Ectoparasitos associados a aves de um fragmento de Floresta Estacional Decidual no Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

This study to aimed investigate the community of ectoparasites associated with birds in the Mata do Olho D água, in the municipality of Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil, its structure and the ambiental and hosts influential variables on it, and to verify microhabitats preferences by species of chewing lice and feather mites. We examined 172 individuals belonging to 38 species of Passeriformes and non-Passeriformes. 12 new geographic records are reported and 11 host-parasite associations not yet known for chewing lice and feather mites species. Significant relationship was found between the abundance of chewing lice and the variables total length (r = 0.29, p <0.05) and exposed culmen (r = 0.38, p <0.05) of the hosts. A principal component (PC1) accounted for 90.1% of the hosts morphological variation was significantly influential on the abundance of chewing lice (p <0.05), indicating that the morphological characteristics of the hosts may be positively influencing the abundance of these ectoparasites. Significantly higher frequency of individuals with high loads of chewing lice was detected during the dry period (x ² = 8.5, p <0.05), corroborating studies that propose that birds of arid environments suffer as much pressure as those of parasitic humid environments. Analyses of null models of co-occurrence and niche overlap showed a high degree of structure in the feather mites and chewing lice assemblies, when compared with other groups, and preferences in the use of microhabitats by taxa identified. These results corroborate ecological theories in host-parasite systems, contribute to the knowledge of ectoparasites associated with neotropical birds, and the need for experimental studies, as well as further deepening the biology of these arthropods

Sobrevivência e tamanho populacional do Tiê-preto Tachyphonus Rufus (aves: thraupidae) em fragmento de restinga no extremo Norte da Mata Atlântica

For a long time, we believed in the pattern that tropical and south hemisphere species have high survival. Nowadays results began to contradict this pattern, indicating the need for further studies. Despite the advanced state of the study of bird population parameters, little is known about their variation throughout the year and the factors affecting them. Reproduction, for example, is one factor that may alter adult survival rates, because during this process the breeding pair allocates resources to maintain itself to maintain offspring, making itself more susceptible to diseases and predation. The aim of this study was to estimate survival and population size of a Central and South America passerine, Tachyphonus rufus (Boddaert, 1783), testing hypotheses about the factors that define these parameters. We performed data collection between Nov/2010 and ago/2012 in 12 ha plot, in a fragment of Atlantic Forest in northeastern Brazil. We used capture-mark-recapture methods to generate estimates using Closed Design Robust model in the program MARK. We generated Multi-state models to test some assumptions inherent to Closed Robust Design. The influence of co-variables (time, rain and reproductive cycle) and the effect of transient individuals were measured. Capture, recapture and apparent survival parameters were defined by reproductive cycle, while temporary dispersal was influence by rain. The estimates showed a higher apparent survival during the non-breeding period (92% ± 1%) than during breeding (40% ± 9%), revealing a cost of reproduction and suggesting a trade-off between surviving and reproducing. The low annual survival observed (34%) did not corroborate the pattern of high rates expected for a tropical bird. The largest population size was estimated to be 56 individuals in Nov/11, explained by high recruitment of juveniles, while the lowest observed in May/12: 10 individuals, probably as a result of massive influx of competitor species. Results from this study add to the growing literature on life history of Neotropical species. We encourage studies like this especially in Brazil, where there are few information, and suggest that covariates related to habitat quality and environmental changes should be tested, so that we can generate increasingly reliable models

Sobrevivência de adultos e estimativa populacional da guaracava-de-topete-uniforme elaenia cristata (aves: tyrannidae) em fragmento de mata atlântica no Nordeste do Brasil

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Painéis-sanduíche com núcleo de EPS reciclado: metodologia de execução e determinação de propriedades termofísicas

New materials made from industrial wastes have been studied as an alternative to traditional fabrication processes in building and civil engineering. These materials are produced considering some issues like: cost, efficiency and reduction of nvironmental damage. Specifically in cases of materials destined to dwellings in low latitude regions, like Brazilian Northeast, efficiency is related to mechanical and thermal resistance. Thus, when thermal insulation and energetic efficiency are aimed, it s important to increase thermal resistance without depletion of mechanical properties. This research was conducted on a construction element made of two plates of cement mortar, interspersed with a plate of recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS). This component, widely known as sandwich-panel, is commonly manufactured with commercial EPS whose substitution was proposed in this study. For this purpose it was applied a detailed methodology that defines parameters to a rational batching of the elements that constitute the nucleus. Samples of recycled EPS were made in two different values of apparent specific mass (ρ = 65 kg/m³; ρ = 130 kg/m³) and submitted to the Quick-Line 30TM that is a thermophysical properties analyzer. Based on the results of thermal conductivity, thermal capacity and thermal diffusivity obtained, it was possible to assure that recycled EPS has thermal insulation characteristics that qualify it to replace commercial EPS in building and civil engineering industry

