Optic Flow Contribution to Locomotion Adjustments in Obstacle Avoidance

Locomotion generates a visual movement pattern characterized as optic flow. To explore how the locomotor adjustments are affected by this pattern, an experimental paradigm was developed to eliminate optic flow during obstacle avoidance. The aim was to investigate the contribution of optic flow in obstacle avoidance by using a stroboscopic lamp. Ten young adults walked on an 8m pathway and stepped over obstacles at two heights. Visual sampling was determined by a stroboscopic lamp (static and dynamic visual sampling). Three-dimensional kinematics data showed that the visual information about self-motion provided by the optic flow was crucial for estimating the distance from and the height of the obstacle. Participants presented conservative behavior for obstacle avoidance under experimental visual sampling conditions, which suggests that optic flow favors the coupling of vision to adaptive behavior for obstacle avoidance.

Morphological caste differences in the neotropical swarm-founding polistine wasp, Brachygastra lecheguana (Hymenoptera : Vespidae, Polistinae, Epiponini)

Morphological caste differences and ovary conditions were analyzed in colony of Brachygastra lecheguana. The results indicate the presence of individuals with ovary development but uninseminated (intermediates). In addition, these females were similar in morphology to workers, suggesting that, in this case, intermediates are ovary-developed workers. Queens were morphologically larger than workers and intermediates in some characters and smaller in others. Multivariate analysis showed that queens were highly distinct. These results indicate that castes are pre-imaginally determined in B. lecheguana.

Use of the freshwater crab Trichodactylus fluviatilis to biomonitoring Al and Mn contamination in river water.

Determinations of Al and Mn concentrations in the tissues (gills, hepatopancreas and muscle) of the freshwater crab Trichodactylus fluviatilis and water samples, both collected from sites on tributaries of the Corumbatai River (São Paulo, Brazil) were performed. The Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF), calculated for different sites with respect to the water concentration, ranged from 173-555 for Al and from 636 - 921 for Mn. Dissolved concentrations of Al and Mn in water samples (collected in different sites) were related to the accumulation of these metals in crabs, suggesting that T. fluviatilis is good biomonitor for Al and Mn pollution in aquatic ecosystem.

Modelagem Matemática e Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação: a realidade do mundo cibernético como um vetor de virtualização

Neste artigo construímos um entrelaçamento teórico-filosófico que tem como objetivo discutir a relação entre Modelagem Matemática e realidade do mundo cibernético. em particular, essa abrangência da realidade é evidenciada como um possível vetor de virtualização, isto é, como um aspecto que pode influenciar o modo como a problemática que envolve uma determinada situação ou entidade é compreendida. Para tanto, fazemos uma associação entre Modelagem Matemática e as transformações que envolvem os modos de ser denotados por real, possível, atual e virtual, tendo como base ilustrativa as quatro causas aristotélicas. Complementando essa associação, assumimos uma concepção de problema que permite uma consolidação entre as relações estabelecidas e, também, uma concepção de realidade que entende o mundo cibernético como uma de suas dimensões. Por fim, apresentamos um exemplo de Modelagem Matemática ocorrido em sala de aula, que visa caracterizar a realidade do mundo cibernético como um vetor de virtualização.

Morphology of the digestive tube of Macuxitermes triceratops and its phylogenetic implications (Isoptera: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae)

The gross morphology of digestive tube of Macuxitermes triceratops is described and illustrated. The gut of this species is very similar to those of Embiratermes and Ibitermes, and does not show any obvious autopomorphic character. The phylogenetic relations of this genus are discussed based on the available evidence, and it is concluded that it is probably the sister group of Armitermes + Curvitermes + Cryilliotermes.

Female reproductive system of ant species of the subfamily ponerinae: Review and new data

Literature data about the female reproductive system of some species in the subfamily Ponerinae are presented. Our project objective to compile a report containing the largest possible number of data about the reproductive system in Ponerinae for a better understanding of the reproductive biology of these Insects, was completed.

Morphology of the head and frontal gland in neotropical Nasutitermitinae (Isoptera, Termitidae)

The Nasutitermitinae species are the most diverse and derived of the Isoptera. The phylogeny of this subfamily has been a point of divergence. In an attempt to solve this problem, we propose the use of the morphological features of the head, frontal gland and its associated muscles as phylogenetic characters in some Nasutitermitinae genera. Results found about the head and frontal gland morphology are discussed and suggested to be used in future systematic studies of termites.

FRONTAL GLAND DEHISCENCE IN THE BRAZILIAN TERMITE SERRITERMES-SERRIFER (ISOPTERA, SERRITERMITIDAE)

The primary function of the soldier caste in the Isoptera is the defense of the termite society. The simplest defense is mechanical with oversized mandibles. Besides the mandibles, some termite soldiers use exocrine glands as a means of chemical defense. These glands produce substances which are toxic and/or repellent to termites enemies. Here we report the only case in the Neotropical fauna of dehiscence of the frontal gland in the soldier caste of the Brazilian termite, Serritermes serrifer (Bates).

CORPORA-ALLATA IN FEMALES OF NEOPONERA-VILLOSA ANTS (HYMENOPTERA FORMICIDAE) - RELATIONS WITH OVARIAN DEVELOPMENT

In female ants of the species Neoponera villosa the corpora allata are paired structures located dorsolaterally to the esophagus (Camargo-Mathias and Caetano, 1991). In the present study the glandular volume of the corpora allata was estimated and the activity of the glands was compared with the ovarian development. In the workers there was a relation between activity of these glands and ovaries in stages 0 to IV. In workers, with ovaries at stage V (maximum development) there was a smaller activity of the corpora allata. Another increasing activity was found in workers with ovaries at stage VII.In the queens, mainly those which were mated, whose ovaries were always fully developed, the volume of the corpora allata was smaller than those of the workers.

Produção e qualidade de raiz tuberosa de cultivares de batata-doce no Oeste do Paraná

The objective of this work was to evaluate sweet potato cultivars with starch processing capability, on two cultivation periods, in the western region of Parana (Brazil). Sweet potato was grown at Marechal Candido Rondon, Parana State (24 degrees 33'40 '' S and 54 degrees 4'12 '' W), at a mean annual temperature between 14 and 28 degrees C. The experiment was designed in complete randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme of 4 cultivars (CNPH 003, CNPH 004, Brazlandia Roxa, and Brazlandia Rosada) and 2 cultivation periods (115 and 183 days), with four repetitions. The evaluated parameters were the root productivities (t ha(-1)) and the physical and chemical root composition (humidity, pH, acidity, starch, total soluble sugars and fibers). Data was submitted to all analysis of variance (Anova) and the means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% of probability, Results indicated that sweet potato yield at the cultivars was higher during the 183 day cultivation period (average of 9.14 t ha(-1)) than during the 115 day cultivation period (average of 4.25 t ha(-1)). Thus the CNPH 003 cultivar seems to be a better indication for starch extraction, due to the lowest fiber content in the root, the driest mass content and the largest yield of starch per area.

Qualidade de pitaias de polpa branca armazenadas em diferentes temperaturas

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of storage temperature on the quality of red pitaya of pulp white, produced in Itajobi city, São Paulo state. The pitayas were stored at room temperature, (21-27 degrees C with 44-63% de UR), at 18 +/- 1 degrees C, with 86-92% RH), 13 +/- 1 degrees C, with 85-90% RH and at 8 +/- 1 degrees C, with 85-95% RH. The quality was monitored during storage time through the parameters: fresh weight loss titleble acidity; soluble solids contents; vitamin C, external appearance, pH and fruit firmness. Through the results obtained may be concluded that the temperature at 8 +/- 1 degrees C it was proportioned the small fresh weight loss; the acidity, soluble solids, pH and fruit firmness were influenced by the storage temperature and storage time, but the temperature at 8 +/- 1 degrees C it was that occasioned the small change theses parameters. In general, it can be concluded that the temperature at 8 +/- 1 degrees C it was the best to maintenance the quality of pitaya fruit.

Recreação hospitalar: o papel do profissional de educação física na equipe multidisciplinar

This qualitative study aimed to investigate the methodological perspective, the contents, possible outcomes and the role of Physical Education professionals in multidisciplinary staff of Recreation in hospitals. The study consisted of a survey applied to 20 adults of both sexes, volunteers, working in multidisciplinary team at a hospital in Leme, SP. Data were descriptively analyzed through content analysis technique, indicating that the time of engagement of that professional in that team was on average 12.8 months. Physical Education Professionals act mainly with joy faced the patients, making them well accepted. In relation to the contents used by these professionals, toys were the most mentioned, followed by books, puppets, role play and music. The team noticed some positive changes in patients after Physical Education Professional performances, and his engagement in the health team was considered very important, highlighting the urgency of new shares to enlarge this Professional participation in health multidisciplinary teams.