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Bats are mammals with high biodiversity and wide geographical range. In Brazil, three haematophagous bat species are found. Desmodus rotundus is the most documented due to its role as a primary host of rabies virus in Latin America. Bats are known to harbor various emerging viruses causing severe human diseases. Beyond zoonotic viruses, these animals also harbor a diversity of non-zoonotic viruses. Papillomaviruses are circular double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) viruses that infect the epithelial and mucosal cells of many vertebrates, occasionally causing malignant lesions. High-throughput sequencing has enabled papillomaviruses discovery in different bat species. Here, 22 D. rotundus samples were collected through the rabies eradication program in Rio Grande do Sul. The DNA extracted from pooled intestines was amplified by the rolling-circle amplification (RCA) method and sequenced using the Illumina® MiSeq platform (San Diego, CA, USA).Analysis revealed three contigs corresponding to the Papillomaviridae family, representing three novel viruses named DrPV-1, DrPV-2, and DrPV-3. Phylogenetic analysis suggests DrPV-1 may constitute a new species within the Dyophipapillomavirus genus, while DrPV-2 and DrPV-3 may represent different types within the same species from a novel genus. This is the first description of a papillomavirus in the D. rotundus species, contributing to the characterization of PVs in the Chiropteran order.

The conjunctiva plays an essential role in eye health and immunity and acts as a barrier to the entry of microorganisms. Conjunctival infections are common in dogs and result from both the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms and the uncontrolled growth of the existing microbiota. Most of the existing data come from studies based on traditional culture methods. These reports indicate the predominance of gram-positive bacteria, especially Staphylococcus spp. In the present study, we analyzed the microbiota present on the conjunctival surface from a heterogeneous dog population without ophthalmological disorders using DNA sequencing. After a thorough ophthalmological examination, conjunctival swabs were collected from both eyes of 30 dogs. After processing and nucleic acid extraction, the sample pool was subjected to shotgun DNA sequencing through the Illumina platform and analyzed via the Metagenomic Rapid Annotations using Subsystems Technology (MGRAST) server. A predominance of the phylum Proteobacteria and the genera Ralstonia and Burkholderia were identified along with a minority of fungi, whereas viruses were not found. Microbial DNA sequencing has provided new data on this subject, revealing the presence of noncultivable organisms that were previously unknown as part of the ocular microbiome.

Background/Objectives: The work investigates the effect of the estragole complex encapsulated in beta-cyclodextrin (ES/β-CD) in modulating bacterial resistance, specifically in Staphylococcus aureus strains expressing NorA and MepA efflux pumps. Efflux pumps are mechanisms that bacteria use to resist antibiotics by expelling them from the cell. Methodology: Several compounds and antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and the ability of the ES/β-CD complex to reverse resistance. Methods: The study included scanning electron microscopy assays, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, and efflux pump inhibition tests. Results: The ES/β-CD complex did not show significant direct antibacterial activity. However, it modulated the action of norfloxacin, decreasing the MIC when combined with this antibiotic in the 1199B (NorA) strain. These results suggest a potential for synergy but not a direct inhibition of efflux pumps. Conclusion: ES/β-CD can potentiate the efficacy of some antibiotics but does not directly act as an efflux pump inhibitor; it is more of an antibiotic potentiator than a direct solution to bacterial resistance. The molecular docking simulation data suggest its high affinity for forming the ES/β-CD complex. The pharmacokinetic predictions based on MPO suggest that the compound has moderate lipophilicity, highly effective cellular permeability, and low incidence of organic toxicity, pointing to a promising pharmacological principle with controlled daily oral dosing. Conclusions: These results indicate this complex’s possible and relevant association as an adjuvant in antibiotic therapy to reduce multidrug-resistant bacteria; however, new in vivo assays are necessary to confirm this effect.

