Effect of different dental articulating papers on SEMG activity during maximum clenching

This study evaluated the influence of two different occlusal indicators (articulating papers of 40\u3bcm and 200\u3bcm) on muscular activity of the temporalis anterior (TA) and superficial masseter (MS) during maximum voluntary clenches (MVC), using surface electromyography (SEMG). It was hypothesized that an articulating paper positioned between dental arches during MVC elicits a different muscular activity compared with the occlusion on natural dentition (without the occlusal indicator). 30 healthy adult subjects with a complete, natural dentition were recruited; SEMG activity was recorded in the following experimental conditions: MVC with cotton rolls for standardization purposes; MVC on natural dentition; MVC onto the 40 \u3bcm or 200\u3bcm paper indicator positioned on right or left side of the dental arch. Percentage Overlapping Coefficient (POC; separate values obtained for TA and MS), antero-posterior coefficient (APC) and total muscle activities (IMP) were the analyzed SEMG parameters. The use of an occlusal indicator statistically changed POC_TA, POC_MS and IMP median values (p 0.05). In conclusion, the examined articulating papers affected two specific SEMG parameters (POC and IMP); the recorded muscular activity with the occlusal indicator varied regardless left or right side positioning, and independently from tested paper thicknesses

Thermal monitoring of hydrothermal activity by permanent infrared automatic stations: Results obtained at Solfatara di Pozzuoli, Campi Flegrei (Italy)

A permanent automatic infrared (IR) station was installed at Solfatara crater, the most active zone of Campi Flegrei caldera. After a positive in situ calibration of the IR camera, we analyze 2175 thermal IR images of the same scene from 2004 to 2007. The scene includes a portion of the steam heated hot soils of Solfatara. The experiment was initiated to detect and quantify temperature changes of the shallow thermal structure of a quiescent volcano such as Solfatara over long periods. Ambient temperature results as the main parameter affecting IR temperatures while air humidity and rain control image quality. A geometric correction of the images was necessary to remove the effects of slow movement of the camera. After a suitable correction the images give a reliable and detailed picture of the temperature changes, over the period October 2004 – January 2007, which suggests origin of the changes were linked to anthropogenic activity, vegetation growth and to the increase of the flux of hydrothermal fluids in the area of the hottest fumaroles. Two positive temperature anomalies were registered after the occurrence of two seismic swarms which affected the hydrothermal system of Solfatara in October 2005 and October 2006. It is worth noting that these signs were detected in a system characterized by a low level of activity with respect to systems affected by real volcanic crisis where more spectacular results will be expected. Results of the experiment show that this kind of monitoring system can be a suitable tool for volcanic surveillance

Degradation of the insecticides Thiamethoxam and Imidacloprid in aqueous solution as promoted by an innovative Feº/Fe3O4 composite

The performance of an innovative Feº/Fe3O4 composite to degrade the insecticides Thiamethoxam and Imidacloprid in aqueous solution was evaluated. Factorial designs were built to investigate the influence of a number of crucial variables on such degradation processes: H2O2 concentration, solution pH, and composite mass. The solution pH was the most influential variable; hence, significant degradation rates (> 90%) was accomplished exclusively in acidic solutions (pH=2). In addition, the composite was highly efficient in promoting the degradation of both insecticides either in the presence or unpredictably in the absence of H2O2. These results thus indicated that the composite possess a dual behavior, acting as either an oxidizing or a reducing agent

WEIRD – Real Use Cases and Applications for the WiMAX Technology

IEEE 802.16/WiMAX is one of the most promising technologies for Broadband Wireless Access, both for fixed and mobile use. This paper presents the structure of some testbeds, set up in the framework of the European project WEIRD, about novel applications running on top of a WiMAX-based end-to-end architecture. The presented testbeds are based on real use case scenarios, including monitoring of impervious areas, tele-medicine and tele-hospitalization

Mechanical Properties of Elastomeric Imperssion Materials : An in vitro comparison

Purpose. Although new elastomeric impression materials have been introduced into the market, there are still insufficient data about their mechanical features. The tensile properties of 17 hydrophilic impression materials with different consistencies were compared. Materials and Methods. 12 vinylpolysiloxane, 2 polyether, and 3 hybrid vinylpolyether silicone-based impression materials were tested. For each material, 10 dumbbell-shaped specimens were fabricated (n=10), according to the ISO 37:2005 specifications, and loaded in tension until failure. Mean values for tensile strength, yield strength, strain at break, and strain at yield point were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (\u3b1=0.05). Results. Vinylpolysiloxanes consistently showed higher tensile strength values than polyethers. Heavy-body materials showed higher tensile strength than the light bodies from the same manufacturer. Among the light bodies, the highest yield strength was achieved by the hybrid vinylpolyether silicone (2.70 MPa). Polyethers showed the lowest tensile (1.44 MPa) and yield (0.94 MPa) strengths, regardless of the viscosity. Conclusion. The choice of an impression material should be based on the specific physical behavior of the elastomer. The light-body vinylpolyether silicone showed high tensile strength, yield strength, and adequate strain at yield/brake; those features might help to reduce tearing phenomena in the thin interproximal and crevicular areas

Anthocyanins identification and quantification in new acai access.

The objective of this work was to identify and quantify the anthocyanins present in new genetically breeding açaí accesse

Cyclic behaviour of stone and brick masonry under uniaxial compressive loading

An experimental research concerning the uniaxial compressive behaviour of stone and brick specimens, as well as masonry prisms, is presented. Local sandstone and clay brick materials were used in order to obtain results representative with respect to local constructions. Aiming at a comprehensive material description, a set of displacementcontrolled experiments were carried out, both under monotonic and cyclic compressive loading. The procedure adopted for testing is described and the results are discussed, namely material brittleness, intrinsic variability, energy dissipation and stiffness degradation.Dans cet article une recherche expérimentale à propos du comportement en compression uniaxial de spécimens de pierre et de la brique, aussi bien que prismes de maçonnerie, est présenté. Grès et brique de l’argile locale ont été utilisés pour obtenir des résultats représentatifs en ce qui concerne les constructions locales. Avec l’objective de obtenir une description matérielle complète, un ensemble de tests contrôlé par déplacement a été emporté, sous chargement de compression monotonic et cyclique. La procédure adoptée pour tester est décrite et les résultats sont discutés, nommément la fragilité matérielle, variabilité intrinsèque des matériaux, dissipation d’énergie et déchéance de la raideur

On the rocking behavior of rigid objects

A novel formulation for the rocking motion of a rigid block on a rigid foundation is presented in this work. The traditional piecewise equations are replaced by a single ordinary differential equation. In addition, damping effects are no longer introduced by means of a coefficient of restitution but understood as the presence of impulsive forces. The agreement with the classical formalism is very good for both free rocking regime and harmonic forcing excitation

Selective Methods to Investigate Authenticity and Geographical Origin of Mediterranean Food Products

The Mediterranean diet is promoted as one of the healthiest and closely linked to socioecological practices, knowledge and traditions, promoting sustainable food production, and linking geographical origin with food quality and ecosystem services. Consumer adherence to this dietary pattern drives increased consumption of authentic “premium” foods, such as Iberian pig meat and dry-cured ham from Portugal and Spain, argan oil from Morocco, “Djebel” lamb from Tunisia and truffles from Italy and Slovenia, i.e., food products that respond to current ethical, environmental and socially sustainable demands. Geographical indication and appellation of origin can increase traditional food products competitiveness, but the high-value recognition of these products can also lead to economically motivated product adulteration. It is therefore imperative to protect the high added value of these unique food products by ensuring their quality, authenticity, provenance and sustainable production systems. In this review, we provide a critical evaluation of the analytical methods that are currently used for the determination of provenance and authenticity of these Mediterranean products as well as possible strategies for improving the throughput and affordability of the methods discussed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

E pluribus plurima: Multidimensional indices and clinical phenotypes in COPD

as the picture of COPD becomes more complex and the results from large studies generate the need of further research, it is clear the close link between the definition of clinical phenotypes and the validation of either single or multidimensional indices