Echinoderm Biodiversity and Biogeography in Oceanic Islands: the Azores as a case study

Oceanic Islands are natural laboratories for the study of the processes and patterns of dispersion, colonization and ultimately of the appearance of new species. In the Northeast Atlantic, the archipelago of the Azores meets all the requirements to be considered one of the most isolated oceanic island systems. In general terms, the Azorean biota, as other oceanic systems, derives from dispersal chance events. For shallow-water marine benthic organisms, the main mechanisms to overcome the isolation by distance are rafting by non-planktonic life stages and through planktonic larval stages, both of which rely heavily on sea-surface currents to travel. However, and in spite of being under the influence of the western-intensified Gulf Current, the Azorean biota shows an opposite trend, being predominantly derived from the NE Atlantic and the Mediterranean. This apparent paradox has startled many marine biogeographers, who search for answers in the present-day faunal patterns together with those reconstructed through the past geological history of the archipelago. The present study attempts to further contribute to the knowledge of the marine fauna of the Azores, and its biogeographical relationships, using the echinoderms as a model. This animal phylum encloses a diverse group of strictly marine invertebrates found at all latitudes and depths. Furthermore, the echinoderms form one of the most conspicuous elements of both shallow- and deep-sea fauna in the Azores, and both in extant waters and among the fossiliferous outcrops of Santa Maria (37°N23’ 24°45’W), the oldest island in the archipelago. Thus, for a clear biogeographical background it was necessary to construct an updated catalogue of both local extant and fossil echinoderm fauna. During the International Workshops ‘Palaeontology in Atlantic Islands’, held in Santa Maria Island between 2002-2013, new material was collected from Lower Pliocene and Pleistocene deposits. The early Pliocene beds encompass the following taxa: Eucidaris tribuloides, Echinoneus cf. cyclostomus, Clypeaster altus, Echinocyamus pusillus, Echinocardium sp. 1, Echinocardium sp. 2, Schizobrissus sp. and undetermined spatangoids. The Pleistocene outcrops (MISS 5e) included three regular echinoid species, Sphaerechinus granularis, Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus. The small irregular echinoid Echinocyamus pusillus was also present in the Azorean Pleistocene fauna, a species common as well in the extant coasts of the archipelago. The presence of tropical taxa in the early Pliocene sediments clearly contrasts with the warm temperate taxa found in the Pleistocene and present coasts of the Azores. Updated faunal lists are fundamental in biodiversity and biogeographical studies. Arbaciella elegans is a small cryptic echinoid species that was believed to have a large geographical range from the tropical Atlantic waters of Central Africa to the northern shores of the Azores, Canaries, Northwest Africa and Mediterranean Sea. However, and unlike the Central African material, individuals from the warm temperate waters present a uniform dark color. A morphological and genetic characterization of specimens from the Azores shows that the dark Arbaciella phenotype represents in fact juvenile stages of Arbacia lixula, which implies that A. elegans is circumscribed to the tropical African waters from where it was first described. This study emphasizes the difficulty of constructing faunal lists mirroring true distributions of species or local biodiversity, when rare or cryptic species are involved. The Faculty of Sciencie and Tecnology (University of the Azores), houses hundreds of echinoderm specimens collected over more than 20 years of activity by the former Department of Biology. Three young specimens of the Mediterranean sea star Sclerasterias richardi (Perrier, in Milne-Edwards, 1882), a species previously not known to the Azores, were found among the echinoderm material. These animals were dredged off the south coast of São Miguel Island, at 135 m depth. Sclerasterias richardi is one of two sea star species known to reproduce asexually through fission in the Azores, the other being the shallow-water Coscinasterias tenuispina (Lamarck, 1816). However, S. richardi, though a shelf species, lives at much deeper waters than the latter. S. richardi is also capable of producing long-lived planktotrophic larvae with high dispersal potential to reach remote areas such as the Azores. The presence of S. richardi in Azorean waters in an otherwise thoroughly investigated area does not necessarily imply a recent arrival, as the depths in consideration (80-700 m) are also the least studied in the archipelago. The review of the extant echinoderm fauna of the Azores, based on the related bibliography that has been accumulating over 150 years, complemented with the construction of an important local echinoderm reference collection in the University of the Azores, resulted in a critical reassessment of this significant component of the Azorean marine fauna. Herein are reported 172 species of echinoderms (6 crinoids, 55 ophiuroids, 45 asteroids, 36 holothuroids and 30 echinoids) to the archipelago, most of them inhabiting deep-waters. Although 65 species could be classified as shelf species (840 m) appear to be restricted to the Azorean waters. Though relatively poorer in number of species, the Azores show similar general trends to what is observed in other Macaronesian archipelagos (i.e. Madeira, Canaries and Selvagens): lack of endemic species, dominance of echinoderm fauna generally associated with rocky shores and species capable of producing planktonic feeding larvae. The relatively low echinoderm diversity could be attributed to the archipelago remoteness, the northern geographical position and to other local features attributed to their relative young volcanic age (e.g., lower habitat diversity). The echinoderm fauna of the Azores encompasses several edible species, though none known to be traditionally harvested. In recent years, fisheries targeting holothurian species have developed dramatically in several European and North African countries, and two of the most common sea-cumber species in the Azores, Holothuria mammata and H. sanctori, are now being commercially harvested in the Northeast Atlantic and in the Mediterranean Sea. The identification of Holothuria species tends to be difficult and time-consuming, and in many cases requires experienced taxonomists. Conversely, the use of PCR-RFLPs to rapidly and inexpensively identify species with no need for taxonomical or genetic expertise could prove a valuable asset. The present work introduces a simple and fast method, using restriction nuclease Sau3AI on 16S rRNA fragments. A simple non-destructive DNA sampling is also presented, using tube feet or oral tentacles, to be applied in genetic studies. The updated faunal list of the echinoderms of the Azores was combined with those from the other areas in an updated distributional catalogue of the shallow-water echinoderms (≤200 m depth) from the North and Central Atlantic, and the Mediterranean Sea, providing the basic framework for the analysis of biodiversity patterns and the construction of a biogeographical model. A total of 891 species belonging to 341 genera of shallow-water echinoderms are presently recorded in the studied areas. The tropical West Atlantic was by far the most biodiverse region (483 species, 210 of which were endemic). The Mediterranean Sea did not emerge as a biodiversity hotspot, revealing similar biodiversity rates as the neighbouring regions of Iberian and NW Africa, but presented significant endemism rate. Among the insular systems, Canaries presented the highest echinoderm biodiversity with 85 species, followed by Cabo Verde with 76. A positive correlation between latitude and the species’ depth range was detected, confirming the Rapoport’s latitudinal gradient. The most common larval development was planktotrophic (119 species), followed by the lecithotrophic (71 species) and aplanktonic (47 species). The relative representation of lecithotrophic and aplanktonic larval development increased towards high latitude areas and decreased as species geographical range increased. Also, the asexual reproduction decreased towards high latitude colder areas and this reduction was correlated with the relative increase of aplanktonic larval mode of development in the same areas. Endemic species were particularly numerous among sediment-associated habitats and broadly distributed species showed no preference for either soft or hard bottoms. Most areas showed a natural decrease of shared species with increasing geographical distance and this was particularly evident in oceanic systems. In these, faunal affinities tended to be related with the nearest continental shores, regardless of the prevailing sea-surface currents. In general, echinoderms proved to be good models for testing biodiversity and biogeographical patterns, though significant gaps were found on the available information

Amiodarone interactions with membrane lipids and with growth of Bacillus stearothermophilus used as a model

Abstract The thermophilic eubacterium Bacillus stearothermophilus was used as a model to study the effects of amiodarone (2-butyl-3-[3',5'diido-4'a-diethyl-aminoethoxybenzoyl]-benzofuran) in lipid organization and in bacterial growth. Effects on the structural order of lipids were assessed by fluorescence polarization of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), probing the bilayer core, and of the propionic acid derivative 3-[p-(6-phenyl)-1,3,5-hexatrienyl] phenylpropionic acid (DPH-PA), probing the outer regions of the bilayer. Amiodarone fluidizes bacterial polar lipid bilayers for temperatures below the phase transition midpoint, and orders the fluid phase of the bacterial polar lipids, as evaluated by DPH and DPH-PA. The ordering and disordering effects, which are concentration dependent, are more extensive when detected by DPH relative to DPH-PA. Growth studies performed in parallel revealed that amiodarone inhibits bacterial growth as a function of concentration. Amiodarone concentrations in the range from 1 to 2.5 ?M increased the lag time, decreased the specific growth rate, and decreased the final cell density. Furthermore, 3 ?M amiodarone completely inhibited growth. These in vivo effects of amiodarone can be related to its ability to perturb the phospholipid bilayer structure, whose integrity is essential for cell function, viability, and growth

Visa inc´s equity research - a dominant player in a fast-changing industry

This report consists in an analysis to Visa inc and the Global Payments industry. Through an assessment of the sector recent performance and the several risk factors associated with its operational activity, it was possible to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on this fast-changing industry. Beyond the new trends redefining the market, 2020 shows that what really matters is the speed at which these changes are occurring and firms’ ability to transform and adapt. Although the current health crisis and its harsh worldwide consequences, the sector is a non loser and Visa does not let go its position as a dominant playe

Just Physio kidding: NUI and Gamification based Therapeutic Intervention for Children with Special Needs

Trabalho apresentado na MindCare2016, 28-29 de novembro de 2016, Barcelona, EspanhaThis paper presents the “just Physio kidding” approach, which intends to improve the engaging qualities of therapy programmes towards children with special needs, mainly with cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, or developmental delay. Therefore, “just Physio kidding” intends to address both physiotherapy and cognitive stimulation therapy. The system is functioning as a complement to the work of therapists, with and without their live supervision. It is part of a project with the aim of developing software based on the concept of personalized serious games for rehabilitation. The paper presents the concept and the prototype behind “just Physio kidding”

Espaço comum para a cova da Moura

Tese de Mestrado em ArquitecturaA Cova da Moura, bairro de génese ilegal periférico a Lisboa, é vista com desconfiança pelos seus vizinhos e, apesar do trabalho das associações locais e dos seus méritos na inclusão social, educação e dinamização cultural, o bairro é pouco aberto para o exterior, tanto pelas diferenças sócio-culturais como pelos próprios limites físicos que o contêm. Se o fenómeno de exclusão social está ligado ao espaço e ao acesso, reavaliar as barreiras espaciais e promover a acessibilidade e uma maior liberdade espacial pode ser o modo do planeamento contribuir para promover a integração social. Procurar na história do urbanismo, através de utopias e realizações que incidem sobre a malha urbana dita orgânica, tradicional, atitudes com efeitos mais ou menos disruptivos no tecido social, e averiguar temas que permitam delinear uma estratégia para a reabilitação da Cova da Moura: a acupunctura urbana ou cirurgia conservativa, os programas públicos ou comunitários como potencial qualificador e dinamizador do bairro, o papel do espaço público enquanto local de encontro e as decisões de projecto que incentivam essa socialização. Reconhecendo, claro, os limites da intervenção arquitectónica e adequando a informação ao contexto da Cova da Moura.Cova da Moura, an illegally built neighbourhood peripheral to Lisbon, is seen with some mistrust by its neighbors and, despite the work developed by local associations and its merits in social inclusion, education and cultural activities, the neighbourhood has little connection to its surroundings wether due to socio-cultural differences or to its actual physical limits. As the phenomenon of social exclusion relates to space and access, reevaluating spatial barriers and promoting an increased spatial freedom can be a way for townplanning to contribute to promote social integration. As a background for the project I will search within the history of urbanism, through utopias and actual realizations that work with density and the models of organic patterns or traditional city, with more or less disruptive effects on the social fabric, and investigate themes that allow the development of a strategy for the rehabilitation of Cova da Moura: urban acupunture or conservative surgery, public or communitarian programmes with potential to qualify and activate the neighbourhood, the role of public space as a place for encounters and the project decisions that encourage that interaction. Recognizing nevertheless the natural limitations to the architectʼs intervention and contextualizing the information to Cova da Mouraʼs reality

Derivativos como forma de rentabilização de carteira : uma análise do retorno do lançamento coberto de opções de compra

Orientador : José Guilherme Silva VieiraMonografia (graduação) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Sociais Aplicadas, Curso de Ciências EconômicasInclui referênciasResumo : Este trabalho tem o objetivo de simular e analisar os resultados de uma estratégia de lançamento coberto de opções de compra sobre ações preferenciais da Petrobrás (PETR4), comparando-a com a simples compra da ação pelo investidor. Também foi possível analisar o desempenho da estratégia para diferentes comportamentos da ação. O objetivo principal dessa estratégia é que a opção não tenha mais valor no seu prazo final de exercício, fazendo com que o lançador tenha lucro com o prêmio recebido. O período estudado foi de dez anos, e foram determinados dois parâmetros de escolha da opção a ser lançada. Anteriormente a simulação, foi realizada uma revisão conceitual sobre derivativos, principalmente opções e a estratégia de lançamento coberto. Os resultados mostram um desempenho positivo no período, para os dois parâmetros de lançamento estabelecidos, mesmo com a cotação da ação tendo uma performance negativa no mercado. Nesse caso, a estratégia reduziu de forma significativa as perdas do investidor

Changes induced by malathion, methylparathion and parathion on membrane lipid physicochemical properties correlate with their toxicity

Perturbations induced by malathion, methylparathion and parathion on the physicochemical properties of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) were studied by fluorescence anisotropy of DPH and DPH-PA and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Methylparathion and parathion (50 [mu]M) increased the fluorescence anisotropy evaluated by DPH-PA and DPH, either in gel or in the fluid phase of DPPC bilayers, but mainly in the fluid phase. Parathion is more effective than methylparathion. On the other hand, malathion had almost no effect. All the three xenobiotics displaced the phase transition midpoint to lower temperature values and broadened the phase transition profile of DPPC, the effectiveness following the sequence: parathion>methylparathion>>malathion. A shifting and broadening of the phase transition was also observed by DSC. Furthermore, at methylparathion/lipid molar ratio of 1/2 and at parathion/lipid molar ratio of 1/7, the DSC thermograms displayed a shoulder in the main peak, in the low temperature side, suggesting coexistence of phases. For higher ratios, the phase transition profile becomes sharp as the control transition, but the midpoint is shifted to the previous shoulder position. Conversely to methylparathion and parathion, malathion did not promote phase separation. The overall data from fluorescence anisotropy and calorimetry indicate that the degree of effect of the insecticides on the physicochemical membrane properties correlates with toxicity to mammals. Therefore, the in vivo effects of organophosphorus compounds may be in part related with their ability to perturb the phospholipid bilayer structure, whose integrity is essential for normal cell function.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6T1T-42NY32W-K/1/9c5c8320a8dff42bbf122281b5056b8

Memorias callejeras

Monografia (graduação)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Artes, Departamento de Artes Visuais, 2014.Este trabalho busca sintetizar a poética que tenho desenvolvido ao longo do bacharelado em Artes Plásticas bem como expor seu mais recente resultado, a série de pintura abstrata intitulada Memorias callejeras. A série trabalha com elementos estéticos e poéticos das paredes de rua, especificamente das que percorri na Colômbia. Percebo as paredes de rua como suportes nos quais se registram as interações que ocorrem no espaço urbano que as cercam, interações de indivíduos que formam um coletivo e que, quando registradas, configuram-se em um tipo de memória da cidade. A marca física que se produz aí é como a materialização de um tempo que se mostra tanto por meio da degradação, quanto da formação dessa memória e, de forma abstrata, torna a parede um espaço que é também tempo. Minha proposta é reexperimentar o processo de registro do tempo através do suporte da pintura

Mediação familiar: análise dos obstáculos e pistas para um novo modelo

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar em que medida o atual sistema de mediação familiar português diminuiu o recurso das famílias aos tribunais para resolver litígios relacionados, por exemplo, com o exercício de responsabilidades parentais. Na última década, e apesar das medidas implementadas para promover o recurso à mediação familiar, o número de pedidos mantém-se residual. Neste trabalho, propomo-nos identificar os fatores que limitam a procura deste instrumento de resolução de litígios. Para concretizar esta análise foi necessário relacionar o número de pedidos de mediação e o número de processos relacionados com a regulação do exercício das responsabilidades parentais nos tribunais ao longo da última década. Da conjugação do modelo teórico de Policy Network, com a realização de uma série de entrevistas e a recolha de informação no terreno, procedemos à análise do modelo português de mediação familiar. Foi também relevante para análise a comparação com o modelo de mediação familiar implementado em Inglaterra e no País de Gales, onde, ao contrário de Portugal, foi tornada obrigatória por lei a presença dos litigantes numa primeira sessão de mediação. Os resultados da presente pesquisa permitiram-nos fundamentar a necessidade de introduzir alterações ao modelo de mediação familiar em vigor, designadamente no sentido da Diretiva 2008/52/CE do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho de 21 de maio de 2008 - que recomenda a integração de uma sessão inicial de mediação no processo judicial, com caráter obrigatório - mas também de envolver os agentes da justiça e em especial os advogados neste processo.This study aimed at assessing the extent to which the current Portuguese family mediation system reduces families' recourse to the courts in order to solve disputes pertaining, for example, to the exercise of parental responsibilities. In the last decade, and despite the measures that were implemented to promote recourse to family mediation, the number of such requests is still residual. In this work, we propose to identify the factors limiting the demand for this kind of dispute resolution tool. In order to perform this, it proved necessary to establish a link between the number of mediation requests and the number of cases related to the exercise of parental responsibilities taken to the courts over the last decade. After combining the theoretical model of Policy Network with a few interviews and the collection of information on the ground, we then proceeded to the evaluation of the Portuguese model of family mediation. Also relevant for analysis was the comparison with the family mediation model implemented in England and Wales, where, unlike Portugal, the presence of litigants in a first mediation session was mandatory under the law. The results of this research allowed us to substantiate the need to introduce changes to the family mediation model in force, in line with EC Directive 2008/52 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 - which recommends the mandatory integration of an initial mediation session in the legal proceedings - but also to the involvement of law enforcement officers and particularly lawyers in these proceedings