Delay time detection and accommodation for a networked DC motor control

This paper presents a control method that is effective to reduce the degenerative effects of delay time caused by a treacherous network. In present application a controlled DC motor is part of an inverted pendulum and provides the equilibrium of this system. The control of DC motor is accomplished at the distance through a treacherous network, which causes delay time in the control signal. A predictive technique is used so that it turns the system free of delay. A robust digital sliding mode controller is proposed to control the free-delay system. Due to the random conditions of the network operation, a delay time detection and accommodation strategy is also proposed. A computer simulation is shown to illustrate the design procedures and the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2011 IEEE.

Treatment of Comorbid Migraine and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Factorial, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

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

The NINJA-2 project: detecting and characterizing gravitational waveforms modelled using numerical binary black hole simulations

The Numerical INJection Analysis (NINJA) project is a collaborative effort between members of the numerical relativity and gravitational-wave (GW) astrophysics communities. The purpose of NINJA is to study the ability to detect GWs emitted from merging binary black holes (BBH) and recover their parameters with next-generation GW observatories. We report here on the results of the second NINJA project, NINJA-2, which employs 60 complete BBH hybrid waveforms consisting of a numerical portion modelling the late inspiral, merger, and ringdown stitched to a post-Newtonian portion modelling the early inspiral. In a 'blind injection challenge' similar to that conducted in recent Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) and Virgo science runs, we added seven hybrid waveforms to two months of data recoloured to predictions of Advanced LIGO (aLIGO) and Advanced Virgo (AdV) sensitivity curves during their first observing runs. The resulting data was analysed by GW detection algorithms and 6 of the waveforms were recovered with false alarm rates smaller than 1 in a thousand years. Parameter-estimation algorithms were run on each of these waveforms to explore the ability to constrain the masses, component angular momenta and sky position of these waveforms. We find that the strong degeneracy between the mass ratio and the BHs' angular momenta will make it difficult to precisely estimate these parameters with aLIGO and AdV. We also perform a large-scale Monte Carlo study to assess the ability to recover each of the 60 hybrid waveforms with early aLIGO and AdV sensitivity curves. Our results predict that early aLIGO and AdV will have a volume-weighted average sensitive distance of 300 Mpc (1 Gpc) for 10M circle dot + 10M circle dot (50M circle dot + 50M circle dot) BBH coalescences. We demonstrate that neglecting the component angular momenta in the waveform models used in matched-filtering will result in a reduction in sensitivity for systems with large component angular momenta. This reduction is estimated to be up to similar to 15% for 50M circle dot + 50M circle dot BBH coalescences with almost maximal angular momenta aligned with the orbit when using early aLIGO and AdV sensitivity curves.

Comparative analysis of two techniques for detection and segmentation of moving bodies

This paper makes a comparative analysis of results produced by the application of two techniques for the detection and segmentation of bodies in motion captured in images sequence, namely: 1) technique based on the temporal average of the values of each pixel recorded in N consecutive image frames and, 2) technique based on historical values associated with pixels recorded in different frames of an image sequence.

Coherence characteristics of random lasing in a dye doped hybrid powder

The photon statistics of the random laser emission of a Rhodamine B doped di-ureasil hybrid powder is investigated to evaluate its degree of coherence above threshold. Although the random laser emission is a weighted average of spatially uncorrelated radiation emitted at different positions in the sample, a spatial coherence control was achieved due to an improved detection configuration based on spatial filtering. By using this experimental approach, which also allows for fine mode discrimination and timeresolved analysis of uncoupled modes from mode competition, an area not larger than the expected coherence size of the random laser is probed. Once the spectral and temporal behavior of nonoverlapping modes is characterized, an assessment of the photon-number probability distribution and the resulting second-order correlation coefficient as a function of time delay and wavelength was performed. The outcome of our single photon counting measurements revealed a high degree of temporal coherence at the time of maximum pump intensity and at wavelengths around the Rhodamine B gain maximum.

