Finishing System Research Articles

Assessing the Impact of Façade Typologies on Life Cycle Embodied Carbon in University Building Retrofits: A Case Study of South Korea

This study examines the influence of façade typologies on Life Cycle Embodied Carbon (LCEC) in retrofitting university buildings in South Korea. By analyzing 28 cases across seven retrofit scenarios, four main façade types—PW-1, PW-2 (Punched Walls), WW (Window Walls), and CW (Curtain Walls)—were identified as key drivers in retrofit outcomes. PW-1 and PW-2 often require over-cladding due to demolition complexities, whereas WW and CW, despite undergoing full demolition and re-cladding, do not necessarily result in higher carbon emissions. The use of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) can achieve up to a 35% reduction in LCEC compared to traditional materials like stone, particularly in cases requiring minimal structural reinforcement. By balancing sustainability with architectural integrity, this study offers valuable guidance for similar projects globally, providing insights into optimizing retrofit strategies for more sustainable building practices.

144 Assessing economic implications of thermal stress of Bos indicus and Bos taurus species during finishing in northern Colorado

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the economic implications of thermal stress on climate adaptive capacity, resiliency, and impact of Bos indicus and Bos taurus finishing steers using common finishing systems. The experimental design was a completely randomized design, with a 2 by 2 factorial arrangement of finishing system (‘natural’ or ‘conventional’) and species of cattle (Bos indicus or Bos taurus). Steers [n = 200; body weight (BW) ~450 kg] were housed in 20 feedlot pens (10 steers/pen) for the first 84 d, where cattle were blocked by initial BW. For the remainder of the 180 d (96 d) finishing period, cattle were moved to four Climate Smart Research Pens (50 steers/pen, 1 pen/ treatment, and species combination). Within each Climate Smart Research Pen, five SmartFeed systems were used to evaluate individual animal feed intake, one GreenFeed emission measurement system was used to evaluate individual animal gas emissions flux of enteric CH4, O2, H2, and CO2, and were equipped for nutrient mass balance of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Animal BW were collected every 28 d for analysis of average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency. Thermal stress behaviors were evaluated by one trained personnel on a subset of 7 steers/treatment via the measurement of respiration rate, open mouth breathing, rumen temperature, number of daily water intake events, lying and standing behavior, and pen surface temperature for the last 96 d of the finishing period. At harvest, carcass characteristics, liver scores, and heart scores were collected. Economic analyses were conducted post-hoc to determine the profitability of each species based on economic implications, tradeoffs, carcass quality and quantity, and time to finish. Selection of cattle for climate adaptive features may involve production tradeoffs (e.g., depressed rate of gain, greater yield risk, lower technical efficiency) and adjustment costs (e.g., re-optimizing feed for a new breed), which affect the adoption of less common breeds into the US cattle supply chain. Adding to the complexity of this evaluation, consumers preferences may not adapt quickly, affecting the prospect of Bos indicus cuts of meat in the market. We also, therefore, explore the supply- and demand-side effects of climate change adaptation through breed selection in the beef industry.

Investigation of Various Finishing/Polishing Procedures on Color Stability of Composite Resins

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of various finishing and polishing systems on the color stability of composite resins treated with coffee. Methods: Fifty samples of each of nanohybrid and supra-nanohybrid composite resin materials were prepared and each material was randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10): Group 1: Control group (mylar strip), Group 2: One Gloss (one step), Group 3: One Gloss + polishing paste, Group 4: Soflex disk (multistep), Group 5: Soflex disk + polishing paste. The samples were colored in coffee solution for 144 hours to simulate six months of coffee consumption after polishing. The color of the samples before-after staining was measured with a spectrophotometer and ∆E00 values were calculated. Results: Material, polishing type and the interaction of these two parameters had a statistical effect on the color change values (p< 0,001). The ∆E00 values of supra-nanohybrid composite resin were higher than nanohybrid. Both materials exhibited color change above the thresholds of clinical perceptibility (PT> 0,8) and acceptability (AT> 1,8). In terms of polishing types, the highest ∆E00 was found in the control group and the lowest in the disk group. The additionally applied polishing paste caused a non-significant decrease in the color change of the single-step polishing system (p< 0,05) and a statistically significant increase in the multi-steps polishing system (p> 0,05). Conclusion: Considering the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that the use of multi-steps discs is more advantageous in preventing discoloration of composite resins.

Effect of finishing and polishing systems on surface roughness and color stability of aesthetic restorations exposed to staining solution.

The color and the surface roughness of aesthetic restorations are related to the clinical sucess and longevity of these treatments. Aim: This study evaluated the influence of finishing and polishing systems, and storage media on the surface roughness and color stability of aesthetic restorative composites. Materials and Method: Cylindrical specimens (n=10) were prepared and treated according to: 1. Type of composite resin (nanofilled- Filtek Z350XT, suprananofilled- Estelite Omega, nanohybrid- Empress Direct); 2. Type of finishing and polishing systems (no polishing, aluminum oxide discs or abrasive rubber polishers); and 3. Type of immersion medium (water or coffee, 3 h/day/30 days). Surface roughness (Ra - μm) and color stability (L, ∆Eab, and ∆E00) were evaluated at baseline (after polishing) and final time (after immersion). Data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, and Student- Newman-Keuls tests (α=0.05). Results: Nanohybrid (p<0.001) and suprananofilled composite resins (p=0.004) showed an increase in Ra after polishing, regardless the finishing and polishing system. After immersion in coffee, the nanofilled composite had the highest roughness values (p=0.032). L values increased for all resins after polishing (p<0.05). Suprananofilled composites had the greatest color stability with the lowest values of ∆Eab and ∆E00. Conclusions: Finishing and polishing systems had an impact on the surface roughness and color stability of all aesthetic resins, and their effectiveness depended on the type of composite resin.

Pasture-finishing of cattle in Western U.S. rangelands improves markers of animal metabolic health and nutritional compounds in beef

As environmental and health concerns of beef production and consumption mount, there is growing interest in agroecological production methods, including finishing beef cattle on pastures with phytochemically diverse grasses, forbs, and/or shrubs. The goal of this metabolomics, lipidomics, and fatty acid methyl ester profiling study was to compare meat (pectoralis profundus) of Black Angus cattle from two commercial US beef finishing systems (pasture-finished on Western U.S. rangeland; n = 18 and grain-finished in a Midwest U.S. feedlot; n = 18). A total of 907 out of 1575 compounds differed in abundance between pasture-finished and grain-finished beef samples (all, false discovery rate adjusted P < 0.05). Pasture-finished beef contained higher levels of phenolic antioxidants (2.6-fold), alpha-tocopherol (3.1-fold), nicotinate/vitamin B3 (9.4-fold), choline (1.2-fold), myo-inositol (1.8-fold), and omega-3 fatty acids (4.1-fold). Grain-finished beef contained higher levels of gamma-tocopherol (14.6-fold), nicotinamide/vitamin B3 (1.5-fold), pantothenate/vitamin B5 (1.3-fold), and pyridoxine/vitamin B6 (1.3-fold); indicating that feeding some grain (by-products) could be beneficial to increase levels of certain B-vitamins. Pasture-finished beef samples also displayed lower levels of oxidative stress (homocysteine, 0.6-fold; and 4-hydroxy-nonenal-glutathione, 0.4-fold) and improved mitochondrial function (1.3-fold) compared to grain-finished animals. Two potential metabolites of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, 2,8-quinolinediol and 2,8-quinolinediol sulfate, were only observed in grain-finished beef, though the source remains unknown. While pasture-finished cattle displayed improved markers of metabolic health and concentrated additional, potentially health-promoting compounds in their meat, our findings should not be interpreted as that grain-finished beef is unhealthy to consume. Randomized controlled trials in humans are required to further assess whether observed differences between pasture-finished and feedlot-finished beef have an appreciable effect on human health.

