FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT UNDER HISTORICAL AND PREDICTED LAND USE CHANGE USING CONTINUOUS HYDROLOGIC MODELING

Current procedures for flood risk estimation assume flood distributions are stationary over time, meaning annual maximum flood (AMF) series are not affected by climatic variation, land use/land cover (LULC) change, or management practices. Thus, changes in LULC and climate are generally not accounted for in policy and design related to flood risk/control, and historical flood events are deemed representative of future flood risk. These assumptions need to be re-evaluated, however, as climate change and anthropogenic activities have been observed to have large impacts on flood risk in many areas. In particular, understanding the effects of LULC change is essential to the study and understanding of global environmental change and the consequent hydrologic responses. The research presented herein provides possible causation for observed nonstationarity in AMF series with respect to changes in LULC, as well as a means to assess the degree to which future LULC change will impact flood risk. Four watersheds in the Midwest, Northeastern, and Central United States were studied to determine flood risk associated with historical and future projected LULC change. Historical single framed aerial images dating back to the mid-1950s were used along with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing models (SPRING and ERDAS) to create historical land use maps. The Forecasting Scenarios of Future Land Use Change (FORE-SCE) model was applied to generate future LULC maps annually from 2006 to 2100 for the conterminous U.S. based on the four IPCC-SRES future emission scenario conditions. These land use maps were input into previously calibrated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) models for two case study watersheds. In order to isolate effects of LULC change, the only variable parameter was the Runoff Curve Number associated with the land use layer. All simulations were run with daily climate data from 1978-1999, consistent with the 'base' model which employed the 1992 NLCD to represent 'current' conditions. Output daily maximum flows were converted to instantaneous AMF series and were subsequently modeled using a Log-Pearson Type 3 (LP3) distribution to evaluate flood risk. Analysis of the progression of LULC change over the historic period and associated SWAT outputs revealed that AMF magnitudes tend to increase over time in response to increasing degrees of urbanization. This is consistent with positive trends in the AMF series identified in previous studies, although there are difficulties identifying correlations between LULC change and identified change points due to large time gaps in the generated historical LULC maps, mainly caused by unavailability of sufficient quality historic aerial imagery. Similarly, increases in the mean and median AMF magnitude were observed in response to future LULC change projections, with the tails of the distributions remaining reasonably constant. FORE-SCE scenario A2 was found to have the most dramatic impact on AMF series, consistent with more extreme projections of population growth, demands for growing energy sources, agricultural land, and urban expansion, while AMF outputs based on scenario B2 showed little changes for the future as the focus is on environmental conservation and regional solutions to environmental issues.

Everglades R-EMAP 2005

The Everglades R-EMAP project for year 2005 produced large quantities of data collected at 232 sampling sites. Data collection and analysis is an on-going long-term activity conducted by scientists of different disciplines at irregular intervals of several years. The data sets collected for 2005 include bio-geo-chemical (including mercury and hydro period), fish, invertebrate, periphyton, and plant data. Each sampling site is associated with a location, a description of the site to provide a general overview and photographs to provide a pictorial impression. The Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing Center(GISRSC) at Florida International University (FIU) has designed and implemented an enterprise database for long-term storage of the project���s data in a central repository, providing the framework of data storage for the continuity of future sampling campaigns and allowing integration of new sample data as it becomes available. In addition GISRSC provides this interactive web application for easy, quick and effective retrieval and visualization of that data.

Exploring Hidden Coherent Feature Groups and Temporal Semantics for Multimedia Big Data Analysis

Thanks to the advanced technologies and social networks that allow the data to be widely shared among the Internet, there is an explosion of pervasive multimedia data, generating high demands of multimedia services and applications in various areas for people to easily access and manage multimedia data. Towards such demands, multimedia big data analysis has become an emerging hot topic in both industry and academia, which ranges from basic infrastructure, management, search, and mining to security, privacy, and applications. Within the scope of this dissertation, a multimedia big data analysis framework is proposed for semantic information management and retrieval with a focus on rare event detection in videos. The proposed framework is able to explore hidden semantic feature groups in multimedia data and incorporate temporal semantics, especially for video event detection. First, a hierarchical semantic data representation is presented to alleviate the semantic gap issue, and the Hidden Coherent Feature Group (HCFG) analysis method is proposed to capture the correlation between features and separate the original feature set into semantic groups, seamlessly integrating multimedia data in multiple modalities. Next, an Importance Factor based Temporal Multiple Correspondence Analysis (i.e., IF-TMCA) approach is presented for effective event detection. Specifically, the HCFG algorithm is integrated with the Hierarchical Information Gain Analysis (HIGA) method to generate the Importance Factor (IF) for producing the initial detection results. Then, the TMCA algorithm is proposed to efficiently incorporate temporal semantics for re-ranking and improving the final performance. At last, a sampling-based ensemble learning mechanism is applied to further accommodate the imbalanced datasets. In addition to the multimedia semantic representation and class imbalance problems, lack of organization is another critical issue for multimedia big data analysis. In this framework, an affinity propagation-based summarization method is also proposed to transform the unorganized data into a better structure with clean and well-organized information. The whole framework has been thoroughly evaluated across multiple domains, such as soccer goal event detection and disaster information management.

GIS-integrated mathematical modeling of social phenomena at macro- and micro- levels���a multivariate geographically-weighted regression model for identifying locations vulnerable to hosting terrorist safe-houses: France as case study

Adaptability and invisibility are hallmarks of modern terrorism, and keeping pace with its dynamic nature presents a serious challenge for societies throughout the world. Innovations in computer science have incorporated applied mathematics to develop a wide array of predictive models to support the variety of approaches to counterterrorism. Predictive models are usually designed to forecast the location of attacks. Although this may protect individual structures or locations, it does not reduce the threat���it merely changes the target. While predictive models dedicated to events or social relationships receive much attention where the mathematical and social science communities intersect, models dedicated to terrorist locations such as safe-houses (rather than their targets or training sites) are rare and possibly nonexistent. At the time of this research, there were no publically available models designed to predict locations where violent extremists are likely to reside. This research uses France as a case study to present a complex systems model that incorporates multiple quantitative, qualitative and geospatial variables that differ in terms of scale, weight, and type. Though many of these variables are recognized by specialists in security studies, there remains controversy with respect to their relative importance, degree of interaction, and interdependence. Additionally, some of the variables proposed in this research are not generally recognized as drivers, yet they warrant examination based on their potential role within a complex system. This research tested multiple regression models and determined that geographically-weighted regression analysis produced the most accurate result to accommodate non-stationary coefficient behavior, demonstrating that geographic variables are critical to understanding and predicting the phenomenon of terrorism. This dissertation presents a flexible prototypical model that can be refined and applied to other regions to inform stakeholders such as policy-makers and law enforcement in their efforts to improve national security and enhance quality-of-life.

Biotic and abiotic parameters that distinguish types of temporary ponds in a Portuguese Mediterranean ecosystem

Temporary ponds are seasonal wetland habitats subjected to extreme and unstable ecological conditions. Some are classified as priority habitats for conservation by the European Union Habitats Directive. Our study area was the coastal plain of southwest Portugal, which spans across 100km north to south and hosts a large number of temporary ponds as a consequence of climatic and edaphic characteristics. Field sampling of floristic and edaphic data was carried out in 24 temporary ponds every spring between 2005 and 2008. We recorded a total of 174 plant species identified within visually homogeneous plots. We included the data in a geographic information system and classified ponds according to their floristic composition, using a biotic regionalization analysis based on species presence/absence, which is a practical and unambiguous criterion. We found three significantly different groups of ponds which corresponded to an eco-physiognomic pond typology: Mediterranean temporary ponds, marshlands, and disturbed ponds. For the first two pond types we defined characteristic or indicator plant species. We searched also for relationships between pond type and a series of large-scale climatic, geographic, and geological variables, as well as local-scale physical and chemical properties of the soil. Pond type was distinguished by a complex combination of some of these variables, including environmental energy, soil texture, nitrogen content of the soil and pH. A practical way of discriminating between different

Sistema inform��tico de gest��o e an��lise de genealogias

A selec����o do tema e consequente trabalho de que emerge o titulo desta disserta����o decorreu do facto de se ter tomado conhecimento da necessidade que os membros do projecto FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-007360 - Inquirir da Honra: Comiss��rios do Santo Oficio e das Ordens Militares em Portugal (1570 - 1773) tiveram para satisfazer alguns objectivos em particular relacionados com a Genealogia da rede de Comiss��rios. O sistema de trabalho manual que at�� aqui era utilizado, continha uma quantidade consider��vel de informa����o complexa, descrevendo ao pormenor as caracter��sticas n��o s�� dos indiv��duos, mas tamb��m do que estava associado ao mesmo, incluindo quem e como se relacionava com as demais figuras. O principal objectivo consistiu assim em responder �� pergunta: "Como ser�� poss��vel efectuar uma gest��o de toda a informa����o geneal��gica recolhida no papel e permitir a sua an��lise no computador, recorrendo a tecnologias que, por um lado sejam eficientes, e por outro, f��ceis de aprender pelos utilizadores?". Para conseguir responder �� quest��o, foi necess��rio conhecer em primeira m��o, o universo da Genealogia e a forma como opera, para que posteriormente, se desenhasse e moldasse toda uma aplica����o ��s necessidades do utilizador. No entanto, a aplica����o n��o se centra apenas em permitir ao utilizador efectuar uma gest��o, recorrendo a um sistema de gest��o de bases de dados MySQL e permitir a an��lise geneal��gica "tradicional" em programas como o Personal Ancestral File. Pretende-se sobretudo, que o utilizador fa��a uso e responda ��s perguntas "do presente" esperando que a pr��pria aplica����o sirva de motiva����o para novas perguntas, com a integra����o da tecnologia XML e do Sistema de Informa����o Geogr��fico, Google Earth, permitindo assim a an��lise de informa����o geneal��gica no mapa-mundo. ABSTRACT: The choice of this essay's work subject is set on the need to accomplish determinate goals related with the Genealogy of the network lnquisition Commissioners on behalf of the project FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-007360 members - Inquirir da Honra: Comiss��rios do Santo Of��cio e das Ordens Militares em Portugal (1570 - 1773)- To Inquire Honor: Inquisition Commissioners and the Military Orders in Portugal. The manual work system used till now presented a considerable amount of complex information, describing in detail characteristics not only of individuals but also of what is associated to it, including whoandhow. The main goal aimed at thus responding to: ��How could it be possible to select and examine all the genealogical data registered on paper and allow it to be analyzed on computer, by means of technology that on one hand are efficient and on other hand easy to learn by its users? ��. ln order to get to the answer to that matter, it was necessary to acknowledge firstly the Genealogy's universe so afterwards it could be possible to outline and shape an entire application to user needs. Nevertheless, the application does not only focus on allowing the user to carry out the system���s management, using MySQL database management system and allowing the "traditional" genealogical management in programs such as the Personal Ancestral File. Above all the user should get involved with it and answer the key questions of 'the present��� hoping that the application serves by itself as motivation to arouse new questions with the integration of XML technology and Geographic Information System, Google Earth, thus allowing the analysis of genealogical information worldwide.

SISTEMA DE INFORMACI��N GEOGR��FICA PARA EL AN��LISIS ESPACIAL DE LA PESQUER��A ARTESANAL ASENTADA EN LA PEN��NSULA DE ARAYA, ESTADO SUCRE ��� VENEZUELA

Se desarroll�� un Sistema de Informaci��n Geogr��fica (SIG) automatizado para el an��lisis espacial de las capturas, del esfuerzo pesquero, de la abundancia estimada de especies mediante el ��ndice de Captura por Unidad de Esfuerzo (CPUE) y de su relaci��n con algunos factores ambientales (profundidad, tipo de fondo y temperatura superficial del mar) de la esquer��a artesanal asentada en la pen��nsula de Araya, Estado Sucre, Rep��blica de Venezuela. Este programa automatizado, denominado SIGPAR, fue desarrollado utilizando el lenguaje Microsoft�� Visual Basic 6 y la respectiva librer��a del software SIG Idrisi��, a cuyo men�� principal fue agregado un nuevo m��dulo que facilita la interacci��n con los usuarios.Palabras claves: Sistema de Informaci��n Geogr��fica (SIG); pesquer��a artesanal; Pen��nsula de Araya, Venezuela.AbstractA Geographic Information System (GIS) application software was developed for the spatial analysis of fishing catches, the estimated abundance of species by the Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) index, and its relationship with various environmental factors (depth, type of bottom, and surface temperature of the sea) of the artisanal fishery based in the Peninsula of Araya, State of Sucre, in Venezuela. This application, named SIGPAR, was developed using Microsoft�� Visual Basic 6 and IDRISI��. A menu button was added to the GIS software IDRISI�� for convenience of users.Key Words: Geographic Information System (GIS), Artisanal Fisheries, Araya, Venezuela.

SISTEMAS DE INFORMACI��N GEOGR��FICA COMO HERRAMIENTA PARA EVALUAR LA APORTACI��N ANTROPICA DE MERCURIO EN SUELOS

Este trabajo eval��a el contendido y la variabilidad espacial de mercurio en suelos agr��colas de Islas Baleares y Canarias utilizando t��cnicas integradas en los sistemas de informaci��n geogr��fica. El prop��sito de este estudio ha sido valorar el contenido y distribuci��n del mercurio en el suelo y distinguir la contribuci��n considerada como natural, y procedente del aporte de la roca de origen, de la inducida por actividades humanas, considerada como contaminante. El SIG se muestra comouna tecnolog��a capaz de localizar fuentes de contaminaci��n y proporcionar el alcance de ��stos. Los mapas generados con la relaci��n de Hg_suelo/Hg_roca han permitido cuantificar las entradas de este metal en el suelo y evaluar el enriquecimiento de mercurio en el mismo. Valores excesivamente elevados encontrados en un ��rea de la Isla de Mallorca son atribuibles a las emisiones de una planta el��ctrica de carb��n cercana.PALABRAS CLAVE: An��lisis espacial, SIG, geostad��stica, mercurio, contaminaci��n de suelos.ABSTRACTThis study assesses Hg concentration and the spatial variability of mercury in agricultural soils of the Balearic and Canary Islands using integrated techniques of geographic information systems. The purpose of this study was to characterize in quantitative terms the mercury concentrations and to distinguish ���natural��� mercury contribution from that of human-induced contamination. GIS is shown to be technologically capable of locating sources of pollution and assessing their scope. The��top soil/rock mercury content maps showed a high level of mercury in the same areas. Excessively high Hg values found in an area of the island of Mallorca are attributable to emissions from a coalfired power plant nearby.KEYWORDS: Spatial analysis, GIS, geostatistic, mercury, soil contamination

METODOLOG��A PARA LA GESTI��N DE CUENCAS HIDROGR��FICAS SIGUIENDO EL ENFOQUE DEL RIESGO INTEGRAL

Se presenta metodolog��a general del enfoque de riesgo a trav��s de la tecnolog��a de los Sistemas de Informaci��n Geogr��fcos, la evoluci��n de los conceptos del enfoque integral de riesgo como apoyo a la Gesti��n de las Cuencas Hidrogr��fcas y su evoluci��n. Mediante ejemplos de proyectos realizados con base en una metodolog��a integradora en la variable de riesgo, que es ��til, para realizar un ordenamiento integral de los recursos ambientales (biof��sicos, socioecon��mico-culturales) a nivel de la Cuenca Hidrogr��fca.El grado de riesgo se determina, partiendo de que el riesgo se entiende como una evaluaci��n cognoscitiva de las p��rdidas que pueden ocurrirle a un elemento expuesto, de acuerdo con sus caracter��sticas, su situaci��n y un contexto particular de tiempo y de espacio, el an��lisis, cuantifca espacialmente el grado de riesgo, utilizando la tecnolog��a SIG.El modelo general de ordenamiento territorial con ��nfasis en prevenci��n en el que se considere el riesgo como una funci��n de la amenaza y de la vulnerabilidad, esto es, r = f(A,V) Finalmente, se�� introduce�� la evoluci��n de�� los conceptos con el aporte de�� los escenarios de amenazas y el manejo de la vulnerabilidad socioecon��mica que permite aplicar el enfoque de riesgo integral, por medio de la tecnolog��a SIG.Palabras claves: Amenaza, vulnerabilidad, riesgo, manejo integrado de recursos naturales,ordenamiento territorial, Sistemas de Informaci��n Geogr��fcos.Abstract General methodology of focusing on risk is presented through the technology of the Geographic Information System (GIS), the evolution of the concepts of the integral focus of risk as a support to the management of Hydrographic Watershed and its evolution.Through�� examples of�� completed projects,�� an�� integrative methodology�� is made of�� the�� risk variable that is useful to achieving an integral ordering of the environmental resources (biophysics, socioeconomic-cultural) at the Hydrographic Watershed level.The risk degree is determined, starting form the premise that the risk can be understood as a cognitive evaluation from the losses that can happen to an exposed element, according to their characteristics, situation and a particular context of time and space, the quantifed analysis, especially of the degree of risk, using GIS technology.The general model of territorial ordering, with emphasis on prevention and what is considered the risk as a function of the hazard and the vulnerability, that is: r = f(A, V).Finally, evolution of the concepts is introduced, with the contribution of the hazard scenarios and management of the socioeconomic vulnerability that allows application of the risk focus, by GIS technology.Key words: hazards, vulnerability, risk, integrated management of natural resources, territorial ordering, GIS, Geographic Information Systems.

Defective Apoptosis In Intestinal And Mesenteric Adipose Tissue Of Crohn's Disease Patients.

Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with complex pathogenic pathways involving defects in apoptosis mechanisms. Recently, mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) has been associated with CD ethiopathology, since adipose thickening is detected close to the affected intestinal area. However, the potential role of altered apoptosis in MAT of CD has not been addressed. To evaluate apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa and MAT of patients with CD. Samples of intestinal mucosa and MAT from patients with ileocecal CD and from non-inflammatory bowel diseases patients (controls) were studied. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay and correlated with the adipocytes histological morphometric analysis. The transcriptional and protein analysis of selected genes and proteins related to apoptosis were determined. TUNEL assay showed fewer apoptotic cells in CD, when compared to the control groups, both in the intestinal mucosa and in MAT. In addition, the number of apoptotic cells (TUNEL) correlated significantly with the area and perimeter of the adipose cells in MAT. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis reveal a significantly lower transcript and protein levels of Bax in the intestinal mucosa of CD, compared to the controls; low protein levels of Bax were found localized in the lamina propria and not in the epithelium of this tissue. Furthermore, higher level of Bcl-2 and low level of Caspase 3 were seen in the MAT of CD patients. The defective apoptosis in MAT may explain the singular morphological characteristics of this tissue in CD, which may be implicated in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Long-term Spinal Ventral Root Reimplantation, But Not Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cell Treatment, Positively Influences Ultrastructural Synapse Recovery And Motor Axonal Regrowth.

We recently proposed a new surgical approach to treat ventral root avulsion, resulting in motoneuron protection. The present work combined such a surgical approach with bone marrow mononuclear cells (MC) therapy. Therefore, MC were added to the site of reimplantation. Female Lewis rats (seven weeks old) were subjected to unilateral ventral root avulsion (VRA) at L4, L5 and L6 levels and divided into the following groups (n = 5 for each group): Avulsion, sealant reimplanted roots and sealant reimplanted roots plus MC. After four weeks and 12 weeks post-surgery, the lumbar intumescences were processed by transmission electron microscopy, to analyze synaptic inputs to the repaired �� motoneurons. Also, the ipsi and contralateral sciatic nerves were processed for axon counting and morphometry. The ultrastructural results indicated a significant preservation of inhibitory pre-synaptic boutons in the groups repaired with sealant alone and associated with MC therapy. Moreover, the average number of axons was higher in treated groups when compared to avulsion only. Complementary to the fiber counting, the morphometric analysis of axonal diameter and g ratio demonstrated that root reimplantation improved the motor component recovery. In conclusion, the data herein demonstrate that root reimplantation at the lesion site may be considered a therapeutic approach, following proximal lesions in the interface of central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), and that MC therapy does not further improve the regenerative recovery, up to 12 weeks post lesion.

Dentin permeability of the apical third in different groups of teeth

This ex vivo study evaluated dentin permeability of the root canal in the apical third of different human groups of teeth. Eighty teeth were used, 8 from each dental group: maxillary and mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors and canines, maxillary first premolars (buccal and palatal roots), mandibular first premolars, and maxillary and mandibular second premolars, totalizing 88 roots that were distributed in 11 groups. The root canals were instrumented, irrigated with 1% NaOCl and 15% EDTA. Roots were immersed in 10% copper sulfate for 30 min and then in 1% rubeanic acid alcohol solution for the same period; this chemical reaction reveals dentin permeability by the formation of copper rubeanate, which is a dark-colored compound. Semi-serial 100-��m-thick cross-sections were obtained from the apical third of the roots. Five sections of each apical third were washed, dehydrated, cleared and mounted on glass slides for examination under optical microscopy. The percentage of copper ion infiltration and the amount of tubular dentin were quantified by morphometric analysis. The penetration of copper ions in the apical third ranged from 4.60 to 16.66%. The mandibular central and lateral incisors presented the highest dentin permeability (16.66%), while the maxillary canines and mandibular second and first premolars presented the lowest dentin permeability (4.60%, 4.80% and 5.71%, respectively; p<0.001). The other teeth presented intermediate permeability. In conclusion, dye penetration into dentin tubules at the apical region is strongly dependent on the group of teeth evaluated.

Effectiveness of different final irrigation protocols in removing debris in flattened root canals

This study evaluated in vitro the capacity of debris removal from the apical third of flattened root canals, using different final irrigation protocols. Thirty human mandibular central incisors with a mesiodistal flattened root were prepared using rotary instrumentation by Endo-Flare 25.12 and Hero 642 30.06, 35.02, 40.02 files, irrigated with 2 mL of 1% NaOCl after each file. The specimens were randomly distributed into 5 groups according to the final irrigation of root canals: Group I: 10 mL of distilled water (control), Group II: 10 mL of 1% NaOCl for 8 min, Group III: 2 mL of 1% NaOCl for 2 min (repeated 4 times), Group IV: 10 mL of 2.5% NaOCl for 8 min, and Group V: 10 mL of 2.5% NaOCl for 2 min (repeated 4 times). The apical thirds of the specimens were subjected to histological processing and 6-&#956;m cross-sections were obtained and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The specimens were examined under optical microscopy at ��40 magnification and the images were subjected to morphometric analysis using the Scion image-analysis software. The total area of root canal and the area with debris were measured in square millimeters. Analysis of variance showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) among the groups GI (2.39 �� 3.59), GII (2.91 �� 2.21), GIII (0.73 �� 1.36), GIV (0.95 �� 0.84) and GV (0.51 �� 0.22). In conclusion, the final irrigation protocols evaluated in this study using the Luer syringe presented similar performance in the removal of debris from the apical third of flattened root canals.

O tratamento cartogr��fico da informa����o em sa��de do trabalhador

Apesar do reconhecimento da import��ncia dos conhecimentos geogr��ficos e do uso das ferramentas de an��lise espacial nos estudos da sa��de coletiva, esse �� um campo ainda pouco explorado pelos pesquisadores brasileiros. Em levantamento realizado nas principais revistas cient��ficas que veiculam os resultados de pesquisa em sa��de do trabalhador, verificou-se o grande predom��nio do uso de tabelas e gr��ficos como meio de organizar e apresentar os resultados obtidos, e o n��mero reduzido de mapas. Para isso foram examinados todos os artigos publicados em quatro peri��dicos (Revista de Sa��de P��blica, Cadernos de Sa��de P��blica, Revista Sa��de e Sociedade e Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia) no per��odo de 1967 a 2009. Uma vez analisado o conjunto de artigos selecionados no estudo, aqueles que utilizaram representa����es cartogr��ficas receberam aten����o especial. Verificou-se que, embora ainda pouco utilizadas, as ferramentas do geoprocessamento e da geoestat��stica com suporte em SIG abrem um campo de novas possibilidades no uso da cartografia tem��tica em sa��de do trabalhador no Brasil. Contudo, recomenda-se para os editores das revistas cient��ficas o detalhamento de normas t��cnicas para publica����o de figuras cartogr��ficas, assim como a elabora����o de pareceres espec��ficos que possam auxiliar os autores em vista das modifica����es necess��rias para a melhoria da qualidade da comunica����o visual de mapas e da correla����o espacial por meio do tratamento cartogr��fico.

Scanning electron microscopy of the corneal endothelium of ostrich

The aim of this study was to examine the endothelial surface morphology and perform a morphometric analysis of the corneal endothelial cells of ostrich (Struthio camelus) using scanning electron microscopy. Polygonality, mean cell area, cell density and coefficient of variation of mean cell area were analyzed. The normal corneal endothelium consisted of polygonal cells of uniform size and shape with few interdigitations of the cell borders. Microvilli appeared as protusions on the cellular surface. The average cell area was 269&plusmn;18��m�� and the endothelial cell density was 3717&plusmn;240cells mm-2. The coefficient of variation of the cell area was 0.06, and the percentage of hexagonal cells was 75%. The parameters evaluated did not differ significantly between the right and the left eye from the same ostrich. The results of this study showed that the ostrich corneal endothelial cells appear quite similar to those of the other vertebrates.