Modelo físico de Huygens na solução discretizada de campos acústicos

Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Mecânica, Florianópolis, 2013.O objetivo geral deste trabalho é demonstrar a viabilidade de aplicação numérica do modelo físico de Huygens na descrição de ondas acústicas. Uma ampla revisão bibliográfica sobre o assunto foi realizada, incluindo trabalhos na área de Eletromagnetismo, contexto em que a primeira versão discretizada do modelo de Huygens foi proposta, utilizando a consolidada teoria de linhas de transmissão. Entretanto, ainda que o método tenha se desenvolvido consideravelmente em seu contexto original, percebe-se que as aplicações na solução de problemas em Acústica ainda são escassas. Inicialmente, dedica-se um capítulo para discorrer sobre os fundamentos da modelagem numérica, expondo as razões principais que levaram a escolha do tema do trabalho. Posteriormente, alguns tópicos fundamentais relacionados à teoria de processamento de sinal e auralização foram incluídos. A seguir é apresentada a abordagem teórica pioneira do método numérico, concebida a partir do modelo de Huygens, denominada de Método de Matrizes de Linha de Transmissão (TLM). Neste ponto, buscou-se revisar as analogias tradicionalmente estabelecidas com a teoria Acústica. Posteriormente, demonstram-se os aspectos teóricos de uma nova abordagem energética mecanicista para o modelo, denominada de Modelagem Discreta de Huygens (DHM). Em um passo seguinte, foram realizadas comparações conceituais entre a Modelagem Discreta de Huygens e outros métodos numéricos tradicionais, como o método de Volumes Finitos e também aqueles que utilizam como base a equação da onda, tais como Diferenças Finitas (FDM) e Elementos Finitos (FEM). Por último, apresenta-se uma série de resultados utilizando o conjunto de algoritmos desenvolvidos ao longo deste trabalho. Destacam-se as análises comparativas entre os tempos de simulação obtidos pelos métodos FEM e DHM para três cavidades distintas. Resultados relevantes também foram obtidos utilizando uma metodologia diferenciada para representação do coeficiente de reflexão de materiais de absorção no domínio do tempo, a partir de dados de impedância no domínio da frequência. Buscou-se estabelecer a comparação dos resultados obtidos, com modelos elaborados em FEM, assim como através de modelos analíticos consolidados, visando a confirmação das evidências iniciais quanto à potencialidade do método. Abstract : The main idea of this work is to show the feasibility of applying the Huygens' physical model for the numerical description of acoustic wave propagation. A extensive literature review on the subject was performed, including some work in the field of electromagnetism, using the consolidated theory of transmission lines. Although the method has been considerably developed in their original area, applications in solving acoustic problems are still quite scarce. A chapter was dedicated to discuss the fundamentals of numerical modeling, explaining the reasons that led to the choice made for this work. Fundamental topics related to signal processing and auralization were also included. In the following, the pioneering numerical approach based on the Huygens' physical model is presented, called Transmission Line Matrix, seeking to make analogies with the acoustics theory. Subsequently, it was shown the theoretical aspects of the energetical approach to the Huygens' model, called Discrete Huygens' Modeling. In a next step, comparisons were made among the concepts of this approach and other numerical methods that apply the wave equation as the fundamental model, such as finite difference and finite element. Following, results were presented using an algorithm developed as consequence of this work, in order to solve acoustic cavities of different sizes, and then compare with results obtained from numerical models simulated using finite element and analytical models. In the Annex, some data already published by different authors for acoustical problems were considered in order to emphasize the range of applications and the quality of results

Production of polymer filament-shaped piezoelectric sensors for e-textiles applications

This work aims at the development of piezoelectric materials for flexible sensors produced with various geometries, at low cost and high production rates, adequate for the industrial scale. In particular the filament form, appropriate for integration into textiles, is described, but other geometries, such as tape, are also being studied. The filaments are produced by co-extrusion of multiple layers with piezoelectric and electrically conductive polymer composites.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - PTDC/CTM/108801/200

Infecção congênita pelo citomegalovírus: ocorrência em duas populações de nível sócio-econômico diferentes em São Paulo, Brasil

In São Paulo, Brazil, between November 1980 and July 1982, 1614 newborns of middle socioeconomic background and 1156 newborns of low socioeconomic background were examined for the occurrence of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection by isolation of virus from urine samples or detection of specific anti-CMV IgM in umbilical cord serum tested by immunofluorescence. In the low socioeconomic population prevalence of CMV complement-fixing antibodies in mothers was 84.4%(151/179) and the incidence of congenital infection assessed by virus isolation 0.98% (5/508), as compared with 0.46% (3/648) in the group of newborns tested by detection of specific anti-CMV IgM in umbilical cord-serum. In middle socioeconomic level population prevalence of CMV complement-fixing antibodies in mothers was 66.5% (284/427) and the incidence of CMV congenital infection was 0.39% (2/518) in the group of newborns screened by virus isolation and 0.18% (2/1096) in the group tested by detection of specific anti-CMV IgM. In the present study none of the 12 congenitally infected newborns presented clinical apparent disease at birth.Entre novembro de 1980 e julho de 1982, 1614 recém-nascidos (RNs) de nivel sócio-econômico médio e 1156 RNs de baixo nível sócioeconômico foram examinados para verificar a ocorrência de infecção congênita pelo citomegalovírus (CMV), através de isolamento do vírus em amostras de urina ou detecção de anticorpos IgM específicos em amostras de sangue de cordão umbilical. Na população de baixo nível sócio econômico a prevalência de anticorpos fixadores do complemento (Ac Fc) anti-CMV nas mães foi de 84,4% (151/179) e a incidência de infecção congênita determinada por isolamento do vírus foi de 0,90% (5/508). No grupo de RNs em que o diagnóstico baseou-se apenas na detecção de Ac IgM CMV-específicos no sangue de cordão a incidência de infecção congênita foi de apenas 0,46% (3/648). Na população de nivel sócio-econômico médio a prevalência de Ac Fc anti-CMV nas mães foi de 66,5% (284/427) e a incidência de infecção congênita foi de 0,39% (2/518) no grupo de RNs testados por isolamento de vírus na urina e 0,18% (2/1090) no grupo testado por detecção de Ac IgM específicos. No presente estudo nenhum dos 12 RNs infectados congenitamente apresentou sinais ou sintomas de doença ao nascimento

Piezoelectric filaments produced by coextrusion

Considering the significant interest of both the academic and industrial communities in the fields of i/e-textiles (interactive/electronic textiles), the number of developed applications is far below the expected. This fact is mainly related to the difficulties on the development of production methodologies adequate to industrial scale processes. In this areas the integration of piezoelectric materials, that possess sensing/actuating capabilities, such as poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, and can be processed using conventional processing techniques, is very promising and has encouraged a large number of research works. However, until now, most of the developed production methodologies are difficult to adapt to the industrial scale. This work reports recent developments achieved, in the framework of a research project, on the production of piezoelectric filament by coextrusion of PVDF and electrical conductive layers. The developed production methodology involves a conventional coextrusion line, for which a coextrusion die was designed to produce a multilayer filament. This filament comprises an inner layer of an electrically conductive Polypropylene grade and a middle layer of PVDF and is coated with an electrical conductive ink. The piezoelectric response of the produced filaments will be also presentedFundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)- FCT PTDC/CTM/108801/200

Sustainability, justice and equity in food systems: Ideas and proposals in dispute in Brazil

The impacts of food systems on climate change are of growing concern as meat consumption and the soy-meat complex expand. This article explores contrasting ideas, proposals and narratives in the Brazilian context with its significant power asymmetries and identifies two broad discursive repertoires voiced by the private sector, civil society and government to differently address issues of food and environmental justice, social equity and climate change. The influence of these repertoires on public policies can induce or hinder just transitions in food systems. Documents from 2008 to 2021 are analyzed, mainly focusing on multi-scale food systems, dimensions of justice and corporate political action. Contrasting perspectives on the drivers of inequalities and sustainability are also presented, along with respective proposals ranging from paradigm shifts in food systems to topical solutions based on private mechanisms

Coextrusion of polymeric piezoelectric filaments

The difficulties related to the development of industrial scalable production methodologies have limited the number of applications currently available in the field of interactive/electronic textiles, which are far below the anticipated a few years ago. In these areas the integration of piezoelectric materials, that possess sensing/actuating capabilities, such as poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, and can be processed using conventional processing techniques, is very promising and has encouraged a large number of research works. However, until now, most of the developed production methodologies are difficult to adapt to the industrial scale. This work reports recent developments achieved in the framework of a research project, on the production of piezoelectric filament by coextrusion of PVDF and an electrically conductive thermoplastic. The developed production methodology is based on a conventional coextrusion line, for which a coextrusion die was designed to produce a multilayer filament, which comprises an inner layer of an electrically conductive Polypropylene grade and a middle layer of PVDF and is coated with an electrical conductive ink. The sensing capabilities of the produced filaments are also characterized.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)- FCT PTDC/CTM/108801/200

Nematodes Affecting Potato and Sustainable Practices for Their Management

Plant-parasitic nematodes are a significant factor limiting potato production and tuber quality in several regions where potato is produced. Overall, parasitic nematodes alone cause an estimated annual crop loss of $ 78 billion worldwide and an average crop yield loss of 10–15%. As a result, sustainable food production and food security are directly impacted by pests and diseases. Degrading land use with monocultures and unsustainable cropping practices have intensified problems associated with plant pathogens. Proper identification of nematode species and isolates is crucial to choose effective and sustainable management strategies for nematode infection. Several nematode species have been reported associated with potato. Among those, the potato cyst nematodes Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida, the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne spp., the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus spp., the potato rot nematode Ditylenchus destructor and the false root-knot nematode Nacobbus aberrans are major species limiting potato yield and leading to poor tuber quality. Here, we report a literature review on the biology, symptoms, damage and control methods used for these nematode species