Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods for Selection of Lightweight Material for Railway Vehicles

This paper deals with the selection of the optimal material for railway wagons, from among three different steel and three aluminium based materials, by using four different Multicriteria Decision Making Methods (MCDM) and comparing their ranking of the materials. We analysed: Dual-Phase 600 steel, Transformation-Induced Plasticity (TRIP) 700 steel, Twinning-Induced Plasticity (TWIP) steel, Aluminium (Al) alloys, Al 6005-T6, and Al 6082-T6, and porous Al structure with closed cells. Four different MCDM methods were used: VIKOR, TOPSIS, PROMETTHEE and the Weighted aggregated sum product assessment method (WASPAS). Key material properties that were used in the MCDM analysis were: density, yield strength (Y.S.), tensile strength (T.S.), Y.S./T.S. ratio, Youngs modulus (Y.M.), cost and corrosion resistance (C.R.). Research results indicate that aluminium and its alloys prove to be the most suitable material, based on setup criteria. Advanced steels also achieved good ranking, making them a valid option, immediately behind lightweight aluminium alloys. Porous aluminium did not perform well, according to the used MDCM methods, mainly due to the significantly lower strength exhibited by the porous structures in general

Effects of Combined Plyometric and Shooting Training on the Biomechanical Characteristics during the Made Jump Shot in Young Male Basketball Players

(1) Background: Shooting performance is one of the most important determinants of basketball success and is strongly influenced by vertical jump performance. A lot of research attention has been paid to training programs that may improve the vertical jump. However, the literature regarding the improvement of accuracy during the jump shot is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the combination of two training programs on explosive power of the lower extremities during the made jump shot. (2) Methods: A total of 61 male basketball players were assigned into training group (T, n = 31, age 15.32 ± 0.65) which was conducting a specific, i.e., experimental training program, and control group (C, n = 30, age 16.3 ± 0.71 years) involved in a regular training program. The experimental training program included specific plyometric training with shooting training which lasted for 10 weeks. The obtained data were processed by nonparametric statistics to determine the differences in the vertical jump outcomes, as well as to determine the level of impact of the experimental training program. Wilcoxon and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used. (3) Results: A significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) was noticed in the T group, in every vertical jump variable (flight time, height of the jump, power, and speed of the jump during a jump shot for two and three points), while there was no improvement within the C group. (4) Conclusions: The combination of plyometric and shooting training has a positive impact on the explosive power of the lower extremities during the jump shot

Genotyping genetic variants of CYP2C19 for precision antiplatelet dosing: state of the art and future perspectives

Introduction: Clopidogrel is the only antiplatelet agent whose activity is significantly affected by CYP2C19 polymorphism. Areas covered: This review has summarized the available evidence on the clinically significant association between CYP2C19 polymorphism and clopidogrel-based therapy; reviewed the current recommendations for clinical use of CYP2C19 genotype test results in patients on clopidogrel treatment; and discussed possible pitfalls of routine application, and future perspectives of antiplatelets pharmacogenetics. Expert opinion: The available body of evidence, reflected in several meta-analyses and high-quality clinical practice guidelines, shows that the presence of CYP2C19 LOF alleles, especially CYP2C19*2, correlates with impaired activation of clopidogrel and variable platelet inhibition, followed by minimal or no antiplatelet effect, and higher risk of treatment failure. In combination with other known risk factors, CYP2C19 genetic testing could be very valuable in predicting low clopidogrel efficacy. At the same time, it could be very successful in selecting patients who will most probably benefit from the clopidogrel-based therapy, thus decreasing the pool of those who might need more expensive and otherwise riskier antiplatelet alternatives

Solving the Problem of Friction and Wear in Auxiliary Devices of Internal Combustion Engines on the Example of Reciprocating Air Compressor for Vehicles

Using vehicles and other mobile systems to transport passengers and goods, approximately 25% of Europe's greenhouse gases are generated. At the same time, many research papers, published by researchers and students, promote the use of electric vehicles as zero-emission vehicles. Given that, more broadly, the emission of electric vehicles is higher, especially in countries where electricity is obtained by burning coal, the use of internal-combustion engines is still dominant. There are other reasons for using an internal-combustion engine, such as already developed pumping station infrastructure, which is not the case when recharging electric vehicles. Improvements in engine design contribute to meet the regulations relating to the fuel consumption and toxic gas emissions. This refers to the use of alternative fuels, improving the combustion process, and increasing efficiency (efficiency coefficient) by reducing losses. The research is focused on the problem of friction and wear in internal combustion engines and reciprocating air compressors, as auxiliary devices on engines. For that purpose, construction of the reciprocating air compressor in motor vehicles was redesigned. The paper presents the characteristic test results of material used to strengthen liner of the aluminum cylinder. Specifically, a method for testing the performance characteristics of a single-cylinder reciprocating compressor inside of an experimental installation for compressed air supply has also been proposed

Potential of Orlistat to induce apoptotic and antiangiogenic effects as well as inhibition of fatty acid synthesis in breast cancer cells

Breast cancer as most often women's cancer is the second cause of mortality worldwide. Research interest increased in testing non-standard drugs to suppress breast cancer progression and become significant supplements in anticancer therapy. The anti-obesity drug Orlistat showed significant ability for modulation of cancer cell metabolism via antiproliferative, proapoptotic, antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, and hypolipidemic effects. The anticancer potential of Orlistat was evaluated by cytotoxicity (MTT assay), type of cell death (AO/EB double staining), determination of redox status parameters (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione), and total lipid levels with colorimetric methods, as well on angiogenesis-related (VEGF, MMP-9, CXCR4/CXCL12) and fatty acid synthesis-related (ACLY, ACC, FASN) parameters on gene and protein levels (immunocytochemistry and qPCR). Based on obtained results Orlistat induces significant cytotoxic, proapoptotic, and anti-angiogenic effects in MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, without significant cytotoxic effects on normal MRC-5 cells. It decreased total lipid levels and changed redox status parameters and cancer cell metabolism via suppression of genes and proteins involved and fatty acid synthesis. Based on showed, Orlistat may be an important supplement in antiangiogenic therapy against breast cancer with no side effects on normal cells, making it a good candidate for future clinical trials

Neuronske mreže podržane fizičkim zakonima - Praktikum sa kodom

Neuronske mreže podržane fizičkim zakonima (Physics-Informed Neural Networks - PINN) ili na srpskom jeziku NMPFZ su tip univerzalnih funkcija aproksimacije koje mogu da se treniraju tako da usvoje poznavanje bilo kog fizičkog zakona koji se može opisati parcijalnim diferencijalnim jednačinama, a koji važi u određenom prostorno-vremenskom domenu. Obuka ovog tipa neuronskih mreža se postavlja na taj način da poštuje simetrije, invarijantnost ili održavanje principa koji počivaju na fizičkim zakonima iskazanim u obliku parcijalnih diferencijalnih jednačina.Obične duboke neuronske mreže nisu dovoljno robusne u većini slučajeva kada se vezuju za matematički iskazane zakone u biologiji, mehanici, elektrotehnici, itd. S druge strane, kod NMPFZ mreža, prethodno znanje opštih fizičkih zakona se u procesu treniranja neuronskih mreža postavlja kao regularizacioni agent koji ograničava prostor dozvoljenih rešenja, što povećava tačnost aproksimirane funkcije. Na ovaj način, ugrađivanjem fizič kih zakona opisanih parcijalnim diferencijalnim jednačinama u neuronsku mrežu dobijamo poboljšanje, što olakšava algoritmu učenja da dobije što tačnije rešenje i da dobro generalizuje, čak i sa veoma malom količinom tzv. kolokacionih tačaka

A Systematic Classification of Key Performance Indicators in Human-Robot Collaboration

Collaborative robotics is one of the foremost innovative technologies increasingly growing in the manufacturing market. Indeed, the disruption of collaborative robots, or cobots, in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) has renewed the design and concept of manufacturing workplaces, in terms of flexibility and modularity. As a result, human-robot collaboration (HRC) has broken the standard and old-fashoined idea of performing manual assembly tasks in manufacturing systems. Numerous research studies have underlined that human-robot simultaneous or cooperative activities may improve the efficiency and productivity of companies with a positive impact on the health of workers. However, despite these benefits in the workplace, there is a lack of indicators to monitor this innovative collaboration, leading to losses and waste in terms of efficiency and costs. Moreover, an unwell design of this collaboration might decrease operator’ satisfaction and confidence. Hence, there is a desire to spot, select and systematize the main key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with HRC to boost the productivity of the system. Thus, the motivation for this research is to seek out the proper KPIs within the design of an HRC in line with different aspects of the business

Importance of Early Intervention in Reducing Autistic Symptoms and Speech–Language Deficits in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The intervention focused on starting treatment at an early age to develop the child’s full potential, which is known as early intervention. Given that autistic symptoms and language deficits occur at an early age and affect other areas of development in children with autistic spectrum disorder, we wanted to examine if early intervention is more effective in the reduction in autistic symptoms and language deficits in children aged 36–47 months old when compared to children 48–60 months old. The sample consisted of 29 children diagnosed with ASD who were admitted for integrative therapy. All participants were divided into two groups based on age: G1: 36–47 months old children, and G2: 48–60 months old children. To estimate the presence of autistic symptoms, we used the GARS-3, and for the assessment of speech–language abilities, we used the subscale Estimated Speech and Language Development (ESLD). Our results regarding the effect of the group on the difference in the scores at two time points showed that there was a statistically significant effect of the group on the reduction in autistic symptoms (p 0.05). Our study highlights the importance of emphasizing the exact age when using the terms “early intervention” and “early development” in future studies and practice because it is necessary to determine and establish guidelines about which particular ages are crucial for starting treatment in certain developmental aspects

Could elderberry fruits processed by modern and conventional drying and extraction technology be considered a valuable source of health-promoting compounds?

The influence of drying and extraction processes on the phytochemical composition and biopotential of elderberry is challenging for the food industry. For this reason in this research two drying techniques (lyophilization and natural convection) and three extraction techniques (ultrasound (UAE), microwave (MAE), and conventional (maceration (MAC)) was applied using two”green” solvents (water and 50 % ethanol). Results of the research showed that lyophilization was a better way of drying than natural convection, while MAE extraction was the most efficient technique for the isolation of secondary metabolites. The most abundant phenolic compounds established by LC-MS/MS analysis, were chlorogenic acid and rutin, identified in extracts of lyophilized elderberries. Elderberry extracts achieved great antioxidant (CUPRAC: 2.30–5.13 mg TE/mL) and enzyme inhibitor potential (α-amylase: 0.51–8.34 mg ACAE/mL). The results suggest that elderberry is a rich natural source of bioactive compounds and could be used for the future development of dietary supplements and functional foods

No social distancing from food: How the COVID-19 pandemic shaped student food-related activities in the Western Balkans

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced food preparation and consumption habits, as well as food wastage. The pandemic also affected the lives of university students worldwide; their learning and living environments changed, influencing their eating habits. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ food-related activities in four countries in the Western Balkans: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Methods: The research draws upon an online survey gathered through the SurveyMonkey platform in four Balkan countries—viz. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro—and used a structured questionnaire. The information was collected during the second wave of COVID-19 in October–November 2020. A total of 1658 valid responses were received. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used to analyze the survey findings. Results: The research results suggest that the pandemic influenced students’ food purchase habits, diets, and food-related behaviors and practices such as food preparation, cooking, and food waste management at the household level. In particular, students have been eating healthier and shopping less frequently during the pandemic. Meanwhile, the pandemic improved their attitude toward food wastage. Conclusion: This study is the first to examine how students in the Balkan region perceive the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their eating habits, laying the groundwork for future studies into the disease's consequences. This and other studies will assist in preparing students and education institutions for future calamities and pandemics. The findings will also help develop evidence-based postpandemic recovery options targeting youth and students in the Western Balkans