Optical Characterization and Optimization of Display Components : Some Applications to Liquid-Crystal-Based and Electrochromics-Based Devices

This dissertation is focused on theoretical and experimental studies of optical properties of materials and multilayer structures composing liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and electrochromic (EC) devices. By applying spectroscopic ellipsometry, we have determined the optical constants of thin films of electrochromic tungsten oxide (WOx) and nickel oxide (NiOy), the films’ thickness and roughness. These films, which were obtained at spattering conditions possess high transmittance that is important for achieving good visibility and high contrast in an EC device. Another application of the general spectroscopic ellipsometry relates to the study of a photo-alignment layer of a mixture of azo-dyes SD-1 and SDA-2. We have found the optical constants of this mixture before and after illuminating it by polarized UV light. The results obtained confirm the diffusion model to explain the formation of the photo-induced order in azo-dye films. We have developed new techniques for fast characterization of twisted nematic LC cells in transmissive and reflective modes. Our techniques are based on the characteristics functions that we have introduced for determination of parameters of non-uniform birefringent media. These characteristic functions are found by simple procedures and can be utilised for simultaneous determination of retardation, its wavelength dispersion, and twist angle, as well as for solving associated optimization problems. Cholesteric LCD that possesses some unique properties, such as bistability and good selective scattering, however, has a disadvantage – relatively high driving voltage (tens of volts). The way we propose to reduce the driving voltage consists of applying a stack of thin (~1µm) LC layers. We have studied the ability of a layer of a surface stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal coupled with several retardation plates for birefringent color generation. We have demonstrated that in order to accomplish good color characteristics and high brightness of the display, one or two retardation plates are sufficient.

Genetic heterogeneity of residual variance : estimation of variance components using double hierarchical generalized linear models

Background: The sensitivity to microenvironmental changes varies among animals and may be under genetic control. It is essential to take this element into account when aiming at breeding robust farm animals. Here, linear mixed models with genetic effects in the residual variance part of the model can be used. Such models have previously been fitted using EM and MCMC algorithms. Results: We propose the use of double hierarchical generalized linear models (DHGLM), where the squared residuals are assumed to be gamma distributed and the residual variance is fitted using a generalized linear model. The algorithm iterates between two sets of mixed model equations, one on the level of observations and one on the level of variances. The method was validated using simulations and also by re-analyzing a data set on pig litter size that was previously analyzed using a Bayesian approach. The pig litter size data contained 10,060 records from 4,149 sows. The DHGLM was implemented using the ASReml software and the algorithm converged within three minutes on a Linux server. The estimates were similar to those previously obtained using Bayesian methodology, especially the variance components in the residual variance part of the model. Conclusions: We have shown that variance components in the residual variance part of a linear mixed model can be estimated using a DHGLM approach. The method enables analyses of animal models with large numbers of observations. An important future development of the DHGLM methodology is to include the genetic correlation between the random effects in the mean and residual variance parts of the model as a parameter of the DHGLM.

Designing single event upset mitigation techniques for large SRAM-Based FPGA components

This thesis presents the study and development of fault-tolerant techniques for programmable architectures, the well-known Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), customizable by SRAM. FPGAs are becoming more valuable for space applications because of the high density, high performance, reduced development cost and re-programmability. In particular, SRAM-based FPGAs are very valuable for remote missions because of the possibility of being reprogrammed by the user as many times as necessary in a very short period. SRAM-based FPGA and micro-controllers represent a wide range of components in space applications, and as a result will be the focus of this work, more specifically the Virtex® family from Xilinx and the architecture of the 8051 micro-controller from Intel. The Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) with voters is a common high-level technique to protect ASICs against single event upset (SEU) and it can also be applied to FPGAs. The TMR technique was first tested in the Virtex® FPGA architecture by using a small design based on counters. Faults were injected in all sensitive parts of the FPGA and a detailed analysis of the effect of a fault in a TMR design synthesized in the Virtex® platform was performed. Results from fault injection and from a radiation ground test facility showed the efficiency of the TMR for the related case study circuit. Although TMR has showed a high reliability, this technique presents some limitations, such as area overhead, three times more input and output pins and, consequently, a significant increase in power dissipation. Aiming to reduce TMR costs and improve reliability, an innovative high-level technique for designing fault-tolerant systems in SRAM-based FPGAs was developed, without modification in the FPGA architecture. This technique combines time and hardware redundancy to reduce overhead and to ensure reliability. It is based on duplication with comparison and concurrent error detection. The new technique proposed in this work was specifically developed for FPGAs to cope with transient faults in the user combinational and sequential logic, while also reducing pin count, area and power dissipation. The methodology was validated by fault injection experiments in an emulation board. The thesis presents comparison results in fault coverage, area and performance between the discussed techniques.

