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Primary: aldosteronism is a frequent cause of secondary hypertension. With access to specialized care, an increasing number of patients with aldosteronism are being identified. Primary aldosteronism is treatable by adrenal surgery if aldosterone excess originates from one of the two, and not from both, adrenals. Bilateral hyperplasia requires lifelong mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment. Up till now, adrenal venous sampling (AVS) has been widely used to distinguish between one-sided and two-sided aldosterone overproduction and patient selection for surgery. AVS is an invasive technique, and the unsuccessful sampling of the right adrenal vein during AVS often prevents side comparison, making the AVS procedure useless. Molecular imaging using [131I]6ß-iodomethyl-19-norcholesterol with SPECT CT imaging (SPECT/CT) may be a potential alternative. Methods: In 42 consecutive patients with confirmed primary aldosteronism, molecular imaging has been performed. After dexamethasone suppression of the non-affected adrenal tissue, 37 MBq [131I]6ß-iodomethyl-19-norcholesterol was injected i.v., and SPECT/CT images were taken 7 days later. Based on the visual evaluation of the images by two nuclear medicine specialists, patients with one-sided tracer accumulation underwent adrenalectomy. To identify a SPECT/CT parameter that best characterizes the side difference, the maximum counts and the mean counts of spherical VOIs were analyzed. Results: Of the 42 patients, 24 had one-sided aldosterone overproduction by SPECT/CT. After surgical removal of the involved adrenal, all 24 patients with SPECT/CT-identified unilateral aldosteronism achieved biochemical cure, defined as a normalized potassium level combined with an aldosterone-to-renin ratio ≤ 30. To identify the best measurable parameter of SPECT/CT side difference, the mean counts and maximum counts of a series of spherical VOIs of different diameters were analyzed. The ratio of the mean counts of 3 cm spherical VOIs of the right and left adrenal regions (lateralization index) was the best discriminator; a ratio of ≥1.29 was characteristic of one-sided disease, without overlap between the one-sided and two-sided patient groups. Conclusions: [131I]6ß-iodomethyl-19-norcholesterol SPECT/CT with a count-based image interpretation and side-ratio calculation may be an equipollent non-invasive substitute for adrenal venous sampling in the lateralization of mineralocorticoid overproduction. It reliably identifies unilateral disease and facilitates patients’ selection for surgical intervention. If confirmed by others, this functional imaging may replace AVS when lateralization is required for management decisions in primary aldosteronism.

Abstract The paper focuses on energy modelling that involves a concatenated structure of a linear time‐invariant system. A block‐structured (BS) technique was adopted for a nonlinear system identification. Using the superimposition principle, the model mapped the thermodynamic state variables as an indirect function of time to the output function. The available energy and degradation of solar radiation are determined through a black box model. For testing and validation purposes, a solar collector with recirculating air was considered. The basic principle is to establish a relation between state variables and the performance parameters, without invoking the conventional thermodynamic relationship between them. The output of the model was compared with the validation data to ensure whether or not there was any affinity between them. The sigmoidal, wavenet, and polynomial forms of nonlinearity provided a good fit to the experimental dataset. The mean absolute percentage error encountered while estimating the collector efficiency was noticed to vary from −4.85 × 10−03% to 1.22 × 10−03%. Similarly, it falls in the domain of −4.73 × 10−04% to 7.78 × 10−02% for the second law efficiency. The maximum heat loss rate (BS model) obtained across the first and second passages of the solar air collector was 235.41 and 218.19 W at the air mass flow rate of 8.10 g/s, which is congruent to the validation dataset.

