The influence of the scout upon the decision-making process of recruited workers in three Acromyrmex species (Formicidae : Attini)

We examined how the information communicated by a scout worker influences the plant species transported by recruited workers in Acromymex balzani, Acromyrmex rugosus, and Acromyrmex crassispinus, three species of leaf-cutting ant that have different substrate and habitat preferences. We verified that certain plant species were more likely to be transported than others and that recruitment occurs. We found that recruited workers were more likely to transport non-preferred plant species when they were recruited to these by scout workers. The results suggest that the scout worker can communicate information about plant identity to recruited workers, but that recruited workers integrate the information communicated with their own experience during the decision-making process. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Optimization of neural classifiers based on bayesian decision boundaries and idle neurons pruning

In this article we describe a feature extraction algorithm for pattern classification based on Bayesian Decision Boundaries and Pruning techniques. The proposed method is capable of optimizing MLP neural classifiers by retaining those neurons in the hidden layer that realy contribute to correct classification. Also in this article we proposed a method which defines a plausible number of neurons in the hidden layer based on the stem-and-leaf graphics of training samples. Experimental investigation reveals the efficiency of the proposed method. © 2002 IEEE.

Influence of fluid volume variations on the calculated value of the left ventricular mass measured by echocardiogram in patients submitted to hemodialysis

The left ventricular mass (LVM) measurement is of major importance for renal patients, as ventricular hypertrophy is an important prognostic index. The echo-cardiogram of the ventricular mass is larger before than it is after hemodialysis, which can confuse data interpretation. The aim of this work is to study the influence of alterations in fluid volume on the variations in measurements of ventricular mass observed during the course of a hemodialysis. Sixteen patients with chronic renal insufficiency in hemodialysis were evaluated at the Dialysis Unit of the University Hospital-UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State. The left ventricular mass was calculated from echocardiograms taken before and after hemodialysis and simultaneous ultra-filtration (12 patients: UF GROUP) and before and after hemodialysis isovolemic phase with sequential ultra-filtration (10 patients: ISO GROUP). Six of these patients were submitted to measurements of left ventricular mass before and after hemodialysis in both isovolemic and simultaneous ultra-filtration procedures. In the UF group, there was significant reduction in the following parameters before and after dialysis: diastolic diameter from 54.0 +/- 6.0 mm to 45.6 +/- 7.6 mm; left ventricular mass from 342 +/- 114 g to 265 +/- 117 g; and its respective index (IMVE) from 214 +/- 68 g/m(2) to 168 +/- 71 g/m(2). The ISO group showed no statistically significant variation. The behavior of the variables of six patients submitted to both observations confirm these results. In conclusion, the variations in echocardiogram measurements of the left ventricular mass relating to hemodialysis appear to be induced by alterations of the volemic condition.

Information access law and disclosing of information by joint-stock companies in Brazil: open data and Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) standard

The strategic management of information plays a fundamental role in the organizational management process since the decision-making process depend on the need for survival in a highly competitive market. Companies are constantly concerned about information transparency and good practices of corporate governance (CG) which, in turn, directs relations between the controlling power of the company and investors. In this context, this article presents the relationship between the disclosing of information of joint-stock companies by means of using XBRL, the open data model adopted by the Brazilian government, a model that boosted the publication of Information Access Law (Lei de Acesso à Informação), nº 12,527 of 18 November 2011. Information access should be permeated by a mediation policy in order to subsidize the knowledge construction and decision-making of investors. The XBRL is the main model for the publishing of financial information. The use of XBRL by means of new semantic standard created for Linked Data, strengthens the information dissemination, as well as creates analysis mechanisms and cross-referencing of data with different open databases available on the Internet, providing added value to the data/information accessed by civil society.

Evaluation of the influence of location of osseointegrated implants associated with mandibular removable partial dentures

Purpose: The aim of this research was to assess, by means of, the bi-dimensional finite element method, the best implant location in the alveolar edge, through stress distribution and support structure displacement of a distal extension removable partial denture associated with an osseointegrated implant of 10.0 x .75 mm, acting as abutment for the denture base.Methods and Materials: Five models in sagittal cut were used to represent: model A-hemi arch containing natural tooth 33 and the distal alveolar edge; model B-similar to model A, but with a conventional removable partial denture to replace the absent teeth; model C (MC)-similar to the previous one, with an implant in the distal region of the edge under the denture base; model D-similar to MC, with the implant in the central region of the edge; model E-similar to MC, with an implant in the mesial region of the edge. With the aid of the finite element program ANSYS 8.0, the models were loaded with strictly vertical forces of 50 N on each cusp tip. Displacement and von Mises Maps were plotted for visualization of results.Results: The introduction of implant diminished the tendency of intrusion of the removable partial denture in all situations. The maximum stress was observed on implant in all situations. Approximating implant in direction of support teeth was benefit for stress distribution.Conclusion: Model D presented the lowest value for maximum tendency to displacement when compared with those found in the other models; model E demonstrated better relief with regard to demand from the abutment tooth; locating the implant near of the abutment tooth influenced positively the distribution of stresses on the analyzed structures.

A Markovian model market-Akerlof's lemons and the asymmetry of information

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Modelling of the influence of the layer pollution thickness in high voltage polluted insulators

An experimental model and a mathematical model with the introduction of a ramp in the channel of Obenaus model are presented. The aim is to present a better reproduction of the real layer pollution deposited on the HV insulators. This better reproduction is obtained from two types of thickness variation: the introduction of a ramp (soft variation) and the introduction of a step (sudden variation). The computational simulations and the experimental data suggest that the introduction of the ramp is the better reproduction of the layer pollution. The ramp approximates to the real layer pollution more than the step.

Low caloric value of ethanol itself increases alveolar bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis in male rats

This study aimed at morphometrically evaluating the influence of variable caloric values of ethanol consumption on alveolar bone loss in periodontitis in male rats. Thirty-six male rats were randomized into four groups of nine rats each, as follows: Test group A (low) - rats were fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet (ethanol representing 22% of total caloric value); Control group A - rats were fed a pair-fed control diet (ethanol replaced by isocaloric amounts of carbohydrate); Test group B (high) - rats were fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet (ethanol representing 36% of total caloric value); Control group B - rats were fed a pair-fed control diet for Test B. Following anesthesia, cotton ligatures were placed around the cervix of the right upper second molar. At eight weeks, the maxillary bones were removed and alveolar bone loss was analyzed by measuring the distance between the cementoenamel junction and the alveolar bone crest at buccal and palatal sites of the upper second molar. The unligated groups showed no significant differences between the bone loss values observed for the low and high caloric values of ethanol (p > 0.05). In the ligated groups, the rats receiving low caloric values of ethanol showed significantly greater bone loss compared to the isocaloric rats (p < 0.05); however, the rats receiving high caloric values of ethanol showed no significant differences compared to the controls. Analysis of the results demonstrated that, in male rats, ethanol itself affected ligature-induced bone loss when representing a low value in the total caloric value.

Theoretical and experimental evaluation of the influence of the length of drill rods in the SPT-T test

The influence of soil drill rod length on the N value in the SPT-T test has been studied extensively by Mello (1971), Schmertmann & Palacios (1979), Odebrecht et al. (2002) and Cavalcante (2002). This paper presents an analysis of the Standard Penetration Test supplemented with torque measurement (SPT-T). A theoretical study of the resistance of the rod material to torsion and bending indicated that the shear stress caused by the rod self-weight represents less than 1% of that caused by the torsional moment. An experimental study with electric torquemeters attached to a horizontal rod system, as well as two field tests in the vertical direction, were also carried out to compare and substantiate the results. The purpose of these tests was to analyze changes along the length of the rod in response to successive increments at 1-meter intervals. Torque measurements were taken at each increment of the length to ascertain the accuracy of the theoretical data. The difference between the applied torque and the measured torque at the end of rod system was lower than the minimum scale of mechanical torquemeters used in practice.

Chemical Composition, Rumen Fermentation Kinetics, Digestibility and Energy Value of Cassava Leaves Hay at Different Storage Times

Cassava leaves have been widely used as a protein source for ruminants in the tropics. However, these leaves contain high level of hydro-cyanic acid (HCN) and condensed tannins (CT). There are evidences that making hay can eliminate more than 90% of HCN and that long-term storage can reduce CT levels. A complete randomized design with four replicates was conducted to determine the effect of different storage times (0-control, 60, 90 and 120 days) on chemical composition, in vitro rumen fermentation kinetics, digestibility and energy value of cassava leaves hay. Treatments were compared by analyzing variables using the GLM procedure (SAS 9.1, SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC). Crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) of the cassava hay were not affected (P > 0.05) by storage time (17.7% and 3.0%, respectively). Neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, total carbohydrate and non-fiber carbohydrate were not affected either (P>0.05) by storage time (47.5, 32.6, 72.3 and 25.8% respectively). However, other parameters were influenced. CT was lower (P<0.05) in hay after 120 days of storage compared with control (1.75% versus 3.75%, respectively). Lignin and insoluble nitrogen in neutral detergent, analyzed without sodium sulfite, were higher (P<0.01) after 120 days of storage, compared with the control (11.22 versus 13.57 and 1.65 versus 3.81% respectively). This suggests that the CT has bound to the fiber or CP and became inactive. Consequently, the in vitro digestibility of organic matter (50.36%), total digestible nutrients (44.79%) and energy (1.61 Mcal/KgMS), obtained from gas production data at 72 h of incubation, has increased (P<0.05) with storage times (56.83%, 51.53% and 1.86 Mcal/KgMS, respectively). The chemical composition and fermentative characteristics of cassava hay suffered variations during the storage period. The best values were obtained after 90 days of storage. This is probably due to the reduction in condensed tannins.

The stigma and prejudice of leprosy: influence on the human condition

Introduction: To analyze the knowledge, feelings and perceptions involving patients affected by leprosy, as a better understanding of these factors may be useful to decrease the stigma and prejudice associated with the condition. Methods: The study cohort consisted of 94 patients who underwent treatment for leprosy at the Health Units in the City of Cuiaba, Mato Grosso (MT), Brazil. The study questionnaire included items to collect information on socio-demographic data, knowledge about the disease, stigma, prejudice, self-esteem and quality of life of leprosy patients. Bivariate analyses were used to assess the data based on the chi-square test with a 5% significance threshold. Results: The results revealed that the study population consisted predominantly of males (55.3%) with an income between 1 and 3 times the minimum wage (67%). The survey respondents reported that the most significant difficulties related to the treatment were the side effects (44.7%) and the duration of the treatment (28.7%). A total of 72.3% of the subjects were knowledgeable about the disease, of whom 26.6% had the leprosy reaction. Stigma and prejudice were cited by 93.6% of the participants. Based on the responses, 40.4% of patients reported being depressed and sad, and 69.1% of the subjects encountered problems at work after being diagnosed. A total of 45.7% of the patients rated their quality of life between bad and very bad. Conclusions: Our results suggest that leprosy causes suffering in patients beyond pain and discomfort and greatly influences social participation.