A genomewide search for type 2 diabetes-susceptibility genes in indigenous Australians

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes among Australian residents is 7.5%; however, prevalence rates up to six times higher have been reported for indigenous Australian communities. Epidemiological evidence implicates genetic factors in the susceptibility of indigenous Australians to type 2 diabetes and supports the hypothesis of the thrifty genotype, but, to date, the nature of the genetic predisposition is unknown. We have ascertained clinical details from a community of indigenous Australian descent in North Stradbroke Island, Queensland. In this population, the phenotype is characterized by severe insulin resistance. We have conducted a genomewide scan, at an average resolution of 10 cM, for type 2 diabetes-susceptibility genes in a large multigeneration pedigree from this community. Parametric linkage analysis undertaken using FASTLINK version 4.1p yielded a maximum two-point LOD score of +2.97 at marker D2S2345. Multipoint analysis yielded a peak LOD score of +3.9

Estudo do efeito da adi����o de g��s condensado sobre o ponto de fluidez e a viscosidade de petr��leos pesados

Neste trabalho foi estudado o comportamento de quatro ��leos pesados, com densidade API variando de 13,7 a 21,6, frente �� adi����o de g��s condensado, com o objetivo de se obter informa����es relevantes para o processo de escoamento destes ��leos. Assim, foi analisado o comportamento da densidade �� 20 ��C, pontos de fluidez m��ximo e m��nimo, e viscosidade din��mica �� 50 ��C dos ��leos contendo diferentes concentra����es de g��s condensado. Tamb��m foi analisado o efeito da varia����o da temperatura sobre a viscosidade dos ��leos crus, e, adicionalmente, ap��s o estudo do efeito do g��s condensado sobre os ��leos, foi avaliado o comportamento da viscosidade din��mica dos mesmos com a adi����o de diferentes solventes org��nicos (querosene, aguarr��s e tolueno). Os resultados obtidos indicaram que o g��s condensado foi eficiente para a redu����o da densidade, dos pontos de fluidez m��ximo e m��nimo e da viscosidade dos quatros ��leos analisados. O ��leo A apresentou uma taxa de decaimento da densidade mais baixa do que os outros ��leos e foi o que apresentou o comportamento mais pr��ximo de mistura ideal. A amostra de ��leo mais pesada (��leo D) foi a que apresentou as maiores varia����es nos valores dos pontos de fluidez m��ximo e m��nimo com a adi����o de condensado, chegando a reduzir um total de 19 ��C no ponto de fluidez m��ximo e um total de 21 ��C no ponto de fluidez m��nimo com a adi����o de apenas 10,7% v/v de g��s condensado. Nos resultados obtidos nas an��lises da viscosidade din��mica observou-se que a grande maioria das misturas preparadas apresentou um comportamento de fluido newtoniano. Todas as amostras apresentaram uma not��vel diminui����o da sua viscosidade, chegando a atingir valores percentuais de redu����o de viscosidade que variaram entre 75 e 91%, na concentra����o de 14% v/v de g��s condensado. A partir desta concentra����o a viscosidade continua a decair, por��m de forma mais atenuada, e o uso do condensado acima desta concentra����o pode significar gastos desnecess��rios com o solvente com a finalidade de se reduzir a viscosidade de ��leos pesados. O ��leo D foi o que apresentou os maiores percentuais de redu����o da viscosidade enquanto o ��leo B foi o que apresentou os mais baixos valores. Comparando o g��s condensado aos outros tr��s solventes org��nicos testados, o condensado apresentou um comportamento bem semelhante ao tolueno quando analisadas as suas capacidades de redu����o da viscosidade dos ��leos estudados.

A DC Voltage-Multiplier Circuit Working as a High-Voltage Pulse Generator

The intensive use of semiconductor devices enabled the development of a repetitive high-voltage pulse-generator topology from the dc voltage-multiplier (VM) concept. The proposed circuit is based on an odd VM-type circuit, where a number of dc capacitors share a common connection with different voltage ratings in each one, and the output voltage comes from a single capacitor. Standard VM rectifier and coupling diodes are used for charging the energy-storing capacitors, from an ac power supply, and two additional on/off semiconductors in each stage, to switch from the typical charging VM mode to a pulse mode with the dc energy-storing capacitors connected in series with the load. Results from a 2-kV experimental prototype with three stages, delivering a 10-mu s pulse with a 5-kHz repetition rate into a resistive load, are discussed. Additionally, the proposed circuit is compared against the solid-state Marx generator topology for the same peak input and output voltages.

Acompanhamento dos trabalhos de constru����o de um hotel SANAHotels Amoreiras

Este trabalho final de mestrado baseou-se no acompanhamento da constru����o do hotel SANA Amoreiras, situado na Avenida Duarte Pacheco n�� 12. O empreiteiro geral foi a empresa FDO Constru����es. Existindo tamb��m uma equipa de fiscaliza����o, LMSA, contratada pelo Dono de Obra de forma a efectuar todo o controlo de qualidade. O TFM baseou-se no est��gio efectuado para o Dono de obra do hotel onde fui devidamente acompanhada por uma engenheira, orientadora de est��gio, que acompanhou de perto o desempenho da minha actividade. Esta fun����o teve como objectivos a gest��o de projecto de hotel, interliga����o entre projectistas e empreiteiro geral, bem prestar o devido acompanhamento de todos trabalhos a realizar. Acompanhei a realiza����o de dois quartos modelo onde o objectivo do Dono de Obra foi testar as diversas solu����es ao n��vel de revestimentos, sanit��rios, ilumina����o, mobili��rio, decora����o e outras solu����es de arquitectura, solu����es estas a implementar no hotel. Acompanhei tamb��m a realiza����o de reuni��es de compatibiliza����o e coordena����o de todos os projectos de especialidades com o projecto de arquitectura, nomeadamente Avac, Instala����es el��ctricas, Comunica����es, Seguran��a, ��guas, Esgotos, G��s, Inc��ndio, Cozinhas de forma a ser poss��vel efectuar consultas aos empreiteiros e adjudicar todas estas empreitadas. Foi efectuada uma abordagem �� descri����o do hotel, suas caracter��sticas, indica����o das raz��es que levaram �� sua constru����o e descri����o das v��rias empreitadas de constru����o realizadas at�� ent��o, tal como, demoli����o, escava����o, estrutura, acabamentos e especialidades.

Otimiza����o de sistema de absor����o, com coletores solares, para refrigera����o de espa��os condicionados termicamente (a chiller)

Nos dias que correm quest��es ambientais e considera����es energ��ticas obrigam a uma inova����o constante na procura de solu����es de baixo consumo energ��tico e de impacto ambiental baixo, nomeadamente no que diz respeito aos sistemas de climatiza����o e refrigera����o. T��m vindo a ser criadas medidas, tanto a n��vel internacional como nacional, no sentido de reduzir as emiss��es nocivas para a atmosfera, consequ��ncia do excessivo consumo de combust��veis f��sseis, e do aumento da rentabilidade da energia e maior utiliza����o de energias renov��veis. O presente estudo de dimensionamento de um sistema de absor����o, a brometo de l��tio/��gua, com coletores solares, tem por base o sistema de compress��o existente num edif��cio de servi��os no centro de Lisboa. Foi efetuada uma analise simplificada dos seus dados de consumo energ��tico, de maneira a verificar a viabilidade econ��mica da substitui����o do equipamento existente e instala����o de um sistema de coletores solares. Concluiu-se que a substitui����o do equipamento e a instala����o de coletores solar, n��o �� atrativa do ponto de vista econ��mico, nesta solu����o em particular. Contudo, verifica-se uma consider��vel redu����o do impacto ambiental do consumo energ��tico do edif��cio.

Optimal methodology for distribution systems reconfiguration based on OPF and solved by decomposition technique

This paper presents a new and efficient methodology for distribution network reconfiguration integrated with optimal power flow (OPF) based on a Benders decomposition approach. The objective minimizes power losses, balancing load among feeders and subject to constraints: capacity limit of branches, minimum and maximum power limits of substations or distributed generators, minimum deviation of bus voltages and radial optimal operation of networks. The Generalized Benders decomposition algorithm is applied to solve the problem. The formulation can be embedded under two stages; the first one is the Master problem and is formulated as a mixed integer non-linear programming problem. This stage determines the radial topology of the distribution network. The second stage is the Slave problem and is formulated as a non-linear programming problem. This stage is used to determine the feasibility of the Master problem solution by means of an OPF and provides information to formulate the linear Benders cuts that connect both problems. The model is programmed in GAMS. The effectiveness of the proposal is demonstrated through two examples extracted from the literature.

Fuzzy, integer and fractional-order control: Application on a wind turbine benchmark model

This paper presents a comparison between proportional integral control approaches for variable speed wind turbines. Integer and fractional-order controllers are designed using linearized wind turbine model whilst fuzzy controller also takes into account system nonlinearities. These controllers operate in the full load region and the main objective is to extract maximum power from the wind turbine while ensuring the performance and reliability required to be integrated into an electric grid. The main contribution focuses on the use of fractional-order proportional integral (FOPI) controller which benefits from the introduction of one more tuning parameter, the integral fractional-order, taking advantage over integer order proportional integral (PI) controller. A comparison between proposed control approaches for the variable speed wind turbines is presented using a wind turbine benchmark model in the Matlab/Simulink environment. Results show that FOPI has improved system performance when compared with classical PI and fuzzy PI controller outperforms the integer and fractional-order control due to its capability to deal with system nonlinearities and uncertainties. �� 2014 IEEE.

Fractional order control on a wind turbine benchmark

This paper is about a hierarchical structure with an event-based supervisor in a higher level and a fractional-order proportional integral (FOPI) in a lower level applied to a wind turbine. The event-based supervisor analyzes the operation conditions to determine the state of the wind turbine. This controller operate in the full load region and the main objective is to capture maximum power generation while ensuring the performance and reliability required for a wind turbine to be integrated into an electric grid. The main contribution focus on the use of fractional-order proportional integral controller which benefits from the introduction of one more tuning parameter, the integral fractional-order, taking advantage over integer order proportional integral (PI) controller. Comparisons between fractional-order pitch control and a default proportional integral pitch controller applied to a wind turbine benchmark are given and simulation results by Matlab/Simulink are shown in order to prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

PV system modeling by five parameters and in situ test

This paper focuses on a novel formalization for assessing the five parameter modeling of a photovoltaic cell. An optimization procedure is used as a feasibility problem to find the parameters tuned at the open circuit, maximum power, and short circuit points in order to assess the data needed for plotting the I-V curve. A comparison with experimental results is presented for two monocrystalline PV modules.

Fractional order control on a wind turbine benchmark

This paper is about a hierarchical structure with an event-based supervisor in a higher level and a fractional-order proportional integral (FOPI) in a lower level applied to a wind turbine. The event-based supervisor analyzes the operation conditions to determine the state of the wind turbine. This controller operate in the full load region and the main objective is to capture maximum power generation while ensuring the performance and reliability required for a wind turbine to be integrated into an electric grid. The main contribution focus on the use of fractional-order proportional integral controller which benefits from the introduction of one more tuning parameter, the integral fractional-order, taking advantage over integer order proportional integral (PI) controller. Comparisons between fractional-order pitch control and a default proportional integral pitch controller applied to a wind turbine benchmark are given and simulation results by Matlab/Simulink are shown in order to prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Fuzzy, integer and fractional-order control: application on a wind turbine benchmark model

This paper presents a comparison between proportional integral control approaches for variable speed wind turbines. Integer and fractional-order controllers are designed using linearized wind turbine model whilst fuzzy controller also takes into account system nonlinearities. These controllers operate in the full load region and the main objective is to extract maximum power from the wind turbine while ensuring the performance and reliability required to be integrated into an electric grid. The main contribution focuses on the use of fractional-order proportional integral (FOPI) controller which benefits from the introduction of one more tuning parameter, the integral fractional-order, taking advantage over integer order proportional integral (PI) controller. A comparison between proposed control approaches for the variable speed wind turbines is presented using a wind turbine benchmark model in the Matlab/Simulink environment. Results show that FOPI has improved system performance when compared with classical PI and fuzzy PI controller outperforms the integer and fractional-order control due to its capability to deal with system nonlinearities and uncertainties. �� 2014 IEEE.

PV system modeling by five parameters and in Situ test

This paper focuses on a novel formalization for assessing the five parameter modeling of a photovoltaic cell. An optimization procedure is used as a feasibility problem to find the parameters tuned at the open circuit, maximum power, and short circuit points in order to assess the data needed for plotting the I-V curve. A comparison with experimental results is presented for two monocrystalline PV modules.

Mode III interlaminar fracture of carbon/epoxy laminates using the edge crack torsion (ECT) test

The mode III interlaminar fracture of carbon/epoxy laminates was evaluated with the edge crack torsion (ECT) test. Three-dimensional finite element analyses were performed in order to select two specimen geometries and an experimental data reduction scheme. Test results showed considerable non-linearity before the maximum load point and a significant R-curve effect. These features prevented an accurate definition of the initiation point. Nevertheless, analyses of non-linearity zones showed two likely initiation points corresponding to GIIIc values between 850 and 1100 J/m2 for both specimen geometries. Although any of these values is realistic, the range is too broad, thus showing the limitations of the ECT test and the need for further research.

Auditorias de energia em instala����es industriais do setor autom��vel

Trabalho Final de Mestrado para obten����o do grau de Mestre em Engenharia Mec��nica

Dimensionamento do Sistema H��brido para Alimenta����o de Energia El��trica da Escola Rural de Nangade (Cabo Delgado)

Os combust��veis f��sseis, como o carv��o, o petr��leo e o g��s, constituem fontes de energia que em breve se esgotar��o e que s��o demasiado caras para serem desperdi��adas pelas centrais el��tricas na produ����o de electricidade. Para al��m desse facto, existem outros argumentos (sobretudo econ��micos) que inviabilizam a utiliza����o destas fontes de energia em algumas regi��es, abrindo caminho a fontes de energia alternativas (e.g. solar, e��lica, biomassa, mini-h��dricas, geot��rmicas, etc) e preferencialmente com contornos locais. No caso particular de Mo��ambique, tem-se verificado um interesse crescente por parte do governo e de v��rias ONGs na promo����o do uso de energias alternativas para as zonas onde a energia convencional n��o chega e n��o chegar��, devido aos custos muito elevados que esse processo acarretaria. Esta disserta����o apresenta um estudo aprofundado do dimensionamento dum sistema h��brido de gera����o de energia el��trica envolvendo gerador FV e grupo eletrog��neo de emerg��ncia para a Escola Rural da Nangade, situada no Distrito de Nangade, na Prov��ncia do Cabo Delgado. S��o tamb��m descritos os diversos componentes e as tecnologias associadas a um sistema deste g��nero, com a inclus��o de sistemas inteligentes de controlo de energia com a utiliza����o de inversores bidireccionais (inversores de bateria e carregadores) para sistemas isolados. Os resultados s��o apresentados de forma a facilitar a aplica����o e montagem deste tipo de sistemas in loco. Espera-se que esta disserta����o possa servir de base no futuro pr��ximo, para a implementa����o deste tipo de sistemas para permitir a melhoria da qualidade de ensino atrav��s de melhores infraestruturas, democratizando desta forma o acesso �� educa����o para as crian��as das zonas rurais das v��rias prov��ncias de Mo��ambique. Como as energias renov��veis s��o parte integrante do Sistema El��trico Nacional, apresenta-se resumidamente, no anexo 17, o ���Plano de Desenvolvimento na ��rea de Energia de Mo��ambique���.