The probabilistic technique was used to optimize the torrefaction parameters that indirectly influence the yield of end-products obtained through the pyrolysis of biomass. In the same pursuit, pine cones underwent thermal pre-treatment at 210 °C, 220 °C, 230 °C, 240 °C, and 250 °C in the presence of N2 gas with a flowing rate of 0.7 L∙s−1, whereas the duration of the pre-treatment process was 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min at each. To facilitate the processing of pine waste, a muffle furnace was improvised for pilot-scale testing. The thermal process used to carry out torrefaction was quasi-static. The average dynamic head of volatile gases inside the chamber was 1.04 m. The criteria for determining the optimal solution were based on calorific value, solid yield, energy consumption during the pre-treatment process, and ash handling. In absolute terms, time and temperature did not influence the statistical deviation in cellulose and hemicellulose decomposition after thermal pre-treatment. While considering ash content as a primal factor, thermal processing should be conducted for 5 min at 210 °C for the bounded operating conditions, which are similar to the operating conditions obtained experimentally. The optimal solid yield would be obtained if the thermal pre-treatment is performed at 250 °C for 5 min. The solution derived through a simulated annealing technique provided a better convergence with the experimental dataset.

NDT related high education is among the highest priorities of the Academia NDT International. Having recognized that NDT competence is increasingly essential to respond to technological development in ensuring long term integrity of structures and of ageing assets, a new profession – NDT integrity engineer and a new university discipline – was introduced. NDT integrity engineering is a profession to develop non-destructive testing and evaluation involving materials science, fracture mechanics, and other sciences that would guarantee and enhance the safety and reliability of engineering structures. Based on the needed competences of NDT integrity engineers the overall basis is the clear understanding of NDT: what can be expected, what are its possibilities and limitations, and how can it serve the structural integrity related decisions in responding to technology driven world, economic, social, and environmental challenges. The paper details the essence and the experiences of the pilot NDT integrity engineering courses completed in Hungary in 2020 and in 2022.

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Ankle; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Given the growing number of primary total ankle replacements (TAR), an increase in the numbers of failed ankles and consecutive revisions might be expected. Achieving a stable and balanced ankle based on stable components while preserving the remaining bone stock as much as possible, are crucial for success in revision TAR. Most reported techniques rely on bulky implants with extended fixation features. Since 2018, we have used a novel 3-component ankle for revision surgery that is converted in situ to a fixed-bearing 2-component ankle once the components have found their position given by the individual anatomy. The purpose of this study was to determine the short-term results of this novel concept in revision TAR. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 57 patients (57 ankles, mean age 63+-13 years) treated for failed TAR with the semi-constrained HINTERMANN Series H2 © (H2) implant between February 2018 and February 2020. Survival analysis was performed and potential risk factors using Cox regression, were assessed. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Clinical outcomes included pain on a visual analog scale (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot score and patient satisfaction. Radiological outcomes were tibial articular surface angle (TAS), tibiotalar surface angle (TTS), talar tilt angle (TT) in the coronal plane and anteroposterior offset (AP-Offset) ratio in the sagittal plane, as well as signs of radiolucency and/or loosening on plane weightbearing radiographs. Results: The median follow-up was 2 (2.0 to 4.0) years. The cumulative incidence for secondary revision after 1 and 2 years was 5.1% (95%CI 0-11) and 7.4% (0-14) respectively. Four patients needed a secondary revision (three for pain/arthrofibrosis and one for aseptic loosening). While the AOFAS hindfoot score increased from median 54 (range 9-94) to 75 (19-98) (p=0.00001), satisfaction increased from moderate to good (p=0.0017). Radiographically, all components were stable without signs of increased shear-forces in terms of loosening or radiolucency. Conclusion: Obtained results with the novel customized semi-constrained total ankle implant design at short-term are encouraging, with a satisfactory survival rate and acceptable revision rate. The fixation concept without extended fixation features was shown to last against increased shear forces.

Nowadays, there is a growing demand for fast, accurate and precise tool manufacturing. At the same time, the requirements for the quality of tool steel materials have also increased. Increasingly, tools are being made from high alloyed, highest purity, segregation free, homogenous and high hardness materials. These materials are difficult to machine with conventional technology. For this problem a solution could be the electrical discharge machining technology (EDM). During the EDM process an electrical discharge occurs between an anode and a cathode in a dielectric medium [1]. The EDM process is characterized by high heat, that cause structural changes on the surface of the machined materials. In EDM process the surface of the machined material is eroded by melting and evaporation due to large quantity of heat [2]. This paper presents a study of the wire EDM machining surface of S290 PM HSS materials with different parameters performed by multiple cutting. The aim of this investigation was to find the optimal parameters and trim cuts number for the efficient production of the tools from S290 HSS PM materials with the required surface quality

Abstract Background Biomass pre-treatment is gaining attention as a standalone process to improve the qualitative aspect of the lignocellulosic material. It has been gaining ground in the power station by replacing the coal with the pre-treated biomass. In this context, this paper enlightens the operating condition of carrying out the torrefaction so that the process can be made relatively more effective. The influence of physico-chemical characteristics on the heat of reaction of pyrolysis reactions, mass loss and temperature regimes are evaluated by thermogravimetry of the pre-treated samples of the pinecone; whereas, the structural transformation in the basic constituents is determined via knowing the fractional change in cellulose, hemicellulose and acid-insoluble lignin contents of the pine cone. The thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were performed to determine the physical as well as the thermal behaviour of the thermally processed biomass. The samples had undergone thermal decomposition at heating rates of 5 °C min−1, 10 °C min−1 and 15 °C min−1. Nitrogen gas was used as a purge gas for the pyrolysis of the pre-treated samples. The volumetric rate of 200 ml min−1 was pre-set for the thermal decomposition of the samples at 600 °C; whereas, the selected torrefaction temperature range varied from 210 to 250 °C. Results The heat of reaction for the pre-treated samples was found to vary from 1.04 to 1.52 MJ kg−1; whereas, it was 0.91–1.54 MJ kg−1 for the raw samples. The total annual production cost of processing 3.6 Mg of fuel in a year at a pilot scale was $ 36.72; whereas, the fiscal burden per kilogram of fuel during thermal degradation of the processed fuel was reduced by 0.08–1.5ȼ. The entropy of the system decreased with an increasing ramp rate. The exergetic gain in the system increased by 1–2%. The loss of energy during the energy-intensive processing of the pre-treated fuel was relatively low at a heating rate of 5 °C min−1. Conclusion By the physico-chemical assessment, it was determined that pinecones required the highest torrefaction temperature and time to provide the upgraded pinecones. It was concluded that the duration of the torrefaction should be at least 15 min for a temperature of 250 °C so that the chemical exergy of the system, energy yield and the energy density of the processed material are qualitatively improved. The volatile and ash contents were noticed to decrease during the torrefaction process. The least fractional change in the volatile content was estimated at 210 °C for a torrefaction time of 15 min; whereas, the ash content was minimum at 210 °C for a torrefaction time of 5 min.

Our world is more and more characterized by complexity and interdependency. In the developing New Economy it is expected that the role of information and knowledge transfer, along with the role of cooperation, are some of the most important issues. Some psychological mechanisms, such as trust, will be instrumental ingredients of the new economy. It is speculated that the functioning of such complexity-reduction and cooperation-aiding, such a psychological mechanism as trust becomes a focal point of interest. This paper aims to clarify the workings and influence of trust on economic transactions, prices, and cooperation. Jorurnal of Economic Literature (JEL) code: D8, L14, P22

Abstract Purpose Composite flaps used in reconstructive surgery may intra- and postoperatively suffer from hypoperfusion and/or ischemia-reperfusion influencing wound healing. We aimed to follow-up the effect of ischemia on adipocutaneous flaps’ wound healing and microcirculation. Methods In anesthetized rats groin flaps were formed bilaterally. In Control group the flaps were repositioned and sutured back. In Ischemia-Reperfusion (I/R) group before repositioning and suturing the flap pedicles were clamped for 60 minutes. Laser Doppler (LD) fluxmetry and temperature probes were applied on the cranial, central and caudal flap regions before/after preparation and ischemia, re-suturing, and on the 1st-3rd-5th-7th-14th postoperative days, before the final examinations and biopsies for histology. Results Flaps’ skin temperature quickly recovered after repositioning. LD values were lower in the I/R group, reaching a significant level by the 3rd postoperative day, and remained lowered till the 14th day. The magnitude of alterations differed in the flap regions. Histologically normal wound healing process was seen, except for some I/R flaps, where hypertrophized mammary glands were found. Conclusions Short-term ischemia could influence flap microcirculation and wound healing, and may result in hypertrophized mammary glands. Laser Doppler could be used to evaluate intra- and postoperative microcirculatory changes and may have significance in predicting complications.

There is far less information available about the tumor infiltrating B (TIL-B) cells, than about the tumor infiltrating T cells. We focused on discovering the features and potential role of B lymphocytes in solid tumors. Our project aimed to develop innovative strategies to define cancer membrane structures. We chose two solid tumor types, with variable to considerable B cell infiltration. The strategy we set up with invasive breast carcinoma, showing medullary features, has been introduced and standardized in metastatic melanoma. After detecting B lymphocytes by immunohistochemistry, VH-JH, Vκ-Jκ immunoglobulin rearranged V region genes were amplified by RT-PCR, from TIL-B cDNA. Immunoglobulin variable-region genes of interest were cloned, sequenced, and subjected to a comparative DNA analysis. Single-chain variable (scFv) antibody construction was performed in selected cases to generate a scFv library and to test tumor binding capacity. DNA sequence analysis revealed an overrepresented VH3-1 cluster, represented both in the breast cancer and the melanoma TIL-B immunoglobulin repertoire. We observed that our previously defined anti GD3 ganglioside-binder antibody-variable region genes were present in melanoma as well. Our antibody fragments showed binding potential to disialylated glycosphingolipids (GD3 ganglioside) and their O acetylated forms on melanoma cancer cells. We conclude that our results have a considerable tumor immunological impact, as they reveal the power of TIL-B cells to recognize strong tumor-associated glycosphingolipid structures on melanomas and other solid tumors. As tumor-derived gangliosides affect immune cell functions and reduce the B lymphocytes' antibody production, we suspect an important B lymphocyte and cancer cell crosstalk mechanism. We not only described the isolation and specificity testing of the tumor infiltrating B cells, but also showed the TIL-B cells' highly tumor-associated GD3 ganglioside-revealing potential in melanomas. The present data help to identify new cancer-associated biomarkers that may serve for novel cancer diagnostics. The two-direction regulation mechanism between immune B cells and the tumor could eventually be developed into an innovative cancer treatment strategy.

So far, the torrefaction process has been merely discussed based on the physical and chemical characteristics of the final product, but the mechanism has not been yet pondered and investigated. Thus far, microwave torrefaction has been predominately used for thermal pre-treatment; therefore, a paradigm shift in the methodology has been introduced by using a Joule heating system. The article mainly focuses on the thermal engineering aspect of the torrefaction process. The densified black pine underwent thermal pre-treatment at a temperature of 523 K. The furnace used for torrefaction was initially improvised to carry out thermal degradation at quasi-static/dynamic conditions. A 3D PDE thermal model was developed to determine the numerical solution and temperature distribution across a black pine pellet. To compare the effect of the linear ramping profile, time-dependent as well as fixed Dirichlet conditions were applied to the proposed model. The mass distribution, duration of the torrefaction process, the effect of Nusselt and Reynold’s number of inert gas, and thermal history are some of the factors whose influence on the numerical solution was investigated. The simulation of thermal pre-treatment and its effect on the heat transfer characteristic was examined with help of a PDE thermal model, whereas the numerical solution of diffusion of the product of reactions was determined by solving the partial differential equations with the help of the discretisation method (PDEPE). The densification of black pine was performed in a ring die, whereas initial milling of biomass was carried out using a 1.5 mm sieve size. The system was found to have a homogeneous distribution in energy and temperature with time, whereas the amplitude of heat flux along the radial direction was reduced by 15% if the same pellet underwent torrefaction for a duration of 5 min in dynamic mode. Similarly, a 64.46% drop in amplitude of heat flux along the azimuth plane could be seen while performing torrefaction in a time-dependent thermal history. However, the relative amplitude of the heat flux at the centre of the pellet was estimated to be lowered by 98.41% along the vertical axis for heating a pellet in a quasi-static condition. The net change in the mass fraction of carbon dioxide across the boundary film was seen to be 40% higher than that of carbon monoxide. The rate of change of mass fraction of carbon monoxide across the boundary film was increased by 7–11% with the increase in torrefaction time. A 6.8% rise in the evaporation of water was noticed during the first half interval of torrefaction (from 5 min to 10 min). In the second half, from 10 min to 15 min, it was merely increased by 5.8%. A relative drop of 17.24% in water evaporation was estimated in the dynamic state of the system.

