Activation and inhibition of bimanual movements in school-aged children

The development of motor activation and inhibition was compared in 6-to-12 year-olds. Children had to initiate or stop the externally paced movements of one hand, while maintaining that of the other hand. The time needed to perform the switching task (RT) and the spatio-temporal variables show different agerelated evolutions depending on the coordination pattern (inor anti-phase) and the type of transition (activation, selective inhibition, non selective inhibition) required. In the anti-phase mode, activation perturbs the younger subjects' responses while temporal and spatial stabilities transiently decrease around 9 years when activating in the in-phase mode. Aged-related changes differed between inhibition and activation in the antiphase mode, suggesting either the involvement of distinct neural networks or the existence of a single network that is reorganized. In contrast, stopping or adding one hand in the in-phase mode shows similar aged-related improvement. We suggest that selectively stopping or activating one arm during symmetrical coordination rely on the two faces of a common processing in which activation could be the release of inhibitio

Comparing profitability of Burlina and Holstein Friesian cattle breeds

Aim of this study was to compare profitability of Burlina and Holstein Friesian cows in northern Italy. Cow's profitability was calculated for each breed, with consideration of economic incentive programs and alternative milk pricing scenarios. The difference in annual profitability between Burlina and Holstein Friesian ranged from −€719 to −€274 per cow per year. In a low-input management level with a cow's incentive payment and a specific cheese market strategy the low milk yield of Burlina can be compensate respect to Holstein Friesian

Electrical neuroimaging of music processing reveals mid-latency changes with level of musical expertise

This original research focused on the effect of training intensity on cerebral and behavioral processing of complex music using high-density event-related potential (ERP) approaches. Recently we have been able to show progressive changes with training in grey and white matter and higher order brain functioning using (f)MRI ((functional) Magnetic Resonance Imaging), as well as changes in musical and general cognitive functioning. The current study investigated the same population of non-musicians, amateur pianists and expert pianists using spatio-temporal ERP analysis, by means of microstate analysis, and ERP source imaging. The stimuli consisted of complex musical compositions containing three levels of transgression of musical syntax at closure that participants appraised. ERP waveforms, microstates and underlying brain sources revealed gradual differences according to expertise in a 300-500 ms window after the onset of the terminal chords of the pieces. Within this time-window, processing seemed to concern context-based memory updating, indicated by a P3b-like component or microstate for which underlying sources were localized in right middle temporal gyrus, anterior cingulate and right parahippocampal areas. Given that the 3 expertise groups were carefully matched for demographic factors, these results provide evidence of the progressive impact of training on brain and behavior

Short communication: Influence of composite casein genotypes on additive genetic variation of milk production traits and coagulation properties in Holstein-Friesian cows

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Avaliação de RPAs para pulverização em diferentes culturas

The present work had as objective to study and to validate the application of defenses through RPAs (Remotely Piloted Aircraft), commonly denominated Drones. The experiment happened at APTA East Center in Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo. The herbicide solution glyphosate 1.5 kg ha-1 (Roundup WG®) was used using 15 L ha-1 of syrup volume. The RPA that overflew the study area at three different altitudes together with three different spray nozzle models in a range of 50 m x 5 m, with water-sensitive papers being distributed in these bands to verify the size, quantity and distribution of drops that fell on the plants. Once the information was counted, it was expected that it would be possible to create different application models, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness of the applications. In addition, avoid waste of defense, contributing to decrease environmental impacts and increase safety in the field (lower risk of intoxication). The results allowed to identify competitive advantages, highlighting the practicality and speed, besides allowing localized control of weeds, without the need of tractors, which increases soil compaction and requires greater investment in equipment. From these results, use protocols will beestablished for various agricultural crops, such as: Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), Soya (Glycine max L.), Maize (Zea mays).O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar e validar a aplicação de defensivos através de RPAs (Aeronave Remotamente Pilotadas), comumente denominadas de Drones. O experimento foi realizado na APTA Centro Leste no município do Ribeirão Preto, SP. Foi utilizado a: solução de herbicida glifosate 1.5 kg ha-1 (Roundup WG®) utilizando 15 L ha-1 de volume de calda. O RPA que sobrevoou a área de estudo em três diferentes altitudes, juntamente com três diferentes modelos de bicos pulverizadores em uma faixa compreendida de 50 m x 5 m, sendo que nessas faixas foram distribuídos papéis sensíveis à água, para verificar o tamanho, quantidade e distribuição de gotas que caíram sobre as plantas. Uma vez contabilizadas as informações, esperou-se que fosse possível criar diferentes modelos de aplicações, levando a uma maior eficiência e eficácia das aplicações. Além disso, evitar desperdício de defensivo, contribuindo para diminuição dos impactos ambientais e aumento da segurança no campo (menor risco de intoxicações). Os resultados permitiram identificar vantagens competitivas, com destaque para a praticidade e rapidez, além de permitir controle localizado de plantas daninhas, sem a necessidade de uso de tratores, o qual aumenta compactação do solo e requer maior investimento em equipamentos. A partir destes resultados, serão estabelecidos protocolos de utilização para diversas culturas agrícolas, tais como: Amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L.), Cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.), Soja (Glycine max L.), Milho (Zea mays)

Uso de infravermelho próximo para estimativa das falhas no estande e produtividade do amendoim

This research aims to study the use of NIR images for peanut production estimates in three different planting processes (conventional tillage, no-tillage, and planting Rip Strip) relating productivity information with extracted parameters Orthophoto generated by an Air Vehicle No manned (UAV). The images 0.2 cm error range compounds were analyzed in extracts of two central lines launched in all replicates of the various treatments. For each line, 100 linear meters were measured and quantified the existence of faults; subsequently determined the actual planting observed in each treatment and correlated with output in the treatments. planting lines and identified failures were analyzed through the Geographic Information System (GIS) Quantum Gis. The results of the correlation tended to a positive correlation between the failure data and foliar weight and yield, is a positive indicator of the use of the tool for productivity measurements by the NIR. The studies will be repeated in different conditions and variables for an improvement in productivity analysis and estimationO presente trabalho tem por objetivo estudar o uso de imagens NIR para estimativa de produção de amendoim em três diferentes processos de Plantio (plantio convencional, plantio direto e plantio Rip Strip) relacionando informações de produtividade com parâmetros extraídos de Ortofoto gerada por um Veículo Aéreo Não Tripulado (VANT). As imagens em escala de erro de 0.2 cm foram analisadas em extratos compostos de duas linhas centrais lançados em todas as repetições dos diferentes tratamentos. Para cada linha, com 100 metros lineares foram medidas e quantificadas a existência de falhas; posteriormente determinou-se o efetivo plantio verificado em cada tratamento e correlacionou- se com a produção obtida nos tratamentos. As linhas de plantio e as falhas identificadas, foram analisadas, através do Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) Quantum Gis. Os resultados da correlação tenderam a uma correlação positiva entre os dados de falhas e massa foliar e produtividade, sendo um indicador positivo de uso desta ferramenta para medições de produtividade através de NIR. Os estudos serão repetidos em diferentes condições e variáveis para um aprimoramento da análise e estimativa de produtividade