Comparison between Thin-Layer Models and Non-Traditional Methods in the Modelling of Drying Kinetics of Crustacean Wastes

Abstract This research aims to compare the classical thin-layer models, stepwise fit regression method (SRG) and artificial neural networks (ANN) in the modelling of drying kinetics of shrimp shell and crab exoskeleton. Thus, drying curves were obtained using a convective dryer (3.0 m/s) at temperatures of 30.45 and 60oC. The results showed a decreasing tendency for the drying time as the temperature increased for both materials. Drying curves modelling of both materials showed fitted results with R 2 adj >0.998 and MRE<13.128% for some thin-layer models. On the other hand, by SRG a simple model could be obtained as a function of time and temperature, with the greatest accuracy being found in the modelling of experimental data of crab exoskeleton, with MRE<10.149%. Finally, the ANNs were employed successfully in the modelling of drying kinetics, showing high prediction quality with the trained recurrent ANN models.

Perceived emotional intelligence assessment - the Portuguese validation of Schutte's Emotional Intelligence Scale (SEIS-P) / Avaliação da inteligência emocional percebida - validação portuguesa da Escala de Inteligência Emocional de Schutte (EIES-P) / Evaluación de la inteligencia emocional percibida - versión portuguesa de la Escala de Inteligencia Emocional de Schutte (EIES-P)

The aim of this study was to expand the (perceived) emotional intelligence scientific assessment domain and to validate the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale (SEIS) with Portuguese speaking adults. The research sample was composed of 2,380 subjects, all Portuguese speakers, with a mean age of 34.91 years. The factorial validity analysis produced four factors, similar to the international reference studies with this scale, which explained 45.56% of the total variance. In accordance with the theoretical and instrumental background, the four factors were named: Recognition of others' emotions; Recognition and communication of one's own emotions; Management of one's own emotions and Use of emotions. The adapted instrument presented valid psychometric characteristics for the assessment of perceived emotional intelligence, suggesting that the Portuguese version of the SEIS maintains the content validity and a regular structure, when compared to previously adapted and explored versions.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi expandir o domínio de avaliação científica da inteligência emocional (percebida) e validar a Escala de Inteligência Emocional de Schutte (SEIS) para adultos falantes de língua portuguesa. A amostra pesquisada foi formada por 2.380 indivíduos, todos falantes de português, com idade média de 34,91 anos. A análise da validade fatorial mostrou quatro fatores, semelhante aos estudos internacionais de referência com essa escala, que explicaram 45,56% da variância total. Em consonância com os antecedentes teóricos e instrumentais, os quatro fatores foram denominados: Reconhecimento das emoções dos outros; Reconhecimento e comunicação de suas próprias emoções; Gerenciamento de suas próprias emoções e Uso de emoções. O instrumento adaptado demonstrou características psicométricas válidas para avaliação da inteligência emocional percebida, sugerindo que a versão em português da SEIS mantém a validade do conteúdo e uma estrutura regular, em comparação com versões previamente adaptadas e exploradas.(AU)

El objetivo de este artículo fue expandir el dominio de evaluación científica de la inteligencia emocional (percibida) y validar la Escala de Inteligencia Emocional de Schutte (SEIS) para adultos hablantes de lengua portuguesa. La muestra investigada fue formada por 2380 individuos con una edad media de 34.91 años. El análisis de la validez factorial presentó cuatro factores, equiparable a los estudios internacionales de referencia con esta escala, que resultó el 45.56% de la varianza total. En conformidad con los antecedentes teóricos e instrumentales, los cuatro factores fueron denominados: Percepción emocional de los demás; Reconocimiento y comunicación de sus propias emociones; Gestión de sus propias emociones; y Utilización de emociones. El instrumento adaptado mostró características psicométricas válidas para evaluar la inteligencia emocional percibida, sugiriendo que la versión en portugués de la SEIS mantiene la validez del contenido y una estructura regular, en comparación con versiones previamente adaptadas y exploradas.(AU)

Predicting of biomass in Brazilian tropical dry forest: a statistical evaluation of generic equations

ABSTRACT Dry tropical forests are a key component in the global carbon cycle and their biomass estimates depend almost exclusively of fitted equations for multi-species or individual species data. Therefore, a systematic evaluation of statistical models through validation of estimates of aboveground biomass stocks is justifiable. In this study was analyzed the capacity of generic and specific equations obtained from different locations in Mexico and Brazil, to estimate aboveground biomass at multi-species levels and for four different species. Generic equations developed in Mexico and Brazil performed better in estimating tree biomass for multi-species data. For Poincianella bracteosa and Mimosa ophthalmocentra, only the Sampaio and Silva (2005) generic equation was the most recommended. These equations indicate lower tendency and lower bias, and biomass estimates for these equations are similar. For the species Mimosa tenuiflora, Aspidosperma pyrifolium and for the genus Croton the specific regional equations are more recommended, although the generic equation of Sampaio and Silva (2005) is not discarded for biomass estimates. Models considering gender, families, successional groups, climatic variables and wood specific gravity should be adjusted, tested and the resulting equations should be validated at both local and regional levels as well as on the scales of tropics with dry forest dominance.

Validación transcultural de la Escala de Inteligencia Emocional de Schutte / Cross-cultural validation of the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale

El objetivo del estudio fue adaptar la Escala de Inteligencia Emocional de Schutte para su empleo con adolescentes y jóvenes. Se efectuó la equivalencia conceptual, semántica y operacional de la versión prototípica del instrumento. La versión definitiva fue administrada a una muestra de 1.890 jóvenes y adolescentes (730 mexicanos, 664 argentinos y 497 brasileros). El análisis de la validez factorial mostró una estructura de dos factores que explicaron el 63.9% de la varianza total. La validez convergente quedó demostrada a partir del análisis correlacional efectuado. La confiabilidad del instrumento alcanzó niveles satisfactorios. Se efectúan sugerencias para futuras investigaciones.

The aim of this study was to adapt the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale with Latinamerican adolescents and youth adults. The conceptual, semantic, and operational equivalence of the prototype version was analyzed. The final version was administered to a sample of 1.890 students (730 Mexicans, 664 Argentineans, and 497 Brazilians). The analysis of factorial validity showed two orthogonal factors which explained 63.9% of the total variance. Convergent validity was demonstrated through the correlation analysis performed. The reliability of the adapted instrument reached satisfactory levels. In light of the results, we offer some suggestions for future research in the area.