The perception of team leadership when using collaborative systems

Introduction: This study explores leader behavior and the engagement of other members in collaborative systems teams as well as the ability of teams to implement beneficial practices for collaboration. Method: The data were obtained through the application of a questionnaire with 27 questions to 13 virtual and face-to-face teams that use collaborative systems in companies of different sizes and activities. Results: The results show that the teams studied know how to implement effective management methods and their members have confidence to collaborate with each other; but, in a few cases, collaborative systems still prove to be a challenge and a barrier to meeting all the needs of an individual in your group. Conclusions: Leadership proved to be effective in the corporate environments studied; despite showing small deviations and contradictions in the expected behavior in each identified group and work style. It is concluded that to have effective leadership in collaborative systems, there must be clear communication and the creation of trust among team members.Introdução: Este estudo explora o comportamento do líder e o engajamento dos demais membros em equipes de sistemas colaborativos e a capacidade de as equipes implementarem práticas vantajosas para a colaboração. Método: Os dados foram obtidos através da aplicação de um questionário com 27 questões para 13 equipes virtuais e presenciais que utilizam sistemas colaborativos em empresas de porte e atividades variadas. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram que a maioria das equipes estudadas sabem implementar métodos de gerenciamento eficazes e possuem confiança para colaborar entre si; mas, em alguns poucos casos, os sistemas colaborativos ainda se mostram como um desafio e uma barreira para atender todas as necessidades de um indivíduo em seu grupo. Conclusão: A liderança se mostrou efetiva nos ambientes corporativos estudados; apesar de demonstrar pequenos desvios e contradições no comportamento esperado em cada grupo e estilo de trabalho identificados. Conclui-se que, para se ter uma liderança efetiva nos sistemas colaborativos, é necessário que haja uma comunicação clara e a criação de confiança entre os membros da equipe.  

EXPERIMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF TECHNIQUES FOR FISHEYE CAMERA CALIBRATION

Fisheye lens cameras enable to increase the Field of View (FOV), and consequently they have been largely used in several applications like robotics. The use of this type of cameras in close-range Photogrammetry for high accuracy applications, requires rigorous calibration. The main aim of this work is to present the calibration results of a Fuji Finepix S3PRO camera with Samyang 8mm fisheye lens using rigorous mathematical models. Mathematical models based on Perspective, Stereo-graphic, Equi-distant, Orthogonal and Equi-solid-angle projections were implemented and used in the experiments. The fisheye lenses are generally designed following one of the last four models, and Bower-Samyang 8mm lens is based on Stereo-graphic projection. These models were used in combination with symmetric radial, decentering and affinity distortion models. Experiments were performed to verify which set of IOPs (Interior Orientation Parameters) presented better results to describe the camera inner geometry. Collinearity mathematical model, which is based on perspective projection, presented the less accurate results, which was expected because fisheye lenses are not designed following the perspective projection. Stereo-graphic, Equi-distant, Orthogonal and Equi-solid-angle projections presented similar results even considering that Bower-Samyang fisheye lens was built based on Stereo-graphic projection. The experimental results also demonstrated a small correlation between IOPs and EOPs (Exterior Orientation Parameters) for Bower-Samyang lens

Geometrical Correction of CBERS-4/PAN Images with Generalized Models Using as Reference National System of Land Management Data

The orbital images have been widely used in several applications in the Earth observation context, which require different levels of detail and positional accuracy. The China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite Program (CBERS) program was originated from a partnership between Brazil and China in the technical-scientific spatial sector. The CBERS-4 satellite is the fifth satellite of the CBERS Program and contains the PAN sensor, which collects panchromatic images with spatial resolution element (GSD - Ground Sample Distance) of 5 m. The researches related to the analysis of positional reliability and geometric correction of CBERS-4 images are still limited. Previous studies with CBERS-4 PAN images with different levels of processing indicate significant positional displacements of the georeferenced images, which are available by INPE (National Institute of Space Research). The positional displacements are incompatible with its GSD. The objective of this work was to investigate the application of generalized mathematical models in the geometric correction of CBERS-4 PAN images using rural properties limits of INCRA (Instituto Nacional de Colonização e Reforma Agrária) as control points. These limits are available for properties all over Brazil, which makes it possible to replicate the work at the national level. Images with different levels of previous correction (levels 1 and 2) were considered. Level 1 images are derived only from the application of radiometric calibration procedures, while level 2 images are level 1 images geometrically corrected from satellite orbital data information. In the experiments were considered 3 (three) images at level 1 and 1 (one) image at level 2. The following generalized models were adopted: Polynomials of order 1, 2 and 3; Projective and; Thin-plate spline (TPS). Generalized models have the advantage of not requiring knowledge of the system acquisition parameters, such as focal length, sensor size, among others. However, the generalized models require a significant amount of control points with uniform distribution throughout the image. For the geometric correction process were used different configurations of control points (30, 25, 20, 15 and 10) coinciding with the georeferenced rural properties in the Mato Grosso do Sul state, which presents accuracy higher than 50 cm. The geometric correction validation was performed from the RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) at checkpoints. The polynomial transformation of order 1 presented high values (higher than 10 GSD - 50 meters) of RSME when compared to the other mathematical models, even considering 30 control points. The polynomial model of order 2 presented consistent behavior higher than the other models. Even when considering only 10 GCP presented RMSE between 1 and 2 GSD. In this model there is no significant improvement in the results, even increasing the number of control points. In the other models (TPS, Projection and Polynomial of order 3), there was a significant increase in RMSE when the number of points was reduced. The images used in this work cover part of the Mato Grosso do Sul state, which encompasses the most part of the Pantanal, considered a natural patrimony of humanity. Therefore, these orbital images contribute to the mapping and monitoring of their natural resources and, consequently, the protection of this patrimon

IMPACTO DA MANCHA FOLIAR CAUSADA POR Cylindrocladium candelabrum EM PLANTIOS JOVENS DE Eucalyptus benthamii EM RIO NEGRINHO – SC

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509818448Eucalyptus benthamii is one of the planted forest species in Southern Brazil due to its frost resistance. The main disease in commercial plantations is the leaf spot caused by Cylindrocladium candelabrum. The objective of this work was to evaluate incidence and severity of this disease in Eucalyptus benthamii plantations, in Rio Negrinho,  SC state. The survey was performed in three plantations (4, 8 and 18 months-old), quantifying the number of diseased trees and evaluating the severity by using a diagrammatic scale varying from 0 (no spot and shedding of leaves) to 5 (more than 75 % of defoliation). Four evaluations were done from July/2011 to June/2013. The average incidence of leaf spot on trees varied from 2.6 to 43.8 %, depending upon the age, while the average severity varied from 1.2 to 2.8, with low severity in trees of 4 and 8 months-old. It was verified increase on disease severity increasing tree age and the direct relationship between disease intensity and precipitation volume as well as between severity and tree height. The relationship between the incidence of plants with leaf spot varied according to tree heights.http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509818448Eucalyptus benthamii é uma das espécies florestais plantada na região Sul do Brasil devido à sua resistência à geada. A principal doença em plantios comerciais é a mancha foliar causada por Cylindrocladium candelabrum. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a incidência e a severidade da doença em plantios de Eucalyptus benthamii, localizados em Rio Negrinho - SC. O levantamento foi realizado em três plantios (quatro, oito e 18 meses de idade), quantificando-se a incidência pelo percentual de plantas doentes e a severidade com uma escala diagramática que variou de 0 (sem mancha e desfolha) a 5 (mais de 75 % de desfolha). Quatro avaliações foram feitas no período de julho/2011 a junho/2013. A incidência média de árvores com a mancha foliar variou de 2,6 até 43,8 % das árvores, dependendo da idade, enquanto que a severidade média variou de 1,2 a 2,9, com menor severidade nas árvores de quatro e oito meses de idade. Verificaram-se relações diretas entre a intensidade da doença e o volume de precipitação pluviométrica, bem como entre severidade e altura da árvore. A relação entre incidência de plantas com mancha foliar variou de acordo com a altura das árvores

Review article – Optimisation of exposure parameters for spinal curvature measurements in paediatric radiography

This review aims to identify strategies to optimise radiography practice using digital technologies, for full spine studies on paediatrics focusing particularly on methods used to diagnose and measure severity of spinal curvatures. The literature search was performed on different databases (PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect) and relevant websites (e.g., American College of Radiology and International Commission on Radiological Protection) to identify guidelines and recent studies focused on dose optimisation in paediatrics using digital technologies. Plain radiography was identified as the most accurate method. The American College of Radiology (ACR) and European Commission (EC) provided two guidelines that were identified as the most relevant to the subject. The ACR guidelines were updated in 2014; however these guidelines do not provide detailed guidance on technical exposure parameters. The EC guidelines are more complete but are dedicated to screen film systems. Other studies provided reviews on the several exposure parameters that should be included for optimisation, such as tube current, tube voltage and source-to-image distance; however, only explored few of these parameters and not all of them together. One publication explored all parameters together but this was for adults only. Due to lack of literature on exposure parameters for paediatrics, more research is required to guide and harmonise practic

Research article – Optimisation of paediatrics computed radiographyfor full spine curvature measurements using a phantom: a pilot study

Aim: Optimise a set of exposure factors, with the lowest effective dose, to delineate spinal curvature with the modified Cobb method in a full spine using computed radiography (CR) for a 5-year-old paediatric anthropomorphic phantom. Methods: Images were acquired by varying a set of parameters: positions (antero-posterior (AP), posteroanterior (PA) and lateral), kilo-voltage peak (kVp) (66-90), source-to-image distance (SID) (150 to 200cm), broad focus and the use of a grid (grid in/out) to analyse the impact on E and image quality (IQ). IQ was analysed applying two approaches: objective [contrast-to-noise-ratio/(CNR] and perceptual, using 5 observers. Monte-Carlo modelling was used for dose estimation. Cohen’s Kappa coefficient was used to calculate inter-observer-variability. The angle was measured using Cobb’s method on lateral projections under different imaging conditions. Results: PA promoted the lowest effective dose (0.013 mSv) compared to AP (0.048 mSv) and lateral (0.025 mSv). The exposure parameters that allowed lower dose were 200cm SID, 90 kVp, broad focus and grid out for paediatrics using an Agfa CR system. Thirty-seven images were assessed for IQ and thirty-two were classified adequate. Cobb angle measurements varied between 16°±2.9 and 19.9°±0.9. Conclusion: Cobb angle measurements can be performed using the lowest dose with a low contrast-tonoise ratio. The variation on measurements for this was ±2.9° and this is within the range of acceptable clinical error without impact on clinical diagnosis. Further work is recommended on improvement to the sample size and a more robust perceptual IQ assessment protocol for observers

In vitro selection of endophytes for biological control of Botrytis cinerea in Eucalyptus benthamii

   O Eucalyptus benthamii é uma das principais espécies de eucalipto plantadas na região Sul do Brasil, por sua resistência a geadas e por seu uso na produção florestal de madeira para fins energéticos. Na produção de mudas, uma das principais doenças ocorrentes em viveiros é o mofo-cinzento, causado pelo fungo Botrytis cinerea. Uma das alternativas para o controle dessa doença é o controle biológico com fungos endofíticos, os quais podem competir com os patógenos foliares de mudas de eucalipto. O objetivo deste trabalho foi isolar os fungos endofíticos provenientes de mudas de E. benthamii, identificá-los e selecioná-los para o controle de B. cinerea. Eles foram isolados do interior de tecidos vegetais desinfectados, identificados de acordo com critérios macro e micromorfológicos e classificados a partir de testes de controle biológico in vitro. Os resultados evidenciaram o potencial antagonista dos fungos Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. e Trichoderma sp. Nenhum desses fungos causou lesões em mudas de E. benthamii.Palavras-chave: Mofo-cinzento; eucalipto; viveiro.AbstractIn vitro selection of endophytes for biological control of Botrytis cinerea in Eucalyptus benthamii. Eucalyptus benthamii is one of the main eucalypt species planted in Southern Brazil, due to its resistance to frost and its use in the production of forest wood for energy purposes. During the production of seedlings, the main disease occurring in forest nurseries is gray-mold caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. One alternative for control this disease is biological control with fungal endophytes, which can compete with the foliar pathogens of eucalypt seedlings. The objective of this study was to isolate endophytic fungi from seedlings of Eucalyptus benthamii, identify and select them for B. cinerea control. These were isolated from the interior of disinfected plant tissues, identified according to macro and micromorphological criteria, and based on tests of biological control in vitro. The results revealed the potential antagonist of Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. and Trichoderma sp. No fungi caused lesions in E. benthamii seedlings.Keywords: Gray-mold; eucalypt; nursery.    AbstractEucalyptus benthamii is one of the main eucalypt species planted in Southern Brazil, due to its resistance to frost and its use in the production of forest wood for energy purposes. During the production of seedlings, the main disease occurring in forest nurseries is gray-mold caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. One alternative for control this disease is biological control with fungal endophytes, which can compete with the foliar pathogens of eucalypt seedlings. The objective of this study was to isolate endophytic fungi from seedlings of Eucalyptus benthamii, identify and select them for B. cinerea control. These were isolated from the interior of disinfected plant tissues, identified according to macro and micromorphological criteria, and based on tests of biological control in vitro. The results revealed the potential antagonist of Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. and Trichoderma sp. No fungi caused lesions in E. benthamii seedlings.Keywords: Gray-mold; eucalypt; nursery

High-resolution genetic map and QTL analysis of growth-related traits of Hevea brasiliensis cultivated under suboptimal temperature and humidity conditions

Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) cultivation is the main source of natural rubber worldwide and has been extended to areas with suboptimal climates and lengthy drought periods; this transition affects growth and latex production. High-density genetic maps with reliable markers support precise mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL), which can help reveal the complex genome of the species, provide tools to enhance molecular breeding, and shorten the breeding cycle. In this study, QTL mapping of the stem diameter, tree height, and number of whorls was performed for a full-sibling population derived from a GT1 and RRIM701 cross. A total of 225 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 186 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to construct a base map with 18 linkage groups and to anchor 671 SNPs from genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to produce a very dense linkage map with small intervals between loci. The final map was composed of 1,079 markers, spanned 3,779.7 cM with an average marker density of 3.5 cM, and showed collinearity between markers from previous studies. Significant variation in phenotypic characteristics was found over a 59-month evaluation period with a total of 38 QTLs being identified through a composite interval mapping method. Linkage group 4 showed the greatest number of QTLs (7), with phenotypic explained values varying from 7.67 to 14.07%. Additionally, we estimated segregation patterns, dominance, and additive effects for each QTL. A total of 53 significant effects for stem diameter were observed, and these effects were mostly related to additivity in the GT1 clone. Associating accurate genome assemblies and genetic maps represents a promising strategy for identifying the genetic basis of phenotypic traits in rubber trees. Then, further research can benefit from the QTLs identified herein, providing a better understanding of the key determinant genes associated with growth of Hevea brasiliensis under limiting water conditions