Budongo Forest Reserve (BFR) is a flagship reserve for primate conservation due to its abundant chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) population, and its current management policy for multiple economic, conservation and environmental benefits. The identification and better understanding of the structure and dynamics of the forest/plant community types, patterns of species distribution and quantitative properties of their diversity is important to the conservation and sustainable management of tropical rainforests. This study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the BFR forest community types, species diversity patterns and environmental correlates, as well as natural regeneration processes (i.e. seedling establishment and sprouting). Data on vegetation and environmental variables were collected using rectangular 50 x 100m (0.5 ha) plots, sub-divided into five equal contiguous (20 x 50 m) 0.1 ha sub-plots. Data on land-use/cover changes, and relevant associated socio-economic parameters were collected through the analysis of multi-temporal satellite imagery and field observations, as well as interviews of local households and key informants. The study revealed significant land-use/cover changes, with the area under sugarcane cultivation increasing over 17-fold, from 690 ha in 1988 to 12729 ha in 2002, with a concomitant loss of about 4680 ha (8.2% loss) of forest/woodland, mainly in the southern part of BFR. These changes are attributed to agricultural expansion, a rapidly increasing human population, exacerbated by large influxes of refugees, lack of alternative sources of income, conflicts of interest and political interference in the management of BFR, and an unclear land tenure system. The need for more land for agricultural expansion and the loss of woodlands (a source of building materials and fuelwood for the local communities) is leading to the invasion of and encroachment on BFR, which threatens plant and wild animal conservation. The study revealed that the vegetation of BFR is formed by a mosaic of plant communities, with the major forest types being; Pseudospondias microcarpa Swamp Forest, Funtumia elastica - Pouteria altissima, Lasiodiscus mildbraedi - Khaya anthotheca and Cynometra alexandri - Rinorea ilicifolia forest communities. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that soil nutrients (Si, Ca, N, Fe and Li) and anthropogenic disturbances are the main factors controlling forest community patterns. The variances explained as a proportion of total inertia were relatively high (0.53 and 0.56 for basal area and abundance, respectively), showing how well the measured variables explained species composition. These plant communities differed significantly in terms of woody species diversity and richness; being highest in the Pseudospondias microcarpa swamp and lowest in the Cynometra alexandri-Rinorea ilicifolia forest. However, about 48 species were shared between the forest community types. A total of 269 species representing 171 genera and 51 families was recorded. Fisher’s alpha-diversity ranged 4.45-30.59 and 3.07-29.7 for stem diameters ≥2.0 cm and ≥10 cm, respectively, being significantly higher for stem diameters ≥2.0 cm. The use of stem diameters ≥2.0 cm unveiled 53 more species (19.7%), with only 216 species recorded for the standard ≥10 cm dbh minimum size usually applied in tropical forests. A SHE analysis also showed greater richness (ln(S)) and H diversity for the >2.0 cm than the ≥10cm stem diameters. Hence, the study reaffirmed that the use of 10 cm as a minimum dbh in woody plant diversity studies in forests, where many tree species rarely exceed 10 cm stem diameter, is highly likely to underestimate diversity and richness, potentially biasing the understanding of diversity patterns. The most speciose families were Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Moraceae, Meliaceae, Rutaceae, Annonaceae, and Flacourtiaceae, accounting for 147 species. Families with the highest Familial Importance values (FIV) were; Fabaceae (17.5), followed by Euphorbiaceae (16.3), and Ulmaceae (8.35). The BFR exhibits characteristics intermediate between log-normal and log-series species-abundance distributions, indicating a community with a small number of abundant species and a relatively large proportion of rare species. Both Whittaker’s (βw) and the Morisita-Horn Index measures of β-diversity consistently showed higher β-diversity for logged and arboricide treated areas, followed by logged only, and then nature reserve historical management practice types. β-diversity was relatively high at the total forest community scale, but lower for stem diameter ≥2.0 cm than ≥10.0 cm data. Environmental variables significantly explained 66.5% and 61.9% of the variance in species composition for stem diameter ≥2.0 cm and ≥10.0 cm data, respectively. Hence, the variation in species composition of BFR is characterised by significant spatial patterns, and the patterns in β-diversity are to a great extent associated with environmental heterogeneity (i.e. soil nutrients, topographic and light gradients) and anthropogenic disturbances. Investigation of natural regeneration showed that sprouting is generally common among the woody species, with both canopy and sub-canopy trees sprouting prolifically. Of the 122 species affected by ii harvesting, and tree and branch fall disturbances, 199 (97.5%) from 31 families sprouted from the cut stumps, with only Caloncoba crepiniana (De Wild. & Th.Dur.) Gilg exhibiting both stem and root sprouting. Stump basal diameter, height, bark-thickness, and height of stump above the ground at which the first sprout emerged, were significant predictors of sprouting ability among individuals. Number of sprouts/stump differed significantly among families, species, and stump size-classes. Of the 241 seedling species, representing 46 families, about 30.3% were rare (only 2-10 individuals); while 12% were very rare (only 1 individual each). Cynometra alexandri C.H. Wright and Lasiodiscus mildbraedii Engl. were the most abundant seedlings and also among the most widely distributed species in the forest. Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) revealed significant differences in seedling composition between transects, but not between topographic positions or historical management practice types. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) showed that the measured environmental variables significantly explained 59.4% of the variance in seedling species distributions, with the three most important variables being organic matter, titanium and leaf area index (LAI; an indicator of light availability below the canopy). Hence, the important mechanisms influencing regeneration via seedlings in BFR operate through the soil system, and the ground and canopy vegetation characteristics. Nine of the 15 intensively studied multiple-use species, namely L. mildbraedii, Celtis Mildbraedii Engl., Pouteria altissima (A. Chiev.) Aubrev. & Pellegr., Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don., C. alexandri, Diospyros abyssinica (Hiern) F. White, Funtumia elastica (Preuss) Stapf., Chrysophyllum perpulchrum Hutch. & Dalz, and Antiaris toxicaria (Pers.) Lesch. had highly negative size-class distribution (SCD) slopes and substantial seedling regeneration. While Alstonia boonei De Wild. and Cordia millenii Bak. had weakly negative SCD slopes and pulsed or sporadic regeneration patterns. The wide distribution of seedlings for a variety of species, and with most of the intensively studied species having population structures showing healthy regeneration patterns, suggests that BFR is currently experiencing a continuous regeneration phase. In conclusion, the gradients in the vegetation of BFR are a reflection not only of site conditions as shown by the edaphic and abiotic factors, but also the history of human interventions.

Infant mortality in the Czech Republic and Europe: trends and patterns Abstract This Master's thesis addresses the development of infant mortality in the Czech Republic between the years 1950 and 2016 using more detailed indicators of infant mortality. To evaluate the impact of infant mortality rate, on the lengthening life expectancy at birth in the Czech Republic and selected European countries, a decomposition of life tables is included. Selected European countries are then compared with the use of cluster analysis, based on infant mortality indicators and life expectancy at birth by sex. Finally, an analysis is made on the basis of infant life tables which are calculated by sex, birth weight and legitimacy for the Czech Republic. Keywords: infant mortality, Czech Republic, European countries, tables of infant mortality, sex, child-legitimacy, birth weight, decomposition, cluster analysis

O comportamento individual relativo a viagens sofre a influência de fatores individuais e do meio urbano. Assim, a vizinhança seria uma das variáveis a serem consideradas na análise comportamental relacionada aos deslocamentos. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é analisar a influência da vizinhança no comportamento individual relativo a viagens, através de dados em painel. Dados em painel constituem importante ferramenta em análises comportamentais subjacentes a viagens urbanas, uma vez que propiciam maior quantidade de informações quando comparados aos dados seccionais. Padrões de viagens são mais bem evidenciados, através de dados em painel, caracterizando as habituais rotinas de atividades e viagens, além de melhor identificar comportamentos atípicos. Todavia, a obtenção desses dados comumente não é atividade trivial, demandando recursos monetários e de tempo. Um dos objetivos secundários deste trabalho é apresentar uma maneira prática e pouco onerosa de obtenção de dados em painel através de Smartphones. Tais dados, posteriormente, são aplicados à classificação de indivíduos segundo comportamento relacionado às viagens. A potencialidade da proposta sugerida é validada por meio de um estudo de caso relativo aos estudantes universitários do município de São Carlos - SP, Brasil. Através dos dados em painel, fornecidos pelos estudantes, utilizou-se o algoritmo k-médias considerando quatro variáveis relativas aos deslocamentos. As três categorias obtidas apresentam estrutura espacial e, portanto, possibilitam análises espaciais exploratórias e confirmatórias, almejando a compreensão de influências da vizinhança nas dinâmicas cotidianas. Este trabalho atesta a existência de autocorrelação espacial do conjunto de dados por meio de dois indicadores: Moran e SivarG (Global Spatial Indicator Based on Variogram). A corroboração da dependência espacial, apontada pelos indicadores globais, é confirmada por meio de dois modelos de escolha discreta. Um contendo apenas variáveis originais da base de dados. Outro, análogo ao primeiro, porém adicionado de covariáveis regionais, obtidas por preceitos da geoestatística. A incorporação das covariáveis regionais aumenta a precisão do modelo e promove um incremento das taxas de acertos em validações cruzadas. / Individual travel behaviour is influenced by individual factors and the urban environment. Thus, the neighborhood influence would be one of the variables to be considered in travel behavior analysis related to urban displacements. The main objective of this work is to analyze the influence of neighborhood on travel behavior by panel data. Panel data is an important tool in urban travel behavioral analyzes, since they provide a greater amount of information when compared to sectional data. Travel patterns are more evident through panel data, characterizing the usual routines of activities, as well the atypical behaviors. However, obtaining these data is not a simple task, requiring monetary and time resources. Secondary goals of this work aim to present a practical and inexpensive way to obtain panel data through Smartphones. These data are then applied to the classification of individuals according to travel behavior. The potential of the proposal is validated by a case of study concerning undergraduate and PhD students from São Carlos - SP, Brazil. Using the data provided by the students, a k-means algorithm was used considering four variables regarding displacements. These three categories have spatial structure and allow exploratory and confirmatory spatial data analyzes aiming the comprehension of the nearby influence of data at daily dynamics. This work attests to the existence of spatial autocorrelation of the data set by two indicators: Moran and SivarG (Global Spatial Indicator Based on Variogram). Corroboration of spatial dependence, pointed by the global indicators, is confirmed by two discrete choice models. The first one includes just the original database variables. The second one, analogous to the first, but added of regional covariates obtained by geostatistical concepts. The addition of regional variables leads to a more accurate model, increasing cross-validations hit rates.

INTRODUÇÃO: A dependência de álcool é um grave problema de saúde publica no Brasil. Seu tratamento ainda é um desafio, mesmo para os melhores programas terapêuticos disponíveis. Esta dificuldade ocorre pelo pequeno número de medicamentos aprovados para o uso e também pela elevada taxa de abandono, próximo a 50%. A ondansetrona tem surgido como uma medicação promissora para o tratamento de alcoolistas. A identificação de pacientes com maior risco de desistência do tratamento é uma estratégia para reverter essa taxa. Os objetivos deste estudo são: (a) avaliar a eficácia e segurança da ondansetrona na dose de 16 mg/dia; (b) investigar variáveis clínicas e psicossociais capazes de prever maior aderência ao tratamento; (c) desenvolver uma tipologia para alcoolistas com características presentes no início do tratamento; (d) testar se os diferentes tipos podem prever o abandono ao tratamento. METODOS: Trata-se de estudo realizado em três etapas. Na primeira foi realizado ensaio clinico randomizado duplo-cego placebo controlado, com ondansetrona, por 12 semanas, desenvolvido na Universidade de São Paulo - Brasil. A amostra era composta por 102 dependentes de álcool com idade entre 18 - 60 anos. A análise foi realizada com os dados brutos e com os dados imputados. Na segunda etapa, foi combinado o banco de dados deste estudo com os de outros dois ensaios realizados no mesmo local (acamprosato versus placebo e naltrexona, topiramato versus placebo), com número total de 332 dependentes de álcool. A partir da análise de quatro fatores clínicos (idade de início dos problemas com uso do álcool, alcoolismo familiar, gravidade da dependência do álcool e intensidade de sintomas depressivos) foi realizada a análise de cluster tipo K-Means e, após a identificação dos tipos, foi avaliada a associação destes com a adesão ao tratamento. Na última etapa, analisando apenas os participantes avaliados quanto ao desejo pelo álcool (257 alcoolistas) foi realizada uma regressão logística, com variáveis clínicas e psicossociais, para analisar a influência dessas na retenção ao tratamento. RESULTADO: A ondansetrona foi capaz de retardar o tempo para o primeiro consumo de álcool (54,7 versus 40,9 dias) e, também, o primeiro consumo pesado de álcool (58,4 versus 45,4 dias) quando comparado ao placebo. Essa droga não influenciou a percentagem de dias bebidos durante o estudo, mas esteve associada com menor percentagem de dias com consumo pesado de álcool (7,8% versus 11,7%), quando comparado ao placebo, na análise de dados imputados. Na análise de tipologia foram identificados dois grupos de alcoolistas. O tipo de alcoolista caracterizado pelo início precoce dos problemas com álcool, maior histórico familiar de dependência, elevada gravidade de alcoolismo e poucos sintomas depressivos esteve associado a maior chance de descontinuar o tratamento, independente da medicação usada e da participação nos alcoólicos anônimos (AA). Entre as variáveis clínicas e psicossociais estudadas, ter idade mais elevada, participar do AA e o consumo preferencial pela cerveja foram fatores independentes associados a maior adesão ao tratamento. Maiores escores de depressão aumentaram o risco de abandono. CONCLUSÃO: A ondansetrona mostrou ser segura e bem tolerada na dose de 16mg/dia. Foi mais eficaz que o placebo em retardar o primeiro consumo e primeiro consumo pesado de álcool, deixou dúvida sobre seu efeito na percentagem de dias bebidos e de consumo pesado de álcool. O tipo de alcoolista com idade precoce de problemas com álcool, elevada dependência dessa substância, mais história familiar de alcoolismo e menos sintomas depressivos, esteve associado ao maior risco de abandono. Idade mais elevada, frequentar o AA e ter preferência pela cerveja aumenta a chance de completar o tratamento proposto / INTRODUCTION: Alcohol dependence is a serious public health problem in Brazil. Its treatment remains a challenge, even for the best available treatment programs. This difficulty is due to the small number of drugs approved for use and also the high dropout rates, close to 50%. Ondansetron has emerged as a promising drug for the treatment of alcoholics. The identification of patients with increased risk of treatment discontinuation is a strategy to reverse these rates. The aims of this study are: (a) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ondansetron in a dose of 16 mg/day; (b) to investigate clinical and psychosocial variables that could predict treatment retention, (c) to develop a typology of alcoholics based on clinical factors present at the beginning of the treatment; and (d) to test if different types of alcoholics could predict the higher withdrawal from treatment. METHODS: This study was conducted in three stages. Firstly, a randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled clinical trial was conducted with ondansetron for 12 weeks, developed at the University of São Paulo - Brazil. The sample consisted of 102 alcoholics aged between 18 and 60 years old. The analysis