bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Business Transformation Framework and Enterprise Architecture Framework for Managers in Business Innovation
Authors: Trad Antoine
Published: November 2020

This journal article proposes a cross-business domain applied holistic mathematical model (AHMM) that is the result of a lifetime long research on business transformations, applied mathematics, software modelling, business engineering, financial analysis, and global enterprise architecture. This ultimate research is based on an authentic and proprietary mixed research method that is supported by an underlining mainly qualitative holistic reasoning model module. The proposed AHMM formalism attempts to mimic some functions of the human brain, which uses empirical processes that are mainly based on the beam-search, like heuristic decision-making process. The AHMM can be used to implement a decision-making system or an expert system that can integrate in the enterprise's business, information and communication technology environments. The AHMM uses a behaviour driven development environment or a natural language environment that can be easily adopted by the project's development teams. The AHMM offers a high level implementation environment that can be used by any team member without any prior computer sciences qualification. The AHMM can be used also to model enterprise architecture (EA) blueprints, business transformation projects, or knowledge management systems; it is supported by many real-life cases of various business domains. The uniqueness of this research is that the AHMM promotes a holistic unbundling process, the alignment of various EA standards and transformation strategies to support business transformation projects.
Employee Satisfaction and Gender
Authors: Dev Santosh , Sharma Swati
Published: November 2020

The study presents a grim picture of presence of women as employees in banks in India in spite of the fact that they exhibit more satisfaction than the male employees in certain dimensions of employee satisfaction. The study has employed survey methodology comprising 450 bank employees. The data of the respondents have been analyzed using principal component analysis, varimax rotation method, frequency distribution method, t-test and correlation coefficient. The results of the study exhibit that the count of women employees is less than the count of male employees in banks. Women employees are more satisfied than male employees. Banks need to increase the spread of their branches, analyze the environment so that the women employees feel motivated to join the banking industry and contribute in the economic growth of India.
Cost Estimation Methods in Quality Management and Continuous Improvement
Authors: Galli Brian J.
Published: November 2020

This paper investigated cost estimation methods and continuous improvement in terms of project management planning, as well as the factors that influenced these actions. Estimating the cost was one of the most imperative tasks to be done by the managers for a project. Key factors, such as cost, size, schedule, quality, people resources, maintenance costs, and complexity, were usually estimated in the beginning of project development. The techniques used for cost estimation included data composed from past projects that were combined with mathematical formulae to get the closest estimation. In regards to continuous improvement, the four-step quality model (PDCA cycle) was used as an ongoing effort to improve products or services. PDCA stands for plan, do, check, and act, which were the steps to successfully implement change. Notably, project management, when tasked with cost estimation and continuous improvement, was challenged to cope with evolving and situational alterations, which required a different set of skills.
Exploring Enablers of Value Co-Creation in the Healthcare Service Delivery
Authors: Srivastava Shefali
Published: November 2020

The paper identifies the enablers of value co-creation (VCC) in the healthcare context which in result enhances service delivery capability. A 45-item questionnaire was circulated among service providers in the healthcare system, including doctors, nurses, and system staff all over India. A cross-sectional research design was used to assess the research's framework. A total of 294 valid responses were received. Validity and reliability analyses were performed using SPSSv23 and AMOSv22, and the hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Results reveal that organizational orientation, technology integration and internal service quality (ISQ) are the enablers of value co-creation in healthcare services context from the internal customer perspective. Future researchers may explore the inter-relationships among the enablers of VCC process. The study provides practitioners with suggestions to facilitate service delivery capability by leveraging organizational orientation, technology integration, and ISQ in the VCC process.
Novel Cost-Efficient Method of Producing Ausferritic Steels Displaying Excellent Combination of Mechanical Properties
Authors: Rubin Per , Larker Richard , Navara Erik , Antti Marta Lena
Published: November 2020

Round bars Ø 53 mm were hot-rolled from a 1.4 tonne ingot forged to 165 × 165 mm. The composition of the steel was 0.45 wt. % C and 3.33 wt. % Si plus alloying elements for hardenability. Microstructure after air cooling from 1010 °C on the cooling bed was predominantly ausferritic. Tensile testing of as-rolled bars resulted in yield strength 846 ± 22 MPa, ultimate tensile strength 1169 ± 99 MPa and A5-elongation of 1.7 ± 0.8 % (without prior necking). When as-rolled steel was baked in air at T = {Ms initial -30 K} for six hours, the yield stress raised to 1121 ± 4 MPa, the ultimate tensile stress raised to 1447 ± 5 MPa and the elongation raised to 22.6 ± 1.6 % (with necking > 18 %). For as-rolled bars during continuous cooling, the exposure time within the temperature range 460 – 320 °C was estimated to be about 10 minutes. The microstructure of as-rolled “semi-finished” bars is stable at room temperature. The first baking was done six months after hot-rolling. Optical and scanning electron microscopy showed that remaining areas of austenite, not transformed during continuous cooling but stable at room temperature, transforms to ausferrite when properly baked.
Biodegradable Iron-Based Foams for Potential Bone Replacement Material
Authors: Hrubovčáková Monika , Džupon Miroslav , Kupková Miriam , Oriňáková Renáta
Published: November 2020

