Main Reason Research Articles

Structural/surface characterization of transition metal element-doped H-ZSM-5 adsorbent for CH3SH removal: identification of active adsorption sites and deactivation mechanism.

CH3SH is a potential hazard to both chemical production and human health, so controlling its emissions is an urgent priority. In this work, a series of transition metal-loaded H-ZSM-5 adsorbents (Si/Al = 25) (Cu, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and Zn) were synthesized through the wet impregnation method and tested for CH3SH physicochemical adsorption at 60°C. It was shown that the Cu-modified H-ZSM-5 adsorbent was much more active for CH3SH removal due to its abundant strong acid sites than other transition metal-modified H-ZSM-5 adsorbents. The detailed physicochemical properties of various modified H-ZSM-5 adsorbents were characterized by SEM, XRD, N2 physisorption, XPS, H2-TPR, and NH3-TPD. The effects of metal loading mass ratio, calcination temperature, and acid or alkali modification on the performance of the adsorbent were also investigated, and finally 20% Cu/ZSM-5 was found to have the best adsorption capacity after calcined at 350°C. Additionally, the Cu/ZSM-5 adsorbent modified by sodium bicarbonate could expose more active components, which improved the adsorbent's stability. However, the consumption and reduction of the active component Cu2+ and the accumulation of sulfate during the adsorption process are the main reasons for the deactivation of the adsorbent. In addition, the simultaneous purging of N2 + O2 can effectively restore the adsorption capacity of the deactivated adsorbent and can be used as a potential strategy to regenerate the adsorbent.

Reasons for repeat urgent cardiac procedures within the same day.

With advances in technology and technique, the expectations are that patients undergoing procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratory will not need to return for a repeat procedure within the same day. Report why subjects undergoing cardiac procedures return urgently to the catheterization laboratory for a repeat procedure during the same day. We retrospectively reviewed patients who were brought back to the cardiac catheterization laboratory within the same day for a repeat procedure. The reasons for index and repeat procedure were identified. Patients who were transferred from an outside center after an initial procedure at other centers were excluded. Between November 2013 and January 2022, 55,942 catheterization procedures were performed at our institution, of which 140 entries were included in our analysis. Common reasons for the index procedure were diagnostic angiography (35.0%), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, 29.2%), and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (15.0%). The most common reason for bringing these patients back to the cardiac catheterization laboratory within the same day was vascular complications (24.2%), followed by repeat PCI (20.7%), need for hemodynamic support (15.0%), heart team discussion and PCI (10%), and pacemaker implantation (10%). Acute limb ischemia was the most commonly identified vascular complication (7.1%), followed by pseudoaneurysm (5%). Our study demonstrates that a very small number of patients underwent repeat procedures within the same day. Special attention should be paid to vascular access and closure and assessment of recurrent chest pain postprocedure, as these are the main reasons for same-day repeat procedures.

The Impact of Zhongyong Thinking on Employees Mental Health

Zhongyong is a moral standard set forth by Confucian culture, meaning maintaining neutrality and moderation. Many people tend to have a misunderstanding of Zhongyong thinking, believing that Zhongyong represents compromise and the middle position. They might consider that such thinking is detrimental to healthy mental development. However, Zhongyong thinking is not the same as compromise, and instead it allows the coexistence of contradictions and opposites. After reviewing a series of previous articles on Zhongyong thinking and mental health, it is shown that Zhongyong thinking plays a moderating role in the employees psychological state. Moreover, the factors affecting the influence of Zhongyong thinking on employees' mental health include psychological resilience and psychological security. Ultimately, the review found that one of the main reasons for the moderation of psychological states in the workplace is because it affects emotional regulation and alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety. Plus, Zhongyong thinking related training also was shown some benefits. A limitation of previous studies is that subjective questionnaires were used to measure the level of Zhongyong thinking and other psychological variables, which could be less accurate. Future research directions could explore how to accurately demonstrate dynamic Zhongyong thinking processes through experimental and longitudinal design.

Joining aluminum die castings and wrought aluminum by resistance spot welding

Resistance spot welding (RSW) is an economic, robust welding process, which is easy to automate and widely used in automotive industry. In this work, the resistance spot weldability of die-cast aluminum alloys EN AC-AlSi7MnMg, EN AC-AlSi9Mn and EN AC-AlSi10MnMg-T6/T7 to wrought aluminum alloy EN AW-AlSi1MnMg-T6 is investigated when applying the standard welding profile as recommended in VDA 238-401 considering main challenges in welding aluminum die castings, for example, porosity and inhomogenities. Weldability is best for EN AC-AlSi10MnMg-T6/T7, but the results show limited applicability of VDA 238-401 in general, especially for high total sheet thicknesses, because of invalid electrode force favouring spatter formation and weld spot irregularites. Still, all spot welds between die castings and 2 mm wrought aluminum sheets reach the recommended shear tension forces for spot diameter dw of 5·√t (2 mm: 5.95 kN; 3 mm: 8.96 kN; according to DIN EN ISO 18595), although being afflicted with solidification porosity and liquation cracking. Gas porosity is not observed and solidification porosity is only found to be significant for weld spot failure when being located close to the joining level, which is observed at welding depths of approximately 50% into the wrought aluminum sheet. Here, a failure path across the nugget is found. Weld porosity apart from the joining level is less significant and failure path is found along the fusion line between nugget and wrought aluminum. Instead, hardness difference between nugget and HAZ is the main reason for weld spot failure. Although the applied welding current profile is not suited best for RSW of mixed joints between aluminium die castings and wrought aluminium alloys, the results confirm its potential, for example, a significantly reduced gas porosity compared to applied fusion welding processes.

Nanomedicine alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and enhances chemotherapy synergistic chemodynamic therapy

Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used in clinic as a broad-spectrum chemotherapy drug, which can enhance the efficacy of chemodynamic therapy (CDT) by interfering tumor-related metabolize to increase H2O2 content. However, DOX can induce serious cardiomyopathy (DIC) due to its oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes. Eliminating oxidative stress would create a significant opportunity for the clinical application of DOX combined with CDT. To address this issue, we introduced sodium ascorbate (AscNa), the main reason is that AscNa can be catalyzed to produce H2O2 by the abundant Fe3+ in the tumor site, thereby enhancing CDT. While the content of Fe3+ in heart tissue is relatively low, so the oxidation of AscNa had tumor specificity. Meanwhile, due to its inherent reducing properties, AscNa could also eliminate the oxidative stress generated by DOX, preventing cardiotoxicity. Due to the differences between myocardial tissue and tumor microenvironment, a novel nanomedicine was designed. MoS2 was employed as a carrier and CDT catalyst, loaded with DOX and AscNa, coating with homologous tumor cell membrane to construct an acid-responsive nanomedicine MoS2-DOX/AscNa@M (MDA@M). In tumor cells, AscNa enhances the synergistic therapy of DOX and MoS2. In cardiomyocytes, AscNa could effectively reduce the cardiomyopathy induced by DOX. Overall, this study enhanced the clinical potential of chemotherapy synergistic CDT.

Improving Wear Resistance and Corrosive Resistance of Cemented Carbide for Mud Pulser Rotor by Deep Cryogenic Treatment.

Cemented carbide used in the rotor of a mud pulser is subjected to the scouring action of solid particles and corrosive mud media for a long time, which causes abrasive wear and electrochemical corrosion. To improve the wear and corrosive resistance of cemented carbide, samples with different cobalt content (WC-5Co, WC-8Co, and WC-10Co) receive deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) at -196 °C for 2.5 h. An optical metalloscope (OM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) are used to observe the phase changes of cemented carbides, and the XRD is also used to observe the change in residual stress on the cemented carbide's surface. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to characterize the wear and electrochemical corrosion surface microstructure of cemented carbides (untreated and DCT). The results show that the DCT promotes the precipitation of the η phase, and the diffraction peak of ε-Co tends to intensify. Compared with the untreated, the wear rates of WC-5Co, WC-8Co, and WC-10Co can be reduced by 14.71%, 37.25%, and 41.01% by DCT, respectively. The wear form of the cemented carbides is mainly the extrusion deformation of Co and WC shedding. The precipitation of the η phase and the increase in WC residual compressive stress by DCT are the main reasons for the improvement of wear resistance. The electrochemical corrosion characteristic is the dissolution of the Co phase. DCT causes the corrosion potential of cemented carbide to shift forward and the corrosion current density to decrease. The enhancement of the corrosion resistance of cemented carbide caused by DCT is due to the Co phase transition, η phase precipitation, and the increase in the compressive stress of cemented carbide.

(197) Natural Aphrodisiacs Consumption by Male Workers in the Katanga province, DR Congo

Abstract Introduction In a previous cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of ED among artisanal mineworkers, we found a significant association between aphrodisiacs consumption and erectile dysfunction (Musa et al. under review). Objective This study aimed at investigating the main reasons of aphrodisiacs consumption and their possible health effects in male workers in the Katanga province. Methods We conducted a mixed method study in which a first quantitative phase (survey) was conducted from March 2021 to May 2021, and included by convenience sampling, 127 artisanal miners and 122 drivers of collective taxis. All participants responded to the IIEF in the first survey. We measured urea, creatinine, sGOT, sGPT, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride in serum. The second qualitative phase (interviews) took place later, and included 16 participants from the first quantitative study, 8 in each group. Results Self-reported aphrodisiacs consumption was 1.6 as prevalent among taxi-drivers compared to miners. ED was 1.5 as prevalent among aphrodisiacs' consumers compared to controls. Total cholesterol and LDL were significantly higher in aphrodisiac consumers than in non-consumers. Cultural perceptions about masculinity, support of erectile function and/or prevention of ED were themes that emerged from interviews in both groups. Two most consumed aphrodisiacs including Securidaca longepedunculata and Mitragyna stipulosa were taken with alcohol. No evidence of nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity was found. Conclusions In a population with high rate of herbal treatment use, we found a high prevalence of natural aphrodisiac plants that are widely consumed instead of pharmacologically proved synthetic drugs probably due to cultural beliefs. More ethno botanical studies of plants consumed as aphrodisiacs including isolation and rigorous identification of the active constituents are needed to provide the poor population with the right information and to protect them against unwanted toxic effects. Disclosure No.

Machine Learning Method to Explore the Correlation between Fly Ash Content and Chloride Resistance.

Chloride ion corrosion has been considered to be one of the main reasons for durability deterioration of reinforced concrete structures in marine or chlorine-containing deicing salt environments. This paper studies the relationship between the amount of fly ash and the durability of concrete, especially the resistance to chloride ion erosion. The heat trend map of total chloride ion factor correlation displayed that the ranking of factor correlations was as follows: sampling depth > cement dosage > fly ash dosage. In order to verify the effect of fly ash dosage on chloride ion resistance, three different machine learning algorithms (RF, GBR, DT) are employed to predict the total chloride content of fly ash proportioned concrete with varying admixture ratios, which are evaluated based on R2, MSE, RMSE, and MAE. The results predicted by the RF model show that the threshold of fly ash admixture in chlorinated salt environments is 30-40%. Replacing part of cement with fly ash in the mixture of concrete below this threshold of fly ash, it could change the phase structure and pore structure, which could improve the permeability of fly ash concrete and reduce the content of free chloride ions in the system. Machine learning modeling using sample data can accurately predict concrete properties, which effectively reduce engineering tests. The development of machine learning models is essential for the decarbonization and intelligence of engineering.

Plugins and POPI: A Critical Discussion into the Legal Implications of Social Plugins and the Protection of Personal Information

Social plugins are one of the many trackers used by companies with an online presence. However, under the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPI), these trackers have certain legal consequences for internet users. The main reason for this is that trackers tend to process personal information without informing internet users that their data are being collected, the reason for the collection or processing thereof, or who the responsible parties are that are collecting and processing the personal information. The article looks at these issues, amongst others, in the light of a 2019 judgment from the Court of Justice of the European Union or CJEU, namely, Case C-40/17 Fashion ID GmbH & Co. KG v Verbraucherzentrale NRW e.V. EU:C:2019:629. Due to the fact that it has had data protection legislation for much longer than other countries or legal jurisdictions, including South Africa, the European Union (the EU) has a substantial body of case law interpreting the data protection legislation of the EU itself as well as that of the individual member states. One of the main instruments used as guidance by the drafters of POPI was Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the Protection of Individuals with Regard to the Processing of Personal Data and on the Free Movement of Such Data (hereafter Directive 95/46). Directive 95/46 was previously considered the gold standard, before Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the Protection of Natural Persons with Regard to the Processing of Personal Data and on the Free Movement of Such Data (General Data Protection Regulation) (hereafter the GDPR) was enacted and Directive 95/46/EC was finally repealed. Since Directive 95/46 was one of the main guiding documents used in drafting POPI, one may expect that the South African courts may turn to the EU and consider how the CJEU has interpreted the similar provisions contained in Directive 95/46, especially since there is very little South African jurisprudence available on POPI. The four main issues under discussion are: who, other than the internet users, has the locus standi to bring an application in terms of POPI? Second, what are the responsibilities of joint responsible parties towards internet users? Third, where there are joint responsible parties, do both need a legitimate interest to process personal information? Lastly, who will be responsible for obtaining the necessary consent to process the personal data?

(152) Efficiency Improvement Veno-Occlusive Surgeries for Treatment of Venous Leak with Autologous Stem Cell, VEGF and PRP

Abstract Introduction The venous leakage is one of the most often reason of erectile dysfunction (ED) in young and middle age men. The main reason of venous leakage or veno-occlusive Erectile Dysfunction (VOED) is the insufficiency venous obstruction under tunica albuginea of corpora cavernosa. Accordingly all types of veno-occlusive operations have particular and short term effect up to renovation of venous leakage in half year. Conservative treatment of VOED with PDE-5 has a low or mild effectiveness. Evermore young patients deny penile prosthesis implantation for psychological reason. Objective We want to stimulate growth of endothelial valves under tunica albuginea with injections autological mesenchymal stem cells (ASC) and autological VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) and combine it with veno-occlusive surgeries. Methods 2012–2022 we treated 178 patients with VOED. The average patient age is 36.5 +4.1 years. Patients with prostatitis or depression/anxiety were excluded from the investigation or treated previously. We embolizated deep dorsal and Santorini plexus veins for patients with distal form of VOED–47 patients -Group 1. We ligated deep dorsal and penile veins for proximal form of VOED – 68 patients – Group 2. And we made both methods together for 65 patients –Group 3 with combination of proximal and distal leak. Patients with only surgical methods created subgroup A – 105 men. For improving of veno-occlusive mechanism for 73 patients (subgroup B) we injected to each corpus cavernosa 1 mln of autological stem cells 6 times (2 times before, during surgery and 3 times after surgery) each month and we performed 15 microinjections of VEGF each 10 days. Then we compared short (2 months) and long term (10 months) results. Results The efficacy of surgical treatment according to subjective data (questionnaires on IIEF-5) in 2 months was almost equal (16.7+3.1 and 16.9+3.0), but in 10 months significantly higher in SubGroup B(14.3+3.2 and 19.6+3.4). According to Doppler Penile Ultrasound in 10 months adding microinjections ASC and VEGF to surgery significantly improves Erectile function (absence of venous leakage) 56.4% - subgroup A and 87.4% - subgroup B. Only 6.8% patients subgroup B (opposite to 35.9% subgroup A) have to take PDE-5 inhibitors for maintain erectile function. Conclusions Half year injections of ASC and VEGF improve of veno-occlusive mechanism and increases effectiveness and long term result of veno-occlusive operations for treatment of VOED. Combine occlusive method (embolisation and ligation of veins) has the highest effectiveness and should be used in different types of leakage. Disclosure No.

Exploring diverse maintenance and repair standards in the container industry: a comparative analysis of criteria and practices

The maintenance and repair standards have always been a problem in the container industry. Due to different preferences of criterias of different parties caused many conflicts. This paper examines the different types of criterias and standards for general purpose containers, and different areas of use of these criterias. The main reason of this paper is to be an explanatory element to define the differences of these criterias. The fundamental structural dimensional basis for an intermodal container is ISO container standards which defines the main structural features. Although it presents dimensional tolerances to a certain degree, it is nearly impossible to use these criterias for the operators and owners in day to day operations. As a result there have been various published maintenance and repair criterias, used by different parties partaking in the container industry. The different organizations and associations published standards suiting their own needs. Although there are lesser implemented criterias like Wind and Water Tight and Cargo Worth, the most known and most implemented criterias around the world are Unified Container Inspection and Repair Criteria, Common Interchange Criteria and IICL publications. While the Wind and Water Tight criteria is generally used for containers which are used as storage, the Cargo Worthy is used for the containers meet the minimum requirements for transport. The Unified Container Inspection Criteria is preferred by the shipping lines and operators, and the Common Interchange Criteria and IICL – 6 are preferred by lessors.

Analysis of the Cooling Modes of the Lining of a Ferroalloy-Casting Ladle

Analysis of the Cooling Modes of the Lining of a Ferroalloy-Casting Ladle

From EAP to ESP

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) are language training pathways for students to meet target language proficiency requirements towards further tertiary studies (Keefe & Shi, 2017; Walková & Bradford, 2022). Yet, these can be highly debatable terms, controversial over their appropriate usage (Flowerdew, 2016; Li, 2020; Maleki, 2008; Mpofu & Maphalala, 2021; Wette, 2018). A main reason for this discord is a lack of firm definitions between these two constructs, which leads to vague and blurred boundaries. This article will describe the process where a small western Canadian university modified an existing EAP course consisting of broad reading and writing topics into an ESP one with a narrow culturally and medically themed focus towards internationally educated nurses (IENs). These modifications assisted in the identification of the similarities and differences of both EAP and ESP for the institution. The new ESP course, piloted over two terms was found to have strengthened student outcomes in their non-native target language, commonly known as L2 (Saville-Toike, 2012) while their disciplinary knowledge contributions also enriched the curriculum. Rooted within the debate between determining appropriate language pathways, recommendations to determine the suitability of an EAP versus an ESP course within a “negotiated syllabus” utilizing learner input are offered (Breen & Littlejohn, 2000; Prior, 2020).

Two-year treatment persistence with subcutaneous abatacept in rheumatoid arthritis: results from the French cohort of the ASCORE study.

While multiple studies have investigated treatment persistence rates with intravenous abatacept, limited information is available about real-world treatment continuation with the subcutaneous form. The international ASCORE study described the characteristics and treatment persistence of real-world patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving subcutaneous abatacept. This article presents the findings of the French cohort. This was an observational study in French RA patients who initiated subcutaneous abatacept between August 2014 and January 2017. The primary endpoint was treatment maintenance at 2 years, analysed according to the number of previous biologic therapies. Of 546 evaluable patients, 281 (51.5%) were biologic-naive, 265 (48.5%) had experienced failure with 1 (n=134; 24.5%) or ≥2 (n=131; 24.0%) biologic therapies. At enrolment, patients who had experienced failure with ≥1 biologic therapy had more erosions and a longer duration of RA compared with biologic-naive patients, but had comparable mean disease activity scores. Overall, 43.0% of patients (95% confidence interval 38.6-47.2) were still taking subcutaneous abatacept at 2 years, which was comparable with that in other countries participating in ASCORE. The abatacept persistence rate was higher in biologic-naive patients (48.8%) than in those with 1 (40.9%) or ≥2 (32.8%) biologic therapy failures. The main reason for discontinuing abatacept was lack of efficacy (46.6%). In current practice in France, the rate of subcutaneous abatacept persistence at 2 years was comparable with that of the intravenous form. Treatment persistence was higher when abatacept was used as first-line versus later-line biologic therapy.

Overview of the current situation of embryo donation in Belgian fertility centers

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to survey the current situation in Belgium regarding embryo donation (ED) practices and to explore the potential reasons for not offering this treatment option. Study designA questionnaire was sent to all fertility centers in Belgium that are allowed to perform IVF regarding whether or not they perform ED for third parties, their overall experience with ED and the possible reasons for not doing it. The questionnaire was divided into three different sections, depending on whether the center currently performs ED for third parties, has never performed it or once performed it but no longer does. All respondents were anonymized. ResultsThe questionnaire was returned by 16 out of 18 centers.Only three out of 16 centers currently perform ED. All these centers require additional actions before ED can be performed. Sometimes ED is not performed although it was indicated in the contract; the most important reasons are the need for additional investigations, the administrative obstacles and the non-eligibility of the embryos. Between 2017 and 2021, few ED were performed in these centers (n = 2, 38 and 6).Eight out of 16 centers previously offered ED but ceased. In two centers, patients who want to donate their supernumerary embryos are referred for treatment to a center where ED is performed, but none of these centers transfer embryos to a center performing ED.The main reasons for discontinuing ED were the additional investigations required and the unprofitable investment in time and personnel.Five out of 16 centers never offered ED. At one center, patients who still indicate ED for their supernumerary embryos are referred to a center performing ED. The reduction of the administrative burden and avoiding additional testing are the most indicated measures that could facilitate the introduction of an ED program. ConclusionsEmbryo donation, although legally allowed, is currently hardly performed in Belgium. The reasons for this are mainly associated to additional mandatory post-hoc testing and the extra administrative burden which is not financially covered. Poor transparency and communication between Belgian centers may be an additional factor explaining the country’s low embryo donation rate.

Bond-slip behaviour between recycled sand concrete and steel bars

The bond-slip behaviour between concrete and steel bars is an important factor that affects the structural bearing capacity, deformation performance, and durability. In order to explore the applicability of recycled sand concrete in reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, this study conducted center pull-out tests on C40 and C60 recycled sand concrete with 50% and 100% replacement ratios of recycled sand, reinforced with plain bars and ribbed bars. The influence of strength grade and recycled sand replacement ratio on the bond performance of recycled sand concrete with steel bars were analysed. A bond-slip constitutive model for recycled sand concrete was established, and finite element analysis were conducted to validate it. The results showed that the bond failure mode of recycled sand concrete with plain bars and ribbed bars were both characterized by steel bar pull-out failure. With the increase of the strength of recycled sand concrete, the bond strength was also increased. However, as the replacement ratio of recycled sand concrete increases, the bond strength first increased and then decreased. The main reason is that when the replacement ratio was 50%, the hydration reaction was sufficient to improve the interfacial bond strength. A formula for calculating the critical anchorage length of steel bars suitable for recycled sand concrete is proposed. A two-stage constitutive model for the bond-slip behaviour of recycled sand concrete was established, and its accuracy was verified through finite element finite element analysis. This study provides a reference for the application of recycled sand concrete in structures.

Influence of shear yield strength of rail material on the shakedown limit in shakedown map

Rail materials with different shear yield strengths can exhibit different rolling contact fatigue (RCF) damage response during cyclic contact loading. The objective of this work is to achieve the actual shakedown limits in the shakedown map for rail materials with different shear yield strengths through RCF simulation tests of wheel-rail, and to investigate the relationship between the shear yield strength (ke) and the shakedown limit. Rolling-sliding tests were performed to investigate the RCF damage states of three types of rail materials with different shear yield strengths. Then, according to the differences of RCF damage states for each rail material and the method of nonlinear curve fitting, the actual shakedown limits for three types of rail materials were obtained. The actual shakedown limits for the three types of rail materials were lower than the original one in the classical shakedown map. With an increase in the shear yield strength (ke) of the rail material, the actual shakedown limit is reduced. Moreover, a relationship emerged which allowed a simple method to be proposed to obtain the actual shakedown limit based on the shear yield strength. The changing process and differences in the impact of different shear stress levels on the microstructural damage transformation of rail materials from the perspective of contact mechanics have been discussed. The behavior of severe accumulation of residual stresses during cyclic loading and more likely initiation of microcracks are the main reasons why rail materials with a higher shear yield strength (ke) under great contact loads are more prone to developing RCF crack damages. That is, the shakedown limit for the material with a higher shear yield strength (ke) is much lower. In view of the application of the shakedown map in the evaluation and prediction for RCF damage of rail materials with different shear yield strengths, different shakedown limits should be applied to different rail materials when analyzing their likely performance.

