Variation morphogeometrics of Africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera) in Brazil

The morphometrics of the honey bee Apis mellifera L., 1758 has been widely studied mainly because this species has great ecological importance, high adaptation capacity, wide distribution and capacity to effectively adapt to different regions. The current study aimed to investigate the morphometric variations of wings and pollen baskets of honey bees Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier, 1836 from the five regions in Brazil. We used geometric morphometrics to identify the existence of patterns of variations of shape and size in Africanized honey bees in Brazil 16 years after the classic study with this species, allowing a temporal and spatial comparative analysis using new technological resources to assess morphometrical data. Samples were collected in 14 locations in Brazil, covering the five geographical regions of the country. The shape analysis and multivariate analyses of the wing allowed to observe that there is a geographical pattern among the population of Apis mellifera in Brazil. The geographical variations may be attributed to the large territorial extension of the country in addition to the differences between the bioregions.

Influence of temperature and humidity on the biology of Triatoma mexicana (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) under laboratory conditions

Several biological parameters related to the Triatoma mexicana life-cycle were evaluated in this study. Three cohorts were maintained under different combinations of temperature and relative humidity (RH): 25ºC/50% RH; 25ºC/75% RH; and 30ºC/75% RH. Observed hatching rates varied from 49-57.5% whereas the average time of hatching varied from 19.5-22.7 days. In the three cohorts studied, the mean time-lapse between presentation of the blood meal and the beginning of feeding was less than 5 min in all instars; the mean feeding time was longer than 10 min in all the instars; the post-feed defecation delay was over 10 min in all the instars. Less than 50% of nymphs in each cohort completed the cycle and the average time from 1st instar nymph to adult was more than 255 days for the three cohorts. The number of blood meals before molt at each nymphal instar varied from 1-9. Our results appear to indicate a lack of influence of temperature and RH on the biological parameters of T. mexicana that were studied, which could reflect the adaptation capacity of this species. We also conclude that T. mexicana can not be considered an effective transmitter of Trypanosoma cruzi to human populations in areas where this species is currently present.

Modelo de organização adaptável a cenários turbulentos: setor empresarial energético brasileiro

O cenário geopolítico global de desenvolvimento assimétrico e novas fontes de energia constituem um desafio para a sustentabilidade organizacional, requerendo organizações com capacidade de adaptação a ambientes turbulentos. Os principais aspectos que afetam a sobrevivência das empresas de energia podem ser categorizados em geopolíticos, econômicos, sociais, tecnológicos, legais, ambientais, de segurança, de energia e administrativos. Esta tese doutoral apresenta um modelo de organizações com capacidade de adaptação a ambientes turbulentos que permite à empresa atingir sustentabilidade no tempo, como resposta à pergunta de partida. Essa pergunta procura as características determinantes de um modelo de organização adaptável, considerando o setor energético brasileiro, no cenário geopolítico global de desenvolvimento assimétrico e novas fontes de energia, segundo a percepção de gestores. A metodologia adotada tomou por base a Grounded Theory apoiada pelo software Atlas/ti e aplicada a entrevistas em profundidade. O método utilizado permitiu construir a teoria indutivamente, com base em categorias, propriedades e dimensões. O modelo proposto emergiu da pesquisa configurando a capacidade de adaptação aos cenários turbulentos para atingir sustentabilidade organizacional como fundamentada nas categorias de Planejamento Prospectivo, Sistemas Adaptativos e Integração Estrutural, identificando as propriedades e dimensões requeridas em cada uma dessas categorias.

The hydraulic management of the Barra Bonita reservoir (SP, Brazil) as a factor influencing the temporal succession of its fish community

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Determination of broiler femur parameters at different growth phases

The objective of this experiment was to analyse macroscopically the femur and determine the biochemical values at 8, 22 and 42 days of age, producing basic results that can help to understand the pathogeny of the locomotor problems and the broiler physiologic growth. A total of 60 Cobb male broilers were distributed in three age groups (8, 22 and 42 days of age) of 20 birds. All macroscopic measurements, except the cranial compact layer increased (p<0.05) over the course of the ages. The cranial compact layer presented the biggest measure at 22 days of age. The ash percentage increased (p<0.05) until 22 days of age, but at 42 days of age this values decreased. Calcium and phosphorus percentage in ash increased (p<0.05) until 22 days of age and evidenced constancy from 22 to 42 days of age. The biomechanical adaptation capacity of femur was evidenced by the increase of the macroscopic measures over the course of the ages and the different behavior of cranial compact layer at 22 days of age suggested an adaptation attempt of the immature bone to muscle mass increase. The ash and mineral percentage confirmed that the relative growth occurs with more intensity until 21 days of age. The calcium and phosphorus percentage evidenced the physiologic balance acting on the deposition of these minerals in femur. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011.

Variation morphogeometrics of Africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera) in Brazil

The morphometrics of the honey bee Apis mellifera L., 1758 has been widely studied mainly because this species has great ecological importance, high adaptation capacity, wide distribution and capacity to effectively adapt to different regions. The current study aimed to investigate the morphometric variations of wings and pollen baskets of honey bees Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier, 1836 from the five regions in Brazil. We used geometric morphometrics to identify the existence of patterns of variations of shape and size in Africanized honey bees in Brazil 16 years after the classic study with this species, allowing a temporal and spatial comparative analysis using new technological resources to assess morphometrical data. Samples were collected in 14 locations in Brazil, covering the five geographical regions of the country. The shape analysis and multivariate analyses of the wing allowed to observe that there is a geographical pattern among the population of Apis mellifera in Brazil. The geographical variations may be attributed to the large territorial extension of the country in addition to the differences between the bioregions.

Effects of irrigation and time of application on the yield and quality of cv. Cabernet sauvignon in a warm climate

Mediterranean climate is characterized by hot summer, high evapotranspiration rates, and scarce precipitations (400 mm per year) during grapevine cycle. These extremely dry conditions affect vineyard productivity and sustainability. Supplementary irrigation is a needed practice in order to maintain yield and quality. Almost all Spanish grape growing regions are characterized by these within this context, especially in the center region, where this study was performed. The main objective of this work was to study the influence of irrigation on yield and quality. For this aim, we applied different levels of irrigation (mm of water applied) during different stages of growth and berry maturity. Four experimental treatments were applied considering the amount of water and the moment of the application: T1: Water irrigation (420 mm) applied from bloom to maturity. T2: Corresponded to the traditional irrigation scheduling, from preveraison to maturity (154 mm). T3: Water irrigation from bloom to preveraison, and water deficit from veraison to maturity (312 mm). T4: Irrigation applied from preveraison to maturity (230 mm) Experimental vineyard, cv. Cabernet Sauvignon, was located in a commercial vineyard (Bodegas Licinia S.L.) in the hot region of Morata de Tajuña (Madrid). The trial was performed during 2010 and 2011 seasons. Our results showed that yield increased from 2010 to 2011 in the treatments with a higher amount of water appli ed, T1 and T3 (24 and 10 % of yield increase respectively). This was mainly due to an increase in bud fertility (nº of bunches per shoot). Furthermore, sugar content was higher in T3 (27.3 ºBrix), followed by T2 (27 ºBrix). By contrast, T4 (irrigation from veraison) presented the lowest solid soluble concentration and the highest acidity. These results suggest that grapevine has an intrinsic capacity to adapt to its environment. However, this adaptation capacity should be evaluated considering the sensibility of quality parameters during the maturity period (acidity, pH, aroma, color...) and its impact on yield. Here, we demonstrated that a higher amount of water irrigation applied was no linked to a negative effect on quality.

El modelo constructivo: la influencia de la técnica en la teoría de la arquitectura (1840-1899)

La hipótesis de partida de esta tesis es que existe una influencia directa entre la técnica que se desarrolla durante el segundo período del s. XIX y el cambio sustancial de los conceptos y de la teoría arquitectónica que se da en esos mismos años. Dicha influencia genera nuevos modelos constructivos que serán la base de la arquitectura moderna. Para llegar a la confirmación de la hipótesis, se han planteado tres objetivos principales que responden a los tres capítulos principales de la misma. En primera instancia, se establecen las condiciones teóricas del debate arquitectónico entre las fechas estudiadas. Se analiza el concepto de modelo y «estilo» para evaluar si, efectivamente, hubo cambio o no. También se analizará si los arquitectos eran conscientes de la necesidad de una nueva arquitectura que respondiese a la funcionalidad que el progreso requería. Para comprobar que dicho cambio se ha producido a todos los niveles hasta el punto de redefinir el modelo constructivo se escoge un ejemplo práctico que cumpla las condiciones necesarias para sustentar o no la tesis y se investiga sobre si sucede o no el cambio. A continuación, se analizará la situación de la técnica y de los avances tecnológicos en el período estudiado. Es importante contrastar que realmente hay un conocimiento y una conciencia verdadera de cambio entre los teóricos y los arquitectos que están construyendo en ese momento. Confirmar que dicha conexión existe es vital para la investigación; para eso, se analizará y se profundizará en las conexiones entre la arquitectura y la ingeniería (o los avances tecnológicos) para entender la implicación de uno con el otro. Con este fin, se han estudiado las distintas publicaciones periódicas de la época; sobre todo la más relevante y la que primero se editó, que fue La revue générale de l’architecture; me he apoyado en ella. Es un documento que mensualmente recoge cambios, avances y debates. Tuvo una grandísima divulgación; todo docente, arquitecto e ingeniero de la época tenía un acceso fácil y directo a dicha publicación. Por último, a raíz de una construcción ideal proyectada por uno de los grandes arquitectos teóricos de la época, se reflexiona sobre si esa arquitectura supone realmente una comprensión y una conciencia de los nuevos modelos arquitectónicos, definidos por una técnica en progreso, o si responde exclusivamente a una utopía arquitectónica como tantas otras se habían esbozado con anterioridad por grandes teóricos. Para poder definir la geometría de este elemento estructural, se ha realizado un modelado tridimensional que permite calcular la estructura a través de un proceso de elementos finitos. El propósito de este cálculo no es exclusivamente saber si la estructura era viable o no en aquella época, sino también comprender si la definición de estos originales elementos estructurales implicaba una concepción nueva de las estructuras tridimensionales y eso significa que empezaba a germinar un cambio sustancial en la teoría de la arquitectura, con la búsqueda de un nuevo modelo constructivo derivado de los avances técnicos. De este modo queda demostrado que el modelo constructivo ha cambiado definitivamente por un modelo mucho más versátil y sobre todo con una gran capacidad de adaptación, esto combinado a su vez con una proliferación de patentes que intentan y buscan una estandarización del modelo constructivo y que no son, en ningún caso, un modelo en sí. Como última conclusión, queda argumentado que en aquella época ya se tenía una gran intuición estructural; a pesar de que el cálculo matemático era todavía algo relativamente nuevo, se manejaban de forma instintiva líneas de cargas, combinación de materiales y nuevas formas, que ayudarán a crear los modelos de los próximos años y que serán la base del cálculo numérico posterior. ABSTRACT The hypothesis of this thesis is that there is a direct influence between the technique developed during the second period of the XIX century and the substantial change in the concepts and in the architectural theory that occurs in those years. This influence develops new building models that will be the basis of modern architecture. To confirm this hypothesis, we present three principal objectives that corresponds to the three principals chapsters of the text. First, we establish the theoretical conditions of the architectural debate between the dates studied. We analyze the concepts of model and “style” to assess whether there was a change or not. We consider as well if architects were aware of the need for a new architecture to respond to the functionality needs that progress demanded. To verify that the change occurred at all levels to the extent of redefining the building model we choose a practical example that fulfills the necessary conditions to support or not the thesis and we investigate whether or not the change happens. Next, we analyze the status of technical and technological advances in the study period of study. It is important to contrast that there is a real knowledge and awareness of change between the theorists and architects who are building at the time. Confirming that that connection exists is vital for the research; for that, we will analyze and deepen into the connections between architecture and engineering (or technological progress) to understand the implication of one into the other. To this end, we have studied various publications of the time; especially the most relevant and the first published, La Revue générale de l’architecture; I have relied on it. This is a monthly document that includes changes, developments and debates. It had a very great disclosure; every teacher, architect and engineer of the time had a direct and easy access to this publication. Finally, following theoretical ideal construction projected by one of the great architects of the time, we reflect on whether that architecture really represents an understanding and awareness of the new architectural models defined by a technique in progress, or if it only responds to an architectural utopia as the ones outlined earlier by the great theorists. To be able to define the geometry of this structural item, we have carried out a three-dimensional modeling that enables us to calculate the structure through a process of finite elements. The purpose of this calculation is not exclusively understanding whether the structure was viable or not at the time, but also understanding if the definition of these original structural elements involved a new concept of three-dimensional structures and if that involved the beginning of a substantial change in theory of architecture, with the search for a new construction model derived from technical advances. In this way it is demonstrated that the building model has definitely changed for a much more versatile one and above all with a high adaptation capacity, this combined in turn with a proliferation of patents that try and seek a standardization of the building model and are not, in any case, a model in itself. As a final conclusion, it is argued that at the time a major structural intuition was present; even though the math calculation was still relatively new, in an instinctively way load lines, combination of materials and new forms were taken into account, that will help to create models in the coming years and which will form the basis of subsequent numerical calculation.

Effects of climate change on fisheries : from a global to a regional perspective

Tese de doutoramento, Biologia (Biologia Marinha e Aquacultura), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2016

El derecho y la paz transformadora. El sentido de la estructura social en Talcott Parsons

El funcionalismo estructural de Talcott Parsons propone un sistema de acción que permite el análisis de la estructura social a partir de aspectos como la adaptación, la capacidad para alcanzar metas, la inte­gración y la latencia. En este sentido, se encuentra una serie de subsistemas que permiten que una sociedad funcione. El de­recho es uno de ellos, y cumple una función integradora; además, se convierte en un instrumento para el logro de objetivos so­ciales; se propone el concepto de paz trans­formadora como objetivo (valor cultural) en la estructura social, y el derecho como medio idóneo para lograr la integración de los individuos a la estructura societal. Cabe resaltar que la paz transformadora es un proceso y un fin en sí misma, lo que permite que sea un objetivo de construc­ción participativa.

Sleep quality and stress levels among higher education students

A good night sleep enables to achieve physical and mental wellbeing (Paiva, 2015). The preservation of sleep quality is paramount as who sleeps well has a high adaptation capacity to adverse circumstances such as stress and anxiety, amongst others. There is an impacting relationship between reduced sleeping hours and high levels of anxiety, depression and stress (Pinto et al., 2012). Measure the sleep quality and stress levels amongst higher education students.Quantitative study with a descriptive-correlational and transversal design. A socio-demographic record, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) from Ramalho (2008) and the Anxiety, Depression and Stress Scale (EADS-21) from Ribeiro, Honrado and Leal (2004) were applied. The sample included 358 students. 54% of the students present a bad sleep quality, go to bed on average at 1am, take about 19 minutes to fall asleep and sleep on average 7 hours effectively. Female students have a 48% higher probability of having bad sleep quality. Stress, anxiety and depression levels were considered disperse with stress presenting the higher average. The majority of the students that refer having a bad sleep quality present an average score of 6.57 on the stress scale being approximately double of the students that refer having a good sleep quality (3.35). Stress, anxiety and depression are positively and with statistic signiicance correlated to the sleep quality index where a higher score means worse sleep quality.

Mediterranean agriculture under climate change: adaptive capacity, adaptation, and ethics

In the coming decades, the Mediterranean region is expected to experience various climate impacts with negative consequences on agricultural systems and which will cause uneven reductions in agricultural production. By and large, the impacts of climate change on Mediterranean agriculture will be heavier for southern areas of the region. This unbalanced distribution of negative impacts underscores the significance and role of ethics in such a context of analysis. Consequently, the aim of this article is to justify and develop an ethical approach to agricultural adaptation in the Mediterranean and to derive the consequent implications for adaptation policy in the region. In particular, we define an index of adaptive capacity for the agricultural systems of the Mediterranean region on whose basis it is possible to group its different sub-regions, and we provide an overview of the suitable adaptation actions and policies for the sub-regions identified. We then vindicate and put forward an ethical approach to agricultural adaptation, highlighting the implications for the Mediterranean region and the limitations of such an ethical framework. Finally, we emphasize the broader potential of ethics for agricultural adaptation policy.

Assessment of the Removal Capacity, Tolerance, and Anatomical Adaptation of Different Plant Species to Benzene Contamination

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Impacts and adaptive capacity as drivers for prioritizing agricultural adaptation to climate change in Europe

In the face of likely climate change impacts policy makers at different spatial scales need access to assessment tools that enable informed policy instruments to be designed. Recent scientific advances have facilitated the development of improved climate projections, but it remains to be seen whether these are translated into effective adaptation strategies. This paper uses existing databases on climate impacts on European agriculture and combines them with an assessment of adaptive capacity to develop an interdisciplinary approach for prioritising policies. It proposes a method for identifying relevant policies for different EU countries that are representative of various agroclimatic zones. Our analysis presents a framework for integrating current knowledge of future climate impacts with an understanding of the underlying socio-economic, agricultural and environmental traits that determine a region’s capacity for adapting to climate change.