A Complex Vibration Analysis of a Drive System Equipped with an Innovative Prototype of a Flexible Torsion Clutch as an Element of Pre-Implementation Testing.

The paper presents how an important aspect of introducing new machines, especially in the mining industry, is testing a prototype under laboratory conditions. For this purpose, advanced methods of analyzing the vibrations of a drive system equipped with an innovative prototype of a flexible torsion clutch are presented. The main goal is to present a comprehensive method for analyzing vibration signals in various dimensions of the signal analysis. As a result of this approach, it can be seen how much important information about the tested clutch can be obtained by using various analysis methods in terms of time-frequency distributions or order analysis. To emphasize the differences in the functioning of the tested clutch and the possibility of monitoring these differences on the basis of the observation of residual processes, such as vibrations, the results for the flexible and locked clutch are compared.

Research on Vibroactivity of Toothed Gears with Highly Flexible Metal Clutch under Variable Load Conditions.

The article provides a discussion on a methodology intended for testing of power transmission systems featuring an innovative highly torsionally flexible metal clutch patented by the co-authors of this paper. What this methodology takes into account is the amplitude and frequency analyses discussed in the article, as well as a sensing system based on diverse piezoelectric and magnetic phenomena, the Doppler effect, etc. Both contact and non-contact (laser measurement) methods were used during the tests. The purpose of the tests conducted at the stand, originally designed by the authors in accordance with the methodology proposed, was to evidence that using the innovative and patented, highly torsionally flexible metal clutch makes it possible to reduce the vibrations of multi-stage toothed gears, consequently reducing the forces affecting the gear bearings and those acting at the tooth space, which is to enable the service life of individual components of the power transmission systems intended for mining scraper conveyors to be significantly extended. Based on the studies and analyses performed by the authors, one can observe and conclude that the methodology proposed in the paper makes it possible to use an example of a relatively complex power transmission system in order to examine the relationships between the processes at work, i.e., the decline of the linear vibrations of the gear housing (which is undoubtedly positive in power transmission systems) at the expense of increasing torsional vibrations of the innovative clutch, the latter not to be considered unfavourable to users in the case analysed.

Multidimensional Data Interpretation of Vibration Signals Registered in Different Locations for System Condition Monitoring of a Three-Stage Gear Transmission Operating under Difficult Conditions.

This article provides a discussion of the results of studies on the original system condition monitoring of a three-stage transmission with a bevel-cylindrical-planetary configuration installed in an experimental scraper conveyor. Due to the high vibroactivity of gear transmissions operating under the impact of a scraper conveyor's chain drive, these unwanted effects of machine operating vibrations were assumed to be applied. For purposes of the study, vibrations were measured on the driving transmission housing in an idling scraper conveyor. The main purpose of the study was to establish the frequencies characteristic of the gear transmission, and to determine whether it was possible to run vibroacoustic diagnostics of the same transmission under conditions with a considerable impact of the conveyor chain. An additional cognitively significant research goal was the analysis of the dependence of the diagnostic utility of the signal depending on the sensor mounting point. Five different locations of three-axis sensors oriented to the next stages and various types of gears were determined, as well as places characterized by high spatial accessibility, which are often selected as places for measuring the vibration of gears. Using MATLAB software, a program was written that was calibrated and adapted to the specifics of the measuring equipment based on the collected test results. As a result, it was possible to obtain a multidimensional data interpretation of vibration signals of system condition monitoring of a three-stage gear transmission operating under difficult conditions. The results were based on signals registered on the real three-stage gear transmission operating under the impact of a scraper conveyor's chain drive.

Testicular Sonographic Color Doppler Dynamic Tissue Perfusion Measurements in Adolescents with Varicocele.

AIM: The aim of the study was an assessment of the effects of varicocele on testis parenchyma and microcirculation with the use of the dynamic tissue perfusion measurements. METHODS: Color Doppler sonographic dynamic testis parenchyma perfusion measurements were performed with Pixel-Flux software in 30 children with left testis varicocele. The right testes without varicocele comprised the control group. RESULTS: Testicular parenchymal perfusion in testes with varicocele was reduced when compared to the control testes. The differences were found in all measured perfusion parameters. Statistical significance was found in the case of mean velocity and resistance index parameters. According to the grade of varicocele, the perfusion was the most reduced in patients with grade III of varicocele. CONCLUSION: Testicular parenchymal perfusion decreases in patients with varicocele, mostly in higher grades of varicocele. In case of validation, the method can be used in determining the damage of the testis with varicocele and the need for surgery.

Use of uroflow parameters in diagnosing an overactive bladder-Back to the drawing board.

AIMS: The aim of our study was to analyze whether uroflowmetry parameters are helpful in diagnosing overactive bladder (OAB). The working hypothesis was that the flow curves of patients with OAB symptoms would appear as a sharp peak flow rate with a short duration and high amplitude, lasting only for a short period during urgency sensation, followed by reduced urine flow. We introduced a new parameter called flow index (FI) defined as an average divided by maximal urine flow rates as a potential marker for diagnosing OAB. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study analyzing 757 urodynamic studies performed in women with lower urinary tract symptoms between 2007-2014. Based on subjective clinical symptoms patients were divided into four groups (pure OAB, mixed urinary incontinence with predominant OAB [MUI-OAB], mixed urinary incontinence with predominant SUI [MUI-SUI], and pure SUI patients). RESULTS: When comparing FI between pure OAB and pure SUI patients, a strong statistically significant difference was found (mean 0.45 ± 0.08 vs. 0.53 ± 0.09, respectively; P < 0.001). Similar results were found when comparing the patients with pure OAB and MUI-OAB versus patients with pure SUI and MUI-SUI (mean 0.47 ± 0.11 vs. 0.53 ± 0.09, respectively; P < 0.001). On the other hand, we did not find a statistically significant difference in the FI value between mixed urinary incontinence where SUI is the predominant factor and pure SUI groups (median 0.51 ± 0.09 vs. 0.53 ± 0.09, respectively; P > 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: FI may be used as an additional marker for OAB diagnosis. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:198-202, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Assessment of urethral vascularity using 2D colour Doppler high-frequency endovaginal ultrasonography in women treated for symptomatic stress urinary incontinence: 1-year prospective follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Urethral vascularity is responsible for organ perfusion. It is also believed to contribute to maintaining the normal tension in the urethral mucosa and contributes to approximately one third of urethral closure pressure. We hypothesised that in women undergoing treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), there is no change in blood flow intensity. METHODS: In this pilot study we recruited women attending the urogynaecology clinics between July and October 2009. Exclusion criteria included symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse or urinary tract infection. Colour Doppler ultrasound was performed at the level of the mid-urethra using a high-frequency (9-12 MHz) endovaginal ultrasonography (EVUS) focusing on the following vascular parameters: flow velocity (V), area of the vessels (A), intensity of perfusion (I), Tissue Pulsatility Index (TPI) and Tissue Resistance Index (TRI). Vascular assessments were repeated at 1 year. RESULTS: We examined 67 women with symptoms of SUI (17 women had surgery and 50 conservative management, i.e., pelvic floor muscle exercises). The mean (± SD) age in the conservative and surgical groups was 46 (±11) and 40 (±9) years respectively and median (range) parity was 2 (0-8) in both groups. Compared to baseline, no statistically significant differences were observed within each group (p > 0.05) or between the values of vascular parameters (V, A, I, TRI and TPI) at 1 year. There was also no difference in vascular parameters between the two groups. CONCLUSION: At 12 months there is no change in vascularity parameters in women who opt for conservative or surgical treatment of SUI.

The comparison of the technical parameters in endotracheal intubation devices: the Cmac, the Vividtrac, the McGrath Mac and the Kingvision.

Currently, there are plenty of videolaryngoscopes that appear on the market. They have different specifications. Some of these features favor the fact that they are more suited for educational purposes of future operators and others can be characterized with an excellent clinical use. In this study we compared four types of videolaryngoscopes. The aim of the study was to compare the technical specifications of the above-mentioned devices for usefulness in clinical practice and correlate these parameters with the subjective evaluation of these videolaryngoscopes usage performed in practice by an experienced medical staff. All devices considered in this study participated in another multicenter clinical study on the basis of which we completed the subjective evaluation of the operators. In order to examine the technical parameters of the equipment we established the cooperation with the Department of Microelectronics at Technical University of Lodz. Mechanical and optical parameters and the endoscopic tube current were taken into consideration. The C-MAC has a camera with the widest viewing angle (the OX axis-63.1, the axis OY-47.8), which in combination with the largest diagonal size of the display enables the operator to see the details relevant to clinical practice. It has also the strongest lamp intensity of the devices mentioned in this comparison (7800 Lx). In comparison of the clinical use in almost all compared parameters the Cmac D-blade is a winner, although for clinical education purpose we consider the Vividtrac a better device.

[Kidney cancer with venal thrombus-principles of menagement].

Frequency of renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus may reach up to 30% of cases. Epidemiologic data show that tumor thrombus by itself is not negative predictive factor. Meticulous preparation by analisis of high quality imaging, acurate preoperative patient and team preparation enables to make complete thrombus resection. In our analisis we propouse rules of holistic treatment for patients suffering from renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus. Applying of these rules results in satisfactory long term results.

Superselective renal artery embolization in the treatment of iatrogenic bleeding into the urinary tract.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of superselective renal artery embolization in patients with bleeding into the urinary system. MATERIAL/METHODS: From 2007 to 2012, 20 patients were treated with superselective renal artery embolization for bleeding after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), nephron-sparing surgery (NSS), including 1 patient with AVF after PCNL. During the procedure, embolization material was injected through a microcatheter to stop the bleeding. Embolization materials included a mixture of cyanoacrylate and lipiodol, embolization coils, and Spongostan. Clinical evaluation included remission of hematuria and normalization of blood morphotic elements. RESULTS: The cause of bleeding into the urinary tract was damage to vessels (all cases): with coexisting false aneurism (8 cases); with coexisting arterio-venus fistula (1 case); and with coexisting intrarenal hematoma (3 cases). The bleeding occurred 2-5 days after PCNL and NSS, and 10 days after PCNL with AVF. The mean hematocrit level was 22%-24%. Technical success was achieved in 20 cases. Clinical success was achieved in 19 cases. One patient with hematuria after PCNL with AVF needed a second endovascular treatment to stop bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Superselective renal artery embolization is an effective procedure in the treatment of iatrogenic bleeding into the urinary tract after PCNL and NSS.

Both the middle and distal sections of the urethra may be regarded as optimal targets for 'outside-in' transobturator tape placement.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the position of the tape under the urethra may influence 'outside-in' transobturator sling (TOT) outcome. METHODS: The study comprised 141 women who underwent TOT for clinically and urodynamically proved stress urinary incontinence. The postoperative ultrasound examination with an endovaginal biplane probe was performed before discharging the patients from hospital. The measurements obtained described the position of the tape relative to the urethra and pubic symphysis, as well as anatomical relationships in the anterior compartment. RESULTS: Ninety-six (68.1 %) patients were cured, 27 (19.1 %) significantly improved, and in 18 cases (12.7 %), the surgery failed. The tape position under the midurethra (40-70th percentile of the urethral length) or distal urethra (>70th percentile) coincided with better results (cure rate 67.1 and 82.4 %, respectively) than the location in the proximity of the bladder neck (<40th percentile) (21.4 % cured, p = 0.0015 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, the risk of failure was the lowest when the tape was located under the distal urethra. Other ultrasonographic findings were not related to treatment results. CONCLUSIONS: The highest failure rate for 'outside-in' TOT is associated with the location of the tape under the proximal third of the urethra. Both the middle and distal sections of the urethra may be regarded as targets for transobturator tape placement.

Intraoperative contrast-enhanced urosonography during endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children.

BACKGROUND: There are many controversies surrounding the effectiveness of endoscopic treatment of vesicouretheral reflux (VUR) in children, thus it is of highest priority to analyze factors influencing the outcome of therapy and to search for new methods that would increase the success rate and reduce the number of reinjections. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze whether intraoperative contrast-enhanced urosonography (ce-US) may increase the effectiveness of endoscopic anti-reflux therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intraoperative contrast-enhanced urosonography (ce-US) with SonoVue® was performed in 17 patients (25 ureteral units) undergoing endoscopic treatment of VUR. Ce-US was performed in the operating room before the procedure and after injection of the bulking material. When VUR persisted, the operator repeated the injection, which was followed by ce-US. The results were compared with those obtained from a control group (15 patients; 22 ureteral units). RESULTS: A repeat injection during a single endoscopic treatment was required in 24% of cases. The overall success rate confirmed at 6-12 months' follow-ups was 84%. The success rate was significantly higher in comparison to the control group (success: 64%). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative ce-US performed during endoscopic treatment of VUR enables immediate monitoring of outcome and provides the opportunity for repeat injection during the same procedure, thus increasing the efficacy of the procedure and reducing the number of reinjections.

Life satisfaction and work-related satisfaction among anesthesiologists in Poland.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to assess the level of life and job satisfaction of Polish anesthesiologists and to explore the impact of extrinsic-hygiene and intrinsic-motivating determinants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among consultant anesthesiologists in Lodz region. The questionnaire concerned patient care, burden, income, personal rewards, professional relations, job satisfaction in general, and life satisfaction. Respondents were asked to rate their level of satisfaction for each item on a seven-point Likert scale (1: extremely dissatisfied; 7: extremely satisfied). RESULTS: 86.03% of anesthesiologists were satisfied with their economic status, 77.94% found their health status satisfactory, and 52.21% viewed their personal future optimistically. In general, 71.32% of anesthesiologists were satisfied with their current job situation. Among the less satisfying job aspects were work-related stress (2.49; SD = 1.23), administrative burden (2.85; SD = 1.47), workload (3.63; SD = 1.56), and leisure time (3.09; SD = 1.44). CONCLUSIONS: Considerable work-related stress leads to job dissatisfaction among anesthesiologists. There is an association between job satisfaction and health status, social life, and economic status. Working for long hours by anesthesiologists results in a high risk of burnout.

Wear Mechanisms of the Working Surface of Gears after Scuffing Tests.

Identification of changes occurring on the working surface of lubricated gears using analytical equipment, e.g., an FE-SEM scanning electron microscope with an EDS microanalyzer, a WLI interferometric microscope, or a GDEOS optical discharge spectrometer, enables the characterisation of wear mechanisms of this surface. Definition of the phenomena occurring on the surface of tribo-couples after scuffing tests enables a comparative analysis of scuffing resistance and surface properties of the micro- and nanostructure, and elemental composition of the tested gears. Recognition and analysis of the wear mechanisms occurring on the working surface of gears will reduce the risk of damage and losses resulting from the need for maintenance and repair. The study concerned the working surfaces of gears made of 17HNM and 35HGSA steels on which a W-DLC/CrN coating was deposited. Shell Omala S4 GX 320 commercial industrial oil with a synthetic PAO (polyalphaolefin) base was selected for the lubrication of the gears. Tribological tests employed an FZG gear scuffing under severe conditions test method and they were carried out on a T-12U test rig for cylindrical gear analysis.

The screening of microorganisms capable of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) biodegradation.

As a result of examinations carried out, 16 strains of microorganisms able to grow on mineral media with methyl tert-butyl ether as the sole source of carbon and energy were isolated. Bacteria prevailed among the isolated microorganisms. The growth of microorganisms under laboratory conditions was long and accompanied by low biomass increase. Under the conditions of the experiment, the isolated microorganisms did not show any quantitatively measurable biodegradability of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) under aerobic conditions. This requires far-reaching caution with respect to trading in MTBE-modified petrols in order to protect the natural environment in Poland against contamination with that hard-to-biodegrade substance.

Most of the patients with suburethral sling failure have tapes located outside the high-pressure zone of the urethra.

OBJECTIVES: The high-pressure zone of the urethra (HPZ), which is crucial for the continence mechanism, extends between the point of the maximum urethral closure pressure and the urethral knee, and has been calculated to lie between 53% and 72% of the functional urethral length. According to recent studies the best results of suburethral slings are achieved when tapes are positioned under this zone. The aim of the study was to determine the location of tapes relative to the urethral length in patients seeking help due to recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following sling procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 61 patients suffering from recurrent SUI following suburethral slings performed from 6 months to 5 years earlier Forty-nine (80.3%) women were initially treated with a transobturator sling and 12 (19.7%) with a retropubic procedure. Twenty patients had the original sling performed at our department whereas, the other 41 in other institutions. The position of the tapes was determined at the sagittal plane by 3-D transvaginal ultrasound using a linear transducer The length of the urethra was measured from the bladder neck to the external urethral meatus following the urethral lumen, taking into account its curve. The position of the tapes relative to the percentage of the urethral length was calculated assuming the bladder neck as the proximal end of the urethra. The reference point was set at the midpoint on the tape. RESULTS: Only 13 (21.3%) patients had tapes positioned at 50%-75% of the urethral length. In 45 (73.8%) of women examined the tapes were found under proximal half of the urethra and in 3 (4.9%) distally to the 75% of the urethral length. CONCLUSIONS: In most patients in whom slings procedures proved unsuccessful the tapes are located under the proximal half of the urethra, that is outside the HPZ The position of a.tape outside the HPZ may be considered as a cause of suburethral sling failure.

Abrasive Wear Resistance of Ultrafine Ausferritic Ductile Iron Intended for the Manufacture of Gears for Mining Machinery.

The purpose of this study was to experimentally determine the abrasion wear properties of ausferritic ductile iron austempered at 250 °C in order to obtain cast iron of class EN-GJS-1400-1. It has been found that such a cast iron grade makes it possible to create structures for material conveyors used for short-distance transport purposes, required to perform in terms of abrasion resistance under extreme conditions. The wear tests addressed in the paper were conducted at a ring-on-ring type of test rig. The test samples were examined under the conditions of slide mating, where the main destructive process was surface microcutting via loose corundum grains. The mass loss of the examined samples was measured as a parameter characteristic of the wear. The volume loss values thus obtained were plotted as a function of initial hardness. Based on these results, it has been found that prolonged heat treatment (of more than 6 h) causes only an insignificant increase in the resistance to abrasive wear.

Study of the Impact of Coals and Claystones on Wear-Resistant Steels.

This paper discusses the impact of coal abrasive materials of varied petrographic composition and claystones containing admixtures of coal matter on the surface wear of wear-resistant martensitic steels. Wear tests were conducted at a test stand for three petrographic varieties of hard coal: vitrinite, clarinite, and durinite, and five samples of claystone. These tests revealed no significant effect of the type of coal abrasive used on the value of mass loss from the surface of the wear-resistant steel samples. The reason behind the foregoing is the observed tendency of coal abrasives, irrespective of their petrographic variety, to penetrate surface irregularities, especially those attributable to previous surface treatment of the samples and the impact of wear products. The dominant forms of surface damage were surface fatigue chipping and scratches caused by the particles which detached themselves from the surface of the steel samples, as observed for all the analysed coal variants. On the surfaces of the samples seasoned in the presence of claystones, highly varied forms of damage were observed: microcutting, scaly surface cracks, delamination, and deep cracks. In these cases, it was possible that the abrasive grains had been pressed into the steel surface irregularities, but no layered forms of the pressed-in abrasive material were observed to have developed. The paper also presents a model for the formation of coal films and discusses their possible effect on wear minimisation.

Effects of construction changes in the teeth of a gear transmission on acoustic properties.

This paper presents results of experimental research on the acoustic properties of gear wheels with high-profile teeth with differentiated tooth height. Those results showed that gear transmissions with high-profile teeth have the best acoustic properties, with the value of the transverse contact ratio εα ≈ 2.0. They also showed that a reduction in tooth height, and thereby in contact ratio, increased the sound pressure level.