A DOE based approach for the design of RBF artificial neural networks applied to prediction of surface roughness in AISI 52100 hardened Steel turning

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Molecular assay optimized by Taguchi experimental design method for venous thromboembolism investigation

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Comportamento sócio-espacial de pessoas em movimento :um estudo exploratório no calçadão da Avenida Engenheiro Roberto Freire

People-environment interaction, focus of Environmental Psychology studies, presupposes that space influences behavior and vice-versa. Despite of the importance of dynamic reciprocity, there are a few works that treat the mobility condition of the people experimenting space. The present study investigates environmental perception of users of the Engenheiro Roberto Freire Avenue sidewalk, one of the few places in Natal for physical activities practicing, where most people are in intense and continuous movement. A few questions for this study where made: In what way does the individual realize the environment while he is moving? How do reciprocal man-environment relations occur there, according to a mobility context? What are the main difficulties and easiness in man-environment interaction under this condition? The search for these answers is based on concepts of social-spatial human behavior - especially personal space, territoriality, density and crowding and contributions of Barker´s Ecologycal Psychology. Considering that the physical space in this case is multifaceted and the perception of theses scenarios is governed by multiples senses and stimuli, it was defined a multi-methodological route: (i) observation participative in loco; (ii) identification of the main behavior settings at the area; (iii) categorization of the activities occurring at the place; (iv) application of a semi-structured interview; (v) images registered and (vi) construction of the researcher s log. The perception of oneself and others in movement in the environment, immersed in a intricate web of inter-actions, makes people develop mobility strategies, many times unconsciously, with the aim of ensuring satisfaction in its activities. Since the Eng. Roberto Freire Avenue sidewalk is an equipment public-urban largely used by the population of Natal, the reflection of the mobility effectiveness in the users environmental perception is expected, providing suggestions for future studies in this field of knowledge

Use of electrical resistivity to identify collapsible soils in Brazil

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

Multinodal Load Forecasting in Power Electric Systems using a Neural Network with Radial Basis Function

In this paper we present the results of the use of a methodology for multinodal load forecasting through an artificial neural network-type Multilayer Perceptron, making use of radial basis functions as activation function and the Backpropagation algorithm, as an algorithm to train the network. This methodology allows you to make the prediction at various points in power system, considering different types of consumers (residential, commercial, industrial) of the electric grid, is applied to the problem short-term electric load forecasting (24 hours ahead). We use a database (Centralised Dataset - CDS) provided by the Electricity Commission de New Zealand to this work.

Planning and Projects of Secondary Electric Power Distribution Systems

This paper proposes a methodology to achieve integrated planning and projects for secondary distribution circuits. The planning model is formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem (MINLP). In order to resolve this problem, a tabu search (TS) algorithm is used, with a neighborhood structure developed to explore the physical characteristics of specific geographies included in the planning and expansion of secondary networks, thus obtaining effective solutions as well as low operating costs and investments. The project stage of secondary circuits consists of calculating the mechanical efforts to determine the support structures of the primary and secondary distribution systems and determining the types of structures that should be used in the system according to topological and electrical parameters of the network and, therefore, accurately assessing the costs involved in the construction and/or reform of secondary systems. A constructive heuristic based on information of the electrical and topological conditions between the medium voltage and low voltage systems is used to connect the primary systems and secondary circuits. The results obtained from planning and design simulations of a real secondary system of electric energy distribution are presented.

Improved Fault Location on Distribution Feeders Based on Matching During-Fault Voltage Sags

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

ALGORITHM FOR PROBABILISTIC ANALYSIS of DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS WITH DISTRIBUTED GENERATION

In this paper an efficient algorithm for probabilistic analysis of unbalanced three-phase weakly-meshed distribution systems is presented. This algorithm uses the technique of Two-Point Estimate Method for calculating the probabilistic behavior of the system random variables. Additionally, the deterministic analysis of the state variables is performed by means of a Compensation-Based Radial Load Flow (CBRLF). Such load flow efficiently exploits the topological characteristics of the network. To deal with distributed generation, a strategy to incorporate a simplified model of a generator in the CBRLF is proposed. Thus, depending on the type of control and generator operation conditions, the node with distributed generation can be modeled either as a PV or PQ node. To validate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, the IEEE 37 bus test system is used. The probabilistic results are compared with those obtained using the Monte Carlo method.

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.

Entre a hegemonia e a polissemia: a Política de Educação e Desenvolvimento para o SUS no contexto do Brasil contemporâneo

The proposal of the Unified Health System Policy (SUS) has been considered one of the most democratic public policies in Brazil. In spite of this, its implementation in a context of social inequalities has demanded significant efforts. From a socio-constructionist perspective on social psychology, the study focused on the National Policy for Permanent Education in Health for the Unified Health System (SUS), launched by the Brazilian government in 2004, as an additional effort to improve practices and accomplish the effective implementation of the principles and guidelines of the Policy. Considering the process of permanent interdependencies between these propositions and the socio-political and cultural context, the study aimed to identify the discursive constructions articulated in the National Policy for Permanent Education in Health for the Unified Health System (SUS) and how they fit into the existing power relations of ongoing Brazilian socio-political context. Subject positionings and action orientation offered to different social actors by these discursive constructions and the kind of practices allowed were also explored, as well as the implementation of the proposal in Rio Grande do Norte state and how this process was perceived by the people involved. The information produced by documental analyses, participant observation and interviews was analyzed as proposed by Institutional Ethnography. It evidenced the inter-relations between the practices of different social actors, the conditions available for those practices and the interests and power relations involved. Discontinuities on public policies in Brazil and the tendency to prioritize institutional and personal interests, in detriment of collective processes of social transformation, were some of obstacles highlighted by participants. The hegemony of the medical model and the individualistic and curative intervention practices that the model elicits were also emphasized as one of the drawbacks of the ongoing system. Facing these challenges, reflexivity and dialogism appear as strategies for a transformative action, making possible the denaturalization of ongoing practices, as well as the values and tenets supporting them

Pulsed Nd:YAG laser seam welding of AISI 316L stainless steel thin foils

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Micro Welding of Ni-based Alloy Monel 400 Thin Foil by Pulsed Nd:YAG laser

In this study a pulsed Nd:YAG laser was used to join Monel 400 thin foil with 100 mu m thickness. Pulse energy was varied from 1.0 to 2.25J at small increments of 0.25J. The macro and microstructures were analyzed by optical microscopy, tensile shear test and microhardness. Sound laser welds without discontinuities were obtained with 1.5 J pulse energy. Results indicate that using a precise control of the pulse energy, and so a control of the bottom foil dilution rate, it is possible to weld Monel 400 thin foil. The process appeared to be very sensitive to the gap between couples.

Pulsed Nd:YAG laser welding of Ni-alloy Hastelloy C-276 foils

In this study a pulsed Nd:YAG laser was used to join Hastelloy C-276 thin foil with 100 microns thickness. Pulse energy was varied from 1.0 to 2.25 J at small increments of 0.25 J with a 4 ms pulse duration. The macro and microstructures of the welds were analyzed by optical and electronic microscopy, tensile shear test and microhardness. Sound laser welds without discontinuities were obtained with 1.5 J pulse energy. Results indicate that using a precise control of the pulse energy, and so a control of the dilution rate, it is possible to weld Hastelloy C-276 thin foil by pulsed Nd: YAG laser. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B. V. Selection and/or review under responsibility of Bayerisches Laserzentrum GmbH

Preparation and Characterization of Ti-15Mo Alloy used as Biomaterial

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

Reguladores de crescimento e seus efeitos sobre a qualidade fisiológica de sementes e crescimento de plântulas de crotalária

Information regarding the use of growth regulators in sunn hemp is still scarce, especially on the physiologic quality of seeds and growth seedlings. In this aspect, product knowledge and application rate stands out as relevant factors in production of quality seeds. This work aimed to evaluated the effect of the foliar application of growth regulators (mepiquat chloride, etil-trinexapac and paclobutrazol) in different rates (0; 75; 150; 225 and 300 g ha(-1)), on the physiological quality of seeds and growth seedlings of Crotalaria juncea cultivated in no-tillage system. The treatments were disposed in randomized complete block design in factorial scheme 3 x 5 (regulators x rates of application), with four replications. The results were submitted to the variance analysis, with the growth regulators compared by Tukey test and the rates for polynomial regression. Not if recommended the application of mepiquat chloride in sunn hemp culture by reducing the potential of seeds germination and dry biomass of seedlings. The etil-trinexapac must be applied in rate of 300 g ha(-1), based on the reduction of moisture content and the electrical conductivity of seeds, the greater total length of seedlings and dry biomass of seedlings. The paclobutrazol must be applied in rate of 75 g ha(-1), considering the potential and speed of seeds germination.