Diffusive random laser modes under a spatiotemporal scope

At present the prediction and characterization of the emission output of a diffusive random laser remains a challenge, despite the variety of investigated materials and theoretical interpretations given up to now. Here, a new mode selection method, based on spatial filtering and ultrafast detection, which allows to separate individual lasing modes and follow their temporal evolution is presented. In particular, the work explores the random laser behavior of a ground powder of an organic-inorganic hybrid compound based on Rhodamine B incorporated into a di-ureasil host. The experimental approach gives direct access to the mode structure and dynamics, shows clear modal relaxation oscillations, and illustrates the lasing modes stochastic behavior of this diffusive scattering system. The effect of the excitation energy on its modal density is also investigated. Finally, imaging measurements reveal the dominant role of diffusion over amplification processes in this kind of unconventional lasers. (C) 2015 Optical Society of America

Effectiveness of 6% hydrogen peroxide concentration for tooth bleaching-A double-blind, randomized clinical trial

The aim of this clinical randomized double-blind split-mouth study was to assess the effectiveness of a 6% hydrogen peroxide with nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide light activated bleaching agent. 31 patients were treated with: one upper hemiarcade with a 35% hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent and the other hemiarcade with a 6% hydrogen peroxide. Two applications were completed each treatment session and three sessions were appointed, with one week interval between them. Tooth colour was registered each session and 1 week and 1 months after completing the treatment by spectrophotometer, registering parameters L*, a* and b*, and subjectively using VITA Classic guide. Tooth sensitivity was registered by VAS and patient satisfaction and self-perception result was determined using OHIP-14. Tooth colour variation and sensitivity were compared between both bleaching agents. Both treatment showed a change between baseline colour and all check-points with a ΔE=5.57 for 6% and of ΔE=7.98 for the 35% one month after completing the (p<0.05). No statistical differences were seen when subjective evaluations were compared. Also, no differences were seen in tooth sensitivity between bleaching agents. OHIP-14 questionnaire demonstrated a significant change for all patients after bleaching. A 6% hydrogen peroxide with nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide light activated agent is effective for tooth bleaching, reaching a ΔE of 5.57 one month after completing the treatment, with no clinical differences to a 35% agent neither in colour change or in tooth sensitivity. A low concentration hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent may reach good clinical results with less adverse effects.

Importância da avaliação hematológica e sorológica (dot-blot ELISA) no diagnóstico de erliquiose em cães

This study compared the hematological and serological analysis of diagnosis of canine ehrlichiosis. The survey of Ehrlichia canis was performed through the evaluation of blood smears from 150 dogs. The serological test was performed on 12 samples selected by the platelet count (less than 170,000 platelets / uL). Serologic testing was performed with the Imunocomb kit - Dot-blot-ELISA. No cytoplasmatic inclusion characteristic of morula of E. canis was found in blood smears. In serologic testing, eight samples were positive for Ehrlichia canis, concluding that thrombocytopenia is an important hematological finding of ehrlichiosis diagnosis and the detection of Ehrlichia canis morulae is uncommon. The serological evaluation Dot-blot ELISA is an accurate and brief diagnosis method of canine ehrlichiosis, been the most appropriate to be used in veterinary practice routine.

Effects of Protein A in Detection of Canine Distemper Virus through immunosensor construction

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

Damage detection in beams by using artificial neural networks and dynamical parameters

In this paper is presented a multilayer perceptron neural network combined with the Nelder-Mead Simplex method to detect damage in multiple support beams. The input parameters are based on natural frequencies and modal flexibility. It was considered that only a number of modes were available and that only vertical degrees of freedom were measured. The reliability of the proposed methodology is assessed from the generation of random damages scenarios and the definition of three types of errors, which can be found during the damage identification process. Results show that the methodology can reliably determine the damage scenarios. However, its application to large beams may be limited by the high computational cost of training the neural network.

Efficacy of low level laser therapy associated with exercises in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind study

Objectives: To estimate the effects of low level laser therapy in combination with a programme of exercises on pain, functionality, range of motion, muscular strength and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Design: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial with sequential allocation of patients to different treatment groups. Setting: Special Rehabilitation Services. Subjects: Forty participants with knee osteoarthritis, 2-4 osteoarthritis degree, aged between 50 and 75 years and both genders. Intervention: Participants were randomized into one of two groups: the laser group (low level laser therapy dose of 3 J and exercises) or placebo group (placebo laser and exercises). Main measures: Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), functionality using the Lequesne questionnaire, range of motion with a universal goniometer, muscular strength using a dynamometer, and activity using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) questionnaire at three time points: (T1) baseline, (T2) after the end of laser therapy (three weeks) and (T3) the end of the exercises (11 weeks). Results: When comparing groups, significant differences in the activity were also found (P = 0.03). No other significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in other variables. In intragroup analysis, participants in the laser group had significant improvement, relative to baseline, on pain (P = 0.001), range of motion (P = 0.01), functionality (P = 0.001) and activity (P < 0.001). No significant improvement was seen in the placebo group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that low level laser therapy when associated with exercises is effective in yielding pain relief, function and activity on patients with osteoarthritis of the knees.

