No-horizon theorem for spacetimes with spacelike G1 isometry groups

We consider four-dimensional spacetimes $(M,{\mathbf g})$ which obey the Einstein equations ${\mathbf G}={\mathbf T}$, and admit a global spacelike $G_{1}={\mathbb R}$ isometry group. By means of dimensional reduction and local analyis on the reduced (2+1) spacetime, we obtain a sufficient condition on ${\mathbf T}$ which guarantees that $(M,{\mathbf g})$ cannot contain apparent horizons. Given any (3+1) spacetime with spacelike translational isometry, the no-horizon condition can be readily tested without the need for dimensional reduction. This provides thus a useful and encompassing apparent horizon test for $G_{1}$-symmetric spacetimes. We argue that this adds further evidence towards the validity of the hoop conjecture, and signals possible violations of strong cosmic censorship.Comment: 8 pages, LaTeX, uses IOP package; published in Class. Quantum Gra

THYMIC CYST – AN UNCOMMON DIAGNOSIS

Introdução: Os quistos do timo são lesões pouco frequentes na prática clínica. São diagnosticados principalmente durante a adolescência, contudo podem ser identificados em qualquer grupo etário. Na sua larga maioria são assintomáticos. O diagnóstico definitivo é, na maior parte dos casos, histológico. Os exames complementares nem sempre permitem o diagnóstico diferencial com outras lesões, como o higroma quístico. O tratamento dos quistos do timo é exclusivamente cirúrgico e tem bom prognóstico. Caso clínico: Os autores descrevem o caso de um adolescente com 12 anos, a quem, em contexto de consulta de rotina no médico assistente, foi identificada uma lesão cervical mediana que aumentava de dimensões com a manobra de Valsalva

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

Capacitação de técnicos e assentados dos assentamentos do Estado de Goiás.

Desde o ano 2004 a Embrapa Arroz e Feijão, desenvolve várias ações junto aos assentamentos da reforma agrária nos municípios de Caiapônia e Piranhas de Goiás. Esse trabalho foi intensificado a partir de 2006 com o convênio entre a Embrapa Arroz e Feijão, o Instituto Nacional de Colonização e Reforma Agrária (Incra-GO) e a Fundação de Apoio á Pesquisa e ao Desenvolvimento (Faped). A iniciativa buscou incrementar a produção de alimentos, a geração de renda e a conservação de solos nas unidades produtivas dos assentamentos. O trabalho também valorizou o espaço rural de cada comunidade como um ambiente rico em experiência de vida e intimamente ligado á preservação dos recursos naturais da região. Em todas as ações e intervenções promovidas pelo convênio, houve a participação efetiva dos prestadores de assistência técnica aos assentados e dos próprios assentados, sempre no sentido de respeitar os conhecimentos tradicionais, melhor o bem-estar e reduzir a dependência de insumos externos.bitstream/CNPAF/26717/1/doc_211.pd

Survey and significance of filamentous fungi from tap water

Fungi in drinking water are involved in the production of tastes and odours in water. Health problems are possible, originating from mycotoxins, animal pathogens and allergies. This report concerns the surveillance of mesophilic fungi in tap water and assessment of their potential for causing problems. The methods for the determination of the filamentous fungi (ff) were filtering, swabbing and baiting. Tap water, half-strength corn meal, neopeptone–glucose rose Bengal aureomycin (NGRBA) and oomycete selective agars for the enumeration of colony forming units (cfu) were used. Samples were taken consecutively over 16 months. Filtration and NGRBA gave the highest ff counts. A total of 340 taxa were isolated. There appeared to be a negative correlation between bacterial and yeast (b/y) and ff counts. Highest counts were found in winter months for ff and in the warmer months for b/y. Penicillium (40.6%) and Acremonium (38.8%) were the most frequently isolated ff. There was a difference in the pattern of isolation of the key taxa with season: penicillia predominated in early summer and Acremonium in winter. P. expansum was isolated in high numbers in May 2004. This species is associated with the production of the mycotoxin patulin and the odour secondary metabolite geosmin. P. brevicompactum was detected throughout the sampling period and is known to produce the immunosuppressive drug mycophenolic acid. Acremonium is associated with ocentol production which is responsible for bad tastes and flavours. The remaining taxa were Phialophora sp. (4.1%), Cladosporium sp. (3.5%), Rhizopus stolonifer (2.9%), Chaetomium sp. (0.6%), Alternaria sp. (0.3%), Aspergillus sp. (0.3%), mycelia sterilia (2.6%) and unidentified (6.2%). It is emphasised that few Aspergillus and no Fusarium strains were isolated. Rhizopus stolonifer was obtained. However, none of the fungi isolated at mesophilic temperature used could be described as being involved with pathogenicity per se.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - grant FRH/BPD/14923/2004.European Union (EU) - Fifth Framework Programme ‘‘Energy, environment and sustainable development programme’’

Mycological examination and biofilm formation in drinking water

This study reports the presence of filamentous fungi (ff) in drinking water including biofilms. Ff are not studied ufficiently in drinking water. Ff were highest in winter and had an indirect relation with other microorganisms. Pathogenic fungi were not observed at the mesophilic temperatures used. Penicillium expansum and P. brevicompactum were observed which may affect biofilms by mycotoxin production. FISH and calcofluor methods indicated presumptive ff in biofilms in water distribution systems.European Union within the Fifth Framework Programme Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Ranking and clustering of nodes in networks with smart teleportation

Random teleportation is a necessary evil for ranking and clustering directed networks based on random walks. Teleportation enables ergodic solutions, but the solutions must necessarily depend on the exact implementation and parametrization of the teleportation. For example, in the commonly used PageRank algorithm, the teleportation rate must trade off a heavily biased solution with a uniform solution. Here we show that teleportation to links rather than nodes enables a much smoother trade-off and effectively more robust results. We also show that, by not recording the teleportation steps of the random walker, we can further reduce the effect of teleportation with dramatic effects on clustering.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figure