Bicolored Hawk, Accipiter bicolor in Guayaquil city (Western Ecuador): new preys-species records and citizen science urban records

Accipiter bicolor is a widely distributed Neotropical raptor but knowledge about its ecology is poor, particularly in urban areas. In this work, we document the presence of A. bicolor in the city of Guayaquil and in nearby forested areas, in addition, we provide new records on its diet and discuss possible foraging strategies in synanthropic environments. Also, reports of this species are considered on citizen science platforms. Accipiter bicolor was observed consuming an individual of Columbina bluckeyi and another of Artibeus fraterculus; near a colony of this species of bat. Finally, we found 59 records of A. bicolor between 2007 and 2022 for Guayaquil and its surrounding areas, 14 records were in urban habitats. Observations in different urban and peri-urban habitats are discussed, as well as their feeding habits.

Accipiter bicolor es una rapaz Neotropical ampliamente distribuida pero el conocimiento sobre su ecología es escaso en particular en zonas urbanas. En este trabajo, documentamos la presencia de A. bicolor en la ciudad de Guayaquil y en áreas boscosas cercanas, además, proveemos nuevos registros sobre su dieta y discutimos posibles estrategias de forrajeo en ambientes sinantrópicas. También, se consideran reportes de esta especie en plataformas de ciencia ciudadana. Accipiter bicolor fue observada consumiendo un individuo de Columbina bluckeyi y otro de Artibeus fraterculus; cerca de una colonia de esta especie de murciélago. Finalmente, se encontraron 59 registros de A. bicolor entre el 2007 y 2022 para Guayaquil y sus áreas circundantes, 14 registros fueron en hábitat urbanos. Se discute las observaciones en diferentes hábitats urbanos y periurbanos, así como sus hábitos de alimenticios.

Medium to large-sized mammals of an urban protected area and its ecological corridor in Rio de Janeiro City, Brazil / Mamíferos de médio a grande porte de uma Unidade de Conservação urbana e seu corredor ecológico na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract Protected areas play a fundamental role in the preservation of species, environmental education, and ecosystem services maintenance. Most of the world population live in urban areas, which highlight the importance of preserved areas in urban centers. However, many urban protected areas in Brazil lack species surveys, which limits biodiversity conservation and implementation of management plans. In this study, we surveyed the species of medium and large mammals of Chico Mendes Municipal Natural Park (MNP) and Canal das Taxas corridor through camera traps, thus providing the first comprehensive in situ survey of terrestrial mammals for the area. We also verified whether there was mammalian fauna exchange between the Chico Mendes and Marapendi MNPs through the vegetation corridor formed by the Canal das Taxas. Between November 2020 and July 2021, with a sampling effort of 1,334 trap-days, we recorded five native and five exotic species in the studied areas, including one Vulnerable species in the Municipality and State of Rio de Janeiro (Cuniculus paca). We also confirmed that Canal das Taxas works as a wildlife corridor for native species. Finally, we highlight that species checklists based on secondary information for the region are of limited usefulness and recommend in situ surveys even in small, urban protected areas of Rio de Janeiro city.

Resumo As áreas protegidas têm papel fundamental na preservação das espécies, na educação ambiental e na manutenção dos serviços ecossistêmicos. A maior parte da população mundial vive em áreas urbanas, o que evidencia a importância das áreas preservadas nos centros urbanos. No entanto, muitas áreas protegidas urbanas no Brasil carecem de levantamentos de espécies, o que limita a conservação da biodiversidade e a implementação de planos de manejo. Neste estudo, inventariamos as espécies de mamíferos de médio e grande porte do Parque Natural Municipal Chico Mendes e do corredor do Canal das Taxas por meio de armadilhas fotográficas, fornecendo assim o primeiro levantamento in situ abrangente de mamíferos terrestres para a área. Também verificamos se houve intercâmbio de fauna de mamíferos entre os parques Chico Mendes e Marapendi através do Canal das Taxas. Entre novembro de 2020 e julho de 2021, com um esforço amostral de 1.334 armadilhas-dia, registramos cinco espécies nativas e cinco espécies exóticas nas áreas de estudo, incluindo uma espécie Vulnerável no município e estado do Rio de Janeiro (Cuniculus paca). Confirmamos que o Canal das Taxas funciona como um corredor de fauna para espécies nativas. Por fim, ressaltamos que listas de espécies baseadas em informações secundárias para a região são de utilidade limitada e recomendamos levantamentos in situ, mesmo em pequenas Unidades de Conservação urbanas da cidade do Rio de Janeiro.

Women's perception of urban insecurity in the Monterrey metropolitan area during COVID-19 / Percepción femenina de la inseguridad urbana en el área metropolitana de Monterrey en tiempos de COVID-19 / A percepção das mulheres sobre a insegurança urbana na área metropolitana de Monterrey em tempos de COVID-19

The purpose of this paper it to explore women's perception of urban insecurity prevailing during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Monterrey metropolitan area (MMA) in Mexico. In recent decades, large cities have grown and with them, so has crime increased. As a result, the issue of urban insecurity has become important, particularly during this COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, a cross-sectional, descriptive, non-probabilistic study was conducted involving 69 women aged 18 to 58, with Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León being taken as the sample frame. Our findings show that 74% of the participants indicate that urban safety near their homes, ranges fair to very bad, while 81% feel the same about safety near their workplaces. Ninety-three per cent say that crime has increased. Meanwhile, 55% say that the situation has affected their quality of life severely to very severely, denoting the MAM population's transition from one of social well-being to one of vulnerability, which has been further aggravated by the health contingency.

Este artículo investiga la percepción femenina de la inseguridad urbana que prevalece durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en el área metropolitana de Monterrey (MAM) en México. En las últimas décadas las grandes urbes han crecido y con esto también se favorece la delincuencia. Por lo tanto, el tema de inseguridad urbana se ha tornado pertinente y, particularmente, ha sido de interés abordarlo durante esta pandemia de COVID-19. Para esto, se realizó un estudio de carácter transversal y descriptivo, no probabilístico, en 69 mujeres de 18 a 58 años, y se consideró la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León como el sitio de muestreo. En el presente documento los hallazgos muestran que 74% de las participantes indica que la seguridad urbana cercana a sus casas es regular a muy mala. Similar situación se presenta en sus lugares de trabajo, según afirma el 81%. El 93% asevera que los actos delictivos aumentaron. Entre tanto, el 55% dice que esta situación afectó de grave a muy gravemente su calidad de vida. Esta situación denota la transición de la sociedad en el MAM de bienestar social a otra de vulnerabilidad, que se ha incrementado por el escenario de la contingencia sanitaria que ha padecido.

Este artigo investiga a percepção das mulheres sobre a insegurança urbana prevalecente durante a pandemia COVID-19 na área metropolitana de Monterrey (MMA), no México. Nas últimas décadas, as grandes cidades cresceram e, com isso, a criminalidade também aumentou. Portanto, a questão da insegurança urbana tornou-se relevante e, particularmente, tem sido de interesse abordá-la durante esta pandemia da COVID-19. Para este fim, foi realizado um estudo transversal, descritivo e não-probabilístico entre 69 mulheres de 18 a 58 anos, e a Universidade Autônoma de Nuevo León foi considerada como o local de amostragem. Neste documento, os resultados mostram que 74% dos participantes indicam que a segurança urbana perto de suas casas é justa a muito ruim. Uma situação semelhante é encontrada em seus locais de trabalho, de acordo com 81%. Noventa e três por cento dizem que a criminalidade aumentou. Enquanto isso, 55% dizem que esta situação tem afetado seriamente a qualidade de vida deles. Esta situação reflete a transição da sociedade no MMA de uma situação de bem-estar social para uma situação de vulnerabilidade, que tem aumentado devido ao cenário de contingência de saúde que experimentou.

New records of Triatoma huehuetenanguensis in an urban area of Southwest Mexico

The recently described Triatoma huehuetenanguensis, has been reported in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras. In Mexico, the species has been collected primarily in rural areas; it has the potential to colonize human dwellings, however, its contribution to Chagas outbreaks remains unclear. In 2021, T. huehuetenanguensis was first observed at Tuxtla Gutierrez city, Chiapas; then a collection for the species was performed. A total of 308 houses were inspected in the intra and peridomestic structures. Only 3 houses (0.97%) were infested. Triatoma huehuetenangensis was the only triatomine specie recorded and four males were collected. None of the bugs tested positive for Trypanosoma infection. We do not have evidence to suggest that urban human-vector contact still limited, and a possible domestication process is possible. The presence of reservoirs, the vector species and the parasite demonstrate that Tuxtla Gutierrez could be at risk of a Chagas disease outbreak.

Structure of the aquatic Diptera community in the upper basins of the Fucha and Bogotá rivers / Estructura de la comunidad de dípteros acuáticos en tramos de los cursos altos de los ríos fucha y bogotá

RESUMEN Los macroinvertebrados acuáticos son bien conocidos como bioindicadores de la calidad del agua. En Colombia, los estudios sobre este tema se han hecho principalmente a nivel taxonómico de familia. En este trabajo se analizan las respuestas en abundancia, riqueza y diversidad de los dípteros identificados a nivel de género en ríos altoandinos (río Bogotá y río Fucha), en épocas de aguas bajas y aguas altas. Los especímenes se recolectaron con tres métodos: red Surber, red de mano y lavado de rocas. La temperatura promedio fue de 12,9 °C y la saturación de oxígeno estuvo cerca del 100 % o más, con excepción del tramo bajo del río Bogotá antes de Villapinzón. Se colectaron 13 690 dípteros pertenecientes a diez familias y 40 géneros. La riqueza taxonómica fue alta, con una mayor variación en los tramos bajos de las dos corrientes. Las subfamilias de Chironomidae fueron las más abundantes. El análisis de correspondencia canónica (ACC) mostró que los Orthocladiinae se asociaron con la conductividad; el género Gigantodax (Simuliidae) no mostró una relación clara con ninguna variable; por el contrario, el género Simulium se vinculó con el caudal. En términos generales, la asociación entre taxones y variables ambientales fue más clara para los géneros que para las familias, pero no fue suficientemente robusta. Se sugiere que para encontrar un mayor grado de asociación biota-ambiente, es necesario realizar los análisis a nivel de especie, considerando las variaciones locales y temporales.

ABSTRACT Aquatic macroinvertebrates are recognized as bioindicators of water quality. In Colombia, the studies have mainly been addressed by the family taxonomic level. This work analyzes the responses in abundance, richness, and diversity of the Diptera at the genus level in high Andean rivers (Bogotá River and Fucha River), in periods of low and high waters. The specimens were collected with three methods: Surber net, hand net, and rock washing. The average temperature was 12.9 °C and oxygen saturation was close to 100 % or more, except for the lower section of the Bogotá River, before the Villapinzón town. 13 690 Diptera were collected from ten families and 40 genera. Taxonomic richness was high with the greatest variation in the lower sections of the two streams. The Chironomidae subfamilies were the most abundant. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that Orthocladiinae were associated with water conductivity; the Gigantodax genus (Simuliidae) did not show a clear relationship with any variable; conversely, the genus Simulium was linked to the caudal. In general terms, the association between taxa and environmental variables was clearer for genera than for families, but it was not robust enough. It is suggested that to find a higher degree of biota-environment association, it is necessary to carry out analyzes at the species level, considering local and temporal variations.

Diferenciales intra-urbanos del suicidio: el rol de la fragmentación social en Argentina / Intra-urban differentials of suicide: the role of social fragmentation in Argentina

Abstract Suicide is one of the leading causes of death from injury in Argentina, and there are few studies analyzing intra-urban geographic variations in developing countries. The scope of this study was to analyze the relationship between suicide and socioeconomic status and social fragmentation in small areas of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA) during the 2011-2015 period. An ecological study was conducted using data on suicide records in the resident population of the CABA available at the National Ministry of Security. A multiple spatial regression was carried out to test the relationship between suicide and indicators of socioeconomic status and social fragmentation by area. The risk of suicide was positively associated with higher indices of social fragmentation, whereas it was not related to the indices of poverty. The results of this study support the hypothesis of social fragmentation as a factor positively associated with the increase of intra-urban suicide in cities of developing countries.

Resumen El suicidio constituye una de las principales causas de muerte por lesiones en Argentina y existen pocos estudios que analicen las variaciones geográficas intra-urbanas en países en desarrollo. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la relación entre el suicidio y el nivel socioeconómico y la fragmentación social en áreas pequeñas de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA) durante el período 2011-2015. Se realizó un estudio ecológico utilizando datos sobre registros de suicidio en población residente de la CABA disponibles en el Ministerio de Seguridad de la Nación. Se llevó a cabo una regresión múltiple espacial para poner a prueba la relación entre el suicidio e indicadores de nivel socioeconómico y de fragmentación social por área. El riesgo de suicidio estuvo asociado positivamente a mayores índices de fragmentación social, mientras no mostró relación con el índice de pobreza. Los resultados de este estudio apoyan la hipótesis de fragmentación social como un factor asociado positivamente al aumento del suicidio a nivel intra-urbano en ciudades de países en desarrollo.

Uso da cafeína como indicador de poluição por esgoto doméstico em corpos d'água urbanos / Use of caffeine as an indicator of pollution by domestic sewage in urban water bodies

RESUMO Nos centros populacionais, os ambientes aquáticos estão em constante degradação em consequência das atividades desenvolvidas nas bacias de drenagem, sendo o despejo de esgoto doméstico uma das maiores fontes de poluição. Monitoramentos ambientais de qualidade da água refletem os poluentes gerados nas áreas de influência e dão indícios das prováveis origens. Todavia, são as substâncias de uso exclusivamente antrópico que podem comprovar a existência do lançamento de tais cargas poluidoras. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência da cafeína como indicador de poluição por esgoto doméstico. O método analítico utilizado para a sua identificação foi a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Com o intuito de relacionar os resultados obtidos para a cafeína com a diluição e as fontes difusas de poluição, foram aferidos, ainda, dados de precipitação, oxigênio dissolvido e demanda bioquímica de oxigênio. A cafeína foi encontrada em todas as amostras analisadas, com concentrações variando de 0,01 a 7,80 mg.L−1. Os maiores valores foram observados no período chuvoso, relacionados ao transbordamento e ao vazamento de esgoto doméstico. Este estudo inferiu a utilização da cafeína como eficiente indicador de poluição por esgoto doméstico.

ABSTRACT In population centers, aquatic environments are in constant degradation due to the activities carried out in watersheds, with the release of domestic sewage being one of the biggest sources of pollution. Environmental monitoring of water quality reflects the inputs generated in the areas of influence and gives evidence of likely origins. However, it is the substances for exclusively anthropic use that can prove the existence of the release of such polluting loads. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of caffeine as an indicator of pollution by domestic sewage. The analytical method used for its identification was high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In order to relate the results obtained for caffeine with the dilution and nonpoint sources pollution, data on precipitation, dissolved oxygen, and biochemical oxygen demand were also measured. Caffeine was found in all samples analyzed, with concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 7.80 mg.L−1. The highest values were observed in the rainy season, related to the overflow and leakage of domestic sewage. This study infered the use of caffeine as an efficient indicator of pollution by domestic sewage.

Valor nutricional del almuerzo ofrecido por una organización no gubernamental a niños(as) de 4 a 12 años de edad en zonas urbano marginales de San José, Costa Rica, 2017-2018 / Nutritional value of the lunch offered by a non-governmental organization to children between 4 and 12 years of age in marginal urban areas of San José, Costa Rica, 2017-2018

RESUMEN Propósito: La inexistencia de datos a nivel nacional y regional sobre el valor nutricional (VN) de la alimentación ofrecida en comedores comunitarios dirigidos por Organizaciones No Gubernamentales (ONG), que atienden población infantil de zonas urbano marginales, junto con el incremento en la prevalencia de exceso de peso reportada por el Ministerio de Educación Pública de Costa Rica (MEP) en el 2016, justifican el estudio del VN del almuerzo servido a niños(as), que participan en programas de alimentación complementaria en zonas urbano marginales de San José, Costa Rica. Método: Se analizaron mediante muestreo aleatorio 321 platos de almuerzo, durante 12 días en dos comedores. Se reconstruyeron recetas y se determinaron tamaños de porción mediante pesaje directo y se calculó el VN promedio por plato. Resultados: El valor energético fue cercano a la recomendación nutricional. Sin embargo, valores de proteína, grasa total, grasa insaturada, fibra dietética, calcio y potasio fueron inferiores a las recomendaciones y por el contrario, carbohidratos totales, azúcar agregada, grasa saturada y sodio fueron superiores a la recomendación nacional. Conclusión: No es suficiente ofrecer un aporte adecuado de energía. Los excesos y deficiencias de nutrientes reflejan un patrón alimentario obesogénico que suma vulnerabilidad a la condición de pobreza y pobreza extrema de la población infantil de zonas urbano-marginales.

ABSTRACT Purpose: The lack of data at a national and regional level regarding the nutritional value (NV) of the food offered in community feeding programs run by Non-Governmental Organizations, which serve the population of marginal urban areas (an important indicator of infant health), along with the increase in the prevalence of excess weight reported in 2016 by the Ministry of Public Education of Costa Rica, justifies the study of the NV of the lunch served to preschool and school-aged children, who participate in complementary feeding programs in marginal urban areas of San José, Costa Rica. Method: 321 meals served were analyzed over 12 days, in 2 food services. Recipes were reconstructed, and portion sizes were determined by direct weighing of food served and the average NV per dish was calculated. Results: The energy value of the lunch served was similar to the nutritional recommendation. However, for the values of protein, total fat, unsaturated fat, dietary fiber, calcium and potassium which were lower than the nutritional recommendation and on the contrary, the content of total carbohydrates, added sugar, saturated fat and sodium was excessive. Conclusion: It is not enough to offer minors an adequate energy amount. Nutrient excesses and deficiencies reflect an obesogenic food pattern, which adds vulnerability to the condition of poverty and extreme poverty of the child population of marginalized urban areas.

Riqueza y abundancia de aves en áreas verdes en la ciudad de San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, México / Richness and abundance of birds in green areas of San Cristobal de Las Casas city, Chiapas, Mexico

Resumen Las áreas verdes en las ciudades se han considerado elementos importantes para la conservación de la avifauna. En este estudio se presentan estimaciones de riqueza y abundancia de aves, así como su relación con las áreas verdes en la ciudad de San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, México. Identificamos un total de 75 especies de aves en diez áreas verdes de diferente tamaño de febrero a julio de 2016 y relacionamos su presencia con variables ambientales a dos escalas geográficas (local y de paisaje). Se utilizaron análisis no paramétricos para comparar la riqueza y abundancia de las aves entre áreas verdes y categorías de tamaño. El porcentaje de superficie total ocupada por vegetación fue la variable más importante al correlacionarse positivamente con la riqueza y abundancia de las aves. Mientras que el porcentaje de cobertura de dosel, de construcciones, de pavimento y de áreas verdes muestreadas se correlacionaron negativamente con la riqueza y abundancia de aves. La heterogeneidad espacial de la estructura vegetal vertical en las áreas verdes fue importante para incrementar la diversidad de la avifauna. El mantenimiento e incremento de áreas verdes en ciudades es significativo para proteger y aumentar la diversidad de aves en áreas urbanas.

Abstract Green areas in urban districts are important elements for bird conservation. In this study, we estimated bird abundance within green areas in the urban district of San Cristobal de Las Casas, state of Chiapas, Mexico. We identified a total of 75 bird species in ten green areas of different sizes from February of 2016 through July of 2016. We related bird presence to environmental variables at two geographical scales (local and landscape). Nonparametric analyses were used to compare richness and abundance of birds between green areas and size categories. The percentage of vegetation area was the most important variable that positively correlated with species richness and abundance. However, negative correlations were found between species richness and abundance and the percentage coverage of canopy, buildings, pavement and sampled green areas. The spatial heterogeneity of vertical vegetation structure in green areas was important to increase the diversity of avifauna. The maintenance and increase of green areas in cities is important to protect and increase the diversity of birds in urban areas.

Dinâmica espaço-temporal da dengue no Distrito Federal, Brasil: ocorrência e permanência de epidemias / Dengue spatiotemporal dynamics in the Federal District, Brazil: occurrence and permanence of epidemics

Resumo O Distrito Federal (DF) apresenta características particulares que favorecem a introdução, reprodução, disseminação e permanência do vetor e dos vírus da dengue. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os padrões espaço-temporais das epidemias de dengue nas Regiões Administrativas (RAs) do DF no período de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2017. Utilizando o modelo da série parcial de Fourier, obteve-se uma assinatura sazonal da série temporal, o que permitiu calcular indicadores de permanência (número de anos epidêmicos, número de meses epidêmicos por ano, proporção de meses epidêmicos do período) e tempo/momento das epidemias (mês do pico epidêmico). Contabilizou-se um total de 82 epidemias nesse período. As RAs com maior número de anos epidêmicos foram Varjão (5 epidemias), Gama, Lago Sul e Sobradinho (4 epidemias). Essas últimas três RAs também tiveram as maiores proporções de meses epidêmicos de todo o período de estudo (nove). Verificou-se que as RAs com função de centralidade urbana possuem pico epidêmico mais cedo que as demais, nos meses de fevereiro e março. As epidemias apresentaram altos valores de permanência em RAs com diferentes tipos de ocupação, ressaltando-se a necessidade de considerar os processos de organização social do espaço nos estudos da distribuição da dengue.

Abstract The specific characteristics of the Federal District (DF) favor the introduction, reproduction, dissemination, and permanence of dengue vector and viruses. Here, we aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of dengue epidemics in the Administrative Regions (RAs) of the DF from January 2007 to December 2017. We used Fourier partial series model to obtain a seasonal signature of the time series, which allowed calculating indicators of permanence (number of epidemic years, number of epidemic months per year, the proportion of epidemic months for the period) and time/moment of epidemics (month of epidemic peak). A total of 82 epidemics were recorded in this period. The RAs with the largest number of epidemic years were Varjão (5 epidemics), Gama, Lago Sul, and Sobradinho (4 epidemics). These last three RAs also had the highest proportions of epidemic months of the entire study period (9 epidemic months). The RAs with urban centrality function had an earlier epidemic peak than the others, in February and March. Epidemics showed high permanence values in RAs with different types of occupations, emphasizing the need to consider the social organization of space processes in dengue distribution studies.

Ground spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) associated with urban forest fragments in southern Amazon / Aranhas de solo (Arachnida, Araneae) associadas a fragmentos florestais urbanos no sul da Amazônia

Abstract: Forest fragments in urban areas comprise important habitats for a wide variety of species, however, conservationist policies for their maintenance and conservation are still incipient. This study examined the richness and abundance of the ground-spider assemblage in five forest fragments, with areas ranging between 18.5 and 103.98 ha, in the urban perimeter of Sinop, northern Mato Grosso State, southern Amazon region of Brazil. Sampling was carried out using the mini-Winkler extractor and pitfall traps in the dry (July) and rainy (November) seasons of 2017. All fragments were characterized in relation to the area and the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI), to assess the effect of these variables on richness and abundance of soil spider assemblage. A total of 653 spiders were sampled, corresponding to 25 families and 52 species. Salticidae, Theridiidae, Lycosidae, Linyphiidae, Oonopidae and Symphytognathidae were the most abundant families (63.3% of the total sample). The assemblage was characterized by the dominance of hunting spiders (393 ind.; 60.2%) over web-building spiders (260 ind.; 39.8%). Greater spider abundance and richness was obtained during the rainy season (517 ind.; 79.2%; 41 spp.) as compared with the dry season (136 ind.; 20.8%; 24 spp.). Only 13 species occurred in dry and rainy season. Two species were recorded for the first time in the Amazon region, namely, Anapistula aquytabueraRheims & Brescovit, 2003 (Symphytognathidae) and Opopaea concolor (Blackwall, 1859) (Oonopidae). Species richness was not affected by IBI and area of fragment. Although the statistical model is not significant, species richness increases slightly with IBI and area of fragment. Similarly, abundance of spiders was not affected by IBI and area of fragment. Regardless of the area size, all evaluated forest fragments showed a low and regular IBI, demonstrating that these habitats have suffered with the pressures inherent from the urban perimeter, including the constant expansion of human occupation as well as misuse by the population. Nonetheless, these same fragments revealed considerable richness of species of ground spiders and can thus be categorized as important habitats for the maintenance of regional biodiversity. Therefore, action strategies must be set out to ensure their conservation.

Resumo: Fragmentos florestais em áreas urbanas compreendem importantes habitats para uma grande variedade de espécies, entretanto, políticas conservacionistas ainda são incipientes para sua manutenção e conservação. Assim, avaliou-se a riqueza e abundância da assembleia de aranhas de solo em cinco fragmentos florestais, com áreas variando entre 18,5 e 103,98 ha, no perímetro urbano de Sinop, norte de Mato Grosso, sul da Amazônia. As amostragens foram efetuadas com Extrator mini-Winkler e armadilhas pitfall nos períodos de seca (julho) e chuva (novembro) de 2017. Os fragmentos foram caracterizados em relação à área e ao Índice de Integridade Biótica (IBI) para avaliar o efeito dessas variáveis sobre a riqueza e abundância da assembleia de aranhas de solo. Um total de 653 aranhas foi amostrado, compreendendo 25 famílias e 52 espécies. Salticidae, Theridiidae, Lycosidae, Linyphiidae, Oonopidae e Symphytognathidae corresponderam às famílias mais abundantes (63,3% do total). Aranhas caçadoras (393 ind.; 60,2%) predominaram em relação às tecelãs (260 ind.; 39,8%). A maior abundância e riqueza de espécies de aranhas foram obtidas durante o período de chuva (517 ind.; 79,2%; 41 spp.) em relação ao período de seca (136 ind.; 20,8%; 24 spp.). Duas espécies foram registradas pela primeira vez na região Amazônica, Anapistula aquytabueraRheims & Brescovit, 2003 (Symphytognathidae) and Opopaea concolor (Blackwall, 1859) (Oonopidae). A riqueza de espécies não foi afetada pelo IBI nem pela área dos fragmentos. Embora o modelo estatístico não seja significativo, observa-se que a riqueza de espécies aumenta ligeiramente com o aumento do IBI e da área dos fragmentos. Da mesma forma, a abundância das aranhas não foi afetada pelo IBI e nem pela área do fragmento. Todos os fragmentos florestais avaliados, independente do tamanho da área, apresentaram um baixo ou regular IBI, evidenciando que estes habitats têm sofrido com as pressões inerentes do perímetro urbano incluindo a constante expansão da ocupação humana, bem como o mau uso por parte da população. Entretanto, estes mesmos fragmentos, evidenciaram considerável riqueza de espécies de aranhas de solo, podendo ser categorizados como importantes habitats para a manutenção da biodiversidade regional e, portanto, sendo necessária a definição de estratégias de ação que garantam sua conservação.

Las técnicas nucleares en un enfoque no invasivo para el estudio arqueométrico de bienes culturales cubanos / Nuclear techniques in a non-invasive approach to the archeometric study of Cuban cultural heritage

RESUMEN A propósito del 500 Aniversario de la Habana, presentamos una experiencia singular desarrollada en la Oficina del Historiador de la Ciudad, donde físicos nucleares y radio-químicos en un ambiente multidisciplinario en el Centro Histórico de la Habana, estudian sistemáticamente bienes culturales desde el Laboratorio de Arqueometría del Gabinete de Conservación y Restauración. Se presenta una revisión sobre nuestros estudios en el campo de la Arqueometría, en las que prevalece un enfoque no invasivo desde los inicios de esta experiencia, que incluye las técnicas nucleares como protagonistas principales, y se caracteriza por la diversidad de bienes culturales examinados. Las investigaciones realizadas comprenden desarrollo de tecnologías, de metodologías específicas para la caracterización o identificación de diferentes materiales y tipos de bienes culturales y metodologías generales dedicadas a responder interrogantes de interés para la Historia del Arte y la Arqueología o relacionadas con la conservación y restauración, para finalmente realizar los estudios arqueométricos o tratamientos de conservación no invasivos de bienes culturales cubanos. Una mayor parte de estas investigaciones se han realizado in situ en los museos o lugares donde estos objetos se conservan. En la discusión se enfatizan los análisis cualitativos y los cuantitativos y las validaciones realizadas, según los requerimientos del caso de estudio. En este artículo se abordan también otras experiencias validas sobre el tema en el ámbito de colaboraciones nacionales e internacionales.

ABSTRACT On the occasion of the 500th Anniversary of Havana, we present a singular experience in the Havana City Historian's Office, where nuclear physicists and radiochemists in a multidisciplinary environment in the historic center of Havana, systematically study cultural heritage, from the Archaeometry Laboratory of the Cabinet of Conservation and Restoration. A review of our studies in the field of Archaeometry is presented, in which a non-invasive approach prevails from the beginning of this experience, which includes nuclear techniques, as main protagonists and is characterized by the diversity of cultural heritage examined. The research carried out includes the development of technologies, specific methodologies for the characterization or identification of different materials and types of cultural heritage, and general methodologies dedicated to answer questions of interest for the History of Art and Archeology or related to conservation and restoration, for eventually perform the Archaeometry studies and non-invasive conservation treatments of Cuban cultural assets. Most of these investigations have been carried out in situ, in the museums or places where these objects are conserved. In the discussion, the qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the validations are emphasized, according to the requirements of the case study. This article also addresses other valid experiences on the subject in the field of national and international collaborations.

Estudios de contaminación ambiental en La Habana mediante técnicas nucleares y conexas / Assessment of environmental pollution in Havana city using nuclear and related techniques

RESUMEN Se resumen las diferentes experiencias en la aplicación de las técnicas nucleares y conexas en el estudio de diversos problemas ambientales de la Ciudad de La Habana. El análisis medioambiental mediante las técnicas de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica (AAN) y Gamma (AAG), Fluorescencia de Rayos X (FRX), Espectrometría por Absorción Atómica (EAA) y por Inducción de plasma acoplado (ICP), así como la Espectrometría Gamma de Bajo Fondo (EGBF), han permitido obtener información muy relevante sobre el comportamiento de los metales pesados, antibióticos y radionúclidos en los sedimentos marinos y fluviales, suelos urbanos y agrícolas, aguas, arenas de balnearios, polvos urbanos y productos de la agricultura urbana de la ciudad de La Habana.

ABSTRACT Various nuclear and related analytical techniques applied to study different environmental problems in Havana city are presented. The environmental analysis by means of Neutron and Gamma Activation analyses, X-ray Fluorescence Atomic Abortion and Induced Coupled Plasma spectroscopies and Low Background , Gamma Spectrometry, have allowed to obtain important information about the behavior of heavy metals, antibiotics and radionuclides in sediments, urban and agricultural soils, waters, beach sands, urban dusts and agricultural products farmed in the Havana city.

Variación en la actividad acústica de Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni (Anura: Centrolenidae) en un ambiente urbano con diferentes niveles de ruido antropogénico

26. Las señales acústicas producidas por animales pueden ser enmascaradas por el ruido del medio ambiente en que se encuentran, tanto de origen natural como antropogénico. Una especie que puede ver afectada su comunicación por el ruido medio ambiental es la rana de vidrio Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni (Centrolenidae), porque la distribución actual de esta especie en gran parte se encuentra en ambientes urbanos con altos niveles de ruido. En este trabajo analizamos si existe una relación entre la variación de los niveles de ruido antropogénico a través de la noche y la actividad vocal (cantidad de vocalizaciones por unidad de tiempo) de H. fleischmanni, a lo largo de un gradiente de ruido urbano. El trabajo lo realizamos en tres sitios dentro del Campus Universitario Rodrigo Facio, San José, Costa Rica durante el mes de junio de 2015. Para contabilizar la actividad vocal de la especie en cada sitio instalamos grabadores programables de 17:00 a las 6:00 por dos días consecutivos cada dos semanas. De forma simultánea, cuantificamos el ruido en dB cada hora a lo largo del periodo de grabación utilizando sonómetros. Comparamos la abundancia promedio de vocalizaciones por hora contra los niveles de ruido promedio por hora y sitio utilizando modelos lineales mixtos. Nuestros resultados demuestran que, tanto el ruido como la actividad vocal de H. fleischmanni variaron a lo largo de la noche. Sin embargo, encontramos que en el sitio más ruidoso el patrón de actividad de H. fleischmanni difiere de los dos sitios menos ruidosos.El sitio menos ruidoso fue el que presento una mayor actividad vocal a lo largo de todo el periodo de muestreo. A pesar de que no se encontró una relación directa entre el nivel de ruido antropogénico y la actividad acústica de H. fleischmanni, sí observamos un efecto de los niveles de ruido en los patrones de actividad de la especie.

23. Acoustic signals produced by animals can be masked by natural or anthropogenic environmental noise. A high proportion of the current distribution of the glass-frog Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni (Centrolenidae) overlaps with noisy urban habitats, and this may affect the species acoustic communication. In this work, we analyzed the relationship between changes in anthropogenic noise level throughout the night and the diel acoustic variation (vocalization per time) in H. fleischmanni, within three sites with different noise level. We conducted this study in three sites inside the Rodrigo Facio University Campus, San José, Costa Rica in June 2015. We used an automated recorder per site to record glass-frog vocalizations, from 17:00 to 6:00 h, during two consecutive days, every two weeks, for a month. Simultaneously, we measured the noise levels in dB each hour using a soundmeter. We used linear mixed models to compare the vocalization mean per hour against the noise levels per hour and site. Our results showed that noise levels and H. fleischmanni acoustic activity varied throughout the night. The H. fleischmanni acoustic activity at the noisier site was different from sites with lower noise levels. The highest acoustic activity was found in the less noisy site throughout the sampled period. Although we fail to found a direct relationship between noise level and H. fleischmanni acoustic activity, noise level variation affects vocal activity pattern in this species.

Concentração intraurbana de população e empregos: os centros antigos das cidades brasileiras perderam primazia? / Intraurban concentration of people and jobs: have Brazilian inner cities lost their primacy? / ¿Concentración intraurbana de población y puestos de trabajo: los centros antiguos de las ciudades brasileñas perdieron primacía?

Os centros antigos das cidades são regiões internas às metrópoles que se destacam por seu valor simbólico e por estarem sujeitos à decadência e esvaziamento. Em geral, a configuração espacial da população e dos empregos determina a relevância locacional dos sítios urbanos, os fluxos de mobilidade e a própria vitalidade de cada porção urbana, inclusive o centro. Entretanto, informações de localização populacional intraurbana só são disponibilizadas a cada dez anos. Dados de localização de empregos, quando disponíveis, se encontram agregados e não estão georreferenciados. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho analisa e identifica estruturas intraurbanas de população (1991, 2000 e 2010) e emprego (2002 e 2013), em 12 regiões metropolitanas brasileiras, utilizando áreas mínimas comparáveis para agregar dados populacionais censitários e geolocalização identificada de empregos. Os resultados indicam que há perda populacional nos centros metropolitanos no período 1991-2000, parcialmente recuperada no decênio seguinte. Constata-se ainda desconcentração de empregos com migração para novas áreas centrais, em relação aos centros urbanos tradicionais. Todavia, o comportamento não é linear para cada uma das 12 RMs analisadas e o resultado espacial final é específico para cada uma. O artigo contribui com a construção inédita da espacialização dos empregos para as 12 RMs. Ademais, a metodologia desenvolvida permite análise urbana quantitativa padronizada como apoio a pesquisadores com conhecimento local.

Historical city centers are those regions internal to a metropolis that deserve special attention since, despite their symbolic value, they are prone to fall into decadence and become abandoned. The spatial pattern of metropolitan population and employment determines the locational importance of urban sites, displacement flows and even the vitality of each urban portion of the territory, including the city center. In spite of that, intraurban population location data are available only every ten years. Data on job location, when available, are aggregated and not geocoded. In that context, this article analyses and identifies intraurban population (1991, 2000 and 2010) and employment (2002 and 2013) structures, for 12 Brazilian metropolitan areas, using (a) Minimum comparable Areas to aggregate population Census data and (b) jobs location with identification. Results indicate that there is population loss in metropolitan centers for the 1991-2000 period, partly recovered in the following decade. It is also verified that jobs have spread from traditional city centers, with migration to new central areas. Moreover, the behavior is not linear for each of the 12 areas analyzed and the final spatial result is specific to each of them. This article contributes with the original finding of the spatial location of jobs for the 12 metro areas. Finally, the methodology developed enables a standardized quantitative urban analysis which may support researchers with local knowledge.

Los centros antiguos de las ciudades son regiones internas de las metrópolis que se destacan por su valor simbólico y por estar sometidas a procesos de deterioro y abandono. En general, la configuración espacial de la población y de los empleos determina la relevancia de la ubicación de los sitios urbanos, los flujos de movilidad y la vitalidad propia de cada porción urbana, incluso para el análisis del centro. Asimismo, datos de ubicación poblacional intraurbana solamente están disponibles a cada diez años. Datos de ubicación de puestos de trabajo, de estar disponibles, se encuentran agregados y no están georreferenciados. En este contexto, este trabajo analiza e identifica estructuras intraurbanas de población (1991, 2000 y 2010) y empleo (2002 y 2013) en 12 regiones metropolitanas brasileñas, utilizando a) áreas mínimas comparables para agregar datos poblacionales censitarios y b) georreferenciación identificada de empleos. Los resultados indican que hay pérdida poblacional en los centros metropolitanos en el período 1991-2000, que se recupera parcialmente en el decenio siguiente. Además se constata la desconcentración de empleos con migración hacia nuevas áreas centrales en relación con los centros urbanos tradicionales. A su vez, el comportamiento de cada una de las 12 metrópolis analizadas no es lineal y el resultado espacial final es específico para cada una de ellas. El artículo contribuye con una construcción inédita de la espacialización de los puestos de trabajo para las 12 regiones metropolitanas. Por último, la metodología desarrollada permite el análisis urbano cuantitativo homogeneizado como apoyo a investigadores con conocimiento local.

Effect of impairment and disability on health related quality of life of elderly

The old people are prone to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular illness, cardiovascular attacks, cancers, diabetes, diseases related to musculoskeletal and mental illness. These disorders affect the health related quality of life of elderly and do affect the burden on systems dealing with health in India. Aim and objectives: To study the effect of impairment and disability on health related quality of life of elderly in urban areas. Materials and methods: It was a cross-sectional study was conducted which was community based. For this study, delineated area which has around 200 households with approximately a population of 60,000 with mix of different religions, regional, social and economic statuses was taken. The study subjects selected were having age of above 60 years and both sexes were selected. 300 subjects were studied. Results: Out of a total 300 elderly, 110 males and 190 females were selected. The mean age of the subjects was 68±7.9 years. With increase in age, the number of subjects decreased consistently. In all age groups, females were higher. For both sexes, the age distribution was uniform (p>0.05). 85 % were Hindus, 5% were Muslims, 5% were Christians and 2.5% were Sikhs and rest were others. The largest group of study population were with impairment i.e. 48.5%. Of which females were having more impairment i.e. 55.8%. Females had the most self appraisal of their health i.e.115 out of 190. The worsening of health seen in people who complained since last was higher as age increased (P<0.05). HOQRL got worse as age increased. The difference in HOQRL scores in young-old and old-old were highly significant (p<0.001). Males showed decrease in HOQRL scores as age increased and it was statistically significant across the age groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that there is an immediate need for specific preventive measures to be taken for protecting HOQRL among elderly people in India. Various health schemes and policies must be designed by the Government on seeing the findings. Pandit CV. Effect of impairment and disability on health related qualit

Parkouritiba: conexão entre corpo, cidade e espaço / Parkouritiba: connection between body, city and space

O Parkour vem ganhando adeptos em diversos lugares, muitas vezes pela facilidade de acesso, seja no âmbito rural ou urbano. O principal objetivo do Parkour é ir de um ponto a outro de maneira mais rápida e eficiente possível, utilizando-se de habilidades humanas naturais como: correr, saltar, andar e escalar, no meio urbano. Desde 2010, na cidade de Curitiba, acontece o evento Parkouritiba, com o intuito de propor a socialização e a orientação da prática consciente e segura entre participantes. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo diagnosticar a realização dos eventos do Parkouritiba de 2013 e 2014, identificar os possíveis afastamentos e aproximações dos dois projetos, verificar o público atendido, assim como, discutir a relação entre a prática corporal, a apropriação dos espaços públicos da cidade e a educação urbana.

Parkour is gaining followers in many places, often by the ease of access and practice at rural or urban areas. The Parkour?s main objective is to go from one point to another as quickly and efficiently as possible, using human natural abilities such as running, jumping, walking and climbing. In the city of Curitiba, since 2010, Parkouritiba has the purpose to promote socialization and to guide participants into a secured practice. The objective of this study was to diagnose the events organized by Parkouritiba in 2013 and 2014, and to study the differences and similarities of these two events as well as to discuss the relationship between practice and city public spaces.

Niveles de radionúclidos naturales y metales pesados en suelos urbanos de la ciudad de Cienfuegos, Cuba / Heavy metal and natural radionuclide levels in urban soils from Cienfuegos city, Cuba

Se determinan las concentraciones de metales pesados y radionúclidos naturales en suelos superficiales (0-10 cm) de la ciudad de Cienfuegos, Cuba, mediante las técnicas de fluorescencia de rayos X y espectrometría gamma respectivamente. Los resultados de la medición de metales pesados mostraron que las concentraciones promedio de Ni, Cu, Zn y Pb en los suelos estudiados son superiores a los valores correspondientes de fondo. El cálculo del Índice de Polución Integral permitió determinar que estos suelos presentan una contaminación severa por metales pesados. Las concentraciones de , y en los suelos urbanos de Cienfuegos se encuentran en los intervalos de 8.3-32.7, 3.7-10.7 y 129-356 , con promedios de 22.6, 6.3 y 272 respectivamente, valores que son similares a los reportados para la zona Centro-Sur de Cuba. La tasa de dosis absorbida en aire y la dosis equivalente efectiva anual que recibe la población local producto de la radiación natural es inferior a los límites establecidos internacionalmente. Se determinaron correlaciones positivas significativas de -Cu y -Zn, indicando la posible presencia de una fuente de contaminación por estos elementos en la zona.

Concentrations of heavy metals and natural radionuclides in topsoil (0-10cm) from Cienfuegos city, Cuba, were determined by using X-ray fluorescence analysis and gamma ray spectrometry, respectively. The measured results of heavy metals show that the mean concentrations of Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb in the studied soil samples are higher than their corresponding background values. The calculated results of integrated pollution index of heavy metals indicate that the studied soils present severely heavy metal contamination. The concentrations of , and in the studied soil samples range from 8.3 to 32.7, 3.7 to 10.7 and 129 to 356 with an average of 22.6, 6.3 and 272 , respectively, which are similar than the average concentrations reported for South-central Cuban soils. The air absorbed dose rate and the annual effective dose equivalent received by the local residents due to the natural radionuclides in soil are lesser than the worldwide established limits. A significantly positive -Cu and -Zn correlations were determined, indicating the possible existence of a source of pollution due to the presence of these elements in the area.

Spatial dynamics of urban populations of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Caxias, State of Maranhão, Brazil

Introduction In this paper, we report the ecology of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Caxias City, located in the eastern part of State of Maranhão, Brazil and highlight its seasonal and geographical distribution by environment. In addition, we discuss natural Leishmania infection and its relationship with visceral leishmaniasis. Methods Between September 2007 and August 2009, the collection of sandflies was performed using Center for Disease Control (CDC) light traps from 15 houses in 5 selected neighborhoods. Results Lutzomyia longipalpis was present in all zones of the city. We also found that Lu. longipalpis was regularly detected both inside and around the house, predominantly in outdoor areas. In urban areas, Lu. longipalpis was present in both the dry and rainy seasons, with a higher density present in the latter. One female specimen of Lu. longipalpis was observed to have natural Leishmania infection. Conclusions The presence of Lu. longipalpis was observed throughout the year during 2 seasonal periods, with a predominance in the rainy season. A low rate of natural Leishmania infection was observed in urban areas during the rainy season. .

Seroprevalencia de leptospirosis humana en un asentamiento del área urbana de la ciudad de Guatemala / Seroprevalence of human leptospirosis in a settlement of the urban area in Guatemala city

Introducción: aunque la leptospirosis es considerada una enfermedad de ambientes rurales, la reciente aparición de epidemias urbanas la hace emerger como un problema en salud pública. En Guatemala (2008), se demostró una seroprevalencia de 51,8 % en áreas rurales, por lo que es importante llevar a cabo estudios en áreas urbanas que permitan establecer el impacto que pudiera tener en la población guatemalteca. Objetivos: determinar la seroprevalencia de leptospirosis humana en un asentamiento ubicado en la ciudad de Guatemala, así como los serovares de Leptospira interrogans circulantes y los factores de riesgo asociados a la exposición con esta bacteria. Métodos: participaron 119 habitantes con 6 años y más de los 2 sexos, que aceptaron, previo consentimiento informado. Con una entrevista estructurada se recolectaron los datos sociodemográficos y las muestras de sangre venosa. La técnica de microaglutinación y ELISA IgG se utilizaron para la detección de anticuerpos. Los sueros se enfrentaron a 20 serovariedades de Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. La prevalencia se determinó con un IC95% y las variables sociodemográficas con chi cuadrado, la razón de prevalencia con Epi Info 3.5.1. Resultados: la seroprevalencia de leptospirosis en la población estudiada resultó de 30,3 %, (IC95%). Los serovares más frecuentes fueron Australis y Lanka (11,1 % ambos). El título más frecuente fue de 1:80 por microaglutinación. En la población se encontraron distintos factores de riesgo, pero ninguno mostró una asociación significativa con la presencia de anticuerpos anti-Leptospira (p> 0,05). Conclusiones: la seroprevalencia de leptospirosis detectada fue de 30,3 % en los habitantes del asentamiento ubicado en la ciudad de Guatemala, la cual es comparable a las áreas urbanas de países en donde esta enfermedad es hiperendémica, por lo que es importante implementar medidas de prevención y de control de la enfermedad en la comunidad, en forma conjunta con la municipalidad del distrito.

Introduction: although leptospirosis is considered a rural environment disease, recent urban epidemics make it emerge as a public health problem. A seroprevalence of 51.8 % has been found in rural areas of Guatemala; therefore it is important to establish the impact that this disease may have on the Guatemalan urban population. Objectives: to determine the seroprevalence of human leptospirosis in a settlement of Guatemala city and also to identify urban Leptospira interrogans serovars and risk factors associated with exposure to the bacteria. Methods: there were selected 119 people aged 6 years old and over from both sexes, who agreed to participate after giving their informed consent. Sociodemographic data were collected and venous blood samples were taken. The microagglutination test (MAT) and ELISA IgG were used to detect antibodies. Sera were tested against 20 serovars of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. The seroprevalence was determined with a 95% confidence interval, and sociodemographic variables were evaluated with Chi square and Odds Ratio using Epi Info 3.5.1. Results: a 30.3 % seroprevalence of leptospirosis was found in the study population (CI, 95%). The more frequently serovars founded were Australis and Lanka (11.1 % each). The most common titer was 1:80 (MAT). Different risk factors were found, but none showed a significant association with the presence of Leptospira IgG antibodies (p> 0.05). Conclusion: the prevalence of IgG anti-Leptospira antibodies detected in the residents of the settlement is comparable to that of the urban areas of other countries where leptospirosis is hyperendemic. For avoiding outbreaks in these areas, it is important to prevent and control the infection in the community.