Conservation in tropical landscape mosaics: the case of the cacao landscape of southern Bahia, Brazil

A recent debate has contrasted two conservation strategies in agricultural landscapes; either ""land sparing`` farm development combining intensive production practices with forest set-asides, or ""wildlife-friendly`` farming with greater on-farm habitat value but lower yields. We argue that in established mosaic landscapes including old cacao production regions where natural forest has already been reduced to relatively small fragments, a combination of both strategies is needed to conserve biodiversity. After reviewing the evidence for the insufficiency of either strategy alone if applied to such landscapes, the paper focuses on the cacao production landscape of southern Bahia, Brazil, once the world`s second largest cacao producer. Here, small remaining areas of Atlantic Forest are embedded in a matrix dominated by traditional cacao agroforests, resulting in a landscape mosaic that has proven favorable to the conservation of the region`s high biodiversity. We show that current land use dynamics and public policies pose threats but also offer opportunities to conservation and describe a three- pronged landscape conservation strategy, consisting of (i) expansion of the protected areas system, (ii) promotion of productive yet biodiversity-friendly cacao farming practices, and (iii) assistance to land users to implement legally mandated on-farm reserves and voluntary private reserves. We discuss recent experiences concerning the implementation of this strategy, discuss likely future scenarios, and reflect on the applicability of the Bahian experience to biodiversity rich cacao production regions elsewhere in the tropics.

Patterns of water and heat flux across a biome gradient from tropical forest to savanna in Brazil

We investigated the seasonal patterns of water vapor and sensible heat flux along a tropical biome gradient from forest to savanna. We analyzed data from a network of flux towers in Brazil that were operated within the Large-Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (LBA). These tower sites included tropical humid and semideciduous forest, transitional forest, floodplain (with physiognomies of cerrado), and cerrado sensu stricto. The mean annual sensible heat flux at all sites ranged from 20 to 38 Wm(-2), and was generally reduced in the wet season and increased in the late dry season, coincident with seasonal variations of net radiation and soil moisture. The sites were easily divisible into two functional groups based on the seasonality of evaporation: tropical forest and savanna. At sites with an annual precipitation above 1900 mm and a dry season length less than 4 months (Manaus, Santarem and Rondonia), evaporation rates increased in the dry season, coincident with increased radiation. Evaporation rates were as high as 4.0 mm d(-1) in these evergreen or semidecidous forests. In contrast, ecosystems with precipitation less than 1700 mm and a longer dry season (Mato Grosso, Tocantins and Sao Paulo) showed clear evidence of reduced evaporation in the dry season. Evaporation rates were as low as 2.5 mm d(-1) in the transitional forests and 1 mm d(-1) in the cerrado. The controls on evapotranspiration seasonality changed along the biome gradient, with evaporative demand (especially net radiation) playing a more important role in the wetter forests, and soil moisture playing a more important role in the drier savannah sites.

Aerosol inorganic composition at a tropical site: Discrepancies between filter-based sampling and a semi-continuous method

The concentrations of the water-soluble inorganic aerosol species, ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3-), chloride (Cl-), and sulfate (SO42-), were measured from September to November 2002 at a pasture site in the Amazon Basin (Rondnia, Brazil) (LBA-SMOCC). Measurements were conducted using a semi-continuous technique (Wet-annular denuder/Steam-Jet Aerosol Collector: WAD/SJAC) and three integrating filter-based methods, namely (1) a denuder-filter pack (DFP: Teflon and impregnated Whatman filters), (2) a stacked-filter unit (SFU: polycarbonate filters), and (3) a High Volume dichotomous sampler (HiVol: quartz fiber filters). Measurements covered the late dry season (biomass burning), a transition period, and the onset of the wet season (clean conditions). Analyses of the particles collected on filters were performed using ion chromatography (IC) and Particle-Induced X-ray Emission spectrometry (PIXE). Season-dependent discrepancies were observed between the WAD/SJAC system and the filter-based samplers. During the dry season, when PM2.5 (D-p <= 2.5 mu m) concentrations were similar to 100 mu g m(-3), aerosol NH4+ and SO42- measured by the filter-based samplers were on average two times higher than those determined by the WAD/SJAC. Concentrations of aerosol NO3- and Cl- measured with the HiVol during daytime, and with the DFP during day- and nighttime also exceeded those of the WAD/SJAC by a factor of two. In contrast, aerosol NO3- and Cl- measured with the SFU during the dry season were nearly two times lower than those measured by the WAD/SJAC. These differences declined markedly during the transition period and towards the cleaner conditions during the onset of the wet season (PM2.5 similar to 5 mu g m(-3)); when filter-based samplers measured on average 40-90% less than the WAD/SJAC. The differences were not due to consistent systematic biases of the analytical techniques, but were apparently a result of prevailing environmental conditions and different sampling procedures. For the transition period and wet season, the significance of our results is reduced by a low number of data points. We argue that the observed differences are mainly attributable to (a) positive and negative filter sampling artifacts, (b) presence of organic compounds and organosulfates on filter substrates, and (c) a SJAC sampling efficiency of less than 100%.

Total phenolic content and free radical scavenging activities of methanolic extract powders of tropical fruit residues

Methanolic extract powders of acerola, passion fruit and pineapple industrial residues, including pulp, seeds and peel, altogether (except for acerola) devoid of seeds, were screened for antioxidant capacity. The total phenolic contents (TPCs) of the extract powders were compared with their radical-scavenging activities (RSA) against both DPPH(center dot) and superoxide anion (O(2)(center dot-)) radicals, and their protective effect against liposome peroxidation, triggered by peroxyl radical. Lipid peroxidation was followed by the fluorescence decay of the probe, 4,4-difluoro-5-(4-phenyl-1,3-butadienyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene-3-undecanoic acid (C(11)-BODIPY(581/591)). The TPCs of acerola, passion fruit and pineapple extract powders were (94.6 +/- 7.4); (41.2 +/- 4.2) and (9.1 +/- 1.3) mg of gallic acid equivalents g(-1) of dry extract, respectively. Acerola showed the best RSA-DPPH(center dot) scores, whereas passion fruit was more protective on the RSA-O(2)(center dot-) system. Together with the protective effects against lipid peroxidation (rate of BODIPY decay) which, were similar for acerola and passion fruit extracts, these data suggest that the methanolic extracts of acerola and passion fruit residues may be useful as antioxidant supplements, particularly the acerola extract, due to its high phenolic content. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Solar PV Powered Air Conditioner Analysis for an Office/Classroom in a Tropical Climate

This thesis focuses on using photovoltaic produced electricity to power air conditioners in a tropical climate. The study takes place in Surabaya, Indonesia at two different locations the classroom, located at the UBAYA campus and the home office, 10 km away. Indonesia has an average solar irradiation of about 4.8 kWh/m²/day (PWC Indonesia, 2013) which is for ideal conditions for these tests. At the home office, tests were conducted on different photovoltaic systems. A series of measuring devices recorded the performance of the 800 W PV system and the consumption of the 1.35 kW air conditioner (cooling capacity). To have an off grid system many of the components need to be oversized. The inverter has to be oversized to meet the startup load of the air conditioner, which can be 3 to 8 times the operating power (Rozenblat, 2013). High energy consumption of the air conditioner would require a large battery storage to provide one day of autonomy. The PV systems output must at least match the consumption of the air conditioner. A grid connect system provides a much better solution with the 800 W PV system providing 80 % of the 3.5 kWh load of the air conditioner, the other 20 % coming from the grid during periods of low irradiation. In this system the startup load is provided by the grid so the inverter does not need to be oversized. With the grid-connected system, the PV panel’s production does not need to match the consumption of the air conditioner, although a smaller PV array will mean a smaller percentage of the load will be covered by PV. Using the results from the home office tests and results from measurements made in the classroom. Two different PV systems (8 kW and 12 kW) were simulated to power both the current air conditioners (COP 2.78) and new air conditioners (COP 4.0). The payback period of the systems can vary greatly depending on if a feed in tariff is awarded or not. If the feed in tariff is awarded the best system is the 12 kW system, with a payback period of 4.3 years and a levelized cost of energy at -3,334 IDR/kWh. If the feed in tariff is not granted then the 8 kW system is the best choice with a lower payback period and lower levelized cost of energy than the 12 kW system under the same conditions.

Analysis Of Semi-Distributed And Global Hydrological Models In The Central Tropical Basins Of The Gulf Of Mexico To The Effects Of Extreme Hydrometeorological Phenomena

In the last years extreme hydrometeorological phenomena have increased in number and intensity affecting the inhabitants of various regions, an example of these effects are the central basins of the Gulf of Mexico (CBGM) that they have been affected by 55.2% with floods and especially the state of Veracruz (1999-2013), leaving economic, social and environmental losses. Mexico currently lacks sufficient hydrological studies for the measurement of volumes in rivers, since is convenient to create a hydrological model (HM) suited to the quality and quantity of the geographic and climatic information that is reliable and affordable. Therefore this research compares the semi-distributed hydrological model (SHM) and the global hydrological model (GHM), with respect to the volumes of runoff and achieve to predict flood areas, furthermore, were analyzed extreme hydrometeorological phenomena in the CBGM, by modeling the Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) which is a SHM and the Modèle Hydrologique Simplifié à I'Extrême (MOHYSE) which is a GHM, to evaluate the results and compare which model is suitable for tropical conditions to propose public policies for integrated basins management and flood prevention. Thus it was determined the temporal and spatial framework of the analyzed basins according to hurricanes and floods. It were developed the SHM and GHM models, which were calibrated, validated and compared the results to identify the sensitivity to the real model. It was concluded that both models conform to tropical conditions of the CBGM, having MOHYSE further approximation to the real model. Worth mentioning that in Mexico there is not enough information, besides there are no records of MOHYSE use in Mexico, so it can be a useful tool for determining runoff volumes. Finally, with the SHM and the GHM were generated climate change scenarios to develop risk studies creating a risk map for urban planning, agro-hydrological and territorial organization.

Matéria orgânica e agregação do solo na rotação lavoura-pastagem em ambiente tropical

A região Centro-Oeste é muito importante para a produção agropecuária do Brasil. Neste ambiente, o plantio direto (PD), aliado à rotação de culturas e pastagens, é apontado como a forma de manejo do solo mais adequada para conciliar produtividade com sustentabilidade. Para estudar os efeitos de sistemas de manejo sobre a agregação e a dinâmica da matéria orgânica do solo (MOS), três experimentos de longa duração, localizados em Mato Grosso do Sul, foram avaliados quanto ao teor e os estoques de carbono orgânico total (COT) e de C nas frações da MOS, particulada (MOP) e associada aos minerais do solo (MOM). Foram determinados também, a agregação do solo via peneiramento em água e a seco, o diâmetro médio ponderado (DMP) e o índice de estabilidade dos agregados (IEA). Os sistemas de manejo foram constituídos de lavouras, em PD e preparo convencional (PC), pastagens permanentes e rotação de lavouras (soja) com pastagem em PD, além de área com vegetação natural. Os sistemas de manejo contendo pastagens, de forma isolada ou em rotação com lavouras, apresentaram os maiores estoques de COT e maior agregação do solo. Verificou-se importante efeito das pastagens na formação de macroagregados, cuja estabilidade se relacionou positivamente com a concentração de COT no solo. São discutidas as relações entre o acúmulo de C no solo e a proteção proporcionada pela oclusão da MOP e pela maior dificuldade de decomposição MOM no interior dos agregados. As taxas médias de acúmulo de C no solo (0 a 20 cm) para os sistemas com rotação lavoura-pastagem foram de 0,4 Mg ha-1 ano-1 em relação à lavouras em PD. O teor de C nas frações da MOS, DMP e estoques de COT, possibilitaram o cálculo de indicadores de qualidade dos sistemas de manejo (Índice de Manejo do C, Índice de estratificação e Nível de Ordem), os quais evidenciaram a importância de utilização da rotação lavoura-pastagem em PD neste ambiente.

Efeito da suplementação protéica sobre o desempenho de novilhos de corte em pastagem de forrageira tropical

Foi realizado um experimento para avaliar o efeito da suplementação com sal proteinado e sal mineralizado sobre o desempenho de novilhos de corte em pastejo de capim estrela (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) (CE) diferido. Os suplementos avaliados foram produtos comerciais disponíveis no mercado: sal mineralizado (SM); sal proteinado (SP) e sem suplementação (SS). O experimento teve uma duração de 84 dias e foram utilizados 36 novilhos Braford com um peso médio de 267 kg, distribuídos aleatoriamente em seis piquetes com área de 4 ha, num delineamento completamente casualizado. A pastagem de CE apresentou valores médios de proteína bruta (PB), fibra insolúvel em detergente neutro (FDN) e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica (DIVMO) de 7,6, 78,7 e 45,3 % respectivamente e não sendo observadas diferenças significativas entre tratamentos (p>0,05). Entretanto, observou-se que as condições climáticas observadas durante o experimento podem ter afetado os parâmetros de avaliação da qualidade e disponibilidade da pastagem. O ganho médio diário (GMD) apresentado pelos animais não mostrou diferença significativa (p>0,05) entre os diferentes tratamentos, sendo de 0,009 kg/dia para SM, 0,104 kg/dia para SP e 0,198 kg/dia para SS. Nas condições em que foi conduzido o presente experimento, a utilização de sal mineralizado e de sal proteinado não melhorou o ganho de peso por animal e por área em relação aos novilhos que não receberam suplementação.

Desenhando um paraíso tropical: a construção do Rio de Janeiro como um destino turístico

As primeiras imagens (gráficas ou narrativas) que circularam no exterior sobre o Rio de Janeiro. O complexo processo de produção em série da imagem, envolvendo vários profissionais que muitas vezes trabalhavam a distância. As possibilidades econômicas de uma cidade a ser construída, e o interesse de imigrantes aventureiros e empreendedores. A cidade que os primeiros guias para viajantes pretendiam mostrar. A modernização da urbe, voltada para o olhar internacional. A construção da identidade nacional pela música, dança e a indústria do entretenimento. A identificação do carioca com os estereótipos que lhe foram concedidos.A perpetuação dos ícones da cidade. Este trabalho perpassa várias categorias temáticas, buscando revelar o processo de construção da cidade do Rio de Janeiro enquanto um destino turístico. Um paraíso tropical a ser conhecido.

