Effect of multiple reusing of simulated air showers in detector simulations

The study of high energy cosmic rays requires detailed Monte Carlo simulations of both, extensive air showers and the detectors involved in their detection. In particular, the energy calibration of several experiments is obtained from simulations. Also, in composition studies simulations play a fundamental role because the primary mass is determined by comparing experimental with simulated data. At the highest energies the detailed simulation of air showers is very costly in processing time and disk space due to the large number of secondary particles generated in interactions with the atmosphere. Therefore, in order to increase the statistics, it is quite common to recycle single showers many times to simulate the detector response. As a result, the events of the Monte Carlo samples generated in this way are not fully independent. In this work we study the artificial effects introduced by the multiple use of single air showers for the detector simulations. In particular, we study in detail the effects introduced by the repetitions in the kernel density estimators which are frequently used in composition studies.Comment: 15 pages and 4 figure

Fluctuating solutions for the evolution of domain walls

A class of oscillating Lorentz covariant configurations for the evolution of the domain walls in diverse dimensions are analytically obtained. It is shown that the oscillating solutions in the case of domain walls are responsible for structures which are larger than the usual kink-like configurations and, in the Lorentz covariant evolution case, lead to long-standing configurations.Comment: 14 pages, 7 figure

Identification of Counterfactuals and Payoffs in Dynamic Discrete Choice with an Application to Land Use

Dynamic discrete choice models are non-parametrically not identified without restrictions on payoff functions, yet counterfactuals may be identified even when payoffs are not. We provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the identification of a wide range of counterfactuals for models with nonparametric payoffs, as well as for commonly used parametric functions, and we obtain both positive and negative results. We show that access to extra data of asset resale prices (when applicable) can solve non-identifiability of both payoffs and counterfactuals. The theoretical findings are illustrated empirically in the context of agricultural land use. First, we provide identification results for models with unobserved market-level state variables. Then, using a unique spatial dataset of land use choices and land resale prices, we estimate the model and investigate two policy counterfactuals: long run land use elasticity (identified) and a fertilizer tax (not identified, affected dramatically by restrictions)

Što su autohtone i tradicionalne populacije? Relacijski pristup etničkim područjima i očuvanju okoliša u Brazilu

This article explores the contradictory relationship between identity politics and environmental conservation in Brazil. First, the rationale for setting aside territories for ethnic groups in Brazil that have been historically discriminated against is examined and legal definitions for such traditional populations are presented. Second, ethnographic and philosophical critiques of essentialized ethnic identity are used to highlight how traditionality and conservation are conflated in Brazilian environmental policies. These policies, in turn, are related to another bundle of contradictions in Western bio-centric preservation which (erroneously) essentializes nature and excludes the human presence from within reserves. Research findings from two remote regions located in critical biomes for conservation in Brazil are presented succinctly to illustrate different kinds of contradictions between ethnic territories and conservation. In conclusion, a relational research agenda is offered which avoids the pitfalls of essentialized identity and nature.Ovaj članak istražuje kontradiktorni odnos između politike identiteta i očuvanja okoliša u Brazilu. Prvo se ispituje obrazloženje za uspostavljanje teritorija za etničke skupine u Brazilu koje su povijesno diskriminirane te se navode pravne definicije za takve tradicionalne populacije. Potom se etnografska i filozofska kritika esencijaliziranoga etničkog identiteta koristi za isticanje kako su tradicionalnost i očuvanje povezani s brazilskim politikama zaštite okoliša. Te su politike, pak, povezane s još jednim skupom kontradikcija u zapadnjačkoj biocentričnoj zaštiti koja (pogrešno) esencijalizira prirodu i isključuje ljudsku prisutnost iz rezervata. Rezultati istraživanja iz dviju udaljenih regija smještenih u kritičnim biomima za očuvanje u Brazilu sažeto su prikazani da bi se ilustrirale različite vrste kontradikcija između etničkih teritorija i očuvanja okoliša. Zaključno se predlaže relacijska istraživačka agenda kojom se izbjegavaju zamke esencijaliziranoga identiteta i prirode

CONSPICUOUS ROADSIDE AVIFAUNA’S SEASONAL VARIATION IN ECOTONE AND WETLAND ENVIRONMENTS WITHIN THE PANTANAL’S AQUIDAUANA REGION

Abstract ∙ Transport by road is the main mechanism for integrating Brazil, but roads are drivers of land cover conversion, fragmentation, and direct mortality by wildlife-vehicle collisions. In Aquidauana, BR419 and MS170 are important unpaved roads into the rural Pantanal region, and improvement and paving has been planned for BR419, which may increase risks to local avifauna. The aim of this study was to assess the species composition and richness of conspicuous avifauna (defined as being easily quantifiable using roadside surveys), and their spatial and seasonal variation among two important roadways. One of the surveyed roadways accessing rural areas of the Aquidauana region of the Pantanal was scheduled for improvement and paving. Transects of 73 km long were sampled along both highways, six samples along each transect between February and May 2012, for a full sample effort of 103:06 hours. A total of 6888 individuals from 33 families and 93 species were observed in the transects combined, and 83 species were identified in each transect. Jaccard Similarity Index was 0.79, and we found a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) among the bird communities between the highways. Species associated with freshwater environments were more abundant along and indicator species of MS170. That avifauna along MS170 varied temporally and species richness was strongly correlated with river discharge, while the same was not true with BR419. Species particularly vulnerable to wildlife-vehicle collisions, e.g., vultures (Coragyps atratus, C. aura) and Southern Caracara (Caracara plancus), were abundant along BR419. While mitigation measures for mammals, reptiles, and amphibians are common and effective, the vertical movement of most birds into the roadway presents a different challenge for which a technical solution may not currently exist. To protect species observed along the currently unpaved roadways of Pantanal’s Aquidauana region, following road improvement, speed limits should be calibrated to facilitate safe transportation for drivers and the continued existence of wild species. Resumo · Espécies de pássaros conspicuentes variação sazonal em ambientes de ecotone e pântano na região Aquidauana do Pantanal O transporte rodoviário é o principal mecanismo de integração do Brasil, mas as estradas são propulsoras da conversão, fragmentação e mortalidade direta da cobertura vegetal por colisões de veículos silvestres. Em Aquidauana, a BR419 e a MS170 são importantes estradas não pavimentadas para a região rural do Pantanal, melhorias e pavimentação foram planejadas para a BR419, o que pode aumentar os riscos para a avifauna local. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a composição de espécies e a riqueza da avifauna conspícua (definido como sendo facilmente quantificável usando levantamentos de beira de estrada) e sua variação espacial e sazonal entre duas estradas importantes. Uma das estradas pesquisadas acessando áreas rurais da região de Aquidauana do Pantanal foi programada para melhorias e pavimentação. Transectos de 73 km de extensão foram amostrados ao longo das duas rodovias, seis amostras ao longo de cada transecto entre fevereiro e maio de 2012, para um esforço amostral completo de 103:06 horas. Um total de 6888 indivíduos de 33 famílias e 93 espécies foram observados nos transectos combinados, e 83 espécies foram identificadas em cada transecto. Índice de Similaridade de Jaccard foi de 0,79, e encontramos uma diferença estatisticamente significativa (P < 0,05) entre as comunidades de aves entre as rodovias. Espécies associadas a ambientes de água doce foram mais abundantes e espécies indicadoras da MS170. Essa avifauna ao longo da MS170 variou temporalmente e a riqueza de espécies foi fortemente correlacionada com a descarga do rio, enquanto o mesmo não ocorreu com a BR419. Espécies particularmente vulneráveis a colisões de veículos silvestres , por exemplo, abutres (Coragyps atratus, C. aura) e Caracará (Caracara plancus), foram abundantes ao longo da BR419. Embora as medidas de mitigação para mamíferos, répteis e anfíbios sejam comuns e eficazes, o movimento vertical da maioria das aves na pista apresenta um desafio diferente para o qual uma solução técnica pode não existir atualmente. Para proteger as espécies observadas ao longo das estradas atualmente não pavimentadas da região de Aquidauana, no Pantanal, seguindo a melhoria das estradas, os limites de velocidade devem ser calibrados para facilitar o transporte seguro dos motoristas e a existência contínua de espécies silvestres

Searching for Stability as we Age: The PCA-Biplot Approach

Principal component analysis (PCA) has been successfully applied to gait data; however, interpretation of the components is challenging. An alternative is to use a graphical display called biplot that gives insights into relationships and trends of data sets. Our goal was to demonstrate the sensitivity of gait variables to aging in elderly women with PCA-biplot. One hundred fifty-one elderly females (71.6±5.0 yrs), 152 adults (44.7±5.4 yrs) and 150 young (21.7±4.1 yrs) participated in the study. Gait spatial and temporal parameters were collected using a computerized carpet. PCA-biplot, discriminant analysis and MANOVA were used in the analysis. PCA-biplot revealed that elderly females walked with lower velocity, shorter step length, reduced swing time, higher cadence, and increased double support time compared to the other two groups. The greatest distances between the groups were along the variable step length with the elderly group showing a decrease of 8.4 cm in relation to the younger group. The discriminant function confirmed the importance of principal component 2 for group separation. Because principal component 2 was heavily weighted by step length and swing time, it represents a measure of stability. As women age they seek a more stable gait by decreasing step length, swing time, and velocity. PCA-biplot highlighted the importance of the variable step length in distinguishing between women of different age groups. It is well-known that as we age we seek a more stable gait. The PCA-biplot emphasized that premise and gave further important insights into relationships and trends of this complex data set

Ovi-protective mothers: exploring the proteomic profile of weevil (Gonipterus) egg capsules

Insects of different orders produce elaborate structures to protect their eggs from the many threats they may face from the environment and natural enemies. In the weevil genus Gonipterus, their dark, hardened egg capsule is possibly generated by a mixture of the insects' excrement and glandular substances. To test this hypothesis, this study focused on the elucidation of protein components present in the egg capsule cover and interrogated them through comparative analysis and gene expression to help infer potential functions. First, female Gonipterus sp. n. 2 reproductive and alimentary tissues were isolated to establish a reference transcriptome-derived protein database. Then, proteins from weevil frass (excrement) and egg capsule cover were identified through mass spectrometry proteomics. We found that certain egg capsule cover proteins were both exclusive and shared between frass and egg capsule cover, including those of plant origin (e.g. photosystem II protein) and others secreted by the weevil, primarily from reproductive tissue. Among them, a mucin/spidroin-like protein and novel proteins with repetitive units that likely play a structural role were identified. We have confirmed the dual origin of the egg capsule cover substance as a blend of the insects? frass and secretions. Novel proteins secreted by the weevils are key candidates for holding the egg case cover together

Ovi-protective mothers: exploring the proteomic profile of weevil (Gonipterus) egg capsules

Insects of different orders produce elaborate structures to protect their eggs from the many threats they may face from the environment and natural enemies. In the weevil genus Gonipterus, their dark, hardened egg capsule is possibly generated by a mixture of the insects' excrement and glandular substances. To test this hypothesis, this study focused on the elucidation of protein components present in the egg capsule cover and interrogated them through comparative analysis and gene expression to help infer potential functions. First, female Gonipterus sp. n. 2 reproductive and alimentary tissues were isolated to establish a reference transcriptome-derived protein database. Then, proteins from weevil frass (excrement) and egg capsule cover were identified through mass spectrometry proteomics. We found that certain egg capsule cover proteins were both exclusive and shared between frass and egg capsule cover, including those of plant origin (e.g. photosystem II protein) and others secreted by the weevil, primarily from reproductive tissue. Among them, a mucin/spidroin-like protein and novel proteins with repetitive units that likely play a structural role were identified. We have confirmed the dual origin of the egg capsule cover substance as a blend of the insects? frass and secretions. Novel proteins secreted by the weevils are key candidates for holding the egg case cover together

Pedagogical Aspects of Applied Software Packages and Computer Technologies Use in Student's Education

Special software development is necessary for successful realization of teachers and students activity. There are two directions of such software development: first is for training process organization and second is for software use in education. General ASP purpose are universal software products intended for user functional tasks operation and it is also widely used in educational process