Morphological analysis of pits formed on Al 2024-T3 in chloride aqueous solution

It has been used a new image analysis method, based on segmentation by shape parameters, for pits morphology examination from Al 2024 aluminum-copper alloy in chloride aqueous solution. Corrosion behavior of this alloys in naturally aerated 3.5% NaCl solution has been investigated through open circuit potential measurements. Afterwards, pits have been characterized by image analysis taking density and size measurements right from corroded surfaces. Morphological investigation has been conducted for profiles, cut orthogonally from mean surface planes, and observed through light microscopy. Image analysis data could demonstrate that pits are wider than deep, evoluting for conical, quasi-conical or irregular shapes. Most pits have presented a quasi-conical morphology, but the wider ones have evoluted to an irregular shape influenced by sub-surface microstructure. Image analysis based on shape segmentation could enhance the differences on morphological behavior. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermogravimetry on calcined mass basis - hydrated cement phases and pozzolanic activity quantitative analysis

When cement hydrated compositions are analyzed by usual initial mass basis TG curves to calculate mass losses, the higher is the amount of additive added or is the combined water content, the higher is the cement 'dilution' in the initial mass of the sample. In such cases, smaller mass changes in the different mass loss steps are obtained, due to the actual smaller content of cement in the initial mass compositions. To have a same mass basis of comparison, and to avoid erroneous results of initial components content there from, thermal analysis data and curves have to be transformed on cement calcined basis, i.e. on the basis of cement oxides mass present in the calcined samples or on the sample cement initial mass basis.The paper shows and discusses the fundamentals of these bases of calculation, with examples on free and combined water analysis, on calcium sulfate hydration during false cement set and on quantitative evaluation and comparison of pozzolanic materials activity.

The selective neurotoxin DSP-4 impairs the noradrenergic projections from the locus coeruleus to the inferior colliculus in rats

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

Georeferenced road extraction and formulation of hypotheses for new road segments

The acquisition and update of Geographic Information System (GIS) data are typically carried out using aerial or satellite imagery. Since new roads are usually linked to georeferenced pre-existing road network, the extraction of pre-existing road segments may provide good hypotheses for the updating process. This paper addresses the problem of extracting georeferenced roads from images and formulating hypotheses for the presence of new road segments. Our approach proceeds in three steps. First, salient points are identified and measured along roads from a map or GIS database by an operator or an automatic tool. These salient points are then projected onto the image-space and errors inherent in this process are calculated. In the second step, the georeferenced roads are extracted from the image using a dynamic programming (DP) algorithm. The projected salient points and corresponding error estimates are used as input for this extraction process. Finally, the road center axes extracted in the previous step are analyzed to identify potential new segments attached to the extracted, pre-existing one. This analysis is performed using a combination of edge-based and correlation-based algorithms. In this paper we present our approach and early implementation results.

Bose-Einstein correlations in W-pair decays

Bose-Einstein correlations are studied in semileptonic (WW → qq̄lv) and fully hadronic (WW → qq̄qq̄) W-pair decays with the ALEPH detector at LEP at centre-of-mass energies of 172, 183 and 189 GeV. They are compared with those made at the Z peak after correction for the different flavour compositions. A Monte Carlo model of Bose-Einstein correlations based on the JETSET hadronization scheme was tuned to the Z data and reproduces the correlations in the WW → qq̄lv events. The same Monte Carlo reproduces the correlations in the WW → qq̄qq̄ channel assuming independent fragmentation of the two W's. A variant of this model with Bose-Einstein correlations between decay products of different W's is disfavoured. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

Conceptual model for adaptable and extensible visual data exploration

Interactive visual representations complement traditional statistical and machine learning techniques for data analysis, allowing users to play a more active role in a knowledge discovery process and making the whole process more understandable. Though visual representations are applicable to several stages of the knowledge discovery process, a common use of visualization is in the initial stages to explore and organize a sometimes unknown and complex data set. In this context, the integrated and coordinated - that is, user actions should be capable of affecting multiple visualizations when desired - use of multiple graphical representations allows data to be observed from several perspectives and offers richer information than isolated representations. In this paper we propose an underlying model for an extensible and adaptable environment that allows independently developed visualization components to be gradually integrated into a user configured knowledge discovery application. Because a major requirement when using multiple visual techniques is the ability to link amongst them, so that user actions executed on a representation propagate to others if desired, the model also allows runtime configuration of coordinated user actions over different visual representations. We illustrate how this environment is being used to assist data exploration and organization in a climate classification problem.

Delayed tooth replantation after root surface treatment with sodium hypochlorite and sodium fluoride: Histomorphometric analysis in rats

In cases of delayed tooth replantation, non-vital periodontal ligament remnants have been removed with sodium hypochlorite in an attempt to control root resorption. Nevertheless, reports of its irritating potential in contact with the alveolar connective tissue have been described. Therefore, this study evaluated the healing process on delayed replantation of rat teeth, after periodontal ligament removal by different treatment modalities. Twenty-four rats, assigned to 3 groups (n=8), had their upper right incisor extracted and left on the workbench for desiccation during 60 min. Afterwards, the teeth in group I were immersed in saline for 2 min. In group II, root surfaces were scrubbed with gauze soaked in saline for 2 min; and in group III, scrubbing was done with gauze soaked in 1% sodium hypochlorite solution. Thereafter, root surfaces were etched with 37% phosphoric acid and immersed in 2% acidulate-phosphate sodium fluoride solution, at pH 5.5. Root canals were filled with a calcium hydroxide-based paste and the teeth were replanted. The animals were sacrificed 60 days postoperatively and the pieces containing the replanted teeth were processed and paraffin- embedded. Semi-serial transversally sections were obtained from the middle third of the root and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histomorphometric analysis. Data were analyzed statistically using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. The results showed that root structure and cementum extension were more affected by resorption in group III (p<0.05). All groups were affected by root resorption but the treatment performed in group III was the least effective for its control. The treatment accomplished in groups I and II yielded similar results to each other.

Implantação do pilar ruju Botucatu na UNESP para integração ao Sistema Geodésico Brasileiro

The objective of this work was to implant a geodesic pillar in the campus of Botucatu (Rubião Júnior) of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), using active stations of the Brazilian Net of Continuous Monitoring (RBMC) as reference, aiming at inclusion in the Brazilian Geodesic System (BGS). In the planning of the trace, some aspects of the pillar optimization were considered: the field evaluation, the equipment Receiver GPS Topcon Hiper GGD and the net RBMC were used to trace the height, and the Topcon Tools 6.04 version software was use for the data processing, the ambiguity solution, as well as the treatment of injunctions during the column adjustment. The obtained results allowed the implantation of a more accurate pillar then 1ppm compatible to the RBMC net, meeting the specification of IBGE.

Pitch detection algorithms based on zero-cross rate and autocorrelation function for musical notes

This paper discusses two pitch detection algorithms (PDA) for simple audio signals which are based on zero-cross rate (ZCR) and autocorrelation function (ACF). As it is well known, pitch detection methods based on ZCR and ACF are widely used in signal processing. This work shows some features and problems in using these methods, as well as some improvements developed to increase their performance. © 2008 IEEE.

Variable speed refrigeration system with HPF input rectifier stage

This paper is based on the analysis and implementation of a new drive system applied to refrigeration systems, complying with the restrictions imposed by the IEC standards (Harmonic/Flicker/EMI-Electromagnetic Interference restrictions), in order to obtain high efficiency, high power factor, reduced harmonic distortion in the input current and reduced electromagnetic interference, with excellent performance in temperature control of a refrigeration prototype system (automatic control, precision and high dynamic response). The proposal is replace the single-phase motor by a three-phase motor, in the conventional refrigeration system. In this way, a proper control technique can be applied, using a closed-loop (feedback control), that will allow an accurate adjustment of the desirable temperature. The proposed refrigeration prototype uses a 0.5Hp three-phase motor and an open (Belt-Drive) Bitzer IY type compressor. The input rectifier stage's features include the reduction in the input current ripple, the reduction in the output voltage ripple, the use of low stress devices, low volume for the EMI input filter, high input power factor (PF), and low total harmonic distortion (THD) in the input current, in compliance with the IEC61000-3-2 standards. The digital controller for the output three-phase inverter stage has been developed using a conventional voltage-frequency control (scalar V/f control), and a simplified stator oriented Vector control, in order to verify the feasibility and performance of the proposed digital controls for continuous temperature control applied at the refrigerator prototype. ©2008 IEEE.