Earthworm population in a topographic gradient in Capão Alto, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

ISEE 10

Renormalization group approach to matrix models via noncommutative space

We develop a new renormalization group approach to the large-N limit of matrix models. It has been proposed that a procedure, in which a matrix model of size (N-1) \times (N-1) is obtained by integrating out one row and column of an N \times N matrix model, can be regarded as a renormalization group and that its fixed point reveals critical behavior in the large-N limit. We instead utilize the fuzzy sphere structure based on which we construct a new map (renormalization group) from N \times N matrix model to that of rank N-1. Our renormalization group has great advantage of being a nice analog of the standard renormalization group in field theory. It is naturally endowed with the concept of high/low energy, and consequently it is in a sense local and admits derivative expansions in the space of matrices. In construction we also find that our renormalization in general generates multi-trace operators, and that nonplanar diagrams yield a nonlocal operation on a matrix, whose action is to transport the matrix to the antipode on the sphere. Furthermore the noncommutativity of the fuzzy sphere is renormalized in our formalism. We then analyze our renormalization group equation, and Gaussian and nontrivial fixed points are found. We further clarify how to read off scaling dimensions from our renormalization group equation. Finally the critical exponent of the model of two-dimensional gravity based on our formalism is examined.Comment: 1+42 pages, 4 figure

Quantum state transformations and the Schubert calculus

Recent developments in mathematics have provided powerful tools for comparing the eigenvalues of matrices related to each other via a moment map. In this paper we survey some of the more concrete aspects of the approach with a particular focus on applications to quantum information theory. After discussing the connection between Horn's Problem and Nielsen's Theorem, we move on to characterizing the eigenvalues of the partial trace of a matrix.Comment: 40 pages. Accepted for publication in Annals of Physic

Dinâmica e estoque de carbono em floresta primária na região de Manaus/AM.

Este trabalho analisou dados de três inventários florestais realizados na área da Floresta Experimental, pertencente à Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental e localizada no km 54 da BR-174, em Manaus/AM. O objetivo foi estudar a dinâmica da floresta - taxas de incremento, recrutamento e mortalidade - além do estoque de carbono, em uma área de floresta primária, sem qualquer tipo de intervenção

TRY plant trait database - enhanced coverage and open access

Plant traits-the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants-determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels, and influence ecosystem properties and their benefits and detriments to people. Plant trait data thus represent the basis for a vast area of research spanning from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology, to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management, restoration, biogeography and earth system modelling. Since its foundation in 2007, the TRY database of plant traits has grown continuously. It now provides unprecedented data coverage under an open access data policy and is the main plant trait database used by the research community worldwide. Increasingly, the TRY database also supports new frontiers of trait-based plant research, including the identification of data gaps and the subsequent mobilization or measurement of new data. To support this development, in this article we evaluate the extent of the trait data compiled in TRY and analyse emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness. Best species coverage is achieved for categorical traits-almost complete coverage for 'plant growth form'. However, most traits relevant for ecology and vegetation modelling are characterized by continuous intraspecific variation and trait-environmental relationships. These traits have to be measured on individual plants in their respective environment. Despite unprecedented data coverage, we observe a humbling lack of completeness and representativeness of these continuous traits in many aspects. We, therefore, conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements. This can only be achieved in collaboration with other initiatives

Attachment to the Amazon rainforest: constitutive aspects and their predictors

En este trabajo se pretende comprender el apego a la Selva Amazónica y sus predictores teniendo en cuenta las dimensiones características de este entorno macro. Se administraron a 333 individuos de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años de edad de dos ciudades brasileñas, las siguientes pruebas: Perfil de afinidad ecológica; Apego a la Selva Amazónica; Experiencias en la naturaleza; Conocimiento del bioma; y un perfil socioeconómico. Los resultados confirmaron que el apego depende fuertemente de la duración de la estancia en el lugar. Además, el perfil de afinidad ecológica es importante para el apego al medio ambiente natural y esta relación se fortalece a partir del conocimiento de las características de este entorno y las experiencias. Este estudio aporta evidencia para la comprensión de los predictores de apego al lugar y proporciona argumentos para desarrollar intervenciones proambientales centradas en aspectos emocionales y vivenciales.Este estudo visa contribuir com o entendimento acerca do apego à floresta amazônica e seus preditores considerando as dimensões características deste macro ambiente. Cinco instrumentos foram aplicados a 333 indivíduos de duas cidades brasileiras, de ambos os sexos, com idade superior a 18 anos: Afinidade Ecológica; Apego à floresta amazônica; Experiências na Natureza; Conhecimento da floresta amazônica; e socioeconômico. Os resultados confirmam que o apego depende fortemente do tempo de permanência no lugar. O perfil de afinidade ecológica é importante para o apego ao ambiente natural e esta relação é fortalecida com conhecimento das características deste ambiente e das vivências. Este estudo acrescenta evidências para o entendimento dos preditores do apego ao lugar e provê argumentação para o desenvolvimento de intervenções pró-ambientais focadas nos aspectos emocionais e experienciais.This investigation aims to contribute to the understanding of the attachment to the Amazon rainforest and its predictors, considering the dimensions that characterize this extensive environment. Five instruments were administered to 333 individuals of both genders, over the age of 18, from the cities of Ceres and Manaus, evaluating the Ecological Affinity profile; Attachment to the Amazon rainforest; Experiences in Nature; Knowledge of the Amazon rainforest; and Socioeconomic factors. The results confirm that attachment depends on the length of stay in the place. Data shows that the ecological affinity profile plays an important role in the attachment to a natural environment, suggesting that this relationship is strengthened by understanding  the characteristics of this environment and its experiences. Based on the perspective of Environmental Psychology, this study advances knowledge on place attachment predictors and provides important arguments for the development of pro-environmental interventions focused on emotional and experiential aspects

Chagas' disease: an update on immune mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

The final decade of the 20th century was marked by an alarming resurgence in infectious diseases caused by tropical parasites belonging to the kinetoplastid protozoan order. Among the pathogenic trypanosomatids, some species are of particular interest due to their medical importance. These species include the agent responsible for Chagas' disease, Trypanosoma cruzi. Approximately 8 to 10 million people are infected in the Americas, and approximately 40 million are at risk. in the present review, we discuss in detail the immune mechanisms elicited during infection by T. cruzi and the effects of chemotherapy in controlling parasite proliferation and on the host immune system.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Instituto Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e QuImica Medicinal em Doencas Infecciosas (INBEQMeDI)Univ São Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilMackenzie Presbeterian Univ, Ctr Biomol Sci & Hlth, São Paulo, BrazilNatl Univ Rosario, Sch Med Sci, Inst Immunol, Rosario, Santa Fe, ArgentinaCSIC, Inst Parasitol & Biomed Lopez Neyra, Granada, SpainUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Immunol & Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Immunol & Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 08/57596-4FAPESP: 07/08648-9CNPq: 473906/2008-2Web of Scienc

Feira de ciências e tecnologias interescolar: Mostra de projetos STEAM e a Voz dos Estudantes

The present article shows part of the results obtained from the holding of the " First Interschool Science and Technology Fair" during the first semester of 2022, with the attendance of schools which carried out projects aimed at the integration of Digital Information and Communication Technologies, robotics and computational thinking towards pedagogical practices. This article is built as a cut-off from the research project “Robotics, Computational Thinking and Digital Technologies in Basic Schooling: Improving the Learning Process and Competences in the Process of Resignificating Science Teaching”, developed between November 2019 and October 2022, through funding from the Universal Call MCTIC/CNPq - Notice No. 05/2019 - Science at School Program - Science Teaching in Basic Education with support from Nove de Julho University-Uninove/SP-Brazil. In this sense, in this article, the main objective was to highlight the potentialities and perceptions of students about the process of elaborating their learning projects and their respective presentation at this Fair promoted within the scope of the research project.Este artículo presenta parte de los resultados de la “Primera Feria Interescolar de Ciencias y Tecnologías”, realizada en el primer semestre de 2022, con la participación de escuelas que realizaron proyectos dirigidos a la integración de las Tecnologías Digitales de la Información y la Comunicación, la robótica y el pensamiento computacional, a las prácticas pedagógicas. La promoción de esta Feria se constituyó como una de las acciones vinculadas al proyecto de investigación: “Robótica, Pensamiento Computacional y Tecnologías Digitales en la Educación Básica: Potenciando Aprendizajes y las Competencias en Procesos de Resignificación de la Enseñanza de las Ciencias”, desarrollado entre noviembre de 2019 y octubre de 2022, a partir de la Convocatoria Universal MCTIC/CNPq – Edital nº 05/2019 – Programa ciencias en la escuela - Enseñanza de las ciencias en la educación básica, con el apoyo de Uninove/SP-Brasil. En ese sentido, en este artículo se tuvo como objetivo principal resaltar las potencialidades y percepciones de los estudiantes sobre el proceso de elaboración de sus proyectos de aprendizaje y su respectiva presentación en esta Feria promovida en el ámbito del mencionado proyecto de investigación.Este artigo traz parte dos resultados obtidos com a realização da “I Feira de Ciências e Tecnologias Interescolar”, realizada no primeiro semestre de 2022, com o envolvimento de escolas que realizaram projetos voltados à integração das Tecnologias Digitais de Informação e Comunicação, da robótica e do pensamento computacional, às práticas pedagógicas. A promoção dessa Feira constituiu-se como uma das ações vinculadas ao projeto de pesquisa: “A Robótica, o Pensamento Computacional e as Tecnologias Digitais na Educação Básica: Potencializando Aprendizagens e Competências em Processos de Ressignificação do Ensino de Ciências”, desenvolvido entre novembro de 2019 e outubro de 2022, a partir da Chamada Universal MCTIC/CNPq – Edital nº 05/2019 – Programa Ciência na Escola – Ensino de Ciências na Educação Básica, com apoio da Uninove/SP-Brasil. Nesse sentido, no presente artigo, o principal objetivo foi evidenciar as potencialidades e percepções dos estudantes sobre o processo de elaboração de seus projetos de aprendizagem e de sua respectiva apresentação nessa Feira promovida no âmbito do referido projeto de pesquisa

Height-diameter allometry of tropical forest trees

Copyright © 2011 European Geosciences Union. This is the published version available at http://www.biogeosciences.net/8/1081/2011/bg-8-1081-2011.html doi:10.5194/bg-8-1081-2011Tropical tree height-diameter (H:D) relationships may vary by forest type and region making large-scale estimates of above-ground biomass subject to bias if they ignore these differences in stem allometry. We have therefore developed a new global tropical forest database consisting of 39 955 concurrent H and D measurements encompassing 283 sites in 22 tropical countries. Utilising this database, our objectives were: 1. to determine if H:D relationships differ by geographic region and forest type (wet to dry forests, including zones of tension where forest and savanna overlap). 2. to ascertain if the H:D relationship is modulated by climate and/or forest structural characteristics (e.g. stand-level basal area, A). 3. to develop H:D allometric equations and evaluate biases to reduce error in future local-to-global estimates of tropical forest biomass. Annual precipitation coefficient of variation (PV), dry season length (SD), and mean annual air temperature (TA) emerged as key drivers of variation in H:D relationships at the pantropical and region scales. Vegetation structure also played a role with trees in forests of a high A being, on average, taller at any given D. After the effects of environment and forest structure are taken into account, two main regional groups can be identified. Forests in Asia, Africa and the Guyana Shield all have, on average, similar H:D relationships, but with trees in the forests of much of the Amazon Basin and tropical Australia typically being shorter at any given D than their counterparts elsewhere. The region-environment-structure model with the lowest Akaike's information criterion and lowest deviation estimated stand-level H across all plots to within amedian −2.7 to 0.9% of the true value. Some of the plot-to-plot variability in H:D relationships not accounted for by this model could be attributed to variations in soil physical conditions. Other things being equal, trees tend to be more slender in the absence of soil physical constraints, especially at smaller D. Pantropical and continental-level models provided less robust estimates of H, especially when the roles of climate and stand structure in modulating H:D allometry were not simultaneously taken into account