A hybrid image restoration algorithm based on Projections onto Convex Sets and Harmony Search

Image restoration is a research field that attempts to recover a blurred and noisy image. Since it can be modeled as a linear system, we propose in this paper to use the meta-heuristics optimization algorithm Harmony Search (HS) to find out near-optimal solutions in a Projections Onto Convex Sets-based formulation to solve this problem. The experiments using HS and four of its variants have shown that we can obtain near-optimal and faster restored images than other evolutionary optimization approach. © 2013 IEEE.

Energy expenditure during multiple sets of leg press and bench press

The purpose of this study was to quantify energy expenditure (EE) during multiple sets of leg press (LP) and bench press (BP) exercises in 10 males with at least 1 yr of resistance training (RT). The subjects underwent two sessions to determine 1 repetition maximum (1RM) on the BP and LP and one protocol consisting of a warm up and 4 sets for 10 repetitions at 70% 1RM with a 3-min rest period between sets for each exercise. Energy expenditure was calculated as the sum of oxygen uptake (aerobic component), EPOC, and lactate production (anaerobic component). There were no significant differences in EE between exercises for sets 1 to 4 and the total energy expended. However, statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (P<0.05) between exercises in RT economy (BP, 0.0206 ± 0.0044 kcal·kg-1 vs. LP, 0.0051 ± 0.0015 kcal·kg-1). Within exercise comparison showed set 4 was significantly different from sets 1 and 3 for BP, and for LP a significant difference was found between set 4 and sets 1, 2 and 3. Our results point to an increase in EE during multiple sets at 70% 1RM and show that in spite of the difference in muscle mass involved and total work done during each type of exercise, EE was not different due to greater economy during the LP.

Padronização de questionário para avaliação de conhecimento sobre avulsão e reimplante dentário, validado pela Teoria de Resposta ao Item (TRI)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Elaboração e aplicação de questionário sobre saúde bucal, validado pela teoria de resposta ao item

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Elaboração, padronização e aplicação de questionário para avaliação de conhecimento sobre câncer bucal validado pela teoria de resposta ao item

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

SPECTRUM OF STOCHASTIC ADDING MACHINES AND FIBERED JULIA SETS

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

The effect of sets and repetitions of the spirometer by flow in cardiorespiratory parameters

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Escala de percepção do suporte social - versão adulta: um estudo pela Teoria de Resposta ao Item

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Epidemiological Models of Directly Transmitted Diseases: An Approach via Fuzzy Sets Theory

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

STOCHASTIC ADDING MACHINE AND 2-DIMENSIONAL JULIA SETS

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Aplicação do algoritmo Rough Sets em um Data Warehouse

This Project aims to develop methods for data classification in a Data Warehouse for decision-making purposes. We also have as another goal the reduction of an attribute set in a Data Warehouse, in which a given reduced set is capable of keeping the same properties of the original one. Once we achieve a reduced set, we have a smaller computational cost of processing, we are able to identify non-relevant attributes to certain kinds of situations, and finally we are also able to recognize patterns in the database that will help us to take decisions. In order to achieve these main objectives, it will be implemented the Rough Sets algorithm. We chose PostgreSQL as our data base management system due to its efficiency, consolidation and finally, it’s an open-source system (free distribution)

Chaotic planar piecewise smooth vector fields with non-trivial minimal sets

In this paper some aspects on chaotic behavior and minimality in planar piecewise smooth vector fields theory are treated. The occurrence of non-deterministic chaos is observed and the concept of orientable minimality is introduced. Some relations between minimality and orientable minimality are also investigated and the existence of new kinds of non-trivial minimal sets in chaotic systems is observed. The approach is geometrical and involves the ordinary techniques of non-smooth systems.

Description of the attainable sets of one-dimensional differential inclusions

The role played by the attainable set of a differential inclusion, in the study of dynamic control systems and fuzzy differential equations, is widely acknowledged. A procedure for estimating the attainable set is rather complicated compared to the numerical methods for differential equations. This article addresses an alternative approach, based on an optimal control tool, to obtain a description of the attainable sets of differential inclusions. In particular, we obtain an exact delineation of the attainable set for a large class of nonlinear differential inclusions.

Student's academic efficacy or Inefficacy? an example on how to evaluate the psychometric properties of a measuring instrument and evaluate the effects of item wording

This study evaluated the effect of item inversion on the construct validity and reliability of psychometric scales and proposed a theoretical framework for the evaluation of the psychometric properties of data gathered with psychometric instruments. To this propose, we used the Maslach Burnout Inventory, which is the most used psychometric inventory to measure burnout in different professional context (Students, Teachers, Police, Doctors, Nurses, etc…). The version of the MBI used was the MBI-Student Survey (MBI-SS). This inventory is composed of three key dimensions: Exhaustion, Cynicism and Professional Efficacy. The two first dimensions—which have positive formulated items—are moderate to strong positive correlated, and show moderate to strong negative correlations with the 3rd dimension—which has negative formulated items. We tested the hypothesis that, in college students, formulating the 3rd dimension of burnout as Inefficacy (reverting the negatively worded items in the Efficacy dimension) improves the correlation of the 3rd dimension with the other two dimensions, improves its internal consistency, and the overall MBI-SS’ construct validity and reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis results, estimated by Maximum Likelihood, revealed adequate factorial fit for both forms of the MBI-SS (with Efficacy) vs. the MBI-SSi (with Inefficacy). Also both forms showed adequate convergent and discriminant related validity. However, reliability and convergent validity were higher for the MBI-SSi. There were also stronger (positive) correlations between the 3 factors in MBI-SSi than the ones observed in MBI-SS. Results show that positively rewording of the 3rd dimension of the MBI-SS improves its validity and reliability. We therefore propose that the 3rd dimension of the MBI-SS should be named Professional Inefficacy and its items should be positively worded.

Zero sets of bivariate Hermite polynomials

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)