Polyvinyl Chloride Tubes Research Articles

Data-driven development of a soft sensor for the flow rate monitoring in polyvinyl chloride tube extrusion affected by wall slip

In the manufacturing process of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes, the required thickness and weight depend on the extruder flow rate. The extruder setup can be very time-consuming and inefficient since it requires adjusting the screw rotational speed by trial and error, as the relation between the flow rate and the rotational speed is not known a priori. Furthermore, it is also affected by the material properties, the melt temperature, and the pressure drop in the die. Direct measuring the flow rate or the tube thickness would require expensive gravimetric dosers or X-ray systems, respectively. Therefore, a soft sensor was developed to monitor tube thickness and its weight per unit length. Two alternative approaches are proposed to predict the extruder flow rate under wall slip conditions: one is based on a developed analytical model and one on data-driven algorithms. Results show that machine learning regression models can achieve high predictive performance (a relative error of 1.2% using a support vector regressor).

Anatase Film on Orotracheal Tubes to Mitigate Staphylococcus aureus

Bacterial contamination in hospital environments is a significant concern for patient admissions. Aiming to reduce contamination, titanium dioxide film (TiO2) in the anatase phase has been prepared on the surface of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes. The PVC tube material was used to study the film’s effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial growth and cell viability. The morphology and composition of deposited films were investigated using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) map. In addition, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and XRD diffractogram were used to analyze film composition and phase, respectively. The adhesion of TiO2 film on PVC substrate was determined using Scotch™ tape-test according to ASTM: D3359-09, 2010, and the film surface morphology was analyzed by the MEV-FEG technique and EDS map. The bacterial viability was performed with Staphylococcus aureus, and cell viability was performed using L929 strain mouse fibroblasts. The results of TiO2 in the anatase phase deposited by ALD on the PVC surface demonstrate good adherence and the film’s effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial growth and cell viability.

Atmospheric micro-sized cold plasma jet created by a long and ultra-flexible generator with sputtered gold thin film electrode

Atmospheric cold plasma jets with various configurations have drawn intense interests in diverse applications, such as surface modification and endoscopic applications. In this paper, a long and ultra-flexible micro-sized cold plasma jet generator is presented and its characteristics are analyzed. The generator mainly consists of two concentric silicone tubes with the inner one acting as the gas channel and the outer one acting as insulating layer of heat and high voltage. Gold thin film was sputtered on the circular surface of inner tube to work as the electrode as well as separation layer of ultraviolet radiation. Electrical, optical and thermal characteristics of this generator were investigated. Cold microplasma jet can be generated and ejected to the ambient air with the length varied from 0.1 m to 2.5 m, and it can impact on the finger without electric and heat sensation. Optical emission spectra analysis indicated that reactive species like OH and O atoms were generated in the plasma. This device exhibits ultra-flexible property which can be arbitrarily bent and plugged into complex and deep environment. Localized internal surface modification of polyvinyl chloride tube using this microplasma jet was also demonstrated and the result showed that surface wettability can be greatly improved after plasma treatment. This generator shows great potential for internal surface processing, plasma endoscopic and maskless lithography applications.

Experimental and numerical study of compressive behavior of axially loaded circular ultra-high-performance concrete-filled tube columns

To test the compressive behavior of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete UHPFRC columns, numerical and experimental investigations were conducted using various confinement materials under axial compression loading. A total of seven columns were examined in the current experimental work. In this study, the major variables included the utilization of an outer steel tube, an inner steel tube, an outer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube, and an external wrap by CFRP, i.e., carbon fiber- reinforced polymer wrap. For UHPFRC-filled tube columns, a 3D finite element (FE) simulation has been developed. The commercial FE program ABAQUS was used. Moreover, validation against the obtained experimental results was carried out. The results showed that the outer steel tube had a better confinement impact on the given core concrete compared with the PVC tube and the CFRP sheet. The axial capacity of the column specimens confined with steel, PVC and CFRP was enhanced about 53 %, 13 %, 27 % compared to control specimens. All proposed confinement schemes improved the columns’ ductility and energy absorption considerably. Furthermore, the simulation results confirmed the reasonableness of the FE model of specimens to a significant extent; thus, they can be reliable to produce more predictions.

Behavior of BFRP strips confined PVC tubes with internal fillers under axial compressive load

Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) material, which exhibits high tensile capacity, economical cost, and excellent corrosion resistance, has attracted the interest of many researchers for using in construction engineering. Existing studies reveal that fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) confinement is a high-efficiency method for strengthening concrete columns, which can be divided into FRP sheets fully and partially wrapped columns. In recent years, the combination of PVC tubes and FRP as a hybrid confinement system can effectively improve the mechanical properties of concrete columns. Rubberized concrete, which incorporates rubber waste as a partial replacement for conventional aggregates, can improve the ductility, and energy absorption, while lowering other qualities such as compressive strength, tensile strength, and elastic modulus. In order to overcome these shortages, this paper proposes a new type of composite column aimed for new construction, that rubberized concrete is filled into PVC tubes externally wrapped by basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) strips. Its compression performance was investigated, and the test variables included the replacement percentage of rubber waste (i.e. 10% and 60%) and the net-spacing of FRP strips (i.e. 25 mm and 50 mm). The test results demonstrated that the PVC-FRP system considerably improved the load capacity and deformation capacity of rubberized concrete columns. The peak axial stress and axial strain increased obviously with the shortened net distance of FRP strips. Besides, the promotional effect of PVC-FRP confinement became more apparent when the mixture of rubber particles in concrete was enhanced. A modified efficiency coefficient was given at the end of this paper which can provide a comparative accurate prediction of the compressive strength for PVC-FRP confined rubberized concrete.

Temporary prosthetics of the main vessels of the limbs: current experience and further prospects for use at the advanced stages of medical evacuation

BACKGROUND: The study is devoted to the damage to the great vessels of the limbs and the surgery of temporary prosthetics of the main arteries during the advanced stages of a medical evacuation. A retrospective analysis of the database containing information from the register of combat injuries of the first and second Chechen campaigns was carried out, from which cases of temporary prosthetics of arteries performed in advanced medical institutions were analyzed.
 AIM: The analysis of the cases of temporary artery prosthetics that have been carried out at the advanced medical institutions as well as the improvement of the technique of temporary prosthetic operations with respect to the use of the tool designed and developed by the authors- a three-branch mechanical deep vasodilator.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 14 wounded who underwent the temporary prosthetics operation were analyzed. The main indication for the patients to undergo surgery was uncompensated ischemia according to the classification of V.A. Kornilov, however, based on the data of the register, the operation was also performed on 5 wounded with compensated ischemia and 3 wounded with irreversible ischemia. At the same time, secondary amputations were performed on only 2 of the 14 wounded. Among the wounded with temporary prosthetics, not a single fatal outcome was detected, despite the presence of a terminal condition in one wounded person (more than 45 points on the MFS-VD scale (military-field surgery vascular damage)). On average, for both Chechen campaigns, the average duration of the functioning of the temporary prosthetics was 8.1 3.4 hours, provided that the role of the temporary prosthesis was mainly performed by their polyvinyl chloride tubes, and the prevention of thrombosis was carried out by local intraoperative administration of a heparin solution. To optimize the temporary prosthetics, the authors designed and manufactured (with the participation of MIZ-Vorsma) a special tool a three-branch vasodilator, which facilitates the operation. The effectiveness of a three-branch vasodilator was studied on three anesthetized large biological objects (pigs weighing 4551 kg) during the operation of the femoral arteries temporary prosthetics (diameter of the vessels from 3.9 to 4.3 mm) with a linear installation polyvinyl chloride prosthetics with a length of 3 cm and an outer diameter of 5 mm (a system from drip injection of infusion solutions). In the contralateral limb, temporary prosthetics was introduced without the use of a three-branch vasodilator. The ends of the prosthesis were fixed with ligatures to the artery wall. The time of manipulation without taking access to the artery into account with one assistant for temporary prosthetics was 41.1 (39.343.4) seconds, without temporary prosthetics 59.3 (56.859.9) seconds. Manipulations with temporary prosthetics without the use of three-branch vasodilator were twice complicated by episodes of vaso slippage from the wall of the prosthesis, which led to massive bleeding. Such cases were not noted when using the expander.
 RESULTS: As a result, the analysis of cases of temporary prosthetics of the main arteries of the limbs demonstrated the high effectiveness of the intervention aimed at stopping bleeding and maintaining temporary perfusion of the limb. Secondary amputations were performed on 14% of the wounded (2/14), no fatal cases have been reported. The tool developed to facilitate temporary prosthetics surgery can shorten the term of intervention, reduce intraoperative blood loss, limit the number of assistants and can be recommended for practical use in the advanced stages of evacuation.

