The Amazon region is considered to be a high endemic area for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections, Rondônia state having the highest prevalence. The aim of this study was to identify molecular genotypes and m...The Amazon region is considered to be a high endemic area for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections, Rondônia state having the highest prevalence. The aim of this study was to identify molecular genotypes and mutations in the S gene region of HBV viral genomes from 20 patients using a DNA microarray. Results: Serological tests showed that 88% of patients were HBeAg negative, 82% had anti-HBe antibodies and 33% were co-infected with Hepatitis Delta Virus. Sixteen percent of the patients were considered cirrhotic, and 11% have been transfused. The microarray technique identified the genotypes A (4 patients), D (7 patients) and F (7 patients) in 18 samples. Mutations were detected in all 3 genotypes and, overall, A159G, which has been associated with a reduced antigenicity of the virus, was detected most frequently. In genotype A, G119E was the most frequently detected mutation followed by mutations A159G, F134Y, W172C, Y161F and T143S. A159G was detected in all genotype D and F samples followed by mutations T143S, Y161F, N131T, T114S and G119E in genotype D and mutations T143S, Y161F, N131T, T114S and G119E in genotype F. Conclusion: The analysis of mutations repartition among genotypes suggests that some of them are preferentially or exclusively associated with genotype A, D or F. This type of tool is adapted for clinical and therapy monitoring of patient as well as for molecular epidemiology research on HBV.展开更多
The urbanization process of the urban centers in the Amazon occurred quickly and without planning. Belém, one of the main cities in the region, suffers from intense flooding due to urbanization growth and the dis...The urbanization process of the urban centers in the Amazon occurred quickly and without planning. Belém, one of the main cities in the region, suffers from intense flooding due to urbanization growth and the disorderly occupation of floodplains. The objective was to evaluate the producing of pervious concrete that meets the mechanical and hydraulic performance criteria for permeable pavement molded on site and to simulate the replacement of the entire public walkway system of a hydrographic basin in Belém in order to verify if this measure would alter the permeability of the basin and meet minimum requirements of at least 25% permeable area. The properties of three mixtures of pervious concrete with aggregates of different grading were evaluated. The permeability and flexural strength of all blends were higher than the minimum required for use as a permeable pavement for light vehicle traffic. The simulation showed that replacement of the public walkway by permeable pavement increased the permeable area of the watershed from 19 to 23%, changing from a poor condition to an acceptable level. The results indicate the potential to improve the performance of drainage systems through the wider use of permeable pavement associated with traditional structural measures.展开更多
Urbanization has an increasing contribution to anthropogenic climate forcing. The impact arises mainly from the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and aerosol anthropogenic emissions. An important but not completely under...Urbanization has an increasing contribution to anthropogenic climate forcing. The impact arises mainly from the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and aerosol anthropogenic emissions. An important but not completely understood consequence of this forcing is its effect on local lightning activity. Changes in lightning activity may result in a feedback on the climate system. In this article, it investigates changes in the lightning activity in the city of Manaus, located in the Amazon region of Brazil. It is found that, over the city, the lightning activity is larger than in the regions around it and it has been increasing in the last four decades simultaneously with the increasing of its urban area. Our results suggest that such changes are caused by the UHI effect. The observations reported here are unique and relevant because Manaus is located in the central part of the Amazon rainforest and inside one of the three global lightning chimneys in the world.展开更多
We present here a series of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey carried out in different areas of the Dardanelos 1 archaeological site in order to generate information about subsurface anomalies associated with arch...We present here a series of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey carried out in different areas of the Dardanelos 1 archaeological site in order to generate information about subsurface anomalies associated with archaeological material that could be use in decision making within the environmental licensing process of the Dardanelos Hydroelectric Power Plant, located near of the Aripuan? city, Mato Grosso State, northwest region of Brazil. GPR surveys with 200 MHz antenna were carried out in two blocks aiming to locate