Successional stage and geographic features determine floristic similarity among Atlantic Forest remnants, Sao Paulo State, Brazil

Analysis of floristic similarity relationships between plant communities can detect patterns of species occurrence and also explain conditioning factors. Searching for such patterns, floristic similarity relationships among Atlantic Forest sites situated at Ibiuna Plateau, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, were analyzed by multivariate techniques. Twenty one forest fragments and six sites within a continuous Forest Reserve were included in the analyses. Floristic composition and structure of the tree community (minimum dbh 5 cm) were assessed using the point centered quarter method. Two methods were used for multivariate analysis: Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN). Similarity relationships among the study areas were based on the successional stage of the community and also on spatial proximity. The more similar the successional stage of the communities, the higher the floristic similarity between them, especially if the communities are geographically close. A floristic gradient from north to south was observed, suggesting a transition between biomes, since northern indicator species are mostly heliophytes, occurring also in cerrado vegetation and seasonal semideciduous forest, while southern indicator species are mostly typical ombrophilous and climax species from typical dense evergreen Atlantic Forest.

A regionalidade como área de estudo da administração: um estudo de caso de um programa de mestrado em administração

Nos últimos anos pôde-se verificar a valorização do local e do regional como contraponto ao fenômeno da globalização desenfreada. Dessa forma, a relevância de estudos em Administração voltados às questões regionais ganha cada vez mais evidência. Esta pesquisa exploratória, com características de um delineamento documental, tem como objetivo proporcionar maior conhecimento acerca do estudo de questões regionais promovido a partir de um Programa de Mestrado em Administração (PMA) recomendado pela CAPES. Através da coleta de dados secundários oriundos da análise dos documentos oficiais do programa, bem como dos resultados práticos alcançados, foi possível verificar a realidade vivenciada por esse PMA. Como resultado, fica evidente que a regionalidade é muito mais do que simplesmente um neologismo empregado para rotular a proposta do PMA em foco. Mais do que isso, a regionalidade constitui-se numa realidade possível que vem sendo colocada em prática de forma pioneira para a construção e expansão do conhecimento na ciência da Administração.

Logística : análise dos serviços ao cliente e do perfil do pedido - o caso Plaything S.A.

A logística é, atualmente, um dos mais importantes diferenciais competitivos existentes em empresas do mundo inteiro. Ela envolve todas as áreas da empresa, o que dificulta o esgotamento de uma discussão profunda sobre este tema. Este estudo de caso se propõe a analisar alguns aspectos deste conceito, mais precisamente aqueles voltados para o serviço ao cliente e seu reflexo no sistema de distribuição de uma empresa. O objetivo deste trabalho é fornecer informações que possibilitem definir uma estrutura de distribuição que seja capaz de adicionar valor para seus clientes e vantagem competitiva para a empresa. Nesta discussão, através de uma pesquisa bibliográfica, ficou claro que as necessidades do cliente definem os serviços a serem oferecidos pela empresa, e, através de uma pesquisa de campo, ficaram estabelecidos quais são estes serviços. Para este estudo de caso, foi escolhida uma empresa de brinquedos, a Plaything S/A Ind. e Com., com marcante atuação nacional, em que se discute seu conjunto de serviços sob o aspecto externo e interno. No aspecto externo, através de uma pesquisa, estabelece-se uma hierarquização de necessidades dos clientes e verifica-se se os serviços oferecidos por esta empresa estão de acordo com estas necessidades. Ao mesmo tempo, esta pesquisa posiciona a empresa em relação a seus concorrentes quanto à satisfação das necessidades de seus clientes, ou seja, define gaps existentes entre necessidades e serviços oferecidos. No aspecto interno, busca definir o perfil do pedido desta empresa como forma de adequar sua estrutura e processo de armazenagem. Através desta análise, constata-se que a empresa estudada oferece um nível de serviço cuja satisfação está de acordo com seus concorrentes, porém aquém do que esperam seus clientes. Conclui-se ainda que o perfil do cliente provoca diferenças de percepção quanto à importância e à satisfação dos atributos pesquisados. O estudo do perfil do pedido revela que esta empresa tem pedidos de pequeno valor, pouco freqüentes e com poucos itens. Este perfil obriga a empresa a maximizar sua estrutura interna de distribuição física, tanto em termos de processos de armazenagem como de separação e manuseio dos produtos. Na conclusão do trabalho, são apresentas algumas recomendações à empresa pesquisada, levando-se em consideração os resultados da pesquisa e a necessidade de optar-se por estratégias que sejam inovadoras, adequadas ao rápido processo de mudanças de conceitos da época atual.

Creche: de lugar de abandono a espaço educativo

Esta dissertação apresenta um estudo histórico da creche no Brasil, tendo por objetivo analisar como a mesma instituição que carrega o estigma de lugar de abandono é compreendida atualmente por alguns segmentos sociais como espaço educativo. A questão da creche particular é privilegiada. A partir de uma abordagem que reconhece a importância da influência do contexto sócio-econômico nas propostas educativas, inicialmente foi feito um acompanhamento da trajetória histórica da creche no Brasil, analisando à luz de alguns estudos sobre a problemática da mulher, as relações entre a demanda por creches e a situação feminina no que diz respeito ao trabalho e à família. Em seguida destacaram-se as relações entre os ob jetivos que historicamente foram sendo definidos para as instituições destinadas à criança pequena, e o desenvolvimento dos conhecimentos sobre esta criança, privilegiando-se o estudo do movimento da Escola Nova. Posteriormente, realizou-se a análise das primeiras revistas que desde a déca da de 70 popularizam estes conhecimentos e que vêm criando determinada visão de creche. Finalmente, a entrada da classe média como clientela desta instituição, que vai dar enfase ao seu aspecto educativo, é compreendida a partir do processo de modernização da sociedade, com o aumento da presença da mulher no mercado de trabalho, e a difusão do conhecimento sobre a criança pequena.

Desempenho produtivo de Pseudoplatystoma corruscans estocados em sistemas de criação: semi-intensivo (viveiro escavado) e intensivo (tanque-rede)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efecto Insecticida del Extracto de Semillas de Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) sobre Collaria scenica Stal (Hemiptera: Miridae)

This work was developed with the objetive to evaluate the insecticidal effect of the Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seeds against grass bug nymphs Collaria scenica Stal. For that, an extract was prepared from green fruits of Neem by rotaevaporacion. The extract was diluted in three ppm concentrations corresponding to treatments. Using thin-layer chromatography we identified the presence of Azaridactina. DCA essay was carried out with 4 treatments and 5 repetitions that included the three extract concentrations and a control. In each repetition were used 15 nymphs, randomly placed in plastic boxes with food and the corresponding concentration. Every day an extract application was made and recorded mortality percentage, number of exuviae and number of individuals who came to adulthood in each treatment. The results were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Games-Howell for each variable. The three concentrations of Neem seed extract had a negative effect on the development of the bugs. The more concentrated treatment (250 ppm) was the most effective, showing a 97% mortality, fewer exuvias and and fewer adults in the end of the experiment.

Arquitetura de Software para Barcos Robóticos

We propose in this work a software architecture for robotic boats intended to act in diverse aquatic environments, fully autonomously, performing telemetry to a base station and getting this mission to be accomplished. This proposal aims to apply within the project N-Boat Lab NatalNet DCA, which aims to empower a sailboat navigating autonomously. The constituent components of this architecture are the memory modules, strategy, communication, sensing, actuation, energy, security and surveillance, making these systems the boat and base station. To validate the simulator was developed in C language and implemented using the graphics API OpenGL resources, whose main results were obtained in the implementation of memory, performance and strategy modules, more specifically data sharing, control of sails and rudder and planning short routes based on an algorithm for navigation, respectively. The experimental results, shown in this study indicate the feasibility of the actual use of the software architecture developed and their application in the area of autonomous mobile robotics

Distribuição ambiental e temporal das comunidades de macroalgas de riachos da Serra da Prata, Estado do Paraná, Sul do Brasil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Seasonality of macroalgal communities in a subtropical drainage basin in Paraná state, southern Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Efeito do turno de coleta sobre comunidades de formigas epigéicas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) em áreas de Eucalyptus cloeziana e de cerrado

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of collect time (day and night) on ant fauna attracted to baits in areas of Eucalyptus cloeziana (Myrtaceae) and cerrado. The ants were collected in Fazenda Boa Vista, Mannesmann Fi-El Florestal Ltda, Paineiras, Minas Gerais State. Eigthteen sample units were collected: 12 in E. cloezina and six in cerrado. Each sample unit consisted of three plots (25 x 35 m each). The plot consisted of 34 baits distributed in a grid pattern at 5 m intervals. The sampling was carried out in the diurnal and nocturnal period. The results obtained revealed that both type of vegetation (cerrado x Eucalyptus) and the collect time (day x night) had a significative influence on the epigaeic ant fauna. The ordination (DCA) indicated that collect time effect was more important to fauna structuration than the vegetation effect. Brachymyrmex sp.1, Brachymyrmex sp.2, Camponotus crassus Mayr, Camponotus rufipes (Fabricius), Cephalotes pusillus (Klug) and Ectatomma brunneum Smith were indicator species of nocturnal period, and Camponotus renggeri Emery, Camponotus atriceps (Smith), Camponotus melanoticus Emery and Paratrechina sp.1 were indicators of nocturnal period.

Boto cinza (Sotalia guianensis, Van Benédén, 1864) (Cetacea, Delphinidae): Atividade aérea, forrageio e interações inter-específicas, na Praia de Pipa (Tibau do Sul RN) e estudo comparativo entre duas populações do Nordeste do Brasil

Sotalia guianensis is a small cetacean of the Delphinidae family, with coastal habits and whose area of distribution ranges from Florianópolis (27º35'S, 48º34'W), in Brazil, to Honduras (15º58'N, 85º42'W). At Pipa beach, on the south coast of RN state, in Brazil, the species occur throughout the year. The present study was carried out in two bays, which are bordered by cliffs. The animals were monitored from vantage points, using the "Ad libitum" and "all the occurrences" methods; during the years of 1999 and 2004. The study was divided in 4 chapters: Behavioral standards of two populations of gray dolphin, (Sotalia guianensis, Van Benédén, 1864) in the northeast of Brazil; Aerial activity of the gray dolphin: its possible function and the influence of environmental and behavioral factors; The influence of daily and monthly variation of the tides, of the period of the day and group size on the gray dolphin forage activity; kleptoparasitism interactions of frigatebird (Fregata magnificens, Mattheus, 1914) during the gray dolphin forage activity. The results have shown that the gray dolphin has a varied and complex behavioral repertoire. The leap is the most frequent behavior; the aerial activity is diffuse during daylight and is influenced by some factors, such as the level of the tide and social factors. The gray dolphin, when in the bay, most frequently feeds isolate or in small groups. The forage is diffuse during daylight; however, being more frequent in the morning and is influenced by the daily and monthly variation of the tide. At Pipa beach, kleptoparasitarian interactions were registered between the gray dolphin and the frigatebird (Fregata magnificens). The frigatebird forage strategy consists basically of two ways: to fly over great extensions searching for dead fish and to steal food (kleptoparasitism). These interactions were predominantly carried out between immature and female adult birds and adult and immature dolphins, and occurred during daylight. The present study can be considered an initial landmark to a better knowledge on the gray dolphin surface behavior, especially regarding the aerial behavioral repertoire and forage strategy of this species. However, it is necessary to continue these studies, so that we can understand better the complex social life of these animals and thus create effective measures for its conservation

Comportamento de mergulho do boto-cinza, Sotalia guianensis, na enseada do Curral, Praia de Pipa-RN, Brasil :possíveis adaptações cardíacas ao mergulho

The marine tucuxi, Sotalia guianensis, is one of the smallest known cetaceans, has coastal habits, and occurs from Hondures to Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil. The objective of this dissertation was to describe diving behavior of the marine tucuxi in three age classes and to analyze the cardiac capacity to dive through the examination of hearts of stranded specimens. Observations were made from October 2004 to November 2005 from a vantage point, in Curral Bay at Pipa beach-RN. We used Ad Libitum sampling and All occurrences to record the behaviors. The diving was characterized by the total exposition of the tail fluke for a few seconds, in 90° or 45° angles. Were recorded 131 dives in three behavioral contexts: foraging, traveling and socialization. The difference between juveniles and adults in dive time and fluke out at 45° or 90° to search and/or capture prey is probably influenced by the strategy used and ability to capture the prey. The frequency of fluke out at 90° for foraging in adults may be related to increased physiological efficiency of adults in comparison to juveniles. However, in the context of travel and socialization the dive time and fluke out were independent between the age classes. Dive in calves were frequent during socialization (play behavior) and traveling. This, associated with synchronic calve-adult diving suggests that a relationship of these behaviors and the acquisition of experience and foraging skills. As observed in other cetaceans, the heart (n=12) of the estuarine dolphin is broad and presents long ventricles which form a round apex. The right ventricle is long and narrow. The degree of dilatation of the aortic bulb may support the heart during diastole. The characteristic morphology of the heart and short dive duration < 2 min and depth ranged from 10m in the estuarine dolphin, can be likely at physiological adaptation for diving, typical de dolphins with coastal habits. The limitation of diving time in this specie may be influenced by anatomical and physiological restrictions

Utilización de columnas verticales de filtración de manta y arena como pre-tratamiento de un sistema de filtración lenta

Slow sand filtration is an efficient water treatment technique used for treating surface water with relatively low levels of contamination. Despite the slow sand filtration at pathogen, algae and cyanobacteria removal efficiency, it has some restrictions in relation to the required area for slow filters, and the cleaning activities for the filters and the stone pre-filters when used in the treatment. This research evaluated during 120 days the use of non woven & sand pre-filtration columns as part of a slow filtration process for the apparent color, turbidity, algae, cyanobacteria, phytoflagellates and diatomaceous. The columns shown an efficient removal of the monitored parameters and demonstrated as a vantage their faster and easier cleaning process and less awkward than the required to the stone pre-filters. The turbidity removal efficiency increased progressively during the experiment, especially after the first 35 days of the start; the apparent color removal by the pre-filtration columns was of 85%, and working together with the polishing of activated carbon columns was up to 95; the diatomaceous, phytoflagellates, algae and cyanobacteria removal by the columns achieve a weekly average of 95%, its recommended to use filtration rates lower to 1,5m(3)/m(2)/d.

A Violência sexual contra crianças e adolescentes na Cidade do Natal: direitos garantidos ou negados?

This study presents the issue of sexual violence against children and adolescents in the city of Natal RN from a critical approach over the work carried out at the Delegacia Especializada em Defesa da Criança e Adolescente DCA, with the perspective towards guaranteeing their rights. It is constituted of an analysis under a theoretical-methodological focus, both quantitative and qualitative, taking as a premise the sexual violence against children and adolescents in its social, legal, historical, cultural and economical dimensions that are behind this issue. The established course between knowledge and methodology involved: a conceptual analysis of the sexual violence, a research in the official records of the Public Power, the application of questionnaires with the coordinators of social projects and programmes, the accomplishment of interviews with key institutional actors and mothers of victimized children and adolescents, besides the analysis of quantitative indicators from the data made available by the DCA. The research took place within the Delegacia Especializada em Defesa da Criança e Adolescente, and also took for reference the information from institutions that develop actions directed towards children and adolescents victims of sexual abuse. Through this study, the strategies and the contradictions existing in the struggle against sexual violence towards children and adolescents implemented by the Public Power were learnt, the need for a greater articulation was identified to guarantee their rights and it also allowed for the tracing of a panorama of the sexual violence against children and adolescents in the period from 2001 to 2004 in the city of Natal-RN

Effects of Cigarette Smoke and Ethanol Intake on Mouse Oesophageal Mucosa Changes Induced by Dietary Zinc Deficiency and Deoxycholic Acid Supplementation

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)