Four year multitrophic food web: source food web description, methodology accuracy and species diversity

Food webs have been used in order to understand the trophic relationship among organisms within an ecosystem, however the extension by which sampling efficiency could affect food web responses remain poorly understood. Still, there is a lack of long-term sampling data for many insect groups, mainly related to the interactions between herbivores and their host plants. In the first chapter, I describe a source food web based on the Senegalia tenuifolia plant by identifying the associated insect species and the interactions among them and with this host plant. Furthermore, I check for the data robustness from each trophic level and propose a cost-efficiently methodology. The results from this chapter show that the collected dataset and the methodology presented are a good tool for sample most insect richness of a source food web. In total the food web comprises 27 species belonging to four trophic levels. In the second chapter, I demonstrate the temporal variation in the species richness and abundance from each trophic level, as well as the relationship among distinct trophic levels. Moreover, I investigate the diversity patterns of the second and third trophic level by assessing the contribution of alfa and beta-diversity components along the years. This chapter shows that in our system the parasitoid abundance is regulated by the herbivore abundances. Besides, the species richness and abundances of the trophic levels vary temporally. It also shows that alfa-diversity was the diversity component that most contribute to the herbivore species diversity (2nd trophic level), while the contribution of alfa- and beta-diversity changed along the years for parasitoid diversity (3rd level). Overall, this dissertation describes a source food web and bring insights into some food web challenges related to the sampling effort to gather enough species from all trophic levels. It also discuss the relation among communities associated with distinct trophic levels and their temporal variation and diversity patterns. Finally, this dissertation contributes for the world food web database and in understanding the interactions among its trophic levels and each trophic level pattern along time and space

Apoio à maturidade pessoal visando a melhoria dos projetos de software

Pós-graduação em Ciência da Computação - IBILCE

Sistema multiagente web semântico para gestão de conteúdos educacionais

Pós-graduação em Ciência da Computação - IBILCE

Websislapam: sistema de avaliações de pessoas baseado em tecnologias WEB

This work, entitled Websislapam: People Rating System Based on Web Technologies, allows the creation of questionnaires, and the organization of entities and people who participate in evaluations. Entities collect data from people with the help of resources that reduce typing mistakes. The Websislapam maintains a database and provides graphical reporting, which enable the analysis of those tested. Developed using Web technologies such as PHP, Javascript, CSS, and others. Developed with the paradigm of object-oriented programming and the MySQL DBMS. For the theoretical basis, research in the areas of System Database, Web Technologies and Web Engineering were performed. It was determined the evaluation process, systems and Web-based applications, Web and System Engineering Database. Technologies applied in the implementation of Websislapam been described. In a separate chapter presented the main features and artifacts used in the development of Websislapam. A case study demonstrates the practical use of the system

Evaluation of the physicochemical properties and push-out bond strength of mta-based root canal cement

Aim: This study investigated the flowability, setting time, pH, calcium release and bond strength of a MTA-based cement (MTA Fillapex®) compared to AH Plus and Sealapex. Materials and methods: For the flowability test, the ISO 6876:2001 specification was utilized and for the setting time test, the ASTM C266-03 specification was utilized. For the pH and calcium release measurements, 10 samples were prepared for each group and analyzed for several different periods. For the push-out test, dentin disks were distributed into three groups, according to the cement utilized and into three subgroups, according to the root third (n = 10). After obturation, the specimens underwent push-out testing. The data were compared statistically using a significance level of 5%. Results: The flowability of all materials was found to be similar (p > 0.05). The setting times were different among the groups tested (MTA Fillapex < Sealapex < AH Plus) (p < 0.05). At days 7 and 28, the MTA Fillapex presented the higher pH values (p < 0.05). At 24 hours and at 14 days, the calcium release of the MTA Fillapex was similar to that of Sealapex (p > 0.05). AH Plus presented the lowest pH and calcium release values (p < 0.05). In all root thirds, the adhesion to the dentin of the MTA Fillapex and Sealapex were significantly lower than that of AH Plus (p < 0.05). Conclusion: MTA Fillapex and Sealapex presented several similar properties and both were found to be different than AH Plus. Clinical significance: This study evaluated the physicochemical and mechanical properties of new MTA-based root canal cement, in order to use this scaler in root canal fillings. MTA Fillapex showed satisfactory properties for clinical use.

Synthesis, structural characterization, luminescent properties and theoretical study of three novel lanthanide metal-organic frameworks of Ho(III), Gd(III) and Eu(III) with 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate anion

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Evaluation of an In Vitro Blood-Based Assay to Detect Production of Interferon-γ By Mycobacterium Bovis–Infected White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus)

Tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis in captive Cervidae was identified as an important disease in the United States in 1990 and prompted the addition of captive Cervidae to the USDA Uniform Methods and Rules for eradication of bovine tuberculosis. As well, M. bovis infection was identified in free-ranging white-tailed deer in northeast Michigan in 1995. Tuberculosis in both captive and free-ranging Cervidae represents a serious challenge to the eradication of M. bovis infection from the United States. Currently, the only approved antemortem tests for tuberculosis in Cervidae are the intradermal tuberculin skin test and the blood tuberculosis test (BTB). At present, the BTB is not available in North America. Tuberculin skin testing of Cervidae is time-consuming and involves repeated animal handling and risk of injury to animals and humans. This study evaluated the potential of a new blood-based assay for tuberculosis in Cervidae that would decrease animal handling, stress, and losses due to injury. In addition, a blood-based assay could provide a more rapid diagnosis. Twenty 6–9-month-old white-tailed deer, male and female, were experimentally inoculated by instillation of 300 colony-forming units of M. bovis in the tonsillar crypts. Seven, age-matched uninfected deer served as controls. Blood was collected on days 90, 126, 158, 180, 210, 238, 263, and 307 after inoculation and was analyzed for the production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in response to incubation with M. bovis purified protein derivative (PPDb), M. avium PPDa, pokeweed mitogen (PWM), or media alone. Production of IFN-g in response to PPDb was significantly greater (P < 0.05) at all time points in samples from M. bovis–infected deer as compared with uninfected control deer, whereas IFN-γ production to PWM did not differ significantly between infected and control deer. Measurement of IFN-γ production to PPDb may serve as a useful assay for the antemortem diagnosis of tuberculosis in Cervidae.

Evaluation of a New Strategy for Control of Bovine Tuberculosis in Michigan White-Tailed Deer: Year 1 Progress Report

The State of Michigan is striving to eliminate bovine tuberculosis (Tb) infection among free-ranging white-tailed deer in the northeastern Lower Peninsula of the state. Aggressive reduction in the overall deer population abundance may help to further reduce TB prevalence, but this course of action is unacceptable to many hunters and landowners. Targeted culling of sick deer would likely be far more acceptable to these stakeholders, so in the winter of 2003 the Michigan Department of Natural Resources pilot-trialed a new strategy based on live-trapping and Tb-testing of wild deer. The field study was conducted in a township with relatively high TB prevalence within Deer Management Unit 452 in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. Over a 2-month trapping period, 119 individual deer were live-trapped, blood sampled, fitted with a radio-collar, and released. A total of 31 of these deer were subsequently classified as Tb-suspect by at least one of five blood tests employed (however there was a low level of agreement among tests). A delay in testing meant that only six of these suspect deer were culled by sharpshooters before pre-programmed release of their radio-collars, after which they could no longer be located. Mycobacterium bovis was cultured from one of these six suspect deer; the other five were negative on culture. All target deer were located to within shooting range with 1 – 2 days of effort, and all the radio-collars on the apparently-healthy deer dropped off after the intended 90-day interval, and were thereafter recovered for re-use. There was considerable support for this pilot project among hunters, farmers, state and federal agriculture agencies, the media and the general public, and so we recommend that further field trials be undertaken using this technique. The initial focus of these trials should be on improving the efficacy and reliability of the blood testing procedure.

Applications and Potentials for Biogenic Methane Recovery Operations in Nebraska Agriculture, Industry, and Economic Development

ABSTRACT: This thesis report illustrates the applications and potentials of biogenic methane recovery in Nebraska’s agricultural and industrial sectors and as a means for increasing sustainable economic development in the state’s rural communities. As the nation moves toward a new green economy, biogenic methane recovery as a waste management strategy and renewable energy resource presents significant opportunities for Nebraska to be a national and world leader in agricultural and industrial innovation, advanced research and development of renewable energy technology, and generation of new product markets. Nebraska’s agricultural economy provides a distinct advantage to the state for supporting methane recovery operations that provide long-term economic and environmental partnerships among producers, industry, and communities. These opportunities will serve to protect Nebraska’s agricultural producers from volatile energy input markets and as well as creating new markets for Nebraska agricultural products. They will also serve to provide quality education and employment opportunities for Nebraska students and businesses. There are challenges and issues that remain for the state in order to take advantage of its resource potential. There is a need to produce a comprehensive Nebraska biogenic methane potential study and digital mapping system to identify high-potential producers, co-products, and markets. There is also a need to develop a web-based format of consolidated information specific to Nebraska to aid in connecting producers, service providers, educators, and policy-makers.

A new distinctively banded species of Pseudolithoxus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the upper Orinoco River

Pseudolithoxus kelsorum is described as a new species based on type material from the upper Orinoco in Amazonas State, Venezuela. Pseudolithoxus kelsorum is diagnosed from all other Pseudolithoxus by having dark brown to black base color with eight to 11 (usually nine) light yellow vertical or oblique transversal bands between orbits and caudal fin, bands wide and rarely but sometimes incomplete or contorted as swirls (vs. dark brown to black base color with 18 or more thin, light yellow, frequently contorted transversal bands between orbits and caudal fin in P. tigris; black base color with small white spots in P. anthrax and P. nicoi; and light brown base color with dark brown to black spots in P. dumus). Distributions of P. kelsorum and other Ancistrini taxa support the presence of a zoogeographic filter limiting fish distributions across a reach of the Orinoco River between the Ventuari-Orinoco confluence and the Maipures rapids.

Numerical analysis of different methods to calculate residual stresses in thin films based on instrumented indentation data

In this work, different methods to estimate the value of thin film residual stresses using instrumented indentation data were analyzed. This study considered procedures proposed in the literature, as well as a modification on one of these methods and a new approach based on the effect of residual stress on the value of hardness calculated via the Oliver and Pharr method. The analysis of these methods was centered on an axisymmetric two-dimensional finite element model, which was developed to simulate instrumented indentation testing of thin ceramic films deposited onto hard steel substrates. Simulations were conducted varying the level of film residual stress, film strain hardening exponent, film yield strength, and film Poisson's ratio. Different ratios of maximum penetration depth h(max) over film thickness t were also considered, including h/t = 0.04, for which the contribution of the substrate in the mechanical response of the system is not significant. Residual stresses were then calculated following the procedures mentioned above and compared with the values used as input in the numerical simulations. In general, results indicate the difference that each method provides with respect to the input values depends on the conditions studied. The method by Suresh and Giannakopoulos consistently overestimated the values when stresses were compressive. The method provided by Wang et al. has shown less dependence on h/t than the others.

Enzymatic Solid-Phase Reactor Based on Silica Organofunctionalized with p-Phenylenediamine for Electrochemical Detection of Phenolic Compounds

A new biomaterial, based on silica organofunctionalized with p-phenylenediamine (p-PDA) and the enzyme peroxidase, was used in the development of an enzymatic solid-phase reactor. The analytical techniques used in the characterization showed that the organic ligand was incorporated into the silica matrix. Thus, the silica modified with p-PDA allowed the incorporation of peroxidase by the electrostatic interaction between the carboxylic groups present in the enzyme molecules and the amino groups attached to the silica. The enzymatic solid-phase reactor was used for chemical oxidation of phenols in 1, 4-benzoquinone that was then detected by chronoamperometry. The system allowed the analysis of hydroquinone with a detection limit of 83.6 nmol L-1. Thus, the new material has potential in the determination of phenolic compounds river water samples.

Aplicación web para la gestión de tareas siguiendo la metodología GTD

[ES] El Trabajo Final de Grado tiene por finalidad ofrecer una solución que ayude a las personas a gestionar sus tareas tanto personales como empresariales de una manera más productiva. Actualmente este tipo de aplicaciones tienen mucho éxito. Se decidió que el desarrollo de esta aplicación fuera con la metodología Getting Things Done (GTD) ya que es una metodología que aumenta la productividad y reduce el estrés laboral. A día de hoy, no hay muchas aplicaciones que utilice esta metodología y las que la utilizan lo hace de una forma muy básica. Junto a esta metodología y guiándonos de la experiencia del tutor se intentó combinar esta metodología con controles de tiempo para mejorar aún más la productividad de las personas que utiliza dicho software. El resultado obtenido de este trabajo final de grado fue la base de una aplicación web para la gestión de tareas. El software creado es totalmente funcional, muy fácil de usar, muy intuitivo, y usa la filosofía Getting Things Done . Básicamente los objetivos principales conseguidos en este proyecto fueron: la gestión de usuarios. La gestión de tareas y proyectos. Aplicación de la metodología GTD. Control del tiempo productivo, e improductivo, interrupciones, temporizadores. La aplicación ha sido realizada como Trabajo Final de Grado en Ingeniería Informática, cumpliendo con todas las fases del desarrollo del software, para obtener un producto funcional que fuera aprobado por el tutor que haría el rol de potencial cliente. En el presente proyecto se ha seguido la metodología RUP, dirigida por casos de uso, iterativa e incremental. Para completar el proceso se ha realizado la elaboración de una lista de características, la especificación de los casos de uso, una fase de análisis, una de diseño, implementación y prueba. Las tecnologías utilizadas han sido, principalmente, Ruby On Rails, HTML5, CSS , AJAX y JAVASCRIPT. El objetivo a largo plazo es que esta solución pueda ser tomada como base de implementación, donde haciendo las mejoras necesarias se pueda poner en el mercado un gran software de gestión de tareas siguiendo la metodología GTD.

Aplicación web para Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria : [Parte A]

[ES] Este Trabajo de Fin de Grado es un servicio basado en tecnologías web (PHP, HTML5, CSS, JQUERY y AJAX). El objetivo principal es ofrecer un servicio de creación y gestión de actas para el Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Para ello, consta de dos módulos principales, uno para “crear actas” y otro para “editar actas”. La aplicación consta de dos partes. Una primera parte desarrollada por mí, que consiste en primer lugar en todas las reuniones que fueron necesarias con el personal del Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria para entender sus necesidades y cómo poder afrontarlas como desarrollador. Y en segundo lugar, me he encargado de la elaboración y la estructura de la página web, mediante la generación de los distintos ficheros con contenido  HTML, en la interconexión de estos ficheros y en el paso de parámetros entre dichos ficheros mediante las distintas herramientas (JQUERY, AJAX), así como también he dotado a la web de todo el contenido JavaScript necesario. En este apartado también se encuentra la tarea de realizar un módulo de búsqueda y un módulo para mostrar las actas ya acabadas. El de búsqueda contiene un formulario con un campo de búsqueda y busca las coincidencias dentro de todos los ficheros que se han generado con la aplicación. También muestra un link para abrir ese fichero desde el navegador. Como aportación adicional también me he encargado de la configuración y generación de las tablas necesarias de la base de datos para el funcionamiento de la aplicación.

Rich media content adaptation in e-learning systems

The wide use of e-technologies represents a great opportunity for underserved segments of the population, especially with the aim of reintegrating excluded individuals back into society through education. This is particularly true for people with different types of disabilities who may have difficulties while attending traditional on-site learning programs that are typically based on printed learning resources. The creation and provision of accessible e-learning contents may therefore become a key factor in enabling people with different access needs to enjoy quality learning experiences and services. Another e-learning challenge is represented by m-learning (which stands for mobile learning), which is emerging as a consequence of mobile terminals diffusion and provides the opportunity to browse didactical materials everywhere, outside places that are traditionally devoted to education. Both such situations share the need to access materials in limited conditions and collide with the growing use of rich media in didactical contents, which are designed to be enjoyed without any restriction. Nowadays, Web-based teaching makes great use of multimedia technologies, ranging from Flash animations to prerecorded video-lectures. Rich media in e-learning can offer significant potential in enhancing the learning environment, through helping to increase access to education, enhance the learning experience and support multiple learning styles. Moreover, they can often be used to improve the structure of Web-based courses. These highly variegated and structured contents may significantly improve the quality and the effectiveness of educational activities for learners. For example, rich media contents allow us to describe complex concepts and process flows. Audio and video elements may be utilized to add a “human touch” to distance-learning courses. Finally, real lectures may be recorded and distributed to integrate or enrich on line materials. A confirmation of the advantages of these approaches can be seen in the exponential growth of video-lecture availability on the net, due to the ease of recording and delivering activities which take place in a traditional classroom. Furthermore, the wide use of assistive technologies for learners with disabilities injects new life into e-learning systems. E-learning allows distance and flexible educational activities, thus helping disabled learners to access resources which would otherwise present significant barriers for them. For instance, students with visual impairments have difficulties in reading traditional visual materials, deaf learners have trouble in following traditional (spoken) lectures, people with motion disabilities have problems in attending on-site programs. As already mentioned, the use of wireless technologies and pervasive computing may really enhance the educational learner experience by offering mobile e-learning services that can be accessed by handheld devices. This new paradigm of educational content distribution maximizes the benefits for learners since it enables users to overcome constraints imposed by the surrounding environment. While certainly helpful for users without disabilities, we believe that the use of newmobile technologies may also become a fundamental tool for impaired learners, since it frees them from sitting in front of a PC. In this way, educational activities can be enjoyed by all the users, without hindrance, thus increasing the social inclusion of non-typical learners. While the provision of fully accessible and portable video-lectures may be extremely useful for students, it is widely recognized that structuring and managing rich media contents for mobile learning services are complex and expensive tasks. Indeed, major difficulties originate from the basic need to provide a textual equivalent for each media resource composing a rich media Learning Object (LO). Moreover, tests need to be carried out to establish whether a given LO is fully accessible to all kinds of learners. Unfortunately, both these tasks are truly time-consuming processes, depending on the type of contents the teacher is writing and on the authoring tool he/she is using. Due to these difficulties, online LOs are often distributed as partially accessible or totally inaccessible content. Bearing this in mind, this thesis aims to discuss the key issues of a system we have developed to deliver accessible, customized or nomadic learning experiences to learners with different access needs and skills. To reduce the risk of excluding users with particular access capabilities, our system exploits Learning Objects (LOs) which are dynamically adapted and transcoded based on the specific needs of non-typical users and on the barriers that they can encounter in the environment. The basic idea is to dynamically adapt contents, by selecting them from a set of media resources packaged in SCORM-compliant LOs and stored in a self-adapting format. The system schedules and orchestrates a set of transcoding processes based on specific learner needs, so as to produce a customized LO that can be fully enjoyed by any (impaired or mobile) student.