bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise cefalométrica das vias aéreas superiores de pacientes Classe III submetidos a tratamento ortocirúrgico
Authors: Gornic Camila , Nascimento Paula Paiva do , Melgaço Camilo Aquino , Ruellas Antonio Carlos de O. , Medeiros Paulo José D'Albuquerque , Sant'Anna Eduardo Franzotti
Published: January 2012

OBJETIVO: o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações causadas por cirurgia ortognática de recuo mandibular associada ou não à cirurgia maxilar combinada nas vias aéreas superiores (VAS). MÉTODOS: foram avaliadas radiografias cefalométricas de perfil pré-cirúrgicas e pós-cirúrgicas imediatas de 17 pacientes com Classe III. Foram realizadas medições do diâmetro do espaço aéreo (EA) no plano sagital, nas regiões correspondentes à hipofaringe e à orofaringe; também foram registradas as alterações na posição do osso hioide. Utilizou-se o teste t pareado e o coeficiente Pearson, buscando possíveis associações entre as alterações esqueléticas e as ocorridas no EA. RESULTADOS: observou-se redução significativa do EA na região da hipofaringe (média de 3,10mm, p=0,024). O osso hioide sofreu deslocamento inferior e posterior, além de diminuição da distância entre o mesmo e a região anterior da mandíbula. Não foi possível correlacionar, quantitativamente, a redução anteroposterior do EA com o recuo mandibular. Entretanto, observou-se correlação forte entre o diâmetro inicial do EA e a quantidade de redução observada ao nível da hipofaringe, e moderada em relação à orofaringe. CONCLUSÕES: o recuo mandibular pode causar estreitamento significativo das VAS, principalmente na porção mais inferior (hipofaringe). Portanto, deve-se atentar para sua avaliação durante o plano de tratamento ortocirúrgico, já que não foram descartados possíveis efeitos deletérios dessas alterações nas funções do indivíduo.
Resistência ao cisalhamento da colagem com compósitos utilizando potencializador de adesão
Authors: Morais Edivaldo de , Romano Fábio Lourenço , Sobrinho Lourenço Correr , Correr Américo Bortolazzo , Magnani Maria Beatriz Borges de Araújo
Published: January 2012

OBJETIVO: avaliar a resistência ao cisalhamento dos compósitos Transbond XT e Concise Ortodôntico utilizando o potencializador de adesão Ortho Primer. MÉTODOS: a amostra consistiu de 90 incisivos bovinos divididos em seis grupos (n=15). Todos os dentes receberam profilaxia com pedra-pomes e condicionamento do esmalte com ácido fosfórico. No Grupo I, utilizou-se Transbond XT de maneira convencional. O Grupo II foi semelhante ao I, porém, aplicou-se o Ortho Primer ao invés do XT Primer. No Grupo III, após condicionamento, o esmalte foi contaminado com saliva, aplicou-se o Ortho Primer e colagem com Transbond XT. No Grupo IV, utilizou-se o Concise Ortodôntico de maneira convencional. O Grupo V foi semelhante ao IV, porém, utilizou-se o Ortho Primer ao invés da resina fluida. No Grupo VI, após condicionamento, o esmalte foi contaminado com saliva, aplicou-se o Ortho Primer e colagem com Concise. Os corpos de prova foram armazenados em água destilada em estufa a 37ºC por 24h e submetidos ao ensaio de resistência ao cisalhamento. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA e ao teste de Tukey (5%). RESULTADOS: a resistência da colagem no Grupo IV foi estatisticamente superior à dos Grupos II, III e VI (p<0,05). Entre os Grupos I, IV e V; e entre os Grupos I, II, III e VI não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas significativas (p>0,05). O Transbond XT e o Concise utilizados convencionalmente obtiveram os maiores valores adesivos. O Ortho Primer em esmalte seco atuou efetivamente como agente de união dos compósitos avaliados. Em esmalte contaminado, a colagem com Concise obteve baixa resistência adesiva.
A unifying approach to allometric scaling of resource ingestion rates under limiting conditions
Authors: Basset Alberto , Cozzoli Francesco , Paparella Francesco
Published: January 2012

Individual resource ingestion rates depend on both individual body size and resource supply. A component of the latter, namely resource availability, is also body‐size dependent. This raises the question of the adequacy of simple scaling laws to describe the body‐size dependency of resource ingestion. Here we propose a model which integrates resource ingestion drivers by merging a scaling law for feeding metabolism and Holling's functional responses into a single mathematical framework. At any fixed level of resource supply, the model predicts a log‐log concave‐down relationship between resource ingestion rates and body size, rather than a simple scaling law. Deviations from the latter are accounted for by the body size dependency of resource limitations. Experimental and literature data describing patterns of perceived resource availability and individual intake rates under limiting conditions with increasing individual body size are used to validate the model's assumptions and predictions. The model incorporates and extends well‐established theoretical approaches and is intended as a step towards the integration of metabolic theory with behavioral ecology and population dynamics.
Broiler Litter Type and Placement Effects on Corn Growth, Nitrogen Utilization, and Residual Soil Nitrate‐Nitrogen in a No‐Till Field
Authors: Adeli Ardeshir , Tewolde Haile , Jenkins Johnie N.
Published: January 2012

