Low efficacy of the combination artesunate plus amodiaquine for uncomplicated falciparum malaria among children under 5 years in Kailahun, Sierra Leone.

OBJECTIVE: In 2004, Sierra Leone adopted artesunate plus amodiaquine as first-line antimalarial treatment. We evaluated the efficacy of this combination in Kailahun, where a previous study had shown 70.2% efficacy of amodiaquine in monotherapy. METHODS: Method and outcome classification of the study complied with WHO guidelines. Children 6-59 months with uncomplicated malaria were followed-up for 28 days. PCR genotyping was used to distinguish recrudescence from reinfection. Reinfections were reclassified as cured. RESULTS: Of 172 children who were referred to the study clinic, 126 satisfied inclusion criteria and were enrolled. No early treatment failures were reported. The day 14, efficacy was 98.2% (95% CI: 93.8-99.8). Of 65 recurrent parasitaemias analysed by PCR, 17 were recrudescences. The PCR-adjusted day 28 efficacy was 84.5% (95% CI: 76.4-90.7). All true failures occurred in the last 8 days of follow-up. Of 110 children who completed the 28-day follow-up, 54 (49.1%) experienced a novel infection. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of this combination was disappointing. The high reinfection rate suggested little prophylactic effect. In Kailahun a more efficacious combination might be necessary in the future. The efficacy of AS + AQ needs to be monitored in Kailahun and in the other regions of Sierra Leone

The peripartum period influenced the serum macromineral profile in mares

Changes in metabolic requirements during pregnancy may produce nutritional imbalances predisposing mares to pathological conditions. Therefore, we aimed to examine changes in serum macrominerals during the peripartum period in mares. Fifteen pregnant mares (Group A) were monitored starting at the 263rd day of pregnancy until the 21st day after foaling. Seven non-pregnant and non-lactating mares were used as a control group (Group B). Group A was subjected to blood sampling within 24-12 h after parturition (P) and then 7, 14 and 21 days after foaling (C1, C2, C3 weeks, respectively). Group B was subjected to regular sampling throughout the study to ensure that seasonal changes had no significant effect on studied parameters. Serum samples were analysed for serum electrolytes including sodium (NaC), potassium (KC), calcium (CaCC), phosphorus (PC), chloride (Cl) and magnesium (MgCC). Two-way repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to evaluate significant effects of peripartum on electrolyte concentrations. Group A showed a decrease in Cl concentrations (P D 0:011) after foaling and lower PC concentrations (P D 0:015) compared to Group B throughout the study. The linear regression model showed an increase in NaC concentrations (P D 0:002) and a gradual decrease in serum CaCC (P D 0:001) during pregnancy. Because the most significant changes in serum electrolytes occurred within 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after foaling, monitoring serum electrolyte concentrations would indicate whether the mare needs further mineral supplementation at this stage. The significant changes in a mare's macromineral profile that we observed over the peripartum provide enhanced knowledge about mineral interrelations and their modifications during specific physiological conditions such as late pregnancy and early postpartum

Integración de procedimientos y modelos para el diseño y simulación de motores de combustión externa de ciclo Stirling

El objetivo de este trabajo es el desarrollo de una herramienta de software para el diseño termodinámico, simulación y posterior optimización de motores de combustión externa, que integre modelos avanzados disponibles en un paquete de uso sencillo. Se presenta así una metodología materializada en una planilla de cálculo que simplifica y facilita el diseño práctico de motores Stirling por escalado, permitiendo obtener en rápidamente la especificación completa del circuito térmico de un motor en función de sólo algunos parámetros básicos. Los parámetros resultantes luego se comparan con los de otros motores de buen rendimiento dando sugerencias de modificación. Se ha integrado la planilla de cálculo con un modelo de simulación, modificándolo para ofrecer información resultante de mayor utilidad práctica tales como las curvas de potencia y eficiencia en función de la frecuencia del motor.The aim of this study is the development of a software tool for thermodynamic design, simulation and subsequent optimization of external combustion engines, which can be able of integrating advanced available models in a user-friendly package. A methodology is presented, embodied on a spreadsheet, wich simplifies and facilitates the practical design of Stirling engines by scaling. The complete engine gas circuit specification is obtained quickly based only on a few basic parameters. The resulting parameters are compared with those of other engines of known performance resulting in suggestions for improvements. The spreadsheet has been integrated with a simulation model wich has been modified to provide information of greater practical usefulness, such as the curves of power and efficiency versus engine rpm or frequency.Asociación Argentina de Energías Renovables y Medio Ambiente (ASADES

Eruption column height estimation of the 2011-2013 Etna lava fountains

In this paper, we use calibrated images collected by the video-surveillance system of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Osservatorio Etneo, to retrieve the height of the eruption column during the recent Etna explosive activity. The analysis is carried out on nineteen lava fountains from the New South East Crater dataset. The novel procedure described in this work is achieved in three main steps: at first we calibrated the camera, then we selected the images which recorded the maximum phase of the eruptive activity, and finally we applied an appropriate correction to account for the plume projection on the camera line of sight due to the wind. The results show that the column altitudes range between 6 and 9 km (upper limit of the camera system). The comparison with the plume height values estimated from the analysis of several SEVIRI and MODIS satellite images, show a good agreement. Finally, for nine events we also evaluated the thickness of the volcanic plumes in the umbrella region which ranges between 2 and 3 km

Integración de procedimientos y modelos para el diseño y simulación de motores de combustión externa de ciclo Stirling

El objetivo de este trabajo es el desarrollo de una herramienta de software para el diseño termodinámico, simulación y posterior optimización de motores de combustión externa, que integre modelos avanzados disponibles en un paquete de uso sencillo. Se presenta así una metodología materializada en una planilla de cálculo que simplifica y facilita el diseño práctico de motores Stirling por escalado, permitiendo obtener en rápidamente la especificación completa del circuito térmico de un motor en función de sólo algunos parámetros básicos. Los parámetros resultantes luego se comparan con los de otros motores de buen rendimiento dando sugerencias de modificación. Se ha integrado la planilla de cálculo con un modelo de simulación, modificándolo para ofrecer información resultante de mayor utilidad práctica tales como las curvas de potencia y eficiencia en función de la frecuencia del motor.The aim of this study is the development of a software tool for thermodynamic design, simulation and subsequent optimization of external combustion engines, which can be able of integrating advanced available models in a user-friendly package. A methodology is presented, embodied on a spreadsheet, wich simplifies and facilitates the practical design of Stirling engines by scaling. The complete engine gas circuit specification is obtained quickly based only on a few basic parameters. The resulting parameters are compared with those of other engines of known performance resulting in suggestions for improvements. The spreadsheet has been integrated with a simulation model wich has been modified to provide information of greater practical usefulness, such as the curves of power and efficiency versus engine rpm or frequency.Asociación Argentina de Energías Renovables y Medio Ambiente (ASADES

Integración de procedimientos y modelos para el diseño y simulación de motores de combustión externa de ciclo Stirling

El objetivo de este trabajo es el desarrollo de una herramienta de software para el diseño termodinámico, simulación y posterior optimización de motores de combustión externa, que integre modelos avanzados disponibles en un paquete de uso sencillo. Se presenta así una metodología materializada en una planilla de cálculo que simplifica y facilita el diseño práctico de motores Stirling por escalado, permitiendo obtener en rápidamente la especificación completa del circuito térmico de un motor en función de sólo algunos parámetros básicos. Los parámetros resultantes luego se comparan con los de otros motores de buen rendimiento dando sugerencias de modificación. Se ha integrado la planilla de cálculo con un modelo de simulación, modificándolo para ofrecer información resultante de mayor utilidad práctica tales como las curvas de potencia y eficiencia en función de la frecuencia del motor.The aim of this study is the development of a software tool for thermodynamic design, simulation and subsequent optimization of external combustion engines, which can be able of integrating advanced available models in a user-friendly package. A methodology is presented, embodied on a spreadsheet, wich simplifies and facilitates the practical design of Stirling engines by scaling. The complete engine gas circuit specification is obtained quickly based only on a few basic parameters. The resulting parameters are compared with those of other engines of known performance resulting in suggestions for improvements. The spreadsheet has been integrated with a simulation model wich has been modified to provide information of greater practical usefulness, such as the curves of power and efficiency versus engine rpm or frequency.Asociación Argentina de Energías Renovables y Medio Ambiente (ASADES

Personal pack display and active smoking at outdoor café strips: assessing the impact of plain packaging 1 year postimplementation

Aims: We observed tobacco pack display and smoking at outdoor venues over three summers to assess changes in their prevalence following Australia's introduction of plain tobacco packaging with larger pictorial health warnings. Methods: Between January and April 2012 (preplain packaging (PP)), 2013 (early post-PP) and 2014 (1 year post-PP), we counted patrons, smokers and tobacco packs at cafés, restaurants and bars with outdoor seating. Pack type (branded, plain or unknown) and orientation were noted. Rates of active smoking, pack display and pack orientation were analysed using multilevel Poisson regression. Results: Prevalence of pack display among patrons declined from pre-PP (1 pack per 8.7 patrons) to early post-PP (1 pack per 10.4), and remained low 1 year post-PP (1 pack per 10.3). This appeared to be driven by a sustained decline in active smoking post-PP (pre-PP: 8.4% of patrons were smoking; early post-PP: 6.4%; 1 year post-PP: 6.8%). Notably, active smoking declined more in venues with children present than in those without. While early post-PP, plain packs were less often displayed face-up (74.0%) and more often concealed (8.9%) than branded packs pre-PP (face-up: 85.2%; concealed: 4.0%), this was not sustained 1 year post-PP (face-up: 85.7%; concealed: 4.4%). Also, external case use increased from pre-PP (1.2%) to early post-PP (3.5%), but returned to pre-PP levels 1 year post-PP (1.9%). Conclusions: This study demonstrated a sustained reduction in visibility of tobacco products and smoking in public, particularly in the presence of children, from pre-PP to 1 year post-PP. This effect is likely to reduce smoking-related social norms, thereby weakening an important influence on smoking uptake and better supporting quit attempts.Meghan Zacher, Megan Bayly, Emily Brennan, Joanne Dono, Caroline Miller, Sarah Durkin, Michelle Scollo, Melanie Wakefiel

Eruption column height estimation of the 2011-2013 Etna lava fountains

In this paper, we use calibrated images collected by the video-surveillance system of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Osservatorio Etneo, to retrieve the height of the eruption column during the recent Etna explosive activity. The analysis is carried out on nineteen lava fountains from the New South East Crater dataset. The novel procedure described in this work is achieved in three main steps: at first we calibrated the camera, then we selected the images which recorded the maximum phase of the eruptive activity, and finally we applied an appropriate correction to account for the plume projection on the camera line of sight due to the wind. The results show that the column altitudes range between 6 and 9 km (upper limit of the camera system). The comparison with the plume height values estimated from the analysis of several SEVIRI and MODIS satellite images, show a good agreement. Finally, for nine events we also evaluated the thickness of the volcanic plumes in the umbrella region which ranges between 2 and 3 km

Avances en el desarrollo y construcción de máquinas de ciclo Stirling

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo el diseño una máquina de ciclo Stirling mediante escalado y su posterior construcción, y ensayo. Se utiliza como herramienta de diseño termodinámico el programa de escalado de motores Stirling “pem” que permite la concepción de un motor de forma ágil y simple. Se detalla además los resultados obtenidos mediante el diseño mecánico asistido por computadora del motor que minimiza los tiempos y errores de fabricación y permite mejorar la comunicación entre los diseñadores y las personas del taller, facilitando el aporte de los mismos a las mejoras. Mediante esta técnica ha sido posible reducir notablemente las pérdidas a través de las juntas, la mejora en sellos estáticos y dinámicos y la configuración geométrica para minimizar espacios muertos. El ensayo preliminar como máquina frigorífica del motor construido muestra importantes mejoras respecto del anterior, logrando una temperatura de -23ºC luego de 9 minutos.The present work aims to design a Stirling cycle machine through scaling, its subsequent construction and testing. As a thermodynamic design tool the scaling program for Stirling engines "pem" is used. It allows the design of an engine in an agile and simple way. The study also details the results obtained by computer-aided mechanical design of the engine that minimizes manufacturing time and errors and allows for improved communication between designers and people in the workshop, facilitating the provision of improvement ideas from them. By this technique it was possible to significantly reduce losses through joints, improve static and dynamic seals and geometrical arrangement in order to minimize dead space. Finally, the preliminary test as a refrigerator of the constructed engine shows significant improvements over the old one, achieving a temperature of -23 ° C after 9 minutes of operation.Asociación Argentina de Energías Renovables y Medio Ambiente (ASADES