Genome of Herbaspirillum seropedicae Strain SmR1, a Specialized Diazotrophic Endophyte of Tropical Grasses

The molecular mechanisms of plant recognition, colonization, and nutrient exchange between diazotrophic endophytes and plants are scarcely known. Herbaspirillum seropedicae is an endophytic bacterium capable of colonizing intercellular spaces of grasses such as rice and sugar cane. The genome of H. seropedicae strain SmR1 was sequenced and annotated by The Paraná State Genome Programme—GENOPAR. The genome is composed of a circular chromosome of 5,513,887 bp and contains a total of 4,804 genes. The genome sequence revealed that H. seropedicae is a highly versatile microorganism with capacity to metabolize a wide range of carbon and nitrogen sources and with possession of four distinct terminal oxidases. The genome contains a multitude of protein secretion systems, including type I, type II, type III, type V, and type VI secretion systems, and type IV pili, suggesting a high potential to interact with host plants. H. seropedicae is able to synthesize indole acetic acid as reflected by the four IAA biosynthetic pathways present. A gene coding for ACC deaminase, which may be involved in modulating the associated plant ethylene-signaling pathway, is also present. Genes for hemagglutinins/hemolysins/adhesins were found and may play a role in plant cell surface adhesion. These features may endow H. seropedicae with the ability to establish an endophytic life-style in a large number of plant species

Methodologies applicable to marine spatial planning within the framework of current and future development of renewable energies and aquaculture

RESUMEN: El objetivo general de esta tesis es desarrollar y aplicar metodologías para la identificación de zonas potenciales que permitan el desarrollo de los sectores de la energía eólica, la energía undimotriz y la acuicultura oceánica, con el objetivo último de promover el crecimiento sostenible de estas actividades en el contexto de la ordenación del espacio marítimo.ABSTRACT: The general objective of this thesis was to develop and apply methodologies to recognize potential zones for the development of marine wind and wave energy production and offshore aquaculture, with the ultimate goal of promoting the sustainable development of these activities in the context of a marine spatial planning strategy.Agradezco al “Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq - Brasil)”, por la beca de doctorado concedida (proceso 249929/2013-9) a través del programa “Ciência sem fronteras (CsF)”, haciendo posible el desarrollo de esta investigación

Sensoriamento remoto e geoprocessamento aplicado ao estudo das conectividades das lagoas do Litoral Norte do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil em períodos extremos de estiagem e de cheia

A conectividade entre ambientes é um ponto chave no entendimento de vários processos ecológicos, porém pouco estudada em ambientes aquáticos. No presente estudo foram analisadas as conectividades estruturais entre as 40 lagoas do litoral norte do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, pertencentes ao sistema do rio Tramandaí, relacionando estas com o índice pluviométrico da região. Para tal abordagem foi realizado o teste de três metodologias. Com base em dados de pluviosidade da estação hidrometeorológica de Imbé - RS foram identificados dois períodos no tempo, um de estiagem e outro de cheia, respectivamente agosto de 1988 e agosto de 2009. Para cada período foi selecionada uma imagem Landsat TM 5 e realizadas as análises de processamento de imagens. Três métodos foram testados nesta pesquisa para gerar como resultado uma imagem com duas classes: água e não-água: classificação não supervisionada; NDVI (Índice de Vegetação da Diferença Normalizada) da mesma imagem; e a utilização da banda 5. O produto da reclassificação segundo os três métodos e para cada uma das datas foi sobreposto ao mapa das lagoas para verificação de existência de conectividade entre elas. O melhor resultado foi obtido com a classificação não supervisionada, por permitir diferenciar com mais clareza a presença de água dos outros atributos, sugerindo-se esse método para o monitoramento da extensão do espelho d’água na região.Connectivity between habitats is a key point in understanding many ecological processes, but little studied of this kind has been done for aquatic environments. In this study we analyzed the structural connectivity among the 40 lakes of the northern coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, belonging to the Tramandaí-river-system relating these to rainy and dry periods in the region. For such an approach t three methods were tested. Based on rainfall data of the hydrometeorological station Imbé-RS two time periods were identified, one rainy and another dry, respectively in August 1988 and August 2009. For each period we selected a Landsat TM 5 and performed the image processing analysis. Three methods were tested in this research aiming to generate, by each method, an image with two classes: water, not-water. The methods used were: unsupervised classification, reclassification of NDVI (Vegetation Index Normalized Difference) and reclassification of band 5. The product according to the reclassification of the three methods and for each of the dates was superimposed on the coastal lakes map to check for existence of connectivity between them. The best result was obtained with the unsupervised classification, since it allows to differentiate more clearly the presence or absence of water from the other attributes, suggesting this method for monitoring the extent of water surface in the region

Redes neurais no estudo da paisagem: o estudo da paisagem do parque nacional da lagoa do peixe (Brasil) utilizando classificação de imagens de satélite por redes neurais

Nas últimas décadas, a ecologia de paisagem vem sendo usada como ferramenta para gestão ambiental e as suas aplicações vão se potencializando a medida que geotecnologias vão surgindo. Esta dinâmica abre um leque de possibilidades e por isso surge a necessidade de realizar estudos práticos para o entendimento de suas aplicações e potencialidades, portanto este trabalho tem como objetivo estudar a paisagem do Parque Nacional da Lagoa do Peixe (PARNA-LP) e seu entorno. Localizada na costa do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil), o parque é internacionalmente considerado um dos lugares mais importantes da América do Sul para as aves migratórias, porque esta região tem condições favoráveis para alimentação e descanso. O estudo foi realizado utilizando imagens de satélite Landsat TM 5 e ferramentas para classificação de imagens, tais como Self-Organizing Map (SOM) e Segmentação e o uso do software Patch Analyst para a realização de cálculos e métricas para quantificação e interpretação da paisagem. Os resultados obtidos com as técnicas identificaram as principais características e elementos da paisagem que compõem o PARNA-LP e o seu entorno, além de destacar as pressões da atividade humana e as principais deficiências que a paisagem apresenta. Essas análises permitem a compreensão da dinâmica dos ecossistemas e da paisagem e pode ajudar como uma ferramenta de gestão para mitigação de impactos e aumentar a consciência da paisagem que é inserido o PARNA-LP, a compreensão da dinâmica destes ambientes de alta fragilidade ambiental e alto grau de importância para a biodiversidade.In recent decades, the landscape ecology has been used as a tool for environmental management and their applications increasingly is growing while geotechnology are emerging. This dynamic opens a range of possibilities, and hence there is a need to conduct empirical studies for the understanding of its applications and potential, so this work aims to study the landscape of the National Park of Lagoa do Peixe (PARNA-LP) and its surroundings. Located on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), the park is internationally considered one of the most important places in South America for migratory birds, because this region has favourable conditions for feeding and resting. The study was conducted using satellite images Landsat 5 TM and tools for image classification, such as Self-Organizing Map (SOM) and segmentation and using Patch Analyst software to conduct calculations, and metrics for quantifying and interpreting the landscape. The results obtained with the techniques identified the main features and landscape elements that make up the PARNA-LP and its surroundings, as well as highlight the pressures of human activity and major deficiencies of landscape have. These analyses allow to understand the dynamics of ecosystems and landscapes and can help as a management tool to mitigate impacts and increase awareness of the landscape that is inserted the PARNA-LP, understanding the dynamics of these areas of high environmental fragility and high degree of importance for biodiversity

Análise da paisagem na lagoa verde: proposta para readequação da unidade de conservação da lagoa verde no município do Rio Grande, Brasil

A Lagoa Verde compreende uma pequena mancha de conservação, cercada de usos e pressões diversas. Associado ao espaço urbano de Rio Grande o sistema da Lagoa Verde sofre ameaças constantes, por conta do crescimento acelerado do município, resultante dos fartos investimentos no setor portuário e logístico. Em 2005, a Lei Municipal 6.084 reconheceu a importância deste sistema hídrico pela criação da “Área de Preservação Ambiental (APA) da Lagoa Verde”, com o propósito de proteger as paisagens e recursos hídricos, conservação da biodiversidade, preservação dos ecossistemas litorâneos, desenvolvimento de atividades de educação ambiental e pesquisa, bem como divulgar o patrimônio natural do Município. Devido à proximidade das zonas urbanizadas a APA vem sofrendo danos ambientais, tais como: a retirada da mata ciliar; o escoamento de esgoto irregular; e construção de vias próximas à lagoa. Portanto esta área necessita maiores esforços quanto sua preservação e qualidade ambiental. A eficiência das ações de proteção relaciona-se com a necessidade de um plano de manejo associado aos processos da paisagem com nível hierárquico adequado. Este trabalho reproduz as análises estruturais da paisagem na APA da Lagoa Verde, através da investigação da área em campo e processamento digital de imagens de satélite. O objetivo é propor uma readequação nos limites da APA por meio de princípios de ecologia de paisagem, a fim de estabelecer uma proteção ambiental efetiva na unidade de conservação. Por meio das análises de paisagem, os resultados mostraram que as manchas predominantes foram de campo associado a uso antrópico para agricultura e pecuária, sendo que tal categoria de mancha apresentou área maior que a categoria dos remanescentes naturais. Nesse contexto a área proposta para readequação dos limites da APA da Lagoa Verde incluiu as áreas úmidas adjacentes a lagoa; os arroios que conectam a lagoa a outros sistemas hídricos, tal como a Laguna dos Patos; e os campos litorâneos, onde se localizam as nascentes dos arroios Senandes e Bolhacha.The Lagoa Verde (Green Lagoon) comprises a small patch of conservation, surrounded by various uses and pressures. Associated with the urban space of Rio Grande, the system of Lagoa Verde is threatened constantly, due to the rapid growth of the city, tired of the resulting investment in the port sector and logistics. In 2005, the Municipal Law 6084 recognized the importance of this water system for the creation of "Environmental Preservation Area (APA) of Lagoa Verde", with the purpose of protecting the landscapes and water resources, biodiversity, preservation of coastal ecosystems, development of environmental education and research, as well as publicizing the natural patrimony of the city. Due to the proximity of urbanized areas the APA has suffered environmental damage, such as the removal of riparian vegetation, the irregular flow of sewage, and road construction near the pond. So, this area needs more efforts about their preservation and environmental quality. The effectiveness of protective actions relate to the need for a management plan associated with the processes of the landscape with appropriate hierarchical level. This work reproduces the structural analysis of the landscape in the Lagoa Verde APA, through research area in the field and digital processing of satellite images. The objective is to propose realignment in the limits of the APA through principles of landscape ecology in order to establish an effective environmental protection in the conservation unit. Through the analysis of landscape, the results showed that the stains were predominant field associated with anthropic use for agriculture and livestock, and such category of stain showed an area larger than the category of natural remnants. In this context, the proposed area to readjust the limits of the Lagoa Verde APA including wetlands adjacent lagoon, the streams that connect the lagoon to other water systems, such as the Laguna dos Patos, and coastal fields, where is located the springs the stream

