In today’s high paced, hi-tech and high stress environment, with extended work hours, long to-do lists and neglected personal health, sleep deprivation has become common in modern culture. Coupled with these factors is the inherent repetitious and tedious nature of certain occupations and daily routines, which all add up to an undesirable fluctuation in individuals’ cognitive attention and capacity. Given certain critical professions, a momentary or prolonged lapse in attention level can be catastrophic and sometimes deadly. This research proposes to develop a real-time monitoring system which uses fundamental physiological signals such as the Electrocardiograph (ECG), to analyze and predict the presence or lack of cognitive attention in individuals during task execution. The primary focus of this study is to identify the correlation between fluctuating level of attention and its implications on the physiological parameters of the body. The system is designed using only those physiological signals that can be collected easily with small, wearable, portable and non-invasive monitors and thereby being able to predict well in advance, an individual’s potential loss of attention and ingression of sleepiness. Several advanced signal processing techniques have been implemented and investigated to derive multiple clandestine and informative features. These features are then applied to machine learning algorithms to produce classification models that are capable of differentiating between the cases of a person being attentive and the person not being attentive. Furthermore, Electroencephalograph (EEG) signals are also analyzed and classified for use as a benchmark for comparison with ECG analysis. For the study, ECG signals and EEG signals of volunteer subjects are acquired in a controlled experiment. The experiment is designed to inculcate and sustain cognitive attention for a period of time following which an attempt is made to reduce cognitive attention of volunteer subjects. The data acquired during the experiment is decomposed and analyzed for feature extraction and classification. The presented results show that to a fairly reasonable accuracy it is possible to detect the presence or lack of attention in individuals with just their ECG signal, especially in comparison with analysis done on EEG signals. The continual work of this research includes other physiological signals such as Galvanic Skin Response, Heat Flux, Skin Temperature and video based facial feature analysis.

Identifying the best control method for problematic wildlife is an ever present issue in wildlife management. Popular control methods have ranged from lethal techniques, extirpating the animal, to multiple non-lethal methods focused on deterring undesired behavior. In the past, lethal methods were the preferred choice. However, with increased awareness of the need for biodiversity conservation, new management methods focus on non-lethal control, with emphasis on exploiting aspects of naturally occurring organismal behaviors and ecology. Over the past decade, technological advances in extraction method’s and equipment have also developed new techniques providing a broader range of information about species biology for management use. One of the most well documented conflicts between wildlife and humans is that of the wolf. Using advanced technology and new techniques, we investigated the implication of using chemosensory signals in canid urine to modify behavior as a possible non-lethal alternative in large predator management. Here we used the SBSE method coupled with improved GC/MS equipment to analyze the volatile organic compounds in the urine of four canid species, gray wolf (Canis lupus), red wolf (Canis rufus), wolf-dog hybrids (Canis familiaris) and the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) in order to create working urinary profiles. The extraction method identified several compounds also seen in the urinary profiles of other large predators. In addition, similarities and differences were also noted between taxa and the sexes, and these can be further explored in future studies. Two identified urinary compounds, acetophenone and methyl propyl sulfide, were selected for further behavioral evaluation. We focused on these compounds and their influence as chemosensory signals triggering urine marking events in both the gray wolf and red wolf. Behavioral observations of the effects of these two chemicals indicated they elicited responses from captive wolves. At each of the three study sites, the combination of these chemicals produced urine-marking events along the territory boundary by dominant animals. As a result, the investigation focused on what triggered the urine-marking events, the chemicals themselves, their combination, or the breakdown of the chemicals producing other odorants. It was found that there was no significant degradation of the chemicals over time and environmental conditions produced no significant breakdown of the acetophenone prior to the addition of methyl propyl sulfide. This posed a number of new questions and illustrated the need for additional behavioral studies. The results of this study analyzing chemosensory signals in canid urine, provides biologists with new information to aid in the development of new non-lethal management strategies for handling problematic wildlife as well as providing useful information for future research involving reproduction, predator/prey dynamics, territory maintenance, and a host of other studies focusing on animal ecology in association with chemosensory signaling.

This thesis is dedicated to all volleyball fans and mainly to volleyball coaches who are interested in problematics of a set in volleyball. The thesis contains chapters on the history of volleyball, characteristics of playing actions of an individual, game systems, and what does the setter do. The practical part deals with the most frequently played signals by setter and blocker in two the best teams of women`s extraleague volleyball. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

Due to shared coevolutionary history of snakes and primates with snakes acting as their main predators, snakes elicit fear in most of the primates, humans included. Humans are able to notice a stimulus that elicits fear, e.g., a snake, much faster. Such ability might have surely positively affected their survival in the past. In the nature, aposematic coloration acts as a warning of a dangerous prey to its predators not to devour it. The highly poisonous American coral snakes have this coloration pattern. The harmless king snakes of the Central and North Americas gain an anti-predatory advantage by becoming the coral snakes 'Batesian mimics, copying their bright pattern. Such pattern elicits an innate fear reaction in various species of wild birds who avoid a mere contact with patterned plastic dummies. The question arises whether other taxa, including primates and humans, generally recognize such pattern as dangerous. The aim of this study was to find whether humans fear coral snakes, although they have not long coevolutionary history with them. Further it was analyze, which visual factors of the snakes affect this fear reaction (i.e., a warning coloration, pattern or shape of snake). The atractiveness of these snakes was tested. Another question was whether humans are able to intuitively recognize...

The increasing number of electric and hybrid vehicles in urban areas has shown to be beneficial in reducing both air and noise pollution. However, the lack of sound when driving at low speed has negatively affected the pedestrian safety since many rely on the vehicle sound for orientation. Regulatory bodies have therefore introduced minimum sound requirements for all silent vehicles, which has resulted in a key challenge for car manufacturers to develop external warning signature sounds. The objective of this project has been to study how these signals should sound in order to fit the image of electric and hybrid vehicles and minimize noise and annoyance. To complete the study, five sound concepts with different characteristics and rhythms were developed using the concept generation process. In order to gain subjective impressions of the sounds, three measurement methods were utilized. The first listening test was performed to eliminate the possibility that the sound samples would be perceived variously loud in the upcoming tests. The second listening test was performed to gain information on how suitable the signals are for electric and hybrid vehicles, and the third listening test was conducted to obtain information on how much annoyance the signals contributed with. A reference signal representing an internal combustion engine was included in the tests as well. The results of the measurement methods showed that the sound samples with long tone sequences were more preferred than those with short tone sequences, and that the artificial approach was more popular than the sound of an internal combustion engine vehicle. It was also established that additional tests need to be performed in order to confirm that these results are valid. It was suggested that field tests should be conducted and that new sound concepts should be developed based on the results of these tests.

Cette thèse vise à tester pour l’existence d’effet de complémentarités entre différentes activités économiques dans le secteur agricole. Pour cela, nous mobilisons les deux approches que proposent la littérature, à savoir l’approche par la productivité et l’approche par l’adoption. Nous commençons par une revue de la littérature sur l’économie de la complémentarité, en nous focalisant sur ces deux approches de la complémentarité et ses modèles empiriques. Nous proposons ensuite trois analyses empiriques permettant de tester ces modèles. La première explore les déterminants du choix de marque et/ou de signes des qualité par les petites coopératives agricoles françaises, avec un focus particulier sur la coexistence de ces deux signes. La seconde fournit un test direct de complémentarité entre labels et marques en recourant à l’approche par l’adoption. En estimant un probit multinomial, il est en effet possible de séparer l’effet de complémentarité de celui de l’hétérogénéité inobservable. La troisième introduit l’approche par la productivité, en sus de l’approche par l’adoption, pour tester de cet eet de complémentarité dans les systèmes de polyculture élevage adoptés par les petits exploitants de la province du Pendjab au Pakistan. / The main objective of this thesis is to test for complementarity between different economic activities in agriculture. To do this, we have recourse to the two approaches proposed by the literature, i.e. the productivity approach and the adoption approach. First, we review the economics of complementarity and analyze the different empirical models to test for complementarity. Then, we propose three empirical analyses testing these models. The first examine closely the drivers of the branding and labeling strategies from French small agricultural co-operatives, with a focus on the coexistence of both quality signals. The second directly test for complementarity between branding and labeling using the adoption approach, by estimating a multinomal probit. This allow us to separate what is really due to complementarity and what is caused by unobserved heterogeneity. Third, in addition to adoption approach, we test for complementarity using a productivity approach in the mixed farming systems adopted by smallholder farmers in Punjab, Pakistan.

The ability to memorize and recognize edible prey from inedible prey is essential for an individuals survival. Many species use aposematic signals for their defense. These are most often represented by distinctive colors or contrast patterns. The aim of this study was to find out in which time the memory consolidation for aposematic pray is achieved and if color or pattern increase its memorability. The choosen model species was the Great tit (Parus major). The comparision was done between handreared naïve birds and wild-caught adults of different age and sex. During the discriminatory task of consolidation experiment, birds were simultaneously presented with palatable and unpalatable prey in the form of paper dummies of bugs, differing in color (red versus green). The birds were divided into three groups with a different interval (0, 1 or 3 hours) for consolidation. The results of consolidation test show that adult birds were more successfull in solving the task than juvenile birds. The only difference between the experimental groups was that the group with one-hour interval achieved better results than other groups. The effect of color of palatable and unpalatable prey on discrimination learning was also found only in adults. Memorability of warning signals was tested using paper bugs of...

O corpo humano é um sistema complexo composto por vários subsistemas interdependentes, que interagem entre si em várias escalas. Sabe-se que essa complexidade fisiológica tende a diminuir com a presença de doenças e com o avanço da idade, reduzindo a capacidade de adaptação dos indivíduos. No sistema cardiovascular, uma das maneira de se avaliar sua dinâmica regulatória é através da análise da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC). Os métodos clássicos de análise da VFC são baseados em modelos lineares, como é o caso da análise espectral. Contudo, como os mecanismos fisiológicos de regulação cardíaca apresentam características não lineares, as análises utilizando tais modelos podem ser limitadas. Nos últimos tempos, várias propostas de métodos não lineares têm surgido. Porém, não se sabe de uma medida consistente com o conceito de complexidade fisiológica, onde tanto os regimes periódicos como aleatórios são caracterizados como perda de complexidade. Baseado no conceito de complexidade fisiológica, esta tese propõe novos métodos de análise não lineares para séries de VFC. Os métodos consistem da generalização de medidas de entropia já existentes, utilizando a mecânica estatística não aditiva de Tsallis e a técnica de geração de dados substitutos. Foi definido um método, chamado de qSDiff, que calcula a diferença entre a entropia de um sinal e a entropia média de suas séries substitutas. O método de entropia utilizado consiste de uma generalização da entropia amostral (SampEn), utilizando o paradigma não aditivo. Das séries qSDiff foram extraídos três atributos, que foram avaliados como possíveis índices de complexidade fisiológica. A entropia multiescala (MSE) também foi generalizada seguindo o paradigma não aditivo, e os mesmos atributos foram calculados em várias escalas. Os métodos foram aplicados em séries reais de VFC de humanos e de ratos, bem como em um conjunto de sinais simulados, formado por ruídos e mapas, este último em regimes caótico e periódico. O atributo qSDiffmax demonstrou ser consistente para baixas escalas ao passo que os atributos qmax e qzero para escalas maiores, separando e classificando os grupos quanto à complexidade fisiológica. Observou-se ainda uma possível relação entre estes q-atributos com a presença de caos, que precisa ser melhor estudada. Os resultados ainda apontam a possibilidade de que, na insuficiência cardíaca, ocorre maior degradação nos mecanismos de baixa escala, de curto período, ao passo que na fibrilação atrial o prejuízo se estenderia para escalas maiores. As medidas baseadas em entropia propostas são capazes de extrair informações importantes das séries de VFC, sendo mais consistentes com o conceito de complexidade fisiológica do que a SampEn (clássica). Reforçou-se a hipótese de que a complexidade se revela em múltiplas escalas de um sinal. Acreditamos que os métodos propostos podem contribuir bastante na análise da VFC e também de outros sinais biomédicos. / Human body is a complex system composed of several interdependent subsystems, interacting at various scales. It is known that physiological complexity tends to decrease with disease and aging, reducing the adaptative capabilities of the individual. In the cardiovascular system, one way to evaluate its regulatory dynamics is through the analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Classical methods of HRV analysis are based on linear models, such as spectral analysis. However, as the physiological mechanisms regulating heart rate exhibit nonlinear characteristics, analyzes using such models may be limited. In the last years, several proposals nonlinear methods have emerged. Nevertheless, no one is known to be consistent with the physiological complexity theory, where both periodic and random regimes are characterized as complexity loss. Based on physiological complexity theory, this thesis proposes new methods for nonlinear HRV series analysis. The methods are generalization of existing entropy measures, through Tsallis nonadditive statistical mechanics and surrogate data. We defined a method, called qSDiff, which calculates the difference between the entropy of a signal and its surrogate data average entropy. The entropy method used is a generalization of sample entropy (SampEn), through nonadditive paradigm. From qSDiff we extracted three attributes, which were evaluated as potential physiological complexity indexes. Multiscale entropy (MSE) was also generalized following nonadditive paradigm, and the same attributes were calculated at various scales. The methods were applied to real human and rats HRV series, as well as to a set of simulated signals, consisting of noises and maps, the latter in chaotic and periodic regimes. qSDiffmax attribute proved to be consistent for low scales while qmax and qzero attributes to larger scales, separating and ranking groups in terms of physiological complexity. There was also found a possible relationship between these q-attributes with the presence of chaos, which must be further investigated. The results also suggested the possibility that, in congestive heart failure, degradation occurs rather at small scales or short time mechanisms, while in atrial fibrillation, damage would extend to larger scales. The proposed entropy based measures are able to extract important information of HRV series, being more consistent with physiological complexity theory than SampEn (classical). Results strengthened the hypothesis that complexity is revealed at multiple scales. We believe that the proposed methods can contribute to HRV as well as to other biomedical signals analysis.

Neste trabalho são enfocados três aspectos relacionados com a operação de semáforos: gestão técnica, percepção do desempenho e duração dos tempos. No tocante à gestão técnica, é discutida sua importância em ser realizada de maneira adequada e é investigada a situação das cidades do país em relação à questão. A conclusão é que a situação da gestão semafórica nas cidades do país mostra-se bastante precária, com exceção de algumas grandes cidades. Com relação à percepção do desempenho das interseções semaforizadas, é pesquisada a percepção de motoristas do país quanto ao nível de serviço em semáforos isolados e em grupo de semáforos próximos dispostos ao longo de uma via, considerando os dois parâmetros determinantes da qualidade da operação: a demora e o número de paradas; e analisados os resultados obtidos à luz dos padrões estabelecidos no HCM-2000 e no HCM-1985. A conclusão é que os motoristas brasileiros se mostram mais tolerantes em relação a valores do HCM-2000. No que tange ao aspecto duração dos tempos, são investigadas as razões das programações de tempo empíricas utilizadas na prática, terem alguns resultados satisfatórios. São ainda apresentadas regras simples para a programação de tempos que permitam operar os semáforos com um desempenho aceitável quando não se dispõe de dados e/ou de conhecimento técnico adequado. / This work emphasizes three aspects related to traffic signals operation: technical management, perception of performance and signal timing. About technical management, it discusses the importance of a good management and evaluates the situation around the country. The conclusion is that management of traffic signals at brazilian cities is poor, with some exceptions at large cities. In relation to perception of performance, it researches country drivers perceptions related to level of service at single signalized intersections and group of signalized intersections, considering two parameters that determinate the quality of operation: delay and the number of stops; the results were analyzed and compared with the standard values of HCM-2000 and HCM-1985. It was found that brazilian drivers have more tolerance to the standard values of HCM-2000. About the signal timing, there were investigated the reasons of why empirical techniques used in practice at signalized intersections had some satisfactory results. In addition, it presents simple rules for timing traffic signals that will due an acceptable performance when the city does not have enough data, resources or specific technical knowledge.

Citocinas geradas durante a I/R-i promovem lesão pulmonar aguda e podem causar imunossupressão. Investigamos se a inflamação pulmonar após dias de reperfusão intestinal está relacionada com alterações no sistema imune. Ratos machos Wistar foram submetidos a oclusão da artéria mesentérica superior por 45 min e a 2 h, 3, 5 ou 20 dias de reperfusão. Observamos que após 5 dias de reperfusão intestinal enterobactérias estão presentes nos linfonodos mesentéricos e que os neutrófilos circulantes estão mais ativos no combate a patógenos, enquanto leucócitos da cavidade peritoneal não. Notamos aumento de IL-1b, TNF-a, IL-17, IL-4 e diminuição de IL-10 no explante pulmonar e aumento de IL-1b, IFN-g e LDH no soro. Já os níveis de nitritos, corticosterona, HMGB-1, ácido úrico, AMPc e a mecânica respiratória não se alteraram. Os resultados apontam para a I/R-i como promotora de modificação temporais no organismo. Alterações nos mecanismos regulatórios da inflamação e do sistema imune contribuem para a inflamação pulmonar e sistêmica, sem alterar a função mecânica pulmonar / Cytokines generated during intestinal I/ R promote acute lung injury and may cause immunosuppression. We investigate if the pulmonary inflammation observed after several days of reperfusion is related to changes in the immune system. Male Wistar rats were subjected to occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery for 45 min and reperfused for 2 h , 3, 5 or 20 days. We observed that after 5 days of reperfusion enterobacteraceae are present in mesenteric lymph nodes and that circulating neutrophils are more effective against pathogens, whereas leukocytes from the peritoneal cavity are not. We noted increase of IL-1b, TNF-a, IL-17, IL -4 and decrease of IL-10 in lung explant and increase of IL-1b, IFN-g and LDH in serum. Furthermore, the levels of nitrites, corticosterone, HMGB -1, uric acid, cAMP, as well as respiratory function, did not change. Based on the foregoing, we observed that alterations in regulatory mechanisms of inflammation and immune system after contribute to pulmonary and systemic inflammation, but do not alter pulmonary mechanical function.