Rubber Ring Research Articles

The diagnostic accuracy of a laser fluorescence device and digital radiography in detecting approximal caries lesions in posterior permanent teeth: an in vivo study

The aim of this in vivo study was to test the diagnostic accuracy of a pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen) device in detecting approximal caries lesions, in posterior permanent teeth, at the cavitation and non-cavitation thresholds, and compare it with that of digital bitewing radiography. Thirty patients (aged 18–37), who attended the Faculty of Dentistry at Damascus University for a dental examination, were consecutively screened. Ninety approximal surfaces of posterior permanent teeth without frank cavitations, enamel hypoplasia or restorations were selected and examined using the LFpen (DIAGNOdent pen) and digital bitewing radiography. The reference standard was the visual-tactile inspection, after performing temporary tooth separation, using orthodontic rubber rings, placed for 7 days. The status of included approximal surfaces was recorded as intact/sound, with white/brown spots or cavitated. One trained examiner performed all examinations. There were statistically significant differences in LFpen readings between the three types of approximal surface status (P < 0.001). The optimal cut-off values for detecting approximal caries lesions in posterior permanent teeth were >16 and 8 at the cavitation and non-cavitation thresholds respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (measured by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve) were 100, 85 and 95 and 92, 90 and 95% at the cavitation and non-cavitation thresholds respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficient for intra-examiner reliability was 0.95. The diagnostic accuracy of the LFpen was significantly higher than that of digital bitewing radiography (P < 0.001). The LFpen’s diagnostic performance was accurate and significantly better than digital bitewing radiography in detecting approximal caries lesions, in posterior permanent teeth.

Dynamic Characterization of Rubber O-Rings: Squeeze and Size Effects

This paper concerns the dynamic characterization of rubber O-rings used to introduce damping in high speed gas bearing systems. O-shaped rubber rings composed of high temperature rubber compounds are characterized in terms of stiffness and damping coefficients in the frequency range 100–800 Hz. Simple formulas with frequency independent coefficients were identified to express the viscoelastic properties of the O-rings. The formulas proposed approximate the stiffness and damping coefficients of O-rings of general size.

Validation of an Arthroscopic Training Device

To investigate the usefulness and conduct validation of a simulated arthroscopy training device to train basic arthroscopy skills. Forty-six participants including 12 novices, 12 intermediates, and 22 experts completed a questionnaire regarding demographics, previous arthroscopic experience, training potential, and statements about the device. Furthermore, participants performed a single task on the arthroscopic training device using the 0° camera and a probe. The task consisted of an attempt to carry a rubber ring across a helix inside a box as fast as possible. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing total task time and portal replacements of the camera and probe between all groups (median values [interquartile range]; Kruskal-Wallis test). The median age was 35 (29-44) years. There were 4 female and 42 male participants. A total of 89% of the participants graded the overall training capacity ≥5 (35% graded it as 5, 39% as 6, and 15% as 7), and 83% believed that it is useful to improve any kind of arthroscopy. Ninety-three percent of the participants would recommend the arthroscopic training device to their colleagues. Sixty-one percent of the participants stated that there are certain disadvantages. The median time to complete the task was 108 (58-236) seconds. Novices (259 [123-435] seconds) performed tasks significantly slower than intermediates (169 [67-257] seconds) and experts (75 [49-132] seconds) (P= .005). Furthermore, portal changes were significantly more common in novices and intermediates than experts (P= .019). High scores in training potential were achieved with this arthroscopy simulator box, and most study participants believed that practice with the arthroscopic training device is useful for any kind of arthroscopy. Construct validity was established since novices, intermediates, and experts in real arthroscopy were discriminated with the arthroscopic training device in terms of time to successful completion of a task. However, 61% of the participants stated that there were certain disadvantages. In every training tool using simulation, it is crucial to pass the first steps in the validation cascade. This study provides this step for further evaluation of this arthroscopic training device.