Background/Objectives: Nanoemulsions (NEs) possess properties that enhance the solubility, bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of drugs. Chalcones are compounds known for their antifungal properties. In this study, we evaluated different emulsification techniques to create alginate nanoemulsions containing chalcone (1E,4E)-1,5-bis (4-methoxyphenyl) penta-1,4-dien-3-one (DB4OCH3). Our goal was to develop an antifungal formulation targeting Candida albicans strains. Methods: Ultrasound and ultrasound combined with high-speed homogenization techniques were used to prepare alginate-stabilized nanoemulsions. Particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency were evaluated. Additionally, in vitro release studies were conducted. Results: The combined emulsification technique produced stable nanoparticles with high encapsulation efficiency and antifungal activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 8.75 μg/mL for the nanoemulsions compared to 312 µg/mL for free DB4OCH3. NEs’ effectiveness can be attributed to their ability to form nanodroplets efficiently, facilitating the solubilization of the chalcone in the oily phase. The particle size varied between 195.70 ± 2.69 and 243.40 ± 4.49 nm, with an increase in chalcone concentration leading to larger particle sizes. The zeta potential showed values from −91.77 ± 5.58 to −76.90 ± 4.44 mV. The UHS-7 sample exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 92.10% ± 0.77, with a controlled in vitro release of 83% after 34 h. Molecular docking simulations showed that the aromatic nature of DB4OCH3 resulted in the formation of apolar interactions with aromatic residues located in the active site of the TMK, as observed in their respective co-crystallized inhibitors, within an affinity energy range that enables optimum specificity of the ligand for these two pathways. Pharmacokinetic analyses indicated high passive cell permeability and low hepatic clearance, and phase I metabolism reduces its oral bioavailability and metabolic stability, suggesting a promising active ingredient as an oral drug with control of the daily oral dose administered. Conclusions: The combined nanoemulsification technique led to the formation of finely dispersed nanodroplets that favored the solubilization of the chalcone in the oil phase, which led to a better performance in the antifungal properties. DB4OCH3 shows promise as an oral drug with controlled dosing.

Servidores públicos são fundamentais para o funcionamento do Estado. Em especial, os dirigentes públicos ocupam um lugar central ao traduzir a direção política em políticas públicas, sendo um elo entre a burocracia de alto escalão e a burocracia da linha de frente. Mas o quanto as informações governamentais permitem conhecer as características desses agentes que detêm cargos de confiança e são responsáveis por conduzir os assuntos públicos? Este artigo busca responder a essa pergunta analisando as legislações sobre a estrutura administrativa dos estados brasileiros e seus portais de transparência, verificando a viabilidade do entendimento de aspectos como atribuições, escolaridade, gênero e raça desses burocratas. Os resultados evidenciam a existência de limites para compreender o perfil dos dirigentes em nível subnacional, seja dentro do próprio estado ou em uma perspectiva comparada. O artigo contribui assim para conectar as discussões teóricas sobre transparência e composição da força de trabalho no setor público.

RESUMO As empresas de tecnologia limpa (Cleantechs) utilizam diferentes tecnologias para o desenvolvimento de soluções e inovações no mercado. Entre essas tecnologias, o IoT (Internet of Things) se destaca por viabilizar a automação de processos e a criação de capacidades e soluções que diferenciam os modelos de negócios dessas empresas e podem gerar vantagens de mercado. A pergunta de pesquisa deste trabalho é: Como o IoT impulsiona o desenvolvimento de capacidades dinâmicas para obtenção de vantagem competitiva nas empresas Cleantechs? O objetivo é apresentar um modelo de desenvolvimento de capacidades dinâmicas por meio de IoT para obtenção de vantagem competitiva nas empresas Cleantechs. O percurso metodológico contou com a realização de uma pesquisa qualitativa de caráter descritivo. Foram realizadas 22 entrevistas, representadas por 17 empresas Cleantech. As lentes teóricas utilizadas foram: “IoT”, “Capacidades Dinâmicas” e “Vantagem Competitiva”. Os resultados indicam que o IoT pode minimizar os custos de transação no processo de adaptação de produtos e serviços, aumentar a previsibilidade de incertezas e riscos, além de fomentar a agilidade nas organizações. O trabalho apresenta como contribuição científica um modelo que demonstra como ocorre o desenvolvimento de capacidades dinâmicas via IoT para vantagem competitiva de mercado.

