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In recent decades, thanks to the advancements within materials science and engineering, a novel class of metallic compounds, named high and medium-entropy alloys, has begun to capture the attention of researchers worldwide. Despite their excellent mechanical and anticorrosive properties, the widespread usage of these materials in industrial applications still remains a challenge and a subject worthy of investigation. In the present work, an innovative concept of developing high and medium-entropy alloys by deposition welding technique is presented and analysed in detail. Melting a bundle of rods by the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) method, in the same molten pool, a medium-entropy alloy (MEA) from the AlCrFeNi system is deposited on a low carbon steel substrate. In order to increase the chemical homogenization of the deposited material and to eliminate or reduce the eventual defects that may occur, electric arc remelting without using filler metal was performed in transverse, longitudinal, or combined (transverse and longitudinal) direction relative to the initial deposition welding direction. The assessment of the resistance to corrosion, modifications of microstructure, chemical composition and hardness have revealed that the medium-entropy alloy, obtained by melting in the same welding pool of several common welding rods with various chemical compositions, is an innovative, sustainable, and advantageous alternative to stainless steel materials.

An electromagnetic tip-tilt-piston micromirror with a large stroke is presented. This research introduced a novel actuation structure, based on a spring made from conductive metallic glass with excellent mechanical properties. For the first time, two functional elements, an electromagnetic actuation element and a mechanical support structure, were successfully integrated into a single-layer spring, made of metallic glass. With this novel actuator, the performance of stroke and angle controllability is remarkably improved. The fabricated device can achieve a $418 ~\mu \text{m}$ static stroke in upward direction. Furthermore, the tilting angles of the micromirror can be controlled with maximum accuracy of 0.05°/mA. The device is robust and has miniature dimensions, comparable or smaller, than existing electromagnetic micromirror dimensions published in literature. The displacement values of the micromirror are larger, compared to state-of-the–art electromagnetic micromirrors, which usually have strokes under $300 ~\mu \text{m}$ and do not have angle control mechanism. In spectrometer applications, the micromirror with a large stroke and controllable angle allows spectrometers to achieve higher resolution. These special qualities of the micromirror, will provide efficient, and reliable spatial light modulation required for interferometer applications. [2023-0104]

Das Leben der Dialysepatienten hängt unbestritten vom vaskulären Zugang ab. Standard ist die chirurgische Schaffung eines Shunts (arteriovenöse Fistel, AVF), was besondere Vorbereitung und Expertise erfordert. Eine besondere Herausforderung sind die Shuntreifung und die Versorgung der shuntassoziierten Probleme mit dem Ziel, den Patienten eine möglichst reibungslose Dialyse langfristig zu ermöglichen und zentrale Venenkatheter zu ersparen. Dies erfordert die Versorgung mittels endovaskulärer Techniken und chirurgischer Revisionen. Es existieren multiple Instrumente, die für die AVF-Versorgung zur Verfügung stehen. Des Weiteren wurden über die letzten Jahre Instrumentation und Techniken entwickelt, die eine endovaskuläre AVF-Anlage ermöglichen. Darstellung aktuell genutzter Katheterinterventionen und Beleuchtung verfügbarer Methoden der endovaskulären Shuntanlage. In diesem Übersichtsartikel werden die Katheterinterventionen, Techniken, Komplikationen und Erfolge der jeweiligen Verfahren dargestellt. Perkutane Angioplastien (PTA) mit verschiedenen Ballons, Stent- und Stentgraftanlage sowie endovaskuläre Thrombektomie mittels verschiedener Methoden haben das Armamentarium der Shuntversorgung über die letzten Jahre erweitert und verbessert und sind eine wertvolle Addition zu den bisherigen chirurgischen Verfahren zur Behandlung der Shuntdysfunktion. Die Möglichkeit der endovaskulären Shuntanlage eröffnet eine ganz neue Perspektive in der Kreierung des Dialysezugangs und weist bereits gute Früherfolge auf. AVF-Anlage und -Versorgung sind ein zentrales und longitudinales Problem für Dialysepatienten. Es erfordert eine multidisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit. Kenntnis aller Verfahren und sorgfältige Selektion einer Methode für den individuellen Patienten bleiben von immenser Bedeutung. It is undisputed that the life of dialysis patients depends on the vascular access and on the problems associated with it. The standard procedure is the surgical creation of a shunt (arteriovenous fistula, AVF). Careful preoperative diagnostic imaging and surgical expertise are needed to successfully create an AVF. In addition, shunt maturation and long-term care require endovascular and surgical revision procedures in order to enable patients to undergo short and long-term dialysis and to avoid central venous catheters. There are several endovascular devices available, which enable treatment of AVF dysfunction and thrombosis. In addition, new devices and techniques have been developed that enable endovascular creation of an AVF. The goal of this paper is to present an overview of current endovascular, catheter-based techniques used in the care of AVFs and a description of available methods for an endovascular shunt. In this review the catheter interventions, techniques, complications and success of each procedure are presented. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with various balloons, stents, stent grafts and devices utilized for endovascular thrombectomy have widened and improved the spectrum and success of care of shunts. They are a valuable addition to the surgical procedures used so far for treatment of shunt dysfunction and complications. Endovascular shunt devices enable non-surgical creation of AVF and are exciting new developments that create new alternatives for dialysis access creation with very promising early results. The creation and care of an AVF are a central and longitudinal problems for dialysis patients, which require close cooperation in a multidisciplinary approach. Knowledge of all technical and surgical procedures and careful selection of a method for the individual patient remain the key to success and are of immense importance.

