bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatio-Temporal Impacts of Biofuel Production and Climate Variability on Water Quantity and Quality in Upper Mississippi River Basin
Authors: Deb Debjani , Tuppad Pushpa , Daggupati Prasad , Srinivasan Raghavan , Varma Deepa
Published: June 2015

Impact of climate change on the water resources of the United States exposes the vulnerability of feedstock-specific mandated fuel targets to extreme weather conditions that could become more frequent and intensify in the future. Consequently, a sustainable biofuel policy should consider: (a) how climate change would alter both water supply and demand; and (b) in turn, how related changes in water availability will impact the production of biofuel crops; and (c) the environmental implications of large scale biofuel productions. Understanding the role of biofuels in the water cycle is the key to understanding many of the environmental impacts of biofuels. Therefore, the focus of this study is to model the rarely explored interactions between land use, climate change, water resources and the environment in future biofuel production systems. Results from this study will help explore the impacts of the US biofuel policy and climate change on water and agricultural resources. We used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to analyze the water quantity and quality consequences of land use and land management related changes in cropping conditions (e.g., more use of marginal lands, greater residue harvest, increased yields), plus management practices due to biofuel crops to meet the Renewable Fuel Standard target on water quality and quantity.
Runoff Response to Climate Warming and Forest Disturbance in a Mid-Mountain Basin
Authors: Langhammer Jakub , Su Ye , Bernsteinová Jana
Published: June 2015

A headwater basin in the Sumava Mountains (Czech Republic), the upper Vydra basin, has undergone forest disturbance as a result of repeated windstorms, a bark beetle outbreak, and forest management. This study analyzed the long-term (1961–2010) hydro-climatic changes by using a combination of statistical analyses, including Mann-Kendall tests, CUSUM analysis, Buishand’s and Petitt’s homogeneity tests, and Kriging. Although the runoff balance over the study period experienced no apparent changes due to climate warming and forest disturbance, significant changes were detected in the share of direct runoff and baseflow, intra-annual variability of the runoff regime, seasonal runoff patterns, and the distribution of peak and low flow events. The seasonal runoff substantially shifted from summers (decreased from 40% to 28%) to springs (increased by 10%). The occurrence of peak flow events has doubled since the 1980s, with a seasonal shift from late spring towards the early spring, while the occurrence of low-flow days decreased by two-thirds. By 1990, these changes were followed by a seasonal shift in runoff from autumn to mid-winter. The changes in hydrological regime in the mid-mountain basin indicate the sensitivity of its hydrological system and the complexity of its feedback with the changing environment.
INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY GENERALIZED PROBABILISTIC ORDERED WEIGHTED AVERAGING OPERATOR AND ITS APPLICATION TO GROUP DECISION MAKING
Authors: ZENG Shouzhen , SU Weihua , ZHANG Chonghui
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we present the intuitionistic fuzzy generalized probabilistic ordered weighted averaging (IFGPOWA) operator. It is a new aggregation operator that uses generalized means in a unified model between the probability and the OWA operator. The main advantage of this new operator is that it is able to deal with probabilities (objective information) and ordered weighted averages (subjective information) in the same formulation. Moreover, it is also able to deal with uncertain environments that can be assessed with intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. Furthermore, it uses generalized means providing a very general formulation that includes a wide range of situations. We study some of its main properties and particular cases such as the generalized intuitionistic fuzzy ordered weighted averaging (GIFOWA) operator and intuitionistic fuzzy probabilistic ordered weighted averaging (IFPOWA) operator. We end the paper by applying the new operator to a group decision making problem concerning the selection of investments.
Family Transitions: The Birth of a Two-Child Family
Authors: Kimball Valerie
Published: June 2015

I remember the morning we discovered we were expecting our second child. I was a second-year pediatric resident starting my rotation in the pediatric intensive care unit. I had just given birth to our first child 14 months earlier and was still overwhelmed, yet amazed, by the process of becoming a parent. Certainly we had always hoped for more than one child but this one was coming 9 months sooner than our grand plan. Being an older, nontraditional medical student, I was already significantly older than my colleagues in residency. I wondered anxiously how I was going to explain to my residency director and my fellow residents, who so graciously covered for me on my first maternity leave, that I was pregnant, yet again. Thankfully, 9 months later our second son was born healthy and vigorous. In those long, yet short 9 months, we discovered that our material needs would drastically change. We contemplated a new car that would accommodate two car seats safely and comfortably, and anticipated finding the room, in an already cramped living space, for both a toddler bed and a crib. Perhaps most important at the time, our nanny, who already did a wonderful job of caring for our eldest child, happily accepted the opportunity to now take care of both our children, at an additional cost.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2015;44(6):224–227.]
Demystifying the Positive Antinuclear Antibody Test in Children: A Clinical Review
Authors: Rodriguez Martha , Tesher Melissa S. , Wagner-Weiner Linda
Published: June 2015

A 15-year-old girl presented with knee pain, associated with a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA). She denied joint swelling or morning stiffness and remained physically active despite the pain. A physical examination was unremarkable except for articular hypermobility. Laboratory results were also unremarkable. Therefore, the positive ANA was determined to be nonspecific, and not concerning. In the evaluation of children with musculoskeletal complaints, unusual rash, or fatigue, an ANA assessment is frequently considered. When is this test most likely to be useful? What is the appropriate follow up for a positive result? Which results are concerning for an autoimmune process? This article reviews the literature to address these practical concerns. Understanding the indications for ordering an ANA, and the correct interpretation of a positive ANA, may reduce unnecessary referrals and costly tests. Moreover, the misperception that a positive ANA indicates a rheumatologic disease can cause significant patient and parental anxiety.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2015;44(6):e131–e135.]
Ipilimumab-Associated Retinopathy
Authors: Crews Jonathan , Agarwal Aniruddha , Jack Loren , Xu Ding , Do Diana V. , Nguyen Quan Dong
Published: June 2015

Ipilimumab is a novel immunotherapeutic agent that improves survival in patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. With the rising incidence of melanoma, the use of this pharmacologic agent is increasing. However, ipilimumab can be associated with rare but serious systemic adverse events. While the mechanism of these systemic adverse events is immune-related dysfunction, the index case highlights a possible direct ocular adverse event associated with ipilimumab infusion resulting in bilateral serous retinal detachment. Close observation of ocular findings using multimodal imaging analysis can provide insights into possible pathophysiology of the condition and guide further management.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:658–660.]
Is Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy an Autoimmune Condition? A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Abo-Shasha Rami , Smith Catherine C. , Gottlieb Chloe C. , Coupland Stuart G.
Published: June 2015

A 42-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis presented with focal decreased vision and photopsia in the left eye. Funduscopy and fluorescein angiography revealed focal chorioretinal atrophy, vascular attenuation, and bone spicules. Electroretinography revealed interocular reduction in b-wave amplitude, and Goldmann visual field perimetry studies revealed an inferior scotoma. The authors performed a literature review and conclude that the prevalence of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy in patients with autoimmune conditions may suggest that the condition is autoimmune in nature. Clinical history as well as funduscopic and retinal investigations are important in diagnosing acute zonal occult outer retinopathy.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:662–665.]
Choroidal Involvement in Erdheim-Chester Disease
Authors: Abdellatief Amro , Mason Craig M. , Ytterberg Steven R. , Boorjian Stephen A. , Salomão Diva R. , Pulido Jose
Published: June 2015

Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare infiltrative disorder of non-Langerhans cell histiocytes, which affects multiple organs, including bone, heart, lungs, orbits, central nervous system (CNS), pituitary gland, and retroperitoneum. Bone affliction is almost universal in these patients and, to a lesser degree, the CNS, retroperitoneum, and other tissues. Eye involvement is typically retro-orbital or periorbital. This case report describes a 48-year-old patient who presented with reduced vision in the left eye and no other complaints. Fundus examination revealed a choroidal mass in the macula. The authors believe that this might be the second case of choroidal involvement in Erdheim-Chester disease.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2015;46:674–676.]
Ocriplasmin-Induced Macular Hole Closure in the Absence of Vitreomacular Adhesion Release
Authors: Modi Yasha S. , Singh Rishi P.
Published: June 2015

A 79-year-old man presented with a symptomatic, full-thickness macular hole with concurrent vitreomacular traction (VMT), stage 2. The patient was treated with a single injection of ocriplasmin. Within 1 week, the macular hole had closed, but there was persistence of vitreomacular traction. Two months after injection, the VMT released with sustained closure of the macular hole. The temporal course of macular hole closure antecedent to VMA release runs contrary to our current understanding of macular hole closure and warrants further research to decipher the mechanism by which ocriplasmin achieves its intended effect.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:677–679.]
Pars Plana Lensectomy After Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Authors: Dollin Michael , Garg Sunir J. , Pendse Sagun
Published: June 2015

The use of femtosecond laser during cataract surgery is increasing, as it may potentially improve accuracy, safety and refractive outcomes. However, posterior capsule rupture with retained lens material can occur, necessitating vitreoretinal intervention. The authors report the first videographically documented case of removal of retained lens material after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:680–682.]
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Witmer Matthew T. , Klufas Michael , Kiss Szilard
Published: June 2015

The authors report a case series of five women with the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (
n
= 4) or a first-degree relative with PCOS (
n
= 1) who presented with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR). This report is the first to correlate PCOS and CSR on clinical presentation. Patients with PCOS often exhibit physical evidence of elevated androgens, such as testosterone, which recently has been linked to CSR. The authors suggest that women with CSR be investigated for PCOS if indicated clinically. In addition, further studies should investigate the relationship between the two disorders.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2015;46:684–686.]
Teachers’ Perspectives and Practices in Applying Technology to Enhance Learning in the Classroom
Authors: Safitry Tantri Sari , Mantoro Teddy , Ayu Media Anugerah , Mayumi Ilza , Dewanti Ratna , Azmeela Sya
Published: June 2015

The use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the classroom activities has become more famous to the teachers over the last decade. Many great deals of studies have proven the benefits of using ICT in the classroom. Unfortunately, there are evidences that the ICT reform efforts have failed due to teacher’s beliefs, skills and attitudes were never taken into consideration. The evidences found that most research only concern on students’ behalftowards ICT. Departing from that, this study tries to investigate the teachers’ perspectives and practices toward the use of ICT in their classroom activities. A survey was conducted to collect the data of the research. Using a revised expectancy-value theory called the Technology Implementation Questionnaire (TIQ), a questionnaire was administered among 20 elementary teachers. The findings revealed that there are still teachers who have more than 10 years experiences in teaching but they never got any formal training on using ICT. The lack of proficiency in ICT such as in using software, lack of technical support from the school also make them feel stressed out even though they have positive perspectives in applying ICT in their classroom activities.
Implementing Electronic Courses Based on Moodle for Foreign Language Teaching at Russian Technical Universities
Authors: Aikina Tatiana Yurievna , Sumtsova Olga Vitalievna , Pavlov Dmitriy Igorevich
Published: June 2015

The main purpose of this work is to consider the most efficient modern educational technologies applied in teaching foreign languages to students of higher educational institutions in the Russian Federation. Special emphasis is placed on blended learning as a pedagogical approach of high priority. It is necessary to note that information-communication environment plays a great role in the realization of blended learning since the organization of educational process is impossible without it. The authors of the paper give consideration to one of the most relevant educational platform Moodle. An electronic course based on Moodle developed for the first year students of Tomsk Polytechnic University within teaching the discipline “Foreign Language” is reviewed in this work. The authors come to the conclusion that electronic courses designed by means of the e-learning platform Moodle are ideally suitable for the efficient blended learning implementation.
Integrating Online Services into English Language Teaching and Learning: The Case of Voki
Authors: Aikina Tatiana Yurievna , Zubkova Olga Mikhailovna
Published: June 2015

The article deals with teaching English as a foreign language with the use of modern Internet technologies. The emphasis is upon the online application Voki and beneficial ways to implement it in the classroom. The article also presents an overview of classroom activities using Voki aimed at developing students’ communication skills.
Developing an Art Design Courseware Based on Visual Communication Technology and Computer Aided Instruction Technology
Authors: Lixian Guo
Published: June 2015

Modern teaching has undergone academic reform through information technology. Given the specificity of art design, this field requires the use of multimedia resources and the popularization of teaching courseware. However, the development of teaching courseware remain problematic. The academic research results in this field are still rooted on theories and lack practical significance. This study adopts the perspective of visual communication design technology and combines it with computer-assisted instruction technology to discuss art courseware design making. The teaching courseware is designed with art design history as an example. The experimental tests reveal the effectiveness of the method. Unlike those in a traditional classroom, the learning effects of the proposed method are greatly optimized and promoted. Hence, this method has high application value.
Technological Innovations in Management Education
Authors: Kalia Shalini , Puri Nishant , Chakraverty Indrani
Published: June 2015

Technological innovations significantly enhance the effectiveness of the teaching learning process at all phases of academic pursuit. An array of evolved application software, middleware, and hardware help orchestrate an enriching learning environment. Technology enabled devices such as multimedia projectors, interactive e-boards and collaborative e-learning are now interwoven into the fabric of academic life alongside traditional methods. Moreover, the current generation, having grown up in an immersive ICT-driven environment, is completely at ease with online collaborative techniques. It is imperative that their skills be harnessed maximally by providing them with a learning platform that is optimally boosted by hi-tech accoutrements. This paper puts into perspective recent developments in modern tools and techniques involved in management education. It also examines the effectiveness of technological tools currently deployed in leading B-schools of India and Mexico. As these two emerging economies bear many similarities, it presents an interesting case for comparison. Through survey responses across disciplines in institutions in both countries, the study analyses the accessibility, usability, relevance, effectiveness, and challenges involved in using these technologies. Our study aims to analyse the technological tools and techniques which are beneficial to education system.
Feasibility Study for Setting up a Community Radio
Authors: Kumar Somansh , Rawat Mayank , Mahanta Priyangshu , Bhadauria Ashish , Subramanian Manjusha , Awasthi Sarthak
Published: June 2015

In this chapter the authors have tried to identify the feasibility of setting up a community radio station in agriculture hubs in India to create awareness about various agriculture credit schemes, government sponsored schemes, best farming practices and weather information amongst farmers. The authors are of the opinion that a more informed farmer will lead to better planning and stave off farmer suicides. While the community radio program could be an effective medium for disseminating information, its penetration and acceptance in a rural community depends upon some key factors such as proximity of the place to an urban location where visual media enjoys a wider audience. The chapter attempts to bring forth the challenges faced in establishing a CR program in Raghunathpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh and sheds light on why the initiative may not be viable. Finally the authors conclude the study by suggesting other alternatives of empowering the Indian farmer in such locations.
Rice Husk Power Systems
Authors: Gupta Pulkit A , Sharma Vedant , Gade Mohan Krishna
Published: June 2015

In this chapter, the impact of rising cost of fuel and inability of government to supply electricity round the clock leading to spurt in frugal innovations utilizing alternative sources of energy has been analyzed. Rice is one of the prime crops of India, Rice husk, perceived as waste by many, being abundant and available at low cost can be major contributor in alternate energy. Due to lack of awareness of the potential of rice husk it is discarded as waste and results in waste disposal problem and methane emission. The use of rice husk for electricity generation in efficient manner has potential to transform agricultural waste into a valuable fuel and could help in boosting farm economy. This study explores the usage of rice husk and its untapped potential as a major fuel source. The target markets are villages in India with 400-500 households having ample biomass feedstock.
Talent Management
Authors: Chitranshi Jaya
Published: June 2015

Changing of the world scenario, blurring boundaries in international and national markets and shifts in demographic profile of people have opened a new chapter of management thinking on ‘strategies for retention of talent'. Skill unavailability, employee poaching, high costs of training and development, absolute necessity of international exposure are the alarming signals for organizations to shrug off their complacency-nap and get going for talent management. Talent Management is a wide function encompassing strategic planning, talent staffing, development-focus, performance management, compensation management etc. to manage retaining talent in the organization. This review paper is an attempt to throw some light on this vista.
Rural Outreach for Banks
Authors: Halder Subhankar , Chandrashekhar Prashant , Asthana Ayush , Kumar Krishan , Choudhary Gandharvika , Reshma Allu
Published: June 2015

The intention of this chapter was to explore the reasons as to why the poor in Indian cities shun banking services. On the basis of a survey of 25 low-income daily wage earners, it was noted that although there is awareness about banks, strict ID card requirements and corruption are the major explanations of this sociological happening. Further, in this chapter, the authors have tried to document the steps taken by the Serva UP Gramin Bank to address this issue. Finally, based on the results of a research survey and field visits to the Serva UP Gramin Bank, recommendations of encouraging private banks to compete in the rural market and increasing the reach of the bank branches have been enumerated.
Study of Carbon Footprint in Organizations
Authors: Mendiratta Kapil , Bhattacharyya Subhadeep , Abhinav Grandhi Venkata
Published: June 2015

With the ever increasing intrusion of humans in the environment, it is imperative that individuals and organizations as a unit contribute to an ecologically sustainable environment. With the awareness about carbon emissions and their long term effects increasing; more and more companies are investing in achieving greener ways of production This chapter aims to study how socially/ environmentally conscious today's corporations are, and what courses of action are being taken towards a greener and carbon neutral society in terms of saving basic equivalents of resources such as paper, water, electricity etc. In this chapter we have conducted a survey to analyze the major sources of carbon emission in corporate offices and discuss how corporations can be engaged in contributing to a greener environment.
NGO Sudhaar
Authors: Aggarwal Pragun , Anand Ronit
Published: June 2015

This chapter discusses the analysis of opportunity to setup a milk production and distribution system in Badalpur and Sakipur, two remote villages in Uttar Pradesh. Sudhaar, a regional development organization, is a group of corporate professionals who joined hands in 2003 to work on grassroots to bring in a positive change in rural/semi-urban strata. The chapter details the challenges faced by dairy farmers in rural India and proposal laid by NGO to revamp the existing business model to make it more financially viable.
Mapping the Rural Retail of India
Authors: Vashisth Aditya , Aparajita  , Gupta Parul , Patil Pravin , Agarwal Rohit
Published: June 2015

The case here tries to sensitise its readers towards what is one of the largest privatized and yet highly unorganised retail store formats in the world. The case in question talks about how the backward integration and adoption of set standards by the small time retailers can in turn benefit the end consumer tangibly as well as intangibly. Our research, first entailed, outlining the methodology and the singling out the markets of Greater Ghaziabad catchment areas in Uttar Pradesh for our research. The study is diversified according to various parameters like the age of business, & the customers these businesses are targeting. All in all the chapter tries to communicate to its readers, the importance of understanding the dynamics of doing business in rural retail sector of India, whether relatively organised or unorganised.
Feasibility of Implementation of Solar Bottle Bulb in Urban Slums of India
Authors: Maggu Akshay , Garg Jaideep
Published: June 2015

Reach of undisrupted electricity is a perennial problem that is faced by urban slums in India. Through this chapter, the authors aim to study the feasibility of implementation of a ground breaking idea that will help in fighting this problem in a cost effective way and that has already been implemented in Philippines on a large scale. Further, given the present scenario of development in India, this chapter also tries to focus on the ways in which this product can be introduced on a commercial level covering one slum at a time. Also, this chapter revolves around the usability and identification of the most suitable and cost effective way to implement this idea in the desired target group. The chapter ultimately hopes to drive its readers to find the best solution to the proposed problem.
Business, Government, and Society Synergy for Sustainable Livelihood
Authors: Agarwal Ranjana , Agarwal Parag
Published: June 2015

In the post globalization era, synergy of Business, Government, and Society (BGS) forces is paving the way for development. This chapter gives an example of a case where BGS forces work together for development. The chapter discusses livelihood issues of Sabars, a tribal group from Jharkhand, located in Eastern India. A local NGO was working for upliftment of tribal people.. The Sabars were given training in making handicrafts under a project under Government of India. The focus of the training programme was on creating marketable handicrafts based on tribal's inherent art and culture. Problems were faced in marketing the products. Students from MBA College were roped in to provide solutions for marketing. The chapter discussed how social issues can be tackled collaboratively by all sectors of society. This chapter is based on primary data and is primarily qualitative in nature.
Rural Innovations
Authors: Rao Roopesh
Published: June 2015

In a country like India innovations are more referred as “jugaad”. Though the dictionary does not explain such kind of words, but every person in India understands the importance of jugaad. India has one of the largest systems for agricultural research in the world. However this system has focused predominantly on strengthening of cereal production under irrigated conditions. It would be essential that they participate in all decision making which cater to overall development of rural india. India also needs to increase its efforts to tap into the rapidly growing stock of global knowledge through channels such as FDI, technology licensing, importation of capital merchandise that embody knowledge, as well as advanced products, components, and services. This chapter analyses and focuses on various innovative practices done with the help of Government, Public Private Partnership, private Players, Individuals, NGOS, etc
Tackling Energy Issues in Rural India
Authors: George Riju Antony , Vijayshree M.  , Charak Pavan Dev Singh , Rana Kaustubh Singh , Agarwal Shagun , Dhiraj Ambadipudi Venkata Sai
Published: June 2015

India is an energy deficient country and this deficiency is more felt in the rural villages of India. More than half of the villages are not electrified. Villages have many renewable resources and if these resources are put into effective use, the energy crunch can be mitigated. Such a renewable resource is rice husk which is perceived as a waste product. In this chapter, the authors have studied the potential of rice husk as a source of electricity for the rice producing villages of India. A particular village in the state of Uttar Pradesh was chosen to conduct the research to analyze the viability of a rice husk power plant. Various methods of converting biomass into energy have been discussed and based on research the biomass gasification method has been suggested as the most appropriate. The various advantages and challenges of using this technology, uses for by-products are discussed in this chapter. A workable business model has also been outlined along with future strategies and implications.
Waste Management Initiatives in Rural India
Authors: Kumar Rishi
Published: June 2015

In this chapter, the author aims to present an overall view of the Waste Management practices employed in rural parts of India and their overall sustainability in terms of present scenario. It would discuss the successful models employed in some parts of the country and the reason, that why they are not prevalent or expand to the rest of the nation inspite of them being successful in their own territory. It would also discuss the various Initiatives taken by the government in this regard such as the Total Sanitary Campaign which aimed at bringing an improvement in the general quality of life by creating awareness on improving the sanitation facilities and providing health education in rural parts of the country. This chapter also suggests about the further improvements that can be done in the overall model by including other stakeholders like Local Gram Panchayats, NGOs and community people.
Digital Steps of Protest, Reenactment, and Networked Interaction
Authors: Chuk Natasha Alexandria
Published: June 2015

Joseph DeLappe is an American digital media artist whose creative work demonstrates unique intersections between analogue and digital creative processes. In 2008 he created the Salt Satyagraha project, a virtual and simultaneously physical reenactment of Mahatma Gandhi's 1930 Salt Satyagraha political march by using Second Life (SL) and a customized treadmill that corresponded to his avatar's movements. The project also included a blog, an exhibition, and numerous screenshots documenting the virtual events. This chapter explores the artist's intent and the impact of combining virtual and digital labor, performance, artistic intervention, play, and the role of the human agent in the human-computer relationship. DeLappe's project blog and two key philosophical theories – Walter Benjamin's concept of the spielraum, a playspace that allows for creative experimentation in advanced technologies; and Jacques Derrida's concept of the supplement, something added to an original that reinforces or changes its meaning – are used to frame this examination.
“Follow Me, Comrades in Flight, into the Depths!”
Authors: Murnik Maja
Published: June 2015

The chapter discusses the changes the body has been subjected to in the 21st century and especially when it enters the digital worlds. The starting point for the reflection of the body today is its floating position in contemporary mixed and augmented reality. By deploying the notions of ‘body image' and ‘body schema,' elaborated by French phenomenologist M. Merleau-Ponty, various features of digital embodiment are discussed. After discussing several forms of the techno-modelled body (also mentioning the issue of life addressed in it), the chapter turns to the examples of body-related performance art in the virtual world of Second Life that explicitly raise questions about the body in the digital world, and within Second Life in particular (the examples discussed are: Synthetic Performances and I know that it's all a state of mind by 0100101110101101.ORG, Come to Heaven by Gazira Babeli and ZeroG SkyDancers by DanCoyote, etc.).
Impact Factor Statistics Analysis of Concrete Filled Steel Tube Arch Bridge Considered Random Roughness of Bridge Deck
Authors: Hao Xiang Wei , Ma Feng , Ma Qing Yang
Published: June 2015

