Efeitos não-gaussianos em astrofísica e cosmologia

The recent astronomical observations indicate that the universe has null spatial curvature, is accelerating and its matter-energy content is composed by circa 30% of matter (baryons + dark matter) and 70% of dark energy, a relativistic component with negative pressure. However, in order to built more realistic models it is necessary to consider the evolution of small density perturbations for explaining the richness of observed structures in the scale of galaxies and clusters of galaxies. The structure formation process was pioneering described by Press and Schechter (PS) in 1974, by means of the galaxy cluster mass function. The PS formalism establishes a Gaussian distribution for the primordial density perturbation field. Besides a serious normalization problem, such an approach does not explain the recent cluster X-ray data, and it is also in disagreement with the most up-to-date computational simulations. In this thesis, we discuss several applications of the nonextensive q-statistics (non-Gaussian), proposed in 1988 by C. Tsallis, with special emphasis in the cosmological process of the large structure formation. Initially, we investigate the statistics of the primordial fluctuation field of the density contrast, since the most recent data from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) indicates a deviation from gaussianity. We assume that such deviations may be described by the nonextensive statistics, because it reduces to the Gaussian distribution in the limit of the free parameter q = 1, thereby allowing a direct comparison with the standard theory. We study its application for a galaxy cluster catalog based on the ROSAT All-Sky Survey (hereafter HIFLUGCS). We conclude that the standard Gaussian model applied to HIFLUGCS does not agree with the most recent data independently obtained by WMAP. Using the nonextensive statistics, we obtain values much more aligned with WMAP results. We also demonstrate that the Burr distribution corrects the normalization problem. The cluster mass function formalism was also investigated in the presence of the dark energy. In this case, constraints over several cosmic parameters was also obtained. The nonextensive statistics was implemented yet in 2 distinct problems: (i) the plasma probe and (ii) in the Bremsstrahlung radiation description (the primary radiation from X-ray clusters); a problem of considerable interest in astrophysics. In another line of development, by using supernova data and the gas mass fraction from galaxy clusters, we discuss a redshift variation of the equation of state parameter, by considering two distinct expansions. An interesting aspect of this work is that the results do not need a prior in the mass parameter, as usually occurs in analyzes involving only supernovae data.Finally, we obtain a new estimate of the Hubble parameter, through a joint analysis involving the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect (SZE), the X-ray data from galaxy clusters and the baryon acoustic oscillations. We show that the degeneracy of the observational data with respect to the mass parameter is broken when the signature of the baryon acoustic oscillations as given by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) catalog is considered. Our analysis, based on the SZE/X-ray data for a sample of 25 galaxy clusters with triaxial morphology, yields a Hubble parameter in good agreement with the independent studies, provided by the Hubble Space Telescope project and the recent estimates of the WMAP

Caracterização infravermelho e distribuição espectral de energia para as estrelas com planetas

Neste trabalho estudamos o comportamento das estrelas pertencentes a sistemas planetários no que diz respeito às suas características infravermelho e à distribuição espectral de energia (SED). Nosso estudo tem como base uma análise detalhada do comportamento da emissão no infravermelho de 48 estrelas com planetas, classificadas como estrelas da seqüência principal, subgigantes ou gigantes. Foram analisados dados de fotometria infravermelho nas bandas 12, 25 e 60µm do catálogo de fontes IRAS puntiformes (IPSC) e nas bandas JHK do projeto 2 Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS). A partir do cálculo da discrepância na posição de apontamento da fonte e do cálculo do índice de cor, selecionamos e localizamos os objetos no diagrama de cor-cor do IRAS. Este diagrama permite-nos identificar possíveis objetos detentores de disco de poeira. Fizemos também uma análise da distribuição espectral de energia onde observamos também traços de excesso de fluxo no infravermelho, com isso, confirmarmos a presença do disco de poeira nos objetos identificados no diagrama de cor. Apesar da atual amostra de estrelas com planetas incluir apenas um subconjunto de estrelas com planetas detectadas na vizinhança solar, a presente análise do fluxo infravermelho nesses objetos oferecem uma possibilidade única de estudar as características infravermelho das estrelas pertencentes aos sistemas planetários extra-solar. Neste contexto, nosso estudo aponta resultados interessantes, entre outros destacamos o fato de algumas estrelas com planetas apresentarem um peculiar fluxo IRAS [60-25], indicando a co-existência de poeira juntamente com os planetas destes sistemas extra solar

Busca por excesso no infravermelho médio em estrelas evoluídas com fotometria WISE e 2MASS

Debris discs are commonly detected orbiting main-sequence stars, but little is known regarding their fate as stars evolve along subgiant and giant stages. Jones (2008) has found strong evidence on the presence of mid-IR excess in G and K stars of luminosity class III, using photometric data from the Two-Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) and GLIMPSE catalogues. While the origin of these excesses remains uncertain, it is plausible that they arise from debris discs around these stars. The present study brings an unprecedent survey in the search for mid-IR excess among single and binary F, G and K-type evolved stars of luminosity classes IV, III, II and Ib. For this study, we use WISE and 2MASS photometric data for a sample of 3000 evolved stars, complete up to visual magnitude of 6.5. As major results, we found that the frequency of evolved stars showing mid-IR WISE excess increases from the luminosity classes IV and III to luminosity classes II and Ib. In addition, there is no clear difference between the presence of IR excess in binary and single stars for all the analyzed luminosity classes.

Busca por excesso no infravermelho médio em estrelas evoluídas com fotometria WISE e 2MASS

Debris discs are commonly detected orbiting main-sequence stars, but little is known regarding their fate as stars evolve along subgiant and giant stages. Jones (2008) has found strong evidence on the presence of mid-IR excess in G and K stars of luminosity class III, using photometric data from the Two-Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) and GLIMPSE catalogues. While the origin of these excesses remains uncertain, it is plausible that they arise from debris discs around these stars. The present study brings an unprecedent survey in the search for mid-IR excess among single and binary F, G and K-type evolved stars of luminosity classes IV, III, II and Ib. For this study, we use WISE and 2MASS photometric data for a sample of 3000 evolved stars, complete up to visual magnitude of 6.5. As major results, we found that the frequency of evolved stars showing mid-IR WISE excess increases from the luminosity classes IV and III to luminosity classes II and Ib. In addition, there is no clear difference between the presence of IR excess in binary and single stars for all the analyzed luminosity classes.

Identificação das condições gerais de conservação dos reservatórios integrantes do sistema de abastecimento de água de Natal

Infrastructure works are included in strategic areas for the social development. For that matter that all of the investments are very important for the social development. When the population has enough water and an acceptable quality, and it includes a wastewater gathering and its treatment, the whole society became less susceptible to the water diseases. Even the Water Supply and the Sewage depend for its perfect operation of reservoirs, or of the accumulation of water to provide the popular necessity, either due to retention or for the treatment wastewarer. These structures present very specific environmental conditions, because the microclimate created around them, like high environmental humidity and for the existence of many harmful substances for the concrete, such as chloride ions presents in water. The reservoir that compose the System of Water Supply of Natal were built between 1970s and 1980s, a period whom the technical and scientific community did not have in-depth studies about the reinforced concrete mechanism of deterioration. Therefore, these reservoirs have been suffered accelerated deterioration progress, and they have been shown many pathological manifestations strikingly visible. In front of all these problems this academic work aims to identify the generally conditions of conservation of all the reservoirs components of the Water Supply System of Natal. This academic work objectives to develop a recuperation plan for use in these reservoirs, in this academic work it was achieved all the survey of pathological manifestation existing in each reservoir. It was made with local visits, photographic recorders of all manifestations viii and realization of in loco tests. The other step consisted in a application of GDE/UnB metodolgy reformulated by Fonseca (2007). In the step of local visits in each reservoir it was evaluated carbonation depth, by spreading a phenolphthalein solution with 1% of concentration; evaluation of contamination of chlorides, by spreading silver nitrate solution with 1% of concentration, and evaluation of width cracks. After the conclusion of all the testings, it was established that all reservoir, studied in this academic work, have showed an advanced deteriorating condition. It´s presents prevalent pathological manifestations as unacceptable cracks, spots, efflorescence and reinforcement corrosion, and in some cases, chlorides contamination. After the conclusion of the testings and its concatenation it was able to implementing, using GDE/UnB methodology, the order of the restoration its service life and initial safety conditions

