Landscape Transformation: Temporal Evolution of the Erosion Process on a Hillside on the Island of Itamaracá / Brazil

Urban planning is important to guarantee the quality of life for society, as it proposes spatial planning and problem solving, especially those related to land use. Thus, it was proposed to perform an evaluation of actions that promote and/or accelerate the erosive processes on a hillside located in island of Itamaracá/BR. The “interaction networks” and “land use maps” techniques were used in combination, which resulted in a more accurate environmental assessment, as well as the use of models for future estimates. The results pointed to mediumrisk for the environmental indicators of “occupation types” and evidence of collapse”, and high risk for“urban density”and“vegetation”indicators. It has also been predicted that over the years, the urban sprawl in the area will continue to grow until it reaches stability due to the total occupation of useful areas as well as that the growth rate for vegetation will be negative. Thus, there is a need to mitigate environmental damage in the short term, in order to avoid the occurrence of accidents in the hillside area

Influence of constructive profiles on the generation of construction waste in construction in the Northeast

The construction sector is one of the main modifiers of the environment, since in its activities there is, essentially, the exploitation of natural resources, generating a large amount of waste. The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of management parameters (term, contracting and costs) and constructive parameters (building standard, type of foundation and type of masonry) in the generation of construction waste. The methodology consisted of the following steps: definition of the parameters to be analyzed for the generation of waste in 15 works; data collection and processing and, finally, data dispersion analysis through the boxplot. The class was predominant A waste, 89.2% of the total generated; among class B waste, gypsum is more prominent, with 55% of the waste generated; in class C the mixed materials are predominant, with 64%. Regarding the analyzed parameters, the ones that contributed the most to the generation of civil construction waste (CCW) were: high work pattern (48%); incorporation hiring regime (58%); intermediate execution time between 36 and 45 months (49%); the foundation of the shoe type (36%); sealing masonry with ceramic blocks in the peripheries and gypsum blocks internally (58%)

‘Mutirão Agroflorestal’: herramienta de red de agroforestería del Vale do Paraíba, Brasil

Difundir los sistemas agroforestales (SAFs) en la cuenca del río Paraíba do Sul, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, es el propósito de esfuerzo conjunto en Polo Regional/APTA, en Pindamonhangaba. Los SAFs se basan en consorcios de cultivos agrícolas, arbustos y árboles, aprovechando los mismos recursos (agua, luz y nutrientes). Entre los años 2010-2013, unas 330 personas de diversos orígenes participaron en esfuerzos conjuntos agroforestales. La metodología participativa incluye la planificación para la preparación y manejo de los SAFs, después de conciencia a través de conferencias y excursión. El método "mutirão agroforestal” promueve el intercambio de conocimiento, el rescate de los saberes populares y los recursos genéticos. El enfoque de SAFs en la restauración de las áreas ribereñas con producción diversificada amplificando la biodiversidad de la selva atlántica. La producción se basa en especies comestibles, entre ellos: Maranta arundinaceae, Colocasia esculenta, Pereskia sp., Talinum paniculatum, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Manihot esculenta, plátano resistente - Musa sp.; de árboles nativo para madera (Calophyllum brasiliense e Centrolobium tomentosum), frutas (Euterpe edulis, Rolinia mucosa) y plantas fertilizantes (Cajanus cajan, Flemingia macrophylla, Tithonia diversifolia, Gliricidia sepium, Sesbania sp., Inga sp.). Se evalúan indicadores de sostenibilidad para balisar la gestión: resistencia a la penetración de una barra de hierro, tasa de cobertura del suelo por la proyección de la plantas de dosel, cantidad y calidad de vegetación espontánea, la presencia de organismos vivos en la capa superior del suelo, contenido de materia orgánica por la reacción del suelo con peróxido de hidrógeno, calidad de especies de anclaje y la cantidad de hojarasca del suelo. Como resultado, un grupo multidisciplinario ha sido articular la formación de Red de Agroforestería del Vale do Paraíba, de difundir los SAFs en la cuenca y los recursos genéticos de estas unidades pasan a los productores

