Regular and switching platform: Bone stress analysis with varying implant diameter

The aim of this study was to evaluate stress distribution of the peri-implant bone by simulating the biomechanical influence of implants with different diameters of regular or platform switched connections by means of 3-dimensional finite element analysis. Five mathematical models of an implant-supported central incisor were created by varying the diameter (5.5 and 4.5 mm, internal hexagon) and abutment platform (regular and platform switched). For the cortical bone, the highest stress values (rmax and rvm) were observed in situation R1, followed by situations S1, R2, S3, and S2. For the trabecular bone, the highest stress values (rmax) were observed in situation S3, followed by situations R1, S1, R2, and S2. The influence of platform switching was more evident for cortical bone than for trabecular bone and was mainly seen in large platform diameter reduction.

FT-IR analysis of acid black dye biodegradation using saccharomyces cerevisiae immobilized with treated sugarcane bagasse

Textile industries use large amounts of water in dyeing processes and a wide variety of synthetic dyes. A small concentration of these dyes in the environment can generate highly visible pollution and changes in aquatic ecosystems. Adsorption, biosorption, and biodegradation are the most advantageous dye removal processes. Biodegradation occurs when enzymes produced by certain microorganisms are capable of breaking down the dye molecule. To increase the efficiency of these processes, cell immobilization enables the reuse of the immobilized cells and offers a high degree of mechanical strength, allowing metabolic processes to take place under adverse conditions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae immobilized in activated sugarcane bagasse for the degradation of Acid Black 48 dye in aqueous solutions. For such, sugarcane bagasse was treated with polyethyleneimine (PEI). Concentrations of a 1 % S. cerevisiae suspension were evaluated to determine cell immobilization rates. Once immobilization was established, biodegradation assays for 240 h with free and immobilized yeast in PEI-treated sugarcane bagasse were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry. The results indicated a probable change in the dye molecule and the possible formation of new metabolites. Thus, S. cerevisiae immobilized in sugarcane bagasse is very attractive for biodegradation processes in the treatment of textile effluents. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

The use of elevation map histograms for topographic heterogeneity analysis

Surface defects are extremely important in mechanical characterization of several different materials. Therefore, the analysis of surface finishing is essential for a further simulation of surface mechanical properties in a customized project in materials science and technology. One of the methods commonly employed for such purpose is the statistical mapping of different sample surface regions using the depth from focus technique. The analysis is usually performed directly from the elevation maps which are obtained from the digital image processing. In this paper, the possibility of quantifying the surface heterogeneity of Silicon Carbide porous ceramics by elevation map histograms is presented. The advantage of this technique is that it allows the qualitative or quantitative verification of all surface image fields that cannot be done by using the Surface Plot plugin of image J™ platform commonly used in digital image processing. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Impact of diabetes mellitus and metabolic control on bone healing around osseointegrated implants: Removal torque and histomorphometric analysis in rats

Objectives: To evaluate bone healing around dental implants with established osseointegration in experimental diabetes mellitus (DM) and insulin therapy by histomorphometric and removal torque analysis in a rat model. Materials and methods: A total of 80 male Wistar rats received a titanium implant in the tibiae proximal methaphysis. After a healing period of 60 days, the rats were divided into four groups of 20 animals each: a 2-month control group, sacrificed at time (group A), a diabetic group (group D), an insulin group (group I), and a 4-month control group (group C), subdivided half for removal torque and half for histomorphometric analysis. In the D and I groups the DM was induced by a single injection of 40 mg/kg body weight streptozotocin (STZ). Two days after DM induction, group I received subcutaneous doses of insulin twice a day, during 2 months. Groups C and D received only saline. Two months after induction of DM, the animals of groups D, C and I were sacrificed. The plasmatic levels of glucose (GPL) were monitored throughout the experiment. Evaluation of the percentages of bone-to-implant contact and bone area within the limits of the implant threads was done by histomorphometric and mechanical torque analysis. Data were analyzed by anova at significant level of 5%. Results: The GPL were within normal range for groups A, C and I and higher for group D. The means and standard deviations (SD) for histomorphometric bone area showed significant difference between group D (69.34 ± 5.00%) and groups C (78.20 ± 4.88%) and I (79.63 ± 4.97%). Related to bone-to-implant contact there were no significant difference between the groups D (60.81 + 6.83%), C (63.37 + 5.88%) and I (66.97 + 4.13%). The means and SD for removal torque showed that group D (12.91 ± 2.51 Ncm) was statistically lower than group I (17.10 ± 3.06 Ncm) and C (16.95 ± 5.39 Ncm). Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus impaired the bone healing around dental implants with established osseointegration because the results presented a lower percentage of bone area in group D in relation to groups C and I resulting in a lowest torque values for implant removal. Moreover, insulin therapy prevents the occurrence of bone abnormalities found in diabetic animals and osseointegration was not compromised. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Stress analysis in oral obturator prostheses: Imaging photoelastic

Maxillary defects resulting from cancer, trauma, and congenital malformation affect the chewing efficiency and retention of dentures in these patients. The use of implant-retained palatal obturator dentures has improved the self-esteem and quality of life of several subjects. We evaluate the stress distribution of implant-retained palatal obturator dentures with different attachment systems by using the photoelastic analysis images. Two photoelastic models of the maxilla with oral-sinus-nasal communication were fabricated. One model received three implants on the left side of the alveolar ridge (incisive, canine, and first molar regions) and the other did not receive implants. Afterwards, a conventional palatal obturator denture (control) and two implant-retained palatal obturator dentures with different attachment systems (O-ring; bar-clip) were constructed. Models were placed in a circular polariscope and a 100-N axial load was applied in three different regions (incisive, canine, and first molar regions) by using a universal testing machine. The results were photographed and analyzed qualitatively using a software (Adobe Photoshop). The bar-clip system exhibited the highest stress concentration followed by the O-ring system and conventional denture (control). Images generated by the photoelastic method help in the oral rehabilitator planning. © 2013 SPIE.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of stress distribution in retention screws of different crown-implant ratios

The retaining screw of the implant-supported dental prosthesis is the weakest point of the crown/implant system. Furthermore, crown height is another important factor that may increase the lever arm. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the stress distribution in implant prosthetic screws with different heights of the clinical crown of the prosthesis using the method of three-dimensional finite element analysis. Three models were created with implants (3.75 mm × 10 mm) and crowns (heights of 10, 12.5 and 15 mm). The results were visualised by means of von Mises stress maps that increased the crown heights. The screw structure exhibited higher levels of stresses in the oblique load. The oblique loading resulted in higher stress concentration when compared with the axial loading. It is concluded that the increase of the crown was damaging to the stress distribution on the screw, mainly in oblique loading. © 2013 Taylor & Francis.

Hydrogen production by biogas steam reforming: A technical, economic and ecological analysis

Fuel cells are electrochemical energy conversion devices that convert fuel and oxidant electrochemically into electrical energy, water and heat. Compared to traditional electricity generation technologies that use combustion processes to convert fuel into heat, and then into mechanical energy, fuel cells convert the hydrogen and oxygen chemical energy into electrical energy, without intermediate conversion processes, and with higher efficiency. In order to make the fuel cells an achievable and useful technology, it is firstly necessary to develop an economic and efficient way for hydrogen production. Molecular hydrogen is always found combined with other chemical compounds in nature, so it must be isolated. In this paper, the technical, economical and ecological aspects of hydrogen production by biogas steam reforming are presented. The economic feasibility calculation was performed to evaluate how interesting the process is by analyzing the investment, operation and maintenance costs of the biogas steam reformer and the hydrogen production cost achieved the value of 0.27 US$/kWh with a payback period of 8 years. An ecological efficiency of 94.95%, which is a good ecological value, was obtained. The results obtained by these analyses showed that this type of hydrogen production is an environmentally attractive route. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

The effect of the solute on the structure, selected mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of Ti-Zr system alloys for dental applications

New titanium alloys have been developed with the aim of utilizing materials with better properties for application as biomaterials, and Ti-Zr system alloys are among the more promising of these. In this paper, the influence of zirconium concentrations on the structure, microstructure, and selected mechanical properties of Ti-Zr alloys is analyzed. After melting and swaging, the samples were characterized through chemical analysis, density measurements, X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, Vickers microhardness, and elasticity modulus. In-vitro cytotoxicity tests were performed on cultured osteogenic cells. The results showed the formation essentially of the α′ phase (with hcp structure) and microhardness values greater than cp-Ti. The elasticity modulus of the alloys was sensitive to the zirconium concentrations while remaining within the range of values of conventional titanium alloys. The alloys presented no cytotoxic effects on osteoblastic cells in the studied conditions. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydrodynamic modeling and morphological analysis of Lake Água Preta: one of the water sources of Belém-PA-Brazil

The main contribution from this paper includes the hydrodynamic modeling and morphological analysis of Lake Água Preta in Belém city, Pará State, Brazil. The lake bathymetry was taken through the data provided by COSANPA (the local sanitation and water supply company) dating back to 1975, and from a 2009 field study. Both bathymetries produced two terrain elevation models, which were used for morphological analysis and hydrodynamic simulations. The morphological analysis has revealed that, from 1975 to 2009, the annual mean rate of sedimentation varies between 23,065 and 29,081 m3/year. Through this result, the sedimentation time of Lake Água Preta, from 2009, has been calculated, which varies between 295 and 381 years, maintaining the same rate of sedimentation, water consumption and pumping. The hydrodynamic model simulated the depths and velocities, showing a slight flow with velocities ranging from 0 to 33 cm/s. This flow is established between water input and output of the lake, which is used as reservoir of Belém city.

Evaluation via multivariate techniques of scale factor variability in the rietveld method applied to quantitative phase analysis with X ray powder diffraction

ABSTRACT: The present work uses multivariate statistical analysis as a form of establishing the main sources of error in the Quantitative Phase Analysis (QPA) using the Rietveld method. The quantitative determination of crystalline phases using x ray powder diffraction is a complex measurement process whose results are influenced by several factors. Ternary mixtures of Al2O3, MgO and NiO were prepared under controlled conditions and the diffractions were obtained using the Bragg-Brentano geometric arrangement. It was possible to establish four sources of critical variations: the experimental absorption and the scale factor of NiO, which is the phase with the greatest linear absorption coefficient of the ternary mixture; the instrumental characteristics represented by mechanical errors of the goniometer and sample displacement; the other two phases (Al2O3 and MgO); and the temperature and relative humidity of the air in the laboratory. The error sources excessively impair the QPA with the Rietveld method. Therefore it becomes necessary to control them during the measurement procedure.

Aeroelastic stability analysis using linear matrix inequalities

The present work describes an alternative methodology for identification of aeroelastic stability in a range of varying parameters. Analysis is performed in time domain based on Lyapunov stability and solved by convex optimization algorithms. The theory is outlined and simulations are carried out on a benchmark system to illustrate the method. The classical methodology with the analysis of the system's eigenvalues is presented for comparing the results and validating the approach. The aeroelastic model is represented in state space format and the unsteady aerodynamic forces are written in time domain using rational function approximation. The problem is formulated as a polytopic differential inclusion system and the conceptual idea can be used in two different applications. In the first application the method verifies the aeroelastic stability in a range of air density (or its equivalent altitude range). In the second one, the stability is verified for a rage of velocities. These analyses are in contrast to the classical discrete analysis performed at fixed air density/velocity values. It is shown that this method is efficient to identify stability regions in the flight envelope and it offers promise for robust flutter identification.

Influence of the sample area in the variability of losses in the mechanical harvesting of soybeans

The mechanical harvesting is an important stage in the production process of soybeans and, in this process; the loss of a significant number of grains is common. Despite the existence of mechanisms to monitor these losses, it is still essential to use sampling methods to quantify them. Assuming that the size of the sample area affects the reliability and variability between samples in quantifying losses, this paper aimed to analyze the variability and feasibility of using different sizes of sample area (1, 2 and 3 m²) in quantifying losses in the mechanical harvesting of soybeans. Were sampled 36 sites and the cutting losses, losses by other mechanisms of the combine and total losses were evaluated, as well as the water content in seeds, straw distribution and crop productivity. Data were subjected to statistical analysis (descriptive statistics and analysis of variance) and Statistical Control Process (SCP). The coefficients of variation were similar for the three frames available. Combine losses showed stable behavior, whereas cutting losses and total losses showed unstable behavior. The frame size did not affect the quantification and variability of losses in the mechanical harvesting of soybeans, thus a frame of 1 m² can be used for determining losses.

Pressable Feldspathic Inlays in Premolars: Effect of Cementation Strategy and Mechanical Cycling on the Adhesive Bond Between Dentin and Restoration

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

Analysis of curaua/glass hybrid interlayer laminates

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Thermoplastic Random Copolyesters Made from Lipid- Derived Medium and Long Chain Poly (x-hydroxyfatty acid) s

The physical properties of novel thermoplastic random copolyesters [-(CH2)(n)-COO-/-(CH2)(n)-COO-](x) made of long (n=12) and medium (n=8) chain length -hydroxyfatty esters [HO-(CH2)(n)-COOCH3] derived from bio-based vegetable oil feedstock are described. Poly(-hydroxy tridecanoate/-hydroxy nonanoate) P(-Me13-/-Me9-) random copolyesters (M-n=11,000-18,500 g/mol) with varying molar ratios were examined by TGA, DSC, DMA and tensile analysis, and WAXD. For the whole range of P(-Me13-/-Me9-) compositions, the WAXD data indicated an orthorhombic polyethylene-like crystal packing. Their melting characteristics, determined by DSC, varied with composition suggesting an isomorphic cocrystallization behavior. TGA of the P(-Me13-/-Me9-)s indicated improved thermal stability determined by their molar compositions. The glass transition temperature, investigated by DMA, was also found to vary with composition. The crystallinities of P(-Me13-/-Me9-)s however, were unaffected by the composition. The stiffness (Young's modulus) of these materials was found to be related to their degrees of crystallinity. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40492.