Effects of sex and age on genotype x environment interaction for beef cattle body weight studied using reaction norm models

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

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)

H-2 and H-infinity - norm control of intelligent structures using LMI techniques

Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs) is a powerful too] that has been used in many areas ranging from control engineering to system identification and structural design. There are many factors that make LMI appealing. One is the fact that a lot of design specifications and constrains can be formulated as LMIs [1]. Once formulated in terms of LMIs a problem can be solved efficiently by convex optimization algorithms. The basic idea of the LMI method is to formulate a given problem as an optimization problem with linear objective function and linear matrix inequalities constrains. An intelligent structure involves distributed sensors and actuators and a control law to apply localized actions, in order to minimize or reduce the response at selected conditions. The objective of this work is to implement techniques of control based on LMIs applied to smart structures.

H2 and/or H∞-norm model reduction of uncertain discrete-time systems

This paper addresses the problem of model reduction for uncertain discrete-time systems with convex bounded (polytope type) uncertainty. A reduced order precisely known model is obtained in such a way that the H2 and/or the H∞ guaranteed norm of the error between the original (uncertain) system and the reduced one is minimized. The optimization problems are formulated in terms of coupled (non-convex) LMIs - Linear Matrix Inequalities, being solved through iterative algorithms. Examples illustrate the results.

Global optimization approach for the H2-norm model reduction problem

A branch and bound algorithm is proposed to solve the H2-norm model reduction problem for continuous-time linear systems, with conditions assuring convergence to the global optimum in finite time. The lower and upper bounds used in the optimization procedure are obtained through Linear Matrix Inequalities formulations. Examples illustrate the results.

Stresses analysis in semi-elliptic leaf spring and comparison with the SAE J788 (1982) norm

In this work are presented the values found with the experimental testing, in the semi-elliptic leaf spring, utilizing 24 strain gages, distributed in five leaves of springs; these values have been compared to the calculated values found with the application of Norm SAE J788 (1982). The results showed discrepancy between the values measured and calculated and that the Norm is not indicated to determine the actuating stress in any point of any leaf of the leaf spring, but due to its simplicity and quickness of the process it presents good precision for the pre-development of the product. Copyright © 2002 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.

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.

Global optimization for the ℋ∞-norm model reduction problem

A branch and bound algorithm is proposed to solve the [image omitted]-norm model reduction problem for continuous and discrete-time linear systems, with convergence to the global optimum in a finite time. The lower and upper bounds in the optimization procedure are described by linear matrix inequalities (LMI). Also proposed are two methods with which to reduce the convergence time of the branch and bound algorithm: the first one uses the Hankel singular values as a sufficient condition to stop the algorithm, providing to the method a fast convergence to the global optimum. The second one assumes that the reduced model is in the controllable or observable canonical form. The [image omitted]-norm of the error between the original model and the reduced model is considered. Examples illustrate the application of the proposed method.

Reaction norm model to describe environmental sensitivity across first lactation in dairy cattle under tropical conditions

Reaction norm models have been widely used to study genotype by environment interaction (G × E) in animal breeding. The objective of this study was to describe environmental sensitivity across first lactation in Brazilian Holstein cows using a reaction norm approach. A total of 50,168 individual monthly test day (TD) milk yields (10 test days) from 7476 complete first lactations of Holstein cattle were analyzed. The statistical models for all traits (10 TDs and for 305-day milk yield) included the fixed effects of contemporary group, age of cow (linear and quadratic effects), and days in milk (linear effect), except for 305-day milk yield. A hierarchical reaction norm model (HRNM) based on the unknown covariate was used. The present study showed the presence of G × E in milk yield across first lactation of Holstein cows. The variation in the heritability estimates implies differences in the response to selection depending on the environment where the animals of this population are evaluated. In the average environment, the heritabilities for all traits were rather similar, in range from 0.02 to 0.63. The scaling effect of G × E predominated throughout most of lactation. Particularly during the first 2 months of lactation, G × E caused reranking of breeding values. It is therefore important to include the environmental sensitivity of animals according to the phase of lactation in the genetic evaluations of Holstein cattle in tropical environments.

Resistência a compressão de tijolos de solo-cimento fabricados com o montículo do cupim Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar, 1832)

Objetivou-se neste trabalho, comparar a resistência à compressão de tijolos de solo-cimento fabricados com o montículo do cupim Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar, 1832), com tijolos que utilizaram como matéria prima um NEOSSOLO QUARTZARÊNICO (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA), 1999), ambos submetidos a duas idades de cura (07 ou 28 dias). O experimento foi montado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2x2, sendo analisados dois cofatores: a matéria prima base e a idade de cura. Os ensaios físicos e mecânicos obedeceram às prescrições das normas da Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas NBR-8492 (ABNT, 1982) e NBR-8491 (ABNT, 1984). Concluiu-se que a resistência à compressão dos tijolos foi maior com o aumento das idades de cura. O tratamento T4 apresentou maior valor de resistência à compressão, não diferindo estatisticamente dos tratamentos T2 e T1. Os tijolos fabricados com o montículo do cupim C. cumulans (Kollar, 1832) apresentaram diminuição da absorção de água com o aumento das idades de cura, o que normalmente corresponde a um maior aumento da resistência à compressão, ao contrário dos que utilizaram o NEOSSOLO QUARTZARÊNICO (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA), 1999).

Utilização de métodos combinados de avaliação imobiliária para a elaboração da planta de valores genéricos

The Plant of Generic Values (PVG) is part of the cadastral system of a city hall and is about an important document or support for the urban planning. For its conception some stages are necessary, amongst which the most remarkable: the collection of information and the proper evaluation. A norm number 14653-2 of the ABNT recommends the application of the comparative method of data of market for the evaluation of lands values, but not always this procedure is possible due to absence of significant samples, as in urban areas densely constructed the real estate transactions is restricted, practically, to remarkable are the constructed ones. Thus, this work aims at showing which one, the sources of these data and the problematic found to get them. Moreover, a method is presented, that is an alternative to get the values of lands in the regions where yhere is scarcity of these data, so as to make the results beter. This method deals with the junction of other methods of evaluation to the comparative method of market data. The use of the methodology provided better performance in the procedures, having as a consequence bigger uniformity between the data, that is, the value of evaluation and the value of market equalize. Besides, the separation of the area of work in zones of homogeneous data made possible to generate more models, making use of fewes variables, due to the similarity among the data.

H-2 and H-infinity-optimal control for the tracking problem with zero variation

The problem of signal tracking, in the presence of a disturbance signal in the plant, is solved using a zero-variation methodology. A state feedback controller is designed in order to minimise the H-2-norm of the closed-loop system, such that the effect of the disturbance is attenuated. Then, a state estimator is designed and the modification of the zeros is used to minimise the H-infinity-norm from the reference input signal to the error signal. The error is taken to be the difference between the reference and the output signals, thereby making it a tracking problem. The design is formulated in a linear matrix inequality framework, such that the optimal solution of the stated control problem is obtained. Practical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Realimentação da derivada dos estados em sistemas multivariáveis lineares usando LMIs

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

Metodologia para rastreamento com modificação dos zeros e rejeição de distúrbio aplicada a sistemas incertos

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

Controle ótimo H∞ de sistemas não-lineares com modelos fuzzy takagi-sugeno

Neste trabalho é proposta uma metodologia de rastreamento de sinais e rejeição de distúrbios aplicada a sistemas não-lineares. Para o projeto do sistema de rastreamento, projeta-se os controladores fuzzy M(a) e N(a) que minimizam o limitante superior da norma H∞ entre o sinal de referência r(t) e o sinal de erro de rastreamento e(t), sendo e(t) a diferença entre a entrada de referência e a saída do sistema z(t). No método de rejeição de distúrbio utiliza-se a realimentação dinâmica da saída através de um controlador fuzzy Kc(a) que minimiza o limitante superior da norma H∞ entre o sinal de entrada exógena w(t) e o sinal de saída z(t). O procedimento de projeto proposto considera as não-linearidades da planta através dos modelos fuzzy Takagi-Sugeno. Os métodos são equacionados utilizando-se inequações matriciais lineares (LMIs), que quando factíveis, podem ser facilmente solucionados por algoritmos de convergência polinomial. Por fim, um exemplo ilustra a viabilidade da metodologia proposta.