Early and post transition metal complexes as a single of combined components in the ethylene and isoprene polynerization

In this work is reported, in a first step, the effect of different experimental parameters and their relation with polymer properties using the homogeneous binary catalyst system composed by Ni(α-diimine)Cl2 (α-diimine = 1,4-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)- acenaphthenediimine) and {TpMs*}V(Ntbu)Cl2 (TpMs* = hydridobis(3-mesitylpyrazol-1- yl)(5-mesitylpyrazol-1-yl)) activated with MAO. This complexes combination produces, in a single reactor, polyethylene blends with different and controlled properties dependent on the polymerization temperature, solvent and Nickel molar fraction (xNi). In second, the control of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) production was possible, using a combination of catalyst precursors {TpMs}NiCl (TpMs = hydridotris(3- mesitylpyrazol-1-yl)) and Cp2ZrCl2, activated with MAO/TMA, as Tandem catalytic system. The catalytic activities as well as the polymer properties are dependent on xNi. Polyethylene with different Mw and controlled branches is produced only with ethylene monomer. Last, the application group 3 metals catalysts based, M(allyl)2Cl(MgCl2)2.4THF (M = Nd, La and Y), in isoprene polymerization with different cocatalysts systems and experimental parameters is reported. High yields and polyisoprene with good and controlled properties were produced. The metal center, cocatalysts and the experimental parameters are determinant for the polymers properties and their control. High conversions in cis-1,4- or trans-1,4-polyisoprene were obtained and the polymer microstructure depending of cocatalyst and metal type. Combinations of Y and La precursors were effective systems for the cis/transpolyisoprene blends production, and the control of cis-trans-1,4-microstructures by Yttrium molar fraction (xY) variation was possible.

O problema da criação e consolidação de conhecimento na Philips Components Display - PCD - Unidade São José dos Campos

Analisa o modelo de criação de conhecimento da Philips Components Display e confronta-o com um modelo teórico. Aborda as diferenças culturais na aplicação do modelo teórico e que impactos essas diferenças representas na aplicalidade desse modelo na cultura da PCD e brasileira

Employing the Components of the Human Development Index to Drive Resources to Educational Policies

A new form of composition of the indicators employed to generate the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) is presented here. This form of composition is based on the assumption that random errors affect the measurement of each indicator. This assumption allows for replacing the vector of evaluations according to each indicator by vectors of probabilities of being the best or the worst according to such attribute. The probabilistic composition of such probabilities of preference according to each indicator into probabilities of being the best or the worst according to all of them generates indices that may unveil, on one hand, performances to be followed and, on the other hand, extreme conditions that an additive composition would hide. Differences between the results of application of the diverse forms of composition are examined in the case of the HDI and in the case of the districts version of the HDI employed to compare Brazilian municipalities. It is verified that the smallest correlation between the education.

Solid phase microextraction as a reliable alternative to conventional extraction techniques to evaluate the pattern of hydrolytically released components in Vitis vinifera L. grapes

In present research, headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–qMS), was evaluated as a reliable and improved alternative to the commonly used liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) technique for the establishment of the pattern of hydrolytically released components of 7 Vitis vinifera L. grape varieties, commonly used to produce the world-famous Madeira wine. Since there is no data available on their glycosidic fractions, at a first step, two hydrolyse procedures, acid and enzymatic, were carried out using Boal grapes as matrix. Several parameters susceptible of influencing the hydrolytic process were studied. The best results, expressed as GC peak area, number of identified components and reproducibility, were obtained using ProZym M with b-glucosidase activity at 35 °C for 42 h. For the extraction of hydrolytically released components, HS-SPME technique was evaluated as a reliable and improved alternative to the conventional extraction technique, LLE (ethyl acetate). HS-SPME using DVB/CAR/PDMS as coating fiber displayed an extraction capacity two fold higher than LLE (ethyl acetate). The hydrolyzed fraction was mainly characterized by the occurrence of aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, followed by acids, esters, carbonyl compounds, terpenoids, and volatile phenols. Concerning to terpenoids its contribution to the total hydrolyzed fraction is highest for Malvasia Cândida (23%) and Malvasia Roxa (13%), and their presence according previous studies, even at low concentration, is important from a sensorial point of view (can impart floral notes to the wines), due to their low odor threshold (μg/L). According to the obtained data by principal component analysis (PCA), the sensorial properties of Madeira wines produced by Malvasia Cândida and Malvasia Roxa could be improved by hydrolysis procedure, since their hydrolyzed fraction is mainly characterized by terpenoids (e.g. linalool, geraniol) which are responsible for floral notes. Bual and Sercial grapes are characterized by aromatic alcohols (e.g. benzyl alcohol, 2-phenylethyl alcohol), so an improvement in sensorial characteristics (citrus, sweet and floral odors) of the corresponding wines, as result of hydrolytic process, is expected.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components in Brazilian women with polycystic ovary syndrome

SOARES, Elvira Maria Mafaldo et al. Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components in Brazilian women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertility and Sterility, v.89, n.3, p.649-655, mar. 2008

Validation of the Deardorff model for estimating energy balance components for a sugarcane crop

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

Blood serum components and serum protein test of Hybro-PG broilers of different ages

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

Short communication: Principal components and factor analytic models for test-day milk yield in Brazilian Holstein cattle

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Predicting the chemical composition of the body and the carcass of 3/4Boer x 1/4Saanen kids using body components

The determination of the chemical composition of body and carcass is important in nutritional and growth regulation studies. The purpose of this study was to develop equations to predict the chemical composition of body and carcass using chemical composition of body components. Twenty 3/4Boer x 1/4Saanen crossbred male kids, weighing from 20 to 35 kg, were used in this study. The empty body chemical composition was measured by grinding all body components and sampling for chemical analyses. The body components used to estimate body and carcass composition were: neck, fore leg, ribs, loin, hind leg, 9-11 th rib section, non-carcass components (head plus feet, organs plus blood, and hide), visceral fat, and kidney fat. The chemical composition of organs plus blood and 9-11 th rib section had the highest precision to estimate percentage of fat, protein, and water in the body (r(2) of 0.94, 0.82, and 0.90, respectively). For carcass composition, the chemical composition of ribs was the best component to predict all carcass chemical components; however, the equations to estimate the percentages of protein and ash showed a low precision (r(2) = 0.48, 0.44, respectively). The 9-11 th rib section was accurate and precise to estimate carcass fat percentage. We concluded the chemical composition of the body of 3/4Boer x 1/4Saanen crossbred male kids was highly correlated with the composition of body parts, specifically organs plus blood and 9-11 th rib section. Further studies should focus on evaluating these body parts for different breeds and genders under different production scenarios. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estimation models of variance components for farrowing interval in swine

Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal avaliar a importância da inclusão dos efeitos genético materno, comum de leitegada e de ambiente permanente no modelo de estimação de componentes de variância para a característica intervalo de parto em fêmeas suínas. Foram utilizados dados que consistiam de 1.013 observações de fêmeas Dalland (C-40), registradas em dois rebanhos. As estimativas dos componentes de variância foram realizadas pelo método da máxima verossimilhança restrita livre de derivadas. Foram testados oito modelos, que continham os efeitos fixos (grupos de contemporâneo e covariáveis) e os efeitos genético aditivo direto e residual, mas variavam quanto à inclusão dos efeitos aleatórios genético materno, ambiental comum de leitegada e ambiental permanente. O teste da razão de verossimilhança (LR) indicou a não necessidade da inclusão desses efeitos no modelo. No entanto observou-se que o efeito ambiental permanente causou mudança nas estimativas de herdabilidade, que variaram de 0,00 a 0,03. Conclui-se que os valores de herdabilidade obtidos indicam que esta característica não apresentaria ganho genético como resposta à seleção. O efeito ambiental comum de leitegada e o genético materno não apresentaram influência sobre esta característica. Já o ambiental permanente, mesmo sem ter sido significativo o seu efeito pelo LR, deve ser considerado nos modelos genéticos para essa característica, pois sua presença causou mudança nas estimativas da variância genética aditiva.

Relative development of tissues, commercial meat cuts and live weight components in Saanen goats

Objetivando avaliar o desenvolvimento relativo dos componentes do peso vivo (PV), dos cortes comerciais e dos tecidos da carcaça, utilizaram-se 40 cabritos Saanen. Os animais foram abatidos ao atingir 5,0; 12,5; 20,0; 27,5 e 35,0 kg de PV e a carcaça foi seccionada em paleta, pescoço, 1ª a 5ª costelas, 6ª a 13ª costelas, peito/fralda, lombo e perna. A perna foi dissecada em ossos, músculos e gordura. Utilizou-se a equação alométrica Y=aXb para estimar o desenvolvimento relativo. O crescimento do tecido ósseo foi precoce, o do tecido muscular intermediário e o da gordura crescimento tardio, uma vez que a gordura subcutânea é depositada mais tardiamente. Os cortes comerciais apresentaram coeficiente de alometria isogônico, com exceção do corte da 6ª a 13ª costelas e do peito/fralda. O desenvolvimento da carcaça e dos não-componentes da carcaça acompanhou o peso de corpo vazio. Cabritos com 35 kg de PV possuem proporção de músculos e relação músculo:osso adequadas, mas apresentam proporção de gordura maior que a observada nos animais abatidos com 20 kg de PV.