Academic literature on the topic 'Loss, Keyword 4'

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diffuse transgradient palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis, with premature loss of deciduous and permanent teeth, along with the calcification of the dura mater. This results in teeth radiographically appearing as “floating” in the soft tissue. Genetic studies of patients with PLS have mapped the major gene locus to chromosome 11q24-q21 and revealed mutation and loss of function of the cathepsin gene. It affects 1- 4 people per 1 million population with no gender or racial predilection. Dermatological manifestations, usually occurs before four years of age, include hyperkeratosis of palms and soles, nail dystrophy, hyperhidrosis and keratinization on elbows and knees with the lesions appearing as white, yellow-like or red plaques or patches that then develop cracks, crusts, or deep fissures. KEYWORD: Papillon-lefevre syndrome, hyperkeratosis HOW TO CITE: Zalan AK, Zubairy KK, Maxood A, Niazi M, Zaman H, Gul A, Anser M. Papillon lefevre syndrome: Diagnosis and management in two affected siblings – A case report. J Pak Dent Assoc 2020;29(4):264-268.

The research is conducted in order to reduce energy losses caused by the secondary flow in the endwall junction. This phenomenon is caused by the interaction of two adjacent viscous flow (symmetric airfoil and endwall). Reduction of energy loss carried out by addition of Foward Facing Step Turbulator (FFST) in the upstream. Endwall junction area is modeled as a NACA 0015 airfoil and a flat plate. Position of FFST is at a distance L = 2/3 C upstream leading edge and a thickness d = 4% C. Free stream conditions Red = 105 with turbulence intensity (Tu) 5%. Research is conducted by numerical and experiment methods. Pathlines of numerical result methods has an identic structure with "Oil Flow Visualization" of the experiment.Result of the research states that the addition of FFST can increase the turbulence intensity in the flow near the wall. So at the same angle of attact (α), the saddle point position on the leading edge has distance nearly the same but a little more towards the lower side and the separation line is wider than without FFST. Because the flow has stronger turbulence intensity, attachment line of the upper and lower sides have a better capability of following the contours of the body. So the point of separation can be delayed and blockage (energy loss) can be reduced as well. Reduction of energy loss is most effective on α=8 ° (4.16%),Keyword : Secondary flow, forward facing step, turbulent intensity.

This study aims to determine the effect of the comparison of Ulva lactuca and vinegar acid on the characteristics of bioplastic alginate and determine the comparison of seaweed with the right vinegar solution so as to produce the best bioplastic alginate characteristics. This study uses a completely randomized design with a comparison treatment of Ulva lactuca seaweed with dissolved sam vinegar. The experiment was carried out with a ratio of 0.5: 2.5, 1.0: 2.0, 1.5: 1.5, 2.0: 1.0, 2.5: 0.5 with the treatment repeated 4 times so that 20 experimental units were obtained. Variables observed were tensile strength, percent extension, Young Modulus, thickness, biodegradation. The results of this study showed that vinegar acid solution had a significant effect on tensile strength, percent extension, Young Modulus, period of biodegradation and thickness of plastic. Comparison of seaweed and vinegar (2.5: 0.5). produce the best bioplastic alginate with characteristics: the percentage of biodegradation loss value 0,49% - 0,51%, increasing thickness period of 218,25 µm, tensile strength 1,86 MPa, Young Modulus 14,55 MPa and bioplastic extension 34,91%. Keyword: bioplastic, Alginate, Ulva lactuca and vinegar acid solution

Background: Transient global amnesia (TGA) is an interesting clinical syndrome characterized by sudden memory loss for recent events and an inability to retain new memories usually lasting several hours and recovering spontaneously. We conducted a literature search of medical procedure-related TGA and its predisposing conditions. Methods: We performed PubMed searches using the keyword “transient global amnesia” combined with “procedure,” “test,” “therapy,” or various other individual medical procedures. In addition, we described 2 cases of gastroscopy-related TGA. Results: Eighty-nine patients with medical procedure-related TGA in 49 articles were summarized. The most common procedure was cerebral angiography (n = 45), followed by coronary angiography (n = 10) and general anesthesia (n = 9). After categorization, neurological procedures were most common (n = 46, 51.7%), followed by cardiac (n = 17, 19.1%), anesthetic (n = 11, 12.4%), gastrointestinal (n = 4, 4.5%), and pulmonary (n = 2, 2.2%) procedures. Conclusions: Diverse cases of medical procedure-related TGA have been reported in the literature. Valsalva-associated activities, emotional stress with anxiety, and acute pain were predisposing conditions. An understanding of medical procedure-related TGA may be important for clinicians who perform such medical procedures.

Objective: Comparing the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic and abdominal sacrocolpopexy in vaginal vault prolapse post-hysterectomy’s patient. Method: Systematic search data is performed on medical database (PUBMED, Cochrane Database) using keyword:(1) vault prolapse [title] AND (2) laparoscopic[title] AND sacrocolpopexy[title]. Inclusion criteria:(1) randomized controlled trial and observational studies, (2) women with vaginal vault prolapse post hysterectomy, (3) intervention studied: laparoscopic (LSC) and abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC), (4) the entire fully accessible papers can be accessed and data can be accurately analyzed. Comparison about clinical outcomes of LSC and ASC was performed using narrative analysis and meta-analysis (RevMan). Results: Three studies compared clinical outcomes of LSC and ASC with a total of 243 samples (118 in LSC and 125 in ASC group). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between LSC and ASC (OR 1.10;95%CI 0.58-2.08). LSC was associated with less blood loss (MD 111.64 mL,95%CI-166.13 - -57.15 mL) and shorter length of hospital stay (MD -1.82 days;95%CI -2.52- -1.12 days) but requires a longer operating time (MD 22.82 minutes,95%CI 0.43-45.22 minutes). There was no statistically significant difference to anatomical outcomes (measurement of point C on POP-Q), subjective outcomes measured by PGI-I and reoperation numbers (repeat surgical interventions) for prolapse recurrence between LSC and ASC groups after one year of follow-up. Conclusions: LSC showed similar anatomic results compared to ASC with less blood loss and shorter length of hospital stay in management patient with vaginal vault prolapse.

Background: In 2011, 3.4 million children were living with HIV worldwide1. Objectives: Describe the characteristics of pediatric patients enrolled into the HIV program at the Kibera community health center between January 2012 and March 2013. Determine the proportion of enrolled paediatric patients lost to follow up. Determine the correlates associated with retention and loss to follow up. Methods: The study was a retrospective cohort study of program data of all pediatric patients enrolled into the HIV pro- gram in the facility between January 2012 and March 2013. The data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: Of the 100 pediatric patients enrolled during the study period, 79 and 21 were HIV negative and positive respec- tively. Only 4 (5%) of the HIV exposed Infants and 11 (52%) of the HIV positive children were started on ART within the study period. The retention rate of the children at 3 months was 87% while the retention at both 12 and 15 months was 79%. There was an association between the mother or guardian disclosing their status and the retention of the child (p-value 0.026). Conclusion: The disclosure of the HIV status by parent/guardian to the child was associated with better retention of the children in the program. Keyword: Pediatric patients in care; Kibera community health center; HIV/AIDS.

Background: In 2011, 3.4 million children were living with HIV worldwide1. Objectives: Describe the characteristics of pediatric patients enrolled into the HIV program at the Kibera community health center between January 2012 and March 2013. Determine the proportion of enrolled paediatric patients lost to follow up. Determine the correlates associated with retention and loss to follow up. Methods: The study was a retrospective cohort study of program data of all pediatric patients enrolled into the HIV pro- gram in the facility between January 2012 and March 2013. The data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: Of the 100 pediatric patients enrolled during the study period, 79 and 21 were HIV negative and positive respec- tively. Only 4 (5%) of the HIV exposed Infants and 11 (52%) of the HIV positive children were started on ART within the study period. The retention rate of the children at 3 months was 87% while the retention at both 12 and 15 months was 79%. There was an association between the mother or guardian disclosing their status and the retention of the child (p-value 0.026). Conclusion: The disclosure of the HIV status by parent/guardian to the child was associated with better retention of the children in the program. Keyword: Pediatric patients in care; Kibera community health center; HIV/AIDS.

Suboptimal nutrition is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United Kingdom (UK). Although patients cite physicians as trusted information sources on diet and weight loss, studies suggest that the management of nutrition-related disorders is hindered by insufficient medical education and training. Objectives of this study were to: (1) Quantify nutrition-related learning objectives (NLOs) in UK postgraduate medical training curriculums and assess variation across specialties; (2) assess inclusion of nutrition-related modules; (3) assess the extent to which NLOs are knowledge-, skill-, or behaviour-based, and in which Good Medical Practice (GMP) Domain(s) they fall. 43 current postgraduate curriculums, approved by the General Medical Council (GMC) and representing a spectrum of patient-facing training pathways in the UK, were included. NLOs were identified using four keywords: ‘nutrition’, ‘diet’, ‘obesity’, and ‘lifestyle’. Where a keyword was used in a titled section followed by a number of objectives, this was designated as a ‘module’. Where possible, NLOs were coded with the information to address objective 3. A median of 15 NLOs (mean 24) were identified per curriculum. Eleven specialties (25.6%) had five or less NLOs identified, including General Practice. Surgical curriculums had a higher number of NLOs compared with medical (median 30 and 8.5, respectively), as well as a higher inclusion rate of nutrition-related modules (100% of curriculums versus 34.4%, respectively). 52.9% of NLOs were knowledge-based, 34.9% skill-based, and 12.2% behaviour-based. The most common GMP Domain assigned to NLOs was Domain 1: Knowledge, Skills and Performance (53.0%), followed by Domain 2: Safety and Quality (20.6%), 3: Communication, Partnership and Teamwork (18.7%), and 4: Maintaining Trust (7.7%). This study demonstrates considerable variability in the number of nutrition-related learning objectives in UK postgraduate medical training. As insufficient nutrition education and training may underlie inadequate doctor-patient discussions, the results of this analysis suggest a need for further evaluation of nutrition-related competencies in postgraduate training.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh perlakuan alkali terhadap kekuatan impak dan model patahan komposit polyester berpenguat serat rami. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian metode eksperimen dengan variable terikat kekuatan impak, dan varibel bebas yaitu perlakuan alkali dengan konsentrasi larutan NaOH 0%,5%, 10%, dan 15%. Berdasarkan perhitungan yang telah dilakukan, didapat Fhitung sebesar 3.131,2 dimana taraf pada Ftabel signifikansi 5% sebesar 2,57. Berdasarkan uji signifikansi di atas, dapat disimpulkan bahwa H0 ditolak, dan H1 yang menyatakan bahwa terdapat perbedaan yang signifiksn dari variasi perlakuan alkali 0%, 5%, 10%, dan 15% NaOH pada serat terhadap sifat mekanik komposit berpenguat serat rami terhadap uji impak, dimana terdapat perbedaan kekuatan impak antara perlakuan alkali|t1-2| ∶t=19,38, |t1-3| ∶t=23,2, |t1-4| ∶t=28,8, |t2-3| ∶t=3,84, |t2-4| ∶t=9,43 ,|t3-4| ∶t=5,59. Secara mikroskopik pada perlakuan alkali 0%, 5%, 10%, dan 15% NaOH rata-rata mengalami patahan getas (briettle) dan mekanisme fibre pull out. Pada perlakuan alkali 0% NaOH pada serat ada bagian yang tidak terkena matrik dengan sempurna (delaminasi).Kata Kunci : kekuatan impak, model patahan, NaOH, perlakuan alkali. This research aims to determine the effect of alkali toward the impact strength and friction model of polyester fiber-reinforced fabric. This research uses experimental method with the existing variables, and the free variables are alkali treatment with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% NaOH concentration. Based on calculations that have been done, the result found that Fcount of 3.131.2 where the level on Ftable 5% significance of 2.57. Based on significance test above, it can be concluded that H0 is rejected, and H1 states that there is a significant difference of each alkali load of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% NaOH on optical fiber to optical fiber. , where there are various impact strengths between alkali treatments |t1-2| ∶t=19,38, |t1-3| ∶t=23,2, |t1-4| ∶t=28,8, |t2-3| ∶t=3,84, |t2-4| ∶t=9,43 ,|t3-4| ∶t=5,59. Microscopically, on the alkaline treatment of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% NaOH mean averages of stain loss (briettle) and fiber pull out mechanism. In the alkaline treatment of 0% NaOH in the fiber, there is a part that is not exposed to the matrix perfectly (delamination)keyword : impact strength, fracture model, NaOH, alkali treatment.

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh perlakuan uap etanol terhadap mutu dan masa simpan buah manggis pada suhu ruang. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan 3 ragam volume etanol ; 0 ml, 2 ml, dan 4 ml masing-masing diperangkap dalam 5 gram karagenan dan dimasukkan ke dalam sachet teh. Sachet kemudian ditempatkan pada alas styrofoam dimana terdapat 5 buah manggis, selanjutnya ditutup dengan plastik film regang LDPE. Buah manggis tanpa perlakuan atau kontrol disediakan sebagai pembanding. Buah selanjutnya disimpan pada suhu kamar (28±2?). Susut bobot, intensitas kerusakan, vitamin C, total padatan terlarut, warna, kekerasan dan uji organoleptik diamati selama penyimpanan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan uap etanol secara umum berpengaruh nyata dalam menurunkan tingkat kerusakan, susut bobot, memperlambat laju perubahan kekerasan, warna kulit dan aril, serta total padatan terlarut dan vitamin C dibandingkan buah kontrol. Demikian pula uap etanol mampu memberikan nilai tingkat kesukaan panelis lebih tinggi terhadap warna dan rasa aril serta penampilan secara kesuluruhan dibandingkan dengan buah kontol. Dari ragam perlakuan volume etanol, 4 mL etanol per kemasan mengkreasi uap terbaik untuk memperlambat laju kerusakan, perubahan mutu, menurunkan susut dan meningkatkan kesukaan panelis. Kata kunci: Manggis, uap etanol, kemasan atmosfer termodifikasi, mutu pascapanen The aim of this research was to determine the effect of etanol vapor on the quality and the shelf life of mangosteen at the room temperature. Three different volumes of ethanol, namely 0 ml, 2 ml and 4 ml, were trapped in the 5 gram carrageenan placed in the tea sachets. The sachet was then put on the basal of styrofoam tray on which 5 fruits were placed and then wraped by streching film LDPE. Control fruits or un-treated fruits were also provided as comparison. The result showed that the ethanol vapor treatments, in general, significantly reduced the intensity of damage, weidght loss, slowing the change rate of texture, color of fruit surface and aril, total soluble solid and vitamin C of the aril, compared to the control fruits. The ethanol vapor was also able to give better preferences of panelists on the color and flavor of the aril, as well as the overall performances of the fruits compared to the controls. The 4 mL ethanol per package created ethanol vapor of which the best vapor to reduce the rate of damage and the change of quality and increase the panelists preferences. Keyword : Mangosteen, ethanol vapor, modified atmosphere packaging, postharvest quality

Loss is an inevitable part of the human experience. How each individual reacts to loss may be affected by various factors (e.g. an individual’s attachment style). The current studies focused on how individuals respond to and cope with the loss of one type of attachment figure, specifically the loss of a romantic partner. The relationship between romantic loss and attachment theory is discussed and an integrated model of romantic relationship loss and attachment is proposed. This model accounts for various differences in how individuals respond to the loss of romantic relationships in young adulthood. Study 1 focused on the development of a revised form of the Inventory of Daily Widowed Life (IDWL; Caserta and Lund, 2007), which was labelled the Daily Activities After Relationship Loss (DAARL), to assess loss-orientation, restoration-orientation, and the oscillation between these processes following romantic relationship loss. This measure allowed for the assessment of coping in keeping with the constructs of the Dual Process Model of Bereavement (DPM; Stroebe & Schut, 1999), but allowed for these processes to be assessed in the context of romantic relationship loss as opposed to coping following the death of a loved one. Study 1 was comprised of two parts with differing samples: Part 1 included seven (four female) graduate students and undergraduate alumni in the social sciences as participants whereas Part 2 included ninety-seven (sixty-nine female) undergraduate psychology students. Participants were presented with proposed items for the new measure, as well as definitions of loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping, and then were asked to categorize these items as loss-oriented coping, restoration-oriented coping, both, or other. Items yielding the highest levels of inter-rater agreement were used for the DAARL in Study 2. Study 2 focussed on the attachment relationship between former romantic partners, and how individuals coped with the loss of an attachment figure following the termination of a romantic relationship. One hundred and fifty-nine (one hundred and eleven female) individuals who had been broken up with or deemed their most recent romantic loss as being a mutual break-up were asked to complete a questionnaire packet containing measures of attachment style, coping behaviours following the loss, depression, anxiety, and socially desirable responding. A model of differences in coping with romantic relationship loss based on an individual’s attachment style was proposed and tested based on Stroebe, Schut, and Stroebe’s (2005) DPM and findings by Waskowic (2010; See Figure 4). Based on the findings from the current studies there are differences between the four types of attachment (i.e., secure, dismissing, preoccupied, and fearful) in how each copes with the loss of a romantic attachment figure. In light of the current findings, a revised model of romantic grief, which integrates the Dual Process Model of Bereavement within an attachment theoretical framework is offered (See Figure 5). This new model accounts for observed differences in the way individuals cope with the loss of a romantic relationship and suggests that researchers focus on the attachment relationship to explain variability in an individual’s response following romantic loss. The results of Study 2 provide support for the new integrated model and encourage others to consider using attachment theory, when examining how individuals with different attachment styles (i.e., secure, dismissing, preoccupied, and fearful) will respond to a romantic loss. Study 1 and 2 in conjunction also provide early stage support for the validity of the DAARL. Study 1 provided initial content validity by having independent raters assess items as being consistent with restoration-oriented or loss-oriented coping. Study 2 provided empirical support of the items selected as being consistent with their intended constructs by analyzing internal consistency and item-total correlations. The findings of Study 2 suggested that the dimensions proposed represented related, but distinct constructs. The current studies aimed to advance our understanding of the relationship between attachment theory and romantic relationship loss by expanding upon relevant theories and empirical findings for bereavement following a death to other forms of loss. Further, the findings are reported in regards to specific attachment styles, rather than the secure versus insecure distinction that has been commonly utilized when conducting research on attachment style differences. Implications and future directions for research are discussed.

Resumen: Un recorrido por la producción de Le Corbusier evidencia la insistente presencia del cuadrado como base de las composiciones en diversos campos (urbanismo, arquitectura, pintura, mobiliario…) y en diferentes formatos (en planta, alzado y sección, o como marco, módulo y cuadrícula). La presente comunicación realiza un análisis formal (gráfico y simbólico) de sus proyectos y obras, rastreando los modos en que se utiliza el cuadrado permaneciendo en el tiempo como una constante recurrente. Para ello se recorren cuatro áreas temáticas que descienden en escala y en dimensiones: 1) capitolios, 2) museos, 3) pabellones y 4) casas, estudiando una serie de ejemplos en cada área a partir de los planos de la Fundación Le Corbusier, generando discursos que reconstruyen un hilo del tiempo en la evolución de los procesos compositivos. De este modo, se desgrana el empleo del cuadrado, en correspondencia con las áreas de estudio, como: 1º) perímetro de la plaza pública donde insertar las arquitecturas representativas, 2º) marco o caja-fuerte donde encerrar los tesoros artísticos (o sagrados), 3º) volumen cúbico abierto y desmontable y 4º) caja definida por la retícula de la estructura. El cuadrado es siempre un medio y no un fin. Persiste un intento de sugerir algunos de los orígenes en su formación clasicista, sus viajes y sus pinturas. Abstract: A tour through the production of Le Corbusier shows the insistent presence of the square as a basis of compositions in various fields (urban planning, architecture, painting, furniture...) and in different formats (in floor, elevation and profile, or as a theme, module and grid). This communication makes a formal analysis (graphic and symbolic) of its projects and works tracing the different ways to use the square that remains as a recurring constant. We can do it through four thematic areas descending in scale and dimensions: 1) capitols, 2) museums, 3) pavilions and 4) houses, studying a series of examples in each area based on the drawings of the Foundation Le Corbusier, generating speeches that reconstruct a thread of the time in the evolution of the compositional process. In correspondence with the four themes of study, we can discovery the employment of the square as different instruments. First: the square as the perimeter of the public space where to insert the representative architectures. Second: as a frame or safety deposit box where to enclose treasures artistic (or Holy). Third: as a cubic volume open and detachable. Fourth: as box defined by the grid of the structure. The square is always a means and not an end. In addition, there is an attempt to suggest some of the origins in his classic formation, his travels and his paintings. Palabras clave: Le Corbusier, composición, cuadrícula, cuadrado, cuadro, cubo. Keywords: Le Corbusier, composition, reticle, square, frame, cube. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/LC2015.2015.837

Resumen: El objetivo de este artículo es demostrar que existe una poética en el urbanismo de Le Corbusier y que el tema se mantiene y se transforma en sus modelos teóricos y sus derivaciones. Desde el punto de vista teórico-metodológico, parte-se del presupuesto de que esa poética es el resultado de la dualidad entre arte y función presente en su pensamiento, originada en su formación personal y el momento histórico en el que produce su obra. El analisis se estructura con la agrupación de su produción urbanística en cuatro fases: 1-los años 1920: el Plan Ideal; 2-1929-38: las ciudades de América del sur y los viaductos; 3-1930-50: la Ville Radieuse; 4-Después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial: la ciudad de los 7V y la Unité d’habitation. La reflexión final retoma la visión general de su produción urbanística y la vincula al concepto de utopia. Abstract: The goal of this article is to demonstrate that there is an aspect of poetics in Le Corbusier’s urbanism and that this theme is maintained and you can see it being transformed through the theoretical models and its derivations. From the methodological and theoretical point of view, we make the assumption that the poetics is the result of the duality between art and function present in his thought, which comes from the historical moment in which his work was made and from his personal background. This analysis is structured by grouping his urban planning works in for phases; the 1920s: the Ideal City; 1929-38: the cities of South America and the viaduct; 1930-50: the Ville Radieuse; after the II World War: the city of 7V and the Unité d’habitation. The final considerations bring back the general vision of his urban planning works and tie it to the concept of utopia. Palabras clave: Le Corbusier; Urbanismo; Poética; Arte; Función. Keywords: Le Corbusier; Urbanism; Poetics; Art; Función. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/LC2015.2015.1545

