Adaptação automática de algoritmos de otimização metaheurística

A maioria dos problemas do mundo real tem uma multiplicidade de possíveis soluções. Além disso, usualmente, são encontradas limitações de recursos e tempo na resolução de problemas reais complexos e, por isso, frequentemente, não é possível aplicar um método determinístico na resolução desses problemas. Por este motivo, as meta-heurísticas têm ganho uma relevância significativa sobre os métodos determinísticos na resolução de problemas de otimização com múltiplas combinações. Ainda que as abordagens meta-heurísticas sejam agnósticas ao problema, os resultados da otimização são fortemente influenciados pelos parâmetros que estas meta-heurísticos necessitam para a sua configuração. Por sua vez, as melhores parametrizações são fortemente influenciadas pela meta-heurística e pela função objetivo. Por este motivo, a cada novo desenvolvimento é necessária uma otimização dos parâmetros das metas heurísticas praticamente partindo do zero. Assim, e, atendendo ao aumento da complexidade das meta-heurísticas e dos problemas aos quais estassão normalmente aplicadas, tem-se vindo a observar um crescente interesse no problema da configuração ótima destes algoritmos. Neste projeto é apresentada uma nova abordagem de otimização automática dos parâmetros de algoritmos meta-heurísticos. Esta abordagem não consiste numa pré-seleção estática de um único conjunto de parâmetros que será utilizado ao longo da pesquisa, como é a abordagem comum, mas sim na criação de um processo dinâmico, em que a parametrização é alterada ao longo da otimização. Esta solução consiste na divisão do processo de otimização em três etapas, forçando, numa primeira etapa um nível alto de exploração do espaço de procura, seguida de uma exploração intermédia e, na última etapa, privilegiando a pesquisa local focada nos pontos de maior potencial. De forma a permitir uma solução eficiente e eficaz, foram desenvolvidos dois módulos um Módulo de Treino e um Módulo de Otimização. No Módulo de Treino, o processo de fine-tuning é automatizado e, consequentemente, o processo de integração de uma nova meta-heurística ou uma nova função objetivo é facilitado. No Módulo de Otimização é usado um sistema multiagente para a otimização de uma dada função seguindo a abordagem de pesquisa proposta. Com base nos resultados obtidos através da aplicação de otimização por enxame de partículas e algoritmos genéticos a várias funções benchmark e a um problema real na área dos sistemas de energia, o Módulo de Treino permitiu automatizar o processo de fine-tuning e, consequentemente, facilitar o processo de introdução no sistema de uma nova meta-heurística ou de uma nova função relativa a um novo problema a resolver. Utilizando a abordagem de otimização proposta através do Módulo de Otimização, obtém-se uma maior generalização e os resultados são melhorados sem comprometer o tempo máximo para a otimização.Most real-word problems have a large solution space. Due to resource and time constraints, it is often not possible to apply a deterministic method to solve such problems. For this reason, metaheuristic optimization algorithm has earned increased popularity over the deterministic methods in solving complex combination optimization problems. However, despite being problem-agnostic techniques, metaheuristic’s optimization results are highly impacted by the defined parameters. The best parameterizations are highly impacted by the metaheuristic version and by the addressed objective function. For this reason, with each new development it is necessary to optimize the metaheuristic parameters practically from scratch. Thus, and given the increasing complexity of metaheuristics and the problems to which they are normally applied, there has been a growing interest in the problem of optimal configuration of these algorithms. In this work, a new approach for automatic optimization of metaheuristic algorithms parameters is presented. This approach does not consist in a static pre-selection of a single set of parameters that will be used throughout the search process, as is the common approach, but in the creation of a dynamic process, in which the parameterization is changed during the optimization. This solution consists of dividing the optimization process into three stages, forcing, in a first stage, a high level of exploration of the search space, followed by an intermediate exploration and, in the last stage, fostering local search focused on the points of greatest potential. In order to allow an efficient and effective solution, two modules are developed, a Training Module and an Optimization Module. In the Training Module, the finetuning process is automated and, consequently, the process of integrating a new metaheuristic or a new objective function is facilitated. In the Optimization Module, a multi-agent system is used to optimize a given function following the proposed research approach. Based on the results obtained using particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithms to solve several benchmark functions and a real problem in the area of power and energy systems, the Training Module made it possible to automate the fine-tuning process and, consequently, facilitate the process of introducing in the system a new metaheuristic or a new function related to a new problem to be solved. Using the proposed optimization approach through the Optimization Module, a greater generalization is obtained, and the results are improved without compromising the maximum time for the optimization

OPTIMIZATION OF SWEET GUAVA (Psidium guajava, L) USING THE ACCEPTANCE TEST, RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY AND PREFERENCE MAP

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the independent variables concentration of citric acid, concentration of potassium sorbate, and pulp/sugar ratio on consumer acceptance for sweet guava. The results were analyzed using statistical methods such as preference map and response surface methodology to determine the influence of the independent variables. Response surface methodology alone proved insufficient to achieve an optimal formulation for the preparation of sweet guava. Based on preference mapping analysis, consumer preference was observed for treatments using higher concentrations of sugar and citric acid. Parameters of sweetness, appearance and texture influenced consumer preferences.  

Strengthening therapeutic adherence and pharmacovigilance to antimalarial treatment in Manaus, Brazil: a multicomponent strategy using mHealth

Background: Public health initiatives for improving adherence to primaquine based regimens and enhancing effective pharmacovigilance are needed to support the efforts for malaria elimination in real world conditions. Methods: A multicomponent patient-oriented strategy using a Smart Safety Surveillance (3S) approach including: (1) educational materials for treatment counselling and identification of warning symptoms of haemolytic anaemia; (2) an mHealth component using Short Message Service (SMS) treatment reminders and (3) development and implementation of follow-up phone surveys three days after treatment completion, using a web-based platform linked to the local information system of malaria. Adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Self-reported events were registered using a structured questionnaire and communicated to the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency. Results: Educational materials were disseminated to 5594 patients, of whom 1512 voluntarily entered the mHealth component through the local information system; 7323 SMS were sent, and 1062 participants completed a follow-up survey after treatment. The mean age of patients was 37.36 years (SD 13.65), 61.24% were male, 98.54% were infected with. Plasmodium vivax and 95.90% received a short regimen of chloroquine plus primaquine (CQ + PQ 7 days), as per malaria case management guidelines in Brazil. From the 1062 surveyed participants 93.31% were considered adherent to the treatment. Most of the patients (95.20%) reported at least one adverse event. Headache, lack of appetite and nausea/vomiting were the most frequently reported adverse events by 77.31%, 70.90% and 56.78% of the patients respectively. A quarter of the patients reported anxiety or depression symptoms; 57 (5.37%) patients reported 5 to 6 warning symptoms of haemolytic anaemia including jaundice and dark urine in 44 (4.14%). Overall, three patients presenting symptoms of haemolytic anaemia attended a hospital and were diagnosed with G6PD deficiency, and one had haemolysis. All of them recovered. Conclusions: Under real world conditions, a multicomponent patient-oriented strategy using information and communication technologies allowed health care providers to reinforce treatment adherence and enhance safety surveillance of adverse events associated with regimens using primaquine. Active monitoring through phone surveys also reduced under-reporting of ADRs. This approach is low-cost, scalable and able to support prioritized activities of the national malaria programme.Fil: Macías Saint Gerons, Diego. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Rodovalho, Sheila. Universidad Federal del Amazonas.; BrasilFil: Barros Dias, Ádila Liliane. Universidad Federal del Amazonas.; BrasilFil: Lacerda Ulysses de Carvalho, André. Pan American Health Organization; BrasilFil: Beratarrechea, Andrea Gabriela. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Monteiro, Wuelton Marcelo. Universidad Federal del Amazonas.; BrasilFil: Barata Machado, Myrna. State of Amazonas Health Surveillance Foundation; BrasilFil: Fernandes da Costa, Cristiano. State of Amazonas Health Surveillance Foundation; BrasilFil: Yoshito Wada, Marcelo. No especifíca;Fil: Maximiano Faria de Almeida, Márcia Helena. No especifíca;Fil: Silva de Matos Fonseca, Rayanne. Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado; BrasilFil: Mota Cordeiro, Jady Shayenne. Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado; BrasilFil: Rodrigues Antolini, Alinne Paula. No especifíca;Fil: Nepomuceno, João Altecir. No especifíca;Fil: Fleck, Karen. Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency; BrasilFil: Simioni Gasparotto, Fernanda. Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency; BrasilFil: Lacerda, Marcus. Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado; BrasilFil: Rojas Cortés, Robin. Pan American Health Organization; Estados UnidosFil: Pal, Shanthi Narayan. No especifíca;Fil: Porrás, Analía I.. Pan American Health Organization; Estados UnidosFil: Ade, María de la Paz. Pan American Health Organization; Estados UnidosFil: Castro, José Luis. Pan American Health Organization; Estados Unido

Social Participation in the Brazilian National Biodiversity Monitoring Program Leads to Multiple Socioenvironmental Outcomes

The Brazilian Biodiversity Monitoring Program (Monitora Program) is a long-term large-scale program aimed at monitoring the state of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in the protected areas (PAs) managed by Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio). Encouraging qualified social participation is one of Monitora Program’s guiding principles. In this case study, we describe how citizen participation occurs in various stages of the Monitora Program, including planning, data collection, interpretation, and discussion of results. Aspects that are crucial for a legitimate and continuous involvement and participation are described. We also illustrate some of the results from the Program and discuss how the program can contribute to Brazil’s achievement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2022, the program was implemented in 113 of the 334 protected areas managed by ICMBio, most of them in the Amazon. The program results are aligned to 12 of the 17 SDGs, influencing changes that move society closer to these goals at the local scale. Data from the Monitora Program can be used to support Brazilian SDG reporting, but this requires further developments. Social participation in Monitora Program has strengthened links between institutions and people of different profiles, enhancing participation in protected area (PA) management and generating multiple local impacts, while producing quality biodiversity information to inform decision-making in conservation

