O Display da morte na ficção de José Saramago

Tese de Doutoramento em Ciências da Literatura (área de especialização em Literatura Portuguesa).

User expectations for media sharing practices in open display networks

Open Display Networks have the potential to allow many content creators to publish their media to an open-ended set of screen displays. However, this raises the issue of how to match that content to the right displays. In this study, we aim to understand how the perceived utility of particular media sharing scenarios is affected by three independent variables, more specifically: (a) the locativeness of the content being shared; (b) how personal that content is and (c) the scope in which it is being shared. To assess these effects, we composed a set of 24 media sharing scenarios embedded with different treatments of our three independent variables. We then asked 100 participants to express their perception of the relevance of those scenarios. The results suggest a clear preference for scenarios where content is both local and directly related to the person that is publishing it. This is in stark contrast to the types of content that are commonly found in public displays, and confirms the opportunity that open displays networks may represent a new media for self-expression. This novel understanding may inform the design of new publication paradigms that will enable people to share media across the display networks.

Exploring female mice interstrain differences relevant for models of depression

Depression is an extremely heterogeneous disorder. Diverse molecular mechanisms have been suggested to underlie its etiology. To understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for this complex disorder, researchers have been using animal models extensively, namely mice from various genetic backgrounds and harboring distinct genetic modifications. The use of numerous mouse models has contributed to enrich our knowledge on depression. However, accumulating data also revealed that the intrinsic characteristics of each mouse strain might influence the experimental outcomes, which may justify some conflicting evidence reported in the literature. To further understand the impact of the genetic background, we performed a multimodal comparative study encompassing the most relevant parameters commonly addressed in depression, in three of the most widely used mouse strains: Balb/c, C57BL/6, and CD-1. Moreover, female mice were selected for this study taken into account the higher prevalence of depression in women and the fewer animal studies using this gender. Our results show that Balb/c mice have a more pronounced anxious-like behavior than CD-1 and C57BL/6 mice, whereas C57BL/6 animals present the strongest depressive-like trait. Furthermore, C57BL/6 mice display the highest rate of proliferating cells and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) expression levels in the hippocampus, while hippocampal dentate granular neurons of Balb/c mice show smaller dendritic lengths and fewer ramifications. Of notice, the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNos) predict 39.5% of the depressive-like behavior index, which suggests a key role of hippocampal iNOS in depression. Overall, this study reveals important interstrain differences in several behavioral dimensions and molecular and cellular parameters that should be considered when preparing and analyzing experiments addressing depression using mouse models. It further contributes to the literature by revealing the predictive value of hippocampal iNos expression levels in depressive-like behavior, irrespectively of the mouse strain.

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy: impact of body mass index on outcomes

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy: impact of body mass index on outcomes

Effects of light and temperature on isoprene emission at different leaf developmental stages of eschweilera coriacea in central Amazon

Isoprene emission from plants accounts for about one third of annual global volatile organic compound emissions. The largest source of isoprene for the global atmosphere is the Amazon Basin. This study aimed to identify and quantify the isoprene emission and photosynthesis at different levels of light intensity and leaf temperature, in three phenological phases (young mature leaf, old mature leaf and senescent leaf) of Eschweilera coriacea (Matamatá verdadeira), the species with the widest distribution in the central Amazon. In situ photosynthesis and isoprene emission measurements showed that young mature leaf had the highest rates at all light intensities and leaf temperatures. Additionally, it was observed that isoprene emission capacity (Es) changed considerably over different leaf ages. This suggests that aging leads to a reduction of both leaf photosynthetic activity and isoprene production and emission. The algorithm of Guenther et al. (1999) provided good fits to the data when incident light was varied, however differences among E S of all leaf ages influenced on quantic yield predicted by model. When leaf temperature was varied, algorithm prediction was not satisfactory for temperature higher than ~40 °C; this could be because our data did not show isoprene temperature optimum up to 45 °C. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis of the isoprene functional role in protecting plants from high temperatures and highlight the need to include leaf phenology effects in isoprene emission models.

Leaf anatomical features of three Theobroma species (Malvaceae s.l.) native to the Brazilian Amazon

Theobroma species have economic importance due to their use in the cosmetic and food industries, mainly in the production of chocolate. However, the anatomy of their vegetative structures remains poorly studied. The goal of this study was to describe the anatomical features of Theobroma grandiflorum, T. speciosum and T. subincanum to contribute to the biological knowledge of these species, as well as provide support to the biotechnological studies of native fruit plants of the Amazon. Leaves at different developmental stages were collected and analyzed under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Sessile and stalked stellate trichomes and digitiform glandular trichomes were observed in the expanded leaves of T. grandiflorum and T. subincanum. These species were also similar in the morphology of the midrib, the organization of the mesophyll and the presence of starch grains in the midrib pith cells. Claviform glandular trichomes and mucilage cells in the epidermis occurred only in the expanded leaves of T. speciosum. The presence of mucilage secretory trichomes in shoot apices (colleters) of all species is a new finding for the genus Theobroma.

