Application of Blind Source Separation Methods to Ion-Selective Electrode Arrays in Flow-Injection Analysis

International audienceAs shown recently, the interference problem typical of ion-selective electrodes can be dealt with via smart arrays adjusted by blind source separation methods. In this letter, we resume this study and show that such an approach can be applied even when faced with a limited number of samples acquired through flow-injection analysis

Blind Search for Optimal Wiener Equalizers Using an Artificial Immune Network Model

This work proposes a framework to determine the optimal Wiener equalizer by using an artificial immune network model together with the constant modulus (CM) cost function. This study was primarily motivated by recent theoretical results concerning the CM criterion and its relation to the Wiener approach. The proposed immune-based technique was tested under different channel models and filter orders, and benchmarked against a procedure using a genetic algorithm with niching. The results demonstrated that the proposed strategy has a clear superiority when compared with the more traditional technique. The proposed algorithm presents interesting features from the perspective of multimodal search, being capable of determining the optimal Wiener equalizer in most runs for all tested channels

Performance measurement system for weed control in forestry

Este trabalho objetivou a determinação de indicadores de desempenho (IDs) para a atividade de controle de plantas invasoras em plantações florestais. Para isso, tomaram-se como base as exigências de uma empresa atuante no segmento de celulose e papel, convertendo-as em um sistema de medição de performance, utilizando adaptações nas metodologias Desdobramento da Função Qualidade (QFD) e Balanced Scorecard (BSC). Foram definidos 19 indicadores de desempenho em cinco diferentes perspectivas: financeira; clientes; processos internos; aprendizado e crescimento; e não mercado. Destes, os indicadores que obtiveram maior peso foram dosagem de herbicida, condições dos equipamentos de aplicação, treinamento dos colaboradores e custo da qualidade relacionado à prevenção. Além disso, no geral os IDs apresentaram correlação positiva, em diferentes intensidades, indicando que melhorias em um grupo de indicadores podem influenciar positivamente os demais.Palavras-chave:  Indicadores de desempenho; balanced scorecard; desdobramento da função qualidade. AbstractPerformance measurement system for weed control in forestry. This research aimed to determine performance indicators (PIs) for the activity of weed control in forest plantations. In order to that, the requirements of a company that act in the pulp and paper segment were converted into a performance measurement system, using adaptations of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Balanced Scorecard (BSC). We defined nineteen performance indicators in five different perspectives: financial; customer; internal process; learning and growth; and non-market. The indicators with the greatest weight were dose of herbicide, conditions of application equipment, training and quality costs related to prevention. Furthermore, in general, the PIs were positively correlated in different intensities, indicating that improvements in a group of indicators can influence others.Keywords: Performance indicators; balance scorecard; quality function deployment.AbstractThis research aimed to determine performance indicators (PIs) for the activity of weed control in forest plantations. In order to that, the requirements of a company that act in the pulp and paper segment were converted into a performance measurement system, using adaptations of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Balanced Scorecard (BSC). We defined nineteen performance indicators in five different perspectives: financial; customer; internal process; learning and growth; and non-market. The indicators with the greatest weight were dose of herbicide, conditions of application equipment, training and quality costs related to prevention. Furthermore, in general, the PIs were positively correlated in different intensities, indicating that improvements in a group of indicators can influence others.Keywords: Performance indicators; balance scorecard; quality function deployment

Sobre critérios para equalização não-supervisionada

In this work, we study the criteria used to solve the blind equalization problem. Two approaches are considered in detail: the constant modulus and the Shalvi-Weinstein criteria. In the course of our exposition, a more recent and less studied technique, the generalized constant modulus criterion, is also discussed. Some of the most important results found in the literature are presented together with some recent contributions related to the comparison between blind criteria and between unsupervised techniques and the Wiener criterion.Neste artigo são abordados critérios usados para resolver o problema da equalização cega também conhecida como autodidata. Consideram-se os critérios clássicos do módulo constante e o do Shalvi-Weinstein. Apresentaremos os principais resultados existentes na literatura e alguns resultados mais recentes, que dizem respeito ao estudo do algoritmo do módulo constante generalizado (GCMA) e à comparação entre os critérios citados e destes com o critério de Wiener.278299Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

COMPORTAMENTO SAZONAL DA EXPORTAÇÃO BRASILEIRA DE CELULOSE PARA A CHINA ENTRE 1997 E 2012

This study aimed to evaluate the seasonality of the price of Brazilian pulp traded with China as a tool to assist in decision making about commercialization of this product in external market. For this, data of quantity and total value from the Brazilian pulp exports to China were collected, in ALICE-WEB database, and after deflation, prices of product sales were estimated to determine the seasonal index for different periods between 1997 and 2012. The results showed that the price of the product is unstable during the year, but tends to be higher in the second semester, more specifically in the third trimester. This information indicates that companies should strengthen pulp trade pulp trade with China during these periods, seeking alternative markets when prices are lower.Keywords: Seasonality; international trade; chemical wood pulp; competitiveness.Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a sazonalidade do preço da celulose brasileira comercializada com a China como ferramenta para auxiliar na tomada de decisão sobre a comercialização do produto no mercado externo. Para isso, foram coletados, no Sistema ALICE-WEB, dados de quantidade e valores totais das exportações brasileiras de celulose para a China e, após deflacionamento, foram estimados os preços de venda do produto, para a determinação do índice sazonal para diferentes períodos entre 1997 e 2012. Os resultados mostraram que o preço do produto é instável durante o ano, no entanto tende a ser superior durante o segundo semestre, mais especificamente no terceiro trimestre. Essas informações indicam que as empresas devem fortalecer o comércio de celulose com a China nesses períodos, buscando mercados alternativos quando os preços estiverem mais baixos.Palavras-chave: Sazonalidade; comércio internacional; pasta química de madeira; competitividade. AbstractSeasonal behavior of Brazilian pulp exports to China between 1997 and 2012. This study aimed to evaluate the seasonality of the price of Brazilian pulp traded with China as a tool to assist in decision making about commercialization of this product in external market. For this, data of quantity and total value from the Brazilian pulp exports to China were collected, in ALICE-WEB database, and after deflation, prices of product sales were estimated to determine the seasonal index for different periods between 1997 and 2012. The results showed that the price of the product is unstable during the year, but tends to be higher in the second semester, more specifically in the third trimester. This information indicates that companies should strengthen pulp trade pulp trade with China during these periods, seeking alternative markets when prices are lower.Keywords: Seasonality; international trade; chemical wood pulp; competitiveness

Early detection of doxorubicin myocardial injury by ultrasonic tissue characterization in an experimental animal model

In the clinical setting, the early detection of myocardial injury induced by doxorubicin (DXR) is still considered a challenge. To assess whether ultrasonic tissue characterization (UTC) can identify early DXR-related myocardial lesions and their correlation with collagen myocardial percentages, we studied 60 rats at basal status and prospectively after 2mg/Kg/week DXR endovenous infusion. Echocardiographic examinations were conducted at baseline and at 8,10,12,14 and 16 mg/Kg DXR cumulative dose. The left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), shortening fraction (SF), and the UTC indices: corrected coefficient of integrated backscatter (IBS) (tissue IBS intensity/phantom IBS intensity) (CC-IBS) and the cyclic variation magnitude of this intensity curve (MCV) were measured. The variation of each parameter of study through DXR dose was expressed by the average and standard error at specific DXR dosages and those at baseline. The collagen percent (%) was calculated in six control group animals and 24 DXR group animals. CC-IBS increased (1.29 +/- 0.27 x 1.1 +/- 0.26-basal; p=0.005) and MCV decreased (9.1 +/- 2.8 x 11.02 +/- 2.6-basal; p=0.006) from 8 mg/Kg to 16mg/Kg DXR. LVEF presented only a slight but significant decrease (80.4 +/- 6.9% x 85.3 +/- 6.9%-basal, p=0.005) from 8 mg/Kg to 16 mg/Kg DXR. CC-IBS was 72.2% sensitive and 83.3% specific to detect collagen deposition of 4.24%(AUC=0.76). LVEF was not accurate to detect initial collagen deposition (AUC=0.54). In conclusion: UTC was able to early identify the DXR myocardial lesion when compared to LVEF, showing good accuracy to detect the initial collagen deposition in this experimental animal model

Sugarcane (Saccharum X officinarum): A Reference Study for the Regulation of Genetically Modified Cultivars in Brazil

Global interest in sugarcane has increased significantly in recent years due to its economic impact on sustainable energy production. Sugarcane breeding and better agronomic practices have contributed to a huge increase in sugarcane yield in the last 30 years. Additional increases in sugarcane yield are expected to result from the use of biotechnology tools in the near future. Genetically modified (GM) sugarcane that incorporates genes to increase resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses could play a major role in achieving this goal. However, to bring GM sugarcane to the market, it is necessary to follow a regulatory process that will evaluate the environmental and health impacts of this crop. The regulatory review process is usually accomplished through a comparison of the biology and composition of the GM cultivar and a non-GM counterpart. This review intends to provide information on non-GM sugarcane biology, genetics, breeding, agronomic management, processing, products and byproducts, as well as the current technologies used to develop GM sugarcane, with the aim of assisting regulators in the decision-making process regarding the commercial release of GM sugarcane cultivars

Outcomes from elective colorectal cancer surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

This study aimed to describe the change in surgical practice and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mortality after surgical resection of colorectal cancer during the initial phases of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (3rd edition)

In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Accordingly, it is important to update these guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Various reviews have described the range of assays that have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to measure autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. For example, a key point that needs to be emphasized is that there is a difference between measurements that monitor the numbers or volume of autophagic elements (e.g., autophagosomes or autolysosomes) at any stage of the autophagic process versus those that measure fl ux through the autophagy pathway (i.e., the complete process including the amount and rate of cargo sequestered and degraded). In particular, a block in macroautophagy that results in autophagosome accumulation must be differentiated from stimuli that increase autophagic activity, defi ned as increased autophagy induction coupled with increased delivery to, and degradation within, lysosomes (inmost higher eukaryotes and some protists such as Dictyostelium ) or the vacuole (in plants and fungi). In other words, it is especially important that investigators new to the fi eld understand that the appearance of more autophagosomes does not necessarily equate with more autophagy. In fact, in many cases, autophagosomes accumulate because of a block in trafficking to lysosomes without a concomitant change in autophagosome biogenesis, whereas an increase in autolysosomes may reflect a reduction in degradative activity. It is worth emphasizing here that lysosomal digestion is a stage of autophagy and evaluating its competence is a crucial part of the evaluation of autophagic flux, or complete autophagy. Here, we present a set of guidelines for the selection and interpretation of methods for use by investigators who aim to examine macroautophagy and related processes, as well as for reviewers who need to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of papers that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a formulaic set of rules, because the appropriate assays depend in part on the question being asked and the system being used. In addition, we emphasize that no individual assay is guaranteed to be the most appropriate one in every situation, and we strongly recommend the use of multiple assays to monitor autophagy. Along these lines, because of the potential for pleiotropic effects due to blocking autophagy through genetic manipulation it is imperative to delete or knock down more than one autophagy-related gene. In addition, some individual Atg proteins, or groups of proteins, are involved in other cellular pathways so not all Atg proteins can be used as a specific marker for an autophagic process. In these guidelines, we consider these various methods of assessing autophagy and what information can, or cannot, be obtained from them. Finally, by discussing the merits and limits of particular autophagy assays, we hope to encourage technical innovation in the field