Patients' unmet needs and treatment preferences concerning digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis.

Digital ulcers (DUs) significantly impact on quality of life and function in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of our survey was to explore patients' perspectives and their unmet needs concerning SSc-DUs. SSc patients were invited through international patient associations and social media to participate in an online survey. 358 responses were obtained from 34 countries: US (65.6%), UK (11.5%) and Canada (4.5%). Recurrent DUs are common: >10 DUs (46.1%), 5-10 DUs (21.5%), 1-5 DUs (28.5%), 1 DU (3.9%). Fingertip DUs were most frequent (84.9%), followed by those overlying the interphalangeal joints (50.8%). The impact of DUs in patients is broad, from broad-ranging emotional impacts to impact on activities of daily living, and personal relationships. Half (51.7%) of respondents reported that they received wound/ulcer care, most often provided by non-specialist wound care clinics (63.8%). There was significant variation in local (wound) DU care, in particular the use of debridement and pain management. DU-related education was only provided to one-third of patients. One-quarter (24.6%) were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' that the provided DU treatment(s) relieved their DU symptoms. Pain, limited hand function, and ulcer duration/chronicity were the main reasons for patients to consider changing DU treatment. Our data show that there is a large variation in DU treatment between countries. Patient access to specialist wound-care services is limited and only a small proportion of patients had their DU needs met. Moreover, patient education is often neglected. Evidence-based treatment pathways are urgently needed for DU management.

Experiment of contact angle hysteresis of a droplet on hydrophobic fibrous membrane

Fibrous membranes are widely used in liquid-gas filtration and separation, porous structures formed by randomly cross-layered fibers have a significant influence on interfacial free energies, showing complex changes in contact angle. The present paper aims to measure the pore structures of a hydrophobic ((C2F4)n, PTFE) fibrous membrane by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM), and analyze the droplet contact angle hysteresis along its circumference. The capillary force of the solid-liquid interface is calculated by the surface integral of Laplace pressure on half droplet surface, and the solid-liquid and liquid-vapor interface area ratios are obtained according to the Cassie-Baxter model. The liquid penetration depth in pore structures is calculated by the quasi-equilibrium of the interface free energy. The experimental result shows that for the PTFE fibrous membrane, the liquid-vapor interface area ratio (f2The experimental result shows that for the PTFE fibrous membrane, the liquid-vapor interface area ratio (f2

The removal mechanisms of HF and HCl gases using Mg-Al adsorbent prepared by sol-gel synthesis method

In this study, a series of Mg-Al mixed oxide adsorbents have been introduced to simultaneously remove hydrogen chloride (HCl) and hydrofluoric acid (HF) in low-temperature environment (100 °C). These adsorbents prepared by the sol-gel method, the effects of Mg loading amount and calcination temperature for adsorbents on their performance were investigated. The optimal adsorbent (modified by 20 wt% Mg and calcined at 500 °C, referred to as Mg20Al80OX-500) exhibited the highest adsorption capacity among all the adsorbents tested. The role of MgO loaded on Mg-Al mixed oxide adsorbent was investigated using various analytical methods, including Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTG), temperature programmed desorption of CO2 (CO2-TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)， in-situ infrared (in-situ IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These results indicated that MgO and lattice oxygen (Oα) played a crucial role in promoting the adsorption activity of the adsorbents. Mg were highly dispersed, and moderate levels of Mg content and calcination temperature could enhance the performance of adsorbents according to XRD, SEM-EDS and TG-DTG results. BET analysis showed that the modification of Mg did not change the pore type of the γ-Al2O3 largely. CO2-TPD results revealed that the calcination temperature significantly affected the number and strength of the basic sites on the surface of the adsorbent. In addition, XPS, in-situ IR and TEM analysis demonstrated that the consumption of MgO and Oα as well as the accumulation of reaction products on the surface and within the pores of the adsorbent, and they were the main reasons the deactivation. And MgF2 (MgCl2) and H2O were the main products after the inactivation of adsorbent.