Larvicultura de trairão (Hoplias lacerdae) em água doce e água salinizada

O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de desenvolver técnicas de manejo durante a larvicultura de trairão, realizando cultivos em água doce ou ligeiramente salinizada, utilizando náuplios de Artemia como alimento vivo. No início da alimentação exógena, oito dias após a eclosão, as larvas foram contadas e estocadas em 12 recipientes com volume útil de 1,5 L cada, dotados de sistema de aeração, numa densidade de 10 larvas/L, distribuídos dentro de três tanques de 130 L, contendo água com temperatura controlada (29,5ºC). Os tanques foram totalmente cobertos com lona plástica preta, mantendo o ambiente interno escuro, e descobertos somente para os manejos diários. As larvas foram submetidas a três tratamentos: cultivo em água doce; em água a 2 de salinidade; e em água a 4 de salinidade. Cada tratamento teve quatro repetições. A alimentação foi fornecida nas proporções diárias de 300 náuplios de Artemia/larva, do primeiro ao quinto dia, de 600 náuplios de Artemia/larva, do sexto ao décimo dia e de 900 náuplios de Artemia/larva, do décimo primeiro ao décimo quinto dia, divididos em três refeições. Ao final do experimento, foram avaliadas a sobrevivência, o crescimento (comprimento e peso), a taxa de crescimento específico e a taxa de resistência ao estresse. Após 15 dias de tratamento, não foram verificadas diferenças significativas entre os resultados das variáveis analisadas. As condições de cultivo mostraram-se eficientes, possibilitando altas taxas de sobrevivência (valores médios superiores a 91,6%), sendo a Artemia um alimento atrativo. Os níveis de salinidade utilizados não afetaram o desenvolvimento das larvas e alevinos.

Nonlinear optimization using a modified Hopfield model

Systems based on artificial neural networks have high computational rates due to the use of a massive number of simple processing elements. Neural networks with feedback connections provide a computing model capable of solving a rich class of optimization problems. In this paper, a modified Hopfield network is developed for solving constrained nonlinear optimization problems. The internal parameters of the network are obtained using the valid-subspace technique. Simulated examples are presented as an illustration of the proposed approach.

Studies on the respiration rate of free and immobilized cells of Cephalosporium acremonium in cephalosporin C production

Bioprocesses using filamentous fungi immobilized in inert supports present many advantages when compared to conventional free cell processes. However, assessment of the real advantages of the unconventional process demands a rigorous study of the limitations to diffusional mass transfer of the reagents, especially concerning oxygen. In this work, a comparative study was carried out on the cephalosporin C production process in defined medium containing glucose and sucrose as main carbon and energy sources, by free and immobilized cells of Cephalosporium acremonium ATCC 48272 in calcium alginate gel beads containing alumina. The effective diffusivity of oxygen through the gel beads and the effectiveness factors related to the respiration rate of the microorganism were determined experimentally. By applying Monod kinetics, the respiration kinetics parameters were experimentally determined in independent experiments in a complete production medium. The effectiveness factor experimental values presented good agreement with the theoretical values of the approximated zero-order effectiveness factor, considering the dead core model. Furthermore, experimental results obtained with immobilized cells in a 1.7-L tower bioreactor were compared with those obtained in 5-L conventional fermenter with free cells. It could be concluded that it is possible to attain rather high production rates working with relatively large diameter gel beads (ca. 2.5 mm) and sucrose consumption-based productivity was remarkably higher with immobilized cells, i.e., 0.33 gCPC/kg sucrose/h against 0.24 gCPC/kg sucrose/h in the aerated stirred tank bioreactor process. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Reprodução de Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica e Pratylenchus coffeae em Diferentes Cultivares de Bananeira

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the most consumed fruits in the world, and it is cultivated in many tropical countries. In Brazil, the productivity is low due to several factors such as the incidence of pests and diseases. The nematodes are among the most important problems found in the production of bananas. This research studied the reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita race 2, M. javanica and Pratylenchus coffeae in different cultivars of banana. The evaluation of the experiments with Meloidogyne spp. was carried out 120 days after the inoculation. The analyzed parameters were: number of gall, number of the external masses of eggs, number of eggs per gram of root, reproduction factor and number of juveniles in the soil. The evaluation of the experiment with P. coffeae was carried out 90 days after the inoculation; the final population was evaluated. The cultivars PV-0344, Maca, Grande Naine, FHIA 01, Thap Maeo and Prata Ana allowed greater multiplication of P. coffeae than Caipira, SH-3640 and FHIA-18. For M. javanica, the cultivars Calypso, Bucanneer, Grande Naine, PV-0344, Nanicao Magario, FHIA-02, SH-3640, Pacovan, and Prata Ana exhibited larger populations, decreasing in Maca. All cultivars allowed high multiplication rates of M. incognita.

Phenology of a dioecious population of Batrachospermum delicatulum (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) in a stream from southeastern Brazil

The seasonal dynamics of a dioecious population of Batrachospermum delicatulum (Skuja) Necchi and Entwisle was evaluated biweekly during the growth period of the macroscopic gametophyte, from late autumn (May) to early spring (October) in a third-order stream from the northeast region of Sao Paulo State, southeastern Brazil (20°43'S, 49°13'W). The population fluctuated throughout the study period in terms of percentage cover, frequency and chlorophyll content. Percent cover and frequency showed a clear pattern with the lowest values at the initial and final stages of the growth period and the highest in July-August (winter). Gametophyte growth was associated with high illumination and low temperature, which agrees with most observations on Batrachospermales in stream environments. Relatively wide variations in reproductive characteristics were observed during the growth period, which were not correlated with percentage cover, frequency and chlorophyll content. The phenologic pattern observed in this population was characterized by a synchronic development of female/male plant ratio with the number of spermatangia per plant resulting in. (i) a higher proportion of fertilized (carposporophytic) plants associated with more male plants; (ii) higher fertilization rates during the periods with higher production of spermatangia per plant; and (iii) higher production of spermatangia per plant when the population had more male plants. These characteristics were largely associated with water temperature and ion content. In terms of reproductive success, the population studied can be regarded as highly efficient, considering the relatively low proportion of male to female plants and high fertilization rates. These data are consistent with a hypothesis to explain high fertilization rates in dioecious species in lotic habitats consisting of outcrossing among adjacent plants with intermingled male and female branches within an algal cluster. Efficient reproductive strategies have been reported in dioecious, monoecious and even mixed populations of B. delicatulum and can be interpreted as adaptations to successfully colonize streams with different characteristics.

Social organization of the eusocial wasp Mischocyttarus cerberus styx (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

The present study was carried out under field conditions in Rio Claro, Southeastern Brazil. The following average life-spans of adults of Mischocyttarus cerberus styx were observed: queens 191.1 days, workers 14.0 days, and males 10.7 days. The short longevity of workers is attributed to the early foraging activity which was performed since the first week of adult age. The life table of the workers revealed high mortality rates during the first three weeks of life. Twenty-four behavioral categories were reported for these wasps and a comparative behavioral catalogue showed that the solitary foundresses (pre-emergence stage) are significantly more active than the queens (post-emergence stage) because they have to perform all the tasks for the nest maintenance. On the other hand, the queens were highly active even in the presence of the workers. The small number of individuals on the nest was the probable cause of the high activity of the queens in the post-emergence colonies. There was no clear division of tasks among workers according to their age (in weeks), so that most of the behavior categories were potentially performed by any worker of any age. Dead queens were replaced by their daughters.

Projeto E análise de uma rede neural para resolver problemas de programação dinâmica

Systems based on artificial neural networks have high computational rates due to the use of a massive number of simple processing elements and the high degree of connectivity between these elements. Neural networks with feedback connections provide a computing model capable of solving a large class of optimization problems. This paper presents a novel approach for solving dynamic programming problems using artificial neural networks. More specifically, a modified Hopfield network is developed and its internal parameters are computed using the valid-subspace technique. These parameters guarantee the convergence of the network to the equilibrium points which represent solutions (not necessarily optimal) for the dynamic programming problem. Simulated examples are presented and compared with other neural networks. The results demonstrate that proposed method gives a significant improvement.

Immediate X delayed loading dental implants: An overview

The aim of this investigation was to accomplish an overview about the principles of the indication and of the success parameters involving immediate and delayed loading dental implants procedures. Studies about the philosophies (immediate and delayed loading dental implants) and their clinical indications will be discussed in order to overview the rules for the clinical success in both techniques. In addition, studies regarding the criteria for immediate loading implants as primary stabilization, surface treatments and bone density and amount will be also analyzed. More important than the philosophy selection, is how and when to use it according to biomechanical rules and principles. Among the vast limitations pointed by the literature regarding procedures of immediate and delayed loading are evidenced the parafunctional habits, primary stabilization, bone quality, surface treatments and the number of dental implants. The anterior region of the jaw seems to be associated with a major percentage of satisfactory results, regardless of rehabilitation procedures. Although several studies have demonstrated high success rates for the immediate loading dental implants, several aspects remain without an explicit definition and further studies are needed to elucidate some reservations.

A multisampling time-domain CMOS imager with synchronous readout circuit

A novel multisampling time-domain architecture for CMOS imagers with synchronous readout and wide dynamic range is proposed. The architecture was implemented in a prototype of imager with 32x32 pixel array fabricated in AMS CMOS 0.35νm and was characterized for sensitivity and color response. The pixel is composed of an n+/psub photodiode, a comparator and a D flip-flop having 16% fill-factor and 30νmx26νm dimensions. The multisampling architecture requires only a 1 bit per pixel memory instead of 8 bits which is typical for time-domain active pixel architectures. The advantage is that the number of transistors in the pixel is low, saving area and providing higher fill-factor. The maximum frame rate is analyzed as a function of number of bits and array size. The analysis shows that it is possible to achieve high frame rates and operation in video mode with 10 bits. Also, we present analysis for the impact of comparator offset voltage in the fixed pattern noise. Copyright 2007 ACM.

Síndrome de Eisenmenger na gravidez

Eisenmenger's syndrome consists of pulmonary hypertension with a reversed or bidirectional shunt at the atrioventricular, or aortopulmonary level. Eisenmerger's syndrome in pregnancy is usually associated with high mortality rates (nearly 30-50%). Unfortunately, pulmonary hypertension is aggravated during pregnancy and often leads to an unfavorable outcome. Here, we report a successful pregnancy in a woman with Eisenmenger syndrome.

Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2007

Includes bibliography

Latin America and the Caribbean in the World Economy 2010-2011: The region in the decade of the emerging economies

Incluye Bibliografía

Sustainable development 20 years on from the earth summit: progress, gaps and strategic guidelines for Latin America and the Caribbean

Includes bibliography

Latin America and the Caribbean and the European Union: striving for a renewed partnership

Includes bibliography

Optimizing optimum-path forest classification for huge datasets

Traditional pattern recognition techniques can not handle the classification of large datasets with both efficiency and effectiveness. In this context, the Optimum-Path Forest (OPF) classifier was recently introduced, trying to achieve high recognition rates and low computational cost. Although OPF was much faster than Support Vector Machines for training, it was slightly slower for classification. In this paper, we present the Efficient OPF (EOPF), which is an enhanced and faster version of the traditional OPF, and validate it for the automatic recognition of white matter and gray matter in magnetic resonance images of the human brain. © 2010 IEEE.