Ecology and conservation of felids in the Brazilian pantanal

Habitat conversion and environmental degradation have reached alarming levels in the Pantanal, endangering all its biodiversity. This scenario is complicated by the fact that the biome relies on only a few protected areas, which combined do not exceed 10% of the territory. Felids, as predators, play a vital role in the maintenance of this ecosystem, but require large areas, have low population densities and, typically, are very sensitive to environmental disturbances. Amolar Mountain Ridge is considered an area of extreme importance and high priority for conservation within the biome. There are four species of felids in this region: the jaguar (Panthera onca), the puma (Puma concolor), the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), and jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi). However, little is known about the ecology of these species in this region or the magnitude of interaction between the communities living around the protected areas and the animals. The goal of this study was to increase our knowledge about these felids and understand how people interact with them in order to contribute to their conservation in the network of parks within Amolar. Camera trapping surveys were carried out in two areas of the network, covering approximately 83,000 hectares, in order to identify the species of mammals occurring in the region, those that may be potential prey for the felids, and to obtain basic ecological data about both felids and prey. In addition, we conducted surveys in three riverside schools in order to assess the knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of schoolchildren regarding the four focal felids, and surveys among the adult population to assess their perceptions and attitudes towards the jaguar. We recorded a total of 33 species of mammals from both study areas. The large cats were cathemeral, reflecting the temporal activity of larger prey, whereas the ocelot was nocturnal, mirroring the activity of smaller prey. Jaguar occupancy was influenced by prey abundance, while puma occupancy was influenced by patch density in drier dense forest. Jaguars and pumas may be competitors over temporal and spatial scales, while no resource overlap was found for ocelots. Overall, both adults and children tended to have negative perceptions about the cats, which were related to the fear of being attacked. To increase awareness about the species and to maximize the effectiveness of protective measures in the network of reserves, it is recommended to develop and implement an Environmental Educational Program in the medium- to long-term in order to minimize the fear of these felids and to counsel locals on the role of felids in the maintenance of the Pantanal’s biodiversity.

4-Quinolonas: novos métodos de síntese e transformação em acridonas

A presente dissertação é constituída por quatro capítulos, organizados em introdução geral, discussão do trabalho desenvolvido na síntese de quinolin-4(1H)-onas e acridonas, caracterização estrutural dos novos compostos sintetizados e parte experimental. No primeiro capítulo desta dissertação é apresentada uma breve revisão bibliográfica de quinolin-4(1H)-onas e acridonas, abrangendo a respectiva nomenclatura, ocorrência natural e métodos de síntese. O segundo capítulo engloba estudos da reactividade de (E)-2-estirilquinolin-4(1H)-onas e (E)-N-(2-acetilfenil)-3-arilacrilamidas como dienófilos com o-benzoquinodimetanos, gerados in situ a partir da extrusão quelotrópica do dióxido de enxofre de 2,2-dióxidos de 1,3-di-hidrobenzo[c]tiofenos. Estes estudos conduziram à obtenção de novas 2-(3-aril-1,2,3,4-tetra-hidronaftalen-2-il)-1-metilquinolin-4(1H)-onas e análogos não substituídos no átomo de azoto N1 da quinolin-4(1H)-ona. Em seguida foram estudadas as reações de desidrogenação e fotociclização dos compostos obtidos anteriormente, com vista à obtenção de novas 2-(3-arilnaftalen-2-il)-1-metilquinolin-4(1H)-onas, análogos não substituídos em N1 e de novas acridonas. No segundo capítulo também é abordada a síntese dos compostos precursores, as (E)-N-(2-acetilfenil)-3-arilacrilamidas, as (E)-2-estirilquinolin-4(1H)-onas e os 2,2-dióxidos de 1,3-di-hidrobenzo[c]tiofenos. No terceiro capitulo é discutida a caracterização estrutural das novas quinolin-4(1H)-onas e acridona sintetizadas, com estudos de espetroscopia de ressonância magnética nuclear 1D (1H e 13C) e 2D (homo- e heteronuclear). O quarto capítulo inclui toda a parte experimental, contendo os procedimentos optimizados para a síntese e purificação destes compostos, e a caracterização estrutural dos novos compostos sintetizados.

Micro/nanoreservoirs for controlled release of active species in smart functional coatings

This work reports one possible way to develop new functional coatings used to increase the life time of metallic structures. The functionalities selected and attributed to model coatings in the frame of this work were corrosion protection, self-sensing and prevention of fouling (antifouling). The way used to confer those functionalities to coatings was based on the encapsulation of active compounds (corrosion inhibitors, pH indicators and biocides) in micro and nanocontainers followed by their incorporation into the coating matrices. To confer active corrosion protection, one corrosion inhibitor (2-mercaptobenzothiazole, MBT) was encapsulated in two different containers, firstly in silica nanocapsules (SiNC) and in polyurea microcapsules (PU-MC). The incorporation of both containers in different models coatings shows a significant improvement in the corrosion protection of aluminum alloy 2024 (AA2024). Following the same approach, SiNC and PU-MC were also used for the encapsulation of phenolphthalein (one well known pH indicator) to introduce sensing properties in polymeric coatings. SiNC and PU-MC containing phenolphthalein acted as corrosion sensor, showing a pink coloration due to the beginning of cathodic reaction, resulting in a pH increase identified by those capsules. Their sensing performance was proved in suspension and when integrated in coatings for aluminium alloy 2024 and magnesium alloy AZ31. In a similar way, the biocide activity (antifouling) was assigned to two polymeric matrices using SiNC for encapsulation of one biocide (Dichloro-2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, DCOIT) and also SiNC-MBT was tested as biocide. The antifouling activity of those two encapsulated compounds was assessed through inhibition and consequent decrease in the bioluminescence of modified E. coli. That effect was verified in suspension and when incorporated in coatings for AISI 1008 carbon steel. The developed micro and nanocontainers presented the desired performance, allowing the introduction of new functionalities to model coatings, showing potential to be used as functional additives in the next generation of multifunctional coatings.

Rearranjos 3-aza-cope de N-alil-N-sililoxi enaminas

O rearranjo [3,3]-sigmatrópico térmico (180ºC) de diferentes N-alil-N-sililoxi enaminas foi estudado. Os respectivos produtos de rearranjo (éteres de óxima) foram obtidos com rendimentos elevados (80%). A regiosselectividade, [3,3] vs [1,3], e a diastereosselectividade do processo foram elevadas, superior a 99% e aproximadamente 80%, respectivamente. Foi demonstrada a importância do grupo sililoxilo na promoção do rearranjo face a substratos sem este tipo de substituição. Posteriormente, foi estudada a possibilidade de aceleração aniónica deste tipo de rearranjo por formação de oxianião ligado ao átomo de azoto. A estratégia seguida para a formação do mesmo, consistiu na O-dessililação de diferentes N-alil-N-sililoxi enaminas tendo-se obtido as nitronas correspondentes ou produtos de ciclização. Num exemplo envolvendo um derivado de isoxazole-5-(2H)-ona foi observado um aumento de velocidade do rearranjo por reacção com ião etoxilo. Este aumento de velocidade foi atribuído à abertura de anel do N-O éster cíclico para o N-oxianião, seguida de rearranjo e posterior fecho. Métodos alternativos de aceleração do rearranjo por geração de carga positiva, parcial ou completa, no átomo de azoto levaram apenas à dessililação das N-alil-N-sililoxi enaminas. ABSTRACT - [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of a variety of N-allyl-N-silyloxy enamines was studied. The corresponding rearrangement products (oxime-ethers) were obtained in high yields (80%). High regioselectivity, [3,3] vs [1,3] (> 99%) and in appropriate cases, diastereoselectivity (80%) were observed. The importance of the silyloxy group in promoting the rearrangement, in relation to substrates lacking this functionality, is underlined. The possible anionic acceleration of the rearrangements was next examined by O-desilylation the N-silyloxy group bonded to the nitrogen. Attempted generation of these species however, was found to lead either to the corresponding nitrones or to cyclization products. In one particular example involving an isoxazol-5-(2H)-one derivative rate enhancement of rearrangement was indeed observed with ethoxide ion. It is tentatively attributed to ring opening of the cyclic N-O ester to the N-oxyanion ethyl ester followed by rearrangement and subsequent reclosure. Alternative methods to accelerate the process by generating a partial or complete positive charge on the nitrogen atom led only to desilylation.

Electro-remediação de solos contaminados com pesticidas

O herbicida bentazona (2,2-dióxido de 3-isopropil (1H) -benzo-2,1,3-triadiazin-4- ona) é um herbicida pós emergente selectivo, com uso recomendado para a cultura do arroz. Apresenta baixa persistência no solo, onde é adsorvido pelos colóides minerais e orgânicos, e um tempo de meia vida inferior a 2 semanas, associado a um elevado potencial de lixiviação e contaminação de águas subterrâneas. Nos estudos efectuados até ao momento, a bentazona não é degradada pelos microrganismos, o que levou à necessidade de procurar outras técnicas de remoção do pesticida. Foi estudada uma técnica inovadora, a electro-remediação, que consiste na aplicação de uma corrente contínua de baixa intensidade à matriz contaminada, funcionando o campo eléctrico formado como “agente de limpeza”. Este campo arrasta os contaminantes pela matriz, por acção de processos de transporte, nomeadamente, electromigração, electroosmose e electroforese. Foram realizados quatro ensaios, num solo colhido num arrozal, onde se procedeu à contaminação forçada do solo com uma solução de bentazona, submetendo-o à acção dum campo eléctrico durante vários dias. Os teores de bentazona no solo, após extracção com solvente por sonicação, e nas soluções de anólito e católito, após extracção por fase sólida, foram determinados por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Concluiu-se que a bentazona é mobilizada no solo pela acção do campo eléctrico e esta remoção é dependente do pH.

Utilização da Nanotecnologia para o desenvolvimento sustentável na indústria agro-alimentar

O crescimento populacional esperado para os próximos anos conduzirá à necessidade de aumentar a produção agrícola de modo a satisfazer o aumento da procura. Nos últimos anos tem-se assistido a uma evolução tecnológica nos sistemas de produção que tem permitido aumentar a produtividade agrícola, por vezes à custa de elevados consumos de energia e com práticas nem sempre ambientalmente corretas. Os desafios que se colocam atualmente são no sentido de melhorar a conservação de recursos escassos, como o solo e a água, de aumentar a eficiência de uso de fatores de produção, de encontrar novas culturas, do desenvolvimento da biotecnologia, da diminuição dos consumos energéticos e de melhorar ainda mais as tecnologias associadas à produção. De maneira a responder aos desafios emergentes da procura por alimentos, da escassez de terrenos agrícolas aráveis bem como da existência de pragas de insetos e de ervas daninhas, os pesticidas tem vindo a ser usados com maior frequência, tendo-se assistido a uma contaminação dos solos e águas subterrâneas, causando deste modo um risco para a saúde dos seres vivos. Neste sentido, vários fabricantes de pesticidas estão a desenvolver novas formulações contendo pesticidas encapsulados em nanopartículas como modo de aumentar a sua solubilidade em água, biodisponibilidade, volatilidade, estabilidade e eficácia. tendo por objetivo um desenvolvimento sustentável. Neste trabalho, procedeu-se ao estudo do encapsulamento do herbicida Oxadiargil (5-terc-butil-3-[2,4-dicloro-5-(2-propiniloxi)fenil]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-ona) com a 2-hidroxipropil-β-ciclodextrina (HP-β-CD). O estudo da formação do complexo de inclusão Oxadiargil - HP-β-CD foi realizado em diferentes meios, água desionizada, tampão acetato pH = 3,46 e pH = 5,34 e tampão fosfato pH = 7,45, com o objetivo de determinar e comparar a sua constante de estabilidade. Verificou-se, em qualquer dos casos, a ocorrência de uma relação linear entre o aumento da solubilidade do Oxadiargil e o aumento da concentração de HP-β-CD, com um declive inferior a um, o que indicia a formação de um complexo na proporção estequiométrica de 1:1. Os resultados obtidos permitiram concluir que o processo de complexação Oxadiargil - HP-β-CD não é muito influenciado pela constituição e pelo pH do meio. De facto, as constantes de estabilidade obtidas para a água desionizada e soluções-tampão pH = 3,46, pH = 5,34 e pH = 7,45 foram de 919 ± 25, 685 ± 13, 623 ± 17 e 753 ± 9, respetivamente. A solubilidade do complexo obtido nos estudos realizados, em diferentes meios, é cerca de 23 a 32 vezes superior à observada para o Oxadiargil livre. De forma a caracterizar o complexo Oxadiargil - HP-β-CD procedeu-se à sua síntese utilizando o método de “kneading”. O composto obtido foi caracterizado por Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (RMN) tendo-se confirmado a formação de um complexo de inclusão na proporção estequiométrica de 1:1. O complexo obtido é mais solúvel e porventura mais estável quimicamente. O encapsulamento permite uma redução da aplicação dos pesticidas diminuindo assim os custos e o impacto negativo no ambiente. Com a nanotecnologia é possível a libertação controlada dos pesticidas, aumentando a sua eficácia e fornecendo os meios necessários para um desenvolvimento sustentável.

Native american women in sherman Alexie's short stories: stereotypical representations

Dissertação apresentada para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Línguas, Literaturas e Culturas

Help-seeking for 'memory loss' by older adults in India : patient, caregiver and health providers' perspectives

ABSTRACT: Background. In India, prevalence rates of dementia and prodromal amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are 3.1% and 4.3% respectively. Most Indians refer to the full spectrum of cognitive disorders simply as ‘memory loss.’ Barring prevention or cure, these conditions will rise rapidly with population aging. Evidence-based policies and practices can improve the lives of affected individuals and their caregivers, but will require timely and sustained uptake. Objectives. Framed by social cognitive theories of health behavior, this study explores the knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning cognitive impairment and related service use by older adults who screen positive for MCI, their primary caregivers, and health providers. Methods. I used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment to screen for cognitive impairment in memory camps in Mumbai. To achieve sampling diversity, I used maximum variation sampling. Ten adults aged 60+ who had no significant functional impairment but screened positive for MCI and their caregivers participated in separate focus groups. Four other such dyads and six doctors/ traditional healers completed in-depth interviews. Data were translated from Hindi or Marathi to English and analyzed in Atlas.ti using Framework Analysis. Findings. Knowledge and awareness of cognitive impairment and available resources were very low. Physicians attributed the condition to disease-induced pathology while lay persons blamed brain malfunction due to normal aging. Main attitudes were that this condition is not a disease, is not serious and/or is not treatable, and that it evokes stigma toward and among impaired persons, their families and providers. Low knowledge and poor attitudes impeded help-seeking. Conclusions. Cognitive disorders of aging will take a heavy toll on private lives and public resources in developing countries. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, systematic monitoring and quality care are needed to compress the period of morbidity and promote quality of life. Key stakeholders provide essential insights into how scientific and indigenous knowledge and sociocultural attitudes affect use and provision of resources.

Salvia divinorum: an hallucinogenic mint which might become a new recreational drug in Switzerland.

Salvia divinorum Epling & Jativa is an hallucinogenic mint traditionally used for curing and divination by the Mazatec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico. Young people from Mexican cities were reported to smoke dried leaves of S. divinorum as a marijuana substitute. Recently, two S. divinorum specimens were seized in a large-scale illicit in-door and out-door hemp plantation. Salvinorin A also called divinorin A, a trans-neoclerodane diterpene, was identified in several organic solvent extracts by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The botanical identity of the plant was confirmed by comparing it to an authentic herbarium specimen. More plants were then discovered in Swiss horticulturists greenhouses. All these data taken together suggest that many attempts exist in Switzerland to use S. divinorum as a recreational drug. This phenomenon may be enhanced because neither the magic mint, nor its active compound are banned substances listed in the Swiss narcotic law.

Learning and healing: a wellness pedagogy for Aboriginal teacher education /

During the last 30 years Aboriginal peoples in Canada have made steady progress in reclaiming the responsibility for the education of their young people, especially in primary and secondary school. In comparison the education and or training of adult populations has not kept pace and many socioeconomic and sociocultural indicators demonstrate a ' , continued confinement of those populations to the margins of the dominant society of Canada. It is the adults, the mothers and the fathers, the grandmothers and grandfathers, the aunties and uncles that are the first teachers of the next generation and the nature of these relationships replicates the culture of unwellness in each subsequent generation through those teachers. There are few examples in the Aboriginal adult education literatures that give voice to the educational experience of the Learner. This study addresses that gap by exploring the perspectives embedded in the stories of a Circle of Learners who are, or were enrolled in the Bachelor of Education in Aboriginal Adult Education program at Brock University. That Circle of 1 participants included 9 women and 1 man, 6 of whom were from various i Anishinabek nations while 4 represented the Hotinonshd:ni nations in southern Ontario. They are an eclectic group, representing many professions, age groups, spiritual traditions, and backgrounds. This then is their story, the story of the heaming and Healing pedagogy and an expanded vision of Aboriginal education and research at Brock University.

Onondaga chert : geological and palynological studies as applied to archaeology /

Cherts from the Middle Devonian Onondaga Formation of the Niagara Peninsula in Southern Ontario and Western New York State can now be distinguished from those of the Early Devonian Bois Blanc Formation of the same area based on differences in petrology, acritarchs, spores, and "Preservation Ratio" values. The finely crystalline, carbonate sediments of the Bois Blanc Formation were deposited under shallow, low energy conditions characterised by the acritarchs Leiofusa bacillum and L. minuta and a high relative abundance of the spore, Apiculiretusispora minor. The medio crystalline and bioclastic carbonate sediments of the Onondaga Formation were deposited under shallow, high energy conditions except for the finely crystalline lagoonal sediments of the Clarence Member which is characterised by the acritarchs Leiofusa navicula, L. sp. B, and L. tomaculata . The author has subdivided and correlated the Clarence Member of the Onondaga Formation using the "Preservation Ratio" values derived from the palynomorphs contained in the cherts. Clarence Member cherts were used by the Archaic people of the Niagara Peninsula for chipped-stone tools. The source area for the chert is considered to be the cobble beach deposits along the north shore of Lake Erie from Port Maitland to Nanticoke

Stolen past: Shattered futures, aboriginal justice in Canada

It is acknowledged that Canada's criminal justice system has some major flaws, particularly with respect to its application to various ethnic subgroups. Aboriginal Canadians are one subgroup particularly sensitive to the problems in the system as is reflected by their disproportionately high rates of criminality and incarceration. Over the past 50 years many programs have been developed and recommendations have been made to alleviate the tensions Aboriginals find within the system. However, the situation today is essentially the same. Aboriginals are still overrepresented within the system and solutions that have been brought forward have had little success in stemming their flow into the system. Blame for Aboriginal mistreatment in the system has been placed at all levels from line police officers to high-level officials and politicians and attempts to resolve problems continue as an on going process. However, many of the recommendations and reforms have revolved around culture conflict. Although this thesis recognizes the importance of culture conflict in the overrepresentation of Aboriginals within the Canadian criminal justice system, it has also recognized that culture conflict alone is not responsible for all the flaws within the system as it pertains to Aboriginals. This thesis is of the opinion that in order for reforms to the criminal justice system to be successful, the context in which the system is operating must also be considered. Variables such as geographic isolation, economic disparity and social/political stability are viewed as operating in conjunction with culture, ultimately influencing Aboriginal treatment within the system. The conclusions drawn from this study confirm that when these factors operate together, the overrepresentation of Aboriginals within the Canadian criminal justice system is inevitable. Thus all three variables, culture conflict (social/political stability being part), geographic isolation and economic disparity must be address within the system if any significant changes in the crime rates or incarceration rates of Aboriginals is to be expected. In addition, primary research indicated the influence of cooperation as a factor in moderating the effects of criminality; not just cooperation among Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals, but also cooperation among differing Aboriginal communities. It was argued that when all these issues are addressed, Aboriginal peoples in Canada will have the strength to repair their shattered futures.

A compressed view of the points to be discussed, in treating with the United States of America : with an appendix /

Appendix: On the conduct of the government of United States towards the Indian tribes: p.[129]-139.

Indian and Eskimo Affairs Fonds, 1973-1976

In September 1968, the Indian Affairs Branch of Canada within the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND), ceased to exist as a result of a major reorganization. In its place the Indian and Eskimo Affairs Program emerged including elements from both the former Indian Affairs and Northern Administration branches. This new structure was based on function rather than on geographic location or ethnic origin. The Program included the areas within the Department responsible for adminstration of; education, social, cultural, community and economic development as well as statutory commitments. After 1978 the Program became known as the Indian and Inuit Affairs Program (IIAP).

Merrimack Intelligencer Vol. 5 No. 48

This was a weekly paper that was published every Saturday. The motto of the Merrimack was: "Not too rash--Yet not fearful--We aim to be just." It was published from 1808-1817. Topics of interest include: Page 1: State of New York Republicans published a statement arguing against the war and the policies of John Adams and James Madison; account of the capture of York by the Americans, 27 April 1813; Page 2: account of the capture of York by the Americans, 27 April 1813; letter from American Brig. Gen. Henry Miller to Sir John B. Warren warning the British not to execute captured U.S. citizen O'Neal; response from Sir John B. Warren to Brig. Gen. Henry Miller stating that O'Neal had been released; account of Stephen Girard buying back his ransomed ship from the British; Page 3: account of Stephen Girard buying back his ransomed ship from the British; U.S. General Harrison repels British and Indian forces that attack Fort Meigs; account of British forces capturing U.S. privateer ship Alexander; report of British forces near Newport, New York, the Delaware river, and the Potomac River; report of Indian attacks in Kaskaskia, Randolph County; report of a boat load of provisions attacked by Indians near Fort Harrison; Commodore Isaac Chauncey arrived at Sacket's Harbor to unload stores taken from York before leaving for Niagara to commence attack against Fort George; U.S. Army announcement recruiting men 18 to 45 years of age to enlist in the army;