Academic literature on the topic 'EPG graph'

On this research we study EPG graphs, in particular, we are interested on investigate the intersection between split and B2-EPGgraph classes. The results found in the literature regarding split graphs only concern about characterization in B1-EPG, that despite bringing some graphs that belong to this class, the bend number of split graphs it is still unknown. We study the split graphs whose degree of vertices on independent set is less than 2. In this work we manipulate bipartite graphs and we present representation for some bipartite graphs in B2-EPG. We build an algorithm that create a Split B2-EPG representation, also we present another algorithm that builds a representation on a grid Qw×2y+1 for any Split graph, and other results.

The electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique is being developed for rapid assessment of host range of potential xylem feeding invaders in New Zealand Stylet penetration behaviours of adult spittle bug Carystoterpa fingens were monitored for 12 h on grape lemon apple and kiwifruit plants using EPG A multiplechoice test of all four plant species was conducted concurrently with the EPG tests for comparison In EPG tests the longest probing and ingestion periods were recorded on grape and lemon while the shortest probing and ingestion periods were recorded on apple Results for kiwifruit were intermediate and not significantly different from the other plant types In the multiplechoice tests more insects were found on grape and lemon than on apple and kiwifruit The similar ranking of the host plants in both multiplechoice and EPG tests suggests that EPG is a valid tool for rapidly assessing host feeding acceptance and preference

Sap-sucking insects pose a significant biosecurity risk as they can cause direct damage to plants and may also vector serious plant pathogens. However, there is a paucity of tools for rapidly estimating the host range of such insects during a biosecurity incursion. The Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) technique has been developed over the past 50 years for analysing, quantifying, and comparing the feeding behaviours of both phloem and xylem sap-sucking insects. Electrically generated waveforms associated with insects’ probing and feeding behaviours may allow a rapid assessment of the potential host range of invading sap sucking insects. This paper reviews the development and use of EPG, assesses potential for host-range testing of recent incursions, analyses when and how the EPG tool could be applied for response, and identifies seven points where EPG could aid biosecurity incursion response decision making. Three recent biosecurity responses could have benefited from EPG.

AbstractThe electrical penetration graph (EPG) method was used to quantify the effect of surface waxes on probing behaviour of the grain aphidSitobion avenaeF. (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The experiments showed that wax removal significantly affected probing behaviour ofS. avenae. Generally, the aphids feeding on the plants without wax had a shortened non-probing (EPG-pattern np) and prolonged penetration of peripheral tissues – epidermis and mesophyll (EPG-pattern C). The EPG tests also showed that the three tested extracts of surface waxes from waxy plants RAH 122 were active as aphicides against the grain aphid.

ABSTRACTThe levels of nematode egg production in goats and the availability of infective larvae (L3) on pasture were investigated on a dairy unit in New South Wales, Australia. The output of eggs by adult goats was always above 300 epg. The profile of the graph of larval availability in herbage paralleled those for temperature and rainfall, suggesting that larval peaks occurred when the temperature and availability of moisture were optimal. The dominant genus was Trichostrongylus, followed by Haemonchus, then Ostertagia. A larger proportion of Haemonchus larvae in the cultures of faeces were collected during the summer months.

The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is a causal agent of Pierce’s disease in grapevines and is considered to be vectored by several xylem-feeding insects. Xylella fastidiosa and its primary insect vector Homalodisca vitripennis are not currently present in New Zealand, but considered a biosecurity threat to the wine industry. Should it be introduced, infection and dispersal of X. fastidiosa within New Zealand vineyards could occur through extant vectors, especially spittlebugs. Electrical Penetration Graph technology was used to compare the feeding behaviour of three spittlebug species (Philaenus spumarius, Carystoterpa fingens and Carystoterpa minor) on grape (Vitis vinifera Sauvignon blanc) and their original host plants. Results suggest that Philaenus spumarius feeds on grape more than the other two spittlebug species. As Philaenus spumarius has been reported as a vector of X. fastidiosa, their potential to transmit the bacterium into grapevines is discussed based on the real feeding times recorded by EPG.

Host range confirmation of invasive hemipterans relies on the evaluation of plant susceptibility though greenhouse or field trials, which are inefficient and time-consuming. When the green industry faces the fast-spreading threat of invasive pests such as crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae), it is imperative to timely identify potential host plants and evaluate plant resistance/susceptibility to pest infestation. In this study, we developed an alternative technology to complement the conventional host confirmation methods. We used electrical penetration graph (EPG) based technology to monitor the A. lagerstroemiae stylet-tip position when it was probing in different plant tissues in real-time. The frequency and relative amplitude of insect EPG waveforms were extracted by an R programming-based software written to generate eleven EPG parameters for comparative analysis between plant species. The results demonstrated that the occurrences of phloem phase and xylem phase offered conclusive evidence for host plant evaluation. Furthermore, parameters including the percentage of insects capable of accessing phloem tissue, time duration spent on initiating phloem phase and ingesting phloem sap, provided insight into why host plant susceptibility differs among similar plant species. In summary, this study developed a novel real-time diagnostic tool for quick A. lagerstroemiae host confirmation, which laid the essential foundation for effective pest management.

Orientador : Dr. Antônio Ricardo Panizzi
Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Entomologia). Defesa: Curitiba, 08/03/2017
Inclui referências ao final de cada capítulo
Área de concentração : Entomologia
Resumo: O comportamento alimentar de cinco espécies de percevejos pentatomídeos foi caracterizado em diferentes plantas hospedeiras por meio da técnica de EPG (Electrical Penetration Graph). Estudos histológicos foram realizados para correlacionar as ondas elétricas com seus locais de penetração. Os percevejos (Pentatomidae) são insetos robustos e ativos, e isso dificulta a sua fixação ao eletrodo em estudos com EPG. Além disso, os lipídios cuticulares podem reduzir a eficácia da fixação. Foi observado que a remoção dos lipídios cuticulares via raspagem da cutícula com uma lixa melhorou a fixação do eletrodo ao longo do tempo. O comportamento do percevejo parece ser mais importante para o sucesso da fixação do que o peso corporal. O comportamento alimentar dos percevejos avaliados foi dividido em dois tipos de atividades: de não-alimentação e de alimentação. O primeiro é representado pelas seguintes atividades: parado, movendo-se, tocando a superfície da planta com o rostro (labium) e oviposição. A segunda representa todas as atividades registradas após a inserção dos estiletes no tecido vegetal. E. meditabunda (F.) em haste de soja gerou seis diferentes formas de onda de alimentação agrupadas em quatro fases: inserção e penetração dos estiletes (onda Em1), onda X, ingestão (Em2 e Em3) e interrupção (Em4 e Em5). Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood), alimentando-se em plantas de soja, produziu oito ondas de alimentação, as quais foram agrupadas em três fases: inserção e penetração dos estiletes (ondas Pg1a, Pg1b, Pg1c e Pg1d), ingestão (Pg2, Pg3a e Pg3b), e interrupção (onda Pg4). Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) em colmo de plântulas de milho produziu quatro ondas de alimentação agrupadas em duas fases: inserção e penetração dos estiletes (onda Dm1) e ingestão (Dm2, Dm3a e Dm3b). Dichelops furcatus (F.) em plantas de trigo produziu sete ondas de alimentação agrupadas em duas fases: inserção e penetração dos estiletes (ondas Df1a e Df1b) e ingestão (Df2, Df3a, Df3b, Df4a e Df4b). Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) alimentando-se em folhas de couve chinesa produziu duas ondas de alimentação agrupadas em uma única fase: ingestão (ondas Bh1 e Bh2). Para todas as espécies, a fase de inserção e penetração dos estiletes representou o movimento profundo dos estiletes nos tecidos e a secreção da bainha salivar, assim como a fase de interrupção que representou breves interrupções durante a ingestão no xilema e/ou floema. E. meditabunda ingeriu seiva do xilema (onda Em2) e do floema (Em3) na haste de soja. A ingestão do floema foi sempre precedida por uma onda X (representa o primeiro contato com os vasos do floema). E. meditabunda repetiu os eventos de ingestão (xilema e floema) mais de 4X por percevejo durante as 8 horas de gravação, com uma duração média de 50 min por evento. P. guildinii ingeriu seiva do xilema em folíolo, haste e vagem de soja (onda Pg2). Em vagens (endosperma da semente), seus estiletes também se moveram durante uma forma de onda (Pg3a) para romper as células (ruptura celular), e permaneceram imóveis em outra (Pg3b), a qual representa a ingestão. P. guildinii alimentando-se da haste de soja repetiu cada evento de ingestão 1,2X por percevejo por cerca de 40 min por evento. No endosperma da semente, alimentou-se durante cerca de 80 min por evento, cada evento repetido 0,5X por percevejo. D. melacanthus ingeriu seiva do xilema em colmo de milho (onda Dm2). Em outra forma de onda (Dm3a) seus estiletes moveram-se dentro do tecido vegetal (ruptura celular), mas estavam imóveis em outra (Dm3b), que representou ingestão. D. melacanthus repetiu cada evento de alimentação (xilema e ruptura celular) mais de 3X por percevejo por cerca de 24 min por evento. D. melacanthus quando alimentado com plântulas de milho, expeliu mais excretas (9,9 gotas por percevejo) e também maior quantidade de saliva e/ou alimento líquido regurgitado do que quando se alimentou de sementes de soja (1,4 gotas por percevejo). B. hilaris usa apenas a alimentação via ruptura celular em folha de couve chinesa, onde na onda Bh1 os estiletes moveram-se dentro do tecido foliar (ruptura celular), e a onda Bh2 provavelmente representou a atividade de ingestão. Independentemente do sinal aplicado (AC [corrente alternada] ou DC [corrente contínua]) e nível de impedância (107 ou 109 Ohms), B. hilaris passou a maior parte do tempo em atividades de não alimentação (87%) e apenas 13% em atividades alimentares. Alta voltagem associada com diferentes sinais elétricos e impedâncias de entrada foram mais perturbadores durante as atividades de não-alimentação do que em atividades de alimentação do percevejo B. hilaris. Estudos com EPG revelaram que uma ou até duas estratégias de alimentação diferentes são empregadas por um mesmo percevejo pentatomídeo, dependendo da espécie de percevejo e do sítio de alimentação explorado. Palavras chaves: Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, comportamento alimentar, monitor de alimentação eletrônica, gráfico de penetração elétrica, eletropenetrografia, metodologia de fixação de insetos
Abstract: The feeding behavior of five different species of pentatomids were characterized on different host plants via electronic monitoring using the EPG (Electrical Penetration Graph) technique. Histological studies were done to correlated specific waveforms with their penetration sites. Stink bugs (Pentatomidae) are robust and restless insects, making them difficult to wire for electropenetrography (EPG) studies. Moreover, cuticular lipids may reduce wire effectiveness. Results indicated that removal of cuticular lipids by sanding greatly improved attachment of the gold wire over time. Behavior appears to be more important for successful wiring than body weight. For all stink bug species evaluated the non-probing phase was represented by the following activities: standing still, walking, touching the plant surface with rostrum (labium), and egg deposition. Whereas, probing waveforms represented all activities recorded after the insertion of stylets into plant tissue. EPG of E. meditabunda on soybean stems generated six probing waveforms grouped into four phases: pathway (wave Em1), Xwave, ingestion (Em2 and Em3), and interruption (Em4 and Em5). For Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood) feeding on soybean plants, eight probing waveforms were recorded and grouped into three phases: pathway (waves Pg1a, Pg1b, Pg1c, and Pg1d), ingestion (Pg2, Pg3a, and Pg3b), and interruption (Pg4). Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) on stem of maize seedlings produced four probing waveforms grouped into two phases: pathway (wave Dm1), and ingestion (Dm2, Dm3a and Dm3b). Dichelops furcatus (F.) on wheat plants produced seven probing waveforms grouped into two phases: pathway (waves Df1a and Df1b), and ingestion (Df2, Df3a, Df3b, Df4a and Df4b). Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) feeding on leaves of Napa cabbage produced two probing waveforms grouped in one phase: ingestion (Bh1 and Bh2). For all species, pathway phase represented deep stylet penetration e secretion of salivary sheath, as well as, interruption phase which represented brief interruptions during xylem/phloem ingestion. E. meditabunda ingested xylem (wave Em2) and phloem sap (Em3) on soybean stem, and phloem ingestion was always preceded by an X-wave (first contact with phloem vessels). E. meditabunda repeated ingestion (xylem and phloem) over 4X/bug during the 8-hours of recording for ca. 50 minutes/event. P. guildinii ingested xylem sap on soybean leaves, stems, and pods (Pg2); and on pods (seed endosperm), its stylets also moved/lacerated during one waveform (Pg3a - cell rupture), but were motionless in another (Pg3b), which represented ingestion. P. guildinii feeding on soybean stem repeated each ingestion 1.2X/bug for ca. 40 minutes/event. On seed endosperm, it fed for ca. 80 minutes/event, each event repeated only 0.5X/bug. D. melacanthus ingested xylem sap on maize stems (Dm2); in other waveform (Dm3a) its stylets moved/lacerated inside tissue (cell rupture), but were motionless in another (Dm3b), which represented ingestion. D. melacanthus repeated each feeding event (xylem and cell rupture) over 3X/bug for ca. 24 minutes/event. D. melacanthus feeding on maize seedling excreted more drops (9.9 drops/bug) and also larger amount of saliva/regurgitate liquid food than when feeding on soybean seed (1.4 drops/bug). B. hilaris uses only cell rupture feeding, where in waveform Bh1 the stylets moved/lacerated inside the leaf tissue (cell rupture), and waveform Bh2 probably represented ingestion. Independently of the signal (AC [alternating current] or DC [direct current]) and Ri level (107 or 109 Ohms) applied, B. hilaris spent most of the time in non-probing activities (87%), and only 13% in probing activities. High voltage associated with variable signals and input impedances were more disturbing during non-probing activities than during probing activities. EPG studies revealed that one or two different feeding strategies are used by a same pentatomid, depending upon species and feeding site exploited. Key words: Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, feeding behavior, electronic feeding monitor, electrical penetration graph, electropenetrography, insect wiring methodology

L'objectif global de cette thèse est d'étudier le phénomène de la propagation de l'activité électrique utérine par une approche basée sur la théorie de graphe. La première étape dans cette thèse est de trouver de nouveaux paramètres extraits des graphes qui conviennent pour représenter les évolutions physio-pathologiques de l'utérus. Ces paramètres seront testés directement sur les signaux EHG enregistrés au niveau de l'abdomen puis au niveau des sources identifiées à partir des EHG. Cette analyse sera appliquée sur le signal EHG i) globalement (en utilisant toute la contraction) et ii) dynamiquement (en utilisant des fenêtres temporelles dans la contraction pour caractériser à chaque fois le graphe correspondant). La deuxième étape sera de développer une nouvelle méthode basée sur les réseaux de neurones et de l'appliquer sur tous les paramètres déjà utilisés afin de sélectionner les meilleurs paramètres qui peuvent différencier les contractions de grossesse et de travail. Les résultats attendus seront utilisés à la fois pour enrichir les connaissances scientifiques dans ce domaine et pour essayer d'améliorer les performances de la prédiction de la prématurité chez les femmes
The overall objective of this thesis is to study the phenomenon of the propagation of uterine electrical activity by a approach based on graph theory. The first step in this thesis is to find new parameters extracted from the graphs which are suitable to represent the physio-pathological evolutions of the uterus. These parameters will be tested directly on th EHG signals recorded at the level of the abdomen then at the level of the sources identified from the EHGs. This analysis will be applied to the EHG signal i) globally (using the entire contraction) and ii) dynamically (using time windows in the contraction to characterize each time the corresponding graph). The second step will be to develop a new method based on neural networks and apply it on all the parameters already used in order to select the best parameters that can differentiate pregnancy and labor contractions. The expected results will be used both to enrich scientific knowledge in this field and to try to improve the performance of the prediction of prematurity in women

Orientador: Maria do Socorro Nogueira Rangel
Banca: Samuel Jurkiewicz
Banca: Cleonice Fátima Bracciali
Resumo: O objetivo desse trabalho é apresentar o problema de coloração em grafos sob diferentes perspectivas. Caracterizamos o polinômio cromático de um grafo e enunciamos algumas de suas propriedades. Apresentamos duas formulações matemáticas para o problema de coloração de vértices e um método de solução para cada formulação. Apresentamos e discutimos propostas de atividades para o desenvolvimento de uma Oficina de Coloração para alunos do Ensino Médio e Fundamental.
Abstract: In this work the graph coloring problem was presented under di erent perspectives. We define the chromatic polynomials of a graph and describe some of its properties. Furthermore, two solution methods for the vertex coloring problem, through integer programming formulation, has been presented. We propose and discuss some activities for the development of a Workshop for students of secondary school.
Mestre

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Chemistry in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology
This study sought to prepare and characterise activated carbons from Vitis vinifera (grape) leaf litter, and assess the efficiency and potential application of the adsorbent for the removal of four phenolic compounds (phenol (P), 2-nitrophenol (2-NP), 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and 2-chlorophenol (2-CP)) from synthetic and industrial wastewaters. Vitis vinifera (grape) leaf litter (GL) was obtained locally, and washed, dried and pulvirized. Chemically activated carbons were prepared using H3PO4 (GLA) and NaOH (GLB). The adsorbents were characterized with SEM, FTIR, EDX and proximate analysis was also carried out. Phenols were extracted from water samples with SPE and analysed with HPLC. The prepared adsorbents were used in sorption of phenols from simulated phenolic wastewaters for optimization of adsorption. Optimal adsorption conditions were then applied for removal of phenols from wastewater samples collected from influents of treatment plants. Column and desorption studies were also carried out. The surface texture and morphology micrographs (using SEM) of the prepared materials/adsorbents showed that the prepared activated carbons possess improved pore structure, cavities and heterogeneous irregular surfaces capable of providing enhanced adsorption. EDX spectroscopy was used for elemental microanalysis and showed that the major constituent of the adsorbent is carbon. FTIR analysis revealed changes and absorption waveband drifts of surface functional groups after activation and adsorption. The proximate analysis of the prepared precursors demonstrated good quality of the active carbons. They had low moisture content (< 12%) and their inorganic matter content (ash) was less than 9% for the three sorbents. Iodine number value of the adsorbents was 342, 1065, and 571 mg/g for GL, GLA and GLB respectively. Excellent recoveries (92.60 – 102.85%) were obtained for the phenolic compounds (P, 2-NP, 4-NP and 2-CP) using polymeric SPE cartridges. Phosphoric acid activation yielded the most efficient activated carbon material relative to the non-treated biomass and those chemically activated with NaOH. Percentage removal was 92.70%, 99.92%, 99.98% and 99.90% for P, 2-NP, 4-NP and 2-CP respectively using GLA. Optimal pH for adsorption was 8, 4 and 7 for GLA, GLB and GL respectively at an equilibration time of 240 min. The evaluation of adsorption kinetics showed the adsorption process of GLA and GLB followed a pseudo-second order kinetic model while adsorption using GL was best described by intraparticle diffusion model. Adsorption equilibrium data were well fitted with Freundlich isotherm model for all three adsorbents. Adsorption capacity of GLA (for removal of phenols) was found to decrease with increase in temperature. In contrast, the sorption efficiency of GL and GLB increased when temperature was increased. Thermodynamic parameters of adsorption (ΔGo, ΔHo & ΔSo) were evaluated. Results revealed favourability and exothermic nature of adsorption of the phenols using GLA. Adsorption processes using GLB and GL were spontaneous and endothermic. Vitis vinifera leaf litter yielded good activated carbons and was effective in remediation of P, 2-NP, 4-NP and 2-CP from contaminated wastewaters.

L’accouchement prématuré est l’un des problèmes majeurs en obstétrique. Par suite, il a été un sujet d'intérêt pour de nombreux chercheurs. Parmi les nombreuses méthodes utilisées pour enregistrer la contractilité utérine, le plus utilisé est l'EHG abdominal, comme étant un outil facile à utiliser et non invasif. De nombreuses études ont indiqué que l'utilisation de ce signal pourrait être un outil très puissant pour surveiller la grossesse et pour détecter le travail. Il permet en effet d'accéder à l'utérus ainsi que la synchronisation de l'activité utérine, en utilisant des signaux multiples. Il a été démontré que l'analyse de connectivité des signaux EHG a donné des résultats prometteurs en application clinique, comme la classification des contractions de travail et de grossesse. Cependant, dans presque toutes les études antérieures, les matrices de corrélation EHG étaient souvent réduites en ne gardant que leur moyenne et les écarts-types, ce qui a peut aboutir à perdre des informations pertinentes en raison de ce moyennage, ce qui peut induire le taux de classification relativement faible jusqu'à présent. Pour caractériser précisément la matrice de corrélation et quantifier la connectivité associée, nous avons proposé dans cette thèse d'utiliser une technique de mesure de réseau basée sur la théorie des graphes. Selon cette approche, la matrice de corrélation obtenue peut être représentée sous forme de graphiques constitués d'un ensemble de nœuds (électrodes) interconnectés par des arêtes (valeurs de connectivité / corrélation entre électrodes). La nouvelle procédure de l'analyse des signaux EHG enregistrés pendant la grossesse et le travail se base sur la caractérisation de la corrélation entre les activités électriques utérines et sur sa quantification précise en utilisant l'approche de la théorie des graphes. Le pipeline de traitement inclut i) l'estimation des dépendances statistiques entre les différents signaux EHG enregistrés, ii) la quantification des matrices de connectivité obtenues à l'aide de l'analyse théorique des graphes et iii) l'utilisation clinique des mesures de réseau pour la surveillance de la grossesse ainsi que la classification entre les éclosions d'EHG de grossesse et de travail. Une comparaison avec les paramètres déjà existants utilisés pour la détection du travail et la détection d’accouchement prématuré sera également effectuée. Nous étudions également une nouvelle méthode pour étudier la connectivité source EHG, afin de surmonter le problème du calcul de la connectivité au niveau de la surface abdominale. Les résultats de cette thèse montrent que cette approche basée sur la théorie de graphe est un outil très prometteur pour quantifier la synchronisation utérine, lorsqu'elle est appliquée à l'abdomen, pour une meilleure surveillance de la grossesse. Nous espérons que cette approche soit utilisée pour le suivi de la grossesse et contribuerait ainsi à la prédiction précoce de l’accouchement prématuré
Preterm birth remains a major problem in obstetrics. Therefore, it has been a topic of interest for many researchers. Among the many methods used to record the uterine contractility, the most used is the abdominal EHG, as being an easy to use and a non-invasive tool. Many studies have reported that the use of this signal could be a very powerful tool to monitor pregnancy and to detect labor. It indeed permits to access the uterine as well as the synchronization of the uterine activity, by using multiple signals. It has been shown that the connectivity analysis gave promising results when using EHG recordings in clinical application, such as the classification labor/pregnancy contractions. However, in almost all previous studies EHG correlation matrices were often reduced keeping only their mean and standard deviations thus relevant information may have been missed due to this averaging, which may induce the relatively low classification rate reported so far. To characterize precisely the correlation matrix and quantify the associated connectivity, we proposed in this thesis to use a network measure technique based on graph theory. According to this approach, the obtained correlation matrix can be represented as graphs consisting of a set of nodes (electrodes) interconnected by edges (connectivity/correlation values between electrodes). The new framework, to analyze the EHG signals recorded during pregnancy and labor, is based on the characterization of the correlation between the uterine electrical activities and on its precise quantification by using graph theory approach. The processing pipeline includes i) the estimation of the statistical dependencies between the different recorded EHG signals, ii) the quantification of the obtained connectivity matrices using graph theory-based analysis and iii) the clinical use of network measures for pregnancy monitoring as well as for the classification between pregnancy and labor EHG bursts. A comparison with the already existing parameters used in the state of the art for labor detection and preterm labor prediction will also be performed. We also investigate a new method to study the EHG source connectivity, to overcome the problem of computing the connectivity at the abdominal surface level. The results of this thesis showed that this network-based approach is a very promising tool to quantify uterine synchronization, when applied at the abdominal level, for a better pregnancy monitoring. We expect this approach to be further used for the monitoring of pregnancy and would thus help for the early prediction of preterm labor

Orientador: Auro aparecido Mendes
Banca: Silvia Guarnieri Ortigoza
Banca: Odaléia Telles Marcondes Machado Queiroz
Resumo: Os estudos dos diferentes modelos de aglomerações produtivas, seja na forma de pólos, distritos, clusters ou APL's (Arranjos Produtivos Locais) devem ser realizados a partir da análise estrutural de suas cadeias produtivas e da compreensão dos processos sociais responsáveis pela promoção das estratégias produtivas e organizacionais. No meio rural, encontramos condições muito significativas para a caracterização de Arranjos Produtivos, onde a proximidade geográfica dos empreendimentos é capaz de intensificar as trocas de saberes e informações, fortalecidas pela presença da solidariedade orgânica, fundamentada nas relações de parentesco e de vizinhança. Esses questionamentos serão discutidos na presente pesquisa, que busca o entendimento do modelo de organização produtiva dos pequenos e médios viticultores do município de Jundiaí-SP, que acenam para um modelo de desenvolvimento endógeno pautado nos aspectos da ruralidade.
Abstract: The studies of the different models of productive agglomerations, either in the form of polar regions, districts, clusters or APL's (Local Productive Arrangements), must be realized from the course of the structural analysis of its productive chains and the apprehension of the social processes that are responsable in promote productive organization strategies. In the rural areas, we can see some main characteristics for the conceptualization of these enterprises, such are considered as geographic concentratation that improve the exchanges of knowledge and information, with cooperation and local leadership in some cases based on description-cultural relations. These questionings will be argued in the present research, that searches the agreement of the model of productive organization of small the average grape producers of the city of Jundiai-SP, that are creating an endogenous and supported development, based on the local and rural aspects.
Mestre

Resumo: Neste trabalho estudou-se a influência de pré-tratamentos químicos, com emulsões a base de óleo e lecitina de soja e carbonato de potássio, sobre a cinética de secagem da uva Rubi. A secagem foi conduzida em um secador de leito fixo, à temperatura fixa de 60ºC, velocidade de ar de 0,9 m/s e umidade relativa do ar de secagem do ambiente na faixa de 18 a 20 %. A umidade inicial das amostras de uva Rubi variou entre 81 a 84% (base seca) e o conteúdo de sólidos solúveis ficou em torno de 11o Brix. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar um pré-tratamento alternativo a base de lecitina e óleo de soja na cinética de secagem da uva Rubi, otimizando as concentrações dessas substâncias de modo a minimizar o tempo de secagem. Foram calculados os coeficientes de difusividade aparente a partir do ajuste dos dados experimentais de secagem pela solução analítica da 2a Lei de Fick para uma esfera. A desconsideração do encolhimento da fruta levou ao péssimo ajuste dos dados pela 2a Lei de Fick. As curvas de secagem foram ajustadas pelo modelo de Page. A avaliação deste modelo foi feita pelo cálculo do R2 (> 0,99) e do RMS (< 30%). Este ajuste representou satisfatoriamente os dados experimentais às curvas. A cinética de secagem foi avaliada pela análise estatística dos efeitos das condições do pré-tratamento químico - tempo de imersão da uva e concentração de lecitina, carbonato de potássio e óleo de soja nas emulsões - sobre o parâmetro K do modelo de Page. Observou-se que o tempo de imersão e suas interações com as concentrações dos componentes em estudo não foram significativos no nível de 5%. Quando todos os componentes são empregados nas máximas e mínimas concentrações testadas, mesmo para o mínimo tempo de imersão (3 minutos), há um aumento no valor do parâmetro K, o qual está diretamente ligado... Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: The influence of pretreatments of emulsions of lecithin, soya oil and potassium carbonate on drying kinetic of grape Rubi was studied in this work. The drying was carried out in a fixed bed dryer, at 60ºC, air velocity of 0,9 m/s and relative humidity of drying air in range from 18 to 20%. The initial moisture varied from 81 to 84% and soluble solids content was 11º Brix. The objective was to study an alternative pretreatment with lecithin, soya oil and potassium carbonate, optimizing the concentration of these substances with the aim of decrease the drying time. The apparent diffusion coefficients were calculated by the adjustment of the experimental data of drying by the analytical solution of the second Fick's Law for a spherical geometry. The fruit shrinkage wasn't taken in consideration. These carried out the bad adjustment of data by the second Fick's Law. The drying curves were adjustment by Page's model. The evaluation was goodness fit was shown through the analysis of the coefficient of determination (R2 > 0,99) and RMS (< 30%). This adjustment was good. The drying kinetics was valued through the statistical analysis of chemical pretreatment effects - dipping time of grape and concentration of lecithin, potassium carbonate and soya oil - on the parameter k of Page's model. It was checked that dipping time and their interactions with the concentrations of the components in study were not significant in the level of 5%. When all components are spent in maximum and minimum concentration tested, even for the minimum dipping time (3 minutes), there is an increase in value of parameter K, which is straight into to the drying rate and reduction of drying time. The equilibrium moisture used in the calculation of adimensional for drying curves was obtained by isotherms data of Rubi grape without... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Orientador: Javier Telis Romero
Coorientador: Vânia Regina Nicoletti Telis
Banca: José Roberto Dalalíbera Finzer
Banca: José Antônio Gomes Vieira
Mestre

Orientador: Rogério Lopes Vieites
Banca: Regina Marta Evangelista
Banca: Ricardo Alfredo Kluge
Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em avaliar o uso da radiação gama e o emprego da atmosfera modificada na conservação pós-colheita de uvas Itália, verificando também a sua viabilidade econômica. Foram utilizadas nessa pesquisa uvas Itália, sendo provenientes de parreirais comerciais da colônia Pinhal da região de São Miguel Arcanjo - SP. A colheita foi realizada com os frutos em completo desenvolvimento fisiológico e, posteriormente, os cachos foram transportadas ao Laboratório de Frutas e Hortaliças, pertencente ao Departamento de Gestão e Tecnologia Agroindustrial, da Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas - UNESP - Campus de Botucatu, SP. Para melhor quantificar o efeito isolado da irradiação e o efeito combinado com a atmosfera modificada, na conservação pós-colheita da uva, o presente trabalho foi dividido em dois experimentos. Foram realizadas as seguintes análises: perda de massa fresca, índice de doença, desgrana natural, bagas rachadas, avaliação da conservação pós-colheita das frutas em função da sua qualidade comercial, firmeza, pH, sólidos solúveis totais, acidez titulável, Ratio, respiração, açúcar total, açúcar redutor, sacarose, aroma, textura e sabor. Os tratamentos a que os cachos foram submetidos no primeiro experimento visando quantificar o efeito isolado da irradiação foram: 0,0 (testemunha); 0,2; 0,4; 0,6; 0,8 e 1,0 kGy, onde as uvas, colocadas em bandejas fechadas com filme plástico, receberam a aplicação de raios gama. Após os tratamentos, os cachos foram transportados a Botucatu, onde foram armazenados sob refrigeração, a 5l1ººC e 85 - 90% de UR, em câmara fria, por 28 dias. O delineamento estatístico foi inteiramente casualizado, sendo 6 tratamentos e 7 repetições, utilizando análise de regressão. Os tratamentos a que os cachos foram submetidos no segundo experimento visando quantificar o efeito... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: The objective of this work consisted of evaluating the use of the gamma radiation and the use of modified atmosphere in the postharvest conservation of Itália grapes, verifying economical viability. Itália grapes were used in this research, being coming of an area of São Miguel Arcanjo - SP colony Pinhal. The harvest was accomplished with the fruit in complete physiologic development and, later, the clusters were transported to the of Fruits and Vegetables Laboratory, belonging to the Administration and Agroindustrial Technology Department, of University of Agronomic Sciences - UNESP - Campus of Botucatu, SP. For a best to quantifification of the isolated effect of the irradiation and the combined effect with the modified atmosphere, in the grape postharvest conservation, the present research was divided in two experiments. Being accomplished the following analyses: mass loss, index of disease, natural shatter, split berries, evaluation of fruits postharvest conservation in function of commercial quality, firmness, pH, total soluble solids, titrable acidity, Ratio, breathing, total sugar, reducer sugar, sucrose, aroma, texture and flavor. The treatments which the clusters were submitted in the first experiment seeking to quantify the isolated effect of the irradiation were: 0.0 (control); 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8 and 1.0 kGy, where the grapes, put in closed trays with plastic film received gamma rays application. After the treatments, the clusters were transported to Botucatu, where they were stored under cooling, to 5l1ºC and 85 - 90% RH, in cold chamber, during 28 days. The statistical layout was randomized entirely, being 6 treatments and 7 repetitions, using regression analysis. The treatments which the clusters were submitted in the second experiment seeking to quantify the combined effect of the best irradiation dose... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Mestre

Orientador: Erasmo José Paioli Pires
Resumo: tratamentos. Em todos os experimentos o delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com 6 repetições e 2 cachos por parcela. A coleta dos cachos foi realizada quando o tratamento testemunha atingiu teor de sólidos solúveis totais mínimo de 14ºBrix. Para cada cacho foram avaliados: massa, comprimento e largura dos cachos, bagos e engaços; relação comprimento/largura dos bagos; número de bagos e número de sementes por bago. Para cada parcela foram realizadas análises de teor de sólidos solúveis totais, acidez total titulável e pH do mosto de 100 bagos. Pelos resultados obtidos, verificou-se que para o cultivar Vênus, o thidiazuron apresentou como principal efeito o aumento do número de bagos. O ácido giberélico, quando aplicado após o florescimento, aumentou a massa dos cachos; a massa e o comprimento dos bagos; e reduziu o número de sementes-traço. Os maiores aumentos das dimensões dos bagos foram obtidos quando realizaram-se duas aplicações. Houve efeito sinérgico entre ácido giberélico e thidiazuron, em aplicações pós-florescimento, incrementando a massa, o comprimento e o número dos bagos. Os melhores resultados, em aplicações combinadas, foram verificados quando realizaram-se duas aplicações de ácido giberélico, com thidiazuron na dose de 5mg.L-1. O thidiazuron, em aplicações pósflorescimento, reduziu o teor de sólidos solúveis totais, principalmente quando associado ao ácido giberélico. Para o cultivar Centennial Seedless, os melhores resultados, foram verificados para aplicações de thidiazuron 10mg.L-1 ou ácido giberélico 30mg.L-1, aos 14 dias após o florescimento, levando ao aumento da massa dos cachos; da massa e largura dos bagos; e da massa dos engaços. Para este cultivar, o thidiazuron também reduziu o teor de sólidos...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: With the objective of studying the effects of thidiazuron and gibberellic acid on the cluster characteristics of the vine cultivars Venus, Centennial Seedless and Niagara Rosada, three experiments were carried out, for each cultivar, in commercial vineyards at different regions of São Paulo State. For the first trial, carried out in 1999, thidiazuron at 5 or 10mg.L-1 and gibberellic acid were applied, associated or not, with all possible combinations of three development stages: before bloom, at full bloom and 14 days after full bloom, totalizing 36 treatments. The following doses of gibberellic acid were applied: 40mg.L-1 for Venus cultivar, 30mg.L-1 for Centennial Seedless cultivar, and 100mg.L-1 for Niagara Rosada cultivar. In the second trial, carried out in 2000, the growth regulators doses were the same of those in the first one, excepted that of GA3 for Niagara Rosada cultivar that was 35mg.L-1. The applications were done 14, 21 and 28 days after full bloom, with all combinations of the three epochs...(Complete abstract, click electronic access below)
Doutor

This book supports researchers who need to generate random networks, or who are interested in the theoretical study of random graphs. The coverage includes exponential random graphs (where the targeted probability of each network appearing in the ensemble is specified), growth algorithms (i.e. preferential attachment and the stub-joining configuration model), special constructions (e.g. geometric graphs and Watts Strogatz models) and graphs on structured spaces (e.g. multiplex networks). The presentation aims to be a complete starting point, including details of both theory and implementation, as well as discussions of the main strengths and weaknesses of each approach. It includes extensive references for readers wishing to go further. The material is carefully structured to be accessible to researchers from all disciplines while also containing rigorous mathematical analysis (largely based on the techniques of statistical mechanics) to support those wishing to further develop or implement the theory of random graph generation. This book is aimed at the graduate student or advanced undergraduate. It includes many worked examples, numerical simulations and exercises making it suitable for use in teaching. Explicit pseudocode algorithms are included to make the ideas easy to apply. Datasets are becoming increasingly large and network applications wider and more sophisticated. Testing hypotheses against properly specified control cases (null models) is at the heart of the ‘scientific method’. Knowledge on how to generate controlled and unbiased random graph ensembles is vital for anybody wishing to apply network science in their research.

A statistical graph can offer an alternative compelling approach to teaching statistical thinking, but making good statistical graphs is hard to do. Each step in the process (e.g., change in scale, transform a variable, select colors, add a reference marker) engages students in better understanding data and models. However, this creative process is not easily encapsulated in a textbook. Since it is relatively easy to make a basic plot with statistical software, we can engage students in activities around making statistical graphs. This chapter provides guiding principles and lecture topics for teaching data visualization. The chapter contains exercises to deconstruct and reconstruct a plot, create a plot to reveal an important feature of the data, and turn a table of numbers into a plot.

AbstractRational drug design deals with computational methods to accelerate the development of new drugs. Among other tasks, it is necessary to analyze huge databases of small molecules. Since a direct relationship between the structure of these molecules and their effect (e.g., toxicity) can be assumed in many cases, a wide set of methods is based on the modeling of the molecules as graphs with attributes.Here, we discuss our results concerning structural molecular similarity searches and molecular clustering and put them into the wider context of graph similarity search. In particular, we discuss algorithms for computing graph similarity w.r.t. maximum common subgraphs and their extension to domain specific requirements.

AbstractThe analysis of behavioral models is of high importance for cyber-physical systems, as the systems often encompass complex behavior based on e.g. concurrent components with mutual exclusion or probabilistic failures on demand. The rule-based formalism of probabilistic timed graph transformation systems is a suitable choice when the models representing states of the system can be understood as graphs and timed and probabilistic behavior is important. However, model checking PTGTSs is limited to systems with rather small state spaces.We present an approach for the analysis of large-scale systems modeled as probabilistic timed graph transformation systems by systematically decomposing their state spaces into manageable fragments. To obtain qualitative and quantitative analysis results for a large-scale system, we verify that results obtained for its fragments serve as overapproximations for the corresponding results of the large-scale system. Hence, our approach allows for the detection of violations of qualitative and quantitative safety properties for the large-scale system under analysis. We consider a running example in which we model shuttles driving on tracks of a large-scale topology and for which we verify that shuttles never collide and are unlikely to execute emergency brakes. In our evaluation, we apply an implementation of our approach to the running example.

An EPG graph G is an edge-intersection graph of paths on a grid. In this thesis, we analyze structural characterizations and complexity aspects regarding EPG graphs. Our main focus is on the class of B1-EPG graphs whose intersection model satisfies well-known the Helly property, called Helly-B1-EPG. We show that the problem of recognizing Helly-B1-EPG graphs is NP-complete. Besides, other intersection graph classes such as VPG, EPT, and VPT were also studied. We completely solve the problem of determining the Helly and strong Helly numbers of Bk-EPG graphs and Bk-VPG graphs for each non-negative integer k. Finally, we show that every Chordal B1-EPG graph is at the intersection of VPT and EPT.

Construction code compliance checking requires applying specific computerinterpretable rules on datasets. A proposed solution is to represent IFC data as an RDF graph and perform rule-checking using a rule engine. However, the generated graph has a complicated structure since it follows the IFC data model. Consequently, the definition of compliance rules can be challenging, and rules are sensitive to variations of input graphs structure. A methodology is proposed to optimize graphs by giving them a predefined or "standardized" structure. A case study shows that optimization allows the formulation of more straightforward and easier-to-write compliance rules, applicable to all standardized graphs regardless of the initially used BIM authoring tool. In addition, graph size is significantly reduced.

Graph-structured data provide a powerful representation of complex relations or interactions. Many variants of graph neural networks (GNNs) have emerged to learn graph-structured data where underlying graphs are static, although graphs in various real-world applications are dynamic (e.g., evolving structure). To consider the dynamic nature that a graph changes over time, the need for applying incremental learning (i.e., continual learning or lifelong learning) to the graph domain has been emphasized. However, unlike incremental learning on Euclidean data, graph-structured data contains dependency between the existing nodes and newly appeared nodes, resulting in the phenomenon that receptive fields of existing nodes vary by new inputs (e.g., nodes and edges). In this paper, we raise a crucial challenge of incremental learning for dynamic graphs as time-varying receptive fields, and propose a novel incremental learning framework, DyGRAIN, to mitigate time-varying receptive fields and catastrophic forgetting. Specifically, our proposed method incrementally learns dynamic graph representations by reflecting the influential change in receptive fields of existing nodes and maintaining previous knowledge of informational nodes prone to be forgotten. Our experiments on large-scale graph datasets demonstrate that our proposed method improves the performance by effectively capturing pivotal nodes and preventing catastrophic forgetting.

Several real-world complex systems have graph-structured data, including social networks, biological networks, and knowledge graphs. A continuous increase in the quantity and quality of these graphs demands learning models to unlock the potential of this data and execute tasks, including node classification, graph classification, and link prediction. This tutorial presents machine learning on graphs, focusing on how representation learning - from traditional approaches (e.g., matrix factorization and random walks) to deep neural architectures - fosters carrying out those tasks. We also introduce representation learning over dynamic and knowledge graphs. Lastly, we discuss open problems, such as scalability and distributed network embedding systems.

Recent years have witnessed the fast development of the emerging topic of Graph Learning based Recommender Systems (GLRS). GLRS mainly employ advanced graph learning approaches to model users’ preferences and intentions as well as items’ characteristics and popularity for Recommender Systems (RS). Differently from other approaches, including content based filtering and collaborative filtering, GLRS are built on graphs where the important objects, e.g., users, items, and attributes, are either explicitly or implicitly connected. With the rapid development of graph learning techniques, exploring and exploiting homogeneous or heterogeneous relations in graphs is a promising direction for building more effective RS. In this paper, we provide a systematic review of GLRS, by discussing how they extract knowledge from graphs to improve the accuracy, reliability and explainability of the recommendations. First, we characterize and formalize GLRS, and then summarize and categorize the key challenges and main progress in this novel research area.

We study four NP-hard optimal seat arrangement problems which each have as input a set of n agents, where each agent has cardinal preferences over other agents, and an n-vertex undirected graph (called the seat graph). The task is to assign each agent to a distinct vertex in the seat graph such that either the sum of utilities or the minimum utility is maximized, or it is envy-free or exchange-stable. Aiming at identifying hard and easy cases, we extensively study the algorithmic complexity of the four problems by looking into natural graph classes for the seat graph (e.g., paths, cycles, stars, or matchings), problem-specific parameters (e.g., the number of non-isolated vertices in the seat graph or the maximum number of agents towards whom an agent has non-zero preferences), and preference structures (e.g., non-negative or symmetric preferences). For strict preferences and seat graphs with disjoint edges and isolated vertices, we correct an error in the literature and show that finding an envy-free arrangement remains NP-hard in this case.

In public-private graphs, users share one public graph and have their own private graphs. A private graph consists of personal private contacts that only can be visible to its owner, e.g., hidden friend lists on Facebook and secret following on Sina Weibo. However, existing public-private analytic algorithms have not yet investigated the dense subgraph discovery of k-truss, where each edge is contained in at least k-2 triangles. This paper aims at finding k-truss efficiently in public-private graphs. The core of our solution is a novel algorithm to update k-truss with node insertions. We develop a classification-based hybrid strategy of node insertions and edge insertions to incrementally compute k-truss in public-private graphs. Extensive experiments validate the superiority of our proposed algorithms against state-of-the-art methods on real-world datasets.

We introduce a new class of intersection graphs, the edge intersection graphs of paths on a triangular grid, called EPGt graphs. We compare this new class with the well-known class of EPG graphs. A turn of a path at a grid point is called a bend. An EPGt representation in which every path has at most k bends is called a Bk-EPGt representation and the corresponding graphs are called Bk-EPGt graphs. We characterize the representation of cliques with three vertices and chordless 4-cycles in B1-EPGt representations.

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are crucial in various biological processes and their study has significant implications for drug development and disease diagnosis. Existing deep learning methods suffer from significant performance degradation under complex real-world scenarios due to various factors, e.g., label scarcity and domain shift. In this paper, we propose a self-ensembling multi-graph neural network (SemiGNN-PPI) that can effectively predict PPIs while being both efficient and generalizable. In SemiGNN-PPI, we not only model the protein correlations but explore the label dependencies by constructing and processing multiple graphs from the perspectives of both features and labels in the graph learning process. We further marry GNN with Mean Teacher to effectively leverage unlabeled graph-structured PPI data for self-ensemble graph learning. We also design multiple graph consistency constraints to align the student and teacher graphs in the feature embedding space, enabling the student model to better learn from the teacher model by incorporating more relationships. Extensive experiments on PPI datasets of different scales with different evaluation settings demonstrate that SemiGNN-PPI outperforms state-of-the-art PPI prediction methods, particularly in challenging scenarios such as training with limited annotations and testing on unseen data.

Graph matching aims at establishing correspondence between node sets of given graphs while keeping the consistency between their edge sets. However, outliers in practical scenarios and equivalent learning of edge representations in deep learning methods are still challenging. To address these issues, we present an Edge Attention-adaptive Graph Matching (EAGM) network and a novel description of edge features. EAGM transforms the matching relation between two graphs into a node and edge classification problem over their assignment graph. To explore the potential of edges, EAGM learns edge attention on the assignment graph to 1) reveal the impact of each edge on graph matching, as well as 2) adjust the learning of edge representations adaptively. To alleviate issues caused by the outliers, we describe an edge by aggregating the semantic information over the space spanned by the edge. Such rich information provides clear distinctions between different edges (e.g., inlier-inlier edges vs. inlier-outlier edges), which further distinguishes outliers in the view of their associated edges. Extensive experiments demonstrate that EAGM achieves promising matching quality compared with state-of-the-arts, on cases both with and without outliers. Our source code along with the experiments is available at https://github.com/bestwei/EAGM.

Description logics in their standard setting only allow for representing and reasoning with crisp knowledge without any degree of uncertainty. Of course, this is a serious shortcoming for use cases where it is impossible to perfectly determine the truth of a statement. For resolving this expressivity restriction, probabilistic variants of description logics have been introduced. Their model-theoretic semantics is built upon so-called probabilistic interpretations, that is, families of directed graphs the vertices and edges of which are labeled and for which there exists a probability measure on this graph family. Results of scientific experiments, e.g., in medicine, psychology, or biology, that are repeated several times can induce probabilistic interpretations in a natural way. In this document, we shall develop a suitable axiomatization technique for deducing terminological knowledge from the assertional data given in such probabilistic interpretations. More specifically, we consider a probabilistic variant of the description logic EL⊥, and provide a method for constructing a set of rules, so-called concept inclusions, from probabilistic interpretations in a sound and complete manner.

The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a serious agricultural pest that afflicts a wide variety of ornamental and vegetable crop species. To enable survival on a great diversity of host plants, whiteflies must have the ability to avoid or detoxify numerous different plant defensive chemicals. Such toxins include a group of insect-deterrent molecules called glucosinolates (GSs), which also provide the pungent taste of Brassica vegetables such as radish and cabbage. In our BARD grant, we used the whitefly B. tabaci and Arabidopsis (a Brassica plant model) defense mutants and transgenic lines, to gain comprehensive understanding both on plant defense pathways against whiteflies and whitefly defense strategies against plants. Our major focus was on GSs. We produced transgenic Arabidopsis plants accumulating high levels of GSs. At the first step, we examined how exposure to high levels of GSs affects decision making and performance of whiteflies when provided plants with normal levels or high levels of GSs. Our major conclusions can be divided into three: (I) exposure to plants accumulating high levels of GSs, negatively affected the performance of both whitefly adult females and immature; (II) whitefly adult females are likely to be capable of sensing different levels of GSs in their host plants and are able to choose, for oviposition, the host plant on which their offspring survive and develop better (preference-performance relationship); (III) the dual presence of plants with normal levels and high levels of GSs, confused whitefly adult females, and led to difficulties in making a choice between the different host plants. These findings have an applicative perspective. Whiteflies are known as a serious pest of Brassica cropping systems. If the differences found here on adjacent small plants translate to field situations, intercropping with closely-related Brassica cultivars could negatively influence whitefly population build-up. At the second step, we characterized the defensive mechanisms whiteflies use to detoxify GSs and other plant toxins. We identified five detoxification genes, which can be considered as putative "key" general induced detoxifiers because their expression-levels responded to several unrelated plant toxic compounds. This knowledge is currently used (using new funding) to develop a new technology that will allow the production of pestresistant crops capable of protecting themselves from whiteflies by silencing insect detoxification genes without which successful host utilization can not occur. Finally, we made an effort to identify defense genes that deter whitefly performance, by infesting with whiteflies, wild-type and defense mutated Arabidopsis plants. The infested plants were used to construct deep-sequencing expression libraries. The 30- 50 million sequence reads per library, provide an unbiased and quantitative assessment of gene expression and contain sequences from both Arabidopsis and whiteflies. Therefore, the libraries give us sequence data that can be mined for both the plant and insect gene expression responses. An intensive analysis of these datasets is underway. We also conducted electrical penetration graph (EPG) recordings of whiteflies feeding on Arabidopsis wild-type and defense mutant plants in order to determine the time-point and feeding behavior in which plant-defense genes are expressed. We are in the process of analyzing the recordings and calculating 125 feeding behavior parameters for each whitefly. From the analyses conducted so far we conclude that the Arabidopsis defense mutants do not affect adult feeding behavior in the same manner that they affect immatures development. Analysis of the immatures feeding behavior is not yet completed, but if it shows the same disconnect between feeding behavior data and developmental rate data, we would conclude that the differences in the defense mutants are due to a qualitative effect based on the chemical constituency of the phloem sap.

Food is an essential to our existence but under certain conditions it could become the origin to the accumulative health damages. Technological processes as heating, chopping, mincing, grounding, promote the lipid oxidation process in muscle tissues and meat foodstuffs. Lipid oxidation occurred rapidly in turkey muscle, intermediate in duck, and slowest in chicken during frozen storage. Depletion of tocopherol during frozen storage was more rapid in turkey and duck compared to chicken. These processes developed from lipid peroxides produce many cytotoxic compounds including malondialdehyde (MDA). The muscle tissue is further oxidized in stomach conditions producing additional cytotoxic compounds. Oxidized lipids that are formed during digestion of a meal possess the potential to promote reactions that incur vascular diseases. A grape seed extract (1% of the meat weight) and butylated hydroxytoluene (0.2% of the lipid weight) were each effective at preventing formation of lipid oxidation products for 3 hours during co-incubation with cooked turkey meat in simulated gastric fluid (SGF). Polyphenols in the human diet, as an integral part of the meal prevent the generation and absorption of cytotoxic compounds and the destruction of essential nutrients, eg. antioxidants vitamins during the meal. Polyphenols act as antioxidants in the gastrointestinal tract; they scavenge free radicals and may interact with reactive carbonyls, enzymes and proteins. These all reactions results in decreasing the absorption of reactive carbonyls and possible other cytotoxic compounds into the plasma. Consumptions of diet high in fat and red meat are contributory risk factors partly due to an increase production of cytotoxic oxidized lipid products eg. MDA. However, the simultaneously consumption of polyphenols rich foods reduce these factors. Locating the biological site of action of polyphenols in the in the gastrointestinal tract may explain the paradox between the protective effect of a highly polyphenols rich diet and the low bioavailability of these molecules in human plasma. It may also explain the "French paradox" and the beneficial effect of Mediterranean and Japanese diets, in which food products with high antioxidants content such as polyphenols are consumed during the meal.

Macroeconomic summary Economic activity has recovered faster than projected, and output is now expected to return to pre-pandemic levels earlier than anticipated. Economic growth projections for 2021 and 2022 have been revised upward, though significant downward bias remains. (Graph 1.1). Colombia’s economy returned to recovery in the third quarter after significant supply shocks and a third wave of COVID-19 in the second. Negative shocks affecting mobility and output were absent in the third quarter, and some indicators of economic activity suggest that the rate of recovery in demand, primarily in consumption, outpaced estimates from the July Monetary Policy Report (MPR) in the context of widely expansive monetary policy. Several factors are expected to continue to contribute to output recovery for the rest of the year and into 2022, including the persistence of favorable international financial conditions, an expected improvement in external demand, and an increase in terms of trade. Increasing vaccination rates, the expectation of higher levels of employment and the consequent effect on household income, improved investment performance (which has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels), and the expected stimulus from monetary policy that would continue to be expansive should also drive economic activity. As a result, output is estimated to have returned to its pre-pandemic level in the third quarter (previously expected in the fourth quarter). Growth is expected to decelerate in 2022, with excess productive capacity projected to close faster than anticipated in the previous report. Given the above, GDP growth projections have been revised upward for 2021 (9.8%, range between 8.4% and 11.2%) and 2022 (4.7%, range between 0.7% and 6.5%). If these estimates are confirmed, output would have grown by 2.3% on average between 2020 and 2022. This figure would be below long-term sustainable growth levels projected prior to the pandemic. The revised growth forecast for 2022 continues to account for a low basis of comparison from this year (reflecting the negative effects of COVID-19 and roadblocks in some parts of the country), and now supposes that estimated consumption levels for the end of 2021 will remain relatively stable in 2022. Investment and net exports are expected to recover at a faster pace than estimated in the previous report. Nevertheless, the downward risks to these estimates remain unusually significant, for several reasons. First, they do not suppose significant negative effects on the economy from possible new waves of COVID-19. Second, because private consumption, which has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels by a large margin, could perform less favorably than estimated in this forecast should it reflect a temporary phenomenon related to suppressed demand as service sectors re-open (e.g. tourism) and private savings accumulated during the pandemic are spent. Third, disruptions to supply chains could be more persistent than contemplated in this report and could continue to affect production costs, with a negative impact on the economy. Finally, the accumulation of macroeconomic imbalances could translate to increased vulnerability to changes in international financial conditions or in international and domestic economic agents’ perception of risk in the Colombian economy, representing a downward risk to growth. A higher-than-expected increase in inflation, the persistence of supply shocks, and reduced excess productive capacity have led to an increase in inflation projections above the target on the forecast horizon (Graph 1.2). Inflation increased above expectations to 4.51% in the third quarter, due in large part to the price behavior of foods and regulated items, and to a lesser extent to core inflation. Increased international prices and costs continue to generate upward pressure on various sub-baskets of the consumer price index (CPI), as has the partial reversion of some price relief measures implemented in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Macroeconomic summary Several factors contributed to an increase in projected inflation on the forecast horizon, keeping it above the target rate. These included inflation in December that surpassed expectations (5.62%), indexation to higher inflation rates for various baskets in the consumer price index (CPI), a significant real increase in the legal minimum wage, persistent external and domestic inflationary supply shocks, and heightened exchange rate pressures. The CPI for foods was affected by the persistence of external and domestic supply shocks and was the most significant contributor to unexpectedly high inflation in the fourth quarter. Price adjustments for fuels and certain utilities can explain the acceleration in inflation for regulated items, which was more significant than anticipated. Prices in the CPI for goods excluding food and regulated items also rose more than expected. This was partly due to a smaller effect on prices from the national government’s VAT-free day than anticipated by the technical staff and more persistent external pressures, including via peso depreciation. By contrast, the CPI for services excluding food and regulated items accelerated less than expected, partly reflecting strong competition in the communications sector. This was the only major CPI basket for which prices increased below the target inflation rate. The technical staff revised its inflation forecast upward in response to certain external shocks (prices, costs, and depreciation) and domestic shocks (e.g., on meat products) that were stronger and more persistent than anticipated in the previous report. Observed inflation and a real increase in the legal minimum wage also exceeded expectations, which would boost inflation by affecting price indexation, labor costs, and inflation expectations. The technical staff now expects year-end headline inflation of 4.3% in 2022 and 3.4% in 2023; core inflation is projected to be 4.5% and 3.6%, respectively. These forecasts consider the lapse of certain price relief measures associated with the COVID-19 health emergency, which would contribute to temporarily keeping inflation above the target on the forecast horizon. It is important to note that these estimates continue to contain a significant degree of uncertainty, mainly related to the development of external and domestic supply shocks and their ultimate effects on prices. Other contributing factors include high price volatility and measurement uncertainty related to the extension of Colombia’s health emergency and tax relief measures (such as the VAT-free days) associated with the Social Investment Law (Ley de Inversión Social). The as-yet uncertain magnitude of the effects of a recent real increase in the legal minimum wage (that was high by historical standards) and high observed and expected inflation, are additional factors weighing on the overall uncertainty of the estimates in this report. The size of excess productive capacity remaining in the economy and the degree to which it is closing are also uncertain, as the evolution of the pandemic continues to represent a significant forecast risk. margin, could be less dynamic than expected. And the normalization of monetary policy in the United States could come more quickly than projected in this report, which could negatively affect international financing costs. Finally, there remains a significant degree of uncertainty related to the duration of supply chocks and the degree to which macroeconomic and political conditions could negatively affect the recovery in investment. The technical staff revised its GDP growth projection for 2022 from 4.7% to 4.3% (Graph 1.3). This revision accounts for the likelihood that a larger portion of the recent positive dynamic in private consumption would be transitory than previously expected. This estimate also contemplates less dynamic investment behavior than forecast in the previous report amid less favorable financial conditions and a highly uncertain investment environment. Third-quarter GDP growth (12.9%), which was similar to projections from the October report, and the fourth-quarter growth forecast (8.7%) reflect a positive consumption trend, which has been revised upward. This dynamic has been driven by both public and private spending. Investment growth, meanwhile, has been weaker than forecast. Available fourth-quarter data suggest that consumption spending for the period would have exceeded estimates from October, thanks to three consecutive months that included VAT-free days, a relatively low COVID-19 caseload, and mobility indicators similar to their pre-pandemic levels. By contrast, the most recently available figures on new housing developments and machinery and equipment imports suggest that investment, while continuing to rise, is growing at a slower rate than anticipated in the previous report. The trade deficit is expected to have widened, as imports would have grown at a high level and outpaced exports. Given the above, the technical staff now expects fourth-quarter economic growth of 8.7%, with overall growth for 2021 of 9.9%. Several factors should continue to contribute to output recovery in 2022, though some of these may be less significant than previously forecast. International financial conditions are expected to be less favorable, though external demand should continue to recover and terms of trade continue to increase amid higher projected oil prices. Lower unemployment rates and subsequent positive effects on household income, despite increased inflation, would also boost output recovery, as would progress in the national vaccination campaign. The technical staff expects that the conditions that have favored recent high levels of consumption would be, in large part, transitory. Consumption spending is expected to grow at a slower rate in 2022. Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) would continue to recover, approaching its pre-pandemic level, though at a slower rate than anticipated in the previous report. This would be due to lower observed GFCF levels and the potential impact of political and fiscal uncertainty. Meanwhile, the policy interest rate would be less expansionary as the process of monetary policy normalization continues. Given the above, growth in 2022 is forecast to decelerate to 4.3% (previously 4.7%). In 2023, that figure (3.1%) is projected to converge to levels closer to the potential growth rate. In this case, excess productive capacity would be expected to tighten at a similar rate as projected in the previous report. The trade deficit would tighten more than previously projected on the forecast horizon, due to expectations of an improved export dynamic and moderation in imports. The growth forecast for 2022 considers a low basis of comparison from the first half of 2021. However, there remain significant downside risks to this forecast. The current projection does not, for example, account for any additional effects on economic activity resulting from further waves of COVID-19. High private consumption levels, which have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels by a large margin, could be less dynamic than expected. And the normalization of monetary policy in the United States could come more quickly than projected in this report, which could negatively affect international financing costs. Finally, there remains a significant degree of uncertainty related to the duration of supply chocks and the degree to which macroeconomic and political conditions could negatively affect the recovery in investment. External demand for Colombian goods and services should continue to recover amid significant global inflation pressures, high oil prices, and less favorable international financial conditions than those estimated in October. Economic activity among Colombia’s major trade partners recovered in 2021 amid countries reopening and ample international liquidity. However, that growth has been somewhat restricted by global supply chain disruptions and new outbreaks of COVID-19. The technical staff has revised its growth forecast for Colombia’s main trade partners from 6.3% to 6.9% for 2021, and from 3.4% to 3.3% for 2022; trade partner economies are expected to grow 2.6% in 2023. Colombia’s annual terms of trade increased in 2021, largely on higher oil, coffee, and coal prices. This improvement came despite increased prices for goods and services imports. The expected oil price trajectory has been revised upward, partly to supply restrictions and lagging investment in the sector that would offset reduced growth forecasts in some major economies. Elevated freight and raw materials costs and supply chain disruptions continue to affect global goods production, and have led to increases in global prices. Coupled with the recovery in global demand, this has put upward pressure on external inflation. Several emerging market economies have continued to normalize monetary policy in this context. Meanwhile, in the United States, the Federal Reserve has anticipated an end to its asset buying program. U.S. inflation in December (7.0%) was again surprisingly high and market average inflation forecasts for 2022 have increased. The Fed is expected to increase its policy rate during the first quarter of 2022, with quarterly increases anticipated over the rest of the year. For its part, Colombia’s sovereign risk premium has increased and is forecast to remain on a higher path, to levels above the 15-year-average, on the forecast horizon. This would be partly due to the effects of a less expansionary monetary policy in the United States and the accumulation of macroeconomic imbalances in Colombia. Given the above, international financial conditions are projected to be less favorable than anticipated in the October report. The increase in Colombia’s external financing costs could be more significant if upward pressures on inflation in the United States persist and monetary policy is normalized more quickly than contemplated in this report. As detailed in Section 2.3, uncertainty surrounding international financial conditions continues to be unusually high. Along with other considerations, recent concerns over the potential effects of new COVID-19 variants, the persistence of global supply chain disruptions, energy crises in certain countries, growing geopolitical tensions, and a more significant deceleration in China are all factors underlying this uncertainty. The changing macroeconomic environment toward greater inflation and unanchoring risks on inflation expectations imply a reduction in the space available for monetary policy stimulus. Recovery in domestic demand and a reduction in excess productive capacity have come in line with the technical staff’s expectations from the October report. Some upside risks to inflation have materialized, while medium-term inflation expectations have increased and are above the 3% target. Monetary policy remains expansionary. Significant global inflationary pressures and the unexpected increase in the CPI in December point to more persistent effects from recent supply shocks. Core inflation is trending upward, but remains below the 3% target. Headline and core inflation projections have increased on the forecast horizon and are above the target rate through the end of 2023. Meanwhile, the expected dynamism of domestic demand would be in line with low levels of excess productive capacity. An accumulation of macroeconomic imbalances in Colombia and the increased likelihood of a faster normalization of monetary policy in the United States would put upward pressure on sovereign risk perceptions in a more persistent manner, with implications for the exchange rate and the natural rate of interest. Persistent disruptions to international supply chains, a high real increase in the legal minimum wage, and the indexation of various baskets in the CPI to higher inflation rates could affect price expectations and push inflation above the target more persistently. These factors suggest that the space to maintain monetary stimulus has continued to diminish, though monetary policy remains expansionary. 1.2 Monetary policy decision Banco de la República’s board of directors (BDBR) in its meetings in December 2021 and January 2022 voted to continue normalizing monetary policy. The BDBR voted by a majority in these two meetings to increase the benchmark interest rate by 50 and 100 basis points, respectively, bringing the policy rate to 4.0%.