Introduction: Occupational noise is still a matter within the industrial practice with nefarious consequences on the worker’s health. Pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular problems, disturbances in sleep, fatigue, and, in the worst-case scenarios, hearing loss (this one with a permanent character) are some of the most common adverse effects reported in the literature. This issue covers itself in even more significant concern when analysing the mining industry context. Almost every operation works as a potential noise source, not only for the workers but also for the surrounding populations. Objective: To identify the exposure setting to occupational noise in the extractive industry and similar works (i.e. earthworks), particularly related to tasks and equipment. Methodology: The Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) was used as a guideline to help conduct the research and report of this work. The most relevant keywords were selected and later combined in the selected databases and multidisciplinary academic journals in the first phase. After, the articles were filtered with a set of exclusion criteria, to know: 1) Publication year, 2) Document type, 3) Source type, and 4) Language. The subsequent stage was to determine, within the remaining articles, the pertinence of each study and its later inclusion in the study. Each set of data was then classified according to the measurement context, and the results were analysed. Results and discussion: In the records’ identification phase, a total of 1148 papers were recovered. By applying the previously mentioned exclusion criteria, 547 were removed related to publication year, 146 due to document type, 12 related to source type and 25 because of language. Additionally, 360 records were excluded because were not in accordance with the proposed objective, 25 were duplicate articles, and 7 had no full-text available. From the last analysis, 11 more papers were excluded, which lead to a final result of 15 included studies. According to theoccupational noise measurements set, the records were divided into four categories: activity, equipment, job category, and working area. Different equipment was associated with high noise levels: crusher –between 85.6 and 104 dB, trucks and bulldozes –above 100 dB, and shovel –103 dB, whereas the only analysed activity was blasting, where studies concluded that increasing distance leads to lower noise measurement values. Conclusions: Considering this research, although it was possible to identify the tasks and equipment usually associated with occupational noise in the extractive industry, a lot of work still needs to be done, especially data analysis. However, this research serves as a starting point for future study.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF MICROWAVE SLOW WAVE COMB AND CERAMIC APPLICATORS FOR SOIL TREATMENT AT FREQUENCY 2.45 GHZ. G. Brodie and G. Torgovnikov University of Melbourne, 4 Water St, Creswick, Victoria 3363, Australia; e-mail: grigori@unimelb.edu.au Keywords: ceramic applicator, comb applicator, microwave, slow wave, soil microwave treatment In many cases in industry it is required to heat or treat surface layers of different material (soil, timber, concrete, plastics and so on) with microwaves (MW). Traditional MW irradiators (antennas) cannot provide heating only in the surface areas and energy penetrates deep into the material, where it decays exponentially due to normal attenuation. Therefore, energy losses, if a heating depth of 20 - 40 mm (for example to heat soil for killing weed seeds) is all that is required, are very significant. Therefore, it is required to develop special MW applicators for surface treatment to increase process efficiency. To address this problem, a slow wave (which is sometimes called a "surface wave" applicator) comb and ceramic structures, was studied. The main property of slow waves is that the energy concentration is very near impedance electrode – comb or ceramic plate surface. Previously, slow wave structures were used mostly as delay lines and as interaction circuits in MW vacuum devices, and their properties were explored only for these specific applications. The work objectives of this study were: design slow wave, ceramic and comb structure applicators for soil treatment at frequency 2.45 GHz;experimentally study the energy distribution from slow wave applicators in the soil;study of opportunities to use slow wave structures for surface soil layer heating; andrecommendations for practical use of new slow wave applicators. Comb and ceramic slab applicators for frequency 2.45 GHz operation were designed for the soil treatment on the bases of theoretical studies and computer modelling. The comb applicator was made from aluminium and the ceramic slab applicator was made from alumina (DC=9.8, loss tangent=0.0002). A 30 kW (2.45 GHz) microwave generator was used for experiments. Containers with soil were placed on the applicator surface. An auto tuner was used in MW system to provided good impedance matching of the generator and applicators (with soil on top). This resulted in practically no power reflection. The soil “Potting Mix Hortico”, with moisture content range 32-174% and density range 590-1070 kg/m3, was used for the experiments. Energy distribution in the soil was determined by temperature measuring in the soil using thermocouples, after MW heating. Distribution of temperature measuring points covered the whole volume of the soil along and across the applicator. Results of the experiments showed that the comb applicator provides maximum energy release in soil in the central vertical plane. The ceramic alumina applicator forms two temperature maximums in two vertical planes at a distance of about 40 mm from the central applicator plane and a minimum in the applicator central plane. The ceramic applicator provides better uniformity of energy distribution across the width of the applicator due to the two temperature maximums. It reduces overheating of the soil surface and energy losses. The depth of energy penetration provided by ceramic applicator is lower compared with the comb applicator. It means that the ceramic applicator provides better energy localization and more energy absorption in the soil surface layers compared with the comb applicator. To provide better uniformity of energy distribution across the ceramic applicator it is recommended to use ceramics with higher dielectric constants, such as in the range of 15-25, which will allow more energy to be released closer to the applicator surface. It will increase efficiency of MW energy use. The ceramic applicator is more effective for MW treatment of the soil surface areas and is recommended for practical use in machines for thermal treatment and sterilization of surface layers of the soil and other materials.