Electron and neutron electric dipole moment in the 3-3-1 model with heavy leptons

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Directed search for gravitational waves from Scorpius X-1 with initial LIGO data

We present results of a search for continuously emitted gravitational radiation, directed at the brightest low-mass x-ray binary, Scorpius X-1. Our semicoherent analysis covers 10 days of LIGO S5 data ranging from 50-550 Hz, and performs an incoherent sum of coherent F-statistic power distributed amongst frequency-modulated orbital sidebands. All candidates not removed at the veto stage were found to be consistent with noise at a 1% false alarm rate. We present Bayesian 95% confidence upper limits on gravitational-wave strain amplitude using two different prior distributions: a standard one, with no a priori assumptions about the orientation of Scorpius X-1; and an angle-restricted one, using a prior derived from electromagnetic observations. Median strain upper limits of 1.3 x 10(-24) and 8 x 10(-25) are reported at 150 Hz for the standard and angle-restricted searches respectively. This proof-of-principle analysis was limited to a short observation time by unknown effects of accretion on the intrinsic spin frequency of the neutron star, but improves upon previous upper limits by factors of similar to 1.4 for the standard, and 2.3 for the angle-restricted search at the sensitive region of the detector.

The interval between the emergence of pharmacologically synchronized ovarian follicular waves and ovum pickup does not significantly affect in vitro embryo production in Bos indicus, Bos taurus, and Bubalus bubalis

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

Hopping-tunneling model to describe electric charge injection at metal/organic semiconductor heterojunctions

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

Surface analysis of alumina ceramic exposed to shock waves produced by plasma expander

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

From acoustic waves to microwaves

We present here some results of our research related to the optoelectronics and photonics and show all the experimental setups used. Starting with a discussion on the importance of the waves, we demonstrate our achievements based on employment of acoustic, optical, and microwaves and their technological use. The results concern the acousto-optic and electro-optic effects. The generalized analysis of the electro-optic effect reveals a new high induced birefringence in lithium niobate. A patented optical fiber microphone is presented, and its applications to the measurements of acoustic wave velocity in gases and in the laser ultrasound non-destructive evaluation system are discussed. Finally, the generation of microwaves by an optical method with substantial cost reduction is presented.

Experimental setup for measuring roll waves on laminar open channel flows

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

Reconfiguration of radial electric power distribution system via a scatter search algorithm

In this paper, to solve the reconfiguration problem of radial distribution systems a scatter search, which is a metaheuristic-based algorithm, is proposed. In the codification process of this algorithm a structure called node-depth representation is used. It then, via the operators and from the electrical power system point of view, results finding only radial topologies. In order to show the effectiveness, usefulness, and the efficiency of the proposed method, a commonly used test system, 135-bus, and a practical system, a part of Sao Paulo state's distribution network, 7052 bus, are conducted. Results confirm the efficiency of the proposed algorithm that can find high quality solutions satisfying all the physical and operational constraints of the problem.

An MILP model for the plug-in electric vehicle charging coordination problem in electrical distribution systems

A new mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is proposed to represent the plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) charging coordination problem in electrical distribution systems. The proposed model defines the optimal charging schedule for each division of the considered period of time that minimizes the total energy costs. Moreover, priority charging criteria is taken into account. The steady-state operation of the electrical distribution system, as well as the PEV batteries charging is mathematically represented; furthermore, constraints related to limits of voltage, current and power generation are included. The proposed mathematical model was applied in an electrical distribution system used in the specialized literature and the results show that the model can be used in the solution of the PEVs charging problem.

Notes on the reproductive biology of the Brazilian electric ray Narcine brasiliensis (Elasmobranchii: Narcinidae)

This study provides information on the reproductive biology of Narcine brasiliensis based on 105 individuals (72 females and 33 males) sampled in São Paulo State, Brazil. The total length at maturity for females was 318·9 mm and for males was 279·8 mm; pregnant females were observed only during summer and autumn. The peak of the gonado-somatic index for females and condition factor for males in the spring suggest a preparation for pregnancy and a mating period during this season. The capture of immature individuals indicates a need for management of the species in this region.

Representation of transmission lines: comparison of models and parameters distributed discrete parameters

A transmission line is characterized by the fact that its parameters are distributed along its length. This fact makes the voltages and currents along the line to behave like waves and these are described by differential equations. In general, the differential equations mentioned are difficult to solve in the time domain, due to the convolution integral, but in the frequency domain these equations become simpler and their solutions are known. The transmission line can be represented by a cascade of π circuits. This model has the advantage of being developed directly in the time domain, but there is a need to apply numerical integration methods. In this work a comparison of the model that considers the fact that the parameters are distributed (Universal Line Model) and the fact that the parameters considered concentrated along the line (π circuit model) using the trapezoidal integration method, and Simpson's rule Runge-Kutta in a single-phase transmission line length of 100 km subjected to an operation power. © 2003-2012 IEEE.

Association between neuropathic pain and A-Waves in Leprosy patients with type 1 and 2 reactions

Summary: Neuropathic pain (NP) is a well-recognized feature of leprosy neuropathy. However, the diagnosis of NP is difficult using only clinical criteria. In the study reported here, by means of conventional nerve conduction studies, the authors sought for an association between long-latency responses and NP complaints in leprosy patients with type 1 and 2 reactions. Of the 27 ulnar nerves of leprosy patients, 18 with type 1 reaction (T1R) and 9 with type 2 reaction (T2R) were followed-up for 6 months before and after steroid treatment. Clinical characteristics of pain complaints and clinical function were assessed, as well as the presence of F- and A-waves of the ulnar nerve using nerve conduction studies. The clinical and the neurophysiologic findings were compared to note positive concordances (presence of NP and A-waves together) and negative concordances (absence of NP and A-waves together) before and after treatment. Both reactions presented a high frequency of A-waves (61.1% in T1R and 66.7% in T2R, P < 0.05) and prolonged F-waves (69.4% in T1R and 65.8% in T2R, P = 0.4). No concordances were seen between pain complaints and F-waves. However, significant concordances between NP and A-waves were observed, although restricted to the T2R group ([chi]2 = 5.65, P = 0.04). After treatment, there was a significant reduction in pain complaints, as well as the presence of F- and A-waves in both groups (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). In conclusion, the presence of A-waves correlates well with pain complaints of neuropathic characteristics in leprosy patients, especially in those with type 2 reaction. Probably, such response shares similar mechanisms with the small-fiber dysfunction seen in these patients with NP, such as demyelination, intraneural edema, and axonal sprouting. Further studies using specific tools for small-fiber assessment are warranted to confirm our findings.

The feasibility of using wind energy for rural populations lacking electric power in Brazil

In the wake of current global image involving environmental impacts, the use of wind power has had a remarkable growth in recent years as a technique for generating electricity. In fact, it is a source featuring strong dissemination of technology which provides decrease in costs and a greater access to low-income electricity. PROINFA (Incentive Program for Alternative Energy Sources) promotes a greater diffusion of new technologies for power generation, in particular wind-produced. Due to such a scenario on the exploitation of such energy source, current analysis discusses strategies for the development of domestic wind technology and the implications for electricity-lacking rural areas. Analysis shows a similar behavior between rural populations lacking electricity and the amount of potential energy available in the region. It is expected that this assay will contribute towards the establishment of public policies for wind-energy parks on rural farms in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil.