FMRI 3D registration based on Fourier space subsets using neural networks

In this work, we present a neural network (NN) based method designed for 3D rigid-body registration of FMRI time series, which relies on a limited number of Fourier coefficients of the images to be aligned. These coefficients, which are comprised in a small cubic neighborhood located at the first octant of a 3D Fourier space (including the DC component), are then fed into six NN during the learning stage. Each NN yields the estimates of a registration parameter. The proposed method was assessed for 3D rigid-body transformations, using DC neighborhoods of different sizes. The mean absolute registration errors are of approximately 0.030 mm in translations and 0.030 deg in rotations, for the typical motion amplitudes encountered in FMRI studies. The construction of the training set and the learning stage are fast requiring, respectively, 90 s and 1 to 12 s, depending on the number of input and hidden units of the NN. We believe that NN-based approaches to the problem of FMRI registration can be of great interest in the future. For instance, NN relying on limited K-space data (possibly in navigation echoes) can be a valid solution to the problem of prospective (in frame) FMRI registration.

Modeling, control and simulation of full-power converter wind turbines equipped with permanent magnet synchronous generator

In this paper, two wind turbines equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) and respectively with a two-level or a multilevel converter are simulated in order to access the malfunction transient performance. Three different drive train mass models, respectively, one, two and three mass models, are considered in order to model the bending flexibility of the blades. Moreover, a fractional-order control strategy is studied comparatively to a classical integer-order control strategy. Computer simulations are carried out, and conclusions about the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the electric current injected into the electric grid are in favor of the fractional-order control strategy.

Power converter topologies for wind energy conversion systems: Integrated modeling, control strategy and performance simulation

This paper presents new integrated model for variable-speed wind energy conversion systems, considering a more accurate dynamic of the wind turbine, rotor, generator, power converter and filter. Pulse width modulation by space vector modulation associated with sliding mode is used for controlling the power converters. Also, power factor control is introduced at the output of the power converters. Comprehensive performance simulation studies are carried out with matrix, two-level and multilevel power converter topologies in order to adequately assert the system performance. Conclusions are duly drawn.

Análise de vibrações em caixas redutoras

A vibração em equipamento industrial pode ser tanto um sinal de que o equipamento está a funcionar normalmente como pode revelar que o mesmo apresenta problemas. É assim importante que o técnico de manutenção consiga distinguir entre níveis normais e aceitáveis de vibração e os que requerem atenção imediata para monitorar. Nesta dissertação é estudado o problema de análise de vibrações em caixas redutoras - uma em bom estado e outra com desgaste no par de engrenagens. A escolha desta dissertação prende-se com a importância e uso generalizado de caixas de engrenagens - neste caso de caixas redutoras - nas grandes indústrias. Como tal, hoje em dia, as caixas redutoras estão geralmente providas de sistema de monitorização “online” que alertam o técnico responsável de quando algo foge dos parâmetros definidos pelo utilizador - aumento súbito de temperatura, de amplitude de vibração, entre outros. Esta dissertação pretende assim responder a algumas questões pertinentes: • Como responde uma caixa redutora quando se variam os parâmetros de velocidade e carga e como as variações dos mesmos se traduzem nos espectros de frequência? • Qual dos parâmetros - velocidade e carga - tem uma maior influência nas amplitudes de vibração registadas para as várias frequências típicas de uma caixa redutora? • O que é registado ao nível do espectro de frequências, no estudo de uma caixa redutora com o defeito de desgaste? • A teoria consultada para as caixas redutoras é comparável com os dados obtidos na prática? • Porquê a importância de utilizar a análise de vibrações quando se monitorizam caixas redutoras? Para ajudar a responder estas questões foi utilizada uma aplicação designada de Enlive, um programa de controlo de condição de máquinas para sistemas “online” - ou seja, para sistemas em contínua monitorização. A análise dos sinais provenientes das caixas redutoras foi realizada com recurso à transformada rápida de Fourier - Fast Fourier Trabsform. No fim da realização desta dissertação foi possível responder a todos os pontos referidos anteriormente. Foi possível confirmar a maior importância do factor carga no aumento da amplitude de engrenamento, harmónicas e bandas laterais. Este aumento é mais pronunciado no caso da caixa redutora com desgaste. A análise de vibrações assume-se assim, mais uma vez, como uma ferramenta importante no diagnóstico de avarias, permitindo poupar tempo e recursos - tanto financeiros como humanos - e salvaguardar a contínua eficácia e produtividade de uma empresa, pois permite diminuir o tempo que uma máquina não se encontra em funcionamento.

