The LOOK is an iOS based iPad app designed to measure viewing time as an estimate of sexual interest. Participants used a 7-point Likert scale to rate 154 images based on sexual attractiveness. The images belonged to 14 differentiated gender and age categories from infants to elderly adults. Before rating each image participants were asked to complete an additional task of locating and touching a small dot found in one of the four corners of the screen. This was included to make sure that participants we attending to each image, and to add another level of information to the results.The purpose of this study was to establish the expected reference group viewing time expected patterns and temporal stability using the LOOK, for nonpedophilic, exclusively heterosexual, college-age males and females. 56 male and 75 female undergraduate students from BYU psychology classes participated. The expected patterns were established and are similar to previously established sexual attraction patterns with slight difference due to the additional categories in the LOOK. The results are broken up into three different sections: dot time (the time from when the image appears to when the dot is touched), rate time (the time from when the dot is touched to when the image is rated), and total time (the combined dot and rate time). Results of the analysis indicate that dot time stability is 96.43% for males and 100% for females. Rate time stability is 64.29% for males, and 73.33% for females. And the total temporal stability is 98.21% for males and 100% for females.

The study of coherent states (CS) for a quantum mechanical system has received a lot of attention. The definition, applications, generalizations of such states have been the subject of work by researchers. A common starting point of all these approaches is the observation of properties of the original CS for the harmonic oscillator. It is well-known that they are described equivalently as (a) eigenstates of the usual annihilation operator, (b) from a displacement operator acting on a fundamental state and (c) as minimum uncertainty states. What we observe in the different generalizations proposed is that the preceding definitions are no longer equivalent and only some of the properties of the harmonic oscillator CS are preserved. In this thesis we propose to study a new class of coherent states and its properties. We note that in one example our CS coincide with the ones proposed by Glauber where a set of three requirements for such states has been imposed. The set of our generalized coherent states remains invariant under the corresponding time evolution and this property is called temporal stability. Secondly, there is no state which is orthogonal to all coherent states (the coherent states form a total set). The third property is that we get all coherent states by acting on one of these states [¿fiducial vector¿] with operators. They are highly non-classical states, in the sense that in general, their Bargmann functions have zeros which are related to negative regions of their Wigner functions. Examples of these coherent states with Bargmann function that involve the Gamma and also the Riemann ¿ functions are represented. The zeros of these Bargmann functions and the paths of the zeros during time evolution are also studied. / Libyan Cultural Affairs

Understanding mechanisms regulating the assembly of ecological communities is a major goal of community ecology. I combined experimental and theoretical approaches to investigate the influences of various ecological factors on the assembly of protist communities. My research included three experimental studies and one theoretical study. Two experimental studies used freshwater heterotrophic ciliated protists as model organisms to examine how species dispersal across local communities and functional and phylogenetic diversity of the species pool influence historical contingency of the assembled communities, respectively. The results of the first experiment showed that the differences in species colonization history led to alternative community states that substantially differed in species composition and abundances, regardless of the level of species dispersal. The results of the second experiment showed that historical contingency, measured by beta diversity and the strength of inhibitive priority effects decreased as phylogenetic and functional diversity of the species pool increased. In the third experimental study, I used the same model system and observed positive relationships between phylogenetic diversity and temporal stability of community biomass. These positive relationships are likely due to the reduced competition among species and increased asynchronous species responses to environmental changes under higher phylogenetic diversity. The theoretical study explored how phytoplankton and zooplankton coevolution drives species diversity patterns along productivity gradients in a mathematical model system. I explored the conditions for evolutionary divergence in phytoplankton and zooplankton and the consequent productivity-diversity relationships (PDR) using the theory of adaptive dynamics and numerical simulations. The results of numerical simulations showed that the coevolutionary dynamics of phytoplankton and zooplankton can generate transient unimodal or positive PDRs, and positive PDRs when the systems reach steady states. The findings of my research suggest an important role of traits and species ecological difference in understanding causes and consequences of biodiversity in community ecology.

L'activité électrique du coeur est initiée par la génération spontanée de potentiels d'action venant des cellules pacemaker du noeud sinusal (SN). Toute dysfonction au niveau de cette région entraîne une instabilité électrique du coeur. La majorité des patients souffrant d'un noeud sinusal déficient nécessitent l'implantation chirurgicale d'un pacemaker électronique; cependant, les limitations de cette approche incitent à la recherche d'une alternative thérapeutique. La base moléculaire des courants ioniques jouant un rôle crucial dans l'activité du noeud sinusal sont de plus en plus connues. Une composante importante de l'activité des cellules pacemakers semble être le canal HCN, responsable du courant pacemaker If. Le facteur T-box 3 (Tbx3), un facteur de transcription conservé durant le processus de l'évolution, est nécessaire au développement du système de conduction cardiaque. De précédentes études ont démontré que dans différentes lignées cellulaires le Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) active l'expression du gène codant Tbx3 via des réactions en cascade partant de la protéine kinase C (PKC). L'objectif principal de cette étude est de tester si le PMA peut augmenter la fréquence et la synchronisation de l'activité spontanée du pacemaker biologique en culture. Plus précisément, nous avons étudié les effets de l'exposition chronique au PMA sur l'expression du facteur de transcription Tbx3, sur HCN4 et l'activité spontanée chez des monocouches de culture de myocytes ventriculaires de rats néonataux (MVRN). Nos résultats démontrent que le PMA augmente significativement le facteur transcription de Tbx3 et l'expression ARNm de HCN4, favorisant ainsi l'augmentation du rythme et de la stabilité de l'activité autonome. De plus, une diminution significative de la vitesse de conduction a été relevée et est attribuée à la diminution du couplage intercellulaire. La diminution de la vitesse de conduction pourrait expliquer l'effet négatif du PMA sur la synchronisation de l'activité autonome du pacemaker biologique. Ces résultats ont été confirmés par un modèle mathématique multicellulaire suggérant que des fréquences et résistances intercellulaires plus élevée pourraient induire une activité plus stable et moins synchrone. Cette étude amène de nouvelles connaissances très importantes destinées à la production d'un pacemaker biologique efficient et robuste. / The normal heartbeat is initiated by the spontaneous generation of action potentials in pacemaker cells of the sinoatrial node (SAN) region. Dysfunction of this region leads to electrical instability of the heart. The majority of the patients with sinus node dysfunction require surgical implantation of electronic pacemaker devices; however, limitations of this therapeutic approach lead to a need to search for alternatives. To date, the molecular basis of the ionic currents which play pivotal role in SAN action potential has been discovered. It is thought that an important component of the pacemaker cells are HCN channels, responsible for the funny current (If) in the SAN. Meanwhile, T-box factor 3 known as an evolutionary conserved transcription factors is necessary for development of the conduction system. In previous studies, it has been shown that Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) activates Tbx3 gene expression in a PKC-dependent manner in several cell lines. The main objective of this study is to test if PMA can increase the frequency and synchronization of spontaneous activity of cultured biopacemakers. More precisely, we studied the effects of chronic exposure to PMA on the expression of the Tbx3 transcription factor and HCN4 in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes monolayers and how spontaneous activity was altered. Our results show that PMA significantly increases the Tbx3 transcription factor and HCN4 mRNA expression favoring an increased in the rate and spatial-temporal stability of the spontaneous activity. In addition, a significant decrease in conduction velocity was found that is attributed to decrease electrical intercellular coupling of the cells. The decrease in the conduction velocity could explain the negative effect PMA has on synchronization of spontaneous activity of the biopacemaker. These findings are confirmed by a multicellular mathematical model implying that faster frequency and higher intercellular resistance of the pacemaker cells may lead to a more stable and less synchronous activity. This study provides important new knowledge to produce efficient and robust biological pacemakers.

Submitted by Mario BC (mario@bc.ufrpe.br) on 2016-08-15T13:52:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Renato Augusto Soares Rodrigues.pdf: 4148220 bytes, checksum: 32208f5b4f94932f06495e3e0508dc51 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-15T13:52:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Renato Augusto Soares Rodrigues.pdf: 4148220 bytes, checksum: 32208f5b4f94932f06495e3e0508dc51 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-23 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Soil moisture has a variability in the spatial and temporal domains, leading to uncertainties critical for agricultural water management. The geostatistics allows performing a quantitative description of spatial variability, contributing to the proper management of water and soil. Studies that focus on the spatial variability of physical and chemical properties of soils have great relevance in the literature, mainly as a subsidy for the rational management of water and soil in irrigated perimeters. In order to evaluate the spatial variability of chemical and physical properties of the soil, conducted an experiment in the municipality of Pesqueira, Agreste region of Pernambuco, over a corn crop (Zea mays L.), drip irrigation, using moderately saline water, originating from a well Amazons. The experiment was conducted from 30 March 2015 to 22 June 2015, in an area with spaced mesh of 5 m x 5 m, forming a "grid" 20 m x 25 m, totaling 30 sampling points. The data were evaluated by adopting methods of descriptive statistics, geostatistics and temporal stability using the relative difference and the Spearman correlation. The volumetric Soil moisture was monitored in the layer of 0.00 to 0.20 m using the HFM 2010 sensor. It was found through the semivariogram, spatial dependence of soil moisture with best fit to exponential models and Gaussian. The degrees of spatial dependence showed up moderate and high. Through the contour maps, there are points where the humidity is below the ideal, requiring different management for these areas in order to ensure optimal water supply for the crop. The values of Spearman correlation test found remained high throughout the experiment indicating time dependence throughout the study. Through the relative difference technique it was possible to identify a point that represents the average soil moisture with high reliability, which is recommended for monitoring soil moisture for irrigation management purposes in the area. The model that best fits to the variables clay, sand, electrical conductivity, carbon and organic matter was exponential, while for the Silt the model that best fit was the gaussian. There is a relationship between the spatial distribution of clay with electrical conductivity levels, organic carbon and soil organic matter, and found the highest levels of these attributes in the same regions. Soil texture has significant influences on soil temperature. So that the sampled points that showed higher sand content had higher daily temperature variations in the surface layers. Through the contour maps can identify areas where it is necessary to adopt the practice of application of leaching depths. As for carbon content and organic matter the soil was rated average content of organic matter, requiring the incorporation of organic matter in the soil in regions with low levels of these attributes. / A umidade do solo apresenta uma variabilidade nos domínios espacial e temporal, levando a incertezas críticas para o manejo agrícola da água. A geoestatística possibilita realizar uma descrição quantitativa da variabilidade espacial, contribuindo para o manejo adequado de água e solo. Estudos que enfocam a variabilidade espacial de propriedades físicas e químicas de solos têm grande relevância na literatura, principalmente como subsídio para o manejo racional de água e solo em perímetros irrigados. Com objetivo de avaliar a variabilidade espacial de atributos químicos e físicos do solo, realizou-se um experimento no município de Pesqueira, região Agreste de Pernambuco, durante um cultivo de Milho (Zea mays L.), irrigado por gotejamento, utilizando água moderadamente salina, oriunda de um poço amazonas. O experimento foi realizado no período de 30 de março de 2015 a 22 de Junho de 2015, em uma área com malha espaçada de 5 m x 5 m, formando um “grid” 20 m x 25 m, totalizando 30 pontos amostrais. Os dados foram avaliados adotando-se métodos de estatística descritiva, geoestatística e estabilidade temporal utilizando a diferença relativa e a correlação de Spearman. A umidade volumétrica do solo foi monitorada na camada de 0,00-0,20 m utilizando-se o sensor HFM 2010. Verificou-se através dos semivariogramas, dependência espacial da umidade do solo com melhor ajuste aos modelos exponencial e gaussiano. Os graus de dependência espacial apresentaram-se moderado e alto. Através dos mapas de isolinhas, observam-se pontos em que a umidade encontra-se abaixo da ideal, sendo necessário um manejo diferenciado para essas áreas a fim de garantir o suprimento de água ideal para a cultura. Os valores do teste da correlação de Spearman, encontrados mantiveram-se altos durante todo o experimento indicando dependência temporal ao longo de todo o estudo. Através da técnica da diferença relativa foi possível identificar um ponto que representa a média da umidade do solo com alto grau de confiabilidade, sendo este recomendado para o monitoramento da umidade do solo para fins de manejo da irrigação na área. O modelo que melhor se ajustou para as variáveis Argila, Areia, condutividade elétrica, Carbono e Matéria Orgânica foi o exponencial, enquanto que para o Silte o modelo que melhor se ajustou foi o gaussiano. Há uma relação entre a distribuição espacial da argila com os teores de condutividade elétrica, carbono orgânico e matéria orgânica do solo, sendo encontrados os maiores teores desses atributos nas mesmas regiões. A textura do solo apresentou influências significativas na temperatura do solo. De modo que os pontos amostrados que apresentaram maior teor de areia apresentaram maiores amplitudes térmicas diárias nas camadas superficiais. Através dos mapas de isolinhas é possível identificar regiões onde se faz necessário adotar a prática de aplicação de lâminas de lixiviação. Quanto aos teores de carbono e a matéria orgânica o solo foi classificado com médio teor de matéria orgânica, sendo necessária a incorporação de matéria orgânica no solo em regiões com baixos teores desses atributos.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the temporal stability of a normal heterosexual female response to the Affinity 2.0, a newly standardized viewing time (VT) instrument that purports to measure sexual interest. Participants were 120 female undergraduate and graduate students from a private university (mean age = 21.67 years) who met inclusion criteria of non-pedophilic interest/history, identified as “Exclusively Heterosexual" on the Kinsey Scale, and who took the Affinity 2.0 both at test and at retest (approximately two weeks later). Participants also filled out a questionnaire following the retest composed of demographic questions, a shortened version of the Marlowe-Crowne Desirability Scale-10 [M-C 2(10)], and declared their sexual interest on the Kinsey Scale. Pearson correlation coefficients (PPMCC), Spearman's Rho correlation coefficients, and a Chi-Square Goodness of Fit Test were all utilized to assess the temporal stability of the sample's response to Affinity 2.0. All PPMCC and Spearman's Rho correlations for VT were statistically significant at the p < .01 level; while practical significance for PPMCC could only be considered moderate as best (range of r =.28 - .63), Spearman's Rho correlations (range of r =.41 - .65) were stronger and approached practical significance. The existence of an overall distinct and discernable VT response pattern was apparent as the sample demonstrated identical categorical VT preferences both test and retest. These results were consistent with results from previous VT studies (Quinsey, Rice, Grant & Reid, 1993; Wright & Adams, 1994; Quinsey, Ketsetzis, Earls, & Karamanoukian, 1996). In addition, this VT pattern was found to be stable from test to retest as assessed by a Chi-Square Goodness of Fit Test. An unexpected finding was the presence of elevated VT for adult and juvenile female images. Implications, limitations, and future studies are discussed.

The consequences of land use choices on soil water and gas transport properties are significant for gas and water flux in agricultural environments. Spatial and temporal patterns and associations of soil water and soil gas characteristics and processes in different land uses are not well understood. The objectives of this study were to 1) characterize soil structure under crop and grass systems, 2) quantify spatial patterns and associations of soil physical characteristics in crop and grass systems, and 3) quantify spatial and temporal patterns and associations of CO2 and N2O fluxes. The research was conducted in a 60 by 80 m field divided into grass and crop systems. Sixty sampling points were distributed in four transects with 5- and 1-m spatial intervals between measurement points. Gas fluxes were measured, at two-week time intervals, 22 times during a year. Pore size distribution was more homogeneous and more continuous pores were found in the grass than in the crop system. The spatial variability of most selected soil physical characteristics was more structured in the crop than in the grass system, which reflected the impact of land use and soil structure on their spatial patterns. CO2 flux was dependent for a longer distance in the grass than in the crop system, however, the two land-use systems exhibited similar spatial ranges of N2O flux. Gas fluxes were temporally dependent for a longer period in the grass than in the crop system. The spatial associations between CO2 and N2O fluxes and selected biochemical and physical factors depended on the flux sampling season and land use. Soil temperature was the dominant controlling factor on the temporal variability of CO2 and N2O fluxes but not on the spatial behavior. Considering the spatial and temporal ranges and dependency strength of soil variables helps identify efficient sampling designs that can result in better time and resource management. Spatial and temporal relationships between the selected soil variables also improve understanding soil management and sampling soil variables. This study provides the baseline and recommendations for future investigations specifically for sampling designs, soil management, and predictions of different soil processes related to gas fluxes.

Submitted by Bruna Rodrigues (bruna92rodrigues@yahoo.com.br) on 2017-10-04T13:00:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DissRSL.pdf: 2218443 bytes, checksum: 6c095cccc15f22c3fe747197514a5b16 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (producaointelectual.bco@ufscar.br) on 2017-10-11T11:44:18Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissRSL.pdf: 2218443 bytes, checksum: 6c095cccc15f22c3fe747197514a5b16 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (producaointelectual.bco@ufscar.br) on 2017-10-11T11:44:30Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissRSL.pdf: 2218443 bytes, checksum: 6c095cccc15f22c3fe747197514a5b16 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-10-11T11:52:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissRSL.pdf: 2218443 bytes, checksum: 6c095cccc15f22c3fe747197514a5b16 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-07-05 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Throughfall (TF) is affected by different biotic and meteorological factors that can interact, resulting in high variability in estimates, increasing the uncertainty in hydrological models and the forecast of environmental impacts in watersheds. The knowledge of the relationship between rainfall (RF) and TF is a key factor for the definition of sampling strategies that result within commonly accepted error thresholds. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to analyze sources of TF variability in a secondary forest in SE Brazil, in order to understand the response of TF in function of different environmental drivers and sampling strategies. To attain these objectives, the influences of RF, sampling strategies, and stand structure on TF were analysed. The results indicated significant influence of RF on the response variables [TF volume (TFmm), TF fraction (TF%), and coefficient of variation of TF (CVTF)]. Whereas the linear model showed the best fit for TFmm, nonlinear models presented better fits for TF% and CVTF in response to RF. Regarding the influence of sampling strategies, there were no significant effects on average estimates of TFmm and CVTF. Based on the magnitude of the error, only treatments with 16 fixed gauges and nine roving gauges were able to provide estimates with errors smaller than 10%, both for all rainfall events and for those higher than 10.44 mm (median value). The results suggest that different vegetation structures affect TFmm at different spatial scales. For instance, a significant effect of canopy cover was observed on the point estimates of TFmm. However, no vegetation influences on this variable were observed at the plot scale. Regarding the temporal variability, significant effects were verified at two scales: distance to the nearest trunk at the point scale; and metrics of trees greater than 20 m at the plot scale. Finally, it was verified that combined effects of tree sizes and canopy cover influenced CVTF, indicating that the these variables reflect vegetation complexity. In general, the results suggest that RF is the main source of TF variability in the studied area. Therefore, it is necessary to consider both meteorological factors and characteristics of rainfall events to sample TF with adequate accuracy. Nevertheless, the interactions between biotic and meteorological factors affect their relative influences on TF, highlighting the need for further research in this area. / A precipitação interna (PI) é afetada por diferentes fatores bióticos e meteorológicos que podem interagir entre si, resultando numa elevada variabilidade em suas estimativas, aumentando a incerteza em modelos hidrológicos e na previsão de impactos ambientais em bacias hidrográficas. A compreensão da relação entre a precipitação em aberto (PA) e a PI é importante para a definição de estratégias de amostragem com limiares de erros aceitáveis. Portanto, o objetivo geral deste estudo foi analisar os fatores de variação da PI em uma floresta secundária, localizada no sudeste brasileiro, a fim de compreender o comportamento desse processo em função de diferentes fatores ambientais e de estratégias de amostragem. Para isto, foram analisadas as influências da PA, das estratégias de amostragem e da estrutura da vegetação sobre a PI. Os resultados indicaram influência significativa da PA sobre as variáveis resposta [volume de PI (PImm), fração de PI (PI%) e coeficiente de variação da PI (CVPI)]. Enquanto o modelo linear apresentou o melhor ajuste para PImm, os modelos não lineares tiveram melhores ajustes para PI% e CVPI em função de PA. Quanto à influência das estratégias de amostragem, não houve efeitos significativos sobre as estimativas médias de PImm e CVPI. Com base na magnitude do erro, apenas tratamentos com 16 pluviômetros fixos e nove rotativos foram capazes de fornecer estimativas com erros inferiores a 10%, tanto para o conjunto completo de dados quanto para chuvas superiores a 10,44 mm (valor mediano). Os resultados sugerem que diferentes estruturas da vegetação afetam a PImm em diferentes escalas espaciais. Por exemplo, foi verificado efeito significativo da cobertura do dossel sobre as estimativas pontuais de PImm. No entanto, não foram verificadas influências da vegetação sobre esta variável na escala da parcela. Em relação à variabilidade temporal, verificaram-se efeitos significativos nas duas escalas: da distância para o tronco mais próximo na pontual; e de métricas de árvores maiores que 20 m na escala parcela. Por fim, verificou-se que os efeitos combinados do tamanho das árvores e da cobertura do dossel influenciaram CVPI, indicando que essas variáveis refletem a complexidade da vegetação. Em geral, os resultados sugerem que PA é a principal fonte de variabilidade de PI na área estudada. Portanto, é necessário considera características meteorológicas e dos eventos de chuva para amostrar a PI com precisão adequada. Contudo, as interações entre fatores bióticos e meteorológicos afetam suas influências relativas sobre a PI, destacando a necessidade de mais pesquisas nessa área.

Le suivi et la connaissance de la phénologie de la vigne sur plusieurs saisons sont des informations essentielles qui permettent de caractériser les régions viticoles, d’étudier le changement climatique et de planifier des pratiques agricoles telles que l'irrigation, la fertilisation, l'application de pesticides et la vendange à l'échelle parcellaire. La plupart des études menées sur de la phénologie de la vigne, considèrent la parcelle comme une unité de gestion homogène, sans tenir compte de la variabilité spatiale qui existe à cette échelle. Sur la base de travaux précédents qui mettent en évidence une forte variabilité intra-parcellaire en viticulture, ce travail de thèse vise à caractériser la variabilité spatiale de la phénologie de la vigne et les principaux facteurs qui la déterminent à l’échelle d’une parcelle viticole. Il vise aussi à en proposer un modèle de prédiction spatiale qui considère la variabilité de la phénologie de la vigne à cette échelle. Pour répondre à ces objectifs, quatre parcelles expérimentales situées dans la Vallée du Maule (Talca, Chili) ont été utilisées. Celles-ci correspondent aux principaux cépages rouges (Cabernet Sauvignon et Carménère) et blancs (Chardonnay et Sauvignon Blanc) cultivés au Chili. Ce travail a été réalisé tout au long 6 années de 2009 et 2015, au cours desquelles entre de deux et quatre séries des mesures ont été effectuées selon la parcelle viticole. Pour chaque parcelle, une grille régulière de 12 sites d'échantillonnage par hectare a été définie, sur chaque site, des mesures de la phénologie de la vigne, de la maturité des baies (accumulation des sucres), de l’état hydrique de la plante, de l’expression végétative, du rendement, des variables climatiques (température et hygrométrie), des propriétés physique du sol, entre autres, ont été réalisées. Les principaux résultats ont montré l'existence d’une variabilité spatiale de la phénologie de la vigne importante à l’échelle intra-parcellaire. Cette variabilité a été observée autant pour tous les stades phénologiques clés (débourrement, floraison et véraison) et pour l’accumulation des sucres dans les baies. Elle est structurée spatialement et stable au cours du temps. Son importance est similaire à la variabilité observée à des échelles spatiales régionale. Au niveau intra parcellaire, la topographie (différence d'altitude) a été identifiée comme le principal facteur d’influence sur la variabilité spatiale de la phénologie et de l’accumulation des sucres dans les baies. Dans le cas où la variabilité de la topographie de la parcelle viticole est faible, les caractéristiques du sol sont le second facteur expliquant la variabilité spatiale de la phénologie, tandis que les variables de la plante (expression végétative et rendement) expliquent la variabilité observée dans l'accumulation de sucre. La stabilité temporelle de la variabilité spatiale des stades phénologiques et de l'accumulation des sucres dans les baies, a permis de proposer un modèle spatial empirique qui permet d’estimer la valeur ces variables à l’échelle d’une parcelle viticole. L’originalité de l’approche proposée est d’utiliser une mesure ponctuelle de la phénologie ou de la teneur en sucres des baies, effectuée dans la parcelle viticole (site de référence) et une combinaison de coefficients site-spécifiques estimés à partir des données historiques. Ce modèle spatial permet d’obtenir des estimations de meilleure qualité en comparaison avec des méthodes classiques d’échantillonnage. Il permet d’obtenir des cartes pour les stades phénologiques clés et pour l’accumulation des sucres. Cette méthode pourrait être utilisée comme un outil pratique pour la planification de la gestion modulée des opérations au niveau intra-parcellaire, où la connaissance de la phénologie est essentielle pour la prise de décisions. / The knowledge and monitoring of grapevine phenology over several seasons are important requirements for the characterization of vine regions, climate change studies and planning of various production activities such as irrigation, fertilization, phytosanitary applications and harvesting at the vine field scale. However, the main studies developed on grapevine phenology consider the vine field as a homogeneous unit of management and do not take into account the spatial variability observed at this spatial scale. Based on previous studies highlighting a significant variability at the within field level in viticulture, this doctoral research aims to characterize the spatial variability of grapevine phenology at the vine field scale, relating the main factors that determine this variability and proposing a spatial prediction model that considers the variability of phenology. In order to answer the above objectives, experiments were carried out in four vine fields located in the Maule Valley (Talca, Chile), considering the main red (Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère) and white (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) cultivars planted in Chile. This experiment was carried out over 6 years between years 2009 and 2015. Within each vine field, a regular grid with 12 sampling sites per hectare was defined. Measurements of grapevine phenology, berry maturity (sugar accumulation), plant water status, vegetative expression, yield, climatic variables (temperature and relative humidity), soil physical properties, among others, were performed on each site. The main results showed the existence of a significant spatial variability of the phenological development at the within-field scale, observed for both key phenological stages (budburst, flowering and veraison) and sugar accumulation in berries. This spatial variability was spatially organized and stable over seasons, being comparable even with the observed variability at important spatial scales such as regional or vine valley. At the within-field scale, topography (elevation difference) was identified as the main integrative factor affecting the spatial variability of both grapevine phenology and maturity. If there is no variability in the topography, the soil characteristics become the second factor of the spatial variability of grapevine phenology, while plant variables (vegetative expression and yield) explained the observed variability in sugar accumulation at this scale. The temporal stability observed for the spatial variability of the phenological stages and sugar accumulation of berries allowed an empirical spatial model to be proposed. The model characterizes the spatial variability of these variables at the vine field scale. The originality of the approach is to use a single measurement of the grapevine phenology or sugar accumulation in the berries performed in the field (reference site) and a combination of site-specific coefficients estimated through historical data. The spatial model presented the best results when compared with classical sampling methods, allowing maps of key phenological stages and sugar accumulation to be obtained. This methodology could be used as a practical tool for the planning site-specific management operation at the vine field scale where phenology is essential for decision-making.

Submitted by Mario BC (mario@bc.ufrpe.br) on 2016-08-15T12:47:57Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Jose Roberto Lopes da Silva.pdf: 3751979 bytes, checksum: d1e5aa84305eb1d047e5f172594d52cf (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-15T12:47:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Jose Roberto Lopes da Silva.pdf: 3751979 bytes, checksum: d1e5aa84305eb1d047e5f172594d52cf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-07-28 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos - Finep / The semiarid region of Brazilian Northeast is characterized by presenting spatio-temporal variability of meteorological and hydrological variables, and in recent years comes to checking an increase of degraded areas in the region because of intensive soil use and absence of conservation practices. The inappropriate use of soil associated with climate change is unleashing and accelerating desertification processes. The characterization of the dynamics of hydrological and sedimentological processes in these regions become essential, since there is great shortage for a database in the semiarid watersheds that can support the management of water resources and soil conservation and provide subsidies for the use of models and generate future scenarios. Within this context the present research aims to evaluate the efficiency of conservation practices alternative and low cost in reducing soil loss and water as well as in maintaining soil moisture and dynamic surface temperature, through the investigation of hydrological and sedimentological processes in plot scale under different conditions of use and vegetation cover in semiarid region, in order to subsidize actions for the management and conservation of water and soil. The research was conducted in the County of Pesqueira, Agreste region of Pernambuco. Moisture dynamics, water loss and soil were evaluated in the following conditions of use: Plot with Natural Cover (PCN), Plot with Bare Soil (PD), Plot with Barrier of forage Palm (PBP) and Plot with Mulching (PCM). The results showed that the use of mulching as compared to bare soil promoted reduction of soil surface temperature during the day and increase overnight. The mulch was effective in reducing runoff and erosion control. The use of the barrier with forage palm was efficient in reducing soil loss, and proved to be a promising technique for conservation region. Among the conditions of covers evaluated the plot with bare soil was the one with the higher correlation between precipitation and runoff. In general the portion with forage palm (PBP) had moisture levels above the other treatments, showing to be a catchment system in situ efficient for the evaluated local conditions, mainly after the establishment of rain. The temporal stability of the moisture has been identified, and the stable points correlated well with the global average, with coefficients of determination (R²) above 0.90, the same can be used accurately to estimate soil moisture measurements in future. The Hydrus-1D model was able to simulate successfully moisture dynamics in the soil over time for the conditions of bare soil and natural cover, at a depth of 20 cm. Based on the analyzed period database it has been possible to present monthly values of soil moisture reference to investigated conditions, and thus subsidize studies of hydrological and sedimentological modeling in the region. / A região semiárida do Nordeste Brasileiro é caracterizada por apresentar variabilidade espaço-temporal das variáveis meteorológicas e hidrológicas, e nos últimos anos vem-se verificando um aumento de áreas degradadas na região em função do uso intensivo do solo e ausência de práticas de conservação. O mau uso do solo associado às variações climáticas vem desencadeando e acelerando os processos de desertificação. A caracterização da dinâmica dos processos hidrológicos e sedimentológicos nessas regiões tornam-se essenciais, uma vez que existe grande carência de um banco de dados em bacias hidrográficas do semiárido, que possam dar suporte à gestão de recursos hídricos e a conservação do solo, e fornecer subsídios para utilização de modelos e geração de cenários futuros. Dentro deste contexto a presente pesquisa visa avaliar a eficiência das práticas conservacionistas alternativas e de baixo custo na redução da perda de solo e água, bem como na manutenção da umidade do solo e dinâmica de temperatura superficial, através da investigação dos processos hidrológicos e sedimentológicos em escala de parcela sob diferentes condições de uso e cobertura vegetal em região semiárida, a fim de subsidiar ações voltadas para o manejo e conservação da água e do solo. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida no Município de Pesqueira, região Agreste do Estado de Pernambuco. A dinâmica de umidade, as perdas de água e solo foram quantificadas nas condições de: Parcela com Cobertura Natural (PCN), Parcela com solo Descoberto (PD), Parcela com Barramento de Palma forrageira (PBP) e Parcela com Cobertura Morta (PCM). Os resultados encontrados mostraram que o uso da cobertura morta em comparação ao solo descoberto promoveu redução da temperatura da superfície do solo durante o dia e acréscimo durante a noite. A cobertura morta foi eficiente na redução do escoamento superficial e no controle da erosão. O uso do barramento com palma forrageira apresentou eficiência na redução da perda de solo, e mostrou ser uma técnica conservacionista promissora para a região. Dentre as condições de coberturas avaliadas, a parcela com solo descoberto foi a que apresentou a maior correlação entre a precipitação e o escoamento superficial. De forma geral a parcela com barramento de palma forrageira (PBP) apresentou níveis de umidade acima dos demais tratamentos, mostrando-se ser um sistema de captação in situ eficiente para as condições locais avaliadas, principalmente após o estabelecimento da chuva. A estabilidade temporal da umidade foi identificada, e os pontos estáveis apresentaram boa correlação com a média global, com coeficientes de determinação (R²) superiores a 0,90, podendo os mesmos ser utilizados de forma precisa na estimativa da umidade do solo em medições futuras. O modelo Hydrus-1D foi capaz de simular de forma satisfatória a dinâmica de umidade no solo ao longo do tempo para as condições de solo descoberto e cobertura natural, na profundidade de 20 cm. Com base no banco de dados do período analisado foi possível apresentar valores mensais de referência da umidade do solo para condições investigadas, e desta forma subsidiar estudos de modelagem hidrológica e sedimentológica na região.