Improved connective integration of a degradable 3D-nano-apatite/agarose scaffold subcutaneously implanted in a rat model.

In this work, we evaluate the tissue response and tolerance to a designed 3D porous scaffold composed of nanocrystalline carbonate-hydroxyapatite and agarose as a preliminary step in bone repair and regeneration. These scaffolds were subcutaneously implanted into rats, which were sacrificed at different times. CD4+, CD8+ and ED1+ cells were evaluated as measurements of inflammatory reaction and tolerance.

Generalized Vision-Based Detection, Identification and Pose Estimation of Lamps for BIM Integration.

This paper introduces a comprehensive approach based on computer vision for the automatic detection, identification and pose estimation of lamps in a building using the image and location data from low-cost sensors, allowing the incorporation into the building information modelling (BIM). The procedure is based on our previous work, but the algorithms are substantially improved by generalizing the detection to any light surface type, including polygonal and circular shapes, and refining the BIM integration. We validate the complete methodology with a case study at the Mining and Energy Engineering School and achieve reliable results, increasing the successful real-time processing detections while using low computational resources, leading to an accurate, cost-effective and advanced method.

Novel Formulations of Phase Change Materials-Epoxy Composites for Thermal Energy Storage.

This research aimed to evaluate the thermal properties of new formulations of phase change materials (PCMs)-epoxy composites, containing a thickening agent and a thermally conductive phase. The composite specimens produced consisted of composites fabricated using (a) inorganic PCMs (hydrated salts), epoxy resins and aluminum particulates or (b) organic PCM (paraffin), epoxy resins, and copper particles. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to analyze the thermal behavior of the samples, while hardness measurements were used to determine changes in mechanical properties at diverse PCM and conductive phase loading values.

Assessing Fat Mass of Adolescent Swimmers Using Anthropometric Equations: A DXA Validation Study.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine which of the published anthropometric equations is the most appropriate to estimate body-fat percentage (BF) in adolescent swimmers.

Method: Eighty-eight swimmers (45 boys, 43 girls) participated in this study. Following the recommendations of the International Society of the Advancement of Kinanthropometry, biceps, triceps, subscapular, iliac-crest, supraspinale, front-thigh, and medial calf skinfold thicknesses were measured.

Recycling of waste engine oil for diesel production.

The aim of this work was to recycle waste engine oil until converting it into reusable product, diesel fuel. The waste oil was treated using pyrolytic distillation. The effect of two additives (sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate) in the purification of the obtained fuel was also studied.

On the Behavior of Different PCMs in a Hot Water Storage Tank against Thermal Demands.

Advantages, such as thermal storage improvement, are found when using PCMs (Phase Change Materials) in storage tanks. The inclusion of three different types of materials in a 60 l test tank is studied. Two test methodologies were developed, and four tests were performed following each methodology.

Kinetic and morphology study of alginate-vineyard pruning waste biocomposite vs. non modified vineyard pruning waste for dye removal.

In this work a comparative bioadsorption study between a biocomposite consisting of hydrolysed vineyard pruning waste entrapped in calcium alginate spheres and non entrapped vineyard residue was carried out. Results have demonstrated that the biocomposite based on lignocellulose-calcium alginate spheres removed 77.3% of dyes, while non entrapped lignocellulose eliminated only removed 27.

Study of the physical properties of calcium alginate hydrogel beads containing vineyard pruning waste for dye removal.

In this work the morphological and surface properties of a biocomposite formulated with vineyard pruning waste entrapped in calcium alginate hydrogel beads were studied. The formulation of the calcium alginate hydrogel beads, containing vineyard pruning waste, was based on the capacity of this green adsorbent to remove dye compounds from wastewater, observing that in the optimum condition (1.25% of cellulosic residue, 2.

Formulation of an alginate-vineyard pruning waste composite as a new eco-friendly adsorbent to remove micronutrients from agroindustrial effluents.

The cellulosic fraction of vineyard pruning waste (free of hemicellulosic sugars) was entrapped in calcium alginate beads and evaluated as an eco-friendly adsorbent for the removal of different nutrients and micronutrients (Mg, P, Zn, K, N-NH4, SO4, TN, TC and PO4) from an agroindustrial effluent (winery wastewater). Batch adsorption studies were performed by varying the amounts of cellulosic adsorbent (0.5-2%), sodium alginate (1-5%) and calcium chloride (0.