Effect of Different Finishing Systems on Surface Roughness and Gloss of a 3D-Printed Material for Permanent Dental Use

The object of the study was to assess the effect of different finishing and polishing systems on the roughness and gloss of a 3D-printed permanent restorative material. One 3D printable Permanent material was selected for the study. Squared-shaped specimens (14 mm2; 5 mm thickness) were obtained by designing and printing. Eighty specimens were produced and randomly assigned (n = 10) to 8 finishing and polishing methods: Sof-Lex™ Spiral Wheels (SW), Sof-Lex™ XT Pop-on Disc (SD), Identoflex Lucent no paste (Ln), Identoflex Lucent + paste (Lp), Resin Nitrogen polymerized (NG), Optiglaze (OG), Opti1Step (OS), and HiLusterPLUS (HL). Surface roughness and gloss were then measured by a roughness meter and a glossmeter, respectively. For roughness, statistically significant differences were found (p &lt; 0.001), with NG(a) &gt; SD(b) = OG(b) = Lp(b); Lp(b) = Ln(bc); Ln(bc) = OS(cd); OS(cd) = SW(de); and SW(de) = HL(e). For gloss, statistically significant differences were also identified (p &lt; 0.001) with NG(a) &gt; SD(b) &gt; Lp(c) = OS(c) = OG(cd); OG(cd) = Ln(d) &gt; HL(e) = SW(e). The nitrogen chamber polymerization showed better results for both roughness and gloss. Multi-step finishing/polishing systems were able to produce smoother surfaces than 1-step and 2-step systems.

Automation preserves product consistency and quality for the formulation, fill, and finish of T cell-based therapies

Scaling up the manufacture of cell therapies can be complex and challenging. Maintaining critical quality attributes of the cell product during its final formulation and fill-finish into multiple containers can be especially difficult and laborious. Here, we tested the automated Finia™ Fill and Finish System to efficiently scale up the formulation and fill-finish of a T cell product, and then assessed cell quality and product consistency across different sub-lots filled during this expanded process. We found that this automated system could be effectively scaled to 4 times its singular capacity in a 2-h time interval, with variation in cell number and product volume less than 12% across all containers. Analysis of the different sub-lots of the final product revealed high cell viability and consistent T cell phenotype, with a high proportion of effector memory and central memory T cells and low expression of T cell senescence and exhaustion markers. The functionality of the T cell product was compared by measuring cytokine response after restimulation, with secreted levels of effector cytokines like IFN-γ and TNF-α being similar across the different sub-lots. Collectively, these results show that automation can scale up the formulation and fill-finish of a cell manufacturing process while maintaining the phenotype and functionality of the cell product. Better understanding of how to maintain product uniformity and quality during final manufacturing is important to the further scale-up and development of successful cell therapies.

Gene expression in the Longissimus dorsi muscle related to meat quality from tropical hair lambs.

The present study describes the expression of genes in the Longissimus dorsi muscle related to meat quality of hair lambs finished in an Integration Crop-Livestock system. Twenty-eight non-castrated lambs of two breeds, Somalis Brasileira and Santa Inês, at 120 ± 15 days of age, with an average initial live weight of 18 ± 3.1kg, were kept in a pasture-based finishing system with supplementation. Upon reaching 28kg body weight, animals were sent for slaughter. Samples of the Longissimus dorsi and Biceps femoris muscle were harvested for analyses of gene expression and physicochemical properties. Significant differences were detected between the breeds for tissue and chemical composition, whereas the physical aspects did not differ. We observed the expression of six genes related to lipid synthesis (acetyl-CoA carboxylase [ACACA], fatty acid synthase [FAS], stearoyl-CoA desaturase [SCD], lipoprotein lipase [LPL], cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector A [CIDEA], and thyroid hormone responsive [THRSP]) and six genes related to molecular synthesis (myostatin [MSTN], growth differentiation factor 8 [GDF8], insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF1], insulin-like growth factor 2 [IGF2], delta-like 1 homolog [DLK1], and growth hormone receptor [GHr]) in both breeds. The Santa Inês breed and the Somalis Brasileira showed similar expression patterns of genes related to lipogenesis and myogenesis of the Longissimus dorsi muscle, with the exception of the THRSP gene, in which the Somalis Brasileira have more receptors for the action of thyroid hormones, which resulted in greater thickness of fat in the carcass (subcutaneous fat) and higher lipid content in the chemical composition of the meat.

Polishing methods for composites restoration: the influence on human gingival fibroblasts behaviour

BackgroundCarious/Non-carious cervical lesions with gingival recessions may require both dental and periodontal reconstructive therapy, where flaps/grafts may be placed in contact with a dental filling material. Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGF-1) response during the early phase of healing could vary according to the procedures employed to cure the dental composite. Moreover, oxygen diffusion into dental composite inhibits the polymerization reaction, creating an oxygen-inhibited layer (OIL) that presents residual unreacted monomers. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different polishing techniques and OIL on HGF-1.MethodsComposite discs polished with different techniques (diamond rubber, abrasive discs and tungsten carbide burr) were used. An additional not polished smooth group obtained with and without OIL was used as control. Samples were physically characterized through the analysis of their hydrophilicity and surface topography through contact angle measurement and SEM, respectively; afterwards the biologic response of HGF-1 when cultured on the different substrates was analyzed in terms of cytotoxicity and gene expression.ResultsThe finishing systems caused alterations to the wettability, even if without a proportional relation towards the results of the proliferation essay, from which emerges a greater proliferation on surfaces polished with one-step diamond rubber and with abrasive discs as well as a direct effect of the glycerin layer, confirming that surface roughness can heavily influence the biological response of HGF-1.ConclusionsSurfaces wettability as well as cellular behavior seem to be affected by the selection of the finishing system used to lastly shape the restoration. Especially, the presence of OIL act as a negative factor in the regards of human gingival fibroblasts. The present study may provide the first clinical instruction regarding the best polishing system of composite material when the restoration is placed directly in contact with soft tissue cells. Understanding HGF-1 behavior can help identifying the polishing treatment for direct restoration of carious/non-carious cervical lesions associated with gingival recessions.

Surface roughness and optical characteristics evaluations after chairside adjustment of different zirconia types.

Limited evidence is available for the effect of chairside adjustment using rotary cutting instruments on the surface roughness and optical properties of different zirconia types. To evaluate the effect of simulated adjustments on surface roughness and optical properties of different zirconia types. Three Partially Stabilized Zirconia (PSZ) types based on mole percent yttria (Y) concentration from the same manufacturer (Katana; Kuraray) were used: 3Y-PSZ, 4Y-PSZ, and 5Y-PSZ. Thirty disk-shaped specimens (Ø14 × 1.2 mm) from different zirconia types (N = 90) were prepared. Specimens were either left without adjustment (NA), adjusted with Dialite ZR finishing and polishing system (Brasseler) (APol), or adjusted with course diamond instruments only (ADia). The specimens were distributed into 9 groups (n = 10): Group 3Y-PSZ/NA, Group 3Y-PSZ/APol, Group 3Y-PSZ/ADia, Group 4Y-PSZ/NA, Group 4Y-PSZ/APol, Group 4Y-PSZ/ADia, Group 5Y-PSZ/NA, Group 5Y-PSZ/APol, and Group 5Y-PSZ/ADia. The surface roughness of specimen was analyzed using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) (Bruker's Dimension Icon, Bruker) and Root Means Square (RMS) were recorded (nm). Surface Gloss (SG), Translucency Parameter (TP), and Contrast Ratio (CR) values of all groups were recorded using an integrating sphere spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparison tests for pairwise comparisons at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. APol had no effect on the surface roughness (p = 0.88) while ADia had a significant negative effect (p < 0.05) despite the type of zirconia. Out of the three testes optical properties, only SG was negatively affected by ADia for all types of zirconia (p < 0.05). The two adjustment types did not affect the TP of all the tested zirconia (p = 0.91). The CR was not affected by the tested adjustments for all zirconia types (p = 0.726). Proper zirconia adjustment following a sequence of burs and polishers can maintain acceptable roughness and optical properties. Adjustment of zirconia with rough diamond can lead to deleterious effects and should be avoided. Chairside adjustment of zirconia could lead to rougher surface and unpredictable changes of surface gloss. Therefore, zirconia adjustment should be minimized to the greatest extent possible and a proper protocol should be followed if had to be done.

Economic and Financial Viability of Pig Farming in the Integrated Termination System

Objective: The study aims to compare the economic and financial viability of expanding the pig farming activity carried out in the finishing system, on a rural property in the municipality of Xavantina/SC. Search method: Methodologically, the research is descriptive, carried out through a case study and qualitative analysis. From the collection of data relating to batches from the period 2019 and 2020, a statement of the results of the pig farming activity was prepared. Discounted payback, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Net Present Value (NPV) were used for analysis. Main results: Economic results demonstrate the net margin per batch of pigs of up to 64% in the current finishing system. With the increase in investments, the net margin is up to 44% per lot. The results show a financial return time of 10 years, 11 months and 8 days, with an IRR of 10.08% in the current situation. Considering the investments in expanding the new piggery and the revenue and expense projections, the financial return will occur in 18 years, 11 months and 8 days, with the IRR at 10.02%. In general, the results demonstrate the importance of rural accounting as a support instrument in monitoring activities developed to support the economic-financial analysis of investments and the decision-making process.

Effect of toothbrushing on surface roughness, gloss, and topography of polished and glazed ultra-translucent zirconia.

This study evaluated the effect of toothbrushing cycles on surface roughness (Ra), gloss (GU), and morphology of two zirconia finishing and polishing protocols. An ultra-translucent zirconia disc was sectioned into rectangular plates (12mm × 7mm × 3mm) and divided into two groups according to the polishing and finishing system used (diamond rubber abrasive/DRA or glazing/GLA). Bovine enamel (BEN) plates with the same dimensions were used as a Control. Specimens of zirconia and enamel were analyzed for Ra and GU (n = 11) and surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (n = 3) before toothbrushing (baseline) and after 15,000 and 30,000 toothbrushing cycles. Ra and GU data were analyzed by ANOVA two-way and post-hoc Tukey's test (α = 0.05), while the surface morphology was analyzed qualitatively. The Ra decreased significantly after 30,000 toothbrushing cycles for DRA and GLA zirconia ceramics. DRA showed a higher GU at the baseline, after 15,000 and 30,000 toothbrushing cycles than GLA and BEN. Toothbrushing polished the zirconia, creating a smooth surface, while no changes were observed for BEN. The increase in toothbrushing cycles (30,000) changed the surface roughness of DRA and GLA zirconia ceramics. DRA zirconia presented the highest GU, which did not change with toothbrushing.

Influence of Finishing Systems on Carcass Characteristics, Composition, and Fatty Acid Profile of Bison Bulls

