EQ-5D in Central and Eastern Europe : 2000-2015

Objective: Cost per quality-adjusted life year data are required for reimbursement decisions in many Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. EQ-5D is by far the most commonly used instrument to generate utility values in CEE. This study aims to systematically review the literature on EQ-5D from eight CEE countries. Methods: An electronic database search was performed up to July 1, 2015 to identify original EQ-5D studies from the countries of interest. We analysed the use of EQ-5D with respect to clinical areas, methodological rigor, population norms and value sets. Results: We identified 143 studies providing 152 country-specific results with a total sample size of 81,619: Austria (n=11), Bulgaria (n=6), Czech Republic (n=18), Hungary (n=47), Poland (n=51), Romania (n=2), Slovakia (n=3) and Slovenia (n=14). Cardiovascular (20%), neurologic (16%), musculoskeletal (15%) and endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases (14%) were the most frequently studied clinical areas. Overall 112 (78%) of the studies reported EQ VAS results and 86 (60%) EQ-5D index scores, of which 27 (31%) did not specify the applied tariff. Hungary, Poland and Slovenia have population norms. Poland and Slovenia also have a national value set. Conclusions: Increasing use of EQ-5D is observed throughout CEE. The spread of health technology assessment activities in countries seems to be reflected in the number of EQ-5D studies. However, improvement in informed use and methodological quality of reporting is needed. In jurisdictions where no national value set is available, in order to ensure comparability we recommend to apply the most frequently used UK tariff. Regional collaboration between CEE countries should be strengthened

Advanced coating of interior of tanks for rising environmental safety - novel applications of polyurethanes

The aim of this study was to develop urethane elastomers of predefined properties to be used as elastic coating in the cargo tanks of tankers. A method for coating the liquid polyurethane system onto steel and steel-concrete elements, and a way to join polyurethane coating with the aforementioned elements, were elaborated. The technique of injection the reactive liquid polyurethane system onto cold steel elements was used. The method for utilization and recovery of urethane oligomerols from the waste polyurethane coating in chemical recycling by using low molecular weight glycols as glycolysis agents was proposed

Advanced coating of Tank Interior as means of Rising Environmental Safety of Tankers/RIM technology

The application of Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) technique for forming an elastic polyurethane coating that displays selected strength characteristics, and chemical and thermal resistance is described. The study was conducted on technical-scale using a mixing-dosing device that allowed direct dosing of liquid polyurethane system into the steel bulkhead, onto the steel surfaces, and the formation of polyurethane coating. Hard coating formed after polymer gelation and crosslinking. The elaborated technology also allowed joining of ceramsite concrete which resulted in the sandwich costruction consisting of steel, concrete and polyurethane