Objective: High-flow hemodialysis accesses are a well-recognized source of patient morbidity. Among available management strategies inflow constriction based on real-time physiologic flow monitoring offers a technically straightforward data-driven approach with potentially low morbidity. Despite the benefits offered by this approach, large contemporary series are lacking.Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained clinical database was undertaken to capture patients undergoing precision banding within a signal tertiary care institution between 2010 and 2019. Multivariable logistic regression modeling of thrombosis within 30 days and re-banding within 1 year were performed.Results: In total, 297 patients underwent banding during the study period for a total number of 398 encounters. Median [IQR] follow-up was 157 [52–373] days. Most accesses were upper arm with brachial artery inflow (84%) and half of the banding procedures were performed for flow imbalance based on exam, duplex, or fistulogram. Median flow rate reduction was 58%. The 30-day thrombosis rate after banding was 15 of 397 (3.8%) with a median time to event of 5.5 days (2–102). The re-banding rate within a year was 54 of 398 (14%) with a median time to re-banding of 134 days [56–224]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis using a univariate screen did not identify any predictors of 30-day thrombosis. Having a forearm radial-cephalic AVF compared to all other access types was protective against need for rebanding at 1 year (OR 0.12 95% CI 0.02–0.92, p= 0.04), as was flow imbalance as the indication for banding (OR 0.43 95% 0.23-0.79, p= 0.006).Conclusions: Precision banding offers an effective, low-morbidity approach for high-flow hemodialysis accesses. Early thrombosis is a rare event after precision banding, although in the long term, one in four patients will require re-banding to maintain control of flow volumes.

Data government has played an instrumental role in securing the privacy-critical infrastructure in the medical domain and has led to an increased need of federated learning (FL). While decentralization can limit the effectiveness of standard supervised learning, the impact of decentralization on partially supervised learning remains unclear. Besides, due to data scarcity, each client may have access to only limited partially labeled data. As a remedy, this work formulates and discusses a new learning problem federated partially supervised learning (FPSL) for limited decentralized medical images with partial labels. We study the impact of decentralized partially labeled data on deep learning-based models via an exemplar of FPSL, namely, federated partially supervised learning multi-label classification. By dissecting FedAVG, a seminal FL framework, we formulate and analyze two major challenges of FPSL and propose a simple yet robust FPSL framework, FedPSL, which addresses these challenges. In particular, FedPSL contains two modules, task-dependent model aggregation and task-agnostic decoupling learning, where the first module addresses the weight assignment and the second module improves the generalization ability of the feature extractor. We provide a comprehensive empirical understanding of FSPL under data scarcity with simulated experiments. The empirical results not only indicate that FPSL is an under-explored problem with practical value but also show that the proposed FedPSL can achieve robust performance against baseline methods on data challenges such as data scarcity and domain shifts. The findings of this study also pose a new research direction towards label-efficient learning on medical images.

Background: Catheter-associated bacteremia (CAB) often leads to removal of tunneled dialysis catheters with delayed insertion (RDI). Exchange over a guidewire (ExW) can be considered for access site preservation. Fibrin sheath disruption (FSD) during exchange is not standard practice for infected catheters. Here we present the first analysis of outcomes after such exchanges (ExW-FSD).Methods: Retrospective analysis of catheter exchanges and removals performed by interventional nephrology for bacteremia in 2008–2011 observed for 20.5 months. Charts were reviewed for recurrent or new bacteremia and death at 3 months, and for occurrence of thrombosis or stenosis along the catheter site. Catheter exchange with central venogram and fibrin sheath disruption was our standard of care in all patients presenting for CAB. RDI was performed either for tunnel infection, non-clearing of infection or at the request of referring physicians.Results: Over 4 years, 66 patients were treated for CAB. Forty-two patients underwent ExW-FSD, which was performed even for Staph. aureus, gram negative bacteremia or candidemia. RDI was performed in 24 cases. Bacteremia recurred in 3 (7%) patients after ExW-FSD, and in 7 (30%) cases after RDI (p= 0.02). There was no significant difference in new infections: 5 (12%) after ExW-FSD and 2 (8%) after RDI. There was no death within 3 months after ExW-FSD and 4 (27%) (p= 0.005) deaths in the RDI group. There was one new central venous stenosis in the ExW-FSD group (2%) with no loss of access site, and 8 (33%) patients developed thrombosis/stenosis along the prior catheter track after RDI (33%) (p= 0.006) with loss of access site in (21%).Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis of treatment of CAB, ExW-FSD was associated with lower recurrence of bacteremia, lower death rate and a lower incidence of access site loss compared to RDI. These data support ExW-FSD use in patients with CAB.

We point out that the quasicentral modulus is a noncommutative analogue of a nonlinear rearrangement invariant Sobolev condenser capacity. In the case of the shifts by the generators of a finitely generated group, the quasicentral modulus coincides with a corresponding nonlinear condenser capacity on the Cayley graph of the group. Some other capacities related to the quasicentral modulus are also discussed.

This review provides the summarized current knowledge on the degradation and effects on the non-target organisms from soil and aquatic environment of the triazole fungicides approved to be used in most of the European Union also taking into account stereospecific differences. Synthetized data reveal that triazole fungicides are usually persistent in aqueous environment and soil, and manifest moderately acute and chronic toxicity against the organisms living in these environments. Furthermore, the enantiomers of triazole fungicides proved to have distinct distribution and effects on these environments. These data are important for assuring a sustainable agriculture by production and use of single-stereoisomer and/or encouraging a management of agricultural crops with minimum effects on environment.

The paper presents technologies for the manufacturing of modulated bi-metal elements, used as interchangeable reinforcement, according to patent RO129865. The bi-metal was developed by surface build-up of functional layers that have increased hardness, on a low alloyed steel substrate, so as to ensure maximum lifespan in exploitation. Welded layers deposited on active areas has a thickness of 3 mm and have high hardness (about 50-60 HRC) in order to ensure a good resistance to wear by abrasion, possibly combined with fatigue, erosion or corrosion. The modulated elements sizes are equal to or higher than the wear additions, up to 10%, being dimensioned on the principles of preventive-repetitive maintenance. The interchangeable bi-metal elements are welded on the steel components of machines, used for hot or cold processing of parts and semi-finished products manufactured in series.

We present the manufacturing process, by melting in a controlled environment, of specific alloys that have a benefic effect on the diffusion phenomena’s in the base material of the addition coated rods for brazing. The friable precursors obtained by melting are grinded with the purpose of integrating them in the coat of the rods, namely the addition material. The metallurgic activation activity of the precursors is enhanced by using them as nano-powders in the coat of the rods.Of major importance for deep joint capillary brazing are the fluidity and superficial tension of the melt - addition material, or, in case of non-ferrous alloys, the degree of de-oxidation of base materials. In order to improve the above mentioned characteristics, we made precursors type: 5o% Cu-45% Sn-5% P (CIF); 92% Cu-2% Si 6% P- (RAV). The batch design was done by two distinct melting processes, in high frequency currents (CIF) and electric arc (RAV) in a controlled environment. The melts were cast in graphite forms as loose briquettes. The briquettes thus obtained were analyzed structurally and sclerometrically, and after testing, they were grinded in planetary mills until we obtained nano-powders. The resulting powders will be used, as required, to prepare brazing sheaths.

The paper presents the current state of researches carried out in order to improve homogeneity of mixtures for metallic powders; our priority is those with different participation in the mixture, by mechanical alloying. Mixtures of this type are used in the production of welding and related materials.Recently, research has been done to improve deposited metal properties by welding with coated electrodes, by depositing nanostructures, with uncertain results due to the low degree of homogeneity of blends involved in the electrode coating.The performance enhancement method for coated rods, developed by introducing in their coat activating precursors, used for brazing, is well known. The solution to improve the degree of homogeneity of alloying systems by mechanical alloying has been successfully applied for the manufacture of coated electrodes and those tubular with a composite core which are deposited by manual welding or TIG welding, type Fe25% Cr-4% W-V-Ti-La. The grouping of powder components for mechanical alloying was done in such a way that, finally, we have groups with the granulation, respectively specific weight, close and a low potential of segregation.The method of mechanical alloying of the components was used in the manufacture of coated rods in order to improve the fluidity of silver-rich buffer layers deposited in order to favor the diffusion phenomena of brazing alloys in the base materials.Testing the homogeneity of the alloying systems was performed indirectly by metallographic analysis and sclerometric tests.

Experimental realized study express a good result for sample experiment. Regarding all five statistical parameters are significant to final testing which validates the training program applied.

ABSTRACTExisting methodological approaches to business and human rights frequently fail to address the broad spectrum of relevant issues in the field. Persistent disciplinary silos and normative limitations of key legal and governance instruments result in reductive normative approaches and ultimately in ineffective policies. Focusing on the normative environment covered by UN Guiding Principle on Business and Human Rights No 9, specifically on the intersection between business and human rights in international investment, this paper argues for the need to put forward interdisciplinary socio-legal methodologies. It contends that any comprehensive methodology addressing the field ought to account for the specificity of existing governance models, the intrinsic dominant role of corporate actors and the socio-legal complexity displayed at the intersection of human rights with business and market mechanisms. The analysis developed is advanced not as a ‘model’ methodology but as an instance of mapping out how a relatively narrow governance approach can be enhanced methodologically in order to better inform research and policy design.

Many high entropy alloy systems have been exploited in the past decade and among them AlCrFeCoNi alloy is widely studied. The structural and mechanical properties of AlCrxFeCoNi alloy was studied in this paper for different content of chromium (atomic ratio, x= 0.2 to 2.0 at. %). In this study, ten samples having different chemical composition were prepared from raw materials using RAV equipment, type MRF ABJ 900. The microstructure features, crystallite sizes and microhardness depends on chemical composition of the alloy. The microhardness values for AlCrxFeCoNi (x = 0.2 to 2 at. %) increases from 389.6 to 562.6 HV0.1. The maximum value of microhardness for the high entropy alloy AlCrxFeCoNi (x = 1), has been obtained for 20.55 wt% Cr and has the value 562.6 HV0.1.

The paper presents the concept of designing active hammer edges of horizontal mills for grinding tungsten carbide waste by making composite layers deposited by welding. The new generation of hammers is carried out on the principles of preventive and repetitive maintenance, by endowment with wear addition, predetermined as volume and geometric configuration, depending on the specific conditions of uninterrupted use for a period of time established for economic reasons. The main demands that affect the integrity of the active areas of grinding mills (high pressure abrasion wear, thermo-mechanical fatigue) generate both material losses and output from working rates, as well as excessive elongation of the support elements under the combined action of centripetal force and of the pressure exerted by the ground load. Under these conditions, the technically and economically optimized solution is to design the modular active elements in the form of easily assembled detachable components, made of a low alloy steel with average tear resistance (450-600MPa) on which we deposit by welding layers of composite austenitic steel, hardened by compression, so as to increase the lifetime of the hammers by up to 35% compared to the present solution, which can be upgraded up to 3 times for reuse.

Stable, high-resolution intravital imaging of the lung has become possible through the utilization of vacuum-stabilized imaging windows. However, this technique is extremely invasive and limited to only hours in duration. Here we describe a minimally invasive, permanently implantable window for high-resolution intravital imaging of the murine lung that allows the mouse to survive surgery, recover from anesthesia, and breathe independently. Compared to vacuum-stabilized windows, this window produces the same high-quality images without vacuum-induced artifacts; it is also less invasive, which allows imaging of the same lung tissue over a period of weeks. We further adapt the technique of microcartography for reliable relocalization of the same cells longitudinally. Using commonly employed experimental, as well as more clinically relevant, spontaneous metastasis models, we visualize all stages of metastatic seeding, including: tumor cell arrival; extravasation; growth and progression to micrometastases; as well as tumor microenvironment of metastasis function, the hallmark of hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells.

High damping capacity materials present an increased interest in many applications were vibration and noise reduction is absolutely necessary. Metallic materials with a high internal friction (IF) are becoming valuable because of them usual mechanical properties that fulfill the damping capacity in applications. Some of the shape memory alloys present a huge damping capacity during the solid state transformation (M↔A) based on the re-orientation and accommodation of the material structure. Iron based shape memory alloy present the best advantages for industrial application as dumpers in different areas. Beside civil construction domain these materials can cover also applications in automotive industry as shock impact absorbers for low velocities as protection for engine parts and also for noise reduction. By these means in this article we analyze FeMnSi+Al alloy with a new chemical composition obtained through classical melting method in Ar controlled atmosphere.

Inspired by Deleuze and Guattari, the article discusses Roma Pentecostalism as nomad self-governance or self-ministry and political affirmation, in a dialectical conversation with stable apparatuses of power such as state and transnational polities advancing a neoliberal program of social integration as semiological apparatus of capture. The latter is upheld by expert social sciences as royal sciences, which translate alternative forms of self-governance into the conceptual apparatus of the state and transnational polities. On the other hand, Pentecostal self-ministry works as disaffected power undoing the architecture of the state subject, authorizing new hermeneutics of the self to take control over semiological acts of translation, and engenders a political resubjectivation of the governed. The article identifies Roma Pentecostalism as a source of political reawakening of Romani civil society, a creative line of flight with an immense power of deterritorialization of the main domains of subjection.

The Akko Tower Wreck is the remains of a 25-m-long merchant brig, which sank in Akko harbour during the second quarter of the nineteenth century. During underwater excavations, three iron-strapped deadeyes were retrieved from the shipwreck. Metallurgical investigation revealed information related to the manufacturing technologies of the objects. The presence of equiaxed grains combined with elongated inclusions indicates that the strops were made from indirect-smelted wrought iron manufactured by hot-forging and joined by riveting and forge welding. The welding zone of the loop was identified as a plain lap joint, and that of the chain links as a scarf joint. The high concentration of inclusions found on the forge-welding fracture surface may indicate the use of sand as the flux material. The composition, microstructure and manufacturing technology suggest that the deadeyes were manufactured during the second quarter of the nineteenth century, which supports the dating of the ship by other evidence.

Introduction. Cardiovascular events represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the entire population. Arterial stiffness is currently considered one of the most important risk factors for the development of cardiovascular events. The gold-standard for evaluating arterial stiffness is pulse wave velocity (PWV). Recent studies have demonstrated that PWV is an independent risk factor regarding the development of cardiovascular events, especially in certain categories of patients.

The productivity of large scale process manufacturing, of mill cutters for removing the asphalt, is significantly influenced by the deep joint brazing process, by wolfram cable stiffeners sintered in supports made of low alloy steel with chromium. Unanimously accepted solutions of brazing in oven with controlled conditions or in CIF, requires brazing material in shape of pastille having well defined properties of deoxidiser of basic materials, of lifting and complete filling through capillarity of brazing joint and of assurance a good resistance to thermo-mechanical fatigue. The experiments made in CIF with economical materials type Ag140+Ag156+Cu-Sn-Si, in couple with boron-fluorine flows, have underlined a good behaviour to brazing and complete joints filling characteristics. These materials can easily be done by powder technology. The shape and position of the inductor, corroborate with heating-cooling parameters of the brazing assembly, ensure a good resistance to thermal shock of stiffeners made of sintered carbides. Metallographic analysis and hardness tests have revealed structures with defects like: decarburization, oxidizing corrosion and white spot, in the limit allowed by the product norms.

Two five-component AlxCrFeCoNi high-entropy alloys, x-0.6 and 0.8, were prepared by vacuum arc-melting. Electron beam surface re-melting was employed to modify the surface properties of the two high-entropy alloys. The effects of electron beam surface re-melting on the structure and mechanical properties of the alloys were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and the Vickers hardness test. Regions of Al0.6CrFeCoNi (P3 alloy) subjected to multi-pass electron beam surface re-melting showed an average value of 374 HV, an increase of 28% when compared to base metal values, while Al0.8CrFeCoNi (P2 alloy) welds exhibited a much higher increase to 530 HV, corresponding to a 34% increase relative to the values obtained with the base metals. In the P2 alloy subjected to multi-pass surface re-melting, significant temper softening caused by overlapping tracks was detected, in contrast to the hardening of the surface induced by a single-pass. It is noteworthy that the significant increase in hardness realized in the P2 multi-pass fusion zones resulted in a microstructure with a high tendency to crack. The increased hardness of that region subjected to electron beam surface re-melting for both alloys is likely associated with a superposition of several factors related to the high cooling rates of solidification in the electron beam re-melted areas.

There is increased usage of flexible electronics recently in various applications such as wearable devices, flexible displays and sensors. Studies on the durability of conductive metal traces under cyclic mechanical loading is crucial since these conductors will be subjected to repeated bending. In this work, the mechanical and electrical behavior of silver printed conductors was tested using cyclic three-point bend test. The samples were flexible polymer thick film (PTF) silver (Ag) ink printed on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The durability of this PTF Ag ink, which has a hyper-elastic binder and Ag flakes, was studied by performing cyclic bending tests. Four-point resistivity measurements and imaging of the sample both before and after bending were performed. A custom tester machine was used to apply strain to the circuit and measure the resistivity of the silver trace. The results of the bending test show that the silver trace does not undergo significant deformation and the change in resistance is less than 0.6% under both tensile and compressive tests. Fatigue tests were also performed by cyclic bending tests for three trials in which batches of 10,000 cycles were completed. The printed silver wire withstood 30,000 cycles of bend tests and produced only 2.64% change in resistance. This indicates that the printed wires are very durable even after 30,000 cycles of outer bending. Imaging was also conducted on these samples to study the effect of repeated bending on the morphology of the silver conductive trace. Although there was an increase in surface roughness before and after cyclic bending, there was no obvious deformation or delamination observed in the samples.

Climate variability is a hot topic not only for scientists and policy-makers, but also for each and every one of us. The anthropogenic activities are considered to be responsible for most climate change, however there are large uncertainties about the magnitude of effects of solar variability and other extraterrestrial influences, such as galactic cosmic rays on terrestrial climate. Clouds play an important role due to feedbacks of the radiation budget: variation of cloud cover/composition affects climate, which, in turn, affects cloud cover via atmospheric dynamics and sea temperature variations. Cloud formation and evolution are still under scientific scrutiny, since their microphysics is still not understood. Besides atmospheric dynamics and other internal climatic parameters, extraterrestrial sources of cloud cover variation are considered. One of these is the solar wind, whose effect on cloud cover might be modulated by the global atmospheric electrical circuit. Clouds height and composition, their seasonal variation and latitudinal distribution should be considered when trying to identify possible mechanisms by which solar energy is transferred to clouds. The influence of the solar wind on cloud formation can be assessed also through the ap index - the geomagnetic storm index, which can be readily connected with interplanetary magnetic field, IMF structure. This paper proposes to assess the possible relationship between both cloud cover and solar wind proxies, as the ap index, function of cloud height and composition and also through seasonal studies. The data covers almost three solar cycles (1984-2009). Mechanisms are looked for by investigating observed trends or correlation at local/seasonal scale

In this paper the authors present some of the results of research on the behavior of high entropy alloys used in ballistic protection structures. Bullet impact testing methodology and results on layered Ballistic Packages that incorporate high entropy alloys (HEA) are presented. The paper details the technological processes used to improve the mechanical characteristics of Ballistic Packages. The optimization of the high entropy alloy based layered ballistic composite structures is also investigated. Testing methodology of ballistic boxes, the special heat treatment processes, the homogenization and the artificial aging of high entropy alloys, designed and applied during scientific research; represent the novelties of the article. Ballistic Packages are layered structures which include combinations of the following materials: HEA, armored steel, ceramic plates and laminated polyamide fibers arranged in a predetermined order depending on the constructive version. Ballistic Boxes behavior was investigated by ballistic experimental methods and numerical simulation methods. For the numerical simulation a FEM with an explicit numerical code was used. The numerical and test results are consistent in underling the ballistic protection effectiveness of the investigated configuration.

The paper presents research made in order to assure additional conditions, compared to those in the general standard, to brazing rods, in order to guarantee safety for the environment and for the brazed joints, against corrosion and embrittlement, in high risk conditions. Environmental safety is ensured by limiting the amount, at 0.25% in depositions, of dangerous residual elements at: Cd<0.1%; Hg<0.1%; Pb<0.1%; Cr<0.1%; As<0.1%. The safety of structures against corrosion is provided by the alloying level of deposits and by neutralizing the coat’s activity. The structure safety towards the embrittlement of brazed joints is ensured by limiting the content of embrittling elements, namely: Sb+Fe+Bi at a maximum of 0.3% and the content of diffusible hydrogen at maximum 5 cm3/100g raw material and by limiting the coat humidity at maximum 10%. The experiments were performed to ensure the set out requirements by following the selection of raw materials on the input criteria of prohibited chemicals, reducing the water content from the elements that make up the coat and by diminishing it’s hygroscopicity by neutralizing it. Prescribing additional conditions has an effect on manufacturing costs, which requires productivity increase at brazing, diminishing work temperature, increasing the moistening capacity of products, reducing the smoke level, effects pursued by the research.

Brazing copper or copper-steel structures imposes measurements regarding deposits and base materials, and regarding the gas content, hydrogen and oxygen, that comes from the deoxidizing coat. The deoxidizing coat is made out of complex salts, hydroxides and acids with high hygroscopicity. Research effected in order to improve the deoxidizer capacity of the coat and to reduce its hygroscopicity, taking into account the ratio at coating of the rods, has highlighted the possibility of equipping the material with powders that have chemical active proprieties for deoxidizing processes at brazing. To this end we developed the pre-alloy type 48%Cu–47%Sn–4%P–1%Si, powder, grain size 0,05mm. The product was used, with a participation of 8% of the total coating mass, at manufacturing by extrusion of the new rods for brazing copper semi-products. We executed and characterized deep joints type copper-copper and copper-stainless steel.Brazing process results, have appreciated, detected by melted metal deposition tests, moistening angle and respectively of the mechanical characteristics of the achieved joints.Results have confirmed the above mentioned hypothesis; it highlighted superior values to those obtained with classic rods, at technical and technological proprieties.

Background and Aims. Sulodexide has been reported to have antiproteinuric and nephroprotective properties. We investigated the effects of long-term low-dose Sulodexide on proteinuria and renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by diabetic nephropathy (DN), hypertensive nephropathy (HN) and primary glomerulonephritis (GN).

This paper deals with the calculation of the angles of rotation of the robots elements. Determination of the position of the gripping device orientation occurs when it touch the working object. The position of working object will determine and rotation of the manipulator elements that must perform database actions.

The efficiency of the technological operations executed by robots depends on how their kinematic parameters were calculated. This paper presents the exactly calculus of the robots kinematics parameters. As the algorithm has a substantial number of operations, it is necessary to use the computer.

The steel cool cracking is controlled by repartition of hydrogen in the metal too, i.e.. by the possibility of realizing great local concentrations. The accumulation of hydrogen depends upon the existence of reversible and irreversible traps, or the possibilities of its diffusion, for different conditions of thermic gradient, stress level, the concentration gradient, or the intensivity of the electric field. A good knowledge about these traps is important for the elaboration of materials resistance to fragilization through hydrogen, as well as for the subsequent treatment for dehydrogenation.

The paper presents research made to achieve environmental powder precursors from a CuSnP alloy, used in the manufacturing process of brazing materials, such as coated rods. The innovation of the paper consists in the elemental participation of the components in the new alloys, procedure that takes place in the alloying process, through coat conditions of the addition materials and by simultaneous obtaining the new precursors that fulfill high friability and deoxidation conditions of the participants in the brazing process. Developing the copper alloy batches is conditioned by a good protection to oxidation and gas absorption from the melting oven atmosphere. In order to protect the melt from the above mentioned phenomena’s we developed a slagging flux, boron-cryolithe type, which has melting proprieties below those of the copper phosphorus alloy, approx. 700°C. The load calculation was made based on the technical characteristics of the industrial base materials that were used, taking into account the loss coefficient of 5%. The melting, casting and cooling of the samples, dimensioned so they will be friable, was accomplished through classic procedures. The grinding of the sample, including the moistening thermic treatments, was achieved by experimental research, followed by calculations, based on the criteria of maximum yield for grinding. Estimating the sample friability, in the preliminary phase of the experimental determinations, was needed in order to restrain the testing domain, through structural and hardness analyses. The chemical composition of the samples was spectral determined on the copper and copper phosphorus programs.

The paper presents some aspects regarding tribological characteristics of composite tops of the electrodes for spot welding. The solution aims to improve the resistance to deformation and high intensity electric current conductibility without loses and excessive local heating. The composite material was obtained by mechanical alloying process, from a mixture of tungsten carbide, chromium, CuNiAl alloy and cooper powder which has been heated in furnace at 1100°C. The embedding process aims to avoid the toxic effects of metallic elements such as Be and Zr, which are usually introduced in cupper alloys for improving the mechanical characteristics. The tribological characteristics and microhardness of the melted zone were measured in order to estimate the strengthening effect obtained by the tungsten carbide presence for different mixture recipe.

The paper presents research conducted for the development of precursors and wrapped rods for brazing, that deposit, through melting, two different alloys, with respect to the level of silver alloying and the melting temperature. The alloy with the high silver content is introduced under the form of powder, in the coating of the brazing rods, in a participation proportion that assures a buffer layer, with advance proprieties of diffusion in the base metal and in the core alloy of the coated rod. The participation ratio of the silver rich powder alloy is established within the following limits 8-12%, depending on their melting point, the grinding degree and mixing with the deoxidizer coat. The development of the precursors was made by homogeneous melting and spraying on a oblique plan, the grains obtained were grounded, the grist obtained is considered optimum to be introduced in the coating mixture after it successfully passed through a sieve with a mesh of 0.1 mm. The alloyed precursors with 45% silver, grounded between the above mentioned limits, were introduced in the deoxidizer coat mixture af the bare rods type Ag30 according to SR EN 1044/1999. The resulted mixture was used to manufacture experimental lots of covered rods for brazing, which were used for testing, in order to achieve highly important joints. The melting temperature of the precursors was established through micro-alloying so that it will be 10-15°C higher than that of the deoxidizer coat, which in turn has a lower melting temperature, by 56-60°C, than the melting temperature of the core alloy. The deoxidizer coat is usually fluoroboric type, conforming to SR EN 1045/2001. Representative joints made with the new experimental rods, after testing, presented results consistent with the requirements, which allowed the authors to appreciate this method as appropriate for cost reduction with brazing materials in the use of composite coated rods.

Background In Europe, health-care policies are determined at a national level and differ between countries. This analysis from a prospective, longitudinal, non-interventional study aimed to describe patterns in the clinical monitoring and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in five European countries.Methods Country-specific cohorts of adult patients with compensated CHB managed in clinics in Germany, France, Poland, Romania and Turkey were followed for up to 2 years between March 2008 and December 2010.Results A total of 1,267 patients were included. Baseline age and gender distribution were similar across countries for patients who were treated (n=567) and untreated (n=700) at baseline. Most treated patients were receiving monotherapy at baseline, most frequently with entecavir or tenofovir in Germany, France and Turkey, and with lamivudine in Poland and Romania. Use of pegylated interferon was more frequent in Poland and Romania than in other countries. In Romania monotherapy with entecavir increased after it became reimbursed in 2008. Hospitalizations during follow-up were more frequent in Romania (1.45 hospital days/patient-year) and Poland (1.81 days/patient-year) than in Turkey, France and Germany (0.00, 0.05 and 0.10 days/patient-year, respectively); clinic visits were more frequent in Poland (3.20 versus 0.30–1.78 visits/patient-year across other countries).Conclusions These results illustrate country-specific patterns in the management of CHB patients across Europe. Observed monitoring patterns, hospitalization rates and other health-care utilization may be related to cost and reimbursement issues; however, further study in individual countries would be required to con-firm these (post hoc) observations.

Background Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is an important health concern, but there are few studies describing its management in different countries. This prospective, longitudinal, non-interventional study aimed to assess differences in CHB management in five European countries (Germany, France, Poland, Romania and Turkey).Methods Data were collected from CHB patients’ records between 2008 and 2010. Patients were stratified by treatment status at baseline (treated or untreated). The primary objective was to estimate the probability of a CHB management modification (treatment initiation or change) among patients from each country during a 2-year follow-up.Results A total of 1,267 patients were included (567 treated, 700 untreated). Baseline characteristics between countries and treatment status groups were broadly comparable. Most patients had an alanine aminotransferase measurement in the 12 months prior to baseline; proportions of patients with an HBV DNA assessment varied by country and treatment status. The Kaplan–Meier-estimated probability of any treatment modification ranged from 9.4% (Turkey) to 30.1% (Poland) at 12 months and 10.0% (Turkey) to 40.0% (Poland) at 24 months. Modifications were more common in treated than untreated patients. The most frequently reported reasons for modifying treatment were HBV-DNA-related. The majority of treated patients were treated with monotherapy; however, choice of therapy differed between countries.Conclusions This is the first longitudinal study describing CHB management in European countries. Differences were observed in treatment and monitoring between countries, but alanine aminotransferase and HBV DNA levels consistently emerged as key tests in the management of CHB in all five countries.