Efeitos de tempestades magnéticas em sinais de gps, em Natal, Brasil

Satellites signals present disturbances (scintillations), due to presence of irregularities in the ionospheric plasma. In the present work, we dedicate to the study of the attenuation of these scintillations that is, an improvement in the signal, during the main magnetic storm phase during the period of October 2006 to February 2007. Using amplitude of scintillation 1.5GHz (L1) data of the net of satellites GPS, in the ionospheric station of Natal (5.84o S, 35.20o O, -20o dip) and geomagnetic indices, during the minimum solar cycle (referred to as cycle 23), demonstrating its anti-correlation between magnetic activity (Kp) and index of scintillation () (Bonelli2005 method, that works for solar maximum, Bonelli(2005)). These results show that these storms correspond to category I of Aarons (1991). The magnetic storms can generate irregularities when the electric feld of penetration eastward on the pre-reversal hour intensificating that and can too generate irregularities on midnight and sunlight period. The limitation of the method applied here is that it is not considering some storms that had also occurred during equinox and summer in the Brazilian region. For this reason, we will use additional data of the stations of São João de Cariri (Imager and Photometer) and of the station at Fortaleza (Digissonde data), as aid to analyze these storms. The storms that had been left out by the applied method, fit in the other two categories of Aarons, with one only exception (storm of January, 02). We show that in the day of the main phase of the magnetic storm, and with presence of bubbles (according to data of the Imager and Photometer), the speed of vertical drift ~E ~B (hF=t) is below 20m/s, that is the threshold found for Anderson al., (2004) (>20m/s as condition favorable to the formation of irregularities and increase in the scintillation index). This reduction of the speed is due to solar minimum

Cultura organizacional orientada à qualidade: um survey nas concessionárias automotivas brasileiras certificadas com a ISO 9001

The study aims identify the existence of quality culture in Brazilian automotive dealerships with ISO 9001, motivated by this research problem: exist a quality culture in this dealerships, which facilitates the adoption of quality practices supported by ISO 9001? For referencing, the theoretical review was written in five themes: organizational culture, quality culture, total quality management, ISO 9001 quality management system and the Brazilian automobile industry. As regards the methodological aspects, the research has an applied nature, with a quantitative approach, being exploratory in their objectives, and bibliographic, documental and survey as technical procedures. The organizations participating in the study were all Brazilian automotive dealerships certified with ISO 9001. The research intended cover all the 80 active dealers with ISO 9001 certification identified by the Brazilian Committee for Quality (ABNT CB-25). The survey recorded participation of 32 companies (response rate 40%). The questionnaire was sent to seller managers, formatted into five sections: 1) introductory message 2) manager profile, 3) reasons for implementation and benefits generated by ISO 4) adoption levels of quality practices and 5) diagnosis of organizational culture. The questions contained in sections 2 and 3 were structured in multiple choice, and in the remaining sections were structured in Likert 5-point scale. The statistical method used (data analysis), was the descriptive statistics, for data representation in frequency percentage (FP) and standard level (SL). The results showed that the interviewed dealerships have an organizational culture with very high levels of prevalence in "outcome orientation" and "attention to detail" cultural dimensions. In addition, about the other two dimensions considered conducive to quality (innovation and teamwork/respect for people), both observed high prevalence. Based on the present results, concluded that the organizational culture of Brazilian dealerships with ISO 9001 are quality oriented, being conducive to adoption of quality practices supported by TQM Systems. However, it is important to mention that the quality culture identified is not sufficiently developed to adopt quality practices at optimal levels, which sets up an unfavorable scenario to deals with highly rigorous customer