bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions de la dépigmentation volontaire de la peau chez les lycéennes au Cameroun
Authors: Mayoughouo Mouliom Adeline , Wamba André
Published: October 2017

Introduction : La dépigmentation volontaire de la peau constitue une pratique courante en Afrique en général et au Cameroun en particulier. Les études soulignent qu’elle présente un danger pour la santé, en termes de risque avéré de développement des maladies dermatologiques. Pourtant, le nombre de personnes qui se livrent aux pratiques de la dépigmentation volontaire de la peau ne cesse d’augmenter dans nos villes, malgré le fait qu’elles en soient, parfois, informées et sensibilisées. L’étude se propose de partir des connaissances et des perceptions qui entourent les pratiques de la dépigmentation volontaire de la peau en des stratégies éducatives et de formation pouvant être mises à la disposition des professionnels de la santé et de l’éducation et utilisées comme mesures préventives auprès des jeunes filles scolarisées. Méthodes : Basée sur une enquête ethnographique faisant appel à des entretiens qualitatifs de groupe, l’étude a concerné 40 filles âgées de 14 à 20 ans recrutées à l’aide de l’échantillonnage par choix raisonné. Résultats : L’étude indique que les filles ont des connaissances mitigées des conséquences de la dépigmentation volontaire de la peau sur la santé et possèdent, par contre, une bonne connaissance de la prévention de celle-ci pouvant donner lieu, par l’intermédiaire d’actions de sensibilisation par l’éducation, à des actions de prévention pour diminuer, voire éradiquer la dépigmentation volontaire de la peau. Conclusion : Ces actions peuvent servir de base à une meilleure prévention et promotion de la santé dans les établissements scolaires, afin que les élèves adoptent des comportements sains et évitent ceux qui sont à risque.
Manipulation des cytostatiques dans les services d’oncologie d’un Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire algérien
Authors: Bouaziz Nadia Tigha , Tourab Djamel , Nezzal Abdelmalek
Published: October 2017

Introduction : Une étude a été réalisée dans les services d’oncologie d’un centre hospitalo-universitaire algérien dont l’objectif était d’analyser les conditions de manipulation des cytostatiques. Matériels et méthodes : Nous avons opté pour une évaluation des conditions du travail en 2014 avec une réévaluation après l’inauguration d’un centre de lutte anti cancer en 2015. Nous avons utilisé des outils validés : le questionnaire professionnel, le support de monographie des services de soins et le support de l’audit des services d’oncologie. Les résultats ont été comparés aux bonnes pratiques et les services d’oncologie ont été classés selon le pourcentage de conformité : non-conformité (< 69 %), conformité partielle (70-79 %), conformité substantielle (80-94 %) et conformité élevée (95-100 %). L’exposition a été évaluée par le calcul de l’indice de contact cytotoxique (ICC). Résultats : Les services d’oncologie sont hébergés dans trois hôpitaux. La reconstitution se fait dans des salles de soins non spécifiques sans moyens de protection collective. Parmi les services d’oncologie, 62 % étaient classés en niveau d’exposition 2 et 3 exigeant des mesures de prévention collective. Il s’agit des services d’oncologie, de gynécologie et d’hématologie. Le niveau de conformité est très faible (28 %).Tous les services sont classés non conformes pour l’ensemble des items. La conformité intéresse beaucoup plus la formation, le contrôle de qualité et les mesures d’hygiène. Une amélioration des conditions de manipulation des cytostatiques a été enregistrée en 2015. Elle a concerné la formation du personnel, le recrutement des biologistes et des pharmaciens, la superficie, l’hygiène des locaux, le stockage des cytostatiques et les équipements de protection individuelle et collective. Conclusion : Au regard de notre étude, il semble pertinent d’améliorer les conditions de manipulation des cytostatiques par la mise en place d’un programme de surveillance médico-environnementale avec la participation de tous les acteurs de prévention.
Vapoter favorise-t-il le tabagisme chez les adolescents et les jeunes adultes ? Revue de la littérature
Authors: Gautier Sylvain , Kinouani Shérazade , Raherison Chantal
Published: October 2017

Objectif : L’expérimentation de la cigarette électronique est significativement plus fréquente chez les 15-24 ans que dans les autres classes d’âge. Parce qu’elle peut contenir de la nicotine, la cigarette électronique pourrait constituer un mode d’entrée dans le tabagisme. Dans cet article, nous proposons un état des connaissances scientifiques concernant l’initiation ou le renforcement du tabagisme par le vapotage chez les jeunes. Méthodes : Analyse qualitative menée en janvier 2016. Les articles rapportant des études longitudinales réalisées chez des adolescents et des jeunes adultes exposés à la cigarette électronique ont été sélectionnés. Résultats : Cinq articles ont été retenus parmi les 544 documents identifiés. Sur les cinq études observationnelles prospectives analysées, quatre concluaient à un sur-risque d’initier une consommation de tabac lors de l’exposition à l’e-cigarette chez des jeunes non-fumeurs. La probabilité à un an pour de jeunes adultes vapoteurs d’initier une consommation de tabac était 8,3 (IC 95 % = 1,2-58,6) à 12,7 (IC 95 % = 4,0-40,3) fois supérieure à celle des non-vapoteurs. Avoir déjà vapoté augmentait de 75 % le risque à un an de fumer une cigarette traditionnelle chez des adolescents de 14 ans. Conclusion : L’initiation au tabagisme et son maintien sont significativement associés à l’usage de cigarette électronique chez les adolescents et jeunes adultes. En raison de faiblesses méthodologiques, ces résultats sont à interpréter avec prudence.
Optimisation de la cartographie des processus du système d’information de l’Hôpital Militaire d’Instruction Mohammed V
Authors: Jabbar Sanae , Lahboube Farid , Souissi Nissrine , Roudies Ounsa
Published: October 2017

Introduction : L’élaboration d’une cartographie des processus n’est pas une chose aisée, car au-delà de la détermination des processus-clés de l’organisme, elle peut difficilement décrire toutes les interactions, sous peine de devenir incompréhensible. C’est dans ce contexte que l’Hôpital militaire de Rabat souhaite revoir sa cartographie des processus pour qu’elle converge vers la cartographie de référence proposée par l’Agence nationale d’appui à la performance. Celle-ci a pour objectif la standardisation et l’amélioration des cartographies fonctionnelles des systèmes de production de soins. Méthodes : Afin d’assister les agents de l’Hôpital militaire de Rabat (directeur, médecins, infirmiers, etc.) dans leur démarche de convergence vers la cartographie de référence, nous proposons dans cet article l’application d’une méthode de convergence sur la cartographie actuelle de l’Hôpital afin de guider ses agents dans leur démarche d’élaboration d’une cartographie des processus optimale respectant les recommandations en matière d’urbanisation des systèmes d’informations tout en restant conforme aux orientations stratégiques. Résultats et discussion : Les résultats obtenus à l’issue de l’application de cette méthode à la cartographie initiale de l’hôpital dénotent un impact fonctionnel et organisationnel positif notamment en matière d’optimisation des flux entre processus.
Pathologie respiratoire et profession chez les travailleurs indépendants
Authors: Ha-Vinh Philippe , Randelli Philippe , Régnard Pierre
Published: October 2017

Introduction  : pour un régime d’assurance maladie qui protège des travailleurs, les exonérations du ticket modérateur pour insuffisance respiratoire chronique grave ou les remboursements d’oxygénothérapie à domicile peuvent être utilisés comme marqueurs d’insuffisance respiratoire chronique sévère. Notre but était de rechercher des différences de prévalence de ces marqueurs selon la profession exercée. Méthodes  : nous avons analysé la base de données des remboursements du Régime social des travailleurs indépendants en termes d’âge, de genre, de profession exercée et de lieu de domicile. La variable dépendante était un marqueur d’insuffisance respiratoire chronique sévère. Résultats  : les 153 334 assurés (moyenne d’âge : 49 ans ; sex-ratio : 2,3 hommes pour une femme) présentaient une prévalence de 0,70 %. Après ajustement la prévalence était plus élevée chez les assurés a) domiciliés dans un département à fort taux de chômage (odds ratio (OR) = 1,526 intervalle de confiance (IC) : 1,296 ; 1,798), b) domiciliés dans un département faiblement urbanisé (OR = 1,703 IC : 1,241 ; 2,337), c) appartenant à une des professions suivantes : boulanger (OR = 2,526 IC : 1,783 ; 3,580), buraliste (OR = 2,287 IC : 1,640 3,187), prothésiste dentaire (OR = 2,105 IC : 1,055 ; 4,200), travailleur du métal (OR = 1,997 IC : 1,250 ; 3,190), transporteur (OR = 1,916 IC : 1,383 ; 2,654), maçon (OR = 1,814 IC : 1,346 ; 2,445), vendeur non sédentaire sur éventaires et marchés (OR = 1,811 IC : 1,305 ; 2,512), travailleur de l’hôtellerie et de la restauration (OR = 1,478 IC : 1,108 ; 1,972), autres travailleurs du bâtiment (OR = 1,400 IC : 1,002 ; 1,954). Conclusion  : la prévalence des marqueurs d’insuffisance respiratoire chronique sévère varie selon la profession. Les actions de prévention de l’insuffisance respiratoire devraient être renforcées auprès des professions présentant les prévalences les plus fortes.
L'expérience genevoise : le Département de Médecine Communautaire
Authors: Stalder H.
Published: October 2017

Garantir l’accès au système de santé pour des personnes vivant en précarité et promouvoir l’enseignement et la recherche en médecine (interne) générale (médecine de premier recours) : telles sont les missions du Département de Médecine communautaire des Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève. Cette double activité médico-sociale et académique, illustrée par les soins offerts aux personnes sans domicile fixe et aux clandestins, permet de remplir plusieurs exigences du programme « Vers l’Unité pour la Santé ». Il faut cependant souligner qu’une telle structure reste fragile.
« Les réseaux, la médecine de demain » [10]
Authors: Aubry Régis
Published: October 2017

Les réseaux de santé s’imposent depuis quelques années comme une nouvelle donne dans l’organisation du système de santé en France. La Franche-Comté, sous l’impulsion de l’Agence Régionale de l’Hospitalisation a mis en œuvre depuis 1996 une politique de facilitation de développement des réseaux. Une Fédération Régionale des Réseaux de Santé s’est créée récemment pour accompagner la mise en œuvre de cette politique dans un souci de cohérence et d’efficience. Cet article présente d’abord succinctement un réseau de santé afin de donner une illustration des axes de fonctionnement communs à tous les réseaux, puis la Fédération Franc-Comtoise des Réseaux de Santé afin de dégager la nécessité d’une recherche de coordination des différents réseaux de santé entre eux. Le lecteur est enfin invité à se questionner sur la place éventuelle des facultés de médecine dans cette future configuration du système de santé élargi de la médecine à la santé, prenant en compte les nouvelles pratiques professionnelles et les nouveaux métiers générés par le développement des réseaux de santé.
Superficie glaciar actual en los Pirineos: Una actualización para 2016
Authors: Rico Ibai , Izagirre Eñaut , Serrano Enrique , López-Moreno Juan Ignacio
Published: October 2017

Los estudios de superficie glaciar en los Pirineos han informado de más de 2000 ha en 1850, 806,5 ha en la década de 1980 y 310,33 ha en 2008. En este trabajo hemos llevado a cabo una estimación actualizada (2016) de la superficie de los glaciares actuales en los Pirineos, a partir de imágenes satelitales contrastadas con observaciones “in situ” de los glaciares más representativos. Nuestros resultados dan una superficie glaciar de 242,06 ha para el año 2016. Esto implica una reducción del 88,25% desde 1850 y una rápida disminución desde la década de 1980, lo que confirma el acelerado declive durante el final del siglo XX y la primera década del siglo XXI.
Analysis of Foot Kinematics with Unstable Sole Structure Using Oxford Foot Model
Authors: Zhang Ying Yue , Fekete Gusztáv , Fernandez Justin , Gu Yao Dong
Published: October 2017

To determine the influence of the unstable sole structure on foot kinematics and provide theoretical basis for further application.12 healthy female subjects walked through a 10-meter experimental channel with normal speed wearing experimental shoes and control shoes respectively at the gait laboratory. Differences between the groups in triplanar motion of the forefoot, rearfoot and hallux during walking were evaluated using a three-dimensional motion analysis system incorporating with Oxford Foot Model (OFM). Compare to contrast group, participants wearing experimental shoes demonstrated greater peak forefoot dorsiflexion, forefoot supination and longer halluces plantar flexion time in support phase. Additionally, participants with unstable sole structure also demonstrated smaller peak forefoot plantarflexion, rearfoot dorsiflexion and range of joint motion in sagittal plane and frontal plane.. The difference mainly appeared in sagittal and frontal plane. With a stimulation of unstable, it may lead to the reinforcement of different flexion between middle and two ends of the foot model. The greater forefoot supination is infered that the unstable element structure may affect the forefoot motion on the frontal plane and has a control effect to strephexopodia people. The stimulation also will reflexes reduce the range of rearfoot motion in sagittal and frontal planes to control the gravity center of the body and keep a steady state in the process of walking.
Combination of Gray-Level and Moment Invariant for Automatic Blood Vessel Detection on Retinal Image
Authors: Wan Mustapa Wan Azani , Yazid Haniza , Kamaruddin Wahida
Published: October 2017

Segmentation of blood vessels in the retinal is a crucial step in the diagnosis of eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. This paper presents a supervised method for automatic segmentation of blood vessels in retinal images. The proposed method based on a hybrid combination between Gray-Level and Moment Invariant techniques. There are four steps involved, whereas preprocessing, feature extraction, classification, and post-processing. In the preprocessing, three stages are performed include vessel central light reflex removal, background homogenization, and vessel enhancement. The 7-D vector feature extraction was performed to compute that compose of gray-level and moment invariants-based features for pixel representation. The decision tree is used for classification step that characterized the pixel based on vessels and non-vessels. The final step is the post-processing which will remove the small artifacts appears after classification process. The proposed method was compared to the Vascular Tree method and Morphological method. Based on the objective evaluation, the proposed method achieved (sensitivity = 98.589, specificity = 55.544 and accuracy = 96.197).
Uterine Tamponade Device to Control Atonic Primary Postpartum Haemorrhage in Resource-Poor Settings
Authors: Arthur William , Kaufmann Elsie Effah
Published: October 2017

