bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postradiation Effects of Low Intensity Electromagnetic Radiation with a Frequency of 900 MHz in Rat Liver
Authors: Petrosyan M. , Nersesova L. , Karalova E. , Avetisyan A. , Abroyan L. , Akopian L. , Gazaryants M. , Akopian J.
Published: August 2020

Purpose: To study the changes in the activity of the liver and blood serum creatine kinase (KK) and the nucleus-nucleolus apparatus of hepatocytes of rats, subjected to the low-intensity electromagnetic radiation of 900 MHz and 25 µW/cm2 energy flux density, typical for a range of mobile phones.

Material and methods: The experiments were carried out on white outbred male rats of 6 months of age, weighing 180–200g. The generator Panoramic X1-42 was used as a source of radiation having a frequency of 900 MHz. The activity of CK in the blood serum and liver extracts respectively was determined spectrophotometrically, based on the accumulation of free creatine. Using the extent of the DNA content in rat hepatocytes relative to the accepted standard, the distribution of hepatocytes in ploidy (measured in percentage poins) was detected; so was determined the ratio of eu- and aneuploid cells.

Results: It appears that the two-hour single total exposure of rats causes more substantial changes in the activity levels of rats both liver and serum creatine kinase than the total time-wise comparable fractional exposure; while the enzyme exhibits signs of significant adaptation. A decrease in the average DNA content of the nucleus and nucleolus, as well as the average number of nucleolus per nucleus, along with an increase in the number of nucleolus-free nuclei after a single radiofrequency irradiation act indicates certain inhibition of the transcriptional activity of hepatocytes. At the same time, a post-radiation increase of hypodiploid cells, half of which are nucleolus-free hepatocytes, as well as an increase in the number of triploid cells, accompanied by a decrease in the number of tetraploid hepatocytes and the disappearance of hypertetraploid hepatocytes, indicate the incidence of death of a significant number of hepatocytes.

Conclusion: The rat liver CK is sensitive to the action of both single low-intensity electromagnetic radiation with a frequency of 900 MHz and that dispersed through fractional exposure: the biological effect of a single exposure is more pronounced. The dynamics of the post-radiation changes occurring in the hepatocyte population upon their single radiofrequency irradiation indicates certain inhibition of the transcriptional activity of the hepatocytes, as well as the incidence of death of a significant number of hepatocytes.
Size Distribution, Morphology and Elemental Composition of Aerosol Particles on the Fabrication of Mixed Nitride Uranium-Plutonium Fuel
Authors: Tsoviyanov A. , Karev A. , Shinkarev S. , Korenkov I. , Samoylov A. , Stebelkov V. , Zhukov A. , Izmestyev K. , Terentiev S.
Published: August 2020

Purpose: Study of physical and chemical properties of radioactive aerosols formed on the fabrication of mixed nitride uranium-plutonium (MNUP) fuel.

Material and methods: The following impactors were utilized for activity particle-size distribution analysis: AIP-2, PHRT, IRAM-2-4I (SRC FMBC), Andersen cascade impactor (Copley Scientific, UK), SKC Sioutas (SKC inc., USA). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) Tescan LYRA-3 equipped the X-ray microanalyzer X-max 80 (Oxford Instruments) was used for study of morphological characteristics of aerosol particles. Secondary ion-mass spectrometer Cameca IMS-1280 and track analysis were used for search of particles containing the uranium and plutonium radionuclides.

Results: Values of AMAD (Σa) vary from 12 µm till 30 µm, for 239Pu – from 14 till 27 µm. Lowest AMAD values (0.4–2.5 µm for 239Pu) were found in the repair area near the glove box of synthesis and sintering. The samples contain a much larger number of uranium-containing particles, which is likely due to a larger mass fraction of uranium oxide compared with plutonium dioxide in the initial mixture of reagents. Elemental composition of aerosol particles includes U (63–86 %), Pu (5–10 %) and О (9–47 %), Fe – in some samples till 32 %. Other elements like Nа, S, N, Р are contained in rather lowest amounts not exceeding 1–8 %. Only one nitrogen-containing particle was found (3 % of N).

Conclusion: Coarse fraction of radioactive aerosols makes a major contribution in activity concentration in air of the operator zone which is driven by such operations as pressing and crushing. Aerosol particles are presented as individual particles or dense aggregates by size of 0,2– 2 µm and also as conglomerates by size 0,5–4 µm consisting of oxides (or carbides) of silicon, iron, calcium, etc. containing inclusions (200–400 nm) or individual particles (20–200 nm) of mixed U-Pu oxide or uranium oxide on the surface of conglomerate as well aslocated in the near-surface layers inside.
Some Issues of the Audit of Securities Transactions
Authors: Egorova I.
Published: August 2020

The article discusses the features of the audit of operations with securities, provides an overview of legal acts regulating the identification of securities and their accounting. Separate issues of audit of operations with securities for professional and non-professional participants of the securities market are considered, taking into account the application of the MOPA 1000 "Features of audit of financial instruments".
The STAK tool: evaluation of a new device to treat arthrofibrosis and poor range of movement following total knee arthroplasty and major knee surgery
Authors: Aspinall Sara K. , Wheeler Patrick C. , Godsiff Steven P. , Hignett Sue M. , Fong Daniel T. P.
Published: August 2020

Aims

This study aims to evaluate a new home medical stretching device called the Self Treatment Assisted Knee (STAK) tool to treat knee arthrofibrosis.

Methods

35 patients post-major knee surgery with arthrofibrosis and mean range of movement (ROM) of 68° were recruited. Both the STAK intervention and control group received standard physiotherapy for eight weeks, with the intervention group additionally using the STAK at home. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) were collected at all timepoints. An acceptability and home exercise questionnaire capturing adherence was recorded after each of the interventions.

Results

Compared to the control group, the STAK intervention group made significant gains in mean ROM (30° versus 8°, p < 0.0005), WOMAC (19 points versus 3, p < 0.0005), and OKS (8 points versus 3, p < 0.0005). The improvements in the STAK group were maintained at long-term follow-up. No patients suffered any complications relating to the STAK, and 96% of patients found the STAK tool ‘perfectly acceptable’.

Conclusion

The STAK tool is effective in increasing ROM and reducing pain and stiffness. Patients find it acceptable and adherence to treatment was high. This study indicates that the STAK tool would be of benefit in clinical practice and may offer a new, cost-effective treatment for arthrofibrosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-8:465–473.
Safety evaluation of a strategy to restart elective orthopaedic surgery during the de-escalation phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zahra Wajiha , Dixon Joseph W. , Mirtorabi Negin , Rolton Daniel J. , Tayton Edward R. , Hale Peter C. , Fisher Warren J. , Barnes Richard J. , Tunstill Simon A. , Iyer Shabnam , Pollard Tom C. B.
Published: August 2020

Aims

To evaluate safety outcomes and patient satisfaction of the re-introduction of elective orthopaedic surgery on ‘green’ (non-COVID-19) sites during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A strategy consisting of phased relaxation of clinical comorbidity criteria was developed. Patients from the orthopaedic waiting list were selected according to these criteria and observed recommended preoperative isolation protocols. Surgery was performed at green sites (two local private hospitals) under the COVID-19 NHS contract. The first 100 consecutive patients that met the Phase 1 criteria and underwent surgery were included. In hospital and postoperative complications with specific enquiry as to development of COVID-19 symptoms or need and outcome for COVID-19 testing at 14 days and six weeks was recorded. Patient satisfaction was surveyed at 14 days postoperatively.

Results

There were 54 females and 46 males (mean age 44 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 25.6 kg/m2). In all, 56 patients underwent major orthopaedic procedures. There were no exclusions. One patient had a postoperative positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test but had no typical symptoms of COVID-19 infection and no clinical sequelae. 99% of patients were satisfied with the process and 98% would recommend undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery in the study period.

Conclusion

In an environment with appropriate infrastructure, patient selection, isolation, screening, and testing, elective orthopaedic surgery is safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated with high patient satisfaction. Further follow-up is required to establish that safety is maintained as the clinical restrictions are eased with the phased approach described. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-8:450–456.
CONSELHOS MUNICIPAIS DE SAÚDE E A PARTCIPAÇÃO SOCIAL DOS PROFISSIONAIS DE SAÚDE: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Authors: Silva Karoline Oliveira da , Helfenstein Fernanda Amorim
Published: August 2020

No Brasil o contexto da participação social historicamente foi baseado na opressão e nas lutas de resistência. No setor saúde esse cenário passou a ser mais debatido na década de 70 com as reivindicações sociais ligados ao movimento de reforma sanitária, tendo uma maior efervescência desse movimento na década de 80. Objetivo: Caracterizar a participação social dos profissionais de saúde em conselhos municipais de saúde. Métodos: Constitui-se de uma revisão integrativa a partir de publicações cientificas indexadas na base de dados SCIELO e BIREME entre 1988 a 2018. Resultados/Discussões: Dos 06 artigos selecionados três (03) foram encontrados na base de dados SCIELO e três (03) na BIREME. Com relação ao ano de publicação o mais atual foi do ano de 2014 e 01 foi no ano de 1994, evidenciando a temática ainda recente na literatura. Ao observar a origem dos periódicos a revista Ciências e Saúde Coletiva foi a única que teve (02) publicações. Quanto ao local de realização dos estudos, o sudeste foi a região que mais apresentou artigos (03), seguido da região Sul (02) e Nordeste (01). Conclusão: A análise quanto a participação social dos profissionais de saúde nos conselhos municipais de saúde aponta lacunas importantes, visto que percebe-se a pouca representatividade dessa categoria, realçando a necessidade de espaços de construção de ações coletivizadas onde discuta a importância do fortalecimento de mecanismos que viabilizem a participação social dos profissionais de saúde.
Psychiatric Comorbidity in Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis Associates With Pain and Reduced Quality of Life
Authors: Phillips Anna Evans , Faghih Mahya , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Singh Vikesh K. , Yadav Dhiraj , Olesen Søren Schou ,   On behalf of the Pancreatic Quantitative Sensory Testing (P-QST) Consortium
Published: August 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Abdominal pain, frequent in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP), has a negative impact on quality of life (QOL). Psychiatric comorbidities including anxiety and depression are associated with pain, but their prevalence and effects on QOL in CP have not been quantified. We studied the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with CP and their associated patient and disease characteristics and impact on QOL.

METHODS:

This was a cross-sectional, multicenter prospective study. Patients were screened with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire. A Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score >7 on the respective anxiety or depression subscales indicated the presence of anxiety or depression and was used as a surrogate for the diagnosis of psychiatric comorbidities. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, QOL (EORTC-QLQ-C30), and pain symptoms (Brief Pain Inventory Short Form) were compared between patients with and without psychiatric comorbidities.

RESULTS:

One hundred seventy-one patients with CP (mean age 53.8 ± 13.7 years, 60% men) were included. Anxiety and depression were present in 80 (46.8%) and 66 (38.6%) patients, with overlap in 50 (29%). Patients with anxiety or depression reported higher pain prevalence, pain severity, and pain interference scores (all P < 0.001). Psychiatric comorbidities also associated with reduced global health scores and functional subscales (all P < 0.001) and higher symptom burden (P ≤ 0.03). An independent association was noted between global health status and depression (P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION:

Psychiatric comorbidities are prevalent in patients with CP and associated with pain and QOL. Where the effect of anxiety on QOL may be mediated via pain, depression is independently related to QOL. These findings warrant consideration in the management of patients with CP.
Endoscopic or Conservative Management of Iatrogenic Duodenal Perforations Caused by Long Plastic Biliary Stent Distal Migration
Authors: Thapa Namisha , Loudin Michael , Sharzehi Kaveh , de Melo Silvio W. , Enestvedt Brintha K.
Published: August 2020

Plastic biliary stents are associated with rare but potentially life-threatening distal stent migration. We present 4 patient cases with distal migration, whereas the proximal aspect remained in the bile duct. Time to stent migration ranged from 1 week to 2 months. Stent migration caused contralateral duodenal wall perforation; 2 underwent endoscopic over-the-scope clip placement for defect closure. All required previous stent removal and stent exchange. This case series highlights that proximal stricture and longer stents have higher migration risk, also shown in the literature. We also show that duodenal perforation can successfully be managed endoscopically with an over-the-scope clip.
AVALIAÇÃO DA ACURÁCIA POSICIONAL DE FEIÇÕES LINEARES EM UMA ORTOIMAGEM: APLICAÇÃO NA CARTOGRAFIA CADASTRAL
Authors: Moura Xavier Laura Cristina , Vieira Arthur Duarte Vieira , Campos Caio César de , Meireles Tatiane Assis Vilela , Silva Claudionor Ribeiro da , Santil Fernando Luiz de Paula
Published: August 2020

Devido ao avanço tecnológico dos métodos de mapeamento as cartas cadastrais vêm sendo complementadas especialmente por produtos derivados de aerolevantamentos. Assim, o mercado vem disponibilizando diversos equipamentos que visam obter imagens por um sensor embarcado em Veículos Aéreos Não Tripulado (VANT). Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a acurácia posicional das feições lineares de uma ortoimagem para aplicação na cartografia cadastral. Utilizou-se uma ortoimagem advinda de um VANT, e o método de avaliação chamado buffer duplo, plugin implementado no software QGIS. Dessa forma, foram comparadas as feições obtidas em campo com as feições obtidas por vetorização, realizada por três indivíduos diferentes (operadores), a partir do processo manual, sobre a ortoimagem. Portanto, a hipótese avaliada nesse estudo é se a ortoimagem, obtida por VANT, permite gerar produtos cartográficos com qualidade cadastral. Adicionalmente, foi comparado o valor da área obtida por topografia convencional, com a área obtida da vetorização manual. Obteve-se como resultado um produto Classe A para escala 1:1000, conforme proposto no PEC. Destaca-se que não houve diferença, na classificação, quanto aos resultados obtidos pelos operadores, nem diferenças entre a área teste e a área de referência. Assim, acredita-se que o produto seja adequado para aplicação na cartografia cadastral.
Veblen e a Psicologia dos Instintos
Authors: Rabelo Freitas Tales
Published: August 2020

Veblen é conhecido na literatura como o primeiro expoente institucionalista de ala heterodoxa. Entretanto, grande parte dos seus escritos sobre a natureza humana são negligenciados pelas abordagens institucionais contemporâneas. Para o autor, as propensões existentes na mente dos agentes econômicos são essenciais para explicar os objetivos das instituições. A importância dos instintos é evidenciada na maior parte de suas obras. Inclusive, alguns economistas julgam que o intitucionalista norte americano deu maior destaque para este componente do que as próprias instituições.  Diante disto, julga-se de grande relevância o aprofundamento dos estudos sobre a teoria dos instintos e seu efeito na análise institucional de Veblen.
Critical reflection on the implementation of preventive conservation plans in institutions
Authors: Raposo Pereira Luís Filipe
Published: August 2020

In the last quarter of the past century and at the beginning of 21st century, several documents were produced by institutions in the preservation of heritage area, concerning preventive conservation. There are also several examples of national legislation with guidelines about preventive conservation – the law for Museums n.º 47/2004, the law n.º 3/2006 related with the accreditation of Museums and the law n.º 16/93, that sets the national policies for Portuguese archives. As a result of a professional experience of 13 years in the area with the development of several preventive conservation plans in the last eight years, the author makes a reflection on their practical application. Throughout the paper the results of a survey and the reflections about the integration of the plans in the management models are presented, as well as their applicability and compliance with the legislation associated.
Chromatic changes in paintings of Adriano de Sousa Lopes after the removal of aged varnish
Authors: Linhares João , Cardeira Liliana , Bailão Ana , Pastilha Ruben , Nascimento Sérgio
Published: August 2020

The ability to digitally remove the varnish layer during the pre-conservation diagnostic of a painting, without any chemical or physical intervention, could be an advantage because it enables the prediction of the outcome of the cleaning procedure of the protective layer and contributes to the treatment proposal. Two paintings from Adriano de Sousa Lopes were investigated by hyperspectral imaging in the visible range, before and after the varnish layer removal. The spectral reflectance was estimated in each case and its comparison used to assess the effect of the varnish layer removal. The simulated paintings with the old varnish layer were compared with those restored, with no varnish, by comparing the chromaticity coordinates and other chromatic descriptors. It was found that considering the effect of the varnish layer of each painting individually produces lower errors than considering the average of the varnish layer across paintings. It was also found that simulating the varnish layer removal without knowing the varnish transmittance produces limited results and that the errors are smaller if the chromatic content is assessed without considering lightness.
Conservation of contemporary medals: packaging solutions
Authors: Neves Ana Sofia , Bailão Ana , Henriques Frederico , Ferreira Andreia
Published: August 2020

The present article has two objectives: the first one is to present the collection of medals of the extinct Research and Studies Section Volte Face – Medalha Contemporânea, of the Research Unit of the Faculdade de Belas Artes da Universidade de Lisboa, CIEBA, constituted by medals of various sizes, formats and materials (organic, inorganic and synthetic), whose characteristics influence the way they degrade and how they are conditioned; the second objective is to present the packaging proposals for the packing of the medals, for which we used 3D modelling, vector drawing and 3D printing. In the first case, we present the inventory of objects, their documentation, identification of constituent materials and degradation factors. For the second case, criteria were defined for the selection of the packaging format and for the choice of construction materials. The alveolar polypropylene for the box and the low-density polyethylene were selected for the filler material.
An Artist's Sketchbook: the former altarpiece of Goa Cathedral (India) attributed to the painter Garcia Fernandes - iconographic and stylistic influences and underdrawing study
Authors: Antunes Vanessa , Serrão Vitor , Candeias António , Mirão José , Valadas Sara , Carvalho Maria Luísa
Published: August 2020

Goa Cathedral former altarpiece, attributed to Garcia Fernandes and made around 1538, is one of the oldest western pictorial works in India. It is a work of great importance in the establishment of the conquest of Goa by the Portuguese but also for understanding the influence of Portuguese painting overseas. Goa Cathedral former altarpiece is revealed as a crucial study source of Garcia Fernandes' creative process. There is evidence in the vigorous underdrawing of these paintings, of the existence of different types of drawing, as well as abandoned iconographic themes, or formal alterations of compositions. The iconographic and stylistic study evidences north and south-European influences in the choice and representation of the themes around the Martírio de Santa Catarina. In the present study, this work is compared in the making of the underdrawing with other works attributed to Garcia Fernandes.
Model 1859 Portuguese army clothes backpack. Historical note, conservation and restoration treatment
Authors: Nunes Fernandes André Filipe
Published: August 2020

The model 1859 clothes backpack was used to carry soldier's spare clothing and necessaries. It was strictly made according to a pattern and was constructed in a box shape from leather and canvas, painted black on the exterior. An example of this model, which belongs to the Lisbon Military Museum collection (MML02048), was removed from the storage in 2016 in order to be inventoried. It was subsequently restored within the curricular unit “conservation and restoration project” of the Conservation and Restoration Bachelor so it could be placed on permanent exhibition. This object was likely used in campaign in Mozambique in 1894-95 by the bugler António Moura, taking part on the combat of Marracuene. Areas of deterioration, such as f laking paint and canvas losses, were caused mainly by storage conditions and improper care over the course of more than a century. The treatment was guided towards its ideal state, enhancing mostly historical and aesthetical values which were obtained through investigation.
Muscle GLUT-4 and Insulin Binding to Erythrocytes and to Adipose, Liver and Muscle Tissue in Genetically Hypertensive Obese Rats and in Their Lean Siblings: Effect of Long Lasting Terguride Treatment
Authors: Golda Věroslav , Hilgertová Jiřina , Zórad Štefan
Published: August 2020

Experiments were performed in the genetically hypertensive obese rats of Koletsky type (SHR/N-cp) and in their lean siblings of both sexes.Insulin binding to erythrocytes and to adipose tissue, lever tissue and muscle tissue was monitored in the control animals and in the animals under the long lasting terguride treatment. In control animals insulin binding shows substrain and tissue dependence being elevated in lean rats except insulin binding to erythrocytes where inverse is true. Terguride increases percentage of specific insulin binding to erythrocytes in all groups except obese females, terguride increases percentage of specific binding to adipose tissue except lean females, the mentioned drug remained without effect in muscle tissue in all group except lean females where drug induced elevation was detected. The effect of terguride in liver tissue was monitored only in males of both substrains, elevation was found only in lean. GLUT-4 was analyzed only in muscle tissue. The effect of terguride was found in obese females, i.e., in the group which shows reduced GLUT-4 relative to lean females.
House finance for low income groups in Pakistan
Authors: Hanif Fouzia , Shamshir Mussarat , Alwi Khurram Khan
Published: August 2020

Shelter is the third basic need of human beings after food and clothing. Everyone has a desire to own a house. Pakistan is a developing country and due to limited resources, is unable to fulfill the complete demand of shelter of the population. In the four provinces, different housing schemes are offered by the government but due to the scarcity of resources, they are not enough to satisfy people. Governments should introduce new housing schemes in each of the four provinces, other than the existing ones. Private sector should also help the government in this regard by constructing employee’s colonies and deduct the nominal amount from their salaries, so that by the time of their retirement they become the owners of their houses. Descriptive statistics technique is used to analyze the housing schemes with the comparison of population accordingly in each province.  Pakistan is an Islamic country and due to religious issues people are not in favor of availing financing facilities provided by conventional banks and HBFC. But after the establishment of Islamic banks up to some extent this issue has been slightly resolved. Islamic banks should introduce house financing facility to women on easy terms and then up to some extent, help the government to solve the problem of providing shelter to the population. Banking sectors should easy the procedure of house financing to increase the number of borrowers.
Financial viability analysis of a new lubricant for engines assembled in production line in a Brazilian automobilistic facility: case study
Authors: Maia Gustavo Antunes , Brandalise Nilson
Published: August 2020

This study aims to analyze the economic and financial viability of an investment project aiming at building a new solution to provide oil to car’s engine production line. The study arises from de need of integrate a second type of oil to fill engines produced to exportation market. The objectives are essential for the company to remain in the market facing the limited resources and the strong competition. Thus, a case of study done, with typical view to data collect and analysis. The results indicate the use of feasibility technique, as NPV, IRR, Payback, LI and NUV are decisive for a good financial analysis. Adding to these techniques, a Monte Carlo method used to simulate a variable production condition.
Factors affect customer satisfaction: the case of cargo delivery services
Authors: Le-Hoang Phuong Viet
Published: August 2020

The research aims to explore and measure the factors affecting customer satisfaction in cargo delivery services in Vietnam. Notably, the researchers develop a new scale to examine the effect the customer satisfaction, and it is the price factor. To conduct the research, the authors do group discussions and expert discussion and then analyzed 1,729 valid respondents with five factors: resource, service capacity, management capacity, brand reputation and price. The result from Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) shows that all of the independent variables have a significant effect on customer satisfaction. In which, brand reputation is the most influential factor, and the management capacity is the least influential factor. Besides, the research shows that the price also effects on customer satisfaction on cargo delivery context. Based on that, the research recommends the necessary management solutions to increase customer satisfaction, and it also supports the new scale and ideas to research in the new field and new country in further research.
A hybrid model for planning programming and control of production for micro and small enterprises
Authors: Galvão Evellyn de Morais , Valente Bianca Carina , Cotrim Syntia Lemos , Leal Gislaine Camila Lapasini , Galdamez Edwin Vladimir Cardoza
Published: August 2020

Competition among small and medium-sized enterprises has grown over the years due to the advancement of technology and the globalization of the market and operations. Production Planning, Programming and Control (PPCP) acts as a link between management and manufacturing, in these small and medium-sized enterprises. The present study, through an action research in a microenterprise manufacturer of Brooms made of PET, aimed at the implementation of a hybrid PPCP system. The model was proposed by using the concepts of Lean Manufacturing, to map and know the process eliminating wasted time and resources, Theory of Constraints to identify constraints and bottlenecks and the MRP system to act within the context of pushed production. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a Framework that presents the method used in the implementation of the work, which provided with results such as production order, security stock, and correct input definition. The model put the company in other level of organization and efficiency in the use of resources.
Escape rooms in virtual reality, the concept and application in electronic business doing
Authors: Ranković Marko , Dedić Velimir , Jovanović Mateja , Petrović Dragana , Ilić Milena P.
Published: August 2020

The world has changed with the help of the Internet; simultaneously, the manner of our business doing has also changed. It has opened a door to new possibilities, business models, and innovative ideas. This electronic revolution has really facilitated communication and trade. The duty on the part of users and followers of technology is to keep advancing and use these means to their own benefit. This paper is aimed at presenting the advantages of using modern technologies, such as virtual reality, in the very business doing of traditional escape rooms.
Woman political leadership in Romania versus other countries
Authors: Tonis Rocsana B. Manea , Braicu Cezar , Bucea-Manea-Tonis Radu , Gurgu Elena
Published: August 2020

This paper explores the Romanian women influence as political leader over the Romanian economy. The whole research is based on global gender gap index for Romania analyzed on 2013-2018 period. The data was integrated in a linear regression model. The model interpretation findings show that reducing gender gap in Romania could bring an increase on Romanian GDP.  The paper states that this situation is due to a higher emotional intelligence of Romanian women as leaders. They are also characterized by perseverance and conscience. In 2017 Romania made important progress in reducing this gap, but it seems that the world political dimension gap could be closed within 99 years.
A bibliographical analysis in the literature of value co-creation in private higher education between the years 2006 to 2016
Authors: Silva Maicon da , Da Silva Luis Carlos Alves , Brambilla Flávio Régio
Published: August 2020

The present research aims to present a bibliographical analysis of scientific publications on the theme "value co-creation in private higher education", carried out from 2006 to 2016. Methodologically, this article was carried out through a bibliographical survey, with the objective of selecting the publications made in scientific journals in the pre-stipulated period. Form 54 publications were selected. It was observed that in the year 2016 there were the highest number of publications (10), already years of 2006, 2007 and 2013 were the ones with the lowest number of publications (2). Also, it was identified that the authors that obtained the most prominence in the research were Robert F. Lusch and Stephen L. Vargo, where they obtained (5) publications each. In relation to the most published journals on the subject were Journal of Business Research and Journal of Service Management, with (3) publications each. In this context, it was possible to note that the words that were the most successful in high repetition were: value co-creation, logic dominant of service, value, service. The relevance of this research comes from the moment that value co-creation is seen as an important tool for marketing administration allowing for constant improvements through the exchange of experiences between teachers and students in the classroom environment. Thus, in private higher education, student satisfaction and value creation are the result of individual or joint actions (institution, teacher and student).
Implications of additive manufacturing on supply chain and logistics
Authors: Tasé Velázquez Daniel R. , Simon Alexandre Tadeu , Helleno André Luís , Mastrapa Lorena Hernández
Published: August 2020

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology has attracted the interest of industrial professionals and researchers in the last years. This interest lies primarily in understanding the trends, benefits, and implications of AM technology on supply chain (SC) and logistics, as it requires reconfiguring the supply chain based on a distributed manufacturing strategy, closer to the consumer market, with shorter lead times and less raw materials. It still is an emerging field, and needs further study. Therefore, a better understanding of main trends will contribute to the dissemination of knowledge about AM technology and its consolidation. This article seeks to investigate the implications of AM, as an advanced manufacturing model, on SC and logistics. A four-step research method was used to develop a systematic literature review and a bibliometric analysis on the AM implications in SC and logistics. The main implications of AM on SC and logistics were classified in seven key issues gathered as result of the literature review. Additionally, bibliometric study allowed understanding researches major trends in this field. The key aspects highlighted and characterized as major implications of AM on SC and logistic are: supply chain complexity reduction; more flexible logistics and inventory management; better spreading and popularization of mass customization; decentralization of manufacturing; greater design freedom and rapid prototyping; increasing of resource efficiency and sustainability, and the need to have clearly defined legal and safety aspects.
Geometric Reliability Analysis of Composite Foundations Comprising Cement–Fly Ash–Gravel Piles at Site-Specific Scale
Authors: Wu Xing Zheng , Xin Jun-Xia
Published: August 2020

Evaluating the pressure-settlement response of a composite foundation at a specific site is important for supporting the safety of superstructures in the design process to determine the bearing performance of the foundation. The uncertainties in the power law regression parameters stem from a significant scattering of pressure-settlement curves when a series of static load tests are conducted for the composite foundations composed of cement–fly ash–gravel piles at a particular site. Thus, in this work, a probability density contour (PDC) of these regression parameters is constructed using a bivariate distribution, which offers great flexibility in fitting the marginal distributions and the dependency between the two regression parameters. Based on an intuitive evolutionary geometry of the PDCs in the original physical space of two dependent random variables, a reliability index is defined as a distance ratio of two PDCs, i.e., the dispersed PDC that just touches the limit state curve and the one standard deviation PDC. These bivariate PDCs are discretized with several segments that adapt to the different spreads of the asymmetric data. Reliability indices are calculated based on the geometric reliability analysis, which offers great transparency for engineers in evaluating the safety of the composite foundation at a site-specific level. By using this reliability technique, the effects of uncertain regression parameters are explicitly explored at six sites consisting of 280 static loading tests.
Viscosity of Mineral Oil Diluted by Biodiesel Methyl Esters: Methods for Mixture Predictions and Small Samples after Tribometer Testing
Authors: Molina Gustavo J. , Shanta Sultana M. , Onyejizu Emeka F. , Soloiu Valentin
Published: August 2020

The use of biodiesels in internal combustion engines leads to tribology concerns because significant oil dilution occurs when biodiesels leak into the oil pan. Dilution by biodiesels may substantially alter oil lubricity and lead to reduced viscosity, which produce tribological changes on engine materials. It is also possible that such oil-biodiesel mixtures undergo further viscosity decreases when subjected to the high temperatures and high contact pressures typical of internal combustion engine boundary lubrication. This research presents new methods to test viscosity reductions because of biodiesel addition in mineral oil and to assess prediction of mixture viscosity considering the chemical breakdown of biodiesel. The results of dynamic viscosity versus dilution rates are presented for small after-tribometer-testing samples of SAE 15W40 mineral oil diluted by four biodiesels (from canola, peanut, and soybean and chicken fat oil). The small sample remaining after tribometer-testing required an ad-hoc method, the suitability of which is discussed; large viscosity decreases in a range of about 70 to 95 % were observed for after tribometer testing of the mixtures. Preliminary data of viscosity versus temperature also are presented for the mineral oil diluted by increasing fractions of different biodiesels and by six pure fatty-acid methyl esters (methyl-oleate, -palmitate, -linoleate, -laurate, -myristate, and -stearate, which are typical components of biodiesels), and they are discussed to explain tribological properties of such mixtures. The results suggest that the viscosity of commercial biodiesels blended in oils could not be fully explained by assuming the former as mixtures of pure methyl esters, which is consistent with the previous experimental data on their tribological effects.
Effect of Temperature on Friction and Wear Behavior under Reciprocating Dry Sliding of AISI 52100 Steel against AISI H13 Steel
Authors: Durango Alexander Zuleta , Cano Michell Felipe , Souza Roberto Martins , Sinatora Amilton
Published: August 2020

Previous work about the effect of temperature on friction and wear of dry steel-on-steel sliding tests showed a transition from severe wear to mild wear. Nevertheless, in dissimilar counterpart materials, the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics generate differences in friction and wear behavior. In this work, experimental tests were conducted in an SRV-4 tribometer using a ball-on-disk configuration (i.e., nonconformal contact). The selected materials were AISI 52100 bearing steel balls and AISI H13 steel disks, which are used in different engineering applications. Frequency, load, and stroke length parameters were fixed, and analyses refer to the effect of different times and temperatures. The results of friction coefficient above 300°C showed 2 friction regimes as a function of test time. In the first friction regime, abrasion of the counterpart was observed, and for the second friction regime, the reduction of friction and wear was related to an oxide tribolayer formation. Tribological tests for the lowest time, of 0.5 h, were not long enough to show two friction regimes, which were observed in other test times (4, 8, and 15 h).
Connecting Engineering Technology with Enterprise Systems for Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Authors: Ethirajan Manavalan , Kandasamy Jayakrishna , Kumaraguru Senthilkumaran
Published: August 2020

Organizations have been facing quite a few challenges, including a growing global competitive market, shorter time to market, rising product variants, and adjustments in production because of fluctuation in demand. To handle these challenges, industries need to connect engineering technology with enterprise systems to transform their practices toward industry 4.0 requirements. The supply chain sector is targeting stakeholders to enhance their product competitiveness by leveraging innovative digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things (IoT), and blockchain to make effective decisions instantaneously. This article will help in contextualizing emerging adaptive intelligence technology to drive connected intelligence and achieve supply chain operational excellence. A real-time case study in the manufacturing industry will be discussed. Subsequently, how adaptive intelligence can help quality management in real-time will be explored to manage the production quality, which is measured by rejections, scraps, and cost savings. Additionally, this article discusses how technology-embedded enterprise systems help the organization to manage the daily production, which is measured by production rate, quality, and yield. For the case organization, the IoT architecture is proposed and the performance metric framework for the supply chain is described. Furthermore, the article discusses how materials can be reused to extract economic benefits with collaborated diverse industries. This influences the eco-friendly environment across the supply chain with the focus on reducing the carbon footage.
Strange Gods in a Great Southern Land
Authors: Doherty Bernard
Published: August 2020

Between 1960 and 2000 Australia witnessed four waves of “cult controversy.” This article provides a historical overview of these controversies. The four historical vignettes presented demonstrate the significance of Australia in the wider global history of the “cult wars” and some of the local societal reactions occasioned by various home grown and international new religious movements that have proved controversial. This article identifies a series of the key episodes and periods that might serve as historical landmarks for the writing of a more fulsome history of new religions in Australia, introduces to a scholarly audience some of the important individuals involved in these Australian controversies, and highlights the key new religions and cult-watching groups whose interactions have collectively shaped the Australian societal response over this period.
The Way of the Livingness and Universal Medicine
Authors: Coco Angela
Published: August 2020

Universal Medicine, founded by Serge Benhayon (b. 1964), is an Australian movement offering a distinct style of alternative therapies. It is supported by an esoteric worldview called The Way of the Livingness. Occult beliefs and practices are poorly understood in Western cultures such as Australia, and Benhayon has encountered sustained criticism on a range of issues commonly faced by other new religions. Public reaction betrays fears of secretive and inappropriate activities, which are amplified by the Australian media’s penchant for targeting cult activities. While Universal Medicine pursues practices that would pass without comment in other national contexts, its organization, visibility, and esoteric pursuits make it an easy target for polemics in Australia. This article explores key aspects of The Way of the Livingness and outlines Universal Medicine’s founding and organizational structure. The movement is further contextualized within the Theosophical tradition following Alice A. Bailey (1880–1849), ideas from the New Age, and Australian culture.
Influence of Superheating Melt Treatment on Microstructure of Gd-Modified Al-15wt.% Mg2Si In-Situ Composite
Authors: Nanda I. P. , Ghandvar H. , Idris M.H. , Arafat A.
Published: August 2020

The influence of melt superheating treatment with different superheating temperatures (750, 800, 850, and 900°C) on the microstructure of Al-15wt. % Mg2Si composites before and after addition of Gd (1.0 wt.%) were studied. Microstructure characterisation was carried out via optical microscopy (OM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD).The results showed that in the unmodified composite, when the temperature of superheating raised from 750°C to 900°C, the primary Mg2Si experienced a decrease of the average grain size from 40 to about 32 µm, while, in the Gd-modified composite, the particle size was refined considerably from 27 to 13 µm by increasing the temperature from 750°C to 850°C. Furthermore, with a further increase in temperature to 900°C, the particle size slightly increased to about 15 µm which might be due to the burning loss of Gd in the melt. Nevertheless, for both unmodified and Gd-modified composites, the superheating temperature exhibited minor influence on the Mg2Si crystals morphologies. It is believed that compiling of Gd addition and superheating melt treatment is efficient to improve the composite properties that could encounter the application requirements.
Theme-Rheme configuration in recount texts produced by Indonesian EFL students
Authors: Meiarista Kiki , Widhiyanto Widhiyanto
Published: August 2020

The topic of this study is the textual meaning in recount texts written by the fourth semester students of English Department Universitas Negeri Semarang in the academic year 2018/2019. This study is conducted since there are still limited research that is conducted in Indonesia which analyses the problems of thematic development because most of Indonesian researchers are only analyses the thematic structure and thematic development pattern. This study aimed to figure out the thematic structure, thematic development pattern, and the problems of thematic development in students’ recount texts. The text analysis of qualitative method was employed to enhance the results. The result of the thematic structures showed that the unmarked topical Theme was frequently used than the marked one in terms of topical Theme, the conjunctions became the mostly used element in textual Theme, and the modal adjuncts became the frequently used constituent in interpersonal Theme. In the case of thematic development patterns, the Theme re-iteration (constant Theme pattern) became the mostly used pattern since the function is to keep the text focused. It has been found that there were three problems of thematic development in students’ recount texts: (1) the problem of the brand-new Theme, (2) the problem of double Rheme, and (3) the problem of empty Rheme. The results of this study indicate that the students belong to beginner (inexperienced) writer.
Efektivitas Bola Ringan dan Bola Berat terhadap Akurasi Gatting Woodball
Authors: Kriswantoro Kriswantoro , Febriyanti Febriyanti
Published: August 2020

Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui efektivitas penggunaan bola ringan dan bola berat terhadap akurasi gatting woodball, dan mengetahui perbedaan pengaruhnya. Metode penelitian menggunakan metode survei. Populasi penelitian sejumlah 33 atlet Unit Kegiatan Mahasiswa Woodball Universitas Negeri Semarang. Penarikan sampel menggunakan teknik purposive sampling dan sampel berjumlah 15 atlet. Instrumen yang digunakan tes akurasi gatting woodball. Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis uji t sampel berpasangan menggunakan program SPSS versi 20. Hasil uji hipotesis efektivitas penggunaan bola ringan terhadap akurasi gatting woodball sebesar 56,7% masuk kategori efektif. Uji efektivitas penggunaan bola berat terhadap akurasi gatting woodball sebesar 73,3% masuk kategori efektif. Serta terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antara penggunaan bola ringan dan bola berat terhadap akurasi gatting woodball dengan nilai sig 0,000<0,05 sehingga penggunaan bola berat lebih efektif daripada penggunaan bola ringan. Disarankan kepada peneliti selanjutnya yang ingin meneliti lebih dalam mengenai bola woodball yang digunakan untuk akurasi gatting woodball supaya memperhatikan lebih detail mengenai variasi bobot bola woodball dan keadaan permukaan tanah karena tingkat kekerasan tanah dan ketebalan rumput pada musim kemarau dan penghujan berbeda.