Orientador: Rogério Rosenfeld / Banca: José Geraldo Pereira / Banca: Hélio Vasconcelos Fagundes / Banca: Elcio Abdalla / Banca: Alberto Vazquez Saa / Resumo: Fazemos uma revisão do modelo cosmológico padrão, apresentando suas bases observacionais e mostrando os aspectos conceituais mais relevantes. Depois realizamos uma revisão da teoria de in ação, indicando as motivações conceituais que levaram à formulação da teoria, o mecanismo que faz possível a in ação cósmica e como esse processo resolve os problemas clássicos da cosmologia padrão. Após mostrar que a in ação é um mecanismo bem-sucedido para explicar a origem das perturbações de densidade primordiais, concentramo-nos em descrever a evolução das perturbações de densidade cosmológica, tanto na sua fase linear como não-linear. Além disso, mostramos como o campo de perturbações de densidade linear permite predizer estatisticamente a abundância e a distribuição das estruturas cósmicas. Posteriormente, consideramos a expansão acelerada do universo e discutimos os candidatos que têm sido propostos para tentar explicar a origem dessa aceleração, especialmente o candidato da energia escura, no qual nos detemos para revisar os modelos básicos propostos com respeito à sua natureza. Adicionalmente, mostramos como sua presença afeta a evolução das perturbações de densidade. Finalmente, baseandonos no modelo de Lemaître-Tolman-Bondi, fazemos uma generalização do modelo do colapso esférico para estudar a evolução não-linear de perturbações de densidade inhomogêneas, tanto em um universo Einstein-de Sitter como em um universo CDM / Abstract: We present a review of the standard cosmological model, showing both its observational basis as well as the most revelant conceptual aspects. Subsequently, we give an overview of the in ation theory , pointing out the conceptual motivations that led to its formulation, the mechanism that allow the cosmic in ation and how that process resolves the classical problems of the standard cosmology. After showing that the in ation theory provides a successful mechanism to explain the origin of the primordial density perturbations, we focus on describing the evolution of the cosmological density perturbations, both in linear and nonlinear phase. On the other hand, we show how the linear density perturbation eld allows to predict statistically the abundance and distribution of the cosmic structures. Next, we consider the accelerated expansion of the universe and mention the candidates that have seen proposed to try to explain the origin of the acceleration; especially the dark energy candidate, in which we pause to examine the basic models proposed about its nature. Further, we expose how its presence a ects the evolution of the density perturbations. Finally, based on the Lemaître-Tolman-Bondi, we make a generalization of the spherical collapse model to study the evolution of inhomogeneous nonlinear density perturbations, both in an Einstein-de Sitter as CDM universe / Doutor

Ever since the pioneering work of Parzen the mean square error( MSE) and its integrated form (MISE) have been used as the error criteria in choosing the bandwidth matrix for multivariate kernel density estimation. More recently other criteria have been advocated as competitors to the MISE, such as the mean absolute error. In this study we define a weighted version of the Hellinger distance for multivariate densities and show that it has an asymptotic form, which is one-fourth the asymptotic MISE under weak smoothness conditions on the multivariate density f. In addition the proposed criteria give rise to a new data-dependent bandwidth matrix selector. The performance of the new data-dependent bandwidth matrix selector is compared with other well known bandwidth matrix selectors such as the least squared cross validation (LSCV) and the plug-in (HPI) through simulation. We derived a closed form formula for the mean Hellinger distance (MHD) in the univariate case. We also compared via simulation mean weighted Hellinger distance (MWHD) and the asymptotic MWHD, and the MISE and the asymptotic MISE for both univariate and bivariate cases for various densities and sample sizes.

