Capacity discharge percussion welding is nonconventional welding process where heat source is an electric arc obtained by discharging of capacitor bank. The arching time is very short, around 10 ms, and depends on a few parameters such as: capacity of capacitor bank, voltage, movement speed of welded pieces during welding. During arching a certain amount of material is melted and after that squeezed out by applied force used in welding process. Quantity of squeezed material depends upon heat input, intensity of the force pressing the wires during welding and many other parameters. Mechanical properties of welded joints depend on welding parameters. In this paper is described the influence of capacity discharge percussion welding parameters on mechanical properties of welded joints.
Quality of experience (QoE) is a multidimensional concept that has been in the focus of the research community for quite some time, especially after the rapid development of information and communication technology (ICT). It has been examined in many contexts (web, telecommunications, economy, medicine, etc.), for different media types (text, audio, video, augmented/virtual reality, etc.) and systems in various domains. Given that logistics and transport is a potent ICT-based domain for research activity in the future, in order to ease and improve the investigation of QoE in the contexts of logistics and transport, we aim to sum the recommendations and lessons learned for the investigation of QoE on the basis of our existing research. These suggestions cover how to treat the concept of QoE and relate it to other fields, techniques and environments to examine and treat QoE, as well as future technologies that need to be included. We provide insight into how these challenges can affect examination of QoE in logistics and transport and discuss ways to overcome them.
Following modern global trends in the commercialization of education and adopting the lifelong learning concept, as well as rapid development of adult education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this research connects the adult education field with one of the vital management models in each organization/company's practice – marketing management. The number of adult education providers is increasing, but practical tools and research of their scope of work are in deficit. With the intention to contribute to the improvement of the theory and practice of adult education and marketing management and to help adult education providers adjust their promotional messages to their target groups, for the purpose of this research, the population of adults is divided into four generations: Baby Boom, X, Y and Z. This research aims to understand opinions and attitudes of the four generation's representatives on the elements of the promotional mix of educational institutions and determine whether changes between them exist or not. A qualitative research approach has been used in collecting primary data with focus groups as the main research method. The final result of this research is a projection of twenty recommendations to adult education providers (public and private schools, organizations and adult education centers), which are not only applicable in these education institutions. Other companies and organizations creating offers for age-segmented markets could also benefit greatly from these recommendations.
Background: Pleural disorders in novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), responsible for the deaths of more than 6.7 million people worldwide, are relatively uncommon and underappreciated findings. The severity of the pleural disease in these patients correlates with the treatment outcome and overall prognosis. Objective: We aim to review our experience with treatment modalities and prognosis in 45 patients with COVID-19, who were treated at our Clinic between April 2020 and October 2021. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center, cross-sectional study. Demographic data, the type of thoracosurgical intervention(s), and treatment outcome for 45 patients included in this study were recorded for every patient. We analyzed the type and number of treatment modalities according to the pleural disorder, and the outcome of the treatment. Results: Pneumothorax was the most common COVID-19-related pleural disorder, followed by the pleural effusion. Tube thoracostomy was the mainstay of treatment, performed in 84.4% of patients with unilateral pleural complications. In total, 20% of our patients were on mechanical ventilation, and all of them had a fatal outcome. We found statistical significance in comparison to the percentage of fatal outcomes between patients treated with and without mechanical ventilation (p=0.000). Conclusion: COVID-19-related pleural disorders are prognostic markers of disease progression. Mechanically ventilated patients who require tube thoracostomy have an unfavorable prognosis.
Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) known as Whipple procedure is still one of the most complex abdominal surgeries used for treatment of periampullary tumors. PD is often followed with postoperative complications (pancreatic, biliar or intestinal fistula, haemorrhage, intraabdominal abscess, delayed gastric empting. Severe postoperative complications (SPC) can be reason for reoperation and reason of bad outcome of treatment and life treathening condition. Objective: To investigate predicitive value of preoperative hypoalbuminemia for severe postoperative complications (SPC) in patients who have undergone Whipple pancreaticoduodenetomy (PD). However, no similiar study has been ever reported from our country until now. Methods: In this retrospective-prospective study, 100 patients who have had Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignant periampullary tumors at the Department for Surgery of University Clinic Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina were enrolled, from january of 2009 to decembre of 2021. All patients were preoperatively analysed according to serum albumine levels and presensce of hypolabuminemia (serum albumine levels <32g/l). Serum albumine biochemical test were done 1-2 days preoperatively. Clavien Dindo classification was used for determination patients with SPC. Patients who did not have SPC belonged to (I-II) Clavien Dindo group of patients while those who had SPC belonged to( III-V) Clavien Dindo group of patients. Results: Out of 100 patients who have undergone pancreaticoduodenetomy, in 55 (55%) patients postoperative complications were noticed. Mortality rate was 18 (18%) and reoperation has been done in 20 cases (20%). SPC were noticed in 19 patients and most often were: delayed gastric emptying (20%), pancreatic fistula (13%) and intraabdominal collections (9%). Hypoalbuminemic patients had a significantly higher rate of severe postoperative complications ( p<0.05). Using hypoalbuminemia-SPC correlation analaysis, there is confirmed statistically significant correlation between hypoalbuminemia and SPC (ρ= 0.236; p<0.05). Conclusion: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia can be used as predictor and prognostic factor for severe postoperative complications after Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy. Identification and optimization of serum albumin level prior to Whipple pancreatoduodenectomy may improve surgical outcomes.
This study presents the results of volumetric and viscometric measurements of caffeine solutions in an equimolar mixture of ethylene glycol – water, known as antifreeze. Measurements were made in the temperature range T = (283.15 – 313.15) K and up to a caffeine molality of 0.12 mol∙kg-1. Experimental results are supported by molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations. The obtained results indicate that water molecules have a dominant role in the solvation of caffeine. At the same time, ethylene glycol acts as a dehydrating agent and promotes the self-aggregation of caffeine and the investigated mixture.
In this study, a detailed physicochemical characterization of taurine in water is performed based on density and viscosity measurements in the temperature range from T=(293.15 – 313.15) K. Solubility of taurine increases with the temperature increasing. Data obtained from the volumetric and viscosimetric measurements indicate that taurine does not self-aggregate in water. Molecular dynamic simulations provided insight into how taurine molecules behave in water.
The aim of this work was to get a detailed insight into the ion’s interactions along with the structure-making/structure-breaking tendency that has been retrieved through the perusal of calculated parameters from volumetric measurements for aqueous solutions of three newly synthesized ionic liquids: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chlorite, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chlorate and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium perchlorate. Further, the antimicrobial activity of synthesized and commercial (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride) ionic liquids on certain strains of bacteria and fungi was obtained. Antimicrobial tests were performed using the in vitro microdilution method against isolated strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus bacteria, and the fungus Candida guilliermondii. This method is a rapid, quantitative method for the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using small amounts of samples (µl) and test compound. Based on the obtained results, the influence of the homologous series of chloride oxyanions on hydration and antimicrobial properties of imidazole-based ionic liquids will be discussed.
The increasingly frequent improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) is leading to concerns about the environmental consequences. When they are poured out, the flammable solvents from the electrolytes in LIBs are the threatening soil and plant contamination. If these liquids spill or leak from batteries, they could enter the soil through various pathways and contaminate crops such as cucumber and tomato plants, which have extensive root systems that may facilitate the absorption of ILs. After absorption, some electrolyte components could accumulate inside the plants and have toxic effects, potentially harming plant growth and crop fields. This study investigated how spilling electrolytes with varying combinations of ILs, organic solvents, and lithium salts in different concentrations affects the growth and development of tomatoes and cucumbers. Special attention was paid to examining the influence of electrolyte components on aerial parts and/or fruits of these plants and the levels of metabolites involved in antioxidant protection under stressful conditions, such as malonyldialdehyde (MDA). In this work, certain ILs with bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, NTf2, anion have a phytotoxic effect, which negatively affects cucumber and tomato growth and development.
Background: A bezoar is a collection of indigestible substances that, after swallowing, form a mass in the gastrointestinal tract, most often in the stomach. A trichobezoar is a mass made of ingested, undigested hairs and food remains, while ingestion of hair is called trichophagia. This is an extremely rare condition, with 90% of cases occurring among women, out of which 80% are under the age of 30. The diagnosis is based on clinical examination, findings obtained through radiological modalities (ultrasound and computed tomography) and endoscopy. Objective: The aim of this article is to present the case of a 17-year-old female patient who visited the doctor due to abdominal pain and a visible mass in the projection of the stomach. Case presentation: The patient, accompanied by her parents, and following the instructions of a general practitioner who suspected the presence of a tumour in the abdomen, reported to the surgical clinic. The US examination revealed the presence of a heteroechoic mass in the stomach area, but it could not be determined with certainty where it belonged (Samsung Medison V8 ultrasound system). The CT scans revealed the presence of an inhomogeneous structure in the stomach area occupying the entire volume of the stomach. The mentioned structure included the presence of internal air particles and marginal imbibition of the orally applied contrast agent. The described structure did not infiltrate the stomach wall and, based on the CT scan, the diagnosis established was a bezoar. Under general anaesthesia, a laparotomy with a gastrotomy was performed, and a hard hook shaped mass composed of hair and remains of undigested food was removed from the stomach. Conclusion: A mobile, palpable mass located in the abdomen of younger female patients accompanied by abdominal symptoms, especially in patients where there is information about hair pulling and swallowing, may suggest trichobezoar. The golden standard for trichobezoar presentation is upper endoscopy. If unavailable, the diagnosis is established by a CT scan, preferably with oral application of a contrast agent. Treatment of larger trichobezoars is surgical, while endoscopic and laparoscopic removal is possible only in the case of small trichobezoars.
Background: Psoriasis as an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. The basis of the pathogenesis of psoriasis is the dysregulation of immune cell function in genetically predisposed individuals. The characteristic dysfunction of the immune system in patients with psoriasis is manifested as a variation in the cellular phenotypic profile in accordance with the disease status. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunophenotypic profile of lymphocytes obtained by flow cytometry as an auxiliary diagnostic tool in the objectivization of the PASI score. Methods: The study group included 40 patients with psoriasis, hospitalized and treated at Dermatology Clinic of Clinical center University of Sarajevo and 30 healthy individuals as controls. After venepunction, the blood samples for determining the immune profile were prepared following standard laboratory procedures using conjugated monoclonal antibodies and BD FACSCanto II flow cytometer. T-lymphocytes (CD3, CD4, CD8), B lymphocytes (CD19), Natural killer cells (NK), and activatet T-cells (CD3HLA) were determined for all patients. Based on the PASI score, the severity and area of the disease was assessed for all psoriasis patients by dermatology specialist. Results: Our data shows no significant difference in any of the lymphocyte subpopulations between psoriasis patients and healthy controls, except CD3HLA. CD3HLA has higher values in patients with psoriasis, p=0.015. Of all the parameters, only NK cells were significantly correlated to the PASI score (rho -0.279; p=0.048). ROC curve analysis revealed a statistically significant difference for the proportion of CD3 lymphocytes (AUC 0.799; p=0.004), CD8 lymphocytes (AUC 0.733; p= 0.023), NK cells (AUC 0.722; p=0.008) and CD3HLA activated T lymphocytes (AUC 0.347; p=0.034). Conclusion: Profile of major lymphocyte subsets in patients with psoriasis is similar to that of healthy controls. The values of CD3, CD8, NK, CD3HLA were defined as biomarkers capable of distinguishing psoriasis according to the severity of the disease. Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood lymphocytes can play an important role as an auxiliary diagnostic method in differentiating the clinical stages of psoriasis and objectifying the PASI score.
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