was performed by using only the sample of adherents and an imputed sample. Secondly, the database of this study was combined with two other clinical trials that were carried out in the same setting (acamprosate versus placebo, and topiramate, naltrexone versus placebo), with a final sample size of 332 alcohol dependents. From the analysis of four clinical factors (problem drinking onset age, family alcoholism, severity of alcohol dependence and intensity of depressive symptoms) a K-means cluster analysis was performed to identify types of alcoholics. In addition, the association between the resulting types of alcoholics and treatment retention was verified. Thirdly, using only the participants who were evaluated for craving on alcohol (257 alcoholics), a logistic regression analysis was run with clinical and psychosocial variables as independent variables to analyze their influence on treatment retention. RESULTS: Ondansetron was able to delay the first alcohol consumption (54.7 versus 40.9 days) and the first heavy alcohol consumption (58.4 versus 45.4 days) compared to placebo. Ondansetron did not have effect on the percentage of drinking days. However, ondansetron was associated with a lower percentage of days with heavy alcohol consumption (7.8% versus 11.7%) in an imputed sample, when compared to placebo. Two types of alcoholics were identified. The type characterized by earlier problem drinking onset age, more family alcoholism, high severity of alcoholism, and fewer depressive symptoms, was associated with a greater chance of discontinuing treatment regardless of medication used and participation in alcoholic anonymous groups (AA). Out of the clinical and psychosocial variables, older age, AA attendance, and beer preference drinkers were independent factors associated with higher treatment retention. Higher scores on depression also increased the risk of dropout. CONCLUSION: Ondansetron showed to be safe and well tolerated at the dose of 16mg/day. It was more effective than placebo in delaying both the first use and the first heavy alcohol consumption. In addition, ondansetron was not effective in decreasing the percentage of drinking days throughout this study. The type of alcoholics characterized by earlier problem drinking onset age, more family alcoholism, high severity of alcoholism and fewer depressive symptoms, was associated with greater risk of dropout. Separately, the variables higher age, AA attendance, and beer preference increased the chance of completing the proposed treatments

Após o ajuste individual das 55 vacas estudadas pelo modelo Gompertz difá- sico com estrutura de erros autorregressiva de ordem 1 (totalizando 7 parâmetros), notou-se que apenas 6 vacas tinham problemas nas estimativas de seus parâmetros (não convergentes ou não signicativos), dessa forma continuou-se o trabalho proposto com 49 animais. Com as estimativas de cada um dos parâmetros (variáveis nessa etapa) foi realizada a análise de componentes principais e observação do gráco biplot, sendo possível a constatação de que 2 dos parâmetros do modelo continham informações ambíguas com pelo menos um dos demais parâmetros e estes foram retirados da análise, restando 5 parâmetros para o estudo. A análise de componentes principais foi realizada novamente apenas com os 5 parâmetros restantes e os três primeiros componentes principais (escolhidos pelo critério da percentagem de variância original explicada) foram utilizados como variáveis em um processo de agrupamento hierárquico. Após a realização da análise de agrupamentos, observou-se que 5 grupos homogêneos de animais foram formados, cada um com caraterísticas distintas. Desta forma, foi possível identicar animais que se destacavam, positiva ou negativamente, no que tange ao seu peso assintótico e taxa de crescimento. / After individual adjustment of the 55 cows studied using the diphasic Gompertz model with autoregressive structure of errors (totalizing 7 parameters), it was noted that only 6 cows had problems on estimates of the parameters (not converged or not signicant), then the proposed work continued with 49 animals. With each of the parameters estimates (variables at this stage) was performed a principal component analysis and observation of the biplot, and it was possible to nd that two of the model parameters contained ambiguous information with at least one of the other parameters, then these 2 parameters were removed from the analysis, leaving 5 parameters for the study. The principal component analysis was performed again with only ve remaining parameters and the rst three principal components (chosen by the criterion of percentage of original explained variance) were used as variables in a process of hierarchical clustering. After performing the cluster analysis, we found that ve homogeneous groups of animals were formed, each with distinct characteristics. Thus, it was possible to identify animals that stood out, positively or negatively, in terms of their asymptotic weight and growth rate.

