Abstract

Modification of polymer matrices has a great insterest in the field of new materials, based on the possibilities offered by the additivation, being able to modulate the properties of the base material depending on the incorporated aggregates. Among the improvements searched include the increase in the mechanical strength of the material or the improvement in the interaction with other materials (adhesion), in addition to providing multifunctionality, combining properties of materials separately in order to obtain a composite with improved properties.

This study focuses on the modification of a polypropylene-ethylene co-polymer by the incorporation of nanoclays and carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in low concentrations (0.1% by weight). In order to facilitate the dispersion of the nanomaterials in the matrix by mixing and extrusion, maleic anhydride was used as a compatibilizer. The behavior of these composites was characterized by studying the variation of torque during the compounding, in addition to analize the melt flow index (MFI) and perform an analysis by DSC, TGA and TEM of the composites obtained. Based on the low polarity of polypropylene, the introduction into the matrix of maleic anhydride provides a certain polarity in the composite, so the increase in the surface energy of the different formulations is studied by contact angle measurements (using the OWRK/Fowkes method). The increase in surface energy involves a greater affinity for polar materials, such as polyurethane (PU) or other foams.

Abstract

Managing a pets chronic dermatologic conditions can be frustrating for both clients and clinicians, but there are steps to making the process easier for everyone. Avoid the following seven mistakes sometimes made in managing dermatology cases and you will find the process considerably easier in the future.

Abstract

The significant shortcomings detected in the nutrition of students in the district of Huánuco (Peru), together with the television advertising observed for products of dubious nutritional value, led us to design and conduct a research project intended to analyse the relationship between the two: The influence of television commercials on the consumption of food products advertised in 2010, which is summarised in this article. In the study we carried out a correlative study of a sample of 120 pupils at different educational establishments. They answered questionnaires, were interviewed and underwent physical examination. We also analysed the food commercials broadcast by television channels and the nutritional value of the products. Chi-square inferential analysis was used. The research showed that the pupils’ health has been adversely affected, with a serious incidence of tooth decay, a problem attributed to the consumption of certain foodstuffs. The study detected a positive relationship, which was highly significant statistically, between attachment to television advertisements and the consumption by the pupils of advertised foods which are rich in sodium, calcium, sugar and calories. Also demonstrated was the interdependence between exposure to television advertising and the consumption of foods with a high fat content, which should be monitored and controlled by government officials.

Abstract

The main aim of our study is to analyze the influence of social support on cardiac illness adjustment and on health recommendations adherence. The sample was 109 patients and their partners, all of them included in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program of the Ramon y Cajal Hospital in Madrid. Our results show that partner support has not a significant impact on patientś adjustment (received support [P = .46] and satisfaction with received support [P = .041]). However, partner support has a significant effect on adherence to health recommendations (food, physical exercise, smoking, etc), most of all in the 8 and 12 months’ follow-up (P < .001). Perhaps, in the first stages of illness, support provided for other sources (health professionals, other patients, etc.) could be more important than partner support, most of all taking into account that patients were included in a clinical intervention. As supervision decreases, the effect of partner support on adherence increases. The implications of our results for future interventions and research are discussed.

Abstract

TRA 2018, Transport Research Arena, VIENNE, AUTRICHE, 16-/04/2018 - 19/04/2018; Steel bridges present frequent fatigue problems that reduce their load-carrying capacity and residual life. The increase of traffic flows and loads in the last decades has enhanced this problem, especially on ageing structures. Having this in mind, in November 2015, the ERA-NET Plus project FASSTBRIDGE was launched aiming at developing a complete methodology to increase such structures life expectancy that includes a calculation method for assessing the remaining life of steel bridge in terms of fatigue, a design and applyication method for the strengthening intervention, and a strengthening system relying on the use of adhesively bonded CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer). The paper presents the FASSTbridge methodology, the developed strengthening system that has been specifically developed for the project and the application of the overall solution on a real composite bridge in Spain: Jarama bridge. Main results and conclusions are then presented to emphasize the advantages of the proposed solution.