bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Plantar Foot Ulcer Recurrence in Neuropathic Diabetic Patients
Authors: Waaijman Roelof , de Haart Mirjam , Arts Mark L.J. , Wever Daniel , Verlouw Anke J.W.E. , Nollet Frans , Bus Sicco A. 
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE
Recurrence of plantar foot ulcers is a common and major problem in diabetes but not well understood. Foot biomechanics and patient behavior may be important. The aim was to identify risk factors for ulcer recurrence and to establish targets for ulcer prevention.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
As part of a footwear trial, 171 neuropathic diabetic patients with a recently healed plantar foot ulcer and custom-made footwear were followed for 18 months or until ulceration. Demographic data, disease-related parameters, presence of minor lesions, barefoot and in-shoe plantar peak pressures, footwear adherence, and daily stride count were entered in a multivariate multilevel logistic regression model of plantar foot ulcer recurrence.

RESULTS
A total of 71 patients had a recurrent ulcer. Significant independent predictors were presence of minor lesions (odds ratio 9.06 [95% CI 2.98–27.57]), day-to-day variation in stride count (0.93 [0.89–0.99]), and cumulative duration of past foot ulcers (1.03 [1.00–1.06]). Significant independent predictors for those 41 recurrences suggested to be the result of unrecognized repetitive trauma were presence of minor lesions (10.95 [5.01–23.96]), in-shoe peak pressure &lt;200 kPa with footwear adherence &gt;80% (0.43 [0.20–0.94]), barefoot peak pressure (1.11 [1.00–1.22]), and day-to-day variation in stride count (0.91 [0.86–0.96]).

CONCLUSIONS
The presence of a minor lesion was clearly the strongest predictor, while recommended use of adequately offloading footwear was a strong protector against ulcer recurrence from unrecognized repetitive trauma. These outcomes define clear targets for diabetic foot screening and ulcer prevention.
Clinical Outcomes and Cost-effectiveness of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure to Manage Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in the U.K.
Authors: Guest Julian F. , Panca Monica , Sladkevicius Erikas , Taheri Shahrad , Stradling John 
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE
To assess clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from the perspective of the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Using a case-control design, 150 CPAP-treated patients with OSA and T2D were randomly selected from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database (a nationally representative database of patients registered with general practitioners in the U.K.) and matched with 150 OSA and T2D patients from the same database who were not treated with CPAP. The total NHS cost and outcomes of patient management in both groups over 5 years and the cost-effectiveness of CPAP compared with no CPAP treatment were estimated.

RESULTS
Using CPAP was associated with significantly lower blood pressure at 5 years and increasingly lower HbA1c levels over 5 consecutive years compared with untreated OSA patients. At 5 years, the HbA1c level in the CPAP-treated group was 8.2% (66.0 mmol/mol) vs. 12.1% (108.4 mmol/mol) in the control group (P &lt; 0.03). Use of CPAP significantly increased patients’ health status by 0.27 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per patient over 5 years (P &lt; 0.001) and NHS management costs by £4,141 per patient over 5 years; the cost per QALY gained with CPAP was £15,337.

CONCLUSIONS
Initiating treatment with CPAP in OSA patients with T2D leads to significantly lower blood pressure and better controlled diabetes and affords a cost-effective use of NHS resources. These observations have the potential for treatment modification if confirmed in a prospective study.
Kinetics of the σ Phase Precipitation in Respect of Erosion-corrosion Wear of Duplex Cast Steel
Authors: Brodziak-Hyska A. , Stradomski Z. , Kolan C. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The examined material comprised two grades of corrosion-resistant cast steel, namely GX2CrNiMoN25-6-3 and GX2CrNiMoCuN25-6-3- 3, used for example in elements of systems of wet flue gas desulphurisation in power industry. The operating conditions in media heated up to 70°C and containing Cl' and SO4 ions and solid particles produce high erosive and corrosive wear.The work proposes an application of the σ phase as a component of precipitation strengthening mechanism in order to increase the functional properties of the material. The paper presents the results of examination of the kinetics of σ phase precipitation at a temperature of 800°C and at times ranging from 30 to 180 minutes. Changes in the morphology of precipitates of the σ phase were determined using the value of shape factor R. Resistance to erosion-corrosion wear of duplex cast steel was correlated with the kinetics of sigma phase precipitating.
The Initial Assessment of Effectiveness of the Impulse Method of Introducing an Inoculant into Cast Iron
Authors: Derda-Ślęzak A. , Soiński M.S. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
An initial assessment of the effectiveness of cast iron inoculation, performed by the method of impulse introducing the master alloy into cast iron, is presented. The experiment was concerned with the hypoeutectic gray cast iron inoculated with either the Alinoc or the Barinoc master alloy by means of an experimental device for pneumatic transportation. Examinations involved pneumatic injection of the powdered inoculant carried in a stream of gaseous medium (argon) into the metal bath held in the crucible of an induction furnace. It was found that the examined process is characterised by both high effectiveness and stability.
Investment Casting vs Replicast CS Considered in Terms of the Ceramic Mould Making and Dimensional Accuracy of Castings
Authors: Karwiński A. , Haratym R. , Biernacki R. , Soroczyński A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The article presents an analysis of the applicability of the Replicast CS process as an alternative to the investment casting process, considered in terms of the dimensional accuracy of castings. Ceramic shell moulds were based on the Ekosil binder and a wide range of ceramic materials, such as crystalline quartz, fused silica, aluminosilicates and zirconium silicate. The linear dimensions were measured with a Zeiss UMC 550 machine that allowed reducing to minimum the measurement uncertainty
The Abrasive Wear Resistance of Chromium Cast Iron
Authors: Kopyciński D. , Piasny S. , Kawalec M. , Madizhanova A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The resistance of cast iron to abrasive wear depends on the metal abrasive hardness ratio. For example, hardness of the structural constituents of the cast iron metal matrix is lower than the hardness of ordinary silica sand. Also cementite, the basic component of unalloyed white cast iron, has hardness lower than the hardness of silica. Some resistance to the abrasive effect of the aforementioned silica sand can provide the chromium white cast iron containing in its structure a large amount of (Cr, Fe)7C3 carbides characterised by hardness higher than the hardness of the silica sand in question. In the present study, it has been anticipated that the white cast iron structure will be changed by changing the type of metal matrix and the type of carbides present in this matrix, which will greatly expand the application area of castings under the harsh operating conditions of abrasive wear. Moreover, the study compares the results of abrasive wear resistance tests performed on the examined types of cast iron. Tests of abrasive wear resistance were carried out on a Miller machine. Samples of standard dimensions were exposed to abrasion in a double to-and-fro movement, sliding against the bottom of a trough filled with an aqueous abrasive mixture containing SiC + distilled water. The obtained results of changes in the sample weight were approximated with a power curve and shown further in the study.
Characterization of Coatings on Grey Cast Iron Fabricated by Hot-dipping in Pure Al, AlSi11 and AlTi5 Alloys
Authors: Mola R. , Bucki T. , Wcisło K. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Flake graphite cast iron was hot-dip coated with pure aluminium or aluminium alloys (AlSi11 and AlTi5). The study aimed at determining the influence of bath composition on the thickness, microstructure and phase composition of the coatings. The analysis was conducted by means of an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope with an EDS spectrometer. It was found that the overall thickness of a coating was greatly dependent on the chemical composition of a bath. The coatings consisted of an outer layer and an inner intermetallic layer, the latter with two zones and dispersed graphite. In all the cases considered, the zone in the inner intermetallic layer adjacent to the cast iron substrate contained the Al5Fe2 phase with small amount of silicon; the interface between this phase and the cast iron substrate differed substantially, depending on the bath composition. In the coatings produced by hot-dipping in pure aluminium the zone adjacent to the outer layer had a composition similar to that produced from an AlTi5 bath, the Al3Fe phase was identified in this zone. The Al3Fe also contained silicon but its amount was lower than that in the Al5Fe2. In the coatings produced by hot-dipping in AlSi11, the zone adjacent to the outer layer contained the Al3FeSi phase. The analysis results showed that when AlSi11 alloy was applied, the growth mode of the inner layer changed from inwards to outwards. The interface between the Al5Fe2 phase and the cast iron substrate was flat and the zone of this phase was very thin. Locally, there were deep penetrations of the Al5FeSi phase into the outer layer, and the interface between this phase and the outer layer was irregular. Immersion in an AlTi5 bath caused that the inner intermetallic layer was thicker than when pure aluminium or AlSi11 alloy baths were used; also, some porosity was observed in this layer; and finally, the interface between the inner layer and the cast iron substrate was the most irregular
Analysis of Densification Process and Structure of PM Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Fe and Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Sn Alloys
Authors: Bidulský R. , Bidulská J. , Grande M. Actis 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The paper is focused on the role of the pressing pressure on the densification behaviour of PM aluminium alloys. Commercially aluminium based powders Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Fe and Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Sn were used as materials to be investigated. The apparent density of the powder mixes was determined according to MPIF St. 04. A set of cylinder test specimen 55x10x10 mm3 was uniaxially pressed in a floating hardened steel die. Compaction pressures ranged from 50 MPa up to 700 MPa. Considering the densification of metal powders in uniaxial compaction, quantification of aluminium compaction behaviour was performed. The compressibility behaviour was evaluated, considering the effect on specimens, as well as on their microstructure. The development of compressibility values with pressing pressure enables to characterize the effect of particles geometry and matrix plasticity on the compaction process.
The Morphology of the Alumina Films Formed tn The Anodization Process of Aluminium in the Orthophosphoric Acid Solution. The Co-Fe Alloys Electrodeposition Into Obtained Alumina Pores
Authors: Gumowska W. , Dobosz I. , Wrzoszczyk B. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The optimal parameters of the anodic oxidation of aluminium in orthophosphoric acid solution was determined. In the pores of the obtained Al2O3 membranes with the ordered nanometric structure Co-Fe alloys were electrodeposited. The Al2O3 membranes were obtained in the two-stage anodic oxidation of aluminium in the 0.17 M H3PO4 solution in the temperature 1°C and at the electrolysis voltage 180 V. The influence of the anodizing process parameters on the thickness of oxide films and the diameter of pores and the distance between them in the alumina membranes were determined.
The electrodeposition of Co-Fe alloys was carried out from sulphate baths containing sulphates (VI) of copper (II) and cobalt (II) of different composition, in potentiostatic conditions. The optimal electrolysis conditions were determined, where the cathodic deposits of the best quality were obtained. The conditions are: the electrolyte composition: 0.3 M Fe; 0.5 M Co; pH = 3, the potential: -0.760 V (vs. SHE1)).
Modeling Physicochemical Properties of Mold Slag
Authors: Kalisz D. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
This paper deals with the mathematical modeling of physicochemical properties of mold slag such as: viscosity, surface tension, temperature liquidus, basicity. Computer simulation of slag viscosity was made by the Nakamoto structural model. The effect of addition CaF2 to the mold slag was estimated by using of Urbain model. The results were compared with the results of the experiment. Surface tension for the basic slag composition: CaO - SiO2 - Al2O3 was calculated with using Nakamoto model. The results of calculations indicate that the content of the SiO2 lowers the surface tension, but increase the content of CaO and Al2O3 in the slag increases its value. Calcium fluoride (CaF2) reduces the viscosity of the slag. The increase in temperature reduces the viscosity of the slag, simultaneously increasing the surface tension.
The Influence Of Potential-Current Conditions on the Electrodeposition of Ni-Sn Alloys from Acidic Chloride-Sulphate Solution
Authors: Rudnik E. , Włoch G. , Czernecka A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Ni - Sn alloys were electrodeposited from acidic chloride-sulphate solution in potentiostatic and galvanostatic conditions. Cyclic voltammetry and Hull cell were used for the selection of the appropriate deposition potentials and cathodic current densities, respectively. In the potentiostatic conditions (-1.0 - -1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl) porous deposits (~7-10 wt% Ni) were obtained, while dense coatings (~15-34 wt% Ni) were produced in the galvanostatic conditions (0.5-1.5 A/dm2). In both cases, deposits consisted of β - Sn and Ni3Sn4 phases. Speciation of the bath was also calculated.
