Standard Tape Research Articles

Dicing Tape Performance in a Plasma Dicing Environment

Plasma dicing, as a means of isolating individual integrated circuits from within a fully processed semiconductor substrate, is still an emerging technology but is now considered the latest step in the evolution in device singulation. With the trend towards smaller, thinner more robust devices, many chip manufacturers are considering, or already switching, to a plasma dicing approach.[1, 2] The high aspect ratio, deep reactive ion etching of silicon using a Bosch process, leverages some distinct advantages over the more physical methods of device singulation. [3] Although the more established methods of diamond blade saw dicing, various laser based approaches or laser/mechanical hybrid dicing techniques, all introduce an element of heat and in some cases water for cooling purposes, they do not expose dicing tape to the unique conditions within high vacuum plasma. This work investigates how the properties of both dicing tape and adhesive are affected when exposed to the environment of a plasma dicing process used in the semiconductor industry. A preliminary fitness test utilising an aggressive exothermic etching regime was used to establish the compatibility of a range of standard Lintec Adwill dicing tapes. In essence, a measure of base film thermal conductivity and how quickly some of the lower molecular weight volatile components of base film and adhesive materials are boiled off or ‘out-gassed’. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) tapes performed less well than Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tapes and some of the Polyolefin (PO) tapes exhibited the greatest resilience. A design of experiments to measure changes in tensile strength, elongation and adhesive properties were carried out to assess the performance of plasma dicing on PO low adhesion tape. Figure 2 shows that the samples exposed to an SF6 plasma impacted the tape elongation and tensile strength properties. Typically the stretch required for PnP is in the range 1–10 % showing that the plasma dicing does not impact the overall performance of the tape. Further tests employing a die pick-up force measurement system to compare saw diced die with that of plasma diced die, proved the feasibility of this technology. Figure 3 shows that pick-up force measured on plasma diced dies is comparable with saw diced dies.

Anthropometry based Predictive Equations for Estimating Nigerian Women Percentage Body Fat using Stable Isotope Technique as Reference

The direct measurement of body composition using innovative non-or minimally-invasive technologies such as stable isotope technique, despite its reliability and precision remains a significant challenge.  This study was designed to develop predictive equations for estimating the percentage body fat of Nigerian women using isotope dilution (ISD) or gold standard technique (as in IAEA procedure) as reference and validated by bioelectrical impedance technique.The percentage body fats (% BF) of 173 Nigerian women (aged 18-55 yrs) were estimated using isotope dilution (ISD) or gold standard technique (as in IAEA procedure) as reference and validated by bioelectrical impedance technique. The skinfold thicknesses (mm) such as biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac and abdominal were measured using skinfold langre callipers while body circumferences such as forearm, wrist, waist, abdominal and hip were measured using standard tape rule and in accordance with WHO guidelines. The subjects’ percentage body fat (%BF) ranged from 8.0 to 48.5. Generally, at 0.01 level of significance (Using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), higher positive significant correlations were obtained between % BF by ISD and body circumferences (r=0.503-0.874) than skinfold thicknesses (r=0.503-0.739). Using forward selection regression procedure, three sex-specific based predictive equations for estimating %BF (incorporating subjects’ weight and body circumferences such as hip, abdominal and waist) were developed based on the subjects’ ethnic groups (Yoruba, Hausa and Ibos) with high R2 (0.853, 0.953 & 0.867) and low Pure errors (3.316, 2.791 & 2.324) respect. These equations provide easy way of measuring percentage body fat and are recommended for use in clinical or epidemiological settings in populations with similar ethnic background and in lieu of isotope dilution method.

