In order to increase productivity, machining times and market competitiveness of machining production systems, it is important to continuously develop existing technological solutions. This article ...describes the usage of the neural network for the prediction of surface roughness after the roller burnishing. Since the observed problem is multidimensional with several input parameters and one output parameter and since nonlinearity and complexity of parameter correlation, there was used the backpropagation neural network algorithm. Empirical and experimental values of input and output parameters were used as initial values for the learning of the neural network. Developed neural network model with its results can be used for easier implementation of further roller burnishing process plans.
Die casting process uses high productive level machines. Machine capacity utilization is a key goal in achieving minimum time consumption. Changeover procedure during die casting process is ...recognized as possible area for reducing time consumption. The SMED method has been improved by additional procedures simultaneously applying the 5S method. Their contribution is evident in recognition of internal and external activities, particularly while transferring internal activities into external ones in as many numbers as possible, by minimizing at the same moment the internal ones. The validity of the method and procedures are verified by an example application of die casting foundry for casting automobile parts. Significant time savings have been achieved with minimum investment.
Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 28–34
Objectives: To determine minimum airflow rate required for olfactory stimulation in successfully rehabilitated laryngectomised patients after learning the polite ...yawning technique (PYT) and to confirm the hypothesis that sense of smell is rehabilitated once the nasal airflow is re‐established.
Design: Prospective open interventional trial.
Setting: Tertiary academic hospital.
Participants: The study population comprised 100 laryngectomised patients. The control group consisted of 100 non‐laryngectomised patients of similar age and sex. Rhinomanometry was used to measure air flow in the right and left nostrils, respectively, while the Smell Diskettes Olfaction test (SDOT) was used to test each individual’s sense of smell.
Main outcome measures: The primary endpoint was increasing the airflow, while the secondary endpoint was improvement in the Smell Diskettes Olfaction test score after learning the polite yawning technique.
Results: The difference in the Smell Diskettes Olfaction test results before and after introducing the polite yawning technique was statistically significant (F = 53.077; P < 0.001). The number of accurately identified odours increased with each measurement. There was a significant difference among rhinomanometric measurements of airflow through the right (F = 65.002; P < 0.001) and left nostrils (F = 75.465; P < 0.001). Nasal airflow improved with each measurement. The minimum airflow required for olfactory stimulation in successfully rehabilitated patients was approximately 60 cm3/s. The control group had considerably better airflow in both nostrils than the laryngectomised group. The difference between the total number of rehabilitated (normosmic) patients (48%) in the laringectomised group and normosmic participants (56%) in the control group (z = 1.132; P = 0.129) was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The number of odours identified by laryngectomised patients increased with the volume of nasal airflow. The number of patients with rehabilitated olfactory function approximated the percentage of normosmic individuals in the non‐laryngectomised population. These findings confirm the hypothesis that sense of smell is rehabilitated once the nasal airflow is re‐established.
Abstract
This report shows that even extremely large nascent uterine myomas can be
removed vaginally. A 25-year-old nulligravid and nulliparous patient with
malaise, hypermenorrhea, and intermittent ...cramping pain in the lower abdomen
was referred to our clinic. Gynecological examination revealed a round
cauliflower-like tumor, 7 cm in diameter, originating from the external
cervical os with a rough surface and without a palpable stalk or base.
Ultrasound scan showed a hyperechogenic mass within the uterine cavity with
two distinct subunits: one (55 × 44 mm) well-demarcated from the surrounding
structures and the other (43 × 38 mm) in close proximity to the lower part
of the anterior uterine wall and in continuity with the myometrium. At
surgery, the myoma was completely removed vaginally. Recovery was prompt,
complete, and uneventful. Follow-up at one and three months confirmed normal
gynecological and sonographic findings. In conclusion, vaginal myomectomy is
the treatment of choice for prolapsed pedunculated submucous myoma; even
extremely large nascent myomas can be efficiently removed vaginally.
Abstract
Objectives:
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of soy- and red clover-derived isoflavones on serum lipid levels in postmenopausal women and to compare the effects to the lipid ...levels of healthy postmenopausal women without phytoestrogen supplementation.
Materials and Methods:
Blood levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and cholesterol fractions were assessed. Measurements were performed before treatment and at 6-month intervals over a period of 18 months. The investigation included 74 healthy postmenopausal women randomized into three groups according to treatment. The first group of 23 patients received soy-derived isoflavones, the second group (26 patients) was given red clover-derived phytoestrogens, while the third control group (25 patients) received no supplements.
Results:
Mean triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL levels of patients in the control group were significantly higher than in both the soy and the red clover
groups (p < 0.001) at all three time points, while mean values did not differ significantly between the soy and the red clover groups. The mean HDL levels of patients in the control group was significantly lower than in both the soy and the red clover groups (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Phytoestrogen supplementation had a positive metabolic effect on serum lipid levels in postmenopausal women. The impact on serum lipids levels was similar for soy and red clover.
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