Co-inoculation of Rhizobium tropici and Azospirillum brasilense in common beans grown under two irrigation depths

ABSTRACT The alternative technique of co-inoculation or mixed inoculation with symbiotic and non-symbiotic bacteria has been studied in leguminous plants. However, there are few field studies with common beans and under the influence of the amount of irrigated water. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of inoculation and co-inoculation of common beans with Rhizobium tropici and Azospirillum brasilense under two irrigation depths. The experiment was carried out in the winter of 2012 and 2013, in Selvíria, state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The experimental design was composed of randomized blocks in split-plot scheme with two irrigation depths in the plots (recommended for common beans and 75% of the recommended) and five forms of nitrogen (N) supply in the split-plots (control non-inoculated with 40 kg ha- 1 of N in topdressing, 80 kg ha- 1 of N in topdressing, A. brasilense inoculation with 40 kg ha-1 of N in topdressing, R. tropici inoculation with 40 kg ha-1 of N in topdressing, and co-inoculation of A. brasilense and R. tropici with 40 kg ha- 1 of N in topdressing) with four repetitions. Co-inoculation increased nodulation in the second year of cultivation. None of the evaluated treatments increased the grain yield in relation to non-inoculated control with 40 kg ha-1 of nitrogen in topdressing, which presented average yield of 2,200 kg ha-1. The use of 75% of the recommended irrigation depth provides similar grain yield to the recommended irrigation depth in common beans cropped in winter.

Accountability and co-production of information and control: social observatories and their relationship with government agencies

Abstract:Through the development of a proposal to categorize accountability into four stages - classical, cross-sectional, systemic, and diffused -, this article aims to identify characteristics of co-production of information and socio-political control of public administration in the work of Brazilian social observatories in relationship with government control agencies. The study analyses data from 20 social observatories and, particularly, three experiences of co-production of information and control, based on a systemic perspective on accountability and a model with four categories: Political and cultural; valuing; systemic-organizational, and production. The conclusions summarize characteristics of these practices, specific phases in the accountability processes, as well as the potentialities and challenges of co-production of information and control, which not only influences, but it is also influenced by the accountability system.

Probing the scalar-pseudoscalar mixing in the 125 GeV Higgs particle with current data

LHC has found hints for a Higgs particle of 125 GeV. We investigate the possibility that such a particle is a mixture of scalar and pseudoscalar states. For definiteness, we concentrate on a two-Higgs doublet model with explicit CP violation and soft Z(2) violation. Including all Higgs production mechanisms, we determine the current constraints obtained by comparing h -> yy with h -> VV*, and comment on the information which can be gained by measurements of h -> b (b) over bar. We find bounds vertical bar s(2)vertical bar less than or similar to 0.83 at one sigma, where vertical bar s(2)vertical bar = 0 (vertical bar s(2)vertical bar = 1) corresponds to a pure scalar (pure pseudoscalar) state.

Optimal dispatch with reactive power compensation by Genetic Algorithm

This paper presents a Unit Commitment model with reactive power compensation that has been solved by Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization techniques. The GA has been developed a computational tools programmed/coded in MATLAB. The main objective is to find the best generations scheduling whose active power losses are minimal and the reactive power to be compensated, subjected to the power system technical constraints. Those are: full AC power flow equations, active and reactive power generation constraints. All constraints that have been represented in the objective function are weighted with a penalty factors. The IEEE 14-bus system has been used as test case to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Results and conclusions are dully drawn.

Determination of stresses around a cylindrical single pile caused by horizontal movements of soils with the finitive element method

This study was carried out with the aim of modeling in 2D, in plain strain, the movement of a soft cohesive soil around a pile, in order to enable the determination of stresses resulting along the pile, per unit length. The problem in study fits into the large deformations problem and can be due to landslide, be close of depth excavations, to be near of zones where big loads are applied in the soil, etc. In this study is used an constitutive Elasto-Plastic model with the failure criterion of Mohr-Coulomb to model the soil behavior. The analysis is developed considering the soil in undrained conditions. To the modeling is used the finite element program PLAXIS, which use the Updated Lagrangian - Finite Element Method (UL-FEM). In this work, special attention is given to the soil-pile interaction, where is presented with some detail the formulation of the interface elements and some studies for a better understand of his behavior. It is developed a 2-D model that simulates the effect of depth allowing the study of his influence in the stress distribution around the pile. The results obtained give an important base about how behaves the movement of the soil around a pile, about how work the finite element program PLAXIS and how is the stress distribution around the pile. The analysis demonstrate that the soil-structure interaction modeled with the UL-FEM and interface elements is more appropriate to small deformations problems.

Three-dimensional patchy lattice model for empty fluids

The phase diagram of a simple model with two patches of type A and ten patches of type B (2A10B) on the face centred cubic lattice has been calculated by simulations and theory. Assuming that there is no interaction between the B patches the behavior of the system can be described in terms of the ratio of the AB and AA interactions, r. Our results show that, similarly to what happens for related off-lattice and two-dimensional lattice models, the liquid-vapor phase equilibria exhibit reentrant behavior for some values of the interaction parameters. However, for the model studied here the liquid-vapor phase equilibria occur for values of r lower than 1/3, a threshold value which was previously thought to be universal for 2AnB models. In addition, the theory predicts that below r = 1/3 (and above a new condensation threshold which is < 1/3) the reentrant liquid-vapor equilibria are so extreme that it exhibits a closed loop with a lower critical point, a very unusual behavior in single-component systems. An order-disorder transition is also observed at higher densities than the liquid-vapor equilibria, which shows that the liquid-vapor reentrancy occurs in an equilibrium region of the phase diagram. These findings may have implications in the understanding of the condensation of dipolar hard spheres given the analogy between that system and the 2AnB models considered here. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4771591]

Padrão CQRS para sistemas distribuídos de larga escala

Esta tese pretende desenvolver o estudo de um padrão que utiliza um modelo de implementação fundamentado na natureza das operações que um sistema pretende executar. Estas operações são distinguidas pelo que realizam, portanto um sistema poderá ser dividido em duas grandes áreas: uma, de leitura de dados, e outra, de manipulação de dados. A maior parte dos sistemas atuais está a progredir, com o objetivo de conseguir suportar muitos utilizadores em simultâneo, e é neste aspeto que este padrão se diferencia porque vai permitir escalar, com muita facilidade e sem sobrecarga. Além disso, este estudo deverá facultar um conjunto de boas práticas e incidir sobre o facto de se pretender desenhar um sistema de raiz e não apenas em “migrar” de um sistema já existente. Ao estudar este padrão é essencial estudar e analisar a evolução da utilização futura dos sistemas, para determinar a utilidade e a aplicação crescente ou não, deste padrão. Interessa também saber, quem implementa atualmente este padrão, em que tipo de produtos, e enaltecer o seu sucesso de implementação, estimulando o desenvolvimento da sua utilização. Finalmente, demonstra-se a aplicabilidade e validade do padrão proposto, através de uma implementação modelo, com a ajuda de uma framework de forma a determinar quais as ferramentas existentes que possam ser úteis e contribuir para a implementação deste padrão. O objetivo final será demonstrar os principais componentes do sistema, como poderá prosseguir a sua evolução e como poderá ser melhorada e simplificada a comunicação entre os seus componentes, para uma utilização mais fácil, frequente e de interesse comum para todos: utilizadores e administradores.

Proposta de um modelo de avaliação de websites de turismo de habitação

actividade de turismo de habitação tem crescido de forma sustentada ao longo dos últimos anos em Portugal e o recurso à internet como canal de comercialização deste serviço tem substituído gradualmente os restantes canais mais tradicionais. No entanto, esta generalização do recurso a websites, nesta e noutras áreas da actividade económica, não tem sido sempre sinónimo de qualidade, justificando assim a procura de sistemas de avaliação deste tipo de produto de software, que possam ser aplicados sistemática e eficazmente. Nesse sentido, foi desenvolvido este trabalho, no propósito de conseguir um modelo de avaliação de websites, específico para o turismo de habitação, na convicção de que para áreas específicas se exigem abordagens específicas. A pesquisa por modelos orientados para esta actividade não produziu qualquer resultado, ao contrário de outras áreas onde já existem modelos adequados, como sejam a área académica e outras. Daí a necessidade de conjugar ideias e conceitos mais genéricos, de fontes diversas, com elementos específicos de turismo de habitação, no intuito de os combinar e adequar aos objectivos deste trabalho. Assim, a partir de elementos da Norma ISO 9126; de conceitos de usabilidade, funcionalidade, credibilidade, e outros; da opção por uma abordagem de desempenho empresarial; de modelos já existentes, embora direccionados para outras áreas; e de um modelo exploratório de carácter empírico entretanto desenvolvido, foi concebido e implementado um modelo que se caracteriza no essencial, por ser estruturado em três níveis, contemplar um conjunto de trinta e oito atributos em avaliação, com maior incidência naqueles relacionados com aspectos que se considera terem maior influência no desempenho da actividade económica subjacente, e que tem uma ponderação variável do seu impacto no resultado final. No intuito de dar flexibilidade ao modelo e de contrariar a carga subjectiva resultante do processo de ponderação do impacto de cada atributo avaliado, foram implementados no modelo três cenários alternativos com ponderações distintas, cada um valorizando determinado tipo de atributos e desvalorizando outros. Naturalmente que, aquando da implementação do modelo exploratório foram já retiradas algumas conclusões sobre o panorama geral, todavia o modelo definitivo veio dar-lhes maior consistência e pormenor.

Flexibility in a Stackelberg leadership with differentiated goods

We study the effects of product differentiation in a Stackelberg model with demand uncertainty for the first mover. We do an ex-ante and ex-post analysis of the profits of the leader and of the follower firms in terms of product differentiation and of the demand uncertainty. We show that even with small uncertainty about the demand, the follower firm can achieve greater profits than the leader, if their products are sufficiently differentiated. We also compute the probability of the second firm having higher profit than the leading firm, subsequently showing the advantages and disadvantages of being either the leader or the follower firm.

A Spatial Econometrics Analysis for Road Accidents in Lisbon

This paper presents a spatial econometrics analysis for the number of road accidents with victims in the smallest administrative divisions of Lisbon, considering as a baseline a log-Poisson model for environmental factors. Spatial correlation on data is investigated for data alone and for the residuals of the baseline model without and with spatial-autocorrelated and spatial-lagged terms. In all the cases no spatial autocorrelation was detected.

A simulation model for the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol: delay/throughput evaluation of the GTS mechanism

The IEEE 802.15.4 protocol has the ability to support time-sensitive Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) applications due to the Guaranteed Time Slot (GTS) Medium Access Control mechanism. Recently, several analytical and simulation models of the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol have been proposed. Nevertheless, currently available simulation models for this protocol are both inaccurate and incomplete, and in particular they do not support the GTS mechanism. In this paper, we propose an accurate OPNET simulation model, with focus on the implementation of the GTS mechanism. The motivation that has driven this work is the validation of the Network Calculus based analytical model of the GTS mechanism that has been previously proposed and to compare the performance evaluation of the protocol as given by the two alternative approaches. Therefore, in this paper we contribute an accurate OPNET model for the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. Additionally, and probably more importantly, based on the simulation model we propose a novel methodology to tune the protocol parameters such that a better performance of the protocol can be guaranteed, both concerning maximizing the throughput of the allocated GTS as well as concerning minimizing frame delay.

Principal components and generalized linear modeling in the correlation between hospital admissions and air pollution

OBJECTIVE To analyze the association between concentrations of air pollutants and admissions for respiratory causes in children. METHODS Ecological time series study. Daily figures for hospital admissions of children aged < 6, and daily concentrations of air pollutants (PM10, SO2, NO2, O3 and CO) were analyzed in the Região da Grande Vitória, ES, Southeastern Brazil, from January 2005 to December 2010. For statistical analysis, two techniques were combined: Poisson regression with generalized additive models and principal model component analysis. Those analysis techniques complemented each other and provided more significant estimates in the estimation of relative risk. The models were adjusted for temporal trend, seasonality, day of the week, meteorological factors and autocorrelation. In the final adjustment of the model, it was necessary to include models of the Autoregressive Moving Average Models (p, q) type in the residuals in order to eliminate the autocorrelation structures present in the components. RESULTS For every 10:49 μg/m3 increase (interquartile range) in levels of the pollutant PM10 there was a 3.0% increase in the relative risk estimated using the generalized additive model analysis of main components-seasonal autoregressive – while in the usual generalized additive model, the estimate was 2.0%. CONCLUSIONS Compared to the usual generalized additive model, in general, the proposed aspect of generalized additive model − principal component analysis, showed better results in estimating relative risk and quality of fit.

Determinants of using pacifier and bottle feeding

OBJECTIVE To analyze the factors associated with the use of pacifiers and/or bottle feeding in infants aged under one year.METHODS This is a cross-sectional study with 34,366 children and using data from the database of the 2nd Nationwide Survey of Breastfeeding Prevalence performed in the Brazilian capitals and Federal District in 2008. Cluster sampling was used. The questionnaire included questions about the use of artificial nipples in the last 24 hours. The analysis considered three outcomes: exclusive use of pacifier, exclusive use of bottle feeding, and use of artificial nipples (pacifier and bottle feeding). Prevalence ratios were obtained using Poisson regression with robust variance following a hierarchical model.RESULTS The following factors were associated with exclusive use of the pacifier: mother working outside the home, primiparity, child was not breastfed within the first hour, and child had consumed tea on the first day at home. The following factors were associated with exclusive use of bottle feeding: mother working outside the home, primiparity, low birth weight, child not breastfed within the first hour, and child had consumed milk formula and tea on the first day at home. The following factors were associated with use of artificial nipples (pacifier and bottle feeding): mother working outside the home, primiparity, cesarean delivery, the male gender, low birth weight, born in a hospital not accredited as “baby friendly”, required health baby monitoring in the Primary Health Care Unit (PR = 0.91), and child had consumed milk formula, water, or tea on the first day at home.CONCLUSIONS This study identified profiles of exclusive users of pacifiers, bottle feeding, and both. The provided information can guide preventive practices for child health.

Component-based software engineering: a quantitative approach

Dissertação apresentada para a obtenção do Grau de Doutor em Informática pela Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia

Bertrand model under incomplete information

We consider a Bertrand duopoly model with unknown costs. The firms' aim is to choose the price of its product according to the well-known concept of Bayesian Nash equilibrium. The chooses are made simultaneously by both firms. In this paper, we suppose that each firm has two different technologies, and uses one of them according to a certain probability distribution. The use of either one or the other technology affects the unitary production cost. We show that this game has exactly one Bayesian Nash equilibrium. We analyse the advantages, for firms and for consumers, of using the technology with highest production cost versus the one with cheapest production cost. We prove that the expected profit of each firm increases with the variance of its production costs. We also show that the expected price of each good increases with both expected production costs, being the effect of the expected production costs of the rival dominated by the effect of the own expected production costs.