bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Réputation et caractère
Authors: Elster Jon , Muller Sylvie
Published: November 2013

Cet article porte sur la façon dont le désir d’une bonne réputation inspire l’action. Il analyse les raisons instrumentales ainsi que les raisons intrinsèques d’une bonne réputation, en insistant sur le rôle motivationnel de l’estime de soi et de l’auto-réputation dans l’action. L’auto-réputation est néanmoins basée sur une notion naïve du caractère qui est en partie fausse. Agir bien relève plus de la situation que de notre caractère. Il est donc possible que la bonne réputation que nous nous attribuons lorsque nous agissons bien soit le fruit d’une duperie de soi. Je propose une analyse critique du rapport entre réputation et caractère, tout en examinant une série de mécanismes psychologiques qui pourraient contribuer à réhabiliter la notion de caractère.
Le rôle du Moyen-Orient dans les nouvelles relations internationales de l'Amérique latine
Authors: Baeza Cecilia
Published: November 2013

À quoi correspond la multiplication des échanges depuis quelques années entre l’Amérique latine et le Moyen-Orient ? Cecilia Baeza montre à travers cet exemple que le nouveau paysage des relations internationales du sous-continent est travaillé par plusieurs logiques à la fois : la recherche d’autonomie à travers de nouveaux liens Sud-Sud, le fonctionnement des liens transnationaux entre les diasporas moyen-orientales et leurs pays d’origine ; mais aussi la poursuite banale et pragmatique d’intérêts commerciaux avec de nouveaux partenaires, sous l’influence d’acteurs privés. Si seuls ont compté pendant des siècles les rapports avec les puissances européennes, puis avec les États-Unis, à l’heure actuelle les relations se diversifient, pour des raisons qui relèvent tantôt de motifs idéologiques, tantôt d’« intérêts » au sens le plus ordinaire du terme.
Cartel Resilience in Australian Markets 1901–1967
Authors: Shanahan Martin P. , Round David K. , Round Kerrie A.
Published: November 2013

Résistance et capacité d’adaptation des cartels sur les marchés australiens (1901-1967) Cet article examine la persistance du comportement de cartel en Australie. Il tire bénéfice de l’évidence relevée de 1901 à 1939, lorsque l’intérêt pour les cartels était intense. Il s’appuie aussi sur les études académiques menées depuis les années 1950 et 1960, à la fin desquelles fut introduite une législation antitrust moderne. Le but n’est pas d’identifier les cartels à long terme, mais les facteurs qui ont pu conduire à l’émergence du comportement de cartel. Il est possible d’identifier un comportement de préférence pour les cartels chez divers acteurs durant différentes périodes et dans certaines circonstances, mais toujours dans les mêmes industries et dans le même environnement ou dans d’autres qui leur sont immédiatement liés. Se trouve ainsi démontrée la réalité d’une « résilience » des cartels, c’est-à-dire d’une double capacité de résistance et d’adaptation. Bien que l’étude des structures industrielles puisse fournir la meilleure preuve « anthropologique » de l’existence des cartels, beaucoup peut être appris de la mise en évidence, sur une longue période, d’un comportement favorable aux cartels par-delà les types d’activités et de marchés. JEL Codes: K21, L41, N80
Les cartels, une voie vers l'intégration européenne ?
Authors: Barjot Dominique
Published: November 2013

Les années 1920 constituèrent un âge d’or pour les cartels. Certains virent même en eux un moyen pour reconstruire l’économie européenne et résoudre le difficile problème des réparations. Tel fut le cas de Louis Loucheur. Grand patron de l’électricité et des travaux publics, il fut le principal organisateur de la mobilisation industrielle de la France durant la Première Guerre mondiale avec son prédécesseur le socialiste Albert Thomas. S’inspirant de l’action réalisée en Allemagne par Walter Rathenau, il s’entoura d’un brain-trust d’ingénieurs de premier plan, accéléra la rationalisation de l’industrie française et jeta les bases d’une politique pétrolière indépendante. Après la guerre, il joua un rôle déterminant dans la reconstruction du pays. Devenu leader de la gauche républicaine, il milita en faveur du développement des ententes et cartels internationaux. Pour lui, ils constituaient le seul moyen de réconcilier durablement la France et l’Allemagne ainsi que de faire face à la concurrence des États-Unis. Très actif au sein de la Société des Nations, il voyait dans les cartels un moyen prééminent d’aller dans la voie des États-Unis d’Europe.
Attending to Student Motivation through Critical Practice
Authors: Simzar Rahila , Domina Thurston
Published: November 2013

The authors discuss the relationship between math course placement policy in the United States and education inequity. Recent efforts to enroll more students in early Algebra aim to increase equity, meet 21st century goals, and close international achievement gaps. Research assessing the effects of these movements indicates that progress towards these goals has not been met. To broaden opportunities to learn in mathematics, educators must critically attend to student motivation to accommodate classroom diversity and to increase students’ effort, persistence, and choice to pursue mathematical learning. The objectives of this chapter are to: (a) discuss how Algebra policy revisions have fallen short of reaching their intended goals, (b) argue that educators must attend to student motivation to aid progress towards these goals, (c) deliver tools for educators to engage in critical analysis of motivation, and (d) provide critical practices to cultivate student motivation for mathematics. Future research directions and policy and support recommendations conclude.
Small-Scale Fading Characteristics in Cellular Networks in Ghana
Authors: Bonsu K. A. , Boateng K. O. , Oppong J.K. , Dotche K.A.
Published: November 2013

Fading is the most observed and frustrating problem in transmitting and receiving radio signals. A Study in correlation properties of fading helps to design proper communication systems that are robust to it. In this work, received power signal was obtained by drive-test technique. The analysis was determined using distribution fitting tool in Matlab software 7.5.0 (R2007b). The following fading distributions were used, Rayleigh, Rician, Nakagami-m, Lognormal and Weibull. Weibull fading distribution was found to give the best description of fading experienced in Ghana.On the other hand, Rician distribution, Nakagami-m distribution and lognormal distribution have less agreement with the measured data while Rayleigh fading distribution has much less agreement with measured data. The obtained mean scale parameter and the mean shape parameter in the Weibull distribution for the environment considered were 133.76 and 15.93, respectively. Furthermore, the path loss exponents in the near and far fields were also calculated; and the standard deviation of shadowing fell in the range of 4.368dB to 6.180dB.
GTAW Procedure Expert System Based on Neural Network
Authors: Wang Xue Wu , Yang Shang Yong
Published: November 2013

Intelligent procedure expert system was developed to select appropriate GTAW procedure in this paper. First, the function design and implementation methods of the welding procedure expert system were introduced. The expert system can present the welding procedure card, multimedia display of welding process, and output function to makes the data sharing more convenient. Then, the database design of the welding procedure expert system based on C/S mode was presented where the expert knowledge was stored. At last, the neural network model was established to realize procedure selection based on the neural network learning ability and the welding case from the database. With the BPNN model, the welding parameters can be obtained based on the input welding conditions.
Experimental Study on the Stress of Ferromagnetic Tensile Specimen Using Magnetic Barkhausen Noise Detection
Authors: Ren Tian Yu , Chen Guo Long , Zhang Wei Min , Qiu Zhong Chao
Published: November 2013

This paper describes a newly developed set of Barkhausen noise testing system including magnetizing and pick-up coils and the subsequent data acquisition unit based on the generation mechanism of Barkhausen noise. We studied the intensity of magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN) of 16MnR steel under different states of stress by tensile test of flat-shaped specimens.
Methodology for Measurement of the Blue Light Hazard of Light-Emitting Diodes with Imaging Luminance Meter
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhuang Xiao Bo , Yao Hua , Zhang Shan Duan
Published: November 2013

Most of the measurement methods for blue light hazard (BLH) evaluation are based on radiance, which are too complex and hard to find out the highest radiance. We proposed a methodology for measurement of BLH with imaging luminance meter. We measured the relative spectral power distribution with a spectrometer and the maximum luminance with an imaging luminance meter for LEDs and compact fluorescent lamps, and calculated the BLH weighted radiance. The BLH efficacy and the upper limit of luminance with blue light safe of various light sources were also calculated on the basis of the BLH weighted function. The results show absolute blue light safe can be obtained if the luminance is limited to 100 kcd m2 for color temperature lower than 6500 K. LEDs with high color temperature, especially those without diffused window, have potential risk of BLH. Our method can be used in online measurement of the BLH of LEDs.
Design of the Solar Automatic Tracker of Polar Axis Type
Authors: Ning Duo , Yao Na , Song Ling Fang , Wang Hong Xin
Published: November 2013

This paper mainly aims at the special requirement of the solar energys application in tunnel direct lighting engineering, where the light receiver is fixed. Therefore, it has given a new automatic tracking method of polar axis type, which can effectively make the concentrator to realize the function of tracking the sun automatically with high precision and fixed-point output. Based on expounding the working principle of the automatic tracker with polar axis, meanwhile combining with the obliquely installed concentrator load, it talks about the detailed design and explanation of mechanical structure, characteristics and implementation of the suns hour angle and declination angle tracking mechanism.
Analysis of Markov Models
Authors: Shi Chang Guang
Published: November 2013

Highly-available models and IPv4 have garnered improbable interest from both statisticians and experts in the last several years. Here, we show the emulation of suffix trees. We motivate an algorithm for suffix trees, which we use to demonstrate that e-business and replication can interact to solve this challenge.
A New Preprocessing Algorithm of Hand Vein Image
Authors: Liu Cai Xia
Published: November 2013

Biometrics technology is an important security technology and the research of it has become a new hot spot for its superior security features. Then hand vein recognition is a new biological feature recognition which has many advantages, such as safety, non-contact. According to the features of human hand vein image, a hand vein preprocessing method based on wavelet transform and windows maximum between-class difference method threshold (OTSU) segmentation algorithm is proposed. In this paper, the hand vein image is enhanced by adaptive histogram equalization in low frequency part of the hand vein image after wavelet decomposition and filtering before feature extraction. Then the windows OTSU threshold segmentation algorithm is used to get the features. The experimental results show that this method is simple and easy to realize and has laid a good foundation for the latter part of the vein recognition.
A Novel Approach for Color Tongue Image Extraction Based on Random Walk Algorithm
Authors: Zhu Ming Feng , Du Jian Qiang
Published: November 2013

Tongue image extraction is a fundamental step in objective diagnoses and quantitive checking of tongues. The accuracy of tongue image extraction can directly influence the results of the succedent checking in objective diagnoses of tongues. In this paper, we improved random walk image segmentation algorithm and applied it to tongue image extraction. Firstly, we utilized toboggan algorithm which adopted new classification rules to segment initial regions. Secondly, a weighted-graph was built according to initial regions in which only those adjacent regions were connected. Thirdly, random walk algorithm was applied to make the final segmentation in which a new weight function was designed for calculating the weights between the nodes of adjacent regions. Fourthly, mathematical morphology operations, i. e. inflations and erosions, were carried out on the segmentation result of the third step in order to fill small holes on the tongue region. In the experiment, we compared our method with traditional random walk algorithm. As the experiment results show, our method achieved much better segmentation effects.
A Background Subtraction Method for Defect Detection of Printed Image
Authors: Ding Jian Hua , Lu Yao , Huang Wei , Qin Ming
Published: November 2013

Background subtraction is often used to detect the moving objects from static cameras. The difficult of defect detecting of printing matter is how to detect the unknown flaws in complicate background effectively. Inspired by the background modeling approach for moving objects detection, a background modeling method in defect detection of printed image is suggested in this paper. Those pixels without defects are regarded as background, while the flaw pixels are defined as foreground. Firstly, we select LBP histogram as texture feature and HSV histogram as color feature to model the background respectively. Then, lots of printed images in which there are no defects are used to update these two models. Finally, we utilize the models to detect defects of printing images. Experimental results show that this background model works well in our defect detection.
Knowledge Reduction of Set-Valued Decision Information Systems Based on Tolerance Relation
Authors: Wang Hong , Gao Ran
Published: November 2013

Knowledge reduction is one of the main problems in the study of rough set theory. This paper deals with knowledge reduction of set-valued decision information systems based on tolerance relation. The concepts of distribution reduct based on set-valued decision information systems is introduced. The judgement theorems and discernibility matrices associated with the tolerance relation were examined, from which we can obtain the specific operation methods to inconsistent set-valued decision information systems.
Temperature Control System Modeling and Simulation of Finishing Mill
Authors: Chen Shui Xuan , Li Yeni , Zou Jun
Published: November 2013

The precise control for the product strip temperature is one of the effective approaches to promote the quality in the finish rolling production. The paper presents the basic features of the control strategies, temperature feedforward control and temperature feedback control for the strip temperature control system of Baosteel 2050mm finish rolling in details. Considering the strip thickness, a differential heat transfer model is proposed to calculate the heat conduction of the strip thickness direction of each node and attain multi-stand and finishing rolling exit temperature. In addition, the proposed method combined with the model prediction and feedback control, the feedforward control to adjust the rolling speed to ensure the strip head temperature hit rate dynamically adjusted using feedback control regulating water temperature of the strip full-length. The application results show that the temperature difference model prediction and feedback control accuracy is significantly improved than the original 2050mm temperature system.
Power Enterprise Performance Management Information System Development and Research
Authors: Li Guang Yu , Hou Liang
Published: November 2013

This article briefly describes the power supply enterprise performance management information system design ideas and generally describes the functions and features of the system. The system is fully functional, user-friendly, simple operation, with integrated query and supporting decision-making ability, can fully meet the needs of different levels of data management.
Hot Deformation Behavior of Ultra-Fine Grained Pure Ti
Authors: Sajadifar Seyed Vahid , Yapici Guney Guven
Published: November 2013

In the present study, compression tests were performed at a strain rate of 0.001 to 0.1 sˉ1 and in the range of 600°C to 900°C to investigate the high temperature deformation behavior and flow stress model of commercially pure titanium after severe plastic deformation (SPD). It was found that the effects of temperature and strain rate are significant in dictating the steady state flow stress levels. Flow accompanied by thermal softening was observed due to a combination of dynamic recovery and recrystallization for deformation at or above 600°C. Furthermore, microstructural evolutions of the as processed and hot deformed material were investigated. Based on constitutive equations, the flow stress was modeled for this light ultra-fine grained (UFG) material. The validity of the model was demonstrated with satisfactory agreement in light of the experimental mechanical behavior.
Why and How the Zigzag Edge of Suspended Graphene Sheet where Deformed
Authors: Barakati Behrad , Yazdani Ahmad , Soheilian Farhang , Ghazanfari Mahdi
Published: November 2013

The edge of graphene plays an important role in electronic and spintronic properties of graphene. As we know in many article zigzag edge used as stable edge but this edge cannot be true edge. When the graphene sheet is cut, bonds are broken along this line and electrons that participate in bond be free, so there is electron density gradient along the edge. Because of this the carbon atoms along the edge is moved till the stable structure be established. For achieving to this specific structure, density functional theory was used via Gaussian package. The result shows hexagons on the edge are going to deform to pentagon and heptagon by change the kind of bond in this chain. In the other zigzag chain behind the edge we have movement of electron density from one carbon atom to another carbon atom by help of carbon atom that placed between them. So we suggested new edge that can be replacement by zigzag edge in calculation with more less structure energy that identify in experiment method too.
Microstructural Characterization of Nanostructured Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy during Mechanical Alloying and Subsequent Annealing
Authors: Shafei Mohammad Amin , Hosseinipour Seyed Jamal , Rajabi Mohammad
Published: November 2013

In this study, Al-6Zn-2.5Mg-1.5Cu alloy powders were synthesized by mechanical alloying of the elemental powders of Al, Zn, Mg and Cu at different milling times. The 60 h milled powders were isothermally annealed at 380 °C for 30 min under argon atmosphere. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-milled and annealed powders were characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microhardness test. The crystallite size and lattice strain of Al were estimated from the broadening of XRD peaks using WilliamsonHall method. The results showed that the crystallite size of Al decreases with increasing milling time and after milling up to 60 h, the crystallite size reduced to 76 nm. Due to formation of intermetallic phases such as MgZn2 during annealing, an increase in the hardness of the alloy powders was achieved.
Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Cu Matrix Nanocomposites Reinforced with Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Particles Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Khaloobagheri Mahmood , Janipour Behzad , Askari Nayereh
Published: November 2013

Copper matrix nanocomposite powders reinforced with 8 mol% yttria-stabilized 1 wt.%, 2 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 4 wt.% and 5 wt.% zirconia (8-YSZ) particles were synthesized by mechanical alloying under a high purity argon atmosphere in an Attritor ball mill. Cu and Cu-ZrO2 powder mixtures were compacted with a compressive force of 500 MPa in a steel mold of 10 mm in diameter and sintering was performed at 900 ◦C for 2 h in argon atmosphere. With the study of the microstructure done by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), it was shown that there is uniform distribution of the reinforcement in the Cu matrix and nanocomposites with the least porosity are developed. The micro-hardness and density results showed that the gain in micro-hardness was found to be dependent on the zirconia contents rather than on the relative densities. The zirconia content up to 5 wt.% resulted in an increase of 54.55% in micro-hardness and slight decrease (3.7%) in relative densities. The results of compression tests showed increase in compression strength (22.08%) as zirconia content increased up to 5%. Maximum electrical conductivity of test materials ranged from 88.0% IACS to 59.7% IACS.
Ti (CN) Precipitation in Ultra-High Strength Ti Micro-Alloyed Steels with 700MPa Yield Strength on TSCR Process
Authors: Chen Qi Lin , Mao Xin Ping , Sun Xin Jun
Published: November 2013

Precipitates in ultra-high strength Ti micro-alloyed strips with 700MPa yield strength on TSCR process and in the thermal simulation experimental specimen are observed via Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), the results show that: the precipitates in the Ti micro-alloyed cast slab thermal simulation experiment can be divided into three categories: 1) micron-sized liquation TiN, 2) 100-200nm sized TiC formed along original austenite grain boundaries or along the dendrite segregation band, 3) solid precipitated 50-100nm sized TiN. Deformation induced spherical TiC (about 10nm-30nm) homogeneously distributed in the matrix after the austenite deformation .After simulated coiling, dispersed TiC (about 5-15nm ) precipitated from ferrite are found in the specimen. TiN with hundreds of nanometers size are commonly found in Ti micro-alloyed strips in industrial production. Ti4C2S2and Ti (CN) are complex precipitated, Ti4C2S2size is less than 30nm; physical and chemical phase analysis shows that the nanosized TiC precipitates are characterized by high volume fraction and small dimensions.
Properties of Thermoplastic Natural Rubber (TPNR): Influence of Polypropylene Grades on TPNR Properties
Authors: Manleh Chanida , Nakason Charoen , Lopattananon Natinee , Kaesaman Azizon
Published: November 2013

Thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) based on natural rubber (NR) and polypropylene (PP) blends were successfully prepared through a dynamic vulcanization process using Brabender Plastograph EC Plus with a rotor speed of 60 rpm at 180°C. Sulfur vulcanization system was used to cure rubber phase in the TPVs. Three grades of PP (i.e., PP700J, HP553R and HP544T) were used to blend with NR at a fixed blend ratio of NR/PP = 60/40. The mechanical properties, crosslink density, complex viscosity and morphological properties of the blends were examined. The results revealed that the dynamically cured NR/PP700J samples showed the best mechanical properties because of higher crosslink density and smaller rubber particle size when compared with those of the blends combined with HP553R and HP544T. Furthermore, the complex viscosity of the TPVs was highest for the blends with PP700J.
A Preliminary Study of PDMS Stamp towards Flexography Printing Technique: An Overview
Authors: Nodin Muhamad Nor , Yusof Mohd Sallehuddin
Published: November 2013

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) commonly used for microcontact printing is essential towards the successful introduction of high speed printing of reel-to-reel or reel-to-plate manufacturing processes. Here, it is proposed that extending flexography printing method into the multiple micro-scale printing solid line onto subtract by using PDMS stamp as a plate. Flexography is a high-speed technique commonly used for printing onto substrates in a lot of paper printing industry. It was introduces a decade ago where it is very useful for large production. In this area of printing, the expanding demand on printing electronics leads to a lot of study needed for high speed and large production of electronic industries. This work elaborates the feasibility of PDMS stamp (12in x 4in) use in flexography printing for multiple micro solid lines. It will undergo by using simple and inexpensive fabrication PDMS mold process. This paper illustrates the use of PDMS in microcontact printing fusing with flexography printing to produce multiple micro-solid line printing capability by using conductive ink as application of printing electronic industry applications.
Comparison of Cellulose, Talc, and Mica as Filler in Natural Rubber Composites on Vibration-Damping and Gas Barrier Properties
Authors: Araki Kunihiro , Kaneko Shonosuke , Matsumoto Koki , Nagatani Asahiro , Tanaka Tatsuya , Arao Yoshihiko
Published: November 2013

We investigated the efficient use of cellulose to resolve the problem of the depletion of fossil resources. In this study, as the biomass material, the green composite based on natural rubber (NR) and the flake-shaped cellulose particles (FSCP) was produced. The FSCP were produced by mechanical milling in a planetary ball mill with a grinding aid as a cellulose aggregation inhibitor. Moreover, talc and mica particles were used to compare with FSCP. NR was mixed with vulcanizing agents in an internal mixer. And then each filler was added to NR compound in an internal mixer. The vulcanizing agents are as follows: stearic acid, zinc oxide, sulfur, and vulcanization accelerator. The functionalities of the composites were evaluated by a vibration-damping experiment and a gas permeability experiment. As a result, we found that FSCP filler has effects similar to (or more than) inorganic filler in vibration-damping and O2 barrier properties.
Grafted Methyl Methacrylate and Butyl Methacrylate onto Natural Rubber Foam for Oil Sorbent
Authors: Ratcha Arissara , Yoosuk Boonyawan , Kongparakul Suwadee
Published: November 2013

NR foam was modified via graft copolymerization with oleophilic monomer such as methyl methacrylate (MMA) or butyl methacrylate (BMA). Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polybutyl methacrylate (PBMA) were prepared by emulsion polymerization. The average particle size of PMMA and PBMA emulsion were 58.7±5.3 nm and 57.6±0.8 nm, respectively. The effect of PMMA or PBMA emulsion loading onto NR foam was studied over the range 0.05 2.0 phr. The functionality of modified NR foam was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal properties of modified NR foam were confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed two step degradations which were attributed to natural rubber and PMMA or PBMA contents. The modified NR foam could quickly absorb gasoline and organic solvent such as toluene and xylene, which found in petroleum product. The maximum oil absorbency (gram of absorbency per gram of foam) of gasoline, diesel, engine oil, toluene and xylene were achieved at 9.95, 8.37, 6.01, 11.81 and 10.96, respectively. Modified NR foam had high oil absorption capacity, reusability, easy to use and good environmental friendly. It can be used as an alternative sorbent material for oil spill cleanup.
Soil Burial Studies for Biodegradation of Natural Rubber Latex Films
Authors: Yahya Siti Rohana , Rashid Azura A. , Azahari Baharin
Published: November 2013

Starch is added into the natural rubber (NR) latex as filler to assist the biodegradation of NR latex which normally takes longer period to biodegrade. The soil burial test for 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks at room temperature was carried out on the unfilled-, 10% starch-, and alkali gelatinized starch-filled NR latex films. The progress of biodegradation was investigated through weight loss measurement, tensile test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) analysis. Results indicated that the NR latex films showed an obvious increment of weight loss percentages after buried for 4 weeks compared to the control films. The 10% alkali gelatinized starch performed the tensile strength retained up to two weeks before decreased at longer soil burial periods. Referring to morphological analysis, the voids on the NR latex films became larger with the addition of starch. From FTIR analysis, the addition alkali gelatinized starch was increased the hydroxyl and carbonyl groups in NR latex films after 4 weeks of soil burial test.
Overview on the Potential of Biodegradable Natural Rubber Latex Gloves for Commercialization
Authors: Misman Muhamad Afiq , Azura A. Rashid
Published: November 2013

Rubber gloves are one of the highest production of consumable and disposable commodity worldwide. These scenario in a way increased the volume of rubber solid waste disposal each year as the latex products commodity is design as a single used product. This is due to complexity of rubber/latex based products to degrade in nature environment hence increased the time for degradation in the landfill which normally occurred after more than 2 years. Thus, combination of rubber system with bio-materials is a feasible option. Novel Green Additives: Bio-Add is addded in NRL gloves formulation to accelerate biodegradation process. The biodegradable gloves were then being decomposed in soil for four (4) weeks and the mechanical properties were assessed. The result shows that, the mechanical properties of biodegradable gloves decreased as biodegradation week elapses. The addition of Novel Green Additives: Bio-Add have increased the biodegradability of NRL gloves. Novel Green Additives: Bio-Add offer an advantages to the latex based manufactured as it proven to accelerate the biodegradation process of the latex films using existing production line with minimal additional cost.
Cast Natural Rubber Films Comprising Triethyl Citrate
Authors: Issarayungyuen Pongsathorn , Pichayakorn Wiwat , Phaechamud Thawatchai
Published: November 2013

The various triethyl citrate-loaded natural rubber (NR) films were prepared by casting technique employing dichloromethane (DCM) as solvent. The wettability, mechanical properties and topology of prepared dry films were determined. The contact angle of distilled water onto the cast films was measured using the goniometer. Triethyl citrate-loaded NR films exhibited the continuous porous structure. The presence of triethyl citrate in NR films promoted wettability and surface free energy whereas the tensile strength decreased. The unique porous topography of triethyl citrate-loaded NR film exhibited the potential for applying this material as the scaffold or controlled drug delivery devices in the future.
Biomimetic Composites Based on Calcium Phosphates and Chitosan - Hyaluronic Acid with Potential Application in Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Ivan Florina Daniela , Marian Andreea , Tanase Constantin Edi , Butnaru Maria , Verestiuc Liliana
Published: November 2013

Composites based on calcium phosphates (CP) and mixtures of biopolymers (chitosan and hyaluronic acid) have been prepared by a biomimetic co-precipitation method and tested as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. The biomimetic strategy is inspired by natural mineralization processes, where the synthesized minerals are usually combined with proteins, polysaccharides or other mineral forms to form composite, in physiological conditions of temperature and pH. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and XPS analyses confirmed the porous morphology of the scaffolds and formation of various forms of calcium phosphates with amorphous nature. The in vitro degradation studies showed a slow degradation process for CP-biopolymers composites and limited swelling in simulated body fluids. The scaffolds compositions have no negative effect on osteoblasts cell, emphasizing a good biocompatibility.
Bioactivity of a Poly(70lactic-co-30glycolic acid)/15CaO-85SiO2 Composite with a Dual Pore Structure
Authors: Shin Hye Young , Shin Sang Hee , Rhee Sang Hoon
Published: November 2013

The low crystalline hydroxyl carbonate apatite forming capacity of a poly (70lactic-co-30glycolic acid)/15CaO-85SiO2 composite, which had a dual pore structure, was newly examined in simulated body fluid. The bioactive 15CaO-85SiO2 particles were synthesized by a sol-gel method using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate under acidic condition followed by the heat treatment at 600°C for 3h. The poly (70lactic-co-30glycolic acid)/15CaO-85SiO2 composite was then prepared by a solvent casting using dimethylformide as a solvent. The composite was loaded into a high pressure chamber and then carbon dioxide gas was introduced achieving a final pressure of 20 MPa. After 3 days, carbon dioxide gas was released quickly and resultantly the dual pore structure was obtained. The samples were observed by FE-SEM and its bioactivity was tested in simulated body fluid.
Development of a Novel Hybrid Porous Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering: Forsterite Nanopowder Reinforced Chitosan
Authors: Scalera Francesca , Gervaso Francesca , Sanosh Kunjalukkal Padmanabhan , Palamà Ilaria Elena , Dimida Simona , Sannino Alessandro
Published: November 2013

In order to induce bone regeneration several natural and synthetic materials have been proposed. However, single-phase scaffolds present some insurmountable disadvantages such as poor mechanical strength or brittleness and too low or too high degradation rate. In order to overcome these drawbacks, composite systems can be an interesting and promising option. In the present work a novel hybrid porous scaffold for bone tissue engineering is proposed. Chitosan/Forsterite (Ch/FS) composite scaffolds were prepared by freeze-drying method using a chitosan/forsterite ratio of 90/10. The FS nanopowder (Mg2SiO4) is synthesized using a simple solgel based method. The FS composition was checked by XRD analysis. The macrostructure of the Ch/FS scaffolds were analyzed by SEM, the FS distribution within the chitosan matrix observed by EDS, the mechanical strength measured by compression test in PBS and the biocompatibility of the composite on human osteosarcoma cell line (MG-63) verified by MTT assay after 48 hours. The porosity appears interconnected and with a pore size ranging from 1 to 100 μm. The FS is overall distributed within the chitosan matrix. The compression strength of composite scaffolds increased with respect to the pure chitosan scaffolds of more than two times (from 0.8 to 1.9 KPa) and the composites did not show any toxicity effect on human osteosarcoma cells.
Influence of the Precipitation Temperature on Properties of Nanohydroxyapatite Powder for the Fabrication of Highly Porous Bone Scaffolds
Authors: Parisi Cristian , Gervaso Francesca , Scalera Francesca , Padmanabhan Sanosh Kunjalukkal , Nobile Concetta , Cozzoli P. Davide , Di Silvio Lucy , Sannino Alessandro
Published: November 2013

The aim of the present work is to study the influence of the precipitation temperature in the synthesis of nanohydroxyapatite (n-HAp) on the properties of the resulting n-HAp powder for the fabrication of highly porous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. The n-HAp powder was obtained by a wet precipitation technique starting from calcium nitrate tetrahydrate (Ca (NO3)2*4H2O) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) at different temperatures: 10°C, 37°C and 50°C. Highly porous scaffolds were fabricated using the three different powders by the sponge replica method and sintering at 1300°C. Combined X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses on powders indicated that on increasing the precipitation temperature the formation of pure n-HAp is accelerated, without significant changes in particles morphology and size. Scaffolds characterized by high porosity (89%) and good compressive strength (0.53 MPa for n-HAp prepared at 37°C) were obtained. XRD analyses on sintered n-HAp confirmed the thermal stability of the material. Therefore, the as-synthesized n-HAp powder can be successfully used for the fabrication of highly porous scaffolds as bone substitutes.
Optical Imaging of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Optical Coherence Tomography and Micro CT
Authors: Cânjău Silvana , Todea Carmen , Sinescu Cosmin , Negrutiu Meda Lavinia , Duma Virgil , Mănescu Adrian , Topală Florin , Podoleanu Adrian Gh.
Published: November 2013

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) constitutes 90% of oral cancer. Early detection is a cornerstone to improve survival and to reduce diagnostic delay. We propose optical coherence tomography (OCT), as a non-invasive diagnosis method. OCT represents a new high-resolution optical technique that permits 3D, real-time imaging of near surface abnormalities in complex tissues. In the present study half of the excisional biopsy was directed to the pathologist and the other half was assigned for OCT and Micro-CT investigation. For the OCT imaging it was used an OCT prototype (1300 nm), Synchrotron Radiation Micro-CT and histopathology validated the results. Areas of OSCC of the buccal mucosa were identified in the OCT images by the disruption of the basement membrane, an epithelial layer that was highly variable in thickness, with areas of erosion, extensive epithelial down-growth and invasion into the sub-epithelial layers. In this respect, OCT seems to be a highly promising imaging modality.
A Retrospective Study on the Incidence of Chipping of Zirconia-Based Restorations
Authors: Babiuc Iuliana , Pauna Mihaela
Published: November 2013

Purpose: To establish the incidence of chipping of zirconia-based restorations, either implant or tooth supported in a retrospective study. Material and methods: Sixty patients received 222 cemented units of zirconia-based restorations. One hundred thirteen units were cemented on teeth, 97 on implants and 12 units were pontics. After the delivery of the restorations, during the recalls, the patients were examined in regard to the presence of chipping of the veneering ceramic. Location of the restoration, the type of support and the design of the restoration were assessed as possible factors influencing chipping rate. Results: During an observation period of up to 5,5 years, 27 (12,16%) zirconia-based units showed chipping of the veneering ceramic. A total of 14 units had to be remade, resulting in a survival rate of 93,69% of the zirconia-based restorations. The chipping rate seemed to be higher in restorations on implants than those supported by teeth. In the molar region chipping occured twice as often as in the premolar and front regions (15,83% vs 7,84%). An increased chipping rate was observed in multi-unit restorations (13,95%) as compared to single-unit restorations (9,67%). Conclusion: Chipping of the porcelain veneering is the most frequent complication of zirconia-based restorations. They should be recommended with care in the molar region, especially as multi-unit restorations.
Synthesis of Ag-Containing CaO-SiO2 Gel and its Apatite Forming Ability in Simulated Body Fluid
Authors: Cho S.B. , Yoon G.J. , An E.M. , Kim Y.J. , Kim T.N. , Jang H.D. , Shin Euisup S. , Ohtsuki Chikara , Kim Ill Yong
Published: November 2013

We reported the apatite-forming ability of CaO-SiO2 spherical particles obtained through a sol-gel processing. In this study, we synthesized the CaO-SiO2 containing silver (Ag) ions using silver standard solution to induce antibacterial property and evaluated the effects of Ag on their apatite forming ability in a simulated body fluid (SBF). The particles with 30CaO·70SiO2 starting composition in Ag standard solution with range 0 to 500 ppm Ag content were synthesized through the sol-gel processing. The prepared 30CaO·70SiO2 could be obtained as spherical particles with regardless of Ag contents. The prepared Ag-contained 30CaO·70SiO2 particles formed apatite on their surfaces after soaking in SBF regardless of Ag contents. Consequently, Ag-contained 30CaO·70SiO2 spherical particle could be obtained without decrease of its apatite forming ability.
Phosphating of Calcium Carbonate for Obtaining Hydroxyapatite from the Ostrich Egg Shell
Authors: Ferreira Jose Ricardo Muniz , Navarro da Rocha Daniel , Louro Luis Henrique Leme , Prado da Silva Marcelo Henrique
Published: November 2013

The Hydroxyapatite (HA), the major component of the inorganic portion of bones, may be obtained from different sources for use as biomaterial in the reconstruction of critical bone defects. Among these resources, the eggshell appears as a promising alternative since it is a waste material which may be reused as a source of calcium carbonate after adequate treatment, giving rise to mineral hydroxyapatite. After morphological and physicochemical adjustments allowing its standardization and utilization, hydroxyapatite (HA) may turn into a potentially useful biomaterial for different experimental purposes. This paper aims to present a viable method for obtaining a hydroxyapatite from Ostrich eggshell by wet precipitation process. This phosphating technique with emphasis on the issue of sustainable reuse of disposable materials allows the production of a synthetic crystalline material with characteristics similar to those of bone and tooth. The structural characterization was performed by X-Ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with field emission gun and energy dispersive X-ray in the Military Institute of Engineering.
Prototype Design of Wire-Sawing Machine for Preliminary Experiments to Lunar and Planetary Exploration
Authors: Furutani Katsushi , Ikeda Eiji , Okada Tatsuaki , Saiki Kazuto , Ohue Hiroyuki
Published: November 2013

This paper describes design of a prototype of a wire-sawing machine and some machining demonstrations. Slicing the rock samples is preferable to observe their interior for in-situ analysis in lunar and planetary explorations. The requirements for the wire-sawing machine were clarified as follows: using a long saw wire to extend the duty cycle, and winding and unwinding the saw wire with two reels. After building a prototype of the wire-sawing machine, the cutting performance in vacuum was compared with that in air. The cutting depth in vacuum leveled off and was smaller than that in air.
Comparative Study of PAA/Alumina Composites with PAA/Alumina Nano Composites and Thermal Analysis of PAA/Alumina Nano Composites with Doping of Metals
Authors: Desai Rahul K. , Tomar Laxmi , Chakrabarty B.S.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this work is to provide a comparative study of polyacrylic acid alumina (PAA/Al2O3) bulk composites with PAA/Al2O3 nano composites. This work also provides a study in the variation of glass transition temperature due to the doping of metal. Alumina nano particles were prepared using hydrothermal method. This sample was doped with Cu. Polyacrylic acid alumina nano composites were prepared using two different methods. The alumina samples were added to acrylic acid. In the first method the mixtures of acrylic acid and alumina samples were heated in oven. In the second method the same mixtures were irradiated with microwaves. The samples prepared were allowed to cool down and dried. Also the alumina bulk particles were also dispersed in acrylic acid and the similar procedure was carried out. The effect of preparation methods on the glass transition temperature of PAA/Al2O3 and PAA/Al2O3 nano composites have been studied. The glass transition temperatures Tg were determined using DSC analysis.
Compton Profiles and Nature of Bonding in Tantalum Chalcogenides
Authors: Bhamu K.C. , Sharma Arvind , Jani Asvin R. , Ahuja B.L.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. We report the Compton profiles of tantalum chalcogenides (TaS2 and TaSSe) using Hartree–Fock and hybridization of Hartree–Fock and density functional theories within linear combination of atomic (Gaussian) orbitals. To interpret the theoretical data on Compton line shapes, we have measured the Compton profiles using our in-house 100 mCi 241Am γ-ray Compton spectrometer. To understand the relative nature of bonding, we have obtained the equal-valence-electron-density (EVED) profiles. The EVED profiles shows that charge in TaSSe is more localized than TaS2 in the bonding direction which confirms that TaSSe is more covalent than TaS2, which is in agreement with the Mulliken’s population analysis.
TLR1/2 Ligand–Stimulated Mouse Liver Endothelial Cells Secrete IL-12 and Trigger CD8+ T Cell Immunity In Vitro
Authors: Liu Jia , Jiang Min , Ma Zhiyong , Dietze Kirsten K. , Zelinskyy Gennadiy , Yang Dongliang , Dittmer Ulf , Schlaak Joerg F. , Roggendorf Michael , Lu Mengji
Published: November 2013

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are unique organ-resident APCs capable of Ag cross-presentation and subsequent tolerization of naive CD8+ T cells. Under certain conditions, LSECs can switch from a tolerogenic to an immunogenic state and promote the development of T cell immunity. However, little is known about the mechanisms of LSECs to induce T cell immunity. In this study, we investigated whether functional maturation of LSECs can be achieved by TLR ligand stimulation and elucidated the mechanisms involved in LSEC-induced T cell immunity. We demonstrate that pretreatment of LSECs with palmitoyl-3-cysteine-serine-lysine-4 (P3C; TLR1/2 ligand) but not poly(I:C) (TLR3 ligand) or LPS (TLR4 ligand) reverted their suppressive properties to induce T cell immunity. Importantly, P3C stimulation caused functional maturation of Ag-presenting LSECs and enabled them to activate virus-specific CD8+ T cells. The LSEC-mediated CD8+ T cell immunity was initiated by soluble mediators, one of which was IL-12 secreted at a low but sustained level after P3C stimulation. P3C stimulation did not induce programmed death ligand 1 expression on LSECs, thereby favoring T cell proliferation and activation instead of suppression. Our data suggest that LSECs undergo maturation exclusively in response to TLR1/2 ligand stimulation and that the immunological status of LSECs was dependent upon the balance between programmed death ligand 1 and IL-12 expression. These results have implications for our understanding of liver-specific tolerance and autoimmunity and for the development of strategies to overcome T cell tolerance in situations such as chronic viral liver infections or liver cancer.
In Vivo Blockade of the Programmed Cell Death-1 Pathway Using Soluble Recombinant PD-1-Fc Enhances CD4+ and CD8+ T Cell Responses but Has Limited Clinical Benefit
Authors: Amancha Praveen K. , Hong Jung Joo , Rogers Kenneth , Ansari Aftab A. , Villinger Francois
Published: November 2013

The programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 pathway has been shown to limit cell-mediated effector functions during chronic viral infections impeding clearance of pathogens. As a strategy to reverse this exhaustion and increase T cell polyfunctionality, PD-1 ligands were blocked in vivo using a recombinant macaque PD-1 fused to a macaque Ig-Fc (rPD-1-Fc) in SIVmac239–infected rhesus macaques during the early chronic phase of infection, either alone or in combination with antiretroviral therapy. In vitro blockade showed improvement of Ag-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from monkeys chronically infected with SIV. Of note, a prolonged 5-d blockade in culture was beneficial for both gag-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells based on proliferation and dual cytokine production. Although the in vivo administration of rPD-1-Fc induced enhanced SIV-specific CD4 and CD8 T cell proliferation both in the blood and gut, it failed to alter plasma viremia. However, rPD-1-Fc administration in the context of antiretroviral therapy interruption induced a significant delay of viral load rebound. In addition, rPD-1-Fc administration in MamuA*001+ monkeys led to both an increase in the frequencies and Ki67 expression of GagCM9+ CD8+ T cells in the blood and rectal mucosa and polyfunctionality of GagCM9+ CD8+ T cells in blood. In conclusion, however, our data suggest that PD-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 blockade using soluble rPD-1-Fc instead of anti–PD-1 mAb, although effective in rescuing the effector function of SIV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells during the early chronic phase of infection, has limited clinical benefit.