Software for calculation of reservoir active capacity with the sequent-peak algorithm

It is presented a software developed with Delphi programming language to compute the reservoir's annual regulated active storage, based on the sequent-peak algorithm. Mathematical models used for that purpose generally require extended hydrological series. Usually, the analysis of those series is performed with spreadsheets or graphical representations. Based on that, it was developed a software for calculation of reservoir active capacity. An example calculation is shown by 30-years (from 1977 to 2009) monthly mean flow historical data, from Corrente River, located at São Francisco River Basin, Brazil. As an additional tool, an interface was developed to manage water resources, helping to manipulate data and to point out information that it would be of interest to the user. Moreover, with that interface irrigation districts where water consumption is higher can be analyzed as a function of specific seasonal water demands situations. From a practical application, it is possible to conclude that the program provides the calculation originally proposed. It was designed to keep information organized and retrievable at any time, and to show simulation on seasonal water demands throughout the year, contributing with the elements of study concerning reservoir projects. This program, with its functionality, is an important tool for decision making in the water resources management.

Silting in the dense reservoir network of the Pereira de Miranda catchment

This study aims to analyze the impacts of the reservoir network within Pereira de Miranda - CE catchment (also called Pentecoste) over sediment transport and storage capacity of the system. The survey of the "damming" was carried out using satellite images. We identified 502 erosion units, derived from overlaying maps of the Universal Soil Loss Equation parameters, which allowed the estimation of localized erosion in the basin and identification of areas potentially generating sediment. In order to estimate silting in Pentecoste reservoir, different system structure scenarios were considered. An average erosion rate of 59 t ha-1year-1 was estimated. According to the model, the silting of Pentecoste reservoir may vary from 1.1 to 2.6% per decade, depending on the scenario considered. It is also observed that the reservoirs upstream can retain up to 58% of the sediment that would reach the Pentecoste reservoir. Very small reservoirs with a capacity of up to 100,000 m³, although representing only 1.83% of the system water availability, are able to retain almost 8% of total sediment produced.

Germination ecology of Rhynchosia capitata: an emerging summer weed in Asia

Rhynchosia capitata is becoming an increasing problem in summer crops, such as cotton, soybean, pearl millet and mungbean in many Asian countries. Laboratory and greenhouse studies have been conducted to determine the effects of several environmental factors on seed germination patterns and seedling emergence of R. capitata. We investigated whether the diverse ecological factors such as temperature, light, salinity, moisture stress, pH, and soil depth affected germination and seedling emergence of R. capitata. Germination increased as temperature increased from 25ºC and significantly reduced at 45ºC. Presence or absence of light did not influence germination. Germination of R. capitata was sensitive to increased salt and moisture stress, as well as to seed burial depth. Only 48% of seeds germinated at 150 mM salt concentration compared to 100% in control (distilled water). Similarly, 15% of seeds germinated at an osmotic potential of ‑0.8 MPa compared to 88% at ‑0.2 MPa. The optimum pH for seed germination of R. capitata was 7 (98% germination), but the seeds also germinated at lower level of pH 5 (85%) and at higher level of pH 10 (75%). In seed burial trial, maximum seedling emergence of 93% occurred at 2 cm depth, and seedling did not emerge from a depth of 12 cm. The high germination ability of R. capitata under a wide range of ecological factors suggests that this species is likely to be the one to cause more problems in a near future, if not managed appropriately.

Germination ecology of wild onion: a rainfed crop weed

Asphodelus tenuifolius is becoming a more common weed in rain-fed area in Pakistan. Laboratory and greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the effect of different environmental factors on germination and emergence of A.tenuifolius. Results showed that A.tenuifolius can tolerate a wide range of varying environmental factors. Greatest percentage of germination (80%) was recorded at 15 ºC constant temperature; however, considerable germination occurred at 20 and 25 ºC. Light for 10 h photoperiod stimulate germination of Asphodelus tenuifolius compared with complete darkness. Germination was totally inhibited at osmotic stress higher than -0.8 MPa. There was no significant difference in germination at pH 6 to 8; however, there was a slightly decrease at pH 9, compared with distilled water. Asphodelus tenuifolius was very sensitive to salinity; however, a few seeds of A.tenuifolius were able to germinate even at 150 mM NaCl concentration. Greatest emergence occurred with seed placed at soil surface and emergence decreased with increase in burial depth. No emergence occurred from 4 cm or greater. This information may aid in developing tools and strategies for management.

Aquatic plant community in porto primavera reservoir

Aiming to identify the populations of aquatic plants present in the Porto Primavera reservoir and evaluate the behavior of Hydrilla verticillata colonization of this water body a survey was carried out in 2007. The data was based on presence or absence, only were assessed the presence or absence of the species and the data were subjected to cluster analysis to establish differences in distribution and occurrence of populations. The community of aquatic plants showed 24 species distributed in 16 botanical families. Cyperaceae and Pontederiaceae were the most representative in terms of species richness. The submerged macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata showed the highest frequency of occurrence in the water body, showing a different behavior from the other populations of the water body. Species like Eichhornia crassipes, Eichhornia azurea, Typha dominguensis and Oxycaryum cubense also showed different behavior in relation to other populations within the community, forming large populations in lagoons and backwater areas.

Population ecology of Paepalanthus polyanthus (Bong.) Kunth: demography and life history of a sand dune monocarpic plant

Aspects of population dynamics and life history of Paepalanthus polyanthus (Bong.) Kunth, a sand dune monocarpic plant, were evaluated. A five year study was carried out on three permanent plots (5 m x 5 m) in a sand dune slack at Joaquina beach, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. From December 1986 to June 1989, the population decreased due to the death of the post reproductive plants and a low emergence of seedlings. In June 1989, a great recruitment occurred, but no plants survived. The population re-established itself by 1990-1991. The emergence and high survival of seedlings depended on periods of high pluviosity. Nevertheless, the summer flooding and episodes of drought represented key factors in mortality. The birth and mortality rates varied among the areas. It is suggested that these differences are related with depth of the ground water and with vegetation cover at each site. Paepalanthus polyanthus can reproduce in the second year of life, but few plants do this. The chances of survival and reproduction increase with the size of the basal leaf rosette. Although the production of seeds increases with size, the risk of unexpected flooding, for instance, suggest that a great delay in reproduction might not be the most favorable strategy.

Pollination ecology of Tabebuia aurea (Manso) Benth. & Hook. and T. ochracea (Cham.) Standl. (Bignoniaceae) in Central Brazil cerrado vegetation

The pollination ecology and breeding systems of Tabebuia aurea (Manso) Benth. & Hook., and T. ochracea (Cham.) Standl. were investigated in an area of cerrado vegetation in the Federal District of Brazil. These species occur sympatrically, flower massively and synchronously for a month, during the dry season (July to September). Both have diurnal anthesis, with similar floral structures, a yellow tubular corolla and produce nectar. Fourteen species of bees visited both Tabebuia species, but, only three Centris species and Bombus morio, were considered potential pollinators, because of their high frequency on the flowers and their efficiency in carrying pollen. Tests on the breeding systems of T. aurea and T. ochracea demonstrated that boths species are self-incompatible, with late-acting self-incompatibility. The proportion of fruit set from cross pollination (T. aurea 17.2% and T. ochracea 12.3%) in both species was low considering the great number of flowers displayed. This suggests a lack of maternal resources for fruit-set. The great amount of seeds per fruit (about 92 in T. aurea and 285 in T. ochracea) may represent an investment of maternal resources allocated on higher quality of fertilized ovules.

Effects of nutrient impoverishment on phytoplankton biomass: a mesocosms experimental approach in a shallow eutrophic reservoir (Garças Pond), São Paulo, southeast Brazil

Nutrient impoverishment in mesocosms was carried out in a shallow eutrophic reservoir aiming to evaluate the nutrient removal technique as a method for eutrophication reduction. Garças Pond is located in the Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga Biological Reserve situated in the southeast region of the municipality of São Paulo. Three different treatments were designed, each consisting of two enclosures containing 360 liters of water each. Mesocosms were made of polyethylene bags and PVC pipes, and were attached to the lake bottom. Treatment dilutions followed Carlson's trophic state index modified by Toledo and collaborators, constituting the oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and eutrophic treatments. Ten abiotic and 9 biological samplings were carried out simultaneously. Trophic states previously calculated for the treatments were kept unaltered during the entire experiment period, except for the mesotrophic mesocosms in which TP reached oligotrophic concentrations on the 31st day of the experiment. In all three treatments a reduction of DO was observed during the study period. At the same time, NH4+ and free CO2 rose, indicating decomposition within the enclosures. Nutrient impoverishment caused P limitation in all three treatments during most of the experiment period. Reduction of algal density, chlorophyll a, and phaeophytin was observed in all treatments. Competition for nutrients led to changes in phytoplankton composition. Once isolated and diluted, the mesocosms' trophic state did not change. This led to the conclusion that isolation of the allochthonous sources of nutrients is the first step for the recovery of the Garças Pond.

Cryptoglena, Monomorphina and Phacus (Euglenophyceae) of a reservoir in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil

Taxonomic survey of representatives of genera Cryptoglena Ehrenberg emend. Kosmala & Zakry´s, Monomorphina Mereschkowsky emend. Kosmala & Zakry´s and Phacus Dujardin (Euglenaceae, Euglenophyceae) of a reservoir in the municipality of Triunfo (30°02'15" S, 51°13'13" W), state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Samplings were performed at two stations during 14 consecutive months, from February 1995 to March 1996. Sixteen taxa including nine species, three varieties that are not typical of their respective species and one taxonomic forma also not typical of Phacus, two species of Monomorphina and one of Cryptoglena were identified. Phacuspseudobicarinatus is described as a new species. Phacuslongicauda (Ehrenberg) Dujardin var. longicauda, P. longicauda (Ehrenberg) Dujardin var. tortus Lemmermann, P. orbicularis Hübner, P. pleuronectes (O.F. Müller) Dujardin and P. pseudobicarinatusnov. sp. were the best represented taxa geographycally, occurring in more than 55% of samples studied. Phacuslongicauda var. longicauda and P. longicauda var. tortus were characteristic by their wide tolerance to the following environmental variables: pH, water temperature, organic matter concentration, total phosphorus and the nitrogen series (nitrite, nitrate, ammonium and total nitrogen). Phacusundulatus f. major is cited for the first time for Brazil.

Energy saving potential in reservoir pumping

Pumping systems account for up to 22 % of the energy consumed by electrical motors in European industry. Many studies have shown that there is also a lot of potential for energy savings in these systems with the improvement of devices, flow control or surrounding sys-tem. The best method for more energy efficient pumping has to be found for each system separately. This thesis studies how energy saving potential in reservoir pumping system is affected by surrounding variables, such as the static head variation and friction factor. The objective is to create generally applicable graphs to quickly compare methods for reducing pumping system’s energy costs. The gained results are several graphs showcasing how the chosen variables affect energy saving potential of the pumping system in one specific case. To judge if these graphs are generally applicable, more testing with different pumps and environments are required.

The genera Chara and Nitella (Chlorophyta, Characeae) in the subtropical Itaipu Reservoir, Brazil

The family Characeae, represented by two genera in Brazil, Chara and Nitella, is considered to include the closest living relatives of land plants, and its members play important ecological role in aquatic ecosystems. The present taxonomic survey of Chara and Nitella was performed in tributaries that join to form the Brazilian shore of the Itaipu Reservoir on the Paraná River. Thirteen species were recorded, illustrated, and described: C. braunii var. brasiliensis R.Bicudo, C. guairensis R.Bicudo, N. acuminata A.Braun ex Wallman, N. furcata (Roxburgh ex Bruzileus) C.Agardh, and N. subglomerata A.Braun, already cited for the reservoir, and C. hydropitys Reichenbach, C. rusbyana Howe, N. axillaris A.Braun, N. glaziovii G.Zeller, N. gracilis (Smith) C.Agardh, N. hyalina (DC.) C.Agardh, N. inversa Imahori, and N. microcarpa A.Braun that represent new occurrences for the Itaipu Reservoir and Paraná State. Among the species encountered, C. guairensis, N. furcata, and N. glaziovii are widely distributed, while C. hydropitys and C. rusbyana have more restricted distributions.

Sloth biology: an update on their physiological ecology, behavior and role as vectors of arthropods and arboviruses

This is a review of the research undertaken since 1971 on the behavior and physiological ecology of sloths. The animals exhibit numerous fascinating features. Sloth hair is extremely specialized for a wet tropical environment and contains symbiotic algae. Activity shows circadian and seasonal variation. Nutrients derived from the food, particularly in Bradypus, only barely match the requirements for energy expenditure. Sloths are hosts to a fascinating array of commensal and parasitic arthropods and are carriers of various arthropod-borne viruses. Sloths are known reservoirs of the flagellate protozoan which causes leishmaniasis in humans, and may also carry trypanosomes and the protozoan Pneumocystis carinii.

Development of an Ecology-Oriented Software-Defined Networking Framework

ICT contributed to about 0.83 GtCO2 emissions where the 37% comes from the telecoms infrastructures. At the same time, the increasing cost of energy has been hindering the industry in providing more affordable services for the users. One of the sources of these problems is said to be the rigidity of the current network infrastructures which limits innovations in the network. SDN (Software Defined Network) has emerged as one of the prominent solutions with its idea of abstraction, visibility, and programmability in the network. Nevertheless, there are still significant efforts needed to actually utilize it to create a more energy and environmentally friendly network. In this paper, we suggested and developed a platform for developing ecology-related SDN applications. The main approach we take in realizing this goal is by maximizing the abstractions provided by OpenFlow and to expose RESTful interfaces to modules which enable energy saving in the network. While OpenFlow is made to be the standard for SDN protocol, there are still some mechanisms not defined in its specification such as settings related to Quality of Service (QoS). To solve this, we created REST interfaces for setting of QoS in the switches which can maximize network utilization. We also created a module for minimizing the required network resources in delivering packets across the network. This is achieved by utilizing redundant links when it is needed, but disabling them when the load in the network decreases. The usage of multi paths in a network is also evaluated for its benefit in terms of transfer rate improvement and energy savings. Hopefully, the developed framework can be beneficial for developers in creating applications for supporting environmentally friendly network infrastructures.

Bacterial ecology of tilapia fresh fillets and some factors that can influence their microbial quality

The purpose of research was to investigate the bacterial ecology of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fresh fillets and some factors that can influence its microbial quality. Samples of fish cultivation water (n = 20), tilapia tegument and gut (n = 20) and fresh fillets (n = 20) were collected in an experimental tilapia aquaculture located in the city of Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Staphylococcus spp., Aeromonas spp., Enterococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae were quantified using selective plating. For the enumeration of Pseudomonas spp., the most probable number technique (MPN) was utilized. Bacterial colonies (n = 198) were identified by Gram strain and biochemical tests. Aeromonas spp., Pseudomonas spp., Enterococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae were found in the cultivation water (water from a fishpond cultivation), tegument, gut, and fresh fillets. Staphylococcus spp. was not isolated in the cultivation water. Salmonella spp. was not detected. The count variable of 10 to 10³ CFU or MPN.(g or mL)-1. Associated to freshwater tilapia fillet processing, there is a large variety of microorganisms related to foodborne illnesses and fish products deterioration.

Foraging ecology and parental behaviour in the common tern (Sterna hirundo)

One component of successful parenting is related to efficiency in foraging behaviour. The relationships among chick feeding, the size and type of food package, and length of parental foraging trips has not been well studied in seabirds. In addition, relatively few data have been collected on the activities of seabirds when foraging away from the nest site. The objectives of this study were: (1) to contrast productivity, feeding rate, and attendance patterns of individuals carrying a novel transmitter with a control group of birds; (2) to use radio-telemetry to assess the variability in foraging locations within and between individual male Common Terns; (3) to determine the seasonal variation in chick diet; (4) to determine for each transmittered bird, the relationships among the foraging patterns, parental behaviour, and seasonal reproductive success. The study took place over two years (1990-91) on a concrete breakwater 1 km offshore on Lake Erie near Port Colbome, Ontario. Ten pairs of terns in 1990 and 12 pairs in 1991 were radio-tracked by boat or car during the chick rearing stage. Concurrent behavioural observations documented the time each sex spent foraging or at the nest. The frequency and prey species composition of feeds to chicks were also recorded. The transmitters had negligible effects on the feeding frequency and brood attendance patterns of transmitter carrying birds. Peak nesting transmittered birds in 1990 and 1991 exhibited some inter-individual variability in foraging locations, however intraindividual variability was low. Birds foraged primarily to the west and northwest of the colony. Late nesters exhibited greater inter-individual variability, however intra-individual variability remained low for most birds. Neither group demonstrated sufficient variability to support the regular use of this colony as an "information centre". Individual transmittered birds had unique and predictable foraging patterns, and corresponding differences in feeding frequencies and brood attendance patterns, yet productivity was essentially equal between nests due to the impact and importance of stochastic events. Individuals that were recaptured in 1991 exhibited very similar foraging patterns to 1990, suggesting littie variability between years. Conservation of foraging patterns between years may have potential implications for mate choice decisions in future breeding seasons. Prey species delivered to chicks differed between morning and evening for peak and late nesters in 1990, but not 1991. Peak nesters in 1990 fed significantiy more Rainbow Smelt fOsmerus mordM) than Emerald Shiner (Notropis atherinoidesV this trend was reversed for late nesters who also fed large numbers of unidentified larval fish. No significant differences were found in 1991. Seasonal changes in prey species delivered to chicks is believed to be attributable to the temperature tolerances of the smelt and shiners, and the presence of large schools of larval fish during the late nesting season.