Evaluating and Quantifying the Climate-Driven Interannual Variability in Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI3g) at Global Scales

Satellite observations of surface reflected solar radiation contain informationabout variability in the absorption of solar radiation by vegetation. Understanding thecauses of variability is important for models that use these data to drive land surface fluxesor for benchmarking prognostic vegetation models. Here we evaluated the interannualvariability in the new 30.5-year long global satellite-derived surface reflectance index data,Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies normalized difference vegetation index(GIMMS NDVI3g). Pearsons correlation and multiple linear stepwise regression analyseswere applied to quantify the NDVI interannual variability driven by climate anomalies, andto evaluate the effects of potential interference (snow, aerosols and clouds) on the NDVIsignal. We found ecologically plausible strong controls on NDVI variability by antecedent precipitation and current monthly temperature with distinct spatial patterns. Precipitation correlations were strongest for temperate to tropical water limited herbaceous systemswhere in some regions and seasons 40 of the NDVI variance could be explained byprecipitation anomalies. Temperature correlations were strongest in northern mid- to-high-latitudes in the spring and early summer where up to 70 of the NDVI variance was explained by temperature anomalies. We find that, in western and central North America,winter-spring precipitation determines early summer growth while more recent precipitation controls NDVI variability in late summer. In contrast, current or prior wetseason precipitation anomalies were correlated with all months of NDVI in sub-tropical herbaceous vegetation. Snow, aerosols and clouds as well as unexplained phenomena still account for part of the NDVI variance despite corrections. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates that GIMMS NDVI3g represents real responses of vegetation to climate variability that are useful for global models

ANÁLISE FUNCIONAL E BIOMECÂNICA DO USO DA MÃO PELO MACACO-PREGO (Sapajus libidinosus, SPIX, 1823)

A capacidade de manipulação de objetos e de uso de ferramentas pelos macacos-pregos tem sido avo de vários estudos recentes. Desse modo, considerando a importância da preensão manual para a manipulação de objetos, o objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar a análise funcional e biomecânica do uso das mãos dos indivíduos adultos de um grupo cativo de macacos-prego (Sapajus libidinosus, SPIX, 1823) no Jardim Zoológico de Goiânia. Realizou-se a observação direta do comportamento de manipulação de objetos de três macacos-prego adultos cativos no Jardim Zoológico de Goiânia-GO. O método de amostragem foi o “animal-focal”. A análise funcional biomecânica envolveu a quantificação de uma amostra aleatória de 100 eventos de manipulação de objetos extraídos dos registros de vídeo de cada um dos três macacos-prego. As duas categorias de uso das mãos utilizadas na análise funcional e biomecânica estiveram relacionadas aos padrões de controle de preensão (força e precisão). A preensão de força foi o padrão de controle de preensão mais empregado pelos animais tanto na manipulação simples quanto na protoferramenta. Além disso, a preensão de precisão ocorreu com mais freqüência com o uso da mão direita do que com o uso da mão esquerda ou de ambas as mãos. Os presentes resultados evidenciaram a ocorrência de preferência manual em função do tipo de preensão.

Sedimentação da Lagoa Itapeva, RS, Brasil

Hydrodynamic factors that control sedimentation in the Itapeva Lake were assessed on the granulometric distribution map generated by the Pejrup’s diagram and by the analysis of the hydrodynamic action, which results from the waves in the lacustrine body. The texture patterns of bottom samples showed that there is significant hydrodynamic energy in the sedimentation process: the sand fraction prevails in the submerged margins whereas grain size decreases, from coarse silt to fine silt, moved towards the center. The content of organic matter also shows this pattern, with a steady increase in the central area of the lacustrine body and near the mouths of the Três Forquilhas and Cardoso rivers. The main processes that determine sedimentation are mainly controlled by the amount of fluvial sediment, which is redistributed by the action of waves and currents resulting from the action of winds. The concentration of clay-sized grains is not very significant not only because there is low input by the rivers, but also because the wave agitation avoid this granulometric class from depositing on the lacustrine bottom. Fine sediment in the deepest spots and in the most sheltered areas shows the influence of less effective currents that enable deposition in these areas.Os fatores hidrodinâmicos que controlam a sedimentação na Lagoa Itapeva foram avaliados através do mapa de distribuição granulométrica gerado a partir do diagrama de Pejrup e da análise da ação hidrodinâmica induzida pelas ondas no corpo lacustre. Os padrões texturais das amostras de fundo indicaram a presença de significativa energia hidrodinâmica atuante no processo de sedimentação, com predomínio da fração arenosa nas margens submersas e granodecrescência para tamanhos silte grosso a fino em direção ao centro. O teor de matéria orgânica também apresenta este padrão, com aumento gradativo na área central do corpo lacustre e nas proximidades das desembocaduras dos rios Três Forquilhas e Cardoso. Os principais processos que condicionam a sedimentação na lagoa são controlados pelo aporte de sedimentos fluviais, redistribuídos pela ação das ondas e correntes induzidas pela ação dos ventos. A concentração de grãos tamanho argila é pouco significativa, devido à baixa inserção pelos rios, além da agitação gerada por ondas sobre o piso lacustre, que dificulta a deposição desta classe granulométrica. A presença de sedimentos finos nos locais mais profundos e nas áreas mais abrigadas indica a influência de correntes menos efetivas, permitindo a deposição nestes locais

Macacos-prego usam somente protoferramentas para quebrar frutos de jatobá em ambiente urbano

The goal of this study was to describe a nut-cracking behavior by six adult bearded capuchin monkeys of a group living on an urban protected area called Bosque Bougainville in the city of Goiânia, central Brazil. The nut-cracking events, occurring with jatobá (Hymenaea stygonocarpa Mart.), were recorded in digital video and classified in terms of behavioral categories of nut-cracking: proto-tool use and tool-use. The nut-cracking behavior was also quantified and analyzed by means of TOTE motor unit categories. All jatobá nut-cracking events records were of the proto-tool use category. The successful jatobá nut-cracking (complete TOTE motor units) occurred in most of the recorded events for all animals. The absence of tool-use records was explained by the ecological circumstances at the Bosque Bougainville and by the high level of efficacy of proto-tool used in jatobá nut-cracking.Keywords: foraging, tools, motor control, animal cognition.O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o comportamento de quebra de frutos por seis macacos-prego adultos de um grupo habitando uma área urbana de proteção ambiental denominada Bosque Bougainville, na cidade de Goiânia, Centro-oeste, Brasil. Os eventos de quebra de frutos, que ocorreram com jatobá (Hymenaea stygonocarpa Mart.), foram registrados em vídeo digital e classificados em termos de categorias comportamentais de quebra de frutos: protoferramenta e ferramenta. O comportamento de quebra de frutos também foi quantificado e analisado por meio de categorias de unidades motoras TOTE. Todos os eventos de quebra de fruto de jatobá registrados foram da categoria protoferramenta. A quebra bem-sucedida (unidades motoras TOTE completas) de frutos de jatobá ocorreu na maioria dos eventos registrados para todos os animais. A ausência de registros de uso de ferramentas é tentativamente explicada pelas circunstâncias ecológicas do Bosque Bougainville e pelo alto nível de eficácia do comportamento de quebra de fruto de jatobá por meio do uso de protoferramenta.Palavras-chave: forrageio, ferramentas, controle motor, cognição animal

Geocronologia com 210Pb na avaliação das taxas de sedimentação e da dinâmica deposicional na Lagoa Itapeva, sul do Brasil

As a result of anthropogenic activities, coastal lakes are potentially threatened by increased sedimentation rates and relative sea-level increases. The present study analyzed the sedimentary-filling conditions of Itapeva Lake by using the 210Pb geochronology method, which is based on 210Pb and 226Ra activity values obtained from three sediment cores. Measurements of sedimentation rates in the core C3 indicate a strong influence of the drainage of the Três Forquilhas River with values of approximately 3.2 mm.a-1. The sampling points in the center (C2) and north (C1) exhibited significantly lower values of 2.4 and 2.9 mm.a-1, respectively. These values are lower than the rates of relative sea-level increase, which indicate a transitional scenario between the stabilization and sedimentary deficit in the lacustrine burial process. The particle size analysis in the core samples indicates the presence of significant hydrodynamic energy in the sedimentation. The silt fraction is the dominant class, with variations in size ranging from medium to coarse in all samples, followed by the occurrence of fraction sand in relation to clay which presented low concentration, not over 9%. However, an increase in mud content has been observed in the core C3 over the last several decades, which suggests changes in the drainage basin of the Três Forquilhas River due to an increase in sediment production. Urbanization and the introduction of agriculture within the last century are the main reasons for this behaviorLagoas costeiras são ambientes potencialmente ameaçados pelo aumento recente das taxas de sedimentação e elevação relativa do nível do mar. Neste trabalho foram analisadas as condições de preenchimento sedimentar da Lagoa Itapeva utilizando o método geocronológico 210Pb, a partir dos valores da atividade do 210Pb e 226Ra obtidos de três testemunhos geológicos. As taxas de sedimentação medidas no testemunho C3 indicam forte influência da drenagem do Rio Três Forquilhas, com valores na ordem de 3,2 mm.a-1. Os pontos de coleta no centro C2 e norte C1 apresentaram valores sensivelmente menores, 2,4 e 2,9 mm.a-1, respectivamente. Tais valores mostram-se inferiores as taxas de elevação relativa do nível do mar, indicando um cenário transicional entre a estabilização e o déficit sedimentar no processo de preenchimento lacustre. A análise granulométrica nos testemunhos indica a presença de significativa energia hidrodinâmica no processo de sedimentação. A fração silte é a classe dominante, com variação entre o tamanho médio a grosso em todas as amostras, seguida pela ocorrência da fração areia em relação à argila que apresentou baixa concentração, não ultrapassando 9%. Entretanto, foi verificado no testemunho C3 um aumento do teor de lamas nas últimas décadas, o que sugere modificações na bacia de drenagem do Rio Três Forquilhas pelo aumento na produção de sedimentos. A urbanização e a introdução da agricultura no último século são as principais variáveis que explicam este comportamento

Assessment of brain injury biomechanics in soccer heading using finite element analysis

This study presents an in silico finite element (FE) model-based biomechanical analysis of brain injury metrics and associated risks of a soccer ball impact to the head for aware and unaware athletes, considering ball impact velocity and direction. The analysis presented herein implements a validated soccer ball and 50th percentile human head computational FE model for quantifying traumatic brain injury (TBI) metrics. The brain's mechanical properties are designated using a viscoelastic-viscoplastic constitutive material model for the white and gray matter within the human head FE model. FE results show a dynamic human head-soccer ball peak contact area of approximately seven times greater than those documented for helmet-to-helmet hits in American Football. Due to the deformable nature of the soccer ball, the impact dynamics are unique depending on the location and velocity of impact. TBI injury risks also depend on the location of impact and the impact velocity. Impacts to the rear (BrIC:0.48, HIC15:180.7), side (BrIC:0.52, HIC15:176.5), and front (BrIC:0.37, HIC15:129.0) are associated with the highest injury risks. Furthermore, the FE results indicate when an athlete is aware of an incoming ball, HIC15-based Abbreviated Injury Scale 1 (AIS 1) injury risks for the front, side, and rear impacts decrease from 10.5%, 18.5%, and 19.3%, respectively, to approximately 1% in front and side impacts and under 6% in a rear impact. Lastly, the unique contact area between the head and soccer ball produces pressure gradients in the ball that translate into distinguishable stress waves in the skull and the cerebral cortex

Volumes of polytopes in spaces of constant curvature

We overview the volume calculations for polyhedra in Euclidean, spherical and hyperbolic spaces. We prove the Sforza formula for the volume of an arbitrary tetrahedron in $H^3$ and $S^3$. We also present some results, which provide a solution for Seidel problem on the volume of non-Euclidean tetrahedron. Finally, we consider a convex hyperbolic quadrilateral inscribed in a circle, horocycle or one branch of equidistant curve. This is a natural hyperbolic analog of the cyclic quadrilateral in the Euclidean plane. We find a few versions of the Brahmagupta formula for the area of such quadrilateral. We also present a formula for the area of a hyperbolic trapezoid.Comment: 22 pages, 9 figures, 58 reference

Validity and responsiveness of the Daily- and Clinical visit-PROactive Physical Activity in COPD (D-PPAC and C-PPAC) instruments

BACKGROUND: The Daily-PROactive and Clinical visit-PROactive Physical Activity (D-PPAC and C-PPAC) instruments in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) combines questionnaire with activity monitor data to measure patients' experience of physical activity. Their amount, difficulty and total scores range from 0 (worst) to 100 (best) but require further psychometric evaluation. OBJECTIVE: To test reliability, validity and responsiveness, and to define minimal important difference (MID), of the D-PPAC and C-PPAC instruments, in a large population of patients with stable COPD from diverse severities, settings and countries. METHODS: We used data from seven randomised controlled trials to evaluate D-PPAC and C-PPAC internal consistency and construct validity by sex, age groups, COPD severity, country and language as well as responsiveness to interventions, ability to detect change and MID. RESULTS: We included 1324 patients (mean (SD) age 66 (8) years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s 55 (17)% predicted). Scores covered almost the full range from 0 to 100, showed strong internal consistency after stratification and correlated as a priori hypothesised with dyspnoea, health-related quality of life and exercise capacity. Difficulty scores improved after pharmacological treatment and pulmonary rehabilitation, while amount scores improved after behavioural physical activity interventions. All scores were responsive to changes in self-reported physical activity experience (both worsening and improvement) and to the occurrence of COPD exacerbations during follow-up. The MID was estimated to 6 for amount and difficulty scores and 4 for total score. CONCLUSIONS: The D-PPAC and C-PPAC instruments are reliable and valid across diverse COPD populations and responsive to pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions and changes in clinically relevant variables

The contrasting role of technology as both supportive and hindering in the everyday lives of people with mild cognitive deficits: a focus group study

Background: It is well known that people with mild cognitive deficits face challenges when performing complex everyday activities, and that the use of technology has become increasingly interwoven with everyday activities. However, less is known of how technology might be involved, either as a support or hindrance, in different areas of everyday life and of the environments where challenges appear. The aim of this study was to investigate the areas of concern where persons with cognitive deficits meet challenges in everyday life, in what environments these challenges appear and how technology might be involved as part of the challenge and/or the solution to the challenge. Methods: Data were gathered through four focus group interviews with participants that live with cognitive deficits or cohabit with a person with cognitive deficits, plus health professionals and researchers in the field. Data were transcribed, coded and categorized, and finally synthesized to trace out the involvement of technology. Results: Five areas of concern in everyday life were identified as offering challenges to persons with cognitive deficits: A) Managing personal finances, B) Getting around, C) Meeting family and friends, D) Engaging with culture and media and, E) Doing everyday chores. Findings showed that the involvement of technology in everyday activities was often contrastive. It could be hindering and evoke stress, or it could bring about feelings of control; that is, being a part of the solution. The involvement of technology was especially obvious in challenges linked to Managing personal finances, which is a crucial necessity in many everyday activities. In contrast, technology was least obviously involved in the area Socializing with family and friends. Conclusions: The findings imply that technology used for orientation and managing finances, often used outside home, would benefit from being further developed in order to be more supportive; i.e. accessible and usable. To make a positive change for many people, the ideas of inclusive design fit well for this purpose and would contribute to an age-friendly society