56 research outputs found
Author Names: Colin Keng-Yan, TAN
No full textIn this paper we present our method for acquiring and integrating knowledge from discourse using Belief Augmented Frames (BAFs) and Discourse Representation Theory (DRT). We show how several common discourse phenomena can be evaluated and integrated using BAFs and DRT, and introduce KAINA (Knowledge Acquisition and Integration in Nave Agents), our implementation of BAFs for the collection and integration of knowledge, particularly from spoken discourse
Bioaugmentation and Adsorption Treatment of Coking Wastewater Containing Pyridine and Quinoline Using Zeolite-Biological Aerated Filters
No full textBioaugmented zeolite-biological aerated filters (Z-BAFs), i.e. adding isolated degrading bacteria into the BAFs with zeolite as fillings, were designed to treat coking wastewater containing high concentrations of pyridine and quinoline and to explore the bacterial community of biofilm on the zeolite surface. The investigation was carried out for 91 days of column operation and the treatment of pyridine, quinoline, total organic carbon (TOC), and ammonium was shown to be highly efficient by bioaugmentation and adsorption. Biomass determination and bacterial diversity detection based on 16S rDNA and rRNA techniques supported the treatment data and indicated that bioaugmentation could recover the bacterial richness and diversity from pyridine and quinoline loading shocks. However, bioaugmentation accelerated the shift of the bacterial community structure resulting in a more distinct difference from the starting community. Clone library analysis revealed that pyridine and quinoline were more harmful to Bacterodietes among all ingenious bacteria, and bioaugmentation promoted the growth of Planctomycetes in the biofilm. Moreover, the introduced bacteria did not remain dominant in the bioaugmented biofilm, indicating the indigenous degrading bacteria played the most significant role in the treatment. This bioaugmented Z-BAF method was shown to be an alternative technology for the treatment of wastewater containing pyridine and quinoline or other N-heterocyclic aromatic compounds.Engineering, EnvironmentalEnvironmental SciencesSCI(E)PubMed25ARTICLE51940-19484
Comparison of denitrifier communities in the biofilms of bioaugmented and non-augmented zeolite-biological aerated filters
No full textThe denitrifier communities of a bioaugmented and non-augmented zeolite-biological aerated filter (Z-BAFs) were investigated and compared because the bioaugmented Z-BAF provided better and more stable treatment efficiency for nitrate and nitrite removal. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and reverse transcription T-RFLP (RT-T-RFLP) were applied to analyse the denitrifier community diversity in the biofilm collected from each Z-BAF. The results showed that the bioaugmentation technology favourably changed the indigenous denitrifier community and enhanced denitrification under nitrogen loading shocks. The cDNA clone libraries were developed to explore the active denitrifier community structures of both filters. The results showed that the active denitrifiers in both the bioaugmented and non-bioaugmented Z-BAF belonged to alpha-, beta- and gamma-proteobacteria. However, the sequence of the introduced denitrifier (Paracoccus sp. BW001) was not found in the clone library of the bioaugmented filter, which implied that the removal of nitrate and nitrite was attributed mainly to the indigenous denitrifiers in the adjusted bacterial community in the bioaugmented Z-BAF
Qualidade fisiológica e bioquímica de sementes de feijão crioulo em condições de estresse por frio
No full textDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Genéticos Vegetais, Florianópolis, 2014.Cultivares crioulas são guardiãs de efeitos combinados, tanto da seleção natural como da humana, representando características geneticamente dinâmicas e diversificadas que estão interligadas ao meio biótico e abiótico, traduzidas fenotipicamente tanto nas características da semente como da planta. A magnitude dessas características induz as sementes crioulas a se sobressair ao estresse tanto biótico como abiótico, visto que em sementes comerciais esses atributos são mais restritos. Estresse abió-tico ocasionado por baixas temperaturas pode afetar o desenvolvimento da semente do feijoeiro, por gerar alterações fisiológicas, bioquímicas e moleculares em seu metabolismo, consequentemente o estresse oxidativo. Santa Catarina apresenta características climáticas relativas ao clima temperado, refletindo em invernos rigorosos, possibilitando apenas duas épocas de cultivo para o feijoeiro, conhecida como época das águas e das secas. Por isso, a caracterização correta dos recursos genéticos vem a potencializar o uso desse material pelo agricultor e amplifica o conhe-cimento da variabilidade genética da espécie para auxiliar o avanço dos programas de melhoramento. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar mais detalhadamente a resposta de 22 genótipos crioulos, do BAF da UDESC, de duas safras consecutivas (2011/12[S1] e 2012/13[S2]), às condições de estresse por frio, além de observar as oscilações na produção de metabólitos não-enzimáticos. Foram realizados diferentes testes, em nível de laboratório, para tentar explicar o porquê das diferenças genéticas observadas previamente diante das temperaturas mais baixas. Para avaliar a qualidade fisiológica das sementes realizou-se o teste de germinação e vigor (comprimento de plântulas, condutividade elétrica), das amostras submetidas ao estresse por frio [F], e na ausência de estresse (testemunha [C]). Já para observar o perfil bioquímico dos genótipos foi realizada a quantificação de compostos fenólicos, ação antioxidantes (DPPH), teor de aminoácidos livres e peroxidação de lipídeos (TBARs). Para o estudo detalhado de cada genótipo, as médias foram analisadas pelo teste de Scoot-Knott, e com o propósito de ampliar os espectros dos resultados realizaram-se técnicas multivariadas. Observando as safras, pelos testes fisiológicos não foi possível averiguar diferenças significa-tivas entre elas quanto a germinação, contudo a nível de vigor a safra S2 foi superior a S1. O conteúdo de fenólicos e a atividade antioxidante (DPPH) foram superiores na S2 se comparadas a S1, já o teor de prolina e de TBARs apresentaram valores maiores em S1 do que em S2, em ambos os tratamentos (C e F). Índices pluviométricos altos em S1 (327 mm) em relação a S2 (105 mm) durante o período de floração até maturação da semente podem ter causado essas diferenças. Observando os tratamentos C e F, os valores de todas as variáveis bioquímicas analisadas também aumentaram em F, indicando que o estresse por baixas temperaturas causou aumento do conteúdo de metabólitos não-enzimáticos na semente, afim de proteger os danos da oxidação. Observando-se os genótipos individualmente, percebeu-se que os BAFs 81e 75 se destacaram diante dos demais, tantos nos testes fisiológicos como nos testes bioquímicos, em ambas as safras. Bioquimicamente notou-se a presença de Leucina nesses genótipos e uma produção mediana dos compostos não-enzimáticos analisados, fator que pode ser um indicio para explicar o por quê esses BAFs se sobressaíram aos estresse por frio, e foram indicados por esse estudo para a semeadura antecipada nas regiões produtoras do estado de Santa Catarina.Abstract : Landrace are guardians of combined effects of both natural selection as the human, representing genetically diverse and dynamic characteristics that are linked to biotic and abiotic environment, both phenotypically translated in seed characteristics as the plant. The magnitude of these features induce native seeds to excel at both abiotic and biotic stress, whereas in commercial seed these attributes are more restricted. Abiotic stress caused by low temperatures can affect the development of bean seed, for generating physiological, biochemical and molecular changes in your metabolism, thus oxidative stress. Santa Catarina has character-istics of its climate temperate, reflecting harsh winters, allowing just two growing seasons for the bean , known as the rainy season and droughts. Therefore, the correct characterization of animal genetic resources is to maximize the use of this material by the farmer and amplifies the knowledge of genetic variability to assist the advancement of breeding programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate in more detail the response of 22 landraces genotypes, BAF/ UDESC in two consecutive crops (2011/12 [S1] and 2012/13 [S2] ), the conditions of cold stress, in addition to observing fluctuations in the production of non-enzymatic metabolites. Different tests were performed in the laboratory level, to try to explain why the genetic differences observed previously on the lower temperature. To evaluate the physiological quality of seeds held the test of germination and vigor (seedling length, electrical conductivity), the samples subjected to cold stress [F], and in the absence of stress (control [C]). Have to observe the biochemical profile of genotypes quantifica-tion of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity (DPPH), free amino acid content and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) was performed. For the detailed study of each genotype means were analyzed by Scoot - Knott test and in order to broaden the spectra of the results were performed multivariate techniques. Watching the seasons, by physiological tests was not possible to verify significant differences between them for ger-mination, however the level of force the crop S2 was superior to S1. The phenolic content and antioxidant activity (DPPH) were higher compared to the S1 S2, whereas the proline content and TBARS were higher than in S1 to S2, in both treatments (C and F). Heavy rainfall in S1 (327 mm) compared to S ( mm) during the period of flowering until seed maturation may have caused these differences. Observing the treatments C and F, the values of all the biochemical variables in F have also in-creased, indicating that the stress caused by low temperatures increase the content of non-enzymatic metabolites in seed in order to protectfrom oxidative damage. Observing the individual genotypes, it was real-ized that the BAFs 81 and 75 stood out over the others, in many physio-logical tests such as biochemical tests, in both seasons. Biochemically noted the presence of leucine in these genotypes and a median output of non - enzymatic compounds analyzed, a factor that may be a clue to explain why these BAFs stood out to cold stress, and are indicated by this study for the sowing early in the producing regions of the state of Santa Catarina
Ecologia da paisagem da Planície Entre Mares na Ilha de Santa Catarina: conectividade entre fragmentos de vegetação através de corredores ecológicos
No full textDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia, Florianópolis, 2015.Este trabalho analisa a ecologia da paisagem na Planície Entre Mares localizada ao sul da Ilha de Santa Catarina, parte insular do município de Florianópolis, tendo por finalidade a proposta e mapeamento de corredores ecológicos para a conectividade entre fragmentos de vegetação. Procurando relacionar os aspectos biogeográficos da Ilha e as ameaças para a conservação dos remanescentes de vegetação, com um olhar, em especial, ao atual processo de ocupação humana que leva a fragmentação dos ambientes naturais, habitats para a fauna e a flora. Enfatizando a importância dos fragmentos de vegetação isolados pela urbanização, identificando as principais ações antrópicas e naturais que prejudicam estes ambientes colocando em risco a biodiversidade dos remanescentes de vegetação na Planície Entre Mares. Assim, este trabalho tem como método principal as aplicações de uma área do conhecimento comum à ecologia e à geografia que é a ecologia da paisagem. Através dos elementos da ecologia da paisagem foi possível compreender a dinâmica da paisagem da Planície adquirindo maiores informações sobre os fragmentos e a fauna existente, finalizando com a proposta de dois corredores ecológicos para a fauna e flora, bem como as melhorias desses ambientes fragmentados. O corredor 1 atravessa toda a Planície Entre Mares através dos principais rios da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Tavares e englobando fragmentos de Floresta Ombrófila Densa de Terras Baixas (vegetação quase extinta na Ilha), fazendo a conectividade entre os maciços do setor sul e os maciços do setor central da Ilha, que tratam-se de duas Unidades de Conservação. O corredor 2 também faz a conectividade entre duas Unidades de Conservação, que são unidades de paisagem diferentes. Esta conectividade se dá através dos pastos que ainda se mantem na paisagem, resquícios da paisagem rural da Ilha, por onde foi constatada a utilização como passagem pela espécie Cerdocyon thous.Abstract : This work analyses the landscape ecology of the ?Entre Mares Plain?, which is located on the south of the Island of Santa Catarina, part of the region of Florianopolis, with the main goal of identifying and mapping an ecological corridor of the area connecting several vegetation fragments.Seeking to relate the several biogeographic aspects of the Island and the threats regarding the survival of the remaining fragments, focusing specifically in the current process of property development and human interaction that leads to the fragmentation of the natural environments habitats for fauna and the flora.Emphasizing the importance of vegetation fragments isolated by urbanization, identifying the main anthropogenic and natural actions that undermine these environments endangering the biodiversity of the remaining vegetation in ?Entre Mares Plain?. The main method of this work is the appliance of a common method between two different areas of knowledge: Ecology and Geography, which is the Landscape Ecology.Through the landscape ecology elements it was possible to understand the landscape dynamics of the Plain acquiring more information on the fragments and the existing fauna, ending with the proposal of two ecological corridors for fauna and flora as well as the improvements of these fragmented environments. The first corridor crosses the entire ?Entre Mares Plain? through the main rivers of the hydrographic basin of the Tavares River and encompassing rain forest fragments ?Dense Lowlands? (almost extinct vegetation on the Island), making the connection between the massive southern sector and the massive central sector of the Island, both protected areas. The second corridor also creates a connection between two protected areas, which are two different landscape units. This connection is through the pastures that are still keep the in the landscape, which are remnants of the countryside of the island, where it was found to be used as passage by the species Cerdocyon thous
Search for a heavy composite Majorana neutrino in events with dilepton signatures from proton-proton collisions at √s=13 Tev
No full textResults are presented of a search for a heavy Majorana neutrino N ⠃ decaying into two same-flavor leptons ⠃ (electrons or muons) and a quark-pair jet. A model is considered in which the N ⠃ is an excited neutrino in a compositeness scenario. The analysis is performed using a sample of proton-proton collisions at & RADIC;s = 13 TeV recorded by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb-1. The data are found to be in agreement with the standard model prediction. For the process in which the N ⠃ is produced in association with a lepton, followed by the decay of the N ⠃ to a same-flavor lepton and a quark pair, an upper limit at 95% confidence level on the product of the cross section and branching fraction is obtained as a function of the N ⠃ mass mN ⠃ and the compositeness scale ⠄. For this model the data exclude the existence of Ne (N & mu;) for mN ⠃ below 6.0 (6.1) TeV, at the limit where mN ⠃ is equal to ⠄. For mN ⠃ N 1 TeV, values of ⠄ less than 20 (23) TeV are excluded. These results represent a considerable improvement in sensitivity, covering a larger parameter space than previous searches in pp collisions at 13 TeV.& COPY; 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons .org /licenses /by /4 .0/). Funded by SCOAP3
Search for heavy resonances decaying to a pair of Lorentz-boosted Higgs bosons in final states with leptons and a bottom quark pair at root s=13 TeV
No full textA search for new heavy resonances decaying to a pair of Higgs bosons (HH) in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV is presented. Data were collected with the CMS detector at the LHC in 2016–2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb−1. Resonances with a mass between 0.8 and 4.5 TeV are considered using events in which one Higgs boson decays into a bottom quark pair and the other into final states with either one or two charged leptons. Specifically, the single-lepton decay channel HH→bb¯¯¯WW∗→bb¯¯¯ℓvqq¯¯¯′ and the dilepton decay channels HH→bb¯¯¯WW∗→bb¯¯¯ℓvℓv and HH→bb¯¯¯ττ→bb¯¯¯ℓvvℓvv are examined, where ℓ in the final state corresponds to an electron or muon. The signal is extracted using a two-dimensional maximum likelihood fit of the H→bb¯¯¯ jet mass and HH invariant mass distributions. No significant excess above the standard model expectation is observed in data. Model-independent exclusion limits are placed on the product of the cross section and branching fraction for narrow spin-0 and spin-2 massive bosons decaying to HH. The results are also interpreted in the context of radion and bulk graviton production in models with a warped extra spatial dimension. The results provide the most stringent limits to date for X → HH signatures with final-state leptons and at some masses provide the most sensitive limits of all X → HH searches
Measurement of the Higgs boson width and evidence of its off-shell contributions to ZZ production
No full textSince the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012, detailed studies of its properties have been ongoing. Besides its mass, its width - related to its lifetime - is an important parameter. One way to determine this quantity is by measuring its off-shell production, where the Higgs boson mass is far away from its nominal value, and relating it to its on-shell production, where the mass is close to the nominal value. Here, we report evidence for such off-shell contributions to the production cross section of two Z bosons with data from the CMS experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. We constrain the total rate of the off-shell Higgs boson contribution beyond the Z boson pair production threshold, relative to its standard model expectation, to the interval [0.0061, 2.0] at 95% confidence level. The scenario with no off-shell contribution is excluded at a p-value of 0.0003 (3.6 standard deviations). We measure the width of the Higgs boson as =3.2MeV, in agreement with the standard model expectation of 4.1 MeV. In addition, we set constraints on anomalous Higgs boson couplings to W and Z boson pairs
Search for CP violation in decays in proton–proton collisions at
No full text: A search is reported for charge-parity CP violation in D0→KS0KS0 decays, using data collected in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV recorded by the CMS experiment in 2018. The analysis uses a dedicated data set that corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 41.6 fb-1 , which consists of about 10 billion events containing a pair of b hadrons, nearly all of which decay to charm hadrons. The flavor of the neutral D meson is determined by the pion charge in the reconstructed decays D∗+→D0π+ and D∗-→D ̄0π- . The CP asymmetry in D0→KS0KS0 is measured to be ACP(KS0KS0)=(6.2±3.0±0.2±0.8)% , where the three uncertainties represent the statistical uncertainty, the systematic uncertainty, and the uncertainty in the measurement of the CP asymmetry in the D0→KS0π+π- decay. This is the first CP asymmetry measurement by CMS in the charm sector as well as the first to utilize a fully hadronic final state
or Higgs boson
No full textA data sample containing top quark pairs ( t t ¯ ) produced in association with a Lorentz-boosted Z or Higgs boson is used to search for signs of new physics using effective field theory. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb - 1 of proton-proton collisions produced at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV at the LHC and collected by the CMS experiment. Selected events contain a single lepton and hadronic jets, including two identified with the decay of bottom quarks, plus an additional large-radius jet with high transverse momentum identified as a Z or Higgs boson decaying to a bottom quark pair. Machine learning techniques are employed to discriminate between t t ¯ Z or t t ¯ H events and events from background processes, which are dominated by t t ¯ + jets production. No indications of new physics are observed. The signal strengths of boosted t t ¯ Z and t t ¯ H production are measured, and upper limits are placed on the t t ¯ Z and t t ¯ H differential cross sections as functions of the Z or Higgs boson transverse momentum. The effects of new physics are probed using a framework in which the standard model is considered to be the low-energy effective field theory of a higher energy scale theory. Eight possible dimension-six operators are added to the standard model Lagrangian, and their corresponding coefficients are constrained via fits to the data
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