Multiobjective Reliability Allocation in Multi-State Systems: Decision Making by Visualization and Analysis of Pareto Fronts and Sets

ISBN 978-1-4471-2206-7Reliability-based design, operation and maintenance of multi-state systems lead to multiobjective (multicriteria) optimization problems whose solutions are represented in terms of Pareto Fronts and Sets. Among these solutions, the decision maker must choose the ones which best satisfy his\her preferences on the objectives of the problem. Visualization and analysis of the Pareto Fronts and Sets can help decision makers in this task. In this view, a recently introduced graphical representation, called Level Diagrams, is here used in support of the analysis of Pareto Fronts and Sets aimed at reducing the number of non-dominated solutions to be considered by the decision maker. Each objective and design parameter is represented on separate "synchronized" diagrams which position the Pareto front points according to their proximity to ideal preference points and on the basis of this representation a two-step front reduction procedure is proposed. An application to a redundancy allocation problem of literature concerning a multi-state system is used to illustrate the analysis

Linguagem, letramento e ideologia na comunidade : análise de discurso crítica e mudança social

The purpose of this paper is to discuss what people say about literacy in real text and in the relation holding among texts (intertextuality) in discursive literacy practices. An attempt is made to integrate the linguistic theory of Criticai Discourse Analysis with anthropological studies of literacy practices. The data analysed is part of a larger project concerned with the discourse of education. The data consists of texts written by learners and teachers in a community adult literacy programme. Some of these texts, among which is a short play, were written to celebrate the literacy teacher's day. The analysis of the play shows that an identity of 'trespassers' is constructed for the original migrant group that went to live in the community. In addition, the analysis of learners' texts indicates that learners often reproduce the dominant educational practice in Brazil, which is linked to hegemonic social groups. This is achieved by means of a 'disciplinary subject position' which is constituted for them. The analysis of the play suggests, however, that learners are aware of the unequal power relations to which they are subjected. Thus, a second subject position is defined in the play, that of the 'community subject'. Finally, this paper proposes the adoption of the principies subsumed in Criticai Language Awareness for the study of adult literacy, and further as a possible contribution to solve Brazilian educational problems

Vigor de sementes e adubação nitrogenada na produtividade e qualidade fisiológica de sementes de trigo.

A utilização de sementes de qualidade, associada à adubação nitrogenada aplicada em doses e momentos adequados, pode aumentar a produtividade e o potencial fisiológico das sementes produzidas. Neste sentido, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do vigor de sementes utilizadas na semeadura associado a combinações de doses e épocas de aplicação de nitrogênio sobre a produtividade e a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de trigo. O experimento foi conduzido com a cultivar BRS Gralha-Azul, sob delineamento de blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2x7, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram em dois níveis de vigor de sementes (alto e baixo) associados a sete combinações de doses e aplicação da adução nitrogenada (N1- sem N; N2- 40 kg ha-1 de N no perfilhamento; N3- 80 kg ha-1 de N no perfilhamento; N4- 40 kg ha-1 de N na semeadura; N5- 80 kg ha-1 de N na semeadura; N6- 40 kg ha-1 de N na semeadura e 40 kg ha-1 de N no perfilhamento; N7- 20 kg ha-1 de N na semeadura e 60 kg ha-1 de N no perfilhamento). Foram avaliados: germinação, primeira contagem da germinação, comprimento e massa seca de plântulas, emergência de plântulas em areia, índice de velocidade e emergência, condutividade elétrica, massa de mil sementes e produtividade de sementes. A adubação com 20 kg ha-1 de N na semeadura e 60 kg ha-1 de N no início do perfilhamento foi o mais eficiente para a produção de sementes vigorosas da cultivar BRS Gralha-Azul. Sementes com alto vigor apresentam melhor potencial fisiológico. Os níveis de vigor de sementes e as combinações de épocas de aplicação e doses de nitrogênio não alteram a produtividade da cultura e a massa das sementes produzidas.Empregado da Embrapa Trigo na época da publicação

Linguagem, letramento e ideologia na comunidade: análise de discurso crítica e mudança social

The purpose of this paper is to discuss what people say about literacy in real text and in the relation holding among texts (intertextuality) in discursive literacy practices. An attempt is made to integrate the linguistic theory of Criticai Discourse Analysis with anthropological studies of literacy practices. The data analysed is part of a larger project concerned with the discourse of education. The data consists of texts written by learners and teachers in a community adult literacy programme. Some of these texts, among which is a short play, were written to celebrate the literacy teacher's day. The analysis of the play shows that an identity of 'trespassers' is constructed for the original migrant group that went to live in the community. In addition, the analysis of learners' texts indicates that learners often reproduce the dominant educational practice in Brazil, which is linked to hegemonic social groups. This is achieved by means of a 'disciplinary subject position' which is constituted for them. The analysis of the play suggests, however, that learners are aware of the unequal power relations to which they are subjected. Thus, a second subject position is defined in the play, that of the 'community subject'. Finally, this paper proposes the adoption of the principies subsumed in Criticai Language Awareness for the study of adult literacy, and further as a possible contribution to solve Brazilian educational problems

Wheat yield and seed physiological quality as influenced by seed vigor, nitrogen fertilization and edaphoclimatic conditions.

Abstract Wheat is one of the most important cereals grown in the world, and in Brazil, increasing national production is still a challenge. Nitrogen (N) supply can favor grain yield and the physiological quality of wheat seeds. However, the definition of adequate N rate and fertilization timing must consider genotype, cultivation environment, and initial seed vigor level. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of initial seed vigor and the combinations of rates and timings of N application on grain yield and seed physiological quality of wheat cultivars under different edaphoclimatic conditions. The experiment was carried out in Londrina and Ponta Grossa, state of Paraná, in a randomized block design in a 2 × 2 × 7 factorial scheme, with four replicates. Treatments consisted of two seed vigor levels (vigorous and non-vigorous seeds), two wheat cultivars (BRS Gralha-Azul and BRS Sabiá) and seven combinations of fertilization timings and N rates (kg ha-1) (control-0N; 20N at sowing and 60N at tillering; 40N at sowing; 80N at sowing; 40N at sowing and 40N at tillering; 40N at tillering; 80N at tillering). Number of emerged seedlings, vegetation index, shoot dry matter, number of fertile spikes m-2 and grain yield were evaluated. Additionally, the physiological potential of seeds produced in Londrina was evaluated by the testes of first count, germination, seedling emergence in sand and emergence speed index. The climatic conditions during the experiment, in both cultivation environments, were similar to average historical records, with some periods of water deficit. The highest grain yield was obtained with the BRS Gralha-Azul in Londrina, and with BRS Sabiá in Ponta Grossa. The use of vigorous seeds favored the stand establishment and the response of plants to N fertilization. The treatments 40N + 40N, and 40N + 0N favored the majority of evaluated variables. Both cultivars showed potential for the production of high physiological potential seeds in Londrina environment. Inadequate N supply impairs wheat grain yield and seed production. Key words: Nitrogen rates. Germination. Macronutrient. Seed quality. Triticum aestivum L. Resumo O trigo é um dos cereais mais importantes cultivados no mundo, sendo que no Brasil o aumento da produção nacional ainda é um desafio. A aplicação de nitrogênio (N) pode favorecer o aumento do rendimento de grãos e da qualidade fisiológica de sementes de trigo. Porém, a definição da dose correta de N e do momento adequado da adubação deve considerar o genótipo, o ambiente de cultivo e o nível de vigor inicial das sementes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do vigor inicial de sementes e de combinações de doses de N e épocas de adubação sobre o rendimento de grãos e a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de cultivares de trigo em diferentes condições ambientais. O experimento foi conduzido em Londrina e em Ponta Grossa, Paraná, em delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2 × 2 × 7, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram em dois níveis de vigor de sementes (sementes vigorosas e não vigorosas), duas cultivares de trigo (BRS Gralha-Azul e BRS Sabiá) e sete combinações de épocas de adubação e doses de N (kg ha-1) (testemunha-0N; 20N na semeadura e 60N no perfilhamento; 40N na semeadura; 80N na semeadura; 40N na semeadura e 40N no perfilhamento; 40N no perfilhamento; 80N no perfilhamento). Foram avaliados: número de plântulas emergidas, índice de vegetação, matéria seca da parte aérea, número de espigas m-2 e rendimento de grãos. Adicionalmente, foi avaliado o potencial fisiológico das sementes produzidas em Londrina pelos testes de primeira contagem, germinação, emergência de plântulas em areia e índice de velocidade de emergência. As condições climáticas durante a condução do experimento, em ambos locais de cultivo, foram semelhantes aos registros médios históricos, com alguns períodos de déficit hídrico. O maior rendimento de grãos foi obtido com a BRS Gralha-Azul em Londrina e BRS Sabiá em Ponta Grossa. O uso de sementes vigorosas favoreceu o estabelecimento do estande e a resposta das plantas à fertilização com N. Os tratamentos 40N + 40N e 40N + 0N favoreceram a maioria das variáveis avaliadas. Ambas cultivares demostraram potencial para a produção de sementes de elevado potencial fisiológico no ambiente de Londrina. O suprimento inadequado de N prejudica o rendimento de grãos e a produção de sementes de trigo. Palavras-chave: Doses de nitrogênio. Germinação. Macronutriente. Qualidade de sementes. Triticum aestivum L. Highlights Vigorous seeds favor wheat crop establishment and productive performance. BRS Sabiá has higher yield in Ponta Grossa and BRS Gralha-Azul in Londrina. Nitrogen fertilization increases wheat grain/seed production. Inadequate N supply impairs wheat grain and seed production

Wheat yield and seed physiological quality affected by initial seed vigor, sowing density, and environmental conditions

Optimization of seed density range, combined with the use of quality seeds may help generate more profit from wheat production, as these factors affect grain yield and the quality of seeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of initial vigor level and sowing densities on the productive performance of the plants and the physiological performance of the seeds of two wheat cultivars in two cultivation environments. The experiment was carried out in the cities of Londrina and Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil, in a randomized block design with four replications, following a 2 × 2 × 4 factorial scheme with two levels of seed vigor (high and low), two cultivars (BRS Gralha-Azul and BRS Sabiá), and four sowing densities (150, 250, 350, and 450 seeds m-2). The following characteristics were evaluated: emerged seedlings, shoot dry matter, spike density, vegetation index, and grain yield. Additionally, the physiological potential of the seeds produced in Londrina was evaluated by first germination count, germination, accelerated aging, seedling emergence, and emergence speed index tests. The increase in density up to 450 seeds m-2 favored the productive performance of the crop in both cultivation environments; however, it reduced the physiological performance of the seeds produced in Londrina. The cultivars BRS Gralha-Azul and BRS Sabiá had better performance and grain yield in Londrina and Ponta Grossa, respectively. High-vigor seeds favored the establishment of the stand, especially under unfavorable environmental conditions. Key words: Germination. Plant population. Seed quality. Triticum aestivum L

Search for antimicrobial activity among fifty-two natural and synthetic compounds identifies anthraquinone and polyacetylene classes that inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Drug-resistant tuberculosis threatens to undermine global control programs by limiting treatment options. New antimicrobial drugs are required, derived from new chemical classes. Natural products offer extensive chemical diversity and inspiration for synthetic chemistry. Here, we isolate, synthesize and test a library of 52 natural and synthetic compounds for activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We identify seven compounds as antimycobacterial, including the natural products isobavachalcone and isoneorautenol, and a synthetic chromene. The plant-derived secondary metabolite damnacanthal was the most active compound with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration of 13.07 μg/mL and a favorable selectivity index value. Three synthetic polyacetylene compounds demonstrated antimycobacterial activity, with the lowest MIC of 17.88 μg/mL. These results suggest new avenues for drug discovery, expanding antimicrobial compound chemistries to novel anthraquinone and polyacetylene scaffolds in the search for new drugs to treat drug-resistant bacterial diseases