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Thermal and thermo-chemical modification methods were applied to a red clay mineral and the resulted products were comparatively studied. The modified clays were characterized by XRD, XRF, UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy. The adsorption properties towards two cationic dyes, namely methylene blue and crystal violet, were investigated and the effect of initial concentration and contact time was analyzed, revealing superior adsorption properties for the thermo-chemical modified clay. The values of dye removal rate are very high, over 85%, with better adsorption of methylene blue and a competition between dyes as demonstrated by using binary solutions. The best match with the experimental results was obtained for the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the management of a high-risk pregnancy in a 34-year-old woman with multiple health conditions, including Graves' disease, chronic anemia, vitiligo, hypertension, PCOS, and overweight. The woman had a history of miscarriages and her parents had hypertension and ischemic heart disease. The patient received various treatments and recommendations, including medication changes, dietary changes, and the addition of supplements. The pregnancy was closely monitored by a multidisciplinary team, and despite the complexity of the patient's conditions, the pregnancy resulted in a successful delivery without major complications. The article emphasizes the importance of compliance with treatment options and the role of prenatal care in improving pregnancy outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

The paper presents the interdisciplinary approach to assessing the acoustic quality of violins through a survey addressed to specialists in the field of music - instrumentalists, teachers, artists. Violins with modified geometric parameters in intermediate stages from a technological point of view were investigated, respectively unfinished violins (in white). The aim of the study was to classify the musical instruments heard according to five acoustic criteria considered relevant for violinists. Criteria such as: bright tone, clarity of sounds, warm/silky sound, amplitude of sounds and equal sound on all 4 strings were also established through a survey of artistic impressions among specialists, in a stage prior to the study presented in this article.

The paper presents the interdisciplinary approach of two fields - the artistic (musical) and technical (forestry engineering, wood processing engineering, mechanical and physical engineering) apparently opposite but which can be happily exploited for both parties. Thus, we can speak of a new paradigm of education through which art can combine with the technical sciences for the benefit of all. The aim of the paper is to present experimental methods in mechanical and acoustic evaluation of violins from engineering and artistic perspectives. The presented results are part of a larger study carried out within an experimental demonstration research project.

New fused pyrrolo-phenanthroline type derivatives were synthesized, in two steps, from 1,10-phenanthroline and evaluated for antimicrobial activity and fluorescence properties. Our synthetic approach involved a 3+2 dipolarcycloaddition of some selected N-substituted 1,10-phenanthrolin-1-ium ylides, (m)ethoxycarbonyl and cyano (1,2-di)substituted acetylenes and alkenes, respectively. The structures of compounds were supported by analytical and spectroscopic data. The molecular structures of four selected compounds have also been also determined by monocrystal XRD analyses. All synthesized compounds were then evaluated for their potential antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Escherichia coli ATCC25922 and Candida albicans ATCC10231. Two of the compounds demonstrated significant activity against the above tested strains.

This paper presents a low-cost solution for an intelligent cervical collar by improving an existing cervical collar. It will achieve total immobilization of the cervical spine, using an immobilizer extended system for head and superior thoracic vertebrae. Starting from an existing rigid cervical collar, this was modified in order to increase immobility level. CAD model will be realized using a 3D printer or manufacturing it from plastic materials. Because it is provided with a system for monitoring vital functions, physicians work will be simplified so, after fitting neck brace, they can turn their attention to other priority needs or injuries of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fungal infections are a health issue paradoxically fuelled by the developments in medical care. Objectives: Our study is an investigation on the correlation between the infection site and the genotypes of Candida albicans strains isolated from Romanian patients. Methods: A total number of 301 isolates from different clinical sites were investigated in terms of genotype determination. Results: The isolates were clustered in three groups according to their genotype: 55.81% showed genotype A, 14.62% genotype B, and 29.57% genotype C. Conclusions: No significant correlation was found between the genotype and the infection site, but a significant correlation was found between genotype C and isolates from HIV patients proving that C. albicans pathogenicity probably relies on factors related to the host.