This research paper aims to study the influence of some of the main parameters applied to the electrodeposition process on the nanocomposite layers obtained by strengthening the cobalt matrix with cerium oxide nanoparticles. Thus, the current efficiency (process efficiency) and the degree of inclusion of cerium oxide nanoparticles into cobalt matrix are analyzed according to the current density, the concentration of nanoparticles dispersed in the deposition electrolyte and time of the process. The choice of the optimal parameters imposed on the electrodeposition process lead to the improvement of the quality of the obtained layers, to the reduction of production costs and last but not least to the improvement of corrosion and tribocorrosion resistance of the material. The obtained results show an increase of current efficiency in the process of the deposited layers with the increase of time and current density applied. There is also a slight increasing in the current efficiency of the obtained layers with the increase of the concentration of nanoparticles dispersed in the deposition electrolyte. The increase of the current density, time and the concentration of nanoparticles also have an effect on the degree of embedded CeO2 nanoparticles into cobalt matrix for the studied nanocomposite layers. The degree of inclusion of nanoparticles decreases for the same studied system with the increasing of the current density.

In vibration control with piezoceramics, a high coupling of the piezoelement with the structure is desired. A high coupling improves the damping performance of passive techniques like shunt damping. The coupling can be influenced by a the material properties of the piezoceramics, but also by the placement within the structure and the size of the transducer. Detailed knowlegde about the vibration behavior of the structure is required for this. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the optimal shape of piezoelectric elements. General results for one-dimensional, but inhomogeneos strain distribution are provided. These results are applied to the case of a longitudinal transducer and a bending bimorph. It is obtained that for maximum coupling, only a certain fracture of the volume should be made of piezoelectric material&

To evaluate the role of preovulatory progesterone on canine sexual behavior and the course of proestrus and estrus, seven bitches in spontaneous cycles were treated with aglepristone for temporary elimination of progesterone action. Aglepristone was administered at the dose 10 mg/kg b.m., two times 24 hours apart, beginning in early proestrus when progesterone concen- tration was <0.5 ng/ml. Seven untreated bitches served as a control group. Reproductive sexual behavior (standing behavior, display vulva, tail deviation) was evaluated according to behavioral score. Cytologic, clinical and vaginoscopic examinations and progesterone measurements were used for the determination of proestrus and estrus and estimation of ovulation time.

Although, a similar pattern and magnitude of sexual behavior were observed in both groups, the duration of a total reproductive behavior was significantly extended (28.71 ± 2.06 vs 17.00 ± 2.45, p <0.05) in experimental group; similarly, the length of cytologic estrus (23.86 ± 3.02 vs 11.14 ± 2.41, p <0.05) was prolonged in treated bitches. In contrast, ovulation rate, duration of proestrus did not differ between the groups (p >0.05). We conclude, that during the canine estrus cycle the preovulatory progesterone terminates the duration of reproductive behavior and cytologic estrus.