Promoção do Sucesso e Redução do Abandono Académico: Plano de Ação

Projeto financiado: POCH-02-53I2-FSE-000030 - Skills 4 Pós-COVID - Competências para o futuro no Ensino Superior.De forma de criar e potenciar, no Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, um trabalho colaborativo a partir da identificação e utilização de uma metodologia integrada de promoção do sucesso escolar, que permita identificar, no contexto académico, todas as dimensões do problema e um roteiro de intervenção futuro que inclua a identificação de estratégias para promoção do sucesso académico em Instituições de Ensino Superior nacionais e internacionais, foi desenvolvido o “Laboratório da Mudança”. Através de um método sistémico, participativo e criativo para enfrentar, gerir e mitigar problemas sociais complexos, como são o insucesso e abandono escolar, foi desenvolvido um trabalho em conjunto com os diferentes intervenientes da comunidade académica do Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, no qual foi utilizada a ferramenta Teoria da Mudança para a criação de um plano de ação face a problemas sociais complexos. No Laboratório da Mudança foram convidados a participar vários atores da comunidade académica do IP Leiria, desde direções e escolas, coordenações pedagógicas e demais serviços, bem como docentes e estudantes. A equipa multidisciplinar constituída para o desenvolvimento do Laboratório trouxe contributos variados relevantes e inovadores no desenho de uma estratégia colaborativa e na construção do presente plano de ação. Aquando da identificação do problema, e após o término do projeto, estes atores contribuirão na promoção de outras estratégias, além das propostas em desenvolvimento neste projeto, que possam ser concebidas no futuro visando a resolução dos problemas identificados do insucesso e abandono escolar.N/

Transcriptional profiles of the human pathogenic fungus paracoccidioides brasiliensis in mycelium and yeast cells

This work was supported by MCT, CNPq, CAPES, FUB, UFG, and FUNDECT-MS. PbGenome Network: Alda Maria T. Ferreira, Alessandra Dantas, Alessandra J. Baptista, Alexandre M. Bailão, Ana Lídia Bonato, André C. Amaral, Bruno S. Daher, Camila M. Silva, Christiane S. Costa, Clayton L. Borges, Cléber O. Soares, Cristina M. Junta, Daniel A. S. Anjos, Edans F. O. Sandes, Eduardo A. Donadi, Elza T. Sakamoto-Hojo, Flábio R. Araújo, Flávia C. Albuquerque, Gina C. Oliveira, João Ricardo M. Almeida, Juliana C. Oliveira, Kláudia G. Jorge, Larissa Fernandes, Lorena S. Derengowski, Luís Artur M. Bataus, Marcus A. M. Araújo, Marcus K. Inoue, Marlene T. De-Souza, Mauro F. Almeida, Nádia S. Parachin, Nadya S. Castro, Odair P. Martins, Patrícia L. N. Costa, Paula Sandrin-Garcia, Renata B. A. Soares, Stephano S. Mello, and Viviane C. B. ReisParacoccidioides brasiliensis is the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, a disease that affects 10 million individuals in Latin America. This report depicts the results of the analysis of 6,022 assembled groups from mycelium and yeast phase expressed sequence tags, covering about 80% of the estimated genome of this dimorphic, thermo-regulated fungus. The data provide a comprehensive view of the fungal metabolism, including overexpressed transcripts, stage-specific genes, and also those that are up- or down-regulated as assessed by in silico electronic subtraction and cDNA microarrays. Also, a significant differential expression pattern in mycelium and yeast cells was detected, which was confirmed by Northern blot analysis, providing insights into differential metabolic adaptations. The overall transcriptome analysis provided information about sequences related to the cell cycle, stress response, drug resistance, and signal transduction pathways of the pathogen. Novel P. brasiliensis genes have been identified, probably corresponding to proteins that should be addressed as virulence factor candidates and potential new drug targets

Influenza seroprotection correlates with predominant circulating viruses during 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons in Portugal

Rede Portuguesa de Laboratórios para o Diagnóstico da GripeBACKGROUND: Population immune profile for influenza is highly affected by circulating influenza viruses, thus changing the risk of infection for influenza. This study aims to assess influenza immunity in the Portuguese population by age groups, during 2014 and 2015 and establish a relationship between seroprotection and circulating influenza viruses in 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were developed based on a convenience serum sample collected in June 2014 (n=626) and July 2015 (n=675) in hospitals from mainland and Azores and Madeira.Serums equally represent all age groups. Antibody titers were evaluated by HI assay for strains recommended for seasonal influenza vaccine northern hemisphere,2014/15 and 2015/2016. Seroprevalences were estimated for each strain by age group and the association with seasonal cumulative influenza-like illness (ILI) rates for influenza virus during both seasons was analised. RESULTS: In June 2014 the highest seroprotection was observed for influenza A(H3) (39.0%; 95% CI: 36.2-43.8%) and A(H1)pdm09 (29.7; 95% CI: 26.3-33.4%), with higher levels in children 5-14 years old. In 2014/2015 a dominant circulation of influenza B/Yamagata was observed with high incidence rates in individuals under 65 years old, the ones that had lower seroprotection. Although before the start of the season high protection for A(H3) was observed, the circulation of the new drift A(H3) strains had gained an immunological advantage,in accordance with A(H3) elevated incidence rates observed during 2014/15. In July 2015 the highest seroprotection was observed for influenza B/ Yamagata (55.1%; 95% CI: 51.4-58.9%), 2.4 times the estimated 2014.This increase was even more pronounced in younger (≤ 4 years old), 6.3 times increase in 2015.This fact is in agreement with the predominant influenza B virus detected and the high ILI incidence rate observed in children during 2014/2015 epidemic. Seroprotection levels for influenza A in July 2015 were not significantly different from 2014.During 2015/16 season, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was predominant, with high incidence rate in < 65 year old. Influenza B/Victoria lineage,although detected at low levels increased in frequency, in agreement with the lowest level of seroprotection detected in the general population before the start of 2015/2016 season (21.8%; 95% CI: 18.7-24.0%). CONCLUSIONS There was a correlation between virus circulation, incidence rates for each age group and the previous seroprotection for seasonal influenza viruses.Our study highlights the value of measuring the serological profile for influenza to establishe risk groups for infection for which an increase preventive measures, including vaccination, should be fostered.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear un derstanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5–7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8–11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world’s most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepre sented in biodiversity databases.13–15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may elim inate pieces of the Amazon’s biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological com munities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple or ganism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region’s vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most ne glected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lostinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

SARS-CoV-2 introductions and early dynamics of the epidemic in Portugal

Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Portugal was rapidly implemented by the National Institute of Health in the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic, in collaboration with more than 50 laboratories distributed nationwide. Methods By applying recent phylodynamic models that allow integration of individual-based travel history, we reconstructed and characterized the spatio-temporal dynamics of SARSCoV-2 introductions and early dissemination in Portugal. Results We detected at least 277 independent SARS-CoV-2 introductions, mostly from European countries (namely the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, and Switzerland), which were consistent with the countries with the highest connectivity with Portugal. Although most introductions were estimated to have occurred during early March 2020, it is likely that SARS-CoV-2 was silently circulating in Portugal throughout February, before the first cases were confirmed. Conclusions Here we conclude that the earlier implementation of measures could have minimized the number of introductions and subsequent virus expansion in Portugal. This study lays the foundation for genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Portugal, and highlights the need for systematic and geographically-representative genomic surveillance.We gratefully acknowledge to Sara Hill and Nuno Faria (University of Oxford) and Joshua Quick and Nick Loman (University of Birmingham) for kindly providing us with the initial sets of Artic Network primers for NGS; Rafael Mamede (MRamirez team, IMM, Lisbon) for developing and sharing a bioinformatics script for sequence curation (https://github.com/rfm-targa/BioinfUtils); Philippe Lemey (KU Leuven) for providing guidance on the implementation of the phylodynamic models; Joshua L. Cherry (National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health) for providing guidance with the subsampling strategies; and all authors, originating and submitting laboratories who have contributed genome data on GISAID (https://www.gisaid.org/) on which part of this research is based. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the view of the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government. This study is co-funded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia and Agência de Investigação Clínica e Inovação Biomédica (234_596874175) on behalf of the Research 4 COVID-19 call. Some infrastructural resources used in this study come from the GenomePT project (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022184), supported by COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalisation (POCI), Lisboa Portugal Regional Operational Programme (Lisboa2020), Algarve Portugal Regional Operational Programme (CRESC Algarve2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear understanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5,6,7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8,9,10,11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world's most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepresented in biodiversity databases.13,14,15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may eliminate pieces of the Amazon's biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological communities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple organism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region's vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most neglected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lost