On non-linear dynamics and a periodic control design applied to the potential of membrane action

The Fitzhugh-Nagumo (fn) mathematical model characterizes the action potential of the membrane. The dynamics of the Fitzhugh-Nagumo model have been extensively studied both with a view to their biological implications and as a test bed for numerical methods, which can be applied to more complex models. This paper deals with the dynamics in the (FH) model. Here, the dynamics are analyzed, qualitatively, through the stability diagrams to the action potential of the membrane. Furthermore, we also analyze quantitatively the problem through the evaluation of Floquet multipliers. Finally, the nonlinear periodic problem is controlled, based on the Chebyshev polynomial expansion, the Picard iterative method and on Lyapunov-Floquet transformation (L-F transformation).

Statistical methods applied to the analysis of blasting vibrations in a diabase quarry in the city of Campinas, (SP) Brazil

Statistical methods of multiple regression analysis, trend surface analysis and principal components analysis were applied to seismographic data recorded during production blasting at a diabase quarry in the urban area of Campinas (SP), Brazil. The purpose of these analyses was to determine the influence of the following variables: distance (D), charge weight per delay (W), and scaled distance (SD) associated with properties of the rock body (orientation, frequency and angle of geological discontinuities; depth of bedrock and thickness of the soil overburden) in the variation of the peak particle velocity (PPV). This approach yielded variables with larger influences (loads) on the variation of ground vibration, as well as behavior and space tendency of this variation. The results showed a better relationship between PPV and D, with D being the most important factor in the attenuation of the ground vibrations. The geological joints and the depth to bedrock have a larger influence than the explosive charges in the variation of the vibration levels, but frequencies appear to be more influenced by the amount of soil overburden.

Square-wave voltammetry applied to the analysis of the dye marker, solvent blue 14, in kerosene and fuel alcohol

The purpose of this paper is to develop an electroanalytical method based on square-wave voltammetry (SWV) for the determination of the solvent blue 14 (SB-14) in fuel samples. The electrochemical reduction of SB-14 at glassy carbon electrode in a mixture of Britton-Robinson buffer with N,N-dimethyiformamide (1:1, v/v) presented a well-defined peak at-0.40 V vs. Ag/AgCl. All parameters of the SWV technique were optimized and the electroanalytical method presented a linear response from 1.0 x 10(-6) to 6.0 x 10(-6) mol L-1 (r = 0.998) with a detection limit of 2.90 x 10(-7) mol L-1. The developed method was successfully utilized in the quantification of the dye SB-14 in kerosene and alcohol samples with average recovery from 93.00 to 98.10%.

Basis sets applied to the theoretical study of the vibrational structure of hexaaquaaluminum(III) ion

Gaussian basis sets were developed with the Generator Coordinate Hartree-Fock (GCHF) method for the atoms from H (14s), O (23s16p), and Al (29sl9p) in the ground state. These basis sets were then contracted to 3s (12,1,1), 5s3p (18,2,1,1,1/14,1,1), and 7s5p (20,3,2,1,1,1,1/14,2,1,1,1) for H, O and Al atoms, respectively, by a standard procedure. The quality of contracted basis sets in molecular calculations was evaluated through studies of the total and orbital (epsilon(HOMO) and epsilon(HOMO-1)) energies at the HF level for the hexaaquaaluminum(III) ion, [AI(H(2)O)(6)](3+). For the O atom, the 5s3p was supplemented with d polarization function and it was used in combination with 3s, and 7s5p for H and Al atoms was used to the theoretical interpretation of the Infrared (IR) spectrum of hexaaquaaluminum(III) ion. The calculations of the IR-spectrum were also performed at the HF level and it showed that the basis sets obtained with the aid of GCHF method lead to the selection of useful contracted Gaussian basis sets for the theoretical study of vibrational property of ionic specie of our interest. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The element-free Galerkin method applied to the study of fully developed magnetohydrodynamic duct flows

In this paper, the meshless method is introduced to magnetohydrodynamics. A numerical scheme based on the element-free Galerkin method is used to solve the laminar steady-state two-dimensional fully developed magnetohydrodynamic flow in a rectangular duct. Accurate and convergent solutions are achieved for low to moderately high Hartmann numbers.

Thermogravimetry (TG) applied to the study of the reaction of mercury with platinum-rhodium alloy

Thermogravimetry (TG) energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mapping surface, X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy and atomic spectroscopy with cold vapor generation have been used to study the reaction of mercury with platinum-rhodium (Pt-Rh) alloy. The results suggest that, the electrodeposited Hg film reacts with Pt-Rh to form intermetallic compounds of different stability, when heated indicated by at least four weight loss steps. Intermetallic compounds as PtHg4 and PtHg2 was characterized by XRD. These intermetallic compound are the main product presents on the surface of the samples after remotion of the bulk mercury via thermal desorption techniques. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

The Meaningful Fractal Fuzzy Dimension Applied to the Design of Self Organizing Maps

This paper presents the principal results of a detailed study about the use of the Meaningful Fractal Fuzzy Dimension measure in the problem in determining adequately the topological dimension of output space of a Self-Organizing Map. This fractal measure is conceived by combining the Fractals Theory and Fuzzy Approximate Reasoning. In this work this measure was applied on the dataset in order to obtain a priori knowledge, which is used to support the decision making about the SOM output space design. Several maps were designed with this approach and their evaluations are discussed here.

Using traditional heuristic algorithms on an initial genetic algorithm population applied to the transmission expansion planning problem

This paper analyses the impact of choosing good initial populations for genetic algorithms regarding convergence speed and final solution quality. Test problems were taken from complex electricity distribution network expansion planning. Constructive heuristic algorithms were used to generate good initial populations, particularly those used in resolving transmission network expansion planning. The results were compared to those found by a genetic algorithm with random initial populations. The results showed that an efficiently generated initial population led to better solutions being found in less time when applied to low complexity electricity distribution networks and better quality solutions for highly complex networks when compared to a genetic algorithm using random initial populations.

TWO DECOMPOSITION APPROACHES APPLIED TO THE MULTI-AREA OPTIMAL REACTIVE POWER FLOW PROBLEM

This paper applies two methods of mathematical decomposition to carry out an optimal reactive power flow (ORPF) in a coordinated decentralized way in the context of an interconnected multi-area power system. The first method is based on an augmented Lagrangian approach using the auxiliary problem principle (APP). The second method uses a decomposition technique based on the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) first-order optimality conditions. The viability of each method to be used in the decomposition of multi-area ORPF is studied and the corresponding mathematical models are presented. The IEEE RTS-96, the IEEE 118-bus test systems and a 9-bus didactic system are used in order to show the operation and effectiveness of the decomposition methods.

The ZVS-PWM commutation cell applied to the DC-AC converter

This paper presents the analysis of a dc-ac converter using a zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) commutation cell. First, we show the cell applied to the buck converter. The stages of operation are presented along with the main current and voltage equations. Next, we adapt the converter to the regenerative-operation mode. Hence, the full-bridge converter at low-frequency operation is connected in the dc-dc output stage (at high frequency). The main switches commute at zero voltage. The converter operated at constant frequency with pulse-width modulation (PWM), and neither overvoltage nor additional current stress was observed by digital simulation. A design example and experimental results obtained by prototype, rated at 275 V and 1 kW, are also presented. © 1997 IEEE.

Contracted GTF basis sets applied to the theoretical interpretation of the Raman spectrum of hexaaquachromium(III) ion

Contracted GTF basis sets designed with aid of the Generator Coordinate Hartree-Fock (GCHF) method for H(2S), O2-(1S), and Cr3+(4F) atomic species are applied to perform theoretical interpretation of the Raman spectrum of hexaaquachromium(III) ion. The 16s, 16s 10p, and 24s17p13d GTF basis sets were contracted to [4s] for H atom, [6s4p], and [9s6p3d] for O2- and Cr3+, respectively, by Dunning's scheme. For Cr3+, the [9s6p3d] basis set was enriched with f polarization function and used in combination com [4s] and [6s4p] in the study of our interest. The results obtained in this report show that the contracted GTF basis sets used are a useful alternative for the theoretical interpretation of Raman spectrum of hexaaquachromium(III) ion and that GCHF method is an effective alternative to selection of GTF basis sets for theoretical study of vibrational properties of poliatomic species. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of calcium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry applied to the preparation of alginate:chitosan complexes

Polysaccharicles, as alginate and chitosan, have been used to obtain modified release dosage forms. Alginate, due to its property of building gels during the complex formation with calcium ions, allows the building of capsules containing a core constituted by calcium alginate. This work had for objective to determine the appropriate calcium concentration for the preparation of alginate-chitosan capsules, by means of calcium quantification using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The methodology of calcium quantification was validated through analysis of the limit of detection, precision, accuracy and recovery of the method. The capsules, containing or not the drug, were prepared by the complex coacervation/ionotropic gelification method. Calcium was quantified after samples mineralization and dilution in lantanium solution. The results showed that the amount of calcium incorporated into the capsules depends on the amount of calcium added to the medium, and this ratio increases until the concentration of 1.5% of initial calcium chloride and above this concentration there is a decrease in the proportion of calcium bonded. It was observed that the proportion of calcium that links to the polymer is inversely proportional to the amount of calcium added. The calcium amount incorporated depends on the concentration of the polymeric dispersions used as well as on the ratio between the two polymers.

Virtual instrumentation applied to the implementation of IEEE STD 1459-2000 power definitions

This paper discusses the utilization of Virtual Instrumentation to the implementation and evaluation of different power definitions, so that classical formulations and new definitions can be compared without the necessity of acquiring different power meters or analyzers. Accordingly, the definitions of IEEE Standard 1459-2000 for the measurement of power quantities under distorted and unbalanced situations, have been digitally implemented. Thus, several power and power factor components related to the decomposition of the measured voltage and current signals have been obtained. The proposed PC-based Virtual Instrument uses a high performance acquisition board and isolated sensors and transducers. All digital algorithms and routines have been implemented by means of a graphical development system. Regarding to the implementation of STD 1459, this paper also proposes several different algorithms to the required decompositions of voltage, current and power components. © 2005 IEEE.

Radial basis function network applied to the linearization of a voltage controlled oscillator

An analog circuit that implements a radial basis function network is presented. The proposed circuit allows the adjustment of all shape parameters of the radial functions, i.e., amplitude, center and width. The implemented network was applied to the linearization of a nonlinear circuit, a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). This application can be classified as an open-loop control in which the network plays the role of the controller. Experimental results have proved the linearization capability of the proposed circuit. Its performance can be improved by using a network with more basis functions. Copyright 2007 ACM.

Infrared thermography applied to the evaluation of metabolic heat loss of chicks fed with different energy densities

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