Showing papers by "Federal University of Roraima published in 2020"

Evolution and epidemic spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil.

Abstract: Brazil currently has one of the fastest-growing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemics in the world. Because of limited available data, assessments of the impact of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on this virus spread remain challenging. Using a mobility-driven transmission model, we show that NPIs reduced the reproduction number from >3 to 1 to 1.6 in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Sequencing of 427 new genomes and analysis of a geographically representative genomic dataset identified >100 international virus introductions in Brazil. We estimate that most (76%) of the Brazilian strains fell in three clades that were introduced from Europe between 22 February and 11 March 2020. During the early epidemic phase, we found that SARS-CoV-2 spread mostly locally and within state borders. After this period, despite sharp decreases in air travel, we estimated multiple exportations from large urban centers that coincided with a 25% increase in average traveled distances in national flights. This study sheds new light on the epidemic transmission and evolutionary trajectories of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Brazil and provides evidence that current interventions remain insufficient to keep virus transmission under control in this country.

Air transportation, population density and temperature predict the spread of COVID-19 in Brazil

Abstract: There is evidence that COVID-19, the disease caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, is sensitive to environmental conditions. However, such conditions often correlate with demographic and socioeconomic factors at larger spatial extents, which could confound this inference. We evaluated the effect of meteorological conditions (temperature, solar radiation, air humidity and precipitation) on 292 daily records of cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the 27 Brazilian capital cities during the 1st month of the outbreak, while controlling for an indicator of the number of tests, the number of arriving flights, population density, proportion of elderly people and average income. Apart from increasing with time, the number of confirmed cases was mainly related to the number of arriving flights and population density, increasing with both factors. However, after accounting for these effects, the disease was shown to be temperature sensitive: there were more cases in colder cities and days, and cases accumulated faster at lower temperatures. Our best estimate indicates that a 1 °C increase in temperature has been associated with a decrease in confirmed cases of 8%. The quality of the data and unknowns limit the analysis, but the study reveals an urgent need to understand more about the environmental sensitivity of the disease to predict demands on health services in different regions and seasons.

Ensino superior em tempos de pandemia: diretrizes à gestão universitária

Abstract: RESUMO Instituicoes de Ensino Superior de todo o mundo foram afetadas pela pandemia da Covid-19. O prolongamento das medidas de distanciamento fisico entre pessoas impoe a adaptacao do ensino presencial ao formato remoto. Isso exige planejamento e consideracao as condicoes de estudantes e professores. Neste artigo, sao propostas diretrizes para orientar o trabalho de gestores universitarios ao avaliarem as dificuldades e limitacoes impostas pela situacao emergencial decorrente da pandemia, bem como lidarem com elas, de maneira a promover condicoes de trabalho e pedagogicas, viaveis e seguras, a professores e estudantes. Tais diretrizes sao baseadas em uma concepcao de Ensino Superior orientada para o desenvolvimento da capacidade de atuacao profissional (em oposicao a transmissao de conteudo). Sao tambem baseadas em variaveis que interferem no processo educacional.

Evolution and epidemic spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil

Abstract: Brazil currently has one of the fastest growing SARS-CoV-2 epidemics in the world. Due to limited available data, assessments of the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on virus transmission and epidemic spread remain challenging. We investigate the impact of NPIs in Brazil using epidemiological, mobility and genomic data. Mobility-driven transmission models for Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro cities show that the reproduction number (Rt) reached below 1 following NPIs but slowly increased to values between 1 to 1.3 (1.0 - -1.6). Genome sequencing of 427 new genomes and analysis of a geographically representative genomic dataset from 21 of the 27 Brazilian states identified >100 international introductions of SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil. We estimate that three clades introduced from Europe emerged between 22 and 27 February 2020, and were already well-established before the implementation of NPIs and travel bans. During this first phase of the epidemic establishment of SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil, we find that the virus spread mostly locally and within-state borders. Despite sharp decreases in national air travel during this period, we detected a 25% increase in the average distance travelled by air passengers during this time period. This coincided with the spread of SARS-CoV-2 from large urban centers to the rest of the country. In conclusion, our results shed light on the role of large and highly connected populated centres in the rapid ignition and establishment of SARS-CoV-2, and provide evidence that current interventions remain insufficient to keep virus transmission under control in Brazil.

