Biodiversity and structure of spider communities along a metal pollution gradient

The objective of the study was to determine whether long-term metal pollution affects communities of epigeal spiders (Aranea), studied at three taxonomic levels: species, genera, and families. Biodiversity was defined by three indices: the Hierarchical Richness Index (HRI), Margalef index (DM) and Pielou evenness index (J). In different ways the indices describe taxa richness and the distribution of individuals among taxa. The dominance pattern of the communities was described with four measures: number of dominant species at a site, percentage of dominant species at a site, average dominant species abundance at a site, and the share of the most numerous species (Alopecosa cuneata) at a site. Spiders were collected along a metal pollution gradient in southern Poland, extending ca. 33 km from zinc and lead smelter to an uncontaminated area. The zinc concentration in soil was used as the pollution index.The study revealed a significant effect of metal pollution on spider biodiversity as described by HRI for species (p = 0.039), genera (p = 0.0041) and families (p = 0.0147), and by DM for genera (p = 0.0259) and families (p = 0.0028). HRI correlated negatively with pollution level, while DM correlated positively. This means that although broadly described HRI diversity decreased with increasing pollution level, species richness increased with increasing contamination. Mesophilic meadows were generally richer. Pielou (J) did not show any significant correlations. There were a few evidences for the intermediate disturbance hypothesis: certain indices reached their highest values at moderate pollution levels rather than at the cleanest or most polluted sites

Biosecurity measures to control hepatitis E virus on European pig farms

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is a prevalent zoonotic pathogen in European pig farms, posing a significant public health risk primarily through the foodborne route. The study aimed to identify effective biosecurity measures for controlling HEV transmission on pig farms, addressing a critical gap in current knowledge. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, fecal samples from gilts, dry sows, and fatteners were collected on 231 pig farms of all farm types across nine European countries. Real-time RT-PCR was employed to test these samples for HEV. Simultaneously, a comprehensive biosecurity questionnaire captured data on various potential measures to control HEV. The dependent variable was HEV risk, categorized as lower or higher based on the percentage of positive pooled fecal samples on each farm (25% cut-off). The data were analyzed using generalized linear models (one for finisher samples and one for all samples) with a logit link function with country and farm type as a priori fixed factors. The results of the final multivariable models identified key biosecurity measures associated with lower HEV risk, which were the use of a hygienogram in the breeding (OR: 0.06, p = 0.001) and/or fattening area after cleaning (OR: 0.21, p = 0.019), the presence of a quarantine area (OR: 0.29, p = 0.025), testing and/or treating purchased feed against Salmonella (OR: 0.35, p = 0.021), the presence of other livestock species on the farm, and having five or fewer persons in charge of the pigs. Contrary to expectations, some biosecurity measures were associated with higher HEV risk, e.g., downtime of 3 days or longer after cleaning in the fattening area (OR: 3.49, p = 0.005) or mandatory handwashing for farm personnel when changing barn sections (OR: 3.4, p = 0.026). This novel study unveils critical insights into biosecurity measures effective in controlling HEV on European pig farms. The identification of both protective and risk-associated measures contributes to improving strategies for managing HEV and underscores the complexity of biosecurity in pig farming

FEM model analysis of dentures silicon relining influence on the stresses redistribution in denture foundation soft tissues

Urazy i odczucia dyskomfortu bólowego podczas użytkowania protez zębowych mogą powstawać w wyniku przekroczenia tolerancji tkanki zarówno na ciśnienie jak i ścinanie, których maksymalne wartości na drodze badań MES zlokalizowano we wzajemnie odległych obszarach. Wprowadzenie silikonowego podścielenia protezy skutkuje zmniejszeniem maksymalnych wartości nacisków i ich wyrównaniem na powierzchni przylegania. Jednak przeniesienie części nacisków na stoki bezzębnych wyrostków skutkuje zwiększeniem ścinania przy kości pod powierzchnią tkanki miękkiej.Injuries and discomfort of pain sensations during wearing of dentures might result from exceeding tissue tolerances both as far as pressure and shear are concerned. Their maximum values determined by means of FEM analysis were located in opposite areas. Introducing silicone denture relining results in reduction of maximum compression values and their balance on adherence interface. Nevertheless, relocation of part of the compression forces on slopes of edentulous ridges causes increase of shear at the bone under surface of soft tissues

Distribution of forces on supporting teeth in the midpalatal expander during “Hyrax” screw pre-load

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine forces which are transferred to supporting teeth during the treatment with the midpalatal device with Hyrax screw and to evaluate orthodontic and orthopaedic effects based on displacement analysis. Design/methodology/approach: The finite element method (FEM) was used to simulation the midpalatal expansion forces activated by the screw pre-loaded during a turn of 180° which corresponds to daily recommended value. Distribution of expansion forces of Hyrax device was calculated as reaction forces on elastic supports with stiffness corresponding to the teeth working on periodontal ligament in alveolar bone. Findings: On the basis of the displacement analysis was observed the movement of supporting teeth by a value higher than 0.1 mm which corresponds to the recommended daily value. The midpalatal suture splitting forces were determined on the first premolars with a value of 32.8 N and on the first premolars of 44.2 N. Research limitations/implications: The studies did not take into account the shape of palate other craniofacial bones and their stiffness. Practical implications: Adjusting the stiffness of the device to degree of ossification midpalatal suture and teeth mobility. Searching for new solutions which eliminate the negative phenomenon of tilting teeth during the expansion of maxilla and recommending a surgically assisted techniques. Originality/value: The simulation confirmed that treatment with Hyrax screw gives a uniform expansion with values of forces corresponded to stiffness of premolar and molar teeth. The studies have indicated a possibility of tendency to tilting the supporting teeth what is a negative phenomenon

FEA of displacements and stresses of aortic heart valve leaflets during the opening phase

Purpose: Modelling of biomechanical behaviour of heart valve materials aids improvement of biofunctional feature. The aim of the work was assessment of influence of material thickness of leaflets of artificial aortic valve on displacements and stresses during opening phase using finite element analysis (FEA). Design/methodology/approach: The model of aortic valve was developed on the basis of average anatomical valve shapes and dimensions. Nonlinear dynamic large displacements analysis with assumption of isotropic linear elastic material behaviour was used in simulation (Solidworks). The modulus of elasticity of 5.0 MPa was assumed and Poisson ratio set to 0.45. The rigidly supported leaflets was loaded by pressure increasing in the range 0-55 mmHg in time 0.1 s. Leaflets with material thickness 0.13 and 0.15 and 0.17 mm were analysed. The thickness was simulated with shell finite elements. Findings: The highest stresses were observed in the areas of fixation of the leaflets near the scaffold and were lower than dangerous value of fatigue of polyurethanes. Increasing the thickness of valve leaflet material in the range of 40 micrometres resulted in reduction of the valve outlet by almost 10 percent. Research limitations/implications: The FEA was limited to the isotropic linear-elastic behaviour of the material albeit can be used to assess leaflet deformation during dynamic load. Practical implications: Leaflets design may be start from efficient FEA which helps estimation of material impact on stress and fold formation which can affect local blood flow. Originality/value: Aortic heart valve leaflet material can be initially tested in dynamic conditions during opening phase with using FEA

Importance of support and loading conditions in overdenture FEM model investigations

W badaniach modelowych FEM protez overdenture założenie więzów ograniczających ruchomość protezy w sposób zgodny z zasadami ich funkcjonowania pozwala na rozpoznanie obciążeń złączy, przy znacznym uproszczeniu modelu numerycznego. Dla powszechnie dostępnych w sprzedaży typów złączy podczas transmisji sił żucia stwierdzono występowanie znacznych wartości obciążeń bocznych, co stanowi bezpośrednie wyjaśnienie przyczyn niepowodzeń mechanicznych. Założenie pionowych kierunków sił zgryzowych prowadzi do znacznego niedoszacowania obciążeń złączy.In overdenture FEM analysis, assumption of constrains reducing denture movement according to the rules of their functioning allows to determine loads of attachments, at the same time significantly simplifying numerical model. For commonly available types of attachments - during occlusal forces transmission found has been an occurrence of considerable lateral loads, which directly explains the causes of mechanical failures. Assumption of vertical occlusal forces directions leads to remarkable underestimating of attachments loads

Full Contoured Tooth-Implant Supported 3-Pointic All-Ceramic Denture During Occlusal Load Transfer in Lateral Region

Implant and a tooth supported dentures are avoided by dentists because of uneven distribution of occlusal loads between a stiffer implant and a more pliable tooth. The hypothesis was that a 3-point all-ceramic bridge supported on a natural second premolar tooth and a two-pieces typical implant bears safely mastication loads. The finite element analysis showed that the implant splinted by all-ceramic zirconium bridge with the second premolar was safe under lateral mastication load, but there was found an overload at wide zone of bone tissue around the implant under the load of 800 N. The patients can safely masticate, but comminution of hard food should be avoided and they should be instructed that after such an indiscretion they need to contact a dental professional, because, in spite of integrity of the prosthesis, the bone tissue around the implant may fail and there is a hazard of intrusion of the tooth

