Compactlike kinks and vortices in generalized models

This work deals with the presence of topological defects in k-field models, where the dynamics is generalized to include higher order power in the kinetic term. We investigate kinks in (1,1) dimensions and vortices in (2,1) dimensions, focusing on some specific features of the solutions. In particular, we show how the kinks and vortices change to compactlike solutions, controlled by the parameter used to introduce the generalized models.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figures. Version to be published in PR

Micropropagação da mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) : uma técnica consolidada para a multiplicação in vitro de variedades.

Diante da baixa e lenta taxa de multiplicação da mandioca, que é de 1:10, ou seja, geralmente, de cada planta se obtêm 10 manivas a cada 10-12 meses, alternativas vêm sendo desenvolvidas, de forma a acelerá-la e ainda superar os problemas fitossanitários

Morphology of powerful suction organs from blepharicerid larvae living in raging torrents

BackgroundSuction organs provide powerful yet dynamic attachments for many aquatic animals, including octopus, squid, remora, and clingfish. While the functional morphology of suction organs from some cephalopods and fishes has been investigated in detail, there are only few studies on such attachment devices in insects. Here we characterise the morphology and ultrastructure of the suction attachment organs of net-winged midge larvae (genus Liponeura; Diptera: Blephariceridae) – aquatic insects that live on rocks in rapid alpine waterways where flow speeds can reach 3 m s− 1 – using scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and X-ray computed micro-tomography (micro-CT). Furthermore, we study the function of these organs in vivo using interference reflection microscopy.ResultsWe identified structural adaptations important for the function of the suction attachment organs in L. cinerascens and L. cordata. First, a dense array of spine-like microtrichia covering each suction disc comes into contact with the substrate upon attachment, analogous to hairy structures on suction organs from octopus, clingfish, and remora fish. These spine-like microtrichia may contribute to the seal and provide increased shear force resistance in high-drag environments. Second, specialised rim microtrichia at the suction disc periphery were found to form a continuous ring in close contact and may serve as a seal on a variety of surfaces. Third, a V-shaped cut on the suction disc (“V-notch“) is actively opened via two cuticular apodemes inserting on its flanks. The apodemes are attached to dedicated V-notch opening muscles, thereby providing a unique detachment mechanism. The complex cuticular design of the suction organs, along with specialised muscles that attach to them, allows blepharicerid larvae to generate powerful attachments which can withstand strong hydrodynamic forces and quickly detach for locomotion.ConclusionThe suction organs from Liponeura are underwater attachment devices specialised for resisting extremely fast flows. Structural adaptations from these suction organs could translate into future bioinspired attachment systems that perform well on a wide range of surfaces

ePAGe: Sistematização do Plano de Atenção Gerontológica (PAGe)

ABSTRACTThe Gerontological Care Plan, originally “Plano de Atenção Gerontológica(PAGe, in Portuguese)”, is an instrument used to assistGerontology professionals in the multidimensional assessment ofthe elderly. Since its creation, the instrument has undergone a seriesof changes and in this study, we adopted the most currentversion, which has 104 questions. Taking into account the numberof questions present in the instrument, it is possible to infer thatthe manual application of the PAGe on paper demands time andattention from the professional. This paper presents a systematizedversion of the PAGe, whose main objective is to optimize the processof application and analysis of the instrument. The design andevaluation of the systematized version took place in partnershipwith Gerontology professionals, those who created the PAGe orwho frequently apply it. The results point to a positive evaluationby the specialists, especially concerning the application time andthe practicality of generating, visualizing, and analyzing the results