archaeological resources and features. The analysis of GPR 2D and 3D results allowed detecting anomalous regions characterized by hyperbolic reflections, shallow elongated continuous targets with high amplitudes, as well as sub-horizontal reflectors. Microwave tomography allowed estimating the geometry of the GPR anomalies sources. Excavations were done by archaeologists at the locations where hyperbolic anomalies were found, revealing interesting structures related to urns in the middle of a rich in organic matter consisting of black and ceramic materials up to about 1 m deep. The first sub-horizontal reflector at approximately 1 m depth is related to the base of the black soil layer rich in organic matter and the second sub-horizontal reflector between 2 and 3 m deep suggests a lithological change or may be related to presence of the water table. The continuous elongated shallow targets observed in the depth slices are related to tree roots in the middle of the archaeological strata. The GPR results guided archaeological excavations, reduced the time and costs involved in research, and contributed to the preservation of Brazilian historical heritage.展开更多
Background:Infectious agents can activate self-reactive T cells.In general,infections trigger various mechanisms,including a lack of auto-tolerance,induction of costimulatory molecules on antigen presenting cells,and ...Background:Infectious agents can activate self-reactive T cells.In general,infections trigger various mechanisms,including a lack of auto-tolerance,induction of costimulatory molecules on antigen presenting cells,and molecular simulation,in addition to cross-reactions between microbial antigens and self-antigens.HIV and leprosy coinfections lead to self-immunity with the production of autoantibodies.However,not enough data on the immune behaviour associated with this coinfection are available.Therefore,this study focused on the detection of autoantibodies against cellular antigens(AACA)in individuals with HIV and leprosy coinfection in the Amazon region.Methods:Patients were distributed into four groups according to their infections:(i)coinfection with HIV and leprosy(n=23),(ii)infection with leprosy(n=33),(iii)infection with HIV/AIDS(n=25),and(iv)healthy blood donor controls(n=100).AACA were identified by indirect immunofluorescence and the samples were tested using a commercial diagnosis kit containing the antinuclear antibody HEp-2.Results:Morphologically,all stages of cell division were assessed in addition to the morphological features associated with the nuclear matrix,nucleolus,mitotic spindle,and cytoplasm.There was a high prevalence of AACA in the coinfection group(47.8%,n=11)when compared with the control group of healthy blood donors(2.0%).The results showed predominantly cytoplasmic staining in all groups analysed,and no difference was observed between the presence or absence of AACA and the leprosy forms(paucibacillary and multibacillary)in the coinfection group.Conclusions:The results of this study show that despite the tendency of coinfected patients to have higher levels of autoantibodies,no correlation was observed between clinical and laboratorial variables and morbidity associated with HIV and leprosy coinfections or the levels of AACA in the serum of coinfected patients.These data are important to elucidate this complex relationship between HIV and leprosy and thus improve the follow-up of these patients.展开更多
The spatiotemporal variability of the greenhouse gas methane （CH4） in the atmosphere over the Amazon is studied using data from the space-borne measurements of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder on board NASA＇s AQUA ...The spatiotemporal variability of the greenhouse gas methane （CH4） in the atmosphere over the Amazon is studied using data from the space-borne measurements of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder on board NASA＇s AQUA satellite for the period 2003-12. The results show a pronounced variability of this gas over the Amazon Basin lowlands region, where wetland areas occur. CH4 has a well-defined seasonal behavior, with a progressive increase of its concentration during the dry season, followed by a decrease during the wet season. Concerning this variability, the present study indicates the important role of ENSO in modulating the variability of CH4 emissions over the northern Amazon, where this association seems to be mostly linked to changes in flooded areas in response to ENSO-related precipitation changes. In this region, a CH4 decrease （increase） is due to the E1 Nifio-related （La Nifia-related） dryness （wetness）. On the other hand, an increase （decrease） in the biomass burning over the southeastern Amazon during very dry （wet） years explains the increase （decrease） in CH4 emissions in this region. The present analysis identifies the two main areas of the Amazon, its northern and southeastern sectors, with remarkable interannual variations of CH4. This result might be useful for future monitoring of the variations in the concentration of CH4, the second-most important greenhouse gas, in this area.展开更多
Samples of raw milk from bulk cooling tanks were collected in five municipalities of the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon to establish the prevalence of Staphylococcus aueus and Streptococcus agalactiae, as well as to ev...Samples of raw milk from bulk cooling tanks were collected in five municipalities of the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon to establish the prevalence of Staphylococcus aueus and Streptococcus agalactiae, as well as to evaluate the milk composition and its correlation with the bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC). A total of 250 samples were collected to investigate the causal agents of bovine mastitis in whole milk, from 50 bulk milk tanks in each municipality. Under laboratory conditions, the samples were diluted to 1/10 and 1/100, and samples of 0.1 ml from each dilution were plated in triplicate on selective media for Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae. To evaluate the correlation between the major milk components (fat, protein and lactose) and the BTSCC, samples were collected for 18 months from 73 dairy herds. The presence of the above-mentioned contagious mastitis pathogens was detected in 97.2% (243/250) of refrigerated raw milk samples evaluated. Analysis of the major milk components and BTSCC demonstrated that during the study period, fat compo-nent showed the largest variance, followed by protein and lactose, which also showed significant variances.展开更多
Potentiometric and pluviometric datasets were evaluated to understand the behavior of aquifer recharge in the bauxite plateaus in the Porto Trombetas region, Pará, Northern Brazil. The datasets are originated fro...Potentiometric and pluviometric datasets were evaluated to understand the behavior of aquifer recharge in the bauxite plateaus in the Porto Trombetas region, Pará, Northern Brazil. The datasets are originated from three monitoring wells and an automatic climatological station. The local groundwater is related to the Alter do Chao Aquifer System, which despite being unconfined in valley regions, is semiconfined in the plateaus areas. The aquifer recharge occurs by direct infiltration and by leakage from the aquitard in the unconfined and semiconfined portions, respectively. Precipitation declined by 27% between 2002 and 2017. The rains accumulated between February and April are the most important for the recharge processes since this period is marked by higher absolute precipitation (up to 300 mm/month) and less deviation from the historical pattern. The recharge measured by the annual fluctuation of the water table also declined significantly in the 2010-2016 period. Statistical analysis demonstrates that in the case of a permanent climate change, expressed by rainfall reducing, the aquifer recharge would diminish at a non-linear rate, which is also expected for the base flow rates. In addition, data evaluation reveals that deforestation intensely decreases the recharge rates, as observed in the Aviso Plateau mining site. The results demonstrate that the water table fluctuations must be considered when modeling Global Climate Changes since the maintenance of surface flow rates (springs, lakes and streams) depends on aquifers baseflow. The result of the statistical analysis can be also applied to regions where climate patterns are strong seasonal, as the Savannah of Central Brazil.展开更多
The watershed of the Amazon River discharges about 120,000 m3·s-1?of freshwater into the adjacent platform and oceanic region. The aim of this work was to analyze the distribution of oceanographic parameters, chl...The watershed of the Amazon River discharges about 120,000 m3·s-1?of freshwater into the adjacent platform and oceanic region. The aim of this work was to analyze the distribution of oceanographic parameters, chlorophyll a and primary productivity under the influence of the Amazon River plume, during the period of greatest extension of the Amazon plume. Collections were carried out in September 14 in 16 stations including continental platform and oceanic region. It was possible to observe superficial currents along the coast in the northwest direction, but with less intensity and currents with greater speeds towards the east due to the North Brazil Current retroflexion at this time of the year, transporting the plume to the central Atlantic Ocean. The spatial influence of the plume was observed in the salinity, which ranged from 28 to 36.75, although the high precipitation in the region may also have contributed as a source of freshwater. However, the sampled region showed strong negative linear correlation of silicate, chlorophyll a and primary productivity with salinity. The primary productivity values ranged from 0.04 to 18.81 mg C m-3?day-1, whereas chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from 0.15 mg·m-3?to 1.83 mg·m-3, decreasing their values as they move away from the coast. The Amazon River plume can reach and influence the oceanographic and biological parameters in a large area of this oligotrophic region. However, the results also suggest that the export of material from the adjacent coastal region is another determinant of the region’s productivity.展开更多
Mining is encroaching upon Protected Areas and Indigenous Reserves in the Colombian Amazon. In the Middle Caqueta region small-scale, illegal gold mining is eroding riverbanks, affecting water quality, and jeopardizin...Mining is encroaching upon Protected Areas and Indigenous Reserves in the Colombian Amazon. In the Middle Caqueta region small-scale, illegal gold mining is eroding riverbanks, affecting water quality, and jeopardizing the livelihoods of indigenous peoples. In addition, mining also threatens the integrity of pre-Columbian anthropogenic soils （terra preta） created between 500 years to 2,000 years B.P. on the bluffs of the Caqueta . River. These soils are the only, non-flooded fertile soils present in the region, and as such are important for local indigenous communities. In Colombia, there is little knowledge about Terra Preta soils. This work assesses the present and potential dangers artisanal mining has for terra preta soils and other natural resources that are central to indigenous peoples＇ food security. Results posit that more knowledge is needed about the way terra preta soils are related to the livelihoods of indigenous people so that informed policy decisions can be made about the desirability of mining in the region.展开更多
This paper, as a part of a larger research project entitled Amazon. Realities in the Novels and the Imaginary Reports of Travelers, focuses on the following objectives： （1） the ＂referentiality＂ of the text to the...This paper, as a part of a larger research project entitled Amazon. Realities in the Novels and the Imaginary Reports of Travelers, focuses on the following objectives： （1） the ＂referentiality＂ of the text to the external world （goal, empirical stuff）; and （2） understanding fictionality in terms of＂make-believe＂ and the principle of＂internal coherence＂. The main section sets out the theoretical foundation of the relation between facts/events and fiction, both as pragmatic and fictional texts. Then, the paper investigates in which forms and ways existing facts, data, occurrences, events and narratives in various kinds of texts constitute a representation and interpretation of the world. The central focus of the study is on the Amazon region. The study is an experiment in joining together different types of texts around the notion of＂referentiality＂; emphasizing reference to the external world （factuality）, the reading of the component elements of a language and a discourse （narratology）, historical reading against the horizon of expectation （reception theory） and the interpretation of the retrospective.展开更多
The process of development of the Amazon, in post-1970, has led to serious socio-economic and environmental problems, such as the struggle for land ownership and huge deforestation. Conservation units, such as extract...The process of development of the Amazon, in post-1970, has led to serious socio-economic and environmental problems, such as the struggle for land ownership and huge deforestation. Conservation units, such as extractive reserves (RESEX), appear as sustainable development alternatives for the region. Today, solid waste has become one of the main environmental problems, particularly in forest areas. The aim of the present work is to analyze the production and destination of solid waste in the Chico Mendes RESEX, state of Acre, in the periods 1996/1997, 2005/2006 and 2014/2015. We work with the methodology of the ASPF project, developed at the Federal University of Acre (UFAC), based on indicators of economic results, as well as the production and destination of solid waste. The results indicate a considerable increase in the generation of solid waste in the forest, especially of plastics coming from goods acquired in the market and without adequate disposal.展开更多
文摘The Amazon region is considered to be a high endemic area for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections, Rondônia state having the highest prevalence. The aim of this study was to identify molecular genotypes and mutations in the S gene region of HBV viral genomes from 20 patients using a DNA microarray. Results: Serological tests showed that 88% of patients were HBeAg negative, 82% had anti-HBe antibodies and 33% were co-infected with Hepatitis Delta Virus. Sixteen percent of the patients were considered cirrhotic, and 11% have been transfused. The microarray technique identified the genotypes A (4 patients), D (7 patients) and F (7 patients) in 18 samples. Mutations were detected in all 3 genotypes and, overall, A159G, which has been associated with a reduced antigenicity of the virus, was detected most frequently. In genotype A, G119E was the most frequently detected mutation followed by mutations A159G, F134Y, W172C, Y161F and T143S. A159G was detected in all genotype D and F samples followed by mutations T143S, Y161F, N131T, T114S and G119E in genotype D and mutations T143S, Y161F, N131T, T114S and G119E in genotype F. Conclusion: The analysis of mutations repartition among genotypes suggests that some of them are preferentially or exclusively associated with genotype A, D or F. This type of tool is adapted for clinical and therapy monitoring of patient as well as for molecular epidemiology research on HBV.
