NASH game and mixed H2/H∞ control

In this work a Nonzero-Sum NASH game related to the H2 and H∞ control problems is formulated in the context of convex optimization theory. The variables of the game are limiting bounds for the H2 and H∞ norms, and the final controller is obtained as an equilibrium solution, which minimizes the `sensitivity of each norm' with respect to the other. The state feedback problem is considered and illustrated by numerical examples.

Real-time Sampling of Particulate Matter Smaller than 2.5 µm from Amazon Forest Biomass Combustion

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Genome-wide scan for visceral leishmaniasis in mixed-breed dogs identifies candidate genes involved in T helper cells and macrophage signaling

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effects of a mixed vector-scalar kink-like potential for spinless particles in two-dimensional space time

The intrinsically relativistic problem of spinless particles subject to a general mixing of vector and scalar kink- like potentials (similar to tanh gamma x) is investigated. The problem is mapped into the exactly solvable Sturm - Liouville problem with the Rosen - Morse potential and exact bounded solutions for particles and antiparticles are found. The behavior of the spectrum is discussed in some detail. An apparent paradox concerning the uncertainty principle is solved by recurring to the concept of effective Compton wavelength.

Durability of mixed mortar lining containing Dregs-Grits

The improper disposal of industrial waste and exploitation of natural resources has resulted in the scarcity of river sand and environmental degradation, such as river erosions and pollution. This study aimed to assess the durability of mixed mortar lining walls and ceilings, containing 0 (default), 10 and 20% of dregs-grits compounds-waste of the pulp industry-in substitution with river sand. This was done with tests that simulated both natural and artificial conditions: Direct solar incidence (testing ultraviolet radiation), attack by spraying solution (salt spray test), natural warming of the walls and ceilings incidence by indirect solar (thermal degradation) and residential fires (thermogravimetric test), in compliance with both national and/or international standards. The grout containing dregs-grits compounds showed similarity to standard (0%) for testing thermal degradability, thermogravimetric and ultraviolet radiation, but shows significantly less durability when exposed to salty environments.

Study of combustion of different biomass and its atmospheric emissions

One of the energy alternatives that provide utility, flexibility, cleanliness and economy is biomass, such as forest waste (wood) and agricultural (sugarcane bagasse, rice husks, coffee pods, etc.). However, with its increasing supply and use grows also the concern of industries to invest in monitoring and control of emissions into the atmosphere, because during biomass burning are emitted as exhaust gases, fine particles known as particulates, which greatly contribute to the triggering of serious health problems to humans, in addition to the environmental damage. With that, this work aimed to conduct a monitoring of particulate and gaseous pollutants emissions to the atmosphere from the burning of various types of biomass used by industries. The equipment used for sampling were the optical monitor DataRAM 4 and the Unigas3000 + gas sampler. The results showed that biomass coffee pods presented the greatest concentration of particulates (485119 μg m-3) with particle diameters between 0.0602 μm and 0.3502 μm, i.e. the most ultrafine particles, harmful to human health and the environment. The largest emissions of CO and NOx were observed, respectively, for the coffee pods (3500 ppm) and for the rice husk (48 ppm). As for the superior calorific value (PCS), the best of fuel, with higher PCS, was the Eucalyptus grandis.