Vandermonde-subspace Frequency Division Multiplexing for Two-Tiered Cognitive Radio Networks

Vandermonde-subspace frequency division multiplexing (VFDM) is an overlay spectrum sharing technique for cognitive radio. VFDM makes use of a precoder based on a Vandermonde structure to transmit information over a secondary system, while keeping an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based primary system interference-free. To do so, VFDM exploits frequency selectivity and the use of cyclic prefixes by the primary system. Herein, a global view of VFDM is presented, including also practical aspects such as linear receivers and the impact of channel estimation. We show that VFDM provides a spectral efficiency increase of up to 1 bps/Hz over cognitive radio systems based on unused band detection. We also present some key design parameters for its future implementation and a feasible channel estimation protocol. Finally we show that, even when some of the theoretical assumptions are relaxed, VFDM provides non-negligible rates while protecting the primary system.Comment: 9 pages, accepted for publication in IEEE Transactions on Communication

Antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized by the fungus Curvularia inaequalis

Silver nanoparticles have been widely reported in literature due to their vast industrial application in different areas. In this work, we explored a simple procedure for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles at room temperature from the action of Curvularia inaequalis as reduction agent. The degree of aggregation and size of biosynthesized particles were optimized from a factorial design involving combined variation of three different parameters of preparation. The resulting colloidal dispersion of silver nanoparticles presented strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in an indication that C. inaequalis represents a new potential candidate for alternative biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity.Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, fungi, silver nanoparticlesAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(20), pp. 2917-292

NÚCLEOS TEMÁTICOS: uma proposta pedagógica interdisciplinar para o ensino superior

The present work aims to report the experience of elaboration and implantation of a pedagogical activity called Thematic Nucleus, in the Federal University of São Francisco Valley-UNIVASF. Teachers of the Psychology, Architecture, Ergonomic, Work Security, Statistic, Letters, Pedagogy and Mathematics areas building together a pedagogical proposal guided to the development of teaching, research and extension activities. In the present work will be presented the developed activities by the students of Administration, Psychology and Electric Engineer courses during a academic semester, some results founded, as well the difficulties on the execution of the initial proposal. To finish, will be produced, general considerations about the future perspectives to the Thematic Nucleus activities in the UNIVASF.O presente trabalho objetiva relatar a experiência de elaboração e implantação de uma atividade pedagógica chamada Núcleo Temático, na Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco – UNIVASF. Docentes das áreas de Psicologia, Arquitetura, Ergonomia e Segurança do Trabalho, Estatística, Letras, Pedagogia e Matemática construíram em conjunto uma proposta pedagógica orientada para o desenvolvimento de atividades de ensino, pesquisa e extensão. No presente trabalho, serão apresentadas as atividades desenvolvidas por estudantes dos cursos de Administração, Psicologia e Engenharia Elétrica durante um semestre letivo, alguns resultados encontrados, bem como as dificuldades na execução da proposta inicial. Por fim, serão tecidas considerações gerais a respeito de perspectivas futuras para as atividades de Núcleo Temático na UNIVASF

p-Cymene reduces orofacial nociceptive response in mice

This study investigated the possible antinociceptive effect of p-cymene in different tests of orofacial nociception. The animals (mice) were pretreated (i.p.) with p-cymene (25, 50, 100 mg/kg), morphine (5 mg/kg), or vehicle (0.2% Tween 80+saline), and were then subsequently administered, subcutaneously into their upper lip: formalin, capsaicin, and glutamate. The nociceptive behavior response was characterized by the time in s that the mice remained rubbing the orofacial region, for a period of 40 min in the formalin test (first phase, 0-6 min; and second phase, 21-40 min), and for 42 and 15 min in the capsaicin and glutamate tests, respectively. To verify the possible opioid involvement in the antinociceptive effects, naloxone (i.p.) was administered into the mice 15 min prior to the pretreatment with p-cymene (100 mg/kg). Finally, whether or not the p-cymene evoked any change in motor performance in the Rota-rod test was evaluated. The results showed that the treatment with p-cymene, at all doses, reduced (p<0.001) the nociceptive behavior in all nociception tests. The antinociceptive effect of p-cymene was antagonized by naloxone (1.5 mg/kg). Additionally, mice treated with p-cymene did not show any change in motor performance. In conclusion, p-cymene attenuated orofacial nociception, suggesting an involvement of the opioid system in this effect. Thus, p-cymene might represent an important biomolecule for management and/or treatment of orofacial pain

EFEITOS DA POLÍTICA DE SALÁRIO MÍNIMO SOBRE O MERCADO DE TRABALHO METROPOLITANO: UMA ANÁLISE EMPÍRICA A PARTIR DE VETORES AUTORREGRESSIVOS (VAR) - (2003-2015)

RESUMO Com intuito de verificar os efeitos que a política de salário mínimo exerce sobre o mercado de trabalho metropolitano brasileiro, o presente estudo contribui ao verificar a sua inter-relação com variáveis como taxa de atividade, grau de informalidade e taxa de desemprego em quatro regiões metropolitanas (Recife, Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte e São Paulo), separadamente, no período de janeiro de 2003 a março de 2015. Ao utilizar o método de autorregressão vetorial (VAR), os resultados mostram que a relação entre salário mínimo e taxa de atividade se deu com ingresso de mão de obra apenas em uma região estudada. Nas demais regiões observam-se tanto uma tendência de queda no grau de informalidade quanto um aumento na taxa de desemprego