A gestão do risco associado à negociação de energia eléctrica através de contratos bilaterais e mercado spot

Num mercado de electricidade competitivo onde existe um ambiente de incerteza, as empresas de geração adoptam estratégias que visam a maximização do lucro, e a minimização do risco. Neste contexto, é de extrema importância para desenvolver uma estratégia adequada de gestão de risco ter em conta as diferentes opções de negociação de energia num mercado liberalizado, de forma a suportar a tomada de decisões na gestão de risco. O presente trabalho apresenta um modelo que avalia a melhor estratégia de um produtor de energia eléctrica que comercializa num mercado competitivo, onde existem dois mercados possíveis para a transacção de energia: o mercado organizado (bolsa) e o mercado de contratos bilaterais. O produtor tenta maximizar seus lucros e minimizar os riscos correspondentes, seleccionando o melhor equilíbrio entre os dois mercados possíveis (bolsa e bilateral). O mercado de contratos bilaterais visa gerir adequadamente os riscos inerentes à operação de mercados no curto prazo (mercado organizado) e dar o vendedor / comprador uma capacidade real de escolher o fornecedor com que quer negociar. O modelo apresentado neste trabalho faz uma caracterização explícita do risco no que diz respeito ao agente de mercado na questão da sua atitude face ao risco, medido pelo Value at Risk (VaR), descrito neste trabalho por Lucro-em-Risco (PAR). O preço e os factores de risco de volume são caracterizados por um valor médio e um desvio padrão, e são modelizados por distribuições normais. Os resultados numéricos são obtidos utilizando a simulação de Monte Carlo implementado em Matlab, e que é aplicado a um produtor que mantém uma carteira diversificada de tecnologias de geração, para um horizonte temporal de um ano. Esta dissertação está organizada da seguinte forma: o capítulo 1, 2 e 3 descrevem o estado-da-arte relacionado com a gestão de risco na comercialização de energia eléctrica. O capítulo 4 descreve o modelo desenvolvido e implementado, onde é também apresentado um estudo de caso com uma aplicação do modelo para avaliar o risco de negociação de um produtor. No capítulo 5 são apresentadas as principais conclusões.

Fractional-order control and simulation of wind energy systems with PMSG/full-power converter topology

This paper presents a new integrated model for the simulation of wind energy systems. The proposed model is more realistic and accurate, considering a variable-speed wind turbine, two-mass rotor, permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), different power converter topologies, and filters. Additionally, a new control strategy is proposed for the variable-speed operation of wind turbines with PMSG/full-power converter topology, based on fractional-order controllers. Comprehensive simulation studies are carried out with matrix and multilevel power converter topologies, in order to adequately assert the system performance in what regards the quality of the energy injected into the electric grid. Finally, conclusions are duly drawn.

Simulation of defects in bubble clusters

Topological defects in foam, either isolated (disclinations and dislocations) or in pairs, affect the energy and stress, and play an important role in foam deformation. Surface Evolver simulations were performed on large finite clusters of bubbles. These allow us to evaluate the effect of the topology of the defects, and the distance between defects, on the energy and pressure of foam clusters of different sizes. The energy of such defects follows trends similar to known analytical results for a continuous medium.

A simulation study on the abatement of CO2 emissions by de-absorption with monoethanolamine

Because of the adverse effect of CO2 from fossil fuel combustion on the earth's ecosystems, the most cost-effective method for CO2 capture is an important area of research. The predominant process for CO2 capture currently employed by industry is chemical absorption in amine solutions. A dynamic model for the de-absorption process was developed with monoethanolamine (MEA) solution. Henry's law was used for modelling the vapour phase equilibrium of the CO2, and fugacity ratios calculated by the Peng-Robinson equation of state (EOS) were used for H2O, MEA, N-2 and O-2. Chemical reactions between CO2 and MEA were included in the model along with the enhancement factor for chemical absorption. Liquid and vapour energy balances were developed to calculate the liquid and vapour temperature, respectively.

Transport properties in microcrystalline silicon solar cells under AM1.5 illumination analysed by two-dimensional numerical simulation

Microcrystalline silicon is a two-phase material. Its composition can be interpreted as a series of grains of crystalline silicon imbedded in an amorphous silicon tissue, with a high concentration of dangling bonds in the transition regions. In this paper, results for the transport properties of a mu c-Si:H p-i-n junction obtained by means of two-dimensional numerical simulation are reported. The role played by the boundary regions between the crystalline grains and the amorphous matrix is taken into account and these regions are treated similar to a heterojunction interface. The device is analysed under AM1.5 illumination and the paper outlines the influence of the local electric field at the grain boundary transition regions on the internal electric configuration of the device and on the transport mechanism within the mu c-Si:H intrinsic layer.

Simulation of default events in a CDX and estimation of the spread

The portfolio generating the iTraxx EUR index is modeled by coupled Markov chains. Each of the industries of the portfolio evolves according to its own Markov transition matrix. Using a variant of the method of moments, the model parameters are estimated from a data set of Standard and Poor's. Swap spreads are evaluated by Monte-Carlo simulations. Along with an actuarially fair spread, at least squares spread is considered.

Simulation of the Magnetic Induction Vector of a Magnetic Core to be Used in FFC NMR Relaxometry

This paper is a contribution for the assessment and comparison of magnet properties based on magnetic field characteristics particularly concerning the magnetic induction uniformity in the air gaps. For this aim, a solver was developed and implemented to determine the magnetic field of a magnetic core to be used in Fast Field Cycling (FFC) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry. The electromagnetic field computation is based on a 2D finite-element method (FEM) using both the scalar and the vector potential formulation. Results for the magnetic field lines and the magnetic induction vector in the air gap are presented. The target magnetic induction is 0.2 T, which is a typical requirement of the FFC NMR technique, which can be achieved with a magnetic core based on permanent magnets or coils. In addition, this application requires high magnetic induction uniformity. To achieve this goal, a solution including superconducting pieces is analyzed. Results are compared with a different FEM program.

Analysis and simulation of a-Si Ha-SiC HPINIP structures for color image detection

It is presented in this paper a study on the photo-electronic properties of multi layer a-Si: H/a-SiC: H p-i-n-i-p structures. This study is aimed to give an insight into the internal electrical characteristics of such a structure in thermal equilibrium, under applied Was and under different illumination condition. Taking advantage of this insight it is possible to establish a relation among-the electrical behavior of the structure the structure geometry (i.e. thickness of the light absorbing intrinsic layers and of the internal n-layer) and the composition of the layers (i.e. optical bandgap controlled through percentage of carbon dilution in the a-Si1-xCx: H layers). Showing an optical gain for low incident light power controllable by means of externally applied bias or structure composition, these structures are quite attractive for photo-sensing device applications, like color sensors and large area color image detector. An analysis based on numerical ASCA simulations is presented for describing the behavior of different configurations of the device and compared with experimental measurements (spectral response and current-voltage characteristic). (c) 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Monte Carlo simulation of the basic features of the GE Millennium MG single photon emission computed tomography gamma camera

Objective - To describe and validate the simulation of the basic features of GE Millennium MG gamma camera using the GATE Monte Carlo platform. Material and methods - Crystal size and thickness, parallel-hole collimation and a realistic energy acquisition window were simulated in the GATE platform. GATE results were compared to experimental data in the following imaging conditions: a point source of 99mTc at different positions during static imaging and tomographic acquisitions using two different energy windows. The accuracy between the events expected and detected by simulation was obtained with the Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon test. Comparisons were made regarding the measurement of sensitivity and spatial resolution, static and tomographic. Simulated and experimental spatial resolutions for tomographic data were compared with the Kruskal–Wallis test to assess simulation accuracy for this parameter. Results - There was good agreement between simulated and experimental data. The number of decays expected when compared with the number of decays registered, showed small deviation (≤0.007%). The sensitivity comparisons between static acquisitions for different distances from source to collimator (1, 5, 10, 20, 30cm) with energy windows of 126–154 keV and 130–158 keV showed differences of 4.4%, 5.5%, 4.2%, 5.5%, 4.5% and 5.4%, 6.3%, 6.3%, 5.8%, 5.3%, respectively. For the tomographic acquisitions, the mean differences were 7.5% and 9.8% for the energy window 126–154 keV and 130–158 keV. Comparison of simulated and experimental spatial resolutions for tomographic data showed no statistically significant differences with 95% confidence interval. Conclusions - Adequate simulation of the system basic features using GATE Monte Carlo simulation platform was achieved and validated.

Processos criativos: a importância do olhar

Pesquisas realizadas recentemente salientam o papel desempenhado pelas emoções no cerne dos processos cognitivos e, em particular, na criatividade, entendendo esta não como uma faculdade mas como um processo complexo e dinâmico, dependente de vários fatores intrínsecos e extrínsecos ao sujeito. Paralelamente, a abordagem pedagógica no domínio das artes modificou-se consideravelmente desde os anos 80, desviando a atenção da produção para o processo de conhecimento e o seu conteúdo. Essa alteração levou a uma mudança de paradigma: em vez de se introduzir cegamente os alunos nos detalhes e métodos da produção artística, isolando estes do seu contexto social, procura-se agora despertar neles o olhar estético. Como em Duchamp, tenta-se alcançar uma viragem qualitiva, do objeto para o contexto.

Modelling and aerodynamic simulation of a vehicle and failure analysis of a laminated front fender

Master Thesis in Mechanical Engineering field of Maintenance and Production