Efeito do turno de coleta sobre comunidades de formigas epigéicas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) em áreas de Eucalyptus cloeziana e de cerrado

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of collect time (day and night) on ant fauna attracted to baits in areas of Eucalyptus cloeziana (Myrtaceae) and cerrado. The ants were collected in Fazenda Boa Vista, Mannesmann Fi-El Florestal Ltda, Paineiras, Minas Gerais State. Eigthteen sample units were collected: 12 in E. cloezina and six in cerrado. Each sample unit consisted of three plots (25 x 35 m each). The plot consisted of 34 baits distributed in a grid pattern at 5 m intervals. The sampling was carried out in the diurnal and nocturnal period. The results obtained revealed that both type of vegetation (cerrado x Eucalyptus) and the collect time (day x night) had a significative influence on the epigaeic ant fauna. The ordination (DCA) indicated that collect time effect was more important to fauna structuration than the vegetation effect. Brachymyrmex sp.1, Brachymyrmex sp.2, Camponotus crassus Mayr, Camponotus rufipes (Fabricius), Cephalotes pusillus (Klug) and Ectatomma brunneum Smith were indicator species of nocturnal period, and Camponotus renggeri Emery, Camponotus atriceps (Smith), Camponotus melanoticus Emery and Paratrechina sp.1 were indicators of nocturnal period.

Extração de feições retas com precisão subpixel: estudo comparativo entre três métodos

In the fields of Machine Vision and Photogrammetry, extracted straight lines from digital images can be used either as vector elements of a digital representation or as control entities that allow the determination of the camera interior and exterior orientation parameters. Applications related with image orientation require feature extraction with subpixel precision, to guarantee the reliability of the estimated parameters. This paper presents three approaches for straight line extraction with subpixel precision. The first approach considers the subpixel refinement based on the weighted average of subpixel positions calculated on the direction perpendicular to the segmented straight line. In the second approach, a parabolic function is adjusted to the grey level profile of neighboring pixels in a perpendicular direction to the segmented line, followed by an interpolation of this model to estimate subpixel coordinates of the line center. In the third approach, the subpixel refinement is performed with a parabolic surface adjustment to the grey level values of neighboring pixels around the segmented line. The intersection of this surface with a normal plane to the line direction generates a parabolic equation that allows estimating the subpixel coordinates of the point in the straight line, assuming that this is the critical point of this function. Three experiments with real images were made and the approach based on parabolic surface adjustment has presented better results.

Utilização de métodos combinados de avaliação imobiliária para a elaboração da planta de valores genéricos

The Plant of Generic Values (PVG) is part of the cadastral system of a city hall and is about an important document or support for the urban planning. For its conception some stages are necessary, amongst which the most remarkable: the collection of information and the proper evaluation. A norm number 14653-2 of the ABNT recommends the application of the comparative method of data of market for the evaluation of lands values, but not always this procedure is possible due to absence of significant samples, as in urban areas densely constructed the real estate transactions is restricted, practically, to remarkable are the constructed ones. Thus, this work aims at showing which one, the sources of these data and the problematic found to get them. Moreover, a method is presented, that is an alternative to get the values of lands in the regions where yhere is scarcity of these data, so as to make the results beter. This method deals with the junction of other methods of evaluation to the comparative method of market data. The use of the methodology provided better performance in the procedures, having as a consequence bigger uniformity between the data, that is, the value of evaluation and the value of market equalize. Besides, the separation of the area of work in zones of homogeneous data made possible to generate more models, making use of fewes variables, due to the similarity among the data.

Comparação entre diferentes métodos para estimativa de gordura corporal de ciclistas brasileiros de elite

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar diferentes métodos de estimativa de gordura corporal em ciclistas de elite. A amostra foi composta por 15 atletas de alto nível, do sexo masculino, com idade média de 28,6 anos. Gordura corporal foi estimada pela equação para espessura de dobras cutâneas (EDC), análise da bioimpedância elétrica (BIA) e absortometria de radiológica de dupla energia (DEXA) (utilizada como referência). O teste t pareado comparou as diferenças entre os métodos e o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse analisou o relacionamento entre os mesmos. Foi observado que os valores do percentual de gordura corporal estimado pela BIA (p= 0,029), mas não o estimado pela EDC (p= 0,094) diferiram das estimativas da DEXA. Dessa maneira, é possível concluir que EDC apresentou estimativas mais próximas daquelas fornecidas pelo DEXA.

O desenvolvimento da interlíngua na aprendizagem da escrita em inglês em uma escola bilíngue: um estudo exploratório

The aim of this study is to investigate the development of written Interlanguage in English as an Additional Language (AL) by students in the 2nd grade of Ensino Fundamental I in a bilingual school in the city of Natal-RN. For this purpose two research questions guided this study: (a) which hypotheses could be inferred from the writing development of the bilingual learners of English as AL? and, (b) what is the impact of the type of input monomodal or multimodal in the Interlanguage development in the AL of bilingual learners? The 38 learners were divided into a control group, with 21 learners exposed to monomodal input, and an experimental group, with 17 learners exposed to multimodal input, and pre and post-tests were applied to both groups. A mixed methods research design was conducted (DÖRNYEI, 2007) to involve both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The qualitative aspect comprehended descriptive characteristics that interpreted the central cognitive processes in the acquisition of writing in AL by the learners. Through these interpretations, it was possible to understand the constitution of written Interlanguage (SELINKER, 1972) according to the data generated by the learners. The quantitative data were presented as the results generated from the experimental design. Thus, they narrowed the relations between the dependent variable the writing development, that is, how close it is to the target form which was modified throughout the process by the independent variable the quality of input (VAN PATTEN, 2002, GASS, 1997, SCHMIDT, 1986, PARADIS, 2009; 2010, ELLIS, 1995), which, being monomodal or multimodal, its function was possibly to alter the route of acquisition. The quantitative results pointed towards significant gains by the experimental group, which had multimodality present, suggesting that the learners in this group seem to have been more able to cognitively register (SCHIMDT, 1990) aspects of learning than the learners in the control group

O impacto das tarefas de aprendizagem mediadas pela lousa digital interativa na motivação situacional de aprendizes de inglês

Some authors have suggested that learning tasks conducted in L2 classes can motivate learners in different ways. Similarly, Interactive Whiteboards (IWB) have already been linked as drivers to engagement and enthusiasm in L2 classes, which may cause some impact on affective variables that influence learning (e.g. motivation). This crosssectional mixed-methods study aims to understand how situational motivation caused by learning tasks mediated by the IWB impact participants. We seek to answer the following research questions: (1) How does motivation as a personality trait of the learner relate to his/her additional language learning performance?, (2) How does the type of learning task mediated by the IWB impact the learner s motivation?, (3) How does motivation vary along the learning task mediated by the IWB? and (4) What is the relation between the learning task motivation and the learners perception about the task mediated by the IWB? Data collection lasted four months with 29 learners from a private language school. The instruments used were the following: (a) an initial questionnaire (adapted from the Attitudes/Motivation Test Battery by GARDNER, 2004), (b) situation-specific on-line scales to assess learners motivation in three moments: before, during and after the task, and analyze how motivation varies along the task; (c) class observations and field notes resulting from these observations, (d) participants end-of-course grades to understand the connection between academic success and their motivational profiles and (e) a final questionnaire with the qualitative purpose to know learners perceptions about the tasks mediated by the IWB. Our theoretical framework is based on Task-Based Learning and cognitive aspects present in tasks (WILLIS, 1996; SKEHAN, 1996), theories on motivation and second language learning (GARDNER, 2001; DÖRNYEI e OTTÓ, 1998; DÖRNYEI, 2000; 2002) and conceptions about L2 learning mediated by technology (GIBSON, 2001; OLIVEIRA, 2001; MILLER et al, 2005). Our results do not point out to a significative correlation between learners end-of-course grades and their motivational profiles. However, they indicate that there is some variability in situational motivation along the tasks, even among learning tasks from the same type. Furthermore, they show that learners report different perceptions for each learning task and that the impact of the IWB on participants did not have a large proportion

Métodos de recuperação pós-exercício: uma revisão sistemática

A recuperação pós-exercício consiste em restaurar os sistemas do corpo a sua condição basal, proporcionando equilíbrio e prevenindo a instalação de lesões e, nesse sentido, torna-se aspecto importante de todo programa de condicionamento físico, em quaisquer níveis de desempenho, mas, sobretudo nos mais elevados. O objetivo desta revisão foi reunir informações e descrever as respostas proporcionadas por métodos recuperativos pós-exercício, como crioterapia, contraste, massagem e recuperação ativa, constituindo uma fonte de atualização do referido tema. Utilizaram-se os bancos de dados MedLine, Scielo e Lilacs, como lista de periódicos, o SportsDiscus. Foram incluídos no estudo somente ensaios clínicos randomizados controlados e não-controlados, além de artigos de revisão referentes ao tema proposto. Optou-se por procurar os termos: cryotherapy, massage, active recovery, thermotherapy, immersion e exercise, individualmente e em cruzamentos. Como achado, observou-se que alguns estudos relatam que a crioterapia é prejudicial em se tratando de recuperação pós-exercício, pois reduz o desempenho imediatamente após a aplicação da técnica. Por outro lado, estudos apontam como sendo benéfica, pois reduzem o nível de creatinaquinase após alta intensidade de esforço, evitando danos musculares. Para o contraste, embora apresente significância em se tratando de remoção de lactato sanguíneo, sua efetividade necessita ser mais bem discutida. Na massagem e na recuperação ativa, os principais vieses descritos dizem respeito à pressão exercida e à intensidade do exercício, respectivamente. Entre as técnicas, as que parecem ter efeitos semelhantes são o contraste e a recuperação ativa, no que tange à remoção de lactato e diminuição da creatinaquinase. Ressalta-se que o tempo de exposição é de fundamental importância para todos os métodos. Entretanto, diversos estudos não se propõem a identificar os reais efeitos fisiológicos promovidos pelas técnicas, utilizando-as de modo inipiente. Portanto, a inconsistência dos resultados encontrados sugere que a análise das variáveis utilizadas como método de recuperação deve ser mais bem controlada.

Monitoramento de fungos anemófilos e de leveduras em unidade hospitalar

OBJETIVO: Monitorar e caracterizar fungos anemófilos e leveduras de fontes bióticas e abióticas de uma unidade hospitalar. MÉTODOS: As coletas foram realizadas mensalmente e em dois períodos, do centro cirúrgico e unidades de terapia intensiva adulto e neonatal em hospital de Araraquara, Estado de São Paulo. Para coleta de fungos anemófilos foi utilizado amostrador tipo Andersen de simples estágio. A pesquisa de leveduras foi feita das mãos e de orofaringe de profissionais de saúde, bem como de superfícies de leitos e de maçanetas das áreas críticas. RESULTADOS: Foram recuperados do centro cirúrgico 32 gêneros de fungos anemófilos e 31 das unidades de terapia intensiva. Os gêneros mais freqüentemente isolados foram Cladophialophora spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., Chrysosporium spp. e Aspergillus spp. Durante o período de estudo, houve reforma e implantação de uma unidade dentro do hospital, que coincidiu com o aumento na contagem de colônias de Cladophialophora spp., Aspergillus spp. e Fusarium spp. Leveduras foram encontradas em 39,4% dos profissionais de saúde (16,7% das amostras dos espaços interdigitais, 12,1% do leito subungueal e 10,6% da orofaringe) e, em 44% das amostras do mobiliário, com predomínio do gênero Candida (C. albicans, C. guilliermondii, C. parapsilosis e C. lusitaniae) seguido por Trichosporon spp. CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se número relativamente elevado de fungos anemófilos (potencialmente patogênicos) em áreas especiais e níveis expressivos de leveduras em fontes bióticas e abióticas. O monitoramento microbiológico ambiental deve ser realizado, principalmente em salas especiais com pacientes imunocomprometidos, sujeitos à exposição de patógenos do meio ambiente, assim como, advindos de profissionais de saúde.

Frequency of Blastocystis hominis and other intestinal parasites in stool samples examined at the Parasitology Laboratory of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the São Paulo State University, Araraquara

Blastocystis hominis é um protozoário, causador de infecção intestinal denominada blastocistose humana, cujo diagnóstico é realizado pelo exame coproparasitológico e por meio de técnicas de coloração permanente. Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a freqüência da infecção por Blastocystis hominis em habitantes da região de Araraquara/SP, bem como comparar diferentes métodos para a pesquisa desse protozoário em amostras de fezes. Foram estudadas 503 amostras de fezes submetidas ao exame direto a fresco, às técnicas de Faust e cols, Lutz e de Rugai e cols, além das colorações pela hematoxilina férrica, tricrômio e de Kinyoun modificada. Entre as 503 amostras examinadas, 174 (34,6%) apresentaram-se positivas para a presença de parasitas intestinais. O protozoário e o helminto mais freqüentes foram Entamoeba coli (14,6%) e Strongyloides stercoralis (6,7%), respectivamente. Blastocystis hominis foi observado em 23 (4,6%) amostras fecais com consistência predominantemente pastosa, não caracterizando quadro diarréico. Apesar da baixa freqüência de Blastocystis hominis encontrada na região de Araraquara, comparativamente a outras regiões brasileiras, é importante a realização do diagnóstico laboratorial desse protozoário. O encontro de Blastocystis hominis em material fecal é indicativo de contaminação de alimentos e água de consumo, desde que se admita a rota de transmissão oral-fecal desse parasita, o que implica na orientação da população sobre as medidas de saneamento básico e higiene como meio para se controlar problemas de saúde ocasionados pelos enteroparasitas.

Sintomatologia depressiva e concentrações do cortisol em idosos residentes na comunidade: um estudo transversal

Introdução: Vem sendo crescente o número de pesquisas que buscam o entendimento das relações entre os desfechos adversos à saúde e as concentrações do cortisol salivar, o qual é um marcador de estresse biológico. O cortisol parece seguir dois estágios de resposta: em situações de baixo/moderado estresse ocorre ativação do eixo Hipotálamo-Pituitária-Adrenal, aumentando o nível do cortisol, entretanto, quando o estresse persiste, o eixo HPA parece tornar-se hipoativo. A sintomatologia depressiva parece ter relação com as concentrações do cortisol, no entanto, essa relação é controversa na literatura. Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre sintomatologia depressiva e concentrações do cortisol em uma amostra de idosos do Nordeste brasileiro, residentes na comunidade. Métodos: Estudo observacional analítico, de caráter transversal, em uma amostra de 256 idosos (≥ 65 anos), residentes na comunidade. A sintomatologia depressiva foi avaliada pela versão brasileira da Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (≥ 16) e as concentrações do cortisol através da coleta salivar (ao acordar, 30 minutos após acordar, 60 minutos após acordar, às 15 horas e antes de dormir), além de medidas compostas. Como co-variáveis foram avaliadas condições sociodemográficas e de saúde. Para análise das medidas do cortisol entre idosos com e sem presença da sintomatologia depressiva, e entre os sexos, foi realizado o teste t de Student. Para verificar as diferenças entre as medidas do cortisol em cada curva foi utilizada a Análise de Variância (ANOVA) de medidas repetidas, com teste post-hoc de Bonferroni. Resultados: Houve diferença significativa para a medida de cortisol salivar ao acordar, entre os idosos com presença e ausência da sintomatologia depressiva (p=0,04). Não houve significância em relação ao sexo. Na análise entre as medidas de cada curva, foi observado que nos idosos com sintomatologia depressiva a 1ª medida não teve diferença significativa em relação à 2ª e 3ª medidas. Além disso, não houve diferença significativa da 4ª medida em relação à 5ª, demonstrando um maior nível noturno de cortisol para os idosos com sintomatologia depressiva, sem declínio, com aspecto plano da curva. Conclusão: Parece existir relação entre sintomatologia depressiva e hipocortisolismo. Entretanto, no Brasil, as condições adversas de vida podem levar ao estresse crônico e serem fatores fortes suficientes para sobrepor maiores diferenças que pudessem existir em relação à presença da sintomatologia depressiva

Validade e reprodutibilidade do Wii Balance Board para avaliação do equilíbrio vertical estático: um novo método de avaliação.

The Wii Balance Board (WBB) began to be investigated as a low-cost alternative for assessing static balance in vertical posture. However, studies employed methodological procedures that did not eliminate result variability between the tests and equipment used. Objective: Determine the validity and reproducibility of the WBB as an instrument for assessing static balance in the vertical position, using simultaneous data analysis and superimposed equipment. Methods: This is an accuracy study of 29 healthy young individuals of both sexes aged 18 to 30 years. Subjects were assessed 24h apart (test-retest), using unipodal and bipodal support tests, with eyes closed and open. To that end the WBB was placed on top of a force platform (FP) and data (postural sway) were collected simultaneously on both devices. Validity and reproducibility were analyzed using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Finally, Bland-Altman analysis was applied to assess agreement. Results: The sample was composed of 23 women and 6 men, with mean age of 24.2±6.3 years, 60.7±6.3 kg and 1.64±4.2 m. The validity of the WBB compared to the FP was excellent for all 4 tasks proposed (ICC = 0.93 0.98). The reproducibility analyzed by test-retest was excellent for the bipodal support tasks (ICC = 0.93-0.98) and only moderate for the unipodal support tests (ICC = 0.46 0.70). Graphic analysis exhibited good agreement between the devices, since most of the measures were within the limits of agreement. Conclusion: this study proved the validity and reproducibility of the Wii Balance Board as an instrument for assessing static balance in vertical posture, using simultaneous analysis with superimposed equipment. Thus, the WBB has been increasingly used by physical therapists and other health professionals in their clinical practice, as both a rehabilitation and assessment tool

Métodos numéricos para resolução de equações diferenciais ordinárias lineares baseados em interpolação por spline

In this work we have elaborated a spline-based method of solution of inicial value problems involving ordinary differential equations, with emphasis on linear equations. The method can be seen as an alternative for the traditional solvers such as Runge-Kutta, and avoids root calculations in the linear time invariant case. The method is then applied on a central problem of control theory, namely, the step response problem for linear EDOs with possibly varying coefficients, where root calculations do not apply. We have implemented an efficient algorithm which uses exclusively matrix-vector operations. The working interval (till the settling time) was determined through a calculation of the least stable mode using a modified power method. Several variants of the method have been compared by simulation. For general linear problems with fine grid, the proposed method compares favorably with the Euler method. In the time invariant case, where the alternative is root calculation, we have indications that the proposed method is competitive for equations of sifficiently high order.

Avaliação microscópica dos fragmentos ósseos obtidos por diferentes métodos de osteotomia e de irrigação em aloenxertos irradiados e congelados de coelho

Oral and facial bone defects can undertake appearance, psychosocial well-being and stomathognatic function of its patients. Over the yerars several strategies for bone defect regeneration have arised to treat these pathologies, among them the use of frozen and irradiated bone allograft. Manipulation of bone grafts it s not determined yet, and several osteotomy alternatives can be observed. The present work evaluated with a microscope the bone fragments obtained from different osteotomy methods and irrigation on rings and blocks allografts irradiated and frozen at 80° negative in a rabbit model. The study is experimental in vitro and it sample was an adult male New Zealand rabbit. The animal was sacrificed to obtain long bones, that were submitted to freezing at 80º negative and irradiated with Cobalt- 60. Then the long bones were sectioned into 24 bone pieces, divided into 4 groups: G1 (n=06) osteotomy was performed with bur No. 6 forming rings with 5 mm thickness with high-speed handpiece with manual irrigation; G2 (n=06) osteotomy was performed with bur No. 6 forming rings with 5 mm thick with surgical motor with a manual irrigation rotation 1500 rpm; GA (n=06), osteotomy with trephine using manual irrigation with saline; and GB (n=06), osteotomy with trephine using saline from peristaltic pumps of surgical motor. Five bone pieces of each group were prepared for analysis on light microscopy (LM) and one on electronic scan electronic microscopy (SEM). On the SEM analysis edges surface, presence of microcracks and Smear Layer were evaluated. Analyzing osteotomy technics on SEM was observed: increased presence of microcracks cutting with high speed; increased presence of areas covered by Smear Layer when cutting with motor implant. The irrigation analysis with SEM was observed: that the presence of microcracks does not depend on the type of irrigation; on manual irrigation, there was greater discrepancy between the cutting lines. The descriptive analysis of the osteotomy and irrigation process on LM showed: histological analysis showing the bony margins with clear tissue changed layer, composed of blackened tissue of charred appearance near to the cortical bone; on the edges of the bony part, bone fragments that were displaced during the bone cut and bone irregularities were observed. After analysis of results we can conclude: that there was greater regularity of the bone cut using high-speed handpiece than using motor implant; the cut with trephine using saline irrigated from peristaltic pumps of surgical motor showed greater homogeneity when compared with manual irrigation; charred tissue was found in all obtained bone samples, whit no significant statistically difference on the proportion of carbonization of the two analysed technics

Satisfação dos usuários e qualidade dos tratamentos protéticos realizados nos centros de especialidades odontológicas da grande Natal RN

Aim: To evaluate user satisfaction and quality of prosthetic treatments performed in specialized dental clinics (CEOs) of Natal Metropolitan Region - RN. Methods: Cross-sectional study with subjects who underwent prosthetic CEOs in the cities of Natal, Macaíba, Parnamirim and Sao Goncalo do Amarante in the period 2007 to 2009. Data collection was performed by questionnaire, clinical examination of the oral cavity and examination of fabricated denture. This analysis involved the following aspects: retention, stability, aesthetics and prosthesis fixation. The variables are presented by means of absolute numbers and proportions. The determination of the association between the independent and dependent variables was conducted by the association of Chi-square test and Fisher exact test. Results: A total of 149 users, totaling 233 conventional dentures (148 upper and 85 lower). Most patients (56.4%) were rehabilitated with conventional complete dentures. The technical quality of the denture was regarded as satisfactory in the majority (52.7%), whereas the inferior dentures were rated as unsatisfactory in 90.5% of cases. Satisfaction with the prosthesis was 69.1% (N = 103). The average time to begin treatment was 3 months to receive while the prosthesis was 4 months old. The presence of injury from the upper prosthesis occurred in 21.5% of cases (N = 32), candidiasis being the most frequent (N = 18). The technical quality of the upper prosthesis (p=0,041), as well as retention (p=0,002) and stability (p<0,001) were significantly associated with user satisfaction. Conclusions: The specialized Dental clinics has been fulfilling its role of providing treatment of intermediate complexity for low-income population with the majority of satisfield patients, even when their dentures have problems of technical quality

Avaliação de lesões brancas de cáries: um estudo de prognóstico

Objective: The aim of the present study is to assess the current situation of white enamel lesions on vestibular surfaces of permanent upper incisors, diagnosed 6 years ago, without clinical intervention. Methods: A prospective study reassessed 53 students of both sexes, aged between 13 and 18 years old, all attending the public school system in Natal, Brazil. Data collection was performed by duly calibrated examiners, and a clinical chart consisting of demographic data on dental caries, oral hygiene, and gingival condition was prepared. A tactile-visual examination was conducted using a clinical mirror and periodontal probe. Data compilation and analysis were carried out using a SPSS software. In this analysis the chi-squared test was used for qualitative independent variables. To identify the net effect of treatment, multiple logistic analysis with forward stepwise model selection was performed. Results: The final sample was composed of 106 lesions in the 53 individuals, with mean age of 15.02 years, visible plaque index (VPI) of 23.34%, and gingival blood indices (GBI) of 25.92%. A statistically significant relationship (p = 0.003) was found between initial DMFS and prognosis of white enamel lesion. Conclusions: We observed that past caries experience and dental plaque were the main predictive factors for negative lesion outcomes, demonstrating the need for oral hygiene control through continuing preventive measures