Transducer Loading Effect on the Performance of PZT-Based SHM Systems

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Evaluation of stitched fabric composite processed by RTM in quasi-static test

Stitched fabrics have been widely studied for potential application in aircraft structures since stitch yarns offer improvements in the out-of-plane mechanical properties and also can save time in the lay up process. The down side of stitch yarns came up in the manufacturing process of fabric in which defects introduced by the needle movement creating fiber-free-zones, fiber breakage and misalignment of fibers. The dry stitched carbon fabric preform has mainly been used in the Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) process which high fiber content is aimed, those defects influence negatively the injection behavior reducing the mechanical properties of final material. The purpose of this research work focused on testing in quasi-static mechanical mode (in-plane tension) of a monocomponent resin CYCOM (R) 890 RTM/carbon fiber anti-symmetric quadriaxial fabric stitched by PE 80Dtex yarn processed by RTM. The evaluation consisted in comparing the scatter of the quasi-static test with the attenuation of ultrasonic maps, which show the path of the resin and possible dry spots considering that interference of yarn in resin flow is detectable in ultrasonic measurement. Microscopic analysis was also considered for further evaluation in case of premature failure. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of ICM11

Real-time multi-sensors measurement system with temperature effects compensation for impedance-based structural health monitoring

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Viscosity measurement of Newtonian liquids using the complex reflection coefficient

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

High sensitivity fiber optic angular displacement sensor and its application for detection of ultrasound

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Vibration energy harvesting using piezoelectric transducer and non-controlled rectifiers circuits

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Selenium determination in tissue samples of Nile tilapia using ultrasound-assisted extraction

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

Estudo integrado geológico/tecnológico de rochas ornamentais: os granitos flores e jacarandá, RN

The main purpose of the present study is to integrate a geological and technological investigation of ornamental rocks of the Flores and Jacarandá granites, which are located near the Afonso Bezerra city, in the north central part of the Rio Grande do Norte State. The study area encompasses four litho-stratigrafic units: a Gneiss-Migmatitic Complex(cristalline basement), which is mainly composed of banded gneisses, usually deformed as mylonitic rocks and with several migmatic features, an Augen Gneiss, which occurs as an elongated body that constitutes the Jacarandá granite, a small granite stock, which presents a semi-circular form, named Flores granite, composed of pink, fine to medium coarse rocks, and fine to coarse alluvial sediments, which form extensive areas of large fluvial deposits. The technological characterization of the Flores and Jacarandá granites, carried out through several tests, has as the main purpose the determination of petrographic, physical, and mechanic parameters that allowed the characterization of these rocks. The test followed procedures recommended by Brazilian (ABNT Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas) and foreigner institutions (ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials). The petrografhic analysis indicated that the rocks investigated are granite sensu estrictu, summing an average 85-90% modal. The Flores granite is the more felsic rock, which presents mafic content ∼ 10% and monzonitic composition. The Jacarandá granite is an Augen Gneiss rock that presents sienogranitic composition and mafic modal content ∼ 15%. Several technological tests carried out (alterability, physical indices, velocity of ultrasonic wave propagation, uniaxial compression, flection resistence, Amsler desgaste, and resistence to freezing and heating) indicated that parameters and values were identical for both granites investigated. These parameters and values are consistent with the Brazilian and international standards for siliciclastic rocks of ornamental use, as well as other Brazilian ornamental granites. The analysis of all results indicates that both the Flores and Jacarandá granites present good quality, and that they are indicated for ornamental use of revetment interior and exterior of buildings

Espessura corneana mensurada pelo paquímetro ultra-sônico e pelo microscópio especular Topcon SP-2000P em gatos

Avaliou-se a espessura corneana central de 13 gatos normais com microscópio especular de não-contato Topcon SP-2000P e paquímetro ultra-sônico. Foi observado aumento da espessura corneana mensurada pelo paquímetro ultra-sônico comparado ao microscópio especular.

Retinoscopia com luz em faixa em cães fácicos, afácicos e pseudofácicos

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

Effect of age and genetic group on characteristics of the scrotum, testes and testicular vascular cones, and on sperm production and semen quality in AI bulls in Brazil

The objectives were to determine the effects of age and genetic group on characteristics of the scrotum, testes and testicular vascular cones (TVC), and on sperm production and semen quality in 107 Bos indicus, B, taurus and cross-bred bulls at three artificial insemination (AI) centers in Brazil. In addition, predictors of sperm production and semen quality were identified. In general, scrotal circumference (SC), scrotal shape score, scrotal neck perimeter, and testicular size (length, width and volume) increased (P < 0.05) with age. Although there were no significant differences among genetic groups for SC or testicular size, B. indicus bulls had the least pendulous scrotal shape, the shortest scrotal neck length, and the greatest scrotal neck perimeter (P < 0.05). Fat covering the TVC was thinner (P < 0.05) in bulls <= 36 months of age and in B. taunts bulls than in older bulls and B. indicus bulls, respectively. Age and genetic group did not affect testicular ultrasonic echotexture. B. indicus bulls tended (P < 0.1) to have the lowest average scrotal surface temperature (SST). In general, ejaculate volume, total number of spermatozoa and number of viable spermatozoa increased (P < 0.05) with age. However, there was no significant effect of age on sperm concentration, motility, major and total defects. The proportion of spermatozoa with minor defects was highest (P < 0.05) in bulls 37-60 months of age. B. indicus bulls had higher (P < 0.01) sperm concentration, total number of spermatozoa and number of viable spermatozoa than B. taunts bulls, with intermediate values for cross-bred bulls. Increased sperm production was associated with increased testicular volume, SC, TVC fat cover, and SST top-to-bottom gradient. Decreased semen quality was associated with increased SC and bottom SST, and decreased scrotal shape, scrotal neck perimeter and vascular cone diameter. In summary, age and genetic group affected the characteristics of the scrotum, testes, and TVC, sperm production and semen quality. In addition, characteristics of the scrotum, testes and TVC were associated with sperm production and semen quality in bulls and could be assessed for breeding soundness evaluation. (c) 2002 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efeitos da progesterona exógena sobre o desenvolvimento folicular em ovelhas

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da progesterona (P4) sobre o crescimento folicular e na endocrinologia reprodutiva em ovelhas Bergamácia. Quatorze ovelhas sincronizadas com prostaglandinas (PGF2alfa ) foram distribuídas em dois grupos (n=7/grupo): grupo-controle e grupo tratado com progesterona (CIDR) depois da ovulação (dia zero). Desde o dia anterior à aplicação de PG até o dia 10, realizaram-se monitoramentos ultra-sonográficos para estabelecer o crescimento folicular. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas para a determinação de P4 desde o dia anterior à aplicação de PG até o dia 10 depois da ovulação. Para o perfil dos pulsos de hormônio luteinizante (LH), as colheitas de sangue ocorreram em intervalos de 30 minutos por um período de oito horas, nos dias um e seis. As taxas de crescimento diferiram (P<0,001) entre os grupos, 0,91±0,15 e 0,70±0,16mm/dia para os grupos controle e tratado, respectivamente. Os dias do platô dos animais controle e tratados foram de 1,9±0,72 e 2,9±0,45 (P<0,05), respectivamente. As concentrações médias de progesterona (P<0,001) foram diferentes entre os tratamentos. A freqüência dos pulsos diferiu no primeiro dia do ciclo (P<0,01), com valores de 2,55±0,09 pulsos/8 horas no grupo-controle e de 1,49±0,11 pulsos/8 horas no grupo tratado. No sexto dia, o grupo-controle 2,20±0,09 pulsos/8 horas apresentou maior número de pulsos (P<0,05) que o grupo tratado, 1,22±0,11 pulsos/8 horas. Os efeitos inibitórios da progesterona exógena no diâmetro do folículo dominante foram mediados pela redução na freqüência dos pulsos de LH.

Histologic evaluation of the use of membrane, bone graft, and MTA in apical surgery

The aim of this study was to evaluate the periapical healing after the use of membrane, bone graft, and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in apical surgery of dogs' teeth. Apical lesions were induced in 48 roots of 6 dogs after coronal access and pulpal removal. Apical surgery consisted of osteotomy with trephine bur for the standardization of the critical surgical cavities, followed by apicoectomy, curettage, preparation of the root-end cavities with the aid of the ultrasonic device, and retrofilling with MTA. The surgical sites were divided into: group 1-filled with blood; group 2-filled with blood and recovered with membrane; group 3-filled with bone graft; and group 4-filled with bone graft and recovered with membrane. The results showed that the inflammatory infiltrate, the periapical healing process, and the behavior of MTA was the same in all groups, including the mineralization stimulation. It was concluded that the use of membranes and bone graft materials isolated or associated in apical surgery did not alter the periapical healing process after the root-end filling with MTA. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010; 109: 309-314)

Evaluation of the Smear Layer and Hybrid Layer in Noncarious and Carious Dentin Prepared by Air Abrasion System and Diamond Tips

Purpose: To analyze the smear layer and the hybrid layer in noncarious and carious dentin prepared by different cutting instruments and restored with composite resin. Study design: Cavities were randomly prepared in 160 specimens (noncarious and artificial carious dentin) by high-speed diamond tips (KG Sorensen 1013), air abrasion system (Prepstart, Danville Engineering), ultrasonic tip (CVDentus 8.3231-1), and ultrasonic tip associated with ultrasonic cavitation by water for 10 s. Half of the cavities in each group were conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s. The amount of smear layer and dentinal tubules present were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and graded from 0 to 3. Cavities were prepared in another 20 noncarious specimens and 20 carious specimens and restored with adhesive composite resin system. The restorations were hemisected longitudinally and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the hybrid layer and resinous prolongation characteristics, using scores ranging from 1 to 6. Results: The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests at 5% of significance level. There was evidence that the most efficient smear layer removal was the acid etching in the noncarious dentin and the water ultrasonic cavitation in the carious dentin. The hybrid layer formed on the noncarious and carious dentin prepared by the ultrasonic tip was more regular than in the specimens prepared by high-speed diamond tip, with many resinous prolongations. Conclusion: The ultrasonic tip seems to be a promising tool for carious dentin cavity preparation. Microsc. Res. Tech. 73:597-605, 2010. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

An in vitro evaluation of apicoectomies and retropreparations using different methods

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