bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Epoxy Matrix Composites Incorporated with Sugarcane Bagasse Fibers
Authors: Martins Amanda Luiza Bezerra Sandes , Gouvêa Raissa de Almeida , Oliveira Michel Picanço , Cândido Verônica Scarpini , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: January 2014

Sugarcane bagasse is a typical waste generated in the production of sugarcane and ethanol. This agro-industrial waste is commonly used as fuel in the industry boiler for the steam and energy generation. However, part of the bagasse waste is disposed and may pollute the environment. The fibers extracted from the sugarcane bagasse have been considered as addition to polymeric composites. In the present work epoxy composites incorporated with 30% in volume of continuous sugarcane bagasse fibers were evaluated in terms of their mechanical properties. As compared to the neat epoxy, the bagasse fiber displayed an increase in elastic modulus but a decrease in strength and ductility. The analysis of the composite microstructure by scanning electron microscopy revealed flaws and pores that could justify these preliminary obtained results.
Development of Titanium Dental Implants Using Techniques of Powder Metallurgy
Authors: dos Santos Bonfim Pâmela Karina , Ciuccio Ricardo , das Neves Maurício David Martins
Published: January 2014

Titanium is an attractive material for dental and biomedical applications, because of high corrosion resistance, excellent biocompatibility and high mechanical strength combined with low density. However, the high reactivity of titanium in the liquid phase make it difficult to produce it by fusion, so a alternative is powder metallurgy (P/M) method. Powder Metallurgy has been used to manufacture porous implants. The presence of a porous surface is desirable because it improves the osteointegration increases the adhesion between the bone tissue and the implant, being favorable for transporting body fluid. This paper proposes to characterize the commercial pure titanium powder obtained by process of hydride-dehydride, obtain samples with adequate porosity by uniaxial pressing and vacuum sintering and evaluate the corrosion behavior of sintered titanium in Hank ́s solution. The results showed that the titanium powder of angular shape after uniaxial pressing of 400 MPa and sintered in vacuum at 1150 ° C, allowed obtaining samples with adequate surface porosity of around 17%. In potentiodynamic polarization curves revealed no typical behavior of passive metals but show low current density, that increasing corrosion resistance. Keywords: titanium implants, powder metallurgy, porosity and electrochemical behavior.
Characterization of a AISI/SAE 4340 Steel in Different Microstructural Conditions
Authors: Araujo Barros Renato , Abdalla Antonio Jorge , Rodrigues Humberto Lopes , dos Santos Pereira Marcelo
Published: January 2014

The 4340 are classified as ultra-high strength steels used by the aviation industry and aerospace applications such as aircraft landing gear and several structural applications, usually in quenched and tempered condition. In this situation occurs reduction of toughness, which encourages the study of multiphasic and bainític structures, in order to maintain strength without loss of toughness. In this study, ferritic-pearlitic structure was compared to bainitic and martensitic structure, identified by the reagents Nital, LePera and Sodium Metabisulfite. Sliding wear tests of the type pin-on-disk were realized and the results related to the microstructure of these materials and also to their hardnesses. It is noted that these different microstructures had very similar behavior, concluding that all three tested pairs can be used according to the request level.
Spectroscopic and Diffractional Characteristics of Membranes and Polyamide 6/Regional Bentonite Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Maia Larissa Fernandes , Leite A.M.D. , Araújo E.M. , Lira H.L. , da Paz R. A.
Published: January 2014

Polymeric membranes are attracting attention of researchers and industries due to their lower costs. However, they also have lower mechanical resistance and chemical solvents, when compared with other materials. An improvement of polymer properties can be obtained by adding an inorganic nanoload in the structure. This study produced polyamide 6 / bentonite clay nanocomposites with a nominal content of 3%, and this was used in the processed form and in the organically modified form by cation exchange. The nanocomposites were produced by melt intercalation, and then, the membranes were obtained by the technique of immersion-precipitation. Bentonite, organophilic clay, the material processed in the extruder and the membranes were submitted to the x-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). By both techniques, it was possible to prove the organic modification of clay and the change in the crystallinity of the nanocomposites and of the membranes.
Influence of Curing Temperature on Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers
Authors: Lisbôa da Costa Danúbia , Menezes Romualdo Rodrigues , Neves Gelmires Araújo , Torres Sandro Marden
Published: January 2014

Geopolymers, also known as inorganic polymers, are aluminosilicates with cementing characteristics that have great application potential. They are produced by the alkaline activation of aluminosilicates precursors such as industrial wastes, calcined clays, natural minerals, among others and have their properties intimately associated to characteristics of the precursor materials and curing conditions. In this sense, this study aims to evaluate the mechanical behavior of geopolymers obtained from metakaolin according to the curing temperature. The geopolymerization was reached by the mixture of metakaolin with NaOH and the curing of the specimens was held at room temperature, 60°C and 100°C. The specimens were characterized by X-ray diffraction, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and SEM. The mechanical strength was determined by flexural test. The results show that the process of geopolymerization suffers a direct influence of the curing temperature used.
Evaluation of Vulcanized Elastomeric Composites after Ageing in Biodiesel
Authors: Ambrósio José Donato , Raynaud Thibaut , Monteiro M.R.
Published: January 2014

