Gradient Pattern Analysis of Cosmic Structure Formation: Norm and Phase Statistics

This paper presents the preliminary results of the characterization of pattern evolution in the process of cosmic structure formation. We are applying on N-body cosmological simulations data the technique proposed by Rosa, Sharma & Valdivia (1999) and Ramos et al. (2000) to estimate the time behavior of asymmetries in the gradient field. The gradient pattern analysis is a well tested tool, used to build asymmetrical fragmentation parameters estimated over a gradient field of an image matrix able to quantify a complexity measure of nonlinear extended systems. In this investigation we work with the high resolution cosmological data simulated by the Virgo consortium, in different time steps, in order to obtain a diagnostic of the spatio-temporal disorder in the matter density field. We perform the calculations of the gradient vectors statistics, such as mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis, and correlations on the gradient field. Our main goal is to determine different dynamical regimes through the analysis of complex patterns arising from the evolutionary process of structure formation. The results show that the gradient pattern technique, specially the statistical analysis of second and third gradient moment, may represent a very useful tool to describe the matter clustering in the Universe.Comment: Accepted for publication in Physica

Collaborative dynamic decision making: a case study from B2B supplier selection

The problem of supplier selection can be easily modeled as a multiple-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem: businesses express their preferences with respect to suppliers, which can then be ranked and selected. This approach has two major pitfalls: first, it does not consider a dynamic scenario, in which suppliers and their ratings are constantly changing; second, it only addressed the problem from the point of view of a single business, and cannot be easily applied when considering more than one business. To overcome these problems, we introduce a method for supplier selection that builds upon the dynamic MCDM framework of Campanella and Ribeiro [1] and, by means of a linear programming model, can be used in the case of multiple collaborating businesses plan- ning their next batch of orders together.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal, under contract CONT DOUT/49/UNINOVA/0/5902/1/200

Green Belt Biosphere Reserve in the Brazilian City of São Paulo

This paper presents an analysis of the São Paulo City Green Belt Biosphere Reserve and its ecological services for the city inhabitants. In 1994 UNESCO recognized the Green Belt of São Paulo in Brazil as a Biosphere Reserve. The data presented in this article were collected through literature review. The result indicates the importance to establish Biospheres Reserves, especially for the big cities

Bulk viscosity driving the acceleration of the Universe

The possibility that the present acceleration of the universe is driven by a kind of viscous fluid is exploited. At background level this model is similar to the generalized Chaplygin gas model (GCGM). But, at perturbative level, the viscous fluid exhibits interesting properties. In particular the oscillations in the power spectrum that plagues the GCGM are not present. Possible fundamental descriptions for this viscous dark energy are discussed.Comment: Latex file, 8 pages, 3 eps figure

Degeneration rate of preantral follicles in the ovaries of goats

The degeneration rate of ovarian preantral follicles in goats, and the distribution in the follicular classes (primordial, primary or secondary) was assessed. Ovaries from adult goats were collected at a local slaughterhouse. To evaluate the morphology of the caprine preantral follicles in situ, one fragment from each ovary was fixed individually in Carnoy for 12 h, sectioned serially at a thickness of 7 μm and stained with Periodic Acid Shiff-hematoxylin. Preantral follicles were then classified according to the stage of development. Preantral follicles were classified individually either as morphologically normal; as Type 1 degenerated follicles (only the oocyte was degenerated); or as Type 2 degenerated follicles (when degeneration occurred at both oocyte and granulosa cells). The total examined was 235 primordial, 195 primary and 101 secondary follicles. The distribution of degenerated follicles as primordial, primary and secondary follicles was 8.5, 14.3 and 16.8%, respectively. When Types 1 and 2 degenerated follicles were pooled, secondary follicles were significantly more degenerated than primordial and primary follicles. When degeneration Types 1 and 2 was compared in each follicular class, a higher (P<0.05) percentage of Type 1 degeneration was observed in primordial and primary follicles. Conversely, secondary follicles were significantly more affected by Type 2 degeneration. When the follicular classes were taken together, a significantly higher percentage of Type 1 degenerated preantral follicles was observed when compared with Type 2 degenerated follicles (P<0.05). In conclusion, a low percentage of degenerated preantral follicles was observed and secondary follicles were more affected by degeneration than primordial follicles. Thus, primordial follicles constitute a large and potentially valuable source of oocytes for reproductive programs after in vitro growth and maturation

Cryopreservation of caprine ovarian tissue using glycerol and ethylene glycol

Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue may be a potential alternative for the conservation of genetically superior animals, including high milk- and meat-producing goat breeds. However, until now, no information was available concerning the cryopreservation of preantral follicles (PF) enclosed in caprine ovarian tissue. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the structural and ultrastructural characteristics of caprine PF after exposure to and cryopreservation of ovarian tissue in 1.5 and 3 M glycerol (GLY) and ethylene glycol (EG). At the slaughterhouse, each ovarian pair from five adult mixed breed goats was divided into nine fragments and randomly distributed into treatment groups. One fragment was immediately fixed for histological examination and ultrastructural analysis, after slaughter (control). Four of the ovarian fragments were equilibrated at 20 °C for 20 min in 1.8 ml of MEM containing 1.5 or 3 M GLY or EG for a toxicity test and the final four fragments were slowly frozen using these cryoprotectants at the concentrations above. After toxicity testing and freezing/thawing, the ovarian fragments were fixed for histological examination. Histological analysis showed that after toxicity testing and cryopreservation of the ovarian tissue in GLY or EG at both concentrations, the percentage of normal PF was significantly lower than controls. Ultrastructural analysis of PF frozen in 1.5 and 3 M GLY, as well as 3 M EG demonstrated that these follicles remained morphologically normal. In conclusion, we demonstrated cryopreservation of caprine PF in ovarian tissue

Non-Centrosymmetric Heavy-Fermion Superconductors

In this chapter we discuss the physical properties of a particular family of non-centrosymmetric superconductors belonging to the class heavy-fermion compounds. This group includes the ferromagnet UIr and the antiferromagnets CeRhSi3, CeIrSi3, CeCoGe3, CeIrGe3 and CePt3Si, of which all but CePt3Si become superconducting only under pressure. Each of these superconductors has intriguing and interesting properties. We first analyze CePt3Si, then review CeRhSi3, CeIrSi3, CeCoGe3 and CeIrGe3, which are very similar to each other in their magnetic and electrical properties, and finally discuss UIr. For each material we discuss the crystal structure, magnetic order, occurrence of superconductivity, phase diagram, characteristic parameters, superconducting properties and pairing states. We present an overview of the similarities and differences between all these six compounds at the end.Comment: To appear in "Non-Centrosymmetric Superconductors: Introduction and Overview", Lecture Notes in Physics 847, edited by E. Bauer and M. Sigrist (Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg, 2012) Chap. 2, pp. 35-7

Comparison Of Bone Quantity By Ultrasound Measurements Of Phalanges Between White And Black Children Living In Paraná,brazil, With Europeans

The objective of this study was to determine bone quantity by ultrasound measurements of the proximal fnger phalanges (AD-SoS = amplitude-dependent speed of sound) of healthy Brazilian schoolchildren living in Paraná, Brazil, and to compare these values with European populations. The sample was composed of 1356 Brazilian schoolchildren of both genders (660 males, 696 females), aged 6 to 11 years, divided into white (840) and black (516) groups and compared to age- and gender-matched Europeans. AD-SoS of the schoolchildren increased significantly with age for both genders. Significantly higher AD-SoS values were observed for the white children (1916 ± 58) compared to their black counterparts (1898 ± 72) and for the female gender (1920 ± 61) compared to the male gender (1898 ± 66). Overall, the AD-SoS outcomes for females were similar to those of European studies. However, the AD-SoS of the Brazilian schoolchildren of both genders and skin colors was lower than that reported for children in Poland. AD-SoS outcomes for Brazilian schoolboys were similar to those obtained in Italian studies and were lower than those of the Spanish children. In conclusion, Brazilian schoolchildren of both genders and skin colors showed lower bone quantities than Polish children and Spanish males, and levels similar to Italian children and Spanish females.4310976981Mora, S., Gilsanz, V., Establishment of peak bone mass (2003) En-docrinol Metab Clin North Am, 32, pp. 39-63Silva, C.C., Goldberg, T.B., Teixeira, A.S., Dalmas, J.C., Bone mineralization among male adolescents: Critical years for bone mass gain (2004) J Pediatr, 80, pp. 461-467Habicht, J.P., Martorell, R., Yarbrough, C., Malina, R.M., Klein, R.E., Height and weight standards for preschool children. How relevant are ethnic differences in growth potential? (1974) Lancet, 1, pp. 611-614WHO Working Group (1986) Bull World Health Organ, 64, pp. 929-941. , Use and interpretation of anthropometric indicators of nutri-tional statusCauley, J.A., Lui, L.Y., Stone, K.L., Hillier, T.A., Zmuda, J.M., Hochberg, M., Longitudinal study of changes in hip bone mineral density in Caucasian and African-American women (2005) J Am Geriatr Soc, 53, pp. 183-189Neuner, J.M., Zhang, X., Sparapani, R., Laud, P.W., Nattinger, A.B., Racial and socioeconomic disparities in bone density testing before and after hip fracture (2007) J Gen Intern Med, 22, pp. 1239-1245Leder, B.Z., Araujo, A.B., Travison, T.G., McKinlay, J.B., Racial and ethnic differences in bone turnover markers in men (2007) J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 92, pp. 3453-3457Travison, T.G., Araujo, A.B., Esche, G.R., McKinlay, J.B., The relationship between body composition and bone mineral content: Threshold effects in a racially and ethnically diverse group of men (2008) Osteoporos Int, 19, pp. 29-38Travison, T.G., Beck, T.J., Esche, G.R., Araujo, A.B., McKinlay, J.B., Age trends in proximal femur geometry in men: Variation by race and ethnicity (2008) Osteoporos Int, 19, pp. 277-287Hill, D.D., Cauley, J.A., Sheu, Y., Bunker, C.H., Patrick, A.L., Baker, C.E., Correlates of bone mineral density in men of African ancestry: The Tobago bone health study (2008) Osteoporos Int, 19, pp. 227-234INEP (Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Edu-cacionais Anísio Teixeira) Mostre Sua Raça, , http://inep.gov.br/imprensa/noticias/censo/escolar/news05_05.htm, declare sua cor, Accessed July 26, 2010Ribeiro, R.R., Guerra-Junior, G., de Barros-Filho, A., Bone mass in schoolchildren in Brazil: The effect of racial miscegenation, pubertal stage, and socioeconomic differences (2009) J Bone Miner Metab, 27, pp. 494-501Baroncelli, G.I., Federico, G., Bertelloni, S., de Terlizzi, F., Cadossi, R., Saggese, G., Bone quality assessment by quantitative ultrasound of proximal phalanxes of the hand in healthy subjects aged 3-21 years (2001) Pediatr Res, 49, pp. 713-718Gimeno, B.J., Azcona San Julián, C., Sierrasesúmaga Ariznabarreta, L., Bone mineral density determination by os-teosonography in healthy children and adolescents: Normal values (2001) An Esp Pediatr, 54, pp. 540-546Vignolo, M., Brignone, A., Mascagni, A., Ravera, G., Biasotti, B., Aicardi, G., Infuence of age, sex, and growth variables on phalangeal quantitative ultrasound measures: A study in healthy children and adolescents (2003) Calcif Tissue Int, 72, pp. 681-688Vignolo, M., Parodi, A., Mascagni, A., Torrisi, C., de Terlizzi, F., Aicardi, G., Longitudinal assessment of bone quality by quantitative ultrasonography in children and adolescents (2006) Ultrasound Med Biol, 32, pp. 1003-1010Halaba, Z.P., Quantitative ultrasound measurements at hand phalanges in children and adolescents: A longitudinal study (2008) Ultrasound Med Biol, 34, pp. 1547-1553Pena, S.D.J., Bortolini, M.C., Pode a genética defnir quem deve se benefciar das cotas universitárias e demais ações afr- mativas? (2004) Estud Av, 18, pp. 31-50Pena, S.D.J., Bastos-Rodrigues, L., Pimenta, J.R., Bydlowski, S.P., DNA tests probe the genomic ancestry of Brazilians (2009) Braz J Med Biol Res, 42, pp. 870-876Telles, E., (2003) Racismo À Brasileira: Uma Nova Perspectiva Soci-ológica, , Rio De Janeiro: Relume Dumará, Fundação FordOliveira, F., Ser negro no Brasil: Alcances e limites (2004) Estud Av, 18, pp. 57-60Gilsanz, V., Skaggs, D.L., Kovanlikaya, A., Sayre, J., Loro, M.L., Kaufman, F., Differential effect of race on the axial and appendicular skeletons of children (1998) J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 83, pp. 1420-1427Nelson, D.A., Simpson, P.M., Johnson, C.C., Barondess, D.A., Kleerekoper, M., The accumulation of whole body skeletal mass in third- and fourth-grade children: Effects of age, gender, ethnicity, and body composition (1997) Bone, 20, pp. 73-78Bell, N.H., Shary, J., Stevens, J., Garza, M., Gordon, L., Edwards, J., Demonstration that bone mass is greater in black than in white children (1991) J Bone Miner Res, 6, pp. 719-723Rupich, R.C., Specker, B.L., Lieuw, A.F., Ho, M., Gender and race differences in bone mass during infancy (1996) Calcif Tissue Int, 58, pp. 395-397Abrams, S.A., O'Brien, K.O., Liang, L.K., Stuff, J.E., Differences in calcium absorption and kinetics between black and white girls aged 5-16 years (1995) J Bone Miner Res, 10, pp. 829-833Bryant, R.J., Wastney, M.E., Martin, B.R., Wood, O., McCabe, G.P., Morshidi, M., Racial differences in bone turnover and calcium metabolism in adolescent females (2003) J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 88, pp. 1043-1047Jaime, P.C., Latorre, M.R., Florindo, A.A., Tanaka, T., Zerbini, C.A., Dietary intake of Brazilian black and white men and its relationship to the bone mineral density of the femoral neck (2006) São Paulo Med J, 124, pp. 267-270Bhattoa, H.P., Bettembuk, P., Ganacharya, S., Balogh, A., Prevalence and seasonal variation of hypovitaminosis D and its relationship to bone metabolism in community dwelling postmenopausal Hungarian women (2004) Osteoporos Int, 15, pp. 447-451Wuster, C., Albanese, C., de Aloysio, D., Duboeuf, F., Gambac-Ciani, M., Gonnelli, S., Phalangeal osteosonogrammetry study: Age-related changes, diagnostic sensitivity, and discrimination power (2000) J Bone Miner Res, 15, pp. 1603-1614. , The Phalangeal Osteosonogrammetry Study Grou

Avaliação da incidência de antracnose, do desempenho e estado nutricional de variedades de mangueira, para cultivo orgânico, na região centro-norte do Estado de São Paulo.

A mudança do perfil do consumidor, aliada aos riscos da contaminação por agrotóxicos, tem levado à busca de alternativas ecologicamente apropriadas para produção de frutas. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar a incidência de antracnose, o desempenho e estado nutricional de variedades de mangueira conduzidas organicamente na região de Pindorama-SP. Foram utilizadas 17 variedades de mangueira. O experimento foi instalado em delineamento experimental em blocos completos ao acaso, com 17 tratamentos (variedades) e seis repetições. Foi avaliada a severidade de antracnose nas folhas, através de uma escala diagramática, atribuindo-se notas aos sintomas. Foram avaliados o crescimento e o desenvolvimento (altura da planta, perímetro do tronco e da copa) e o estado nutricional, mediante análise foliar, das diferentes variedades utilizadas. Através dos resultados obtidos, podem-se considerar como muito suscetíveis à antracnose as variedades Bourbon, Rocha e Rosa; e resistentes, as variedades IAC 111, Alfa, Beta e Parvin; as variedades de manga apresentaram o mesmo padrão de crescimento; as maiores alturas da planta corresponderam aos maiores diâmetros do tronco e da copa; a variedade Parvin apresentou o melhor desempenho dentre as variedades estudadas, com relação à resistência à antracnose, altura e diâmetro do caule e da copa, podendo ser recomendada ao cultivo orgânico. As variedades Omega e Alfa também apresentaram bom crescimento, podendo ser indicadas para esse cultivo, pelo menos nessa fase inicial; as variedades Surpresa e Rosa não apresentaram bom desempenho, no campo, em relação às demais, não devendo ser recomendadas para o cultivo orgânico, principalmente a variedade Rosa, bastante suscetível à antracnose. As concentrações de N, P e K foram elevadas na fase vegetativa das plantas, comparadas à baixa concentração de Ca; houve carência de Boro em todas as variedades estudadas. A manga Rosa, provavelmente, sofreu toxicidade ao excesso de manganês, ocasionando diminuição em seu desenvolvimento