Optimization and synthesis of multilayer frequency selective surfaces via bioinspired hybrid techniques

In this study, two bioinspired computation (BIC) techniques are discussed and applied to the project and synthesis of multilayer frequency selective surfaces (FSS) within the microwave band, specifically for C, X and Ku bands. The proposed BIC techniques consist of combining an artificial, general regression neural network to a genetic algorithm (GA) and a cuckoo search algorithm, respectively. The objective is to find the optimal values of separation between the investigated FSS. Numerical analysis of the electromagnetic properties of the device is made possible with the finite integration method (FIT) and validated through the finite element method (FEM), utilizing both softwares CST Microwave Studio and Ansys HFSS respectively. Thus, the BIC-optimized devices present good phase / angular stability for angles 10°, 20°, 30° and 40°, as well as being polarization independent. The cutoff frequencies to control the operating frequency range of the FSS, referring to transmission coefficient in decibels (dB), were obtained at a threshold of –10dB. Numerical results denote good accordance with measured data

Acquiring Knowledge the Quilombola Territory of the Jambuaçu River through the Games

This game aims to become a didactic-pedagogical tool to facilitate the interaction and transmission of history, culture and some traditional knowledge of quilombola community living in the Quilombola Territory of the Jambuaçu River, located in the municipality of Mojú, state of Pará, to be applied to the students of the local schools and students of the School of Application of the Federal University of Pará. It also aims to boost the interaction between these different worldviews, through the joint elaboration between quilombola researchers, community members of the Quilombola Territory of the Jambuaçu River and the others researcher

Simulação de propagação de sinais de radiofrequência como metodologia de ensino em engenharia / Simulation of radiofrequency signal propagation as an engineering teaching methodology

Esse artigo descreve uma metodologia para o ensino de propagação utilizando um software de código fonte aberto, chamado PyLayers, que tem como objetivo facilitar o processo de aprendizado de conceitos de propagação indoor. Entretanto, não é comum que os discentes do curso de graduação em engenharia da computação e telecomunicações tenham algum contato com este tipo de software. Partindo dessa premissa, o estudo deste simulador proporciona ao aluno de engenharia, a oportunidade de se familiarizar com este tipo de ferramenta computacional. Além disso, a metodologia proposta será usada como um complemento aos métodos de ensino convencionais, ajudando alunos a consolidar os conceitos ensinados no curso e motivá-los a explorar conceitos relevantes sobre propagação através do aprendizado interativo. As tarefas de aprendizado usando a metodologia baseada no uso do software PyLayers foram divididas em quatro etapas: apresentação dos conceitos relativos a propagação indoor, visualização do código PyLayers, teste do código na linha de comando em linguagem Python e interatividade através de mapas de calor dos parâmetros apresentados pela teoria de propagação. Assim, ele complementa o ensino tradicional, melhorando a eficiência na aprendizagem e facilitando o entendimento, conforme verificado pela aplicação de um minicurso submetido aos alunos de engenharia da computação e telecomunicações. As métricas objetivas foram avaliadas para comprovar a eficiência no aprendizado

Modelo de propagação para redes sem fio fixas na banda de 5,8 GHZ em cidades típicas da região amazônica

The study of propagation loss in the Amazon region cities involves an environment characterized by tropical climate and suburban environments densely arborous. Based in the importance of ISM band 5.8 GHz, this work presents a propagation model for this frequency band, combining the characteristics of attenuation experienced by a radio wave when it propagates in typical environments found in Amazon region cities. For such purpose, measurements of the received power were carried out in 335 fixed customers distributed in 12 towns in northern Brazil, which are served by digital inclusion program in the state of Pará, Navega Pará. Measurements with mobility were also carried out on the Federal University of Pará (UFPA) area. Still, it is presented the performance of the proposed model over other models (SUI model and COST231-Hata), described in the literature, when in fixed and mobile networks. Performance metrics such as RMS error and standard deviation were applied taking as reference the measured data. Tuning procedure of the model parameters is performed by the method of linear least squares, applied in two steps to reduce uncertainty about the parameters set. The proposed model achieved an RMS error of 3.8 dB and standard deviation of 2.3 dB, surpassing all other models that had RMS errors above 10 dB and standard deviations over 5 dB. The results show its efficiency on other models to predict losses in the range of 5.8 GHz in stationary and mobile systems.CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível SuperiorO estudo da perda de propagação, nas cidades da região amazônica, envolve ambiente caracterizado pelo clima tropical e, suburbano densamente arborizado. Levando consideração à importância da faixa ISM 5,8 GHz, esta dissertação apresenta um modelo propagação para a faixa de frequência em questão, agregando as características da atenuação experimentada pela onda de rádio quando se propaga em ambientes de cidades típicas região amazônica. Para tanto, medidas de potência recebida foram coletadas em 335 clientes fixos, distribuídos em 12 cidades na região norte do Brasil, sendo estes atendidos pelo programa de inclusão digital do estado do Pará, Navega Pará. Também foram realizadas medidas com mobilidade no campus da Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA). Apresenta ainda o desempenho do modelo proposto sobre outros modelos (Modelo SUI e COST231-Hata) descritos na literatura, para redes sem fio fixas e com mobilidade. As métricas desempenho utilizadas foram o erro RMS e o desvio padrão com relação aos dados medidos. O ajuste dos parâmetros do modelo proposto é realizado através do método de mínimos quadrados lineares, aplicado em duas etapas para diminuir a incerteza sobre os parâmetros ajustados. O modelo proposto alcançou um erro RMS de 3,8 dB e desvio padrão de 2,3 dB, superando os demais modelos que obtiveram erros RMS acima de 10 dB e desvios padrão acima de 5 dB. Os resultados obtidos mostram a sua eficiência sobre outros modelos para predição de perdas na faixa de 5,8 GHz em sistemas fixos e móveis

Modelagem Cross-Layer da qualidade de experiência para transmissões de vídeo em sistemas sem fio OFDM

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre transmissões de vídeo em sistemas sem fio. O objetivo da metodologia aplicada é comprovar a existência de uma relação direta entre a BER e a perda de qualidade (Perda de PSNR) nas transmissões de vídeo em sistemas OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing). Os resultados foram obtidos a partir de simulações, desenvolvidas no ambiente computacional Matlab®, e, aferições em cenários reais, realizadas no campus universitário e dentro do laboratório de estudos, em ambiente controlado. A partir da comparação entre dados simulados e aferidos, foi comprovada a relação entre BER e Perda de PSNR, resultando na formulação de um modelo empírico Cross-Layer com característica exponencial. A modelagem obteve erro RMS e desvio padrão próximos de 1,65 dB quando comparada com as simulações. Além disso, sua validação foi realizada a partir dos dados obtidos de cenários reais, que não foram usados para ajustar os parâmetros da equação obtida. O modelo obtido não necessita da especificação do tipo de canal ou codificação utilizada no FEC (Forward Error Correction), possibilitando uma futura integração com softwares de planejamento de redes, em versões comerciais ou open-sources.ABSTRACT: This work presents a study about video transmission in wireless systems. The applied methodology aims to prove the existence of a direct relationship between BER and quality loss (PSNR loss) on video streams in OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division) systems. The results were obtained from simulations, developed in Matlab^TM environment, and, measurements in real scenarios, held on university campus and inside the research laboratory in an controlled environment. From the comparison between simulated and measured data it was possible to prove the relationship between BER and PSNR loss, which led to the formulation of an empirical Cross-Layer Model with exponential characteristic. The modeling has obtained a RMS error and standard deviation close to 1.65 dB when compared to simulations. Moreover, its validation was performed from data obtained from real-world scenarios, which were not used to adjust the parameters of the proposed equation. This Cross-Layer model does not depend on the type of channel or coding in FEC (Forward Error Correction), allowing future integration with commercial or open-source network planning softwares

Comparison between known propagation models using least squares tuning algorithm on 5.8 GHz in Amazon region cities

This paper presents a performance comparison between known propagation Models through least squares tuning algorithm for 5.8 GHz frequency band. The studied environment is based on the 12 cities located in Amazon Region. After adjustments and simulations, SUI Model showed the smaller RMS error and standard deviation when compared with COST231-Hata and ECC-33 models

Current status of stem cell therapy for liver diseases.

Submitted by Ana Maria Fiscina Sampaio ([email protected]) on 2014-04-01T16:13:15Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Souza BS Current status of....pdf: 211586 bytes, checksum: 8d5804b4dc69d201e1fb4ba685cd85a0 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2014-04-01T16:13:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Souza BS Current status of....pdf: 211586 bytes, checksum: 8d5804b4dc69d201e1fb4ba685cd85a0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisa Gonçalo Moniz. Salvador, BA, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisa Gonçalo Moniz. Salvador, BA, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalha˜es, , Recife, Pernambuco, BrazilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisa Gonçalo Moniz. Salvador, BA, Brasil / Universidade Federal da Bahia. Salvador, BA, BrasilUniversidade Federal da Bahia. Salvador, BA, Brasil / Hospital São Rafael. Salvador, BA, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisa Gonçalo Moniz. Salvador, BA, Brasil / Hospital São Rafael. Salvador, BA, BrasilUniversidade Federal da Bahia. Salvador, BA, Brasil / Hospital São Rafael. Salvador, BA, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisa Gonçalo Moniz. Salvador, BA, Brasil / Hospital São Rafael. Salvador, BA, BrasilLiver failure is one of the main causes of death worldwide and is a growing health problem. Since the discovery of stem cell populations capable of differentiating into specialized cell types, including hepatocytes, the possibility of their utilization in the regeneration of the damaged liver has been a focus of intense investigation. A variety of cell types were tested both in vitro and in vivo, but the definition of a more suitable cell preparation for therapeutic use in each type of liver lesions is yet to be determined. Here we review the protocols described for differentiation of stem cells into hepatocytes, the results of cell therapy in animal models of liver diseases, as well as the available data of the clinical trials in patients with advanced chronic liver disease

Video loss prediction model in wireless networks.

This work discusses video communications over wireless networks (IEEE 802.11ac standard). The videos are in three different resolutions: 720p, 1080p, and 2160p. It is essential to study the performance of these media in access technologies to enhance the current coding and communications techniques. This study sets out a video quality prediction model that includes the different resolutions that are based on wireless network terms and conditions, an approach that has not previously been adopted in the literature. The model involves obtaining Service and Experience Quality Metrics, such as PSNR (Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and packet loss. This article outlines a methodology and mathematical model for video quality loss in the wireless network from simulated data and its accuracy is ensured through the use of performance metrics (RMSE and Standard Deviation). The methodology is based on two mathematical functions, (logarithmic and exponential), and their parameters are defined by linear regression. The model obtained RMSE values and standard deviation of 2.32 dB and 2.2 dB for the predicted values, respectively. The results should lead to a CODEC (Coder-Decoder) improvement and contribute to a better wireless networks design

The Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Ulcerative Colitis in a Northeast Brazilian Population

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of UC in Bahia, a Brazilian state, and to identify the variables associated with extensive colitis, steroid therapy, immunosuppression, and colectomy. Methods. In this cross-sectional study UC patients were interviewed, and additional information was collected from the medical records. Descriptive statistics and multivariate Poisson regression analysis were used. Results. This study included 267 individuals, the mean age of whom was 39.4 years at diagnosis. There was a predominance of females and left-side colitis. Extensive colitis was positively associated with male gender, diarrhea, weight loss, and a younger age at diagnosis. In contrast, active smoking and a family history of IBD were negatively associated with extensive colitis. Positive associations were observed between steroid therapy and diarrhea, weight loss, urban patients, extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), and hospitalization. Younger age and weight loss at diagnosis, a family history of IBD, extensive colitis, EIMs, hospitalization, and steroid therapy were all positively associated with immunosuppression. In contrast, Caucasian individuals, smokers, patients with rectal bleeding, and rural patients areas were all observed to have a decreased likelihood of immunosuppression. Conclusions. Our results corroborate the association between higher prevalence of extensive colitis and younger age at diagnosis. An association between steroid therapy and clinical presentation at diagnosis was observed. The observation that white individuals and rural patients use less immunosuppressive drugs highlights the need to study the influence of environmental and genetic factors on the behavior of UC in this population

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospital-manifested COVID-19 among Brazilians

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of admitted patients with the hospital- versus community-manifested COVID-19 and to evaluate the risk factors related to mortality in the first population. Methods: This retrospective cohort included consecutive adult patients with COVID-19, hospitalized between March and September 2020. The demographic data, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were extracted from medical records. Patients with hospital-manifested COVID-19 (study group) and those with community-manifested COVID-19 (control group) were matched by the propensity score model. Logistic regression models were used to verify the risk factors for mortality in the study group. Results: Among 7,710 hospitalized patients who had COVID-19, 7.2% developed symptoms while admitted for other reasons. Patients with hospital-manifested COVID-19 had a higher prevalence of cancer (19.2% vs 10.8%) and alcoholism (8.8% vs 2.8%) than patients with community-manifested COVID-19 and also had a higher rate of intensive care unit requirement (45.1% vs 35.2%), sepsis (23.8% vs 14.5%), and death (35.8% vs 22.5%) (P <0.05 for all). The factors independently associated with increased mortality in the study group were increasing age, male sex, number of comorbidities, and cancer. Conclusion: Hospital-manifested COVID-19 was associated with increased mortality. Increasing age, male sex, number of comorbidities, and cancer were independent predictors of mortality among those with hospital-manifested COVID-19 disease