VARIATION IN STOMATAL NUMBERS OF GLOSSOPTERIS LEAVES FROM THE LOWER PERMIAN OF PARANA BASIN, BRAZIL

The stomatal density and index in compressed leaves of Glossopteris communis from two different roof shales from the Lower Permian in Parana Basin, Brazil (Western Gondwana) have been investigated to test the possible relationship with modeled global changes in atmospheric CO(2) during the Phanerozoic. The obtained parameters show that the genus Glossopteris from the Cool Temperate biome can be used as CO(2) -proxy, despite the impossibility of being compared with living relatives or equivalents. When confronted with already published data for the Tropical Summer Wet biome, the present results confirm the detection of low levels of atmospheric CO(2) during the Early Permian, as predicted by the modeled curve. Nevertheless, the lower stomatal numbers detected at the climax of the coal interval (Faxinal Coalfield, Sakmarian) when compared to the higher ones obtained in leaves from a younger interval (Figueira Coalfield, Artinskian) could be attributed to temporarily high levels of atmospheric CO(2). Therefore, the occurrence of an extensive peat generating event at the southern part of the basin and subsequent greenhouse gases emissions from this environment may have been enough to reverse regionally and temporarily the reduction trend in atmospheric CO(2). Additionally, the Faxinal flora is preserved in a tonstein layer, which is a record of volcanic activity that could also cause a rise in atmospheric CO(2). During the Artinskian, the scarce generation of peat mires, as revealed by the occurrence of thin and discontinuous coal layers, and the lack of volcanism evidence would be insufficient to affect the general low CO(2) trend.

Chronostratigraphy and radiocarbon age inversion in the Holocene regressive barrier of Parana, southern Brazil

Twenty-two (14)C datings were performed at the central sector of the Parana coast to define Holocene regressive barrier evolution. The barrier Pleistocene substratum was ascribed an age between 40400 and 30000 yr BP, but it can also represent the penultimate sea level highstand during marine isotope stage 5e. The Holocene barrier samples provided ages between 8542-8279 and 2987-2751 cal yr BP, and showed at least six age inversions that were related to age differences between in situ or low-distance transported shells or trunk fragments, and high-distance transported vegetal debris, wood fragments and organic matter samples. The regressive Holocene barrier age was 4402-4135 cal yr BP near the base, and 2987-2751 cal yr BP near the top. Most of the vegetal remains were transported by ebb tidal currents from the estuaries to the inner shelf below wave base level during the mid-Holocene highstand; they were transported onshore by storm waves and littoral currents during the sea level lowering after the sea level maximum, and were deposited mainly as middle shoreface swaley cross-stratification facies. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.

The recent occurrence, establishment and potential impact of Geophagus proximus (Cichlidae : Perciformes) in the Tiete River reservoirs: an Amazonian fish species introduced in the Parana Basin (Brazil)

The introduction of allochthonous fish species happens constantly in large bodies of freshwater, like as the reservoirs of Parana Basin, located in Brazilian southeast, representing a threat for local biodiversity. The fish species Plagioscion squamosissimus and Cichla ocellaris were introduced from the 1970s in several water bodies of this basin and had successfully established themselves in all six reservoirs located in the middle and lower Tiete River (SP, Brazil), particularly. After six decades from the first recorded species introduction, this hydrographic system remains open to the invasion of further fish species, owing to widespread fish-farming activity and by the channels opened between this system and other reservoirs and river basin. This study was an effort to confirm the Geophagus proximus occurrence in the six Tiete River reservoirs, verifying the actual introduction status and analyzing its potential environmental impacts on local species by the analysis of the population structure (abundance, body dimensions and feeding habits). By the results, this species was confirmed in the Ibitinga, Nova Avanhandava and Tres Irmaos reservoirs. The abundance and feeding analysis shows, respectively, it is successfully established in the Tres Irmaos reservoir with the same feeding habitats of local species, such as Geophagus brasiliensis. It was further shown to be very likely that G. proximus would spread throughout the reservoir system of the middle and lower Tiete River, in the manner of P. squamosissimus and C. ocellaris, and the competition pressure for food resources between G. proximus and the local species which represents a potential environmental impact system. These scientific evidences fortifies the knowledge basin for the implantation of a fish management system, to control and reduce the abundance of the invader and to prevent its becoming established in all the Tiete River Basin, avoiding the disastrous consequences for the native species of Parana River Basin.

Adoption of integrated production of peach system in Parana State

The success in the adoption of peach integrated production (IP) was evaluated in small orchards of the Parana State. The importance of specific technical accompaniment; points of strangulating in adoption of technology and the classification of the areas to IP conformity were evaluated. The seasons 2005/2006 (without IP orientation) and 2006/2007 (with IP orientation) were compared considering 20 producers who were oriented monthly to attend the minimum requisites. The incidence of peach rust (Tranzschelia discolor) and of brown rot (Monilinia fructicola) in full bloom was evaluated in 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 seasons, as biological parameters to accompany the efficiency of system adoption. After the technical accompaniment in 2007/2008 season, the software APOIA-Novo Rural-PI (APOIA-PI) was applied to measure the conformity to IP in peach orchards. The conformity index of each orchard was compared to the minimum requisite to classify as IP (0.7). The major difficulties in register of field book were: pests monitoring; collect of climate data and the harvest evaluation. The technical accompaniment increased in 60% the conformity in use of field book. In 2007/2008 season, the brown rot incidence increased in some areas, caused by not following IP recommendations. The inadequate management caused the increment in pathogen inoculum, promoting the disease development in peach orchards. The APOIA-PI classified two orchards as good agricultural practices (GAP) (0.7 <= conformity index >= 0.4), two as integrated production (IP) (>= 0.7) and the other orchards had conformity index lower than 0.4.

Physical and sensory characterization of coffee produced in the topoclimatic conditions at Jesuitas, Parana State (Brazil)

Climatic variations influence formation and maturation of coffee grains by altering their intrinsic characteristics, which call allow for several types of coffee qualities, including the potential for production of special coffee. This study was carried out to verify the effect of environmental conditions and crop cultivation on chemical composition and their consequences in cup quality of coffees from region of Jesuitas, Parana State. During the same crop season this study was accomplished (2002-2003), cup quality was evaluated among the producers in several coffee-growing municipalities in Parana State. It was observed that 86% of samples were classified simply as ""soft"" (smooth flavor) or ""hard"" (bolder flavor), and 14% were classified as rioysh/rio (strong unpleasant taste). The results concluded that the practices adopted by producers, who have collaborated with the study, reflected positively oil the final cup quality, when compared to the overall quality results in the State. The climatic conditions and practices of crop management and harvest ill the Jesuitas region made for bolder coffee with low acidity, comparable to high quality coffees produced in Brazil and abroad.

Organophosphate and carbamate poisonings in the northwest of Parana state, Brazil from 1994 to 2005: clinical and epidemiological aspects

In the present study, clinical and epidemiological aspects of 529 intoxication cases of organophosphate or carbamate pesticides in the northwest of the state of Parana, Brazil, over a twelve-year period (1994-2005), are presented. One hundred-five of 257 patients (40.8%) who attempted suicide were admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), with an average hospital stay of two days (range 1-40 days). Men corresponded to 56.4% of the cases of suicide attempts and sixteen individuals died. One hundred-forty patients intoxicated due to occupational exposure were all young adults and nine of them were admitted to ICU, with average hospital stays of eight days (range 1-16 days). Of these cases, two patients died. One hundred twenty-four patients intoxicated due to accidental exposure were mainly children and had a hospital average stay of four days. Twenty patients were admitted to the ICU, and one of them died. Overall complications included respiratory failure, convulsions, and aspiration pneumonia. Deliberate ingestion of organophosphates and carbamates Was much more toxic than occupational and accidental exposure. Men aged 15-39 years were the most likely to attempt suicide with these agents and had more prolonged ICU with significant complications and mortality

Evaluation of the aquatic macroinvertebrate community as a tool for monitoring a reservoir in the Pitangui river basin, Parana, Brazil

Evaluation of the aquatic macroinvertebrate community as a tool for monitoring a reservoir in the Pitangui river basin, Parana, Brazil. Benthic and nektonic macroinvertebrates play an important role in the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems and their distribution is influenced by chemical features of the substrate, vegetation composition, and water depth. Knowledge on the fauna contributes to the assessment of water quality and development of biodiversity conservation activities. Different biotic factors affecting the invertebrate community were evaluated in the Alagados reservoir, the main water source of the city of Ponta Grossa, Parana. In five different sampling points, 18,473 specimens of aquatic or semiaquatic macroinvertebrates were collected, belonging to 46 taxa of the phylla Annelida (Hirudinea and Oligochaeta), Mollusca (Gastropoda), Platyhelminthes (Turbellaria), Nematoda and Arthropoda (Arachnida, Crustacea and Insecta). This community was composed mainly of predators (45.7% of the taxa sampled), collectors and/or filterers (23.9%), scrapers (15.2%), shredders (13.0%) and detritivores (2.2%). Diversity (H`) and evenness (J) indices were significantly low for the sites examined, and H` ranged between 0.3301 and 1.0396. Regarding tolerance of organisms to organic pollution, more sensitive taxa were very rare (Plecoptera) or unusual (Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera). Among the more resistant groups are Chironomidae and Hirudinea, both fairly common in the samples. This study corroborates the importance of bioindicators as a tool to assess water quality for human consumption and for the conservation of aquatic environments, integrating physical, chemical and biological factors in monitoring programs.

Serological Evidence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Infection in Chickens from Parana and Mato Grosso do Sul States, Brazil

The objective of this study was to detect antibodies against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in free-range and caged chickens Gallus domesticus. Initially, the humoral immune response of two chickens immunized with P. brasiliensis was evaluated. Both animals showed the production of antibodies to gp43, the major P. brasiliensis antigen. The seroepidemiological survey was conducted in chickens from the Pantanal region in Mato Grosso do Sul State (free-range n = 40) and from northern region of Parana State (free-range n = 100, caged n = 43). The serum samples were analyzed by indirect ELISA using gp43 as antigen. The positivity observed in free-range chickens from Mato Grosso do Sul (55%) was significantly higher (P = 0.0001) than in free-range chickens from Parana State (16%). In contrast to the free-range chickens, no positivity was observed in the caged chickens (P = 0.003). This is the first report showing serological evidence of P. brasiliensis infection in chickens. The results suggest that free-range chickens are more frequently infected by P. brasiliensis, probably due to the constant contact with soil than caged chickens and could be useful as epidemiological markers of paracoccidioidomycosis.

Infection by Spotted Fever Rickettsiae in People, Dogs, Horses and Ticks in Londrina, Parana State, Brazil

Spotted fever is a disease caused by bacteria from the genus Rickettsia of the spotted fever group (SFG). Rickettsia rickettsii is likely the main agent of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF). With the objective of gathering information on the circulation of SFG rickettsiae in Londrina, Parana state, ticks from dogs and horses and also blood from dogs, horses and humans were collected in a neighbourhood of the city which presented potential for circulation of rickettsiae between hosts and vectors. Amblyomma cajennense, Dermacentor nitens, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction targeting a fragment of the Rickettsia gltA gene. This specific gene encodes the enzyme citrate synthase of Rickettsia spp., and results on all ticks were negative. Human and animal sera were tested by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay in which R. rickettsii and R. parkeri were used as antigens. Sera from 4.7% human, 2.7% canine and 38.5% equine were positive for R. rickettsii. For R. parkeri, 0.9% human, 2.7% canine and 11.5% equine samples were positive. All samples reactive to R. parkeri also reacted to R. rickettsii. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied, but there were no statistically significant results. Comparison of our serological results with previous studies in Brazil, among BSF endemic and non-endemic areas, indicates that there is no established rickettsial infection in the study area, a statement corroborated with our molecular analysis. Nonetheless, as humans of the present study are highly exposed to tick infestations, health education within the population is needed to obtain efficient tick control. Zoonoses and Public Health 416 (C) 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH . Zoonoses Public Health. 58 (2011) 416-423

Boletim eletr??nico de bibliografias especializadas: pol??ticas p??blicas em direitos humanos

Os direitos humanos s??o os direitos essenciais a todos os seres humanos, sem que haja discrimina????o por ra??a, cor, g??nero, idioma, nacionalidade ou por qualquer outro motivo. Eles podem ser civis ou pol??ticos, como o direito ?? vida, ?? igualdade perante a lei e ?? liberdade de express??o. Podem tamb??m ser econ??micos, sociais e culturais, como o direito ao trabalho e ?? educa????o e coletivos, como o direito ao desenvolvimento. As Pol??ticas P??blicas em Direitos Humanos ?? tema deste boletim bibliogr??fico, o qual traz publica????es que mostram que estas n??o devem ser apenas programas governamentais, mas um instrumento de participa????o da sociedade civil na delimita????o do espa??o p??blico.

Servidores postos em disponibilidade na ??rea de recursos humanos por problema de desempenho

O caso relata situa????o na qual o gerente de uma unidade colocou um de seus servidores ?? disposi????o da ??rea de RH alegando n??o ter necessidade dos seus servi??os. A ??rea de RH encaminhou o servidor para uma entrevista de avalia????o de potencial de desenvolvimento, de forma a recomendar alternativas de realoca????o. Apurou-se que o servidor havia se submetido a uma junta m??dico-pericial cujo laudo concluiu por ressalvas de sa??de no campo ps??quico, mas recomendou a sua perman??ncia no trabalho, desde que compat??vel com a sua capacidade. O servidor demonstrou disposi????o e interesse para o retorno e remanejamento interno ?? pr??pria unidade e de adapta????o a novas tarefas. Ilustra situa????o que poder?? contribuir em discuss??es sobre gest??o de pessoas e lideran??a

Dimens??es do papel do Conanda na efetiva????o dos direitos humanos de crian??as e adolescentes para conselheiros nacionais: o debate sobre grandes eventos esportivos no Brasil

O contexto pol??tico e social brasileiro, desde as ??ltimas d??cadas do s??culo passado, tem sido marcado pelo processo de redefini????o do papel do Estado, a partir da universaliza????o dos direitos de cidadania, descentraliza????o administrativa e gest??o democr??tica das pol??ticas p??blicas. Trata-se, assim, de um novo formato institucional, legitimado pela Constitui????o Federal de 1988, integrante do processo de implementa????o da gest??o participativa, que ocorreu no Brasil principalmente a partir dos anos 90, nas esferas municipal, estadual e federal. Nesse novo formato institucional, surgem os Conselhos de Pol??ticas P??blicas como um novo padr??o de intera????o entre governo e sociedade, exigindo-se dos cidad??os uma atua????o efetiva, por meio de processos interativos, no ??mbito da gest??o p??blica. Esse modelo de gest??o absorve em sua estrutura v??rios segmentos da sociedade, constituindo o novo locus de articula????o pol??tica na defesa pela democratiza????o da gest??o das pol??ticas p??blicas, atrav??s dos quais sujeitos diversos interagem no processo de delibera????o, implementa????o, monitoramento, avalia????o e controle social das pol??ticas p??blicas, nas diversas tem??ticas e ??reas sociais. Este trabalho pretende analisar a capacidade do principal espa??o interinstitucional da inf??ncia e adolesc??ncia do Brasil de influenciar a agenda governamental e as pol??ticas p??blicas federais: o Conselho Nacional dos Direitos da Crian??a e do Adolescente (criado na d??cada de 1990). Para esta an??lise, a pesquisa foca no papel do Conanda na defesa, promo????o e prote????o dos direitos de crian??as e adolescentes no ??mbito do debate sobre grandes eventos esportivos no Brasil. Esta an??lise revela as possibilidades e limites do Conselho de influenciar na constitui????o da agenda p??blica na tem??tica, na decis??o dos agentes de Estado e na formula????o de pol??ticas, na perspectiva da efetiva????o dos direitos fundamentais constitucionais de crian??as e adolescentes

An??lise das pr??ticas de gest??o dos empreendimentos de urbaniza????o do Departamento de Urbaniza????o de Assentamentos Prec??rios (DUAP) do governo federal ?? luz de metodologia de gerenciamento de projetos

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as pr??ticas de gest??o dos empreendimentos de Urbaniza????o do Departamento de Urbaniza????o de Assentamentos Prec??rios (DUAP), unidade organizacional integrante da estrutura da Secretaria Nacional de Habita????o do Minist??rio das Cidades, ?? luz de metodologia de gerenciamento de projetos. O referencial te??rico utilizado baseou-se, essencialmente, no Guia PMBOK 4?? Edi????o, que ?? um guia consagrado em n??vel internacional que re??ne as melhores pr??ticas reconhecidas na ??rea de gerenciamento de projetos, com base em experi??ncias diversas de empresas de distintos ramos, p??blicas ou privadas. No desenvolvimento da pesquisa, apresentou-se uma perspectiva hist??rica das pol??ticas federais para os assentamentos prec??rios no Brasil e informa????es institucionais relacionadas ?? unidade, de forma a auxiliar na compreens??o de suas atribui????es e de seu funcionamento. Para o levantamento das pr??ticas de gest??o realizou-se entrevista direcionada aos monitores dos empreendimentos e aos gerentes do DUAP. O referencial te??rico forneceu base conceitual para realiza????o das an??lises relacionadas ??s informa????es institucionais do Departamento e aos dados obtidos por meio das entrevistas realizadas. A pesquisa possibilitou perceber que as pr??ticas de gest??o dos empreendimentos de Urbaniza????o do Departamento poderiam, em alguns aspectos, passar por um processo de revis??o e aprimoramento tendo como objetivo estabelecer procedimentos gerenciais espec??ficos que auxiliem no desenvolvimento da atividade de monitorar os empreendimentos de Urbaniza????o e, conseq??entemente, na execu????o das interven????es propostas por tais projetos

Gest??o do conhecimento e aloca????o de recursos humanos no setor p??blico: a experi??ncia do Banco Central do Brasil

Procedimentos adotados - com a finalidade de colocar a pessoa certa no lugar certo - na localiza????o de 249 servidores que ingressaram do Banco Central do Brasil - BC, por meio do Concurso Analista/2000. O BC decidiu investir nos conceitos e pr??ticas presentes na gest??o do conhecimento. Foram utilizados m??todos e programas de computador j?? testados no mercado, buscando adequar o perfil comportamental e de conhecimentos do futuro servidor ao dos postos de trabalho do BC. Sua valida????o ocorreu por meio de pesquisa de satisfa????o com os servidores e respectivas chefias

Projeto B??sico: oficina para desenho do programa de capacita????o em acessibilidade e direitos humanos

Contrata????o de servi??os t??cnicos profissionais especializados para elabora????o e revis??o de material did??tico, bem como instrutoria em sala de aula, objetivando o desenvolvimento do Programa de Capacita????o em Acessibilidade e Direitos Humanos