RESUMO

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are air pollutants generated mainly by fuel combustion, industry, and other anthropogenic sources. The level of these pollutants can be assessed by employing biomonitors, a cost-effective and less contaminating alternative than conventional methods. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether spiders inhabiting areas around a major city like Córdoba, Argentina, adsorb and retain PAHs in their exoskeletons. Additionally, we aimed to determine if spiders' life traits influence their capacity to accumulate PAHs and explore potential relationships between PAH levels and the types of roads where they were collected. Specimens of a funnel-shaped web spider (Aglaoctenus lagotis) and an orb-weaver (Metepeira spp.) were collected from roadsides. Roads were classified into four categories based on their traffic intensity. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we identified 15 different PAHs. Both species exhibited varying concentrations of PAHs, although Metepeira spp. showed 15-18 times higher PAH levels compared to A. lagotis. Moreover, A. lagotis individuals living alongside highways accumulated up to six times more PAHs compared to those along other road types. These findings suggest that spiders' life traits may influence pollutant concentrations. Our study demonstrates that spiders near roads are exposed to and accumulate PAHs on their exoskeletons, likely sourced from petrogenic vehicular emissions, highlighting their value as biomonitors and emphasizing the need for mitigation measures to address air pollutants emitted from mobile sources.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Fragmented landscapes in Mexico, characterized by a mix of agricultural, urban, and native vegetation cover, presents unique ecological characteristics that shape the mosquito community composition and mosquito-borne diseases. The extent to which landscape influences mosquito populations and mosquito-borne diseases is still poorly understood. This work assessed the effect of landscape metrics -agriculture, urban, and native vegetation cover- on mosquito diversity and arbovirus presence in fragmented tropical deciduous forests in Central Mexico during 2021. Among the 21 mosquito species across six genera we identified, Culex quinquefasciatus was the most prevalent species, followed by Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, and Ae. epactius. Notably, areas with denser native vegetation cover displayed higher mosquito species richness, which could have an impact on phenomena such as the dilution effect. Zika and dengue virus were detected in 85% of captured species, with first reports of DENV in several Aedes species and ZIKV in multiple Aedes and Culex species. These findings underscore the necessity of expanding arbovirus surveillance beyond Ae. aegypti and advocate for a deeper understanding of vector ecology in fragmented landscapes to adequately address public health strategies.

Assuntos

RESUMO

In Diptera, reproductive strategies vary according to the stage of development of the newly deposited offspring and their abundance. The aim of our study is to establish connections between the reproductive strategies of flies (larviparous or oviparous) and the prevailing local conditions (sun or shade) as well as landscape attributes (low or high urbanization) in an urban setting. We collected flies using 2 baited traps (in the sun or shade) at each of the 13 study sites with varying levels of urbanization. We used generalized linear mixed models to examine the impact of landscape and local characteristics on the diversity (abundance and richness of larviparous and oviparous Diptera) of sarcosaprophagous flies. Our findings indicate that while the abundance and diversity of both larviparous and oviparous flies are affected by urbanization, larviparous flies would be less sensitive to more urbanized environments. Larviparous also exhibit a preference for resources under sun exposure, while the responses of oviparous seem more species-dependent. The observed patterns can be explained by the known biology of the studied groups.

Assuntos

RESUMO

On a planet experiencing constant human population growth, it is necessary to explore the anthropogenic effects on the genetic diversity of species, and specifically invasive species. Using an analysis that integrates comparative phylogeography, urban landscape genetics, macrogenetics and a systematic review, we explore the worldwide genetic diversity of the human commensal and anthropogenic species Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus. Based on metadata obtained considering 35 selected studies related to observed heterozygosity, measured by nuclear molecular markers (microsatellites, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs-, restrictition site-associated DNA sequencing -RAD-Seq-), socioeconomic and mobility anthropogenic factors were used as predictors of genetic diversity of R. rattus and R. norvegicus, using the Gini index, principal component analysis and Random Forest Regression as analysis methodology. Population density was on average the best predictor of genetic diversity in the Rattus species analyzed, indicating that the species respond in a particular way to the characteristics present in urban environments because of a combination of life history characteristics and human-mediated migration and colonization processes. To create better management and control strategies for these rodents and their associated diseases, it is necessary to fill the existing information gap in urban landscape genetics studies with more metadata repositories, with emphasis on tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Urban areas can serve as biodiversity refuges for pollinators because of the high diversity of available floral and nesting resources. However, it remains unclear what plant species commonly used for urban landscaping provide floral resources that pollinators actively use. Here, we integrate data from the pollen and species distribution models of two abundant euglossine bees-the large-bodied Eulaema nigrita (Lepeletier, 1841) and the small-bodied Euglossa cordata (Linnaeus, 1758)-in urban areas to investigate their overlap in diet breadth and distribution. We hypothesized that because bees with larger body sizes tend to have larger foraging areas, large-bodied bees would have a wider diet breath than small-bodied bees. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found that Eg. cordata has a wider diet breadth than El. nigrita with the former species showing higher diversity of pollen types collected (per pollen load and on average across pollen loads). Pollen grains from Solanum paniculatum and Tradescantia zebrina represented 63% of the diet of Eg. cordata, whereas pollen from S. paniculatum and Psidium guajava represented 87% of the diet of El. nigrita. After overlaying the distribution of both bee species and the three most important pollen resources, the distribution models revealed that these three plant species can co-occur with both euglossine bees throughout a large portion of eastern Brazil near the coast. Thus, we conclude S. paniculatum, T. zebrina, and P. guajava should be considered key plants for the maintenance of these two urban euglossine bee species. The results of this study provide important information for urban landscaping programs that aim to protect and preserve pollinators.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Riparian forests are important ecosystems that support an enormous biodiversity in Brazil. Despite being protected under Brazilian legislation, these forests suffer great impact from the fragmentation of habitats. Orchid bees are a key group of pollinators in the Neotropical region, yet few data are available on the assamblage structure of these bees in riparian forests. We evaluated the role of fragments of riparian and terra-firme forest on the conservation and maintenance of orchid bees in an urban landscape in the southwestern Amazon basin. Specifically, we evaluated whether bee assemblages in riparian and terra-firme forests differed significantly in abundance, species richness and composition. We also evaluated whether species richness and abundance of bees vary with the size of the forest fragment. Male bees were attracted using odoriferous baits and collected with entomological nets in 10 forest fragments. There was no significant difference between riparian and terra-firme fragments in species abundance, richness and composition, but there was a positive correlation between fragment size and species richness and abundance. Our results suggest that, in an urban landscape, the remaining riparian and terra-firme forest fragments still could maintain 62.7% of the orchid bee species known to occur in the region, reinforcing the conservation value of these forest remnants. Our findings indicate that these fragments provide a potentially important habitat for the maintenance of local bee populations in the landscape.(AU)

As florestas ripárias no Brasil são importantes ecossistemas que sustentam uma enorme biodiversidade. Apesar de protegidas pela legislação brasileira, elas têm sofrido grandes impactos decorrentes da fragmentação florestal. As abelhas das orquídeas constituem um grupo chave de polinizadores na região Neotropical, porém, pouco se sabe sobre suas assembleias em florestas ripárias. Nós avaliamos o papel de fragmentos de floresta ripária e de terra-firme na conservação e manutenção da fauna de abelhas das orquídeas em uma paisagem urbana no sudoeste da Amazônia. Especificamente, avaliamos se assembleias de abelhas de fragmentos ripários e de terra-firme diferem significativamente em abundância, riqueza e composição de espécies. Também avaliamos se a abundância e a riqueza de espécies variam em função do tamanho do fragmento. Machos de abelhas foram atraídos por iscas odoríferas e coletados com redes entomológicas em 10 fragmentos florestais. Não houve diferença significativa entre fragmentos ripários e de terra-firme quanto à abundância, riqueza e composição de espécies, mas houve uma correlação positiva entre o tamanho do fragmento e a riqueza e abundância de espécies. Nossos resultados sugerem que, em uma paisagem urbana, os fragmentos de floresta ripária e de terra firme ainda podem manter 62,7% do número de espécies de abelhas das orquídeas conhecido para a região, reforçando o valor da conservação desses remanescentes florestais. Nossos dados indicam que esses fragmentos fornecem um habitat potencialmente importante para a manutenção das populações locais de abelhas na paisagem.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Resumo Pretendeu-se analisar a comunicação discursiva de grafites urbanos sobre mulheres, feminismos, gênero e sexualidade que foram inscritos em vias de circulação e construções públicas e privadas em bairros do centro urbano e histórico da cidade de Roma, Itália. Realizou-se um trabalho interdisciplinar entre a Psicologia Social e a Arquitetura em uma perspectiva discursiva dialógica, histórico-urbanística e histórico-arquitetônica. Fez-se, ainda, a geolocalização dos grafites; contatos com principais autoras/es dos grafites e análise das práticas discursivas dos grafites, considerando, portanto, o contexto social-histórico de produção dialógico, incluindo as redes sociais. Concluiu-se que a prática de inscrever grafites na paisagem urbana permite a compreensão dos discursos sobre a diversidade cultural marcada por gêneros e sexualidades que abriga os centros históricos e a paisagem urbana, a relação afetiva e política das mulheres com a cidade, além da produção de suas (micro)territorialidades.

Resumen El objetivo fue analizar la comunicación discursiva de grafitis urbanos sobre mujeres, feminismo, género y sexualidad que se registraron en calles y edificios públicos y privados en barrios del centro urbano e histórico de la ciudad de Roma, Italia. Se realizó un trabajo interdisciplinario entre la psicología social y la arquitectura en una perspectiva discursiva dialógica, histórico-urbanística e histórico-arquitectónica. También se realizaron la geolocalización de los grafitis; contactos con los principales autores de grafitis y análisis de las prácticas discursivas de los grafitis, considerando así el contexto histórico-social de producción dialógico, incluyendo las redes sociales. Se concluyó que la práctica de inscribir grafitis en el paisaje urbano permite la comprensión de los discursos sobre diversidad cultural marcada por géneros y sexualidades que albergan los centros históricos y el paisaje urbano, la relación afectiva y política de las mujeres con la ciudad, además de la producción de sus (micro) territorialidades.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the discursive communication on women, feminisms, gender and sexuality of urban graffiti that were inscribed in circulation routes and on public and private buildings in neighborhoods of Rome's urban and historical center, in Italy. An interdisciplinary work was carried out between social psychology and architecture in a dialogical discursive, historical-urbanistic and historical-architectural perspective. Moreover, it was carried out the graffiti's geolocation; contacts with the graffitti main authors; and an analysis of graffiti discursive practices. This was carried out considering the social-historical context of dialogic production, including social networks. It was concluded that the practice of inscribing graffiti in the urban landscape allows the understanding of the discourses on cultural diversity as marked by genders and sexualities on the historic centers and the urban landscape. It also allows the understanding of women's affective and political relations with the city, as well as the production of their (micro) territorialities.

RESUMO

Unplanned urbanization increases the exposure of people to environmental hazards. Within a landscape ecology framework, this study is a diagnosis of human health risk in San Martín, an urban district of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Risk was estimated by combining four hazard indexes (water and air pollution, and mosquito and rodent infestation) and a vulnerability index. Each index was obtained by integrating environmental and socio-demographic layers in a Geographic Information System. Spatial autocorrelation was assessed for each hazard, vulnerability and risk indexes using Moran's tests. Also, spatial associations between pairs of variables were addressed by means of Geographically Weighted Regressions. The robustness of hazard and vulnerability indexes was checked by a sensitivity analysis. In General San Martín district, 83.3% of the population is exposed to relatively high levels of at least one hazard; 7.4% is exposed to relatively high levels of all hazards (11.5% of the total area) and only 16.7% lives in areas of relatively low levels of all hazards (15.4% of the total area). Areas where hazard intensity was relatively high corresponded to those areas where the most vulnerable population lives, enhancing human health risk. The models for hazards and vulnerability were reasonably robust to changes in the weights of the variables considered. Our results highlight the spatially heterogeneous nature of human health risk in an urban landscape, and reveal the location of critical risk hotspots where reduction or mitigation actions should be focused.

RESUMO

Este artículo presenta una síntesis teórico-conceptual sobre los aspectos relevantes de las dimensiones ecológica y estética que definen los atributos del paisaje urbano. La ciudad como producto y creación, tiene sus características, elementos, cualidades y relaciones, que pueden ser percibidos e interpretados a la luz de quien observa, con lo cual, su definición abarca el análisis objetivo y subjetivo. La ecología aporta la perspectiva sistémica de la dinámica urbana observada en la interacción de sus factores naturales y socioculturales; la estética abarca la percepción desde el contacto visual con los elementos del paisaje a las sensaciones, sentimientos y condiciones que influyen en la interpretación. La naturaleza multidimensional basada en la concepción eco-estética de los atributos del paisaje urbano,es una base fundamental para determinar los indicadores de análisis de la calidad visual, orientada a la práctica del diseño urbano.

This article presents a theoretical and conceptual synthesis on relevant aspects of the ecological and aesthetic dimensions that define the urban landscape attributes. The city, as product and creation, has its characteristics, elements, qualities and relationships that can be perceived and interpreted under the light of the viewer, so that its definition embraces both an objective and a subjective analysis. Ecology provides a systemic perspective of the urban dynamics observed in the interaction of its natural and social-cultural factors; aesthetics encompasses perception from the visual contact, with the elements of the landscape, to sensations, feelings and conditions that influence the interpretation. The multidimensional nature based on the eco-aesthetics conception of the urban landscape attributes is a fundamental base to determine the analysis indicators of visual quality oriented to the , urban design practice.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Bats use a wide array of roosts, both natural and artificial (Kunz e Lumsden 2003). Day roosts are generally used for protection against predators and weather, for resting and for social interactions (Kunz 1982; Keeley e Tuttle 1999). Night roosts are generally used for feeding between foraging periods (Keeley e Tuttle 1999). Roost selection may be influenced by roost abundance and availability, predation risk, abundance and distribution of food resources and social structure. Abiotic factors, such as luminosity, temperature and humidity, also influence roost selection by bats (Kunz 1982).[...]

RESUMO

Bats use a wide array of roosts, both natural and artificial (Kunz e Lumsden 2003). Day roosts are generally used for protection against predators and weather, for resting and for social interactions (Kunz 1982; Keeley e Tuttle 1999). Night roosts are generally used for feeding between foraging periods (Keeley e Tuttle 1999). Roost selection may be influenced by roost abundance and availability, predation risk, abundance and distribution of food resources and social structure. Abiotic factors, such as luminosity, temperature and humidity, also influence roost selection by bats (Kunz 1982).[...]