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Objectives: The role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis is extensive. Our study aims to assess the predictive role of inflammatory indexes regarding in-hospital mortality in major vascular surgery of Leriche syndrome as a convenient, low-cost, and noninvasive prognostic marker to optimize the patient's perioperative course. Methods: Our retrospective single-center study enrolled consecutive patients diagnosed with aortoiliac occlusive disease, Leriche syndrome, who underwent elective major vascular surgery between 2017 and 2023 in a tertiary cardiovascular center. Preoperative, postoperative, and day-one after-surgery data, including systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte–lymphocyte ratio, were studied to the endpoint, in-hospital death. We also tested the delta values of the indexes to the endpoint. The indexes were compared to the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) and Vascular Surgery Group Cardiac Risk Index (VSG-CRI) for outcome prediction. Results: The tested inflammatory indexes significantly increased from the preoperative to postoperative and, further, to the day-one settings. Preoperative AISI (p = 0.040) emerged as the only independent risk factor regarding in-hospital death occurrence in Leriche patients who underwent major revascularization surgery. While RCRI did not significantly predict the endpoint (AUC = 0.698, p = 0.057), VSG-CRI (AUC = 0.864, p = 0.001) presented the best result in ROC analysis. Postoperative NLR (AUC = 0.758, p = 0.006) was next, followed by NLR postoperative–preoperative (_Preop-_Postop) delta value (AUC = 0.725, p = 0.004), postoperative SIRI (AUC = 0.716, p = 0.016), SIRI_Preop-_Postop delta value (AUC = 0.712, p = 0.016), postoperative SII (AUC = 0.692, p = 0.032), and SII_Preop-_Postop delta value (AUC = 0.631, p = 0.030). Conclusions: Inflammatory indexes are valuable tools for assessing perioperative risk in major vascular surgery, enhancing the value of the already validated risk scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Odontogenic abscesses are a common cause of emergency visits to oral and maxillofacial surgery departments and can lead to life-threatening complications if they are not recognized and treated promptly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI) in comparison to other systemic inflammatory indices, including the Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII), the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), the Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and the Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), in predicting the severity of odontogenic abscesses. Methods: This retrospective study included 221 patients hospitalized for odontogenic abscesses at Dubrava University Hospital between January 2019 and December 2023. Clinical and laboratory data, including AISI, SII, NLR, PLR, and LMR, were collected. The severity of the abscesses was assessed using the Symptom Severity (SS) Score and patients were categorized into less severe and severe groups based on their scores. An ROC curve analysis was used to assess the predictive accuracy of each inflammatory index. Results: The AISI was identified as the most effective predictor of abscess severity and had the highest sensitivity (SE = 82.93) and specificity (SP = 81.63) among the indices analyzed. It outperformed C-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting severe abscesses with an AUC of 0.90 compared to 0.74 for CRP. In addition, AISI showed significant correlations with length of hospital stay and the occurrence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Conclusions: The AISI index is a better predictor of odontogenic abscess severity compared to other systemic inflammatory markers and CRP. Its integration into clinical practice could improve the early detection of high-risk patients, leading to better treatment outcomes and lower risks of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-formed steel channel (CFSC) sections have gained widespread adoption in building construction due to their advantageous properties, including superior energy efficiency, expedited construction timelines, environmental sustainability, material efficiency, and ease of transportation. This study presents a numerical investigation into the axial compressive behavior of CFSC section columns. A rigorously developed finite element model for CFSC sections was validated against existing experimental data from the literature. Upon validation, the model was employed for an extensive parametric analysis encompassing a dataset of 208 CFSC members. Furthermore, the efficacy of the design methodologies outlined in the AISI Specification and AS/NZS Standard were evaluated by comparing the axial load capacities obtained from the numerically generated data with the results of four previously conducted experimental tests. The findings reveal that the codified design equations, based on nominal compressive resistances determined using the current direct strength method, exhibit a conservative bias. On average, these equations underestimate the actual load capacities of CFSC section columns by approximately 11.5%. Additionally, this investigation explores the influence of eccentricity, cross-sectional dimensions, and the point-of-load application on the axial load capacity of CFSC columns. The results demonstrate that a decrease in section thickness, an increase in column length, and a higher degree of eccentricity significantly reduce the axial capacity of CFSC columns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion Synopsis To determine the value of the Aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) in predicting admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and chorioamnionitis.The present retrospective cohort study with pregnant women who were diagnosed with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in the Department of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital between January 1, 2021, and June 1, 2023 (n = 357). The patients were categorized into subgroups: (1) cases with (n = 27) or without (n = 330) chorioamnionitis, (2) admission (n = 182) or no admission (n = 175) to NICU; (3) gestational age at birth <28 weeks or 28 weeks or longer; and (4) gestational age at birth <34 weeks or 34 weeks or longer. AISI values were compared between the subgroups, and cut‐off values for AISI were determined to predict adverse outcomes.AISI values were significantly higher in the admission to NICU group compared with the no admission to NICU group (707.0 vs 551.2) (P < 0.05). AISI values were also significantly higher in the chorioamnionitis group compared with those without chorioamnionitis (850.3 vs 609.4) (P < 0.05). AISI levels were significantly higher in cases delivered before 28 weeks of gestation compared with the cases delivered at 28 weeks of gestation or later (945.6 vs 604.9) (P < 0.05), and were also significantly higher in cases delivered before 34 weeks of gestation compared with the cases delivered at 34 weeks of gestation or later (715.5 vs 550.1) (P < 0.05). Optimal cut‐off values of AISI were found to be 626.19 (74.1% sensitivity, 52.8% specificity), 506.09 (68.9% sensitivity and, 47.7% specificity), and 555.1 (69.8% sensitivity, 48.1% specificity) in predicting NICU admission, chorioamnionitis, and delivery before 28 weeks, respectively.The novel inflammatory marker AISI may be used in the prediction of chorioamnionitis and NICU admission in PPROM cases.Aggregate index of systemic inflammation may be used as a novel marker in predicting high‐risk for chorioamnionitis and neonatal intensive care unit admission in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial buildings made of Cold Formed Steel (CFS) members have gained an extent of construction all over the world. It has become an alternative process of construction to the Hot Rolled Steel (HRS) elements, allowing it to respond to the requirements in a short time. The aim of this work is to present a technical and economical comparative study of an industrial building case made of CFS versus HRS elements and designed according to the European and American codes. Relying on numerical modeling, the design according to Eurocode 3 demonstrates that the industrial building made of CFS is more economical compared to the HRS members building by 43% in terms of weight and 28% in terms of cost. In addition, based on the Average Capacity Design (ACD) ratio of the CFS elements, it turns out that the design according to Eurocode 3 part 1-3 is less conservative than the same building designed according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) code. Moreover, the American code privileges the safety aspect of the designed CFS building with the ASD method over the LRFD and LSD methods. Otherwise, the CFS building designed according to Eurocode 3 part 1-3 with truss columns and beams reveals a weight saving of 25% and 14%, respectively, compared to the building with a full web of beams and columns, and the building with a full web of columns and steel trusses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial buildings based on Cold Formed Steel (CFS) members have gained an extent of construction all over the world. It becomes an alternative process of construction to the Hot Rolled Steel (HRS) elements, allowing it to respond to the requirements in a short time. The aim of this work is to present a technical and economic comparative study of an industrial building case, made of CFS versus HRS elements, and designed according to the European and American codes. Relying on numerical modeling, the design according to Eurocode 3 demonstrates that the industrial building made of CFS is more economical compared to the HRS members building by 43% in terms of weight and 28% in terms of cost. In addition, based on the Average Capacity Design (ACD) ratio of the elements of a CFS, the design according to Eurocode 3 part 1-3 is less conservative than the same building designed according to American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) code. Moreover, the American code privileges the safety aspect of the designed CFS building with the ASD method over the LRFD and LSD methods. Otherwise, a CFS building designed according to Eurocode 3 part 1-3 with truss columns and beams reveals a weight saving of 25% and 14%, respectively, compared to a building with a full web of beams and columns, and a building with a full web of columns and steel trusses.

Industrial buildings made of Cold Formed Steel (CFS) members have gained an extent of construction all over the world. It has become an alternative process of construction to the Hot Rolled Steel (HRS) elements, allowing it to respond to the requirements in a short time. The aim of this work is to present a technical and economical comparative study of an industrial building case made of CFS versus HRS elements and designed according to the European and American codes. Relying on numerical modeling, the design according to Eurocode 3 demonstrates that the industrial building made of CFS is more economical compared to the HRS members building by 43% in terms of weight and 28% in terms of cost. In addition, based on the Average Capacity Design (ACD) ratio of the CFS elements, it turns out that the design according to Eurocode 3 part 1-3 is less conservative than the same building designed according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) code. Moreover, the American code privileges the safety aspect of the designed CFS building with the ASD method over the LRFD and LSD methods. Otherwise, the CFS building designed according to Eurocode 3 part 1-3 with truss columns and beams reveals a weight saving of 25% and 14%, respectively, compared to the building with a full web of beams and columns, and the building with a full web of columns and steel trusses.

(1) Background: Seasonality is an important environmental factor that influences immune responses (2) Methods: In a retrospective study, we included all pregnant patients admitted to the Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital with a critical form of COVID-19 infection between 1 January and 1 December 2021. The blood counts collected on the specific A, H and E Brixia score- collection days, or the ones collected closest to those days, were considered in our study. We also studied the differences between the two groups regarding the inflammation indexes exhibited on those specific days: A (admittance), H (highest Brixia score), and E (end of hospitalization). (3) Results: The values of NLR, dNLR, SII, and AISI are significantly higher and IIC is significantly lower for the spring group versus the autumn group, especially on the H and E Brixia score-collection days. (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that severe-COVID-19 inflammation was significantly higher in the spring of 2021 in Romania than in autumn 2021, in regard to pregnant patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined indices of different haematological cell types appear to be particularly promising for investigating the link between systemic inflammation and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), an emerging index derived from neutrophil, monocyte, platelet, and lymphocyte counts, in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with different disease severity and survival status. We searched electronic databases between the 1st of December 2019 and the 10th of June 2023 and assessed the risk of bias and the certainty of evidence. In 13 studies, severe disease/death was associated with significantly higher AISI values on admission vs. non-severe disease/survival (standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.68, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.97, p < 0.001). The AISI was also significantly associated with severe disease/death in five studies reporting odds ratios (4.39, 95% CI 2.12 to 9.06, p ˂ 0.001), but not in three studies reporting hazard ratios (HR = 1.000, 95% CI 0.999 to 1.002, p = 0.39). The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values for severe disease/death were 0.66 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.73), 0.78 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.83), and 0.79 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.83), respectively. Our study has shown that the AISI on admission can effectively discriminate between patients with different disease severity and survival outcome (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023438025). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of the instant study is to evaluate the predictability of AISI, NLPR, and SIRI in patients with acute pancreatitis, which predicts more than 7 days of hospitalization, the need for intensive care, and 30-day mortality. Material and Method This retrospective observational study was conducted in patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis who applied to the emergency medicine clinic of XXX Hospital between July 15, 2017 and February 15, 2021.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v. 26.0. Results The study included 592 patients, 58.3% of which were women. A statistically significant difference was found between high NLPR, and hospital stay longer than 7 days (p = 0.01). No statistically significant correlation was found between AISI and SIRI and the length of hospital stay (p = 0.16, p = 0.19, respectively). There was a statistically significant correlation between high NLPR, and mortality (p = 0.03). No statistically significant correlation was found between AISI, SIRI, and mortality (p = 0.866, p = 0.311, respectively). There was a statistically significant correlation between high NLPR, and hospitalization in the intensive care unit (p = 0.018) No statistically significant relationship was found between AISI, SIRI, and admission to the intensive care unit (p = 0.89, p = 0.6, respectively). Conclusion Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory process that requires serious approach. Hematological parameters are helpful in predicting the prognosis, but there is a need for differently developed hematological indices in managing acute pancreatitis.

IntroductionInflammation is known to contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Several inflammatory indices derived from routine complete blood counts have been proposed as biomarkers in multiple disorders.MethodsIn this study, clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively collected from medical records to assess the aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) and the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) as potential biomarkers of systemic inflammation in patients with early diagnosis of dry AMD.ResultsThe study included 90 patients with dry AMD and 270 age/sex-matched patients with cataracts as a control group. There were no significant differences in the AISI and SIRI results between the cases and controls (p = 0.16 and 0.19, respectively).ConclusionThis suggests that AISI and SIRI may be inadequate metrics for AMD or lack sensitivity in detecting inflammatory changes. Exploring other routine blood markers may help to identify and prevent the early stages of AMD.

Background: Numerous tools, including inflammatory biomarkers and lung injury severity scores, have been evaluated as predictors of thromboembolic events and the requirement for intensive therapy in COVID-19 patients. This study aims to verify the predictive role of inflammatory biomarkers [monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), and Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI)] and the CT Severity Score in acute limb ischemia (ALI) risk, intensive unit care (ICU) admission, and mortality in COVID-19 patients.; Methods: The present study was designed as an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study and included all patients older than 18 years of age with a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, confirmed through real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and admitted to the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Targu-Mureș, Romania, and Modular Intensive Care Unit of UMFST "George Emil Palade" of Targu Mures, Romania between January 2020 and December 2021. Results: Non-Survivors and "ALI" patients were associated with higher incidence of cardiovascular disease [atrial fibrillation (AF) p = 0.0006 and p = 0.0001; peripheral arterial disease (PAD) p = 0.006 and p < 0.0001], and higher pulmonary parenchyma involvement (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed a high baseline value for MLR, NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, AISI, and the CT Severity Score independent predictor of adverse outcomes for all recruited patients (all p < 0.0001). Moreover, the presence of AF and PAD was an independent predictor of ALI risk and mortality. Conclusions: According to our findings, higher MLR, NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, AISI, and CT Severity Score values at admission strongly predict ALI risk, ICU admission, and mortality. Moreover, patients with AF and PAD had highly predicted ALI risk and mortality but no ICU admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is one of the most serious post-operative complications in the case of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aims to verify the predictive role of inflammatory biomarkers [monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI)] in acute DVT following TKA. Materials and methods: The present study was designed as an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study and included all patients over 18 years of age with surgical indications for TKA, admitted to the Department of Orthopedics, Regina Maria Health Network, Targu Mures, Romania, and the Department of Orthopedics, Humanitas MedLife Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania between January 2017 and July 2022. The primary endpoint was the risk of acute DVT following the TKA, and the secondary endpoint was the length of hospital stay, and the outcomes were stratified for the baseline's optimal MLR, NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI cut-off value. Results: DVT patients were associated with higher age (p = 0.01), higher incidence of cardiac disease [arterial hypertension (p = 0.02), atrial fibrillation (p = 0.01)], malignancy (p = 0.005), as well as risk factors [smoking (p = 0.03) and obesity (p = 0.02)]. Multivariate analysis showed a high baseline value for all hematological ratios: MLR (OR: 11.06; p < 0.001), NLR (OR: 10.15; p < 0.001), PLR (OR: 12.31; p < 0.001), SII (OR: 18.87; p < 0.001), SIRI (OR: 10.86; p < 0.001), and AISI (OR: 14.05; p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of DVT after TKA for all recruited patients. Moreover, age above 70 (OR: 2.96; p = 0.007), AH (OR: 2.93; p = 0.02), AF (OR: 2.71; p = 0.01), malignancy (OR: 3.98; p = 0.002), obesity (OR: 2.34; p = 0.04), and tobacco (OR: 2.30; p = 0.04) were all independent predictors of DVT risk. Conclusions: Higher pre-operative hematological ratios MLR, NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI values determined before operations strongly predict acute DVT following TKA. Moreover, age over 70, malignancy, cardiovascular disease, and risk factors such as obesity and tobacco were predictive risk factors for acute DVT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous tools, including inflammatory biomarkers and lung injury severity scores, have been evaluated as predictors of disease progression and the requirement for intensive therapy in COVID-19 patients. This study aims to verify the predictive role of inflammatory biomarkers [monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] and the total system score (TSS) in the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: The present study was designed as an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study and included all patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, confirmed through real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and radiological chest CT findings admitted to County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Targu-Mureș, Romania, and Modular Intensive Care Unit of UMFST "George Emil Palade" of Targu Mures, Romania between January 2021 and December 2021. Results: Non-Survivors patients were associated with higher age (p = 0.01), higher incidence of cardiac disease [atrial fibrillation (AF) p = 0.0008; chronic heart failure (CHF) p = 0.01], chronic kidney disease (CKD; p = 0.02), unvaccinated status (p = 0.001), and higher pulmonary parenchyma involvement (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed a high baseline value for MLR, NLR, SII, SIRI, AISI, IL-6, and TSS independent predictor of adverse outcomes for all recruited patients. Moreover, the presence of AF, CHF, CKD, and dyslipidemia were independent predictors of mortality. Furthermore, AF and dyslipidemia were independent predictors of IMV need. Conclusions: According to our findings, higher MLR, NLR, SII, SIRI, AISI, IL-6, and TSS values at admission strongly predict IMV requirement and mortality. Moreover, patients above 70 with AF, dyslipidemia, and unvaccinated status highly predicted IMV need and fatality. Likewise, CHF and CKD were independent predictors of increased mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Coronavirus 2019 is a pandemic that has spread worldwide, threatening human health. The main cause of death in patients with COVID-19 is a systemic pro-inflammatory mechanism that quickly progresses to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Hematological ratios as affordable indicators of inflammatory response were studied in COVID-19 patients. The study aimed to study the importance of the blood cell indexes of the systemic inflammatory response, as the Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI), neutrophils lymphocyte to platelet ratio (NLPR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and, systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) in predicting intensive care unit (ICU) admission of COVID-19 patients. Methods: 495 COVID-19 patients managed in four tertiary centers; divided into non-ICU and ICU groups. Results: Total leucocyte count (TLC), AISI, NLPR, SII, and SIRI were more elevated in the ICU group (P < 0.001 for all except AMC P = 0.006), while this group had less absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) (P = 0.047). We estimated the optimal cut-off values of the hematological ratio; AISI (729), NLPR (0.0195), SII (1346), and SIRI (2.5). SII had the highest specificity (95.6%), while NLPR had the highest sensitivity (61.3%). Age, AISI, CRP, D-dimer, and oxygen aid were the independent predictors for ICU admission in COVID-19 in multivariate logistic regression. Conclusion: AISI is a predictor for severity and ICU admission in COVID-19 patients, SII is a predictor of survival, while NLPR and SIRI have an additive role that needs further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A go-kart is a four-wheel drive that lacks a suspension system and differential unit due to the very low ground clearance usually employed for Formula E or Formula 1 racing. Due to the absence of a suspension system, the chassis of the go-kart should be rigid and strong enough to withstand the impact loads, as well as other support equipment. The present research focused on the design, material selection, and structural and vibrational analysis on the go-kart chassis. For this, the chassis is designed with suitable dimensions and materials. In this, the chassis is modelled by using CATIA V5 software and performed static structural and vibrational analysis by using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) ANSYS software. The chassis was designed with Circular pipes with a diameter of about 26.4 mm with a 4 mm pipe thickness made of AISI 1018, AISI 1026, AISI 4130, and structural steel were chosen due to their superior mechanical properties to perform the finite element analysis to find the total deflection, equivalent stress, factor of safety and first six mode shapes of the chassis configuration.

Reducing energy consumption is a demanding issue considering the limited available energy resources and increasing environmental pollution. On the other hand, industry consumes a huge amount of energy, and manufacturing processes are the most energy consuming portions of the industry. Machining issues including cutting tool geometry and process parameters affect the cutting forces and also production consuming energy. By increasing cutting forces, the tool life would be reduced and therewith cost of machining process increases. In this work, the effect of machining condition on cutting force and energy consumption studied in turning process during validated FE analysis using ALE method. So, the effect of rake angle, tool edge radius and cutting speed was investigated on the cutting force, plastic strain and plastic consuming energy. Results proved that these parameters are effective on plastic energy consumption in turning process among them cutting speed has more effect on the plastic energy. By increasing the cutting speed, the plastic energy decreases considerably. Rake angle is also effective on process energy consumption and the combination of increasing the rake angle and cutting speed, and choosing the optimal edge radius leads to the minimized plastic energy.

