Computer simulation of the aluminium extrusion process

The purpose of the work is computer simulation of the aluminium extrusion process using the Finite elements method (FEM). The impact of the speed of a punch falling on the material in the aluminium extrusion process was investigated. It was found that high stresses are created, leading to material destruction, if the punch is falling too fast. The design cycle is significantly reduced in multiple industrial applications if the FEM is applied, which enhances productivity and profits

Spontaneous rhythm discrimination in a mammalian vocal learner

Rhythm and vocal production learning are building blocks of human music and speech. Vocal learning has been hypothesized as a prerequisite for rhythmic capacities. Yet, no mammalian vocal learner but humans have shown the capacity to flexibly and spontaneously discriminate rhythmic patterns. Here we tested untrained rhythm discrimination in a mammalian vocal learning species, the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). Twenty wild-born seals were exposed to music-like playbacks of conspecific call sequences varying in basic rhythmic properties. These properties were called length, sequence regularity, and overall tempo. All three features significantly influenced seals' reaction (number of looks and their duration), demonstrating spontaneous rhythm discrimination in a vocal learning mammal. This finding supports the rhythm–vocal learning hypothesis and showcases pinnipeds as promising models for comparative research on rhythmic phylogenies

The thickness of the ventral midline of the spinal cord in human embryos during the fifth week

The thickness of the ventral midline of the spinal cord was determined in 9 human embryos aged five weeks (developmental stages 13-15). This part of the spinal cord consists of floor plate, mantle and marginal layers. The floor plate ependymal cells form pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The thickness of the investigated structure varied from 20 to 50 micrometers at different levels of the spinal cord

Extending the Breakthrough Listen nearby star survey to other stellar objects in the field

We extend the source sample recently observed by the Breakthrough Listen Initiative by including additional stars (with parallaxes measured by Gaia) that also reside within the FWHM of the GBT and Parkes radio telescope target fields. These stars have estimated distances as listed in the extensions of the Gaia DR2 catalogue. Enlarging the sample from 1327 to 288315 stellar objects permits us to achieve substantially better Continuous Waveform Transmitter Rate Figures of Merit (CWTFM) than any previous analysis, and allows us to place the tightest limits yet on the prevalence of nearby high-duty-cycle extraterrestrial transmitters. The results suggest $\lesssim 0.0660^{+0.0004}_{-0.0003}$% of stellar systems within 50 pc host such transmitters (assuming an EIRP $\gtrsim 10^{13}$ W) and $\lesssim 0.039^{+0.004}_{-0.008}$% within 200 pc (assuming an EIRP $\gtrsim 2.5 \times 10^{14}$ W). We further extend our analysis to much greater distances, though we caution that the detection of narrow-band signals beyond a few hundred pc may be affected by interstellar scintillation. The extended sample also permits us to place new constraints on the prevalence of extraterrestrial transmitters by stellar type and spectral class. Our results suggest targeted analyses of SETI radio data can benefit from taking into account the fact that in addition to the target at the field centre, many other cosmic objects reside within the primary beam response of a parabolic radio telescope. These include foreground and background galactic stars, but also extragalactic systems. With distances measured by Gaia, these additional sources can be used to place improved limits on the prevalence of extraterrestrial transmitters, and extend the analysis to a wide range of cosmic objects.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures, 3 tables. Accepted by MNRA

A protocol for co-creating research project lay summaries with stakeholders:Guideline development for Canada's AGE-WELL Network

Background Funding bodies increasingly require researchers to write lay summaries to communicate projects’ real-world relevance to the public in an accessible way. However, research proposals and findings are generally not easily readable or understandable by non-specialist readers. Many researchers find writing lay summaries difficult because they typically write for fellow subject specialists or academics rather than the general public or a non-specialist audience. The primary objective of our project is to develop guidelines for researchers in Canada’s AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence, and ultimately various other disciplines, sectors, and institutions, to co-create lay summaries of research projects with stakeholders. To begin, we produced a protocol for co-creating a lay summary based on workshops we organized and facilitated for an AGE-WELL researcher. This paper presents the lay summary co-creation protocol that AGE-WELL researchers will be invited to use. Methods Eligible participants in this project will be 24 AgeTech project researchers who are funded by the AGE-WELL network in its Core Research Program 2020. If they agree to participate in this project, we will invite them to use our protocol to co-produce a lay summary of their respective projects with stakeholders. The protocol comprises six steps: Investigate principles of writing a good lay summary, identify the target readership, identify stakeholders to collaborate with, recruit the identified stakeholders to work on a lay summary, prepare for workshop sessions, and execute the sessions. To help participants through the process, we will provide them with a guide to developing an accessible, readable research lay summary, help them make decisions, and host, and facilitate if needed, their lay summary co-creation workshops. Discussion Public-facing research outputs, including lay summaries, are increasingly important knowledge translation strategies to promote the impact of research on real-world issues. To produce lay summaries that include information that will interest a non-specialist readership and that are written in accessible language, stakeholder engagement is key. Furthermore, both researchers and stakeholders benefit by participating in the co-creation process. We hope the protocol helps researchers collaborate with stakeholders effectively to co-produce lay summaries that meet the needs of both the public and project funders

Cooperative business models in steel enterprises in Poland

The paper presents the concept of cooperative business models in steel enterprises in Poland. The starting point is the presentation of the concept of business models, which is defined as a way of doing business based on cooperation between enterprises. This paper presents two collaborative business models, namely outsourcing and alliance networks, comparing the theoretical assumptions with the results of research carried out in steel enterprises in Poland

The effect of heat treatment conditions on the structure evolution and mechanical properties of two binary Al-Mg aluminium alloys

The presented investigation results were carried out on two binary aluminium-magnesium alloys. The article focuses on the influence of heat treatment conditions on the precipitation response of AlMg3 and AlMg5 aluminium alloy, microstructure evolution and strength of the alloys. The microstructure variation was analysed using a scanning electron microscope and an optical microscope in order to characterise the microstructure in a heat treated condition. Tensile tests and hardness measurements were carried out to investigate the effect of heat treatment on the mechanical properties

Micro-endoscopy of the human vas deferens: a feasibility study of a novel device in several ex vivo models

The aim of this study was to show limitation as well as potential of micro-endoscopy techniques as an innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approach in andrology. Two kinds of custom-made micro-endoscopes (ME) were tested in ex vivo vas deferens specimen and in post-mortem whole body. The semi-rigid ME included a micro-optic (0.9mm outer diameter [OD], 10.000 pixels, 120 degrees vision angle [VE], 3-20mm field depth [FD]) and an integrated fibre-optic light source. The flexible ME was composed of a micro-optic (OD=0.6mm, 6.000 pixels, 120 degrees VE, 3-20mm FD). The ex vivo study included retrograde investigation of the vas deferens (surgical specimen n=9, radical prostatectomy n=3). The post-mortem investigation (n=4) included the inspection of the vas deferens via both approaches. The results showed that antegrade and retrograde rigid endoscopy of the vas deferens were achieved as a diagnostic tool. The working channel enabled therapeutic use including biopsies or baskets. Using the flexible ME, the orifices of the ejaculatory ducts were identified. In vivo cadaveric retrograde cannulation of the orifices was successful. Post-mortem changes of verumontanum hindered the examinations beyond. Orifices were identified shaded behind a thin transparent membrane. Antegrade vasoscopy using flexible ME was possible up to the internal inguinal ring. Further advancement was impossible because of anatomical angle and lack adequate vision guidance. The vas deferens interior was clearly visible and was documented by pictures and movies. Altogether, the described ME techniques were feasible and effective, offering the potential of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for use in the genital tract. Several innovative indications could be expected