Mapeamento do uso e ocupação do solo utilizando imagens de satélite do sensor TM/Landsat 5 no litoral sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

The following paper aims at mapping the areas of use and occupation of soil in the south shore of Rio Grande do Sul using Geoprocessing and remote sensing/ detection. The area of this study is located between the cities of Rio Grande and Santa Vitória do Palmar. There were performed specific classification techniques of non-supervised orbital images from the sensor Landsat TM 5 using the tool SOM (Kohenens Self-Organizing Map) from the software Idrisi Selva\uae, making it possible to discuss the spectral answers of the targets and of the field observation.Pages: -920

Ferramentas de geoprocessamento aplicadas na análise temporal das conectividades entre lagoas do litoral norte do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Connectivity between habitats is a key point in understanding many ecological processes, but little study of this kind has been done for aquatic environments. In this study we analyzed the structural connectivity among the 40 lakes of the northern coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, belonging to the Tramandaí-river-system relating these to rainy and dry periods in the region. For such an approach, three methods were tested. Based on rainfall data of the hydrometeorological station Imbé-RS, two time periods were identified: a rainy and a dry one, respectively in August 1988 and August 2009. For each period we selected a Landsat TM 5 image and performed its processing analysis. Three methods were tested in this research aiming to generate, by each method, an image with two classes: water, not-water. The methods used were: unsupervised classification, reclassification of NDVI (Vegetation Index Normalized Difference) and reclassification of band 5. The product according to the reclassification of the three methods and for each of the dates was superimposed on the coastal lakes map to check for existence of connectivity between them. The best result was obtained with the unsupervised classification, since it allows differentiating more clearly the presence or absence of water from the other attributes, suggesting this method for monitoring the extent of water surface in the region.Pages: 5523-552

NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES: A dataset of occurrence and abundance of freshwater fishes in the Neotropics

The Neotropical region hosts 4225 freshwater fish species, ranking first among the world's most diverse regions for freshwater fishes. Our NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES data set is the first to produce a large-scale Neotropical freshwater fish inventory, covering the entire Neotropical region from Mexico and the Caribbean in the north to the southern limits in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. We compiled 185,787 distribution records, with unique georeferenced coordinates, for the 4225 species, represented by occurrence and abundance data. The number of species for the most numerous orders are as follows: Characiformes (1289), Siluriformes (1384), Cichliformes (354), Cyprinodontiformes (245), and Gymnotiformes (135). The most recorded species was the characid Astyanax fasciatus (4696 records). We registered 116,802 distribution records for native species, compared to 1802 distribution records for nonnative species. The main aim of the NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES data set was to make these occurrence and abundance data accessible for international researchers to develop ecological and macroecological studies, from local to regional scales, with focal fish species, families, or orders. We anticipate that the NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES data set will be valuable for studies on a wide range of ecological processes, such as trophic cascades, fishery pressure, the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation, and the impacts of species invasion and climate change. There are no copyright restrictions on the data, and please cite this data paper when using the data in publications