Influence of the continuous casting process of TIN-ZINC-LEAD bronze on the wear of the graphite crystallizer

The research conducted in this paper concerns the influence of the continuous casting process of tin-zinc-lead bronze on the wear of the graphite crystallizer. Observations and testing of the external surface of the cast rods indicate their good quality, without casting defects. No excessive surface degradation was observed on the inner surface of the crystallizers after casting. It was assessed that the surface quality of the crystallizer would be acceptable for further use, despite stuck residue, mainly in the crystallization zone

Microstructure and tribological properties of tin bronze-graphite composites made by stir casting

The paper presents results of the studies into production of copper-based composite materials for slide bearings. The studied materials covered tin bronze based composites with addition of lubricating phases in a form of graphite. The composite materials were prepared by melting and casting with simultaneous stirring. The titanium was introduced to the metal matrix in order to improve wettability of the graphite particles. The lowest average value of the coefficient of friction was reached with the CuSn10/graphite 45 μm composite which contained 0,4 % Ti. Low coefficients of friction and wear of the friction pair were also reached with other examined composites in CuSn10 matrix

Communication methods and production techniques in fixed prosthesis fabrication: a UK based survey. Part 1: Communication methods

Statement of the problem The General Dental Council (GDC) states that members of the dental team have to 'communicate clearly and effectively with other team members and colleagues in the interest of patients'. A number of studies from different parts of the world have highlighted problems and confirmed the need for improved communication methods and production techniques between dentists and dental technicians.Aim The aim of this study was to identify the communication methods and production techniques used by dentists and dental technicians for the fabrication of fixed prostheses within the UK from the dental technicians' perspective. The current publication reports on the communication methods.Materials and methods Seven hundred and eighty-two online questionnaires were distributed to the Dental Laboratories Association membership and included a broad range of topics. Statistical analysis was undertaken to test the influence of various demographic variables.Results The number of completed responses totalled 248 (32% response rate). The laboratory prescription and the telephone were the main communication tools used. Statistical analysis of the results showed that a greater number of communication methods were used by large laboratories. Frequently missing items from the laboratory prescription were the shade and the date required. The majority of respondents (73%) stated that a single shade was selected in over half of cases. Sixty-eight percent replied that the dentist allowed sufficient laboratory time. Twenty-six percent of laboratories felt either rarely involved or not involved at all as part of the dental team.Conclusion This study suggests that there are continuing communication and teamwork issues between dentists and dental laboratories

Sex- and age-related differences in the management and outcomes of chronic heart failure: an analysis of patients from the ESC HFA EORP Heart Failure Long-Term Registry

Aims: This study aimed to assess age- and sex-related differences in management and 1-year risk for all-cause mortality and hospitalization in chronic heart failure (HF) patients. Methods and results: Of 16 354 patients included in the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long-Term Registry, 9428 chronic HF patients were analysed [median age: 66 years; 28.5% women; mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 37%]. Rates of use of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) were high (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists: 85.7%, 88.7% and 58.8%, respectively). Crude GDMT utilization rates were lower in women than in men (all differences: P\ua0 64 0.001), and GDMT use became lower with ageing in both sexes, at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Sex was not an independent predictor of GDMT prescription; however, age >75 years was a significant predictor of GDMT underutilization. Rates of all-cause mortality were lower in women than in men (7.1% vs. 8.7%; P\ua0=\ua00.015), as were rates of all-cause hospitalization (21.9% vs. 27.3%; P\ua075 years. Conclusions: There was a decline in GDMT use with advanced age in both sexes. Sex was not an independent predictor of GDMT or adverse outcomes. However, age >75 years independently predicted lower GDMT use and higher all-cause mortality in patients with LVEF 6445%