bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Adaptive Learning Model with Foregone Payoff Information
Authors: Funai Naoki
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we provide theoretical predictions on the long-run behavior of an adaptive decision maker with foregone payoff information. In the model, the decision maker assigns a subjective payoff assessment to each action based on his past experience and chooses the action that has the highest assessment. After receiving a payoff, the decision maker updates his assessments of actions in an adaptive manner, using not only the objective payoff information but also the foregone payoff information, which may be distorted. The distortion may arise from “the grass is always greener on the other side” effect, pessimism/optimism or envy/gloating; it depends on how the decision maker views the source of the information. We first provide conditions in which the assessment of each action converges, in that the limit assessment is expressed as an average of the expected objective payoff and the expected distorted payoff of the action. Then, we show that the decision maker chooses the optimal action most frequently in the long run if the expected distorted payoff of the action is greater than the ones of the other actions. We also provide conditions, under which this model coincides with the experience-weighted attraction learning, stochastic fictitious play and quantal response equilibrium models, and thus this model provides theoretical predictions for the models in decision problems.
Facing the Challenge: Evaluation of Serious Games / Herausforderung Serious Games: Evaluation von Spielen mit Lerncharakter
Authors: Hauser Franziska , Leich Annika , Schiffer Kerstin
Published: April 2014

Diese Arbeit gibt einen Überblick über den aktuellen Forschungsstand im Bereich der Serious Games. Wir behandeln Fragen und Probleme bezüglich des Konzepts von Serious Games - Spiele, die den Anspruch haben, mehr zu sein, als bloße Unterhaltung und Wissen auf spielerische Art und Weise vermitteln möchten. Wir präsentieren Anwendungsgebiete wie Militär, Gesundheit oder Bildung sowie neueste Trends. Zudem werden positive Auswirkungen auf die persönliche Entwicklung des Spielers aufgezeigt. Aufgrund mangelnder empirischer Belege zur Wirksamkeit derartiger Spieler präsentieren wir eine Auswahl vielversprechender Ansätze zur Gestaltung und Evaluation. Zusammenfassend werden mehr wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zur Effektivität von Serious Games benötigt, deren Durchführung bereits zu Beginn des Design- und Entwicklungsprozesses berücksichtigt werden sollte.
SBA-15 Supported Bimetallic Catalysts for Enhancement Isomers Production During n-Heptane Decomposition
Authors: Albayati Talib M. , Doyle Aidan M.
Published: April 2014

Santa Barbara Amorphous (SBA)-15 supported 1% (Pt–Ni), 1% (Pt–Co) and 1% (Ni–Co) bimetallic catalysts in a heterogeneous reaction for enhancement hydroisomerization and hydrocracking production during reforming or decomposition of n-heptane. The structural and textural features of the nanoporous silicas, both with and without encapsulated nanoparticles, were characterized using small-angle X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, EDAX, nitrogen adsorption–desorption porosimetry (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) surface area analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The catalytic performance was evaluated at 250–400°C under atmospheric pressure in a plug-flow reactor in a catalyst testing rig under tightly controlled conditions of temperature, reactant flow rate and pressure. The species leaving the reactor were analysed by Gas Chromatography. The results show that 1% (Pt–Ni)/SBA-15, 1% (Pt–Co)/SBA-15 and 1% (Ni–Co)/SBA-15 had a high activity for conversion of n-heptane (around 85%). The selectivity of isomerization is not high, so further studies have to be carried out in the future.
Exergy and Energy Analysis, Drying Kinetics and Mathematical Modeling of White Mulberry Drying Process
Authors: Darvishi Hosain , Zarein Mohammad , Minaei Saied , Khafajeh Hamid
Published: April 2014

The energy and exergy analysis, drying characteristics and mathematical modeling of the thin-layer drying kinetics of white mulberry using microwave drying were investigated. Results indicated that values of exergy efficiency (33.63–57.08%) were higher than energy efficiency (31.85–55.56%). Specific energy consumption increased with increasing microwave power while improvement potential decreased. The specific energy consumption and improvement potential varied from 3.97 to 6.73 MJ/kg water and 0.71 to 2.97 MJ/kg water, respectively. Also, energy efficiency decreased with decrease in moisture content and microwave power level. The best exergy and energy aspect was obtained by drying at 100 W microwave power. Drying took place mainly in warming up, constant rate and falling rate periods. The Page model showed the best fit to experimental drying data. Effective diffusivity increased with decreasing moisture content and increasing microwave power. It varied from 1.06 × 10−8 to 3.45 × 10−8 m2/s, with an energy activation of 3.986 W/g.
Trends in Free, Libre, Open Source Software Communities: From Volunteers to Companies / Aktuelle Trends in Free-, Libre-, und Open-Source-Software-Gemeinschaften: Von Freiwilligen zu Unternehmen
Authors: Gonzalez-Barahona Jesus M. , Robles Gregorio
Published: April 2014

The first free/libre/open source software (FLOSS) development communities were composed almost exclusively of volunteers. They were individuals who, despite their affiliation, contributed to the project on their own. They decided which project to join, and their contributions were personal in nature, even when in some cases they were employees of companies with some interests in the project. GNU, the first of such communities, and some others that emerged during the late 1980s and 1990s, followed this pattern. During the 1990s corporate interests started to have a role in some FLOSS communities. Companies hired people from those communities to gain influence, or tasked their employees to contribute to them, again with the idea of influencing their decisions. During the 2000s, corporate communities, in which companies are first-class citizens, have emerged, changing the rules and redefining the role of volunteers and non-affiliated individuals. However, the role of developers, with independence of the company for which they work, is still important even in these communities. This paper addresses this transition from volunteer-based to company-based development communities, and explores the structure and behavior of the latter.
Biochemical and histopathological study of the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Asgary Sedigheh , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud , Shamsi Fatemeh , Najafi Somayeh , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: April 2014

Background: Anthocyanins are phytochemicals with a multitude of pharmacological actions including anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects. This study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L., CM) fruits – that are rich in anthocyanins and known to have medicinal properties– in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: Twenty-eight adult male rats were randomly assigned to four groups of seven animals each: non-diabetic control, diabetic control, glibenclamide-treated (0.6 mg/kg/day; 4 weeks) and CM fruit-treated (2 g/day; 4 weeks) group. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg). Fasting serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol (TC), low- (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured at the end of study period.

Results: Diabetic rats had significantly elevated levels of serum glucose, LDL-C, TG, AST, ALP and ALT and decreased levels of HDL-C compared to the non-diabetic group (p<0.05). Treatment with either glibenclamide or CM counterbalanced the above-mentioned abnormalities. The effects of CM were comparable to those of glibenclamide at the doses tested in this study. Serum glucose, TG, ALP and HDL concentrations in the normal group were significantly changed compared to the diabetic control group (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in evaluated biochemical parameters between the glibenclamide and CM groups with normal group. Histopathological examinations revealed a less severe hepatic portal inflammation in the CM-treated vs. other study groups.

Results: Dietary supplementation with CM fruits effectively prevents the development of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and hepatic inflammation in alloxan-induced diabetes.
Crystal structure of barium germanide, BaGe1.51
Authors: Zhang Guo-Qing , Xie Qin-Xing
Published: April 2014

BaGe1.51, hexagonal, P6/mmm (no. 191), a = 4.458(2) Å, c = 4.867(3) Å, V = 83.78(6) Å3, Z = 1, Rgt(F) = 0.0132, wRref(F2) = 0.0292, T = 293 K.
Dreidimensionales Körper-Tracking mit Hilfe eines evolutionären Algorithmus / Articulated Human Motion Capturing Using an Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Back Kristine , Hernández Mesa Pilar , Diebold Maximilian , Puente Fernando Léon
Published: April 2014

In diesem Beitrag wird ein Verfahren zum markerlosen dreidimensionalen Körper-Tracking mittels eines evolutionären Algorithmus vorgestellt. In Anlehnung an das „Interacting Simulated Annealing“-Partikelfilter (ISA) wird simuliertes Annealing zum Suchen der optimalen Pose hinzugezogen. Die entwickelte Methode wird anhand von Videoaufnahmen aus vier Perspektiven mit dem weitverbreiteten ISA-Verfahren verglichen. Für das Posen-Tracking mit einer geringeren Anzahl an Aufnahmeperspektiven wird außerdem ein Dynamikmodell untersucht, welches Mehrdeutigkeiten im Falle sich überlappender Körperteile auflösen kann.
Optimal Depth Estimation from a Single Image by Computational Imaging Using Chromatic Aberrations / Optimale Tiefenschätzung in einer Einzelaufnahme mittels Computational Imaging anhand chromatischer Aberrationen
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Jähne Bernd
Published: April 2014

We present a computational imaging approach to estimate the depth from a single image using axial chromatic aberrations. It includes a co-design of optics and digital processing to select the optimal parameters of a lens such as focal length, f -number, and chromatic focal shift according to the performance of a depth estimation algorithm on the digital side. A simulation framework evaluates the complete systems performance in different imaging conditions including optimal axial chromatic lens aberration. A low-complexity algorithm estimates the depth map of real scenes. Experiments on real and synthetic scenes show the feasibility of the proposed system for depth estimation. In the case of relatively broadband object spectra and a lens with focal length of 4 mm, depth is estimated with an RMS error of 6-10%.
Health insurance data analysis on home nursing care in Hungary
Authors: Cs. Horváth Zoltán , Sebestyén Andor , Molics Bálint , Ágoston István , Endrei Dóra , Oláh András , Betlehem József , Imre László , Bagosi Gabriella , Boncz Imre
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Home nursing care was introduced in Hungary in 1996. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse health insurance data and utilization indicators of the Hungarian home nursing care. Method: Data derived from the database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration (2001–2012). The number of patients and visits, and the ratio of special nursing and special therapy (physiotherapy, speech therapy) were analysed. Results: The number of patients increased by 41.3% from 36.560 (2001) to 51.647 (2012). The number of visits also increased by 41.9% from 841.715 (2011) to 1.194.670 (2012). Significant geographical inequalities were found in the ratio of special nursing and special therapy as well as nursing needs. The ratio of reimbursement for special nursing was the highest in county Nógrád (80.4%), Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg (79.7%) and Komárom-Esztergom (74.6%), while the lowest in county Zala (53.0%), Csongrád (52.7%) and Budapest (47.9%). Conclusions: There are significant inequalities in the home nursing care in Hungary. In order to decrease these inequalities, specific guidelines should be developed for home nursing care. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(15), 597–603.
Continuity of States in Cholesteric - Line Hexatic Transition in Univalent and Polyvalent Salt DNA Solutions
Authors: Yasar Selcuk , Podgornik Rudolf , Parsegian V. Adrian
Published: April 2014

With increasing density imposed by external osmotic pressure, DNA in univalent salt solutions (e.g., NaCl) is known to go through a set of ordered mesophases, eventually crystallizing into an orthorhombic crystal. While the transition from the cholesteric to the line hexatic (LH) phase has been observed before, it has remained unclear whether the transition is of second order or first order. We use the small but accurately measurable temperature dependence of the osmotic pressure of a PEG solution to fine-regulate the osmotic stress with which it acts on the DNA subphase. This allows us to set the osmotic pressure to an accuracy never achieved before. This advance in experimental methodology allows us then to detect small but nevertheless finite changes in the density of DNA as it goes through the cholesteric → LH transition. In this way, we first determine experimentally the small density change that occurs at the cholesteric → LH phase transition. Further, we establish that this small density discontinuity of Na-DNA is merely increased when polyvalent salt Co(NH3)6Cl3, i.e. CoHex, is added to the solution. Increasing CoHex concentration finally leads to a phase separation at zero imposed osmotic pressure. Establishing a continuity of thermodynamic states for the cholesteric → LH transition and DNA condensation, thought to be completely unrelated before, represents an important advance in our understanding of DNA polymorphism in electrolyte solutions.
Assessment of Functional Properties of Cartilage using Double Quantum Filtered MRI
Authors: Benjamini Dan , Eliav Uzi , Nevo Uri , Basser Peter J. , Horkay Ferenc
Published: April 2014

It is biologically and clinically important to understand and explain the functional properties of cartilage, such as its load bearing and lubricating ability, in terms of the structure, organization, components and their interactions. Our approach tries to explain functional material properties of these tissues as arising from polymeric interactions between and among the different molecular constituents within the tissues at different hierarchical lengthscales. We treat the tissue effectively as a complex molecular composite containing highly charged polysaccharide microgels trapped within a fine collagen meshwork. We have been developing a multi-scale experimental and theoretical framework to explain key material properties of cartilage by studying those of its constituents and the interactions among them at a variety of length and time scales. We use this approach to address important biological questions. One novel application we highlight here is the use of non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to characterize different components and compartments within cartilage and the different water environments associated with each one, in an attempt to provide a comprehensive picture of the mechanical/chemical state of cartilage.
Multifunctional GdPO4:Pr3+ nanocrystals displaying UV emission, visible emission, and magnetic properties
Authors: Cho Junsang , Kim Chang Hae
Published: April 2014

Multifunctional Pr3+-doped GdPO4 nanocrystals possessing UV, visible emissions and magnetic properties were synthesized via co-precipitation and following annealing. It was revealed that as-prepared GdPO4 nanorods were transformed to nanoparticles after heat treatment at 900 °C for 2 hours. Ultimately, GdPO4:Pr3+ nanoparticles have strong UV emission under the excitation of 275 nm and visible emission under the excitation of 445 nm, which offers the optical modalities in both UV and visible range. Moreover, Gd3+-containing nanoparticles are efficient T2-weighted (negative) magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents due to the presence of Gd3+ ions, which can be potentially applied as multimodal, photoluminescence-magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent.
High-Pressure Annealing of a Prestructured Nanocrystalline Precursor to Obtain Tetragonal and Orthorhombic Polymorphs of Hf3N4
Authors: Salamat Ashkan , Bouvier Pierre , Gray Benjamin M. , Hector Andrew L. , Kimber Simon A. J. , McMillan Paul F.
Published: April 2014

Transition metal nitrides containing metal ions in high oxidation states are a significant goal for the discovery of new families of semiconducting materials. Most metal nitride compounds prepared at high temperature and high pressure from the elements have metallic bonding. However amorphous or nanocrystalline compounds can be prepared via metal-organic chemistry routes giving rise to precursors with a high nitrogen:metal ratio. Using X-ray diffraction in parallel with high pressure laser heating in the diamond anvil cell this work highlights the possibility of retaining the composition and structure of a metastable nanocrystalline precursor under high pressure-temperature conditions. Specifically, a nanocrystalline Hf3N4 with a tetragonal defect-fluorite structure can be crystallized under high-P,T conditions. Increasing the pressure and temperature of crystallization leads to the formation of a fully recoverable orthorhombic (defect cottunite-structured) polymorph. This approach identifies a novel class of pathways to the synthesis of new crystalline nitrogen-rich transition metal nitrides.
"Como trabalham os cientistas?": potencialidades de uma atividade de escrita para a discussão acerca da natureza da ciência nas aulas de ciências
Authors: Faria Cláudia , Freire Sofia , Galvão Cecília , Reis Pedro , Figueiredo Orlando
Published: April 2014

Vários estudos em educação têm salientado a natureza da ciência como sendo uma componente importante da educação em ciência. Neste trabalho, é apresentada uma atividade de escrita e discussão de histórias imaginadas sobre cientistas, e são discutidas as suas potencialidades para a exploração das ideias dos alunos sobre a atividade científica. Os dados foram recolhidos através de entrevistas com professores e alunos. Foi também efetuada a análise de documentos escritos e a observação das sessões de discussão. Os resultados revelaram a presença, nos alunos, de ideias inadequadas acerca do que é a atividade científica. Revelaram, também, dificuldades por parte dos professores na gestão da discussão e no confronto dessas ideias, que dificultam a compreensão acerca da natureza do conhecimento científico. É sugerido que esta atividade possa ser enriquecida pela sua integração num contexto real, que facilite o estabelecimento de conexões com o trabalho de cientistas reais.
Modelos didáticos na formação inicial de professores de física: uma apreciação na perspectiva da análise do discurso
Authors: Hygino Cassiana Barreto , Moura Sérgio Arruda de , Linhares Marília Paixão
Published: April 2014

O presente artigo é um recorte de uma pesquisa que focaliza a formação inicial de professores de física. Apresentamos a análise de uma atividade realizada com licenciandos da disciplina Estratégias para o Ensino de Física I, que tem como eixo principal o método de estudo de caso, focalizando problemas da prática docente. Foram solicitadas a eles a elaboração e apresentação de uma proposta de ensino, no formato de aula, com conteúdos referentes à primeira série do Ensino Médio. Neste trabalho, analisamos a proposta didática elaborada e apresentada em sala de aula por um dos alunos, bem como o seu texto de reflexão, usando, para isso, a Análise do Discurso de linha francesa. Nosso objetivo é identificar o ethos deste licenciando, ou seja, compreender sua identidade como professor, e investigar, a partir da análise de seu discurso, se as atividades e discussões realizadas ao longo do curso contribuíram com sua evolução profissional.
Marx como referencial para análise de relações entre ciência, tecnologia e sociedade
Authors: Lima Junior Paulo , Deconto Diomar Caríssimo Selli , Andrella Neto Ricieri , Cavalcanti Cláudio José de Holanda , Ostermann Fernanda
Published: April 2014

Ao longo das últimas décadas, a questão das relações entre ciência, tecnologia e sociedade vem se tornando cada vez mais importante para o desenvolvimento de novos currículos e práticas em educação científica. Este trabalho apresenta um referencial para análise de relações CTS baseado na obra "O Capital" de Karl Marx. Ele introduz conceitos e proposições fundamentais para se perceber de que maneira a introdução de inovações científicas e tecnológicas no mercado está relacionada à produção de capital, e como essa relação pode ser analisada criticamente, já que essas revoluções tecnológicas podem contribuir para a degradação das condições de existência da classe trabalhadora. Este referencial pode ser amplamente utilizado na formação de professores e no planejamento de currículos CTS que busquem uma perspectiva crítica e consistente das relações de exploração que estão nos fundamentos do modo de produção capitalista.
The orchid-bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of ‘RPPN Feliciano Miguel Abdala’ revisited: relevant changes in community composition
Authors: Nemésio A. , Paula IRC.
Published: April 2014

The orchid-bee fauna of ‘Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Feliciano Miguel Abdala’, a 957-ha preserve of Atlantic Forest in eastern Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, was surveyed 12 years after the first inventory in the area. Orchid-bee males were actively collected with insect nets when attracted to seventeen chemical compounds used as scent baits. Three hundred and nineteen males belonging to nine species were collected during 40 hours in late December, 2011, when orchid bees are supposedly more active. Euglossa despecta Moure, 1968, one of the dominant species in the area 12 years ago, was not recorded in the present study. Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841, on the other hand, represented only 16% of the collected bees in 1999 and 61% in the present study. Possible causes and consequences of these changes are discussed.
Habitat selection by anurofauna community at rocky seashore in coastal Atlantic Forest, Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Pontes RC. , Santori RT. , Cunha FC. Gonçalves e , Pontes JAL.
Published: April 2014

Rocky seashores are low granitic hills distributed along the southeastern Brazilian coast with xeric-like vegetation due to the shallow soil. Knowledge on amphibian communities and their reproductive patterns is especially reduced on this kind of environment. Herein, we present a framework of two years monitoring an amphibian community at a rocky seashore environment located at the protected area of Parque Estadual da Serra da Tiririca, municipality of Niterói, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We conducted diurnal and nocturnal searches for frogs in tank bromeliads, rocky surface and shrubby vegetation. Annual pattern of breeding activity of anurans was also estimated. Individuals of the most abundant tank-bromeliad, Alcantarea glaziouana were collected and measured according to several variables to understanding the selection of bromeliads by frogs. We checked the influence of the environmental conditions on amphibian abundance, association between the bromeliads measures, and the water storage in the tank. We recorded the species: Scinax aff. x-signatus; S. cuspidatus; S. littoreus; Thoropa miliaris and Gastrotheca sp. Bromeliads were the preferential habitat used by anurans. The nocturnal habit was predominant for all species and during diurnal searches, the specimens were found sheltered in bromeliads axils. The number of calling males as well as amphibian abundance was associated with the rainiest and warmest period of the year. The species S. littoreus was observed in breeding activity in the majority of sample period. Adult calling males of T. miliaris were observed especially in the rainy season. Rainfall and temperature combined are positively correlated to the total number of captured amphibians. However, individually, rainfall was not significantly correlated, while temperature was positively correlated with the amphibian abundance. Water storage capacity by bromeliads was correlated to characteristics and size of the plant. In the rainy season, the height of the plant and the diameter on top view were correlated with the occurrence of amphibians, while during the driest period there was no correlation among variables and the bromeliad usage by amphibians. Recorded species were strongly associated to the Atlantic Forest domain. Nevertheless, the occupation of rocky seashores by anurans may be more associated with the specialized reproductive modes presented by species, since there is no permanent water available in ponds or streams.
Analysis of fishing activity in the Itá reservoir, Upper Uruguay River, in the period 2004-2009
Authors: Schork . , G. Hermes-Silva. , S . , Zaniboni-Filho E.
Published: April 2014

This study characterized fishing activity in the reservoir of the Hydroelectric Power Plant of Itá in Brazil. The reservoir is located in the Upper Uruguay River, which forms the border between the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. To analyze fishing activity and the composition of ichthyofauna in the reservoir after damming, questionnaires were administered to fishermen in the region between 2004 and 2009. The results showed that fishing in the Itá reservoir can be classified as a subsistence activity performed on small vessels and usually involving the use of drift nets and handlines. Between 2004 and 2009, 292,780.10 kg worth of fish were captured, with an average annual productivity of 3.46 kg ha−1 yr−1. We recorded the highest values of catch per unit effort in 2006, with an annual average of 9.69 kg fisherman−1 day−1. A total of 27 morphospecies were captured during the sample period; carp, traíra, mandi and jundiá together accounted for almost 60% of the catch. This finding indicates that fishing is centered on the capture of sedentary and short-distance migratory species. Despite their lower abundance, long-distance migratory species continue to be captured. The case of the piracanjuba, a long-distance migratory species reintroduced to the region in 2004 and still present in the catches, is particularly noteworthy. Regarding the fishermen's socioeconomic profile, all were men, most of who have engaged in the activity for more than eleven years, have a low educational level, fish with the aid of family members and list agriculture as their main economic activity.
Development of a benthic multimetric index for the Serra da Bocaina bioregion in Southeast Brazil
Authors: Baptista DF. , Henriques-Oliveira AL. , Oliveira RBS. , Mugnai R. , Nessimian JL. , Buss DF.
Published: April 2014

Brazil faces a challenge to develop biomonitoring tools to be used in water quality assessment programs, but few multimetric indices were developed so far. This study is part of an effort to test and implement programs using benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators in Rio de Janeiro State. Our aim was first to test the Multimetric Index for Serra dos Órgãos (SOMI) for a different area - Serra da Bocaina (SB) - in the same ecoregion. We sampled 27 streams of different sizes and altitudes in the SB region. Despite the environmental similarities, results indicated biological differences between reference sites of the two regions. Considering these differences, we decided to develop an index specific for the SB region, the Serra da Bocaina Multimetric Index (MISB). We tested twenty-two metrics for sensitivity to impairment and redundancy, and six metrics were considered valid to integrate the MISB: Family Richness, Trichoptera Richness, % Coleoptera, % Diptera, IBE-IOC index, EPT / Chironomidae ratio. A test of the MISB in eleven sites indicated it was more related to land-use and water physico-chemical parameters than with altitude or stream width, being a useful tool for the monitoring and assessment of streams in the bioregion.
The effect of salinity on osmoregulation and development of the juvenile fat snook, Centropomus parallelus (POEY)
Authors: Sterzelecki FC. , Rodrigues E. , Fanta E. , Ribeiro CAO.
Published: April 2014

Eurihaline fish support waters with different salt concentration. However, numerous studies have shown that salinity can affect fish development. Thus, the effect of salinity change from 20 to 5 and 35 on survival, weight, length, gill chloride cell ultrastructure and gill Na+, K+ ATPase activity was evaluated in Centropomus parallelus following short-term (6, 24 and 96 hours) and long-term exposure (30 and 60 days). Salinity did not affect C. parallelus survival, final weight and length. The quantity of chloride cells increased visibly at salinities of 5 and 35, with the cells exhibiting the typical features of uptake and secretory cells, respectively. Na+, K+ ATPase activity in the gill of the C. parallelus was significantly greater at a salinity of 5 than at a salinity of 20 or 35 after 96 hours, but not after 30 or 60 days. These results indicate that salinity change from high to low salt water induces gill chloride cell and Na+, K+ ATPase activity adaptations after short-term exposure. However, after long-term exposure at salinity 5, gill Na+, K+ ATPase activity is no more necessary at high levels. The increase in salinity to 35 does not induce significant change in gills. Juveniles of C. parallelus may thus be capable of acclimating to salinities of 5 to 35 for 60 days without significant effects on development.
Seasonal variation of energy reserves and reproduction in neotropical free-tailed bats Molossus molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae)
Authors: Barros MS. , Morais DB. , Araújo MR. , Carvalho TF. , Matta SLP. , Pinheiro EC. , Freitas MB.
Published: April 2014

Seasonal variation is a key factor regulating energy metabolism and reproduction in several mammals, including bats. This study aimed to track seasonal changes in the energy reserves of the insectivorous bat Molossus molossus associated with its reproductive cycle. Adult males were collected during the four neotropical annual seasons in Viçosa - MG, Brazil. Blood and tissues were collected for metabolic analysis and testes were removed for histology and morphometry. Our results show that liver and breast muscle glycogen concentrations were significantly lower in winter. The adiposity index was significantly higher in the fall compared to winter and spring. Seminiferous tubules were greater in diameter in animals captured in fall and winter, indicating a higher investment in spermatic production during these seasons. The percentage of Leydig cells was higher in summer compared to fall and winter. We suggest that M. molossus presents a type of seasonal reproduction with two peaks of testicular activity: one in fall, with higher sperm production (spermatogenesis), and another in summer, with higher hormone production (steroidogenesis). The metabolic pattern may be associated with reproductive events, especially due to the highest fat storage observed in the fall, which coincides with the further development of the seminiferous tubules.
Morphoanatomy of the flower of Syagrus inajai (SPRUCE) Becc. (Arecaceae- Arecoideae- Attaleinae), Amazon
Authors: Genovese-Marcomini PR. , Mendonça MS. , Carmello-Guerreiro SM.
Published: April 2014

The occurrence of Syagrus inajai (Spruce) Becc., popularly known as pupunha palm, among other names, has been registered in the Guianas and in the North of Brazil in areas of terra firme (non-flooding) and gallery forests. In order to characterize the inflorescence and further knowledge of this family, a morphoanatomical study was carried out of the palm S. inajai in a green area of the Campus of the Federal University of Amazonas - UFAM, Manaus, Amazonas. The inflorescences are branched to one order, pedunculate, and interfoliar, measuring 62-82 cm in length, with woody bracts with longitudinal grooves on the external surface, and flowers in triads. The number of flowers to each inflorescence varies from 5,904 to 17,316 for staminate flowers, and from 180 to 3,528 for pistillate flowers. Staminate flowers with six anthers and one vascular bundle each; three-lobed pistillodium, vascularized pistillodium. Its pistillate flowers have six staminodia joined to form a circle, syncarpic, tricarpellary, trilocular gynoecium, one ovule to each locule, synascidiate in the ovary, and plicated above. Tripartite stigma, apical and sessile, with epidermis composed of elongated papillary cells, pattern of epidermis that is maintained throughout the stylar canal. Bitegmented, anatrope, pachychalazal ovule.
Morphological and morphometric studies of the antennal sensilla from two populations of Atta robusta (Borgmeier 1939) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Euzébio DE. , Martins GF. , Fernandes-Salomão TM.
Published: April 2014

The ant Atta robusta is endemic to the “restinga” ecosystems where it has an important role in the dynamics of seed dispersal. Despite its importance, A. robusta is considered a threatened species. In this study we analyzed the antennal sensory organs of two different populations of A. robusta (from the cities of São Mateus and Maricá in in Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro States, respectively) using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM revealed different types of sensilla in the A. robusta antennae, i.e., curved and straight trichoid, basiconic, ampullacea and coeloconic, which were highly abundant found in the distal flagellomeres (F) compared with other antenna regions. There were differences in samples collected from two locations in terms of the sensilla number and length. The average numbers of straight and curved trichoid sensillae numbers were different in F9 and F8, respectively, while the average length of the curved trichoid sensilla was only different in F9. These variations in sensory organs between two populations of A. robusta may indicate an adaptation of this species to different environmental conditions. The number of straight trichoid sensilla was only significantly different in F9.
Stages of changes for fruit and vegetable intake and their relation to the nutritional status of undergraduate students
Authors: Reis Lígia Cardoso dos , Correia Ingrid Chaves , Mizutani Edna Shibuya
Published: April 2014

Objective : To assess the nutritional and dietetic profile of freshman Nutrition undergraduate students, and its association with stages of changes (Transtheoretical Model) for fruit and vegetable intake. Methods : Demographic (age and gender), anthropometric (body mass index and waist circumference) and nutritional (pattern of fruit and vegetable intake) data were obtained. The Transtheoretical Model was used to identify the stages of change for fruit and vegetable intake. Food consumption was assessed with a questionnaire developed by the Ministry of Health. The significance level considered for all statistical tests was 0.05 (p<0.05). Results : From 433 eligible students, anthropometric measurements were taken from 219 (50.6%), and 299 (69%) underwent food intake evaluation. The sample included undergraduate students with a low frequency of adequate fruit and vegetables intake (29.8%), being the majority (64.9%) of them classified as at the preparation stage to increase the intake of these food groups. Prevalence of adequate fruit and vegetables intake was higher among students at the action/maintenance stages (83.3%) compared to those at the precontemplation/contemplation (18.3%) and at the preparation stages (32.0%). Students at the preparation stage presented the highest medians for body mass index (p=0.004) and waist circumference (p=0.039) compared to those at the precontemplation/contemplation stages. There was no association between fruit and vegetables intake and the presence of overweight or abdominal obesity (p=0.373). Conclusion : This instrument is effective to predict the food intake and, even among aware individuals and ready to change their food behavior, the prevalence of nutritional risk is high.
Efeito de quatro dias consecutivos de jogos sobre a potência muscular, estresse e recuperação percebida, em jogadores de futsal
Authors: FREITAS Victor Hugo , SOUZA Eberton Alves de , OLIVEIRA Ricardo Santos , PEREIRA Lucas Adriano , NAKAMURA Fábio Yuzo
Published: April 2014

O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar o efeito de jogos de futsal realizados em dias consecutivos sobre o desempenho em testes de saltos verticais e sobre o estresse e a recuperação de atletas dessa modalidade. Participaram deste estudo 11 atletas do sexo masculino (24,3 ± 5,0 anos, 1,73 ± 0,07 cm, 75,7 ± 9,0 kg, 11,2 ± 4,1% de gordura), pertencentes a uma equipe de futsal. A equipe foi monitorada durante a fase final dos Jogos Abertos do Paraná, com jogos realizados em quatro dias consecutivos. O RESTQ-Sport foi aplicado antes e após a competição, e os testes de "squat jump" (SJ) e de salto vertical com contramovimento (CMJ) foram realizados na manhã de todos os dias de jogos. O SJ apresentou uma provável diminuição (0/34/66%) antes do segundo jogo comparado com antes do primeiro, uma muito provável diminuição (0/3/97%) antes do terceiro jogo comparado com antes do primeiro e uma provável diminuição (2/20/78%) antes do quarto jogo comparado com antes do primeiro. O CMJ apresentou uma provável diminuição antes do segundo (0/19/81%), terceiro (3/20/77%) e quarto jogo (1/10/89%) em relação à antes do primeiro. A escala recuperação física do RESTQ-Sport foi menor no pós-competição, comparada com o pré-competição (p < 0,05) e a escala fadiga foi maior no pós-competição comparada com pré-competição (p < 0,05). A diferença entre o Σ das escalas de recuperação e o Σ das escalas de estresse no pós-competição (7,5 ± 9,8) foi menor que o pré-competição (9,8 ± 9,1; p = 0,03). Em conclusão, o decréscimo no desempenho de saltos verticais e as alterações deletérias nas escalas do RESTQ-Sport sugerem que houve acúmulo de fadiga ao longo de jogos de futsal realizados em dias consecutivos.
Molecular diversity in Coffea canephora germplasm conserved and cultivated in Brazil
Authors: Souza Flávio de França , Caixeta Eveline Teixeira , Ferrão Luís Felipe Ventorim , Pena Guilherme Ferreira , Sakiyama Ney Sussumu , Zambolim Eunize Maciel , Zambolim Laércio , Cruz Cosme Damião
Published: April 2014

This work aimed to characterize accessions that represent the C. canephora germplasm conserved and cultivated in Brazil. A total of 130 accessions from germplasm banks of IAC (São Paulo), UFV (Minas Gerais) and also collected in plantations of the State of Espírito Santo and Rondônia were evaluated with a set of 20 new microsatellite primers. Multivariate methods were used to estimate the relationship among the accessions. High level of polymorphism and two major diversity clusters were identified. First cluster was composed by the accessions conserved in the IAC and UFV collections and the second was formed by accessions collected in areas under cultivation. Accessions from Espírito Santo and Rondônia were clear separated, composing two subclusters. Despite the great polymorphism found in Brazilian plantations, the diversity may be increased, because a new threshold in the genetic gains is expected on breeding programs with the intensification of the use of conserved germplasm.
Cytological characterization of Jatropha curcas callus in different periods of cultivation
Authors: Santos Dalilhia Nazaré dos , Nunes Claudinéia Ferreira , Soares Joyce Dória Rodrigues , Valente Thaís Cainã Teixeira , Alves Eduardo , Labory Cláudia Regina Gontijo , Pasqual Moacir
Published: April 2014

The aimed was characterization and determining the time for Jatropha curcas callus subculture. The pattern of J. curcas callus development is sigmoidal with 5 distinct phases, and transplantation should be performed at the end of the deceleration phase (approximately day 28). During callus development, it was observed that at the onset of growth in the exponential phase the cells were internally disorganized; in the linear phase, respiratory metabolism was resumed through reorganization of the first mitochondria; and by the mid-deceleration phase, the cells were entirely active, and several organelles were detected. This organizational status was maintained throughout the stationary phase during which somatic pre-embryos were identified. At the end of the stationary phase, intracellular disruption began, and the cells entered senescence, which characterized the decline phase for the J. curcas calli growth curve.
Genetic diversity in Brazilian tall coconut populations by microsatellite markers
Authors: Ribeiro Francisco Elias , Baudouin Luc , Lebrun Patricia , Chaves Lázaro José , Brondani Claudio , Costa Emiliano Fernandes Nassau , Vencovsky Roland
Published: April 2014

The tall coconut palm was introduced in Brazil in 1553, originating from the island of Cape Verde. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of ten populations of Brazilian tall coconut by 13 microsatellite markers. Samples were collected from 195 individuals of 10 different populations. A total of 68 alleles were detected, with an average of 5.23 alleles per locus. The mean expected and observed heterozygosity value was 0.459 and 0.443, respectively. The number of alleles per population ranged from 36 to 48, with a mean of 40.9 alleles. We observed the formation of two groups, the first formed by the populations of Baía Formosa, Georgino Avelino and São José do Mipibu, and the second by the populations of Japoatã, Pacatuba and Praia do Forte. These results reveal a high level of genetic diversity in the Brazilian populations.
Application of RAPD markers in hybrid verification in coconut
Authors: MK Rajesh , BA Jerard , Preethi P , Thomas Regi Jacob , Karun Anitha
Published: April 2014

Coconut palms are classified into two major types, viz., 'talls' and 'dwarfs', which mainly differ in their pollination behavior of cross- and self-pollination, respectively. Due to this difference, getting true-to-type progenies of desirable tall and dwarf cultivars has always been a challenge. The conventional practice of selection of seedlings based solely on morphological traits often results in selection of out-crossed seedlings and undesirable off-types. In the present investigation, RAPD markers for the tall/dwarf trait were identified in coconut using a bulked DNA approach. Screening of tall and dwarf palm bulk DNA with 200 primers revealed a RAPD primer OPBA3 which was able to clearly differentiate both the tall and dwarf bulks. For validation, the primer was used to screen individual tall and dwarf coconut palms representing different geographic regions. The primer was also used to screen the parents and validate hybrids of Dwarf x Tall crosses.
Plant breeding with marker-assisted selection in Brazil
Authors: Sakiyama Ney Sussumu , Ramos Helaine Christine Cancela , Caixeta Eveline Teixeira , Pereira Messias Gonzaga
Published: April 2014

Over the past three decades, molecular marker studies reached extraordinary advances, especially for sequencing and bioinformatics techniques. Marker-assisted selection became part of the breeding program routines of important seed companies, in order to accelerate and optimize the cultivar developing processes. Private seed companies increasingly use marker-assisted selection, especially for the species of great importance to the seed market, e.g. corn, soybean, cotton, and sunflower. In the Brazilian public institutions few breeding programs use it efficiently. The possible reasons are: lack of know-how, lack of appropriate laboratories, few validated markers, high cost, and lack of urgency in obtaining cultivars. In this article we analyze the use and the constraints of marker-assisted selection in plant breeding programs of Brazilian public institutes.
Influential disease foci in epidemics and underlying mechanisms: a field experiment and simulations
Authors: Estep Laura K. , Sackett Kathryn E. , Mundt Christopher C.
Published: April 2014

Pathogen invasions pose a growing threat to ecosystem stability and public health. Guidelines for the timing and spatial extent of control measures for pathogen invasions are currently limited, however. We conducted a field experiment using wheat (Triticum aestivum) stripe rust, caused by the wind‐dispersed fungusPuccinia striiformis, to study the extent to which host heterogeneity in an initial outbreak focus influences subsequent disease spread. We varied the frequency of susceptible host plants in an initial outbreak focus and in the non‐focus of experimental plots, and observed the progress of epidemics produced by artificial inoculation. The frequency of susceptible hosts in the initial outbreak focus increased the spread of stripe rust in the experimental plots, while frequency of susceptible hosts outside the initial outbreak focus did not. This suggests that factors influencing pathogen reproduction in the initial outbreak focus are key to the control of epidemics of stripe rust. Two mechanisms may underlie the field results. The first is the continuing, direct infection of susceptible hosts in areas outside the initial outbreak focus by disease propagules arriving from the initial outbreak focus. The second is highly local proliferation of disease caused by direct descendants of colonizing individuals originating from the initial outbreak focus. We considered these two alternatives in simulations of a generalized pathogen exhibiting fat‐tailed dispersal, similar toP. striiformis. Simulations showed a dominant effect of conditions in the initial outbreak focus, in agreement with the field experiment, but indicated that, over time, this dominance may erode. Analysis of the duration of focal dominance led to the conclusion that both mechanisms contribute to the phenomenon of focal dominance, and that the frequency of susceptible hosts in the initial outbreak focus had a stronger influence when the proportion of propagules that remained local during dispersal was higher. Overall, our results suggest that targeting pathogen reproduction in the initial outbreak focus will have a disproportionately large impact on subsequent epidemic spread.
Structural, electrical transport and optical studies of Li ion doped ZnO nanostructures
Authors: Rakkesh Rajendran , Balakumar Subramanian
Published: April 2014

In the present work, we studied the morphological aspects, electrical
transport and optical properties of pure and lithium ion doped semiconducting
ZnO nanostructures successfully prepared by a co-precipitation method. The
effect of lithium doping and various morphologies on the structural,
electrical and optical properties of these nanostructures were investigated.
The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern demonstrated that the Li doped ZnO
nanostructures exhibits the hexagonal wurtzite structure. A slight change in
the 101 peak position was detected among the samples with various
morphologies. The UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopic (DRS) studies
showed that the band gap increases with Li doping, due to the Burstein-Moss
band filling effect. Photo- luminescence (PL) studies confirm that the Li
incorporation into ZnO material can induce oxygen enrichment of ZnO surface
that leads to increase the cyan emission. This material could be used in
light emitting diodes in nanoscale optoelectronic devices.