Dimension dependent hypercontractivity for Gaussian kernels

We derive sharp, local and dimension dependent hypercontractive bounds on the Markov kernel of a large class of diffusion semigroups. Unlike the dimension free ones, they capture refined properties of Markov kernels, such as trace estimates. They imply classical bounds on the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck semigroup and a dimensional and refined (transportation) Talagrand inequality when applied to the Hamilton-Jacobi equation. Hypercontractive bounds on the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck semigroup driven by a non-diffusive L\'evy semigroup are also investigated. Curvature-dimension criteria are the main tool in the analysis.Comment: 24 page

PZT thick films by diol chemical solution deposition

Process optimization and properties of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) films for piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (pMUTs) for scanning probe devices will be presented. The goal of the work was a replacement of the tetragenic and mutagenic solvent and a decrease of time-consuming PZT 2-methoxy ethanol (2MOE) route. An alternative diol-based solution synthesis process was developed and "Design Of Experiment” (DOE) was used to achieve processing optimization for thick and crack free films. Tight parameter control allowed to develop a highly reproducible PZT diol process. The crystallization behaviour of crack-free PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 films (1-5μm) with oriented perovskite structure was examined by X-ray diffraction and surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy. Piezoelectric and dielectric properties were examined. The effective transverse piezoelectric coefficient e 31,f of sol-gel processed films was investigated for 4μm thick layers. Best properties were achieved with {1 0 0}-textured films, where a remanent e 31,f value of −7.3C/m2 was measured for 4.1μm thick film

Comparison of upper body strength gains between men and women after 10 weeks of resistance training

Resistance training (RT) offers benefits to both men and women. However, the studies about the differences between men and women in response to an RT program are not conclusive and few data are available about upper body strength response. The aim of this study was to compare elbow flexor strength gains in men and women after 10 weeks of RT. Forty-four college-aged men (22.63 +/- 2.34 years) and forty-seven college-aged women (21.62 +/- 2.96 years) participated in the study. The RT program was performed two days a week for 10 weeks. Before and after the training period, peak torque (PT) of the elbow flexors was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. PT values were higher in men in comparison to women in pre-and post-tests (p 0.05). Effect sizes were 0.57 and 0.56 for men and women, respectively. In conclusion, the present study suggests that men and women have a similar upper body strength response to RT

Efeito da pré-embebição na germinação de sementes de coentro (Coriandro sativum L.).

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o comportamento fisiológico das sementes de coentro submetidas a diferentes períodos de imersão em água, visando acelerar e uniformizar o processo germinativo

Computational algorithms for the segmentation of the human ear

The main goal of this project is to identify an efficient segmentation algorithm for each anatomic structure of the ear. Therefore, in this paper, it is presented and analyzed computational algorithms that have been used to segment structures in images, especially of the human ear in Computed Tomography (CT) images

Métodos de segmentação para modelação 3D do ouvido a partir de imagens

O objectivo principal deste artigo centra-se na apresentação de métodos de segmentação de imagem adequados para a construção de modelos geométricos 3D das estruturas do ouvido a partir de imagens médicas de Tomografia Computorizada (TC), sendo discutidas as vantagens e desvantagens de cada um. Os métodos são classificados de acordo com as técnicas utilizadas; nomeadamente, em métodos de thresholding, de clustering e de modelos deformáveis. Neste artigo, são também apresentados e discutidos resultados experimentais de segmentação das estruturas do ouvido em imagens de TC

Study of the effect of friction between the ossicles of the middle ear

The human ear is a complex biomechanical system and is divided by three parts: outer, middle and inner ear. The middle ear is formed by three ossicles (malleus, incus and stapes), ligaments, muscles and tendons, that amplify the sound, sending the sound waves to the inner ear. In this work, a finite element modelling of the middle ear and ligaments was made. The connection between ossicles was achieved using contact formulation. The modelling of ligaments was based in a hyperelastic model. Studies based in the displacement field of the eardrum and footplate were made, as well as the rotation of the footplate. The stress field in the ligaments to the exterior of the ossicular chain was still analyzed. These studies were done for different friction rates, between the ossicles, and for different acoustic pressure values applied in the eardrum. We can conclude that the connection between the ossicles may be assigned by contact formulation including friction. For simulation proposes, we can assume a quasi-rigid connection between ossicles.Peer Reviewe