2DPHOT: A Multi-purpose Environment for the Two-dimensional Analysis of Wide-field Images

We describe 2DPHOT, a general purpose analysis environment for source detection and analysis in deep wide-field images. 2DPHOT is an automated tool to obtain both integrated and surface photometry of galaxies in an image, to perform reliable star-galaxy separation with accurate estimates of contamination at faint flux levels, and to estimate completeness of the image catalog. We describe the analysis strategy on which 2DPHOT is based, and provide a detailed description of the different algorithms implemented in the package. This new environment is intended as a dedicated tool to process the wealth of data from wide-field imaging surveys. To this end, the package is complemented by 2DGUI, an environment that allows multiple processing of data using a range of computing architectures.Comment: Accepted to PAS

Analyzing the fluidization of a mixture of gas-sand-biomass using cfd techniques

Fluidization taking into account the presence of the material to be gasified is a differential addressed in this study. Accordingly the solid phase was composed of a binary mixture of sand and biomass. This paper deals with the numerical simulation of a gasifier bubbling fluidized bed using CFD for the system composed of gas - biomass – sand. In order to determine the best fluidization conditions, a factorial design 23 was carried out varying the biomass particle density and diameter and the biomass percentage in the solid phase. To perform the simulations, ANSYS CFX 15.0 was used, adopting an Eulerian approach coupled to the Kinetic Theory of Granular Flow. The k- ε turbulence model was adopted. Seventeen simulations were performed setting the gas superficial velocity to 0.38 m s-1. Based on the results of the factorial design, it was possible to qualitatively identify the tests to which the system reached a bubbling fluidization (1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12 and 14). The variable with the highest significance in the model equation was the diameter of the biomass particle. Volumetric fraction profiles of gas, sand and biomass were obtained to the 17 factorial design conditions as well as a model that predicts the bed expansion. The assay that reached greater bed height (0.50 m), staying on bubbling regime, was the one with 15% biomass particles with 375 m diameter and 85% sand, indicating those are good conditions for fluidization. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Komarekiella atlantica gen. et sp. nov. (Nostocaceae, Cyanobacteria): a new subaerial taxon from the Atlantic Rainforest and Kauai, Hawaii

Six strains of Cyanobacteria sampled in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest and one strain from Kauai, Hawaii, were studied using morphological and molecular approaches, including 16S rRNA gene phylogenies and 16S–23S ITS secondary structures, and are herein described as Komarekilla atlantica gen. et sp. nov.. Morphologically they are similar to Nostoc, Desmonostoc, Halotia, and Mojavia and indistinguishable from Chlorogloeopsis. The parsimony and Bayesian phylogenies of the 16S rDNA show that these strains are close to nostocacean strains, in strongly supported clades and separated from all other genera. The secondary structures of the 16S–23S ITS were very consistent between strains of K. atlantica, but distinctly different from structures in other close taxa. Of special note, the Hawaiian strain of K. atlantica had 16S sequence identities of 99.5– 100% to the Brazilian strains, and 16S–23S ITS sequence identities of 99.4–99.8% to the Brazilian strains, and consequently likely represents a very recent introduction of the species to Kauai from South America, the geographic source of many of the non–native plants in the Hawaiian Archipelago

Analytical Model for Predesigning Probe-Fed Hybrid Microstrip Antennas

Based on the equivalent resonant cavity model, an effective analysis methodology of probe-fed hybrid microstrip antennas is carried out in this paper, resulting in a better understanding of the parameter interrelations affecting their behavior. With that, a new design criterion focused on establishing uniform radiation patterns with balanced 3 dB angles is proposed and implemented. Results obtained with the proposed model closely matched HFSS simulations. Measurements made on a prototype antenna, manufactured with substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology, also showed excellent agreement, thus validating the use of the cavity model for predesigning hybrid microstrip antennas in a simple, visible, and time- and cost-effective way

Processamento de Leite Fermentado Probiótico com um Preparado de Albúmen Sólido de Coco Verde.

O coco verde é muito consumido no Brasil, sendo basicamente utilizado na produção da água de coco (albúmen líquido). A água de coco verde corresponde a aproximadamente 25% do peso do fruto in natura, ou seja, a industrialização resulta em uma grande quantidade de resíduo. O albúmen sólido do coco, em geral, é descartado junto com as cascas. Os leites fermentados podem ter adição de outras substâncias alimentícias, tais como sucos, pedaços, preparados ou polpas de frutas em uma concentração máxima de 30% em relação à massa final do produto. A adição de preparados de frutas conferem diferentes experiências sensoriais, agregando valor ao leite fermentado. A utilização do albúmen sólido de coco verde para elaboração um preparado para conferir aroma e sabor de coco verde ao leite fermentado potencialmente probiótico é uma alternativa interessante e viável. A concentração de probióticos no produto varia de 10 8 UFC/g (primeira semana) a 10 6 UFC/g (quarta semana de armazenagem). A quantidade observada até a quarta semana de armazenagem é suficiente para conferir uma possível alegação funcional de probiótico. De acordo com a legislação brasileira, as contagens de Bifidobacterium em leite fermentados devem ficar acima de 10 6 UFC/g (Brasil, 2007). O produto tem uma boa aceitação sensorial, com relação ao sabor, aroma e aceitação global, alcançando nota média de 7,0 em uma escala hedônica de nove pontos. O produto tem pouca pós-acidificação durante estocagem, com uma variação de pH de 4,73 a 4,91 ao longo da estocagem refrigerada. Nesta publicação é descrito o processo para obtenção de um leite fermentado probiótico com adição de 30% de preparado de albúmen sólido de coco verde para agregar valor à esta matéria-prima e conferir sabor e aroma de coco verde ao leite fermentado

DISTRIBUIÇÃO E BIOMASSA DE MACROALGAS EM UM MANGUEZAL DA BAÍA DA BABITONGA, SC: RESULTADOS PRELIMINARES

This work aims to assess distribution and biomass of epiphyte macroalgae of mangrove roots in the Babitonga Bay. The macroalgae were collected monthly in three topographyc levels into the mangrove (Places A, B and C). In each place the collect was stratified in the trees (0 to 10 cm high, 10 to 20 cm , etc). The observed Rhodophyta, from higher to smaller biomass, were: Bostrychia calliptera, Bostrychia pinnata, Bostrychia radicans f. radicans, Bostrychia montagnei, Catenella caespitosa, Caloglossa leprieurii, Bostrychia tenella, Caloglossa ogazawaraensis, Bostrychia radicans f. moniliforme, Bostrychia moritziana, Polysiphonia howei, Bostrychia binderi, Gelidium spp., Polysiphonia tepida. The observed Chlorophyta were: Bloodleopsis pusilla, Cladophoropsis membranacea, Rhizoclonium spp., Ulvaria oxysperma, Enteromorpha spp. There are strong variation on horizontal and vertical biomass and on contribution of each species to total biomass. In the mangrove fringe (place A) the algae occur from 0 to 60 cm high in the trees, the mean biomass along this high varies 30 and 45 g m-2 of substrate. Higher values of biomass occur between 10 and 30 cm high, rising to 75 g m-2. On place B (intermediate tidal flooding) the algae occur from 0 to 30 cm high in the trees, the mean biomass along this high varies 20 and 30 g m-2 of substrate. Higher values of biomass occur between 0 and 10 cm high (50 g m-2 of substrate), but high values may also occur between 10 and 20 cm high. In the inner mangrove (place C) the algae occur from 0 to 20 cm high in the trees, the mean biomass along this high varies 10 and 20 g m-2 of substrate. Like place B, higher values of biomass occur between 0 and 10 cm high (35 g m-2 of substrate), but high values may also occur between 10 and 20 cm high. The green algae, Bloodleopsis pusilla, Cladophoropsis membranacea, Rhizoclonium, and the red algae, Bostrychia montagnei, Caloglossa leprieurii and Caloglossa ogazawaraensis were mainly present from 0 to 10 cm high, and rarely occur above 20 cm. Bostrychia radicans f. radicans presents the most broad distribution, has the higher frequency of occurrence in all places and all strata, and it is the main algae in the upper strata. The higher values of biomass, specially on place A, are due to Bostrychia calliptera and Bostrychia pinnata. This two algae also have a broad vertical and horizontal distribution, but they have higher values from 10 to 30 cm high. The results found until now suggest that macroalgae may be an important component of mangrove primary production. Meanwhile, to evaluate the mangrove magroalgae biomass, we need to include algae epiphytic on pneumatophores. And to evaluate the contribution of these algae to the total primary production of the mangrove, it will be necessary to complement biomass data with ecophysiological experiments, including the responses of growth and photosynthetic rates to environmental factors.Este trabalho tem como objetivo determinar a distribuição e quantificar a biomassa de macroalgas presentes nas raízes e troncos das árvores de manguezal da Baía de Babitonga. Para tal, as macroalgas foram coletadas mensalmente (setembro/1997 a junho/1998) em 3 níveis topográficos dentro do manguezal (Linhas A, B e C). Em cada linha a coleta foi estratificada de acordo com a altura das algas no tronco (0 a 10 cm de altura, 10 a 20 cm , etc). As espécies de Rhodophyta observadas, em ordem decrescente de biomassa, foram: Bostrychia calliptera, Bostrychia pinnata, Bostrychia radicans f. radicans, Bostrychia montagnei, Catenella caespitosa, Caloglossa leprieurii, Bostrychia tenella, Caloglossa ogazawaraensis, Bostrychia radicans f. moniliforme, Bostrychia moritziana, Polysiphonia howei, Bostrychia binderi, Gelidium spp., Polysiphonia tepida. As Chlorophyta são Bloodleopsis pusilla, Cladophoropsis membranacea, Rhizoclonium spp., Ulvaria oxysperma, Enteromorpha spp. Há uma forte variação horizontal e vertical na biomassa e na contribuição de cada espécie para a biomassa total. Na franja do manguezal (linha A) as algas ocupam uma altura de 60 cm, e a biomassa média por tronco varia entre 30 e 45 g m-2 de tronco. A maior biomassa ocorre entre 10 e 30 cm, chegando a 75 g m-2 de tronco. Na porção intermediária (linha B) as algas ocupam uma altura de 30 cm e a biomassa média varia entre 20 e 30 g m-2 de tronco. A biomassa é maior nos primeiros 10 cm (50 g m-2 de tronco), mas pode atingir altos valores também entre 10 e 20 cm. Na porção interna do manguezal (linha C) as algas ocupam uma altura de 20 cm, e a biomassa média varia entre 10 e 20 g m-2 de tronco. Assim como na linha B, a biomassa é maior nos primeiros 10 cm (35 g m-2 de tronco), mas pode atingir altos valores também entre 10 e 20 cm. As algas verdes Bloodleopsis pusilla, Cladophoropsis membranacea, Rhizoclonium, e as algas vermelhas Bostrychia montagnei, Caloglossa leprieurii e Caloglossa ogazawaraensis estão presentes principalmente nos primeiros 10 cm de altura, raramente ocorrendo acima de 20 cm. Bostrychia radicans f. radicans é a alga mais amplamente distribuída, com maior freqüência de ocorrência e a mais abundante na região superior do tronco nas três linhas. As algas que apresentam a maior biomassa, especialmente na linha A, são Bostrychia calliptera e Bostrychia pinnata, que também apresentam distribuição vertical e horizontal ampla, mas são mais abundantes entre 10 e 30 cm de altura. Os resultados obtidos até o momento indicam que as macroalgas podem ser vistas como um componente produtor representativo dentro do manguezal. Entretanto, para uma avaliação da biomassa de macroalgas no manguezal como um todo, é necessário quantificar a biomassa de algas em pneumatóforos. Para avaliar a contribuição destas algas para a produção primária do manguezal, os dados de biomassa devem ser complementados com experimentos de crescimento e produtividade, com relação aos fatores ambientais