This paper proposes and presents the proof of concept for an improvised device adapted from the condom tamponade used for controlling atonic primary postpartum haemorrhage in resource-poor settings. The device has been designed to address the setbacks of the conventional condom tamponade. The setbacks of the condom tamponade were assessed. Using the systematic engineering design process, a device was designed to address the setbacks of the condom tamponade. The device comprises an inflation/deflation system, blood drainage system and clamping system. Results from testing show that for an inexperienced user, the device has quicker inflation (3.36 ± 1.70 minutes/ 500 ml) and faster set-up time (3.60 ± 1.50 minutes), as compared to the conventional condom tamponade. The clamping system of the device also ensures effective control of fluid dynamics and prevents backflow. The device, however, was not tested on human subjects to prove its efficacy for actual treatment of patients. The device also can be easily and quickly set-up and operated by frontline healthcare providers with limited expertise, in resource-poor settings. It has further been designed for safety (use of biocompatible materials and elimination of sharp edges for the parts expected to have direct contact with the uterus).
Numerical Analysis of the Equivalent Stress at the Interface Bone/Threaded Dental Implant
Authors: Chelahi Chikr Yamina , Boutabout Benali , Merdji Ali , Bouzouina Kheira
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study was to develop a new three-dimensional model of an osseointegrated molar dental prosthesis and to carry out finite element analysis to evaluate stress distributions and intensities in the bone and in the components of dental prosthesis under three loads (corono-apical, distal-mesial and buccal-lingual) were applied to the top of the occlusal face of the prosthesis crown. The interfacial stresses were also determined inside and outside of the threading when the dental prosthesis system was subjected to one of three masticatory loads. All materials used in the models were considered to be isotropic, homogeneous and linearly elastic. The elastic properties, loads and constraints used in the model were taken from published data. In this study, the stress concentration occurred around the threaded dental implant neck. Thus, this area should be preserved clinically in order to maintain the bone–implant interface structurally and functionally.
Polymercement Composites in Environment with Increased Concentration of Sulfate Ions and Extreme Temperatures
Authors: Melichar Tomáš , Bydžovský Jiří , Dufka Ámos , Melichar Jindřich
Published: October 2017

Polymer cement matrix based materials were designed within the frame of the research presented in this paper. Resistance of these materials to combination of several adverse factors was observed. Considerable proportion of input materials used were components from alternative material resources. Primary binder was replaced with fly ash and blast furnace slag. Dominant proportion of filling mass was taken up by agloporite – porous aggregate produced by self-baking from fly ash. The focus of the research was assessment of degradation of materials after long-term exposition (up to 90 days) to increased concentration of sulphate ions and high temperatures. Degree of degradation was evaluated on the basis of physico-mechanical and physico-chemical tests combined with microstructural analyses.
Computational Simulation of Behaviour of Developed Thermal Insulation Plaster Based on Silicates with the Use of Program WUFI 2D
Authors: Hroudová Jitka , Zach Jiří
Published: October 2017

The investigation of the hygrothermal behavior of advanced silica materials, which are today in ever increasing demand during the reconstruction of building envelopes, is an important point of research. For determining the moisture balance in building structures, the Glaser method is most frequently used to day which, however, considers during calculations water diffusion only in stationary state at simplified marginal conditions; it does not take into account the moisture transport in the capillary system of the material structure, nor the sorption properties of the material. The goal of the research is therefore to gain deeper knowledge of the way heat and moisture transport through the pore structure of these silica materials. The paper describes verification of efficacy of thermal insulation and rehabilitation silicate plastering. Based on experiences from previously research and their results were chosen 2 developed plasters for computational simulation of their behavior in the case of detail of window jamb. One type of developed plastering was placed from the site of interior and the second type of plastering was applied from the site of exterior.
Evaluation of the Effect of Crystallization Additives on the Durability of Cement Composites
Authors: Dufka Ámos , Melichar Tomáš
Published: October 2017

The paper deals with a comprehensive analysis of the influence of applied crystallization additives on the service life of self-compacting concrete (SCC), specifically when exposed to the effects of chemically aggressive environments. Attention is focused not only on the influence of a crystallization additive on the characteristics of the capillary porous structure of SCC, but mainly on its effects in terms of the long-term service life of self-compacting concrete. The effects of individual types of aggressive environments are evaluated on the basis of a set of physico-mechanical and physico-chemical analyses.
Properties of Vibro Compacted and Pressed Concrete Products with Varnished Surface
Authors: Hubáček Adam , Hájková Iveta
Published: October 2017

Technology of so-called vibro compacted pressed concrete is currently used inter alia for manufacture of concrete products like concrete paving blocks, slabs, curbs or walling elements. Particularly wear layers of products for paving have recently been improved by special methods and technologies. The paper summarizes current knowledge of vibro compacted pressed concrete products with surface finish treated with hardened varnish. Main focus is on description of individual methods of finalizing wear layers of such products.
Effect of Firing Temperature on Reactivity and Sedimentation Volume of Different Types of Limestones
Authors: Dolák Dušan , Dvořák Karel , Bureš Jaroslav
Published: October 2017

Limestone as a natural rock tends to have various parameters. Variation in parameters, as well as firing temperature have significant impact on key properties of quicklime. Sedimentation volume and reactivity determine quality of quicklime in building industry. This paper is focused on monitoring the reactivity and sedimentation volume of quicklime prepared from various types of limestone at different temperatures. Selection of limestones with high purity collected from various quarries around the world were characterized by porosity, chemical and petrographic composition. To create quicklime, these samples were fired at 4 different temperatures. Reactivity measurements were made on quicklime with specific particle size. Sedimentation volume of hydrated slurry was determined. Obtained results suggest that there is tendency for slower reactivity and smaller sedimentation volume with increased firing temperature.
Slurry Infiltrated Fibre Concrete with Waste Steel Fibres from Tires - The Behaviour under Static and Dynamic Load
Authors: Drdlová Martina , Sviták Oldřich , Prachař Vladan
Published: October 2017