The incorporation of biodiesel in the worldwide energetic matrix has an increasing tendency to use in the world. However, there are many technological challenges to consolidate this biofuel as an alternative to fossil fuels. The evaluation of the materials compatibilities used in the automotive industry and biodiesel production chain has been configured as an important area of research in finding appropriate materials that comes into contact with diesel biodiesel/blends. The present work aims to evaluate the physical properties for elastomeric composites prepared with polymeric matrix of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), natural rubber (NR) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The composites were prepared under controlled conditions of mixing and vulcanization. The elastomeric composites were aged in a blend containing 95 vol% of diesel and 5 vol% of biodiesel (B5 blend). The static total immersion tests were carried out at controlled temperature (50°C) for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, substituting the B5 blend every 7 days. The results showed that the properties of NBR are less affected than other elastomers. It showed better mechanical performance and less influence on the glass transition temperature, indicating less degradation of this rubber in contact with B5 blend used in immersion tests.
Crystallization Kinetics of Iron Rich Glass-Ceramic Obtained from Waste of Steel Industry
Authors: Luza André Luís , Fabris Débora Cristina Niero , Gislon Edivelton Soratto , Machado Morgana de Medeiros , Montedo Oscar Rubem Klegues
Published: January 2014

The main objective of this work was to study the crystallization kinetics of glass-ceramic obtained from steel waste. Two compositions were melted at about 1350 °C. The obtained frits were dried and re-melted. Each composition was then wet ground, dried, and chemically characterized (X-ray fluorescence and atomic absorption spectrometry), structurally (X-ray diffraction), and thermally (thermal differential analysis). Then the powders were compacted and the samples were dried and heat treated in a kiln between 690 and 890 °C. After, the crystallized bodies were ground and the crystalline phases were identified by X-ray diffraction. Results showed that the main formed crystalline phases were magnetite, hematite, Fe2.95Si0.05O4, and CaAl2Fe4O10. The activation energies obtained by the Kissinger method were between 348 and 423 kJ.mol-1, whereas the Avrami parameter was obtained between 0.76 and 1.1 indicating surface crystallization.
Izod Impact Tests in Polyester Matrix Composites Reinforced with Banana Fibers
Authors: Monteiro Sergio Neves , Margem Frederico Muylaert , de Assis Foluke Salgado , Loiola Rômulo Leite , Oliveira Michel Picanço
Published: January 2014

Polymer matrix composites have been applied in components such as helmets and shielding for which toughness is a major requirement. A natural fiber presents interfacial characteristics with polymeric matrices that favor a high impact energy absorption by the composite structure. The objective of this work was then to assess the Izod impact resistance of polymeric composites reinforced with different amounts, up to 30% in volume, of a promising high strength natural fiber, the banana fiber. The results showed a remarkable increase in the notch toughness with the amount of incorporated banana fibers. This can be attributed to a preferential debonding of the fiber/matrix interface, which contributes to an elevated absorbed energy.
Correlation between the Diameter and the Density of Coir Fiber Using the Weibull Statistic Methodology
Authors: Monteiro Sergio Neves , Muylaert Margem Frederico , Guimarães Santafé Júnior Helvio Pessanha , de Souza Martins Lucas Barbosa , Oliveira Michel Picanço
Published: January 2014

Economical, technical and environmental advantages justify the substitution of glass fiber for lignocellulosic fibers in polymeric composites. However the uniformity of the glass fiber dimensions and composition contrast to the lignocellulosic fibers heterogeneity. In this work, a statistical analysis of the correlation between the diameter and the density of coir fiber using the Weibull methodology was performed. The diameter was obtained by profile projector measurements, while the density used precise determinations of the fibers mass and volume. The results revealed an inverse dependence between the coir fiber diameter and its density.
Tensile Properties of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Continuous Sisal Fibers
Authors: Monteiro Sergio Neves , Margem Frederico Muylaert , Pereira Inácio Wellington , Camposo Pereira Artur , Oliveira Michel Picanço
Published: January 2014

The tensile properties of DGEBA/TETA epoxy matrix composites reinforced with different amounts of sisal fibers were evaluated. Composites reinforce with up to 30% in volume of long, continuous and aligned sisal fibers were room temperature tested in an Instron machine. The fracture was analyzed by SEM. The results showed significant changes in the mechanical properties with the amount of sisal fibers. These mechanical properties were compared with other bend-tested composites results. The fracture analysis revealed a weak fiber/matrix interface, which could be responsible for the performance of some properties.
Charpy Impact Test of Epoxy Matrix Composites Reinforced with Buriti Fibers
Authors: Barbosa Anderson de Paula , Oliveira Michel Picanço , Altoé Giulio Rodrigues , Margem Frederico Muylaert , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: January 2014

The buriti (Muritia flexuosa) fiber are among the lignocellulosic fibers with apotential to be used as reinforcement of polymer composites. In recent years, the buriti fiber has been characterized for its properties as an engineering natural material. The toughness of buriti composites remains to be a evaluated. Therefore, the present work evaluated the toughness of epoxy composites reinforced with different amounts of buriti fibers by means of Charpy impact tests. It was found a significant increase in the impact resistance with the volume fraction of buriti fibers. Fracture observations by scanning electron microscopy revealed the mechanism responsible for this toughness behavior.
Formulation and Characterization of Polypropylene Composites Alkali Treated Bagasse Fiber
Authors: Gomes de Paula Paula , Rodríguez Rubén Jesus Sánchez , Rangel Duarte Luís Philipe , Cândido Verônica Scarpini , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: January 2014

Polymer composites reinforced with natural fiber that were obtained as industrial wastes, are of particular interest due to both the environmental benefits and economical advantages. In the present work sugarcane bagasse fibers, obtained as a waste from sugar and ethanol production, were incorporated in an amount of 25wt% into a polypropylene matrix. These fibers were previously alkali treated with NaOH to improve their adherence to the composite matrix. Thermal analyses were conducted in both types of composites, with untreated fibers and with alkali treated fiber. The result indicated that the alkali treatment improves the compatibility between the bagasse fiber and the polypropylene matrix, which then provides more thermal resistance.
Investigation to Obtain Polyols from Residual Frying Oil
Authors: Ferraro Luiz Gustavo , de Souza Alvarenga Felipe Bastos , Gelfuso Maria Virginia , Thomazini Daniel
Published: January 2014

. Polymeric materials based on petroleum have generated a major problem for the environment because they are produced by non-renewable sources. Many studies are being conducted to propose alternatives to obtain polymers from renewable raw materials sources. The disadvantage of this alternative is the use of food sources for polymer production but this is avoided when using the residual frying oil. Aiming to obtain polymer-based urethanes, pretreated residual frying oil samples were submitted to various conditions of hydroxylation and analyzed by FT-IR, where it was possible to observe the presence of-OH groups. To optimize the process of hydroxylation a new research was conducted to determine the concentrations of formic acid and hydrogen peroxide that can generate polyols with high levels of hydroxylation index, suitable for the formation of urethanes.
Study of the Reproducibility of Ni-Zn Nanoferrite Obtained by Combustion Reaction
Authors: Vieira Débora Albuquerque , Diniz Verônica Cristina Souza , Cornejo Daniel R. , de Melo Costa Ana Cristina Figueiredo , Kiminami Ruth Herta Goldsmith Aliaga
Published: January 2014

This work involved a study of the reproducibility of the process of combustion synthesis to produce Ni-Zn ferrites. The structural, morphological and magnetic characteristics of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and magnetometry using an alternating gradient magnetometer (AGM). The XRD diffractograms of the samples indicated that they are monophasic, crystalline, with crystallite sizes ranging from 21 to 38 nm, and have a homogeneous morphology consisting of agglomerates of spherical particles. The samples behaved as soft magnetic materials, with magnetization levels ranging from 37 to 47 emug-1. The combustion synthesis was found to be efficient in producing Ni-Zn nanoferrites, yielding reproducible results.
Stoner-Wohlfarth Model for Nanocrystalline Anisotropic Sm2Co17 Magnets
Authors: de Campos Marcos Flavio , da Silva Fernanda A.S. , de Castro José Adilson
Published: January 2014

The Stoner-Wohlfarth model can be used for predicting hysteresis curves of either isotropic or anisotropic nanocrystalline Sm2Co17 type magnets. For isotropic magnets, with Mr/Ms=0.5, the Stoner-Wohlfarth model predicts coercive force of 48% of the anisotropy field. Here, Mr is remanence and Ms is magnetization of saturation. Two texture distributions were compared: Pearson VII and cosn. The calculations indicate that increasing the alignment degree of the grains, the coercivity increases. However, this increase of the coercive force is small. It is found that a very well aligned magnet, with Mr/Ms ratio of 0.96, presents coercivity only ~20% higher than that of the isotropic magnet.
Obtaining of Polyamide 6.6 Plane Membrane Application in Oil-Water Separation
Authors: Kojuch Luana Rodrigues , de Medeiros Keila Machado , Araújo Edcleide Maria , de Lucena Lira Hélio
Published: January 2014

Nanocomposites are a class of materials formed by hybrids of organic and inorganic materials, where the inorganic phase is dispersed at the nanometer level in a polymeric matrix. Several polymers have been used as matrices for the preparation of polymer / clay nanocomposite, among which, polyamide 6.6, by presenting excellent chemical, thermal and mechanical. The nanocomposites exhibit excellent properties the point of view optical, electrical and barrier, and reduced flammability. In this research, micro-porous membranes were obtained from the polyamide 6.6/argila montmorillonite nanocomposite, in order to verify its application in the separation water / oil. The results obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the obtained membranes have a dense layer and a porous layer, and that after the test oil-water separation was observed that the relative flow (J/J0) was greater in compositions with 3% clay, 1.5 bar pressure.
Morphological Comparison of PEI and PES Nanocomposite Membranes with Bentonite Clay
Authors: Nóbrega Medeiros Vanessa , Leite A.M.D. , Paz R.A. , Maia L.F. , Araújo E.M. , Pessan L.A.
Published: January 2014

Obtaining membranes from polymer nanocomposites have attracted interest of researchers because they use low levels of charge for improvement in barrier properties. In this study, membranes from poly (imide ether) (PEI) and poly (sulfone ether) (PES) were produced by the solvent evaporation technique, using as solvent: chloroform to PEI and dimethylformamide (DMF) to PES; and the clay Brasgel PA was used as load. The results showed that, by XRD, PEI membranes have apparently a structure of micro-composites and / or interleaved structure. Those obtained with PES had an exfoliated structure and / or partially exfoliated one. However, for the composition of PES with 5% clay, there was a small shoulder, therefore demonstrating perhaps an intercalated structure and/or an exfoliated part. By SEM, it was observed that all the membranes are apparently dense, but the behavior is differentiated by changing the matrix of the membranes.
Analysis of the Efficiency of Surface Treatment of Bentonite Clay for Application in Polymeric Membranes
Authors: Medeiros Keila Machado , Nóbrega Medeiros Vanessa , Morais Dayanne Diniz Souza , Kojuch Luana Rodrigues , Araújo Edcleide Maria , Lira Hélio Lucena
Published: January 2014

The bentonite clay fillers are mostly used for the development of nanocomposites, due to having characteristics which provide to obtain in nanometric particles. The bentonite clay was treated with an ammonium quaternary salt to modify it to organophilic clay. The polymeric membranes and nanocomposites were prepared using the phase inversion technique. The bentonite and organophilic clays were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The membranes were characterized by XRD. The results of XRF, XRD and FTIR confirmed the presence of quaternary ammonium salt in the organoclay structure. The XRD diffraction patterns of nanocomposites membrane showed exfoliated and/or partially exfoliated structure. According to the obtained results, it could be seen that the treatment performed on the surface of the clay was quite promising and efficient to be added as nanofillers on polymeric membranes.
Production of Li2O-ZrO2-SiO2-Al2O3 (LZSA) Glass-Ceramic Foams by Aeration and Polymerization of Suspension
Authors: Pozzobom Ida Eunice Favarin , de Souza Mariana , Neto João Batista Rodrigues , Raupp-Pereira Fabiano , de Sousa Trichês Eliandra , de Oliveira Antonio Pedro Novaes
Published: January 2014

Porous glass-ceramics belonging to the Li2O-ZrO2-SiO2-Al2O3(LZSA) system were prepared by gelcasting. This processing technique associated to aeration of ceramic suspensions containing a foaming agent, allows the production of ceramics with high opened porosity (>90%), cell geometry tending to the spherical form, cellular interconnectivity and high green strength. In this work glass-ceramics foams were prepared by addition of different concentrations of foaming agents (Alkolan) and sintered at 750, 850 and 950oC for 30 min. The LZSA glass-ceramic foams were characterized by density, porosity, thermal shrinkage, microstructural analysis and mechanical strength. The morphological, physical and mechanical properties of the consolidated glass-ceramic foams indicated that the process of gelcasting may be a valid alternative to produce porous materials for applications at temperatures lower than 950°C.
Microstructure Evolution during Fabrication of Ni-Ti-Nb SMA Wires
Authors: Tosetti João Pedro , da Silva Gilberto Alvares , Otubo Jorge
Published: January 2014

Ni-Ti-Nb system alloys show wide shape memory hysteresis, suitable for assembly applications. The microstructure is composed by NiTi matrix (with some dissolved Nb) and Nb dispersed particles (with some Ni and Ti content). These particles are to cause the hysteresis widening. This work evaluates the microstructure evolution during wire fabrication process of equiatomic Ni and Ti alloys with increasing Nb content (1.5, 3.0, 6.0 and 9,0%at.). It is shown that as-cast alloys with up to 9% at.Nb and near equiatomic Ni:Ti relation show three main microconstituents: NiTi matrix phase, interdendritic eutectic phase (NiTi + β-Nb) and Ti3(Ni,Nb)2 compound precipitates. It was observed that NiTi matrix phase and eutectic phase (NiTi + β-Nb) have ductile behavior while Ti3(Ni,Nb)2 compound have fragile behavior. There was not much hardness variation during hot swaging (200-300 HV) due to recovery and recrystallization processes. Mechanical hardening prevailed as the mechanism for increase hardness of cold worked samples from 200 to 450 HV.
Evaluation of Concretes Incorporated with Fluorescent Lamp Glass Waste
Authors: Pedroti Leonardo Gonçalves , Vieira Carlos Maurício Fontes , Monteiro Sergio Neves , Candido Veronica Scarpini , Xavier Gustavo de Castro , Alexandre Jonas
Published: January 2014

The increase amount of industrial wastes is becoming a serious worldwide environmental problem, which is aggravated by wastes containing toxic substances. This is the case of fluorescent lamps that use mercury vapor for light emission. At the end of their operational life these lamps should not be directly disposed to avoid the Hg toxic effects. Decontamination procedures take the Hg away but leave the other parts of the lamp as solid wastes. The mains part is the lamp glass, which finds many ways to be recycled. In the present work a fluorescent lamp glass waste was investigated as a possible material to be incorporated into a cement matrix as part of a civil construction concrete. Different amounts of waste up to 20 wt% were mixed with sand, gravel and cement to prepare concrete samples that were tested for the mechanical strength and water absorption in intervals of time until complete cure at 28 days. Although the waste failed to show pozzolanic activity, the incorporated concretes attended the required technical specifications.
Physical-Mechanical Behaviour of a LZS Glass-Ceramic
Authors: Domingos Teixeira Jaime , Pereira Manuel Alfredo , Boehs Lourival , Siligardi Cristina , Cantavella Vicente , de Oliveira A. Pedro Novaes
Published: January 2014

Physical and mechanical properties of a glass-ceramic belonging to the LZS (Li2O-SiO2-ZrO2) system were investigated by dilatometric analysis, differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and measurements of density, hardness, bending strength, modulus of elasticity and fracture toughness. The obtained glass-ceramics showed ZrSiO4 and Li2Si2O5 as main crystalline phases, relative densities between 84 and 99%, maximum hardness, bending strength, modulus of elasticity and toughness of 8±0.5 GPa, 214±20 MPa, 115±0.42 GPa and 3.65±0.21 MPa.m1/2, respectively.
Recycling of Concentration Tailings of Iron Ore for the Production of Concrete Block (Pavers)
Authors: da Silva Fabiane Leocádia , Araújo Fernando Gabriel S. , Castro Camila G. , Mendes Jefferson J. , von Krüger Fernando L.
Published: January 2014

This paper studies the technological feasibility of using iron ore tailings as additives in cement pavers for the optimization of the mechanical properties and color modulation.Thus, to study the physical, chemical, optical and morphological properties of the tailings, they were characterized for the composition, mineralogy and granulometry. To optimize the procedure of preparing iron ore tailings as additives in the production of new concrete pavers and to determine their effects on the properties of pavers they, were added in ratios of 0% to 50% in substitution of traditional aggregates. The pavers were characterized for hermeticity and mechanical properties.
Formulation of Ceramic Glazes by Recycling Waste Glass
Authors: Strecker Kurt , Costa Helder B.
Published: January 2014

Basically, a traditional ceramic glaze is a thin layer of glass created on the ceramic surface to enhance the aesthetic appearance and also to waterproof the artifact. Almost all glazes are based on quartz, SiO2, and a flux such as Na2O or K2O, similar to the composition of common glass, which contains approximately 72% SiO2 and 15% Na2O, and is widely used as windows or in glass packaging. The current work investigated the formulation of glazes using recycled waste glass powder for firing temperatures of 1100 and 1250°C. Three transparent base glaze formulations were developed and by adding coloring agents such as iron, cobalt or copper oxide several colored glazes could be successfully produced. In this way, up to 30% of recycled waste glass powder could be incorporated into the glazes.
Properties of High Temperature Sintered Clay Ceramic Added with Multi-Wire Sawn Granite Waste
Authors: Castoldi Borlini Gadioli Monica , de Aguiar Mariane Costalonga , Vieira Carlos Maurício Fontes , Candido Verônica Scarpini , Monteiro Sérgio Neves
Published: January 2014

Brazil is currently one of the world leading producers and exporters of ornamental stones. The increasing production also generates a proportionally huge amount of wastes. Depending on stones such as granite, these wastes may be composed of relatively high content of alkaline oxides. This is a low melting point flux with advantage for a potential addition of the waste into common clay ceramic. Thus, the present work investigated the addition of a granite waste, generated during the sawing stage using the multi-wire technology, into clayey ceramics fired at 1200oC. This ceramic added with up to 30 wt% waste were evaluated in terms of linear shrinkage, water absorption and flexural strength. It was found that the waste fluxing compounds promoted a reduction in water absorption and increase in strength that are associated with an improved clayey ceramic.
ZnAl2O4/Chitosan Films and Evaluation of the Influence of ZnAl2O4 Filler on the Films Morphology, Structure and Thermal Properties
Authors: de Araújo Pascally M.A. Guerra , Santos P.T.A. , Costa Ana Cristina Figueiredo de Melo , Araújo Edcleide Maria
Published: January 2014

The present work intends to prepare ZnAl2O4/chitosan films with a mass proportion of 3:1and evaluate the influence of the ZnAl2O4 filler on the chitosan films morphology, structure and thermogravimetric properties. The films were characterized by XRD, SEM, TG and FTIR. With the XRD, it has been verified that both the chitosan and the ZnAl2O4/chitosan films presented the chitosan peaks. However, the ZnAl2O4/chitosan film also presented the ZnAl2O4 peaks. Through the SEM, it has been observed that the chitosan film presented a flat surface. On the other hand, the ZnAl2O4/chitosan presented a protruding surface. The TGA/DTA curves of the ZnAl2O4/chitosan film showed an increase in the thermal stability at temperatures greater than 720oC, comparing with the chitosan film.
Characterization of a Granite Waste for Clay Ceramic Addition
Authors: Aguiar Mariane Costalonga , Gadioli Monica Castoldi Borlini , Babisk Michelle Pereira , Candido Veronica Scarpini , Monteiro Sergio Neves , Vieira Carlos Maurício Fontes
Published: January 2014

Wastes generated by processing ornamental stones are an increasing environmental problem in Brazil. Recycling alternatives are being investigated for the different types of wastes. The addition into clay ceramic is a possibility as long as the stone waste presents compatible characteristics. Therefore the objective of this work was to characterize a waste obtained from the sawing operation of granite by a steel multi-wire equipment as well as to evaluate its effect on the plasticity of clayey formulations. This characterization was performed in terms of chemical composition, X-ray diffraction and particle size distribution. The results indicated not only similar chemical and physical aspects but also a potential for addition into clay bodies of Campos dos Goytacazes in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by the adjustment of the excessive plasticity of the clay.
Effects of Mould Temperature in Squeeze Casting of Zamak 5
Authors: Führ L.T. , Ludwig Gustavo Alberto , Martins M.R. , Vecchia F.D. , Rieder E. , Malfatti C. , Oliveira C.T.
Published: January 2014

Squeeze casting process of Zamac 5 for obtain faucets enables higher productivity associated with better dimensional characteristics. In this process, the die cooling system can influence the solidification of the alloy and its properties. This study evaluates the influence of die temperature on solidification under pressure from Zamac 5. Pieces were removed from the die at several temperatures. Samples were evaluated by neutral salt spray corrosion, optical microscopy and microhardness. The results show that the corrosion is related to the porosity defects, which was most intense in part regions which solidified lastly. These regions also showed different results of microhardness. However, the behavior of the samples was similar in the range of die temperatures studied.
Fungal endophyte colonization coincides with altered DNA methylation in drought-stressed wheat seedlings
Authors: Hubbard Michelle , Germida James J. , Vujanovic Vladimir
Published: January 2014

Hubbard, M., Germida, J. J. and Vujanovic, V. 2014. Fungal endophyte colonization coincides with altered DNA methylation in drought-stressed wheat seedlings. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 223–234. Drought stress is one of the greatest limiting factors to Canadian agricultural production. The endophytic fungus SMCD 2206 improves wheat tolerance for drought. However, the mechanism(s) by which this mycobiont interacts with its host are not known. Methyl-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) was used to test the hypothesis that the endophyte colonization is associated with epigenetic modifications in drought-stressed wheat. Such epigenetic changes might be linked to elevated plant drought resistance. The DNA methylation patterns observed in drought-stressed wheat seedlings co-cultured with SMCD 2206 resembled those of unstressed controls (with or without the endophyte) much more closely than those of endophyte-free, drought-stressed plants. Consistent with the documented roles of transposable elements in plant epigenetics, DNA sequences isolated from some of the most prominent polymorphic MSAP bands were similar to a CACTA type transposon and two retrotransposons of Gypsy and Copia types. Another polymorphic band was similar to a wheat cytochrome p450 expressed sequence tag, suggesting that inoculation may be linked to altered plant responses to oxidative stress in drought conditions. These findings shed new light on the mechanisms involved in plant–endophyte associations, showing that SMCD 2206 colonization of wheat coincides with epigenetic differences in the plant host.
Daniel Angel Frassinetti Cabezas, 1939-2010: obituary, bibliography and a list of his taxa.
Authors: Nielsen Sven N. , Canto Jhoann
Published: January 2014

Daniel Frassinetti was born on July 26, 1939 in Iquique and died on April 9, 2010 in Santiago, Chile. He obtained the title of Teacher of General Basic Education in 1959 from Escuela Normal Jose Abelardo Nunez and worked as a teacher for several years. He came to Santiago in 1971, where he joined the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural as a technician. Quickly he became research assistant and in 1975 he ascended to researcher of the Geology Section. In 1991 he became head of the Paleontology Section and was editor of the Boletin del Museo Nacional de Historia Natural and the museum’s Publicacion Ocasional for more than 30 years. In 1995 he obtained a degree in Education from the Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educacion. Daniel Frassinetti retired in the year 2008, but continued his investigations as Emeritus Curator at the museum. He was always generous with information about paleontology, but rarely talked about his private life. For some years, he fought silently and bravely against a cancer without many people knowing about it. A fight he eventually lost.
A spatial database of wildfires in the United States, 1992-2011
Authors: Short K. C.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The statistical analysis of wildfire activity is a critical component of national wildfire planning, operations, and research in the United States (US). However, there are multiple federal, state, and local entities with wildfire protection and reporting responsibilities in the US, and no single, unified system of wildfire record keeping exists. To conduct even the most rudimentary interagency analyses of wildfire numbers and area burned from the authoritative systems of record, one must harvest records from dozens of disparate databases with inconsistent information content. The onus is then on the user to check for and purge redundant records of the same fire (i.e., multijurisdictional incidents with responses reported by several agencies or departments) after pooling data from different sources. Here we describe our efforts to acquire, standardize, error-check, compile, scrub, and evaluate the completeness of US federal, state, and local wildfire records from 1992–2011 for the national, interagency Fire Program Analysis (FPA) application. The resulting FPA Fire-Occurrence Database (FPA FOD) includes nearly 1.6 million records from the 20 yr period, with values for at least the following core data elements: location, at least as precise as a Public Land Survey System section (2.6 km2 grid), discovery date, and final fire size. The FPA FOD is publicly available from the Research Data Archive of the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (doi:10.2737/RDS-2013-0009). While necessarily incomplete in some aspects, the database is intended to facilitate fairly high-resolution geospatial analysis of US wildfire activity over the past two decades, based on available information from the authoritative systems of record.
Flow resistance of vegetated oblique weir-like obstacles during high water stages
Authors: Ali S. , Uijttewaal W. S. J.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. At high water stages, obstacles (submerged and particularly emerged vegetation) in the flood plains of a river contribute to the flow resistance and hamper the conveyance capacity. In particular the elevated vegetated parts are expected to play an important role. The objective of this research work is to determine the form drag due to vegetated oblique weir-like obstacles. Experiments have been performed to measure the energy head losses for a range of subcritical flow conditions, varying discharges and downstream water levels. The energy head loss caused by the submerged vegetated weir-like obstacle has been modeled using an expansion loss form drag model that has been derived from the one-dimensional momentum conservation equation and accounts for the energy loss associated with a deceleration of the flow downstream of a sudden expansion. The results have been compared with the experimental data and showed an overall good agreement.
Prevalence of Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases in the Adult Population of Urban Areas in Kabul City, Afghanistan
Authors: Saeed Khwaja Mir Islam
Published: January 2014

Background: Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major global problem. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of common risk factors for NCDs among the adult population in urban areas of Kabul city, Afghanistan.Methods and Materials: This study was conducted from December 2011 through March 2012 and involved a survey of 1169 respondents, aged 40 years and above. Multistage cluster sampling was used for participant selection, followed by random sampling of the participants. The World Health Organization STEPwise approachfor Surveillance (STEPS) was modified and used for this study. Results: The overall prevalence of smoking was 5.1% (14.7% men versus 0.3% women) and using mouth snuff was 24.4% in men and 1.3% in women. The prevalence of obesity and hypertension were 19.1% and 45.2 % in men and 37.3% and 46.5% in women. Prevalence of diabetes was 16.1% in men and 12% in women. The overall prevalence of obesity, hypertension and diabetes mellitus was 31.2%, 46% and 13.3%, respectively. On average, subjects consumed 3.37 servings of fruit and 2.96 servings of leafy vegetables per week. Mean walking and sitting hours per week (as proxies for physical activity) were 19.4 and 20.5, respectively. A multivariate model demonstrated that age was a significant risk factor for obesity (OR=1.86), diabetes (OR=2/09) and hypertension (OR=4.1). Obesity was significantly associated with sex (OR=1.65). Conclusion: These results highlight the need for interventions to reduce and prevent risk factors of non-communicable diseases in urban areas of Kabul City, Afghanistan.
Subjectivité et vulnérabilité chez Ricœur et Levinas
Authors: Sautereau Cyndie
Published: January 2014

En quoi le soi, tel que Ricœur nous le donne à voir, peut-il être dit vulnérable? Nous soutiendrons que cette vulnérabilité peut être appréhendée à trois niveaux: réflexif, des capacités humaines et ontologique. Cependant, si Ricœur nous aide bien à penser la fragilité humaine et à définir ainsi une conception nouvelle du soi, la vulnérabilité reste envisagée dans le cadre d’une réflexion sur l’agir humain dont elle est en quelque sorte le versant négatif. L’autonomie, comme point d’orgue de l’agir, demeure la visée à atteindre. Ce point de référence à partir duquel la vulnérabilité est pensée mérite selon nous d’être questionné: nous permet-il d’en prendre toute la mesure? Nous mettrons à l’épreuve la conception ricœurienne de la vulnérabilité en nous appuyant sur l’éthique levinassienne. Levinas opère, en effet, un double renversement. Non seulement la vulnérabilité prend-elle la première place mais, de plus, celui qui est vulnérable, c’est d’abord autrui et non le soi.
Revisiting the Andean butterfly Eryphanis zolvizora group (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae): one or several species?
Authors: Blandin Patrick , Bristow Roger , Neild Andrew , Carlos de Sousa Juan , Gareca Yuvinka , Huertas Blanca
Published: January 2014

Eryphanis zolvizora (Hewitson, 1877) is a rare Andean endemic butterfly, described from Bolivia, which has been historically classified either as a unique species, or as part of a group of three allopatric species from Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia. In this paper, the group is revised using more than 200 specimens housed in 34 European, and North and South American public and private collections. For the first time, the presence of the group in Western Ecuador and Venezuela is confirmed, and important data on Peruvian populations are provided. In some populations, individual variations of genitalia are observed. Nevertheless, male genitalia allow the distinction of four geographical groups. Considering also habitus characters, eight taxa are distinguished and considered to be subspecies, of which five are new: Eryphanis zolvizora inca ssp. nov., Eryphanis zolvizora chachapoya ssp. nov., Eryphanis zolvizora casagrande ssp. nov.., Eryphanis zolvizora reyi ssp. nov., and Eryphanis zolvizora isabelae ssp. nov.  In the present state of knowledge, these taxa are allopatric, except for a possible geographic overlap in central Peru, where data are insufficient to prove sympatry. The “several subspecies vs. several species” dilemma is discussed, considering its impact for conservation action and policies.
Russia-Focused Venture Capital Supports In-Bound Technology Transfer and Company Building: An Analysis of Investment Trends and Outcomes
Authors: Garvey John M. , Kerner Shann , Tillmann Axel , Kuzmin Dmitry
Published: January 2014

This paper analyzes the approaches taken by the Russian government to promote innovation in the biotechnology sector within the country.Â  Russia is economically strong, currently with a trade surplus, and the country is investing broadly in initiatives that have resulted in in-bound technology transfer, as well as an expansion of the private sector.Â  These initiatives include government venture capital and investment funds, as well as physical technology â€œincubatorâ€ centers.Â  The result has been an increase in the number of clinical-stage biotechnology companies operating in Russia, as well as an increase in the number of pharmaceutical candidates undergoing trials in the country.Â  The biotechnology â€œboomâ€ has also resulted in an increase in the number of early-stage companies.Â  This paper investigates current deal and investment trends from the funds that are the principal supporters of biotechnology companies in Russia.
A biological battlefield: The potential applications of using remote sensing technology and biomarker organisms for identifying, tracking, and differentiating persons of interest within an area of operations
Authors: Rivera Jason
Published: January 2014

Since World War II, the majority of American wartime engagements have been characterized by a series of low-intensity, asymmetric conflicts. These conflicts have increased the importance of understanding the dynamics of individual actors within complex battlespaces which in turn has led U.S. military commanders, intelligence professionals, and wartime decision makers to seek a variety of means for identifying, tracking, and differentiating persons of interest. From the jungles of Vietnam to the mountains of Afghanistan, the process of understanding the movements and activities of hostile actors has become paramount to successful military targeting and combat operations. Over the last 50 years, the military and intelligence communities have developed a plethora of technologies capable of accomplishing this task to include overhead satellites, infrared imaging, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), advanced biometrics, and host of other personnel identifying and tracking technologies. While these technologies have closed the gap in enabling U.S. military and intelligence professionals to understand the human aspect of the battlespace, there are still significant challenges in uniquely identifying the movements and activities of specific persons or groups of persons.Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  Given the above outlined challenge of understanding the battlespace, this article will explore an alternative means of identifying and uniquely tracking individuals. Specifically, this article will explore the combined use of remote sensing technologies and genetically engineered biomarkers in order to uniquely identify, track, and differentiate persons of interest. Such a combination of two disparate technical fields would be technologically challenging both within the biological and remote imaging scientific fields, thus emphasizing the paramount importance of combining biological markers with distinct signatures that are detectable by specific and technologically matching visualization means. In addition to discussing the technical challenges associated with such a combination of technologies, this article will also discuss both the potential military benefits and negative implications this process could have in ethical, legal, and diplomatic terms. At the conclusion of this article, the reader should have a fundamental understanding of how remote sensing technologies and biomarkers can be combined to better understand the battlespace as well as the possible implications of this technological paring.Â
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Offending Behaviour- Case Report
Authors: Olubokun Jibowu
Published: January 2014

The association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Offending behaviour is well documented in Literature. The DSM IV and the NICE Clinical guidelines state that Hyperactivity, Impulsiveness and poor concentration are the core features of this condition. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be seen as a Neurodevelopmental disorder and a spectrum disorder.
In this case report the discontinuation of pharmacological treatment with Modified release preparation of Methyl phenidate Hydrochloride led to an escalation of offending behaviour within a few weeks which resulted in an admission into a Secure Children’s facility in Leeds West Yorkshire and Subsequent ‘Electronic tagging’ in a 15 year old.
Some young persons with ADHD can present with ‘complex needs’ and Health care professionals, Drug workers and other staff as well as Forensic Physicians working within the Custodial and Forensic settings would need to be sensitive and responsive to their needs in order to ensure the continuity of treatment for as long as is practicable and achievable even whilst in custody.
The importance of multidisciplinary and multiagency working with a ‘joined up’ approach so as to maximise out come is highlighted.
Popularidade em blogs: composição, causas e consequências
Authors: Castro Isadora Teixeira V. Menin Netto , Santos Júnior Carlos Denner dos
Published: January 2014

Capazes de difundir informações e influenciar comportamentos, blogs são cada vez mais valorizados como fontes de inteligência de negócios, sendo procurados por empresas para formar alianças estratégicas de divulgação de produtos e serviços. Na busca daqueles que possam trazer resultados mais eficazes, empresas realizam classificações com base em indicadores para mapear as páginas mais populares e influentes. Nesse sentido, partindo do pressuposto de que popularidade é um construto e que as redes das quais os blogs fazem parte são moldadas por conexão preferencial, de modo que os blogs populares tendem a se tornar cada vez mais populares, desenvolvemos um modelo teórico para o entendimento da composição da popularidade em blogs, suas causas e consequências. Nós testamos empiricamente esse modelo e encontramos suporte para nossas suposições teóricas. Dentre os principais resultados, encontramos que o construto sugerido é confiável, que a idade do blog influencia a popularidade, e que esta é uma importante preditora da quantidade de autores de um blog.
Uma proposta para análise da adoção de tecnologias da informação em micro e pequenas empresas a partir da adaptação do modelo TOE (Technology, Organization and Environment)
Authors: Oliveira Rodrigo Cesar Reis de , Santos Ernani Marques , Gonzalez Júnior Ivo Pedro
Published: January 2014

Este ensaio teórico tem como objetivo propor a adaptação do modelo TOE - Technology, Organization and Environment para análise da adoção de tecnologias da informação em micro e pequenas empresas. Nesse sentido, o presente ensaio busca evidenciar a relevância do tema e do objeto de análise, tanto a partir da perspectiva teórica quanto da pragmática, já que são organizações essenciais do ponto de vista econômico e social. A partir da proposição, sugere-se que pesquisas futuras venham a aplicar o modelo para que se verifique a riqueza exploratória de análise em organizações, principalmente as MPE.