Multi-planet extrasolar systems - detection and dynamics

20 years after the discovery of the first planets outside our solar system, the current exoplanetary population includes more than 700 confirmed planets around main sequence stars. Approximately 50% belong to multiple-planet systems in very diverse dynamical configurations, from two-planet hierarchical systems to multiple resonances that could only have been attained as the consequence of a smooth large-scale orbital migration. The first part of this paper reviews the main detection techniques employed for the detection and orbital characterization of multiple-planet systems, from the (now) classical radial velocity (RV) method to the use of transit time variations (TTV) for the identification of additional planetary bodies orbiting the same star. In the second part we discuss the dynamical evolution of multi-planet systems due to their mutual gravitational interactions. We analyze possible modes of motion for hierarchical, secular or resonant configurations, and what stability criteria can be defined in each case. In some cases, the dynamics can be well approximated by simple analytical expressions for the Hamiltonian function, while other configurations can only be studied with semi-analytical or numerical tools. In particular, we show how mean-motion resonances can generate complex structures in the phase space where different libration islands and circulation domains are separated by chaotic layers. In all cases we use real exoplanetary systems as working examples.

THE GEMINI NICI PLANET-FINDING CAMPAIGN: DISCOVERY OF A MULTIPLE SYSTEM ORBITING THE YOUNG A STAR HD 1160

We report the discovery of two low-mass companions to the young A0V star HD 1160 at projected separations of 81 +/- 5 AU (HD 1160 B) and 533 +/- 25 AU (HD 1160 C) by the Gemini NICI Planet-Finding Campaign. Very Large Telescope images of the system taken over a decade for the purpose of using HD 1160 A as a photometric calibrator confirm that both companions are physically associated. By comparing the system to members of young moving groups and open clusters with well-established ages, we estimate an age of 50(-40)(+50) Myr for HD 1160 ABC. While the UVW motion of the system does not match any known moving group, the small magnitude of the space velocity is consistent with youth. Near-IR spectroscopy shows HD 1160 C to be an M3.5 +/- 0.5 star with an estimated mass of 0.22(-0.04)(+0.03) M-circle dot, while NIR photometry of HD 1160 B suggests a brown dwarf with a mass of 33(-9)(+12) M-Jup. The very small mass ratio (0.014) between the A and B components of the system is rare for A star binaries, and would represent a planetary-mass companion were HD 1160 A to be slightly less massive than the Sun.

Carlosbarbosaite, ideally (UO2)(2)Nb2O6(OH)(2)center dot 2H(2)O, a new hydrated uranyl niobate mineral with tunnels from Jaguaracu, Minas Gerais, Brazil: description and crystal structure

