bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of Bubble Migration in Liquid Titanium Melts under Hypergravity Field
Authors: Xu Qin , Wu Shi Ping , Xue Xiang
Published: July 2013

Bubble migrations in liquid titanium melt under hypergravity field is modeled using commercial computational fluid dynamics software FLUENT 6.3 (Fluent inc., USA). The two-phase fluid model, incorporated with the Multiple Reference Frames (MRF) method is used to predict the movement of the bubble in the melt. Simulated results are compared with experimental data from the water model measurement and reasonable agreements are obtained. Furthermore, the computed results show that the bubble migration under hypergravity field includes the movement forward to the casting rotating shaft and the movement opposite to the direction of the rotating mould. In addition, the initial bubble size and the surface tension between the melt and the gas bubble have an important effect on the distortion of the bubble.
Effects of Heat Treatment Process on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 31Mn2SiREB Cast Steel
Authors: Ren Feng Zhang , Li Feng Jun , Bai Ling , Wang Yun Fei
Published: July 2013

The heat treatment process of 31Mn2SiREB cast steel used in crawler shoes is directly lifted from the heat treatment process of Mn13 high-manganese cast steel, i. e., quenching at 1050 oC after casting. The reasonableness of the process needs to be surveyed. In this paper, the effects of quenching temperature and diffusion annealing pre-treatment on mechanical properties, micro-area composition uniformity and micro-hardness uniformity were investigated. For quenching after casting, the tensile strength and impact energy increase observably with the elevation of quenching temperature, but the impact energy at higher quenching temperature is still very small. The fluctuation of micro-hardness and chemical composition at different micro-areas becomes obviously small with the increase of quenching temperature. For quenching after a diffusion annealing pre-treatment, the impact energy is very high and up to 36.3 J.
First-Principles Study on Mn-Doped TiFeSb Half-Heusler Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Lai Zhong Hong , Ma Jian , Zhu Jing Chuan
Published: July 2013

The 8.33at% Mn-doped TiFeSb half-heusler thermoelectric materials were studied by first-principles in this paper. The space occupying of Mn atoms in Mn-doped TiFeSb system was studied according to thermodynamic stability, mechanical stability, and density of states at the Fermi level. The results show that Mn atoms would substitute Ti atoms preferentially at 8.33at% doping amount. The electronic and phonon transport properties were calculated in TiFeSb and (Ti0.75Mn0.25)FeSb to characterize their electronic and thermal conductivity. The results indicate that Mn-doping can increase the power factor due to improving the electronic conductivity while reducing the lattice thermal conductivity. Therefore, the (Ti0.75Mn0.25)FeSb are expected to show better thermoelectric properties than TiFeSb.
Physical and Numerical Simulation of the Heat-Affected Zone of Multi-Pass Welds
Authors: Genchev Gancho , Dreibati Ossama , Ossenbrink Ralf , Doynov Nikolay , Michailov Vesselin
Published: July 2013

The paper presents a numerical and experimental approach for the quantification of the thermo-mechanical properties in multi-pass welds heat affected zone (HAZ) of low alloy steel S355J2+N. First, the characteristic temperature cycles for multi-pass welds were identified by FE temperature field simulations of welding. Based on the identified temperature cycles, the microstructure in the HAZ has been physically simulated with the simulation and testing system Gleeble 3500 to investigate the influence of multi thermal exposure on the thermo-mechanical properties. Thus, the thermo-mechanical material properties including thermal strain and temperature dependent stress strain behaviour as function of peak temperatures and cooling rates have been determined. These material properties were used to calibrate a developed model for numerical prediction of the material properties of multi-pass weld HAZ.
Verification of a Thermodynamic Model of a Wide Thin Steel Plate Irradiated by a Moving Gaussian Laser Beam
Authors: Qiu Feng , Kujanpää Veli
Published: July 2013

A thermodynamic model was developed to describe the quasi-steady thermal process of a wide thin steel workpiece irradiated by a moving Gaussian laser beam. In this study, an experiment was done on six steels to verify this model. The calculated Ac1 and Ac3 depths and temperature cycles were compared with the measured results. For AISI 4340 steel, correction coefficients were applied to produce an empirical equation for temperature cycles above 488.4°C.
Scale Monitoring System Tested at Ruukki Metals Plate Mill in Raahe
Authors: Niemi Jan , Nilsson Annika , Helkomaa Jussi , Rautiainen Jarkko
Published: July 2013

Some surface defects on hot rolled steels arise due to poor descaling. Generally reheated slabs are efficiently descaled but, now and then, residual scale remains on the slab after primary descaling. Commonly it is difficult to trace the few poorly descaled slabs since there often is no scale monitoring system. In the work presented here an image based primary scale monitoring-and evaluation system is presented. It is a stand-alone online vision system consisting of a camera connected to a computer. The camera is located directly after the descaling unit and the computer in the control room. The program automatically locates the boundaries of the top surface of a slab and calculates the quantity of residual scale on the top surface. The quantity of residual scale is logged and can afterwards be evaluated together with process parameters and downstream surface defects to identify problem areas. The system has been tested in industrial scale in the Ruukki plate mill. This work is a cooperation between Swerea MEFOS and Ruukki. The result of the test demonstrated the feasibility of using vision system for detection of residual scale. Some problems were identified and suggestions for solving them are reported. If the suggested modifications are carried out, it is believed that the vision system can be an on-line tool for the operator and also be an off-line resource for the ongoing quality work at the hot rolling mill.
Vibration Analysis of Ship Propulsion Shaft with the Stern Bearing Characteristics
Authors: Lee Jong Myeong , Ha Jeong Min , Lee Jeong Hoon , Gu Dong Sik , Choi Byeong Keun
Published: July 2013

Efficiency improvements in ships lead often to increased size and speed. However, due to the increase in the agency's output, the weight of the propeller, propulsion shaft, vane pitch and the number is increased. Simultaneously, various. vibrations occur in the shaft. Thus, the design of shaft, and vibration analysis has become a challenging matter. In this study the vibration analysis of ship propulsion shaft has been performed, considering the stern bearing characteristics, and established the measures for shaft vibration with suggestion for shaft design method.
Supersonic Lance Mass Transfer Modelling
Authors: Kärnä Aki , Järvinen Mika , Fabritius Timo
Published: July 2013

Numerical models of steelmaking processes are essential tools for process development and optimisation. A usable model is detailed enough to provide reliable results and not to slow to run. In order to make a fast and accurate model of a single process, all model parameters must be known well. This can be achieved by first simulating detailed models from which the parameters are obtained.In many converter processes oxygen is delivered into melt by supersonic top lance blowing. When such process is modeled, a model describing mass transfer from the lance into melt surface is needed.This paper describes numerical modeling of mass transfer by supersonic lances. Lance flow CFD models are used to determine mass transfer coefficients for typical lance applications. Models are validated with supersonic nozzle data and wall impinging jet mass transfer data from literature. The results are later used in fast process simulation models.
Experimental Validation of the Carbon Diffusion Model for Transformation of Ferritic-Pearlitic Microstructure into Austenite during Continuous Annealing of Dual Phase Steels
Authors: Pernach Monika , Bzowski Krzysztof , Kuziak Roman , Pietrzyk Maciej
Published: July 2013

Modeling of the transformation of the starting ferritic-pearlitic microstructure into austenite during heating in continuous annealing process was the objective of the work. Kinetics of this transformation was predicted by solving Avrami equation as well as carbon diffusion equation with a moving boundary. Mathematical and numerical models describing austenitic phase transformation were created for the 1D and 2D domains. Developed models were solved using the Finite Difference, as well as the Finite Element Method. Results of the numerical simulations include austenite volume fraction and carbon segregation profiles in the austenite. The former were compared with the experimental data obtained in laboratory simulations of the continuous annealing. Developed and validated model was applied to simulation of the austenitic transformation during annealing of DP steels.
Atomistic Study of Surfaces and Interfaces of Fe-Cr and Fe-Cr-Al Alloys
Authors: Kokko Kalevi , Granroth Sasuma , Heinonen M.H. , Perälä R.E. , Kilpi T. , Kukk Edwin , Punkkinen M.P.J. , Nurmi E. , Ropo Matti , Kuronen Antti , Vitos Levente
Published: July 2013

Surface and interface properties of Fe-Cr, Fe-Al, and Fe-Cr-Al are studied using Exact Muffin-Tin Orbitals and Monte Carlo methods and with x-ray photoelectron and Auger electron techniques. Surface composition is investigated as a function of oxidation (heating) time. Hard x ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) is used to scan non destructively the compositions below the surface. It is found that Cr boosts the Al segregation to the surface.
Effect of the Si and Al Content in Ferritic Electrical Steels on the Flow Behaviour and Dynamic Softening in Hot Rolling
Authors: Rodriguez-Calvillo Pablo , Perez-Sine M. , Schneider Jürgen , Hermann Harti , Cabrera Jose María , Kawalla Rudolf
Published: July 2013

FeSi steels with and without addition of Al are widely used as electrical steels. To improve the knowledge of the effects by the addition of Si and Al on the hardening and softening under hot rolling conditions, the behaviour of the flow curves in a wide range of temperatures and deformation velocities have been studied.
Computational and Experimental Investigation on Thermal Conductivity of SiС Particle Reinforced Al-Matrix Composite Containing Pores
Authors: Zou Ai Hua , Zhou Xian Liang , Que Yu Long , Hua Xiao Zhen , Li Duo Sheng
Published: July 2013

In this paper, the finite element method (FEM) was implemented to determine the effective thermal conductivity of SiC particle reinforced Al matrix (SiCp/Al) composites containing various pores and that method was validated by experimentation. A commercially available finite-element package ANSYS is used to for this numerical analysis. Multi-particle and pores random distribution models based on the effective medium approximation (EMA) scheme are constructed to simulate the microstructure of composite materials for various porosities ranging from 0.96 to 10.58%. The SiCp/Al composites were fabricated by the pressureless infiltration method. This study shows that the smaller pores contained in the composite results in sharp reduction of thermal conductivity, when the porosity is up to 2.66 vol.%, the thermal conductivity of composite is found to decrease by about 9.02%. The experimentally measured thermal conductivity values are compared with the numerically calculated ones and also with the existing theoretical and empirical models. The values obtained from finite-element analysis (FEA) are found to be in reasonable agreement with the experimental values.
Scaling Evaluations on the Drag of a Hub System
Authors: Shenoy Rajiv , Holmes Marlin , Smith Marilyn J. , Komerath Narayanan M.
Published: July 2013

Parasite drag on rotorcraft can become a crucial factor in forward flight, especially during high-speed flight. Prior evaluations of the ability of computational methods to predict hub drag have focused on the ability of these solvers to match model-scale experimental data, but the
results have not typically been examined for full-scale conditions. Using an unstructured computational method, the sources of hub drag on a moderately complex model are examined at different Reynolds number scales. Correlations with a 1/3.5-scale wind tunnel test and empirical data are provided
to confirm the accuracy of the computations. Unlike prior efforts, grid adaptation that crosses overset mesh boundaries permits grid refinement where needed while minimizing the computational cost. For the moderately complex hub evaluated, utilization of the same grid is permissible, provided
the boundary layer grid is tailored for the highest Reynolds number studied and that grid adaptation is applied. Drag evaluation illustrates that the drag of each component should be estimated at the component-level Reynolds number before consideration of the interference effects. Estimation
of the interference drag for rotating hubs should additionally account for the Magnus effect, which influences the nonlinearities observed in scaling the drag and the wake.
Impacts of After‐School Programs on Student Outcomes
Authors: Zief Susan Goerlich , Lauver Sherri , Maynard Rebecca A.
Published: July 2013

This Campbell systematic review sought to answer the following questions with the available high quality experimental studies of programs that combined academic programming with other activities such as youth development or recreation:

To what extent and in what ways does access to after‐school programs impact student context (i.e., student location, supervision, and safety), participation in enriching activities, behaviors, social and emotional development, and academic outcomes for youth?

Do the effects of after‐school programs vary among subgroups of youth defined by their baseline characteristics?

Among the program models and settings evaluated, do some seem more beneficial to youth than others? What are the distinguishing characteristics of those more and less successful programs? This review only included well‐implemented experimental design studies.

An extensive search of the literature uncovered only five studies that met the inclusion criteria for this review. The five evaluated programs were fairly homogenous along many dimensions, including their target populations and settings–primarily elementary youth living in lower‐ income, urban settings. Notably, looking across the 97 impacts measured by the five studies included in this review reveals primarily null findings–84 percent showed no significant differences between the program and control youth. Also, not one of these studies reported impacts for parents. In this era of welfare reform, it might be important to understand how this type of intervention targeting low‐income youth may impact parents' job attendance and retention or parental levels of stress while balancing the demands of work and child care. Such parental outcomes could arguably mediate student social and emotional, behavioral, and academic outcomes.
The Effects of School‐Based Social Information Processing Interventions on Aggressive Behavior, Part I: Universal Programs
Authors: Wilson Sandra Jo , Lipsey Mark W.
Published: July 2013

This Campbell systematic review examines the effects of universal school‐based social information processing interventions on the aggressive and disruptive behavior of school‐age children. Program effects are examined overall and in relation to methodological and substantive differences across studies.

The search strategy identified 89 eligible reports, which gave the results of 73 unique research studies of universal school‐based social information processing programs.

The research indicates that short, intensive interventions –e.g. 8‐16 weeks of 2‐5 hours a week – are more effective than extended year‐long programmes. Extended programmes may have a tendency to become routine and thus have less impact on the students. Where the education programmes target children in special education classes, the effect is lesser than in ordinary classes. Pupils in special classes may be prone to many other problems which could reduce the impact of this type of education
An Oncocytic Variant of Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm of the Bile Duct that Formed a Giant Hepatic Cyst
Authors: Watanabe Akira , Suzuki Hideki , Kubo Norio , Araki Kenichiro , Kobayashi Tsutomu , Sasaki Shigeru , Wada Wataru , Arai Hideo , Sakamoto Kazuha , Sakurai Shinji , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: July 2013

Intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct (IPNB) is the collective term used to refer to papillary bile duct tumors, mucin producing bile duct tumors, and cystic bile duct tumors. Pathologically, these tumors may be considered a highly differentiated adenocarcinoma or a tumor of borderline malignant potential. IPNB is classified into one of four variants based on cell differentiation. The rarest, oncocytic, is characterized by oxyphilic granular cytoplasm and no mucous cell differentiation. The patient, a 59-year old man, was admitted with a complaint of abdominal fullness and a 30×25 cm cystic mass in the right hepatic lobe demonstrated on computed tomography (CT). The mass had no malignant features on CT or magnetic resonance imaging; however, a portion was FDG avid on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan (FDG-PET). A fenestration operation was performed for the presumed diagnosis of a hepatic cyst. Pathological examination of the cyst contents demonstrated some atypical cells suspicious for malignancy. After eight months of observation, abnormal FDG uptake was again observed at the residual cyst. A partial hepatectomy was performed to excise the cyst. Pathological examination demonstrated adenocarcinoma in situ derived from an oncocytic IPNB variant. Following the resection, the patient remained disease free for 40 months. This is an extremely rare case of an oncocytic variant of IPNB that was difficult to distinguish clinically from a solitary hepatic cyst.
In Situ Synthesis of 2-Phenylbenzimidazole as an Hydrogen Sulfide Corrosion Inhibitor of Carbon Steel
Authors: Pournazari Sh. , Moayed M.H. , Rahimizadeh M.
Published: July 2013

Hydrogen sulfide corrosion inhibition of carbon steel has been evaluated using the combination of benzene-1,2-diamine, benzaldehyde, and FeCl3 to in situ inhibitor synthesis at 25°C using electrochemical and weight-loss studies. The results showed that the corrosion rate of steel decreased significantly by increasing the inhibitor concentration. The concentration of in situ synthesized inhibitor was measured by ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometer (UV-vis). The morphology and composition of the corrosion products were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) demonstrated the formation of 2-phenylbenzimidazole on the surface by an in situ manner. Quantum chemical studies were applied to investigate the correlation between the molecular structure and inhibition effect of this compound.
Comparison of Corrosion and Cavitation Erosion Behaviors Between the As-Cast and Friction-Stir-Processed Nickel Aluminum Bronze
Authors: Song Q.N. , Zheng Y.G. , Jiang S.L. , Ni D.R. , Ma Z.Y.
Published: July 2013

An as-cast nickel aluminum bronze (NAB) was treated by friction-stir processing (FSP). Immersion test and electrochemical measurements under cavitation erosion condition were carried out to investigate the long-term and short-term corrosion behaviors of the as-cast and as-FSP NAB. Cavitation erosion tests were conducted in both distilled water and 3.5 wt% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The immersion test indicated that the electrochemical impedance of the as-FSP NAB was much higher, while there was little difference between them in the short-term test. The cumulative mass loss of the as-cast NAB was about 1.5 and 2 times as large as that of the as-FSP in distilled water and 3.5 wt% NaCl, respectively. The higher corrosion resistance of the as-FSP was a result of the refined and homogenized microstructure. Improved mechanical properties and fewer galvanic corrosion sites are attributed to the higher cavitation erosion resistance of the as-FSP NAB.
Phytotoxicity of Soil Contaminated with Petroleum Derivatives and Biodiesel
Authors: Cruz Jaqueline Matos , Lopes Paulo Renato Matos , Montagnolli Renato Nallin , Tamada I. S. , Silva Natalia Maria Maciel Gerra , Bidoia Ederio Dino
Published: July 2013

The inhibition of root and hypocotyl elongation may reflect toxic substances in low concentrations, which are not sufficient to prevent germination, but may delay or inhibit root and hypocotyl growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate root and hypocotyl growth inhibition in Cucumis sativus, Brassica oleracea and Barbarea verna as a parameter for assessing soils toxicity when contaminated with diesel, lubricant oil and biodiesel. Thus, potential toxicity of contaminants was evaluated according to biodegradation time in soil by examining root and hypocotyl elongation inhibition. Results show that C. sativus root is the best indicator for diesel and lubricant oil reduced toxicity after biodegradation. It was also observed that biodiesel increases its toxicity after two months of biodegradation.
Toxicity of Glyphosate on Physalaemus albonotatus (Steindachner, 1864) from Western Brazil
Authors: Simioni Fernanda , Silva Débora Fabiane Nevis da , Mott Tami
Published: July 2013

Amphibian declines have been reported worldwide and pesticides can negatively impact this taxonomic group. Brazil is the world’s largest consumer of pesticides, and Mato Grosso is the leader in pesticide consumption among Brazilian states. However, the effects of these chemicals on the biota are still poorly explored. The main goals of this study were to determine the acute toxicity (CL50) of the herbicide glyphosate on Physalaemus albonotatus, and to assess survivorship rates when tadpoles are kept under sub-lethal concentrations. Three egg masses of P. albonotatus were collected in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Tadpoles were exposed for 96 h to varying concentrations of glyphosate to determine the CL50 and survivorship. The CL50 was 5.38 mg L-1 and there were statistically significant differences in mortality rates and the number of days that P. albonotatus tadpoles survived when exposed in different sub-lethal concentrations of glyphosate. Different sensibilities among amphibian species may be related with their historical contact with pesticides and/or specific tolerances. Further studies are required to determine the degree to which this taxonomic group is threatened by chemical contaminants.
Micronucleus test for monitoring the genotoxic potential of the surface water of Luján River (Argentina) using erythrocytes of Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles
Authors: Ossana Natalia Alejandra , Salibián Alfredo
Published: July 2013

Luján river is a peri-urban ecosystem dominated by urban, industrial and agricultural discharges, receiving contributions from about one hundred streams along its path. The toxicological quality of the surface water in the middle course of the river was monitored by means of the micronucleus (MN) test, using peripheral erythrocytes of Lithobates catesbeianus premetamorphic tadpoles. This cytogenetic assay was performed to evaluate the effects of a particular domestic/industrial effluent poured continuously into the river, by incubating the larvae for 6 days to water samples from two sites: upstream and downstream the point where the effluent is dumped. The positive control was a cyclophosphamide solution. Five seasonal samplings were conducted between 2007 and 2008. The physicochemical analyses and the values of three water quality indices showed a highly polluted condition of the river. The MN frequency in the erythrocytes of the larvae exposed to the river samples was significantly higher than that of negative controls in all the cases and, in most samples, without differences with respect to the positive controls or even higher. There were no significant differences in the frequency of MN between the two environmental samples. The results allowed showing the genotoxic potential of the Lujan river water.
Use of the cell quota and chlorophyll content for normalization of cylindropermopsin produced by two Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii strains grown under different light intensities
Authors: Carneiro Ronaldo Leal , Silva Alessandra Pereira Ribeiro da , Magalhães Valeria Freitas de , Oliveira e Azevedo Sandra Maria Feliciano de
Published: July 2013

The production of cylindrospermopsin (CYN) by Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Seenaya and Subba Raju (Cyanobacteria) was already shown to be changed by variations in light intensities. Influences of light intensity on CYN production by two different C. raciborskii strains (CYP011K and CYP030A) were studied in batch culture conditions. The strains were grown under photon light intensities from 40 to 348 Î¼mol photons m-2 s-1. The growth rates were measured by exponential regression of cell number variation along the time. The concentration of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) was measured by spectrophotometric methods and the CYN concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatographic methods. Data from these CYN analyses were evaluated as cell quota (ng CYN 10-6 cells) or as the relative proportion between toxin concentration and chlorophyll-a concentration (CYN Chl-a-1). The CYP011K showed higher growth rates than the CYP030A strains. According to the cell quota results, the production of CYN by these two strains of C. raciborskii is not affected by the intensity of the surrounding light during growth. However, analysis of the relative proportion of CYN Chl-a-1 led to different interpretations, as a negative relation between light intensity and CYN production.
Multixenobiotic resistance mechanism monitoring: standardization of fluorescence emmited by Rhodamine B
Authors: Pessatti Marcos Luiz , Fontana José Domingos
Published: July 2013

Many aquatic organisms express the multixenobiotic resistance mechanism (MXR) mediated by a membrane protein denominated P-glycoprotein (Pgp), which reduce the accumulation of xenobiotics by active transport to out of cells. In order to establish fluorescence microscopy as a quantitative method to monitor MXR activity, the kinetic of fluorescence decay emitted by rhodamine B (RB) was determined. Rhodamine B (1 at 1000 nmoles L-1) were spotted on silica gel plate and fluorescence decay recorded and determined as exposition time (ET, sec) using a fluorescence microscope’s photo sensor. The ET at zero time was obtained from a linear equation of plotting ET(s) against the respective rhodamine B concentrations. The resulting mathematical model (RB = (28/ET) -1 -Blank, r2 = 0.9945), allowed the quantitative determination of rhodamine B intracellular accumulation (nmoles L-1This transport activity quantitation is consequence of the MXR mechanism activity operating in viable sections of gills of the mussel Perna perna and allows its measurement as a molecular biomarker.
Measuring long chain alkanes in diesel engine exhaust by thermal desorption PTR-MS
Authors: Erickson M. H. , Gueneron M. , Jobson B. T.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. A method using thermal desorption sampling and analysis by PTR-MS to measure long chain alkanes (C12-C18) and other larger organics associated with diesel engine exhaust emissions is described. Long chain alkanes undergo dissociative proton transfer reactions forming a series of fragment ions with formula CnH2n+1. The PTR-MS is insensitive to n-alkanes less than C8 but displays an increasing sensitivity for larger alkanes. Fragment ion distribution and sensitivity is a function of drift conditions. At 80 Td the most abundant ion fragments from C10 to C16 n-alkanes were m/z 57, 71 and 85. The mass spectrum of gasoline and diesel fuel at 80 Td displayed ion group patterns that can be related to known fuel constituents, such as alkanes, alkylbenzenes and cycloalkanes, and other compound groups that are inferred from molecular weight distributions such as dihydronapthalenes and naphthenic monoaromatics. It is shown that thermal desorption sampling of gasoline and diesel engine exhausts at 80 Td allows for discrimination against light alkanes and alkenes which are a major constituent of both exhausts, allowing for quantification of higher molecular weight alkanes from the abundance of CnH2n+1 fragment ions. Using this approach, the molar abundance of C12-C18 alkanes in diesel engine exhaust was found to be 75% that of the total C1-C4 alkylbenzene abundance. While the PTR-MS mass spectra of gasoline and diesel exhaust looked similar, the abundance of higher molecular weight compounds relative to that of C4-alkylbenzenes was much greater in diesel engine exhaust. The abundance patterns of compounds determined by thermal desorption sampling may allow for emission profiles to be developed to better quantify the relative contributions of diesel and gasoline exhaust emissions of larger organic compounds to urban air concentrations.
Brachytherapy in Men with Prostate Cancer: Update on Indications and Outcomes
Authors: Pinto Francesco , Calarco Alessandro , Recupero Salvatore Marco , Totaro Angelo , Sacco Emilio , Bassi PierFrancesco
Published: July 2013

