Estudo de Superfícies Seletivas de Frequência com o Uso de Inteligência Computacional

The main objective of this work is to optimize the performance of frequency selective surfaces (FSS) composed of crossed dipole conducting patches. The optimization process is performed by determining proper values for the width of the crossed dipoles and for the FSS array periodicity, while the length of the crossed dipoles is kept constant. Particularly, the objective is to determine values that provide wide bandwidth using a search algorithm with representation in bioinspired real numbers. Typically FSS structures composed of patch elements are used for band rejection filtering applications. The FSS structures primarily act like filters depending on the type of element chosen. The region of the electromagnetic spectrum chosen for this study is the one that goes from 7 GHz to 12 GHz, which includes mostly the X-band. This frequency band was chosen to allow the use of two X-band horn antennas, in the FSS measurement setup. The design of the FSS using the developed genetic algorithm allowed increasing the structure bandwidth

Caracterização de circuitos planares de micro-ondas pelo método iterativo das ondas

The planar circuits are structures that increasingly attracting the attention of researchers, due the good performance and capacity to integrate with other devices, in the prototyping of systems for transmitting and receiving signals in the microwave range. In this context, the study and development of new techniques for analysis of these devices have significantly contributed in the design of structures with excellent performance and high reliability. In this work, the full-wave method based on the concept of electromagnetic waves and the principle of reflection and transmission of waves at an interface, Wave Concept Iterative Procedure (WCIP), or iterative method of waves is described as a tool with high precision study microwave planar circuits. The proposed method is applied to the characterization of planar filters, microstrip antennas and frequency selective surfaces. Prototype devices were built and the experimental results confirmed the proposed mathematical model. The results were also compared with simulated results by Ansoft HFSS, observing a good agreement between them.

Caracterização de cerâmicas porosas de alumina reforçada com zircônia produzidas pelo método da réplica

Porous ceramics have many applications: thermal insulation, catalytic support, materials to fire protection, filters, and others. There are many techniques to production of ceramic filters. One technique to obtain ceramic filters is the replication method. This method consists in the impregnation of polymeric foam with ceramic slurry followed by a heating treatment that will burn out the organic elements and sintering of the material, resulting of a replication of the original foam. To perform their functions ceramic filters must satisfy mechanical requirements and permeability parameters (darcian k1 and no-darcian k2). The permeability and the strength of the ceramic material are dependent of the pore size and pore distribution. To the use at high temperatures the evaluation of mechanical properties in these temperatures is necessary. In this work the mechanical behavior of two commercial porous ceramics (10 and 40 poros per inch) was studied these materials were submitted to compression and four-point flexure test (room temperature, at 1000 °C, after thermal shock). Density and porosity measurements, permeability tests and microstructural analysis by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) were realized. The Results showed that the decrease of mechanical strength of these materials, when submitted to thermal shock, occur for propagation of new cracks from cracks pre-existing and the permeability depends of the pore size

Análise do comportamento mecânico de espumas cerâmicas a base de alumina obtidas pelo método da réplica

Ceramics with porous cellular structure, called ceramic foams, have a potential use in several applications, such as: thermal insulation, catalyst supports, filters, and others. Among these techniques to obtain porous ceramics the replication method is an important process. This method consists of impregnation of a sponge (usually polymer) with ceramic slurry, followed by a heat treatment, which will happen the decomposition of organic material and sintering the ceramic material, resulting in a ceramic structure which is a replica of impregnated sponge. Knowledge of the mechanical properties of these ceramics is important for these materials can be used commercially. Gibson and Ashby developed a mathematical model to describe the mechanical behavior of cellular solids. This model wasn´t for describing the ceramics behavior produced by the replica method, because it doesn´t consider the defects from this type of processing. In this study were researched mechanical behavior of porous alumina ceramics obtained by the replica method and proposed modifications to the model of Gibson and Ashby to accommodate this material. The polymer sponge used in processing was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The materials obtained after sintering were characterized by mechanical strength tests on 4-point bending and compression, density and porosity and by scanning electron microscopy. From these results it was evaluated the mechanical strength behavior compared to Gibson and Ashby model for solid cellular structure and was proposed a correction of this model through a factor related to struts integrity degree, which consider fissures present in the structure of these materials besides defects geometry within the struts

Pressurização da calda de pulverização na viabilidade de microrganismos entomopatogênicos

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

Desenvolvimento de sistemas micro e nanoestruturados de quitosana/MDI para aplicações cosméticas

Currently, studies in the area of polymeric microcapsules and nanocapsules and controlled release are considerably advanced. This work aims the study and development of microcapsules and nanocapsules from Chitosan/MDI, using a new technique of interfacial polycondensation combined to spontaneous emulsification, for encapsulation of BZ-3. It was firstly elaborated an experimental design of 23 of the particle in white without the presence of BZ-3 and Miglyol, where the variables were the concentrations of MDI, chitosan and solvent. Starting from the data supplied by the experimental design was chosen the experiment with smaller particle diameter and only added like this BZ-3 and Miglyol. The suspension containing concentrations of 6.25 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL, 18.75 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL of BZ-3 were prepared, nevertheless, during the storage time, these formulations presented drug precipitates in the suspensions of 18.75 mg/mL and 25 mg/mL of BZ-3. This apparition of precipitate was attributed to the diffusion of BZ-3 for the aqueous phase without any encapsulation, suggesting so the use of the smaller concentrations of the BZ-3. The suspension containing 6.25mg/mL of BZ3 presented average size of 1.47μm, zeta potential of 61 mV, pH 5.64 and this sample showed an amount of BZ-3 and drug entrapment of 100 %. The suspension containing 12.5mg/mL of BZ-3 presented average size of 1.76μm, zeta potential of 47.4 mV, pH 5.71 and this sample showed an amount of BZ-3 and drug entrapment of 100 %. Then, showing such important characteristics, these two formulations were chosen for futher continuity to the study. These formulations were also characterized by the morphology, FTIR, stability for Turbiscan, DSC and a study of controlled release of the BZ-3 was elaborated in different receiving means

Monitoramento em tempo real de processos fermentativos por espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo (NIRS)

A chemical process optimization and control is strongly correlated with the quantity of information can be obtained from the system. In biotechnological processes, where the transforming agent is a cell, many variables can interfere in the process, leading to changes in the microorganism metabolism and affecting the quantity and quality of final product. Therefore, the continuously monitoring of the variables that interfere in the bioprocess, is crucial to be able to act on certain variables of the system, keeping it under desirable operational conditions and control. In general, during a fermentation process, the analysis of important parameters such as substrate, product and cells concentration, is done off-line, requiring sampling, pretreatment and analytical procedures. Therefore, this steps require a significant run time and the use of high purity chemical reagents to be done. In order to implement a real time monitoring system for a benchtop bioreactor, these study was conducted in two steps: (i) The development of a software that presents a communication interface between bioreactor and computer based on data acquisition and process variables data recording, that are pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, level, foam level, agitation frequency and the input setpoints of the operational parameters of the bioreactor control unit; (ii) The development of an analytical method using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in order to enable substrate, products and cells concentration monitoring during a fermentation process for ethanol production using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Three fermentation runs were conducted (F1, F2 and F3) that were monitored by NIRS and subsequent sampling for analytical characterization. The data obtained were used for calibration and validation, where pre-treatments combined or not with smoothing filters were applied to spectrum data. The most satisfactory results were obtained when the calibration models were constructed from real samples of culture medium removed from the fermentation assays F1, F2 and F3, showing that the analytical method based on NIRS can be used as a fast and effective method to quantify cells, substrate and products concentration what enables the implementation of insitu real time monitoring of fermentation processes

