Implementation of an F-statistic all-sky search for continuous gravitational waves in Virgo VSR1 data

We present an implementation of the F-statistic to carry out the first search in data from the Virgo laser interferometric gravitational wave detector for periodic gravitational waves from a priori unknown, isolated rotating neutron stars. We searched a frequency f(0) range from 100 Hz to 1 kHz and the frequency dependent spindown f(1) range from -1.6(f(0)/100 Hz) x 10(-9) Hz s(-1) to zero. A large part of this frequency-spindown space was unexplored by any of the all-sky searches published so far. Our method consisted of a coherent search over two-day periods using the F-statistic, followed by a search for coincidences among the candidates from the two-day segments. We have introduced a number of novel techniques and algorithms that allow the use of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm in the coherent part of the search resulting in a fifty-fold speed-up in computation of the F-statistic with respect to the algorithm used in the other pipelines. No significant gravitational wave signal was found. The sensitivity of the search was estimated by injecting signals into the data. In the most sensitive parts of the detector band more than 90% of signals would have been detected with dimensionless gravitational-wave amplitude greater than 5 x 10(-24).

Missing transverse energy performance of the CMS detector

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Alignment of the CMS tracker with LHC and cosmic ray data

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Description and performance of track and primary-vertex reconstruction with the CMS tracker

A description is provided of the software algorithms developed for the CMS tracker both for reconstructing charged-particle trajectories in proton-proton interactions and for using the resulting tracks to estimate the positions of the LHC luminous region and individual primary-interaction vertices. Despite the very hostile environment at the LHC, the performance obtained with these algorithms is found to be excellent. For t (t) over bar events under typical 2011 pileup conditions, the average track-reconstruction efficiency for promptly-produced charged particles with transverse momenta of p(T) > 0.9GeV is 94% for pseudorapidities of vertical bar eta vertical bar < 0.9 and 85% for 0.9 < vertical bar eta vertical bar < 2.5. The inefficiency is caused mainly by hadrons that undergo nuclear interactions in the tracker material. For isolated muons, the corresponding efficiencies are essentially 100%. For isolated muons of p(T) = 100GeV emitted at vertical bar eta vertical bar < 1.4, the resolutions are approximately 2.8% in p(T), and respectively, 10 m m and 30 mu m in the transverse and longitudinal impact parameters. The position resolution achieved for reconstructed primary vertices that correspond to interesting pp collisions is 10-12 mu m in each of the three spatial dimensions. The tracking and vertexing software is fast and flexible, and easily adaptable to other functions, such as fast tracking for the trigger, or dedicated tracking for electrons that takes into account bremsstrahlung.

Search for gravitational radiation from intermediate mass black hole binaries in data from the second LIGO-Virgo joint science run

This paper reports on an unmodeled, all-sky search for gravitational waves from merging intermediate mass black hole binaries (IMBHB). The search was performed on data from the second joint science run of the LIGO and Virgo detectors (July 2009-October 2010) and was sensitive to IMBHBs with a range up to similar to 200 Mpc, averaged over the possible sky positions and inclinations of the binaries with respect to the line of sight. No significant candidate was found. Upper limits on the coalescence-rate density of nonspinning IMBHBs with total masses between 100 and 450 M-circle dot and mass ratios between 0.25 and 1 were placed by combining this analysis with an analogous search performed on data from the first LIGO-Virgo joint science run (November 2005-October 2007). The most stringent limit was set for systems consisting of two 88 M-circle dot black holes and is equal to 0.12 Mpc(-3) Myr(-1) at the 90% confidence level. This paper also presents the first estimate, for the case of an unmodeled analysis, of the impact on the search range of IMBHB spin configurations: the visible volume for IMBHBs with nonspinning components is roughly doubled for a population of IMBHBs with spins aligned with the binary's orbital angular momentum and uniformly distributed in the dimensionless spin parameter up to 0.8, whereas an analogous population with antialigned spins decreases the visible volume by similar to 20%.

Improved Upper Limits on the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background from 2009-2010 LIGO and Virgo Data

Gravitational waves from a variety of sources are predicted to superpose to create a stochastic background. This background is expected to contain unique information from throughout the history of the Universe that is unavailable through standard electromagnetic observations, making its study of fundamental importance to understanding the evolution of the Universe. We carry out a search for the stochastic background with the latest data from the LIGO and Virgo detectors. Consistent with predictions from most stochastic gravitational-wave background models, the data display no evidence of a stochastic gravitational-wave signal. Assuming a gravitational-wave spectrum of Omega(GW)(f) = Omega(alpha)(f/f(ref))(alpha), we place 95% confidence level upper limits on the energy density of the background in each of four frequency bands spanning 41.5-1726 Hz. In the frequency band of 41.5-169.25 Hz for a spectral index of alpha = 0, we constrain the energy density of the stochastic background to be Omega(GW)(f) < 5.6 x 10(-6). For the 600-1000 Hz band, Omega(GW)(f) < 0.14(f/900 Hz)(3), a factor of 2.5 lower than the best previously reported upper limits. We find Omega(GW)(f) < 1.8 x 10(-4) using a spectral index of zero for 170-600 Hz and Omega(GW)(f) < 1.0(f/1300 Hz)(3) for 1000-1726 Hz, bands in which no previous direct limits have been placed. The limits in these four bands are the lowest direct measurements to date on the stochastic background. We discuss the implications of these results in light of the recent claim by the BICEP2 experiment of the possible evidence for inflationary gravitational waves.

Processing and characterization of ablative composites used in rocket motors

The main objective of this research work was to obtain two formulations of ablative composites. These composites are also known as ablative structural composites, for applications in atmospherically severe conditions according to the high-temperature, hot gaseous products flow generated from the burning of solid propellants. The formulations were manufactured with phenolic resin reinforced with chopped carbon fiber. The composites were obtained by the hot compression molding technique. Another purpose of this work was to conduct the physical and chemical characterization of the matrix, the reinforcements and the composites. After the characterization, a nozzle divergent of each formulation was manufactured and its performance was evaluated through the rocket motor static firing test. According to the results found in this work, it was possible to observe through the characterization of the raw materials that phenolic resins showed peculiarities in their properties that differentiate one from the other, but did not exhibit significant differences in performance as a composite material for use in ablation conditions. Both composites showed good performance for use in thermal protection, confirmed by firing static tests (rocket motor). Composites made with phenolic resin and chopped carbon fiber showed that it is a material with excellent resistance to ablation process. This composite can be used to produce nozzle parts with complex geometry or shapes and low manufacturing cost.

Micro-fungos de interesse para o setor de petróleo, gás e biocombustíveis

Oil is a hydrocarbon mixture of various sizes, including saturated and aromatic compounds. Natural gas is a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons and its main component is methane. In our society, the great demand for these fuels requires fast extraction, transportation and refining, increasing the number of accidents that compromise the environment. Oil is a finite resource and it is necessary to reduce the problems related to the question concerning environmental pollution which has encouraged the search for alternative fuel sources in our country. So today we have two major biofuels: ethanol and biodiesel. Concurrently, many studies have been done directed toward the isolation of microorganisms capable of degrading petrochemical industrial wastes, most of them using as a source of isolation soil and water collected in a contaminated environment. Isolation from alternative substrates has emerged as a new strategy that has provided satisfactory results. In this work, we present the leaf-cutter ants of the Attini tribe as a source for the isolation of micro-fungi with the potential for hydrocarbon degradation. These insects have a social way of life and a highly specialized system of intra and interspecific communication, which is based on the recognition of individuals through volatile chemical compounds, the majority hydrocarbons, stored in their exoskeleton. The micro-environment exoskeleton of Attini ants (genus Atta) used in this work proved to be a rich source of microbial biodiversity, as other studies have found. The flotation isolation technique applied here allowed the achievement of 214 micro-fungi, 118 representatives of the dematiaceous fungi group and 96 hyaline filamentous fungi. They were submitted to toluene degradation tests and at least one strain of each genus presented good results, namely Teratosphaeria, Exophiala, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Estudo da dose efetiva, razão sinal-ruído e razão contraste-ruído em tomografia computadorizada de múltiplos detetores

Since discovery, computed tomography is a widely used diagnostic modality. However, this modality imparts relatively high doses to the patients and with fast technological advancement, it is necessary optimize the doses used and ensure the quality of the images through a quality assurance program. This work intended to compare Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDIW) and effective dose with components of image quality: the Contrast-to-Noise Ratio (CNR) and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), and a quality factor (Q) deduced by the Rose model for two groups of computed tomography units. The first group was composed by equipments with 10 up to 16 slices and the second one presented 40 up to 320 slices detectors, for the protocols of head and abdomen. It was realized a comparison between different selectable parameters in the protocol of a Philips Brilliance 16, too. The results of the first group to CTDIW, effective dose, SNR and CNR showed variations of 28%, 33%, 37% and 32% respectively for head protocol, and 21%, 27%, 43% and 37% respectively for abdomen protocol. The results of the group 2 to CTDIW, effective dose, SNR and CNR showed variations of 15%, 26%, 36% and 34% respectively for the head protocol, and 8%, 13%, 50% and 60% respectively for abdomen protocol. The comparison between both groups demonstrated similar levels of doses impartation to patients though having so many different configurations, if the uncertainties associated with this measurement were considered. The results of the comparison between different parameters in the Philips Brilliance 16 scanner were in agreement with expected

Análise dos limites de inflamabilidade a partir de uma visão de pressões parciais de biocombustível

In this work concepts of flammability limits of anhydrous and hydrated ethanol to pressures below atmospheric, using the Dalton model for gaseous mixtures. Theoretical and experimental methods for determining the boundaries and the influence of parameters such as concentration, temperature and pressure were introduced. Analyzes from partial pressures of fuel vapor and correlations with temperature and total pressure were made. Finally presents an overview of aviation fuels, their requisites and trends in the use of biofuels in commercial aviation industry

Auditoria energética em caldeira de monóxido de carbono

Within the concepts of sustainability, energy audit magnified its importance in managing systems in industrial plants. Can reduce waste and save energy representative, the improvement and development of thermal and electrical systems can be very attractive to business. With the focus on a boiler generating steam, the energy audit aimed to increase efficiency and eliminate energy losses of the heat engine. The boiler in question is commonly called CO boiler because most of the calorific power provided comes from this. Using a fuel gas from the catalyst regeneration process, it has featured in the boiler power generation system of the refinery. Burning a mixture of gaseous components from discarded into the atmosphere, the heat engine can generate tons of steam just as the other boilers installed. The challenge was to work with this gas mixture and obtain maximum efficiency, reduce moisture and enjoy the warmth of the heat exchange have been studied and recommended. Every project, from evaluation of the variables in the composition of fuel gas, to the using of heat exchangers and refrigeration system are suitable for evaluation and improvements

Comparação entre metodologias de controle de qualidade em mamografia digital

The best way to detect breast cancer is by screening mammography. The mammography equipments are dedicated and require a rigorous quality control in order to have a good quality image and to early detect this disease. The digital equipment is relatively new in the market and there isn’t a national rule for quality control for several types of digital detectors. This study has proposed to compare two different tests manuals for quality control provided by the manufacturers of digital mammography equipments, and also compare them to the “European guidelines for quality assurance in breast cancer screening and diagnosis “(2006). The studied equipments were: Senographe 2000D from General Electric (GE) and the Hologic Selenia Lorad. Both were digital mammography equipments, the GE unit presents an indirect digital system and the other presents a direct digital system. Physical parameters of the image have been studied, such as spatial resolution, contrast resolution, noise, signal-tonoise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio and modulation transfer function. After that, a study of the importance of quality control and the requirement to implement a Quality Assurance Program has been done. One data collection was done to compare those manual, it was done by checking which tests are indicated and the minimum frequency which they should be conducted in accordance with each manufacturer. The tests were performed by different methodologies and the results were compared. The examined tests were: the breast entrance skin dose, mean glandular dose, contrast-to-noise ratio, signal-to-noise ratio, automatic exposure control and automatic control of density, modulation transfer function, equipment resolution, homogeneity and ghost

Amostragem de poluentes gasosos e particulados emitidos pela queima de biomassa vegetal

The use of biomass as an energy source has been increasing in Brazil, with emphasis on the use of wood biomass, such as bark, wood chips and sawdust, that after receiving the appropriate treatment can be used in burners for power generation. However, from this burning are emitted fine particles known as particulate matter and a wide range of toxic organic and inorganic components in the form of gases that contribute greatly to air pollution and global warming, affecting human health, the environment and climate. The objective of this project was the quantification of gaseous and particulate, using and evaluating the equipment DR4000 ( Dataram 4 ) sampling of particulates smaller than 2.5μm and EUROTRON ( Ecoline 4000 ) when sampling gaseous pollutants, emitted from the burning of biomass in real time in the firing burner to a chimney attached biomass . We note that there are no specific rules that establish emission limits for particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5μm that are most harmful to human health and the highest concentrations reached about 800000μg/m3, for smaller diameters. It is noticeable the need for sampling of pollutants especially in industries that use biomass to fuel that could be implanted emission control equipment

Tomografia por Biosusceptometria de Corrente Alternada (tBAC): desenvolvimento, caracterização, implementação

The Biosusceptometry AC (BAC) is a research tool that has been extensively explored by the group Biomagnetism IBB-UNESP for monitoring of the gastrointestinal tract, its response to a known drug or in vivo performance of solid dosage forms. During this period the BAC, which has the characteristics of high sensitivity and low cost, has been developed primarily for recording signals contraction of activity and traffic human gastrointestinal tract. With the possibility of producing images with this instrumentation, it was possible to evaluate different situations in vitro and in vivo for physiological studies and pharmaceuticals. Considering the good performance of this system to produce planar images, the first aim of the BAC system tomography (TBAC) was to evaluate the system performance of BAC to produce tomographic images of phantoms ferromagnetic for a single channel system. All these applications were only possible because of their sensitivity to materials of high magnetic suscepitibility as ferrite, which allow to produce an electrical signal proportional to the variation of the magnetic flux generated by the presence of magnetic marker next to a first-order gradiometer. Measuring this variation at various points was possible to generate planar images that recently came to be produced in systems with multiple detectors, said multi-channels. From planar images, also producing tomographic images of simulators BAC bars in a system of 13 channels using only the center channel, with good results when applied to simple objects as one and two bars. When testing the resolution of the system with more elaborate forms the quality and resolution of images reconstructed is not satisfactory, which would be solved by increasing the spatial sampling rate and hence the acquisition time. The present system works with an acquisition time of about five hours. Whereas this system will be applied for in vivo experiments, the acquisition time became a ...

Caracterização in vitro de técnica biomagnética empregando magnetômetros 3D para avaliar tempo de trânsito esofagiano

The biomagnetic techniques use different magnetic field detectors to measure parameters of the human physiology. Those techniques present the advantage of being noninvasive and radiation free. Among them we can show up the Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID), the Current Alternate Biosusceptometry (ACB) and, more recently, the employment of anisotropic magnetoresistive sensors. Those magnetic sensors have a low cost and good sensitivity to measure different physiological parameters using magnetic markers. The biomagnetic techniques have being used successfully through study on the characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract. Recent research, the magnetoresistors were used to evaluate the transit time and localization of magnetic sources in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this work is the characterization, with in vitro tests, of a biomagnetic instrumentation using two 3-axis magnetoresistors arranged in a gradiometric coplanar setup to evaluate esophageal transit time, analyze and compare the results of experimental signals and the magnetic theory, as well as evaluate the instrumentation gain with use of tri-axial sensor front to the mono-axial sensor. The instrumentation is composed by two three-axis sensing magnetometers, precision power supply and amplifier electronic circuits. The sensors fixed in a coplanar setup were separate by distance of 18 cm. The sensitivity tests had been carried through using a cylindrical magnet (ø = 4 mm and h = 4 mm) of neodymium-iron-boron (grid 35). The tests were done moving the permanent magnet on the sensors parallel axis, simulating the food transit in... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)