Chemical Composition and In Vitro

The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and the identification and quantification of components were achieved with the use of GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the method of sequestration of DPPH. Essential oils were used for study the cytotoxic front larvae of Artemia salina. In the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of essential oils, we employed the disk-diffusion method. The potential larvicide in mosquito larvae of the third stage of development of Aedes aegypti to different concentrations of essential oils was evaluated. The major compounds found in the essential oils of M. piperita were linalool (51.8%) and epoxyocimene (19.3%). The percentage of antioxidant activity was 79.9±1.6%. The essential oil showed LC50 = 414.6 μg/mL front of A. saline and is considered highly toxic. It shows sensitivity and halos significant inhibition against E. coli. The essential possessed partial larvicidal efficiency against A. aegypti

Reconstrução de Defeitos Ósseos na Região Maxilofacial

The aim of this article is to analyze and present contemporary approaches in the reconstruction of bone defects in the maxillofacial region. The indexes SciVerse Scopus, Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), U.S. National Library of Medicine (PUBMED) and ScienceDirect were used as search engines. The articles were contemplated between the years 2000 to 2023. The introduction of microsurgery and the refinement of free tissue transfer techniques opened doors to previously unattainable solutions, allowing the restoration of complex structures with increasingly successful results. However, it is essential to emphasize that maxillofacial reconstruction is a multidisciplinary discipline, where collaboration between surgeons, radiologists, orthodontists and other professionals is crucial to plan and execute customized procedures.O objetivo deste artigo é analisar e apresentar as abordagens contemporâneas na reconstrução de defeitos ósseos na região maxilofacial. Foram utilizados como motores de busca os indexadores SciVerse Scopus, Scientific Eletronic Library Online (Scielo), U.S. National Library of Medicine (PUBMED) e ScienceDirect. Os artigos foram contemplados entre os anos de 2000 a 2023. A introdução da microcirurgia e o refinamento das técnicas de transferência de tecidos livres abriram portas para soluções anteriormente inalcançáveis, permitindo a restauração de estruturas complexas com resultados cada vez mais bem-sucedidos. No entanto, é essencial ressaltar que a reconstrução maxilofacial é uma disciplina multidisciplinar, onde a colaboração entre cirurgiões, radiologistas, ortodontistas e outros profissionais é crucial para planejar e executar procedimentos personalizados

Protocolos de regulação ambulatorial : condições pós-COVID-19

Telemedicin

Sobre a Interpolação e o Uso nas Atividades do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Astronomia

Astronomy represents an area of scientific knowledge that constantly works with numericaldata, derived from observations (spectroscopy, photometry, polarimetry) or from physical-mathematical models. Therefore, analyzing and interpreting data of a scientific nature ob-tained from graphs and/or tables represents a very common task for the astronomer. Often,there is a need to know, for example, the coordinate of an object for a certain date (year,month, day, hour, minute and second) of observation. In other cases, during the acquisi-tion phase, extraneous processes can happen and cause the partial or total commitment ofthe desired astronomical information, which can harm a later analysis (local or global) ofthe phenomenon studied. As the Interpolation method represents a topic of study that ispart of the training process for future Masters of the Postgraduate Program in Astronomy,Professional Master’s in Astronomy (MPASTRO) of the Physics Department of UEFS, weconsider it appropriate to present a small contribution on the Interpolation method in thecontext of Astronomy. An analysis is also carried out on the skills provided for in the BNCC(National Curricular Common Base).A Astronomia representa uma área do conhecimento científico que trabalha constantemente com dados numéricos, oriundos de observações (espectroscopia, fotometria, polarimetria) ou de modelos físico-matemáticos. Portanto, analisar e interpretar dados de natureza científica obtidos a partitr da leitura de gráficos e/ou tabelas representa uma tarefa bastante comum para o(a) astrônomo(a). Muitas vezes, existe a necessidade de se conhecer, por exemplo, a coordenada de um objeto para uma certa data (ano, mês, dia, hora, minuto e segundo) de observação. Em outros casos, durante a fase de aquisição, processos alheios podem acontecer e ocasionar o comprometimento, parcial ou total, da informação astronômica desejada, o que pode prejudicar uma posterior análise (local ou global) do fenômeno estudado. Como o método de Interpolação representa um tema de estudo que faz parte do processo de formação dos futuros mestres do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Astronomia, Mestrado Profissional em Astronomia (MPASTRO) do Departamento de Física da UEFS, julgamos apropriado apresentar uma pequena contribuição sobre o método de Interpolação no contexto da Astronomia. Uma análise também é feita nas habilidades previstas na BNCC (Base Nacional Comum Curricular)