Utilizando a televisão digital como um meio de comunicação para ambientes interativos reais

This Dissertation aims to provide a communication mechanism between Digital TV viewers and interaction devices, such as robots, for example, placed on the environment from which a TV program is being live broadcasted. Such communication mechanism has the objective to allow viewers controll the Interaction Devices through their TV devices, using the broadcast channel present in Interactive Digital TV systems, and receive data from the devices by the broadcast channel. This system was projected as a middlewaer system where the Interaction Devices in the TV program set are interconnected, creating a Interactive Device Network. With this approach, the system is capable of manage the devices on the network, controlling the flow of coming and leaving elements, in a transparent way for the viewers. The system yet allows the Interaction Devices communicate each other, with a integrated communication channel with no worries about the physical communication layer

Desenvolvimento de Modelos no Programa DigSILENT PowerFactoryTM para o Estudo de Estabilidade Transitória em Sistemas Elétricos de Potência com Aerogerador

This work presents a description of models development at DigSILENT PowerFactoryT M program for the transient stability study in power systems with wind turbine. The main goal is to make available means to use a dynamic simulation program in power systems, widely published, and utilize it as a tool that helps in programs results evaluations used for this intent. The process of simulations and analyses results starts after the models setting description phase. The results obtained by the DigSILENT PowerFactoryT M and ATP, program chosen to the validation also international recognized, are compared during this phase. The main tools and guide lines of PowerFactoryT M program use are presented here, directing these elements to the solution of the approached problem. For the simulation it is used a real system which it will be connected a wind farm. Two different technologies of wind turbines were implemented: doublyfed induction generator with frequency converter, connecting the rotor to the stator and to the grid, and synchronous wind generator with frequency converter, interconnecting the generator to the grid. Besides presenting the basic conceptions of dynamic simulation, it is described the implemented control strategies and models of turbine and converters. The stability of the wind turbine interconnected to grid is analyzed in many operational conditions, resultant of diverse kinds of disturbances

Cellulose nanocomposites with nanofibres isolated from pineapple leaf fibers for medical applications

Nanocellulose is the crystalline domains obtained from renewable cellulosic sources, used to increase mechanical properties and biodegrability in polymer composites. This work has been to study how high pressure defibrillation and chemical purification affect the PALF fibre morphology from micro to nanoscale. Microscopy techniques and X-ray diffraction were used to study the structure and properties of the prepared nanofibers and composites. Microscopy studies showed that the used individualization processes lead to a unique morphology of interconnected web-like structure of PALF fibers. The produced nanofibers were bundles of cellulose fibers of widths ranging between 5 and 15 nm and estimated lengths of several micrometers. Percentage yield and aspect ratio of the nanofiber obtained by this technique is found to be very high in comparison with other conventional methods. The nanocomposites were prepared by means of compression moulding, by stacking the nanocellulose fibre mats between polyurethane films. The results showed that the nanofibrils reinforced the polyurethane efficiently. The addition of 5 wt% of cellulose nanofibrils to PU increased the strength nearly 300% and the stiffness by 2600%. The developed composites were utilized to fabricate various versatile medical implants. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Análise de desempenho na rede metropolitana de saúde da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte : um dimensionamento aplicado a telemedicina e a telessaúde utilizando QoS baseado no padrão IEEE 802.1Q

It s notorious the advance of computer networks in recent decades, whether in relation to transmission rates, the number of interconnected devices or the existing applications. In parallel, it s also visible this progress in various sectors of the automation, such as: industrial, commercial and residential. In one of its branches, we find the hospital networks, which can make the use of a range of services, ranging from the simple registration of patients to a surgery by a robot under the supervision of a physician. In the context of both worlds, appear the applications in Telemedicine and Telehealth, which work with the transfer in real time of high resolution images, sound, video and patient data. Then comes a problem, since the computer networks, originally developed for the transfer of less complex data, is now being used by a service that involves high transfer rates and needs requirements for quality of service (QoS) offered by the network . Thus, this work aims to do the analysis and comparison of performance of a network when subjected to this type of application, for two different situations: the first without the use of QoS policies, and the second with the application of such policies, using as scenario for testing, the Metropolitan Health Network of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN)

Desenvolvimento de modelos no programa digSILENT powerfactoryTM para o estudo de estabilidade transitória em sistemas elétricos de potência com aerogerador

This work presents a description of models development at DigSILENT PowerFactoryTM program for the transient stability study in power systems with wind turbine. The main goal is to make available means to use a dynamic simulation program in power systems, widely published, and utilize it as a tool that helps in programs results evaluations used for this intent. The process of simulations and analyses results starts after the models setting description phase. The results obtained by the DigSILENT PowerFactoryTM and ATP, program chosen to the validation also international recognized, are compared during this phase. The main tools and guide lines of PowerFactoryTM program use are presented here, directing these elements to the solution of the approached problem. For the simulation it is used a real system which it will be connected a wind farm. Two different technologies of wind turbines were implemented: doubly-fed induction generator with frequency converter, connecting the rotor to the stator and to the grid, and synchronous wind generator with frequency converter, interconnecting the generator to the grid. Besides presenting the basic conceptions of dynamic simulation, it is described the implemented control strategies and models of turbine and converters. The stability of the wind turbine interconnected to grid is analyzed in many operational conditions, resultant of diverse kinds of disturbances

The nest architecture of the ant, Pheidole oxyops Forel, 1908 (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

Pheidole oxyops builds subterranean nests, with an external architecture that is distinctive and easily recognizable by its wide and specific entrance hole, measuring up to 12.2 cm in diameter, denoting a pitfall-trap. In order to study the nests'internal architecture, seven nests were excavated; four were identified with neutral talc, while the others were cast in cement and then excavated. Measurements were made in order to gain a better understanding of their structures, and a photographic documentation was obtained as well. The excavations revealed that the nests are perpendicular relative to the ground, beginning with a cylindrical channel with a mean length of 13.5 cm, containing irregular formations, and whose diameter becomes progressively narrower until the first chamber is formed. As the channel continues, dish-like chambers appear, interconnected by channels that become progressively narrower and longer, while the chambers are arranged at greater distances from each other as nest depth increases. Both channels and chambers are located on the vertical projection of the entrance hole. Nests may reach a depth of up to 5.09 m, with a number of chambers ranging between 4 and 14.

Extração e Representação de Conhecimento de Séries Temporais de Demanda de Energia Elétrica Usando TSKR

The opening of the Brazilian market of electricity and competitiveness between companies in the energy sector make the search for useful information and tools that will assist in decision making activities, increase by the concessionaires. An important source of knowledge for these utilities is the time series of energy demand. The identification of behavior patterns and description of events become important for the planning execution, seeking improvements in service quality and financial benefits. This dissertation presents a methodology based on mining and representation tools of time series, in order to extract knowledge that relate series of electricity demand in various substations connected of a electric utility. The method exploits the relationship of duration, coincidence and partial order of events in multi-dimensionals time series. To represent the knowledge is used the language proposed by Mörchen (2005) called Time Series Knowledge Representation (TSKR). We conducted a case study using time series of energy demand of 8 substations interconnected by a ring system, which feeds the metropolitan area of Goiânia-GO, provided by CELG (Companhia Energética de Goiás), responsible for the service of power distribution in the state of Goiás (Brazil). Using the proposed methodology were extracted three levels of knowledge that describe the behavior of the system studied, representing clearly the system dynamics, becoming a tool to assist planning activities

Projeto e Implementação em Ambiente Foundation Fieldbus de Filtragem Estocástica Baseada em Análise de Componentes Independentes (M175)

This work considers the development of a filtering system composed of an intelligent algorithm, that separates information and noise coming from sensors interconnected by Foundation Fieldbus (FF) network. The algorithm implementation will be made through FF standard function blocks, with on-line training through OPC (OLE for Process Control), and embedded technology in a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that interacts with the fieldbus devices. The technique ICA (Independent Component Analysis), that explores the possibility of separating mixed signals based on the fact that they are statistically independent, was chosen to this Blind Source Separation (BSS) process. The algorithm and its implementations will be Presented, as well as the results

Nest Digging by Leaf-Cutting Ants: Effect of Group Size and Functional Structures.

Leaf-cutting ant workers dig underground chambers, for housing their symbiotic fungus, interconnected by a vast quantity of tunnels whose function is to permit the entrance of food (leaves), gaseous exchanges, andmovement of workers, offspring, and the queen. Digging is a task executed by a group of workers, but little is known about the group effect and group-constructed functional structures. Thus, we analyzed the structures formed by worker groups (5, 10, 20, and 40 individuals) of the leaf-cutting ant, Atta sexdens rubropilosa, for 2 days of excavation. The digging arena was the same for the 4 groups, with each group corresponding to a different density. Our results verified a pattern of tunneling by the workers, but no chamber was constructed. The group effect is well known, since the 40-worker group dug significantly more than the groups of 5, 10, and 20. These groups did not differ statistically from each other. Analysis of load/worker verified that workers of the smallest group carried the greatest load. Our paper demonstrates the group effect on the digging of nests, namely, that excavation is proportional to group size, but without emergence of a functional structure such as a chamber.

Use of Primary Sludge from Pulp and Paper Mills for Nanocomposites

Cellulose nanocrystals have been evaluated as reinforcement material in polymeric matrices due to their potential to improve the mechanical, optical, and dielectric properties of these matrixes. This work describes how high pressure defibrillation and chemical purification affect the sludge fiber morphology from micro to nanoscale. Microscopy techniques and X-ray diffraction were used to study the structure and properties of the prepared nanofibers and composites. Microscopic studies showed that the used individualization processes lead to a unique morphology of interconnected web-like structure of sludge fibers. The nanofibers are bundles of cellulose fibers having widths (5 to 30 nm) and estimated lengths of several micrometers.

Estudo da circulação hidrodinâmica e da dispersão de óleo na zona costeira entre Macau e Galinhos RN

This paper presents a study on coastal hydrodynamics and the spread of an oil spill in waters off Macau and Galinhos, on the east coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte in Northeast Brazil. This area has a very marked coastal dynamic owing to the complexity of its geomorphological features, developed in a regime of semidiurnal mesotides involving reefs, spits, estuaries, mangroves, lakes and dunes. The region also plays an important role in the socioeconomic development of the state, given that the production of oil, natural gas, salt and shrimp is concentrated there. The series of oil platforms is interconnected by a pipeline system that carries oil to the local terminal. This pipeline could leak at any moment, causing immense ecological damage. To gauge the risks of an oil leak and resulting contamination of the coastal region, two hydrodynamic scenarios were simulated. The results obtained were used to implement a contaminant transport model with the creation of various oil leak scenarios modeled at different volumes (from small to large) and intensities (sporadic and continuous), at points considered critical for the model (on two platforms and at two pipeline intersections), under different wind (summer and winter) and tidal (high and low at new, full and quarter moon phases) conditions. The use of hydrodynamic circulation computer models as a tool for representing a real project design has been increasingly frequent in recent years, given that they enable the realistic simulation of the hydrodynamic circulation pattern in bodies of water and an analysis of the impacts caused by contaminants released into the water. This study used the computer models contained in SisBAHIA®, in continuous development in the area of Coastal Engineering and Oceanography at COPPE/UFRJ

Simulação do sistema de esgotamento sanitário de Ponta Negra- Natal: mitigação dos riscos ambientais e estratégia de manutenção preditiva

The simulation of SES-Natal Ponta Negra: mitigation of environmental risks and predictive maintenance strategy was developed in the context of several operational irregularities in the pumping stations and sewage systems in the system Ponta Negra. Thus, the environmental risks and complaints against the company due to overflows of sewage into the public thoroughfare became common. This neighborhood has shown in recent years an increase of resident higher than the initial expectation of growth. In this sense presumed the large population growth and generation of sewers higher than expected, associated to the use of corrective maintenance and misuse of the system may be the main causes of operational failures occurring in the SES. This study aimed at analyzing the hydraulic behavior of SES Ponta Negrathrough numerical simulation of its operation associated to future scenarios of occupation. The SES Ponta Negra has a long lengthof collection networks and 6 pumping stations interconnected, being EE 1, 2, 4 coastal way, and beach Shopping interconnected EE3 to receives all sewers pumped from the rest pumping station and pumped to the sewage treatment station of neighborhood which consists of a facultative pond followed by three maturation ponds with disposal of treated effluent into infiltration ditches. Oncethey are connected with each other, the study was conducted considering the days and times of higher inflow for all lifts. Furthermore, with the aim of measuring the gatherer network failures were conducted data survey of on the networks. Thephysical and operational survey data was conducted between January/2011 and janeiro/2012. The simulation of the SES was developed with the aim ofdemonstrating its functioning, eithercurrently and in the coming years, based in population estimates and sewage flow. The collected data represents the current framework of the pumping stations of the SES Ponta Negra and served as input to the model developed in MS Excel ® spreadsheet which allowed simulating the behavior of SES in future scenarios. The results of this study show thatBeach Shopping Pumping Station is actually undersized and presents serious functioning problemsthatmay compromise the environmental quality of surrounding area. The other pumping stations of the system will reach itsmaximum capacity between 2013 and 2015, although the EE1 and EE3 demonstrateoperation capacity, even precariously, until 2017. Moreover, it was observed that the misuse of the network system, due to the input of both garbage and stormwater, are major factors of failures that occur in the SES. Finally, it was found that the corrective maintenance appliance, rather than predictive,has proven to beinefficient because of the serious failuresin the system, causing damage to the environment and health risks to users

Comparison of the properties of compacted and porous lamellar chitosan-xanthan membranes as dressings and scaffolds for the treatment of skin lesions

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

Loss minimization by the predictor-corrector modified barrier approach

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Comprovação da real comunicação entre o endodonto e o periodonto através do canal cavo inter-radicular e sua prevalência em molares inferiores humanos

The neurovascular system of the pulp and of the periodontium is interconnected and among the possible intercommunications between these two tissues, there is the cavo inter-radicular canal. It is a small canal that goes through any inter-radicular dentine and arises in the furca region of the multi-radicular teeth. Its predominance has been studied in the literature, by several methodologies, with divergent results. The objective of this work was to establish, in vitro, the predominance of the cavo inter-radicular canal, in human lower molars, through the diaphanization technique and dye leakage. For this research, 140 teeth (100 first and second 40 lower molars) were selected, extracted due to different reasons, belonging to a teeth bank of the Endodontics discipline of the Dentistry College at Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. The teeth were preserved in formol until the moment of use and immersed in physiological solution. Had the endodontic access fulfilled and the whole external surface, except for the furcation, sealed with two layers of nail enamel. The cleaning of the pulpar chamber floor was carried out with sodium hypochlorite solution 5%, being this solution renewed every 5 minutes, during 1 hour. The teeth were immersed in Indian dye and, after drying of the dye, they had their crowns split up in the amelo-cemental junction. Then, they were examined in a stereomicroscope, where marks of the coloring were observed in the furcation and on the pulpar floor. After this recording, the sample was diaphanized and with the transparent teeth, it was possible to observe in the stereomicroscope, the true inter-radicular canals. As a result of this experiment, the presence of these canals was observed in 13 % of the first and 7, 5 % of the second evaluated molars. The study showed that both the presence of the cavo inter-radicular canal is real and the diaphanization and dye leakage is an efficient method for this type of research