bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuing Professional Development: Deficiencies in patient handover: A Case study
Authors: Bell Claire
Published: September 2016

Overview

This module discusses the concept of patient handover between ambulance clinicians and hospital staff, using a case study from the author's practice. It looks both at handovers that take place in ‘Resus’ rooms and those less time-critical exchanges in other areas of the Accident and Emergency Department. It explores how the handover can be rendered ineffective by errors in communication between the two parties and how this can be detrimental to the patient. It also looks into whether the hospital or ambulance staff are to blame for errors in patient handover. Finally, suggestions are made for areas of further study.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this module you will be able to: • Understand what factors contribute to a good and a bad handover • Define active listening and why it is important • Consider how hospital waiting times can affect the quality of the handover • Recognize the importance of good interpersonal working relationships
Total knee arthroplasty and infection: how surgeons can reduce the risks
Authors: Ratto Nicola , Arrigoni Chiara , Rosso Federica , Bruzzone Matteo , Dettoni Federico , Bonasia Davide Edoardo , Rossi Roberto
Published: September 2016

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures. Nevertheless, several complications can lead to implant failure. Peri-prosthetic joint infections (PJI) certainly represent a significant challenge in TJA, constituting a major cause of prosthetic revision. The surgeon may have an important role in reducing the PJI rate by limiting the impact of significant risk factors associated to either the patient, the operative environment or the post-operative care. In the pre-operative period, several preventive measures may be adopted to manage reversible medical comorbidities. Other recognised pre-operative risk factors are urinary tract infections, intra-articular corticosteroid injections and nasal colonisation with Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, particularly the methicillin-resistant strain (MRSA). In the intra-operative setting, protective measures for PJI include antibiotic prophylaxis, surgical-site antisepsis and use of pre-admission chlorhexidine washing and pulsed lavage during surgery. In this setting, the use of plastic adhesive drapes and sterile stockinette, as well as using personal protection systems, do not clearly reduce the risk of infection. On the contrary, using sterile theatre light handles and splash basins as well as an increased traffic in the operating room are all associated with an increased risk for PJI. In the post-operative period, other infections causing transient bacteraemia, blood transfusion and poor wound care are considered as risk factors for PJI.

Cite this article: Ratto N, Arrigoni C, Rosso F, Bruzzone M, Dettoni F, Bonasia DE, Rossi R. Total knee arthroplasty and infection: how surgeons can reduce the risks. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1: 339-344 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000032.
Foster Care Outcomes for Children With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Slayter Elspeth M.
Published: September 2016

The promotion of speedy, permanent outcomes for foster children is a central child welfare policy goal. However, while children with intellectual disability (ID) are at greater risk for child welfare involvement, little is known about their case outcomes. This cross-sectional national study explores between-group foster care outcomes. Foster children with intellectual disability were more likely to have experienced an adoption disruption or dissolution but less likely to be reunified with a parent, primary caretaker or other family member. Implications for interagency collaboration in support of pre and post-foster care discharge support services are discussed.
Culture in Better Group Homes for People With Intellectual Disability at Severe Levels
Authors: Bigby Christine , Beadle-Brown Julie
Published: September 2016

Building on cultural dimensions of underperforming group homes this study analyses culture in better performing services. In depth qualitative case studies were conducted in 3 better group homes using participant observation and interviews. The culture in these homes, reflected in patterns of staff practice and talk, as well as artefacts differed from that found in underperforming services. Formal power holders were undisputed leaders, their values aligned with those of other staff and the organization, responsibility for practice quality was shared enabling teamwork, staff perceived their purpose as “making the life each person wants it to be,” working practices were person centered, and new ideas and outsiders were embraced. The culture was characterized as coherent, respectful, “enabling” for residents, and “motivating” for staff. Though it is unclear whether good group homes have a similar culture to better ones the insights from this study provide knowledge to guide service development and evaluation.
Outdated Language: Use of “Mental Retardation” in Medicaid HCBS Waivers Post-Rosa's Law
Authors: Friedman Carli
Published: September 2016

Rosa's Law, which changed references of “mental retardation” to “intellectual disability” within federal legislation, marked recognition by the federal government that the term “mental retardation” is outdated and pejorative. However, Rosa's Law did not apply to many notable federal programs related to disability, such as Medicaid. This article explores if and how the term “mental retardation” was used within Medicaid Home and Community Based Services 1915(c) waivers, as they are the most prevalent provider of long-term services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Waivers provide some of the most advanced community services and the language used in them should reflect this. Although an overwhelming majority of waivers used “mental retardation,” we found that the term was used less for later benchmark dates.
Hubungan Ketebalan Intima Media Arteri Karotis dan Massa Ventrikel Kiri pada Remaja Obes
Authors: Kaunang David , Chandra Irna , Gunawan Stefanus
Published: September 2016

Latar belakang. Obesitas pada anak berhubungan dengan peningkatan risiko kematian yang disebabkan aterosklerosis dan kardiomiopati pada saat dewasa. Ketebalan intima media (KIM) arteri karotis dan massa ventrikel kiri (MVK) adalah penanda awal aterosklerosis dan kardiomiopati yang dapat diperiksa sejak usia dini.Tujuan.Mengetahui hubungan antara KIM arteri karotis dan MVK pada remaja obes. Metode.Penelitian observasional analitik dengan pendekatan potong lintang terhadap 45 remaja usia 13-18 tahun dari bulan November 2013 – Februari 2014. Subyek dibagi menjadi obes dan tidak obes berdasarkan IMT menurut umur dan jenis kelamin. Penilaian KIM dan MVK dengan ekokardiografi. Pengolahan data dengan uji Mann-Whitney, uji t tidak berpasangan. Hubungan antara KIM dengan MVK ditentukan dengan uji regresi linier.Hasil.Terdapat perbedaan bermakna antara KIM remaja obes (rerata 0,79 mm, SB 0,77) dibandingkan tidak obes (rerata 0,23 mm, SB 0,22) (p<0,001). Rerata MVK remaja obes 456,75 g (SB 204,39) berbeda bermakna dengan rerata MVK tidak obes 138,24 g (SB 24,19) (p<0,001). Terdapat hubungan antara KIM dengan MVK pada remaja obes (r=0,374 p=0,006).Kesimpulan. Ketebalan intima media arteri karotis dan MVK pada remaja obes berbeda bermakna dibandingkan tidak obes. Pada remaja obes terjadi peningkatan KIM dan MVK. Terdapat hubungan peningkatan KIM arteri karotis dengan peningkatan MVK pada remaja obes.
Hubungan Kadar Prokalsitonin dan Kultur Bakteri dengan Tingkat Keparahan Pneumonia pada Anak
Authors: Suwarto Sri Utami , Fadlyana Eddy , Kartasasmita Cissy
Published: September 2016

Latar belakang. Di negara berkembang, pneumonia merupakan penyebab utama kesakitan dan kematian pada bayi dan balita. Penelitian sebelumnya menemukan prokalsitonin dapat menggambarkan keparahan pneumonia pada anak. Dilaporkan juga kultur bakteri positif lebih sering ditemukan pada pneumonia berat dengan komplikasi. Tujuan.Menentukan hubungan kadar prokalsitonin dan kultur bakteri dengan tingkat keparahan pneumonia.Metode. Penelitian potong lintang yang dilaksanakan dari bulan September 2014 hingga Januari 2015 di RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung. Dilibatkan 61 anak berusia 1 bulan hingga 5 tahun. Subjek terdiri atas 30 anak pneumonia berat dan 31 anak pneumonia. Pemeriksaan prokalsitonin dilakukan dengan Elecsys BRAHMS PCT. Kultur darah diperiksa dengan mesin BACTEC 9050, jika hasilnya positif bakteri kemudian dibiakkan dalam media agar McConkey atau agar darah. Data hasil penelitian diuji dengan Mann Whitney dan chi-square. Hasil.Nilai median PCT pneumonia berat 0,69 ng/mL dan pneumonia 0,075 ng/mL, dengan nilai p<0,001. Hasil kultur positif ditemukan 5 dari 30 pada pneumonia berat dan 10 dari 31 pada pneumonia, dengan nilai p=0,157.Kesimpulan. Keparahan pneumonia berhubungan dengan kadar prokalsitonin dan tidak berhubungan dengan hasil kultur bakteri. Sari Pediatri2015;17(4):261-6.
Hubungan Kadar Procalcitonindengan Demam Neutropenia pada Leukemia Limfoblastik Akut Anak
Authors: Inten Yutta , Reniarti Lelani , Chairulfatah Alex
Published: September 2016

Latar belakang. Kejadian infeksi bakteri pada leukemia limfoblastik akut (LLA) lebih tinggi pada demam neutropenia (DN).Procalcitonin(PCT) memiliki sensitivitas dan spesifisitas yang lebih baik dibanding dengan C-reactive protein(CRP). Hal ini masih menjadi perdebatan, pada penelitian sebelumnya dinyatakan bahwa CRP lebih baik dibanding dengan PCT. Tujuan. Menentukan hubungan PCT dengan DN pada LLA anak dengan mengikutsertakan CRP. Metode. Penelitian potong lintang pada 78 subjek usia 0-13 tahun dengan DN dan demam tanpa neutropenia (DTN) yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi dilakukan pemeriksaan PCT serum. Pemilihan subjek secara consecutive sampling. Variabel dengan nilai p<0,25 pada analisis bivariat dilanjutkan analisis multivariat dengan rasio Odds (RO) dan interval kepercayaan (IK) 95%. Hasil.Di antara 78 pasien LLA didapatkan 27 DN dan 51 DTN. Hubungan kadar PCT dan CRP serum dengan DN berturut-turut RO 3,618 (IK95%: 1,227–10,665) dan RO 3,676 (IK95%: 1,22–11,028). Procalcitonin dan CRP memperlihatkan diskriminasi yang baik dengan AUC 0,752 (IK 95%: 0,639–0,866) serta kalibrasi yang kuat (p=0,692).Kesimpulan. Procalcitoninserum berhubungan dengan DN pada LLA anak yang meningkat hubungannya dengan mengikutsertakan CRP
Kakovost problemov, obravnavanih pri problemskem učenju: ocena študentov zdravstvene nege
Authors: Gönc Vida , Lorber Mateja , Nerat Jasmina
Published: September 2016

Uvod: Z vpeljavo problemskega učenja se je spremenil kontekst učenja. Z uporabo kakovostnih problemov v okviru problemskega učenja se spodbuja kritično mišljenje, skupinske interakcije, uporaba teorije v praksi. Namen raziskave je bil ugotoviti oceno študentov zdravstvene nege glede kakovosti problemov, obravnavanih v okviru problemskega učenja. Metode: Uporabljeno je bilo kvantitativno neeksperimentalno raziskovanje, podatki so bili zbrani s tehniko anketiranja. V raziskavi je sodelovalo 196 študentov zdravstvene nege. Za obdelavo podatkov je bila uporabljena deskriptivna statistika, t-test in korelacijska analiza. Statistično značilnost smo preverjali na ravni 5% tveganja. Rezultati: Povprečne ocene vseh trditev, ki so se nanašale na oceno kakovosti problemov, obravnavanih v okviru problemskega učenja, so bile visoke ( > 4 od 5). Glede na način študija zdravstvene nege (redni, izredni študij) (t = –1,333, p = 0,558) in spol (t = 0,236, p = 0,354) ne prihaja do razlik v oceni kakovosti obravnavanih problemov. Ugotovljene so bile razlike v oceni kakovosti obravnavanih problemov glede na zaposlenost v zdravstvu (t = 2,109, p = 0,04) ter pozitivna šibka povezanost (r = 0,190, p = 0,002) med starostjo in oceno kakovosti obravnavanih problemov. Diskusija in zaključek: Raziskava pokaže visoko oceno kakovosti problemov, obravnavanih v okviru problemskega učenja, s čimer se pri študentih spodbuja samousmerjeno učenje, povečuje zanimanje za učno enoto in izboljšujejo motivacija za delo, komunikacijske spretnosti ter kritično razmišljanje. Nadaljnje raziskave bi bilo smiselno usmeriti v spremljanje vpliva problemskega učenja na učne izide ter uvedbo problemskega učenja v vse učne enote v okviru študija zdravstvene nege.
Uživanje alkohola med študenti zdravstvene nege
Authors: Munda Denis , Hlastan Ribič Cirila , Čuček Trifkovič Klavdija
Published: September 2016

Uvod: Pitje alkoholnih pijač je med mladostniki v Sloveniji in tudi drugod po svetu zelo velik problem. Največ mladih pije alkoholne pijače predvsem v obdobju adolescence. Namen raziskave je bil predstaviti uživanje alkohola med študenti zdravstvene nege, ki je tudi sicer vse pogostejši problem v sodobnem načinu življenja. Metode: Anketiranje je potekalo v prvi polovici leta 2015 med študenti rednega študija zdravstvene nege 1. stopnje. V raziskavi je sodelovalo 217 študentov. Uporabljeno je bilo priložnostno vzorčenje. Uporabili smo osnovno deskriptivno statistiko in kvantitativno raziskovalno metodologijo s pomočjo strukturiranega vprašalnika. Rezultati: Med anketiranimi se je v izbiri najpogostejših alkoholnih pijač pokazala statistično pomembna razlika (p = 0,000) glede na spol, saj moški posegajo bolj po pivu, ženske bolj po žganih pijačah. Prav tako je razlika po spolu prisotna v opitosti, saj so bili moški v zadnjih 30 dneh pred anketiranjem statistično značilno bolj pogosto opiti kot ženske (p = 0,000). Diskusija in zaključek: Iz rezultatov raziskave je razvidno, da več kot polovica anketiranih študentov zdravstvene nege tvegano pije alkoholne pijače. Raziskava nakazuje, da bolj tvegano pijejo študenti moškega spola. Pridobljeni podatki nakazujejo potrebo po obsežnejši raziskavi o uživanju alkohola med slovenskimi študenti.
Regulatory T cells (Treg) and Their Roles in Immune System with Respect to Immunopathological Disorders
Authors: Kondělková Kateřina , Vokurková Doris , Krejsek Jana , Borská Lenka , Fiala Zdeněk , Andrýs Ctirad
Published: September 2016

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subpopulation of T cells that act to suppress immune response, thereby maintaining homeostasis and self-tolerance. It has been shown that Tregs are able to inhibit T cell proliferation and cytokine production and play a critical role in preventing autoimmunity. Different subsets with various functions of Treg cells exist. Tregs can be usually identified by flow cytometry. The most specific marker for these cells is FoxP3, which is localized intracellulary. Selected surface markers such as CD25high(high molecular density) and CD127low(low molecular density) could serve as surrogate markers to detect Tregs in a routine clinical practice. Dysregulation in Treg cell frequency or functions may lead to the development of autoimmune disease. Therapeutical Treg modulation is considered to be a promising therapeutical approach to treat some selected disorders, such as allergies, and to prevent allograft rejection.
Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp-derived Stem Cells under Various Ex-vivo Culture Conditions
Authors: Karbanová Jana , Soukup Tomáš , Suchánek Jakub , Mokrý Jaroslav
Published: September 2016

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can be easily isolated and cultured in low-serum containing medium supplemented with growth factors PDGF-BB and EGF while exhibiting multipotency and immature phenotypic characteristics. In the present study, we investigated their potential to differentiate towards osteogenic lineages using various culture conditions in order to optimize their therapeutic use. DPSCs were cultured either as a cell monolayer or as three-dimensional (3D) micro-mass structures. Monolayers preincubated with bFGF and valproic acid for one week prior their differentiation were cultured in serum containing standard osteodifferentiation medium for four weeks, which resulted in multilayered nodule formation. Micro-mass structures were cultured for same period either in serum containing medium or under serum-free conditions supplemented with TGF-β3 with or without BMP-2. Histochemically, we detected massive collagen I and weak calcium phosphate depositions in multilayered nodules. When culture 3D-aggregates in either standard osteodifferentiation medium or serum-free medium containing TGF-β3, only small amount of collagen I fibres was observed and almost no deposits of calcium phosphate were detected. In contrast, in presence of both TGF-β3 and BMP-2 in the serum- free medium a significant amount of collagen I fibers/bundles and calcification were detected, which is in line with osteogenic effect of BMP-2. Thus, our data indicate that certain environmental cues can enhance differentiation process of DPSCs into osteogenic lineage, which suggest their possible utilization in tissue engineering.
Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth – Isolation, Long Term Cultivation and Phenotypical Analysis
Authors: Suchánek Jakub , Víšek Benjamín , Soukup Tomáš , El-Din Mohamed Sally Kamal , Ivančaková Romana , Mokrý Jaroslav , Aboul-Ezz Eman H. A. , Omran A.
Published: September 2016

Aims: Our aims were to isolate stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), to cultivate them in vitro and to investigate their basic biological properties, phenotype and to compare our findings with dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) isolated from permanent teeth. Methods: Dental pulp was gently evacuated from exfoliated teeth. After enzymatic dissociation of dental pulp, SHED were cultivated in modified cultivation media for mesenchymal adult progenitor cells containing 2 % FCS and supplemented with growth factors and insulin, transferrin, sodium (ITS) supplement. Cell viability and other biological properties were examined using a Vi-Cell analyzer and a Z2-Counter. DNA analyses and phenotyping were performed with flow cytometry. Results: We were able to cultivate SHED over 45 population doublings. Our results showed that SHED cultivated under same conditions as DPSC had longer average population doubling time (41.3 hrs for SHED vs. 24.5 hrs for DPSC). Phenotypic comparison of cultivated SHED to that of cultivated DPSC showed differential expression CD29, CD44, CD71, CD117, CD166. During long-term cultivation, SHED did not showed any signs of degeneration or spontaneous differentiation. Conclusions: We isolated stem cells from exfoliated teeth. In comparison to DPSC, SHED proliferation rate was about 50% slower, and SHED showed slightly different phenotype. These cells may be extremely useful for stem cell tissue banking, further stem cell research and future therapeutic applications.
The Role of Atopy Patch Test in Diagnosis of Food Allergy in Atopic Eczema/Dermatitis Syndrom in Patients over 14 Years of Age
Authors: Čelakovská Jarmila , Vaněčková Jaroslava , Ettlerová Květuše , Ettler Karel , Bukač Josef
Published: September 2016

Few studies concerning the importance of food allergy in adolescents and adult patients with atopic eczema exist. The atopy patch tests with food have mostly been studied in infants and children since food allergy plays a role especially in this age group. Aim: The evaluation of the contribution of atopy patch tests in the diagnostic work-up of food allergy (to wheat, cow milk, peanuts, soya and eggs) in the patients with atopic eczema older than 14 years of age. Method: 120 patients were examined in the study in the diagnostic work-up of food allergy – 86 women and 34 men, the mean age 26.5 (s.d. 9.8) and the median SCORAD at the beginning of the study 32.9 (s.d. 14.0). Complete dermatological and allergological examinations in the diagnostic work-up of food allergy were performed (assessment of personal history, assessment of serum specific IgE, skin prick tests, atopy patch tests, diagnostic hypoallergenic diet, food challenge tests with egg, soy, wheat, cow milk and double – blind, placebo – controlled food challenge test with cow milk and wheat. The results of atopy patch tests were compared with the results of other diagnostic methods in the diagnosis of food allergy. Results: The food allergy to cow milk and wheat was confirmed in double – blind, placebo controlled food challenge test in few patients in our study (4 %). The suspicion of food allergy to egg is in 8 %, to peanuts in 13 % and to soya in 4 % of patients in our study. The assessment of atopy patch tests response seems to be of great importance. The reaction in atopy patch tests with more papules has the greatest diagnostic accuracy for predicting the result of challenge tests. At the beginning and at the end of diagnostic hypoallergenic diet the severity of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome was recorded in all patients enrolled in the study by evaluating SCORAD. The decrease of SCORAD was statistically important. Conclusion: Atopy patch tests alone cannot be used as a single test for the determination of food allergy in patients with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome but such a test, together with other diagnostic methods, can help to trace the food allergy.
The Differencies in Adult and Pediatric Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Review
Authors: Vasekova P , Plank L
Published: September 2016

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) represent very heterogenous group of clonal stem cell bone marrow disorders with ineffective haematopoesis leading to cytopenias in peripheral blood and increased risk of blastic transformation and evolution of acute myeloid leukemia. MDS is a disease of older age mostly, in children it seems to be very rare. There are several significant morphological, cytogenetic and prognostic differencies of the disease in adults and in children. Adult MDS patients most commonly manifest with symptoms of anemia, bleeding and infection are uncommon. In childhood, MDS manifests predominantly by neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. In addition, some pediatric MDS patients present also with constitutional disease’s signs and symptoms. Early and correct diagnosis in both age groups is essential for the choice of appropriate therapy and also for next life of patients. However, the diagnosis of MDS is challenging, complex and requiring close correlation of clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters and standardized examination of BM biopsies. The authors present an overview focused on biology of MDS in adults and children, on the differences in the incidence, clinical presentation and treatment. They summarize the possibilities and limits of histopathological diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the disease in different age groups. A major problem in the morphological diagnosis of MDS remains the determination, whether the myelodysplasia is due to clonal disorder. It might result also from some other factors, as significant dysplasia can also occur in reactive conditions, and vice versa, only discrete dysplasia is sometimes observed in MDS patients. Although histomorphological and immunohistochemical analysis of BM biopsy is invasive and time-consuming examination, it has its value in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and evaluation of therapeutic effect.
Rotational Asymmetric Multifocal Intraocular Lens - Use in Patient Undergoing Cataract Surgery
Authors: Ziak P , Halicka J , Mojzis P , Kralik M , Nikel J
Published: September 2016

Introduction: A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye leading to a decrease in vision. Cataracts are the cause of half of blindness and 33% of visual impairment worldwide. Surgery with phacoemulsification followed by implantation of intraocular lens (IOL) is gold standard treatment for cataract. In some cases multifocal IOLs are used. This is the first published use of rotational asymmetric multifocal IOL in cataract surgery in Slovakia.

Method: In the study 78 eyes of 58 patients (mean age 62.3 years) were implanted for a cataract with the rotational asymmetric multifocal IOL. Corrected and uncorrected distance and near visual acuities were analysed preoperatively, 1 month and 6 months postoperatively. Contrast sensitivity was tested at 6 months postoperatively. The Friedman Two -Way Analysis of Variance and Multiple Comparison Test were used for all parameter comparisons, in all cases, the same level of statistical significance (p < 0.05) was considered significant.

Results: Average preoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity has increased from 0.32 to 0.87 and 0.93 respectively in 1 month and 6 months after surgery (p < 0.05, n = 78). Average preoperative uncorrected near visual acuity (UCNVA) has increased from 0.2 to 0.77 and 0.79 respectively in 1 month and 6 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Average preoperative best corrected distance visual acuity has increased from 0.65 to 0.95 and 1.03 respectively in 1 month and 6 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Significant improvement was found also between preoperative best corrected near visual acuity and UCNVA 1 and 6 month after surgery (p < 0.05).

In conclusion, the rotational asymmetric multifocal IOL LS-313 MF 30 provides good visual rehabilitation for near and distance vision after cataract surgery. Contrast sensitivity outcomes account for the patient satisfaction with this innovative IOL technology.
Identification and Quantification of Gases Releasing From Furan No Bake Binder
Authors: Acharya S.G. , Vadher J.A. , Kanjariya P.V.
Published: September 2016

Sand samples with furan binder were prepared using Sand, Furfuryl Alcohol and Toluene Sulfonic Acid with ratio 100:0.85:0.30. To identify and quantify gases releasing from furan binder various studies like FTIR, TGA and GC-MS were carried out. After analyzing our materials using above mentioned characterizations the chemical formula of the Resin and Binder and amount of gases releasing from composition were confirmed. After studying various reports on pyrolysis process of furan binder calculation of the % of various gases emitting during pyrolysis process of furan was carried out. Sample of gas collected from mold was analyzed using GC-MS. Based on GCMS measurement various gases emitting from furan sand mold were identified and their amount were calculate and compared with the international standers of permissible gas emission limits in a foundry. The purpose of this paper is to assist foundries in pollution prevention by devising clean technologies which maintain or improve the quality of ambient surrounding. This paper aimed at minimization of pollution of air by using various techniques.
Quality Index of the AlSi7Mg0.3 Aluminium Casting Alloy Depending on the Heat Treatment Parameters
Authors: Czekaj E. , Zych J. , Kwak Z. , Garbacz-Klempka A.
Published: September 2016

Issues connected with high quality casting alloys are important for responsible construction elements working in hard conditions. Traditionally, the quality of aluminium casting alloy refers to such microstructure properties as the presence of inclusions and intermetallic phases or porosity. At present, in most cases, Quality index refers to the level of mechanical properties – especially strength parameters, e.g.: UTS, YS, HB, E (Young’s Modulus), K1c (stress intensity factor). Quality indexes are often presented as a function of density. However, generally it is known, that operating durability of construction elements depends both on the strength and plastic of the material. Therefore, for several years now, in specialist literature, the concept of quality index (QI) was present, combines these two important qualities of construction material. The work presents the results of QI research for casting hypoeutectic silumin type EN AC-42100 (EN AC-AlSi7Mg0.3), depending on different variants of heat treatment, including jet cooling during solution treatment.
Structure and Properties of Coatings Made with Self Shielded Cored Wire
Authors: Gucwa M. , Winczek J. , Bęczkowski R. , Dośpiał M.
Published: September 2016

The welding technologies are widely used for design of protection layer against wear and corrosion. Hardfacing, which is destined for obtaining coatings with high hardness, takes special place in these technologies. One of the most effective way of hardfacing is using self shielded flux cored arc welding (FCAW-S). Chemical composition obtained in flux cored wire is much more rich in comparison to this obtained in solid wire. The filling in flux cored wires can be enriched for example with the mixture of hard particles or phases with specified ratio, which is not possible for solid wires. This is the reason why flux cored wires give various possibilities of application of this kind of filler material for improving surface in mining industry, processing of minerals, energetic etc. In the present paper the high chromium and niobium flux cored wire was used for hardfacing process with similar heat input. The work presents studies of microstructures of obtained coatings and hardness and geometric properties of them. The structural studies were made with using optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction that allowed for identification of carbides and other phases obtained in the structures of deposited materials. Investigated samples exhibit differences in coating structures made with the same heat input 4,08 kJ/mm. There are differences in size, shape and distribution of primary and eutectic carbides in structure. These differences cause significant changes in hardness of investigated coatings.
Research on Accuracy of Automatic System for Casting Measuring
Authors: Jaworski J. , Kluz R. , Trzepieciński T.
Published: September 2016

Ensuring the required quality of castings is an important part of the production process. The quality control should be carried out in a fast and accurate way. These requirements can be met by the use of an optical measuring system installed on the arm of an industrial robot. In the article a methodology for assessing the quality of robotic measurement system to control certain feature of the casting, based on the analysis of repeatability and reproducibility is presented. It was shown that industrial robots equipped with optical measuring systems have the accuracy allowing their use in the process of dimensional control of castings manufactured by lost-wax process, permanent-mould casting, and pressure die-casting.
Effect of Austenite Transformation on Abrasive Wear and Corrosion Resistance of Spheroidal Ni-Mn-Cu Cast Iron
Authors: Medyński D. , Janus A.
Published: September 2016

Within the presented work, the effect of austenite transformation on abrasive wear as well as on rate and nature of corrosive destruction of spheroidal Ni-Mn-Cu cast iron was determined. Cast iron contained: 3.1÷3.4 %C, 2.1÷2.3 %Si, 2.3÷3.3 %Mn, 2.3÷2.5 %Cu and 4.8÷9.3 %Ni. At a higher degree of austenite transformation in the alloys with nickel equivalent below 16.0%, abrasive wear resistance was significantly higher. Examinations of the corrosion resistance were carried out with the use of gravimetric and potentiodynamic method. It was shown that higher degree of austenite transformation results in significantly higher abrasive wear resistance and slightly higher corrosion rate, as determined by the gravimetric method. However, results of potentiodynamic examinations showed creation of a smaller number of deep pinholes, which is a favourable phenomenon from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance.
Locally Reinforcement TiC-Fe Type Produced in Situ in Castings
Authors: Olejnik E. , Szymański Ł. , Kurtyka P. , Tokarski T. , Maziarz W. , Grabowska B. , Czapla P.
Published: September 2016

Refinement is one of the most energy consuming technological process, aimed at obtaining mineral raw materials of the proper grain size. Cast structural elements such as jaws or hammers in crushing machines operate under conditions of an intensive wear. The data indicate that 80 % of failures of machines and devices is caused by wearing of rubbing surfaces. This problem became the subject of several scientific and industrial investigations carried out in the whole world in order to produce materials ultra- wear resistant. Methods allowing to obtain wear resistant composite castings are discussed in the hereby paper. Within the performed research microstructures of the produced composite zones were presented and the comparative analysis with regard to mechanical and functional properties of local composite reinforcements in relation to the commercial alloys of increased wear resistance was performed. The results show almost twenty five times increase in wear resistance compared to manganese cast steel containing 18 % Mn.
Silica-Kaolin Mix Effect on Evaporative Pattern Castings Surface Roughness
Authors: Omidiji B.V. , Khan R.H. , Abolarin M.S.
Published: September 2016

The influence of the refractory coating which is a mixture of silica flour and kaolin on the surface roughness of the plate castings produced using evaporative patterns had been considered in this work. The kaolin was used as a binder and ratio method was employed to form basis for the factorial design of experiment which led to nine runs of experiments. Methyl alcohol at 99% concentration was used as the carrier for the transfer of the coating to the surface of the patterns. Pouring temperature was observed as a process parameter alongside the mix ratios of the coating. Attempts were made to characterize the refractory coating by using two methods; differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction. Attempt was also made to characterize the casting material. Gating system design was done for the plate casting to determine the correct proportions of the gating parameters in order to construct the gating system properly to avoid turbulence during pouring of liquid metal. A digital profilometer was used to take the measurements of the surface roughness. It was observed that the mix ratio 90% silica flour-10% kaolin produced the lowest value of the surface roughness of the plate castings and had the lowest material loss in the DTA test. The pouring temperature of 650°C produced best casting.
Influence of Casting Conditions on Tribological Properties of A390.0 Alloy
Authors: Piątkowski J. , Wieszała R. , Gontarczyk A.
Published: September 2016

The paper presents tribological properties of A390.0 (AlSi17Cu5Mg) alloy coupled in abrasive action with EN-GJL-350 grey cast-iron. The silumin was prepared with the use of two different technologies which differed in terms of cooling speed. In the first case the alloy was modified with foundry alloy CuP10 and cast to a standard tester ATD and in case of second option the modified alloy was cast into steel casting die. Due to different speed of heat removal the silumins varied in structure, particularly with size of primary crystals of silicon and their distribution in matrix which had a significant influence of friction coefficient in conditions of dry friction.
The Use of Modern Statistical Methods to Optimize Production Systems in Foundries
Authors: Szymszal J. , Gajdzik B. , Kaczmarczyk G.
Published: September 2016

Conducting reliable and credible evaluation and statistical interpretation of empirical results related to the operation of production systems in foundries is for most managers complicated and labour-intensive. Additionally, in many cases, statistical evaluation is either ignored and considered a necessary evil, or is completely useless because of improper selection of methods and subsequent misinterpretation of the results. In this article, after discussing the key elements necessary for the proper selection of statistical methods, a wide spectrum of these methods has been presented, including regression analysis, uni- and multivariate correlation, one-way analysis of variance for factorial designs, and selected forecasting methods. Each statistical method has been illustrated with numerous examples related to the foundry practice.
Usable Properties of AlSi7Mg Alloy after Sodium or Strontium Modification
Authors: Tupaj M. , Orłowicz A.W. , Mróz M. , Trytek A. , Markowska O.
Published: September 2016

The paper deals with the effect of microstructure diversified by means of variable cooling rate on service properties of AlSi7Mg cast alloy refined traditionally with Dursalit EG 281, grain refining with titanium-boron and modified with sodium and a variant of the same alloy barbotage-refined with argon and simultaneously grain refining with titanium-boron and modified with strontium. For both alloy variants, the castings were subject to T6 thermal treatment (solution heat treatment and artificial aging). It turned out that AlSi7Mg alloy after simultaneous barbotage refining with argon and grain refining with titanium-boron and modified with strontium was characterised with lower values of representative microstructure parameters (SDAS – secondary dendrite arm spacing, λE, lmax) and lower value of the porosity ratio compared to the alloy refined traditionally with Dursalit EG 281 and grain refining with titanium-boron and modified with sodium. The higher values of mechanical properties and fatigue strength parameters were obtained for the alloy simultaneously barbotage-refined with argon and grain refining with titanium-boron and modified with strontium.
On Degradation of Cast Iron Surface-Protective Paint Coat Joint
Authors: Tupaj M. , Orłowicz A.W. , Trytek A. , Mróz M. , Bąk G. , Abram T.
Published: September 2016

The paper is a presentation of a study on issues concerning degradation of protective paint coat having an adverse impact on aesthetic qualities of thin-walled cast-iron castings fabricated in furan resin sand. Microscopic examination and microanalyses of chemistry indicated that under the coat of paint covering the surface of a thin-walled casting, layers of oxides could be found presence of which can be most probably attributed to careless cleaning of the casting surface before the paint application process, as well as corrosion pits evidencing existence of damp residues under the paint layers contributing to creation of corrosion micro-cells
Effect of Heat Treatment on Machining Properties of the AlSi9Cu3(Fe) Alloy
Authors: Wieroński P. , Pezda J. , Ponikwia Ł.
Published: September 2016

Automation of machining operations, being result of mass volume production of components, imposes more restrictive requirements concerning mechanical properties of starting materials, inclusive of machinability mainly. In stage of preparation of material, the machinability is influenced by such factors as chemical composition, structure, mechanical properties, plastic working and heat treatment, as well as a factors present during machining operations, as machining type, cutting parameters, material and geometry of cutting tools, stiffness of the system: workpiece – machine tool – fixture and cutting tool.

In the paper are presented investigations concerning machinability of the EN AC-AlSi9Cu3(Fe) silumin put to refining, modification and heat treatment. As the parameter to describe starting condition of the alloy was used its tensile strength Rm. Measurement of the machining properties of the investigated alloy was performed using a reboring method with measurement of cutting force, cutting torque and cutting power. It has been determined an effect of the starting condition of the alloy on its machining properties in terms of the cutting power, being indication of machinability of the investigated alloy. The best machining properties (minimal cutting power - Pc=48,3W) were obtained for the refined alloy, without heat treatment, for which the tensile strength Rm=250 MPa. The worst machinability (maximal cutting power Pc=89,0W) was obtained for the alloy after refining, solutioning at temperature 510 °C for 1,5 hour and aged for 5 hours at temperature 175 °C. A further investigations should be connected with selection of optimal parameters of solutioning and ageing treatments, and with their effect on the starting condition of the alloy in terms of improvement of both mechanical properties of the alloy and its machining properties, taking into consideration obtained surface roughness.
Quality Evaluation of Remelted A356 Scraps
Authors: Yuksel C. , Tamer O. , Erzi E. , Aybarc U. , Cubuklusu E. , Topcuoglu O. , Cigdem M. , Dispinar D.
Published: September 2016

A356 is one of the widely used aluminium casting alloy that has been used in both sand and die casting processes. Large amounts of scrap metal can be generated from the runner systems and feeders. In addition, chips are generated in the machined parts. The surface area with regard to weight of chips is so high that it makes these scraps difficult to melt. Although there are several techniques evolved to remedy this problem, yet the problem lies in the quality of the recycled raw material. Since recycling of these scrap is quite important due to the advantages like energy saving and cost reduction in the final product, in this work, the recycling efficiency and casting quality were investigated. Three types of charges were prepared for casting: %100 primary ingot, %100 scrap aluminium and fifty-fifty scrap aluminium and primary ingot mixture were used. Melt quality was determined by calculating bifilm index by using reduced pressure test. Tensile test samples were produced by casting both from sand and die moulds. Relationship between bifilm index and tensile strength were determined as an indication of correlation of melt quality. It was found that untreated chips decrease the casting quality significantly. Therefore, prior to charging the chips into the furnace for melting, a series of cleaning processes has to be used in order to achieve good quality products.
The use of IR thermography to show the mold and part temperature evolution in injection molding
Authors: Bula Karol , Różański Leszek , Marciniak-Podsadna Lidia , Wróbel Dawid
Published: September 2016

This study concerns the application of infrared camera for injection molding analysis by measuring temperatures of both injection molded parts and injection mold cavities in a function of injection cycles. The mold with two cavities, differing in thickness (1 and 3 mm), and a cold direct runner was used. Isotactic polypropylene homopolymer was utilized to produce parts. Mold temperature was set at 22°C and controlled by a water chiller. Five measuring points were determined: SP1, SP2 (placed in the 3 mm cavity), SP3, SP4 (located in the 1 mm cavity) and SP5 around an injection molding gate. Our investigations showed that the highest temperature is localized around SP2 point and the lowest at SP4. Also, it was proved that even after 62 injection molding cycles, temperatures of cavities were not stable, revealing their further increase with each cycle.
Spacelike Graphs of Prescribed Mean Curvature in the Steady State Space
Authors: López Rafael
Published: September 2016

We study the Dirichlet problem of the constant mean curvature equation in the steady state space over a bounded domain of a slice. Under suitable conditions on the convexity of the domain, we prove the existence of a spacelike graph with constant mean curvature H, with

-
1

≤
H
<
0

${-1\leq H<0}$

, and constant boundary values.
Influence of RC Element Wiring in Electrical Circuit on Electromechanical Thermostat Contact Wear
Authors: Haas Peter , Kadnár Milan , Rusnák Juraj , Tóth František , Nógli Dušan
Published: September 2016

Contact wear caused by electric arc during electric contact make (cut-in) and break (cut-out) has the direct impact on the contact lifetime. The RC element wired parallelly to the contact will eliminate or reduce the arcing and subsequently extend the lifetime. Comparative tests of the two sets of identical Danfoss 077B electromechanical thermostats have been carried out. In the first batch, standard thermostats were tested. In the second batch, the same thermostat types, but with RC elements wired parallel to thermostats main contacts were tested. Measurement has not proven any improvement of the contact wear. Temperature drift and change of the critical dimension caused by contact wear were very similar in the both cases. Thus, the application of RC element is considered not reasonable measure for reduction of contact wear of electromechanical thermostats.
Factorizations in preduals associated to ρ-contractions
Authors: Chevreau Bernard , Crăciunescu Aurelian
Published: September 2016

We establish directly factorization results for classes of ρ-contractions, corresponding to those obtained for certain classes of contractions. As an example of result which is not an immediate consequence of the fact that any ρ-contraction is similar to an ordinary contraction we give an "optimal" characterization of absolutely continuous ρ-contractions whose associated functional calculus has Property (Aא₀). Along the way we show that a ρ-contraction is absolutely continuous if and only if it admits an absolutely continuous unitary ρ-dilation generalizing a well- known result for usual contractions.
Regularity properties and integral inequalities related to (k; h1; h2)-convexity of functions
Authors: Cristescu Gabriela , Găianu Mihail , Muhammad Uzair Awan
Published: September 2016

The class of (k; h1; h2)-convex functions is introduced, together with some particular classes of corresponding generalized convex dominated functions. Few regularity properties of (k; h1; h2)-convex functions are proved by means of Bernstein-Doetsch type results. Also we find conditions in which every local minimizer of a (k; h1; h2)-convex function is global. Classes of (k; h1; h2)-convex functions, which allow integral upper bounds of Hermite-Hadamard type, are identified. Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities are also obtained in a particular class of the (k; h1; h2)- convex dominated functions.
Fuzzy Riesz subspaces, fuzzy ideals, fuzzy bands and fuzzy band projections
Authors: Hong Liang
Published: September 2016

Fuzzy ordered linear spaces, Riesz spaces, fuzzy Archimedean spaces and σ-complete fuzzy Riesz spaces were defined and studied in several works. Following the efforts along this line, we define fuzzy Riesz subspaces, fuzzy ideals, fuzzy bands and fuzzy band projections and establish their fundamental properties.
Strong convergence of the Ishikawa iteration for Lipschitz α-hemicontractive mappings
Authors: Osilike Micah Okwuchukwu , Onah Anthony Chibuike
Published: September 2016

A new class of α-hemicontractive maps T for which the strong convergence of the Ishikawa iteration algorithm to a fixed point of T is assured is introduced and studied. The study is a continuation of a recent study of a new class of α-demicontractive mappings T by L. Mărușter and Ș. Mărușter, Mathematical and Computer Modeling 54 (2011) 2486-2492 in which they proved strong convergence of the Mann iteration scheme to a fixed point of T. Our class of α-hemicontractive maps is more general than the class of α-demicontractive maps. No compactness assumption is imposed on the operator or it’s domain, and no additional requirement is imposed on the set of fixed points.
Random fixed point theorems for Ciric quasi contraction in cone random metric spaces
Authors: Saluja G. S.
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this paper is to establish a common random fixed point theorem by using Ciric quasi contraction for two random operators in the framework of cone random metric spaces and also to obtain some random fixed point results as corollaries. Our results extend and generalize the corresponding recent result from the current existing literature.
Ball convergence for Traub-Steffensen like methods in Banach space
Authors: Argyros Ioannis K. , George Santhosh
Published: September 2016

We present a local convergence analysis for two Traub-Steffensen-like methods in order to approximate a locally unique solution of an equation in a Banach space setting. In earlier studies such as [16, 23] Taylor expansions and hypotheses up to the third Fréchet-derivative are used. We expand the applicability of these methods using only hypotheses on the first Fréchet derivative. Moreover, we obtain a radius of convergence and computable error bounds using Lipschitz constants not given before. Numerical examples are also presented in this study.
Integral inequalities for (Orlicz, Breckner) co-ordinated convex functions on rectangles
Authors: Cristescu Gabriela , Noor Muhammad Aslam , Awan Muhammad Uzair , Găaianu Mihail
Published: September 2016

The concept of (Orlicz, Breckner) co-ordinated (s, σ)-convexity is introduced for two variables real functions. Upper and lower sharp integral boundary properties of Hermite-Hadamard type are proved on rectangles.