Rare earth elements of modern seeps from the Gulf of Mexico, the Black Sea, and the Congo Fan

At marine seeps, methane is microbially oxidized resulting in the precipitation of carbonates close to the seafloor. Methane oxidation leads to sulfate depletion in sediment pore water, which induces a change in redox conditions. Rare earth element (REE) patterns of authigenic carbonate phases collected from modern seeps of the Gulf of Mexico, the Black Sea, and the Congo Fan were analyzed. Different carbonate minerals including aragonite and calcite with different crystal habits have been selected for analysis. Total REE content (SumREE) of seep carbonates varies widely, from 0.1 ppm to 42.5 ppm, but a common trend is that the SumREE in microcrystalline phases is higher than that of the associated later phases including micospar, sparite and blocky cement, suggesting that SumREE may be a function of diagenesis. The shale-normalized REE patterns of the seep carbonates often show different Ce anomalies even in samples from a specific site, suggesting that the formation conditions of seep carbonates are variable and complex. Overall, our results show that apart from anoxic, oxic conditions are at least temporarily common in seep environments.

Caracterización morfofisiológica de semillas de especies leñosas distribuidas en dos zonas secas presentes en el Sur del Ecuador

Sudamérica es una de las zonas con mayor cantidad de bosque seco tropical a nivel mundial. No obstante, estos bosques han sido poco conocidos y la mayoría de estudios han estado orientados hacia los bosques húmedos tropicales. Los bosques secos se han reducido drásticamente y siguen muy amenazados, corriendo el riesgo de desaparecer en los próximos años. Por ello, es fundamental, generar investigación aplicada para la conservación inmediata de los ecosistemas secos tropicales. En Ecuador, la situación no es diferente y las zonas secas catalogadas como biodiversas están en constante amenaza. Los pocos estudios realizados en Ecuador sobre zonas secas, han permitido mejorar nuestro conocimiento referente a la diversidad y abundancia de las especies, relaciones planta-planta y síndromes de dispersión. No existen estudios sobre caracteres morfológicos en frutos y semillas de las especies leñosas de bosque seco. Sin embargo, nuestra comprensión de la dinámica y estructura de las comunidades ecológicas de zonas secas poco estudiadas, puede mejorar rápidamente mediante el estudio y enfoque de rasgos morfofisiológicos funcionales. El objetivo general del presente estudio fue aportar al conocimiento de la ecología y biología de semillas de zonas secas tropicales mediante el análisis y evaluación de rasgos morfofisiológicos de frutos y semillas de una comunidad de especies leñosas. El estudio se realizó en una zona de bosque y matorral seco, ubicados al sur occidente del Ecuador, a una altitud comprendida entre los 250 a 1 200 m s.n.m. caracterizada por una marcada estacionalidad ambiental, con lluvias desde diciembre a abril y una estación seca de mayo a noviembre. Precipitación media anual de 500 mm con una temperatura media anual de 20° a 26 °C. La zona de estudio forma parte de la región Tumbesina compartida entre el sur del Ecuador y el norte del Perú con gran diversidad de especies vegetales endémicas. Para el estudio se colectaron frutos con semillas maduras previamente a su dispersión de entre ocho y diez individuos de 80 especies entre árboles y arbustos más representativos de los bosques secos ecuatorianos. De los frutos colectados se utilizó una muestra al azar de 50 frutos y semillas por especie para los diferentes análisis. Se midió y evaluó 18 rasgos morfológicos y fisiológicos cuantitativos y cualitativos de frutos, semillas y de la especie. Se realizaron diferentes análisis de asociación y correlación entre los rasgos evaluados, con cinco variables ambientales registradas de las 109 parcelas establecidas en el área de estudio, además analizamos el tipo de dormición y comparamos la respuesta germinativa a la deshidratación relacionada con dos comunidades secas, matorral y bosque seco. Los resultados mostraron que las especies presentan gran heterogeneidad en rasgos continuos de las semillas. La variabilidad fue más evidente en rasgos como tamaño, volumen, masa y número de semillas por fruto. Sin embargo, una alta proporción de las especies tiende a producir una semilla por fruto. Además, la mayoría de las especies de bosque seco se caracterizan por no poseer algún tipo de apéndices o areola en sus semillas, forma ovalada y sin endospermo. La reserva nutritiva de las semillas se encuentra especialmente en los cotiledones de los embriones. Se encontraron seis tipos diferentes de embriones y la mayoría de las especies presentó embriones gruesos e invertidos. La dispersión de semillas está dominada por zoocoria en un 38 %, con relación a anemocoria (22 %) y autocoria (19 %). Sin embargo, encontramos que el 70 % de las especies posee frutos secos. Los análisis de dormición en las semillas de bosque seco, mostraron que el 60 % de las especies de bosque seco presentaron semillas con algún tipo de latencia, menor a la encontrada en especies de bosque deciduo tropical y sabanas, sin embargo, la dormición de las especies de bosque seco fue mayor al porcentaje de especies con dormición de bosque semiperenne y selva lluviosa tropical. La dormición física constituyó el 35 % de las especies de bosque seco, seguido del 12 % con dormición fisiológica, mientras que solamente una especie tuvo dormición morfológica. Encontramos que la dormición de las semillas de las especies en estudio se relaciona significativamente con el tipo y función del embrión y con el endospermo. Existieron relaciones significativas entre los rasgos morfológicos de los frutos, semillas, embriones y atributos de los individuos de 46 especies, aunque en algunos casos con coeficientes de correlación bajos. Hubo pocas relaciones entre los rasgo morfológicos de las semillas con las variables ambientales registradas. Solamente el tipo de testa y la presencia de apéndices en las semillas mostraron relación con el pH y la temperatura media del suelo. No obstante usando el modelo fouth corner-RLQ, no se encontraron asociaciones claras ni significativas entre rasgos morfológicos de semillas y frutos con variables ambientales. Al medir el efecto de la deshidratación en las semillas de los dos hábitats secos tropicales: bosque y matorral seco, los resultados determinaron que tanto las semillas de las especies leñosas de ambientes más áridos (matorral seco) están en gran medida pre-adaptadas a la desecación que las especies de ambientes menos áridos (bosque seco). Los tratamientos de deshidratación ejercieron un efecto negativo en los porcentajes de germinación en todas las especies, excepto para C. platanifolia. Los resultados más sorprendentes se registraron para Senna alata que mostró germinación extremadamente baja o incluso sin germinación a contenidos de humedad de la semillas de 0,10 g H2O g de peso seco. Las curvas de germinación difirieron significativamente entre los tratamientos de deshidratación en cada especie. Aportar al conocimiento la fisiología de la deshidratación y los límites de tolerancia de las semillas de bosque y matorral seco ayudará a entender mejor el papel de este rasgo en la ecología de las semillas y dinámica de las comunidades áridas tropicales. El estudio demostró, que la adaptación ecológica de las semillas de las especies leñosas de bosque seco a factores ambientales extremos, puede verse reflejada en una red de interacciones y correlaciones complejas entre los propios rasgos morfológicos y fisiológicos continuos y cuantitativos, sobre todo en rasgos internos de las semillas, quienes ejercerían una mayor influencia en toda la red de interacciones. Si bien, los rasgos de las semillas no mostraron fuertes relaciones con las variables ambientales, posiblemente las asociaciones presentes entre rasgos morfológicos pudiesen predecir en cambio interacciones entre especies y comportamientos y procesos relacionados con la tolerancia a la deshidratación y dormición de las semillas. ABSTRACT South America is one of the areas with the largest number of tropical dry forest in the world. However, these forests have been poorly understood and most studies have been directed to tropical rainforests. Dry forests have been drastically reduced and are very threatened, risking desaparecerer in the next years. It is therefore essential, generate applied research for conservation of tropical dry ecosystems. In Ecuador the situation is no different and dry areas classified as biodiverse are under constant threat. The few studies made in Ecuador on drylands have improved our knowledge concerning the diversity and abundance of species, plant-plant relationships and dispersion syndromes. Morphological studies on fruits and seeds of woody dry forest species do not exist. However, our understanding of the dynamics and structure of ecological communities dryland little studied, may improve quickly through the study and functional approach morphophysiological traits. The overall objective of this study was to contribute to the knowledge of the ecology and biology of tropical dry seeds through analysis and evaluation of morphophysiological traits of fruits and seeds of a community of woody species. The study was conducted in an area of dry scrub forest, located at the southwest of Ecuador, at an altitude between 250 to 1200 m asl. Environmental characterized by a marked seasonality, with rainfall from December to April and a dry season from May to November. Annual rainfall of 500 mm with an average annual temperature of 20° to 26 °C. The study area is part of the shared Tumbesina region between southern Ecuador and northern Peru with a great diversity of endemic plant species. For the study, we collected fruit and seed madure of eight and ten individuos of 80 species of trees and shrub most representated of the Ecuador dry forest. We selected a sample of 50 fruits and seeds for different analysis. We measure and evaluate 18 morphological and physiological traits of fruits, seeds and species. We perform analysis and correlation between traits associated with five environmental variables taken from the 109 plots established in the study area also analyze and compare the germination response to dehydration related to two dry communities, scrub and dry forest. The results showed that the species have great heterogeneity in continuous seed traits. Variability was more evident in features such as size, volume, mass, and number of seeds per fruit. However, a high proportion of species tends to produce a seed per fruit. In addition, most of the species of dry forest is characterized by not having some sort of ppendices or areola in its seeds, oval form and without endosperm. The nutrient reserves of seeds are especially in the cotyledons of the embryos. Six different embryos were found and most of the species presented thick and inverted embryos. Seed dispersal zoochory is dominated by 38 %, relative to anemochory (22 %) and autochory (19 %). However, we found that 70 % of the species has dried fruits. The analysis of dormancy from tropical dry forest, showed that 60 % of species showed seed dormancy, down from species found in tropical deciduous forest and savanna, however dormancy dry forest species was higher than the percentage of forest species dormancy semi-evergreen and tropical rain forest. Physical dormancy corresponds to 35 % of species, followed by 12 % with physiological dormancy, while only one species had morphological dormancy. We found that dormancy of the seeds was significantly related to the type and function of the embryo and the endospemo. There were significant relationships between morphological traits of fruits, seeds, embryos and attributes of individuals of 46 species, although in some cases with low correlation coefficients. There was little relationship between the morphologic traits of the seeds with the registered environmental variables. Only the type of tesla and the presence of appendages on the seeds showed relation to pH and the mean soil temperature. However, using the fourth corner-RLQ model, neither clear nor significant between morphological traits of seeds and fruits associations with environmental variables were found. The effect of dehydration on seeds of two tropical dry forest habitats was evident in dry scrub. The results determined that both the seeds of woody species forest and dry scrub are pre-adapted to drier conditions. Dehydration treatments exerted a negative effect on germination percentage in all species, except for C. platanifolia. However, all species germinated in treatments of extreme dryness, but in low percentages. The most striking results were recorded for Senna alata showed no germination when its moisture content was 0.10 g H2O g dry weight. Germination curves differ significantly between the treatments of dehydration in each species. Contribute to the knowledge of physiology and dehydration tolerance limits seeds dry scrub forest and help you better understand the role of this trait in seed ecology and dynamics of tropical arid communities. The study showed that the ecological adaptation of seeds of woody species of dry forest to extreme environmental factors may be reflected in a complex web of interactions and correlations between morphological and physiological traits continuous and quantitative themselves, especially in internal seed traits, who exerted a major influence on the entire network of interactions. While the seed traits showed strong relationships with environmental variables possibly present associations between morphological traits could predict interactions between species and change behaviors related to desiccation tolerance and seed dormancy processes.

On the construction of new bent functions from the max-weight and min-weight functions of old bent functions

Given a bent function f (x) of n variables, its max-weight and min-weight functions are introduced as the Boolean functions f + (x) and f − (x) whose supports are the sets {a ∈ Fn2 | w( f ⊕la) = 2n−1+2 n 2 −1} and {a ∈ Fn2 | w( f ⊕la) = 2n−1−2 n 2 −1} respectively, where w( f ⊕ la) denotes the Hamming weight of the Boolean function f (x) ⊕ la(x) and la(x) is the linear function defined by a ∈ Fn2 . f + (x) and f − (x) are proved to be bent functions. Furthermore, combining the 4 minterms of 2 variables with the max-weight or min-weight functions of a 4-tuple ( f0(x), f1(x), f2(x), f3(x)) of bent functions of n variables such that f0(x) ⊕ f1(x) ⊕ f2(x) ⊕ f3(x) = 1, a bent function of n + 2 variables is obtained. A family of 4-tuples of bent functions satisfying the above condition is introduced, and finally, the number of bent functions we can construct using the method introduced in this paper are obtained. Also, our construction is compared with other constructions of bent functions.

Metodologia para a suavização de dados biomecanicos por função não parametrica ponderada local robusta

Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Educação Física

Fatigue behaviour of friction stir welded AA2024-T3 alloy: longitudinal and transverse crack growth

The fatigue crack growth properties of friction stir welded joints of 2024-T3 aluminium alloy have been studied under constant load amplitude (increasing-Delta K), with special emphasis on the residual stress (inverse weight function) effects on longitudinal and transverse crack growth rate predictions (Glinka`s method). In general, welded joints were more resistant to longitudinally growing fatigue cracks than the parent material at threshold Delta K values, when beneficial thermal residual stresses decelerated crack growth rate, while the opposite behaviour was observed next to K-C instability, basically due to monotonic fracture modes intercepting fatigue crack growth in weld microstructures. As a result, fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) predictions were conservative at lower propagation rates and non-conservative for faster cracks. Regarding transverse cracks, intense compressive residual stresses rendered welded plates more fatigue resistant than neat parent plate. However, once the crack tip entered the more brittle weld region substantial acceleration of FCGR occurred due to operative monotonic tensile modes of fracture, leading to non-conservative crack growth rate predictions next to K-C instability. At threshold Delta K values non-conservative predictions values resulted from residual stress relaxation. Improvements on predicted FCGR values were strongly dependent on how the progressive plastic relaxation of the residual stress field was considered.

Modelo de seleção de fornecedores baseado em dados reais – desenvolvimento de ferramentas para os métodos de seleção

A seleção de fornecedores é considerada atualmente estratégica para as empresas que estão inseridas em ambientes cada vez mais dinâmicos e exigentes. Nesta dissertação são determinados os critérios e métodos mais usados no problema de seleção de fornecedores. Para estes serem alcançados, analisaram-se artigos da área e de ilustres autores para assim se perceber quais os critérios das áreas mais influentes, na hora de tomada de decisão sobre os melhores fornecedores para as empresas. A partir deste estudo foi construído um inquérito de resposta curta, enviado a empresas a laborar em Portugal, para se obter as importâncias dadas aos critérios por parte das empresas. Com estas respostas conclui-se que critérios relacionados com a qualidade e o custo são os mais relevantes. Relativamente aos métodos, foram estudados teórica e praticamente, o AHP e o SMART. O primeiro por ser o mais referenciado nos artigos estudados e o segundo por ser o mais simples de implementar e usar. No SMART foram criadas as funções valor para regerem o funcionamento do método. Estas funções foram desenvolvidas de raiz, com base num estudo bibliográfico prévio para cada um dos subcritérios, para se entender qual o melhor tipo de função a aplicar definindo matematicamente melhor o comportamento de cada um deles. A tomada de decisão é bastante importante nas organizações, pois pode conduzir ao sucesso ou insucesso. Assim é explicado a envolvente da tomada de decisão, o problema da seleção dos fornecedores, como se desenvolve o processo de seleção e quais são os métodos existentes para auxiliar a escolha dos mesmos. Por fim é apresentado o modelo proposto baseado nos resultados obtidos através do inquérito, e a aplicação dos dois métodos (AHP e SMART) para um melhor entendimento dos mesmos.

Testing Nelder-Mead Based Repulsion Algorithms for Multiple Roots of Nonlinear Systems via a Two-Level Factorial Design of Experiments

This paper addresses the challenging task of computing multiple roots of a system of nonlinear equations. A repulsion algorithm that invokes the Nelder-Mead (N-M) local search method and uses a penalty-type merit function based on the error function, known as 'erf', is presented. In the N-M algorithm context, different strategies are proposed to enhance the quality of the solutions and improve the overall efficiency. The main goal of this paper is to use a two-level factorial design of experiments to analyze the statistical significance of the observed differences in selected performance criteria produced when testing different strategies in the N-M based repulsion algorithm. The main goal of this paper is to use a two-level factorial design of experiments to analyze the statistical significance of the observed differences in selected performance criteria produced when testing different strategies in the N-M based repulsion algorithm.

Testing Nelder-Mead based repulsion algorithms for multiple roots of nonlinear systems via a two-level factorial design of experiments

This paper addresses the challenging task of computing multiple roots of a system of nonlinear equations. A repulsion algorithm that invokes the Nelder-Mead (N-M) local search method and uses a penalty-type merit function based on the error function, known as 'erf', is presented. In the N-M algorithm context, different strategies are proposed to enhance the quality of the solutions and improve the overall efficiency. The main goal of this paper is to use a two-level factorial design of experiments to analyze the statistical significance of the observed differences in selected performance criteria produced when testing different strategies in the N-M based repulsion algorithm. The main goal of this paper is to use a two-level factorial design of experiments to analyze the statistical significance of the observed differences in selected performance criteria produced when testing different strategies in the N-M based repulsion algorithm.

Weighted Hardy spaces for the unit disc: approximation properties

In this paper we study basic properties of the weighted Hardy space for the unit disc with the weight function satisfying Muckenhoupt's (Aq) condition, and study related approximation problems (expansion, moment and interpolation) with respect to two incomplete systems of holomorphic functions in this space.

Energy partitioning for "fuzzy" atoms

The total energy of molecule in terms of 'fuzzy atoms' presented as sum of one- and two-atomic energy components is described. The divisions of three-dimensional physical space into atomic regions exhibit continuous transition from one to another. The energy components are on chemical energy scale according to proper definitions. The Becke's integration scheme and weight function determines realization of method which permits effective numerical integrations

A T42A Ran Mutation: Differential Interactions with Effectors and Regulators, and Defect in Nuclear Protein Import

Ran, the small, predominantly nuclear GTPase, has been implicated in the regulation of a variety of cellular processes including cell cycle progression, nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking of RNA and protein, nuclear structure, and DNA synthesis. It is not known whether Ran functions directly in each process or whether many of its roles may be secondary to a direct role in only one, for example, nuclear protein import. To identify biochemical links between Ran and its functional target(s), we have generated and examined the properties of a putative Ran effector mutation, T42A-Ran. T42A-Ran binds guanine nucleotides as well as wild-type Ran and responds as well as wild-type Ran to GTP or GDP exchange stimulated by the Ran-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor, RCC1. T42A-Ran·GDP also retains the ability to bind p10/NTF2, a component of the nuclear import pathway. In contrast to wild-type Ran, T42A-Ran·GTP binds very weakly or not detectably to three proposed Ran effectors, Ran-binding protein 1 (RanBP1), Ran-binding protein 2 (RanBP2, a nucleoporin), and karyopherin ß (a component of the nuclear protein import pathway), and is not stimulated to hydrolyze bound GTP by Ran GTPase-activating protein, RanGAP1. Also in contrast to wild-type Ran, T42A-Ran does not stimulate nuclear protein import in a digitonin permeabilized cell assay and also inhibits wild-type Ran function in this system. However, the T42A mutation does not block the docking of karyophilic substrates at the nuclear pore. These properties of T42A-Ran are consistent with its classification as an effector mutant and define the exposed region of Ran containing the mutation as a probable effector loop.

Anàlisi de la figura de coordinador/a TIC a deu escoles vallesanes: Funcions, formació i perfil

La present recerca és un estudi de cas de la figura del coordinador/a TIC (Tecnologies de la Informació i la Comunicació) centrant-se en aspectes referents a les funcions, la formació i el perfil. El constant avenç tecnològic en la societat també inclou el món educatiu i això crea la necessitat de tenir una figura dinamitzadora de les TIC dins l’escola, un punt de referència. Amb l’objectiu d’aconseguir conèixer aquesta figura es dissenya i s’aplica un qüestionari amb el qual s’obtindrà informació d’aquesta figura tractant temes que van tant dels esmentats anteriorment com de la comissió TAC o dels recursos TIC que disposen. Per poder obtenir aquesta informació es compta amb la participació de deu escoles vallesanes. Els resultats mostren que el tipus de funció que més realitza són les Tècniques mentre que les de Lideratge són les que menys. Mostren també com la formació que es demana és tècnica i pedagògica i que el perfil dels coordinadors/es TIC és bastant divers. En conclusió, es pot dir que la figura del coordinador/a TIC de centre és un punt clau dins l’escola ja que ajuda a la inclusió digital, entre d’altres aspectes, però encara és una figura molt ambigua.

Enforcing dendritic cell vaccines by manipulating the MHC II antigen presentation pathway

Les vaccins à base de cellules dendritiques (DCs) constituent une avenue très populaire en immunothérapie du cancer. Alors que ces cellules peuvent présenter des peptides exogènes ajoutés au milieu, l’efficacité de chargement de ces peptides au le complexe majeur d'histocompatibilité (CMH) de classe II est limitée. En effet, la majorité des molécules du CMH II à la surface des DCs sont très stable et l’échange de peptide spontané est minime. Confinée aux vésicules endosomales, HLA-DM (DM) retire les peptides des molécules du CMH II en plus de leur accorder une conformation réceptive au chargement de peptides. Il est possible, cependant, de muter le signal de rétention de DM de façon à ce que la protéine s’accumule en surface. Nous avons émis l’hypothèse que ce mutant de DM (DMY) sera aussi fonctionnel à la surface que dans la voie endosomale et qu’il favorisera le chargement de peptides exogènes aux DCs. Nous avons utilisé un vecteur adénoviral pour exprimer DMY dans des DCs et avons montrer que la molécule augmente le chargement de peptides. L’augmentation du chargement peptidique par DMY est autant qualitatif que quantitatif. DMY améliore la réponse T auxiliaire (Th) du coté Th1, ce qui favorise l’immunité anti-cancer. Du côté qualitatif, le chargement de peptides résulte en des complexes peptide-CMHII (pCMH) d’une conformation supérieure (conformère). Ce conformère (Type A) est le préféré pour la vaccination et DMY édite avec succès les complexes pCMH à la surface en éliminant ceux de type B, lesquels sont indésirables. La fonction de DM est régulée par HLA-DO (DO). Ce dernier inhibe l’habilité de DM à échanger le peptide CLIP (peptide dérivée de la chaîne invariante) en fonction du pH, donc dans les endosomes tardifs. Mes résultats indiquent que la surexpression de DO influence la présentation des superantigènes (SAgs) dépendants de la nature du peptide. Il est probable que DO améliore indirectement la liaison de ces SAgs au pCMH dû à l’accumulation de complexe CLIP-CMH, d’autant plus qu’il neutralise la polarisation Th2 normalement observée par CLIP. Ensemble, ces résultats indiquent que DMY est un outil intéressant pour renforcer le chargement de peptides exogènes sur les DCs et ainsi générer des vaccins efficaces. Un effet inattendu de DO sur la présentation de certains SAgs a aussi été observé. Davantage de recherche est nécessaire afin de résoudre comment DMY et DO influence la polarisation des lymphocytes T auxiliaires. Cela conduira à une meilleure compréhension de la présentation antigénique et de son étroite collaboration avec le système immunitaire.

Form-invariant bivariate weighted models

In this paper the class of continuous bivariate distributions that has form-invariant weighted distribution with weight function w(x1, x2) ¼ xa1 1 xa2 2 is identified. It is shown that the class includes some well known bivariate models. Bayesian inference on the parameters of the class is considered and it is shown that there exist natural conjugate priors for the parameters

Shrinking restarting automata

Restarting automata are a restricted model of computation that was introduced by Jancar et.al. to model the so-called analysis by reduction. A computation of a restarting automaton consists of a sequence of cycles such that in each cycle the automaton performs exactly one rewrite step, which replaces a small part of the tape content by another, even shorter word. Thus, each language accepted by a restarting automaton belongs to the complexity class $CSL cap NP$. Here we consider a natural generalization of this model, called shrinking restarting automaton, where we do no longer insist on the requirement that each rewrite step decreases the length of the tape content. Instead we require that there exists a weight function such that each rewrite step decreases the weight of the tape content with respect to that function. The language accepted by such an automaton still belongs to the complexity class $CSL cap NP$. While it is still unknown whether the two most general types of one-way restarting automata, the RWW-automaton and the RRWW-automaton, differ in their expressive power, we will see that the classes of languages accepted by the shrinking RWW-automaton and the shrinking RRWW-automaton coincide. As a consequence of our proof, it turns out that there exists a reduction by morphisms from the language class $cL(RRWW)$ to the class $cL(RWW)$. Further, we will see that the shrinking restarting automaton is a rather robust model of computation. Finally, we will relate shrinking RRWW-automata to finite-change automata. This will lead to some new insights into the relationships between the classes of languages characterized by (shrinking) restarting automata and some well-known time and space complexity classes.