The global abundance of tree palms

Abstract: Aim: Palms are an iconic, diverse and often abundant component of tropical ecosystems that provide many ecosystem services. Being monocots, tree palms are evolutionarily, morphologically and physiologically distinct from other trees, and these differences have important consequences for ecosystem services (e.g., carbon sequestration and storage) and in terms of responses to climate change. We quantified global patterns of tree palm relative abundance to help improve understanding of tropical forests and reduce uncertainty about these ecosystems under climate change. Location: Tropical and subtropical moist forests. Time period: Current. Major taxa studied: Palms (Arecaceae). Methods: We assembled a pantropical dataset of 2,548 forest plots (covering 1,191 ha) and quantified tree palm (i.e., ≥10 cm diameter at breast height) abundance relative to co-occurring non-palm trees. We compared the relative abundance of tree palms across biogeographical realms and tested for associations with palaeoclimate stability, current climate, edaphic conditions and metrics of forest structure. Results: On average, the relative abundance of tree palms was more than five times larger between Neotropical locations and other biogeographical realms. Tree palms were absent in most locations outside the Neotropics but present in >80% of Neotropical locations. The relative abundance of tree palms was more strongly associated with local conditions (e.g., higher mean annual precipitation, lower soil fertility, shallower water table and lower plot mean wood density) than metrics of long-term climate stability. Life-form diversity also influenced the patterns; palm assemblages outside the Neotropics comprise many non-tree (e.g., climbing) palms. Finally, we show that tree palms can influence estimates of above-ground biomass, but the magnitude and direction of the effect require additional work. Conclusions: Tree palms are not only quintessentially tropical, but they are also overwhelmingly Neotropical. Future work to understand the contributions of tree palms to biomass estimates and carbon cycling will be particularly crucial in Neotropical forests.

Palms and trees resist extreme drought in Amazon forests with shallow water tables

Abstract: 1. The intensity and frequency of severe droughts in the Amazon region has increase in recent decades. These extreme events are associated with changes in forest dynamics, biomass and floristic composition. However, most studies of drought response have focused on upland forests with deep water tables, which may be especially sensitive to drought. Palms, which tend to dominate the less well‐drained soils, have also been neglected. The relative neglect of shallow water tables and palms is a significant concern for our understanding of tropical drought impacts, especially as one third of Amazon forests grow on shallow water tables (<5m deep). 2. We evaluated the drought response of palms and trees in forests distributed over a 600 km transect in central‐southern Amazonia, where the landscape is dominated by shallow water table forests. We compared vegetation dynamics before and following the 2015–16 El Nino drought, the hottest and driest on record for the region (−214 mm of cumulative water deficit). 3. We observed no change in stand mortality rates and no biomass loss in response to drought in these forests. Instead, we observed an increase in recruitment rates, which doubled to 6.78% y‐1 ± 4.40 (mean ± SD) during 2015–16 for palms and increased by half for trees (to 2.92% y‐1 ± 1.21), compared to rates in the pre‐El‐Nino interval. Within these shallow water table forests, mortality and recruitment rates varied as a function of climatic drought intensity and water table depth for both palms and trees, with mortality being greatest in climatically and hydrologically wetter environments and recruitment greatest in drier environments. Across our transect there was a significant increase over time in tree biomass. 4. Synthesis: Our results indicate that forests growing over shallow water tables – relatively under‐studied vegetation that nonetheless occupies one‐third of Amazon forests ‐ are remarkably resistant to drought. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that local hydrology and its interactions with climate strongly constrain forest drought effects, and has implications for climate change feedbacks. This work enhances our understanding of integrated drought effects on tropical forest dynamics and highlights the importance of incorporating neglected forest types into both the modeling of forest climate responses and into public decisions about priorities for conservation.

NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES: a data set on carnivore distribution in the Neotropics

Abstract: Mammalian carnivores are considered a key group in maintaining ecological health and can indicate potential ecological integrity in landscapes where they occur. Carnivores also hold high conservation value and their habitat requirements can guide management and conservation plans. The order Carnivora has 84 species from 8 families in the Neotropical region: Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Otariidae; Phocidae; Procyonidae; and Ursidae. Herein, we include published and unpublished data on native terrestrial Neotropical carnivores (Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Procyonidae; and Ursidae). NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES is a publicly available data set that includes 99,605 data entries from 35,511 unique georeferenced coordinates. Detection/non-detection and quantitative data were obtained from 1818 to 2018 by researchers, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private consultants. Data were collected using several methods including camera trapping, museum collections, roadkill, line transect, and opportunistic records. Literature (peer-reviewed and grey literature) from Portuguese, Spanish and English were incorporated in this compilation. Most of the data set consists of detection data entries (n = 79,343; 79.7%) but also includes non-detection data (n = 20,262; 20.3%). Of those, 43.3% also include count data (n = 43,151). The information available in NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES will contribute to macroecological, ecological, and conservation questions in multiple spatio-temporal perspectives. As carnivores play key roles in trophic interactions, a better understanding of their distribution and habitat requirements are essential to establish conservation management plans and safeguard the future ecological health of Neotropical ecosystems. Our data paper, combined with other large-scale data sets, has great potential to clarify species distribution and related ecological processes within the Neotropics. There are no copyright restrictions and no restriction for using data from this data paper, as long as the data paper is cited as the source of the information used. We also request that users inform us of how they intend to use the data.

NEOTROPICAL ALIEN MAMMALS: a data set of occurrence and abundance of alien mammals in the Neotropics

Abstract: Biodiversity loss is currently one of the most important societal concerns worldwide, and it is caused mainly by habitat loss and fragmentation, biological invasion, and climate change (Vitousek et al. 1996, Newbold et al. 2015, Bellard et al. 2016). Introduced species can have positive effects on human well-being, especially when used for livelihoods benefits (Shackleton et al. 2019). However, introduced species become invasive when they disrupt ecosystem processes by negatively affecting native species through direct, indirect or apparent competition, predation, habitat modification, and alteration of nutrient and water cycles (Long 2003, Mooney et al. 2005, Clout and Rusell 2007, Bellard et al. 2016).

The impact of imported malaria by gold miners in Roraima: characterizing the spatial dynamics of autochthonous and imported malaria in an urban region of Boa Vista

Abstract: BACKGROUND The number of malaria cases in Roraima nearly tripled from 2016 to 2018. The capital, Boa Vista, considered a low-risk area for malaria transmission, reported an increasing number of autochthonous and imported cases. OBJECTIVES This study describes a spatial analysis on malaria cases in an urban region of Boa Vista, which sought to identify the autochthonous and imported cases and associated them with Anopheles habitats and the potential risk of local transmission. METHODS In a cross-sectional study at the Polyclinic Cosme e Silva, 520 individuals were interviewed and diagnosed with malaria by microscopic examination. Using a global positional system, the locations of malaria cases by type and origin and the breeding sites of anopheline vectors were mapped and the risk of malaria transmission was evaluated by spatial point pattern analysis. FINDINGS Malaria was detected in 57.5% of the individuals and there was a disproportionate number of imported cases (90.6%) linked to Brazilian coming from gold mining sites in Venezuela and Guyana. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The increase in imported malaria cases circulating in the west region of Boa Vista, where there are positive breeding sites for the main vectors, may represent a potential condition for increased autochthonous malaria transmission in this space.

Wild dogs at stake: deforestation threatens the only Amazon endemic canid, the short-eared dog (Atelocynus microtis).

Abstract: The persistent high deforestation rate and fragmentation of the Amazon forests are the main threats to their biodiversity. To anticipate and mitigate these threats, it is important to understand and predict how species respond to the rapidly changing landscape. The short-eared dog Atelocynus microtis is the only Amazon-endemic canid and one of the most understudied wild dogs worldwide. We investigated short-eared dog habitat associations on two spatial scales. First, we used the largest record database ever compiled for short-eared dogs in combination with species distribution models to map species habitat suitability, estimate its distribution range and predict shifts in species distribution in response to predicted deforestation across the entire Amazon (regional scale). Second, we used systematic camera trap surveys and occupancy models to investigate how forest cover and forest fragmentation affect the space use of this species in the Southern Brazilian Amazon (local scale). Species distribution models suggested that the short-eared dog potentially occurs over an extensive and continuous area, through most of the Amazon region south of the Amazon River. However, approximately 30% of the short-eared dog's current distribution is expected to be lost or suffer sharp declines in habitat suitability by 2027 (within three generations) due to forest loss. This proportion might reach 40% of the species distribution in unprotected areas and exceed 60% in some interfluves (i.e. portions of land separated by large rivers) of the Amazon basin. Our local-scale analysis indicated that the presence of forest positively affected short-eared dog space use, while the density of forest edges had a negative effect. Beyond shedding light on the ecology of the short-eared dog and refining its distribution range, our results stress that forest loss poses a serious threat to the conservation of the species in a short time frame. Hence, we propose a re-assessment of the short-eared dog's current IUCN Red List status (Near Threatened) based on findings presented here. Our study exemplifies how data can be integrated across sources and modelling procedures to improve our knowledge of relatively understudied species.

Local ecological knowledge of shellfish collectors in an extractivist reserve, Northeast Brazil: implications for co-management

Abstract: The Local Ecological Knowledge of shellfish harvesters in a Northern Brazil estuary was recorded to provide socio-ecological information for the development of a co-management system. The research was carried out in the community of Acau, Paraiba state, from January to October 2015, and involved 120 shellfish harvesters (average age 44 years). Participant observations, interviews, questionnaires, free lists, and participatory mapping were used. Shellfishes were mostly collected by women as their main source of income. Most shellfish extraction sites were closest to the community and provided easy access to the resource. Twelve species of mollusks are collected, with Anomalocardia flexuosa being the most targeted species, with the highest Cognitive Salience Index—it stood out due to its relevance in terms of economic and cultural importance. The fishers stated that their main difficulties were transporting shellfish, health problems, low price and lack of buyers during winter. They would like to see the implementation of a fishery closure subsidized by unemployment insurance. We suggest that implementing management measures in conjunction with fishers’ input would be more effective than decisions based on scientific evidence alone.

Emergence of extensively drug-resistant international clone IC-6 Acinetobacter baumannii carrying blaOXA-72 and blaCTX-M-115 in the Brazilian Amazon region

Abstract: Objectives The extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii international clone VI (IC-6) has been identified worldwide since 2006. This study reports the emergence of IC-6 in the Brazilian Amazon region and reveals the particular genomic features considering its mobilome and resistome. Methods A total of 32 carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strains recovered from Boa Vista city (Roraima, Brazil) in 2016 were characterised by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The whole genome sequences of the Brazilian IC-6 strains were obtained. The mobilome and resistome were assessed by in silico analyses. Results PFGE and MLST demonstrated that the 32 A. baumannii strains belonged to four clones. One XDR clone corresponded to the high-risk pandemic IC-6 lineage from ST944Oxf/78Pas. The IC-6 resistome was composed of aadA5, aac(3ʹʹ)-IIa, aph(3ʹ)-Ia, armA, aadB, msrE, blaTEM-1, IS15DIV–blaCTX-M-115–IS15DIV, blaOXA-90, ISAba1–blaADC-152, blaOXA-72, qacEΔ1 and sul1. Mobilome prediction revealed that blaOXA-72 was embedded in a 15.5-kb plasmid and that it was flanked by putative XerC/D-binding sites, possibly involved in blaOXA-72 mobilisation. Several resistance genes were in a 48-kb multidrug resistance genomic island inserted in the chromosome, which also harboured genes involved in host pathogenicity and adaptive traits. Interestingly, the Brazilian strains shared the blaOXA-72 and blaCTX-M-115 with IC-6/ST944Oxf/78Pas recovered in a distinct spatiotemporal context, pointing to an epidemiological link among them. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of surveillance of XDR A. baumannii strains, even outside of densely populated cosmopolitan regions, to reveal the epidemiology of pandemic lineages, stressing their threat to public health.

Effect of different protocols for estrus synchronization on reproductive performance of Santa Inês ewes under Amazon environmental conditions

Abstract: . The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different hormonal protocols on the reproductive performance of Santa Ines ewes in Amazon environmental conditions. Twenty-two Santa Ines ewes between 3 and 4 years-old were distributed in a randomized block experimental design, where the treatments consisted of two protocols for estrus synchronization (short and long) with eleven animals each. Data on the occurrence of estrus were described for each protocol. Data of estrus, pregnancy, and prolificity were firstly subjected to ANOVA and a subsequent Tukey’s test. Results were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. The short-term protocol presented an interesting successful rate, where above 70% ewes tested had estrus. The long-term protocol also achieved a high successful rate, where above 80% ewes tested had estrus. However, comparing the protocols, the long-term protocol presented better results of positive estrus and pregnancy rates in ewes. Thus, it can be concluded that both protocols presented satisfactory results regarding estrus manifestation, and prolificity (lambs produced per ewe). However, under Amazon environmental conditions, the long-term protocol presented better results regarding positive manifestation of estrus and pregnancy rate.

Mapping of the Steneotarsonemus spinki invasion risk in suitable areas for rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation using MaxEnt

Abstract: Rice is one of the most important socioeconomic crops in the world. The tarsonemid mite Steneotarsonemus spinki is one of the most destructive pests for this crop and is restricted to some regions of Asia and America. The aim of this work was to map the risk of S. spinki invasion in rice-growing areas in the world. Presence data of Oryza sativa and S. spinki obtained from the literature and bioclimatic parameters from WorldClim were analyzed in the MaxEnt program to generate suitability indices and distribution maps for each species and for the two species together. High annual mean temperature associated with low temperature annual range were the most important environmental variables for the occurrence of O. sativa and S. spinki, and low rainfall favoring S. spinki. The model indicates that there are climatic conditions for the establishment of S. spinki in important rice-producing regions, such as western and central Africa, Oceania, Asia, and North, Central, and South America. Our results are useful for the efficient establishment of phytosanitary measures to prevent the dispersal of S. spinki to new rice-producing areas.

Tannin-Rich Plants as Natural Manipulators of Rumen Fermentation in the Livestock Industry.

Abstract: Condensed tannins (CTs) are plant anti-herbivore compounds with antimicrobial activity that can be used in ruminant diets as ruminal microbiome manipulators However, not all CTs from fodder legumes are bioactive due to their wide structural diversity The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of 10 CT-containing plants (Flemingia macrophylla, Leucaena leucocephala, Stylosanthes guianensis, Gliricidia sepium, Cratylia argentea, Cajanus cajan, Desmodium ovalifolium, Macrotiloma axilare, D paniculatum, and Lespedeza procumbens) on in vitro fermentation kinetics of Nelore beef cattle Polyethylene glycol (PEG), a specific CT-binding agent, was added to neutralize condensed tannin Tifton and alfalfa hay were used as controls lacking CT The experimental layout included a randomized complete block with factorial design and four blocks The data were subjected to analysis of variance followed by Duncan's test to determine differences (p < 005) among treatment means The addition of PEG in browse incubations resulted in increased gas production, fermentation rate, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and N-NH3 release Within our study, Lespedeza procumbens, Desmodium paniculatum, Leucaena leucocephala, Desmodium ovalifolium, and Flemingia macrophylla showed superior bioactivity compared to other species evaluated, suggesting a natural alternative for replacing ionophores to modify ruminal fermentation Condensed tannins from L pocumbens, D paniculatum, L leucocephala, D ovalifolium, and F macrophylla have the potential to modify rumen fermentation in beef cattle

Coronavírus e educação: análise dos impactos assimétricos

Abstract: O novo coronavirus, SARS-COV-2, responsavel pela pandemia da COVID-19, trouxe consigo uma serie de respostas estatais de isolamento social a fim de conter a contaminacao, o que repercutiu em uma serie de impactos transversais. Fundamentado em um estudo exploratorio e descritivo e em um metodo historico-dedutivo, o objetivo do presente artigo e explorar os impactos da COVID-19 no campo da Educacao lato sensu. Com base nos resultados apresentados, conclui-se que os efeitos sao assimetricos no espaco e no tempo, reproduzindo de modo ampliado assimetrias economicas e educacionais pre-existentes.

Indigenous protagonism in the context of food insecurity in times of Covid-19

Abstract: In Brazil, indigenous peoples present a complex reality characterized by a marked social vulnerability that is manifested in health and nutritional indicators. In this scenario, poor sanitary conditions prevail, with a high burden of chronic noncommunicable diseases; infectious/parasitic diseases; and nutritional disorders, including malnutrition and anemia. This situation is reflected in numerous aspects of food insecurity, placing this population in a position of particular vulnerability to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and its effects. The objective of our study was to present a set of preliminary reflections on food insecurity and indigenous protagonism in times of Covid-19. The pandemic has deepened the inequalities that affect the indigenous peoples, with a direct impact on food security conditions. Amid the effects of the pandemic, indigenous protagonism has played a fundamental role in guaranteeing these peoples’ rights and access to food, denouncing the absent and slow official responses as acts of institutional violence, which will have serious and lasting effects on the lives of indigenous peoples.

Planejamento Estratégico em uma Universidade Federal: os principais benefícios e desafios da construção do Plano de Desenvolvimento Institucional a partir da percepção dos gestores

Abstract: Diante de um cenario dinâmico e competitivo, o Planejamento Estrategico torna-se indispensavel a uma organizacao, pois possibilita o seu autoconhecimento. A Administracao Publica, que tem como foco nao o lucro, mas o bem estar social e a continuidade de servicos, deve tambem adotar modelos gerenciais visando a melhoria da gestao de recursos publicos e a entrega de resultados a sociedade. Este artigo tem como objetivos avaliar os principais beneficios e desafios enfrentados na construcao e revisao do Plano de Desenvolvimento Institucional na Universidade Federal do Amazonas a partir da percepcao dos gestores envolvidos, bem como conceituar o Planejamento Estrategico no setor publico, examinar e descrever os PDIs produzidos pela instituicao. Para esse trabalho sugere-se uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, de natureza basica, do tipo exploratoria e descritiva, realizada por meio de um estudo de caso com utilizacao de pesquisa bibliografica e pesquisa documental como metodos. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam que os principais beneficios incluem alinhar a atuacao dos gestores, definir objetivos e metas, proporcionar o envolvimento da comunidade academica e colaborar para a tomada de decisao. Os grandes desafios enfrentados dizem respeito a dinâmica de grupos, dentre os quais se destacam os conflitos de ideias, a efetiva participacao dos envolvidos e o alinhamento de propostas, que torna essencial uma boa comunicacao entre os setores envolvidos e a capacitacao da equipe condutora do processo.

Growth, nutrition and efficiency in the transport, uptake and use of nutrients in african mahogany

Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the efficiency of nutrient uptake, accumulation, distribution and use in Khaya ivorensis and Khaya senegalensis , in addition to aspects of growth variables and of dry matter partitioning as a function of mineral fertilisation. The experimental design was a 2 x 2 factorial scheme (with and without the addition of nutrient solution, and two species of African mahogany Khaya ivorensis and Khaya senegalensis ). Morphological, physiological and nutritional parameters were determined in the African mahogany plants 140 days after transplanting (DAT). The greatest zinc (Zn) content was detected in the shoots of both the Khaya ivorensis and Khaya senegalensis plants, accounting for more than 50% of the accumulated total of the plants with added nutrient solution. Maintaining the plants of Khaya senegalensis and Khaya ivorensis with the use of nutrient solution provides the best conditions for nutrient use, and allows plants with excellent morphological and nutritional characteristics to be ready for the field within five months after transplanting in a shaded nursery. The most efficient uptake, transport and use of macro- and micronutrients is found in the species Khaya senegalensis with the addition of nutrient solution.

Consequences of replacing native savannahs with acacia plantations for the taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic α- and β-diversity of bats in the northern Brazilian Amazon

Abstract: Across the globe, millions of hectares of native vegetation have been replaced by commercial plantations, with negative consequences for biodiversity. The effects of the replacement of native vegetation with commercial plantations on the functional and phylogenetic diversity of bat assemblages remain understudied, and most studies have focused exclusively on the taxonomic component of diversity. Here, we investigate how the replacement of natural savannahs by acacia plantations affects the α- and β-diversity of bat assemblages. We sampled bats, using mist-nets at ground level, in natural forest, savannah areas and acacia plantations, in the Lavrados de Roraima in the northern Brazilian Amazon. Our results show that, in general, acacia is less diverse than native forests in terms of taxonomic and functional diversity, and is also less taxonomically diverse than the savannah matrix which it substitutes. The observed patterns of α- and β-diversity found in the present study are in large part driven by the superabundance of one generalist and opportunistic species, Carollia perspicillata, in the acacia plantations. Taken together, our results show that the replacement of areas of natural savannah by acacia plantations causes a regional loss in diversity across all diversity dimensions: taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic. However, further studies are required to fully understand the ecological and conservation implications of this landscape change.

Travellers of the Caribbean: Positioning Brasília in Haitian migration routes through Latin America

Abstract: This paper examines how Haitian migration connecting Haiti to Brasilia is enacted through Latin America. The empirical data come from an ethnographic study of Haitians in Brasilia. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 34 migrants to reconstruct their mobilities. We explore how the Haitians’ historical practice of living on the move has enabled them to deal with border controls and develop tactics to circulate through several Latin America countries, including Brazil. We argue that their migration to the Brazilian capital can neither be understood as a linear movement characterized by an established Haiti-Brasilia connection nor defined as movement to a place where these migrants attempt to settle down. Rather, we show that the recent presence of Brasilia in the mobility of these Haitians has to be understood in the context of a vast dynamic meshwork of places, people and information.

Men's knowledge on body care: a cartographic study.

Abstract: Objective: to identify men’s knowledge on body care. Method: it is a cartographic study with a qualitative approach. The research was conducted with 70 men in the city of Boa Vista, state of Roraima. The strategy for data production was called the meeting. Participants were encouraged to think about epistemic units, care and body, from models that were recorded and their meanings transcribed for content analysis according to Bardin. Results: 282 units of decoded records such as body hygiene, sexual health and physical exercise were evidenced. In the decoding units, the conscious, functional male body is discussed, which serves for health professionals to think about caring approaches. Final considerations: cartographic forays allowed the male body to be recognized for its functionality, with structured knowledge on care in three dimensions: body hygiene, sexuality and sports practices.