On the regularization of mixed complementarity problems

A variational inequality problem (VIP) satisfying a constraint qualification can be reduced to a mixed complementarity problem (MCP). Monotonicity of the VIP implies that the MCP is also monotone. Introducing regularizing perturbations, a sequence of strictly monotone mixed complementarity problems is generated. It is shown that, if the original problem is solvable, the sequence of computable inexact solutions of the strictly monotone MCP's is bounded and every accumulation point is a solution. Under an additional condition on the precision used for solving each subproblem, the sequence converges to the minimum norm solution of the MCP. Copyright © 2000 by Marcel Dekker, Inc.

Fermion localization on a split brane

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effects of epidural administration of dexmedetomidine on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in dogs

Objective-To evaluate the effects of epidural administration of 3 doses of dexmedetomidine on isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) and characterize changes in bispectral index (BIS) induced by nociceptive stimulation used for MAC determination in dogs.Animals-6 adult dogs.Procedures-Isoflurane-anesthetized dogs received physiologic saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control treatment) or dexmedetomidine (1.5 [DEX1.5], 3.0 [DEX3], or 6.0 [DEX6] mu g/kg) epidurally in a crossover study. Isoflurane MAC (determined by use of electrical nociceptive stimulation of the hind limb) was targeted to be accomplished at 2 and 4.5 hours. Changes in BIS attributable to nociceptive stimulation and cardiopulmonary data were recorded at each MAC determination.Results-With the control treatment, mean +/- SD MAC values did not change over time (1.57 +/- 0.23% and 1.55 +/- 0.25% at 2 and 4.5 hours, respectively). Compared with the control treatment, MAC was significantly lower at 2 hours (13% reduction) but not at 4.5 hours (7% reduction) in DEX1.5-treated dogs and significantly lower at 2 hours (29% reduction) and 4.5 hours (13% reduction) in DEX3-treated dogs. The DEX6 treatment yielded the greatest MAC reduction (31 % and 22% at 2 and 4.5 hours, respectively). During all treatments, noxious stimulation increased BIS; but changes in BIS were correlated with increases in electromyographic activity.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-In dogs, epidural administration of dexmedetomidine resulted in dose-dependent decreases in isoflurane MAC and that effect decreased over time, Changes in BIS during MAC determinations may not represent increased awareness because of the possible interference of electromyographic activity.

Genotype by environment interaction for 450-day weight of Nelore cattle analyzed by reaction norm models

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Evaluation of 316L Stainless Steel Corrosion Resistance in Solution Simulating the Acid Hydrolysis of Biomass

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

An analytical solution to the optimal power flow

This letter presents an approach for a geometrical solution of an optimal power flow (OPF) problem for a two-bus system (slack and PV busses). The algebraic equations for the calculation of the Lagrange multipliers and for the minimum losses value are obtained. These equations are used to validate the results obtained using an OPF program.

Identification of structural damage in flexible structures using system norm and neural networks

Nowadays there is great interest in damage identification using non destructive tests. Predictive maintenance is one of the most important techniques that are based on analysis of vibrations and it consists basically of monitoring the condition of structures or machines. A complete procedure should be able to detect the damage, to foresee the probable time of occurrence and to diagnosis the type of fault in order to plan the maintenance operation in a convenient form and occasion. In practical problems, it is frequent the necessity of getting the solution of non linear equations. These processes have been studied for a long time due to its great utility. Among the methods, there are different approaches, as for instance numerical methods (classic), intelligent methods (artificial neural networks), evolutions methods (genetic algorithms), and others. The characterization of damages, for better agreement, can be classified by levels. A new one uses seven levels of classification: detect the existence of the damage; detect and locate the damage; detect, locate and quantify the damages; predict the equipment's working life; auto-diagnoses; control for auto structural repair; and system of simultaneous control and monitoring. The neural networks are computational models or systems for information processing that, in a general way, can be thought as a device black box that accepts an input and produces an output. Artificial neural nets (ANN) are based on the biological neural nets and possess habilities for identification of functions and classification of standards. In this paper a methodology for structural damages location is presented. This procedure can be divided on two phases. The first one uses norms of systems to localize the damage positions. The second one uses ANN to quantify the severity of the damage. The paper concludes with a numerical application in a beam like structure with five cases of structural damages with different levels of severities. The results show the applicability of the presented methodology. A great advantage is the possibility of to apply this approach for identification of simultaneous damages.

Effect of remifentanil hydrochloride administered via constant rate infusion on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in cats

Objective - To evaluate the effects of increasing doses of remifentanil hydrochloride administered via constant rate infusion (CRI) on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in cats. Animals - 6 healthy adult cats. Procedures - For each cat, 2 experiments were performed (2-week interval). On each study day, anesthesia was induced and maintained with isoflurane; a catheter was placed in a cephalic vein for the administration of lactated Ringer's solution or remifentanil CRIs, and a catheter was placed in the jugular vein for collection of blood samples for blood gas analyses. On the first study day, individual basal MAC (MAC Basal) was determined for each cat. On the second study day, 3 remifentanil CRIs (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 μg/kg/min) were administered (in ascending order); for each infusion, at least 30 minutes elapsed before determination of MAC (designated as MAC R0.25, MAC R0.5, and MAC R1.0, respectively). A 15-minute washout period was allowed between CRIs. A control MAC (MAC Control) was determined after the last remifentanil infusion. Results - Mean ± SD MAC Basal and MAC Control values at sea level did not differ significantly (1.66 ± 0.08% and 1.52 ± 0.21%, respectively). The MAC values determined for each remifentanil CRI did not differ significantly. However, MAC R0.25, MAC R0.5, and MAC R1.0, were significantly decreased, compared with MAC Basal, by 23.4 ± 79%, 29.8 ± 8.3%, and 26.0 ± 9.4%, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance - The 3 doses of remifentanil administered via CRI resulted in a similar degree of isoflurane MAC reduction in adult cats, indicating that a ceiling effect was achieved following administration of the lowest dose.

Effect of a Silver Nanoparticles Solution on Staphylococcus aureus and Candida spp.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)