, especially with the rapid evolution of business and adjustments in the economic setting. However, much of the focus of past studies were surrounding employee engagement divulging organisational commitment. Only a few studies on the impacts of employee engagement on normative commitment have been shown, especially in Malaysia’s oil and gas industry. We do not adequately know how employee engagement is associated with normative commitment. Hence, this study goals to examine the effects of employee engagement on normative commitment. Two hundred fifty offshore employees participated in this study. Subsequently, 234 completed responses were collected, and Partial Least Squared-Structural Equation Modelling were used to analyse the data using SmartPLS 3.3.2 version. The findings advise that employee engagement, particularly organisational engagement dimension, has a positive relationship with both normative commitment dimensions among offshore employees in Malaysia. This study provided oil and gas organisation with an improved insight and understanding of the significance of the organisational engagement aspect in improving employees’ level of normative commitment among offshore employees. Because of the recent pandemic outbreak, future studies should consider the organisational support rendered by the organisation to offshore employees in predicting the new norms for oil and gas companies. Future studies should also utilise the qualitative approach or employ the Partial Least Square-Multi-Group Analysis (PLS-MGA) to examine whether ethnicity, working tenure, and working locations play an essential role in the relationship between employee engagement and normative commitment.
Vietnam Land Market: Definitions, Characteristics, and Effects
Authors: NGUYEN Tuan Tran
Published: January 2021

The land is a vital resource, and the world’s powers that want to develop must rely on land as their core. Vietnam is in economic renewal, so whether the country can produce as expected or not depends on how land is used. The land conversion is continuously changing, leading to the constant volatility of the land market. Besides, the land is a unique commodity, and in a socialist country like Vietnam, only land use rights can be bought and sold. The article uses descriptive and explanatory methods to highlight the results that need research. This article also shows Vietnam’s land market characteristics through the primary market and the secondary market. This market decentralization creates a two-price mechanism, meaning that a piece of land is priced differently depending on the organization that uses it. This mechanism has created difficulties in producing an available land bank, leading to a reduction in investment attraction in this potential country.
Digital Humanities Approaches to Literary Translation
Authors: Sun Yifeng , Li Dechao
Published: January 2021

Digital humanities (DH), which first started as the compilation, digitization, and visualization of ample amounts of archival works of particular writers and artists (such as the projects of Rossetti Archive and William Blake Archive) at the beginning of the twenty-first century, has witnessed exponential expansion over the last decade. The recent rapid advances in modern computing and information technology have given rise to more new digital tools and methods, including hypermedia, data visualization, text mining and digital mapping, and so on, all of which have been applied in DH to foster systematic and scholarly study of these digital resources. Such a study has a distinctive interdisciplinary nature.
Ecotech, Alienation, and Science Realism in the Chinese Cyborg Novel Waste Tide
Authors: Jiang Yuqin
Published: January 2021

There is a long list of Western cyberpunk fiction, but people seldom know that there is cyborg literature in China. Chen Qiufan's Waste Tide is an example of Chinese cyborg fiction. It exposes the cyborg's alienation from the development of high technology and a sick society. Mimi's cyborg transformation to be Mache-Mimi highlights body politics and biopolitics, which represents her deep oppression from hierarchy and patriarchy. It is a process of denaturalization and dehumanization. This novel represents a critical realism of global development and environmental protection. It uncovers the veil which hides the crime of global capitalism and its oppression on the developing countries. The suffering of Mimi exposes the potential robbing truth of global capitalism. Furthermore, it blames the slow violence and hegemony on the people on the lowest rung of society in the high-technology world. But the author expects humanitarianism to save this cyborg world. He follows humanitarianism and hopes that love will help people walk out of the trap of capitalism. It approves the value humanity should establish on the self- and social fulfilment. Technology and the existence of humans should be harmoniously connected and cooperate for realizing the wholeness of humanity.
EVALUACIÓN DE LAS CONDICIONES LABORALES DE LOS EGRESADOS DE CARRERAS TÉCNICAS UNIVERSITARIAS EN TELA, ATLÁNTIDA, HONDURAS
Authors: Marín González Oger Roberto
Published: January 2021

El presente trabajo pretende evaluar las condiciones laborales de los egresados de carreras técnicas universitarias en Tela, Atlántida, Honduras y la relación que existe entre la condición laboral, la pobreza objetiva y la pobreza subjetiva. Esta investigación tiene un enfoque mixto ya que se hacen análisis de datos cuantitativos y cualitativos, el trabajo es de tipo exploratorio.  Por otra parte, se hace uso del paquete estadístico SPSS para el cálculo de coeficientes de correlación entre las variables, los datos fueron obtenidos mediante la aplicación de una encuesta estructurada a través de la plataforma de Google Docs. El estudio concluye que las carreras técnicas universitarias en Tela han contribuido a mejorar el acceso al mercado laboral de los egresados, pero no influye en la mejora de la calidad de dichos empleos. Por otra parte, la pobreza subjetiva muestra menores niveles en comparación con la pobreza objetiva, el hecho de poseer un empleo influye en la percepción de la pobreza en los egresados de carreras técnicas universitarias en Tela.
Predicción de la resistencia a comprensión del concreto 1:2:3 a partir del tiempo de inicio fraguado
Authors: Rodríguez Lacayo David A. , Reyes Juan Carlos , Úcles Karla
Published: January 2021

Introducción: La resistencia a compresión del concreto es el parámetro de diseño más importante en proyectos de infraestructura de Honduras. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la resistencia a compresión del concreto (con y sin aditivos acelerantes) a partir del tiempo de inicio de fraguado, usando un penetrómetro de bolsillo. Asimismo, se estudió la relación entre el tiempo inicial de fraguado y la relación agua/cemento. Métodos: Se elaboró mezclas de concreto hidráulico con proporción 1:2:3 para diferentes relaciones agua/cemento (0.4, 0.5 y 0.6). Se determinó el revenimiento y la resistencia a compresión a los 28 días, con extracción de muestras de mortero necesarias para hacer el ensayo del tiempo de inicio de fraguado. Resultados: Los hallazgos mostraron una relación lineal negativa entre el tiempo inicial de fraguado y la relación agua/cemento. La resistencia a compresión se pudo explicar por el tiempo de inicio de fraguado mediante la ecuación generada en 98% de las veces. Conclusión: El uso de aditivos acelerantes no contribuye a una mayor resistencia. Sin embargo, el uso de aditivos acelerantes hizo que la mayoría de las mezclas fueran más fluidas independientemente de la relación agua/cemento. Existe una correlación de utilidad entre la resistencia a la compresión del concreto y el tiempo de inicio del fraguado.
Determinación de quinolonas en músculo de pollo mediante Cromatografía Líquida con detector de arreglo de diodos (LC-DAD) utlizando QuEChERS como técnica de tratamiento
Authors: Ponce Rodríguez Henry , Lanza Sorto Nahún , Blanco Raudales Alba
Published: January 2021

Un método rápido, fácil, económico, efectivo, robusto y seguro, mediante extracción QuEChERS seguido de cromatografía líquida de alto desempeño con detección DAD (HPLC-DAD), fue desarrollado para la determinación de quinolonas (norfloxacina, ciprofloxacina, danofloxacina, difloxacina, sarafloxacina y flumequina) en músculo de pollo. La separación cromatográfica se logró utilizando agua acidificada (ácido acético 0.1 M, pH = 2.8) y metanol (85:15) como fase móvil con columna C8 (150 mm x 4.6 mm i.d., partícula 5 μm). Todos los analitos eluyeron antes de 18 minutos, a un flujo de 1 mL min-1, a dos longitudes de onda para la detección, 250 y 280 nm, respectivamente. El tratamiento de muestra consistió en una extracción y limpieza utilizando la metodología QuEChERS, para lo cual se optimizaron diferentes variables, mostrando elevada eficiencia sin presencia de interferencias en la separación cromatográfica. El método presentó una adecuada linealidad (r2>0.90) y recuperaciones entre 70 y 110 %. Los límites de detección (S/N=3) fueron menores que los límites de residuo máximo (LMR) establecidos para quinolonas y los coeficientes de variación para repetibilidad y reproducibilidad intermedia (n=3), a tres niveles de concentración, se encontraron entre 3.8 y 10.9 %. Un total de 36 muestras, obtenidas en Tegucigalpa y Comayagüela en Honduras, fueron analizadas por el método propuesto, encontrándose rastros de flumequina en dos de ellas.
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin production in DN32.D3 invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell line and primary mouse liver iNKT cells
Authors: Choi Jun-Pyo , Woo Yeon Duk , Losol Purevsuren , Kim Sae-Hoon , Chang Yoon-Seok
Published: January 2021

Background

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are known as the fast responder in allergic inflammation and the source of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and interferon-gamma. Absence of iNKT cells down-regulated thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) production at the early stage of type 2 immune responses in the airway. However, it has not been reported whether iNKT cells are able to produce TSLP via stimulation of T-cell receptor (TCR).

Objective

We aimed to evaluate TSLP production from iNKT cells by TCR specific stimulations with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies and α-galactoceramide (α-GalCer).

Methods

DN32.D3 iNKT cell line was stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies, and TSLP production was measured in culture supernatants. Next, to confirm the TSLP production in primary mouse iNKT cells, the cells were sorted using α-GalCer-CD1d tetramer from mouse liver, and stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies and α-GalCer. Then, cytokine productions were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

TCR specific stimulation in DN32.D3 cells induced TSLP production as well as signature cytokines of iNKT cells. On the other hand, isolated primary mouse iNKT cells from liver did not show any induction of TSLP by TCR specific stimulations including anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies and α-GalCer, on the contrary to other cytokines.

Conclusion

This study suggested the possibility of TSLP production in iNKT cells, especially from DN32.D3 although primary mouse liver iNKT cells showed a different result.
Entrepreneurship Education and Venture Intention of Female Engineering Students in A Nigerian University
Authors: Peter Fred , Eze Sunday , Osigwe Kelechi , Peter Adeshola , Adeyemi Emmanuel , Okologbo Chibogu , Asiyanbola Temitope
Published: January 2021

The significant changes taking place in the world have offered new opportunities for male and female-owned businesses. This study investigated the impact of entrepreneurship education and venture intention of female engineering students in Nigeria. A descriptive research design was used. Copies of the questionnaire were distributed to collect quantitative data on the link between entrepreneurship education and venture intentions of Landmark university female engineering students. The sample size for this study was determined based on the entire population of  32. This study used purposive random sampling techniques for the selection of the respondent. Hence, each participant was given an equal chance of being chosen from the population in no particular order. Regression analysis was used to analyse the stated hypotheses through a statistical package for social science (SPSS). The findings revealed that effective implementation of entrepreneurship education elements stimulate students’ entrepreneurial activities, particularly among female engineering students. This study advanced knowledge and concluded that entrepreneurship education elements such as pedagogy, educators’ competence, and learning environment have a significant impact on venture intention.
Seismic response of structures free to rock on their foundations
Authors: Priestley M. J. N. , Evison R. J. , Carr A. J.
Published: January 2021

The possibility of foundation rocking of shear wall structures designed to NZS 4203 is discussed. Theory developed by Housner for the free rocking of a rigid block is compared with experimental results from a simple structural model with a number of different foundation conditions. A simple design method for assessing maximum rocking displacements, using equivalent elastic characteristics and a response-spectra approach is proposed, and compared with results from simulated seismic excitation of the model using an electro-hydraulic shake-table. A typical design example is included.
A consideration of P-delta effects  in ductile reinforced concrete frames
Authors: Paulay T.
Published: January 2021

The likely effects of secondary moments due to the gravity load, which is being laterally displaced during inelastic seismic storey drift, upon ductile reinforced concrete frames is examined. Existing building code recommendations and design procedures relevant to the phenomenon are briefly reviewed. The probable effect of P-delta moments on inelastic dynamic frame response is discussed. With the aid of illustrations various design considerations are presented. It is suggested that if strength demand due to P-delta effects exceeds 15% of the ideal lateral load carrying capacity of a subframe, this strength demand should be met. From the comparison of the elastic and inelastic deformations of a frame due to earthquake loading, recommendations are made for the estimation of critical inelastic drifts in the lower half of the frame. This is subsequently used to quantify the problem with the aid of the "stability index". The quantitative evaluation of P-delta effects for an 18 storey frame is illustrated in the appendix.
Strong motion records of the Milford Sound earthquake 1976 May 4
Authors: Hodder S. B. , Skinner R. I. , Hefford R. T. , Randal P. M.
Published: January 2021

The strong-motion records obtained during the Milford Sound earthquake of 4 May 1976 are of particular interest since the assigned intensities are exceptionally low for an earthquake of magnitude 7. The recorded ground motions are presented here in the general format proposed for publication of significant earthquakes recorded by the New Zealand strong-motion network. It is seen that the ground motions are consistent with the low intensities assigned.
The Meaning of Mission Statements to School Practice and Professional Development: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Ransom Bradley , Vlachopoulos Dimitrios
Published: January 2021

While mission statements (MSs) are included in schools often due to governing policy, evidence suggests they remain underutilized by leaders. Scant research is undertaken with regard to school mission statements and how these affects daily practice. This qualitative phenomenological study explores the extent to which school MSs influence daily practice, as well as professional development for school leaders and teachers. This study draws upon interviews with six individuals who lead or teach at two different international schools. The findings provide valuable insight into how MSs are experienced by leaders and teachers. The paper concludes with a discussion around the potential implications for policy makers and school leaders who wish to shape school culture and professional development.
Uso de tecnologías inmersivas y su impacto en las actitudes científico-matemáticas del estudiantado de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria en un contexto en riesgo de exclusión social
Authors: Silva-Díaz Francisco , Carrillo-Rosúa Javier , Fernández-Plaza José Antonio
Published: January 2021

Se presenta una investigación que busca determinar el impacto que tiene el uso de realidad virtual inmersiva (RVI) —asociada al desarrollo de actividades manipulativas y experienciales basadas en el enfoque STEM— en las actitudes científico-matemáticas de estudiantes de primero y segundo de ESO de un centro que se encuentra en un contexto en riesgo de exclusión social. Por medio de un procedimiento metodológico mixto cuantitativo- cualitativo, se han aplicado una serie de instrumentos a una muestra de 17 estudiantes y 1 docente. Los resultados indican la existencia de variaciones significativas, junto con un tamaño del efecto (TE) medio, en las actitudes hacia el aprendizaje de las ciencias (p = 0,000; TE = 0,535), no así en el ámbito de las matemáticas (p = 0,887; TE = 0,070). Asimismo, existen mejoras significativas en la autopercepción del aprendizaje de los contenidos STEM abordados en la propuesta (p = 0,000; TE = 0,944), valoración positiva del proyecto, tanto por parte de los estudiantes (9,9 sobre 10) como del profesor de las asignaturas de ciencias y matemáticas del centro (entrevista semiestructurada). Se concluye que la inclusión de este tipo de tecnologías impacta positivamente en las actitudes científico-matemáticas del estudiantado participante.
Motivos que dan sentido a aprender en la escuela: la mirada de profesores y estudiantes
Authors: Valenzuela Jorge , Muñoz Carla , Miranda-Ossandón Jorge
Published: January 2021

El presente análisis cuantitativo caracteriza y contrasta las lógicas bajo las cuales se otorga sentido a aprender en el contexto escolar chileno. Para realizarlo se consideró una muestra de 181 alumnos de ambos sexos de tercer año medio (K11), de nivel socioeconómico bajo y alto, de la ciudad de Santiago de Chile. Adicionalmente se consideró, para fines comparativos, una muestra de 207 profesores en formación y 297 en ejercicio. Se contrastaron los perfiles de estudiantes de nivel socioeconómico alto y bajo, y de ellos respecto a profesores. Los resultados muestran diferencias en los dos casos. Especialmente relevante es que estas se acentúan cuando se trata de alumnos de nivel socioeconómico bajo. Finalmente, se discuten estos hallazgos y las implicancias de las valoraciones disímiles entre profesores y estudiantes respecto a los motivos para aprender en la escuela.
El reto de los profesores de secundaria ante las redes sociales
Authors: Dans Álvarez de Sotomayor Isabel , Fuentes Abeledo Eduardo José , González Sanmamed Mercedes , Muñoz Carril Pablo César
Published: January 2021

En el contexto educativo, la integración de la tecnología genera posiciones ambivalentes: se percibe como una oportunidad para la innovación, pero también como un elemento disruptivo que suscita preocupación. Esta doble visión se pone de manifiesto cuando el profesorado se enfrenta al reto de las redes sociales y valora su utilidad en las aulas. El propósito de la investigación que presentamos ha sido analizar las percepciones del profesorado acerca del uso de las redes sociales por parte del alumnado de secundaria e identificar los requisitos materiales y formativos de los docentes para que puedan incorporarlas a su labor educativa. Se ha realizado un estudio cualitativo y la técnica utilizada ha sido la entrevista grupal. Los resultados muestran que los docentes consideran que el uso de las redes sociales en la enseñanza puede resultar motivador, pero alertan de los riesgos que puede acarrear entre los jóvenes. Las conclusiones se plantean a tres niveles: el profesorado está dispuesto a integrar estos recursos en el ámbito educativo, pero para ello se requiere un cambio a nivel profesional, sobre todo en lo relativo a una mejor formación en competencias digitales, y también reclama un aumento de los recursos disponibles en los centros docentes.
Un modelo de formación para desarrollar el emprendimiento social
Authors: Villa Sánchez Aurelio , Arias Guzmán Manuel de Jesús , Peña-Lang María Begoña
Published: January 2021

Los objetivos de este trabajo de investigación son presentar y validar un modelo de formación de emprendimiento social basado en competencias que se consideran clave para un buen desempeño de los emprendedores sociales. Se realizó un estudio empírico en una muestra de 103 emprendedores en Galicia (España), con una distribución relativamente similar entre hombres (57%) y mujeres (43%) en un ámbito donde predominaban los hombres. El estudio se basa en el análisis de un total de veinte competencias. Las veinte capacidades estudiadas se distribuyen siguiendo la tipología de capacidades transversales divididas en tres tipos: competencias instrumentales; competencias interpersonales, clasificadas en dos grupos (habilidades intrapersonales y habilidades interpersonales), y competencias sistémicas. Se llevaron a cabo cinco análisis factoriales exploratorios en relación con la clasificación del modelo de competencias diseñado. Las cinco dimensiones obtienen índices de fiabilidad de θ de Armor muy aceptables. El instrumento utilizado fue un cuestionario de autopercepción que recogía las veinte competencias que configuran el modelo de emprendimiento social planteado. Los resultados de los análisis factoriales confirman las cinco dimensiones clave planteadas en el modelo teórico: personal, interpersonal, técnica, organizativa y del entorno social.
Evaluación del ajuste entre las competencias académicas y las profesionales de los titulados del grado de Diseño Gráfico: hacia un dispositivo de diagnóstico
Authors: Massaguer Busqueta Lluc , Tejada Fernández José
Published: January 2021

El análisis del ajuste entre los estudios realizados y la ocupación del egresado permite conocer hasta qué punto el ámbito profesional demanda las competencias alcanzadas. En este marco nos planteamos como objetivo verificar la correspondencia entre las competencias del plan de estudios de Diseño Gráfico y la demanda competencial de la profesión. La investigación ha seguido básicamente el método Delphi modificado y ha realizado dos rondas de aplicación sucesivas. La muestra la constituyen egresados (n = 26), profesionales empleadores (n = 19) y académicos (n = 19), siendo el cuestionario y el focus group los instrumentos diseñados y validados ad hoc que integran las competencias transversales y específicas del perfil profesional. Las conclusiones apuntan a un alto consenso, en particular entre egresados y empleadores, respecto de qué competencias son necesarias para la formación de los diseñadores. Además, se ha podido verificar la necesidad de establecer un dispositivo de diagnóstico para ajustar las competencias académicas a las competencias profesionales.
Integrating Digital Competence in Higher Education Curricula: An Institutional Analysis
Authors: Sánchez-Caballé Anna , Gisbert-Cervera Mercè , Esteve-Món Francesc
Published: January 2021

Digital competence is key for students in the 21st century. The present study analyses the extent to which digital competence has been integrated at a Catalan university with 11,362 undergraduate students. To obtain the data, we: (1) analysed the digital competence content in the curricula of 40 bachelor’s degrees; and (2) had the results checked by an 11-expert focus group. We found that the more technical degrees have the most integrated indicators of technological literacy while the other knowledge areas have a higher level of information literacy. Educational institutions therefore need to help students develop this competence which is so necessary for 21st-century students. This study reports interesting results on the presence of digital competence in the curricula of an entire institution and can be useful for improving the institution as a whole and the curricula.
CO2 laser spot welding of thin sheets
AISI 321 austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Shehab A.A. , Nawi S.A. , Al-Rubaiy A. AAG , Hammoudi Z. , Hafedh S.A. , Abass M.H. , Alali M.S. , Ali S.D.
Published: January 2021

Purpose: The present work aims to investigate the influence of CO2 laser spot welding
(LSW) parameters on welding profile and mechanical properties of lap joint of AISI 321 thin
sheet metals, and analyze the welding profile numerically by finite element (FE) method.
Design/methodology/approach: The weld carried out using 150 W CO2 continues
wave laser system. The impact of exposure time and laser power on the welding profile
was investigated using an optical microscope. Microhardness and tensile strength tests
were used to evaluate the mechanical properties of the joint. Ansys software was utilized to
simulate the welding profile numerically.
Findings: The results revealed that 2 s exposure time and 50 W power have led to uniform
welding profile and highest shear force (340 N), lower hardness gradient across the heat
affected zone (HAZ) and fusion zone (FZ). Finite element (FE) analysis of the welding profile
showed good agreement with experimental analysis.
Research limitations/implications: The selection of laser spot welding parameters for
thin sheet metal was critical due to the probability of metal vaporisation with extra heat input
during welding.
Practical implications: Laser welding of AISI 321 steel is used in multiple industrial
sectors such as power plants, petroleum refinement stations, pharmaceutical industry, and
households. Thus, selecting the best welding parameters ensures high-quality joint.
Originality/value: The use of CO2 laser in continuous wave (CW) mode instead of pulse
mode for spot welding of thin sheet metal of AISI 321 austenitic stainless steel consider a
real challenge because of the difficulty of control the heat input via proper selection of the
welding parameters in order to not burn the processed target. Besides, the maintenance is
easier and operation cost is lower in continuous CO2 than pulse mode.
Die Geburt des Geoengineerings
Authors: Meiske Martin
Published: January 2021

Über die Beherrschbarkeit der Natur und bauliche Großprojekte als Lernorte des Menschen - Martin Meiske erzählt die Geschichte von Hoffnungen und Scheitern.

Visionen zur Erdgestaltung sind weit älter als deren Umsetzung. Doch erst seit den 1850er Jahren wurden im Rahmen von immer größeren Bauprojekten jahrmillionenalte natürliche Formationen durchstochen und grundlegend umgeformt. Hier schlägt die Geburtsstunde des Geoengineerings, das seinen Ausdruck in spektakulären Eisenbahntunneln, in Ozeane verbindenden Meereskanälen und monumentalen Staudämmen findet. In dieser Zeit beginnt sich der Mensch zu einem der wichtigsten Einflussfaktoren auf die biogeochemischen Stoffkreisläufe der Erde zu entwickeln und es kündigt sich eine neue geochronologische Epoche an, das Anthropozän. Die damit verbundenen Hoffnungen auf Beherrschbarkeit der Natur z. B. zwecks billiger Energiegewinnung erfüllten sich nicht immer. Manches Infrastrukturprojekt endete tragisch, Menschen und Ökosysteme in den betroffenen Regionen kämpften über Generationen hinweg mit den Folgen dieser Großbauten. Vor diesem Hintergrund ist die heute zumindest teilweise zögerliche Haltung zu verstehen, größere Eingriffe in die Erdsysteme etwa durch das Climate Engineering, vorzunehmen. Martin Meiske widmet sich anhand von Beispielen wie dem Mont-Cenis-Tunnel oder dem Panamakanal der Historisierung des Geoengineerings und rekonstruiert die damit verbundenen Voraussetzungen, Auswirkungen und Wahrnehmungen.
Thermodynamics of Perovskite: Solid, Liquid, and Gas Phases
Authors: Shornikov Sergey
Published: January 2021

The present work is devoted to the review of experimental data on thermodynamic properties of perovskite in the condensed state, as well as the gas phase components over perovskite and its melts at high temperatures.
Wind Power Forecasting
Authors: Saroha Sumit , Kumar Aggarwal Sanjeev , Rana Preeti
Published: January 2021

The wind power generation depends on wind speed and its derivatives like: wind speed and direction. With consideration of stochastic nature of wind power, this work addresses three main issues: first, it discusses the state of art of energy forecasting with emphasis on wind power forecasting. It provides an overview of different variables on which wind power generation depends and explains various key features regarding the design framework of forecasting models. Second, it performs an assessment, detailed comparison and evaluation of the forecasting performance of various types of models; and third, evaluates the uncertainty of expected outcomes with the help of probabilistic measures.
Population characteristics of cephalolichen Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. at the northern limit of its range (Northwest Russia, Republic of Karelia)
Authors: Ignatenko Roman Viktorovich , Tarasova Victoria Nikolaevna
Published: January 2021

The populations of Lobaria pulmonaria and their characteristics were studied at the northern limit of its range in the Republic of Karelia (Northwest Russia). The study was carried out in northernmost boreal zone on 8 permanent 100 × 100 m sample plots with last disturbance 180–270 years ago. It was found that in the north of the region, the number of substrate units on which lichen grows decreases with an increase of the time since last disturbance from 25 to 11 per ha. In the ontogenetic spectrum (excluding juvenile and immature thalli), virginal thalli prevailed. The proportion of generative thalli in forests in the mid-succession stages (mixed spruce-birch forests) was 2%, and they were absent at later stages (in preclimax spruce forests). In the studied forests, the main substrate of Lobaria pulmonaria was the trunks of living Populus tremula and Salix caprea. With an increase in the diameter and area of the trunk of Populus tremula, the number of thalli increased, and their average area decreased. An important role for Lobaria pulmonaria was played by the individual characteristics of the tree trunk, such as the height above ground, exposure, angle of inclination. The optimal conditions for the growth and development of this species were formed on the aspen trunks. Due to the collecting shape of crown and its wide radius, a large amount of precipitation flowed down the trunk during rain. Moreover, due to the wide and dense crown, the trunks were wet longer than other tree species. Comparison of the obtained data with similar studies done in the subzone of the middle taiga showed that at the limit of the range, the number of substrate units colonized by Lobaria pulmonaria and the number of thalli was smaller than in the south of Karelia. The share of generative thalli in the ontogenetic spectrum of species populations in forest communities of the north taiga subzone was 3 times smaller than in the middle taiga forests.
Why Pacifist Leadership Overcomes the Over-Demandingness Objection
Authors: Abal Federico Germán ,   Eastern Illinois University
Published: January 2021

Being a pacifist who refrains from lethal violence is considered a praiseworthy commitment but not morally obligatory. One reason for denying that pacifism is morally obligatory is the high cost that would be implied for agents under attack, who cannot defend their own lives. Thus, pacifists are usually seen as lambs between lions and, therefore, pacifism is seen as morally over-demanding. In this paper, I intend to clarify the over-demandingness objection and to show its limits against pacifism. First, I argue that the cost of an act is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition to determine its obligatory nature. Second, arguing from an analogy to Batman, I maintain that there is a plausible moral obligation to never use lethal violence against another human being that arises from adopting a specific social role, namely, the leadership of a pacifist movement.
In Search of the Lost Real
Authors: Badiou Alain , Ling Alex ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: January 2021

The real invariably functions today as a means of intimidation and constraint. That we consistently fail to overcome this static conception stems from the fact that we do not know what the real actually is, nor do we know how to access it. To address this shortcoming, Badiou looks first to the well-known story of the death of Molière to show how all access to the real necessarily entails division—not only a division of the real from semblance, but also a division of the real itself. Staying with theatre, Badiou then turns his attention to Pirandello to pursue the idea that, since the real is always manifested within semblance, its exposure demands not simply that its “mask must be torn off as semblance,” but moreover that “the mask itself demands that it be taken as real.” Applying these principles to our present situation, Badiou proceeds to isolate the contemporary semblance of real capitalism—the crucial mask that needs to be torn off today—as nothing other than democracy itself, noting that, as with all access to the real, its division will necessarily entail a measure of violence.
The Liberal Economics of Michael Polanyi
Authors: Hodgson Geoffrey M. ,   The Polanyi Society
Published: January 2021

Two reviewers summarize and analyze Gábor Bíró’s book, The Economic Thought of Michael Polanyi. The author then responds to each.
Agreement in Pathologic Interpretation of Liver Biopsy Specimens in Posttransplant Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Boparai Navdeep , Gramlich Terry , Goldblum John , George Peggy , Mayes James
Published: January 2021

Hepatitis C virus–related disease is rapidly becoming the most common indication for orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) in the United States. Although post-OLT hepatitis C viremia is universal, 40% to 60% of patients develop recurrent chronic hepatitis C. Distinguishing recurrent chronic hepatitis C infection from acute rejection may be difficult because of overlapping histopathologic features. To improve our diagnostic accuracy we undertook a study to determine interobserver and intraobserver agreement between pathologists examining post-OLT liver biopsy specimens in patients from our transplant database. Clinical data and microscopic sections from 26 patients with hepatitis C virus–related OLT were reviewed. Biopsy specimens were obtained because of abnormal liver enzymes (21/26) or routine post-OLT follow-up (5/26), representing both early (18 ± 11 days) and late (252 ± 206 days) post-OLT periods. Unidentified sections were examined by an experienced pathologist in a randomly assigned order and reexamined 6 weeks later in the same fashion by the initial reviewer and a second experienced pathologist. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement was calculated using κ statistic. The intraobserver agreement was 81% with a κ coefficient of 0.67 (P = .001). The interobserver agreement was 78% with a κ coefficient of 0.60 (P < .001). The early post-OLT biopsy specimens (18 ± 11 days) were the most difficult to interpret.
Intrapericardial Yolk Sac Tumor Associated With Acute Myocarditis
Authors: Sicari Marie C. , Fyfe Billie , Parness Ira , Rossi Anthony , Unger Pamela
Published: January 2021

An occult intrapericardial yolk sac tumor occurred in a 3-year-old girl with a fatal outcome. At autopsy, a 5.5-cm mass surrounded the base of the heart and compressed the left atrium posteriorly. Histologically, the tumor was a pure yolk sac tumor. Postmortem chemical analyses of the blood revealed an α-fetoprotein level greater than 7000 μg/L. Acute myocarditis of both ventricles was also found.
Recommended Policies for Uses of Human Tissue in Research, Education, and Quality Control
Authors: Grizzle William , Grody Wayne W. , Noll Walter W. , Sobel Mark E. , Stass Sanford A. , Trainer Thomas , Travers Henry , Weedn Victor
Published: January 2021

As recipients of tissue and medical specimens, pathologists and other medical specialists regard themselves as stewards of patient tissues and consider it their duty to protect the best interests of both the individual patient and the public. The stewardship of slides, blocks, and other materials includes providing, under appropriate circumstances, patient materials for research, education, and quality control. The decision to provide human tissue for such purposes should be based on the specific (ie, direct patient care) and general (ie, furthering medical knowledge) interests of the patient and of society. The same standards of responsibility should apply to all medical professionals who receive and use specimens. This document proposes specific recommendations whereby both interests can be fostered safely, ethically, and reasonably.
Reference Standardization and Analytical Performance of a Liquid Homogeneous High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Method Compared With Chemical Precipitation Method
Authors: Halloran Paul , Roetering Hinke , Pisani Thomas , van den Berg Bea , Cobbaert Christa
Published: January 2021

Background.—The use of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels as a risk factor for coronary heart disease necessitates an accurate and precise method for measuring HDL-C. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HDL-C reference method (RM) and designated comparison method (DCM) are time-consuming, expensive, and impractical for routine clinical use. We evaluated the Liquid N-geneous (LN-gen) HDL-C assay (Genzyme Diagnostics, Cambridge, Mass) to determine if this homogeneous reagent meets the National Cholesterol Education Program requirements for HDL-C evaluation.

Design.—Accuracy of the LN-gen HDL-C assay was compared in combination with phosphotungstic acid (PTA) precipitation with DCM HDL-C for normotriglyceridemic serum specimens (triglycerides <2.0 g/L) and with RM HDL-C for specimens with triglycerides levels ≥2.0 g/L.

Setting.—Genzyme Diagnostics (with RM and DCM assayed by Pacific BioMetrics Inc, Seattle, Wash) and the Lipid Reference Laboratory of the University Hospital Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Results.—Linear regression to DCM (n = 90) was (LN-gen = 1.015 DCM + 0.01 g/L, r = 0.993, SE = 0.015 g/L) and (PTA = 1.004 DCM − 0.017 g/L, r = 0.980, SE = 0.025 g/L), with a mean percent bias to DCM of 3.3% and −2.8% for LN-gen and PTA, respectively. The comparison with RM (n = 69) showed an increased mean bias for PTA (−5.8%) as compared with LN-gen (1.5%). The correlation and regression equations were (LN-gen = 1.020 RM − 0.002 g/L, r = 0.985, SE = 0.017 g/L) and (PTA = 1.042 RM − 0.032 g/L, r = 0.984, SE = 0.018 g/L). The precision of LN-gen was confirmed at <2.1% coefficient of variation, and the total error was calculated to be ≤7.7% for both normotriglyceride and elevated triglyceride specimens at HDL-C decision points of 0.35 g/L and 0.60 g/L.

Conclusions.—The LN-gen HDL-C assay offers a cost-effective convenient method for meeting the 1998 precision, bias, and total error recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program.
Sarcomatoid Collecting Duct Carcinoma
Authors: Fukunaga Masaharu
Published: January 2021

Background.—Collecting duct carcinoma has recently been recognized as a distinct entity among renal cell carcinomas and shows aggressive clinical behavior.

Design.—A fatal case of collecting duct carcinoma with sarcomatoid features in an 80-year-old man is described, and the results of immunohistochemistry and flow cytometric analysis are presented.

Results.—The tumor, which was white and had infiltrating margins in the cortex and medulla, consisted of adenocarcinomatous and sarcomatous components. The adenocarcinomatous component was characterized by tubular arrangement of atypical cells with high-grade nuclear features and desmoplastic stroma. The sarcomatous component had a malignant fibrous histocytoma-like appearance. The tumor cells in the adenocarcinomatous area were positive for cytokeratin 19, Ulex europaeus agglutinin I, peanut agglutinin, and soybean agglutinin. The tumor was DNA diploid. The patient died of disease 3 months after diagnosis.

Conclusion.—This study suggests that sarcomatoid collecting duct carcinoma may be one of the most aggressive tumors of the kidney.
The Antigenic Heterogeneity of the Bile DuctEpithelium in Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Chedid Antonio , Mendenhall Charles L. , Moritz Thomas E.
Published: January 2021

The chronic alcoholic patient is usually immunosuppressed, but the significance of this phenomenon in terms of bile duct injury is unclear. The immunoreactivity of the bile duct cells was examined in a series of 69 frozen liver biopsy specimens obtained from patients with alcoholic liver disease, comprising 29 cases of cirrhosis, 26 of alcoholic hepatitis, 10 cases of alcoholic fatty liver, and 4 specimens from normal livers. Liver diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis and human hepatic allograft rejection, known to have an autoimmune basis, share the characteristic feature of damage to the bile duct epithelial cells. In both instances the damage seems to be immune mediated, but the nature of the antigens involved is not established. We used the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method to test in alcoholic liver disease for the expression of a battery of surface antigen markers that have been incriminated in tissue injury and are usually present in lymphoid cells but also expressed by epithelium. In this study we investigated the expression of the following molecules: HLA class I (ABC) and class II (HLA-DR, HLA-DP, HLA-DQ), CD29, CD45RA, CD45RO, CD56, interleukin 1 (IL-I), IL-2, IL-4, interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor β, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). The bile duct epithelial cells strongly expressed HLA-ABC in all cases, CD56 in 47 of 55, IL-4 in 15 of 41, TGF-β1 in 14 of 25, and CD29 in 4 of 25 cases. The other markers including IFN-γ, HLA-DR, HLA-DP, and HLA-DQ were not expressed by bile duct cells. The expression of HLA class I agrees with previous observations while the absence of class II expression does not. The expression by the bile duct epithelium of CD56 confirms our own previous report. A new observation is the finding of molecules such as IL-4, TGF-β1, and CD29 strongly expressed in the bile ducts cells. The presence of these molecules, taken together with the lack of IFN-γ expression, contradicts previous speculations that attributed to IFN-γ a role in the induction of major histocompatibility antigens and adhesion molecules in immune-mediated alcoholic liver disease.
Metanephric Adenoma–like Tumors of the Kidney: Report of 3 Malignancies With Emphasis on Discriminating Features
Authors: Pins Michael R. , Jones Edward C. , Martul E. Vazquez , Kamat Brinda R. , Umlas Joel , Renshaw Andrew A.
Published: January 2021

Background.—Metanephric adenoma is a very rare benign renal tumor; only 80 well-documented cases have been reported to date. We have seen several renal tumors that were originally incorrectly diagnosed as metanephric adenoma.

Design.—We present 3 unusual renal tumors (2 primary and 1 metastatic), each of which illustrates important pathologic features useful in discriminating metanephric adenoma from malignant mimics.

Results.—Case 1 involved a 46-year-old man with multiple small, cortical, solid, papillary (chromophil) renal cell carcinomas in his right kidney; the patient developed multiple, histologically identical, solid, papillary (chromophil) carcinomas in the opposite kidney 17 months later. Case 2 involved a 32-year-old woman with a 14-cm right renal tumor who developed soft tissue and bone metastases over a 17-year period. Case 3 involved a 52-year-old woman who presented with a 1.8-cm corticomedullary renal nodule, which eventually proved to represent a metastasis from a poorly differentiated (insular) carcinoma of the thyroid. All 3 tumors superficially resembled metanephric adenoma and consisted of primitive, dark-staining cells arranged in tubules or sheets. Each tumor, however, also had features inconsistent with the diagnosis of metanephric adenoma, including multifocal lesions with a variable nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio and diffuse cytokeratin 7 and epithelial membrane antigen immunopositivity in case 1, a 14-cm-diameter tumor with occasional mitoses in case 2, and a distinct fibrous capsule with capsular and vascular invasion in case 3. In addition, all 3 tumors lacked the cytologic features of bland overlapping nuclei with imperceptible cytoplasm consistently seen in metanephric adenoma.

Conclusion.—Adherence to strict histopathologic criteria will discourage misdiagnosis of a malignant or potentially malignant renal neoplasm as the rare and always benign metanephric adenoma.
Biliary Lymphoepithelioma-like Carcinoma Not Associated With Epstein-Barr Virus
Authors: Kim Young-Bae , Park Young-Nyun , Han Jee-Young , Hong Ki-Chun , Hwang Tae-Sook
Published: January 2021

We report the case of a 64-year-old man who presented with a hepatic mass and macronodular cirrhosis. The pathologic findings revealed a lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma arising in the hepatobiliary tract that was morphologically identical to nasopharyngeal undifferentiated carcinoma. However, this tumor was not associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection in molecular studies. Macronodular cirrhosis associated with hepatitis C virus was present in the background liver.