Infectious Disease Risk and Vaccination in Northern Syria after 5 Years of Civil War: The MSF Experience.

Science.gov (United States)

de Lima Pereira, Alan; Southgate, Rosamund; Ahmed, Hikmet; O'Connor, Penelope; Cramond, Vanessa; Lenglet, Annick

2018-02-02

In 2015, following an influx of population into Kobanê in northern Syria, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in collaboration with the Kobanê Health Administration (KHA) initiated primary healthcare activities. A vaccination coverage survey and vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) risk analysis were undertaken to clarify the VPD risk and vaccination needs. This was followed by a measles Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA). We describe the methods and results used for this prioritisation activity around vaccination in Kobanê in 2015. We implemented a pre-SIA survey in 135 randomly-selected households in Kobanê using a vaccination history questionnaire for all children Syria. The VPD Risk Analysis prioritised measles, Haemophilus Influenza type B (Hib) and Pneumococcus vaccinations. In the measles SIA, 3410 children aged 6-59 months were vaccinated. The use of multiple small vaccination sites to reduce risks associated with crowds in this active conflict setting was noted as a lesson learnt. The post-SIA survey estimated 82% (95%CI: 76.9-85.9%; n=229/280) measles vaccination coverage in children 6-59 months. As a result of the conflict in Syria, the progressive collapse of the health care system in Kobanê has resulted in low vaccine coverage rates, particularly in younger age groups. The repeated displacements of the population, attacks on health institutions and exodus of healthcare workers, challenge the resumption of routine immunization in this conflict setting and limit the use of SIAs to ensure sustainable immunity to VPDs. We have shown that the risk for several VPDs in Kobanê remains high. We call on all health actors and the international community to work towards re-establishment of routine immunisation activities as a priority to ensure that children who have had no access to vaccination in the last five years are adequately protected for VPDs as soon as possible.

Infectious Disease Risk and Vaccination in Northern Syria after 5 Years of Civil War: The MSF Experience

Science.gov (United States)

de Lima Pereira, Alan; Southgate, Rosamund; Ahmed, Hikmet; O’Connor, Penelope; Cramond, Vanessa; Lenglet, Annick

2018-01-01

Introduction: In 2015, following an influx of population into Kobanê in northern Syria, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in collaboration with the Kobanê Health Administration (KHA) initiated primary healthcare activities. A vaccination coverage survey and vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) risk analysis were undertaken to clarify the VPD risk and vaccination needs. This was followed by a measles Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA). We describe the methods and results used for this prioritisation activity around vaccination in Kobanê in 2015. Methods: We implemented a pre-SIA survey in 135 randomly-selected households in Kobanê using a vaccination history questionnaire for all children Syria. The VPD Risk Analysis prioritised measles, Haemophilus Influenza type B (Hib) and Pneumococcus vaccinations. In the measles SIA, 3410 children aged 6-59 months were vaccinated. The use of multiple small vaccination sites to reduce risks associated with crowds in this active conflict setting was noted as a lesson learnt. The post-SIA survey estimated 82% (95%CI: 76.9-85.9%; n=229/280) measles vaccination coverage in children 6-59 months. Discussion: As a result of the conflict in Syria, the progressive collapse of the health care system in Kobanê has resulted in low vaccine coverage rates, particularly in younger age groups. The repeated displacements of the population, attacks on health institutions and exodus of healthcare workers, challenge the resumption of routine immunization in this conflict setting and limit the use of SIAs to ensure sustainable immunity to VPDs. We have shown that the risk for several VPDs in Kobanê remains high. Conclusion: We call on all health actors and the international community to work towards re-establishment of routine immunisation activities as a priority to ensure that children who have had no access to vaccination in the last five years are adequately protected for VPDs as soon as possible. PMID:29511602

Byen prisme

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Breitenbauch, Henrik Ø.; Winther, Mark; Jakobsen, Mikkel Broen

Aleppo, Mosul, Kobane, Palmyra, Fallujah, Raqqa og Ramadi. Listen over byer, hvor der kæmpes eller er blevet kæmpet i Irak og Syrien, er lang. Kampen mod ISIL og den syriske borgerkrig er væsentlige eksempler på, at krigen og byerne i stigende grad er sammenhængende temaer. Verdens befolkningstal...

Corrosion resistance and protection mechanism of hot-dip Zn-Al-Mg alloy coated steel sheet under accelerated corrosion environment; Yoyu Zn-Al-Mg kei gokin mekki koban no sokushin fushoku kankyoka ni okeru taishokusei toi boshoku kiko

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Komatsu, A.; Izutani, H.; Tsujimura, T.; Ando, A.; Kittaka, T. [NKK Corp., Tokyo (Japan)

2000-08-01

Corrosion behavior of hot-dip Zn-6%Al 0-3%Mg alloy coated steel sheets in cyclic corrosion test (CCT) has been investigated. The corrosion resistance was improved with increasing Mg content in the coating layer, and the highest corrosion resistance was observed at 3% Mg. In Zn-6%Al-3%Mg alloy coated steel sheet, the formations of zinc carbonate hydroxide and zinc oxide were suppressed for longer duration compared with Zn-0.2%Al and Zn-4.5%Al-0.l%Mg alloy coated steel sheets. As a result, zinc chloride hydroxide existed stable on the surface of the coating layer. From the polarization behaviors in 5% NaCl aqueous solution after CCT, it was found that the corrosion current density of Zn-6%At-3%Mg alloy coated steel sheet was much smaller than those of Zn-0.2%Al and Zn-4.5%Al-0.1%Mg alloy coated steel sheets. As zinc carbonate hydroxide and zinc oxide had poor adhesion to the coating layer and had porous structures, these corrosion products were considered to have little protective action for the coating layer. Therefore, it was concluded that Mg suppressed the formation of such nonprotective corrosion products. resulting in the remarkable improvement of corrosion resistance. (author)

Impact of war on child health in northern Syria: the experience of Médecins Sans Frontières.

Science.gov (United States)

Meiqari, Lana; Hoetjes, Maartje; Baxter, Louisa; Lenglet, Annick

2018-03-01

Few data are available to evaluate the impact of Syrian war on civilian population; to describe this impact on child health, this article uses data from Médecins Sans Frontières-Operational Centre Amsterdam's activities in Tal-Abyad and Kobane cities, northern Syria (2013-2016). Data were obtained from routine medical datasets and narrative reports, for out-patient clinics, immunisation, nutritional monitoring and assessments, and in-patient care, and were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Infections were the largest contributor to morbidity. The proportion of war on the health of children; • Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF-OCA) has worked in northern Syria during different times since 2013. What is New • Quantitative and qualitative analysis of MSF's routine medical data and situtation reports show that one fifth of all consultations in children war, e.g. thalassemia.

Fundamental stadies of corrosoin. Part 2; Fushoku no kiso. 2

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tsujino, B. [Univ. of Osaka Prefecture, Osaka (Japan). College of Integrated Arts and Sciences

1995-10-31

Short-circuited metals have a considerable effect on the electrochemical reaction in the contact corrosion of different metals. The origin of different metal contact corrosion, effect of area ratio, effect of cathode metal, effects of the concentration and pH of dissolved ions, and corrosion prevention methods are discussed. Atmospheric corrosion varies widely in accordance with the type of environment. Major atmospheric corrosion are classified into those in coastal region, industrial zone, rural area, city area, the tropics, and the frozen zones. Moisture in the air has a big influence on the atmospheric corrosion. Vernon has found the presence of a certain critical humidity at which corrosion rate increases rapidly in the atmospheric corrosion. Long term atmospheric corrosion as well as addition of alloy elements and coating as corrosion protecting methods are discussed. Corrosion by sea water is classified into corrosion by oceanic atmosphere, splash area, tidal zone, and mud layer. Corrosion of metals in soil is influenced by many factors such as moisture resistivity, moisture, air permeability, pH, and property of soil. Pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion are outlined. 61 refs., 32 figs., 12 tabs.

Corrosion control of electronic materials; Denshi zairyo no fushoku seigyo gijutsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ishikawa, Y. [Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo (Japan). Mechanical Engineering Research Lab.

1995-11-20

Electronic materials are used in wide varieties of materials starting from hightech products like large computers, information network facilities and so forth, to vehicles, home electrical appliances, OA facilities, video game. Again, even though the part itself may be comparatively simple, high reliability is required when used in high degree system. Further, their uses irrespective to indoor or outdoor environments, are spread to wide range starting from the severe corrosive environments like coastal industrial area, drainage treatment place and so forth to low corrosive environments like general housing, offices and so forth. However, the classification of materials according to the environments where they are used is not so much carried out because preference is given to the function as an electronic part different to the large mechanical construction materials. In this report, regarding the corrosion control technology of electronic materials specially approach is made from material side, and among the various types of electronic materials, aluminium cable for LSI and magnetic materials are outlined. 37 refs., 10 figs., 2 tabs.

Modeling of atmospheric corrosion environments and its application to constant dew-point corrosion test; Yagai taiki fushoku kankyo no modeling to sore ni motozuku teirotengata saikuru fushoku shikenho no kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Muto, I. [Nippon Steel Corp., Tokyo (Japan)] Sugimoto, K. [Tohoku Univ., Sendai (Japan)

1998-08-15

Recently, stainless steel is increasing its demand for corrosion resistant building materials. Then, as it is necessary to develop and accelerating testing method capable of accurately estimating weatherability at sea side area, such testing method has no been developed yet because of difficulty to quantify corrosive environment relating to atmospheric corrosion phenomenon. As air temperature and relative humidity in outdoor change in complex, specific temperature and relative humidity cannot be used for their representative values. And, construction of corrosive factors such as sea salt particles, and so on are also much different at each area. However, at coastal area, a dew water dissolving the sea salt particles, so called droplets of chlorides aqueous solution is formed onto material surface. Then, in this study, on a base of drying and humidity absorption behavior and daily change behavior of temperature and humidity in outdoor, modeling of atmospheric corrosion environment was tried. An accelerating testing method according to this modeling was developed, long-term weathering test was compared with the corrosion behavior of the same steel, and validity of a new accelerating testing method was evaluated. 22 refs., 12 figs., 2 tabs.

Development of high strength steel sheets for crashworthiness; Shototsu anzen`yo kokyodo usu koban no kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fukui, K; Yamamoto, M; Mizui, N; Hirose, Y; Kojima, K [Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. Osaka (Japan)

1997-10-01

For frontal or rear members of automotive body, the most suitable high strength steel was investigated. Dynamic tensile test at strain-rate of 2000/s and crash test of hat-shape column at 4m/s were conducted for steel sheets with tensile strength ranging from 290 to 980 MPa. Dynamic tensile strength increases with increasing static one but the ratio of dynamic tensile strength to static one decreases. Tensile strength remarkably affects crash energy absorption of column and TRIP steel is superior to other steels with same tensile strength. 7 refs., 16 figs., 1 tab.

Buckling model of longitudinal reinforcing bars under reverse cyclic load; Koban kurikaeshi kajuka ni okeru chukin no zakutsu model

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Murayama, Y.; Suda, K.; Ichinomiya, T.; Shinbo, H. [Kajima Corp., Tokyo (Japan)

1994-10-31

For RC (reinforced concrete) columns such as towers of long-span cable-stayed bridges or high-rise piers, there is desired development of an analytical method including a method of arranging reinforcing bars for increasing their ductility against strong earthquake motion. For this, it is necessary to investigate their characteristics after their being rendered to maximum load and their final states, and hence there must be newly investigated the properties of a plastic hinge formed on the bottom of the column, particularly determination of the buckling point of reinforcing bars and a hysteresis model after the buckling. In this study, there is developed a direct method of measuring the stress of reinforcing bars embedded in a model specimen which is conventionally difficult to be measured, and there is investigated the stress-strain hysteresis of the bars before and after the buckling thereof. The principle of the method of measuring the stress is such that only a local minimum portion of objective reinforcing bars is rendered to rf quenching, and a distortion gauge is sticked to the center of the quenching. This is based upon a fact that that portion keeps a linear relationship between the stress and the strain even if a host material is yielded. On the basis of an experimental result, a mechanism of buckling of these bars is clarified and a buckling model of the reinforcing bars at the plastic hinge. 6 refs., 15 figs., 2 tabs.

Development of an antimicrobial concrete to inhibiting corrosion; Konkurito wo fushoku kara gado suru kokin konkurito no kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kurihara, Y.

1999-11-10

It has been clarified that the corrosion of concrete in sewage facilities is caused by the action of specific microorganism. The corrosion of concrete is caused by the complicate interaction of chemical substances and microorganisms existing in sewage water. As microorganisms related to this phenomenon, lead sulfate reductase and sulfur oxidase are well known. This paper introduces antimicrobials for concrete using zeolite as a main component and a concrete containing these antimicrobials, which were developed for killing or suppressing the generation of these microorganisms causing the corrosion of concrete. The sales results during 2 years since the start of the sales in May 1997 was 16 tons for antimicrobials including zeolite-supported silver - copper catalyst, and 8,138 tons for antimicrobial concrete. Sixty-eight companies have organized , which will promote the popularization and technical guidance of antimicrobial concrete. (NEDO)

Required grades of hull steel plates in consideration of fracture toughness; Hakai jinsei wo koryoshita sentaiyo koban shiyo kubun ni kansuru ichikosatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yajima, H; Yamamoto, M; Ogaki, Y [Hiroshima University, Hiroshima (Japan). Faculty of Engineering

1997-10-01

This paper discusses the required grades of hull steel plates based on the steel ship rule of Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK). The minimum value of the allowable crack length in NK rule (critical safety crack length at 0degC just before brittle unstable crack causing fatal fracture) was estimated. In the case where the estimated crack tip exists in a matrix, the crack length was a minimum of 200-210mm, while nearly 60mm in a fusion line at high-heat-input welded joint. The allowable crack lengths estimated from a specified value in the NK rule were fairly different. The allowable crack length at 0degC was also estimated from the minimum value in V-notch Charpy impact test. The private proposal on the required grades of hull steel plates in consideration of fracture toughness was discussed. Thirty-five percent of crack lengths found in real ships is 100mm or less, however, cracks of 250-400mm long are frequently found suggesting the allowable crack length of 400mm. The required grade integrally considering required values and design conditions is demanded to secure the reliability of hull strength. 5 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.

Development of TS590MPa grade high tensile strength steel for automotive anti-collision parts; Shogeki kyushuyo 590MPa kyu kochoryoku koban no kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Miura, K; Takagi, S; Furukimi, O; Hira, T; Obara, T [Kawasaki Steel Corp., Tokyo (Japan); Tanimura, S [University of Osaka Prefecture, Osaka (Japan)

1997-10-01

The effects of strain rate on the deformation behavior of steels were investigated to find the most appropriate micro-structure of steel for anti-crash parts of automobiles, such as front-side-members. The dual phase steel absorbed a higher amount of energy during dynamic deformation than other steels with the same static yield strength. The increase of volume fraction of the austenite phase in the dual phase steel deteriorates the dynamic deformation behavior. The FEM analysis for crash test of HAT-sectional sheet box also showed the superior performance of the dual phase steel. 4 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab.

Development and application of corrosion and protection database using intranet; Intoranetto wo riyo shita zairyo fushoku detabesu no kochiku to katsuyo

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Futatsugi, Takashi.; Baba, Fumio.; Suzuki, Tsuguo. [Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Tokyo (Japan). Technology and Engineering Laboratories

1999-05-15

A new corrosion and protection database system, which stores a large amount of documents and informations about corrosion and protection, such as case histories, materials data, fabrication methods and repairing methods, has been developed. Users of the database system can be accessed using WWW browser via Intranet. This database can be operated by easy handling with only click and drug. The database system is expected to offer a wide knowledge for corrosion related engineers and to decrease corrosion troubles. (author)

Corrosion characteristics of thermal sprayed coating of stainless alloys in chloride solution; Taishoku gokin yosha himaku no enkabutsu yoekichu ni okeru fushoku tokusei

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Suzuki, T. [Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Tokyo (Japan); Ishikawa, K. [Tokyo Metallikon Co. Ltd., Tokyo (Japan); Kitamura, Y. [Kitamura Technical Consultant Office, Kanagawa (Japan)

1994-12-15

With an objective to develop a thermal sprayed coating of environment interruption type that can be sprayed at sites, electrochemical discussions, SEM observation, and EPMA surface analysis were performed on corrosion characteristics in chloride solution of coatings of SUS 304, 316 and Hastelloy C thermally sprayed onto test pieces made of structural steel SS400, as well as the effect of improvement in corrosion resistance by means of a coating reforming treatment. The following conclusions were obtained: the degradation in corrosion resistance of the coatings is attributable to increase in anodic solubility due to appearance of innumerable crevices as a result of deposited particles forming porous structure and due to drop of Cr content in the matrix caused by generation of oxides on the surface of the crevices, by which the corrosion progresses in the form of crevice corrosion; and denseness of the passive coating is lost on the surface of the deposited particles, accelerating the cathodic reaction. A suitable means that could be used practically in chloride solution would be a method to use a material with less crevice susceptibility such as Hastelloy C as a base material, and seal the crevice structure with epoxy resin, etc. 7 refs., 10 figs., 3 tabs.

Temperature effect on corrosion fatigue strength of coated ship structural steel; Zosen`yoko tosozai no fushoku hiro kyodo ni okeru ondo no eikyo

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takanashi, M.; Fuji, A.; Kojima, M.; Kitagawa, M. [Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., Tokyo (Japan); Kobayashi, Y. [Ship Research Inst., Tokyo (Japan); Kumakura, Y.

1997-08-01

The corrosion fatigue life was obtained using uncoated and tar epoxy resin specimens to clarify the temperature effect. The life curve for corrosion fatigue of machined and uncoated steel in the air and sea was obtained. The fatigue strength of uncoated steel largely decreases in the sea and breaks even in the nominal stress range of less than 1/2 of the fatigue limit in the air. The effect of temperature on the coated steel is represented by a corrosion coefficient. The steel coated at 25{degree}C is 1/1.03 to 1/1.13 at 40 to 60{degree}C. This showed that the fatigue strength decreases when the temperature exceeds 25{degree}C. However, it has not such tendency and significance that are represented quantitatively. There is a slight difference in the short-life area between the crack generation life and breaking life. However, the long-life area has no significance that influences the whole evaluation. In the long-life corrosion fatigue, the crack occurs from the corrosion pit due to the exposure below the coated film and progresses in the base material before the coated film is destroyed. The effect of the corrosion pit remarkably appears at a low-stress level. 14 refs., 14 figs., 4 tabs.

Development of sulfuric acid dew point corrosion resistant stainless steel for smokestacks and its ducts. Entotsu endoyo tairyusan roten fushoku stainless ko no kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sato, E.; Matsuhashi, R.; Koseki, T. (Nippon Steel Corp., Tokyo (Japan)); Ebara, R.; Nakamoto, H. (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Tokyo (Japan))

1993-05-20

A new corrosion resistant steel was developed as a metal system lining material to prevent sulfuric acid dew point corrosion in smokestacks and ducts. SO3 in stack gas turns to sulfuric acid as a result of reacting with coexistent moisture in non-steady conditions during boiler actuation and shutdown when smokestack walls have low temperatures. When sulfuric acid thus generated contacts with metallic materials at temperatures lower than the sulfuric acid dew point temperature, sulfuric acid dew point corrosion occurs. During boiler steady operation, localized corrosion develops at clearance between salt deposits and the metallic materials. In order to improve the corrosion resistance, Mo, Cu and N were added in a reasonable range of amount. Entire surface corrosion resistance and local corrosion resistance were experimented in aqueous solutions simulating the smokestack environments to derive relational formulas with steel compositions. The new corrosion resistant steel met the the entire surface and local corrosion resistance requirements and was found economical. Low torsional velocity tensile and U-bend tests proved the steel satisfying the stress corrosion resistance requirement. Semi-automatic CO2 welding and shielded are welding provided good workability with no cracking, and impact strength and corrosion resistance in joints equivalent to those in the base material. 3 refs., 4 figs., 4 tabs.

Estimation of durability of GFRP laminates under stress-corrosive environments using acoustic emission; AE wo mochiita ouryoku fushoku kankyoka deno GFRP no taikyusei hyoka

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fujii, Yoshimichi. [Seikow Chemical Engineering and Machinery, Ltd., Hyogo (Japan). Laboratory of Composite Materials; Nishiyabu, Kazuaki. [Osaka Prefectural College of Tehcnology, Osaka (Japan)

1999-05-15

The objective of this investigation is to estimate the creep life of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) under stress-corrosive environments using acoustic emission(AE). The laminates were fabricated using combinations of vinylester resin (R806) and random fiber mat or woven cloth. The creep tests were conducted in 5% nitric acid (HNO{sub 3}) environment. The AE depends on the loading level and the environment condition. For the creep test, the woven cloth reinforced specimens gave higher number of AE counts than the random mat reinforced specimens. The creep life decreased with increasing creep stress, whereas the rate of AE counts increased with increasing creep stress. A linear relationship was found between the creep life and the AE count rate. Using the proposed equation, a prediction of the creep life of GFRP under corrosive environments would presumably be possible. (author)

1998 Annual Study Report. Standardization of corrosion resistance testing/evaluation methods for coated steel sheets; 1998 nendo seika hokokusho. Hyomen shori koban no taishokusei shiken hyoka hoho no hyojunka

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-03-01

In order to develop the evaluation methods for reappearing corrosion characteristics of coated steel sheets in a short time, acid rain composition and artificial acid rain composition for the accelerated test were studied, and the cyclic corrosion tests were conducted. The literature survey shows that the main ionic species present in acid rain are Ca{sup 2+}, Mg{sup 2+}, Na{sup +}, K{sup +}, NH{sub 4}{sup +}, SO{sub 4}{sup 2-}, NO{sub 3}{sup -}, and Cl{sup -}, of which the acid rain components are SO{sub 4}{sup 2-} and NO{sub 3}{sup -}, their equivalent ratio (NO{sub 3}{sup -}/ SO{sub 4}{sup 2-}) in the Far Eastern area being 0.2 to 0.3. Therefore, the solution specified by ASTM 1141 is diluted 30 times with water to prepare the base solution for the accelerated tests, where its acidity is adjusted with a mixed acid of NO{sub 3}{sup -}/ SO{sub 4}{sup 2-} = 0.2 to 0.3 (pH: 3.0 to 4.0). Two sets of preliminary cyclic corrosion tests were conducted, one involving acid rain spraying, drying and humidification in this order, and the other acid rain spraying, humidification and drying. Analysis of the test data indicates that difference between these test cycles in corrosion rate is within a deviation range caused by different testing tools. Therefore, the former condition is adopted as the basis for the accelerated tests, because of its smaller deviation caused by different testing tools. (NEDO)

Relationship between surface structure of silicon containing steel and adhesion of hot dip galvanized coating; Si gan'yu koban no hyomen kozo to yoyu aen mekki micchakuseino kankei

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tsuchiya, Y.; Hashimoto, S.; Ishibashi, Y. [Kokan Keisoku K.K., Kawasaki (Japan); Inagaki, J. [NKK Corp., Tokyo (Japan); Fukuda, Y. [Shuibuoka University, Shizuoka (Japan)

2000-06-01

The surface of the annealed steel and the exfoliated interface of the coating for the hot dip galvanized Si containing steel sheets was characterized by using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), AES (Auger Electron Spectroscopy) and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). The adhesion of the coatings have depended on the Si content of the steel. It have been found that MnSiO{sub 3} particles are formed at the surface of the annealed steels having high Si content and that two types of grain having different distribution of the oxide exist in the steels. Large oxide particles have been formed in one type of grain and small particles are formed in the other type of grain. The different type of Fe-Zn alloy are formed on two types of grains. It have been observed that the oxide particles exist at the interface of exfoliated coatings after the adhesion test for the steels with high Si content. The distribution of the oxide particles observed at the bottom of the exfoliated coating is quite similar to that of the surface oxide of the annealed steel. From these results, the exfoliation of the coating has initiated at the oxide particles of the steel surface that has been not reduced during the hot dip galvanizing. (author)