Massive Science with VO and Grids

There is a growing need for massive computational resources for the analysis of new astronomical datasets. To tackle this problem, we present here our first steps towards marrying two new and emerging technologies; the Virtual Observatory (e.g, AstroGrid) and the computa- tional grid (e.g. TeraGrid, COSMOS etc.). We discuss the construction of VOTechBroker, which is a modular software tool designed to abstract the tasks of submission and management of a large number of compu- tational jobs to a distributed computer system. The broker will also interact with the AstroGrid workflow and MySpace environments. We discuss our planned usages of the VOTechBroker in computing a huge number of n–point correlation functions from the SDSS data and mas- sive model-fitting of millions of CMBfast models to WMAP data. We also discuss other applications including the determination of the XMM Cluster Survey selection function and the construction of new WMAP maps.

Statistical computations with AstroGrid and the Grid

We outline our first steps towards marrying two new and emerging technologies; the Virtual Observatory (e.g, Astro- Grid) and the computational grid. We discuss the construction of VOTechBroker, which is a modular software tool designed to abstract the tasks of submission and management of a large number of computational jobs to a distributed computer system. The broker will also interact with the AstroGrid workflow and MySpace environments. We present our planned usage of the VOTechBroker in computing a huge number of n–point correlation functions from the SDSS, as well as fitting over a million CMBfast models to the WMAP data.

Controle em tempo real de robôs através de redes IP

Com o intuito de utilizar uma rede com protocolo IP para a implementação de malhas fechadas de controle, este trabalho propõe-se a realizar um estudo da operação de um sistema de controle dinâmico distribuído, comparando-o com a operação de um sistema de controle local convencional. Em geral, a decisão de projetar uma arquitetura de controle distribuído é feita baseada na simplicidade, na redução dos custos e confiabilidade; portanto, um diferencial bastante importante é a utilização da rede IP. O objetivo de uma rede de controle não é transmitir dados digitais, mas dados analógicos amostrados. Assim, métricas usuais em redes de computadores, como quantidade de dados e taxa de transferências, tornam-se secundárias em uma rede de controle. São propostas técnicas para tratar os pacotes que sofrem atrasos e recuperar o desempenho do sistema de controle através da rede IP. A chave para este método é realizar a estimação do conteúdo dos pacotes que sofrem atrasos com base no modelo dinâmico do sistema, mantendo o sistema com um nível adequado de desempenho. O sistema considerado é o controle de um manipulador antropomórfico com dois braços e uma cabeça de visão estéreo totalizando 18 juntas. Os resultados obtidos mostram que se pode recuperar boa parte do desempenho do sistema.

Efficacy of NiTi rotary instruments in removing calcium hydroxide dressing residues from root canal walls

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three rotary instrument systems (K3, ProTaper and Twisted File) in removing calcium hydroxide residues from root canal walls. Thirty-four human mandibular incisors were instrumented with the ProTaper System up to the F2 instrument, irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA, and filled with a calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing. After 7 days, the calcium hydroxide dressing was removed using the following rotary instruments: G1 - NiTi size 25, 0.06 taper, of the K3 System; G2 - NiTi F2, of the ProTaper System; or G3 - NiTi size 25, 0.06 taper, of the Twisted File System. The teeth were longitudinally grooved on the buccal and lingual root surfaces, split along their long axis, and their apical and cervical canal thirds were evaluated by SEM (×1000). The images were scored and the data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskall Wallis test. None of the instruments removed the calcium hydroxide dressing completely, either in the apical or cervical thirds, and no significant differences were observed among the rotary instruments tested (p > 0.05).

Using serial bluetooth converters as a sensor link in networked control systems

Networked control systems (NCS) are distributed control system in which sensors, actuators and controllers are physically separated and connected through communication networks. NCS represent the evolution of networked control architectures providing greater modularity and control decentralization, ease maintenance and diagnosis and lower cost of implementation. A recent trend in this research topic is the development of NCS using wireless networks which enable interoperability between existing wired and wireless systems. This paper presents the feasibility analysis of using a serial RS-232 to Bluetooth converter as a wireless sensor link in NCS. In order to support this investigation, relevant performance metrics for wireless control applications such as jitter, time delay and messages lost are highlighted and calculated to evaluate the converter capabilities. In addition the control performance of an implemented motor control system using the converter is analyzed. Experimental results led to the conclusion that serial RS-232 Bluetooth converters can be used to implement wireless networked control systems (WNCS) providing transmission rates and closed control loop times which are acceptable for NCS applications. © 2011 IEEE.

Evaluating serial ZigBee devices for application in wireless networked control systems

Networked control systems (NCS) are distributed control system where the sensors, actuators and controllers are physically separated and connected through communication networks. NCS represent the evolution of networked control architectures providing greater modularity and control decentralization, ease maintenance and diagnosis and lower cost of implementation. A recent trend in this research topic is the development of NCS using wireless networks (WNCS) enabling interoperability between existing wired and wireless systems. This paper evaluates a serial RS-232 ZigBee device as a wireless sensor link in NCS. In order to support this investigation, relevant performance metrics for wireless control applications such as jitter, time delay and messages lost are highlighted and calculated to evaluate the device capabilities. In addition the control performance of an implemented motor control system using the device is analyzed. Experimental results led to the conclusion that serial RS-232 ZigBee devices can be used to implement WNCS and the use of this device delay information in the PID controller discretization can improve the control performance of the system. © 2012 IEEE.

Mini-inversores para aproveitamento de energia fotovoltaica, com técnicas de MPPT, sincronismo e conexão com a rede de CA em BT, proteção de ilhamento, gerenciamento da energia e da operação

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Elétrica - FEIS

Estudo da comunicação de um compensador série para rede de distribuição com o centro de controle utilizando tecnologia GPRS

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Elétrica - FEIS

Sistema de arquivos distribuído flexível e adaptável

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Camada de gerenciamento para comunicação entre computadores baseada em redes sem fio (WSE-OS)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Análise da área de vulnerabilidade e estabilidade de tensão em sistemas elétricos com a inserção de parques eólicos

A presente dissertação de mestrado avalia os afundamentos e a estabilidade de tensão de um sistema elétrico real com inserção de parques eólicos. Os estudos de afundamentos de tensão servem de base para a determinação das áreas de vulnerabilidade do sistema elétrico, nas quais, por sua vez, são investigados os aspectos referentes à instabilidade de tensão ocasionada pela integração de parques eólicos com geradores assíncronos. Para este fim, é utilizado o programa computacional ANAQUALI, desenvolvido pelo CEPEL (Centro de Pesquisas de Energia Elétrica). No estudo do comportamento dinâmico da tensão decorrente de curto-circuito, no qual o sistema eólico é inserido nas concepções de velocidade fixa e velocidade variável, utiliza-se um programa computacional desenvolvido no aplicativo MATLABTM. Os resultados dessas simulações evidenciam que o sistema eólico de velocidade variável proporciona uma maior margem de estabilidade de tensão ao sistema elétrico, devido à presença do controle de velocidade e de tensão. Estes estudos não são comumente aplicados aos sistemas de geração distribuída, e por isso, esta dissertação contribui também neste aspecto, podendo seus resultados servir de base para o planejamento de centrais cólicas inseridas em sistemas elétricos convencionais.

Implementação e sintonia de um controlador clássico industrial PID: estudo de caso na indústria química

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Mecânica - FEG

Proposta de arquitetura e protocolo para a geração automática de assinaturas de malwares

Given the exponential growth in the spread of the virus world wide web (Internet) and its increasing complexity, it is necessary to adopt more complex systems for the extraction of malware finger-prints (malware fingerprints - malicious software; is the name given to extracting unique information leading to identification of the virus, equivalent to humans, the fingerprint). The architecture and protocol proposed here aim to achieve more efficient fingerprints, using techniques that make a single fingerprint enough to compromise an entire group of viruses. This efficiency is given by the use of a hybrid approach of extracting fingerprints, taking into account the analysis of the code and the behavior of the sample, so called viruses. The main targets of this proposed system are Polymorphics and Metamorphics Malwares, given the difficulty in creating fingerprints that identify an entire family from these viruses. This difficulty is created by the use of techniques that have as their main objective compromise analysis by experts. The parameters chosen for the behavioral analysis are: File System; Records Windows; RAM Dump and API calls. As for the analysis of the code, the objective is to create, in binary virus, divisions in blocks, where it is possible to extract hashes. This technique considers the instruction there and its neighborhood, characterized as being accurate. In short, with this information is intended to predict and draw a profile of action of the virus and then create a fingerprint based on the degree of kinship between them (threshold), whose goal is to increase the ability to detect viruses that do not make part of the same family

Aplicação do conceito de geração distribuída a um sistema fotovoltaico residencial

This work presents a study about distributed generation using photovoltaic systems in the context of smart grids. The characteristics of a Smart Grid and the several aspects this concept involves - distributed generation among them - are discussed. There are also examples of equipment, like smart meters, and of national and international projects. The specificities of distributed generation and the rules and standards necessary in this sort of installation are talked through with focus in the solar energy generation method. Regarding photovoltaic systems, the working principles of the panels are presented, along with its main electrical characteristics and the technologies available. Finally there is a study concerning the sizing of a distributed generation system that involves photovoltaic panels in a residential plant. An analysis of the costs and return of investment period is made about the specific case in consideration.

Leveraging wireless devices for networked control systems in industrial applications

Networked control systems (NCSs) are distributed control system in which sensors, actuators and controllers are physically separated and connected through communication networks. NCS represent the evolution of networked control architectures providing greater modularity and control decentralization, ease maintenance and diagnosis and lower cost of implementation. A recent trend in this research topic is the development of NCS using wireless networks(WNCS)which enable interoperability between existing wiredand wireless systems. This paper presents the feasibility analysis of using serial to wireless converter as a wireless sensor link in NCS. In order to support this investigation, relevant performance metrics for wireless control applications such as jitter, time delay and messages lost are highlighted and calculated to evaluate the wireless converter capabilities. In addition the control performance of an implemented motor control system using the converter is analyzed. Experimental results led to the conclusion that serial ZigBee device isrecommended against the Bluetooth as it provided better metrics for control applications. However, bothdevices can be used to implement WNCS providing transmission rates and closed control loop times which are acceptable for NCS applications.Moreoverthe use of thewireless device delay in the PID controller discretization can improve the control performance of the system.