A New Microwave Ceramic – Polymer Composite with 0-3 Connectivity
Authors: Czekaj D. , Micior J. , Lisińska-Czekaj A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Goal of the present research was to fabricate and study two-phase BiNbO4//PVDF composites with 0-3 connectivity. Such composite consists of there-dimensionally connected polymer matrix loaded with dielectric ceramic particles. In the present case BiNbO4 powder acted as an active phase (dispersed phase) whereas polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) acted as a non-active (passive) phase (matrix). BiNbO4//PVDF composites with the volume fraction of the ceramic phase cν =2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16 and 20 vol. % were prepared. Average grain size of BiNbO4 powder was <d>=1.86 μm. It was found that BiNbO4 powder exhibited orthorhombic symmetry with Pnna (52) space group and PVDF polymer powder was α-phase. Minimum of dielectric losses at room temperature were found within the frequency range Δν =103-104 Hz. It was found that composite with cν =10% of ceramic powder exhibited lower values of dielectric permittivity.
Application Examples for the Different Measurement Modes of Electrical Properties of the Solar Cells
Authors: Musztyfaga-Staszuk M. , Dobrzanski L.A. , Rusz S. , Staszuk M. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The aim of the paper was to apply the newly developed instruments ‘Corescan’ and ‘Sherescan’ in order to measure the essential parameters of producing solar cells in comparison with the standard techniques. The standard technique named the Transmission Line Method (TLM) is one way to monitor contacting process to measure contact resistance locally between the substrate and metallization. Nowadays, contact resistance is measured over the whole photovoltaic cell using Corescanner instrument. The Sherescan device in comparison with standard devices gives a possibility to measure the sheet resistance of the emitter of silicon wafers and determine of both P/N recognition and metal resistance. The Screen Printing (SP) method is the most widely used contact formation technique for commercial silicon solar cells. The contact resistance of manufactured front metallization depends of both the paste composition and co-firing conditions. Screen printed front side metallization and next to co-fired in the infrared conveyor furnace was carried out at various temperature from 770°C to 920°C. The silver paste used in the present paper is commercial. The investigations were carried out on monocrystalline silicon wafers. The topography of co-fired in the infrared belt furnace front metallization was investigated using the atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). There were researched also cross sections of front contacts using SEM microscope. Front contacts of the solar cells were formed on non-textured silicon surface with coated antireflection layer. On one hand, based on electrical properties investigations using Sherescan instrument it was obtained the knowledge of the emitter sheet resistance across the surface of a wafer, what is essential in optimizing the emitter diffusion process. On the other hand, it was found using Corescan instrument that the higher temperature apparently results in a strongly decreased contact resistance.
The Structural Stability of the Fe36Co36Si19B5Nb4 Bulk Amorphous Alloy
Authors: Nabiałek M. , Pietrusiewicz P. , Szota M. , Dobrzanska-Danikiewicz A. , Lesz S. , Dospiał M. , Błoch K. , Ozga K. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In this paper, the results of the investigation into the fractured surface microstructure of the amorphous samples of Fe36Co36B19Si5Nb4 in the shape of rods of diameters: 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm in the as-cast state are presented. The samples were prepared by injection of molten alloy into cooled copper dies. The process of diffusion in the investigated material has a different speed depending on the temperature gradient within the volume of the rod. The atomic diffusion leads to the creation of different zones within the rod fracture: the zone in contact with the copper die, the intermediate fracture zone, and the zone in the vicinity of the rod core; the three zones have been found to exhibit different amorphous structures.
Effect of Cooling Rate on Magnetic Properties, Size and Type of Structural Defects in the Volume of Bulk Amorphous Fe36Co36B19Si5Nn4 Alloy in the Form of Rods of Various Diameters
Authors: Nabiałek M. , Dobrzanska-Danikiewicz A. , Lesz S. , Pietrusiewicz P. , Szota M. , Dospiał M. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
This paper presents the results of microstructure and magnetic properties analysis for bulk amorphous samples of Fe36Co36B19Si5Nb4 alloy in the form of rods of 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm diameters in the as-cast state, produced using the method of injecting liquid alloy into cooled copper mold. The main purpose of the research was to examine the effect of solidification speed of the liquid material into amorphous state on the shape of initial magnetization curve as well as to determine the type and size of structural defects occurring in the volume of the material. In order to achieve these objectives, the magnetization measurements were carried out, which according to H. Kronmüller’s theory on magnetization behavior near the area called reaching the ferromagnetic saturation, allow to determine the type, size, and surface density of structural defects occurring in the volume of the sample. The analysis of reduced magnetization curves indicates that solidification speed of the liquid alloy into the amorphous state is the main determining factor for the shape of initial magnetization curve and for the type and size of structural defects formed in the sample, which affects such magnetic parameters as: coercive field (HC) or saturation magnetization (MS).
Determination of a Mass Transfer Area during Metal Melting in a Vacuum Induction Furnace
Authors: Golak S. , Przylucki R. , Barglik J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In the paper, a simulation model that allows for determination of the actual surface area of inductively stirred liquid metal and the value of metal near-surface velocity during its melting is presented. Also, the effects of induction furnace working frequency on both parameters are demonstrated. The simulation was performed for copper and liquid steel that were melted in two different induction furnaces. The calculation results were also used for determination of coefficients of copper mass transfer in liquid steel and of antimony mass transfer in liquid copper during their stirring in the discussed furnace.
Influence of Deformation Process by ECAE on Structure and Properties of AZ61 Alloy
Authors: Boczkal S. , Lech-Grega M. , Płonka B. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The structure and properties of AZ61 alloy after deformation by ECAE were characterised. Alloy structure was examined after the successive passes of ECAE process, to study the effect of deformation on the morphology of γ phase precipitates and the size and shape of grains. Based on EBSD analysis, the occurrence of high angle boundaries was stated. An attempt was made to describe the mechanisms that are operating when the deformation route is changed at 300°C in the AZ61 alloy processed by ECAE method. Alloy hardness after the first cycle of deformation was stabilised at the level of 80-90 HB. Based on the hardening curve and the occurrence of high angle grain boundaries (>15°), the possibility of further deformation of the AZ61 alloy was confirmed.
Effect of Severe Plastic Deformation on Microstructure and Properties of Polycrystalline Aluminium Al99.5
Authors: Leszczyńska-Madej B. , Pałka P. , Richert M. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Polycrystalline aluminium Al99.5 was deformed through the combination of equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) by B route (4, 8 and 16 passes) and then by the hydrostatic extrusion (HE) using the cumulative way of deformation, just to the achieving the final wire diameter d = 3 mm. The microstructure of samples was investigated by means light microscopy (LM). Additionally the microhardness measurement and the tensile test were performed to determine the level of aluminium hardening. The texture was determined by using the Brucker Advance D8 equipment.
The aim of the research was to determine the influence of severe plastic deformation exerted in the process of equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) and hydrostatic extrusion (HE) on the microstructure and properties of polycrystalline aluminium Al99.5.
The microstructure observations both after the HE process and the combination of ECAP + HE revealed the elongated to the extrusion direction grains and numerous bands and shear bands. The bands and shear bands most clearly revealed at the perpendicular section. The performed investigations showed that with the increase of the deformation the aluminium level hardening increase. The highest properties of tensile strength - UTS = 218 MPa and microhardness level HV0.1 = 46 were obtained after 8 ECAP + HE.
Producing Ultrafine Grain Structure in AZ91 Magnesium Alloy Cast by Rapid Solidification
Authors: Szymanek M. , Augustyn B. , Kapinos D. , Boczkal S. , Nowak J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The paper presents the technological aspect of the process of casting, crushing and plastic consolidation of semi-finished products from magnesium alloy. The aim of this study was to produce by the rapid solidification process a magnesium alloy from the MgAl9Zn1 family in the form of ribbons with ultrafine grain structure. The material cast in the melt spinning device was next crushed and subjected to the operation of cold consolidation and hot extrusion. The paper presents different stages of the process, including initial characterisation of the obtained material.