How social rewiring preferences bridge polarized communities

Borges, H. M., Vasconcelos, V. V., & Pinheiro, F. L. (2024). How social rewiring preferences bridge polarized communities. Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, 180, 1-8. Article 114594. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2312.08088, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chaos.2024.114594 --- FLP acknowledges the financial support provided by FCT Portugal under the project UIDB/04152/2020 – Centro de Investigação em Gestão de Informação (MagIC). VVV acknowledges funding from ENLENS under the project “The Cost of Large-Scale Transitions: Introducing Effective Targeted Incentives”Recently, social debates have been marked by increased polarization of social groups. Such polarization not only implies that groups cannot reach a consensus on fundamental questions but also materializes in more modular social spaces/networks that further amplify the risks of polarization in less polarizing topics. How can network adaptation bridge different communities when individuals reveal homophilic or heterophilic social rewiring preferences? Here, we consider information diffusion processes that capture a continuum from simple to complex contagion processes. We use a computational model to understand how fast and to what extent individual rewiring preferences bridge initially weakly connected communities and how likely it is for them to reach a consensus. We show that homophilic and heterophilic rewiring have different impacts depending on the type of opinion spread. First, in the case of complex opinion diffusion, we show that even polarized social networks can reach a population-wide consensus without reshaping their underlying network. When polarized social structures amplify opinion polarization, heterophilic rewiring preferences play a key role in creating bridges between communities and facilitating a population-wide consensus. Secondly, in the case of simple opinion diffusion, homophilic rewiring preferences are more capable of fostering consensus and avoiding a co-existence (dynamical polarization) of opinions. Hence, across a broad profile of simple and complex opinion diffusion processes, only a mix of heterophilic and homophilic rewiring preferences avoids polarization and promotes consensus.preprintpublishersversionpublishe

Evaluation of a low-cost multithreading approach solution for an embedded system based on Arduino with pseudo-threads

Although projects using Arduino boards are becoming more and more common due to their simplicity, low cost, and a variety of applications, Arduino boards consist of a simple processor that does not allow the execution of threads. This paper presents a study and evaluation of multithreading approaches on a single Arduino board. We present a group of existing software approaches for dealing with concurrent actions on Arduino. Among the solutions presented, we propose a case study using timed interrupts due to their simplicity. Although the case study provided requires dealing with many actions concurrently, including external actions, timed interrupts showed to be a robust solution to the problem. Furthermore, the evaluated approach presented great potential for being applied and implemented commercially at low cost.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

EFEITO DE BACTÉRIAS SOBRE A BIOLOGIA DA TRAÇA DAS CRUCÍFERAS (Plutella xylostella) EM REPOLHO (Brassica oleraceae VAR. capitata) CV. MIDORI

The diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)is the most important cabbage pest in Brazil. Its control includes the use ofchemicals and Bacillus thuringiensis, individually or combined in an integratedpest management program. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)may be an important and new alternative in biological control of P. xylostella.This work aimed to study the effects of PGPR on the biology of DBM oncabbage through two different periods May to July 2000 (raining season) andFebruary to May 2001 (dry season). Cabbage seeds cv. Midori were immersedfor 30 min in a A580 = 0.52 or 108 CFU/ml bacterial suspensions, driedovernight, planted in polystyrene trays and transplanted field to three plots ina randomized design. At different days after transplanting (DAT) leavescollected randomly were brought to the laboratory and 8cm Ø-discs wereplaced in a Petri dish over filter paper. Ten 1st instar DBM larvae grown inlaboratory conditions were placed to feed on each leaf disc. Beginning onthe third day, leaf disks were changed daily until pupation. It was analyzedlarval mortality (LM) and pupal viability (PV), larval (LD) and pupal (LP)duration. In both experiments LM and PV were significantly increased andreduced by strains ENF14 (Enterobacter cloacae), EN5 (Alcaligenes piechaudii)and EN4 (Kluyvera ascorbata). Values for LM reached 60% compared with1.7% in control. In the raining season the protection was observed from 63to 74 DAT. In the dry season the effect was reduced and anticipated to theperiod from 45 to 60 DAT.A traça das crucíferas (DBM) Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)é a praga mais importante do repolho no Brasil, podendo ser controlada pelouso de químicos e Bacillus thuringiensis, individualmente ou combinados emprograma de manejo integrado. Bactérias promotoras de crescimento deplantas (PGPR) podem ser uma importante nova alternativa para o controlebiológico de P. xylostella. Este trabalho objetivou estudar os efeitos de PGPRna biologia de DBM em repolho durante dois períodos de plantio Maio aJulho de 2000 (estação chuvosa) e Fevereiro a Maio de 2001 (estação seca).Sementes de repolho cv. Midori foram imersas durante 30 min em suspensõesbacterianas a A580 = 0,52 correspondendo a 108 unidades formadoras decolônias/mL, secas durante 12 h, semeadas em bandejas de poliestireno etransplantadas para 3 parcelas no campo em delineamento inteiramentecasualizado. Em diferentes dias após o transplantio (DAT) folhas de cadatratamento foram coletadas ao acaso e levadas ao laboratório, onde discos de8cm de diâmetro foram cortados e colocados em placas de Petri sobre papelde filtro. Dez larvas de DBM 1st instar, criadas em laboratório foram entãocolocadas para se alimentar sobre cada disco de folha. Após três dias, osdiscos foram trocados diariamente até a formação da pupa. Foram observadasmortalidade larval (LM) e viabilidade pupal (PV), duração larval (LD) e pupal(LP. Em ambos experimentos LM e PV foram significativamente elevadas ereduzidas pelos isolados ENF14 (Enterobacter cloacae), EN5 (Alcaligenes piechaudii)e EN4 (Kluyvera ascorbata). LM atingiu 60% comparada com 1,7% natestemunha. Na estação chuvosa, a proteção foi verificada entre 63 a 74 DAT. Na estação seca, o efeito foi menor e antecipado para o período entre45 a 60 DAT

The Influence of Incentive Programs on Executives’ Risk Perception

The balance between executive compensation and value added is a constant challenge for organizations, as well as an important key to minimize agency problems. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between term of payment and compensation variability and the executives’ risk perception, as well as their motivation to add value, using the agency theory and the executive compensation literature as references for the study. Quantitative methods were applied, by collecting primary data from 121 Brazilian executives who answered a survey regarding their company’s compensation program models and their risk perception. Study results showed that executives' risk perception, as well as their motivation to add value, have statistically significant relationship with the level of compensation variability. Statistically significant relationship was also found between individual characteristics, such as age and time working for the organization, and the executive’s risk perception.The balance between executive compensation and value added is a constant challenge for organizations, as well as an important key to minimize agency problems. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between term of payment and compensation variability and the executives’ risk perception, as well as their motivation to add value, using the agency theory and the executive compensation literature as references for the study. Quantitative methods were applied, by collecting primary data from 121 Brazilian executives who answered a survey regarding their company’s compensation program models and their risk perception. Study results showed that executives' risk perception, as well as their motivation to add value, have statistically significant relationship with the level of compensation variability. Statistically significant relationship was also found between individual characteristics, such as age and time working for the organization, and the executive’s risk perception

Gestão da Coleta Seletiva de Resíduos Sólidos no Campus Pampulha da UFMG: Desafios e Impactos Sociais

The selective collection of solid waste consists of the separation of recyclable materials at the source and its routing to proper recycling. This action looks for promoting environmental education besides generating jobs and income and consequently it presents as a result the development of the garbage separation habit for its further processing and use, contributing in this way to urban sustainability. This study aimed to identify challenges to the implementation and management of solid waste selective collection on the campus of UFMG Pampulha and its social impacts. The research was characterized as a descriptive case study where quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. The perception of waste managers of various units of UFMG were analyzed, comparing the results obtained with those of other universities. The social participation in the solid waste selective collection at UFMG was also investigated. The results signaled the need for investment in infrastructure, for the institutionalization of the process and for the continuous promotion of environmental education through campaigns, seeking the involvement of people in the program. The establishment of waste pickers associations was considered important for the development and valorization of the collector’s activity.La recogida selectiva de residuos sólidos consiste en la separación de los materiales reciclables en la fuente generadora y en el encaminamiento para el reciclaje. Esta acción busca promover la educación ambiental, generar trabajo y ingresos y consecuentemente el hábito de separación de los residuos para su aprovechamiento apropiado, contribuyendo a una sostenibilidad urbana. Este trabajo tuvo como meta identificar los desafíos para la implantación y la gestión de la recogida selectiva nel Campus de la Pampulha de la UFMG así como sus impactos sociales. La investigación fue caracterizada como un estudio de caso descriptivo. Se utilizó abordajes cuantitativos y cualitativos. Se buscó analizar la percepción de los gestores de residuos de las unidades de la UFMG, comparando los resultados con las experiencias de otras universidades. También fue investigada la participación social en la recogida selectiva en UFMG. Los resultados señalizaron una necesidad de: inversiones en infraestructura, institucionalización del proceso y promoción continua de campañas de educación ambiental, mirando el envolvimiento de las personas nel programa. Se consideró importante la constitución de las asociaciones de colectores de los materiales reciclables para la valorización de su actividad.A coleta seletiva de resíduos sólidos consiste na separação de materiais recicláveis na fonte geradora e o devido encaminhamento para reciclagem. Esta ação busca promover a educação ambiental, gera trabalho e renda e apresenta como consequência o hábito da separação do lixo para seu devido aproveitamento, contribuindo para a sustentabilidade urbana. Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar os desafios à implantação e gestão da coleta seletiva no Campus da Pampulha da UFMG e seus impactos sociais. A pesquisa foi caracterizada como um estudo de caso descritivo. Foram utilizadas as abordagens quantitativa e qualitativa. Buscou-se analisar a percepção dos gestores de resíduos das várias unidades da UFMG, comparando os resultados obtidos com as experiências de outras universidades. Também foi investigada a participação social na coleta seletiva na UFMG. Os resultados sinalizaram a necessidade de investimentos em infraestrutura, a institucionalização do processo e a promoção contínua de campanhas de educação ambiental, buscando o envolvimento das pessoas no programa. Foi considerada importante a constituição das associações de catadores de materiais recicláveis para a valorização da atividade dos catadores

Evaluation of Satisfaction of Adolescents Treated by Dental Students

Objective: To evaluate the satisfaction of adolescents undergoing dental treatment between 2016 and 2018 at the Dental School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (FAO UFMG). Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study using the Oral Health Services Satisfaction Assessment Questionnaire (QASSaB). The structured questionnaire has eleven questions divided among the dimensions: dentist / patient relationship, relationship with other professionals, effectiveness, accessibility/availability, technical-scientific quality, cleanliness and physical environment, acceptability, effectiveness/resolution, each with five response options. Descriptive data analysis was performed using absolute and relative frequencies. Results: A total of 145 adolescents participated in this study, 60 males and 85 females; 74.85% of adolescents rated dental treatment received as excellent, 76.7% reported having no symptoms after treatment, 46.2% considered it easy/very easy to get treatment, 65.6% reported that waiting time was short/very short, 90% considered dental equipment modern/very modern, 98% regarded the cleanliness of the waiting room and bathrooms as being excellent, 83.4% reported that they always received an explanation about the treatment, and 51.57% were totally satisfied with the appearance of the treated teeth and their chewing capacity. Conclusion: It was possible to observe that the adolescents, users of FAO UFMG, were satisfied with the service in the studied dimensions: human relations, effectiveness, accessibility/availability, technical-scientific quality, physical environment/cleanliness, acceptability and resolvability/effectiveness

Evaluation of Satisfaction of Adolescents Treated by Dental Students

Objective: To evaluate the satisfaction of adolescents undergoing dental treatment between 2016 and 2018 at the Dental School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (FAO UFMG). Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study using the Oral Health Services Satisfaction Assessment Questionnaire (QASSaB). The structured questionnaire has eleven questions divided among the dimensions: dentist / patient relationship, relationship with other professionals, effectiveness, accessibility/availability, technical-scientific quality, cleanliness and physical environment, acceptability, effectiveness/resolution, each with five response options. Descriptive data analysis was performed using absolute and relative frequencies. Results: A total of 145 adolescents participated in this study, 60 males and 85 females; 74.85% of adolescents rated dental treatment received as excellent, 76.7% reported having no symptoms after treatment, 46.2% considered it easy/very easy to get treatment, 65.6% reported that waiting time was short/very short, 90% considered dental equipment modern/very modern, 98% regarded the cleanliness of the waiting room and bathrooms as being excellent, 83.4% reported that they always received an explanation about the treatment, and 51.57% were totally satisfied with the appearance of the treated teeth and their chewing capacity. Conclusion: It was possible to observe that the adolescents, users of FAO UFMG, were satisfied with the service in the studied dimensions: human relations, effectiveness, accessibility/availability, technical-scientific quality, physical environment/cleanliness, acceptability and resolvability/effectiveness

SEXVID: das práticas sexuais à política da incerteza no contexto da COVID-19

A pesquisa SEXVID é uma investigação nacional interdisciplinar realizada no contexto global de pandemia da COVID-19, e tem como objetivo pensar a gestão de riscos envolvendo as práticas sexuais no Brasil desde a declaração pela OMS do estado pandêmico. Nesta entrevista, as e o coordenador/as do projeto contam como têm pesquisado as mudanças nas experiências, nos hábitos e nas narrativas a respeito da sexualidade em diferentes populações e grupos a partir das medidas de distanciamento físico. Entrelaçando psicologia, antropologia e política com a investigação de práticas, riscos e interseccionalidades que constituem as experiências concretas, discutem sobre como abordar a sexualidade no contexto da pandemia da COVID-19 pode contribuir para promover estratégias de prevenção mais adequadas e em diálogo com experiências localizadas

Análise dos pacientes com Câncer Renal no Hospital Geral de Fortaleza no período de 2017 a 2022

Introdução: Dentre as neoplasias urológicas, o câncer de rim é considerado o mais letal, com 17% dos pacientes apresentando metástase a distância no momento do diagnóstico e aproximadamente 40% dos pacientes morrendo devido à progressão da doença. Objetivo: Analisar o perfil clínico e epidemiológico dos pacientes diagnosticados com câncer renal submetidos a nefrectomia radical ou parcial no Hospital Geral de Fortaleza no período de julho de 2017 a junho de 2022. Método: Coorte retrospectivo utilizando dados secundários disponibilizados pelo Departamento de Estatística do Hospital e análise de prontuários médicos. Resultados: Foram analisados 102 procedimentos cirúrgicos, dos quais 63,1 % corresponderam a nefrectomia radical e 30,1% nefrectomia parcial. A proporção entre homens e mulheres foi de 1,5:1. Houve predomínio de incidência na sexta e sétima década de vida. A maioria dos pacientes foram tratados em estágios iniciais da doença, com 60% apresentando estadio I ao diagnóstico. O subtipo histológico mais comum foi o carcinoma renal de células claras. As complicações pós-operatórias foram raras. Conclusão: O presente trabalho apresentou resultados similares aos apresentados nos estudos epidemiológicos mais recentes a respeito das neoplasias renais. Estudos retrospectivos como este podem contribuir para a compreensão das características dos pacientes portadores de câncer renal atendidos no estado do Ceará

Expressed sequence tags from Atta laevigata and identification of candidate genes for the control of pest leaf-cutting ants

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Leafcutters are the highest evolved within Neotropical ants in the tribe Attini and model systems for studying caste formation, labor division and symbiosis with microorganisms. Some species of leafcutters are agricultural pests controlled by chemicals which affect other animals and accumulate in the environment. Aiming to provide genetic basis for the study of leafcutters and for the development of more specific and environmentally friendly methods for the control of pest leafcutters, we generated expressed sequence tag data from <it>Atta laevigata</it>, one of the pest ants with broad geographic distribution in South America.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The analysis of the expressed sequence tags allowed us to characterize 2,006 unique sequences in <it>Atta laevigata</it>. Sixteen of these genes had a high number of transcripts and are likely positively selected for high level of gene expression, being responsible for three basic biological functions: energy conservation through redox reactions in mitochondria; cytoskeleton and muscle structuring; regulation of gene expression and metabolism. Based on leafcutters lifestyle and reports of genes involved in key processes of other social insects, we identified 146 sequences potential targets for controlling pest leafcutters. The targets are responsible for antixenobiosis, development and longevity, immunity, resistance to pathogens, pheromone function, cell signaling, behavior, polysaccharide metabolism and arginine kynase activity.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The generation and analysis of expressed sequence tags from <it>Atta laevigata </it>have provided important genetic basis for future studies on the biology of leaf-cutting ants and may contribute to the development of a more specific and environmentally friendly method for the control of agricultural pest leafcutters.</p