Robust filtering for uncertain linear systems: LMI based methods with parametric Lyapunov functions

This paper addresses the design of robust filters for linear continuous-time systems subject to parameter uncertainty in the state-space model. The uncertain parameters are supposed to belong to a given convex bounded polyhedral domain. Two methods based on parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions are proposed for designing linear stationary asymptotically stable filters that assure asymptotic stability and a guaranteed performance, irrespective of the uncertain parameters. The proposed filter designs are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities which depend on a scalar parameter that should be searched for in order to optimize the filter performance.     

Inelastic analysis of cylindrical steel containment vessels under internal accident conditions

The present paper is concerned with the structural safety assessment of a proposed nuclear steel containment shell during a postulated loss-of-coolant accident scenario. The structural evaluation is performed using a computational second-order refined plastic-hinge method, which is capable of accurately predicting all possible modes of failure in an efficient and computationally less expensive way than the general FEM formulation. A tangent modulus model and a gradual reduction of the inelastic resistance surface are used to take into account directly the structural strength and stability performances in the element formulation. The implemented numerical method provides more reliable safety margins and maintainability, exhibiting a more uniform structural safety level than the linear elastic analysis. A simplified non-linear heat transfer model, developed for symmetrical cross-sections, is used to determine the steel temperature gradient and to establish a link between the thermo and the mechanical analysis. The load resulting from pressure and temperature thermodynamic calculations, obtained for the accident scenario, are considered in the structural quasi–static analysis, so that the structural response can be tracked for the entire duration of the simulated accident.     

Energy-efficiency standards for electric motors in Brazilian industry

The first regulation of the “Energy Efficient Act” for electric motors, launched in 2002, established two sets of minimum efficiency performance standards (MEPS), for ‘standard’ (mandatory) and ‘high efficiency’ (voluntary) motors. An updated regulation, from the end of 2005 (Edict 553/2005), established the previous high-efficiency MEPS as mandatory for all motors in the Brazilian market. This paper analyses the consequences of this new regulation, which is foreseen to take effect in 2010. These new Brazilian MEPS are compatible with those implemented in other countries. The cost–benefit analysis, considered for different scenarios for industrial consumers, showed that motor substitution (from standard to high efficiency) is generally advantageous. A sample of nine thousand industrial motors has been used, with measured operation in actual conditions, to analyze the investment cost–benefit in three different scenarios. This analysis also demonstrated the benefit of motor substitution, with an average MWh cost from 20 to 35 US$, and with only a few substitutions presenting an unfavorable cost–benefit relationship to the user. We assess that Edict 553 avoided construction of 350 MW of hydroelectric capacity. Nevertheless, since the cost of conserved energy for this energy-saving measure is generally below the marginal cost of expansion of the Brazilian electric system, we propose mechanisms to share investment costs among the society as a whole, including demand-side bidding.     

La prévention de la dépression: l'état actuel des connaissances.

Suggests that even if many authors underscore the importance of working to prevent depression, some practical and theoretical confusions still plague this field of research: What is depression? How to define prevention? What should be the theoretical basis of a program to prevent depression? Is it possible to prevent depression? It is with the objective to shed some light on these topics that the present article was written. First, the authors expose some evidence in favor of a continuous definition of depression. Second, the authors propose a definition of prevention that is compatible with a continuous definition of depression. Third, the authors formulate the main parts of an integrative biopsychosocial model of depression. Finally, the authors review the principal selective and universal depression prevention programs. On the basis of this review, it is concluded that it is possible to prevent depression selectively and universally. However, it seems that, to be effective, these programs should not take a traditional therapeutic orientation but should follow the principles of organizational change (universal prevention programs) and try to improve the fit between an individual and his/her environment (selective prevention program). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Raman Study of the Interface between Hot-Pressed Silica Parts

We present a Raman spectroscopy study of silica glasses prepared by hot-pressing of gels. Our particular interest is the structure at the interfaces formed during hot-pressing of small parts to obtain large pieces, such as silica tubes for optical-fiber preforms. A specific feature of the interface that distinguishes this layer from the bulk is its fractal structure. The parameters of the fractal units, including their maximum dimensions in real space, are determined by the pre-hot-pressing mechanical processing. We attribute this structure to residual microcracks inherent in the surface layer of polished plates. There are no fractals at the interfaces sintered at temperatures higher than the glass transition temperature.     

Modelling a sequencing batch reactor to treat the supernatant from anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste

In this study, a lab‐scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) has been tested to remove chemical oxygen demand (COD) and NH₄⁺‐N from the supernatant of anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. This supernatant was characterized by a high ammonium concentration (1.1 g NH₄⁺‐N L^?1) and an important content of slowly biodegradable and/or recalcitrant COD (4.8 g total COD L^?1). Optimum SBR operating sequence was reached when working with 3 cycles per day, 30 °C, SRT 12 days and HRT 3 days. During the time sequence, two aerobic/anoxic steps were performed to avoid alkalinity restrictions. Oxygen supply and working pH range were controlled to promote the nitrification over nitrite. Under steady state conditions, COD and nitrogen removal efficiencies of more than 65% and 98%, respectively, were achieved. A closed intermittent‐flow respirometer was used to characterize and model the SBR performance. The activated sludge model ASM1 was modified to describe the biological nitrogen removal over nitrite, including the inhibition of nitrification by unionized ammonia and nitrous acid concentrations, the pH dependency of both autotrophic and heterotrophic biomass, pH calculation and the oxygen supply and stripping of CO₂ and NH₃. Once calibrated by respirometry, the proposed model showed very good agreement between experimental and simulated data. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Landscaping Brazil: The Legacy of Roberto Burle Marx

The Modernist landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx (1909–94) was a game changer, revolutionising the treatment of green space in Brazil. Here, architect Alexandre Hepner , co-founder of Estúdio ARKIZ, and Silvio Soares Macedo , a professor at the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism of the University of São Paulo, reflect on Burle Marx's enduring legacy.     

Melatonin-Induced Temporal Up-Regulation of Gene Expression Related to Ubiquitin/Proteasome System (UPS) in the Human Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum

There is an increasing understanding that melatonin and the ubiquitin/proteasome system (UPS) interact to regulate multiple cellular functions. Post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination are important modulators of signaling processes, cell cycle and many other cellular functions. Previously, we reported a melatonin-induced upregulation of gene expression related to ubiquitin/proteasome system (UPS) in Plasmodium falciparum, the human malaria parasite, and that P. falciparum protein kinase 7 influences this process. This implies a role of melatonin, an indolamine, in modulating intraerythrocytic development of the parasite. In this report we demonstrate by qPCR analysis, that melatonin induces gene upregulation in nine out of fourteen genes of the UPS, consisting of the same set of genes previously reported, between 4 to 5 h after melatonin treatment. We demonstrate that melatonin causes a temporally controlled gene expression of UPS members.     

Bismuth-induced effects on optical,lattice vibrational,and structural properties of bulk GaAsBi alloys

Bulk GaAs_{1 - x}Bi_x/GaAs alloys with various bismuth compositions are studied using power- and temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL), Raman scattering, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). PL measurements exhibit that the bandgap of the alloy decreases with increasing bismuth composition. Moreover, PL peak energy and PL characteristic are found to be excitation intensity dependent. The PL signal is detectable below 150 K at low excitation intensities, but quenches at higher temperatures. As excitation intensity is increased, PL can be observable at room temperature and PL peak energy blueshifts. The quenching temperature of the PL signal tends to shift to higher temperatures with increasing bismuth composition, giving rise to an increase in Bi-related localization energy of disorders. The composition dependence of the PL is also found to be power dependent, changing from about 63 to 87 meV/Bi% as excitation intensity is increased. In addition, S-shaped temperature dependence at low excitation intensities is observed, a well-known signature of localized levels above valence band. Applying Varshni’s law to the temperature dependence of the PL peak energy, the concentration dependence of Debye temperature (β) and thermal expansion coefficient (α) are determined. AFM observations show that bismuth islands are randomly distributed on the surface and the diameter of the islands tends to increase with increasing bismuth composition. Raman scattering spectra show that incorporation of Bi into GaAs causes a new feature at around 185 cm^-1 with slightly increasing Raman intensity as the Bi concentration increases. A broad feature located between 210 and 250 cm^-1 is also observed and its intensity increases with increasing Bi content. Furthermore, the forbidden transverse optical (TO) mode becomes more pronounced for the samples with higher bismuth composition, which can be attributed to the effect of Bi-induced disorders on crystal symmetry.

PACS

78.55Cr 78.55-m 78.20-e 78.30-j     

Immobilization and stretching of 5′‐pyrene‐terminated DNA on carbon film deposited on electron microscope grid

The immobilization and stretching of randomly coiled DNA molecules on hydrophobic carbon film is a challenging microscopic technique, which possess various applications, especially for genome sequencing. In this report the pyrenyl nucleus is used as an anchor moiety to acquire higher affinity of double stranded DNA to the graphite surface. DNA and pyrene are joined through a linker composed of four aliphatic methylene groups. For the preparation of pyrene‐terminated DNA a multifunctional phosphoramidite monomer compound was designed. It contains pyrenylbutoxy group as an anchor moiety for π‐stacking attachment to the carbon film, 2‐cyanoethyloxy, and diisopropylamino as coupling groups for conjugation to activated oligonucleotide chain or DNA molecule. This monomer derivative was suitable for incorporation into automated solid‐phase DNA synthesis and was attached to the 5′ terminus of the DNA chain through a phosphodiester linkage. The successful immobilization and stretching of pyrene‐terminated DNA was demonstrated by conventional 100 kV transmission electron microscope. The microscopic analysis confirmed the stretched shape of the negatively charged nucleic acid pieces on the hydrophobic carbon film. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:994–1000, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.