Carlosbarbosaite, ideally (UO2)(2)Nb2O6(OH)(2)center dot 2H(2)O, is a new mineral which occurs as a late cavity filling in albite in the Jaguaracu pegmatite, Jaguaracu municipality, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The name honours Carlos do Prado Barbosa (1917-2003). Carlosbarbosaite forms long flattened lath-like crystals with a very simple orthorhombic morphology. The crystals are elongated along [001] and flattened on (100); they are up to 120 mu m long and 2-5 mu m thick. The colour is cream to pale yellow, the streak yellowish white and the lustre vitreous. The mineral is transparent (as individual crystals) to translucent (massive). It is not fluorescent under either long-wave or short-wave ultraviolet radiation. Carlosbarbosaite is biaxial(+) with alpha = 1.760(5), beta = 1.775(5), gamma = 1.795(5), 2V(meas) = 70(1)degrees, 2V(calc) = 83 degrees. The orientation is X parallel to a, Y parallel to b, Z parallel to c. Pleochroism is weak, in yellowish green shades, which are most intense in the Z direction. Two samples were analysed. For sample I, the composition is: UO3 54.52, CaO 2.07, Ce2O3 0.33, Nd2O3 0.49, Nb2O5 14.11, Ta2O5 15.25, TiO2 2.20, SiO2 2.14, Fe2O3 1.08, Al2O3 0.73, H2O (calc.) 11.49, total 104.41 wt.%; the empirical formula is (square 0.68Ca0.28Nd0.02Ce0.02)(Sigma=1.00)[U-1.44 square O-0.56(2.88)(H2O)(1.12)](Nb0.80Ta0.52Si0.27Ti0.21Al0.11Fe0.10)(Sigma=2.01) O-4.72(OH)(3.20)(H2O)(2.08). For sample 2, the composition is: UO3 41.83, CaO 2.10, Ce2O3 0.31, Nd2O3 1.12, Nb2O5 14.64, Ta2O5 16.34, TiO2 0.95, SiO2 3.55, Fe2O3 0.89, Al2O3 0.71, H2O (calc.) 14.99, total 97.43 wt.%; the empirical formula is (square 0.67Ca0.27Nd0.05Ce0.01)(Sigma=1.00)[U-1.04 square O-0.96(2.08)(H2O)(1.92)] (Nb0.79Ta0.53Si0.42Ti0.08Al0.10Fe0.08)(Sigma=2.00)O-4.00(OH)(3.96)(H2O)(2.04). The ideal endmember formula is (UO2)(2)Nb2O6(OH)(2)center dot 2H(2)O. Calculated densities are 4.713 g cm(-3) (sample 1) and 4.172 g cm(-3) (sample 2). Infrared spectra show that both (OH) and H2O are present. The strongest eight X-ray powder-diffraction lines [listed as d in angstrom(I)(hkl)] are: 8.405(8)(110), 7.081(10)(200), 4.201(9)(220), 3.333(6)(202), 3.053(8)(022), 2.931(7)(420), 2.803(6)(222) and 2.589(5)(040,402). The crystal structure was solved using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (R = 0.037) which gave the following data: orthorhombic, Cmem, a = 14.150(6), b = 10.395(4), c = 7.529(3) angstrom, V = 1107(1) angstrom(3), Z = 4. The crystal structure contains a single U site with an appreciable deficiency in electron scattering, which is populated by U atoms and vacancies. The U site is surrounded by seven 0 atoms in a pentagonal bipyramidal arrangemet. The Nb site is coordinated by four 0 atoms and two OH groups in an octahedral arrangement. The half-occupied tunnel Ca site is coordinated by four 0 atoms and four H2O groups. Octahedrally coordinated Nb polyhedra share edges and comers to form Nb2O6(OH)(2) double chains, and edge-sharing pentagonal bipyramidal U polyhedra form UO5 chains. The Nb2O6(OH)(2) and UO5 chains share edges to form an open U-Nb-phi framework with tunnels along [001] that contain Ca(H2O)(4) clusters. Carlosbarbosaite is closely related to a family of synthetic U-Nb-O framework tunnel structures, it differs in that is has an (OH)-bearing framework and Ca(H2O)(4) tunnel occupant. The structure of carlosbarbosaite resembles that of holfertite.

Use of a Single L1 GPS Receiver for Monitoring Structures: First Results of the Detection of Millimetric Dynamic Oscillations

This paper presents preliminary results to determine small displacements of a global positioning system (GPS) antenna fastened to a structure using only one L1 GPS receiver. Vibrations, periodic or not, are common in large structures, such as bridges, footbridges, tall buildings, and towers under dynamic loads. The behavior in time and frequency leads to structural analysis studies. The hypothesis of this article is that any large structure that presents vibrations in the centimeter-to-millimeter range can be monitored by phase measurements of a single L1 receiver with a high data rate, as long as the direction of the displacement is pointing to a particular satellite. Within this scenario, the carrier phase will be modulated by antenna displacement. During a period of a few dozen seconds, the relative displacement to the satellite, the satellite clock, and the atmospheric phase delays can be assumed as a polynomial time function. The residuals from a polynomial adjustment contain the phase modulation owing to small displacements, random noise, receiver clock short time instabilities, and multipath. The results showed that it is possible to detect displacements of centimeters in the phase data of a single satellite and millimeters in the difference between the phases of two satellites. After applying a periodic nonsinusoidal displacement of 10 m to the antenna, it is clearly recovered in the difference of the residuals. The time domain spectrum obtained by the fast Fourier transform (FFT) exhibited a defined peak of the third harmonic much more than the random noise using the proposed third-degree polynomial model. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)SU.1943-5428.0000070. (C) 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.