Developing a site-conditions map for seismic hazard Assessment in Portugal

The evaluation of site effects on a broad scale is a critical issue for seismic hazard and risk assessment, land use planning and emergency planning. As characterization of site conditions based on the shear-wave velocity has become increasingly important, several methods have been proposed in the literature to estimate its average over the first thirty meters (Vs30) from more extensively available data. These methods include correlations with geologic-geographic defined units and topographic slope. In this paper we present the first steps towards the development of a site–conditions map for Portugal, based on a regional database of shear-wave velocity data, together with geological, geographic, and lithological information. We computed Vs30 for each database site and classified it according to the corresponding geological-lithological information using maps at the smallest scale available (usually 1:50000). We evaluated the consistency of Vs30 values within generalized-geological classes, and assessed the performance of expedient methodologies proposed in the literature

Vanishing Viscosity Limits and Boundary Layers for Circularly Symmetric 2D Flows

We continue the work of Lopes Filho, Mazzucato and Nussenzveig Lopes [LMN], on the vanishing viscosity limit of circularly symmetric viscous flow in a disk with rotating boundary, shown there to converge to the inviscid limit in $L^2$-norm as long as the prescribed angular velocity $\alpha(t)$ of the boundary has bounded total variation. Here we establish convergence in stronger $L^2$ and $L^p$-Sobolev spaces, allow for more singular angular velocities $\alpha$, and address the issue of analyzing the behavior of the boundary layer. This includes an analysis of concentration of vorticity in the vanishing viscosity limit. We also consider such flows on an annulus, whose two boundary components rotate independently. [LMN] Lopes Filho, M. C., Mazzucato, A. L. and Nussenzveig Lopes, H. J., Vanishing viscosity limit for incompressible flow inside a rotating circle, preprint 2006

Influence of parental nutritional status on nutritional status of their offspring at 0-36 months. Results from EPACI Portugal 2012

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Produção de mudas de palma-forrageira utilizando fragmentos de cladódios.

A palma (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) é uma das principais alternativas para alimentação de caprinos, ovinos e bovinos no Semiárido brasileiro. Contudo, o ataque da cochonilhado-carmim (Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerel) erradicou grande parte da área plantada, já que a maioria das variedades cultivadas são suscetíveis à praga. Três novas variedades resistentes à praga foram identificadas: Orelha-de-elefante mexicana, Miúda ou Doce e a variedade Mão-de-moça (clones IPA-Sertânea e PALMEPA-PB1). Contudo, a disponibilidade de material propagativo (cladódios ou raquetes) ainda é baixa, aumentando o preço da palma-semente. Assim, desenvolveu-se uma metodologia utilizando-se fragmentos (pedaços) de raquetes para a obtenção de novas mudas

The WFCAM Multi-wavelength Variable Star Catalog

Stellar variability in the near-infrared (NIR) remains largely unexplored. The exploitation of public science archives with data-mining methods offers a perspective for the time-domain exploration of the NIR sky. We perform a comprehensive search for stellar variability using the optical-NIR multi-band photometric data in the public Calibration Database of the WFCAM Science Archive (WSA), with the aim of contributing to the general census of variable stars, and to extend the current scarce inventory of accurate NIR light curves for a number of variable star classes. We introduce new variability indices designed for multi-band data with correlated sampling, and apply them for pre-selecting variable star candidates, i.e., light curves that are dominated by correlated variations, from noise-dominated ones. Pre-selection criteria are established by robust numerical tests for evaluating the response of variability indices to colored noise characteristic to the data. We find 275 periodic variable stars and an additional 44 objects with suspected variability with uncertain periods or apparently aperiodic variation. Only 44 of these objects had been previously known, including 11 RR~Lyrae stars in the outskirts of the globular cluster M3 (NGC~5272). We provide a preliminary classification of the new variable stars that have well-measured light curves, but the variability types of a large number of objects remain ambiguous. We classify most of the new variables as contact binary stars, but we also find several pulsating stars, among which 34 are probably new field RR~Lyrae and 3 are likely Cepheids. We also identify 32 highly reddened variable objects close to previously known dark nebulae, suggesting that these are embedded young stellar objects. We publish our results and all light-curve data as the WFCAM Variable Star Catalog.Comment: 21 pages, 11 figure

Stellar parameters for stars of the CoRoT exoplanet field

Aims:To support the computation and evolutionary interpretation of periods associated with the rotational modulation, oscillations, and variability of stars located in the CoRoT fields, we are conducting a spectroscopic survey for stars located in the fields already observed by the satellite. These observations allow us to compute physical and chemical parameters for our stellar sample. Method: Using spectroscopic observations obtained with UVES/VLT and Hydra/Blanco, and based on standard analysis techniques, we computed physical and chemical parameters ($T_{\rm{eff}}$, $\log \,(g)$, $\rm{[Fe/H]}$, $v_{\rm{mic}}$, $v_{\rm{rad}}$, $v \sin \,(i)$, and $A(\rm{Li})$) for a large sample of CoRoT targets. Results: We provide physical and chemical parameters for a sample comprised of 138 CoRoT targets. Our analysis shows the stars in our sample are located in different evolutionary stages, ranging from the main sequence to the red giant branch, and range in spectral type from F to K. The physical and chemical properties for the stellar sample are in agreement with typical values reported for FGK stars. However, we report three stars presenting abnormal lithium behavior in the CoRoT fields. These parameters allow us to properly characterize the intrinsic properties of the stars in these fields. Our results reveal important differences in the distributions of metallicity, $T_{\rm eff}$, and evolutionary status for stars belonging to different CoRoT fields, in agreement with results obtained independently from ground-based photometric surveys. Conclusions: Our spectroscopic catalog, by providing much-needed spectroscopic information for a large sample of CoRoT targets, will be of key importance for the successful accomplishment of several different programs related to the CoRoT mission, thus it will help further boost the scientific return associated with this space mission.Comment: 43 pages, 17 figures, accepted for publication in A&

Determinação da Carga Alergénica (Ole e1) Presente no Ar Atmosférico na Região de Évora: Correlação com o conteúdo polínico de Olea

Introdução: Em Portugal, o pólen da oliveira (Olea europaea) constitui uma das fontes mais relevantes de aero-alergénios, sendo uma causa frequente de polinose na região Mediterrânica, onde o Ole e 1 é um alergeno major. Apesar de se julgar apenas associado aos grãos de pólen, desconhece-se a variabilidade inter-anual da carga alergénica do pólen e ainda existe alguma controvérsia sobre a forma como este aeroalergeno se distribui no ar atmosférico. Objectivo: Este trabalho teve como objectivos: i) determinar a fracção dos bioaerossóis mais rica em Ole e 1; ii) avaliar a correlação dos conteúdos diários de pólen e aeroalergeno no ar atmosférico; iii) avaliar variação anual da carga alergénica do pólen. Métodos: Os aeroalergenos foram captados utilizando um colector de impacto CHEMVOL equipado com dois filtros com capacidade para reter partículas de diferentes dimensões: PM>10µm e 10µm>PM>2,5µm. Após 24h os filtros foram retirados, a fracção proteica foi extraída e os alergenos quantificados por ELISA. Simultaneamente o pólen foi monitorizado pela tecnologia padrão utilizando um colector volumétrico Burkard 7-Day Recording Volumetric Spore Trap. Os colectores foram ambos colocados numa mesma plataforma a 17m de altura, e a ≈3-4m um do outro. Resultados: Entre 2009 e 2011, registou-se uma variação inter-anual quer do perfil quer da duração da época polínica (39, 47 e 45 dias, respectivamente). O conteúdo polínico total no ar atmosférico também foi variável no intervalo de 7240 a 12524 grãos/m3. Mais de 90% do alergeno foi encontrado na fracção de bioaerossóis de PM>10µm. O conteúdo em Ole e 1 foi directamente proporcional ao número de grãos de pólen no ar atmosférico, tendo-se encontrado uma correlação positiva entre os valores diários dos dois parâmetros. Comparando as épocas estudadas, os conteúdos totais de Ole e1 e de pólen não foram proporcionais, tendo-se observado que a carga alergénica por grão de pólen variou mais de 3x. Conclusões: Estes resultados sugerem que o Ole e 1 está preferencialmente associado aos grãos de pólen. Os conteúdos em pólen e Ole e 1 variaram inter-anualmente, tendo a carga alergénica dos grãos de pólen sido diferente. Este trabalho poderá assim contribuir para o desenvolvimento de um indicador que permita melhorar a previsão do risco de exposição a aeroalergenos. Agradecimentos: Este foi realizado no âmbito do projecto europeu HIALINE (Executive Agency for Health and Consumers, grant agreement No 2008 11 07)

Non-parametric comparison of histogrammed two-dimensional data distributions using the Energy Test

When monitoring complex experiments, comparison is often made between regularly acquired histograms of data and reference histograms which represent the ideal state of the equipment. With the larger HEP experiments now ramping up, there is a need for automation of this task since the volume of comparisons could overwhelm human operators. However, the two-dimensional histogram comparison tools available in ROOT have been noted in the past to exhibit shortcomings. We discuss a newer comparison test for two-dimensional histograms, based on the Energy Test of Aslan and Zech, which provides more conclusive discrimination between histograms of data coming from different distributions than methods provided in a recent ROOT release.The Science and Technology Facilities Council, U

Predictive Response Value of Pre- and Postchemoradiotherapy Variables in Rectal Cancer: An Analysis of Histological Data

Background. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by curative surgery in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) improves pelvic disease control. Survival improvement is achieved only if pathological response occurs. Mandard tumor regression grade (TRG) proved to be a valid system to measure nCRT response. Potential predictive factors for Mandard response are analyzed. Materials and Methods. 167 patients with LARC were treated with nCRT and curative surgery. Tumor biopsies and surgical specimens were reviewed and analyzed regarding mitotic count, necrosis, desmoplastic reaction, and inflammatory infiltration grade. Surgical specimens were classified according to Mandard TRG. The patients were divided as "good responders" (Mandard TRG1-2) and "bad responders" (Mandard TRG3-5). According to results from our previous data, good responders have better prognosis than bad responders. We examined predictive factors for Mandard response and performed statistical analysis. Results. In univariate analysis, distance from anal verge and ten other postoperative variables related with nCRT tumor response had predictive value for Mandard response. In multivariable analysis only mitotic count, necrosis, and differentiation grade in surgical specimen had predictive value. Conclusions. There is a lack of clinical and pathological preoperative variables able to predict Mandard response. Only postoperative pathological parameters related with nCRT response have predictive value.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio