Efficient choice of parameters on delta-reachability bounded hybrid systems

Hybrid systems (HS) are roughly described as a set of discrete state transitions and continuous dynamics modeled by differential equations. Parametric HS may be constructed by having parameters on the differential equations, initial conditions, jump conditions, or a combination of the previous ones. In real applications, the best solution is obtained by a set of metrics functional over the set of solutions generated from a finite set of parameters. This paper examines the choice of parameters on delta-reachability bounded hybrid systems. We present an efficient model based on the tool pHL-MT to benchmark the HS solutions (based on dReach), and a non-parametric frontier analysis approach, relying on multidirectional efficiency analysis (MEA). Three numerical examples of epidemic models with variable growth inffectivity are presented, namely: when the variable of infected individuals oscillates around some endemic (non-autonomous) equilibrium; when there is an asymptotically stable non-trivial attractor; and in the presence of bump functions.publishe

A Educação Cooperativa como área temática do ensino da Administração: um estudo de caso no Sistema de Cooperativas de Crédito SICOOB/SC.

O Cooperativismo ocupa um lugar tão importante no mundo que é impossível compreender a realidade econômico-social de hoje sem o seu estudo. Em seu caráter de entidades sócioeconômicas, que satisfazem diversas necessidades de seus associados mediante serviços de distribuição, colocação da produção e de trabalho, as cooperativas são atualmente apreciadas em todos os quadrantes do mundo. As cooperativas têm demonstrado ser, efetivamente, formas construtivas de proteção, defesa ou reação, capazes de multiplicar sua ação através dos esforços mancomunados de ilimitada quantidade de pessoas, eficazes instrumentos contra a intermediação supérflua, os monopólios e outras manifestações de caráter especulativo e aptas para preservar a solidariedade, igualdade, justiça, eqüidade e liberdade. Neste artigo, procurou-se relacionar diretrizes para a educação em organizações cooperativas do Cooperativismo de Crédito Catarinense. Assim sendo, o conteúdo deste abrange diversas contribuições que cientistas, historiadores, juristas e teóricos emprestam à vasta literatura principalmente internacional sobre o cooperativismo e o ensino. Faz-se também uma abordagem analítica sobre as diferentes manifestações do cooperativismo de crédito, assim como do surgimento e evolução dos Princípios Cooperativos com ênfase no da Educação Cooperativa. Para tanto, o presente trabalho foi baseado em pesquisa aplicada, descritiva (estudo exploratório, de caso, histórica e documental), qualitativa, e estudo de caso. As diretrizes apresentadas serviram em conjunto ou isoladamente como fonte de informações aos dirigentes do Sistema SICOOB/SC Central, para o desenvolvimento de estudos ou elaboração políticas que melhorem os processos que compõem o Sistema Educacional, de Informação e Formação do mesmo

Identifying mechanisms regulating Wnt signaling during postembryonic development

Proper regulation of the Wingless (Wg)/Wnt pathway is essential for development; inappropriate activation of the pathway occurs in many human cancers. Wg signaling stabilizes the effector, Armadillo (Arm) and in its absence Arm is phosphorylated, ubiquitinated, and then degraded. In this work, we take a closer look at Arm regulation. First we investigated the difference in Arm accumulation in APC, a member of the destruction complex, mutants. We find that while protein levels of Arm are the same, mRNA levels differ between embryos and larvae. Second, published data suggests that the SCF complex is responsible for Arm ubiquitination. The canonical SCF complex is known to contain five parts, including a RING domain protein of the Roc1/Rbx1 family. However, some data has called into question the exactly which Roc protein is part of the complex. Our data suggests that neither Roc1b nor Roc2 are solely responsible for Arm degradation

Effective individual culture system for in vitro production of bovine embryos

Estabeleceu-se um protocolo novo e eficaz de cultivo individual de embriões bovinos sem o uso de cocultivo e sem compartilhamento de meio visando à análise do metabolismo individual do embrião. Para isso, embriões foram produzidos in vitro por protocolos convencionais em três diferentes tipos de meio: KSOM, SOFaa e KSOM seguido por SOFaa no dia 2. Os zigotos presumíveis foram divididos em seis grupos: controles (cultivo em grupo – C-KSOM, C-SOFaa e C-KS) e sistema de poços individuais (W-KSOM, W-SOFaa e W-KS). As taxas de clivagem foram avaliadas nos dias 2 e 7, respectivamente. Além disso, a quantificação relativa de transcritos relacionados a importantes processos metabólicos (GLUT1, GLUT3, GSK3, SOD1, HSPD1 e G6PD) foi avaliada nos blastocistos dos grupos C-KS e W-KS. Os resultados mostram que as taxas de clivagem foram maiores apenas no grupo W-KSOM quando comparado ao grupo C-KSOM, enquanto a taxa de blastocistos diferiu apenas entre os grupos C e W-SOF. Além disso, a análise da expressão gênica mostrou que blastocistos cultivados em grupo ou em sistema de poços individuais são semelhantes quanto à expressão gênica. Assim, a conclusão obtida foi que o sistema individual proposto pode ser utilizado como um protocolo alternativo eficiente para o cultivo individual de embriões de bovino, uma vez que suas características permanecem semelhantes àquelas do sistema convencional de produção de embriões.A new and effective protocol to culture bovine embryos without coculture and with individualized culture media has been established, which would allow the study of a single embryo’s metabolism. For this purpose, bovine embryos were produced in vitro by standard protocols in three different types of media: KSOM, SOFaa, and KSOM followed by SOFaa at day 2. Presumptive zygotes were divided into six groups: control, cultured in groups (C-KSOM, C-SOFaa, and C-KS), and individual well system (W-KSOM, W-SOFaa, and W-KS). Cleavage and blastocyst rates were assessed on days 2 and 7 respectively. Relative quantification of transcripts related to important metabolic processes (GLUT1, GLUT3, GSK3, SOD1, HSPD1, G6PD) were assessed in C-KS and W-KS blastocysts. Results show that cleavage was significantly higher only in W-KSOM when compared to C-KSOM, while blastocyst rates differ only between C-SOF and W-SOF. All the other comparisons did not present statistical difference. Moreover, gene expression analysis revealed that blastocysts cultured in groups and in the individual well system present similar transcription patterns. Thus, the obtained conclusion was that the individual well system performed could be used as an effective alternative protocol for individual culture of bovine embryos, since the rates are similar to routine group culture

Substrate and indolebutyric acid in the rooting of pomegranate cuttings collected in two seasons

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) presents potential for commercial exploitation as a fruit, ornamental or medicinal plant. However, for its usage in orchards, it is ideal that the seedlings come from vegetative propagation techniques. The aim of this work was to test the usage of indolebutyric acid (IBA) and substrates, at two harvesting times (before and after fruiting) in the cutting propagation of pomegranate. The work was carried out at UTFPR, Campus Dois Vizinhos. The experiments were installed in a randomized block design, in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme (IBA concentration x substrate), with four replications and ten cuttings per experimental unit. IAB was tested at concentrations 0; 1000; 2000 and 3000 mg L-1. The used substrates were Red Latosol, medium textured sand, commercial substrate MecPlant® and a mixture of Red Latosol + sand + commercial (1:1:1, v/v). The cuttings were placed in beds in a screened protected environment, with 50% shading. Irrigation was performed three times a day for 30 min., by a micro sprinkler. After 60 days, rooting (%), cuttings with callus (%), number of primary leaf and root shoots, length of the three largest roots and percentage of dead cuttings were evaluated. Cutting presented itself as a potential technique to be adopted for pomegranate, using sand, with the use of IBA at concentrations between 1600 and 1750 mg L-1. Cuttings must be collected before fruiting. However, rhizogenesis close to 50% was achieved at the time after such phenological stage

COMPARISON OF ISOKINETIC FORCE OF THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ROTATORS OF THE SHOULDERS BETWEEN SWIMMERS OF ALTERNATE AND SIMULTANEOUS TECHNIQUES

The aim of this study was to compare the peak torque and the strength ratio between the external and internal swimmers’ right and left shoulder rotators between alternate and simultaneous swimming techniques. Sixteen competitive swimmers (3 females and 13 males) were divided equally into two groups, alternate and simultaneous swimming techniques. The experimental protocol consisted of three maximum concentric repetitions of internal rotation and external rotation of the shoulder at an angular velocity of 60°/s and twenty repetitions at a velocity of 180°/s, with a two minutes interval between speeds and four minutes in the change of laterality of the upper limbs on a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 4.0, Biodex Corp., Shirley, NY, EUA).The peak torque and the strength ratio between the external and internal swimmers’ right and left shoulder rotators were measured. No difference was obtained between swimming techniques for peak torque and the strength ratio between the external and internal swimmers’ right and left shoulder rotators (p \u3e 0.05), except for the right shoulder internal rotation at 180º/s (alternate: 44.13 ± 11.58; simultaneous: 56.25 ± 8.83; p \u3c 0.05). Based on our results, peak torque and the strength ratio between the external and internal swimmers’ right and left shoulder rotators do not seem to be influenced by the athlete\u27s predominant swimming technique, with alternate (front crawl and backstroke) or simultaneous (breast and butterfly) strokes. The main findings of this study show that the balance relationships between the ER/IR rotators of the shoulders do not seem to be differentiated by the alternate and simultaneous swimming techniques. However, observing only the PT/IR at a speed of 180°/s of the right shoulders, there was a significant difference between the groups and, therefore, the ER/IR balance ratio was at the maximum limit of normality. Regardless of the specialization of the swimming technique, that is, alternate or simultaneous, swimmers can present imbalances in the internal and external rotators of the shoulders, which reveal the need for compensatory strength training focused on the rotator muscles of the shoulder

A Participação em Programas de Intercâmbio como Alternativa Complementar de Formação: Contribuições do Programa Escala ao Curso de Graduação em Administração da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.

Considerando a perspectiva atual de mundo globalizado, as organizações e as pessoas passam por uma fase de adaptação. Os acadêmicos necessitam ampliar sua formação, nos âmbitos acadêmico, profissional e pessoal. A universidade exerce importante papel nesta formação e, portanto, deve oferecer meios, através de oportunidades para que isto aconteça de fato. Diante desta problemática surge a pergunta de pesquisa: o Programa Escala Estudantil contribui para a expansão da formação dos acadêmicos do Curso de Administração da UFSC? Visando responder a esta questão, foi delineado o objetivo geral deste artigo que é analisar através do estudo de caso de que forma a participação no Programa Escala contribuiu para a expansão da formação acadêmica, profissional e pessoal. Para o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa foi feito um estudo de caso, de natureza predominantemente qualitativa e descritivo. O estudo foi realizado com dois acadêmicos do curso de Ciências da Administração da UFSC de um total de sete, que participaram do Programa Escala no segundo semestre de 2004 e primeiro semestre de 2005. A escolha dos alunos se deu de forma aleatória pelo critério da acessibilidade e disponibilidade. A UFSC e o CAD oferecem algumas modalidades de intercâmbio através dos convênios de cooperação entre universidades. O ESAI é responsável por gerir este processo, que apresenta deficiências como a falta de recursos, de programas estruturados e de conhecimento. Contudo, a percebeu-se com este estudo que os programas de intercâmbio contribuem de maneira relevante para a expansão da formação dos estudantes, seja no âmbito acadêmico com o desenvolvimento de competências e compartilhando conhecimento, no âmbito profissional, forjando um profissional globalizado, diferenciado ou na maturidade e crescimento obtidos no âmbito pessoal. Recomenda-se que o estudo seja estendido aos demais participantes do Programa Escala para comprovar os resultados obtidos. Também é recomendado que a Universidade dedique maior atenção a esta ferramenta tão importante para o alcance da sua missão de aprofundar e ampliar a formação do ser humano

Resilient trees for urban environments: The importance of intraspecific variation

Societal Impact Statement: Trees in urban environments provide us with shade, heat mitigation, flood abatement, noise and pollution reduction, pollination, beauty, and much more. However, many of these benefits are strongly connected to tree size and vitality, with larger, healthier trees providing ecosystem services more effectively, which means that selecting the right tree for site and function is crucial in order to gain all benefits from our urban trees. Summary: Trees play a major role in the Earth's biogeochemical processes, influencing soil production, hydrological, nutrient and carbon cycles, and the global climate. They store about 50% of the world's terrestrial carbon stocks, and provide habitats for a wide range of other species, supporting at least half of the Earth's known terrestrial plants and animals. Trees are not only found in forests and other natural ecosystems, but also in urban environments. Most of the human population is concentrated in cities, towns and villages, so urban trees are critical to meet on‐going and future social, economic and environmental challenges. However, many urban tree populations are strongly challenged by a changing climate, outbreaks of pests and pathogens and an urban development with increasingly dense cities and a high proportion of impermeable surface materials. The importance of intraspecific variation needs to be better acknowledged in this context, since poor matching of trees and the local climate and growing conditions can lead to extensive loss of valuable trees. By using the right genetic plant material for the challenging urban environments, a more resilient tree population with a greater diversity and higher capacity for delivering ecosystem services can be gained. Here, we wish to discuss the need to consider intraspecific variation when planning resilient tree populations for urban environments and how seed banks and botanical garden play important roles in efforts to improve the matching of genetic plant material for future environmental challenges. Strategies to enrich urban tree diversity and increase resilience are outlined

Education about sexual and gender minorities within Canadian emergency medicine residency programs

Objectives: The CAEP 2021 2SLGBTQIA +i panel sought whether a gap exists within Canadian emergency medicine training pertaining to sexual and gender minority communities. This panel aimed to generate practical recommendations on improving emergency medicine education about sexual and gender minorities, thereby improving access to equitable healthcare. Methods: From August 2020 to June 2021, a panel of emergency medicine practitioners, residents, students, and community representatives met monthly via videoconference. A literature review was undertaken, and three mixed methods surveys were distributed to the CAEP member list, CAEP Resident Section, College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)iii Emergency Medicine Members Interest Group, and to emergency medicine residency program directors and their residents. Informed by the review and surveys, recommendations were drafted and refined by panel members before presentation at the 2021 CAEP Academic Symposium. A plenary was presented to symposium attendees composed of national emergency medicine community members, which reported the survey results and literature review. All attendees were divided into small groups to develop an action plan for each recommendation. Conclusions: The panel outlines eight recommendations for closing the curricular gap. It identifies three perceived or real barriers to the inclusion of sexual and gender minority content in emergency medicine residency curricula. It acknowledges three enabling recommendations that are beyond the scope of individual emergency medicine programs or emergency departments (EDs), that if enacted would enable the implementation of the recommendations. Each recommendation is accompanied by two action items as a guide to implementation. Each of the three barriers is accompanied by two action items that offer specific solutions to overcome these obstacles. Each enabling recommendation suggests an action that would shift emergency medicine towards sociocultural competence nationally. These recommendations set the primary steps towards closing the educational gap