Qualidade em serviços de saúde: uma contribuição à definição de um modelo paramétrico e padrão de qualidade do tempo agendado para consulta ambulatorial

The knowledge management has received major attention from product designers because many of the activities within this process have to be creative and, therefore, they depend basically on the knowledge of the people who are involved in the process. Moreover, Product Development Process (PDP) is one of the activities in which knowledge management manifests in the most critical form once it had the intense application of the knowledge. As a consequence, this thesis analyzes the knowledge management aiming to improve the PDP and it also proposes a theoretical model of knowledge management. This model uses five steps (creation, maintenance, dissemination, utilization and discard) through the verification of the occurrence of four types of knowledge conversion (socialization, externalization, combination and internalization) that it will improve the knowledge management in this process. The intellectual capital in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) managed efficiently and with the participation of all employees has become the mechanism of the creation and transference processes of knowledge, supporting and, consequently, improving the PDP. The expected results are an effective and efficient application of the proposed model for the creation of the knowledge base within an organization (organizational memory) aiming a better performance of the PDP. In this way, it was carried out an extensive analysis of the knowledge management (instrument of qualitative and subjective evaluation) within the Design department of a Brazilian company (SEBRAE/RN). This analysis aimed to know the state-of-the-art of the Design department regarding the use of knowledge management. This step was important in order to evaluate in the level of the evolution of the department related to the practical use of knowledge management before implementing the proposed theoretical model and its methodology. At the end of this work, based on the results of the diagnosis, a knowledge management system is suggested to facilitate the knowledge sharing within the organization, in order words, the Design department

Desempenho da colhedora de milho Penha CLM-350: parte I - sistema espigador

Com o propósito de avaliar a colhedora Penha CLM-350, visando fornecer subsídios aos projetos e usuários, realizou-se o presente trabalho, onde foi estudada a eficácia do sistema espigador, determinando-se a porcentagem de milho colhido para os diversos tratamentos estudados. Definiu-se um parâmetro adimensional U, que é a relação entre a velocidade periférica dos roletes e a velocidade de deslocamento da colhedora. Procurou-se relacionar as diversos tratamentos U, com os valores percentuais de grãos de milho colhidos e perdidos no solo. Os resultados foram estudados através da análise de variância, empregando-se o teste F, aos níveis de 1% e 5% de probabilidade e o teste Tukey para a comparação estatística entre as médias.

Br-IndustrialExpert: um framework para análise de dependabilidade de processos industriais

There is a growing need to develop new tools to help end users in tasks related to the design, monitoring, maintenance and commissioning of critical infrastructures. The complexity of the industrial environment, for example, requires that these tools have flexible features in order to provide valuable data for the designers at the design phases. Furthermore, it is known that industrial processes have stringent requirements for dependability, since failures can cause economic losses, environmental damages and danger to people. The lack of tools that enable the evaluation of faults in critical infrastructures could mitigate these problems. Accordingly, the said work presents developing a framework for analyzing of dependability for critical infrastructures. The proposal allows the modeling of critical infrastructure, mapping its components to a Fault Tree. Then the mathematical model generated is used for dependability analysis of infrastructure, relying on the equipment and its interconnections failures. Finally, typical scenarios of industrial environments are used to validate the proposal

Avaliação da eficiência da remoção de matéria orgânica e microbiológica de três sistemas de lagoas de estabilização em série na Grande Natal-RN: Beira Rio, Jardim Lola I e Jardim Lola II

Waste stabilization ponds are the main technology in use for domestic sewage treatment in Rio Grande do Norte State (RN), northeast Brazil. The are around 80 systems, constructed mainly by municipal city halls, being series comprised by a primary facultative pond followed by two maturation ponds the most used configuration. Due to problems related with the production and destination of sludge and generation of bad odors, the designers have avoided the use of anaerobic lagoons. The majority of systems are rarely monitored to verify their efficiencies and to get new project parameters for future designing. This work has as purpose to make a diagnosis of efficiency of three series of waste stabilization pond series (WSPS) of Jardim Lola 1, Jardim Lola 2 and Beira Rio, located in the North Zone of the city of the Natal/RN, treating domestic raw sewage, on the removal of organic matter and thermotolerant coliform, comparing the operational conditions of the systems this inside of the bands foreseen in the project, through parameters BOD5, QOD, thermotolerant coliforms, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, ammoniac nitrogen, total and suspended solids. The work was carried through in the WSPS, all constituted by a primary facultative pond followed by two maturation ponds. Socioeconomic characteristics of population are predominantly low and all the plants are very near of the contributing basins. The series were monitored from of May the November of 2002, totalizing 20 collections of grab samples of raw sewage and ponds effluents between 8:00 and 9:50 h. The main aspect to be detached by the results was the great concentration of organic matter (BOD and COD) and microorganisms the raw sewage which were around two times more concentrated than those values foreseen one in project. Considering all series the highest removals of organic matter were observed in system Beira Rio (84 and 78% of BOD and COD, respectively), which presented high hydraulic detention time (TDH = 89 days). On the other hand, Jardim Lola 1 and Jardim Lola 2 presented a much lower values of HDT (36 days and 18 days respectively) and their removals of BOD and COD were the same (76% and 60%, respectively). The Beira Rio WSPS, was the most efficient verified in relation to solids and ammonia, proving the great influence of the operational variables such as HDT and applied surface organic loadings on the performance of pond series. Although the treatment plants have reached efficiencies of thermotolerant coliforms around 99,999%, the concentrations in the final effluent can be considered very high for launching in aquatic bodies, particularly those produced by Jardim Lola 1 and Jardim Lola 2 series

A new model for tubular fluorescent lamps operated at high frequencies for dimmable applications

This paper presents a new static model for tubular fluorescent lamps (T12 bulb) operated at high frequencies. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the effects of ambient temperature and nominal switching frequency of operation in the static characteristics of tubular fluorescent lamps. The methodology for obtaining the model is based on several two-dimensional mathematical regressions, used to provide the behavior of the fluorescent lamp according to different independent variables, namely: power processed through the lamp and ambient temperature. In addition, the proposed model can be easily converted to a lamp equivalent resistance model, which can be useful for ballast designers. Finally, the curves obtained using the new model are compared to the correspondent experimental data, in order to verify the accuracy of the proposed methodology.

A model to predict R134a refrigerant leakage through the radial clearance of rolling piston compressors

In this paper a non-isothermal two-phase model for oil-R134a refrigerant mixture flow is presented to predict the R134a leakage through the radial clearance of rolling piston compressors. The flow is divided in a liquid single-phase region and in a two-phase region, in which the homogeneous model is used to simulate the flow. The refrigerant leakage is determined using the mixture mass flow rate and the refrigerant mass fraction variation along the flow. The results are obtained for inlet pressures varying from 200 to 700 kPa, inlet temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees C, and minimal clearances between 10 and 60 mu m. The results are firstly compared to existing isothermal model data, showing that there is a significant difference between the leakage flow rates predicted by isothermal and non-isothermal models. Finally, a useful general equation for compressor designers is proposed to calculate the refrigerant leakage for a large range of operation conditions. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.

Modeling and Experimental Aspects of Self-healing Bolted Joint through Shape Memory Alloy Actuators

Bolted joints are a form of mechanical coupling largely used in machinery due to their reliability and low cost. Failure of bolted joints can lead to catastrophic events, such as leaking, train derailments, aircraft crashes, etc. Most of these failures occur due to the reduction of the pre-load, induced by mechanical vibration or human errors in the assembly or maintenance process. This article investigates the application of shape memory alloy (SMA) washers as an actuator to increase the pre-load on loosened bolted joints. The application of SMA washer follows a structural health monitoring procedure to identify a damage (reduction in pre-load) occurrence. In this article, a thermo-mechanical model is presented to predict the final pre-load achieved using this kind of actuator, based on the heat input and SMA washer dimension. This model extends and improves on the previous model of Ghorashi and Inman [2004, "Shape Memory Alloy in Tension and Compression and its Application as Clamping Force Actuator in a Bolted Joint: Part 2 - Modeling," J. Intell. Mater. Syst. Struct., 15:589-600], by eliminating the pre-load term related to nut turning making the system more practical. This complete model is a powerful but complex tool to be used by designers. A novel modeling approach for self-healing bolted joints based on curve fitting of experimental data is presented. The article concludes with an experimental application that leads to a change in joint assembly to increase the system reliability, by removing the ceramic washer component. Further research topics are also suggested.