Are dairy cows with a more reactive temperament less efficient in energetic metabolism and do they produce more enteric methane?

It remains unknown whether dairy cows with more reactive temperament produce more enteric methane (CH4) and are less bioenergetically efficient than the calmer ones. The objectives of this study were (a) to evaluate the relationship between cattle temperament assessed by traditionally used tests with energetic metabolism and enteric CH4 emissions by crossbred dairy cows; (b) to assess how cows? restlessness in respiration chambers affects energetic metabolism and enteric CH4 emissions. Temperament indicators were evaluated for 28 primiparous F1 Holstein-Gyr cows tested singly in the handling corral (entrance time, crush score, flight speed, and flight distance) and during milking (steps, kicks, defecation, rumination, and kick the milking cluster off). Cows? behaviors within respiration chambers were also recorded for each individual kept singly. Digestibility and calorimetry trials were performed to obtain energy partitioning and CH4 measures. Cows with more reactive temperament in milking (the ones that kicked the milking cluster off more frequently) spent 25.24% less net energy on lactation (P = 0.04) and emitted 36.77% more enteric CH4/kg of milk (P = 0.03). Furthermore, cows that showed a higher frequency of rumination at milking parlor allocated 57.93% more net energy for milk production (P < 0.01), spent 50.00% more metabolizable energy for milk production (P < 0.01) and 37.10% less CH4/kg of milk (P = 0.04). Regarding the handling temperament, most reactive cows according to flight speed, lost 29.16% less energy as urine (P = 0.05) and tended to have 14.30% more enteric CH4 production (P = 0.08), as well as cows with a lower entrance time (most reactive) that also lost 13.29% more energy as enteric CH4 (P = 0.04). Temperament and restless behavior of Holstein-Gyr cows were related to metabolic efficiency and enteric CH4 emissions. Cows? reactivity and rumination in the milking parlor, in addition to flight speed and entrance time in the squeeze chute during handling in the corral, could be useful measures to predict animals more prone to metabolic inefficiency, which could negatively affect the sustainability of dairy systems

A re-interpretation of the concept of mass and of the relativistic mass-energy relation

For over a century the definitions of mass and derivations of its relation with energy continue to be elaborated, demonstrating that the concept of mass is still not satisfactorily understood. The aim of this study is to show that, starting from the properties of Minkowski spacetime and from the principle of least action, energy expresses the property of inertia of a body. This implies that inertial mass can only be the object of a definition - the so called mass-energy relation - aimed at measuring energy in different units, more suitable to describe the huge amount of it enclosed in what we call the "rest-energy" of a body. Likewise, the concept of gravitational mass becomes unnecessary, being replaceable by energy, thus making the weak equivalence principle intrinsically verified. In dealing with mass, a new unit of measurement is foretold for it, which relies on the de Broglie frequency of atoms, the value of which can today be measured with an accuracy of a few parts in 10^9