Direct measurement of instantaneous source speed for a HDR brachytherapy unit using an optical fiber based detector

Purpose: Several attempts to determine the transit time of a high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy unit have been reported in the literature with controversial results. The determination of the source speed is necessary to accurately calculate the transient dose in brachytherapy treatments. In these studies, only the average speed of the source was measured as a parameter for transit dose calculation, which does not account for the realistic movement of the source, and is therefore inaccurate for numerical simulations. The purpose of this work is to report the implementation and technical design of an optical fiber based detector to directly measure the instantaneous speed profile of a (192)Ir source in a Nucletron HDR brachytherapy unit. Methods: To accomplish this task, we have developed a setup that uses the Cerenkov light induced in optical fibers as a detection signal for the radiation source moving inside the HDR catheter. As the (192)Ir source travels between two optical fibers with known distance, the threshold of the induced signals are used to extract the transit time and thus the velocity. The high resolution of the detector enables the measurement of the transit time at short separation distance of the fibers, providing the instantaneous speed. Results: Accurate and high resolution speed profiles of the 192Ir radiation source traveling from the safe to the end of the catheter and between dwell positions are presented. The maximum and minimum velocities of the source were found to be 52.0 +/- 1.0 and 17.3 +/- 1:2 cm/s. The authors demonstrate that the radiation source follows a uniformly accelerated linear motion with acceleration of vertical bar a vertical bar = 113 cm/s(2). In addition, the authors compare the average speed measured using the optical fiber detector to those obtained in the literature, showing deviation up to 265%. Conclusions: To the best of the authors` knowledge, the authors directly measured for the first time the instantaneous speed profile of a radiation source in a HDR brachytherapy unit traveling from the unit safe to the end of the catheter and between interdwell distances. The method is feasible and accurate to implement on quality assurance tests and provides a unique database for efficient computational simulations of the transient dose. (C) 2010 American Association of Physicists in Medicine. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3483780]

Knee angular displacement analysis in amateur ballet dancers: a pilot study

Ballet gestures are highly non-anatomical and physiological, leading to compensatory behaviors. The knee joint is most affected by this behavior, leading to an increase risk of injury. Our purpose is to describe the knee angular displacement in amateur dancers, during a demi-plié exercise, with emphasis on valgus mechanisms frequency. Methods: 192 demi-pliés collected in six amateur female dancers (mean age = 15.33 ± 1.37 years), were analyzed regarding sagittal and frontal plane angular displacement, with an electrogoniometer connected to a signal acquisition unit at 1000 Hz. Results: all subjects presented valgus peaks along the trials, despite the global varus tendency of the knee frontal plane behavior. A significant positive correlation between the frequency of valgus and practice time was noted. Discussion: A variable angular frontal displacement was observed, with some trials comprehending a high incidence of valgus peaks along the ascending or descending phase of the demi-plié exercise. Conclusion: the frontal knee angle behavior is variable. It may present fast peaks of valgus or an initial trend of varus/valgus that is different from the global varus trend. The analysis of the activity should be considered in the training. The practice time may be related to the observed behavior.

Influence of Different Base Thicknesses on Maxillary Complete Denture Processing: Linear and Angular Graphic Analysis on the Movement of Artificial Teeth

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the dental movement that occurs during the processing of maxillary complete dentures with 3 different base thicknesses, using 2 investment methods, and microwave polymerization.Methods: A sample of 42 denture models was randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 7), with base thicknesses of 1.25, 2.50, and 3.75 mm and gypsum or silicone flask investment. Points were demarcated on the distal surface of the second molars and on the back of the gypsum cast at the alveolar ridge level to allow linear and angular measurement using AutoCAD software. The data were subjected to analysis of variance with double factor, Tukey test and Fisher (post hoc).Results: Angular analysis of the varying methods and their interactions generated a statistical difference (P = 0.023) when the magnitudes of molar inclination were compared. Tooth movement was greater for thin-based prostheses, 1.25 mm (-0.234), versus thick 3.75 mm (0.2395), with antagonistic behavior. Prosthesis investment with silicone (0.053) showed greater vertical change compared with the gypsum investment (0.032). There was a difference between the point of analysis, demonstrating that the changes were not symmetric.Conclusions: All groups evaluated showed change in the position of artificial teeth after processing. The complete denture with a thin base (1.25 mm) and silicone investment showed the worst results, whereas intermediate thickness (2.50 mm) was demonstrated to be ideal for the denture base.

Analysis of electric torque in single machine-infinite bus system using phase shifters

ResumoThe main idea of this work is based on the analysis of the electric torque through the acting of the PS in the power system, provided of a control for the compensation degree (PSC). A linear model of the single machine-infinite bus system is used with a PS installed (SMIB/PS system). The variable that represents the presence of PS in the net is associated to the phase displacement introduced in the terminal voltage of the synchronous machine by PS. For the input signals of the PSC are evaluated variations of the angular speed of the rotor, the current magnitude and the active power through the line where the PS is located. The simulations are accomplished to analyze the influence of the PS in the torque formation (synchronizing and damping), of the SMIB/PS system. The analysis are developed in the time and frequency domain.

Analise das alterações nos padrões de preensão palmar em pianistas

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Sea state effect on the sea surface emissivity at L-band

In May 1999, the European Space Agency (ESA) selected the Earth Explorer Opportunity Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission to obtain global and frequent soil moisture and ocean salinity maps. SMOS' single payload is the Microwave Imaging Radiometer by Aperture Synthesis (MIRAS), an L-band two-dimensional aperture synthesis radiometer with multiangular observation capabilities. At L-band, the brightness temperature sensitivity to the sea surface salinity (SSS) is low, approximately 0.5 K/psu at 20/spl deg/C, decreasing to 0.25 K/psu at 0/spl deg/C, comparable to that to the wind speed /spl sim/0.2 K/(m/s) at nadir. However, at a given time, the sea state does not depend only on local winds, but on the local wind history and the presence of waves traveling from far distances. The Wind and Salinity Experiment (WISE) 2000 and 2001 campaigns were sponsored by ESA to determine the impact of oceanographic and atmospheric variables on the L-band brightness temperature at vertical and horizontal polarizations. This paper presents the results of the analysis of three nonstationary sea state conditions: growing and decreasing sea, and the presence of swell. Measured sea surface spectra are compared with the theoretical ones, computed using the instantaneous wind speed. Differences can be minimized using an "effective wind speed" that makes the theoretical spectrum best match the measured one. The impact on the predicted brightness temperatures is then assessed using the small slope approximation/small perturbation method (SSA/SPM).

Wiener-System subspace identification for mobile wireless mm-wave networks

We discuss the feasibility of wireless terahertz communications links deployed in a metropolitan area and model the large-scale fading of such channels. The model takes into account reception through direct line of sight, ground and wall reflection, as well as diffraction around a corner. The movement of the receiver is modeled by an autonomous dynamic linear system in state space, whereas the geometric relations involved in the attenuation and multipath propagation of the electric field are described by a static nonlinear mapping. A subspace algorithm in conjunction with polynomial regression is used to identify a single-output Wiener model from time-domain measurements of the field intensity when the receiver motion is simulated using a constant angular speed and an exponentially decaying radius. The identification procedure is validated by using the model to perform q-step ahead predictions. The sensitivity of the algorithm to small-scale fading, detector noise, and atmospheric changes are discussed. The performance of the algorithm is tested in the diffraction zone assuming a range of emitter frequencies (2, 38, 60, 100, 140, and 400 GHz). Extensions of the simulation results to situations where a more complicated trajectory describes the motion of the receiver are also implemented, providing information on the performance of the algorithm under a worst case scenario. Finally, a sensitivity analysis to model parameters for the identified Wiener system is proposed.

On non-ideal simple portal frame structural model: Experimental results under a non-ideal excitation

We present measurements of the non-linear oscillations of a portal frame foundation for a non-ideal motor. We consider a three-time redundant structure with two columns, clamped in their bases and a horizontal beam. An electrical unbalanced motor is mounted at mid span of the beam. Two non-linear phenomena are studied: a) mode saturation and energy transfer between modes; b) interaction between high amplitude motions of the structure and the rotation regime of a real limited power motor. The dynamic characteristics of the structure were chosen to have one-to-two internal resonance between the anti-symmetrical mode (sway motions) and the first symmetrical mode natural frequencies. As the excitation frequency reaches near resonance conditions with the 2nd natural frequency, the amplitude of this mode grows up to a certain level and then it saturates. The surplus energy pumped into the system is transferred to the sway mode, which experiences a sudden increase in its amplitude. Energy is transformed from low amplitude high frequency motion into high amplitude low frequency motion. Such a transformation is potentially dangerous.We consider the fact that real motors, such as the one used in this study, have limited power output. In this case, this energy source is said to be non-ideal, in contrast to the ideal source whose amplitude and frequency are independent of the motion of the structure. Our experimental research detected the Sommerfeld Effect: as the motor accelerates to reach near resonant conditions, a considerable part of its output energy is consumed to generate large amplitude motions of the structure and not to increase its own angular speed. For certain parameters of the system, the motor can get stuck at resonance not having enough power to reach higher rotation regimes. If some more power is available, jump phenomena may occur from near resonance to considerably higher motor speed regimes, no stable motions being possible between these two.

Bancada experimental para ensaios em geradores elétricos utilizados em aerogeradores de pequeno porte

Este trabalho apresenta uma bancada para testes em geradores elétricos, utilizados em aerogeradores de pequeno porte. O sistema é composto basicamente por um motor de indução trifásico, que simula um rotor eólico, acoplado mecanicamente ao gerador elétrico submetido ao ensaio; um inversor de frequência, usado para variação da velocidade do motor; transdutores de grandezas elétricas, que efetuam a medição dos parâmetros de interesse (tensões e correntes instantâneas) na saída do gerador; um sensor de velocidade angular, para medição da rotação que é fornecida ao eixo do motor; um microcomputador, para monitoração e armazenamento dos parâmetros medidos, e controle do inversor de frequência, por meio de um programa computacional desenvolvido; e uma placa de aquisição de dados, que serve como interface entre os transdutores/sensores e o microcomputador. A velocidade angular fornecida ao gerador em ensaio pode ser variada conforme valores fornecidos de velocidades de vento, as quais são associadas a valores correspondentes de rotação, a fim de simular o comportamento de um rotor eólico. Dessa forma, é possível traçar a curva de potência (potência versus velocidade de vento) do gerador ensaiado e analisar seu desempenho. Apresenta-se também neste trabalho os resultados de medições realizadas na bancada, referentes aos ensaios de um gerador comercial de pequena potência (1 kW) e de outro desenvolvido em projeto de pesquisa, ambos do tipo de imã permanente com fluxo axial.

Investigação de técnicas para o acompanhamento do desgaste de um par engrenado utilizando tribologia e análise da resposta dinâmica processada via função densidade probabilidade Beta

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Mecânica - FEIS

Sviluppo di algoritmi di RCP per la stima della coppia indicata erogata da un motore a combustione interna.

Combustion control is one of the key factors to obtain better performances and lower pollutant emissions for diesel, spark ignition and HCCI engines. An algorithm that allows estimating, as an example, the mean indicated torque for each cylinder, could be easily used in control strategies, in order to carry out cylinders trade-off, control the cycle to cycle variation, or detect misfires. A tool that allows evaluating the 50% of Mass Fraction Burned (MFB50), or the net Cumulative Heat Release (CHRNET), or the ROHR peak value (Rate of Heat Release), could be used to optimize spark advance or to detect knock in gasoline engines and to optimize injection pattern in diesel engines. Modern management systems are based on the control of the mean indicated torque produced by the engine: they need a real or virtual sensor in order to compare the measured value with the target one. Many studies have been performed in order to obtain an accurate and reliable over time torque estimation. The aim of this PhD activity was to develop two different algorithms: the first one is based on the instantaneous engine speed fluctuations measurement. The speed signal is picked up directly from the sensor facing the toothed wheel mounted on the engine for other control purposes. The engine speed fluctuation amplitudes depend on the combustion and on the amount of torque delivered by each cylinder. The second algorithm processes in-cylinder pressure signals in the angular domain. In this case a crankshaft encoder is not necessary, because the angular reference can be obtained using a standard sensor wheel. The results obtained with these two methodologies are compared in order to evaluate which one is suitable for on board applications, depending on the accuracy required.

Interpolating Blaschke Products and Angular Derivatives

We show that to each inner function, there corresponds at least one interpolating Blaschke product whose angular derivatives have precisely the same behavior as the given inner function. We characterize the Blaschke products invertible in the closed algebra generated by the algebra of bounded analytic functions and the conjugates of Blaschke products with angular derivative finite everywhere. We study the most well-known example of a Blaschke product with infinite angular derivative everywhere and show that it is an interpolating Blaschke product. We conclude the paper with a method for constructing thin Blaschke products with infinite angular derivative everywhere.