The kk-th derivatives of the immanant and the χ\chi-symmetric power of an operator

In recent papers, R. Bhatia, T. Jain and P. Grover obtained formulas for directional derivatives, of all orders, of the determinant, the permanent, the $m$-th compound map and the $m$-th induced power map. In this paper we generalize these results for immanants and for other symmetric powers of a matrix

MLT-prealigner: a tool for multilingual text alignment

Parallel text alignment is a key procedure in the automated translation area. A large number of aligners have been presented along the years, but these require that the target resources have been pre-prepared for alignment (either manually or automatically). It is rather normal to encounter mixed language documents, that is, documents where the same information is written in many languages (Ex: manuals of electronic devices, touristic information, PhD thesis with dual language abstracts, etc). In this article we present MLT-prealigner: a tool aimed at helping those that need to process mixed texts in order to feed alignment tools and other related language systems.(undefined)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Habitat suitability model for european wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with implications for restocking

The European wild rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, is a key species in the Iberian ecosystems. However, its populations are seriously depleted. Therefore, the development of habitat suitability models could be an important step towards the establishment of management and recovery plans. An habitat suitability model was developed for the rabbit in the 4,606 ha of the Peneda-Gerês National Park (northern Portugal). The framework was based on 3 steps: (1) construction of an habitat suitability model using the logistic regression of presence/absence of rabbits on habitat variables, (2) location of suitable habitat on a map, with the help of a Geographic Information System (GIS), by applying the above-obtained regression coefficients to the digitalized data of a land-cover map, and (3) delineation of the best potential sites for restocking. In June-July 2000, presence/absence of rabbits was determined by the presence/absence of pellets, warrens and individuals on 86 100-m radius random circular plots, i.e. 3.14 ha each representing the area occupied by a family group in summer. The initial dataset was divided into 56 sampling plots to build the model and 30 sampling plots (15 with rabbits and 15 without rabbits) for cross-validation. Measured habitat variables were % cover of tall scrubland, % cover of rocks, and interspersion (an index measuring the amount of intermixture of forage and shelter patches). These variables were calculated for all pixels of a digital land-cover map, using a moving 100-m radius window approach. Plots on which wild rabbits were present had a mean 10+3.4%(SE) percentage of rocks, 16.3+3.8% percentage of tall scrubland and an interspersion index of 0.9+0.09 (vs 1.3+0.7, 2.7+1.5 and 0.4+0.05 for “absence” plots, P 50%), distributed over 106 patches. Three clusters of suitable patches were delineated, assuming a critical threshold distance of 200 m between neighbour patches (distance equal to the mean dispersal ability of rabbits) for their inclusion into the same group. In that way, an area of 508.7 ha (11% of the study area) including the best potential site for restocking was delineated. Results suggested that management efforts should be aimed at promoting the connection between the three habitat-patch clusters. The framework presented provides a method for accurate and rapid assessment of habitats suitable for wild rabbit and could assist managers in identifying the best potential restocking sites

On derivatives and norms of generalized matrix functions and respective symmetric powers

In recent papers, the authors obtained formulas for directional derivatives of all orders, of the immanant and of the m-th xi-symmetric tensor power of an operator and a matrix, when xi is a character of the full symmetric group. The operator norm of these derivatives was also calculated. In this paper, similar results are established for generalized matrix functions and for every symmetric tensor power

Green solvents for CO2 capture

The development of specific “green” solvents with unique combination of properties and associated techniques for target applications, capable of minimizing the environmental impact from their use in chemical production or by developing sustainable and renewable energy and resources, has been gathering increasing attention over the last years. Emerging alternatives or undervalued self-claimed greener solvents, like ionic liquids, amino acid-functionalized ionic liquids, ionic liquid mixed solvents and eutectic solvents, have been proposed as promising materials with unique properties not achievable by means of any other material. Nonetheless, in spite of all these greener compounds outstanding properties and potential for acid gas separation, important limitations have hampered the development of separation units and processes capable of fulfilling industry demands. This study intends to carry a critical analysis upon the solvents proposed for CO2 capture and the pursued technologies to make Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage a reality.publishe

Consumer Behaviour in Fitness Club: Study of the Weekly Frequency of Use, Expectations, Satisfaction and Retention

This study aims to understand the relationship between the weekly frequency of use, expectations, satisfaction and retention of members in a fitness Clubs. In this market it is indispensable to understand the characteristics of faithful members, in order to act appropriately with each segment. Accordingly, the weekly frequency, which a member goes to the gym, their expectations, satisfaction and retention are key variables to understand them. Data was collected with a sample of 146 members. The instrument was constituted by the sample characterization and questions to understand the consumer behaviour in fitness (weekly frequency of use, expectations, satisfaction and retention behaviours). The statistical analysis consisted on descriptive and inferential analyses, using SPSS software. In this study the weekly frequency did not show the explanatory capacity to predict the satisfaction and retention. The relationship between expectations with satisfaction (73%) and retention (64%) was statistically significant. Finally, the relationship between satisfaction and retention (63%) was positive and significant. The results indicated that fitness club managers must act to keep those who are less likely to remain, who aren’t the ones who go less times a week to the club, but those who have a lower satisfaction and, consequently, lower retention.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Intravital Microscopy of the Mouse Brain Microcirculation using a Closed Cranial Window

This experimental model was designed to assess the mouse pial microcirculation during acute and chronic, physiological and pathophysiological hemodynamic, inflammatory and metabolic conditions, using in vivo fluorescence microscopy. A closed cranial window is placed over the left parieto-occipital cortex of the mice. Local microcirculation is recorded in real time through the window using epi and fluorescence illumination, and measurements of vessels diameters and red blood cell (RBC) velocities are performed. RBC velocity is measured using real-time cross-correlation and/or fluorescent-labeled erythrocytes. Leukocyte and platelet adherence to pial vessels and assessment of perfusion and vascular leakage are made with the help of fluorescence-labeled markers such as Albumin-FITC and anti-CD45-TxR antibodies. Microcirculation can be repeatedly video-recorded over several days. We used for the first time the close window brain intravital microscopy to study the pial microcirculation to follow dynamic changes during the course of Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection in mice and show that expression of CM is associated with microcirculatory dysfunctions characterized by vasoconstriction, profound decrease in blood flow and eventually vascular collapse