The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of needlestick injury (NSI) among interns and medical students as well as their knowledge of, attitude towards and their protective strategies against exposure to bloodborne pathogens. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 272 participants using a selfadministered questionnaire. Just over 40% of the participants had experienced at least 1 NSI. Wound suturing was the most common cause of injury (33.5%), and the highest incidence (55.5%) was in the emergency room. Failure to report the injury to health representatives was recorded for 48.6% of NSIs. Only 46.7% of the interns had received the hepatitis B vaccine whereas most of the students (76.8%) had completed their vaccination schedule (P < 0.001). Participants were found to be at a high risk of NSIs and bloodborne infections. RÉSUMÉ L'objectif de la présente étude était de déterminer la prévalence des blessures par piqûre d'aiguille chez les internes et les étudiants en médecine ainsi que les connaissances, les attitudes et les stratégies de protection contre l'exposition à des agents pathogènes à transmission hématogène. Une étude transversale a été menée auprès de 272 participants au moyen d'un auto-questionnaire. Un peu plus de 40 % des participants avaient été blessés au moins une fois par piqûre d'aiguille. La cause la plus fréquente de ces blessures (33,5 %) était la suture des plaies, alors que l'incidence la plus forte était observée dans les services des urgences (55,5 %). Dans 48,6 % des cas, la blessure n'avait pas été notifiée aux responsables sanitaires. Seuls 46,7 % des internes avaient reçu le vaccin contre l'hépatite B, mais la plupart des étudiants (76,8 %) étaient à jour dans leurs vaccinations (P < 0,001

Magnetic refrigeration is a fascinating superior choice technology as compared with traditional refrigeration that relies on a unique property of particular materials, known as the magnetocaloric effect (MCE). This paper provides a thorough understanding of different magnetic refrigeration technologies using a variety of models to evaluate the coefficient of performance (COP) and specific cooling capacity outputs. Accordingly, magnetic refrigeration models are divided into four categories: rotating, reciprocating, C-shaped magnetic refrigeration, and active magnetic regenerator. The working principles of these models were described, and their outputs were extracted and compared. Furthermore, the influence of the magnetocaloric effect, the magnetization area, and the thermodynamic processes and cycles on the efficiency of magnetic refrigeration was investigated and discussed to achieve a maximum cooling capacity. The classes of magnetocaloric magnetic materials were summarized from previous studies and their potential magnetic characteristics are emphasized. The essential characteristics of magnetic refrigeration systems are highlighted to determine the significant advantages, difficulties, drawbacks, and feasibility analyses of these systems. Moreover, a cost analysis was provided in order to judge the feasibility of these systems for commercial use.

No abstract

Vegetative bioremediation of saline calcareous soil (EC 1:1 11.01 dS m 71 ) was practised through growing fodder beet (Beta Beta vulgaris var. magnum) and millet (Panicum spp.) in soil columns. Beet was grown at a planting density of 4427 plants m 72 , whereas millet was grown at two planting densities: 5202 (M1) and 8928 (M2) plants m 72 . Some plants were irrigated with 233 m S cm 71 water throughout the experiment (70 days), while for others non-saline water was replaced with saline water (2.52 dS m 71 ) at the middle of the experiment. The control was leaching of uncropped soil. Beet had higher ash content and efficiently extracted higher amount of salts (particularly Na and Cl) along with their aboveground biomass than millet under the two irrigation regimes. Millet grown at high planting density had higher ash content and extracted higher amount of salts (particularly Cl) than those at low planting density. Bioremediation, particularly in the case of millet (M1), considerably enhanced soil hydraulic conductivity as compared with leaching treatment; thus, facilitating the removal of some soluble salts beyond the root zone. Accordingly, soil electrical conductivity was considerably decreased by 54-69% compared with the untreated soil. It is concluded that mainly fodder beet is a potential candidate for efficient bioremediation of saline calcareous soils.

Objective: In this paper, a proposed technique of motion transmission is introduced, which is based on the crank-rocker principle of motion. The energy transmission action is performed through magnetic force, in which no direct connection is made between the energy source input and the energy load output. Also, to illustrate the concept of motion and to approve the continuity of energy transmission using this proposed technique, a simple model of this mechanism has been built and run, showing the basic sequence of operation. Methodology/analysis: In this mechanical transmission mechanism, one side is rotating and the other side is vibrating, in which any side is energy input (which is usually the vibrating rocker), and the other side is energy output (which is the rotating crank). That seems similar to the classical crank-rocker machine in the four-bar mechanism, but without direct mechanical contact between the input and output energy stream. The concept of motion and mathematical analysis with structuring conditions is provided in this paper, where the dynamic analysis of the system is left for future work. A pilot physical prototype is manufactured and experimentally tested, validating the proposed design. Findings: The structural parameters of this proposed contactless crank-rocker machine have been modelled and simulated using the MATLAB program. It shows that these parameters could be selected and optimized to guarantee the minimum conditions for continued energy transmission. Based on these parameters, a simple model has been built and operated, which illustrates the concept of motion and validates the finding of MATLAB simulation. Novelty/improvement:Contactless crank-rocker motion is a very promising technique. It is possible to apply it in many applications, like the energy harvesting area, and it could be employed certainly in specific designs, such as MEMS, where no other motion transmission types can be used. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2022-06-02-07 Full Text: PDF