bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Risk of Leveraging Technology in Small Businesses Entering the European Union
Authors: Losha Fation , Strang Kenneth David , Vajjhala Narasimha Rao
Published: August 2017

Small businesses (SB's) with less than 50 employees contribute significantly to the gross national product of transition economy countries in European Union (EU) nations where they account for 99% of all businesses. The EU is recognized as a strong effective fluid international trade system of 28 members and seven applicant countries in the process of integrating. The key advantages of joining the EU include untaxed cross-border product/service trade, better social systems, and improved economic stability. There are seven countries in a high-risk situation of attempting to join the EU. The highest risk these seven countries face is to leverage technology to facilitate the increasing demands of regulation administration and commerce imposed by EU standards. The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of SB's in an integration EU country to overcome risk by leveraging technology. The authors use SB's in Albania as a national case study population.
A Model Augmenting Credit Risk Management in the Banking Industry
Authors: Kogeda Okuthe Paul , Vumane Nicknolt N.
Published: August 2017

A lack of reliable credit risk measurements and poor control of credit risks has caused massive financial losses across a wide spectrum of business. Financial institutions like banks have not been able to control and contain the rapid increases of the credit defaulting. In this paper, we address the credit lending challenges by eliminating credit defaulting faced by the banking industry. Data from bank of previously accepted and rejected loan applicants was used to construct a credit risk evaluation network. The artificial neural network technique with back-propagation algorithm was applied to develop a model that supports the banks in the credit granting decision-making. The model was trained to categorize applicants as either good (credit granted) or bad (credit denied) based on the credit record. The model was able to predict whether a particular applicant is likely or unlikely to repay the credit. The training of neural network model and validation testing was done using data obtained from the bank. The results show a greater performance, classification and prediction accuracy.
Aspects of the sensorial quality and nutraceuticals of Plinia cauliflora fruits
Authors: Wagner Júnior Américo , Paladini Marcos Villy , Danner Moeses Andrigo , Moura Gisely Correa de , Guollo Karina , Nunes Isadora Bischoff
Published: August 2017

Nationally known in Brazil, the jabuticabeira or jabuticaba tree produces fruits of wide commercial acceptance. However, little use of jabuticaba in commercial orchards and large genetic erosion of jabuticaba caused by human activities in its habitats have been historically observed. Thus, the goal of this study was to characterize fruits of the jabuticaba tree (Plinia cauliflora) in a forest fragment maintained in southwestern Paraná State in an attempt to identify trees with superior fruits for future selection as cultivars or male genitors. To this end, 15 variables linked to sensory and biochemical characteristics of harvested fruits were analysed during two years of production. Twenty percent of the genotypes that showed the highest frequency of superiority in the evaluated characteristics were preselected for analysis. The quality of the analysed fruits indicated their potential for use. Thus, this work resulted in the preselection of jabuticaba genotypes 7, 42, 43, 47, 54, 91, 97, 104, 105, 118, 134, 153, 154, 157, 163, 169, 177, 186, 212, J7-01, and J7-02, with 16 and 194 the only genotypes that had already been selected for superior characteristics during both growing cycles.
Avanços tecnológicos e ganhos de competitividade na indústria de transformação paranaense no período 2000-2012
Authors: Campos Antonio Carlos de , Medeiros Natalino Henrique , Teixeira Amanda Carolina
Published: August 2017

O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar os avanços tecnológicos da indústria de transformação paranaense a partir dos anos 2000. O trabalho argumenta que mudanças na indústria de transformação paranaense, a partir desse período, tiveram como determinantes os avanços tecnológicos. O referencial teórico utilizado foi a abordagem schumpeteriana sobre a inovação e seu impacto sobre a representatividade de cada grupo de intensidade tecnológica. Como procedimento metodológico, utilizou-se a coleta de dados sobre valor adicionado, emprego, pesquisa e desenvolvimento, os quais foram organizados em tabelas e gráficos para análises. Os resultados mostraram que o grupo de maior participação relativa foi o de baixa intensidade tecnológica, entre 2000 e 2012, devido à importância do setor primário, o qual compõe os setores de alimentos e bebidas, madeira e mobiliário, papel e celulose. Verificou-se, além disso, o aumento da representatividade do valor adicionado do grupo de média-alta intensidade tecnológica, o qual elevou sua participação relativa no período, com destaque para a indústria de veículos automotores, reboques e semirreboques, que foi o setor que mais contribuiu para as transformações ocorridas no Paraná.
Research on Using AlMg10-SiC Cellular Alloys for Fluids Filtering
Authors: Rusu Oana , Rusu Ioan
Published: August 2017

The paper presents some aspects of theoretical-experimental researches on the possibility of obtaining filters from a cellular metallic composite, based on theoretical considerations and practical aspects of the fluid environment, filter elements and the specific equipment that can accommodate this kind of filter. Thus, development of such new and performant filtering technologies, based on multifunctional materials, is currently conditioned by the design and development of cellular structures, with properties adapted to the filtering and functioning demands, structures that can reach operating temperatures between 150 and 2000oC. It was examined the possibility of obtaining alloys with cellular structure directly from casting process, alloys with high porosity, adjustable size and distribution of pores and high thermo-mechanical properties, which can be adapted for applications in the field of fluids filtration at temperatures above 100°C, fluids which can be chemically corrosive. The AlMg10-15% SiC cellular composite was obtained by means of melt bubbling method. We chose this type of material due to its achieved overall morphology: pores are uniform distributed throughout the mass of the material and they are connected through communication channels in the entire volume of the metallic composite. Through the conducted filtration tests we obtain the following values: filter fineness 97 μm, filtering capacity β97 = 8 and filtration efficiency E97 = 87.5 %. In accordance with determined filtering characteristics, the cellular metallic composite AlMg10-15% SiC belongs to the filters materials class that ensure a purity of the filtered fluid corresponding to a purity grade 6, in accordance with NAS 1638 and ISO 4406-1999.
New Materials for Dental Implantology
Authors: Piconi Corrado , Sandri Monica
Published: August 2017

Metal-free implantology with zirconia devices is a relatively new technology. Nevertheless, more and more patients demand this kind of implant in place of the ones made out titanium due to the better aesthetics, lower risk of perimplantitis, concerns about metallic ions release. This paper analyze concisely the present situation of zirconia dental implants, and overviews the developments in progress on devices made out alumina/zirconia composites that will likely replace zirconia in the next future. Besides ceramics, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is now proposed for metal-free dentistry, the ceramic-loaded formulation of this high-performance polymer are especially interesting for dental implantology.
Determination of Heat Input in Tungsten Inert Gas and Laser Welding of Type Optim 960 QC Structural Steel Using Adams’ Equation for 2-D Heat Distribution
Authors: Cvetkovski Sveto
Published: August 2017

The heat input during conventional arc welding processes can be readily calculated knowing the power taken from the power source. The efficiency coefficient can be taken from the appropriate literature standards. Here, the intention of the performed research work was to develop a procedure for determination of heat input in arc and laser welding processes implementing Adams equation - modified Rykalin equation for two dimensional heat distributions (2-D). To realize this idea, it is necessary to determine two characteristic temperatures points in the HAZ with known peak temperature, and to determine distance between them. Implementing measured values for distance in Adams’ equation, heat input in arc welding can be directly determined in arc welded joints.In laser beam welding, the absorption of the beam in the metal is not known, so that the welding heat input cannot be calculated directly, and direct implementation of Adam’s equation is not possible i.e. absorption coefficient has to be determined first, and after that calculation of heat input is possible.The peak temperatures corresponding to specific microstructures can be obtained by performing welding simulation, by the Gleeble 1500 simulator in our case. As one of the peak temperatures, the melting temperature can be used corresponding to the fusion line, so that at least one characteristic peak temperature such as coarse grain zone, fine grin zone, intercritical zone, recrystallization, has to be determined by the simulation.Performed research showed that obtained values for heat input using Adam’s equation correspond pretty well with standard equation for heat input in arc welding.
Study of Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Zinc Electrodeposits before and after Black Chromating
Authors: Saengkiettiyut Kanokwan , Rattanawaleedirojn Pranee , Thueploy Adisak , Wanichsampan Jumpot , Boonyongmaneerat Yuttanant
Published: August 2017

In this work, microstructure and corrosion properties of zinc electroplated steel before and after black chromating was investigated. The test samples were prepared by electrodeposition process, using a commercially-available alkaline electrolyte. Subsequently, the galvanized samples were applied with a black chromate-based passivation layer and a clear top-coat layer. Their microstructures were examined using X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The corrosion resistance of the samples was assessed with the salt spray test, following the ASTM B117, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization in 5 wt.% NaCl solutions. The study showed that zinc electroplated steels exhibit (110) crystallographic orientation. The passivation and top-coat layers did not affect the microstructure of the zinc layer, and covered uniformly on the zinc layer for all sets of samples. The corrosion resistant results obtained from salt spray testing and electrochemical testing revealed that the microstructure of zinc coatings prepared by using different applied current did not influence on their corrosion resistance markedly. While black passivation followed by top coating provided a significant improvement on corrosion resistance of the coatings.
Effects of Air Exposure Time and Annealing Temperature on Superhydrophobic Surface of Titanium Dioxide Films
Authors: Khlayboonme S.Tipawan , Thowladda Warawoot
Published: August 2017

TiO2 thin films coated on glass substrates for self-cleaning applications were prepared by sol-gel dip-coating technique. The influence of annealing temperature and air exposure time on wettability was investigated by a water contact-angle measurement. Thermal annealing at temperatures of 100, 200 and 300 °C in air were conducted to the films. Surface morphology of the films was observed by FE-SEM. Elemental distribution and optical properties were examined by EDX mapping and UV-Vis transmission spectroscopy, respectively. Atomic bonding was confirmed by FTIR. The contact angle reached a maximum when the films were annealed at 200 °C. The contact angles of the as-synthesized films were 61.4±2.7°. During storage in air for 20 days, the contact angles increased to 143.1±2.1°. The films were further reannealed with 100 °C for 20 min, the contact angles were enhanced to 153.1±1.3°. The association of contact angle among the surface morphology, elemental distribution and atomic bonding of the films will be discussed.
Development of a Regression Model of Stk50Eu for a Hydrocyclone
Authors: Supachart Pakpoom , Rattanaphan Santita , Soison Pichai , Swasdisevi Thanit , Wongsarivej Pratarn
Published: August 2017

A hydrocyclone is a device used widely in various industries, especially for separation of solids from liquids. Many factors affect the separation efficiency of a hydrocyclone. In this research, the main objectives were a study of the conical length that affected the separation efficiency and proposal of a regression model of Stk50Eu for a hydrocyclone. First, research was performed on the separation efficiency using a 40-mm hydrocyclone. The effects of conical lengths of 200, 240 and 280 mm were investigated. The tested suspension was a mixture of silica and water. The silica particles have an average size of 9–10 μm at a solid concentration of 0.5% w/v. The feed-flow rate of 1 m3/hr was operated with the constant flow ratio of 0.1. From the experimental result, it was found that the shorter conical length obtained the higher separation efficiency. For a conical length of 200 mm, the cylindrical length of 60 mm and the vortex finder length of 40 mm showed the best separation efficiency, up to 84.06%. Second, a regression model of Stk50Eu of the hydrocyclone was established. In this work, data obtained from a total of 75 experiments in the first part and from earlier research were used to form the relationship between the dimensions of the hydrocyclone and Stk50Eu. The calculated Stk50Eu can successfully be used to predict experimental Stk50Eu.
Development and Characterizations of a Projection Stereolithography
Authors: Srisungsitthisunti Pornsak , Kaewwichit Thossaporn
Published: August 2017

Stereolithography is a manufacturing process capable of building a truly high resolution 3D structure by solidifying the liquid monomer in a layer by layer fashion. Currently, there are many developments toward new 3D printing techniques leading to needs for methods of characterization to improve printing process for higher performance. In this study, we propose to create a bottom-up projection stereolithography to accommodate a 3D printing technique. Our system was designed for combining with a regular fused deposition modeling (FDM) process for multi-material application. In addition, we developed a method for characterizations different specifications of a custom-made projection stereolithography. Our 3D printer can create an object up to 25 mm x 25 mm x 15 mm of length, width and height, respectively. We minimized the layer thickness error by modifying a screw and spring components in order to precisely control the movement of the vertical stepping. The light source distance and the calibration factor were also importance factors to obtain the better precision of finished parts. Based on the proposed characterization method, the 3D printer was able to achieve the lateral resolution of 0.05 mm and a vertical step resolution of 0.01 mm. The average percentage error of built part were 0.32 % on X-axis and 0.25 % on Y-axis laterally and 0.60 % error on the layer thickness.
Properties of Sintered Bronze-Graphite Containing Natural Anhydrite
Authors: Auechalitanukul Chiraporn , McCuiston Ryan C. , Bunlangsup Benjawan , Naikorn Chanattha , Tapanaun Sudachuan
Published: August 2017

This study examined the effect of natural anhydrite (CaSO4) powder additions on the microstructure and frictional properties of a 95 Bronze - 5 Graphite composite prepared by a powder metallurgy process. Natural anhydrite powder, ranging in content from 2 to 8 weight percent, was added to a premixed bronze powder composed of copper and tin and mixed, before the graphite was added. The powder mixture was compacted into disc shaped samples under a pressure of 500 MPa. The compacted samples were sintered at 750 °C for 30 minute in a reducing atmosphere. The green and sintered densities of the samples were measured. A microstructural analysis of the sintered samples was also performed. It was found that the green density of the samples decreased with increased anhydrite content. The sintered densities were lower than the green densities due to sample expansion. A finer microstructure was observed in the samples containing anhydrite. The anhydrite additions resulted in the reduction of both the friction coefficient and wear of the bronze-graphite samples. The amount of anhydrite from 2 to 8 weight percent clearly altered the microstructure of the bronze-graphite samples, however, the level of reduction of the friction coefficient and wear were quite similar among the anhydrite containing samples.
X-Ray Diffraction Analysis of ZnO Particles Prepared by Microwave Plasma
Authors: Chakartnarodom Parinya , Kongkajun Nuntaporn , Prakaypan Wichit
Published: August 2017

The aim of this work is to use x-ray diffraction (XRD) technique to analyze ZnO particles prepared by the reaction between the zinc vapor and oxygen within microwave plasma. The microwave plasma was created by the interaction between the 1200-W 2.45-GHz microwave, the conductive material, and the argon-oxygen gas mixture. Due to the high effective temperature of the plasma, it was thermodynamically and kinetically possible to generate zinc vapor from the solid zinc and then reacted with the oxygen in the gas mixture to form ZnO particles.
The synthesis of ZnO in the microwave plasma has been done for 10 to 15 minutes. The XRD results show that the synthesized ZnO samples have wurtzite structure. Moreover, the increasing of synthesis time from 10 to 15 minutes affects the lattice constants, the crystallite size, and the magnitude of strain in ZnO crystals.
Effect of Octenyl Succinate Starch on Properties of Tapioca Thermoplastic Starch Blends
Authors: Phiriyawirut M. , Duangsuwan Thanagorn , Uenghuab Nutthaphong , Meena Chatchai
Published: August 2017

Water resistant is drawback property of thermoplastic starch. Blending of hydrophobic starch to natural one is another solution. Different blending ratio of tapioca/octenyl succinate starch (OSA) at 0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25, 100/0 were prepared using internal mixer, and molded by compression molding at 135-140°C, 1000-1500 MPa for 9 minutes. Density of the blend was decreased, due to lower density of OSA starch. There was mechanical properties improvement in 25% OSA blended tapioca starch i.e. tensile strength, Young’s modulus & elongation at break, due to synergy effect of OSA & tapioca starch. There was improvement in degradation temperature of the blend studying by TGA technique. Water resistance of the blend is improved related to the content of OSA starch in the blend on short time contact (10 min), but no impact at longer time exposure (1hr). The blend had a better resistant to degradation with a-amylase, which OSA starch could retard the degradation.
Influence of Temperature and Alkaline Activation for Synthesis Zeolite A from Natural Kaolin
Authors: Thungngern Pimpreeya , Amnaphiang Phanwatsa , Asawaworarit Panuruj , Goodwin Vituruch , Chollacoop Nuwong , Eiad-Ua Apiluck
Published: August 2017

Zeolite A from natural kaolin have been successfully synthesized via calcination and hydrothermal. However, these techniques have one drawback since, the impurities in kaolin such as muscovite and quartz in the kaolin structure, which depend on temperature and alkaline activation. This work was separated into two steps, first step was used calcination technique, and second step was used hydrothermal technique. Reaction of temperature in the first step was studied the influence of temperature from 500°C to 800°C for 3 hours. In this step, kaolin transformed to metakaolin and remain the impurities. Next, reaction of alkaline activation in second step was studied about the influence of NaOH. The concentration of NaOH in hydrothermal was varied from 1M to 4M and mixed with metakaolin at 90°C for 72 hours. X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used for characterization. The solid products were formed to zeolite A at 1M NaOH hydrothermal with 500°C to 800°C calcination and it can be seemed good of euhedral structure at 700°C
Two-Stage Combustion Burner Using Used Engine Oil as Fuel
Authors: Lekpradit Taveesin , Namkhat Apinunt
Published: August 2017

Nowadays, increase in numbers of automotive results in a large amount of used engine oil, which is a waste and has a tremendous effect on the environment. Used engine oil, however, has a relatively high calorific value so that it is interesting to be used this waste as a renewable fuel for heat generation. The present experimental study on used engine oil combustion in a vertical tube burner, therefore, had been conducted. The two-stage combustion was divided by the air supply to the burner into two levels and the air flow rate of both levels can be adjusted. The fuel in the first stage was heated and vaporized by the incompletes combustion. The exhaust gases and residual fuel vapor from the first stage were then flow to the second combustion stage and the complete combustion was achieved. The combustion temperatures along the length of the burner in both of the single and the two stage combustion had been measured and compared. Amount of exhaust gases at the exit of the burner was also monitored. The results revealed that the temperature profile along the length of the burner in the combustion zone of the two-stage burner was higher than those in the single-stage type as a result of a better mixing of air and fuel. In addition, it also found that an increase in a distance of air supply location between two stages resulted in an increase of the emission.
Investigation of Physical, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Building Wall Materials
Authors: Mahawan Jiraphorn , Maneewan Somchai , Patanin Tanapon , Thongtha Atthakorn
Published: August 2017

This research concentrates to the effect of changing sand proportion on the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of building wall materials (Cellular lightweight concrete). The density, water absorption and compressive strength of the 7.0 cm x 7.0 cm x 7.0 cm concrete sample were studied. It was found that there are an increase of density and a reduction of water absorption with an increase of sand content. The higher compressive strength can be confirmed by higher density and lower water absorption. The physical and mechanical properties of lightweight concrete conditions conformed to the Thai Industrial Standard 2601-2013. The phases of CaCO3 and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) in the material indicate an important factor in thermal insulating performance.
Effect of Calcium Carbonate on Compressive Strength and Physical Properties of Alkali-Activated Lightweight Concrete
Authors: Wongkeo Watcharapong
Published: August 2017

This study presents the compressive strength and physical properties of alkali-activated lightweight concrete. Alkali-activated lightweight concrete was synthesized with fly ash, calcium carbonate and sodium hydroxide solution. Calcium carbonate was designed to replace part of fly ash at 5 and 10 wt.%. Sodium hydroxide solution at 5, 7.5 and 10 M was used as a liquid solution. Liquid to ash ratio (L/A ratio) at 0.45 was designed and aluminium powder was used as a foaming agent. The results showed that, the compressive strength of alkali-activated lightweight concrete made with fly ash was increased with NaOH concentration increased. The maximum compressive strength at 6.0 MPa was obtained from 10M NaOH mixture. For fly ash-calcium carbonate system, the compressive strength of lightweight concrete was improved when containing calcium carbonated, especially at 5 and 7.5 M NaOH mixtures. The maximum of compressive strength at 8.1 MPa and bulk density were obtained from the 5 wt.% calcium carbonated with 10M NaOH mixture. Water absorption and voids of all mixtures trend to decrease with increased NaOH concentration. XRD showed the sodium aluminum silicate hydrated as an alkali-activated product and composed of Si/Al atomic ratio at 2.1 and Na/Al atomic ratio at 1.4, respectively. Bulk density and compressive strength of alkali-activated lightweight concrete made with both fly ash and fly ash-calcium carbonated were acceptable in accordance with the specified criteria of TIS 2601. The well pore structure distribution of alkali-activated lightweight concrete was acceptable.
Comparison of the Release of Aloe vera Extracts from Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Electrospun Fibers and Hydrogel Films for Wound Healing Applications
Authors: Sirima Sutasinee , Phiriyawirut M. , Suttisintong Khomson
Published: August 2017

Aloe vera extracts, consisting of active compounds that decrease pain and inflammation and stimulate skin growth and repair, are selected as a drug model in this work. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as base material. Release profiles of Aloe vera extracts from PVA electrospun fibers were compared to those from PVA hydrogel films prepared by freezing/thawing method. This method provided a physical crosslinked polymer. The concentration of PVA solution used for electrospinning and hydrogel preparation was 10% wt with different contents of Aloe vera extracts (0, 30, 50, 70 and 90% w/w). The properties of electrospun fibers and hydrogel films were evaluated in terms of morphology, chemical structure, swelling behavior and release profiles. The morphological properties of electrospun fibers and hydrogel film were observed by SEM. Electrospun fibers were smoothly round, high surface area, and non-woven, while hydrogel film possessed rough surface and was covered with porous. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic measurement exhibited the existence of relevant functional groups of both PVA and Aloe vera extracts. The results showed relevant functional groups of Aloe vera extracts in both electrospun fibers and hydrogel film. The release of Aloe vera extracts from both electrospun fibers and hydrogel film was evaluated in phosphate buffer of pH 5.5 at 25 °C and was monitored by UV–vis spectroscopy. It was revealed that as the content of Aloe vera increased, the amount of Aloe vera extracts released from electrospun fibers decreased. This result contrasts with the release of aloe vera from hydrogel film which increased when the content of aloe vera increased. It was also noticed that the amount of Aloe vera extracts released from electrospun fibers was more than that from hydrogel films at 600 minutes. The results also showed that the releasing rate of Aloe vera from electrospun fibers was faster than that from hydrogel films. This is probably because electrospun fibers had much higher surface area than that of hydrogel film thus, the release was faster.
A Preliminary Study of the In Vitro Biocompatibility Testing of Silk Fibroin/Alpha Tricalcium Phosphate Composite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Pichaiaukrit Woradej , Juwattanasamran Wiriya , Kanokpanont Sorada
Published: August 2017

Silk fibroin is a natural biodegradable polymer that has been demonstrated for use as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. To improve the osteoconductivity and the osteoinductivity of silk fibroin scaffolds, ceramics were added. α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) is the expected ceramic that useful for scaffolds for bone tissue engineering either alone or blended with silk fibroin. From the previous study, we evaluated the mechanical properties of three-dimensional porous silk fibroin/ α-TCP scaffolds and concluded that the scaffolds containing 8% (w/w) α-TCP exhibited the highest compressive modulus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological properties of three-dimensional porous silk fibroin/α-TCP scaffolds. The scaffolds were constructed using a solvent casting and salt leaching technique. The hybrid strain of degummed Thai silk fibroin, Nangnoi Srisaket 1 x Mor, was dissolved in hexafluoroisopropanol at 16% (w/v). α-TCP was incorporated to produce 4, 8, 12, and 16 wt% solution. Sucrose (particle size 250-450 μm; sucrose/silk fibroin = 8.5/1 w/w) was used as a porogen. Human gingival fibroblasts (passage 5) were cultured in these scaffolds. After 72 h, the biocompatibility of seeded scaffolds was evaluated under the inverted phase contrast microscopy. Cell proliferation was determined by DNA assays and scanning electron microscopy. The images from inverted phase contrast microscopy revealed the human gingival fibroblasts can be attached at the surface of scaffolds in all groups. The results from the DNA assays showed that the number of human gingival fibroblasts was increased as the culture period was prolonged but was not as the increasing of α-TCP. At 120 h, the scaffolds containing 8% (w/w) α-TCP exhibited the highest cell number. The scanning electron microscope images at 24, 72, and 120 h after cell culturing presented human gingival fibroblasts can be expanded well and exhibited the normal morphology. The results suggested that the scaffolds containing 8% (w/w) α-TCP may be a potential candidate for bone tissue engineering applications.
The Use of Three Dimensional Printed Hydroxyapatite Granules in Alveolar Ridge Preservation
Authors: Kijartorn Pennapa , Thammarakcharoen Faungchat , Suwanprateeb Jintamai , Buranawat Bovornwut
Published: August 2017

In this study, an alveolar ridge preservation using novel hydroxyapatite granules which was fabricated by three dimensional printing technique in post-extraction socket was carried out and evaluated. Clinical, radiographic and histology were assessed prior to dental implant placement. Five volunteered patients who needed an extraction of anterior tooth and scheduled for implant replacement were enrolled in this pilot study. No sign of infection or local of systemic immune reaction to the three dimensional printed hydroxyapatite granules in all patients was noted. At 8 weeks post-surgery, the grafted area was observed to be completely filled with woven bone and the formation of new vessels was seen. In addition, the bone quality and quantity of the grafted site when placing the implant showed efficient implant stability (ISQ values ∼ 65) without the need of additional bone graft surgery. Overall results indicated that three dimensional printed hydroxyapatite granules could be potentially employed as bone grafting material for alveolar ridge preservation.
Adsorption of Reactive Dyes Red 195, Blue 222, and Yellow 145 in Solution with Polyaniline-Chitosan Membrane Using Batch Reactor
Authors: Sananmuang Ratana , Chuachuad Chaiyasith Wipharat , Wongjan Kanokwan
Published: August 2017

The objective of this work was to investigate the characteristics of polyaniline-chitosan membrane by SEM, FTIR, tensile strength and percentage elongation and to determine the adsorption behavior of reactive dyes (Yellow 145, Red 195, Blue 222) onto the polyaniline-chitosan membrane. The removal of reactive dyes was investigated in a batch experiment. Parameters influencing the adsorption including pH (2-10), contact time (0-150 min), equilibrium study (30 min to 16 h) and initial concentration (10, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 mg×L-1) were studied at room temperature. The dye concentrations were determined by a UV/VIS Spectrophotometer at the wavelengths 423, 540 and 620 nm for Yellow 145, Red 195 and Blue 222, respectively. The results indicated that the tensile strength and percentage elongation of polyaniline-chitosan membrane were 0.032 kN/mm2 and 15.53%, respectively. It was found that optimum pH for adsorption of all dyes on polyaniline-chitosan membrane was pH 2. When the adsorption time increased, the adsorption efficiency increased accordingly. The adsorption equilibrium was found to be reached at 3 h in all adsorptions. Moreover, the isotherm study showed that the polyaniline-chitosan membrane adsorption corresponded to Freundlich model. Moreover, it was also found that polyaniline-chitosan membrane exhibits higher adsorption efficiency for reactive dyes than chitosan.
Removal of Arsenic from Groundwater Using Nano-Metal Oxide Adsorbents
Authors: Muensri Phitchaya , Danwittayakul Supamas
Published: August 2017

Arsenic can be found in groundwater that is harmful to human beings. In this research, we present the potential uses of ZnO microparticles, ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles to removal arsenic in groundwater. The experiments of %arsenic removal upon using ZnO microparticles ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles were conducted in 25 mL of sample volume with 0.05 g of nanoadorpbents at pH 6. We found that the efficiency of arsenic adsorption increased with a reduction of particle size of theadsorbents. Upon using nanoadsorbents to remove arsenic from the solutions with the concentrations of 200-2000 ppb, we found that the %removal of arsenic decreased from 100% to 84% for ZnO nanoparticles and 100% to 97% for TiO2 nanoparticles. Adsorption capacities upon using ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles were 0.85 and 0.99 mg of arsenic/g of sorbents, respectively. TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited a better adsorption ability to arsenic than that ZnO because TiO2 nanoparticles had a smaller average particle size and larger surface area allowed the adsorption of hydroxyl groups on the surface that could bond with in coming HAsO42- via hydrogen bonding resulting in a better arsenic adsorptive capacity.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Visible-Light Responsive BiOBr/GO Composites
Authors: Prasitthikun Tuangphorn , Wu X. , Sato Tsugio , Mongkolkachit Charusporn , Sujaridworakun Pornapa
Published: August 2017

High efficiency BiOBr/GO composites photocatalyst were successfully synthesized via a facile precipitation method. The precursors were prepared by dissolving Bi (NO3)3.5H2O and KBr in glycerol and distilled water, respectively. Various amounts (0.1-2 wt%) of graphene oxide were added into the mixed solution precursors, and stirred at room temperature to get precipitated powder without further heat treatment. The obtained products were characterized for phase, morphology, optical properties and surface area by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), filed-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), UV-Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), respectively. The morphology and structure of as-synthesized samples were composed of numerous fine plates of BiOBr dispersed on the GO sheets. The photocatalytic activities of BiOBr/GO composites were evaluated by rhodamine B degradation under visible light irradiation. As the results, the significant increase in photodegradation of BiOBr/GO composite comparing with pure BiOBr was observed. Among all samples, the composite with 1 wt% of graphene oxide showed the highest photocatalytic performance.
Synthesis of Silver Nano-Particles for the Application to Transparent Conductive Electrodes
Authors: Yoo Seung Cheol , Kim Jung Hyun , Kang Feel Soon , Choi Won Seok
Published: August 2017

In this study, the solution plasma sputtering method was used in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, instead of the chemical and physical synthesis method. Synthesis of the silver nanoparticles was conducted for 1 hour in 360 ml distilled water, and the effects of changing the input DC voltage and input frequency of the synthesized silver nanoparticles using power supply and the solution plasma sputtering method were analyzed via FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy) and EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy). The 8 kV input DC voltage in the solution plasma reactor was changed to 10 kV, and the 20 kHz input frequency was changed to 30 kHz, with the advanced device, which can control the input DC voltage and input frequency. It was confirmed that the average size of the silver nanoparticles became larger when the input DC voltage and frequency were changed.
The Characterization of Fibrous Material in CVI Graphite Cylinder Wall
Authors: Yang Min , Yu Ming Ming , Li Hong , Ren Mu Su , Zhang Jia Bao , Sun Jin Liang
Published: August 2017

By isothermal chemical vapor infiltration (ICVI) preparation of carbon/carbon composites, We found fibrous materials with silver metallic luster in CVI furnace graphite cylinder outer wall, fiber diameter is 1 ~ 2 mm, length is 4 ~ 15 mm. The characterization of fibrous material have been systematically studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM),element analysis, energy dispersive X-rays spectroscopy (EDS).After 2300 degrees heat treatment, the fibrous material were characterized by ultra-violet laser Raman spectroscopy. The SEM examination shows that these fibrous materials have a spherical top, the cross-section reveals a unique structure in which layers like growth rings lie concentrically on top of each other. The EDS analysis show the main element of fibrous material is carbon and a small amount of metallic element. Raman spectra show after 2300°C high temperature treatment ,the carbon fibrous material transformed from layer structure to graphite structure.
Roll Casting of 400 mm Width Al-40%Sn-1%Cu Clad Strip
Authors: Haga Toshio , Ikeda Kento , Nakano Takafumi
Published: August 2017

A 400 mm width of clad strip consisting of Al-40%Sn-1%Cu and 1070 aluminum alloy could be cast directly from molten metals at a speed of 10 m/min by an unequal diameter twin roll caster equipped with a scraper. An interface clearly existed between the two strips of the clad strip. As-cast clad strip could be cold rolled down to 1 mm without peeling at the interface. The as-cast clad strip could also be bent in the full contact condition without peeling at the interface.
Production of Al2O3/SiC Nanoparticles from Rice Husk Ash by Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis Process and Ball Milling
Authors: Hoseini Morteza , Dini Ghasem , Fatemi Azam
Published: August 2017

In this study, silica obtained from the rice husk was used to synthesis of Al2O3/SiC nanoparticles. For this reason, the ash obtained from the burning of the rice husk which contains more than 93 wt. % silica, aluminum and carbon powders with the molar ratios of 3:4:6 were mixed and then compacted into pellets by using a cylindrical die under a pressure 50MPa. In order to conduct the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS), the produced pellets were placed in an electrical furnace at 850°C under the argon gas atmosphere. Then, a planetary ball milling for 4 to 24h was used to decrease the particle size of the synthesized composite. The results of XRF, XRD, SEM and DLS investigations shown that the rice husk ash can be used to fabricate Al2O3/SiC nanoparticles with an average particle size of about 80 to 65nm via SHS process and ball-milling for 12 to 24h.
Quantitative Evaluation of Texture and Dislocations during Annealing after Hot Deformation in Austenitic Steel Using Neutron Diffraction
Authors: Tomota Yo , Sato Shigeo , Uchida Masahiro , Xu Ping Guang , Hirjo Stefanus , Gong Wu , Kawasaki Takuro
Published: August 2017

Microstructural change during hot compressive deformation at 700 oC followed by isothermal annealing for a Fe-32Ni austenitic alloy was monitored using in situ neutron diffraction. The evolution of deformation texture with 40% compression and its change to recrystallization texture during isothermal annealing were presented by inverse pole figures for the axial and radial directions. The change in dislocation density was tracked using the convolutional multiple whole profile fitting method. To obtain the fitting results with good accuracies, at least 60 s time-interval for slicing the event-mode recorded data was needed. The average dislocation density in 60 s after hot compression was determined to be 2.8 x 1014 m-2, and it decreased with increasing of annealing time.
Editorial
Authors: Marambe Buddhi
Published: August 2017

No abstract available
Morphological variation and characterization of local mungbean germplasm
Authors: Shyamalee H. A. P. A. , Chandika J. K. J. , Suranjika P. A. P.
Published: August 2017

Sixty one mungbean (green gram) accessions were evaluated for 12 agro morphological traits under field conditions during 2011 Yala seasons at the Grain Legumes and Oil Crops Research and Development Centre at Angunakolapelessa, Sri Lanka. Data were collected on quantitative agronomic characteristics, yield and yield parameters including days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to first pod maturity, days to maturity, plant height, pod length, number of seeds per pod, pod length, number of seeds per plant, thousand seed weight, first yield, second yield, total yield and yield per plant. All the traits were analyzed using the SPSS version 20 software. The principal component analysis sorted the accessions into three principal components within cluster similarities and inter-cluster variations. Over 70% of the total variance was explained by the resulted principal components. At rescaled cluster distance of five, 61 mungbean accessions were made into seven clusters. The first and second clusters contained similar number of genotypes (nine) and three recommended varieties ‘MI-05’, ‘MI-06’ and ‘Ari’ were grouped into cluster II. The cluster VII was the largest and most diverse consisting 18 mungbean genotypes with the variety ‘Harsha’. This clustering pattern can be used for the selection of parental materials with diverse characteristics for the effective utilization, conservation of the genetic recourses and also be useful in variety development in future mungbean breeding programmes.
Shared αβ TCR Usage in Lungs of Sarcoidosis Patients with Löfgren’s Syndrome
Authors: Mitchell Angela M. , Kaiser Ylva , Falta Michael T. , Munson Daniel J. , Landry Laurie G. , Eklund Anders , Nakayama Maki , Slansky Jill E. , Grunewald Johan , Fontenot Andrew P.
Published: August 2017

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease that primarily affects the lungs and is characterized by an accumulation of CD4+ T cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Previous work has indicated that HLA-DRB1*03:01+ (DR3+) patients diagnosed with the acute form of the disease, Löfgren’s syndrome (LS), have an accumulation of CD4+ T cells bearing TCRs using TRAV12-1 (formerly AV2S3). However, the importance of these α-chains in disease pathogenesis and the paired TCRβ-chain remains unknown. This study aimed to identify expanded αβTCR pairs expressed on CD4+ T cells derived from the BAL of DR3+ LS patients. Using a deep-sequencing approach, we determined TCRα- and TCRβ-chain usage, as well as αβTCR pairs expressed on BAL CD4+ T cells from LS patients. TRAV12-1 and TRBV2 (formerly BV22) were the most expanded V region gene segments in DR3+ LS patients relative to control subjects, and TRAV12-1 and TRBV2 CDR3 motifs were shared among multiple DR3+ LS patients. When assessing αβTCR pairing, TRAV12-1 preferentially paired with TRBV2, and these TRAV12-1/TRBV2 TCRs displayed CDR3 homology. These findings suggest that public CD4+ TCR repertoires exist among LS patients and that these T cells are recognizing the putative sarcoidosis-associated Ag(s) in the context of DR3.
AICC Meeting: The future of cancer therapy: the genome editing era | Catanzaro, Italy, 8-9 June 2017
Authors: Di Martino Maria Teresa
Published: August 2017

This issue contains the abstracts presented at AICC Meeting "The future of cancer therapy: the genome editing era" | Catanzaro, Italy, 8-9 June 2017.
Idioms of Distress
Authors: Desai Geetha , Chaturvedi Santosh K.
Published: August 2017

The presentations of psychosocial distress and cultural conflicts are often bodily symptoms, especially in traditional societies and village backgrounds. These might not meet the criteria of the current psychiatric diagnostic systems. Sociocultural milieu contributes to the unique presentations of the stress in the form of idioms of distress. The latter are alternative modes of expressing distress and indicate manifestations of distress in relation to personal and cultural meaning. Health professionals often consider these as hysterical, functional or having functional overlays, and abnormal illness behaviors. Management of idioms of distress would need cultural competence and sensitivity. This article highlights the common idioms of distress in India with specific focus on bodily symptoms.
Cognitive Impairment in Rural Elderly Population in Ecuador
Authors: Wong-Achi Xavier , Egas Gabriela , Cabrera Dayana
Published: August 2017

Introduction: The Mini-Cog is a simple and short test that identifies cognitive impairment. Its detection helps provide an early dementia diagnosis, rapid access to treatments, and even delay or reversion. Materials and Methods: This multicenter, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study included 214 patients. Patients enrolled in this study were community dwellers aged ≥55-year-old, without prior diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia, with adequate hearing and vision functions. It was conducted in primary care health centers localized in rural communities of Ecuador. Results: Ages ranged from 50 to 98 years and there was predominance of female gender: 66% versus 33%. The percentage of illiteracy was 26.4% (CI: 25.32–27.48), and 63% (CI: 62.1–63.94) of patients had complete primary educational level. The overall prevalence of cognitive impairment was 50.9% (95% CI: 48.5–53.3) and 47.2% (95% CI: 45.2–49.2) in patients with risk factors. We found several established risk factors associated with cognitive impairment onset, including social factors, physiological factors, and comorbidities. Conclusion: This is the first epidemiological research of CI in rural populations in this country using the Mini-Cog as a screening tool. Adopting public health measures for the prevention and control of those modifiable risk factors could reduce the prevalence of cognitive impairment and even its progression to dementia.
External validation of the rotterdam computed tomography score in the prediction of mortality in severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Charry Jose D. , Falla Jesus D. , Ochoa Juan D. , Pinzón Miguel A. , Tejada Jorman H. , Henriquez Maria J. , Solano Juan Pablo , Calvache Camilo
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a public health problem. It is a pathology that causes significant mortality and disability in Colombia. Different calculators and prognostic models have been developed to predict the neurological outcomes of these patients. The Rotterdam computed tomography (CT) score was developed for prognostic purposes in TBI. We aimed to examine the accuracy of the prognostic discrimination and prediction of mortality of the Rotterdam CT score in a cohort of trauma patients with severe TBI in a university hospital in Colombia. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 127 patients with severe TBI treated in a regional trauma center in Colombia over a 2-year period. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used. The discriminatory power of the score, its accuracy, and precision were assessed by logistic regression and as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Shapiro–Wilk, Chi-square, and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare the real outcomes in the cohort against the predicted outcomes. Results: The median age of the patient cohort was 33 years, and 84.25% were male. The median injury severity score was 25, the median Glasgow Coma Scale motor score was 3, the basal cisterns were closed in 46.46% of the patients, and a midline shift of >5 mm was seen in 50.39%. The 6-month mortality was 29.13%, and the Rotterdam CT score predicted a mortality of 26% (P < 0.0001) (area under the curve: 0.825; 95% confidence interval: 0.745–0.903). Conclusions: The Rotterdam CT score predicted mortality at 6 months in patients with severe head trauma in a university hospital in Colombia. The Rotterdam CT score is useful for predicting early death and the prognosis of patients with TBI.