The essence of the axle coupling vibration in case of random bridge deck is random vibration, therefore, it is quite necessary to research the effect of vehicle impact on basis of statistic analysis. With some large concrete-filled steel tube arch bridge as the object, by applying a self-made analysis program on axle coupling vibration that was demonstrated by a dynamic test, a dynamic response analysis on axle was implemented for many groups of random roughness swatches. On basis of the analysis result, a statistic analysis was conducted for the dynamic impact effect of bridge under the conditions of different deck status and vehicle speeds, in the determination of vehicle speed and roughness, the impact factor obeys the normal distribution. The analysis result shows that, the level of deck status may apparently affect the mean value and the MSD(mean square deviation), the differences of vehicle impact factors in case of different assurance rates are large. It will effectively improve the reasonableness and scientificalness of the value of a vehicle impact factor to determine the impact factor according to the level of bridge importance and a statistic analysis method.
Synthesis of Mullite by the Pechini Method
Authors: do Nascimento Simões Braga Aluska , da Costa Farias Rosiane Maria , Costa Danubia Lisbôa , Araújo Neves Gelmires , Lira Hélio de Lucena , Menezes Romualdo Rodrigues
Published: June 2015

In the past few years there is a considerable interest in the study and application of the mullite, due to its chemical, physical and mechanical properties, in which are correlated with the synthesis method used. Aiming to achieve better structural and morphological properties, many synthesis methods are being studied, in which the Pechini method is highlighted, which is today one of the most viable methods and successful technique used in the preparation of nanosized materials. Thus, this study proposes the production of mullite powders by the Pechini method. The influence of different routes of synthesis was investigated. The material was sintered at 1100oC/2h, 1200oC/2h and 1400/2h, and characterized by X ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal analysis (TG/DTG and DTA). The results showed that the synthesis route did not interfere in the formation of the formed phases, and the mullite for both routes, was formed from 1200oC.
Pure and La3+/Nd3+ Doped SrTiO3 Powders Obtained by Solid State Reaction and Microwave Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis
Authors: Chaves André Silva , de Andrade Raponi Olívia , Gelfuso Maria Virginia , Thomazini Daniel
Published: June 2015

Strontium titanate ceramic powders (SrTiO3), pure and doped with lanthanum (La3+) and neodymium (Nd3+), were synthesized by solid state reaction (SSR) and microwave assisted hydrothermal technique (MHT). For SSR, a mixture of SrCO3, TiO2, La2O3and Nd2O3oxides was performed in stoichiometric ratio, to produce SrTiO3(STO), Sr0.96La0.04TiO3(STO-04La), Sr0.96Nd0.04TiO3(STO - 04Nd) and Sr0.96La0.02Nd0.02TiO3(STO-02La02Nd), in a ball mill, for 3.5 h. This mixture was dried at 70°C for 24h. This powder was calcined at 1150°C for 2h in a conventional oven. For MHT synthesis, Ti (C4H9O)4, SrCO3, La2O3and Nd2O3precursors were solubilized in nitric acid (10M), in stoichiometric proportions to form STO , STO-04La, STO-04Nd and STO-02La02Nd. This solution was precipitated adding NH4OH (10M). Quota of 2g of precipitated powder was then dried in an air oven at 70°C for 24 hours, and then added to 40 ml of a KOH solution (10M). These suspensions were subjected to MHT for 1h, at 120°C. The ceramic powders obtained by the two routes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystallite size was calculated by Scherrer method and from SEM image, linear intercept method for both the SSR and MHT powders was used to measure the particles size, which show the increase of particles size related to the cation substitution.
Application of Micromagnetic Models for Barium Ferrite Magnets
Authors: de Campos Marcos Flavio , Sampaio da Silva Fernanda A.
Published: June 2015

The applicability of micromagnetics for phases with high magnetocrystalline anisotropy as barium ferrite Ba2Fe12O19and Nd2Fe14B is discussed. The Stoner-Wohlfarth model is very suitable for such phases, and also for PtFe and PtCo. It was discussed how to take into account the total energy of the system for grain size above the single domain particle size. For this situation of large grain size, the net magnetostatic energy of the system cannot be neglected. From energy considerations, it follows that the coercive force should decrease with the inverse of the square root of the grain size.
Curvature Evolution of Porcelain Tile during Firing
Authors: Henrique Patrick , Wanderlind Augusto , de Noni Agenor
Published: June 2015

Planarity is one of indispensable attribute of a ceramic tile quality. During the firing changes on curvature may be permanent causing damage on quality and productivity. The objective was to evaluate curvature evolution on porcelain tile during heating stage of firing. Effects of engobe and glaze coating were evaluated. The performance of two compositions of porcelain tile was studied on industrial (1000 mm x 500 mm x 10 mm) and laboratorial (100 mm x 50 mm x 6 mm) scale. Industrial test pieces were fired at 950 and 1200 °C. Final curvature was measured by conventional dial indicator. Curvature evolution of laboratorial test pieces was evaluated by thermal fleximetry from 25 to 1200 °C. This characterization was capable to identify very significant positive curvature deflection on temperature range from 930 to 1200 °C, directly associated to permanent planarity defects. Differences on composition affect significantly the curvature evolution.
Characterization of Clay Used in Structural Ceramic
Authors: dos Reis Alessandra Savazzini , Oliveira Jailson N. , della Sagrillo Viviana P. , Valenzuela-Diaz Francisco R.
Published: June 2015

Structural ceramic quality is particularly related to the quality of the clays. Our aim is to characterize the common clay called Batinga used in the ceramic industry in Colatina - ES, which has a ceramic pole with about twenty companies. Batinga samples were tested for chemical and mineralogical composition, particle size distribution characterization, thermal behavior, optical microscopy, SEM and Atterberg limits. The specimens were shaped, dried at 110oC, burned in industrial furnace and submitted to ceramic test. The results show that the clay presents typical chemical composition of raw clay with significant amount of silica and alumina, besides adequate particle size distribution and mineralogical composition. The high plasticity shown may require high water content in the molding of ceramic roof tiles. The tests yielded results that showed that the clay meets the requirements of the Brazilian standard for structural ceramic.
Evaluation of the Thermomechanical Behavior of Metallic Interconnectors Coated with a Film of La0,8Ca0,2CrO3 of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC)
Authors: de Sousa Cláwsio Rogério Cruz , Acchar Wilson , Paes Herval Ramos , Timoteo José Flávio
Published: June 2015

Doped lanthanum chromite has been the most common material used as interconnectors in solid oxide (SOFC) fuel cell, allowing for the stacking of the SOFC. Reducing the operating temperature, to around 800°C, the cells of solid oxide fuel have made the use of metal interconnectors possible as an alternative to ceramic LaCrO3. From the practical point of view for the material to be a strong candidate as an interconnector, it must have good physical and mechanical properties, such as resistance to oxidizing environments and reducers, facility to manufacture, and adequate thermomechanical properties. In this work, a study was conducted on the thermomechanical properties of metallic interconnectors (AISI 444) covered with La0,8Ca0,2CrO3 by way of deposition technique for pyrolysis spray for the intermediate temperature (IT-SOFC) fuel cell. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), oxidative test, flexural strength at room temperature and at 900°C, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The evaluation of the phases formed on metallic interconnectors coated with La0,8Ca0,2CrO3 on both the deposition and after oxidative assay was performed by XRD. The oxidative behavior showed increased resistance to oxidation of the metal substrate covered by La0,8Ca0,2CrO3. In the flexural strength of the coated metal substrate, it was noted only in the increasing temperature. With the aid of SEM, the formation of layers of Cr2O3 and (Cr, Mn)3O4 on the metallic substrate was seen, and confirmed stability of La0,8Ca0,2CrO3 ceramic film after oxidative test.
Pressureless Sintering of ZrB2 with β-SiC Addition
Authors: Oliveira Juliani Mariah , Oliveria Carolyne Davi , Rocha Rosa Maria
Published: June 2015

Zirconium diboride (ZrB2) is a covalent compound that leads the category of ultra high temperature ceramics materials owing to its unique properties. In this work, the effect of addition of beta-silicon carbide (β-SiC) in pressureless sintering of ZrB2 was investigated. Four compositions were prepared with 0, 10, 20 e 30 vol% of SiC. ZrB2 powder and mixtures were prepared in by planetary milling with SiC spheres at 4 h. Two sintering temperatures were used, one at 2050 oC/1h and other at 2150 °C/1h. The addition of SiC has promoted an increasing in densification with the increasing of SiC content. The total densification of sample sintered at 2050 oC was 90% of theoretical density for sample with 30 vol% of SiC, while the maximum densification for temperature of 2150 oC was 91,0 %TD.
Evaluation of the Industrial Raw Material Used for Ceramic Production in São José de Ubá, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: de Azevedo Afonso Rangel Garcez , Alexandre Jonas , Picanço Oliveira Rafael , de Souza Rodolfo Cretton , Barnabé Zanelato Euzébio , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: June 2015

The northern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has a significant participation in the country ceramic production for civil construction owing to the abundance of raw materials, mainly kaolinitic clays. Each municipality in that region has ceramic industries using raw materials mined from its own deposits. Products such as bricks and tiles may lack the required quality due to the limited know-how on the applied raw material. The present work conducted a technological evaluation of the clayey raw material used in the municipality of São José de Ubá including its potential for ceramic processing at firing temperatures of 700, 850 and 950oC. The results indicated that only the ceramic fired at 950oC conforms to the specifications for water absorption and mechanical strength.
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials Used in Dentistry Varying the Inorganic Composition
Authors: Melo-Silva T.C.F. , Melo-Silva C.L. , Carvalho C.F. , Teixeira A.B. , Lins J.F.C. , Gouvêa J.P.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the hardness and the elasticity modulus of the two composite resins base of BISGMA with different inorganic particles: a nanoparticulated with a ceramic withload, (Filtek Z350XT-3M) with and without thermal activation and a microhybrid with no ceramic load (Opallis-FGM). The samples were prepared and subjected to the tests of Vickers hardness (Shimadzu HMV) and acoustic excitation pulse (Sonelastic ®). The samples were divided into three groups: G1-Filtek Z350 XT; G2-Filtek Z350XT MO (subject to further polymerization microwave) and G3-Opallis. The results showed that the hardness of G2 was significantly higher than the groups G1 and G3. The elastic modulus was higher than the G2 to G1 and G3. One can conclude that the resins filled with inorganic ceramic filler showed higher hardness and elastic modulus. The thermal activation increased the hardness and the elasticity modulus of the resin with ceramic load.
Selective Occupancy of Sites by Rare Earths in K2Nd(1-X)EuxNb5O15 Nanopowders, where X = 0, 0.0025, 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1, Prepared by Modified Polyol Method
Authors: Namikuchi Eliane Ayumi , Lima Nobre Marcos Augusto , Lanfredi Silvania
Published: June 2015

