Biología reproductiva del dorado, Coryphaena hippurus (Actinopterygii: Coryphaenidae), en el Archipiélago de San Pedro y San Pablo, Brasil

In order to elucidate the main aspects related to dolphinfish reproduction around Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, 862 individuals caught in that area by commercial handline fishing were examined between 2007 and 2011. From those specimens, it was possible to assess the sex in 782 specimens (271 males and 511 females) and the levels of gonadal maturation in 536 of them (175 males and 361 females). The fork length (FL) of the examined specimens varied between 27 and 150 cm. Sex ratio found was 1.0 male: 1.9 females, but the difference was not statistically significant in April (χ2=0.08), August (χ2=0.82) and October (χ2=3.63). However, by size interval, sex ratio was 1.0 male: 1.0 female for FL between 120 and 130 cm. The gonadal index showed the highest values in February for males and in April for females. Most spawning-capable specimens were found in February (males 36.4%) and in May (females 42.2%). The length of size-at-50%-maturity (L50) was estimated at 70.66 cm FL for males and 68.60 cm FL for females. The results suggest that the period of highest reproductive activity occurs between April and June.Con el objetivo de estudiar la reproducción del dorado capturado con línea de mano por la flota pesquera en los alrededores del Archipiélago de San Pedro y San Pablo, entre 2007 y 2011 se examinaron un total de 862 ejemplares de esta especie. Fue posible identificar el sexo de 782 de estos ejemplares (271 machos y 511 hembras), así como los estados de madurez gonadal de 536. La longitud furcal (LF) de los ejemplares examinados varió entre 27 y 150 cm. La proporción de sexos fue de 1 macho por 1.9 hembras, aunque en abril (χ2=0.08), agosto (χ2=0.82) y octubre (χ2=3.63) la proporción de sexos no fue significativamente diferente de 1:1, ni en los ejemplares entre 120 y 130 cm LF. El índice gonadal mostró mayores valores en febrero para machos y en abril para hembras. El mayor porcentaje de individuos maduros se observó en febrero y mayo. La talla de primera madurez sexual (L50) se estimó en 70.66 cm LF para machos y 68.60 cm LF para hembras. Los resultados sugieren que el periodo de mayor intensidad reproductiva se sitúa entre abril y junio

Biochemical Characterization of an In-House Coccidioides Antigen: Perspectives for the Immunodiagnosis of Coccidioidomycosis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reactivity of an in-house antigen, extracted from a strain of C. posadasii isolated in northeastern Brazil, by radial immunodiffusion and Western blotting, as well as to establish its biochemical characterization. the protein antigen was initially extracted with the use of solid ammonium sulfate and characterized by 1-D electrophoresis. Subsequently, it was tested by means of double radial immunodiffusion and Western blotting. A positive reaction was observed against the antigen by both immunodiagnostic techniques tested on sera from patients suffering from coccidioidomycosis. Besides this, two immunoreactive protein bands were observed and were revealed to be a beta-glucosidase and a glutamine synthetase after sequencing of the respective N-terminal regions. Our in-house Coccidioides antigen can be promising as a quick and low-cost diagnostic tool without the risk of direct manipulation of the microorganism.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education PersonnelUniv Fed Ceara, Specialized Med Mycol Ctr, Sch Med, BR-60430270 Fortaleza, Ceara, BrazilUniv Estadual Ceara, Postgrad Program Vet Sci, Sch Vet Med, BR-60740000 Fortaleza, Ceara, BrazilUniv Fed Ceara, Dept Biochem & Mol Biol, BR-60455760 Fortaleza, Ceara, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Immunol & Parasitol, BR-04021001 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Immunol & Parasitol, BR-04021001 São Paulo, BrazilCNPq: 302574/2009-3CNPq: 306637/2010-3Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel: CAPES/PNPD2103/2009Web of Scienc