Chiroptera are one of the most diverse mammal orders. They are considered reservoirs of main human pathogens, where coronaviruses (CoVs) and paramyxoviruses (PMVs) may be highlighted. Moreover, the growing number of publications on CoVs and PMVs in wildlife reinforces the scientific community’s interest in eco-vigilance, especially because of the emergence of important human pathogens such as the SARS-CoV-2 and Nipha viruses. Considering that Brazil presents continental dimensions, is biologically rich containing one of the most diverse continental biotas and presents a rich biodiversity of animals classified in the order Chiroptera, the mapping of CoV and PMV genetics related to human pathogens is important and the aim of the present work. CoVs can be classified into four genera: Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus, Deltacoronavirus and Gammacoronavirus. Delta- and gammacoronaviruses infect mainly birds, while alpha- and betacoronaviruses contain important animal and human pathogens. Almost 60% of alpha- and betacoronaviruses are related to bats, which are considered natural hosts of these viral genera members. The studies on CoV presence in bats from Brazil have mainly assayed phyllostomid, molossid and vespertilionid bats in the South, Southeast and North territories. Despite Brazil not hosting rhinophilid or pteropodid bats, which are natural reservoirs of SARS-related CoVs and henipaviruses, respectively, CoVs and PMVs reported in Brazilian bats are genetically closely related to some human pathogens. Most works performed with Brazilian bats reported alpha-CoVs that were closely related to other bat-CoVs, despite a few reports of beta-CoVs grouped in the Merbecovirus and Embecovirus subgenera. The family Paramyxoviridae includes four subfamilies (Avulavirinae, Metaparamyxovirinae, Orthoparamyxovirinae and Rubulavirinae), and bats are significant drivers of PMV cross-species viral transmission. Additionally, the studies that have evaluated PMV presence in Brazilian bats have mainly found sequences classified in the Jeilongvirus and Morbillivirus genera that belong to the Orthoparamyxovirinae subfamily. Despite the increasing amount of research on Brazilian bats, studies analyzing these samples are still scarce. When surveying the representativeness of the CoVs and PMVs found and the available genomic sequences, it can be perceived that there may be gaps in the knowledge. The continuous monitoring of viral sequences that are closely related to human pathogens may be helpful in mapping and predicting future hotspots in the emergence of zoonotic agents.

Abstract Background The sanitary emergency installed in the world, generated by the pandemic of COVID-19, instigates the search for scientific strategies to mitigate the damage caused by the disease to different sectors of society. The disease caused by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, reached 216 countries/territories, where about 199 million people were reported with the infection. Of these, more than 4 million died. In this sense, strategies involving the development of new antiviral molecules are extremely important. The main protease (Mpro) from SARS-CoV-2 is an important target, which has been widely studied for antiviral treatment. This work aims to perform a screening of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of synthetic hybrids from thymoquinone and artemisin (THY-ART) against COVID-19. Results Molecular docking studies indicated that hybrids of artemisinin and thymoquinone showed a relevant interaction with the active fraction of the enzyme Mpro, when compared to the reference drugs. Furthermore, hybrids show an improvement in the interaction of substances with the enzyme, mainly due to the higher frequency of interactions with the Thr199 residue. ADMET studies indicated that hybrids tend to permeate biological membranes, allowing good human intestinal absorption, with low partition to the central nervous system, potentiation for CYP-450 enzyme inhibitors, low risk of toxicity compared to commercially available drugs, considering mainly mutagenicity and cardiotoxicity, low capacity of hybrids to permeate the blood–brain barrier, high absorption and moderate permeability in Caco-2 cells. In addition, T1–T7 tend to have a better distribution of their available fractions to carry out diffusion and transport across cell membranes, as well as increase the energy of interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 target. Conclusions Hybrid products of artemisinin and thymoquinone have the potential to inhibit Mpro, with desirable pharmacokinetic and toxicity characteristics compared to commercially available drugs, being indicated for preclinical and subsequent clinical studies against SARS-CoV-2. Emphasizing the possibility of synergistic use with currently used drugs in order to increase half-life and generate a possible synergistic effect. This work represents an important step for the development of specific drugs against COVID-19.

Recently, SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was first identified in Botswana in November 2021. In a short period of time, this highly mutated variant replaced the previous dominant Delta variant, causing an exponential increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, resulting in a new wave of pandemic. This current research article aims to analyze and summarize information about the genetic characteristics, amino acid mutations and epidemiological data providing scientific findings to enrich the SARS-CoV-2 knowledge. More importantly, we describe here, for the first time, the identification of a new Omicron variant of concern: Omicron-L452R in Brazil.

Abstract Background Papillomaviruses are small nonenveloped, circular double-stranded DNA viruses that belong to the Papillomaviridae family. To date, 29 Bos taurus papillomavirus (BPV) types have been described. Studies involving mixed BPV infections have rarely been reported in contrast to human papillomavirus (HPV), which is commonly described in numerous studies showing coinfections. Moreover, previous studies had shown that HPV coinfections increase the risk of carcinogenesis. In the present study, we used rolling-circle amplification followed by a high-throughput sequencing (RCA-HTS) approach in 23 teat papillomas from southern Brazil. Results Eleven well-characterized BPV types and 14 putative new BPV types were genetically characterized into the Xi, Epsilon and Dyoxipapillomavirus genera according to phylogenetic analysis of the L1 gene, which expands the previous 29 BPV types to 43. Moreover, BPV coinfections were detected in the majority (56.3%) of the papilloma lesions analyzed, suggesting a genetic diverse “papillomavirome” in bovine teat warts. Conclusions The data generated in this study support the possibility that a wide range of BPV is probably underdetected by conventional molecular detection tools, and that BPV coinfections are underestimated and probably genetic diverse. Additionally, 14 new BPV types were characterized, increasing the knowledge regarding BPV genetic diversity.

Abstract Background Brazil is the third country most affected by Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), but viral evolution in municipality resolution is still poorly understood in Brazil and it is crucial to understand the epidemiology of viral spread. We aimed to track molecular evolution and spread of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Esteio (Southern Brazil) using phylogenetics and phylodynamics inferences from 21 new genomes in global and regional context. Importantly, the case fatality rate (CFR) in Esteio (3.26%) is slightly higher compared to the Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state (2.56%) and the entire Brazil (2.74%). Results We provided a comprehensive view of mutations from a representative sampling from May to October 2020, highlighting two frequent mutations in spike glycoprotein (D614G and V1176F), an emergent mutation (E484K) in spike Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) characteristic of the B.1.351 and P.1 lineages, and the adjacent replacement of 2 amino acids in Nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (R203K and G204R). E484K was found in two genomes from mid-October, which is the earliest description of this mutation in Southern Brazil. Lineages containing this substitution must be subject of intense surveillance due to its association with immune evasion. We also found two epidemiologically-related clusters, including one from patients of the same neighborhood. Phylogenetics and phylodynamics analysis demonstrates multiple introductions of the Brazilian most prevalent lineages (B.1.1.33 and B.1.1.248) and the establishment of Brazilian lineages ignited from the Southeast to other Brazilian regions. Conclusions Our data show the value of correlating clinical, epidemiological and genomic information for the understanding of viral evolution and its spatial distribution over time. This is of paramount importance to better inform policy making strategies to fight COVID-19.

