Extension du modèle de Hertz pour la prise en compte de la tension de surface dans les essais de nano-indentation des matériaux souples

International audienceThe contact between a spherical indenter and a solid is considered. A numerical finite element model (F. E. M) to taking into account the surface tension of the solid is presented and assessed. It is shown that for nano-indentation of soft materials, the surface tension of the solid influences significantly the reaction force due to indentation. The validity of the classical Hertz model is defined. In very good approximation, the force vs. indentation depth curve can be fitted by a power law function F = a d where F denotes the force acting on the indentor, d the indentation depth, a and b in ]1, 1.5] are constants depending on the materials and the size of the indentor.Le contact entre un indenteur sphérique et un solide élastique est considéré. Un modèle par éléments finis permettant de prendre en compte la tension de surface du solide est présenté et validé. Il est montré que pour la nano-indentation de matières souples, la tension de surface du solide peut influencer considérablement la courbe force vs. profondeur d’indentation. Il est ainsi définit quand le modèle de Hertz classique ne convient plus. En très bonne approximation, la courbe force vs. profondeur d’indentation peux être décrite par une croissance allométrique F = a  d où F désigne la force agissant sur l'indenteur, d la profondeur d’indentation, a et b dans ]1, 1.5] sont des constantes qui dépendent du matériau et du rayon de pointe

Influence of Matrix Polarity on the Properties of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate–Carbon Nanofiller Nanocomposites

A series of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites using four kinds of EVA with 40, 50, 60, and 70 wt% vinyl acetate (VA) contents and three different carbon-based nanofillers—expanded graphite (EG), multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and carbon nanofiber (CNF) have been prepared via solution blending. The influence of the matrix polarity and the nature of nanofillers on the morphology and properties of EVA nanocomposites have been investigated. It is observed that the sample with lowest vinyl acetate content exhibits highest mechanical properties. However, the enhancement in mechanical properties with the incorporation of various nanofillers is the highest for EVA with high VA content. This trend has been followed in both dynamic mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites. EVA copolymer undergoes a transition from partial to complete amorphousness between 40 and 50 wt% VA content, and this changes the dispersion of the nanofillers. The high VA-containing polymers show more affinity toward fillers due to the large free volume available and allow easy dispersion of nanofillers in the amorphous rubbery phase, as confirmed from the morphological studies. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites is also influenced by the type of nanofiller

Reproductive health and lifestyle factors associated with health-related quality of life among perinatally HIV-infected adolescents in Uganda

Background With increased survival of perinatally HIV - infected adolescents due to antiretroviral therapy (ART), the focus of HIV care has shifted to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as a measure of disease progression, effects of ART co-morbidity and prognosis. We assessed factors associated with better HRQoL in perinatally HIV -infected adolescents in Uganda by determining the associations between sexual and reproductive health (SRH) or lifestyle experiences on HRQoL. Methods In a cross-sectional study, data on SRH, lifestyle experiences, socio demographic factors, communication with parents on sexuality and satisfaction of SRH services in ART clinics were collected from 614 HIV perinatally infected adolescents aged 10–19 using an interviewer-administered survey questionnaire. HRQoL data were collected using the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey instrument (MOS-HIV). Factors associated with better HRQoL were analysed using multiple logistic regression. Results The mean age was 16.2 ± 2.1 years, 362 (58.8 %) were females and 210 (34.2 %) were sexually active. Adolescents on ART were twice likely to present with better physical health (AOR = 2.07, 95 % CI: 1.24–3.46) and four times more likely to present with better mental health (AOR = 3.9, 95 % CI: 2.22–6.92) than those who were not on ART. There were no statistically significant associations between SRH (ever had sex, ever been pregnant, condom use, contraceptive use) or life style factors and physical health or mental health. Those with secondary or tertiary education were more likely to present with a better mental health (AOR = 5.3, 95 % CI: 1.86–15.41) compared those who had attained primary or no education. Participants who desired to have a child in future more likely (AOR 1.7, 95 % CI: 1.05–3.00) to present with a better mental health. Lack of communication with guardians on sexuality (AOR = 0.6, 95 % CI: 0.40–0.89), or dissatisfaction with SRH services (AOR 0.34, 95 % CI: 0.18–0.62) were associated with poorer mental health. Conclusion Among perinatally HIV-infected adolescents in Uganda, being on ART was associated with better physical and mental health while lack of communication with guardians on sexuality or dissatisfaction with SRH services was associated with poor mental health. Adolescents with pregnancy intentions were more likely to have a better mental health

RISK FACTORS OF HIV-1 VERTICAL TRANSMISSION (VT) AND THE INFLUENCE OF ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY (ART) IN PREGNANCY OUTCOME

In the absence of intervention, the rate of vertical transmission of HIV can range from 15-45%. With the inclusion of antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy and the choice of delivery route this amounts to less than 2%. However ARV use during pregnancy has generated several questions regarding the adverse effects of the gestational and neonatal outcome. This study aims to analyze the risk factors for vertical transmission of HIV-1 seropositive pregnant women living in Rio Grande and the influence of the use of ARVs in pregnancy outcome. Among the 262 pregnant women studied the rate of vertical transmission of HIV was found to be 3.8%. Regarding the VT, there was a lower risk of transmission when antiretroviral drugs were used and prenatal care was conducted at the referral service. However, the use of ART did not influence the outcome of pregnancy. However, initiation of prenatal care after the first trimester had an influence on low birth weight, as well as performance of less than six visits increased the risk of prematurity. Therefore, the risk factors analyzed in this study appear to be related to the realization of inadequate pre-natal and maternal behavior