Avaliação do comportamento ingestivo utilizando eletromiografia de superfície do músculo masseter

Physiologists and animal scientists try to understand the relationship between ruminants and their environment. The knowledge about feeding behavior of these animals is the key to maximize the production of meat and milk and their derivatives and ensure animal welfare. Within the area called precision farming, one of the goals is to find a model that describes animal nutrition. Existing methods for determining the consumption and ingestive patterns are often time-consuming and imprecise. Therefore, an accurate and less laborious method may be relevant for feeding behaviour recognition. Surface electromyography (sEMG) is able to provide information of muscle activity. Through sEMG of the muscles of mastication, coupled with instrumentation techniques, signal processing and data classification, it is possible to extract the variables of interest that describe chewing activity. This work presents a new method for chewing pattern evaluation, feed intake prediction and for the determination of rumination, food and daily rest time through ruminant animals masseter muscle sEMG signals. Short-term evaluation results are shown and discussed, evidencing employed methods viability.

Síntese e caracterização de ferrita ni-zn pelo método dos precursores poliméricos calcinada por energia de microondas

Magnetic ceramics have been widely investigated, especially with respect to intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics of these materials. Among the magnetic ceramic materials of technological interest, there are the ferrites. On the other hand, the thermal treatment of ceramic materials by microwave energy has offered various advantages such as: optimization of production processes, high heat control, low consumption of time and energy among others. In this work were synthesized powders of Ni-Zn ferrite with compositions Ni1- xZnxFe2O4 (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 0.75 mols) by the polymeric precursor route in two heat treatment conditions, conventional oven and microwave energy at 500, 650, 800 and 950°C and its structural, and morphological imaging. The materials were characterized by thermal analysis (TG/ DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), absorption spectroscopy in the infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray spectroscopy and energy dispersive (EDS) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The results of X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of ferrite with spinel-type cubic structure. The extrinsic characteristics of the powders obtained by microwave calcination and influence significantly the magnetic behavior of ferrites, showing particles ferrimagnéticas characterized as soft magnetic materials (soft), is of great technological interest. The results obtained led the potential application of microwave energy for calcining powders of Ni-Zn ferrite

Fatores de decisão da adoção do gás natural na geração de energia elétrica em pequena escala em postos de combustíveis: um estudo de anális de decusão usando o processo de hierarquia analítica AHP

A modeling of criterias and alternatives is through and applied a questionnaire based on method AHP to proprietors of gas stations. The considered alternatives had been the maintenance of the current state with electric energy of the deliverer and the generation in small scale based on the natural gas. The used criteria had been Cost of the Investment, Final Cost of the Energy, Operational cost, Ambient Benefits, Risk and Variation of Costs. The study it was carried through in the city of Natal, RN in ranks that make use of the natural as for resale, where the generation alternative on the basis of the available gas is present. The main results evidence in a dimension the viability of use of method AHP with questionnaire by means of validation of the judgments with analysis of variance beyond proper the normal mechanisms of analysis of consistency to the method. The main results of the analysis help to show that in this in case that the profile of models of criteria and judgments of the actors is similar, with the final evidence of that it has a dominance of the maintenance of the energy of the deliverer. The main criterion to influence this decision was the risk

Análise da lubricidade do biodiesel brasileiro de ésteres etílicos de soja e girassol

Fuel is a material used to produce heat or power by burning, and lubricity is the capacity for reducing friction. The aim of this work is evaluate the lubricity of eight fossil and renewable fuels used in Diesel engines, by means of a HFRR tester, following the ASTM D 6079-04 Standard. In this conception, a sphere of AISI 52100 steel (diameter of 6,000,05 mm, Ra 0,050,005 μm, E = 210 GPa, HRC 624, HV0,2 63147) is submitted to a reciprocating motion under a normal load of 2 N and 50 Hz frequency to promote a wear track length of 1.10.1mm in a plan disc of AISI 52100 steel (HV0,05 18410, Ra 0,020,005 μm). The testing extent time was 75 minutes, 225,000 cycles. Each one test was repeated six times to furnish the results, by means of intrinsic signatures from the signals of the lubricant film percentage, friction coefficient, contact heating, Sound Pressure Level, SPL [dB]. These signal signatures were obtained by two thermocouples and a portable decibelmeter coupled to a data acquisition system and to the HFRR system. The wettability of droplet of the diesel fuel in thermal equilibrium on a horizontal surface of a virgin plan disc of 52100 steel, Ra 0,02  0,005 μm, were measured by its contact angle of 7,0  3,5o, while the results obtained for the biodiesel B5, B20 and B100 blends originated by the ethylic transesterification of soybean oil were, respectively, 7,5  3,5o, 13,5  3,5o e 19,0  1,0o; for the distilled water, 78,0  6,0o; the biodiesel B5, B20 and B100 blends originated by the ethylic transesterification of sunflower oil were, respectively, 7,0  4,0o, 8,5  4,5o e 19,5  2,5o. Different thickness of lubricant film were formed and measured by their percentage by means of the contact resistance technique, suggesting several regimes, since the boundary until the hydrodynamic lubrication. All oils analyzed in this study promoted the ball wear scars with diameters smaller than 400 μm. The lowest values were observed in the scar balls lubricated by mixtures B100, B20 and B5 of sunflower and B20 and B5 of soybean oils (WSD < 215 μm)

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

Desenvolvimento de sistemas de pastas leves para aplicação em cimentação de poços petrolíferos com baixo gradiente de fratura

All around the world, naturally occurring hydrocarbon deposits, consisting of oil and gas contained within rocks called reservoir rocks , generally sandstone or carbonate exists. These deposits are in varying conditions of pressure and depth from a few hundred to several thousand meters. In general, shallow reservoirs have greater tendency to fracture, since they have low fracture gradient, ie fractures are formed even with relatively low hydrostatic columns of fluid. These low fracture gradient areas are particularly common in onshore areas, like the Rio Grande do Norte basin. During a well drilling, one of the most favorable phases for the occurrence of fractures is during cementing, since the cement slurry used can have greater densities than the maximum allowed by the rock structure. Furthermore, in areas which are already naturally fractured, the use of regular cement slurries causes fluid loss into the formation, which may give rise to failures cementations and formation damages. Commercially, there are alternatives to the development of lightweight cement slurries, but these fail either because of their enormous cost, or because the cement properties were not good enough for most general applications, being restricted to each transaction for which the cement paste was made, or both reasons. In this work a statistical design was made to determine the influence of three variables, defined as the calcium chloride concentration, vermiculite concentration and nanosilica concentration in the various properties of the cement. The use of vermiculite, a low density ore present in large amounts in northeastern Brazil, as extensor for cementing slurries, enabled the production of stable cements, with high water/cement ratio, excellent rheological properties and low densities, which were set at 12.5 lb / gal, despite the fact that lower densities could be achieved. It is also seen that the calcium chloride is very useful as gelling and thickening agent, and their use in combination with nanosilica has a great effect on gel strength of the cement. Hydrothermal Stability studies showed that the pastes were stable in these conditions, and mechanical resistance tests showed values of the order of up to 10 MPa

Autonomic hardware manager: uma arquitetura de hardware autonômico usando a solução de repositório ativo de componentes

This Thesis main objective is to implement a supporting architecture to Autonomic Hardware systems, capable of manage the hardware running in reconfigurable devices. The proposed architecture implements manipulation, generation and communication functionalities, using the Context Oriented Active Repository approach. The solution consists in a Hardware-Software based architecture called "Autonomic Hardware Manager (AHM)" that contains an Active Repository of Hardware Components. Using the repository the architecture will be able to manage the connected systems at run time allowing the implementation of autonomic features such as self-management, self-optimization, self-description and self-configuration. The proposed architecture also contains a meta-model that allows the representation of the Operating Context for hardware systems. This meta-model will be used as basis to the context sensing modules, that are needed in the Active Repository architecture. In order to demonstrate the proposed architecture functionalities, experiments were proposed and implemented in order to proof the Thesis hypothesis and achieved objectives. Three experiments were planned and implemented: the Hardware Reconfigurable Filter, that consists of an application that implements Digital Filters using reconfigurable hardware; the Autonomic Image Segmentation Filter, that shows the project and implementation of an image processing autonomic application; finally, the Autonomic Autopilot application that consist of an auto pilot to unmanned aerial vehicles. In this work, the applications architectures were organized in modules, according their functionalities. Some modules were implemented using HDL and synthesized in hardware. Other modules were implemented kept in software. After that, applications were integrated to the AHM to allow their adaptation to different Operating Context, making them autonomic.

Indicador de inconformidades em instalações elétricas de baixa tensão

With the progress of devices technology, generation and use of energy ways, power quality parameters start to influence more significantly the various kinds of power consumers. Currently, there are many types of devices that analyze power quality. However, there is a need to create devices, and perform measurements and calculate parameters, find flaws, suggest changes, and to support the management of the installation. In addition, you must ensure that such devices are accessible. To maintain this balance, one magnitude measuring method should be used which does not require great resources processing or memory. The work shows that application of the Goertzel algorithm, compared with the commonly used FFT allows measurements to be made using much less hardware resources, available memory space to implement management functions. The first point of the work is the research of troubles that are more common for low voltage consumers. Then we propose the functional diagram indicate what will be measured, calculated, what problems will be detected and that solutions can be found. Through the Goertzel algorithm simulation using Scilab, is possible to calculate frequency components of a distorted signal with satisfactory results. Finally, the prototype is assembled and tests are carried out by adjusting the parameters necessary for one to maintain a reliable device without increasing its cost.

Modelagem e análise dinâmica de um sistema de conversão de energia eólica dotado de gerador síncrono de imã permanente utilizando a plataforma ATP

Human development requires a broad balance between ecological, social and economic factors in order to ensure its own sustainability. In this sense, the search for new sources of energy generation, with low deployment and operation costs, which cause the least possible impact to the environment, has been the focus of attention of all society segments. To do so, the reduction in exploration of fossil fuels and the encouragement of using renewable energy resources for distributed generation have proved interesting alternatives to the expansion of the energy matrix of various countries in the world. In this sense, the wind energy has acquired an increasingly significant role, presenting increasing rates of power grid penetration and highlighting technological innovations such as the use of permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG). In Brazil, this fact has also been noted and, as a result, the impact of the inclusion of this source in the distribution and sub-transmission power grid has been a major concern of utilities and agents connected to Brazilian electrical sector. Thus, it is relevant the development of appropriate computational tools that allow detailed predictive studies about the dynamic behavior of wind farms, either operating with isolated load, either connected to the main grid, taking also into account the implementation of control strategies for active/reactive power generation and the keeping of adequate levels of voltage and frequency. This work fits in this context since it comprises mathematical and computational developments of a complete wind energy conversion system (WECS) endowed with PMSG using time domain techniques of Alternative Transients Program (ATP), which prides itself a recognized reputation by scientific and academic communities as well as by electricity professionals in Brazil and elsewhere. The modeling procedures performed allowed the elaboration of blocks representing each of the elements of a real WECS, comprising the primary source (the wind), the wind turbine, the PMSG, the frequency converter, the step up transformer, the load composition and the power grid equivalent. Special attention is also given to the implementation of wind turbine control techniques, mainly the pitch control responsible for keeping the generator under the maximum power operation point, and the vector theory that aims at adjusting the active/reactive power flow between the wind turbine and the power grid. Several simulations are performed to investigate the dynamic behavior of the wind farm when subjected to different operating conditions and/or on the occurrence of wind intensity variations. The results have shown the effectiveness of both mathematical and computational modeling developed for the wind turbine and the associated controls.

Estudo dos harmônicos entre diferentes sistemas de excitação de máquinas síncronas

Dissertação (Mestrado)

Projeto iterativo, simulação, análise e otimização de máquina a relutância variável monofásica

Variable reluctance motors have been increasingly used as an alternative for variable speed and high speed drives in many industrial applications, due to many advantages like the simplicity of construction, robustness, and low cost. The most common applications in recent years are related to aeronautics, electric and hybrid vehicles and wind power generation. This paper explores the theory, operation, design procedures and analysis of a variable reluctance machine. An iterative design methodology is introduced and used to design a 1.25 kW prototype. For the analysis of the machine two methods are used, an analytical method and the finite element simulation. The results obtained by both methods are compared. The results of finite element simulation are used to determine the inductance profiles and torque of the prototype. The magnetic saturation is examined visually and numerically in four critical points of the machine. The data collected in the simulation allow the verification of design and operating limits for the prototype. Moreover, the behavior of the output quantities is analyzed (inductance, torque and magnetic saturation) by variation of physical dimensions of the motor. Finally, a multiobjective optimization using Differential Evolution algorithms and Genetic Algorithms for switched reluctance machine design is proposed. The optimized variables are rotor and stator polar arcs, and the goals are to maximize the average torque, the average torque per copper losses and the average torque per core volume. Finally, the initial design and optimized design are compared.

Análise computacional do desempenho de estratégia para o religamento controlado de linhas de transmissão

The search for mitigation solutions, with respect to the effects of overvoltages linked to the energization and reclosing maneuvers of transmission lines include a challenging subject with strong impact on the insulation coordination of electrical systems. Although the recognition of classical and commercial proposals to mitigate these phenomena, other possibilities are certainly still worthwhile highlighting and investigations. In this context, the present work is grounded in the exposure of the physical and mathematical foundations of a strategy based on controlled switchings, whose moments to the line reclosing are pre-programmed. The computational evaluation of the effectiveness of the methodology is made using the ATP simulator, which are studies in a typical electrical system subjected to the action of short-circuits fallowed by shutdowns and subsequent reclosing, under the action of technology here focused and lack thereof.

Serious Game no tratamento de obesidade infantil: uma proposta de interação natural com monitoramento remoto

The number of overweight people has increased in the last few years. Factors such as attention to diet and changes in lifestyle are crucial in the prevention and control of obesity and diseases related to it. Experts believe that such actions are most effective when initiated during childhood, and that children raised in an environment that encourages physical activity ultimately become healthier adults. However, to arouse and maintain interest in such activities represent a major challenge, which are initially perceived as repetitive and boring, and, thus, soon abandoned. Computer games, traditionally seen as stimulants to a sedentary lifestyle are changing this perception using non-conventional controls that require constant movement of the player. Applications that combine the playfulness of such games to physical activity through devices, like Microsoft Kinect, might become interesting tools in this scenario, by using the familiarity of Natural User Interfaces along with the challenge and the fun of video games, in order to make attractive exercise routines for schoolchildren. The project carried out consists of an exergame composed of several activities designed and implemented with the participation of a Physical Educator, aimed at children between eight and ten years old, whose performance and progress can be remotely monitored by a professional via web interface. The application arising from this work was accompanied by tests with a group of graduating Physical Education students from the University of Rio Verde GO, and subsequently validated through questionnaires whose results are shown on this work.

Utilização da transformada de wavelet para detecção de variações anormais de tensão em sistemas elétricos com geração distribuída

The increasing demand in electricity and decrease forecast, increasingly, of fossil fuel reserves, as well as increasing environmental concern in the use of these have generated a concern about the quality of electricity generation, making it well welcome new investments in generation through alternative, clean and renewable sources. Distributed generation is one of the main solutions for the independent and selfsufficient generating systems, such as the sugarcane industry. This sector has grown considerably, contributing expressively in the production of electricity to the distribution networks. Faced with this situation, one of the main objectives of this study is to propose the implementation of an algorithm to detect islanding disturbances in the electrical system, characterized by situations of under- or overvoltage. The algorithm should also commonly quantize the time that the system was operating in these conditions, to check the possible consequences that will be caused in the electric power system. In order to achieve this it used the technique of wavelet multiresolution analysis (AMR) for detecting the generated disorders. The data obtained can be processed so as to be used for a possible predictive maintenance in the protection equipment of electrical network, since they are prone to damage on prolonged operation under abnormal conditions of frequency and voltage.

Análise da força propulsora do motor de indução linear alimentado com imposição de corrente

This work intent to study the motive power provided by the plane linear induction motor, in a lock condition. It uses a method of imposition of the electric current to the stator via a frequency convertor PWM driven by a refed platform. The reading of the motive power was performed by a load cell using an electronic circuit for reading and conditioning of the signal. Aiming a complete analysis of the linear motor, it was performed a computational modeling that employs all relevant parameters to the study of the locked machine. At the end it was held a theoric-experimental confrontation that evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed method.