The emergence of Variants of Concern (VOC) presenting an unusual number of new mutations is one of the most remarkable features of SARS-CoV-2. The Delta variant, since its appearance, replaced the VOC Gamma, which was responsible for the major COVID-19 wave in Brazil. In this study, we performed a Delta whole-genome sequencing of 183 samples as part of a major genomic surveillance study performed since the beginning of the pandemic. Here, we showed an emergence, widespread dispersion and consolidation of the Delta variant in Rio Grande do Sul State, completely replacing the Gamma variant in a four to five months period. Performing the phylogenetic and phylodynamic analysis, the majority of the sequences generated herein were classified as AY.99.2, AY.99.2-like and AY.101. AY.99.2 Delta-related lineage has been widely reported in Brazil and in the Americas as well. Altogether, our findings provided a mutational profile of the sequences and presented high substitutions per site in the root-to-tip phylogenetic tree, corroborating studies that show the high mutational rate of SARS-CoV-2 over time.

abstract: In this paper a reliability analysis was carried out, regarding the dynamic responses of displacements and accelerations in the x and y directions at the top of CAARC standard tall building, determined by the numerical-experimental High Frequency Pressure Integration technique (HFPI). The building was studied on distinct angles, subjected to dynamic wind load, isolated and with the presence of different neighbors. Tendency curves and its equations for reliability indices and maximum responses, in relation to the directions adopted to the CAARC, were presented. With the results found, it was noticed that the existence of neighborhood affects the responses of maximums and the reliability indexes, both for increase and decrease compared to the isolated building, depending on the situation and the type of dynamic response.

Introduction unCoVer—Unravelling data for rapid evidence-based response to COVID-19—is a Horizon 2020-funded network of 29 partners from 18 countries capable of collecting and using real-world data (RWD) derived from the response and provision of care to patients with COVID-19 by health systems across Europe and elsewhere. unCoVer aims to exploit the full potential of this information to rapidly address clinical and epidemiological research questions arising from the evolving pandemic.Methods and analysis From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, partners are gathering RWD from electronic health records currently including information from over 22 000 hospitalised patients with COVID-19, and national surveillance and screening data, and registries with over 1 900 000 COVID-19 cases across Europe, with continuous updates. These heterogeneous datasets will be described, harmonised and integrated into a multi-user data repository operated through Opal-DataSHIELD, an interoperable open-source server application. Federated data analyses, without sharing or disclosing any individual-level data, will be performed with the objective to reveal patients’ baseline characteristics, biomarkers, determinants of COVID-19 prognosis, safety and effectiveness of treatments, and potential strategies against COVID-19, as well as epidemiological patterns. These analyses will complement evidence from efficacy/safety clinical trials, where vulnerable, more complex/heterogeneous populations and those most at risk of severe COVID-19 are often excluded.Ethics and dissemination After strict ethical considerations, databases will be available through a federated data analysis platform that allows processing of available COVID-19 RWD without disclosing identification information to analysts and limiting output to data aggregates. Dissemination of unCoVer’s activities will be related to the access and use of dissimilar RWD, as well as the results generated by the pooled analyses. Dissemination will include training and educational activities, scientific publications and conference communications.

A indústria moderna utiliza-se dos produtos naturais para diversos fins, desde os alimentícios até os farmacêuticos. Muitas vezes a própria indústria é interessada na biossíntese de determinados compostos naturalmente disponíveis, sendo que certas propriedades físico-químicas não estão reportadas. Uma dessas biomoléculas é o ácido giberélico (GA3), que atua modificando a forma de vegetais e acelerando seu metabolismo, cuja biossíntese tem baixo rendimento. Nesse contexto, as técnicas computacionais auxiliam na predição de propriedades físico-químicas, dentre elas a técnica do campo de força clássico MMFF94 (do inglês Merck Molecular Force Field 94). Desse modo, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo realizar um estudo inicial de caracterização eletrônica e estrutural do GA3 através do método dos cálculos de campo de força clássico MMFF94. Os cálculos de química computacional realizados foram determinantes na obtenção das propriedades físico-químicas do GA3, além do cálculo do coeficiente de partição log P, cálculos esses essenciais para futuros testes de docking molecular ou dinâmica molecular. A otimização eletrônica e estrutural do GA3 atingiu o ponto de menor energia potencial mais estável de valor 100,087 kJ mol-1 através do algoritmo MMFF94. Deste modo, propõe-se uma metodologia de otimização molecular para futuras simulações in silico para docking molecular.

