Análise da estabilidade genética de células-tronco mesenquimais humanas

Human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), also known as mesenchymal stem cells, have become an important and attractive therapeutic tool since they are easily isolated and cultured, have in vitro expansion potential, substantial plasticity and secrete bioactive molecules that exert trophic effects. The human umbilical cord as a cell source for cell therapy will help to avoid several ethical, political, religious and technical issues. One of the main issues with SC lines from different sources, mainly those of embryonic origin, is the possibility of chromosomal alterations and genomic instability during in vitro expansion. Cells isolated from one umbilical cord exhibited a rare balanced paracentric inversion, likely a cytogenetic constitutional alteration, karyotype: 46,XY,inv(3)(p13p25~26). Important genes related to cancer predisposition and others involved in DNA repair are located in 3p25~26. Titanium is an excellent biomaterial for bone-implant integration; however, the use can result in the generation of particulate debris that can accumulate in the tissues adjacent to the prosthesis, in the local bone marrow, in the lymph nodes, liver and spleen. Subsequently may elicit important biological responses that aren´t well studied. In this work, we have studied the genetic stability of MSC isolated from the umbilical cord vein during in vitro expansion, after the cryopreservation, and under different concentrations and time of exposition to titanium microparticles. Cells were isolated, in vitro expanded, demonstrated capacity for osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation and were evaluated using flow cytometry, so they met the minimum requirements for characterization as MSCs. The cells were expanded under different concentrations and time of exposition to titanium microparticles. The genetic stability of MSCs was assessed by cytogenetic analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and analysis of micronucleus and other nuclear alterations (CBMN). The cells were able to internalize the titanium microparticles, but MSCs preserve their morphology, differentiation capacity and surface marker expression profiles. Furthermore, there was an increase in the genomic instability after long time of in vitro expansion, and this instability was greater when cells were exposed to high doses of titanium microparticles that induced oxidative stress. It is necessary always assess the risks/ benefits of using titanium in tissue therapy involving MSCs, considering the biosafety of the use of bone regeneration using titanium and MSCs. Even without using titanium, it is important that the therapeutic use of such cells is based on analyzes that ensure quality, security and cellular stability, with the standardization of quality control programs appropriate. In conclusion, it is suggested that cytogenetic analysis, FISH analysis and the micronucleus and other nuclear alterations are carried out in CTMH before implanting in a patient

Desenvolvimento de cerâmica vermelha utilizando rejeitos da construção civil

The Industry of the Civil Construction has been one of the sectors that most contribute to the pollution of the environment, due to the great amount of residues generated by the construction, demolition and the extraction of raw material. As a way of minimizing the environmental impacts generated by this industry, some governmental organizations have elaborated laws and measures about the disposal of residues from the building construction (CONAMA - resolution 307). This work has as objective the reutilization of residues compound of sand, concrete, cement, red bricks and blocks of cement and mortar for the production of red ceramic, with the objective of minimizing costs and environmental impacts. The investigated samples contained 0% to 50% of residues in weight, and they were sintered at temperatures of 950°C, 1000°C, 1050°C, 1100°C and 1150°C. After the sinterization, the samples were submitted to tests of absorption of water, linear retraction, resistance to bending, apparent porosity, specific density, XRD and SEM. Satisfactory results were obtained in all studied compositions, with the possible incorporation of up to 50% of residues in ceramic mass without great losses in the mechanical strength, giving better results to the incorporation of 30% of residues in the fabrication of ceramic parts, such as roofing tiles, bricks masonry and pierced bricks

Estudo da moagem de alta energia e sinterização de pós compósitos W-Cu

The Tungsten/copper composites are commonly used for electrical and thermal objectives like heat sinks and lectrical conductors, propitiating an excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. These properties are dependents of the composition, crystallite size and production process. The high energy milling of the powder of W-Cu produces an dispersion high and homogenization levels with crystallite size of W very small in the ductile Cu phase. This work discusses the effect of the HEM in preparation of the W-25Cu composite powders. Three techniques of powder preparation were utilized: milling the dry with powder of thick Cu, milling the dry with powder of fine Cu and milling the wet with powder of thick Cu. The form, size and composition of the particles of the powders milled were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to analyse the phases, lattice parameters, size and microstrain of the crystallite. The analyse of the crystalline structure of the W-25Cu powders milled made by Rietveld Method suggests the partial solid solubility of the constituent elements of the Cu in lattice of the W. This analyse shows too that the HEM produces the reduction high on the crystallite size and the increase in the lattice strain of both phases, this is more intense in the phase W

Análise de propriedades térmicas e mecânicas de compósitos de argamassa e resíduo de borracha

Although already to exist alternative technique and economically viable for destination of used tires, quantitative data on properties of constructive elements that use the rubber waste as aggregate still are restricted. In the present work, the waste proceeding from industry of retreading as material for manufacture of composite destined to the production of constructive elements was considered. Mechanical and thermal properties of mortar had been analyzed Portland cement with addition of waste without treatment, in the ratios of 10%, 20% and 30% in mass in relation to the mass of the cement, substituting the aggregate in the trace in mortar 1:5 mass cement and sand. The size of the used residue varied between 0,30mm and 4,8mm (passing in the bolter 4,8mm and being restrained in the one of 0,30mm), being it in the formats fibers and granular. The influences of the size and the percentage of residue added to the mortar (in substitution to the aggregate) in the thermal and mechanical properties had been considered. Assays of body-of-test in thestates had been become fullfilled cool (consistency index) and hardened (absorption of water for capillarity, strength the compression, traction and strength flexural). The work is centralized in the problem of the relation thermal performance /strength mechanics of used constructive systems in regions of low latitudes (Been of the Piauí), characterized for raised indices of solar radiation.

Estudo do comportamento plástico, mecânico, microestrutural e térmico do concreto produzido com resíduo de porcelanato

Population growth experienced in major cities, allied to society s need of infra-structure, especially ones related to habitational demands, increases the consumption of construction materials. As a consequence, consumption of natural resources itself. Thus, due to this process, concrete is one of the most produced materials in civil construction. This is also due to the great diversity of its application, easiness in its execution and adequate mechanical performance, as well as low production costs. Following the same tendencies in construction development, the ceramic industry has intensified the production of porcelain ceramic tiles and floors. These are achieved by a fine finishing and receive polishing at the end of the fabrication process. This work researched the use of porcelain residues in polishing for the production of concrete. All of which; due to economical and environmental issues. This process aims to prove adequate destiny for this type of residue, due to environmental issues, incorporating it to the concrete itself; all of which provides economy in consumption of the materials that constitute concrete. Thus, the main characteristics of concrete were investigated through the inclusion of different concentration of the porcelain residue as additional trait element. The residue rates incorporated to the trait varied from 10% to 50% in relation to the cement mass, in the traits with plastic additives and without plastic additives. It is observed that the inclusion of porcelain residue produced a meaningful alteration in the consistency of fresh concrete. This residue has a fine granulometry and it considerably absorbed the water used in the concrete spreading, influencing the way this material is dealt with. Thus, the value of cement striking decreases with the increase of residues present in trait. The maximal incorporation of the residue was of 50%, massively, for the same factor water/initial cement. The use of residues in concrete results in an 40% increase in the compression resistance. It is also proportional to residue concentration of porcelain in the trait. The microstructure was also favored once porosity and concrete absorption decreases with the use of this residue. The parameters demonstrate the quality and durability of the concrete produced with this residue. The use of porcelain residue in concrete composition has not produced meaningful thermal behavior changes. Thermal conductivity, heat capacity and thermal diffusivity have been maintained basically constant

Adição de cascalho de perfuração da bacia potiguar em argilas para uso em materiais cerâmicos: influência da concentração e temperatura de queima.

One of waste produced on large scale during the well drilling is the gravel drilling. There are techniques for the treatment of the same, but there isn t consensus on what are the best in terms of economic and environmental. One alternative for disposal of this waste and objective of this paper is the incorporation and immobilization of gravel clay matrix to assess their technological properties. The Raw Materials used were characterized by the following techniques: Chemical Analysis by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), mineralogical analysis by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Grain Size Analysis (FA) and Thermal Analysis by Thermogravimetry (TG) and thermodiferential (DTA). After characterizing, samples were formulated in the following percentages: 0, 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 75, 100% (weight) of gravel drilling, then the pieces were pressed, dried (110 ° C) and sintered at temperatures of 850, 950 and 1050 ° C. After sintering, samples were tested for water absorption, linear shrinkage, flexural strength, porosity, density, XRD and test color. The results concluded that the incorporation of gravel drilling is a viable possibility for solid masonry bricks and ceramic blocks manufacture at concentrations and firing temperature described here. Residue incorporation reduces an environmental problem, the cost of raw materials for manufacture of ceramic products

Desenvolvimento de tubulação em compósito polimérico revestida externamente com poliuretano de alta densidade

Pipelines for the transport of crude oil from the production wells to the collecting stations are named production lines . These pipes are subjected to chemical and electrochemical corrosion according to the environment and the type of petroleum transported. Some of these lines, depending upon the composition of the fluid produced, may leak within less than one year of operation due to internal corrosion. This work aims at the development of composite pipes with an external protecting layer of high density polyurethane for use in production lines of onshore oil wells, meeting operational requirements. The pipes were manufactured using glass fibers, epoxy resin, polyester resin, quartz sand and high density polyurethane. The pipes were produced by filament winding with the deposition of high density polyurethane on the external surface and threaded ends (API 15 HR/PM-VII). Three types of pipes were manufactured: glass/epoxy, glass/epoxy with an external polyurethane layer and glass/epoxy with an intermediate layer of glass fiber, polyester, sand and with an external polyurethane layer. The three samples were characterized by Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) and for the determination of constituent content. In addition, the following tests were conducted: hydrostatic test, instant rupture, shorttime failure pressure, Gardner impact, transverse stiffness and axial tension. Field tests were conducted in Mossoró RN (BRAZIL), where 1,677 meters of piping were used. The tests results of the three types of pipes were compared in two events: after two months from manufacturing of the samples and after nine months of field application. The results indicate that the glass/epoxy pipes with an intermediate layer of fiber glass composite, polyester e sand and with an external layer of high density polyurethane showed superior properties as compared to the other two and met the requirements of pressure class, axial tensile strength, transverse stiffness, impact and environmental conditions, for onshore applications as production lines

Utilização de resíduo lignocelulósico na obtenção de chapa de madeira aglomerada homogênea e compósito reforçado com fibra de vidro-E

This research is about the use of the coconut´s endocarp (nucifera linn) and the waste of derivatives of wood and furniture as raw material to technological use. In that sense, the lignocellulosic waste is used for manufacture of homogeneous wood sheet agglomerate (LHWS) and lignocellulosic load which take part of a polymeric composite with fiber glass E (GFRP-WC). In the manufacturing of the homogeneous wood sheet agglomerate (LHWS), it was used mamona´s resin as waste s agglutinating element. The plates were taken up in a hydraulic press engine, heated, with temperature control, where they were manufactured for different percentage of waste wood and coconuts nucífera linn. Physical tests were conducted to determine the absorption of water, density, damp grade (in two hours and twenty-four hours), swelling thickness (in two hours and twenty-four hours), and mechanical tests to evaluate the parallel tensile strength (internal stick) and bending and the static (steady) flexural. The physical test´s results indicate that the LHWS can be classified as bonded wood plate of high-density and with highly water resistant. In the mechanical tests it was possible to establish that LHWS presents different characteristics when submitted to uniaxial tensile and to the static (steady) flexural, since brittle and elasticity module had a variation according to the amount of dry endocarp used to manufacture each trace of LHWS. The GFRP-WC was industrially manufactured by a hand-lay-up process where the fiber glass E was used as reinforcement the lignocellulósic´s waste as load. The matrix was made with ortofitalic unsaturated polyester resin. Physical and mechanical tests were performed in presence of saturated humidity and dry. The results indicated good performance of the GFRP-WC, as traction as in flexion in three points. The presence of water influenced the modules obtained in the flexural and tensile but there were no significant alteration in the properties analyzed. As for the fracture, the analysis showed that the effects are more harmful in the presence of damp, under the action of loading tested, but despite this, the fracture was well defined starting in the external parts and spreading to the internal regions when one when it reaches the hybrid load

