Search

The gender gap in adolescent mental health experiences is notable, with gender adding an additional layer to the already complex experience of being a young person who is experiencing homelessness. Yet, research in this area is limited. The purpose of this qualitative, interpretive description study was to understand how gender shapes the mental health of youth who are experiencing homelessness in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada. Eleven young people between the ages of 16 and 24 were recruited from a youth shelter and participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis and Gender-Based Analysis Plus was used to analyze the data, and findings revealed four contextual factors that appear to influence a young person’s mental health while homeless but that is experienced differently depending on one’s gender identity. These factors are: (1) housing acquisition is challenging, (2) physical presentation is meaningful, (3) cleanliness and hygiene are expected, and (4) utilizing mental health resources is complicated. Additionally, the many strengths that the youth identified and demonstrated in navigating their circumstances are highlighted in the results. These strengths involve (1) exhibiting resilience, (2) expressing the ability to survive, (3) imagining a world that is better, (4) articulating their needs, and (5) drawing on their social connections. The gendered lens that guides this study provides a challenge to the homogenous way that young people experiencing homelessness are often portrayed within the literature. Intersecting identities that include gender and age need to be considered within the mental health-related experiences of youth who live with homelessness. Ensuring that interventions are tailored to meet young people’s specific gendered needs is both a matter of human rights and health equity. Practical implications for service providers are discussed.

Introducción: El plan de estudio E en Medicina está diseñado para que prevalezca el aprendizaje basado en el uso de la tecnología digital con una participación amplia y activa del estudiante en su formación, con elevada carga de educación en el trabajo, la cual reconoce como una de sus tipologías a la discusión de clínicas radiológicas que se vincula fundamentalmente con las asignaturas de Propedéutica Clínica y Semiología Médica, así como de Medicina Interna. Objetivo: Proponer un procedimiento de discusión de clínicas radiológicas basado en el aprendizaje móvil. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación observacional de tipo pre-experimental, a partir de una muestra de 100 estudiantes de tercer año de la carrera de Medicina de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Holguín, asumiendo el muestreo probabilístico aleatorio simple, a un 15,0% del volumen de la población. Se empleó el método de la revisión de documentos, la observación, el sistémico y la prueba chi-cuadrado. Resultados: Se pudo constatar la existencia de mejoras en los resultados del aprendizaje que alcanzaron los estudiantes a partir de la introducción del procedimiento de discusión de clínicas radiológicas basadas en el aprendizaje móvil, lo que contribuyó a mejorar su formación clínica como futuros Médicos Generales. Conclusiones: El aprendizaje móvil constituye un estilo electrónico que se incorpora al método de discusión de casos clínicos, en específico de clínicas radiológicas, el cual se incorpora a los métodos de enseñanza de las asignaturas de Propedéutica Clínica y Semiología Médica, así como de Medicina Interna en vinculación con la Imagenología. Palabras clave: aprendizaje móvil, radiología, clínica radiológica

In this study, different loading levels of cellulose nanofibril and borax were added as reinforcement in melamine-urea-formaldehyde adhesive to enhance the performance properties of plywood panels as engineered wood composites. Physical properties (density, thickness swelling, water absorption, and moisture content), mechanical properties (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and bonding strength), and formaldehyde content were tested using relevant standards. The results showed that cellulose nanofibril and borax had a synergistic effect, resulting in improved physico-mechanical properties. The best results were obtained by combining 3 % cellulose nanofibril and borax. It was determined that the combination of cellulose nanofibril and borax reinforcement resulted in a significant improvement of around 15 % in the thickness swelling, water absorption, and moisture content of plywood panels. The combination of cellulose nanofibril and borax reinforcing resulted in a significant increase of around 26 % in the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity of plywood panels, with a bonding strength of around 47 %. The reinforcement technique did result in a 34 % decrease in free formaldehyde content. As a consequence, cellulose nanofibril and borax can be used as effective additives in the production of plywood panels to enhance their performance properties.

Este proyecto se basa en la utilización de aditivos alimentarios para mejorar la viscosidad de un producto y diseñar un sistema para la producción de este. Nuestro producto es un jugo natural de zanahoria y naranja, al cual se le añade goma xantana y carboximetil celulosa (CMC) como aditivo y luego se hicieron los cálculos pertinentes para poder diseñar el sistema de producción para el mismo, específicamente, el tubo de retención. Además, evaluamos cómo estos aditivos pueden mejorar el mezclado de la zanahoria y la naranja, ya que originalmente el jugo presenta dos fases.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different farm systems on clay dispersion and its relationship with soil chemical properties and the no-tillage system participatory quality index (IQP), in watershed areas in the west of the state of Paraná, Brazil. The farm systems evaluated were: no-tillage; no-tillage with crop succession; no-tillage with soil disturbance; and conventional system. In addition, the farm systems were evaluated for their IQP. Soil samples were collected at 0.0-0.20-m soil depth, in 40 agricultural areas and in 6 native forests considered as references. The degree of clay dispersion, total organic carbon, pH (CaCl2), exchangeable potassium (K+), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable calcium and magnesium (Ca2++Mg2+), and potential acidity (H+Al3+) were determined. A linear multiple regression model was fitted by the method of least squares. The averages of clay dispersion degree per watershed were compared at 5% probability. The farm systems were compared by Scott-Knott’s test. Soil chemical properties showed a higher influence on clay dispersion than the different farm systems assessed. The no-tillage system alone showed the highest content of organic carbon, which was similar to those of the native areas. The conventional system and the no-tillage system with soil disturbance showed a lower IQP and a higher degree of clay dispersion than the areas with the no-tillage system alone. The IQP allows distinguishing the conventional system from the no-tillage system.

El género Astragalus está ampliamente distribuido en el mundo y algunas especies son tóxicas para el ganado. En Argentina, Astragalus pehuenches ha sido incriminado históricamente en casos de intoxicación en ovinos, bovinos y equinos. Debido a la escasa información sobre los aspectos toxicológicos de la especie, se llevó a cabo un estudio con el fin de evaluar el potencial toxigénico de A. pehuenches en la provincia de Río Negro. A nivel regional se determinaron altas concentraciones de swainsonina de 0,070 y 0,097%. Si bien no se encontraron diferencias del potencial toxigénico entre zonas de cosechas (p=0,277), se observó una alta variación de las concentraciones de swainsonina entre especímenes (rango: 0,001-0,204%). A partir de este trabajo se confirma el riesgo que constituye esta especie para el ganado de la región patagónica.

Este é um estudo sobre a formação docente em dança na cidade de Fortaleza a partir da contribuição do bailarino e professor Hugo Bianchy nas décadas de 1950 e 1960. Trata-se de uma pesquisa histórica na qual utilizamos como base metodológica os conceitos da nova história cultural (NHC). Utilizamos também procedimentos da história oral pela insuficiência de fontes escritas. Deste modo, para a coleta de informações adequadas à compreensão desta pesquisa, utilizamos fontes orais, iconográficas e registros do jornal O Povo. O estudo mostra que a formação em dança na cidade de Fortaleza tem como marco a década de 1960, quando Hugo Bianchy implanta sua academia de dança. Notamos ainda que não existia uma preocupação com a formação do professor de dança, e sim, com a formação do artista bailarino.

Under the EU’s multilingualism policy, its 24 languages have equal status as both official and working languages. However, in fact, most of the EU’s day-to-day work is now conducted in English. In contrast, most EU staff writing in English are not native speakers, and their proficiency in drafting documents in English may vary. There is also no systematic procedure for ensuring that texts are edited before publication, resulting in a varying level of quality in terms of the English used. This paper uses a widely-distributed EU Commission document as a starting point for examining some of the English language errors commonly found in EU documents. It is argued that these errors often make them difficult to read and interfere with the EU’s ability to communicate with the public.

In this paper, I argue that hypothesis 3 of Plato’s Parmenides presents a kind of cosmological lesson that shows why the “one” needs to be understood as an essential principle of order when examining what the “others” to the “one” would be like. At face value, the “others” are defined as opposite to the “one,” and so they cannot be “one.” Nevertheless, Parmenides claims that the “others” must not be entirely devoid of the “one.” This is because the kind of “one” in question, a form-like principle rather than a unit, is responsible for the “others” to be a discursive “many” which is required for them to be considered as “others” in the first place. I argue against the view that pairing of hypothesis 3 and 4 is merely aporetic, and propose that the lessons of hypothesis 3 can be sustained in light of hypothesis 4. The benefit of this reading is that Parmenides’ claim that denying forms would destroy the power of dialogue at 135c2 can be seen as upheld. And it contributes to the task of learning to think through the relationship of forms and participants by examining the way that discursive “others” are different from, but essentially dependent upon on a form-like principle of order.

This article presents the story of Youth Hub, a grassroots, neighborhood-based initiative in Boston, Massachusetts, highlighting its use of participatory action research (PAR) to amplify youth voice, cultivate leadership, and promote change. The article includes an explanation of the need from which Youth Hub emerged; a discussion of Youth Hub’s use of PAR, including benefits and challenges of the approach; a summary of key research findings; an examination of PAR’s usefulness for knowledge creation, including benefits and challenges; and an analysis of youth leadership and ownership in Youth Hub’s model, also including benefits and challenges. The article concludes with suggestions for how Youth Hub’s approach can be useful for amplifying youth voice and building youth leadership more broadly.

Outdoor durability of wood plastic composites is a major focus of research and development efforts toward development of more robust building materials. Exterior exposure of wood plastic composites can result in weathering, moisture absorption, fungal and termite attack to various levels of severity depending on the composite formulation. Long-term (> 6 years) field exposure studies of wood plastic composites are lacking in the scientific literature. It is the overall goal of this paper to report on a ten-year field study of wood plastic composites performed in Santiago, Chile. The wood plastic composite formulations were comprised of polypropylene, wood flour, and various additives. Qualitative measurements were made on the stakes each year including the determination of decay and termite ratings on a scale of 1 to 10 as specified in American Wood Preservers’ Association Standards. Surface weathering or discoloration, surface fungi colonization, presence of mold, and/or lichen was noted. The amount of dimensional change (swelling) of the samples in ground contact was determined. Determination of flexural properties of the control and 10-year exposed wood plastic composite stakes were conducted. All the wood plastic composite stake formulations maintained excellent performance ratings after the 10-year field exposure with ratings of 10 for decay and 10 for termites.The wood plastic composites stakes experienced swelling in contact with the soil with the majority of swelling occurring during the first year of exposure. Although the wood plastic composite stakes did well regarding decay and termite performance, the portion of the stakes exposed above ground exhibited various amounts of weathering, surface fungal colonization, and mold and mildew depending on the formulation. Flexural properties of the wood plastic composite stakes decreased or were maintained for the 10-year exposure depending on the composite formulation.

Por que os Obamas devem considerar lecionar em uma escola pública urbana depois de 2016[1];[2] Howard Gardner: professor da Harvard Graduate School of Education Jim Reese diretor de estudos no Washington International School in the District. Tradução: Ivan Fortunato[1] Why the Obamas should consider teaching in an urban public school after 2016, originalmente publicado dia 2 de dezembro de 2014 em: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2014/12/02/why-the-obamas-should-consider-teaching-in-an-urban-public-school-after-2016/?utm_term=.0f05f261c8dd[2] Traduzido para a RIFP por Ivan Fortunato

Este artigo discutiu possibilidades de educação estética, tomando por amostra museus disponibilizados na Internet em domínio brasileiro (.br). O objetivo foi compreender como as experiências de alunos de Licenciatura em Artes Visuais, com museus virtuais, interferem em seus processos de formação e quais possibilidades de educação estética se apresentam nesses espaços. A investigação caracteriza-se como pesquisa-ação. Os dados foram coletados em um curso no qual participaram 11 alunos de graduação. Os encontros foram registrados em áudio dos diálogos reflexivos e registros escritos nos fóruns e e-portfólios. As análises apontaram que as concepções de museus virtuais estão permeadas pelas práticas presenciais e que há uma gama de possibilidades de educação estética em museus virtuais. Palavras-chave: Educação estética. Museus virtuais de arte. Experiência estética. Diálogos reflexivos. Formação de professores.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the abundance of soil and surface litter fauna in the western region of Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil, in the following land use systems (LUS): no-tillage crops (NT), integrated crop-livestock (ICL), pasture (PA), Eucalyptus plantation (EP) and native forest fragments (NF). Sampling was done in three counties in the western region of Santa Catarina: Xanxerê, Chapecó and São Miguel do Oeste, in two seasons (winter and summer). The evaluation of soil/litter fauna in each LUS was performed by installing nine "pitfall traps" per sampling grid (3 x 3). The counties are true replicas. The soil for the chemical attributes was collected at the same sampling points for soil fauna. Altogether, 17 taxa were identified in the five LUS. The presence of groups of fauna was influenced by the type of soil management used. The LUS NF and EP provide better soil conditions for the development of a higher diversity of soil fauna groups compared to other LUS, which showed varying degrees of human intervention, regardless of the sampling season (winter or summer). However, annual crop systems NT and ICL groups showed greater richness and total abundance when compared to the perennial systems (EP and PA). Principal component analysis is an important tool in the study of biological indicators of sustainability because it allows use of soil attributes (chemical and physical) as explanatory environmental variables, which helps in the interpretation of ecological data.

Twenty-four worms were collected from the bronchioles in both lungs of a male nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus Linnaeus, 1758 captured in Teacalco, Morelos, Mexico. The worms, herein named Metathelazia mexicana n. sp., show a constriction in the esophagus at the level of the nerve ring; males of the species have 7 pairs of papillae, fewer than the other species in the genus. Metathelazia capsulata is the most similar species to Metathelazia mexicana; however, the latter has much shorter spicules. This is the fourth species in the genus known to occur in the New World.Se recolectó un total de 24 nemátodos de las cavidades bronquiales de un armadillo de 9 bandas Dasypus novemcinctus Lineo, 1758 en la localidad de Teacalco, Morelos, México. Los nemátodos, descritos con el nombre Metathelazia mexicana, muestran una constricción en el esófago al nivel del anillo nervioso y 7 pares de papilas caudales en los machos, número que es menor al observado en las otras especies del género. Metathelazia mexicana es semejante a Metathelazia capsulata en varios rasgos morfológicos pero difiere en el tamaño de las espículas, que son más cortas en la especie aquí descrita. Esta es la cuarta especie del género registrada en el continente americano.

Resumen:En este artículo se discute el carácter representacional de los sujetos subalternos que protagonizan algunos de los textos clave del testimonio latinoamericano. Se afirma, por el contrario, que la mayoría de ellos, como Juan Pérez Jolote, Jesús Sánchez, Esteban Montejo, Jesusa Palancares o Rigoberta Menchú, constituyen sujetos excepcionales en sus comunidades subalternas. Se pretende, con esa investigación, complejizar el debate sobre la posible representación del subalterno en la literatura testimonial latinoamericana. Palabras clave: Testimonio, Subalternidad. Abstract:This article discuses the representativity of subaltern subjects who are the main characters in some of the most important testimonios in contemporary Latin America. These main characters (such as Juan Pérez Jolote, Jesús Sánchez, Esteban Montejo, Jesusa Palancares or Rigoberta Menchú) have been selected because of their exceptional characteristics, rather than because of their being typical members of their community constituyen s u j e t o s e x c e p c i o n a l e s e n s u s c o m u n i d a d e s subalternas. Key words: Testimonio, Subalternity.

The ecological niche of a parasite exists only at the nexus of certain abiotic and biotic conditions suitable for both the definitive and intermediate hosts. However, the life cycles of most parasites are not known, or are poorly known, and using known ranges of hosts to find endemic parasitic infections has been difficult. However, with ecological niche modeling, we can create potential range maps using known localities of infection. Testing the validity of such maps requires knowledge of the localities of other parasites with common history. Here, we find that the ecological niche of a tapeworm parasite of voles, Paranoplocephala macrocephala (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae), allows prediction of the presence (in ecological and geographic space) of 19 related parasite species from 3 genera in 23 different hosts throughout the Nearctic. These results give credence to the idea that this group shares similar life cycle requirements despite phylogenetic distance. This work further validates ecological niche modeling as a means by which to predict occurrence of parasites when not all facets of the life cycle are confirmed. Such inductive methods create the opportunity for deducing potential reservoir or intermediate hosts, and complementing studies of parasite biodiversity and community ecology.El nicho ecológico de un parásito existe sólo cuando coinciden condiciones abióticas y bióticas necesarias para los hospederos definitivos e intermediarios. No obstante, los ciclos de vida de la mayoría de los parásitos son poco conocidos; el usar áreas de distribución de hospederos para encontrar áreas endémicas de parasitismo ha resultado difícil. Con el modelado de nicho, se pueden producir mapas del área de distribución potencial con base en sitios conocidos de presencia. Para probar la validez de estos mapas, se requiere el conocimiento de sitios de presencia de otros parásitos relacionados. En este estudio, encontramos que el nicho ecológico de un gusano parásito de ratones, Paranoplocephala macrocephala (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) permite predecir la presencia de 19 especies relacionadas de parásitos de 3 géneros en 23 diferentes hospederos a través del Neártico. Estos resultados apoyan la idea de que este grupo comparte una historia filogenética común que se refleja en nichos compartidos y que el modelado de nichos ofrece una manera de predecir la presencia de parásitos aunque no se conozcan todos los detalles de su ciclo de vida. Estos métodos permiten deducir reservorios u hospederos para estos parásitos.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of organic and conventional coffee crops on biomass, population density and diversity of earthworms, in Lerroville, district of Londrina County, Paraná state, Brazil. Earthworm communities were sampled in three areas with organic coffee cultivation (CO1, CO2 and CO3), two with conventional coffee (CC1 and CC2), and a native forest fragment (MT). The soil of the areas CO1, CC1, and MT was classified as Nitossolo Vermelho (Rhodic Kandiudox), while CO2, CO3, and CC2 were on Latossolo Vermelho (Rhodic Hapludox). Eight samples were taken in each area on two occasions, winter and summer, using the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) method in the 0-20 cm soil layer. The earthworms were handsorted and preserved in 4% formaldehyde, and were later weighed, counted and identified. The highest earthworm biomass, both in winter and summer, occurred in the CO3 area. For population density, the higher numbers of individuals were found in CO1 and CO3. The highest number of species was identified in the organic cultivation. The adoption of organic practices in coffee cultivation favored the diversity, density and biomass of earthworm communities.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do cultivo de café orgânico e convencional sobre a biomassa, densidade populacional e diversidade de minhocas em Lerroville, distrito de Londrina, Paraná. A comunidade de minhocas foi avaliada em três áreas de cultivo orgânico (CO1, CO2, CO3), duas áreas em cultivo convencional (CC1 e CC2) e um fragmento de mata nativa (MT). O solo das áreas CO1, CC1 e MT foi classificado como Nitossolo Vermelho e o solo das áreas CO2, CO3 e CC2 como Latossolo Vermelho. Oito amostras foram coletadas em cada área, em dois períodos, inverno e verão, pelo método do Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF), na camada 0-20 cm. As minhocas foram separadas manualmente e preservadas em formol 4%, e, depois, foram pesadas, contadas e identificadas. A biomassa das minhocas, nas amostragens de inverno e de verão, foi maior na área CO3. A densidade populacional foi maior nas áreas CO1 e CO3. O maior número de espécies foi identificado nos cultivos orgânicos. A adoção de práticas orgânicas, no cultivo do café, favoreceu a diversidade, densidade populacional e biomassa das comunidades de minhocas.

The objective of this work was to undertake a qualitative assessment of earthworm diversity in areas under human influence, in a region of Cerrado-Pantanal-Amazon rainforest transition, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The earthworms were collected in the municipalities of Barra do Bugres and Arenápolis, and were studied together with species previously identified from other municipalities. Seventeen municipalities, at 29 sampling points of Mato Grosso State, have been sampled. Seven species of earthworms were collected and identified in Barra do Bugres: Goiascolex vanzolinii, Pontoscolex (Pontoscolex) corethrurus, Opisthodrillus borellii borellii, Opisthodrillus sp., Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) gracilis, Dichogaster sp. and a species of the Criodrilidae family. Four species of earthworms were identified in Arenápolis: Pontoscolex (Pontoscolex) corethrurus, Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) gracilis, Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) affinis and Dichogaster sp. In total, 32 earthworm species/subspecies are known from Mato Grosso, 22 native and 10 exotic.O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar qualitativamente a diversidade de minhocas em áreas sob influência humana, em uma região de transição de Pantanal-Cerrado-Floresta Amazônica, no Estado de Mato Grosso. As minhocas foram coletadas nos municípios de Barra do Bugres e Arenápolis e estudadas em conjunto com espécies previamente identificadas de outros municípios do Estado, em um total de 29 pontos de coletas em 17 municípios. Em Barra do Bugres, foram coletadas e identificadas sete espécies de minhocas: Goiascolex vanzolinii, Pontoscolex (Pontoscolex) corethrurus, Opisthodrillus borellii borellii, Opisthodrillus sp., Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) gracilis, Dichogaster sp. e uma espécie da família Criodrilidae. Em Arenápolis foram identificadas quatro espécies: Pontoscolex (Pontoscolex) corethrurus, Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) gracilis, Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) affinis e Dichogaster sp. Ao todo, 32 espécies/subespécies de minhocas são conhecidas em Mato Grosso, 22 nativas e 10 exóticas.

During a biodiversity survey of mammals and their parasites in the Beni, Bolivia in the summer of 2000, several spiny rats, Proechimys simonsi Thomas, 1900, were collected and examined for parasites. Herein we describe Lentiella lamothei n. sp. from one of these hosts. This species is can be distinguished from L. machadoi Rêgo, 1964 by having a greater total length but smaller maximum width, a greater number of segments, a smaller cirrus sac, a smaller scolex diameter, and in the eggs, a larger pyriform apparatus. In addition, we formally validate the genus Lentiella Rêgo, 1964, that had been placed in synonomy with Monoecocestus Beddard, 1914.Como parte del monitoreo de la biodiversidad de Bolivia, varias ratas espinosas (Proechimys simonsi Thomas, 1900) fueron examinadas en busca de parásitos durante el verano boreal del año 2000. En el presente trabajo se describe el céstodo Lentiella lamothei n. sp. recolectado en estos hospederos. Esta especie puede distinguirse de L. machadoi Rêgo, 1964 por tener una mayor longitud total pero menor ancho máximo, mayor número de proglótidos, bolsa del cirro más pequeña, escólex de menor diámetro, y un mayor aparato piriforme en los huevos. Además, se revalida formalmente al género Lentiella Rêgo, 1964, anteriormente sinonimizado con Monoecocestus Beddard, 1914.

Somalia es un ejemplo de consenso en torno a su denominación como “Estado fallido”. Sin embargo, diferentes estrategias han sustituido al Estado como estructurador de la sociedad y así los somalíes han dinamizado su sociedad y su economía (liderazgo religioso, fenómenos de segregación locales, etc). La guerra, las graves carencias en derechos humanos y la dependencia frente a la ayuda externa llaman aún la atención de los especialistas. Vemos aquí el papel de las mujeres somalíes, principales afectadas en tales conflictos: refuerzo y reivindicación de sus roles identitarios tradicionales, asociacionismo pro-reconciliación nacional, activismo pacifista por medio de la acción cultural y religiosa, desmovilización de combatientes, reconstrucción local, etc. El Gobierno Transitorio, por su parte, no respeta la resolución 1325 del Consejo de Seguridad de N.U. así como los acuerdos sobre las cuotas de representatividad femenina parlamentaria, mientras numerosos actores internacionales mantienen visiones simplistas y estereotipadas sobre la cuestión del género en Somalia.

Araucaria angustifolia, also known as the Paraná Pine is an endangered tree species in Brazil and little is known of the diversity of soil invertebrates inhabiting these forests. Therefore, the present study was set up to evaluate the biomass and diversity of earthworms in natural and reforested Araucaria plots, impacted or not by fire, and to identify the most efficient earthworm collection method. Four study areas included: native forest with Araucaria (NF); Araucaria reforestation (R); Araucaria reforestation submitted to an accidental fire (RF); and native grass pasture with native Araucaria and submitted to an intense accidental fire (NPF). Five soil samples containing the earthworm community were taken in a 0.3 ha area in each of the forest sites, close to five Araucaria trees selected at random. Three collection methods were tested: application of dilute Formol (0.5%) to the soil surface, handsorting of small (25 ´ 25 cm) or large (40´ 40 cm) monoliths. Five earthworm species were found: the native Glossoscolex sp.1, Glossoscolex sp.2, Glossoscolex bondari and Urobenus brasiliensis (Glossoscolecidae), and the exotic Amynthas corticis (Megascolecidae). Formol was more efficient for collecting A. corticis, found in much higher abundance and biomass in NF than in the other areas. Larger handsorted samples were more efficient for capturing Glossoscolex species, mainly present in RF and NPF. For adequate characterization of earthworm abundance and biomass in these Araucaria forests, both the Formol and the larger monolith methods are recommended.Araucaria angustifolia, também conhecida como Pinheiro do Paraná é uma espécie de árvore ameaçada de extinção no Brasil e pouco se conhece sobre a diversidade de invertebrados que habitam os solos destas florestas. O presente estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar, em florestas com araucária naturais e reflorestadas impactadas ou não pela queima acidental, a diversidade e a biomassa de minhocas, além de identificar o método mais eficiente para coletar estes animais. As áreas estudadas incluem: floresta nativa com araucária (NF); reflorestamento de araucária (R); reflorestamento de araucária submetido a incêndio acidental (RF); e campo nativo com araucárias nativas e ocorrência de incêndio (NPF). Em cada floresta, cinco amostras de solo para avaliação da comunidade de minhocas foram coletadas em 0,3 ha, perto de cinco árvores de araucária selecionadas ao acaso. Foram testados três métodos: aplicação de Formol diluído (0,5%) na superfície do solo; escavação e triagem manual de monólitos pequenos (25 ´ 25 cm) ou maiores (40 ´ 40 cm). Foram encontradas cinco espécies de minhocas, as nativas Glossoscolex sp.1, Glossoscolex sp.2, Glossoscolex bondari e Urobenus brasiliensis (Glossoscolecidae), e a exótica Amynthas corticis (Megascolecidae). Formol foi mais eficiente para coletar A. corticis espécie encontrada em maior abundância e biomassa fresca total em NF do que nas outras áreas. A triagem manual de amostras de solo maiores foi mais eficiente para capturar as espécies de Glossoscolex, presentes principalmente em RF e NPF. Formol e a triagem manual de monólitos maiores são recomendados para caracterizar a abundância e biomassa de minhocas nas florestas com araucárias.

The taxonomic composition, observed and estimated species richness, and patterns of community structure of arboreal spider assemblages in eleven sites surrounding the "Banhado Grande" wet plain in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, are presented. These sites represent three different vegetational types: hillside (four sites), riparian (five sites) and flooded forests (two sites). The spiders were captured by beating on foliage and "aerial litter". A sample was defined as the result of beating on twenty bushes, tree branches or "aerial litter" clusters, which roughly corresponds to one-hour search effort per sample. Fifty five samples (five per site) were obtained, resulting in an observed richness of 212 species present as adult or identifiable juveniles. The total richness for all samples was estimated to be between 250 (Bootstrap) to 354 species (Jackknife 2). Confidence intervals of both sample and individual-based rarefaction curves for each vegetation type clearly indicated that flooded forest is the poorest vegetation type with respect to spider species richness, with hillside and riparian forests having a similar number of species. The percentage complementarity between the eleven sites indicated that all sites contain a distinct set of species, irrespective of their vegetation types. Nevertheless, the spider assemblages in riparian and hillside forests are more similar with respect to each other than when compared to flooded forest. Both cluster and nonmetric multidimensional scaling analyses showed no strong correspondence between the spider arboreal fauna and the three vegetation types. Moreover, a Mantel test revealed no significant association between species composition and geographic distance among sites.Apresenta-se a composição taxonômica e a riqueza de espécies, tanto observada quanto estimada, de aranhas arborícolas em onze fragmentos florestais nos arredores do Banhado Grande, Rio Gravataí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Estes fragmentos representam três tipos de vegetação: floresta de encosta (quatro áreas), floresta ripária (cinco áreas) e floresta paludosa (duas áreas). As aranhas foram capturadas em folhagem e "serapilheira suspensa" com auxílio de um guarda-chuva entomológico. Cada amostra foi definida como o resultado da coleta em vinte arbustos, galhos de árvores ou aglomerado de serapilheira suspensa, o que correspondeu a aproximadamente uma hora de coleta contínua por amostra. Cinqüenta e cinco amostras (cinco por área) foram obtidas, resultando em uma riqueza observada de 212 espécies representadas por adultos ou jovens identificáveis. A riqueza total para todas as amostras foi estimada entre 250 (Bootstrap) a 354 (Jackknife 2) espécies. Intervalos de confiança das curvas de rarefação baseadas tanto em amostras quanto em indivíduos para cada tipo de vegetação demonstraram claramente que a floresta paludosa é mais pobre em espécies do que as florestas ripária e de encosta, apontando que a riqueza de espécies de aranhas é similar nas florestas de encosta e ripária. A complementaridade percentual entre as onze áreas indica que todas as áreas apresentam composições taxonômicas consideravelmente diferentes, independentemente do tipo de vegetação em cada área. Entretanto, as assembléias de aranhas nas florestas de encosta e ripária são mais similares entre si do que quando comparadas com as da floresta paludosa. Análises de agrupamento e de escalonamento multidimensional não-métrico (NMDS) não mostraram forte correlação entre a fauna de aranhas arborícolas e os três tipos de vegetação. Uma análise de Mantel indicou que a associação entre composição de espécies e distância geográfica entre áreas não é significativa.

Habitat fragmentation, along with other human-induced disturbances, increase the vulnerability of native habitats to be invaded by aggressive, ecologically released, exotic species. Syzigium jambos (L.) Alston (Myrtaceae, Rose Apple) is an important invader still spreading throughout Hawaii, the Antilles, Central and South America. This study examines the effects of S. jambos on plant understory diversity in a 25 ha Tropical Premontane Moist Forest in Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica, a protected watershed that supplies drinking water for several human communities. Our final objective is to develop a management strategy combining water protection with the preservation of a representative sample of the original plant diversity in the area. Thirty 2 X 2 m plots were distributed throughout the Municipal Forest maintaining a minimum of 10 m between plots, and 2 m from trails, to sample all understory seedlings and saplings of S. jambos, Coffea arabica (coffee) and tree seedlings. We found a clear dominance of S. jambos over all other understory plants. Of the total 1 285 sampled plants, S. jambos comprised 51%, coffee seedlings represented 14,78%, being the rest tree seedlings. Syzigium jambos had the highest density (5.46 plants/m2, S.D. = 6.44) compared to tree (3.67 plants/ m2, S.D. = 3.44) and coffee seedlings (1.58 plants/ m2, S.D. = 2.13). There was a highly significant negative relationship between the relative abundance of S. jambos and tree (r2 = 0.52, p < 0.00001) and coffee seedlings (r2 = 0.28, p < 0.002). The abundance of coffee seedlings did not affect the abundance of tree seedlings (r2 = 0.01, p < 0.58). Since the canopy of the Municipal Forest is relatively closed and composed of a monolayer of trees with almost no overlapping crowns, we found no relationship between canopy cover and the abundance of S. jambos. The height distribution indicated that the majority of S. jambos individuals were seedlings and saplings (height ≤ 1.5 m), with only 4.6% classified as adults, (height ≥ 2 m). The results show a clear role of S. jambos as an aggressive, invasive species within the Municipal Forest. This invasion is enhanced by both the ecological characteristics of the species and the fragmentation of the forest by coffee farming around the site. Among a variety of management possibilities, an ecosystem-level approach of manually removing S. jambos over time while replanting native species appears to be the preferred strategy, given the intended continued use of the Municipal Forest as a source of drinking water and as a representative sample of the original vegetation of the area. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(2): 415-421. Epub 2006 Jun 01.La fragmentación del hábitat, junto con otros disturbios antropogénicos, aumentan la vulnerabilidad de los ambientes nativos a la invasión por especies exóticas, agresivas y sin controles ecológicos. Syzigium jambos (L.) Alston (Myrtaceae, Manzana Rosa) es una invasora importante que todavía está extendiendose en Hawaii, Las Antillas, Centro y Suramérica. Este estudio examina los efectos de S. jambos sobre la diversidad de plantas del sotobosque en un Bosque Húmedo Premontano de 25 ha en Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica, una microcuenca protegida que suple de agua potable a varias comunidades. Nuestro objetivo final es desarrollar una estrategia de manejo que combine la protección del agua con la conservación de una muestra representativa de la diversidad de plantas original del área. Distribuimos 30 parcelas de 2 X 2 m en el Bosque Municipal manteniendo una distancia mínima de 10 m entre parcelas y 2 m lejos de los senderos, para muestrear las plántulas y brinzales de S. jambos, Coffea arabica (café) y árboles. Encontramos una clara dominancia de S. jambos sobre las demás plantas de sotobosque. De 1 285 plantas muestreadas S. jambos representó 51%, el café abarcó 14,78%, siendo el resto plántulas de árboles. Syzigium jambos tuvo la mayor densidad (5.46 plantas/m², D.E. = 6.44) en comparación a plántulas de árboles (3.67 plantas/ m², D.E. = 3.44) y de café (1.58 plantas/ m², S.D. = 2.13). Hubo una relación negativa entre la abundancia relativa de S. jambos y las plántulas de árboles (r² = 0.52, p < 0.00001) y café (r² = 0.28, p < 0.002). La abundancia de las plántulas de café no afectó la abundancia de las plántulas de árboles (r² = 0.01, p < 0.58). Ya que el dosel del Bosque Municipal es relativamente denso y se compone de una monocapa de árboles casi sin traslape entre copas, no encontramos relación entre la cobertura del dosel y la abundancia de S. jambos. La distribución de altura indicó que la mayoría de los individuos de S. jambos eran plántulas y brinzales (altura ≤ 1.5 m), con solamente 4.6% clasificados como adultos, (altura ≥ 2 m). Los resultados muestran un claro papel de S. jambos como especie invasora muy agresiva en el Bosque Municipal. Esta invasión es favorecida tanto por las características ecológicas de la especie así como por la fragmentación del bosque causada por plantaciones de café alrededor del sitio de estudio. Entre las diversas alternativas de manejo, consideramos que debe usarse una estrategia a nivel de ecosistema, y remover manualmente S. jambos a la largo del tiempo y a la vez sembrar especies nativas, considerando que el uso programado para el Bosque Municipal es ser fuente de agua potable y proteger una muestra representativa de la vegetación original del área.

The majority of the recent reductions in the Earth's biodiversity can be attributed to direct human impacts on the environment. An increasing number of studies over the last decade have reported declines in amphibian populations in areas of pristine habitat. Such reports suggest the role of indirect factors and a global effect of human activities on natural systems. Declines in amphibian populations bear significant implications for the functioning of many terrestrial ecosystems, and may signify important implications for human welfare. A wide range of candidates have been proposed to explain amphibian population declines. However, it seems likely that the relevance of each factor is dependent upon the habitat type and species in question, and that complex synergistic effects between a number of environmental factors is of critical importance. Monitoring of amphibian populations to assess the extent and cause of declines is confounded by a number of ecological and methodological limitations.

Sea-level rise is an issue of paramount importance for the state of Florida due to its lengthy coastline, low relief, high coastal population density, ecologically and economically vital beaches, estuaries, and wetlands, and porous limestone geology. The rate of sea-level rise in Florida generally follows the global average (~3 mm per year) and is slowly gaining public attention as a significant threat to the natural and socioeconomic future of the state. This 18-page multi-disciplinary review provides an annotated bibliographic summary of current peer-reviewed literature regarding sea-level rise in Florida. Written by Anna Cathey Linhoss, Lisa Gardner Chambers, Kevin Wozniak, and Tom Ankersen, and published by the UF Department of Sea Grant, February 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg125