The study focuses in the ecology and conservation of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in the conservation and tourism concession owned by the ARCC. The study site is 11 000 hectares and it is located in the Las Piedras Region, north of Tambopata province, Madre de Dios. Camera traps were used to monitor the ocelot population during a 7-month period (from August 2012 to February 2013), divided in 9 rounds were 73 cameras were installed. The camera traps found 8 independent ocelots, from which only 3 (A1, A3 and A6) were recaptured in more than one occasion. The study did a capture-recapture analysis. The distance traveled by the ocelots from a capture to a recapture site was used to estimate the effective sampled area using the Mean Maximum Distance Moved - MMDM and Half MMDM. The methods yielded a density of 70 individuals/100km2 and 180 individuals/100km2, with full MMDM and Half MMDM, respectively. The study also analyzed the camera trap capture probability with PRESENCE software. Using a closed CR analysis followed by a model of constant capture probability, it yielded a capture probability rate of 0,3 (SE 0,0567). Finally, the ocelot’s habitat preference was also studied using a combination of satellite imagery and GIS software. It was found that these animals frequently use transects aimed for tourists, prefer sites near water and that they avoid bamboo forests. / Este estudio trata sobre la ecología y conservación del ocelote (Leopardus pardalis), en la concesión de conservación y ecoturismo del albergue Amazon Research and Conservation Center - ARCC. El área de estudio, de 11 000 hectáreas, se encuentra ubicada en el distrito de Las Piedras, norte de la provincia de Tambopata, departamento de Madre de Dios, Perú. Se utilizaron cámaras trampa para monitorear la población del felino en un período de siete meses (de agosto de 2012 a febrero de 2013), dividido en nueve rondas donde se instalaron 73 cámaras en total. Fueron ocho ocelotes independientes los identificados, de los cuales solo tres (A1, A3 y A6) fueron recapturados visualmente en más de una ocasión. Se realizó un análisis de captura-recaptura. Las distancias recorridas por los ocelotes entre captura y recaptura se utilizaron para estimar el área efectiva de muestreo usando el método del Promedio de la Máxima Distancia Recorrida - MMDM y Mitad del MMDM. Los métodos dieron como resultado una densidad poblacional de 700 ocelotes/100 km2 y 180 ocelotes/100 km2 con MMDM y Mitad del MMDM, respectivamente. Por otro lado, se analizó la probabilidad de captura de las cámaras trampa con el software PRESENCE. Utilizando un análisis poblacional cerrado y un modelo constante, se halló una detección por ronda de 0,3 (SE 0,0567). Finalmente, también se evaluó la preferencia de hábitat de los ocelotes a través de imágenes satélite. Se halló que la mayoría de los felinos usan transectos turísticos, que prefieren las llanuras aluviales cercanas a las riberas de los ríos y cochas, y que evitan los pantanos.

An increase in worldwide investments during the past several decades has pro-pelled scienti c breakthroughs in nanoscience and technology research to new and exciting levels. To ensure that these discoveries lead to commercially viable prod-ucts, it is important to address some of the fundamental engineering and scientific challenges related to nanodevices. Due to the centrality of reliability to product integrity, nanoreliability requires critical analysis and understanding to ensure long-term sustainability of nanodevices and systems. In this study, we construct a relia-bility framework for nanoscale dielectric lms used in Metallic Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) devices. The successful fabrication and incorporation of metallic oxides in MOS devices was a major milestone in the electronics industry. However, with the progressive scaling of transistors, the dielectric dimension has progressively decreased to about 2nm. This reduction has had severe reliability implications and challenges including: short channeling e ects and leakage currents due to quantum-mechanical tunneling which leads to increased power dissipation and eventually temperature re-lated gate degradation. We develop a framework to characterize and model reliability of recently devel-oped gate dielectrics of Si-MOS devices. We accomplish this through the following research steps: (i) the identi cation of the failure mechanisms of Si-based high-k gates (stress, material, environmental), (ii) developing a 3-D failure simulation as a way to acquire simulated failure data, (iii) the identi cation of the dielectric failure prob-ability structure using both kernel estimation and nonparametric Bayesian schemes so as to establish the life pro le of high-k gate dielectric. The goal is to eventually develop the appropriate failure extrapolation model to relate the reliability at the test conditions to the reliability at normal use conditions. This study provides modeling and analytical clarity regarding the inherent failure characteristics and hence the reliability of metal/high-k gate stacks of Si-based sub-strates. In addition, this research will assist manufacturers to optimally characterize, predict and manage the reliability of metal high-k gate substrates. The proposed reliability framework could be extended to other thin lm devices and eventually to other nanomaterials and devices.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-07-26T12:08:42Z No. of bitstreams: 1 federicosucunzaperez.pdf: 1575469 bytes, checksum: cd3afde7a6b38a3953480ca345febe79 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-07-27T11:27:42Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 federicosucunzaperez.pdf: 1575469 bytes, checksum: cd3afde7a6b38a3953480ca345febe79 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-27T11:27:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 federicosucunzaperez.pdf: 1575469 bytes, checksum: cd3afde7a6b38a3953480ca345febe79 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-05 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A toninha (Pontoporia blainvillei) é considerada o pequeno cetáceo mais ameaçado de extinção no oceano Atlântico Sul ocidental. Portanto, obter estimativas robustas do tamanho populacional é fundamental para garantir a conservação da espécie. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar o viés de visibilidade em levantamentos aéreos da toninha e, quando possível, utilizá-lo para corrigir estimativas de abundância para essa espécie. Sobrevoos utilizando um helicóptero Robinson R44 foram realizados na Baía da Babitonga, Santa Catarina, para estimar o tempo que a toninha permanece disponível para ser detectada durante levantamentos aéreos. O tempo de superfície foi definido como o período durante o qual um grupo permaneceu disponível visualmente para observadores no helicóptero. Um ciclo superfície-mergulho correspondeu ao início de um intervalo de superfície até o início do próximo intervalo de superfície. Modelos lineares generalizados com efeitos mistos (GLMM) foram utilizados para investigar o efeito de variáveis ambientais e biológicas sobre a proporção de tempo que a toninha permanece disponível para o observador. O viés de disponibilidade foi calculado como proposto por LAAKE et al. (1997). Foram realizadas aproximadamente 15 h de observação durante os sobrevoos com helicóptero. Após a triagem dos dados, sobraram 248 ciclos de superfíce-mergulho registrados em 101 amostragens. O modelo GLMM com maior suporte incluiu apenas o tamanho de grupo como variável explanatória fixa e indicou uma correlação positiva entre a proporção de tempo que grupos de toninha permanecem disponíveis para detecção e o tamanho de grupo. O tempo médio que um grupo de toninhas permaneceu disponível e indisponível para os observadores foi de 16,10 segundos (EP = 9,74) e de 39,77 segundos (EP = 29,06), respectivamente. Assumindo um tempo de janela de 5,77 segundos, o viés de disponibilidade da toninha é de 0,38 (EP = 0,01). A proporção de toninhas disponíveis na linha de transecção que não são detectadas pelos observadores (viés de percepção) foi estimada utilizando os métodos de amostragem de distâncias combinados com marca-recaptura (MRDS) assumindo a independência pontual dos observadores. As detecções utilizadas foram registradas durante levantamentos aéreos (20112014) realizados com a mesma aeronave Aerocommander 500B e os mesmos quatro observadores sempre posicionados no mesmo lugar. Devido à diferença no formato das janelas da frente (janleas-bolha) e de trás (janelas-plana), somente detecções realizadas entre 60º-30º foram selecionadas. Para estimar o viés de percepção foram utilizadas 191 detecções. O modelo MRDS que melhor acomodou os dados teve as covariáveis distância, área (fator) e lado (fator) no componente da marca-recaptura, e distância e Beaufort (fator) no componente 12 da amostragem de distâncias. A partir deste modelo o (0) estimado foi de 0,38 (EP = 0,12). O tempo de superfície da toninha estimado a partir do helicóptero é 13,42 vezes maior do que o estimado a partir de plataformas em superfície e, assim, deve ser utilizado para corrigir o efeito do viés de disponibilidade em levantamentos aéreos. Os resultados indicaram que o viés de percepção para a toninha pode ser substancial, contudo foi constatada a necessidade de mudanças metodológicas para obter uma estimativa robusta desse parâmetro. / The franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) is considered the most threatened cetacean species in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, robust abundance estimates are necessary to improve conservation and management effort for this species. The goal of the present work was improve abundance estimates of franciscana dolphins by estimating correction factors to compensate for visibility bias in aerial surveys. Field experiments were made from a Robinson R44 helicopter in Babitonga Bay, Santa Catarina State, to estimate the time during which a franciscana group remained available to be detected from an aircraft. The surfacing interval was defined as the period of time during which one or more franciscanas in a group were available to the observer in the helicopter. A surface-dive cycle was defined as the period of time from the beginning of one surfacing to the next. Generalized mixed effect models (GLMMs) were used to investigate the influence of environmental and biological predictors on the proportion of time franciscana groups spend ate the surface. Availability bias was then estimated following the methods proposed by LAAKE et al. (1997). A total of 15 hours were flow during the helicopter experiment. After filtering the whole dataset 248 complete surface-dive cycles from a total of 101 samples remained. The most supported GLMM model show a positive relationship between the proportion of time at surface and the size of franciscana groups. The average time franciscana groups spent at the surface and in a dive was 16.10 (SE = 9.74) and 39.77 (SE = 29.06), respectively. Assuming a time window of 5.77 seconds, the estimated availability bias was 0.38 (SE = 0.01). The fraction of individuals available at the surface that were missed by the observers (perception bias) was estimated using mark-recapture-distance-sampling methods (MRDS) assuming point independence. Sightings were recorded through aerial surveys carried out between 2011 and 2014 with an Aerocommander 500B and the same observers, which were locaed at the same observing positions. Because of differences between front (bubble) and rear (flat) windows field of view, only sighting made between 60º-30º were used in the analysis (n = 191). The MRDS model that best fit the data had distance, area (factor), and side (factor) as covariates in the mark-recapture component, and distance and Beaufort (factor) as covariates in the distance sampling component. The estimated probability of detecting a franciscana group that was visible at the transect line was 0.38 (SE = 0.12). Results of this study showed that surfacing time recorded from helicopter were 13.42 times greater than time recorded from surface platforms. Therefore, availability bias estimates for aerial surveys of franciscana dolphins must be estimated from dive parameters computed from aerial platforms. Estimates of 14 perception bias indicated that the number of franciscana sightings missed by observers can be significant and that correction factors to compensate for this bias are necessary. However, methodological improvements in the sampling procedures are needed to estimate this parameter in a more robust way.

Kernel Methods in Particle Filtering David Coufal Doctoral thesis - abstract The thesis deals with the use of kernel density estimates in particle filtering. In particular, it examines the convergence of the kernel density estimates to the filtering densities. The estimates are constructed on the basis of an out- put from particle filtering. It is proved theoretically that using the standard kernel density estimation methodology is effective in the context of particle filtering, although particle filtering does not produce random samples from the filtering densities. The main theoretical results are: 1) specification of the upper bounds on the MISE error of the estimates of the filtering densities and their partial derivatives; 2) specification of the related lower bounds and 3) providing a suitable tool for checking persistence of the Sobolev character of the filtering densities over time. In addition, the thesis also focuses on designing kernels suitable for practical use. 1

Baseline data on a species' distribution and abundance are essential for developing practical conservation management plans. Such data are difficult to obtain for many low density cryptic carnivores. The Scottish wildcat, Felis silvestris silvestris, is no exception with <400 individuals thought to remain. Its conservation has been further complicated by extensive hybridisation and introgression with the domestic cat (F.s.catus). Hybridisation has also resulted in difficulties in discriminating between wildcats, wildcat x domestic hybrids (hybrids) and tabby coloured feral domestic cats. This has inhibited survey efforts, leading to a lack of general ecological information. Using the most recent identification tools available, extensive surveys using various methods including camera trapping were carried out across Northern Scotland in order to examine the current status of the Scottish wildcat. Current distribution indicates a more restricted range than recent studies. Wildcats are at risk of hybridisation from feral domestic cats and in particular, hybrids, throughout their current probable range. The distribution of hybrids overlaps with both feral domestic cats and wildcats, pointing to a significant threat from hybrids acting as a bridge between wildcats and feral cats. Mean density estimates of 3.5 (SD=0.7) wildcats/100 km² were comparable with those from other studies in Scotland using different survey methods. Total population size estimates ranged between 115-314 individuals depending on local densities and home range size. Population viability analysis (PVA) indicated the current population is not viable unless management actions are undertaken in the near future (Mean time to extinction = 48.2 years (SD = 9.39), probability of extinction=1, SE = 0), and that reducing mortality rates and/or supplementing populations from captive bred cats are likely to be necessary to achieve viability. Based on these data, the Scottish wildcat may be more endangered than many other species classified as Endangered and the current status of the Scottish wildcat should be reviewed.

Neste trabalho de tese discutimos resultados recentes sobre a regularidade e propriedades geomÃtricas de soluÃÃes variacionais de problemas de fronteira livre de duas fases regidos por equaÃÃes elÃpticas nÃo lineares degeneradas/singulares. Discutimos tambÃm resultados do tipo PhragmÃm-Lindelof para tais equaÃÃes classificando essas soluÃÃes em semi-espaÃos. / Neste trabalho de tese discutimos resultados recentes sobre a regularidade e propriedades geomÃtricas de soluÃÃes variacionais de problemas de fronteira livre de duas fases regidos por equaÃÃes elÃpticas nÃo lineares degeneradas/singulares. Discutimos tambÃm resultados do tipo PhragmÃm-Lindelof para tais equaÃÃes classificando essas soluÃÃes em semi-espaÃos. / In this work of thesis we discuss recents results on the regularity and geometric properties of variational solutions of two phase free boundary problems governed by singular/degenerate nonlinear elliptic equations. We also discuss PhragmÃn-Lindelof type results for such equations classifying those solutions in half spaces. / In this work of thesis we discuss recents results on the regularity and geometric properties of variational solutions of two phase free boundary problems governed by singular/degenerate nonlinear elliptic equations. We also discuss PhragmÃn-Lindelof type results for such equations classifying those solutions in half spaces.