bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring and assessing heavy metals in topsoils as potential diffuse pollutants in the Pyeongchang River Basin, Korea
Authors: Kabir M. I. , Lee H. , Kim G. , Jun T.
Published: June 2010

Topsoils, mainly from crop fields, orchards, forests, and barns around the Pyeongchang River, were collected to investigate their heavy metal concentrations. Pollution load index, ecological risk index, and enrichment factor were applied to assess levels of heavy metal contamination for topsoils. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd) (1.7 mg/kg) and chromium (Cr) (4.1 mg/kg) exceeded the troublesome level in one site, whereas zinc (Zn) (396.7 to 711.1 mg/kg) and nickel (Ni) (40.1 to 95.3 mg/kg) in several topsoils exceeded the troublesome to countermeasure levels, according to soil contamination standards for the study areas. A significant risk of contamination was observed for mercury (Hg) by all indices, although the concentration in most of the topsoils was below the guideline. As expected, a positive linear correlation was observed for the values of pollution load index and ecological risk index, demonstrating lower heavy metal contamination in upstream areas compared to those downstream. High to extremely high ecological risk was observed in several samples for Zn and Ni, while all of the soils were unpolluted to slightly polluted, according to the pollution load index. A baseline study was not performed earlier for these sites, so these assessed values of heavy metals should be used as reference values for further assessment.
A step towards decentralized wastewater management in the Lower Jordan Rift Valley
Authors: van Afferden M. , Cardona J. A. , Rahman K. Z. , Daoud R. , Headley T. , Kilani Z. , Subah A. , Mueller R. A.
Published: June 2010

In order to address serious concerns over public health, water scarcity and groundwater pollution in Jordan, the expansion of decentralized wastewater treatment and reuse (DWWT&R) systems to small communities is one of the goals defined by the Jordan government in the “Water Strategy 2009–2022”. This paper evaluates the general potential of decentralized wastewater system solutions to be applied in a selected area of the Lower Jordan Rift Valley in Jordan. For the study area, the connection degree to sewer systems was calculated as 67% (5% in the rural sector and 75% in the urban sector). The annual wastewater production available for DWWT&R in the rural sector of the investigation area was calculated to be nearly 3.8 million m3 at the end of 2007. The future need of wastewater treatment and reuse facilities of the rural sector was estimated to be increasing by 0.11 million m3 year−1, with an overall potential of new treatment capacity of nearly 15,500 population equivalents (pe) year−1. The overall potential for implementing DWWT&R systems in the urban sector was estimated as nearly 25 million m3 of wastewater in 2007. The future need of wastewater treatment and reuse facilities required for the urban sector was estimated to be increasing at a rate of 0.12 million pe year−1. Together with the decision makers and the stakeholders, a potential map with three regions has been defined: Region 1 with existing central wastewater infrastructure, Region 2 with already planned central infrastructure and Region 3 with the highest potential for implementing DWWT&R systems.
Baseflow contribution to nitrates in an urban stream in Daejeon, Korea
Authors: Kim G. , Lee H. , Lim Y. , Jung M. , Kong D.
Published: June 2010

It is a well-known fact that baseflow discharge of rainfall runoff significantly impacts the quality of surface water. In this paper, the impact of nitrates discharged as baseflow on stream water quality were studied using PULSE, a hydrograph separation software developed by USGS, to calculate the monthly baseflow discharge. We took water quality and flow rate data from a monitoring station site (code: Ghapcehon2) in Daejeon city and acquired 2005 groundwater quality data in the watershed from government agencies. Agricultural and forestry land use are dominant in the area. The baseflow contributes 85%–95% of stream flows during the spring and fall, 25%–38% during the summer and winter. The monthly nitrate loading discharged as baseflow for Ghapcheon2 was estimated by using monitored nitrate concentrations of groundwater in the watershed. Nitrate loading induced by baseflow at Ghapcheon2 was estimated as 5.4 tons of NO3−-N/km2, which is about 60% of nitrate loading of surface water, or 9.2 tons of NO3−-N/km2. This study shows that groundwater quality monitoring is important for proper management of surface water quality.
Performance of intermittent aeration reactor on NH4-N removal from groundwater resources
Authors: Khanitchaidecha W. , Nakamura T. , Sumino T. , Kazama F.
Published: June 2010

To study the effect of intermittent aeration period on ammonium–nitrogen (NH4-N) removal from groundwater resources, synthetic groundwater was prepared and three reactors were operated under different conditions – “reactor A” under continuous aeration, “reactor B” under 6 h intermittent aeration, and “reactor C” under 2 h intermittent aeration. To facilitate denitrification simultaneously with nitrification, “acetate” was added as an external carbon source with step-wise increase from 0.5 to 1.5 C/N ratio, where C stands for total carbon content in the system, and N for NH4-N concentration in the synthetic groundwater. Results show that complete NH4-N removal was obtained in “reactor B” and “reactor C” at 1.3 and 1.5 C/N ratio respectively; and partial NH4-N removal in “reactor A”. These results suggest that intermittent aeration at longer interval could enhance the reactor performance on NH4-N removal in terms of efficiency and low external carbon requirement. Because of consumption of internal carbon by the process, less amount of external carbon is required. Further increase in carbon in a form of acetate (1.5 to 2.5 C/N ratios) increases removal rate (represented by reaction rate coefficient (k) of kinetic equation) as well as occurrence of free cells. It suggests that the operating condition at reactor B with 1.3 C/N ratio is more appropriate for long-term operation at a pilot-scale.
Effect of reflux ratio on COD and nitrogen removals from coke plant wastewaters
Authors: Shi X. L. , Hu X. B. , Wang Z. , Ding L. L. , Ren H. Q.
Published: June 2010

A laboratory-scale anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic-moving bed biofilm reactor (A1-A2-O-MBBR) system was undertaken to treat coke plant wastewaters from two different factories (wastewater A and B). Wastewater B had higher BOD5/COD ratio and COD/TN ratio than wastewater A. The effects of reflux ratios on COD, TN and NH3-N removals were studied. Results indicated that, with the reflux ratio increased from 2 to 5, COD removals of wastewater A and wastewater B increased from 57.4% to 72.6% and 78.2% to 88.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, TN removals were also increased accompanying reflux ratio rise, from 53.1% to 74.4% for wastewater A and 64.2% to 83.5% for wastewater B. At the same reflux ratio, compared with wastewater A, higher COD and TN removal efficiencies were observed in wastewater B, which had higher BOD5/COD and COD/TN ratio. Reflux ratio had no significant influence on NH3-N removal; 99.0% of the overall NH3-N removal efficiency was achieved by the system for both coke plant wastewaters at any tested reflux ratio. MBBR was effective in NH3-N removal, and about 95% of the NH3-N was removed in the MBBR.
Adenovirus, MS2 and PhiX174 interactions with drinking water biofilms developed on PVC, cement and cast iron
Authors: Helmi K. , Menard-Szczebara F. , Lénès D. , Jacob P. , Jossent J. , Barbot C. , Delabre K. , Arnal C.
Published: June 2010

Biofilms colonizing pipe surfaces of drinking water distribution systems could provide habitat and shelter for pathogenic viruses present in the water phase. This study aims (i) to develop a method to detect viral particles present in a drinking water biofilm and (ii) to study viral interactions with drinking water biofilms. A pilot scale system was used to develop drinking water biofilms on 3 materials (7 cm2 discs): PVC, cast iron and cement. Biofilms were inoculated with viral model including MS2, PhiX174 or adenovirus. Five techniques were tested to recover virus from biofilms. The most efficient uses beef extract and glycine at pH = 9. After sonication and centrifugation, the pH of the supernatant is neutralized prior to viral analysis. The calculated recovery rates varied from 29.3 to 74.6% depending on the virus (MS2 or PhiX174) and the material. Applying this protocol, the interactions of virus models (MS2 and adenovirus) with drinking water biofilms were compared. Our results show that adsorption of viruses to biofilms depends on their isoelectric points, the disc material and the hydrodynamic conditions. Applying hydrodynamic conditions similar to those existing in drinking water networks resulted in a viral adsorption corresponding to less than 1% of the initial viral load.
Biological wastewater treatment followed by physicochemical treatment for the removal of fluorinated surfactants
Authors: Schröder H. Fr. , José H. J. , Gebhardt W. , Moreira R. F. P. M. , Pinnekamp J.
Published: June 2010

Perfluorinated surfactants (PFS) have become compounds of high concern during the last decade. While “conventional surfactants” are degraded to a great extent in the biological wastewater treatment process, partly or perfluorinated surfactants are not only stable against biodegradation but also against oxidizing agents, they even resist OH-radical attacks. Our objectives were to eliminate the fluorinated surfactants perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) by adsorption, separation or degradation with a balance of precursor compounds and follow-up of degradation products. Therefore, municipal wastewater was spiked with these fluorinated surfactants before membrane bioreactor (MBR) treatment—applying microfiltration membranes—was performed and before permeates were treated using ozone (O3) or different advanced oxidation treatment (AOP) techniques. O3 or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), both in combination with UV radiation or in combination with catalysts, was applied. Removal by adsorption or membrane separation as well as degradation were monitored by substance specific determination and identification. High resolution mass spectrometry after high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/HRMS and -MSn) was used for analysis. Contact to Teflon® and/or glass during all analytical procedures was avoided.
The BIOZO process – a biofilm system combined with ozonation: occurrence of xenobiotic organic micro-pollutants in and removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrogen from landfill leachate
Authors: Plósz Benedek Gy. , Vogelsang Christian , Macrae Kenneth , Heiaas Harald H. , Lopez Antonio , Liltved Helge , Langford Katherine H.
Published: June 2010

We present an assessment of xenobiotic organic micro-pollutants (XOM) occurrence and removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a novel biofilm system combined with ozonation, the BIOZO concept, treating partly stabilised landfill leachate. A novel, staged moving-bed biofilm reactor (SMBBR) design was implemented in laboratory- and pilot-scale, and the PAHs removal efficiency of controlled ozonation was assessed installing the ozonation step in the nitrate recirculation line (Position 1) or between the pre-anoxic and aerobic zones (Position 2). COD removal in a laboratory- and in a pilot-scale SMBBR system with and without ozonation is additionally addressed. Results obtained in a screening study (GC-ToF-MS) were used to compile a priority list of XOMs in leachate based on relative occurrence, showing PAHs as the predominant fraction. Biological treatment is shown to be an effective means to remove PAHs detected in the aqueous phase. PAH removal takes in most part place in the pre-anoxic zone, thereby decreasing toxicity exhibited by PAH on autotrophic nitrifier bacteria in the aerobic zone. Ozonation installed in Position 2 is shown to be superior over Position I in terms of COD, PAH and nitrogen removal efficiencies. We additionally demonstrate the potential of intermittent sludge ozonation as a means to decrease PAH concentrations in sludge wasted and to improve nitrogen removal in the BIOZO system.
Negotiating Identity: Conflicts between the Agency of the Student and the Official Diagnosis of Social Workers and Teachers
Authors: Berg Kari
Published: June 2010

This article aims to demonstrate the interplay between the individual's negotiation of his/her identity in compulsory school and the systems of communication and practice of professionals in the welfare state. It looks at the case of ‘Tom’, whose custody has been taken over by the Child Welfare Service and who now lives in a child welfare institution. The article discusses how Tom constructs and negotiates his identity within educational and institutional frameworks, which are in turn influenced by professional agencies, alliances, and power relations.
Mobilities of Youth: Social and Spatial Trajectories in a Segregated Sweden
Authors: Lindgren Joakim , Lundahl Lisbeth
Published: June 2010

This article explores youth mobilities in three geographic and socio-economically diverse Swedish contexts. The concept of mobility has become an important feature of individualistic discourses of responsibility relating to inclusion, lifelong learning and self-regulating entrepreneurial behaviour. This article draws attention to the fact that geographical mobility, as a form of human agency, is closely related to social mobility and hence to both spatial and social inequalities. Using life-history interviews and statistical data, the article explores how space, class and ethnicity are related to education and social inclusion and exclusion as young people are spatially situated yet move, desire to move, dream about moving, seek to move and fail to move, as they migrate through, in and out of social communities. The analysis displays how these mobilities are framed by local traditions and circumstances that both enable and restrict. Such mobility might involve processes of personal development and learning, and be the calculated consequence of each individual's chosen life-career. However, mobility might also arise as flight from a stigmatised place. In these cases, refusal to move can also be seen as a form of resistance.

Once we recognize that place and mobility are fundamental attributes of all identities, we open the door for future studies addressing these issues in almost any field. (Easthope, 2009, p. 78)
Psychorheology of food dispersions
Authors: Štern Petr , Panovská Zdeňka , Pokorný Jan
Published: June 2010

Psychorheology of food dispersions

Food dispersions are the most frequent and most important food components. Useful information was obtained in the investigations of liquid emulsions. The results obtained in their study were compared with tomato ketchups. They were chosen as an example of food dispersions with low lipid content. A set of 20 samples of tomato ketchups purchased on the native market were analyzed by several rheological procedures (RheoStress 300) and by sensory profiling both of textural and flavour characteristics. The psychorheology was used for the determination of relationships between results of instrumental and sensory measurements. The data base obtained was processed by statistical methods. The temperature affects the results differently, but it is not useful to study temperatures below room temperature. The rheological parameters agree with the Herschel-Bulkley equation. Therefore, the psychorheology was applied as a suitable complex method. About a third of plots between two variables were significantly related. Several statistically significant relationships were obtained between rheological attributes, sensory attributes, and the combinations between rheological and a sensory attributes. Great variance in all characteristics was observed in all samples variables. Similarly as in case of lipid dispersions, the sensory texture acceptability was significantly related with the overall flavour acceptability, similarly as in case of other food dispersions. It proves the importance of texture in consumption of tomato ketchups.
Influence of a Teacher’s Scaffolding Moves During Child-Led Small-Group Discussions
Authors: Jadallah May , Anderson Richard C. , Nguyen-Jahiel Kim , Miller Brian W. , Kim Il-Hee , Kuo Li-Jen , Dong Ting , Wu Xiaoying
Published: June 2010

The influence of one teacher’s scaffolding moves on children’s performance in free-flowing child-led small-group discussions was investigated. Three moves were examined: prompting for and praising the use of evidence, asking for clarification, and challenging. Lag sequential analysis was applied to a corpus of over 5,300 speaking turns during 30 discussions to identify recurrent turn-by-turn patterns of teacher-child and child-child talk initiated by the teacher’s moves. A complex system of influence among discussion participants was documented in which the teacher’s moves had delayed effects as well as immediate effects, indirect as well as direct effects, and reciprocal instead of unidirectional effects. Some children appropriated scaffolding moves of the teacher and began to spontaneously employ the moves in later discussions.
Recent Research on Human Learning Challenges Conventional Instructional Strategies
Authors: Rohrer Doug , Pashler Harold
Published: June 2010

There has been a recent upsurge of interest in exploring how choices of methods and timing of instruction affect the rate and persistence of learning. The authors review three lines of experimentation—all conducted using educationally relevant materials and time intervals—that call into question important aspects of common instructional practices. First, research reveals that testing, although typically used merely as an assessment device, directly potentiates learning and does so more effectively than other modes of study. Second, recent analysis of the temporal dynamics of learning show that learning is most durable when study time is distributed over much greater periods of time than is customary in educational settings. Third, the interleaving of different types of practice problems (which is quite rare in math and science texts) markedly improves learning. The authors conclude by discussing the frequently observed dissociation between people’s perceptions of which learning procedures are most effective and which procedures actually promote durable learning.
Using Molecular-Assisted Alpha Taxonomy to Better Understand Red Algal Biodiversity in Bermuda
Authors: Cianciola Elisabeth N. , Popolizio Thea R. , Schneider Craig W. , Lane Christopher E.
Published: June 2010

Molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy has recently become an effective practice in reassessing biodiversity and floristics for a variety of different organisms. This paper presents a series of examples that have been drawn from biodiversity work being carried out on the marine red algae of Bermuda. Molecular sequencing of DNA from Bermuda samples has already begun to greatly alter the makeup of the flora as it was known just decades ago, and will help set a new database for future comparison as climate change affects species composition in the islands.
Simulation Prototyping of an Experimental Solar House
Authors: Osborne Anna , Baur Stuart , Grantham Katie
Published: June 2010

This paper presents a comparative analysis between an energy simulation model and an actual solar home. The case study used was the Team Missouri’s 2009 Solar Decathlon entry. The home was evaluated using the predicted data developed with the use of Energy-10 Version 1.8. The software simulates the energy use performance of building strategies ranging from building envelope and system efficiency options. The performance data used was collected during the 2009 Solar Decathlon competition. Results comparing energy efficient strategies, consumption and generation are explored with future implications discussed.
International Collaboration on Air Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes (ICAPPO)
Authors: Woodruff Tracey J. , Parker Jennifer D. , Adams Kate , Bell Michelle L. , Gehring Ulrike , Glinianaia Svetlana , Ha Eun-Hee , Jalaludin Bin , Slama Rémy
Published: June 2010

Reviews find a likely adverse effect of air pollution on perinatal outcomes, but variation of findings hinders the ability to incorporate the research into policy. The International Collaboration on Air Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes (ICAPPO) was formed to better understand relationships between air pollution and adverse birth outcomes through standardized parallel analyses in datasets from different countries. A planning group with 10 members from 6 countries was formed to coordinate the project. Collaboration participants have datasets with air pollution values and birth outcomes. Eighteen research groups with data for approximately 20 locations in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America are participating, with most participating in an initial pilot study. Datasets generally cover the 1990s. Number of births is generally in the hundreds of thousands, but ranges from around 1,000 to about one million. Almost all participants have some measure of particulate matter, and most have ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. Strong enthusiasm for participating and a geographically-diverse range of participants should lead to understanding uncertainties about the role of air pollution in perinatal outcomes and provide decision-makers with better tools to account for pregnancy outcomes in air pollution policies.
A Health and Nutritional Evaluation of Changes in Agriculture in the Past Quarter Century in British Columbia: Implications for Food Security
Authors: Ostry Aleck , Morrison Kathryn
Published: June 2010

This paper describes change in local food production in British Columbia with a focus on changes in the production of foods recommended for increased consumption by nutritionists. We determine, in one of the most productive agricultural provinces in Canada, whether secular trends in agricultural land use and food production, over the past quarter century, have resulted in increased production of foods recommended by nutritionists as more healthy and nutritious. In particular we are concerned with estimating the extent to which changes in agriculture and food production are congruent with official nutrition advice to avoid less healthy foods and to consume more vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. We demonstrate, using regularly collected agricultural census data, in spite of nutritionists’ advocacy for improved access to locally produced fruits, vegetables, and grains, since 1986, that BC agriculture is moving firmly in the opposite direction with greater production of animal fats, and hay and grain for animal feed and much reduced production of traditional fruits, vegetables, and grains designed mainly for human consumption. While nutritionists advise us to increase consumption especially of whole grains, vegetables and fruit, local production capacity of these foods in BC has decreased markedly between 1986 and 2006. In conclusion, there is a structural disconnect between the kinds of foods produced in BC and the nutritional needs of the population.
Cholesterol-Lowering Effects of Probiotics and Prebiotics: A Review of in Vivo and in Vitro Findings
Authors: Ooi Lay-Gaik , Liong Min-Tze
Published: June 2010

Probiotics are live microorganisms that promote health benefits upon consumption, while prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics and/or prebiotics could be used as alternative supplements to exert health benefits, including cholesterol-lowering effects on humans. Past in vivo studies showed that the administration of probiotics and/or prebiotics are effective in improving lipid profiles, including the reduction of serum/plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides or increment of HDL-cholesterol. However, other past studies have also shown that probiotics and prebiotics had insignificant effects on lipid profiles, disputing the hypocholesterolemic claim. Additionally, little information is available on the effective dosage of probiotics and prebiotics needed to exert hypocholesterolemic effects. Probiotics and prebiotics have been suggested to reduce cholesterol via various mechanisms. However, more clinical evidence is needed to strengthen these proposals. Safety issues regarding probiotics and/or prebiotics have also been raised despite their long history of safe use. Although probioticmediated infections are rare, several cases of systemic infections caused by probiotics have been reported and the issue of antibiotic resistance has sparked much debate. Prebiotics, classified as food ingredients, are generally considered safe, but overconsumption could cause intestinal discomfort. Conscientious prescription of probiotics and/or prebiotics is crucial, especially when administering to specific high risk groups such as infants, the elderly and the immuno-compromised.
NSAIDs in the Acute Treatment of Migraine: A Review of Clinical and Experimental Data
Authors: Pardutz Arpad , Schoenen Jean
Published: June 2010

Migraine is a common disabling neurological disorder with a serious socio-economical burden. By blocking cyclooxygenase nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) decrease the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are involved in the pathophysiology of migraine headaches. Despite the introduction more than a decade ago of a new class of migraine-specific drugs with superior efficacy, the triptans, NSAIDs remain the most commonly used therapies for the migraine attack. This is in part due to their wide availability as over-the-counter drugs and their pharmaco-economic advantages, but also to a favorable efficacy/side effect profile at least in attacks of mild and moderate intensity. We summarize here both the experimental data showing that NSAIDs are able to influence several pathophysiological facets of the migraine headache and the clinical studies providing evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of various subclasses of NSAIDs in migraine therapy. Taken together these data indicate that there are several targets for NSAIDs in migraine pathophysiology and that on the spectrum of clinical potency acetaminophen is at the lower end while ibuprofen is among the most effective drugs. Acetaminophen and aspirin excluded, comparative trials between the other NSAIDs are missing. Since evidence-based criteria are scarce, the selection of an NSAID should take into account proof and degree of efficacy, rapid GI absorption, gastric ulcer risk and previous experience of each individual patient. If selected and prescribed wisely, NSAIDs are precious, safe and cost-efficient drugs for the treatment of migraine attacks.
On the Exportability of Robust Satellite Techniques (RST) for Active Volcano Monitoring
Authors: Marchese Francesco , Ciampa Maurizio , Filizzola Carolina , Lacava Teodosio , Mazzeo Giuseppe , Pergola Nicola , Tramutoli Valerio
Published: June 2010

Satellite remote sensing has increasingly become a crucial tool for volcanic activity monitoring thanks to continuous observations at global scale, provided with different spatial/spectral/temporal resolutions, on the base of specific satellite platforms, and at relatively low costs. Among the satellite techniques developed for volcanic activity monitoring, the RST (Robust Satellite Techniques) approach has shown high performances in detecting hot spots as well as in automatically identifying ash plumes, effectively discriminating them from weather clouds. This method, based on an extensive, multi-temporal analysis of long-term time series of homogeneous satellite records, has recently been implemented on EOS-MODIS and MSG-SEVIRI data for which further performance improvements are expected. These satellite systems, in fact, offer improved spectral and/or temporal resolutions. In this paper, some preliminarily results of these analyses are presented, both regarding hot spot identification and ash cloud detection and tracking. The potential of RST, to be used within early warning systems devoted to volcanic hazard monitoring and mitigation, will also be discussed.
RAFT polymers for protein recognition
Authors: Tominey Alan F , Liese Julia , Wei Sun , Kowski Klaus , Schrader Thomas , Kraft Arno
Published: June 2010

A new family of linear polymers with pronounced affinity for arginine- and lysine-rich proteins has been created. To this end, N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) was copolymerized in water with a binding monomer and a hydrophobic comonomer using a living radical polymerization (RAFT). The resulting copolymers were water-soluble and displayed narrow polydispersities. They formed tight complexes with basic proteins depending on the nature and amount of the binding monomer as well as on the choice of the added hydrophobic comonomer.
Foreword to published works from the Proceedings of the VII International Meeting of the Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution held at the Australian Museum, in Sydney, from 18–23 August, 2008
Authors: Boles Walter E. , Worthy Trevor H.
Published: June 2010

This volume comprises the Proceedings of the VII International Meeting of the Society for Avian Paleontology and Evolution (SAPE). The previous six meetings were held in North America, Europe and China. This seventh meeting marks the first gathering of the Society in the Southern Hemisphere. It was hosted by, and held at, the Australian Museum, in Sydney, from 18–23 August, 2008.
Martensita inducida por deformación en un acero inoxidable AISI 316
Authors: Solomon N. , Solomon I.
Published: June 2010

El proceso de conformación da a lugar a una considerable diferenciación del campo de tensiones dentro de una barra de extrusión y, finalmente, causa una distribución no uniforme de la tensión total, la microestructura y propiedades del material sobre el corte transversal. En este trabajo se estudia la influencia de los estados de tensión sobre la transformación martensítica inducida por deformación en un acero inoxidable austenítico tipo AISI 316. La formación de martensita inducida por deformación esta relacionada con la estabilidad de la austenita (γ) a temperaturas cercanas o inferiores a la temperatura ambiente. La susceptibilidad a esta transformación estructural esta correlacionada con el valor de la energía de falta de apilamiento, la cual es función de la composición del acero y de la temperatura de ensayo. Los aceros austeníticos poseen una elevada plasticidad y pueden ser fácilmente conformados en frío. Sin embargo, durante el proceso de deformación en frío, se puede producir un incremento adicional del endurecimiento por deformación asociado a la transformación martensítica inducida durante la deformación, el cual puede mejorar las propiedades posteriores de procesado. Debido a su alta resistencia a la corrosión y buenas propiedades mecánicas, los aceros inoxidables austeníticos se utilizan para la fabricación de placas intercambiadoras de calor. Sin embargo, la cantidad de martensita formada durante el procesado tendrá una influencia sobre la resistencia a la corrosión. Se realizaron ensayos de simulación numérica para correlacionar la deformación plástica total con la transformación martensítica.
Comportamiento a la corrosión electroquímica de aleaciones MgAl con recubrimientos de materiales compuestos Al/SiCp mediante proyección térmica
Authors: Pardo A. , Feliu Jr S. , Merino M. C. , Mohedano M. , Casajús P. , Arrabal R.
Published: June 2010

Se estudia, mediante espectroscopía de impedancia electroquímica en solución 3,5 % NaCl, la protección frente a la corrosión de aleaciones Mg-Al recubiertas por proyección térmica con materiales compuestos Al/SiCp. Se varió la fracción de volumen de las partículas de SiC (SiCp) entre 5 y 30 %. Los recubrimientos efectuados por proyección térmica revelan un elevado número de microcanales, en la vecindad de las partículas de SiC, que facilitan la penetración del electrolito originando procesos de corrosión galvánica en los substratos de las aleaciones de magnesio. Un tratamiento posterior mediante la aplicación de una presión en frío reduce el grado de porosidad de los recubrimientos y mejora la unión, tanto entre el substrato y el recubrimiento como entre las partículas de aluminio y SiC, mejorando la resistencia a la corrosión de las aleaciones recubiertas. La efectividad de los recubrimientos disminuye ligeramente con la adición de SiCp cuando se comparan con los mismos recubrimientos de aluminio sin refuerzo.
Criterios de predicción de inestabilidades plásticas en procesos de conformado en caliente. (Parte I: Revisión teórica)
Authors: Al Omar A. , Prado J. M.
Published: June 2010

Los procesos de conformado de materiales inducen frecuentemente altos grados de deformación, a grandes velocidades de deformación, e imponen modos de solicitación multiaxiales y muy complejos. Dichos procesos quedan esencialmente limitados por la aparición y desarrollo de inestabilidades plásticas. Éstas pueden ser la causa directa de la propagación rápida de una fisura, que puede dar lugar a una rotura final. La complejidad de los modos de deformación y la intervención simultanea de varios parámetros han llevado a varios investigadores a desarrollar diversos criterios, con diferentes planteamientos, para predecir la aparición de defectos y optimizar los parámetros de control en los procesos de conformado. El presente trabajo pretende exponer, a modo de revisión, algunos criterios ampliamente usados en la literatura para la predicción de las inestabilidades plásticas durante el conformado de materiales. Se ha estimado oportuno dividir la materia del trabajo en dos partes: una primera parte presenta los criterios fenomenológicos de predicción de las inestabilidades plásticas, basados en la observación descriptiva de los fenómenos microscópicos de la deformación (endurecimiento por deformación y sensibilidad a la velocidad de deformación), luego se analizan los criterios continuos basados en los principios de máxima velocidad de producción de entropía de la termodinámica irreversible aplicada a la mecánica continua de la fluencia plástica en grandes deformaciones. Asimismo, se comenta una discusión bibliográfica entablada entre varios autores referida al fundamento físico del Modelo Dinámico de Materiales. En la segunda parte, se lleva a cabo un estudio comparativo para caracterizar la inestabilidad plástica durante un proceso de conformado en caliente de un acero microaleado de medio carbono usando criterios continuos y fenomenológicos.
El origen del endurecimiento de metales y aleaciones nanoestructurados
Authors: Morris D. G.
Published: June 2010

Los metales y aleaciones nanoestructuradas muestran una serie de propiedades químicas y físicas fuertemente modificadas cuando su microestructura entra en la escala nano. A la vez, estos materiales muestran generalmente alta resistencia pero mediocre ductilidad o tenacidad. La resistencia aumenta cuando baja la escala de la microestructura desde el nivel micro hacia el nivel nano, pero a veces la resistencia parece reducir por las microestructuras mas finas. Se examinan aquí todas estas variaciones y se discuten los mecanismos responsables del endurecimiento y ablandamiento. Los cambios de ductilidad o tenacidad cuando la microestructura entra en la escala nano necesitan un análisis detallado que no se trata en este articulo.
MOUTH-CONTROLLED TEXT INPUT DEVICE WITH SLIDING FUZZY ALGORITHM FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES
Authors: Wu Chung-Min , Luo Ching-Hsing , Lin Shu-Wen
Published: June 2010

This study presents a novel mouth-controlled text input (McTin) device that enables users with severe disabilities to access the keyboard and mouse facilities of a standard personal computer via the input of suitable Morse codes processed by sliding window averaging and a fuzzy recognition algorithm. The device offers users the choice of four different modes of operation, namely keyboard-, mouse-, practice-, and remote-control mode. In the keyboard-mode, the user employs a simple mouth-controlled switch to input Morse codes, which the McTin device then translates into the corresponding keyboard character, symbol, or function. In the mouse-mode, the user is able to control the direction of the mouse movement and access the various mouse functions by inputting a maximum of four Morse code elements. The remote-control-mode gives the user the ability to control some of the functions of household appliances such as TV, air conditioner, fan, and lamp. Finally, the practice-mode employs a training environment within which the user may be trained to input Morse codes accurately and quickly via the mouth-controlled switch. Although this study presents the use of a mouth-controlled switch for the input of Morse codes, the form of the input device can be modified to suit the particular requirements of users with different degrees of physical disability. The proposed device has been tested successfully by two users with severe spinal cord injuries to generate text-based articles, send e-mails, draw pictures, and browse the Internet.
IMPROVED BEAMFORMER WITH WEIGHTED SOURCE REGION SUPPRESSION FOR COHERENT MEG SOURCE LOCALIZATION
Authors: Zhang Junpeng , Yao Dezhong
Published: June 2010

Beamformer is one of the main techniques for spatio-temporal neuroelectromagnetic source reconstruction. However, the classical Beamformer is extremely sensitive to strongly coherent sources, thereby encountering difficulty in localizing the highly correlated bilateral auditory cortices in auditory evoked field (AEF) or auditory steady state evoked potential. The multiple constrained minimum-variance Beamformer with coherent source region suppression (Beamformer-CS) can potentially overcome such difficulties. However, when coherent interferer is located close to the edges of the suppression region, Beamformer-CS has localization bias and the closer it is, the larger it will be. Here, we present an improved Beamformer-CS that can localize coherent sources with much less localization bias, especially in the case of the interferer close to the edges of the suppression region. First, based on approximate information about source energy distribution from other neuroimaging techniques, a region encompassing the coherent interfering sources is defined. Then, the dominant eigenvectors of the lead field matrix, weighted using source energy information obtained by other imaging method, for the suppression region is incorporated into Beamformer design as hard null constraints. Such weighting strategy is able to improve the localization performance. Simulation test shows that, compared to Beamformer-CS, the new weighting approach is of much smaller localization bias, sharper peak of the estimated sources, more robust against noise, and less sensitiveness to the number of the eigenvector components for the suppression region, as is also confirmed by real AEF data test.
A NOVEL INFRARED GAZE TRACKING SYSTEM BASED ON NONUNIFORM INTERPOLATION
Authors: Chu Jin-Yu , Sun Jian-De , Yang Xiao-Hui , Liu Ju , Liu Wei
Published: June 2010

The gaze tracking system has become an active research field for handicapped persons as well as general people in recent years. The precise mapping method plays an important role in the system. In this paper, a novel infrared gaze tracking system based on nonuniform interpolation is proposed. In this system, the eye images for the computer to analyze are extracted under two infrared light sources and a charge-coupled device camera, and the users do not require wearing any device. First, the integral projection algorithm and canny edge detection are applied to extract the pupil boundary points from the captured eye images, and then the pupil center is computed using an efficient and accurate ellipse-fitting algorithm. Finally, to estimate where the user looks, a novel mapping method based on the nonuniform interpolation algorithm is proposed. In this mapping method, the complicated geometric eyeball model and the nonlinear mapping between the pupil center coordinates and computer monitor screen coordinates do not need to be taken into account. Experimental results show that the proposed mapping method is simple, fast and more accurate. Moreover, our system is the remote eye gaze tracking system. The users do not need to wear any device, which make the users feel more comfortable.
Adapting Engineering Education to the New Century
Authors: Haghi A. K. , Noroozi B.
Published: June 2010

In this book chapter, the authors summarize their retrospections as engineering educators for more than 20 years. Consideration is given to a number of educational developments to which the authors have contributed during their career in academia and the contribution made to engineering and technological education. Increasing emphasis is being placed on establishing teaching and learning centers at the institutional level with the stated objective of improving the quality of teaching and education. The results of this study provide information for the revision of engineering curricula, the pedagogical training of engineering faculty and the preparation of engineering students for the academic challenges of higher education in the field. The book chapter provides an in-depth review of a range of critical factors liable to have a significant effect and impact on the sustainability of engineering as a discipline. Issues such as learning and teaching methodologies and the effect of E-development; and the importance of communications are discussed.
Competitive Design of Web-Based Courses in Engineering Education
Authors: Brad Stelian
Published: June 2010

Developing engineering study programs of high quality, able to satisfy customized needs, with flexible paths of study, with easy and rapid access to the most appropriate educational facilities and lecturers is a critical and challenging issue for the future of engineering education. The latest developments in communication and information technologies facilitate the creation of reliable solutions in this respect. Provision of web-based courses in engineering education represents one of these solutions. However, the absence of physical interactions with the training facilities and the specificity of remote collaboration with lecturers rise up additional challenges in designing a high-quality web-based engineering course. In order to define superior solutions to the complex set of requirements expressed by several stakeholders (e.g. students, lecturers, educational institutions and companies), a comprehensive planning of quality and an innovative approach of potential conflicting problems are required during the design process of web-based engineering courses. In this context, the present chapter introduces a generic roadmap for optimizing the design process of web-based engineering courses when a multitude of requirements and constrains are brought into equation. Advanced tools of quality planning and innovation are considered to handle the complexity of this process. The application of this methodology demonstrates that no unique, best-of-the-world solution exists in developing a web-based engineering course; therefore customized approaches should be considered for each course category to maximize the impact of the web-based educational process.
Sights Inside the Virtual Engineering Education
Authors: Anzelotti Giancarlo , Valizadeh Masoumeh
Published: June 2010

Engineering is the area of creation and the creation has to be motivated in engineering education. The development of fast Internet access and Virtual environment have facilitated this field of education. considering time and cost and the critical position of engineer training, this chapter is introducing purpose-oriented small software as a more focused and cost-effective tool that can be implemented in universities and engineering education institutes. The chapter contains some examples of such software in mechanic and material engineering fields.
Web-Based Training
Authors: Valizadeh Masoumeh , Anzelotti Giancarlo , Salehi Sedigheh
Published: June 2010

Today, the World Wide Web and Internet technologies are the main support for modern communication. Hence, a vast amount of information is available for students at any level. In this chapter, Web based training (WBT) is described as an efficient tool for engineering education. The benefits of using WBT as a replacement or complementary tool for traditional educational systems and its limitation are discussed. The education process is supposed to shape a professional who possesses not only scientific knowledge, but also exhibits a special set of personal features which includes being curious, innovative, and capable of teamwork. The question is whether distance education is capable of doing that without personal contact. The chapter argues that WBT can provide efficient tools such as forums, discussion boards, and video conference facilities.
A Diagnostic System Created for Evaluation and Maintenance of Building Constructions
Authors: Koppány Attila
Published: June 2010

The successful diagnostic activity has an important role in the changes of the repair costs and the efficient elimination of the damages. The aim of the general building diagnostics is to determine the various visible or instrumentally observable alterations, to qualify the constructions from the suitability and personal safety (accidence) points of view. Our diagnostic system is primarily based on a visual examination on the spot, its method is suitable for the examination of almost all important structures and structure changes of the buildings. During the operation of the diagnostic system a large number of data–valuable for the professional practice–was collected and will be collected also in the future, the analysis of which data set is specially suitable for revaluing construction and the practical application of the experiences later during the building maintenance and reconstruction work. For using the system a so-called “morphological box” has been created, that contains the hierarchic system of constructions, which is connected with the construction components’ thesaurus appointed by the correct structure codes of these constructions’ place in the hierarchy. The thesaurus was not only necessary because of the easy surveillance of the system, but to exclude the usage of structure-name synonyms in the interest of unified handling. The analysis of which data set is specially suitable for revaluing earlier built constructions and can help to create knowledge based new constructions for the future.