There is no Turkish standard for bolted connections of thin walled steel elements. In the calculations made according to Eurocode and AISI standards, there are different approaches and behaviours for the same sample. The eccentric effect was ignored in the experimental studies obtained in the literature review and only the behaviour under axial stress was examined. In practice, however, it is not possible to avoid eccentric behaviour arising from the profile structure. The eccentric behaviour created by applying the pulling force applied from the centre of gravity of thin walled U profiles placed on back to back is compared with the strengths obtained from the equations given in the relevant standards under various sheet metal thicknesses (t=1,5mm, 2mm, 2,5mm) and various bolt diameters. (Ø=8mm, 10mm, 12mm)

Background: Several perioperative inflammatory markers are postulated to be significant factors for long-term survival after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB). Hematological parameters, whether single or combined as indices, provide higher predictive values. Methods: The study group comprised 538 consecutive patients (125 (23%) females and 413 (77%) males) with a mean age of 65 ± 9 years, who underwent OPCAB with a mean follow-up time of 4.7 ± 1.7 years. This single-center retrospective analysis included perioperative inflammatory markers such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), and systemic inflammatory index (SII). Results: Multivariable analysis identified levels of neutrophils above 4.3 × 109/L (HR 13.44, 95% CI 1.05–3.68, p = 0.037), values of SIRI above 5.4 (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09–0.92, p = 0.036) and values of NLR above 3.5 (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.48–3.32, p < 0.001) as being significant predictors of long-term mortality. The multifactorial models revealed the possibility of strong prediction by combining preoperative factors (COPD, stroke, PAD, and preoperative PLR) and postoperative neutrophil counts (p = 0.0136) or NLR (p = 0.0136) or SIRI (p = 0.0136). Conclusions: Among the postoperative inflammatory indices, the levels of neutrophils, NLR, and SIRI are the most prominent markers for long-term survival after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, when combined with preoperative characteristics.

Abstract Background The aim of the present study was to examine the internal structure and reliability of the Attachment Insecurity Screening Inventory (AISI) 6–12. The AISI 6–12 years is a parent-report questionnaire for assessing the parents’ perspective on the quality of the attachment relationship with their child aged between 6 and 12 years. Methods The sample consisted of 681 mothers and fathers reporting on 372 children (72.3% adoption parents, 14.9% non-biological primary care takers including foster parents, and 12.8% biological parents). The internal structure was assessed with multilevel confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and the reliability of the scores with Cronbach’s and ordinal alphas. Results Multilevel CFA confirmed a three-factor model of avoidant, ambivalent/resistant and disorganized attachment. Multi-group CFA indicated full configural and metric measurement invariance, and partial scalar and strict measurement invariance across mothers and fathers. Reliability coefficients were found to be sufficient. Conclusions This study showed the potential of using parental reports in the initial screening of attachment related problems, especially considering the practical approach of parental reports. However, further development of the AISI 6–12 years seems important to increase the validity of the AISI 6–12 years. In addition, future studies are necessary to replicate the current findings, and to strengthen the evidence that the AISI 6–12 years is appropriate for the use in middle childhood and validly assesses the parents’ perspective on attachment insecurities in their child.

In acidic environments the corrosion rate of stainless steels is considered high, this is due to pitting occurrence in concentrated chloride environments. The Austenitic steels such as type 316 stainless steel generally not recommended for Hydrochloric acid storage in petroleum planets except when solutions are very dilute and at room temperature, otherwise pitting may occur. In this work, a multicomponent coating (Ti-B-N-C) was deposited on the austenitic stainless steels (AISI 316) that used in petroleum industry. The coating process has been achieved by mixed vapor deposition technique; this was done in attempt to improve the resistance to pitting corrosion for austenitic stainless steels surface. The structural characterization for the deposited Ti-Base coating was done by using XRD technique, and the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical corrosion tests have been performed by using electrochemical test in 0.25M hydrochloric acid (HCl) as an aqueous solution at 22˚C to obtain the anodic polarization curves for the coated surfaces. Several interesting observations have been made During the test. As expected, the surface of the AISI 316 suffers from a sudden increase in the current density at the potential above 1500 mV due to the occurrence of pitting corrosion. In addition, the Ti-B-C-N coating surfaces show great future in reducing the current density of the steel surface in the anodic region, indicating improved pitting resistance for all Ti-based coating samples. No evidence for pitting corrosion was observed in the coated surfaces during electrochemical test even at potentials up to 2000 mV, instead, general corrosion was observed for the samples that was deposited at 750˚C since low potential values was observed for these samples .

Reducing energy consumption is a demanding issue considering the limited available energy resources and increasing environmental pollution. On the other hand, industry consumes a huge amount of energy, and manufacturing processes are the most energy consuming portions of the industry. Machining issues including cutting tool geometry and process parameters affect the cutting forces and also production consuming energy. By increasing cutting forces, the tool life would be reduced and therewith cost of machining process increases. In this work, the effect of machining condition on cutting force and energy consumption were studied in turning process during validated FE analysis using ALE method. So, the effect of rake angle, tool edge radius and cutting speed was investigated on the cutting force, plastic strain and plastic consuming energy. Results proved that these parameters are effective on plastic energy consumption in turning process among them cutting speed has more effect on the plastic energy. By increasing the cutting speed, the plastic energy decreases considerably. Rake angle is also effective on process energy consumption and the combination of increasing the rake angle and cutting speed, and choosing the optimal edge radius leads to the minimized plastic energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper mainly focuses on the drilling parameter optimization by introducing Response Surface Methodology (RSM). RSM is the most effective methods to modeling and find optimum results. In this study, three parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate and point angle has been selected as input parameters and surface roughness, torque, thrust force and material removal rate (MRR) are taken as the responses. The experiments are carried out over the AISI 429 steel plate with the dimension of 100×100×10 mm by using HSS 8 mm drill bit. The input parameters are predicted by using response surface methodology (RSM). From the results that can be observed clearly the predicted parameters speed and feed rate are the most important to get good surface integrity and maximum material removal rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the surface of an alloy of AISI 4130 steel is hardened by using CW Nd:YAG laser and then study the effect of laser surface hardening on mechanical properties such as yield strength (σy), ultimate tensile strength (σu.T.S), plasticity constant (k),strain hardening coefficient (n) , also evaluate the microstructure and microhardness during the hardening of the alloy. CW Nd:YAG laser was used to scan on the surface of samples by varying the laser beam energies (500,750,1000 mj) with travel speed 500 mm/min of the work table. There are many examinations were done for laser hardened of AISI 4130 steel such as an analysis of microstructure features by using an optical microscopy and microhardness. Also tensile test is carried out for the specimens before and after laser surface treatment. The results of this investigation showed that an improvement in mechanical properties after laser surface hardening, also microhardness decreases faraway the hardened surface toward the center of the specimen. While the microstructure examination showed that the laser energy 1000 mj lead to form fine plate martensite structure more than another energies 500 and 750 mj.

The coating thickness is an important factor to evaluate the coating quality and determining the properties of the hot-dip aluminizing (HDA)coating. In the present work, a hot dipping pure aluminum (99%) on stainless steel (AISI 303) rods was carried out for different diameters of rods (8, 10 and 12mm) and different lengths (250 and 500 mm) at different aluminizing conditions of temperature and time. The dipping temperature was set to 700, 740, 780, 820 and 860℃ .The dipping time was set to 1, 2, 3,4 and 5 minutes. A response surface methodology (RSM) using a central composite rotatable design (CCD) for a 2³ factorial, with 5 central points and α = ±2 approach, based on the experimental data, was used to obtain the optimum modelto get the best thickness of coating and the best conditions of dipping. A 2nd polynomial model was obtained with a confiding percentage of 95%.Analysis of the experiments using RSM indicated that 807℃ and3minare optimum dipping conditions for hot-dip aluminizing process with corresponding thickness of coating layers of 134 μmto Al layer,62.9 μm to intermetallic compound (IMC) layer and 197μm to total coating layer.

The present research deals with the study of the effect of Nickel Coating on the fatigue resistance of carburized and uncarburized AISI 301 stainless steel. Six groups of bending fatigue specimens were prepared for fatigue test. Two groups of the carburized specimens were precoated with Nickel. The Nickel coated specimens were then case carburized at a temperature of (540°C) for 90 minute. The other Nickel coated specimens were then case carburized at a temperature of (950°C) for 120 minute. Experimental results revealed an increase in fatigue resistance by (25%) for Nickel coated specimens which are carburized at low temperature of (540°C) as compared with the as received specimens. The surface hardness was increased by 79.4% for those specimens that have been carburized at a temperature of (540°C), while the specimens that have been coated by Nickel then carburized at low temperature of (540°C) showed a 34.3% increase in surface hardness.

In 1996, as part of the global ICT for development phenomenon, the Africa Information Society Initiative (AISI) was launched as the action framework for the building of ICT infrastructure in Africa. Its goals included the digital connection of every African village to the global information network by the year 2010, and the leapfrogging of Africa's development through ICTs. Over a decade after the enactment of the AISI, many villages are still without electricity, and lack access to Internet services and other core ICTs. Based on the data gathered from qualitative semi-structured interviews and secondary sources, this paper analyzes the challenges and obstacles that have confronted the AISI implementation and ICT4D agenda in Africa. It examines the implication of these challenges and potential ways of addressing them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are considered to have high performance and potential for use in strengthening , retrofitting and for the rehabilitation of structural sections. In this paper, design procedures are proposed for the axial load capacity of cold formed steel lipped channel columns strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). For the purpose of validation, the results are based on the proposed design equation from the North American specification for the design of cold-formed steel structural members (AISI-2007) and Euro code for cold-formed members and sheeting (EC3-EN1993-1-3:2006) are compared against the experimental test data. The test results showed that the capacity of the columns are close to the theoretical values predicted by the AISI-2007 and EC 3 provisions. Some tested specimens showed reduced capacity and premature failure due to peeling and debonding of the CFRP from the steel. Various experimental investigations are suggested for future work to further validate and update the design equations. From the experimental studies, it has been observed that there is significant increase in strength due to CFRP strengthening. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study concerns an in depth investigation of the influence of laser surface melting of AISI 316L stainless steel using Ar and N2 as shrouding atmosphere. Laser surface melting has been carried out using a 5kW continuous wave (CW) fibre optics delivery Nd:YAG laser with a beam diameter of 4 mm, Microstructure of the surface melted layer consists of grain refined austenite when melted in Ar shroud and iron nitrides (Fe4N) and chromium nitrides (Cr2N) dispersed in γ-Fe matrix when melted in N2 shroud. Lattice strain and residual stress are also reduced by laser surface melting. The average microhardness of the melt zone increases from 240 VHN (for as-received AISI 316L stainless steel) to 375 VHN and 475 VHN for laser surface melted AISI 316L stainless steel in Ar and N2 atmosphere, respectively. Fretting wear behaviour against hardened steel ball shows a significant improvement in fretting wear resistance due to laser surface melting with a maximum improvement achieved in N2 shroud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La mayor parte de los reglamentos concernientes al funcionamiento de las agencias que conforman el sistema nacional de inteligencia han sido clasificados. Por ende, publicar informaciones sensibles, como por ejemplo, aquellas relativas al entrenamiento que reciben los agentes y a los mecanismos de control interno, es delito. No es ilegal, en cambio, realizar comentarios a la ley de inteligencia de 3 agosto de 2007 n° 124 explicando, en grandes líneas, su cometido.El presente artículo, además de suministrar al lector de lengua hispana algunos conceptos básicos del derecho público italiano, ilustrará cómo el legislador ha estructurado los servicios secretos afrontando, en última instancia, las cuestiones relativas a la protección del secreto de Estado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to explore the treatment conditions of austenitic stainless steel, AISI 304, for catalytic devices used in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) combustion. The variables studied were treatment exposure time, temperature and atmosphere. AISI 304 steel surface resulted in different morphologies depending on temperature and atmosphere. The oxide layer was composed of mixed oxides of Cr-Fe and Cr-Mn-Fe, forming octahedral and hexagonal crystals. The addition of manganese with the objective of reaching the ideal Mn/Fe ratio improved notably the catalytic performance. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article looks at the emergence of ICT for development activities in Africa with the advent of the African Information Society Initiative (AISI), which is an action framework led by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to address digital divide issues on the continent. The discussion is presented in the context of Africa's subsequent participation in the WSIS process, with the preparatory meeting held in Bainako, Mali in May 2002. Developmental concerns were central to the debates raised at the meeting and remained central in deliberations in Geneva. The article analyses Africa's participation and considers the gains resulting from the Summit and explores the prospects for implementation of the Plan of Action at country level. Furthermore, the article looks ahead to Tunis 2005 with proposals as to what the relevant considerations should be. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variable patterns of disease progression are typically observed in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We sought to determine the prognostic capacity of blood cell count indexes, derived from routine complete blood cell (CBC) count, in a cohort of IPF patients. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) were calculated at baseline in a consecutive series of 82 IPF patients followed for four years. After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, and disease stage, only the AISI was significantly associated with mortality (HR 1.0013, 95% CI 1.0003–1.0023, p = 0.015). Patients with AISI <434 and ≥434 had a median survival from the diagnosis of 35.3 ± 15.2 and 26.6 ± 16.3 months (p = 0.015), and a four-year survival rate of 54% and 34%, respectively. The AISI, easily derivable from routine laboratory tests, is independently associated with mortality in patients with IPF. Prospective studies in larger cohorts are required to confirm this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]