Indicadores são ferramentas capazes de simplificar informações sobre fenômenos complexos e melhorar, com isso, o processo de comunicação. Também permitem o resumo de grande quantidade de informações relacionadas a um aspecto, auxiliando no diagnóstico e prognóstico ambiental. Alguns cuidados devem ser tomados na seleção e construção dos indicadores para que as medidas utilizadas sejam adequadas, pois influenciam a tomada de decisão. Indicadores inconsistentes fornecem informações imprecisas e enganosas sobre o que está sendo medido. Um dos propósitos desta ferramenta é auxiliar na implementação de mecanismos de proteção, recuperação e uso racional de recursos hídricos. As bacias hidrográficas têm sido usadas como uma das principais unidades de planejamento e gestão integrada por permitirem a visualização da dinâmica dos vários elementos dos meios físico e agentes naturais atrelados à ação humana. Além disso, são áreas expostas a impactos ambientais provenientes da urbanização, exploração intensa de recursos, uso e ocupação inadequados e emissão de efluentes nos cursos d\'água. Por esses motivos, o presente estudo visou abordar o uso de indicadores ambientais para o diagnóstico do potencial de degradação por erosão nas bacias hidrográficas do município de São Carlos – SP como suporte à gestão dos recursos hídricos municipais, possibilitando o melhor aproveitamento destas áreas com menor impacto ambiental possível. O modelo Pressão-Estado-Resposta (PER) foi escolhido para orientar a coleta, organizar as informações e ajudar na interpretação e comunicação dos resultados por ser um dos mais utilizado para divulgar estatísticas e indicadores ambientais. A análise de Agrupamentos e a Matriz de Vulnerabilidade foram os métodos empregados para integrar os indicadores e disponibilizar as informações às partes interessadas como suporte à tomada de decisão. Utilizou-se o Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) ArcGIS® como ferramenta computacional básica para ponderar e agregar os indicadores por meio dos métodos escolhidos e, posteriormente, gerar os mapas analíticos. A partir da análise de agrupamentos as bacias foram divididas em cinco grupos de acordo com a semelhança entre elas, evidenciando a diversidade de cenários relacionados à erosão no município de São Carlos. Já a matriz de vulnerabilidade categorizou as bacias em cinco classes de potencial de degradação por erosão que apontou o menor potencial nas bacias das Gabirobas e Mogi-Guaçu e o maior na bacia do Monjolinho. A diferença entre estes métodos consiste no modo de sintetizar a informação, porém, ambos convergem para auxiliar na elaboração de estratégias de gestão. / Indicators are tools that simplify information about complex phenomena and improve, therefore, the process of communication. They also allow to summary a lot of information related to one aspect, assisting in the environmental diagnosis and prognosis. Care should be taken in the selection and construction of indicators, as they influence the decisionmaking and therefore it is important that the measures used are appropriate. Inconsistent indicators provide inaccurate and misleading information about what is measured. A purpose of this tool is to assist in the implementation of water resources protection mechanisms, recovery and rational use. Watersheds are been used as major planning and integrated management units for allowing the visualization of the dynamics of the various physical elements and natural agents wattled to human action. In addition, these areas are exposed to environmental impacts from urbanization and intensive resource exploitation, inadequate use and occupation and effluents emissions into waterways. For these reasons, this study aimed to address the use of environmental indicators to diagnosis the erosion\'s degradation potencial in São Carlos\' (SP) river basins to support the local water resources management, enabling better use of these areas with less possible environmental impact. The Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model was chosen to guide the information collection and organization and help in the interpretation and communication of the results because it is one of the most used metodology to disseminate statistics and environmental indicators. The Cluster Analysis and Vulnerability Matrix were the methods employed to integrate the indicators and provide information for stakeholders to support decision making. The Geographic Information System (GIS) ArcGIS® was used as computational tool to weight and aggregate indicators through the chosen methods and subsequently generate analytical maps. From the cluster analysis the basins were divided into five groups according to the similarity between them, showing the diversity of scenarios related to erosion in São Carlos. The vulnerability matrix categorized the basins in five erosion degradation potencial classes that pointed out the basins of Gabirobas and Mogi-Guaçu as less potential and Monjolinho as higher. The difference between these two methods is the way to synthesize information, but both converge to assist in decision making and management strategies development.

Submitted by William Justo Figueiro (williamjf) on 2015-07-09T22:32:57Z No. of bitstreams: 1 27b.pdf: 4120563 bytes, checksum: 28666d8a39aa4371e2cad8353a3b6fc2 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-09T22:32:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 27b.pdf: 4120563 bytes, checksum: 28666d8a39aa4371e2cad8353a3b6fc2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-08-01 / Petrobras - Petróleo Brasileiro S. A. / UNISINOS - Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos / O presente estudo visou o desenvolvimento e aplicação de uma metodologia para a detecção e classificação de diferentes respostas espectrais em nuvens de pontos obtidas a partir de escâner a laser terrestre (Laser Scanner Terrestre) com o intuito de identificar a presença de diferentes rochas em afloramentos e a geração de um Modelo Digital de Afloramento. A ferramenta para a classificação de padrões espectrais, denominada K-Clouds, foi desenvolvida com base em análise de agrupamentos (clusters), que a partir de uma indicação do número de classes fornecido pelo usuário através da análise de um histograma dos dados, realiza a classificação da nuvem de pontos. Os dados classificados podem então ser interpretados por geólogos para uma melhor compreensão e identificação das rochas presentes no afloramento. Além da detecção de diferentes rochas, verificouse que é possível detectar pequenas alterações nas características físico-químicas das mesmas, como aquelas causadas por intemperismo e variação composicional. / The present study aimed to develop and implement a method for detection and classification of spectral signatures in point clouds obtained from Terrestrial Laser Scanner in order to identify the presence of different rocks in outcrops and to generate a Digital Outcrop Model. To achieve this objective, a software based on cluster analysis was created, named K-Clouds. This software was developed through a partnership between UNISINOS and the company V3D. This tool was designed to, beginning with an analysis and interpretation of a histogram from a point cloud of the outcrop and subsequently indication of a number of classes provided by the user, process the intensity return values. This classified information can then be interpreted by geologists, to provide a better understanding and identification from the existing rocks in the outcrop. Beyond the detection of different rocks, this work was able to detect small changes in the physical-chemical characteristics of the rocks, as they were caused by weathering or compositional changes.

O comportamento individual relativo a viagens sofre a influência de fatores individuais e do meio urbano. Assim, a vizinhança seria uma das variáveis a serem consideradas na análise comportamental relacionada aos deslocamentos. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é analisar a influência da vizinhança no comportamento individual relativo a viagens, através de dados em painel. Dados em painel constituem importante ferramenta em análises comportamentais subjacentes a viagens urbanas, uma vez que propiciam maior quantidade de informações quando comparados aos dados seccionais. Padrões de viagens são mais bem evidenciados, através de dados em painel, caracterizando as habituais rotinas de atividades e viagens, além de melhor identificar comportamentos atípicos. Todavia, a obtenção desses dados comumente não é atividade trivial, demandando recursos monetários e de tempo. Um dos objetivos secundários deste trabalho é apresentar uma maneira prática e pouco onerosa de obtenção de dados em painel através de Smartphones. Tais dados, posteriormente, são aplicados à classificação de indivíduos segundo comportamento relacionado às viagens. A potencialidade da proposta sugerida é validada por meio de um estudo de caso relativo aos estudantes universitários do município de São Carlos - SP, Brasil. Através dos dados em painel, fornecidos pelos estudantes, utilizou-se o algoritmo k-médias considerando quatro variáveis relativas aos deslocamentos. As três categorias obtidas apresentam estrutura espacial e, portanto, possibilitam análises espaciais exploratórias e confirmatórias, almejando a compreensão de influências da vizinhança nas dinâmicas cotidianas. Este trabalho atesta a existência de autocorrelação espacial do conjunto de dados por meio de dois indicadores: Moran e SivarG (Global Spatial Indicator Based on Variogram). A corroboração da dependência espacial, apontada pelos indicadores globais, é confirmada por meio de dois modelos de escolha discreta. Um contendo apenas variáveis originais da base de dados. Outro, análogo ao primeiro, porém adicionado de covariáveis regionais, obtidas por preceitos da geoestatística. A incorporação das covariáveis regionais aumenta a precisão do modelo e promove um incremento das taxas de acertos em validações cruzadas. / Individual travel behaviour is influenced by individual factors and the urban environment. Thus, the neighborhood influence would be one of the variables to be considered in travel behavior analysis related to urban displacements. The main objective of this work is to analyze the influence of neighborhood on travel behavior by panel data. Panel data is an important tool in urban travel behavioral analyzes, since they provide a greater amount of information when compared to sectional data. Travel patterns are more evident through panel data, characterizing the usual routines of activities, as well the atypical behaviors. However, obtaining these data is not a simple task, requiring monetary and time resources. Secondary goals of this work aim to present a practical and inexpensive way to obtain panel data through Smartphones. These data are then applied to the classification of individuals according to travel behavior. The potential of the proposal is validated by a case of study concerning undergraduate and PhD students from São Carlos - SP, Brazil. Using the data provided by the students, a k-means algorithm was used considering four variables regarding displacements. These three categories have spatial structure and allow exploratory and confirmatory spatial data analyzes aiming the comprehension of the nearby influence of data at daily dynamics. This work attests to the existence of spatial autocorrelation of the data set by two indicators: Moran and SivarG (Global Spatial Indicator Based on Variogram). Corroboration of spatial dependence, pointed by the global indicators, is confirmed by two discrete choice models. The first one includes just the original database variables. The second one, analogous to the first, but added of regional covariates obtained by geostatistical concepts. The addition of regional variables leads to a more accurate model, increasing cross-validations hit rates.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-25T18:39:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Edson Sampaio de Lima .pdf: 1538632 bytes, checksum: 82758dbf3b4358ba821b7e785e4026ac (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-12-09 / The Public System of Digital Bookkeeping SPED was developed with the aim of enabling greater integration between the tax administrations themselves then between them and taxpayers through the use of technology and, consequently, the socioeconomic standard, in a unique environment, raising tax collection efficiency and ultimately reducing the costs of administration and compliance. The purpose of this research was to examine whether public investment directed to the establishment and maintenance of the project actually resulted in a reduction in the costs of tax compliance temporary and permanent. The random Survey method was not used as a mechanism for data collection. The questionnaire containing 22 questions was sustained in the forecasting model of regulatory impact developed and applied by the Australian Taxation Office ATO in your country, adapted to identify reduction in compliance costs related to three specific organizational aspects: People, Technology and Contracting Services Consulting. The questionnaire was emailed to 20 people with executive position or managers directly involved in the project in SPED size businesses and distinct segment. Responded to the survey 20 of the 20 companies. The data collected were analyzed through descriptive and exploratory, in the latter case using the cluster analysis. The survey approach has met both the qualitative and the quantitative research. The results indicate that the SPED caused an increase in compliance costs temporary and permanent, mainly due to the implementation strategy defined and applied solely by the public administration. The analysis also allowed evidence that public investments directed to the implementation and maintenance of SPED comparatively similar to private investments directed to the same end, which shows a tendency to shift costs of administration for compliance costs for taxpayers / O Sistema Público de Escrituração Digital SPED foi desenvolvido com o fito de possibilitar maior integração entre as próprias administrações tributárias, depois entre elas e os contribuintes, através do uso de tecnologia e, consequentemente, de dados socioeconômicos padronizados, em um ambiente único, elevando a eficiência arrecadatória e, finalmente, reduzindo os custos de administração e de conformidade. O propósito desta pesquisa foi analisar se os investimentos públicos direcionados ao estabelecimento e manutenção do projeto realmente resultaram em redução nos custos de conformidade tributária temporários e permanentes. O método Survey não aleatório foi utilizado como mecanismo de levantamento de dados. O questionário desenvolvido contendo 22 questões foi apoiado no modelo de previsão de impacto regulatório desenvolvido e aplicado pela Australian Taxation Office ATO em seu país, adaptado para identificar redução nos custos de conformidade relacionados a três vertentes organizacionais específicas: Pessoas, Tecnologia e Contratação de Serviços de Consultoria. O questionário foi enviado por email a 20 pessoas com cargo de direção ou gerência diretamente envolvidos no projeto SPED em empresas de tamanho e segmento distintos. Responderam à pesquisa 20 das 20 empresas. As informações coletadas foram analisadas sob a ótica descritiva e exploratória, neste último caso utilizando-se da análise de cluster. A abordagem de pesquisa realizada atendeu tanto à pesquisa qualitativa como a pesquisa quantitativa. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o SPED provocou aumento dos custos de conformidade temporários e permanentes, sobretudo, devido à estratégia de implementação definida e aplicada unicamente pela administração pública. A análise também possibilitou evidenciar se os investimentos públicos direcionados para a implantação e manutenção do SPED são, comparativamente, semelhantes aos investimentos privados direcionados para o mesmo fim, o que demonstra tendência de transferência dos custos de administração para os custos de conformidade dos contribuintes

Contexte: La compréhension de l’histoire naturelle de l’asthme et des allergies au cours de la petite enfance est encore parcellaire. De plus, il persiste encore des incertitudes quant à la contribution des facteurs comportementaux et environnementaux au développement de ces maladies. Objectifs: 1) Etudier l’histoire naturelle des symptômes respiratoires et allergiques chez l’enfant de 0 à 4 ans en identifiant des phénotypes basés sur ces symptômes par des analyses de cluster, 2) Caractériser ces phénotypes au regard de leurs co-morbidités et de leurs facteurs de risque, en particulier ceux liés à l’environnement de vie des enfants incluant leur exposition précoce à la pollution atmosphérique d’origine automobile (PAA). Matériel et méthodes: Ce travail de thèse s’inscrit dans le cadre du suivi de la cohorte de naissances PARIS (Pollution and Asthma Risk: an Infant Study) mise en place en 2003 et incluant 3840 nouveau-nés. Des auto-questionnaires régulièrement renseignés par les parents ont permis de documenter l’état de santé des enfants en termes de symptômes et de pathologies respiratoires/allergiques, ainsi que leur mode et cadre de vie. La sensibilisation allergénique a été déterminée par dosage des IgE spécifiques dans le sang à l’âge de 18 mois. L’exposition à la PAA intégrant les différents lieux de vie (domicile, lieu de garde) a été évaluée pour la première année de vie des enfants par un modèle de dispersion, l’indice ExTra. L’identification de phénotypes respiratoires/allergiques entre 0 et 4 ans a été effectuée par des analyses de cluster transversales et longitudinales. Les co-morbidités et facteurs de risque associés aux phénotypes ont été étudiés. Résultats : Entre 0 et 4 ans, des sifflements ont été rapportés chez 31% des enfants, et une toux sèche nocturne chez 38%. Ils sont respectivement 43% et 38% à avoir éprouvé des symptômes évocateurs de rhinite allergique et de dermatite atopique. La prévalence cumulée des maladies diagnostiquées par un médecin était de 12,2% pour l’asthme, 39,4% pour l’eczéma et 3,8% pour le rhume des foins. L’étude des trajectoires des symptômes de sifflements, toux sèche nocturne, rhinite allergique et dermatite atopique a permis d’identifier un groupe avec une faible prévalence de symptômes [n=1236, 49,0%] et quatre phénotypes respiratoires/allergiques distincts: deux transitoires («rhinite transitoire» [n=295, 11,7%] et «sifflements transitoires» [n=399, 15,8%]), non associés avec la sensibilisation IgE dépendante, et deux persistants («toux/rhinite» [n=284, 11,3%] et «dermatite» [n=308, 12,2%]), associés à la sensibilisation allergénique. Le phénotype «rhinite transitoire» était associé à l'exposition postnatale au tabagisme, pouvant irriter les voies respiratoires. Le phénotype «sifflements transitoires» était lié au sexe masculin et au contact avec d'autres enfants (frères et sœurs plus âgés, fréquentation d'une crèche). Les facteurs de risque des deux phénotypes associés aux IgE comprenaient la présence d’antécédents parentaux d'allergie, ainsi que l'exposition potentielle à des allergènes et au stress, connues pour jouer un rôle dans le développement des maladies allergiques. Nos résultats montrent également qu’au regard de la symptomatologie allergique, l’exposition précoce à la PAA semble impacter davantage certains sous-groupes d’enfants (ceux de sexe masculin, ceux ayant un terrain familial d’asthme/d’allergie et ceux dont la mère a souffert d’un problème grave de santé). Conclusion: Ce travail contribue à mieux comprendre l’histoire naturelle des manifestations respiratoires et allergiques durant les années préscolaires et suggère l'existence de différents phénotypes avant l'âge scolaire. Le fait qu'ils diffèrent en termes de facteurs de risque et de sensibilisation renforce la plausibilité de profils distincts, potentiellement liés aux irritations et aux infections pour les phénotypes transitoires, et à l'allergie pour les phénotypes persistants. / Background: The natural history of asthma and allergies during childhood is still not fully understood. In addition, there are still some uncertainties about the contribution of behavioral and environmental factors to the development of these pathologies. Objectives: 1) To study the natural history of respiratory and allergic symptoms in children from birth to age 4 years by identifying phenotypes based upon these symptoms using cluster analyses, 2) To characterize these phenotypes with regard to their comorbidity and risk factors, especially those related to the life environment of children, including their early exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TAP). Methods: This work is part of the follow-up of the PARIS (Pollution and Asthma Risk: an Infant Study) birth cohort, implemented in 2003 and including 3840 newborns. Self-administered questionnaires regularly filled in by parents were used to collect information about the health status of children in terms of respiratory/allergic symptoms and diseases, as well as about lifestyle/environment characteristics. IgE-mediated sensitisation was determined at the age of 18 months. Exposure to TAP integrating the different places of residence and day-care was assessed in the first year of life of children using a dispersion model, the ExTra index. Respiratory/allergic phenotypes were identified between 0 and 4 years by cross-sectional and longitudinal cluster analyses. Comorbidity and risk factors associated with phenotypes were studied. Results: Between 0 and 4 years, wheezing has been reported in 31% of children, and dry night cough in 38%, whereas 43% and 38% have experienced symptoms suggestive of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, respectively. The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed diseases in the first 4 years was 12.2% for asthma, 39.4% for eczema and 3.8% for hay fever. The study of joint trajectories of symptoms such as wheezing, dry night cough, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis identified a group with low prevalence of symptoms [n=1236, 49.0%] and four distinct phenotypes: two transient ("transient rhinitis" [n=295, 11.7%] and "transient wheeze" [n=399, 15.8%]), without any relation with IgE sensitisation, and two persistent ("cough/rhinitis" [n=284, 11.3%] and "dermatitis" [n=308, 12.2%]) associated with allergic sensitisation. Transient rhinitis phenotype was only associated with tobacco smoke exposure, which could irritate the airways. Transient wheeze phenotype was related to male sex and contact with other children (older siblings, day-care attendance). Lastly, risk factors for both IgE-associated phenotypes encompassed parental history of allergy, potential exposure to allergens and stress, known to be associated with the development of allergic diseases. With regard to allergic symptomatology, our results also show that the impact of early exposure to TAP could be more important in some subgroups of children (boys, children with parental history of allergy, and children whose mother experienced a serious health problem). Conclusion: This work contributes to a better understanding of the natural history of respiratory/allergic symptoms during preschool years, and provides evidence for the existence of different phenotypes before school age. The fact they differ in terms of sensitisation and risk factors reinforces the plausibility of distinct profiles, potentially linked to irritation and infections for the transient phenotypes, and to allergy for the persistent phenotypes.