Waste fibres coming from the recycling process of the old tires were incorporated in slurry infiltrated fibre concrete (SIFCON), which is a special type of high performance fibre reinforced concrete with high fibre content. The technological feasibility (i.e. suitability of the waste fibres for SIFCON technology) was assessed using infiltration test and homogeneity test. Test specimens were prepared with three volume fractions (5; 7.5 and 10% by vol.) of waste unclassified fibres. SIFCON with industrial steel fibres (10% by vol.) and high performance fibre concrete with industrial fibres were also cast and tested for comparison purposes. Quasi-static mechanical properties were determined. The impact test was carried out by using an in-house manufactured impact testing machine based on drop test principle. Realized tests confirmed the possibility of using the waste fibres for SIFCON technology. The obtained results indicate, that the usage of waste fibres does not significantly reduce the values of SIFCON flexural and compressive strength at quasi-static load and energy absorption at dynamic load, the values were comparable to the specimens with industrially produced fibres. With increasing fibre content, the mechanical parameters and energy-absorption characteristics at dynamic load are increasing as well.
Processing Technology Development for Organic Clay Suspension System
Authors: Grigale-Soročina Zane , Birks Ingmārs , Kalniņš Mārtiņš
Published: October 2017

Nail polish as a system used in cosmetics still faces stability issues. Pigment sedimentation and syneresis are the most common problems for solvent based systems. The scope of this research was to produce a working 'gel' dispersion for use as a suspension agent in nail polish systems. Various thixotropic agents (hectorite and bentonite clays and hydrophobic and hydrophilic silica grades) and methods (high shear homogenisation (HSH) and high pressure homogenisation (HPH)) were employed to affect this result. From the rheology results it is concluded, that the HPH ensures the development of the systems with the required viscosity recovery properties. It is also concluded that high shear developed systems with hydrophilic silica thixotropic agent are well suited for use as a suspension agent in nail polish formulations.
Morphology and Tribological Behaviour of Amorphous and Crystalline Aluminum Oxide Layers
Authors: Ausserer Florian , Velkavrh Igor , Voyer Joel , Klien Stefan , Diem Alexander , Schmidt Jürgen , Tessadri Richard , Kahlenberg Volker
Published: October 2017

Anodization of aluminum (Al) is a well-known process for the production of oxidized Al surfaces. Within the scope of the present work, three different Al-oxide layers, produced with different electrochemical methods, were investigated in view of their layer morphology and tribological properties. For this purpose, a newly developed PCO layer (Innovent e.V.), and two commercially available layers, Ematal and a CERANOD®, were compared. Al-oxide layers produced on flat samples were tested against cylindrical DIN 100Cr6 rings under dry sliding conditions. It was observed that under the selected conditions, the frictional behavior of the Al-oxide layers can be influenced by their structural composition and their surface topography, i.e. is different when their structure is amorphous or crystalline. The newly developed Al-oxide layer, which possesses the lowest surface roughness and a very uniform porosity, provided the longest lasting low friction period. Since γ-Al2O3 was also observed in this layer, it is believed that the structural composition of the Al-oxide layer has additionally influenced the frictional response of these samples.
Comparative Study of Adhesive Wear for CoCr, TiC-NiMo, WC-Co as Potential FSW Tool Materials
Authors: Kolnes Mart , Kübarsepp Jakob , Sergejev Fjodor , Kolnes Märt
Published: October 2017

Friction stir welding is a novel and promising joining process and most common welding tool failure is transformation of geometry caused by wear. In our point of view, this is adhesion wear. The lathe testing of adhesion wear was conducted to compare wear resistance of following materials: Co-25wt%Cr, TiC-25wt%Ni/Mo and WC-6wt%Co. According to characteristics of investigated materials, they are capable to become alternatives for conventional frictional stir welding (FSW) tool materials. Adhesive wear tests were performed by turning aluminium alloy AW6082-T6 at low speed – travel length, turning speed and feed rate were selected to simulate FSW conditions. The adhesive wear was determined as the change of the geometry of the cutting edges of the tool measured using SEM images. Most promising tool material in terms of adhesion wear resistance is WC-Co hardmetal. The two main stages of wear were distinguished: at first, the appearance of intensive adhesion wear followed by steady state wear. Surface fatigue wear complements development of the adhesive wear.
Development of Impact Energy Distribution of Various Abrasives during Cyclic Impact/Abrasion Testing
Authors: Widder Lukas , Varga Markus , Adam Karl , Kuttner Andreas
Published: October 2017

In heavy industries like mining or steel production vast amounts of loose materials need to be transported, relocated or otherwise processed. During these routines severe stresses are applied on heavy machinery components such as excavator grabs and clamshells, which ultimately lead to excessive wear. The dominant wear mechanisms under such conditions are impact and abrasion. The focus of this paper is to investigate the fracture behaviour of various abrasives as experienced under real application in the steel industry. Breaking events of abrasive particles affect the impact energies on tool equipment. The Cyclic Impact/Abrasion Test rig (CIAT) was applied to investigate the stability and fracture behaviour of the abrasives. Rotating counter bodies made of martensitic quenched and tempered steel were used to generate impact events on loose abrasive particles. After certain time intervals the abrasives were screened and particle size fractions documented. Impact energy is strongly dependent on size and density, as well as fragility and cracking of particles. As fracturing events diminish particle dimensions and shift size distributions to lower size fractions, each abrasive showed a distinctive impact energy distribution over the course of the test duration. Impact energy distributions of abrasives were correlated to wear rates of the steel samples for each abrasive used. The results indicate a distinct behaviour of each abrasive, yielding certain impact energy distributions. Depending on processing specific abrasive goods in actual applications, impact energies and associated wear loss can differ significantly.
Variational Approximate and Mixed-Finite Element Solution for Static Analysis of Laminated Composite Plates
Authors: Madenci Emrah , Özütok Atilla
Published: October 2017

The main objective of the present study is to give a systematic way for the derivation of laminated composite plates by using the mixed type finite element formulation with a functional. The first order shear deformation plate theory is used. Differential field equations of composite plates are derived from virtual displacement principle. These equations were written in operator form then by using the Gâteaux differential method, a new functional which including the dynamic and geometric boundary conditions is obtained after provide potential conditions. Applying mixed-type finite element based on this new functional, a plate element namely FOPLT32 is derived which have 8 degrees of freedoms on per node, total 32 freedoms. The reliability of the derived FOPLT32 plate elements for static analysis is verified, since the results obtained have been shown to agree well with the existing ones.
The Effect of Firing Temperature on the Composition and Microstructure of a Geocement-Based Binder of Sodium Water-Glass
Authors: Sotiriadis Konstantinos , Guzii Sergii , Kumpová Ivana , Mácová Petra , Viani Alberto
Published: October 2017

The fire performance of a geocement-based binder was investigated with a combination of analytical techniques, in terms of changes in composition and microstructure. Geocement, formulated as Na2O∙Al2O3∙6SiO2∙20H2O, was prepared using metakaolin, sodium water-glass, rotten stone and sodium hydroxide. The mixture was homogenized by passing through a hydrodynamic cavitator. Cubes of 20 mm were prepared, hardened at laboratory conditions for 28 days, and subsequently burnt at 600, 800 and 1200 °C in a laboratory furnace. Cavitation treatment resulted in a highly amorphous binder; amorphous fraction decreased upon firing up to 800 °C due to crystallization, and increased above 1000 °C because of melt formation. Porosity increased with firing temperature and pores larger than 1 mm in diameter prevailed at 1200 °C. The material remained stable up to 1200 °C. The results indicate the adequacy of this geocement-based binder for preparing fire-protecting materials.
Use and user satisfaction with library services and resources at the main library of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
Authors: Ranawella T. C. , Rajapaksha M. P.
Published: October 2017

The main library of the General Sir John Kotelawela Defence University conducted a survey of the first and third-year undergraduates of the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, to investigate the use and user satisfaction on library services and resources. The study employed the 455 structured questionnaires to the whole population of undergraduates as the main tool for collecting data. Further, various registers were used to count the number of users. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20. The major findings of the study revealed that the respondents were satisfied with the library resources and services of the library as a whole. Also, the study found that many of the respondents visit the library for more than one reason, whereas the majority of the respondents visit the library for accessing past papers. Other findings show that the largest proportion of the respondents visit the library once a week. As for resources, the textbooks were ranked first, followed by the newspapers/magazine, and reference sources. The less frequently used resources are CD/DVD/VCD, online journals, databases, and library web links. To meet undergraduate information requirements and make them aware of the available resources and services, it is recommended to conduct information literacy programs as well as awareness programs at regular intervals.
Use of electronic information resources by arts undergraduates during the preparation of final year dissertations: a study at University of Peradeniya
Authors: Premarathne Sunil
Published: October 2017

Electronic Information Resources (EIR) perform an important role in the reference resources provided by the academic libraries. Readers are increasingly encouraged to use electronic resources for their research purposes. It is evident that most of the undergraduates consider the library as an important place during their course of study, especially during the preparation of final year dissertations. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to examine the usage of EIR by final year undergraduates during the time of preparation of their dissertation. The study used the survey research design with the application of purposive sampling method. The total population of the final year special degree in Arts students of the Faculty of Arts was 619 in 2014/2015 academic year. A total of 49 final year students of the special degree in Arts who visited the Main Library voluntarily participated in this survey within a period of one month from 01/03/2015 to 31/03/2015. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data. The study findings indicated that the students used Internet search engines rather than specialized data bases and full-text resources to search information. Nearly 88% of the respondents had never used the library web page to search EIR. Nearly 10% were familiar with electronic resources available in the library. The main problems associated with non-use of EIR are: lack of skills in information searching and very limited training opportunities and limited facilities in accessing the Internet. According to the findings the reasons for lower usage of electronic resources by undergraduates are the lack of basic skills / knowledge in IT and English language barrier. In order to exploit the full potential of electronic information, university library and the faculty should play active roles by organizing awareness programmes, promoting EIR use among students and develop infrastructure facilities in the Main Library to enhance usage of EIR. Introducing information literacy skills course for students’ curricula is recommended to get maximum benefits of EIR Use.
The NF-κB–Responsive Long Noncoding RNA FIRRE Regulates Posttranscriptional Regulation of Inflammatory Gene Expression through Interacting with hnRNPU
Authors: Lu Yajing , Liu Xu , Xie Minghong , Liu Mingjia , Ye Mengling , Li Mingxuan , Chen Xian-Ming , Li Xiaoqing , Zhou Rui
Published: October 2017