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of grain- and grass-finishing systems on carcass characteristics of bison bulls and proximate and fatty acid compositions of bison steaks. Bison bulls grazed native pasture until approximately 25 mo of age, then were randomly assigned to grain-finishing (n=98) or grass-finishing (n=98) treatments. Bulls were slaughtered at approximately 30 mo of age. Hot carcass weight (HCW), ribeye area, backfat thickness, kidney fat percentage, marbling score, and instrumental color (L*,a*, and b*) of the ribeye and subcutaneous fat were recorded. Skeletal maturity, lean maturity, and fat color were subjectively scored. Strip loins were collected from a sub-sample of carcasses, fabricated into 2.5-cm steaks, and designated for proximate, cholesterol, or fatty acid analyses. Grain-finished bulls had greater (P&amp;lt;0.0001) HCW, dressing percentage, ribeye area, backfat thickness, kidney fat percentage,and marbling score. The a* and b* values of the ribeye and a* value of subcutaneous fat were greater (P&amp;lt;0.0001), but the L* and b* values of subcutaneous fat were less (P&amp;lt;0.0001) for grain-finished bulls. A greater proportion (P&amp;lt;0.001) of grain-finished carcasses had moderately bright red lean color, whereas a greater proportion (P&amp;lt;0.0001) of grass-finished carcasses had moderately yellow fat color. Steaks from grain-finished bulls had an increased percentage of crude protein (P&amp;lt;0.0001), fat (P&amp;lt;0.0001), and ash (P=0.0006) content but less moisture (P&amp;lt;0.0001). Steaks from grain-finished bulls had more (P&amp;lt;0.001) cholesterol and palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and arachidonic acids in addition to more total fatty acids (mg/g of wet tissue). However, for total fatty acids, grass-finished steaks had a greater (P&amp;lt;0.0001) percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These data indicate that the finishing system influences the composition of bison bull carcasses as well as the nutrient profile of bison meat.

How does the inclusion of a companion forage alongside perennial ryegrass influence production performance, sensory perception and consumer liking of lamb meat?

In sheep production systems, diet type is an important factor affecting the eating quality of the meat produced. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of binary swards on the slaughter performance, descriptive sensory profile, consumer liking and instrumental texture of lamb meat. Five dietary treatments were investigated, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.; PRG), PRG plus white clover (Trifolium repens L.; PRG+WC), PRG plus red clover (Trifolium pratense L.; PRG+RC), PRG plus chicory (Chicorium intybus L.; PRG+Chic) and PRG plus plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.; PRG+Plan). Post – weaning sixty Texel sired crossbred lambs (n = 12 per dietary treatment) were selected from the main cohort of lambs born in 2022 and further balanced for sex and reared litter size. The M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) was obtained from each lamb post-slaughter. Meat samples were analysed by a trained sensory panel, a consumer panel as well as Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) measurements. All data were analysed using a linear mixed model PROC MIXED in SAS. Mean slaughter weights of 46.0 ± 0.36 kg and cold carcass weights of 22.2 ± 0.51 kg were achieved with no differences observed across dietary treatments (P > 0.05). On average, lambs were 217 d of age at slaughter. Lambs finished on PRG and PRG+Plan had similar growth rates, however binary mixtures containing PRG plus any one of WC, RC (P < 0.01) or Chic (P < 0.05) increased average daily gain (ADG) and reduced the number of days required for lambs to reach slaughter (P < 0.05), relative to lambs grazing the PRG monoculture. Meat from PRG+Plan lambs was scored lower by the trained sensory panel for initial tenderness (P < 0.001) and overall tenderness (P < 0.001) when compared to meat from any other dietary treatment. Consumers scored meat from PRG or PRG+WC lambs higher for tenderness (P < 0.05) and flavour (P < 0.01) in comparison to meat produced from PRG+Plan lambs. Relative to meat from PRG+Plan lambs, PRG, PRG+WC and PRG+Chic lamb meat scored higher for overall liking (P < 0.01) when assessed by the consumer panel. Results show that companion forage inclusion increased lamb growth performance in the post-weaning period thus reducing age at slaughter. However, findings suggest that the addition of plantain to the grazed sward may negatively affect the eating quality of lamb meat, highlighting the need to consider diet type in tandem with meat eating quality when selecting finishing systems for pasture fed lambs.

Effect of different finishing and polishing systems on surface properties of universal single shade resin-based composites

BackgroundRecently, universal single-shade resin composites have become increasingly available in the dental market. The modification of their composition can have an inadvertent effect on their physical and surface properties, and subsequently determinantal effect on their clinical function and longevity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different finishing and polishing (F/P) systems on surface roughness (Ra), surface gloss (GU), and Vickers microhardness (VMH) of universal single-shade RBCs.Materials and methodsFour commercial RBCs were used; the universal single-shade RBCs were Omnichroma, Charisma® Diamond ONE, and Vittra APS Unique, and a conventional nanocomposite Filtek™ Z250 XT was used as a control. The 3 F/P systems were Sof-Lex™ XT, Enhance®/PoGo®, and Diacomp® Plus Twist. A total of 160 discs were used for the 3 F/P system groups for all RBCs (n = 10). After F/P, the Ra, GU, and VMH were assessed. The data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA at p-value < 0.05.ResultsSignificant differences were found among the four RBCs and the 3 F/P systems (p < .000). Omnichroma showed the lowest Ra and acceptable GU, but the lowest VMH. Charisma showed the highest Ra, acceptable GU, and VMH. Vittra showed acceptable Ra, GU, and VMH and Filtek showed the highest GU, VMH, and acceptable Ra.ConclusionAlthough conventional nanohybrid RBC (Filtek Z250 XT) showed better GU and VMH values, the universal single-shade RBCs demonstrated comparable surface properties. The highest GU & VMH and lowest Ra were achieved by Diacomp followed by Enhance and Soflex.

A bio-economic modelling comparison of a Friesian Bull-Beef system and a New Generation Beef system with Friesian bulls slaughtered at 10–14 months old

ABSTRACT Finishing of dairy-origin calves in an accelerated ‘New generation beef’ (NGB) beef finishing system for slaughter up to 14 months of age has potential co-sector benefits. These include production efficiencies and a reduced number of dairy calves slaughtered at a very young age. In the present study, a NGB system and an 18-month Bull-Beef system were first modelled separately, both purchasing three-month-old Friesian bull calves. Then Mixed systems with varying proportions of both NGB and Bull-Beef animals were modelled. Production, feed balance and profitability were compared, using cash operating surplus (COS) as a profit indicator. In the NGB scenario, double the number of animals were finished compared with the Bull-Beef scenario; however, monthly feed demand was less synchronous with predicted pasture supply, requiring more feed transfer via pasture baleage. The COS for the NGB system was $−571/ha, with less income and greater costs than the Bull-Beef system (COS = $2026/ha). Break-even prices for NGB animals were up to 74% above current prices, but break-even prices were less in Mixed systems with a greater proportion of Bull-Beef animals. Without high price premiums, challenges remain for the NGB systems appeal to beef finishers due to their low slaughter weights and sale prices.

Sistemas de terminação de bovinos de corte utilizados em pesquisas científicas no Brasil: uma revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT The objective of this review was to identify, synthesize, and characterize, through an integrative approach, the main beef cattle finishing systems used in Brazilian scientific research. A review protocol was developed, and the search terms were based on the PVO strategy to formulate the study's guiding question: study population (P) consists of beef cattle, the variables of interest (V) were the finishing systems adopted in the studies with cattle in Brazil, and the outcomes (O) were the characteristics of the finishing systems. The following guiding question was formulated: What are the major beef cattle finishing systems used in scientific research in Brazil? The databases used were SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Science Direct. 1,388 studies were found, 1,163 of which were scientific articles. However, 33 publications were selected for data extraction. The studies covered different regions of Brazil: Southeast (14), South (10), Midwest (8) and Northeast (1). The confinement finishing system was the strategy used in 63.4% of the experiments and 24.2% of pasture systems with supplementation. In 81.1% of the studies, the pure Nellore breed or crossed with other breeds was used. Scientific research on cattle finishing in Brazil focuses on confinement systems.

Finishing and polishing systems influence the roughness and color stability of acrylic and bis-acryl composite resins.

To evaluate the effect of different finishing and polishing systems on the surface roughness and color changes of bis-acryl (Protemp 4 - 3M ESPE- St. Paul, USA; Structur 3 - Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany) and chemically activated acrylic materials (Duralay - Reliance, SP, Brazil). Specimens (10 x 2 mm) thick were prepared for each material. The specimens were subjected to polishing and finishing procedures with aluminum oxide discs (Diamond Master - FGM, Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil) and spiral rubber disks (Sof-Lex - 3M ESPE, Germany). The control did not receive any polishing and finishing procedures. Surface roughness and color measurement values were obtained after the finishing and polishing procedures and immediately after 30 days of storage in water, coffee, and red wine. Data for each material were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA (p<0.05). The polishing with aluminum oxide discs was able to affect the initial surface roughness values of chemically activated acrylic material (p<0.05). After immersion in staining solutions, lower ∆E values were only observed for the bis-acryl composite resins compared to the control group (p<0.05). The finishing and polishing systems influenced the surface roughness and color stability of the materials tested. The chemically activated acrylic resin showed lower surface roughness and higher color stability than the bis-acryl materials. Key words:Acrylic resin, bis-acryl resin, provisional restoration.

Efficacy of Different Finishing and Polishing Systems on Surface Roughness and Microhardness of Highly Aesthetic Composites

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of three different types of highly esthetic composite resin, which will be used for aesthetic purposes in the anterior region, on the surface roughness and microhardness by the application of three different finishing and polishing systems, with three-dimensional Optical Profilometer, Vickers microhardness device and SEM analysis.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Three different composite resins were used in the study; supra-nanofil(Tokuyama Estelite Asteria), supra-nano spherical(Tokuyama Omnichroma), nanohybrid(Kuraray Clearfil Majesty Esthetic) were used. 40 samples of each composite resin were prepared, 120 in total. After the polymerization and correction processes, ten samples from each group that did not undergo any polishing process were separated as the control group. Then, they were randomly divided into three groups for the polishing process: 4-stage aluminum oxide coated disc(3M Sof-lex disc), beige and pink 2-step spiral rubber consisting of aluminum oxide-containing diamond particles(3M Sof-lex spiral), polyurethane, diamond granules. containing light blue rubber and spiral rubber(Ivoclar Vivadent OptraGloss). Surface roughness(Ra) was measured on all samples with a conventional profilometer device. Then, one sample surface from each group was examined with the Optical Profilometer device and the Scanning Electron Microscope, and all samples were subjected to microhardness testing with the Vickers Microhardness Tester.&#x0D; Results: As a result of our study, the lowest roughness values were observed in the control group, while the highest roughness values were observed in the Ivoclar Optragloss group. The groups studied with Kuraray Clearfil Majesty Esthetic composite showed higher roughness values compared to other composite groups, but no statistically significant difference was found with other composite groups(p&gt;0.05). In our study, the lowest microhardness values were observed in the control group, while the highest microhardness values were observed in the Sof-Lex Disk group. The difference between the groups treated with Kuraray Clearfil Majesty Esthetic composite and the other composite groups was found to be statistically significant(p

(Invited) Case Studies for in-Space Electrochemical Operations

Faraday Technology Inc. is a research, development and electrochemical engineering firm developing electrochemical innovations for terrestrial and space system.[1,2] With that founding basis Faraday has been able to bridge the gap between academic understanding and small-scale demonstrations to commercialization of practical components for over 32 years of operation.This presentation will discuss a broad range of electrochemical approaches to improve the performance of components used in space or to be used for in-space production. We will provide insight into case studies, performed at Faraday, from our four business units of electrodeposition, electrochemical surface finishing, electrochemical conversion, and electrochemical system design. For instances, we will discuss direct print electrodeposition, electrophoretic application of coatings for glare resistance, surface finishing of rocket components, bioelectrochemical treatment of urine, and the generation of peroxide. Each electrochemical process has applications on earth and in space; additionally, each program had to overcome specific challenges that only space can present.