bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Intestinal Obstruction in Hospitalized Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Iqbal Humzah , Sohal Aalam , Singh Ishandeep , Kohli Isha , Chaudhry Hunza , Dukovic Dino , Prajapati Devang
Published: August 2023

Background
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex condition that has a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) and extra-intestinal manifestations (EIM). IBD consists of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), both of which can lead to several complications including abscess, fistula formation, bleeding, obstruction, and malignancy. Bowel obstruction is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. Our study aims to assess predictors of developing intestinal obstruction in hospitalized patients with IBD.
Methods
Patients with a diagnosis of IBD were identified using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2016-2020. IBD patients were identified using ICD-10 codes. Patients <18 years and with a diagnosis of both UC and CD were excluded. Patients were stratified based on the presence of intestinal obstruction during hospitalization. Data were collected regarding age, gender, race, primary insurance, median income, hospital region, hospital bed size, and comorbidities. Other variables included presence of fistula, abscess, bleed, colorectal cancer (CRC), diverticulitis, and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The association between variables and primary outcome of intestinal obstruction was evaluated using multivariate regression analysis.
Results
A total of 1,517,485 patients with IBD were included in the final analysis. Among these, 10.1% had intestinal obstruction. The patients with IBD and intestinal obstruction were younger, 18-44 yrs (40.3%), female (51.3%), White (80.3%) and had Medicare insurance (32.5%). After adjusting for confounding factors, fistula (aOR 1.19, p< 0.001, CRC (aOR 2.94, P < 0.001), and tobacco use (aOR 1.09, P < 0.001) had higher odds of developing intestinal obstruction during hospitalization. Patients with abscess (aOR 0.91, P = 0.04), bleeding (aOR 0.22, P < 0.001), Hispanic race (aOR 0.86, P < 0.001), and female sex (aOR 0.76, P < 0.001) had lower odds of developing obstruction.
Conclusion
Our study found factors associated with higher and lower odds of developing bowel obstruction. Disparities were noted based on race and gender regarding the odds of developing obstruction. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms driving these findings.
Suboptimal Surgery and Oncologic Outcomes in Women with Ovarian Cancer: An Analysis of Predictive Factors
Authors: Mahasub Nanhathai , Hanamornroongruang Suchanan , Kuljarusnont Sompop , Achariyapota Vuthinun , Karnchanabanyong Wathirada , Maikong Nayada , Ruengkhachorn Irene
Published: August 2023

Purposes:
(1) To evaluate the response rate to primary treatment of patients with epithelial ovarian/tubal/primary peritoneal carcinoma and suboptimal surgery. (2) To identify the predicting factors for a response and survival. (3) To analyze the survival outcomes of patients.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients who underwent suboptimal surgery between May 2006 and December 2020. Data on clinical profiles, histopathology, tumor stages, surgical methods and outcomes, adjuvant treatment, and primary treatment outcomes were collected. Follow-up data were documented until March 31, 2023. Oncologic outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
Three hundred twenty patients were included. The overall response rate was 58.1%. The median progression free survival (PFS) was 13.2 months [Interquartile range (IQR) 6.7-20.6], and the median overall survival (OS) was 32.9 months [IQR, 15.0-53.6]. Two factors were significantly associated with no response: neoadjuvant chemotherapy (adjusted odd ratio (aOR) 3.342; 95% CI, 1.619-6.900, P=0.001), and high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC; aOR 0.153, 95% CI 0.092-0.255, P<0.001). HGSC was significantly associated with a longer median PFS (15.9 vs 7.1 months, P<0.001) and a longer median OS (38.6 vs 16.6 months, P<0.001).
Conclusions:
The oncologic outcomes of the study patients were comparable to those of patients in landmark trials. HGSC has a higher response rate, longer PFS, and longer OS than non-HGSC.
The association between cardiac metabolic index and lumbar bone mineral density in adults: NHANES 2011-2018
Authors: Ren Tongsen , Wu Peng , Yin Songjiang , You Hankun , Liu Tan , Li Zhenghui , Liu Qun , Mao Jun
Published: August 2023

Introduction:
The association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and bone metabolism has been extensively investigated. The cardiac metabolic index (CMI) is a new indicator of cardiovascular metabolism. Our study aimed to explore the relationship between CMI and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) in adults.
Methods
This population-based study investigated the relationship between CMI and lumbar BMD in adults, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018. CMI is computed as the conduct of TG(Triglyceride) (mmol/L)/HDL-C(high-density lipoprotein cholesterol)(mmol/L) ratio and waist(cm)/height(cm) ratio (WHtR). Weighted multivariate linear regression and smoothed curve fitting were employed to examine linear and non-linear associations between CMI and lumbar BMD. Threshold effects were determined using a two-part linear regression model. Additionally, subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to assess the stability of the relationship between CMI and lumbar BMD in different demographic contexts.
Results
Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between CMI and lumbar BMD [β = −0.01, 95% CI: −0.02, − 0.01]. This negative correlation remained consistent across all subgroups, encompassing age, gender, ethnicity, and diabetes status. Furthermore, a U-shaped relationship between CMI and lumbar BMD was observed, with an inflection point of 1.26 (log likelihood ratio < 0.01). When CMI was less than 1.26, the association between CMI and lumbar BMD was negative [β=-0.03, 95% CI= (-0.05, -0.02)], while when CMI was greater than 1.26, the association between CMI and lumbar BMD was positive [β = 0.02, 95% CI= (-0.01,0.05)].
Conclusions
In adults, there is a negative association between CMI and lumbar BMD.
Screening for prostate cancer in a city in Japan: Age-specific prostate-specific antigen cutoff thresholds
Authors: Terao Hideyuki , Nagasaka Hirotaka , Yamamoto Shotaro , Suzuki Atsuto , Usui Kimitsugu , Nakaigawa Noboru , Kishida Takeshi , Watanabe Kaname , Nakamura Sho , Narimatsu Hiroto
Published: August 2023

Purpose:
Older men have higher prostate-specific antigen levels than younger men. However, the current Japanese Urological Association guidelines recommend secondary screening at a cutoff value of 4.0 ng/mL, even in older men. Here, we reexamined the cutoffs for older men using a prostate screening cohort in Japan, and first performed an analysis to determine the indication cutoffs for detecting positive biopsies.
Methods:
Data from 68,566 prostate cancer screenings in the city in 2018 were combined with cancer registration data. The optimal prostate-specific antigen levels to predict prostate cancer in different age groups were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curves after determining whether a cancer was registered within one year of screening.
Results:
At the conventional prostate-specific antigen threshold of 4.0 ng/mL, the sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value were 94.9%, 91.7%, and 91.7%, respectively. The optimal prostate-specific antigen cutoff values for patients aged 50–59 years, 60–69 years, 70–79 years, and over 80 years were 3.900 ng/mL, 4.014 ng/mL, 4.080 ng/mL, and 4.780 ng/mL, respectively.
Conclusions:
The sensitivity and specificity of prostate cancer screening in the city were high, indicating a highly accurate screening. The prostate-specific antigen threshold was 4.78 ng/mL in patients older than 80 years. A higher prostate-specific antigen threshold may be useful in men over 80 years to avoid excess biopsy and reduce costs. Our results suggest that the Japanese current method of using PSA 4.0 ng/mL as a cutoff regardless of age may not be preferable in the older men.
How Migration Stress and Covid-19 Threat Cause Prolonged Grief Disorder, A Multi-country study
Authors: Hassan Sajid , Haider Syed Muhammad Imran , Rizvi Syed Haider Ali , Li Xiaohui , Jiang Enshe
Published: August 2023

Using coping theory, this research creates and evaluates a process model to investigate the sequential mediating roles of perceived Covid-19 threat (PC-19 threat) and death anxiety on the relationships between migration stress, psychological distress, and prolonged grief disorder (PGD) among Afghan refugees who migrated to Pakistan and China after the Afghan war. The proposed model for Study 1 proved fully supported and demonstrated that migration stress has significant positive association with perceived psychological distress (β = 0.39, p < .001). Furthermore, significant relationship between migration stress and psychological distress is significantly mediated first by PC-19 threat and then significantly by death anxiety. Study 2, incorporated time-lag datasets technique to investigate the sequential moderating effect of resistance. Additionally, study 2 found that migratory stress was strongly associated with PGD (β = 0.21, p < .01). It was also articulated that resilience significantly moderated migration stress’s sequential indirect effect on psychological distress and PGD. The implications and future objectives of the study have been highlighted.
Research on Visualization Method of Edge Banding Appear-ance Quality Based on YOLOv7
Authors: LU guozhen , Xiong Xianqing , Lu Danting
Published: August 2023

Edge banding plays a critical role in contemporary panel furniture production, as its quality significantly affects the aesthetic appeal of furniture. However, the current method of quality inspection and classification relies primarily on manual inspection and screening, which can be time-consuming, subjective, and lead to inaccurate and inefficient detection results. To address this issue, this study collected and processed pictures of defects in banded board edges, accurately labeling them into six categories, including open glue, shortage, chipping, uneven trimming, glue line, and banding indentation, using the LabelImg software. The YOLOv7 network architecture was then leveraged to train the network on the accurately processed surface defect dataset of banded edge panels. Subsequently, samples of panels produced through the manufacturing process were analyzed and tested, with the training outcomes effectively visualized and analyzed using the TensorFlow tool, resulting in a mean average accuracy (mAP) rate of 74.8% and an average detection rate of 57.63 FPS. The test findings revealed that the YOLOv7 target detection network successfully identified defects during the production of banded edge panel parts, and thus, improved the accuracy and efficiency of detecting banded edge panel defects. Therefore, this method is feasible and holds immense potential for practical application, as indicated by its capability to immensely enhance the accuracy and efficiency of detecting banded edge panel defects.
Role of Mechanotransduction on Decision Making for Treatment of Chronic Wounds
Authors: McElvain Kelly , Gopalakrishnan Sandeep , Dabagh Mahsa
Published: August 2023

Chronic wounds create tremendous clinical, social, and economic burdens that generate frustration within hospitals and outpatient clinics, impair the health-related quality of life of chronic wound patients, and enormously drain healthcare resources. Common wound care and treatment techniques involve the usage of wound dressings. However, although there have been decades of advancements in the wound care field, resulting in the introduction of new, novel wound dressings, there remains a significant number of chronic wounds that fail to fully heal or are recurrent. Few studies consider how the specific mechanical properties of wound dressings influence complex mechanical responses within wound tissue. Mechanotransduction is a biological process that has been shown to influence wound tissue response, signaling cellular processes that alter regeneration and wound repair. The objective of this study is to take an initial step to determine and interpret the extents to which biophysical wound dressing properties impact mechanotransduction within a wound tissue. Current experimental techniques make it challenging to investigate many of the complexities of the wound healing process. Thus, the purpose of this study is to begin with computational models and theoretical descriptions that propose predictions and explanations of the role of various mechanical wound dressing characteristics on mechanotransduction in wound tissues. Three-dimensional models of wound tissue and wound dressings have been developed to analyze how von Mises stresses are distributed within the tissue models. The results of this study support that the shape, thickness, length, and stiffness of wound dressings impact the stress transmitted to the wound tissue. Our results show that shorter (7 cm in length) ellipsoid dressings lead to highest stresses within the wound tissue where dressing’s thickness and stiffness don’t show a significant impact. However, in ticker ellipsoid dressings (11 cm in length), higher stresses are observed when dressing is softer and thinner. When using a rectangular dressing, shorter, softer, thinner ones lead to high stress transmission to a wound tissue. The findings suggest that standards regarding biophysical wound dressing parameters, including stiffness, shape, thickness, and size, may be introduced to improve decision making for treatment of chronic wounds. These parameters may be brought to use to elucidate factors predisposing a chronic wound to heal. With an enhanced understanding of dressing properties and how they affect stress response within patient-specific wound tissues, more informed decision making for the treatment and care of chronic wounds can be made with the application of novel, precision dressings.
Mediastinal Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infection in Children - A Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Wiener Jonathan , Williams Phoebe , Palasanthiran Pamela , Belessis Yvonne , Russell Carolyn , Grant Peter , Currie Bruce , Soma Marlene , Wanaguru Dylan
Published: August 2023

Mediastinal infections due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) remain an exceedingly rare entity. Most cases in the published literature do not include paediatric patients. Due to their clinical infrequency, poor response to antimicrobial therapy and often precarious anatomical location, the treatment of these lesions presents a challenge. We present four cases of mediastinal NTM infection treated successfully by a multi-disciplinary team approach within a tertiary paediatric centre. All four children had extensive evaluation and ultimately had their disease debulked via thoracotomy in addition to prolonged anti-mycobacterial therapy, with successful clinical outcomes.
Comparative study on three-dimensional versus two-dimensional imaging using a computer-assisted surgery system for preoperative planning in pediatric middle hepatic tumors
Authors: Su Nan , Cui Kaiyue , Zhao Jing , Wu Xiongwei , Duan Yuhe , Zhan Huanyu , Zhang Peng , Hao Xiwei , Dong Qian
Published: August 2023

Backgroud
: The study objective was to compare three-dimensional and two-dimensional imaging using computer-assisted systems (CASs) in clinical guidance for preoperative surgical planning for middle hepatic tumors in children.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on 23 children who underwent surgery for middle hepatic tumors in our hospital from January 2016 to June 2022. The surgical resection plan was formulated by the operator team using two-dimensional CT images before the operation. Then, the same qualified surgeons conducted an in-depth analysis and formulated the surgical resection scheme for the same pediatric patient using three-dimensional imaging of the middle hepatic tumor. The feasibility of the two schemes was compared and analyzed.
Result
All the tumors were successfully removed according to the preoperative method developed using three-dimensional imaging. The postoperative short-term follow-up revealed that all patients were doing well. Preoperative plans were revised in 9 cases after evaluating the three-dimensional images due to the disparity between the original plans and the three-dimensional relationship between the tumor and blood vessels, vascular variation, and the volume of remnant liver.
Conclusions
Three-dimensional imaging with a computer-assisted surgery system is superior to two-dimensional imaging in the preoperative planning of pediatric hepatoblastoma.
Study of Oxide-based Nano Cluster X3O4 (X = Ti, Fe and Zn) for Biomedical Applications: A CDFT Approach
Authors: Das Shayeri , Ranjan Prabhat , Chakraborty Tanmoy
Published: August 2023

In recent years, oxide-based nano clusters have shown some significant applications in medical sciences, bio sensing, catalysis, and energy storage. Here we have reported the computational study of oxide-based nano clusters X3O4 (X = Ti, Fe, Zn) by means of Conceptual Density Functional Theory (CDFT) method. Geometry optimization and freqneucy computation of these clusters are carried out using the functional B3LYP / LANL2DZ in the DFT framework. Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) – Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) of the clusters are found between 2.019 eV to 3.570 eV. The global CDFT descriptors viz. hardness, softness, electronegativity, electrophiliicty index and dipole moment are calculated. Result shows that Zn3O4 has the maximum stability whereas Fe3O4 is highly reactive in nature. Electronegatiivty and electrophilicity index of these clusters decrease from Fe3O4 to Zn3O4 to Ti3O4. Analyses are conducted for the optical characteristics of X3O4 nano clusters, comprising their refractive index, dielectric constant, optical electronegativity and IR activity. Refractive index, dielectric constant and range of harmonic frequency increase from Zn3O4 to Fe3O4 via Ti3O4. The estimated bond length, HOMO-LUMO energy gap, refractive index and IR activity of the nano clusters are in agreement with the reported experimental and theoretical results. The physico-chemical properties of X3O4 nano clusters indicate their potential applications in biomedical sciences especialy for the treatment of cancer cells.
Empirical Bayesian Inference on the Burr Type-XII Model Parameters Based on Characteristic Prior
Authors: Maswadah M.
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a new technique has been proposed for deriving the prior density for the empirical Bayes by utilizing the characteristic function. For measuring the efficiency of this prior, the mean squared errors and the mean percentage errors are derived for the Burr type-XII model parameter estimates compared to their counterparts based on the informative gamma prior, via Monte Carlo simulations. The simulation results indicated that the characteristic prior provides better estimates and outperforms the informative gamma prior. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed priors.
UDE-Based Robust Nonlinear Control of the Boost Converter with Constant Power Load
Authors: Oucheriah Said
Published: August 2023

The boost converter feeding a constant power load (CPL) is a non-minimum phase system that is prone to the destabilizing effects of the negative incremental resistance of the CPL and presents a major challenge in the design of stabilizing controllers. In this work, a robust nonlinear controller based on the uncertainty and disturbance estimator (UDE) scheme is successfully developed to tightly regulate the output voltage of the boost converter. A systematic procedure is developed to select the controller gains to achieve a satisfactory output response. Using simulation, the effectiveness of the proposed controller is validated and compared to a recent robust nonlinear controller.
Física moderna e contemporânea: análise de conteúdo dos livros didáticos de física do ensino médio aprovados pelo PNLD de 2018
Authors: Pereira Patrícia do Nascimento , Guerini Silvete Coradi
Published: August 2023

Esta pesquisa apresenta os resultados de uma análise efetuada em obras didáticas aprovadas no Programa Nacional do Livro Didático (PNLD) de 2018 para a disciplina de Física. O objetivo geral consistiu em avaliar como estão sendo apresentados os conteúdos de Física Moderna e Contemporânea (FMC) nesses materiais, evidenciando as principais potencialidades e fragilidades de cada obra. Compuseram o corpus desta pesquisa três obras didáticas escolhidas por escolas públicas estaduais de São Luís – Maranhão. A metodologia aplicada direcionou-se pela abordagem qualitativa e tipologia documental. Os resultados revelam que as obras didáticas analisadas podem ser consideradas boas ferramentas para o processo de Ensino de Física, apesar de algumas não conterem todos os tópicos de FMC relevantes para formação científica e cidadã do aluno. Ficou evidente que dos critérios investigados, a interdisciplinaridade foi contemplada de forma satisfatória. É preciso, contudo, que os professores estejam preparados para suprir as falhas dos livros didáticos, buscando subsídios em outros recursos pedagógicos além do livro, como  textos científicos, notícias de jornais e revistas.
Racismo e escolarização: Formas e consequências na trajetória escolar de alunos negros
Authors: Matos Patrícia Modesto , França Dalila Xavier de
Published: August 2023

O presente artigo realizou uma revisão integrativa de literatura, com o objetivo de identificar as formas de racismo mais evidentes no espaço escolar, bem como as consequências desse fenômeno no processo educativo de estudantes negros brasileiros. Para isso, procedeu-se um levantamento bibliográfico nas bases Scielo, Pepsic, Lilacs e PsycINFO, envolvendo periódicos de língua portuguesa, inglesa e espanhola, no período de abril a junho de 2019, utilizando os descritores: educação, escola, ensino e racismo. Os 16 achados apontam que as formas flagrantes e sutis da expressão do racismo são mais frequentes nas escolas, havendo também o racismo institucional, presente nos documentos e livros que orientam as práticas educativas, e nas políticas afirmativas; o racismo cultural, que envolve a desqualificação religiosa; e o racismo individual, a partir da depreciação das características físicas dos sujeitos. Constatou-se que os estudantes vítimas do racismo apresentam maiores índices de evasão e fracasso escolar na Educação Básica, aspecto que dificulta o acesso ao Ensino Superior. Diante dessa realidade, acredita-se que a formação docente, voltada para a diversidade e alterações efetivas no currículo escolar, podem colaborar de forma significativa para a valorização da população negra e para a redução do racismo nas escolas.
O desenvolvimento de letramento visual na prática docente de arte na educação básica
Authors: Maciel Alda Maria Coimbra Aguilar , Alves Andrea Santos
Published: August 2023

Este artigo apresenta um recorte de dissertação sobre o desenvolvimento do letramento visual no processo de formação docente de Arte. Nessa pesquisa buscou-se verificar como é feita a abordagem teórica e metodológica desse tipo de letramento nos cursos de Licenciatura em Artes Visuais. Ademais, informações sobre o perfil acadêmico e profissional de professores de Arte foram levantados em um curso de extensão para esse público. Nesse curso realizou-se um estudo de caso e a Gramática do Design Visual foi o referencial teórico apresentado para fundamentar as práticas de leitura de imagens e letramento visual. Os resultados apontam que o letramento visual não é privilegiado em cursos de Artes Visuais e, portanto, sua abordagem é insatisfatória na Educação Básica. Sendo assim, a oferta de cursos que desenvolvam o aporte teórico mencionado pode auxiliar na mediação de práticas docentes de letramento visual nesse segmento de ensino.
Planejamento e gestão educacional em teses e dissertações: uma década de produções em programas de pós-graduação em educação no Brasil
Authors: Duarte Maria de Jesus Rodrigues , Cruz Rosana Evangelista , Gonçalves Marli Clementino
Published: August 2023

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a temática planejamento e gestão educacional em teses e dissertações de Programas de Pós-Graduação em Educação (PPGE) no Brasil, no período de 2000 a 2010, oportunizando uma visão panorâmica das produções acadêmicas sobre o referido tema na primeira década de 2000. Para alcançar o objetivo, partiu-se da problematização do processo de construção e consolidação do campo acadêmico política educacional, demonstrando a importância da expansão dos Programas de Pós-Graduação e as assimetrias regionais no número de programas, nos critérios de avaliação e no número de trabalhos sobre o tema em estudo, em que pese a significativa representatividade no conjunto dos trabalhos analisados. Os resultados aqui alcançados apontam que as instituições com maior nota na avaliação da Capes, e que apresentam maior produção acadêmica sobre o tema, estão localizadas nas Regiões Sudeste e Sul, as quais concentram 63% dos Programas de Pós-Graduação, reiterando a desigualdade de produção de conhecimento, fator reforçado pelos critérios avaliativos da Capes.
A pandemia da COVID-19 e o impacto na vida das famílias com crianças com Transtorno do Espectro Autista
Authors: Bittencourt Aline Lourenço , De Meirelles Rosane Moreira Silva
Published: August 2023

A pandemia de Covid-19 resultou em um grande impacto na vida das famílias que possuem filhos com autismo. Este artigo tem por objetivo trazer os resultados de um estudo que busca investigar a experiência de estudantes com Transtorno de Espectro Autista (TEA) em idade escolar, a partir da visão dos seus responsáveis, no que diz respeito às mudanças na rotina familiar. Trata-se de um estudo de caso, no qual foram utilizados entrevistas semiestruturadas e questionários para coleta de dados. O estudo buscou ainda compreender as nuances dessas modificações de rotina e quais foram as adaptações necessárias ao longo do isolamento social. Os dados coletados mostraram que a manutenção do vínculo e a rotina são essenciais, como também a importância em ampliar o atendimento às famílias.
Authentication of Specialty Coffees from the Fluminense Northwest and Caparaó Regions (Brazil) Using UV-Vis Spectroscopy and Synthetic Samples Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis (SS-PLS-DA)
Authors: Caldeira Gabriel , Costa Tayná , Nascimento Marcia , Corradini Patricia , Filgueiras Paulo , Ferreira Daniel , Souza Murilo
Published: August 2023

Caparaó and the Fluminense northwest regions are nationally recognized by the important contribution on coffee production and exportation. Adulterations involving specialty coffees result in a decrease in the quality of the final product. However, obtaining many different samples from the same region is unfeasible in some cases, needing strategies to work with a limited number of samples for pattern recognition. Thus, this work is the first to use the construction of synthetic samples (SS) for analysis of coffees, and its objective is to identify adulterations in specialty coffees with bark, straw and low-quality beans, using UV-Vis spectroscopy, associated with chemometric methods. The synthetic samples partial least square discriminant analysis (SS-PLS-DA) showed better specificity, sensitivity and reliability rates than the Hard PLS-DA models. One-class methods (soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) and data driven soft independent modeling of class analogy (DD-SIMCA)) showed low specificity and reliability. The discriminant methods together with the synthetic samples proved to be adequate to identify adulterations in specialty coffees.
Effect of Impregnation of Activated Carbon with Selected Transition Metal Ions on Its Adsorption Properties and Pore Size
Authors: POSZWALD B.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Thanks to their vast surface area, activated carbons are materials of great interest. They are used as adsorbents for both liquid- and gaseous impurities. To improve their properties, impregnation with different substances is conducted. In this paper, such an impregnation was done using copper(II), manganese(II), silver(I), and zinc(II) salts. The aim was to compare the inner structure of the impregnated activated carbon with a non-impregnated one. It was done by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) adsorption-desorption isotherms that were plotted and described. Lastly, the pore size and volume were determined by Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method. The results show that the presence of zinc(II) salts helped to develop the mesoporous structure of activated carbon and resulted in an increase in the surface area of the sorbents, while silver(I) decreased it.
Effect of PEO Surface Treatment on Biodegradable Magnesium Alloy ZK60
Authors: OBERTOVÁ V.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Magnesium alloy ZK60 is a biocompatible and biodegradable material that has gained attention for its potential use in biomedical applications due to its high mechanical strength, lightweight properties, and biocompatibility. However, the high chemical reactivity and poor resistance to corrosion of magnesium alloys limit their use. This study evaluates the results from a potentiodynamic polarization test (PD) on ZK60 with surface treatments of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) and PEO+PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol with Glycerin). The aim is to understand the impact of these treatments on the corrosion behavior of ZK60 and to improve its properties for medical applications. The results showed that the PEO surface treatment significantly improved the corrosion resistance of ZK60, and the combination of PEO and PVA resulted in further improved corrosion behavior. This study highlights the potential of PEO and PEO+PVA treatments for improving the corrosion resistance of ZK60 and its suitability for use in biomedical applications.
The Influence of Mn Addition on Corrosion Resistance in Secondary Aluminium Alloy AlSi7Mg0.3 after the Heat Treatment
Authors: ŠURDOVÁ Z.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. This paper aims to study the secondary aluminium alloy AlSi7Mg0.3 with higher Fe content after heat treatment. The addition of Mn is also investigated. The quantitative analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of higher Fe content on the amount and shape of platelet-like Fe-rich intermetallic phases. As a method of corrosion resistance testing an immersion test in 3.5% NaCl was used. This test was done in order to evaluate the influence of higher Fe content and Mn addition in heat-treated AlSi7Mg0.3 alloys. The results show that the Mn addition increases the corrosion resistance of AlSi7Mg0.3 alloys, but not significantly. AlSi7Mg0.3 alloys have numerous uses within the automobile and other sectors.
Thermal Stability of Ammonium Nitrate in Two-Component Mixtures with Powdered and Fine-Grained Materials
Authors: DYSZ K.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Ammonium nitrate(V) (AN, NH4NO3) is widely and widely used in the chemical industry, in agriculture as a fertilizer, explosive for military and civil purposes (e.g. in mining) or as a solid propellant [1, 2]. Storage of ammonium nitrate poses many problems, as it may be hazardous. This was proven, for example, by the explosion in 2020 in Beirut. Ammonium nitrate was stored in a warehouse at the port among other wares and an unfortunate turn of events caused a huge explosion. The explosion contributed to the formation of a 140-meter crater and an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.3 on the Richter scale. This explosion was classified as the third most destructive urban explosion of all time, after the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II [3, 4], as the mixtures of oils (fuel or gas) and a concentrated form of nitrogen fertilizer  ammonium nitrate form explosives [5]. The dangerous properties of AN have been extensively studied. It is known that pure AN is stable at room temperature but may explode when mixed with impurities in a confined space or under fire-hazard conditions [1]. The research aimed to analyze the changes occurring in two-component mixtures with ammonium nitrate and powdered or fine-grained materials and to assess the effect of such an admixture on the fertilizer. Thermal analysis was used to carry out the TG-DSC tests.
Assessment of the Application of Lumpy Steel Slag as an Aggregate Replacement in Concrete
Authors: HARWAT A.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. The need to protect the Earth's resources necessitates pro-ecological activities. One of the aspects of these activities is the rational management of post-production and post-consumer waste. One of the materials whose production significantly pollutes the natural environment is concrete. On the other hand, the analysis of the literature carried out in the work showed that it is a material that can absorb a significant amount of processed waste used as a substitute for cement or aggregate. These are polymer materials of various origins, residues from biomass combustion and, above all, steel slag, which has long been used in construction in various forms. One of the types of this material is lumpy steel slag, which has been used for years mainly in road construction as a replacement for crushed stone in the construction of the road base. The paper presents instrumental tests of the influence of the lump slag content used as a replacement for basalt aggregate on selected parameters of concrete (compressive strength, water absorption, volume density). The research showed that such a modification of the mixture composition does not significantly change the tested parameters. The lump slag can therefore be successfully used in the production of normal and heavy concrete.
Operational Properties of Heterogeneous Surfaces
Authors: RADEK N.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. The paper is concerned with testing Cu-Mo coatings deposited over carbon steel C45, which were then eroded with a laser beam. A combination of electro-spark deposition (ESD) process and laser treatment has been developed, and tested, and improvement of certain surface properties has been demonstrated. The analysis involved measuring the macrogeometry, microhardness roughness and corrosion resistance of selected areas after laser treatment. The coatings were deposited by means of the ELFA-541 and they were laser treated with the Nd:YAG, the laser parameters being variable. The properties of heterogeneous surfaces, based on laser treated ESD, are largely dependent upon material combination systems, manipulating methods, ESD and laser parameters as well as process control.
Radar Recognition: Paint Coatings with Absorption Properties in the Microwave Range
Authors: PRZYBYŁ W.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. The article presents the characteristics of modern reconnaissance systems in the radar range and camouflage methods for this range. Two absorbers of electromagnetic radiation in the 4-18 GHz range were tested, measuring their attenuation properties. Carbonyl iron and thin-walled hollow microspheres based on soda-lime-borosilicate glass were tested, on the basis of which paint coatings with different shares of absorbers and different coating thicknesses were produced. The attenuation properties of both absorbers were determined and attention was paid to the maximum values and frequencies for which they occur. Further directions of research were also proposed in order to obtain varnish coatings that are an effective camouflage agent in radiolocation.
Checkpoint Efficiency Analysis Method
Authors: CZERWIŃSKA K.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. The use of multifaceted quality analyses contributes to increasing the efficiency of production processes and quality control as part of maintaining competitiveness. The aim of the study was to identify an integrally configured method for analysing the effectiveness of control points in the context of their ranking in terms of given variables. Verification of the model was carried out against the production process of an aluminium casting. The obtained ranking of the detection methods indicated the MT method as the most effective, which was influenced by the significant detection of critical non-conformities. The study observed little difference between the performance parameters of visual inspection and endoscopic testing, which is largely due to the detection of non-conformities of lower significance and the relatively low cost of testing. Further work will relate to the implementation of the model against other processes carried out in the company.
Development of a Hybrid Method for Identifying the Causes of Product Incompatibility in Metallurgical Manufacturing
Authors: DWORNICKA R.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. For the analysis of the quality of metallurgical products, it is important to use techniques that identify the internal and external unconformity of the product without destroying it. These techniques are non-destructive testing (NDT). Although these techniques identify the unconformity of the product, they do not indicate the source of their creation. The purpose of the study was to develop a hybrid method to make decisions about the causes of product incompatibility. This hybrid method was created as a combination of NDT and quality management techniques, i.e.: 5W2H method, Ishikawa diagram, 5Why method. The subject of the study was an unconformity detected in the tube made of the magnesium alloy AMS 4439. Research was carried out using the FPI method. In the analyzed case, its application allowed the detection of a linear indication in the product. To identify the root of the linear indication, the 5W2H method, the Ishikawa diagram, and the 5Why method were used sequentially. The main causes were bad casting and pollution. The root cause was defective supplier material. Integration of the FPI method, the 5W2H method, the Ishikawa diagram, and the 5Why method in the performance of a comprehensive qualitative analyze of products, after which it is possible to identify the unconformity and the root of its occurrence. The integration of FPI and quality management techniques can be practiced to analyze the quality of products (including metallurgical products) in manufacturing and service enterprises.
An Application of the Systematic Diagram in the Failure and Causes Analysis of a Vane Pump
Authors: FABIŚ-DOMAGAŁA J.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Hydraulic systems are widely spread among drive and control systems. They can play a crucial role in many applications; therefore, identifying potential failures and their causes might be required. Quality improvement tools and methods can be used to achieve this goal. This research attempts to apply one of the recently developed tools, which is a systematic diagram, to recognize possible failures and their causes and finally to define preventive measures for a typical hydraulic vane pump. The analysis of potential pump failures and their causes identified oil contamination as the primary source of pump failure or malfunction. Consequently, proper maintenance was found to be the proper preventive measure.
Method Supporting Improving Products in Terms of Qualitative-Environmental
Authors: PACANA A.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Problems with product quality during negative climate changes make the continuous improvement process difficult. The search for approaches consists of methodical and possible detailed analysis areas of these types of problem types. Therefore, the objective of the article was to develop a method to analyze problems with the quality of products considering the impact on the natural environment. The method was developed by a coherent combination of selected techniques, i.e.: brainstorming (BM), Ishikawa diagram, 5M rule, multiple voting, seven-point Likert scale, and the IPA method. A method was carried out for mechanical seal of the 410 alloy, on which a porosity cluster was detected. The originality of the study is that the proposed method supports a consistent methodical analysis of any problem with the quality of products and verifies these problems in view of their impact on the natural environment. Simultaneously, the result obtained from the method determines the main causes of the problem, from which to begin improving the quality of the product considering the impact on the natural environment. This method can be applied to any product and the incompatibilities detected on them. Therefore, the method can be used in service-production enterprises to improve products in terms of qualitative-environmental.
Numerical Analysis of a Pneumatic Cushion Operation Safety, including the Airflow Conditions
Authors: FILO G.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. This work concerns studying the characteristics of a pneumatic cushion in a system for moving heavy loads. Particular emphasis has been placed on the airflow parameters through the main supply nozzle, including the average flow velocity. Critical flow at the speed of sound can occur under certain circumstances. In the subsequent steps, a mathematical model of a pneumatic cushion was formulated, next, a simulation model was built in the Matlab/Simulink system, and then numerical simulations were carried out. As a result, it was estimated whether there is a flow with a safe, appropriately low speed in a given range of load and supply pressure.
Building Competitiveness through Improvement of Quality Process in Paper Industry Enterprises
Authors: KONIECZNA M.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Nowadays, organizations continuously compete with each other and other market competitors. It is clearly visible in paper production market in Poland which is constantly developing taking over even the plastic product market due to the regulation of the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products. Therefore, for a single company there is a need to search and take competitive advantage. In order to build competitiveness it is possible to refer to improvement of quality process which can lead to additional benefits for organizations or customers. It can concern various aspects of the company such as structures, processes, activities or products. The aim of this paper is to propose methods and tools of quality management at particular stages of paper production process to build or improve market competitiveness in paper industry.
Commercialization of Research Results – Overview of Assumptions and General Definitions
Authors: JAGUSIAK-KOCIK M.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. The work is based on a literature review in the field of commercialization of scientific research – it presents various definitions of commercialization, the concept of indirect and direct commercialization, as well as ways of financing the commercialization of research results. The aim of the work is to present and learn about various approaches to the concept of commercialization, to show what forms the process of commercialization of research results takes place and how it can be financed. The aim is to identify and analyze the research area, because the work is an introduction to practical research and the creation of a model for the commercialization of scientific research results in the largest research network in Poland, dealing with i.e. providing attractive and competitive technological solutions.
Key Projects in the Area of Occupational Health and Safety Management – Case of Polish Company
Authors: STASIAK-BETLEJEWSKA R.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Project management in the area of occupational health and safety management is related to implementing conditions that affect the safety of industrial practices. The goal of the paper is the review of the systematic projects in the area of the occupational health and safety management system in the chosen Polish large company that developed and adopted practices enforcing work safety system.
Public Safety and Information Obligations for Upper-Tier Establishments
Authors: OSYRA M.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. The operation of the upper-tier establishments, which are prone to a major accident hazard, poses a real threat to the public in terms of health and potential environmental pollution. Therefore, the norms of EU directives seek to introduce as much transparency as possible to the operation of upper-tier establishments. The purpose of this article is to give an overview of the rules concerning the issue of information provision by the establishment to both the public and the relevant state and EU authorities. The following part of the article will provide a brief analysis of how the posting of public information on the websites of the upper-tier establishments looks like in practice.
The Importance of the Diet Catering Sector During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Families Eating Together
Authors: ROWIECKA J.A.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Proper nutrition, physical activity, positive interpersonal relations, sleeping, and resting promote health and well-being. A varied and well-balanced diet is one of the fundamental factors influencing human mental and physical balance. Diet catering services involve providing customers with individualized sets of meals chosen based on their preferences and needs. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the importance of the diet catering sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, whose activities were not limited by government restrictions, and the impact of ordering a healthy boxed diet on eating together of all family members. The empirical study included customers of diet catering enterprises. Individual in-depth interview was used as a quantitative research technique. The analysis of the empirical study proved the extremely different behavior of the respondents, who had completely different views on the basic issues related to the measures that limit social and economic life. They often had no knowledge of the current pandemic and often performed a variety of mutually exclusive actions.
The Investigation of Safety Behavior in Logistic Companies of Malaysia
Authors: IMRAN M.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. In Malaysia, industrialization and population growth have both contributed to an increase in workplace occupational injuries. The most recent statistics on reported accidents show that out of 10,000 employees, 99 have been directly involved in work-related accidents. Accidents do not occur by chance, thus there are multiple factors which are contributing to workplace accidents. It is important to spread safety awareness to employees inside the organization. The main objective of the current study is to investigate the relationship between safety leadership, supervisor safety roles and safety behavior in logistics companies of Malaysia. The study respondents included 160 employees from logistics companies of Malaysia. A partial least square equation modeling “Higher Order Two-Stage Approach” analysis was performed to assess the measurement and structural model involving variables of safety leadership, supervisor safety roles and safety behavior to draw the results. The results of the study revealed that safety leadership roles imposed by the managers have a significant effect on safety behavior, mediated by supervisors’ safety roles. Therefore, the findings of the study suggest that safety leadership and supervisor safety roles be implemented in logistics companies. These make employees more inclined to take part in safety initiatives which can make the workplace safer.