Adição de nanopartículas de Ti em matriz de Fe através da deposição por magnetron sputtering

Microalloyed steels constitute a specific class of steel with low amount of carbon and microalloying elements such as Vanadium (V), Niobium (Nb) and Titanium (Ti). The development and application of microalloyed steels and steels in general are limited to the handling of powders with particles of submicron or nanometer dimensions. Therefore, this work presents an alternative in order to construction of microalloyed steels utilizing the deposition by magnetron sputtering technique as a microalloying element addiction in which Ti nanoparticles are dispersed in an iron matrix. The advantage of that technique in relation to the conventional metallurgical processes is the possibility of uniformly disperse the microalloying elements in the iron matrix. It was carried out deposition of Ti onto Fe powder in high CH4, H2, Ar plasma atmosphere, with two deposition times. After the deposition, the iron powder with nanoparticles of Ti dispersed distributed, were compacted and sintered at 1120 ° C in resistive furnace. Characterization techniques utilized in the samples of powder before and after deposition of Ti were Granulometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (DRX). In the case of sintered samples, it was carried out characterization by SEM and Vickers Microhardness assays. The results show which the deposition technique by magnetron sputtering is practicable in the dispersion of particles in iron matrix. The EDX microanalysis detected higher percentages of Ti when the deposition were carried out with the inert gas and when the deposition process was carried out with reactive gas. The presence of titanium in iron matrix was also evidenced by the results of X-ray diffraction peaks that showed shifts in the network matrix. Given these results it can be said that the technique of magnetron sputtering deposition is feasible in the dispersion of nanoparticles of iron matrix in Ti.

Análise mecânica e microestrutural das ligas de cobalto-cromo de uso odontológico após sucessivas refundições

The cobalt-chromium alloy is extensively used in the Odontology for the confection of metallic scaffolding in partial removable denture. During the last few years, it has been reported an increasing number of premature imperfections, with a few months of prosthesis use. The manufacture of these components is made in prosthetic laboratories and normally involves recasting, using parts of casting alloy and parts of virgin alloy. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to analyze the mechanical properties of a commercial cobalt-chromium alloy of odontological use after successive recasting, searching information to guide the dental prosthesis laboratories in the correct manipulation of the cobalt-chromium alloy in the process of casting and the possible limits of recasting in the mechanical properties of this material. Seven sample groups were confectioned, each one containing five test bodies, divided in the following way: G1: casting only with virgin alloy; G2: casting with 50% of the alloy of the G1 + 50% of virgin alloy; G3: casting with 50% of the alloy of the G2 + 50% of virgin alloy; G4: casting with 50% of the alloy of the G3 + 50% of virgin alloy; G5: 50% of alloy of the G4 + 50% of virgin alloy; G6: 50% of alloy of the G5 + 50% of virgin alloy and finally the G7, only with recasting alloy. The modifications in the mechanical behavior of the alloy were evaluated. Moreover, it was carried the micro structural characterization of the material by optic and electronic scanning microscopy, and X ray diffraction.and fluorescence looking into the correlatation of the mechanical alterations with structural modifications of the material caused by successive recasting process. Generally the results showed alterations in the fracture energy of the alloy after successive recasting, resulting mainly of the increasing presence of pores and large voids, characteristic of the casting material. Thus, the interpretation of the results showed that the material did not reveal significant differences with respect to the tensile strength or elastic limit, as a function of successive recasting. The elastic modulus increased from the third recasting cycle on, indicating that the material can be recast only twice. The fracture energy of the material decreased, as the number of recasting cycles increased. With respect to the microhardness, the statistical analyses showedno significant differences. Electronic scanning microscopy revealed the presence of imperfections and defects, resulting of the recasting process. X ray diffraction and fluorescence did not show alterations in the composition of the alloy or the formation of crystalline phases between the analyzed groups. The optical micrographs showed an increasing number of voids and porosity as the material was recast. Therefore, the general conclusion of this study is that the successive recasting of of Co-Cr alloys affects the mechanical properties of the material, consequently leading to the failure of the prosthetic work. Based on the results, the best recommendadition is that the use of the material should be limited to two recasting cycles

Estudo da sinterização de cavacos de aço ferritico

This research studies the sintering of ferritic steel chips from the machining process. Were sintered metal powder obtained from machining process chips for face milling of a ferritic steel. The chip was produced by machining and characterized by SEM and EDS, and underwent a process of high energy mill powder characterized also by SEM and EDS. Were constructed three types of matrixes for uniaxial compression (relation l / d greater than 2.5). The differences in the design of the matrixes were essentially in the direction of load application, which for cylindrical case axial direction, while for the rectangular arrays, the longer side. Two samples were compressed with different geometries, a cylindrical and rectangular with the same compaction pressure of 700 MPa. The samples were sintered in a vacuum resistive furnace, heating rate 20 °C / min., isotherm 1300 °C for 60 minutes, and cooling rate of 25 °C / min to room temperature. The starting material of the rectangular sample was further annealed up to temperature of 800 ° C for 30 min. Sintered samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and EDS. The sample compressed in the cylindrical matrix did not show a regular density reflecting in the sintered microstructure revealed by the irregular geometry of the pores, characterizing that the sintering was not complete, reaching only the second phase. As for the specimen compacted in the rectangular array, the analysis performed by scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and EDS indicate a good densification, and homogeneous microstructure in their full extent. Additionally, the EDS analyzes indicate no significant changes in chemical composition in the process steps. Therefore, it is concluded that recycling of chips, from the processed ferritic steel is feasible by the powder metallurgy. It makes possible rationalize raw material and energy by manufacture of known properties components from chips generated by the machining process, being benefits to the environment

Uso de resíduo e de minerais de pegmatito da região do seridó RN e de argilas portuguesas em formulações de grês porcelanato

In the State Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, the most significant deposits of minerals in the production of granite and pegmatite are Seridó region. Municipalities of Parelhas and Equador are the main responsible for the production of feldspar, quartz, kaolin and granite. The ceramic industries are always in search of competitiveness by investing in new products or improving existing techniques. The stoneware is a type of pottery that stands in the market because it presents technical and aesthetic characteristics superior to other existing products. Characteristics of the raw materials initially obtained with chemical analysis and mineralogical analysis are crucial in getting a product that satisfies the conditions in a manufacturing process and is, in principle, directly related to the firing cycle. This research aimed at developing new formulations for the mass production of ceramic stoneware. The raw materials initially characterized were feldspar, quartz, kaolin and granite. As part of the research was developed at the University of Aveiro, in Portugal, we used two clays used in the production of Portuguese ceramics. The raw material Brazilian and Portuguese and the final product, both in Portugal and Brazil, were analyzed for X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, granulometric analysis, dilatometric analysis, thermal analysis and analysis of scanning electron microscopy (MEV). The specimens prepared at the University of Aveiro (DECV) were sintered at 10000C and 12000C and the specimens prepared in UFRN were sintered at 10000C, 10500C, 11000C, 11500C, 12000C, 12500C and 13000C, but the best results and demonstrating the presence of the mineral mullite were at temperatures of 12000C, 12500C and 13000C. The results showed that the granite waste used may be considered raw material of excellent quality for use in the ceramic industry and coating floors and more accurately by the industry of stoneware. Physical and mechanical tests conducted on samples of the formulations F01 and F02 developed in UFRN showed a water absorption and mechanical strength suitable for the stoneware

Desenvolvimento e caracterização de compósitos poli(tereftalato de etileno) reciclado (PET reciclado) com flocos de vidro.

The growing concern with the solid residues management, observed in the last decade, due to its huge amount and impact, has motivated the search for recycling processes, where these residues can be reprocessed to generate new products, enlarging the cycle of materials and energy which are present. Among the polymeric residues, there is poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET). PET is used in food packaging, preferably in the bottling of carbonated beverages. The reintegration of post-consumer PET in half can be considered a productive action mitigation of environmental impacts caused by these wastes and it is done through the preparation of several different products at the origin, i.e. food packaging, with recycling rates increasing to each year. This work focused on the development and characterization mechanical, thermal, thermo-mechanical, dynamic mechanical thermal and morphology of the pure recycled PET and recycled PET composites with glass flakes in the weight fraction of 5%, 10% and 20% processed in a single screw extruder, using the following analytical techniques: thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile, Izod impact, Rockwell hardness, Vicat softening temperature, melt flow rate, burn rate, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of thermal analysis and mechanical properties leading to a positive evaluation, because in the thermograms the addition of glass flakes showed increasing behavior in the initial temperatures of thermal decomposition and melting crystalline, Furthermore was observed growing behavior in the mechanical performance of polymer composites, whose morphological structure was observed by SEM, verifying a good distribution of glass flakes, showing difference orientation in the center and in the surface layer of test body of composites with 10 and 20% of glass flakes. The results of DMTA Tg values of the composites obtained from the peak of tan ä showed little reductions due to poor interfacial adhesion between PET and recycled glass flakes.

Tratamento térmico do titânio e suas consequências sobre as propriedades físico-químicas e de biocompatibilidade

The titanium and titanium alloys are widely used as biomaterial in biomedical device and so research have been developed aiming to improve and/or better to understand interaction biomaterial/biological environment. The process for manufacturing of this titanium implants usually involves a series of thermal and mechanical processes which have consequence on the final product. The heat treatments are usually used to obtain different properties for each application. In order to understand the influence of these treatments on the biological response of the surface, it was done, in this work, different heat treatments in titanium and analyzed their influence on the morphology, adhesion and proliferation of the pre-osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1). For such heat-treated titanium disks were characterized by optical microscopy, contact angle, surface energy, roughness, microhardness, X-ray diffraction and scanning through the techniques (BSE, EDS and EBSD). For the analysis of biological response were tested by MTT proliferation, adhesion by crystal violet and β1 integrin expression by flow cytometry. It was found that the presence of a microstructure very orderly, defined by a chemical attack, cells tend to stretch in the same direction of orientation of the material microstructure. When this order does not happen, the most important factor influencing cell proliferation is the residual stress, indicated by the hardness of the material. This way the disks with the highest level state of residual stress also showed increased cell proliferation

Adição de subprodutos da cinza da casca de café (coffea canephora) em massa cerâmica para porcelanato

To produce porcelain tiles fluxing agents are used in order to obtain a liquid phase during firing. This liquid phase fills the pores decreasing porosity, water absorption and contributes to material densification. In the porcelain tiles industry, feldspar is the main flux material used, with quantities ranging between 35 and 50%. Studies focus on the discovery of materials with flux characteristics that can reduce the consumption of feldspar by porcelain tiles industry. In this context, the coffee husk ashes, a residue obtained when coffee husks are burned to produce heat for the dryers during the processing of the green fruit, have as main chemical constituents potassium, calcium and magnesium, giving them characteristics of fluxing material. Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world and is responsible for over 30% of the world s production. In this work a physical treatment of coffee husk ash was carried out in order to eliminate the organic matter and, after this, two by-products were obtained: residual wastes R1 and R2. Both residues were added separately as single fluxes and also in association with feldspar in mixtures with raw materials collected in a porcelain industry located in Dias d Ávila-Ba. The addition of these residues aimed to contribute to the reduction of the consumption of feldspar in the production of porcelain tiles. Specimens were produced with dimensions of 60 mm x 20 mm x 6 mm in an uniaxial die with compacting pressure of 45 MPa. The samples were heated to a temperature of 1200 °C, for 8 minutes. Tests were performed to characterize the raw materials by XRF, XRD, particle size analysis, DTA and TGA and, additionally, the results of the physical properties of water absorption, apparent porosity, linear shrinkage, density, dilatometry, flexural strength and SEM of sintered body were analyzed. Additions of less than 8% of the residue R1 contributed to the decrease of porosity, but the mechanical strength of the samples was not satisfactory. Additions of 5% the R2 residue contributed significantly to decrease the water absorption and apparent porosity, and also to increase the mechanical strength. Samples with addition of feldspar associated with the R2 residue, in proportions of 6.7% of R2 and 6.7% of feldspar, led to results of water absorption of 0.12% and mechanical strength of 46 MPa, having parameters normalized to the manufacture of porcelain stoneware tiles