RESUMO

The knowledge of ant assemblages that occurs in Conservation Units in the Atlantic Forest domain is a priority, considering the number of endemic species and the impacts that this biome has been suffering. The aim of this study was to evaluate ant assemblages in the Turvo State Park, which is the largest conservation unit in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and presents an important role on biodiversity protection. Two samplings were conducted in 2019, one in the summer (January) and the other in the spring (November and December), at five sites 2 km apart, with pitfall traps (soil and canopy), sardine baits, glucose, beating net, sweeping net and manual collection. We sampled 121 species in the summer and 120 in the spring, totaling 163 ant species. A total of 78 species (47.8%) occurred in both sampling seasons. The richest genera in the study were Camponotus (S = 30), Pheidole (S = 23) and Linepithema (S = 11). Seventeen species were recorded for the first time for Rio Grande do Sul state. The results indicate that this is one of the most species-rich assemblages of ants ever surveyed in a conservation unit in southern Brazil. The study highlights the importance of Conservation Units as protected environments against habitat loss for ant biodiversity. The results of this study contribute to myrmecofauna knowledge and serve as a basis for environmental impact studies, management plans and conservation of Atlantic Forest remnants.

O conhecimento das assembleias de formigas que ocorrem em Unidades de Conservação no domínio Mata Atlântica é prioritário, considerando-se o número de espécies endêmicas e os impactos que este bioma vem sofrendo. O objetivo desse trabalho foi caracterizar a assembleia de formigas que ocorre no Parque Estadual do Turvo, a maior unidade de conservação do Rio Grande do Sul que se destaca pelo seu papel na proteção da biodiversidade da Mata Atlântica austral. Foram realizadas duas amostragens no ano de 2019, uma no verão (janeiro) e a outra na primavera (novembro e dezembro), em cinco pontos distantes 2 km entre si, com armadilhas pitfall (solo e dossel), iscas de sardinha, iscas de glicose, guarda-chuva entomológico, rede de varredura e coleta manual. A riqueza amostrada no verão foi de 121 e na primavera de 120, totalizando 163 espécies. Ao todo, 78 espécies (47,8%) ocorreram concomitantemente nas duas amostragens. Os gêneros mais ricos foram Camponotus (S=30), Pheidole (S=23) e Linepithema (S=11). Dezessete espécies foram registradas pela primeira vez para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os resultados se constituem em uma das mais ricas assembleias de formigas já inventariadas em uma unidade de conservação na região sul do Brasil. O estudo destaca a importância das Unidades de Conservação como ambientes protegidos contra a perda de habitat para a biodiversidade de formigas. Os resultados deste estudo contribuem para o conhecimento da mirmecofauna e servem como base para estudos de impacto ambiental, planos de manejo e conservação de remanescentes da Mata Atlântica.

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In fisheries, the phenomenon known as fishing down food webs is supposed to be a consequence of overfishing, which would be reflected in a reduction in the trophic level of landings. In such scenarios, the resilience of carnivorous, top predator species is particularly affected, making these resources the first to be depleted. The Serra Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus brasiliensis, exemplifies a predator resource historically targeted by artisanal fisheries on the Brazilian coast. The present work analyzes landings in three periods within a 50-year timescale on the Parana coast, Southern Brazil, aiming to evaluate whether historical production has supposedly declined. Simultaneously, the diet was analyzed to confirm carnivorous habits and evaluate the trophic level in this region. Surprisingly, the results show that from the 1970's to 2019 Serra Spanish mackerel production grew relatively to other resources, as well as in individual values. The trophic level was calculated as 4.238, similar to other Scomberomorus species, consisting of a case where landings increase over time, despite the high trophic level and large body size of the resource. The results agree with a recent global assessment that has demystified a necessary correlation between high trophic level and overexploitation, but possible factors acting on the present findings are discussed.

Na pesca, o fenômeno fishing down food webs, ou 'pescando teias tróficas abaixo', expressa a redução do nível trófico na composição das capturas, e tem origem tradicionalmente atribuída à sobrepesca. Sob intenso extrativismo, a resiliência das espécies carnívoras, predadoras de topo, é particularmente afetada, sendo seus estoques os primeiros a entrarem em depleção. A cavala, ou serra, ou sororoca, Scomberomorus brasiliensis, é exemplo de recurso predador historicamente alvo da pesca artesanal, de pequena escala, na costa brasileira. O presente trabalho analisa os valores de desembarque do recurso em três períodos ao longo de 50 anos na costa paranaense, sul do Brasil, com objetivo de avaliar se sua produção tem efetivamente diminuído. Ainda, estuda-se a dieta da espécie na região, para confirmar seus hábitos carnívoros e avaliar o nível trófico na região. Os resultados mostram que, surpreendentemente, dos anos 1970 para 2019 a produção de S. brasiliensis tem aumentado em valores absolutos, bem como relativamente à de outros recursos, em que pese o nível trófico 4,238, similar a outras espécies do gênero. Constata-se que a pesca da cavala na região de estudo constitui um caso de aumento nos desembarques a despeito de elevado nível trófico e grande tamanho corpóreo. Os resultados concordam com recente levantamento em nível mundial, que nega existir correlação necessária entre sobrepesca e nível trófico alto, mas fatores que podem explicar os resultados do presente trabalho são discutidos.

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RESUMO

In fisheries, the phenomenon known as fishing down food webs is supposed to be a consequence of overfishing, which would be reflected in a reduction in the trophic level of landings. In such scenarios, the resilience of carnivorous, top predator species is particularly affected, making these resources the first to be depleted. The Serra Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus brasiliensis, exemplifies a predator resource historically targeted by artisanal fisheries on the Brazilian coast. The present work analyzes landings in three periods within a 50-year timescale on the Parana coast, Southern Brazil, aiming to evaluate whether historical production has supposedly declined. Simultaneously, the diet was analyzed to confirm carnivorous habits and evaluate the trophic level in this region. Surprisingly, the results show that from the 1970's to 2019 Serra Spanish mackerel production grew relatively to other resources, as well as in individual values. The trophic level was calculated as 4.238, similar to other Scomberomorus species, consisting of a case where landings increase over time, despite the high trophic level and large body size of the resource. The results agree with a recent global assessment that has demystified a necessary correlation between high trophic level and overexploitation, but possible factors acting on the present findings are discussed.(AU)

Na pesca, o fenômeno fishing down food webs, ou 'pescando teias tróficas abaixo', expressa a redução do nível trófico na composição das capturas, e tem origem tradicionalmente atribuída à sobrepesca. Sob intenso extrativismo, a resiliência das espécies carnívoras, predadoras de topo, é particularmente afetada, sendo seus estoques os primeiros a entrarem em depleção. A cavala, ou serra, ou sororoca, Scomberomorus brasiliensis, é exemplo de recurso predador historicamente alvo da pesca artesanal, de pequena escala, na costa brasileira. O presente trabalho analisa os valores de desembarque do recurso em três períodos ao longo de 50 anos na costa paranaense, sul do Brasil, com objetivo de avaliar se sua produção tem efetivamente diminuído. Ainda, estuda-se a dieta da espécie na região, para confirmar seus hábitos carnívoros e avaliar o nível trófico na região. Os resultados mostram que, surpreendentemente, dos anos 1970 para 2019 a produção de S. brasiliensis tem aumentado em valores absolutos, bem como relativamente à de outros recursos, em que pese o nível trófico 4,238, similar a outras espécies do gênero. Constata-se que a pesca da cavala na região de estudo constitui um caso de aumento nos desembarques a despeito de elevado nível trófico e grande tamanho corpóreo. Os resultados concordam com recente levantamento em nível mundial, que nega existir correlação necessária entre sobrepesca e nível trófico alto, mas fatores que podem explicar os resultados do presente trabalho são discutidos.(AU)

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The knowledge of ant assemblages that occurs in Conservation Units in the Atlantic Forest domain is a priority, considering the number of endemic species and the impacts that this biome has been suffering. The aim of this study was to evaluate ant assemblages in the Turvo State Park, which is the largest conservation unit in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and presents an important role on biodiversity protection. Two samplings were conducted in 2019, one in the summer (January) and the other in the spring (November and December), at five sites 2 km apart, with pitfall traps (soil and canopy), sardine baits, glucose, beating net, sweeping net and manual collection. We sampled 121 species in the summer and 120 in the spring, totaling 163 ant species. A total of 78 species (47.8%) occurred in both sampling seasons. The richest genera in the study were Camponotus (S = 30), Pheidole (S = 23) and Linepithema (S = 11). Seventeen species were recorded for the first time for Rio Grande do Sul state. The results indicate that this is one of the most species-rich assemblages of ants ever surveyed in a conservation unit in southern Brazil. The study highlights the importance of Conservation Units as protected environments against habitat loss for ant biodiversity. The results of this study contribute to myrmecofauna knowledge and serve as a basis for environmental impact studies, management plans and conservation of Atlantic Forest remnants.(AU)

O conhecimento das assembleias de formigas que ocorrem em Unidades de Conservação no domínio Mata Atlântica é prioritário, considerando-se o número de espécies endêmicas e os impactos que este bioma vem sofrendo. O objetivo desse trabalho foi caracterizar a assembleia de formigas que ocorre no Parque Estadual do Turvo, a maior unidade de conservação do Rio Grande do Sul que se destaca pelo seu papel na proteção da biodiversidade da Mata Atlântica austral. Foram realizadas duas amostragens no ano de 2019, uma no verão (janeiro) e a outra na primavera (novembro e dezembro), em cinco pontos distantes 2 km entre si, com armadilhas pitfall (solo e dossel), iscas de sardinha, iscas de glicose, guarda-chuva entomológico, rede de varredura e coleta manual. A riqueza amostrada no verão foi de 121 e na primavera de 120, totalizando 163 espécies. Ao todo, 78 espécies (47,8%) ocorreram concomitantemente nas duas amostragens. Os gêneros mais ricos foram Camponotus (S=30), Pheidole (S=23) e Linepithema (S=11). Dezessete espécies foram registradas pela primeira vez para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os resultados se constituem em uma das mais ricas assembleias de formigas já inventariadas em uma unidade de conservação na região sul do Brasil. O estudo destaca a importância das Unidades de Conservação como ambientes protegidos contra a perda de habitat para a biodiversidade de formigas. Os resultados deste estudo contribuem para o conhecimento da mirmecofauna e servem como base para estudos de impacto ambiental, planos de manejo e conservação de remanescentes da Mata Atlântica.(AU)

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ABSTRACT: The knowledge of Costa Rica's situation regarding the social gradient in mortality is still incomplete. National Electoral Rolls, which included all adult Costa Rican citizens were used. The event was death between 2010 and 2018. The exhaustive final sample included 2,747,616 people for 23,985,602 person-years of follow-up. An ecological study at the electoral district level was performed. A negative social gradient was observed in men and in women, in particular in urban area. A protective effect of rural areas compared to urban areas was revealed in men, but not in women. As a result, in men, the poorest districts of mixed/rural areas had similar life expectancy than the richest districts in urban areas. These results partially contradicted the international literature on socioeconomic inequalities. It demonstrates the importance of studying contexts other than high-income countries to better understand the social inequalities in health worldwide.

RESUMEN: El conocimiento sobre la distribución del gradiente social de la mortalidad en Costa Rica aún no ha sido totalmente comprendido y nuevos estudios pueden confirmar o refutar lo que anteriormente se ha observado. Se utilizaron las listas electorales nacionales, que incluían a todos los ciudadanos costarricenses adultos. El evento fue la muerte entre 2010 y 2018. Siendo la muestra exhaustiva final de 2.747.616 personas para 23.985.602 personas-año de seguimiento. Se realizó un estudio ecológico a nivel de distrito electoral, para caracterizar la situación socioeconómica de cada uno. Se observó un gradiente social negativo en hombres y mujeres, en particular en el área urbana. Se observó un efecto protector de las áreas rurales en comparación con las áreas urbanas en los hombres, pero no en las mujeres. Como resultado, en los hombres, los distritos más pobres de las áreas mixtas/rurales tenían una esperanza de vida similar a la de los distritos más ricos de las áreas urbanas. Estos resultados contradicen parcialmente la literatura internacional sobre las inequidades socioeconómicas en mortalidad. Demuestra la importancia de estudiar contextos distintos a los de los países de ingresos altos para comprender mejor las desigualdades sociales en salud en todo el mundo.

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Tem-se como objetivo desse trabalho avaliar o efeito do aumento da carga de gemas na fenologia e na maturação tecnológica e fenológica da videira Cabernet Franc em região de elevada altitude de Santa Catarina. O presente trabalho foi conduzido durante safra 2016/2017, em um vinhedo comercial, localizado no munícipio de São Joaquim. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro diferentes níveis de cargas de gemas: 15, 30, 50 e 75 gemas planta-1 . Durante o ciclo vegetativo da videira foram avaliados os principais estádios fenológicos (brotação, floração, virada de cor e maturação para colheita), sendo avaliadas qualitativamente quanto qualitativamente. No momento da colheita foram coletadas 100 bagas por parcela para a determinação da maturação tecnológica e fenólica. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com quatro blocos e cinco plantas por parcela. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e comparados pelo Teste Tukey a 5% de probabilidade de erro. O aumento da carga de gemas resultou em maior duração da Brotação e Floração, enquanto para a duração do Verásion, não observou-se efeito das diferentes cargas de gemas. A maturação tecnológica não foi influenciada pelo aumento da carga de gemas, e nos intervalos de carga de gemas testadas (15 a 75 gemas/planta), obteve-se índices de maturação considerados adequados para a elaboração de vinhos de qualidade. O aumento da carga de gemas não proporcionou diferença significativa nos atributos físicoquímicos, na composição fenólica e coloração das bagas.(AU)

The objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of load of buds on phenology and the technological and phenological maturation of Cabernet Franc grapevine in high-altitude region of Santa Catarina. The present work was conducted during the 2016/2017 harvest, in a commercial vineyard, located in the city of São Joaquim. The treatments consisted of four different levels of bud loads: 15, 30, 50, and 75 plant-1 buds. During the vegetative cycle of the grapevine, the main phenological stages were evaluated (budding, flowering, color turning, and maturation for harvest), being evaluated qualitatively and qualitatively. At the time of harvest, 100 berries were collected per plot to determine technological and phenolic maturation. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four blocks and five plants per plot. The data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and compared by Tukey test with a 5% probability of error. The increase of the bud load resulted in a longer duration of Budding and Flowering, whereas for the duration of Verásion, no effect of different bud loads was observed. Technological maturation was not influenced by the increase of the yolk load, and in the sample loading intervals (15 to 75 yolks/plant), maturation rates considered adequate for the elaboration of quality wines were obtained. The increase of the yolk load did not give a significant difference in the physical-chemical attributes, in the phenolic composition and color of the berries.(AU)

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Tem-se como objetivo desse trabalho avaliar o efeito do aumento da carga de gemas na fenologia e na maturação tecnológica e fenológica da videira Cabernet Franc em região de elevada altitude de Santa Catarina. O presente trabalho foi conduzido durante safra 2016/2017, em um vinhedo comercial, localizado no munícipio de São Joaquim. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro diferentes níveis de cargas de gemas: 15, 30, 50 e 75 gemas planta-1 . Durante o ciclo vegetativo da videira foram avaliados os principais estádios fenológicos (brotação, floração, virada de cor e maturação para colheita), sendo avaliadas qualitativamente quanto qualitativamente. No momento da colheita foram coletadas 100 bagas por parcela para a determinação da maturação tecnológica e fenólica. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com quatro blocos e cinco plantas por parcela. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e comparados pelo Teste Tukey a 5% de probabilidade de erro. O aumento da carga de gemas resultou em maior duração da Brotação e Floração, enquanto para a duração do Verásion, não observou-se efeito das diferentes cargas de gemas. A maturação tecnológica não foi influenciada pelo aumento da carga de gemas, e nos intervalos de carga de gemas testadas (15 a 75 gemas/planta), obteve-se índices de maturação considerados adequados para a elaboração de vinhos de qualidade. O aumento da carga de gemas não proporcionou diferença significativa nos atributos físicoquímicos, na composição fenólica e coloração das bagas.

The objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of load of buds on phenology and the technological and phenological maturation of Cabernet Franc grapevine in high-altitude region of Santa Catarina. The present work was conducted during the 2016/2017 harvest, in a commercial vineyard, located in the city of São Joaquim. The treatments consisted of four different levels of bud loads: 15, 30, 50, and 75 plant-1 buds. During the vegetative cycle of the grapevine, the main phenological stages were evaluated (budding, flowering, color turning, and maturation for harvest), being evaluated qualitatively and qualitatively. At the time of harvest, 100 berries were collected per plot to determine technological and phenolic maturation. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four blocks and five plants per plot. The data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and compared by Tukey test with a 5% probability of error. The increase of the bud load resulted in a longer duration of Budding and Flowering, whereas for the duration of Verásion, no effect of different bud loads was observed. Technological maturation was not influenced by the increase of the yolk load, and in the sample loading intervals (15 to 75 yolks/plant), maturation rates considered adequate for the elaboration of quality wines were obtained. The increase of the yolk load did not give a significant difference in the physical-chemical attributes, in the phenolic composition and color of the berries.

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RESUMO

Resumen El Oro incluye diferentes sistemas costeros y estuarinos y es parte del Golfo de Guayaquil. Estas áreas proporcionan diferentes servicios ecosistémicos, pero con el aumento de la población y de las diversas actividades económicas, los recursos naturales locales poco estudiados pueden verse afectados negativamente. Es por ello que esta investigación tuvo como objetivo describir la dinámica del plancton, productividad y ecológica de esta área durante la estación seca de 2012, para lo cual se establecieron 17 estaciones para estudiar la distribución espacial y variación mensual de los nutrientes inorgánicos, temperatura, oxígeno disuelto, salinidad, zona fótica, abundancia y composición del plancton y larvas de peces, con métodos estándar. Se establecieron patrones espaciales y temporales mediante análisis de conglomerados y de ordenamiento multidimensional. Los resultados obtenidos de las variables bióticas y abióticas analizadas determinaron un patrón característico de un ecosistema estuarino productivo, así como también la existencia de áreas específicas asociadas a condiciones naturales y antrópicas, que son: a) interior del Archipiélago de Jambelí y frente a la isla Puná, influenciada por las actividades productivas y la hidrografía del área; b) una zona, conformada por las estaciones ubicadas en el estuario exterior donde la influencia oceánica es evidente y c) el canal de Jambelí, caracterizado por procesos de mezcla producto del flujo de mareas. Lo que se evidenció en la presencia de fitoplancton oceánico, nerítico y estuarino; copépodos con distribución uniforme en el área de estudio y dominancia de la familia Engraulidae representativa en este tipo de ecosistema acuático en lo referente a larvas de peces. Temporalmente, mayo registró precipitaciones que excedieron los valores normales, lo que habría determinado las altas concentraciones de nutrientes, la disminución de salinidad y de la zona fótica, registradas en este mes. Sin embargo la disponibilidad de nutrientes existente permitió a lo largo de todo el período de estudio mantener la composición y abundancia del fitoplancton con alternancia de especies representativas y que el zooplancton registre periodos de mayor (junio a agosto) y menor (octubre a diciembre) abundancia, lo que sería resultado de patrones poblacionales específicos de las especies presentes e influencia de la marea y flujos del río aportante; comportamiento similar registró el ictioplancton resultado de las concentraciones de Anchoa macrolepidota, especie característica de este ecosistema. Estos patrones de distribución espacio-temporal, permiten establecer el desarrollo de múltiples interacciones abióticas y bióticas que determinan diferentes estrategias para mantener la productividad del área, por lo que se recomienda desarrollar esta investigación durante la estación lluviosa en el Ecuador.

Abstract El Oro includes different coastal and estuarine systems and the important Gulf of Guayaquil. These areas provide different ecosystem services, but with the increase of population and of the varied economic activities, the barely known local natural resources may be negatively impacted. Thus this research aimed to study plankton dynamics, productivity and ecological balance for the area during the dry season of 2012. For this, we established 17 stations and studied the monthly variation and spatial distribution of inorganic nutrients, temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, photic zone, plankton and fish larvae abundance and composition with standard methods, while spatial and temporal patterns where identified using cluster and multidimentional scaling analyses. Obtained results of biotic and abiotic parameters defined a pattern characteristic of productive estuarine zones as well as the existence of three specific areas associated with the natural and anthropic conditions of the area, such as: a) inner part of the Jambelí Archipelago and in front of Puná island influenced by productive activities and the hydrography of the area; B) an area, formed by the stations located in the outer estuary where the oceanic influence is evident and c) the Jambelí channel, characterized by mixing processes resulting from tides flow. This was supported by the presence of oceanic, neritic and estuarine phytoplankton; copepods with uniform distribution in the study area, and dominance of Engraulidae fish larvae, representative of this type of aquatic ecosystem. Temporally, rainfall records in May exceeded normal values, which would have influenced the high concentrations of nutrients, decrease of salinity and of the photic zone registered during this month. However, the availability of nutrients throughout the study period, allowed to maintain the composition and abundance of phytoplankton, with changes in representative species, recorded periods of greater (June to August) and lower (October to December) zooplankton abundance, could be the result of specific population patterns of present species, and the influence of the tide and the flows of the contributing river basin. A similar behavior was recorded for ichthioplankton, as a result of Anchoa macrolepidota concentrations, species, characteristics of this type of ecosystem. These patterns of spatio-temporal distribution, allowed the development of multiple abiotic and biotic interactions that determine different strategies to maintain the productivity of the area. We recommend new studies during the rainy season in Ecuador. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 836-847. Epub 2018 June 01.

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Forest fragments in urban areas have many habitat resources that frogs use for refuge, reproduction and growth. Knowledge of an anuran assembly is the first step towards understanding the importance of these forest fragments in areas highly threatened by anthropogenic actions. We sampled anurans during the day and night from November 2012 to August 2013 through visual and acoustic surveys. We found 333 individuals belonging to 19 species. The highest richness and abundance were recorded in January whereas the lowest richness and abundance were recorded in June. Most species were found in open areas. Our results highlight the importance of well-studied urban fragments for the anuran community. The conservation of these habitats may ensure the viability of the ecological functions of this anuran community for the future.(AU)

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A proteção e melhoria do ambiente do ser humano provêm diretamente de uma necessidade vital de proteger a vida humana e garantir a sua qualidade e condição, logo, o direito a um ambiente saudável aponta para a satisfação de uma necessidade vital, agregada aos princípios morais fundamentais da igualdade e da dignidade humana. O dever partilhado entre cidadãos e Estado de proteger o ambiente implica o surgimento de uma aspiração por novos valores, como a ética pela vida, o uso racional dos recursos e o equilíbrio ecológico, criando uma consciência ambiental. A defesa do direito fundamental à saúde e do direito fundamental ao ambiente sadio e equilibrado estão associados, uma vez que o ser humano, inserido no contexto ecológico, depende de um ambiente sadio para ter saúde e qualidade de vida, sendo o Direito Sanitário tratado também como uma questão de saúde ambiental.

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Forest fragments in urban areas have many habitat resources that frogs use for refuge, reproduction and growth. Knowledge of an anuran assembly is the first step towards understanding the importance of these forest fragments in areas highly threatened by anthropogenic actions. We sampled anurans during the day and night from November 2012 to August 2013 through visual and acoustic surveys. We found 333 individuals belonging to 19 species. The highest richness and abundance were recorded in January whereas the lowest richness and abundance were recorded in June. Most species were found in open areas. Our results highlight the importance of well-studied urban fragments for the anuran community. The conservation of these habitats may ensure the viability of the ecological functions of this anuran community for the future.

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O objetivo do estudo foi identificar e caracterizar tocas de tatu encontradas em remanescente de floresta semidecidual empregando os métodos de caminhamento, análise de micro-habitat e armadilhas fotográficas. A maioria das tocas foi escavada sob rochas ou raízes de árvores e estão associadas a diferentes níveis de cobertura vegetal. Foram registradas ao menos quatro espécies de mamíferos, indicando que tatus podem ser engenheiros de ecossistemas.

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize armadillo burrows found in a semideciduous forest remnant employing methods of random-walks, micro-habitat analysis and camera-traps. Most burrows (60,6%) were excavated under rocks or tree roots and are associated to different levels of vegetation cover. Three medium and large sized mammals were registered besides small wild rodents, indicating that armadillos may be ecosystem engineers.

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O objetivo do estudo foi identificar e caracterizar tocas de tatu encontradas em remanescente de floresta semidecidual empregando os métodos de caminhamento, análise de micro-habitat e armadilhas fotográficas. A maioria das tocas foi escavada sob rochas ou raízes de árvores e estão associadas a diferentes níveis de cobertura vegetal. Foram registradas ao menos quatro espécies de mamíferos, indicando que tatus podem ser engenheiros de ecossistemas.(AU)

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize armadillo burrows found in a semideciduous forest remnant employing methods of random-walks, micro-habitat analysis and camera-traps. Most burrows (60,6%) were excavated under rocks or tree roots and are associated to different levels of vegetation cover. Three medium and large sized mammals were registered besides small wild rodents, indicating that armadillos may be ecosystem engineers.(AU)

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Background: Scleractinian corals (stony corals) are the most abundant reef-forming cnidarians found in coral reefs throughout the world. Despite their abundance and ecological importance, information about the diversity of their toxins and their biological activities is very scarce. In this study, the chemical composition and the biological activities of the aqueous extracts of Pseudodiploria strigosa, Porites astreoides and Siderastrea siderea, three scleractinian corals from the Mexican Caribbean, have been assessed for the first time. Methods: Toxicity of the extracts was assessed in crickets; the presence of cytolysins was detected by the hemolysis assay; the vasoconstrictor activity was determined by the isolated rat aortic ring assay; the nociceptive activity was evaluated by the formalin test. The presence of phospholipases A2 (PLA2), serine proteases, and hyaluronidases was determined by enzymatic methods. Low-molecular-weight fractions were obtained by gel filtration chromatography and ultrafiltration. Results: Extracts from the three species were toxic to crickets, induced hemolysis in human and rat erythrocytes, produced vasoconstriction on isolated rat aortic rings, and presented phospholipase A2 and serine-protease activity. Despite the fact that these corals are not considered to be harmless to humans, the extracts generated significant nociceptive responses. The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry analysis of the low-molecular-weight fractions revealed the presence of peptides within a mass range of 3000 to 6000 Da. These fractions were toxic to crickets and two of them induced a transitory vasoconstrictor effect on isolated rat aortic rings. Conclusion: This study suggests that scleractinian corals produce low-molecular-weight peptides that are lethal to crickets and induce vasoconstriction.(AU)

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RESUMO

The amount of energy required to produce a commodity or to supply a service varies from one production system to another and consequently giving rise to differing levels of environmental efficiency. Moreover, since energy prices have been continuously increasing over time, this energy amount may be a factor that has economic worth. Biomass production has a variety of end-products such as food, energy, and fiber; thus, taking into account the similarity in end-product of different crops (e.g.: sunflower, peanuts, or soybean for oil) it is possible to evaluate which crops require less energy per functional unit, such as starch, oil, and protein. This information can be used in decision-making about policies for food safety or bioenergy. In this study, 23 crops were evaluated allowing for a comparison in terms of energy embodied per functional unit. Crops were grouped as follows: starch, oil, horticultural, perennial and fiber, to provide for a deeper analysis of alternatives for the groups, and subsidize further studies comparing conventional and alternative production systems such as organic or genetically modified organisms, in terms of energy. The best energy balance observed was whole sugarcane (juice, bagasse and straw) with a surplus of 268 GJ ha1 yr1; palm shows the highest energy return on investment with a ratio of approximately 30:1. For carbohydrates and protein production, cassava and soybean, respectively, emerged as the crops offering the greatest energy savings in the production of these functional foods.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

The amount of energy required to produce a commodity or to supply a service varies from one production system to another and consequently giving rise to differing levels of environmental efficiency. Moreover, since energy prices have been continuously increasing over time, this energy amount may be a factor that has economic worth. Biomass production has a variety of end-products such as food, energy, and fiber; thus, taking into account the similarity in end-product of different crops (e.g.: sunflower, peanuts, or soybean for oil) it is possible to evaluate which crops require less energy per functional unit, such as starch, oil, and protein. This information can be used in decision-making about policies for food safety or bioenergy. In this study, 23 crops were evaluated allowing for a comparison in terms of energy embodied per functional unit. Crops were grouped as follows: starch, oil, horticultural, perennial and fiber, to provide for a deeper analysis of alternatives for the groups, and subsidize further studies comparing conventional and alternative production systems such as organic or genetically modified organisms, in terms of energy. The best energy balance observed was whole sugarcane (juice, bagasse and straw) with a surplus of 268 GJ ha1 yr1; palm shows the highest energy return on investment with a ratio of approximately 30:1. For carbohydrates and protein production, cassava and soybean, respectively, emerged as the crops offering the greatest energy savings in the production of these functional foods.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Seed banks play an important role in the resilience of potential anthropogenic areas and are influenced by seasonal variation. The spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the forests influences the richness and density of the soil seed bank, but there is a hypothesis that such influence can be changed in anthropogenic areas, where we expect to find lower richness and seed density in relation to the seed bank of mature forests. The richness and seasonal density of seeds in the soil depth of a young caatinga forest, 17 years after an agricultural activity was abandoned, were evaluated and compared with those of a mature forest. The study was conducted at the Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco - IPA (Estação Experimental José Nilson de Melo), located in Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brazil, in an area of tropical dry forest, known locally as “caatinga”. The local climate is seasonal, the dry season occurring from September to February and the rainy season concentrated in the remaining months. The average annual rainfall over time (time series of 30 years) is 692mm. In each climatic season (rainy and dry), the seed bank was sampled in 210 20x20cm plots (105 in the leaf litter and 105 at 5cm soil depth). The richness and seed density of the soil samples were evaluated by the method of seedling emergence. The seed bank had 47 species, with a predominance of herbaceous plants. Seasonal variation in richness and seed density in the soil (leaf litter + soil) was not significant, but 42 species of the mature forest were absent from the seed bank of the young forest, despite 17 years of natural regeneration and its proximity to the mature forest. On its own, the soil has greater richness and density of seeds than the leaf litter. The depth of seed deposition in the soil bank of the young forest significantly explained 36% of the species richness and 16% of the seed density, with a significant interaction effect with the climatic season only on species richness, explaining 4% of the variation recorded. The seed density of the young forest (1 277seeds/m²) was greater than that the mature forest indicating that the time abandoned had not yet been sufficient for complete recovery of plant diversity and there is no longer any seed limitation of pioneer species for regeneration of the young forest. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (2): 321-332. Epub 2015 June 01.

El banco de semillas juega un papel importante en el potencial de resiliencia de las áreas antropogénicas y sufre influencia de las variaciones estacionales. La heterogeneidad espacial y temporal de los bosques influye en la riqueza y la densidad del banco de semillas del suelo, pero hay una hipótesis de que tal influencia se puede cambiar en las zonas antropogénicas, donde esperaríamos encontrar menor riqueza y densidad de semillas en relación con el banco de semillas de los bosques maduros. La riqueza y la densidad estacional de semillas del espacio vertical del suelo de un bosque joven, con 17 años de abandono de cualquier actividad agrícola, fueron evaluadas y comparadas con las un bosque maduro. El estudio se realizó en el Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco - IPA (Estação Experimental José Nilson de Melo), situado en Caruarú, Pernambuco, Brasil, en una zona de bosque seco tropical, conocida localmente como “caatinga”. El clima local es estacional, la estación seca ocurre de septiembre a febrero y la estación de lluvias en los meses restantes. La precipitación promedio anual (series de tiempo de 30 años) es 692mm. En cada estación climática (lluviosa y seca), el banco de semillas fue muestreado en 210 parcelas de 20x20cm (105 en la hojarasca a 5cm de profundidad del suelo). La riqueza y densidad de semillas de las muestras del suelo fueron evaluadas por el método de emergencia de plántulas. El banco de semillas presentó 47 especies, con una predominancia de las herbáceas. Las variaciones estacionales de riqueza y densidad de semillas del suelo (hojarasca+suelo) no fueron significativas, pero 42 especies del bosque maduro todavía estaban ausentes en el banco de semillas del bosque joven, apesar de los 17 años de regeneración natural y de su proximidad con el bosque maduro. Aisladamente, el suelo presentó mayor riqueza y densidad de semillas que la hojarasca. La profundidad de depósito de semillas en el banco del suelo del bosque joven explicó significativamente 36% de la riqueza de especies y 16% de la densidad de semillas, con efecto significativo de interacción con la estación climática apenas sobre la riqueza de las especies, explicando más de 4% de la variación registrada. La densidad de semillas del bosque joven (1 277semillas/m²) fue más elevada que la del bosque maduro indicando, que a pesar del poco tiempo de abandono del cultivo, fue suficiente para la recuperación completa de la densidad de semillas.

Assuntos