Iron and iron-phosphorus open-cell foams were tested for their potential use as synthetic bone graft substitutes. The samples were manufactured using a replica method based on a powder metallurgical approach. Iron foams alloyed with 0.5 wt. % of phosphorus were prepared with the aim of enhancing the mechanical properties and manipulating the corrosion rate. The manufactured foams were tested for their microstructure, porosity, corrosion behaviour and mechanical properties. SEM analyses of the foams’ microstructures confirmed the presence of an open, three-dimensional interconnected macroporous network similar to that of the human bone. The corrosion behaviour was studied by a static immersion test and potentiodynamic polarisation in Hank’s solution. The results showed that the presence of phosphorus slightly decreased the corrosion rate as compared to pure iron foams. The mechanical properties studied by a compression test confirmed a positive effect of phosphorus on the mechanical properties of the manufactured foams.
Analysis of the Cause of Damage to the Steam Generator Cold Collector’s Dissimilar Weld Joint at Slovak Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Kapusňák Michal , Hajas Michal , Adamech Marek
Published: November 2020

By the non-destructive testing of a dissimilar weld joint (DWJ) of cold collector DN 1100 (CC) on a steam generator, indications were found on inner-side cold collector’s surface at the root position of the examined weld. All the identified indications were very similar in shape and form, therefore, it was decided to cut out a part of the damaged site from this type of DWJ DN 1100 and get the obtained ring (real piece of material) for complex metallographic analysis. This paper briefly describes the results and recommendations found for the future reference during the next long‑term operation induced ageing and degradation of critical steam generator parts in NPP Bohunice Unit 4. There are summarized the results obtained from evaluation of original DWJ material.
Investigation of Screw Failed During Installation
Authors: Demčáková Mária , Mašlejová Alicia , Hrabčáková Lucia , Zubko Pavol , Hockicková Slavka , Vranec Peter , Kalmár Peter , Drotár Atila , Prislupčák Peter
Published: November 2020

Material used for screw production was investigated due to its inconvenient properties which caused the screw breaking on threads or in the head during the installation. Chemical composition of analyzed material corresponded with standard STN 17153 according to technological drawing for specific product. The metallographic analysis showed that failure of screws happened due to improper microstructure resulting from unsuitable thermal treatment of material. Fine inclusions based on aluminum nitride (AlN) and chromium carbonitride (Cr(C,N)) were segregated along the ferritic grain boundaries. Coarse aluminum nitride inclusions (AlN) in ferritic matrix affected the character of present fracture surface characterized by cleavage facettes. The fracture was propagated step by step following the planes with the increased concentration of inclusions across the whole cross-section of the screw.
Defects of Steel Sheets Joined by Laser Welding
Authors: Drotár Atila , Zubko Pavol , Mašlejová Alicia , Kalmár Peter , Vranec Peter , Hockicková Slavka , Demčáková Mária , Hrabčáková Lucia
Published: November 2020

Introduction of new technologies demands a new access to quality evaluation of products. Joining of steel sheets with laser butt welding requires increased demand on precision of welded sheet ends alignment as well as condition of cutting edge. Moreover, increased requirements are placed on purity of environment, flatness of strips, gases, etc. The paper deals with evaluation of quality of laser butt welds of steel sheets and description of defects which could occur on welds from the metallographic point of view. The influence of relative displacement of welded strips ends alignment, different relative sheet thickness alignment, welding gap size and quality of sheet shear edge on quality of weld will be described. The most significant effect on quality of weld joints and their final mechanical properties has relative position of strip ends and geometry of cutting edge.
Microstructural and Chemical Analysis of Military Steel from World War II as Part of Sculpture
Authors: Machciník Michal , Horňak Peter , Halama Maroš , Bartusz Juraj , Koval Karol
Published: November 2020

The paper deals with the microstructural and chemical analysis of military steel from World War II (WWII). The sample of steel which was found in the form of totally destroyed military armoured transporter from WWII close to Hornad River near Košice city, Slovakia by well-known Slovakian artist Juraj Bartusz in the early 60-ties and nowadays analysed by advanced techniques. Juraj Bartusz created from these pieces of steel cycle of Works under name Forest (1965 – 67) which was exhibited in Paris in Museum Rodin (1968). Steel was non-standardly heat treated by melting during fire of bombs without detonators, pure ecrasite. Thus pieces of steel were exposed to extremely high temperature and change structure. Achieved structure was analysed by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) supported by EDX chemical analysis. The layer of corrosion products of this sculpture exposed to rural atmosphere for 58 years in Kosice region was also analysed by both techniques.
Fatigue Behavior of Titanium Endoprosthesis
Authors: Hanusová Patrícia , Palček Peter , Chalupová Mária , Uhríčik Milan
Published: November 2020

This paper deals with applications of biomaterial in the human body. Each biomaterial is characterized by biofunctionality and biocompatibility [1]. The choice of biomaterial for medical applications is established on mechanical properties. Therefor the Ti6Al4V alloys, which properties are relatively low modulus, good fatigue strength, formability, machinability, corrosion resistance [2], are most widely used in biomedical replacements, implants, and prosthesis. Despite the excellent properties of the titanium alloy, endoprosthesis often fails and the hip replacement is necessary. Common causes are overloading and cracking, static or dynamic. Other causes of failure include injury, implantation failure, manufacturing inaccuracies, and non-compliance with the manufacturing process.
Experimental Verification of Phase Diagram Calculations of Zr-Based Alloys after High-Temperature Oxidation
Authors: Gávelová Petra , Halodová Patricie , Libera Ondřej , Prokůpková Iveta Adéla , Vrtílková Věra , Krejčí Jakub
Published: November 2020

