The STATFLUX code: a statistical method for calculation of flow and set of parameters, based on the Multiple-Compartment Biokinetical Model

The code STATFLUX, implementing a new and simple statistical procedure for the calculation of transfer coefficients in radionuclide transport to animals and plants, is proposed. The method is based on the general multiple-compartment model, which uses a system of linear equations involving geometrical volume considerations. Flow parameters were estimated by employing two different least-squares procedures: Derivative and Gauss-Marquardt methods, with the available experimental data of radionuclide concentrations as the input functions of time. The solution of the inverse problem, which relates a given set of flow parameter with the time evolution of concentration functions, is achieved via a Monte Carlo Simulation procedure.Program summaryTitle of program: STATFLUXCatalogue identifier: ADYS_v1_0Program summary URL: http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADYS_v1_0Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. IrelandLicensing provisions: noneComputer for which the program is designed and others on which it has been tested: Micro-computer with Intel Pentium III, 3.0 GHzInstallation: Laboratory of Linear Accelerator, Department of Experimental Physics, University of São Paulo, BrazilOperating system: Windows 2000 and Windows XPProgramming language used: Fortran-77 as implemented in Microsoft Fortran 4.0. NOTE: Microsoft Fortran includes non-standard features which are used in this program. Standard Fortran compilers such as, g77, f77, ifort and NAG95, are not able to compile the code and therefore it has not been possible for the CPC Program Library to test the program.Memory, required to execute with typical data: 8 Mbytes of RAM memory and 100 MB of Hard disk memoryNo. of bits in a word: 16No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 6912No. of bytes in distributed Program, including test data, etc.: 229 541Distribution format: tar.gzNature of the physical problem: the investigation of transport mechanisms for radioactive substances, through environmental pathways, is very important for radiological protection of populations. One such pathway, associated with the food chain, is the grass-animal-man sequence. The distribution of trace elements in humans and laboratory animals has been intensively studied over the past 60 years [R.C. Pendlenton, C.W. Mays, R.D. Lloyd, A.L. Brooks, Differential accumulation of iodine-131 from local fallout in people and milk, Health Phys. 9 (1963) 1253-1262]. In addition, investigations on the incidence of cancer in humans, and a possible causal relationship to radioactive fallout, have been undertaken [E.S. Weiss, M.L. Rallison, W.T. London, W.T. Carlyle Thompson, Thyroid nodularity in southwestern Utah school children exposed to fallout radiation, Amer. J. Public Health 61 (1971) 241-249; M.L. Rallison, B.M. Dobyns, F.R. Keating, J.E. Rall, F.H. Tyler, Thyroid diseases in children, Amer. J. Med. 56 (1974) 457-463; J.L. Lyon, M.R. Klauber, J.W. Gardner, K.S. Udall, Childhood leukemia associated with fallout from nuclear testing, N. Engl. J. Med. 300 (1979) 397-402]. From the pathways of entry of radionuclides in the human (or animal) body, ingestion is the most important because it is closely related to life-long alimentary (or dietary) habits. Those radionuclides which are able to enter the living cells by either metabolic or other processes give rise to localized doses which can be very high. The evaluation of these internally localized doses is of paramount importance for the assessment of radiobiological risks and radiological protection. The time behavior of trace concentration in organs is the principal input for prediction of internal doses after acute or chronic exposure. The General Multiple-Compartment Model (GMCM) is the powerful and more accepted method for biokinetical studies, which allows the calculation of concentration of trace elements in organs as a function of time, when the flow parameters of the model are known. However, few biokinetics data exist in the literature, and the determination of flow and transfer parameters by statistical fitting for each system is an open problem.Restriction on the complexity of the problem: This version of the code works with the constant volume approximation, which is valid for many situations where the biological half-live of a trace is lower than the volume rise time. Another restriction is related to the central flux model. The model considered in the code assumes that exist one central compartment (e.g., blood), that connect the flow with all compartments, and the flow between other compartments is not included.Typical running time: Depends on the choice for calculations. Using the Derivative Method the time is very short (a few minutes) for any number of compartments considered. When the Gauss-Marquardt iterative method is used the calculation time can be approximately 5-6 hours when similar to 15 compartments are considered. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PATH-ORDERED PHASE-FACTORS IN SCALAR QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS

Starting from linear equations for the complex scalar field, the two- and three-point Green's functions are obtained in the infrared approximation. We show that the infrared singularity factorizes in the vertex function as in spinor QED, reproducing in a simple and straightforward way the result of lengthy perturbative calculations.

PRACTICAL LAND GRADING BASED ON LEAST SQUARES.

Practical methods for land grading design of a plane surface for rectangular and irregularly shaped fields based on a least squares analysis are presented. The least squares procedure leads to a system of three linear equations with three unknowns for determination of the best-fit plane. The equations can be solved by determinants (Cramer's rule) using a procedure capable of solution by many programmable calculators. The detailed computational process for determining the equation of the plane and a simple method to find the centroid location of an irregular field are also given. An illustrative example and design instructions are included to demonstrate the application of the design procedure.

Euclidean 4d exact solitons in a Skyrme type model

We introduce a Skyrme type, four-dimensional Euclidean field theory made of a triplet of scalar fields n→, taking values on the sphere S2, and an additional real scalar field φ, which is dynamical only on a three-dimensional surface embedded in R4. Using a special ansatz we reduce the 4d non-linear equations of motion into linear ordinary differential equations, which lead to the construction of an infinite number of exact soliton solutions with vanishing Euclidean action. The theory possesses a mass scale which fixes the size of the solitons in way which differs from Derrick's scaling arguments. The model may be relevant to the study of the low energy limit of pure SU(2) Yang-Mills theory. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A photogrammetric method for single image orientation and measurement

The aim of this paper is to present a photogrammetric method for determining the dimensions of flat surfaces, such as billboards, based on a single digital image. A mathematical model was adapted to generate linear equations for vertical and horizontal lines in the object space. These lines are identified and measured in the image and the rotation matrix is computed using an indirect method. The distance between the camera and the surface is measured using a lasermeter, providing the coordinates of the camera perspective center. Eccentricity of the lasermeter center related to the camera perspective center is modeled by three translations, which are computed using a calibration procedure. Some experiments were performed to test the proposed method and the achieved results are within a relative error of about 1 percent in areas and distances in the object space. This accuracy fulfills the requirements of the intended applications. © 2005 American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.

Evaluating residues and integrals through negative dimensional integration method (NDIM)

The standard way of evaluating residues and some real integrals through the residue theorem (Cauchy's theorem) is well-known and widely applied in many branches of Physics. Herein we present an alternative technique based on the negative dimensional integration method (NDIM) originally developed to handle Feynman integrals. The advantage of this new technique is that we need only to apply Gaussian integration and solve systems of linear algebraic equations, with no need to determine the poles themselves or their residues, as well as obtaining a whole class of results for differing orders of poles simultaneously.

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.

Proposição e validações de equações para estimativa da erosividade de dois municípios do estado de São Paulo

The equations and extrapolation use to localities whose characteristics of soil and climate, even if partial, distinguish the town to which they were generated, still permeate in studies to estimate the rainfall erosivity (EI 30). This work has objective to propose and validate mathematical equations to estimate the rainfall erosivity of two cities of Sao Paulo State's. The adjusted to estimate obtaining and validate data of equations of erosivity (EI 30) according to values of coefficient of rain (Rc) were obtained from pluviographic and pluviometric rainfall data, respectively, using of distinct historical rainfall series. Mutiple comparisions test and confidence intervals were performed to compare absolute average of EI 30, pluviometric data (Pp), and Rc. The correlation between EI 30 and Rc was verified by of Pearson correlation coefficient. Test of the hypothesis of equality between population variance was used to compare the equations. Pluviometrics data of historical series rainfall data different than those that the models were generated were used to validate and to assess the performance of the equations, proposed of this study and compare them with another equation already consolidated in literature. The results show that for the conditions under which the study was conducted, the simple linear equations, shown to be the most appropriate to estimate the rainfall erosivity these two cities. According to the test of the hypothesis of equality variances between populations, the equations adjusted for each city differ statistically so that the rainfall erosivity of each city must be estimated by their respective equation.

On certain new exact solutions of a diffusive predator-prey system

We construct exact solutions for a system of two coupled nonlinear partial differential equations describing the spatio-temporal dynamics of a predator-prey system where the prey per capita growth rate is subject to the Allee effect. Using the G'/G expansion method, we derive exact solutions to this model for two different wave speeds. For each wave velocity we report three different forms of solutions. We also discuss the biological relevance of the solutions obtained. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

Aplicação do modelo de potência crítica na cinética do consumo de oxigênio em exercício supramáximo

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Análise de decisão sobre o aproveitamento do palhiço da cana-de-açúcar, posto na unidade industrial, para fins de cogeração

Pós-graduação em Agronomia (Energia na Agricultura) - FCA

Processamento interpretativo de dados magnetométricos e inversão de dados gravimétricos aplicados à prospecção de hidrocarbonetos

Apresentamos dois métodos de interpretação de dados de campos potenciais, aplicados à prospecção de hidrocarbonetos. O primeiro emprega dados aeromagnéticos para estimar o limite, no plano horizontal, entre a crosta continental e a crosta oceânica. Este método baseia-se na existência de feições geológicas magnéticas exclusivas da crosta continental, de modo que as estimativas das extremidades destas feições são usadas como estimativas dos limites da crosta continental. Para tanto, o sinal da anomalia aeromagnética na região da plataforma, do talude e da elevação continental é amplificado através do operador de continuação analítica para baixo usando duas implementações: o princípio da camada equivalente e a condição de fronteira de Dirichlet. A maior carga computacional no cálculo do campo continuado para baixo reside na resolução de um sistema de equações lineares de grande porte. Este esforço computacional é minimizado através do processamento por janelas e do emprego do método do gradiente conjugado na resolução do sistema de equações. Como a operação de continuação para baixo é instável, estabilizamos a solução através do funcional estabilizador de primeira ordem de Tikhonov. Testes em dados aeromagnéticos sintéticos contaminados com ruído pseudo-aleatório Gaussiano mostraram a eficiência de ambas as implementações para realçar os finais das feições magnéticas exclusivas da crosta continental, permitindo o delineamento do limite desta com a crosta oceânica. Aplicamos a metodologia em suas duas implementações a dados aeromagnéticos reais de duas regiões da costa brasileira: Foz do Amazonas e Bacia do Jequitinhonha. O segundo método delineia, simultaneamente, a topografia do embasamento de uma bacia sedimentar e a geometria de estruturas salinas contidas no pacote sedimentar. Os modelos interpretativos consistem de um conjunto de prismas bidimensionais verticais justapostos, para o pacote sedimentar e de prismas bidimensionais com seções verticais poligonais para as estruturas salinas. Estabilizamos a solução, incorporando características geométricas do relevo do embasamento e das estruturas salinas compatíveis com o ambiente geológico através dos estabilizadores da suavidade global, suavidade ponderada e da concentração de massa ao longo de direções preferenciais, além de vínculos de desigualdade nos parâmetros. Aplicamos o método a dados gravimétricos sintéticos produzidos por fontes 2D simulando bacias sedimentares intracratônicas e marginais apresentando densidade do pacote sedimentar variando com a profundidade segundo uma lei hiperbólica e abrigando domos e almofadas salinas. Os resultados mostraram que o método apresenta potencial para delinear, simultaneamente, as geometrias tanto de almofadas e domos salinos, como de relevos descontínuos do embasamento. Aplicamos o método, também, a dados reais ao longo de dois perfis gravimétricos sobre as Bacias de Campos e do Jequitinhonha e obtivemos interpretações compatíveis com a geologia da área.

Simulação numérica do processo de secagem de madeiras

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Mecânica - FEG

Um estudo de retas do plano e uma abordagem para o ensino médio com o software GeoGebra

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Sistema fotovoltaico monocristalino para bombeamento de água

Since ancient times, it has been a huge challenge to all people around the world to manage to get their fresh water, keeping it clean and providing it to every human being, so that it can be used for their daily needs. This is especially true for small properties in the countryside and in isolated areas with low demographic density. Pumping the water in those regions is a solution that rationalizes its use in domestic chores, in animal rearing and in the irrigation systems of cultivated areas. Making feasible local, renewable and non-polluted energetic alternatives is the aim for those areas that are usually far away from the public electric network. Using photovoltaic solar energy is the alternative now proposed. For this objective was built a system with two monocrystalline panels, one pump, two water tanks, two level sensors and a solenoid valve to pump water, using a pump powered an array of monocrystalline solar panels. The main goal was to compare their rate of water flow and their energy consumption. The use of one data acquisition equipment allowed collecting meteorological, electrical and hydraulic values, and also serving for the control and activation of the pumping system. During four months in a row as from April 2009, arrangements with one or two panels were tested. Mathematics correlations and adjustment lines were used to interpret the behavior of obtained dataset. During the analyzed period the system followed the linear equations with great accuracy. The daily average amount of water pumped by the several tested arrays stayed between 1,100 and 2,500 liters, and that is enough to supply a small rural property. The pumping system with two panels effectively showed the major amount of water, but a system with one panel can be an economical solution until 1,500 liters on day. It did not characterize a direct relationship between power or quantity of photovoltaic panels and daily outflow of water pumping.