文摘The urbanization process of the urban centers in the Amazon occurred quickly and without planning. Belém, one of the main cities in the region, suffers from intense flooding due to urbanization growth and the disorderly occupation of floodplains. The objective was to evaluate the producing of pervious concrete that meets the mechanical and hydraulic performance criteria for permeable pavement molded on site and to simulate the replacement of the entire public walkway system of a hydrographic basin in Belém in order to verify if this measure would alter the permeability of the basin and meet minimum requirements of at least 25% permeable area. The properties of three mixtures of pervious concrete with aggregates of different grading were evaluated. The permeability and flexural strength of all blends were higher than the minimum required for use as a permeable pavement for light vehicle traffic. The simulation showed that replacement of the public walkway by permeable pavement increased the permeable area of the watershed from 19 to 23%, changing from a poor condition to an acceptable level. The results indicate the potential to improve the performance of drainage systems through the wider use of permeable pavement associated with traditional structural measures.
文摘Urbanization has an increasing contribution to anthropogenic climate forcing. The impact arises mainly from the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and aerosol anthropogenic emissions. An important but not completely understood consequence of this forcing is its effect on local lightning activity. Changes in lightning activity may result in a feedback on the climate system. In this article, it investigates changes in the lightning activity in the city of Manaus, located in the Amazon region of Brazil. It is found that, over the city, the lightning activity is larger than in the regions around it and it has been increasing in the last four decades simultaneously with the increasing of its urban area. Our results suggest that such changes are caused by the UHI effect. The observations reported here are unique and relevant because Manaus is located in the central part of the Amazon rainforest and inside one of the three global lightning chimneys in the world.
文摘We present here a series of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey carried out in different areas of the Dardanelos 1 archaeological site in order to generate information about subsurface anomalies associated with archaeological material that could be use in decision making within the environmental licensing process of the Dardanelos Hydroelectric Power Plant, located near of the Aripuan? city, Mato Grosso State, northwest region of Brazil. GPR surveys with 200 MHz antenna were carried out in two blocks aiming to locate archaeological resources and features. The analysis of GPR 2D and 3D results allowed detecting anomalous regions characterized by hyperbolic reflections, shallow elongated continuous targets with high amplitudes, as well as sub-horizontal reflectors. Microwave tomography allowed estimating the geometry of the GPR anomalies sources. Excavations were done by archaeologists at the locations where hyperbolic anomalies were found, revealing interesting structures related to urns in the middle of a rich in organic matter consisting of black and ceramic materials up to about 1 m deep. The first sub-horizontal reflector at approximately 1 m depth is related to the base of the black soil layer rich in organic matter and the second sub-horizontal reflector between 2 and 3 m deep suggests a lithological change or may be related to presence of the water table. The continuous elongated shallow targets observed in the depth slices are related to tree roots in the middle of the archaeological strata. The GPR results guided archaeological excavations, reduced the time and costs involved in research, and contributed to the preservation of Brazilian historical heritage.
文摘Background:Infectious agents can activate self-reactive T cells.In general,infections trigger various mechanisms,including a lack of auto-tolerance,induction of costimulatory molecules on antigen presenting cells,and molecular simulation,in addition to cross-reactions between microbial antigens and self-antigens.HIV and leprosy coinfections lead to self-immunity with the production of autoantibodies.However,not enough data on the immune behaviour associated with this coinfection are available.Therefore,this study focused on the detection of autoantibodies against cellular antigens(AACA)in individuals with HIV and leprosy coinfection in the Amazon region.Methods:Patients were distributed into four groups according to their infections:(i)coinfection with HIV and leprosy(n=23),(ii)infection with leprosy(n=33),(iii)infection with HIV/AIDS(n=25),and(iv)healthy blood donor controls(n=100).AACA were identified by indirect immunofluorescence and the samples were tested using a commercial diagnosis kit containing the antinuclear antibody HEp-2.Results:Morphologically,all stages of cell division were assessed in addition to the morphological features associated with the nuclear matrix,nucleolus,mitotic spindle,and cytoplasm.There was a high prevalence of AACA in the coinfection group(47.8%,n=11)when compared with the control group of healthy blood donors(2.0%).The results showed predominantly cytoplasmic staining in all groups analysed,and no difference was observed between the presence or absence of AACA and the leprosy forms(paucibacillary and multibacillary)in the coinfection group.Conclusions:The results of this study show that despite the tendency of coinfected patients to have higher levels of autoantibodies,no correlation was observed between clinical and laboratorial variables and morbidity associated with HIV and leprosy coinfections or the levels of AACA in the serum of coinfected patients.These data are important to elucidate this complex relationship between HIV and leprosy and thus improve the follow-up of these patients.
基金the Post-Graduate Program in Climate and Environment,(CLIAMB,INPA/UEA),with financial support from the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel of Brazil(CAPES)the Funding Authority for Studies and Projects of Brazil(FINEP/REMCLAMUEA)+1 种基金Amazonas State Research Foundation(FAPEAM)(PROESTADO and GOAMAZON)for research supportsupported by the National Council for Technology Science and Development(CNPq)of Brazil
文摘The spatiotemporal variability of the greenhouse gas methane （CH4） in the atmosphere over the Amazon is studied using data from the space-borne measurements of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder on board NASA＇s AQUA satellite for the period 2003-12. The results show a pronounced variability of this gas over the Amazon Basin lowlands region, where wetland areas occur. CH4 has a well-defined seasonal behavior, with a progressive increase of its concentration during the dry season, followed by a decrease during the wet season. Concerning this variability, the present study indicates the important role of ENSO in modulating the variability of CH4 emissions over the northern Amazon, where this association seems to be mostly linked to changes in flooded areas in response to ENSO-related precipitation changes. In this region, a CH4 decrease （increase） is due to the E1 Nifio-related （La Nifia-related） dryness （wetness）. On the other hand, an increase （decrease） in the biomass burning over the southeastern Amazon during very dry （wet） years explains the increase （decrease） in CH4 emissions in this region. The present analysis identifies the two main areas of the Amazon, its northern and southeastern sectors, with remarkable interannual variations of CH4. This result might be useful for future monitoring of the variations in the concentration of CH4, the second-most important greenhouse gas, in this area.
文摘Samples of raw milk from bulk cooling tanks were collected in five municipalities of the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon to establish the prevalence of Staphylococcus aueus and Streptococcus agalactiae, as well as to evaluate the milk composition and its correlation with the bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC). A total of 250 samples were collected to investigate the causal agents of bovine mastitis in whole milk, from 50 bulk milk tanks in each municipality. Under laboratory conditions, the samples were diluted to 1/10 and 1/100, and samples of 0.1 ml from each dilution were plated in triplicate on selective media for Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae. To evaluate the correlation between the major milk components (fat, protein and lactose) and the BTSCC, samples were collected for 18 months from 73 dairy herds. The presence of the above-mentioned contagious mastitis pathogens was detected in 97.2% (243/250) of refrigerated raw milk samples evaluated. Analysis of the major milk components and BTSCC demonstrated that during the study period, fat compo-nent showed the largest variance, followed by protein and lactose, which also showed significant variances.
文摘Potentiometric and pluviometric datasets were evaluated to understand the behavior of aquifer recharge in the bauxite plateaus in the Porto Trombetas region, Pará, Northern Brazil. The datasets are originated from three monitoring wells and an automatic climatological station. The local groundwater is related to the Alter do Chao Aquifer System, which despite being unconfined in valley regions, is semiconfined in the plateaus areas. The aquifer recharge occurs by direct infiltration and by leakage from the aquitard in the unconfined and semiconfined portions, respectively. Precipitation declined by 27% between 2002 and 2017. The rains accumulated between February and April are the most important for the recharge processes since this period is marked by higher absolute precipitation (up to 300 mm/month) and less deviation from the historical pattern. The recharge measured by the annual fluctuation of the water table also declined significantly in the 2010-2016 period. Statistical analysis demonstrates that in the case of a permanent climate change, expressed by rainfall reducing, the aquifer recharge would diminish at a non-linear rate, which is also expected for the base flow rates. In addition, data evaluation reveals that deforestation intensely decreases the recharge rates, as observed in the Aviso Plateau mining site. The results demonstrate that the water table fluctuations must be considered when modeling Global Climate Changes since the maintenance of surface flow rates (springs, lakes and streams) depends on aquifers baseflow. The result of the statistical analysis can be also applied to regions where climate patterns are strong seasonal, as the Savannah of Central Brazil.
文摘The watershed of the Amazon River discharges about 120,000 m3·s-1?of freshwater into the adjacent platform and oceanic region. The aim of this work was to analyze the distribution of oceanographic parameters, chlorophyll a and primary productivity under the influence of the Amazon River plume, during the period of greatest extension of the Amazon plume. Collections were carried out in September 14 in 16 stations including continental platform and oceanic region. It was possible to observe superficial currents along the coast in the northwest direction, but with less intensity and currents with greater speeds towards the east due to the North Brazil Current retroflexion at this time of the year, transporting the plume to the central Atlantic Ocean. The spatial influence of the plume was observed in the salinity, which ranged from 28 to 36.75, although the high precipitation in the region may also have contributed as a source of freshwater. However, the sampled region showed strong negative linear correlation of silicate, chlorophyll a and primary productivity with salinity. The primary productivity values ranged from 0.04 to 18.81 mg C m-3?day-1, whereas chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from 0.15 mg·m-3?to 1.83 mg·m-3, decreasing their values as they move away from the coast. The Amazon River plume can reach and influence the oceanographic and biological parameters in a large area of this oligotrophic region. However, the results also suggest that the export of material from the adjacent coastal region is another determinant of the region’s productivity.
文摘Mining is encroaching upon Protected Areas and Indigenous Reserves in the Colombian Amazon. In the Middle Caqueta region small-scale, illegal gold mining is eroding riverbanks, affecting water quality, and jeopardizing the livelihoods of indigenous peoples. In addition, mining also threatens the integrity of pre-Columbian anthropogenic soils （terra preta） created between 500 years to 2,000 years B.P. on the bluffs of the Caqueta . River. These soils are the only, non-flooded fertile soils present in the region, and as such are important for local indigenous communities. In Colombia, there is little knowledge about Terra Preta soils. This work assesses the present and potential dangers artisanal mining has for terra preta soils and other natural resources that are central to indigenous peoples＇ food security. Results posit that more knowledge is needed about the way terra preta soils are related to the livelihoods of indigenous people so that informed policy decisions can be made about the desirability of mining in the region.
文摘This paper, as a part of a larger research project entitled Amazon. Realities in the Novels and the Imaginary Reports of Travelers, focuses on the following objectives： （1） the ＂referentiality＂ of the text to the external world （goal, empirical stuff）; and （2） understanding fictionality in terms of＂make-believe＂ and the principle of＂internal coherence＂. The main section sets out the theoretical foundation of the relation between facts/events and fiction, both as pragmatic and fictional texts. Then, the paper investigates in which forms and ways existing facts, data, occurrences, events and narratives in various kinds of texts constitute a representation and interpretation of the world. The central focus of the study is on the Amazon region. The study is an experiment in joining together different types of texts around the notion of＂referentiality＂; emphasizing reference to the external world （factuality）, the reading of the component elements of a language and a discourse （narratology）, historical reading against the horizon of expectation （reception theory） and the interpretation of the retrospective.
文摘The process of development of the Amazon, in post-1970, has led to serious socio-economic and environmental problems, such as the struggle for land ownership and huge deforestation. Conservation units, such as extractive reserves (RESEX), appear as sustainable development alternatives for the region. Today, solid waste has become one of the main environmental problems, particularly in forest areas. The aim of the present work is to analyze the production and destination of solid waste in the Chico Mendes RESEX, state of Acre, in the periods 1996/1997, 2005/2006 and 2014/2015. We work with the methodology of the ASPF project, developed at the Federal University of Acre (UFAC), based on indicators of economic results, as well as the production and destination of solid waste. The results indicate a considerable increase in the generation of solid waste in the forest, especially of plastics coming from goods acquired in the market and without adequate disposal.
