Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is one of the most widely used solid lubricants applied in different ways on the surfaces under friction. In this work, AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel was coated with MoS2, using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at four different temperatures (400, 500, 600 and 700°C). Coatings properties were investigated using SEM, EDX, XRD and FTIR, Hardness Tester and Roughness tester. The results showed that with simultaneous evaporation of sulfur and molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) in the CVD chamber, a uniform coating layer containing MoS2 and MoO2 phases was formed. Increase in the substrate temperature resulted in the rise in the amount of MoS2 to MoO2 phases. The thickness, grain size and the hardness of the coating were 17-29 μm, 50-120 nm and 260-480 HV respectively. Friction tests carried out using pin-on-plate method under normal loads of 10 N under ambient conditions showed values of the friction coefficient 0.25-0.40.

Postoperative adhesion (POA) is a common and well-known complication with an estimated risk of 50-100%. The antioxidant effect of n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) can increase intracellular glutathione levels, thereby reducing adhesion. This study was conducted to compare the outcomes of NAC nanoparticles (Nano-NAC) on intra-abdominal adhesion (IAA) after laparotomy in rat. A total of 25 male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: 50 mg/kg Nano-NAC, 75 mg/kg Nano-NAC, 150 mg/kg Nano-NAC, NAC and control. During the surgical procedure, some sections (2×2cm) were collected through abdominal midline incision to ensure the infliction of peritoneal damage by a standard adhesion. Macroscopic evaluation was performed on the 14th and 28th day and blood samples were collected to evaluate the inflammatory factor (C-reactive protein) on days 0, 14 and 28. According to the serologic results (CRP test), C-reactive protein was at highest level in 150 mg/kg Nano-NAC and control groups and at lowest level in 50 mg/kg Nano-NAC and 75 mg/kg Nano-NAC groups (p<0.001). The macroscopic evaluation results showed that frequency of adhesion bands was significantly lower in 50 mg/kg Nano-NAC group than the control at the intervals. Results showed that the intraperitoneal administration of lower Nano-NAC dosages (50 and 75 mg/kg) had a major role in the management of postoperative inflammation. Nano-NAC administration was proved feasible, safe and effective in reduction of the C-reactive protein level.

The present study aimed to determine the role of job components and individual parameters on the raised blood pressure among male workers of textile industry who were exposed to continuous high noise level. Information of all eligible subjects including demographic and individual characteristics, medical history and job characteristics were obtained by direct interview and referring to the medical records. All blood pressure measurements were done using mercury sphygmomanometer in the morning before work. The 8-hours equivalent A-weighted sound pressure level, the level of blood cholesterol and triglyceride, and noise annoyance was determined for each worker. As the result of weighted regression in path analysis (direct effect), only the work shift did not have a significant effect on blood pressure among the studied variables. It can be seen that variables including the level of triglyceride, cholesterol, and noise exposure have the most direct effects on blood pressure. The results of total effects showed that variables, including using the hearing protection device, age, work experience and visibility of sound source, did not have a significant effect on blood pressure. The results of this study indicate that occupational noise exposure alone and combined with other job components and individual parameters is associated with raised blood pressure. However, noise exposure was probably a stronger stressor for increased blood pressure.

The Franssen illusion, or Franssen effect (FE), is one of the auditory spatial illusions. Few studies have explored the FE, and the mechanisms underlying it remain unknown. The present study was conducted to clarify the FE occurrence with different tasks and presentation modes in young adults. It also sought to investigate possible neurophysiological similarities between interaural time difference (ITD) cue processing and FE perception. FE perception was evaluated using two different tasks and two presentation modes (i.e., insert phones and loudspeakers). Sound reflections (reverberation) were presented in the diffuse field (loudspeaker mode). ITD performance was investigated using different stimuli delivered via insert phones. No significant difference between the two FE perception tasks was found ( F _1,25 = 0.138, p = 0.713). However, the FE perception showed a significant difference between the two presentation modes (F _1,25 = 434.03, p < 0.001). Spearman’s correlation did not reveal a significant relationship between FE perception and ITD scores ( p > 0.05).
The current findings show the importance of reverberation in the FE occurrence. Also, the non-significant correlation between the results of the behavioral binaural temporal resolution test and FE perception in young people with normal temporal resolution may indicate that room reflections (reverberation) complicate the ability to process ITDs (rather than poor ITD processing for the “steady state” portion of signal).