Brachytherapy (BT), using either a low-dose-rate (LDR) or mostly high-dose-rate (HDR) technique, is the device able to deliver the highest dose-rate in the most conformal way It is used as monotherapy or in combination with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). LDR-BT is mostly used as monotherapy; HDR-BT is combined with EBRT +/– adjuvant hormone therapy In patients with low-risk disease and in selected intermediate-risk patients, LDR-BT ensures long-term good disease control rates and HDR-BT shows similar results, even if with shorter follow-up. In patients with intermediate/high risk disease the combination therapy (EBRT + HDR-BT) provides better oncological outcomes compared to EBRT monotherapy, even if the role of adjuvant hormone therapy is still unclear. Literature shows variable efficacy of BT in case of local recurrence after EBRT and radical prostatectomy even if few cases have been reported with short follow-up. Side effects are acceptable (urogenital toxicity, urinary incontinence, sexual function) and comparable with the other treatment modalities. So far, randomized controlled trials comparing the different treatment modalities are necessary to clarify indications and real efficacy.
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Cancer: A Simple and Diffusely-Performed Technique but with Controversial Outcomes
Authors: Brausi Maurizio
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Nowadays TUR is considered the golden standard for the diagnosis and treatment of NMIBC. However, TUR should be adequate: all bladder lesions should be resected and muscle must be present in the specimen in order to correctly stage the tumor. No bladder perforation should be performed and CIS diagnosed.

Technique

Bimanual palpation pre- and post-TUR should be encouraged, especially in teaching institutions. Urethroscopy should always precede the visualization of the bladder. All the visible tumors should be resected preferably with bipolar resectoscope, to avoid tissue charring and to facilitate the pathological diagnosis. The exophytic part of the tumor should be first resected and the fragment collected in a separate bottle. Tumor base must be biopsied with cold cup. Muscle must be present in the specimen. Fulguration of the tumor base and 1–2 cm around is of paramount importance.

Discussion

One of the most important parameters for evaluating the quality of TUR is tumor recurrence after 3 months. The EORTC GU Group showed that the 3-month recurrence varied from 0 to 46% between the European institutions participating in randomized prospective EORTC studies. This variability was not explained by the tumor characteristics nor by the adjuvant therapy administered, but by the poor quality of the TUR. The surgeon's performance and poor TUR quality were therefore suggested as being responsible for the results. A second EORTC study confirmed in fact that using a bladder diagram at the moment of diagnosis (signing the areas where the lesions are) and the presence of an experienced surgeon performing TUR were the two significant factors that could reduce the recurrence after 3 months.

Conclusions

A complete, adequate first TUR is of paramount importance for the outcome of patients with NMIBC. It could be more important than any further adjuvant therapy administered.
Protective Effect of Dealcoholized Persimmonwine on H2O2 - Induced Oxidative Injury in H9c2 Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Hwang Jin Taek , Han Chan Kyu , Choi Sang Yoon , Kim Sung Soo
Published: July 2013

In this study, we investigated the antioxidant capacity of persimmon wine (PW) and dealcoholized persimmon wine (DPW). Both PW and DPW showed radical scavenging activity in the DPPH (1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay. We next analyzed the phenolic content and major compounds present in PW using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Phenolic compounds, including gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin, were found in PW. Gallic acid was the most abundant phenolic compound (157.5 µg/ml) in PW. In addition, the protective effects of DPW and gallic acid against H2O2-induced cell injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes were investigated. Pretreatment with DPW or gallic acid strongly inhibited H2O2-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that PW and its major phenolic component, gallic acid, were effective inhibitors of oxidative stress and oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocyte injury.
An Analytical Approach to Avoid Obstacles in Mobile Robot Navigation
Authors: Brandão Alexandre Santos , Sarcinelli-Filho Mário , Carelli Ricardo
Published: July 2013

A nonlinear supervised globally stable controller is proposed to reactively guide a mobile robot to avoid obstacles while seeking a goal. Whenever the robot detects an object nearby, its orientation is changed to be aligned with the tangent to the border of the obstacle. Then, the robot starts following it, looking for a feasible path to its goal. The supervisor is responsible for deciding which path to take when the robot faces some particular obstacle configurations that are quite difficult to deal with. Several simulations and experiments were run to validate the proposal, some of which are discussed here. To run the experiments, the proposed controller is programmed into the onboard computer of a real unicycle mobile platform, equipped with a laser range scanner. As for the simulations, the models of the same experimental setup were used. The final conclusion is that the nonlinear supervised controller proposed to solve the problem of avoiding obstacles during goal seeking has been validated, based on the theoretical analysis, and the simulated and experimental results.
Program Suite for Conceptual Designing of Parallel Mechanism-Based Robots and Machine Tools
Authors: Tabaković Slobodan , Zeljković Milan , Gatalo Ratko , Živković Aleksandar
Published: July 2013