ABSTRACT Multiple variants of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) have been constantly reported across the world. The B.1.1.28 lineage has been evolving in Brazil since February 2020 and originated the P.1 variant of concern (VOC), recently named as the Gamma variant by the newly WHO nomenclature proposal, and P.2 as a variant of interest (VOI). Here we describe an early case of P.1 primary infection in Southern Brazil in late November 2020, soon after the emergence of the variant in Manaus, Northern Brazil. The same male patient was reinfected by another B.1.1.28 variant, namely P.2, in March, 2021. The genomic analysis confirmed genetically significant differences between the two viruses recovered in both infections, the P.1 lineage in the first episode and P.2 in the reinfection. Due the very early detection of P.1, we have also investigated the circulation of P.1 in the same region by differential RT-qPCR, showing that this was an isolated case of P.1 at the time of detection, and this variant has disseminated and became prominent from late January to the end of March, 2021. SARS-CoV-2 recent reports of reinfection have raised critical questions on whether and how well a first infection protects against reinfection.

Abstract December 2019 marked the beginning of the current Coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the causative agent of a viral pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The alarming spread levels and clinical severity elevated the status of COVID-19 to the global pandemic by the World Health Organization. In 6 months, more than 25 million cases of infected people and more than 890,000 deaths by COVID-19 had been reported worldwide. The main goal of this review is to shed light upon the current COVID-19 epidemic situation in Brazil with a health approach highlighting some unique environmental, animal and epidemiological aspects.

The rise of palm oil as the world's most consumed vegetable oil has coincided with exponential growth in palm oil research activity. Bibliometric analysis of research outputs reveals a distinct imbalance in the type of research being undertaken, notably a disproportionate focus on biofuel and engineering topics. Recognizing the expansion of oil palm agriculture across the tropics and the increasing awareness of environmental, social, and economic impacts, we seek to reorientate the existing research agenda toward one that addresses the most fundamental and urgent questions defined by the palm oil stakeholder community. Following consultation with 659 stakeholders from 38 countries, including palm oil growers, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and researchers, the highest priority research questions were identified within 13 themes. The resulting 279 questions, including 26 ranked as top priority, reveal a diversity of environmental and social research challenges facing the industry, ranging from the ecological and ecosystem impacts of production, to the livelihoods of plantation workers and smallholder communities. Analysis of the knowledge type produced from these questions underscores a clear need for fundamental science programmes, and studies that involve the consultation of non-academic stakeholders to develop “transformative” solutions to the oil palm sector. Stakeholders were most aligned in their choice of priority questions across the themes of policy and certification related themes, and differed the most in environmental feedback, technology and smallholder related themes. Our recommendations include improved regional academic leadership and coordination, greater engagement with private and public stakeholders in Africa, and Central and South America, and enhanced collaborative efforts with researchers in the major consuming countries of India and China.

El estudio he llevado a cabo el análisis de la vegetación a partir de la dinámica del NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) en Eucalyptus dunnii y Eucalyptus urograndis, comparando el NDVI generado a partir de los números digitales con el obtenido a partir de la conversión para reflectancia aparente. Para esto, se utilizó las imágenes del sensor TM/Landsat 5. La conversión de números digitales (ND) para los valores de reflectancia, así como el cálculo del NDVI se obtuvieron a través de operaciones de análisis de lenguaje espacial de Geoprocesamiento Algebraica (LEGAL). El análisis efectuado pone de manifiesto que los valores de NDVI generados a partir de las reflectancias son mayores que los determinados por los ND. Esta diferencia observada se justifica físicamente por las correcciones hechas a la imagen de algunos parámetros, como las radiancias mínima y máxima del sensor y la irradiancia solar estratosférica media. El E. dunnii presentó valores mayores de NDVI cuando comparado al E. urograndis, apuntando que esta es una herramienta útil cuando el objetivo es identificar las especies, facilitando el manejo del área.

