bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommendations for the selection of parameters for shunting locomotives
Authors: Kuznetsov Valeriy , Lyubarskyi Borys , Kardas-Cinal Ewa , Yeritsyan Bagish , Riabov Ievgen , Rubanik Ivan
Published: December 2020

Shunting is an integral part of the partial process. In 1520 mm gauge countries, shunting operations are performed by outdated locomotives, which are being replaced by modern models; the technical parameters best match the conditions of the shunting work performed.
The article analyzes recommendations for the selection of parameters of shunting locomotives and the actual indicators of their work. On the basis of this analysis, a requirement was made on the necessity of compulsory consideration of the operating conditions of the locomotive when determining its technical characteristics.
As the main technical parameters of shunting locomotives, the tractive power and starting tractive force are taken and their influence on the duration of an elementary shunting movement of the "acceleration-deceleration" type is investigated. This approach advises the regulatory documentation for the organization of shunting work.
Tha developed mathematical model allows to carry out research on the influence of tractive power and starting tractive force on the time of acceleration and deceleration. Calculations of the time of the train's acceleration are carried out with varying their mass and the slope of the track at different values of the tractive power starting tractive force. The calculations were carried out for the mass of compositions 1000...5000 Mg for the profile slopes equal to 0 and 1.5 ‰. The speed of the finish of acceleration was taken equal to 15 and 25 km/h. The thrust starting tractive force varied in the range of 150...300 kN, the tractive power - 200 ... 1100 kW.
According to the results of calculations, it was found that the reduction in the duration of the elementary shunting movement is more significantly affected by the power of the locomotive than by the starting traction force. The “saturation” effect was noted, in which a significant increase in power or traction force during starting does not cause a significant reduction in the acceleration time. In this regard, for shunting locomotives with AC traction drive, it is recommended to take a pulling force of an equal continuous traction force.
David’s Escape From Absalom
Authors: Lane Richard ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

This essay examines the concept of randomness in the Bible and explores comparisons with quantum physics. There is obvious tension in linking these two fields. But there are also similarities concerning the quantum notion of the “arrow of time” and the Biblical arrow which caused the death of Ahab in 1 Kings 22. Randomness and death may also be linked. The main focus of the essay concerns the escape of King David from Absalom as recorded in 2 Samuel 15-17. The non-random selection of Ahithophel, who sided with Absalom against David, is juxtaposed with his suicide and an apparently random well which is vital for David’s survival. The description of the escape, along with a significant translation problem, and concepts associated with quantum physics are used to help explain what occurred. The conclusion highlights how quantum physics and the Bible overlap on the subject of consciousness, and shows the importance of knowledge for defining randomness.
Probability, Fine-Tuning and the Mind’s Road to Providence
Authors: Lundberg Bruce N. ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

This essay relates probability, fine-tuning, Providence, and the contingency of beings. It considers how perceptions of fine-tuning in the laws of physics are deployed using probabilities in multiverse and fine-tuning arguments regarding the coming into being of the universe. These arguments lack the probabilistic resources to quantitatively sharpen or blunt such perceptions. Yet the philosophical facts behind fine-tuning--the universe’s being, complexity, contingency, order, and intelligibility open to human minds--may reflect the dependence of what is seen on Providence. Randomness, probability, and mathematics in general cannot create, but presume a backdrop of order and actuated possibilities. Providence, guiding beings to good ends, is beyond the competence of science to detect and establish. Yet it may be recognized, in part, by practical and philosophic reflections on the being, behavior, and minds of self and others. The mind’s road to Providence may be explored from the facts of fine-tuning.
Chance, Divine Action and the Natural Order of Things
Authors: Giberson Karl W. ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

Most people believe that everything happens for a reason. Whether it is “God’s will,” “karma” or “fate,” we want to believe that an overarching purpose undergirds everything, that nothing in the world--especially a disaster or tragedy--is a random, meaningless event. This dilemma presents itself provocatively in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution that, in the conventional scientific understanding, is driven by random chance. Reconciling chance and divine purpose poses challenges to the Judeo-Christian tradition. But the Hebrew Scriptures, in the ancient and powerful story of Job, reveal that questions of purpose and order have long been a part of the conversation. Although the Bible generally affirms that God blesses the righteous in an orderly way, the story of Job is a powerful counterexample to this orderly scheme. The achingly beautiful but tragic story of Job, in concert with the modern quantum picture of the world, push back against the idea that “everything happens for a reason.”
Science, Divine Providence and Human Choice
Authors: Grandy David ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

We often suppose that science forces our hand when it comes to theological options. Thus, in the twentieth century, some argued that Darwinian biology rules out the possibility of a loving, caring God, and that quantum mechanics, by disclosing the intrinsic chanciness of nature, problematizes the traditional Christian belief of God’s providential involvement in our lives. Yet science underdetermines religious belief--the so-called scientific evidence is insufficient to rule out belief in divine providence. If we choose not to believe in such, we choose freely, not because science constrains us. If anything, the choice not to believe precedes scientific judgment, not the other way around. To illustrate this thesis, one may compare the religious world-views of Charles Darwin and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. The striking difference between the two is not the result of scientific discovery, but rather a shift in Western culture regarding the propriety of letting God figure into scientific explanations of nature.
Culture and Knowledge of Reality
Authors: Pontynen Arthur ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

This essay addresses the problem of the decline of interest in the Liberal and Fine Arts, and the humanities, East and West, accompanied by a reductionist understanding of reality and life. That reductionism results in a trivialization and brutalization of culture. The essay considers three prominent modes of understanding: Scientism, Relationalism, and Wisdom-seeking. A scientistic relationalism is anti-intellectual and anti-cultural. In contrast, a Wisdom-seeking relationalism affirms human dignity, and is grounded in a qualitative ontology necessary to an intellectual and moral life. The historical turning-point in the West in which the intellectual and practical pursuit of Wisdom was replaced by a scientistic relationalism is personified by the contrasts between St. Anselm of Canterbury and Peter Abelard.
Integrative description of Mesobiotus anastasiae sp. nov. (Eutardigrada, Macrobiotoidea) and first record of Lobohalacarus (Chelicerata, Trombidiformes) from the Republic of South Africa
Authors: Tumanov Denis V.
Published: December 2020

A new species of the genus Mesobiotus is described from the Republic of South Africa using a traditional morphological approach (light and scanning electron microscopy) combined with molecular analysis (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2 and COI markers). Mesobiotus anastasiae sp. nov. differs from all known Mesobiotus species by having a unique combination of characters of the adult animals and the eggs. Adults of the new species have an oral cavity armature without elongate teeth in the second band, while the processes of the egg chorion have a basal collar and distinct rows of large pores. An updated key to the species of the genus Mesobiotus, including 66 of 70 currently described species, is given. An aquatic mite species from the Lobohalacarus weberi complex (freshwater Halacaridae) co-occurs with M. anastasiae sp. nov., suggesting that the newly described tardigrade inhabits constantly wet moss cushion habitats.
Classification of a Funerary Model
Authors: Baker Georgia
Published: December 2020

The three-dimensional funerary models housed in burial chambers of the late Old Kingdom to the end of the Middle Kingdom display a number of similarities with the so-called scenes of daily life on tomb-chapel walls. A comparison of the two media can help to classify otherwise unidentifiable artworks. One such model, housed in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, displays many parallels with scenes depicting the theme of the rendering of accounts. This article examines these similarities in order to determine if the model should rightly be understood as a representation of this theme.
An Unpublished Stela of Nedjesankh/Iew and His Family (CG 20394/JE 15107)
Authors: Joseph Amgad
Published: December 2020

This article is the publication of a stela from Abydos that will be exhibited in the Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza (CG 20394/JE 15108). The stela can be dated to early in the first part of the Thirteenth Dynasty, probably in the reign of King Ameny-Qemau, on the grounds of its stylistic, phraseological, iconographic, and epigraphic details. It is the only monument that records the names of Queen Nofret, who may have been the wife of Ameny-Qemau and their daughter Princess Hatshepsut. It documents the marriage between Hatshepsut and the stela’s owner, the 'tw n tt ha', Commander of the [Ruler’s] Crew, Nedjesankh/Iew. It also depicts their children, and the children of another woman called Nebuemwakh who may have been a secondary wife of Nedjesankh/Iew. The author describes the stela, deals with its individual idiosyncrasies, texts, and focuses on the genealogy of its individuals.
Whose Error Anyway? Epigraphic and Orthographic Variation in a Book of the Earth as Evidence for Multiple Master Documents in the Sarcophagus Chamber of Ramesses VI
Authors: Roberson Joshua Aaron
Published: December 2020

This article considers instances of variation among determinatives within the so-called “Book of the Earth,” as attested in the burial chamber of Ramesses VI. Variants that appear to occur as deliberate contrivances of the ancient authors are distinguished from those that might have arisen as a result of scribal error. The occurrence of variants with thematic or mythological significance and their clustering within the three dimensional space of the burial chamber are then evaluated as evidence for the use of master document(s), which have otherwise been lost, in the execution of the monument’s decorative program.
Antidotes and Counter-Poisons in the Ancient World: Onions (hdw) (Allium cepa L.) in Egypt, the Preferred Antitoxic for Snake Bites
Authors: Rosso Ana María
Published: December 2020

Modern toxicology focuses on studying adverse effects of poisons and chemical exposures but understanding the toxicity and risks developing antidotes and counter-poisons has taken science a long time. The lack of a proper theory in antiquity to treat poisoned patients didn’t allow for the improvement in diagnosis and treatment. However, in Papyrus Brooklyn 47.2180 dated to the fourth century bc, ancient Egyptians classified local snakes, poisonous symptoms, diagnosis, and simple treatments with drugs and magical incantations, ignoring the effectiveness of remedies and their potential side effects. To solve the problem and protect themselves, people first tried to observe animal behavior and the reactions to different substances ingested. Ancient medicine found certain alexipharmic therapy or antidotes to reverse lethal intoxication based on two axioms: similia similibus, studying the tolerance of a poison and the dose, as with the modern theory of immunity, and contraria contraris, using substances with contrary properties, as in the case of antibiotics. This allowed the development of pharmacology, because “For the Egyptians, poisons are substances that may be offset by antidotes or substances with opposite properties.” An extremely common food, the Egyptian species of onion Allium cepa L., seemed to be the preferred alexipharmic to repel snake venom. Its characteristic smell comes from a volatile and fragrant sulphide gas and, through recent chemical research, scientists have reported its antibiotic properties, since it contains allium, transformed in allicin, the key ingredient responsible for its broad-spectrum and anti-bacterial activity. Useful for all kinds of treatment in the Egyptian pharmacopoeia, its defensive power also became known abroad.
Petrification and Portability: Monks as Statues in Late Antique Egypt
Authors: Frank Georgia
Published: December 2020

This essay considers how ascetics in Late Antiquity were perceived to be statue-like and how they functioned as statues in the ritual lives of the communities that surrounded them. Saints’ lives from Egypt, Asia Minor, and Syria describe ascetics whose statue-like immobility played a role in the Christianization of the landscape, at a time when some monks committed violence against statues. I focus on examples from Late Antique Egypt, with comparisons drawn from Syriac and Greek hagiography.
Proposed models for genetic counseling: Which quality indicators by Donabedian's model are more feasible?
Authors: Lević Marija , Krajnović Dušanka , Marinković Valentina
Published: December 2020

Genetic counselling is a complex process that helps people to understand and adopt medical, psychological and genetic aspects of the disease and enable them to make an appropriate decision. In this framework, we revisited all the existing models for decision-making and suggested their use in the process of genetic counselling, which may lead to more equitable and more favourable outcomes. Also, Donabedian's (Structure-Process-Outcome) model for the development of key performance indicators was applied to assess the quality in the process of genetic counselling. Quality indicators at SPO model in the process of genetic counselling were proposed. The social, economic and humanistic outcomes have also been identified. All defined quality indicators together represent a framework for monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement of the process of genetic counselling. Although the new medical services of genetic counselling tend to be developed as a powerful multidisciplinary field, the implementation of quality management model will certainly help the development of collaborative practice.
Chronic partial rupture of the Achilles tendon: The Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) tendon transfer: A report of two cases
Authors: Mitrović Mihajlo , Jelača Dražen , Mitrović Ivana
Published: December 2020

Achilles tendon injuries most commonly occur in athletes, but also in the middle-aged population practicing recreational sports. The aetiology of injury and disease of the Achilles tendon has not been completely clarified. While acute injury can be attributed to trauma, research showed that a chronic degenerative process is present in most ruptures. While there are still a lot of dilemmas when it comes to treating acute rupture, chronic rupture and disease are predominantly treated operatively. Many operative procedures can be used when treating chronic Achilles tendon diseases, such as excision of degenerative changes and tendon decompression, reconstruction using fascia lata and VY plastics, tendon transfer (Flexor Hallucis Longus - FHL, Flexor Digitorum Longus - FDL, Peroneus Brevis - PB) and allograft and synthetic graft reconstruction. The objective of the paper was to present the results of treating chronic partial Achilles tendon rupture by scar excision and FHL tendon transposition. The patients were one professional and one recreational athlete, both of whom were treated nonoperatively for a long time. They were both tested using AOFAS and ATRS tests preoperatively and postoperatively. The results showed a significant improvement of function and both patients were able to return to their usual activities. Postoperative results of AOFAS and ATRS tests were almost identical to the result on the uninjured leg. Our little series, as well as a lot of research performed by other authors, shows that an FHL tendon transposition is a safe and efficient method in treating diseases and injuries of the Achilles tendon.
Specificity of application of throughput accounting in JIT business environment
Authors: Stevanović Tatjana , Antić Ljilja , Rastić Amer
Published: December 2020

JIT business system appears as one of the features of the modern dynamic business environment. JIT's production philosophy looks at a complete scheme of business processes, from the procurement of raw materials, through its transformation into components to the finished product that the company places on the market. In doing so, great attention is paid to the control of performance measures such as: time, cost, inventory and quality. Successful management of the company in such conditions requires the collection, measurement, classification, processing and distribution of a mass of diverse information that will be relevant and provide better insight into the strategic and competitive position in the market. In JIT companies, an integrated approach to the use of financial and non-financial information for decision-making is necessary. Changes in the areas of production, management and organization have caused appropriate adjustments in costing systems, in order to effectively and efficiently use all production factors. Consequently, an integrated approach to management accounting, the Throughput Accounting concept, based on the basic principles of Constraint Theory, was adopted. Throughput accounting capabilities in terms of providing information are closely related to short-term decision making and enterprise performance management. In doing so, decisions are made on the basis of throughput per unit of limiting factor. The concept of the paper conceived in this way should contribute to the achievement of the goal related to the research of the impact of the modern business environment on the management of the company and the accounting system, and especially on management accounting.
Relationship between ACR and other determinants of microalbuminuria in T2DM patients
Authors: Mirić Dijana , Kisić Bojana , Puhalo-Sladoje Dragana , Mirić Bratislav , Rašić Dragiša , Dragojević Ilija , Pavlović Dragana
Published: December 2020

Introduction: The occurrence of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients is regarded as an early clinical sign of incipient kidney damage. Microalbuminuria is often evaluated as urinary albumin to urinary creatinine ratio (ACR). Aim: To assess determinants of microalbuminuria in T2DM patients without prior diagnosis of nephropathy using ACR cut-off values. Materials and Methods: ACR was measured in a total of 90 T2DM patients, during two months in three non-consecutive days, and routine biochemical analyses were performed, including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum uric acid (SUA), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). The cut-off values of ACR were ≤ 2.5 mg/mmol in males, and ≤ 3.5 mg/mmol in females. Duration of T2DM, history of hypertension, HbA1c, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), AIP, and SUA were investigated for association with microalbuminuria. Results: According to ACR patients were considered as non-albuminuric (n= 57) and microalbuminuric (n = 33). Compared to non-albuminuric group, microalbuminuric group had increased urinary creatinine, urinary albumin, HbA1c, triglycerides and SUA, whilst decreased HDL-cholesterol levels. Although eGFR was generally reduced, the correlation between LogACR and eGFR was not significant (p > 0.05). However, the correlation between LogACR and LogHbA1c was significant. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed HbA1c (t = 3.42; p = 0.012) and SUA (t = 2.44; p = 0.040) as independent predictors of microalbuminuria in T2DM patients. Conclusion: At ACR cut-off values, concentrations of HbA1c and SUA were independent predictors of microalbuminuria in T2DM patients not yet diagnosed with nephropathy.
Frequency and histological-cytological correlation of premalignant and malignant changes in the cervix in women of different ages
Authors: Mihajlović Dejan , Bukumirić Zoran , Šulović Nenad , Relić Goran , Stanišić Slaviša , Cvetković Saša , Dunjić Momir , Mirković Tanja , Milentijević Milica , Đoković Novica , Stojanović-Tasić Mirjana
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common and accounts for about 6.6% of all cancers in women. Aim: The aim was to determine the frequency of premalignant and malignant changes in the cervix, to examine the histological-cytological correlation of premalignant and malignant changes in the cervix and the correlation of the women's age with the stage of cervical disease. Material and Methods: A retrospective study analyzed 186 cervical biopsy specimens and cervical smears (Papanicolau test) at the Institute of Pathology of the Faculty of Medicine in Pristina, based in Kosovska Mitrovica, over a three-year period from 2016 to 2018. Results: Of the 186 subjects, 62 had mild premalignant changes of type LSIL, 22 HSIL, and as many as 20 (10.75%) cervical cancer. There was a statistically significant positive association between histological and cytological findings (r = 0.854; p <0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the age of the subjects with regard to histological findings (F = 11,327; p <0.001). Subjects with HSIL were significantly older than those diagnosed with cervicitis chronica (p = 0.029). Subjects diagnosed with planocellular carcinoma were significantly older than women with cervicitis chronica (p <0.001) and LSIL (p <0.001). Conclusion: There is an increasing trend of cervical cancer in Northern Kosovo and in the Serbian enclaves in central Kosovo and Metohija. Subjects with cervical cancer were significantly older than subjects with mild premalignant cervical changes. There is a significant histologic-cytological correlation of cervical findings, so we believe that more massive cervical screening, especially in younger women, could reduce the incidence of premalignant and malignant diseases of the cervix.
Postpartal depression and thyroid disorders
Authors: Jandrić-Kočić Marijana
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Postpartum depression negatively affects a woman's quality of life and the development of a relationship with her child, which can have far-reaching consequences on the cognitive, behavioral and emotional development of the child. Etiology includes genetic predisposition, sudden hormonal changes, and sociodemographic factors. Case report: A 28-year-old patient, married, mother of a one-month-old boy. She graduated from the High school of economics, unemployed. She appears in the family medicine clinic due to chronic fatigue and bad mood, at the insistence of her husband, who thinks that she needs professional help. She grew up in a harmonious family. He gets along well with his wife, there are no existential problems. It denies previous illnesses. Neat appearance, inconspicuous posture and behavior, psychomotor diskette slowed down, more sparse spontaneous verbalization, slightly compromised volitional instinctual dynamisms, lowered basic mood. In the laboratory findings, hypothyroidism with elevated thyroid peroxidase antibody and antithyreoglobulin antibodies is detected. The thyroid ultrasound verifies the right lobe of 46x14x15mm, the left lobe of 48x13x12mm, inhomogeneous and easily hypoechoic structure. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale indicates the presence of depression (total score 18). The patient is referred for a consultative examination by a psychiatrist and a nuclear medicine specialist. Psychiatrist indicates the introduction of Sertralin 50 mg tablets (1x1/2 for the first seven days, then 1x1) and Bromasepam tablets 1,5 mg (2x1/2), nuclear specialist Levotiroskin sodium tablets 50 mcg (1x1/2 for 5 days and 1x1 for 2 days). After six months, withdrawal of the symptoms of the disease and exclusion of therapy by a psychiatrist. Conclusion: Autoimmune thyroid disease is a significant and often unrecognized cause of postpartum depression. Early detection and timely therapeutic intervention of these have a significant role in the prevention and successful treatment of postpartum depression.
Crisis risk in the 21st century and their impact on the banking sector
Authors: Vesić Tamara , Petronijević Jovan , Ravić Nenad
Published: December 2020

Just over a decade after the outbreak of the global economic crisis in 2008, the world is once again facing a global crisis caused by the Covid-19 virus pandemic. The paper compares the effects of the crisis on the banking sector with special reference to the measures of the National Bank of Serbia that were implemented in order to preserve financial stability in the Republic of Serbia. It was concluded that the Serbian banking sector has consistently submitted to the moratorium introduced by the NBS, most likely as a consequence of high liquidity and capital adequacy in previous periods. On the other hand, due to the corona virus pandemic, many factories have stopped producing gold, the transport of goods is functioning slowly, which has led to a shortage of gold, so it is almost impossible to buy a gold ducat or gold bar in Europe. As a result, the jump in demand consequently affected the increase in the value of gold. Although bankers quickly adapted to work from home and electronic delivery of services to end users, what is a fact is that in the future we will certainly face new financial shocks, so one of the goals of the work is to create foundations and recommendations for further business research in risky situations.
Social networks as a segment of digital marketing in banking
Authors: Milić Nevena
Published: December 2020

The accelerated development of information and communication technologies has led to a change in the way the banking sector operates. If a comparison is made between a traditional and modern banking, it can be clearly seen that new technologies have helped banks to develop and offer their customers new products and services, as well as to perform their marketing activities in a cheaper and more efficient way. The globalization of the financial market, the development of new technologies, as well as the growth of customer requirements are the causes of increasing competition in the banking market. In order to survive in the market and cope with the challenges of the modern age, banks are increasingly focusing on marketing, which is becoming the main weapon. Digital communication channels such as social networks, Web banners, blogs, display ads allow banks to place their products and services to customers in the best possible ways. The research conducted in this paper aims to indicate the impact of the use of digital communication channels on the profitability of the bank, and on the other hand to point out all the benefits of bank customers who use modern methods of advertising. The research methodology is based on a review of the literature. The subject of the research are the ways in which banks use digital communication channels, with special reference to social networks, which are the most represented communication channels in the banking market in the Republic of Serbia.
Mismatch effect on fatigue crack propagation limit curves of S690QL, S960QL and S960TM type base materials and their gas metal arc welded joints
Authors: Lukácsa János , Mobarkb Haidar
Published: December 2020

Nowadays, one of the basic trends in the industry is the environmental impact reduction, in other words the weight decreasing of structural elements and structures, which can be approached by applying different high strength steels. In case of different steel structures, the main manufacturing and joining technology is the welding, the conventional and advanced methods of fusion and pressure welding processes. Beside the weight decreasing, the reliability and safety requirements according to steel structures have significant grown. During the welding process, the welded parts are affected with heat-effect and mechanical loads, which result in inhomogeneous welded joint. The inhomogeneity of the welded joints appears both in microstructural (local) and in geometrical (both local and global) aspects. The changes in microstructure and geometry appear in deflections (basically acceptable), or rather in failures (basically unacceptable); and these influence both the behaviour and the loadability of welded joints. Discontinuities in base materials and their welded joints have especially high danger in case of cyclic loading conditions, which are typical for different structures and structural elements (e.g. bridges, vehicles). There are different standards and prescriptions containing fatigue crack propagation limit curves and rules for the prediction of the crack growth; simple and two-stage crack growth relationships can be found in the literature, most frequently based on the Paris-Erdogan law. The paper summarizes and presents the results according to our fatigue crack growth investigations on Weldox 700E and Weldox 960E quenched and tempered (Q+T) and on Alform 960M thermomechanically treated (TM) high strength steel base materials and their gas metal arc welded joints. The mismatch effect has also been studied; matched, overmatched, undermatched and matched/overmatched (mixed-matched) welded joints were investigated. 15 mm thick plates were used for the investigations, statistical aspects were applied both for presenting the possible crack locations in the real plates, as well as for processing the measured data. Furthermore, the results will be compared with each other, and fatigue crack propagation limit curves will be derived using simple crack growth relationship.
Changes of microstructure and mechanical properties of the HAZ of the S960MC steel sheet weld joint
Authors: Mičian Miloš , Maronek Milan , Konar Radoslav , Harmaniak Daniel , Jambor Mihal , Trško Libor , Wincek Jerzy
Published: December 2020

The TMCP (thermo-mechanically controlled processed) steels belong to the group of ultra-high strength steels, which exhibit exceptional combination of high tensile and yield strength, toughness and ductility. These steels were introduced in the heavy machinery constructions, such as heavy mobile cranes, chassis trucks and other to reduce their weight, what increases their loading capacity and ecology of transport. The high tensile and yield strength of this type of steels is obtained by the combination of the chemical composition, heat treatment and the mechanical processing. However, the heat input into the material during the welding significantly affect properties of the steel and the whole joint. In this paper are presented results of mechanical properties evaluation and structural analysis of the welds of the thin sheets made of the S960MC steel, which were welded using the GMAW procedure. The microstructural evaluation referred significant changes in the HAZ. This area contains the three sub-zones, coarse grain (CGHAZ), fine grain (FGHAZ) and intercritical zone (ICHAZ). Analysis of microhardness and the tensile tests results showed, that ICHAZ is the most critical area of the whole welded joint.
Improving GMAW weld metal and HAZ properties through friction stir processing
Authors: Kumar Gupta , Ravi Raja , Kumar Adarsh , Vashista Meghanshu , Zaheer Khan
Published: December 2020

Steel is one of the most widely used engineering materials and it is popularly welded in fabrication industries using Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process. The microstructure obtained in the heat affected zone is often characterized with large grain size. Depending on the GMAW process parameters, the weld metal may consist of Allotrimorphic ferrite if the heat input is high. Therefore, the weld metal and the heat affected zone may have poor weld metal toughness. Efforts have been made to modify the microstructure of the weld metal by performing friction stir processing. Initially bead on plate welding was performed on mild steel plate using GMAW process using standard 1.2 mm consumable wire and CO2 as the shielding gas. The top surface of the weld was processed using a tungsten carbide tool. The weld reinforcement was removed using milling process and the area to be processed was made smooth before performing FSP. The plate was secured in an FSW machine and friction stir processing was carried out with a FSW tool having pin length of 2 mm. The GMAW weld and the weld that has been subsequently modified using FSP were characterized using standard techniques. The microstructure of the top face showed an improvement from Widmanstätten to fine equiaxed structure after being friction stir processed. The microstructure in the HAZ also got refined. It is expected that this structure would improve the mechanical properties of the weld particularly on the surface.
Svær sjælden komplikation til epididymitis
Authors: Perinpam Larshan , Petersen Poul , Andersson Tommy , Moellekaer Anders
Published: December 2020

Severe rare complication to epididymitisEpididymitis is a common disease in the emergency department, but an abscess as a complication is rare. This case report describes an 82-year-old man, who suffered from a rare and severe complication from epididymitis after prescription of antibiotics. Ultrasound was the key to diagnose the abscess easy and fast in the emergency department. The patients were scheduled for an emergency surgical incision and drainage. He was discharged 14 days later from the hospital without any complications. Epididymal abscesses are an uncommon complication of epididymitis seen in the emergency department. It is a very rare but potentially life-threatening complication to be aware of.
Genre, langue et race : l’expérience d’une triple marginalité dans l’intégration des immigrants francophones originaires de l’Afrique subsaharienne à Toronto, Canada
Authors: Mianda Gertrude
Published: December 2020

Cet article porte sur le rapport qu’entretiennent les immigrants francophones originaires de l’Afrique subsaharienne avec la langue française dans un contexte francophone minoritaire. Il ressort des entrevues réalisées auprès de ces immigrants francophones minorisés que l’accès à l’emploi est un facteur déterminant dans l’importance qu’ils et elles accordent au maintien de la langue française. De même, l’accès à l’emploi constitue un élément essentiel qui influence leur relation à la communauté francophone de l’Ontario, en particulier dans la grande région de Toronto. Les difficultés qu’ils et elles éprouvent à décrocher un emploi en français les amènent à orienter leurs enfants vers les écoles de langue anglaise pour s’assurer qu’ils parlent couramment les deux langues officielles du pays. Ainsi, en maîtrisant l’anglais, les enfants seraient mieux à même de pleinement saisir les opportunités offertes par un marché du travail qui est largement anglophone.
De quelques interprétations de la minoration : postures d’immigrants francophones face aux contacts de langues à Moncton, Nouveau-Brunswick
Authors: Violette Isabelle
Published: December 2020

Cet article traite des diverses interprétations et expériences de la minoration linguistique mises en discours par des immigrants aux origines diverses établis dans la région bilingue de Moncton, au Nouveau-Brunswick. L’objectif est d’examiner comment la condition minoritaire est sollicitée dans leur récit d’intégration et avec quelles conséquences sur leur rapport à la langue française, à la communauté acadienne d’accueil et aux contacts linguistiques intergroupes. L’analyse qualitative propose trois profils types qui mettent en relief l’hétérogénéité des postures sociolinguistiques immigrantes ainsi que des dynamiques relationnelles distinctes à l’égard de la société acadienne.
Politiques des langues, pratiques langagières et parcours d’intégration des immigrants adultes à la communauté francophone minoritaire d’Ottawa
Authors: Jezak Monika
Published: December 2020

L’article présente une étude réalisée à Ottawa auprès d’une cinquantaine d’immigrants adultes récemment arrivés qui fréquentent des cours de français pour l’insertion sociale et professionnelle. D’une part, cette recherche visait à tracer le profil et les pratiques langagières de ces immigrants, leurs attitudes et motivations par rapport à la langue et à la francophonie locale ainsi que leurs contacts réels avec cette communauté. Nous avons recueilli ces données à l’aide d’un questionnaire. D’autre part, nous avons effectué une analyse documentaire des politiques d’intégration aux communautés francophones minoritaires dans le but de mettre en lumière les incidences jumelées des facteurs langagiers et d’actuelles politiques linguistiques sur les trajectoires d’intégration de notre population cible. L’étude permet de conclure sur des divergences entre les résultats escomptés des politiques et la réalité d’intégration dans un environnement linguistiquement complexe.
Trump «quizá» se marche, pero las ‘fake news’ se quedan
Authors: López-Borrull Alexandre
Published: December 2020

Un título alternativo podría haber sido «Epílogo de Trump, cuando la verdad es un plato que se sirve frío», pero dos cosas han hecho que me lo replanteara. En primer lugar, soy plenamente consciente de que el refrán inglés «Revenge is a dish best served cold» se refiere a la venganza, pero pensaba que el juego de palabras me permitiría evidenciar que si alguien se la tenía jurada a Trump era la verdad. Motivos no faltan. Sí, hablamos de verdad como una idea abstracta, lo que tan bien ha descrito Julian Baggini en su muy recomendable Breve historia de la verdad.
Unusual presentation of basilar artery thrombosis
Authors: Algahtani Hussein , Shirah Bader , Abdelghaffar Nawal , Alqahtani Abdulrahman J. , Alshehri Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Strokes in the territory of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) may rarely cause acute confusion or delirium, especially when bilateral or the dominant PCA are involved. Delirium as the only initial presentation of basilar artery thrombosis (with no brainstem or long tract findings) is an extremely rare occurrence. In this article, the clinical presentation of our case was an acute confusion with septic shock-like features (tachycardia, hypotension, and leukocytosis) for a few days without any focal deficit. These symptoms pointed more toward a non-focal neurological cause, especially meningoencephalitis. This case highlights the importance of detailed history and thorough evaluation of high-risk patients who present with an acute devastating neurological syndrome. In addition, knowledge of the atypical presentation of stroke should be acquired, and the limitation of an unenhanced computed tomography scan of the brain without vascular imaging should be known. Investigating patients with a sudden acute confusion should be directed toward the evaluation of the etiology in a stepwise manner. However, the pace of investigations should be fast to establish the diagnosis and optimize the outcome.
Ilegalidad aparente o violación permanente: los derechos de autor y las tecnologías P2P
Authors: León Robayo Édgar Iván , Varela Pezzano Eduardo
Published: December 2020

Durante las dos últimas décadas, el mundo ha sido testigo de cómo la protección jurídica debida a las creaciones del talento humano se encuentra en crisis, dada la expansión global de las telecomunicaciones a través de Internet. La posibilidad de realizar descargas directas de contenidos alojados en discos duros, servidores o, incluso, en la nube, modificó de manera abrupta el comportamiento social, permitiéndole a cualquier internauta obtener canciones, películas, videos o software, entre otros, sin necesidad de reconocer derechos a sus creadores. Millones de dólares en pérdidas dieron lugar a que la industria del entretenimiento buscara solución a este problema por medio de mecanismos de protección jurídica en contra de los usuarios de estos programas, con el objeto de impedir el constante enriquecimiento de los infractores. Lastimosamente, en ocasiones, estas medidas resultaron excesivas y los procedimientos solo han dado lugar a sentimientos de rechazo por parte del público y a una mala prensa. De igual manera se implementaron mecanismos tecnológicos que les permitieran a los autores obtener protección respecto de sus obras. Aunque con la implementación de otras medidas como la puesta en vigencia de normas o la posibilidad de pagar tarifas mínimas para tener acceso a las obras se creyó que los autores encontraban protección, esto realmente no ocurrió. La facilidad en el uso de estos programas permite perpetrar estas conductas de manera gratuita, pues basta simplemente conectar un computador a Internet para alcanzar el objetivo. Esta obra analiza los problemas que suscitan la utilización de la tecnología a través de redes P2P, el derecho a la cultura y a protección de los derechos de los titulares de obras protegidas.
Disruption of Nrxn1α within excitatory forebrain circuits drives value-based dysfunction
Authors: Alabi Opeyemi O , Davatolhagh M Felicia , Robinson Mara , Fortunato Michael P , Vargas Cifuentes Luigim , Kable Joseph W , Fuccillo Marc Vincent
Published: December 2020