Long noncoding RNAs, a newly identified class of noncoding RNAs, are important regulators of gene expression in innate immunity. We report in this study that the transcription of FIRRE, a conserved long noncoding RNA between humans and mice, is controlled by NF-κB signaling in macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells. Functionally, FIRRE appears to positively regulate the expression of several inflammatory genes in macrophages or intestinal epithelial cells in response to LPS stimulation via posttranscriptional mechanisms. Specifically, FIRRE physically interacts with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins U, regulating the stability of mRNAs of selected inflammatory genes through targeting the AU-rich elements of their mRNAs in cells following LPS stimulation. Therefore, our data indicate a new regulatory role for NF-κB–responsive FIRRE in the posttranscriptional regulation of inflammatory genes in the innate immune system.
Nonclassical Monocytes Mediate Secondary Injury, Neurocognitive Outcome, and Neutrophil Infiltration after Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Makinde Hadijat M. , Cuda Carla M. , Just Talia B. , Perlman Harris R. , Schwulst Steven J.
Published: October 2017

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in rapid recruitment of leukocytes into the injured brain. Monocytes constitute a significant proportion of the initial infiltrate and have the potential to propagate secondary brain injury or generate an environment of repair and regeneration. Monocytes are a diverse population of cells (classical, intermediate, and nonclassical) with distinct functions, however, the recruitment order of these subpopulations to the injured brain largely remains unknown. Thus, we examined which monocyte subpopulations are required for the generation of early inflammatory infiltrate within the injured brain, and whether their depletion attenuates secondary injury or neurocognitive outcome. Global monocyte depletion correlated with significant improvements in brain edema, motor coordination, and working memory, and abrogated neutrophil infiltration into the injured brain. However, targeted depletion of classical monocytes alone had no effect on neutrophil recruitment to the site of injury, implicating the nonclassical monocyte in this process. In contrast, mice that have markedly reduced numbers of nonclassical monocytes (CX3CR1−/−) exhibited a significant reduction in neutrophil infiltration into the brain after TBI as compared with control mice. Our data suggest a critical role for nonclassical monocytes in the pathology of TBI in mice, including important clinical outcomes associated with mortality in this injury process.
Drug-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes: a case report of pyoderma and cellulitis
Authors: Pieretti Barbara , Canovari Benedetta , Moretti Marco , Pieretti Carlo , Pazzaglia Enzo
Published: October 2017

In the last years there has been worldwide an increase in the incidence of Streptococcus pyogenes infections and its sequelae. The purpose of the present study is to describe a clinical case of pyoderma and cellulitis by S. pyogenes with a pattern of resistance to penicillin, erythromycin and levofloxacin. Antimicrobial susceptibility was analysed by automated method of disk diffusion while E-test method was used to verify the minimum inhibitory concentration to penicillin, erythromycin and levofloxacin. Although penicillin remains the first-choice treatment for S. pyogenes infection, worldwide antibiotic resistance and the associated phenotypes are highly variable across countries. This case report strengthens the need for continued surveillance to obtain further insights into the forces governing resistance in S. pyogenes.
Detection of enterotoxins and genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from Isfahan Educational Hospital, Iran
Authors: Havaei Seyed Asghar , Rezaei Nahid , Havaei Roholla , Namvar Amirmorteza Ebrahimzadeh
Published: October 2017

Background and aims: Staphylococcus aureus is known as one of the most important nosocomial pathogens, which may lead to several infections. The aim of this study was determining the enterotoxins A, C, and TSST-1 and molecular characterization of S. aureus strains with PFGE and MLST typing methods.
Materials and methods: In the present study during the sixmonths sampling, fifty S. aureus strains were isolated from patients admitted to Al-Zahra university hospital. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Multiplex PCR for detection of enterotoxin A, C and TSST-1, pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were used for molecular typing.
Results: In antibiogram the highest and lowest percentage of resistance was belonged to tetracycline and rifampin respectively. Multiplex PCR indicated that 30% of the strains harbored sea and 34% harbored sec genes. However, only 4% of our collected isolates had tsst gene. In PFGE method analysis on all S. aureus strains, a total of 19 different patterns were identified. Nine various sequence types in 27 selected S. aureus isolates were identified by MLST.
Conclusions: Present study indicates a possible higher variability among our S. aureus strains by two different molecular typing methods; nevertheless four main common types (CT1, CT7, CT9, and CT11) with at least one toxin genes were determined.
Mineral Element Concentrations in Vegetables Cultivated in Acidic Compared to Alkaline Areas of South Sweden
Authors: Rosborg Ingegerd , Gerhardsson Lars , Nihlgård Bengt
Published: October 2017

