Network community detection via iterative edge removal in a flocking-like system

We present a network community-detection technique based on properties that emerge from a nature-inspired system of aligning particles. Initially, each vertex is assigned a random-direction unit vector. A nonlinear dynamic law is established so that neighboring vertices try to become aligned with each other. After some time, the system stops and edges that connect the least-aligned pairs of vertices are removed. Then the evolution starts over without the removed edges, and after enough number of removal rounds, each community becomes a connected component. The proposed approach is evaluated using widely-accepted benchmarks and real-world networks. Experimental results reveal that the method is robust and excels on a wide variety of networks. Moreover, for large sparse networks, the edge-removal process runs in quasilinear time, which enables application in large-scale networks

Behavioral aspects and predation of seeds of Cardiospermum grandiflorum Swartz (Sapindaceae) by Cissoanthonomus tuberculipennis Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

For the first time in Brazil, the weevil Cissoanthonomus tuberculipennis Hustache, 1939 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are reported preying on seeds of Cardiospermum grandiflorum Swartz (Sapindaceae). Observations are presented on oviposition and larval behavior, pupation site, and adult emergence. Photos of host plant, egg, larva, pupa and adult are provided

A APLICAÇÃO DE HERBICIDAS PRÉ-EMERGENTES NA MODALIDADE PLANTE-E-APLIQUE FAVORECE O CONTROLE DE CARURU E POAIA-BRANCA NA CULTURA DA SOJA

The use of pre-emergent herbicides offers a promising alternative for proper management of difficult-to-control weed species in soybeans, such as white-eye (Richardia brasiliensis Gomes), a glyphosate-tolerant species, and weeds in the Amaranthus genus (commonly referred to as pigweeds). Here, we aimed at determining whether weed control efficacy and crop selectivity are altered when pre-emergent herbicide applications take place either prior to, or right after crop sowing. To this end, field trials were conducted employing 10 preemergent herbicide treatments (plus an untreated control as well as an untreated, weed-free treatment), replicated four times and sprayed either before, or right after soybean sowing. Results indicate that the actual timing of pre-emergent herbicide spraying relative to soybean sowing significantly changed the weed control efficiency set forth by most herbicide active ingredients tested, with no change to their selectivity to crop plants whatsoever. Some herbicides (e.g. diclosulam, mesotrione, flumioxazin, and a flumioxazin + imazethapyr mixture), however, were equally effective for controlling white-eye and pigweeds regardless of application timing. Moreover, the only herbicide treatments allowing for satisfactory (>70%) control of all target weed species (white-eye, pigweeds, and black oats, Avena strigosa Schreb.) were flumioxazin and a flumioxazin + imazethapyr mixture. Spraying performed after sowing resulted in average yield gains of over 600 kg ha-1 relative to pre-sowing applications, possibly owing to better control of broadleaves. Altogether, this information is useful to soybean producers, as it does not lead to an increase in overall costs; instead, it only affects the timing of entry into the area for pre-emergent herbicide application.A utilização de herbicidas pré-emergentes oferece alternativa promissora para o manejo depopulações de plantas daninhas de difícil controle na cultura da soja, como aquelasapresentando tolerância ao herbicida glifosato como a poaia-branca (Richardia brasiliensis).Neste trabalho, objetivamos analisar avaliar possíveis diferenças na eficiência de controle eseletividade à soja quando pré-emergentes são aplicados anteriormente, ou logo após asemeadura da cultura. Para tal, conduziu-se experimento de campo empregando 10herbicidas pré-emergentes (além de testemunhas sem controle e capinadas), com 4repetições e aplicando-se os tratamentos antes ou após a semeadura da soja. Resultadosindicam que o momento de aplicação de herbicidas pré-emergentes em relação à semeadurada soja alterou significativamente a eficiência de controle de alguns ingredientes ativossobre plantas daninhas, porém não afetou a seletividade destes. Contudo, os herbicidasdiclosulam, mesotrione, flumioxazina, e a mistura flumioxazina + imazethapyr foramigualmente eficientes para o controle de poaia-branca e caruru, independentemente domomento de aplicação. Os únicos tratamentos com herbicidas que propiciaram controlesatisfatório (>70%) de todas as espécies avaliadas (poaia-branca, caruru e aveia-preta,Avena strigosa Schreb.) foram flumioxazina, e a mistura flumioxazin + imazethapyr.Aplicações em plante-e-aplique resultaram em ganhos produtivos médios de mais de 600 kgha-1 em relação ao aplique-e-plante, possivelmente devido ao controle superior de plantasdaninhas latifoliadas. Em conjunto, estas informações são úteis ao sojicultor, visto que nãoacarretam elevação no custo de manejo, somente afetando o momento de entrada na áreapara aplicação dos pré-emergentes

Costs and Benefits of Privatization: Evidence from Brazil

Although the Brazilian privatization program has been a sweeping endeavor involving more than 100 firms and billions of dollars, most of the studies have been published only in Brazil, and in Portuguese. This paper is the most comprehensive study to date in terms of the companies covered, and includes the most recent data. It looks at the results of privatization in Brazil for a broad range of economic variables to answer the question: Has the widespread popular discontent with the program been justified? The paper also examines the effects of privatization on aspects that affect the development of financial markets, including minority shareholder rights. It concludes with recommendations for democratizing capital ownership through public offers in which workers would be entitled to participate using public sector liabilities such as FGTS deposits.