Characterization of surface morphology and its correlation with friction performance of brake pads

The present work presents the morphology evolution of a brake material surface submitted to braking tests through a laboratory-scale tribometer. Optical microscope images of the material’s surface were obtained for every 10 braking operations. These images were post-processed in appropriate computational software. By means of the image segmentation technique, morphological parameters related to the brake material surface were estimated. The wear rate and also the coefficient of friction resulting from the tests were measured. For the NAO material used in this study, the friction behaviour revealed to be strongly associated with the amount of contact plateaus. Besides, the mean area of the contact plateaus was the main factor responsible for increasing the real contact area of the friction material. The higher wear rate observed in the first braking operations can be mainly attributed to the higher surface roughness measured in this condition. As the braking operations progress, the plateaus becomes flatter and wear rate is reduced. Finally, the image segmentation technique proved adequate for investigating morphological aspects in friction material surface

Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) derived Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in finite element studies: a review of the literature

© 2016, The Author(s). Background: Finite element modeling of human bone provides a powerful tool to evaluate a wide variety of outcomes in a highly repeatable and parametric manner. These models are most often derived from computed tomography data, with mechanical properties related to bone mineral density (BMD) from the x-ray energy attenuation provided from this data. To increase accuracy, many researchers report the use of quantitative computed tomography (QCT), in which a calibration phantom is used during image acquisition to improve the estimation of BMD. Since model accuracy is dependent on the methods used in the calculation of BMD and density-mechanical property relationships, it is important to use relationships developed for the same anatomical location and using the same scanner settings, as these may impact model accuracy. The purpose of this literature review is to report the relationships used in the conversion of QCT equivalent density measures to ash, apparent, and/or tissue densities in recent finite element (FE) studies used in common density-modulus relationships. For studies reporting experimental validation, the validation metrics and results are presented. Results: Of the studies reviewed, 29% reported the use of a dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4) phantom, 47% a hydroxyapatite (HA) phantom, 13% did not report phantom type, 7% reported use of both K2HPO4 and HA phantoms, and 4% alternate phantom types. Scanner type and/or settings were omitted or partially reported in 31% of studies. The majority of studies used densitometric and/or density-modulus relationships derived from different anatomical locations scanned in different scanners with different scanner settings. The methods used to derive various densitometric relationships are reported and recommendations are provided toward the standardization of reporting metrics. Conclusions: This review assessed the current state of QCT-based FE modeling with use of clinical scanners. It was found that previously developed densitometric relationships vary by anatomical location, scanner type and settings. Reporting of all parameters used when referring to previously developed relationships, or in the development of new relationships, may increase the accuracy and repeatability of future FE models

Base-metal mineralization in alkaline pyroclastics: the Regenstein Vent, South West Africa

Geochemical analysis of soil samples taken from the area underlain by the Regenstein alkaline diatreme indicated potential areas for Pb-Zn-Ag mineralization, and these were subsequently proved by drilling. The pipelike body, emplaced into quartzites of the Damara Supergroup, consists of lithic and volcanic breccias. The breccias have been intruded, first by phonolite dykes, and then by numerous bodies of alkaline mafic and ultramafic rocks

Plano de negócio de uma Instituição Particular de Solidariedade Social: “ReViver”

Este plano de negócio incide sobre o planeamento de uma futura instituição particular de solidariedade social – a ReViver – que disponibilizará um programa inovador que pretende reinserir a população sem-abrigo do distrito de Lisboa de volta à sociedade. A análise literária existente, referente ao flagelo que se pretende combater, demonstra o gap existente no mercado português na resolução desta temática, onde Lisboa se destaca como um dos distritos com números mais alarmantes. A escassez de projetos capazes de reinserir estas pessoas na sociedade é uma clara necessidade existente. Esta instituição nascerá neste sentido, no de preencher esta lacuna e fazer verdadeiramente a diferença. A ReViver terá um programa com um modelo integrado que irá providenciar aos seus utentes uma habitação, acompanhamento especializado e um leque de serviços associados. Através de diversas parcerias, pretende-se que os utentes nunca se sintam sem o apoio, contacto, serviço ou produto que necessitem. No tempo certo, estes irão ultrapassar as mais diversas barreiras, reinventar-se e reinserir-se na sociedade, obtendo um emprego, remuneração e, claro, as respetivas responsabilidades que dele advêm. Este programa, assente num modelo integrado com diversas parcerias, será a forma mais eficiente, eficaz e viável de dar uma nova vida a quem nela já não vê qualquer esperança, sendo a Câmara Municipal de Lisboa o parceiro chave do projeto. Pela solidariedade e equidade na nossa cidade e país, vamos fazer ReViver Portugal.This business plan focuses on the development of a future private social solidarity institution - ReViver - which will provide an innovative program that aims to return the homeless population of the Lisbon district back to society. With the existing literary analysis referring to the scourge that is intended to combat, it is understood at this stage the gap in the Portuguese market in solving this theme, where Lisbon stands out as one of the districts with the most alarming numbers. The lack of projects capable of fully reinserting these people into society is a clear existing need. This institution will be born in this sense, filling that gap and truly making a difference. ReViver will have a program with an integrated model that will provide its users with housing, specialized support and a range of associated services. Through various partnerships, it is intended that users never feel helpless or without the support, contact, service or product they need. Step by step, at the right time, they will overcome the most diverse barriers, reinvent themselves and reinsert themselves into society, obtaining a job, remuneration and, of course, their respective responsibilities. This program based on an integrated model with various partnerships will be the most efficient, effective and viable way of giving new life to those who no longer see any hope in it, with the Lisbon city council being the key partner of the project. For solidarity and equity in our city and country, let's make Portugal ‘ReViver’

P-060 Imaging examination in Small Ruminant Lentivirus Infection

Small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) is a group of viruses that infect and transmit among ovine and caprine species. This disease is debilitating, progressive and longstanding disease, associated to high economic losses in livestock farms. Diagnosis is largely made with laboratory methods however and not being a common daily practice. Imaging examination can be a useful tool for the diagnosis of SRLV lesions. Imag- ing modalities can be used in an on-farm setting and can be easily implemented for further best-practices in identifying sheep with signs of clinical disease as early as possible. The main aim of this work was characterizing lesions of SRLV infection using imaging diagnostic techniques.Projeto: 0687_OVISPID_2_E POCTEP – Programa de Cooperação Transfronteiriço Portugal – Espanha.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Carbon Nanotube Doped Tellurite Glasses

In the past it was observed that buck ball doped glasses showed enhanced optical nonlinearities. However, carbon nanotubes are much more stable than buck ball and should be a better choice for that purpose. Therefore we decided to investigate the possibility to produce carbon nanotubes doped tellurite glasses and measured their optical nonlinearities. Tellurite glasses already have a larger nonlinearity compared to silica, and other, glasses. We produced TeO 2-ZnO tellurite family glasses doped with multi wall Carbon Nanotube (CNT). The CNTs acquired from Carbolex were vigorously mechanically mixed with the tellurite glass precursors and melted in platinum crucible around 650°C in a controlled atmosphere inside an electrical induction furnace. We used the lowest temperature possible and controlled atmosphere to avoid the CNT oxidation. The glass melt was cast in a stainless steel and thermally treated at 300°C for 5 hours to relieve internal stresses. The samples were than cutted and polished to perform the optical characterization. We measured refractive index and thermo physical properties, such as vitreous transition Tg, crystallization onset Tx and melting Tf temperatures. Raman spectroscopy showed the possible presence of CNTs.6890Iijima, S., (1991) Nature, 354, p. 56http://www.ati.surrey.ac.uk/news/n, onlinearDiMaio, J., Rhyne, S., Yang, Z., Fu, K., Czerw, R., Xu, J., Webster, S., Ballato, J., (2003) Information Sciences, 149, p. 69Aoki, Y., Okubo, S., Kataura, H., Nagasawa, H., Achiba, Y., (2005) Chem. Lett, 34 (4), p. 562Misra, S.K., Watts, P.C.P., Valappil, S.P., Silva, S.R.P., Roy, I., Boccaccini, A.R., (2007) Nanotechnology, 18, p. 07570

Translation and adaptation of functional auditory performance indicators (FAPI)

Work with deaf children has gained new attention since the expectation and goal of therapy has expanded to language development and subsequent language learning. Many clinical tests were developed for evaluation of speech sound perception in young children in response to the need for accurate assessment of hearing skills that developed from the use of individual hearing aids or cochlear implants. These tests also allow the evaluation of the rehabilitation program. However, few of these tests are available in Portuguese. Evaluation with the Functional Auditory Performance Indicators (FAPI) generates a child's functional auditory skills profile, which lists auditory skills in an integrated and hierarchical order. It has seven hierarchical categories, including sound awareness, meaningful sound, auditory feedback, sound source localizing, auditory discrimination, short-term auditory memory, and linguistic auditory processing. FAPI evaluation allows the therapist to map the child's hearing profile performance, determine the target for increasing the hearing abilities, and develop an effective therapeutic plan. Objective: Since the FAPI is an American test, the inventory was adapted for application in the Brazilian population. Material and Methods: The translation was done following the steps of translation and back translation, and reproducibility was evaluated. Four translated versions (two originals and two back-translated) were compared, and revisions were done to ensure language adaptation and grammatical and idiomatic equivalence. Results: The inventory was duly translated and adapted. Conclusion: Further studies about the application of the translated FAPI are necessary to make the test practicable in Brazilian clinical use

O Espelhamento via QR Code como Meio Híbrido de Obtenção de Prova e a sua (I)licitude à Luz da Constituição Federal

O ESPELHAMENTO VIA QR CODE COMO MEIO HÍBRIDO DE OBTENÇÃO DE PROVA E A SUA (I)LICITUDE À LUZ DA CONSTITUIÇÃO FEDERAL MIRRORING VIA QR CODE AS A HYBRID MEASUREMENT TO GET PROOF AND ITS (I)LAWFULNESS IN THE LIGHT OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION Muriel Amaral Jacob* Sander Silva Ferreira** RESUMO: O presente estudo tem em seu âmago a discussão sobre o espelhamento via QR Code do whatsapp web como meio de obtenção de prova, perquirindo sobre a sua (i) licitude à luz das disposições constitucionais. Objetiva-se, assim, trazer algumas ponderações acerca de tal celeuma, buscando perquirir se tal instituto encontra guarida no ordenamento jurídico pátrio, mormente à luz dos direitos e garantias fundamentais individuais erigidas pela Magna Carta e postas a salvaguarda do indivíduo diante da atividade persecutória do Estado. Nesse viés, verificou-se a natureza híbrida do instituto ao traçar um paralelo com as diretrizes da interceptação telefônica e a quebra de sigilo dos dados telefônicos, inferindo-se, à luz das gerações do direito probatório, sobre a necessidade de prévia outorga judicial para devassa dos dados constantes de aparelhos telefônicos apreendidos pela Autoridade Policial, notadamente por conta do incrível avanço tecnológico nos dias hodiernos, o que exige uma interpretação progressiva da legislação de regência a fim de salvaguardar as garantias constitucionais de intimidade e/ou privacidade. A metodologia utilizada nesta pesquisa é de caráter bibliográfico, por meio da análise descritiva e método dedutivo.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Espelhamento via QR Code. Comunicação telefônica. Prova ilícita.ABSTRACT: The present study has at its core the discussion about mirroring via QR Code of whatsapp web as a means of obtaining evidence, investigating its (i) legality in the light of constitutional provisions. Thus, the objective is to bring some considerations about such a stir, seeking to find out if such an institute finds shelter in the national legal system, especially in the light of the individual fundamental rights and guarantees established by the Magna Carta and put the safeguard of the individual in the face of the persecutory activity of the State. In this bias, the hybrid nature of the institute was verified by drawing a parallel with the guidelines of telephone interception and the breach of confidentiality of telephone data, inferring, in the light of generations of probative law, about the need for prior judicial grant for search of the data contained in telephone sets seized by the Police Authority, notably due to the incredible technological advancement in today's days, which requires a progressive interpretation of the governing legislation in order to safeguard constitutional guarantees of intimacy and / or privacy. The methodology used in this research is bibliographic in character, through descriptive analysis and deductive method. KEYWORDS: Mirroring via QR code. Telephone communication; Illegal proof. SUMÁRIO: Introdução. 2 Prova como meio de obtenção da verdade. 3 Provas ilícitas e ilegítimas. 4 Comunicações telefônicas de qualquer natureza: o espelhamento QR Code é válido como meio de obtenção de prova? 5 Conclusão. Referências. * Doutora em Direito pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo. Pesquisadora do Centro Didattico Euroamericano sulle Politiche Costituzionali (CEDEUAM) da Universitá del Salento. Professora Adjunta da Universidade de Rio Verde (UniRv)-GO. Advogada.** Pós-graduando em Direito Público: constitucional, administrativo e tributário pela Estácio. Pós-graduando em Direito Penal e Processo Penal pela Estácio. Bacharel em Direito pela Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Unidade Universitária de Paranaíba-MS. Pós graduando Estagiário de pós-graduação no Ministério Público de Mato Grosso do Sul. [email protected]

Studies of Gene Variants Related to Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Dyslipidemia, and Obesity: Implications for a Nutrigenetic Approach

Obesity is currently considered a serious public health issue due to its strong impact on health, economy, and quality of life. It is considered a chronic low-grade inflammation state and is directly involved in the genesis of metabolic disturbances, such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, which are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, there is evidence that genetic variation that predisposes to inflammation and metabolic disturbances could interact with environmental factors, such as diet, modulating individual susceptibility to developing these conditions. This paper aims to review the possible interactions between diet and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes implicated on the inflammatory response, lipoprotein metabolism, and oxidative status. Therefore, the impact of genetic variants of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-(PPAR-)gamma, tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-)alpha, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, Apo A2, Apo A5, Apo E, glutathione peroxidases 1, 2, and 4, and selenoprotein P exposed to variations on diet composition is described

Surface plastic flow of three-dimensional printed polylactic acid in the tribological study of surface patterned polymer

The potential of three-dimensional (3D) printing in polymer tribology is poorly explored. Material alignment and composition play vital roles in altering the friction and wear characteristics of 3D printed materials. In the current study, 3D patterns made by fused deposition modelling are used to print advanced tribo-composites. Two different surface patterns (line and circular) are provided through 3D printing using white and silver polylactic acid (PLA). The deformation and distribution of white and silver PLA over the samples surface are observed after a wear test. Results showed that the coefficient of friction is not influenced by changes in the surface pattern. However, the wear rate increased for samples with line patterns on the contact surface, since plastic flow was more significant in this case. Moreover, the filling factor exhibited an influence on increasing the plastic flow of the contact surface for samples with a line pattern