bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responsiveness and Internal Validity of Common Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Sciascia Aaron D. , Morris Brent J. , Jacobs Cale A. , Edwards T. Bradley
Published: March 2017

The Constant–Murley (Constant) score, Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score are commonly used to assess patient-reported function following shoulder surgery. However, psychometric properties for these tools are mostly unknown for patients with primary glenohumeral arthritis who have undergone anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The purposes of this study were to (1) compare the responsiveness and internal validity between the 4 patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and (2) identify PRO score values associated with patient satisfaction after TSA. A total of 234 primary TSAs were performed for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with a 2-year or greater follow-up. The Constant score, WOOS index, ASES score, SANE score, and patient satisfaction were assessed preoperatively and 2 to 5 years postoperatively. Effect sizes, standardized response means, and relative efficiency were calculated to determine responsiveness, and internal validity was determined via the presence of floor and/or ceiling effects. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to identify the minimum outcome score that could correctly identify a satisfied patient. At final follow-up, 88% of patients were satisfied. The PROs had large effect sizes and standardized response means (≥0.83). The minimum score that most correctly identified a patient as satisfied was 78 for ASES score, 18 for WOOS index, 73 for Constant score, and 58 for SANE score. However, the ASES score, WOOS index, and SANE score had marked postoperative ceiling effects, whereas the Constant score was the most responsive and internally valid tool. These results suggest that the Constant score should serve as the primary PRO for patients with primary glenohumeral arthritis, whereas the WOOS index, ASES score, and SANE score could be supplementary assessments. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(3):e513–e519.]
Plantar Plating for the Treatment of Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Fractures in Elite Athletes
Authors: Mitchell Ronald J. , Duplantier Neil L. , Delgado Domenica A. , Lambert Bradley S. , McCulloch Patrick C. , Harris Joshua D. , Varner Kevin E.
Published: March 2017

Proximal fifth metatarsal fractures, zones II and III, are commonly treated surgically, especially in elite athletes. Intramedullary screw fixation remains the most used construct despite nonunion and refracture. High tensile forces on the plantar-lateral aspect of the fifth metatarsal are difficult to control, and intramedullary screw fixation depends on ideal screw position, length, and width. The authors present a plantar plating technique with cancellous bone autograft for zones II and III proximal fifth metatarsal fractures. Rotational instability and plantar-lateral gapping are resisted by applying a compression plate to the tension side of the fracture, eliminating causes for failure. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(3):e563–e566.]
El frustrado proyecto para panteón y sepulcro del duque de Sessa en Baena
Authors: Carmona Carmona Francisco Manuel
Published: March 2017

En el presente trabajo damos a conocer las trazas inéditas de panteón y sepulcro realizadas por el arquitecto real Juan Gómez de Mora (1586-1648) a iniciativa del duque de Sessa y Baena, don Luis Fernández de Córdoba y Folch de Cardona (1582-1642), quien se plantea acometer la readaptación de la antigua cripta familiar y la realización de un sepulcro particular en la capilla principal de Santa María la Mayor de Baena a partir de las informaciones de Luis González Bailén (1580-1655). Contextualizamos la relación de los tres personajes a partir de estos proyectos monumentales, a la vez que asistimos a un cambio en la estrategia del duque por medio de la cual antepone a la necesidad personal de sepultura el dar prioridad en proveer de un digno enterramiento a su linaje, lo que llevaría implícito su prestigio personal.
La iconografía de las banderas de Carlos V: ejemplos y noticias documentales
Authors: Pascual Molina Jesús F.
Published: March 2017

El emperador Carlos V agrupó un importante conjunto de armas y armaduras en Valladolid. Con motivo de su último viaje a España en 1556, nuevas piezas se incorporaron a la armería imperial que pasó después de su muerte a Felipe II, quien la trasladó a Madrid, donde se construyó un edificio destinado a contener la colección. Entre ellas destacó un importante grupo de banderas ligadas a episodios singulares de la vida del emperador. Describimos el conjunto y su iconografía, aportando además noticias de archivo inéditas, que permitirán conocer mejor las banderas empleadas en tiempos del César Carlos y el significado que se las otorgó.
Pablo Palazuelo. Espacio plegado
Authors: Sotelo Calvillo Gonzalo
Published: March 2017

Pablo Palazuelo (1915-2007) no sólo demostró su maestría en el ámbito pictórico, sino que también se adentró con éxito en la tercera dimensión. A partir del análisis de los fondos de la Fundación del artista se ha tratado de reconstruir el proceso de trabajo escultórico, empleando como semilla los trazados simbólicos contenidos en el boceto Del cuatro para seguir el rastro de las maquetas y croquis inéditos que custodia dicha institución.
Dos pinturas inéditas de José del Castillo para la decoración del Palacio de los Secretarios de Estado en las colecciones del Instituto Valencia de Don Juan
Authors: Martínez Arranz Raúl
Published: March 2017

