An electrostatic actuator driven by conventional voltage control and charge control requires high actuation voltage and suffers from the pull-in phenomenon that limits its operation range, much less than its entire gap. To provide effective solutions to these problems, we present complete analytical and numerical models of various electrostatic actuators coupled with resonant drive circuits that are able to drive electrostatic actuators at much lower input voltage than that of conventional actuation methods and to extend their operation range beyond their conventional pull-in points in the presence of high parasitic capacitance. Moreover, in order to validate the analytical and numerical models of various electrostatic actuators coupled with the resonant drive circuits, we perform the experiment on the microplate and the micromirror coupled with the resonant drive circuit. For instance, using a high voltage amplifier, we manage to rotate the micromirror with sidewall electrodes by 6 ° at 180 V. However, using the resonant drive circuit, we are able to rotate the same micromirror by 6 ° at much lower input voltage, 8.5 V. In addition, the presented work also facilitates the stability analysis of electrostatic actuators coupled with the resonant drive circuits and provides how the effect of the parasitic capacitance can be minimized. For example, the resonant drive circuit placed within a positive feedback loop of a variable gain amplifier is able to extend the operation range much further even in the presence of very high parasitic capacitance. The resonant drive circuit with the proposed feedback controllers is also able to minimize the detrimental effects of the parasitic capacitance and to displace a parallel-plate actuator over its entire gap without the saddle-node bifurcation. Finally, we present a new displacement measurement method of electrostatic actuators coupled with the resonant drive circuits by sensing the phase delay of an actuation voltage with respect to an input voltage. This new measurement method allows us to easily implement feedback control into existent systems employing an electrostatic actuator without any modification or alteration to the electrostatic actuator itself. Hence, this research work presents the feasibility of electrostatic actuators coupled with the resonant drive circuit in various industrial and medical applications, in which the advantages of miniaturization, low supply voltage, and low power consumption are greatly appreciated.

In radars, matched filters are used in the receiver of the system. Since the target velocity is not known a priori, degradation occurs due to mismatch of the return signal and the matched filter. The performance of the radar can be improved by using a bank of matched filters. The first topic investigated in this work is optimization of the bank of matched filter structure. Two methods are proposed for the design of the parallel filter structure and computations are performed with both methods. The output signal of a radar receiver filter consists not only of the main peak from the target but also of range sidelobes. In a multi-target radar environment, the sidelobes of one large target may appear as a smaller target at another range, or the integrated sidelobes from targets or clutter may mask all the information of another target. The second part of this thesis discusses the methods for decreasing the sidelobe level of the receiver output. Two methods are studied for this purpose. The first is the classical amplitude weighting and the second is the use of an inverse filter that minimizes total sidelobe energy. Both methods decrease the sidelobe levels while bringing a mismatch loss and main peak broadening. For the inverse filter case it is observed that the effect of inverse filter becomes evident as the filter length is increased beyond some point. Finally, the effects of quantization on video signal and the receiver filter coefficients are evaluated. It is observed that 16 bits quantization is sufficient for all kinds of receiver filters tested.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis investigates orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) as a viable modulation technique for an ultrasonic acoustic underwater modem. The underwater environment provides a challenging setting for acoustic communications. Long delay spreads due to multipath propagation, severe Doppler frequency shifts, frequency dependent absorption and very limited bandwidth are but some of the challenges to overcome. OFDM essentially provides the parallel transmission of symbols in the frequency domain by simultaneously modulating many closely spaced orthogonal subcarriers. The resulting long parallel symbol rate together with the cyclic extension of symbols render the signal robust against intersymbol interference (ISI) caused by multipath propagation. Intercarrier interference (ICI) between the overlapping frequency responses of subcarriers is mitigated by their property of orthogonality. Doppler spread contributes to the loss of orthogonality and can result in severe ICI. A method of measuring the Doppler shift by means of including a preamble and postamble symbol with each data frame is proposed. The detected frequency offset is corrected by resampling the frame at the desired sample rate. Not only do the ambles serve as a mechanism for timing and frequency synchronisation, but they are also applied in the channel estimation process. The equalisation of channel response is required for the coherent demodulation of the received symbols. An investigation into different phase shift keying (PSK) and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) constellations reveal optimal arrangements for minimal symbol errors. The optimised QAM constellations do not lend themselves to Gray-coding, so that an efficient interleaving scheme is needed to mitigate the non-uniform distribution of bit errors among symbol errors. Forward error correction is provided via a Bose Chaudhuri Hocquenghem (BCH) block code. Variable code rates, together with the ability to switch between different constellations, enable the modem to perform so-called variable modulation in an attempt to maximise the throughput under specific channel conditions. The modulation/demodulation scheme is wholly defined in software as to provide flexibility and facilitate experimentation with different signal processing methods. The accompanying hardware platform allows for the transmission of a pre-generated signal and the recording of a received signal for off-line processing. The prototype design serves as a proof of concept and thus provides only simplex communication. Field tests over limited distances demonstrate the successful operation of the prototype modem. We conclude that OFDM is indeed a suitable modulation technique for acoustic underwater communication. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis ondersoek die toepassing van ortogonale frekwensiedeling multipleksering (OFDM) as modulasie tegniek op ʼn onderwater kommunikasie modem. Die onderwater omgewing bied vele uitdagings vir akoestiese kommunikasie. Lang vertraging-verstrooiings as gevolg van multipad voortplanting, Doppler frekwensieskuif, frekwensieafhanklike absorpsie, en beperkte bandwydte is van die uitdagings wat oorkom moet word. In essensie bied OFDM die parallelle versending van ʼn aantal simbole deur die gelyktydige modulasie van verskeie nou-gespasieerde subdraers in die frekwensiegebied. Die gevolglike lang parallelle simboolperiodes, tesame met die sikliese uitbreiding van simbole, verleen immuniteit teen intersimbool steurnisse (ISI) wat ontstaan as gevolg van multipad voortplanting. Die ortogonaliteit van naburige draers in die frekwensiegebied beperk interdraer steuring (ICI) tussen hul oorvleuelende frekwensie weergawes. Doppler frekwensieskuif kan egter lei tot die verlies aan ortogonaliteit en bydra tot ernstige interdraer steurings. ʼn Metode wat gebruik maak van aanhef en slot simbole, ingesluit by elke raam, word voorgestel om die Dopplerskuif te meet. Die bepaalde frekwensieafset word gekorrigeer deur die monstertempo van die raam aan te pas na die verlangde tempo. Buiten die tyd- en frekwensie-sinkronisasie funksies van die aanhef en slot simbole, speel dit ook ʼn belangrike rol in die ontrekking van die frekwensie weergawe van die kanaal. Die effening van die kanaal se frekwensieweergawe is noodsaaklik vir die koherente demodulasie van die ontvangde simbole. ʼn Ondersoek na verskillende fase verskuif sleuteling (PSK) en kwadratuur amplitude modulasie (QAM) konstellasies het optimale rangskikkings opgelewer vir minimale simboolfoute. Hierdie optimale QAM konstellasies verleen hulself egter nie na Gray-kodering nie. ʼn Effektiewe invlegtegniek is nodig om die nie-uniforme verspreiding van bisfoute tussen simboolfoute te beperk. Fout korrigering funksionaliteit word gebied deur ʼn Bose Chaudhuri Hocquenghem (BCH) blokkode. Verstelbare koderingstempo’s en die vermoë om tussen verskillende konstellasies te skakel, stel die modem in staat om sogenaamde verstelbare modulasie te gebruik in ʼn poging om die data deurset te optimeer onder spesifieke kanaal kondisies. Die modulasie en demodulasie skema is volledig in sagteware gedefinieer. Dit verleen buigbaarheid en vergemaklik eksperimentering met verskeie seinverwerkingstegnieke. Die meegaande hardeware platvorm stel die modem in staat om vooraf opgewekte seine uit te saai en rou ontvangde siene op te neem vir na-tydse verwerking. Die prototipe ontwerp dien as ʼn konseptuele bewys en bied dus slegs simplekse kommunikasie. Die suksesvolle werking van die modem is gedemonstreer deur toetsing oor beperkte afstande. Hieruit word afgelei dat OFDM inderdaad geskik is vir akoestiese onderwater kommunikasie.

Esta dissertação descreve o desenvolvimento de um goniômetro de enlace indutivo para medição de ângulos articulares. O goniômetro tem por objetivo medições de ângulos até 360° e a possibilidade de medição em articulações com mais de um grau de liberdade. Para isto utiliza como base o trabalho de Laskoski (2010) e os sistemas de navegação aeronáuticas. O experimento realizado por Laskoski (2010) efetua medições até 180° as bobinas precisam estar alinhadas. Os sistemas utilizados em navegações aeronáuticas utilizam a bússola eletrônica e o automatic direction finder, estes sistemas trabalham com grandezas na ordem de quilômetros. Este experimento visa adaptar os sistemas de navegação utilizando o campo magnético para poder efetuar medições de ângulo em pequenas distâncias. Os testes foram satisfatórios comparando os erros encontrados com os resultados dos experimentos de Laskoski (2010) e Carbonaro et al. (2014). O erro máximo em uma distância de 7,5 cm é de 10,6°e o desalinhamento entre a bobinas de +20° e -20° gera um erro de no máximo 1,71°. / This dissertation describes the development of an inductive goniometer for the measurement of joint angle. The goniometer aims to measure angles up to 360 ° and the possibility of measurement in joints with more than one degree of freedom. For this it uses as base the work of Laskoski (2010) and aeronautical navigation systems. The experiment performed by Laskoski (2010) makes measurements up to 180 ° and the coils need to be aligned. The systems used in aeronautical navigations use the electronic compass and the automatic direction finder, that systems work with magnitudes in the order of kilometers. This experiment aims to adapt the navigation systems using the magnetic field to be able to measure angles at small distances. The tests were satisfactory comparing the errors found with the results of the experiments of Laskoski (2010) and Carbonaro et al. (2014). The maximum error over a distance of 7.5 cm is 10.6 ° and the misalignment between the coils of + 20 ° and -20 ° generates an error of at most 1.71 °.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:31:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 4017.pdf: 3689983 bytes, checksum: f15b289ba85e2141d06ae104015f2757 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-06-07 / The trophic ecology is one of the most important aspects to understand the role of a species in the community and in the ecosystem functioning. Studies regarding the feeding of fishes coupled to the ecomorphology of a species become important tools in understanding their ecological role and position in the environment. The present study aimed to analyze the types and amount of food consumed by eleven species of fishes collected in six streams of Alcântara, Maranhão state, and assess their possible interspecific interactions. The specimens were collected in the rainy season, in January, and in the dry season, in November 2008. The analysis of morphology of the fish species was performed by measuring 17 characteristics and calculating 16 ecomorphological attributes. Analysis of the contents of the digestive tract was performed quantitatively and qualitatively. In order to determine the feeding habits of each species the frequency of occurrence, volume and alimentary index of each food item consumed were calculated. The majority of individuals analyzed was collected in the streams Igarapé do Camarajó and Igarapé do Brito. The trophic structure of fish assemblages of these two streams was diversified in both, rainy and dry seasons. The habit of the benthivore species Micropoecilia cf. parae and Apistogramma cf. piauienses was corroborated by their morphology. In the rainy season, there was a higher niche overlap in the diet of insectivorous species in the stream Igarapé do Camarajó, but the morphology of these species showed distinct spatial occupation of the habitat, thus allowing their coexistence. In the dry season most species had food overlap due to the consumption of organic detritus in the Igarapé do Camarajó stream and due to the consumption of chironomid larvae in the Igarapé do Brito stream. Fishes of Camarajó and Brito streams were more likely to feeding specialization in the rainy season and increased diversification of the items consumed during the dry season, indicated, respectively, by larger and smaller niche breadth. The changes in the trophic structure, in the niche overlap and in the niche breadth of fish community