On an Optimal Linear Control of a Chaotic Non-Ideal Duffing System

In this work, we use a nonlinear control based on Optimal Linear Control. We used as mathematical model a Duffing equation to model a supporting structure for an unbalanced rotating machine with limited power (non-ideal motor). Numerical simulations are performed for a set control parameter (depending on the voltage of the motor, that is, in the static and dynamic characteristic of the motor) The interaction of the non-ideal excitation with the structure may lead to the occurrence of interesting phenomena during the forward passage through the several resonance states of the system. Chaotic behavior is obtained for values of the parameters. Then, the proposed control strategy is applied in order to regulate the chaotic behavior, in order to obtain a periodic orbit and to decrease its amplitude. Both methodologies were used in complete agreement between them. The purpose of the paper is to give suggestions and recommendations to designers and engineers on how to drive this kind of system through resonance.

Uma linguagem de modelagem da interação para auxiliar a comunicação designer-usuário

The development of interactive systems involves several professionals and the integration between them normally uses common artifacts, such as models, that drive the development process. In the model-driven development approach, the interaction model is an artifact that includes the most of the aspects related to what and how the user can do while he/she interacting with the system. Furthermore, the interactive model may be used to identify usability problems at design time. Therefore, the central problematic addressed by this thesis is twofold. In the first place, the interaction modeling, in a perspective that helps the designer to explicit to developer, who will implement the interface, the aspcts related to the interaction process. In the second place, the anticipated identification of usability problems, that aims to reduce the application final costs. To achieve these goals, this work presents (i) the ALaDIM language, that aims to help the designer on the conception, representation and validation of his interactive message models; (ii) the ALaDIM editor, which was built using the EMF (Eclipse Modeling Framework) and its standardized technologies by OMG (Object Management Group); and (iii) the ALaDIM inspection method, which allows the anticipated identification of usability problems using ALaDIM models. ALaDIM language and editor were respectively specified and implemented using the OMG standards and they can be used in MDA (Model Driven Architecture) activities. Beyond that, we evaluated both ALaDIM language and editor using a CDN (Cognitive Dimensions of Notations) analysis. Finally, this work reports an experiment that validated the ALaDIM inspection method

Sistema especialista fuzzy para dimensionamento de bombeio mecânico

Despite the emergence of other forms of artificial lift, sucker rod pumping systems remains hegemonic because of its flexibility of operation and lower investment cost compared to other lifting techniques developed. A successful rod pumping sizing necessarily passes through the supply of estimated flow and the controlled wear of pumping equipment used in the mounted configuration. However, the mediation of these elements is particularly challenging, especially for most designers dealing with this work, which still lack the experience needed to get good projects pumping in time. Even with the existence of various computer applications on the market in order to facilitate this task, they must face a grueling process of trial and error until you get the most appropriate combination of equipment for installation in the well. This thesis proposes the creation of an expert system in the design of sucker rod pumping systems. Its mission is to guide a petroleum engineer in the task of selecting a range of equipment appropriate to the context provided by the characteristics of the oil that will be raised to the surface. Features such as the level of gas separation, presence of corrosive elements, possibility of production of sand and waxing are taken into account in selecting the pumping unit, sucker-rod strings and subsurface pump and their operation mode. It is able to approximate the inferente process in the way of human reasoning, which leads to results closer to those obtained by a specialist. For this, their production rules were based on the theory of fuzzy sets, able to model vague concepts typically present in human reasoning. The calculations of operating parameters of the pumping system are made by the API RP 11L method. Based on information input, the system is able to return to the user a set of pumping configurations that meet a given design flow, but without subjecting the selected equipment to an effort beyond that which can bear

Avaliação de arquitetura de agentes emocionais : uma abordagem baseada em métrica de qualidade e na influência das emoções sobre usuários

There is a need for multi-agent system designers in determining the quality of systems in the earliest phases of the development process. The architectures of the agents are also part of the design of these systems, and therefore also need to have their quality evaluated. Motivated by the important role that emotions play in our daily lives, embodied agents researchers have aimed to create agents capable of producing affective and natural interaction with users that produces a beneficial or desirable result. For this, several studies proposing architectures of agents with emotions arose without the accompaniment of appropriate methods for the assessment of these architectures. The objective of this study is to propose a methodology for evaluating architectures emotional agents, which evaluates the quality attributes of the design of architectures, in addition to evaluation of human-computer interaction, the effects on the subjective experience of users of applications that implement it. The methodology is based on a model of well-defined metrics. In assessing the quality of architectural design, the attributes assessed are: extensibility, modularity and complexity. In assessing the effects on users' subjective experience, which involves the implementation of the architecture in an application and we suggest to be the domain of computer games, the metrics are: enjoyment, felt support, warm, caring, trust, cooperation, intelligence, interestingness, naturalness of emotional reactions, believabiliy, reducing of frustration and likeability, and the average time and average attempts. We experimented with this approach and evaluate five architectures emotional agents: BDIE, DETT, Camurra-Coglio, EBDI, Emotional-BDI. Two of the architectures, BDIE and EBDI, were implemented in a version of the game Minesweeper and evaluated for human-computer interaction. In the results, DETT stood out with the best architectural design. Users who have played the version of the game with emotional agents performed better than those who played without agents. In assessing the subjective experience of users, the differences between the architectures were insignificant

Application and analysis of the affinities diagram on the examination of usability problems among older adults

Older adults have been facing usability problems every day, and with the increasing of life expectation those issues will be more and more frequent. The study of this group capacities and limitations could help designers to project systems more usable to everyone

O papel da tecnologia cênica e seus desdobramentos para uma economia da produção cultural no nordeste

O papel da tecnologia na produção contemporânea em artes cênicas vem influenciando profundamente as formas de recepção e produção de Teatro, Dança, espetáculos de Circo, shows musicais, entre outras manifestações espetaculares organizadas. Sua aplicação se estende amplamente a outras áreas que necessitam enfatizar o caráter cênico de seus processos de fruição como é o caso dos museus, feiras de ciências, exibições e mostras em artes visuais e o aparato tecnológico de luz, som e configuração espacial usados para estes fins. Neste sentido, o desenvolvimento deste tipo de tecnologia vem gerando e alimentando cadeias produtivas que movimentam uma economia da produção cultural e criam uma rede de relações articuladas em diferentes níveis de atuação, envolvendo produtores de equipamento, fornecedores, lighting designers, cenógrafos, profissionais de sonorização, arquitetos, técnicos de montagem e operação, instituições ensino especializadas, associações de área, entre outros. O foco deste trabalho se concentra em demonstrar como a análise de demandas de tecnologia cênica articuladas pelos sistemas de produção cultural, em particular na região Nordeste do Brasil, possibilitam compreender modelos de organização em curso, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de uma reflexão multidisciplinar acerca dos processos de produção artística de natureza cênica e como esta produção é afetada pelos limites e possibilidades dos aspectos que caracterizam uma economia destas produções

Multiobjective linear model for pre-feasibility design of cogeneration systems

This article deals with some methodologies for economic and technical evaluations of cogeneration projects proposed by several authors. A discussion on design philosophy applied to thermal power plants leads to the decision problem of a conflicting, multiobjective formulation that includes the most important parameters. This model is formulated to help decision makers and designers in choosing compromise values for included parameters. (C) 1997 Elsevier B.V. Ltd.

Evaluation of hygrothermal effects on the shear properties of Carall composites

Fiber metal laminates are the frontline materials for aeronautical and space structures. These composites consists of layers of 2024-T3-aluminum alloy and composite prepreg layers. When the composite layer is a carbon fiber prepreg, the fiber metal laminate, named Carall, offers significant improvements over current available materials for aircraft structures. While weight reduction and improved damage tolerance characteristics were the prime drivers to develop this new family of materials, it turns out that they have additional benefits, which become more and more important for today's designers, such as cost reduction and improved safety. The degradation of composites is due to environmental effects mainly on the chemical and/or physical properties of the polymer matrix leading to loss of adhesion of fiber/resin interface. Also, the reduction of fiber strength and stiffness are expected due to environmental degradation. Changes in interface/interphase properties leads to more pronounced changes in shear properties than any other mechanical properties. In this work, the influence of moisture in shear properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites and Carall have been investigated by using interlaminar shear (ILSS) and Iosipescu tests. It was observed that hygrothermal conditioning reduces the Iosipescu shear strength of CF/E and Carall composites due to the moisture absorption in these materials. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.