Colonização bacteriana na região marginal de restaurações cerâmicas: efeito do método de remoção do cimento e do polimento

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Design of a Wireless Vision Sensor for Object Tracking in Wireless Vision Sensor Networks

The integration of CMOS cameras with embedded processors and wireless communication devices has enabled the development of distributed wireless vision systems. Wireless Vision Sensor Networks (WVSNs), which consist of wirelessly connected embedded systems with vision and sensing capabilities, provide wide variety of application areas that have not been possible to realize with the wall-powered vision systems with wired links or scalar-data based wireless sensor networks. In this paper, the design of a middleware for a wireless vision sensor node is presented for the realization of WVSNs. The implemented wireless vision sensor node is tested through a simple vision application to study and analyze its capabilities, and determine the challenges in distributed vision applications through a wireless network of low-power embedded devices. The results of this paper highlight the practical concerns for the development of efficient image processing and communication solutions for WVSNs and emphasize the need for cross-layer solutions that unify these two so-far-independent research areas.

Epizootiologic Survey of Mycobacterium Bovis in Wildlife and Farm Environments in Northern Michigan

Bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, has reemerged in northern Michigan, USA, with detections in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in 1994 and in cattle in 1998. Since then, significant efforts have been directed toward reducing deer densities in the area in the hopes of reducing the bovine TB prevalence rate in deer and eliminating spillover of the disease into cattle. Despite the success of the efforts to reduce deer densities, additional cattle herds have become infected. Other mammals can be infected with M. bovis, and some carnivores and omnivores had been found to be infected with the disease in northern Michigan, USA. We conducted a multiyear surveillance effort to detect bovine TB in wild species of mammals in the Michigan, USA, outbreak area. From 2002 to 2004, tissue samples from 1,031 individual animals of 32 species were collected, processed, and cultured for M. bovis. Only 10 (1.0%) were culture-positive for M. bovis (five raccoons [Procyon lotor], four opossums [Didelphis virginiana], and one grey fox [Urocyon cinereoargenteus]). We also found two raccoons and four opossums to be positive for Mycobacterium avium. We collected 503 environmental samples from cattle farms recently identified as bovine TB positive; none yielded positive M. bovis culture results. Finally, we used infrared cameras to document wildlife use of four barns in the area. Many avian and mammalian species of wildlife were observed, with raccoons being the most commonly observed species. This surveillance study identified no new wildlife species that should be considered significant reservoirs of bovine TB in the outbreak area in northern Michigan, USA. However, the relatively high, apparent bovine TB prevalence rates in some carnivorous and omnivorous species, their relatively long life spans, and their frequent use of barns, suggests that removal of raccoons, opossums, foxes, and coyotes (Canis latrans) should be considered when a newly infected farm is depopulated of cattle.

Scraping Behavior in Male White-tailed Deer as a Potential Means of Transmitting Chronic Wasting Disease

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has become a concern for wildlife managers and hunters across the United States. High prevalence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in older male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) suggests that sex-specific social behavior may contribute to the spread of the disease among males. Scraping is a marking behavior performed by male white-tailed deer during the rut in which a pawed depression and associated over-hanging branch are marked with saliva, glandular secretions, urine, and feces. We placed 71 and 35 motion-activated cameras on scrapes in DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in western Nebraska and eastern Iowa from Oct. – Nov. 2005 and Sept. – Nov. 2006, respectively. We recorded 5009 encounters and 1830 direct interactions. We developed an ethogram of behaviors of interest at scrapes. We found that males interacted with scrapes more frequently than females (P < 0.001). Male interactions were more complex, with 69% consisting of ≥2 observed behaviors versus 25% and 13% for females and fawns. We identified individual male deer ≥2.5 years old and determined the minimum number of different scrapes individuals visited and the number of individuals that visit a single scrape. Individuals that appeared on camera ≥5 times visited a mean of 3.9 scrapes (range = 1-15) and traveled a mean minimum distance of 978 m between consecutive scrapes. A mean of 5.1 individuals visited a single scrape, and up to 43% of individuals returned to a scrape previously visited at least once. We modeled Risk Values based on frequency of occurrence, duration, and Threat Values of each behavior, for contacting and transmitting CWD prions at scrapes. Adult males had the highest total Risk Values for contacting CWD prions (114.1) and shedding prions (59.4). The “grasp-lick branch” behavior had the highest Risk Value for adult males for both contacting and transmitting prions. Our study reveals a sex specific social behavior in male white-tailed deer that has the potential to spread chronic wasting disease between adult males in the population.

Colonização bacteriana na região marginal de restaurações cerâmicas: efeito do método de remoção do cimento e do polimento

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Effects of age and optical blur on real depth stereoacuity

Stereoscopic depth perception utilizes the disparity cues between the images that fall on the retinae of the two eyes. The purpose of this study was to determine what role aging and optical blur play in stereoscopic disparity sensitivity for real depth stimuli. Forty-six volunteers were tested ranging in age from 15 to 60 years. Crossed and uncrossed disparity thresholds were measured using white light under conditions of best optical correction. The uncrossed disparity thresholds were also measured with optical blur (from +1.0D to +5.0D added to the best correction). Stereothresholds were measured using the Frisby Stereo Test, which utilizes a four-alternative forced-choice staircase procedure. The threshold disparities measured for young adults were frequently lower than 10 arcsec, a value considerably lower than the clinical estimates commonly obtained using Random Dot Stereograms (20 arcsec) or Titmus Fly Test (40 arcsec) tests. Contrary to previous reports, disparity thresholds increased between the ages of 31 and 45 years. This finding should be taken into account in clinical evaluation of visual function of older patients. Optical blur degrades visual acuity and stereoacuity similarly under white-light conditions, indicating that both functions are affected proportionally by optical defocus.

Is the domestic dog becoming an abundant species in the Atlantic forest? A study case in southeastern Brazil

The Brazilian Atlantic forest has been reduced to a small fraction of its original area, with most remaining fragments being small and surrounded by anthropogenic matrices. This degree of disturbance, together with the increasing sprawl of cities towards the rural zone, greatly facilitates the entrance of domestic animals into these remnants. We used camera traps to compare the abundances of the domestic dog with a similarly sized native carnivore, the ocelot, in a 957-ha reserve of the Brazilian Atlantic forest in a landscape largely composed by pastures and agriculture. The dog was the most recorded species among all 17 mammal species "captured" by the cameras. Dog abundance (32-38 dogs) and density (0.812-1.813 dogs/km(2)) were significantly higher than that of the ocelot (n=2 ocelots; density=0.158-0.347 ocelots/km(2)). Although our result is restricted to a single study site, it is supported by an increasing number of recent studies, which have detected dogs inside other Atlantic forest reserves. Our study suggests, therefore, that this invasion might be more widespread than generally thought. The presence of the domestic dog is a threat to native fauna and constitutes an important edge effect of human presence at the rural zone.

Using occupancy models to investigate space partitioning between two sympatric large predators, the jaguar and puma in central Brazil

Coexistence of sympatric species is mediated by resource partitioning. Pumas occur sympatrically with jaguars throughout most of the jaguar's range but few studies have investigated space partitioning between both species. Here, camera trapping and occupancy models accounting for imperfect detection were employed in a Bayesian framework to investigate space partitioning between the jaguar and puma in Emas National Park (ENP), central Brazil. Jaguars were estimated to occupy 54.1% and pumas 39.3% of the sample sites. Jaguar occupancy was negatively correlated with distance to water and positively correlated with the amount of dense habitat surrounding the camera trap. Puma occupancy only showed a weak negative correlation with distance to water and with jaguar presence. Both species were less often present at the same site than expected under independent distributions. Jaguars had a significantly higher detection probability at cameras on roads than at off-road locations. For pumas, detection was similar on and off-road. Results indicate that both differences in habitat use and active avoidance shape space partitioning between jaguars and pumas in ENP. Considering its size, the jaguar is likely the competitively dominant of the two species. Owing to its habitat preferences, suitable jaguar habitat outside the park is probably sparse. Consequently, the jaguar population is likely largely confined to the park, while the puma population is known to extend into ENP's surroundings. (C) 2011 Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Saugetierkunde. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Reproductive apparatus of the male giant hermit crab Petrochirus diogenes (Anomura, Diogenidae): morphology and phylogenetic implications

We describe the male reproductive apparatus of the giant hermit crab Petrochirus diogenes, with morphological and biometric analyses of the spermatophore, the gonopore and the ultrastructure of the spermatozoa. Specimens were collected from the southern coast of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Morphological analyses were done using stereoscopic, light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The reproductive system of this hermit crab is composed of elongate and lobular testes followed by vasa deferentia that connect to the exterior via gonopores. The gonopores are ovoid and surrounded by setae, and each gonopore is composed of a membranous operculum that forms a depression constituting the gonopore opening. The gonopore constitutes a unique structure among the Diogenidae due to its number of setae. The spermatophores are tripartite, composed of a sperm-containing ampulla, a peduncle and a proximal foot. The spermatozoon has 3 main regions (acrosomal vesicle, nucleus and cytoplasm). The structure of the spermatophore indicates that this species can be considered an exception within Diogenidae with regard to spermatophore morphology and can therefore be used for phylogenetic inferences.

Microsurgical Anatomy of the Optic Radiation and Related Fibers in 3-Dimensional Images

BACKGROUND: The fiber dissection technique provides unique 3-dimensional anatomic knowledge of the white matter. OBJECTIVE: To examine the optic radiation anatomy and its important relationship with the temporal stem and to discuss its findings in relation to the approaches to temporal lobe lesions. METHODS: We studied 40 cerebral hemispheres of 20 brains that had been fixed in formalin solution for 40 days. After removal of the arachnoid membrane, the hemispheres were frozen, and the Klingler technique was used for dissection under magnification. Stereoscopic 3-dimensional images of the dissection were obtained for illustration. RESULTS: The optic radiations are located deep within the superior and middle temporal gyri, always above the inferior temporal sulcus. The mean distance between the cortical surface and the lateral edge of the optic radiation was 21 mm. Its fibers are divided into 3 bundles after their origin. The mean distance between the anterior tip of the temporal horn and the Meyer loop was 4.5 mm, between the temporal pole and the anterior border of the Meyer loop was 28.4 mm, and between the limen insulae and the Meyer loop was 10.7 mm. The mean distance between the lateral geniculate body and the lateral margin of the central bundle of the optic radiation was 17.4 mm. CONCLUSION: The white matter fiber dissection reveals the tridimensional intrinsic architecture of the brain, and its knowledge regarding the temporal lobe is particularly important for the neurosurgeon, mostly because of the complexity of the optic radiation and related fibers.

Tap-Off Power From the Overhead Shield Wires of an HV Transmission Line

In recent years, there was an increase of ancillary service loads, such as signaling systems, inspection robots, surveillance cameras, and other monitoring devices distributed along high-voltage transmission lines which require low-power dc voltage supplies. This paper investigates the use of the induced voltage in the shield wires of an overhead 525 kV transmission line as a primary power source. Since phase current variations throughout the day affect the induced voltage in the overhead ground wire, a step-down dc-dc converter is used after rectification of the ac voltage to provide a regulated dc output voltage. The initial encouraging results obtained indicate that this form of power supply can be a feasible and cost-effective alternative for feeding small ancillary service loads. The simulation results are validated by field measurements as well as the installation of a 200 W voltage stabilization system prototype.

Effects of daily intake of zidovudine-stavudine on rat pregnancy outcome: biological essay

Purpose: To evaluate the effects at term of a highly active antiretroviral drug association when administered for the whole period of rat pregnancy. Methods: Forty pregnant rats weighing about 200 g were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (Ctr = drug vehicle control, n = 10) and three experimental groups. which were treated with an oral solution of zidovudine-stavudine (Exp1x = 10/1 mg/kg b.w., n = 10; Exp3x = 30/3 mg/kg b.w., n = 10; Exp9x = 90/9 mg/kg b.w., n = 10) from "day 0" up to the 20th day of pregnancy. Maternal body weights were recorded at the start of the experiment and on the 7th, 14th and 20th day thereafter. At term (20th day) the rats were anesthetized and submitted to hysterotomy. Implantations, reabsorptions, living fetuses, placentae and intrauterine deaths were looked for and recorded. The collected fetuses and placentae were weighed and the concepts were examined by a stereoscopic microscope looking for external malformations. Results: No significant alterations due to the antiretroviral drug treatment could be detected regarding the number of implantations, fetuses, placentae, absorptions and malformations nor regarding maternal and fetal mortality. Conclusions: Administration of the association zidovudine/stavudine for the whole period of rat pregnancy did not interfere with the maternal, fetal and placental weight gain as well as abnormalities detectable by the employed methodology.

Bilayer segmentation of live video in uncontrolled environments for background substitution: an overview and main challenges

Bilayer segmentation of live video in uncontrolled environments is an essential task for home applications in which the original background of the scene must be replaced, as in videochats or traditional videoconference. The main challenge in such conditions is overcome all difficulties in problem-situations (e. g., illumination change, distract events such as element moving in the background and camera shake) that may occur while the video is being captured. This paper presents a survey of segmentation methods for background substitution applications, describes the main concepts and identifies events that may cause errors. Our analysis shows that although robust methods rely on specific devices (multiple cameras or sensors to generate depth maps) which aid the process. In order to achieve the same results using conventional devices (monocular video cameras), most current research relies on energy minimization frameworks, in which temporal and spacial information are probabilistically combined with those of color and contrast.

Does carbohydrate supplementation enhance tennis match play performance?

Abstract Background Carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion may be an interesting approach to avoid significant decrement to the tennis match performance. The aim of the present investigation was to assess the effects of CHO supplementation on tennis match play performance. Methods Twelve young tennis players (18.0 ± 1.0 years; 176 ± 3.4 cm; 68.0 ± 2.3 kg; body fat: 13.7 ± 2.4%) with national rankings among the top 50 in Brazil agreed to participate in this study, which utilized a randomized, crossover, double blind research design. The experiment was conducted over a 5-day period in which each player completed two simulated tennis matches of a 3-hour duration. The players received either a CHO or a placebo (PLA) drinking solution during simulated tennis matches. Athlete’s performance parameters were determined by filming each match with two video cameras. Each player was individually tracked for the entire duration of the match to measure the following variables: (1) games won; (2) rally duration; (3) strokes per rally; (4) effective playing time (%); (5) aces; (6) double faults; (7) first service in; (8) second service in; (9) first return in and (10) second return in. Results There were no differences between trials in any of the variables analyzed. Conclusions CHO supplementation did not improve tennis match play performance under the present experimental conditions.

Gestión de vídeo distribuido

[ES] El principal objetivo de este Trabajo Final de Grado (TFG) fue la creación de un sistema de gestión de vídeo distribuido utilizando cámaras de videovigilancia IP. Esta propuesta surgió a partir de la idea de ofrecer un acceso simultáneo, tanto online como offline, a las secuencias de vídeo generadas por una red de cámaras IP en un entorno dado. El resultado obtenido fue una infraestructura software ampliable  que ofrece al usuario una serie de funcionalidades con cámaras de red, abstrayéndolo de detalles internos. El trabajo está compuesto por tres elementos claramente diferenciados: integración de cámaras IP, almacenamiento en vídeo y creación del sistema de vídeo distribuido. La integración de cámaras IP tiene como objetivo comunicar al equipo con la cámara de red para la obtención del flujo de imágenes que transmite. Dicha comunicación se establece vía HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) gracias a la interfaz de programación (API) de la que disponen estos dispositivos. El segundo elemento, el almacenamiento en vídeo, tiene como función guardar las imágenes de la cámara IP en archivos de vídeo. De esta manera se ofrece su posterior visualización en diferido. Finalmente, el sistema de vídeo distribuido permite la reproducción simultánea de múltiples vídeos grabados por la red de cámaras IP. Adicionalmente, vídeos grabados por otros dispositivos también son admitidos. El material desarrollado dispone del potencial necesario para convertirse en una herramienta libre de amplio uso en sistemas UNIX para cámaras IP, así como suponer la base de futuros proyectos relacionados con estos dispositivos.