On the behaviour of zeros of Jacobi polynomials

Denote by x(n,k)(alpha, beta) and x(n,k) (lambda) = x(n,k) (lambda - 1/2, lambda - 1/2) the zeros, in decreasing order, of the Jacobi polynomial P-n((alpha, beta))(x) and of the ultraspherical (Gegenbauer) polynomial C-n(lambda)(x), respectively. The monotonicity of x(n,k)(alpha, beta) as functions of a and beta, alpha, beta > - 1, is investigated. Necessary conditions such that the zeros of P-n((a, b)) (x) are smaller (greater) than the zeros of P-n((alpha, beta))(x) are provided. A. Markov proved that x(n,k) (a, b) < x(n,k)(α, β) (x(n,k)(a, b) > x(n,k)(alpha, beta)) for every n is an element of N and each k, 1 less than or equal to k less than or equal to n if a > alpha and b < β (a < alpha and b > beta). We prove the converse statement of Markov's theorem. The question of how large the function could be such that the products f(n)(lambda) x(n,k)(lambda), k = 1,..., [n/2] are increasing functions of lambda, for lambda > - 1/2, is also discussed. Elbert and Siafarikas proved that f(n)(lambda) = (lambda + (2n(2) + 1)/ (4n + 2))(1/2) obeys this property. We establish the sharpness of their result. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. (USA).

Phase behavior of synthetic amphiphile vesicles investigated by calorimetry and fluorescence methods

The understanding of biological membranes may be improved by investigating physical properties of vesicles from natural or synthetic amphiphiles. The application of vesicles as mimetic agents depends on the knowledgment of their structure and properties. Vesicles having different curvature and size may be obtained using different preparation protocols. We have used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and steady-state fluorescence to investigate the gel to liquid-crystal phase transition of vesicles prepared by sonication (SUV) and non-sonication (GUV) of the synthetic dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) in aqueous solution. DSC thermograms for a non-sonicated dispersion show a well-defined pre- and main transition corresponding to two narrow peaks at 36 and 45°C in the first upscan, while in a second upscan, only the main peak was observed. The sharpness of the peaks indicate a cooperative phase behavior for GUV. For a sonicated DODAB dispersion, the first upscan shows a third peak at 40.3°C, whereas for the second upscan the peaks are not well-defined, indicating a less cooperative phase behavior. Alternatively, the fluorescence quantum yield (Φ f) and the anisotropy (r) of trans, trans, trans-1-[4-(3-carboxypropyl)-phenyl]-6-[4-butylphenyl]-1,3,5-hexatriene (4H4A) and the ratio I 1/I 3 of the first to the third vibronic peaks of the pyrene emission spectrum as function of temperature are used as well to describe the phase behavior of DODAB sonicated and non-sonicated dispersions. It is in good agreement with the DSC results that the cooperativity of the thermotropic process is diminished under sonication of the DODAB dispersion, meaning that sonication changes from homogeneous to heterogeneous populations of the amphiphile aggregates. The pre- and main transitions obtained from these techniques are in fairly good accord with results from the literature.

Production grinding burn detection using acoustic emission and electric power signals

This work uses a monitoring system based on a PC platform, where the acoustic emission and electric power signals generated during the grinding process are used to investigate superficial burning occurrence in a surface grinding operation using two types of steel, three grinding conditions and an Al203 vitrified grinding wheel. Acoustic emission signals on the workpiece and grinding power were measured during a surface plunge operation until the grinding burn happened. From the results the standard deviation of the acoustic emission signal and the maximum electric power were calculated for each grinding pass. The proposed DPO parameter is the product between the power level and acoustic emission standard deviation. The results show that both signals can be used for burning detection, and the parameter DPO is the best indicator for the burning studied in this work. This can be explained by the high dispersion of the acoustic emission RMS level associated to the high power consumption when the grinding wheel lose its sharpness.

Scanning electron microscopic and profilometric study of different sharpening stones

Scaling and root planing contribute to the recovery of periodontal health. All periodontal instruments loose their fine cutting angle after use. To maintain this angle, correct sharpening is required using specifically designed stones. The characteristics of sharpening stones can be compared to the blade of the instruments and also transported to root surface during instrumentation. Root smoothness is related to the quality of the blade. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of 9 sharpening stones by scanning electron microscopic and profilometric analyses. Ceramic and Neumar stones were very fine and both may be recommended to maintain the sharpness of the instruments. Arkansas, Thompson and CE stones presented greater roughness with very regular and round particles, and are suitable for maintenance of the cutting angle. In addition, these stones may be indicated for the routine sharpening of the instruments that are partly dull. Oxide Aluminum, Carborundum and JON stones were the coarsest with large irregular particles and may be indicated for initial sharpening of totally dull instruments with completion of sharpening with finer stones.

Analysis of polymerization time on abrasive wear of dental resins

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

Application of MLP and Kohonen networks for recognition of wear patterns of single-point dressers

Grinding is a parts finishing process for advanced products and surfaces. However, continuous friction between the workpiece and the grinding wheel causes the latter to lose its sharpness, thus impairing the grinding results. This is when the dressing process is required, which consists of sharpening the worn grains of the grinding wheel. The dressing conditions strongly affect the performance of the grinding operation; hence, monitoring them throughout the process can increase its efficiency. The objective of this study was to estimate the wear of a single-point dresser using intelligent systems whose inputs were obtained by the digital processing of acoustic emission signals. Two intelligent systems, the multilayer perceptron and the Kohonen neural network, were compared in terms of their classifying ability. The harmonic content of the acoustic emission signal was found to be influenced by the condition of dresser, and when used to feed the neural networks it is possible to classify the condition of the tool under study.

Neural networks models for wear patterns recognition of single-point dresser

Grinding is a workpiece finishing process for advanced products and surfaces. However, the constant friction between workpiece and grinding wheel causes the latter to lose its sharpness, thereby impairing the result of the grinding process. When this occurs, the dressing process is essential to sharpen the worn grains of the grinding wheel. The dressing conditions strongly influence the performance of the grinding operation; hence, monitoring them throughout the process can increase its efficiency. The purpose of this study was to classify the wear condition of a single-point dresser using intelligent systems whose inputs were obtained by digitally processing acoustic emission signals. Two multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural networks were compared for their classification ability, one using the root mean square (RMS) statistics and another the ratio of power (ROP) statistics as input. In this study, it was found that the harmonic content of the acoustic emission signal is influenced by the condition of the dresser, and that the condition of the tool under study can be classified by using the aforementioned statistics to feed a neural network. © IFAC.

Classificação de níveis de desgaste de dressadores de ponta única utilizando sinais de emissão acústica e redes neurais artificiais

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Elétrica - FEB

Radiografia intra-oral e convencional da hemiarcada superior direita de gatos domésticos

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

Interpretação do gráfico de Hingle através de rede competitiva angular

A saturação de água é a principal propriedade petrofísica para a avaliação de reservatórios de hidrocarbonetos, pois através da análise dos seus valores é definida a destinação final do poço recém perfurado, como produtor ou poço seco. O cálculo da saturação de água para as formações limpas é, comumente, realizado a partir da equação de Archie, que envolve a determinação da resistividade da zona virgem, obtida a partir de um perfil de resistividade profunda e o cálculo de porosidade da rocha, obtida a partir dos perfis de porosidade. A equação de Archie envolve ainda, a determinação da resistividade da água de formação, que normalmente necessita de definição local e correção para a profundidade da formação e da adoção de valores convenientes para os coeficientes de Archie. Um dos métodos mais tradicionais da geofísica de poço para o cálculo da saturação de água é o método de Hingle, particularmente útil nas situações de desconhecimento da resistividade da água de formação. O método de Hingle estabelece uma forma linear para a equação de Archie, a partir dos perfis de resistividade e porosidade e a representa na forma gráfica, como a reta da água ou dos pontos, no gráfico de Hingle, com saturação de água unitária e o valor da resistividade da água de formação é obtido a partir da inclinação da reta da água. Independente do desenvolvimento tecnológico das ferramentas de perfilagem e dos computadores digitais, o geofísico, ainda hoje, se vê obrigado a realizar a interpretação de ábacos ou gráficos, sujeito a ocorrência de erros derivados da sua acuidade visual. Com o objetivo de mitigar a ocorrência deste tipo de erro e produzir uma primeira aproximação para a saturação de água em tempo real de perfilagem do poço, insere-se o trabalho apresentado nesta dissertação, com a utilização de uma conveniente arquitetura de rede neural artificial, a rede competitiva angular, capaz de identificar a localização da reta da água, a partir da identificação de padrões angulares presentes nos dados dos perfis de porosidade e resistividade representados no gráfico de Hingle. A avaliação desta metodologia é realizada sobre dados sintéticos, que satisfazem integralmente a equação de Archie, e sobre dados reais.

Radarfacies and sedimentological analysis: study of sedimentary substrate from an archaeological site (shell mound), southern Brazil

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

Ultra-precision face grinding with constant pressure, lapping kinematics, and SiC grinding wheels dressed with overlap factor

Several machining processes have been created and improved in order to achieve the best results ever accomplished in hard and difficult to machine materials. Some of these abrasive manufacturing processes emerging on the science frontier can be defined as ultra-precision grinding. For finishing flat surfaces, researchers have been putting together the main advantages of traditional abrasive processes such as face grinding with constant pressure, fixed abrasives for two-body removal mechanism, total contact of the part with the tool, and lapping kinematics as well as some specific operations to keep grinding wheel sharpness and form. In the present work, both U d-lap grinding process and its machine tool were studied aiming nanometric finishing on flat metallic surfaces. Such hypothesis was investigated on AISI 420 stainless steel workpieces U d-lap ground with different values of overlap factor on dressing (Ud=1, 3, and 5) and grit sizes of conventional grinding wheels (silicon carbide (SiC)=#800, #600, and #300) applying a new machine tool especially designed and built for such finishing. The best results, obtained after 10 min of machining, were average surface roughness (Ra) of 1.92 nm, 1.19-μm flatness deviation of 25.4-mm-diameter workpieces, and mirrored surface finishing. Given the surface quality achieved, the U d-lap grinding process can be included among the ultra-precision abrasive processes and, depending on the application, the chaining steps of grinding, lapping, and polishing can be replaced by the proposed abrasive process.

Critical behavior in a cross-situational lexicon learning scenario

The associationist account for early word learning is based on the co-occurrence between referents and words. Here we introduce a noisy cross-situational learning scenario in which the referent of the uttered word is eliminated from the context with probability gamma, thus modeling the noise produced by out-of-context words. We examine the performance of a simple associative learning algorithm and find a critical value of the noise parameter gamma(c) above which learning is impossible. We use finite-size scaling to show that the sharpness of the transition persists across a region of order tau(-1/2) about gamma(c), where tau is the number of learning trials, as well as to obtain the learning error (scaling function) in the critical region. In addition, we show that the distribution of durations of periods when the learning error is zero is a power law with exponent -3/2 at the critical point. Copyright (C) EPLA, 2012

Assessment of using digital manipulation tools for diagnosing mandibular radiolucent lesions

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyse the use of digital tools for image enhancement of mandibular radiolucent lesions and the effects of this manipulation on the percentage of correct radiographic diagnoses. Methods: 24 panoramic radiographs exhibiting radiolucent lesions were selected, digitized and evaluated by non-experts (undergraduate and newly graduated practitioners) and by professional experts in oral diagnosis. The percentages of correct and incorrect diagnoses, according to the use of brightness/contrast, sharpness, inversion, highlight and zoom tools, were compared. All dental professionals made their evaluations without (T-1) and with (T-2) a list of radiographic diagnostic parameters. Results: Digital tools were used with low frequency mainly in T-2. The most preferred tool was sharpness (45.2%). In the expert group, the percentage of correct diagnoses did not change when any of the digital tools were used. For the non-expert group, there was an increase in the frequency of correct diagnoses when brightness/contrast was used in T-2 (p = 0.008) and when brightness/contrast and sharpness were not used in T-1 (p = 0.027). The use or non-use of brightness/contrast, zoom and sharpness showed moderate agreement in the group of experts [kappa agreement coefficient (kappa) = 0.514, 0.425 and 0.335, respectively]. For the non-expert group there was slight agreement for all the tools used (kappa <= 0.237). Conclusions: Consulting the list of radiographic parameters before image manipulation reduced the frequency of tool use in both groups of examiners. Consulting the radiographic parameters with the use of some digital tools was important for improving correct diagnosis only in the group of non-expert examiners. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (2012) 41, 203-210. doi: 10.1259/dmfr/78567773

Optische Mikroskopie an kolloidalen Suspensionen unter Nichtgleichgewichtsbedingungen

Kolloidale Suspensionen eignen sich aufgrund der für sierelevanten Längeskalen hervorragend zur Beobachtung mittelsoptischer Mikroskopie. Die Verwendung speziellerKontrastierverfahren kann bestimmte Aspekte kolloidalerStrukturen besonders hervorheben und eine verbesserteAnalyse von Nichtgleichgewichtszuständen in kolloidalenSystemen ermöglichen. Mittels Phasen- und Interferenzkontrast konnte die Ursachedes Kleinwinkelstreumaximums in der Lichtstreuung an einerSuspension aus Mikronetzteilchen auf die unterschiedlichenStrukturfaktoren von Kristall und Korngrenze zurückgeführtwerden.Der Zusammenhang von Struktur und Farbe eingetrockneterMultilagen wurde in hochauflösender Durchlichtmikroskopiedemonstriert und zur Analyse der inneren Struktur derKristalldomänen inklusive von Versetzungen und Stapelfehlernbenutzt.Mit der Polarisationsmikroskopie konnte die Veränderung derPartikelzahldichte um ein Ionentauscherbruchstück auf einenSalzkonzentrationsgradienten zurückgeführt werden. Die Untersuchung kolloidaler Suspensionen in einem Scherfeldmittels Fourier-Mikroskopie lieferte im Bereich fluiderGleichgewichtsstrukturen den Nachweis scherinduzierterhexagonaler Strukturen. Die Ultramikroskopie mit erweiterterSchärfentiefe ermöglichte die direkte Beobachtung desGleitmechanismus von verscherten hexagonalen Lagen und dieKlassifizierung durch die entwickelte2D-Partikelkorrelation. Die Scherung induziert in fluidenStrukturen hexagonale Ordnung und zerstört bei großenScherraten existierende Ordnung. Es wird eineWandstabilisierung der hexagonalen Strukturen beobachtet. Mittels Bragg-Mikroskopie konnte unter Scherung dieHomogenität der Struktur innerhalb der Scherzelledokumentiert werden sowie nach Scherung die Entstehung derGleichgewichts bcc Phase.