bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Weight Loss on Plasma Leptin and Adiponectin in Overweight-to-Obese Post Menopausal Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Thompson Henry , Sedlacek Scot , Wolfe Pamela , Paul Devchand , Lakoski Susan , Playdon Mary , McGinley John , Matthews Shawna
Published: June 2015

Women who are obese at the time of breast cancer diagnosis have higher overall mortality than normal weight women and some evidence implicates adiponectin and leptin as contributing to prognostic disadvantage. While intentional weight loss is thought to improve prognosis, its impact on these adipokines is unclear. This study compared the pattern of change in plasma leptin and adiponectin in overweight-to-obese post-menopausal breast cancer survivors during weight loss. Given the controversies about what dietary pattern is most appropriate for breast cancer control and regulation of adipokine metabolism, the effect of a low fat versus a low carbohydrate pattern was evaluated using a non-randomized, controlled study design. Anthropometric data and fasted plasma were obtained monthly during the six-month weight loss intervention. While leptin was associated with fat mass, adiponectin was not, and the lack of correlation between leptin and adiponectin concentrations throughout weight loss implies independent mechanisms of regulation. The temporal pattern of change in leptin but not adiponectin was affected by magnitude of weight loss. Dietary pattern was without effect on either adipokine. Mechanisms not directly related to dietary pattern, weight loss, or fat mass appear to play dominant roles in the regulation of circulating levels of these adipokines.
Multiple Minimum Support-Based Rare Graph Pattern Mining Considering Symmetry Feature-Based Growth Technique and the Differing Importance of Graph Elements
Authors: Lee Gangin , Yun Unil , Ryang Heungmo , Kim Donggyu
Published: June 2015

Frequent graph pattern mining is one of the most interesting areas in data mining, and many researchers have developed a variety of approaches by suggesting efficient, useful mining techniques by integration of fundamental graph mining with other advanced mining works. However, previous graph mining approaches have faced fatal problems that cannot consider important characteristics in the real world because they cannot process both (1) different element importance and (2) multiple minimum support thresholds suitable for each graph element. In other words, graph elements in the real world have not only frequency factors but also their own importance; in addition, various elements composing graphs may require different thresholds according to their characteristics. However, traditional ones do not consider such features. To overcome these issues, we propose a new frequent graph pattern mining method, which can deal with both different element importance and multiple minimum support thresholds. Through the devised algorithm, we can obtain more meaningful graph pattern results with higher importance. We also demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has more outstanding performance compared to previous state-of-the-art approaches in terms of graph pattern generation, runtime, and memory usage.
Venom Proteins from Parasitoid Wasps and Their Biological Functions
Authors: Moreau Sébastien , Asgari Sassan
Published: June 2015

Parasitoid wasps are valuable biological control agents that suppress their host populations. Factors introduced by the female wasp at parasitization play significant roles in facilitating successful development of the parasitoid larva either inside (endoparasitoid) or outside (ectoparasitoid) the host. Wasp venoms consist of a complex cocktail of proteinacious and non-proteinacious components that may offer agrichemicals as well as pharmaceutical components to improve pest management or health related disorders. Undesirably, the constituents of only a small number of wasp venoms are known. In this article, we review the latest research on venom from parasitoid wasps with an emphasis on their biological function, applications and new approaches used in venom studies.
A Comparative Analysis of Runoff and Soil Loss Characteristics between “Extreme Precipitation Year” and “Normal Precipitation Year” at the Plot Scale: A Case Study in the Loess Plateau in China
Authors: Feng Qiang , Guo Xudong , Zhao Wenwu , Qiu Yang , Zhang Xiao
Published: June 2015

The highest annual precipitation in Ansai during the past 60 years was observed in 2013. Studying the effects of such extreme annual precipitation on soil erosion can deepen similar research and help predict environmental damage under future extreme rainfall. We selected the runoff plots (area: 4 m × 10 m) of three land-use types: cultivated land (C), wild grassland (W) and switchgrass (S). We monitored corresponding indices in the “extreme year” (2013) and “normal year” (2010–2012). The results were as follows: (1) The rainfall parameters (rainfall amount, EI30, EI60) in the “extreme year” were all higher than those in the “normal year”, especially in July; (2) In July and August, the runoff and soil loss of cultivated land in the “extreme year” increased by 1492.5% and 538.2%, respectively, compared to those in the “normal year”. The silt content of sediment was the highest generally, but the sand content increased relatively in the “extreme year”; (3) The effect of rainfall on soil erosion was the smallest in W; (4) In the “extreme year”, the same EI30 generated more runoff and soil loss than those in the “normal year”. The high antecedent precipitation which would cause high antecedent soil moisture was one of the reasons. The threshold value (100 MJ·mm·ha−1·h−1) of EI30 related to extreme erosion risk was proposed.
Uncertainty Estimation and Evaluation of Shallow Aquifers’ Exploitability: The Case Study of the Adige Valley Aquifer (Italy)
Authors: Castagna Marta , Bellin Alberto , Chiogna Gabriele
Published: June 2015

Evaluating the sustainability of water uses in shallow aquifers is fundamental for both environmental and socio-economic reasons. Groundwater models are the main tools to sustain informed management plans, yet simulation results are affected by both epistemic and parametric uncertainties. In this study, we aim at investigating the effect of model uncertainties on three assessment criteria: depth to water (DTW), recharge/discharge analysis and a newly defined sustainability index S. We consider, as a case study, the shallow aquifer of the Adige Valley, which is highly influenced by surface water dynamics, water withdrawals from pumping wells and a dense network of ditches. Both direct measurements and soft data are used to reduce uncertainty associated to the limited knowledge about the spatial distribution of the hydraulic parameters. Simulation results showed that the aquifer is chiefly influenced by the interaction with the Adige River and that the influence of anthropogenic activities on vulnerability of groundwater resources varies within the study area. This calls for differentiated approaches to water resources management. Uncertainty related to the three assessment criteria is chiefly controlled by uncertainty of the hydrogeological model, although it depends also on the strategy adopted for the management of water resources.
Across the Baltic: a new record for an enigmatic black scavenger fly, Zuskamira inexpectata (Pont, 1987) (Sepsidae) in Finland
Authors: Ang Yuchen , Rohner Patrick , Meier Rudolf
Published: June 2015

Specimens of the enigmatic, monotypic European genus Zuskamira Pont, 1987 (Sepsidae) were initially collected only from the lower central Swedish provinces of Darlana, Uppland and Västmanland. However, the same species was subsequently found much more south in Lower-Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein although Germany is overall well sampled for sepsid flies. Here we report a further (longitudinal) range expansion based on new localities in Southern Finland. New localities for Finland and Sweden are here added and we discuss briefly the habitat requirements of the species.
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Complicated by Macrophage Activation Syndrome
Authors: Wagner-Weiner Linda
Published: June 2015

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is characterized by a large range of extra-articular manifestations in addition to joint inflammation. The child with sJIA usually presents with a spiking fever pattern, evanescent rash, and arthralgias/arthritis. Other features often present are lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and polyserositis. The systemic manifestations are frequently more prominent and severe than the arthritis. Laboratory studies reflect systemic inflammation with significant anemia, and elevation of acute phase reactants, platelets, and white blood cell count. Ferritin level is often strikingly high. The treatment of sJIA has evolved over the past decade with the improved understanding of the role of specific inflammatory cytokines in this disease. The medications employed to treat sJIA directly inhibit the actions of these cytokines. A major cause of morbidity and mortality of children with sJIA is the development of macrophage activation syndrome, which can cause unremitting fevers, pancytopenia, coagulopathy, and hepatic dysfunction.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2015;44(6):e142–e147.]
Great Vessels of Children: Takayasu’s Arteritis
Authors: de Ranieri Deirdre
Published: June 2015

Takayasu’s arteritis (TA) is a granulomatous, large vessel vasculitis affecting primarily the aorta and its main branches. It is characterized by inflammation in the blood vessel wall, leading to either luminal occlusion or dilatation with aneurysm formation. The etiology of TA is unknown, but there seems to be a strong role for cell-mediated autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of this disease. TA most commonly presents in young women in their second and third decades of life, but has been reported in children as young as age 2 years. The symptoms can range from vague systemic complaints to catastrophic stroke. Angiography remains the gold standard for diagnosis, although computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography have been used as well. Corticosteroids are first-line therapy, with various cytotoxic medications being used in refractory disease. Biologic agents targeting cytokines that are involved in disease pathogenesis have also been used successfully. In this article, we describe a patient with TA who responded to therapy with infliximab, an inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2015;44(6):e148–e152.]
Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Children
Authors: Soybilgic Arzu
Published: June 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of antinuclear antibodies and other autoantibodies, as well as a clinical course that is characterized by flares and remissions. The clinical presentation is diverse, ranging from a mild disease characterized by rash and arthritis to a severe life-threatening disease involving multiple organs. Approximately 25% of children with SLE have neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE, which are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Neuropsychiatric symptoms may be the initial presentation of SLE in children. The mortality rate is relatively low, but morbidity may be significant and permanent damage can occur. This article discusses the importance, known pathophysiologic mechanisms, clinical approach, and evidence-based therapeutic options for the diagnosis and management of neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus in children and adolescents.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2015;44(6):e153–e158.]
Quality and Diagnostic Utility of Mydriatic Smartphone Photography: The Smartphone Ophthalmoscopy Reliability Trial
Authors: Adam Murtaza K. , Brady Christopher J. , Flowers Alexis M. , Juhn Alexander T. , Hsu Jason , Garg Sunir J. , Murchison Ann P. , Spirn Marc J.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Establish quality and diagnostic utility of mydriatic smartphone ophthalmoscopy (SO) fundus images compared to fundus camera (FC) images.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 94 consecutive patients in an urban eye emergency department underwent SO and FC fundus imaging via one of three study arms: medical student 1 (MS1), medical student 2 (MS2), and ophthalmology resident (OR). Images of 188 eyes were graded for overall quality by two masked reviewers, and observed critical fundus findings were compared to dilated fundus examination documentation.

RESULTS:

SO images were higher quality in the OR arm than in the MS1 and MS2 arms (
P
< .017). There were no differences in FC image quality between photographers (all
P
> .328). In the OR arm, SO images detected 74.3% of critical fundus findings, whereas FC images detected 77.1%.

CONCLUSION:

SO produces fundus images approaching the quality and diagnostic utility of traditional FC photographs.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:631–637.]
Quantification of Change in Pigment Epithelial Detachment Volume and Morphology After Transition to Intravitreal Aflibercept in Eyes With Recalcitrant Neovascular AMD: 18-Month Results
Authors: Kanesa-Thasan Aditya , Grewal Dilraj S. , Gill Manjot K. , Lyon Alice T. , Mirza Rukhsana G.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To quantitatively evaluate the change in pigment epithelial detachment (PED) morphology on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) 18 months after the transition to intravitreal aflibercept in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with PED recalcitrant to monthly intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Retrospective case series examining patients with neovascular AMD who had a persistent fibrovascular or serous PED on SD-OCT. PED volume was calculated by manually outlining the PED on individual OCT slices of the raster scan and multiplying by the pixel dimensions.

RESULTS:

Eleven eyes of 10 patients who had received an average of 25.7 ± 20.1 (range: 6 to 70) prior bevacizumab or ranibizumab injections over a period of 26.6 ± 19.8 months (range: 4 to 63) were included. PED volume decreased with aflibercept from 0.687 ± 0.837 mm
3
to 0.562 ± 0.705 mm
3
(
P
= .02), a decrease of 19% ± 12.27%.

CONCLUSION:

After 18 months of aflibercept, recalcitrant PED volumes were reduced by 19% while preserving visual acuity in eyes with neovascular AMD.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:638–641.]
Augmented Reality Internet Labs versus its Traditional and Virtual Equivalence
Authors: Odeh Salaheddin , Abu Shanab Shatha , Anabtawi Mahasen
Published: June 2015

Engineering is an applied science; it makes science come alive through experiments and labs. Students can only gain practical knowledge that goes beyond mere scientific theory in the educational labs. This can be done using three different types of educational labs: Augmented reality labs, Virtual labs and Traditional labs. It is crucial to pre-specify the learning objectives associated with each experiment in order to be able to meet them no matter what the method of delivery is. This paper focuses on an empirical study that compares the three types of labs after specifying the associated learning objectives.
Development of an Information System to Enhance Students Reading Literacy
Authors: Picher Paul , Ebner Martin
Published: June 2015

The research study at hand aims to answer the question, whether an innovative information system can be implemented that will help to enhance reading literacy of elementary pupils.

Based on predefined reading tests this web-based system evaluates the reading literacy of pupils. It consists of two primary parts; the system that creates and evaluates such reading tests and the test platform itself.

In order to assess the system a field test was conducted. Therefore it was tested in two school classes. In the course of this study reading tests were carried out and retrieved data and results were evaluated.

Despite some minor usability problems, the system performed very well. The test system delivered good estimations of the reading capabilities of single pupils and classes. Of special interest is the system’s analysis of the created reading tests since the system is capable of evaluating reading test according to their difficulty
An Advanced eLearning Environment Developed for Engineering Learners
Authors: Samarakou Maria , Fylladitakis Emmanouil D. , Früh Wolf Gerrit , Hatziapostolou Antonios , Gelegenis John J.
Published: June 2015

Monitoring and evaluating engineering learners through computer-based laboratory exercises is a difficult task, especially under classroom conditions. A complete diagnosis requires the capability to assess both the competence of the learner to use the scientific software and the understanding of the theoretical principles. This monitoring and evaluation needs to be continuous, unobtrusive and personalized in order to be effective. This study presents the results of the pilot application of an eLearning environment developed specifically with engineering learners in mind. As its name suggests, the Learner Diagnosis, Assistance, and Evaluation System based on Artificial Intelligence (StuDiAsE) is an Open Learning Environment that can perform unattended diagnostic, evaluation and feedback tasks based on both quantitative and qualitative parameters. The base architecture of the system, the user interface and its effect on the performance of postgraduate engineering learners are being presented.
Gaining Hands-on Experience via Collaborative Learning: Interactive Computer Science Courses
Authors: Danielewicz-Betz Anna , Kawaguchi Tatsuki
Published: June 2015

In this paper we report on the practical outcomes of Software Studio (SS) undergraduate course, but also on a graduate Software Engineering for Internet Applications (SEIA) course, both of which are taught collaboratively by IT and non-IT faculty members. In the latter, students are assigned to projects proposed by actual customers and work together in teams to deliver quality results under time and resource constraints. We are interested in the learning results, such as skills acquired, e.g. by analysing the interaction between students and customers to determine how and to what degree the students transform through project based collaborative learning. As for the SEIA course, the primary goal is to allow students to manage a relatively large number of tools with little prior knowledge and having to work out how to obtain detailed information about given features, when required. In other words, students have to understand the key ideas of web application development in order to be able not only to apply technical knowledge, but also to successfully interact with all the stakeholders involved. In the process, we look for the added value of collaborative teaching, aiming at equipping the participants with both technical and non-technical skills required for their prospective jobs.
An Error Analysis of the Word Class: A Case Study of Chinese College Students
Authors: Lixin Xia
Published: June 2015

The paper reports a study on the errors in word classes made by Chinese college students in their writings. From the CLEC, all the errors tagged as [wd2] were collected, and then a general overview of the errors among 4 groups of college students was given. After that, the first 100 errors with the greatest frequency were sorted out from all the errors. They were further classified into 8 categories according to the wrongly used word classes. Based on the actual errors in the CLEC, possible causes of these errors were identified and analyzed. Finally, potential implications for English teaching and learning were discussed and suggestions were put forward.
E-commerce Curriculum Design Based on Distance Learning System
Authors: Li Congwei
Published: June 2015

Distance learning system, as an important teaching means, demonstrates the gradual maturity and penetration of technology in the teaching practice of disciplines. This paper proposes an application of distance learning for an e-commerce curriculum. First, this paper forwards the implication of distance learning system and its superiority, and further the system based on the SNS social interaction mode to address the limitations of existing distance learning systems by the advantages of the SNS social interaction mode. Second, the distance learning system is applied for an e-commerce curriculum. In accordance with the requirements of an e-commerce curriculum, the distance learning system and user frameworks are designed. The experiment adopts multiple evaluation indexes, and then utilizes the linear regression evaluation methodology for result assessment. Result shows that students in the experimental group under the distance learning system teaching mode are superior to students in the control group in terms of various indexes and comprehensive evaluation.
Regional Economic Imbalances
Authors: Bhandari Jitender , Rahul Manmohan , Tiwari Shalini Rahul
Published: June 2015

The importance of inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in economic development of India is widely known, analyzed and well accepted in the post-liberalization era. But such inflows have created regional disparities within India owing to their concentration in select geographical locations (states) only. This should be brought into socio-economic discourses and policy formulation and as such, this chapter is an attempt to understand the linkage between FDI and regional economic growth of India. The chapter is divided into three parts.Part-1presents phases of evolution of FDI policies that made an impact on the business condition in India post independence,Part-2presents economic condition of various states and also discusses the FDI inflows to these states since 1991.In Part-3, some policy measures has been suggested to remove this anomaly in our development process so as to make economic development with FDI more stable and inclusive.
Role of Dairy Farming in Rural Development
Authors: Raja Siraj , Sehgal Sanya
Published: June 2015

Dairy farming is one of the growing industries. It offers multiple opportunities to people and leave a sustainable impact on society, environment and economy. In this chapter we discuss about its reach and establishment in rural areas and how this industry can play an instrumental role in rural development. The present case captures and reviews the functioning of a dairy farm situated in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, a state in India. The chapter narrates the role of various heads working at this farm and elaborates the steps involved from procuring the dairy products to its treatment and finally to its catering to the consumer, this case is developed through a rigorous literature review. To assess and establish the role of dairy farming in rural development, this chapter discusses the three tier AMUL model of Gujarat, India is also reviewed. This model by now is the most structured one and lays the foundation for dairy farming in the country. It also demonstrates that dairy farming can become instrumental in rural development.
An Empirical Investigation into the Key Characteristics of Socio-Technical Societies
Authors: Agarwal Shailja
Published: June 2015

The Internet has moved human interaction to a virtual dimension where users connect with each other through social networks. A social network comprises users and relations between these users (Wasserman & Faust, 1994), wherein relations connote “the collection of connections between members of a group” (Wasserman & Faust, 1994). This chapter looked to explain the reasons behind using social networking sites. Analysis of the collected data used a factor analysis to study the characteristics of the emerging socio-technical society amongst the students. The chapter identifies social identity, social exchange and social vicinity as the key characteristics of the emerging socio-technical societies. A gradual but paradigm shift from traditional societies to knowledge based societies was observed. While on one hand, a high dependency and usage of social networking websites (SNWs) was observed, on the other hand, the level of trust and dependency between the community members was found to be diminishing. The chapter reveals the emergence of a socio-technical community amongst students which is characterized by the need to create a social identity, a change in the style of social exchange and expansion of social vicinity. The findings suggest directions for future research.
Jugaad Inc
Authors: Nath Neelendra , Chaudhuri Somtirth , Sarkar Parikshit , Saha Sayantan , Singh Bineydeep , Bhardwaj Neha
Published: June 2015

The essence of an entrepreneur's effort lie in finding solutions to challenges. Monetary profit is a byproduct of entrepreneur's success and not the main agenda or measure of it. This bare nature makes entrepreneurship a risky business. In spite of all the rigor and challenges, entrepreneurs never cease to exist; in fact now we are seeing an unprecedented surge in their numbers. This surge has changed the whole dynamics of the entrepreneurial environment. A study of changing norms, style and sentiment of entrepreneurs is in order. In this chapter we study changing times and style of entrepreneurship; the evolution of new age entrepreneurs and their approach. Is this trend lasting or will burst like a bubble? Is it increasing uncertainty at conventional jobs or people have developed a deep lust for entrepreneurship? With so many startups coming up these days, how to evaluate them? These are the few questions which have risen and await adequate response.
Capacity Building through Knowledge Management
Authors: Chakraberty Shampa
Published: June 2015

This chapter talks about the history of Maruti which is marked by exploitation of workers through extraordinary work pressure, harassment by arbitrary issuing of show-cause notices and charge-sheets, transfers, suspensions, criminal intimidation, terminations without inquiry, reducing the labour costs by contractualisation of work-force, devising mechanisms to extract maximum work effort from workers, getting rid of the relatively older workers or those with disabilities or medical condition etc. are methods that act against the interest of workers. In this chapter one of the Vedic philosophy's systems namely Karma- Mimamsa is explained by the author who thinks that karma alone awards fruits to the performer of Vedic ritual and the reward is consistent with the karma of the performer of the ritual. Where there is good karma, there is good fruit and vice versa. Dharma comes from the Lord, karma comes from the Lord, but the fruit comes from karma itself.
Concrete Cracks Monitoring of a Practical Bridge by Using Structural Health Monitoring Technique
Authors: Xu Liang , Qu Zheng Min , Zheng Ji Qing , Liu Yang
Published: June 2015

Concrete cracks monitoring of a practical bridge was discussed in order to investigate the practical application of structural health monitoring (SHM) technique. Some detail information of the SHM system of a practical bridge were introduced and some key issues for building this monitoring system was discussed. Strain of bridge beam generated near the concrete cracks was applied to assess the change of width of cracks, and the monitoring data were analyzed. The condition of this practical was evaluated from the point of view of the change trend of concrete cracks.
Analysis on the Collision Couple between Drift Ice and Long-Span Prestressed Concrete T-Rigid Frame Bridge Pier
Authors: Zhang Jian Min , Yuan Zheng Guo , Wu Ying Ping
Published: June 2015

Long-span bridge across the river in cold areas, is often impacted by the drift ice in spring, thus having some severe effects on the stability and vibration of the bridge structure. With a long-span prestressed concrete T-rigid frame bridge as studied object, based on the display analysis function of the LS-DYNA software, this paper represents the simulating process of the contact and collision between the drift-ice and T-rigid frame bridge pier, and the influence of various factors was analyzed, such as model boundary condition, contact types of river ice and pier, algorithm and element connection transition area. Thus the reasonable calculation model of the collision force caused by drift-ice to pier was determined. The result has important theoretical and practical value to ensure the safety of the bridge in cold area, as well as to reduce the project cost.
Time-Dependent Reliability Prediction Analysis of Bridge Members Considering Dependence of Failure Modes and Proof Modes
Authors: Liu Yue Fei , Lu Da Gang
Published: June 2015

Structural health monitoring systems used in bridges contain sensors providing a large amount of monitored data, such as stress, deflection and et.al. In this paper, firstly, based on monitored everyday extreme stress data, time-variant proof load effects of structural members were defined, and based on the time-dependent proof load effects, the time-dependent performance functions of structural member’s proof modes were built; and then based on the monitored data, the Bayesian dynamic models (BDMs) of extreme stresses were built, and based on the predicted extreme stress with BDMs, the time-variant performance functions of structural member’s failure modes were given; and then based on the time-dependent performance functions of failure modes and proof modes and correlation coefficients between them, with the conditional probability method, the time-dependent reliability indices of structural members were updated and predicted; finally an actual engineering was provided to illustrate the application of the proposed models and methods.
Review of the Rapid Damage Diagnosis of Medium and Short-Span Bridges
Authors: Ma Feng , Shao Xian Zhi , Tan Zhi Cheng
Published: June 2015

Damage accumulation and resistance decrease inevitably happen to bridge structures due to the effects of earthquakes, impact loads, wind load and corrosion during their service time. Once the damages of the key components accumulate to a certain level, they would spread promptly, causing the sudden destruction of the whole structure if not found and dealt with in time. So the structural damages would not only shorten the operation life of structure but also threaten the human lives and financial safety. Therefore, the technology of damage diagnosis of bridge structure holds supreme significance. This paper summarized the current research situation of the existing bridge diagnosis methods and analyzed the characteristics of each method through the reading and studying of the related material both domestically and internationally. Among those methods, only the diagnosis method based on load tests is the most direct and effective one for current bridge diagnosis, the diagnosis results of which shows higher reliability. And the structural dynamic characteristic method based on dynamic load tests could beautifully avoid the disadvantages of the static load tests, becoming the main development direction of rapid diagnosis of bridge. Furthermore, lastly it elaborated the analysis of the key problems of breaking through the development bottleneck of current rapid diagnosis methods of bridge, creating a solid foundation for the future research.
Evaluation and Study on the Bearing Capacity of Deck Type Concrete Arch Bridge
Authors: Sun Hang , Chen Da Peng , Wu Ying Ping
Published: June 2015

As more and more arch bridges built with the construction method of cantilever erection, the strength and entirety of the bridge shall worry the designers. This paper studies an arch bridge with a 65-meter span, gives the static loading test plan and the dynamic test plan, analyzes the testing data of the displacement and strain, explains the methods of static and dynamic load test in detail, and gives a conclusion about the bearing capacity and dynamic properties of bridge. This can be referred by the similar bridge.
Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticles Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4  and Ni0.2Cu0.3Zn0.5Fe2O4  for Biodiesel Obtaining
Authors: Pereira K.R.O. , Dantas Joelda , Silva A.S. , Barbosa D.C. , Meneghetti Simoni Margareti Plentz , Costa A.C.F.M.
Published: June 2015

The magnetic nanoparticles (MNP's) have chemical characteristics of acids or bases of Lewis or Brönsted and they allow their use in various processes, for example, in the biofuels synthesis. Thus, this study aimed to synthesize the MNP's of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4and Ni0.2Cu0.3Zn0.5Fe2O4to be used as catalysts in the transesterification reaction by methyl and ethyl route. In samples preparing we used the combustion reaction method and characterization by XRD, FTIR and BET. The catalytic reaction was conducted in a high pressure reactor on the conditions: 180°C for 1 hour, oil:alcohol molar ratio 1:12 and 2% of catalyst. The results indicate the formation of spinel inverted phase for the studied samples. In catalytic activity we observed an increase of 85% in conversion when we added Cu+2to Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4system with conversion of 13.9% by methyl route and 10.8% by ethyl route.
Synthesis of the Magnetic Nanoferrites of Spinel Type and Use in Esterification Reaction for Biodiesel Obtaining
Authors: Pereira K.R.O. , Dantas Joelda , Dutra R. de C.L. , Diniz M.F. , Silva A.S. , Costa A.C.F. de M.
Published: June 2015

Nanotechnology has been important in improving of the properties of the materials used in the manufacture of magnetic devices, electromagnetic radiation absorbers, cell telephony, pigments and lately in catalysis in transesterification and esterification reactions to biodiesel obtaining. The objective of this work was to synthesize and characterize magnetic materials of spinel type compound of CuFe2O4, CoFe2O4, MnFe2O4, NiFe2O4and FeFe2O4and to check the catalytic effect on the methyl esterification reaction of soybean oil. The samples were obtained by combustion reaction and characterized by XRD, FTIR, BET and SEM. The results analysis revealed for nanoferrites the spinel phase formation and higher specific area to the sample CoFe2O4. Generally the samples presented in irregular agglomerates form. All samples were catalytically active in the esterification reaction, with the highest conversion obtained by the sample MnFe2O4with 57%.
Performance of Precursor Materials and Fired Ceramics for Structural Blocks
Authors: Azeredo Neila Gondim , Barnabé Zanelato Euzébio , Alexandre Jonas , de Azevedo Afonso Rangel Garcez , de Castro Xavier Gustavo , Candido Veronica Scarpini , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: June 2015

The physical, chemical and mineralogical characterization of a precursor clay body before firing is of relevance for understanding the technological performance of the fired clay ceramic. In particular, structural clay ceramic blocks used in building construction need to attend standard properties specified by the norms. In the present work the precursor clay body, typically used to fabricate structural blocks in Campos dos Goytacazes, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was characterized in terms of particle size distribution, X-ray diffraction, chemical composition and Atterberg limits. In addition, the performance of structural ceramic blocks, fabricated from the extruded clay body and fired at 850oC, was evaluated. The results indicated that the ceramic mechanical strength complies with the Brazilian norm but the water absorption is higher than the maximum specified by the norm. The characteristic of the clay body contribute to justify the structural blocks performance.
Sintering of Ca2MgWO6 Ceramic and its Stability Test in Crude Petroleum
Authors: da Silva Oliveira José Carlos , Sanguinetti Ferreira R.A. , Yadava Yogendra Prasad
Published: June 2015

The main objectives of this work were the production of Ca2MgWO6ceramic by sintering and the investigation of its reactivity to crude petroleum. A synthesis was prepared with stoichiometric amounts of CaO, MgO and WO3. The reagents were characterized according to chemical composition. The synthesis was characterized by size distribution and thermal analysis. A green compact of the synthesis was calcined at 1200 °C and analyzed by XRD. The result showed that the calcined material consists predominantly of a complex perovskite-type Ca2MgWO6ceramic. The calcined material was fragmented in a ball mill and used to prepare three green compacted to be sintered at temperatures of 1250, 1300 and 1350 °C. The sintered material was evaluated by linear shrinkage, microhardness, SEM, microanalysis by dispersive energy and stability tests in crude petroleum. The results showed that it is possible to produce a material with 74.5 % of Ca2MgWO6and that is inert to crude petroleum.
New Route of Utilization of Pegmatites Tailings to Application as a Ceramics Raw Materials
Authors: Silva A.L. , Sousa E.W.V.
Published: June 2015

The proposal to obtain a new route for exploitation of tailings from pegmatite emerged from the need of many companies that showed to reuse of these tailings as raw materials ceramics. The pegmatites represent a large part of available industrial minerals. These can be classified into: kaolin, feldspar, mica, quartz and metallic minerals such as tantalite / columbite and others. The consumer markets for these minerals are glassmaking, ceramic industries, paper, pulp, metallurgy, etc. Order for the product is fit for sale ceramics and metals companies must be of high purity of this raw material. Therefore, the process of separation of these minerals must be carried out as effectively as possible. In this study, surveys have been made to the development of a new process route which facilitates, an optimized manner, separation from pegmatite, concentrated in the waste process of extracting companies, so that a better product shall be passed through the ceramic industry.
Influence on Doping of 0.4 mol of Co in ZnO Aiming their Application in DMS
Authors: Machado Lucius Vinicius Rocha , Mouzinho L.F. , Silva M.R. , Pallone E.M.J.A. , Costa A.C.F.M.
Published: June 2015

This paper proposes evaluate the effect on doping of 0.4mol of Co in ZnO, Aiming to use in diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMSs), so for this purpose, an evaluation of the characteristics: structural, morphological and magnetic was investigated. The samples were synthesized by combustion reaction using urea as fuel and an electric heater as source of heating. During the synthesis was performed measurements of temperature and time of combustion flame. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (DRX), adsorption of nitrogen (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size distribution and magnetic measurement. The maximum temperature, and reaction time were, 520 oC and 240 s. The data of the XRD showed how phase majority the ZnO, with crystallite size of 27 nm and trace of second phase CoCo2O4. Presented superficial area of 33.5 m2/g, with morphology consisting of agglomerates in the form of balls smaller than 5 μm. The sample presented behavior ferrimagnetic with saturation magnetization of 0.32 emu/g, type of a magnetic semiconductor.
Dielectric Characterization at High Temperature of Iron Doped Potassium Strontium Niobate Ceramic by Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: de Lima Caio Vinicius , Lima Nobre Marcos Augusto , Lanfredi Silvania
Published: June 2015

Tetragonal Tungsten Bronze structure TTB-type structure has attracted interest by the high anisotropy of the crystal structure. The dielectric characterization of iron-doped niobate of TTB-type structure, with stoichiometry KSr2(Fe0.25Nb4.75)O15-δ, prepared by Modified Polyol Method was investigated. Nanocrystalline single phase powders were obtained after calcination of the precursor powder at 1150 °C for 10 hours in an oxygen atmosphere. The dielectric characterization was performed by impedance spectroscopy, from room temperature to 600 °C, in the frequency range of 5 Hz to 13 MHz. The permittivity values obtained for KSr2(Fe0.25Nb4.75)O15-δshowed superior to the permittivity values of the KSr2Nb5O15host structure in all temperature range investigated. At room temperature, the permittivity values (2100) of KSr2(Fe0.25Nb4.75)O15-δis two times the permittivity values of KSr2Nb5O15. The substitution of niobium cation by iron cation in the KSr2Nb5O15host structure showed a suppression of the ferroelectric (P4bm)→paraelectric (P4/mbm) phase transition.
ZnO-Nb2O5-TiO2 Dielectric Resonators and Porosity Influence on Dielectric Constant Values
Authors: Nono M.C.A. , Castro Pedro José , Rangel E.G.L. , Mineiro S.L.
Published: June 2015

The dielectric resonator (DR) is a ceramic component used in electronic circuits that can operate in microwave frequency range, where it plays the role of resonant element and enables the construction of high selective filters and oscillators. The dielectric properties of a ceramic resonator are influenced by their microstructure characteristics as pores amount. This work shows a study of the influence of pores amount (porosity) on the dielectric constant values of ceramics from ZnO-Nb2O5-TiO2 system. Mixtures of Nb2O5, ZnO, and TiO2 powders were compacted by uniaxial (100 MPa) and isostatic (300 MPa) pressing and sintered at 1100, 1200, and 1250°C. The experimental dielectric constant values of the sintered ceramics were corrected to eliminate the porosity influence. The results showed that the porosity, the type and quantities of crystalline chemical compounds in the ceramics influence the dielectric constant values.
Hybrid Films Photoluminescence of Chitosan/ZnAl2O4
Authors: Araújo Pascally M.A.G. , Santos Polyana T.A. , Santos Patrícia T.A. , Costa Ana Cristina Figueiredo de Melo
Published: June 2015

This work reports the photoluminescence chitosan/ZnAl2O4films in mass ratios 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5, respectively. The films were presented flexible, opaque, with a thickness of 0.04 mm and were characterized by XRD, FTIR, emission and excitation. The results show the presence of characteristic peaks of chitosan and ZnAl2O4, and bands related to the presence of chitosan, silanol and siloxane groups and silane agent used in surface modification ZnAl2O4, which acts as a binding agent with the chitosan all movie reviews. The excitation and emission spectra showed the presence of broadband processes associated with charge transfer from Al+3the O-2in all the films, and that the highest photoluminescence intensities were observed for the films 1:1 and 1:2, which showed higher concentrations than the concentrations Qs 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5. Thus, Qs acted as a binder, transferring energy to Al+3the O- 2.
Mechanical and Microestructural Characterization of AL2O3 - ZrO2 Ceramic Composite Reinforced with Rare Earth Oxides (Y2O3) for Inert Coating of Storage and Transport Systems of Crude Petroleum
Authors: Silva J.C , Sanguinetti Ferreira R.A. , Yadava Y.P.
Published: June 2015

The advancement of the oil sector has generated the need for the use of materials resistant to aggressive environments to oil. Although ceramics have high melting point and high hardness is, on the other hand, more fragile and less tough, which can cause damage to the metal structure. The Al2O3 based ceramics reinforced with rare earth oxide can improve tenaciousness and makes the ceramic material more resistent. This article aims to present the production of composite Al2O3 - Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 by uniaxial pressing, following sintering (1200-1350 °C). Structural and microstructural characterizations as XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and mechanical tests as Vickers hardness, % absorption and % linear shrinkage were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using the composite and ceramic coating for storage and transportation of oil tanks. The results indicate that the proportions of 5%, 10% and 30% ZrO2 make it suitable as a good composite suitable coating.
Mechanical Properties Evaluation of Al2O3-YAG Ceramic Composites
Authors: de Sousa Lima Eduardo , Itaboray L.M. , Santos A.P.O. , Santos C. , Cabral R.F.
Published: June 2015

Y3Al5O12 (YAG - Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) ceramic oxides has been widely used as a reinforcing phase to Al2O3 in order to achieve a composite with good mechanical properties. These factors are possible because the Al2O3 and YAG oxides possess thermal compatibility and high resistance to oxidation and corrosion, which makes your job quite attractive relative to other ceramics. This research was performed in two compositions, one in the eutectic composition with 63.65% Al2O3 and Y2O3 36.35wt.% and one with 80.00% of Al2O3 and 20.00wt.% of Y2O3. After milling for 2h, the powder mixtures were dried for 48h at 120°C. Mixtures were then comminuted by mortar and pestle and sieved using a 100 mesh sieve. The compositions were compacted uniaxially at 70MPa for 30s. The two mixtures were sintered at 1500°C or 1600°C for 3h. The samples were evaluated for hardness by Vickers indentation, fracture toughness by the indentation method (KIC) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It was verified that the eutectic composition sintered at 1600°C-3h showed the highest hardness among the others, 10GPa, and a fracture toughness of 3.8MPa.m1/2, both consistent with the literature results. The SEM images showed a reduction in porosity with increasing of sintering temperature.
Thermocraking of Sunflower Oil over Acid Vermiculite
Authors: Scheibler Janaína Rafaella , Silva Fabiana Medeiros , Morais Ferreira Kaline Rosário , Freire Meiry Glaúcia , Duarte Ediano Lima , Azevedo Ramires Ian Humberto , da Silva Maristela Alves
Published: June 2015

The catalytic cracking of sunflower oil over vermiculite clay was studied in a thermal analysis system, the process being accompanied by thermogravimetry. The vermiculite was chemically modified by acid leaching and characterized by techniques of XRD, FTIR, SEM and TG. The catalytic test was performed in a thermal analysis system with heating up to 900 °C, with proportion oil/clay = 100. The results of thermogravimetry showed that in the presence of the catalyst, the thermograms present a single mass loss. The test was also performed with the molecular sieve Al-MCM-41 with proportion Si/Al = 25 and 75, with similar results to those presented by vermiculite.
Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of NiFe2O4/SiO2 Hybrid Nanoparticles Aiming its Application as Drug Carriers
Authors: Leal Elvia , Dantas Joelda , de Araújo Santos Patrícia Tatiana , de Castro Máximo Bicalho Sheyla Maria , Brandão Dámiana Máximo , Costa A.C.F. de M.
Published: June 2015

Magnetic nanoparticles have potential application in biomedicine since their features allow a wide variety of applications, such as drug carriers, destruction of tumor cells and magnetic separation of cells and proteins. Overlooking that, the proposal is to obtain the hybrid NiFe2O4/SiO2 from the surface modifying with the 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and evaluate the structure, morphology and cytotoxicity, to obtain a biocompatible hybrid for biological applications, such as, e.g., drug carrier. The samples were analyzed by XRD, FTIR, SEM, magnetic measurements and cytotoxicity. The results showed the formation of single phase of the NiFe2O4 spinel with crystallite size of 35 and 32 nm referring to the samples before and after the surface modification, and presence of characteristic absorption bands of the spinel and of the silanol group from the silane agent, confirming the hybrid formation. The presence of the silane agent kept the ferrimagnetic characteristic and increased the cell viability, making it a non-cytotoxic material.
Production of Hydroxyapatite/Polyhydroxibutirate Based Composites for Biomaterials Applications
Authors: Santos Geciane A. , Dantas Alan Christie Silva , Oliveira Leticia M. , Ferraz Andrea V. , Acchar Wilson , Olivier Nelson C.
Published: June 2015

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a ceramic material broadly studied due to its great similarity with the human bone. However, this material presents high stiffness and young modulus in comparison with the bone tissue. The polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a themoplatic and biodegradable polymer that presents bone like young modulus and gradative degradation that results in a permanence of the mechanical properties after implantation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the infiltration of melted PHB on the mechanical properties of porose HA bodies. The composite samples were characterized by SEM, EDS and compressive strength. The samples produced with 10% paraffin and sintered at 1200 °C showed the best mechanical properties and reached an increase of the compressive strength from 29,00 ± 4,70 MPa before infiltration to 83,00 MPa ± 4,41 after infiltration with PHB for a final porosity of 5%.