The increasing demand for energy has intensified recently, requiring alternative sources to fossil fuels, which have become economically and environmentally unfeasible. On the other hand, the increasing land occupatio...The increasing demand for energy has intensified recently, requiring alternative sources to fossil fuels, which have become economically and environmentally unfeasible. On the other hand, the increasing land occupation in recent centuries is a growing problem, demanding greater efficiency, particularly in the reuse of abandoned areas, which has become an alternative. An interesting alternative would be installing energy facilities like solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal, in these areas. The objective of this paper is to develop a classification methodology, based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Theory (QT), to automatically carry out the classification of abandoned areas suitable for the settlement of these power plants. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) improved by the hybrid algorithm Quantum-behaved Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO) together with the Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm (LMA) were used for the classification task. In terms of Mean Squared Error (MSE), the QPSO-LMA approach achieved a decrease of 19.6% in relation to the classical LMA training with random initial weights. Moreover, the model’s accuracy showed an increase of 7.3% for the QPSO-LMA over the LMA. To validate this new approach, it was also tested on six different datasets available in the UCI Machine Learning Repository and seven classical techniques established in the literature. For the problem of installing photovoltaic plants in abandoned areas, the knowledge acquired with the solar dataset can be extrapolated to other regions.展开更多
Clear and data-driven bioregionalizations can provide a framework to test hypotheses and base biodiversity conservation.Here we used occurrence and abundance data in combination with objective analytical methods to pr...Clear and data-driven bioregionalizations can provide a framework to test hypotheses and base biodiversity conservation.Here we used occurrence and abundance data in combination with objective analytical methods to propose two bioregionalization schemes for tree species of the Cerrado and the Pantanal in South America.We also evaluated the contribution of three sets of determinants of the occurrence-and abundance-based subregions.We compiled data on tree species composition from 894 local assemblages based on species occurrences,and from 658 local assemblages based on species abundances.We used an unconstrained community-level modelling approach and clustering techniques to identify and map tree subregions for the occurrence and the abundance data sets,separately.Hierarchical clustering analyses were conducted to investigate floristic affinities between the subregions and to map broader floristic regions.We used multinomial logistic regression models,deviance partitioning,and rank-sum tests to assess the main subregion correlates.We identified 18 occurrence-and four abundance-based subregions in the Cerrado-Pantanal.The hierarchical classifications grouped the occurrence-based subregions into nine floristic zones and abundance-based subregions into two broad floristic zones.Variation in subregions were explained mainly by environmental factors and spatial structure in both occurrence and abundance data sets.The occurrence-and abundance-based subregions are complementary approaches to disentangle macroecological patterns and to plan conservation efforts in the Cerrado and the Pantanal.Our findings based on occurrence data revealed more complex and interdigitated boundaries between subregions of tree species than previously reported.The environment,historical stability,and human effects act in a synergetic way on the distribution of the subregions.Finally,the relevance of contemporary environmental factors to the subregion patterns we found alert us to the profound impact global warming may have on the spatial organization of the Cerrado-Pantanal tree flora.展开更多
This study describes the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of an extract from the leaves of Pouteria caimito (Sapotaceae). The extract in ethanol was obtained by maceration at room temperature and subject...This study describes the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of an extract from the leaves of Pouteria caimito (Sapotaceae). The extract in ethanol was obtained by maceration at room temperature and subjected to the liquid-liquid partition to obtain fractions in hexane and ethyl acetate. Steroids, triterpenes, saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids were identified by the phytochemical prospection of extracts and fractions from the leaves. The analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction by UPLC-QTOF-MS allowed us to identify eight triterpenes, namely, euscaphic acid (1), hyptadienic acid (2), betulinic acid (3), oleanolic acid (4), ursolic acid (5), 3β-(O-p-coumaroyl)- alphitolic acid (6), 3β-(O-p-coumaroyl)-maslinic acid (7) and 3β-(O-p-coumaroyl)-2-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (8). The ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction presented total phenolic contents of 10.6 ± 0.1 and 11.4 ± 0.3 mg GAE g-1, respectively, and considerable antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay with EC50 values of 299.4 ± 1.5 and 391.8 ± 0.9 μg·ml-1, respectively.展开更多
Background: Thiamine deficiency(TD) models have been developed, mainly using the thiamine analog pyrithiamine. Other analogs have not been used in rodents. We aimed to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of intraperit...Background: Thiamine deficiency(TD) models have been developed, mainly using the thiamine analog pyrithiamine. Other analogs have not been used in rodents. We aimed to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of intraperitoneal(ip) amprolium-induced TD in mice. We also evaluated the associated pathogenesis using antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds(Trolox, dimethyl sulfoxide).Methods: Male mice were separated into two groups, one receiving a standard diet(control animals), and the other a TD diet(deficient groups) for 20 days. Control mice were further subdivided into three groups receiving daily ip injections of saline(NaCl0.9%; Cont group), Tolox(Tr group) or dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO; Dmso group). The three TD groups received amprolium(Amp group), amprolium and Trolox(Amp+Tr group), or amprolium and DMSO(Amp+Dmso group). The animals were subjected to behavioral tests and then euthanized. The brain and viscera were analyzed.Results: Amprolium exposure induced weight loss with hyporexia, reduced the behavioral parameters(locomotion, exploratory activity, and motor coordination), and induced changes in the brain(lower cortical cell viability) and liver(steatosis). Trolox co-treatment partially improved these conditions, but to a lesser extent than DMSO.Conclusions: Amprolium-induced TD may be an interesting model, allowing the deficiency to develop more slowly and to a lesser extent. Amprolium exposure also seems to involve oxidative stress and inflammation, suggested as the main mechanisms of cell dysfunction in TD.展开更多
Plastic pollution is now recognised as a growing concern for both the environment and associated biota.Consequently,a plethora of scientific reports are being produced regarding the occurrence,distribution,and transfe...Plastic pollution is now recognised as a growing concern for both the environment and associated biota.Consequently,a plethora of scientific reports are being produced regarding the occurrence,distribution,and transfer pathways of litter particles.However,there are scientific gaps that need to be filled regarding micro-and nanoplastic impacts on marine and freshwater organisms.This Special Issue(SI)aimed to provide an update on plastic pollution and its consequences on aquatic ecosystems,with a particular focus on biological domains,by adopting a multidisciplinary perspective.Several research articles and reviews were collected,focusing on the origin,fate,and effects of plastics in marine and freshwater environments,along with their interactions with biotic components.We believe this SI will contribute to the development of new studies on plastic pollution and the elaboration of science-based policies at different levels of our modern society.展开更多
Electromechanical and dielectric properties of PMN-PT ferroelectric ceramics are investigated.In particular,dielectric response studies focus on the investigation of the influence of the DC applied electric field on t...Electromechanical and dielectric properties of PMN-PT ferroelectric ceramics are investigated.In particular,dielectric response studies focus on the investigation of the influence of the DC applied electric field on the dielectric permittivity as a function of temperature and frequency.Results reveal an electric field driven dielectric anomaly in the dielectric permittivity curves,e(E),which in turn prevails in the whole ferroelectric phase region and continuously vanishes for temperatures near the paraelectric-ferroelectric phase transition temperature.A schematic model for the domains dynamics of the studied material is proposed taking into account the simultaneous contribution of both 90°and 180°domains walls.展开更多
Here we report the use of plastics by Chrysomus ruficapillus(Vieillot,1819)(Passeriformes:Icteridae),popularly known as“Garibaldi”,in its nesting activities.The phenomenon was registered on October 17,2020 near Furn...Here we report the use of plastics by Chrysomus ruficapillus(Vieillot,1819)(Passeriformes:Icteridae),popularly known as“Garibaldi”,in its nesting activities.The phenomenon was registered on October 17,2020 near Furnas reservoir,upper Parana River Basin,in Minas Gerais,southeastern Brazil.We also discuss the possible negative effects-e.g.,asphyxiation,entanglement-for C.ruficapillus using plastic materials in nesting activities.Finally,we call attention to the need for further investigations about similar events in other Brazilian watersheds.展开更多
文摘The increasing demand for energy has intensified recently, requiring alternative sources to fossil fuels, which have become economically and environmentally unfeasible. On the other hand, the increasing land occupation in recent centuries is a growing problem, demanding greater efficiency, particularly in the reuse of abandoned areas, which has become an alternative. An interesting alternative would be installing energy facilities like solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal, in these areas. The objective of this paper is to develop a classification methodology, based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Theory (QT), to automatically carry out the classification of abandoned areas suitable for the settlement of these power plants. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) improved by the hybrid algorithm Quantum-behaved Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO) together with the Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm (LMA) were used for the classification task. In terms of Mean Squared Error (MSE), the QPSO-LMA approach achieved a decrease of 19.6% in relation to the classical LMA training with random initial weights. Moreover, the model’s accuracy showed an increase of 7.3% for the QPSO-LMA over the LMA. To validate this new approach, it was also tested on six different datasets available in the UCI Machine Learning Repository and seven classical techniques established in the literature. For the problem of installing photovoltaic plants in abandoned areas, the knowledge acquired with the solar dataset can be extrapolated to other regions.
基金This study was financed in part by the Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior-Brasil(CAPES)-Finance Code 001.
文摘Clear and data-driven bioregionalizations can provide a framework to test hypotheses and base biodiversity conservation.Here we used occurrence and abundance data in combination with objective analytical methods to propose two bioregionalization schemes for tree species of the Cerrado and the Pantanal in South America.We also evaluated the contribution of three sets of determinants of the occurrence-and abundance-based subregions.We compiled data on tree species composition from 894 local assemblages based on species occurrences,and from 658 local assemblages based on species abundances.We used an unconstrained community-level modelling approach and clustering techniques to identify and map tree subregions for the occurrence and the abundance data sets,separately.Hierarchical clustering analyses were conducted to investigate floristic affinities between the subregions and to map broader floristic regions.We used multinomial logistic regression models,deviance partitioning,and rank-sum tests to assess the main subregion correlates.We identified 18 occurrence-and four abundance-based subregions in the Cerrado-Pantanal.The hierarchical classifications grouped the occurrence-based subregions into nine floristic zones and abundance-based subregions into two broad floristic zones.Variation in subregions were explained mainly by environmental factors and spatial structure in both occurrence and abundance data sets.The occurrence-and abundance-based subregions are complementary approaches to disentangle macroecological patterns and to plan conservation efforts in the Cerrado and the Pantanal.Our findings based on occurrence data revealed more complex and interdigitated boundaries between subregions of tree species than previously reported.The environment,historical stability,and human effects act in a synergetic way on the distribution of the subregions.Finally,the relevance of contemporary environmental factors to the subregion patterns we found alert us to the profound impact global warming may have on the spatial organization of the Cerrado-Pantanal tree flora.
文摘This study describes the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of an extract from the leaves of Pouteria caimito (Sapotaceae). The extract in ethanol was obtained by maceration at room temperature and subjected to the liquid-liquid partition to obtain fractions in hexane and ethyl acetate. Steroids, triterpenes, saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids were identified by the phytochemical prospection of extracts and fractions from the leaves. The analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction by UPLC-QTOF-MS allowed us to identify eight triterpenes, namely, euscaphic acid (1), hyptadienic acid (2), betulinic acid (3), oleanolic acid (4), ursolic acid (5), 3β-(O-p-coumaroyl)- alphitolic acid (6), 3β-(O-p-coumaroyl)-maslinic acid (7) and 3β-(O-p-coumaroyl)-2-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (8). The ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction presented total phenolic contents of 10.6 ± 0.1 and 11.4 ± 0.3 mg GAE g-1, respectively, and considerable antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay with EC50 values of 299.4 ± 1.5 and 391.8 ± 0.9 μg·ml-1, respectively.
基金Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico,Grant/Award Number:470252/2013-8
文摘Background: Thiamine deficiency(TD) models have been developed, mainly using the thiamine analog pyrithiamine. Other analogs have not been used in rodents. We aimed to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of intraperitoneal(ip) amprolium-induced TD in mice. We also evaluated the associated pathogenesis using antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds(Trolox, dimethyl sulfoxide).Methods: Male mice were separated into two groups, one receiving a standard diet(control animals), and the other a TD diet(deficient groups) for 20 days. Control mice were further subdivided into three groups receiving daily ip injections of saline(NaCl0.9%; Cont group), Tolox(Tr group) or dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO; Dmso group). The three TD groups received amprolium(Amp group), amprolium and Trolox(Amp+Tr group), or amprolium and DMSO(Amp+Dmso group). The animals were subjected to behavioral tests and then euthanized. The brain and viscera were analyzed.Results: Amprolium exposure induced weight loss with hyporexia, reduced the behavioral parameters(locomotion, exploratory activity, and motor coordination), and induced changes in the brain(lower cortical cell viability) and liver(steatosis). Trolox co-treatment partially improved these conditions, but to a lesser extent than DMSO.Conclusions: Amprolium-induced TD may be an interesting model, allowing the deficiency to develop more slowly and to a lesser extent. Amprolium exposure also seems to involve oxidative stress and inflammation, suggested as the main mechanisms of cell dysfunction in TD.
文摘Plastic pollution is now recognised as a growing concern for both the environment and associated biota.Consequently,a plethora of scientific reports are being produced regarding the occurrence,distribution,and transfer pathways of litter particles.However,there are scientific gaps that need to be filled regarding micro-and nanoplastic impacts on marine and freshwater organisms.This Special Issue(SI)aimed to provide an update on plastic pollution and its consequences on aquatic ecosystems,with a particular focus on biological domains,by adopting a multidisciplinary perspective.Several research articles and reviews were collected,focusing on the origin,fate,and effects of plastics in marine and freshwater environments,along with their interactions with biotic components.We believe this SI will contribute to the development of new studies on plastic pollution and the elaboration of science-based policies at different levels of our modern society.
基金The authors would like to thank the National Council of Scientific and Technological Development(CNPq)grant 303447/2019-2,Minas Gerais Research Foundation(FAPEMIG)grants PPM-00661-16 and APQ-02875-18 and Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior—Brasil(CAPES)—Finance Code 001 Brazilian agencies for the financial supportThe financial support of the PGC2018-099158-B-I00 project(Spanish Government)is also gratefully acknowledged.
文摘Electromechanical and dielectric properties of PMN-PT ferroelectric ceramics are investigated.In particular,dielectric response studies focus on the investigation of the influence of the DC applied electric field on the dielectric permittivity as a function of temperature and frequency.Results reveal an electric field driven dielectric anomaly in the dielectric permittivity curves,e(E),which in turn prevails in the whole ferroelectric phase region and continuously vanishes for temperatures near the paraelectric-ferroelectric phase transition temperature.A schematic model for the domains dynamics of the studied material is proposed taking into account the simultaneous contribution of both 90°and 180°domains walls.
文摘Here we report the use of plastics by Chrysomus ruficapillus(Vieillot,1819)(Passeriformes:Icteridae),popularly known as“Garibaldi”,in its nesting activities.The phenomenon was registered on October 17,2020 near Furnas reservoir,upper Parana River Basin,in Minas Gerais,southeastern Brazil.We also discuss the possible negative effects-e.g.,asphyxiation,entanglement-for C.ruficapillus using plastic materials in nesting activities.Finally,we call attention to the need for further investigations about similar events in other Brazilian watersheds.