Zirconium-based alloys are commonly used as a material for nuclear fuel claddings in the light water reactors. The cladding material must function to fix a huge number of pellets, while conducting heat into the coolant that flows turbulently around the fuel rods. Cladding tubes can contain gaseous fission products that escape the fuel. Thus, by functioning as a sealed unit, it prevents a contamination of the coolant water with high-radioactive fission products. The integrity of claddings is always a critical issue during reactor operation and wet or dry storage and transport of the spent fuel rods. Moreover, the role gains importance at Loss of Coolant Accidents (LOCA). After Fukushima accident, cladding materials are widely studied with the purpose to reduce the high-temperature oxidation rate and enhance accident tolerance. In our contribution, we introduce the studies on Zr-1Nb (E110) cladding tubes after high-temperature steam oxidation at 1350 °C. During the testing of claddings, microscopy analytical methods play an important role in experimental verification of pseudo-binary phase diagram Zr1Nb-O, i. e. particularly in oxygen content determination at phase transitions. Wave Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS) with complementary nano-indentation method were used to characterize the Zr1Nb microstructure formed after LOCA. It includes the regions from an oxide and oxygen-stabilized α-Zr(O) to the acicular prior β-Zr phase. The decrease of hardness and Young's modulus corresponds with oxygen content measured in line-profiles by WDS. The oxygen level at transition points was partly determined from Fe, Nb β-stabilizers and significant change in mechanical properties in fine-grained prior β-Zr. The slight fluctuation of oxygen values in adjacent grains can be caused by preferential oxidation through the favorably oriented α-Zr(O) grains studied by WDS+EBSD. As well, the non-uniform oxygen-rich α-Zr(O) phase adjacent to the oxide was characterized by EBSD & WDS. Increasing hydrogen content in specimens, 10, 700 and 1000 ppm H, caused increasing solubility of oxygen in prior β-Zr phase upon high-temperature and the cladding material hardening.
Consequences of Inappropriate Temperatures of the Solution Heat Treatment in Al-Si-Cu Cast Alloys
Authors: Kuchariková Lenka , Tillová Eva , Švecová Ivana
Published: November 2020

Al-Si-Cu alloy systems have a great importance in the casting industry due to their excellent castability, good mechanical properties and wear resistance. Addition of alloying elements, such as Mg and Cu, makes these alloys heat treatable. Improving of their mechanical properties allows their using in new, more demanding applications (e.g. engines, cylinder heads etc.). The most applied heat treatment for this alloy is a T6 (age hardening). Such a heat treatment is required for precipitation of the Al2Cu hardening dispersed phase that increases the mechanical properties of Al alloys. Therefore, the consequences of different solution heat treatment temperatures 505, 515 and 525 °C for AlSi9Cu3 and 515, 525 and 545 °C for AlSi12Cu1Fe cast alloys, with holding times 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 hours, were investigated in this study. The effect of solution treatment was evaluated based on changes in microstructure (optical microscopy) and mechanical properties (hardness, impact energy and ultimate tensile strength). The study confirms the strengthening of the experimental alloys caused by application of optimum conditions of T6 and melting of the Cu-rich phases with application of inappropriate solution temperature, as well as distortion and changes of the testing bars.
Preparation of Cerium Stabilized Zirconia Bulk Ceramics by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Vojtko Marek , Kovalcikova Alexandra , Puchý Viktor , Milkovič Ondrej
Published: November 2020

In the present study, bulk 10 % cerium stabilized zirconia was prepared by spark plasma sintering technique. Various time temperatures regimes were used and prepared sample were subjected to microstructure observation by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction and mechanical testing by nanoindentations. It was shown, that conditions of spark plasma sintering process can strongly influence properties of resultant sample, mainly grain size which warried from some tens or hundreds of nanometre to approximately 100 micrometres. Also some structure changes in the sintering process were observed resulted to phase changes and decomposition.
The Influence of Surface Dipping and Bulk Filling Agents on Properties of High-Speed Grinding Wheels: Materialographic-Based Numerical Modelling
Authors: Čelko Ladislav , Skalka Petr , Slámečka Karel , Jech David , Klakurková Lenka , Ročňáková Ivana , Švejcar Jiří , Holemý Daniel , Kaiser Jozef
Published: November 2020

In order to increase the peripheral speed of grinding wheels of size of Ø 500 × 18 × Ø 200 mm for precise hard metallic surface finishing from conventional 80 m.s-1 up to 138 m.s-1 while still ensuring their safety and reliability, the critical locations in the grinding wheel were evaluated using the finite element analysis. The microstructure of grinding wheel was revealed using the materialographic techniques and the scanning electron microscope images were recorded in the back-scattered electrons mode. The image analysis was used on recorded micrographs for separation of individual material components, i.e. an abrasive, a binder, and pores, and to extract their geometries and spatial relationships. Subsequently, the influence of different filling agents (Young's modulus of 5, 10, 20, and 40 GPa) was studied, considering both surface dipping and bulk filling treatments.
Microstructure Characteristics, Tribology and Nano-Hardness of Plasma Sprayed NiCrRe Coating
Authors: Medved Dávid , Ivor Michal , Chmielewski Tomasz , Golański Dariusz , Pietrzak Katarzyna , Kottfer Daniel , Dusza Jan
Published: November 2020

This paper presents the results of the investigation of NiCrRe coating deposited by plasma spray process at the atmospheric pressure on boiler steel substrate. These coatings were characterized by means of a scanning electron microscopy, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The wear resistance of plasma sprayed NiCrRe coatings has been investigated under dry sliding conditions at applied load of 10 N in air. The continuous stiffness measurement (CSM) method was used for the investigation of nanohardness using Agilent G200 Nano-indenter in order to determine the mechanical properties of the coatings. Microstructural observations pointed out that the NiCr layer with white isles of rhenium possessed porosity, oxidized, un-melted and semi-melted particles, and inclusions. According to the results the thickness of the layer is 450 µm, the indentation modulus 158 ± 24.4 GPa, hardness 3.74 ± 0.76 GPa and the coefficient of friction is 0.45.
Simultaneous Fabrication of Multiple Castings Using Frozen Mold Casting Method
Authors: Hoshiyama Yasuhiro , Nakashima Keisuke , Matsumoto Hideto
Published: November 2020

Frozen mold casting uses a casting mold in which only water is added as a binder to sand, and the mixture is kneaded, frozen, and solidified. This method can offer the same level of mold strength and productivity as conventional methods, while maintaining a low environmental impact in terms of resource utilization and ensuring pollution-free processing. We studied the simultaneous fabrication of multiple aluminum alloy castings using a frozen mold. No defects associated with the collapse of the mold due to the molten metal heat were found. No entrainment of sand was observed on the surface of the samples.
Low Surface Roughness GaAs/Si Thin-Film Deposition Using Three-Step Growth Method in MBE
Authors: Wang Wei , Ma Ben , Gao Han Chao , Yu Hai Long , Li Zhong Hui
Published: November 2020

Epitaxial GaAs-on-Si is an ideal material system for studying the physics of mismatched heteroepitaxy of a polar semiconductor layer grown on a non-polar substrate like silicon. Understanding and optimization of the initial nucleation of GaAs on silicon is the most crucial step in the success of GaAs/Si heteroepitaxy. Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) technique has been used to deposit hetero-epitaxial GaAs thin-film on off-angle Si (100) substrate using the three-step growth method. After optimizing the growth parameters of low temperature (LT) buffer layer and high temperature (HT) epilayer, XRD analyses were performed. Characterization results of the GaAs (004) films which were not subjected to annealing, show a full-width half maximum (FWHM) of 760.1 arc sec and a root mean square (RMS) surface roughness of lower than 1 nm for a scanning area of 10 μm × 10 μm.
T–B Lymphocyte Interactions Promote Type 1 Diabetes Independently of SLAM-Associated Protein
Authors: Bonami Rachel H. , Nyhoff Lindsay E. , McNitt Dudley H. , Hulbert Chrys , Felton Jamie L. , Kendall Peggy L. , Thomas James W.
Published: November 2020

Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule–associated protein (SAP), a critical intracellular signaling molecule for T–B lymphocyte interactions, drives T follicular helper (Tfh) cell development in germinal centers (GCs). High-affinity islet autoantibodies predict type 1 diabetes (T1D) but do not cause β cell destruction. This paradox intimates Tfh cells as key pathologic effectors, consistent with an observed Tfh signature in T1D. To understand how fully developed Tfh (GC Tfh) contribute to different autoimmune processes, we investigated the role of SAP in T1D and autoantibody-mediated arthritis. Whereas spontaneous arthritis depended on SAP in the autoantibody-mediated K/BxN model, organized insulitis and diabetes onset were unabated, despite a blocked anti-insulin vaccine response in SAP-deficient NOD mice. GC Tfh and GC B cell development were blocked by loss of SAP in K/BxN mice. In contrast, although GC B cell formation was markedly reduced in SAP-deficient NOD mice, T cells with a GC Tfh phenotype were found at disease sites. CXCR3+ CCR6− (Tfh1) subset bias was observed among GC Tfh cells infiltrating the pancreas of NOD mice, which was enhanced by loss of SAP. NOD T cells override SAP requirement to undergo activation and proliferation in response to Ag presentation, demonstrating the potential for productive cognate T–B lymphocyte interactions in T1D-prone mice. We find that SAP is essential when autoantibody-driven immune complexes promote inflammation but is not required for effective organ-specific autoimmune attack. Thus, Tfh induced in classic GC reactions are dispensable for T1D, but the autoimmune process in the NOD model retains pathogenic Tfh without SAP.
ERRATUM: A Unique Case of Durable Complete Remission after Salvage with Azacitidine and DLI for High Risk Flt-3 Positive Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Following Relapse 18 Months Post Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
Authors: Horgan Claire , Kanellopoulos Alexandros , Paneesha Shankara , Kishore Bhuvan , Lovell Richard , Nikolousis Emmanouil
Published: November 2020

Due to an error, Dr. Nikolousis’s last name was mistakenly spelled in this article (published in 2019 in Hematology Reports DOI: 10.4081/hr.2019.7800) [...]
Overstride-Induced Medial Knee Desmopathy: An Exploration Case Series
Authors: Fisher Reid , Nye Nathaniel S. , Soles Joanna , Waldhelm Andy , Gottfredson Ryan
Published: November 2020

Nine runners with varied experience but similar running-gait forms presented with the insidious and progressive onset of medial knee pain. Functional tightness of the semimembranosus (SM) tendon appeared to be a concomitant factor in the pain presentation of these patients. When evaluating atraumatic medial knee pain in runners, clinicians must consider bone stress injuries and atypical conditions. A functionally tight SM may induce pain and desmopathy of the medial collateral ligament through direct fiber entanglement or cause entrapment of infrapatellar branches of the saphenous nerve or both. Relieving SM tension resulted in short-term pain reduction while eliminating the overstride during the running gait over the long term appeared to prevent recurrence.
О глобальной мероморфности решений уравнений Пенлеве и их иерархий
Authors: Domrin Andrei Victorovich , Suleimanov Bulat Irekovich , Shumkin Mikhail Aleksandrovich
Published: November 2020

Показано, что все локальные голоморфные решения всех уравнений, составляющих иерархии первого и второго уравнений Пенлеве, допускают аналитическое продолжение до функций, мероморфных на всей комплексной плоскости. Дано также новое концептуальное доказательство глобальной мероморфности всех локальных голоморфных решений первого, второго и четвертого уравнений Пенлеве.
"Мягкие" квантовые структуры
Authors: Exner Pavel
Published: November 2020