Niobates with tetragonal tungsten bronze TTB-type structure have presented great technological potential due to their dielectric, ferroelectric, pyroelectric properties. The preparation by the modified polyol method and structural characterization of K2Nd(1-x)EuxNb5O15 nanopowders, where x = 0; 0.0025; 0.025; 0.05 e 0.1, were investigated. The structural parameters were analyzed as a function of concentration of europium ions in the K2NdNb5O15 host structure using the Rietveld method. From structural parameters was determined the TTB-type structure with tetragonal symmetry, where the pentagonal sites is occupied by K+ and Eu3+ ions and tetragonal sites is occupied only by Nd3+ ions. The addition of europium in the host structure led to a decrease in the lattice parameters, compatible with the increasing degree of distortion of NbO6 polyhedra. The average crystallite size showed values between 18.25 and 26nm.
New Additive Type Amorphous-Carbon/Zn Modifier of the Thermal Conductivity of Alcohol Fuel
Authors: Potensa Bruno Santos , Martins Grazieli Olinda , Lanfredi Silvania , Lima Nobre Marcos Augusto
Published: June 2015

A functional inorganic-additive modifier of the thermal conductivity of biofuel type alcohol anhydrous was developed based on an amorphous carbon nanocomposite containing dispersed zinc. Dispersion and modification of thermal conductivity in biofuels type anydrous alcohol were considered, as well as in petro-diesel and a blend of biodiesel and petro-diesel. Fuels, alcohol, diesel and biodiesel acted as a continuous medium dispersing the particles of C/Zn. Both thermal conductivity and thermal resistivity measurements were carried out showing that the amorphous nanocomposite particles C/Zn act as an additive to improve the thermal conductivity of alcohol. The same phenomenon has not been identified for diesel, biodiesel and its blends. Increasing the thermal conductivity of the alcohol generated by adding of particles is discussed as a function of the concentration and molecular interactions on the surface of additive particles.
Residual Coal Characterization for Addition to Red Clay Ceramics
Authors: Vieira Carlos Maurício Fontes , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: June 2015

The high temperature firing to process clay ceramics requires some kind of fuel, which is associated with cost and embodied energy of the final product. Saving in fuel by introducing substances with heating power represents both economical and energetical advantages. The incorporation of a fuel containing waste into the precursor clay body constitutes also an environmentally correct solution for the destination of the waste. A typical fuel-containing waste, generated in large scale, is the residual coal, which falls to the harbor yard during transfer from the cargo ship. This coal can no longer be embarked and is usually discarded in the environment. Its addition into ceramic clay is the most viable solution. Therefore, the objective of the present work is to characterize a residual coal in terms of its chemical constituents, heat power and granulometric distribution. The results indicate that the residual coal presents toxic compounds in amounts below the limits established by the environmental legislation. Its fine granulometry favors the addition to clay ceramics.
Characterization of Precursor Clay Body and Weibull Analysis of the Compressive Strength of Structural Blocks
Authors: Azeredo Neila Gondim , Alexandre Jonas , de Azevedo Afonso Rangel Garcez , de Castro Xavier Gustavo , Candido Veronica Scarpini , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: June 2015

The modern concepts of civil construction for building with a maximum of 5 stores rely on structural blocks to support part of the load. These are normally hollow parallelepiped pieces made of concrete or fired ceramic. In Brazil, the abundance and easy to mine natural clay deposits favor the use of structural blocks fabricated of fired clay ceramics. Moreover, the available wood from reforestation, as fuel for the ceramic furnaces has the advantages of a less expensive and environmentally correct source of energy. Since the main property of a structural block is its compressive strength, special care should be taken in its evaluation. The ceramic industries in Campos dos Goytacazes, traditionally involved in the fabrication of simple non-structural clay bricks, are currently interested in producing structural blocks to attend large scale governmental housing programs. In order to evaluate the mechanical performance of these structural blocks, the preset work carried out a statistical study of their compressive strength by means of the Weibull analysis together with a characterization of the precursor clay body. The results indicated that the structural blocks comply with the norm and confirmed a valid number of tested specimens.