Broiler litter is generally land applied by surface broadcasting, a practice that exposes litter nutrients to volatilization and surface runoff losses potentially contaminate environment. Placing litter in narrow bands below the soil surface may eliminate such losses but this practice has not been evaluated. Field experiments were conducted in 2008 and 2009 on a private farm in Caledonia, MS on a Caledonia silt loam (fine‐loamy, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Typic Paleudalf) to determine the effects of broiler litter types and placements on corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield, N utilization, postharvest stalk nitrate (NO3–N) and residual soil NO3–N. Six treatments were used in a randomized complete block with four replications. Treatments were an unfertilized control, inorganic N fertilizer at the rate of 180 kg ha−1, subsurface and surface broadcast of nonpelletized and pelletized litter at the rate of 11.2 Mg ha−1. No differences in grain yield, total N uptake, and apparent N use efficiency were obtained between pelletized and nonpelletized litter when subsurface banded. However, for surface broadcast the values were greater for pelletized than nonpelletized litter. Nonpelletized litter applied in a subsurface band had 16% greater grain yield, 9% higher harvest index, 19% more N used and 56% greater in apparent N use efficiency compared with surface broadcast. Subsurface banding of nonpelletized broiler litter is an effective manure management strategy for corn production under no‐till systems.
Sorghum Response to Fertilizer and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Uganda
Authors: Kaizzi Kayuki C. , Byalebeka John , Semalulu Onesmus , Alou Isaac , Zimwanguyizza Williams , Nansamba Angella , Musinguzi Patrick , Ebanyat Peter , Hyuha Theodore , Wortmann Charles S.
Published: January 2012

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is important for smallholder production in semiarid parts of Uganda. Grain yields are low because of low soil fertility. Little fertilizer is used. Yield response to N, P, and K application, economically optimal rates for N, P, and K (EONR, EOPR, and EOKR, respectively), and N use efficiency (NUE) were evaluated at 11 site‐seasons. Mean sorghum yield with no N applied (N0) was 0.69 Mg ha−1 and was consistently increased by a mean of 230% with N application. Mean EONRs were 34 to 18 kg ha−1 N with fertilizer use cost to grain price ratios (CPs) of 10 to 30, respectively. Mean EOPRs were 11 to 2 kg ha−1 P with CPs of 10 to 50, respectively. Sorghum did not respond to K application. Net economic returns were greater for N than P application. Mean aboveground biomass N with 0 and 90 kg ha−1 N applied was 31.3 and 75.9 kg ha−1, respectively. Grain N concentration, N harvest index, and internal NUE at the EONR were 1.67%, 53.2%, and 31.8 kg kg−1, respectively, and higher than for N0. Mean recovery efficiency, partial factor productivity, and agronomic efficiency declined with increased N rate and were 135%, 79 kg kg−1, and 52 kg kg−1, respectively, at the EONR. The profit potential of fertilizer N use is high for smallholder sorghum production in Uganda. Policy interventions to reduce fertilizer cost and improve grain marketing efficiency will enable smallholders to increase fertilizer use for substantial increases in sorghum production.
Organic and metallic pollutants in water treatment and natural wetlands: a review
Authors: Haarstad K. , Bavor H. J. , Mæhlum T.
Published: January 2012

A literature review shows that more than 500 compounds occur in wetlands, and also that wetlands are suitable for removing these compounds. There are, however, obvious pitfalls for treatment wetlands, the most important being the maintenance of the hydraulic capacity and the detention time. Treatment wetlands should have an adapted design to target specific compounds. Aquatic plants and soils are suitable for wastewater treatment with a high capacity of removing nutrients and other substances through uptake, sorption and microbiological degradation. The heavy metals Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb were found to exceed limit values. The studies revealed high values of phenol and SO4. No samples showed concentrations in sediments exceeding limit values, but fish samples showed concentrations of Hg exceeding the limit for fish sold in the European Union (EU). The main route of metal uptake in aquatic plants was through the roots in emergent and surface floating plants, whereas in submerged plants roots and leaves take part in removing heavy metals and nutrients. Submerged rooted plants have metal uptake potential from water as well as sediments, whereas rootless plants extracted metals rapidly only from water. Caution is needed about the use of SSF CWs (subsurface flow constructed wetlands) for the treatment of metal-contaminated industrial wastewater as metals are shifted to another environmental compartment, and stable redox conditions are required to ensure long-term efficiency. Mercury is one of the most toxic heavy metals and wetlands have been shown to be a source of methylmercury. Methyl Hg concentrations are typically approximately 15% of Hgt (total mercury). In wetlands polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), bisphenol A, BTEX, hydrocarbons including diesel range organics, glycol, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), cyanide, benzene, chlorophenols and formaldehyde were found to exceed limit values. In sediments only PAH and PCB were found exceeding limit values. The pesticides found above limit values were atrazine, simazine, terbutylazine, metolachlor, mecoprop, endosulfan, chlorfenvinphos and diuron. There are few water quality limit values of these compounds, except for some well-known endocrine disrupters such as nonylphenol, phtalates, etc.
Short- and long-term fouling characteristics of reverse osmosis membrane at full scale leachate treatment plant
Authors: Rukapan Weerapong , Khananthai Benyapa , Chiemchaisri Chart , Chiemchaisri Wilai , Srisukphun Thirdpong
Published: January 2012

This research is focused on characterizing the foulants on a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane taken from a full-scale leachate treatment plant in Thailand. The system consists of a physico-chemical pre-treatment unit and RO system and has been in operation for 2 years. Ferric chloride (FeCl3) was added to the open-jet sedimentation tank at 2.0–2.5 g/l dosage for chemical coagulation. The supernatant from the sedimentation tank was polished using a pressurized sand filter prior to entering the RO system. The RO unit consists of seven pressurized vessels and 42 membrane elements (6 elements in each vessel). The recovery ratio and operating pressure in the RO system were maintained at 50% and 1.5–2.5 MPa. Fouled membranes obtained from short-term (6 months) and long-term operation (2 years) were taken from the system and analyzed by autopsy and sequential cleaning methods. The analysis of foulants on the membrane surfaces revealed that Fe deposits at 3.11 g/m2. For short-term operated membranes, water cleaning could recover 32.14 and 7.45% of initial pure water flux on the 1st and 6th membrane elements. NaOH cleaning, however, recovered more than 90% of initial flux, much higher than that of HCl solution in both elements. For long-term operated membranes, pure water flux recovery was below 5% for both 1st and 6th elements. Sequential cleaning by NaOH followed by HCl yielded the best results. Nevertheless, flux recovery through sequential cleaning of long-term operated membranes was only 35.3 and 19.1% for the 1st and the 6th elements, respectively.
A critical review of experimental and predicted methane generation from anaerobic codigestion
Authors: Bond T. , Brouckaert C. J. , Foxon K. M. , Buckley C. A.
Published: January 2012

Anaerobic digestion is increasingly being considered as a treatment option for an extensive range of waste biomass, due to the potential for energy recovery, in the form of methane production, and lower sludge volumes relative to aerobic treatment processes. Furthermore, when two substrates are codigested (i.e. digested together), added benefits are foreseeable, such as increased methane production and detoxification of toxic compounds via cometabolic degradation pathways. The objectives of this study were to compare experimental and predicted methane production from codigestion literature studies in order to objectively evaluate digester performance. Two predictive methods were used, both assuming methane yields are additive: literature values for digestion of single substrates and a stoichiometric method using model substrates to represent different substrates. Waste sources included in the analysis were primary sewage sludge, waste activated sludge, cow manure, waste paper, grease trap sludge, fat oil and grease and algal sludge. It was found that methane production could approximately be predicted using both methods, with literature methane yields from the same study being the most accurate predictor. One important finding from this study was that the assumption that methane yields are additive is a reasonable one. Furthermore, both predictive methods may be usefully employed as a screening tool to compare methane yields between different types and blends of substrates.
Evaluation of a two-stage hydrothermal process for enhancing acetic acid production using municipal biosolids
Authors: Aggrey Anderson , Dare Peter , Lei Robert , Gapes Daniel
Published: January 2012

A two-stage hydrothermal process aimed at improving acetic acid production using municipal biosolids was evaluated against thermal hydrolysis and conventional wet oxidation process in a 600 ml Parr batch reactor. Thermal hydrolysis was conducted at 140 °C, wet oxidation at 220 °C and the two-stage process, which acted as a series combination of thermal hydrolysis and wet oxidation, at 220 °C. Initial pressure of 1 MPa was maintained in all the three processes. The results indicated that the highest acetic acid production of up to 58 mg/g dry solids feed was achieved in the wet oxidation process followed by the two-stage process with 36 mg/g dry solids feed and 1.8 mg/g dry solids feed for thermal hydrolysis. The acetic acid yield obtained by the thermal processes increased from 0.4% in the thermal hydrolysis process to 12% during the single stage wet oxidation, with the two-stage process achieving 8%. The purity of the acetic acid improved from 1% in thermal hydrolysis to 38% in the wet oxidation process. The two-stage process achieved acetic acid purity of 25%. This work demonstrated no enhancement of acetic acid production by the two-stage concept compared with the single stage wet oxidation process. This is in contrast to similar work by other researchers, investigated on carbohydrate biomass and vegetable wastes using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. However, the data obtained revealed that substrate specificity, reaction severity or oxidant type is clearly important in promoting reaction mechanisms which support enhanced acetic acid production using municipal biosolids.
UV disinfection of stabilization pond effluent: a feasible alternative for areas with land restriction
Authors: Alves C. V. P. , Chernicharo C. A. L. , von Sperling M.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this research was to determine the feasibility of a UV photoreactor for the disinfection of effluent from a polishing pond following a UASB reactor treating domestic wastewater. For this, a 20 mm diameter photoreactor (20.7 litre volume) equipped with four 30 W submerged low-pressure mercury arc lamps was used. Three tests with contact times and doses ranging from 45 to 90 s and from 16.9 to 31.3 mW s cm−2 were carried out. Inactivation of total coliforms and Escherichia coli varied from 2.6 to 3.4 log-units, even with the presence of suspended solids in the range of 87 to 102 mg L−1. These results have shown that UV radiation disinfection of pond effluents can be a feasible alternative in areas with land restriction.
Effect of pH control strategies and substrate concentration on the hydrogen yield from fermentative hydrogen production in large laboratory-scale
Authors: Mariakakis I. , Krampe J. , Steinmetz H.
Published: January 2012

A series of batch experiments investigating two different pH control strategies, initial pH adjustment and continuous pH control, have been carried out in large laboratory-scale reactors with working volumes of 30 L. In both cases, pH was varied between 5 and 7.5. Sucrose concentrations were also varied starting from 0 up to 30 g/L. Higher hydrogen production yields can be achieved by batch experiments through continuous pH control than by simple initial pH adjustment. In the case of continuous pH control, maximization of hydrogen yield was acquired for slightly acidic pH of 6.5. Continuous pH control in the neutral pH range of 7.0 and in pH lower than 6.5, induced a reduction in the hydrogen production yield. Sucrose can be completely degraded only for a pH higher than 6. Lower pH values seem to inhibit the hydrogen-producing bacteria. Under the conditions of continuous pH adjustment at pH 6.5 and a sucrose concentration of 25 g/L the maximum hydrogen yield of 1.79 mol H2/mol hexose was obtained. These conditions could be applied for the batch start-up of large fermentors.
Estimating evolution of δ13CH4 during methanization of municipal solid waste based on chemical reactions, isotope accumulation in products and microbial ecology
Authors: Vavilin V. A.
Published: January 2012

Natural isotopic composition in substrate may be used to reveal the metabolic pathways of substrate transformation by microbial community. In this paper, a change in δ13CH4 during methanization of reconstituted municipal solid waste was described using a mathematical model based on stoichiometric chemical reactions, equation for the 13C isotope accumulation in products at the low natural C13/C12 ratio and microbial ecology. A set of experimental data used in the model was taken from Qu et al. (2009a). According to the model, during mesophilic municipal solid waste methanization initially hydrogenotrophic and further aceticlastic methanogenesis dominated. At the final stage hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis followed by acetate oxidation dominated again. In spite of rather high measured values of δ13C for CO2 above −21‰, a sharp decrease in δ13CH4 from −20‰ to −60‰ at the final stage was explained by a larger fractionation against 13C during methanogenesis from H2/H2CO3 due to a kinetic isotope effect when hydrogenotrophic methanogens preferentially take down light 12C. The model also confirmed that in thermophilic conditions a comparatively stable value of δ13CH4 about −60‰ measured earlier (Qu et al. 2009b) was due to a dominance of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis during all methanization process of cardboard waste.
Icelandic experience with water safety plans
Authors: Gunnarsdóttir M. J. , Gardarsson S. M. , Bartram J.
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate accumulated experience with water safety plans in one of the first countries to adopt systematic preventive management for drinking-water safety. Water utilities in Iceland have had a legal obligation since 1995 to implement a systematic preventive approach to secure safety of drinking water and protect public health. The water utilities responded by implementing either an adapted HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) model for larger water utilities or a simpler five step model for smaller water utilities. The research was carried out at 16 water utilities that serve about two-thirds of the population of Iceland. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used with the aim of analysing if and what benefits water safety plans bring for water utilities and what is needed for successful implementation and operation of such systems. The results of the study show that numerous benefits and even the process of going through the implementing process were considered to be of advantage and change the attitude of the staff and the utility culture. Some obstacles and shortcomings came to light, such as lack of documentation and lack of regular internal and external audit. There was little communication with the public, although some mentioned that good public relations are important to succeed with water safety plans. Many important elements of success were revealed of which intensive training of staff and participation of staff in the whole process are deemed the most important. It is also important to have simple and well-structured guidelines, and good cooperation with the health authorities.
Effect of alternating and direct current in an electrocoagulation process on the removal of cadmium from water
Authors: Vasudevan S. , Lakshmi J.
Published: January 2012

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of AC and DC on the removal of cadmium from water using iron as anode and cathode. The various operating parameters on the removal efficiency of cadmium were investigated. The results showed that the optimum removal efficiency of 98.1 and 97.3% with the energy consumption of 0.734 and 1.413 kWh/kL was achieved at a current density of 0.2 A/dm2, at pH of 7.0 using AC and DC respectively. The adsorption process follows second order kinetics and the temperature studies showed that adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous in nature.
Improving bioretention/biofiltration performance with restorative maintenance
Authors: Brown Robert A. , Hunt William F.
Published: January 2012

One of the most popular Stormwater Control Measures is bioretention, or biofiltration. Anecdotal evidence suggests that well-designed bioretention cells are often not adequately installed and that maintenance is lacking, leading to less-than-adequate water storage volume and/or surface infiltration rates post-construction. In March 2009, two sets of bioretention cells were repaired by excavating the top 75 mm of fill media, increasing the bioretention surface storage volume by nearly 90% and the infiltration rate by up to a factor of 10. Overflow volume decreased from 35 and 37% in the pre-repair state for two different sets of cells, respectively, to 11 and 12%. Nearly all effluent pollutant loads exiting the post-repair cells were lower than their pre-repair conditions. The bioretention systems employed two different media depths (0.6 and 0.9 m). The deeper media cells discharged less outflow volume than the shallower cells, with 10–11% more runoff volume leaving as exfiltration from the 0.9-m than from the 0.6-m media depth cells. This study showed that maintenance is both critical and beneficial to restore otherwise poorly performing bioretention. Moreover, while deeper media cells did outperform the shallower systems, the improvement in this case was somewhat modest vis-à-vis additional construction costs.
Specific energy consumption of membrane bioreactor (MBR) for sewage treatment
Authors: Krzeminski Pawel , van der Graaf Jaap H. J. M. , van Lier Jules B.
Published: January 2012

This paper provides an overview of current electric energy consumption of full-scale municipal MBR installations based on literature review and case studies. Energy requirements of several MBRs were linked to operational parameters and reactor performance. Total and specific energy consumption data were analysed on a long-term basis with special attention given to treated flow, design capacity, membrane area and effluent quality. The specific energy consumption of an MBR system is dependent on many factors, such as system design and layout, volume of treated flow, membrane utilization and operational strategy. Operation at optimal flow conditions results in a low specific energy consumption and energy efficient process. Energy consumption of membrane related modules was in the range of 0.5–0.7 kWh/m3 and specific energy consumption for membrane aeration in flat sheet (FS) was 33–37% higher than in a hollow fibre (HF) system. Aeration is a major energy consumer, often exceeding 50% share of total energy consumption. In consequence, coarse bubble aeration applied for continuous membrane cleaning remains the main target for energy saving actions. Also, a certain potential for energy optimization without immediate danger of affecting the quality of the produced effluent was observed.
Risk factors for stroke
Authors: Mandic Milan , Rancic Natasa
Published: January 2012

Introduction. Stroke is the third cause of mortality both in men and in women
throughout the world. In Serbia, stroke is the first cause of mortality in
women older than 55 years of age and the second cause of death in men of the
same age. Both ischemic heart diseases and ischemic stroke correlate with the
same predisposing, potentially modifiable risk factors (hypertension,
abnormal blood lipids and lipoproteins, cigarette smoking, physical
inactivity, obesity, diabetes mellitus). Stroke does not usually occur on its
own. Patients with stroke have a high prevalence of associated medical
problems. These conditions may predict the stroke (?preexisting conditions?),
occur for the first time after stroke (?post-stroke complications?), or
present as manifestations of preexisting medical conditions after stroke.
Risk factors. Risk factors for stroke are divided into the three groups: risk
factors which cannot be influenced on such as: age, gender, positive family
history of stroke, race; those which are modifiable such as: hypertension,
diabetes mellitus, smoking cigarettes, obesity, physical inactivity and the
third group consists of potential risk factors for stroke (consumption of
alcohol, hormones, changes in fibrinolysis, changes in blood. Conclusion.
Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability and premature death of
both men and women. Consequently, stroke survivors are often handicapped and
doomed to sedentary lifestyle which restrains performance of activities of
daily living, increases the risk for falls, and may contribute to a higher
risk for recurrent stroke and cardiovascular disease. Prevention of stroke is
still a great medical and social problem. Further studies are required to
investigate potential risk factors for the occurrence of stroke as well as
the measures of primary and secondary prevention.
Sum-of-squares clustering on networks
Authors: Carrizosa Emilio , Mladenovic Nenad , Todosijevic Raca
Published: January 2012

Finding p prototypes by minimizing the sum of the squared distances from a
set of points to its closest prototype is a well-studied problem in
clustering, data analysis and continuous location. In this note, this very
same problem is addressed assuming, for the first time, that the space of
possible prototype locations is a network. We develop some interesting
properties of such clustering problem. We also show that optimal cluster
prototypes are not necessary located at vertices of the network.
An interactive algorithm for large scale multiple objective programming problems with fuzzy parameters through TOPSIS approach
Authors: Abo-Sinna Mahmoud , Abou-El-Enien Tarek
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we extend TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity
Ideal Solution) for solving Large Scale Multiple Objective Programming
problems involving fuzzy parameters. These fuzzy parameters are characterized
as fuzzy numbers. For such problems, the ?-Pareto optimality is introduced by
extending the ordinary Pareto optimality on the basis of the ?-Level sets of
fuzzy numbers. An interactive fuzzy decision making algorithm for generating
?-Pareto optimal solution through TOPSIS approach is provided, where a
decision maker (DM) is asked to specify the degree ? and the relative
importance of objectives. Finally, a numerical example is given to clarify
the main results developed in the paper.

 This article has been retracted. Link to the retraction 10.2298/YJOR141008034U
Continuous review inventory models under time value of money and crashable lead time consideration
Authors: Hung Kuo-Chen
Published: January 2012

A stock is an asset if it can react to economic and seasonal influences in
the management of the current assets. The financial manager must calculate
the input of funds to the stock intelligently and the amount of money cycled
through stocks, taking into account the time factors in the future. The
purpose of this paper is to propose an inventory model considering issues of
crash cost and current value. The sensitivity analysis of each parameter, in
this research, differs from the traditional approach. We utilize a course of
deduction with sound mathematics to develop several lemmas and one theorem to
estimate optimal solutions. This study first tries to find the optimal order
quantity at all lengths of lead time with components crashed at their minimum
duration. Second, a simple method to locate the optimal solution unlike
traditional sensitivity analysis is developed. Finally, some numerical
examples are given to illustrate all lemmas and the theorem in the solution
algorithm.
Longidoridae and nepoviruses in Bulgaria and Slovenia
Authors: Peneva V. , Urek G. , Lazarova S. , Širca S. , Knapič M. , Elshishka M. , Brown D.
Published: January 2012

Data on the distribution of Longidoridae and nepoviruses in Bulgaria and Slovenia are summarized. Six species of Longidorus (L. apulus, L. attenuatus, L. arthensis, L. fasciatus, L. elongatus, L. macrosoma), one Paralongidorus species (P. maximus) and three Xiphinema species (X. diversicaudatum, X. index, X. rivesi) are known as natural vectors of nine nepoviruses in Europe. Currently, 10 and 13 species of Xiphinema; 6 and 15 of Longidorus are reported to occur in Slovenia and Bulgaria, respectively. Paralongidorus maximus has been reported only in Bulgaria. Among the virus vector species X. index, X. diversicaudatum and L. elongatus occur in both countries, X. rivesi only in Slovenia and L. attenuatus, L. macrosoma, X. italiae and P. maximus only in Bulgaria. A report of X. index and Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) in Bulgaria was related to transgenic grape tolerance to the same virus. Nepoviruses have been reported from Slovenia, but despite an evident relationship in the occurrence of GFLV and X. index in several vineyards the only laboratory proven transmission is that of TRSV and ToRSV to bait plants by a Slovenian population of X. rivesi.
Residual stress states as a result of bending and straightening processes of steels in different heat treatment conditions
Authors: Ellermann Arne , Scholtes Berthold
Published: January 2012

Steels with different content of cementite (Armco iron, Ck45 and C80) as well as four different heat treatment conditions of 42CrMoS4 are examined under both uniaxial and four-point bending loading with load reversal regarding the residual stress distribution due to straightening processes. It was found that increasing cementite content and a fine lamellar microstructure increase the developing residual stresses. While uniaxial loading causes only micro stresses, bending loading causes additional macro residual stresses. Due to this, at reversed load residual stresses decrease faster under bending loading than under uniaxial loading. Furthermore, residual stresses originating from bending loading decrease in the outer planes faster than in the inner ones when load is reversed. In general it turned out that every straightening process causes inevitable and characteristic residual stresses.
Development of an integrative simulation method to predict the microstructural influence on the mechanical behaviour of semi-crystalline thermoplastic parts
Authors: Michaeli Walter , Hopmann Christian , Bobzin Kirsten , Arping Tim , Baranowski Thomas , Heesel Barbara , Laschet Gottfried , Schläfer Thomas , Oete Mehmet
Published: January 2012

The mechanical properties of injection moulded plastic parts depend on the morphology, the degree of crystallinity and the molecular orientation of the formed microstructure. In order to take the variation of the microstructure into account in a structural analysis, a novel multi-scale, integrated simulation approach is presented here. At first, a coupled mould filling and heat transfer analysis is achieved at the macroscale and its temperature field is transferred to the micromodel. Based on the concept of cellular automata, a 3-D microstructure evolution model is developed. It specifies the nucleation of the spherulite germs and describes their expansion rate. To evaluate the effective mechanical properties of the simulated microstructures, the homogenisation method is applied directly to the spherulites, assembled in few classes according to their crystallinity degree. These local properties are then introduced into a new multilinear material model for structural analysis of thermoplastics. Finally, the influence of the microstructure on macroscopic behaviour is outlined for a polypropylene tensile bar, extracted from an injection moulded plate.
Failure limits of continuous carbon fibre reinforced plastics loaded with fibre parallel compression
Authors: Michaeli Walter , Preller Fabian
Published: January 2012

The strength analysis of continuous fibre reinforced plastics has to consider the reactions of the heterogeneous composite material. Ample uncertainties exist in the evaluation of fibre parallel compressive load, because no computation model has yet accomplished acceptance which on the one hand is physically fundamentally feasible and on the other hand works on the macroscopical level of the common design process.

This paper deals with the combination of a physically based failure model and a suitable modelling of the complex elastic properties. The results of this model combination are overall plausible. Additionally, experimental data confirm that moderate fibre transverse compression leads to an increase in the fibre parallel compressive strength.
Driver Comprehension of Messages on Truck-Mounted Changeable Message Signs during Mobile Maintenance Operations
Authors: Ullman Brooke R. , Ullman Gerald L. , Trout Nada D.
Published: January 2012

Use of truck-mounted changeable message signs (TMCMSs) during mobile maintenance operations is desirable to provide drivers with information to better prepare them for unexpected conditions. Traditionally, temporary traffic control devices used during mobile operations have been limited to arrow boards and sometimes static warning messages mounted on a work vehicle. The use of warning signs in advance of an operation typically is not practical because of the constant movement and stop-and-go nature of the work. TMCMSs can fill an information gap for these mobile operations and provide drivers with better information about them, including actions to be expected. This paper describes the use of findings from a human factors laboratory study and basic message design principles to create a sampling of recommended messages for use on TMCMSs during mobile maintenance operations. These messages were defined by the type of work, road type, and the identified concerns to be addressed.
Categorization of Work Zone Intrusion Crashes
Authors: Ullman Gerald L. , Finley Melisa D. , Theiss LuAnn
Published: January 2012

Vehicle intrusion crashes in highway work zones injure vehicle occupants and workers alike, and such crashes are the concern of both state agencies and highway contractors. This paper describes the results of an effort to develop prototypical scenarios of common work zone intrusion crashes documented in the New York State Department of Transportation work zone accident database. A prototypical scenario can be defined as one that is representative of the crash process because of the typicality of its chain of events and the likely causal relationships throughout the stages of the crash. By considering the chain of events that led to a particular crash, it is possible to group similar crashes and provide a more in-depth assessment, even though some of the facts involved in the individual crashes vary. In the study described here, prototypical scenarios were developed for four intrusion crashes at four types of work zone operations: lane closures, flagging operations, mobile operations, and traffic control setup and removal activities. It was concluded that a significant portion of intrusion crashes resulted from deliberate driver decisions and actions to enter the work space. The frequency of such deliberate events, which ranged from 25% to 64%, depended on the type of work operation in place on a given roadway. The study identified between three and eight prototypical crash sequences that were not the result of deliberate actions by drivers and that led to intrusion crashes.
Saturation flow under Adverse Weather Conditions
Authors: Asamer Johannes , Van Zuylen Henk J.
Published: January 2012

In the modeling of signalized intersections, one parameter is of crucial importance: the saturation flow rate. This value defines the number of vehicles that pass an intersection within 1 h of effective green time per lane. In this study, changes in the saturation flow were investigated under adverse weather conditions, such as precipitation or snow that covered the road surface. Data were obtained from video recordings, and a timestamp was recorded for each vehicle as its rear axle crossed the intersection. Subsequently, all observations were aggregated to a longer time interval. These measurements were then used to train a model by minimizing the squared error between model output and observation. The advantages of the model were the incorporation of various vehicle classes and the consideration of driving behavior at the beginning and the end of the green phase (start and end lags). These parameters were investigated under various weather conditions and showed that the saturation flow rate was significantly influenced by snow on the road surface. To improve traffic models, it is thus important to consider the dependence of the saturation flow rate on the weather. To adjust the saturation flow, adjustments in certain other parameters influenced by prevailing weather conditions were investigated in a microscopic traffic simulation.
Speed Levels of Heavy Vehicles on Norwegian Mountain Pass
Authors: Børnes Vilhelm , Vaa Torgeir
Published: January 2012

This paper presents results from a study of how speed varies among vehicle categories under variable winter conditions and how incline affects traffic flow. The study was divided into two parts. The first part was a case study with observations of traffic behavior influenced by weather events. The case study formed the basis for hypotheses about how winter conditions could influence speed. The second part of the study tested some of these hypotheses through information about traffic, climate, friction, and winter maintenance activities over 2 to 4 years. The study found that speeds in all vehicle categories decreased when the coefficient of friction fell below 0.30. If snow was falling as well, the speed decreased further. For trucks, it appeared that snow, in conjunction with a corresponding reduction in visibility and poor driving conditions, reduced speed substantially. On a straight stretch with no incline, there was less difference in speed levels among vehicle categories, and load seemed to have little or no effect at all on speed. Concern arose that the speed level did not decrease more when the coefficient of friction fell below 0.3. This finding indicated that drivers of both passenger cars and trucks drove with elevated risk when the friction was reduced. When it was snowing, it seemed that drivers adapted better to driving conditions.
Prediction of Salt on Road Surface
Authors: Blomqvist Göran , Gustafsson Mats , Eram Michel , Ünver Kadir
Published: January 2012

The competing goals of safety, accessibility, and environmental protection, together with limited funding, increase the need for cost-effective use of resources in the pursuit of winter maintenance activities. One way to minimize the amount of salt used in winter maintenance is to predict better the amount of residual salt on a road surface. This paper combines an empirical model developed in Sweden with data on residual salt, road surface wetness, and traffic from 18 Danish field case studies. The resulting model is presented as a mathematical function and in a graph. Decision makers might use such a model as a tool for understanding the durability of a dose of salt under various conditions (e.g., traffic, road surface wetness) and therefore minimize the amount of salt needed. The results of this study showed that the decay of residual salt could be modeled with traffic as an independent variable with a fair to quite good fit. Road surface wetness, as shown from the wheel tracks, related positively to the rate of residual salt loss. The wetter the surface, the faster the salt left the wheel tracks. On a wet road surface, the salt in the wheel tracks was almost gone after only a couple of hundred vehicles had traveled across the surface, whereas on a moist road surface, it would take a couple of thousand vehicles to reach the same result.
Renarrating a Biological Invasion: Historical Memory, Local Communities and Ecologists
Authors: Middleton Karen
Published: January 2012

The historical case study has become an important tool in developing understandings of biological invasions and biological control and, as with any historical investigation, it may be appropriate to supplement written records with oral evidence. This article explores memories of a biological control programme in French colonial Madagascar involving introduced cochineal insect predation on equally exotic prickly pear. Drawing on data collected in Malagasy communities over a twenty year period (1981-2003), it charts the dramatic revisions that local narrative has undergone as the eradication of 'Malagasy Cactus' in the 1920s has become a powerful rhetorical tool in the context of present-day controversy over another, highly invasive, prickly pear. Experience of biological invasion in the present has been reshaping historical memory while reinterpreted narrative of past biological control is informing current debates. The paper relates these narrative shifts to broader political and social developments, highlighting the way encounters with green governmentality and humanitarian assistance are mediating renarrated pasts.
Thermodynamic Modeling for Open Combined Regenerative Brayton and Inverse Brayton Cycles with Regeneration before the Inverse Cycle
Authors: Chen Lingen , Zhang Zelong , Sun Fengrui
Published: January 2012

A thermodynamic model of an open combined regenerative Brayton and inverse Brayton cycles with regeneration before the inverse cycle is established in this paper by using thermodynamic optimization theory. The flow processes of the working fluid with the pressure drops and the size constraint of the real power plant are modeled. There are 13 flow resistances encountered by the working fluid stream for the cycle model. Four of these, the friction through the blades and vanes of the compressors and the turbines, are related to the isentropic efficiencies. The remaining nine flow resistances are always present because of the changes in flow cross-section at the compressor inlet of the top cycle, regenerator inlet and outlet, combustion chamber inlet and outlet, turbine outlet of the top cycle, turbine outlet of the bottom cycle, heat exchanger inlet, and compressor inlet of the bottom cycle. These resistances associated with the flow through various cross-sectional areas are derived as functions of the compressor inlet relative pressure drop of the top cycle, and control the air flow rate, the net power output and the thermal efficiency. The analytical formulae about the power output, efficiency and other coefficients are derived with 13 pressure drop losses. It is found that the combined cycle with regenerator can reach higher thermal efficiency but smaller power output than those of the base combined cycle at small compressor inlet relative pressure drop of the top cycle.
Nanocrystalline Metal Hydrides Obtained by Severe Plastic Deformations
Authors: Huot Jacques
Published: January 2012

It has recently been shown that Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD) techniques could be used to obtain nanostructured metal hydrides with enhanced hydrogen sorption properties. In this paper we review the different SPD techniques used on metal hydrides and present some specific cases of the effect of cold rolling on the hydrogen storage properties and crystal structure of various types of metal hydrides such as magnesium-based alloys and body centered cubic (BCC) alloys. Results show that generally cold rolling is as effective as ball milling to enhance hydrogen sorption kinetics. However, for some alloys such as TiV0.9Mn1.1 alloy ball milling and cold rolling have detrimental effect on hydrogen capacity. The exact mechanism responsible for the change in hydrogenation properties may not be the same for ball milling and cold rolling. Nevertheless, particle size reduction and texture seems to play a leading role in the hydrogen sorption enhancement of cold rolled metal hydrides.
Impact de certaines Procréations Médicalement Assistées (PMA) complexes sur le vécu de maternalité
Authors: Boukhalfa Hamdane Naïma
Published: January 2012

À partir de trois exemples empruntés à notre clinique de pédopsychiatrie intervenant dans le domaine de la périnatalité, nous questionnons la façon dont les techniques de procréation médicalement assistées modifient sensiblement le processus de maternalité. Ceci allant, dans certains cas, jusqu’à confronter la mère à une inquiétante étrangeté dans sa relation avec son enfant imaginaire, altérant fortement ses interactions avec son bébé.