Thermal images generated by a line-scanning technique: statistical properties

The analysis of statistical parameters of computer-generated therfial images by a line-scanning technique indicates an approach to efficient image transmission.     

Methodology for WEEE assessment in Algeria

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) generated in emerging countries is increasing. This study presents a methodology to improve assessment and monitoring WEEE in Algeria. The proposed methodology is a two-step approach. The first step is the collection and collation of existing data from different national and international sources. In the second step, different assessment and forecasting methods are applied. Forecasting methods were selected from those models which provided minimum error indices. The paper considers also the availability and reliability of data in order to provide a future reliable assessment of WEEE in Algeria. The study revealed that the forecasting methods do not have a big influence on the results contrary to the inputs of the model.     

N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Modulate In-Vitro T Cell Function in Type I Diabetic Patients

In this work, we assessed the in-vitro effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n-3) (final concentration, 15 microM) on T cell blastogenesis, interleukin-2 and -4 (IL-2, IL-4) secretion, fatty acid composition and intracellular oxidative status in type I diabetic patients with or without complications. Con A stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, glucose uptake, intracellular reduced glutathione levels and catalase activity were lower in diabetics as compared to controls, regardless to the presence of complications. EPA and DHA diminished T-lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 production but enhanced IL-4 secretion in both diabetic and control groups. No changes in the levels of reduced glutathione and in the activities of catalase and SOD were observed in control T cells cultured in the presence of EPA and DHA. However, in diabetic patients, addition of n-3 PUFA to culture induced an increase in T cell levels of reduced glutathione and hydroperoxide, and in activities of catalase and SOD. Low levels of arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6) were found in plasma membrane phospholipids of lymphocytes from diabetic patients compared to controls. Incubation of lymphocytes with EPA and DHA was associated with an incorporation of these fatty acids in membrane phospholipids. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA on T cell functions in type I diabetes could be attributed to their suppressive action and modulation of cytokine secretion, and to the improvement of intracellular oxidative status.     

The induced damage in the hepatopancreas of Orchestia species after exposure to a mixture of Cu/Zn—An ultrastructural study

The hepatopancreas of crustaceans species has been recognized as an essential target organ to assess trace elements' effects. Due to its dynamic and capability of detoxifying trace metal, this organ often indicates distinct pathological disturbances. In the present work, we intend to evaluate the bioaccumulation of trace metal in three Orchestia species (Orchestia montagui, Orchestia gammarellus, and Orchestia mediterranea) living in symmetry in the banks of Bizerte lagoon (37°13′8″N 09°55′1″E) after their exposure during 14 days to a mixture of copper and zinc, and to highlight the effect of these metals on their hepatopancreas ultrastructure using transmission electron microscopy. At the end of the experiment, results showed that the mortality and the body mass varied according to the used nominal concentrations. Significant alterations were noted in all the treatment groups. The degree of these alterations depends on the used concentration, and they are represented especially by the cells remoteness and the border lyses, the reduction of the nuclear volume, the increase in the cytoplasm density with the presence of trace metal in the nucleus as well as in the vacuole, the disorganization and the destruction of microvilli, the condensation of the majority of cellular organelles and mitochondria swelling. Through this study, Orchestia genus could be an attractive candidate for the biochemical study of trace metal toxicity in Tunisian wetlands.     

Determination of urine saturation with computer program EQUIL 2 as a method for estimation of the risk of urolithiasis

Two measures of weight cycling and indexes of psychological functioning were examined in a large sample of dieters. History of weight cycling was assessed to include number of dieting attempts, total lifetime weight lost and regained, and number of weight cycles over 20 lb (9.1 kg). Experience of weight cycling measured perception of being a yo-yo dieter and perceived success at maintaining past weight losses. Experience was more strongly related than history to all psychological measures. Further, when controlling for the effects of age, body mass index, and experience, the relation between history and the psychological variables was nonsignificant. This finding suggests that an individual's perception of being a weight cycler may be more related to psychological problems than the actual number of pounds lost and regained over time.     

Influence des fumées de silice sur l’évolution de l’hydratation des pâtes de chaux ou de Ciment Portland

The silica fume (SF) is used in civil engineering, in particular for the manufacture of high performance concrete.In order to better understand the gain in strength of the concretes containing SF, the microstructural aspect has been examined.Mixtures of SF–Lime pastes present a hydraulic setting which is due to the formation of a C–S–H phase (calcium silicate hydrate). The latter is semi-crystallized. It is characterized by the lines of X-ray diffraction, hk0 such as: 3,06 Å (220), 2,80 Å (400) and 1,83 Å (040).The mix design SF–Lime paste is thus a simplified approach of that of the mixtures SF–OPC in which the main reaction is the fixation, by the SF, of lime coming from the hydration of C₃S in the form of C–S–H.Tests have been carried out on two varieties of SF resulting from the same furnace with the presence of lime or Portland cement. The results show that the presence of certain impurities, by their actions on the solubility of silica plays a significant role on the evolution of the hydration of the principal components of Portland cements and the kinetics of lime fixation by the SF.Among the impurities contained in the SF, carbon delays considerably the hydration of the principal components of Portland cement (C₃S and C₃A) as well as the pozzolanic reactivity of the silica fume without removing it.