Interview with Santos Jackson Baize

Supporting oral interviews conducted for Rio Grande Civil War Trail publication.https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/chapsoralhistories/1014/thumbnail.jp

Re-assessing the radial-velocity evidence for planets around CoRoT-7

CoRoT-7 is an 11th magnitude K-star whose light curve shows transits with depth of 0.3 mmag and a period of 0.854 d, superimposed on variability at the 1% level, due to the modulation of evolving active regions with the star's 23 d rotation period. In this paper, we revisit the published HARPS radial velocity measurements of the object, which were previously used to estimate the companion mass, but have been the subject of ongoing debate. We build a realistic model of the star's activity during the HARPS observations, by fitting simultaneously the line width and the line bisector, and use it to evaluate the contribution of activity to the RV variations. The data show clear evidence of errors above the level of the formal uncertainties, which are accounted for either by activity, nor by any plausible planet model, and which increase rapidly with decreasing signal-to-noise of the spectra. We cite evidence of similar systematics in mid-SNR spectra of other targets obtained with HARPS and other high-precision RV spectrographs, and discuss possible sources. Allowing for these, we re-evaluate the semi-amplitude of the CoRoT-7b signal, finding Kb=1.6 +-1.3 m/s, a tentative detection with a much reduced significance (1.2-sigma) compared to previous estimates. We also argue that the combined presence of activity and additional errors preclude a meaningful search for additional low-mass companions, despite previous claims to the contrary. Our analysis points to a lower density for CoRoT-7b, the 1-sigma mass range spanning 1-4 MEarth, allowing for a wide range of bulk compositions. In particular, an ice-rich composition is compatible with the RV constraints. This study highlights the importance of a realistic treatment of both activity and uncertainties, particularly in the medium signal-to-noise ratio regime, which applies to most small planet candidates from CoRoT and Kepler.Comment: 11 pages, accepted for publication in MNRAS, revised version with minor modifications and one additional figur

Quantifying tropical forest disturbances using canopy structural traits derived from terrestrial laser scanning

Forest disturbances can reduce the potential of ecosystems to provide resources and services. Despite the urgent need to understand the effects of logging on tropical ecosystems, the quantification of disturbances arising from selective logging remains a challenge. Here, we used canopy-three-dimensional information retrieved from Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) measurements to investigate the impacts of logging on key structural traits relevant to forest functioning. We addressed the following questions: 1) Which canopy structural traits were mostly affected by logging? 2) Can remotely-sensed canopy structural traits be used to quantify forest distur-bances? Fourteen canopy structural traits were applied as input to machine learning models, which were trained to quantify the intensity of logging disturbance. The plots were located in Malaysian Borneo, over a gradient of logging intensity, ranging from forest not recently disturbed by logging, to forest at the early stage of recovery following logging. Our results showed that using the Random Forest regression approach, the Plant Area Index (PAI) between 0 m -5 m aboveground, Relative Height at 50 %, and metrics describing plant allocation in the middle-higher canopy layer were the strongest predictors of disturbance. In particular, PAI between 35 m and 40 m explained 12 % to 19 % of the structural variability between plots, followed by the relative height at 50 %, (10.5 % -18.6 %), and the foliage height diversity (7.5 % -16.9 %). The approach presented in this study allowed a spatially explicitly characterization of disturbances, providing a novel approach for quantifying and monitoring the integrity of tropical forests. Our results indicate that canopy structural traits can provide a robust indication of disturbances, with strong potential to be applied at regional or global scales. The data used in this study are openly available and we encourage other researchers to use them as a benchmark data set to test larger scale approaches based on satellite and airborne platforms.Peer reviewe

Landau levels of cold atoms in non-Abelian gauge fields

The Landau levels of cold atomic gases in non-Abelian gauge fields are analyzed. In particular we identify effects on the energy spectrum and density distribution which are purely due to the non-Abelian character of the fields. We investigate in detail non-Abelian generalizations of both the Landau and the symmetric gauge. Finally, we discuss how these non-Abelian Landau and symmetric gauges may be generated by means of realistically feasible lasers in a tripod scheme.Comment: 13 pages, 9 figure

Vocalizations, morphological variation, and morphometry of Pristimantis gutturalis (Anura: Strabomantidae)

Pristimantis gutturalis é uma espécie do grupo de P. conspicillatus descrita da Guiana Francesa, com distribuição restrita ao Escudo da Guiana oriental. Alguns aspectos dessa espécie são ainda pouco estudados, incluindo seu repertório vocal que é desconhecido até o momento. Embora na sua descrição original ela tenha sido devidamente caracterizada no que diz respeito à morfologia, a descrição de sua coloração em vida consistiu de breves observações baseadas em notas de campo sobre duas fêmeas apenas. Além disso, poucos dados morfométricos foram apresentados na sua descrição, com medidas detalhadas fornecidas apenas para o holótipo (uma fêmea). Estudos subsequentes apenas abordaram brevemente essa espécie e não apresentaram novos dados significativos sobre ela. A fim de melhorar o conhecimento sobre P. gutturalis, com base em dados provenientes do estado do Amapá, norte do Brasil, no presente estudo nós descrevemos pela primeira vez os cantos de anúncio e territorial dessa espécie, avaliamos sua variação morfológica e cromática, fornecemos dados morfométricos detalhados sobre machos e uma fêmea, e brevemente comentamos sobre sua história natural. Além disso, nós comparamos o canto de anúncio de P. gutturalis com os cantos de outras espécies do grupo de P. conspicillatus e fazemos algumas observações sobre a acústica desse grupo.Pristimantis gutturalis is a species of the P. conspicillatus group described from French Guiana, with distribution so far restricted to the eastern Guiana Shield. Some aspects of this species are yet understudied, including its vocal repertoire which is unknown to date. Although in its original description it was properly characterized with regard to morphology, the description of its coloration in life consisted of brief remarks based on field notes on two females only. Moreover, little morphometric data were presented in its description, with detailed measurements provided for the holotype (a female) only. Subsequent studies have only briefly addressed this species and have not presented significant new data on it. In order to improve the knowledge on P. gutturalis, based on data from the state of Amapá, northern Brazil, in the present study we describe for the first time the advertisement and territorial calls of this species, assess its morphological and chromatic variation, provide detailed morphometric data on males and one female, and briefly comment on its natural history. Additionally, we compare the advertisement call of P. gutturalis with calls of other species of the P. conspicillatus group, and make some remarks on the acoustics of this group

OS EFEITOS DO EXERCÍCIO DE CAMINHADA NO PRÉ-AQUECIMENTO VOCAL: UM ESTUDO PILOTO

Este artigo é fruto de um estudo piloto acerca dos benefícios que o exercício de caminhada pode promover quando introduzido na rotina de estudo do cantor lírico, ou seja, quando esta atividade física é somada aos exercícios realizados no aquecimento vocal. Nesse estudo piloto, apresentamos leituras que discorrem a respeito do aquecimento corporal nos esportes e no canto em si, bem como estabelecemos a relação entre aquecimento aeróbio e a caminhada, atividade cujo benefício para a saúde já é comumente conhecido, e o aquecimento vocal. Além disso, chamamos a atenção para o reconhecimento do corpo do cantor como um sistema de funcionamento integrado e para a proprioceptivadade. Entre os resultados preliminares, é possível comentar que há alterações benéficas na sonoridade vocal do cantor que se submeteu a um aquecimento corporal antes de ser exposto à prática de um vocalize. Notadamente, carece-se de dados quantificados que dêem maior sustentação ao estudo proposto

RESPIRAÇÃO NA AULA DE CANTO A TÉCNICA DE “APPOGGIO” E A PROPRIOCEPÇÃO COMO BASE DE ESTRATÉGIA PEDAGÓGICA

This work presents the experiences lived in the course of the Professional Master in Music at the Federal University of Bahia. In the memorial that composes this work is discussed about the musical formation of the author, his context of professional performance in the context of teaching singing and motivation for research from the demands verified in contact with students. The memorial also briefly describes the experience of attending the disciplines of the master, highlighting reflections incorporated into the professional life of the musician educator. The work also includes an academic article on strategies of respiratory work with singers based on the technique of "appoggio" and the proprioception, and description of the product, the proposed workshop on the respiratory management of singers for the publictarget of singing teachers.Este trabalho apresenta as experiências vividas no percurso do Mestrado Profissional em Música na Universidade Federal da Bahia. No memorial que compõe este trabalho discorre-se sobre a formação musical do autor, seu contexto de atuação profissional no âmbito do ensino de canto e a motivação para a pesquisa a partir das demandas verificadas no contato com os alunos. O memorial também descreve brevemente a experiência de cursar as disciplinas do mestrado, com destaque para reflexões incorporadas à vida profissional do músico educador. O trabalho inclui, ainda, um artigo acadêmico sobre estratégias de trabalho respiratório com cantores com base na técnica de “appoggio” e na propriocepção, e descrição do produto, uma proposta de workshop sobre o gerenciamento respiratório de cantores para o público-alvo de professores de canto

Non-minimal coupling, negative null energy, and effective field theory

The non-minimal coupling of scalar fields to gravity has been claimed to violate energy conditions, leading to exotic phenomena such as traversable wormholes, even in classical theories. In this work we adopt the view that the non-minimal coupling can be viewed as part of an effective field theory (EFT) in which the field value is controlled by the theory's cutoff. Under this assumption, the average null energy condition, whose violation is necessary to allow traversable wormholes, is obeyed both classically and in the context of quantum field theory. In addition, we establish a type of "smeared" null energy condition in the non-minimally coupled theory, showing that the null energy averaged over a region of spacetime obeys a state dependent bound, in that it depends on the allowed field range. We finally motivate our EFT assumption by considering when the gravity plus matter path integral remains semi-classically controlled.Comment: 33 pages, 3 figure

A TRILHA INTERPRETATIVA COMO RECURSO PEDAGÓGICO PARA EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL

The present work has as main objective, to understand how the interpretative trails contribute to Environmental Education in high school. The research was carried out in two state schools located in the city of Areia-PB, with students of the second year of secondary education as subjects of the research, being characterized as a qualitative approach and from the point of view of procedures, such as exploratory and participant. The activities developed with the classes were part of a Prolicen project (Degree Program), and were divided into three main stages: the application of an environmental awareness questionnaire, the activity of the interpretive track and the evaluation questionnaire. The interpretive trail used for the project activity is located in the Mata do Pau-Ferro State Park, Areia-PB, one of the few remnants of the Paraíba Atlantic Forest. The data obtained initially were worrisome because, even close to the state park, a large portion of the students had not yet visited the same. During the course the students were attentive to the explanations and showed some doubts. With the evaluation questionnaire data, we saw students' satisfaction in participating in the trail, and more than half felt more aware and empowered to do something for the environment. In view of the results obtained, we conclude that the Interpretive Trails are important pedagogical resources for Environmental Education in high school, leading students to a direct experience with nature, contributing to their awareness and sensitization, potentializing actions aimed at preservation environmental performance by the participants. However, this resource is not yet used by the schools participating in the project, being dependent on external actions to carry out similar activities.O presente trabalho tem como objetivo principal, compreender como as trilhas interpretativas contribuem para a Educação Ambiental no ensino médio. A pesquisa foi realizada em duas escolas estaduais localizadas no município de Areia-PB, tendo como sujeitos da pesquisa os estudantes do segundo ano do ensino médio, caracterizando-se como uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa e do ponto de vista dos procedimentos, como exploratória e participante. As atividades desenvolvidas com as turmas foram parte de um projeto de Prolicen (Programa de Licenciaturas), e dividiram-se em três etapas principais, sendo elas: a aplicação de um questionário de sensibilização ambiental, atividade da trilha interpretativa e questionário de avaliação. A trilha interpretativa utilizada para a atividade do projeto, localiza-se no Parque Estadual Mata do Pau-Ferro, Areia-PB, um dos poucos remanescentes de Mata Atlântica da Paraíba. Os dados obtidos inicialmente foram preocupantes, pois, mesmo próximos ao parque estadual, uma grande parcela dos estudantes ainda não havia visitado o mesmo. Durante a realização da trilha os estudantes mostraram-se atentos as explicações e demonstraram algumas dúvidas. Com os dados do questionário de avaliação, enxergamos a satisfação dos estudantes em participar da trilha, e mais da metade sentiram-se mais conscientes e habilitados a fazer algo pelo meio ambiente. Diante dos resultados obtidos, chegamos a conclusão que as Trilhas Interpretativas, são recursos pedagógicos importantes para a Educação Ambiental no ensino médio, levando os estudantes a uma experiência direta com a natureza, contribuindo para a conscientização e sensibilização dos mesmos, potencializando ações voltadas a preservação ambiental por parte dos participantes. No entanto, este recurso ainda não é utilizado pelas escolas participantes do projeto, sendo dependentes de ações externas para realização de atividades semelhantes