O papel das relações interpessoais na condução do ProSavana-JBM (Japão-Brasil-Moçambique): um estudo de caso: programa de Cooperação Triangular para o Desenvolvimento Agrícola da Savana Tropical de Moçambique

O objetivo deste estudo de caso foi o de identificar o papel das relações interpessoais na condução do ProSAVANA-JBM (JAPÃO-BRASIL-MOÇAMBIQUE), Programa de Cooperação Triangular para o Desenvolvimento Agrícola da Savana Tropical de Moçambique. Os objetivos intermediários permitem também investigar quais outros fatores podem ter sido determinantes na condução do ProSAVANA. Este programa além de representar uma parceria internacional entre organizações de três países Brasil, Japão e Moçambique, possui impactos de ordem social, econômica e ambiental. A análise dos dados demonstra que as relações interpessoais exerceram a maior centralidade entre os demais fatores determinantes à condução do Programa, e também corrobora para o desenho de um modelo de rede de relações interpessoais relacionada ao ProSAVANA. As limitações do estudo referem-se à dificuldade deste estudo ser replicado ou generalizado cientificamente, considerando que não seria possível emitir avaliações sobre determinado comportamento, a partir de um estudo de caso único. Finalmente, o propósito deste estudo é oferecer instrumentos teóricos e empíricos que permitam aprofundar a reflexão sobre o papel das relações interpessoais, além de contribuir para as lacunas existentes no campo da gestão empresarial e pública.

Inglorious revolution : sovereign debt, tropical credibility, and financial underdevelopment in imperial Brazil

In 1824 the creation of institutions that constrained the monarch’s ability to unilaterally tax, spend, and debase the currency put Brazil on a path toward a revolution in public finance, roughly analogous to the financial consequences of England’s Glorious Revolution. This credible commitment to honor sovereign debt resulted in successful long-term funded borrowing at home and abroad from the 1820s through the 1880s that was unrivalled in Latin America. Some domestic bonds, denominated in the home currency and bearing exchange clauses, eventually circulated in European financial markets. The share of total debt accounted for by long-term funded issues grew, and domestic debt came to dominate foreign debt. Sovereign debt yields fell over time in London and Rio de Janeiro, and the cost of new borrowing declined on average. The market’s assessment of the probability of default tended to decrease. Imperial Brazil enjoyed favorable conditions for borrowing, and escaped the strong form of “original sin” stressed by recent work on sovereign debt. The development of vibrant private financial markets did not, however, follow from the enhanced credibility of government debt. Private finance in Imperial Brazil suffered from politicized market interventions that undermined the development of domestic capital markets. Private interest rates remained high, entry into commercial banking was heavily restricted, and limited-liability joint-stock companies were tightly controlled. The Brazilian case provides a powerful counterexample to the general proposition of North and Weingast that institutional changes that credibly commit the government to honor its obligations necessarily promote the development of private finance. The very institutions that enhanced the credibility of sovereign debt permitted the systematic repression of private financial development. In terms of its consequences for domestic capital markets, the liberal Constitution of 1824 represented an “inglorious” revolution.

Uma janela tropical: análise do desempenho luminoso de ambientes com aberturas sombreadas para o clima de Natal/RN

This master thesis introduces assessment procedures of daylighting performance in office rooms with shaded opening, recommendations for Natal-RN (Latitude 05,47' S, Longitude 35,11' W). The studies assume the need of window exterior shading in hot and humid climate buildings. The daylighting performance analyses are based on simulated results for three levels of illuminance (300,500 e 1000 lux) between 08h00 e 16h00, in rooms with 2,80 m height, 6 m large and 4 m, 6 m e 8 m depths, with a centered single opening, window wall ratio (20%, 40% e 60%), four orientations (North, East, South and West), and two types of sky (clear and partially cloudy). The sky characteristics were statistically determined based on hourly data from INPE-CRN solar and daylighting weather station. The lighting performance is resulted from dynamic computer simulation of 72 models using Troplux 3.12. The simulation results were assessed using a new parameter to quantify the use of interior daylighting, the useful percentage of daylight (PULN), which corresponds to the time fraction with satisfactory light, in accordance with the illuminance design. The passive zone depths are defined based on the PULN. Despite the failures of illuminance data from the weather station, the analyses ratified the high potential of daylighting for shaded rooms. The most influential variables on the lighting performance are the opening size and the illuminance of design, while the orientation is a little influential