186,253 research outputs found
Rheology of sheared monodisperse granular suspensions
No full textSheared granular suspensions can either flow or be jammed. They show as well a 'melting' transition: partially ordered flowing states are found which can be melted into fully disordered arrangements of grains by sufficient shear. While these are well documented phenomena, the underlying mechanisms and their control parameters are still far from clear. Via Molecular Dynamics simulations, we study the rheology of a model system of sheared frictional monodisperse granular materials [7,8]. In particular, we aim to understand the nature of a critical line separating crystallised and melted states and the "jammed" region in the phase diagram. We outline as well connections and differences with thermal glass formers and colloidal suspensions
Matricide and psychiatric evaluation: An update
No full textMatricide is an infrequent crime that has often raised to the suspicion that the offender could suffer from a pathological mental status. Although it is hard to establish a relationship between mental disorders and specific forms of homicide, several studies suggest that matricide offender frequently suffers from schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Aim of the study was to review the literature in order to explore epidemiologic and psychiatric characteristics of matricide offenders with a focus on the cause of death and crime circumstances. According to the PRISMA statement, 16 out of 225 studies were included. Main findings were the following: 80 victims were reported in total, killed by 81 offenders. In one case two brothers were responsible for the matricide. 81.5% of the offenders were young males. The most represented psychiatric pattern of the offenders was schizophrenia and psychotic disorders (43.2%). 6.2% of victims had also psychiatric disorders. Sharp force injuries were the first cause of death (55%), followed by blunt trauma (15%) and asphyxia (15%). In 12% of cases overkilling was also reported. 13.6% of offenders were considered not guilty for reason of insanity while 25.9% of the offenders had diminished criminal responsibility. A case study of a young homicide offender suffering from personality disorder is reported. In this case the victim also suffered from psychiatric disorders and an overkilling occurred as she was stabbed multiple times post-mortem. In a second case of matricide, the victim was dismembered and the human remains were concealed in several plastic bag
Neonatal chemical burns and child neglect
No full textDifferential diagnosis of agents of chemical burns can be challenging in neonates, especially in absence of a clear history of the event. A wide variety of chemical agents, from acids to basics, can be involved. Massive chemical burns over 21% of the body surface of a four-day-old male neonate were observed. At the physical examination, lower chest, abdomen, genital area and upper limbs showed full-thickness contact burns with a clear demarcation line of the skin breakdown related to necrosis of the subcutaneous layer. Head and fingers exhibited small hard brownish eschars. No clear history was referred by the parents, raising the suspect of a child neglect. Due to the critical conditions, it was not possible to identify the chemical agents causing the burns. The prompt excision and synthetic skin grafting was successfull and the baby survived. Considering all the different chemical agents found in the domestic environment, a combination of acid-basic agents may have been involved. Both parents were sentenced to nine years imprisonment for child neglect and wounding with intent
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