Abstract: Objectives: To determine the nutritional status and
risk factors associated with women practicing geophagia in QwaQwa,
South Africa. Materials and Methods: An observational epidemiological study
design was adopted which included an exposed (geophagia) and nonexposed
(control) group. A food frequency questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and blood sampling were applied to
determine nutritional status of participants. Logistic regression
analysis was performed in order to identify factors that were likely to
be associated with the practice of geophagia. Results: The mean total energy intake for the geophagia group (G)
and control group (C) were 10324.31 ± 2755.00 kJ and 10763.94 ±
2556.30 kJ respectively. Both groups fell within the overweight
category according to the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of each
group (G= 25.59 kg/m2; C= 25.14 kg/m2). The mean serum iron
levels of the geophagia group (6.929 μmol/l) were significantly lower
than that of the control group (13.75 μmol/l) (p = 0.000). Serum
transferrin (G=3.23g/l; C=2.7054g/l) and serum transferrin saturation
(G=8.05%; C=18.74%) levels also differed significantly between
groups (p=0.00). Factors that were associated with the practice of
geophagia included haemoglobin (Odds ratio (OR):14.50), serumiron
(OR: 9.80), serum-ferritin (OR: 3.75), serum-transferrin (OR:
6.92) and transferrin saturation (OR: 14.50). A significant negative
association (p=0.014) was found between women who were wageearners
and those who were not wage-earners and the practice of
geophagia (OR: 0.143; CI: 0.027; 0.755). These findings seem to
indicate that a permanent income may decrease the likelihood of
practising geophagia. Key Findings: Geophagia was confirmed to be a risk factor for
iron deficiency in this community. The significantly strong
association between geophagia and iron deficiency emphasizes the
importance of identifying the practice of geophagia in women,
especially during their child bearing years.
Abstract: Heart is the most important part in the body of living
organisms. It affects and is affected by any factor in the body.
Therefore, it is a good detector for all conditions in the body. Heart
signal is a non-stationary signal; thus, it is utmost important to study
the variability of heart signal. The Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has
attracted considerable attention in psychology, medicine and has
become important dependent measure in psychophysiology and
behavioral medicine. The standards of measurements, physiological
interpretation and clinical use for HRV that are most often used were
described in many researcher papers, however, remain complex
issues are fraught with pitfalls. This paper presents one of the nonlinear
techniques to analyze HRV. It discusses many points like, what
Poincaré plot is and how Poincaré plot works; also, Poincaré plot's
merits especially in HRV. Besides, it discusses the limitation of
Poincaré cause of standard deviation SD1, SD2 and how to overcome
this limitation by using complex correlation measure (CCM). The
CCM is most sensitive to changes in temporal structure of the
Poincaré plot as compared toSD1 and SD2.
Abstract: The growing concerns for physical wellbeing and
health have been reflected in the way we choose food in our table.
Nowadays, we are all more informed consumers and choose healthier
foods. On the other hand, stroke, cancer and atherosclerosis may be
somehow minimized by the intake of some bioactive compounds
present in food, the so-called nutraceuticals and functional foods. The
aim of this work was to make a revision of the published studies
about the effects of some bioactive compounds, namely lycopene in
human health, in the prevention of diseases, thus playing the role of a
functional food. Free radical in human body can induce cell damage
and consequently can be responsible for the development of some
cancers and chronic diseases. Lycopene is one of the most powerful
antioxidants known, being the predominant carotenoid in tomato. The
respective chemistry, bioavailability, and its functional role in the
prevention of several diseases will be object of this work. On the
other hand, the inclusion of lycopene in some foods can also be made
by biotechnology and represents a way to recover the wastes in the
tomato industry with nutritional positive effects in health.
Abstract: Calcium Phosphate Cement (CPC) due to its high bioactivity and optimum bioresorbability shows excellent bone regeneration capability. Despite it has limited applications as bone implant due to its macro-porous microstructure causing its poor mechanical strength. The reinforcement of apatitic CPCs with biocompatible fibre glass phase is an attractive area of research to improve upon its mechanical strength. Here, we study the setting behaviour of Si-doped and un-doped α tri calcium phosphate (α - TCP) based CPC and its reinforcement with addition of E-glass fibre. Alpha Tri calcium phosphate powders were prepared by solid state sintering of CaCO3 , CaHPO4 and Tetra Ethyl Ortho Silicate (TEOS) was used as silicon source to synthesize Si doped α-TCP powders. Both initial and final setting time of the developed cement was delayed because of Si addition. Crystalline phases of HA (JCPDS 9- 432), α-TCP (JCPDS 29-359) and β-TCP (JCPDS 9-169) were detected in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern after immersion of CPC in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 0 hours to 10 days. As Si incorporation in the crystal lattice stabilized the TCP phase, Si doped CPC showed little slower rate of conversion into HA phase as compared to un-doped CPC. The SEM image of the microstructure of hardened CPC showed lower grain size of HA in un-doped CPC because of premature setting and faster hydrolysis of un-doped CPC in SBF as compared that in Si-doped CPC. Premature setting caused generation of micro and macro porosity in un-doped CPC structure which resulted in its lower mechanical strength as compared to that in Si-doped CPC. It was found that addition of 10 wt% of E-glass fibre into Si-doped α-TCP increased the average DTS of CPC from 8 MPa to 15 MPa as the fibres could resists the propagation of crack by deflecting the crack tip. Our study shows that biocompatible E-glass fibre in optimum proportion in CPC matrix can enhance the mechanical strength of CPC without affecting its biocompatibility.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify human walking vertical force by using FFT power spectrum density from the experimental acceleration data of the human body. An experiment on human walking is carried out on a stationary floor especially paying attention to higher components of dynamic vertical walking force. Based on measured acceleration data of the human lumbar part, not only in-phase component with frequency of 2fw, 3fw, but also in-opposite-phase component with frequency of 0.5 fw, 1.5 fw, 2.5 fw where fw is the walking rate is observed. The vertical vibration of pedestrian bridge induced by higher components of human walking vertical force is also discussed in this paper. A full scale measurement for the existing pedestrian bridge with center span length of 33 m is carried out focusing on the resonance phenomenon due to higher components of human walking vertical force. Dynamic response characteristics excited by these vertical higher components of human walking are revealed from the dynamic design viewpoint of pedestrian bridge.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a quantum statistical
mechanical formulation from our recently analytical expressions for
partial-wave transition matrix of a three-particle system. We report
the quantum reactive cross sections for three-body scattering
processes 1+(2,3)→1+(2,3) as well as recombination
1+(2,3)→1+(3,1) between one atom and a weakly-bound dimer. The
analytical expressions of three-particle transition matrices and their
corresponding cross-sections were obtained from the threedimensional
Faddeev equations subjected to the rank-two non-local
separable potentials of the generalized Yamaguchi form. The
equilibrium quantum statistical mechanical properties such partition
function and equation of state as well as non-equilibrium quantum
statistical properties such as transport cross-sections and their
corresponding transport collision integrals were formulated
analytically. This leads to obtain the transport properties, such as
viscosity and diffusion coefficient of a moderate dense gas.
Abstract: For a rigid body sliding on a rough surface, a range of
uncertainty or non-uniqueness of solution could be found, which is
termed: Painlevé paradox. Painlevé paradox is the reason of a wide
range of bouncing motion, observed during sliding of robotic
manipulators on rough surfaces. In this research work, the existence
of the paradox zone during the sliding motion of a two-link (P-R)
robotic manipulator with a unilateral constraint is investigated.
Parametric study is performed to investigate the effect of friction,
link-length ratio, total height and link-mass ratio on the paradox zone.
Abstract: Measuring the Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is an
essential process for the diagnosis of the heart diseases. The ECG
signal has the information of the degree of how much the heart
performs its functions. In medical diagnosis and treatment systems,
Decision Support Systems processing the ECG signal are being
developed for the use of clinicians while medical examination. In this
study, a modular wireless ECG (WECG) measuring and recording
system using a single board computer and e-Health sensor platform
is developed. In this designed modular system, after the ECG signal
is taken from the body surface by the electrodes first, it is filtered and
converted to digital form. Then, it is recorded to the health database
using Wi-Fi communication technology. The real time access of the
ECG data is provided through the internet utilizing the developed
web interface.
Abstract: The system of ordinary nonlinear differential
equations describing sliding velocity during impact with friction for a
three-dimensional rigid-multibody system is developed. No analytical
solutions have been obtained before for this highly nonlinear system.
Hence, a power series solution is proposed. Since the validity of this
solution is limited to its convergence zone, a suitable time step is
chosen and at the end of it a new series solution is constructed. For a
case study, the trajectory of the sliding velocity using the proposed
method is built using 6 time steps, which coincides with a Runge-
Kutta solution using 38 time steps.
Abstract: A sliding door system is used in commercial vehicles
and passenger cars to allow a larger unobstructed access to the
interior for loading and unloading. The movement of a sliding door
on vehicle body is ensured by mechanisms and tracks having special
cross-section which is manufactured by roll forming and stretch
bending process. There are three tracks and three mechanisms which
are called upper, central and lower on a sliding door system. There
are static requirements as strength on different directions, rigidity for
mechanisms, door drop off, door sag; dynamic requirements as high
energy slam opening-closing and durability requirement to validate
these products. In addition, there is a kinematic requirement to find
out force values from door handle during manual operating. In this
study, finite element analysis and physical test results which are
realized for sliding door systems will be shared comparatively.
Abstract: In Automotive Industry, sliding door systems that are
also used as body closures are safety members. Extreme product tests
are realized to prevent failures in design process, but these tests
realized experimentally result in high costs. Finite element analysis is
an effective tool used for design process. These analyses are used
before production of prototype for validation of design according to
customer requirement. In result of this, substantial amount of time
and cost is saved. Finite element model is created for geometries that are designed in
3D CAD programs. Different element types as bar, shell and solid,
can be used for creating mesh model. Cheaper model can be created
by selection of element type, but combination of element type that
was used in model, number and geometry of element and degrees of
freedom affects the analysis result. Sliding door system is a good
example which used these methods for this study. Structural analysis
was realized for sliding door mechanism by using FE models. As
well, physical tests that have same boundary conditions with FE
models were realized. Comparison study for these element types,
were done regarding test and analyses results then optimum
combination was achieved.
Abstract: A new design of aerostatic thrust bearing is proposed
for high static stiffness. The bearing body, which is mead of polymer
covered with metallic membrane, is held by a circular ring. Such a
support helps form a concave air gap to grasp the air pressure. The
polymer body, which can be made rapidly by either injection or
molding is able to provide extra damping under dynamic loading. The
smooth membrane not only serves as the bearing surface but also
protects the polymer body. The restrictor is a capillary inside a silicone
tube. It can passively compensate the variation of load by expanding
the capillary diameter for more air flux. In the present example, the
stiffness soars from 15.85 N/μm of typical bearing to 349.85 N/μm at
bearing elevation 9.5 μm; meanwhile the load capacity also enhances
from 346.86 N to 704.18 N.
Abstract: High frequency automotive interior noise above 500
Hz considerably affects automotive passenger comfort. To reduce this
noise, sound insulation material is often laminated on body panels or
interior trim panels. For a more effective noise reduction, the sound
reduction properties of this laminated structure need to be estimated.
We have developed a new calculate tool that can roughly calculate the
sound absorption and insulation properties of laminate structure and
handy for designers. In this report, the outline of this tool and an
analysis example applied to floor mat are introduced.
Abstract: Effects of nicotine on pre-partum body weight and
preimplantation embryonic development has been reported
previously. Present study was conducted to determine the effects of
annatto (Bixa orellana)-derived delta-tocotrienol (TCT) (with
presence of 10% gamma-TCT isomer) on the nicotine-induced
reduction in body weight and 8-cell embryonic growth in mice.
Twenty-four 6-8 weeks old (23-25g) female balb/c mice were
randomly divided into four groups (G1-G4; n=6). Those groups were
subjected to the following treatments for 7 consecutive days: G1
(control) were gavaged with 0.1 ml tocopherol stripped corn oil. G2
was subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with 3 mg/kg/day of nicotine. G3
received concurrent treatment of nicotine (3 mg/kg/day) and 60
mg/kg/day of δ-TCT mixture (contains 90% delta & 10% gamma
isomers) and G4 was given 60 mg/kg/day of δ-TCT mixture alone.
Body weights were recorded daily during the treatment. On Day 8,
females were superovulated with 5 IU Pregnant Mare’s Serum
Gonadotropin (PMSG) for 48 hours followed with 5 IU human
Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) before mated with males at the ratio
of 1:1. Females were sacrificed by cervical dislocation for embryo
collection 48 hours post-coitum. Collected embryos were cultured in
vitro. Results showed that throughout Day 1 to Day 7, the body
weight of nicotine treated group (G2) was significantly lower
(p
Abstract: Method of combined teaching laws of classical
mechanics and hydrostatics in non-inertial reference frames for
undergraduate students is proposed. Pressure distribution in a liquid
(or gas) moving with acceleration is considered. Combined effect of
hydrostatic force and force of inertia on a body immersed in a liquid
can lead to paradoxical results, in a motion of pendulum in particular.
The body motion under Stokes force influence and forces in rotating
reference frames are investigated as well. Problems and difficulties in
student perceptions are analyzed.
Abstract: The output error of the globoidal cam mechanism can
be considered as a relevant indicator of mechanism performance,
because it determines kinematic and dynamical behavior of
mechanical transmission. Based on the differential geometry and the
rigid body transformations, the mathematical model of surface
geometry of the globoidal cam is established. Then we present the
analytical expression of the output error (including the transmission
error and the displacement error along the output axis) by considering
different manufacture and assembly errors. The effects of the center
distance error, the perpendicular error between input and output axes
and the rotational angle error of the globoidal cam on the output error
are systematically analyzed. A globoidal cam mechanism which is
widely used in automatic tool changer of CNC machines is applied for
illustration. Our results show that the perpendicular error and the
rotational angle error have little effects on the transmission error but
have great effects on the displacement error along the output axis. This
study plays an important role in the design, manufacture and assembly
of the globoidal cam mechanism.
Abstract: Significant attention has recently been paid to the
cross-cultural negotiations due to the growth of international
businesses. Despite the substantial body of literature examining the
influence of National Culture (NC) dimensions on negotiations, there
is a lack of studies comparing the influence of NC in Latin America
with a Western European countries, In particular, an extensive review
of the literature revealed that a contribution to knowledge would be
derived from the comparison of the influence of NC dimensions on
negotiations in UK and Venezuela. The primary data was collected
through qualitative interviews, to obtain an insight about the
perceptions and beliefs of Venezuelan and British business managers
about their negotiating styles. The findings of this study indicated
that NC has a great influence on the negotiating styles. In particular,
Venezuelan and British managers demonstrated to have opposed
negotiating styles, affecting the way they communicate, approach
people and their willingness to take risks.
Abstract: This paper is based on a large questionnaire study. The
paper presents how all participants and subgroups (upper- and
lower-level white-collar workers) answered the question, “Have you
had an ache, pain, or numbness, which you associate with desktop
computer use, in the different body parts during the last 12 months?’
14.6% of participants (19.4% of women and 8.2% of men) reported
that they had often or very often physical symptoms in the neck. Even
if our results cannot prove a causal relation of symptoms with
computer use, show that workers believe that computer use can
influence their wellbeing: this is important when devising treatment
modalities to decrease these physical symptoms.
Abstract: Neural activity in the human brain starts from the
early stages of prenatal development. This activity or signals
generated by the brain are electrical in nature and represent not only
the brain function but also the status of the whole body. At the
present moment, three methods can record functional and
physiological changes within the brain with high temporal resolution
of neuronal interactions at the network level: the
electroencephalogram (EEG), the magnet oencephalogram (MEG),
and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI); each of these has
advantages and shortcomings. EEG recording with a large number of
electrodes is now feasible in clinical practice. Multichannel EEG
recorded from the scalp surface provides very valuable but indirect
information about the source distribution. However, deep electrode
measurements yield more reliable information about the source
locations intracranial recordings and scalp EEG are used with the
source imaging techniques to determine the locations and strengths of
the epileptic activity. As a source localization method, Low
Resolution Electro-Magnetic Tomography (LORETA) is solved for
the realistic geometry based on both forward methods, the Boundary
Element Method (BEM) and the Finite Difference Method (FDM). In
this paper, we review the findings EEG- LORETA about epilepsy.
Abstract: Breast cancer is in the top rate of cancer. We analyzed
the prevalence of obesity and its association with breast cancer and
finally we reviewed 25 article that 320 patient and 320 control which
enrolled to our study. The distribution of breast cancer patients and
controls with respect to their anthropometric indices in patients with
higher weight, which was statistically significant (60.2 ± 10.2 kg)
compared with control group (56.1 ± 11.3 kg). The body mass index
of patients was (26.06+/-3.42) and significantly higher than the
control group (24.1+/-1.7). Obesity leads to increased levels of
adipose tissue in the body that can be stored toxins and carcinogens
to produce a continuous supply. Due to the high level of fat and the
role of estrogen in a woman which is endogenous estrogen of the
tumor and regulates the activities of growth steroids, obesity has
confirmed as a risk factor for breast cancer. Our study and other
studies have shown that obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer. And
it can be prevented with a weight loss intervention for breast cancer
in the future.