Showing papers by "Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina published in 1999"
TL;DR: The authors present linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions for output feedback control problems and their approach can be used for designing decentralized controllers and is easily extended to H/sub 2/, H/ sub /spl infin// and mixed H/ Sub 2//H/sub /spl Infin// problems via standard LMI techniques.
Abstract: The authors present linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions for output feedback control problems. The results are based on sufficient conditions because they are dependent on the particular state-space representation used for describing the system. Nevertheless, the conditions are not sensitive to a certain class of state-space transformations, and if the control problem is feasible then there exists some state-space transformation leading the conditions to be necessary and sufficient for the problem. The authors approach can be used for designing decentralized controllers and is easily extended to H/sub 2/, H/sub /spl infin// and mixed H/sub 2//H/sub /spl infin// problems via standard LMI techniques. The continuous- and discrete-time cases are considered and numerical examples are given to illustrate the results.
509 citations
TL;DR: A real application of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) in which several Decision Support Systems were harmoniously integrated in the interactive learning process of tackling the complex strategic problematic situation faced by the Santa Catarina textile industry, in the south of Brazil is described.
316 citations
TL;DR: The pozzolanic properties of coal combustion bottom ash were investigated in this article, where plain pastes containing equal amounts of calcium hydroxide and bottom ash are prepared and analyzed at different ages for their strength and the calcium hyroxide consumption.
283 citations
186 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present generic scaling laws relating spreading critical exponents and avalanche exponents (in the sense of self-organized criticality) in general systems with absorbing states.
Abstract: We present generic scaling laws relating spreading critical exponents and avalanche exponents (in the sense of self-organized criticality) in general systems with absorbing states. Using these scaling laws we present a collection of the state-of-the-art exponents for directed percolation, dynamical percolation, and other universality classes. This collection of results should help to elucidate the connections of self-organized criticality and systems with absorbing states. In particular, some nonuniversality in avalanche exponents is predicted for systems with many absorbing states.
166 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of capillary length, capillary diameter, refrigerant subcooling, condensing pressure and type of refrigerant on the mass flow-rates through the capillaries was investigated.
140 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the fixed bed extraction of black pepper essential oil using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent was studied and the composition of the extracted oil was obtained by chromatographic analysis, and solubility of the oil was determined using the dynamic method of extraction.
Abstract: Fixed bed extraction of black pepper essential oil using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent was studied. Composition of the extracted oil was obtained by chromatographic analysis, and solubility of the oil was determined using the dynamic method of extraction. Experiments were conducted at 30°C, 40°C and 50°C and 150, 200 and 300 bar. Solubility varied from 0.09 to 0.15 g oil/g CO 2 and increased with the solvent density. In the extraction curves (mass of oil versus mass of CO 2 ) it was possible to identify the constant extraction rate period as well as the failing and diffusion rate periods. About 70% of the total oil was extracted during the constant rate period.
136 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a hybrid of poly(ether imide) and silica was prepared by in situ growth of the inorganic network by hydrolysis and condensation of TEOS.
129 citations
TL;DR: Two substances isolated from natural sources did not show evidence of cytotoxicity under antiviral test conditions, but seemed to inhibit viral capsid protein synthesis of herpes simplex virus type 1.
Abstract: Triterpenoid saponins are naturally occurring sugar conjugates of triterpenes possessing various biological activities, including antiviral action. Two substances isolated from natural sources were tested against herpes simplex virus type 1 replication. They did not show evidence of cytotoxicity under antiviral test conditions. The triterpenoid saponin, isolated from a Brazilian plant (s21), represents the oleanane group and inhibited herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA synthesis. The triterpenoid saponin, isolated from a Chinese plant (s17), represents the ursane group and seemed to inhibit viral capsid protein synthesis of herpes simplex virus type 1.
116 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Application of an adhesive restorative system to irreversibly infected dentin did not affect the clinical performance of the restoration, and an acid-resistant tissue was observed adjacent to and under the altered hybrid layer.
Abstract: Objective The purpose of this project was to evaluate the performance of a dentin adhesive system on carious and noncarious primary dentin in vivo. Method and materials Forty-eight primary molars with carious lesions were randomly assigned to 2 different treatments: group 1 (control, n = 24)--All identifiable, irreversibly infected dentin was removed prior to the application of the bonding agent and restorative material; group 2 (experimental, n = 24)--Irreversibly infected dentin was partially removed prior to the application of the bonding agent and restorative material. The control and experimental teeth were clinically monitored every 3 months and evaluated 12 months after restoration. The teeth were extracted around the time of exfoliation and processed for scanning electron microscopy. Results Retention rate, marginal integrity, and pulpal symptoms were identical in both groups. Radiographically, the radiolucent area associated with the experimental restorations did not increase with time in 75% of the cases. For the control group, the adhesive system formed a hybrid layer. In the experimental group, there was morphologic evidence of the formation of an acid-resistant "altered hybrid layer." An acid-resistant tissue, resulting from the interdiffusion of adhesive resin within the area of carious dentin, was observed adjacent to and under the altered hybrid layer. Conclusion Application of an adhesive restorative system to irreversibly infected dentin did not affect the clinical performance of the restoration.
111 citations
01 Jan 1999
TL;DR: The Brazilian restinga is an assemblage of coastal sandy ecosystems with floristically and physiognomically distinct communities as discussed by the authors, including three primary phytophysiognomies (herbaceous/subshrubby, shrubby [scrub], and arboreal).
Abstract: The Brazilian restinga is an assemblage of coastal sandy ecosystems with floristically and physiognomically distinct communities. These plant communities colonize sediments of very diverse origins (marine, fluvial, lagoonal, eolian, or combinations of these), forming an edaphic vegetational complex that occupies a narrow belt along the coast, including such distinct regions as beaches, dunes and associated depressions, sand ridges, terraces and plains. In the restinga from Santa Catarina (south Brazil), 3 primary phytophysiognomies (herbaceous/subshrubby, shrubby [scrub], and arboreal) are recognized and described (emphasizing the flora), as well as the successional stages produced by anthropic activities, including a preliminary list of endangered or rare or endemic plant species.
TL;DR: The results indicate that the degree of inhibition of the tested drugs upon the parameters studied do not match, suggesting that differences in these effects may certainly interfere with their efficacy.
09 Jun 1999
TL;DR: In this paper, a high power factor rectifier with reduced conduction and commutation losses for telecommunication applications is presented, which is obtained through the use of a single converter, instead of the conventional configuration composed of a four-diode front-end rectifier followed by a boost converter.
Abstract: This paper presents a high power factor rectifier with reduced conduction and commutation losses for telecommunication applications. The reduced conduction losses are obtained through the use of a single converter, instead of the conventional configuration, composed of a four-diode front-end rectifier followed by a boost converter. A nondissipative snubber is responsible for the reduction in the commutation losses. A prototype rated at 1.6 kW, operating at 25 kHz with IGBTs has been implemented in laboratory.
TL;DR: Results demonstrate that the i.c.t. or intracerebroventricular injection of glutamate into the spinal cord of mice produces dose-related hyperalgesia an effect that was largely mediated by the L-arginine-nitric oxide-cGMP pathway from both spinal and supraspinal sites.
TL;DR: The behavioral effects of three chemotypes of essential oils (EO) from Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown (Verbenaceae) on elevated plus maze, open field and rota rod tests and also on rectal temperature in mice were studied in this paper.
TL;DR: A presente pesquisa visou a estudar as representacoes sociais das pessoas sobre a velhice, o idoso and o envelhecimento enquanto processo as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A presente pesquisa visou a estudar as representacoes sociais das pessoas sobre a velhice, o idoso e o envelhecimento enquanto processo. Foram entrevistadas 37 pessoas (idade minima de 52 anos e maxima de 92 anos). Estas pertenciam a tres grupos residentes na cidade de Florianopolis: professores aposentados da UFSC; participantes de um programa da universidade da terceira idade (NETI) e residentes num centro para idosos. As entrevistas foram analisadas com ajuda de um software de analise quantitativa de dados textuais (Alceste). Os resultados apontam para tres tipos de representacao social do envelhecimento: a primeira e uma representacao domestica e feminina onde a perda dos lacos familiares e central, a segunda tipicamente masculina apoia-se na nocao de atividade, caracterizando o envelhecimento como perda do ritmo de trabalho, e a ultima mais utilitarista apresenta o envelhecimento como desgaste da maquina humana. A variavel sexo esclareceu aspectos relevantes sobre as diferentes representacoes encontradas.
TL;DR: It is concluded that up‐regulation of B1 receptors modulated by IL‐1β or TNFα involves the release of other cytokines, activation of PKC and tyrosine kinase pathways, co‐ordinated with the activation of MAP‐kinase and nuclear factor κB, reinforcing the view that B 1 receptors may exert a pivotal role in modulating chronic inflammatory processes.
Abstract: 1. Intradermal (i.d.) injection of cytokines, IL-1beta and TNFalpha (5 ng, 60 and 30 min prior) produces a rapid onset up-regulation of des-Arg9-BK-mediated rat paw oedema. Here we analyse the mechanisms involved in des-Arg9-BK-induced oedema in animals pre-treated with IL-1beta or TNFalpha. 2. Co-injection of anti-IL-1beta, anti-TNFalpha and anti-IL-8 (50 ng) significantly inhibited des-Arg9-BK-induced oedema in animals pre-treated with IL-1beta (65, 37 and 42%) or TNFalpha (39, 64, 25%). IL-1 receptor antagonist (IRA, 100 microg) or IL-10 (10 ng) inhibited the oedema caused by des-Arg9-BK, in rats that had received either IL-1beta (67 and 63%) or TNFalpha (46 and 35%). 3. Co-injection of the PKC inhibitors, staurosporine (10 nmol) or RO 318220 (30 nmol) inhibited des-Arg9-BK-induced paw oedema (44 and 42% for IL-1beta and, 53 and 30% for TNFalpha, respectively). Genistein (tyrosine kinase inhibitor, 2.5 mg kg-1, s.c.) or PD 098059 (MAP-kinase inhibitor, 30 nmol) produced marked inhibition of des-Arg9-BK-induced oedema (58 and 39% for IL-1beta and 31 and 35% for TNFalpha respectively). 4. The NF-kappaB inhibitors TLCK (2 mg kg-1, i.p.) and PDCT (100 mg kg-1, i.p.) significantly inhibited the oedema of des-Arg9-BK in IL-1beta (27 and 83%) or TNFalpha (28 and 80%) pre-treated animals. 5. It is concluded that up-regulation of B1 receptors modulated by IL-1beta or TNFalpha involves the release of other cytokines, activation of PKC and tyrosine kinase pathways, co-ordinated with the activation of MAP-kinase and nuclear factor kappaB, reinforcing the view that B1 receptors may exert a pivotal role in modulating chronic inflammatory processes.
TL;DR: Chronic cough did not respond to treatment with budesonide, perhaps because the cause was not associated with sputum eosinophilia, and patients with nonasthmatic chronic cough enrolled in this study had evidence of a mild neutrophilia and/or microvascular leakage.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Inhaled corticosteroids are effective in suppressing a chronic cough without asthma associated with sputum eosinophilia.
TL;DR: A review of the most recent publications related to the motivation and adherence factors in nutritional intervention programs directed toward behavioral changes is presented in this paper, where the authors reviewed the main theories of motivation which justify the intervention programs designed to change nutritional behavior.
Abstract: This article is a review of the most recent publications related to the motivation and adherence factors in nutritional intervention programs directed toward behavioral changes The review included papers published since 1990 The initial part of the article presents the definitions of several terms commonly associated with researches on the behavioral change area, such as adherence, complacence, motivation, maintenance and relapse Afterwards, the authors present information related to the factors that have been found to interfere in food choices and those that may determine the nutricional habits The patient - professional relationship is also analysed The following section reviews the main theories of motivation, which justify the intervention programs designed to change nutritional behavior There seems to be a trend in the literature toward nutritional intervention programs that integrate the Social Cognitive Theory model and the professional training to acquire the needed skills to motivate people to promote the desired behavioral changes
TL;DR: A new cell which lends itself as a generic current multilevel one is applied to current-source inverters with output current harmonics minimization and without the use of high-frequency modulation.
Abstract: In this paper, a new cell which lends itself as a generic current multilevel one is applied to current-source inverters with output current harmonics minimization and without the use of high-frequency modulation. In this cell, inductors acting as current sources ensure equal current division among switches. DC current balance in the inductors is achieved, also, without closed-loop control. It is also shown that, while, for the five-level structure it is easy to find a proper control strategy, for higher levels, it is necessary to use numerical simulation programs to find out a proper switching strategy. Simulation and experimental results are included to show the performance of the new cell for high-power applications.
TL;DR: In this article, an optical spectral synthesis analysis for the nuclei of 20 Seyfert 2 and four radio galaxies, using a base of stellar population templates of different ages and metallicities and a power-law continuum, is presented.
Abstract: We present the results of an optical spectral synthesis analysis for the nuclei of 20 Seyfert 2 and four radio galaxies, using a base of stellar population templates of different ages and metallicities and a power-law continuum. Compared with the stellar population of elliptical galaxies, we find that Seyfert 2s usually have a smaller contribution from old metal-rich stars (age 10 Gyr, Z ≥ Z⊙), and a larger contribution from stars with ages of 100 Myr. We also find that the contributions from stars with ages ≤ 10 Myr and from a power-law continuum are small, rarely exceeding 5 per cent. These results show that the general assumption of elliptical galaxies as stellar population templates for these objects is incorrect, also implying that the excess blue continuum frequently found in their nuclear spectra is probably due to this template mismatch. We find a considerable contribution from 100-Myr-old stars (≈ 5 per cent), which can be interpreted from the point of view of models where the fuelling of the AGN is carried out by interactions/mergers.
TL;DR: The results suggest that the roots of S. schottiana contain analgesic compounds which justify, at least partially, the popular use of this plant for the treatment of urinary problems.
TL;DR: The aim of this study was to establish the normal pattern of some haemato-immunological parameters in the mussel Perna perna to serve as a reference for further studies using this species as a biological indicator of environmental contaminants.
TL;DR: The present results reveal a complex genetic basis underlying emotional behaviors and they confirm the existence of interactions between genetic factors and sex for this kind of trait, and may give clues to the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety-related ones.
Abstract: The influence of genetic factors on psychological traits and disorders has been repeatedly demonstrated; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying such an influence remain largely unknown. Anxiety-related disorders constitute the most common class of mental disorder in humans, with women being diagnosed far more frequently than men. A better understanding of the genetic and gender-related mechanisms mediating anxiety traits should enable the development of more rational methods for preventing and treating anxiety disorders. In this study we have aimed to identify, for the first time, quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing anxiety/emotionality-related traits in rats. To this end, two strains-Lewis (LEW) and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR)-that differ for several behavioral measures of anxiety/emotionality were intercrossed. A QTL analysis of the F2 population revealed suggestive loci for various traits, including behaviors in the elevated plus-maze and blood pressure. In addition, one major QTL explaining 50.4% of the total variance (LOD = 7.22) was identified on chromosome 4 for the locomotion in the central and aversive area of the open field. Two other relevant QTLs have been recently mapped near this chromosomic region in the rat, which also harbors Tac1r, the gene encoding for the substance P receptor. Our major QTL affected females but not males and its effect depended on the type of cross (LEW or SHR grandmothers). The present results reveal a complex genetic basis underlying emotional behaviors and they confirm the existence of interactions between genetic factors and sex for this kind of trait. Further investigation of the loci identified herein may give clues to the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety-related ones.
TL;DR: In this article, the EPDM elastomer, chemically modified with maleic anhydride (MA), through reaction in solution of EPDm and MA, using dibenzoyl peroxide as an initiator.
Abstract: Several attempts have been made to compatibilize immiscible blends by introducing suitably-chosen polymer additives. This work studies the EPDM elastomer, chemically modified with maleic anhydride (MA), through reaction in solution of EPDM and MA, using dibenzoyl peroxide as an initiator. The best conditions for obtaining the maximum grafting were studied at different times and percentage weights of maleic anhydride. The evaluation of MA grafting onto EPDM was determined with multiple internal reflectance infrared spectroscopy as discussed in detail.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: DPHD produces dose-dependent and pronounced systemic, spinal, and supraspinal antinociception in mice, including against the neurogenic nocICEption induced by formalin and capsaicin.
Abstract: The antinociceptive action of the alkaloid cis-8, 10-di-n-propyllobelidiol hydrochloride dehydrate (DPHD), isolated from Siphocampylus verticillatus, given i.p., p.o., i.t., or i.c.v., was assessed in chemical and thermal models of nociception in mice, such as acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction, formalin- and capsaicin-induced licking, and hot-plate and tail-flick tests. DPHD given by i.p., p.o., i.t., or i.c.v. elicited significant and dose-related antinociception. At the ID50 level, DPHD was about 2- to 39-fold more potent than aspirin and dipyrone, but it was about 14- to 119-fold less potent than morphine. Its analgesic action was reversed by treatment of animals with p-chlorophenylalanine, naloxone, cyprodime, naltrindole, nor-binaltrorphimine, L-arginine, or pertussis toxin. Its action was also modulated by adrenal-gland hormones but was not affected by gamma-aminobutyric acid type A or type B antagonist, bicuculine, or phaclofen, nor was it affected by glibenclamide. DPHD, given daily for up to 7 days, did not develop tolerance to itself nor did it induce cross-tolerance to morphine. However, animals rendered tolerant to morphine presented cross-tolerance to DPHD. The antinociception of DPHD was not secondary to its anti-inflammatory effect, nor was it associated with nonspecific effects such as muscle relaxation or sedation. DPHD, in contrast to morphine, did not decrease charcoal meal transit in mice, nor did it inhibit electrical field stimulation of the guinea pig ileum or mouse vas deferens in vitro. Thus, DPHD produces dose-dependent and pronounced systemic, spinal, and supraspinal antinociception in mice, including against the neurogenic nociception induced by formalin and capsaicin. Its antinociceptive effect involves multiple mechanisms of action, namely interaction with mu, delta, or kappa opioid systems, L-arginine-nitric oxide and serotonin pathways, activation of Gi protein sensitive to pertussis toxin, and modulation by endogenous glucocorticoids.
TL;DR: Residence patterns, habitat use, range, and some population estimate of the coastal bottlenose dolphin were documented in two coastal sites in southern Brazil: Laguna and Imbe/Tramandai.
Abstract: Residence patterns, habitat use, range, and some population estimate of the coastal bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821), were documented in two coastal sites in southern Brazil: Laguna (Santa Catarina) (28o30'S; 48o55'W), and Imbe/Tramandai (Rio Grande do Sul) (29o58'S; 50o07'W). Regular observations were carried out at the Laguna system for 27 months (August 1989 to December 1991). The dolphins were photo-identified using natural permanent marks. Over 4,500 photograps were taken from shore grounds 6 to 14 meters away. Up to 51 dolphins have used the estuaries of Laguna's canal and Imarui-Santo Antonio's lagoon system in 1991. A stable group of nine animals has inhabited the Imbe/Tramandai area for over 13 years. Both sites were considered distinctive geographical communities, with 5.7% interchange within their individuals. In Laguna 88.5% of the individuals were resident and the rest were nonresident. Four cases of movement along the coastline were followed and females were more resident than males.
30 Apr 1999
TL;DR: The description of the multi-agent framework emphasizes the use of negotiation mechanism to improve the scheduling flexibility, as well as the aspects of information integration, communication and coordination in a community of agents.
Abstract: The multi-agent systems paradigm represents one of the most promising approaches to the development of agile scheduling systems in manufacturing. Innovative and balanced perspectives of multi-agent approaches to agile scheduling are discussed in this paper, and several achieved results and current developments are described. The description of the multi-agent framework emphasizes the use of negotiation mechanism to improve the scheduling flexibility, as well as the aspects of information integration, communication and coordination in a community of agents. For information integration and management various approaches are addressed and the utilization of a distributed/federated database management system is suggested. Finally, some innovative aspects for agile scheduling are introduced, particularly in the context of virtual enterprise environments.
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of concrete characteristics (type of binder, mix proportions, length of cure) on the correlation between total charge and both initial current and conductivity measured at the beginning of the test was investigated.
TL;DR: In wild-type as well as in MAL constitutive strains, α-methylglucoside seemed to be the best inducer of transport activity, while trehalose had no inducing effect.
Abstract: The AGT1 permease is a α-glucoside-H+ symporter responsible for the active transport of maltose, trehalose, maltotriose, α-methylglucoside, melezitose and sucrose. In wild-type as well as in MAL constitutive strains, α-methylglucoside seemed to be the best inducer of transport activity, while trehalose had no inducing effect. Based on the initial rates of transport it seems that the sugar preferentially transported by this permease is trehalose, followed by sucrose.