A recent report by the joint Informatics Europe & ACM Europe Working Group on Informatics Education emphasizes that: (1) computational thinking is an important ability that all people should possess; (2) informatics-based concepts, abilities and skills are teachable, and must be included in the primary and particularly in the secondary school curriculum. Accordingly, the "2013 Best Practices in Education Award" (organized by Informatics Europe) was devoted to initiatives promoting Informatics Education in Primary and Secondary Schools. In this paper we present one of the winning projects: "Multi-Sensory Informatics Education". We have developed effective multi-sensory methods and software-tools to improve the teaching-learning process of elementary, sorting and recursive algorithms. The technologically and artistically enhanced learning environment we present has also the potential to promote intercultural computer science education and the algorithmic thinking of both science- and humanities-oriented learners.

In recent years, we have read a lot of research aimed at creating a small, easy-to-mobilize pyrolysis unit. But these devices were not efficiently designed. According to literature data, small equipment (5.0–50 kW) has to be considered differently on the combustion aspects, compared to a larger pyrolysis unit. The main purpose of our research is to determine the operating characteristics of a small fixed bedding CHP (combined heat and power) pyrolysis power plant. At the design stage, it is also critical to know the properties of the biomass (usually different biological wastes) used on the input side. The use of a wide diversity of biomass waste may result in the volume of material remains and the energy produced is not usable in the right form. To obtain a clear picture of the combustion conditions, a fixed bedding pilot pyrolysis device was made. With the measurements in the experimental apparatus, we have a clearer picture of the changes in some of combustion parameters. We have examined exactly how the size and hardness of biomass materials affect the efficiency of pyrolysis. By modelling the “mass change„—with the knowledge of the material content, physical characteristics, and the parameters of the pyrolysis equipment—the amount of the expected material remains, and combustion conditions can be predicted with a mathematical function. We have found an appropriate mathematical model (R2 = 0.8758) to describe the relationship between gas production and material structure for a given period.

Abstract Background Sport enjoyment is one of the most important factors in physical activity (PA) and physical education (PE) domains. It is not only beneficial for regular participation but also has a positive effect on mental health. Due to these benefits, this study aims to understand the relationships between PA, two forms of enjoyment, and the dimension of self-concept. Methods The sample consisted of 315 students (Mage=12.63). The Self-Description Questionnaire-I was used to measure the domains of self-concept. Enjoyment was measured with two scales. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale reflects extracurricular PA enjoyment, and the Factors Influencing Enjoyment of Physical Education Questionnaire reflects school PE enjoyment. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess vigorous, moderate, and walking types of extracurricular PA enjoyment. Results Hierarchical multivariate regression analysis revealed that vigorous PA predicted physical ability (β = 0.19) and physical appearance (β = 0.15). PA enjoyment was a significant predictor of general self-concept (β = 0.29), physical ability (β = 0.28), physical appearance (β = 0.16), peer relation (β = 0.16), and parental relations (β = 0.14). PE enjoyment significantly predicted general school (β = 0.17), physical ability (β = 0.27), peer relations (β = 0.21) and parental relations (β = 0.22). Furthermore, boys scored at a higher level on most of self-concept domains. Conclusions The present study suggested that enjoyment plays a more important role in self-concept than PA. PE enjoyment mainly strengthens boys’ self-concept, but PA enjoyment is an important predictor of general self-concept in both genders. It is concluded that extracurricular PA enjoyment is beneficial, but increasing enjoyment of physical education could increase girls’ self-concepts as well.

IntroductionThe present study aimed to investigate the mental and sports psychological preparation, as well as tactical preparation, of distance runners for competition. We examined whether there are differences based on gender, competition level and various race disciplines, as well as how mental preparation influences sports skills applicable in different competitive situations.MethodsThe sample consisted of 201 distance runners who completed the Sports Mental Training Questionnaire (SMTQ) alongside assessments of their sports psychology and race tactics.ResultsThe results indicated that neither gender, competition level, nor race discipline had a significant impact on mental preparedness. However, women demonstrated notably higher scores in the use of self-talk as a mental technique. Additionally, participants who received training in sports psychology scored significantly higher across several mental skills, as well as on the overall mental preparedness score.DiscussionThis article validates the SMTQ and its association with mental readiness, as confirmatory factor analysis demonstrates adequate validity. Additionally, mental preparation was found to enhance performance and well-being among distance runners. Further research is needed to explore the impact of group interventions to broaden the reach of mental training programs.

This study investigates the thermal stability and structural changes of AB-type carbonate-hydroxyapatite (AB-type CHA) prepared from heat-treated bovine bone occurring during calcination at 1000, 1100, 1200, and 1300 °C. The structural phase changes and morphological properties of the calcined AB-type CHA samples were assessed by SEM/EDX, XRD, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. The findings highlighted that the decomposition of AB-type CHA undergoes three stages: Dehydroxylation, formation of A-type carbonate-hydroxyapatite (A-type CHA), and decomposition. Pure AB-type CHA was stable in a vacuum atmosphere, and no decomposition occurred at temperatures up to 1000 °C. Dehydroxylation and formation of A-type CHA occurred at 1100 °C. The AB-type CHA partially decomposed at a temperature of 1200 °C. A-type CHA, tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP), and tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) were the main products of the decomposition reactions, and tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) was also detected in the system. After sintering at 1300 °C, the AB-type CHA was completely decomposed and converted into α-TCP, β-TCP, and TTCP.

Research aim: The present study explored the trends in the global competition results of the 800-m event over the past two decades. The study tested the hypothesis that slow tactical racing has been less frequently pursued at the global competitions of the past years than previously. Materials and method: The sample included competitors participating in the World Championships and Olympic Games held between 1999 and 2021, including 16 men's events and 13 women's events (N = 1000). The data analysis focused on the results and seasonal bests (SB) of those proceeding from the two qualifying rounds by rank or result (Q; q) and of medal winners of the finals. Furthermore, the two indices were combined into a percentage SB index (%SB) for each participant. Mean comparisons between male and female competitors and between medal winners and nonwinners were conducted with independent samples t-tests. The possible trends in the competitors' results were explored with polynomial trendlines fitted to the observed data. Results: Neither of the three indices showed an improving trend over the past two decades among either men or women. Those proceeding from the qualifying rounds and medal winners gradually approached their best performance in each round, reaching peak performance in the finals (%SB: Qualifying rounds: Men: 98.35±0.41%; Women: 98.31±0.80%; Semifinals: Men: 99.10±0.60%; Women: 99.52±0.89%; Finals: Men: 99.45±1.07%; Women: 100.04±1.07%). Conclusions: No improving trend is observable in performance at the global 800-m competitions of the past two decades. Competitors gradually approach their best performance in each round, reaching peak performance in the finals. This is probably due to the three-round procedure of global competitions held over the past two decades. In the finals, men are equally likely to pursue slow tactical racing (2000, 2009, 2021) and to achieve new records (1999, 2012, 2016, 2019), whereas women are less likely to engage in slow tactical racing (except in 2003 and 2005). All those competing in the finals possess highly equal skills, thus pursuing adequate racing tactics is indispensable for medal winning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundImmunocompromised patients are at particular risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and previous findings suggest that the infection or vaccination induced immune response decreases over time. Our main goal was to investigate the SARS-CoV-2-specific immune response in rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls over prolonged time.MethodsThe SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral immune response was measured by Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) immunoassay, and antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NCP) were also evaluated by Euroimmun enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell response was detected by an IFN- γ release assay.ResultsWe prospectively enrolled 84 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 43 healthy controls in our longitudinal study. Our findings demonstrate that RA patients had significantly lower anti-S antibody response and reduced SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell response compared to healthy controls (p

The article presents experiments aimed at increasing the properties of a plastic mould tool steel with a special heat treatment technology called shallow cryogenic treatment. Our chosen steel grade was Böhler M340 ISOPLAST. We would like to show how cryogenic treatment affects the wear and corrosion properties of this particular steel grade. We can conclude with tests and calculations that the cryogenically treated specimen showed at least 40% better wear and corrosion resistance properties, then the one treated with conventional heat treatment. Based on these findings, we expect that the tool life will also be longer using this heat treatment technology.

This research addresses the metallurgical and mechanical response during the annealing of Ti6Al4V parts fabricated by selective laser melting. The as-manufactured Ti6Al4V exhibited a very fine α´ martensitic structure with low ductility of less than 10%. It was observed that the fine α´ martensitic structure transformed into two phases of α and β by applying heat treatments at 850 and 1020 °C followed by furnace cooling. The experimental results demonstrated that 850°C/2h/FC heat treatment has optimum mechanical performance in terms of tensile strength and ductility.

Abstract Background In the current study, we conducted a comparative analysis involving three distinct groups: one receiving group-based rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), another undergoing a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI), and a third group serving as the control. The aim of the study was to explore the effectiveness of the two interventions on specific psychological (competitive anxiety, perfectionism, irrational beliefs), physiological (salivary cortisol levels), and neurocognitive (executive functions: working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility) functions in Hungarian junior ice hockey players. Methods The participants consisted of 10 females and 36 males (NREBT=12, NMINDFULNESS=14, NCONTROL=20). We used questionnaires to assess competitive anxiety, perfectionism, and irrational beliefs. The components of executive functions were measured using a computerized testing system, while cortisol levels were examined through salivary samples. Prior to and after the interventions, each participant underwent all measurements, after which we conducted repeated measures ANOVA on our data. Results We found REBT to be an effective intervention for the regulation of competitive anxiety, perfectionism, and irrational beliefs as well as for improving some components of executive functions (inhibition and cognitive flexibility). Mindfulness was found to improve athletes’ processing speed and set-shifting abilities, which are related to cognitive flexibility and metacognitive processes. Conclusion In conclusion, we explore implications of these findings regarding how each approach is posited to enhance sports performance, using neurocognitive functions as a proxy. These findings are useful for further research and practical implications.

This study aims to cover the thermodynamic aspect of a geothermal site using the Hermite interpolant. The energy distribution, determination of the system exergy and the energy ratio are some of the factors investigated thoroughly. The steady flow energy equation was used to determine the design parameters related to the hybrid heating, ventilation, and air condition (HVAC) system. For the underground heat exchanger, it was assumed that the heat capacity ratio, R, was small in magnitude. The energy ratio estimated in the corridor of the lecture hall increased by 17% as compared to the hall area. The exergy destruction of the system was estimated to be 25%, whereas the maximum exergy gain computed at the secondary side of the geothermal unit, followed by the second fan coil, the first fan coil, and the radiator. The calculated heating rate was found to be 25.273% lower than the required sensible heat gain. The installed unit could attain the maximum energy ratio of 4.031 if the convective losses across the building material are minimised.