Households with unimproved water sources in Ethiopia: spatial variation and point-of-use treatment based on 2016 Demographic and Health Survey

BACKGROUND@#Improved water sources are not equally available in all geographical regions. Populations dependent on unsafe water sources are recommended to treat their water at point-of-use using adequate methods to reduce associated health problems. In Ethiopia, the spatial distribution of households using unimproved water sources have been incomplete or ignored in most of the studies. Moreover, evidence on the point-of-use water treatment practice of households dependent on such water sources is scarce. Therefore, the current study is intended to analyze the spatial distribution of unimproved water sources by wealth quintiles at country level and point-of-use treatment (POU) practices using nationally representative data.@*METHOD@#The data of 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) conducted on 16650 households from 643 clusters were used for the analysis. For spatial analysis, the raw and spatially smoothed coverage data was joined to the geographic coordinates based on EDHS cluster identification code. Global spatial autocorrelation was performed to analyze whether the pattern of unimproved water coverage is clustered, dispersed, or random across the study areas. Once a positive global autocorrelation was confirmed, a local spatial autocorrelation analysis was applied to detect local clusters. The POU water treatment is analyzed based on reported use of either boiling, chlorine (bleach), filtration, or solar disinfection (SODIS).@*RESULTS@#There were 5005 households using unimproved water sources for drinking purposes. Spatial variation of unimproved water coverage was observed with high coverage observed at Amhara, Afar, Southern Nations Nationalities and People and Somalia regions. Disparity in unimproved water coverage between wealth quintiles was also observed. The reported point-of-use water treatment practice among these households is only 6.24%. The odds of POU water treatment among household heads with higher education status is 2.5 times higher (95% CI = 1.43-4.36) compared to those who did not attend education.@*CONCLUSION@#An apparent clustering trend with high unimproved water coverage was observed between regions and among wealth quintiles hence indicates priority areas for future resource allocation and the need for regional and national policies to address the issue. Promoting households to treat water prior to drinking is essential to reduce health problems.

Assessment of Global Solar Radiation at Selected Points in Nigeria Using Artificial Neural Network Model (ANNM)

In this study, spatial distribution, temporal variations, annual distribution, estimation and prediction of solar radiation in Nigeria was carried out using ANNs. Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation algorithms was used for the training of the network using solar radiation data along the years (1979-2014). The data records were divided into three portions (training, testing and validation). The network processed the available data by dividing it into three portions randomly: 70% for the training, 15% for validation and the remaining 15% for testing. Input parameters were chosen as latitude, longitude, day of the year, year while observed solar radiation was chosen as targeted data (from a processed file). The output parameter was the estimated solar radiation. The network designs were tested with root mean square error and then the most successful network (taken to be best network) which is network with less error was used to carry out the study. The hyperbolic tangent sigmoid transfer function was also used between the input and the hidden layers as activation function, while the linear transfer function was used from hidden layers to the output layer as the activation function. The performance of ANNs was validated by; estimating the difference between the annual measured and estimated values were determined using coefficient of determination (R2). Results revealed that the R2 result was 0.82 (82%). The result of spatial variations indicated that both wet and dry seasons have their highest concentration in North-East of Nigeria. It is pertinent to also note that the lowest concentration occurred in North-West during wet season, while the lowest occurred at the South-South and South-West of Nigeria in dry season. In addition, the lowest in dry season is about 25W/m2, while that of wet season is about 15W/m2. The agreement between the temporal and annual variation of observed and estimated solar radiation reveals that the model exhibits good performance in studying solar radiation. The model was further used to predict two years ahead of the years of study.

Spatial Variation of Reference Value of Tumor Biomarker : Alpha-L-Fucosidase / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

[Objective] To refer a geographical distribution rule of alpha-L-fucosidase (AFU) reference values for the health adults in China via exploring its spatial distribution trend and its correlation with geographical factors.[Methods] A total of 6564 samples of AFU reference values from 66 administrative units in the years 2004-2015 were collected,male and female of which were 3701 cases (56.4％) and 2863 cases (46.3％).A research concerning AFU reference values in whole country were calculated using methods of information content and ridge regression.[Results] AFU reference values for Chinese healthy adults were influenced by geographical factors and presented autocorrelation,and it showed eastern and northern areas were highery than western and southern areas.[Conclusions] AFU reference values have a spatial variation and the regional disparities should be considered in practice.

Tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliação da massa e diâmetro de cabeças de brócolis / Optimum plot size for evaluating the mass and diameter of broccoli heads

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o tamanho ótimo de parcela (Xo), por amostragem na área total e nas frações de áreas, a fim de avaliar a massa e o diâmetro de cabeças de brócolis. Em campo, foram demarcadas 27 filas do híbrido BRO 68(r). Cada planta foi considerada como sendo uma unidade experimental básica (UEB). Para fins de análise, cada fila foi considerada como sendo um ensaio em branco com 100 UEB. Para os resultados das 27 filas, obtiveram-se os valores: mínimo, máximo, média, desvio padrão, CV, intervalo de confiança, o tamanho de amostra (número de filas) para estimar o Xo e para estimar a média. O tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a massa e diâmetro de cabeças de brócolis é igual a cinco unidades experimentais básicas (plantas).

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the optimum plot size by sampling the total area and the fractions' areas in order to evaluate the mass and diameter of broccoli heads. In the field, 27 rows of hybrid BRO 68(r) were demarcated. Each plant was considered as an experimental basic unit (UEB). For analysis purposes, each row was regarded as being one blank test on 100 UEB. For the results of 27 rows yielded values: minimum, maximum, average, standard deviation, CV, confidence interval, the sample size (number of rows) to estimate Xo and to estimate the mean. The optimum plot size to evaluate the mass and diameter of broccoli heads equals five basic experimental units (plants).

