Connecting microstructural attributes and permeability from 3D tomographic images of in situ shear-enhanced compaction bands using multiscale computations

Tomographic images taken inside and outside a compaction band in a field specimen of Aztec sandstone are analyzed by using numerical methods such as graph theory, level sets, and hybrid lattice Boltzmann/finite element techniques. The results reveal approximately an order of magnitude permeability reduction within the compaction band. This is less than the several orders of magnitude reduction measured from hydraulic experiments on compaction bands formed in laboratory experiments and about one order of magnitude less than inferences from two-dimensional images of Aztec sandstone. Geometrical analysis concludes that the elimination of connected pore space and increased tortuosities due to the porosity decrease are the major factors contributing to the permeability reduction. In addition, the multiscale flow simulations also indicate that permeability is fairly isotropic inside and outside the compaction band

Image-Based Modeling of Granular Porous Media

We propose a new method of modeling granular media that utilizes a single two- or three-dimensional image and is formulated based on a Markov process. The process is mapped onto one that minimizes the difference between the image and a stochastic realization of the granular medium and utilizes a novel approach to remove possible unphysical discontinuities in the realization. Quantitative comparison between the morphological properties of the realizations and representative examples indicates excellent agreement

Plurality Voting: the statistical laws of democracy in Brazil

We explore the statistical laws behind the plurality voting system by investigating the election results for mayor held in Brazil in 2004. Our analysis indicate that the vote partition among mayor candidates of the same city tends to be "polarized" between two candidates, a phenomenon that can be closely described by means of a simple fragmentation model. Complex concepts like "government continuity" and "useful vote" can be identified and even statistically quantified through our approach.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Multi-temporal decomposition for elastoplastic ratcheting solids

This paper presents a multi-temporal formulation for simulating elastoplastic solids under cyclic loading. We leverage the proper generalized decomposition (PGD) to decompose the displacements into multiple time scales, separating the spatial and intra-cyclic dependence from the inter-cyclic variation. In contrast with the standard incremental approach, which solves the (non-linear and computationally intensive) mechanical balance equations at every time step, the proposed PGD approach allows the mechanical balance equations to be solved exclusively for the small-time intra-cyclic response, while the large-time inter-cyclic response is described by simple scalar algebraic equations. Numerical simulations exhibiting complex cyclic responses, including a 2D problem and an application to a monopile foundation, demonstrate that PGD solutions with a limited number of space-time degrees of freedom may be obtained numerically, only requiring a few modes to accurately capture the reference response.Comment: Version accepted for publication in Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineerin

Interclássico case study : the emotional factor of a luxury product and its implication on sales

This written dissertation focuses on several topics related to marketing such as consumer behavior, sales strategy and consumer-product involvement through the analysis of a case study about Interclássico - A Classic Cars seller, founded in 2004. The company is situated in Alcácer-do-Sal and is the main national player in the market. Additionally, the firm expands part of its sales internationally. The case study describes the company, its history and its growth in the past 3 years in terms of sales, the firm’s dimension and market share comparing to its main competitors. Ultimately, this dissertation evolves around the consumer for this type of product, his motivations and purchasing process for a Classic Car. The focus of this study is to understand the relevant factors in the decision making process and the importance of these attributes for buyers. Results of this research are presented and interpreted in order to formulate useful recommendations to improve the firm’s marketing and sales strategy. At the end of this dissertation, a chapter dedicated as a Teaching Note is available alongside a set of guidelines in order to discuss this case study in a classroom setting.Esta dissertação escrita incide sobre vários tópicos relacionados com marketing, como comportamento de consumidor, estratégia de vendas e o envolvimento do consumidor-produto através da análise de um caso de estudo sobre a Interclássico - Um vendedor de Carros Clássicos, fundada em 2004. A empresa está situada em Alcácer-do- Sal e é a principal firma no mercado nacional de Clássicos. Adicionalmente, a empresa expande parte de suas vendas a nível internacional. O caso de estudo descreve a empresa, o seu historial e crescimento nos últimos 3 anos em termos de vendas, da sua dimensão e de quota de mercado da firma em comparação com os seus principais concorrentes. Em última análise, esta dissertação gira em torno do consumidor para este tipo de produto, as suas motivações e o seu processo de compra de um Carro Clássico. O foco deste estudo é compreender os factores relevantes no processo de tomada de decisão e a importância desses atributos para os compradores. Os resultados desta pesquisa são apresentados e interpretados a fim de formular recomendações úteis para melhorar a estratégia de marketing e de vendas da empresa. No final desta dissertação, um capítulo dedicado a uma Nota de Ensino se encontra disponível a par de um conjunto de orientações, a fim de abordar este caso de estudo em sala de aula

Time and space distribution of Pontodrilus litoralis and Tylos wegeneri in inter-tidal ecosystems of northern Venezuela, and their use as food for penaeid shrimp aquaculture

Thèse numérisée par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal

Instituto Humanitário Transversal da História da Humanidade

Neste artigo propomo-nos a fazer uma breve viagem pela História Internacional do Direito de Asilo, desde os tempos retratados na Bíblia até à atualidade, passando pelas duas Guerras Mundiais e pelo marco importante que foi a criação da Convenção de Genebra de 1951 relativa ao Estatuto dos Refugiados, entre outros. Incidiremos o nosso estudo sobre o papel da instituição de asilo na Ordem Jurídica Internacional, fazendo uma distinção entre os instrumentos de âmbito Universal e os instrumentos de âmbito Regional que versam esta temática. Finalmente, faremos uma distinção entre o conceito de asilo e o de refugiado.N/

Multidimensional Digital Signal Estimation Using Kalman’s Theory for Computer-Aided Applications

In this paper, we analyze the Multidimensional Kalman Algorithm to estimate a signal corrupted by white Gaussian noise. Because the theory provide a good solution to the problem with a large number of signals, we developed an algorithm for three-dimensional Kalman filtering applied to the positioning problem (latitude, altitude and longitude) of a stationary object based on GPS signals. This application was selected because the incoming signals of the GPS encounters some noise on its way to the receiver, which is originated from different types of sources, the consequences are that the received signals are noisy, therefore inaccurate. The signals are digitally processed, and the implementation may be carried out on a computer-aided system for a specific application.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaUniversidad de Guanajuat

Industrial Automation Self-Learning Through the Develoment of Didactic Industrial Processes

Trabalho apresentado no 20th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning, 27-29 de setembro 2017, Budapeste, HungriaTeaching industrial automation is a complex mission. The classical approach is based on lectures and laboratories assisted by teachers. Nevertheless, teaching industrial automation using the classical approach is not easy because this multidisciplinary area requires knowledge in control, energy, electronics, robotics and computer engineering, among others. In this way, this paper presents an approach to teach Industrial Automation based on a self learning strategy. Instead of using the classical approach, students must develop a research work and a didactic automation prototype. The results of this methodology indicate that students increase the interest about industrial automation and clarify important aspects of assembly, commissioning, parameterization and programming of electric and electronic devices. Additionally this methodology seems to increase self-confidence of students and give them the necessary background to face the challenge of working in the real world.N/