Produção de forragem verde em sistema hidropônico usando esgoto tratado

In the urban areas of the cities a larger problem of destiny of effluents of the treatment stations is verified due to the junction of the sewages in great volumes. This way the hidroponic cultive becomes important, for your intensive characteristic, as alternative of reuse. This work presents as objective the improvement of the relation hidric-nutritious of the hidroponic cultive of green forage (FVH) using treaty sewage. The production of forage was with corn (Zea mays L.), using double hybrid AG1051, in the experimental field of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), in the city of Natal-RN-Brazil. The treated effluent essentially domestic had origin of anaerobic reactor, type decant-digester of two cameras in series followed by anaerobic filters drowned. The hidroponic experimental system was composed of 08 stonemasons, with limited contours for masonry of drained ceramic brick, measuring each one 2,5 meters in length for 1,0 meter of width, with inclination of 4% (m/m) in the longitudinal sense, leveled carefully, in way to not to allow preferential roads in the flow. These dimensions, the useful area of Isow was of 2 square meters. The stonemasons of cultive were waterproof (found and lateral) with plastic canvas of 200 micres of thickness, in the white color. Controlled the entrance and exit of the effluente in the stonemasons, with cycles of 12,68 minutes, it being water of 1,18 minutes. The treatments were constituted of: T1 - 24 hours/day under it waters with flow of 2 L/min; T2 - 12 hours/day under waters with flow of 4 L/min; T3 - 12 hours/day under waters with flow of 2 L/min; and T4 - 16 hours/day under waters with flow of 3 L/min. There were evaluations of the evapotranspirometric demand, of hidroponic system affluent and effluent seeking to characterize and to monitor physical-chemical parameters as: pH, temperature, Electric Conductivity and Fecal Coliforms. This last one was analyzed to the 11 days after isow (DAS) and to the 14 DAS. The others were analyzed daily. I sow it was accomplished in the dates of February 21, 2007, first experiment, and April 10, 2007, second experiment. The density of Isow was of 2 kg of seeds, germinated before 48 hours, for square meter of stonemason. The statistic delineament was it casual entirely with two repetitions, in two experiments. It was applied Tukey test of average to five percent of probability. The cultivation cycle was of 14 DAS with evapotranspirometric demand maximum, reached by T1, of 67,44 mm/day. The analyzed parameters, as mass of green matter - Kg, productivity-Kg/m2 and reason of production of seed FVH/Kg used in Isow, the best result was presented by T1, obtaining value of up to 19,01 Kg/m2 of cultive. Without significant difference, the T4 presented greats values with 16 hours under cycle of water. The Treatments 2 and 3 with 12 hours under cycle of water, they obtained inferior results to the other Treatments. As treatment system, came efficient in the reduction of the salinity. T1 obtained reduction medium maxim of 62,5%, to the 7 DAS, in the amount of salts that enter in the system in they are absorbed in the cultivation. The cultivation FVH acted reducing the microbiologic load. Significant percentile of reduction they were reached, with up to 90,23% of reduction of Units of Colonies (UFC), constituting, like this, the Hidroponic System as good alternative of treatment of effluents of Reactors of high Efficiency

Ensaios de tratabilidade aplicados a determinação de parâmetros para dimensionamento de processos de tratamento de água de manancial eutrofizado

Eutrophication is a growing process present in the water sources located in the northeast of Brazil. Among the main consequences of these changes in trophic levels of a water source, stands out adding complexity to the treatment to achieve water standards. By these considerations, this study aimed to define, on a laboratory scale, products and operational conditions to be applied in the processing steps using raw water from Gargalheiras dam, RN, Brazil. The dam mentioned shows a high number of cyanobacteria, with a concentration of cells / ml higher than that established by Decree No. 518/04 MS. The same source was also considered by the state environmental agency in 2009 as hypereutrophic. The static tests developed in this research simulated direct filtration (laboratory filters) and pre-oxidation with chlorine and powdered activated carbon adsorption. The research included the evaluation of the coagulants aluminum hydrochloride (HCA) and alum (SA). The development of the research investigated the conditions for rapid mixing, the dosages of coagulants and pHs of coagulation by the drawing of diagrams. The interference of filtration rate and particle size of filtering means were evaluated as samples and the time of contact were tested with chlorine and activated carbon. By the results of the characterization of the raw water source it was possible to identify the presence of a high pH (7.34). The true color was significant (29 uH) in relation to the apparent color and turbidity (66 uH and 13.60 NTU), reflecting in the measurement of organic matter: MON (8.41 mg.L-1) and Abs254 (0.065 cm-1). The optimization of quick mix set time of 17", the speed gradient of 700 s-1 in the coagulation with HCA and the time of 20" with speed gradient of 800 s-1 for SA. The smaller particle sizes of sand filtering means helped the treatment and the variation in filtration rate did not affect significantly the efficiency of the process. The evaluation of the processing steps found adjustment in standard color and turbidity of the Decree nº 518/04 MS, taking in consideration the average values found in raw water. In the treatment using the HCA for direct filtration the palatable pattern based on the apparent color can be achieved with a dose of 25 mg L-1. With the addition of pre-oxidation step, the standard result was achieved with a reduced dose for 12 mgHCA.L-1. The turbidity standard for water was obtained by direct filtration when the dose exceeds 25 mg L-1 of HCA. With pre-oxidation step there is the possibility of reducing the dose to 20 mg L-1.The addition of CAP adsorption, promoted drinking water for both parameters, with even lower dosage, 13 mg L-1 of HCA. With coagulation using SA removal required for the parameter of apparent color it was achieved with pre-oxidation and 22 mgSA.L-1. Despite the satisfactory results of treatment with the alum, it was not possible to provide water with turbidity less than 1.00 NTU even with the use of all stages of treatment

Controle sanitário e ambiental de um projeto de reúso em um complexo de prédios corporativos

The study that resulted in this dissertation was developed at OU RNCE PETROBRAS, in Natal, which implemented a project of rational use and reuse of water, including use of wastewater from a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) already in place, diluted with water from own wells for irrigation of green area of the building complex corporate enterprise. Establish a methodology that can serve as guidelines for future projects controlled reuse of water like this was the objective of this research. Been proposed, implemented and evaluated three instruments of sanitary and environmental control: 1) adaptation of sewage treatment plant and quality control of the treated effluent 2) analysis of soil-nutrient interaction in the irrigated area, 3) knowledge of the local hydrogeology, especially with regard to the direction of flow of the aquifer and location of collection wells of Companhia de Águas e Esgotos do Rio Grande do Norte (CAERN) situated in the surroundings. These instruments have proven sufficient and appropriate to ensure the levels of sanitary and environmental control proposed and studied, which were: a) control of water quality off the STP and the output of the irrigation reservoir, b) control of water quality sub surface soil and assessment of progress on soil composition, c) assessment of water quality in the aquifer. For this, we must: 1) establishing the monitoring plan of the STP and its effluent quality sampling points and defining the parameters of analysis, improve the functioning of that identifying the adequacy of flow and screening as the main factors of operational control, and increase the efficiency of the station to a relatively low cost, using additional filters, 2) propose, implement and adapt simple collectors to assess the quality of water percolating into the soil of the irrigated area, 3) determine the direction of groundwater flow in the area study and select the wells for monitoring of the aquifer.

Remoção de nitrogênio em biofiltros aerado e anóxico, com alto índice de vazios e sem remoção de lodo

The improper disposal of nitrogen in receiving water courses causes problems such as toxicity to living beings through the consumption of oxygen to meet the nitrogen demand, eutrophication and nitrate contamination of aquifers. For this reason it is often necessary to be carried out complementary treatment of wastewater to eliminate or reduce the concentration of this compound in the wastewater. The objective of this study is to evaluate the biological removal of nitrogen compounds using submerged aerated and anoxic filters as post-treatment of an anaerobic system, with low cost and innovative technology, which in previous studies has shown high removal efficiency of organic matter and great potential biological nitrogen compounds removal. The simple design with perforated hoses for air distribution and filling with plastic parts proved to be very efficient in relation to organic matter removal and nitrification. The system presented, in the best stage, efficiency in converting ammonia to nitrate by 71%, and produced a final effluent concentration below 10 mg / L of NH3-N. In addition, carbon concentration was removed by 77%, producing final effluent with 24 mg/L COD. However, denitrification in anoxic filter was not effective even with the addition of an external carbon source. There was a reduction of up to 56% of nitrogen caused by the process of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND). The high voids space presented by this type of support material coupled with direct aeration of the sludge, allows the respiration of biomass retained between the endogenous phase, increased cell retention time and sludge retention capacity, producing a final effluent with turbidity less than 5 UT and total suspended solids around 5.0 mg/L

Remoção de Microalgas de efluentes de lagoas de estabilização utilizando biofiltro

This research evaluated the microalgae removal produced in a stabilization pond system using biofilters as post-treatment, besides characterizing the effluents of stabilization ponds and filters in relation to concentrations of algal biomass (chlorophyll a and suspended solids), organic matter (BOD and COD), total phosphorus, orthophosphate, pH and dissolved oxygen, and tried to correlate physicochemical parameters with chlorophyll "a". It was held at the Ponta Negra ETE which is constituted by three stabilization ponds, with a primary facultative pond and two of maturation. For the algae removal were used two submerged bio-filters: the filter FPF (Facultative Pond Filter), fed with facultative pond effluent; and the filter MPF (Maturation Pond Filter), fed with second maturation pond effluent. The filling material of both filters was predominantly gravel no. 2, although it contains portions of gravel no. 1 and no. 3. The filters operating conditions were bad, they were nearly 10 years without maintenance, without cleaning or removal of sludge since the time of its construction, and part of the filling material may be obstruct. Despite poor operating conditions were obtained satisfactory results, in level of posttreatment. Removal efficiencies in relation to BOD and COD were 7 and 25% in FPF and 9 and 19% and in MPF, respectively. In relation to TSS efficiencies in MPF and FPF were 37 and 20%, respectively. As for the chlorophyll "a" removal, the FPF efficiency was 44% and the MPF was 40%. There was 50% of consumption of dissolved oxygen, on average, within the filters. Two profiles were performed in the filters, and it was possible to conclude that variations throughout the day were not statistically significant, and that, regardless of the time of collection, they would have the same representation comparing to the time of data collection (7 am) and the daily average, although individual variations throughout the day have been shown to be significant. Another important observation is that the correlations between Chlorophyll a and TSS were bigger and more significant in the effluent of the filters than in the effluent of the ponds

Infografia interativa na redação: o processo de produção no Diário do Nordeste à luz da teoria do jornalismo

The infographics historically experience the process of evolution of journalism, from the incipient models handmade in the eighteenth century to the inclusion of computers and sophisticated software today. In order to face the advent of TV against of the partiality readers of the printed newspaper, or to represent the Gulf War, where not allowed photography, infographics reaches modern levels of production and publication. The technical devices which enabled the infographics to evolve the environment of the internet, with conditions for the manipulation of the reader, incorporating video, audio and animations, so styling of interactive infographics. These digital models of information visualization recently arrived daily in the northeast and on their respective web sites with features regionalized. This paper therefore proposes to explore and describe the processes of producing the interactive infographics, taking the example of the Diário do Nordeste, Fortaleza, Ceará, whose department was created one year ago. Therefore, based on aspects that guide the theory of journalism, as newsmaking, filters that focus on productive routine (gatekeeping) and the construction stages of the news. This research also draws on the theoretical framework on the subject, in concepts essential characteristics of computer graphics, as well as the methodological procedures and systematic empirical observations in production routines of the newsroom who can testify limitations and / or advances

Análise estatística de padrões sísmicos: decomposição em multiescala

O processamento de registros sísmicos é uma tarefa muito importante dentro da Geofísica e que representa um desafio permanente na exploração de petróleo. Embora esses sinais forneçam uma imagem adequada da estrutura geológica do subsolo, eles são contaminados por ruídos e, o ground roll é a componente principal. Este fato exige um esforço grande para o desenvolvimento de metodologias para filtragem, Dentro desse contexto, este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar um método de remoção do ruído ground roll fazendo uso de ferramentas da Física Estatística. No método, a Análise em Ondeletas é combinada com a Transformada de Karhunen-Loève para a remoção em uma região bem localizada. O processo de filtragem começa com a Decomposição em Multiescala. Essa técnica permite uma representação em tempo-escala fazendo uso das ondeletas discretas implementadas a filtros de reconstrução perfeita. O padrão sísmico original fica representado em multipadrões: um por escala. Assim, pode-se atenuar o ground roll como uma operação cirúrgica em cada escala, somente na região onde sua presença é forte, permitindo preservar o máximo de informações relevantes. A atenuação é realizada pela definição de um fator de atenuação Af. Sua escolha é feita pelo comportamento dos modos de energia da Transformada de Karhunen-Loève. O ponto correspondendo a um mínimo de energia do primeiro modo é identificado como um fator de atenuação ótimo

Avaliação de meios filtrantes primários em filtro contínuo de tambor rotativo a vácuo para lodo de caldo de cana

Este estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar o comportamento de treze tipos de meios filtrantes primários desenvolvidos para uso na filtração a vácuo de lodo de caldo de cana, simulando as operações de formação e desidratação da torta em filtros contínuos de tambor rotativo a vácuo, empregados nas indústrias de açúcar e álcool do Brasil. Para tanto, foi desenvolvida uma planta-piloto anexa ao filtro de tambor rotativo a vácuo, na qual foram realizados todos os ensaios, com o objetivo de refletir a realidade das variáveis operacionais durante uma safra sucroalcooleira. Os resultados são apresentados, comparando-se as taxas de filtração, variando a pressão de formação da torta, temperatura e concentração de auxiliar filtrante, mostrando ao usuário um novo caminho para o melhoramento quantitativo e qualitativo, sem aumentar a área nominal da unidade de filtração.