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Purpose: To compare effectiveness of different treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who were scheduled for cardioversion (CV) or ablation (CA) presenting with left atrium appendage (LAA) thrombus despite chronic oral anticoagulation therapy (OAC)., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. We analyzed 2014-2019 medical records of patients scheduled for CV or CA of AF who were diagnosed with LAA thrombus despite optimal OAC and had a follow-up transesophageal echocardiogram (TOE). Changes in treatment were divided into the following groups: switch to a drug with different mechanism of action, switch to a drug with similar mechanism of action, initiation of combination therapy, or deliberate no change in treatment. Patients with contraindications to non-vitamin K antagonists were excluded from the analysis., Results: We analyzed data of 129 patients comprising 181 cycles of treatment. The overall effectiveness of LAA thrombus dissolution was 51.9% regardless of the number of cycles and 42.6% for the first cycle of treatment. Any change of treatment was more effective than deliberate no change-OR 2.97 [95% CI: 1.07-8.25], P = 0.031, but no particular strategy seemed to be more effective than the other. Left atrium area (OR 0.908 [95% CI: 0.842-0.979]) and number of treatment cycles (OR 0.457 [95% CI: 0.239-0.872]) were both adversely related to thrombus resolution. There was one ischemic and three bleeding adverse events during the treatment., Conclusion: LAA thrombus resolution in patients already on OAC may require a change of previous OAC treatment but the overall effectiveness of dissolution seems to be about 50%., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Introduction: There is insufficient evidence on the efficacy and safety of pharmacological cardioversion of recent‑onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in elderly patients. Antazoline has been shown to be effective and safe in various patient populations., Objectives: We aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of intravenous antazoline for pharmacological cardioversion of recent‑onset AF between patients aged 75 years or older and those younger than 75 years., Patients and Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted using data derived from emergency room medical records of patients referred for pharmacological cardioversion due to symptomatic AF lasting less than 48 hours. The threshold for old age was set at 75 years. Conversion to sinus rhythm was considered the primary efficacy outcome. The primary safety outcome was defined as any adverse event requiring hospitalization., Results: The study included 334 participants, of whom 110 patients were aged 75 years or older (study group) and 224 patients were younger than 75 years (controls). Successful cardioversion was achieved using lower mean (SD) antazoline doses in the study group than in controls: 151 (59) mg vs 168 (58) mg (P = 0.039). Study and control groups showed a similar efficacy and safety of antazoline (78.2% and 68.3%, respectively; odds ratio [OR], 1.66; 95% CI, 0.98-1.31; P = 0.06) as well as hospitalization rates (0.9% and 4.0%, respectively; OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.03-1.75; P = 0.17)., Conclusions: Intravenous antazoline seems to be effective and safe for pharmacological cardioversion of recent‑onset AF in elderly patients in the emergency setting.

Background: Arrhythmia-mediated cardiomyopathy (AMC) is an essential clinical situation that is commonly underdiagnosed. Successful arrhythmia control leads to improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and heart failure (HF) symptoms in patients with structural heart disease (SHD)., Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of catheter ablation (CA) of persistent arrhythmia on HRQoL, biochemical and clinical parameters HF in patients with SHD and AMC., Methods: Patients with SHD, on optimal medical treatment, with persistent arrhythmia and strong suspicion of AMC, scheduled for CA were prospectively enrolled. Study procedures included: HRQoL measurement (the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire [MLHFQ] and the EuroQol Research Foundation [EQ-5D-3L] questionnaire), biomarkers (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], troponin T [TnT], matrix metalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9], soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 [sST2], tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 [TIMP-1]), transthoracic echocardiography and clinical assessment., Results: At 6 months, 30/35 (86%) patients were free of persistent arrhythmia. Patients who underwent successful CA had a significant improvement in HRQoL: MLHFQ (median [interquartile range, IQR], -22 [-28; -11]; P <0.001), EQ5D-3L score (mean [standard deviation], 21.8 (16.8); P <0.001); EQ5D-3L index (median [IQR], 0.09 (0.05; 0.18); P <0.001). A significant decrease in injury bio markers was observed: NT-proBNP (median [IQR], -414 [-1397; -318] pg/ml; P <0.001), TnT (median [IQR], -2.27 (-8.52; 0.55) ng/l; P <0.01) but not in fibrosis biomarkers: (median [IQR], sST2: 2.20 [-5.4; 4.3] ng/ml; P = 0.741, MMP-9: 34 [-376; 283] ng/ml; P = 0.881, TIMP-1: 11.1 [-17.1; 31.9] ng/ml; P = 0.215). There was a significant increase of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (mean [SD], 9.8 [5.9] %; P <0.01)., Conclusions: Successful CA significantly improved clinical status, LVEF, and HRQoL of patients with SHD and AMC.

Aims Blood stasis is crucial in developing left atrial (LA) thrombi. LA appendage peak flow velocity (LAAFV) is a quantitative parameter for estimating thromboembolic risk. However, its impact on LA thrombus resolution and clinical outcomes remains unclear. Methods and results The LAT study was a multicentre observational study investigating patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and silent LA thrombi detected by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Among 17 436 TEE procedures for patients with AF, 297 patients (1.7%) had silent LA thrombi. Excluding patients without follow-up examinations, we enrolled 169 whose baseline LAAFV was available. Oral anticoagulation use increased from 85.7% at baseline to 97.0% at the final follow-up (P < 0.001). During 1 year, LA thrombus resolution was confirmed in 130 (76.9%) patients within 76 (34–138) days. Conversely, 26 had residual LA thrombi, 8 had thromboembolisms, and 5 required surgical removal. These patients with failed thrombus resolution had lower baseline LAAFV than those with successful resolution (18.0 [15.8–22.0] vs. 22.2 [17.0–35.0], P = 0.003). Despite limited predictive power (area under the curve, 0.659; P = 0.001), LAAFV ≤ 20.0 cm/s (best cut-off) significantly predicted failed LA thrombus resolution, even after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio, 2.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–6.09; P = 0.015). The incidence of adverse outcomes including ischaemic stroke/systemic embolism, major bleeding, or all-cause death was significantly higher in patients with reduced LAAFV than in those with preserved LAAFV (28.4% vs. 11.6%, log-rank P = 0.005). Conclusion Failed LA thrombus resolution was not rare in patients with AF and silent LA thrombi. Reduced LAAFV was associated with failed LA thrombus resolution and adverse clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates whether religion as an important feature of culture affects the formation of personal and social resilience, thus becoming a developmental factor. A questionnaire surveying a sample of 100 rural residents in the Łowicz Diocese in Poland showed that religion was still 'going strong', being an enduring element of national and local culture. The results from this Polish Catholic region undermine prevailing secularisation theories. The research shows that faith provides a significantly positive strength needed to cope with daily life, as well as during crisis situations. It enables people not only to 'survive' but also to 'live well and creatively'. It supplies needed continuity and enhances community solidarities. By consolidating resilience, religion gives people's lives meaning, and augments subjective senses of wellbeing. As a source of social capital, religion mobilises people into joint activities for the parish and local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) recipients. It is a marker of impaired CRT response mainly mediated by the reduction of effectively captured biventricular paced beats (BiVp). There are no randomized trials comparing strategies to maintain high BiVp percentage., Objective: To compare the efficacy of rhythm vs rate control strategies in CRT recipients with long-standing persistent AF., Methods: We performed a randomized trial including CRT recipients with persistent AF resulting in low BiVp%. All patients received amiodarone, the rhythm control group received external electrical cardioversion (EC), and the rate control group received atrioventricular node ablation, if needed. The primary end-point was 12-month BiVp% (NCT)., Results: 43 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 68.4 (SD: ± 8.3) years and the mean BiVp% 82.4% ± 9.7%. AF lasted 25 ± 19 months. The mean baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrium area, and the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were: 30 ± 8%, 33 ± 7 cm 2 , and 14 ± 5 mL/(kg*min), respectively. The EC success rate was 58%. 38% patients remained in sinus rhythm (SR) after 12 months. BiVp% increased similarly in both arms reaching 99% [95% CI 97.3-99.8] and 98% [94.0-99.0], P = 0.14 in rhythm and rate control groups, respectively. LVEF raised significantly only in the rhythm control group (ΔLVEF 4.1 (± 7.3), P = 0,018) which was driven by the patients who maintained SR. No differences in VO2max, QoL, clinical and safety end-points were observed., Conclusion: Despite comparable BiVp% in both groups, only restoration of SR led to improved left ventricular ejection fraction in CRT patients with long-standing AF., Trial Registration: NCT01850277 registered on 22/04/2013., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

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Aims Patients with atrial fibrillation who despite taking oral anti-coagulant therapy (OAT) suffer a stroke or systemic embolism (SSE) without vascular cause or who develop left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus (LAAT) should be considered as having malignant LAA. The optimal treatment strategy to reduce SSE risk in such patients is unknown. The aim of the study is to investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic pathways for malignant LAA practiced in European cardiac centres. Methods and results An 18-item online questionnaire on malignant LAA was disseminated by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) Scientific Initiatives Committee. A total of 196 physicians participated in the survey. There seems to be high confidence in transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) imaging, considering LAAT diagnosis. Switching to another direct oral anti-coagulant (DOAC) is the preferred initial step for the treatment of malignant LAA followed by a switch to vitamin K antagonist (VKA), low-molecular-weight heparin, or continued/optimized DOAC dosage, whereas LAA closure is the last option. Left atrial appendage closure is a viable option in patients with embolic stroke despite OAT and no evidence of thrombus at TEE (empty LAA) after comprehensive diagnostic measures to exclude other sources of embolism. Conclusion This EHRA survey provides a snapshot of the contemporary management of patients diagnosed with malignant LAA. Currently, the majority of patients are treated on an outpatient basis with either shifting from VKA to DOAC or from one DOAC to another. Left atrial appendage closure in this population seems to be reserved for patients with higher bleeding risk or complications of malignant LAA, such as stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main goal of the article is to indicate the links between operational and innovative management in building corporate social responsibility in the logistics industry. The dependence of the links will indicate specific applications for logistics and production companies. Operational management and supply chain management are related to the functioning of the organization on the market. Producers produce physical goods that are used directly by consumers or by other companies. Transport companies provide services consisting in the movement of goods, design companies, use specialist knowledge to create products and even shape the image of companies. The common element is that each organization has an operational function. We can therefore say that the operational function is the set of people, technology and systems within an organization, the primary purpose of which is to deliver to customers its products or services. Design/methodology/approach: Market analysis in Europe of companies from the logistics industry based on professional experience and numerous studies of the companies in question from the implemented CSR solutions. Findings: The study confirmed that a turbulent environment has a direct impact on the management, functioning and financial performance of the company. Originality/value: The article is addressed to dynamically developing companies in the logistics industry, which, despite the pandemic, war and rampant inflation, develop their business activities paying particular attention to corporate social responsibility. Another point to note is that most organizations operate as part of a longer supply chain. So the supply chain is a network of manufacturers and service providers that work together to proces and movement of goods, from the raw material phase to the end user level. All these cooperating entities are linked by the flows of physical goods, the flows of information, and the flows of cash. In summary, supply chains comber the operational functions of many different organizations. The added value is the possible combination of operational and innovative management in logistics with corporate social responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of pharmacological drugs have side effects that contribute to the occurrence of atrial fibrillation, the most common type of cardiac rhythm disorders. The clinical use of antihistamines is widespread; however, information regarding their anti- and/or proarrhythmic effects is contradictory. In this work, we studied the effects and mechanisms of the potential proarrhythmic action of the first-generation antihistamine chloropyramine (Suprastin) in the atrial myocardium and pulmonary vein (PV) myocardial tissue. In PV, chloropyramine caused depolarization of the resting potential and led to reduction of excitation wave conduction. These effects are likely due to suppression of the inward rectifier potassium current (IK1). In presence of epinephrine, chloropyramine induced spontaneous automaticity in the PV and could not be suppressed by atrial pacing. Chloropyramine change functional characteristics of PV and contribute to occurrence of atrial fibrillation. It should be noted that chloropyramine does not provoke atrial tachyarrhythmias, but create conditions for their occurrence during physical exercise and sympathetic stimulation., (© 2024. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

This article presents the results of a comparative analysis performed with respect to the wear of tools used for the extrusion of a clay strand (for ceramic roof tile) made from two materials: steel NC11LV and steel Hardox 600. The aim of the studies was to determine the causes and mechanisms of wear as well as to evaluate the possibility of choosing the optimal material, mostly in respect to its resistance to intensive wear as well as an increase in the operation time. The results of the conducted investigations included: an analysis of the technology, thermovision measurements of the forming process, a macroscopic analysis combined with 3D scanning of the worn tools, ball-on-disc tests of the sliding wear resistance and hardness measurements. The obtained results demonstrated that the tools made of steel NC11LV were much less worn than those made of steel Hardox 600, as the operation time for the NC11LV steel tools was almost three times longer. The results of the ball-on-disc tests showed a similar manner of wear for both materials (with the working temperature of about 50 °C). The higher durability of the tools made from steel NC11LV can be an effect of a slightly lower coefficient of friction in the initial period of operation as well as the presence of hard carbides, which means increased hardness and thus also higher wear resistance at working temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Humanistyka i Przyrodoznawstwo is the property of University of Warmia & Mazury in Olsztyn and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents the results of wear tests of three types of commercial abrasion-resistant steels. The samples, cut from commercially available sheets of metal, were subjected to wear tests to a total friction path of 20,000 m. The tests were provided using the "rotating bowl" method in three types of natural soil masses. The soil moisture and test parameters were kept constant. The tests were carried out in six replications for each material. The testing results indicate that hardness does not determine the resistance to abrasive wear, which is supported by the weight loss results for particular materials. Hardox 600 steel, which is not characterized by the highest hardness, exhibited the lowest weight loss value compared to the other materials in all test soils. For the light soil, the weight loss for Hardox 600 was approx. 1.3 times lower than for Hardox 500 steel and approx. 1.6 times higher than for Hardox Extreme steel. With regards to the medium and heavy soil, the weight losses for Hardox 600 in relation to Hardox 500 steel were approx. 1.7 and 1.6 times lower, respectively, while in relation to Hardox Extreme steel the weight losses were 1.5 and 1.7 times higher, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the possibility of applying modern non-contact methods for assessing the wear as a result of tribological interaction between working bodies and the soil. An original method for wear testing using the test space discretization based on the 3D scanning technology was employed. A localized volumetric wear coefficient was proposed, allowing for wear analysis and improving the accuracy of the Holm-Archard model. The coefficient of local volumetric wear shows the influence of the nominal shape and the slip trajectory of the abrasive particle along the elementary surface on the intensity of wear. At local volumetric wear coefficient > 0.3, this factor determines the intensity of surface wear. Volumetric wear characteristics are the basis for prediction of wear consequences for different materials and techniques of reinforcement of working surfaces, subject to intensive wear in abrasive soil mass. The reliability of the study is confirmed by the comparison with the mass method for wear assessment and the results of the application of the proposed method for different conditions of abrasive wear of operating parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the results of testing for abrasive wear of Vanadis 60 SuperClean powder metallurgy steel as compared to Hardox 600 steel and PMFe60P padding weld. The testing was conducted by the "rotating bowl" method using natural abrasive soil masses. Two types of abrasive masses with particle size distributions corresponding to light soil and medium soil were used. The obtained results enable the conclusion that the weight loss for Vanadis 60 SuperClean powder steel in both types of abrasive mass was approximately seven times lower than that for Hardox 600 steel and two times lower than PMFe60P padding weld. The high resistance of powder steel to abrasive wear in abrasive soil masses is related to the presence of a large number of fine M6C (tungsten-molybdenum) and MC (vanadium) carbide precipitates in its microstructure. The obtained test results indicate that the application of Vanadis 60 SuperClean steel may be extended to working elements operating in mineral abrasive environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Despite use of optimal oral anticoagulation regimens, left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus may develop and persist in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The therapeutic options in this population are limited. Percutaneous LAA closure (LAAC) is performed to reduce thrombus formation and the risk of thromboembolism. However, this approach is prohibited in patients with LAA thrombus. We report the case of a 76-year-old man with AF and persistent LAA thrombus who underwent percutaneous LAAC with the LAmbre device protected by the SENTINEL Cerebral Protection System (CPS). Case Report: A 76-year-old man with history of persistent AF treated with pulmonary veins and LAA isolation developed LAA thrombus resistant to different anticoagulation therapies, including apixaban and Phenprocoumon, with a target international normalized ratio (INR) of 3-3,5. Repeated follow-up transesophageal echocardiography showed a persistent LAA thrombus despite optimal INR values. Thus, we performed a percutaneous LAAC using a double-umbrella-designed appendage occluder and a CPS to minimize the risk of intraprocedural cerebral embolization. The procedure was guided by transesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy. No signs of systemic thromboembolism were noted, and the CPS filters showed no evidence of thrombotic material. Conclusions: This report shows that the use of a CPS during percutaneous LAAC may reduce the risk of procedural cerebral embolization and could be used as an alternative therapy for patients with contraindication or lack of effectiveness of oral anticoagulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the microstructural, chemical and tribological properties of the selected low-alloy, high-strength martensitic boron steels with a hardness of 500–600 HBW. These materials, due to their increased strength, and thus resistance to abrasive wear, are widely used in the mining, agricultural or building industries. Grades such as XAR, TBL and Creusabro were subjected to a comparative analysis. As a result of the conducted research, an attempt was made to determine the relation between the microstructural properties, chemical composition, hardness and abrasive wear resistance of the above-mentioned metallic materials belonging to the same material group. The scope of work involved a metallographic analysis, including the examination of the microstructure with an analysis of the prior austenite grain size. Tribological tests were carried out with the use of a T-07 tester, which is designed for testing abrasive wear resistance in the presence of a loose abrasive. As a result, it was found that the coefficient of relative abrasion