Prevalence and correlates of abdominal obesity among adults in Uganda: findings from a national cross-sectional, population based survey 2014

BackgroundOverweight and obesity are associated with health complications the gravity of which, vary with the regional deposition of the excess fat. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is often used to measure obesity although is an inferior predictor of cardiovascular disease risk mortality and morbidity compared with measures of abdominal obesity. We analyzed data from Uganda’s 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to surveillance of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) survey to estimate the prevalence of abdominal obesity and associated factors to provide information on the prevention and control of overweight and obesity.MethodsData were collected using the WHO STEPS protocol. Waist measurement was taken using a non-stretchable standard tape measure mid-way between the lowest rib and iliac crest with the subject standing at the end of gentle expiration. Participants with waist circumference > 102 cm for men and 88 cm for women were classified as abdominally obese. We used weighted modified Poisson regression with robust error variance to estimate the prevalence of abdominal obesity and associated factors.ResultsOf the 3676 participants, 432 (11.8%) were abdominally obese; with the prevalence higher among females 412 (19.5%) compared with males 20 (1.3%). Compared with males, female participants were more likely to be abdominally obese Adjusted Prevalence Rate Ratio (APRR) 7.59 [5.58–10.33]. Participants who were married or cohabiting APRR 1.82 [1.29–2.57] and participants who were separated or divorced APRR 1.69 [1.17–2.46] were more likely to be abdominally obese compared with those who had never married before. Compared with rural dwellers, participants from urban areas were more likely to be abdominally obese APRR 1.29 [1.09–1.53]. Compared with participants with normal blood pressure, those with elevated blood pressure were more likely to be abdominally obese APRR 1.83 [1.57–2.14].Compared with participants without any education, those with secondary education were more likely to be abdominally obese APRR 1.42 [1.12–1.78].ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of abdominal obesity among adults in Uganda which puts many at risk of developing associated metabolic complications. These data provide useful information for developing interventions and formulation of policies for the control and prevention of abdominal obesity in Uganda.

Fitting and evaluation of height-diameter models for Alnus japonica in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines

The study was conducted to develop height-diameter at breast height (HT-DBH) models for Alnus japonica in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines and evaluate their predictive capability. The six widely used nonlinear growth models that were selected in this study were the Chapman-Richards, Schnute, Modified logistic, Korf/Lundqvist, Weibull and Exponential. A total of 208 Alnus japonica trees were measured using standard diameter tape for DBH (1.3 m above the ground) and Vertex and transponder was used for the total height measurement. The performance of the developed models were evaluated using the fit statistics including coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias (Ē), absolute mean difference (AMD), and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The lack-of-fit statistics was also performed for further evaluation of the performance of the models. Based on the evaluation criteria, all six models were able to determine the DBH-height relationships and fitted the data well. Using the rank analysis, the Weibull HT-DBH model had the best performance among the six commonly used nonlinear growth models. The results of this study will help forest managers especially in La Trinidad, Benguet to easily predict the total height using the Weibull model for Alnus japonica utilizing the DBH as the predicting variable.

Effect of Ankle Taping on Dynamic Balance and Perception of Stability

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the actual and perceived effect of taping on dynamic stability. Methods: 21 physically active subjects [12 females (age = 20.33 ± 1.44 years, height = 165 ± 0.05 cm, mass = 68.76 ± 12.69 kg), and 9 males (age = 21.33 ± 1.66 years, height = 180 ± 0.10 cm, mass = 86.54 ± 9.46 kg)] participated in this study. Dynamic stability and perception of stability were assessed barefoot and with the ankle taped. The taped ankle condition used a standard preventive tape application including two anchors, three stirrups, close downs, horseshoes, two heel locks per side and two figures of eight. The Biodex Balance System SD was used to measure medial-lateral and anterior-posterior stability. Dynamic balance was assessed in a single leg stance during three 20-second trials at stability level 4. A 30-second rest period was provided between trials. Perception of stability was assessed using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = very unstable, 2 = unstable, 3 = stable, 4 = very stable) after each test session. Independent variables were counter-balanced to minimize the effects of fatigue associated with the testing procedures. A Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the difference between barefoot and ankle tape for medial-lateral and anterior-posterior dynamic stability indices and perception of stability. All tests of significance were carried out at an alpha level = 0.05. The Bonferroni post hoc test was used for all paired comparisons. Results: Significant differences were not found for medial-lateral stability (Barefoot = 1.24 ± 0.63, Taped = 1.21 ± 0.72) nor anterior-posterior stability (Barefoot = 1.70 ± 1.07, Taped = 1.50 ± 0.89). Significant differences were found for perception of stability (Barefoot = 2.57 ± 0.60, Taped = 3.32 ± 0.67, p = 0.000). Conclusions: The use of ankle taping had no influence on dynamic stability measures in this study. Ankle taping did cause an increased perception of stability suggesting that ankle taping may have more of a placebo effect in uninjured ankles.

Effect of Elastic Therapeutic Taping on Abdominal Muscle Endurance in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blind, Crossover Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effect of elastic therapeutic taping and sham taping of the abdominal musculature on maximum hold time of endurance tests in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). MethodsTwenty-six people with CNLBP and 26 asymptomatic individuals were included in this study. The CNLBP participants were allocated to an elastic therapeutic tape group or a sham tape group. Standard adhesive elastic therapeutic tape was utilized for facilitatory application in the elastic therapeutic tape group. The elastic therapeutic tape group received real elastic therapeutic taping on the transversus abdominis and internal obliques, and the sham tape group received sham elastic therapeutic taping application. For the sham group, the elastic therapeutic tape was positioned horizontally above the navel and applied without tension. After a wash-out period, each CNLBP participant was switched to the other group. Outcome measures included maximum hold time of supine isometric chest raise, supine double straight-leg raise, and abdominal drawing in maneuver. ResultsThe CNLBP participants had lower maximum hold time compared to the asymptomatic individuals (P ≤ .01). Following taping, both groups showed an increase in the maximum hold time (mean difference = 4.43 – 50.69 seconds; P ≤ .02). Although there was no difference between the results of both groups (P ≥ .12), effect sizes were large for the elastic therapeutic tape group (Cohen’s d = –1.93 to –1.00). ConclusionsThe results suggest that the maximum hold time of endurance tests was decreased in CNLBP patients compared to healthy participants. The application of both elastic therapeutic tape and sham tape to the transversus abdominis and internal obliques produced short-term improvement in abdominal endurance. There was no statistically significant difference between the results of elastic therapeutic tape and sham tape.

LEG-LENGTH INEQUALITY AND RUNNING-RELATED INJURY AMONG HIGH SCHOOL RUNNERS

Participation in high school cross-country continues to increase with over 492,000 participants during the 2016-17 cross-country season. Several studies have indicated a high incidence of running-related injuries (RRI) in high school cross-country runners. Risk factors for RRI can be divided between intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. Intrinsic risk factors such as structural asymmetries have received less attention in recent years. The primary purposes of the current study were to (1) describe the prevalence of leg-length inequality among female and male high school cross-country runners, and (2) to determine whether leg-length inequality was associated with increased RRI in female and male high school cross-country runners. Prospective observational cohort study. Three hundred ninety-three (222 males, 171 females) athletes competing in high school cross-country running were followed, prospectively. The runners' right and left leg-lengths were measured with a standard cloth tape measure in a supine position. Incidence of low back/lower extremity RRI during practices or competitive events was monitored using the Daily Injury Report. A similar percentage of leg-length inequality greater than 0.5 cm was found among female (19.3%) and male (22.1%) runners. No statistically significant associations were found between leg-length inequality and (RRI) for female or male runners, with the exception that after adjusting for BMI, males with a leg-length inequality > 1.5 cm were over seven times more likely to incur a lower leg RRI (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 7.47; 95%CI: 1.5, 36.9; p = 0.01) than males with a leg-length inequality < 0.5 cm. Side of RRI was not associated with side of longer limb length. While leg-length inequality was not associated with RRI, in general, males with a leg-length inequality > 1.5 cm were at greater likelihood of sustaining a lower leg RRI. 2b.

Unexplored photoluminescence from bulk and mechanically exfoliated few layers of Bi2Te3

We report the exotic photoluminescence (PL) behaviour of 3D topological insulator Bi2Te3 single crystals grown by customized self-flux method and mechanically exfoliated few layers (18 ± 2 nm)/thin flakes obtained by standard scotch tape method from as grown Bi2Te3 crystals. The experimental PL studies on bulk single crystal and mechanically exfoliated few layers of Bi2Te3 evidenced a broad red emission in the visible region from 600–690 nm upon 375 nm excitation wavelength corresponding to optical band gap of 2 eV. These findings are in good agreement with our theoretical results obtained using the ab initio density functional theory framework. Interestingly, the observed optical band gap is several times larger than the known electronic band gap of ~0.15 eV. The experimentally observed 2 eV optical band gap in the visible region for bulk as well as for mechanically exfoliated few layers Bi2Te3 single crystals clearly rules out the quantum confinement effects in the investigated samples which are well known in the 2D systems like MoS2,WS2, WSe2, and MoSe2 for 1–3 layers.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sleep Architecture in Adolescents With Severe Obesity: Effects of a 9-Month Lifestyle Modification Program Based on Regular Exercise and a Balanced Diet.

Physical exercise and lifestyle modification are recognized as adjunct therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in overweight adults. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of long-term physical exercise combined with a balanced diet on sleep architecture, sleep duration, and OSA in adolescents with severe obesity. This interventional study was conducted in a nursing institution. Participants were aged 14.6 ± 1.2 years with obesity (body mass index (BMI) = 40.2 ± 6.5 kg/m2). At admission and at 9 months, participants underwent ambulatory polysomnography and incremental maximal exercise testing to determine cardiorespiratory fitness. Twenty-four subjects completed the study. Analyses were performed on the whole population and on a subgroup of subjects with OSA (OSA-subgroup). OSA, defined as obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) ≥ 2 events/h, was diagnosed in 58.3% of the population. OAHI was only associated with fat mass in males (r = .75, P < .05). At 9 months postintervention, weight loss (-11.1 kg, P < .0001) and improved cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak: +4.9 mL/min/kg, P < .001) were found in the whole population. Sleep duration was increased (+34 minutes, P < .05) and sleep architecture was changed with an increase of rapid eye movement sleep (+2.5%, P < .05) and a decrease of stage N3 sleep (-3.1%, P < .001). Similar results were found in the OSA subgroup. However, OAHI remained unchanged (P = .18). A combination of supervised aerobic exercise and a balanced diet led to weight loss, improved aerobic capacity, and modified sleep architecture without changes in OSA. A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 907. Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov, Title: Exercise and Venous Compression on Upper Airway Resistance in Obese Teenagers With OSA (OBESOMAC), URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02588469, Identifier: NCT02588469.

The effectiveness of Biomechanical Taping Technique on visual analogue scale, static maximum handgrip strength, and Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation of patients with lateral epicondylalgia: A cross-over study

IntroductionLateral epicondylalgia (LE) is a musculoskeletal injury involving the common extensor origin in elbow manifesting as pain and ineffective handgrip affecting the daily activities of the individuals with LE. ObjectivesThis study determined the effectiveness of Standard Biomechanical Taping (SBMT), Vector Correcting Dysfunction Techniques 1 (VCDT 1) and Vector Correcting Dysfunction Technique 2 (VCDT 2); and compared their differences on effects on pain, grip strength and daily functions of individual with unilateral LE. MethodsA cross-over study design was used. The senior investigator applied three BMT techniques namely: a. SBMT, b. VCDT 1, and c. VCDT 2. On Day 1, SBMT and VCDT1 were randomly assigned. On Day 3, either SBMT or VCDT1 not performed on Day 1 was applied to LE elbows. On Day 5, VCDT2 was applied on LE elbows. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Static Maximum Handgrip Strength Test (SMHGT) and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) were used as outcome measures administered by three blinded junior investigators. On Days 1, 3, and 5, VAS and SMGHT were administered before and during BMT application. PRTEE was administered on Days 1 and 12. ResultsThe following were found in this study: a. significantly decreased VAS scores at Days 1, 3, and 5 of BMT application (p < 0.05); b. significantly improved final VAS, SMHGT strength and PRTEE scores on Day 12 compared to baseline scores on Day 1 (p = /<0.01); and c. significantly decreased VAS scores when using SBMT compared to VCDT2 (p < 0.05). ConclusionBMT is a novel taping technique effective in decreasing lateral elbow pain, increasing handgrip strength and improving function of patients with LE. BMT can be applied on painful elbows effecting a better grip among patients with LE.

Effect of Kinesio Tape Versus Athletic Tape on Myoelectric Activity of Ankle Muscles in Patients with Chronic Ankle Sprain

Background: Sprained ankle a common orthopedic injury. The standard treatment for ankle sprains remains nonoperative. Ankle taping was used to protect and prevent ligaments excessive strain. So, the current study aimed at investigating the effect of spa-care Kinesio tape versus standard white athletic tape on myoelectric activities (EMG) of ankle evertors (peroneus longus) and invertors (tibialis anterior) in a chronic ankle sprain. Methods: A convenient sample of 30 patients with a chronic ankle sprain (18 females and 12 males) were included in this study. Their mean age ±SD was 24 ±1.2 years. Their height was 175±4.8 cm among men & 163±5.2 cm for females, and weight was 85±5.2 kg for males & 74±5.5 kg for women. It was a within-group design in which the same participant experienced the two types of taping compared to no taping condition. Root mean square (RMS) was measured while participants were moving the isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 120°/sec using concentric contraction mode through full ankle range of motion. The EMG (RMS) of evertors and invertors was measured immediately after the three taping ways (no tape, Kinesio tape, and athletic tape) with a one-week interval between each taping. Results: Spa-care Kinesiotape significantly reduced evertors and invertors EMG (RMS) compared with no tape or athletic tape in patients with chronic ankle sprain. Mean± SD of the evertors was 0.7 (±0.1) for no tape and 0.58 (±0.2) for Kinesio tape. The P value was 0.000 for kinesio tape in evertors compared with no tape. Also, mean± SD of the invertors was 0.87 (±0.23) for no tape, and 0.54 (±0.1) for Kinesio tape and the P value was 0.001 for Kinesio tape in invertors compared with no tape. Conclusion: Spa-care Kinesio tape may be useful for reducing EMG activity of ankle muscles in a chronic ankle sprain.

Simplified Method for Rapid Field Assessment of Visual Acuity by First Responders After Ocular Injury.

Initial visual acuity after ocular injury is an important measure, as it is an accurate predictor of final visual outcome and gives a rapid estimation of the overall severity of the injury, thereby aiding evacuation prioritization. We devised a simple method for rapidly assessing visual acuity in the field without having to rely on formal screening cards. Using common objects, icons, and text found in the injury zone - for example, common military name tapes, rank insignias, patches, emblems, and helmet camouflage bands, which will be known collectively as the Army Combat Optotypes (ACOs) - a Snellen-equivalent method of assessing visual acuity was devised and correlated to the ocular trauma score (OTS). Ability to read the ACOs at 2, 3, and 5 ft correlates with acuities in the range from 20/20 to 20/400. Identification of ACOs with visual acuity of 20/50 and 20/200 approximates important inflection points of severity for the OTS. Accurately assessing visual acuity in the field after ocular injury provides essential information but does not require sophisticated screening equipment. Pertinent and accurate acuities can be rapidly estimated using commonly available text or graphical icons such as standard name tapes, patches, and rank insignias.

Tunneling Does Not Prevent Dislodgment of Epidural Catheters: A Randomized Trial.

Background:Epidural analgesia is preferred in postoperative pain control, but dislodgment is a major factor for failure. Tunneling is well known to control displacement of catheters. In this study, we evaluated if we can depend on tunneling in preventing dislodgment of epidural catheters.Aims:The aim is to study if tunneling is effective and safe in reducing the rate of epidural catheters' dislodgment.Setting and Design:The study was carried out at a single tertiary cancer center. The trial was parallel, simple randomized, controlled, and single blind. Allocation of treatments was generated using random number tables.Subjects and Methods:Two hundred patients undergoing major surgeries were randomized. Epidural catheters were affixed to the skin through subcutaneous tunneling to a length of 5 cm or using standard adhesive tape without tunneling. Patients were on follow-up for 6 days postsurgery according to policy.Statistical Analysis Used:Categorical variables were analyzed by Chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Student t-test was used for continuous variables.Results and Conclusion:A total of 200 patients were randomized, 92 patients received tunneled catheters and 108 received nontunneled catheters. Patients were between 20 and 85 years; 63% were male. The mean days of epidural analgesia were similar in both groups (2.7 compared to 2.5 days). About 7.6% of epidurals were dislodged in the tunneled group compared to 10.2% in the nontunneled group (P = 0.699). No differences were identified in the incidence of pain or adverse events between the groups. Tunneling did not improve the rates of dislodgment in epidural catheters. There were no safety concerns associated with tunneling epidural catheters.

Evaluating the stick-gap method in a Mexican tropical dryland: Effect of stick length and sample size

The degradation of drylands by human activities is a serious problem in many developing countries. Monitoring in these countries therefore is basic to prevent or mitigate land degradation. The stick-gap method is one graphical approach that has been used to monitor rangelands in eastern Africa. This method collects data on vegetation cover and structure with a 1-m-long stick at 20 locations per site. These data are then used to calculate land health indicators. Because the stick-gap method is easy to implement and to understand, it is suitable for monitoring drylands in other developing countries. However, the effect of stick length and sample size on the estimation of indicators such as basal gaps should be first evaluated. In this study, we measured basal gaps with 1-m- and 0.5-m-long sticks at 20 and 100 locations per site in two mesquite shrublands with different vegetation structure within a Mexican tropical dryland area. We correlated the basal gaps estimated using different stick lengths and sample sizes with the basal gaps estimated using one standard tape method. The correlations between these estimates were not significant considering 20 locations per site, independent of whether 1-m- or 0.5-m-long sticks were used. However, the correlations between these estimates were significant considering 100 locations per site. Also, the correlations between these methods were slightly higher when 0.5-m-long sticks were used in comparison to 1-m-long sticks. These results were similar in mesquite shrublands with either open or closed canopies. We conclude that increasing sample size to 100 locations per site and decreasing stick length to 0.5m would be sufficient for estimating the proportion of basal gaps in both open- and closed-canopy mesquite shrublands.

Ways of Depicting: The Presentation of One’s Self as a Brand

Ways of Depicting: The Presentation of One’s Self as a Brand

Measurements of stem diameter: implications for individual- and stand-level errors.

Stem diameter is one of the most common measurements made to assess the growth of woody vegetation, and the commercial and environmental benefits that it provides (e.g. wood or biomass products, carbon sequestration, landscape remediation). Yet inconsistency in its measurement is a continuing source of error in estimates of stand-scale measures such as basal area, biomass, and volume. Here we assessed errors in stem diameter measurement through repeated measurements of individual trees and shrubs of varying size and form (i.e. single- and multi-stemmed) across a range of contrasting stands, from complex mixed-species plantings to commercial single-species plantations. We compared a standard diameter tape with a Stepped Diameter Gauge (SDG) for time efficiency and measurement error. Measurement errors in diameter were slightly (but significantly) influenced by size and form of the tree or shrub, and stem height at which the measurement was made. Compared to standard tape measurement, the mean systematic error with SDG measurement was only -0.17cm, but varied between -0.10 and -0.52cm. Similarly, random error was relatively large, with standard deviations (and percentage coefficients of variation) averaging only 0.36cm (and 3.8%), but varying between 0.14 and 0.61cm (and 1.9 and 7.1%). However, at the stand scale, sampling errors (i.e. how well individual trees or shrubs selected for measurement of diameter represented the true stand population in terms of the average and distribution of diameter) generally had at least a tenfold greater influence on random errors in basal area estimates than errors in diameter measurements. This supports the use of diameter measurement tools that have high efficiency, such as the SDG. Use of the SDG almost halved the time required for measurements compared to the diameter tape. Based on these findings, recommendations include the following: (i) use of a tape to maximise accuracy when developing allometric models, or when monitoring relatively small changes in permanent sample plots (e.g. National Forest Inventories), noting that care is required in irregular-shaped, large-single-stemmed individuals, and (ii) use of a SDG to maximise efficiency when using inventory methods to assess basal area, and hence biomass or wood volume, at the stand scale (i.e. in studies of impacts of management or site quality) where there are budgetary constraints, noting the importance of sufficient sample sizes to ensure that the population sampled represents the true population.

The Role of Platelet Rich Plasma on Healing of Induced Femoral Fracture Fixed With Dynamic Compression Plate in Dogs.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the platelet rich plasma (PRP) as a factor for accelerating bone healing and compared with normal healing in 18 apparently healthy male mongrel dogs based on clinical, radiographic and histopathological findings. Induction of femoral fracture was done in all dogs of both groups, a gap (0.5 cm × 0.5cm with the whole depth of the near cortex) was created at the fracture sit bone rongeur and the fracture was fixed with standard dynamic compression plate (DCP) and self taping cortical screws. Dogs were divided into two equal groups, each of 9 dogs. Group I was left as a control. In group II, the gap was packed with autogenous PRP. The results of this study pointed out that PRP slightly improved bone healing.

Iliac Crest Graft and Hydroxyapatite/ Β Tri- Calcium Phosphate for Repairing of Femoral Fracture: an Experimental Study

The present work was conducted for evaluation of the effects of iliac crest autograft (ICBG) and Hydroxyapatite / β tri- calcium phosphate (HA / β -TCP), on the healing process of an experimentally induced right femoral fractures with 0.5 cm × 0.5 cm partial bone defect at the fracture site in dogs fixed with standard dynamic compression plate (DCP) and self taping cortical screws. It was carried out on twenty seven apparently healthy male mongrel dogs divided into three equal groups, each of 9 dogs. Group I left as a control. Groups II and III were treated with ICBG and HA / β -TCP respectively. Clinical, radiographical and histological examinations were carried out for judgment of the healing process. This study came to the conclusion of; ICBG provides the most dense callus formation and the fastest possible healing. While, HA / β -TCP was an excellent substitute for ICGB that solve the problem of two operations on the same animal.

Environmental Stability and Long-Term Durability of Superhydrophobic Coatings on Titanium

Superhydrophobic (SHP) coatings on titanium were developed using a two-step method involving anodization and coating with silane. The robustness of the SHP coatings was assessed by sonication and water impact tests. The adhesion of the coatings was evaluated by ASTM standard tape test. After evaluating the stability, the durability of superhydrophobic coatings developed on titanium was tested in seawater. The long-term immersion in seawater showed minimal reduction in water contact angle (WCA) after the immersion. Antibacterial activity of the SHP coatings after long-term exposure in seawater and bacterial pure cultures were also evaluated. The present study aims to evaluate the stability, durability and shelf life of the SHP coatings developed on Ti using silanes for long-term practical applications.

Surface treatments of metal supports for photocatalysis applications

One of the most important challenges, for scaling up a photocatalytic system for VOCs abatement to full-scale, is the design of a suitable photocatalyst support. The support has to firmly immobilize the photocatalyst, without using an organic adhesive, and should also withstand relatively high mechanical stresses. Metals may be effectively implemented as a support material, after a corrugation of the surface with electrochemical treatments. In the present work, we treated stainless steel and aluminum supports, evaluating the surface modifications due to the electrochemical treatments, with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy. Five samples showing the highest degree of restructuring were selected and spray coated with P25, a TiO2 photocatalyst, evaluating the mechanical stability of the coating with a standard tape test method. One particular stainless steel sample presented a superior surface restructuring and coating stability. The photocatalytic activity of this sample, evaluated measuring the complete oxidation of acetaldehyde, was tested for 15h, and compared with sample of TiO2-P25 on a ceramic support. The stainless steel exhibited a constant performance after an initial stabilization period. The stainless steel sample showed a slightly higher activity, due to the surface restructuring, increasing the irradiated area available for the coated photocatalyst.