A Non-Destructive Testing Based on Electromagnetic Measurements and Neural Networks for the Inspection of Concrete Structures

This paper presents a new non-destructive testing (NDT) for reinforced concrete structures, in order to identify the components of their reinforcement. A time varying electromagnetic field is generated close to the structure by electromagnetic devices specially designed for this purpose. The presence of ferromagnetic materials (the steel bars of the reinforcement) immersed in the concrete disturbs the magnetic field at the surface of the structure. These field alterations are detected by sensors coils placed on the concrete surface. Variations in position and cross section (the size) of steel bars immersed in concrete originate slightly different values for the induced voltages at the coils.. The values for the induced voltages were obtained in laboratory tests, and multi-layer perceptron artificial neural networks with Levemberg-Marquardt training algorithm were used to identify the location and size of the bar. Preliminary results can be considered very good.

Structural behaviour of three-pile caps subjected to axial compressive loading

This work presents a comparative analysis about the behaviour of pile caps supported by 3 piles subjected to axial loading. Piles with 20 cm and 30 cm diameters were analysed. The main reinforcement was maintained in all the specimens, however, the arrangement of the secondary reinforcement varied. The main reinforcement consisted of steel bars connecting the piles. The secondary reinforcement was made up of: (a) bars going through the piles and through the projection of the column, (b) bars forming a network, and (c) vertical and horizontal stirrups. The main objective was the observation of the pile cap behaviour regarding the cracks and the modes of rupture. The real scale specimens were subjected to experimental tests until failure by rupture. Instruments were placed with the aim to obtain the displacement of the bases, the strains in the main and secondary reinforcement bars, in the compression struts, in the lower and upper nodal zones and in the sides of the caps. None of the caps reached failure by rupture with a load less than 1.12 times the theoretical load. The specimens ruptured due to the cracking of the compression strut and/or the yielding of the reinforcement bars in one direction.

A NEW SPECIES of THE BOKERMANNOHYLA MARTINSI GROUP FROM CENTRAL BAHIA, BRAZIL WITH COMMENTS on BOKERMANNOHYLA (ANURA: HYLIDAE)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Aspectos morfologicos da Planicie Amazonica na Ilha de Tupinambarana (Amazonia-Brasil).

The Island is bordered by Amazon and Madeira rivers and by Uraria furo. The alluvial bars show the evolution phases of these big rivers on the fluvial plain. The lacustrine deltas are another morphologic feature. Within the lakes it is possible to observe streams with great density of sediments, when the flood phases of the Amazon create internal deltas and lake bedforms.-from English summary

Extra dimensions in superstring theory

It was earlier shown that an SO(9,1) θα spinor variable can be constructed from RNS matter and ghost fields. θα has a bosonic world-sheet super-partner λα which plays the role of a twistor variable, satisfying λΓμ λ = ∂xμ + iθΓμ ∂θ. For Type IIA superstrings, the left-moving [θL α, λL α] and right-moving [θRα, λRα] can be combined into 32-component SO(10,1) spinors [θA, λA]. This suggests that λAΓAB 11 λB = 2λL αλRα can be interpreted as momentum in the eleventh direction. Evidence for this interpretation comes from the zero-momentum vertex operators of the Type IIA superstring and from consideration of DD-branes. As in the work of Bars, one finds an SO(10,2) structure for the Type IIA superstring and an SO(9, 1) × SO(2, 1) structure for the Type IIB superstring. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Evaluation and identification of lightning models by artificial neural networks

This paper describes a novel approach for mapping lightning models using artificial neural networks. The networks acts as identifier of structural features of the lightning models so that output parameters can be estimated and generalized from an input parameter set. Simulation examples are presented to validate the proposed approach. More specifically, the neural networks are used to compute electrical field intensity and critical disruptive voltage taking into account several atmospheric and structural factors, such as pressure, temperature, humidity, distance between phases, height of bus bars, and wave forms. A comparative analysis with other approaches is also provided to illustrate this new methodology.

Electromyographic validation of the trapezius and serratus anterior muscles in frontal-lateral cross, dumbbells exercises

Based on the lack of electromyographic researches on sport and programmes of physical conditioning, we can say that it is necessary to reexamine some exercises routinely used in the programmes of physical conditioning. Thus, the trapezius and serratus anterior muscles were studied electromyographically so that we could evaluate the validity in some ways of execution of the frontal-lateral cross, dumbbells exercises for the development of these muscles. We analyzed 24 male volunteers, 18 to 25 years old, using a 2-channel TECA TE 4 electromyograph and Hewlett Packard surface electrodes. For the execution of the exercise it was used a supine bench, a straight board and two bars of 40 cm made of light wood. The results showed that TS acted preferentially in standing modality and in the inclined supine modality, however with activity levels that do not justify its inclusion in physical fitness programmes.