FEM numerical simulation of contact stresses between driving shaft and hub impeller of fuel pump

Purpose: The aim of the work was to test the contact stresses in the model system of the turbine hub cooperating with the fuel pump drive shaft. The hypothesis of the work was that, by means of FEA, it is possible to assess the contact stresses in the materials of the turbine hub and the fuel pump shaft during torque transmission. Design/methodology/approach: A turbine with fibre-reinforced polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) composite cooperating with a stainless steel shaft (X46Cr13/1.4034) in a commonly used D-flat shape joint was selected for the experimental research. To assess contact stresses, the CAD model (NX, Siemens) of the entire turbine was limited to the hub area. The drive shaft is supported in accordance with the bearing in the fuel pump, and the possibility of rotation about the axis along the length of the torque-producing magnet is taken away. The system was loaded with a torque of 200 Nmm on the turbine. The turbine hub and shaft were calculated, taking into account the phenomenon of contact detachment or slip at the value of the friction coefficient of 0.1. Findings: The pressure transmission area was found in the area at the edge of the flat surface D-flat and on the opposite side of the D-convexity. The contact stresses on the D-flat side reached values close to the composite strength. Research limitations/implications: The studies did not take into account the technological inaccuracies, thermal deformation, local material properties, and wear. The value of the friction coefficient was not measured in realistic conditions with fuel lubrication. Practical implications: FEA has been achieved, which allows to reduce the cost of experimental research. Originality/value: The proposed model allows for further studies of the influence of elasticity of various materials and structures on contact stresses in order to assess wear resistance

Strength analysis of a three-unit dental bridge framework with the Finite Element Method

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyse the strength of a prosthetic bridge with variable geometry in the connectors between the span and the retention elements on the pillar teeth crowns. Methods: Research was carried using the Finite Elements Method (FEM) on a model of the bridge in the anterior teeth arch in the field 21–22–23, obtained using a contact scanner and computer aided design (CAD) system, with four different cross-sectional areas of the connectors: 4.0, 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 mm2. For that purpose, the impact of the properties of selected metal alloys on the deflection of the prosthesis was analysed. Results: On the basis of the analyses, it was found that when the loading force acted obliquely, the stress was 19% higher compared to the stress with a loading vertical force. In the case of connectors with the smallest cross-sectional area, the stress exceeded permissible value (with safety factor n = 2) for one of the alloys. Conclusions: Deflection of the bridges tested changed depending on the connector cross-section and the elastic modulus of the selected material

Assessment of gold with titanium alloy weldability in conditions of a dental technique laboratory

Purpose: In dental practice, there is necessary to weld gold with titanium under the conditions of a dental technique laboratory, which is difficult. The aim was to assess the weldability of pure gold with the titanium alloy Ti6Al4V using a prosthetic laser welding machine. Design/methodology/approach: Gold wire in a diameter of 0.4 mm made with the use of a jewellery drawbar (GOLDPORT, Szczecin, Poland) was welded to a titanium alloy Ti6Al4V substrate of dental implant abutment screw (MegaGen). Dental laser welding parameters (Bego Laser Star T plus) were 230 V; 6.5 ms; 2.5 Hz; laser spot 0.3 mm, and argon blow. Samples were included in resin, ground (500-4000 SiC), polished (Al2O3 suspension) and etched (Kroll solution) per 20 s before observation under a light microscope. Findings: There were well-welded and poorly joined zones. The discontinuities and voids there were not visible or sparse next to the initial weld point. Dendritic structure at well-welded remelting zones and two-phase microstructure of titanium and Ti3Au phase were found. The heat-affected zone was about of 20 microns. Research limitations/implications: Light microscopy was used, and precise phase identification required further investigations. Weld strength assessment requires further micro-hardness and load-bearing ability tests. Weldability concerns the model system with pure gold. Practical implications: In the case of elements with dimensions below 0.4 mm, the use of a laser with a smaller spot should be considered for better control of the remelting zone and mechanical positioning of the elements in order to stabilize and avoid discontinuities and voids. Originality/value: Prosthetic laser welding with a laser spot about of 0.3 mm allows to obtain well-welded parts of 0.3 mm in diameter under stable stitching conditions and higher than 0.4 mm in dimensions