in the six streams studied indicate that fluctuations on the hydrological cycle in these streams are an important factor in the throphic dynamics of these fish communities. / Um dos aspectos mais relevantes no entendimento do papel de uma espécie na comunidade à qual pertence e no funcionamento nos ecossistemas refere-se à sua ecologia trófica. Estudos sobre a alimentação de peixes atrelados à ecomorfologia das espécies são ferramentas importantes no entendimento do papel ecológico das espécies e de sua ocupação do meio. O presente estudo teve como objetivos estudar as características da alimentação e da ecomorfologia da ictiofauna amostrada em seis igarapés maranhenses e avaliar suas possíveis interações interespecíficas. Os exemplares analisados foram coletados na estação chuvosa, em janeiro, e na estação seca, em novembro, de 2008. Para análise da ecomorfologia destas espécies foram obtidas 17 medidas e com elas calculados 16 atributos ecomorfológicos. A análise do conteúdo do tubo digestório foi realizada quali e quantitativamente. Para a determinação do hábito alimentar de cada espécie foram calculados a frequência de ocorrência, o volume e o índice alimentar de cada item consumido. A maioria dos indivíduos analisados foi coletada nos igarapés do Camarajó e do Brito. A estrutura trófica da assembléia de peixes destes dois igarapés foi diversificada em ambas estações, chuvosa e seca. O hábito bentófago das espécies Micropoecilia cf. parae e Apistogramma cf. piauiensis foi corroborada por suas morfologias. Na estação chuvosa, observou-se maior sobreposição de nicho na dieta dos insetívoros no igarapé do Camarajó, porém, os atributos ecomofológicos destas espécies indicaram distinta ocupação de nicho espacial entre elas, permitindo, assim, a coexistência. Já na estação seca, no igarapé do Camarajó, a maioria das espécies teve sobreposição alimentar devido ao consumo de detritos orgânicos e no igarapé do Brito pelo consumo de quironomídeos. Os peixes dos igarapés do Camarajó e do Brito apresentaram maior tendência à especialização alimentar na estação chuvosa e maior diversificação dos itens consumidos na estação seca, ambas indicadas pela maior e menor amplitude de nicho, respectivamente. As mudanças na estrutura trófica, na sobreposição e no espectro alimentar da ictiofauna dos seis igarapés maranhenses estudados, indicam que as flutuações decorrentes do ciclo hidrológico constituem, nestes igarapés, um fator importante na dinâmica destas comunidades de peixes.

No description available.

Ces travaux de recherche portent sur les systèmes de communication radio-sur-fibre aux fréquences millimétriques supérieures à 60 GHz. Cette thèse s’articule autour de trois problématiques cruciales pour ces systèmes : la mesure du bruit de phase des signaux millimétriques instables générés par voie optique, la suppression de l’impact du bruit de phase sur les performances des systèmes de communications radio-sur-fibre par l’utilisation de techniques de conversion de fréquence non-cohérente, et enfin l’étude de l’impact du bruit d’intensité sur les performances des systèmes à détection non-cohérente. La première partie du travail présente une nouvelle technique de détection numérique du bruit de phase, capable de mesurer le bruit de phase à n’importe quelle fréquence millimétrique générée par voie optique et donc le plus souvent instable. Il est possible de mesurer le bruit de phase pour une large gamme de fréquences de décalage, allant de fréquence très proches de la porteuse à des bruits lointains grâce à l’adaptation de la résolution fréquentielle de la mesure. Cette mesure se fait de plus sans l’approximation des petits angles, très souvent utilisés. Dans la deuxième partie, un système de communication millimétrique basé sur une détection non-cohérente est étudié. L’étage de conversion de fréquences électrique permettant l’analyse des signaux est réalisé avec une détection d’enveloppe, ce qui permet de s’affranchir des variations de phase et de fréquence de la porteuse générée par voie optique. Pour terminer, des études théoriques et expérimentales sont menées sur l’impact du bruit d’amplitude sur les systèmes radio-sur-fibre utilisant ce type de détection non-cohérente. Les simulations, basées sur des modèles théoriques, sont capables de déterminer quel bruit est prédominant lors des mesures d’EVM parmi les bruits optiques et électriques. Cette technique s’appuie sur l’observation de l’évolution de l’EVM sur la puissance optique reçue. / This Ph.D. investigates the radio over fiber communication systems at mm-wave frequencies higher than 60 GHz. The thesis elaborates on three crucial issues in these systems including:phase noise measurement of unstable optically generated mm-wave signals, elimination ofphase noise impact on performance of radio over fiber systems using non-coherent down conversion technique, and studying the amplitude noise impacts on performance of system based on these detectors. In the first part of this work, a new digital phase noise measurement technique is presented which is able to extract the phase noise of any unstable mm-waveoptically generated signal. This technique is able to measure the phase noise for a widerange of offset frequencies from close-in phase noise to far noise floor by adapting frequency resolution of measurement and without considering small angle approximation. In the second part, we present a radio over fiber system at mm-wave frequency based on non-coherent electrical frequency down conversion stage using an envelope detector which is robust against phase and frequency fluctuations of the optically generated carrier signal. Finally, a the oreticaland experimental study of amplitude noise impact on performance of radio over fiber systemsbased on non-coherent receivers is presented. In this study, a simulation technique based ontheory is developed which is able to determine, among different optical and electrical noise, the one which has the dominant effect on EVM results. This simulation technique is based onobserving the EVM evolution versus received optical power.

No description available.

Objetivo: Investigar se há associação entre a diminuição da amplitude de movimento da articulação coxofemoral e a lesão por não-contato do ligamento cruzado anterior em jogadores de futebol. Método: Neste estudo de casos e controles, 50 jogadores de futebol, com lesão por nãocontato do ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho, confirmada por cirurgia, tiveram suas articulações coxofemorais examinadas e comparadas com o grupo controle. Os achados foram estatisticamente analisados, de acordo com dois pontos de corte (70° e 80°, na soma total de rotação interna e rotação externa), em ambos os grupos. Resultados: Uma significativa diminuição na amplitude de movimento da articulação coxofemoral foi encontrada em 38% de todos os indivíduos estudados no menor ponto de corte (70°) e 64% no maior ponto de corte (80°). A diminuição da amplitude de movimento do quadril foi maior no grupo com ruptura de LCA do que no grupo controle, com pequena diferença entre os dois pontos de corte (70° e 80°). A diferença entre pacientes e controles foi estatisticamente significativa (p = 0, 001). Conclusão: Houve uma forte associação entre a diminuição da amplitude de movimento da articulação do quadril e a ruptura de LCA em jogadores de futebol, não somente, mas, principalmente, devido à diminuição da rotação interna. Apesar da falta de comparação com outros esportes, o resultado mostrou um maior aumento da diminuição de amplitude de movimento do quadril no grupo de jogadores de futebol, quando comparado com a população em geral. / Purpose: To investigate whether there is an association between decreased hip range of motion and noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in soccer players. Methods: In this case-control study, 50 soccer players with noncontact ACL injuries confirmed by surgery had their hips examined and compared with those of a control group. Findings were statistically analyzed according to cutoff points (70 and 80 degrees of total internal-external rotation sum) for both groups. Results: A significant decrease in hip range of motion was found in 38% of all individuals studied at the lower cutoff point (70 degrees) and 64% at the upper cutoff point (80 degrees). The decrease in hip range of motion was greater in the group with ruptured ACL than in controls, with little difference between the two cutoff points (70 and 80 degrees). The difference between patients and controls was statistically significant (p < 0,001). Conclusions: There was strong association between decreased hip range of motion and ACL ruptures in soccer players, not only but mainly due to internal rotation lessening. Despite lacking comparison with other sports, our findings showed a higher decrease of hip range of motion in the group of soccer players when compared with the general population.

Submitted by Thiago Henriques Fernandes (thiagohenriques@gmail.com) on 2016-05-20T17:00:09Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Versão Final Thiago Henriques Fernandes MPA FGV_Protocolo.pdf: 1615948 bytes, checksum: 6be3daa2d29a71d66c8fb7a4efd86c53 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Luiza Holme (ana.holme@fgv.br) on 2016-05-20T17:25:32Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Versão Final Thiago Henriques Fernandes MPA FGV_Protocolo.pdf: 1615948 bytes, checksum: 6be3daa2d29a71d66c8fb7a4efd86c53 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-20T17:43:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Versão Final Thiago Henriques Fernandes MPA FGV_Protocolo.pdf: 1615948 bytes, checksum: 6be3daa2d29a71d66c8fb7a4efd86c53 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-05-06 / The objective of this work was to identify what are the main divergences found between what the theory preconizes as scope and approach of the Project Management Offices (PMOs) and what really happens when practice is observed on site. Such intend was achieved with the support of a case study analysis. The theme may be considered relevant based on the fact that it provides a better comprehension about how the PMOs structures really operate. Specially regarding to scope, that is, whether the PMO is a Program-Project, a Departmental PMO, or a Corporate PMO, and regarding its range, that is, if its action is operational, tactical or strategic. Qualitative methodology was used in this research, through a case study approach. A large size manufacturing company not structured by projects was chosen to be evaluated. This company has a complex organizational structure and such characteristic makes possible a comprehensive study. The performance of the PMOs addressed in the case study was discussed taking in consideration the literature and also the information collected from the participant observation. The results of this work allows to conclude that the assumption of the research, that there are divergences between what the theory preconizes as scope and approach of the PMOs and what really happens on practice, is confirmed through the case study. Beyond that, there is not a clear causality relation between the amplitude of action of those PMOs and its hierarchic position within the organization. Also there is not a pattern of action of the PMOs when compared to functions that they perform. Finally, recommendations were made related to the case study presented. The main ones are shown as follows. It is important to hold a multi case study for a better comprehension of the theme with at least one company structured by projects and other one non-structured by projects in order to compare the performance of their PMOs aiming to better understand the theme. To include more stakeholders among the group of the interviewed people within the case study. To hold a survey with various companies of various segments inside the national territory. Also to perform a study where it may be verified whether different organizational typologies may affect the practice of PMOs in the organizations. / Neste trabalho, o objetivo é identificar, a partir da análise de um estudo de caso, quais são as principais divergências encontradas quando se compara o que a teoria preconiza como o escopo e a abordagem dos Project Management Offices - PMOs e o que acontece na prática, no que diz respeito à real atuação destas estruturas. O tema pode ser considerado relevante devido ao fato de fornecer uma melhor compreensão sobre como as estruturas de PMO realmente atuam, principalmente no que diz respeito ao escopo, isto é, se o PMO é um Programa-Projeto, um PMO Departamental ou um PMO Corporativo e relativamente a sua amplitude, ou seja, se sua atuação é operacional, tática ou estratégica. Para este estudo foi utilizada a metodologia qualitativa, por meio da abordagem de estudo de caso. Foi selecionada uma empresa de grande porte do setor de manufatura não estruturada por projeto para avaliação. A empresa do estudo de caso possui uma estrutura organizacional complexa que possibilita um estudo abrangente. A atuação dos PMOs do estudo de caso foi discutida à luz da revisão de literatura e levando-se em conta, também, as informações colhidas a partir da observação participante. Os resultados deste trabalho permitem concluir que o pressuposto defendido, que é a existência de divergências entre o que a teoria preconiza como escopo e abordagem do PMO e a real atuação dos PMOs, foi confirmado através do estudo de caso; além disso, não existe relação de causalidade clara entre o escopo de atuação dos PMOs e sua posição hierárquica dentro da empresa; e não existe uma atuação padrão destas estruturas, quando comparadas às funções que elas exercem. Por fim, são apresentadas recomendações relativas ao estudo de caso realizado, ou seja, é importante realizar um estudo multicasos entre ao menos uma empresa não estruturada por projeto e outra estruturada por projeto e comparar a atuação dos seus PMOs para melhor compreensão do tema, incluir mais stakeholders no grupo de entrevistados dentro do estudo de caso, realizar um survey com várias empresas de vários segmentos dentro do território nacional e um possível estudo onde seja verificado se tipologias diferentes de estruturas organizacionais podem afetar a atuação práticas dos PMOs.