A Vortex Method for Bi-phasic Fluids Interacting with Rigid Bodies

We present an accurate Lagrangian method based on vortex particles, level-sets, and immersed boundary methods, for animating the interplay between two fluids and rigid solids. We show that a vortex method is a good choice for simulating bi-phase flow, such as liquid and gas, with a good level of realism. Vortex particles are localized at the interfaces between the two fluids and within the regions of high turbulence. We gain local precision and efficiency from the stable advection permitted by the vorticity formulation. Moreover, our numerical method straightforwardly solves the two-way coupling problem between the fluids and animated rigid solids. This new approach is validated through numerical comparisons with reference experiments from the computational fluid community. We also show that the visually appealing results obtained in the CG community can be reproduced with increased efficiency and an easier implementation

Modelling the corrosion behaviour of Al2CuMg coarse particles in copper-rich aluminium alloys

The corrosion behaviour of 2024 aluminium alloy in sulphate solutions was studied; attention was focused on the influence of coarse intermetallic Al2CuMg particles on the corrosion resistance of the alloy. Model alloys representative of the aluminium matrix and of Al2CuMg coarse intermetallics were synthesized by magnetron sputtering. Open-circuit potential measurements, current–potential curve plotting and galvanic coupling tests were performed in sulphate solutions with or without chlorides. Further explanations were deduced from the study of the passive films grown on model alloys in sulphate solutions. The results showed that model alloys are a powerful tool to study the corrosion behaviour of aluminium alloys

Role of zoledronic acid in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

Taken once a year, intravenous zoledronic acid (Zol) (Reclast® or Aclasta®) is a third-generation nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate that is effective compared with placebo in reducing the risk of fractures in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis and recent low-trauma hip fracture. In glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, there is no significant difference between Zol and risedronate for new fractures. Improvements in bone mineral density and early reduction of bone remodeling markers are observed in postmenopausal osteoporosis, recent low-trauma hip fracture, and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Given that Zol is generally well tolerated and very convenient, it is an interesting therapeutic option for aging patients who take multiple oral drugs, who have adherence or gastrointestinal tolerance issues, and who have an indication for oral bisphosphonates. Zol is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment. Vitamin D deficiency should be corrected before the administration of Zol

HIV/AIDS in Haiti. An Analysis of Demographics, Lifestyle, STD Awareness, HIV Knowledge and Perception that Influence HIV Infection among Haitians.

Introduction Haiti has the highest prevalence of HIV infection in Latina America and the Caribbean. The country faces the worst AIDS epidemic outside Africa and bears the greatest burden of HIV in the western hemisphere. Studies in the past recent years show that HIV/AIDS is most likely to be seen in developed countries. People with low education level and appropriate knowledge about STD’s are more susceptible to get HIV. Lifestyle behaviors represent significant factors in HIV transmission. Understandings these lifestyle factors are therefore critical in reversing the increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the influence of factors such as demographic, lifestyle, HIV knowledge and misconceptions on HIV transmission. Statistical analysis For this study, we use SPSS (PAWS Statistics 18). The prevalence of HIV-AIDS via HIV status was determined across socio-demographic variables, respondents’ knowledge and misconception regarding HIV/AIDS, STDs awareness and lifestyle. The distribution of categorical variables across levels of dependent variable was analyzed using chi-square tests. All Analyses were stratified across HIV status. The distribution of categorical variables by levels of HIV/AIDS status was determined using one-way analysis of variance. Chi-square analysis was done to determine the distribution of independents across status of dependent variable. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between selected life style factors and HIV/AIDS. Odds ratios from the logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the risks of HIV/AIDS that were associated with life style factors. In all analysis, P\u3c .05 was used to determine statistical significance among variables. Stepwise analysis was performed to evaluate the most significant variables that are associated with HIV. Results Among demographic variables, only age was reported having negative significant contribution in HIV status. The other variables, including residence, education, marital status, economic status and gender were not significantly associated with increased odds of HIV transmission. Significant association was observed for HIV status and respondents “who have ever been tested for HIV”. Odd ratio analysis for people who think “avoiding prostitutes” show significant association with HIV status (7%) compared to those who do not; Variables referring to respondents who think “having only one sex partner” and “Limited number of partners” as a way to protect themselves from getting HIV were negatively associated increased risk of HIV. Those who think HIV/AIDS is by witchcraft ware more likely to have positive HIV status. Stepwise analysis for our significant variables from multivariate logistic regression show that only variables referring to young respondents and those who think they can get AIDS by witchcraft are the most significant for a positive HIV status. Discussion Recent epidemiologic data show that the HIV infection in Haiti is mostly concentrated among youth. Young Haitians lack of sexual education and awareness, and misconceptions are the main drivers of HIV risks. To avert the increasing epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Haiti, public health efforts must concentrate in youth education. Such education must emphasize sexual behaviors, lifestyle issues and attitudes. Demystifying the widely held view that HIV is due to witchcraft may also help in reversing the ongoing epidemics of HIV/AIDS in Haiti