Behaviour of tail-docked lambs tested in isolation

AbstractThe aims of the current study were to detect behavioural indicators of pain of tail-docked sheep tested in isolation and to determine the relationship between behaviour and the pain levels to which they were exposed. Twenty-four female lambs, randomly assigned to four pens, had their tail docked with a rubber ring (TD; n = 6) without pain control procedures, TD with anaesthesia (TDA; n = 6) or TD with anaesthesia and analgesia (TDAA; n = 6). Additionally, six lambs handled but without tail docking or application of pain relief measures were used as the control (C). On the day prior (Day –1) to the TD and on days 1, 3 and 5 post-procedure, each lamb was individually removed from its group and underwent a 2.5 min open field test in a separate pen. Frequencies of behaviours such as rest, running, standing, walking and exploring were directly observed. Frequencies of exploratory climbs (ECs) and abrupt climbs (ACs) over the testing pen’s walls were video-recorded. Data were analysed using generalised linear mixed models with repeated measurements, including treatment and day as fixed effects and behaviour on Day –1 as a linear covariate. Control and TDAA lambs stood more frequently than TD lambs. TD lambs performed significantly more ACs compared to all other treatment groups. No other treatment effects were detected. A day effect was detected for all behaviours, while the EC frequency was highest for all tail-docked lambs on Day 5. Findings suggest that standing, ACs and ECs could be used as potential indicators of pain in isolated tail-docked lambs. However, differences in ECs between treatments only appeared 3 d after tail docking.

ПОВЫШЕНИЕ НАДЕЖНОСТИ УПЛОТНИТЕЛЬНЫХ УСТРОЙСТВ ЦИЛИНДРОВ

Wear of rubber sealing arrangements in cylinders depends on a number of design parameters and technological factors of working surfaces treatment. The dimension of detachable rubber particles reaches in some cases some millimeters. Such particles not only decrease cylinders reliability, but also result in a violation of efficiency of devices mating them. On the basis of the analysis of industrial experiment data are revealed the regularities of the wear products formation in rubber rings. By development testing there is shown high effectiveness in the application of the surface strengthening methods for cylinder working surfaces. The recommendations developed ensure the increase of errorfree running time of cylinders 1.8-2 times.

Techniques for the interruption of tubal patency for female sterilisation.

This is an update of a review that was first published in 2002. Female sterilisation is the most popular contraceptive method worldwide. Several techniques exist for interrupting the patency of fallopian tubes, including cutting and tying the tubes, damaging the tube using electric current, applying clips or silicone rubber rings, and blocking the tubes with chemicals or tubal inserts. To compare the different tubal occlusion techniques in terms of major and minor morbidity, failure rates (pregnancies), technical failures and difficulties, and women's and surgeons' satisfaction. For the original review published in 2002 we searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). For this 2015 update, we searched POPLINE, LILACS, PubMed and CENTRAL on 23 July 2015. We used the related articles feature of PubMed and searched reference lists of newly identified trials. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different techniques for tubal sterilisation, irrespective of the route of fallopian tube access or the method of anaesthesia. For the original review, two review authors independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. For this update, data extraction was performed by one author (TL) and checked by another (RK). We grouped trials according to the type of comparison evaluated. Results are reported as odds ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD) using fixed-effect methods, unless heterogeneity was high, in which case we used random-effects methods. We included 19 RCTs involving 13,209 women. Most studies concerned interval sterilisation; three RCTs involving 1632 women, concerned postpartum sterilisation. Comparisons included tubal rings versus clips (six RCTs, 4232 women); partial salpingectomy versus electrocoagulation (three RCTs, 2019 women); tubal rings versus electrocoagulation (two RCTs, 599 women); partial salpingectomy versus clips (four RCTs, 3627 women); clips versus electrocoagulation (two RCTs, 206 women); and Hulka versus Filshie clips (two RCTs, 2326 women). RCTs of clips versus electrocoagulation contributed no data to the review.One year after sterilisation, failure rates were low (< 5/1000) for all methods.There were no deaths reported with any method, and major morbidity related to the occlusion technique was rare.Minor morbidity was higher with the tubal ring than the clip (Peto OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.78; participants = 842; studies = 2; I² = 0%; high-quality evidence), as were technical failures (Peto OR 3.93, 95% CI 2.43 to 6.35; participants = 3476; studies = 3; I² = 0%; high-quality evidence).Major morbidity was significantly higher with the modified Pomeroy technique than electrocoagulation (Peto OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.13 to 7.25; participants = 1905; studies = 2; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence), as was postoperative pain (Peto OR 3.85, 95% CI 2.91 to 5.10; participants = 1905; studies = 2; I² = 0%; moderate-quality evidence).When tubal rings were compared with electrocoagulation, postoperative pain was reported significantly more frequently for tubal rings (OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.17 to 9.84; participants = 596; studies = 2; I² = 87%; low-quality evidence).When partial salpingectomy was compared with clips, there were no major morbidity events in either group (participants = 2198, studies = 1). The frequency of minor morbidity was low and not significantly different between groups (Peto OR 7.39, 95% CI 0.46 to 119.01; participants = 193; studies = 1, low-quality evidence). Although technical failure occurred more frequently with clips (Peto OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.40; participants = 2198; studies = 1; moderate-quality evidence); operative time was shorter with clips than partial salpingectomy (MD 4.26 minutes, 95% CI 3.65 to 4.86; participants = 2223; studies = 2; I² = 0%; high-quality evidence).We found little evidence concerning women's or surgeon's satisfaction. No RCTs compared tubal microinserts (hysteroscopic sterilisation) or chemical inserts (quinacrine) to other methods. Tubal sterilisation by partial salpingectomy, electrocoagulation, or using clips or rings, is a safe and effective method of contraception. Failure rates at 12 months post-sterilisation and major morbidity are rare outcomes with any of these techniques. Minor complications and technical failures appear to be more common with rings than clips. Electrocoagulation may be associated with less postoperative pain than the modified Pomeroy or tubal ring methods. Further research should include RCTs (for effectiveness) and controlled observational studies (for adverse effects) on sterilisation by minimally-invasive methods, i.e. tubal inserts and quinacrine.

A structural study of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR‐50) ring opening under mild acidic condition

ABSTRACTA structural study of ring opening reaction of purified epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) with acetic acid was conducted using the NMR techniques and its thermal characteristic was evaluated with Thermal gravimetry/Differential Thermal Gravimetry (TG/DTG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyses. 1H‐NMR revealed that 19.56% of epoxide was ring‐opened from the total amount of the epoxide unit in ENR‐50 and this was supported by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. 13C‐NMR suggests the fixation of alkyl (R) i.e., acetate group to the epoxide carbon via ester linkage and formation of hydroxyl groups in the polymer chains. The attachment location of R occurred at both most (↑) and least (↓) hindered carbons of the epoxide. The TG/DTG results of acid treated ENR‐50 showed three decomposition steps at 235–338, 338–523, 523–627 °C due to the presence of the polymer chains mixture, i.e., ring‐opened and intact epoxide of ENR‐50. This increases the Tg value of acid treated ENR‐50 at 24.6 °C as compared to purified ENR‐50 at −17.7 °C. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44123.

Experimental Characterizations and Estimation of the Natural Frequency of Nonlinear Rubber-Damped Torsional Vibration Absorbers

The natural frequency of a rubber-damped torsional vibration absorber (TVA) depends on the excitation amplitudes and frequencies in a highly nonlinear manner. This is due to nonlinear shear properties of the rubber ring. In this study, the nonlinear static and dynamic shear characteristics of a rubber ring, and the natural frequency of a nonlinear TVA are experimentally characterized firstly. Since a rubber ring employed in a rubber-damped TVA is usually in the compression state, its static and dynamic shear properties depend upon the compression ratio and dimensions apart from the chemical ingredients in a highly complex manner. The prediction of the natural frequency of a rubber-ring TVA thus poses considerable complexities. In this study, a special fixture is designed and fabricated for characterizing shear properties of a rubber ring subject to different compression ratios. The shear properties are subsequently characterized using different constitutive models, and a methodology for identifying the model parameters is presented considering the measured properties. Second, a methodology for estimating the natural frequency of the TVA is proposed, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through comparisons of the estimated natural frequency with the measured values. The results of the study suggest that the model using fractional derivatives to characterize nonlinear shear properties of a rubber ring can be effectively used to obtain accurate estimation of natural frequency of a nonlinear TVA over a wide range of excitations. The natural frequency of a TVA can thus be accurately estimated before prototyping using the experimental and modeling methods developed in this paper.

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Abstract The aim of this study is to compare the hydrogen production on a packed-bed reactor and upfow anaerobic sludge blanket (Hybrid UASB). Crumb rubber (recycled tires) and Biopack rings were used as a support matrix. The reactors were operated for 35 days with hydraulic retention time of 12h and an organic volumetric load of 11.26gCOD/L.d, using sucrose as carbon source. The average hydrogen production was 45 and 48% for packed-bed reactor and Hybrid-UASB, respectively. Based on the results and the statically analysis, it was determined that the confguration of the reactor does not infuence on the hydrogen production. Moreover, it was observed stability of the process. keywords: volatile fatty acids, natural fermentation, renewable energy, sucrose conversion.

Control of the low-frequency vibrations of elastic metamaterial shafts with discretized arc-rubber layers

We propose a new kind of elastic metamaterial (EM) shaft with discretized arc-shaped rubber layers, which shows excellent low-frequency vibration properties. The band gaps of the shaft structure were analyzed by employing the finite element method. The proposed EM shaft exhibits much lower band gaps than the corresponding structures with the whole rubber ring. Furthermore, the band gaps can be modulated by tuning the arc angle and the number of the arc-shaped rubbers. Additionally, we observed that the first complete band gap tends to disappear when the arc angle of each arc-shaped rubber section is decreased but the arc number remains fixed because the arc angle more strongly affects the rotational stiffness than the transverse stiffness of the rubber layers. This new type of EM shafts could find potential application as a means to control the low-frequency vibrations of rotor shafts in mechanical engineering.

Lambs show changes in ear posture when experiencing pain

AbstractEar posture, or the frequency of postural changes, may reflect various emotional states of animals. In adult sheep (Ovis aries), the ‘forward’ ear posture has been associated with negative experiences whereas the ‘plane’ posture has been associated with positive ones. This study aimed to see whether ear postures related to the experience of pain in lambs. The ear behaviour of four to eight week-old lambs (n = 44) was measured before and after tail-docking using a rubber ring. Each lamb was docked and its behaviour recorded while in the company of an observer lamb of similar age; each acted once as focal (docked) lamb and once as observer within the same pair. Lambs were docked in one of two rounds, so that half were docked in their first exposure to the test environment and half in their second exposure. Tail-docking was associated with an increase in the proportion of time spent with ears backward and decreases in the proportion of time spent with ears plane and forward (mean [± SEM]: Backward: pre 0.12 [± 0.04], post 0.56 [± 0.04]; Plane: pre 0.55 [± 0.05], post 0.19 [± 0.05]; Forward: pre 0.27 [± 0.04], post 0.18 [± 0.04]). There was also a significant increase in the number of changes between ear postures after docking (pre 5.63 [± 0.66], post 9.11 [± 0.66]). Over both periods, female lambs held their ears asymmetrically for longer than males (mean of ranks [± SEM] [raw proportion of time]: Females 52.14 [± 3.44] [0.09 (± 0.01)], males 37.54 [± 3.40] [0.05 (± 0.01)]). This is the first study to demonstrate changes in the ear posture of lambs associated with the negative experience of pain. Ear posture is a non-invasive indicator of physical pain in lambs and may be useful for evaluating potential welfare compromise.

Fluorescent property of indocyanine green (ICG) rubber ring using LED and laser light sources.

Fluorescent properties of ICG depends on solvent. Fluorescent characteristics of ICG rubber rings and optimized detection system condition were identified. The fluorescent rubber rings are produced by drying mixture of ICG solution and liquid rubber. LED and laser light sources were used to test differences between them. Other variables are ICG molar concentration (100, 80, 60, 40, 20, 10μM), excitation light spectrum (740, 760, 785nm) and angle of view (0~80°). We observed that ICG ring emitted fluorescence at longer wavelength than in blood and aqueous state. Observation angle between 0 and 50 provided similar brightness of images, while others are significantly less luminous. Excitation light between 740~760nm ensured non-overlapping spectrums of excitation light and fluorescence emission.

Effects of storage conditions on quality characteristics of commercial aquafeeds and growth of African catfish Clarias gariepinus

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the effect of storage conditions on the quality of feed and the aftermath effect of feeding fish with such feeds. Three commercial diets used for this study included Coppens®, Multifeed® and Vital feed®. Feed was stored either by opening the bag to the atmosphere (WO), the bag opened with neck tied using a rubber ring to prevent exposure to the atmosphere (OT) or sealed (SC) until the start of the feeding trials. The feed was stored under these conditions for six months. Nutrient analyses revealed significant changes in feeds held under the WO condition when compared with other storage conditions. Nutritive changes also varied with commercial feed type. Mould infestation of the feed was noticeable more in the WO condition of storage compared to the SC condition. After feeding C. gariepinus for fifty-six days, lesions were observed on fish fed mouldy feed held under the WO condition, which led to mass mortalities. Growth performance was higher in all fish fed SC stored feed, and for those fed Coppens® and Multifeed® under OT storage conditions. It is advised that storage of fish feeds up to six months should be undertaken with considerable care and attention.

Silicone Disclosing Material used after Ceramic Surface Treatment Reduces Bond Strength.

To evaluate the effect of a silicone disclosing procedure performed at different timepoints on the shear bond strength (SBS) of cements (self-adhesive composite cement, self-etch composite cement, resin-reinforced glass-ionomer cement) to different substrates (zirconia, lithium disilicate, bovine dentin). The substrate/cement combinations were assigned to two groups (n = 15) according to the timepoint, at which the vinyl polyether silicone disclosing agent was applied: after (experimental groups, EXP) or before (control groups, CTRL) specific micromechanical treatments of the substrate surface. To increase standardization, the cements were applied into rubber rings (2.2 mm diameter x 1.0 mm thickness) positioned on the substrate surface. After luting procedures, all specimens were stored in 37°C distilled water for 24 h, then subjected to SBS testing using a wire loop of 0.2 mm diameter at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until failure. Failure analysis was performed for all tested specimens. SBS data were submitted to Weibull analysis. The silicone disclosing procedure performed after micromechanical surface treatment reduced the characteristic shear bond strength to zirconia and lithium disilicate when compared to CTRL. However, for dentin specimens, there was no significant difference between CTRL and EXP for any of the cements investigated. Failure analysis showed a predominance of interfacial failures. The silicone disclosing procedure performed after the micromechanical treatment of ceramic surfaces negatively affected the cement bond strength. Therefore, after using it to check the fit of a prosthesis, clinicians should carefully clean the ceramic surface.

Filtration performance of three dimensional fabric filter in a membrane bioreactor for wastewater treatment

Abstract This study investigates the filtration performance of three dimensional (3D) woven fabric filters with various structures in a membrane bioreactor (MBR). Five 3D woven fabrics with the same component materials but different tightness, and a 2D fabric as the control are adopted as filters in a laboratory-scale submerged MBR. In a 6 h operation, the changes of the fluxes and the turbidities of all filters have the same trend and the 3D filter with the highest porosity has the highest flux and similar turbidity as that of the 2D filter while 3D filter with the lowest porosity has the lowest flux. In a one-month operation, the high porosity 3D filter has total amount of treated water about 1.7 times and 2.5 times as much as those through the low porosity 3D fabric and the 2D filter, respectively. Toward the end of the one-month operation, the ranges of the turbidity for the high porosity 3D filter were 1–1.5 NTU and 1.3–2.5 NTU, 1.6–2.2 NTU for low porosity 3D filter and 2D filter, respectively. The fouling analysis shows that high porosity 3D filter has a thick and the low porosity 3D filter has a thin cake layer mainly circumferentially distributed along sealing rubber ring, while the 2D nylon filter surface only covered by a thin and incomplete cake layer. The 3D filter with lower tightness shows in-depth penetration of foulants while the 2D and 3D tightly woven filters have foulants concentrated in the first layer of the fabrics.

Dynamic Responses of Rotor Drops onto Auxiliary Bearing with the Support of Metal Rubber Ring

In an active magnetic bearing (AMB) system, the Auxiliary bearings (ABs) are indispensable to protect the rotor and stator in case of AMB failure. Most of the former researches try to modify relevant design parameters of ABs to buffer the following impacts and heating after rotor drop. Based on the analysis of the disadvantages of traditional ABs, a new type of AB with the support of metal rubber ring is proposed to enhance the AB work performance in AMB system. Detailed simulation models containing rigid rotor model, contact model between rotor and inner race as well as AB system model after rotor drop are established. Then, using those established models the dynamic responses are simulated to obtain proper metal rubber ring support characteristics. Finally, relevant rotor drop experiments are carried out on the established AMB test bench. The experiment results verify the advantages of the new type ABs and the correctness of simulation analysis.

Techniques for the interruption of tubal patency for female sterilisation.

This is an update of a review that was first published in 2002. Female sterilisation is the most popular contraceptive method worldwide. Several techniques exist for interrupting the patency of fallopian tubes, including cutting and tying the tubes, damaging the tube using electric current, applying clips or silicone rubber rings, and blocking the tubes with chemicals or tubal inserts. To compare the different tubal occlusion techniques in terms of major and minor morbidity, failure rates (pregnancies), technical failures and difficulties, and women's and surgeons' satisfaction. For the original review published in 2002 we searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). For this 2015 update, we searched POPLINE, LILACS, PubMed and CENTRAL on 23 July 2015. We used the related articles feature of PubMed and searched reference lists of newly identified trials. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different techniques for tubal sterilisation, irrespective of the route of fallopian tube access or the method of anaesthesia. For the original review, two review authors independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. For this update, data extraction was performed by one author (TL) and checked by another (RK). We grouped trials according to the type of comparison evaluated. Results are reported as odds ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD) using fixed-effect methods, unless heterogeneity was high, in which case we used random-effects methods. We included 19 RCTs involving 13,209 women. Most studies concerned interval sterilisation; three RCTs involving 1632 women, concerned postpartum sterilisation. Comparisons included tubal rings versus clips (six RCTs, 4232 women); partial salpingectomy versus electrocoagulation (three RCTs, 2019 women); tubal rings versus electrocoagulation (two RCTs, 599 women); partial salpingectomy versus clips (four RCTs, 3827 women); clips versus electrocoagulation (two RCTs, 206 women); and Hulka versus Filshie clips (two RCTs, 2326 women). RCTs of clips versus electrocoagulation contributed no data to the review.One year after sterilisation, failure rates were low (< 5/1000) for all methods.There were no deaths reported with any method, and major morbidity related to the occlusion technique was rare.Minor morbidity was statistically significantly higher with the tubal ring than the clip (Peto OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.78; participants = 842; studies = 2; I² = 0%; high-quality evidence), as were technical failures (Peto OR 3.93, 95% CI 2.43 to 6.35; participants = 3476; studies = 3; I² = 0%; high-quality evidence).Major morbidity was significantly higher with the modified Pomeroy technique than electrocoagulation (Peto OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.13 to 7.25; participants = 1905; studies = 2; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence), as was postoperative pain (Peto OR 3.85, 95% CI 2.91 to 5.10; participants = 1905; studies = 2; I² = 0%; moderate-quality evidence).When tubal rings were compared with electrocoagulation, postoperative pain was reported significantly more frequently for tubal rings (OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.17 to 9.84; participants = 596; studies = 2; I² = 87%; low-quality evidence).When partial salpingectomy was compared with clips, there were no major morbidity events in either group (participants = 2198, studies = 1). The frequency of minor morbidity was low and not significantly different between groups (Peto OR 7.39, 95% CI 0.46 to 119.01; participants = 193; studies = 1, low-quality evidence). Although technical failure occurred more frequently with clips (Peto OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.40; participants = 2198; studies = 1; moderate-quality evidence); operative time was shorter with clips than partial salpingectomy (MD 4.26 minutes, 95% CI 3.65 to 4.86; participants = 2223; studies = 2; I² = 0%; high-quality evidence).We found little evidence concerning women's or surgeon's satisfaction. No RCTs compared tubal microinserts (hysteroscopic sterilisation) or chemical inserts (quinacrine) to other methods. Tubal sterilisation by partial salpingectomy, electrocoagulation, or using clips or rings, is a safe and effective method of contraception. Failure rates at 12 months post-sterilisation and major morbidity are rare outcomes with any of these techniques. Minor complications and technical failures may be more common with rings than clips. Electrocoagulation may be associated with less postoperative pain than the modified Pomeroy or tubal ring methods. Further research should include RCTs (for effectiveness) and controlled observational studies (for adverse effects) on sterilisation by minimally-invasive methods, i.e. tubal inserts and quinacrine.

Welfare outcomes for 3- and 6-month-old beef calves in a tropical environment castrated surgically or by applying rubber rings

Castration of cattle using rubber rings is becoming increasingly popular due to the perceived ease of the procedure and greater operator safety when compared with surgical castration. Few comparative studies have investigated the effects of different castration methods and calf age on welfare outcomes, particularly in a tropical environment. Thirty Belmont Red (a tropically adapted breed), 3-month-old (liveweight 71–119kg) and 30, 6-month-old (liveweight 141–189kg) calves were assigned to a two age×three castration (surgical, ring and sham) treatment factorial study (Surg3, Surg6, Ring3, Ring6, Sham3 and Sham6, n=10 for each treatment group). Welfare outcomes were assessed post-castration using: behaviour for 2 weeks; blood parameters (cortisol and haptoglobin concentrations) to 4 weeks; wound healing to 5 weeks; and liveweights to 6 weeks. More Surg calves struggled during castration compared with Sham and Ring (P<0.05, 90±7% vs. 20±9% and 24±10%) and performed more struggles (1.9±0.2, 1.1±0.3 and 1.1±0.3 for Surg, Sham and Ring, respectively), suggesting that surgical castration caused most pain during performance of the procedure. A significant (P<0.05) time×castration method×age interaction for plasma cortisol revealed that concentrations decreased most rapidly in Sham; the Ring6 calves failed to show reduced cortisol concentrations at 2h post-castration, unlike other treatment groups. By 7h post-castration, all treatment groups had similar concentrations. A significant (P<0.01) interaction between time and castration method showed that haptoglobin concentrations increased slightly to 0.89 and 0.84mg/mL for Surg and Ring, respectively over the first 3 days post-castration. Concentrations for Surg then decreased to levels similar to Sham by day 21 and, although concentrations for Ring decreased on day 7 to 0.76mg/mL, they increased significantly on day 14 to 0.97mg/mL before reducing to concentrations similar to the other groups (0.66mg/mL) by day 21. Significantly (P<0.05) more of the wounds of the 3-month compared with the 6-month calves scored as ‘healed’ at day 7 (74% vs. 39%), while more (P=0.062) of the Surg than Ring scored as ‘healed’ at day 21 (60% vs. 29%). At day 14 there were significantly (P<0.05) fewer healed wounds in Ring6 compared with other treatment groups (13% vs. 40–60%). Liveweight gain was significantly (P<0.05) greater in 3-month (0.53kg/day) than in 6-month calves (0.44kg/day) and in Sham calves (P<0.001, 0.54kg/day), than in Ring (0.44kg/day) and Surg (0.48kg/day) calves. Overall, welfare outcomes were slightly better for Surg than Ring calves due to reduced inflammation and faster wound healing, with little difference between age groups.

Ewes Direct Most Maternal Attention towards Lambs that Show the Greatest Pain-Related Behavioural Responses.

Although neonatal farm animals are frequently subjected to painful management procedures, the role of maternal behaviour in pain coping, has not been much studied. We investigated whether ewes were able to distinguish between lambs in pain and those that were not, and whether their behaviour altered depending on the severity of lamb pain. Eighty male lambs were allocated to one of 4 pain treatments within 24 hours of birth. Lambs were either handled only (C), bilaterally castrated with tight rubber rings (RR), as for RR but with the application of a Burdizzo clamp immediately proximal to the ring (Combined) or subjected to short scrotum castration (SSC) where the testicles were retained within the abdomen and only the scrotum removed. The behaviour of the ewe, treated lamb and untreated sibling where present (n = 54) were recorded for 30 minutes after treatment. Castration treatment increased the expression of abnormal standing and lying postures, specific pain-related behaviours (head-turning, stamping/kicking, easing quarters, tail wagging) and composite pain scores (P<0.001 for all). The greatest expression of pain-related behaviours was shown by lambs in the RR group, which were the only group to show rolling responses indicative of severe pain, followed by the SSC group. Ewes expressed more licking/sniffing responses to the RR and SSC lambs than towards the Combined and C lambs (P<0.05), and oriented most to RR lambs and least to C lambs (P<0.001). Ewes with two lambs also directed more attention towards the treated than the untreated lamb (P<0.001). The quantity of maternal care directed towards the lamb was positively correlated with the expression of active pain behaviours. The data demonstrate that ewes are able to discriminate between lambs in pain and those that are not, and that their response is increased with a greater severity of pain.

스프링클러설비용 CPVC관과 신축배관 접속부분에서의 누수저감 대책에 관한 연구

In this study, we try to suggest measures to reduce leakage at a joint between CPVC piping for a sprinkler system and a pipe expansion through reviews of domestic and foreign standards and related tests. The quality of the waterproof rubber packing material between a valve socket and pipe expansion nut was examined. In the leak test, the valve socket material over the expansion part of the metal pipe nut was found to use a metal part or a schlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipe nut part. In addition, the KS B 0221 standard for parallel pipe threads with threaded and thread inspection criteria and inspection standards in order to ensure an acceptable quality of valve socket, there is a need to amend the regulations to comply with the KS B 5223 (screw thread limit gauges parallel pipe threads). We do not have detailed standards for expansion piping nuts for waterproof rubber ring material, so we need to amend the relevant criteria for EPDM material to be used with excellent waterproofing, for which both NBR and EPDM are currently used.