A study in 1997, on mineral levels in acidic compared to alkaline well waters, and in women's hair, revealed higher concentrations of a number of mineral elements like Ca, Mo and Se in alkaline waters and hair. Thus, median Ca levels were six times higher in well water and five times higher in hair from the alkaline area compared to the acidic area. This finding raised the probability of similar differences in vegetables from these areas. Thus, in the year 2006, 60 women who had participated in the study in 1997 were asked to cultivate parsley, lettuce, carrot and chive. During the spring of 2006, the women from the water and hair study of 1997, 30 of them from the acidic area and 30 women from the alkaline district cultivated vegetables: carrot (Daucus carota L), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), chive (Allium schoenoprasum) and lettuce (Eruca sativa). The vegetables were harvested, and rinsed in tap water from the kitchens of the participating women in August. The concentrations of about 35 elements and ions were determined by ICP OES and ICP-MS predominantly. In addition, soil samples from the different cultivators were also analyzed for a number of elements.

Lettuce and parsley showed the highest concentrations of mineral elements per gram dry weight. Only Mo concentrations were significantly higher in all the different vegetables from the alkaline district compared to vegetables from the acidic areas. On the other hand, the concentrations of Ba, Br, Mn, Rb and Zn were higher in all the different vegetables from the acidic area. In the soil, only pH and exchangeable Ca from the alkaline area were higher than from the acidic area, while exchangeable Fe, Mn and Na concentrations were higher in soils from the acidic area. Soil elements like Al, Fe, Li, Ni, Pb, Si, Ti, V, Zn and Zr were found in higher concentrations in lettuce and parsley, which were attributed to soil particles being splashed on the plants by the rain and absorbed by the leaves. Strong correlations appeared between Ca and Sr in all the vegetables, except for carrot. No strong correlations were found between soil elements and vegetable elements, except for soil Mn and carrot/lettuce Mn. The differences in mineral levels in both, vegetables and soils were however small, compared to differences in well waters and hair. It was also suggested that the garden soils on limestone bedrock had been drained of minerals and thereby, the soil had an acidic pH. The contribution of mineral elements to daily intake in humans was considered minor from the analysed vegetables, except for some samples of lettuce that should give significant contributions of Ca, Zn, Mn and Mo.

The main conclusion is that, differences in water and hair mineral levels between the two areas in the earlier study (1997) were not mirrored in vegetables cultivated in 2006. Principally, this suggests that, for humans the mineral intake of some elements from water may be more important than from vegetables.
Heavy Metal Contamination in Soils and Phytoaccumulation in a Manganese Mine Wasteland, South China
Authors: Li M.S. , Yang S.X.
Published: October 2017

Heavy metal contamination of minesoils is a widespread problem in China. In Pingle manganese mineland in Guangxi (south China), heavy metal concentrations in soils and dominant plants were determined, and soil contamination was assessed with pollution index (Pi) and index of geoaccumulation (I-geo). Pi showed the minesoil was heavily polluted by Cd and slightly polluted by Cr. I-geo showed a severer pollution for all metals (except for Mn) than Pi because I-geo tended to overestimate the real pollution effect of minesoil. Fresh tailings dam had both the highest Pi and I-geo among the four sites indicating a high metal contamination. All the “bio-available” fractions of the studied metals were below 5% of the totals. Dominant plants tended to accumulate higher Cd and Cr, and showed higher Mn translocation to aboveground parts. Besides the agricultural reclamation, more diverse restoration goals with lower environmental risks should be considered for the Mn mine wastelands in South China.
Distribution of Total and Organic Mercury in Superficial Soils in the Upper Manzanares River Watershed, Sucre State, Venezuela
Authors: Challa Yahsέ Rojas , de Astudillo Luisa Rojas , Ramirez Armando , Escalona Andrέs , Martínez Gregorio
Published: October 2017

Total and organic mercury contents were determined from samples of surface soils (0-5 cm), sieved at ≤63 μm. collected from 10 different locations in the upper Manzanares River watershed, using cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. Methylmercury was determined using a HPLC-UV detector. The mean total mercury concentration was 1.3 μg. g-1, a value permitted by the Canadian environment quality guidelines for farming soils, but high for European standards. Using certified reference materials, we verified that a modification of the method described by Qian et al. (2000) was effective for organic mercury extraction, with a recovery of 92.17% for DORM-2 and 92.11% for TORT-2. This modified method was applied to soil samples, obtaining concentrations of 0.5-1.0 μg.g-1 of organic mercury. The parameters for determining methylmercury using HPLC-UV were optimized; the best results were obtained with a 4.6 mm × 25 cm Zorbax CN– column, with a mobile phase of 70/30 V/V of methanol: ammonium acetate 0.05 mol.l-1, with a flow rate of 0.5 ml.min-1; the methylmercury was detected at 4.99 min retention time. Methylmercury was not found in the soil samples. Using the certified reference material we proved that the method used produced reliable results. The analysis confirmed the existence of mercury in this farming area.