Evolution of the Structure of Ferritic Steels Subjected to Torsion

AbstractThe power plants operate in service under conditions of high temperature and applied stress states. Under these conditions the components are subjected to degradation mechanisms that can lead to damage them. The components used in service are usually manufactured with ferritic steels, resistant to high temperature and with different structures of precipitates which change over time and alter the resistance of the material. It is then possible to observe variations in the chemical composition of the matrix, decomposition of areas of pearlite/bainite, and carbide precipitation and transformations by changes in the morphology.The objective of this work is to study the microstructural changes that occur in 2.25Cr 1Mo and 1.25Cr 1Mo 0.25V steels, subjected to creep at stresses between 131 and 205MPa and temperatures between 843 and 923K. Simultaneously, thermal treatments in the same ranges of temperatures are performed on the abovementioned steel, to differentiate structural changes due to temperature than those caused by stress.The microstructure of the material under stress states and high temperature shows deformed grains with smaller size in comparison with the as received material and increased precipitation of carbides

Intestinal helminths in immigrants in Naples (Italy): A comparison between two different diagnostic techniques

Objective: To compare two different Methods for detection of intestinal parasitic in immigrants from high risk geographic areas for intestinal parasitic diseases. Methods: A total of 307 stool specimens were analysed by Ridley method and FLOTAC, a new technique performing a direct count of all parasitic elements. Results: Compared to Ridley method, FLOTAC technique led to fewer negative results (P<0.05), index of a higher sensibility. Conclusions: Performing a more accurate detection of parasites appears a goal to reach in terms of public health. © 2013 Asian Pacific Tropical Medicine Press

Reconocimiento de alimentos vegetales: caracterización micro-gráfica del grano de avena

Se estudia la estructura micrográfica del grano de seis variedades de avena con la finalidad de su caracterización, para desarrollar parámetros de identificación en alimentos elaborados con la misma y, consecuentemente, determinar su autenticidad, contribuyendo a optimizar la producción, la comercialización y el consumo del cereal y sus derivados. El diseño experimental consistió en el estudio micrográfico de los granos vestidos y desnudos efectuando un análisis morfológico mediante observación con lupa binocular y fotografía, ultraestructural utilizando microscopio electrónico de barrido, micrográfico y micrométrico, empleando el sistema de video microscopia digitalizado y software adecuado. Dada su variabilidad natural, los estudios se efectuaron durante tres temporadas consecutivas sobre muestras cosechadas de variedades procedentes de cultivos de semillas certificadas, y sobre alimentos procesados (avena arrollada y salvado de avena comerciales). Los resultados consistieron en diseños micrográficos, y en valores micrométricos de gránulos de almidón relacionados, además, en modelos matemáticos. En todos los casos se validó estadísticamente. Como parámetros micrográficos de caracterización se seleccionaron las estructuras diferenciales, que revelaron una presencia constante en el vegetal y resistieron los tratamientos tecnológicos, y las características y dimensiones del almidón

Improving Diagnosis of Intestinal Parasites Towards a Migrant-Friendly Health System

Purpose of Review This study describes the results obtained by the World Health Organization (WHO) collaborating centre (CC) for the diagnosis of intestinal helminths and protozoa (WHO CC ITA-116) during the first 2 years of its activity on (i) the prevalence of intestinal parasites in migrants in southern Italy and (ii) the development and application of new diagnostic tools for intestinal helminths (e.g. FLOTAC, Mini-FLOTAC Kit 200 tests, Kubic FLOTAC microscope (KFM)). Recent Findings Almost 23.3% of migrants examined were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between the duration of stay in Italy and positivity for intestinal parasites. The results of the comparison between diagnostic techniques showed a perfect agreement between FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC Kit 200 tests whereas no statistically significant differences were found between the count of helminth eggs obtained by Mini-FLOTAC with optical microscope and KFM. Summary The results obtained by WHO CC ITA-116 during the first 2 years of its activity provide important information on innovations in parasitological diagnosis and add data to the parasitological scenario of migrants arriving in southern Italy, highlighting the importance of regular parasitological monitoring