Production Engineering is originated on industrial applications, thereof developed methods and techniques along the last century were influenced by them. However, to the extent that such techniques spillover to non-industrial sectors, interesting opportunities arise. This paper presents a bibliometric study regarding the application of operational techniques that come from Production Engineering areas of study on health care services. The study is based on articles indexed by Scopus database from 2004 to 2014. Data collected was organized in several dimensions such as authors, countries, institutions and publication years and the main particularities were emphasized and discussed. Finally, some opportunities are identified both for the practice in health care units and new research in Production Engineering.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a utilização de imagens do sensor TM/Landsat 5 na diferenciação de plantios comerciais de Eucalyptus dunnii e Eucalyptus urograndis com diferentes idades. Demarcaram-se parcelas para identificar as duas espécies, em dois períodos distintos (2009 e 2011), a idades de 3 e 5 anos, para E. dunnii, e 2,2 e 4,2 anos para E. urograndis. Avaliaram-se seis bandas do sensor TM/Landsat 5 (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 e B7) e seis índices de vegetação: razão simples (SR); índice de vegetação por diferença normalizada (NDVI); índice de vegetação ajustado ao solo (Savi)-0,25; Savi-0,5; índice de vegetação por diferença normalizada com uso da banda verde (GNDVI); e índice de umidade na vegetação (MVI). O processamento digital das imagens consistiu de correção geométrica, radiométrica e atmosférica. Os plantios de E. dunnii e E. urograndis foram diferenciados por meio de cinco bandas do Landsat (B2, B3, B4, B5 e B7) e três índices de vegetação (Savi-0,5, Savi-0,25 e GNDVI), no ano de 2009, e por quatro bandas do Landsat (B2, B4, B5 e B7) e seis índices de vegetação (NDVI, SR, Savi-0,5, Savi-0,25, MVI e GNDVI) no ano de 2011. Os dados espectrais extraídos das imagens TM/Landsat 5 são eficazes, tanto para distinguir as espécies de eucalipto como também a mesma espécie em plantios equiâneos.

O presente trabalho se propõe a discutir as implicações da construção da Barragem de Castelhano para a população e para o meio ambiente da região a ser inundada. Serão apresentadas diversas informações colhidas em visita à comunidade de Riacho dos Negros pela equipe do Projeto de Pesquisa e Extensão - Territorialização, desterritorialização e reterritorialização na dinâmica de desenvolvimento no Estado do Piauí da UFPI. Com base em teorias de autores da sociologia e antropologia do direito, pretende-se analisar o caso da referida barragem e apontar inconsistências entre a forma que o direito define para atuar nas situações de conflito e o modo como se verifica na realidade. Além disso, serão expostos elementos que indicam o falseamento do caráter público do empreendimento, que desrespeita os direitos das comunidades tradicionais e quilombolas atingidas.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar a cubagem de uma árvore utilizando modelagem tridimensional da nuvem de pontos laser scanner terrestre e comparar os resultados com a cubagem rigorosa tendo o valor obtido no xilômetro como parâmetro para validação. O objeto de estudo foi um indivíduo de Pinus elliottii de um povoamento inequiâneo. A árvore foi submetida a varredura múltipla com laser scanner terrestre e mensurada em campo após ser derrubada. Para facilitar a operacionalização no xilometro o tronco foi divido em seções (toras) de um metro de comprimento. A modelagem tridimensional consistiu em duas etapas: préprocessamento e processamento da nuvem de pontos. Modelos tridimensionais das toras foram construídos com rede triangular irregular possibilitando a obtenção dos volumes e a comparação com a cubagem de Huber (fita métrica e suta). A avaliação dos resultados indica que os volumes, utilizando a modelagem tridimensional de dados laser, foram mais próximos do valor paramétrico nas seções iniciais livres de galhos e acículas. Para as demais seções, o método de Huber utilizando dados da suta é apontado como mais adequado. Foi possível constatar que na parte superior da árvore a alta densidade de acículas impediu que a varredura laser alcançasse a superfície do tronco, impossibilitando a modelagem tridimensional. O desenvolvimento da filtragem automática de pontos que não representam a superfície do tronco e a reconstrução da parte superior da árvore devem ser aprimorados para melhoria dos resultados obtidos na modelagem tridimensional.AbstractThis study aimed at performing the cubage of a tree using the three-dimensional modeling of a terrestrial laser scanner point cloud and compare the results with the cubage using the value obtained in xylometer as parameter for validation. The object of study was an individual of Pinus elliottii. The tree was subjected to multiple scan with terrestrial laser scanner and measured in the field after overthrown. To facilitate the operationalization in xylometer the trunk was divided into sections (logs) of a meter long. The three-dimensional modeling consisted of two stages: pre-processing and processing the point cloud. Three-dimensional models were built of logs with triangular irregular network enabling the achievement of volumes compared to cubage Huber (tape measure and calipers). The evaluation of results indicates that the volume measurements obtained by using three-dimensional modeling of laser data was closer to the parametric value in the initial sections of the trunk, till the free section of branches. For other sections, the method using data from Huber caliper is pointed out as more appropriate. It was found that at the top of tree the high density of needles prevented the scanning laser to reach the surface of the trunk, and thus preventing the three-dimensional modeling. The development of automatic filtering of points which do not represent the surface of the trunk and the reconstruction of the top of the tree should be studied to improve the results obtained in three-dimensional modeling.

O presente estudo tem como principal objetivo a obtenção de variáveis dendrométricas de árvores em um povoamento de Pinus sp a partir de dados laser scanner terrestre. O povoamento de pinus possui quarenta anos de idade, já sofreu desbastes, e apresenta uma densidade de cerca de 890 arv./ha. A metodologia iniciou-se com a coleta de dados de forma tradicional e com o equipamento ILRIS-3D (OPTECH). Com o auxilio de GPS geodésico e estação total determinou-se coordenadas de alvos na fl oresta que serviram de base para georreferenciamento do scanner. A varredura foi realizada em um giro de 360 graus com resoluções de 10 mm e 50 mm a 50 metros em dois pontos distintos do povoamento. Os dados da varredura foram processados com o intuito de isolar efiltrar uma árvore. Como resultado, chegou-se a um bom isolamento de árvores e fi ltragem de pontos, obteve-se ainda a altura total de 31,93 metros e alturas parciais em intervalos de 1 metro relativas a uma árvore do povoamento. A tecnologia laser scanner terrestre apresenta potencial promissor para área florestal abrangendo a aplicação em inventáriosflorestais, planejamento de manejo, produção e colheita florestal.

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar os princípios de funcionamento dos equipamentos laser scanner terrestre e as possibilidades de aplicação da tecnologia no setor florestal. O texto relata as tecnologias embarcadas nos equipamentos bem como suas vantagens e desvantagens do ponto de vista de aplicação em levantamentos de informações florestais. São descritos os modelos de varredura laser comumente aplicados e os tipos de dados que são gerados. É feita uma descrição do estado da arte no setor florestal para obtenção de informações de alturas, diâmetros, áreas transversais e volumes de árvores, compreendendo também as fases de pré-processamento como identificação e filtragem dos objetos de interesse. Por fim, apresenta-se uma breve abordagem de novas frentes de pesquisa florestal que vem usando esta tecnologia para modelagem de material combustível presente sobre o solo, estudos ecológicos, dendrológicos e qualitativos. Com o potencial dos dados obtidos pelos equipamentos laser scanner terrestre, evidenciado pelas atuais pesquisas, espera-se que, ocorrendo uma popularização dos equipamentos, tenhamos sua utilização em larga escala no setor florestal.