Multi-agent simulation of sawmill yard operations

This paper reports the findings of using multi-agent based simulation model to evaluate the sawmill yard operations within a large privately owned sawmill in Sweden, Bergkvist Insjön AB in the current case. Conventional working routines within sawmill yard threaten the overall efficiency and thereby limit the profit margin of sawmill. Deploying dynamic work routines within the sawmill yard is not readily feasible in real time, so discrete event simulation model has been investigated to be able to report optimal work order depending on the situations. Preliminary investigations indicate that the results achieved by simulation model are promising. It is expected that the results achieved in the current case will support Bergkvist-Insjön AB in making optimal decisions by deploying efficient work order in sawmill yard.

Estudo da farmacocinética da talidomida em pacientes com tumores sólidos refratários

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os parâmetros farmacocinéticos da talidomida em pacientes com tumores sólidos refratários incluídos em estudo de fase II em nossa Instituição. Foram incluídos 14 pacientes, sendo 5 com diagnóstico de adenocarcinoma de reto, 4 com adenocarcinoma de cólon, 4 com melanoma e 1 com adenocarcinoma de pâncreas. Todos os pacientes foram previamente tratados, 14 com cirurgia, 11 com quimioterapia, 5 com radioterapia e 1 com imunoterapia. Os pacientes foram inicialmente tratados com talidomida 200 mg/dia, com um aumento de dose de 200mg a cada duas semanas, até atingir a dose máxima de 800 mg/dia. Treze pacientes atingiram o nível de 400mg/dia, 9 pacientes os níveis de 600mg/dia e apenas 5 pacientes atingiram 800mg/dia. A farmacocinética foi caracterizada em oito pacientes no nível de dose de 200 mg/dia. Todos os 14 pacientes incluídos foram avaliados quanto ao perfil de toxicidade e resposta antitumoral. A talidomida foi bem tolerada, sendo os principais efeitos colaterais a sonolência, a tontura, a xerostomia e a constipação. Não foram observadas respostas tumorais objetivas. Para avaliar os parâmetros farmacocinéticos da talidomida foram coletadas amostras de sangue imediatamente antes da administração da droga, 1h, 2h, 2,5h, 3h, 3,5h, 4h, 5h, 7h e 24h após a administração da primeira dose de talidomida de 200mg. A determinação das concentrações e parâmetros farmacocinéticos da talidomida nestas amostras foi realizada por cromatografia líquida de alta performance. A curva de decaimento das concentrações plasmáticas obedeceu a um modelo farmacocinético monocompartimental. A média dos principais parâmetros farmacocinéticos estudados foi: Cmax 1,48 ± 0,56μg/ml, Tmax 4,4± 0,5h, ASC 17,7±8,4μg x h/mL e t½ 6,5±3,0 hs. O autor pode concluir que os parâmetros farmacocinéticos da talidomida estudados nestes pacientes foram semelhantes àqueles descritos anteriormente em voluntários sadios, pacientes com HIV, hanseníase ou adenocarcinoma de próstata.

Aftermarket short covering in ipos and long-term stock liquidity

This study investigates the effect of the aftermarket short covering (ASC) carried out by the underwriter during the price stabilization period on stock long-term liquidity. Because the ASC increases liquidity during the stabilization period and liquidity is a persistent characteristic of stocks, the ASC can increase long-term liquidity. In fact, we show that the ASC has a positive effect on liquidity over the 6 months subsequent to the stabilization period. This positive relation holds true even after controlling for many variables found important to explain liquidity by previous authors and the instrumentalization of the ASC.

Prevalência da infecção por HPV e perfil das mulheres frente ao exame de papanicolau no município de São José de Mipibú/RN.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major sexually transmitted disease all over the world. There are many factors associated to infection and the virus persistency in the organism. This study aims to evaluate the women's knowledge, attitudes and practice about the Papanicolaou test (Pap), as well as analyze the HPV and Chlamydia trachomatis infections prevalences in sexually active women from the city of São José do Mipibu/RN/Brazil. This research was divided in two steps (step I and step II), using different methodologies and samples each. The samples collected in each step, even socio-demographic or from uterus cervix, are from different patients e were analyzed separated. In step I was evaluated 267 rural and urban zone women s knowledge, attitudes and practices about the Pap by home interview. In the step II were included 605 women with age ranged from 15 to 71 years old, with mean of 33,5 years old and from each one were collected two cervical samples, one for Pap and other for molecular biology, beside the epidemiological interview to investigate the correlation between prevalence of HPV infection and risk factors. To molecular analyses, the samples were processed using a mammal rapid DNA extraction technique protocol. For C. trachomatis DNA detection were used the CP24/27 primers, and GP5+/GP6+ to HPV. PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis on 8% polyacrylamide gels, followed by silver staining. The results of the step I showed that, in spite of only 46,1% of the interviewed women they have demonstrated to possess appropriate knowledge on the Pap test, the attitude and practice proportions were significantly larger, 63,3% and 64,4% respectively. The largest education degree presented association with adaptation of the knowledge, attitudes and practice, while neglect, lack of solicitation of the exam for the doctor and shame, came as main barriers for the accomplishment of the exam. In the stage II the HPV general prevalence was 28,9%, being 26,7% in the women with normal cytology or benign alterations, 26,7% in the ones that had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and 80% in those with Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). the HPV infection prevalence was larger in the patients with up to 30 years of age and in the unmarried women, and those that had more than one sexual partner presented larger infection risk. The results show that the sexual relationship with multiple partners increased the infection risk for HPV and consequently the possibility of the occurrence of lesions uterine cervix

Prevalência da infecção por Chlamydia Trachomatis em mulheres atendidas no Programa de rastreamento do câncer de colo do útero

Genital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is now recognized as one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STDs). Despite major advances in laboratory diagnosis techniques, primarily the character of asymptomatic chlamydial infection in both men and in women constitutes the basis for the formation of reservoirs that perpetuate transmission and acquisition of this and other STDs. The asymptomatic in women favors the rise of infection to the upper genital tract, causing injuries that can result in infertility. An examination of population screening for early detection and treatment of asymptomatic infections is the key step in combating this major public health problem. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of infection by C. trachomatis in sexually active women attended the screening program for cervical cancer of the uterus in health facilities in municipalities in different regions of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, and identify factors that may contribute to the spread of this pathogen and its relationship with the lesions of the uterine cervix. It is a cross-sectional study aimed at detecting the presence of genital tract infection by C. trachomatis either in isolated form or in association with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in asymptomatic women. Were included in this study, a total sample of 1,134 women aged 13-76, mean 34.4 years, from March 2008 to September 2012. Specimens containing exfoliated cells of the epithelium of the uterine cervix were analyzed by examining Pap cytology for the detection of possible injuries, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of plasmid DNA from C. trachomatis and HPV. Infection with C. trachomatis was detected with overall prevalence rate of 8.1% in the isolated form and 2.8% in co-infection with HPV. The infection was detected in 7.4% of women with normal cytology 11.5% of those with atypical cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and 16.7% of those with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). We observed an association between C. trachomatis and incidence of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). The genital tract infection by C. trachomatis alone was associated with education level, ethnicity and parity, revealing that women with higher education, those of non-white ethnicity and those who had three or more pregnancies were more likely to acquire infection. Levels very close to statistical significance were observed for chronological age, age at first sexual intercourse and first pregnancy. There was no association with marital status, number of sexual partners. Co-infection with C. trachomatis and HPV was detected in 2.3% of women with normal cytology, who had 5.1% in ASC-US and 10.4% in those with LSIL. No association was found between infection C. trachomatis and increased risk of HPV infection, but women with simultaneous infection by both pathogens showed greater risk for LSIL. Co-infection was more prevalent among single women, who had in the first sexual intercourse under 18 years and those who had two or more sexual partners over a lifetime

Genetic associations between weight at maturity and maturation rate with ages and weights at first and second calving in Canchim beef cattle

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Parâmetros genéticos para características de crescimento e reprodução de bovinos da raça Canchim

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar parâmetros genéticos para idades ao primeiro (IPP) e segundo partos (ISP), idades ao primeiro (IPP PEN) e segundo partos penalizadas (ISP PEN), e a ocorrência de parto até os 38 meses de idade (PP38), em bovinos da raça Canchim, bem como estimar as relações genéticas entre essas características e o peso (PE420) de machos e femêas e a circunferência escrotal (CE420) de novilhos, medidos aos 420 dias de idade. Foram estimados parâmetros genéticos em análises bicaracterísticas, por meio de inferência bayesiana. As análises foram realizadas entre CE420 e PE420 e as características reprodutivas medidas em fêmeas. As características reprodutivas das fêmeas devem apresentar baixa resposta à seleção, e mudanças no manejo e nas condições ambientais melhoram tais características. A seleção quanto ao maior peso aos 420 dias de idade não deve provocar mudanças nas características reprodutivas em fêmeas, enquanto a seleção para o aumento da circunferência escrotal, na mesma idade, contribui para melhorar tais características.

Laminados compósitos de PRFV: efeitos da descontinuidade geométrica e do envelhecimento ambiental acelerado

The growing demand in the use of composite materials necessitates a better understanding of its behavior related to many conditions of loading and service, as well as under several ways of connections involved in mechanisms of structural projects. Within these project conditions are highlighted the presence of geometrical discontinuities in the area of cross and longitudinal sections of structural elements and environmental conditions of work like UV radiation, moisture, heat, leading to a decrease in final mechanical response of the material. In this sense, this thesis aims to develop studies detailed (experimental and semi-empirical models) the effects caused by the presence of geometric discontinuity, more specifically, a central hole in the longitudinal section (with reduced cross section) and the influence of accelerated environmental aging on the mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of FGRP composite laminates under the action of uniaxial tensile loads. Studies on morphological behavior and structural degradation of composite laminates are performed by macroscopic and microscopic analysis of affected surfaces, in addition to evaluation by the Measurement technique for mass variation (TMVM). The accelerated environmental aging conditions are simulated by aging chamber. To study the simultaneous influence of aging/geometric discontinuity in the mechanical properties of composite laminates, a semiempirical model is proposed and called IE/FCPM Model. For the stress concentration due to the central hole, an analisys by failures criteria were performed by Average-Stress Criterion (ASC) and Point-Stress Criterion (PSC). Two polymeric composite laminates, manufactured industrially were studied: the first is only reinforced by short mats of fiberglass-E (LM) and the second where the reinforced by glass fiber/E comes in the form of bidirectional fabric (LT). In the conception configurations of laminates the anisotropy is crucial to the final mechanical response of the same. Finally, a comparative study of all parameters was performed for a better understanding of the results. How conclusive study, the characteristics of the final fracture of the laminate under all conditions that they were subjected, were analyzed. These analyzes were made at the macroscopic level (scanner) microscope (optical and scanning electron). At the end of the analyzes, it was observed that the degradation process occurs similarly for each composite researched, however, the LM composite compared to composite LT (configurations LT 0/90º and LT ±45º) proved to be more susceptible to loss of mechanical properties in both regarding with the central hole as well to accelerated environmental aging

Análise retrospectiva de fatores de risco e preditores de complicações intraoperatórias dos bloqueios do neuroeixo realizados na Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu-UNESP

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As alterações cardiovasculares associadas aos bloqueios do neuroeixo apresentam interesse pela frequência com que ocorrem e porque algumas delas podem ser consideradas efeitos fisiológicos desencadeados pelo bloqueio do sistema nervoso simpático. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar as complicações cardiovasculares intraoperatórias e os fatores preditores associados aos bloqueios do neuroeixo em pacientes com idades > 18 anos submetidos a procedimentos não obstétricos, em um período de 18 anos, em hospital universitário de atendimento terciário-HCFMB-UNESP. MÉTODO: Foi realizada análise retrospectiva das seguintes complicações: hipertensão arterial, hipotensão arterial, bradicardia sinusal e taquicardia sinusal. Tais complicações foram correlacionadas com técnica anestésica, estado físico (ASA), idade, sexo e comorbidades pré-operatórias. Para a análise estatística, foram utilizadas o teste de Tukey para comparações entre proporções e regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 32.554 pacientes submetidos a bloqueios do neuroeixo e houve 4.109 citações de hipotensão arterial, 1.107 de bradicardia sinusal, 601 de taquicardia sinusal e 466 de hipertensão arterial no período intraoperatório. Hipotensão foi mais frequente nos pacientes submetidos à anestesia subaracnoidea contínua (29,4%, OR = 2,39), com idades > 61 anos e do sexo feminino (OR = 1,27). CONCLUSÕES: Hipotensão e bradicardia intraoperatórias foram complicações mais frequentes, sendo que a hipotensão arterial esteve relacionada à técnica anestésica (ASC), faixa etária elevada e sexo feminino. Taquicardia e hipertensão arterial podem não ter sido diretamente relacionadas aos bloqueios do neuroeixo.

Improvement in embryo recovery using double uterine flushing

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of double uterine flushing on the recovery of embryos/ova in cattle. Two hundred and ten embryo recovery procedures were conducted using a double uterine flushing method, and the results were compared with 432 conventional single-flushing procedures. Cyclic Limousin (n = 403) and Guzera (n = 239) donor cows received an intravaginal progesterone releasing device and 2 mg of estradiol benzoate on Day 0. Between Days 5 and 9, donors received decreasing doses of FSH, which ranged from 200 to 300 IU (Bos indicus) and 300 to 500 IU (Bos taut-us). on the afternoon of Day 7, donors received an injection of 500 mu g cloprostenol and progesterone implants were removed 12 It later (morning of Day 8). Artificial insemination was performed between 14 and 26 h after first detection of behavioral estrus. Cows were randomly assigned to have embryos recovered by a double-flushing method (n = 210) or the conventional single-flushing procedure (n = 432). For the double-flushing procedure, after first flushing the whole uterus with 1 L of Dubelco's Phosphate Buffered Saline (DPBS), a Foley catheter was positioned in the uterine body to permit refilling of the uterus with fresh DPBS (80-150 mL). The catheter was closed with the plunger of a disposable 5 mL syringe, and the donors were allowed to rest in a holding area for 30 min. Thereafter, a second flush was performed to recover the solution remaining in the uterus. Animals from the control group were subjected to a single uterine flush. From 2 10 double-flushing procedures, 1409 viable embryos were recovered. In comparison, from 432 cows receiving the single-flushing procedure, 1993 embryos were recovered. Double flushing increased (P < 0.05) the number of embryos recovered per procedure compared to single flushing (6.7 +/- 0.4 versus 4.6 +/- 0.2, respectively; mean +/- S.E.M.). When double flushing was performed, average recovered embryos/ova increased (P < 0.05) from 8.3 +/- 0.4 to 12.7 +/- 0.7 in Limousin and from 7.9 to 11.5 in Guzera. Also, utilization of double flushing increased (P < 0.05) the number of viable embryos from 4.7 +/- 0.3 to 6.9 +/- 0.5 in Limousin and from 4.5 +/- 0.4 to 6.4 +/- 0.7 in Guzera. Mean total embryos/ova was similar (P > 0.05) between the control group and after the first uterine flushing in the double-flushing group; therefore, both flushings were conducted efficiently. In conclusion, double uterine flushing increased embryo recovery in cattle. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sensible and latent heat loss from the body surface of Holstein cows in a tropical environment

The general principles of the mechanisms of heat transfer are well known, but knowledge of the transition between evaporative and non-evaporative heat loss by Holstein cows in field conditions must be improved, especially for low-latitude environments. With this aim 15 Holstein cows managed in open pasture were observed in a tropical region. The latent heat loss from the body surface of the animals was measured by means of a ventilated capsule, while convective heat transfer was estimated by the theory of convection from a horizontal cylinder and by the long-wave radiation exchange based on the Stefan-Boltzmann law. When the air temperature was between 10 and 36 degrees C the sensible heat transfer varied from 160 to -30 W m(-2), while the latent heat loss by cutaneous evaporation increased from 30 to 350 W m(-2). Heat loss by cutaneous evaporation accounted for 20-30% of the total heat loss when air temperatures ranged from 10 to 20 degrees C. At air temperatures > 30 degrees C cutaneous evaporation becomes the main avenue of heat loss, accounting for approximately 85% of the total heat loss, while the rest is lost by respiratory evaporation.

Production of yacon plantlet (Polymnia sonchifolia poep. et endl.) in different organic fertilization

The work was carried out in nursery of the Agronomical Science College (ASC) UNESP-Botucatu, in period from September 21(st) to October 31(st) 2000. The propagation material (rhizophores) was obtained from plants, which were cultivated in the area of ASC. The rhizophores were selected according to their vigor and size. Healthy rhizophores were chosen between 15 and 25 g, which were treated with benomil (0,6%, 10 minutes). As a basic commercial substratum Solomix((R)) was used with mixing cattle manure and chicken manure in the following proportions: T1- pure substratum; T2 - substratum + cattle manure (1:1), T3- substratum + cattle manure (2:1); T4- substratum + chicken manure (4:1). The yacon rhizophores presented good shoots in all substrata with exception of T4. For all parameters no significant difference between the pure commercial substratum and its mixture with cattle manure were observed; however, the addition the chicken manure in the studied proportions revealed harmful effect on the survival and development of the plantlets. The results indicated, that the viability of smaller size rhizophores was higher as the size conventionally used in Brazil (60 to 80 g).

Herdabilidades e Correlações Genéticas para Peso e Perímetro Escrotal de Machos e Características Reprodutivas e de Crescimento de Fêmeas, na Raça Canchim

The objective of this study was to estimate heritabilities of and genetic correlations among male body weight (BW12) and scrotal circumference (SC12) at 12 months of age, and female body weights at first (BWFC) and second (BWSC) calvings, age at first (AFC) and second (ASC) calvings, adult weight (AW), and mature weight (A) and maturation rate (k) obtained by the use of the Von Bertalanffy model. The restricted maximum likelihood method with an animal model that included the fixed effects of contemporary group and the random effects of animals, was used to estimate the variance and covariance components. The heritability estimates were equal to: 0.37 (BW12),0.30 (SC12),0.38 (A), 0.35 (k), 0.12 (AFC), 0.33 (BWFC), 0.04 (ASC), 0.39 (BWSC), and 0.38 (AW). The genetic correlations among BW12 and the female traits were: 0.19 (parameter A), 0.62 (parameter k), -0.58 (AFC), 0.69 (BWFC), -0.56 (ASC), 0.61 (BWSC), and 0.60 (AW). The genetic correlations among SC12 and the female traits were: -0.24 (A), 0.27 (k), -0.47 (AFC), 0.09 (BWFC), -0.67 (ASC), 0.07 (BWSC), and -0.17 (AW). These results indicate that male body weight and scrotal circumference and female weights (BWFC, BWSC and AW) and growth curve parameters A and k have enough additive genetic variation to respond to mass selection. Selection to increase male body weight at 12 months of age should result on favorable correlated changes in AFC, ASC and parameter k of females, but with increases in female body weights (BWFC, BWSC and AW). Selection to increase SC12 should result on desirable correlated responses in AFC, ASC and k, without any considerable change in female adult body weights.

Yield and quality of carrot seeds, cv. Brasilia, as a result of plant population, gibberellic acid and stage of maturity

'Brasilia' is a cultivar of carrot with characteristics suiting cultivation under hot conditions but with problems in seed production, arising from the conflicting requirements of root and seed production. One solution is to select cultivars requiring vernalisation and then to use GA(3) to induce flowering where the climate prevents this. There is, however, little information on plant population, seed maturity and harvesting time on which to base such a procedure. Accordingly this research was carried out to study the physiological quality and production of the seeds in plant populations from 25,000 to 800,000 plants/ha, in the seed-to-seed method of cv. Brasilia in Anapolis, GO, Brazil. In each population, two harvest methods (from first and second orders of umbels, or selected harvest, and remaining orders, or total harvest) and two stages of maturity (brownish, or mature seeds, and yellowish, or immature ones) were also evaluated. Two trials were carried out, with and without gibberellic acid. Seed was evaluated for physical characters, germination, vigour, 1000-seed weight, water content, dry matter and productivity. Seed was produced in both experiments (with or without GA3 spraying). Mature seed showed germination at least 30% greater than immature, and seed from the selected harvest showed germination 16% greater than from the total harvest. In increasing plant population to 200,000 plants/ha, seed quality was not affected, but productivity increased.

Respiratory heat loss of Holstein cows in a tropical environment

In order to develop statistical models to predict respiratory heat loss in dairy cattle using simple physiological and environmental measurements, 15 Holstein cows were observed under field conditions in a tropical environment, in which the air temperature reached up to 40 &DEG; C. The measurements of latent and sensible heat loss from the respiratory tract of the animals were made by using a respiratory mask. The results showed that under air temperatures between 10 and 35 &DEG; C sensible heat loss by convection decreased from 8.24 to 1.09 W m(-2), while the latent heat loss by evaporation increased from 1.03 to 56.51 W m(-2). The evaporation increased together with the air temperature in almost a linear fashion until 20 &DEG; C, but it became increasingly high as the air temperature rose above 25 &DEG; C. Convection was a mechanism of minor importance for respiratory heat transfer. In contrast, respiratory evaporation was an effective means of thermoregulation for Holsteins in a hot environment. Mathematical models were developed to predict both the sensible and latent heat loss from the respiratory tract in Holstein cows under field conditions, based on measurements of the ambient temperature, and other models were developed to predict respiration rate, tidal volume, mass flow rate and expired air temperature as functions of the ambient temperature and other variables.