Control Relevant System Identification Using Orthonormal Basis Filter Models

Models are extensively used in advanced process control system design and implementations. Nearly all optimal control design techniques including the widely used model predictive control techniques rely on the use of model of the system to be controlled. There are several linear model structures that are commonly used in control relevant problems in process industries. Some of these model structures are: Auto Regressive with Exogenous Input (ARX), Auto Regressive Moving Average with Exogenous Input (ARMAX), Finite Impulse Response (FIR), Output Error (OE) and Box Jenkins (BJ) models. The selection of the appropriate model structure, among other factors, depend on the consistency of the model parameters, the number of parameters required to describe a system with acceptable accuracy and the computational load in estimating the model parameters. ARX and ARMAX models suffer from inconsistency problem in most open-loop identification problems. Finite Impulse Response (FIR) models require large number of parameters to describe linear systems with acceptable accuracy. BJ, OE and ARMAX models involve nonlinear optimization in estimating their parameters. In addition, all of the above conventional linear models, except FIR, require the time delay of the system to be separately estimated and included in the estimation of the parameters. Orthonormal Basis Filter (OBF) models have several advantages over the other conventional linear models. They are consistent in parameters for most open-loop identification problems. They are parsimonious in parameters if the dominant pole(s) of the system are used in their development. The model parameters are easily estimated using the linear least square method. Moreover, the time delay estimation can be easily integrated in the model development. However, there are several problems that are not yet addressed. Some of the outstanding problems are: (i) Developing parsimonious OBF models when the dominant poles of the system are not known (ii) Obtaining a better estimate of time delay for second or higher order systems (iii) Including an explicit noise model in the framework of OBF model structures and determine the parameters and multi-step ahead predictions (iv) Closed-loop identification problems in this new OBF plus noise model frame work This study presents novel schemes that address the above problems. The first problem is addressed by formulating an iterative scheme where one or two of the dominant pole(s) of the system are estimated and used to develop parsimonious OBF models. A unified scheme is formulated where an OBF-deterministic model and an explicit AR or ARMA stochastic (noise) models are developed to address the second problem. The closed-loop identification problem is addressed by developing schemes based on the direct and indirect approaches using OBF based structures. For all the proposed OBF prediction model structures, the method for estimating the model parameters and multi-step ahead prediction are developed. All the proposed schemes are demonstrated with the help of simulation and real plant case studies. The accuracy of the developed OBF-based models is verified using appropriate validation procedures and residual analysis

CADMIUM EXCLUSION FROM RICE GRAINS:DEVELOPMENT OF MOLECULAR AND PHYSIOLOGICAL MARKERS

Among trace elements not essential for plant growth and metabolism, Cd is of particular concern as it may exert phytotoxic effects and have direct consequences on human health by accumulating in staple food crops which make up a large proportion of dietary intake. Cd is generally present in the soil medium either naturally and/or from anthropogenic sources. Concerning agricultural activities, the application of sewage sludge and phosphate fertilizers containing Cd as an impurity, as well as the use of Cd containing irrigation water, are of particular relevance. Compared to other heavy metals, Cd constitutes a big issue in terms of food safety as it tends to be more mobile and thus more available to be translocated to the edible portion of the plant, causing acute or chronic toxicity to humans even at low soil concentrations. The well established tendency of rice (Oryza sativa L.) to accumulate Cd to levels often exceeding the international limits for the cereal grain trade highlights the need to apply sound strategies aimed at reducing the risk of grain Cd accumulation. Compared to the sole use of agronomic techniques, the selection of rice cultivars that accumulate low Cd in the grains by taking advantage from the broad variability in the Cd accumulation trait observed in Indica and Japonica cultivars is far more promising. Therefore, the general purpose of this study was to deepen the knowledge of the physiological basis governing Cd distribution in rice, with particular concern on Cd root retention and Cd translocation, as they have been seen to be crucial in determining Cd accumulation. Specifically, the role of phytochelatins (PCs) in chelation and subcellular compartimentalization of Cd in the roots was investigated, both by characterizing Cd-PCs complexes with respect of the external Cd concentration and examining the molecular basis of their synthesis. As Cd chelation by PCs has seen to be a crucial but not the only determinant in limiting the amount of Cd potentially available to be translocated to the shoots, the focus moved on the identification of the genes encoding transporters putatively involved in Cd xylem loading. Particularly we looked at two transporters, OsHMA2 and OsHMA4, belonging to the P1B-type ATPase subfamily, acknowledging the major role of such class of transporters in Cd translocation. While characterizing these transporters both by molecular and physiological analysis, the occurrence of clear competition effects of Cd over Zn at the translocation level emerged. Such an outcome highlighted that Cd movement determining its allocation through the plant is not strictly associated to Zn, which is likely to result from the existence of Cd transport pathways that are Zn-independent. These results, obtained by exposing rice plants to relatively low Cd concentrations aiming at simulating the real conditions in moderately contaminated soils, contributed to advance the understanding of the complex network of processes governing Cd accumulation in rice grains which, despite the economical and agricultural relevance of this crop, is still lacking. With regard to this, our study could be intended as a step further towards the development of molecular and/or physiological markers to early select rice genotypes able to exclude Cd from the grains with the intent of ensuring the food safety of the consumers

Control Relevant System Identification Using Orthonormal Basis Filter Models

Models are extensively used in advanced process control system design and implementations. Nearly all optimal control design techniques including the widely used model predictive control techniques rely on the use of model of the system to be controlled. There are several linear model structures that are commonly used in control relevant problems in process industries. Some of these model structures are: Auto Regressive with Exogenous Input (ARX), Auto Regressive Moving Average with Exogenous Input (ARMAX), Finite Impulse Response (FIR), Output Error (OE) and Box Jenkins (BJ) models. The selection of the appropriate model structure, among other factors, depend on the consistency of the model parameters, the number of parameters required to describe a system with acceptable accuracy and the computational load in estimating the model parameters. ARX and ARMAX models suffer from inconsistency problem in most open-loop identification problems. Finite Impulse Response (FIR) models require large number of parameters to describe linear systems with acceptable accuracy. BJ, OE and ARMAX models involve nonlinear optimization in estimating their parameters. In addition, all of the above conventional linear models, except FIR, require the time delay of the system to be separately estimated and included in the estimation of the parameters. Orthonormal Basis Filter (OBF) models have several advantages over the other conventional linear models. They are consistent in parameters for most open-loop identification problems. They are parsimonious in parameters if the dominant pole(s) of the system are used in their development. The model parameters are easily estimated using the linear least square method. Moreover, the time delay estimation can be easily integrated in the model development. However, there are several problems that are not yet addressed. Some of the outstanding problems are: (i) Developing parsimonious OBF models when the dominant poles of the system are not known (ii) Obtaining a better estimate of time delay for second or higher order systems (iii) Including an explicit noise model in the framework of OBF model structures and determine the parameters and multi-step ahead predictions (iv) Closed-loop identification problems in this new OBF plus noise model frame work This study presents novel schemes that address the above problems. The first problem is addressed by formulating an iterative scheme where one or two of the dominant pole(s) of the system are estimated and used to develop parsimonious OBF models. A unified scheme is formulated where an OBF-deterministic model and an explicit AR or ARMA stochastic (noise) models are developed to address the second problem. The closed-loop identification problem is addressed by developing schemes based on the direct and indirect approaches using OBF based structures. For all the proposed OBF prediction model structures, the method for estimating the model parameters and multi-step ahead prediction are developed. All the proposed schemes are demonstrated with the help of simulation and real plant case studies. The accuracy of the developed OBF-based models is verified using appropriate validation procedures and residual analysis

Controlo da actividade reprodutiva e inseminação artificial em ovelhas da raça Churra Galega Bragançana

O maneio reprodutivo é extremamente importante, pois é a principal fonte de ingressos económicos. O controlo da actividade reprodutiva é essencial à organização e à gestão adequada de qualquer exploração animal, pois permite adequar os ciclos de nascimentos e de produção às exigências sazonais do mercado de produtos de origem animal e planificar da melhor o maneio alimentar, o maneio sanitário, a mão-de-obra, a ocupação dos espaços, entre outros. A inseminação artificial permite de forma sustentável aumentar rapidamente o valor genético dos animais. Neste trabalho realizou-se, primeiramente, uma breve revisão bibliográfica sobre a fisiologia da reprodução das ovelhas, os métodos de controlo da actividade reprodutiva, as principais análises seminais efectuadas e a inseminação artificial com sémen fresco e refrigerado e os efeitos de dois diluidores seminais – Andromed® e INRA 96® – sobre a fertilidade. Foram utilizadas 67 ovelhas adultas (2-8 anos) da raça autóctone portuguesa Churra Galega Bragançana. O ciclo éstrico de metade das ovelhas foi sincronizado com um tratamento curto de acetato de fluorgestona (FGA; 20 mg) e eCG (500 UI) e o da outra metade foi-o com um tratamento curto de acetato de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (60 mg) e eCG (500 UI). O sémen foi recolhido por vagina artificial e depois de avaliado foi diluído com Andromed® ou INRA 96® e preparado para ser inseminado fresco ou refrigerado. Cada dose seminal continha cerca de 200 x 106 espermatozóides. A inseminação artificial foi realizada cerca de 55+1 horas pós-administração de eCG. Procurou-se avaliar alguns dos parâmetros que condicionam o sucesso da inseminação artificial: inseminador, cor da mucosa da vagina, grau de lubrificação vaginal, tipo do oríficio (Os) cervical externo, local de deposição do sémen e se houve refluxo cervical. A deposição do sémen foi feita sempre o mais profunda possível, com o auxílio de fórceps vaginais, luzes LED, pistoletes Quicklock com baínhas (Minitüb). O dignóstico de gestação foi feito 40 dias pós inseminação artificial. Quando estudo teve início, a maioria das fêmeas estavam cíclicas. Os tratamentos progestagénicos curtos + eCG foram igualmente máximos. A IA às 55+1 horas produziu excelentes resultados. Quarenta dias pós-inseminação 85,1% das ovelhas estavam gestantes. Verificaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre inseminadores, na forma de conservação do sémen, no local de deposição do sémen, entre a forma de XIII Os cervical e a corrência ou não de refluxo cervical. Os diluidores usados não afectaram a taxa de fertilidade.Reproduction management is highly important since it is the main source of money income. Reproduction control is essential to organize and manage every animal production, since it turns possible the adjustment between production and market demands and the best feed, health, labor and space use planning. Artificial insemination allows a fast and sustainable increase of animal genetic value. This thesis starts with a brief monography in ewes reproduction physiology, reproduction control methods, main semen analysis used, artificial insemination with fresh and cooled semen and the effects of two commercial extenders (Andromed® and INRA 96®) in fertility. Sixty-seven adult (2-8 years old) Portuguese Churra Galega Bragançana ewes were used in this study. Ovarian activity of half ewes was synchronized with a short-term treatment FGA (20 mg) + eCG (500 UI) and the other half with a short-term MAP (60 mg) + eCG (500 UI). Semen was collected with artificial vaginas. After been analyzed semen was diluted with Andromed® or INRA 96® and prepared to be inseminated fresh or cooled. Each seminal dose had 200 x 106 sperm cells. Artificial insemination was performed 55+1 hours after eCG administration. Different parameters effects (inseminator, vagina mucosa color, degree of vagina lubrication, external cervix Os form, sperm deposition local and cervical possible semen reflux) in fertility. Semen was deposited as deeper as possible in the cervix without damaging the mucosa wall, using vaginal forceps, LED lights, Quicklock guns and Minitüb sheaths. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 40 days after artificial insemination. At the start of this study the majority of ewes were cycling. Both short-term progestogens and eCG treatments were absolute efficient. AI at 55+1 hours resulted in excellent fertility. Forty days after insemination, 85.1% of all ewes were pregnant. Significant statistical differences were found between inseminators, semen preservation, local of semen deposition, Os cervix form and cervical reflux in fertility. Extenders had no effect on fertility

Territorialidades da migra??o campo-cidade em Severiano de Almeida: um estudo sobre a Linha Norte

La ciudad y el campo est?n en relaciones constantes en el mundo contempor?neo, a trav?s de elementos que son de orden econ?mico, social y cultural. Y la cuesti?n de la migraci?n se encuadra en este contexto por estar presente en los d?as de hoy, a trav?s de la salida de la poblaci?n rural al espacio urbano y que muchas veces lleva consigo aspectos culturales de los v?nculos que los individuos mantienen con el local. De esta forma, Severiano de Almeida ubicado en el norte de Rio Grande do Sul, tambi?n presenta un proceso migratorio en una de sus comunidades rurales, donde parte de la poblaci?n rural migr? del campo a la ciudad en busca de nuevas oportunidades y son estos elementos que nos instigan a pensar en la siguiente pregunta: ?cu?les son los factores relevantes que caracterizan el proceso migratorio de los moradores del campo a la ciudad? Para comprender mejor este enfoque buscamos las bases en autores como Haesbaert (2016), Beaujeu-Garnier (1980), Corr?a (2011), Lopes de Souza (2000), Saquet (2013), entre otros, para entender mejor los planteamientos te?ricos sobre el tema. La elecci?n comunidad rural L?nea Norte parte de la percepci?n y an?lisis personal, donde se puede percibir este peque?o proceso migratorio en esta localidad del municipio. Adem?s de la revisi?n bibliogr?fica, realizamos la aplicaci?n de un cuestionario para los residentes que migraron, entrevista con algunos residentes (informantes clave) y trabajo de campo para registros fotogr?ficos y de informaciones. Al t?rmino de la investigaci?n podemos observar que son muchas las motivaciones que llevaron a los vecinos a migrar y que sin dudas ocurre una desterritorializaci?n parcial, hay vistas a los v?nculos, ahora, desde la ciudad, que las familias mantienen con el campo.A cidade e o campo est?o em rela??es constantes no mundo contempor?neo, atrav?s de elementos que s?o de ordem econ?mica, social e cultural. E a quest?o da migra??o se enquadra neste contexto por estar presente nos dias de hoje, atrav?s da sa?da da popula??o rural para o espa?o urbano e que muitas vezes leva consigo aspectos culturais dos v?nculos que os indiv?duos mant?m com o local. Desta forma, Severiano de Almeida localizado no norte do Rio Grande do Sul, tamb?m apresenta um processo migrat?rio em uma de suas comunidades rurais, onde parte da popula??o rural migrou do campo para a cidade em busca de novas oportunidades e s?o estes elementos que nos instigam a pensar na seguinte pergunta: quais s?o os fatores relevantes que caracterizam o processo migrat?rio dos moradores do campo para a cidade? Para compreendermos melhor esta abordagem buscamos as bases em autores como Haesbaert (2016), Beaujeu-Garnier (1980), Corr?a (2011), Lopes de Souza (2000), Saquet (2013), entre outros, para melhor entendermos as abordagens te?ricas sobre o tema. A escolha comunidade rural Linha Norte parte da percep??o e an?lise pessoal, onde se pode perceber este pequeno processo migrat?rio nesta localidade do munic?pio. Al?m da revis?o bibliogr?fica, realizamos a aplica??o de um question?rio para os moradores que migraram, entrevista com alguns moradores (informantes-chave) e trabalho de campo para registros fotogr?ficos e de informa??es. Ao t?rmino da pesquisa podemos observar que s?o muitas as motiva??es que levaram os moradores a migrar e que sem d?vidas ocorre uma desterritorializa??o parcial, haja vista os v?nculos, agora, desde a cidade, que as fam?lias mant?m com o campo

A dança como espaço-tempo de intersubjetividades: possibilidade da educação física no ensino médio

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Desportos, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação Física, Florianópolis, 2009A presente investigação teve por objetivo compreender como a dança pode se configurar em espaço-tempo de compartilhamento de experiências nas aulas de educação física no ensino médio. As ideias de dança discutidas nesse trabalho percorrem os entendimentos apresentados por Saraiva-Kunz (2003), Saraiva et al (2005 a, b; e.o.) nos quais a dança, como prática estética, possibilita a materialização da sensibilidade humana, ampliando a capacidade expressiva e, no contexto educativo enquanto elemento da cultura de movimento, contribui para a instauração de uma atitude crítica. Com relação aos jovens e às culturas juvenis, busca-se perceber a juventude como categoria socialmente constituída, que atende a fenômenos existentes e possui uma dimensão simbólica, mas também precisa ser analisada a partir dos aspectos fáticos, materiais, históricos e políticos, nos quais toda a produção social se desenvolve. Nessa direção, orientam nossas discussões Abramo (2005), Dayrell (2005; 2007), Ortega (2006) entre outros. Já nas discussões sobre subjetividade, trazemos como ideia principal aquela apresentada por Merleau-Ponty (1999), revelando-nos que a subjetividade que somos é resultado de uma complexa relação com o mundo e com os outros que estabelecemos a partir do nosso corpo. Essa pesquisa qualitativa encontrou na orientação fenomenológica/hermenêutica, o suporte teórico-metodológico necessário para explorarmos a complexa realidade vivida, construída e reconstruída constantemente pelas significações e sentidos instituídos pelos sujeitos. Os colaboradores dessa investigação foram jovens pertencentes a uma escola da rede pública estadual, na qual a dança é tida como componente da educação física curricular, e são de uma série do primeiro ano do ensino médio. Os instrumentos utilizados para a coleta das informações foram a observação participante, diário de campo e grupo focal. Interpretando as informações reveladas pelo campo, a atividade da dança se evidenciou como possibilidade de compartilhamento de experiências e, as tensões geradas pela sua vivência/experiência podem constituir, de fato, outro espaço-tempo na escola, significativo e significado pelas experiências sociais, contribuindo para a (trans)formação da subjetividade. Diante as discussões realizadas e, cientes de que seria possível outros olhares para esse fenômeno, revela-se que no trabalho com a dança na escola, instaura-se um espaço-tempo que se abre para configurações de novos sujeitos que podem, ao menos por alguns instantes, desfrutar de uma experiência estética capaz de potencializar a sensibilidade humana, qualidade tão requisitada nos tempos atuais.This present investigation has had for objective to understand how the dance can be configured in space-time of expreiences sharing in Physic Education classes in high school. The dance ideas discussed in this work are based in the understandings presented by Saraiva-Kunz (2003), Saraiva et al (2005 a, b; e.o.) for him the dance, as aesthetic practice, allouds the materialization of human sensitivity, enlarging the expressive capacity and, in the educative context whereas element of the culture of movement, contributes for the instauration of a critical attitude. In relation to the youngs and their cultures, It tries to notice the youth as socially constituted category. Which attends to existent phenomenon and it has a symbolic dimension, but also needs to be analyzed from real facts, materials, historical and politics, in which all the social production develops itself. Following this direction, It guides our discussion: Abramo(2005), Dayrell (2005; 2007), Ortega (2006) among others. Yet in the discussions about subjetividade, we have as main idea the one presented by Merleau-Ponty (1999), revealing to us that the subjectivity that we are is the result of a complex relationship with the world and with the others that we establish starting from our body. This qualitative research found in the fenomenological/Hermeneutic orientation, the theoretical methodological support needed for us to explore the complex reality lived, built, and constantly rebuilt by the significations and senses instituted by the subjects. The collaboradors of this investigation were young people from a public state school, where the dance is taken as component of the curricular Physic Education, and they are from a high school first grade. The instruments used for the collection of the informations were the observation, field diary and focal group. Interpreting the informations revealed by the field, the dance activity attested as a possibility of sharing of experiences and, the tensions genereted by its existence/experience can constitute, in fact, other space-time in the school, significant and meaning by social experiences, contributing for the (trans)formation of the subjectivity. Before all the discussions accomplished and, aware that would be possible other glances for that phenomenon, it revels that in the work with the dance at school, a space-time is stabilished and opens itself for configurations of new subjects that can, at least for some instants, to make use of a aesthetic experience capable to potentiate the human sensibility, quality so requested in the current times

Introduction

Quand est-il possible d'écrire l'histoire de l’événement auquel l'on a participé ? Où est-ce que se situe la limite entre la restitution immédiate de celui-ci et le premier acte historiographique ? Ces questions ne sont pas nouvelles, loin de là. Cependant elles sont pertinentes à l'heure même où les colloques et les articles consacrés à l'histoire immédiate de la Révolution se multiplient. Impossible de ne pas y voir le réflexe de la nouvelle importance accordée au statut de l'acteur dans le..

Breeding Control in Awassi x Sarda ewes

O presente estudo teve com principal objectivo avaliar a eficácia de tratamentos progestagénicos curtos (seis dias) + eCG no controlo da actividade reprodutiva de ovelhas Awassi x Sarda, aplicados no mês de Maio. Simultaneamente procurou-se avaliar os efeitos da administração prévia de melatonina exógena e comparar a eficácia de dois progestagénios - FGA os. MAP - e a via de administração da PGF^ - intramuscular vs. subcutânea. O ensaio foi realizado em Carviçais, Torre de Moncorvo, na exploração comercial "Mateus Lda.", entre os meses de março e agosto de 2013. Nele foram utilizadas 57 ovelhas lactantes e cinco carneiros Awassi x Sarda. Inidalmente, as ovelhas foram divididas em dois grupos: Controlo (n = 28) e Melatonina (n = 29). As ovelhas Melatonina receberam um implante subcutâneo de melatonina (18 mg). Cinquenta dias depois, 31 ovelhas foram tratadas com esponjas vaginais com 20 mg de FGA e 26 ovelhas com esponjas vaginais com 60 mg de MAR Nessa altura, todas as ovelhas foram injectadas por via intramuscular (n = 28) ou subcutânea^ = 29) com 100 ^ig de PGF^. Os tratamentos progestagénicos duraram seis dias. Quando da remoção das esponjas vaginais, todas as ovelhas receberam uma injecção de 500 UI de eCG. Avaliou-se a ciclicidade pré e pós-tratamentos progestagénicos curtos + eCG, a resposta comportamental e a percentagem de ovelhas gestantes 73 dias pós-tratamentos. Conduiu-se que os tratamentos progestagémcos curtos foram eficazes no controlo da actividade reprodutiva das ovelhas Awassi x Sarda. A melatonina exógena foi eficaz na mtermpção do anestro sazonal, mas não melhorou a resposta^reprodutiva das ovelhas aos tratamentos aplicados. Os efeitos de ambos os progestagénios foram muito positivos. O MAF apenas foi superior ao FGA na promoção da resposta ovárica. A administração subcutânea de PGF^ apenas favoreceu a percentagem de ovelhas que formaram, pelo menos, um CL. Palavras-passe: ovinos, Awassi x Sarda, melatonina, FGA, MAP, actividade reprodutiva.The main aim of this paper was to study the effidency of short-term progestogens treatments (six days) plus eCG in the breeding contrai of Awassi x Sarda ewes on May. The effects of previous treatment with exogenous melatonm and PGF^ administration route (intramuscular vs. subcutaneous) were also assessed. The present study took place in a commercial farm (Mateus Lda) at the village of Carviçais, in Torre de Moncorvo (Portugal), between March and August of 2013. Fifty seven adult lactating ewes and five adult rams were usedm this assay. They were ali crossbred Awassi x Sarda sheep. Ewes were first divided in two groups: Control (n = 28) and Melatonin (n = 29). Melatonin ewes received an exogenous melatonin implant (18 mg). Fifty days later ali ewes were divided in two subgroups: 31 ewes were treated with an intravaginal sponge impregnated with 20 mg of FGA and the other 26 ewes with an intravagmal sponge containing 60 mg of MAR Simultaneously ali ewes were injected intramuscularly (i. m. ) (n = 28) or subcutaneously (s. c.) (n = 29) with 100 |^g of PGF^. Intravaginal sponges were removed six days later. At the same time ali ewes were injected i.m. with 500 IU of eCG. Pré and post treatments ovarian cydicity, sexual behaviour and fertility rate were assessed. Short-term progestogens plus eCG treatments were highly effident in controlling the breeding activity of Awassi x Sarda ewes. Melatonin reduced the percentage of ewes in anoestrous before short-term progestogens plus eCG treatments but had no significant effect on the reproduction response to these treatments. FGA and MAP effects were similar. MAP only improved sigrúficantly the ovarian response. PGF administration route had identical effects on the reproduction response. Subcutaneous administration of PGF just increased the percentage of ewes presenting progesterone leveis higher than 0.5 ng/ml.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio