A Learning Function for Parameter Reduction in Spiking Neural Networks with Radial Basis Function

Spiking neural networks - networks that encode information in the timing of spikes - are arising as a new approach in the artificial neural networks paradigm, emergent from cognitive science. One of these new models is the pulsed neural network with radial basis function, a network able to store information in the axonal propagation delay of neurons. Learning algorithms have been proposed to this model looking for mapping input pulses into output pulses. Recently, a new method was proposed to encode constant data into a temporal sequence of spikes, stimulating deeper studies in order to establish abilities and frontiers of this new approach. However, a well known problem of this kind of network is the high number of free parameters - more that 15 - to be properly configured or tuned in order to allow network convergence. This work presents for the first time a new learning function for this network training that allow the automatic configuration of one of the key network parameters: the synaptic weight decreasing factor.

Temporal analysis of the reduction in gas emission in areas of mechanically-harvested sugarcane using satellite imagery

The primary objective of this study was to estimate the amount of gas not emitted into the air in areas cultivated with sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) that were mechanically harvested. Satellite images CBERS-2/CCD, from 08-13-2004, 08-14-2005, 08-15-2006 and 08-16-2007, of northwestern São Paulo State were processed using the Geographic Information System (GIS)-IDRISI 15.0. Areas of interest (the mechanically-harvested sugarcane fields) were identified and quantified based on the spectral response of the bands studied. Based on these data, the amount of gas that was not emitted was evaluated, according to the estimate equation proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The results of 396.65 km(2) (5.91% for 2004); 447.56 km(2) (6.67% for 2005); 511.54 km(2) (7.62% in 2006); and 474.60 km(2) (7.07% for 2007), calculated from a total area of 6,710.89 km(2) with sugarcane, showed a significant increase of mechanical harvesting in the study area and a reduction of gas emissions of more than 300,000 t yr(-1).

Dimensional reduction of the ABJM model

We dimensionally reduce the ABJM model, obtaining a two-dimensional theory that can be thought of as a 'master action'. This encodes information about both T- and S-duality, i.e. describes fundamental (F1) and D-strings (D1) in 9 and 10 dimensions. The Higgsed theory at large VEV, (v) over tilde, and large k yields D1-brane actions in 9d and 10d, depending on which auxiliary fields are integrated out. For N = 1 there is a map to a Green-Schwarz string wrapping a nontrivial circle in C(4)/Z(k).

Corn yield with reduction of insecticidal sprayings against fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The ideal time is more important than amount of insecticidal spraying to adequate the control of Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in corn. This study aimed to evaluate lufenuron sequential sprayings effect and its rotation with other active ingredients on the population, damage caused by S. frugiperda and the impact on corn yield. The experiment was carried out in the field with six treatments: (1) one lufenuron spraying, (2) two lufenuron sprayings, (3) three lufenuron sprayings (4) four lufenuron sprayings, (5) sprayings with spinosad, lufenuron, thiamethoxam+lambdacyhalothrin and deltamethrin (in sequence, at ten days intervals) (6) control treatment. Sprayings started twenty days after the seedling had emerged and then every ten days for a maximum of four sprays. Both caterpillar population (20.9-21.7 larvae/plot) and index of damage (1.2-1.7) observed in corn plants were significantly lower in treated plots compared to control (untreated) (31.7 larvae/plot and index of damage 2.7), regardless of spraying amount. The results showed that multiple insecticide applications to control S. frugiperda do not guarantee higher yields in corn, ranging from 6375.2 to 7650.1 kg ha -1. Only one spraying of lufenuron was enough to prevent significant reduction in corn yield (6749.9 kg ha -1). © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information.

EVALUATION OF EUCALYPTUS KRAFT PULP LIGNIN THROUGH THE NITROBENZENE OXIDATION, COPPER OXIDE REDUCTION AND ACIDOLYSIS TECHNIQUES

This study aimed to evaluate the sensitiveness of the information obtained for the residual lignin from Eucalyptus grandis kraft pulps analyzed through the nitrobenzene oxidation, copper oxide (CuO) reduction and acidolysis techniques. The chips were cooked, resulting pulps of kappa number 14,5 and 16,9, respectively. Both lignins' pulps were evaluated through three methods (nitrobenzene oxidation, copper oxide oxidation and acidolysis). Then, they were subjected to an oxygen delignification stage. The 16,9 kappa number pulp resulted in higher levels of non-condensed lignin structures by the acidolysis method, higher syringyl/vanillin ratios (S/V) by the nitrobenzene and copper oxide methods and better performance in the oxygen delignification stage. The different methods allowed to differ the residual lignin pulps with kappa number 14,5 and 16,9, and the nitrobenzene oxidation method showed the highest sensitiveness in this study results.