GPR survey in the Taquari River, Pantanal Wetland, west-central Brazil

A pioneer GPR - Ground Penetrating Radar - survey was carried out in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso State, westcentral region of Brazil. Fieldwork acquisitions were carried out in February/2001 and August/2002 in order to understand avulsion processes that are occurring within the Taquari alluvial megafan. The main subjects were to map channel, crevasses and floodplain morphology, as well as active sedimentary bedforms. Many GPR profiles were surveyed in the medium and lower Taquari River course. Subaqueous megaripples and exposed sand bars inside the Taquari channel were identified in the medium fan area. Similar features were observed in the lower fan channels, where there are also many crevasses in the marginal levees. During the flooding seasons the flow splays out in the floodplain where new distributary channels are being formed. As shown by GPR data, in the lower fan the Taquari channel is topographically higher than the adjacent floodplain, situation in which avulsion is a natural process of river course shifting. The lack of information about river morphology and dynamics is a major strain to better understand the sediment transport and the avulsion processes in the Taquari megafan. In this context, the GPR data obtained in wet and dry seasons, integrated to sedimentological information, have been very important to characterize the fluvial dynamics and the avulsion phenomena.

Application of GPR in the study of a modern alluvial megafan: The case of the Taquari river in Pantanal wetland, West-Central Brazil

A novel and timely ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey has been carried out in Pantanal from Mato Grosso State, west-central Brazil. Fieldwork was carried out on February/2001 and August/2002 in an attempt to understand avulsion processes that are occurring within Taquari alluvial megafan. The main objectives were to map channel, crevasse and floodplain morphology, as well as active sedimentary bedforms. Many GPR profiles were acquired in the medium and lower Taquari River course. Subaqueous megaripples and exposed sand bars were identified in the medium fan area. Similar features were observed in the lower fan channels, where there were many crevasses in the marginal levees. During the flooding seasons, the flow splays out on to the floodplain, where new distributary channels are being formed. GPR data show that the lower fan, Taquari channel is topographically higher than the adjacent floodplain, thus favoring avulsion as a natural process of river course shifting. GPR data obtained during the wet and dry seasons, together with sedimentology information have been very important in characterizing the fluvial dynamics, and avulsion phenomena. © 2005 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.

Reinterpretation of Malvinoconularia cahuanotensis (Braniša and Vaněk) from the Devonian Altiplano and Western Andean Cordillera, Bolivia, South America

The holotype of Malvinoconularia cahuanotensis (Braniša and Vaněk) (Devonian, Bolivia), the type species of the monospecific genus Malvinoconularia Babcock et al., is redescribed and refigured. M. cahuanotensis exhibits several gross morphological features that together are uniquely shared with Reticulaconularia baini (Babcock and Feldmann). In both taxa, the transverse ribs are nodose, the inter-spaces bear longitudinal ridges (bars or crests) that are collinear (line up) across the transverse ribs, and the longitudinal centerline (midline) of the faces is marked by a subdued ridge. Additionally, the two species may also be similar in the anatomy and external ornament of the corner sulcus. The slightly undulose geometry of the transverse ribs of M. cahuanotensis also is exhibited by certain specimens of Reticulaconularia; however, whether this feature is primary or taphonomic in origin is unclear at present. Together, these similarities suggest that the genus Malvinoconularia probably is a junior synonym of the genus Reticulaconularia. © Asociación Paleontológica Argentina.

A new device in immediately loaded implant treatment in the edentulous mandible

Purpose: This article reports preliminary clinical results of the Speed Master system, a method for immediate loading of implants for the treatment of mandibular edentulism. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with edentulous mandibles were consecutively included in the study. Each received 4 implants between the mental foramina placed using the system's surgical guides. Permanent fixed prostheses fabricated over premanufactured titanium bars were attached to the implants on the day of implant placement. The patients were followed for 15 to 27 months (mean, 19 months). Peri-implant tissues were periodically evaluated. Marginal bone loss was monitored with periapical radiographs using a computerized technique. Satisfaction was assessed by means of a questionnaire. Results: The overall implant and prosthetic survival rates were 100%. At the time of the final follow-up visit, mean marginal bone loss was 1.11 mm, and bleeding on probing was not observed. Only 6.7% of the patients reported any discomfort during treatment, and all patients would recommend the procedure to others. Discussion: The immediate loading of implants placed in the edentulous mandible with the Speed Master surgical and prosthetic protocol reduces treatment time and number of surgical procedures in comparison to classic delayed loading protocols. Conclusion: The rehabilitation of the mandible with an immediately delivered occlusally loaded hybrid prosthesis supported by 4 implants does not appear to jeopardize the success of the osseointegration and represents a viable treatment option.

Avaliação da distribuição da densidade em MDF a partir da técnica da onda de ultra-som

The goal of this research was to determine the density distribution in medium density fiberboard (MDF), manufactured with polyurethane derived from castor oil using, ultrasonic wave technique. The equipment used in this test is Steinkamp BP7 with plan and exponential transducers, both with 45 kHz frequencies, located in several zones on the plate in order to determine wave ultrasonic velocity. The Pinus caribaea and Eucalyptus grandis fiberboard were manufactured in the quality control and products development laboratory of Duratex with 500 mm long, 500 mm large, 8 and 15 mm of thickness. Three MDF for each fiber specimen and thickness were fabricated, totalizing twelve plates tested. The MDF were produced with 5% polyurethane addition, in temperature of 160°C, tension press of 53 bars and addition of moisture content of 12%. For determination of fiberboard density, samples were extracted from the same zones where the wave ultrasonic velocity was determined. In this case, DAX-Ray equipment was used. Statistical analysis shows good agreement with wave ultrasonic velocity and the density profile, validating the application of non-destructive technique in order to determine the density profile of MDF's.

Effect of ridge lap surface treatment and thermocycling on microtensile bond strength of acrylic teeth to denture base resins

This study evaluated the effect of denture base polymer type (heat- and microwave-polymerized), ridge lap surface treatment (with and without methyl methacrylate-MMA etching) and thermocycling on the microtensile bond strength (mTBS) of Biotone acrylic teeth. Flat-ground, ridge-lap surface of posterior artifcial teeth were bonded to cylinders of each denture base resin, resulting in the following groups (n=6): G1a - Clássico/with MMA etching; G1b - Clássico/without MMA etching; G2a - OndaCryl/with MMA etching; G2b - OndaCryl/without MMA etching. Rectangular bar specimens with a cross-sectional area of 1 mm 2 were prepared. Half of the bars in each group were thermocycled (5,000 cycles between 4°C and 60°C). mTBS testing was performed in an universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed statistically by three-way ANOVA (a=0.05). There was no statisti-caly signifcant difference (p>0.05) for the factors (resin, surface treatment,and thermocycling) or their interactions. The mean mTBS values (MPa) and standard deviations were as follows: Thermocycling - G1a: 41.00 (14.00); G1b: 31.00 (17.00); G2a: 50.00 (27.00); G2b: 40.00 (18.00); No thermocycling - G1a: 37.00 (14.00); G1b: 43.00 (25.00); G2a: 43.00 (14.00); G2b: 40.00 (27.00). The mTBS of Biotone artifcial teeth to the denture base acrylic resins was not infuenced by the polymer type, surface treatment or thermocycling.

Impact strength of denture base and reline acrylic resins subjected to long-term water immersion

Water may influence the mechanical properties of the acrylic resins. Thus, the effect of water storage on the impact strength (IS) of one denture base (Lucitone 550 - L) and four reline resins (Tokuyama Rebase II - T; UfiGel Hard - U; Kooliner - K; New Truliner - NT) was evaluated. Bars of L were made (60 x 6 x 2 mm) and relined (2 mm) with T, U, K, NT and L. Intact specimens of each material (60 x 6 x 4 mm) were also fabricated for comparative purposes. Specimens were submitted to Charpy impact tests without water storage (control) and after immersion in water for 7, 90 and 180 days. Data (kJ/m 2) analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p=0.05) revealed that after 90 days, U exhibited an increase in the IS (0.93) compared to 7 days (0.58). K (1.48) and L/K (7.21) exhibited a decrease at the 7-day period (1.01 and 3.23, respectively). NT (0.60) showed an increase in the IS after 180 days (1.52), whereas L/ NT (7.70) showed a decrease (3.17). Water immersion improved the IS of U and NT, and decreased the IS of K, L/K, and L/NT. Water may affect differently the IS of acrylic resins and, consequently, the resistance to fracture of relined denture bases.

Anfis applied to the prediction of surface roughness in grinding of advanced ceramics

This paper introduces a methodology for predicting the surface roughness of advanced ceramics using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). To this end, a grinding machine was used, equipped with an acoustic emission sensor and a power transducer connected to the electric motor rotating the diamond grinding wheel. The alumina workpieces used in this work were pressed and sintered into rectangular bars. Acoustic emission and cutting power signals were collected during the tests and digitally processed to calculate the mean, standard deviation, and two other statistical data. These statistics, as well the root mean square of the acoustic emission and cutting power signals were used as input data for ANFIS. The output values of surface roughness (measured during the tests) were implemented for training and validation of the model. The results indicated that an ANFIS network is an excellent tool when applied to predict the surface roughness of ceramic workpieces in the grinding process.