Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel in 1.0 M HCl Solution: Evaluating the Efficacy of borate-based glasses

 In this investigation, a meticulous comparative assessment was conducted to evaluate the anti-corrosive properties of two glassy compounds, P3 and P4, in a 1 M HCl solution. These compounds, composed of Bi2O3-B2O3- (0.5 V2O5 - 0.5 P2O5) via mixing, were subjected to electrochemical analyses employing polarization and impedance spectroscopy techniques. Our findings substantiate that both P3 and P4 phases considerably attenuate the corrosion rate of steel in the evaluated corrosive milieu. It is imperative to underscore, however, that the compounds P3 and P4 with a distinct structural configuration manifests particularly pronounced anti-corrosive efficacy

Potential Corrosion Inhibition, Vibrational spectra and Electrochemical study of AMnPO4 (A=Na and Li) monophosphate on mild steel in 1M HCl

This work deals a new corrosion inhibitor, AMnPO4 (A=Na and Li) Monophosphates has been synthesized and characterized. Its corrosion inhibiting action on mild steel in 1M hydrochloric acid solution has studied. Various electrochemical techniques like potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), alongside surface methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction, were employed. The experimental findings indicate that AMnPO4 (A=Na and Li) demonstrates significant inhibitory properties against mild steel corrosion in 1M HCl, with a maximum inhibition efficiency of up to 91.6% for LiMnPO4 at an optimal concentration of 10-3 M. The inhibiting mechanism appears to be of a mixed-type. Furthermore, the adsorption behavior of the compound follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Analysis of the mild steel morphology used by SEM and EDX reveals the formation of a protective layer, enhancing the steel’s resistance to corrosion damage

Seroconversion to Seasonal Influenza Viruses after A(H1N1)pdm09 Virus Infection, Quebec, Canada

We looked for cross-reactive antibodies in 122 persons with paired serum samples collected during the 2009 pandemic of influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09. Eight (12%) of 67 persons with A(H1N1)pdm09 infection confirmed by reverse transcription PCR and/or serology also seroconverted to the seasonal A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1) virus, compared with 1 (2%) of 55 A(H1N1)pdm09-negative persons (p<0.05)

School Absenteeism As an Adjunct Surveillance Indicator: Experience during the Second Wave of the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic in Quebec, Canada

A school absenteeism surveillance system was implemented in the province of Quebec, Canada during the second wave of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. This paper compares this surveillance approach with other available indicators.All (3432) elementary and high schools from Quebec were included. Each school was required to report through a web-based system any day where the proportion of students absent for influenza-like illness (ILI) exceeded 10% of current school enrolment.Between October 18 and December 12 2009, 35.6% of all schools met the 10% absenteeism threshold. This proportion was greater in elementary compared to high schools (40% vs 19%) and in smaller compared to larger schools (44% vs 22%). The maximum absenteeism rate was reached the first day of reporting or within the next two days in 55% and 31% of schools respectively. The first reports and subsequent peak in school absenteeism provincially preceded the peak in paediatric hospitalization by two and one weeks, respectively. Trends in school surveillance otherwise mirrored other indicators.During a pandemic, school outbreak surveillance based on a 10% threshold appears insufficient to trigger timely intervention within a given affected school. However, school surveillance appears well-correlated and slightly anticipatory compared to other population indicators. As such, school absenteeism warrants further evaluation as an adjunct surveillance indicator whose overall utility will depend upon specified objectives, and other existing capacity for monitoring and response

Human Papilloma Virus vaccine and cervical cancer screening acceptability among adults in Quebec, Canada

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Pap test has been used for cervical cancer screening for more than four decades. A human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been approved for use in Canada and is commercially available now. These two preventive interventions should be considered simultaneously. General population support is an important factor for the successful combination of these interventions. The study had two objectives: 1) To assess practices, beliefs, and attitudes regarding Pap test screening and HPV immunization; 2) To identify socio-demographic factors for Pap screening and vaccine acceptability.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In 2006, 500 adults were invited to participate in a telephone survey in the region of Quebec City (urban and rural population, 600 000), Canada. Some neutral and standardized information on Pap test and HPV was provided before soliciting opinions.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>471 adults (18–69 year-olds) answered the questionnaire, the mean age was 45 years, 67% were female, and 65% had college or university degree. Eighty-six percent of women had undergone at least one Pap-test in their life, 55% in the last year, and 15% from 1 to 3 years ago. Among screened women, the test had been performed in the last three years in 100% of 18–30 year-olds, but only in 67% of 60–69 year-olds (P < 0.0001). Only 15% of respondents had heard of HPV. Eighty-seven percent agreed that HPV vaccines could prevent cervical cancer, 73% that the vaccine has to be administered before the onset of sexual activity, 89% would recommend vaccination to their daughters and nieces. Among respondents < 25 years, 91% would agree to receive the vaccine if it is publicly funded, but only 72% would agree to pay $100/dose.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There is an important heterogeneity in cervical cancer screening frequency and coverage. Despite low awareness of HPV infection, the majority of respondents would recommend or are ready to receive the HPV vaccine, but the cost could prevent its acceptability.</p

Feasibility and impact of providing feedback to vaccinating medical clinics: evaluating a public health intervention

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Vaccine coverage (VC) at a given age is a widely-used indicator for measuring the performance of vaccination programs. However, there is increasing data suggesting that measuring delays in administering vaccines complements the measure of VC. Providing feedback to vaccinators is recognized as an effective strategy for improving vaccine coverage, but its implementation has not been widely documented in Canada. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of providing personalized feedback to vaccinators and its impact on vaccination delays (VD).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In April and May 2008, a one-hour personalized feedback session was provided to health professionals in vaccinating medical clinics in the Quebec City region. VD for vaccines administered at two and twelve months of age were presented. Data from the regional vaccination registry were analysed for participating clinics. Two 12-month periods before and after the intervention were compared, namely from April 1^st, 2007 to March 31^st, 2008 and from June 1^st, 2008 to May 31^st, 2009.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Ten medical clinics out of the twelve approached (83%), representing more than 2500 vaccinated children, participated in the project. Preparing and conducting the feedback involved 20 hours of work and expenses of $1000 per clinic. Based on a delay of one month, 94% of first doses of DTaP-Polio-Hib and 77% of meningococcal vaccine doses respected the vaccination schedule both before and after the intervention. Following the feedback, respect of the vaccination schedule increased for vaccines planned at 12 months for the four clinics that had modified their vaccination practices related to multiple injections (depending on the clinic, VD decreased by 24.4%, 32.0%, 40.2% and 44.6% respectively, p < 0.001 for all comparisons).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The present study shows that it is feasible to provide personalized feedback to vaccinating clinics. While it may have encouraged positive changes in practice concerning multiple injections, this intervention on its own did not impact vaccination delays of the clinics visited. It is possible that feedback integrated into other types of effective interventions and sustained over time may have more impact on VD.</p

Understanding vaccine hesitancy in Canada: Results of a consultation study by the Canadian Immunization Research Network

"Vaccine hesitancy" is a concept now frequently used in vaccination discourse. The increased popularity of this concept in both academic and public health circles is challenging previously held perspectives that individual vaccination attitudes and behaviours are a simple dichotomy of accept or reject. A consultation study was designed to assess the opinions of experts and health professionals concerning the definition, scope, and causes of vaccine hesitancy in Canada. We sent online surveys to two panels (1- vaccination experts and 2- front-line vaccine providers). Two questionnaires were completed by each panel, with data from the first questionnaire informing the development of questions for the second. Our participants defined vaccine hesitancy as an attitude (doubts, concerns) as well as a behaviour (refusing some / many vaccines, delaying vaccination). Our findings also indicate that both vaccine experts and front-line vaccine providers have the perception that vaccine rates have been declining and consider vaccine hesitancy an important issue to address in Canada. Diffusion of negative information online and lack of knowledge about vaccines were identified as the key causes of vaccine hesitancy by the participants. A common understanding of vaccine hesitancy among researchers, public health experts, policy-makers and health care providers will better guide interventions that can more effectively address vaccine hesitancy within Canada

Simple preparation and characterization of novel 8-Hydroxyquinoline derivatives as effective acid corrosion inhibitor for mild steel: Experimental and theoretical studies

International audienceThe primary objectives of the project are the synthesis of new families of heterocyclic compounds based on 8-hydroxyquinolinenamely: 5-((2-bromoethoxy) methyl) quinolin-8-ol (QC2-Br) and 5-((3-bromopropoxy) methyl) quinolin-8-ol (QC3-Br) and their evaluations as inhibitors of acid corrosion (1.0 M HCl).The synthesis of this series of compounds was carried out by a very simple and effective method, but with very good yield and with very good solubility in common organic solvents.The characterization of these new compounds carried out by infrared (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR) and elementary analysis (EA).The anticorrosion activity was evaluated by gravimetric (WL), electrochemical methods (PDP and EIS) and theoretical studies (DFT, MC and MD). The inhibitors studied adsorbed on the metal surface according to Langmuir isotherm and act on the metal surface as inhibitors mixed type. The thermodynamic parameters show that the two inhibitors adsorb on the metal surface by chemical bonds (chemisorptions).A CPE, Q determined by fit and graphical methods plotted by synthetic data, was utilized.The statistical studies were carried out to confirm the gravimetric tests.Gravimetric solutions were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and UV-visible spectrometry (UV-vis). The surface morphology was characterized by Scanning electronic spectroscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).The analysis of gravimetric solutions by ICP-OES and UV-visible show that the two inhibitors capable of making chemical bonds with ferric ions and decrease the dissolution of iron in the corrosive solution.The theoretical, experimental results and surface characterization methods show that the two compounds have a good inhibitor of acid corrosion and the inhibitory efficacy exceeds 96% for the two compounds at a concentration of 1 mM

Infant Pertussis Hospitalization and Death Through Parent Cocoon Immunization

Background. Parental immunization has been recommended as a ‘‘cocoon’ ’ strategy to prevent serious pertussis outcomes in early infancy. We illustrate the high number needed to vaccinate (NNV) for this program based on recent epidemiologic data from the provinces of Québec and British Columbia (BC), Canada. Methods. Surveillance trends were summarized for the period 1990–2010. Hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality data were compiled from 2000 to 2009. The proportion of infant pertussis attributed to a parent was estimated at 35%, explored up to 55%. Adult vaccine efficacy (VE) was estimated at 85%. The NNV was calculated as [2 parents/(parent-attributable infant risk3 parent VE)]. To capture at least 1 recent cyclical peak, NNV was derived for the period 2005–2009 and explored for peak/trough years. Results. Substantial decline has occurred in pertussis incidence across all age groups including infants, reaching a 20-year nadir in 2010 in both provinces. For the period 2005–2009, the risk of infant hospitalization and ICU admission was 57 and 7, respectively, per 100 000 in Québec and 33 and 7, respectively, per 100 000 in BC. In both provinces the risk of infant pertussis-related death over that period was,0.5 per 100 000. The NNV for parental immunization was at least 1 million to prevent 1 infant death, approximately 100 000 for ICU admission, and.10 000 for hospitalization. Conclusions. In the context of low pertussis incidence, the parental cocoon program is inefficient and resource intensive for the prevention of serious outcomes in early infancy. Regions contemplating the cocoon progra