Habitat loss, extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions

The destruction of natural habitats is causing loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Although a “zero deforestation” is targeted, agriculture expansion caused by increasing human population and per capita consumption might boost the destruction of natural habitats in the coming decades. Here, we estimated the current and future extinction crisis in terrestrial ecoregions caused by habitat destruction and related this pattern with the current conservation efforts. We applied an Endemics-Area Relationship to assess vertebrates' potential extinctions in 513 ecoregions based on current land cover data and a future scenario of habitat loss. We compared our predictions to the proportion of the ecoregions' area formally protected, testing the concordance between threat distribution and conservation efforts. Finally, we evaluated how the distribution of threat relates to the biodiversity hotspots delimitation. We found that 2134 endemic vertebrates are currently threatened due to accumulated habitat loss, which is consistent with the assessment of the IUCN Red List. Further, this threat could overtake 4209 species when considering habitat loss projections to 2040. Our findings indicate a high concentration of threat in a few megadiverse localities, some of them outside the biodiversity hotspots. We found little overlap between our predictions of extinction and current protected areas distribution. This study supports current biodiversity crisis diagnoses and the expected recrudescence of Anthropocene defaunation in the future when considering scenarios of further habitat destruction. Our analysis also contributes to the definition of global priorities to prevent further biodiversity loss

Less is more: simplified Nelder-Mead method for large unconstrained optimization

Nelder-Mead method (NM) for solving continuous non-linear optimization problem is probably the most cited and the most used method in the optimization literature and in practical applications, too. It belongs to the direct search methods, those which do not use the first and the second order derivatives. The popularity of NM is based on its simplicity. In this paper we propose even more simple algorithm for larger instances that follows NM idea. We call it Simplified NM (SNM): instead of generating all n + 1 simplex points in Rn, we perform search using just q + 1 vertices, where q is usually much smaller than n. Though the results cannot be better than after performing calculations in n+1 points as in NM, significant speed-up allows to run many times SNM from different starting solutions, usually getting better results than those obtained by NM within the same cpu time. Computational analysis is performed on 10 classical convex and non-convex instances, where the number of variables n can be arbitrarily large. The obtained results show that SNM is more effective than the original NM, confirming that LIMA yields good results when solving a continuous optimization problem

Analysis of Freight Trip Generation Model for Food and Beverage in Belo Horizonte (Brazil)

Today, one of the main challenges faced in urban logistics is the distribution of goods. In Brazil, mid to large cities have experienced consequences of unplanned urban sprawl and lack of adequate transportation infrastructure. The relationship between urban planning and transport stands out the attractiveness of some urban activities with direct impacts on the movement of people and goods and other component elements of urban space. The segment of bars and restaurants falls within this context, therefore is a vital activity responsible for significant percentage of jobs and revenue in a city. Altogether, foods & beverages commercial activities move daily large volumes of goods to meet the need of customers. This paper presents the results of a freight trip generation model developed for pubs and restaurants in Belo Horizonte (Brazil). Once performed the model determined the number of trips generated per day per establishment. In order to expand the discrete result to a continuous one, the results were geographically interpolated to a continuous surface and extrapolated within the city limits. The data for the freight trip generation model were obtained by survey. For this, we designed a structured questionnaire to obtain information about goods, frequency, operational time, place of performance of the loading/unloading of goods, establishment size and the number of employees. Besides these information, we investigated the acceptance of alternative practices in the delivery of goods, such as off-peak delivery. To accomplish the proposed models, we applied a simple linear regression, correlating the following variables: (i) Number of trips versus area of the establishment; (ii) Number of trips versus number of employees; (iii) Number of trips versus operation day of the establishment. With the results of the linear regression for travel generations, conducted the data interpolation based on the standard deviation of the results to define the sample classification bands. This interpolation method was chosen because it is one of the most suitable for analysis of spatially scattered points due to the straightforwardness of the model and because it does not consider extra noise such as slope and spatial constraints as barriers. In this method, interpolation is determined by the value assigned to each point (in this case the number of trips), wherein the closer the points the higher the correlation trend. Finally, the resulting trip generation surface was analysed together with other geographic data such as demographic data, road network density and socioeconomic data. Findings indicate the importance of a mathematic-geographic model for trip generation as a feasible approach for support transportation planning & operation for urban goods distribution. Critical information such as the high concentration of pubs and restaurants in the same region can reinforce the vocation of the city for trading. However, an elevated number of freight vehicles to meet a high and growing demand becomes a problem specially in areas where urban road network is not efficient (not properly designed and parking spaces not properly used). This study also highlights the need for an urban freight mobility plan and public policies, by offering sustainable alternatives for urban goods distribution, which improve the urban environment. By using geospatial analysis, the study delivered statistics data and maps to catch the attention of decision makers and transportation managers, therefore facilitate the discussion on transportation policies in the city of Belo Horizonte

AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH TO CALIBRATE A FORCE-TORQUE SENSOR USING A NEURAL NETWORK

The force and torque sensor is a tool widely used in industrial processes and research centers where data need to be obtained with high accuracy. To use the sensor is needed a specific data acquisition board, as well as appropriate software. In addition, a specific calibration for different types of plates is required. This paper aims to calibrate a force and torque sensor, using neural networks in a universal manner, where the reproduction of the neural network for calibration of any sensor in other data acquisition boards is possible, apart from using a different software recommended by manufacturer. To perform the experiments, we used a sensor force and torque, Gamma model 3805 of ATI Industrial Automation, a data acquisition board (National Instruments myDAQ ©) and a pulley system for the distribution of weights between the axes of the sensor. To acquire the data we used the Labview software. For the modeling of neural network, we used a specific Matlab software toolbox. The experiment was conducted by placing loads with different values in known positions, so that the forces and torques along the three axes, have had predefined values. After this procedure was collected data voltage to the weights defined. These measures served to feed the neural network developed in Matlab. The partial results obtained were satisfactory and the neural network, tested with experimental data presented minimum values of mean and degree of accuracy close to one. Work is in progress and we intend to conduct a new experiment using the measurements of the sensor in the control loop of a robotic manipulator

Transtornos mentais comuns em Petrópolis-RJ: um desafio para a integração da saúde mental com a estratégia de saúde da família

OBJECTIVE: Common mental disorders are present in more than 50% of patients attending primary care clinics. The main objectives of this study were to detect whether there is any special group of patients within the Family Health Strategy that should be considered to be in greater risk for common mental disorders and to recommend alternative interventions to aid these patients. METHOD: In 2002, a cross-sectional study on common mental disorders seen at Family Health Strategy centers was conducted in Petrópolis, State of Rio de Janeiro. RESULTS: Common mental disorders were associated with women (OR = 2.90; 95% CI 1.82-4.32), younger than 45 years of age (OR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.02-2.01), with a monthly per capita family income of less than US$40.00 (OR = 1.68; 95$40,00 (OR = 1,68; 95% CI 1,20-2,39) e sem companheiro (OR = 1,71; 95% CI 1,22-2,39). Analfabetismo se associava a transtornos mentais comuns em pacientes que não eram extremamente pobres. Redes de suporte social, tais como frequentar regularmente a igreja (OR = 0,62; 95% CI 0,43-0,89), participar de atividades esportivas e artísticas (OR = 0,42; 95% CI 0,26-0,70) e ter pelo menos quatro amigos ou parentes em quem se podia confiar (OR = 0,53; 95% CI 0,31-0,91) estavam inversamente associadas a ter transtornos mentais comuns. DISCUSSÃO: Existe um grupo de risco especial para transtornos mentais comuns na atenção primária: mulheres, pobres, com pouco suporte social. Intervenções especiais para que sejam cuidadas na atenção primária têm sido desenvolvidas em outros países. CONCLUSÃO: Intervenções terapêuticas com comprovada evidência científica para apoiar essas mulheres a romper o círculo vicioso de pobreza e transtornos mentais podem ser inseridas nas ações de saúde mental.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro School of Medical ScienceUniversidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Institute of Social MedicinePublic Health National SchoolUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUniversity of London King's College Institute of PsychiatryUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Efeito da energia de soldagem sobre a microestrutura e resistência à corrosão de revestimentos de Inconel 625 aplicados pelo processo GMAW

A liga de Inconel 625 é uma superliga à base de níquel altamente resistente à corrosão particularmente utilizada na forme de revestimentos sobre um substrato menos nobre. Existem inúmeras formas de aplicação deste material, sendo uma delas o uso de processos de soldagem. Tradicionalmente faz-se uso de processos de deposição por soldagem que promovam baixa diluição (menor contaminação do Inconel com o material do substrato), mas estes processos possuem característica de baixa produtividade devido às baixas taxas de deposição empregadas. Assim, este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a aplicação de Inconel 625 utilizando o processo GMAW com diferentes energias de soldagem, que possibilita operar com altas taxas de deposição, mas com o inconveniente de promover alta diluição. Para isso, revestimentos foram depositados com três níveis de energias de soldagem, avaliando seus efeitos sobre a microestrutura e a resistência à corrosão dos depósitos. As macros e microestruturas dos depósitos foram avaliadas por microscopia óptica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), espectrometria de energia dispersa (EDS) e difração de raios-X (DRX). Foram medidas a diluição, os espaçamentos dendríticos secundários e avaliadas as microestruturas. A resistência à corrosão dos depósitos foi avaliada por ensaios de polarização potenciodinâmica cíclica. Os resultados mostraram que a relação entre energia de soldagem e diluição dependem da amplitude de tecimento. Observou-se também que a energia de soldagem afetou a quantidade de fases, sendo que energias mais baixas produziram estruturas dendríticas mais refinadas. Além disso, o estudo mostrou que os ensaios de corrosão realizados a temperatura de 25 ºC não promoveram corrosão superficial nas amostras independente da energia de soldagem imposta ao revestimento e que os ensaios a 60 º C causaram corrosão em todas as condições.  Palavras-chave: Inconel, revestimentos, GMAW, microestrutura, corrosã

Isolamento e identificação de microorganismos endofíticos de Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess) O. Berg (Myrtaceae) e seus metabólitos

Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg (Myrtaceae) is a shrub used in folk medicine for stomach disorders and urinary tract infections. The aim of this study was isolate and identify endophytic microorganisms from C. adamantium leaves and their metabolites. The botanical material composed of C. adamantium leaves was collected near Bela Vista, Goiás. Four actinobacteria, 10 bacteria and 60 fungi were isolated. Three fungi were able to maintain the feasibility of experimentation in the laboratory: Cercospora zebrina, Agaricales sp, and Passarola daleae. Crude ethyl acetate extract was obtained from strains cultured in Czapek broth, and the produced metabolites were analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS). 36 metabolites were identified. This work represents the first isolation of endophytic fungi and their metabolites from C. adamantium leaves, opening future perspectives of researches with biotechnological interest in medicine, industry or agriculture.Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg (Myrtaceae) é um arbusto usado na medicina popular para distúrbios do estômago e infecções do trato urinário.. O objetivo deste estudo foi isolar e identificar microorganismos endofíticos das folhas de  C. Adamantium e seus metabolitos. O material botânico composto por folhas de C. adamantium foi coletado próximo a Bela Vista, Goiás. Foram isoladas quatro actinobactérias, 10 bactérias e 60 fungos. Três fungos foram capazes de manter a viabilidade da experimentação em laboratório: Cercospora zebrina, Agaricales sp e Passarola daleae. O extrato acetato de etila foi obtido a partir de linhagens cultivadas em caldo Czapek, e os metabólitos produzidos foram analisados ​​por espectrometria de massa por ionização por electropulverização (ESI MS). 36 metabolitos foram identificados. Este trabalho representa o primeiro isolamento de fungos endofíticos e seus metabólitos das folhas de C. adamantium, abrindo perspectivas futuras de pesquisas com interesse biotecnológico na medicina, indústria ou agricultur

Drying and analysis of waste from potatoes, carrots, and chayote for food purposes

Vegetable peels are rarely used in food preparation, causing the loss of several nutrients. Such residues caproduce flour as a possible food source with added nutritional and economic value. Thus, the objective wasto evaluate the nutritional quality and the color of the flours obtained from the peels of potato, carrot, andchayote subjected to drying at the temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C, as well as analyzing the dryingkinetics. The peels were removed, packed in an isothermal box with ice, and taken to the laboratory. Thenthey were washed in running water to remove dirt and unwanted parts and sanitized. After this stage, theywere broken into 2 cm lengths. The drying was carried out in 150 g of peels in triplicate for each raw material.Subsequently, nutritional quality, color, and drying models were determined. Flours obtained from drying athigher temperatures showed higher protein content and lower lipid content. The higher the temperature, theshorter the drying time for the flour. All flours presented excellent nutritional quality. Among the models studiedfor potato peels, Wang and Singh, Midilli, and Logarithmic are the most suitable. For chayote and carrot peels,the Midilli model is the most adequate. Using vegetable residues added to food formulations presents itself asan excellent nutritional source, besides adding flavor and texture to foods.Vegetable peels are rarely used in food preparation, causing the loss of several nutrients. Such residues caproduce flour as a possible food source with added nutritional and economic value. Thus, the objective wasto evaluate the nutritional quality and the color of the flours obtained from the peels of potato, carrot, andchayote subjected to drying at the temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C, as well as analyzing the dryingkinetics. The peels were removed, packed in an isothermal box with ice, and taken to the laboratory. Thenthey were washed in running water to remove dirt and unwanted parts and sanitized. After this stage, theywere broken into 2 cm lengths. The drying was carried out in 150 g of peels in triplicate for each raw material.Subsequently, nutritional quality, color, and drying models were determined. Flours obtained from drying athigher temperatures showed higher protein content and lower lipid content. The higher the temperature, theshorter the drying time for the flour. All flours presented excellent nutritional quality. Among the models studiedfor potato peels, Wang and Singh, Midilli, and Logarithmic are the most suitable. For chayote and carrot peels,the Midilli model is the most adequate. Using vegetable residues added to food formulations presents itself asan excellent nutritional source, besides adding flavor and texture to foods

Dominó das hortaliças: desenvolvimento de jogo didático para horta escolar

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/231817967239Esse artigo analisa o jogo como um recurso que pode promover a aprendizagem significativa no ambiente escolar, com objetivo de apresentar os procedimentos de desenvolvimento de jogo de dominó de hortaliças para ser aplicado em hortas escolares. O trabalho abrangeu as seguintes etapas: criação, determinação das regras e confecção do dominó das hortaliças folhosas e das hortaliças-fruto. O dominó das hortaliças, ao ser jogado, despertou interesse e prendeu a atenção das crianças. As regras sugeridas funcionaram adequadamente. O material confeccionado proporcionou leveza, simplicidade, praticidade e beleza às peças. O jogo está pronto para ser disponibilizado às crianças participantes de hortas escolares