El artículo presenta dos pinturas inéditas de José del Castillo, bocetos de presentación para la decoración del Palacio de los Secretarios de Estado, residencia oficial del conde de Floridablanca en Madrid, que forman parte de un conjunto de obras en diferentes colecciones con temas de la guerra anglo-española de 1779-1783.
Structural Relationship among Intellectual Capital Dimensions
Authors: Nuñez Marco , Nunez Joaquin , Banegas Rivero Roger Alejandro , Sánchez Bañuelos María Nélida
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this research is to address the degree of association among intellectual capital dimensions (human capital, structural capital and relational capital). For this reason, a quantitative methodology and a non-experimental design were used. Using Pearson correlation, structural equation modeling and linear regression we tested the study hypotheses. Through a sample of 103 companies from Cajeme, Mexico, a positive and significant association was found among intellectual capital dimensions, whose results provided empirical evidence that human capital can explain to structural capital and relational capital in organizations.
Interrelationship between Hot Ductility and Particle Size in TiNb IF Steel
Authors: Konrádyová Jana , Longauerová Margita , Girman Vladimír , Longauer Svätoboj , Bořuta Aleš , Bořuta Josef
Published: March 2017

The aim of this work was to observe the relationship between hot ductility and morphology, distribution and size of particles in TiNb IF steel after hot torsion testing at the critical temperatures of deformation with low as well as maximum values of plasticity. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the particles at all temperatures of deformation with minimum number of turns to failure e.g. 1132°C (33.72 rev.), 946°C (6.24 rev.), 637°C (5.54 rev.) as well as with maximum value of plasticity at 844°C (1726 rev.) were of globular, cuboid or elliptical shape. EDX analysis revealed that there were different types of particles such as carbides, sulfides, and carbonitrides of Ti and Nb, Al and Si oxides, Mn sulfides, and phosphides. Quantitative evaluation of particle size in the carbon extracted replicas showed 20% of total number of particles with size 2r = 30-39 nm and an average linear dimension = 42 nm at the deformation temperature of 1132°C. There were 28% of the particles with size 2r = 20-29nm and = 41nm at the temperature of 946°C while at the temperature of 637°C there were 29% of particles with size 2r = 20-29 and 26% with size 2r=10-19 nm and = 41 nm. In the case of maximum plasticity (1726 rev.) at 844°C, the presence of large particles was confirmed with = 105 nm size and 9% distribution in three size categories of 20-29, 30-39, 90-99 nm.
Relationship of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Dual Phase Steel after Various Annealing Conditions
Authors: Šebek Martin , Horňak Peter , Longauer Svätoboj , Zimovčák Peter , Zahumenský Pavol
Published: March 2017

The development of ultrafine ferrite grain size has become one of attractive way how to improve the behavior of dual phase (DP) steels. The other possible way how to enhance mechanical properties of DP steels is to modify the chemical composition. Therefore object of our investigation was the dual phase steel with modified alloying (three times higher Cr content with addition of phosphorus). The dual phase steel was annealed in laboratory conditions in accordance with three specified annealing cycles: into intercritical region (780°C), into austenite region (920°C) and into austenite region (920°C) by subsequently cooling into intercritical region (780°C) with the hold at the temperature of 495°C. The obtained microstructure after selected annealing regimes consists of three phases (ferritic matrix, martensite and martensite/bainite grains) with different size and distribution. For studied annealing regimes were clearly defined mechanical properties such as: YS, UTS, elongation, n-parameter and ratio YS/UTS. It was defined the scheme of microstructure evolution on base of austenite grain size during the continual cooling process with defined three phases: 1) the hard martensite formed on the grain boundary; 2) the soft interior bainite and 3) the hard isolated martensite.
The Microstructure of Inconel Alloys Used for Repair Welding
Authors: Jandová Dagmar , Kasl Josef , Matějová Miroslava
Published: March 2017

Two repair weld metals Inconel 52 and its newer version Inconel 52M were used as materials for development of repair welding method of a VVER 1000 pressure vessel. The properties and microstructure of the trial welds were investigated using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Both modifications of Inconel revealed a structure of elongated grains with clear evidence of dendritic segregation. Fine chromium carbides occurred at wavy grain boundaries and fine cuboidal titanium carbides pinned dislocations within grains. Coarser skeletal titanium carbides and globular oxides were sparsely precipitated in interdendritic spaces. Some small common defects were observed in the weldments. No cracks were detected which could be classified as ductile dip cracking. It was concluded that both Inconel 52 and Inconel 52M are acceptable for repair welding.
Analysis of the Causes of Boiler Explosion
Authors: Švejcar Jiří , Klakurková Lenka , Skála Zdeněk
Published: March 2017

The paper summarizes the results of an extensive metallographic and microfractographic analysis of the relevant parts of a boiler, the aim of which was to establish the causes of the explosion of the boiler (or to contribute to the explanation of the causes).
Influence of Microstructural Parameters on the Corrosion Resistance of 7075 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Horynová Miroslava , Klakurková Lenka , Juliš Martin , Gejdoš Pavel , Čelko Ladislav
Published: March 2017

The aim of this analysis was to identify the cause of poor corrosion resistance of final product, after the slight change of heat treatment of initial material. Although the hardness of material prior and after the change was the same, significant difference in microstructure was revealed by microstructural analysis. Change in heat treatment process led to heterogeneous distribution of precipitates and increase in the precipitate size which caused deterioration in corrosion resistance. Based on the findings, further optimization of heat treatment was suggested. More importantly, initial material inspection based on microstructural analysis, not only mechanical testing, was recommended.
Comparison of Results of Accelerated and Conventional Creep Tests of Dissimilar Weld Joint of Steels FB2 and F
Authors: Kasl Josef , Jandová Dagmar , Mandziej Stan T. , Schindler Ivo
Published: March 2017

The recently developed simulative accelerated creep testing (ACT) on a Gleeble thermal mechanical simulator allows the microstructural transformation of creep-resisting materials in a relatively short time (less than 100 hours) to a state resembling that of multiyear application under creep conditions. This contribution deals with the comparison of long-term conventional creep testing (CCT) with ACT on a dissimilar weld joint prepared from steels COST FB2 (X13CrMoCoVNbN 9-1-1) and COST F (X14CrMoVNbN 10-1). Creep tests to rupture were carried out at temperatures from 550 °C to 650 °C in a stress range from 70 MPa to 220 MPa. Creep rupture strength was evaluated using the Larson-Miller parameter. Evolution of the microstructure, changes of precipitates and dislocation of the substructure in different zones of the weld joint (Fig. 1) were correlated with the position of fracture and the creep strength. The fine grained part of the heat affected zone of steel COST F was found to be a critical zone of creep damage. ACT of samples machined from various positions in the weldment was performed at 600°C under 100 MPa. Changes in the hardness and the microstructures of the samples, which underwent both types of creep tests, were compared. The results of both creep testing methods are compared from a point of view of the potential for utilization of ACT in industry. It seems that microstructural processes taking place during creep exposures are accelerated by ACT, however, further experiments have to be performed to improve the accuracy of fracture prediction and verification if long-term CCT is to be replaced by ACT.
Comparative Analysis of Creep Cavitation Damage in 0.5Cr-0.5Mo-0.3V Steel after Long-Term Creep Exposure by Metallography and Replica Testing
Authors: Kuboň Zdeněk , Pekařová Lenka , Kosňovská Jana , Poštulka Pavel
Published: March 2017

Complex metallographic analysis was performed on the steam pipe elbow made of 0.5Cr-0.5Mo-0.3V steel after long-term (more than 240 000 hours) of operation at elevated temperature that revealed the extensive creep damage on the outer surface of the pipe elbow. Metallographic analysis confirmed pronounced creep damage at the outer surface but, at the same time, the non-uniform nature of the cavitation. The density of cavities continuously decreased from outer to inner pipe surface in the most damaged area and rapidly waned along the circumference as well as the length of the elbow. Parallel evaluation of actual extent of the cavitation damage made by metallography and replica methods in various parts of the pipe elbow confirmed that replica method is capable to describe and quantify the cavitation damage of this steel in the same way as metallography, including evaluation of creep damage according to Nordtest NT TR 302.
Metallographic Analysis of Parts Produced by Rheocasting Method SEED
Authors: Bryksí Stunová Barbora , Bryksí Vlastimil , Puchnin Maxim
Published: March 2017

The article shows the analysis of castings parts produced by rheocasting method SEED. Structures of as cast and heat treated castings samples were observed by light microscopy and electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscope was also used for studying of fracture surfaces after destruction of the samples during testing of mechanical properties. Also analysis of chemical composition of specific phenomena found within the structure is described. Findings resulting from those analyses are related with the technological settings and other process conditions.
Mechanical Properties of Extruded and ECAP Processed Magnesium Alloy AZ91 at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Štěpánek Roman , Pantělejev Libor , Mostaed Ehsan , Vedani Maurizio
Published: March 2017

In this paper tensile properties at elevated temperature of extruded AZ91 magnesium alloy and the same alloy further processed by ECAP (exECAP) are compared. The tensile tests were performed at room temperature and for the temperature range of 100 to 300 °C. Loading speed 2 mm/min was used for the tests. At room temperature mechanical properties except elongation were slightly higher for extruded material yet still very similar to properties of exECAPed material. Overall trend of properties evolution with increasing temperature was also similar but the decrease of strength or the increase of elongation and reduction of area respectively is more intensive for exECAPed material. Elongation of exECAPed material exceeded elongation of extruded material more than twice at 300 °C and with value of ~260% this alloy exhibited pseudosuperplastic behavior.
Metallography Evaluation of Cast and Wrought Ni-Base Superalloys
Authors: Belan Juraj , Vaško Alan , Kuchariková Lenka , Tillová Eva
Published: March 2017

. The Ni-base superalloys have an interesting history and evolution since they start to be used in aero jet engines. Microstructures of superalloys have dramatically changed through the years as modern technology of its casting or forging becomes more sophisticated. The first superalloys have polyedric microstructure consist of gamma solid solution, some fraction of gamma prime and of course grain boundaries. As demands on higher performance of aero jet engine increases, the changes in superalloys microstructure become more significant. Further step in microstructure evolution was directionally solidified alloys with columnar gamma prime particles. The latest microstructures are mostly monocrystalline, oriented in [001] direction of FCC gamma matrix. What does not changed through the years is elementary FCC structure of matrix and fundamental group of alloying elements. All microstructure changes bring necessity of proper preparation and evaluation of microstructure. Except already mentioned structures have gamma double prime and various carbides form appear. These structural parameters have mainly positive influence on important mechanical properties of superalloys. However, some detrimental phases as Laves, σ-phase appears as well and have negative influence on heat resistance of superalloys. Paper deals with such microstructural evaluation of both groups of alloys – cast and wrought as well. Microstructure evaluation helps to describe mechanism at various loading and failure of progressive superalloys. Such example where microstructure evaluation is employed is fractography of failure surfaces after fatigue tests, which are as example of metallography evaluation described in this paper as secondary objective. Fatigue test done in this article were at high frequency with push-pull loading, so called high frequency fatigue loading (HFFL) and at low frequency three point flexure, so called low frequency fatigue loading (LFFL).
Study of Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Barium Cerate at High Temperatures
Authors: Verbová Renáta , Kavečanský Viktor , Diko Pavel , Piovarči Samuel
Published: March 2017

Crystalline barium cerate was synthesized by oxalate coprecipitation from nitrates of barium and cerium [1]. The oxalate precursor prepared by chemical methods was calcined at different temperatures up to 950°C. The barium cerate was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction investigation enables the determination of the phases that originate at different stages of synthesis and the crystal structure of final barium cerate, as well. From XRD patterns the average size of coherent regions was estimated by using Halder-Wagner method [2]. Both size and shape of crystallites were also studied by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that crystallites of barium cerate arise within the initial particles of the oxalate precursor.
Conchoidal Fracture of Zr- and Mg-Based Amorphous Glass
Authors: Miškuf Jozef , Csach Kornel , Juríková Alena , Hurakova Maria , Miškuf Martin , Tabachnikova Elena D.
Published: March 2017

In metallic glasses plastic deformation occurs via the creation and the propagation of a softened region in the shear bands. Some of the high strength metallic glasses (as Zr-based metallic alloys) exhibit complex shear band topography and the final failure respects the allocation of the shear bands. We studied the differences in the fracture surfaces of Zr-and Mg-based amorphous alloys. Ductile behaviour of the shear bands in Zr-based amorphous alloy tends to the dimple creation during the failure. On the fracture surfaces the vein pattern morphology manifestations were present. Conchoidal fracture was typical for Mg-based amorphous glass. Two different surface morphologies, plumes and rib marks ornament the fracture surfaces.
Applications of Nanocomposite-Enhanced Phase-Change Materials for Heat Storage
Authors: Jerz Jaroslav , Tobolka Peter , Nosko Martin , Dvorák Tomáš
Published: March 2017

The development of efficient materials for heat storage has become recently a popular research topic as amount of energy gained from solar power depends significantly on day and night cycle. That's why the right choice of material for heat storage directly affects the utilization efficiency of solar thermal energy. Research on heat storage materials nowadays focuses on phase change materials (PCMs) enabling repeatedly utilize the latent heat of the phase transition between the solid and liquid phase. Most currently used PCMs have low thermal conductivity, which prevents them from overcoming problem of rapid load changes in the charging and discharging processes. To overcome this obstacle and to obtain excellent heat storage possibility, various techniques have been proposed for enhancing the thermal conductivity of PCMs, such as adding metallic or nonmetallic particles, in-corporating of porous or expanded materials, fibrous materials, macro-, micro-, or nanocapsules, etc.The authors of this study report particularly the huge potential of oxide nanoadditives, such as titania (TiO2), alumina (Al2O3), silica (SiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO), that are even in small quantities (up to 3 wt.%) able significantly to enhance the heat storage characteristics of conventional PCMs. Moreover, the microstructure of the granules produced by recycling of aluminum scrap refers to the possibility of their utilizing for the purpose of low cost solutions enabling to increase the thermal conductivity of PCMs. The above mentioned technical solutions are therefore the important keys to successful commercialization of materials for latent heat storage in future building industry.
Reactions in Ternary System Al-B2O3-C during Mechanical Alloying
Authors: Hanusova Petra , Dlouhy Ivo
Published: March 2017

One possible route for producing the fine and homogenous distribution of hard particles in composite microstructure is the mechanochemical processing in which high-energy ball milling promotes the reaction in a mixture of reactive powders. This investigation aims to produce Al – B4C nanocomposite by reaction between aluminum, boron (III) oxide and graphite powder via a mechanochemical process. The effect of milling time and the ratio the balls to powder on this process were investigated. The face transformation ans structural evaluation were investigated means of X – Ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Microstructure and Crack Propagation of Electrically Conductive SiC Based Composites
Authors: Fides Martin , Hvizdoš Pavol , Džunda Róbert , Bystrický Roman , Sedláček Jaroslav
Published: March 2017

The work deals with the observation of microstructure and crack propagation from macro-indentation in a set of newly developed materials. Complex composites based on SiC matrix with 30, 40 and 50 wt. % of additives (Ti and NbC) were hot pressed at 1960 oC in air atmosphere under 30 MPa pressure for 1.5 hour. The microstructure and chemical composition were studied by SEM equipped with EDX analyzer. Hardness of the composites was evaluated by means of classic Vickers macro-indentation and fracture toughness was determined by the Anstis method. Indentation cracks were observed and their propagation was analyzed. The electrical conductivity as function of volume fraction of additives was determined.
The Effect of High-Temperature Deformation on the Structure of Iron Aluminides
Authors: Švec Martin , Kejzlar Pavel
Published: March 2017

The iron aluminides are very perspective materials with many advantages – for example excellent corrosion resistance and/or good strength up to 600 °C. Due to these benefits they appear as suitable materials for use in high temperature applications. But some negative properties (sharp drop in strength above 600 °C or limited ductility at room temperature) are the major obstacles for their use. One way, how to improve mechanical properties of iron aluminides, is doping of binary alloy by alloying elements, which can form strengthening precipitates. Depending on their size the precipitates of secondary phases can block dislocation movement or act as strengthening phase as known in composite materials.One from many properties, which is important to know before a new type of material is used in structural applications, is its deformation behaviour. In present paper there was studied the structure of Fe-25Al-5Zr (in at. %) sample in as cast state and in states after high-temperature deformation at 600 and 800 °C in detail. A high resolution SEM equipped with EDX and EBSD was used for the study of structure. It was measured that huge grains are presented in the structure of as cast state. After deformation at 600 °C there were still observed huge Fe3Al-matrix grains, but strongly deformed. Also formation of sub-grains due to deformation is obvious. Deformation at 800°C led to formation of small grains due to recrystallization. Higher deformation degree in non-eutectic areas led to preferential recrystallization while Fe3Al phase in eutectic regions remained deformed (nonrecrystallized).
Tungsten Carbide Dispersed High Cr-Ni Cast Iron Produced by Plasma Spraying
Authors: Hoshiyama Yasuhiro , Yamaguchi Kyouhei , Miyake Hidekazu
Published: March 2017

Fe-C-W-Cr-Ni alloy powder in diameter of 32-53 μm made by argon atomization was low-pressure plasma sprayed to produce high Cr-Ni cast iron base deposits with finely dispersed tungsten carbide particles. The as-sprayed deposit produced on a non-cooled substrate was composed of γFe, αFe and carbide. The fine precipitates in the as-sprayed deposit were carbide. With increasing heat treatment temperature up to 1273 K, the carbide particles coarsened. The as-sprayed deposit produced on a non-cooled substrate had higher hardness than the heat-treated deposits. The wear resistance of the as-sprayed deposit produced on a non-cooled substrate was lower than that of heat-treated deposits. The as-sprayed deposit produced on a non-cooled substrate and heat-treated deposits had higher wear resistance than commercial stainless steel.
Hardness Investigations on Historical Firearm Barrels from the Collection of the Miltary Museum in Budapest
Authors: Karska Renata
Published: March 2017

This article presents one of the elements of research on the techniques and technology of the production of historical firearms. The article contains a description of the technology used to manufacture a gun barrel. In order to broaden the knowledge of the production technology of barrels, Vickers hardness tests were carried out on a group of 19 historical pieces.
Metallographic Investigations of Silver Alloys Used for Minting
Authors: Greil Stephanie , Edtmaier Christian , Haubner Roland , Lauter Lukas
Published: March 2017

A typical metallographic preparation (i.e. mechanical grinding and chemical etching) and electrochemical etch-polishing was carried out to observe the microstructure of pure silver and two silver-copper alloys (Sterling silver Ag 925 and Ag 333) in circular blanks used for coin production. The obtained micrographs revealed cold working effects on the coin rim caused by the rimming process. These rim effects are the reason for local differences in the mechanical properties of circular blanks, posing a challenge to tool lifetime. To quantify these effects, a micro hardness-mapping was performed and analysed.
The Influence of the Substitution of Si by Al on the Properties of Hot Rolled C-Mn-Si TRIP Steel
Authors: Wei Zhan Shan , Li Zhuang , Lv Wei , Shao Zhen Yao
Published: March 2017

The influence of the substitution of Si by Al on the properties of hot rolled C-Mn-Si TRIP steel was investigated by TMCP. The results have shown that the microstructures of the present steels consist of polygonal ferrite, granular bainite and retained austenite. The Al substitution of Si in a conventional C-Mn-Si TRIP steel leads to excellent mechanical properties (UTS>714MPa, A50>31%). TMCP led to the stability of the remaining austenite and a satisfactory TRIP effect. Excellent mechanical properties were obtained through tmcp for the hot rolled TRIP steel.
The Effect of the Fe2+B/Fe3+B Ratio on Electric Conductivity and Corrosion Resistance of Anodes
Authors: He Han Bing , Wang Yuan , Huang Pei Yu , Niu Xu Peng
Published: March 2017

The effect of the Fe2+B/Fe3+B ratio (the ratio of divalent and trivalent iron ion in B position of the inverse spinel structure) in cermets on the electric conductivity and corrosion resistance of anodes was investigated. The experimental results showed that both the electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance are proportional to the Fe2+B/Fe3+B ratio on the surface of anodes because FeAl2O4 and NiAl2O4 are produced on the surface of the anode and Fe3+ in the NiFe2O4 is corroded preferentially during electrolysis.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Initiatives Throughout Europe: Proven Value for Money
Authors: Oberjé Edwin J.M. , Tanke Marit A.C. , Jeurissen Patrick P.T.
Published: March 2017

Antimicrobial stewardship is recognized as a key component to stop the current European spread of antimicrobial resistance. It has also become evident that antimicrobial resistance is a problem that cannot be tackled by single institutions or physicians. Prevention of antimicrobial resistance needs rigorous actions at ward level, institution level, national level and at supra-national levels. Countries can learn from each other and possibly transplant best practices across borders to prevent antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study is to highlight some of the success stories of proven cost-effective interventions, and to describe the actions that have been taken, the outcomes that have been found, and the difficulties that have been met. In some cases we came across substantial scope for real-life cost savings. Although the best approach to effectively hinder the spread of antimicrobial resistance remains unclear and may vary significantly among settings, several EU-wide examples demonstrate that cost-effective antimicrobial stewardship is possible. Such examples can encourage others to implement (the most cost-effective) elements in their system.
Linking Sustainable Use Policies to Novel Economic Incentives to Stimulate Antibiotic Research and Development
Authors: Theuretzbacher Ursula , Årdal Christine , Harbarth Stephan
Published: March 2017

There is now global recognition that antibiotic resistance is an emerging public health threat. Policy initiatives are underway to provide concrete suggestions for overcoming important obstacles in the fight against antibiotic resistance, like the alarming current paucity of antibacterial innovation. New economic models are needed as incentives for the discovery and development of novel antibacterial therapies especially for infections with too few patients today to justify private sector research and development (R&D) investments. These economic models should focus on rewarding the innovation, not the consumption of the antibiotic since sustainable use policies will reduce selection pressure and slow the emergence of resistance. To effectively stimulate greater innovation, the size of the reward must be commensurate with revenues from other therapeutic areas, estimated at about a billion dollar total pay-out. Otherwise R&D investment will continue to move away from antibiotics to areas where returns are more attractive. A potential sizeable public investment, if implemented, must be protected to ensure that the resulting antibiotics have a lengthy and positive impact on human health. Therefore, public investments in innovation should be bound to sustainable use policies, i.e., policies targeted at a range of actors to ensure the preservation of the novel antibiotics. These policies would be targeted not only at the innovating pharmaceutical companies in exchange for the reward payments, but also at governments in countries which receive the novel antibiotics at reasonable prices due to the reward payment. This article provides some suggestions of sustainable use policies in order to initiate the discussions. These are built on planned policies in the US, EU, WHO and have been expanded to address One Health and environmental aspects to form One World approaches. While further discussion and analyses are needed, it is likely that strong sustainable use policies will help to protect the sizeable public health investments.
The Use of Bloodstream Infection Mortality to Measure the Impact of Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions: Assessing the Evidence
Authors: Coulter Sonali , Roberts Jason A. , Hajkowicz Krispin , Halton Kate
Published: March 2017

This review sets out to evaluate the current evidence on the impact of inappropriate therapy on bloodstream infections (BSI) and associated mortality. Based on the premise that better prescribing practices should result in better patient outcomes, BSI mortality may be a useful metric to evaluate antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions. A systematic search was performed in key medical databases to identify papers published in English between 2005 and 2015 that examined the association between inappropriate prescribing and BSI mortality in adult patients. Only studies that included BSIs caused by ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium/faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species) organisms were included. Study quality was assessed using the GRADE criteria and results combined using a narrative synthesis. We included 46 studies. Inappropriate prescribing was associated with an overall increase in mortality in BSI. In BSI caused by resistant gram positive organisms, such as methicillin resistant S. aureus, inappropriate therapy resulted in up to a 3-fold increase in mortality. In BSI caused by gram negative (GN) resistant organisms a much greater impact ranging from 3 to 25 fold increase in the risk of mortality was observed. While the overall quality of the studies is limited by design and the variation in the definition of appropriate prescribing, there appears to be some evidence to suggest that inappropriate prescribing leads to increased mortality in patients due to GN BSI. The highest impact of inappropriate prescribing was seen in patients with GN BSI, which may be a useful metric to monitor the impact of AMS interventions.
Stroke survivors’ levels of community reintegration, quality of life, satisfaction with the physiotherapy services and the level of caregiver strain at community health centres within the Johannesburg area
Authors: Kusambiza-Kiingi Adrian , Maleka Douglas , Ntsiea Veronica
Published: March 2017

Background: Stroke survivors are discharged home before they are functionally independent and return home with activity limitations that would not be manageable without a caregiver. Aim: To determine stroke survivors’ levels of community reintegration, quality of life (QOL), satisfaction with the physiotherapy services and the level of caregiver strain at community health centres within the Johannesburg area. Method: This was a cross-sectional study using the following outcome measures: Maleka Stroke Community Reintegration Measure, Stroke-specific quality of life scale, Caregiver strain index and Physical therapy patient satisfaction questionnaire. Results: A total of 108 stroke survivors and 45 caregivers participated in this study. The average age of the stroke survivors was 54 years (standard deviation = 12.73) and 58% (n = 62) had moderate to full community reintegration. They were happy with physiotherapy services but not with parking availability and cost of services. The QOL was poor with the lowest scores for energy and highest scores for vision and language domains. Twenty five (55%) caregivers were strained. A positive correlation was found between community reintegration and satisfaction with services (r = 0.27, p 0.0001) and QOL (r = 0.51, p 0.0001). A negative correlation was found between community reintegration and caregiver strain (r = -0.37, p 0.0001). Conclusion: Most stroke survivors are reintegrated into their communities except in the areas of work and education and have poor QOL and most of their caregivers are strained; however, they are satisfied with physiotherapy services.
Exploration of the academic lives of students with disabilities at South African universities: Lecturers’ perspectives
Authors: Mutanga Oliver , Walker Melanie
Published: March 2017

Background: A decade has passed since South Africa signed and ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a human rights treaty that protects the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. However, not much have changed for students with disabilities. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore lecturers’ experiences with, and perspectives on, disability as well as with students with disabilities. It was hoped that this would contribute to the ongoing policy debates about diversity, inclusion and support for students with disabilities at universities.Methods: In an effort to understand the lives of students with disabilities better, a study which included students with disabilities, lecturers and disability supporting staff was conducted at two South African universities – University of the Free State and University of Venda. The paper takes a snapshot view of four lecturers and their perceptions of the lives of students with disabilities at their respective universities. Results and Conclusion: Although most disability literature report students with disabilities blaming lecturers for their failure to advance their needs, this paper highlights that the education system needs to be supportive to lecturers for the inclusive agenda to be realised. An argument is made for a more comprehensive approach towards a national disability policy in higher education involving many stakeholders. Without a broader understanding of disability, it will be difficult to engage with the complex ways in which inequalities emerge and are sustained.
Protected area entrance fees in Tanzania: The search for competitiveness and value for money
Authors: Spenceley Anna , Rylance Andrew , Laiser Sadiki L.
Published: March 2017

User fees charged by Tanzania’s Game Reserves (GR) and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) have not changed since 2008. Although previous research has been done on visitors’ willingness-to-pay to enter national parks in Tanzania, none has been conducted on GRs and WMAs. This article assesses the entrance fees in GRs and WMAs, by comparing them with equivalent fees charged in Tanzania (at national parks and the Ngorongoro Crater) and also with regional protected areas in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Based on 28 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholder institutions working on tourism and conservation and more than 50 online survey responses from Tanzanian tourism operators, the research reviews local opinion and issues relating to adjusting current entrance fees. The article considers that while one objective for generating revenue from entrance fees is for conservation management, it is difficult to establish appropriate fees where there are gaps in knowledge about existing levels of visitation, tourism revenue and associated management costs.Conservation implications: This article has implications for protected area management practices, as it provides information on processes by which managers can review and revise entrance fee values.
An evaluation of the emergency care training workshops in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Naidoo Mergan
Published: March 2017

Background: Emergency care in South Africa is both complex and complicated which is further compromised by inadequately trained healthcare workers. Academic disciplines at the University of KwaZulu-Natal have run emergency care workshops for doctors and nurses providing primary emergency care, in the province for the last 14 years. This delivery of such training has evolved over time. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feedback and knowledge of participants attending the last nine workshops. Methods: An evaluation questionnaire asked participants to assess the workshops held in the province and to rate their perceived improvement in knowledge. A multiple choice questionnaire was conducted in the last few workshops and was administered pre- and postworkshop. The data were extracted onto an Excel spreadsheet and analysed in Stata version 13. Outcome measures were generated using percentages. A paired t-test was used to compare knowledge scores. Open-ended questions were also used to identify areas for future improvement. Results: The majority (89.4%) of the participants worked in the primary emergency care setting. All participants found the quality of training, the facilitators and the training material good or excellent. Participants’ perceived improvement in knowledge and skills and the objective measure of knowledge improved significantly (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Emergency care education using a combination of inter-professional simulation and lecture-based teaching has the potential of contributing towards better educational outputs in both undergraduate and postgraduate curricula.
Message from the Executive
Authors: Conradie Francesca
Published: March 2017

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Development of simplified sampling methods for behavioural data in rabbit does
Authors: Alfonso-Carrillo C. , Martín E. , De Blas C. , Ibáñez M.A. , García-Ruiz A.I. , García-Rebollar P.
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to compare the results of different simplified sampling methods for behavioural data compared to reference records of 24-h in order to assess rabbit doe behaviours at different physiological stages (gestation and lactation) in animals housed in 2 types of cages (conventional and alternative). In total, we analysed 576 h of continuous video of 12 rabbit does at the end of lactation and the same females after weaning. The behavioural observations were studied using 3 independent categories of classification (location in the cage, posture and functional behaviours). Continuous behavioural recordings of 24 h were considered as the reference method to validate another 4 data collection sampling methods by aggregated video recordings of different frequency and duration [regular short and long methods with 2.4 and 8 h of observation respectively, and irregular (more frequent during the active period) short and long methods with 6 and 8 h of observation, respectively]. The current results showed that, independently of the housing system, the best method to reduce the total observation time required to assess rabbit does’ behaviour depends on the trait studied and physiological stage of the does. In gestating does, irregular methods were not suitable to estimate behaviours of long duration such as lying, sitting, resting and grooming. However, in both physiological stages, regular methods were accurate for location behaviours, postures and functional behaviours of long duration. Instead, for the study of infrequent behaviours performed mainly during dark period, where coefficients of variation were high, the irregular long method led to the lowest mean estimation errors.
Relationship between body condition and energy mobilization in rabbit does
Authors: Calle E.W. , García M.L. , Blasco A. , Argente M.J.
Published: March 2017

The present work was performed to examine the relationships between measures of body condition and energy mobilization in rabbit does. The variables studied were body weight (BW), perirenal fat thickness (PFT), basal non-esterified fatty acid concentration (NEFAb) and non-esterified fatty acids after lipolysis stimulation by isoproterenol (NEFAr). The effect of time of measuring (at mating, delivery and 10 d after delivery) was estimated in 157 primiparous does. Correlations between body condition components were estimated and a principal component analysis performed. The does decreased BW (6%) and PFT (3%), and increased NEFAb (25%) and NEFAr (16%) from mating to delivery. Later, NEFAb and NEFAr decreased around 20% from delivery to 10 d after delivery without changing perirenal fat thickness. All BW and PFT lay in the first principal component, and all NEFA traits lay in the second component, showing low correlations with body condition measurements. Both NEFA traits showed high positive correlations when measured at the same time (0.65, 0.72 and 0.69), but low correlations when measured at different times (0.09, to 0.20). We conclude that although body weight and perirenal fat thickness are good predictors of body condition, NEFA should be used when an accurate measurement of energetic mobilization is needed, due to their low correlation.
Effect of gestational and lactational exposure to heat stress on performance in rabbits
Authors: Marco-Jiménez F. , García-Diego F.J. , Vicente J.S.
Published: March 2017

Reproductive performance is greatly affected by environmental factors such as temperature. Heat stress (HS) during pregnancy and lactation can influence not only foetal growth but also postnatal development of kits. The aim of this study was to test the effect of HS during gestation and lactation on postnatal growth till Spanish commercial liveweight. To investigate this, 32 primiparous non lactating rabbit does were exposed to 1 of 2 environmental treatments: high temperature (between 25 and 36°C, HS group; n=16) or thermoneutral conditions (between 14 and 20°C, TN group; n=16). Does were allowed to acclimate 30 d before the artificial insemination. At birth, kits were allocated into 4 groups: HS was only applied during gestation (G group; n=54); HS was applied during gestation and lactation period (GL group; n=85); HS was only applied during lactation period (L group; n=60); and TN was applied during gestation and lactation period (C group; n=77). All litters were kept under each experimental environment until weaning at day 30. Then, litters were moved to TN temperatures until slaughter at day 63. Compared with TN does, the HS does presented lower litter size (9.7 and 11.4; P<0.05), litter weight (503.0 vs. 630.5 g; P<0.05) and kit weight at birth (56.6 vs. 61.4 g; P<0.05), as well as a higher stillborn rate (25.4 vs. 9.9%; P<0.05). The kits from does subjected to HS during gestation (G group) had similar postnatal growth compared to offspring from does gestated in TN conditions (C group), whereas kits from does that experienced HS during gestation and lactation (GL group) and during their lactation (L group) presented decreased postnatal growth. Together, these results demonstrate that kits from does that underwent HS during gestation did not alter postnatal growth until Spanish commercial liveweight, whereas HS during lactation resulted in decreased postnatal growth.