Goal-directed behaviors are essential for normal function and significantly impaired in neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite extensive associations between genetic mutations and these disorders, the molecular contributions to goal-directed dysfunction remain unclear. We examined mice with constitutive and brain region-specific mutations in Neurexin1α, a neuropsychiatric disease-associated synaptic molecule, in value-based choice paradigms. We found Neurexin1α knockouts exhibited reduced selection of beneficial outcomes and impaired avoidance of costlier options. Reinforcement modeling suggested that this was driven by deficits in updating and representation of value. Disruption of Neurexin1α within telencephalic excitatory projection neurons, but not thalamic neurons, recapitulated choice abnormalities of global Neurexin1α knockouts. Furthermore, this selective forebrain excitatory knockout of Neurexin1α perturbed value-modulated neural signals within striatum, a central node in feedback-based reinforcement learning. By relating deficits in value-based decision-making to region-specific Nrxn1α disruption and changes in value-modulated neural activity, we reveal potential neural substrates for the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disease-associated cognitive dysfunction.
A self-balancing circuit centered on MoOsm1 kinase governs adaptive responses to host-derived ROS in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Zhou Qikun , Guo Ziqian , Liu Peng , Shen Lingbo , Chai Ning , Qian Bin , Cai Yongchao , Wang Wenya , Yin Ziyi , Zhang Haifeng , Zheng Xiaobo , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: December 2020

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a ubiquitous defense response in plants. Adapted pathogens evolved mechanisms to counteract the deleterious effects of host-derived ROS and promote infection. How plant pathogens regulate this elaborate response against ROS burst remains unclear. Using the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, we uncovered a self-balancing circuit controlling response to ROS in planta and virulence. During infection, ROS induces phosphorylation of the high osmolarity glycerol pathway kinase MoOsm1 and its nuclear translocation. There, MoOsm1 phosphorylates transcription factor MoAtf1 and dissociates MoAtf1-MoTup1 complex. This releases MoTup1-mediated transcriptional repression on oxidoreduction-pathway genes and activates the transcription of MoPtp1/2 protein phosphatases. In turn, MoPtp1/2 dephosphorylate MoOsm1, restoring the circuit to its initial state. Balanced interactions among proteins centered on MoOsm1 provide a means to counter host-derived ROS. Our findings thereby reveal new insights into how M. oryzae utilizes a phosphor-regulatory circuitry to face plant immunity during infection.
Description of a new genus and species for a common and widespread Amazonian satyrine butterfly (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae: Satyrini)
Authors: Nakahara Shinichi , Lamas Gerardo , Willmott Keith , Espeland Marianne
Published: December 2020

We here propose a new monotypic butterfly genusScriptorNakahara & Espeland,n. gen.to accommodate a new species,S. sphenophorusLamas & Nakahara,n. sp., described and named herein.Scriptor sphenophorusn. gen. and n. sp.is a relatively common and widespread butterfly species which is recovered as a member of the so-called “Splendeuptychiaclade” in the nymphalid subtribe Euptychiina, based on our molecular phylogenetic analysis using a maximum likelihood approach. Nevertheless, its sister group is not confidently resolved in any analysis, supporting a relatively distant relationship to any described genus as well as our decision to establish a new monotypic genus. We further discuss the proposed taxonomy in the light of frequent criticism of the description of monotypic taxa, as well as emphasize the importance of incorporating multiple evidence when describing new genera, illustrated by reference to several recent generic descriptions in this subtribe.
Identification and characterization of critical genes associated with tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Kai , Jiang Kuikui , Hong Ruoxi , Xu Fei , Xia Wen , Qin Ge , Lee Kaping , Zheng Qiufan , Lu Qianyi , Zhai Qinglian , Wang Shusen
Published: December 2020

Background

Tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer is an unsolved problem in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to determine the potential mechanisms of tamoxifen resistance through bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

Gene expression profiles of tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7/TR and MCF-7 cells were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset GSE26459, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected with R software. We conducted Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was generated, and we analyzed hub genes in the network with the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database. Finally, we used siRNAs to silence the target genes and conducted the MTS assay.

Results

We identified 865 DEGs, 399 of which were upregulated. GO analysis indicated that most genes are related to telomere organization, extracellular exosomes, and binding-related items for protein heterodimerization. PPI network construction revealed that the top 10 hub genes—ACLY, HSPD1, PFAS, GART, TXN, HSPH1, HSPE1, IRAS, TRAP1, and ATIC—might be associated with tamoxifen resistance. Consistently, RT-qPCR analysis indicated that the expression of these 10 genes was increased in MCF-7/TR cells comparing with MCF-7 cells. Four hub genes (TXN, HSPD1, HSPH1 and ATIC) were related to overall survival in patients who accepted tamoxifen. In addition, knockdown of HSPH1 by siRNA may lead to reduced growth of MCF-7/TR cell with a trend close to significance (P = 0.07), indicating that upregulation of HSPH1 may play a role in tamoxifen resistance.

Conclusion

This study revealed a number of critical hub genes that might serve as therapeutic targets in breast cancer resistant to tamoxifen and provided potential directions for uncovering the mechanisms of tamoxifen resistance.