The influence of microhabitat on the population dynamics of four herbaceous species in a semiarid area of northeastern Brazil / A influência dos microhabitats sobre a dinâmica de populações de quatro espécies herbáceas em uma área semiárida no nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Variation in annual rainfall is considered the most important factor influencing population dynamics in dry environments. However, different factors may control population dynamics in different microhabitats. This study recognizes that microhabitat variation may attenuate the influence of climatic seasonality on the population dynamics of herbaceous species in dry forest (Caatinga) areas of Brazil. We evaluated the influence of three microhabitats (flat, rocky and riparian) on the population dynamics of four herbaceous species (Delilia biflora, Commelina obliqua, Phaseolus peduncularis and Euphorbia heterophylla) in a Caatinga (dry forest) fragment at the Experimental Station of the Agronomic Research Institute of Pernambuco in Brazil, over a period of three years. D. biflora, C. obliqua and P. peduncularis were found in all microhabitats, but they were present at low densities in the riparian microhabitat. There was no record of E. heterophylla in the riparian microhabitat. Population size, mortality rates and natality rates varied over time in each microhabitat. This study indicates that different establishment conditions influenced the population size and occurrence of the four species, and it confirms that microhabitat can attenuate the effect of drought stress on mortality during the dry season, but the strength of this attenuator role may vary with time and species.

Resumo A variação anual na precipitação é considerada o fator mais importante que influencia a dinâmica populacional em ambientes secos. No entanto, diferentes fatores podem controlar a dinâmica populacional em diferentes microhabitats. A hipótese deste estudo é que as variações de microhabitats podem atenuar a influência da sazonalidade climática sobre a dinâmica populacional de espécies herbáceas em uma áreas floresta seca (Caatinga) no Brasil. Então, objetivou-se avaliar a influência de três microhabitats (plano, rochoso e ciliar) sobre a dinâmica das populações de quatro espécies herbáceas (Delilia biflora, Commelina obliqua, Phaseolus peduncularis e Euphorbia heterophylla) em um fragmento de Caatinga da Estação Experimental do Instituto de Pesquisas Agronômicas de Pernambuco, no Brasil, durante um período de três anos. D. biflora, C. obliqua e P. peduncularis foram encontrados em todos os microhabitats, mas elas estavam presentes em baixas densidades no microhabitat ciliar. Não houve registro de E. heterophylla no microhabitat ciliar. O tamanho das populações, as taxas de mortalidade e de natalidade variaram ao longo do tempo em cada microhabitat. Este estudo indica que diferentes as condições de estabelecimento influenciaram o tamanho das populações e a ocorrência das quatro espécies e confirma que microhabitat pode atenuar o efeito do estresse hídrico sobre a mortalidade durante a estação seca, mas a força desse papel atenuador pode variar com o tempo e a espécie considerada.

Spatial and temporal distribution of stream macroalgae in a tropical river basin / Distribuição espacial e temporal de macroalgas de riachos em uma bacia tropical

Spatial and temporal distribution of stream macroalgae in streams from southeastern Brazil were assessed for one year. The fluctuations in macroalgal species composition and environmental factors were monitored monthly. The region exhibit a tropical climate, with defined rainy and dry seasons. Nineteen species were found, with a predominance of Chlorophyta (52.7% of the species), followed by Cyanobacteria (26.3%), Ochrophyta and Rhodophyta (10.5% each). Scytonema arcangeli had the highest number of records (63.6%), while Mougeotia capucina occurred in all sampling sites. Community structure had low similarity (20-26%) and the environmental factors showed a weak contribution to the distribution pattern observed. Despite this, the light availability at the stream-bed seems to be a major influence on the macroalgal seasonal dynamics. We suggest that macroalgae communities are predominantly composed of rare species, and this could explain the lack of a clear spatial and temporal variation pattern of these organisms.

A distribuição espacial e temporal das macroalgas lóticas em riachos do sudeste do Brasil foram avaliadas por um ano. As flutuações na composição de espécies de macroalgas e fatores ambientais foram monitorados mensalmente. A região apresenta um clima tropical, com estações chuvosas e secas definidas. Dezenove espécies foram encontradas, com predomínio de Chlorophyta (52,7% das espécies), seguido por Cianobactérias (26,3%), Ochrophyta e Rhodophyta (10,5% cada). Scytonema arcangeli teve o maior número de registros (63,6%), enquanto Mougeotia capucina ocorreu em todos os pontos de amostragem. A estrutura da comunidade teve baixa similaridade (20-26%) e os fatores ambientais mostraram uma fraca contribuição para o padrão de distribuição observado. Apesar disso, a disponibilidade de luz no leito do riacho parece ser de grande influência sobre a dinâmica sazonal de macroalgas. Nós sugerimos que as comunidades de macroalgas são predominantemente compostas por espécies raras, e isso poderia explicar a falta de um padrão claro de variação espacial e temporal desses organismos.

Experimental manipulation of leaf litter colonization by aquatic invertebrates in a third order tropical stream / Manipulação experimental da colonização de detritos foliares por invertebrados aquáticos em um riacho tropical de 3ª ordem

Through a manipulative experiment, the colonization of leaf litter by invertebrates was investigated in two sections of a tropical stream (spatial scale) that differed in function of the canopy cover, one with the presence (closed area) and another without riparian vegetation (open area), during one month of the dry and one of the wet season (temporal scale). The work aimed to verify differences related to four variables: season, canopy cover, leaf type and leaf condition. Litter bags containing arboreal and herbaceous leaves (leaf type variable), non-conditioned and preconditioned (leaf condition variable) were placed at the bottom of the stream in each area (canopy cover variable) and season (dry and wet), and removed after 13-day colonization. The analysis of the remaining litter dry mass per leaf bag emphasizes differences related mainly to seasonality, canopy cover and leaf type, although leaf condition was also important when combined with those three factors. Comparing the abundance of invertebrates per treatment, there was a tendency of high predominance of Chironomidae during the dry season and greater taxa diversity and evenness during the wet season, when the water flow increase could alter the availability of microhabitats for local fauna. Even though canopy cover alone was not a significant source of variation in the abundance of invertebrates, the results showed a tendency of a combined effect of canopy cover with seasonality and leaf condition.

Através de um experimento de manipulação, a colonização de detritos foliares por invertebrados foi analisada em duas seções de um riacho tropical (escala espacial), que diferem em função da cobertura do dossel , um com a presença (área fechada) e outro sem vegetação ciliar (área aberta), durante um mês da estação seca e um da chuvosa (escala temporal). O trabalho teve como objetivo verificar as diferenças relacionadas a quatro variáveis: estação, cobertura vegetal, tipo e condição da folha. Sacos de náilon contendo folhas de uma planta arbórea e uma herbácea (tipo folha), não- condicionadas e pré-condicionadas (condição da folha) foram colocadas em cada área e estação do ano e removidos após 13 dias de colonização. A análise da massa seca remanescente dos detritos enfatizou diferenças relacionadas principalmente à sazonalidade, cobertura do dossel e tipo folha, embora a condição da folha também tenha sido importante quando combinado com esses três fatores. Comparando a abundância de invertebrados por tratamento, houve uma tendência de predominância de Chironomidae durante a estação seca e maior diversidade e equidade durante a estação chuvosa, quando o aumento do fluxo de água pode alterar a disponibilidade de micro-habitats para a fauna local. Apesar de cobertura do dossel sozinha não ter sido uma importante fonte de variação na abundância de invertebrados, os resultados mostraram uma tendência de um efeito combinado da cobertura do dossel com a sazonalidade e condição folha.

DelPapa - Aplicativo computacional para a análise de dados de experimentos no delineamento blocos ao acaso, usando o método Papadakis / DelPapa - Software tools for analyzing data for experiments in randomized block design using the Papadakis method

O aplicativo computacional para a análise de dados de experimentos executados no delineamento blocos ao acaso, por meio do método usual e de Papadakis, foi desenvolvido em sua primeira versão (não publicada), na linguagem de programação Pascal. Considerando que o método de Papadakis foi eficiente para as principais culturas agrícolas (milho, soja, feijão e trigo) e, para tornar o aplicativo mais amigável, a versão em Pascal foi reprogramada em Java, cuja denominação é DelPapa. Este aplicativo <https://sourceforge.net/projects/delpapa/files/?source=navbar> realiza a análise de variância segundo o delineamento blocos ao acaso pelo método usual (estima parâmetros genéticos, medidas de qualidade experimental e testes dos pressupostos da análise de variância) e pelo método de Papadakis. Usando as médias ajustadas pela covariável (média dos erros das parcelas vizinhas), também realiza o teste Scott e Knott (P=0,05) para agrupar os tratamentos.

The software tool for data analysis from experiments performed in a randomized block design, by the usual manner and by the Papadakis method, was developed in its first version (unpublished), in the Pascal programming language. Whereas the Papadakis method was efficient for the major crops (corn, soybeans, beans and wheat) and because of its friendly software tools, the Pascal version was reprogrammed in Java, whose name is DelPapa. This software tools <https://sourceforge.net/projects/delpapa/files/?source=navbar> makes the analysis of variance according to a randomized block design by usual manner (estimate the genetic parameters, the accuracy measurements and the verification of assumptions for analysis of variance) and by the method of Papadakis. Using the adjusted means for the covariate (mean of errors of the neighboring plots), the Scott and Knott grouping test (P=0.05) is also carried out.

Efectos de variar la posición espacial de los estímulos en la adquisición y transferencia de discriminaciones condicionales en humanos / Effects of varying the spatial position of stimuli in the acquisition and transfer of conditional discrimination in humans / Efeitos de variar a posição espacial dos estímulos na aquisição e transferência de discriminações condicionais em humanos

Se evaluaron los efectos de variar la posición espacial de los estímulos de muestra y de comparación de una tarea de igualación a la muestra sobre la adquisición y transferencia intramodal y extramodal de discriminaciones condicionales por humanos. En el estudio participaron tres grupos de estudiantes universitarios. Entre grupos, las cuatro relaciones de igualación entrenadas se correlacionaron diferencialmente con cuatro posiciones espaciales de los estímulos de comparación (Grupo 1), con cuatro posiciones espaciales de los estímulos de muestra (Grupo 2) o bien con cuatro figuras geométricas (Grupo 3). La ejecución en las pruebas de transferencia intramodal y extramodal fue superior al criterio de ejecución preestablecido experimentalmente para la mayoría de los participantes del Grupo 1. En los otros dos grupos únicamente la mitad de los participantes alcanzó una ejecución similar. Estos resultados concuerdan con la clasificación de los casos paradigmáticos de la función selectora de la propuesta taxonómica de Ribes y López (1985) y sugieren un efecto positivo de la variabilidad en las condiciones de entrenamiento sobre la transferencia de la ejecución.

The effects of varying the spatial placement of sample and comparison stimuli of a matching-to-sample task were evaluated upon the acquisition and transfer (intramodal and extramodal) of a conditional discrimination by humans. Three groups of college students participated in the experiment. Between groups, four matching-relations were differentially correlated with four spatial placements of the comparison stimuli (Group 1), with four spatial placements of the sample stimuli (Group 2) or with four geometric shapes (Group 3). Performance in both intramodal and extramodal transfer tests was higher than an experimentally predefined criterion for most participants from Group 1. In the remaining groups only half of the participants reached a similar performance. These results agree with the classification of the paradigmatic cases of the selector function from the taxonomic proposal offered by Ribes and López (1985) and suggest a positive effect of variability of training conditions upon the transfer of performance.

Avaliaram-se os efeitos de variar a posição espacial dos estímulos de mostra e de comparação de uma tarefa de igualação à mostra sobre a aquisição e transferência intramodal e extramodal de discriminações condicionais por humanos. No estudo participaram três grupos de estudantes universitários. Entre grupos, a quatro relações de igualação treinadas foram correlacionadas diferencialmente com quatro posições espaciais dos estímulos de comparação (Grupo 1), com quatro posições espaciais dos estímulos de mostra (Grupo 2) ou com quatro figuras geométricas (Grupo 3). A execução nos testes de transferência intramodal e extramodal foi superior ao critério de execução preestabelecido experimentalmente para a maioria dos participantes do Grupo 1. Nos outros dois grupos somente a metade dos participantes atingiu uma execução similar. Estes resultados concordam com a classificação dos casos paradigmáticos da função seletora da proposta taxonômica de Ribes e López (1985) e sugerem um efeito positivo da variabilidade nas condições de treinamento sobre a transferência da execução.

Status of the coral reefs in Foul and Folly Bays, Morant Wetlands, south-eastern Jamaica, with emphasis on corals and macroalgae / Estado de los arrecifes de coral en Foul and Folly Bays, Morant Wetlands, sureste de Jamaica, con énfasis en corales y macroalgas

Foul and Folly Bays are located within the Morant Wetlands near the eastern tip of Jamaica. They have never been investigated but were believed to be important for larval productivity because of the extent of benthic habitats, absence of major coastal developments and remote location. The study was aimed at providing baseline data on the spatial distribution and status of corals and associated benthos. We investigated coral reefs and associated areas with phototransects at eight stations analysed with the Coral Point Count software. Most areas were dominated by algae, evidence of a phase shift from coral to algal reefs. Coral cover varied significantly across the bays (ANOVA, p= 0.0342) with a maximum of 27.03% at the deepest station and a mean of 5.6% at all other stations combined. Mean cover of macroalgae was 39% and varied significantly across stations (α= 0.05, F= 7.472, p= 0.005). The deepest station also had the highest percentage of calcareous algae and live coral while dead coral with algae (DCA) was a significant variable across all other stations (ANOVA, p<0.001). Gorgonians (ANOVA, p<0.001), sponges and urchins were also assessed. Diadema antillarum was not observed at any station. Overall the status of the reefs was poor, probably due to overfishing, absence of urchins and the resultant algal proliferation.

Las bahías Foul y Folly se encuentran dentro de los Humedales Morant cerca de la punta oriental de la isla de Jamaica. Estos dos bahías nunca han sido investigadas pero se cree que son áreas importantes para la productividad larvaria debido a la extensión de los hábitats bentónicos, ausencia de desarrollos importantes a lo largo de la costa y la ubicación remota de la zona. El estudio tuvo como objetivo proporcionar datos de referencia sobre la distribución espacial y el estado de los corales y del bentos asociado. Investigamos los arrecifes coralinos y áreas asociadas utilizando fototransectos en ocho estaciones analizadas con el programa Coral Point Count. La mayoría de las áreas tuvieron predominio algal, mostrando evidencia del desplazamiento de fase de coral a algas. La cobertura de coral varió significativamente a través de las bahías (ANOVA , p= 0.0342), con un máximo de 27.03% en la estación estación más profunda y una media de 5.6% en todas las demás estaciones combinadas. La media de porcentaje de cobertura de macroalgas fue de 39% y varió significativamente entre las estaciones (α= 0.05, F= 7.472, p= 0.005). La estación mas profunda presentaba el mayor porcentaje de algas calcáreas y coral vivo, mientras que el coral muerto con algas (DCA) fue una variable significativa en todas las demás estaciones (ANOVA , p<0.001). También se evaluaron las gorgonias (ANOVA , p<0.001), esponjas y erizos de mar. No se observó Diadema antillarum en todas las estaciones dentro de los transectos. En general, el estado de los arrecifes era pobre, probablemente debido a la pesca excesiva, la ausencia de erizos y la proliferación de algas resultante.

Yasuní - a hotspot for jaguars Panthera onca (Carnivora: Felidae)? Camera-traps and jaguar activity at Tiputini Biodiversity Station, Ecuador / Yasuní - Un hotspot para jaguares Panthera onca (Carnivora: Felidae)? Cámaras trampa y actividad del jaguar en la Estación de Biodiversidad Tiputini, Ecuador

Jaguars (Panthera onca) are the largest predator in lowland forests of Amazonia but there have been few studies on their occurrence and activity in such forests. Here, we used camera traps to document the occurrence and activity of jaguars within a local area (~650ha) of lowland forest of Eastern Ecuador, over two sample periods (2005-2008, 7 222 trap days; 2010-2012, 6 199 trap days). We accumulated 151 independent photos of jaguars (189 total photographs) that represented 21 different individuals, including 11 males (114 photographs), seven females (32 photographs), and three that could not be assigned to a sex. Individual jaguars varied in the number of months they were recorded in the area; ten were photographed in only one month; five were photographed over periods of 8 to 22 months; and five from 45 to 81 months. Capture rates across all camera stations averaged 10.6/1 000 trap days; capture rates did not differ between the two sample periods. Male jaguars were more active during the day (06:00am-18:00pm; 71% of photographs), whereas females were equally active during the day and night. Monthly activity was variable but showed no consistent pattern. Although the study area is much smaller than typical home ranges of jaguars, the area is clearly visited by a large number of different individuals, some of whom repeatedly visit the area, indicating that it forms part of their home range. Other individuals likely were simply passing through the area. Based on the number of jaguars recorded during this study, it is clear that the region is an important area for conservation. Continued protection will be needed to ensure that populations of jaguars and other species remain viable. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (2): 689-698. Epub 2014 June 01.

El jaguar (Panthera onca) es el depredador más grande de los bosques bajos de la Amazonía, pero existen pocos estudios sobre su presencia y actividad en los mismos. En este estudio utilizamos cámaras trampa para documentar la presencia y actividad de jaguares dentro de una área de bosque bajo de la Amazonía este de Ecuador (~650 ha) en dos períodos (2005-2008, 7 222 trampas noche; 2010-2012, 6 199 trampas noche). Acumulamos 151 fotos independientes de jaguares (189 fotografías en total) que representaron 21 individuos, incluyendo 11 machos (114 fotos), siete hembras (32 fotos) y tres a los que no se les pudo asignar sexo. Los jaguares individuales variaron en el número de meses en que fueron registrados en el área; diez fueron fotografiados solo en un mes; cinco fueron fotografiados en un periodo entre 8 y 22 meses; y cinco jaguares entre 45 y 81. Las tasas de captura a través de las estaciones de trampeo promediaron 10.6/1 000 trampas noche; las tasas de captura no presentaron diferencias en los dos períodos de muestreo. Los jaguares machos fueron más activos durante el día (06:00am-18:00pm; 71% de las fotografías) mientras que las hembras fueron igualmente activas tanto en el día como en la noche. La actividad mensual fue variable pero no mostró un patrón consistente. Aunque el área de estudio es mucho más pequeña que el rango de vida típico para un jaguar, el área es claramente visitada por un alto número de individuos diferentes, algunos de los cuales visitan repetidamente el lugar, indicando que este forma parte de su rango de vida. Es probable que otros individuos solamente sean transeúntes del área.

Lutzomyia longipalpis abundance in the city of Posadas, northeastern Argentina: variations at different spatial scales

The distribution of Lutzomyia longipalpis is heterogeneous with a pattern of high abundance areas (HAAs) embedded in a matrix of low abundance areas (LAAs). The objective of this study was to describe the variability in the abundance of Lu. longipalpis at two different spatial levels and to analyse the relationship between the abundance and multiple environmental variables. Of the environmental variables analysed in each household, the condition that best explained the differences in vector abundance between HAA-LAA was the variable "land_grass", with greater average values in the peridomestic environments within the LAA, and the variables "#sp tree", "#pots" and "dist_water" that were higher in the HAA. Of the environmental variables analysed in the patches, the variable "unpaved_streets" was higher in the LAAs and the variable "prop_inf_dogs" was higher in the HAAs. An understanding of the main environmental variables that influence the vector distribution could contribute to the development of strategies for the prevention and control of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). This is the first work in which environmental variables are analysed at the micro-scale in urban areas at the southern edge of the current range of Lu. longipalpis. Our results represent a significant contribution to the understanding of the abundance of the vector in the peridomestic habitats of the region.

Mid-term coral-algal dynamics and conservation status of a Gorgona Island (Tropical Eastern Pacific) coral reef

Colombian coral reefs, as other reefs worldwide, have deteriorated significantly during the last few decades due to both natural and anthropogenic disturbances. The National Monitoring System for Coral Reefs in Colombia (SIMAC) was established in 1998 to provide long-term data bases to assess the changes of Colombian coral reefs against perturbations and to identify the factors responsible for their decline or recovery. On the Pacific coast, data on coral and algal cover have been collected yearly during seven consecutive years (1998-2004) from 20 permanent transects in two sites at La Azufrada reef, Gorgona Island. Overall, coral cover was high (55.1%-65.7%) and algal cover low (28.8%-37.5%) and both exhibited significant changes among years, most notably on shallow areas. Differences between sites in both coral and algal cover were present since the study began and may be explained by differences in sedimentation stress derived from soil runoff. Differences between depths most likely stem from the effects of low tidal sub-aerial exposures. Particularly intense sub-aerial exposures occurred repeatedly during January-March, 2001 and accounted for a decrease in coral and an increase in algal cover on shallow depths observed later that year. Additionally, the shallow area on the Northern site seems to be negatively affected by the combined effect of sedimentation and low tidal exposure. However, a decrease in coral cover and an increase of algal cover since 2001 on deep areas at both sites remain unexplained. Comparisons with previous studies suggest that the reef at La Azufrada has been more resilient than other reefs in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP), recovering pre-disturbance (1979) levels of coral cover within a 10 year period after the 1982-83 El Niño, which caused 85% mortality. Furthermore, the effects of the 1997-98 El Niño, indicated by the difference in overall live coral cover between 1998 and 1999, were minor (<6% reduction). Despite recurrent natural disturbances, live coral cover in 2004 was as high as that existing before 1982 at La Azufrada, and one of the highest observed on healthy coral reefs in the TEP region. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (Suppl. 1): 81-94. Epub 2010 May 01.

A través del Sistema Nacional de Monitoreo de Arrecifes Coralinos en Colombia (SIMAC) se han colectado anualmente (1998-2004) datos de cobertura de corales y algas en 20 transectos de 10m localizados en dos profundidades de dos sitios del arrecife de La Azufrada, Isla Gorgona (costa Pacífica). En general, la cobertura coralina fue alta (55.1% - 65.7%) y la de algas baja (28.8% - 37.5%), con una significativa variación entre años, más notablemente en áreas someras. Las diferencias entre sitios tanto en cobertura de coral como de algas estuvieron presentes desde que comenzó el estudio y pueden ser explicadas por diferencias en estrés por sedimentación (escorrentía terrestre). Las diferencias entre las profundidades muy probablemente se deben a los efectos de exposiciones aéreas durante mareas bajas. Las exposiciones aéreas particularmente intensas y repetidas entre enero-marzo de 2001 explican la disminución de la cobertura de coral, y aumento de la de algas en áreas someras observadas más tarde ese año. Adicionalmente, el área somera del sitio norte parece ser negativamente afectada por el efecto combinado de la sedimentación y la exposición mareal. Sin embargo, una tendencia a la disminución de la cobertura coralina y aumento de la de algas desde 2001 en las áreas profundas de ambos sitios permanece sin explicación. Comparaciones con estudios previos indican que el arrecife de La Azufrada ha sido más elástico que otros arrecifes del Pacífico Oriental Tropical (POT). A pesar de las perturbaciones naturales recurrentes, la cobertura coralina en 2004 fue tan alta como la existente antes de 1982 en La Azufrada, y una de las más altas observadas en arrecifes coralinos saludables de la región del POT.

Consequences of dam construction upstream of the Upper Paraná River floodplain (Brazil): a temporal analysis of the Chironomidae community over an eight-year period / Conseqüências da construção de um reservatório a montante da planície aluvial do Alto Rio Paraná (Brasil): análises temporais da comunidade Chironomidae em um período de oito anos

Our study aimed to identify patterns of temporal variation and changes in the structure of the community of Chironomidae larvae in two rivers in the Upper Paraná River floodplain after the construction of a reservoir upstream (Porto Primavera). Samples were taken with a Petersen grab, and were obtained between 2000 and 2007. Chironomidae larvae were identified down to the lowest taxonomic level possible. The high richness of Chironomidae observed in the Paraná and Ivinhema Rivers (100 morphospecies) in comparison to the world average of rivers of the same size (44 species) emphasizes the importance of these habitats for the maintenance of biodiversity. The composition and density of Chironomidae in the years 2000 and 2001 differed from the other years. This period was characterized by extreme changes in the Paraná River flow caused by the closing of the Porto Primavera Dam, which added to a severe dry period in late 2001. The different compositions of morphospecies and the higher similarities in subsequent years are indicative of the recovery and adaptation of the community. In spite of the changes in the composition of morphospecies, diversity was maintained and the community continued to respond to fluctuations in the hydrometric level.

Este trabalho teve por objetivos identificar padrões de variação temporal e alterações ocorridas na estrutura da comunidade de larvas de Chironomidae de dois rios da planície aluvial do Alto Rio Paraná nos anos subseqüentes ao fechamento de um reservatório à montante, Porto Primavera. As amostras foram coletadas de 2000 a 2007 com um pegador do tipo Petersen, modificado. As larvas de Chironomidae foram identificadas até a menor categoria possível. A elevada riqueza de Chironomidae observada nos rios Paraná e Ivinhema (100 morfoespécies), quando comparada com a média mundial para rios de mesmo porte (44 espécies), ressalta a importância desses ambientes para a manutenção da biodiversidade. Tanto pela dominância, como também pela composição e densidade numérica, verificou-se que os anos de 2000 e 2001 diferiram dos demais. Este foi um período de fortes alterações no fluxo do Rio Paraná causado pela instalação do reservatório Porto Primavera aliado a uma grande seca ocorrida no final de 2001. Uma nova composição de morfoespécies e maior semelhança entre os anos seguintes são um indicativo da recuperação e adaptação da comunidade. Apesar das mudanças na composição de morfoespécies a diversidade foi mantida e a comunidade continua respondendo às flutuações do nível hidrométrico.

Limnology in the Upper Paraná River floodplain: large-scale spatial and temporal patterns, and the influence of reservoirs / Limnologia na planície de inundação do Alto Rio Paraná: padrões em amplas escalas espaciais e temporais e influência de reservatórios

Knowledge of abiotic limnological factors is important to monitor changes caused by humans, and to explain the structure and dynamics of populations and communities in a variety of inland water ecosystems. In this study, we used a long term data-set (eight years) collected in 10 habitats with different features (river channels, and connected and isolated lakes) to describe the spatial and temporal patterns of some of the principal limnological factors. In general, the degree of connectivity of the lakes, together with the rivers to which the lakes are connected, were important determinants of their limnological characteristics. These differences are expected, because rivers entering the floodplain come from different geological regions and are subject to different human impacts. At large spatial scales, these differences contribute to the increased habitat diversity of the floodplain and thus to its high biodiversity. With regard to temporal variation, Secchi-disk transparency increased, and total phosphorus decreased in the Paraná River main channel during the last 20 years. Although these changes are directly attributed to the several reservoir cascades located upstream, the closing of the Porto Primavera dam in 1998 enhanced this effect. The increase in water transparency explains biotic changes within the floodplain. The lower-phosphorus Paraná River water probably dilutes concentrations of this element in the floodplain waterbodies during major floods, with future consequences for their productivity.

Fatores limnológicos abióticos têm sido importante para monitorar as mudanças causadas pelo homem e para explicar a estrutura e a dinâmica de populações e comunidades em uma variedade de ecossistemas aquáticos. Neste estudo, foram usados dados de vários anos (oito anos) coletados em 10 habitats com características distintas (rios, canais, lagoas isoladas e conectadas) para descrever padrões espaciais e temporais de alguns fatores limnológicos. Em geral, o grau de conectividade das lagoas com o rio ao qual estão conectadas foi importante para determinar as suas características limnológicas. Estas diferenças são esperadas porque os rios que chegam à planície de inundação vêm de diferentes regiões geológicas e estão sujeitos a diferentes impactos humanos. Em grandes escalas espaciais, tais diferenças contribuem para o aumento da diversidade de habitats da zona sujeita a inundações e assim, a sua alta biodiversidade. A respeito da variação temporal, observou-se um aumento nos valores de disco de Secchi e diminuição na carga de fósforo total no canal principal do rio Paraná nos últimos 20 anos. Embora estas mudanças estejam diretamente atribuídas ao efeito cascata de vários reservatórios a montante, o fechamento da represa de Porto Primavera em 1998 realçou este efeito. O aumento na transparência da água explica as mudanças bióticas observadas na planície de inundação. Em função das baixas concentrações de fósforo no rio Paraná, este está provavelmente diluindo a sua planície de inundação durante as grandes cheias, o que poderá acarretar em efeitos negativos para a sua produtividade no futuro.

Consequences of dam construction upstream of the Upper Paraná River floodplain (Brazil): a temporal analysis of the Chironomidae community over an eight-year period

Our study aimed to identify patterns of temporal variation and changes in the structure of the community of Chironomidae larvae in two rivers in the Upper Paraná River floodplain after the construction of a reservoir upstream (Porto Primavera). Samples were taken with a Petersen grab, and were obtained between 2000 and 2007. Chironomidae larvae were identified down to the lowest taxonomic level possible. The high richness of Chironomidae observed in the Paraná and Ivinhema Rivers (100 morphospecies) in comparison to the world average of rivers of the same size (44 species) emphasizes the importance of these habitats for the maintenance of biodiversity. The composition and density of Chironomidae in the years 2000 and 2001 differed from the other years. This period was characterized by extreme changes in the Paraná River flow caused by the closing of the Porto Primavera Dam, which added to a severe dry period in late 2001. The different compositions of morphospecies and the higher similarities in subsequent years are indicative of the recovery and adaptation of the community. In spite of the changes in the composition of morphospecies, diversity was maintained and the community continued to respond to fluctuations in the hydrometric level.

Este trabalho teve por objetivos identificar padrões de variação temporal e alterações ocorridas na estrutura da comunidade de larvas de Chironomidae de dois rios da planície aluvial do Alto Rio Paraná nos anos subseqüentes ao fechamento de um reservatório à montante, Porto Primavera. As amostras foram coletadas de 2000 a 2007 com um pegador do tipo Petersen, modificado. As larvas de Chironomidae foram identificadas até a menor categoria possível. A elevada riqueza de Chironomidae observada nos rios Paraná e Ivinhema (100 morfoespécies), quando comparada com a média mundial para rios de mesmo porte (44 espécies), ressalta a importância desses ambientes para a manutenção da biodiversidade. Tanto pela dominância, como também pela composição e densidade numérica, verificou-se que os anos de 2000 e 2001 diferiram dos demais. Este foi um período de fortes alterações no fluxo do Rio Paraná causado pela instalação do reservatório Porto Primavera aliado a uma grande seca ocorrida no final de 2001. Uma nova composição de morfoespécies e maior semelhança entre os anos seguintes são um indicativo da recuperação e adaptação da comunidade. Apesar das mudanças na composição de morfoespécies a diversidade foi mantida e a comunidade continua respondendo às flutuações do nível hidrométrico.

Limnology in the Upper Paraná River floodplain: large-scale spatial and temporal patterns, and the influence of reservoirs

Knowledge of abiotic limnological factors is important to monitor changes caused by humans, and to explain the structure and dynamics of populations and communities in a variety of inland water ecosystems. In this study, we used a long term data-set (eight years) collected in 10 habitats with different features (river channels, and connected and isolated lakes) to describe the spatial and temporal patterns of some of the principal limnological factors. In general, the degree of connectivity of the lakes, together with the rivers to which the lakes are connected, were important determinants of their limnological characteristics. These differences are expected, because rivers entering the floodplain come from different geological regions and are subject to different human impacts. At large spatial scales, these differences contribute to the increased habitat diversity of the floodplain and thus to its high biodiversity. With regard to temporal variation, Secchi-disk transparency increased, and total phosphorus decreased in the Paraná River main channel during the last 20 years. Although these changes are directly attributed to the several reservoir cascades located upstream, the closing of the Porto Primavera dam in 1998 enhanced this effect. The increase in water transparency explains biotic changes within the floodplain. The lower-phosphorus Paraná River water probably dilutes concentrations of this element in the floodplain waterbodies during major floods, with future consequences for their productivity.

Fatores limnológicos abióticos têm sido importante para monitorar as mudanças causadas pelo homem e para explicar a estrutura e a dinâmica de populações e comunidades em uma variedade de ecossistemas aquáticos. Neste estudo, foram usados dados de vários anos (oito anos) coletados em 10 habitats com características distintas (rios, canais, lagoas isoladas e conectadas) para descrever padrões espaciais e temporais de alguns fatores limnológicos. Em geral, o grau de conectividade das lagoas com o rio ao qual estão conectadas foi importante para determinar as suas características limnológicas. Estas diferenças são esperadas porque os rios que chegam à planície de inundação vêm de diferentes regiões geológicas e estão sujeitos a diferentes impactos humanos. Em grandes escalas espaciais, tais diferenças contribuem para o aumento da diversidade de habitats da zona sujeita a inundações e assim, a sua alta biodiversidade. A respeito da variação temporal, observou-se um aumento nos valores de disco de Secchi e diminuição na carga de fósforo total no canal principal do rio Paraná nos últimos 20 anos. Embora estas mudanças estejam diretamente atribuídas ao efeito cascata de vários reservatórios a montante, o fechamento da represa de Porto Primavera em 1998 realçou este efeito. O aumento na transparência da água explica as mudanças bióticas observadas na planície de inundação. Em função das baixas concentrações de fósforo no rio Paraná, este está provavelmente diluindo a sua planície de inundação durante as grandes cheias, o que poderá acarretar em efeitos negativos para a sua produtividade no futuro.

Variação espacial e temporal nas assembléias de peixes de riachos na bacia do rio Guiraí, Alto Rio Paraná / Spatial and temporal variation in stream fish assemblages of Guiraí River Basin, Upper Paraná Basin

This paper aims to characterize the fish assemblages and to quantify the importance of spatial and temporal variations on the organization of stream fish assemblages of Guiraí River Basin, Upper Paraná River Basin. The samples were taken every two months in seven streams, from October 2006 to August 2007. To examine these data, we used analysis such as cluster, similarity, variance, canonical correspondence and regression tree. We collected 64 species and the spatial variations of the assemblages were more evident than the temporal ones. The most important variables in determining the occurrence of the species were altitude of the region, stream width and depth and water velocity. This result indicates there is an interaction of regional factors (altitude) with local ones (depth, velocity and width) to define the species composition of each stream. The turnover in species composition was significantly influenced by stream depth and altitude. The differentiation on richness and species composition between upper and lower sites should allow richness increment at regional level (hydrographic basin), decreasing the niches overlap and maintenance of sub-populations (for wide-distributed species) which should to resist more to the antropic action over the habitat structure.

O presente trabalho procura caracterizar as comunidades de peixes relacionando a variação espacial e temporal com a organização das comunidades de peixes em riachos da bacia do rio Guiraí, Alto Rio Paraná. As amostragens foram realizadas bimestralmente em sete riachos, entre outubro/2006 e agosto/2007 e, para a análise destes dados, utilizamos análises de agrupamento, de similaridade, de variância, de correspondência canônica e árvore de regressão. Foram coletadas 64 espécies de peixes e a variação espacial das comunidades estudadas se mostrou mais evidente que a variação temporal. As variáveis mais importantes na determinação da ocorrência das espécies foram a altitude do trecho amostrado, largura e profundidade do riacho e velocidade da água, o que indica que há interação de fatores em escala regional (altitude) com fatores locais (profundidade, velocidade e largura) na definição da composição de espécies em cada um dos riachos amostrados. O turnover na composição de espécies foi significativamente influenciado pela profundidade e altitude dos riachos. A diferenciação na riqueza e composição de espécies entre os trechos superiores e inferiores da bacia pode permitir o incremento da riqueza em nível regional (bacia hidrográfica) através da diminuição da sobreposição de nichos, permitindo a manutenção de subconjuntos populacionais (para as espécies de distribuição ampla) que podem resistir melhor às alterações antrópicas na estrutura dos habitats.

Spatial variations in the zooplankton community from the Corumbá Reservoir, Goiás State, in distinct hydrological periods - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v31i3.4132 / Spatial variations in the zooplankton community from the Corumbá Reservoir, Goiás State, in distinct hydrological periods - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v31i3.4132

This study evaluated the spatial variations in species richness and abundance of zooplankton over a hydrological cycle, and also verified the influence of physical and chemical water variables and chlorophyll-a concentrations on the abundance of these organisms. The tested hypothesis was that the zooplankton community presents higher species richness in lotic environments and higher abundance in lentic ones. One hundred forty species were identified, distributed among rotifers (88), testate amoebae (35), cladocerans (13) and copepods (4). Higher values of species richness and abundance were observed during the dry period. During both hydrological periods, the copepods presented high abundance values, due to the contribution of young stages, followed by rotifers, cladocerans and testate amoebae. In general, testate amoebae presented high values of species richness and abundance in lotic sampling stations, whereas the other zooplankton groups (rotifers, cladocerans and copepods) presented higher abundances in lentic environments and higher species richness in lotic ones. The Pearson correlation analysis evidenced the importance of physical and chemical water variables and food resource availability influencing the variation of organisms abundance.

This study evaluated the spatial variations in species richness and abundance of zooplankton over a hydrological cycle, and also verified the influence of physical and chemical water variables and chlorophyll- concentrations on the abundance of these organisms. The tested hypothesis was that the zooplankton community presents higher species richness in lotic environments and higher abundance in lentic ones. One hundred forty species were identified, distributed among rotifers (88), testate amoebae (35), cladocerans (13) and copepods (4). Higher values of species richness and abundance were observed during the dry period. During both hydrological periods, the copepods presented high abundance values, due to the contribution of young stages, followed by rotifers, cladocerans and testate amoebae. In general, testate amoebae presented high values of species richness and abundance in lotic sampling stations, whereas the other zooplankton groups (rotifers, cladocerans and copepods) presented higher abundances in lentic environments and higher species richness in lotic ones. The Pearson correlation analysis evidenced the importance of physical and chemical water variables and food resource availability influencing the variation of organisms abundance.

Periphytic algae in two environments of the lower Doce river (Juparanã lagoon and Pequeno river Linhares, Espírito Santo State, Brazil): spatial and temporal variation - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i4.535 / Algas perifíticas em dois ambientes do baixo rio Doce (lagoa Juparanã e rio Pequeno Linhares, Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil): variação espacial e temporal - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i4.535

This research aimed to evaluate the spatial and temporal variation of the periphytic algae community within two environments of the lower Doce River: Juparanã Lagoon and Pequeno River. Samplings were carried out every three months from August 2004 to May 2005 at both sites. Natural substrata of Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth petioles were collected from the sites. The community was analyzed according to species richness, frequency of occurrence, density of organisms, abundance and dominancy. Eighty-six taxa were recorded in the lagoon, and the density of organisms varied from 20,595 ind cm-2 (May/05) to 88,712 ind cm-2 (Nov/04). Eighty-three taxa were recorded in the river, and the density of organisms varied from 16,049 ind cm-2 (Feb/05) to 71,663 ind cm-2 (Aug/04). At both sites, the classes that predominated qualitatively were Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Zygnemaphyceae, in which filamentous and unicellular forms dominated, followed by colonial forms. Quantitatively, the most representative classes were Cyanophyceae and Bacillariophyceae. A spatial variation was not observed. Precipitation, water temperature, electric conductivity and transparency were the variables that most oscillated according to seasonal variation (dry or rainy season). They also presented a greater number of significant correlations with the biological variables, showing evidence of temporal heter

A pesquisa objetivou avaliar a variação espacial e temporal da comunidade de algas perifíticas em dois ambientes do baixo rio Doce: lagoa Juparanã e rio Pequeno. Foram realizadas coletas trimestrais (agosto/04 a maio/05) em duas estações amostrais, uma na lagoa e outra no rio. Foram coletados pecíolos de Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth. Os atributos da comunidade analisados foram: riqueza de táxons, freqüência de ocorrência, densidade, abundância e dominância. Na lagoa Juparanã, foram registrados 86 táxons e a densidade variou de 20.592 ind cm-2 (mai/05) a 88.712 ind cm-2 (nov/04). No rio Pequeno, foram registrados 83 táxons e a densidade variou de 16.049 ind cm-2 (fev/05) a 71.663 ind cm-2 (ago/04). Em ambos os ambientes, as classes predominantes qualitativamente foram Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae e Zygnemaphyceae, havendo domínio das formas filamentosas e unicelulares seguidas das coloniais. As classes Cyanophyceae e Bacillariophyceae foram mais representativas quantitativamente. Não houve variação espacial. Pluviosidade, temperatura da água, condutividade elétrica e transparência foram as variáveis que mais oscilaram conforme a estação (seca ou chuvosa) e as que apresentaram maior número de correlações significativas com as variáveis biológicas, evidenciando heterogeneidade temporal.