On the zeros of polynomials: An extension of the Enestrom-Kakeya theorem

This paper presents an extension of the Enestrom-Kakeya theorem concerning the roots of a polynomial that arises from the analysis of the stability of Brown (K, L) methods. The generalization relates to relaxing one of the inequalities on the coefficients of the polynomial. Two results concerning the zeros of polynomials will be proved, one of them providing a partial answer to a conjecture by Meneguette (1994)[6]. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On extension theorems for holomorphic generalized functions

We present two extension theorems for holomorphic generalized functions. The first one is a version of the classic Hartogs extension theorem. In this, we start from a holomorphic generalized function on an open neighbourhood of the bounded open boundary, extending it, holomorphically, to a full open. In the second theorem a generalized version of a classic result is obtained, done independently, in 1943, by Bochner and Severi. For this theorem, we start from a function that is holomorphic generalized and has a holomorphic representative on the bounded domain boundary, we extend it holomorphically the function, for the whole domain.

Extension of PT-symmetric quantum mechanics to the Dirac theory with position-dependent mass

We present a new method to construct the exactly solvable PT-symmetric potentials within the framework of the position-dependent effective mass Dirac equation with the vector potential coupling scheme in 1 + 1 dimensions. In order to illustrate the procedure, we produce three PT-symmetric potentials as examples, which are PT-symmetric harmonic oscillator-like potential, PT-symmetric potential with the form of a linear potential plus an inversely linear potential, and PT-symmetric kink-like potential, respectively. The real relativistic energy levels and corresponding spinor components for the bound states are obtained by using the basic concepts of the supersymmetric quantum mechanics formalism and function analysis method. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Uso de habitat, orçamento temporal e influência da maré da geomorfologia do fundo sobre o comportamento do boto Sotalia guianensis Van Bénéden, 1864 (Cetacea: Delphinidae) no Porto de Maceió - Alagoas, Brasil

The physical and environmental factors presented by each habitat and the rhythm of behavior patterns strongly influence the ecology and behavior of the all living beings. At same time this factors may provide clues about the structure of a population and its ecological balance. The organizational structure, ecology and behavior of a species appraised in a region if we know be in balance when compared to the same type of appraisal made in a degraded area can provide a clear view of how the anthropogenic influences acted on these species and what steps can be taken in order to mitigate the effects and keep the population. The region where this study was conducted is, like most areas of port, subject to intense physical and environmental degradation. With the emerging interest of change in the quality of these environments also by the companies themselves that use the port services, the proposed study aimed to characterize the use of habitat, the distribution of behavioral activities carried out throughout the day and influence of geomorphology of the bed, depth and variation of tide on the expression of the behavior of Sotalia guianensis in the port of Maceio - Alagoas. From this information will be possible establish parameters for comparison with other populations of S. guianensis and establish conservation measures for the population occurring in the port of Maceio - AL, serving also as a basis for conservation actions future performed in other port regions

Estimativa populacional e uso do hábitat do boto-cinza (Sotalia guianensis) no litoral sul do Rio Grande do Norte

Four areas are known as of frequent usage by Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in the south coast of Rio Grande do Norte state, northeast Brazil: Tabatinga, Pipa, Lagoa de Guaraíras and Baia Formosa. This extension of 40 km of shoreline is under increasing anthropogenic impacts due to continuous development of the coastal areas and vessel traffic. The objective of this study was to investigate aspects of population biology and habitat use of the population of Sotalia guianensis in the south coast of Rio Grande do Norte. It was applied the photo-identification technique and posterior methods of capture-recapture for population estimation (POPAN extension in MARK). The distribution, movement and site fidelity of the dolphins were analyzed trough the geographic information system (GIS) and group characteristics and behavior trough non-parametric statistics. Field work was conducted on board a 10m motor vessel from March 2008 to March 2009. Photo-identification effort was 329h with 113h of direct observation of the dolphins. The population estimatives for each area: Tabatinga: 75 (63-92); Pipa 105 (88-129); Lagoa de Guaraíras: 27 (18-54) e Baia Formosa: 112 (89-129) individuals. Total population estimative was: 223 (192 a 297). High site fidelity was detected for only part of the population (<15%) as low site fidelity and transients individuals were also detected (>20%). It was observed frequent movements between Tabatinga, Lagoa de Guaraíras and Pipa, but not Baía Formosa. This suggests a division in two communities along this shore extension: one in Pipa and other in Baía Formosa. Group size was small, most groups with up to 10 dolphins. The areas were use intensively, only in Lagoa de Guaraíras dolphins were not seen in all field trips. Lagoa de Guaraíras is an area used by small groups exclusively for foraging. In Tabatinga and Pipa dolphins concentrated close to the shore, in the inner sector of the area and the main activity is also foraging. Significant larger groups were seen in socializing behavior but there was no difference in group size between the inner and external sectors of the area. The presence of calves and juveniles were significant greater in the inner areas of Tabatinga and Pipa, confirming the hypothesis that these beaches are also used for parental care. In Baia Formosa dolphins concentrated in the outer sector and foraging was also predominant. Significant larger groups were seen in the outer sector, mainly engaged in mixed behaviors of travel/foraging, possibly in some kind of group foraging. Calves and juveniles were significant more present in the outer sector where group size was also larger. In general there was no difference in area usage and period of the day. Sotalia guianensis has characteristics that make the species vulnerable to human activities such as small population concentrated in patches of suitable habitats restrict to coastal areas. We hope that this study bring new information for the species and help for the adequate management of the area in order to assure the presence of the dolphins as well as its behavior pattern and gene flow betweencommunities.

Uso de habitat e comportamento do boto-cinza sotalia guianensis em uma zona estuarina do estado de Sergipe, nordeste do Brasil a biotecnologia vegetal como alternativa para a cotonicu

To clarify the functional mechanisms of habitat use is necessary to analyze it in conjunction with the conduct performed by animals. The occurrence, distribution and use of space are characteristic of a species resulting from habitat selection that is in search of conditions favorable to its survival. One can relate the physical and biological factors of the environment with the ecological characteristics of the species, since these factors act by regulating the ecological success of organisms, and from there you can get important information about the habitat use and behavior of individuals. This study aimed to characterize the use of habitat and diurnal activity expressed by the Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis in an estuarine area of Sergipe state, Brazil, analyzing the influence of tide and time days on the occurrence of animals and behavior s state, and group s size and composition in this cetacean species. From March 2009 to February 2010, focal groups observations of dolphins were made from fixed - point and records snapshots of data taken every 5 min. in the interval from 6 a.m to 6 p.m, in alternating shifts. The results showed that the constant presence of animals in the area of the Sergipe River estuary indicates that this is an important area of occurrence of S. guianensis, which use the region mainly in the morning, at low tide and as a feeding. As in other regions of northeastern Brazil, small groups formed 2-12 individuals were most common, with adults and immatures. The high frequency of immature animals may indicate that this area of the estuary is used as brood area and parental care of pups and young animals, since the immature animals were very associated with adults and monitoring the activities of foraging / feeding may be related to a form of learning or training of such behavior

Simulations under Ideal and Nonideal Conditions for Characterization of a Passive Doppler Geographical Location System Using Extension of Data Reception Network

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

On extension of Fuzzy connectives

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

A university extension course in leprosy: telemedicine in the Amazon for primary healthcare

There is a high prevalence of leprosy in the Amazon region of Brazil. We have developed a distance education course in leprosy for training staff of the Family Health Teams (FHTs). The course was made available through a web portal. Tele-educational resources were mediated by professors and coordinators, and included the use of theoretical content available through the web, discussion lists, Internet chat, activity diaries, 3-D video animations (Virtual Human on Leprosy), classes in video streaming and case simulation. Sixty-five FHT staff members were enrolled. All of them completed the course and 47 participants received a certificate at the end of the course. At the end of the course, 48 course-evaluation questionnaires were answered. A total of 47 participants (98%) considered the course as excellent. The results demonstrate the feasibility of an interactive, tele-education model as an educational resource for staff in isolated regions. Improvements in diagnostic skills should increase diagnostic suspicion of leprosy and may contribute to early detection.

Evaluation of Different Retention Systems on a Distal Extension Removable Partial Denture Associated With an Osseointegrated Implant

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of a mandibular distal extension removable partial denture (DERPD) associated with an implant and different retention system, by bidimensional finite element method. Five hemimandible models with a canine and external hexagon implant at second molar region associated with DERPD were simulated: model A, hemimandible with a canine and a DERPD; model B, hemimandible with a canine and implant with a healing abutment associated to a DERPD; model C, hemimandible with a canine and implant with an ERA attachment associated to a DERPD; model D, hemimandible with a canine and implant with an O'ring attachment associated to a DERPD; and model E, hemimandible with a canine and implant-supported prosthesis associated to a DERPD. Cusp tips were loaded with 50 N of axial or oblique force (45 degrees). Finite element analysis was performed in ANSYS 9.0. model E showed the higher displacement and overload in the supporting tissues; the patterns of stress distribution around the dental apex of models B, C, and D were similar. The association between a DERPD and an osseointegrated implant using the ERA or O'ring systems shows lower stress values. Oblique forces showed higher stress values and displacement. Oblique forces increased the displacement and stress levels in all models; model C displayed the best stress distribution in the supporting structures; healing abutment, ERA, and O'ring systems were viable with RPD, but DERPD association with a single implant-supported prosthesis was nonviable.

Tunnel technique with a surgical maneuver to increase the graft extension: Case report with a 3-year follow-up

Background: This article reports a clinical case with a 3-year follow-up in which a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) was used with the tunnel technique to treat multiple gingival recessions, and describes a technique used to enlarge the extension of the graft.Methods: A 41 -year-old female patient was referred for evaluation and treatment of maxillary multiple recessions. Following basic therapy, the plaque index was 23%, and the gingival index was 12%. Thus, SCTG with the tunnel technique was proposed to provide root coverage of Miller Class I recession on teeth #8 through #11 and a Miller Class III recession on tooth #12. After the donor area had been prepared, SCTG was removed and split cross-sectionally to lengthen it. The graft was placed through the tunnel and sutured.Results: Two weeks after the surgical procedure, the tissue color was nearly homogeneous with some reddish regions where the connective tissue was left uncovered, and there were no signs of incisions or suture marks. After 3 years of follow-up, the mean coverage of the recessions was 2.2 +/- 0.7 mm (74.2%), which corresponded to the gain of keratinized tissue. In addition, a gain in tissue thickness was observed.Conclusion: In a long-term evaluation, the tunnel technique with the elongated SCTG was used successfully for treatment of multiple gingival recessions with an increase of the soft tissue volume and gain of keratinized tissue.

The role of habitat heterogeneity for the functional response of the spider Nesticodes rufipes (Araneae : Theridiidae) to houseflies

We investigated whether or not different degrees of refuge for prey influence the characteristic of functional response exhibited by the spider Nesticodes rufipes on Musca domestica, comparing the inherent ability of N. rufipes to kill individual houseflies in such environments at two distinct time intervals. To investigate these questions, two artificial habitats were elaborated in the laboratory. For 168 h of predator-prey interaction, logistic regression analyses revealed a type 11 functional response, and a significant decrease in prey capture in the highest prey density was observed when habitat complexity was increased. Data from habitat 1 (less complex) presented a greater coefficient of determination than those from habitat 2 (more complex), indicating a higher variation of predation of the latter. For a 24 h period of predator-prey interaction, spiders killed significantly fewer prey in habitat 2 than in habitat 1. Although prey capture did not enable data to fit properly in the random predator equation in this case, predation data from habitat 2 presented a higher variation than data from habitat 1, corroborating results from 168 h of interaction. The high variability observed on data from habitat 2 (more complex habitat) is an interesting result because it reinforces the importance of refuge in promoting spatial heterogeneity, which can affect the extent of predator-prey interactions.

Reptilia, Squamata, Dipsadidae, Xenodontinae, Taeniophallus brevirostris (Peters, 1863): distribution extension and new state record.

Taeniophallus brevirostris is a dipsadid snake widely distributed in Amazon. Here we report a new Brazilian state record for the species, improving our knowledge of its geographic distribution. 0n 15 May of 2008, one female specimen was collected do Serra do Santo Expediot, Aripuana municipality, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. This is the first record of this species for the state of Mato Grosso and extends its distribution ca. 300 kilometers from the nearest localities presented in literature.

Activity and habitat use of two species of stingrays (Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae) in the upper Paraná River basin, Southeastern Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)