Improvements in the score matrix calculation method using parallel score estimating algorithm

The increasing amount of sequences stored in genomic databases has become unfeasible to the sequential analysis. Then, the parallel computing brought its power to the Bioinformatics through parallel algorithms to align and analyze the sequences, providing improvements mainly in the running time of these algorithms. In many situations, the parallel strategy contributes to reducing the computational complexity of the big problems. This work shows some results obtained by an implementation of a parallel score estimating technique for the score matrix calculation stage, which is the first stage of a progressive multiple sequence alignment. The performance and quality of the parallel score estimating are compared with the results of a dynamic programming approach also implemented in parallel. This comparison shows a significant reduction of running time. Moreover, the quality of the final alignment, using the new strategy, is analyzed and compared with the quality of the approach with dynamic programming.

Quality of performance of the operation of sugarcane mechanized planting in day and night shifts

The sugarcane mechanized planting is becoming increasingly widespread in Brazil due to a higher operability and better working conditions offered to workers compared to other types of planting. Studies related to this topic are insufficient or scarce in Brazil. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the operation quality of sugarcane mechanized planting in two operation shifts, by means of statistical process control. The mechanized planting was held on March 2012 and statistical design was completely randomized with two treatments, totaling 40 replications for the day shift and 40 replications for the night shift. The variables evaluated were: speed, engine rotation, engine oil pressure, water temperature of the engine, effective field capacity and the time consumption hourly and effective fuel. The use of statistical control charts showed that random intrinsic do not cause this process. The tractor alignment error showed outliers in the day and night shifts operations, indicating a possible delay in receiving the signal. The water temperature of the engine and the effective fuel consumption showed lower variability in nighttime operation with average values of 81°C and 22.66 L ha-1, respectively. The hourly fuel consumption had greater variability and consequently lower quality during the night of the operation, with an average consumption of 25.46 L h-1 while the day shift showed 26.86 L h-1.