Influência da filogenia em redes de interações ecológicas

In this thesis we deal with a class of composed networks that are formed by two tree networks, TP and TA, whose end points touches each other through a bipartite network BPA. We explore this network using a functional approach. We are interested in what extend the topology, or the structure, of TX (X = A or P) determines the links of BPA. This composed structure is an useful model in evolutionary biology, where TP and TA are the phylogenetic trees of plants and animals that interact in an ecological community. We use in this thesis two cases of mutualist interactions: frugivory and pollinator networks. We analyse how the phylogeny of TX determines or is correlated with BPA using a Monte Carlo approach. We use the phylogenetic distance among elements that interact with a given species to construct an index κ that quantifies the influence of TX over BPA. The algorithm is based in the assumption that interaction matrices that follows a phylogeny of TX have a total phylogenetic distance smaller than the average distance of an ensemble of Monte Carlo realizations generated by an adequate shuffling data. We find that the phylogeny of animals species has an effect on the ecological matrix that is more marked than plant phylogeny

Contribuições ao estudo das redes complexas: modelo de qualidade

In this work we analyse the implications of using a power law distribution of vertice's quality in the growth dynamics of a network studied by Bianconi anel Barabási. In particular, we start studying the random networks which characterize or are related to some real situations, for instance the tide movement. In this context of complex networks, we investigate several real networks, as well as we define some important concepts in the network studies. Furthermore, we present the first scale-free network model, which was proposed by Barabási et al., and a modified model studied by Bianconi and Barabási, where now the preferential attachment incorporates the different ability (fitness) of the nodes to compete for links. At the end, our results, discussions and conclusions are presented

Hierarquia social e sucesso alimentar em callithrix jacchus (Primates, Callithrichidae), sob condições naturais

The competition for resources is one of the costs of group living. The scramble competition is considered an indirect type of competition, mainly associated with factors like group size and distribution of resources. Contest competition occurs when individuals compete directly for resources. In species that exibit this type of competition the establishment of dominance hierarchy can occur, resulting in differences on feeding and reproductive benefits for each member of the group. In these cases, aggressive and submissive behaviors are expected as a way to signal social status. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of social hierarchy over food ingestion in Callithrix jacchus. Data recording was from September/2006 to March/2007, eight days by month, at Floresta Nacional de Açu do Instituto Chico Mendes de Biodiversidade. The observation time started at 05:00 AM and finished after the last animal was on the sleeptree. Analyses of aggressive interactions, behavioral profile and diet, reveals a lot of advantages for dominat animals in the study group. Dominant individuals had higher intake of animal matter that subordinates. The last ones, consumed fruits, exsudate and, eventually, explored itens that were not common to the diet. We suggest that dominance hiearchy enable the reproductive female to assure priority on access to food resources, a important caracteristc to supply tha costs to maintain tha high reproductive taxa of the specie. We also suggest that reproductive male, due to the participation on food transfer, had the forage efficience reduced

Padrão de distribuição e caracterização morfológica de fibras serotonérgicas nos núcleos da linha Média/ intralaminares do tálamo do mocó (Kerodon rupestris)

The midline/intralaminar nuclei form a remarkable group of nuclei of the medial and dorsal thalamus. The midline nuclei, in rats, comprises the paratenial nuclei (PT), paraventricular (PV), intermediodorsal (IMD), reuniens (Re) and rhomboid (Rh). The intralaminar nuclei comprises the central medial (CM), paracentral (PC), central lateral (CL) and parafascicular (PF). Such nuclei have dense serotonergic innervation originating from the brainstem, especially from the so-called ascending activation system. These nuclei, in turn, send projections to various cortical and subcortical areas, specifically to limbic areas, which suggests the important role of this neurotransmitter in the limbic circuitry. The aim of this study was to characterize the distribution pattern and morphology of serotonin fibers in the nuclei of the midline and intralaminar thalamic of rocky cavy (Kerodon rupestris), a tipical rodent from brazilizan northeast. To reach this aim we used four rock cavies adults. Following the transcardially perfusion with paraformaldehyde and brain microtomy steps was performed immunohistochemistry for serotonin (5-HT), Nissl technique and subsequent achievement and image analysis to characterize the cytoarchitecture of these nuclei and the serotonergic fibers visualized. An analysis was made of Relative Optical Density (ROD) to semi-quantify the concentration of serotonin fibers in the areas of interest. Thus, we observed a cytoarchitectonic arrangement of these nuclei similar to that found in rats. In case of fibers distribution, those immunoreactive to 5-HT were presented in a higher concentration according as ROD in the midline nuclei relative to intralaminar; Re being the core which has a higher pixel value followed by the PV , Rh, IMD and PT. In intralaminar CL showed higher pixels, followed by nuclei CM, PC and PF. The serotonergic fibers were classified as number of varicosities and axon diameter, therefore find three types of fibers distributed through this nuclear complex: fibers rugous, granular and semi-granular. In PV fibers predominated rugous; in PT fibers predominated granular; IMD, CL and PF fibers were represented by semi-granular and Re, Rh, PC and CM fibers showed granular and semi-granular. Morphological characterization of serotonergic fibers and differences in density between the nuclei may suggest different patterns of synaptic organization of this neurotransmitter beyond confirming his large repertoire functional

Participação de moradores no programa de coleta seletiva em três bairros de Natal/RN: explorando determinantes psico-socio-ambientais

The general purpose of the study was the analysis of residents' participation in the program of door-by-door collection of recyclable residuals in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. Even though the conception of such program by municipal managers was basically aimed at providing job opportunities and income for the collectors, the main objective of the investigation was to verify whether residents' participation could be attributed to their environmental commitment. Data collection involved three municipal districts and was performed in three stages, with complementary methodological strategies (observation, questionnaire, and interview), and characterized by selfevaluation, by residents, and hetero-evaluation, by collectors. Social, demographic, situational/contextual, and dispositional data were identified to help in the analysis of residents' adherence to the program. Separating and delivering recyclable residuals was the most frequent type of residents' participation, which demonstrates their low level of appropriation of decisions related to the program, taking part on it as passive agents. Two forms of motivation towards participating in the program were found: environmental and social. Despite the first being more frequent, it was associated to lack of environmental awareness related to the process, which may very well imply a mere reproduction of pro-environmental discourse. Motivation towards social issues was strongly connected to philanthropic forms of help. Knowledge was revealed as na important predictor for participation, as well as social networks, formed by neighbors, relatives and friends. Despite the social emphasis in the design of the program, it is possible to conclude that some residents also perceive its environmental benefits, possibly as consequence of a knowledge originated outside the program. Initiatives of environmental education should be promoted in order to minimize the allegation of lack of knowledge as justification for non-participation. Similarly, actions to put together municipal management and population would be welcome, to promote joint decisions towards sustainable styles of life

Análise de redes do cotidiano a partir do encontro entre usuários e profissionais da estratégia saúde da família

O presente estudo discute a formação de Redes Sociais no cotidiano da Estratégia Saúde da Família, a partir de aportes da teoria sociológica sobre redes, interações, dádiva e reconhecimento. O objetivo geral é analisar as redes sociais locais em saúde a partir da interação de usuários e profissionais da Estratégia Saúde da Família na Unidade de Saúde de Ligéia, em Natal, RN. Seus objetivos específicos são: Mapear as redes sociais locais em saúde existentes no território adscrito; Identificar os tipos de interações cotidianas entre os sujeitos; Compreender a percepção dos sujeitos sobre o processo de formação de redes sociais a partir das interações. Caracteriza-se enquanto pesquisa qualitativa exploratória cujos sujeitos foram profissionais e usuários vinculados à referida unidade de saúde. Para a coleta de dados foram utilizadas entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas e debates em grupos focais, estimulados pela Metodologia de Análise de Redes do Cotidiano (MARES), pertinente para abordar a complexidade das relações sociais e mapear os diferentes conteúdos expressos e as formas de mobilização coletiva. A análise dos dados foi realizada através da Técnica de Análise Temática de Conteúdo, proposta por Minayo. Os resultados foram interpretados à luz das Teorias da Dádiva (Mauss) e do Reconhecimento (Honneth). Os sujeitos visualizaram: Rede Virtual (28,20%); Rede de Atenção à Saúde (25,64%); Redes de Usuários (17,95%); Rede Pessoal (10,26%); Conselho Comunitário (10,26%); Escolas (7,69%). Os participantes não perceberam os arranjos familiares enquanto Redes Sociais. Os tipos de interações sociais identificadas foram: Confrontação/Negociação (41.02%); Harmônicas (25,70%); Correlativas (17,90%); Definidas pela Organização (15,38%). A formação de redes sociais ocorre a partir de interações cotidianas entre pessoas, pela articulação inseparável de conteúdos e formas, catalisadas pelo contexto, experiência e cognição, valorizando a liberdade, a expressividade e a diversidade dos parceiros de significação. Foram encontradas duas categorias, na percepção dos sujeitos, sobre a formação de redes sociais do cotidiano: Diálogo e Encontro. Validamos e recomendamos o uso da metodologia MARES: Na formação, para despertar uma visão mais tolerante e humana de si e do outro; Na avaliação qualitativa dos serviços, por facilitar a reflexão sobre a prática e (re)organização do processo de trabalho; Na comunidade, para estimular movimentos sociais existentes ou emergentes. A aposta no circuito da dádiva e do reconhecimento recíproco, durante o trânsito nas redes sociais em saúde, pode ser capaz de tecer uma práxis transformadora, pela busca e alcance de confiança, respeito e estima, nos espaços de encontro entre usuários e profissionais da Estratégia Saúde da Família

Algoritomos transgenéticos aplicados ao problema da árvore geradora biobjetivo

The Multiobjective Spanning Tree is a NP-hard Combinatorial Optimization problem whose application arises in several areas, especially networks design. In this work, we propose a solution to the biobjective version of the problem through a Transgenetic Algorithm named ATIS-NP. The Computational Transgenetic is a metaheuristic technique from Evolutionary Computation whose inspiration relies in the conception of cooperation (and not competition) as the factor of main influence to evolution. The algorithm outlined is the evolution of a work that has already yielded two other transgenetic algorithms. In this sense, the algorithms previously developed are also presented. This research also comprises an experimental analysis with the aim of obtaining information related to the performance of ATIS-NP when compared to other approaches. Thus, ATIS-NP is compared to the algorithms previously implemented and to other transgenetic already presented for the problem under consideration. The computational experiments also address the comparison to two recent approaches from literature that present good results, a GRASP and a genetic algorithms. The efficiency of the method described is evaluated with basis in metrics of solution quality and computational time spent. Considering the problem is within the context of Multiobjective Optimization, quality indicators are adopted to infer the criteria of solution quality. Statistical tests evaluate the significance of results obtained from computational experiments

Dinâmica e estrutura de redes complexas no modelo de afinidade

In this work we elaborate and discuss a Complex Network model which presents connectivity scale free probability distribution (power-law degree distribution). In order to do that, we modify the rule of the preferential attachment of the Bianconi-Barabasi model, including a factor which represents the similarity of the sites. The term that corresponds to this similarity is called the affinity, and is obtained by the modulus of the difference between the fitness (or quality) of the sites. This variation in the preferential attachment generates very interesting results, by instance the time evolution of the connectivity, which follows a power-law distribution ki / ( t t0 )fi, where fi indicates the rate to the site gain connections. Certainly this depends on the affinity with other sites. Besides, we will show by numerical simulations results for the average path length and for the clustering coefficient

Contribuição ao estudo das redes complexas: extensão do modelo de afinidade

Neste trabalho, elaboramos e discutimos uma rede complexa sem escala, ou seja, uma rede cuja distribuição de conectividade segue uma lei de distribuição de potência. Nosso trabalho pode ser resumido da seguinte forma: Para efeito de didática vamos começar com redes aleatórias que estão relacionados com situações reais e artificiais, e depois comentar as redes livres de escala, como proposto por Barabási-Albert (BA). Depois disso, discutimos uma extensão deste modelo, onde Barabasi e Bianconi (BB) incluem a qualidade. Discutimos também o modelo de afinidade, ou seja, (Ver Almeida et al). Finalmente vamos mostrar o nosso modelo, uma extensão do modelo de afinidade dada por e apresentar os resultados correspondentes. Para realizar tal tarefa modificamos a regra de ligação preferencial do modelo de BB colocando um fator que apresenta o grau de probabilidade entre os sítios da rede. Esta quantidade é feita pela diferença entre a qualidade do novo sítio e a qualidade dos anteriores. Este novo parâmetro produz novos resultados interessantes: a distribuição que segue uma lei de especial de potência, expoente apropriado. A evolução temporal da conectividade do sítio também é calculada . Além disso, mostramos também, os resultados que foram obtidos, via simulação numérica, para o menor caminho médio e o coeficiente de agregação da rede gerada pelo nosso modelo, isto é, pelo modelo de afinidade.

Contribuição ao estudo de redes complexas: modelo de afinidade com métrica

Currently the interest in large-scale systems with a high degree of complexity has been much discussed in the scientific community in various areas of knowledge. As an example, the Internet, protein interaction, collaboration of film actors, among others. To better understand the behavior of interconnected systems, several models in the area of complex networks have been proposed. Barabási and Albert proposed a model in which the connection between the constituents of the system could dynamically and which favors older sites, reproducing a characteristic behavior in some real systems: connectivity distribution of scale invariant. However, this model neglects two factors, among others, observed in real systems: homophily and metrics. Given the importance of these two terms in the global behavior of networks, we propose in this dissertation study a dynamic model of preferential binding to three essential factors that are responsible for competition for links: (i) connectivity (the more connected sites are privileged in the choice of links) (ii) homophily (similar connections between sites are more attractive), (iii) metric (the link is favored by the proximity of the sites). Within this proposal, we analyze the behavior of the distribution of connectivity and dynamic evolution of the network are affected by the metric by A parameter that controls the importance of distance in the preferential binding) and homophily by (characteristic intrinsic site). We realized that the increased importance as the distance in the preferred connection, the connections between sites and become local connectivity distribution is characterized by a typical range. In parallel, we adjust the curves of connectivity distribution, for different values of A, the equation P(k) = P0e

Física estatística aplicada a sistemas sociais através do estudo de redes complexas

In this work a study of social networks based on analysis of family names is presented. A basic approach to the mathematical formalism of graphs is developed and then main theoretical models for complex networks are presented aiming to support the analysis of surnames networks models. These, in turn, are worked so as to be drawn leading quantities, such as aggregation coefficient, minimum average path length and connectivity distribution. Based on these quantities, it can be stated that surnames networks are an example of complex network, showing important features such as preferential attachment and small-world character

Predição de séries temporais de parâmetros de redes HSPA - WCDMA

With the growing demand of data traffic in the networks of third generation (3G), the mobile operators have attempted to focus resources on infrastructure in places where it identifies a greater need. The channeling investments aim to maintain the quality of service especially in dense urban areas. WCDMA - HSPA parameters Rx Power, RSCP (Received Signal Code Power), Ec/Io (Energy per chip/Interference) and transmission rate (throughput) at the physical layer are analyzed. In this work the prediction of time series on HSPA network is performed. The collection of values of the parameters was performed on a fully operational network through a drive test in Natal - RN, a capital city of Brazil northeastern. The models used for prediction of time series were the Simple Exponential Smoothing, Holt, Holt Winters Additive and Holt Winters Multiplicative. The objective of the predictions of the series is to check which model will generate the best predictions of network parameters WCDMA - HSPA.

Distribuição e uso de habitat por peixes recifais em um gradiente ambiental: estudo de caso em recifes areníticos

There are several abiotic factors reported in the literature as regulators of the distribution of fish species in marine environments. Among them stand out structural complexity of habitat, benthic composition, depth and distance from the coast are usually reported as positive influencers in the diversity of difentes species, including reef fish. These are dominant elements in reef systems and considered high ecological and socioeconomic importance. Understanding how the above factors influence the distribution and habitat use of reef fish communities are important for their management and conservation. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the influence of these variables on the community of reef fishes along an environmental gradient of depth and distance from shore base in sandstone reefs in the coast of state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. These variables are also used for creating a simple predictive model reef fish biomass for the environment studied. Data collection was performed through visual surveys in situ, and recorded environmental data (structural complexity of habitat, type of coverage of the substrate, benthic invertebrates) and ecological (wealth, abundance and reef fish size classes). As a complement, information on the diet were raised through literature and the biomass was estimated from the length-weight relationship of each species. Overall, the reefs showed a low coverage by corals and the Shallow reefs, Intermediate I and II dominated by algae and the Funds by algae and sponges. The complexity has increased along the gradient and positively influenced the species richness and abundance. Both attributes influenced in the structure of the reef fish community, increasing the richness, abundance and biomass of fish as well as differentiating the trophic structure of the community along the depth gradient and distance from the coast. Distribution and use of habitat by recifas fish was associated with food availability. The predictor model identified depth, roughness and coverage for foliose algae, calcareous algae and soft corals as the most significant variables influencing in the biomass of reef fish. In short, the description and understanding of these patterns are important steps to elucidate the ecological processes. In this sense, our approach provides a new understanding of the structure of the reef fish community of Rio Grande do Norte, allowing understand a part of a whole and assist future monitoring actions, evaluation, management and conservation of these and other reefs of Brazil.

iSalud: uma arquitetura para publicação e distribuição de sistemas de informação para o SUS

The Brazil Telehealth Networks Program was established by the Ministry of Health in 2007. Its main objective is to support professionals in Primary Health Care (PHC) by offering educational qualification, resulting in more favorable conditions to fixate the professional in remote areas. The formulation and management of telehealth services are performed by scientific and technical centers that are operated by public institutions of higher education and responsible for providing tools and services in the context of the regions where they are. However, one of the problems generated by this decentralization is the development of various tools with different types of language, architecture and without any regulation and integration of information with the Ministry of Health. Aiming to solve the above problem, we propose the specification, implementation and validation of an architectural model in the development and distribution of the Unified Health System software tools. This proposed architecture enables tools developed in telehealth center to be shared among the other centers, thereby preventing the unnecessary use of resources.

Metodologia para análise da dependabilidade de Smart Grids

Smart Grids are a new trend of electric power distribution, the future of current systems. These networks are continually being introduced in order to improve the reliability of systems, providing alternatives to energy supply and cost savings. Faced with increasing electric power grids complexity, the energy demand and the introduction of alternative sources to energy generation, all components of system require a fully integration in order to achieve high reliability and availability levels (dependability). The systematization of a Smart Grid from the Fault Tree formalism enable the quantitative evaluation of dependability of a specific scenario. In this work, a methodology for dependability evaluation of Smart Grids is proposed. A study of case is described in order to validate the proposal. With the use of this methodology, it is possible to estimate during the early design phase the reliability, availability of Smart Grid beyond to identify the critical points from the failure and repair distributions of components.