Does proprioceptive system stimulation improve sit-to-walk performance in healthy young adults?

[Purpose] Sit-to-walk performance is linked to proper proprioceptive information processing. Therefore, it is believed that an increase of proprioceptive inflow (using muscle vibration) might improve sit-to-walk performance. However, before testing muscle vibration effects on a frail population, assessment of its effects on healthy young people is necessary. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of muscle vibration on sit-to-walk performance in healthy young adults. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen young adults performed the sit-to-walk task under three conditions: without vibration, with vibration applied before movement onset, and with vibration applied during the movement. Vibration was applied bilaterally for 30 s to the tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, and upper trapezius muscles bellies. The vibration parameters were as follows: 120 Hz and 1.2 mm. Kinematics and kinetic data were assessed using a 3D motion capture system and two force plates. The coordinates of reflective markers were used to define the center-of-mass velocities and displacements. In addition, the first step spatiotemporal variables were assessed. [Results] No vibration effect was observed on any dependent variables. [Conclusion] The results show that stimulation of the proprioceptive system with local muscle vibration does not improve sit-towalk performance in healthy young adults.

Diffusive random laser modes under a spatiotemporal scope

At present the prediction and characterization of the emission output of a diffusive random laser remains a challenge, despite the variety of investigated materials and theoretical interpretations given up to now. Here, a new mode selection method, based on spatial filtering and ultrafast detection, which allows to separate individual lasing modes and follow their temporal evolution is presented. In particular, the work explores the random laser behavior of a ground powder of an organic-inorganic hybrid compound based on Rhodamine B incorporated into a di-ureasil host. The experimental approach gives direct access to the mode structure and dynamics, shows clear modal relaxation oscillations, and illustrates the lasing modes stochastic behavior of this diffusive scattering system. The effect of the excitation energy on its modal density is also investigated. Finally, imaging measurements reveal the dominant role of diffusion over amplification processes in this kind of unconventional lasers. (C) 2015 Optical Society of America

Distribuição dos desembolsos do BNDES no setor sucroenergético no Brasil

The organization and dynamics of the energetic-sugarcane sector in Brazil have suffered the impacts of the “deregulation” process that took place in the 1990s, since when it is no longer monitored by the State. In this scenario, the agribusiness enterprises, in order to survive, act over production, marketing and management of their activities, among others areas, demanding financial investments. The credit lines offered by BNDES (National Bank for Economic and Social Development) are one of the factors that enable the implementation of these actions. In this context, the aim of this study is to assess the connections between BNDES's outlays for the sugarcane sector in Brazil from 2001 to 2008, and the activities of this sector, according to the federation unity and the region in the country. The work is based on: i) literature review and ii) secondary selected data collection aimed at the composition of data series. The organization and analysis of data indicates that the largest amount of money is destined to the south-central region, specifically the state of São Paulo. This is the only state that receives almost all types of financings, an equivalent to 68% of the receptions in the period. The concentration of BNDES's outlays in the south-central region may be linked to the dominance of the sector in this region, either in terms of harvested area, amount of production, employment contracts or number of enterprises.

Caracterização funcional e estrutural das proteínas RUV-1 e RUV-2 do fungo Neurospora crassa

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Gamificação: modelagem de conteúdos para programas e aplicativos educativos no ambiente da TV digital interativa

With the deployment of Digital TV in Brazil, there is a need to foment the development and production of interactive audiovisual quality content, especially for programs that present educational messages from the entertainment concept - defined as Edutertainment. The objective of this study is to propose application of the gamification as a link of communication to encourage and modify user behavior, through a narrative that encourages intrinsic motivation for learning and entertainment in this media. This paper points out that there are few models of screenplays for applications production, particularly educational, with simultaneous interactive applications for television flow or complementary programming content offered. For this reason, a special attention is given to the screenplay, by virtue of inserting in its construction, the elements that make up the mechanics and dynamics of games. As a result, is shown the entry "Gamification-iDTV", which defines these two scenarios, as well as the development of a modeling methodology of a content and process, supported by conceptual maps, wireframes and roadmaps, substantiating the conception and elaboration of screenplay's prototype with elements of gamification for educational programs and its interaction applications.

Design, implementação e estudo de uma rede sócio profissional de professores de matemática

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)