Welded extensions and ribbon restrictions of diagrammatical moves

In this paper, we consider local moves on classical and welded diagrams of string links, and the notion of welded extension of a classical move. Such extensions being non-unique in general, the idea is to find a topological criterion which could isolate one extension from the others. To that end, we turn to the relation between welded string links and knotted surfaces in $\mathbb{R}^4$, and the ribbon sublclass of these surfaces. This provides the topological interpretation of classical local moves as surgeries on surfaces, and of welded local moves as surgeries on ribbon surfaces. Comparing these surgeries leads to the notion of ribbon residue of a classical local move, and we show that up to some broad conditions there can be at most one welded extension which is a ribbon residue. The existence of such an extension is not guaranteed however, and we provide a counterexample.Comment: 22 page

Digitalization and operational data-driven decision-making: A socio-technical investigation of the implications for front-line production managers and workers

L'abstract è presente nell'allegato / the abstract is in the attachmen

Neural dynamics of visual awareness investigated by means of Fast Optical Imaging and EEG

The search for the Neural Correlate of Consciousness (NCC, Koch, 2004) is one of the unresolved problems of cognitive neuroscience. Although great efforts have been made to seek to answer this fundamental question, theories about the neural basis of consciousness provide different and competing answers. The heterogeneity of the NCCs interpretations could be due to a methodological gap since so far studies trying to unveil the neural correlates of visual awareness have employed techniques that can reach a high level of resolution only in one dimension (i.e., space or time) resulting to be inadequate to investigate the spatio-temporal dynamics related to conscious vision. The following studies aim to elucidate the controversial search for the neural correlates of visual awareness, by proposing innovative and cutting-edge approaches that allow to move beyond these issues. In the first study, availing of EEG and EROS (Event-Related Optical Signal) techniques we seek to unravel the spatio-temporal dynamics occurring when a visual stimulus enters consciousness. To do so, participants’ brain activity is recorded during the performance of a discrimination task by means of EEG and EROS in separate sessions. EEG allows to investigate the electrophysiological correlates of visual awareness and to identify their exact timing, while EROS permits to disentangle which brain regions and in what order of activation are involved when the stimulus is reported as consciously perceived. Results revealed that when the stimulus entered the consciousness, it elicited a sustained activation in LOC, suggesting that this brain region could represent a reliable neural correlate of consciousness. Interestingly, this sustained activation occurred within the temporal window of VAN (Visual Awareness Negativity), corroborating the idea that LOC could serve as the cortical generator of VAN, which is typically considered a reliable marker of conscious vision. In the second study, EEG signal was decomposed into maximally independent components by means of ICA (Independent Component Analysis) in order to unveil the cortical generators and the time-courses of independent neural sources that significantly contribute to the ERP correlates of visual awareness (i.e., Visual Awareness Negativity and Late Positivity). It emerged that the neural sources of VAN seem to be localized in posterior brain regions, including occipital and temporal cortex, while LP seems to reflect a combination of multiple sources spread over frontal, parietal and occipito-temporal cortex. Overall, the present results provide innovative insights into the search for the neural correlates of visual awareness

O grupo operativo com mulheres em vulnerabilidade social

The research studied the results obtained from an operative group with women under vulnerability conditions, considered from the perspective of psychoanalysis. We configured it as qualitative, adopting participant observation as a technique for data collection. A group with women who requested psychological care in a social institution in the state of São Paulo was attended for a period of one year, weekly, with an average of six to eight patients and duration of one hour, aiming at personal and group emotional development. There have been changes in the perception of intersubjective relationships with external range to the group and promotion of mental health. The operative group has shown to be a positive tool for its participants, where subjective issues of the subjects and the group could be elaborated.A pesquisa estudou os resultados obtidos de grupo operativo com mulheres em condições de vulnerabilidade a partir da Psicanálise. Configurou-se como qualitativa, adotando a observação participante como técnica para coleta de dados. Foi realizado um grupo com mulheres que solicitaram atendimento psicológico em uma instituição social no interior do estado de São Paulo, pelo período de um ano, semanalmente, com média de seis a oito pacientes e duração de uma hora, visando desenvolvimento emocional pessoal e grupal. Ocorreram mudanças na percepção das relações intersubjetivas com alcance externo ao grupo e promoção da saúde mental. O grupo operativo demonstrou ser uma ferramenta positiva aos seus participantes, no qual questões subjetivas dos sujeitos e do grupo puderam ser elaboradas

Potential of avifauna as a conservation tool for the Ivaí River Biodiversity Corridor / Potencial da avifauna como ferramenta de conservação do Corredor da Biodiversidade do Rio Ivaí

Os corredores ecológicos são instrumentos de gestão ambiental e territorial que visam conectar fragmentos de áreas naturais, permitindo o fluxo de genes e o movimento da biota, contribuindo para a distribuição de espécies e colonização de áreas degradadas. No Estado do Paraná, o ecossistema predominante é a Mata Atlântica, que apresenta valor ecológico comparável à Floresta Amazônica. Apesar de abrigarem uma fauna e flora ricas em espécies, a Mata Atlântica não teve a mesma atenção dedicada à Amazônia em relação à Amazônia, e a falta de ações de conservação é suprimida em cerca de 5% de sua cobertura original, que é organizada em fragmentos esparsos e desconectados. Apesar da criação do Corredor da Biodiversidade do Rio Ivaí, ainda há resistência na manutenção de áreas preservadas, principalmente por pequenos proprietários, uma vez que seriam inúteis para o plantio. Embora ainda exista uma grande diversidade de espécies animais nessa região, tornou-se necessário apresentar uma alternativa hábil para promover e valorizar a região, seu uso sustentável e desenvolvimento econômico. Nesse contexto, e considerando a importância de promover a educação ambiental com atividades de baixo impacto, a principal preocupação deste trabalho foi a disseminação da Observação de Aves, considerada um segmento do ecoturismo, que além de atuar como alternativa ao desenvolvimento econômico e sustentável, é capaz de promover a responsabilidade social e ambiental na região

The nucleus of the solitary tract and the coordination of respiratory and sympathetic activities

It is well known that breathing introduces rhythmical oscillations in the heart rate and arterial pressure levels. Sympathetic oscillations coupled to the respiratory activity have been suggested as an important homeostatic mechanism optimizing tissue perfusion and blood gas uptake/delivery. This respiratory-sympathetic coupling is strengthened in conditions of blood gas challenges (hypoxia and hypercapnia) as a result of the synchronized activation of brainstem respiratory and sympathetic neurons, culminating with the emergence of entrained cardiovascular and respiratory reflex responses. Studies have proposed that the ventrolateral region of the medulla oblongata is a major site of synaptic interaction between respiratory and sympathetic neurons. However, other brainstem regions also play a relevant role in the patterning of respiratory and sympathetic motor outputs. Recent findings suggest that the neurons of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), in the dorsal medulla, are essential for the processing and coordination of respiratory and sympathetic responses to hypoxia. The NTS is the first synaptic station of the cardiorespiratory afferent inputs, including peripheral chemoreceptors, baroreceptors and pulmonary stretch receptors. The synaptic profile of the NTS neurons receiving the excitatory drive from afferent inputs is complex and involves distinct neurotransmitters, including glutamate, ATP and acetylcholine. In the present review we discuss the role of the NTS circuitry in coordinating sympathetic and respiratory reflex responses. We also analyze the neuroplasticity of NTS neurons and their contribution for the development of cardiorespiratory dysfunctions, as observed in neurogenic hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea and metabolic disorders

Can challenge-based learning be effective online? A case study using experiential learning theory

The COVID-19 outbreak had a major effect on moving online learning activities, also traditionally experiential ones such as those designed upon Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) principles. This article explores the impacts produced on a Challenge-Based Innovation project work carried out in the context of a program developed by Politecnico di Milano and Politecnico di Torino. A survey of 92 students and interviews were carried out to assess the impact on learning outcomes and processes, and four main success factors were identified: informal interaction, time for exploration, asynchronous lecturing, relevant challenges. Suggestions for an effective design of online CBI-like programs are offere

Sample size for the assessment of soybean inbred populations.

In plant breeding programs, the knowledge about the appropriate sample size for the evaluation of populations is very important. A small sample reduces the chance of selecting superior genotypes, whereas a very large sample may lead to unnecessary increases in cost and labor. A population consisting of 192 soybean lines was divided in groups of 24 lines, which were assessed for grain yield in eight randomized complete block experiments. Analyses of variance were performed for each experiment as well as for groups of experiments, resulting in analyses of variance consisting of 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, and 192 lines. As the sample size increased, the width of confidence intervals of parameter estimates decreased, stabilizing with samples of 144 lines. Therefore, an appropriate sample size for the evaluation of soybean inbred populations should contain about 150 lines

Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos e de resposta à seleção na população CG136 de arroz de terras altas.

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar parâmetros genéticos e a resposta à seleção na população de arroz de terras altas CG136, conduzida pelo método de seleção recorrente