Приведен обзор спектральных свойств класса сингулярных операторов Шрeдингера с взаимодействием, носитель которого представляет собой многообразие или комплекс коразмерности $1$; в частности, обсуждается связь этих свойств с геометрической формой носителя. Показано, как операторы рассматриваемого класса можно приближать операторами других классов и как можно использовать такие приближения. Кроме того, приведены асимптотические разложения собственных значений операторов рассматриваемого класса по параметрам, характеризующим силу взаимодействия и геометрические деформации. Также приведен пример, иллюстрирующий влияние магнитного поля типа Ааронова-Бома, и кратко описаны результаты о сингулярных возмущениях операторов Дирака.
Алгебры Ли-Пуассона и сингулярные симплектические формы, ассоциированные с особенностями коранга 1
Authors: Fukuda Takuo , Janeczko Stanislaw Tadeusz
Published: November 2020

Показано, что с каждой сингулярной симплектической структурой $\omega $ естественно ассоциирована алгебра Ли-Пуассона. Построены алгебры Ли-Пуассона для типов особенностей Мартине и Руссари. В специальном случае, когда сингулярная симплектическая структура задается обратным образом формы Дарбу $\omega =F^*\omega _0$, эта алгебра Ли-Пуассона является основным симплектическим инвариантом особенности гладкого отображения $F$ в симплектическое пространство $(\mathbb{R} ^{2n},\omega _0)$. Рассмотрены случаи особенностей типа $A_k$ обратных образов, и вычислены алгебры Ли-Пуассона для устойчивых особенностей $2$-форм типов $\Sigma _{2,0}$, $\Sigma _{2,2,0}^\mathrm{e}$, $\Sigma _{2,2,0}^\mathrm{h}$.
Unilateral testicular degeneration in dogs: Effects on spermatozoal characteristics, testis and cauda epididymis
Authors: Oguejiofor Chike Fidelis , Anya Kenneth Orji , Ogbanya Nnaemeka Kingsley
Published: November 2020

Testicular degeneration is an important cause of poor fertility in dogs, but there is little knowledge on its effects on spermatozoa in affected dogs. The study investigated the specific effects of unilateral testicular degeneration (UTD) on spermatozoal characteristics in the testis and epididymis. Ten sexually mature Nigerian indigenous breed of dogs, comprising 5 normal dogs and 5 dogs with UTD were used for the study. The testis and epididymis were removed via orchidectomy for morphological and histopathological evaluation. Sperm in the testis and cauda epididymis were analysed. The samples were grouped into four as N1 (normal right testis), N2 (normal left testis), ND (non-degenerated testis in UTD dogs), and D (degenerated testis in UTD dogs). Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA. There were significant decreases (p<0.001) in testes weight, length, width and volume, and the gonado-somatic index in the D testes compared to the contralateral ND and the N groups. The D group also had significantly lowered epididymal sperm total and progressive motility, viability and concentration (p<0.001), and a decreased testicular sperm  concentration (p<0.01). Moreover, there was a decreased percentage (p<0.001) of morphologically normal sperm, with increased prevalence of  sperm abnormalities in the D group compared to the other groups. In comparison with the N groups, the ND group had a significantly lowered (p<0.05) epididymal sperm progressive motility, with increased percentage (p<0.01) of sperm with proximal cytoplasmic droplets and looped tails. The findings demonstrated that UTD in dogs adversely affected spermatozoa in the testis and cauda epididymis. There was also evidence of compromised spermatozoa in the epididymis contralateral to the degenerated testis.

Keywords: Canine; Epididymis; Spermatozoa; Testicular atrophy; Testicular degeneration
Designing dual inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease as well as Type 2 diabetes mellitus via pharmacoinformatics approach: A step towards better medication for diabetes-associated neurological disorder
Authors: Hussain Talib , Rizvi Syed Mohd Danish , Subaiea Gehad M. , Alanazi Abulrahman Sattam , Moin Afrasim
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To design dual inhibitors against Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) via pharmacoinformatics approach.Methods: Dual Drug Candidates (DDC) were designed and explored for their molecular interaction with several AD and T2DM targets. Pterostilbene, a natural anti-T2DM compound was coupled with different cholinesterase inhibitors to design DDC. Orisis Datawarrior online property calculator  tools, Autock 4.2 and Hex 5.1 were used to investigate the potency of all DDC relative to positive controls.Results: The study found that DDC2 (pterostilbene - methylene linker -octa hydro amino phenothiazine), DDC3 (pterostilbene - ethylene linker - N-phthalimide) and DDC5 (pterostilbene - carbonyl linker - 2-methyl-4-aminoquinoline) were the most promising out of all the DDCs. DDC2 showed strong molecular interaction with most of the AD and T2DM targets, including acetylcholinesterase, butrylcholinesterase, β-secretase, receptor for advanced glycation end products and ATP sensitive potassium channel, dipeptidyl peptidase IV and sodium glucose transport protien 2. The findings also revealed the amyloid anti-aggregation potential of DDC.Conclusion: The results show that DDC3 and DDC5 significantly interfer with the primary nucleation process of β amyloid. Thus, DDC2, DDC3 and DDC5 have strong anti-T2DM and anti-AD potential.

Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease, Dual drug candidate, Amyloid-beta, Pterostilbene
Current application of metabolomics in the elucidation of processing mechanisms used in Chinese materia medica: A review
Authors: Huang Ting , Jiang Yunbin , Zhang Yanfei , Lei Yutian , Jiang Guihua
Published: November 2020

Processing, a key characteristic of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), enhances the efficacy and safety of Chinese materia medica (CMM) in clinics. It plays an important role in TCM. Studies on processing mechanisms involved in CMM promote the development of TCM. However, most studies on the mechanisms used for processing CMM do not reflect the holistic theory of TCM because they are based only on analysis of some specific  chemical components and biochemical indices which do not support the TCM characteristics of network target and multicomponent therapeutics. Fortunately, the perspective of systems biology is consistent with the holistic theory of TCM. Metabolomics, a key tool in systems biology, has been widely used to investigate the processing mechanism of CMM for many years. In this work, current applications of metabolomics in elucidating  mechanisms used for processing of CMM were systematically reviewed and discussed in terms of changes in chemical components, toxicity and efficacy of CMM before and after processing. This work provides researchers a clear and concise reference on the current application of  metabolomics in investigation of mechanisms used in processing of CMM. Moreover, this work provides a guide on how to investigate the  mechanisms used in processing of CMM, based on metabolomics.

Keywords: Chinese materia medica, Processing mechanism, Metabolomics, Holistic theory
Trigonoside II mitigates sepsis-induced myocardial injury via reduction in oxidative stress and regulation of TLR- 4/NF-kB inflammatory pathway
Authors: Wang Fengru , Wu Lili , Liang Qun
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of trigonoside II against sepsis-induced myocardial injury in rats, and the mechanism involved.

Methods: Adult male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 30) weighing 200 - 230 g (mean weight = 215 ± 15 g) were used for this study. The rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups (10 rats/group): sham, cecal ligation puncture (CLP), and trigonoside II. Rats in the treatment group received trigonoside II at a dose of 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) at 3, 12 and 24 h post-surgery. Sepsis was induced using CLP method. Lactate  dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK-MB) activities, and hemodynamic functions were determined in the rats. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were assayed in rat serum. Oxidative stress and myocardial cell apoptosis were determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as levels of expression of bax, bcl-2 and caspase-3 were also assessed.

Results: Treatment of myocardial injury rats with trigonoside II led to significant reductions in the activities of LDH, CK-MB and MPO, and decreases in levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α (p < 0.05). It also significantly reversed the effects of sepsis on rat hemodynamic functions (p < 0.05). Trigonoside IItreatment significantly reduced MDA levels in rat myocardial tissues, but significantly increased SOD and GPx activities (p < 0.05). It significantly down-regulated protein expressions of NF-kB and TLR-4 in myocardial tissues (p < 0.05). The number of apoptotic cells and activity of caspase-3 were significant increased in myocardial tissues of rats in CLP group, when compared with sham group, but were reduced significantly in myocardial tissues of trigonoside II-treated rats (p < 0.05). Similarly, trigonoside II treatment down-regulated the protein expressions of caspase-3 and bax, but upregulated bcl-2 protein expression in the rat myocardial tissues (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that trigonoside II confers protection on sepsis-induced myocardial injury via reduction in oxidative stress and regulation of TLR-4/NF-kB inflammatory pathway.

Keywords: Cecal ligation puncture, Myocardial injury, Oxidative stress, Sepsis, Trigonoside II
Diferenças etnoculturais na escola: Experiências de alunos Xakriabá em um espaço escolar não indígena
Authors: Melo Leonardo José dos Reis Coimbra de , Vaz Ademir Divino , Almeida Maria Geralda de
Published: November 2020

No espaço escolar se formam relações e encontros socioculturais distintos e a partir disso conflitos podem ser detectados. Realizou-se algumas reflexões com base em um levantamento preliminar acerca da maneira como as relações entre os indígenas da etnia Xakriabá e alunos não índios ocorrem em um espaço escolar não indígena. Metodologicamente a pesquisa se caracteriza como qualitativa e explicativa, utilizando como método de análise a fenomenologia e acessando os valores simbólicos e subjetivos que envolvem os construtos sociais destes indivíduos, perfilando-os nos pressupostos da Geografia Humanista Cultural. Utilizou-se de levantamento bibliográfico e trabalho de campo. Identificou-se na pesquisa evidências de que a diferença etnocultural transfigura-se em elemento que desperta conflitos, atos de racismo e bullying no espaço escolar. Isso torna importante dar visibilidade aos grupos de estudantes considerados como não hegemônicos, neste caso os alunos Xakriabá, para que possam apontar atos preconceituosos contra sua etnia e reivindiquem suas demandas, no ambiente escolar.
Bazı Siyez Buğdaylarının ISSR Markörleri ile Karakterizasyonu
Authors: DEMİREL Fatih
Published: November 2020

Bu çalışmada 14 siyez buğdayı (Triticum monococcum L.) 7 ISSR markörü kullanılarak genetik ilişkileri belirlenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda 68 polimorfik bant elde edilmiş olup polimorfizm oranı (P%) ortalama %97.5 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Genetik çeşitlilik (H) değeri 0.38 ile 0.50 arasında olup, ortalama 0.45 olarak belirlenmiştir. Polimorfizm bilgi içeriği (PIC) 0.30 ile 0.37 arasında olup, ortalama 0.34 olarak saptanmıştır. Ortalama Jaccard benzerlik değeri 0.4554 olarak tespit edilmiştir. Dendogram sonucuna göre genotipler iki kümede gruplanırken, PCoA grafiğinde dört alt kümeye ayrıldıkları belirlenmiştir. Genetik varyasyonun belirlenmesi ve filogenetik ilişkilerin karakterize edilmesinde ISSR markörlerinden yararlanılabileceği sonucuna varılmıştır.
Iğdır İli Pamuk Üretim Alanlarında Görülen Yabancı Ot Türlerinin Belirlenmesi Ve Bazı Herbisitlerin Yabancı Otlanma İle Pamuk Verimine Olan Etkilerinin Araştırılması
Authors: ŞAHİN Serdar , GÜRBÜZ Ramazan , ÇORUH İrfan
Published: November 2020

Bu çalışma Iğdır ili pamuk (Gossypium hirsutum L.) ekim alanlarındaki yabancı ot türlerini belirlemek ve bazı herbisitlerin pamuk verimi ve lif kalitesine olan etkilerini araştırmak amacıyla 2017 yılında Iğdır Üniversitesi Tarımsal Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi arazisinde yürütülmüştür. Tarla denemesi 7 karakterli, 4 tekerrürlü olarak kurulmuş, karakterler: Pendimethalin 330 g/l, Quizalofop-p-ethyl 50 g/l + Triloxsulfuron-sodium, Clethodim 116.2 g/l + Triloxsulfuron-sodium, Cycloxydim 100 g/l + Triloxsulfuron-sodium, Prapaquizafop 100 g/l + Triloxsulfuron-sodium, yabancı otlu kontrol ve yabancı otsuz kontrol grubu olarak belirlenmiştir. Deneme alanlarında hem lif kalitesi hemde pamuk kütlü verimi bakımından en iyi sonuçlar yabancı otsuz kontrol parsellerinden elde edilmiştir. Bu sonucu Cycloxydim + Triloxsulfuron-sodium ve Clethodim + Triloxsulfuron-sodium uygulamaları takip etmiştir. Temmuz ayında Iğdır ili pamuk ekim alanları dikkate alınarak Iğdır merkez, Karakoyunlu ve Aralık ilçelerinde toplam 20 farklı tarlada sürvey gerçekleştirilmiştir. Yapılan sürveyler sonucunda 15 familyaya ait 31 adet yabancı ot türü bulunmuş olup, bu yabancı otların sahip oldukları tür sayılarına göre en geniş familya 6 tür ile Poaceae olmuş, ve bu familyayı Asteraceae (5), Euphorbiaceae (4) ve Fabaceae (3) familyaları izlemiştir. Araştırmada belirlenen yabancı ot türlerinin 13 tanesinin rastlanma sıklığı %15 üzerinde tespit edilmiştir. Rastlanma sıklıkları göz önünde bulundurulduğunda ilk 5 sırayı alan yabancı ot türleri sırası ile, %84 Sorghum halapense (L.) Pers, %64 Portulaca oleracea, %60 Xanthium strumarium L., %60 Convolvulus arvensis L. ve %44 Solanum nigrum L. olarak belirlenmiştir.
Bitki ve Hayvan Biyoteknolojisi; Hücresel Tarım ve Nano-Teknoloji
Authors: DEMİREL Fatih
Published: November 2020

Tarımsal biyoteknoloji araştırmacılara, tarımı ve yetiştiriciliği yapılan bütün organizlamarın genetiğini anlama ve manipüle etme imkanı sağlayan bir alandır. Tarımsal biyoteknolojinin başlangıcında fermantasyon gibi yöntemler sık kullanılırken, bugün modern tarımsal biyoteknoloji besinlerin kalitesini, miktarını, içeriğini arttırmaya ve tat gibi farklı özellikleri değiştirmeye imkan sağlamaktadır. Bitki biyoteknolojisi alanındaki çalışmalar çoğunlukla bitkilerde verim ve kaliteyi arttırmanın yanında biyotik ve abiyotik stres faktörlerine karşı dayanıklı bitkiler geliştirmeye odaklanırken, hayvan biyoteknolojisi ise hayvansal ürünlerin kalitesini arttırma, suni dölleme, embriyo transferi, hayvan hastalıklarının daha ucuz ve kolay bir şekilde teşhis ve tedavi yöntemlerinin geliştirilmesi konularını ele almaktadır. Bu çalışmada bitkisel ve hayvansal üretim alanında yeni uygulama alanı bulan hücresel üretim ve nano-biyoteknoloji uygulamaları irdelenmiştir.
Políticas lingüísticas colombianas
Authors: Gallego Tavera Sindy Yuliana , Acevedo Valencia Jenny Marcela , Polo Salcedo Ana Lucila , Gómez Gómez Sylvana Alejandra
Published: November 2020

Este artículo tiene como objetivo revisar a partir del rastreo de referentes normativos y antecedentes bibliográficos las políticas lingüísticas colombianas actuales en relación con el Plan Nacional de Bilingüismo.La selección, organización y análisis del material bibliográfico se fundamenta en el enfoque cualitativo,apoyado en el tipo de investigación documental. Como resultados se encuentran aciertos y desaciertos enla implementación de las políticas lingüísticas en Colombia; dentro de los aciertos no se puede dejar de reconocer que la Constitución de 1991 como un Estado pluricultural y plurilingüe hace un llamado a conservar y garantizar la diversidad cultural y lingüística que están presentes en el territorio nacional y para ellose crean leyes y se despliegan programas y proyectos referidos a tal fin. Entre los desaciertos se encuentraque, la implementación de políticas y programas encaran una predilección por la homogeneización lingüística afectando de manera directa a aquellas comunidades que tienen una lengua minoritaria, haciendo queestas se encuentren desplazadas o en peligro de extinción. En lo que tiene que ver con la enseñanza delinglés en el país los esfuerzos no han surtido el efecto esperado puesto que la cantidad de horas en términos de intensidad de clases y finalmente los programas de capacitación docente muestran la falta de coherencia con las necesidades del contexto nacional y con los modelos de aprendizaje de un segundo idioma.Palabras clave: pluricultural; plurilingüe; políticas; inglés; lingüística
Contacto
Authors: Londoño Ciro Libardo Antonio , Benjumea Garcés Juan Sebastián
Published: November 2020

Resumen
Propuesta de Implementación de Resultados de Aprendizaje en la Institución Universitaria Digital de Antioquia
Authors: Londoño Ciro Libardo Antonio , De La Rosa Isaza Jasson Alberto , Gutiérrez Ángel Catalina María , Benjumea Garcés Juan Sebastián
Published: November 2020

En este artículo se propone un modelo que contempla unas fases de desarrollo, para la implementación de los resultados de aprendizaje en la Institución Universitaria Digital de Antioquia. Se presentan algunas bases conceptuales provenientes de autores que han escrito sobre el tema y consideraciones al respecto del Ministerio de Educación Nacional deColombia. Estas bases conceptuales se analizan con el fin de determinar la viabilidad de la implementación del modelo, identificando sus ventajas potenciales, los mecanismos de aplicación y sus alcances.Palabras clave: resultados de aprendizaje; gestión curricular; educación virtual
Impresoras
Authors: Calvo Álvarez David
Published: November 2020

La imprenta moderna, junto con la producción en masa de papel y tinta en dispositivos electrónicos seha ido transformando en relación al consumo de contenidos digitales encaminados a la cuarta revoluciónindustrial, las tecnologías de información y las telecomunicaciones. Se investigará de manera exhaustivay se recolectarán datos acerca del costo real de impresión, el consumo eléctrico, el uso excesivo de papel,certificaciones energéticas, así como el compromiso con el medio ambiente, como una propuesta paraoptimizar el ahorro de recursos en entornos de pequeña, mediana y gran empresa como en el hogar
Propuesta de un Modelo Predictivo utilizando Aprendizaje Profundo para el análisis de deserción estudiantil en Universidades Colombianas Virtuales
Authors: Martínez Julio César , Mateus Sandra Patricia
Published: November 2020

La deserción estudiantil es una realidad en el país y es un fenómeno complejo. En este artículo, se propone unmodelo predictivo que sirva como apoyo a las Universidades colombianas para el análisis de la deserción enestudiantes, principalmente, en programas de pregrado en modalidad virtual. Un modelo predictivo, puedeayudar a las organizaciones a generar ganancias y evitar pérdidas futuras, tomando datos históricos y conellos arrojar resultados esperados para ser analizados y apoyar en las decisiones. Este modelo se desarrolla,tomando eventos históricos con distintas variables de tipo social, académico, personal, laboral, ingresos alas plataformas e-learning, etc. y posteriormente, a estas variables se le aplican algoritmos de aprendizajeprofundo. Se espera la predicción de probabilidades de deserción de cada estudiante, posteriormente, conesta información se puede alertar y aplicar medidas preventivas tempranas con la población estudiantil.Palabras clave: aprendizaje Profundo; instituciones educativas; e-Learning; deserción estudiantil; modelos predictivos
Buenas Prácticas para la Gestión Efectiva de Proyectos en el Sector Público
Authors: Restrepo Carvajal Carlos Alberto
Published: November 2020

El vínculo entre la Visión, la Misión y los Objetivos Estratégicos de una empresa permiten relacionar las metasque deben alcanzar las áreas funcionales y de proyectos en un periodo determinado de tiempo. Además, enla definición el alcance del alcance del proyecto y producto, se asocian las restricciones, supuestos, externalidades como garantes de la comprensión de la idea de negocio. En este artículo se integran buenas prácticasdefinidas por el Project Management Institute con las necesidades propias de la empresa consideradas apartir de los grupos de valor. Finalmente, se precisan las oportunidades de mejora que tiene una empresamodelo para pasar de la estrategia a la gestión efectiva de proyectos, garantizando con ello el aporte de valor.Palabras clave: proyectos; estrategia; dirección empresarial
Comparison evaluation between gene Xpert Mtb/Rif and multiplex PCR for rapid diagnosis of mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Saira Salim  , Wajid Hussain  , Gohar Zaman  , Umer Khurshid  , Luqman Satti  , Admin
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate Gene Xpert MTB/RIF and Multiplex PCRfor detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rifampicin resistance comparing with gold standard MGIT 960. It was cross sectional validation study.

Methods: This study had been carried out at Department of Microbiology Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi Pakistan from March 2018 to October 2018.MGIT 960 culture system MTB positive Rifampicin (RIF) resistant and RIF susceptible (negative control) samples were taken. Gene Xpert MTB / RIF assay and Multiplex PCR were applied simultaneously and compared with gold standard MGIT 960.

Results: Out of 192 samples evaluated, 84(44%) were culture positive RIF resistant and 108(56%) were culture positive RIF susceptible as negative control. Out of total culture positive RIF resistant, all 84 were found positive for MTB by Gene Xpert MTB /RIF assay and Multiplex PCR method. Gene Xpert MTB/RIF assay detected all 84 RIF culture resistant samples for Rif resistance. Multiplex PCR detected only 44 RIF culture resistant, while remaining 40 did not showed resistance to rpoB gene codon 531 region. Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV and NPV of Gene Xpert MTB/RIF were 100% each respectively. Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV and NPV of Multiplex PCR for detection of RIF resistance were 52%, 100%, 100%, 72% respectively.

Conclusion: Molecular detection of MTB and RIF resistant by Gene Xpert MTB/ RIF and Multiplex PCR simultaneously is rapid and cost effective method. Both methods can help clinician to initiate early empirical therapy to patient in resource limited region.

Keywords: RIF, Gene Xpert MTB/ RIF, Multiplex PCR.