The Safe-Port project: an approach to port surveillance and protection

SAFE-PORT is a recently started project addressing the complex issue of determining the best configurations of resources for harbour and port surveillance and protection. More specifically, the main goal is to find, for any given scenario, an adequate set of configuration solutions — i.e., number and type of sensors and equipments, their locations and operating modes, the corresponding personnel and other support resources — that maximize protection over a specific area. The project includes research and development of sensors models, novel algorithms for optimization and decision support, and a computer-based decision support system (DSS) to assist decision makers in that task. It includes also the development of a simulation environment for modelling relevant aspects of the scenario (including sensors used for surveillance, platforms, threats and the environment), capable to incorporate data from field-trials, used to test and validate solutions proposed by the DSS. Test cases will consider the use of intelligent agents to model the behaviour of threats and of NATO forces in a realistic way, following experts’ definitions and parameters

Hydrothermal synthesis to water-stable luminescent carbon dots from acerola fruit for photoluminescent composites preparation and its application as sensors

Carbon dots (C-dots) possess the attractive properties of high stability, low toxicity, good water solubility, simple synthetic routes as well as size and excitation-dependent photoluminescence (PL).The aim of this work was to synthesize photoluminescent C-dots by hydrothermal method using acerola fruit (Malpighiaemarginata) as a row material, since this fruit contains large number of organic molecules. Studies about the optimal synthesis conditions were performed, where these organic molecules were converted into C-dots by hydrothermal carbonization at 180 ºC for 18 h. The C-dots exhibited a green emission light at 459 nm when excited under UV-light (λ ex= 370 nm). These nanomaterials were also successfully used to prepare C-dots/poly (vinyl alcohol) luminescent composites (C-dots/PVA). Both C-dots and C-dots/PVA composite films were investigated by using colorimetric visual sensor for Fe3+ metal ions detection. The results show that the prepared C-dots and C-dots/poly presented strong green emission light. The emission spectra of above materials were quenched in the presence of Fe3+ ions. Thus, highly specific “turn off” fluorescence sensing of Fe3+ was achieved using fluorescent C-dots. Regarding, this work describe that the polymeric films as sensors of metallic ions in aqueous solution appears as a new perspectives to design new composite materials22

The singular behavior of massive QCD amplitudes

We discuss the structure of infrared singularities in on-shell QCD amplitudes with massive partons and present a general factorization formula in the limit of small parton masses. The factorization formula gives rise to an all-order exponentiation of both, the soft poles in dimensional regularization and the large collinear logarithms of the parton masses. Moreover, it provides a universal relation between any on-shell amplitude with massive external partons and its corresponding massless amplitude. For the form factor of a heavy quark we present explicit results including the fixed-order expansion up to three loops in the small mass limit. For general scattering processes we show how our constructive method applies to the computation of all singularities as well as the constant (mass-independent) terms of a generic massive n-parton QCD amplitude up to the next-to-next-to-leading order corrections.Comment: version to appear in JHEP (sec. 3 with expanded discussion and appendix with added results

ESTUDOS DE CARACTERÍSTICAS REPRODUTIVAS DE ANIMAIS DA RAÇA CANCHIM, CRIADOS A PASTO, NO ESTADO DO PARANÁ, BRASIL

Beef production efficiency depends heavely on reproductive performance. Information on age at first calving indicates sexual precocity. Good management of young animal and elimination of factors that negatively interfere with growth and development of heifers contribute to shorten age at first calving. This trait, together with calving interval and conception rate of heifers after their first calving were studied from records of 3.091 Canchim females, born from 1974 through 1998, at Estação Experimental Fazenda Modelo/IAPAR, Ponta Grossa-PR. Data were analyzed using SAS program. Average calving interval, computed using least squares methods, was 16.79 ± 0.43 months, with coefficient of variation equal to 32.07. The R square from the statistical model was 19.84%. For calving interval, only year of birth, month of birth and month of previous calving were significant. When interval between first and second calving was studied, month of previous calving was not significant. Considering that data came from controlled animals, the average calving interval was too long in contrast with the ideal (12 months). Improving management practices should result in shorter calving interval in this herd.A produção eficiente de gado de corte depende muito do seu desempenho reprodutivo. Informações sobre a idade ao primeiro parto evidenciam a precocidade do animal. A boa criação dos animais jovens e a eliminação de fatores que interferem negativamente no crescimento e desenvolvimento das novilhas contribuem para diminuir a idade ao primeiro parto.  Essa característica, juntamente com o intervalo de partos e a taxa de reconcepção de novilhas Canchim foram estimadas analisando-se registros pertencentes ao banco de dados do Instituto Agronômico do Paraná (IAPAR), totalizando 3.091 partos, ocorridos no período de 1974 a 1998. Esses dados foram analisados utilizando o programa SAS, para se processar as respectivas análises estatísticas. A média para o intervalo de partos geral, estimada pelo método dos quadrados mínimos, foi de 16,79 ± 0,43 meses. O modelo estatístico justificou 19,84%, com um coeficiente de variação de 32,07. Das fontes de variação do modelo, apenas mês, ano e mês do parto anterior foram significativos para o intervalo de partos (geral). Quando se estudou essa característica entre o primeiro e segundo parto, o mês do parto anterior não foi significativo, apenas mês e ano de parto o foram. Considerando que os dados são provenientes de animais controlados, constatou-se médias elevadas em relação ao ideal (12 meses). A implementação de melhorias no manejo para esses animais pode reduzir os valores de intervalo entre partos na propriedade

Multimodal augmented reality tangible gaming

This paper presents tangible augmented reality gaming environment that can be used to enhance entertainment using a multimodal tracking interface. Players can interact using different combinations between a pinch glove, a Wiimote, a six-degrees-of-freedom tracker, through tangible ways as well as through I/O controls. Two tabletop augmented reality games have been designed and implemented including a racing game and a pile game. The goal of the augmented reality racing game is to start the car and move around the track without colliding with either the wall or the objects that exist in the gaming arena. Initial evaluation results showed that multimodal-based interaction games can be beneficial in gaming. Based on these results, an augmented reality pile game was implemented with goal of completing a circuit of pipes (from a starting point to an end point on a grid). Initial evaluation showed that tangible interaction is preferred to keyboard interaction and that tangible games are much more enjoyable

Three-dimensional cinematic analysis of the horse movement in treadmill

A methodology used for the study of human movement was adapted to analyze the movement of equines in a high performance treadmill. An electronic high precision theodolite was used to construct a calibration system to demarcate the volume occupied by the animal. It was taken the three dimensions coordinates of each marker present in the calibrator, composing the calibration archive. Two video cameras (60 Hz) were located approximately 5m from the left lateral side of the treadmill at 1.8m height. The images had been fit using a video monitor. For the validation of the method, a member of the team moved into the calibrated space, a 43.8cm long rigid stick with markers settled in its extremities. For the analysis of the images, the Dvideow program developed by the Laboratório de Instrumentação para Biomecânica - UNICAMP was used. After the three-dimensional reconstruction of the images, the calculation of the distance between the markers of the stick was done in 100 frames. The mean was 43.7 cm with a variation coefficient of 0.8%. These results confirm that this methodology is precise and adequate for the study of the locomotion in horses.Adaptou-se uma metodologia utilizada no estudo do movimento humano para analisar o movimento de eqüinos em esteira rolante de alto desempenho, construindo-se um sistema de calibração utilizando-se um teodolito eletrônico de alta precisão e calibradores que demarcavam o espaço ocupado pelo animal. Dessa forma, foram obtidas as coordenadas espaciais dos marcadores presentes nos calibradores, compondo o arquivo de calibração. Duas câmeras de vídeo (60Hz) foram posicionadas em vista lateral esquerda, distantes 5m da manta de rolagem da esteira a 1,8m de altura. As imagens foram enquadradas utilizando-se um monitor de vídeo. Para a validação do método, um membro da equipe movimentou, no espaço calibrado, uma haste rígida com marcadores fixados nas suas extremidades, distantes um do outro 43,8cm. Para a análise das imagens, utilizou-se o programa Dvideow, desenvolvido pelo Laboratório de Instrumentação para Biomecânica - UNICAMP. Após a reconstrução tridimensional das imagens utilizou-se um programa matemático para o cálculo do valor médio da distância entre os marcadores. Obteve-se, após a mensuração em 100 quadros, o valor médio de 43,7cm com coeficiente de variação de 0,8%. Estes resultados mostram que a metodologia desenvolvida é precisa e adequada para o estudo da locomoção de eqüinos.86286

Benthic organic matter transformation drives pH and carbonate chemistry in Arctic marine sediments

Carbonate chemistry of the Arctic Ocean seafloor and its vulnerability to ocean acidification remains poorly explored. This limits our ability to quantify how biogeochemical processes and bottom water conditions shape sedimentary carbonate chemistry, and to predict how climate change may affect such biogeochemical processes at the Arctic Ocean seafloor. Here, we employ an integrated data-model assessment that explicitly resolves benthic pH and carbonate chemistry along a S—N transect in the Barents Sea. We identify the main drivers of observed carbonate dynamics and estimate benthic fluxes of dissolved inorganic carbon and alkalinity to the Arctic Ocean. We explore how bottom water conditions and in-situ organic matter degradation shape these processes and show that organic matter transformation strongly impacts pH and carbonate saturation (Ω) variations. Aerobic organic matter degradation drives a negative pH shift (pH 5 at around 10–25 cm, model simulations result in authigenic carbonate precipitation. Furthermore, benthic fluxes of dissolved inorganic carbon (12.5—59.5 µmol cm−2 yr−1) and alkalinity (11.3—63.2 µmol cm−2 yr−1) are 2—3-fold greater in the northern sites due to greater carbonate dissolution. Our assessment is of significant relevance to predict how changes in the Arctic Ocean may shift carbon burial and pH buffering into the next century

SOROEPIDEMIOLOGIA E FATORES ASSOCIADOS À TRANSMISSÃO DO Toxoplasma gondii EM SUÍNOS DO NORTE DO PARANÁ

Devido à importância do suíno como fonte de infecção da toxoplasmose humana e aos problemas reprodutivos gerados por esta enfermidade, objetivou-se traçar o perfil soroepidemiológico e os fatores associados à transmissão do Toxoplasma gondii no rebanho de suínos da região Norte do Paraná. Coletaram-se amostras de 521 animais (324 matrizes, 157 marrãs e 40 cachaços), de 22 propriedades suinícolas. Foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico para verificar as características em relação aos manejos adotados. Realizou-se Imunofluorescência Indireta (IFI) para detecção de anticorpos anti-T. gondii (IgG) e considerou-se positivas as amostras que apresentaram título ³ 64. De 521 amostras de soro analisadas pela IFI, resultaram em 15,35% reagentes (80/521), sendo 54 (10,37%) matrizes, 20 (3,83%) marrãs e seis (1,15%) cachaços. A análise das variáveis evidenciou que o sistema de criação intensivo foi um fator de proteção para a presença de T. gondii. Entretanto, o acesso de outros animais ao cocho de ração e ao reservatório de água, a utilização do bebedouro tipo canaleta, presença de lâmina dágua nas baias e a existência de áreas alagadiças, foram fatores que contribuíram para a infecção pelo T. gondii. Serumepidemiology and associated factors on swine transmission of Toxoplasma gondii at Northern Paraná Brazil Abstract Due to the importance of swine as an infection source of toxoplasmosis to man and the reproductive problems that this disease causes, it was defined the prevalence and the factors associated with the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in swine herds of northern Paraná State. A total of 521 serum samples (324 sows, 157 gilts e 40 boars) from 22 herds were analyzed and an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to obtain the management employed in these properties. The indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT) test was performed to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG) and titers ³ 64 were considered positive. From the 521 analyzed serum samples, 15.35% (80/521) were reactive for the IFAT test 54 (10.37%) sows, 20 (3.83%) gilts and 6 (1.15%) boars. The statistical analysis has shown that the intensive management system is a protective factor for T. gondii infection. However, the access of other animals to the water and food reservoir, the channels water-thought, the pens with water-blade and the presence of wet areas were factors which contributed to wards the infection by T. gondii