In an attempt to develop a statistical model for fingerprint analysis, the Minutiae:Ridge-Length Ratio (MRLR) was used to examine differences between the different sexes, hands, fingers, ridge patterns, and racial groups. In regards to sex, statistically significant MRLR differences (α=0.05) were found between males and females when analyzing both individual prints (p<0.001) and entire ten-print cards (p=0.025). Further examination of the data revealed more specific differences within separate subcategories. The MRLR was significantly different (p<0.001) between males and females with both right and left hands. With respect to sex and individual finger differences, the thumb (p<0.001), index finger (p<0.001), and middle finger (p=0.015) were statistically significant. For ridge pattern, whorls (p<0.001) and ulnar loops (p<0.001) had significant differences between the sexes. Racially, males and females had statistically significant differences from one another within the Caucasian (p<0.001) and African American (p<0.001) racial groups. Further investigation of variables independent of sex highlighted other statistically significant MRLR relationships. Within the fingers, the thumb was found to be significantly different than the middle (p<0.001), ring (p<0.001), and little fingers (p<0.001); the index finger also differed from the little finger significantly (p=0.001). Comparison of level one detail demonstrated the whorl pattern was statistically different than the arch (p<0.001), radial loop (p=0.002), and ulnar loop patterns (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the right and left hands of the sample population (p=0.160). The racial subdivisions produced more complex relationships. Caucasians had statistically significant MRLR differences to African Americans (p=0.036), Hispanics (p=0.003), and Asians (p=0.046). African Americans had additional significant differences from Hispanics (p<0.001), Asians (p<0.001), and Native Americans (p=0.036). Finally, Native Americans and Hispanics shared a significant difference as well (p<0.036). However, due to the uncertainty of racial demographic data, the extrapolation of these findings to the general population may not be appropriate for forensic investigation purposes.

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells have attracted much attention over the past few decades due to their huge potential for clean power generation in stationary, portable and transport applications and our increasing need for sustainable energy resources. The purpose of this research is to develop an interconnect and cathode material for use in solid oxide fuel cells which demonstrates desired properties of high electrical conductivity, excellent chemical stability at high temperatures, desirable thermal expansion characteristics and which can be easily manufactured by sintering in conditions acceptable with other cell components. The present work was initiated to study the synthesis and properties of five different perovskite oxides comprising of Lanthanum in combination with different mol% of Chromium, Ferrum, Cobalt and Nickel. A polymer complexing route with slight modifications was used to prepare the precursor powders. The powder x-ray diffraction patterns at room temperature show that all samples were formed in single phase. The powders in the form of pellets were sintered at 1400°C. The temperature dependent resistivity data was measured and the conductivity data was calculated. This conductivity data have been fitted with the Arrhenius model for entire studied range of temperature (25-800°C) to calculate the activation energy. La based perovskite oxides were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrical properties and microstructural studies show potential applications of the materials as interconnect and cathode for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell. The material which has the above desired properties was proposed and component modifications for tailoring such properties were shown for SOFCs and other similar applications.

Population density, growth and mortality rates, reproduction, feeding ecology and energy mobilization of dab (Limanda lmanda L) on the North Wales Coast have been investigated between 1998-2001. The total population number is estimated as 2.34 x 10 6. Average catch rates were lower in winterspring than in autumn-summer. 42 hr' in February 2000; 141 hr'in July 2000. Catch rates were generally higher at night than daylight: 1549 hr'at 02: 00 hr, 17 hr'at 10: 00 hr in November. The 2- year old fish form the dominant year class. There was seasonal variation in sex ratio (Females: Males). In the long-term data, in autumn, the females were more abundant (1.83: 1) in trawl catches but the contribution of the males increases in spring (1.15: 1). There were seasonal variations in length and weight relationships: the average relationship was nearly isometric (power bx3.0); in male W=0.01 x TL 91 and in female, W=0.01 x TL 3'04. April 1s' was established as the birthday of the fish and the greatest deposition of the opaque zone in the otolith occurred in summer. The male grows at a faster rate than female in autumn 2000: (Loo=25.7 cm; K= 0.30 y 1) and (loo=33.4 cm; K= 0.25 y-) respectively. The long-term average total mortality rate was significantly higher in males (Z= 1.95 y) than females (Z= 1.16 Y"). This difference was calculated to be largely due to the relatively higher fishing mortality rate on the males. There were cyclical cycles in the gonad, liver weight and condition factors. The peak spawning activity in males was in December-January whilst it occurred in February-March in females. In the 16-20 cm male, the maximum gonadocarcass ratio, GCR, (1.8 %) and hepatocarcass ratio, HCR, (2.9 %) were in January and August respectively. In female, the maximum GCR (17.1 %) and HCR (3.8 %) occurred in February. The GCR was at a minimum in spring-summer. The minimum HCR occurred in spring. The maximum condition factor (K) was in summer for male (K=0.97) and female (K=1.02) but, after spring spawning, declined to 0.67 and 0.72 respectively. The maximum average oocyte diameter (0.56-0.67 mm) was observed in fully ripe fish in the spawning season but, after spring spawning, reduced to between 0.10-0.22 mm. The total estimated egg production was 2.47 x 10 ' eggs but the average per mature female was 3.51 x 105 eggs. Relative fecundity declined from 3045 eggs g' in fish aged I to 1917 eggs g' in fish aged 8. The fecundity-total length (F= 41.6 TL IN) and fecunditysomatic weight (F= 4804SW 0.88) relationships are estimated to be good predictors of dab fecundity. In autumn 2000, the length (Lw%) and age (A w%) at 50 % maturity were lower in males (L = 13.3 cm; Ate, =1.3 yr. ) than females (L = 18.0 cm; A =2.4 yr. ). The long-term averages showed relative stability in the females but a decrease in males, Ate, from about 2 years to about 1.5 years. Five major taxonomic groups dominated the diet of dab: the ophiuroids, bivalves, crustaceans, polychaetes and hydroids. The ophiuroid, Amphiura brachiata, predominated. However, the study suggests size-selective preference for some prey groups. The composition of polychaetes in the diet declined with increasing size of the fish; 22.9 % by weight in the 11-15 cm length group to 5.7 % in the 26-30 cm group. On the contrary, the bivalves increase in the diet with increasing size of the fish, from 11.2 % (by weight) in the 11-15 cm group to 31.4 % in the 231cm group. There is however a significant diet overlap (C; >- 0.60) between the size groups. In general, daily food intake was higher in late spring-summer than in autumn-winter. In May, for example, daily food intake for the 21-25 cm and 26-30 cm female dab was estimated as 1.49 g and 4.61 g respectively. In February it was 0.52 g and 1.76 g respectively. There were distinct seasonal changes in lipid and energy composition in the liver. Lipid content was significantly higher in the summer-autumn period than spring season. In September, it was about 62 and 69 % in male and female livers respectively. After spring spawning, the composition declined to 28 and 24 % respectively. The energy content per dry weight of liver peaked in October (8.50 kcal g' and 8.61 kcal g') in male and female dab respectively. Also, after spring spawning, the energy levels declined to 6.18 and 5.86 kcal g'' respectively. The energy requirement for routine metabolism and gonad development in a 20 cm female is estimated as 111.3 kcal but energy gained from food intake and carcass and liver reserves is estimated as 117.9 kcal. In male, the total energy requirement was 83.4 kcal but energy gained from food intake and carcass and liver reserves is estimated as 113.3 kcal. Feeding (in late autumn and winter) and carcass tissues are the main suppliers of energy for activity and the spawning process.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-03-02Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:29:59Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 cavalcante_sp_me_botfm.pdf: 252896 bytes, checksum: 04649d19f170ae42a833e1b00765902d (MD5) / Fundação Pio Xii - Barretos / Avaliar a densidade microvascular (DMV) em astrocitomas de baixo grau (ABG), astrocitomas anaplásicos (AA) e glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) por imuno-histoquímica, correlacionando com índices de captação pela SPECT com SESTAMIBI (MIBI). Estudo transversal com coleta retrospectiva que avaliou 48 pacientes, com faixa etária de 20 a 73 anos, com o diagnóstico de tumores cerebrais ditos ABG (somente os difusos), AA e GBM admitidos no Hospital de Câncer da Fundação Pio XII de Barretos. As SPECT-MIBI foram classificadas como alteradas ou normais inicialmente pela análise visual. Também foram analisadas de forma semiquantitativa através do desenho de regiões de interesse (RI) com a obtenção de um índice para correlacionar com os parâmetros da DMV. Esta foi determinada com o emprego de anticorpo anti-CD34. Os GBM, AA e ABG representaram 50%, 16,7% e 33,3% da amostra, respectivamente. Treze exames foram visualmente normais, e 35 considerados alterados. A DMV média teve diferença significativa entre os AA e ABG (p=0,040), mas não entre as SPECT-MIBI normais e alteradas. Os índices de contagem média obtidos através da análise semiquantitativa das SPECT-MIBI não apresentaram correlação com a DMV. Entre os GBM não foi encontrada nenhuma significância, exceto pela maior probabilidade de encontrar-se exames alterados neste tipo histológico. A DMV demonstrou relação com o grau histológico entre os AA e ABG, mas os índices de captação das SPECT-MIBI não apresentaram correlação com a DMV. / To evaluate the microvascular density (MVD) in low-grade astrocytomas (LGA), anaplastic astrocytomas (AA) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) by immunohistochemistry technique using anti-CD34, correlated with SPECT-MIBI uptake parameters. This is a cross-sectional study with retrospective assessment data which evaluated 48 subjects, ages ranging from 20 to 73 years, all with diagnosis of brain tumors known as LGA (only diffuse type), AA and GBM who were admitted to the Hospital de Cancer da Fundação Pio XII de Barretos. The SPECT-MIBI images were initially classified as normal or altered by visual analysis. Then they were also considered for semiquantitative analysis through drawing of anatomical regions of interest (ROI) resulting in an index to correlate with the MVD parameters. DMV was determined with the use of monoclonal antibody anti-CD34. GBM, AA and LGA represented 50%, 16.7% and 33.3% of the sample, respectively. Thirteen images were visually normal, while 35 were considered abnormal. There were significant differences in MVD between AA and LGA (p = 0.04), but not between the normal and abnormal SPECT-MIBI. The mean counts obtained by semiquantitative analysis from SPECT-MIBI showed no correlation with MVD. Among GBM subjects it was not seen any significance, except for being most likely to find this histological test as abnormal. MVD had relationship with the histological grade between AA and LGA, but there was no correlation with SPECT-MIBI.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:35:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T14:03:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Dissertação (Mestrado) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:29:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-02-15Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:20:18Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 cangussu_lm_me_botfm.pdf: 560084 bytes, checksum: e6b5d6f4f10f581592da0884c164a71a (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Avaliar a associação entre o equilíbrio postural e a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) em mulheres na pós-menopausa e correlacionar com o risco de quedas. Realizou-se estudo de corte transversal com 225 mulheres, idade 45-75 anos, atendidas em Hospital Universitário. Incluíram-se mulheres em amenorréia >12 meses e idade ≥ 45 anos, com valores de DMO (coluna lombar e colo de fêmur) pelo DXA, dos últimos 12 meses. E se excluíram aquelas com doenças neurológicas ou musculoesqueléticas, história atual de vestibulopatias, déficit visual sem correção, obesidade grau III e usuárias de drogas que alterem o equilíbrio. As mulheres foram divididas segundo a DMO em > -2,0 DP (n=140) e ≤ -2 DP (n=85). Foram analisados o histórico de quedas (últimos 24 meses) e as características clínicas e antropométricas. O equilíbrio postural foi avaliado pela estabilometria (plataforma de força), teste de Romberg, alcance funcional e teste do agachamento. Para análise estatística foram empregados o Teste de Wilcoxon para variáveis quantitativas, o teste do Qui-Quadrado ou Exato de Fisher para variáveis categóricas e o método de regressão logística para o risco de quedas (Odds Ratio-OR). As pacientes com DMO > -2,0 DP eram mais jovens e com menor tempo de menopausa, assim como apresentavam maior IMC e circunferência da cintura quando comparadas aquelas com baixa DMO (≤ -2 DP) (p<0,05). Observou-se que 57,8% (130/225) das participantes relataram episódio de queda nos últimos dois anos, sem diferença significativa na distribuição percentual entre os grupos (p=0,055). Nos parâmetros estabilométricos e no alcance funcional não foram demonstradas diferenças na comparação entre os grupos (p>0,05). No teste de Romberg notou-se aumento progressivo da positividade à medida que aumentava a dificuldade do teste, sendo observada diferença significante entre os grupos apenas com... / To analyze the association between postural balance and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women and correlate it with risk for falls. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 225 women aged 45-75 years and cared for at a University Hospital. Women in amenorrhea >12 months and age ≥ 45 years, with BMD values (lumbar spine and femur neck) by DXA for the last 12 months, were included. Those with neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, current history of vestibulopathies, uncorrected visual deficit, level-III obesity or drug use that could affect balance were excluded. The women were divided, according to BMD, in > -2.0 DP (n=140) and ≤ -2 DP (n=85). Histories of falls (last 24 months) as well as clinical and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated. Postural balance was assessed by stabilometry (strength platform), Romberg’s test, functional reach test and the crouching test. For statistical analysis, Wilcoxon’s test was used for quantitative variables, the Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and the logistic regression method for fall risk (Odds Ratio-OR). Patients with BMD > -2.0 DP were younger and had been menopausal for a shorter period of time; they also showed higher BMI and larger waist circumference as compared to those with low BMD (≤ -2 DP) (p<0.05). It was observed that 57.8% (130/225) of the participants reported fall episodes in the last two years, without significant difference in the percent distribution between the groups (p=0.055). No differences were found in the comparison between the groups (p>0.05) for stabilometric parameters or functional reach test. Concerning Romberg’s test, progressive positive increase was observed as the test difficulty increased, and significant difference between the groups was found only when the women kept their feet in a series and their eyes closed (p<0.05). When evaluating the ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / The global production originated from extractive fisheries is stagnant since 2000s. With the increasing global demand for fish products, aquaculture has become one of the main alternatives for the protein supply for human consumption. On the other hand, the intensification of aquaculture production results in an increase of negative impacts on the environment, making necessary the development of new farming technologies that will minimize environmental impacts. The biofloc technology system is proving to be an alternative to traditional cultures, and the great advantage of this system is the reduction of water use, besides the increase in productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance, indexes of water quality, the sustainability indexes of cultures and the economic parameters of Nile tilapia culture at different densities in the bacterial biofloc system. Among the water quality parameters evaluated, ammonia and nitrite showed values above the optimal range used in different densities (200, 400, 600 and 800 fishes m-3), while the values of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) reached the ideal range just after 30 days of culture, an insufficient time to an ideal biological production of flakes and, consequently, the reduction of the nitrogen compounds. Regarding the zootechnical parameters, all showed statistical difference in the four densities experienced, with the density of 600 fishes m-3, presenting the best results in terms of productivity and biomass gain. About the sustainability of cultivation, both the IS and the IQA found were classified as low in all densities, indicating poor water quality of the cultivation. In the economic analysis, there was economic loss at all densities, with the density of 600 peixes.m-3 achieving better results. However, the gross revenue generated was only R$ 124.2  4.2, with a partial operational cost of R$ 166.8  8.7, making necessary the previous establishment of the microbial community in this type of culture system, so that all water quality parameters remain according to ideal standards. / A produÃÃo pesqueira mundial oriunda da pesca extrativista està com sua produÃÃo estagnada desde os anos 2000. O aumento da demanda mundial do consumo de pescado tornou a aquicultura uma das principais alternativas de proteÃna para o consumo humano. Por outro lado, a intensificaÃÃo da produÃÃo aquÃcola resulta em um aumento de impactos negativos sobre o meio ambiente, logo se faz necessÃrio desenvolver novas tecnologias de cultivo a fim de minimizar os impactos ambientais. O sistema de bioflocos bacterianos vem se mostrando como uma alternativa aos cultivos tradicionais e a grande vantagem desse sistema à a reduÃÃo do uso de Ãgua, alÃm do aumento na produtividade. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho zootÃcnico, os Ãndices de qualidade de Ãgua, os Ãndices de sustentabilidade, bem como os parÃmetros econÃmicos de cultivos de tilÃpia do Nilo em diferentes densidades em um sistema de bioflocos bacterianos. Dentre os parÃmetros de qualidade de Ãgua avaliados, a amÃnia e o nitrito apresentaram valores acima da faixa ideal nas diferentes densidades utilizadas (200, 400, 600 e 800 peixes m-3), enquanto os valores de sÃlidos suspensos totais (SST) atingiram a faixa ideal apenas apÃs 30 dias de cultivo, tempo insuficiente para a produÃÃo ideal de flocos biolÃgicos e, consequentemente, a reduÃÃo dos compostos nitrogenados. Em relaÃÃo aos parÃmetros zootÃcnicos, todos apresentaram diferenÃa estatÃstica nas quatro densidades experimentadas, sendo a densidade de 600 peixes m-3 a que apresentou melhores resultados quanto à produtividade e ganhos de biomassa. Quanto à sustentabilidade do cultivo, tanto o IS quanto o IQA encontrados foram classificados como baixos em todas as densidades, indicando uma qualidade de Ãgua ruim para os cultivos. Na anÃlise econÃmica, houve prejuÃzo em todas as densidades, sendo a densidade de 600 peixes m-3 a que alcanÃou melhores resultados. No entanto, a receita bruta gerada foi de apenas R$ 124,2  4,2, com um custo operacional parcial de R$ 166,8  8,7, tornando necessÃrio o prÃvio estabelecimento da comunidade microbiana neste tipo de sistema de cultivo, para que todos os parÃmetros de qualidade de Ãgua permaneÃam dentro dos padrÃes ideais.

Este estudo permitiu a padronização da densidade mineral óssea (DMO) na extremidade distal do rádio de 36 cães adultos da raça Rottweiler, por meio da densitometria óptica radiográfica. Os membros foram radiografados juntamente com uma escala de referência confeccionada em alumínio. As radiografias foram digitalizadas e analisadas por um programa de computador para comparação de tonalidades de cinza entre as duas imagens da escala de referência (padrão e a radiografada junto ao osso). Posteriormente aos ajustes realizados nos tons da imagem, foram feitas as medições densitométricas no osso, cujos valores foram expressos em milímetros de alumínio (mmAl). Também foram estudadas correlações entre a DMO e o sexo, peso corpóreo e as medidas externas como o comprimento da coluna, altura do animal e circunferência na extremidade distal do membro em estudo. Os valores médios e os desvios-padrão da densidade mineral óssea na extremidade distal do rádio foram: para a região metafisária foi de 7,88 ± 0,89 mmAl, para a região diafisária 1 de 8,58 ± 0,80 mmAl e para região diafisária 2 de 9,00 ± 0,74 mmAl. / This study allowed the standardization of the bone mineral density (BMD) of the distal extremity of the radio of 36 dogs adults in Rottweiler breed by radiographic optic densitometry. The limbs of the animals were radiographed with scale of aluminum that served as a reference. The radiographies images were digitalized and analyzed by a computer program for comparison of gray tones between the standard image and the image of the reference scale radiographed with the bone. Afterwards the values of density were expressed in millimeters of aluminum. Also studied the correlations between BMD and the sex, weight and external measures as the length of spine, height of the animal and circumference the distal extremity of the limb in study. The mean values and standard deviations of the bone mineral density of the distal extremity of the radio were: for the metaphysary region the average of BMD of 7,88 ± 0,89 mmAl, the diaphysary region 1 the average of BMD of 8,58 ± 0,80 mmAl and for diaphysary region 2 of BMD of 9,00 ± 0,74 mmAl.