resistance kbAV in relation to as-normalized C45 steel is equal to 0.9–1.25 and may even have the same value among materials of different hardness in the as-delivered state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Antazoline is an antihistaminic drug that is effective in the termination of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Despite its long presence in the market, antazoline's ADME parameters and pharmacokinetic effects in humans are poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to fill this gap by generation of in vitro and in vivo data and the development of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model describing antazoline and its main metabolite disposition. A set of ADME parameters for the antazoline and its hydroxy metabolite is provided based on literature data, QSAR predictions, in vitro binding and metabolic stability assays. These can be used to feed PBPK models. In our current work, the developed PBPK model simulating simultaneously the pharmacokinetic profile of antazoline and its metabolite was successfully verified against the available clinical data and the presented capability to account for the clinically observed variability. When used to feed the PD model (e.g., simulating ECG), concentration-time profiles predicted by the model enable the assessment of antazoline's effect in various clinical scenarios with the possibility to account for population differences or CP mediated drug-drug interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the issue of romantic relationships experienced by adolescents with mental disorders. It presents the importance of participation in romantic relationships for the development of adolescents and how the process can be disrupted if the adolescents experience mental disorders. The difficulties concern both entering pre-intimate relationships as well as functioning in them. The main obstacles in this situation are related to the self-esteem of adolescents with mental disorders and the phenomenon of labeling them. The support system around young people with mental health problems consists not only of parents and teachers, but also of psychotherapists, educators and psychiatrists. The text ends with psycho-pedagogical postulates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the necessary theoretical grounds, results of analyses as well as observations and conclusions on the main tasks of an expert witness in evidentiary proceedings in civil matters. The purpose of the article is to identify the activities performed by expert witnesses, especially valuers and experts in the area of construction in compensation cases for value impairment of residential properties located in restricted use areas of Polish airports. The results of the analysis show that courts are shifting the burden of searching for the harmful factor to the expert witness although such expert witness may not replace the court or do the court’s job by suggesting specific conclusions or resolution of the case depending on the final findings of fact. The role of an expert witness is auxiliary to the judicial system in situations requiring specialist knowledge. Special attention is drawn to the American rule of evidence in respect of admissibility of an expert opinion (so called Daubert standard). The accompanying overview of academic literature indicates that relatively few studies have been devoted to the problem of so called private experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this study is to characterise the way that literary accounts of court trials shape the space for philosophical considerations. In the first part of the text, Marshall McLuhan's concept of the medium is introduced and interpreted within the context of Martin Heidegger's notion of technology. The second part of the paper, meanwhile, concerns the opposition between language and reality, which is crucial for the philosophical implications of courtroom space. This study includes also the "law and literature" perspective. The theoretical reflection is based on an analysis of The Stranger by Albert Camus, The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Plato's The Apology. Finally, the third part deals with the literary composition of the court trial account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has been devoted to selected issues of assistance in causing damage and more specifically to the issue of the premises of liability for damages of a helper under Polish civil law. There is an important dispute in the Polish doctrine of law and in judicial practice as well, whether it is possible to accept liability for damages of the helper in the absence of his intentional fault. The work was prepared using a formal and dogmatic method. Under Polish tort law responsibility for aiding and abetting a damage requires the helper's intentional fault. The paper could be useful for academics and researchers dealing with the comparative tort law. The study raises arguments for the thesis that the sine qua non premise of a helper's civil responsibility is intentional fault. The study presents a critical analysis of the views of doctrine and case law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates properties of single- and double-layer pad coatings deposited on cultivator points. The coatings were deposited by manual metal arc welding (MMA) with ESAB OK. 84.58 coated electrodes using an inverter welder, DEDRA DESi201. Tribological properties were determined with a THT 1000 tribometer. A ball-on- disc friction pair was used. Experiments were performed in room temperature, with the sliding speed set equal to 0.3 m/s and two loads: 5 and 20 N. In addition, hardness was measured on the surface and in the cross section of samples by a Rockwell hardness test method (scale C). Surface roughness was measured before and after friction, and post-friction surface topography was examined under microscope. Impact strength tests of the coatings with single- and double layers of pads were performed. The tools and IT algorithms were used to collect and process the results of experimental research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The influence of nonuniform heating on the critical buckling temperature of laminated glass-epoxy composite beam has been investigated experimentally with the help of a novel experimental setup. The beam is numerically investigated using nonlinear finite element analysis. An initial geometric imperfection is introduced to the modeled geometry in numerical technique to have an experimental–numerical comparison of temperature-deflection plot. The results indicate that the critical buckling temperature of a uniformly heated beam has a significant difference in comparison to the nonuniformly heated beam and it depends on the heating source location and the resulting temperature distribution along the length direction of the beam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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There are different functions of the Supreme Court in Poland such as the control of legality and correctness of an issued ruling, and the examination of, above all the extraordinary means of appeal, which are: cassation complaints, complaints to declare a legally binding decision unlawful. Especially nowadays the Supreme Court is the very important court to assure the obeyance of the civil legal rules protecting democracy. The Supreme Court plays also the very important role explaining the character of legal norms. Placement of the complaint to the Supreme Court within the regulations of the chapter on the appeal, and not, as previously, in the chapter devoted to the cassation, is significant in terms of the construction. The complaint proceedings in the Supreme Court creates a mechanism within the framework of which the Supreme Court not only examines the matter but controls the 2nd instance court whether a decision by which the proceedings are terminated does not infringe the law, and in the case of finding such infringement, generally, it "cancels" such decision. It is, therefore, worth being better acquainted with very important role of the Supreme Court assure the obeyance of the civil legal rules protecting democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper refers to development of relationship between fatigue life and energy dissipated during process of fatigue. A theory about treating technical object as operational system, with limited potential for destruction was utilized. On the base of experiments, it was stated, that dissipated energy, which is stored in the object as a result of various kinds of wear processes, including fatigue can be such parameter. Amount of this energy was determined experimentally. It was found, that "consumption" of this energy depends on the value of the damping coefficient of the test object and the parameters of the oscillatory motion. Knowing the amount of this energy and accepting it as a "destruction capacity", it is possible to predict the fatigue life of an object under a given load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Polish Nursing / Pielegniarstwo Polskie is the property of Poznan University of Medical Sciences Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Elements of belt conveyors, like other machine parts, are subject to wear processes. The conveyors transporting the spoil in the quartz sand mine are exposed to accelerated wear due to the effect of quartz on metal elements. Intensive wear of metal parts leads to downtime and the need to replace damage parts which generates additional costs. Therefore, it is important to perform surface treatment of metal elements, which will allow to extend the operation time of belt conveyors by reducing wear. The main objective of the article is to determine the impact of the pad welding process of the surface layer of metal elements on the abrasive wear of elements working in the metal–quartz sand–rubber conditions used in belt conveyors. In this research study, three different types of electrodes were used for pad welding the surface. The wear results obtained on the test stand were compared to wear of the basic element without surface treatment. The average wear value of the samples padded with electrode 3 was about 25% lower than the samples without surface treatment. The main mechanism of sample wear was the abrasion process due to the interaction between the steel surface and hard sand particles. The results presented in the article are important not only for belt conveyor elements but also for other machine parts where it is desirable to reduce abrasive wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitride-bonded silicon carbide is an alternative to steels resistant to abrasive wear. This paper presents the results of a nitride-bonded silicon carbide (SiC) wear test in diverse soil conditions. The test was performed on a "spinning bowl" test stand on three soil types: loamy sand, light loam and ordinary loam. The results were referred to the wear test for materials used to make parts working soil mass, i.e., abrasive wear-resistant steel, boron steel and C + Cr + Nb padding weld. The abrasive wear resistance of silicon carbide was shown to depend on the grain size distribution of the soil being worked. Silicon carbide showed the highest resistance in light soil. However, the padding weld showed higher wear resistance in the other soil conditions. Nitride-bonded silicon carbide had higher wear resistance than the steels under study in all of the soils. These findings are supplemented by an analysis of the condition of the worked surfaces after friction tests. The dominant wear methods in all abrasive masses were micro-cutting and furrowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]