Study of the tracking performance of a liquid Argon detector based on a novel optical imaging concept

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a long-baseline accelerator experiment designed to make a significant contribution to the study of neutrino oscillations with unprecedented sensitivity. The main goal of DUNE is the determination of the neutrino mass ordering and the leptonic CP violation phase, key parameters of the three-neutrino flavor mixing that have yet to be determined. An important component of the DUNE Near Detector complex is the System for on-Axis Neutrino Detection (SAND) apparatus, which will include GRAIN (GRanular Argon for Interactions of Neutrinos), a novel liquid Argon detector aimed at imaging neutrino interactions using only scintillation light. For this purpose, an innovative optical readout system based on Coded Aperture Masks is investigated. This dissertation aims to demonstrate the feasibility of reconstructing particle tracks and the topology of CCQE (Charged Current Quasi Elastic) neutrino events in GRAIN with such a technique. To this end, the development and implementation of a reconstruction algorithm based on Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization was carried out to directly obtain a three-dimensional distribution proportional to the energy deposited by charged particles crossing the LAr volume. This study includes the evaluation of the design of several camera configurations and the simulation of a multi-camera optical system in GRAIN.

Deep and near space tracking stations in support of lunar and planetary exploration missions

The aim of this dissertation is to describe the methodologies required to design, operate, and validate the performance of ground stations dedicated to near and deep space tracking, as well as the models developed to process the signals acquired, from raw data to the output parameters of the orbit determination of spacecraft. This work is framed in the context of lunar and planetary exploration missions by addressing the challenges in receiving and processing radiometric data for radio science investigations and navigation purposes. These challenges include the designing of an appropriate back-end to read, convert and store the antenna voltages, the definition of appropriate methodologies for pre-processing, calibration, and estimation of radiometric data for the extraction of information on the spacecraft state, and the definition and integration of accurate models of the spacecraft dynamics to evaluate the goodness of the recorded signals. Additionally, the experimental design of acquisition strategies to perform direct comparison between ground stations is described and discussed. In particular, the evaluation of the differential performance between stations requires the designing of a dedicated tracking campaign to maximize the overlap of the recorded datasets at the receivers, making it possible to correlate the received signals and isolate the contribution of the ground segment to the noise in the single link. Finally, in support of the methodologies and models presented, results from the validation and design work performed on the Deep Space Network (DSN) affiliated nodes DSS-69 and DSS-17 will also be reported.

Study of the rotational state of Titan using radio tracking data of the Dragonfly mission

Our solar system contains an impressive amount of celestial bodies. For example Saturn posses a huge variety of natural satellites, the diversity in size and physical proprieties of which might amaze imagination. The observational data gathered in 30 years range of deep space missions revealed, that some of these bodies can hide subsurface oceans under their crust. The water, as we know, serves as a fundamental base for a possible appearance of life. This statement is quite exited for the scientific society and serves as a reason for studying so called ”ocean worlds”. In order to detect the celestial bodies with the hidden subsurface ocean, one of the key aspects is the study of their rotational state, which is strongly coupled with the body internal structure. It can be done through the various techniques mentioned in Chapter 1. The main goal of the thesis is the study of rotational state of Titan, whose interior structure expectedly contains liquid ocean layer under its icy crust. Titan is the largest moon of Saturn and it is the second largest moon in the solar system in general. This natural satellite is of particular scientific interest, because it is one of a kind which has substantial atmosphere. The present work was done using radio tracking data of the Dragonfly mission which is one of the next NASA’s missions destined for Titan selected as a part of the New Frontiers Program in 2019. The detailed characteristic of the Dragonfly regarding the landing site and mission lifetime was reported in Chapter 2. The radio-tracking communication link from Titan side was performed using Dragonfly X band transponder according to the schedule tracking opportunity. From Earth side according to the mission, Deep Space Station 25 which is a part of NASA’s Deep Space Network was considered. Only Doppler data was used for studying Titan rotational state, even though there are other reliable techniques described in Chapter 3, that in general could be implemented.

Characterization of Mars rotational dynamics from Doppler tracking of the InSight lander

In the last decades the evolution of radio science has made it possible to infer the atmosphere composition, the surface and the internal structure of the planets. Since the arrival of the first landers on Mars it was possible to make accurate measurements of the dynamics of this planet; in this thesis we will focus on InSight, considering the data disclosed by the JPL relative to the period from November 26th, 2018 to August 15th, 2021. In particular, the Doppler and Range measurements conducted by the RISE (Rotation and Interior Structure Experiment) will be analyzed. Since the accuracy of these measurements was improved significantly the effects due to the atmosphere of Mars might be measured so it should thus be possible to obtain a better estimate of the parameters characterizing the rotational dynamic of Mars. A large part of this study will therefore be dedicated to the study, modeling, implementation and analysis of the atmosphere of Mars, in both its components: troposphere and ionosphere. Once the complete model of Mars had been built, i.e. including the atmosphere, it was then possible to analyze the residuals, obtained between the data of the measurements carried out and the values predicted by the developed model, in order to obtain an estimate of the rotational dynamic of Mars.

Analysis of Tracking Algorithms for Extended Target Radar Problems

This work proposes the analysis of tracking algorithms for point objects and extended targets particle filter on a radar application problem. Through simulations, the number of particles, the process and measurement noise of particle filter have been optimized. Four different scenarios have been considered in this work: point object with linear trajectory, point object with non-linear trajectory, extended object with linear trajectory, extended object with non-linear trajectory. The extended target has been modelled as an ellipse parametrized by the minor and major axes, the orientation angle, and the center coordinates (5 parameters overall).

Implementazione e caratterizzazione di PLL digitali per doppler tracking di sonde deep space

I Phase-Locked Loops sono circuiti ancora oggi utilizzati per la generazione di segnali coerenti in frequenza e in fase con i segnali in ingresso, motivo per cui sono uno degli strumenti della radio scienza per la ricostruzione dei segnali scambiati con le sonde e nascosti dal rumore accumulato nel tragitto che separa le sonde stesse dalle stazioni di tracking a terra. Questa tesi illustra l'implementazione di un PLL digitale linearizzato in Matlab e Simulink in una nuova veste rispetto al modello implementato durante l'attività di tirocinio curricolare, al fine di migliorarne le prestazioni per bassi carrier-to-noise density ratios. Il capitolo 1 si compone di due parti: la prima introduce all'ambito nel quale si inserisce il lavoro proposto, ossia la determinazione d'orbita; la seconda illustra i fondamenti della teoria dei segnali. Il capitolo 2 è incentrato sull'analisi dei Phase-Locked Loops, partendo da un'introduzione teorica e approdando all'implementazione di un modello in Simulink. Il capitolo 3, infine, mostra i risultati dell'applicazione del modello implementato in Simulink nell'analisi dei segnali di una missione realmente svolta.

Development of a health parameters tracking wearable device for detection of stress episodes and principles of panic attacks

A proof of concept for a wearable device is presented to help patients who suffer from panic attacks due to panic disorder. The aim of this device is to enable such patients manage these stressful episodes by guiding them to regulate their breathing and by informing the care taker. Panic attack prediction is deployed that can enable the healthcare providers to not only monitor and manage the panic attacks of a patient but also carry out an early intervention to reduce the symptom severity of the approaching panic attack. The patient can acquire the help they need, ultimately regaining control. The concept of panic attack prediction can lead to a personalized treatment of the patient. The study is conducted using a small real-world dataset, and only two primary symptoms of panic attack are used. These symptoms include pacing heart rate and hyperventilation or abnormal breathing rate. This thesis project is developed in collaboration with ALTEN italia and all the required hardware is provided by them.

Lawsonia Inermis-mediated Synthesis Of Silver Nanoparticles: Activity Against Human Pathogenic Fungi And Bacteria With Special Reference To Formulation Of An Antimicrobial Nanogel.

Lawsonia inermis mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and its efficacy against Candida albicans, Microsporum canis, Propioniabacterium acne and Trichophyton mentagrophytes is reported. A two-step mechanism has been proposed for bioreduction and formation of an intermediate complex leading to the synthesis of capped nanoparticles was developed. In addition, antimicrobial gel for M. canis and T. mentagrophytes was also formulated. Ag-NPs were synthesized by challenging the leaft extract of L. inermis with 1 mM AgNO₃. The Ag-NPs were characterized by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking and analysis sytem (NTA) and zeta potential was measured to detect the size of Ag-NPs. The antimicrobial activity of Ag-NPs was evaluated by disc diffusion method against the test organisms. Thus these Ag-NPs may prove as a better candidate drug due to their biogenic nature. Moreover, Ag-NPs may be an answer to the drug-resistant microorganisms.

Método para avaliação da conduta visual de lactentes

The purpose of this study is to introduce a method to evaluate visual functions in infants in the first three months of life. An adaptation of the Guide for the Assessment of Visual Ability in Infants (Gagliardo, 1997) was used. The instrument was a ring with string. It was implemented a pilot study with 33 infants, selected according to the following criteria: neonates well enough to go home within two days of birth; 1 to 3 months of chronological age; monthly evaluation with no absence; subjects living in Campinas/SP metropolitan area. In the first month we observed: visual fixation (93,9%); eye contact (90,9%); horizontal tracking (72,7%); inspects surroundings (97,0%). In the third month, we observed: inspects own hands (42,4%) and increased movements of arms (36,4%). This method allowed the evaluation of visual functions in infants, according to the chronological age. Alterations in this function will facilitate immediate referral to medical services for diagnoses.

Representação da área de responsabilidade de jogadores de futebol através do Diagrama de Voronoi

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Análise dos esforços de alta intensidade de jogadores de futebol profissional

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Qualidade de vida na empresa : conceitos e práticas em uso (no segmento do comércio de bens e serviços na cidade de São Paulo)

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Sistema de análise de movimento para avaliação da postura vertical durante a corrida no teste de esforço máximo incremental

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Analise do processo de rastreamento automatico de jogadores em esportes coletivos

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Análise quantitativa da distribuição de jogadores de futebol em campo durante jogos oficiais

Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Educação Física