Diving into the vertical dimension of elasmobranch movement ecology

Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements

Diving into the vertical dimension of elasmobranch movement ecology

Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements

Diving into the vertical dimension of elasmobranch movement ecology

Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements

Biologia reprodutiva do cangulo-preto (Melichthys niger, Bloch, 1789) capturado no Arquipélago de São Pedro e São Paulo - Brasil

cangulo-preto, Melichthys niger, é uma espécie da família Balistidae, a qual é constituída por 11 gêneros e 40 espécies. Possuindo uma coloração que vai do azul marinho ao preto, com reflexos verde-metálicos, pode chegar a até 50 cm de comprimento total, apresentando uma distribuição circumtropical. No presente trabalho foram examinados exemplares de cangulo-preto, obtidos a partir da pesca comercial no Arquipélago de São Pedro e São Paulo- ASPSP (00º55'02" N e 29º20'42"W), no período de janeiro de 2006 a maio de 2008. Logo após a captura, os espécimes foram identificados e mensurados, aferindo-se os seus comprimentos total (CT) e padrão (CP). Em seguida, todos os exemplares foram dissecados para permitir a coleta do aparelho reprodutor, os quais foram fixados em solução de formol a 10%, tendo sido, então, acondicionados em bombonas plásticas, até a sua chegada ao laboratório. No período do estudo, foram analisados 777 indivíduos, dos quais 367 eram fêmeas e 410 eram machos. As fêmeas variaram de 19,0 a 32,0 cm de comprimento total, e os machos de 21,0 a 37,4 cm. A partir de análises histológicas foi possível verificar que os ovários de M. niger são formados por lamelas ovígeras contendo ovócitos em diferentes graus de desenvolvimento. Foram identificados cinco diferentes estágios da ovogênese: células jovens, ovócitos pré-vitelogênicos (perinucleolares), ovócitos alvéolo-corticais, ovócitos vitelogênicos, e ovócitos maduros. Além das células germinativas foram também identificadas algumas estruturas somáticas compondo os ovários: parede ovariana, células foliculares e os vasos sanguíneos. A distribuição mensal dos estágios maturacionais, a partir das análises dos ovários, indicou uma maior freqüência de fêmeas maduras durante o primeiro semestre do ano no Arquipélago de São Pedro e São Paulo.The black triggerfish, Melichthys niger, is a fish of family Balistidae, which consists of 11 genera and 40 species. Possessing a coloration ranging from dark blue to black with green metallic reflections, can reach up to 50 cm in total length, with a distribution circumtropical. In this work we examined specimens of black triggerfish , obtained from commercial fishing in the archipelago of Saint Peter and Saint Paul-ASPSP (00 ° 55'02 "N and 29 20'42" W), from January 2006 to May 2008. Soon after capture, specimens were identified and measured, which sent up its total length (TL) and standard (CP). Next, all specimens were dissected to allow the collection of the reproductive system, which were fixed in formalin 10% and was then packed in plastic drums, until their arrival at the laboratory. During the study period, 777 individuals were analyzed, of which 367 were females and 410 were males. Females ranged from 19.0 to 32.0 cm total length, and males from 21.0 to 37.4 cm. From histological analysis was possible that the ovaries of M. niger are composed of ovigerous lamellae containing oocytes at different stages of development. We identified five different stages of oogenesis: young cells, pre-vitellogenic oocytes (perinucleolar) oocytes, cortical alveolar, vitellogenic oocytes and mature oocytes. In addition to the germ cells were also identified some somatic structures composing the ovary: ovary wall, follicular cells and blood vessels. The monthly distribution of maturation stages, from analysis of ovaries indicated a higher frequency of mature females during the first half of the year in the archipelago of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPqConselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNP

Ecologia da raia, Dasyatis americana (Hildebrand & Schroeder, 1928), na Região Metropolitana do Recife - PE e na ReBio Atol das Rocas - Brasil

A raia prego é comumente capturada como fauna acompanhante em diferentes pescarias, não apenas no Brasil mas também em grande parte da America do Sul, e devido à deficiência dos dados disponíveis, existe hoje um considerável déficit de informações que permitam avaliar o status populacional da espécie. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar aspectos relacionados à ecologia da D. americana, ao longo do litoral da região metropolitana do Recife, a partir de dados de captura e monitoramento acústico, e na Reserva Biológica do Atol das Rocas a partir de análises de avistagem e movimentação. No litoral de Recife a CPUE das raias prego foi maior em Boa viagem/Piedade (0,33) do que no Paiva (0,26). A CPUE média mensal na praia de Boa Viagem/Piedade foi maior no mês de maio, enquanto que na praia do Paiva o maior valor ocorreu em junho. As CPUEs anuais para as praias de forma combinada foram maiores no início da pesquisa, nos anos de 2004 e 2005. Dos 85 exemplares, foi possível a identificação do sexo em 17 animais, dos quais 16 eram fêmeas, com LD variando entre 79,00 e 152,00 cm (124,63 ± 20,86), CD entre 94,00 e 142,00 cm (113,08 ± 14,14), e CT entre 97,00 e 255,00 cm (188,31 ± 54,97); e apenas um era macho, com LD de 87,00 cm. Ao longo da pesquisa foi registrada ainda a ocorrência de um item alimentar (Dasyatis marianae) não usual, jamais antes descrito para dieta da D. americana. A avaliação das detecções do monitoramento acústico no litoral de Recife, em relação ao ciclo de 24 horas indicou que a maior parte das detecções ocorreram ao longo do período noturno (96,4%) (X²= 144,857; P< 0,0001). Os valores de TAH foram maiores entre os anos de 2003 (0,76 ± 1,51) e 2008 (1,55 ± 1,76), observando-se, entre 2009 (0,15 ± 0,42) e 2013 (0,21 ± 0,57), valores consistentemente mais baixos. A diminuição significativa das avistagens da espécie no interior do Atol das Rocas suscita a possibilidade de estar existindo um declínio natural da população na região. O padrão de uso do habitat vertical para a D. americana mostrou uma forte preferência, para ambas as raias marcadas (91,4% e 86,3%, respectivamente), pelas águas quentes (acima dos 28°C) e rasas (profundidades de até 5m) do Atol das Rocas, ao longo do período do monitoramento. Os resultados evidenciaram que as áreas de baixa profundidade como um dos habitas essenciais para espécie no Atol das Rocas. Por fim, é imprescindível que maiores esforços sejam empregados em busca da continuação de um adequado monitoramento de suas populações em águas costeiras e insulares.The south stingray is commonly captured as by-catch in different fisheries, not only in Brazil but also in some parts of South America, and due to the deficiency of available data, there is now a considerable deficit of information to evaluate the population status of the specie. In this context, the main goal of this study was to investigate aspects related to the ecology of the D. americana along the coast of the metropolitan area of Recife, from capture data and acoustic monitoring, and in the Biological Reserve of Atol das Rocas, from observation and movement analysis. On the coast of Recife CPUE´south stingray was higher in Boa Viagem / Piedade (0.33) than in Paiva (0.26). The average monthly CPUE on the beach of Boa Viagem / Piedade was higher in May, while on the beach of Paiva the highest value occurred in June. The annual CPUEs, to the beaches in combination, were higher at the research beginning in 2004 and 2005. Of the 85 specimens, it was possible to identify the sex in 17 animals, of which 16 were females, with DW ranging between 79.00 and 152.00 cm (124.63 ± 20.86), DL between 94.00 and 142.00 cm (113.08 ± 14.14), and TL between 97.00 and 255.00 cm (188.31 ± 54.97); and only one was male, with DW 87.00 cm. Throughout the research was also recorded the occurrence of a food item (Dasyatis marianae) unusual, never described before for D. american diet. The evaluation of the detection from the acoustic monitoring on the reef coastline, in relation to the 24 hour cycle indicated that the majority of the detections occurred over night (96.4%) (X² = 144.857; P <0.0001). The TAH values were higher in the years 2003 (0.76 ± 1.51) and 2008 (1.55 ± 1.76), observing, between 2009 (0.15 ± 0.42) and 2013 ( 0.21 ± 0.57), values consistently lower. The significant decrease of species sightings within the Rocas Atoll raised the possibility of there being a natural population decline in the region. The vertical habitat use pattern for the D. americana showed a strong preference for both tagged stingrays (91.4% and 86.3%, respectively) by hot water (above 28 ° C) and shallow (depths up to 5m) of Rocas Atoll over the monitoring period. The results showed that low depth areas as one of the essential habitats for specie inside to Rocas Atoll. Finally, it is essential that greater efforts are seeking in employees the continuation of an adequate monitoring of their populations in coastal and island waters

Proteomic analyses of venom from a Spider Hawk, Pepsis decorata

Abstract Background: The composition of the venom from solitary wasps is poorly known, although these animals are considered sources of bioactive substances. Until the present moment, there is only one proteomic characterization of the venom of wasps of the family Pompilidae and this is the first proteomic characterization for the genus Pepsis. Methods: To elucidate the components of Pepsis decorata venom, the present work sought to identify proteins using four different experimental conditions, namely: (A) crude venom; (B) reduced and alkylated venom; (C) trypsin-digested reduced and alkylated venom, and; (D) chymotrypsin-digested reduced and alkylated venom. Furthermore, three different mass spectrometers were used (Ion Trap-Time of Flight, Quadrupole-Time of Flight, and Linear Triple Quadruple). Results: Proteomics analysis revealed the existence of different enzymes related to the insect’s physiology in the venom composition. Besides toxins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), hyaluronidase, and Kunitz-type inhibitors were also identified. Conclusion: The data showed that the venom of Pepsis decorata is mostly composed of proteins involved in the metabolism of arthropods, as occurs in parasitic wasps, although some classical toxins were recorded, and among them, for the first time, ACE was found in the venom of solitary wasps. This integrative approach expanded the range of compounds identified in protein analyses, proving to be efficient in the proteomic characterization of little-known species. It is our understanding that the current work will provide a solid base for future studies dealing with other Hymenoptera venoms

An IoT application case study to optimize electricity consumption in the government sector

This paper presents a case study where sensor modules supported by Internet of Things (IoT) technology were used to monitor and control electricity consumption of air conditioning units in an innovation center of a public government institution. This study evaluates alternatives to improve the management of electricity consumption in Salvador City Hall's facilities. To contribute to the economy and sustainability of the Administration, we aim to increase the efficiency of the processes currently adopted. Our focus is on minimizing electricity waste and reducing costs. Installed sensor modules measure electricity consumption and control the operation of air conditioning equipment, allowing the administrator to manage the operation of these devices. The installation of smart sensor modules connected to an IoT platform allows energy consumption data to be sent to a computing Cloud and to be monitored remotely through dashboards generated by specialized software. A quantitative analysis was conducted to measure the efficiency of the air conditioning control system and identify opportunities for applying the IoT solution to control natural resources in the public sector. The monitoring of these signals subsidized the analyzes required for informed decision making of interventions to improve the system’s stability and promote the reduction of consumption. Also, the system has demonstrated its ability to protect air conditioners, monitor the quality of the power supplied, proactively control consumption, and establish appropriate user behaviors for reducing consumption. Results demonstrated the feasibility of implementing automated systems to improve the consumption of natural resources in the public sector. We also identified some managerial behaviors required to enable this type of technological solution.Federal funds supported this work through FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the Project Scope: UID/CEC/00319/2019. This work also had the collaboration of the company MODULUS ONE and the Secretariat of Management of Salvador City Hall (SEMGE)