Turning math attractive to computer science students: an application-to-model approach

This paper describes an innovative approach to develop the understanding about the relevance of mathematics to computer science. The mathematical subjects are introduced through an application-to-model scheme that lead computer science students to a better understanding of why they have to learn math and learn it effectively. Our approach consists of a single one semester course, taught at the first semester of the program, where the students are initially exposed to some typical computer applications. When they recognize the applications' complexity, the instructor gives the mathematical models supporting such applications, even before a formal introduction to the model in a math course. We applied this approach at Unesp (Brazil) and the results include a large reduction in the rate of students that abandon the college and better students in the final years of our program.

A new application of humic substances: Activation of supports for invertase immobilization

Invertase was immobilized on aminopropyl silica (APTS-SiO2) activated with humic substances (APTS-SiO2-HS) and on aminopropyl silica activated with glutaraldehyde (APTS-SiO2-GA). The resulting activity of both systems was compared. Humic substances (HS) used for the activation of the silica were extracted from soil of Cananéia, São Paulo State, Brazil, according to the procedure recommended by the International Humic Substances Society. Activity was determined by measuring the rate of formation of reduced sugars using the reaction with dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS). The amount of HS bound on the APTS-SiO2 was equal to 50 mg. The maximum amount of invertase immobilized on APTS-SiO2-HS was 15200 U/g while in the system APTS-SiO2-GA it was 13400 U/g. The experimental enzymatic activity was 3700 and 3300 U/g, for the systems APTS-SiO2-HS and APTS-SiO2-GA, respectively. Considering the increased amount and activity of immobilized enzyme compared with the glutaraldehyde method, it was concluded that this technique opens a new perspective in the preparation of supports for enzyme immobilization employing humic substances. © Springer-Verlag 2000.

Design of SPR systems with dynamic compensators and output variable structure control

This paper presents necessary and sufficient conditions for the following problem: given a linear time invariant plant G(s) = N(s)D(s)-1 = C(sI - A]-1B, with m inputs, p outputs, p > m, rank(C) = p, rank(B) = rank(CB) = m, £nd a tandem dynamic controller Gc(s) = D c(s)-1Nc(s) = Cc(sI - A c)-1Bc + Dc, with p inputs and m outputs and a constant output feedback matrix Ko ε ℝm×p such that the feedback system is Strictly Positive Real (SPR). It is shown that this problem has solution if and only if all transmission zeros of the plant have negative real parts. When there exists solution, the proposed method firstly obtains Gc(s) in order to all transmission zeros of Gc(s)G(s) present negative real parts and then Ko is found as the solution of some Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). Then, taking into account this result, a new LMI based design for output Variable Structure Control (VSC) of uncertain dynamic plants is presented. The method can consider the following design specifications: matched disturbances or nonlinearities of the plant, output constraints, decay rate and matched and nonmatched plant uncertainties. © 2006 IEEE.

Variable structure control of switched systems based on Lyapunov-Metzler-SPR systems

This paper presents two Variable Structure Controllers (VSC) for continuous-time switched plants. It is assumed that the state vector is available for feedback. The proposed control system provides a switching rule and also the variable structure control input. The design is based on Lyapunov-Metzler (LM) inequalities and also on Strictly Positive Real (SPR) systems stability results. The definition of Lyapunov-Metzler-SPR (LMS) systems and its direct application in the design of VSC for switched systems are introduced in this paper. Two examples illustrate the design of the proposed VSC, considering a plant given by a switched system with a switched-state control law and two linear time-invariant systems, that are not controllable and also can not be stabilized with state feedback. ©2008 IEEE.

A neural approach to evaluate the effect of lightning in power transformers

This paper proposes the application of computational intelligence techniques to assist complex problems concerning lightning in transformers. In order to estimate the currents related to lightning in a transformer, a neural tool is presented. ATP has generated the training vectors. The input variables used in Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were the wave front time, the wave tail time, the voltage variation rate and the output variable is the maximum current in the secondary of the transformer. These parameters can define the behavior and severity of lightning. Based on these concepts and from the results obtained, it can be verified that the overvoltages at the secondary of transformer are also affected by the discharge waveform in a similar way to the primary side. By using the tool developed, the high voltage process in the distribution transformers can be mapped and estimated with more precision aiding the transformer project process, minimizing empirics and evaluation errors, and contributing to minimize the failure rate of transformers. © 2009 The Berkeley Electronic Press. All rights reserved.

Determinantes económicos del salario mínimo en países pequeños y abiertos: una aplicación para Centroamérica

Incluye Bibliografía

Bridgeless interleaved boost PFC converter with variable duty cycle control

This paper proposes a bridgeless boost interleaved PFC (power factor correction) converter with variable duty cycle control. The application of bridgeless technique causes reduction of conduction losses, while the interleaving technique of converters cells allows division of efforts in semiconductor devices and reduction of weight and volume of the input EMI filter. The use of variable duty cycle control has the functions of regulating the output voltage and eliminating the low order harmonic components that appears in the input current of the common interleaved power factor converters working in Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM). The simulation results of the proposed converter presented high power factor and a good transient response in relation to the output voltage regulation in presence of high load variations and supply voltage variations. © 2011 IEEE.

A new design methodology for multipulse rectifiers with Delta auto-connected transformers and a retrofit application in Adjustable Speed Drives (ASDs)

Multipulse rectifiers can replace a conventional six pulse three-phase rectifier (diode bridge) providing a DC voltage with low ripple, low Total Harmonic Distortion of current (THDi) and a high Power Factor (PF). In this context is presented a multipulse rectifier with generalized Delta-differential autotransformer topology, which can provide any level of DC output voltage for any level of three-phase AC input voltage. This paper presents all the possible configurations for Delta topology in order to choose, through graphics, one configuration that presents reduced weight and volume. The average voltage on the DC bus must be compatible with the DC voltage in the six pulse rectifier used in commercial ASDs. Therefore, it is possible to apply the retrofit technique to replace the conventional bridge rectifier by the proposed multipulse rectifier. Based on mathematic models and simulation results, an 18-pulse rectifier with Delta topology, 220 V of line voltage, 315 V of DC output, and rating 2.5 kW of power was designed, implemented and applied for three different commercial ASDs. Experimental results as voltage and current waveforms and results about PF and THDi will be presented. © 2012 IEEE.

The monetary crisis, dollarization and the exchange rate

Includes bibliography

Major macroeconomic disturbances, expectations and policy responses

Includes bibliography

Effect of different methods of cutting fluid application on turning of a difficult-to-machine steel (SAE EV-8)

In this study, different methods of cutting fluid application are used in turning of a difficult-to-machine steel (SAE EV-8). Initially, a semisynthetic cutting fluid was applied using a conventional method (i.e. overhead flood cooling), minimum quantity of cutting fluid, and pulverization. A lubricant of vegetable oil (minimum quantity of lubricant) was also applied using the minimum quantity method. Thereafter, a cutting fluid jet under high pressure (3.0 MPa) was singly applied in the following regions: chip-tool interface, top surface of the chip (between workpiece and chip) and tool-workpiece contact. Moreover, two other methods were used: an interflow between conventional application and chip-tool interface jet (combined method) and, finally, three jets simultaneously applied. In order to carry out these tests, it was necessary to set up a high-pressure system using a piston pump for generating a cutting fluid jet, a venturi for fluid application (minimum quantity of cutting fluid and minimum quantity of lubricant) and a nozzle for cutting fluid pulverization. The output variables analyzed included tool life, surface roughness, cutting tool temperature, cutting force, chip form, chip compression rate and machined specimen microstructure. Among the results, it can be observed that the tool life increases and the cutting force decreases with the application of cutting fluid jet, mainly when it is directed to the chip-tool interface. Excluding the methods involving jet fluid, the conventional method seems to be more efficient than other methods of low pressure, such as minimum quantity of volume and pulverization, when considering just the cutting tool wear. © 2013 IMechE.

Different methods of cutting fluid application on turning of a difficult-to-machine steel

Different methods of cutting fluid application are used on turning of a difficult-tomachine steel (SAE EV-8). A semi-synthetic cutting fluid was applied using a conventional method, minimum quantity of cutting fluid (MQCF), and pulverization. By the minimum quantity method was also applied a lubricant of vegetable oil (MQL). Thereafter, a cutting fluid jet under high pressure (3.0 MPa) was singly applied in the following regions: chip-tool interface; top surface of the chip; and tool-workpiece contact. Two other methods were used: an interflow between conventional application and chip-tool interface jet and, finally, three jets simultaneously applied. In order to carry out these tests, it was necessary to set up a high pressure system using a piston pump for generating a cutting fluid jet, a Venturi for fluid application (MQCF and MQL), and a nozzle for cutting fluid pulverization. The output variables analyzed included tool life, surface roughness, cutting tool temperature, cutting force, chip form, chip compression rate and machined specimen microstructure. It can be observed that the tool life increases and the cutting force decreases with the application of cutting fluid jet, mainly when it is directed to the chip-tool interface. Excluding the methods involving jet fluid, the conventional method seems to be more efficient than other methods of low pressure. © (2013) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.

Electrochemical Properties of Oxo-Manganese Complex Biomimicking Enzyme Active Sites and Its Electrocatalytic Application for Dopamine Determination

This work describes the characterization of the [Mn2 IV,IVO2(terpy)2(H2O)2]4+ complex in aqueous solution by UV-vis spectrophotometry, cyclic voltammetry, and linear sweep voltammetry with a rotating disk electrode. The pH effect, potential scan rate, effect of perfluorosulfonate polymer, and anion of supporting electrode on the electrochemical behavior of the modified electrode for better performance were investigated. The potential peak of the modified electrode was linearly dependent upon the ratio [ionic charge]/[ionic radius]. The modified electrode exerted an electrocatalytic effect on dopamine oxidation in aqueous solution with a decrease in the overpotential compared with the unmodified glassy carbon electrode. This way, the modified electrode showed an enzymatic biomimicking behavior. Tafel plot analyses were used to elucidate the kinetics and mechanism of dopamine oxidation. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Poincaré plot indexes of heart rate variability: Relationships with other nonlinear variables

The Poincaré plot for heart rate variability analysis is a technique considered geometrical and non-linear, that can be used to assess the dynamics of heart rate variability by a representation of the values of each pair of R-R intervals into a simplified phase space that describes the system's evolution. The aim of the present study was to verify if there is some correlation between SD1, SD2 and SD1/SD2 ratio and heart rate variability nonlinear indexes either in disease or healthy conditions. 114 patients with arterial coronary disease and 65 healthy subjects underwent 30. minute heart rate registration, in supine position and the analyzed indexes were as follows: SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2, Sample Entropy, Lyapunov Exponent, Hurst Exponent, Correlation Dimension, Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, SDNN, RMSSD, LF, HF and LF/HF ratio. Correlation coefficients between SD1, SD2 and SD1/SD2 indexes and the other variables were tested by the Spearman rank correlation test and a regression analysis. We verified high correlation between SD1/SD2 index and HE and DFA (α1) in both groups, suggesting that this ratio can be used as a surrogate variable. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

The application of a surface response methodology in the solar/UV-induced degradation of dairy wastewater using immobilized ZnO as a semiconductor

An Advanced Oxidation Process (AOPs) was carried out in this study with the use of immobilized ZnO and solar/UV as an energy source to degrade dairy wastewater. The semibatch reactor system consisted of metal plate of 800 × 250 mm and a glass tank. The reaction time was of 3 h for 3 L of dairy wastewater. Experiments were performed based on a surface response methodology in order to optimize the photocatalytic process. Degradation was measured in percentage terms by total organic carbon (TOC). The entry variables were ZnO coating thickness and pH, using three levels of each variable. The optimized results showed a TOC degradation of 31.7%. Optimal parameters were metal-plate coating of 100 m of ZnO and pH of 8.0. Since solar/UV is a constant and free energy source in most tropical countries, this process tends to suggest an interesting contribution in dairy wastewater treatment, especially as a pretreatment and the optimal conditions to guarantee a better efficiency of the process. © 2013 Gisella R. Lamas Samanamud et al.