Desenvolvimento de um núcleo versátil e integrado de ferramentas CAD/CAE para a modelagem e simulação de peças mecânicas

Currently there is still a high demand for quality control in manufacturing processes of mechanical parts. This keeps alive the need for the inspection activity of final products ranging from dimensional analysis to chemical composition of products. Usually this task may be done through various nondestructive and destructive methods that ensure the integrity of the parts. The result generated by these modern inspection tools ends up not being able to geometrically define the real damage and, therefore, cannot be properly displayed on a computing environment screen. Virtual 3D visualization may help identify damage that would hardly be detected by any other methods. One may find some commercial softwares that seek to address the stages of a design and simulation of mechanical parts in order to predict possible damages trying to diminish potential undesirable events. However, the challenge of developing softwares capable of integrating the various design activities, product inspection, results of non-destructive testing as well as the simulation of damage still needs the attention of researchers. This was the motivation to conduct a methodological study for implementation of a versatile CAD/CAE computer kernel capable of helping programmers in developing softwares applied to the activities of design and simulation of mechanics parts under stress. In this research it is presented interesting results obtained from the use of the developed kernel showing that it was successfully applied to case studies of design including parts presenting specific geometries, namely: mechanical prostheses, heat exchangers and piping of oil and gas. Finally, the conclusions regarding the experience of merging CAD and CAE theories to develop the kernel, so as to result in a tool adaptable to various applications of the metalworking industry are presented

Diversidade genética em populações-núcleo de Eucalyptus grandis

No melhoramento genético de espécies florestais, uma população base ou indivíduos superiores pré-selecionados tem importância fundamental para a manutenção do programa. Indivíduos de melhores procedências e de ampla base genética propiciam a obtenção de ganhos de forma contínua. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a diversidade genética em duas populações-núcleo de Eucalyptus grandis. Foram avaliados 39 indivíduos, sendo 19 pertencentes à população 1 e 20, à população 2, utilizando-se 14 primers microssatélite. Os fragmentos foram identificados e analisados a partir dos programas GeneScan e Genotyper, utilizando-se um sequenciador automático ABI Prism 3100. O número de alelos encontrados para cada primer variou de cinco a 15 para a população 1 e, de 8 a 18 para a população 2. A heterozigosidade estimada foi maior na população 2, 0,869, contra 0,843 na população 1. A média da distância genética entre os indivíduos da população 1 foi 0,6220 e na população 2 foi 0,6112. Com a caracterização molecular dos indivíduos destas populações foi construído um banco de dados que permitirá, a partir dos parâmetros de genética de populações, monitorar esses programas de melhoramento em diferentes ciclos de seleção.

O FRAGMENTO EM TUTAMÉIA E NO LIVRO SOBRE NADA

This study is connected to the research line Poéticas da Modernidade e Pós -Modernidade, of the Programa de Pós-Graduação em Estudos da Linguagem, in the subarea: Comparative Literature - CCHLA/UFRN. Its main goal is to see fragmentation of writing as an aesthetic resource highlighted in the work of Tutaméia by Guimarães Rosa (1908-1967), and in Livro sobre nada by Manoel de Barros (1916). We undertake as a starting point the view that these works are allegorical expressions. We have as a basis the German philosopher Walter Benjamin (1984) conception about baroque allegory, that uses amorphous fragment and constitutes a dialectical expression, in which each person, each thing, each relation, may mean any other one (1984, p. 196). We see the stylistic features as used by Guimarães Rosa and by Manoel de Barros in the construction of poetics capable of breaking the boundaries between artistic genres, literary and discursive, adding oral, musical and plastic elements to writing. We also analyze the development of fragmentary poetics, in which the voice of the narrator/lyrical I, the characters, space, plot and time exhibit the fragment as a factor that contributes to the great ambiguity of the two works and to create a new language, performative and vibrant, rich in alluring images, allegories

Comparação quantitativa da comunidade de aves de um fragmento de floresta semidecidual do interior do Estado de São Paulo em intervalo de 30 anos

Poucos estudos avaliaram em longo prazo a variação no tamanho populacional das espécies de aves em fragmentos florestais. Para avaliar a riqueza e a abundância específica da comunidade de aves de um remanescente de mata semidecidual do interior do Estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil, foi conduzido o censo da avifauna florestal utilizando-se a metodologia de contagem em transecção. Estes resultados foram comparados com levantamento realizado na mesma localidade 30 anos antes, e as aves foram classificadas de acordo com suas categorias alimentares com a finalidade de associá-las à tendência ao aumento/diminuição de suas abundâncias após este intervalo de tempo. Embora tenha havido predominância de espécies com diminuição populacional, todas as categorias tróficas analisadas apresentaram também espécies com aumento em suas abundâncias. A maioria das espécies com propensão a deslocarem-se entre fragmentos apresentou diminuição em suas abundâncias. Sugerimos que, em relação a suas abundâncias específicas, as categorias tróficas são igualmente afetadas pelos processos da fragmentação, e que a regeneração florestal sofrida pelo remanescente pode ter resultado na perda de espécies de bordas. Espécies cujas abundâncias tenham reduzido neste intervalo de tempo podem sofrer extinção local futuramente.

Não vício assintótico, consistência forte e uniformemente forte de estimadores do tipo núcleo para dados direcionais sobre uma esfera unitária k-dimensional

In this work we studied the asymptotic unbiasedness, the strong and the uniform strong consistencies of a class of kernel estimators fn as an estimator of the density function f taking values on a k-dimensional sphere

Estimadores do tipo núcleo para Variávei s I.I.D. com espaço de estados geral

In this work, the paper of Campos and Dorea [3] was detailed. In that article a Kernel Estimator was applied to a sequence of random variables with general state space, which were independent and identicaly distributed. In chapter 2, the estimator´s properties such as asymptotic unbiasedness, consistency in quadratic mean, strong consistency and asymptotic normality were verified. In chapter 3, using R software, numerical experiments were developed in order to give a visual idea of the estimate process

"O núcleo supraquiasmático e o folheto intergeniculado do mocó (Kerodon rupestris): Projeções retinianas e caracterização imuno-histoquímica

In this study, two circadian related centres, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) were evaluated in respect to their cytoarchitecture, retinal afferents and chemical content of major cells and axon terminals with a tract tracer and immunohistochemical techniques in the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris), a Brazilian caviidae rodent species. The rock cavy SCN is innervated in its ventral portion by terminals from the predominantly contralateral retina. It also contains neurophisin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide immunoreactive cell bodies and neuropeptide Y and enkephalin immunopositive fibres and terminals and is marked by intense GFAP immunoreactivity. The IGL receives a predominantly contralateral retinal projection, contains neuropeptide Y and nitric oxide synthase producing neurons and enkephalin immunopositive terminals and is characterized by dense GFAP immunoreactivity. This is the first report examining the neural circadian system in a crepuscular rodent species for which circadian properties have been described. The results are discussed comparing with what has been described for other species and in the context of the functional significance of these centres

Expressão de fos após pulso de escuro no núcleo pré- geniculado do tálamo do sagui (Callithrix jacchus)

The pregeniculate nucleus (PGN) of the primate s thalamus is an agglomerate neuronal having a cap shaped located dorsomedially to the main relay visual information to the cerebral cortex, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (GLD). Several cytoarchitectonic, neurochemical and retinal projections studies have pointed PGN as a structure homologous to intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) of rodents. The IGL receives retinal terminals and appears to be involved in the integration of photic and non-photic information relaying them, through geniculo-hypothalamic tract (TGH), to the main circadian oscillator in mammals, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Thus, the IGL participates in the control of the biological rhythm by modulating the activity of the SCN. Pharmacological and IGL injury studies conclude that it is critical in the processing of non-photic information which is transmitted to the SCN. Other studies have found that especially neurons immunoreactive to neuropeptide Y (NPY) respond to this type of stimulation, determined by its colocation with the FOS protein. Has not been determined if the PGN responds, expressing the FOS protein, to the non-photic stimulus nor the neurochemical nature of these cells. Thus, we apply a dark pulse in the specifics circadian phases and analyze the pattern of expression of FOS protein in PGN of the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). We found that in all animals analyzed the FOS expression was higher in the experimental than in the control group. There was a higher expression of FOS when the dark pulse was applied during the subjective day between the groups. Still, a subregion of the PGN, known by immunoreactive to NPY, had a greater number of FOS-positive cells in relation to his other just close dorsal region. Our data corroborate the theory that the PGN and IGL are homologous structures that were anatomically modified during the evolutionary process, but kept its main neurochemical and functional characteristics. However, injury and hodological studies are still needed for a more accurate conclusion

Efeitos da senescência no núcleo supraquiasmático do sagui (Callithrix Jacchus): plasticidade morfológica e neuroquímica

The circadian timing system (CTS) is responsible for the generation and synchronization and the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus has been described as the major circadian pacemaker in many mammalian species. The internal temporal organization managed by SCN is disturbed with aging bringing many pathological disorders that range from loss of complex cognitive performance to simple physiological functions. Therefore, our aim was perform a comparative study of the morphological aspects and neurochemical composition in the SCN of marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) adults and older using immunohistochemical techniques. We found morphometric and neurochemical changes in th SCN o folder animals in comparison to adults, among these a possible decreased in retinal projection to the SCN of older animals, found through a decline in CTB immunostaining, which can occur due atrophy and/or decreasing of fibers from the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT). The Klüver-Barrera histological technique strongly suggests a decrease in those fibers from RHT. Also, by means of a morphometric study, it is found a atrophy and numerical decline of neurons in SCN of aged animals, investigated by Nissl technique, and immunostaining with NeuN and calbindin. Relative optical density (ROD) analysis were used to evaluate the expression of some neurochemical components in SCN, such as GFAP expression, which was increased in older, result that indirectly reinforces that morphological changes occurs due the aging; the vasoactive intestinal polipeptide (VIP) showed no expression alteration in SCN of older animals; the serotonin (5-HT) was descreased in the dorsomedial portion of the SCN, and neurpeptide Y (NPY) apparently also decrease due to the increase of age. Many of these modifications were seen in other animals, such as rodents, human primates and non-human primates. These data about marmoset comes to add new information of the effect of aging on structures responsibles for the circadian rhytmicity, and that some behavioral changes controlled by th SCN, and founded in aged animals, may be caused by these morphological and neurochemical changes. Although some results have been quantitatively negative, qualitatively all analysis show significant change comparing adult and older animals, perhaps due to a low sampling number. In conclusion, the marmoset presents several morphological and neurochemical changes in the SCN of aged animals compared to adults, which may result in behavioral changes that favor pathology aging related

Caracaterização do núcleo pré-geniculado do sagüi (Callithrix jacchus) :projeção retiniana, neuroquímica e atividade celular (expressão de FOS)

In rodents, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) are the main components of the circadian system. The SCN is considerate the site of an endogenous biological clock because can to generate rhythm and to synchronize to the environmental cues (zeitgebers) and IGL has been related as one of the main areas that modulate the action of SCN. Both receive projections of ganglion cells of retina and this projection to SCN is called retinohypothalamic tract (RHT). Moreover, the IGL is connected with SCN through of geniculohypothalamic tract (GHT). In primates (include humans) was not still demonstrated the presence of a homologous structure to the IGL. It is believed that the pregeniculate nucleus (PGN) can be the answer, but nothing it was still proven. Trying to answer that question, the objective of our study is to do a comparative analysis among PGN and IGL through of techniques immunohystochemicals, neural tracers and FOS expression after dark pulses. For this, we used as experimental model a primate of the new world, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Ours results may contribute to the elucidation of this lacuna in the circadian system once that the IGL is responsible for the transmission of nonphotic information to SCN and participate in the integration between photic and nonphotic stimulus to adjust the function of the SCN. In this way to find a same structure in primates represent an important achieve in the understanding of the biological rhythms in those animals

O Núcleo genuíno lateral dorsal do tálamo do sagüi (callithrix jacchus): Pprojeção retiniana, caracterização citoarquitetônica e neuroquimica da principal estação visual primária.

The thalamus plays an important role in the sensorial processing information, in this particular case, the visual information. Several neuronal groups have been characterized as conductors and processors of important sensorial information to the cerebral cortex. The lateral geniculate complex is one to them, and appears as a group very studied once it is responsible, in almost all totality, for the processing of visual information. Among the nuclei that constitute the lateral geniculate complex we highlight the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus (DLG), the main thalamic relay for the visual information. This nucleus is located rostral and lateral to medial geniculate nucleus and ventral to thalamic pulvinar nucleus in most of the mammals. In the primates humans and non-humans, it presents as a laminate structure, arranged in layers, when observed in coronal sections. The objective of this work was to do a mapping of the retinal projections and a citoarchictetonic and neurochemical characterization of DLG in the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a New World primate. The retinal projections were traced by anterograde transport of subunit b of cholera toxin (CTb), the citoarchicteture was described by Nissl method, and to neurochemical characterization immunohistochemicals technical were used to examine the main neurotransmitters and neuroatives substances present in this neural center. In DGL of marmoset thalamus, in coronal sections labeled by Nissl method, was possible to visualize the division of this nucleus in four layers divided in two portions: magnocellular and parvocellular. The retinal projections were present being visualized fibers and terminals immunorreactives to CTb (IR-CTb) in the DLG ipsilateral and contralateral. And through the immunohistochemicals techniques was observed that DLG contain cells, fibers and/or terminals immunoreactives against neuronal nuclear protein, subunits of AMPA 15 glutamate receptors (GluR1, GluR2/3, GluR4), choline acetyltransferase, serotonin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, binding calcium proteins (calbindin, parvalbumin and calretinin), vasopressin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and an astrocyte protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein.