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The fiber orientation is considered one of the important parameters that have an effect on the characteristics of composites. This paper aims to investigate the effect of fiber orientation on the abrasive wear of the glass-epoxy (G-E) composites with different silicon carbide (SiC) filler weights (Wt.%).

The wear rate of glass fiber reinforced with angle-ply 0º, ±45º and 90º is discussed. The G-E composites with different weights of SiC filler at angle ±45º are considered. Hand lay-up technique was adopted for specimen preparation. The influence of effective parameters such as filler Wt. %, normal load, abrasive size and abrading distance on the wear rate was presented and discussed.

Experimental tests including pin on disk, micro-hardness and scanning electron microscope were carried out to investigate the composite characteristics.

The experimental results showed that the resistance wear was superior in case of ±45º fiber orientations. A validation of the experimental results using Taguchi approach to verify the optimal wear rate parameters was presented.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes, knowledge and beliefs regarding female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) of six groups of immigrant men from countries where FGM/C is practiced and to identify their role in the decision-making process of circumcising their daughters.

The study took the form of qualitative action research with seven focus groups of 50 men coming from Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Benin, Egypt and Nigeria, living in Florence, Italy.

Different conceptions, cultures and attitudes about FGM/C exist among men coming from different countries, but also within the same community. The participants expressed positions both in favor and against the maintenance of the practice. There were opposite beliefs about the religious motivations invoked.

The study is qualitative and the non-probability sample and the small number of participants are important limitations.

The study improves current knowledge on men’s role and attitude in FGM/C and gives important information for the prevention of future activities that could include both men and women of the community.

The need to involve men in preventive actions against FGM/C has been underlined by the World Health Organization. The involvement of men and leaders of the communities could facilitate cultural changes toward the abandoning of these practices. FGM/C is often considered as a phenomenon concerning only women, who are frequently left alone to face the decision of whether to abandon the ritual.

The great advantage of conducting such a study in a country of migration is the presence of different communities, with different cultural views, in the same area.