Study of Concrete Filled Unplasticized Poly-Vinyl Chloride Tubes as Columns under Axial Loading

This article aims to examine the behavior of Unplasticized Poly- Vinyl-Chloride (UPVC) bounded reinforced columns with polypropylene fibers under axial compression. To develop this model, a no samples of concrete filled UPVC pipe (CFUT) with different geometric properties were tested. To obtain the specimens different class pipes with three different diameters were used to investigate the sensitivity of these columns to various parameters. The effect of each variable on the ultimate strength, ductility and confinement efficiency of the samples was investigated. All specimens were compressed by applying load only to the concrete core to obtain the load-displacement variations and the corresponding deformation mode. A finite element model was developed using the proposed stress-strain variation of confined concrete with UPVC tubes to simulate axial compression of CFUT specimens. According to the results obtained, the effect of the change in diameter-thickness ratio failure stress of concrete limited by (D/t) is obtained and discussed with empirical relationship. Polypropylene fibers were found to slightly increase column strength up to a certain volume fraction, after which the strength generally experienced a decrease.

Translated article] Efficacy of cement restrictors: Experimental study and development of a classification

IntroductionCement restrictors (CRs) are devices that allow occlusion of the femoral canal in order to obtain greater interdigitation of the cement between the bone and a better pressurization, which generates an increase in the survival of cemented stems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the different CRs used and propose a classification of this device. Materials and methodsAn experimental study was carried out, where 7 CR references of different designs and manufacturers were taken. Later, tests were carried out on 9 chlorinated polyvinyl chloride tubes for each reference, to achieve a total of 63 tests. ResultsIn our study, 34.9% of the CRs in ultra high molecular weight polyethylene failed, presenting migration and allowing cement to leak while none of the gelatin RC failed. ConclusionThe RC with an umbrella design proved to be the less effective, presented a higher incidence of migration and cement leakage, while the gelatin CRs were the best performers. Based on the results of this study, an analysis of the CR design was carried out and a classification was proposed that divides these devices into 2 types.

Effects of the antidepressant paroxetine on migratory behaviour of meiobenthic nematodes: Computational and open experimental microcosm approach

An open experimental setup was established in order to explore the toxic effects of the antidepressant paroxetine on meiobenthic nematodes. Three types of microcosms made from polyvinyl chloride tubes, each comprising two sediments compartments (upper and lower), were used in a laboratory experiment for 15 days. The experimental setup targeted the migratory behaviour of the nematofauna from the above compartments, which were exposed to paroxetine (0.4 and 40 μg.l−1), towards below compartments. The univariate indices significantly decrease in the contaminated compartments compared to controls. Multivariate analyses revealed also significant taxonomic dissimilarities between contaminated and uncontaminated compartments. Furthermore, SIMPER functional outcomes highlighted a significant decrease in 2A feeding groups, ‘co’ tail shape, 1–2 mm interval length, ‘cr’ amphid shape, and c-p2 life history in contaminated compartments. Computational approach showed that paroxetine bound GLD-3 and SDP with high affinities, which together with molecular interactions and toxicokinetics satisfactorily explain the experimental results.

Abstract No. : ABS1445: Comparative evaluation of two different endotrachealtubes for ease of orotracheal intubation in adults using flexible bronchoscope.

Background & Aims:Successful bronchoscopy does not mean successful intubation. Advancement of the ETT is blind and often difficult. Using the two-scope technique, we compared the polyvinylchloride tube with the flexometallic tube to determine which one was easier to railroad over the flexoscope.Methods:A radomised comparative study was conducted on 40 patients aged 18-65 years of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II, undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Patients with anticipated difficult airway, oral, head or neck surgery and pregnant women were excluded. A paediatric flexoscope was inserted through the nostril till the glottis was visible. An adult flexoscope was inserted till carina for orotracheal intubation and railroading of the endotracheal tube was done under vision of the paediatric flexoscope. Incidence and site of impingement were noted. Manoeuvres used to relieve impingement were jaw lift, withdrawal and 90° anti-clockwise tube rotation. Intubation time was also noted.Results:The overall incidence of impingement was 25% (10/40). Incidence of impingement was 35% (7/20) in polyvinylchloride group and 15% (3/20) in the flexometallic group (p>0.05). The 10% difference in impingement rates between the two groups was statistically non-significant. The site of impingement was at right arytenoids in 90% (9/10) cases. 90° anti-clockwise rotation relieved impingement in all cases where it was used (9/9). There was no significant difference in the time taken for intubation with the PVC and flexometallic tubes.Conclusion:Polyvinylchloride and flexometallic tubes are comparable in terms of ease of orotracheal intubation using a flexoscope. The commonest site of obstruction to the advancement of endotracheal tube is the right arytenoid. The 90° anticlockwise rotational-manoeuvre relieved impingement.GroupImpingementTotal NoYesPolyvinylchloride Count13720 %within Group65.0%35.0%100.0%Flexometallic Count17320 %within Group85.0%15.0%100.0%Total Count301040 %within Group75.0%25.0%100.0%

Generation of ozone during irradiation using medical linear accelerators: an experimental study

BackgroundSome patients have noted a foul odor during radiation therapy sessions, but the cause of the odor remains unknown. Since we suspected that this phenomenon is due to ozone generated by ionizing radiation, this experimental study measured ozone concentrations in the treatment room and in a coiled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube placed within the radiation field.MethodsWe measured ozone concentrations using an ultraviolet absorption method and an ozone monitor. A PVC tube (inner diameter 7 mm, outer diameter 10 mm) was used to mimic the environment of the nasal cavity. The tube (790 cm) was coiled and set between two 4-cm-thick (for X-rays) or 2-cm-thick (for electron beams) water-equivalent solid phantoms. The sampling tube of the ozone monitor was inserted into the PVC tube, and the joint was sealed to prevent environmental air contamination. To measure ozone concentrations in the atmosphere, the sampling tube supplied with the unit was used. A linac was used on a full-sized treatment field (40 cm × 40 cm at a source-to-axis distance of 100 cm). The effect of an electron beam on ozone concentrations was also evaluated with a full-sized treatment field (40 cm × 40 cm at a source-to-surface distance of 100 cm).ResultsOzone levels in the treatment room were undetectable before the start of daily treatment but reached 0.008 parts per million (ppm) or more at 1 h after the start of treatment. Concentrations then remained nearly constant at 0.010–0.015 ppm throughout the day. The maximum ozone concentration in the PVC tube was only 0.006 ppm, even when it was irradiated at 2400 monitor units/min. Depending on the X-ray dose rate, the concentration increased to a maximum of 0.010 ppm with oxygen flowing into the other end of the tube at 1.5 L/min. Ozone concentrations in the PVC tube did not differ significantly between X-ray and electron-beam irradiation.ConclusionsOnly traces of ozone were found in the PVC tube that was used to mimic the nasal passages during radiation, these concentrations were too low for human perception. However, ozone concentrations did reach potentially detectable levels in the treatment room.

A new and accessible instrumentation to determine urea in UHT milk using digital image analysis

This research demonstrates the development, optimization and application of a new low-cost detection system, based on digital image analysis, for the detection of urea in ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk samples. The apparatus built in the laboratory, allows the capture of images through a simple system built by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes, a digital microscope and a peristaltic mini-pump, after the colorimetric reaction between urea and diacetylmonoxime (butane-2,3-dionammonoxime). The red, green and blue (RGB) and hue, saturation and value (HSV) color systems were studied, with the saturation channel of the HSV color system selected as the analytical signal. Subsequently, the experimental chemical conditions were evaluated through multivariate experimental designs and the optimal conditions were defined. The proposed method was validated, and the detection and quantification limits presented by the method were 0.35 mg L−1 and 0.52 mg L−1, respectively; precision, ranged between 1.6 and 2.8 %. The results were compared with those obtained using the mid-infrared technique and no statistically significant differences were observed at a 95 % confidence level. The proposed method was applied to eight UHT milk samples that presented urea content ranging from 187 to 386 mg L−1. The mean values obtained are in agreement with values presented in other studies for the determination of urea in milk. The results indicated that the system described and validated here is promising and can be applied to assess the authenticity and quality of milk.

Comparison between Polyvinyl Chloride and Flexometallic Endotracheal Tube for Blind Tracheal Intubation through I-gel: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: I-gel is the most commonly used, secondgeneration supraglottic airway device, which plays an important role in modern anaesthesia practice as a rescue device in difficult as well as failed intubation situations and resuscitations. Now-a-days, it is gaining popularity as a conduit to facilitate endotracheal intubation. No Endotracheal Tube (ETT) is designed specifically for intubation through I-gel. The ETT used for routine tracheal intubation are standard Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ETT and Flexometalic ETT. Aim: To compare the two different types of ETTs i.e. standard PVC ETT and Flexometatlic ETT for blind tracheal intubation through I-gel. Materials and Methods: The present study was a singleblinded, randomised clinical trial in which 120 patients were randomly allocated into two groups on the basis of the ETT used for intubation through I-gel. In Group P blind tracheal intubation was done using PVC ETT, and in Group F blind tracheal intubation was done using Flexometatlic ETT through I-gel. Time taken for successful intubation, number of successful intubations, ease of intubation, number of attempts,manoeuvers used, and complications were recorded. Results: The mean time taken for successful intubation in Group P was 22.31±3.771 sec and in Group F was 26.51±4.408 sec (p<0.05). Intubation was significantly easy (26/60 vs 13/60) with PVC ETT (p=0.011). More patients were successfully intubated with PVC ETT than Flexometalic ETT (48/60 vs 36/60; p=0.017). Conclusion: PVC ETT is a better choice for blind tracheal intubation through I-gel as compared to flexometallic ETT.

Assessment of Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) in Fine Sand Using Native Microbes under Both Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditions

Microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP) technology in recent decade has been introduced to geotechnical engineering society as a mean for soil improvement. In this regard stimulation of indigenous aerobic and anaerobic bacteria is an alternative to bioaugmentation process in which bacteria are added to the soil. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the bio cementation process on natural sand samples by stimulation of indigenous anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. About 109 natural intact samples of poorly graded sand samples were collected from the field in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes 10 cm in diameter and 50–100 cm in height. They were then treated with different stimulating solutions by injection procedure. After 7, 15, and 21 days of treatment, direct shear (DS), unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test results, calcite content, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images obtained using an instrument equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDX) were used to analyze the samples. Results demonstrated that the values of UCS for the samples through stimulation of aerobic bacteria were 22–73% higher than those for the samples treated through stimulation of anaerobic bacteria. Samples treated for stimulation of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria produced 8–15% calcite whereas samples treated for stimulation of either aerobic or anaerobic bacteria alone produced only1–6% calcite. The values of UCS for samples treated for stimulation of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were increased by 254–283% and those for samples treated for stimulation of either aerobic or anaerobic bacteria alone increased by 156–270% from that for the untreated samples.

Eficacia de los restrictores de cemento: estudio experimental y desarrollo de una clasificación

IntroductionCement restrictors (CRs) are devices that allow occlusion of the femoral canal in order to obtain greater interdigitation of the cement between the bone and a better pressurization, which generates an increase in the survival of cemented stems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the different CRs used and propose a classification of this device. Materials and methodsAn experimental study was carried out, where 7 CR references of different designs and manufacturers were taken. Later, tests were carried out on 9 chlorinated polyvinyl chloride tubes for each reference, to achieve a total of 63 tests. ResultsIn our study, 34.9% of the CRs in ultra high molecular weight polyethylene failed, presenting migration and allowing cement to leak while none of the gelatin RC failed. ConclusionThe RC with an umbrella design proved to be the less effective, presented a higher incidence of migration and cement leakage, while the gelatin CRs were the best performers. Based on the results of this study, an analysis of the CR design was carried out and a classification was proposed that divides these devices into 2 types.

Energy Absorption Capacity of uPVC-Confined Concrete

This research documents the results of tests on stub columns tested under repeated monotonic compression load. Two unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) tubes were filled with normal and high strength concrete. From each type of concrete three control specimens were also cast for comparison purposes. The experimental test results show that the unconfined specimens were crushed in the first cycle of loading in contrast to the confined specimens which continued to resist the applied load after several cycles of repeated loading. Furthermore, by using the polymeric tube, the failure of concrete core switches from sudden explosive failure to non-brittle failure with the composite specimen undergoing large progressive deformation in each cycle of loading. For each cycle of loading, the material damage in the composite system was evaluated in terms of the deformations in both the lateral and axial directions.

Developing a Phototactic Electrostatic Insect Trap Targeting Whiteflies, Leafminers, and Thrips in Greenhouses.

Simple SummarySilverleaf whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), vegetable leafminers (Liriomyza sativae), and western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) are very serious pests of greenhouse tomatoes. In Japan, growers of organic tomatoes currently use large numbers of yellow sticky traps to control insects, but these traps need replacing very regularly, as the sticky surface becomes clogged with insects. An electric field-generating apparatus, described herein, is a potential physical tool to control these pests that have entered greenhouses. The electric field was formed in the space between oppositely electrified insulated conductors arrayed in parallel with fixed separation. Although these conductors created a sufficiently strong force to capture insects entering the field, the force was insufficient to capture insects outside the field. The positive phototaxis of these insects was an inspiration to develop an improved electrostatic insect trap, which was constructed by introducing oppositely charged yellow-colored water into paired transparent insulator tubes to produce opposite poles. The finished apparatus exhibited coloration and insect attraction characteristics similar to commercial yellow sticky traps, but had the advantage that they could be cleaned easily and remain effective for long periods. The surfaces of the insulator tubes containing the charged yellow water were electrostatically active, but not excessively sticky, thus, the apparatus could be placed close to the plants. The close location of the devices enabled preferential attraction of flying or plant-settling insects to the trap. The present study provided an experimental basis for developing an electrostatic device to attract and capture insects that enter greenhouses.Our aim was to develop an electrostatic apparatus to lure and capture silverleaf whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), vegetable leafminers (Liriomyza sativae), and western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) that invade tomato greenhouses. A double-charged dipolar electric field producer (DD-EFP) was constructed by filling water in two identical transparent soft polyvinyl chloride tubes arrayed in parallel with fixed separation, and then, inserting the probes of grounded negative and positive voltage generators into the water of the two tubes to generate negatively and positively charged waters, respectively. These charged waters electrified the outer surfaces of the opposite tubes via dielectric polarization. An electric field formed between the oppositely charged tubes. To lure these phototactic insects, the water was colored yellow using watercolor paste, then introduced into the transparent insulator tubes to construct the yellow-colored DD-EFP. This apparatus lured insects in a manner similar to commercially available yellow sticky traps. The yellow-colored DD-EFP was easily placed as a movable upright screen along the plants, such that invading pests were preferentially attracted to the trap before reaching the plants. Furthermore, pests settling on the plants were attracted to the apparatus, which used a plant-tapping method to drive them off the plants. Our study provided an experimental basis for developing an electrostatic device to attract and capture insects that enter greenhouses.

Quasi-Static Compression Properties of Bamboo and PVC Tube Reinforced Polymer Foam Structures.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest for composite materials due to the superior capability to absorb energy and lightweight factor. These properties are compatible to be utilized in the development for transportation system as it can reduce the fuel consumption and also minimize the effect of crash to the passenger. Therefore, the aim for this project is to study the compression strength and energy absorbing capability for Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and bamboo tubes reinforced with foam. Several parameters are being considered, these being the effect of single and multiple tube reinforced foam structure, foam density, diameter of the tube as well as effect of different crosshead speed. The results showed that increasing the relative foam density will led to an increase in the compression strength and specific energy absorption (SEA) values. Furthermore, a significant increase of compression strength can be seen when several tubes are introduced into the foam while SEA remained almost the same. Finally, the influence of crosshead below 20 mm/min did not vary significantly for both compression strength and SEA.

EOSINOPHILS LEAD THE WAY

TOPIC: Lung Pathology TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) is a rare condition characterized by sustained eosinophil counts greater than 1.5x103/uL with pathologic confirmation of tissue hypereosinophilia (HE). It usually affects multiple organs in the absence of clonal or other secondary causes of eosinophilia. The most common organs affected are the lungs, skin, heart, gastrointestinal tract, and brain. CASE PRESENTATION: This is an 81-year-old male patient with history of alcohol abuse, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation, who presented with diffuse skin itching and burning sensation for three days after working with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing material. He referred having associated generalized weakness, anorexia, and dry cough. Labs were remarkable for having eosinophilia of 17x10^3/uL, mild transaminitis (SGPT:54 U/L, SGOT:45 U/L), elevated high sensitive troponins of 41-43 without delta and worsening renal function with serum creatinine increasing from 0.9 to 1.9 mg/dL. Immunoglobulin E was found to be elevated in 774.8, however Strongyloides IgG antibody and Schistosoma antibody were negative, ruling out endemic parasite involvement. Chest CT scan without contrast revealed moderate centrilobular emphysema, mild areas of ground glass opacities and tree-in-bud opacities bilaterally, for which it was decided to undergo bronchoscopy examination to exclude other etiologies, including malignancy or pneumoconiosis. This procedure revealed no lesions or masses, with bronchoalveolar lavage reporting no malignant cells, as well as negative acid-fast bacilli or fungal organisms. To rule out myelodysplastic syndrome a bone marrow biopsy was performed revealing hypercellular marrow with 48 percent of eosinophils, however flow cytometry showed no clonal cells or blasts, as well as negative BCL/ABL and PDGFR alpha. These findings were consistent with Idiopathic Hypereosinophilic Syndrome, for which he was started on prednisone 40 mg PO daily. DISCUSSION: HE can be confirmed by bone marrow biopsy of more than 20 percent of eosinophils. Most of these patients tolerate and respond well to glucocorticoid therapy, however in refractory cases the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib has shown to improve the patient's outcome. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to rule out secondary causes of hypereosinophilia, which may be seen in parasitic infections, pneumoconiosis, or malignancy, to prevent delay in diagnosis and prompt adequate therapy. REFERENCE #1: Roufosse, F.E., et al. Hypereosinophilic syndromes. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2, 37 (2007) DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Christina Arraut-Hernandez, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Jose Gutierrez-Nunez, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Francisco Tirado-Polo, source=Web Response

Proposing and finite element analysis of a new composite profiled sheet deck – Applying PU and PVC and stability considerations

Steel profiled sheeting decks are extensively used in buildings, ships, and bridges due to their numerous advantages in comparison with normal reinforced concrete slabs. Nevertheless, ordinary types of these composite decks with profiled steel sheets contain a significant percentage of concrete in the tension zone with the minimum performance inducing unwanted weight, dead load, and earthquake load to the whole structure. Therefore, in the first phase, this paper extends the initial designs proposed in previous research, with the aim of enhancing the efficiency of steel profiled sheeting decks, by means of employing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes and polyurethane (PU) parts to replace the concrete in tension. A series of parametric studies are conducted for new composite sections proposed to analyze the effects of material properties and geometrical configurations. In the second phase, the probability of local buckling of the new proposed thin-walled sections is controlled, four methods are presented for solving the stability problem, and parametric analysis is conducted for these methods based on available analytical buckling formulations together with the finite element models output data. The finite element model employed here considers the contact interactions between all constituents and nonlinearities. The studies demonstrate that with an appropriate specifying of material type and dimensions, new proposed sections would enhance the performance of the deck even with lower weights.