In the development of robots and machine tools, in addition to conventional and serial structures, parallel mechanism-based kinematic structures have been used over a longer period of time. Aside from a number of advantages, the irregular shape and relatively small dimensions of the workspace formed by parallel mechanisms rank among the major weaknesses of their application. Accordingly, this fact has to be taken into consideration in the process of designing parallel mechanism-based robots or machine tools. This paper describes the categorization of criteria for the conceptual design of parallel mechanism-based robots or machine tools, resulting from workspace analysis as well as the procedure of their defining. Furthermore, it also presents the designing methodology that was implemented into the program for the creation of a robot or machine tool space model and the optimization of the resulting solution. For verification of the criteria and the programme suite, three common (conceptually different) mechanisms with a similar mechanical structure and kinematic characteristics were used.
Empresas familiares e a profissionalização da gestão: estudo de casos em empresas paulistas
Authors: Belmonte Victor Antonio Barros , Freitas Wesley Ricardo Souza
Published: July 2013

DOI: 10.5902/198346592465 The present study was to examine, from two case studies, management processes (strategic planning, management control systems and human resources) and cultural (succession and organizational culture) two family businesses in the state of São Paulo. Concepts were discussed, and specific features, as well as factors related to organizational management of family businesses (planning, control, people management, culture and succession) to support the studies described. Through interviews and observation of routine business, it was concluded that there is evidence that the management in Company "B" moving towards professionalization, due to be developing a formal strategic planning. This company already has clear goals for employees and creating an area of ​​people management. In contrast, Company "A", still needs to improve its organizational structure, as there is lack of planning, strategies and formal actions, so that decisions are focused on owners and taken in light of action-reaction.
Avaliação Bibliométrica de Periódicos Brasileiros: Contrastando a Metodologia Avaliativa Qualis-CAPES com o Modelo de Krzyzanowski e Ferreira (1998)
Authors: Sola Gabryel Lopes , Bonacim Carlos Alberto Grespan
Published: July 2013

DOI: 10.5902/198346595488 This paper aims at analyzing and contrasting the bibliometric forms of five renowned national journals. The theoretical discourses on the use of valuation models, with emphasis on the Krzyzanowski and Ferreira (1998) and the methodology used in the assessment of the Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES, in portuguese) (2007-2009). The period considered was the triennium 2007 to 2009, intentionally coinciding with the evaluation period of Qualis-CAPES. The results suggest that external validation of the classifications of journals made by Qualis CAPES for another "metric" consecrated - Krzyzanowski and Ferreira (1998), and an apparent improvement of the journals studied in the question form for the period surveyed. Another finding on this question it is found that some characteristics of the periodic recurrence, the journals “Revista Contabilidade Finanças” (Faculty of Economics, Business, and Accounting-University of São Paulo), “Revista de Administração Pública” (Getúlio Vargas Foundation) and “Revista de Contabilidade Vista Revista” (Federal University of Minas Gerais), as the apparent inbreeding, the result of a substantial concentration of researchers working at universities south-southeast of Brazil.
Medidas de eficiência e retorno de Investimento: um estudo nas distribuidoras de energia elétrica brasileiras com base em Data Envelopment Analysis, Índice de Malmquist e ROI
Authors: Saurin Valter , Lopes Ana Lúcia Miranda , Costa Júnior Newton Carneiro A. , Gonçalves Carlos Alberto
Published: July 2013

DOI: 10.5902/198346597845 This paper aims to determine, in a group of companies from the Brazilian electric sector, if there is a relationship between the return on investment (ROI) and the concept of efficiency estimated by the method Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), as well as evaluating the growth of productivity based on Malmquist Index (Fare et al, 1996). The hypothesis is that firms that had return on investment higher during certain period of time are those employed their resources efficiently in getting their outputs (DEA efficient). The input (1) Products (5) DEA model correspond to the operating cost (I), the network length (km), the number of consumers and the market billed high, medium and low voltage, respectively. The sample consisted of 31 companies of Brazilian electricity distribution and timing of the study was from 2007 to 2009. We calculated the Malmquist index (M0), represented by the change in total factor productivity (TFPC), which is composed by the evolution of technical efficiency (EC) and the change in the technological frontier (TC) of the companies were also determined ROI for each period. We calculated the correlation between the TFPC, TC, EC, score the DEA and the ROI for the period 2007 to 2009. The results showed a positive correlation, although weak, between efficiency change and the indexes mentioned above, rejecting the initial hypothesis
Repensado a performance na educação - intuições e problemas na recepção
Authors: Conte Elaine
Published: July 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198464443978 O debate sobre a performance surge entre os temas atuais da educação como ação que fazemos através de um processo discursivo, que converge para uma estética corporificada no agir, cujo poder linguístico-expressivo é descentrado no trabalho pedagógico. Nesta abordagem, a performance configura-se como uma expressão refinada de comunicação, um elemento de troca intersubjetiva para se fazer entender nas esferas artísticas, filosóficas e pedagógicas, facilitando as conversações, criando laços, aproximando os sujeitos e embelezando a vida e a arte de educar. O trabalho trata dos efeitos da performance na educação, buscando romper com a racionalidade técnica das verticalidades mercadológicas e impulsionar a dimensão plural do devir linguístico criador de sentidos à realização humana, que é o próprio uso expressivo das palavras nas diferentes atuações. Trata-se de uma retomada da performance pelo caminho da inspiração hermenêutica, que permite sair de certos mecanismos operacionais destituídos de subjetividade para criar possibilidades estético-discursivas, cujas expressões sensíveis e valorativas passam pela alteridade e pelo reconhecimento das diferenças. A pesquisa se vale de contribuições de pensadores que, mesmo não tendo se debruçado profundamente sobre a questão, souberam formular interrogações que dizem respeito ao agir humano, ao desempenho linguístico e a atitude performática. A performance na perspectiva do uso comunicativo agrega todos os produtos da cultura, da arte, da vida cotidiana, da literatura, do cinema, como elementos linguísticos para encontrarmos respostas aos obstáculos do mundo e às necessidades intrínsecas da formação educativa, englobando as racionalidades do mundo objetivo, social e subjetivo.
A formação docente e os desafios da prática reflexiva
Authors: Peres Maria Regina , Ribeiro Rogério Da Costa , Ribeiro Lisliê Lúcia Lima Pereira , Costa Angela Freitas de Rezende , Rocha Viviane Da
Published: July 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198464444379 Este artigo aborda a importância da formação inicial e continuada e da prática do professor tomando como referencial os desafios da proposta crítico reflexiva. Tivemos o objetivo de: investigar os pressupostos que embasam a atual formação e prática do professor; pesquisar e analisar as principais dificuldades encontradas para o desenvolvimento da prática docente; compreender e analisar a complexidade inerente a atuação docente dos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental. Para isto realizamos um levantamento bibliográfico considerando as características da formação do profissional critico reflexivo. Realizamos também uma pesquisa qualitativa junto a docentes das séries iniciais do ensino fundamental. Os resultados indicaram que apesar de os docentes conceberem o processo de ensino e aprendizagem como contínuo, eles não investem nesta possibilidade de formação. Constatamos também que a pratica docente se revela mesclada por atitudes e ações  reprodutivistas e por atitudes e ações críticas e reflexivas. Assim se desejarmos investir em uma formação e consequentemente em uma prática crítica e reflexiva se torna fundamental repensar tanto a formação inicial como a formação continuada visando o desenvolvimento de habilidades e competências que sensibilizem tanto os docentes como os futuros docentes para a realização de ações críticas e reflexivas.
A formação de Professores Reflexivos: a docência como objeto de investigação
Authors: Fávero Altair Alberto , Tonieto Carina , Roman Marisa Fátima
Published: July 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198464445483 A formação continuada de professores tornou-se assunto obrigatório em nosso tempo. Há um consenso entre os professores e dirigentes escolares que é necessário “educar os educadores”, pois os saberes racionais que foram aprendidos nos processos formativos não são suficientes para enfrentar a complexidade e a diversidade dos problemas que o trabalho docente exige. É necessário e urgente, em qualquer área de atuação, refletir sobre novas formas de exercer os saberes necessários para a prática profissional. No que se refere ao trabalho docente, a reflexão na e sobre a prática possibilita que o educador reveja sua própria atuação. Trabalhos recentes de pensadores e educadores tais como Donald Schön, Isabel Alarcão, António Nóvoa, J. Gimeno Sacristán, Angel Pérez Gómez, dentre outros, projetaram o conceito de profissional reflexivo e com isso a reabilitação da razão prática, o resgate da experiência no processo de aprendizagem, o destaque da intuição nos processos de conhecimento e a centralidade que a reflexão na ação e sobre a ação possui nos processos educacionais. Todo este movimento em torno do conceito de professor reflexivo dá espaço a um conjunto de questionamentos: o que significa ser um professor reflexivo? Em que situações devemos reflexivos? Sobre o que devemos ser reflexivos? Como ser reflexivo? De que maneira podemos tornar a docência objeto de reflexão? O presente texto tem como principal foco analisar a formação continuada de professores a partir do paradigma do professor reflexivo, abordando algumas dessas questões. O texto, além das considerações iniciais, está dividido em duas partes: primeiramente aborda a formação docente a partir da racionalidade técnico-intrumental que prevaleceu nos processo de formação de professores nas três últimas décadas do século XX, mostrando as insuficiências deste processo formativo; na segunda parte sistematiza os principais pressupostos que caracterizam um processo formativo baseado no paradigma do professor reflexivo.
O narrar com as imagens pelas crianças: modos de convívio com histórias na contemporaneidade
Authors: Fernandes Adriana Hoffmann
Published: July 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198464445529 O artigo traz alguns resultados de uma pesquisa de Doutorado em que buscou-se investigar os modos de relação das crianças com as narrativas e justifica-se pela importância de entendimento do contexto da criança na atualidade, contexto cada vez mais fluido e mutável. O estudo foi fundamentado nos Estudos Culturais Latino-Americanos que entendem o “cultural” na perspectiva da hibridação (Canclini, 2003) surgindo nas falas das próprias crianças pesquisadas. A investigação ocorreu em diversos campos: três escolas (duas escolas públicas e uma escola particular), um espaço cultural e um Blog. O estudo foi desenvolvido por intermédio de uma pesquisa qualitativa de cunho etnográfico através de oficinas e entrevistas realizadas com as crianças participantes das oficinas e posteriormente com as crianças produtoras de um blog. Os achados da pesquisa apontam a freqüente relação das crianças com a imagem, mostrando o quanto é híbrida a leitura realizada pelas crianças.