Importance of anatomical leaf features for characterization of three species of Mapania (Mapanioideae, Cyperaceae) from the Amazon Forest, Brazil

Mapania belongs to Mapanioideae, a quite controversial subfamily in Cyperaceae due to the existence of unusual characters in both reproductive and vegetative organs. The genus is represented by seven species in Northern Brazil but taxonomic valuable information related to the leaf organs is still unknown. The present study aimed the anatomical description of the leaf organs (either basal leaves or cataphylls and involucral bracts) of three representative Brazilian species of Mapania. Samples of cataphylls, basal leaves and involucral bracts were sectioned and stained for observations under light microscopy. The involucral bracts provide the most elucidative characters (ten) to distinguish the three species The basal leaves provides six distinguishing characters and are useful to M. macrophylla and M. pycnostachya, as they are absent in M. sylvatica. Mesophyll arrangement in the involucral bracts supports the circumscription of M. macrophylla and M. pycnostachya in M. sect. Pycnocephala and of M. sylvatica in M. sect. Mapania. Some features as thin-walled epidermal cells, stomata level and aerenchyma were considered to be adaptive to the humid environment in which the species occur. The translucent cells are here considered as aerenchyma precursors and a supportive function is assumed for the bulliform cells on the basal leaves and involucral bracts. No silica bodies were found which confirm it as a diagnostic character of Mapania among Hypolytreae genera.

Comparative leaf morphological analysis of 20 species of Chrysobalanaceae

Morphological studies focusing on vegetative traits are useful in identifying species when fertile material is not available. The aim of this study was to assess the application of comparative leaf morphology to identify species of the Chrysobalanaceae family. The morphological observations were made with a stereomicroscope. We used the diaphanization technique for viewing venation details. It is shown the descriptions of the leaf morphology, illustrations and an identification key for 20 species from genera Couepia, Licania and Parinari (Chrysobalanaceae) occurring in the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, Manaus, AM, Brazil. The key was constructed using the DELTA (DEscription Language for TAxonomy) software. Leaf traits such as the presence of intersecondary venation and the type of insertion of secondary veins were recorded for each species. These morphological leaf traits are reliable for identifying species of Chrysobalanaceae

Predicting the distribution of forest tree species using topographic variables and vegetation index in eastern Acre, Brazil

Species distribution modeling has relevant implications for the studies of biodiversity, decision making about conservation and knowledge about ecological requirements of the species. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the use of forest inventories can improve the estimation of occurrence probability, identify the limits of the potential distribution and habitat preference of a group of timber tree species. The environmental predictor variables were: elevation, slope, aspect, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and height above the nearest drainage (HAND). To estimate the distribution of species we used the maximum entropy method (Maxent). In comparison with a random distribution, using topographic variables and vegetation index as features, the Maxent method predicted with an average accuracy of 86% the geographical distribution of studied species. The altitude and NDVI were the most important variables. There were limitations to the interpolation of the models for non-sampled locations and that are outside of the elevation gradient associated with the occurrence data in approximately 7% of the basin area. Ceiba pentandra (samaúma), Castilla ulei (caucho) and Hura crepitans (assacu) is more likely to occur in nearby water course areas. Clarisia racemosa (guariúba), Amburana acreana (cerejeira), Aspidosperma macrocarpon (pereiro), Apuleia leiocarpa (cumaru cetim), Aspidosperma parvifolium (amarelão) and Astronium lecointei (aroeira) can also occur in upland forest and well drained soils. This modeling approach has potential for application on other tropical species still less studied, especially those that are under pressure from logging.

The display gamut available to simulate colors perceived by anomalous trichromats

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect on a display gamut of varying the optical density and the position of the maximum sensitivity of the cones spectra of anomalous trichromatic observers. The anomalous cone spectral sensitivities were estimated for a set of varying optical density and maximum sensitivity spectra conditions and used to compute the display color gamut. The computed display gamut simulated for normal observers the chro- matic diversity perceived by anomalous observers. It was found that even small variations on the optical density and on the position of the maximum sensitivity spectra have an impact on the simulations of the display gamut for anomalous observers. It was also found that simulations for deuteroanomalous observers are the ones with greater impact if the estimation of the corresponding color display gamut is not carefully adjusted for the observer.

Body image dissatisfaction and its relationship with physical activity and body mass index in Brazilian adolescents

Objective: To evaluate body image dissatisfaction and its relationship with physical activity and body mass index in a Brazilian sample of adolescents. Methods: A total of 275 adolescents (139 boys and 136 girls) between the ages of 14 and 18 years completed measures of body image dissatisfaction through the Contour Drawing Scale and current physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Weight and height were also measured for subsequent calculation of body mass index. Results: Boys and girls differed significantly regarding body image dissatisfaction, with girls reporting higher levels of dissatisfaction. Underweight and eutrophic boys preferred to be heavier, while those overweight preferred be thinner and, in contrast, girls desired to be thinner even when they are of normal weight. Conclusion: Body image dissatisfaction was strictly related to body mass index, but not to physical activity.

Reliability and convergent validity of the Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and the convergent validity of the Children Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI) with DSM-IV anxiety disorder symptoms, by comparison with the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), in a community sample of Brazilian children and adolescents. METHODS: Children and adolescents from five schools were selected from a larger study that aimed to assess different aspects of childhood anxiety disorders. All participants completed the CASI and the SCARED. RESULTS: This study supported the reliability of the CASI total score. Girls reported higher total anxiety sensitivity scores than boys and there were no differences in total anxiety sensitivity scores between children and adolescents. This study showed moderate to high correlations between the CASI scores with SCARED scores, all correlations coefficients being positive and significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate an appropriate reliability and evidence of convergent validity in the CASI in a sample of Brazilian children and adolescents.

Desenvolvimento e avaliação das propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do Addiction Severity Index 6 (ASI-6) Light

Objetivo Desenvolver e avaliar as propriedades psicométricas de uma versão brasileira reduzida do Addiction Severity Index 6 Light (ASI-6 Light) previamente proposta com base em um estudo de validação dos construtos do instrumento e desenvolver os novos escores de cada área do instrumento baseados na Teoria de Resposta ao Item (TRI). Métodos Foram entrevistados 200 sujeitos, 100 com uso problemático de álcool e outras drogas e 100 sem uso problemático. Foram calculados os escores dos indivíduos com base na TRI. As propriedades psicométricas foram avaliadas pela correlação entre os escores do ASI-6 Light e do Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), padrão-ouro do estudo. Foram avaliados os índices de sensibilidade e especificidade. Resultados Foi encontrada alta correlação entre os escores da área “álcool” do ASI-6 Light e os escores do ASSIST em relação ao álcool (r = 0,79), correlações moderadas em relação ao tabaco (r = 0,47) e cocaína/crack (r = 0,44) e baixa (r = 0,39) em relação à maconha. Ao correlacionarem-se os escores do ASSIST e os escores da área “drogas” do ASI-6 Light, obteve-se alta correlação em relação à cocaína/crack (r = 0,85), correlações moderadas em relação ao tabaco (r = 0,57) e maconha (r = 0,68) e baixa (r = 0,29) em relação ao álcool. A área sob a curva ROC da área “álcool” foi de 0,93 e a da área “drogas” foi de 0,88. Conclusão Boas evidências de validade das áreas “álcool” e “drogas” foram apresentadas. Essa nova versão tornou-se um instrumento de fácil manejo e de rápida aplicação, contendo os itens que melhor avaliam a gravidade de problemas.

Programa com abordagem probabilística do sistema de avaliação de qualidade de taludes Slope Quality Index (SQI)

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Civil

Detection of coronary artery disease based on the calcification index obtained by helical computed tomography

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation between coronary artery disease and the calcification index on helical computed tomography. METHOD: We studied 22 patients (ages ranging from 40 to 70 years) who underwent coronary angiography because of chest pain suggestive of angina pectoris. Findings on coronary angiography were classified as follows: significant obstructive disease (stenosis > or = 50%), nonobstructive disease (stenosis <50%), and no disease. With no previous knowledge of the results of the coronary angiography and within 7 days, helical computed tomography of the chest was performed. Then, data of the coronary angiography were correlated with the calcification index obtained by helical computed tomography. RESULTS: The sensitivity of helical computed tomography to the presence of significant obstructive lesions on coronary angiography was 87.5%, specificity was 100%, and negative and positive predictive values were 75% and 100%, respectively. The mean calcification index was greater in patients with severe coronary lesions, mainly when involvement of 2 or 3 vessels occurred, than that in patients with no coronary artery disease or with nonobstructive coronary artery lesions (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Helical computed tomography is an effective method for detecting and quantifying coronary artery calcification, and it has proved to be sensitive to and specific for the noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis.