Uncertainty management in multidisciplinary design of critical safety systems

Managing the uncertainty in multidisciplinary design of safety-critical systems requires not only the availability of a single approach or methodology to deal with uncertainty but a set of different strategies and scalable computational tools (that is, by making use of the computational power of a cluster and grid computing). The availability of multiple tools and approaches for dealing with uncertainties allows cross validation of the results and increases the confidence in the performed analysis. This paper presents a unified theory and an integrated and open general-purpose computational framework to deal with scarce data, and aleatory and epistemic uncertainties. It allows solving of the different tasks necessary to manage the uncertainty, such as uncertainty characterization, sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, and robust design. The proposed computational framework is generally applicable to solve different problems in different fields and be numerically efficient and scalable, allowing for a significant reduction of the computational time required for uncertainty management and robust design. The applicability of the proposed approach is demonstrated by solving a multidisciplinary design of a critical system proposed by NASA Langley Research Center in the multidisciplinary uncertainty quantification challenge problem

The personalisation of politics: why political leaders now lie at the heart of European democracy

It is often argued that European politics is increasingly ‘personal’, with the popularity of party leaders exerting a growing impact on the outcome of elections. Drawing on a new study, Diego Garzia, Frederico Ferreira da Silva and Andrea De Angelis assess how these dynamics have developed in western Europe since the 1960s. Their findings suggest that the personalisation of politics has taken place hand-in-hand with decreasing importance for partisanship in structuring voter choice

Influence of estimated training status on anti and pro-oxidant activity, nitrite concentration, and blood pressure in middle-aged and older women

The purpose of this study was to compare the association between anti and pro-oxidant activity, nitrite concentration, and blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged and older women with different levels of estimated training status (TS). The sample consisted of 155 females (50-84 years) who were submitted to a physical examination to evaluate estimated TS through the "Functional Fitness Battery Test," BP measurements, and plasma blood samples to evaluate pro-oxidant and antioxidant activity and nitrite concentrations. Participants were separated by age into a middle-aged group (< 65 years) and an older (≥65 years) group and then subdivided in each group according to TS. Blood biochemistry was similar between groups. On the other hand, protein oxidation was lower in participants with higher TS, independent of age. Older females with higher TS presented higher nitrite concentrations, lower lipoperoxidation, and lower values of BP compared with those with lower TS. Lower GPx activity was observed in participants with higher TS compared with middle-aged with lower TS. Thus, our results suggest that good levels of TS may be associated with lower oxidative stress and higher nitrite concentration and may contribute to maintain normal or reduced blood pressure values.Fil: Jacomini, André M.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Dias, Danielle da Silva. Universidade Nove de Julho; BrasilFil: Brito, Janaina de Oliveira. Universidade Nove de Julho; BrasilFil: da Silva, Roberta F.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Monteiro, Henrique L.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Llesuy, Susana Francisca. Universidade Nove de Julho; Brasil. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad Medicina. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular; ArgentinaFil: De Angelis, Kátia. Universidade Nove de Julho; BrasilFil: Amaral, Sandra L.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Zago, Anderson S.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasi

Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by fructose overload in an experimental model of hypertension and menopause

Background: Metabolic syndrome is characterized by the association of 3 or more risk factors, including: abdominal obesity associated with an excess of abdominal fat, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Moreover, the prevalence of hypertension and metabolic dysfunctions sharply increases after the menopause. However, the mechanisms involved in these changes are not well understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of fructose overload on cardiovascular autonomic modulation, inflammation and cardiac oxidative stress in an experimental model of hypertension and menopause. Methods: Female SHR rats were divided into (n = 8/group): hypertensive (H), hypertensive ovariectomized (HO) and hypertensive ovariectomized undergoing fructose overload (100 g/L in drinking water) (FHO). Arterial pressure (AP) signals were directly recorded. Cardiac autonomic modulation was evaluated by spectral analysis. Oxidative stress was evaluated in cardiac tissue. Results: AP was higher in the FHO group when compared to the other groups. Fructose overload promoted an increase in body and fat weight, triglyceride concentration and a reduction in insulin sensitivity. IL-10 was reduced in the FHO group when compared to the H group. TNF-α was higher in the FHO when compared to all other groups. Lipoperoxidation was higher and glutathione redox balance was reduced in the FHO group when compared to other groups, an indication of increased oxidative stress. A negative correlation was found between IL-10 and adipose tissue. Conclusion: Fructose overload promoted an impairment in cardiac autonomic modulation associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in hypertensive rats undergoing ovarian hormone deprivation.Fil: Conti, Filipe Fernandes. Universidad Nove de Julho; BrasilFil: Brito, Janaina de Oliveira. Universidad Nove de Julho; BrasilFil: Bernardes, Nathalia. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Dias, Danielle da Silva. Universidad Nove de Julho; BrasilFil: Sanches, Iris Callado. Universidad Nove de Julho; BrasilFil: Malfitano, Christiane. Universidad Nove de Julho; BrasilFil: Llesuy, Susana Francisca. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Química Analítica y Fisicoquímica; ArgentinaFil: Irigoyen, Maria-Claudia. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: De Angelis, Kátia. Universidad Nove de Julho; Brasi

The e-ASTROGAM gamma-ray space observatory for the multimessenger astronomy of the 2030s

e-ASTROGAM is a concept for a breakthrough observatory space mission carrying a γ-ray telescope dedicated to the study of the non-thermal Universe in the photon energy range from 0.15 MeV to 3 GeV. The lower energy limit can be pushed down to energies as low as 30 keV for gamma-ray burst detection with the calorimeter. The mission is based on an advanced space-proven detector technology, with unprecedented sensitivity, angular and energy resolution, combined with remarkable polarimetric capability. Thanks to its performance in the MeV–GeV domain, substantially improving its predecessors, e-ASTROGAM will open a new window on the non-thermal Universe, making pioneering observations of the most powerful Galactic and extragalactic sources, elucidating the nature of their relativistic outflows and their effects on the surroundings. With a line sensitivity in the MeV energy range one to two orders of magnitude better than previous and current generation instruments, e-ASTROGAM will determine the origin of key isotopes fundamental for the understanding of supernova explosion and the chemical evolution of our Galaxy. The mission will be a major player of the multiwavelength, multimessenger time-domain astronomy of the 2030s, and provide unique data of significant interest to a broad astronomical community, complementary to powerful observatories such as LISA, LIGO, Virgo, KAGRA, the Einstein Telescope and the Cosmic Explorer, IceCube-Gen2 and KM3NeT, SKA, ALMA, JWST, E-ELT, LSST, Athena, and the Cherenkov Telescope Array.Peer Reviewe

A topological analysis of a geographical model for internet

This paper presents the analysis of a complex networks model of Internet connectivity named “Geometric Growing Model with n\ud Redundant Edges” (GGM-RE-n). This approach models the growth of Internet while taking into account the physical position of the\ud nodes. The node degree distribution and average radius are investigated for different configurations of the networks. The results\ud provide insights about the progressive evolution of the networks as new edges are added, as well as about the effect of the locality\ud factor over the degree distribution and average radius.FAPESP (03/08269-7)FAPESP (05/00587-5)CNPq (301303/ 06-1

Proposta de ampliação do programa de coleta seletiva para o município de São Jorge do Ivaí no Estado do Paraná. = Proposed expansion of a selective collection program for the São Jorge of Ivaí city, Paraná, Brazil.

Neste trabalho são apresentados os resultados relativos à proposta para a ampliação do programa de coleta seletiva no município de São Jorge do Ivaí, estado do Paraná, Brasil. A metodologia contempla aplicação de questionário, visita ao barracão de triagem, caracterização gravimétrica de resíduos e confecção de mapa de zoneamento da coleta seletiva. A coleta seletiva atual foi implementada pela prefeitura municipal por meio de um projeto piloto na região central do município. Estima-se a coleta de 1,12 t mensal de resíduos com a participação de 30% da população do município. No entanto, as estimativas aqui realizadas indicam a geração diária de 6,0 t de resíduos sólidos urbanos com 20% (1,18 t diário) passíveis de reaproveitamento e reciclagem. Desse modo, se justifica a ampliação da coleta seletiva no município e as necessidades básicas para a realização dessa implantação são aqui descritas. = This paper presents the results for the proposed to expand the program of selective collection in the São Jorge Ivaí, Paraná, Brazil. The methodology involved questionnaires, visits to the shed screening, characterization of wastes and gravimetric preparation of zoning map of the collection. The current selective collection was implemented by the municipal government through a pilot project in the central city. It is estimated to collect 1.12 tons per month of waste with theparticipation of 30% of the population of the municipality. However, the estimates made here indicate the daily generation of 6.0 tons of waste with 20% (1.18 t/day) capable of reusing and recycling. Thus, there is justification for expanding the collection at the county and the basic needs for the completion of this deployment are described here

On the effects of geographical constraints on task execution in complex networks

In the present work we investigate the effects of spatial constraints on the efficiency of task execution in systems underlain by geographical complex networks where the probability of connection decreases with the distance between the nodes. The investigation considers several configurations of the parameters defining the network connectivity, and the Barabasi-Albert network model is also considered for comparisons. The results show that the effect of connectivity is significant only for shorter tasks, that the locality of connections implied by the spatial constraints reduces efficency, and that the addition of edges can improve the efficiency of the execution, although with increasing locality of the connections the improvement is small

Dynamic Aerobic Exercise Induces Baroreflex Improvement in Diabetic Rats

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of an acute aerobic exercise on arterial pressure (AP), heart rate (HR), and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into control (n = 8) and diabetic (n = 8) groups. AP, HR, and BRS, which were measured by tachycardic and bradycardic (BR) responses to AP changes, were evaluated at rest (R) and postexercise session (PE) on a treadmill. At rest, STZ diabetes induced AP and HR reductions, associated with BR impairment. Attenuation in resting diabetes-induced AP (R: 103 ± 2 versus PE: 111 ± 3 mmHg) and HR (R: 290 ± 7 versus PE: 328 ± 10 bpm) reductions and BR dysfunction (R: −0.70 ± 0.06 versus PE: −1.21 ± 0.09 bpm/mmHg) was observed in the postexercise period. In conclusion, the hemodynamic and arterial baro-mediated control of circulation improvement in the postexercise period reinforces the role of exercise in the management of cardiovascular risk in diabetes

Preservação de microrganismos ex situ como suporte para a ciência e a bioeconomia no Brasil

One of the texts in the Biodiversity in the State of São Paulo series, within the FAPESP-Biota Program, was dedicated to the Infrastructure for Biodiversity Conservation, with a focus on Biological Collections and Conservation Units. From the early 1960s, when FAPESP was established, to the present day, financial resources have been invested in the preservation of the biodiversity of the national genetic heritage, besides other fields. History of years of advances in scientific knowledge was built, which can be portrayed through the projects that resulted in high-quality data of national and international impact. Microbiological collections are centers that generate technology and specialized human resources, and act (among other things) as living repositories preserving reference material and as witnesses to the history of microbial biodiversity because they preserve what may no longer exist. They have enormous potential to promote the global bioeconomy and address problems that have resulted from the misuse of natural resources. This reading brings everyone the history, advances, and future perspectives of culture collections, within the efforts of 60-year scientific activities in Brazil.Um dos textos da série “Biodiversidade do Estado de São Paulo”, dentro do Programa FAPESP-Biota, foi dedicado à Infraestrutura para Conservação da Biodiversidade, com foco nas coleções biológicas e nas unidades de conservação. Do início dos anos 60, quando a FAPESP foi criada, até os dias atuais muito foi investido em pesquisa nas mais diversas áreas, incluindo a preservação da biodiversidade do patrimônio genético nacional. Uma história de longos anos de avanços no conhecimento científico foi construída, a qual pode ser retratada através dos projetos que resultaram em dados de alta qualidade com impacto nacional e internacional. As coleções microbiológicas são centros geradores de tecnologia e recursos humanos especializados, que atuam (dentre outros) como repositórios vivos, preservando material de referência, e como testemunho da história da biodiversidade microbiana, preservando o que pode não mais existir. Possuem enorme potencial para alavancar a bioeconomia global e tratar de problemas que resultaram do mau uso dos recursos naturais. Essa leitura traz a todos o histórico, os avanços e as perspectivas futuras das coleções de microrganismos, dentro dos esforços de 60 anos de atividades científicas no Brasil.The authors thank FAPESP for supporting the projects mentioned in this review, and also Daniel Attili de Angelis for the development of the digital diagram (Figure 1). NL acknowledges the partial financial support of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the grant agreement N° 871129 – IS_MIRRI21 Project.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio