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- Hiensch, Martin, et al.
(author)
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Two-material rail development : field test results regarding rolling contact fatigue and squeal behaviour
- 2005
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In: Wear. - : Elsevier BV. - 0043-1648 .- 1873-2577. ; 258:7-8, s. 964-972
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Results from the European 5th Framework project “InfraStar” are presented. The InfraStar project is developing a two-material rail to increase the productivity and reliability of rail infrastructure. The two-material rail aims to be rolling contact fatigue (RCF) resistant and to reduce squeal noise.The InfraStar consortium has built a high level of wheel–rail expertise and understanding regarding RCF initiation and development, level and position of wheel–rail contact forces, and new interface materials and has gained experience in both laboratory and field test operating conditions. Within the project a validated theoretical train–track interaction model and a fatigue design model for two-material rails have been developed.This paper focuses on the field test results of the two-material rail, and how the predictions and expectations from the selection process match with the results observed in track. Results are very promising. The two-material rail prototypes, now over 1 year in track, show no RCF damage where the non-treated rail shows clear RCF damage. The development of the application process and other objectives of the InfraStar project are discussed.
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2. |
- Lind, M. L., et al.
(author)
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Incidence of hand eczema in female Swedish hairdressers
- 2007
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In: Occup Environ Med. - : BMJ. - 1470-7926 .- 1351-0711. ; 64:3, s. 191-5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To estimate the occurrence of hand eczema in hairdressers in Sweden. METHODS: The occurrence of hand eczema was estimated in a Swedish longitudinal retrospective cohort study including all female graduates from vocational schools for hairdressers from 1970 to 1995. A stratified sample from the general population acted as controls. A self-administered questionnaire including questions on the occurrence of hand eczema, skin atopy, working periods and number of hair treatments performed per week was sent to the participants. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of hand eczema were estimated. RESULTS: The incidence rate of hand eczema in hairdressers was 23.8 cases/1000 person-years, whereas in hairdressers who were aged <25 years it was 37.1/1000 person-years. The corresponding IRR for hairdressers compared with controls was 2.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2 to 2.8), and that for younger hairdressers was 3.1 (95% CI 2.6 to 3.5). The mean age at onset of hand eczema was 21.6 years for hairdressers and 21.2 years for controls. The 1-year prevalence of hand eczema was 18.0% for hairdressers and 12.1% for controls. A large number of hair treatments involving exposure to skin irritants and sensitisers were reported. The incidence rate of hand eczema was higher among individuals with a history of childhood eczema, both for hairdressers and for controls, giving an (age-adjusted) IRR of 1.9 and 2.2, respectively. The attributable fraction of hand eczema from skin atopy was 9.6%. A synergistic effect of skin atopy and hairdressing was found on the occurrence of hand eczema. The relative excess risk due to interaction was 1.21 (95% CI 0.21 to 2.21; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Hairdressers are highly exposed to skin-damaging substances. The self-reported incidence of hand eczema was substantially higher in female hairdressers than in controls from the general population and than that found previously in register-based studies. For many individuals, onset of hand eczema occurs early in life. Only about 10% of the hand eczema cases among hairdressers would be prevented if no one with skin atopy entered the trade.
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