Procjena obilježja puzanja spojeva namještaja s klamericom izrađenih od različitih vrsta drva

In this study, creep characteristics of single stapled furniture joints made of Scotch pine, alder and beech wood under three different load levels were considered. Load levels were determined as 30 %, 40 % and 50 % of the maximum load obtained as a result of static shear test before creep load and applied to wood joints. Laboratory test results showed that the highest creep deformation was observed in the joints made of Scotch pine with the lowest density, while the lowest creep deformation was observed in the joints made of beech with the highest density. In addition, the joints were exposed to lowest creep deformation at the 30 % load level, then the creep deformation of the joints increased at 40 % load level and it reached the highest value at 50 % load level. As a result of creep test, deformation in single stapled joints made of Scotch pine, alder and beech were determined as 2.74 %, 3.71 % and 4.37 % of the deformation that occurred as a result of static shear test performed before creep test, respectively. Ultimately, the overall average creep deformation value of a single staple wood joint under creep loading was determined as 3.61 %.U radu su istraživana obilježja puzanja spojeva namještaja s klamericom izrađenih od borovine, johovine i bukovine pri različitim stupnjevima opterećenja. Stupnjevi opterećenja definirani su kao 30, 40 i 50 % najvećeg opterećenja dobivenoga kao rezultat statičkoga smičnog ispitivanja prije opterećenja pri puzanju te su primijenjeni na drvne spojeve napravljene klamericom. Rezultati laboratorijskih ispitivanja pokazali su da je najveća deformacija puzanja zabilježena na spojevima izrađenima od borovine, koja ima najmanju gustoću, a najmanja je deformacija puzanja uočena na spojevima od bukovine, koja ima najveću gustoću. Usto, najmanja deformacija puzanja spojeva zabilježena je pri stupnju opterećenja od 30 %, zatim se deformacija puzanja povećala pri stupnju opterećenja od 40 % i dosegnula najveću vrijednost pri stupnju opterećenja od 50 %. Rezultati ispitivanja puzanja pokazali su da je deformacija spojeva s klamericom izrađenih od borovine, johovine i bukovine iznosila 2,74, 3,71 i 4,37 % deformacije koja je rezultat statičkoga smičnog naprezanja provedenoga prije ispitivanja puzanja. U konačnici, ukupna prosječna vrijednost deformacije puzanja drvenog spoja s klamericom iznosila je 3,61 %

Mechanical Properties of Furniture Joints Using Loose Tenons and Connectors

The investigation conducted in this study focused on assessing the withdrawal resistance of T-joints and the bending moment capacity in the tension and compression of corner joints. For samples, preparation glued-in loose tenons (Domino dowels) and dismountable connectors were used as connecting elements. The joints were made of European beech wood and a D3-grade PVAc adhesive was utilized for bonding. The effect of the joint type, the shoulders’ bonding, and the load application direction were investigated. The test results revealed that the withdrawal resistance of Domino dowel joints exhibited twice the strength compared to Domino connectors. Moreover, the presence of a bonded area on the shoulders did not significantly impact the strength of the joints. In the case of corner joints, the bending moment capacity in compression was notably influenced by the bond line on the shoulders, although such an effect was not significant in tension. Domino dowel joints provided a robust and reliable permanent connection between wooden elements, surpassing Domino connectors; however, in both cases, the strength values exceeded those of conventional dowels and cam lock connector joints

Validation of New 2012 EULAR/ACR Classification Criteria for Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Comparison with the Previous Criteria in a Prospective Multi-Center Study

WOS: 000344384906005

The ISPAT project: Implementation of a standardized training program for caregivers of children with tracheostomy

Background Tracheostomy-related morbidity and mortality mainly occur due to decannulation, misplacement, or obstruction of the tube. A standardized training can improve the skills and confidence of the caregivers in tracheostomy care (TC). Objective Our primary aim was to evaluate the efficiency of standardized training program on the knowledge and skills (changing-suctioning the tracheostomy tube) of the participants regarding TC. Materials and Methods Sixty-five caregivers of children with tracheostomy were included. First, participants were evaluated with written test about TC and participated in the practical tests. Then, they were asked to participate in a standardized training session, including theoretical and practical parts. Baseline and postintervention assessments were compared through written and practical tests conducted on the same day. Results A significant improvement was observed in the written test score after the training. The median number of correct answers of the written test including 23 questions increased 26%, from 12 to 18 (p < .001). The median number of correct steps in tracheostomy tube change (from 9 to 16 correct steps out of 16 steps, 44% increase) and suctioning the tracheostomy tube (from 9 to 17 correct steps out of 18 steps, 44% increase) also improved significantly after the training (p < .001, for both). Conclusion Theoretical courses and practical hands-on-training (HOT) courses are highly effective in improving the practices in TC. A standardized training program including HOT should be implemented before discharge from the hospital. Still there is a need to assess the impact of the program on tracheostomy-related complications, morbidity, and mortality in the long term

Assessment of the New 2012 EULAR/ACR Clinical Classification Criteria for Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Prospective Multicenter Study

WOS: 000380854200011PubMed ID: 26834222Objective. To assess the performance of the new 2012 provisional European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/ American College of Rheumatology (ACR) polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) clinical classification criteria in discriminating PMR from other mimicking conditions compared with the previous 5 diagnostic criteria in a multicenter prospective study. Methods. Patients older than 50 years, presenting with new-onset bilateral shoulder pain with elevated acute-phase reactants (APR), were assessed for the fulfillment of the new and old classification/diagnostic criteria sets for PMR. At the end of the 1-year followup, 133 patients were diagnosed with PMR (expert opinion) and 142 with non-PMR conditions [69 rheumatoid arthritis (RA)]. Discriminating capacity, sensitivity, and specificity of the criteria sets were estimated. Results. Discriminating capacity of the new clinical criteria for PMR from non-PMR conditions and RA as estimated by area under the curve (AUC) were good with AUC of 0.736 and 0.781, respectively. The new criteria had a sensitivity of 89.5% and a specificity of 57.7% when tested against all non-PMR cases. When tested against all RA, seropositive RA, seronegative RA, and non-RA control patients, specificity changed to 66.7%, 100%, 20.7%, and 49.3%, respectively. Except for the Bird criteria, the 4 previous criteria had lower sensitivity and higher specificity (ranging from 83%-93%) compared with the new clinical criteria in discriminating PMR from all other controls. Conclusion. The new 2012 EULAR/ ACR clinical classification criteria for PMR is highly sensitive; however, its ability to discriminate PMR from other inflammatory/noninflammatory shoulder conditions, especially from seronegative RA, is not adequate. Imaging and other modifications such as cutoff values for APR might increase the specificity of the criteria