POROUS MICROSTRUCTURE OF THE INTERFACIAL TRANSITION ZONE IN GEOPOLYMER COMPOSITES

The study deals with a comparison of the differences in the structure, composition and micromechanical properties of a metakaolinite geopolymer composite matrix, inside and outside of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) with quartz grains of added silica sand. The microstructure is investigated by a measurement of the mercury porosimetry, microscopy and by a measurement in SEM and AFM, completed by Raman spectroscopy. Weaker mechanical properties, micropores in the ITZ, a higher concentration of Al atoms and hydroxyl groups than in the ambient matrix were detected. The water transport is probably the reason for the micropore formation, caused by disequilibrium in the course of solid-phase building from geopolymer dispersion

Antibodies Against Oxidized LDL -Theory and Clinical Use

Summary Modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles due to oxidation, glycation and binding of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) or malondialdehyde (MDA, a final product of lipid peroxidation) is considered most important in the process of atherogenesis. Oxidatively modified LDL are distinguished by another receptor type, which was discovered on the surface of macrophages and was called the scavenger receptor. Uncontrolled intake of LDL converts macrophages to foam cells; their accumulation under the vascular endothelium is considered as the first stage of atherosclerosis. Oxidation of LDL is a complex process taking place in both the extra-and intracellular space. At the end of this oxidative process, modified LDL particles show chemotactic, cytotoxic and immunogenic properties. Oxidized LDL express a large number of epitopes and cause production of polyclonal autoantibodies against these products, especially against apoB 100 modified by MDA and 4-hydroxynonenal. IgoxLDL (antibodies against oxidized LDL) can be demonstrated either directly in intimal lesions or as a component of circulating immune complexes. IgoxLDL do not form a homogeneous group but a varied mixture of antibodies-isoantibodies caused by HDL and LDL polymorphism, antibodies against the lipid phase of LDL and antibodies against modified apoB 100 of the immunoglobulin class IgA or IgG. Antibodies against oxLDL were found in many diseases other than atherosclerosis such as diabetes mellitus, renovascular syndrome, uremia, rheumatic fever, morbus Bechtjerev or lupus erythematodes. Newborns have practically the same levels of IgoxLDL as their mothers; however, these values did not differ from those in the healthy population of non-pregnant women of the same age. The decrease in IgoxLDL titer was very slow and lasted many months; that is why this parameter cannot be considered suitable for describing the rapid changes during oxidative stress of the organism. Positive correlation of IgoxLDL with antiphospholipids and other antibodies was repeatedly demonstrated; their determination can thus be used as a marker for the description of total production of autoantibodies in various diseases. The changes and correlations of IgoxLDL, anti-β-2-glycoprotein I IgG and antiphospholipid antibodies support the immunological link between thrombotic and atherosclerotic processes in the human body

Information literacy and Open Science: before and after the new ACRL Framework

In 2000, ACRL published the Information Literacy Standards, clarifying and describing specific learning objectives for higher education students. The document recognized the role of librarians who had long been informally developing dis practices. But the Standards have evolved and adapted. In 2016, the ACRL adopted the new Framework, which sustains a metamorphosis. Information literacy remains a pattern of integrated competencies that encompass the reflexive discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in the ethical and legal creation of new knowledge. Aim of the study: Based on a literature review, dis study discusses the challenges and practical implications that the new Framework has in Open Science, it's flexibility, the relevance for the privacy and rightful author of scientific data, and the new steps of the academic libraries to be involved as key players for the Open Science contents.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

After access: An inquiry into ICT use factors for indian women

Nations have made great strides in providing physical access to digital technologies and educational opportunities, yet barriers still exist that prevent those who have strong physical and intellectual access to information and communication technology from taking full advantage of the information and opportunities the technology offers. Women in particular are affected by social barriers which may be quite subtle and are easily excluded from taking an active role in the information society. This study explores how Indian women incorporate information and communication technology (ICT) into their daily lives and what aids or barriers they face in the process. This study contributes to an understanding of factors that lead to Indian women\u27s current use of ICT, reasons why Indian women choose to use ICT, and barriers to this usage