“Studies on short polyester fiber - polyurethane elastomer composite with different interfacial bonding agents”

The work presented in this thesis is regarding the development and evaluation of new bonding agents for short polyester fiber - polyurethane elastomer composites. The conventional bonding system based on hexamethylenetetramine, resorcinol and hydrated silica was not effective as a bonding agent for the composite, as the water eliminated during the formation of the RF resin hydrolysed the urethane linkages. Four bonding agents based on MDI/'I‘DI and polypropyleneglycol, propyleneglycol and glycerol were prepared and the composite recipe was optimised with respect to the cure characteristics and mechanical properties. The flow properties, stress relaxation pattern and the thermal degradation characteristics of the composites containing different bonding agents were then studied in detail to evaluate the new bonding systems. The optimum loading of resin was 5 phr and the ratio of the -01 to isocyanate was 1:1. The cure characteristics showed that the optimum combination of cure rate and processability was given by the composite with the resin based on polypropyleneglycol/ glycerol/ 4,4’diphenylmethanediisocynate (PPG/GL/MDI). From the rheological studies of the composites with and without bonding agents it was observed that all the composites showed pseudoplastic nature and the activation energy of flow of the composite was not altered by the presence of bonding agents. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, modulus, tear resistance and abrasion resistance were improved in the presence of bonding agents and the effect was more pronounced in the case of abrasion resistance. The composites based on MDI/GL showed better initial properties while composites with resins based on MDI/PPG showed better aging resistance. Stress relaxation showed a multistage relaxation behaviour for the composite. Within the-strain levels studied, the initial rate of relaxation was higher and the cross over time was lesser for the composite containing bonding agents. The bonding agent based on MDI/PPG/GL was found to be a better choice for improving stress relaxation characteristics with better interfacial bonding. Thennogravimetirc analysis showed that the presence of fiber and bonding agents improved the thennal stability of the polyurethane elastomer marginally and it was maximum in the case of MDI / GL based bonding agents. The kinetics of degradation was not altered by the presence of bonding agents

Optimization of medium for the production of a novel aquaculture probiotic, Micrococcus MCCB 104 using central composite design

A marine isolate of jáÅêçÅçÅÅìë MCCB 104 has been identified as an aquaculture probiotic antagonistic to sáÄêáç. In the present study different carbon and nitrogen sources and growth factors in a mineral base medium were optimized for enhanced biomass production and antagonistic activity against the target pathogen, sáÄêáç=Ü~êîÉóá, following response surface methodology (RSM). Accordingly the minimum and maximum limits of the selected variables were determined and a set of fifty experiments programmed employing central composite design (CCD) of RSM for the final optimization. The response surface plots of biomass showed similar pattern with that of antagonistic activity, which indicated a strong correlation between the biomass and antagonism. The optimum concentration of the carbon sources, nitrogen sources, and growth factors for both biomass and antagonistic activity were glucose (17.4 g/L), lactose (17 g/L), sodium chloride (16.9 g/L), ammonium chloride (3.3 g/L), and mineral salts solution (18.3 mL/L). © KSBB

Ni filled flexible multi-walled carbon nanotube–polystyrene composite films as efficient microwave absorbers

In this letter, we report flexible, non corrosive, and light weight nickel nanoparticle@multi-walled carbon nanotube–polystyrene (Ni@MWCNT/PS) composite films as microwave absorbing material in the frequency range of S band (2-4 GHz). Dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability of composites having 0.5 and 1.5 wt. % filler amount were measured using the cavity perturbation technique. Reflection loss maxima of 33 dB (at 2.7 GHz) and 24 dB (at 2.7 GHz) were achieved for 0.5 and 1.5 wt. % Ni@MWCNT/PS composite films of 6 and 4 mm thickness, respectively, suggesting that low concentrations of filler provide significant electromagnetic interference shielding

Parity of the Number of Irreducible Factors for Composite Polynomials

Various results on parity of the number of irreducible factors of given polynomials over finite fields have been obtained in the recent literature. Those are mainly based on Swan’s theorem in which discriminants of polynomials over a finite field or the integral ring Z play an important role. In this paper we consider discriminants of the composition of some polynomials over finite fields. The relation between the discriminants of composed polynomial and the original ones will be established. We apply this to obtain some results concerning the parity of the number of irreducible factors for several special polynomials over finite fields.

Generic Finite Element Model for Mechanically Consistent Scaling of Composite Beam-to-column Joint with Welded Connection

To study the behaviour of beam-to-column composite connection more sophisticated finite element models is required, since component model has some severe limitations. In this research a generic finite element model for composite beam-to-column joint with welded connections is developed using current state of the art local modelling. Applying mechanically consistent scaling method, it can provide the constitutive relationship for a plane rectangular macro element with beam-type boundaries. Then, this defined macro element, which preserves local behaviour and allows for the transfer of five independent states between local and global models, can be implemented in high-accuracy frame analysis with the possibility of limit state checks. In order that macro element for scaling method can be used in practical manner, a generic geometry program as a new idea proposed in this study is also developed for this finite element model. With generic programming a set of global geometric variables can be input to generate a specific instance of the connection without much effort. The proposed finite element model generated by this generic programming is validated against testing results from University of Kaiserslautern. Finally, two illustrative examples for applying this macro element approach are presented. In the first example how to obtain the constitutive relationships of macro element is demonstrated. With certain assumptions for typical composite frame the constitutive relationships can be represented by bilinear laws for the macro bending and shear states that are then coupled by a two-dimensional surface law with yield and failure surfaces. In second example a scaling concept that combines sophisticated local models with a frame analysis using a macro element approach is presented as a practical application of this numerical model.

Simultaneous Drying and Separation of Composite Agricultural Material for Hay Processing

In composite agricultural materials such as grass, tee, medicinal plants; leaves and stems have a different drying time. By this behavior, after leaving the dryer, the stems may have greater moisture content than desired, while the leaves one minor, which can cause either the appearance of fungi or the collapse of the over-dried material. Taking into account that a lot of grass is dehydrated in forced air dryers, especially rotary drum dryers, this research was developed in order to establish conditions enabling to make a separation of the components during the drying process in order to provide a homogeneous product at the end. For this, a rotary dryer consisting of three concentric cylinders and a circular sieve aligned with the more internal cylinder was proposed; so that, once material enters into the dryer in the area of the inner cylinder, stems pass through sieve to the middle and then continue towards the external cylinder, while the leaves continue by the inner cylinder. For this project, a mixture of Ryegrass and White Clover was used. The characteristics of the components of a mixture were: Drying Rate in thin layer and in rotation, Bulk density, Projected Area, Terminal velocity, weight/Area Ratio, Flux through Rotary sieve. Three drying temperatures; 40°C, 60° C and 80° C, and three rotation speeds; 10 rpm, 20 rpm and 40 rpm were evaluated. It was found that the differences in drying time are the less at 80 °C when the dryer rotates at 40 rpm. Above this speed, the material adheres to the walls of the dryer or sieve and does not flow. According to the measurements of terminal velocity of stems and leaves of the components of the mixture, the speed of the air should be less than 1.5 m s-1 in the inner drum for the leaves and less than 4.5 m s-1 in middle and outer drums for stems, in such way that only the rotational movement of the dryer moves the material and achieves a greater residence time. In other hand, the best rotary sieve separation efficiencies were achieved when the material is dry, but the results are good in all the moisture contents. The best rotary speed of sieve is within the critical rotational speed, i.e. 20 rpm. However, the rotational speed of the dryer, including the sieve in line with the inner cylinder should be 10 rpm or less in order to achieve the greatest residence times of the material inside the dryer and the best agitation through the use of lifting flights. With a finite element analysis of a dryer prototype, using an air flow allowing speeds of air already stated, I was found that the best performance occurs when, through a cover, air enters the dryer front of the Middle cylinder and when the inner cylinder is formed in its entirety through a sieve. This way, air flows in almost equal amounts by both the middle and external cylinders, while part of the air in the Middle cylinder passes through the sieve towards the inner cylinder. With this, leaves do not adhere to the sieve and flow along drier, thanks to the rotating movement of the drums and the showering caused by the lifting flights. In these conditions, the differences in drying time are reduced to 60 minutes, but the residence time is higher for the stems than for leaves, therefore the components of the mixture of grass run out of the dryer with the same desired moisture content.

Apatite-Polymer Composite Particles for Controlled Delivery of BMP-2: In Vitro Release and Cellular Response

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) has the ability to induce osteoblast differentiation of undifferentiated cells, resulting in the healing of skeletal defects when delivered with a suitable carrier. We have applied a versatile delivery platform comprising a novel composite of two biomaterials with proven track records – apatite and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) – to the delivery of BMP-2. Sustained release of this growth factor was tuned with variables that affect polymer degradation and/or apatite dissolution, such as polymer molecular weight, polymer composition, apatite loading, and apatite particle size. The effect of released BMP-2 on C3H10T1/2 murine pluripotent mesenchymal cells was assessed by tracking the expression of osteoblastic makers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin. Release media collected over 100 days induced elevated ALP activity in C3H10T1/2 cells. The expression of osteocalcin was also upregulated significantly. These results demonstrated the potential of apatite-PLGA composite particles for releasing protein in bioactive form over extended periods of time.

Sostenibilidad fiscal: una aproximación con datos panel para 8 países Latinoaméricanos

Este documento examina la hipótesis de sostenibilidad fiscal para 8 países de Latinoamérica. A partir de un modelo de datos panel, se determina si los ingresos y gasto primario de los Gobiernos entre 1960 - 2009 están cointegrados, es decir, si son sostenibles a largo plazo. Para esto, se utilizaron pruebas de raíz unitaria y cointegración de segunda generación con datos panel macroeconómicos, lo que permite tener en cuenta la dependencia cruzada entre los países, así como los posibles quiebres estructurales en la relación que estén determinados de manera endógena; en particular, se usan la prueba de estacionariedad de Hadri y Rao (2008) y la prueba de cointegración de Westerlund (2006). Como resultado del análisis se encontró evidencia empírica de que en el período bajo estudio el déficit primario en los 8 países latinoamericanos es sostenible pero en sentido débil.

Blackboard 9 Control Panel

The first 3-minute video in a series introducing the new featurs of Blackboard 9.

Modelo de gestión de la red de distribución tercerizada segmento tiendas región central, en productos de consumo masivo, mediante datos de panel y simulación de Monte Carlo.

El proyecto de investigación parte de la dinámica del modelo de distribución tercerizada para una compañía de consumo masivo en Colombia, especializada en lácteos, que para este estudio se ha denominado “Lactosa”. Mediante datos de panel con estudio de caso, se construyen dos modelos de demanda por categoría de producto y distribuidor y mediante simulación estocástica, se identifican las variables relevantes que inciden sus estructuras de costos. El problema se modela a partir del estado de resultados por cada uno de los cuatro distribuidores analizados en la región central del país. Se analiza la estructura de costos y el comportamiento de ventas dado un margen (%) de distribución logístico, en función de las variables independientes relevantes, y referidas al negocio, al mercado y al entorno macroeconómico, descritas en el objeto de estudio. Entre otros hallazgos, se destacan brechas notorias en los costos de distribución y costos en la fuerza de ventas, pese a la homogeneidad de segmentos. Identifica generadores de valor y costos de mayor dispersión individual y sugiere uniones estratégicas de algunos grupos de distribuidores. La modelación con datos de panel, identifica las variables relevantes de gestión que inciden sobre el volumen de ventas por categoría y distribuidor, que focaliza los esfuerzos de la dirección. Se recomienda disminuir brechas y promover desde el productor estrategias focalizadas a la estandarización de procesos internos de los distribuidores; promover y replicar los modelos de análisis, sin pretender remplazar conocimiento de expertos. La construcción de escenarios fortalece de manera conjunta y segura la posición competitiva de la compañía y sus distribuidores.

Análisis del gen adra2a receptor alfa 2a adrenergico en pacientes con trastorno de hiperactividad y déficit de atención

El trastorno de hiperactividad y déficit de atención (THDA), es definido clínicamente como una alteración en el comportamiento, caracterizada por inatención, hiperactividad e impulsividad. Estos aspectos son clasificados en tres subtipos, que son: Inatento, hiperactivo impulsivo y mixto. Clínicamente se describe un espectro amplio que incluye desordenes académicos, trastornos de aprendizaje, déficit cognitivo, trastornos de conducta, personalidad antisocial, pobres relaciones interpersonales y aumento de la ansiedad, que pueden continuar hasta la adultez. A nivel global se ha estimado una prevalencia entre el 1% y el 22%, con amplias variaciones, dadas por la edad, procedencia y características sociales. En Colombia, se han realizado estudios en Bogotá y Antioquia, que han permitido establecer una prevalencia del 5% y 15%, respectivamente. La causa específica no ha sido totalmente esclarecida, sin embargo se ha calculado una heredabilidad cercana al 80% en algunas poblaciones, demostrando el papel fundamental de la genética en la etiología de la enfermedad. Los factores genéticos involucrados se relacionan con cambios neuroquímicos de los sistemas dopaminérgicos, serotoninérgicos y noradrenérgicos, particularmente en los sistemas frontales subcorticales, corteza cerebral prefrontal, en las regiones ventral, medial, dorsolateral y la porción anterior del cíngulo. Basados en los datos de estudios previos que sugieren una herencia poligénica multifactorial, se han realizado esfuerzos continuos en la búsqueda de genes candidatos, a través de diferentes estrategias. Particularmente los receptores Alfa 2 adrenérgicos, se encuentran en la corteza cerebral, cumpliendo funciones de asociación, memoria y es el sitio de acción de fármacos utilizados comúnmente en el tratamiento de este trastorno, siendo esta la principal evidencia de la asociación de este receptor con el desarrollo del THDA. Hasta la fecha se han descrito más de 80 polimorfismos en el gen (ADRA2A), algunos de los cuales se han asociado con la entidad. Sin embargo, los resultados son controversiales y varían según la metodología diagnóstica empleada y la población estudiada, antecedentes y comorbilidades. Este trabajo pretende establecer si las variaciones en la secuencia codificante del gen ADRA2A, podrían relacionarse con el fenotipo del Trastorno de Hiperactividad y el Déficit de Atención.

El plafó informatiu com a recurs didáctic a l'educació física. 'El panel informativo como recurso didático en la educación física'.

Resumen de la revista en catalán. Este artículo forma parte del monográfico 'Experiències d'escoles'

An analysis of the relationship between wages in the public and private sector in colombia : a panel data approach

This document examines the time-series properties of the wage differentials that arise between the public and private sector in Colombia during the sample period 1984 to 2005. We Find conflicting results in unit-root and stationary tests when looking at wage differentials at an aggregate level (such as for men, women or both). However, when we analyse wage differentials at higher levels of disaggregation, treat them jointly as a panel of data, and allow for the presence of potential cross section dependence, there is more supportive evidence for the view that wage differentials are stationary. This implies that although wage differentials do exist, they have not been consistently increasing (or decreasing) over time.

An approximation to the digital divide among low income people in Colombia, Mexico and Perú: two composite indexes

El estudio analiza los determinantes de uso y acceso a las tecnologías de información y comunicación en personas de bajos ingresos en pasases como Colombia, México y Perú. El punto central está en analizar las diferencias entre países de acuerdo a diferentes variables socioeconómicas. Se encuentra que la variable que más explica el nivel de acceso digital es la escolaridad. De otro lado no se encuentra una brecha por género sino en Perú. Los resultados también indican que cuando solo se tienen en cuenta las tecnologías más ‘avanzadas’, las diferencias entre la población son más notorias

Convergencia en Bolivia: un enfoque espacial con datos de panel dinámicos

Este artículo analiza el fenómeno de convergencia del Producto Interno Bruto (PIB) regionaldesde una perspectiva espacial para Bolivia durante el periodo 1988-2011. Los resultadospermiten obtener dos conclusiones. Primero, se puede observar el fenómeno de convergenciaal estado estacionario en los departamentos de Bolivia con una velocidad de entre 4 % y 7 %.Segundo, los resultados presentan evidencia estadística de que no existe dependencia espacialentre los departamentos de Bolivia, es decir, la velocidad de convergencia de un departamentono parece verse afectada por el PIB de los departamentos vecinos. Adicionalmente nuestrosresultados se muestran robustos a distintas especificaciones.